orb :: set your music free!

Lately we've been having a few music dilemmas here at our house.  There were multiple issues, but basically I needed to find a way to play our digital music library back in my girls' toy room without investing a couple hundred dollars into equipment or having monthly subscription charges for a service. After some searching I found the solution and it's called the Orb Music Player! YAY!!!

The Orb Music Player is the niftiest little device ever!  You just set up the software with your computer and plug in the Orb to run music from your computer to your stereo speakers or radio via Wi-Fi.  I can now listen to all our digital music on iTunes as well as online radio stations, like Pandora (or Sirius Satellite Radio if we had it) right in our house and I don't have to be attached to my computer!

For our girls to listen in their play room I've set up the Orb remote on my computer desktop so I can control what they're listening to while I work.  The great thing about using the Orb Music Player to do this is that I can choose different music for myself to listen to at the same time on my computer without interfering!  You can also set up the Orb remote on your smartphone and control the music from there as well.

The Orb Music Player is about 3 inches in diameter and is very small and compact.  To use it you need to be able to plug it in for power and have a stereo or radio with audio cable hookups (red/white).  We have even used our Orb Music Player to play music on our TV for family dance parties in the living room.  If you want more details about how the Orb Music Player works exactly you can find them here, along with details on using multiple Orb Music adaptors in your home (BRILLIANT!!!).

Orb Music Player :: $79

*I was provided with the Orb Music Player shown above in order to conduct this review using personal experience.  The opinions provided are my own.*

sodastream :: home soda maker

When I first saw the SodaStream, I didn't completely understand it. After doing a little research online, I soon learned it was a LOT easier than I was making it out to be.

Matter of fact, I think it's awesome!! We drink a LOT of water in our house. We have a very good water purification system and that is where we get our water. One of the main things that I LOVE about SodaStream is that we are able to use our own water. Soooo....I get carbonated, filtered, healthy water!! Add a few flavorings into it and voila! Perfection...well, in my opinion :)

"A SodaStream soda maker lets you enjoy fresh, fizzy sparkling water and soda in seconds. No more lugging, storing or discarding heavy bottles of soda. Treat your family to a wide variety of great-tasting flavors, made without high-fructose corn syrup or aspartame. Show you care about the environment. With SodaStream, there are no more empty bottles and cans to recycle or discard, and none of the energy wasted by transporting billions of gallons of soda every day. It just makes good sense. Better for you...Better for the environment!"

When I was on twitter the other day, I actually found a great tweet that shared a few recipes that utilized the SodaStream. Click HERE if you want to read them for yourself. There are so many possibilities! Just use your imagination!

Here is a brief summary of how it works:

1. Fill
2. Fizz
3. Flavor
4. Enjoy

As simple as that! Seriously!

"A delicious range of over 25 SodaStream flavors is available for purchase. With SodaStream you can create the freshest sparking drinks in the world in seconds."

There are a lot of fun benefits to using a SodaStream, but here are 5:

• Turn water into soda in 30 seconds
• Great value
• No lugging or storing
• No empties
• EARTH FRIENDLY - No empties to recycle or throw away, no batteries or electricity.

Not only is this good for the whole family (especially is you already drink filtered water and are looking to "switch it up"). But what a great idea for a Father's Day gift!! I think so at least, and so does my hubby!

Follow SodaStream on Facebook and Twitter to hear about specials they have going on!

SodaStream Genesis :: $99.95
Prices on flavorings and supplies can be found HERE
To purchase the items shown above in a physical store, the Where to Buy section answers it all!

*I was provided with the items shown above to conduct this review using personal experience. The opinions expressed are my own.*

gourmet du village :: elegant entertaining

Having just spent the holiday weekend with family and friends I know that summer has officially kicked off.  With that comes many more get togethers at the lake, grilling out and just having fun.  Which also means there will be many more times where I'll need to help provide some snacks and food.

Gourmet du Village has helped me start this new summer entertaining season off right and I'm pretty sure that I'll be using them to help continue that trend.  Not only was making the Onion Chive Dip Mix that came with my Cabernet Dip Chiller beyond easy (mix 1 cup sour cream and 1 cup mayo with the dip mix packet and let sit for 15 min.) it was so DELICIOUS that even the kids loved it!!!

