Eco at Heart Stainless Steel Straws.

So if you're anything like my husband I'm sure the first thing you think of when you hear stainless steel straws is.. why? Well, I was interested in trying them out because we have lots of reusable cups that take plastic straws and I'd like to cut plastic use out of our life. These straws are durable, chew proof, and have a very long life of reusability!!

Our favorite smoothie cup for the kids had a plastic straw that one of them chewed shut. Of course no one sells just the straw to fit it. Enter Eco at Heart.

Their stainless steel straws came in a five pack from Amazon and include a nice durable straw cleaning brush. They have been simple to clean and I know if something funky starts to grow on them I can use bleach and hot water without affecting the integrity of the straw.

Overall I'm impressed with the straws. t's a simple concept but Eco at Heart has done it right. If you'd like to try them out you can enter their current contest. Eco at Heart is giving away two $50 gift cards to Amazon for those who have the most liked Instagram post that uses their logo and the hashtag #ecoatheart. Also 25 people who register will win a 5pk of straws. You can find more info and register here. The contest runs for ten days starting 9/23.

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.

Julienne and Vegetable Peeler

I have a problem getting can openers to work and keeping vegetable peelers in the house. It's a weird sort of thing but somehow I tend to throw them out with the vegetable peels and can openers never work more than month or so for me. This means reviewing kitchen gadgets is always on my list!! This time I tried out the Priority Chef dual julienne and vegetable peeler.

It's easily available on Amazon which is a plus for me and available for Prime shipping. The company has lots of good feedback and was speedy in shipping my product. After you received your peeler you get a nice ebook with some good vegetable recipes. As a mom feeding pocky kids I'm always looking for help.

The shape of the device as a pure peeler takes some getting used to. Normally as I peel carrots or potatoes I'm used to the blade portion being parallel to the handle. Here, it's perpendicular. This didn't affect it's use just was different to me.

Zoodle (zucchini noodles) are all the rage now. I've seen recipes for making them from carrots and all sorts of vegetables and this is where the Priority Chef dual julienne and vegetable peeler really shines. It is a dual sided blade and the opposite side of the peeler makes perfect little "noodles". We made our and doused them in cheese and marinara to see if I could fool the kids. It was a no go but we'll keep trying. I've also made a fun salad using the julienne blade for myself!

This peeler is stainless steel and dishwasher safe and overall really sturdy. The handle isn't flimsy like I often find on others. Overall I'd give it 5 stars for the julienne portion. The peeler works great too just takes getting used to.

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.

How to Train Your Dragon to Drive a Race Car(s) Party!!

So my oldest has decided on the theme for his fifth birthday party. He loves his parties and talks about the next one before the current one has begun. This year he told me he wants a layer cake, ha! He couldnt' decide between Cars and How to Train Your Dragon so we are doing a How to Train Your Dragon to Drive a Race Car(s) Party!! But now I need help......

You can check out out 3 yr old Superhero Party here. 

I need some ideas on games, crafts, even goodie bag items that can combine both themes. I'm on Pinterest and you can follow me here and if you happen to see anything tag me!! Last year at his Knights party we had a hige dragon pinata I made so probably not the same thing again. 

We also did a dragon bean toss so I need new ideas!!

Got anything??

It's a.....

BOY!!

Yep, boy #3 for us!

Gender Scan!! Any guesses??

I'm 18 weeks with baby number three and today we had our anatomy scan, where we got to find out the gender. I'm starting with pictures from my earlier scan at 11w5d. Then there are pictures form today and a belly shot from today to go with it. Any guesses??

11w5d

11w5d

TheO SmartBall Review and Giveaway!!

As the wife of an iOS developer (Apple apps for those of you who aren't in IT), we are always looking for fun educational applications for the boys for early learning. They have our old devices as their own "phones" or "remotes" as Carter calls them.

I recently got to try out TheO SmartBall - For kids pre-school to 5^th grade. Simply put it's a soft foam ball that uses an app on your phone (iphone, ipod touch, or android devices) to initiate learning while they play. You insert your device directly into the ball (easy to follow tutorial is available online) and get started. TheO™ SmartBall comes with 12 free apps to get you started. Additional apps are available on iTunes and Google Play, and they are constantly developing more. Check out my giveaway at the bottom of this blog post for your chance to win your own TheO SmartBall!!

I love the wide range of apps available which help teach the basics from colors and letter to numbers and shapes.  The newest series Discover! includes fun apps such as

• Discover Animals by Habitat
• Discover Bodies
• Discover Careers
• Discover Colors
• Discover Items on a Farm

• Discover Items in a House
• Discover Items in a School
• Discover Objects by Size
• Discover Textures
• Discover US States and Capitals

There are even apps for the older kiddos (through ~5th grade) with things like multiplication tables and US States and Capitals.

Nolan and Carter have both been playing with the SmartBall. It's great in that it keeps Carter's attention more than a simple app would. The ball itself though isn't actually required to use the apps and it doesn't have things like buttons to press to make it work etc. but it's still fun and more active approach to iPhone or Android fun. Together the boys love the free Hot Potato game!! Check it out.

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.

Amazing Kites!

Nolan has been asking to fly a kite for a while. We've purchased the cheaply made plastic ones but they never seem to store so they are usually only good for a use or two. Not to mention if the Florida wind gets going they don't hold up. I jumped at the chance to try out The Fighter Jet Kite. What adult kid wouldn't want a kite that looks like an awesome plane?? It's from The Kite Outlet and easily available on Amazon. It even qualifies for free Prime shipping!

The kids really appreciated how fast the kite went together. Nolan carried it in it's case to the park and dad had it up and ready in just a minute. It's not cheap plastic but rather a nylon fabric for durability. The poles aren't plastic or wood but fiberglass for long lasting fun.

Easy and fast to put together.

We seem to be lacking wind recently (unless there is a storm brewing and kite flying is dangerous). The kids couldn't wait any longer so we took it out although not a tree was moving. It took a little bit of effort but we were definitely able to get it flying. It's so light weight that huge gusts aren't needed.

Overall we loved the kite and can't wait to try it at the beach!! If you're looking for something to last and bring lot of fun to your outside play this is definitely it!


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.