Saturday, May 31, 2014

Reef Indy's First Pool Party

The solstice heralds the beginning of summer in the Northern Hemisphere. In 2014, the solstice falls on June 21 and is when the Sun reaches its farthest point north of the equator.

The warmer weather, swimming and kids just naturally go together well. However, it's important to take care to be safe while you're in or near the water. Please remember to maintain constant supervision and avoid distractions when supervising children around the pool.

Reef Indy really enjoyed his first pool party with friends and family.
























Friday, May 30, 2014

Konjac Facial Sponge
Review

Disclosure: I got this product as part of an advertorial.


The pureSOL Konjac sponge is completely natural and eco-friendly facial sponge free of parabens and chemicals. It's biodegradable, cruelty free & vegan. 
The pureSOL Konjac sponge

Oma loves using simple products that are pure and eco-friendly. However, those products must also do as it claims. The pureSOL Konjac sponge lives up to that standard.

Konjac is a moisture rich plant fibre which is by nature alkaline, and thus balances the acidity of the skin’s impurities and oils. The unique net like structure of the sponge gently massages the skin, breaks down dirt, stimulates blood flow and new growth of skin cells. Leaving the skin extremely clean and refreshed! Oma has enjoyed adding this little sponge to her facial care regime.

The Purest Way to Cleanse Your Skin

Konjac Facial Sponge Benefits:


IMPROVES SKIN TEXTURE: pureSOL Konjac Facial Sponge gently exfoliates while deep cleansing and removing any toxins and impurities, leaving you with a radiant complexion. It is extremely soft and gentle for everyday skin care. Great for all skin types.

BRIGHTER LOOKING SKIN: The natural woven fibers of the sponge gently massage the skin and stimulate blood flow. It detoxifies and encourages skin renewal while balancing the skins pH, leaving your skin extremely clean and refreshed!

PREVENTS SPOTS, BLACKHEADS AND BREAKOUTS: The added BAMBOO CHARCOAL contains activated carbon and essential minerals to deeply cleanse and absorb excess sebum, toxins and other harmful chemicals from your skin. You will see your pores getting smaller, tightening and brightening your skin.

100% NATURAL AND ECO-FRIENDLY: Why compromise your health with products that contain harsh chemicals and additives on your skin? pureSOL Konjac Sponge is completely natural, eco-friendly and free of parabens, sulphates & chemicals. It is biodegrade, cruelty free and vegan. After use, you can compost the sponge and feel good about the environment! You can even add it to your flower pot! At pureSOL our packaging is 90% compostable.

Konjac Facebook

Konjac Twitter

 Buy On Amazon 

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.

Shandali UltraSport Travel Towel
Review


#1 Rated Travel Towel - MICROFIBER - Guarantee Bleed Free - Includes Hook


The Shandali UltraSport Travel Towel is 100% microfiber and has a 100% satisfaction guarantee. It is sold only on Amazon.

Shandali is based out of Ubud, Bali. The world’s premier yoga destination. Everything we do is focused on raising the vibration. We’re committed to improving the physical, emotional, and spiritual health of ourselves and our community through yoga, food and community. As part of the Shandali family, you’re invited to come and stay with us in Bali at any time. Just send us an email and we’ll set you up, take you to yoga classes, and eat some of the best food in the world. Email: hello@shandali.com | Subject: Hey Jeremie, we’re coming to Bali!!

Oma received a Light Blue “Sky” Medium 24”x48” towel to review. While Oma was leery of the feel of the Micro-fibre material, the towel proved to dry well. As Oma travels frequently, the benefit of the towel’s pack-ability was extremely desirable. It is so nice and thin.

Remember to wash your towel in cold water and with similar colors; then tumble dry on low. Oma is keeping her Shandali UltraSport Travel in her car!  With an active new grandson, it is useful having a drying towel on hand.

Shandali Website

Buy it here on Amazon



Thursday, May 29, 2014

KidCoder: Beginning Web Design
Review

Disclosure: I got this product as part of an advertorial.

IGNITE A LIFELONG PASSION IN YOUR STUDENT!

 

HS Programming, Inc.


The KidCoder Web Design courses are designed for 4th-12th grade students looking for a step-by-step introduction to designing their own web sites. HTML is the foundation of the World Wide Web. It's important for students interested in web design to begin with a solid grounding in good HTML techniques.

