Mixbook: Product Review + 20% Discount Code

I love scrapbooking.  But sometimes I just do not have the time or energy to pull out all of my supplies, come up with ideas, choose and print the photos I want to use, and then actually do the scrapbooking! 

One solution to this issue that I LOVE is the concept of a digital scrapbook.  I was very excited to make a digital scrapbook at Mixbook.com for a product review.  The issue I had was coming up with a theme.  I finally decided to make a Father's Day gift for my husband, from my daughter's perspective.  I had so much fun going through pictures of the two of them and choosing themes for each page.

The next issue I had was selecting a book theme.  Mixbook has over 70 themes already designed, and you have the option of simply adding your photos and text to these themes.   I wanted something "fun" that would symbolize Father's Day but could be read on any occasion.  For this reason, I decided not to use a pre-designed theme.  I was able to select different layouts for each page of my scrapbook based on the number of photos I was including, and I chose backgrounds that looked "fun" and "kid-ish".

A helpful tutorial pops up as you first begin to assemble your book and is accessible via the "help" button for reference later.  There is also the option of a "live chat" with a Mixbook representative if you have questions during your scrapbook assembly.  I also really liked the idea that you can make your scrapbook available to friends and family in order to work on a project together.  What a great idea for families like mine who are spread out quite a bit!

Of course, this review would not be complete without photos of my completed Mixbook.  Here it is, my 20-page 6x8 inch softcover mixbook in letter format:  "Dear Daddy"...

Front Cover

Back Cover

I was very pleased with my creation, and I was so excited to present it as a Father's Day gift.  Mixbook's prices are very reasonable, and their shipping time was excellent.  I was very pleased with my experience working with them.

Are you interested in making a digital scrapbook of your own?  Check out the Mixbook website, or find them on Twitter or Facebook.  I am pleased to be able to offer a 20% discount on a purchase from their website, via the code:  TOMOSON20.  This code has no expiration date, but it can only be used once per customer.  Share it with your family and friends, and enjoy being creative!

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com created by WebBizIdeas.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commissions 16 CFR, Part 255 Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising. Tomoson Product review & giveaway Disclosure.

Product Review: BrytonPick

I am not a fan of flossing my teeth.  I really do not know why.  I love the clean floss feeling.  I know the importance.  But I just hate the process, and I only do it when absolutely necessary.  Gross, I know.
That is why I was curious when I heard about BrytonPick - the "floss in seconds" that is reusable up to 30 days.  Made of flexible stainless steel ends and a colored center grip, BrytonPick claims to be more socially acceptable than typical products.

I love that this product comes with a carrying case and fits into my purse (or wallet for a man).  I would never consider carrying a packet of dental floss, but the BrytonPick is in my purse at all times.  I am also a sucker for a product that comes in stylish colors, and I look forward to purchasing a pink one when my 30 days are finished with Mr. Red. 

The day my BrytonPick arrived, my husband and I happened to be going out to eat.  I ate my delicious steak dinner, and afterwards, instead of improvising and using a straw to clean my teeth as I have done on occasion, I used my BrytonPick.  It was great!  I did not feel disgusting doing that in public, and my teeth were clean.  I have some teeth that are close-set to each other, but the BrytonPick worked well even with those.

Are you interested in trying BrytonPick for yourself?  Visit their website for more details, to order online, or to get information about what stores sell this product.

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com created by WebBizIdeas a Minneapolis SEO and Web Design firm. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commissions 16 CFR, Part 255 Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising. Tomoson Product review & giveaway Disclosure.

Baby Bond Nursing Sash Review and Giveaway - Take 2!

I received a comment on my previous Belly Band product review from Missy, the owner of the company that makes these nursing sashes. She pointed out that my sister-in-law was using her sash improperly and provided links to some YouTube videos that would be of assistance. The first demonstrated how to put on the product on as a sash. The second demonstrates how to put it on as a belly band.


After viewing these videos, my sister-in-law realized she had been nursing from the right side when wearing the product on her right shoulder. To use the sash properly, she should have been nursing from the left side when wearing the product on her right shoulder. Take a look at these photos, demonstrating how to use the product properly.

She commented to me that she actually felt quite a bit more modest when using the product properly. In fact, her intention now is to use it more often - especially on hot days this summer! She also pointed out that holding her baby in a cradle-hold felt more modest than the "football hold" she usually does

Just look at the confidence in this proud momma! :)

Are you interested in winning a free Baby Bond Nursing Sash?  View my original product review, and scroll to the bottom for instructions on how to enter!  You do not need a blog to participate!  This giveaway ends Saturday, 3/12/11!

