Category Archives: His and Hers

The Smurfs Dance Party for Wii

  By Amy | August 22, 2011 - 11:39 pm | , , , ,
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Back when I was a kid in the ’80s, the Smurfs were all the rage.  If you would have told me that in the year 2011 I would be virtually dancing with them, I probably would have giggled and said, “No way, cool!”.  It’s the year 2011, I’m now a 30-something and what am I doing?  Virtually dancing with the Smurfs.  Kinda funny how that works.  The cartoon characters I loved when I was a small child are now dancing across my television screen and my two young daughters are dancing right along with them.


Above: My daughters, Hailey and Teagan, dancing with Smurfette

Can I just tell you that when I danced along to some of the tracks on The Smurfs Dance Party, I was getting a serious workout? Awesome! I’m making this a daily thing. It’s fun and energizing. I love the video games of today where your entire body gets a workout, not just your thumbs!

Ubisoft is a world-wide leading developer/distributor/publisher of video games and just judging from The Smurfs Dance Party, I can see why. This is our first experience with one of the interactive dancing games for Wii and overall, I’m very impressed.

hailey dancing to the smurfs dance party
Pictured above: My daughter, Hailey, dancing along with Smurfette

I recommend checking out The Smurfs Dance Party if you were ever a fan of the little blue people as a youth.  I can pretty much guarantee your kids will love moving and grooving with them!

Thank you to Ubisoft for sponsoring this blog post. Please click here to learn more about Ubisoft.  I was selected for this sponsorship by the Clever Girls Collective. All opinions are my own.

All-in-One Printer: The Epson Workforce 840

  By Amy | March 31, 2011 - 1:03 pm | ,
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epson workforce 840

I have been using Epson printers for quite some time now and I’m confident to say that I would continue using them because of their quality performance.  The Workforce series is known to print fast (which it does), my print-outs look good and the fact that I can access the printer/scanner/fax wirelessly is a huge plus in my book.

I’ve been given an Epson Workforce All-in-One 840 to experience and I don’t really have anything bad to say about it.  It prints smoothly and quickly, there are two trays that you can load with paper (500 sheets total) and some other key features include:

  • The ability to print from your iPhone using the free Epson iPrint app
  • Wi-Fi capability (love this!)
  • A 30-page auto document feeder for copying, scanning and faxing

The Workforce line of all-in-one printers is geared toward people like me, an at-home mompreneur (or those with small or home businesses).  I do things like, create and print my own business cards, print contracts from clients, scan images, and occasionally fax.  I need to find out if I can fax using my Vonage phone line.  That is something I haven’t tried yet.

It’s been a reliable unit and I tend to do things at the last moment.  When I have needed something printed in a hurry, there hasn’t been a problem.  I think it’s kind of funny when my daughter or husband are in the family room and I start to print something from upstairs.  Yes, it’s the little things in life that amuse me.

Epson always has great deals, so I highly recommend following and liking them via Twitter and Facebook.  When I see a good deal, I generally try to retweet it.  I also like Epson as a company because they are active on Twitter, reaching out to those who need customer support.  To me, that’s a big deal and shows they care about their customers.

I would recommend the Epson Workforce series without hesitation.  I have reviewed the Epson PictureMate Show, the Epson Workforce 610 All-in-One, the Epson Artisan 800 All-in-One, and the Epson Stylus CX8400 All-in-One.  As you can see from my past reviews, Epson gets my vote.

SecuraTrac and Disney World

  By Amy | July 31, 2010 - 10:29 pm | , , , , ,
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In May, I wrote about SecuraTrac, a company that specializes in GPS tracking.  In June, I had the opportunity to put the SecuraPal to test – at Walt Disney World.

Before leaving for our trip, I signed into my account on the SecuraTrac website and created “fences” for the areas my family and I would be visiting while in Florida.  SecuraFences are safety zones that you configure within your account.  You can create an unlimited number of fences; for instance, I created a separate fence for each of the Disney World parks we visited.  When you activate a fence, your SecuraPal will send you text and/or email alerts when the person carrying it goes outside of the area you created.

The SecuraPal (GPS tracking device) is small and comes with a case.  It was easy to attach the device to my preschooler either by stringing her belt through it, hanging it from a belt loop with a hook or sticking it in one of her pockets.  There were many occasions where I lost sight of her in the parks.  Have you been to Disney World?  It’s quite easy to lose sight of people.  She wanted to be right next to her cousin the entire time, not her parents.

