Reviews

Prom season is here and the stores are filled with sparkly, pretty, elegant dresses just waiting for someone to scoop them up and make it theirs…to be matched by the girl’s date, to be in countless photos and to always be remembered. I still have my prom dresses, do you?

My niece is currently searching for a prom dress and it’s unfortunate that we don’t have too many places in town for her to look to find “the one.” Fortunately, ordering a prom dress online is a fantastic option to browse through many styles, choose different colors and have way more to choose from…perhaps even find a fantastic deal (which I’m sure her mom would love even more!).

You can find a plethora of prom dresses online at http://www.jenjenhouse.com/

I am a fan of how they offer dresses that are appropriate for prom. There are some dresses with a short hemline for those that prefer it, but they are tasteful, fun and stylish. But what girl wouldn’t want to feel like a princess in a long, flowy dress like these?

As you can see, most dresses have “More Color Options” underneath the photo. When you click on a dress, you are brought to another page to more photos, read more details about the dress, and also select which color you want…they have a long list of available colors!

One of my personal favorites…if I were to be picking for myself or my niece… is this first dress on the top left…with a sparkly top and fun purple tulle floor-length hem. Heck, I might even need to consider that gold one in the middle on the bottom for our next cruise’s formal night!

JenJenHouse has so many different dresses and I love how they have several different ways to search for what you are looking for…such as a particular color, hemline, neckline, price and more. Here are just a few…

They also have plenty of accessories to accompany your dress selection. I just love how a matching wrap makes a dress look complete.

To see the entire selection of prom dresses at JenJenHouse and to discover any current deals they are having, just go here: http://www.jenjenhouse.com/Prom-Dresses-c18/

 

This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of the company. Thanks for reading!

Happy Friday, friends! How’s THAT for the use of F’s on a Friday?!

I’ve reviewed a few handfuls of products over the last year, and while most of them got mostly positive reviews, sometimes my opinion of them changes shortly after posting the review. It happens. Since I try to post the reviews within 2-3 weeks of receiving the item, that amount of time lets me try the product for at least a few days and get to learn about it and it’s features, what I like or don’t like, etc. but it isn’t always enough time to REALLY experience the product. Sometimes it is. I’ve had a product break TWO DAYS after posting the review. Go figure, right?

As much as I want to provide a company a positive review, I will not hesitate to share any negative aspects or downsides to a product in the aspect of honesty. However, these are always just my opinions…so take that for whatever it’s worth. I also try not to be too random with my reviews. I do turn quite a few offers down just because I don’t see it as a good fit (or you guys would constantly be rolling your eyes at me), but seeing as this is just a blog about anything and everything my life (or a life as a mom), I try to offer a range of products.

Well, with all that being said, I thought it would be fun to pick a few products I’ve reviewed and give you a little follow-up.

 

BB Cream

You guys, I love this stuff. I reviewed this back in May and I just bought a new bottle before the cruise. It seriously lasted that long. It lets me be lazy and is especially nice during a vacation…3 products in 1 bottle. The new bottle has kind of an alcohol smell to it, so I’m not sure if they changed the formula, but it still performs the same and I don’t smell anything after it’s on my face.

 

CritterZone

That product that broke 2 days after posting my review? Yup, it’s this one. I mentioned in my review that I didn’t quite like the sound it made while plugged in…and since it’s supposed to be plugged in all the time, my OCD couldn’t handle it all the time. But my OCD must have telepathically broke it, because I went to plug it in and it didn’t do anything. So Brett the detective took a look on the inside and it looked like there was already rust on one of the circuits. No bueno. I wrote the company and they offered to take a look at it, if I were to send it back at my expense. No thanks - I’ll just open my windows.

 

Swimways Float and Life Jacket

We are looking forward to pool season this year! The float was definitely a hit and I especially loved it because I could have Trent in the pool with me but not always have to hold him. We would play games, like I would give him a little push and then swim underneath and surprise him on the other side. We will definitely be using it again this year, but hopefully a little less as we would like to start teaching him how to swim.

