Ultrasport Travel Towel From Shandali Review (#UltraSportsTravelTowel)

About the product

#1 Rated Travel Towel - MICROFIBER - Guarantee Bleed Free - Includes Hook

NEW AND EXCLUSIVE TO AMAZON: Lighten your load and stay dry all day long with new and advanced microfiber lightweight material

ULTRA-ABSORBENT & QUICK-DRYING: Support your active lifestyle with a towel that absorbs wetness and drys 10x as fast as a cotton towel

TRAVEL | SPORT | CAMPING | BEACH: Shandali UltraSport Travel Towel is multi-purpose towel that allows you to use the same great towel in multiple places. Enjoy it during a relaxing day at the beach, a kick-*** workout at the gym, or while you're camping out on a kayaking trip

100% MICROFIBER MATERIAL: Soft on your skin, super-durable, and extra-compact so you hardly notice it's in your bag. Take it backpacking and keep your load light

HASSLE-FREE MONEY-BACK GUARANTEE: If for any reason you are not 100% satisfied, within 30 days, please return your Shandali UltraSport for a no-questions asked, full refund


My thoughts 

 I love to be active so I'm constantly on the go. I love to hike, bike, and travel. Since my kids come along, I tend to have to lots of bags because I like to be prepared for any situation. It seems that two kids need so much! I usually bring a towel with me because I know that I will most likely need it since my kids love water and they tend to accidentally make messes.

I decided I wanted to try out this travel towel by Shandali because it sounded perfect for my situation: highly absorbent and light weight.

My favorite place to use it is when I take my kids to the park. There is a park close to my house that has a splash pad and my son loves to play in it. I brought the Shandali travel towel with us, and I was so pleased at how well it worked. My son didn't complain when he used it to towel off and by the time he wanted to use it again, the towel was dry again! This towel is perfect because I hate trying to dry towels while they need to be used a few minutes later.

I also want to say that even though the towel is microfiber, it feels super soft and isn't sticky or scratchy. I have used many microfiber towels before and I hated how they feel. However, this towel feels more like soft suede.

It was also perfect when I went to a family reunion because it didn't take up a lot of space. I just have to say how much I love this towel. You should think about getting one too!


I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

3-in-1 Coloring Book - Meet Lulu : Activity Book & Quality Kids Review (#paintinglulu)

About the product

What is Painting Lulu?

Come meet Lulu & her friends; Milky, Bob, Max, Toby, Jill, Lucy, Rudy and tom. all of lulu's friends are recyclable consumer goods that represent a part of the life cycle of environmentally friendly products. we believe that when we finish to use a product, we should do our best to ensure that its raw materials be reused and recycled for the future of our children and our earth.

Use your crayons to color the Lulu book, or Simply pick the page in Lulu's Coloring Book that you want to reproduce on your device and scan the QR Code on the top right-hand or left-hand side of that page. It's that easy! Your device will open Painting Lulu's web app page and display a digital version of the page you scanned. Use the digital crayon stylus included with Lulu's Coloring Book and color away!

• Great for inspiring creative expression and exploring color
• Get full access to the official Painting Lulu App - Perfect for travel and on-the-go
• Revolutionary patent pending technology, scan colored pages and watch it magically appear in the App!
• Free digital crayon stylus inside - The magic of color without the mess
• 100% recycled paper with 32 pages

Want more information?

You can connect with Painting Lulu through these social networks:

Facebook
Twitter
G+ 

My thoughts

My boy loves to play with my tablet. He wants to use those fun and addicting coloring apps that I find him. He also wants to play with my stylus. When I saw that the Meet Lulu coloring book comes with a stylus, I knew I had to try it out. Plus, Monkey sure loves to color!


Meeting Lulu was a HUGE hit. Monkey absolutely loved to use the crayon stylus and was happy to have something that was just his. It was really cute to see him "try" to use it as a real crayon on the provided
coloring book.

When I showed Monkey that we could "take a picture" of his coloring page and put it on the tablet, he was so amazed. He loved being able to modify his picture on the tablet. This coloring book has provided tons of entertainment for my boy and, I have to admit, for me too.

