Snap Circuits by Elenco

I found another great learning product this week. Snap Circuits by Elenco. Its a company that makes kits to teach your kids about Electricity, Electronics, Energy Sources and how it all works. They comes with great instruction book to help your child build circuits. There is also a Teacher edition for the parent or teacher to use when teaching about Electronics. The circuits are sturdy snap together plastic circuits. They sell a bunch of different kits ranging in price from $24.95 to $199.95. Depending on the size of the kit and number of circuits it can create.  You can check out there site  http://www.snapcircuits.net/ for all there cool products.  

Now my daughter is a little young to really understand this one its geared for kids 8 to 108. But she did grasp it in a way and had a lot of fun helping me build the Circuits. We received two sets of snap circuits The first set is the Snap Circuits Green. it sells for $74.95. This one is really cool It teaches about new energy sources. Wind power, Solar power, Hand crank etc. It comes with instructions for over 125 different projects. This was the first set I played with. The Circuits come in various sizes and snap together easily.   This kit was easy to understand and I had no problems creating the different circuits that the instruction book ask me to make. Great step by step instructions. I do wish it explained in a little more detail about how the different circuits worked. We built a circuit using a solar the solar panel to run a little fan and a clock. My daughter really thought that it was cool that the sun could make the clock go. We also built a circuit using juice to run the little clock. It did not run but for a few seconds but it was cool I never knew you could do that. You can also use a hand crank to power the different items that come in the kit. My daughter cranked it to make the little fan run. I think at her age she understood this one the best. Its a great fun hands on learning tool.

The second Kit I received is the Snap Circuits Pro sells for $97.95. Now this is one of the bigger kits containing over 75 parts. You can build over 500 projects with it. It teaches all about electronics and how the circuits work together to make something work or not work.. I have not built all 500 projects yet. We have most of the projects in the first instruction book. Me and the girls have had a blast seeing what works and what doesn't I started with some of the basic circuits the Instruction book provided and moved up from there to some of the harder more complex projects. I think some of the coolest circuits we have built are the police siren and the Fan. The police siren just sounded cool and I couldn't believe I got it to work. We did two different circuits one was a simple one speed fan and the other was a two speed fan. It was so cool it actually flew up in the air. It had the girls giggling like crazy and my eldest was asking questions about how I made it work and I love that it was inspiring her.  

Both of the snap circuit kits I tried out were great. We had a lot of fun and Learned a lot of great things. I have a greater understanding of electronics. Snap Circuits are a wonderful interactive learning tool. My girls would love to try the snap rover. 

All of Elenco's great Fun Educational products can be found hear at http://www.snapcircuits.net/ 

Lefty's the Left-Handed Store

Lefty's of San Francisco is a great Left-handed store out of San Francisco CA. Its this cool like online shop just for left handed people. I found it when I was looking for some tot school products for my little one who like her momma is Left Handed. Left handed Kids have the hardest time learning to write properly. Left-handed people make there letters differently so teaching a left handed kiddo can be hard for non left-handed parents.  Forget using standard scissors its just hard to do. I think Lefty's has just about anything a left handed person could want or need. School supplies, tools, Kitchen items etc. While not everything they carry is made in the USA they do have some really cool items that are made in the USA. You can find all there great products hear https://www.leftyslefthanded.com/

 

Doing it big girl style with the place-mat!

Lefty's sent me some cool items to check out. First out of the box is Lefty's San francisco Writing Guide Set . It includes includes a 11-1/2" x 17" washable place-mat sized writing guide, two pads of ruled paper with a dotted midline, and a set of four damp erase markers to practice letter formation on the back of the guide. Letters that lefties draw differently from right-handers are highlighted with a hand. Your lefty can follow the arrows to write upper and lower case letters, erase, and try again. The front of the guide shows proper alignment of the pad so your lefty can write with a relaxed hand and without smudging whatever he or she has written. Set includes both a traditional writing tablet with fully lined pages, and our new draw and write tablet which has a drawing area above, and lined area below so little lefties can draw something and write the story below. the Set sells for $20.00 and is worth every penny. Its got all the essentials for a parent or teacher trying to help a Lefty learn to write properly. My 2 year old loves the mat because its for big girls and she has already learned to tilt her papers so she can write comfortably. I love that it shows her how to form her letters properly something many left handed kids struggle with. Its flexible, light weight, and portable. It gives her something fun and constructive to do while she is waiting to eat.

