Product Review - Mabel’s Labels Ultimate Back to School Combo

~ Posted on Tuesday, September 16, 2014 at 7:58 AM ~

Almost 2 months ago, I received an invitation to review one of Mabel’s Labels Back to School combos. At that time, our 3 years old Alyson will be due to start her K1 in about 3 weeks time so I decided to review the "Ultimate Back to School Combo". Anyway, let's continue with my review below...

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About the sponsor:
"We’re Mabel’s Labels, award-winning creators of high quality labels for the stuff kids lose! ® As four moms frustrated by our children’s belongings leaving home, never to return, we decided to create the very best personalized, waterproof name labels and tags possible. Since our start in 2003, we’ve continued to build on this commitment to excellence and our growing line now features child safety products, household labels and seasonal items. We sell worldwide through our website and across N. America via fundraisers at schools, daycares, camps and other organizations. Select products in our Write Away!™ line are available at Canadian Walmart stores and, in the US, at Target."

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You can choose from 4 limited edition solid palettes or 40+ multi-coloured designs, plus 3 special back-to-school motifs (bus, books and apple) but I have decided on Solid - Pink Lemonade for our girl since she loves pink color stuff and solid palettes as I feel it is easier to see her name. I also opted for the Princess with Tiara icon which is something she would go crazy for as she is into princess-y stuff at the moment.

I provided the necessary information required (Name to appear on the labels, Icon of my choosing and whether Multicolor or solid palettes) and got my product in a few weeks time. There are altogether 40 Skinny-Minis™, 50 Tag Mates™, 16 Shoe Labels and 2 Teeny Tags™, all nicely compiled into a nifty little booklet which can be easily carried around.

I like the 2 cute Teeny Tags™ which are waterproof and UV resistant. They have a very solid feel and I like that I can easily use it as a keychain for our girl's backpack.

I peeled off one of the Skinny-Minis™ label and stuck it onto our girl's water bottle. After daily washing and drying and ehem.. rough handling by a ninja-ish 3 years old, I'm happy to report that the label stays strong and still in its place.

Although we have since pulled our 3 years old girl out from her preschool, I am definitely going to make good use of them on her other belongings.

What I like about Mabel’s Labels Ultimate Back to School Combo?

* They are very easy to apply.

* Prompt & very friendly customer service and the labels are neatly compiled into a nifty little booklet!

* The Skinny-Minis™ and Tag Mates™ are dishwasher and microwave safe

* The Shoe Labels and Teeny Tags™ are waterproof and UV resistant

* They look so cute and girly on our girl's belongings and there's tons of trendy designs to choose from, which makes it very unique and eye catching!

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You can browse for more products at http://www.mabelslabels.com/

Do note that their back to school labels are only available until September 30, 2014 so hurry up and get some for your kiddos!

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Do note that I received no monetary compensation for this review, I was provided with the products 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.

Product Review - Human Nature

~ Posted on Friday, August 29, 2014 at 6:55 AM ~

Over 3 months ago, I received an invitation to review some baby care and family range of products. I am all for products that are chemical free and suitable for men, women, kids and babies so of course I accepted the invitation! Anyway, let's continue with my review below...

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About the products:
"These products are safe, effective, affordable, socially responsible, never tested on animals and environmentally friendly. This brand of products is also available in USA, Philippines, Singapore and Dubai.  We liase with the poorest farmers and buy their crops at a fair price to make our products.  That's how we get them out of poverty so every single product in our range makes a real difference in someone's life. "

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I received the following items for my review: 

* Strengthening Shampoo with CreamFoam ALOE

"Scientifically proven to result in 80% less hair fall and 90% thicker hair, compared to other chemical-based shampoos containing SLS/SLES, in as little as 6 weeks. Recommended for those with normal &/or falling hair.  Also great as a gentle, non drying shower gel! Choose between aloe vera or peppermint scent. "

 

My feedback: The bottle I got was 200ml aloe vera and I first used it on 19th June, of which the day after using, I noticed a lot of baby hair sprouting on top of my head. Amazing! I am still experiencing hair fall due to post-partum (11 months now.... gaaaaaa...) but after using this shampoo for almost 3 months now, I can definitely say this shampoo works! I don't see much hair fall now and guaranteed after each shampoo, the next day I will noticed more baby hairs sprouting on top of my head!

One minor thing that annoys me is the cover tab of the shampoo bottle which is quite hard for me to open as the small indentation near the cover which allows our finger to rest there to flip it open is not quite deep so I have been having problems trying to lift up the tab especially when I do not have long finger nails to help me out. I did highlight this issue to the sponsor and was assured they have not had any complaints about the cover design in all these years. I think this is just a rare occurrence case as it is more of the cover cap production issues.


* Bug Shield Lotion - 50ml

"Just apply on exposed parts of the body such as arms and legs for protection and extra moisture! Made with citronella and lemongrass - proven to keep mosquitoes away! Non-sticky, easy to apply, smells great and totally DEET free... naturally!"

My feedback: I totally love this! I have another similar product of another brand I bought from Groupon but the smell of this Bug Shield Lotion is way nicer and easier on the nose. We recently had a family outing to the zoo and I was so glad I brought this along (I left the other brand in our 5.5 years old school bag). Hubby brought a similar bug repellent spray type but after few minutes the mozzies came right back and bit him. I told him to try using the Bug Shield Lotion and it kept the mozzies away for a long time!

The lotion does not feel sticky or greasy at all, which is what I love and I believed that the fact it is lotion means it lasts longer than the spray one that we have. The bottle is also easy to hold and can be easily stored in your diaper bag or handbag for convenience to carry around everywhere you go! Totally recommended and I feel it is value for money for the size it came with!

