Setting up my new Republic Wireless phone and plan #sponsored

***I received a Moto X phone and service plan from Republic Wireless in exchange for my opinion.  All statistics are provided by Republic Wireless, all opinions are my own.

I've been searching for a new phone for a while.  I was jealous of my hubby and his new one, but I didn't want to commit to the same phone, so I was doing my research when an email from Republic Wireless arrived in my inbox!

Republic Wireless is a hybrid phone service that seamlessly blends wireless network calling with cellular phone calling!  What does that mean?  It means that if you are connected to wi-fi, your phone calls will go out over the wi-fi network... and if you don't, you'll have cellular coverage through the Sprint Network.  And it means that the phone plans cost way less than traditional cell phone carriers!

With plans starting at just $5 and the most expensive plan costing $40, and the fact that you can change your plan at will, Republic Wireless is definitely an affordable option for many people!  And

There are two choices of phone with Republic Wireless - the 3G capable Moto G and the 4G capable Moto X.  Just this morning, I received this adorable Moto X:

I waited semi-patiently for the three hours that the instructions required before I turned on my phone and read the instructions cover to cover - it was incredibly simple and getting my Republic Wireless account set up was pretty painless too - all totaled, I was up and running within ten minutes.  My only hiccup was that I couldn't find my account number for my old cell account and had to deal with THEIR customer service and explain that I'd be leaving my old carrier to get them to cough up the number I needed.  My phone is up and running and I've already downloaded the important apps - Starbucks, Kindle and Publix!  I haven't downloaded Erik's app yet - he really wants to play Angry Birds Epic on there but I am already losing my iPad to him, so I'm conveniently forgetting to add that one...



So far, I love how responsive the phone is and how much faster things load than my last phone.  I have been pleasantly surprised at how much 4G signal I get here in Charleston, despite the fact that the map says 3G!  I have also been really happy at how long the battery lasts and how the integrated Google back up is taking my photos right to the cloud every time I am in a Wi-Fi zone.

So far the only downsides are that I can't receive text messages from six digit numbers - so I have lost one of my favorite deal/coupon outlets, and I cannot personalize my voice mail message, but otherwise I am loving my new Moto X and my Republic Wireless phone plan!

Stay tuned as I put my Moto X through it's paces and report back next month!

Summer Fun: TMNT Crime Fighting Costume Box Set Child Size! Ninja Turtle Accessories Review

*** I received this product at no cost in exchange for my honest opinion.  

My three year old is a recent devotee of the Ninja Turtles - he's watched every episode available on Netflix and is starting to collect Ninja Turtle toys, books and more, so when an email came through asking for Costume Reviewers who wanted to check out the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (TMNT) costumes available from Anytime Costumes, I immediately clicked through and looked to see whether there was a suitable costume that would fit him and was pleasantly surprised to find the TMNT Crime Fighting Costume Box Set Child Size!

 

I chose it over the more complicated costumes available for several reasons.  Since I knew that Erik wanted it for play and potentially for Halloween, I wanted something that was easy for him to get in and out of with minimal help.  I also don't like full face masks for young children, especially when we need to cross roads and travel on busy streets when trick or treating.  I also like that this set comes with masks for all four TMNT characters so that Erik can be Rafeal, Donatello, Michaelangelo or Leonardo without having to buy more costumes!  The orange mask is more Yellow than Orange in my book, but my son doesn't care. It also easily goes over whatever he's wearing so he doesn't have to get undressed to put the costume on.  Mostly, though I just love the smiles and giggles he's had since receiving it in the mail!  Just seconds after it was delivered he wanted to tear the box apart and start being a Ninja Turtle!  Click Here to check out the full selection of TMNT costumes available for the whole family, as well as other great TV and Movie Character costumes.  You can also Decorate Your Desktop with TMNT images!

 

When Erik wears this costume set for Halloween, I will probably reinforce the velcro that holds the front and back pieces together with safety pins and I will paint his face green.  It also doesn't come with weapons/accessories, so I might be persuaded to invest in a few of those to make it more authentic. I will also invest in a green sweat suit for him to wear underneath to give him some turtle muscles!  This set is a great choice for parents looking for a fun and versatile play costume that can easily be worn as a fun Halloween costume - and at only $24.99, it is a great value as well!  My only concern now is whether I'll be able to get it off him before bed tonight!

