Review and Giveaway: GreatCall 5star Urgent Response

In the last few weeks, I have been involved in the great debate over whether or not my 10 year old needs a phone. 
Pros for a phone...I can get in touch with her if I need (assuming she has it on) and if she has an emergency, she can use it to call 911.

Cons...definitely the price!  And of course then there is the price of replacement if you loses it, and there is all the rules that come along with the responsibility of a phone (who she can call, when she can use it, limits of minutes and texting...)

Funny about the time I was going to get her the phone, I was asked to review a new product called GreatCall 5star Urgent Response Responder.   This great new product takes care of all I need for my daughter at a low price and with less rules and responsibilities for her and it attaches securely to her backpack, so I don't have to worry about her losing it!

The responder is a little GPS enabled device that you carry with you and you can use to contact 5star Response Agents or 911 depending on the situation.  If she gets home from school and is locked out she can press the button and talked to an Agent, they will use the personal profile I set up online to get her help.  If it is a real emergency she can press and hold the button and be connected directly to 911. There is also a free LiveNurse service included and an online locator that allows you to track the user. 

The service is only $14.99, which is much cheaper than what I would be paying for a phone, texting and possible overages!

GreatCall 5star services are available on a Jitterbug, Responder or you can download an app on your phone and it's available online here or at BestBuy, Wal-Mart or Sears.

Giveaway:  GreatCall is giving away 1 5star Responder with 2 months free service to one of TwinkieMommie's lucky readers!

Mandatory Entry – Comment below who could use a Responder and what for AND become a TwinkieMommie GFC follower.

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CONTEST ENDS Tuesday February 13, 2012 @ 11:59pm EST

GOOD LUCK!

Disclaimer – GreatCall supplied me with this product for review purposes only. I was not compensated for this post and all opinions are that of my own.

Swingline Stack and Shred Review and Giveaway

Okay this has to have been the most fun review I’ve done in a while!!  I am reviewing the Swingline Stack and Shred.  I just spent the last few hours cleaning out my filing cabinet and for the first time I didn’t have to tear up papers so no one could see my private information in the trash.  First, I did credit cards, they go in a little slot on top, one at a time, it pulls them through and shreds them up!  Then I did old bills.  I did them one at a time through the top, as I looked through them.  What was nice is it shredded them while they were still folded!  The top feeder shreds up to 6 pages at a time.  Last,  I had an old manual from some electronics we no longer had.  I put that in the automatic feeder, which does up to 100 pages.  The manual was about 40 pages and stapled at the top.  It was shredded in seconds!  Everything neatly shreds in a paper container (one was provided) in the bottom of the shredder, that when it’s full I can recycle!  It doesn’t get any easier than that!  I would definitely recommend this to anyone who has a house full of papers to get rid of that has personal info on them, like I did!

Giveaway:  I will be giving away 1 Swingline Stack and Shred to 1 of my lucky readers!

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CONTEST ENDS September 5, 2011 @ 11:59pm EST

GOOD LUCK!

Disclaimer – EvoraPet supplied me with this product for review purposes only. I was not compensated for this post and all opinions are that of my own.



Kensington Touch Screen Stylus Review and Giveaway

I got a Kensington Virtuoso Touch Screen Stylus and Pen for review as well as the other products reviewed yesterday.  This is my favorite of all the products I received!  It came in really handy during our trip.  I have a Motorola Xoom that I got a few weeks ago that I used for accessing the internet in the car on the trip.  A Xoom is touch screen tablet.  Before receiving this new stylus, I had been using my finger to navigate through the screens.  I cannot tell you how much having the stylus made a difference!!  It keeps the screen cleaner; the fingerprints from using your finger are annoying!  It also makes it so much easier to type.  When you use your finger you wind up typing two letters at a time or clicking on the wrong place on the screen.  The price is really reasonable too, $24.99 with one that also has an ink pen in the other end and $14.99. The stylus works on all tablets, including iPad!

Giveaway: I will be giving away 1 Kensington Virtuoso™ Stylus for Tablet to one of my lucky readers!

 

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CONTEST ENDS September 5, 2011 @ 11:59pm EST

 

GOOD LUCK!

 

Disclaimer – Kensington supplied me with this product for review purposes only. I was not compensated for this post and all opinions are that of my own.

