Wednesday, December 31, 2014

Exciting Educational Apps from Kids Academy

With my daughter being tested for learning delays and being recommended to start preschool early, I have been looking for the best educational apps that will be beneficial, fun, and most importantly, free. These three from Kids Academy are awesome.

prekkindergarten

The songs are so much fun. My daughter loves this app, and I actually love watching her sing along to the learning songs. She is so proud that she knows the words. It's good for her education and her self esteem. The books are great too. My daughter loves books, but is only 3 and cannot really read herself. She likes me reading to her, but really enjoys being able to have the app read to her.

Get Preschool & Kindergarten Books, Songs & Early Reading Games App on iTunes

montessori

My little girl loves tracing the letters and numbers with this app. She gets so excited when she is able to do it herself. She is still learning, so this app is perfect for challenging her with attainable goals. There are fun math puzzles as well, which are just a bit more advanced, and I love that she can grow with this app. I love having something that s fun for her, but that is also helping her get a head start on the knowledge she will need for preschool.

Get Alphabet Tracing & Montessori App on iTunes

kids academy
  
This is my daughter's favorite app. She just loves catching fireflies ans she learns to trace numbers. She loves to count them as she goes, and is always so proud when she masters a new skill. I love how perfect this app fits her needs. While she is very good at verbal counting, she is unable to write numbers. This app offers the fine motor skills that will serve as the foundation for her to master writing. The best part is she is building self-esteem while she learns and has fun.

Get Preschool and Kindergarten Games App on iTunes

Android users can also find Kids Academy Apps on Google Play!

Also be sure to visit Kids Academy on social media!

Facebook | Twitter | YouTube

This post was created in partnership with Mom Buzz Media and Kids Academy. All opinions expressed are my own.

Saturday, December 20, 2014

Get the Hottest Cameras and Camcoders This Holiday at Best Buy

'Tis the season to capture family memories. To do that, a great camera is vital. Thankfully, Best Buy has you covered with that. Best Buy is the ultimate destination for latest cameras and camcorders to capture your high-stakes memories.

Whether you are specifically looking for a Nikon, Sony or Samsung or even if you don't know what camera is right for you, Best Buy has the perfect camera for you. Because their associate are so knowledgeable and willing to help, they can ensure you get a camera that exceeds all your expectations.

The Nikon D5300 DSLR w/18-55mm VR Lens is a DSLR with built-in Wi-Fi so not only can you capture sharp photos and video footage with optical image stabilization that helps prevent blurring to ensure image clarity, you can share them instantly like you can with your (lower quality) cell phone camera. Never loose quality to gain convenience again.


The Sony α6000 Mirrorless Interchangeable Lens Camera is a compact system camera with the World’s Fastest Autofocus. I used to own a Sony DSLR and It was my favorite camera ever. I could take amazing photos with the easy of a point and shoot because of the incredible autofocus. The only minor drawback was it's cumbersome size. The a6000 is so much more compact, with even more features than my old Sony.

The a6000 boasts 24.3 megapixels for outstanding image quality. The Exmor APS-C CMOS sensor that makes it easy to shoot scenes in stunning clarity. With the built-in Wi-Fi allows you to share your stunning pictures and videos across all your devices.



The Samsung Galaxy Camera 2 is a 16.3 megapixel digital camera that comes with 1/2.3" BSI CMOS sensor, which allows you to capture sharp photographs and HD video footage. The 4.8" touch screen makes operation incredibly simple and makes sharing content via the Wi-Fi capabilities a breeze. It also makes it possible to use Android apps right from the camera.


You can check out all the incredible gifts that Best Buy has to offer in the Best Buy Holiday Gift Center. With Best Buy's superior service, guaranteed low prices and huge selection of this season's hottest products, you are sure to find the perfect gift at the best price and without all the stress that normally comes with holiday shopping.


After Best Buy helps you find the perfect gift, I want to wish you and your loved ones a very happy holiday and a fantastic New Year. I hope all your holiday wishes come true, and I don't just material gifts.

*The reviewer has been compensated in the form of a Best Buy Gift Card and/or received the product/service at a reduced price or for free.*

Get The Greatest Holiday Gifts From Best Buy

If you are still looking for the perfect holiday gift for somebody on your list, there is no better place to go than Best Buy. With Best Buy, you not only get the best, most knowledgeable service associates, you not only get the best prices(guaranteed), but you also get the best selection.

No matter who you are shopping for, you are sure to find exactly what you want, even if you didn't know you wanted it yet. The wonderful associates at Best Buy will help you pick out the perfect gift and even make sure you understand how it works.


If you are shopping for a child, teenager or gamer on any age, the Xbox One would be the ultimate gift. Xbox One has the best list of exclusive titles like Halo and Sunset Overdrive, the biggest blockbusters including Call Of Duty and Assassin's Creed, the hottest sports franchises like Madden 15 and NBA 2K15 and the best family titles including Skylanders and Just Dance 15.

Xbox One is so much more than just the most elite gaming console. Xbox One is unlike any other device. It offers access the the latest TV shows and movies through all your favorite apps. In fact, with Xbox One ALL of your media is at your fingertips.

I have been looking to upgrade my son's game system for awhile, but I was never sure it was worth it. With Xbox One, I can see the huge differences and I know it is a vast improvement over his current system. I know he will love the Xbox One.