Speaking of learning to swim, this life vest is so cute, but it was a little big on him last year. He only wanted to wear it for a little bit. We’ve had it sitting on the back porch during the Winter and he’s picked it up a few times and handed it to us to put it on him….then he proceeds to run around the house looking like a shark. I hope his increased interest in it means we can keep it on longer and help with our swim training efforts.

 

Jamberry Nail Wraps

These wraps looked nice and definitely did their job at not letting me bite my nails. The process to apply them took a little longer than my usual process (which is just filing my nails and making them look “nice” once a week while Trent is in the bathtub) so when it was time for the first set to come off, I just never got around to putting on another set. I still have them, and would like to do it again soon. My nails are still the same length and I am still fighting the no-bite battle, but I think I’ve been getting a little better.

On that same note, has anyone ever tried this Pinterest idea?

 

I’ve had it pinned for a while and wonder if it works. I have a friend who has the real at home gel nails kit and I have considered getting one of my own, but I’m not sure if I want to have that expense yet.

 

Jawbone UP and Shine Elegant Wearable Tracker

I liked the idea of both of these fitness trackers and they definitely each had their own positive/negative aspects. Since I got the UP first and really got into using that for several weeks longer than the Shine, I developed a preference for the UP, but who knows if it would have been the other way around if I would have liked the Shine better. Either way, having a visual reminder on my wrist to get moving was such a motivation and I lost over 10 pounds when I wore the UP. Since I got pregnant and have been sick for the past…well..since October it feels like…I haven’t worn either of them. However, I am so so so looking forward to kicking my butt in gear after this baby is born. Sure sure, I said that last time haha, but there is a different motivation when you know this is probably your last pregnancy. When that time comes, perhaps I will use the UP once again as a motivation and tracking tool.

 

If you’d like to scroll through some of my past reviews, you can go to my reviews page here.

 

If you’re interested in partnering up for a review, check out my Sponsor page!

 

It’s funny this day and age we live in. Trent knows how to operate both of our phones and tablets - he knows exactly where to go to on each one to start downloaded videos, play Amazon videos, play games and take photos (mostly blanks photos which I have to spend time clearing afterward). I didn’t even have my own cell phone until I was 17.

The chef of the house (Brett - definitely NOT me) likes trying new recipes he finds online and likes using his tablet to display the recipe in the kitchen where he can see it while cooking. It’s much easier to juggle ingredients while looking at a larger screen as opposed to his cell phone. Sometimes Trent will be playing a game or watching a movie when it’s time for Brett to start cooking. Sure, it’s not the end of the world, but it’s not fun taking the tablet away from him when he’s having fun. This is why we were excited to try the Astak Neos as a permanent kitchen media solution.

A little about the Astak Neos HD 15.6-Inch Touchscreen All-in-One Tablet-Top:

ASTAK UNVEILS NEOS
THE STYLISH NEW ANDROID TABLET-TOP FOR SHARED FAMILY ENTERTAINMENT

Responsive 15.6 Inch Touchscreen and Multimedia Built-ins Bring Android Apps to Life; Sleek Design Features Multi-Angle Screen Orientation

Unique System Design
Neos features an all-in-one design with a 15.6 inch display boasting a unique 10-point multi-touch touchscreen. The sleek hinge design also allows the user to set the screen to the orientation they choose from vertical & horizontal for comfortable use either sitting or standing.

TI OMAP 4430 1GHz Dual Core Processor
Equipped with the powerful TI OMAP4430 1GHz Dual Core processor, the Noes provides smooth, lightning-fast computing.

Cloud Services and Multimedia Entertainment with Full Google GMS Certification
The Neos smart display with full Google GMS certification provides instant access to Google Play store and thousands of current Android apps. In addition, for shared use, each individual in the home can have their own folder with their preferred apps and content.

Includes Bluetooth, 802.11b/g/n WiFi, and RJ45 Gigabit Ethernet
Versatile connectivity options include USB port, SD card, Ethernet, Wireless and Bluetooth network connections provide instant access to transfer data, documents, and multimedia files.

