Review: Complete Survival Camping Gear Kit 6-IN-1 By InYard (TM)

I try to be an outdoorsy type of person, but with working full time and having three kids I don't always have the time to enjoy nature the way I want to.  I was given the chance to try this Complete Survival Camping Gear Kit by InYard (TM) for free to review.

I immediately noticed and loved about this set was the bag.  It's waterproof and securely closes. There's NO chance of anything coming out of that bag or getting wet.  It securely clasps in a way that you can either pack it away in a bigger bag or you can attach it to one of your bags.  You can also control the size of it, with 10L being the biggest (which in real life ends up being REALLY big)

This set includes:

1. Microfiber Towel - quick dry and comes in its own mesh bag with a hanging loop (30"x51")
   
2. Multitool Credit Card - compass, razor blade, tweezers, ruler, toothpick, bottle opener, magnifying glass, AWL and screwdriver
   
   
3. Magnesium Flint Fire Starter (everyone should know how to use this)
4. Emergency Rescue Whistle (not that loud, but will deter animals)
   
5. Fork/Spoon/Bottle Opener combo tool (fun to use even while not in the wild)
   
6. Universal 360 Degree Wire Saw (trickier, needs practice)
   
   
   
   

I lied before - I'm not really a nature lover.  We are going to the Adirondacks for a week in August, and we're all excited to put this kit to the test!  We'll be surrounded by lakes and we won't have any cable, internet or WiFi (what will I do?) so we will DEFINITELY have time to really try this out.  I think the only thing missing is a hammock or something to sleep on.  I suppose you can use the towel for that?!

For $35 this is a great deal, and you can find it on Amazon right here!

Review: "Big Boys Sleep in Their Own Bed" by Ayala Saar #childrensbooks

Photo creds - Amazon Kindle store

My four year old has coslept since he was a baby.  He was always a terrible sleeper, ever since the day I gave birth.  I thought having him sleep next to me would help him sleep through the night, but it took almost until he turned two years old to fall asleep and stay asleep.  Now he's four (and a half) and he knows he has his own room, but falls asleep and stays asleep in "momma's bed."  Even on the rare occasion he falls asleep in his own bed, he's climbing back in "momma's bed" by 2am.

I jumped on the chance to read and review "Big Boys Sleep in Their Own Bed" eBook by Ayala Saar because I thought what better motivation to move out of my room than a book explaining how to be a big boy?

Let me first say, I hate children's books that try to be too creative with big words, big descriptions and just too much plot.  A children's book should be catchy, bright and easy to read.  Also, I'm a big fan of rhymes (Dr. Seuss is my favorite).

Ayala Saar did an EXCELLENT job with keeping this simple to read and understand AND making the whole book rhyme.  My son is normally very hyper and doesn't like to sit for very long, but he has asked to read this story a few times and has even memorized parts of it.

Granted my son and the boy in the story (Tommy) want to sleep with mommy and daddy for different reasons, my son could relate to the feelings Tommy had of being scared and not wanting to be alone. Since buying him a new bed and new bedding didn't get him out of my room, maybe I can copy the idea that Ms. Saar gave me and buy him a Funny Pally?!

***Reference pm02a3c7fb3f489288ae6942498498db20***

Review: Effiliv Silicone Baking Cups - 24 Pack Bakeware Set

I would rather eat cupcakes than cake.  I'm not just saying that because this is a review for baking cups - I really, honestly love cupcakes!  A few months ago I made cupcakes for my son's birthday party in school.  I just went to the store and bought those tin foil ones.  Also, for the record, I never knew you could bake cupcakes in the baking cups.  I always thought you needed a cupcake pan. Now I know better!

These Effiliv Silicone Baking Cups come in bright, vibrant colors.  24 of them to be exact.  I've used other silicone baking cups before, and the first thing I noticed was how BRIGHT these were.  I really, really like this set.

We made banana muffins in these.  Not only did they withstand the high 350 degree heat, but they were cool when I handled them, and the muffin did not stick to the inside.  The baking cup peeled right off, and the muffin was whole and delicious!  I secretly think that the silicone does something to the mix because everything is so moist when I've used them.

Fun facts about these Effiliv Baking Cups:

• Can withstand heat up to 450 degrees
• BPA free
• 100% FDA Grade
• Free recipe eBook
• 24 cups for the price of 12
• Dishwasher Safe (I wash them by hand because nothing sticks so it's easy)
• NO MORE MUFFIN TINS REQUIRED

Lifetime guarantee for under $10.  If my blog didn't convince you, check it out for yourself on Amazon right here!