KidCoder: Beginning Web Design
Some of the topics in this book include web site layout, HTML symbols, text styling, using hyperlinks, navigation bars, simple CSS effects, spacing and positioning, graphics and image editing, tables and more.

Students don't need prior programming or HTML experience. The KidCoder Web Design courses build all web design skills from the ground up.

Oma is not a homeschooler, but with a new grandson, am always on the look for new experiences that will stimulate him in increase his intellectual growth. Oma is really enjoying the "KidCoder: Beginning Web Design" course. The self-study curriculum is well organized and very easy to navigate. Although, Oma has not completed the course yet, it has already taught a lot about the art of web design. Oma cannot wait share this material with Reef Indy.

Homeschool Programing, Inc.

Standard of Excellence


  • Written by homeschool parents who are also experienced software engineers!
  • Engaging, age-appropriate lessons with fun, hands-on programming activities!
  • Self-study curriculum requires no teacher expertise!
  • All courses come with activity solutions, test and answers, and a Solution Guide!
  • Optional Instructional Videos with animated coverage of all lesson topics!
  • Fast, free technical support for the lifetime of your course!
  • All printed versions include a perfect-bound, 8.5" x 11" textbook and course CD!
  • Professional setup program installs course material on your computer!
  • Graphical student menus allow easy access to all course components!
  • We teach industry-standard languages widely used by schools and businesses!
  • Online Getting Started guides, FAQ, user reviews, and document updates!
  • No extra software to purchase! We use only free development tools.

Homeschool Programming, Inc. was founded by homeschooling parents who have B.S. and M.S. degrees in Computer Science and Electrical Engineering.

We have a combined 17+ years of experience in the software industry.


Social Media 

Twitter 

Facebook



I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

Tuesday, May 27, 2014

Healing Tree Bamboo Charcoal Soap
Review and Giveaway

Disclosure: I got this product as part of an advertorial.

 

Lets Your Skin Breathe Again"


Healing Tree Bamboo Charcoal Soap is high in absorbency so it draws dirt from deep inside the pores. Unlike normal soaps that only clean the surface of your skin, this soap can free up a lot of dirt that clogs deep beneath your skin especially if you have acne, eczema, psoriasis, and dry/cracked skin.

Bamboo charcoal undergoes a firing process of 1,800 F to create high absorbency properties making it 4x more absorbent than wood charcoal. As a result, it cleanses your skin by removing years of accumulated dead skin cells.

With your pores re-opened, your skin will begin to begin to breathe again and naturally moisturize itself. There's no residue like other soaps, doesn't dry out your skin, and has no harmful chemicals. So if you want to feel what it's like to have your skin feeling like new, give this amazing soap a try!

Bamboo Charcoal Soap Benefits:

  • Remove Dead Skin Cells
  • Unclogs Pores
  • Smoother Skin
  • Natural Ingredients
  • Hypoallergenic
  • Detoxifying
  • Fragrance Free

Made with 4 simple Ingredients:
Vegetable Oil, Water, Glycerin, and Bamboo Charcoal


What Oma loves about this product is that the company’s mission is to provide effective & affordable natural health products worldwide and at an affordable price - $3.99 for the Healing Tree Bamboo Charcoal Soap . Further they stand by their commitment to providing their patrons with outstanding customer service. If for any reason you are not pleased with the Healing Tree products, you can request a full Refund within 30-Days of your purchase.

Oma appreciates that this soap is fragrance free; hypoallergenic; contains no harmful chemicals; no dyes; and is not tested on animals! Yet it still does the job of cleansing Oma’s face and leaving it feeling soft and refreshed.

About Bamboo Charcoal Soap: http://www.healingtreesoaps.com

 
“Join The Healing Tree’s Newsletter for Your Chance to Win FREE Monthly Products!” Visit The Healing Tree Facebook page and sign up for their Newsletter, you will have a chance to win FREE products every month. On their Facebook Page, there is a button that says “Newsletter Sign Up”.

One of Oma’s lucky readers can enter and win a bar of “Healing Tree Bamboo Charcoal Soap” (ARV $3.99). To enter: Just fill out the RaffleCopter form below! Open to US only and must be 18+ to enter.
a Rafflecopter giveaway
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.

Monday, May 26, 2014

Shopping for the Mother of the Groom Dress

Mom discovered a gas leak this morning.  So after turning off  the gas line, Mom and Oma decided to use the dilemma as a reason to get Wedding Shopping completed.  After dragging poor Reef Indy all through the mall; Mom, Oma and Reef ended up at the David's Bridal Store in Murrietta.