I love the idea that you can scan colored pages and put them onto the tablet. It is nice being able to have a coloring book that doesn't have to be tossed away because you can keep coloring on it in the tablet. This is definitely a coloring book that you don't want to miss out on. Monkey totally recommends getting it! Also, you can get more information about this fabulous product by going to the Painting Lulu website.

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

Enough Review & Giveaway (#10things)

                  

                              

About the book

                     "You are beautiful. You are valuable. You are enough."

In a book based on her run-away blog post “Ten Things I Want to Tell Teenage Girls,” which garnered more than 2 million views in two weeks, Kate Conner calls us to action in Enough. We all have teenage girls in our lives who we love, whether it’s a sister, friend, or daughter. Kate has identified 10 things these girls need to hear today from someone who loves her.

Peppered with wit and laced with grace, Kate’s list tackles relevant issues like Facebook, emotions, drama, tanning beds, modesty, and flirtation. Woven into each chapter is a powerful message of worth that transcends age, and will touch the souls of women, young and old alike: You are beautiful. You are valuable. You are enough.

A former youth-worker, wife to a college minister, and a young mom in her twenties, Conner stands squarely in generational gap, the perfect place from which to bridge it. Conner offers herself as a translator, helping you to speak your teenager’s language and equipping you with a fresh perspective from which to engage your teenage girl—one that may enable her to truly hear your heart (and your wisdom) for the first time since puberty.

 Check out the trailer:

About the author

obtained from BHG

Kate Elizabeth Conner is a 27-year-old writer, speaker, and first generation southerner who spends her days learning braille, counseling teenagers via text message, and adjusting to life in middle Georgia.








My thoughts

I don't have teenage girls in my house, but I have teenage nieces and I'm around a lot of teenage girls. I really wanted to read this book about 10 things we should be telling teenage girls because I wanted to see what the author wanted teenage girls to know. And I am glad to say that I was impressed instead of disappointed.

I love the way the author set up the book. Conner does an excellent job on writing about current trends such as tanning beds, media outlets such as Facebook and Twitter, and being "natural". 

The author, Kate Conner, gives 10 things every teenage girl should know. The picture on the right is one that really hit home. I feel to often that girls (and women) feel that we aren't good enough. We feel that if we had this item or that talent, then we would be beautiful. However, this train of thought needs to stop! What you are right now is beautiful! This is what I am currently working on. I have a huge weakness in feeling that I will be beautiful if I keep improving myself. Right now I am telling myself that the woman I am today is beautiful. I want to make sure that I don't pass bad habits onto my children or girls I know.

Anyways, I definitely recommend reading this book and I hope you enjoy it like I did!



Giveaway
*open to anyone 18+ in USA or Canada
*winner has 48 hours to respond to winning email before a new winner is chosen

Entry-Form

"Disclosure (in accordance with the FTC’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising): 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 the same prize on another blog, you are not eligible to win it again. Winner is subject to eligibility verification.

Groovy Lab in a Box Review + Giveaway (#STEMists)

 


About the product

-Science learning made fun!
-Groovy Lab in a Box: Inspiring the next generation of STEMists….
-For ages 8+

STEM•ist /stĕmʹĭst/ n. Expert in applying science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. Explorer, creator, inventor…STEMist! #STEM

As science educators who have both worked in private industry, we wanted to create something that inspired critical thinking and a genuine love of learning. We believed more “doing” and “experiencing” of actual science practices is essential to science education. Groovy Lab in a Box has many facets to its design and can be utilized by schools, after school programs, homeschoolers, and parents of natural born STEMists. One of our core beliefs is that we want to bring this generation back to the NASA Apollo era when children wanted to be scientists and engineers and science was at the forefront of the media. Hence our "retro, 50’s" brand and logo design. We believe science should be more “Pop-Culture” in our society. When one understands science, one has a greater appreciation and understanding of the beauty, poetry, and wonder of
the universe around them. We believe a strong STEM education is the future for our children to be competitive in the 21st century. Science and art go hand in hand and children are encouraged to draw, journal, and "think" about their engineering design challenges. “Science and Art were never meant to be separated, they must intermingle.” - Elaine (Co-Founder)

Our product is unlike anything else on the market and was developed by a team of educators and scientists. It is not a kit but instead a truly custom STEM experience which incorporates the Engineering Design Process and Next Generation Science Standards. Being well versed with the National Science Education Standards (NSES) and practices, we felt that STEM and the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) http://www.nextgenscience.org/ to be the most progressive platform to guide our design of Groovy Lab in a Box.

