Adrienne's House

Toy Review

March 10th, 2010 · No Comments

Ebeanstalk sent the Twins a couple of adorable elephants last week. After Matthew tried riding on it, he soon realized it was a shape sorter! And loved it. I keep reminding myself that they are supposed to be 2 months behind other kids their age because of being premature. But they continue to amaze me with everything they can do. They figured out this toy lickity split. Of course they didn’t figure out which shape goes where without a little bit of help from big sister, but when she said put it there, they did and they worked it until it went in. Thanks ebeanstalk for providing some fun times.

Ebeanstalk is a toy website dedicated to selecting the best toys by age and kids toys. The in-home feedback of bloggers and moms like me around the country help to make sure ebeanstalk continues to provide the best educational toys for your child. Check it out for yourself!

Filed under: Blog, Reviews
©2010 Adrienne's House

Jumping the Shark

February 23rd, 2010 · 5 Comments

So, last week, I professed to all of you my undying love of the television show The View. I proclaimed to the world how I have been watching from day one, how I enjoy the banter and discussions. I hope that in my sharing of my joy I even persuaded a few of you to watch it for the first time.

Well, if your first time watching was today, I am deeply sorry.

Today, along with the fabulous Ricky Gervais, The View had the entire cast of the reality show The Jersey Shore. I have never seen the show, but from what i have heard and what I have seen in magazines and such, I am not impressed. In fact I am depressed with them. These kids seem to be the epitome of entitlement. When asked when she realized she was “famous”, Snooki replied “at birth”. When Whoopi Goldberg asked what is your twenty year planm, everyone stared at her blankly. She then changed her question to a five-year plan and still only one could come up with an answer “I am going to ride this as long as I can and then try acting” said The Situation. Whoopi queried further asking “If that doesn’t work, what is your plan B?” He laughed a mocking and snickering laugh.

I can only see this week getting worse as tomorrow their featured guest will be Natya Suleman aka The Octomom. Then on Thursday Guiliana and Bill Rancic.

Personal note to The View producers, please move away from the trashy reality show and tabloid stuff, leave that to TMZ.

“I am a participant in a Mom Central campaign for ABC Daytime and will receive a tote bag or other The View branded items to facilitate my review.”

Filed under: Blog, Reviews
©2010 Adrienne's House

Dentyne Does it Right

February 11th, 2010 · 1 Comment

I am a very picky person about what goes in to my mouth. Whether it be food or snack I know what I like and don’t try many new things. So when I am offered food items to try I turn to my best eater, Adam. He is the Mikey of our house. Always willing to taste whatever I put in front of him. When Dentyne asked me to review their packaging on their product, I of course turned to Adam as well. He is about to graduate from the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising in their Graphic Design program, so his opinion on this type of thing trumps mine. This is what he has to say:

For something as simple as gum, do you think that there’s a lot of time and money spent on presenting the product and marketing the product in the best possible way? If you answered no, you’re terribly wrong. While it may seem like a simple “put them in their usual pack and throw a logo on there” solution – There’s far more to it then that if you want to get your product out there and remembered by consumers.

Anthony Yankovic was commissioned to create a dynamic cylindrical piece to hold 60 pieces of Dentyne gum, a piece that not only conveniently fits into a car’s cup holder, but creates a dynamic presentation of artwork that’s far from the ordinary coming from this industry. Yankovic, being known for his illustrative background, usually within the Skateboarding industry, took that concept and ran with it. He created a series of three designs, each fitting the ‘flavor’ and theme of the product.

Marketing and advertising your product to the right audience can be very tough, but I feel this series of designs works quite well for it’s purpose – to grab the consumers attention, and make them remember the product. There’s hundreds of brands and flavors of gum they can choose from in the checkout line of their grocery store, so which one do you think they’ll go for? The one that looks like every other brand, or the dynamic one with a creative approach to it.

It’s going to be interesting to see what other companies come up with to ‘top this,’ if they can.

Hi, it’s me again, I have to do the official disclosure stuff. Dentyne contacted me and asked me to provide a review of the packaging. In order to do that review I received 3 packages of said product at no cost to me. Although the product was free, all opinions stated are my own, well, not my own exactly, but my son’s. And trust me he is opinionated (must be from his fathers side of the family).

