#TecEssence 3D Moon Light Review

Christmas is coming up!

It's sooner than I anticipated. It’s going to be an odd one. 

We can’t get together as a big family because of COVID. It’s hard because my sister has two kids with trisomy 18. Their immune systems are fragile. Instead we'll take turns having my parents over to each house.

I’m still looking for jobs. I have two in the fire, but still looking out there. So many things are seasonal, or part time. It’s harder work to look for jobs, then it is to work I think. I've been looking for a few years now. It's exhausting. I just want to work, come home, and blog, paint, design, or hold Sunny. Money is tighter. 

The boys are getting older, so buying for them is more challenging. They just got their rooms done. What do I get the that they need or want? I thought about rugs and new overhead lights. They could always use another remote, or headset, for their PS4, that we have them play on only once a week. I got the boys and some of my nephews KEEN insulated thermoses 30% off at work, then 15% off from my discount. I did the same with honey sticks, pistachios, and chapstick. How exciting! *Insert sarcasm here. Holidays are different when they are older. 

I'd love to give them a trip, but again...COVID strikes. Let's be honest...they could care less about clothes these days.

One Holiday Idea: 

I found Mica a little light to go in his room. It will fit well with his space theme. This 3D #TecEssence Moon Light changes colors. It’s smaller than I thought. Just big enough to fit in ones hands. 

You can get it here: https://tecessence.com/collections/all-lights/products/nebula-galaxy-lamp%E2%84%A2, for $39.99. I think that's way too high of a price, for this lamp. I'd be willing to pay $15, for it. It took awhile to ship, wasn't big, the base didn't come put together, it's 3D printed plastic, and I still haven't been able to get the remote battery section to come off without breaking it. It's stubborn. 

It lights up with a USB cord. It has different modes. I like the top picture mode best.

There's a purple mode.

There's a blue mode.

Then there's a red mode.

I did have trouble with getting the remote to work, and open it. 

I actually changed the colors by touching the lamp its self when it was on the USB cord. 

I just can't get it apart! I feel like I'm going to break it. I've pressed on the release, and pulled, I pulled, after doing the a few times I gave up. Travis hasn't tried. It would be best to get it to work, for all the options. 

What are you getting for your kids, or grandkids for Christmas?

Disclaimer: I got this product for a discounted price, in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

@JetGiftBaskets Review

I got the cutest Mini Burt's Bees Relaxation basket in the mail today! It was wrapped up, and packaged all pretty like.

Stocked full of Burt's Bee products:

• Burt's Bee Foot Cream - Coconut
• Burt's Bee Two Hand Creams - Almond Milk | Honey and Grapeseed
• Burt's Bee Hand Salve
• Burt's Bee Cuticle Cream - Lime
• Burt's Bee Chapstick - Pomegranate 
• Target Washcloth - Neutral in color
• A Wooden Tray

They hand pick their items, so things like the washcloth color could change from order to order. I actually like mine. I have grey towels, and the washcloth is a brownish grey color. On their website it's green.

I'm most excited for the hand creams, salve, and cuticle cream. I was already washing my hands a lot before COVID-19 hit. I wash them before and after holding Sunny our gecko. Now I wash them even more. Plus I do dishes. My hands feel dry. I hope all the Burt's Bee products help. 

The main topics on what they sell:

• Gift Baskets and Flowers
• Thank You
• Birthday
• Sympathy
• Corporate

They have a drop down menu, that has many other topics!

I think a box like this would be a great Mother's Day gift, new Mom gift, get better gift, or lost your job? gift.

I do like the wooden tray. It can be reused, by making your own basket.

Pretend money didn't matter - what would put in a basket? Who would you give it to? What special day would it be for?

My basket would be a special cookie cutter, some sprinkles, espresso powder, a mitt, and a few recipe cards. I'd give it to my sister that's due in August.

I've used Burt's Bees products before, and do like all these. As for a package I do think it would be helpful to have more variety. There's two hand creams, and one hand salve. Possibly add in a lip tint, or a bar of soap. 

Where to get this set:

You can pick it up at jetgiftbaskets.com, for $37.95. They have a lot of other gift baskets to choose from.

