Super Mom VoxBox

Check out what I got for free from Influenster in my most recent Super Mom VoxBox!

Palmolive Fusion Clean

With a great new lime scent, this dish soap keeps up its end of the bargain by cutting grease and cleaning my dishes.  

#PalmoliveFusion

 Secret Outlast Xtend
This deodorant does what it sets out to do, lasts all day without need for re-application.  It goes on smooth and residue free and works all day long.
#OutlastXtend

 Pilot Acroball Pens
These pens come in a white barrel (black ink) or colored barrels that match the ink inside.  They roll out smoothly, with no smearing or run through on pages.  Bright colors make writing fun
#PowerToThePen

 Goody Slide Proof
These ponytail holders stand up to the test, holding my long hair in a sturdy, slide free ponytail for a full day without loosening.  Little rubber grippy teeth do the work.  However, they do start to fall out after a few uses, which makes me wonder how long they will be so great.
#goodybrushed

 Plackers Flossers
These flossers designed for children are easy to hold and come in fun flavors and bright colors, which make flossing much easier for little hands.  My kids love them.
#LoveAtFirstFloss

Suave Kids Purely Fun
I received a 2-in-1 shampoo/conditioner bottle as well as a leave in conditioner to try out.  They come in fun scents and do the job of cleaning my kids' hair as well as eliminating tangles during brushings.
#SuaveBeliever

BYB LED Flashlight Review

A good, reliable flashlight is important for me to have on hand.  I especially like to have them available in my vehicle in addition to my home.  I used to carry around those big bulky  three D-cell battery requiring flashlights, but the batteries never last or corrode long before I even use the light enough.  Enter the new era and the CREE LED flashlight.  I found this one and grabbed it up for the intent of keeping it in my van to replace my old, no-longer functioning bulky light.

This light come with a re-chargeable battery included as well as a wall charger, so no more buying and tossing batteries regularly.

The battery is easily accessed by twisting off the back of the light, exposing the Li-ion battery which easily slides out.

The battery fits easily into the charger by simply pressing the back end into one side and sliding it down until the top snaps in place.

Once the battery is installed in the charger, simply plug in and walk away.  The charger notifies the user it is working with a red LED light.

The flashlight itself is bright, with 5 light settings: high, medium, low, strobe and SOS.  Each setting is switched to by pressing the back button once, cycling through the settings to get to the one desired.

The flashlights case is a lightweight aluminum, the on/off button is a rubber press button located on the end of the flashlight.

This light is compact, easily fitting into my hand.  The light is easy to use, tucks neatly inside my vehicle for quick use if needed and is handy to have around.

You can find this product here

* I received this product for free in exchange for my honest and un-biased review.

Fnova Class 2 Reflective Vest and Armband Safety Gear

I have a safety vest I wear for my crossing guard duty, but it is a velcro closure that is quickly fraying and rarely stays secured after only a few months of use.  When I saw this vest, I knew I would like it because of the zipper option instead of velcro.  

This safety vest comes simply packaged, ready to go straight from the package.  ANSI and ISEA approved, it is ready for most jobs.

 It also included two reflective elastic armbands for added visibility.

 The arm bands are stretchy enough to slide onto my arm, even over my winter coat, without the need to un-fasten them. But, if it is desired, they simply velcro together and can be adjusted easily.

 The vests come sized.  I chose a medium.  I was a little nervous to get the small size because I know that most often I wear it over a coat of some type, but other reviews and measurements from the seller led me to believe it would be just fine.  It is.  I have plenty of room in this vest to wear it with my winter coat, but I do not swim in it if I am only wearing a t-shirt.

 The vest zips closed easily and quickly.  All ends are secured and of high quality.  The vest is trimmed in a black mesh to keep the vest material from fraying.  An added bonus is that the vest is washable.

 Stripes on the vest, which go around the torso at two different heights as well as over the shoulders, are very reflective and and visibility in addition to the super bright yellow.

I am very pleased with this vest, much more so than my velcro closure vest.  It fits well, is breathable, highly visible, lightweight and convenient to use.

 I have plenty of room to play around with for varied seasons and am glad I chose to stick with measurement indications instead of playing it safe and going up a size.

You can find this safety gear here

* I received this product for free in exchange for my honest and un-biased review.

