iPad App Review - Alphabet of Space - Smithsonian Alphabet Books

~ Posted on Wednesday, July 16, 2014 at 7:27 AM ~

A cool new learning app from Smithsonian! I think it is great to be able to review this app as I get to introduce ABCs to our 2.5 years old girl and reinforce this for our 5 years old boy who is already learning this in his preK.

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* Title: Alphabet of Space - Smithsonian Alphabet Books
* Price: $1.99
* Category: Books
* Released: June 19, 2014
* Version: 2.6.1
* Size: 51.5 MB
* Language: English
* Seller: Oceanhouse Media, Inc.
* Rated: 4+
Made for Ages 6–8
* Requirements: Requires iOS 5.1 or later. Compatible with iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch. This app is optimized for iPhone 5.

Description from the product page:

"Get ready… blast off! Explore outer space with fun rhymes and colorful illustrations in this one of a kind Alphabet of Space storybook app from Smithsonian! From Astronaut to Zenith, and everything in between, there is so much for kids to learn about the universe." 

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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!

* There are some new words that I myself get to learn too! Now who says this app is just for kiddos?!

* This particular page reminded me of a short presentation that our 5 years old boy did when we celebrated his birthday in his preK few months ago. All his classmates sat on the floor in a big circle with a yellow printed sun in the center and our boy, holding a plastic globe ball circled the sun slowly, 5 times, each time to signify a year passed. So, 5 times, 5 years, his birthday this year. Nice!

* There are options to go to other alphabets 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 while learning about space!

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You can purchase the "Alphabet of Space - Smithsonian Alphabet Books" app from the iTunes App Store.

I'm a full-time mummy

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"

iPad App Review - Little Critter Shapes

~ Posted on Friday, July 4, 2014 at 7:04 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 shapes to our 2.5 years old girl and reinforce this for our 5 years old boy who is already learning this in his preK.

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* Title: Little Critter Shapes
* Price: $0.99
* Category: Books
* Released: June 11, 2014
* Version: 2.6
* Size: 70 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:

"Learn your shapes with Little Critter in this interactive board book app! Explore pictures, learn new vocabulary, and personalize the story with your own narration. Little Critter makes it fun and easy for toddlers to learn their shapes with colorful images of a shooting star, an oval train track, a crescent moon, and so much more." 

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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!

* There is also a page where you can find the shapes though the OCD side of me preferred to have some sort of unique animation highlighting the different shapes we found and matched correctly so that our kiddos can looked back and see their selections and results.

* There are options to go to other shapes 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!

I'm a full-time mummy

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

I'm a full-time mummy

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"

Product Review - MELVITA

~ Posted on Wednesday, July 2, 2014 at 7:45 AM ~

Over 3 months ago, I received an invitation to review some organic baby and kids products. I am all for organic stuff whenever possible so of course I accepted the invitation! Anyway, let's continue with my review below...

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About the products:
"MELVITA is a pioneer in organic cosmetics and has grown to become one of France’s leading brands of natural and organic cosmetics. Resolutely organic. Because we are convinced that the organic commitment is one of the keys to the future of the planet. MELVITA was in at the beginning of the trend towards natural, organic products and was one of the first companies to obtain the ECOCERT certificate for organic products in 2002.

We prefer to use ingredients that are organically farmed or responsibly picked, because we fight against the chemical doping and destruction of nature. For decades we have protested against the pointlessness and cruelty of tests on animals. We make sure that our packaging materials are totally recyclable."

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I received the following items for my review: 


* Organic Baby’s Moisturizing Milk

"This rich, smooth lotion combines the softening properties of Aloe vera and Linden floral water with the nourishing benefits of Shea butter and Olive and Coconut oils. It has a long-lasting moisturizing effect, which rehydrates baby's face and body after bathing. It protects against harsh environmental conditions and leaves baby's skin silky and supple. Allergen free, Essential oils free, Alcohol free, Formulated under paediatric control, Dermatologically tested."

 

My feedback: The nifty little bottle is about 6 inches tall and currently has its own special spot right next to my laptop so that I can easily dispense and lather some onto kiddos' skin (and ehem.. mine hehehehehe) whenever we want. Our 2.5 years old Alyson was curious to try when I first checked this item out, so I applied a dollop of the moisture milk lotion onto her palm and arms and let her lather it on her skin by herself. I love that it leaves a glossy finish and keep her skin supple and smooth. I think it is a wonderful product that keeps our skin smooth and supple, not to mention the peace of mind knowing that it is a natural ingredients product as well.