Baby Bond Nursing Sash: Product Review & Giveaway *Edited 3/11/11*

This is my first product GIVEAWAY, Sponsored by Tomoson.com

As I enter the third trimester of my pregnancy, I find myself more and more interested in the products that are currently available for both Mom and Baby.  I have a 2 year-old daughter, but there are still many new and exciting products available today that either did not exist, or I was not aware of when she was born.  I love to browse baby aisles and think through whether or not these are items I would be interested in testing out with Baby #2.

I used a nursing cover with my first daughter - one that hung around my neck and covered her entire body and my front while she nursed. I loved this cover, because it allowed me to nurse discreetly in public. Then summer rolled around (along with warm weather), my daughter got more nosey about her environment, and the nursing cover just was not working for us. I remember visiting my parents' house, and every 3 hours I had to retreat to a bedroom to nurse the baby for about half an hour. I felt like I missed out on so much. There had to be a better way.

I was very excited when I learned that I was selected to do a review of a new and exciting product:  a Baby Bond Nursing Sash.  I did some research on their website and was impressed with the design of the sashes.  These allow Baby's head to be exposed, while Mom remains covered.  The sashes come in three different styles:  Original, Flex, and Couture.  I watched the videos on the website and then selected the Couture in Hudson, based on its versatility.  I liked the thought that it could be used as a belly band to nurse from under your shirt, as well as a nursing top to nurse from the top. 

A few days later, my package arrived in the mail.  The box included photos of the product as well as visual instructions on the two different ways to use it.

I tried on the sash and was pleased that the one-size-fits-all truly did cover my larger frame.  The 100% cotton design was soft to the touch and would not irritate myself or Baby.  I was excited to test out the product, but I was missing one thing.  A baby.  :)

I sent the sash to my sister-in-law, who was happy to assist me in my review.  Her beautiful baby is currently 2 months old and is a frequent nurser.  She had been using a more traditional nursing cover and was eager to give this a try. 

Baby Bond allowed her son to breathe better as he nursed, which resulted in less spitting-up.  She liked that the sash folded up into itself, saving space in the diaper bag.  It is very easy to launder, and there is no concern about wires bending or poking through the material.  She also liked the versatility of being able to use the product as a sash or as a belly band.

My sister-in-law is very modest, and modesty was her main concern with using this product.  Her son frequently pulls off to look at her or look around while nursing.  When using the product as a sash, she was exposed at this point.  In addition, latching on without exposure was difficult.  When using the product as a belly band, she felt she would have to either have it on all the time or try to find a place to put it on in order to prevent her belly and back from exposure while adjusting it.  She also felt uncoordinated when trying to adjust the band, which she felt would become eaiser with practice.

Her conclusion was that her son's nursing habits make her a little uncomfortable with using the product.  She would likely use it in "semi-public" situations such as around immediate family, but she would not be comfortable using it around the general public.

*Edit* 3/11/11
I received a comment on this post from Missy, the owner of the company that makes these nursing sashes.  She pointed out that my sister-in-law was using her sash improperly and provided links to some YouTube videos that would be of assistance.  The first demonstrated how to put on the product on as a sash.  The second demonstrates how to put it on as a belly band. 

After viewing these videos, my sister-in-law realized she had been nursing from the right side when wearing the product on her right shoulder.  To use the sash properly, she should have been nursing from the left side when wearing the product on her right shoulder.  Take a look at these photos, demonstrating how to use the product properly.

She commented to me that she actually felt quite a bit more modest when using the product properly.  In fact, her intention now is to use it more often - especially on hot days this summer!  She also pointed out that holding her baby in a cradle-hold felt more modest than the "football hold" she usually does.

Just look at the confidence in this proud momma!  :)

*End Edit*

Perhaps this is a product you would be interested in trying out!  I am looking forward to giving it a try when my baby arrives in May, and I will post another review at that point.  For now, I would encourage you to take a look at a demonstration video on the Baby Bond site and see if this is a product you would be interested in using.

Now for the giveaway!  One lucky person will receive a nursing sash from Baby Bond.  To enter to win:  Visit Baby Bond's website and post a comment here with your favorite product and color.  Please be sure to leave your e-mail address (if I do not know you) so that I can contact you if you are the winner!