 

* Tangerine Kids Shampoo & Body Wash 200ml

"A 2-in-1 shampoo and body care product made specially for kids... but no doubt mummy will enjoy too! Made with coco nectar (the now-not-so-secret-ingredient) for extra amino acids that protect and nourish skin and hair. Non-drying thanks to avocado oil and aloe vera. And with that zingy tangerine scent, your little one will be eager to jump in the shower! "

My feedback: I am all for 2-in-1 type of bathing products for kids, way way more convenient and fast. As a mum of 3 kiddos, I simply don't have time to waste to separately use shampoo and then soap or body foam products for our kiddos so yes, any type of bathing products that helps to save time and cleans up as much as everything at one go will go high on my list!

I first tried the Tangerine Kids Shampoo & Body Wash on our 2 older kiddos on 18th June and 20th June and our 5.5 years old boy's first reaction when he used it was 'MMmmmmm... it smells like jelly beans! I love it!'. I tried it on our baby on 20th June but she ended up crying as she is not so easy to accept new brands of products unlike her brother and sister. The bottle was gone within 2 months' time and I missed the lovely tangerine smell that lingers on our kiddos' bodies after their bath. Their skin remains supple and smooth after each bath as well. Wonderful product!

 

* Tough Love Powder Detergent - 1000g

"Our 100% Natural Powder Detergent makes sure your family stays cloaked in clean clothes with a clear conscience. Chemical laundry detergents are notorious for the poisonous effects they have on aquatic life. This doesn't mean you have to go soft on dirty laundry when using a natural alternative. No way!

Tough Love by Human Nature is non-drying on your hands, biodegradable and 100% free from harmful chemicals, keeping you, Mother Earth and her waters happy. It also leaves your clothes smelling clean and fresh with no harsh chemical residue leftover leaving the fabric kinder to your skin. Tough on dirt, gentle on the earth! Suitable for handwashing and machine washing. Each box of 1000g (1kg) can do more than 15 medium loads of laundry."

My feedback: The detergent powder feels sticky upon touch but when you wash off with water, it leaves no sticky greasy slippery feel unlike the current brand of detergent we are using which does not feel sticky upon touch but will remain slippery and greasy for a while even after washing with water. The few loads of laundry we did in which I put a cap of the Tough Love Powder Detergent each time resulted in soft to the touch laundry. I also have a peace of mind knowing that the detergent is free from harmful chemicals and does not leave chemical residue after wash.

 

* Sunflower Beauty Oil 50ml

"21 beauty miracles in one bottle! Made from only 100% pure premium cosmetic grade sunflower oil. Packed with vitamins A, D and E.  Perfect for getting rid of those dark under-eye circles, or run a drop through your hair for extra shine.  You can even use it as a gentle but effective eye makeup remover, or to erase those stretch marks.  It can soften cuticles or moisturize your soles.  Great for lightening scars or pimple marks.  Yeah, seriously.  And the list goes on.... The finest oil distilled until the molecules cant get any smaller, so they dont clog your pores.  It's almost as light as water!"

My feedback: The Sunflower Beauty Oil has an oily smell, I first applied it on both my dry legs and I also put a drop of the oil on my hair. The skin on my legs feel greasy for a while and my hair seems more manageable (no hair sprouting everywhere) and had the added shine. On some occassions, I also put a drop under both my under-eye to get rid of my panda looking eyes, I seem to feel the skin around my under eyes stretching a wee bit and they do seem to look brighter. It is quite a small nifty bottle and reading it does 21 beauty miracles in 1 bottle made me more conscious and careful not to simply apply the oil everywhere I want hahaha, so I am saving the oil for absolutely needed times and spots.

 

In summary, a wonderful range of organic products that I have been given the privilege to try out with my family and kiddos. I have peace of mind knowing that the products are safe for use with naturally sourced ingredients (not to forget environmental friendly!) while still nourishing our body. The fact that the brand liaises with the poorest farmers and buys their crops at a fair price to make these products where every single products helps to makes a real difference in someone's life just makes using them more meaningful and worth it. Recommended!

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You can browse for more products and shop online (free shipping anywhere in Malaysia, T&C applies!) at www.humannaturemalaysia.com

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Do note that I received no monetary compensation for this review, I was provided with the products 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.

iPad App Review - Little Critter Numbers

~ Posted on Wednesday, August 20, 2014 at 7:49 AM ~

We are a big fan of Little Critter's apps and I think it is great to be able to review this app as I get to introduce numbers to our 2.5 years old girl and reinforce this for our 5.5 years old boy who is already learning this in his preK.

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* Title: Little Critter Numbers
* Price: $1.99
* Category: Books
* Released: July 23, 2014
* Version: 2.6
* Size: 50.9 MB
* Language: English
* Seller: Oceanhouse Media, Inc.
* Rated: 4+ Made for Ages 5 and Under
* Requirements: Requires iOS 6.1 or later. Compatible with iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch. This app is optimized for iPhone 5.

Description from the product page:

"Join Little Critter in this interactive board book app as he goes on a counting adventure at the zoo! Explore pictures, learn new vocabulary, and personalize the story with your own narration. Kids will love to practice counting with 4 toothy crocodiles, 5 playful seals, 6 brown bears, and other delightful animals - all the way up to 10 entertaining penguins!" 

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* This app 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!

* At the end of the app, there is a page that shows you in colors the animals you counted as you learn along the app. I think that is cute as you engaged the little ones to tap and count along and ensure they counted the numbers accordingly.

* There are options to go to other numbers instead of going through one by one.

* I like that there is an option to use new narrator's voice (aka me!)

* Overall an educational and fun app for the kiddos!

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You can purchase the "Little Critter Numbers" app from the iTunes App Store.

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I received no monetary compensation for this review, I was provided with the promo code 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"