Kulcar: An Innovative Solar Powered Car Ventilator Review

Our trip to Puerto Rico was the perfect escape from cold and snowy Pittsburgh, and a great time to try out our new Kulcar - a solar powered car ventilator!

The compact device was small it easily packed in our checked luggage, and was easy to install even with almost no tools.  All we needed was the included device, the included rubber strips, and a small pair of scissors.

The perfect year-round solution for warm climates, we’re looking forward to regularly using the Kulcar during the scorching summer temperatures regularly at home. 

The device is so innovative – using environmentally friendly solar panels to generate it’s own power for the device’s small fans.  It significantly lowers the temperature inside your car – while the car is moving or parked.  Because of it’s self-sufficient power source, there’s never a chance it’ll drain your battery, and there are no wires to attach.  A little known fact is that some car upholstery can release dangerous chemicals when heated to extreme temperatures – and in addition to the more comfortable temperature achieved by using Kulcar, this danger can be reduced by kulcar’s use.  What an easy and efficient way to provide a healthier environment for your “always on the go” family.

Installing the Kulcar is super easy:

1 – Roll down the window

2 – clip the precut (small) rubber strip to the window

3 – clip the Kulcar device onto the glass, next to the precut rubber strip.

4 – measure and trim the flat end of the long rubber strip, and clip it on the other side of the Kulcar device.

5 – Slowly roll up the window, ensuring that the solid end of both rubber pieces and the kulcar device are inside the car’s window seals.

That’s it!  You’re ready to go just by flipping the solar panel to a horizontal position and tightening using the metal crank.  I was initially apprehensive about installing this in a rental car, but there was no need.  The installation is as permanent or as temporary as you’d like, leaving no effect on the vehicle.  The rubber strips create a great seal around the device, preventing any issues for security or insects.

Once installed, the device goes to work almost instantly when in direct sun.  You’ll know it’s working by the slight whirling sound coming from the device, and the gentle breeze you can feel when placing your hand on the indoor side of the ventilator. 

On our trip, we found significant difference in indoor temperature when using the Kulcar and would definitely recommend it to our readers.  It would make a great Christmas gift for anyone with a daily commute who parks outside, who lives in a year-round or seasonally warm climate, for the environmentally conscious, and for those road warrior travelers.  Order your Kulcar from NewEgg or stay in touch by following the links below!

Sonray Technology Co Ltd: http://www.sonray.com.tw/

Newegg: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=0FB-00N8-00001

Kulcar Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Kulcar/551389814931439

Sonray Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Sonray-Technology-Inc/500367573391926

Twitter: https://twitter.com/KulcarSonray

Google+: https://plus.google.com/u/0/112610127414860017836/posts?cfem=1

Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/ksonray/

Kulcar Australia: http://www.kulcar.com.au/

Want to see Kulcar in motion?  Check out our installation and demo videos below!

Disclosure: We received Kulcar for our review purposes.  All opinions remain true and honest of our experience.

Delicious Nonni's Biscotti Review and Giveaway

I usually wake up with Brayden climbing onto my rib cage - ready to start his day much earlier than his Mama.  I rub my eyes, and groggily shuffle downstairs in search of some lukewarm coffee (leftover from the pot Dan brews before heading to work).  It's been like this for a while, me with a mediocre cup, getting the kids ready for the day.

Lately though, I've been lucky enough to enjoy a new morning luxuary - delicious Nonni's Biscotti.  They're a sweet and simple morning joy and I might just be addicted!

If you're not familiar, Biscotti is a light crisp cookie - perfect for dunking or for munching alone.  Nonni's is the most popular selling brand in the US and the only national brand sold coast to coast. My guess is that it's their dedication to quality ingredients including real eggs, butter and bittersweet chocolate that make them so irresistible.

I was SO excited to be given the opportunity to try out all eight of Nonni's fabulous flavors and it is near impossible to pick a favorite.

Originali Biscotti: A crisp cookie with the flavors of almond and walnut with just a touch of anise.
Cioccolati Biscotti - The original dipped in chocolate.  Yum!
Turtle Pecan Biscotti - With caramel and pecans - a real treat!
Toffee Almond Biscotti - A light crunchy cookie with English Toffee, Almonds, dipped in chocolate.
Salted Caramel Biscotti - That perfect combo - sweet and salty with pockets of caramel and a dip of chocolate.
Decadence Biscotti - A dark brown chocolate almond biscotti dipped in bittersweet chocolate.
Triple Milk Chocolate Biscotti - Chocolate heaven with coco biscotti with chocolate chunks and chocolate drizzles.
Limone Biscotti - A light lemon cookie with sweet white icing.