 

 

 

Kensington Product Reviews and a Giveaway

As I said before I was given the chance to review some great products. One company that I received a few products from is Kensington. Kensington sells really cool computing accessories. I was given a wireless mouse, computer lock and a tablet stylus to review.

Kensington Ci10 Fit Wireless Notebook Laser Mouse Review

The Kensington Ci10 Wireless Notebook Laser Mouse is great. Coming from someone who wore out the buttons on my last laptop’s touchpad, I know you need to have a regular mouse too! The Kensington mouse is great. It plugs into your USB, it is wireless so you don’t get tangled in cord. It’s small and lightweight so it’s portable. It has a rubber grip so it’s easy to hold. It has a wheel for scrolling. Overall, I would definitely recommend this mouse.

Kensington ClickSafe® Anywhere Keyed Lock 2 Pack Review

A Laptop Lock is a must for anyone who travels. This package actually has two locks that are both keyed the same, one that you can use while in the office and the other for when you are traveling. They are made of steel cable and are tamper resistant. I would also recommend this lock.

Kensington BlackBelt™ Protection Band for iPad 2 Giveaway: The BlackBelt Protection Band protects the corners and edges of your iPad.  I will be giving away 1 of these Bands to one of my lucky readers!

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  CONTEST ENDS September 5, 2011 @ 11:59pm EST

  
  

  
  

  GOOD LUCK!

  
  
  
  Disclaimer – Kensington supplied me with these products for review purposes only. I was not compensated for this post and all opinions are that of my own.
  
  
  

EvoraPet Oral Care Review and Giveaway

Stash

Besides having 3 kiddos, animals are also a big part of our family. My number one animal buddy is my cat named Stash. Every now and then though Stash’s breath can be a little intense, like he’s been eating fish or something! I was so excited when I was given the opportunity to try this new product, EvoraPet. EvoraPet is an oral care product for animals that you sprinkle on their food and it freshens their breath.

The powder has no smell. My cat had no idea it was there. And sure enough, a few days after using it his breath seemed fresher!

EvoraPet Discount: Are you ready to give it a try? Use the code EPET811 through August 31, 2011 and receive $5 off at checkout.

EvoraPet Giveaway: I will also be giving away one 30-day supply of EvoraPet to one lucky reader!

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CONTEST ENDS September 5, 2011 @ 11:59pm EST

GOOD LUCK!

Disclaimer – EvoraPet supplied me with this product for review purposes only. I was not compensated for this post and all opinions are that of my own.

Just Bling Watches

I am back from vacation! We survived and had a wonderful time! It’s really been hard getting back into the groove, and it didin’t help that school started Monday!




Here is the first of many product shout-out as promised…


There is a new watch out there called the G4 by Just Bling Watches. JBW is an attainable diamond watch brand that defines urban luxury for young-minded people seeking to achieve greatness and take on the world. The American brand was founded in 2006 with the desire to fuse modern design aesthetics with premium watch making. Their watches are amazing!!


This isn’t a giveaway just yet…first you have to go to JBW Facebook Page and like them. Then post on their wall that TwinkieMommie sent you. If enough people are sent through my page I will get to give away one of their beautiful watches!!

Endangerbles Review and Giveaway

I just had a great opportunity to review a new music CD called The Endangerbles.

The CD features 10 original upbeat songs, all composed by Fred Bogert, the three-time Emmy-nominated musician-performer widely acclaimed for his musical contributions to the popular kids-based folk-rock duo Trout Fishing In America. Inspiring children to “respect and protect all the species of the world including each other “ is the mission of The Endangerbles. Its endearing cast of animal characters effectively entertain and educate children of all ages about the wonderful world of animals, specifically relating to those that are endangered, threatened or vulnerable.

My girls absolutely LOVED the CD (I find it quite catchy too.) They listen to it all the times and I love that they are learning something too!!

Visit the site and check out all the great things it has to offer. Once your child becomes an Official Deputy Endangerble, they can play games, download fun stuff, color online, see real animals and receive their own emails. When you sign up, it will ask for how you found out about the Endangerbles, select “SSA” and you will receive an email with a link to download a FREE Endangerables song.

Win Endangerbles Music CD & Plush Pal Toy!