For any music love on your list(like myself), JBL has you covered. The JBL Charge 2 takes Bluetooth speakers to a whole new level with twin passive radiators for deep bass and Social Mode which allows up to 3 different people to control the playlist from their own separate devices. While it is sure to be the life on any party, but it's not just for fun, the Charge 2 is perfect for business with it's hands-free conference speakerphone and twin passive radiators for deep bass, the massive 6000mAh battery.

The JBL Flip 2 is the ultimate wireless portable stereo speaker. Not only is it convenient and stylish, it boasts dual performance-tuned JBL drivers and a built-in bass port, but the best feature is the SoundClear echo and noise cancellation.

The JBL Reflect Earbud Headphones offer Bluetooth 4.0 technology and sound isolation. The wireless range is up to 40 feet and there is a 3-button in-line control and microphone. The ear tips have an ergonomic design with angled ear pieces. The cord is sweat proof and they are even reflective. The 8.5mm drivers make the sound quality out of this world.


For the travel enthusiast on your list, Best Buy has the best navigation systems. Whether you want TomTom or Garmin, you will find the perfect navigation system at the best price with Best Buy. I am so directionally challenged, so this would be an excellent gift for someone like me.

The TomTom Go 50s boasts a 5" touchscreen with advanced lane guidance, 3D maps, Lifetime Maps for US, Canada and Mexico and lifetime TomTom Traffic.



The Garmin 2597LMT and Garmin 52LM both offer 5.0" display, maps of 49 U.S. states, plus lifetime map updates1, Spoken turn-by-turn directions so you can easily find addresses and millions of points of interest. They also feature lane assist with junction view and display speed limits and accurate arrival times.

If you are scrambling to get a great gift, stop worrying and head to Best Buy. Let them make your holiday less stressful and more joyful for you and the recipient. No one can beat Best Buy's prices, selection or service.


*The reviewer has been compensated in the form of a Best Buy Gift Card and/or received the product/service at a reduced price or for free.*

Capture The Holiday Magic With Canon From Best Buy

I don't consider myself to be a hobbyist of any kind, but if there is on particular type of hobby that I particularly enjoy, it has to be photography. I am very passionate about photography, in fact. I do not, however, consider it to me my hobby. To me, it's more important than a hobby could ever be.

I don't take photos for the sake of taking photos or as a way to entertain myself. I take photos because it is a way to essentially freeze time in a single moment and create a visual story that can be treasured for generations.

I take photos because they tell the stories of our family. They capture the emotions of all of our most monumental family moments. From our wedding day to the birth of our first child, to our son seeing his baby sister for the first time, to first birthdays, first steps and too many other precious moments to list.

Photos are the greatest gifts you can give to yourself and to your family now and into the future. Being able to pass down all the memories you have made over an entire lifetime to those that come after you, a visual timeline of their family history, what could be more personal and special?

Photography also happens to be a very large part of my job as a blogger. I need to be able to photograph the items I am reviewing so I can tell all of you readers about the features and actually show you what it is and what it does. Seeing is believing, after all.

Everyone who knows me well knows just how passionate I am about photography and how important it is for me to have an incredible camera. My husband knows this better than anyone, and of course, he wants to make sure that I have the best. They are his moments I am capturing too.

With gifts, it is the thought that counts. My husband always puts so much thought into his gifts, and he comes up with the most wonderful ideas for me, but he is not the best shopper, especially not for surprises. He is terrible at shopping online or shopping around for the best deals, so he usually needs me to help him. He feels bad that I have to know what he is getting, but I would rather help him get the best price then overspend to surprise me.

He told me he wanted to get me, as he put it, "the ultimate camera". He had looked at some and had a few in mind that he thought I would like, but left the decision up to me. One of the ones he had selected was the Canon EOS Rebel T5i. That was incredible to me because he does not know much about cameras or any technology for that matter, and the Canon EOS Rebel T5i was the top item on my (unspoken) wish list.


I immediately blurted out that the Canon EOS Rebel T5i was exactly what I wanted. I actually almost yelled it at him, and I kinda felt bad, but I couldn't. The Canon EOS Rebel T5i is one of the best selling DSLR cameras fro a reason. It makes advanced photograph easy, which is very important to me. As much as I love it, I am hardly a pro and a great camera is only great if you use it properly.

The Canon EOS Rebel T5i can capture full HD video and even has continuous autofocus while recording HD video. My old DSLR did not even take ANY video. The Canon EOS Rebel T5i features an 18.0-megapixel CMOS sensor and a DIGIC 5 image processor to ensure vivid, crystal-clear images, and the 3" Vari-angle touch screen makes navigation super simple, even for me.

Once I knew what I wanted, I already knew exactly where we should get it, but I shopped around online just to double check. As I assumed, the best price came from Best Buy.

Best Buy always has the best price on all the hottest gifts. The associates are friendly, knowledgeable and always ready to help answer any questions. With FREE 2-day shipping or store pickup until 6pm Wednesday, there is still time to get the best gifts at the best price from the best retailer - Best Buy.


 It might be the height of the holiday season, but it may also still be "hinting season". Be sure to drop hints on all the gifts you want(like the Canon EOS Rebel T5i from Best Buy) and be sure to be extra receptive to hints that your family/friends may be leaving for you. Then, once you know what they want, head over to Best Buy(online or in store) to get everything for the best price.

There is still time to save $150 on the Canon EOS Rebel T5i at Best Buy*. Visit Best Buy to learn more. *offer valid 12/7-12/20.

