Click-A-Brick Feather Friends Building Set Review

My 4 year old loves to build and create. We do not buy her electronic toys that light up or make noise as we want her to use her imagination and create the noises and expand her creativity. She likes playing with the Click-A-Brick line of toys that we all discovered several months back. This time around we were given the opportunity to test the Feather Friends set. It can make much more than just birds, but the colors are great for making parrots and tropical birds such as toucan and flamingos. (Unfortunately there are no pink or coral shades in this line so her flamingo will have to make due as a blue or red fellow. We love this brand, it is unique and holds her attention for a long time.

Click-A-Brick toys are educational building blocks for children aged 4 and up. My daughter is a fan of Legos and Duplos, but what makes this product unique is the way it connects. Click-A-Brick's can be connected from all sides and corners; even forming diagonal steps (my daughter loves this feature).

This toy helps children improve motor and dexterity skills, as well learn spatial reasoning. There are many types of fancy birds you can make with this set such as parrot, toucan, flamingo, and cockatiel, however your child does not need to limit herself/himself to just birds, think of all the robots, or uniquely colored animals they can make. The product is fairly durable; and out of the 3 different sets we have, only one small piece has had an issue with cracking (and even then, that block was still able to be used despite the broken side).

We highly recommend this set and what makes this set great is that it is only 30 pieces, which is PERFECT for a traveling toy. We took this will us on a road trip and my daughter played with it in the hotel. The only future improvement I would suggest to the company is that they include a cloth draw string pouch to store the pieces. These originally came in a plastic bag that is not resealable, and then in the small and rather thin, cardboard box. We ended up finding a thick plastic bag with snaps to keep these in which makes it easier to store and to travel with.  I hope to find a cotton drawstring bag soon.

When you collect several sets, you can mix and match colors and expand your options even more.

If you are interested in finding out more about this product or would like to see what other products are from this company, you can visit their website and Facebook page.

You can find these on Amazon.




I was given a discount on my Feather Friends purchase to facilitate my review, however all opinions are my own and honest.  This is a fun set for kids and their parents too!

Nature's Daily Cure's Turmeric Curcumin Review

I have heard the praises of Tumeric and how it is incredible for the body.  It can be used to prevent certain illness and disease, as well as treat the body that is suffering from the disease.  I enjoy many cuisine that uses Tumeric as a flavor.  I was thrilled to be given the opportunity to review a supplement this past month from Nature's Daily and finally find out what the fuss was all about.  I eat Indian food somewhat frequently, however not usually more than once every month or 2.  I have no prior experience of taking a daily Tumeric supplement and was intrigued.  The large bottle contained fragrant, extra strength capsules, each containing Turmeric Curcumin 600 mg and 50mg Bioperine 5mg.  The user is directed to take one capsule per day.  This is a generous 4 months supply.  Bio Perine allows increased absorption up to 2000%.  This bright yellow capsule is gluten free, GMO free, and quality tested. It is very important to me that all supplements that I (and my family) consume, be certified and safe.  This product is made here in the USA. It is stable for a variety of dietary needs and is also free from egg, milk, peanuts, shellfish, soy and wheat. ​

Tumeric and its main component, Curcumin (gives the bright color) are multi-benifical health aids.  Nature's Daily has utilized this fantastic spice to enhance daily nutrition. This spice based supplement is anti- inflammatory, anti- viral, anti-bacterial, anti-fungal and has been shown to slow the signs of aging. Those who consume the spice often have better moods, brain function, and even have improved skin appearance.  The pill may smell overly of pepper or ginger to some, but to me, it is a welcomed fragrance.  It definitely reminds me of Indian food which is one of my favorites. :) 

I have been taking one pill each day, and although I already take several multivitamins such as Women's Vitamin, Spirulina, Calcium, Coconut Oil and other important supplements, I feel that the addition of Tumeric in my diet is helping me.  I often suffer from Migraines and stomach issues, and it seems this may be helping some.  I cannot comment on whether this is helping or improving my skin, as my skin has been pretty clear the past 2 years do to using oil cleansing and being sulfate free.  But I can only improve my skin by using this.  It is often said that Tumeric can be more potent (and yet safer) than many antidepressants, pain killers and other drugs.  Those who suffer from diabetes, high cholesterol, and arthritis can benefit from using Turmeric.  I have always been one to try natural, homeopathic and simple methods for health care and pain management.  I never realized how many ailments could be treated or even prevented by taking this spice.  I am happy to continue using this as I have not had any ill effects from it and it is easy to take.

