Turning Screen Time Into Learning Fun Time with Pixicade Pets!

I have showed you the magical app kit known as Pixicade in a previous review. You can often find them at the front of Walmart stores or even online at Amazon. But they didn't stop there. They took game-making to a whole new level with Pixicade Pets! Now, your child can create pets in their own little universe. I'm going to show you how. 

*Disclaimer: I was sent 2 kits in exchange for hosting a party and then sharing my honest review afterwards. I was not otherwise paid or endorsed. All opinions are mine or my party goers only.*

As a Mom, I hate screen time that has no purpose. My only guilty allowances in this has been a single app game, watching movies or playing on the Xbox. And those are strictly monitored, timed and screened by us parents. Pixicade is a whole different ballgame! I don't have to worry about what they are seeing. What they might be accessing. Or even who they are playing with. Call me overprotective, but I know what is out there plaguing the internet world. And I want safe options for my kids to enjoy. Pixicade was an introduction to my children in the world of video game creation. They were able to make their own games. Their friends can play and they can learn from it. 

Fast forward, and now they can make a whole universe while having their very own created virtual pets. My kids know that pets in real life isn't happening until they move out! But virtual pets are absolutely allowed. Even better is that it has been STEAM certified! It can be a fun, but educational game that spans a variety of ages.

How do you start in the fun?

You need to get a kit. Like I said, Walmart or Amazon has them. While you can load the free app, it won't save your progress without the loading of your personal code which comes in the kit. Once you get your kit, you will need to install the app on your device. It was quick and easy to load on both my phone and on the tablet. 

Creating an account comes next. Using your kids' info creates a safety net, with their settings for age restrictions built in. Hopefully the video I have uploaded walks you through, but if you have questions, let me know!

Things we enjoyed about this included....

You choose one personality as your main one, however, the game picks a second personality trait for you. We laughed at some of the choices. My character was a smarty pants by my choosing, but the game added sporty (so not like me!). My youngest chose playful and the game added clumsy (which would be more like her sisters character). Her sister chose adventurous and the game threw in chill, which my daughter commented was the complete opposite! It certainly makes for interesting pets. 

Pets react to things done with and to them in the game. You are encouraged to play with your pet to boost their happiness level. But be careful! If you make them jump up and they fall onto their heads, they will cry. But if you play with them in good ways, they are happy. You know this by the emoji faces that pop up. This will raise or lower their happiness level accordingly. 

Coins are available through random tapping around the worlds and in games. This is great because my kids loved adding things to their pets wardrobe, house and outside decor. But when you have 3 kids playing, coins can get depleted pretty quick. 

Things we had trouble with were....

Feeding our pets was the hardest. What we noticed was that the first feeding was quick. But if we had to feed them more or wanted to feed the other pets, we had issues getting the food to pop up to them. Now, this could be the game or maybe it's my outdated tablet.  

Another issue I had was the permission function. If the kids come to a certain function, they need parents permission granted. You enter the adults email address. I got an email that wanted to verify my age. There were two options in this. Charge my credit card .50 (which will eventually be returned to me) or enter my information. Normally, I'd say no way. I don't have a credit card. And I don't like sharing personal information online. However, since I'm reviewing the functions of the game, I went with personal information. What I found was that I don't exist. The information I entered (which only I should know best, right?) kept telling me I couldn't be verified as an adult. On a whim, I started using outdated information. Bingo! Turns out, they think I still have my previous last name. Something that changed over 5 years ago! So the company that does the verifying is incredibly out of date. That or I'm better at off-grid living than I thought... 

However, fear not. If you ever get stuck in the game, they are incredibly open to getting you the support you need. After all, it was created by a husband and wife team. He programs and she is an art teacher! 

It has been a lot of fun. We showed it off to our friends and the kids love being able to play. With Christmas coming on fast, it makes a great gift option too! 

Sexy or So They Think They Know It!

My 2 boys are in those early teen years. The oldest is at the point where he has moments of feeling ever so full of himself. He's the hottest thing on two legs and no one can tell him otherwise. Except maybe his dad... Since we have a big back yard, I've been making him and his siblings go out for a least twenty minutes a day. Fresh air and some motion will do them all some good. I should join them more often, but I find myself trying to get projects done that I can't do with them around. Mostly because I hear that "Mom, Mom, Mom" like from Family Guy. My husband shared it with me.