Enjoy all the giving and receiving of gifts and of love, joy and peace that you are sure to experience this holiday season. From my family to you and yours, we wish you a very happy holiday and a prosperous New Year.

*The reviewer has been compensated in the form of a Best Buy Gift Card and/or received the product/service at a reduced price or for free.*

Wednesday, December 17, 2014

How I make Money Online (for real)

One of the questions I get asked all the time is, "How do you make money online?" People are always shocked that I am able to earn all MY personal income via my blog and other online activities. People always think that all online opportunities are bogus, and believe me, there are a lot of things that are.

Most of the ways to earn money have a catch. The majority are for selling things, which I am no good at. I have no luck as an affiliate, survey sites are good, but are always hit and miss on if you qualify, there are very few real, easy, ways to earn cash, but there are a few.

The best way that I have ever discovered to make money quickly and easily online is AdvoWire. AdvoWire is the easiest way to earn cash online. All that you have to do is link your social media accounts. Then you share(with 2 clicks) branded content to your social sites. You get paid for every single share.
https://www.advowire.com/home/advocate/overview

You start out at at least 30 cents per share(up to almost $1), and you can share on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn up to twice a day per site. So you can easily make about a dollar a day from the very start.

The more you share, your rank increases, and as it does, your rate goes up, so you can make even more. I have made over $200 on AdvoWire in only a few months. You can cash out when you reach $50 and it goes directly to your Paypal account(immediately when you cash out).

My AdvoWire cash helped pay for our Christmas. It is so nice being able to buy my husband and children things with my own money. I know many couples share assets, and that is awesome, but I would much rather have my own. I love that even though I technically don't have a job so I can be home with my family, I can still earn my own money and contribute to the household. It's only a bonus that it only takes (literally) a few minutes a day.

If you want a completely legitimate, no-catch way to earn extra money, I HIGHLY recommend you check out AdvoWire. If you would like a spot on MY team, please leave me your email, so I can refer you. I only have 20 spots on my team.

If you have any questions for the AdvoWire/HireInfluence team, please reach out to them on Twitter @HireInfluence with the hashtag #ShareToEarn. They are very friendly and always happy to help, which is just another reason to love AdvoWire.

*Although this is a sponsored post, I use AdvoWire every day(since long before this post) and I would not endorse it if I did not love it.*

Thursday, December 11, 2014

Splash Math Makes Learning Fun!

Whether you like it or not, the world today is massively reliant on technology. In many ways that can be a great loss to society, but in other ways, there are many benefits of having so much information so readily available. One of my favorite uses of technology is to make learning easier, more fun and less time consuming.

Since my kids are so interested in technology, I decided to use it to teach them while entertaining them, and learning apps are the best way to do so. I don't like having to pay for knowledge though, so I much prefer the free apps. I recently discovered two that I love.


Splash Math Grades 1-5:

This app is so good for my son. I love that is is grades 1-5. My son is currently in 2nd grade. He has autism and often does not like to pay attention to written work. He is very good in math, the best in his class, but I am always hoping for him to learn faster than just grade level, and apps are the perfect way. He is obsessed with his iPad. He really loves this app.

I love that it is free, and with this free version you get 20 free math questions every day. That is just enough as to teach without becoming too much like work, and the fact that it is limited almost makes my son like it more. It's like a special event when he can get new questions, that excitement makes him want to learn even more.


Preschool & Kindergarten Splash Math:

My daughter is 3, but we had to start he in Pre-K this year because there are concerns about her development. Since our son is autistic already, it is a bigger deal than it may be otherwise, and we are doing everything we can to work with her now as we did our son, who is incredibly smart and has made immense progress.

The main way we teach our son is through apps because that is what interests him. Our daughter is the same way. She loves apps and loves to emulate her brother. I love that I can use this app to help her learn while having fun. It is challenging for her, which is exactly what I wanted. I am trying to get her to exceed her age level, so I love that this is kindergarten level work.

She is already starting to learn with this, and she really loves it. I love watching her confidence soar when she gets one right. The characters and such are a lot of fun and really hold her attention well. This is a great free app to prepare for kindergarten.

Join the 8 million+ users! Download Splash Math on iTunes! Get SplashMath for Grades 1-5 Get SplashMath for Pre-K

Or check them out on Google Play!

Facebook | Twitter | Google+ | Pinterest

 

$100 Amazon Gift Card Giveaway
Write a short review of any Splash Math app on the iTunes App Store. If you have already reviewed Splash Math app, simply update your review.
Send an email to giveaway@splashmath.com with your iTunes nickname and the app you reviewed.
 
This post was created in partnership with Mom Buzz Media and StudyPad Inc. All opinions expressed are my own.

Sunday, December 7, 2014

Christmas Wishes - Insta-Bed NeverFLAT Raised Queen Airbed Review & GIVEAWAY!!

You are not sleeping your way through the holidays are you? Now is the time to be planning, shopping, decorating, visiting, donating, volunteering and so much more. This is the busiest time of the year. If you are not wide awake, you will miss out on many magical moments.

Luckily, after the holidays, when you need to sleep for a week to recover from all of the fun, I have just the thing to help you do it right. The Raised Queen NeverFLAT Airbed from Insta-Bed is the most elite airbed available. In fact, I hate to even call it an airbed.