Endangerbles would like to give one of my readers your very own Music CD and Plush Pal Toy!

Mandatory Entry – Check out the Endangerbles website sign up your little one to be a Deputy! IT’S FREE! Please post the first 3 characters of your child’s Deputy Badge Number in the comments! (1 entry)

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**Please leave a separate comment below for each additional entry.

CONTEST ENDS June 19th @11:59pm EST

GOOD LUCK!

Disclaimer – Endangerbles supplied me with this product for review purposes only via SSA. I was not compensated for this post and all opinions are that of my own.

Free On-line books from Story For Me

Sponsored by Tomoson.com

Here is a great site for FREE Books: Story Time For Me 


Each book Features:

• Word Highlighting:  The episodes highlight the word or sentence being read by the narrator to help children follow along, keep their place in the story, and develop their reading skills through active listening. This feature can be turned on or off, according to the child's preference.
• Practice Makes Perfect: For children who want to practice their reading skills out loud, the reader can click on any word in the story to have the narrator repeat the word with perfect articulation.
• A Customized Reading Experience: The stories can be read either in auto-mode or manually, allowing children to turn the pages at their desired pace. This gives young readers the flexibility to enjoy our stories according to their reading ability.
• Professional Narrators: The stories are narrated by professional voice actors and actresses who bring excitement and drama to their narrative. The narration is enhanced by spectacular sound effects and music, which furthers the listener's experience and adds atmosphere to the tales.
• Building Vocabulary for Toddlers: In our stories for toddlers (ages 1-4), the reader or child can click on designated words within the story to activate a picture pop-up. This feature will teach children word associations and increase their vocabulary.

There are 30 titles available and more to come.  Also sign up on Facebook to win a free book!

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.

Dishwasher and Laundry safe Lables

I wish I would have had these when the babies were little! I reviewed these dishwasher and Laundry safe labels. You stick them on and they will actually stay on after washing! I know when the girls were using bottles we tried everything we could to be able to tell their bottles apart.


Applied Labels are Applied Labels LLC's flagship and most popular product. They're extremely tough, ultra versatile and perfect for labeling:
*bottles
*sippy cups
*shoes
*school supplies
*gadgets
*summer camp gear
*all those little things that go to early childcare centers

Their labels are available with and without icons or with a second line of custom print.


To label clothing, sandwich an Applied Label (TM) with one of our blank backers. For shoes, stick on a Shoe Shield (TM) that will keep labels in place all year long.


Website
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I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com and the Tomoson weekly featured sponsor Favorite Wigs - Shop Name Brand Wigs at Low Prices! Large Wig Selection of Forever Young Wigs, and other 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.

Printables

Over the holidays I had a great opportunity to review these Christmas Printable Games.  These kept my whole family busy over the holidays.  We used them at our Christmas get together and my daughter used them in her free time.  Python Printable Games has printables for all kinds of holidays and have great prices.  All you have to do is pay and them print them from your home computer.  You can check out the free samples here.

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com and the Tomoson weekly featured sponsor Favorite Wigs - Shop Name Brand Wigs at Low Prices! Large Wig Selection of Forever Young Wigs, and other 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.

AnyBook Reader by Franklin Review

How many times have you been asked to read a story over and over again? I have found the best solution for this! It is the AnyBook Reader by Franklin. I recently had the opportunity to review one and I absolutely love it. It is definitely a must-have for this Christmas!



How it works: The AnyBook Reader is a pen like device that records and then plays back when it is touched to the stickers that are provided. First, you take the stickers and put them on every page of the book. Next, you activate the sticker by touching it with the “pen” and record that page. That is it! Then your child can go back and hear your voice as she turns the pages of the book.


More info: The AnyBook Reader can be used with ANY book. It uses 2 AAA batteries. It stores up to 15 or 60 hours of reading depending on the version. The 15-hour one is $39.99 and the 60-hour is $59.99.


Why I like it: With 3 kids I don’t have much time. With the AnyBook Reader, my kids can hear me read their books any time they want. Additionally I like the idea that other family members that don’t live close can record stories for them to listen to as well.


I also like that I get to decide what books are used. With other readers like this, you have to buy the reader and then books to go with it, each book having an extra cost. With the AnyBook Reader, there is only the onetime cost, except for buying more stickers, which is definitely cheaper than buying more books!


