Product Review and Giveaway: DaGeDar

Remember a while back, I had a post telling you to be on the lookout for a new toy from the makers of Zhu Zhu Pets?  Well, thanks to MomSelect, the boys and I received our package and can now reveal what the new toy is!

It’s called DaGeDar.  They are cool looking balls with steel ball bearings inside so they zoom like crazy along a super fast and looping track.  Each ball is a character, like a robot, zombie, hero or villain.  They have codes on them that you can enter on the DaGeDar website to find out more about that particular character.  The track is colorful and easy to piece together.  There are even two ramps so my boys could race their DaGeDar balls.  Check out this video to see them in action…but only if you ignore the messy state of my living room.  ;)

Here is another video, this one with ds4 demonstrating how to score 100 points on the track.

As you can see, my boys enjoyed this new offering.  I like that it’s something they can play with together, the ease of setup, and the fact that it doesn’t take up all that much room (and is surprisingly portable.)   The website is very detailed and has a lot to offer including challenges and an interesting background story about the DaGeDar world.   Look for DaGeDar products to be in stores August 8th.

I have a basic ball set up for grabs.  Leave a comment on this post for your chance to win.  Winner will be picked next Sunday, August 7th.

I received a set of DaGeDar products from MomSelect to facilitate this review.  I received no further compensation.

Product Review: Neutrogena Wet Skin Sunscreen

Thanks to Mom Central, the boys and I had the opportunity to test out the new Neutrogena Wet Skin sunscreen line of products.  I was very excited to be picked for this review!  Any mom knows how hard it can be to get sunscreen on kids.  We also now know that sunscreen should be reapplied often, which is even harder to do!  Drag the kiddos out of the water, dry them off, go through the whole application ordeal again.  It’s not fun, and sometimes it’s not effective on wet and sandy skin.

Neutrogena Wet Skin sunscreen is designed to cut through any wet areas on the skin and leave behind a protective barrier of broad spectrum sunscreen.  We received 4 varieties to test out; Wet Skin Kids with an SPF of 70+, Wet Skin SPF 30, Wet Skin SPF 50 and Wet Skin SPF 85+.

We set up the slip-n-slide for testing purposes.  Here you see ds3 applying the sunscreen to ds4.  Um, SOLD!  End of review.  Any sunscreen that my kiddos are not only excited to try out but can put on each other is number one with me!!

The spray goes on clear, smells fruity (to me) and is not sticky.  It didn’t sting when I rubbed it on the little guys’ faces and no one developed a rash or itch after using it.  There is no cap on the bottle, just twist to open and use.  The continuous spray feature makes it super easy to apply.  Perfect to pop into your bag to use for any summer outings.

Even with playing on the slip-n-slide at the peak of a very sunny day, no one got burned.  And yes, we reapplied on wet skin and it worked just as well.  :)  I used the Wet Skin SPF 30 on myself and was just as pleased.  It smelled good and wasn’t sticky feeling.  This product is quite helpful in our neck of the woods, with our high humidity.  It not only stays on while you sweat, but can be applied when you are already sweaty as well.  No more excuses, dh!

Right now, when you buy online at the Neutrogena website, you can save $2 on all sunscreen products.

“I wrote this review while participating in a blog tour campaign by Mom Central Consulting on behalf of Neutrogena and received sunscreen and other Neutrogena products as a thank you for my participation.”

Product Review and Giveaway: Dr. Scholl’s Custom Fit Orthotic Inserts

Thanks to Mom Central, my family was given the chance to test out a pair of Dr. Scholl’s Custom Fit Orthotic Inserts.  I let my dh have the reins for this review, seeing as how I mostly wear flip flops or go barefoot (good thing, too, since I currently am nursing my second broken toe.  Maybe because I mostly wear flip flops or go barefoot?)

These inserts are not the ordinary cushioned pads you slip into your shoes.  You go to a special kiosk and have your feet measured in order to get the specific type of support your feet need.  I don’t mean that your feet are measured just for size, but they are analyzed to identify your personal pressure points and arch type.  Dr. Scholl’s calls it Footmapping Technology.

The kiosk is widely available and easy to use.  Here is a video demonstration.  Here is a store locator to find a kiosk near you.

We didn’t have to go far at all, just stopped by the kiosk while on a shopping trip at our neighborhood Wal-Mart.  Dh simply slipped off his shoes and followed the on screen directions.  He was informed that his custom orthotic inserts were the CF330 pair.  The kiosk is stocked with the different types of inserts; no need to make a special order or dr visit.