Yeah, I get you Lois. It feels like we never get a break. My kids often wait for those moments when I'm the busiest to ask me questions or say random things. 

But that isn't what I wanted to tell you guys about. 

*Disclaimer:  I was sent this product in exchange for my honest review. All opinions expressed are my own. I was not otherwise paid or endorsed.*

Lately, my boys, and sometimes my husband, have talked about wanting to work out more. My sons wanted one of the pull up bars installed in their closet doorway. Unfortunately, the one my husband tried putting there didn't fit. So they do sit ups instead. But they wanted other things. I have smaller weights they goof off with. And now, a push up board! 

This comes from Amazon. My husband took very little time or effort in putting it together. There are instructions on the color coded circles all around the board. Each color is for a different muscle that will be worked out as you push up. 

You can even take it apart to store it. And it can withstand up to 600 pounds.  

Right now it is $42.99, but there is a 20% off coupon - which is a high value. Perfect for the holiday shipping season.

Why a push up board? 

As my husband explained to me, it is the proper and natural posture on the hands and wrist for push ups. It lessens the amount of stress you will put on them while working out. 

It is also better for knowing what you are working out. To switch it up. All you have to do is move the handles to the position you want and begin the motion. 

And lastly, you don't have to count. The machine does it for you. It also tracks the time it takes you.

My boys enjoyed using it. Even the youngest kid tried to do her own push ups. I have never been good at doing them, but this board definitely made it easier! So if you know someone wanting to get into shape, this just might be the perfect Christmas gift for them. 

What do you think of it? Is this something you see being useful? Let me know in the comments below!

From Flats to Road Trip!

I make no bones about trying to always be prepared. I'm not well off, but I find ways to make do. After receiving the following product, I gotta tell you about it and how it should be added to your prepping list immediately! 

*Disclaimer: I was sent this product to test out and share my feedback with the company. I was not paid, endorsed or even asked to write this review. All opinions are strictly my own.*

Amazon has a lot of cool things at affordable prices. A person can truly get lost looking on there. Even better when they have coupons! 

I was asked to test out this Zosudull Electric Tire Inflator. It is a portable device that is powered by your vehicle. You simply plug it into your car port to get started. 

What we loved about it.

It has so many uses. From blowing up a bike tire to refilling your car tires, you can count on this device to do a great job. I even like that you could blow up pool or beach inflatables when you get to the water! 

It works quickly. We had a tire that was low, 25 PSI. My husband plugged in the inflator and within 2.5 minutes, it was where we needed it at 32 PSI. If we had an air leak on a long drive, we can do a quick refill in between towns. 

As of the time I'm writing this post, they have a $6 coupon through Amazon. So I highly suggest that you watch for that option. The price for this is $31.99, which is decent from what I saw of other similar devices. 

My favorite feature is the screen. I can see the PSI amount on the screen and watch it climb. No need to switch back and forth with a pressure gauge. This one is built in! 

Only 1 downside I found...

The noise! This thing can be pretty loud. The video below can show you what I mean while also showing you how well it works. 

What do you think? Can you see potential in such a device? Camping trips, road trips, a day at the beach! Leave me a comment below on what you think. And remember - Christmas is almost here! I highly suggest you think of the people in your life and who might benefit from such a thing.

Gifts Ideas of Unique Qualities

Amazon has so many amazing things. They make people's lives simpler. Especially in areas where lock downs are still the daily reality. Or when things aren't found on store shelves.

Despite having just about any item you could want, there is, however, so much I haven't been able to find. Amazon lists are important for us. It is the way that family members know what we are wanting for birthdays and Christmas without having to ask. Lately, though, I'm finding so many things that Amazon doesn't have. Things that you need to branch out to other websites to get. Or even shop used to find. Below are things that I wish I could find to add to my Amazon list. What might be something you wish you could find on there? 

Gift Cards

There are gift cards to a lot of places on there. But there are so many you can't get. You can find Lowe's, but not Home Depot. Restaurant gift cards are severely limited. Sadly, Freebirds isn't one of them.

Or any of the other great places that are local. My husband and I have decided that we want to have a date night once a month. During these dates, we want to try something new. Each time. Discover something else we haven't had before. The Vietnamese we had at Pho! ETC was fantastic! The plate I had was enough to make 2 meals for me. My husband could barely finish the soup bowl he ordered. 