For more information on this product, or to purchase, you can find this on Amazon.  Feel free to check out Nature's Daily on Facebook to see tips and updates on products.  

I received this bottle at no charge for my honest review.  All thoughts and opinions are my own.  As with any supplement, consult your doctor if you are unsure of this supplement and to find out if it is right for you.

Marble Fun Run 105pc Set, with 30 Marbles (Review)

Having a 4 1/2 year old in the house, we like to keep her entertained and happy with fun, non electronic toys.  I was happy to be sent a large marble run set by Mega Fun.  This is a building toy that includes tunnels, wheels, and slides that are incredible fun and educational too! The set is just the right size with 75 bright colored pieces,  and 30 marbles, uh make that now 23 marbles currently (as we have lost some due to some of the marbles easily hopping off the track. :( Luckily we only play this set in the kitchen, on the table and away from 15 month old brother (who likes to pick things up and sometimes taste toys).  I am sure when we get around to pulling out the stove and refrigerator, we will find the missing 7.  Our house is nearly 100 years old and to be honest, the floors lean ever so slightly and so lots of small things roll under there. Hmm, I wonder what all we will find? 

We like this set as there are many variations of setting this up.  My daughter and her father enjoyed with playing this set as we have another similar set from Imaginarium.  We had hoped to use the two sets together but sadly the quality of this set was not as good.  The plastic pieces had difficulty fitting together in some parts.  I still liked the set and had we never experienced the first brand (having nothing else to compare) we would have perhaps liked it more.  My daughter did not notice any problem as she mainly did the rolling of the marbles while dad set up the run.  I tried a few pieces as well and the plastic was not always fitting flush against the other easily.

We still think this is a great toy as it does not light up or make noise.  It is fun and educational at the same time as it helps develop spacial skills and hand-eye coordination. We ended up packing this set up and donating it to a place at a local church.  My daughter did not need two sets and we liked the other brand better.

I did think this was a good toy and still am happy to rate it between 4/5 stars, I just would like the manufacturer to perhaps improve the quality of the pieces so that they are easier to fit together.  We found that marbles did get stuck in some spots, then would easily fall off the track when we would try to shimmy them free.

If you are interested in this set, they are available on Amazon.  I was sent this set for my honest opinion, I was not compensated in any way other than the free item.  Please excuse my lack of real pictures, other than the stock pictures.  My phone was sent a replacement as it was acting up and the last 2 weeks of pictures were not transferred as I thought they were.  (yes, some pictures of my little ones were lost.  I had a bit of a cry about it but, it is what it is.)

I've Been Carded, Black Soap Facial Wash Review

I've Been Carded, Black Soap Facial Wash was sent to me at no charge for my honest opinion and evaluation.  I hope this helps you decide if it is right for you.  This product is from Desired Diva and comes in a classy 2 oz jar.  The jar is one thing I really love about it, but first, the soap.

I really like this soap. I have tried African Black soap in the past (love it) but would always have large rough pieces of ash that would scratch my skin (not fun) if I was not careful and perhaps in a rush of my routine. This soap does have exfoliative properties, but it is from the coffee and is finely ground.  Black soap is rich in Vitamins A and E and is a great option for me to use as I am sulfate free and use natural products.  I love that it has Shea Butter in it which is moisturizing, provides a smooth texture to the soap and to our skin, and has healing properties.  This also has coffee which acts as the light exfoliation and provides a touch of caffeine in the skin which has been added to various high end skincare to tone skin and sometimes assist with dark circles and circulation.

I love coffee and so was intrigued to find a soap with it added, sadly this soap, or at least my jar, does not smells as fresh or as nice as I had imagined. It smells sort of like musty wet coffee grounds that have been sitting for a few days. Now it is not so terrible that I smell it while it is on my face or after, it just smells this way in the jar and when dug out. I love the smell of coffee and would have loved this to have the invigorating fragrance to help wake me up in the morning. 

Everything else about the product is fantastic. I have had this a month and as seen, this is lasting me a long time. I only need a small amount. I use this about 3 times per week and it always is a great deep cleanser that removes every last bit of my stubborn cat eyeliner and mascara that my Norwex cloth sometimes leaves behind. The jar is nice looking (it is glass and has a golden lid) and makes this so easy and tidy for travel.  It actually feels nice to open the jar and it feels more expensive due to the glass jar.  All the African Black soaps I have used in the past have been huge bars that as messy when wet or hard to cut into a comfortable bar (sharp square edges, with the rough ash pieces). This is a smooth soap and oh so nice.  I only need a tiny amount and can generate a nice lather. 

