Children’s Claritin Playmaker Playdate

Disclosure: As a member of the Children’s Claritin Mom Crew, I receive product samples and promotional items to share and use as I see fit. No monetary compensation has taken place and any opinions expressed by me are honest and reflect my actual personal experience.

I so look forward to the spring and summer season but every year I forget that no matter how much I love my flower gardens, the beach and the pool, my daughter and I sneeze to no end. You have never seen sneezing fits like we have.  I like that Claritin has options for both of us when the sneezing becomes bothersome we know there is relief out there.  I always keep it in stock in the house because it comes and goes but when certain flowers open up, it means open season for sneezing and Claritin Kids and Claritin for me comes right out. At least it takes the worry out of getting outside and running around and actually enjoying the beautiful weather.  Opportunities abound when the sun is out and what is a better time for a fun playdate with friends?

I invited over a few friends recently to catch up and let the kids play together.  We sat out on the deck and chatted while the kids played on the geodome, played frisbee and hide and seek.  As we watched the buds fall constantly on the deck from the Linden tree I commented on my allergies. Maria, Susan and Nina all agreed they are much more sensitive to allergens that used to never bother them when they were younger. I told them about the relief we got with Claritin and they were surprised it really helped that much.  They were interested in hearing more and I told them I had coupons and goodies compliments of Claritin so they could see for themselves. Meanwhile, the kids were running so much I filled up my beverage dispenser several times to accommodate them.  We had some snacks out for them including some cute little clementines and pretzels too.

The kids had fun and then we wound up in the late afternoon so everyone could get home to do something for dinner. They finally tired themselves out so much they had to curl up and check out some new craft ideas on Pinterest. They got out the lanyard and started working on some bracelets.  A perfect ending to a fun day of play!

I sent each mom home with a nice gift swag bag including a reusable navy shoulder bag, a magnetic notepad, and some Claritin coupons. I also received a perfect mid sized soft sided cooler bag perfect for a day at the beach.  It will get a ton of use this year at the shore.

Disclosure of Material Connection:  I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe would be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255:  "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

Pure Silk Shave Cream #PureSilk

Disclosure: I received this product complimentary from Influenster for testing purposes.

I was so happy to be chosen to receive the Influenster Vow Vox Box recently. This product feels so luxurious and it smells truly amazing.  What could be yummier than Pure Silk Shave Cream Raspberry Mist with Aloe?  It does take an extra minute to use shave cream but I really try to take that time and do the extra step. It really makes the razor glide so much more smoothly over your legs and you get a better shave that lasts longer. Pure Silk did not disappoint me either. This works really well.

It is reasonably priced and I can buy it online or in the local stores like Rite Aid.  I like that it contains added aloe for smooth legs and you really can't beat the fresh raspberry scent. My legs felt really moisturized and they are super smooth. I found I was able to go for 3 days instead of two as well.  I really like my Puresilk shaving cream and will continue to use it because I got great results. 

Disclosure of Material Connection:  I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe would be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255:  "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

 

PIMSLEUR ITALIAN Level 1 Learning Italian with Dr. Pimsleur Review #pimsleuritalian

I studied abroad in Italy YEARS ago and my Italian is so rusty that I can't even think in Italian anymore. I was lucky to originally learn Italian in Italy. I used to actually dream in a combination of Italian and English at one point. It really makes me so sad to think about how my Italian language skills have deteriorated and it has bothered me for a while. Italian is an easy language to learn and I thought trying this time tested Pimsleur language system this would be a good way to restore my skills since I am planning on a vacation to Rome early next year.

