Category Archives: Reviews

Hallmark Cubeez – Peanuts – Review

Let me start by saying that the products featured in this post were provided to me free of charge courtesy of Hallmark Licensing, Inc.. This post may have affiliate links but this in no way will influence the review to follow and all opinions are my own.

Hallmark Cubeez – Peanuts – Review & Giveaway

When I was younger and back in the day i actually worked at my local Hallmark store. I worked for a nice owner who happened to own about 13 other stores throughout San Diego County. I started a cashier and over time I was trusted to close the store with 1 other colleague, and even helped the owners daughter “turn over” the store for holidays. The Hallmark Gold Crown program was new and it was the late 90’s.

I look back on that job and realize I loved it for many reasons including helping people chose the gift and the appropriate card. That card will convey the sentiment and emotion and words that at times they are unable to express themselves. The main store I worked at was located near a Vons, and a movie theater which provided a mass influx of walk in traffic many nights. Many times the walk in traffic would be converted into sales due to the layout of the store and the product that filled that layout.

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Epson LabelWorks Printable Ribbon Kit Review

Let me start by saying that the products featured in this post were provided to me free of charge courtesy of Epson and Global Results Communications . This post may have affiliate links but this in no way will influence the review to follow and all opinions are my own.

Epson LabelWorks Printable Ribbon Kit Review

I have a confession: I am a hoarder of ribbon. I have a huge box in my house that contains my ribbon collection. Many times in my crafting days I have thought it would be personal and unique to add writing to my ribbon. The only problem is that there was no way to do this in a clean, professional yet still crafty way. I am happy to say that it is not long the case.

I would like you all to meet the newest item to my ever-growing craft collection: the Epson LabelWorks Printable Ribbon Kit.

Let me introduce you to this 1 pound wonder. The Epson LabelWorks Printable Ribbon Kit comes neatly stored and packaged in a carrying case. The case includes the LW-300 Epson LabelWorks Printer, 2 – 1/2″ wide printable ribbon cartridge in beige and navy as well as a user guide. This is a LabelWorks printer, meaning that as long as you have a LabelWorks cartridge that is compatible with the LW-300 the options become endless. The compatible cartridges range from sticky labels, glow-in-the-dark tape and iron on labels.

The LW-300 Ribbon Printer comes with over 300 symbols and over 75 frames, as well as 14 font types. The fonts come in 5 sizes and 2 widths and include Sans Serif, Sans Serif HG, Sans Serif ST, Gothic, Bold Gothic, Roman, US Roman, CL Roman, Mincho, Gyosho, Reisho, BR, CB, Script PL. The printer’s built-in memory is able to store up to 30 label design files for easy reference and accessibility for future use.

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Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus – A Recap of the Night!

Let me start by saying that the products featured in this post were provided to me free of charge courtesy of Feld Family Entertainment. This in no way will influence the review to follow and all opinions are my own.

Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus – A Recap of the Night!Last night was a first for me .. I went to the circus for the 1st time in my 40 years of life. I am happy to report that I finally got to see a Ringling Bros & Barnum and Bailey Circus. The show we saw was “Circus Xtreme”, and the best way to describe the show is that it is a circus on steroids!

I was not sure what to expect or really how I would feel about the animal performers, and overall it was a good experience. When we got to the Valley View Casino Center there was no charge for parking (which was a nice bonus to the evening) but there was a little bit of a walk to get to the entrance. We arrived about 50 minutes ahead of showtime, which gave us time to walk around the venue and take in the sights, sounds and overall atmosphere of the circus.

The atmosphere of the circus was everything I expected – the vendors selling cotton candy, stuffed clowns, the face painting and the caramel apples (which we took home for an after circus treat). The circus floor was a constant flurry of activity from the animals to performers before the show.

The show was called “Circus Xtreme” and that is the best description I could come up with for this show. Everything was a little more amplified from the trapeze artists, the clown and the RingMaster. This was a feast for the eyes and ears, and will fill you with a sense of wonder. If you have chance I would recommend you making the trek down to Valley View and catch the circus while it is in town.

If you would like more information about Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey, click the links below!

Website: www.ringling.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/RinglingBros
YouTube: www.youtube.com/RinglingBros
Twitter: www.twitter.com/RinglingTweets or @RinglingBros
Pinterest: www.pinterest.com/ringlingmuseum/the-circus/

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The Brush Naked Bamboo Toothbrush Review

The Brush Naked Bamboo Toothbrush Review and Giveaway

I am always looking for ways to reduce, re-use and recycle. I believe that our planet is in a crisis situation where the landfills are filling with little reprieve. I think that it is important to reduce our carbon footprint as much as we can. There are many different ways that, we as individuals, can accomplish this. From water reduction to buying products that are made of biodegradable materials it is each of our responsibility to leave the earth better then before.

