Maryland Momma's Rambles

2011 #Holiday Gift Guide: Boogie Board LCD Tablet ~ #Review and #Giveaway

By 128 Comments

I can’t tell you how many lists I make every day. Usually it is either a grocery list or trying to keep track of my son’s eating and nap schedule. I do not even want to think how much paper I’ve sent to the landfill because of my lists. I also have a tendency to write my notes on little post-it type notes I always seem to loose. Luckily, this is where the Boogie Board 8.5 LCD Writing Tablet solved both my issues!

Improv Electronics generously sent me to the Boogie Board 8.5 LCD Writing Tablet to test out and review. This model is the original Boogie Board, and I absolutely love how lightweight it is! The board only weighs 4 ounces and is very thin at only 1/8″. From the description I thought the board would be bulkier. I was pleasantly surprised by the weight and the board fit perfectly in my purse when carrying it around. You can also mount it to a cabinet or refrigerator for compiling lists.

A great aspect about the Boogie Board is that it is so user-friendly! Just simply write (or draw) your message with the stainless steel stylus provided. Since the tablet’s LCD screen is pressure sensitive, the harder you press down, the thicker the mark will be on the board, just like when you use pencil on paper. You can also use your finger (or any appropriate instrument) if the stylus is not in reach. To erase, just simple click the erase button at the top, and instantly your message is gone! Since the Boogie Board contains a sealed 3V watch battery which never needs replacing, you can write and erase over and over again at your heart’s desire.

Since the tablet’s casing and LCD are made from durable plastic materials, the Boogie Board is safe for school use and all around the house, office and car! The tablet has been wonderful for compiling grocery lists. No longer do I have to search for my little post-it notes. I kept the tablet handy in the kitchen and just added items as the week went on.

The tablet was also great for taking to restaurants to let the kids draw and play Tic Tac Toe while waiting for entrees to arrive. Definitely kept them entertained and was a much alternative to using napkins and a million pieces of paper.

Improv Electronics offers a selection of Boogie Boards in addition to the original Boogie Board 8.5 which I reviewed. They also offer the Boogie Board 8.5 for binders which is the same size writing surface as the original tablet, but clips easily into 2, 3 and 4 ring binders! This tablet is perfect for students or anyone who use binders to keep organized. If you prefer a larger surface to write on, Improv offers the Boogie Board 10.5. The newest tablet is the Boogie Board Rip, which allows you to save what you write on the tablet. You can then upload it to your computer!  How awesome (and useful) is that? Best part of all these products? Since they are paperless, they are green and eco-friendly!

Don’t forget to connect with Improv Electronics and the Boogie Board Tablet on Facebook! Head on over to Twitter to tweet with Improv Electronics about the Boogie Board Tablet!

Here is the Boogie Board in action!

Buy It: You can purchase the Original Boogie Board eWriter for $39.95 (in black) on the Improv Electronics’ website. Other colors (red, pink, green, cyan, yellow, white, silver, and gold) for $41.95. In addition, the Boogie Board is available at online retailers such as Amazon, where it is on sale for $34.95 with FREE Super Saver Shipping.

Win It: One lucky reader will win a Boogie Board LCD Writing Tablet of their very own!   Simply fill out the easy Rafflecopter form below. This giveaway ends on January 22nd, 2012, at 11:59 pm EST and is open to residents of the US only. Once a winner is drawn via Rafflecoper, I will contact the winner through email. They will then have 48 hours to respond. If there is no response, I will draw a new winner. Good luck!

[Read more…]

2011 Holiday Gift Guide: MyMimiSays ~ Creative Books for Curious Minds ~ #Review

By 10 Comments

If you are a regular reader, you’ll know the one type of review my son loves to help me with is books! He can’t get enough of books. Sure, he is way too young to read, or ever really understand the stories, but he loves turning the pages to look at vibrant illustrations. Whenever he sees a book, he knows exactly what it is, and what he’ll get to do. When I pulled out books from MyMimiSays, his little face lit up with joy in anticipation of “reading” the books together.

 

About MyMimiSays

At MyMimiSays, we believe in the transformative power of a well-told story. And we remember fondly the personalized stories our Mimis and Nanas told—always with our names at the center, always with us emerging as heroes. Our custom books put the special child in your life at the center. They make wonderful gifts for any occasion—birthdays, graduations, holidays and any special moment in between.

MyMimiSays generously sent me copies of their two books If You Take An Animal Home and The Very Sleepy Firefly.  Both stories are written by Donna Hermans, and feature art by Sam Ricks. MyMimiSays can customize these stories to feature your child as the star!  Imagine the excitement on your little ones face when they open these books to see their name in big bold letters!

If You Take An Animal Home is a lighthearted tale that teaches kids about the habits of wild animals, like giraffes, monkeys, zebras, and elephants!  Children will learn that these animals are not like cats and dogs. These are animals that belong in the wild.  The story helps them understand why those animals don’t exactly make great pets!

The Very Sleepy Firefly is the sweet story of a firefly that saves the day with a very bright light!  MyMimiSays will name the firefly after your child so that your little one is the at the center of this tale.

 

Both stories are fun reads and the illustrations are colorful! I absolutely love personalized books.  I’ve always felt that the personalization not only serves as a special keepsake, but imagine how special your little one feels when they see their name.  Definitely a boost in their confidence!

Don’t forget to connect with MyMimiSays on Facebook!  That way you can stay on top of news, events, and giveaways. They also have an email list you can join to keep up to date with all MyMimiSays happenings and related news.

Buy It: You can purchase both of these MyMimiSays books on their website for $27.00 each (includes personalization).