Product Review: Attipas Childrens Shoes

***Product was provided to reviewer at no cost for the purpose of completing this review

I am pleased to invite my friend and fellow reviewer, Annie to share her thoughts on Attipas infant and toddler shoes after letting her daughter C have a go with them!  

Attipas provided us with this blurb, and the cutest pair of Black Ballet shoes for C:

"Do you remember learning to walk? Neither do we, but we vividly remember watching our little ones learning to walk and all the bumps and bruises that came along with those first steps. Attipas loosely translates to “precious steps”, and that is exactly what we want babies to do when they put on a pair of Attipas; take those first precious steps and take off running!
Studies show that the best way for a baby to learn to walk is to be barefoot as much as possible. With that in mind, Attipas were created to protect the precious little feet of a new walker, while allowing for movement that mimics being barefoot."

This is what Annie had to say:

DVD Review: Brewster Leads the Way!

*I received a copy of this DVD at no cost to me to facilitate my review - all opinions are my own*

My boys love having new DVD's and more often than not, we screen them in my car while we wait for my daughter to be picked up after school, but when I opened the envelope and Erik saw Brewster on the cover, he couldn't wait for a car trip - I had to cede my laptop to him so he could watch Brewster Leads the Way right away - and it's barely left the DVD player in my computer since!  

Product Review: SOL REPUBLIC Wireless Deck

***I was provided with the product featured at no cost to me to facilitate my review.

The SOL REPUBLIC Deck was easy to set up and I had it working within three minutes of getting it out of the box!  I decided it would be my first vlog review because Wayne introduced me to TouchCast and I thought that seeing the website would help you learn more about the product!

This is my first vlog and first time using TouchCast! It was fun, so please let me know what you think! You can click directly on the linked website in the vlog or visit www.solrepublic.com to check out this great product!

Product Review: Motorola MBP26 Video Baby Monitor

**This product was provided to facilitate a review, no other compensation was received

I am pleased to have Annie back to share her review of the Motorola MBP26 Wireless 2.4 GHz Video Baby Monitor with 2.4" Color LCD Screen, Infrared Night Vision and Remote Camera Pan and Tilt that she is using to help monitor her two sweet children!

From the Manufacturer:

Motorola's MBP26 Video Baby Monitor will give you the reassurance that your child is resting peacefully. Its 2.4GHz FHSS technology gives you peace of mind in knowing that its digital signal communication is secure so others cannot eavesdrop. It also ensures that it will remain free of interference from other wireless electronic devices commonly used around the home. With Motorola’s MBP26 you're sure to hear every peep.

Equipped with 2.4GHz FHSS technology for sound clarity, you can feel comfortable your little one will come through loud and clear when they need you. A 2.4" LCD color display shows sound and video monitoring, with infrared night vision. The MBP26 digital audio baby monitor has an impressive range of up to 520 ft with an out of range warning, allowing you to move around the house or yard comfortably, knowing you will hear when your little one is awake.

2.4GHz FHSS Technology with Two-Way Communication

The 2.4GHz FHSS technology offers a more reliable wireless connection over previous cordless technologies such as 900MHz cordless antennas. That means better range and less chance of missing something important in your baby's room due to a weak or dropped signal.

Color LCD Screen with Infrared Night Vision

A full-color 2.4" LCD display shows real-time video and sound in your baby's room with up to 25 FPS video playback, keeping you informed of what's going on visually as well as audibly. Infrared night vision means you can stay in touch with what's going in your baby's room without any lights to disturb little sleepers.

Up to 520 ft Range with "Out-of-Range" Warning

The superior wireless range of the MBP26 lets you keep connected to your baby up to 520 feet away. So even if you have a larger home, you don't have to give up safety or the ability to stay connected to your little one. An alarm sounds when you're getting out of range of the transmitting unit, so you'll never have to wonder if you're close enough to hear what's going on.