I really did love ALL of them but I will try to narrow down some favorites for those of you ready to get out and try them for yourself!.

I am a huge fan of the salty sweet trend and so I absolutely adored the Salted Caramel Biscotti.  The perfect combination and really luxurious!  I love the crunch of the course salt and the smooth chewyness of the caramel bits.

I am a twin mom and so of course, get my chocolate fix whenever I can.  I tried hard to figure out which I liked better - the Decadence Biscotti and the Triple Milk Chocolate Biscotti and have to say that they both were fantastic. I really can't choose but would HIGHLY recommend them.

For my kids, the Originali Biscotti was perfect for their little teeth and for not-so-messy hands.  They loved it!

I couldn't keep all this goodness to myself, so I got some of my mom friends together to enjoy a little coffee and biscotti play date.  It was the perfect way to relax with friends and we had a blast choosing flavors to try.  I loved that biscotti was such a simple food for entertaining - no plates necessary and it's easy to munch while you chat!

My girls were so impressed with the variety and how each flavor was so different than the next.  "It's like they all have their own little identity!" one friend said.  Others loved the texture and one shared that she was really surprised how light the cookies were - having expected biscotti would be hard. "I expected to break a tooth and that's definitely not how these are at all" she said.

We're so thankful to have been able to partner with Nonni's and check out all their scrumptious cookies.  Want to try some for yourself?  Luckily for you, Nonni's has offered to give five of our readers a bag of Biscotti Bites - yumm-o!  Just enter using the rafflecopter below!

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An App for Families in our Scary World - React Mobile Review

There were lots of anticipated life changes when I first had the babies - less sleep, fewer nights out, lots and lots of love.  One of the biggest surprises to me was the sense of total and utter vulnerability - suddenly the world was a scarier place than it had ever been before.

Just a few years ago here in Pittsburgh, a woman and her 16 month old daughter were abducted from the parking lot of a poplar shopping center in one of the most elite neighborhoods.  Her story of terror and sexual assault are horrifying.

Our vulnerabilities come from such a deep realization that despite our best intentions - our attempts at high tech car seats, the best preventative medicine, and our most over protective 6th sense -we can never fully protect ourselves or our children from all the dangers in this world. I too have carefully packed my children into my car in that very same shopping center.  It could be be me tragically sharing my story.  If you let it, the fear can be almost paralyzing.

When I was introduced to React Mobile, I knew it would become an invaluable resource for our family.  React Mobile is a free safety app that allows iPhone and Android smartphone users to turn their phone into a powerful security device.  Just the peace of mind that I get from knowing this technology is here to support me, is tremendous in easing my motherly anxiety.

There are two major ways to utilize the app - the Follow Me function for times when you simply want to be tracked "just in case" - and the SOS Alert function for when you feel the need to alert your chosen contacts, social media and authorities that you are in danger.

The Follow Me function is one that sets React Mobile apart and is perfect for every day use of anyone who  might be a potentially unsafe or uncomfortable situation.  Fellow users (of your designation) can track you in real time, making sure that you are on your way to reaching your destination safely.  This would be perfect for parents tracking children, family tracking college students walking home from the library, anyone leaving work after hours in a parking garage or personally, for coming home after late night Moms Night Out events.  As someone can become "hyper-vigilant" in potentially dangerous situations, this setting eases my fears in knowing that my mom or husband can virtually walk me to my car and ensure that I make it safely.

We all hope we'll never have to use it - but another important feature of React Mobile is the SOS Alert feature, which with a push of the button, you can silently send a silent alert that you are in danger with GPS coordinates to where you can be found.  Prior to needing to send this alert, you will designate the contacts to which it would be sent.  The system can email and text family members, post to your social networks to broaden your reach, and will prompt a call to 911.  This can happen within seconds and all with the touch of a button.  And don't worry if you accidentally set off the alert - it can be disabled with a security code if need be.

For institutions like businesses, schools and universities, React Mobile even offers the opportunity to add private labeling to help you customize the app to ensure the protection of your staff and students.

Watch this short video to see how simple React Mobile is for anyone to use.  International travelers can even rest assured that React Mobile is there with them where ever they go - with coverage in 39 countries.  While you can never fully prevent scary things from happening to you or your children, a good offense is the best defense and being prepared with React Mobile is a great step towards protection.