Disclaimer: I got this Mini Burts Bees Relaxation basket for free in exchange, for an honest review.

Sviuse Women’s PU Leather Tote Review

Sviuse Women’s PU Leather Handbag/Purse http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0771NZ2CD is certainly classy!

Front:

The front has front zippers that are decorative. I think they look fashionable. I could see a Mom that has tiny kids being annoyed because children love to zip and unzip things. For me it's perfect.

Back:

Has a small pocket. This small pocket is great for keys, loose change, or if you're caring jewelry on a trip.

Sides:

There really wasn't a lot on the sides. I am kind of bummed it doesn't have side pockets. That's one thing I love about the purse I currently have. It's starting to get worn out, and that's why I needed a new purse.

Inside: 

There are different pockets on the inside. Enough to put cards, change, and bigger things like a phone.

The top has small handheld straps, but hooks on the sides to put on a shoulder strap. I actually use both. Usually I use the shoulder straps, but if I'm in a crowd where I'm nervous about theft I'll use the handheld straps. I also use the handheld straps if the purse has heavy things in that are weighing on my shoulders.

Colors:

It only comes in black. Now I do know that they brand sells other purses in different colors. I wish they had a drop down menu for other colors. Colors I think many people would appreciate: Dark Brown, a Red Brown, Grey, Yellow Ochre and Red. What colors would you like to see them carry? 

Cost:

$39.89 on Amazon Prime

Other Details: 

It’s leather, water resistant, and dust proof.

Question: 

Do you call your or your wife's bag a purse, a handbag, a tote, or something else?

 

Disclaimer: I got this purse in exchange for an honest review. This company didn't influence my review. I only review products I think will fit my family, or my readers.

@softsurrounding Merchandise #LiveSoft Fox Throw Review

I've never had a really cozy throw blanket, but now I do. Say H-E-L-L-O to this Fox Throw from Soft Surroundings. You won't want to cuddle up with anything else ever again. 

Top Side: 

Bottom Side:

My Christmas Present! 

I said to Isaak when I got it, "Ok I'll open it. You can cuddle with it, since it's your day off of school. It's going back in the box to be my Christmas present.

It was hard to have him give it up. He looked so cute with the Fox Blanket!

I too tried it out!

Oh my goodness it's so soft!

About:

It's so soft! They have other soft blankets to choose from besides the Fox Throw: Winter Bear Throw, Leopard Throw, St. Moritz Faux Fur Throw, Snow Leopard Faux Fur Throw, and Paris Faux Fur Throw! It has 2 sides, which look different. If you want to display another side go for it. Soft Surroundings re-creates the rich hues, natural weight and softness of genuine fur.

They're so perfect for any gift: Christmas, Birthday, Anniversary, Valentines Day and more.

They are 100% acrylic faux fur. The backing is a plush polyester fleece backing. It is heavy, but that adds to the comfort: 50"W x 70"L - 7lbs. It is washable: Machine wash cold, and hang to dry. This throw is made in the USA, and exclusive to Soft Surroundings.

Cost:

It's $148.95. Kind of pricy, but well worth the cost! They have Fox like I reviewed, and Winter Bear that's similar.

What I Think:

I was kind of glad to read up on it a bit. I didn't think about my allergies. Travis said, "Is this really fox fur? You can't have it. You're allergic to it." It's faux fur, and can be washed. My goodness that's a relief because it's an expensive throw; that I most certainly didn't want to give up!

It goes perfect in our living room and bedroom! We could have it in either spot in the house. The living room is probably be where it stays. That's where we watch movies.

When I was younger my sisters and I used to make what we called A Paradise. It was really just lots of blankets and pillows on the floor. We'd cuddle up, and stay there for awhile. This throw reminds me of those Paradise days; only better!

I have to say that I'm going to have my other family members sharing the Fox Throw with me a lot. When I went to take pictures Isaak's like, "O just let me cuddle with you Mom!" How can I say, "No" to that? So I let him cuddle with me. It wasn't too hard to get us to smile!

