Butterviews

EQUATION: I was recently contacted by the Old Barn Rescue Company to review a wall decal product of my choice.

From the company’s “About” page:

When Jan’s dad told her he needed to tear down their childhood barn she couldn’t stand the thought of all that beautiful weathered, 120-year-0ld wood going to waste. She and her good friend, Adonna, started creating and, voila, Old Barn Rescue Company was born. In the fall of 2008, due to the popularity of Adonna’s hand-lettering, we began Old Barn Rescue Company’s Wall Graphic Division. Now you can have Adonna’s gorgeous writing on your wall without the added cost of her visiting your home to do it herself!

As you can see, Old Barn Rescue is still creating one-of-a-kind wall decor from up-cycled doors, windows, furniture and molding. We love finding just the right door knob or hook, and getting our hands dirty digging for the perfect treasure to finish a piece. You’ll find all kinds of wonderful, eco friendly decor in our Old Barn Rescue section of this site. Check back often though as they fly off the shelves!

We also love the versatility and ease of the cut vinyl. Adonna is always coming up with new wall graphic designs, most of which are hand-drawn, making them unlike anything else out there. She is always being asked, “Where did you buy your fonts?” Her hand-lettering now graces the walls of many a nursery and bedroom, kitchen and bath, classroom and storefront. As two MWK’s (mom’s with kids) we enjoy being creative and are committed to making sure you, the customer, love what we create.

I chose the “Home Sweet Home” decal. The pictures, unfortunately, don’t do it justice. They were taken on my phone as I don’t have a camera right now. The colors I chose were black for “Home Sweet Home” and red for the background “Home.”

Farther Away

MINUS: It really took me a while to figure out how to attach it properly, with the words sticking to the paint, instead of trying to stick back to the backing. Because it’s over my piano – and no one can move that thing, it took 3 grown men when we installed the carpet – I was up on a stool bending over the top of the piano. My angle may have had something to do with it. Once I bended the decal all the way over on itself so it was it was flush against the wall, peeling the adhesive off was a breeze. It took me a while to realize that.

Up Close

EQUALS: A definite positive review. It just looks so “right” there. I will definitely be using them if I decide to do words on my walls again.

EQUATION: The Momfluence Network sent me a Nerf Pocket Vortex flying football for their upcoming gift guide for review.  The particular one sent was branded for the Steelers.  The label says “Pocket-Sized Football Fun!  The Farthest Flying Footballs!”  I, alas, do not play with footballs.  So, I tasked the usage to my sons.  Or tried to, anyway – my husband took over instead, and allowed them to play with him.

PLUS: According to my son, Joseph, the football is “Great!  Incredibly awesome!  And I got bonked in the head and it didn’t hurt!”  According to my husband, it turns “awesome,” is easy to throw, and corrects itself.  He also mentioned that when it hits the ground, it flies straight up first, making it easy to retrieve.

MINUS: My son didn’t have any negatives.  My husband said that it could be bigger, to which I replied, “Honey, it’s not made for adults.”  He poo-pooed that notion.

EQUALS: A positive review!  It’s a welcome addition to the outside toys.  My husband enjoyed playing catch with it with the kids – and the kids enjoyed playing with it.  At only $3.99 at Amazon – you cannot go wrong.

Out of the Box Publishing sent me Back Seat Drawing Junior to review with my kids.

EQUATION:  Out of the Box Publishing creates innovative party, card and board games that provide fresh, fun and engaging ways to enjoy time with friends and family. Games that:

* can be learned in minutes.
* are colorfully illustrated and fun to play.
* can easily be played in less than an hour.
* are efficiently designed in smart packaging.
* feature dynamic player interaction from start to finish.

In Back Seat Drawing Junior Players race to identify a drawing done by the “artist”— but the artist doesn’t know what he or she is drawing!  It’s up to the “director” to tell the artist how to draw the picture without giving away the name of the item shown on the picture card.

My kids, husband, and I sat down and played two games worth.