To download this amazing free gps safety app, follow the links below:

- Apple iTunes Download: https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/react-standard-edition/id522851588?mt=8

- Google Play Download (available on select smartphones): https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.reactmobile.lite 

We're so thankful to have found React Mobile and share this potentially life saving technology with you - our readers.  Think about the loved ones in your life -with whom should you share this app?  At the very bottom of this post (under the suggested posts) there are links to help you share to facebook or by email.  Take a moment and spread the word.  Your quick share might make all the difference in protecting the life of someone you love.

To help us spread the word about this fantastic app, React Mobile is offering a $25 Amazon Gift Card to one of our readers!  Enter using the Rafflecopter Form below.

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Healthy Mamas and Healthy Kids with Spray Active

In my book, one of the worst experiences of motherhood is when you find yourself sick trying to care for little ones.  As you lay there miserable on the couch, the chaos seems louder and wilder in your inability to help keep the calm.

As a busy mom running a business and a blog, I often push my body to it's limits, going on less sleep than I need and drinking coffee late into the night.  I know I'm draining my energy with each late night, but I have such a hard time shutting it all off and heading to bed.

I recently had the opportunity to try some innovative products from Spray Active and they are life savers for moms on the go!  Spray Active recently launched their line of spray vitamins, focusing on the needs of both adults and kids.  Anyone who has a challenge taking pills (like my dear husband) will love these products as two sprays under the tongue gives you a full dose!  Even those of us who are okay with pills will appreciate the simplicity of this delivery system.  No water is needed and the small bottle size makes them convenient to keep in your purse or bag.  I was truly surprised to learn that "Research has shown that intra-oral sprays are nine times more readily absorbed than pills" according to a recent fact sheet from Spray Active.  As a lover of all things efficient, this seems to be an incredible solution for so many people!

 I had the pleasure of trying out two of the Spray Active products - the Defense Spray and the Energy Spray.  Busy moms like me are desperate for both because who wants to be stuck sick on the couch or dragging behind from exhaustion?  Read on to find out how you too can try out these fabulous sprays to keep you at your best!

Both sprays had a bit of a citrus flavor and were simple to administer.  Two sprays and that's it!
The Energy Spray contains Vitamins B1, B2, B3, B5, B6 and B12 along with Eleuthero Root Extract. The vitamins and nutrients in the Energy Spray boosts every levels and promotes mental alertness while supporting proper digestion and balanced food absorption. The Spray improves mood and the Eleuthero Root Extract works to enhance antioxidant defense systems in the body.  Personally, I definitely did feel like I had more energy after using the spray.  I was more alert and energetic without any jittery feelings.  This makes sense because the Energy Spray is sugar free and natural, containing no caffeine or stimulants.

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As the weather chills, and school begins, colds and flu season unfortunately begins to take hold.  I've used numerous zinc products in the past and have always found them to be tremendously effective in their ability to fight off whatever bug I felt coming on.  The Defense Spray contains Vitamin C, Zinc, and Echinacea that enhance the immune system and help protect against colds and the flu. The Defense Spray also acts as a
powerful antioxidant. While it's hard to pinpoint causation, I have not been sick in my time trying the Defense Spray.  I'll be continuing to use the spray throughout the winter months as it is much easier, more appetizing and convenient than other immunity boosting products I've tried.

Overall, I'd really recommend Spray Active products to anyone who could use a little boost - whether that be for Energy, Defense, Vitality, Sleep or even carbohydrate Control.  Two of the products Defense and Vitality) are even approved for use by children over four - a great way to keep little ones healthy and strong!

The Defense and Energy Sprays, along with the other Spray Active™ sprays can be purchased at http://www.sprayactive.com.

We're excited to be offering one of our lucky readers the opportunity to try the Energy Spray and Defense Spray from Spray Active out for themselves!  Just complete the rafflecopter form below for your chance to win.

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Disclosure: I did receive free product in order to review and give my honest opinion about these products.  All opinions remain my own.

Please take a quick moment to vote for us using the links below!  These sites are the way many of our partners find our site and your vote will help us offer more great giveaways in the future.

Shockdrop Case from Hard Candy Review

As you may know, we love our tablet which we've had for just about six months.  We did a lot of research before purchase, and finally selected the  Samsung Galaxy Tab 2 (10.1-Inch, Wi-Fi) - a great android based tablet with lots of possibilities!   We use it for internet browsing, for kids apps, quick video playing and even for my hair bow business to scan and tally products at craft shows.

With all of this activity, our tablet really needs a good case to keep it protected so I was excited to be offered the opportunity to review the Shockdrop from Hard Candy Cases.