Extra Entries (available after the mandatory entry above is completed; please leave a separate comment for each entry in order for them to be counted).
2 extra entries if you follow this blog publicly via Google Friend Connect
3 extra entries if you blog about this giveaway, linking back to Our House of Fun.  Please leave an address where it can be found.
1 extra daily entry each time you visit this blog during the giveaway.

This giveaway will end on March 12th at 11:59pm EST.  The winner will be chosen by random.org and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond to notification or a new winner will be chosen.

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. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commissions 16 CFR, Part 255 Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising. Tomoson Product review & giveaway Disclosure.

Super Bowl Home Party Games (Product Review)

I attended several Super Bowl parties during my high school years.  These were a tradition that my youth pastor began in our church gymnasium.  During commercials, he would provide games and quizzes for all of us to work on.  Since I was not much of a football fan, this was the highlight of the Super Bowl for me. 

I always wondered where he came up with the game ideas.  If I hosted a Super Bowl party of my own, I would want to provide fun games like he did.  It would be a lot of work to come up with those games on my own.  That is why I was excited to learn about Super Bowl Home Party Games.  These games are downloadable and printable from your home computer.  What a great idea for last-minute planners!

I downloaded the Home Party Games Pack and was impressed with the variety and quality.  The trivia and games download in PDF format, and each includes colorful, entertaining clipart.  From football trivia, to fast food trivia, to a "make fun of the guys" quiz, these downloads provide a wide variety of games.  If I were hosting a Super Bowl party this year, I would definitely pull out some of these games.  Not all games are appropriate for all age groups, but there is enough variety that there is something for everyone!  For example, I would not use any of the beer-related games, but I really liked the different trivia games.

If you are hosting a Super Bowl party this year and are looking for some entertainment ideas, head over to Super Bowl Home Party Games and take a look at what they have to offer.

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. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commissions 16 CFR, Part 255 Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising. Tomoson Product review & giveaway Disclosure.

TShirtPrinting.net (Product Review)

As a former high school volleyball and basketball player, I am familiar with ordering personalized t-shirts.  We did this yearly to show support for our team, and of course, to look cool!  We were usually satisfied with the prices of our shirts, but there were times when they did not fit exactly as we had anticipated, or the printing did not look as good as we had hoped.

I received a sample t-shirt from TShirtPrinting.net, a company that specializes in special-order t-shirts.  When it arrived, I noted the material makeup:  90% cotton.  The instructions on the tag stated to turn garment inside out to wash.  I did this, having learned from prior experience that this is an important instruction to heed!  After two washing and drying cycles, I am pleased that the shirt fits true-to-size, and the screenprint looks intact and adheres as well as the day it arrived in the mail!

I gave the t-shirt to my husband, who claimed that it felt great and the fit was appropriate for the size on the tag.  His only negative comment was that the print seemed to be a bit off center.

My husband notices things I often overlook.  Once he mentioned that, I got out my measuring tape and was surprised and disappointed to note that the screenprint was 3/4 inch off center! 

I would have been very upset if this had been a t-shirt I had ordered.  I sent a message to the company stating, "this is not a t-shirt I would be pleased with if I had placed an order, and if this is a true representation of your product, I cannot recommend your company to others".  Unfortunately, the reply offered no assurance:  "I am sorry that you are not satisfied with the T-shirt we sent to you. I apologise for any inconvenience this may have caused." 

I browsed the TShirtPrinting.net website, and I was disappointed to note that there are no price quotes, color swatches, or areas to design your shirt online.  The website simply encourages customers to contact the company's phone number.  I also searched for a return policy, hoping there would be some assurance for those who are unsatisfied with their orders.  I could not find one.

While I was satisfied with the quality of the actual t-shirt and the printing, I was not satisfied with the printing placement or the company website.  If I were placing an order for t-shirts today, I am sad to say that I would continue to search for a different company.

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. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commissions 16 CFR, Part 255 Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising. Tomoson Product review & giveaway Disclosure.

Product Review: Applied Labels LLC

I was excited to do a review of Applied Labels LLC.  As a mother of a 2 year-old, I am becoming increasingly aware of the need to label my daughter's belongings.  More specifically, I currently have the (somewhat compulsive) need to label her ever-present sippy cups.  Her cups are constantly being picked up by other toddlers, and I cannot expect a nursery worker who sees my daughter once a month to remember which sippy cup is hers.  Labels eliminate the questions.

I browsed the Applied Labels LLC website and chose their "Cutie" font from the three font choices available.  I also chose to have a cute puppy icon printed on my labels, since my daughter is in love with dogs.  My labels arrived a few days later, and I was not disappointed. 

