SOHO Beauty: Check Meow-T Front Pocket Weekender

Disclosure: Items mentioned in this post were for review purposes only. Opinions are completely honest and 100% my own.

Travel is easy and super trendy with SOHO Beauty’s Check Meow-T Weekender Bag. I love SOHO Beauty’s edgy, unique, and sharply chic designs. I have an endless collection of beauty & makeup supplies and appreciate being able to take them along.

I’ve tried other travel/organization bags, but SOHO is my absolute favorite. Nothing compares to the quality and design of SOHO. SOHO is known for their mix of fashion-forward, hot, trendy design choices and mixed materials. Whether you’re looking for animal prints or bold colors- SOHO is definitely something you should check out.

              

I was sent the Check Meow-T weekender, which I absolutely adore. This bag is a classic leopard print punk style bag for Leader of the Pack status. This bag is hands-down the BEST makeup organization bag I’ve ever owned (and I’ve owned my fair share). Not only the design makes it an A+, but the fact that the inside can easily be wiped down.

 

This weekender is the go-to way to travel, and the only way to travel in my opinion. I’ve had so many bags fail me that it was nice to have one I can depend on. Makeup can be a very messy problem should it spill, and having the ability to just wipe down the insides with a wash-cloth makes it 10x better. I don’t have to wash the entire bag and wonder if the vinyl is going to split like I’ve done with other cosmetic bags.

I am LOVING the design as I said before.If I had to customize a weekender, I would make this bag for sure. I am super into animal prints, and I love the added studs and zipper. They give it a more modernized punk/edge look that I like. The studs and zipper accentuate the bag, making it Not to mention the zipper is super amazing. It is larger than most zippers and doesn’t snag or hesitate EVER. 

Unzip to reveal one clear-zip pocket perfect for full-size bottles as well as larger compacts and one slip pocket ideal for smaller necessities. It has a front pocket that allows for easy access to frequently used items, and durable handles for easy toting. Made of easy-wipe poly-fiber and metal studs.

 

I am in love with this bag. I don’t even use anything at home other than this bag. Why should I? I just keep my essentials in this bag. Everything is easy to see, easy to sort, and right where I need it when the time comes.

                         

The handles are super thick and just the right size. It isn’t too wide or too thin. Fits right on my shoulder without any hassles. It doesn’t slip off, which happens when straps are too thick. It’s comfortable and doesn’t cut into my shoulders either, which makes it an A+ in my book! There are absolutely NO cons about this bag!

It's the cat's meow! SOHO's weekender bag is just what you need to store all of your toiletries and make-up essentials on a long weekend trip. The bag has a convenient carrying handle, a full zip closure and compartments with zippers on the inside to safely store your items.

• Shell Material: Polyester

• Liner Material: Polyester

• Exterior Features: Handle

• Interior Features: Lined

• Closure Style: Zip Closure

• Dimensions: 9.0 " H x 12.0 " W x 5.0 " D

• Care and Cleaning: Wipe Clean With a Damp Cloth

 

Get the SOHO Check Meow-T Front Pocket Weekender here

Connect with SOHO Beauty:

Facebook & Twitter

 

Look Fabulous During Holiday Travel; 4 Beauty & Fashion Essentials

‘Tis the season for friends, family and looking fabulous! Fly home this holiday with TSA-friendly beauty essentials from Aubrey, got2b, Bodycology, and Modella that will keep your skin, hair, and fashion sense in check and carry-on friendly!
Aubrey EveryDay Basics Moisturizer
$9.95, Aubrey-Organics.com

Wow your friends and relatives this holiday season with a glowing complexion! Replenish dry winter skin with Aubrey EveryDay Basics Moisturizer for Normal/Dry Skin. The combination of organic argan oil, organic aloe vera, horsetail and coltsfoot will hydrate and soothe skin, resulting in improved skin texture and elasticity!



got2b POWDER’ful volumizing styling powder
$5.99, Walgreens.com

Turn up the volume at your next holiday party with the got2b POWDER’ful volumizing styling powder. In 10 seconds flat, strands are transformed from limp to lifted. An Added bonus? This little miracle worker fits perfectly in tiniest of clutches so you can give your roots a boost anytime, anywhere.