While we've used other cases before, this one has a few special features that I loved!

The textured grip makes the case less slippery - perfect for big or little hands.  It even feels great in your hands, with a really nice texture to the case.

The lightweight material keeps the tablet from being overly heavy, while multiple layers and reinforced corners protect from drops and falls.

The screen is fully covered, keeping messy fingers from smudging the screen and protecting it from scratches.

With protected cutouts for the speakers, the music escapes freely without allowing gunk and grime to get caught in the speaker mesh.

I loved the strong port covers which look like they'll last long into the future and resist ripping despite our attempts to wear and tear.

We are big fans of the Shockdrop case and would definitely recommend it to anyone seeking a solution for their Samsung tablet!

Disclaimer: I was given a free product in exchange for my review.  I was not paid for this post and all opinions remain my own.  I have provided an amazon affiliate link for the tablet through which I could receive compensation when a purchase is made.

Matilda Jane Paint by Numbers Review and $50 Gift Card Giveaway

The fall is my absolute favorite time of year - the leaves are changing, the candles are burning, and wardrobes shift to all things soft and cozy and warm.  I love nothing more than cuddling up in some lovely fall clothes to get that feeling of warmth and comfort.

So it was with absolute pleasure that we accepted when Matilda Jane recently offered us the opportunity to review outfits from their newest line - Paint by Numbers.  

Have you heard of Matilda Jane?  If not, I'm thrilled to make the introduction.  This beautiful clothing line was created by Denise DeMarchis, a mom and successful decorative artist, who wanted to create "an unpredictable clothing company."  The result was a collection of whimsical prints, colors and textures perfect for lovely girls, tweens and adults.  Denise says "It's all about keeping a little girl...a little girl. Keeping her youthful. Keeping her spinning and twirling and carefree. And most importantly, bringing her happiness." Truly, this sense of happiness defines the brand, who even have Mom in mind with their unique approach to kids clothing.

Matilda Jane Clothing is made to mix and match within the line.  Moms will love the convenience of no longer hunting through laundry for that perfect match - everything is interchangeable.  "You are not wearing that out of this house!" may disappear from a Matilda Jane mom's vocabulary.  Paired with a reputation for the highest quality, Matilda Jane clothing truly makes it easy to build the perfect wardrobe.

Even the unique shopping experience with Matilda Jane is convenient.  Trunk Keepers, experts in the Matilda Jane Clothing line, work with a hostess (known as a Jane) to offer a Trunk Show to guests who get to see the product first hand.  Nothing is more important than touching and feeling the fabrics, seeing the colors and prints first hand, and getting advice for the perfect fit - and Matilda Jane has found a great solution to give you all of these things in a fun environment with friends.

When our box arrived from Matilda Jane I could barely contain the excitement.  Opening the package like it was Christmas morning, I was delighted to find our outfits beautifully packaged in tissue and mesh bags - keeping every little ruffle in perfect place.  

Julie's outfit is simply adorable.  The Limelight Peasant Top in a sunny cream color, subtly printed with butterflies and hot air balloons (which we love by the way).  Julie loved the adorable wrist ruffles, touching them with her fingertips and showing us proudly. 

 Paired with the plum, polka-dot Pointillism Big Ruffle Pants, this outfit takes "cute" to a whole new level.  I loved the personality and sass that just poured out of this outfit.  The fabrics were so soft and perfect for an active kid as our Julie just doesn't sit still for long.

      

I love the opportunity for a "mom and me" connection with Matilda Jane!  My outfit was made with the same rich tones and complimentary colors to the children's wear.  Consistent with the ruffles and whimsy Matilda Jane is known for, my outfit was fun and flirty.  I loved the deep purple of the Grape Leaf Cardigan with it's beautifully patterned weave and detailed buttons.  The Fragrant Lilac Tee covers with great stretch and pretty lace edging.  My Midnight Big Ruffles pants were  super soft and comfortable, and I even I was tempted to twirl in all the flouncy fabric!  I will say that personally, my body type may not have been the perfect one for these pants as my midsection (still a bit ample from twins) felt a little bare.  The great thing about Matilda Jane though, is that I could easily pair the pieces with others from the collection - like the Liberty Button Up top or the Hazel Circle Skirt for additional coverage.  I love this convenience and versatility!   

I even had the pleasure of trying the Nancy in Chocolate Headband since Julie still has little patience wearing hair accessories - even fabulous ones!  I loved that this headband could fit both mom and daughter with it's hand tied closure.  The print is so reminiscent of fall and matches everything beautifully.