*This was sent to me at no charge for my honest opinion and evaluation. I would give this 5 stars if it smelled more like coffee or vanilla, but for now it is 4/5. It lists "fragrance" and coffee on the ingredient list, but I am unsure what fragrance they added.  Hopefully the fragrance can be improved.  Otherwise, this is a fantastic soap and I would purchase this on my own.  

If you are interested in trying this for yourself, it is available on Amazon.

Oleavine Therapeutic Soap Review

I was recently introduced to a tea tree based body wash called Oleavine.  It is a low sudsing, natural ingredient soap that kills bacteria and promotes healthy skin.  Fungus, bacteria, irritation, body odor, acne and other skin problems can be treated with this fantastic product.  I like how it smells fresh, and has a cooling sensation on my skin.  It is great to use in the shower after being outside all day in 90+ heat and humidity when you are not feeling or smelling as fresh as you did earlier in the day.  It is also perfect for dry, irritated skin or skin rashes from bug bites or getting to close to a poisonous plant when camping or hiking.  

This soap contains organic botanicals, extracts, essential oils and essential fatty acids.  There are so many nice oils in this soap but it is not heavy or greasy on my skin.  As seen in the ingredient list, there are many ingredients that have antibacterial and anti-fungal properties.  I love using Lavender oil, Tea Tree oil, Jojoba oil and Coconut oil in my daily skincare and love seeing so many skin soothing and nourishing ingredients packed into one body wash.  Since I have been using sulfate free products for almost 3 years, I have come accustomed to reading ingredient lists every single time while in the store aisle or in my bathroom.  If it sounds chemical to me or overly hard to pronounce, most likely it is not natural.  If it sounds like it may be natural but I am still unsure, I look it up online first.  It is crazy how many shampoos and skin care products use misleading words like natural and organic, yet still use chemicals.  It is so nice to see a product packed with oils and botanicals, and that fights bacteria and odor.  I feel clean after using this soap and even used it on my toddler in a bath when he had a bad rash on his legs and tummy.  (be careful with eye and face area as the mint and tea tree (as well as some of the other oils) can irritate eyes).  

It is a thinner, runny soap so I sometimes feel like I use need to use a lot.  I suggest using it with a puff or sponge to generate a nice lather.  Please note that since this is natural and sulfate free, it is low sudsing and non stripping to skin.  Also it does tingle or feel cold when used in more sensitive areas.  I have not tried using this in winter time, so I am unsure if it will make me cold in the shower in our 100 year old, poorly insulated home. 

I was sent this for review, all thoughts are my own and I was only provided this bottle with no other compensation.  I will always let you know if I recommend a product.  This is a great wash and is very good for my skin.  

Ingredients:

Aqua (Water), Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Water, Saponified Organic Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Oil, Organic Olea Europaea (Olive) Fruit Oil, Organic Cannabis Sativa (Hemp) Oil, Organic Simmondia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil, Organic Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter, Organic Cocao (Cocoa) Seed Butter, Vaccinium Macrocarpon (Cranberry) Oil, Organic Punica Granatum (Pomegranate) Seed Oil, Plukenetia Volubilis (Sachi Inchi) Oil, Organic Linum Usitatissimum (Flax Seed) Oil, Hippophae Rhamnoides (Seabuckthorn) Oil, Tocopherol (Vitamin E), Azadirachta Indica (Neem) Oil, Melaleuca Alternifolia (Tea Tree) Oil, Natural Mixed Mentha (Mint), Thymol (Extract from Thyme), Origanum Vulgare (Oregano) Leaf Oil, Cinnamomum Cassia (Cinnamon) Bark Extract, Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Extract, Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Oil, Hydrastis Canadensis (Goldenseal) Extract, Olea Europaea (Olive) Leaf Extract.

This soap is available on Amazon.  