Or how about gift cards to your favorite book website? They have Barnes & Noble, but that isn't where I prefer to get my books. I love shopping at Thriftbooks.

I've reached what they call Literati status with how much I have ordered from them. And the fact that my Honey app has often had discounts on top of it all, makes for an excellent shopping experience. They have so much to choose from, from vendors all around the nation. Everything from collectibles, to out of prints, new and old best sellers - you name it, they most likely have it. And if they don't, you create a Wishlist that they will use to update you when that item has become available. It isn't just books either. Movies and novelty items are often there too. If you are interested in saving money and ordering from them, use my referral link: HERE. I've also been looking into Abe Books lately too. They have cheaper prices and cheaper shipping, however, they are only books.

Clothing

I have a difficult time buying clothes. First off, my style isn't what is trending. I'm a Nerdy Unicorn after all. I dress to the beat of my own drum. Often incorporating Steampunk, Victorian, super heroes, or imitating some of my favorite characters' styles. For the past few years, I stuck with T-shirts and jeans. And now I'm tired of this. I'm ready to be stylish again. I'm working out and getting fit! I want to look how I'm feeling. No, not the tired and in-pain feeling. I want to look beautiful. Then I can still try to lose about 45 pounds in the next several months.

But finding the types of clothing I want has been pretty close to impossible on Amazon. Of all the choices out there, they are missing the key elements I'm searching for! I created this Pinterest board, and something as simple as this shirt, doesn't exist on Amazon.

Not that I have found, any way. I have tried every thing I can think of! My Pinterest board has several things from Modlily and Rosegal that I can't seem to find the equivalent of on Amazon either. I told my husband that I wished people would give me gift cards to thrift stores. Of course he laughed. He said that people might think it tacky. But then anyone who truly knows me, would know that thrift stores and yard sales are my dream shopping experiences. You never know what you will find! I don't care that the items there are used. Just so long as it matches what I'm looking for. Besides, how often do we buy clothing online, only to get it and find that it doesn't fit well? This can be so frustrating. I rather find something in person, know it will fit and walk away with it then. I really do miss the days of getting up on Saturday morning to hit the sales. Sadly, my husband works a lot of Friday nights and there are no friends and family nearby who share that joy. 

Another place I love shopping through - Tee Turtle! They have so many amazing shirts and pins that I could spend all day shopping from. 

Unique puzzles

I love puzzles of a variety! My Mom sends me some from time to time and I have a stack in my closet that I work on. They help me pass the time and make my home seem less like a prison. I recently found one website though that had some pretty amazing puzzles. I haven't seen something like this on Amazon.  They are shaped puzzles that come in varying sizes. Within the puzzles, there are animal-shaped pieces as well. And even better, they are wooden! 

 Small businesses

Lately, I have seen a lot of posts promoting small businesses. Asking friends to shop with those local or small businesses that have been struggling. Amazon doesn't need that help. They need customer service help. But not promotional help. Where can I add those items in?? Sometimes I see such amazing things, that I know I couldn't bring myself to get for me, but also don't know how to show others who only like to order from big sellers. Not that all Amazon sellers are big, but they are aligned with a giant. 

Plants 

I love flowers. When we lived in Florida, we had gardenia bushes, wisteria vines, lilies, gladiolas - pretty much bulb plants. My mom and I don't really have green thumbs. I actually managed to kill a bamboo shoot, so go figure. But bulbs were different. As for the gardenia and wisteria, they came with the house. You could say they were grandfathered in, nice and strong. I recently added a candle to my list, mainly because the candle had the scent of gardenia. That is one of my favorite flowers. (Bonus that the candle has jewelry hidden inside! I'm a huge fan of surprises.) I miss that scent so much. The breeze would blow by and it was just beautiful. I also love lilac, roses and honey suckle. But as far as I know, you can't add those to the list. I've been wanting a garden, even though we live in a duplex with no yard. I keep telling myself, one day. Even talked to my husband about building a planter that hangs from the privacy fence. So what I would love to see, are apartment safe plants. Flowers that could hang from the fence or something.