We hear a lot about natural and biodegradable products and materials. These products range from paper to reusable diapers and now toothbrushes. Yes, I said toothbrushes! I was given the opportunity to review The Brush Naked Bamboo Toothbrush Company’s bamboo toothbrushes. After my first brush I think it is safe to say that this is not your parents plastic toothbrush.

Now if you are anything like me, this was the first interaction I have ever had with any type of bamboo product, let alone bamboo toothbrushes. I was curious what inspiration hit the creator to think of bamboo toothbrushes. The answer is really quite simple, and happened when a used plastic toothbrush finally met the end of it’s processed life and the creator thought what a waste it was to simply throw a plastic non-biodegradable product away. Many times these take thousand of years to degrade, therefore leaving a footprint – albeit small- in an already filled landfill. With this simple thought The Brush Naked Bamboo Toothbrush Company was born.

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My Paper Pumpkin July Kit Review

Let me start by saying that the products featured in this post were provided to me free of charge courtesy of Stampin’ Up. This post may have affiliate links but this in no way will influence the review to follow and all opinions are my own.

My Paper Pumpkin July Kit Review and Giveaway

There is something really special about receiving a piece of mail. To know that the sender not only took the time to write something special, but make the card as well makes the mail close to priceless. Whenever I think of friendship I think of two friends sitting over a cup of coffee or a hot latte catching up on each others lives. This month’s My Paper Pumpkin by Stampin’ Up kit celebrates this idea in the form of a card kit.

I had the chance to review My Paper Pumpkin’s kit box’s previous months box (click here). I was thrilled to be given the chance to review this months box as well. The theme for July was named “Thanks A Latte”.

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Pet Gift Box – Cat – Subscription Box – July Review

Let me start by saying that the products featured in this post were provided to me free of charge courtesy of Pet Gift Box. This post may have affiliate links but this in no way will influence the review to follow and all opinions are my own. Prices listed are subject to change without notice.

Pet Gift Box – Cat – Subscription Box – July Review

Fitness is not a world that is used often around this house, unless it is in direct relation to our cats. We have made the choice to keep our cats as indoor cats, therefore fitness and nutrition are even more important than if they were outside playing all day.

We are always looking for ways for them to do what we call “the magic three” which are hunt, eat and sleep. The idea is that they hunt their prey (or toy) and once they have gotten it, we feed them a treat or wet food (or direct them to their dry food) so they can “eat” their kill and then they fall asleep from the hunt. We look for toys that will encourage that and support that behavior in the Muggles.

Knob Goblin – $5.99: This toy attached to a door knob or handle. This toy has a great springing ability and has a noise rattle inside that gives the cats even more reason to attack the toy. I think the reason that Murfee loved it so much is because of the included catnip – he loves catnip!

Swat N’ Bobble Octopus – $5.99: This silly looking faced toy has a suction cup that attached to many different surfaces (I attached it to my wood floor, sliding glass window and wood cabinet siding). The downside is that if your cat is a ferocious player like our cats then they will inevitably knock the toy down, thus ending the fun for them. After I put the suction cup where I wanted it I just put two small pieces of tape on the side to hold in place. Bonus for my catnip loving boy Murfee because cat nip is included in this toy.

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Ozeri Savore Electric Pepper Grinder Review

Let me start by saying that the products featured in this post were provided to me free of charge courtesy of Ozeri and Moderna Housewares. This post may have affiliate links but this in no way will influence the review to follow and all opinions are my own.

Ozeri – Savore – Electric Pepper Grinder Review

I am a recent at home chef. I had always been the girl who burns macaroni and cheese, and one side of her grilled cheese is considerably darker than the other side. The wind is changing where cooking is concerned and recently I have made the discovery that I actually like my own cooking more than eating out. This is not say that eating out does not have its benefits, but I would rather eat at home.

Since this revelation Jason and I have been like hunter and gatherers when it comes to kitchen gadgets. We scour the retail stores, online companies and the food channel for new toys and accessories that can be used in home cooking. I have wanted a pepper grinder for cooking and as luck would have it, I had the opportunity to review Ozeri’s Savore Electric Pepper Grinder.