The labels are available in black print on white stickers, giving a classic look.  Instructions were included in the package, along with a URL for a how-to video if needed.  My kit contained 60 name labels, 30 blank clothing backers, and 12 clear shoe label covers.

I labeled my daughter's sippy cups, some clothing, and a pair of shoes.  The labels were simple to apply.  I was disappointed that I could not align the front and pack of the clothing labels perfectly, but a pair of scissors took care of the tiny overlap!  I was also disappointed that I could not use the labels on tagless clothing.  However, I have not been able to find a tag yet that can be used to label such clothing.

One of the things I liked most about this product was the fact that I could use the labels in any way I chose.  If I wanted to label her sippy cup, I used the same label I would use for her clothing (minus the backer).  I was also impressed that the labels met the expectations set by the manufacturer:  "ultra-tough and dishwasher safe"; "laundry-safe on tags".  After putting the sippy cups through the dishwasher and allowing my daughter to tote them around for a few weeks, the labels remain securely in place.  Her clothing tags went through the washer and dryer several times without issue, and her shoe tags have not shifted position at all.  I am very pleased with this product!

Have you been searching for a durable label for your child's belongings, or even your own?  I would suggest you take a look at the Applied Labels LLC website to see what they have to offer.  Applied Labels can also be found on Twitter and Facebook.

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. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commissions 16 CFR, Part 255 Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising. Tomoson Product review & giveaway Disclosure.

Oliver's Labels (Product Review)

I have a two year-old daughter. She does not go to daycare or preschool yet, but she is in the church nursery every Sunday.   Many Sundays when I go to pick her up, I find her holding another child's sippy cup.  This is nobody's fault; this is simply the life of a two year-old.  As flu season approached, I decided it was important to label her sippy cups.  I cut out pieces of paper, wrote her name on them, and fastened them to her cups with clear packaging tape.  This worked well until the day the tape became dirty and I tried to remove it.  Much scrubbing was needed to remove all of the adhesive residue.

That is why I was excited to learn about personalized kids' labels from Oliver's Labels.  I browsed their website and was impressed with the selection of label designs.  I chose the polka dots design, thinking that would be cute on my daughter's belongings.  Oliver's Labels provides a "preview" function, so you can see exactly what your labels will look like before you order them.  Since my daughter has a common first name, I decided to have her last name included on the labels as well.  I also requested the optional "Found-it" code.  I love this idea:  The Oliver's Labels website is printed on my daughter's labels, along with a numerical code.  Oliver's Labels then acts as an intermediary between myself and anyone who may report a missing item they have found.  This provides a sense of security, in that none of my contact information is actually provided on my daughter's labels, yet missing items can still be returned to my possession.

A few days after I placed my order, my labels arrived.  I received the rococo design rather than what I requested.  However, since this design was too cute to resist, I did not contact the manufacturer.  I was immediately pleased with the design of the labels, and I was anxious to put them to use.

I read the enclosed, easy-to-follow instructions, and fastened the original and mini labels to my daughter's sippy cups.  After almost two weeks of daily washings, wear and tear by a two-year old, storage in a refrigerator and diaper bag, my labels still look brand-new.  I tried to peel them off (out of curiosity), and they do peel...without sticky residue!  They also reapply nicely and stay in place after reapplication.  I took my nail and tried to cause scuffs, to no avail.

 

I applied a stick-eez clothing label to my favorite pair of my daughter's jeans.  This no-iron, no-sew tag is perfect for a two-year old's clothing.  The label has stayed in place throughout 3 wash and dry cycles, yet peels cleanly so these jeans can be passed to another child later.  These labels are perfect for one who is in daycare or even going away to summer camp for a week!

Finally, my favorite:  The shoe labels.  I love that these are shaped like footprints.  How adorable.  But also, they do not bunch or slide around!  Even after playing for hours, my daughter's sweaty feet did not cause any damage to these labels.  They are durable, just as claimed! 

Overall, I am very pleased with the personalized kids' labels from Oliver's Labels.  The shipping time was excellent, and the product exceeded my expectations.  Head on over to Oliver's Labels and take a look at their great products and designs!

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com and sponsored by Favorite Wigs Shop Name Brand Wigs at Low Prices! Large Wig Selection of Estetica Wigs, Quality Wigs. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commissions 16 CFR, Part 255 Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising. Tomoson Product review & giveaway Disclosure.