Mailing supplies

So this one is a little special. Yes, you can buy stamps and postcards. You can buy stationary of every type. But you can't find those vintage or unique postcards. I remember going to thrift stores in Florida with my mom. I loved looking for postcards from around the world. I also loved collecting foreign currency. My mom made me a portable table tray once with those under the glass. I loved it! Waco doesn't have those interesting thrift shops. They do have Salvation Army and Goodwill, but those places don't usually have these in the store. You'd have to participate in auctions online. Where is the fun in that? I joined Postcrossing recently as a fun hobby that lets me see the world from my own home. I also learn more about places I may one day want to see. International postcard stamps are $1.50 each. So I can't do it very often. On top of needing stamps, I need postcards to send out. But I don't want those regular sets that everyone else has. I want special types to send out. Tried making some. That was interesting. If you know someone like me, maybe even consider giving them the precut card pages. I prefer Avery best.

So what do you wish you could add to a list for others to see?  What gift would you want that Amazon doesn't offer?

Last Minute Christmas Ideas!

We are down to the wire, ladies and gentlemen. If you haven't finished your Christmas shopping yet, you better get a move on! But what to get? So many options out there. I have one suggestion if you have children in the 6+ age range. 

*Disclaimer: I was sent these products free of charge in exchange for my honest review and to host a Bakugan party. I was not otherwise paid or endorsed for them. All opinions are my own.*

I'm an influencer with Tryazon. I host parties from time to time and in exchange, I get to try out various products. With that being said, Christmas time is here and it is when people are looking for great gift ideas.  There are a lot of toys out there. But few truly capture my children's attention. Especially in comparison with video games. When these Bakugan products arrived, all my kids were excited. Which made me excited. I limit screen time as much as possible. They get tons of that in school now. They need more hands on things to work their imagination.

So what is Bakugan?

Before hosting this party, I didn't really know much about Bakugan. I knew they were some kind of battle toy, and likened them to Beyblade. My husband knew about the show, but not much beyond that. They are way more fun than that. These are animal characters. With different attributes. Spin Master puts them out. Spin Master has been making amazing toys since 1994. They are also the producers of the shows Bakugan: Battle Brawlers and Paw Patrol (which is a show all my kids loved). The Bakugan start in ball form and you roll them into battle, which triggers them to spring open when their magnets go over the BakuCore pieces. But they go further than just the toys. There is a show. There is a YouTube channel. You can dive deeper into their world. Heroes and villians, and factions - not to mention the card game that goes along with them. My kids love card games. From Pokemon to Yugioh, they are branching out. So of course this catches their eyes.

What we thought about them.

We received three packs. There was the Bakugan Starter Pack that came with 3 characters: Sairus Ultra, Fangzor x Mantonoid and Howlkor x Ramparian. You get 6 BakuCores, 3 ability cards, 3 character cards, 1 gate card, as well as the instruction and rule sheets. I definitely suggest this one for the first gift. This will get the kiddos started and allow the perfect set to practice with.

Next, is the Baku-Gear pack. This one had the Pegatrix Ultra Baku Gear set in it. You can add gear pieces that make your Bakugan look more fierce. It also comes with 2 BakuCores, which are the hexagon shaped pieces in the game. Then you have your ability and character cards. This set is for the kid that loves the characters and wants to show off!

And finally, we have another Bakugan - the Nillious. This one is known as a Gate-Trainer. If you are just looking to build their collection, you will get sets like this. A single Bakugan with 2 BakuCores, a character card, and a collectible training card. 

 

We started by showing the kids videos on the channel. There are the show episodes, how-to's, reviews and battles that other kids have done. It was a great way to introduce them to the game.

Let the battling begin!

I am glad they gave this following video to guide us through the battling process. It also shows you how to use each piece.  

Where can you get them?

Target and Amazon provide you these and more of the Bakugan toys. I have also found them at Walmart.You can get many characters and should get the battle arena. It helps to be able to set up and keep the rolling Bakugan from rolling right off the table, as we have learned. 

Tell me what you think in the comments below. What would be your reason for getting something like this?

Gifting For the Guys in Your Life - Manscaped Review

We all have men in our lives. Grandfathers, fathers, brothers, friends - the list goes on. And sometimes, buying for these guys can be tricky. But it doesn't have to be. Especially if they are men who can grow undesirable hair. 