 

Next out of the box is the Essential Left-Handed School Supplies for Lefties Over Eight this is a great little kit for older left handed kids it includes a left-handed wide ruled spiral notebook, left handed pencil and sharpener, left-handed Maped school scissors with blades reversed and left hand molded grips, a fast drying, non-smear Jetstream pen, and a left-handed ruler that reads right to left. The kit sells for $22.00 and is great. I love the note book I have used it my self with the spiral on the opposite side its perfect no fighting the spiral when I am trying to make notes on a product I am reviewing. I have never had a left handed pencil sharpener but its now my favorite. I also love the Jetstream pen it drys quickly and doesn't smear if my hand drags accost it. the Scissors are pointed for older kids or mamma's who have mastered cutting. They are very comfortable to use, as the handles are shaped the right direction for the left hand. The blades are also reversed so you can see what you are cutting. 

Can you tell she loves the Fiskars scissors! The Third item I received is a pair of Left-handed 5.5" Fiskars Scissors for kids  they sell for $6.95. I believe a pair of True left-handed scissors is important for kids learning how to cut. True Left-handed scissors have reversed blades so you can see what you are cutting. This makes learning how to cut much safer and easier for left handed kids. My daughters cutting skill are already improving and we have only had these a few weeks. As you can see from the big smile she loves her new scissors.   The Last Item out of the box is a fun one its a Left-Handed Backwards Mirror Image Watch with Metal Band it sells for $44.95 The hands on this watch rotate backwards, counter-clockwise rather than clockwise, easy for lefties to read but confounding for right-handers.  The face is mirrored, with the numerals reading backwards! Its fun, comfortable, and I have enjoyed using it. I have even fooled a few people with it. They carry several other watches some are mirror image watches and others have regular numbers and run clock wise but have the winding stem on the left. So its easy for lefties to reach when worn on the right wrist.   I with summer tot school beginning I need to get a set of Left-Handed Pencil Grips for my daughter and I would love one of there new Left-Handed Maped Visio Pens for my self.   Lefty's of San Francisco doesn't just offer school and office supplies they have a lot of other great left-handed gear. they have things for the kitchen, tools and much more. I hope I get the opportunity to try out some of there other things.   Check out all that they have to offer at http://www.leftyslefthanded.com/ Find Lefty's on facebook at https://www.facebook.com/pages/Leftys-San-Francisco/410258066223 Disclosure: I received these products at no cost for review.  All opinions are my own we really do love Lefty's of San Francisco.

Mineral Hygienics

Hygienics is a 100% all natural mineral make up. It only has about 4 ingredients in. Its made right hear in the USA. You can get a Full starter kit for $59.99 the Full starter kit includes

• 2 shades of Mineral Hygienics SPF Foundation
-Fairest Mineral Foundation
-Fair Mineral Foundation

• Mineral Hygienics mineral enhancer
- Cool Kiss

• Mineral finishing powder
-Sheer Perfection Translucent

• Flawless Face Mineral Brush
• Full Coverage Kabuki Brush
• Wonder Cover Concealer Brush
• Detailed How-To Guide

Mineral Hygienics offers a Money-back Guarantee:
We're so sure Mineral Hygienics will work for you we are offering a 45-day Money-Back Guarantee. If you're not delighted with the results, simply return the product within 45-days.

You can also buy Mineral Hygienics in a mini starter kit which includes two shades of Mineral Hygienics SPF foundation and the full coverage Kabuki Brush and the detailed How-to guide for $29.99. They do sell individual products for various prices. You can find it all hear http://www.mineralhygienics.com/store/

The samples I recieved

I received some great samples from Mineral Hygienics about a week a go it came packed in some beautiful black and pink crinkle paper. I am a big fan of Natural Makeup. I really like mineral make up so I was excited to try it out I actually went up stairs in the middle of the day to wash off my regular makeup and try out Mineral Hygienics. I tried out there color match guide on there site and its just as accurate as any other color match guide that I have tried. The Price is fair and comparable to other brands

Mineral Hygienics gives you this great Hot to guide for basic application. Its great for someone who has never used mineral makeup before. Its simple and easy to follow. they also offer additional tips on there website http://www.mineralhygienics.com/store/. The Full Coverage Kabuki Brush its super soft and provided even coverage. It works well for adding additional layers of Mineral Hygienics.
The Makeup its self is great the quality is Fabulous. The foundation or base is light weight and It covered evenly and smoothly. It hid blemishes and worked wonders on my dark under eyes. I tested out every shade they sent me just to see how each one would look on my skin there was only one shade that just wouldn't work for me. I tried out the Warm Kiss Mineral Bronzer At first look I thought it was going to be way to dark many mineral bronzers are just too dark for me. Warm Kiss turned out to be just right it gives just a slight glow to my cheeks I would say it has more of a translucent effect. The best part is, it's a soft glow with NO Glitter. I'm not 17 any more I just can pull off glittery stuff any more.  It has worked out great and I am very happy with it. I was pleased to find out that Mineral Hygienics foundation would stay on my face all day. I spend a lot of time out doors in the sun either with the kids or just working out side and regular make up tends to slide off your face when you get hot and sweaty. Mineral Hygienics stays put and it did a great job of protecting my skin from the sun. I love Mineral Hygienics and its a product I can honestly recommend to friends and family. I hope to get to try out some of there lip and eye products. http://www.mineralhygienics.com/store/

Mineral Hygienics has offerd a exclusive coupon code:   bloggymoms

 

It is good starting today thru 07/05/12. This will be a 10% off coupon for my readers to use on your Mineral Hygienics order.