We created this product with the idea that each month a child can focus his or her imagination, determination, and innately inquisitive natures to complete NGSS based STEM projects using the Engineering Design Process. In addition, we want to use our product as a platform to further educate the public about STEM education via partnerships and collaborations such as NASA, Destination Imagination, and Edutopia.

We were recently awarded the "Parents' Choice Award" for our "Lunar Launch" box:
http://www.parentschoice.org/product.cfm?product_id=32520&StepNum=1&award=aw

Product Pricing
Subscription Based:
$26.95 / Month - Billed monthly
$25.95 / Month - Billed every 3 months
$24.95 / Month - Billed every 6 months
$23.95 / Month - Billed every 12 months

Non-recurring packages and Single Boxes are also available for purchase.

What's in the box?

Each month through our Groovy Lab in a Box subscription service, young STEMists will receive materials for fun, hands-on projects and an engineering design challenge – all focused on that month’s STEM topic. All STEMists will receive a Lab Notebook, where they can read about that month’s topic, perform investigation activities and document their findings. They will investigate, brainstorm, plan, build, test and redesign their own creations. The Engineering Design Challenge is the culmination of your STEMist’s learning experience – the ultimate project where he/she must apply the knowledge gained from that month’s activities.

STEMists also receive access to our special “Beyond…in a Box” online learning portal. This is a unique feature of Groovy Lab in a Box because it gives STEMists a deeper understanding of that month’s topic. “Beyond…in a Box” has videos and more interactive activities to supplement what they are learning from the box projects, which also helps the STEMist even more when completing the design challenge. Additionally, the monthly box contains bonus supplies exclusively for the activities available through “Beyond…in a Box.”

The "Beyond...In A Box" section also outlines ideas to do the box activities as a group. The PW for this section will be located in the lab notebook in your box.

Pride in Our Box

"Groovy Lab in a Box is proud to partner with Eggleston to ensure our subscribers receive their completed box delivered right to their STEMists’ door," - Elaine (Co-Founder)

Since 1955, Eggleston has been helping individuals with disabilities gain independence through work and living experience to help them lead fuller, richer lives. Eggleston creates opportunities for individuals to make the most of their abilities, contribute to society, and enjoy the satisfaction of working and earning their own living. Learn more about the amazing individuals who assemble all our boxes:

http://groovylabinabox.tumblr.com/post/89364350360/pride-in-our-box-every-monthsubscribing-stemists

For more information
• Website Press Page: http://www.groovylabinabox.com/press/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GroovyLabinABox
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/GroovyLabinABox
• Google+: https://plus.google.com/u/0/+Einsteininabox/posts
• Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/GroovyLabinabox/
• Instagram: http://instagram.com/GroovyLabinabox
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChkqSdr58yzyzJGANBEloIw
• Tumblr: http://groovylabinabox.tumblr.com

My thoughts

I absolutely love science and teaching science. It is one of the reasons why I majored in chemistry and got a masters in secondary education with an emphasis in science. Science is just so fun. I love being able to figure out things and helping kids learn how to make observations and draw conclusions from collected data. I'm all about inquiry learning!

Anyways, this Groovy Lab in a Box focused on the sun. Perfect box theme since it is really sunny and hot where I am living. I couldn't wait to get the box. And, I wasn't disappointed! Each box comes with all the supplies you need and a lab notebook.  I love the fact that they include glue, scissors, etc so I don't have to waste time making sure I have the supplies at home.

The lab notebook contains extra information about the subject you are studying, directions for the experiment you are doing, places to write down observations and data, and a brainstorming section so kids can create their own experiment. Let's just say that I love how well organized the lab notebook is and I am really big into organization.