*Disclaimer: I was sent this product in exchange for sharing my honest review. I was not otherwise paid or endorsed. All opinions are my own.*

As part of my association with US Family Guide, I was introduced to the Manscaped company. I've seen some men's grooming products, but hadn't really put much thought into it. After all, my man tends to himself pretty well. But I couldn't help thinking that it didn't hurt to branch out. To introduce him to something new. They chose to send me The Lawn Mower 3.0. Designed for grooming groin and body hair. This little beauty had me awe when it arrived. 

Who are Manscaped?

They are the company that wants to provide men with the tools they need to maintain the wild hair that grows in uncomfortable spots. They have products that cover delicate needs. And the best part is, they put in the effort to make sure men don't have to. Their products are built to be strong enough to tackle a bush without losing the delicacy of nick-free comfort. Whether you are looking like a grizzly on the chin, want to smooth the back, or take the trim down south  - they got you covered!

Why would I buy this?

For the gentlemen - First off, I have heard plenty of jokes about a woman's leg, underarm, and pubic hair. And what you guys prefer women to do about it. As a lady, I can tell you, that I prefer a man who puts more care into his looks in return. Muscles alone won't cut it for me. Truth be told, they aren't even the highest selling point for me in particular. Second to brains, I look for sophisticated style. Nicely trimmed hair goes a long way. It shows that you are willing to put in effort to match or beat the effort I put in. My husband and I have an agreement. He shaves his face and keeps the mustache/goatee within reason, I will keep the legs and certain other areas smooth for his enjoyment. It is a two-way street, guys. And it goes a LONG way! So if you have nose hairs long enough to be touched by sunlight or excessive body hair that makes us wonder if you are the missing link - you might want to pay attention.

For the ladies - I know what you might be thinking, this would be an embarrassing thing to give to someone, right? My question to you would be WHY? We all have hair. And many of us have it in unwanted places. Shaving can be uncomfortable. Most of us have done it, or are still doing it. Probably started as young as 12 years old. So here are my thoughts. 

1. Guys don't often do their homework when searching for products. Either they are embarrassed or they don't feel the need to. That alone is a good reason to help them out. 
2. There are multiple options. I'm not suggesting you get The Lawn Mower for your boss or Dad. That would be WEIRD and so wrong. But maybe Dad or Brother has unsightly nose hairs. This might be a polite nudge that gets them trying to look neater. And maybe your significant other has a bush bigger than yours. There is such a thing as too much. But these aren't the only TOOLS they offer. And certainly not the only products. They also have male nail grooming kits. Have a guy who can never seem to keep the claws within reason? There are two kinds to choose from.  

 The Lawn Mower 3.0 

 

This little bundle of magic came with a lot of neat things. A silky smooth bag to keep it in, a brush to clear away hair, a charging station for the rechargeable battery. This smooth device is waterproof and ergonomic to make it as comfortable and versatile as possible. Comes with a light to guide you in the darker crevices too.

Even I was getting excited and thinking I need a female version...

But, wait! There is more!

They have the Formulations and Lifestyle products to peruse. The first section covers items they make to enhance the male grooming experience while the second one offers more luxury and comfort. 

So tell me your thoughts. Why would, or wouldn't, you consider their products? Leave me a comment below!

6 Gift Ideas When Christmas Shopping for Nerds

There are so many types of suggestion lists for gift ideas. For Moms, Dads, Him, Her, Teachers - even for Pets! You know what I don't see enough of? Ideas for Nerds. And the best thing about us, is how easy we can be to gift. Check out some of the best things I have found recently. 

I start with two things we saw at Wal-Mart. Around this time of year is when they start putting out cool things that you have wished for, and you didn't even know it! 

Minecraft Throw 3-piece set: This is an awesome set for any age. Minecraft lovers can curl up on the couch with a small pillow and throw during those lazy winter days. The fold-able cube can be used to store them when not in use or used for something else entirely. Better yet, these are being sold for less than $20! 

Minecraft Builders & Biomes board game: This is awesome! As a family who loves both board games and Minecraft, this is the best of both worlds. I haven't tried it out (yet!), but hope to one day. According to their website it is $25. 