PLUS:  The kids “got it” immediately, once explained to them.  It was extremely interesting to see their thought process as they explained what to draw as the director.  One son, I noticed, was very general in his descriptions and would get frustrated with the artist when they didn’t draw what they had in their head.  The other son was extremely precise.  “Draw one line straight up.  A little shorter.  Good job, that’s perfect.  Now draw another line from the top pointing right.  Exactly.  Now…”  It was hysterical watching him, and his little signs.  They weren’t, however, so good at guessing what was being drawn – but they were trying.

MINUS:  The games were very short.  Probably great if it’s just kids (as it’s intended for.)  The scoring system is such that one person can win in a very short amount of time.  Also, we had a little trouble with the dry-erase markers deciding not to draw if the lid was off for a bit (such as when listening to the Director explain what they want drawn.)

EQUALS:  A positive review.  The kids had a great time, and vociferously demanded we play again.  Of course, it’s too easy for my husband and I, but for the kids, it’s great.  Pictionary fans would probably love this game.  It kept my kids engaged.  It moved fast.  It was understandable for the kids.  I would definitely recommend this one for some good old fashioned family time.  Also – would probably be a great thing to do while waiting on other stuff – for dinner to come out of the oven, that sort of thing.

This opinions in this review are my own.  I was sent the game gratis.

Safety Tat recently sent me their product to use and review.  Scroll to the bottom for a discount code especially for my readers!

EQUATION: Safety Tats are temporary tattoos designed to be better able to locate your child – or have your child/adult locate you for that matter.  They come as writable, or custom made.  Safety Tat sent me both.  The custom ones came with my cel phone number pre-printed on them.

I wouldn’t use them as an every day thing, but figured it would be perfect for a family outing.  I held on to them for the right opportunity, and last weekend that opportunity cropped up.  My family and I went to the L.A. County Fair.  Lots of people, big new place – perfect.

PLUS: They went on easy.  They stayed put.  We used the custom pre-printed ones, so I haven’t used the writables.  We didn’t put sunscreen on the tat itself, but I’m sure that the sunscreen from the surrounding area made it’s way onto the tat, but didn’t effect in in the least.  It was clear and readable.  We even used the “Medical Condition” one on my youngest.  He has a medic-alert bracelet, and figured we’d be extra clear since we were using them anyway.  The didn’t make the kids’ skin itchy, which was a concern of mine as my oldest son has very sensitive skin.

MINUS: I actually don’t have a minus.  I usually like to give constructive criticism whether I like the product or not – how else will companies know what the consumer would like improved?  However, in this case…  I got nothin’.

EQUALS: A positive review.  I am definitely keeping the leftovers, and when those are gone buying more.  The truth is – I’m not sure if my kids will panic and forget my phone number.  They don’t use the phone all that much (Yet.  Heh.)  I feel an added sense of security of my phone number being right there for either me or the adult that helps them if they get lost.  Bottom line – this is a product that adds a layer of security in going out with my kids, and is a product that does exactly what it is meant to do.

EXTRA CREDIT: Just for my readers…  A special coupon code!  If you want to receive 15% off your order of $15 or more, use Butterviews10.  Note – it must be typed as seen, and it’s case sensitive.

The last day to enter the Capri-Sun Sunrise $250 Visa Giftcard Giveaway on Butterviews is tomorrow! I won’t be taking comments after Midnight 7/9 Pacific, so be sure to get your entry in. Oh, and don’t comment here for the giveaway – it won’t count.

I’m a mom, a wife, a daughter, a business owner… I’m busy. So are you. Mornings are, well, difficult I suppose is the word.

Here’s what we do. I get up at 6am to be able to have my coffee and some morning quiet time. I am NOT a morning person. If I don’t have that hour or so before the rest of the house, I get very very grumpy. Then, around 7am I wake the kids up. They know the routine. Into the dining room for breakfast, brush teeth, wash face, feed and water the cats, get dressed, clean up rooms, and make their beds. Then they can do whatever they’d like before going to school. It’s taken a long time to come up with a routine. We’re still working out the kinks.