I know Monkey is not 8 years old, but I couldn't resist teaching him about some science. Plus, I wanted to share with my readers about this way cool company. My boy really loved the Here Comes The Sun box and loved doing the experiments. I had to do more of the guiding since he isn't 8 years old, but he sure had fun!

I love the concept and they executed it really well. I totally recommend you trying them out. And Groovy in a Box has offered a coupon code for all the readers and a giveaway! I'm doing my happy dance right now.


Coupon Code
Groovy Lab in a Box has been very generous and is offering the readers of Howling Horn to use the code GROOVYNOW20 for a 20% Discount off the first month of our Monthly Subscriptions! How exciting!!


Giveaway
 *open to anyone 18+ who lives in the USA


***giveaway will start soon....might be a flash giveaway***


I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

Ozeri 4x3motion Digital Pocket 3D Pedometer with Tri-Axis Technology Review

About the product


Introducing the 4x3motion Digital Pedometer by Ozeri - the world's most advanced 3D pedometer. Unlike other pedometers that do not work accurately unless placed vertically, the 4x3motion Digital Pedometer utilizes the latest generation in Tri-Axis technology to provide superior accuracy in any position, whether up, down, flat, on its side, or at any angle. Moreover, the 4x3motion Digital Pedometer utilizes a Digital 3D Acceleration Sensor which is far more accurate than mechanical sensors used in other pedometers.

Compact, sleek and ultra slim, the 4x3motion Digital Pedometer fits is any pocket and is the ultimate personal trainer. Used by professional 100 mile ultra runners such as Evan Kimber, the 4x3motion Digital Pedometer records your steps, distance, average speed, calories burned, and time spent exercising, and displays your data on a new bright LCD with a night view backlight.

The 4x3motion Digital Pedometer filters out vibrations and only begins counting after it detects a sequence of continuous steps for greater accuracy. The 4x3motion Digital Pedometer ships with a Lithium battery, a bonus strap and instruction manual. Your satisfaction is 100% guaranteed.

Features:

• Records steps, distance, speed, calories and time with the world's most advanced Tri-Axis technology.
• 3 Recording Modes: Today, Split & Total -- with a split screen display for multi-data views.
• New 3D Tri-Axis Sensor (X, Y, Z plane detection) provides superior accuracy in any position.
• Counts up to 1 million steps with 7-Day Memory, and includes a built-in Clock, Calendar & Sports Timer and Auto Sleep Mode technology.
• Used by professional athletes, the 4x3motion boasts an ultra slim design that fits in any pocket, and features a blue backlight for night viewing. 100% Satisfaction Guaranteed.

My thoughts

This year I have been trying really hard to be healthy. I have two kiddos and it is too easy to let my exercise routine get pushed to the "back burner". I love to exercise, but it is hard for me to find the time to get everything I need to do in 24 hours. That is where this pedometer comes into play. I had some family members do a healthy lifestyle program where they needed to walk 10,000 steps a day for at least 5 days a week. I thought it would be fun to see how many steps I take, and try to make it a goal to walk at least 10,000 steps a day.

This goal ended up being way too easy. I guess it is due to the fact that I live on an acre so I am walking around everywhere to take care of my garden, my chickens, and my yard. The first day I had 10,748 steps and I even forgot to wear the pedometer for several hours when I was really active in the yard. I love being able to know how much I am walking each day. Now let me get into more details about the product.

Pros
-The Ozeri pedometer is very slim so it can easily fit into your pocket
-Comes with a lanyard so you can wear around your neck
-Doesn't have to stay vertical to count your steps
-Has auto sleep so you don't have to turn it on and off
-Records steps, calories, distance, time, & splits
-Ability to run up to 3 different counts
-Has a 7 day memory and can record up to 1 million steps
-Has a clock and calendar
-Has backlight for night time viewing

Cons
-Doesn't have a belt clip. You can only put it in your pocket or around your neck

As you can tell, the pros definitely outweigh the cons. I have been pretty impressed with my Ozeri pedometer and I love using it everyday. It really helps motivate me to exercise and stay active. If you are shopping for a pedometer, then you should consider buying this one!