Before I tried the Dip Chiller out I was a little skeptical of how long it would work to keep dips chilled.  The basic premise being that you add ice to the chiller and then put your dip in the top.  I was amazed when I needed to replenish the ice in the chiller only once in the 4 hours we were outside on a 94 degree afternoon, and my dip was still cool when it was time to leave!  You can see the condensation on the outside of my Cabernet Dip Chiller in the photo to the right.

Each Dip Chiller comes with a different Gourmet Dip Mix depending on what color Dip Chiller you get.  The Cabernet Dip Chiller has the Onion Chive Dip Mix included, but we also got to try out their new 5 Peppercorn Dip Mix.  I thought it was pretty nice that Gourmet du Village's new Gourmet Dip Recipe Box packaging includes the instructions for making the Dip Mix into a dip as well as some other tasty recipe ideas to use your dip mix for.  The 5 Peppercorn Dip Mix Recipe Box had suggestions using your Dip Mix to make a for topping burgers or a nice grilled steak.  Drool...

Cabernet Dip Chiller :: $14.99, regular price $18
5 Peppercorn or Onion Chive Gourmet Dip Mix :: $3.99, regular price $4.50 :: stock up on these Dip Mixes so you can have a delicious contribution to any summer get together in no time at all!

*I was provided with the Dip Chiller and Dip Mixes shown above in order to conduct this review using personal experience.  The opinions provided are my own.*

fusionbrands :: foodpod {giveaway}

So I really love kitchen gadgets. Especially ones that are innovative and useful. Useful being an important requirement. One of my new favorite kitchen gadget makers is Fusionbrands®. On top of other requirements, they have some of the FUNNEST kitchen gadgets I've seen in a while!

Before I get to excited and start telling you about all the great products they offer that I want to get, let me get focused and tell you about the one I have, the foodpod. This thing is awesome.

The foodpod is a silicone pod for boiling, blanching, steaming and draining. It is excessively easy to use: just fill it, blanch/steam/boil it, drain and serve! I've used my foodpod to steam asparagus, hard boil eggs and cook ravioli. My favorite was how my foodpod worked perfectly to get all those pesky ravioli gently out of the water at the exact same time so half of them didn't overcook (just make sure to leave enough room in the foodpod for the noodles to expand as they cook and to stay submerged in the water). I also LOVE the fact that I can smash my foodpod up very small for storing, so my precious cabinet space is well used.

Important foodpod factoids to know:

• made out of FDA food safe non-stick silicone (the pod) and BPA free nylon (the top)
• can hold up to a dozen eggs or multiple heads of broccoli
• top rack dishwasher safe & the bottom silicone pod is microwave safe as well
• that little claw shaped clip on the end of the handle? Not only does it keep you from fishing out the handle in the boiling water, it also helps aid in boil over control. (nifty, eh?)

Here's a little demo video to show how easy the foodpod works:



foodpod :: $15

{ * GIVEAWAY CLOSED :: CHECK THE SIMPLE WINNERS TAB TO SEE IF IT WAS YOU * } 


A SIMPLE GIVEAWAY!
One lucky kitchen gadget loving SIMPLE reader is going to win a foodpod of their very own! Here's how to enter:

• Visit Fusionbrands® and tell me what other kitchen gadget you'd love to try (Required Entry)
• "Like" Fusionbrands® and SIMPLE on Facebook
• Post a status update on your Facebook tagging SIMPLE and Fusionbrands®. For instructions on how to tag in a status update click here.
• Follow @simplereviews on Twitter and send some twitter love. Tweet this (daily tweets allowed) :: Love fun kitchen gadgets? #Win a foodpod from Fusionbrands with @simplereviews: http://tiny.cc/o56s5 #giveaway #contest Please RT!
• Sign up for SIMPLE updates - enter your email address in the left sidebar on SIMPLE
• Publicly follow SIMPLE via Google Friend Connect

Winner will be randomly chosen on June 9, 2011. Please reference Giveaway Rules at the top of the page before entering. Good luck!

*I was provided with the foodpod show above in order to conduct this review using personal experience. The opinions provided are my own.*

tracy anderson :: metamorphosis dvds

If you are like me you have likely jumped on and off the trendy workout bandwagon -- Billy Blanks anyone? So I was understandably skeptical when a friend recommended the Tracy Anderson Post Pregnancy Workout DVD to me after having my son. She promised me it would work to tighten everything up after the months of stretching everything out. It did. When it comes to workouts there is only one measure of success, your body.