Annie's Review:

I sat and looked at the box for this video monitor for a few weeks before actually opening it. My wonderful husband had informed me that he wouldn’t be helping me set it up, so I was a bit intimidated. When I finally decided to tackle the task, I couldn’t believe I had waited! The setup was a breeze. There are two plugs, a camera, and a viewing/listening device. The plugs have a drawing of the part they fit with right on the plug, so there’s no second guessing. The cords are also REALLY long, so you can mount the camera where you need it, not just where the outlet is located in the room.

The camera is turned on and off via a switch on the moveable camera itself, while the receiver has a push button. I personally like to turn the camera off when not in use (for security reasons), and flipping that switch without repositioning the camera is nearly impossible. I would have liked to see the switch on the base rather than the moveable camera portion.

The viewing/listening device works either plugged in or on battery backup. While running on battery, the video turns off after a short period of time. You have to push a button to turn it back on, it doesn’t automatically turn back on when movement or sound are picked up from the camera. If it’s the video you really want, I’d suggest leaving plugged in because I’m constantly pushing the button to see my baby again. The monitor also is equipped with two-way communication so you can try to calm baby with your voice, too.

The sound and video quality for this monitor is great. This monitor does not pick up any static or interference from our son’s monitor, and there’s a multi-color light indicator that changes according to how loud baby is (grunts vs cries), even if you have the sound turned down. The video picture is in color when the lights are on in a room and black and white when the lights are out. Even in the pitch black, I could easily see my daughter sleeping.

Here are the quick review stats:

• Up to 520 foot range with out of range alert 

• 2.4” color LCD monitor with infrared night vision 

• Optical Pan and Tilt LED sound level indicators on the parent unit 

• Parent unit has a rechargeable battery with a low battery alert 

• 2.8” Color LCD Screen 

• Pair up to 4 Cameras 

• Secure DECT technology so that others cannot eavesdrop 

• 2.4GHz FHSS technology for sound clarity 

• Two-way communication 

• Infrared Night Vision 

• Suggested Retail: $149.99 (Available on Amazon right now for just $109.99)

Talk Like a Pirate and Win Pirate Booty! #Sponsored Review and #Giveaway

Arrrg... In honor of Talk Like a Pirate Day, Acting Balanced has teamed up with Pirate's Booty to send one lucky AB reader in the US a case of yummy, scrummy GLUTEN FREE Aged Cheddar Pirate's Booty!

Robyn was one of the lucky taste testers in our family and she's been enjoying the fun and fabulous puffs that she compares with those day-glo cheese puffs... only way healthier and with a great crunch!  It's made with Rice and Corn, and as a mom, I appreciate that it's all natural and trans-fat free, although all the kids care is that it tastes good.  Both boys gobbled up their portions too!  For those with other allergies, Pirate's Booty is also peanut and tree nut free so it makes a perfect snack to send in as a treat for those in nut-free schools!

I was personally impressed with both the taste and texture - since I don't actually like the day-glo cheese puffs, it was great to find something that tasted great and I didn't feel too guilty snacking on!  I also appreciate that it's fairly low fat and doesn't have the sodium that chips or other savory snacks often do!  

Want to try it out with your family?  Check out the Pirate's Booty website, visit Pirate's Booty on Facebook or follow Pirate's Booty on Twitter and then enter to win your very own case!

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Brew over Ice Review and #Giveaway for @Keurig - #Sponsored @brewoverice

I am one of those girls who loves me some tea... and coffee... and well, lets just say that if it's wet, I'll drink it...  so when I was asked to check out some great new Brew Over Ice flavors for the Keurig, I knew that I'd have to share them with you!

Calling all Keurig® brewer lovers! Did you know you can make refreshingly cool iced beverages with your Keurig® brewer? Whether you’re craving an iced coffee, or a home-brewed iced tea, you can enjoy delicious beverages from the comfort of your own home with Brew Over Ice K-Cup® packs! With our variety of mouth-watering flavors, you will have no problem creating the perfect beverage to revital-ice your day. Simply fill a tumbler with ice, choose the brew that best suits your taste buds, hit the 6 or 8 oz button on your Keurig® brewer, and get ready to enjoy the sweet sensation of Brew Over Ice!