I had to take a picture of my Buddha on it. I've been listening to Book of Joy with the Dalai Lama, and it's so peaceful! Peace, joy and harmony is what I feel when I cuddle up in the Fox Throw.

Do you have a favorite blanket? Have you started your Christmas shopping - if you celebrate?

Follow Soft Surroundings on facebook, pinterest, twitter, YouTube, instagram, and google+.

Disclaimer: I received a bag of merchandise from Soft Surroundings in return for writing this post. I only review things that I think my family or readers will enjoy, or find useful. Soft Surroundings didn't tell me what to write. 

World's Best Ice Scraper!

Do you have any Christmas presents left to get? I have an idea for adults. In cold places like where I live (Nebraska) a good ice scraper is hard to come by. Most of the scrapers I find in the stores work for light powdery snows. I end up resorting to using the brush, and struggle with ice. I've found a few scrapers in the past that work ok at best.
  Why not get something that someone can use for Christmas? It's the ideal gift!

I'm happy I get to review 3 of the World's Best Ice Scraper! I'll have a follow up post after I review the scrapers that are coming to me. 

Colors:

• Red
• Blue 
• Black
• Green 
• Yellow (I don't see this color on their site right now, but the clearly have sold this color in the past. Just look at the picture below).

They have multipacks too!

Scraping a New Way

If you're tired of scraping your windows the old fashioned way, then join the Scrape-A-Round movement. You will secure your family's safety, access new gift ideas and scrape your windows cleaner in half the time with the world's best windshield ice scraper. View the Scrape-A-Round action:

The Scrape-a-round is a brilliant feat of ice scraping engineering. The simple explanations why Scrape-A-Round is the best ice scraper are as follows, Scrape-A-Round is the: 

• Best ice scraper because of the softer plastic, which allows the scraper to conform to the window curvature! 
• 18" of ice scraping surface. 
• The comfortable grasp provides relief for the arthritic or carpal syndrome sufferer. 
• Direct pressure to the window, no pressure lost through the ice scraper! 
• The circular rotational motion of ice scraper. 
• Double ice scraper action, leading edge and trailing edge. 
• Multi functional, remove the cap and it doubles as a funnel. 

This scrapes windows frost and ice free in half the time! Makes the perfect gift for the Holidays! scrapearound.com

My readers get to save! 

Get FREE Shipping at scrapearound.com 
Use code: LU8FBEZREU2 at checkout. http://usfamilyguide.com/coupons.php?bid=13171&dealid=3099


Disclaimer: I will get 3 Scrape-A-Rounds Windshield Ice & Snow Scrapers to Review. I wrote this post, and was not influenced at all with an opinion. I only review things that I find interesting, or that would benefit my readers.

Adult Coloring Greeting Cards by @ColorfestCrafts Boxed Set Review

If I had more time, I'd color more. It's fun, relaxing, and inspiring. When I color I don't have to think of a concept, and my mind is free to come up with other ideas for illustrations that are all mine.

Recently I got Adult Coloring Greeting Cards by Colorfest Boxed Set of 12 Unique Artist Design With Envelopes to Review.

The Greeting Cards do not come with the gel pens shown.

Colorfest Makes: Greeting Cards, Watercolor Pencils, and Gel Pens.

The Greeting Cards Come With 12 Designs:

• 2 Different Dog Designs
• 2 Different Cat Designs
• 2 Different Flower Designs
• 2 Different Dragonfly Designs
• 2 Different Butterfly Designs
• 1 Heart Design
• 1 Dove Design 

They are all different, but have a similar style. I do wish the ones that had 2 of the same subject they thought of something different to do. There are endless options, but I thought of: An Igloo, a Train, a Snowman, a Sloth, a Panda, an Ice Cream Cone. What would you add to the set?

Color Time:

We took Mica to get a haircut last night for picture day today. While Isaak and I waited we colored. I said, "Isaak I have a job for you." He gave me a sigh. When he saw that I wanted us to color, his eyes lit up.

Isaak colored the cat card for his teacher:

I colored a flower for someone that will need a card:

I colored with a lot of hatching lines. Isaak asked about my method of coloring. I talked to him about hatching, cross hatching, bracelet shading, and solid shading. 