When I found out that Tracy had come out with a whole new workout I was very excited to give it a try. Metamorphosis by Tracy is a 90-day program, based on your body type (there are four types to choose from), that consists of a diet plan (including recipes), muscular structure work and a cardio component. Within the first moments of the DVD Tracy promises a perfect body. And to be honest -- I believe her.

I have not yet completed 90 days, but here is my breakdown of the workout so far:

• The daily time commitment is a little over an hour (once you switch the DVDs and get situated). I appreciate being able to do this in the comfort of my own home. Many times I have completed this workout with my toddler running around me (even lying on top of me as I try to do the ab exercises).
• As with any Tracy Anderson workout, this is hard from moment one until the end. But, if you are giving an hour of your day to benefit your body why not give it 100%.
• I don't hate Tracy at any point during the workout DVDs. This seems like a silly thing to note, but if you have seen some of the workout DVDs I have done in the past you will appreciate that actually liking the person leading you through the workout is really rare.
• Every workout starts out with a half hour of cardio. When dancing to this cardio portion I look like a five-year-old having just consumed a bowl of Fun Dip dancing to Yo Gabba Gabba. It's pretty great. And you aren't expected to perfect the routine the first time through...or even the seventh. You are encouraged to just keep moving and catching on.
• After cardio you complete a half hour of toning exercises. These toning exercises switch every 10 days keeping it interesting for you and your muscles. Tracy targets the little muscles that pull everything together instead of just focusing on the big muscle groups. I think this makes a huge difference in the results.
• The workout is really fun. Even if there are those one or two moves that make me cringe every time I do them I always end with sweat and a smile, two great signs of productive exercise.

You can read a lot more about Tracy Anderson, her workouts and her devoted followers -- including Gwyneth Paltrow and Jennifer Lopez -- by visiting her in-depth website at http://tracyandersonmethod.com/. I highly recommend Tracy's workouts and agree that if you follow through with her programs you will see real results.

Tracy Anderson Method :: $89.97 :: Metamorphosis by Tracy Anderson DVDs

*I was provided the Metamorphosis by Tracy DVDs to conduct this review using personal experience. The opinions expressed are my own*

jumpsport :: jumping into a world of fun!

From the time I was little, I dreamed of having an outdoor trampoline! What kid doesn't, right? I have been talking with JumpSport for a while now, and I now have a fabulous and informative review for you, our awesome readers!! Let's start with this fun video of my girls on their new trampoline:

My kids love to try anything new. We attend gymnastics class, so my girls are very familiar with trampolines. I remember the first time Adalynn went flying across one. Priceless.

Here are a few things that I specifically want to point out about this trampoline as I feel it far surpasses many others on the market:

• JumpSport's website is EXTREMELY informative. If you want to know why they are a leader in the industry, simply do some research on their site.
  
• Directions and assembly were both flawless. They recommend more than one person for assembly, but with me being 7 months preggo I was little help. My husband did 98% of it on his own during one afternoon.
• This thing is just plain quality! The base is nice and heavy creating a solid base, which is really important after watching a few mishaps on YouTube featuring sub par trampolines. The safely enclosure is unlike one I have ever seen. It actually works! Not only does it keep the kids safe, but it is certainly strong enough to take the weight of a full size adult without the net ripping or the trampoline tipping over. (Read more about their reasons behind their safety HERE).
  
• In order to enter and exit the trampoline, the kids have to go through this overlapping portion of the net. So there is no possible way a kid could go bouncing out the trampoline.
  

I CAN'T SPEAK HIGHLY ENOUGH about JumpSport. Seriously it is outstanding!!

Be sure to follow JumpSport on Facebook and Twitter to hear about their special promotions as well as new products!

Last, they have FREE SHIPPING! Enough said :) Read more HERE about it.

14ft JumpSport Elite™ System w/ integrated Safety Enclosure :: $1,149.00
JumpSport® SureStep™ Trampoline Ladders :: $59.95


*I was provided the 14ft JumpSport Elite System w/ integrated Safety Enclosure as well as the SureStep Trampoline Ladder to conduct this review using personal experience. The opinions expressed are my own.*

Pick & Draw - creating artist!