Dh has the inserts in his work shoes.  He works at a large hospital and not only does a lot of walking but is pretty much on his feet all day.  More often than not he comes home and heads straight for the medicine cabinet because of achy tired legs.

Dh has been using the inserts for over two weeks now.  Honestly, the first evening he came home I asked how the inserts worked.  He said, “Well they must be doing some good because my legs don’t hurt like they normally do.”  He has seriously seen a great improvement in how his legs feel at the end of a long day.  And he notes that he doesn’t even notice the inserts are there.  He’s a satisfied customer.  :)

Check out the Dr. Scholl’s website for more information and head to this link for a $7.50 rebate offer.

Would you like to win a pair of Dr. Scholl’s Custom Fit Orthotic Inserts?  Just leave me a comment with some way to reach you.  I’ll announce the winner next Friday, June 3rd.

“I wrote this review while participating in a blog tour campaign by Mom Central Consulting on behalf of Dr. Scholl’s and received a Custom Fit Orthotics from Dr. Scholl’s to facilitate my review.”

TOS Review: EnVisionMath

EnVisionMath 2011 1st grade is a math workbook from Scott Foresman-Addison Weasley company.  Anyone familiar with that name will know that they provide curriculum for schools.  The workbook we received for review is no different, it is designed with a classroom/teacher setting in mind.

It’s a huge book lol. 

Basically the student tears a sheet out and folds it to make a little booklet.  Each booklet is a lesson.  Each lesson has various activities to teach the topic and include “home connection” and “home activity” ideas meant for parents to do as reinforcement.

There are 20 topics in the workbook.

• Numbers to 12
• Comparing and Ordering Numbers
• Understanding Addition
• Understanding Subtraction
• Five and Ten Relationships
• Addition Facts to 12
• Subtraction Facts to 12
• Geometry
• Patterns
• Counting and Numbering Patterns to 100
• Tens and Ones
• Comparing and Ordering Numbers to 100
• Counting Money
• Measurement
• Time
• Addition Facts to 18
• Subtraction Facts to 18
• Data and Graphs
• Fractional Parts
• Adding and Subtracting with Tens and Ones

Each topic has from 4 to up to 13 lessons.  There is a test at the end of each topic.  The book is colorful and the graphics appealing.  Apparently there are digital components that teachers can use online, but we were not given access to them.

All that said, this workbook is intended for a classroom.  I let ds4, my 6yo 1st grader, work some of the lessons.  The exercises were pretty simple, but I had to stand over and explain or read them all to him.  And while 1st grade math is easy to teach, with no teacher’s guide or other directions, there were several lessons that left me clueless as to what he was to do.  I only say this to emphasize that the book is not designed for homeschool use, not to imply it’s a poor resource.

The website has the 1st grade student edition (with digital system access) available for $34.47.  The site is also designed for educators so there is limited information and the public is unable to access samples.  Honestly, I’m not sure why the company asked TOS to review the product, and I wouldn’t recommend it for homeschool use.

I was given a copy of EnVisionMath 1st grade workbook to facilitate this review.  I received no further compensation.  To see other TOS Crewmember reviews of this and other Pearson products, click on the banner below.

TOS Review: Mad Dog Math

Mad Dog Math is practice drill software designed for K-5th students to help them master math facts in all four operations.  It has four levels.

Level 1 : Addition and Subtraction from 0 – 18

Level 2 : Addition and Subtraction from 0 – 18 but with focus on 7 – 18

Level 3 : Multiplication and Division from 0 – 12

Level 4 : Challenge level making use of all operations

Each level is further divided into sub-levels or fact families.  Having the drills be centered on fact families is one of the unique aspects of this program, and has come in handy for us since ds4 is using a math workbook that focuses on fact families as well.  The drills can be timed or not, allowing those who enjoy besting a previous time that joy, while keeping it more low key for younger students.  Here is more info from the website:

The Essentials of Mad Dog Math

Enables children to master their +, -, x, and ÷ facts in a fun challenging, exciting, and motivating way

Math supplement for any math curriculum

For grades K through 5th; remedial middle school and high school

Standard, daily 10 minute time commitment from start to finish

Huge body of math facts broken down into bite-sized pieces any child can master

Applied system that works in every classroom and in every home

Students, teachers, and parents LOVE it

Another useful feature of this program, and part of what makes it kid friendly, is that the student logs on with his/her first name only.  No passwords to worry about.  This program is designed to be a supplement only, and does not have a separate parent account or generate any progress reports.