 

Fragrant Jewels bath bombs: I came across an Instagram ad for these and would really love to try them one day. These are more for the lady nerds out there. Maybe I'm alone in this category, but I LOVE surprises. Bath bombs, candles, mystery packs - just can't get enough. Probably the thrill that draws me in. The Dragon Egg bath bomb is what caught my eye. They even have the winter one that looks gorgeous and has white themed stones instead. But after looking a little deeper on their website, I saw several that were pretty cool - nerdy and otherwise! Plus, you can get 15% off with this code - MYGIFT15 at checkout. Or throw in your email address and try for free shipping! There is something fun about the element of surprise. You can get candles or bath bombs, each one comes with a hidden ring inside.

For the cool Moms - Jedi Mom shirts! Etsy is amazing. They have wonderful things you didn't know were possible. For the Star Wars fan moms out there, why not show them how the Force is with them or that they are the Jedi Mom.

Speaking of Etsy, I ordered my husbands amazing Christmas gift from there. I present to you the Portal Inspired bookends by DVAMakerStudios!

Now, let's talk about handmade gifts that are fairly simple. The first one just requires a laminator. Everything else is optional. 

I made each of my kiddos a bookmark a while back. They are super simple, super inexpensive, and bring a level of love that can only come from those who know others well. Stickers, printed designs, hand drawn art - your imagination is your only limit. Think of the bookworm you care about. Who are their heroes? Who do they love to read about? Start with that. Create the bookmark they won't ever want to part with. Then finish it by laminating it. My strongest suggestion would be to make it of cardstock, however. This way it will stay more rigid.

I really want to try this next one - A book clutch! Talk about the perfect night out accessory. I'm a huge fan of books. So having one as a purse, just seems natural.

Well, that is my list. What else can you think of? Any cool Star Trek ideas out there? Gamer themes that rock your nerdy world?

Scrape-A-Round Makes a FUN-ctional Gift Idea!

Winter brings a lot of challenges. Especially when you are located in a place that has snow and ice. How many times have you gone out to your vehicle, only to find that you can't see out the windows because they are frozen over? Having an ice scraper is your best way to deal with it quickly. But only if it works well. Which is where my latest review comes in! 

*Disclaimer: I was sent these products for free in exchange for my honest review. I was not otherwise paid or endorsed. All opinions are strictly my own.* 

Scrape-A-Round ice scrapers make getting the windows clear so much easier! We have been using ours for a couple winters now. They come in a 3 pack. And the best part? They are the only ones that are cone shaped and made in the United States. The softer plastic conforms to the windows curvature. 

They also function as funnels!

 They stack easily, are designed to get your windows cleaned as quickly as possible and even come apart to create funnels! Multi-use tools that deserve a place in your car. 

Perfect gift idea! 

You can create quite the gift basket with these. Functional and cute. They had ideas on their blog. We chose to give some to family members with a gift card tucked inside.What do you think? Are these useful where you are? Let me know in the comments below!

Color in Kids is the Perfect Gift for the Creative Kid! (+ giveaway)

I have been searching for things that make perfect gifts this Christmas. Especially things that enhance creativity in children. That is why I'm so very happy to introduce you to Color in Kids. More than a shirt, it is a chance to let kids be artistic over and over. 

*Disclaimer: I was sent these products free of charge in exchange for my honest review. I was not otherwise paid or endorsed. All opinions are strictly my own.*

I absolutely love things that give kids a chance to express themselves. And if they can do so more than once - well, even better! These shirts can be colored, worn, washed and the cycle repeated! There are so many styles to choose from. 

This Christmas and for all the gift giving events that follow - do you have a child on your list that has everything already?  Why get something they will be bored with after the first use? Speaking from experience, I have watched all my kids get something and be bored with it after only a couple weeks. This can be a toy they begged for, for months! But then came to realize it wasn't what they wanted long term. At least with these, they are practical and the kids can change it up after each wash! 
They also get to put their name to it. It is their own masterpiece, as unique as they are. 

Some even glow in the dark! 

As I mentioned before, there are plenty of options to choose from. Including glow in the dark designs and metallic designs.  My favorite glow in the dark shirt is the Rocket. This is the one my younger son chose. (It glows really well!)

 It is so much fun! As are the metallic designs. They have metallic silver worked in to add a cool effect to the designs. This one looked like so much fun! My older daughter picked it out. To her, it was pretty because it was "shiny".

My daughter was thrilled to add color to the sparkle, being the princess that she is. 

I came from Florida and have family back there, so these designs caught my eye as I thought of them! I still love the sea and the things portrayed from it.