(From your account dashboard, you can see the SecuraPal’s exact location in 5, 15, 30 or 60 minute increments)

Honestly, it eased my mind a little knowing that if something should happen to separate us, she could press a button to alert us (triggering an alert via text message and/or email to one or multiple assigned contacts).  We would also be alerted if she was “outside of the fence” we previously created and activated online.  We could check our SecuraTrac account from the iPhone and pinpoint her location.  Knowing that we were being proactive in finding her, helped me to not worry so much.  We were fortunate that no one in our group got lost, though, the peace of mind that this little device gave me was priceless.

There are many ways you can put this kind of technology to use.  Chris Holbert, SecuraTrac’s founder, suggested giving it to your teenager before he or she leaves the house.  Who’s the cool kid that doesn’t have to check in with mom and dad?  Attach it to your dog’s collar before he goes out to “do business”.  Does he bolt, like our family dog?  You can find him easy enough now.

Stick it in the stroller when Grandma or the nanny takes the kids for a walk to the park.  I know right where they are and when they’re coming back.  Have a tween that likes to go to the movies with friends?  Stick it in her purse before she leaves the house.

If it’s not already obvious, I think this is an awesome product and service and completely endorse it.

Sun protection from Neutrogena

  By Amy | May 20, 2010 - 8:02 pm | , , , ,
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I have very fair skin and I am also quite freckly.  My days of “laying out” or going to the tanning salon are over.  I can’t risk the likely chance I have of getting cancer.  I have my health and my two little girls to think about.

So, that being said, I’m taking Neutrogena® sunblock along to the beach and anywhere else where there’s sun exposure.  I like and use Neutrogena® products, I always have.  I fully trust the protection they offer.

The fabulous collection of products shown above were sent to me for promotion on my site.

If I really want a little “color” before heading out of the house in my cute new sundress, then I can use Neutrogena® Sun Fresh™ Sunless Lotion or their MicroMist® Tanning Sunless Spray.

Quite honestly, I’m much more concerned with protecting my skin.  So, before my feet hit the warm sand next week, I will lather myself up with Neutrogena’s® Spectrum+ Advanced Sunblock Lotion (SPF 70) (great for all over protection) and Ultra Sheer® Liquid Sunblock (SPF 70) (great for the face).

As I am building the world’s most awesome sand castle with my preschooler in the sweltering Caribbean sun, I’ll stop and re-apply my sunblock using Neutrogena® Fresh Cooling Body Mist Sunblock (SPF 45) (because it instantly cools as it protects).  Sweet.

Speaking of the preschooler, you know I’m all about protecting her delicate 4-1/2 year old skin.  I will be doing that for years to come.  Before her little feet hit the warm sand, she’ll be lathered up with Neutrogena® Waterguard™ Kids Sunblock Lotion (SPF 70+) and Waterguard™ Kids Sunblock Mist Spray (SPF 70+) (both excellent options for my active little lady).

All of the above products include Helioplex® and what you need to know about this ingredient is that it provides longer lasting protection.

Last but most certainly not least, the baby.  I am extremely concerned with protecting her 10 month old perfect, silky skin.  Neutrogena’s® Pure & Free™ Baby Sunblock Lotion (SPF 60+) with PureScreen™ and Pure & Free™ Baby Sunblock Stick (SPF 60+) with PureScreen™ are essential for this upcoming trip to the beach.  I will not leave home without them.

The baby sunblocks include PureScreen, 100% naturally sourced sunscreen ingredients.  It provides a physical sunblock, however, it is not greasy or oily like most physical sunblocks.

Phew.  Holy Neutrogena ad, batman.  But seriously though, I don’t want to leave anything out.  These items are necessities for the summer months.  All I’m saying is, it’s important to protect your skin and thank goodness we have these products from Neutrogena to help us do so.  Look, if something doesn’t work out for us, we’ll come back and let you know but don’t hold your breath because Neutrogena is on top of their game.  I’m just sayin’.

How the Grinch Stole…my iPhone?

  By Amy | December 2, 2009 - 11:28 pm | , , , ,
2 Comments

I purchased my iPhone this past July and truthfully, it’s one of the best purchases I have made in a while.  I love everything about this phone.  I switched from a BlackBerry Curve and it was an excellent decision, in my opinion.