It was fun to color. We didn't finish them, while Mica's hair was getting cut. We went home and we colored some more. 

Each Card Comes:

• With thick paper stock. This ensures that there is no bleeding through when gel pens, or markers are used.
• With a blank inside. You can make the card whatever you want. 
• With a white envelope.

The Cards Are:

• $38, but on sale for $18.98. They are sold on Amazon. If you are an Amazon Prime member you can get shipping for free. 
• They are made in China. I wish they were made in the US.
• Used for any occasion. I think we'll use ours for Teacher Appreciation Days, or to lift someone's spirits up.  

Disclaimer: I got this product for a discount in exchange for an honest review. I only agree to review things that I find fits this blog.

The Money Maze Puzzle

Anyone that has been reading this blog for awhile knows I try and make money gifts fun. I've put money in balloons. My nephew had to pop all of them before he could get his bills. Travis has folded up money to look like all kinds of things.

Now I have a new way to give money: The Money Maze Puzzle.

It has really fun packaging!

Here's the maze cube that's inside. There is a plug that goes on the cube. It has a slit in it that is large enough to put folded up money. It is not large enough for gift cards. You do not have to solve the maze to put the money in. I just took it off to show you. I imagine small gifts could fit in the hole as well. In that case you would need to solve the maze to open the plug in order to put them in there.

Once the ball has gone through the maze it unlocks the slot to open the lid. Careful though! I put the ball on the other side of the slot thinking I solved the puzzle. Nope! I worked and worked at trying to get the lid off breaking nails, and almost breaking the lid. If it doesn't come off you've put the ball on the wrong side like I did. When I figure out what I had done wrong I was so annoyed with myself. It is a challenge indeed.

What I love about this most is that it is reusable! 

Cost: $29.90, but on sale for $9.90. I have to be honest I don't know that I'd spend the full price, but I'd most certainly spend the sale price on this!

Disclaimer: I received The Money Maze Puzzle for free for the purpose of this review. The opinions are 100% mine.

Personalized Children's Book Review

KD Novelties sent me another book to review. This one is for my youngest nephew Edison. He'll be getting it for his 2nd birthday. I have gifts for this kid, for the next 3 years I think. ;) Little ones are hard to stop buying, and getting things to review for them. There's so many cute things out there.

 

KD Novelties makes personalized books, CDs and DVDs. They gave me a book of my choice that's a $13.95 value. They have free priority shipping with orders over $50. I picked Train With No Name for Edison. Our family has a history of loving trains. 

 

 

Each grand kid in our family was spoiled with Thomas the Tank Engine. My kids also got into Team GeoTrax, The Little Engine That Could, and Polar Express. It got to the point that when they saw any train, or train set they wanted it. I knew this book would be perfect for my nephew. I also knew my kids would love giving it to him.

 

The reading level is pretty easy. It's a hardbound 7x9 book, with 32 paper pages. My kids started with fabric and plastic bathtub books. My rule for kids is no paper paged books until they hit the age of 2. Then they have to have supervision to read those books until they are 3. They just want to eat the book, or tear pages.

Both Mica and Isaak loved this book. They thought it was cute. Mica did say, "Hey where's our names?" In their personalized books I put their names, and their cousin's names that are the same age as them. In this book I put Edison's name, and all of his siblings. There are 4 kids in their family.

 

The story was super cute!

Everybody needs a name, but the smallest engine in the train yard wasn't deemed important enough to have a name or an engineer. That is, until your child steps in and helps the little train save the incoming circus train, making them both the heroes of the day. This educational personalized book teaches children about compassion, helping others and that you don't have to be big to be important!

© Create A Book

 

There's a lot of fun and colorful pictures. Each train has a personality.

 

Ordering:

The book is easy to order.

• You pick if you are giving it to a boy or a girl

• You add in the child's age

• It asks for their first, middle and last name

• You put in their hometown, and state

• You can add in up to 3 friends, or relatives

• You can write a dedication: Up to 75 characters

I think the book will be a hit! Kids love anything that has their name on it.

 

Follow KD Novelties: 

Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest.

 

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.