Integrated Webcam and Stereo Speakers supporting Advanced Audio v2
Neos is designed with two high quality Onkyo 5-Watt stereo speakers built in and an audio jack to connect a smartphone, mp3 device or other music source transforming Neos into an external speaker. For video calling or social media, Neos also includes a built-in 5M pixel camera with HD quality, autofocusing and a unique tilt function for improved viewing angles.

The Astak Neos is in the middle between being a tablet and a PC. It has features of both and offers something a little different. It does need to be plugged in, so it is not a portable tablet in that sense, but the screen is a touchscreen with no external keyboard needed for it to function and you can pretty much leave it plugged in at all times for readily-available use.

It can sit in 2 positions, a more vertical position…

..and a more flat position. However, we couldn’t get our Neos to switch screen orientation after moving it, so we didn’t take a photo (user error??).

It functions the same in both positions, so it’s just a matter of user preference. The current operating system is the Android 4.1 Jelly Bean, which isn’t the most current Android operating system. So while you can benefit from all the great benefits of Android, there may not be current updates available.

Speaking of Android, you can add apps to the desktop, like Facebook, games and much more, while also being able to browse the internet, making it a versatile tool that can be used by the entire family. It measures 15.25″ wide x 10.2″ tall x 4″ deep at its widest point and weighs about 7 pounds, meaning younger children can play without worrying whether it will get knocked over or (as it happens quite a bit in our house) thrown.

Perhaps one of the best features is the inclusion of dual 5-watt Onkyo Stereo Loudspeakers, providing exceptional sound for music, movies and games.

What we use it for: The Astak Neos is like our high-tech cookbook. We keep it in the kitchen right next to the Keurig. It’s large enough to pull up a recipe and see it from most areas of the kitchen. Brett can cook while glancing over at the recipe without having to stop what he’s doing. He also has Facebook and other apps on there to keep him busy during slow cooking times. He just can’t stand there and NOT do anything. We also play music or shows/movies for some entertainment in the kitchen.

The downside: At $499, some of the aspects of the Neos seem a bit outdated compared to tablets at that same price point. But like I said, the Neos is for someone who may want a little more than a tablet, but not as much as a PC….so perhaps that explains the price.

The upside: More recipes from Brett and a happy Trent. Ok, those were just my upsides. Perhaps the main benefit is that it can provide plenty of use and entertainment without taking up much room. It’s beefier than a mobile tablet and allows you to either set it up like a computer somewhere as a permanent-type fixture, or move it to another spot as needed (as long as you can plug it in).

Buy:

Amazon

 

I received this product in exchange for a review. All opinions are my own and honest. Thanks for reading!

Whether you’re keeping track of your current health status, starting a fitness program, or training for a fitness competition, Getting - and Staying - Motivated is the key! For me, a good fast-paced song pumps me up and will even make me workout just a bit harder and longer. I tend to favor hard-core rock or hip-hop beats, but I’m not ashamed to admit that even a catchy dance-worthy pop song will slip its way into my playlist. I have found it really helpful to keep track of my fitness endeavors using my Jawbone UP. I am able to see my progress towards my goals and when combined with various music playlists, I can see which playlists/songs result in more accomplished.

Whatever kind of music gets you motivated, a good pair of earphones that will stay in your ear and deliver that music with crystal clear clarity throughout your workout, whether running or yoga, is so important. Studies have shown that music can increase the intensity and duration of a workout by as much as 15%. Unfortunately, most people miss out on those benefits because their earphones hurt and fall out during active use.

yurbuds was founded in 2008 by an Ironman Triathlete and a 24-time marathoner in response to that problem. Our products are ergonomically designed for comfort and exceptional fit, while providing best-in-class audio quality and durability. yurbuds is passionate about serving our customers and our community. We listen to and learn from our athletes to produce solutions to their needs. We are dedicated to innovating and creatively changing the industry of sport audio. Our goal is to empower athletes through exceptional products and services to help them to push past their barriers, reach new personal bests, and #neverstop.

· Cut the cords and unleash your inner athlete with the Inspire Limited Edition Wireless Sport Earphones. These Stereo-Bluetooth® earphones lock in place comfortably so they never hurt and never fall out. The 15mm drivers provide the biggest sound available, providing the motivation you need to #neverstop. These sweat and water resistant earphones feature full track & call control with a wind-blocking microphone designed for call clarity. The athlete tested battery lasts up to 6 hours and provides visual and audible indicators when running low. This is sound with no strings attached.