Reef Indy enjoyed his shopping adventure with Oma and Mom
On this, our second visit to David's Bridal Shop, the service was much improved!  Oma and Mom quickly agreed on a dress for the wedding.





Now all Oma has left to do  is plan the Rehearse Dinner and then enjoy the wedding.


Friday, May 23, 2014

Dr. Carey’s Baby Care: First Year Baby Care Guide Review & Giveaway

Disclosure: I got this product as part of an advertorial.

Product Description:


Think of this book as a user’s guide to your baby’s first year, an office visit to your baby’s physician found between the covers of this book. It’s arranged so that the most common questions are handled by topic. 

My goal is to answer a lot of the questions parents have that their own physicians may not spend the time to really answer, and to do so clearly and simply, and with lots and lots of pictures (almost 100) where appropriate.

There are certainly many medically related questions that are best answered by someone in the medical field, but for baby basics, this is the one you want.

This 80-page guide is divided into 8 helpful sections:

  1. Development
  2. Rashes, Rashes, Rashes
  3. Baby Care That Nobody Talks About
  4. Those Messy Diapers
  5. Minor Medical Problems
  6. The Sick Baby
  7. Since You Asked
  8. My Baby’s Milestones

Dr. Carey is a respected practicing pediatrician in Ventura, California. He hosts Dr. Carey’s Baby Care on CAPS-TV in Ventura and other public broadcasting stations nationwide. Keeping up with technology and user friendly access, he has a website, a YouTube Channel, and a weekly newsletter. Socially you can find him on Facebook, Twitter, Google+, Pinterest, and LinkedIn. In addition to his medical expertise, Dr. Carey possesses an extensive publishing background.

He self-published a comprehensive review series for medical students and has written articles for Ventura Parent Magazine. He serves as a guest speaker for numerous expectant parent classes. Dr. Carey is known for his relaxed and fun attitude, good bedside manner and for always taking his patient’s concerns seriously. He has a deep love for the children he cares for. The creation of his first book will help you get through all the hiccups of your baby’s first year.

Although Oma successfully raised two happy and productive sons; it has been over thirty years since they were babies. Oma was very pleased with 'Dr. Carey’s Baby Care: First Year Baby Care Guide' because the book is well-organized - so very easy to read and understand!

Dr. Carey’s Baby Care: First Year Baby Care Guide would be a perfect gift for the first time parent; new Oma or Opa; or for a beginner babysitter.


Buy this book on Amazon


It’s GIVEAWAY time! Dr. Carey is sponsoring a giveaway on my blog for one of my readers to win a copy for themselves.

One of Oma’s lucky readers can enter and win… the Dr. Carey’s Baby Care: First Year Baby Care Guide (ARV $14.95). To enter: Just fill out the RaffleCopter form below! Open to US only and must be 18+ to enter.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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.

Tuesday, May 20, 2014

Solitaire Chess Review

Disclosure: I got this product as part of an advertorial.


Oma loves games that challenge the mind. ThinkFun Brain Fitness games  help keep your mind young and sharp – all through play. 


Solitaire Chess by ThinkFun Brain Fitness


Solitaire Chess combines the rules of chess and peg solitaire to bring you a fun and challenging brainteaser play experience. In this simple single player game, your goal is to set up the pieces according to a challenge and capture and eliminate following the rules of traditional chess until only one piece is left standing. The 80 challenges range from beginner to expert and are designed to clear the mind, speed up thinking and improve logic and memory. Whether you're a chess expert or you've never played before, this is the perfect way to have a little fun while giving your brain a healthy snack.

Oma found this game very entertaining. It literally took Oma less than five minutes to unpack the game box; read the well-written instruction booklet; set-up the first challenge and start playing.

The game lets you learn the game or sharpen your skills without risking the agony of defeat or having to wait for a second Chess Player. It would be the perfect introduction to chess for your youngster! Additionally, the one-player logic puzzle, which uses simplified rules of chess to create brainteaser challenges, would also make a thoughtful gift for that older person you know who lives alone!