First off, I got a great gift package (and you can win one too!) 

Then I tried out all three of the yummy flavors that came in my kit... 

What I loved about the Sweet and Creamy Iced Coffee was that it was perfectly balanced and all in one.. I really prefer my iced coffee with that sweet and creamy flavor and texture as it gets and this K-Cup meant that I didn't have to fiddle with my coffee at all - it brewed perfectly over ice and had just the right balance of sugar, cream and wonderful iced coffee flavor!  

With the Snapple Peach Iced Tea, I was honestly expecting to find chunks of peach floating in my tea!  I didn't get to have more than a sip of this one before Erik stole it and drank it down... he's a tea fanatic and I fear that he'll be learning how to work the Keurig before long to be able to make his own Brew Over Iced Tea!

Finally, there was something new to me in the box, Strawberry Pomegranate Vitamin Burst - so before I even tasted it, I went online to see what kind of vitamins I'd be brewing for myself!  

Both Robyn and I are huge fans of pomegranate flavor so when I learned that we could get Vitamin C, Niacin, B6 and B12 all packed into this Brew Over Ice K-Cup, I was definitely intrigued!  (See nutritional info to the right)  The first taste was amazing - you could definitely taste both strawberry and pomegranate and it was a great consistency and brewed really well over ice.  The one thing I did notice was there was a bit of a bitter aftertaste once I'd been sipping it for a bit, but I won't let that stop me from trying it again!

Out of all three of the new flavors, I have to say that my favorite was the Sweet and Creamy Iced Coffee, partially because it's the most complicated to make right for me normally.  The second would be the Strawberry Pomegranate, which was really refreshing and had all those great vitamins and finally, the tea - only because I really didn't get to drink it...  they were all great!  I can definitely see using the Keurig to Brew Over Ice any time I want I fabulously cool pick me up!

Want to keep up with all of the latest Brew Over Ice News?  Stay connected on Facebook and Twitter!  When you head out to shop for more K-Cups, watch for this symboto know that you've got a great Brew Over Ice treat to take home:

US residents can enter here to win their own Brew Over Ice Prize Pack - just fill out the rafflecopter form!

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Never Stay At Home Mom's Gift Idea & Giveaway: Ritzpix Personalized Travel Mug or Photo Mug

As a never-stay-at-home mom I love being able to take my kids with me when I travel... sometimes...

The kids are never really far from my thoughts or my heart, but I can say that this past weekend at SoFabCon was a refreshing change from hotel travelling with the kids - I had one roommate instead of four, I had my own bed and no one hogged the covers, and we came to an amicable schedule for showering and getting ready that didn't involve any whining, dragging of feet or tantrums... There was no one banging doors or hiding in the closet and if I put something down it stayed down... but I didn't want to go without taking something of my kids so when RitzPix.com offered to let me poke around their site and make a photo gift, I knew that I had hit on something that I could personalize and would totally fit into my lifestyle: A Travel Mug!

The RitzPix.com site lets you design unique photo gifts including mugs, shirts, iPhone cases, photo books and more. It’s a great place to go when gift shopping for Mother’s Day, Father’s day or even graduation gifts.  It was really simple to browse the site and they offer scrolling coupons in the upper right hand corner of their site to let you get more bang for your buck!

I quickly found exactly what I wanted, the stainless steel travel mug - 

• Photos applied directly to steel surface for a reflective metallic look
• Travel Mugs hold 14oz. and include lid
• $24.99 Each

The whole process only took about ten minutes, including the time I took hemming and hawing between cute photos of my kids to upload my picture and place my order!  Within a week I had my new mug in hand and I was ready to take my kids to SoFabCon in spirit!  It was so easy that I added a latte mug to my order for when I actually get to have a drink at home!