Filed under: Blog, Reviews
©2010 Adrienne's House

Gift Idea

December 17th, 2009 · 1 Comment

Do you need a last minute gift idea for a small child?

How about something everyone can use (no comments from the peanut gallery please), like a fun electric toothbrush?

Arm & Hammer Spinbrush Kids has a wide variety of choices from ice cream cones (that’s the one Caitlyn is getting) to mermaids, to Spiderman and skateboards. There is defiantely something for every kid on your list. Not to mention it is fun like a toy but practical as well, what could be better? Ok fine, a race car bed is also fun and practical but really can you afford one of those for each of your nieces and nephews? I didn’t think so!

From their website:

	Research shows that kids brush 38% longer with Spinbrush^® than when using an ordinary manual brush.
	Available in several fun and exciting designs (including Spider-Man, Hulk, Wolverine, Astronaut, Soccer Ball, Dolphin, Ice Cream Cone, Pikachu, Skateboard and Butterfly)
	Great handle designs make brushing fun!
	Promotes healthy brushing; removes plaque; massages gums
	Smaller brush head for smaller mouths
	Less than $7 U.S. suggested retail price** – only a few dollars more than an ordinary manual toothbrush!
	Ergonomically designed for a comfortable grip
	Includes 2 AAA batteries
	Children under 3 use under adult supervision

FULL DISCLOSURE: I received this product free in return for blogging about it, however, I am not offering an actual review because if you actually read what I wrote then you will see that Caitlyn is getting hers for Christmas, so we haven’t opened it yet. But I still think it is a cool gift, even if they hadn’t given me one (or three).

Filed under: Blog, Reviews
©2009 Adrienne's House

Sock it to Me!

December 6th, 2009 · 2 Comments

FULL DISCLOSURE: I received samples of the following product and am being supplied with the prize for the giveaway.

I was contacted by the SmartKnitKIDS rep and asked if I would like to try out their new Seamless Sensitivity Socks. WHo I am to turn down free socks? Socks are something no one (especially kids) can have too many of, and something you never seem to have any of.

I was intrigued by the name Seamless Sensitivity Socks, I am someone who is irritated by the “line” at the toe of a sock. I am particular when putting on socks on me or the grandbabies that the seam be in the right spot so it doesn’t end up under your toes and bugging you throughout the day. So when the socks came I was lovin the idea of no seam to set right or worry about at all!

The socks also make other claims to fame according to their website:

TRULY SEAMLESS
Completely free of seams, our patented product is knit like a cocoon, starting from the toe up, providing comfort and relief to children who struggle with “bumps & lumps” in their socks.

UNIQUE NO HEEL DESIGN
“No heel” design allows children to put on socks with confidence and keeps little feet from outgrowing their socks so quickly.

“HUGS” LITTLE FEET
Stretchy Corespun and Lycra yarns result in a form-fitting design that
“hug” little feet and help eliminate wrinkling and bunching.

NON-BINDING
Non-binding Halo Top™ fits comfortably without slipping down the leg. Regular socks often have elastic bands at the tops of the sock that can often pinch, bind or be a source of irritation.

NO “STINKY FEET”
High-tech ﬁbers wick moisture away helping ensure a drier and more hygienic sock environment. Antimicrobial benefits help prevent “stinky feet”.

Let’s take each issue one by one, because I am anal like that.

Truly Seamless: Yep, and loving that fact.

Unique No Heel Design: Yep! Again, loving that, the sock is ALWAYS on right side up! (hint, don’t get the white ones if you don’t want a distinguished “bottom” i.e. dirty side).

Hugs Little Feet: Yep, no bunching around the feet, comfy cozy all day long.

Non-Binding: Ok, not everything can be perfect. They are correct that they are Non-Binding, but because of that they tend to slide down skinny legs. Not all kids have the same girth so, the binding would come in a little handy.

No “Stinky Feet”: Yep! Of course the little people I tried them on still have cute non stinky feet anyways!

All in all I think these are great socks, especially if you have a child with sensitivity issues.

Now for the good part! SmartKnitKIDS is offering One pair of socks to one of you! All you have to do is let me know which color sock is your favorite. That’s it, leave a comment below and I will choose a winner on December 13, 2009.