My iPhone keeps me company while I’m feeding the baby or swaying her to sleep.  It also provides entertainment to my four year old when she’s restless.  Half of the apps I have are for me and half are for her.  Not to mention I have at least three movies loaded and some episodes of Blues Clues.

Now that I’ve professed my geeky love for my phone, I’ve got to tell you about a couple of new apps that were just released.  They are here just in time for the holiday and they are HOT.

If you don’t know who the Grinch is, or the adorable people from Who-ville, then I guess you’ve been living under a rock.  Two new notable iPhone apps are all about the Grinch and we can’t get enough.

The first one that I fully abuse every day is the Dr Seuss Camera – The Grinch Edition ($2.99 at the iTunes app store (app store > photography > Dr. Seuss camera – The Grinch Edition)).  Here are some of the holidayriffic photos I’ve taken since downloading the app:

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They are scaled down in size here but the originals are easily greeting card size.  I have been showing them off to friends and family and I have about a thousand more where these came from.  It’s too fun and we all get a good laugh.

Next on the holiday list is Grinchmas ($1.99 at the app store (app store > games > Grinchmas)).  You can be nice or you can be naughty in this one.  Throw snowballs or presents at the Who’s houses, depending on your mood.  Don’t worry, we’re pretty sure no Who’s were injured while playing the game.

Here are a couple of screenshots of the light-hearted Grinchmas app:

GrinchmasSS

These two apps are available for the iPhone and iPod Touch.

Soon I’ll post a list of the other apps we enjoy…hopefully, if you have an iPod Touch or iPhone, they will keep your kids entertained on the long trips to visit family and friends for the holidays.  I know they will work like a charm for me!

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Thanks to Oceanhouse Media for providing me with promo codes for these two apps.  They would have been well worth it to purchase!

Amy Michelle Baby Totes

  By Amy | May 12, 2009 - 9:22 pm | ,
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Pictured here is the Amy Michelle Madison Avenue Tote in charcoal (from the Street Baby Tote line).  I received this durable, do-it-all tote and I’m pretty stoked to put it to good use come this July.  Heck, I’ve already started using it!  It still comes in handy for all of those juice boxes and snacks I have to have readily available for my preschooler.  My husband, who rarely notices things like a brand new bag even commented on how sturdy this tote seems.  I know he’s secretly excited to carry around a diaper bag that isn’t all-out girly.

This tote/diaper bag will perform all of the necessary functions that you need it to during the infant, baby, toddler and preschool stages (and beyond!):

- washable changing pad (21″x14″)
- internal and external bottle pockets
- quick-release pacifier holder
- compartments for diapers, wipes, & bottles
- stroller attachments included

and for the mama’s and dada’s:

- section for mom’s and dad’s necessities
- pocket for day planner, cell phone, and other essentials
- easy to find key ring
- dimensions – 12.5″L x 4″W x 15″H
- weight – 1 lbs 10oz

Serious functionality:

- shoulder bag
- attaches to your baby’s stroller
- converts easily into a backpack

And the laptop fits nice and snug for when you’re running out of the house to the local coffee shop for some alone time with your social networking buddies!

I know for a fact that these are the features I want in a diaper bag/tote.  The Madison Avenue tote runs about $55 dollars and can be ordered direct from the Amy Michelle website.  When you’re visiting the website, check out all of the other fab diaper bags/totes.  Hot bags for hot mamas.  Keep it in mind when you hear your pregnant buddy trying to make a decision on a diaper bag.

Brush your teeth, so they don’t fall out

  By Amy | March 29, 2009 - 5:15 pm | , ,
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Our parents took us to see the dentist every six months and that is a tradition we plan on following with our children.  Neither I nor my husband have “perfect” teeth but we know how mouth pain feels if you don’t pay attention to the pearly whites.

We have used many different toothbrushes and just started brushing with the GUM® Summit®+ Toothbrush.  It works a.o.k. for us.  It gets the job done and that’s all that matters when it comes to oral hygiene.

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The kiddo is using the GUM® Crayola™ Timer Light Toothbrush.  Here she is in action:

Now, it’s time for us to make that first dentist appointment!  Here’s hoping it all goes well.