The only thing I wish is that there was a way to request an opaque white background for the stainless steel travel mug, but I truly do like how they came out.  The travel mug itself has a great lid with a twist open spout and very few parts which makes it really easy to hand wash - neither mug is dishwasher safe because of the custom photography.  The stainless steel mug has great insulation and worked great to transport hot beverages!   Of course I had to pack it in my checked baggage or bring it to the airport empty, but it was a great way to bring my kids with me on my travels... if you've got a never stay at home mom or dad in your life or a graduate heading off to school that would love a reminder of home, you should check out ritxpix.com for a great photo gift!

One lucky Acting Balanced reader will win a $20 RitzPix.com GC - just fill out the rafflecopter form below:

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Coleman helped us Light it Up Blue tonight for #Autism Awareness Review&Giveaway

I love it when function and form come together to create something special that can add to the collective conscious in a fun and memorable way - and this year, The Coleman Company has stepped up in a big way and introduced a limited edition blue lantern in support of Autism Speaks and the Light It Up Blue campaign that !

“Coleman is pleased to have the opportunity to partner with Autism Speaks and support such a worthy cause,” said David Allen, senior vice president of sales and marketing, Americas for Coleman. “In honor of National Autism Day, Coleman will launch a special-edition lantern. Five dollars of the proceeds from each lantern sold will go directly to Autism Speaks to help fund research into causes, prevention, treatments and a cure.”

“We are excited to partner with Coleman and appreciate its efforts to help raise funds and awareness of autism,” said Alec Elbert, chief strategy and development officer, Autism Speaks. “Thanks to Coleman’s support, we can encourage everyone, whether they are touched by autism or not, to help make a difference in the lives of our neighbors by purchasing a blue special-edition Coleman lantern. This lantern will illuminate the issue of autism well beyond April and Autism Awareness Month.”

My Review:

As an Autism parent, I love to be able to wear my heart on my sleeve and proudly proclaim my Autism Mom status - I wear a lanyard around my neck with my keys on it that says Autism Awareness, carry bags with autism related logos, so why not add a fun lantern to our camping collection!  I love that the lantern offers the special blue light option, but also throws out great white light for reading or walking through the woods!  I know that this lantern is going to be a conversation starter when Wayne takes the kids camping later this spring - how can it not be, right?  

Like all of the Coleman products that I've used over the years, this lantern is sturdy and well crafted, meaning that we'll be able to use it to Light It Up Blue for years to come, for camping, for power outages and it will be living with our emergency preparedness kit when we aren't packing it for the long haul!  And I know that it's sturdy - my two year old destructive genius has already had his hands on it - and it's still working!

Here's a picture of us lighting up our window tonight:

Isn't the blue light fun?  It really got our neighbours talking tonight - along with our blue porch light, the impact was a great way to spread the message that "Autism Speaks ~ It's Time to Listen" - coincidentally, that's what the lantern's message reads below the puzzle piece, for those who are interested...

But seriously... you can only get this special-edition lantern, powered by a Cree LED that 200 lumens of light on its high setting in two ways: It retails for $24.99 and is sold exclusively through Coleman.com and only while supplies lasts (through the end of April) OR you can win one here on Acting Balanced!

For every Blue Lantern sold, Coleman will be donating $5 to Autism Speaks!  It's a win-win-win situation here - you win by having this fabulous lantern, Autism Speaks wins by generating funds to continue their mission and all those around you who inquire about your fabulous blue lantern 

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Disclaimer: I received this product at no cost for review purposes. All opinions are my own!

Let Carmex help put a little Spring back in your Winter Skin! #Giveaway

Although I can't say that this past winter was the coldest or the driest that I've ever experienced, but that doesn't mean that I came away unscathed... no matter what the weather holds, dry skin seems to be the norm around here - especially my hands and elbows!

This year I turned towards two great products from Carmex:

Carmex Everyday Hydrating Lotion and Everyday Healing Cream are a great one two punch when you're trying to get your skin back from the winter brink... and starting to turn your thoughts to pursuits that will get you down and dirty... like gardening and spring cleaning!

For me, I prefer the hydrating lotion as my go to product - while neither are greasy or overly fregranced, I find the scent of the lotion to be a touch less mediciny and it really works into my skin easily and quickly!

