Monday, July 6, 2015

Summertime Reading with Scholastic

Disclosure - free sample provided.

I love to encourage my 8 and 10 year old to read throughout the Summer.  I don't want to overly push them with educational activities, but I like to make sure they sit down and read daily.  This really helps boost their reading skills.  I keep a variety of great books in the house, so that they always have a nice selection to choose from.  Scholastic has a huge selection of books that a great for Summertime reading.  This really helps make reading even more fun for my kids!






10 True Tales
This series is new to my 10 year old.  There are a number of these books that are available.  I am always trying to get my son to read non-fiction, and this is a great way to get him interested in different subjects.  These are chapter style books that are easy to pick up, and he enjoys sitting down and learning new facts.  

War Heroes Voices from Iraq is a 10 True Tales book.  This book features Staff Sergeant Chad Malmberg.  It about a way to save his convoy.  It also talks about Marine Scout Sniper Scott Montoya and how he finds an injured comrade in the street.  This is just some of the material in War Heroes from Iraq.  My son has always been intrigued about different wars, and this is a great way for him to learn more about those great heroes that served in Iraq.  

Battle Heroes Voices from Afghanistan is another great factual book.  This book discusses the American Heroes that risked their lives in Afghanistan.  The book discusses Stephen Boada.  He picked up a Taliban call on a radio scanner.  It also features Medic Mark Decorte.  He jumped from a chopper on a rescue mission.  

World War II Heroes is another 10 True Tales Book.  This book is all about the real life heroes from World War II.  My son was really into this book.  He learned about Lt. Col. James Rudder.  He learned about his rangers climbing a cliff on a secret mission on D-Day.  The book also features Sgt. Forrest Vosler.  He was blinded and hurt by a German fighter plane.  

Surviving Sharks and Other Dangerous Creatures was one of my son's favorites.  He is very interested in animals like this.  This tells you all about what it would be like to get bitten by a shark.  The book also talks about children that survived shark attacks.  It also features animals like cougars and elephants.





Battle Bugs
This is a a series that appealed to my 8 year old.  These books are written at a great level for her.  They are a simple chapter book that isn't frustrating.  The Spider Siege is a story about General Komodo.  This is a group of horned lizards.  However, Battle Bugs come up with a plan to save everything.  The Lizard War is another great book in the Battle Bugs series.  This fun and action packed story is about Bug Island being attacked.  




Pip Barlett's Guide to Magical Creatures.
This is a novel by Jackson Pearce and Maggie Stiefvater.  It is about Pip Bartlett.  Pip can talk to magical creatures.  Pip has an aunt that is a vet for magical creatures.  This is a mysterious book.  Pip sets out with others to find out what is going on with the Fuzzles.



Petlandia
This really is a fun book.  We loved how the author incorporated great humor into the story.  My 8 year old was really amused by the story.  This book is about how the pets actually kicked the humans out of the house.  The pets then turned to a leader.  That ended up turning into trouble though.

These are just some of the great Summertime reads that Scholastic has to offer.  You can visit their website to learn more about all of the books they offer.

Disclosure - I received a free sample to facilitate my review.  No monetary compensation was provided.  All opinions are completely my own.  My participation is voluntary.   I am disclosing in accordance with FTC 16 CFR Part 255.  

Real Chemistry Skincare Review

Disclosure - free sample provided.



I have been seriously fighting with my skin this Summer.  My skin seems to get so dry from the outdoors.  It is hot where I live, and we spend a ton of time outside at the pool.  I have been looking for products to nourish my skin and pamper it.  That is exactly what I found when I tried Real Chemistry Skincare.  These products make your skin look and feel great.  They left my skin soft, smooth, and radiant.  I couldn't ask for anything more.




Luminous 3-Minute Peel
I fell in love with this product.  This is so easy to use, and it gets ride of all the dry and dead skin on your face.  You simply apply this to your skin.  You leave it on for 20 to 30 seconds.  Then you massage the area for about 2 to 3 minutes.  This removes all the dead skin and leaves your face super soft.  My face felt so great after this.  I like that it was gentle on my skin.  I honestly felt that this was gentler on my skin than many scrubs, but the 3-Minute Peel worked much better.  This product can help control breakouts, diminish dark spots, reduce ingrown hair, even the skin tone, brighten your complexion, and smooth the skin texture out.  

