I'm a full-time mummy

Wow! I go ga-ga over apps with the word 'collection' or 'big book' in it. When I saw the press release for this app, I immediately requested for it! Another reason why I wanted to review this app is because Jan Berenstain, who with her husband, Stan, wrote and illustrated the Berenstain Bears books that have charmed preschoolers and their parents for 50 years, died few months ago and I think it would be nice to have a collection of the stories kept in my iPad for my children to treasure. Anyway, my review as below...

* Title: The Berenstain Bears' BIG Bedtime Book
* Price: $5.99
* Category: Books
* Released: Apr 04, 2012
* Current Version: 1.08
* Size: 57.6 MB
* Language: English
* Seller: Oceanhouse Media, Inc.
* Rated: 4+
* Requirements: Compatible with iPhone, iPod touch, and iPad.Requires iOS 3.0 or later

Description from the product page:

"When Mama and Papa Bear go out for the night, Brother and Sister aren't too sad. Why? Because they have wonderful Mrs. Grizzle—the best babysitter and storyteller ever!

The Berenstain Bears' BIG Bedtime Book features six original bedtime stories from Mrs. Grizzle's beloved collection. So climb into bed and experience bedtime at the bears' treehouse! This app includes:
* Little Red Grizzly Hood: A little cub visits her grandmother in the woods and encounters a very tricky wolf.
* The Three Billy Goats Gruff Meet the Bogg Brothers: Three goat brothers are determined to outsmart the hungry inhabitants under the bridge.
* The Three Little Cubs and the Big Bad Pig: The three little cubs see how their special houses, built from their favorite treats, fare against a very hungry pig.
* The Gingerbread Bear: Grandma and grandpa bear are in for a surprise when their freshly baked gingerbread bear hops right off the pan!
* Goldibear and the Three People: Goldibear strays too far outside the forest and encounters some terrifying creatures - people!
* The Little Red Hen: The little red hen enlists the help of the duck, the cat, and the pig to plant and harvest the wheat."

I have some of the Berenstain Bears' story apps on my iPad such as "The Berenstain Bears Trim the Tree", "The Berenstain Bears’ Bedtime Battle" and "The Berenstain Bears Do Their Best".

What's good?

* It is engaging and interactive and I love that we can also touch the objects in each page on the screen and the words pop out to tell you what it is!

* I like the concept of the stories in this app! I initially thought it will be just the replica of the folklore stories (such as Three Little Pigs) remake into Bears instead of Pigs, but hey, turns out, the stories came with a twist and a very cute lesson to learn from!

* Our personal favorites in this app have got to be the "The Gingerbread Bear" and "The Three Little Cubs and the Big Bad Pig"!

You can purchase the "The Berenstain Bears' BIG Bedtime Book" app from the iTunes App Store.

I received no monetary compensation for this review, I was provided with the promo code by the sponsor to redeem the application for free from iTunes Store in order to facilitate my review. All opinions expressed in this post are my own. Please do your own research when purchasing products, as your opinions may differ from mine. And if you'd like to read my previous iPad Apps reviews, you can do so by reading this post of mine called "My iPad App Reviews"

I received an email for the opportunity to review some upcoming apps from Auryn Inc and after browsing through the many apps available on their website, I have decided to request to review the " Miko "Goes on Vacation" " even though it is not one of the newest apps being released. The reason is because we are going for a vacation next month and what better timing to introduce this app to my toddler! Hehehe! Anyway, my review as below...

* Title: Miko "Goes on Vacation"
* Price: $2.99
* Category: Books
* Updated: Mar 14, 2012
* Version: 1.0.1
* Size: 28.3 MB
* Language: English
* Seller: Auryn, Inc
* Rated: 4+
* Requirements: Compatible with iPad.Requires iOS 4.3 or later.

Description from the product page:

"Miko "Goes on Vacation" is a part of the Auracle line from Auryn. The app is based on Brigitte Weninger, Stephanie Roehe’s book by the same name, illustrated by Stephanie Roehe. It is the sixth book app of the famous Miko series. Miko, Mimiki, and their Mom are off to the beach for a vacation. It’s his first trip, full of new sights and surprises. But the beach is full of strangers, and Miko doesn’t want to leave little Mimiki all alone when he goes in the water. Then he meets Pia on a nearby blanket, who also has a little friend for Mimiki. Now they can all play together, and Miko and Pia can have fun swimming."

What's good?

* I like the storyline where it tells how Miko goes on a vacation with his mum (he also brought along Mimiki, his toy) and what Miko did to ensure his toy is taken care of while he goes swimming with his mum.

*  I used this opportunity to teach Ben that we must take care of our belongings and it is nice and fun to make new friends too!

* The illustration is so cute and beautiful! I love the details as well!

* It is engaging and interactive and I'm a big fan of apps that we can touch the objects in each page on the screen and the words pop out to tell you what it is!

* I am amazed with the 'Personalise' feature in this app!

Room for Improvement?

* Nothing I can think of, though I just want to highlight, the first time I go through this app, I had some troubles trying to figure out who is Mimiki and I thought it'll be great if the father character is in the story as well. Just my thoughts...

You can purchase the "Miko "Goes on Vacation" " app from the iTunes App Store.

I received no monetary compensation for this review, I was provided with the promo code by the sponsor to redeem the application for free from iTunes Store in order to facilitate my review. All opinions expressed in this post are my own. Please do your own research when purchasing products, as your opinions may differ from mine. And if you'd like to read my previous iPad Apps reviews, you can do so by reading this post of mine called "My iPad App Reviews"

Early this month, I came across Clipa and was given the green light to review "Carrie", one of the company's many designs. The product arrived very fast and I immediately got down to finding the opportunity to use it. So here goes my review:  

Description from the product page:
"Features include:
* New finish to start 2012
* Matte Silver finish gives a soft look and soft feel
* Instant access purse hanger
* Simple yet elegant circular design
* 45 lb weight rating
* Built to last 10 years of daily use
* Two non-slip bases
* Use it as a bracelet or bangle
* Every Clipa purse hook is gift boxed
Color & Finish: Matte Silver
Material: High strength alloy, triple plated
Material Safety: No toxic materials, passes proposition 65 tests
Diameter: 3" Weight: 2 oz"

The moment I received Clipa, I realised the size is just nice, fits in my palm nicely (see picture below) and you can easily just open it up and put it to use. The 2 ends have 'Clipa' brand on it and it is non-slip, which is cool as you need something non-slip in order for it to work right?

I tested Clipa during one of our recent church outings. I simply just hooked it on to my diaper bag strap and off we went. Clipa works on tables, stall walls, church pews, even rails and fences.

I find Clipa very useful as you can just simply hook it onto your bag straps and easily use it anywhere. It also helps  reduce your baggage (burden!) when you really need it!

You can browse for more designs at their website.

I received no monetary compensation for this review, I was provided with the product by Clipa in order to facilitate my review. All opinions expressed in this post are my own. Please do your own research when purchasing products, as your opinions may differ from mine.