 They are all so cool. Even I could wear some of these and feel fabulous! 
Remember to wash in hot water to get the colors out and create a blank canvas for the kids. I had forgotten and washed in cold (which is what I wash our clothes in normally) so not all the color came out. Plus, some colors like red, leave a ghost color behind when the kids push too hard.

But even so, it was light enough that the kids didn't complain. They said they would color over it and create new works of art! 

Little Miss Bedhead couldn't wait to color with Mommy this morning. She loved her "horsey". Something I hadn't realized, was that the cardboard that the markers was attached to could actually be used inside the shirt while the kids colored to make sure they didn't bleed through to the back. Just a helpful tip from the company!

Take away is, these non-toxic materials provide hours of fun that happens over and over. It promotes creativity. And by purchasing these, you are supporting a smaller business who supports great causes. My kids loved theirs so much, they have been asking for more!

What else should you know about Color in Kids?

They are US based. Local, durable and safe! That is their goal with the products they provide. They also support some amazing charities. 2 out of 3 are ones that I really hold important: American Cancer Society and Hope for Autism. Don't know about you, but I have met/cared about more than one person that has been affected by autism or cancer. I respect companies that seek to help in the research that may one day save lives with cures 

Want to win your own?

Color in Kids was generous enough to host a giveaway of 12 sets! You read that right, TWELVE, winners! So get in those entries and spread the fun. Encourage creativity while you are still able to.
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Lucky Cat from Kidorable brings charm and warmth! (+ giveaway)

Hey everyone! I'm working with Kidorable again to showcase a new product they have introduced. The Lucky Cat design has been added to their inventory options! 

*Disclaimer: I was sent these products, free of charge, in exchange for my honest review. I was not otherwise paid or endorsed. All opinions are my very own.* 

What is the Lucky Cat? 

The Kidorable kitty who sparks imagination and style for your little lady! My daughter loves cats. Actually, both of my girls love cats. (My husband and I think they are broken, but we love them anyhow.) However, the Lucky Cat knitwear set is absolutely adorable! It's Kidorable! *buh duh tss* Too much? Okay, but really. My daughter struts like a diva when wearing it. She proudly shows off her love of cats, often while making kitty cat sounds. And in purrrfect timing! Storms are moving down in the south that are bringing us colder temperatures and soon - lots of cold rain! 

Christmas is close, but you still have time! 

I don't know what kind of weather you might be having about now, but it is not too late to get your own Lucky Cat items. For cold or for rain - or even for indoors! - there is something for everyone. And right now, they are having quite the sale. So if you are looking for a last minute gift for Christmas, or maybe even a birthday, you really should check them out! 
Kidorable has umbrellas like the one my daughter tried out. 

And the one a lucky reader won from my last giveaway I hosted. She chose the ballerina one. Her daughter loves the movie Leap and got hers in the mail the day she was watching a 1930's movie that had a ballerina in it. It was the perfect addition to her day! 

Quality and sizes are impressive. 

As a Mom of 4 kids, I look for quality in gear that I buy. As one kid outgrows something, there is a second-fourth child who may get use out of it. I take into consideration that my kids might be a little more rough on things than they were meant to handle. Kidorable products seem to withstand that challenge still, as I have seen so far. This shows me that they are high quality and will last a good while. On top of that, sizes can be tricky for us. My kids are on the tall size of the spectrum, which means longer torsos, longer legs and longer fingers. Yep - model material! So shopping for them can be... tiresome. As infants, at least two of them couldn't even wear the baby mittens. Their hands just didn't fit into them. So how well did the knitwear work for my daughter? Perfectly! I went with a size large and her hands fit just right. The hat also fits well, covering her ears from the cold. The scarf is long enough to not only reach around her neck, but even goes to her waist! I also like that the scarf can hold the mittens while out of use in a little pocket. It makes keeping them together while storing them super easy.

What else do they offer? 

Besides amazingly cute umbrellas that stand out in the crowd, and knitwear that inspire daydreams, they have towels, backpacks and rain gear. All of them being unique. And everything sparking imaginative thinking. They can be a knight who battles fierce dragons or a fairy princess! Items like these also give your kids a way to stand out. The designs don't get lost in a crowd. 

So, are you ready to win your own? 

What do you like most about these products? Do you know anyone who would love them? Well, now is your chance to win one! a Rafflecopter giveaway