Prenatal Vitamin Review

To go along with the Prenatal DHA + Vitamin D3 supplements I reviewed recently, I have also been trying out these Prenatal Vitamins also made by Zenwise Health.  This bottle of prenatal vitamins comes in a huge 300 count.  It is you basic prenatal vitamin, perfect for expecting or breastfeeding mamas like myself. 

 The bottle comes well sealed.  Once the outer plastic seal is removed from the cap, there is an additional paper seal that must be removed in addition to a wad of cotton.  I did not find any broken pills in my bottle and felt very secure that the contents had been well protected.

 Inside are brown vitamins.  They are your basic oval shaped pill.  They are manageable in size and easy enough to swallow with a little water.  I didn't notice any taste after consuming them.

 A serving is 2 pills, so this bottle will last a very long time!

Each of these pills contain the following:
- 800 mcg of Folic Acid
- 2,000 IU of Vitamin A
- 100 mg of Vitamin C
- 25 million CFU of probiotics
- Vitamin D2
- Vitamin E
- Vitamin B12
- Vitamin B
Additionally, these vitamins are made in the USA in a FDA registered location with GMP and NSF certifications.

You can find this product here

*I received this product for free in exchange for my honest and un-biased review.

ESV Family Devotional Bible Review

ESV Family Devotional Bible
by Crossway

I had been looking for an appropriate devotional to use with my young children at home when the opportunity to review this devotional Bible came my way.  I was immediately impressed with this book the minute I held it in my hands.  This is a high quality hard covered book filled with color pictures, 130 of them!  While it is in fact an actual Bible in the ESV (English Standard Version) translation, it is also a devotional too.  The perfect combination that puts everything in your hands for family devotion time with children in the home.

Each devotional story is on a colored page.  The illustrations that go with each devotional are high quality, full detail, painting like pictures - not cartoonish, but featuring real looking people and scenes.  The devotional stories fall in line with their location in the Bible, so they can be used individually or as a family study.  The Biblical references are provided for the story's location within the Bible as well as a verse for memorization or discussion that ties the story to the surrounding scripture.

The devotion stories are written in a way that young children (ages 4+) can understand, while being complex and detailed enough to challenge older children into their early teens.  The common children's bible stories are discussed within the devotionals, such as Adam & Eve, David & Goliath, Jonah, etc. as well as many more not so mainstream stories.  Following each story are a few questions to prompt discussion and further learning for the devotional time.  With younger children, we have skipped over this section most times, just focusing on the stories for now, but I will definitely be going back around to use these again in a few years.

I have enjoyed this book as an adult, and have learned things I had not before picked up or heard. The questions have prompted me to think and I love the potential they provide for teaching my children.   My children (4 & 6) have learned things and really enjoyed exploring the pictures as well as hearing the many different stories.  All around, I love this book and have already been telling my friends with children all about it and recommending it.  This is a perfect combo book for every Christian family with children!

You can find a copy here

The cool thing is that I get to GIVE a copy away to one of my followers!  So, if you are interested, simply leave a comment with the ages of your children and you are entered.  The winner will be selected randomly on Monday, May 16 at 9am.

*  Many thanks to Propeller Consulting, LLC for providing this prize for the giveaway. Choice of winners and opinions are 100% my own and NOT influenced by monetary compensation. I did receive a sample of the product in exchange for this review and post.

Only one entrant per mailing address, per giveaway.  If you have won a prize from our sponsor Propeller / FlyBy Promotions in the last 30 days, you are not eligible to win.  Or if you have won the same prize on another blog, you are not eligible to win it again. Winner is subject to eligibility verification.”

Raising the Perfectly Imperfect Child

Raising the Perfectly Imperfect Child
by Boris Vujicic

Having read all of Nick Vujicic's books this far, I was very interested in reading the book recently released by his father for a few of reasons.  First is that I was curious to have an insider's look into the Vujicic family life and learn about Nick from a different angle.  Second is that I know several friends who have children with disabilities and would love to share the inspiration and hope with them.  Third is that I was sure I could learn something about loving and appreciating my own children through the journey.  I was right on all three accounts.

Written from the viewpoint of Boris Vujicic, the book follows the family from the moments they learned of Nick's limitations through his life to current times.  In it, Boris shares with transparent honesty his true feelings during those difficult times.  He also shares inspiration and encouragement for other parents to embrace their own children as they are.  There is validation, hope, honesty, encouragement, truth and love in his words  Each chapter finishes with some takeaway thoughts.