To call it an air mattress immediately gives the impression of an inflatable raft, something that is stiff, uncomfortable, made or horrible plastic that will stick to your skin and go flat as soon as you fall asleep. Nothing could be further from what this bed actually is.

This Raised Queen bed is in a class of it's own. The height is fantastic. The material does not squeak or stick, in fact the soft-suede top is very soft and comfortable. It holds bedding in place, but we have a king bed, so we did not have queen bedding. We used it without anything on top and it was still a joy to sleep on.


The bed is not too firm, but it does not sink in. The bed offers real support, and actually feels like a real bed. The greatest feature is the NeverFLAT pump. Not only does the bed inflate and deflate in seconds with the turn of a nob, but the pump SILENTLY keeps the bed inflated at the perfect level all night long.


You can even choose from from, medium or plush settings. Aside from the NeverFLAT feature, which is my favorite, the adjustable firmness option is my favorite. I need a plush mattress, usually anything inflatable can either be firm(fully inflated) or soggy(flat), so having the option to choose a plush feel is wonderful.

I really love that it can be firm too though, because my husband needs a firm mattress, so when he uses it, he can choose that option. We recently stayed a few nights in a hotel and there was only 2 beds with hubby, myself and our 2 kids. We used this bed so our son could have his own bed. Hubby slept on this and our daughter slept with me.

The hotel bed was horrible and gave me crippling back pain, while hubby slept like a baby. When we first talked about who would sleep where, it was discussed as him "biting the bullet" and sleeping on the airbed so I could be more comfortable. I guess it pays to do a kind deed, because he ended up with the best bed.

The NeverFLAT pump really does just what it says, the bed was exactly the same firmness in the morning as it was when I inflated it, and it did not make a peep all night. I am a very light sleeper(especially since that hotel bed was a nightmare) and I would have heard it.

Since it is so easy to deflate, we deflated it each morning so we had more room to move around during the day. Since it power deflates, no one has to smash the air out and try to ball it up and stuff it somewhere. All the air sucks out in seconds and it folds back to the same size it arrived, and stores easily in the included storage bag.

I am so glad that we got this amazing Raised Queen NeverFLAT Insta-Bed, because we have to stay in hotels several times a year and this will make it more of a vacation and less of a chore. We will actually be visiting family for the holidays and this will be a lifesaver. Not sleeping well makes us all really cranky, and that is no way to be during a holiday gathering.

This bed is completely good enough to be an every-night bed. I actually wanted to make it my son's bed, but he would puncture it with something(intentionally probably). If not for both of my little terrors, someone would be using this as an everyday bed, and would probably be sleeping better than they are now.

A great night's sleep is one of the best gifts you can give someone, and this amazing bed is a practical and affordable way to do that. If you are shopping for that person who has it all, I think this Insta-Bed NeverFLAT Raised Queen Airbed would be an excellent choice.

Insta-Bed agrees, and that is why they have been kind enough to give one away. One lucky winner will receive this Insta-Bed NeverFLAT Raised Queen Airbed. Enter below for your chance and enter all the other Christmas Wishes giveaways HERE.

a Rafflecopter giveaway THE FINE PRINT: All entrants must be 18 years of age or older. Please read each giveaway 's directions carefully as entry methods differ, and giveaways may be open to different world areas. Please make sure you leave a way (valid email address in form or comment) with your entries to be contacted if you win. Please note that Momma Told Me, Blog POP! or the Blog POP! bloggers are not responsible for sponsors that do not fulfill their prizes. We have represented each sponsor with the expectation they will fulfill their prize and in a timely manner we will contact the sponsor regarding your prize(s). The sponsors, in most cases, are shipping their items to you directly and prizes will likely not arrive in time for the holidays due to event and giveaway timing. We will make every effort to assist you obtaining your prize should concerns arise after winner's notification. If there is an issue with a sponsor please notify the blog owner no sooner than 14 days from prize notification and no more than 6 weeks, for assistance, after that we may be unable to assist you.

Christmas Wishes - Bake Me A Wish Review & GIVEAWAY!!

The holidays are usually the sweetest time of the year. That is especially true if you give or receive a fabulous gourmet food gift from Bake Me A Wish. I recently had the pleasure or destroying my diet on an incredible One Dozen Gourmet Brownies Assortment.


I always feel guilty when I break my diet. Afterwards I always feel like it wasn't worth it. With these it really was worth it. They are so delicious. Well actually. I cannot speak to how the brownies taste. I am more of a blondie fan, and my husband addicted to brownies, so he ate all of them.

This assortment has 2 each of 4 amazing brownies and 2 fabulous blondies, so it was perfect for us. The flavors are:


As I already mentioned, the blondies were divine. The Orange Macadamia Coconut was the best blondie I ever tasted, and I have tasted a lot.


As fantastic as both blondie flavors were, I am actually glad there was only 4 in this assortment. Had there been 12, hubby would not have gotten any and none of my clothes would fit, and I still would have no regrets.

My husband loved the brownies though, so I am glad I did not have to deprive him. He is a chocolate lover to the highest extreme, and these were able to satisfy his chocolate sweet tooth. His favorites were the Velvet Ganache and Cheesecake ones, but he had all 8 brownies gone within 2 days.

I don't usually get him food gifts, because he always just gets the food he wants anyway, and I figured a food gift would not be anything special, but after seeing him obsess over these brownies, I know that I will be getting him some goodies from bake Me A Wish this year. I definitely need to get him a larger assortment though so maybe it will last 3 days this time.