O Loves M Bags made from Repurposed Yoga Mats! (Review and 20% discount Coupon) (packed as a baby bag for cloth diapered 15 month old)

Do you love bags, purses, fashionable baby bags, and totes?  I do and am rapidly growing my collection.  I love to switch out bags to suit my mood, type of outing, weather, or just to match my outfit. :) I love pairing my accessories together in ways that make my bag and all its contents coordinate.  I have 2 small children, a 4 1/2 year old and a 15 month old breast fed, cloth diapered baby.  I do have a lot of stuff to carry around and do not use traditional (ugly, unfashionable) diaper bags.  I like to find a cute, classy and pretty bag and convert it to my needs.  I do this by getting various cosmetic pouches, zippered mini bags, clutches, etc and organizing to suit my needs and the needs of my children.  I always have one of the small bags carry the mommy essentials, and then have other various bags just for dry, non messy snack foods / cereals, first aid kits, toys and teethers,  etc.  To be honest, I do not have to spend a lot to find cute organizer pouches.  I often go to places such as yard sales or even more frequently, GoodWill store to find unused Clinique, Lancome, or other cosmetic brand free with purchase makeup bags.  Often people buy their high end make up and never use the free gift with purchase makeup bag (and I score it for about $2 at GoodWill).  I have lots of different colors and patterns and like to coordinate them with my bags.  The pretty Gerber daisy pink bag in the photos below is from a Clinique set.  

I was recently sent a large tote for review purposes.  It is a rather unique item and is best suited for the beach, pool, errand running, grocery shopping, or a Spring or Summer activity.  It is one of my more casual styled bags but I like it a lot.  It is made from a Yoga mat.  I kid you not. :) The brand is OlovesM.

O Loves M bags are made from re-purposed NEW (no smelly, moist yoga mats here) yoga mats and other materials such as sandal webbing and such. The owner, artist / designer and dreamer of these nifty creations is Merle.  She created this line of fashionable and functional bags, totes and purses that are light weight, wipeable, and fantastic for everyday use by moms like me and anyone who wants a durable, USA made bag with multi-use functions.  When Merle was in yoga class one day, the idea came to her to make bags and accessories that were earth friendly and functional.

I was sent the Molly Tote in Pink Deer.  It is a bright pink bag with an incredible amount of pockets on the outside.  It has six outside pockets made from a cotton deer pattern fabric, and a strong double strap handle that is made from sandal webbing.  The bag dimensions are 12" x 19" x 5.5" and this has double straps.  I love that it is a zippered tote as a lot of totes are wide open.  I have used this as a casual baby bag for occasions when I need a lot of space in a bag and a water resistant, durable bag for summer activities.  If only we had this bag when we went to the beach in June!  It is a bright and cheery tote and fits a lot.  I fit 2 Bumgenius 4.0 one size snap cloth diapers, 2 onesies, a nursing infinity scarf, cloth panties for my 4 year old, wipes case, various pouches, wallet, toys, board book, teethers, and a few other items.  

Merle also included a cute grey pouch as a surprise! (and of course I put it to use right away in my bag as I love pouches.)  I use it to hold a lipstick, lip balm, hair ties, bobby pins and other small items.

These bags come in a wide assortment of sizes, colors, patterns, and types.  You are sure to find one you love and that suits your needs.  The stitching on my Molly bag is neat and secure.  I like the way the top zipper lays flat.  As seen in my pictures, the outside of the bag has pockets all around the bag.  I do not keep my wallet in a pocket, however wanted to show you that it could fit if you decided to use it for that purpose.  I mainly would use the pockets for a cell phone, baby books, nose and hand wipes, and small teething toys.  

***Would you like the opportunity to get one of her items at a fantastic 20% discount? 

You can use the code:  TK20  (I am not sure how long this will be active so hurry now before it expires.)***

Find OlovesM on Facebook to see new styles, SALES, and to hear about Merle and her adventures.  

I highly recommend this bag, it is spacious and well designed.  It is lightweight even when packed full.  It makes a great diaper bag for 2 children.  The bottom of the bag stands alone due to the way it is designed and sewn.  It makes it so easy to pack and see inside the bag while packing. (I love that!) I like the pop of back on the pink bag, as it looks nice with my black and white striped changing pad.  The straps are comfortable and a good length.  

The only thing I personally would have liked differently about my OlovesM bag experience would to have had the grey ikat looking bag as the Molly Tote bag and perhaps the pink deer as the small clutch pouch. :) The grey pattern is much more my style than the deer pattern. Don't get me wrong, I still think the deer on this bag are cute and interesting. I just REALLY love the grey bag color and pattern, and thinks it coordinates better with my clothing and style.

*I was sent the Molly Tote and the small grey pouch for an unbiased and honest review.

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Don't you just love my vintage lipstick tubes? (sanitized, and refilled with modern lipsticks)