For example, if the laundry’s not put away – then where are the clothes? Homework didn’t get put away the night before – where’s that? Where’s the lunchbox so it can be packed? Not to mention if, God forbid, one of the kids gets up on the wrong side of the bed.

But the kids always eat breakfast – and that’s where this review and giveaway come into play.

The good folks at BlogHer asked for a review and for me to giveaway money. How could I refuse that?!

So… Per my regular review format, here we go…

EQUATION: I received the new product from Capri-Sun in three varieties to try – well, for my kids to try. They tried the Orange Wake Up and Berry Tangerine Morning.

Capri Sun Sunrise ~ Making Every Day Better
Capri Sun Sunrise is the new, wholesome morning drink for kids chock full of Vitamin C and calcium.

• A good source of calcium
• 100% Daily Value Vitamin C
• The pouch kids love

It comes in three flavors: Orange Wake Up, Tropical Morning, Berry Tangerine Morning

PLUS: Well – aside from all the vitamins and all that good for you stuff… My kids LOVED it. I tried to get descriptions from them other than “good” but all I got out of them is, “It’s very Orangy!” They’re only 6 & 9 so I’ll give them some slack. But I suppose the biggest praise of all was, “Can we please please please have it in snack tomorrow?”

MINUS: We’ve been using the Capri-Sun products for a long time, and I really trust the brand. But, it’s still a packaged juice, as opposed to completely fresh do-it-yourself. But since I’ve never made juice in my life, that’s not a big minus for me. Although I suppose it should be? But it is 100% juice, and they have Green initiative that you can find out more about at their website.

There are actually 8 chances to win… Go see the Blogher Round-Up Page to find out how.

Good Luck!

RULES: Sorry. Have to have them to keep things fair.

To enter, leave me a comment below and share YOUR morning routine tips, as I mentioned above – or you may leave a link to your post on your own blog in the comments below. The contest will begin on 4/29/09 and will end 7/8/09. Make sure that the e-mail address you leave is correct. You can find the Official BlogHer Contest Rules here.

• No duplicate comments.
• You may receive an additional entry by linking on twitter and leaving a link in the comments.
• You may receive an additional entry by blogging about this contest and leaving a link in the comments.
• This giveaway is open to US residents, over the age of 18.
• Winners will be selected via random draw, and will notified by e-mail.
• You have 48 hours to get back to me, otherwise a new winner will be selected.

Barielle Deluxe Hand and Body Lotion

Equation:

When the PR rep for Barielle contacted me about a potential product review, I immediately suggested their Deluxe Hand and Body Lotion.  I have very dry, itchy, flaky skin (emphasis on itchy), especially this time of year, and I’m always on the hunt for something that works.

From their website:

Restores, Hydrates & Nourishes Dry Skin, Absorbs Odor

A unique formula that will bring out the natural glow of your skin. This lotion also serves as a cleansing agent and odor absorber. Enriched oils and mango seed butter will leave your skin smooth and silky to the touch. Fresh citrus scent.

Size: 6 oz. / 170 gm.

Use: Massage into hands & body after bathing or as often as desired.

For Best Results: Massage into damp skin to seal in surface moisture.

Key Ingredients: Shea Butter, Mango Seed Butter, Green Tea, Aloe, Vitamin E

Barielle – “Your source for beauty from tips to toes” – caters to skin and nail care.  They even have a Problem/Solution section to their website.

Plus:

When I use things to review here, I tend to use them a while, to really get a feel for the product over time.  In other words, I don’t just put the lotion on my hands, and then write the review.  I mean, I want to tell you if I use it for a week, and my skin turns green or something.  So I appreciate that Barielle did indeed send me a full size to use.  I’ve been using this product for several weeks now.  It even traveled to Blissdom ’09 with me, so I’ve now used it sick, well, in two states, not to mention air travel.  It’s thicker than most lotions out there.  So, it’s not drippy, and feels as though it coats well.  It really does the job for me in terms of my itchy skin.  The scent is wonderful.  It’s “fresh citrus” but my husband insists it’s kiwi.  It’s fresh, light, and not cloying.  I’ve nearly used the whole body.