If you want to give a sweet gift this year, a Bake Me A Wish gift is sure to please anyone on your list. Can you think of an adult who would not like a special gourmet treat? Are you shopping for a kids that already has way too many toys? This would be a dram come true to almost any child.

As a special gift to all of you, Bake Me A Wish has generously offered to give away one of these fantastic Gourmet Brownie Assortments. Enter below for your chance to be the lucky winner. And enter the other Christmas Wishes giveaways HERE, to win other fabulous prizes.
a Rafflecopter giveaway All entrants must be 18 years of age or older. Please read each giveaway 's directions carefully as entry methods differ, and giveaways may be open to different world areas. Please make sure you leave a way (valid email address in form or comment) with your entries to be contacted if you win. Please note that Momma Told Me, Blog POP! or the Blog POP! bloggers are not responsible for sponsors that do not fulfill their prizes. We have represented each sponsor with the expectation they will fulfill their prize and in a timely manner we will contact the sponsor regarding your prize(s). The sponsors, in most cases, are shipping their items to you directly and prizes will likely not arrive in time for the holidays due to event and giveaway timing. We will make every effort to help.

Christmas Wishes - Kansas City Steaks Review & GIVEAWAY!!

Are you hungry for more great gift ideas? If so, you are in luck, because I am always willing to feed your desires. If you did not catch on to my incredibly witty puns, the next item on the Christmas Wishes special will be food. This is not just any food though, these just so happen to be mouthwatering gourmet steaks from Kansas City Steak Company.

I have seen and heard a lot about Kansas City Steak Company over the years, but I had never taken the chance to try them. I am extremely frugal when it comes to most things. I am willing to spend a lot on items that I know are worth it, but initially, I am very skeptical.

I always said to myself, "steaks are steaks, the ones I buy from the store are just as good and I can get twice as many for that price."  And I said "I can make my own side dishes, why would I buy them already made?" I was a bit clueless as it turns out.

I recently tried several products from Kansas City Steak Company, and now I realize just how significant the quality difference is. It's the equivalent of a frozen pizza to a fresh NY pizza, there is not even a fair comparison.

Kansas City Steak Company has been in the business of providing the highest quality meats and other foods since 1932. It's no surprise with that reputation, that they are able to also offer the best value(for that level of quality) around. When I actually looked deeper into the cost, I realized it was not even as high as I had thought. Although after trying the products, I realized it was worth every penny and more.

I tried a great selection of products, and I was able to get a really thorough perception of Kansas City Steak Company and their products. To say I impressed would be an understatement. The products were all incredible.

I tried the Fillets and Strips combo, which had 4 bacon wrapped Filet Mignon, and 4 Kansas City Strips. Both boxes of steaks also contained original steak seasoning, which was fantastic. I certainly did not want to ruin an incredible gourmet steak with bad seasoning.

While I fancy myself a very good cook, I seem to always have trouble cooking steaks except for on the grill, and we were out of propane, so I had to cook them inside. I was so worried I would mess them up, but I followed the directions in the booklet they sent, and they came out perfect.

These were basically the best steaks I have ever eaten, even counting ones from a restaurant. I never thought I would be able to make one this good myself, and I happy that I can now thanks to Kansas City Steak Company. Now when I finally get to cook a whole meal(and not just a side dish) for my husband's family, I will be able to serve something fitting for such a special occasion.

As much as I would love to eat just steak as a meal(and I have done so before), for a family dinner, I will, of course, need a proper side dish, something equally delicious as the incredible steaks. That is where the decadent Lobster Mac & Cheese comes in.

That is something I would never attempt on my own, but having it ready to heat presented on the half shell for a beautiful presentation, it is literally effortless. It was also one of the best things I have ever eaten. It may have been better than the steaks.


It so creamy and indulgent. The looser is fresh and buttery and the breadcrumbs are crispy and so flavorful. This is AMAZING.

 And of course any gourmet meals deserves a decadent dessert. Nothing could be more fitting that these incredible cheesecake bites. They are so delicious. Just like the Lobster mac & Cheese(and the steaks) the presentation is fabulous. They are almost too pretty to eat. They even come in a lovely gold gift box.

Unlike most people, I adore my in-laws, so I am so looking forward to presenting them with an amazing meal that will be flawless and stress free with the help of Kansas City Steak Company. They are kind enough that they would appreciate anything I made them, but I know that they will love this meal because it is amazing and not just because I made it.

If steak, lobster and cheesecake are a bit fancier than what you happen to be looking for(we only eat like that on special occasions), you may think you have not need for Kansas City Steak Company. I used to think the same thing. I did not realize that Kansas City Steak Company has such incredible burgers as well.


The burgers also include the amazing original steak seasoning, which makes the flavor explode. My husband and I are burger fanatics, and these were some of the best we have ever had. That is saying a lot, because I do make an excellent burger.

These are so much easier though, since the patties are pre-formed and the seasoning is in the box. Just thaw, season and cook, so simple. During the holidays, I need all the shortcuts I can get, and this is a huge help.


They are amazingly flavorful and juicy, especially for being previously frozen. Any other patty that has been frozen(that I have ever tried) is complete garbage, but these are incredible.