I would absolutely recommend the AnyBook Reader.

Rock ‘N Learn Review and Giveaway

I was given the opportunity to review yet another great product!! This time it was the DVD Money and Making Change  from Rock 'n Learn. I really liked this DVD and so did all of my children. The songs were catchy and the video was amusing. Even though making change is over my twins’ heads they still watched along and danced to the music. It’s never too early to get them familiar with money. My 9 year old, who already knows how to make change also enjoyed it. It was a great reinforcement of what she already knew and I’m pretty sure she learned a few tips and tricks too!


I would highly recommend this video!


Buy it: With the holidays approaching, Rock ‘N Learn wanted to offer their customers a 25% discount coupon. When placing an order through www.RockNLearn.com, customers can use the code SSA25 at checkout to receive the discount. The coupon code will be good through December 5.  They have several DVDs to choose from!

Also right now they are having an Ultimate Giveaway.  They will be giving away an entire collection of all of their DVD's!  Go enter the Ultimate Giveaway here.


Rock 'n Learn is giving away 1 free Money & Making Change DVD to one lucky TwinkieMommie reader!


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CONTEST ENDS November 30th @11:59pm EST

 

GOOD LUCK!

*I received a Money & Making Change DVD from Rock 'n Learn for review purposes. I received no other compensation for my review. The opinions in this review are my honest opinion.

FireFly Toothbrush Review

I was given the opportunity to review a FireFly toothbrush. FireFly toothbrushes were invented by a dad and his young daughter. They have a light up timer that flashes for 60 seconds, the dentist recommended time for kids to thoroughly brush each row of teeth. The flashing toothbrush comes in a variety of fun styles and colors including Barbie, Spider Man or Hot Wheels.



I really liked the FireFly toothbrush. It was perfectly sized for my kid’s hand. The bristles were soft. The light also made it fun to use and I get piece of mind knowing they are brushing long enough!

**I was given a FireFly toothbrush for review purposes.  I received no other compensation for my review.

Ten Marks Review and Giveaway

My 9-year-old daughter and I recently had the opportunity to review a great Math website: TenMarks. It offers lesson plans that go right along with what your child should be learning in school. There are over 100 core math skills per grade level. The worksheets are graded right away, and the child can go back and correct incorrect answers. There are just 10 problems per worksheet If the student is stuck they can click on the video help and immediately get a video explanation of the problem they are working on. There I a reward zone that you can play games in. As they complete more and more worksheets, they can unlock more games that they can play online. Parents receive weekly reports sent to their email telling how their child is progressing through the program and if they completed their worksheets for the week

Programs start at just $10 per month. With personalized learning, online worksheets, video helps, built in rewards, weekly reports on your child's progress, TenMarks is quite a good deal. For some parents, the fact that the stress of making their child complete a boring worksheet is gone makes the price of the program well worth it.

My daughter has 10 minutes of math practice a day as part of her nightly homework. She has been doing TenMarks every night since we got the subscription. She absolutely loves it!

**Giveaway**

TenMarks is giving away 1 free 6-month subscription to one lucky TwinkieMommie reader!

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CONTEST ENDS November 30th @11:59pm EST

GOOD LUCK!

*I received a subscription to TenMarks program for review purposes. I received no other compensation for my review. The opinions in this review are my honest opinion.

Lifephoto Back to School Day Planner Review

As a mom of 3 kids, staying organized can be an enormous task! Gymnastics, Girl Scouts, Doctors Dentists, Orthodontists, School Plays, PTA meetings, family get-togethers and vacations…PHEW! Makes me tired just thinking about it!


I have found a creative and fun way to keep it all together! The Day Planner from Lifephoto. I made my day planner in no time at all. I uploaded some pictures and it automatically arranged them for me. It was incredibly easy.

Why I liked it:
Colorful Pictures

Sturdy Pages

Spiral bound

You can enter in dates before it’s printed

Nice big squares for writing

I would definitely recommend this!

Here is a great site for more photo ideas: http://www.simplephotogifts.com/

Colorful Custom Cover

Put in important dates before its printed 

 

 

Add cute backgrounds

 

 

 

 

*I received a Lifephoto Day Planner for review purposes. I received no other compensation for my review. The opinions in this review are my honest opinion.