As a home schooling mom - I am always looking for things to keep my little ones busy - and engaged. Until recently my son Caleb has had NO INTEREST in art... all of a sudden however, he has begun to create and draw on his own. As a huge art fan myself, I was so excited to see this.

So when I came across "Pick and Draw" - I had to email the artist behind this awesome game.

During nap time in our house Caleb has 2 hours while his younger brothers nap and during that time this is the perfect activity to burn some time.

"Pick and Draw is a fun, one-of-a-kind drawing game that teaches you how to make very creative cartoon faces." - it has 1,000's of different faces you can create with the game - and encourages creativity & learning.

GET YOUR OWN: For the cost of only $10 you can invest in a great product, from a wonderful artist. If you have children who love to create and draw - or would like to encourage art in your kids - this is the perfect place to start. I even enjoyed it!

WIN YOUR OWN: Want to win a deck? 

Entry 1: The creator of this game asked me to do, what I think is a very fun "entry" - that you or your child can do. Go to the "Pick & Draw" website - and play the game yourself (online!) - draw your own character (or have your child draw it) - and then comment here telling me the name you decided on for your character. :) - if your extra cool you will take a picture of your drawing and blog it haha - but im not expecting that. It would be fun to see though.

Entry 2: If you are in a rush and don't have time to play right now, thats ok.. you can enter this giveaway by simply subscribing to Rich's blog that has step by step drawings for children (I actually used one of his drawings recently on a school project). Just comment letting me know you subscribed.

Giveaway Ends 2/23/11

I was sent a deck of the "Pick and Draw" cards to showcase and review on SIMPLE. These thoughts are my own.

Mmmm... Brownies!

With Valentine's Day quickly approaching I know there is many a spouse or significant other out there looking for a great gift idea.  As a devout lover of all things carb filled and chocolate I suggest brownies.  Not any old brownies though, Vermont Brownie Company brownies.

Maybe you saw them on Throwdown with Bobby Flay?  They won.  For good reason. (If you haven't yet seen the episode you can check it out here.)  Vermont Brownie Company has mastered the combination of perfect brownie flavor and texture, "Not too cakey, not too fudgy - just right."

Really, here's just how good Vermont Brownie Company brownies are... Tonight when I was thinking about writing this post I started daydreaming about moving to Vermont, finding a house within walking distance, and visiting them.  Every day.

Why was I making an imaginary cross-country move? Because, I got to try their half dozen Sampler Pack of brownies which contains a variety of all their... "best selling brownies in one perfect gift box! Signature, Dark Chocolate Chevre (as seen on Food Network!), Espresso Dulce de Leche, Peanut Butter, Maple Toffee Crunch and NEW Walnut Chunk."

Don't you just love the packaging?  Each brownie is individually wrapped and sealed so they can last as long as possible.  But, since Vermont Brownie Company uses gourmet chocolate and local farm-fresh ingredients to make all their natural brownies preservative free, they do suggest eating yours ASAP.  Which wasn't really a problem for me...

GET YOUR OWN!!!  (Because I'm not sharing mine.)  Visit Vermont Brownie Company online to purchase their delicious creations.  I highly recommend the Maple Toffee Crunch and Signature flavors.  You can even get your own Sampler Pack, but get a dozen since the half dozen disappears so quickly.  :)

BE SOCIAL: Vermont Brownie Company is a small company owned by two lovely ladies, Katherine & Shawna (you can read all about their story here).  Show them your support by following them on Twitter & liking them Facebook.  You can also join their mailing list to be in the know about exclusive offers and info regarding new flavors.

*I was provided the VBC Sampler Pack pictured above in order to conduct this review. The opinions provided really are my own and I'm serious about getting your own, cause I'm not sharing. :)

 

No more Hot Laps - The E-Stand

As a photographer I spend many hours at a time using my laptop.

When I process a wedding or portrait session I am bound to my recliner more often than not, editing away on my macbook pro laptop.

However, after about 30-45 minutes my laptop gets extremely hot. This is common for most laptops - and almost always I just put a pillow under it to keep the heat from my legs. However, this does nothing for the actual laptop, and the constant heat can kill a computer over time.

I discovered a perfect solution called the E-Stand. There are two versions to this product, I have the LD-09 and have really enjoyed it!