Ready? Set? GO!

Filed under: Giveaways, Reviews
©2009 Adrienne's House

Good Service is NOT a thing of the Past

December 1st, 2009 · 2 Comments

On our drive up to the Sault, we stop at the Casino in St. Ignace to kind of do our warm up exercises on the slots before hitting Kewadin.

Upon leaving the casino Erika lowered her driver’s side window to tease me and could not get it to go back up. Uh oh!

Mind you, we are in the UP of Michigan in a lakeside town that pretty much shuts down in the winter AND it is the day after Thanksgiving.

As we drive aimlessly through the “town” (which is about as big as my Walmart store) we spot an open auto parts store. The only employee let us know that he wouldn’t be of much help couldn’t fix it and that no one else was open. He offered us plastic to cover the window – a BLACK plastic garbage bag! Erika declined and we continued to an ACE Hardware where she, Gretchen and Gordon worked some amazing magic with miracle shit household window insulating plastic. The good news is, the weather was beautiful, clear and slightly sunny, not raining or snowing. The plastic insulated aginst the wind on the freeway for the remaining 60 miles of our trip up to the Sault, but the noise was deafening.

Store Picture When we arrived in the Sault we spotted a Goodyear open on our direct route to the casino. The Auto Center Pit Stop guys took such good care of us. They tried motor after motor after motor but still couldn’t fix it (the car is a 2001 Saturn). After almost 2 hours of trying, they did manage to get the window unstuck and in a closed position and taped to the door frame so it would stay up. All the time we were there, the owner/operator Stan kept us encouraged and yet realistic about the results that we may see. He helped other customers with their choices for tires for the wife and mother-in-law cars, and even discreetly handle an upset customer who ended up leaving with his tail between his legs. After all was said and done, he admitted defeat to the motor situation and charged Erika a measly $71. for TWO HOURS of labor! TWO HOURS! And he made a restaurant recommendation to us that turned out to be a good one (future post).

So, if you ever find yourself up in Sault Ste. Marie, MI. be sure to stop by Stan’s shop and say hi, if you’re happy with his service tell him the girls with the Saturn sent ya. If you’re not happy, tell him the guy with the tire iron sent ya.

Filed under: Blog, Reviews
©2009 Adrienne's House

A Very Monkey Christmas – updated with winner

November 24th, 2009 · 13 Comments

I was asked to host a preview party for this adorable new Christmas cartoon. I jumped at the chance if for no other reason than to get Erika and Jackson to come up a day early to Detroit, lol.

I put out the invites on Facebook but we had some last minute cancellations. The movie premieres TODAY on PBS KIDS, and finds George and The Man with the Yellow Hat having a very merry time counting down the days until Christmas. There’s only one puzzle: neither of them can figure out what to give the other for a present. The Man is having trouble reading George’s wish list and George doesn’t have a clue about what to get for The Man who has everything. Maybe you can help!

Below is a Whrrl story of all the fun that was had. Make sure you watch the whole thing for a giveaway at the end!

Contest deadline December 6, 2009. TO win leave a comment telling me what you want for Christmas or Hannukah or Solsitce or just for the heck of it.

For extra entries you can do any of the below choices but be sure to leave a comment letting me know which ones you did.
Become a subscriber to Adrienne’s House
Follow me on Twitter
Tweet about this giveaway

Full disclosure: I was provided a preview copy of the DVD along with popcorn and a cd soundtrack. The prize is also being provided by the PR agency.

Filed under: Blog, Giveaways, Kitchen, Library, Reviews, Screening Room
©2009 Adrienne's House

Wondering What to Buy?

November 24th, 2009 · 1 Comment

holidayguideimage

Holiday shopping season is here again and the Global Influence network has some great gift ideas for you, tried and tested by real moms. Click on the links to check out what our team of reviewers had to say about each of these gift ideas, and then take a moment to enter our fun giveaway and take a chance at winning some of these fabulous products. Featured Reviews pouchee Pouchees -

Busy moms need all the help they can get to stay organized and keep life as simple as possible. The Pouchee is the perfect solution to keeping all those little things together, putting everything you need, right at your fingertips.

duckhunter Duck Hunter -

Duck Hunter turns the excitement of the hunt into an activity the whole family can enjoy. Launch the duck in the air and try to hunt it down with the toy shooter as it flies freely in the air. A fun choice for those who love outdoor sporting.