Of course burgers are always better with fries, and Kansas City Steak Company knows that. The package I got was the burgers and fries combo, which included their Kansas City Steak Fries. They cook from frozen, are already seasoned and come out crispy and full of flavor. The perfect compliment to their amazing steak burgers.


These items are only a very small representation of all the wonderful products that Kansas City Steak Company offers. Best of all, there is always some sort of deal. Sales, bundle packs, promo codes, so many ways to save.

If you are still looking for a gift for almost anyone on your list, a gourmet delight from Kansas City Steak Company would be an excellent choice. The best part is that there is still plenty of time left to order in time for holiday delivery.

Many companies need you to order by like right now to ensure delivery for the holidays, but there are still 11 more days to order from Kansas City Steak Company and get holiday delivery with standard shipping. There is even more time if you choose expedited shipping.

One lucky person will not have to order at all, because Kansas City Steak Company has been gracious enough to give away a gift box of 4(8oz) Fillet Mignon to one lucky winner.


Enter below for your chance to win this fantastic prize. Don't forget to enter all the other Christmas Wishes giveaways HERE. Good luck! a Rafflecopter giveaway
THE FINE PRINT: All entrants must be 18 years of age or older. Please read each giveaway 's directions carefully as entry methods differ, and giveaways may be open to different world areas. Please make sure you leave a way (valid email address in form or comment) with your entries to be contacted if you win. Please note that Momma Told Me, Blog POP! or the Blog POP! bloggers are not responsible for sponsors that do not fulfill their prizes. We have represented each sponsor with the expectation they will fulfill their prize and in a timely manner we will contact the sponsor regarding your prize(s). The sponsors, in most cases, are shipping their items to you directly and prizes will likely not arrive in time for the holidays due to event and giveaway timing. We will make every effort to assist you obtaining your prize should concerns arise after winner's notification. If there is an issue with a sponsor please notify the blog owner no sooner than 14 days from prize notification and no more than 6 weeks, for assistance, after that we may be unable to assist you.  

Saturday, December 6, 2014

Christmas Wishes - Wenzel Timber Ridge Tent Review & GIVEAWAY!!

Do you have an outdoorsy guy on your list this year? If you do, I know the perfect gift for him. If you don't, guess what, I still have the perfect gift for most any man or any family on your list. The Wenzel Timber Ridge 10 Person Cabin Tent is the ultimate gift.


If you are shopping for an outdoorsy man, you already know why a tent would make a great gift for him, but this is not a tent, it is the tent. What you may not have considered though, is that a great tent makes an incredible family gift as well.

There are very few things that make for a better bonding experience than camping. Being away form modern technology and spending time in close quarters for an extend period of time can really be therapeutic.

When purchasing something that will essentially be the only thing protecting you and your family from the elements, acting as your home when you are in it, it needs to be from a company you trust.

Wenzel has been making outdoor products since 1887. That is not a typo, not 1987, which would still be a pretty good reputation, but 1887, well of a century of experience. To me, that alone is enough to make me feel safe putting myself and my family in the hands of Wenzel and their products. There is just no way a company can be around that long if they are not doing things right.

The Timber Ridge Cabin tent is the crem de la crem of tents. It's spacious size(16' x 10') allows plenty of room to sleep up to 10 people.


We are just a family of 4, but having a plenty of space is essential. Our kids are very active, they do not like to be confined, and hubby and I do not want to be confined into a small area with cranky children. With this tent there is enough room that everyone can have their own area if needed. Separate corners can be a lifesaver at times.This tent even goes a step further with a Sewn in divider to create separate rooms.

There is a multitude of other fabulous features that ensure that this tent does not feel too confining. The fact that it has 2 doors is wonderful. Both the front and back doors are "D" style doors with inside flap zippered windows allow for more access in and out during the day and give the tent a much more open feel. There are also Front, back and side zippered windows with inside flaps.


For an even more open space, the seam-sealed fly is removable. There are mesh roof vents as well, so you can get fresh air even when your tent is fully closed fro the night or for inclement weather. That is very important to me. I must has some sort of mild breather problem, because I often find it hard to breathe in enclosed place, under(loose) blankets, etc. so I need plenty of fresh air or I feel like I am suffocating.

Another vital component is that is is easy to set up. With 2 kids underfoot or wandering off, we cannot waste time struggling with something difficult to assemble. This Timber Ridge tent features corner elbows, fast feet and an incredibly convenient center hub to make setup fast and easy.


There is nothing you would want in a tent that isn't included. There is even an E-Port for electrical cord access. Every inch of this tent is created with the utmost care and attention to detail that on Wenzel can provide. Even if tents in general were not a good gift, this tent would be an amazing gift.

I got this tent as our big family gift this year(I always get us a family gift that is for all of us), I am so excited for us to go camping together. I know the kids will love it. My son talks about camping all the time and would camp in the backyard practically every night if I let him.

I cannot wait to see his joy the first time we take a real family camping trip. It will be so nice to get back to nature and spend some real, uninterrupted time with just our family. I think that time will actually be the greatest gift of all.