The E-Stand has everything covered.
From a convenient fold up design (allow it to come with you)

A detachable USB cord that connects from your laptop to the stand - providing air flow with a dual fan.

It provides adjustable legs - so the height can be adjusted to your specific needs.

You can also use the E-Stand "flat" - on a desk surface as well.

GET YOUR OWN: Not only does the E-Stand cover the obvious must, at helping with heat and cooling - but it also comes equip with a mouse area as well as a spot for your drink and pen/pencil. If you have a laptop and need a solution for using it on your lap, check into the E-Stand! It comes in a variety of colors as well.

A SIMPLE COUPON: If you use the coupon code "SIMPLE" at check out - you will save $10 off the E-Stand LD-09 (any color!) - this would make a great gift for any one you know who uses a laptop - maybe fathers day gift?? :-) - Coupon only good through Feb! so be sure to use it now.




Disclosure:
Next Success provided me with a black E-Stand to showcase and review on SIMPLE.

Zhu Zhu Pets - Party Time!!

Do you have a girly girl who loves anything pink, pretty and all glam! This set is fantastic for her!

I had the opportunity to host a Pampered Hamster playdate for my girls and two of their friends. Oh what fun we had! Here is what we were given to facilitate the playdate:

* 4 Zhu Zhu Pets™ Rockstars
* Zhu Zhu pets Deluxe Fashion Carrier
* Assortment of Zhu Zhu pets Fall Outfits
* Zhu Zhu Pets Beauty Salon
* Themed games, activities and Easy-to-make recipes

These items are just perfect for an afternoon get together! Since zhu-zhu pets are all the rage right now, you are able to find them pretty much in any big retailer store.

The girls had a BLAST playing with these Rockstar Zhu Zhu pets! They loved the hair! AND, they loved the little purses that you can carry the hamsters in. Oh these items are a girly girl's dream come true! We had two 4 year olds and two 1 year olds playing that day. Even the one year olds had a blast! We just had to keep an eye on them to make sure the hamsters didn't get near their hair! :)

When our fashion-forward hamsters and their arsenal of grooming must-haves arrive, your living room will be transformed into Beauty Central for the ultimate pampering play-date!

From Glam Makeovers to Hipster Hamster Fashion Shows, your guests will love getting pretty right alongside their ZhuZhu Pets™ pals.

GET YOUR OWN!! You can get all these items featured above and more at your local Toys R Us, on Amazon or click HERE and you will be directed to Zhuniverse's site where you can see exactly where to buy!

*I was provided with everything pictured above from Zhu Zhu Pets and MomSelect free of charge.*

The Real Tooth Fairies

The Real Tooth Fairies is a place where love is magic, and every kindness counts, and how it can offer children, not only a foundational experience with their own personal tooth fairy but also tools for effective character building and shared values.


Even tho my daughter is not of age to do this yet, and my son probably would not be interested, I still wanted to check it out and share it with our readers. I will definately be using it with my daughter when she is able.

A Peek Inside the Books! The book series allows girls to get to know The Real Tooth Fairies and the rich, magical world in which they live. Each book sends a positive message telling girls to believe in themselves and make the kind choice. Which is huge for girls these days.

Play on The Real Tooth Fairies Website! Girls will not only be able to create their own personal avatar, but she’ll be granted the opportunity to meet her Real Tooth Fairy and explore the expansive magical world of Real Fairyland! By taking the Royal Quiz, your girl will be matched to her own fairy based on her interests, allowing her to connect on a more intimate level with the actual face and name behind her tooth fairy. There are so many fun activities that she and her tooth fairy will be able to do together – from touring Real Fairyland, decorating her very own hotel suite in the Royal High Towers or even singing and dancing to magic music videos by the Real Tooth Fairies!

Magic Letters! The Real Tooth Fairies write personalized letters for Earthie Grils, called Magic Letters. Your girl can ask for a magic letter from her Real Tooth Fairy for any occasion – everything from a lost tooth to a sports achievements or even a tough day at school. Magic letters are a great catalyst for mom and daughter bonding!

Every Kindness Counts Program! Whether its setting the dinner table or being nice to her sibling, this program encourages your daughter to become a hero for kindness because every kindness she does helps make the Earths Glow Score go up by 1. She can get kindness kits (with ribbons and charms) and go online to track and record how many kindnesses she’s done and what level she is at. Girls will glow with each Kindness Ticket they earn and inspire those around her to do the same.