Daily Serum with MTHV Complex
This is a serum that can be used on your face and neck.  I use it in the morning and before bed.  This serum is great to put on under your moisturizer and makeup.  It makes my skin feel super soft, and hydrated.  This is designed to help with skin tone and smooth out imperfections.  It can also help diminish dark spots, add elasticity, control Rosacea, and brighten your complexion.  I was really impressed with how great my skin looked just after a few uses.




Environmental Rescue Mask with MTHV Complex
I used this mask after we had been outside in the sun, and out by the pool all weekend.  This mask is designed to hydrate your skin and make it soft after environmental exposure.  The mask is easy to use.  You open the package, and unfold the mask.  The mask is soaked with serum.  This serum soaks into your skin for about 20 to 30 minutes.  You then remove the mask, but do not rinse.  The serum can be massaged into your skin.  It really helped soften my skin after a long weekend outdoors.  

You can learn more about all of these great skincare products from Real Chemisty by visiting their website.  You can also connect with them on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and Instagram.

Disclosure - I received a free sample to facilitate my review.  No monetary compensation was provided.  All opinions are completely my own.  My participation is voluntary.   I am disclosing in accordance with FTC 16 CFR Part 255.  

Tillamook Country Smoker - Jerky Review

Disclosure - free sample provided.



We absolutely love beef jerky in our house.  However, we are very picky when it comes to jerky.  I like jerky that has great flavor, and is tender.  I recently received some jerky from Tillamook Country Smoker to try out.  My family fell in love with this tasty jerky.  Tillamook Country Smoker jerky is everything that I expect jerky to be, and more.  

Tillamook Country Smoker has a great smokey flavor.  I like that you really can taste the flavor of the smoke.  This is because their jerky is naturally smoked with wood.  This jerky is made in the USA too!  There are so many reasons why I love this jerky.  It tastes great, and is super tender.  It is not overly salty.  It is all natural.  It is low in fat, gluten free, has no nitrites, and no MSG added to it.  I like that the jerky is made with sea salt.  It gives it a really good flavor.  This is a great high protein snack.  It is perfect for road trips.  I like that the bags are easy to open and they reseal.  The jerky has no artificial ingredients and no preservatives.  I was truly impressed.  








Tillamook Country Smoker offers a great variety of flavors of jerky.  They offer a flavor for everyone.  I personally like my jerky a little sweet.  I fell in love with the Pineapple Teriyaki Turkey Jerky, the Cranberry Turkey Jerky, and the Honey Glazed Beef Jerky,  My kids enjoyed the Old Fashioned Beef Jerky.  My husband's favorites were the Smoked Jalapeno Beef Jerky, the Sea Salt & Peppered Jerky, and the Smoked Teriyaki Beef Jerky.  They are all excellent, and it is hard to pick a favorite.  What flavor would you want to try?  

You can learn more about all of the tasty jerky that Tillamook Country Smoker offers by visiting their website.  You can also connect with them on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

Disclosure - I received a free sample to facilitate my review.  No monetary compensation was provided.  All opinions are completely my own.  My participation is voluntary.   I am disclosing in accordance with FTC 16 CFR Part 255.  

Alamos - Argentinian Wines Review

Disclosure - free sample provided.  



Do you love to try new wines?  I have loved a good Malbec from the first time that I tried one.  This is an Argentinian style dry red.  They really are excellent.  Alamos is offers some of my favorite Malbec wines.  Alamos is a winery that offers both red and white style Argentinian wines.  I truly suggest trying some of their wines if you haven't.  They really are impressive.




Malbec
I received two bottles of Alamos Malbec.  The first bottle, is their 2014 Malbec.  This is an excellent dry red.  It is smooth and easy to drink.  It is said to have flavors of plum, cherry, and blackberry.  I was impressed with how smooth this red was.  The grapes used in this wine are from the Andes Mountains region.  This bottle retails for about $13.  If you really are a big fan of a Malbec then I suggest that you try Alamos' 2013 Seleccion Malbec.  This is one of the best Malbecs that I have ever had.  It is similar to the 2014 Malbec, but it has a richer flavor.  It is a bit spicy, but it is also smooth.  This wine is said to have hints of berry flavor in it.  This bottle retails for about $20.  I would pair these Malbecs with grilled meats this Summer for a great meal!