* Organic Baby’s Shower Shampoo

"This shower shampoo gel combines the soothing properties of Linden and Lemon balm floral waters with the softening qualities of Honey and Orange. It gently cleanses your baby's delicate hair and skin without stinging the eyes** or drying out the skin. Allergen free, Essential oils free, Alcohol free, Formulated under paediatric control, Dermatologically tested."

My feedback: I like products that we can use from head to toe! With 3 active kiddos, it is easier for me to use a shower product that covers everything. I currently prefer to use this on our 8.5 months old Carolyn as I noticed when using this on her, is it doesn't sting her eyes when I wash them off her hair.

 

* Organic Children’s toothpaste

"This Toothpaste for children is very gentle, with a delicious strawberry taste. It provides excellent oral hygiene. Xylitol, which is extracted from birch and beech bark, helps to prevent tooth decay, while grapefruit pips and echinacea cleanse the mouth. This toothpaste contains no fluoride or artificial flavours and is intended for children aged over 3. Ingredient from Organic Farming."

My feedback: I first tried this toothpaste on our 5 years old boy but he dislikes it as he was used to his current brand of toothpaste. Although on the website it is mentioned that this toothpaste is intended for children aged over 3 years old, I decided to let our 2.5 years old girl tried it as her previous toddler toothpaste (safe to swallow type) has just finished and I was not able to buy a new one for her even after several visits to the pharmacies.

Since our girl can already gargle and spit out when brushing her teeth, I thought just give it a try and see how it goes. To my surprise, she likes it. In fact, she dislikes the current brand that her brother is using so it is great that she can use this! The toothpaste has strawberry flavor and I just need to put a small dollop of it onto her toothbrush to keep her teeth clean. By the way, the size of this toothpaste is value for the money, worth it to get compared to the previous brand that our girl used. Definitely will restock!

 

* Organic Zesty Body Wash

"This deliciously fresh and zesty shower gel is a true energizing cocktail! Its formula is enriched with extracts of Orange, Lemon and Mandarin, which are known for their invigorating properties. Its extra-gentle, soap-free cleansing base has a skin-neutral pH. It cleanses without drying and maintains the skin's natural balance. Easily biodegradable and formulated with naturally derived cleansers, it is as gentle on the planet as it is on the skin."

My feedback: I love this!!! The moment I squeezed a dollop onto my palm, oh boy, I fell in love with the zesty citrusy smell! Just a small dollop of this is enough to lather all over your body! Love it so much! Currently trying to skimp as much as possible, do not want to overuse it hehehe...

 

* Organic Rose Floral Water

"In year 1983, organic French beauty care brand Melvita launched the first two of its Floral Waters – Rose and Lavender. Decades later, the Floral Water has become one of Melvita’s most iconic bestselling products worldwide, with a total of five (5) different variants: Rose, Cornflower, Orange Blossom, Witch Hazel and Lavender.

 Certified organic and fair trade (EFT attested), our floral water is obtained by steam distillation of fresh Rosa damascena petals. Our unique extraction method enables us to obtain a floral water that is particularly rich in active ingredients, making it a naturally powerful formula. With its fresh, delicate scent, our floral water helps to combat dehydration and regenerate the skin*."

My feedback: Apparently the deep blue colour of the bottle is known to refract UV rays, thus protecting the inner contents against intense light exposure, making the product last longer. I currently use this to mist my skin and hair, I just spray onto my body and hair right before I rush out of the house. It leaves a rosy smell and keeps my skin soft and supple. I would be interested to try out the Orange Blossom one since I was already head over heels with its Orange Zesty Body wash product.

One cool point to share is the bottle is entirely made from recycled Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET) and similarly, like all packaging for Melvita products, the Rose Floral Water bottle is also 100% recyclable. Awesome!

 

In summary, a wonderful range of organic products that I have been given the privilege to try out with my family. I have peace of mind knowing that a lot of considerations have been put into the products to make it safe for use with naturally sourced ingredients (not to forget environmental friendly!) while still nourishing our body. Recommended!

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You can browse for more products and shop online (free shipping now!) at http://my.melvita.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.