*Disclosure: I received the product mentioned in this post at no cost in order to do this review. All opinions are my own.

PRO-15: The Perfect Probiotic Review

About the product

GET 15 TIMES MORE RESULTS THAN WITH CAPSULES++. With superior patented technology, our living organisms reach deep into your intestinal tract where they are needed most. Our formula will even reach your large intestine. *See below to understand the Science behind the Superiority*

IMPROVE YOUR MOOD AND ENERGY LEVELS. Fatigue and irritability are often a result of poor vitamin and nutrient absorption. Hyperbiotics Probiotics help create a microenvironment inside your digestive system that promotes full mineral absorption so you can finally feel like your happy, energetic and vibrant self.

RELIEVE YOUR SENSITIVE STOMACH. Hyperbiotics PRO-15 is released at consistent levels throughout the day and throughout your Gl tract; whereas other capsules more closely resemble a bomb being dropped in your upper stomach - releasing all organisms at one time, often causing upset such as bloating, gas or diarrhea.

GET & STAY WELL. 80% of your immune system is in your gut, and when probiotics (the good guys) are abundant in your body, it’s harder for the disease causing bacteria (the bad guys) to settle in. Hyperbiotics PRO-15 restores beneficial bacteria for optimal digestive and immune health, helps control yeast and candida overgrowth and promotes daily relief from allergies, gas, bloating and constipation. Life should be easy.

LOSE WEIGHT. New studies show that gut microflora may improve your metabolism and accelerate fat loss. Let’s get your gut back into equilibrium so your waistline will follow.

To learn more, you can check out this 2 minute video - http://vimeo.com/87541099.

My thoughts

I don't really have bad digestion. But there are times where certain foods don't agree with me. Also, my immune system isn't the greatest due to some medical conditions. When I read about how the probiotic by Hyperbiotics can help your immune system out, then I knew I just had to try this product out.

I tried out this product for several weeks. And I have to say that I actually did notice a change in how I was feeling. I noticed that I didn't have any digestion problems with certain foods. But the biggest benefit was the energy I felt. I found that I had a little more spring to my step.This probiotic has been a huge help in how I have been feeling. It is nice to be able to feel good and have the energy levels like I used to have before I had kids.

Another great thing about his probiotic is that the pills are not huge. I hate swallowing large pills so the size of these probiotics were a big benefit to me.

I definitely recommend these probiotics by hyperbiotics!


I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

Jiva Organic Black Sesame Seeds Review (#JivaOrganics)

About the product

Jiva Organics is a line of certified organic spices that offer a tremendous value over mainstream alternatives.  This is a USDA certified organic Black Sesame that is of extremely high quality and perfect for your next Indian/Pakistani dish.

• Certified USDA Organic Black Sesame Seeds
• High Purity, Intense Aroma, and Great taste
• NO salt, NO MSG, NO GMO, NO Ethylene Oxide (ETO) treatment, NON-Irradiated
• All Natural, No Artificial Colors, Flavors or Preservatives
• Packed in a resalable bag and then completely sealed to preserve aroma, purity and to avoid any contamination

My thoughts

I love using sesame seeds when I cook especially black sesame seeds. They have such a rich and unique flavor that really enhances any dish you make. Jiva Organics sells organic black sesame seeds which is awesome because I know that I am eating something that isn't tainted with harmful chemicals. I truly feel "we are what we eat" and that applies to pesticides, etc!

Black sesame seeds aren't something I like to eat by themselves so I decided I needed to make an Asian inspired dish. Black sesame pork meatballs came to mind. All I have to say is how delicious this meal was! The black sesame seed really made the meal stand out. My husband and son devoured this meal and enjoyed eating it as leftovers. My husband even remarked on how tasty the black sesame seeds were! This just goes to show how they have a very yummy flavor.

I have used the seeds in a few of my other Asian dishes too. I love them. I totally recommend buying these seeds from Jiva Organics because you won't be disappointed!

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.