This software was easy to install and use.  I liked that I could truly customize it for each of my boys, especially since they are mastering different operations right now and they have different learning styles to accommodate.  The dog theme isn’t too cutesy or childish (something that sends my boys running from the computer lol.)

Mad Dog Math is available in a one year license for $19.99, two year license for $29.99 or perpetual license for $39.99.  You can also download a free trial that gives you access to the first fact family of all three levels.

I received a limited license of Mad Dog Math to facilitate this review.  I received no further compensation.  To see other TOS Crewmember reviews of this product, click on the banner below.

TOS Review: WonderMaps

Bright Ideas Press has a very useful new resource for homeschooling.  WonderMaps is a customizable collection of over 350 different maps with nearly endless ways to incorporate map study into your lessons.  Here are some details from the Bright Ideas website:

 

WonderMaps is designed with easy-to-use layers that allow you to enjoy great customizable features with just a click. Select:

• historical or modern-day maps
• outline, reference, political, or topographical maps
• black-and-white or color maps
• features including: names, borders, rivers, cities, physical features, and graticules

WonderMaps includes:

• 60+ maps of the world
• 60+ maps of the USA
• 125 historical maps, including 25 biblical maps
• The complete map sets from The Mystery of History vols. I–III and All American History vols. I & II

And here is a video tutorial about WonderMaps.

 

It didn’t take much time at all to find my way around this software and make use of it in our schooling!  It’s been a big help for our SOTW studies and of course with ds3’s states study.  Having WonderMaps keeps me from searching the internet for just the right map…I can make my own, to fit our specific lesson.

WonderMaps is available from the Bright Ideas Website for $49.95 (as just a download or download and cd.)

I was given a download of WonderMaps software to facilitate this review.  I received no further compensation.  To see other TOS Crewmember reviews of this product, click on the banner below.

TOS Product Review: GoTrybe

GoTrybe is a fitness themed website designed to help students get (and stay) fit and healthy. Users can design their own exercise routine, learn about ways to stay healthy, what foods to eat and what to avoid. The site is divided into three age categories similar to elementary, middle, and high school levels.

Once your student signs up they are placed in a “tribe” according to their grade level.

Now the student creates a custom avatar and can begin exploring the site.  The main element of the program is designing your own exercise routine by choosing from many short fitness videos featuring a variety of instructors and children.  You can assemble a workout including warm-up, cardio, strength training, stretching and cool down from a simple to use drag and drop screen.

There are other tabs for learning about nutrition and watching motivational videos, all of which earns the student points which they can exchange for cool items for their avatars.

Both ds3 and ds4 (4th and 1st grade) helped me review the program.  I regret to report that neither enjoyed it.  Ds4 was all on board as he created his avatar but the moment he saw the exercise videos he ran.  He literally would not take any part in the program.  I really thought ds3 would love this, as he is part of other online communities where you create avatars, do things to earn points, and connect with friends.  But he, too, would not participate.  It really is nothing to do with the program itself, it’s a great concept and is well executed.  It’s simple to use, affordable, and quite informative.  It’s just that my boys do not enjoy “structured” fitness routines (and frankly aren’t in need of any.)  They are quite active on their own and learn nutrition and healthy living by our family’s example and in our homeschooling.  If, however, you are in need of a fun and motivational resource for fitness and nutrition, GoTrybe definitely fits the bill.

GoTrybe normally costs $39.95 for a year’s subscription.  You can sign up for a free trial using the code GETFIT, and if you sign up for a membership during the trial you pay only $19.95.

I was given an extended free trial of GoTrybe to facilitate this review.  I received no further compensation.  To see other TOS Crewmember reviews, click on the banner below.

A Sneak Peek

Last year the boys and I got to test out and review the now super popular Zhu Zhu Pets, including the Kung Zhu line created with boys in mind. Now Cepia, the brand behind Zhu Zhus is coming out with a new toy aimed at boys this summer.  Here is a sneak peek at DaGeDar.

 

You know my boys’ interest is already piqued lol.  ;)  And it looks like something both the 6yo and 10yo can play with together.  Can’t wait to try DaGeDar out. 

TOS Review: Greek N Stuff

Greek “N” Stuff offers Greek and Latin curriculum and Bible studies for preschool through high school aged students.  The boys and I received the “Hey Andrew, Teach Me Some Greek!” Level 1 Worktext to review.