Torrontes
The 2014 Torrontes from Alamos is really an excellent light white wine.  This was the first time I ever sampled a Torrontes, and I really enjoyed it.  The wine is crisp, and refreshing.  It is a little sweet too.  It is said to have flavors of peach and pineapple.  I think this would pair really well with fresh fruit and cheese.  It is a great Summer wine and is great for Summer barbecues and picnics.  This bottle retails for about $13.


You can learn more about all of the wines that Alamos offers by visiting their website.  

Disclosure - I received a free sample to facilitate my review.  No monetary compensation was provided.  All opinions are completely my own.  My participation is voluntary.   I am disclosing in accordance with FTC 16 CFR Part 255.  

Sunday, July 5, 2015

Princess Grace Sticker and Activity Book Review

Disclosure - free sample provided.



This is the third book in the series that we have received.  We have loved every single one of these fun sticker and activity books.  The Princess Grace Sticker and Activity Book was just as much fun as the other's.  These are books loaded with stickers, and fun activities to keep your child entertained.  They are great for traveling, or great for a quiet activity at home.  

This book is about Princess Grace, but it also includes the other princesses too.  Joy, Faith, Hope, and Charity, are featured in this book.  This book includes beautifully illustrated color pictures that my daughter really enjoyed.  The book has activities like finding the stickers to complete the picture.  The book also has a word search that has your child look for Grace's favorite things.  Their are also pages to color.  My daughter loved the coloring page with Grace and the kitties.  The book has a page where your child gets to draw their own vase full of beautiful flowers.  

These are just some of the great activities that you will find in the Princess Grace Sticker and Activity book.  You can learn more about this book here.  

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookLook Bloggers book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Princess Charity Sticker and Activity Book Review

Disclosure - free sample provided.



My daughter loves to sit and color, and do activity type books during the Summer.  This is such a great quiet activity for her.  We received a copy of the Princess Joy Sticker and Activity Book.  We just received a copy of another one of these.  The Princess Charity Sticker and Activity book is also excellent for little girls.  My daughter really enjoyed this activity book.  

This is a colorful book loaded with princesses.  This book is about Princess Charity, but it features five princesses in all.  Princess Charity is the youngest princess.  The book can be colored in, and this really is fun for your child.  There is a great color by number picture in the book.  Your child can also color the dresses that the princesses are wearing in the start of the book.  There is also a fun maze.  Their is a page that asks your child to find things in a picture that do not belong in it.  There is also an activity that asks your child to find what is different in two pictures.  My daughter really enjoyed the page that has you draw yourself as a princess.  It even has a spot where your child can make up their very own princess name.  The book also comes with a collection of beautiful color stickers.

These are just some of the fun activities that will keep your child entertained while they are reading the Princess Charity Sticker and Activity book.  You can learn more about this book here.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookLook Bloggers book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Wednesday, July 1, 2015

Ozeri 4 x 3 Razor Digital Pedometer Review

Disclosure - free sample provided.


I am always trying to find an easy way to track my fitness level.  How do you keep track of your walking or running?  Ozeri's 4 x 3 razor digital pedometer is an easy way to track your fitness.  This pedometer currently retails for $28.95 on Amazon.  It is reasonably priced, and I like that it won't break the bank to purchase.  

The 4 x 3 razor digital pedometer is compact.  It isn't bulky to wear!  It can even be kept in your pocket comfortably.  I like that it can clip easily onto your clothing.  The pedometer is loaded with great features.  The 4 x 3 pedometer tracks steps, distance, speed, calories, fat burned, and your exercise time.  This is the ultimate performance pedometer.  The pedometer has a 3D Bosch Sensor from Germany.  The pedometer has a lithium battery too.  This pedometer also has a 30 day memory.  I am impressed by all the great features it has.  

You can learn more about this great fitness tracking pedometer by Ozeri by checking it out on Amazon.  They have 3 great color options to choose from when purchasing.  You can choose black, yellow, or blue.  

Disclosure - I received a free sample to facilitate my review.  No monetary compensation was provided.  All opinions are completely my own.  My participation is voluntary.   I am disclosing in accordance with FTC 16 CFR Part 255.