 

 

Disclosure: I received Mineral Hygienics at no cost for review.  All opinions are my own.

Potty Cover

If your a mom you know how dirty public bathroms can be. You also know when a Kids got to go they have got to GO! With my little one officially potty trained we are using public potty's a lot. I have always thought eww when my kids grab the seat to hold them selves up. In comes the Potty Cover.

The Potty Cover provides a waterproof barrier between the toilet and your child. Its got a great over sized design to provide maximum coverage by covering the sides and the front of the toilet so your kids don't grip the dirty toilet seat. Its made from a soft non-woven fabric so its comfortable, Its coated with plastic to keep germs and wetness away. They come individually wrapped for parents on the Go. You get 6 individually packaged seat covers in each package and they run about $5.99. You can find the Potty cover site hear and a list of places where you can buy the Potty Cover http://pottycover.com/index.shtml

When I got the opportunity to review the Potty Cover I was stoked. My youngest still holds the seat when she is on the potty and it grosses me out. The typical seat cover only covers the very top of the toilet seat.  The Potty Cover is more than large enough for any toilet seat. It completely covers the sides and front of the toilet so that even there legs and pants are protected. it has a multi colored dots on it so its gender neutral. I tested it out a walmart recently and it was great it fit the seat great.  My daughter thought it was cool big girl cover. It was a heck of a lot better than any of the other seat covers I have ever seen. No nasty germs on there hands or clothes.

great coverage

Please do not flush Potty Covers. When you are done using it put the Potty Cover in the trash.

When folded up in its individual wrapper its about the length of my hand and about an inch wide. So it fits in my purse with no problem. I even have one in the glove box of the car in case I need one at a rest stop or gas station bathroom.. I feel they are priced fair, Its comparable to some of the standard seat covers that don't cover as well.

Its a great product that I love and plan to keep around for a while.

http://pottycover.com/index.shtml

Facebook http://www.facebook.com/PottyCover

Twitter https://twitter.com/#!/PottyCover

Seven Color Crystal Ball

Since Summer is almost hear I have been looking for some products that I can use in our summer homeschooling adventures. I discovered Seven Color Crystal Ball. It. Its primarily used as a soil substitute that waters and fertilizes your plants for you. No messy dirt, mosquito's, or bacteria.  But it's fun to play with it feels super cool and is great for a sensory tank. Its non toxic so its safe for your little ones to play with.

Seven Color Crystal Ball offers free, fast shipping. They are located in Oklahoma so most customers have there order in 3-5 business days. Each package of Crystal Soil is only $1.75 and grows about 2 cups of soil. It takes about 4+ hours to completely expand with water. Then it will need to be re-wetted about every 2-4 weeks, depending on your environment and what type of plant is living in it. The beads actually water your plant! you can find them hear at http://www.sevencolorcrystalball.com/.

So now that I have got the facts of the product out of the way I want to tell you how cool Seven Color Crystal Ball is. Not only is it great for plants its just really cool to play with.  I got several packages in the mail to test out. I dumped this little package of beads into a  bowl and I thought no way this is going to make 2 cups. So I dumped some water in and went off to help Snoopy work on her letters. I forgot about the crystal soil when I finally remembered they had really expanded. The bowl was almost full and I needed to put it in a bigger container.  A few hours later they were Huge. I would say there was 2 cups in the bowl may be a little more.  A fully expanded crystal is about the size of a large marble. They Feel slick, a little squishy and are cool to the touch. 

My daughters had a blast playing with Seven Color Crystal Ball Crystal soil. My two year old couldn't keep her hands out of it. She played with it for hours. I even hid some small items in it so she could feel her way through it to find the items. I have to admit I like playing with it too. I currently have a container sitting next to my computer that I keep sticking my hand in. Because of the unique texture of the crystal soil it makes a great sensory toy.



a plant my daughter brought
home from school.



We also tried it as a soil substitute which is what it was designed to be used as. It looks cool if you place it in a clear container. It comes in a variety of colors so you can choose one that goes with your decor. It stayed hydrated for about 2 weeks its been kind of warm hear about 79 and we haven't had much humidity and it was sitting in a sunny window. It can stay hydrated longer or shorter amounts of time depending on the conditions. If they dry out completely they get super little again I'm talking smaller than a pea. But don't worry they will expand again as soon as you give them some water. That would not be good for a plant thought so I would suggest making sure you add water every now and then.