This resource is a straightforward workbook designed to teach younger students how to read and write the Biblical Greek alphabet.  There are twenty-four lessons, one for each letter.  Each lesson begins with an introduction to the new letter and simple directions on how to pronounce and write it.  Subsequent pages provide more writing practice and exercises in recognition.  Flashcards are provided in the back of the workbook, and there is a prompt at the bottom of each page of the workbook to remind students to add new flashcards and review previously covered ones.

   

Ds4, my 6yo 1st grader, used this product.  The lessons were short enough that he didn’t get bored or frustrated, and he enjoyed checking the “I practiced my flashcards today” box on each page.  I found the layout of the workbook clean and simple, yet not too dull to capture a child’s attention.  It was very easy to implement this program into our schooling with little prep on my part (and what homeschooling mom doesn’t love that?”)

Keeping in mind that I find this to be an effective and high quality resource, we did not complete the workbook.  Ds4 is still getting a grasp on the English language and I found it a bit too distracting to have him learning Greek at the same time.  It’s just not something I personally feel we need to pursue at this age and time.  If I were looking for a Greek curriculum to use with a young student, this resource would certainly fit the bill.

“Hey Andrew, Teach Me Some Greek!” is available in 8 levels.  The Level 1 student workbook is $14.95.  The Greek “N” Stuff site offers many companion pieces for purchase, such as answer keys, quizzes, flash cards on a ring holder and even a pronunciation cd.

I received a copy of “Hey Andrew, Teach Me Some Greek!” Level 1 student workbook to facilitate this review.  I received no further compensation.  To see other TOS Crewmember reviews of Green “N” Stuff products, click on the banner below.

TOS Review: Writing Tales

Writing Tales is a language arts and writing curriculum that follows the Classical approach to education. It uses stories from Aesop’s fables for grammar and composition lessons. Each level includes a Teacher’s Guide with detailed daily lesson plans, and a Student Workbook with the stories and various worksheets. The basic premise is that students learn correct grammatical usage and become better writers when they are exposed to and mimic well written, classic pieces.

There are 30 lessons in each level that cover 15 different stories. Each lesson takes two weeks to complete. On the first day the student reads the story and a general discussion follows: Who are the main characters, what is the problem and resolution, etc. Next the student has a few lines of copywork from the story. Various grammar lessons and vocabulary words are taught using the story as well. At the end of the first week, the student writes a rough draft retelling the story. In the second week of the lesson the student works on editing and embellishing his story (the grammar concepts are also practiced more.) In the end the student will have written a unique take on the fable.

I used Writing Tales Level One with ds3, my 10yo 4th grader. In the past I have used separate language arts and writing resources with ds. He does okay with the grammar but hates writing. He did really well with Writing Tales’ gentle and inclusive approach to both subjects. Each daily assignment was just the right length for him to grasp the concept but not feel overwhelmed. There wasn’t an entire page of copywork, just a sentence or two, just three or so vocabulary words, etc. The Teacher’s Guide includes many simple but fun games to reinforce concepts for the week. Our favorite (so far) was placing index cards with the four sentence types on various walls in the living room, and having ds run to the correct card as I read sentences to him. Perfect kind of exercise for a young boy!

I am super impressed with Writing Tales. I think it really fits the bill for homeschooling families. The materials are well made and balanced…not too flashy but not boring either. The Teacher’s Guide is detailed but easy to follow and implement. The lessons are the ideal mix of fun and effective. This approach to teaching grammar and writing beats rote workbooks any day. While the basic concept follows the Classical approach, the author’s methods really help make the lessons more “user friendly” and less restrictive.

 

You can find sample lessons here.  A full scope and sequence is available here.

Writing Tales Level One is designed for grades 3 and 4.  The Student Workbook is $19.95 and the Teacher’s Guide is $24.95.  Level Two is appropriate for grades 4 and 5.  The Student Workbook is $24.95 and the Teacher’s Guide is $32.95. 

Writing Tales' Annual Sale Coming Soon! Get 20% off plus FREE Shipping from May 2nd to May 9th!!!

I received copies of Writing Tales Level One and Two Teacher Guides and Student Workbooks to facilitate this review.  I received no further compensation.  To see other TOS Crewmember reviews, click on the banner below.

Product Review: Hormel Compleats Kids Meals

Thanks to Shespeaks, the boys and I had the chance to review some new microwave meals made just for kids.