Whether you have a child with disabilities or not, there is so much to glean from this book.  A Christian perspective into loving all children because of their imperfections.  I most definitely recommend this book and will be sharing it with all of my friends raising children with disabilities.  Nick's message of hope and love continue through Boris' words and leave the reader feeling filled and encouraged to face the days ahead.

You can find this book here

* I received this book for free through the Blogging For Books program in exchange for my honest and un-biased review.

Muscle Roller Stick Review

Ever since my runner friend told me about her muscle roller stick, I was intrigued and wanted one for myself for the days when my large muscles are sore after exercise or a day of hard physical labor.  I had the opportunity to purchase this 18 inch muscle roller stick recently and have enjoyed having it in my home.

The Muscle Stick comes simply packaged in a slim cardboard box.  

The stick is very sturdily built.  The black rubber handles have grip to them to aid in muscle rolling without slipping hands.  The central rolling discs are a hard plastic and each rolls separately along an internal rod.  They roll quietly, no squeaking, only the sound of the plastic discs rolling.  They also roll very smoothly.  This muscle rolling stick is adjustable for more or less friction by pulling the handle grips out a little along the internal rod, which allows for easier rolling or more friction.  Doing so is easier said than done, and I gave up on adjusting it, figuring it worked just fine as is and doubting I will ever need to adjust it.  

For large muscle groups like calves, thighs, and even arms, this is a great tool.  It does not work well for backs as it can be painful along the spine.  Easy enough to roll by yourself and get relief quickly, this roller massages and presses muscles to release knots after extensive work and strain.

You can get one here

* I received this product for free in exchange for my honest and un-biased review.

Prenatal DHA + Vitamin D3 Review

Though not currently pregnant, I continue to take prenatal vitamins while I am breastfeeding.  The free ones I can get from the pharmacy leave much to chance as they are short on some other key vitamins and in a much lower percentage than high quality vitamins to be purchased. When I found these Prenatal DHA vitamins that also contain Vitamin D3, I was very interested as Vitamin D is one area I know I and my baby need.  This product is a supplement, one to be taken with regular prenatal multivitamins.

 

 The bottle comes with 180 gel capsules.   2 capusles a day constitutes a serving size, so this bottle will last 3 months.  Made from 100% natural ingredients and without any flavor, they are good for early pregnancy, sensitive stomachs and palates, and those preferring no taste.  They are loaded with good stuff for baby's growth and development as well as mom's health and well being: 
- 2000 IU of Vitamin D3 
- 150mg of EPA - 450mg of DHA - No filler ingredients - Unflavored formula

The benefits of these vitamins are many: 
- Keeps skin healthy and smooth 
- Promotes healthy cognitive and ocular development 
- Energizes and supports overall well-being

- Supports skeletal development for babies 

 The capsules are in a very manageable size to swallow.  They go down easily, dissolve quickly and leave no aftertaste.

I cannot fully speak to their actual effect or how well they work in comparison to other vitamins as I have no way of comparing those things.  But, I do know that they were easy to take, full of key vitamins a new or nursing mom needs and highly recommend for their ingredients.  

You can find this product here

* I received this product for free in exchange for my honest and un-biased review.

All Powercore Pacs Review

I love the convenience of these little packets. Just toss on in the drum of the washing machine, add clothes no start the cycle. No more measuring liquids or powders, it is all pre-measured and combined in one little package. Powder and liquid together in a soft pack.

It is a little larger than other products I have used from other brands in that the soaps are side by side, separated by a thin skin instead is packed on top of one another. A different look, same function.

I liked the fresh smell when the clothes came out of the wash and dryer. It helped to address some odors other soaps had not cleaned away. However, I have found a residue that is the clear packaging after each wash. It is supposed to completely dissolve, but I keep finding a jellified wad at the edge of the door after each wash cycle. It makes me wonder what else might be clinging to my clothes instead of rinsing away. Or what damage it might do to my machine over time if this stuff builds up where I do not see it. I want to like them more, but those things leave me hesitant to purchase any more.

*i received this procuct for free in exchange for my honest and un-biased review as part of the Smiley360 program