Pimsleur is well known as the premier learning method for language learning.  Government agencies and diplomats have always been known to use Pimsleur learning to get up to speed with a variety of languages quickly. I wanted to  get a fast start and I know Pimsleur has an excellent reputation so I wanted to see for myself since it was the perfect opportunity. I thought it would be good to use the CDs in the car to learn Italian but in the packet they also suggest that you can load it onto an ipod or iphone for on-the-go learning which is another good option. This program really is a fast and easy way to learn the language. It gets you speaking literally almost immediately. Even if you don't have any language background you can understand quickly. The audio instructors speak slowly and give you time to repeat and respond. They make it easy to follow and mimic the accent too. They make it conversational too so it is fun. They set up real mini social settings and conversations.  You can actually picture yourself in Italy having simple chats or exchanges with the characters. "Do you speak English, ma'am?"  Lei parla inglese, signora?  "Yes, I speak English."  Si, Io parlo inglese signora.  It is fun and easy to mimic the words after a few times. My accent was even improving. They suggest one CD a day which is 30 minutes. I have been doing it in my car and it makes the drive go fast. I feel more confident with my Italian already and I am only through 5 of the CDs.

The Pimsleur system CD's repeat the words, phrases and sentences a bunch of times in different ways and you follow and repeat after the reader so you start to get a feel for the sounds and intonations. They go back and forth from Italian to English so the words and phrases are reinforced. There are 16 CDs housed in a sturdy black box so you can go at your own pace and repeat a CD if you like or move to the next and go back to another one again later. I like to do it in my car because it is quiet and peaceful and gets my mind off traffic, definitely do it somewhere where you can have a quieter place to listen and repeat because speaking the language is key. My friends who studied abroad with me and didn't make the effort to speak Italian never learned it really at all. If you follow along after a few CDs you will start feeling like you have a good handle on the language. If you are heading over to Italy on vacation you will be so much more confident when you can speak to the locals in Italian! Once I finish this one I am going to try the next level so I can really be feel good about speaking Italian again.

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.

Yoga Spinner from Upside Down Games Review #upsidedowngames

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

I am always looking for games that let my daughter and her friends have fun and disconnect from the iPad and other electronics.  I am that strict mommy that doesn't really allow unfettered access to the electronics anyway.  Too much screen time turns kids into those lazybones! Even my daughter agrees with that one.  She loves to move and be active so we were both excited to hear about a new yoga game that combines the best of yoga with the fun of a board game. 

Yoga Spinner is a great game that gets moms, dads, Grammas and Grampas and kids moving and stretching. It has brightly colored, easy to read cards that direct you to complete a variety of easy yoga moves.  My mom is such a yogaphile she was all hopped up when she heard I got a yoga game.  She can't wait to show off her moves and why not? I told her she can play the next time she comes to visit or we will bring it with us when we come to her.  Meanwhile, I know you want to know all about it.

It is really easy to play and a great way to get stretched out. One person starts (I always let the youngest go first) by spinning the spinner. That player then draws a card from the pile of cards that matches where the spinner landed.  They must follow the instruction on the card.  Some of the cards have a yoga pose and others might be more crafty instructions like "steal a card," "lose a card," or even "all play."  All play is especially fun when Daddy joins the game.  I was not permitted to take a photo of Daddy but one was a classic that I wished you could see. We were amazed that he did it. All that running around on the field every week really paid off. That man is in good shape.  Okay, okay. The goal is to be the first to collect a card of each of the colors to win the game.  Sometimes it takes a bit depending on that crazy spinner.  

My daughter is looking forward to an upcoming sleepover party with 3 friends and even has a To-do List for the party.  Yoga Spinner is at the top of the game list.  She thinks her friends will enjoy playing it at the sleepover and I do too.  It is small enough to pack in a back for a vacation or weekend getaway too.  Yoga Spinner is a good option to get the kids eyes off the screens and get them moving around and active. 

Upside Down Games has actually created a line of  high-quality educational games like Yoga Spinner that help children establish life-long healthy habits based on physical exercise, intellectual activity, and social commitment. They do this through YOGA.

Their entire line of board games, card games, and spinner games is yoga-based and are perfect for the whole family. The games are the perfect combination of family game time and move-your-body time a perfect blend for those kids who just can’t sit still. The Upside Down Games line consists of five games that are all truly unique...there are no other yoga games out there!

For 2-4 players
Ages 6+
SRP $19.99

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.