Hormel Compleats Kids Meals are designed to be easy to prepare, tasty and nutritional.  They are ready to eat in a time-saving 45 seconds and come in four kid-friendly flavors;  Spaghetti and Meatballs, Pasta & Chicken, Beef Ravioli and Macaroni and Beef.  Each variety is less than 300 calories, low in fat, and contains 3g of fiber.  They come in colorful, compact packages that make them a good on-the-go meal option.

Both my younger boys were with me when I opened the box with the meals inside.  Right away ds3, my 10yo, grabbed the Beef Ravioli and asked if he could make it for a snack.  I agreed and stood back to see just how he would fare preparing the meal on his own.  He easily read the simple directions on the back, popped the kit in the microwave and 45 seconds later was digging in.

He really enjoyed it!  I was impressed with how evenly the product cooked.  It was not too hot to handle, yet didn’t have any cold spots either.  I also think Hormel did a good job with the packaging, making it fun and appealing yet still quite functional.  While the meals are designed with kids in mind, my teenager gobbled up the Spaghetti and Meatballs and I enjoyed the Macaroni and Beef.

The Hormel website has product information and a ton of fun ideas for keeping kids active.  My boy’s favorite suggestion was building an obstacle course.  Hmm, with 4 boys it often feels like my house is an obstacle course lol.

In the spirit of full disclosure, Hormel Foods provided samples of Hormel® Compleats® Kids Microwave Meals for me and my family to try. No payment was given and as always, all opinions given here are fully my own.

Product Review: Estroven

 

I have not been shy about sharing my age here on the blog so most everyone is aware I am now firmly ensconced in my 40’s.  No turning back now!  I am also smack dab in the middle of perimenopause, the time when your body transitions to menopause (which is actually the point when it’s been a year since your last period.)  This transition typically begins in your early 40’s and can last from a few months up to 10 years.  Yeah, I know, I freaked out when I read that, too.  Here are some of the symptoms of perimenopause:

Hot flashes

Breast tenderness

Worsening of premenstrual syndrome

Decreased libido (sex drive)

Fatigue

Irregular periods

Vaginal dryness; discomfort during sex

Urine leakage when coughing or sneezing

Urinary urgency (a pressing need to urinate more frequently)

Mood swings

Difficulty sleeping

Of course, every woman’s experience will vary.  And let’s face it, we all experience some of these symptoms at various points in our lives (what mom isn’t fatigued?)  For me, so far, I’ve had a few hot flashes (living in the south who can tell lol?) difficulty sleeping and the worsening of premenstrual syndrome.  However, I’ve been having the most problems with irregular periods.  Holy cow, what a ride the past year and a half has been!  My monthly business is no longer predictable in any way shape or form.  Every month is different.  Some months it’s two periods.  A couple of times I was late and thought it was finally all over.  Lately my time has been lasting weeks, and not days.  My record so far is 18 days.  Fun times.  ;)

Thankfully, this time in a woman’s life is no longer considered taboo.  The subjects of menopause and perimenopause are out in the open and the medical community is helping women make the transition more tolerable with information and medical intervention when necessary.  Over the counter support is available as well.

Estroven® products are herbal supplements made with all-natural ingredients to provide natural menopause symptom relief. Black cohosh plus soy isoflavones are combined with essential nutrients like calcium, folic acid, and B-vitamins. These work naturally in the body to help reduce hot flashes, night sweats, and other menopausal symptoms.  There are four formulas to chose from.

Estroven® plus Multi-Vitamin

Estroven® plus Multi-Vitamin combines menopausal symptom relief with a multi-vitamin for women. Estroven® plus Multi-Vitamin contains a unique Mood & Memory blend to support mood and memory function, as well as mild to moderate hot flashes.

Estroven® Maximum Strength

Estroven® Maximum Strength was created for women who may be experiencing more bothersome menopause symptoms.

Estroven® Nighttime

Estroven® Nighttime helps promote natural sleep patterns to help you sleep through the night and wake feeling refreshed without morning grogginess.*

Estroven® plus Energy

The Estroven® plus Energy formula naturally supports the energy you need to stay productive and energized all day, while reducing hot flashes and night sweats.*

I picked up a box of Estroven plus Multi-Vitamin on my last trip to Target.  I like that I can get mood and memory support along with my daily vitamins…no extra pill to take.  :)

The Estroven website offers a wealth of information and even a self-test to see just how well you are managing menopausal symptoms.  You can “like” Estroven on Facebook, and visit a special URL that has details on an Estroven loyalty program.

“I wrote this review while participating in a blog tour by Mom Central Consulting on behalf of Estroven and received a gift certificate to thank me for taking the time to participate.”