I would love for everyone to check out Seven Color Crystal Ball http://www.sevencolorcrystalball.com/.

MADE IN LA

                            

Summer is well on its way hear in Missouri.  I love picking new jewelry to go with all the great summer style's. Made IN LA is an American company that produces handmade leather bracelets. Each one is carefully designed and handmade in Los Angeles California.  They have several different bracelets available.  The leather is beautiful and comes in a variety of colors. There is even a good selection of colored stones and studs. Prices vary from $85.00 to $125.00. You can find MADE IN LA hear http://www.made-in.la/.



A great close up of the craftsmanship



The Gift box



I received the Hollywood a few weeks a go. It came in a very nice simple clean box perfect for gift giving. It was nestled in a bed of this cool looking shredded paper. Very ECO friendly. The Hollywood is a dark brown leather bracelet with white stones and shiny studs that run around it. Its is a one piece bracelet that wraps around your wrist several times depending on your wrist size and how tight or loose you like your bracelet to be. I absolutely love that I can wrap it around my wrist and make it what ever size I want. I have a small wrist and often have trouble with most standard sized bracelets fitting me correctly. The Hollywood fits me perfect each and every time. Its held closed with a great little snap. I wore it to a wedding reception a few weeks a go and got nothing but compliments on it. My eldest daughter even loves it.



How it looks on.



Each bracelet is hand cut and each stud and stone is placed by hand. The Quality and craftsman ship is amazing I love that MADE IN LA takes the time to make each bracelet by hand. I have often bought bracelets from retail stores with stones. Only to find they are crooked or not secured properly. Each and every stud and stone on the Hollywood bracelet is even straight and secure. MADE IN LA really took some time crafting it.

I would love for everyone to head over and check out what MADE IN LA has to offer at http://www.made-in.la/

Like them on Facebook

http://www.facebook.com/pages/MADE-IN-LA/240650492687183

Disclosure: I received the Hollywood at no cost for review.  All opinions are my own.

Looster Booster

Most moms look forward to the day there children start Potty training. I was one of those moms. I started potty training early with both of my girls. They showed interest very early on. The trouble was at 12 months most step stools were just not tall enough. This is where the Looster Booster comes in. It is a Mom Invented, American Made step stool that is very unique in its design. The Looster Booster is a C shaped step stool that fits around the front of the toilet bowl so there is more area for your little one to stand on. Its taller than a standard potty step stool so that younger children can use it with ease. Its got a great non skid pattern on the top so your little one doesn't slip. Looster Booster was the 2011 NAPPA Gold Metal winner. It sells for $34.99. It can be bought hear http://www.littlelooster.com/ and places like walmart, toys r us, and diapers.com. You can go hear for a list of places that sell the Looser Booser http://www.littlelooster.com/pages/stores.

My youngest is 2 now and potty trained. But she still needs a step to get on the potty and in no way wants my help. So I though this would be a cool product for us to review. The Looser Booster arrived in a big brown box via UPS. My first thought was this thing is BIG.

Even though the Looster Booster is big for our space it does its job well. We have a very small bathroom I am talking sit on the potty wash your hands in the sink and put your feet in the tub at the same time small. the step fits around the front of the toilet and gives my little one a nice area to stand on. She can get on the potty from several different angles. She can climb on it easily and has room to stand and get her pants down. She can sit on the potty and her feet touch the Looster Booster giving her a flat sturdy surface to help keep her steady on the potty. So she doesn't have to hold on to the seat to keep her balance. My four year old can get on the potty on her own with out the aid of a step but she likes it and says its easy to use and doesn't mind using it. thought she wouldn't let me take a picture of her climbing on it. I love that it doesn't tip over like one of our other step stools does. the non skid design on the top works great we haven't had a slip yet. Its also easy to clean I toss it in the tub spray it with a little cleaner and rinse it off.

The company's site says :

As an extension of the toilet, the Little Looster never needs to be shuffled around the bathroom. All grown-ups can use the toilet while standing or sitting without needing to move it out of the way.

I find this to be true for the most part. I personally don't need to move the Looser Booster out of the way. But Grandma finds it to be in the way some. It may just be because she is shorter than I am.But  Its light weight so moving it is not a big deal for her.  I think our toilet may be a little shorter than most its an older one so I don't think the Looster Booster scoots in as close as it would with a taller toilet. 

I think its a great Step Stool for potty training. Its just the right height for those early trainers who need some extra height to get on the potty.

Another big selling point for me is that Its Made in the USA. Even the box they ship in is Made in the USA.

Facebook http://www.facebook.com/pages/Little-Looster/122552497774389

Twitter http://twitter.com/#!/Loostermama

Disclosure: I received the Looster Booster at no cost for review.  All opinions are my own.