The Ozeri Savore Electric Pepper Grinder has a combination of stainless steel and a black matte finish that coordinates with almost any kitchen or table. There are 3 size settings depending on how big you would like your pepper kernels – large (used in marinating when big pieces are wanted to flavor), medium (used in marinades) and small (this is perfect for the pepper garnish on meals).

The grinder is a bit difficult to unscrew. The reason that you need to unscrew it is for the loading of the 6 AAA batteries and the pepper kernels. This is a twist system that can be a bit difficult to loosen and I did worry I would push it to far and snap it – my advice is to be careful and do not go past the lock icons on the grinder. I was taken aback by the use of 6 batteries and worried about the weight. I was pleased that this did not add any additional weight or make the grinder feel awkward.

I am pleased with this new addition to our kitchen collection and it matches the environment in which it resides. I would recommend this to anyone looking for an affordable, easy to use, attractive looking pepper grinder.

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EcoStatic Office Products Review

Let me start by saying that the products featured in this post were provided to me free of charge courtesy of EcoStatic and Shoplet . This post may have affiliate links but this in no way will influence the review to follow and all opinions are my own.

EcoStatic Office Products Review

I have always been a fan of office supplies. This fandom of office products extends to all types of office products. I get lost in retail locations that sell office supplies and am always dreaming up new ways to utilize the many supplies that are on the market. I imagine how organized our files can be, with each car having it’s own colored folder. I imagine how easy it will be to find birth certificates and car titles .. then I wake up. This is unfortunately not how these trips end up, and while my intentions are good, I still love the process.

It probably goes without saying that I was thrilled to be given the opportunity to review a new office product. I was sent EcoStatic Glue Free Whiteboard Sheets & SlickyNote Note Pad Beginner Kit and EcoStatic Recycled Glue Free SlickyNotes Note Pad from Shoplet to review.

I had never heard of EcoStatic prior to this interaction and when I dug in and did a little research I discovered that they compete with 3M in the sticky note market. Made with 100% recyclable materials and double sided electricity charged materials.

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Anatomicals Hand Soap and Lotion Review

Let me start by saying that the products featured in this post were provided to me free of charge courtesy of Anatomicals/Aspire Brands. This post may have affiliate links but this in no way will influence the review to follow and all opinions are my own.

Anatomicals Hand Soap and Lotion Review

I have mentioned before that I did not grow up a girly girl. I avoided make-up other than special occasions, really never got the appeal of heels (this may be in part to being 5’7 and not wanting to over tower people). I never really collected or used scented lotions or body scrubs either. Then there was a shift that occurred and all of a sudden it became an enjoyable activity to collect and use these scented products and I began my collection.

Since this discovery I enjoy soaps, body lotions, and everything in between. I have discovered that I like the fruit smells over the floral, but love the floral scents and could not choose a true favorite. The fruit combinations are not only fragrant smelling but the fruits that are used have benefits are also included. I love when I discover a company who uses this combination to create quality body products – enter Anatomicals products.

Anatomicals was launched in New Zealand and whose products are all paraben free. The reason that the products being paraben free is a good thing is because parabens are the preservatives included in many beauty products. Parabens are used in shampoos, conditioners, shaving gels, personal lubricants, make-up, toothpaste as well as many other beauty products. Without the parabens included you end up with a much more natural product.

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Crispy Green: Crispy Fruit Review

Let me start by saying that the products featured in this post were provided to me free of charge courtesy of Crispy Green. This post may have affiliate links but this in no way will influence the review to follow and all opinions are my own.

Crispy Green: Crispy Fruit Review and Giveaway- Tangerine, Apple and Mango

I never really gave any consideration to freeze-dried fruit other than my outdoor camping friends have praised it for years. After all these years, I can honestly say that I understand why it is so popular – it is really good!

Let’s back up to a conversation that I was having with Jason a couple weeks ago about dehydrated fruit and meat, It was mentioned that a favorite snack of his was beef sticks, cheese and dried fruit. I thought at the time that he was a step below in the evolution of his taste buds but have found that really I was the one low on the taste evolution scale.

Crispy Green was kind enough to send us 3 packages of their Crispy Fruit in Tangerine, Apple and Mango. The varieties that they offer are wide-ranging and include Asian pear, banana, cantaloupe and pineapple as well as tangerine, apple and mango. The fruit is kosher certified, peanut tree nut free, gluten-free, dairy free and vegan – the reason for this is that all that is included is 100% pure fruit dehydrated.

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