From the MyCarmex website, you can get an idea of what to expect from this great lotion:

Microemulsification. It’s the technical term for how we are able to make a hydrating lotion that is so moisturizing yet feels so greaseless. It is soothing, long-lasting and perfect for everyday use. We super-blend the high-quality ingredients of our exclusive formula so that deep hydration immediately soaks into damaged skin. You won’t feel a hint of greasiness, even right after you smooth it onto rough trouble spots.

My mother-in-law really likes the hand cream - her skin is just that little bit dryer than mine and the hand cream is just a touch more intensive and it really works for her!   I also choose it when I've been less kind to my own hands - over-washing them, using too much hand sanitizer or just when they feel extra dry... I also use the healing cream on my feet - especially my heels!  I also use it on my elbows to keep them feeling soft and supple!

Once again, MyCarmex.com shares this with us:

Our rich cream goes through a patent-pending blending process that emulsifies it into a fast-absorbing formula that won’t wipe off on your clothes, immediately going to work helping to heal your most troubled spots—such as feet, elbows and hands.

• Formulas with increased levels of rich lanolin such as Carmex Healing Cream have the same rehydrating properties as naturally occurring lipids in your skin.

• Our formula includes petrolatum to soften skin while it aids with moisturization.

• Our healing cream adds allantoin to soften and aid with moisturization.

One lucky Acting Balanced reader (US only) is going to get their own Spring Care package consisting of one of each of these great products!  Just fill out the rafflecopter form below for your chance to win!

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Disclaimer: I received compensation from Carmex for this post.  All opinions are my own.

Review and Giveaway: The Magic School Bus on DVD

Are you ready to hop on the Magic School Bus?  Click on the youtube below to get into the mood before you keep reading...


Yep, there's now a way to take your kids on ALL the adventures with Mrs. Frizzle and her class - all 52 episodes on 8 DVD's with The Magic School Bus - The Complete Series - all the way from Outer Space to Inside Ralphie - growing, shrinking and learning all about the world around them!

Liam is at the perfect age for learning all about science from Mrs. Frizzle and the gang - he's been asking to watch new episodes every day when he gets home from school... and while Erik is still a little young for the actual science, he loves to watch how boppy and  fun the music, animation and story are!  He has also taken to calling his own school bus a Magic School Bus!

His favorite episode so far has been the trip into the Solar System, but I'm sure as we get further into the series, he'll continue to enjoy and learn from some of these great classic episodes!

It's honestly hard to believe that this series is celebrating 25 years!  It really has stood up well against the test of time and makes for enjoyable family watching and a great nostalgic kick for me (and for Robyn who used to be obsessed with The Magic School Bus a few years ago)

Featuring a striking 3D lenticular cover with new artwork that makes the vibrant characters leap off the page and that will encourage kids to ask the question “how did they make that?”, the collectible thin-pack set also includes a guide for kids with teasers, trivia and experiments, plus a Parents’ Guide with lessons and learning options. This interactive guide creates wholesome and healthy entertainment for the entire family.

Also new to the line – and just in time for Back to School activities -- will be two special 3-pack configurations, which will each include more than four hours of THE MAGIC SCHOOL BUS adventures! Join Ms. Frizzle to explore everything from the smallest cell to the largest galaxy in the universe with THE MAGIC SCHOOL BUS: BLAST OFF! FROM SEA TO SPACE and THE MAGIC SCHOOL BUS: FIELD TRIP FUN AND GAMES. Both, feature 12 episodes, some releasing for the first time.

Finally, you can get four THE MAGIC SCHOOL BUS singles, each featuring 90 minutes of science fun with Ms. Frizzle and her students:
· The Human Body – Science topics include digestion and body mechanics.
· Super Star Power – Science topics include stars and cells.
· Takes a Dive – Science topics include coral reefs and tidal zones.
· Takes Flight – Science topics include weather and flying.

Whether you want to start out small and just grab a topical DVD or you're ready to dive into the whole collection, it's time to take another look at The Magic School Bus on DVD!

One lucky Acting Balanced reader from the US is going to win a copy of The Magic School Bus: Field Trip Fun and Games!  Just fill out the rafflecopter form below:

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Summer Fit Learning Activity Book Review & Giveaway!