CardStore cards

-Personalized holiday cards are an important item on everyone’s to-do list and often a hassle to create and print. Cardstore.com has everything from family photo cards to invitations for your big holiday party, simplifying your holiday season.

Great Holiday Gift Ideas Things Remembered Custom Couture Jewelry Just Elfin’ Around Card Cubby Harumika By Bandai Harumika Runway Showstopper Harumika Style Starter Baby Alive Whoopsie Doo Strawberry Shortcake Playset Kota Monty Rex Wall to Wall Basketball Nerf Pocket Vortex Busy Ball Popper Talking Chuck Truck Leapfrog My Pal Scout Leapfrog Tag Jr Leapfrog Scribble and Write Animal Planet Polar Land Playset Animal Planet Dinosaur Playmat Onionhead Adult/Teen Feelings Pack OnionHead Children’s Feelings Pack Onionhead A-Z Feelings Magnet Set FotoboxPlus MeTime Tees

Fun Holiday Giveaway! For this holiday guide, we want to share the love with the blogosphere! Some of our generous sponsors have donated prizes to be given away to lucky readers! To enter to win one of the following fabulous prizes, simply fill out the form here: http://tinyurl.com/y8t92rw

Prizes include: Things Remembered Custom Couture Jewelry Pouchee Elfing Around Harumika Onionhead Feelings Pack Nerf Wall to Wall Basketball Baby Alive Whoopsie Doo MeTime T-shirt Entries will close on December 6, 2009 at 11:59 PM EST. Winners will be contacted by email after the close of the contest.

Global Influence Member Guides Need more ideas for this holiday season? Check out the guides that some of our Global Influence members have put together on their own sites! Thrifty Jinxy, Happy Healthy Hip , And Twins Make Five , Because Two People Fell In Love, Mommy Musings , Lipstick to Crayons , Bargain Briana , Mommy PR , Shop With Me Mama, Santa Picks, Rave and Review, Connected 2 Christ , 3 Boys and a Dog, The Classy Closet , Contest Corner, Lisa Reviews , A Giveaway Every Day, HulaHoopinMom, Spalibrations, High Impact Mom, From Cribs to Car Keys

All reviews listed in the Global Influence gift guide were product provided. Featured positions were purchased by sponsors. Member gift guides are not affiliated with Global Influence.

Trident Layers

November 15th, 2009 · 2 Comments

Disclosure: two packages of Trident Layer gum were provided to me free of cost to sample and review.

However, this is probably not going to be the review they were hoping to see.

Meh.

That pretty much sums it up. Is it a new concept? Not really, mixing a couple of flavors together, I think Bubblicious did that 15 years ago. And the flavors that were mixed were not enticing one bit.

Green Apple and Golden Pineapple? Just because they both say apple don’t mean they go well together. Green Apple is one of my favorite flavors of anything (other than ice cream it is just WRONG in ice cream), but mix in the pineapple and I almost gagged.

Wild Strawberry and Tangy Citrus flavors mixed together a little better, but the flavor didn’t last very long to matter.

Sorry guys, all in all, I was not impressed.

Refreshing

October 14th, 2009 · 2 Comments

Ever fall asleep at night with a Hall Metholyptus stuck to the side of your cheek? Yeah, your throat feels better but your mouth tastes horrible.

Halls has a new and exciting product called Halls Refresh, it is an everyday lozenge meant to freshen your breath. But it tastes like a candy.

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When the PR person sent me a bunch of these (yes they were free), I was a bit skeptical at first. So I did what I normally do with anything new, I tossed it to Adam to try and tell me if I will like it. He’s like “Mikey”, he will try anything and I trust him to know what I will or will not like.

Guess what? He liked them and so do I!

They taste like hard candy, which is exactly what they are, but instead of leaving you with the sticky sugary aftertaste of hard candy, you are left with a clean and refreshed mouth.

Given the right coupons in the Sunday paper, this is something that I would stock up on for having in my purse.