***Sample Provided***

Review: ATHENA 120ml Ultrasonic Oil Diffuser by KOKO Aroma

When I say I love essential oils and diffusers, I mean it.  I started with zero and now I have FIVE. Yes FIVE.  Two of the five are made by KOKO Aroma.

This ATHENA 120ml Ultrasonic Oil Diffuser is great.  I think it's one of my favorites, mostly because it has a remote control.  Also because it changes color, and it changes it gradually and smoothly.  I tried to take pictures of the changes, but my camera didn't get the full effect.  I probably should have taken video.

Some fun facts about the ATHENA 120ml Ultrasonic Oil Diffuser:

• New Eco Technology provides quiet and saves energy with auto shut off
• Provides aroma mist relaxation and also helps lift your mood
• Can be used as an oil diffuser, ionizer, air freshener, purifier, atomizer and humidifier
• Includes a free eBook

This diffuser is quiet, runs up to 6 hours, has a remote control (that comes with its own battery), does not get hot, keeps your skin moisturized, room smelling fresh, has six rotating LED lights, and is just AWESOME.

It will cost you about $40 on Amazon and you can find it right here!!

***I was able to buy this at a discount***

Review: LA Pop Expandable Shopping Bags

Seriously, how cute are these bags?  I was given the chance to get these LA Pop Expandable Shopping Bags to try out then review.  The five pack I got was a watermelon, carrot, pineapple, strawberry and grape.  My four year old thought these were fun just to play with as is, and I have to agree with him!  Not only do these fold up into fun fruit, they are also small enough that you can stick it in your purse or other bag when you're not using them.  When unfolded the bag measures 15 inches by 15 inches and can hold up to 20 pounds.  Decent sized bags in a fun colors!  Also, when they are unfolded the little fruit dangles on the side, and they have a handy wrist strap to grasp onto while shopping.  I also use my bag (usually the strawberry) for a tote bag back and forth to work.

You can find them on Amazon for about $12 - click right HERE!

***Sample Received***

Review: eBook - Green Smoothies: The Weight Loss & Detox Secret #Myownveggieworld

78 pages of pure deliciousness.  Well, not all 78 pages, but the majority of this eBook is filled with wonderful recipes.

Last year, when I was on my health kick, I would have a GREEN smoothie every single day.  Some smoothies were better than others because I would mix ingredients that I thought went well together, not really understanding how they went together.  If only I had this Jonathan Vine eBook when I truly needed it!  Better late than never.

The first eight chapters are filled with useful information from "What is a Green Smoothie?" to to "Types," to "Tasty Tips"... well, you get the point.

Why are green smoothies so good, and what are they exactly?  Read the book!

I would rather drink a Green Smoothie than a fruity smoothie.  I love spinach and kale, and I love it mixed with fruit.  My fiance, on the other hand, has no interest in even trying it.  I tell him you can't even taste the vegetables you put in, but he doesn't believe me.

There are recipes in this eBook that I would never dream of doing!  Almond Avocado mixed together?  Kale, Tomato and Cucumber?  Surprisingly, that one sounds good to me.  I haven't tried that one yet because I haven't fully committed to my diet.  Yet.  I do need to get back in gear.

I will say I'm excited I have this at my fingertips, and I WILL follow it and use it.   I'm really happy I had the chance to read and review this because I'm now motivated to follow this - not only for the health and weight loss benefits, but they're really yummy!

You can find this eBook on Amazon right HERE!

Review: Ebook - Abigail and the Tropical Island Adventure #Talicarmi

My four year son loves reading.  We're not modernized yet with the whole eBook and Kindle reading, even though I have the app on my phone.  There's nothing like good, old fashioned book reading.  We did finally try an eBook together, and it was Abigail and the Tropical Island Adventure.

This is a great story to read aloud to your young children.  The wording and sentence structure is a little difficult for a beginning reader, but they sound fine when an adult reads it.

Abigail has a magic bicycle and she goes on adventures - this was book eight I believe.  In this book she went on an adventure to a tropical island and met up with a young girl named Lelei who had a birthday party (and who is topless, too!)  The book goes on to explain problem solving, working together, and celebrating other cultures.

My review - cute book, great illustrations.

You can buy it on Amazon right here!