We are so thankful for the opportunity to connect with Matilda Jane and try out these beautiful outfits.  We're looking forward to wearing them together again very soon - perhaps on a special Mom and Me outing to the museum or fall festival!  

Matilda Jane has generously offered our readers the chance to win a $50 Matilda Jane Gift Card so you can shop for all of your favorite pieces for your special girl - or even a little something for yourself!  

Enter to win using the rafflecopter below, and be sure to stay connected with Matilda Jane via Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Pinterest.

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Disclosure:  I was provided complimentary product in exchange for my review and giveaway.  I was not paid for this promotion.  All opinions remain my own.


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Buggy Bench Review

I recently posted about how I get out (and survive) with twins and one of our favorite accessories is the Buggy Bench.  It is a "must have" product for twins, and would be awesome for any family who has two children very close in age.

I was so lucky to have come across the the Buggy Bunch when I saw a Twiniversity's facebook post asking twin parents about their favorite product made for multiples.  I was curious about the title, and googled!

So what is a buggy bench?  It's an awesome strap-in seat, which secures into the basket of almost any regular shopping cart, and ensures a "back seat" for a second child.  It suspends a few inches over the bottom of the basket, keeping little bums comfy and safe.

The seat is cloth with a little structure in the back, and has four straps with clamp-like buckles which are really secure when wrapped around the rim of a shopping cart.  It does take me about five minutes to get it right where I want it, and get the child all settled, but boy is it worth it!

The seat includes safety seat straps, which buckle around the child's waist to keep them seated - which is one of my biggest "pros" in comparison to just seating a child in the basket.  The seats come in a variety of colors, are washable, hold up to a 40 lb child, and in my opinion are of very high quality.

Brayden in his Buggy Bench

The absolute best thing about the Buggy Bench is that it allows families to take only one cart, and get a significant amount of stuff (placed around the child in the basket).  I have tried the two cart push-pull and the stroller/cart combo - both of which were a major fail.  This seat truly gave me the freedom to visit stores which don't have double carts!

While the seat and child obviously prevents you from getting a very full overflowing load of groceries - reality  is (at least in our world) that impatient toddlers don't allow you the time to do that much shopping.

I would definitely recommend the Buggy Bench to anyone who is struggling to take their twins shopping, and think it would be most appropriate for babies 10-12 months and older.  It would make a fantastic addition to any twin baby registry or as a gift for a twin baby shower!  Available at http://www.buggybench.com/!

Disclaimer:  This review is my own opinion and is not sponsored or endorsed by the makers of The Buggy Bench.  I was not receive any form of payment for my post.

Perfectly Painted Pretty Little Piggies

"This little piggy went to market, this little piggy stayed home.  This little piggy had roast beef..."

Julie and I have been playing this game for a few weeks now, and she's just starting to giggle and smile as she feels the tickle on her toes.  And her toes are of course - perfectly adorable.  But my years of fantasizing about all the girlie things my daughter and I will do have gotten the best of me, and those tiny little toes are just a bit too tempting to resist.  I couldn't help it - they had to be painted.

I waited until she was three months old, I didn't want to be unreasonable of course!  And yes, my mother has warned me that babies put everything in their mouths - including their toes.  Considering this, I figured it was important to go in search of a baby friendly nail polish as my personal fave OPI was chalk full of toxins and chemicals certainly not toe-sucking friendly.

When I came across Piggy Paint I thought I may have found exactly what I was looking for.  A great variety of colors, reasonable prices, and (most importantly) baby safe.  Their slogan is "natural as mud," and the paint contains no toxins or harsh chemicals.  It's biodegradable and water soluble making it eco-friendly.  It's so gentle, it will come off with rubbing alcohol, and is unlikely to stain carpets.

I gave it a try and loved the results!  We ordered both paint, remover and a paint pen, which made painting teensy tiny toenails a breeze.  The color had great saturation and looked super after a few coats.

Here's what I picked:

The Cuddles and Kisses Gift Set

Angel Kisses Paint Pen

For our first pedicure attempt we used the Angel Kisses Paint Pen and I think Julie loves it!  Here she is today checking out her own fabulous feet.

Perfectly Pink Piggies

I'm totally a fan and can't wait to continue the fun of showing off her pretty paint job throughout the summer. Next time Julie and I play "this little piggy" - that last little pig will finally have something to cry "wheeeee" about on his way home.

This review is not endorsed, or encouraged by Piggy Paint nor was I compensated in any manor for my opinions.