I received complimentary product(s) to facilitate this review from the sponsoring company. This is 100% my own honest opinion. No one has influenced me otherwise and I was in no way compensated financially. This review is solely based on my own experience with this product.

 

2011 #Holiday Gift Guide: Swarovski Crystal Pony Covers ~ The SS Collection

By 1 Comment

This holiday season, the SS Collection is offering these adorable Swarovski Crystal Pony Covers!  The prices range from $10 to $25 depending on the design and how many crystals.  Aren’t these adorable!
No matter what the age, these Pony Covers make a great holiday gift. Glitz up that ponytail! Variety of designs and colors are available. Just work with the SS Collection and they’ll come up with the perfect Pony Cover for you! These are great stocking stuffers too. In addition to the Pony Covers, the SS Collection also creates custom headbands, flower clips, bows, and more! Check out their shop on Facebook!
Assortment of Swarovski Crystal Pony Covers

2011 #Holiday Gift Guide: Alma’s Designs #Review & #Giveaway

By 66 Comments

With Christmas right around the corner, I’ve been searching far and wide for toys to give this holiday to Baby C that are not only fun, but safe and cultivate his budding imagination.  Luckily for moms (and dads) like me, Alma’s Designs fits the bill!  Alma’s Designs creates toys that are safe for your little one, developmentally appropriate, and most of all fun!  When designing each toy, they base it on three key principles: Educate, Fascinate, and Inspire!
Alma’s Designs generously sent me the Tool Kit!  This super cute tool box has everything your little one needs to help fix the light, hang some dry wall, build a table, or find the fuse box when the power goes out!  The box comes with all the necessary tools including a hammer, drill, hand saw, screwdriver, tape measure and emergency light!  All the tools fit easily in this soft toolbox which opens and closes with velcro latches. These cloth tools are perfect to help your children build their motor skills and hand eye coordination.  Another benefit is building their social skills through role playing with other children and adults.
Alma’s Designs also offers cloth activity books, reversible storytelling dolls, storytelling activity sets, learning wall charts, and much much more!  Their imaginative play sets include everything from the tool kit mentioned, to a tea party set, doctor’s kit, beauty kit, fishing set, and more.  What a fun way to play “make believe”!  While browsing the website, I noticed the Responsibility Chart!  That is definitely an item I would like on hand when the little man grows older.  What a great way to make “chores” fun for the little ones!
Mommy, let’s hang some drywall!
As a reader of Maryland Momma’s Rambles and Reviews, Alma’s Designs is offering you FREE UPS ground shipping on your online purchase of $25 or more on their website!  Just use coupon code ADFREESHIP to redeem this offer.  This offer excludes Hawaii/Alaska/ US Territories/International customers and cannot be combined with any other promotions.  This code will expire 12/31/11.
Buy It: You can purchase toys and products from Alma’s Designs right on their website!  Alma’s Designs can also be found at online retailers, such as Amazon.  Or you can search for a local retailer near you.  The Tool Kit retails for $27.49.
Win It: One lucky reader will win any Alma’s Designs product of their choice! Simply fill out the easy Rafflecopter form below. This giveaway ends on December 18th at 11:59 pm EST and is open to residents of the US only. Once a winner is drawn via Rafflecoper, I will contact the winner through email. They will then have 48 hours to respond. If there is no response, I will draw a new winner. Good luck!
[Read more…]

2011 #Holiday Gift Guide: GIANTmicrobes Plush #Review & #Giveaway

By 31 Comments

As most of you already know, I’m a huge fan of GIANTmicrobes! I love the uniqueness and fun aspect of their plush toys and other products.  For those who aren’t familiar, GIANTmicrobes offers plush toys that are made to look like tiny microbes, only multiplied a million times their actual size!  Each one comes with an information card detailing facts on the microbe the toy represents. This year they have been releasing all new microbes that make the perfect holiday gift for your little budding scientist.
Back in October, GIANTmicrobes debuted the Bone Cell Plush, the Skin Cell Plush, and the Mortimer Vinyl Figure.  I was thrilled to have the opportunity to review one of these little guys!
I chose the Bone Cell has I knew he would be easy for my little one to hold onto.  Plus look how cute he is!  Makes me want to sing the Dry Bones song… The toe bone connected to the foot bone! The microbe seems high quality and cannot easily be torn and ripped apart like other plush toys.  This is always a plus in my book, as Baby C likes to try to destroy anything in his path!I love that these plush guys also serve an educational purpose.  Despite Pre-K through 12 science lessons, with a handful in college, I would have never known that my bones are made primarily of an intricate edifice of mineralized tissue laid down by bone cells, just like a coral reef!   Just call me a Bone Cell expert now.  You have to love a toy that teaches your little one fun facts!

GIANTmicrobes are the PERFECT size to use as stocking stuffers.  A science lover of any age will go crazy over these little microbes!   With Christmas approaching, GIANTmicrobes offers these awesome Christmas sets including either the Christmas Stocking Box or the Christmas Tree Box Ornaments.

Don’t forget to check out GIANTmicrobes on Facebook and on Twitter!

Reading his Bone Cell facts  


Buy It: You can purchase the Bone Cell, as well as other microbes, at the GIANTmicrobes online shop or on Amazon.  The Bone Cell retails for $8.95.

Win It: One lucky reader will either a Bone Cell Plush, Skin Cell Plush, or Mortimer Vinyl Figure… winner’s choice! Simply fill out the easy Rafflecopter form below. This giveaway ends on December 15th at 11:59 pm EST and is open to residents of the US only. Once a winner is drawn via Rafflecoper, I will contact the winner through email. They will then have 48 hours to respond. If there is no response, I will draw a new winner. Good luck!

[Read more…]

Text and Images copyright of Maryland Momma's Rambles and Reviews.