Minus:

It IS thicker, and so you might use more than you would a more thinned lotion.  Because of this, the price is a little high in my opinion for the quantity.  I have highly sensitive skin, and I did break out a little bit after a couple of days.  However, a couple of days after that, the breaking out was gone, so I have a feeling it was a frequent issue I have with new products…  Just needed to break it in.

Equals:

A positive review.  I really liked the product.  Would I purchase it?  I don’t know.  Let’s face it – I’m cheap.  It’s a little pricey for the quantity – but you don’t have to purchase from their website.  They have other locations you can search on, and perhaps buying it retail would be cheaper depending on the store.  I didn’t find this particular product on Amazon, but I did find other Barielle products.  If I found it cheaper, I would certainly purchase it.  If you do?  You won’t be sorry.

EQUATION:

The good promotional people sent me a “sample” that was actually a full sized Febreze for Fabrics, Carpets and Air in the “lavender vanilla & comfort” scent for me to use and review for you good people.

I chose my reading chair – a second hand find that’s made of a nubby corduroy type material.  I vacuumed it first – cause eewwww cat hair.  And then I followed the instructions and sprayed away.

Of note about the product:  It’s safe for dogs and cats (which, you know, good for me since I have two cats) but unsafe around birds (as with all air products).

PLUS:

When I picked it up, even the bottle felt good.  It’s rounded, and the sprayer attachment isn’t all pointy.  When you spray it, it sprays evenly and easily with no drips. To me, it didn’t smell like lavender and vanilla.  But it did smell like a freshly changed baby.  You know when you use the wipes, and a fresh diaper, and clean clothes, and then pick them up?  That scent, which is wonderful.  It was nice and light, and not overpowering or “chemically.”  It took about a half an hour for the dampness to subside, which to me, doesn’t seem terribly long since you purposefully made fabric wet.  And when I sat, it set off that wonderful scent again.

MINUS:

Honestly?  None.  It’s rare that I can say that…  Usually something rubs me wrong on everything (aren’t I a ball of sunshine?)  But in this case – nope!

EQUALS:

A positive review.  A great product, and one that I will willingly and purposely buy in the future.

Equation:  Skin MD Natural contacted me to try out and review their product.  I was happy to.  I currently work in an industry in which my hands are perpetually dry, as I touch paper all day.  It just sucks the moisture right out.  It’s touted for face, hands, and body, however, I only used it on my hands – leaving it on my desk at work for needed applications over time.

According to their website:

Skin MD Natural™ utilizes the finest effective natural skin care ingredients for dry skin treatment along with the latest advances in dry skin care technology to hydrate and protect the skin.

This is an entirely new concept in skin care requiring a new classification: “Shielding Lotion”. A shielding lotion keeps moisture-robbing irritants away from the skin while the proprietary “super” humectants hydrate the skin throughout the day.

An accumulated effect of Skin MD Natural is fully realized after only a few days of daily use. Depending on how dry your skin is the first few days may require reapplications after only a few hours. Usually, after a few days of continuous use, only one or two daily applications are necessary for complete dry skin care.

Plus:  It definitely worked.  My hands weren’t itchy anymore, and the effect lasted throughout the day.  It did exactly what it was meant to do.

Minus:  Because of the “sheilding” part of the product, the insides of my hands had the shield as well.  That felt weird, and a little like my hands were dirty.  That was a definite turnoff for me.

Equals:  I’ve decided to give this one a neutral review.   On the one hand (ha!  a pun!) it worked great for the dry tops of my hands.  On the other…  I couldn’t stand that feeling on the inside of my hands.  Then again – the bottle is still on my desk at work, so I can’t say “negative review.”  This ones going into the neutral pile.  Because it was only the inside of my hands I had issue with (the part that touches stuff) I wonder if there would be any problems anywhere else.  I’m guessing not since you’re not going to be picking stuff up with your legs or face.  At least I hope not.