Wenzel is certainly the gifting kind, and that is why the have offered to give away a Timber Ridge 10 Person Cabin Tent to one very lucky winner. Enter below for your chance to win this fantastic prize, and be sure to enter all the other Christmas Wishes giveaways HERE.

a Rafflecopter giveaway
All entrants must be 18 years of age or older. Please read each giveaway 's directions carefully as entry methods differ, and giveaways may be open to different world areas. Please make sure you leave a way (valid email address in form or comment) with your entries to be contacted if you win. Please note that Momma Told Me, Blog POP! or the Blog POP! bloggers are not responsible for sponsors that do not fulfill their prizes. We have represented each sponsor with the expectation they will fulfill their prize and in a timely manner we will contact the sponsor regarding your prize(s). The sponsors, in most cases, are shipping their items to you directly and prizes will likely not arrive in time for the holidays due to event and giveaway timing. We will make every effort to help. 

Christmas Wishes - Portagio Together Tote Review & GIVEAWAY!!

Have you ever shopped for a woman you don't know super well? How about a woman you do know very well, but have no idea what to get her? I am sure we have all been there. I find it is usually fairly easy for me to choose something the recipient will like, but something they will like and something they don't already have(some variation of) and they will actually get use out of are two different things.

I have quite a lot of women on my list every year, and I always have tons of ideas, because they like what I like for the most part. The problem is that they also pretty much have what I have, which is tons of beauty products and fragrances and accessories and candles and other such items that are so convenient for gifting.

I don't want to give someone just another version of an item that they have 14 others of already. I was well on my way to doing just that again this year, when thankfully, I found something more more suitable. The Together Tote from Portagio Bags is fantastic.

You may be thinking : "A tote, really? What is so special about that?" If you are, that is totally understandable, because I would probably think the same thing if I did not know better. The Together Tote is so much more than just a tote.

The Together Tote makes staying organized easy. I am basically one of the most unorganized people on the planet, and even I was able to bring a small measure of order to my life thanks to the Together Tote. It is practically a life saver for me.

Calling it a life saver might sound a bit exaggerated, and maybe it is, but only slightly, because it legitimately is a sanity saver. You see whenever we go anywhere with the kids for more than a few minutes, they are complete terrors. My son has autism and my daughter shows many signs of having it as well, at least in social aspects.

Therefore in any public location, they need all their surroundings to be very closely controlled to not cause sensory overload for them. Meaning things like their iPads or learning tablets, headphones, and other such items of comfort, as well as their specific foods and drink pouches(the only thing my son will drink) need to be at arms length at all times.

In the past, I wold always have to carry two bags. Literally, I would be walking around with two different, fairly large purses full of all  of their stuff(and still had no room for my stuff). Not only does that look ridiculous, it is very impractical. I would always have to dig through 2 different bags to find what they were asking for, which took longer.

Even more of a hindered is that having both hands/arms full like that made it very difficult to pick up my daughter when she needed me to, which is fairly often. Either I would have to set them on the ground multiple times, or I would hold her and them, and the bags would be smushing her and making her very uncomfortable(and therefore irritable).

Last year for the holidays, we visited my husband's family. It was the first time I had even met them, and my first impression was soiled because I was lugging around two bags. They saw it as me being some kind of supermom or something, which I am very grateful for, but to me it was just embarrassing.

We are visiting again this year, and thankfully, I now have my beautiful Together Tote. Now I can fit all of the kids' things, plus my little bit of cosmetics and such I need to not look like walking death. Not only will I be more capable with only one thing to carry, I will be more efficient since the Together Tote keeps me so organized, I won't have to dig to find anything.There are tons of pockets and compartments, everything has a designated space.

The Together Tote really shines by taking all that practicality and functionality and disguising it in high end style. The Together Tote looks as good as a tote from a designer brand. It really is beautiful. It's not just nice for an organizing tote, it's a beautiful bag that happens to be great for organizing. I got it in black and I was pleasantly surprised by how lovely it is.


Does it not look like it could be a high end designer bag? It does, that barbecue it is high end quality. The handles are and trim genuine full grain leather, the body is bonded nylon, which is water a stain resistant. That feature in itself is huge for me. With my kids, it would be ruined within a week if not for the water/stain resistant aspect.

As gorgeous as the outside of this tote is, the inside is just as nice, which is a testament to the overall quality. Many bags just neglect the inside as if it were not important. I love the contrast of the golden lining to the dark black of the outside. Gold just screams luxury to me, especially with how beautiful the fabric is.

Nothing was overlooked on the Together Tote. Boasting a removable, adjustable strap, pivoting strap attachments to eliminate twisting, 5 deep interior pockets, 2 interior bottle pockets, 2 exterior side compartments, 1 exterior slide pocket, 2 zippered compartments(i interior and 1 exterior) and a leather key fob. It has everything you could need and more.

Now that i have mentioned why I need the Together Tote, I need to mention why it is perfect for every woman, not just myself. It carries everything. If she needs a baby(diaper) bag, the Together Tote is perfect. It holds everything and is way more stylish and durable than a traditional diaper bag.


If the woman you are shopping for does not need a baby bag, perhaps she needs a business bag. Together Tote is sleek and professional, and hold everything she needs.

If she doesn't need a business bag, she might be into yoga or Pilates or something similar. In which case she needs a workout bag.

If none of the others are fitting, perhaps she likes to travel. No one likes to pay to check a bag, so carry-ons are a must. The Together Tote was tailor made to be the perfect carry-on bag.

No matter who she is or what she likes to do, every woman needs a go-to bag that can hold their necessities, hold up to wear and tear and hold their look together with amazing style. The Together Tote does all of that. If you have a hard to shop for woman on your list, you cannot go wrong with this amazing bag. All you need to know is which color to get. With size to choose from, it's pretty hard to get that wrong.