Product Description


Solitaire Chess® - A Strategic Twist on a Timeless Classic

You don’t have to know chess to become a master of this addictive logic game! The rules in Solitaire Chess are simple - first set up the chess pieces on the board according to one of the 60 challenge cards, then proceed to capture and eliminate all but one piece using only moves allowed in traditional chess. You must capture a piece with every move, so this game is fast-paced and always exciting!

  • Ages 8 to adult

Includes:

  • Chess Board with Storage for Chess Pieces
  • 60 Challenge Cards from Beginner to Expert
  • 10 Chess Pieces


Solitaire Chess by ThinkFun Brain Fitness

You can buy this product on Amazon by clicking here 

 

Think Fun Website



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.

Saturday, May 17, 2014

Belle and Reef
Enjoying Mission Beach


Belle and her cousin Reef Indy enjoy their May day at Mission Beach.  


While some may compare San Diego’s Mission Beach to the East Coast’s Atlantic City and Coney Island, there is a unique Southern California vibe you can’t find anywhere else here. Nestled between Pacific Beach on the north side, and Belmont Park on its southern side, Mission Beach offers a lively and robust variety of activities in the sun, surf and sand. From hot dog stands to fine dining eateries, hot night clubs to street performers, expect to find all kinds of free-spirited beach goers in a fun, carnival-like atmosphere along the sandy shores.

Friday, May 16, 2014

MIRA Touch Professional Digital Kitchen Scale Review

Disclosure: I got this product as part of an advertorial.




Product Features


  • ATTRACTIVE GLASS TOP: MIRA Touch Professional Digital Kitchen Scale - Beautiful blue tempered glass surface - 4 times stronger than normal glass. Check out all the other color options for the perfect complement to your kitchen.
  • ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY: This beautiful kitchen scale has advanced touch sensitive buttons for easy operation. Slim profile kitchen scale fits nicely in small spaces - the perfect size for a kitchen scale. Glass platform is easy to clean.
  • BRIGHT DISPLAY: No more squinting to see the food scale display - Large easy-to-read lighted LCD display shows weights in pounds, kilograms, grams, and ounces (lb./oz, kg/g, fl.oz., ml).
  • ACCURATE & VERSATILE: TARE function zeroes out the container to ignore plates and dishes and weigh only the food inside. Measures in grams, ounces and pounds. Accurate weight measurements from .1 oz. to 11 lbs. (1 gram to 5 kgs). Uses 3 x AAA batteries (included)
  • WARRANTY: This MIRA digital kitchen scale comes with a 2 year warranty. Buy with confidence.

Oma was very impressed with the MIRA Touch Professional Digital Kitchen Scale. After reading a couple of quick paragraphs, the scale was very intuitive and user friendly. The MIRA glass digital scale has all the features you could ever wanted: an easy-to-read large display, precise measurement, and easy maintenance.

What Oma found most intriguing was how the MIRA digital kitchen scale has a TARE feature that automatically deducts the weight of your food container or dish to provide the actual grams, ounces, or pounds of the ingredients alone! Its slim design made it easy to storage in the recipe drawer.

Lastly, satisfaction is guaranteed; you can buy with the confidence of knowing that MIRA stands behind the superb performance of its accurate and durable glass food scale with a 2 year warranty.

You can find this product on Amazon, by clicking here




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.

Thursday, May 15, 2014

Reef's First Fire Scare

Wildfires continued to rage throughout San Diego County Thursday morning, leaving tens of thousands of residents unsure of when, and whether, they might be able to return home.

At least nine fires have ravaged more than 9,000 acres, destroying homes and forcing thousands to flee in communities throughout North County. Local officials say the blazes, which prompted Gov. Jerry Brown to declare a state of emergency, are the worst they've seen in years.

Reef Indy did not seem too concerned about the fires around his home in Fallbrook, California.  Mom and Dad kept their eyes open, just in case it became necessary to evacuate.  The two fires close to our (Oma & Opa's and Reef's) homes were named the the Tomahawk Fire and the Highway Fire.

By far the region's largest fire, the Tomahawk Fire, scorched thousands of acres on Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton. That fast-moving brush fire prompted evacuations, but military aircraft were making inroads in battling it.

Hundreds also fled the Highway Fire, as it scorched hundreds of acres in the Bonsall and Fallbrook area of North County.

View of Highway Fire from Reef Indy's home

Reef's Dad captured this photo of a "Fire Tornado"
Oma took this photo from the backyard. The Tomahawk Fire is in the
distance on the left and the Highway Fire is on the right.