My kids favorite Christmas gift....

is the LeapPad!!  Who would have known.  They actually had a Gameboy and a DS prior to us purchasing the LeapPads and we wanted to get them something on the same level.  We considered everything from the new 3DS to Leapfrog Explorer to the V-tech Innotab.  We really leaned toward the more educational options so that took the DS out of the equation.  Then we were just left to decide between the LeapPad, Explorer and Innotab.  After lots of research we decided on the the LeapPad.  Our main reasons were the reviews that we read about the Innotab and LeapPad and also the idea that the LeapPad was fairly new (which hindered the Explorer).  Not to mention that the LeapPad was to be sold to our children by saying that they are toddlers versions of Ipads.  They LOVE their dads Ipad so they were ecstatic when they were told about the LeapPads.

Now that they children have had some time to play with them, I wanted to give my own personal review.  They LeapPad offers so many learning opportunities.  The kids can play games, read/listen to books, sing songs, take pictures, paint among other things.

My daughter was actually the first of my children to show interest in her LeapPad on Christmas day.  She's 2 but she is very smart.  She took her LeapPad and went into her tent and played with it for 30 minutes or more before we heard anything from her.  She absolutely loves the Pet game.  She gets to take care of her own pet by cleaning it, playing with it and feeding it, all while learning.  For instance, she has to write letters to show love to the pet.  She also loves the book reading and music.  She already knows some words to some of the songs.

My 4 year old son did not show any interest in his LeapPad until a few hours later.  He noticed that his sister kept playing with hers and that I think that peaked his interest.  He also started out playing the Pet game and he loves it as well.  However, we purchased the Cars game for the Explorer (which can be used on the LeapPad) and that's what he likes to play.  It has all the well know Cars characters and they help teach the children while making it fun.  He also loves the songs on the LeapPad and he loves to sing along.

Overall, I am thoroughly impressed with the LeapPad.  Leapfrog has yet to let me down!  This is an amazing learning tool that keeps the kids attention while teaching them fundamentals.  Not to mention, they have all the well known characters that children love in the games.  Knowing what I know now, I would absolutely purchase the LeapPad again.  We are already trying to determine which games we will be buying for them next!

All opinions are my own and no compensation has been received.

CarMD...my husband is in love!!

I finally received our new CarMD in the mail the other day and my husband couldn't wait to open it.  He has been wanting an OBD scanner for a LONG time but I couldn't see paying that much money for something that he would rarely use.  Then, I was offered the opportunity to purchase the CarMD at a discounted rate and I was over the moon. 

This has been so easy to use.  It's pretty much plug and play.  I registered for the website prior to using the CarMD and I have to admit that was my last interaction with the device.  My husband refuses to let me use it :-)  So, after he "tested" the Jeep, here is what he had to say...

A lot of the other reviews say that CarMD has a lot of hype but is just another OBD scanner. This is true to an advanced user such as a ASE certified mechanic or an advanced do it yourself mechanic. However, for the average consumer the simplicity of the two button design and easy to read led/screen take a lot of the complexity out of vehicle diagnostics. This coupled with the intuitive web based interface make it very easy for anyone to understand the specific issues and overall health of their vehicle. I have used this on my personal vehicle to ensure it stays in top "physical" condition. I am considering upgrading to the premium membership to gain access to the latest recalls and technical service bulletins. That way I will be armed with all the necessary information to maintain my vehicle for the duration of my ownership. Please consider giving this as a gift to that someone who you have difficulty buying for or that "expert" mechanic in your family.

As you can see, he has been well pleased.  I am so grateful to BzzAgent for giving us the opportunity to test a CarMD.  It has definitely made my husband happy this Christmas!!  If you want to surprise your husband with a CarMD for Christmas, try this link for $30 off your purchase! 

I received a CarMD device from BzzAgent at a discounted rate in exchange for my review of the product.  All opinions are my own and no other compensation has been received.

Kroger's The Truly Awesome Homestyle Chocolate Chip Cookies = YUM!

BzzAgent recently gave me the opportunity to try Kroger's new Truly Awesome Homestyle Chocolate Chip Cookies.  Needless to say, I was super excited because I have a horrible sweet tooth.  I HAVE to have something sweet every day or I feel as though my day in incomplete.  The cookies happened to arrive when we were getting ready to go out of town so I tossed the cookies in the bags with all the other snacks.

Jonathan and I were the first to try the new cookies and I have to say that I was pleasantly surprised!  I have tried lots of store brand items and I am usually not too happy with the taste.  Store brand items just do not taste the same to me so I am always hesitant to buy them.  After trying these cookies, I have to say that I would be totally okay with buying these cookies on a regular basis.

These cookies were so buttery and you could not take a bite without get some chocolate chips.  Jonathan and I had a hard time stopping once we started eating them.  As a matter of fact, I am pretty sure that we finished the first box in one sitting and that's a little sad because these cookies were huge!  I have to admit that I was put off at first because I love chewy cookies and with the first bite I could tell that these were not chewy.  However, they tasted so good that I completely lost the thoughts about the texture!  I would definitely recommend trying these cookies the next time you are shopping at Kroger (or any of their chain of stores) because you will not be disappointed!!

Thanks BzzAgent for giving me the opportunity to try these cookies!!

Thanks Crowdtap and Old Navy!!

If you know me, you know that I LOVE Old Navy!  I would buy all my clothes there if I had disposable income.  They have great quality clothes and awesome sales!  So, when Crowdtap offered the chance to try a new piece of outerwear, I was over the moon!  I met my friend Katie at Old Navy in Murfreesboro and off we were to find some awesome Old Navy jackets.

As always, Old Navy had all types of different jackets/coats.  They have the "bubble" jacket, the lightweight jackets and the wool blend jackets (as well as many others).  I already have a "bubble" jacket so I passed on those.  I really wanted something that I could wear with dress up clothes as well as casual wear.  Katie seemed to know exactly what she wanted.  She picked out his one almost immediately...http://oldnavy.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=73774&vid=1&pid=839574&scid=839574042  I am way to indecisive for that!  I tried on probably 4 different wool blend jackets before Katie convinced me that this one looked the best...http://oldnavy.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=73781&vid=1&pid=864329&scid=864329012  I really like that this jacket has a hood!  Most of my jackets do not, especially the more dressy ones.  This jacket is also a little more lightweight than my other jackets but it's still very warm.

I was able to break out my new jacket on Saturday to wear to my sons soccer game.  I was actually pretty comfortable in this jacket.  It's not at itchy as your normal wool blend jackets but it looks great!  I am once again thoroughly pleased with Old Navy!  Thanks so much Old Navy and Crowdtap for giving me this opportunity!