Those of you who are regular readers of Acting Balanced know that Liam is already out of school for the summer and is missing it already... he still asks about the school bus every morning and while we've been heading out for some fun stuff with the MOMS Club and around town, I don't think he really understands how long the summer break is and what it entails...

One of the things that I'm trying to do while Erik naps is to continue to build his reading and math skills and one of the ways we're doing that is by using the Summer Fit Learning Activity Book.


These workbooks are different from other summer learning programs, within the pages of SUMMER FIT, you'll find a discussion on core values, academic worksheets, physical activity, certificates of achievement, and other stellar additions.  


Now Liam isn't ready to tackle all of the activities as they are written, but they do give me some great ideas for material that I need to cover, even if I have to modify and create my own program to some extent, because of Liam's special needs.  

Product Review: iHealth Scale

Many of you know that my hubby got tenure recently and along with that he also has a nice bonus - a six month sabbatical starting in June... what you might not know is that one of his sabbatical goals is to get fit and lose about thirty pounds.  Being a good wife, I want to set him up for success, so we headed out a few weeks ago and bought him some fancy new running shoes, special socks and new running shorts AND I got him a new bathroom scale with some very manly, high tech features! 

Product Review - Tuckeroo

Erik is not a huge fan of bibs at the best of times - he's prone to tugging them and half the time his collar ends up covered in food despite wearing the bib.  Through MOMPACT, I was introduced to Tuckaroo Bibs and they help solve this problem!

Review&Giveaway: Beautiful Photo Frame from West Ashley Wall Art #etsymade #etsy

I am so pleased to be able to introduce you to West Ashley Wall Art, a fabulous company run by a good friend of mine, Paige.  Paige makes one of a kind distressed wood photo frames that can be customized to suit anyone's tastes and color schemes.

Using a palette of colors from Sherwin Williams, the sky is the limit on color combination and she'll even customize the amount of distressing and offer a pop of color by adding beautiful paper to the inside frame if you prefer.

I was lucky enough to be able to visit Paige's studio to choose my frame, but anyone in the US can order from her Etsy store  and follow her Facebook Fan Page. 

Out of the literally hundreds of color choices, I picked this wonderful color combination of dark brown and smokey blue for my frame, which holds a 5x7 photo and can be hung vertically, horizontally, leaned up against the mantle or displayed in an easel like the one I saw at Paige's studio and fell in love with!

What I love about my frame is that it's unique - even if someone orders the same color combination, no one else will have my frame!  You can do what I did and just pick colors that you like or you can match and compliment the room that your frame will be gracing!

Review and #Giveaway - Taboo!

I love Hasbro games, and this one is no exception!  Do you remember TABOO?  It's a game I remember well from my high school days and it's fitting that I get to review the latest upgraded version just as Robyn is about to head to high school!

Review and #giveaway - Oregon Chai Tea Bags

Many of you who who have been reading Acting Balanced for a while know that I'm A Tea Granny and proud of it!  And if you checked out my 25 Days of Christmas Cookies recipes you know that I love adding a little spice to my life!  Heck, one of the most popular cookies from my 25 Days event is still getting hits - the Apple Chai Oatmeal Cookies recipe is so yummy and delicious and uses one of my favorite tea products - Oregon Chai Tea Concentrates.  Which brings me to today's review and giveaway - Oregon Chai has brought out three fabulous new flavors of Tea Bag!

    

R & G - Ocean Spray Fruit Flavored Snacks from #MyBlogSpark

There is just something about kids and gummies that go hand in hand... and as a mom I want to give my kids the chance to be kids without sacrificing good nutrition.  While no gummy is really fabulous for the diet, I think that Ocean Spray® Fruit Flavored Snacks are a great way to build compromise and make everyone happy.

Product Review - Hot Joe Jacket

I love to support Mom-created products and through Mompact, I have found another winner!  It's a Hot Joe Jacket and it's the insulating, eco-chic, beverage wrap!

Hot Joe Jackets make adorable hostess, holiday and teacher gifts. They go great with a coffee gift card and are less bulky to carry around then a reusable cup.