The Real Tooth Fairies is a very exciting and magical world for your daughter. She will be excited to be matched up with a Fairy that is most like her. I explored the website quite a bit and foudn many interactive game and activities for your child to do. Your child can get excited about finding letters from their fairy, while parents can keep track of the lost teeth.

The books will create great family time and activities will encourage kindness and both of these are things that I find very beneficial with the REAL TOOTH FAIRIES!


GET YOUR OWN!! The Real Tooth Fairies was released in October 2010.

WIN YOUR OWN!!! One lucky SIMPLE reader is going to win:

• A complimentary 1-month VIP upgraded membership for your child online
• Two Real Tooth Fairies storybooks – Magical World of The Real Tooth Fairies and Twinkle Becomes a Real Tooth Fairy
• Kindness Starter & Level 1 Kit
• Magical Letters Gift Certificate

To enter go and meet The Real Tooth Fairies and tell me who your favorite is.

Extra Entries: (leave a separate comment for each)

• Follow The Real Tooth Fairies on Facebook
• Tweet this giveaway: Enter to win The Real Tooth Fairies gift Pack from @Real Tooth Fairies over at @simplereviews: http://tinyurl.com/2bxqu5h

WINNER will be randomly selected and announced on December 20, 2010. Good luck!!!

*I was provided with The Real Tooth Fairies Pack free of charge to conduct this review*

Listening in Style with Logitech!

Do you need a gift for the music lover in your life? I have something great for you - and you still have time to get one too for your loved one! The Logitech Rechargeable Speaker S715i.

One great feature on this product is the fact that is has a rechargeable battery. So in essence, you can bring this with you anywhere. This product is very compact. If you are a big traveler for work - or you travel on a lot of family vacations - this is a must have product. If you are anything like me, I like to have "white noise" in the background in order to fall asleep. This is perfect for that. I plug my iPhone into it and set up my music and off to sleep I go.

This is my new docking station at night as well. I put my phone on here and it charges my battery instead of plugging my phone into the wall outlet. Here are a few other key features:

• Custom-tuned sounds
• Portable Design
• Wireless remote control
• Auxiliary input
• Trayless Dock
• Travel Case
• Approx 8-hour rechargeable battery

"Like" Logitech on Facebook and follow Logitech on Twitter too!

GET YOUR OWN!! Head on over to Logitech and take a look around. They have SO many products, you will be there a while. My husband just ordered their Harmony One Universal Remote as well and is in LOVE. Another great product to get if you are trying to figure out what to get that man who has everything.

*I was sent the Rechargeable Speaker S715i from Logitech free of charge in order to conduct this review. The opinions expressed are my own.*

Entertaining with Gourmet du Village

It's that time of year when we all have parties and gatherings to go to and host.  I love all the yummy foods that come along with these events but sometimes I struggle to choose what I should bring or serve.  One of my standby items to bring is Baked Brie.  It's easy to make, always disappears, and clean up is super easy.

I came across Gourmet du Village while looking for some fun new Holiday entertaining and gift ideas and I instantly fell in love with their Brie Bakers!  The ceramic Brie Bakers come in a variety of colors and are oven and dishwasher safe.  The matching ceramic top allows you to keep your brie warm for an extended time (for the first time in years I didn't have to put our brie back in the oven to reheat before it was gone).

We tried the Apricot & Jalapeño Pepper Baked Brie Topping with the inaugural use of our Bistro Cranberry Brie Baker at Thanksgiving and it was a big hit!  Each Brie Baker comes packaged in a hinged box with a recipe and toppings (every color Brie Baker has a different recipe and topping set).  The box is perfect for storage and would look great packaged in a gift basket with some additional toppings nestled around it (hint hint for those of you still searching out holiday gift ideas).

I'm excited to try out the Sweet Onion Jam topping for a savory baked brie tonight with my sister and their Pear & Rosemary topping looks too mouth watering pass up.  There are just too many tasty choices to pick only one!

GET YOUR OWN!!! Visit Gourmet du Village online and pick up your own holiday entertaining secret weapons!  You can also use their Store Locator to find a retailer near you!


*In order to conduct this review I was provided with complementary samples from Gourmet du Village.  The opinions provided are my own.