· #1 Selling Sport Earphone Company, yurbuds®, Introduces Wireless Product for a Seamless Workout Experience

Key Features of yurbuds:

· With yurbuds TwistLock™ Technology and FlexSoft Comfort Fit, these Stereo-Bluetooth® earphones lock in place comfortably and are guaranteed never to hurt or fall out.

· Bigger Sound for music and calls provided by 15mm drivers

· Smart Battery powers a week’s worth of workouts and provides visual and audible indicators when running low.

· Dedicated Pairing Button for simple 1-touch pairing.

· Compatible with all Bluetooth® devices.

· Earphones that never hurt and never fall out.

· Bigger Sound provided by 15 mm drivers

· yurbuds®, the #1 selling sport earphone company in the United States, is transforming the athlete experience with its new Inspire Limited Edition Wireless earphones to get you motivated through music. Launching at CES 2014 in Las Vegas this January, athletes and tech enthusiasts will be able to enjoy the first-ever Stereo-Bluetooth® wireless earphones guaranteed to never hurt and never fall out.

· “We’ve cut the cords so fitness enthusiasts have less in the way of achieving the perfect workout,” said Daniel DeVille, Director of Marketing for yurbuds. “Designed based on user feedback, we are excited to deliver best-in-class wireless earphones that solve the needs not currently met by other wireless earphones and meet the rigorous standards of even the top professional athletes.”

Find Best Buy’s large selection of yurbuds at Bestbuy.com and even more fitness-related items to keep you motivated here: Health & Fitness at Best Buy.

To help you reach your health & fitness goals, Best Buy is currently offering two exclusive offers for 20% off all yurbuds products both online and in-store as well as a $5 Best Buy Gift Card when you purchase a qualifying Health and Fitness product at a Best Buy Mobile Specialty Stores. Both offers are valid 1/19/14 - 2/22/14.:

1. Enjoy a special bloggers promotion 20% OFF ALL yubuds coupon valid both in stores and online, online coupon code is yurbuds20off: http://www.wolfatbestbuy.com/20-off-yurbuds.

2. Also enjoy a $5 Best Buy Gift Card when you purchase a qualifying Health and Fitness product at a Best Buy Mobile Specialty Store: http://www.wolfatbestbuy.com/best-buy-mobile-specialty-stores-5-best-buy-gift-card

The reviewer has been compensated in the form of a Best Buy Gift Card in exchange for this post. Thanks for reading!

 

Right around the time I posted about the Nuby Clik-It No Spill Flex Straw cup, we also started giving Trent the Nuby Clik-it Insulated No-Spill Cool Sipper. He really loves the straw cups, but we also wanted to get him accustomed to the next step in the learning process…a sippy cup.

Nûby’s new Insulated Clik-it™ range of cups offers leak proof technology that you can see and hear so moms and dads won’t have to worry about spills and leaks! The No-Spill™ Insulated Cool Sipper™ keeps liquids fresh and cool and helps protect furniture from a “sweating” cup. Engineered to make feeding and handling easier. You will be delighted with the transition thanks to Nûby’s valveless, leak resistant design.

Just like the prior Clik-it cup, the lid on this cup clicks when you twist it so you know it’s closed and won’t leak. The unique design of the mouthpiece allows kids to drink the liquid inside, but it won’t leak otherwise. So when Trent throws it across the room, we don’t have to worry about the dark purple juice getting on the light beige carpet. And since he throws his cup many times throughout the day, this is a wonderful thing. It also comes in several different cute designs.

Since he was used to holding a straw cup, it took a few times for him to learn that he actually had to tilt the cup up in order to drink from it, but learned it quite easily. He is able to drink from a regular cup if we hold it, but on his own, we’ll be sticking to a no-spill cup for a little while longer!

 

Buy:

Amazon

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If you enjoyed this post, check out my other Nuby reviews here!

I did not receive any compensation for this post, although as part of this program I received items to sample or review. As always, all opinions are my own and 100% honest.