Since Portagio Together Totes are so great at organizing, Portagio has been generous enough to take it a step further and organize a giveaway for you all. One lucky winner will receive their very own Together Tote in black(A $129 value). Enter below for your chance to win and don't forget to enter all the other Christmas Wishes giveaways HERE. a Rafflecopter giveaway

All entrants must be 18 years of age or older. Please read each giveaway 's directions carefully as entry methods differ, and giveaways may be open to different world areas. Please make sure you leave a way (valid email address in form or comment) with your entries to be contacted if you win. Please note that Momma Told Me, Blog POP! or the Blog POP! bloggers are not responsible for sponsors that do not fulfill their prizes. We have represented each sponsor with the expectation they will fulfill their prize and in a timely manner we will contact the sponsor regarding your prize(s). The sponsors, in most cases, are shipping their items to you directly and prizes will likely not arrive in time for the holidays due to event and giveaway timing. We will make every effort to assist you obtaining your prize should concerns arise after winner's notification. If there is an issue with a sponsor please notify the blog owner no sooner than 14 days from prize notification and no more than 6 weeks, for assistance, after that we may be unable to assist you.

Thursday, December 4, 2014

Christmas Wishes - Headlever Pillows Review & GIVEAWAY!!

As the classic song tells, "He sees you when you're sleeping" and he knows when you're awake, tossing and turning because you can't get comfortable on your horrible pillow. That is why good ol' St. Nick will be bringing Headlever Pillows to some very  lucky people this holiday season.

If you are not lucky enough to have St. Nick cover all your holiday gifting for you, that's okay, you can still make sure you give them a gift that they will truly love. Get them something that will be much more useful than another sweater they will never wear, fruit cake they will never eat or some other such gift that is nice, but not excellent.

While something that is practical may not seen like the dream gift, in this is case, it definitely is. Headleveler is not only a necessity, it is a luxury. How is it both? Well a pillow of some kind is basically a necessity if at all possible, but there are pillows and then there is Headleveler.

Not only is the Headleveler pillow extremely high quality, it is incredibly comfortable and intelligent enough to not only improve your sleep, but to ease pressure and stress to your neck and back, by giving you all the support you need without being to thick or firm to not allow natural positioning.

While not everyone has the same interests, everybody sleeps. Everyone needs restful sleep so that they can enjoy the other things they love. Most pillows are a gamble or a tradeoff. Finding something that is actually comfortable, supportive and high quality is nearly impossible, at least for me it is.

What makes Headleveler so special is that is is the world's only made to measure pillow. A pillow that is custom filled to accommodate your height, weight, body type and firmness preference. Since it is made just for you, you can be assured that you will get the best night's sleep of your life.

I am incredibly picky about my pillows. I don't like firm pillows, they make my head sit too high, which strains my neck upwards. Flat pillows give no support and my neck strains too much downwards. I need a full, fluffy pillow that allows my head to sink a bit but supports my neck. Finally, with Headleveler I have it.

I got one for both my husband and myself, and neither of us had ever slept more comfortably than we do on our Headlevelers. I was able to see exactly how unique these pillows are too, because we each have different heights, weights and firmness preferences, and I was able to see how those differences changed the pillows. His is a little thicker and much more dense than mine, and that's what he needs. I am just amazed by how accurately these pillows fit our needs.

Headleveler even makes children pillows, which is amazing because it is so hard to find a child's pillow at all, let alone a good one, and adult pillows are much too thick and wreak havoc on my little girl's neck. The Headleveler Junior Pillow has 2 options: Junior Small: 20-35 pounds and Junior Large: 35-50 pounds. I get her the Junior Large, and it is perfect.

The Junior Pillows even come with a custom-made pillow case. They are such high quality, and incredibly cute. I got the Green Butterfly case for my daughter's and it's beautiful. She loves it.

She is so proud that she has her own special pillow. She has had it for over a month and she still calls it "new pillow". She talks about it all the time. Any bedding that can make a child rave as if it was a new toy, is something special.

Since everyone is different though, I don't expect our wonderful experience to be the only thing you rely on. You need to try Headleveler for yourself. You will certainly not be sorry.

I am sure you will all be dreaming of owning a Headlever pillow, if you can even get to sleep on your current pillow. You are in luck, because sometimes dreams come true. Headleveler has be generous enough to offer a giveaway for you all. One lucky winner will receive 1 Standard Size Headlever pillow(custom filled to your specifications), valued at $82.95 and one winner will receive 1 Junior Pillow(Small or Large, winner's choice) with a choice of Junior Pillow Case, Valued at $63.90.

Enter the Rafflecopter below for your chance to win one of these fabulous prizes. Don't forget to enter all the other Christmas Wishes Giveaways HERE. Good luck! a Rafflecopter giveaway All entrants must be 18 years of age or older. Please read each giveaway 's directions carefully as entry methods differ, and giveaways may be open to different world areas. Please make sure you leave a way (valid email address in form or comment) with your entries to be contacted if you win. Please note that Momma Told Me, Blog POP! or the Blog POP! bloggers are not responsible for sponsors that do not fulfill their prizes. We have represented each sponsor with the expectation they will fulfill their prize and in a timely manner we will contact the sponsor regarding your prize(s). The sponsors, in most cases, are shipping their items to you directly and prizes will likely not arrive in time for the holidays due to event and giveaway timing. We will make every effort to help.