Bodycology Fragrance Mist
$2.00, Walmart and Target

Smell delicious as you spritz on-the-go this with bodycology Toasted Sugar Fragrance Mist. This blend of amber, orange, and vanilla is warm and sensual and will make you feel like you’re already cozied up by the fire. Plus, conditioning and hydrating Honey and Aloe Vera provide a burst of refreshment.



  Modella Weekender
$12,97, Walmart
*More patterns and styles available

For all of your other beauty go-to’s that keep you looking marvelous under the mistletoe, stow away in the Modella Weekender. Complete with TSA-friendly travel bottles and separate compartments, your beauty and accessory essentials stay organized and easy to find.

Juice in the Box- Reusable Juice Box

Disclosure: The items were provided for review purposes only; all opinions are completely my own and 100% honest.

As moms, we put a lot of consideration into what we are packing in our kids lunches. We plan ahead so that they are getting the right amount of protein, fruits, and veggies. Most kids are picky, so by the time the lunches are made; the drinks are an afterthought. Usually it’s a juice box or juice pouch, right?

We don’t have to stress over how much sugar and calories our kids are consuming in their drinks anymore. The Juice in the Box Reusable Juice Box let us have total and complete control, while also saving money. Not to mention it saves so many juice pouches and boxes from being tossed in the trash. Juice in the Box addresses these environmental, financial and social concerns with their innovative, cost-effective and fun new alternative to single-use juice containers.

 

This juice box can completely replace traditional disposable juice boxes and pouches. The disposable juice drinks are a huge problem for the earth when thrown away. Every one that’s tossed takes 300 years to dispose, which is absolutely horrifying. The worst part is that nearly 4 billion disposable juices are drank each year. That’s a VERY good reason to say good-bye.

They are the perfect size to fit in their lunchboxes (they take snacks daily). They are also made of very strong material that is very high quality. They are basically almost indestructible. When you’re a mom, indestructible is a VERY good thing lol. They haven’t dropped it yet, thankfully.

Did you know that traditional juices are also a leading cause in obesity problems in children? The extra calories they are consuming from these drinks put extra weight because of the amount of sugar within. You control what goes IN these boxes, so there’s absolutely no worries of preservatives or tons of sugar in the ingredients.

I love the thought of being able to fill the boxes and not have to worry about leaks. There was one instance (in the last month) where it leaked in my son’s backpack. It was totally my fault, though. I thought I had pressed the lid all the way down, but I didn’t. To be able to close it, you close it with the top open so the extra air inside the boxes can be released. It pushed the lid back open and spilled. AGAIN- that was MY fault, not the juice boxes fault. (Because my daughter’s has never spilled EVER).

The boxes are super easy to clean (3 pieces: container, lid & straw). I hand-wash our boxes, but they can easily be stuck in the top rack of a dishwasher as well. The straw is removable at the bottom, making it easy to stick under running water and push the liquids out. This is also what makes it replaceable if the straw is ever lost or damaged.

It comes in five fun-filled colors – green, orange, pink, red and blue. Get them at the Juice in the Box website.

Connect with Precidio Design online:

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Giveaway: Crio Bru #HolidayGiftGuide100Bloggers

Our wonderful PR Friendly, Holiday Gift Guide 100+ Bloggers are narrowing down the best holiday gift choices for men, women, kids, coworkers, home and office. With the best of the best this year for you. When it comes to picking the best holiday gifts for the food lovers, it can be daunting with so many things to select from. Or perhaps trying to find that perfect gift for your boss or coworker. We have you covered with Crio Brü. So much to select from!

www.criobru.com

 WHAT IS CRIO BRÜ?

Crio Brü is brewed drink made from 100% cacao beans (also known as cocoa beans), roasted to perfection. Named after the most prized of cacao beans, the Criollo, Crio Brü will astound your taste buds with its complex chocolaty flavors and subtle aromas which come right from the cacao bean itself! It is 100% natural and 100% pure.

Crio Brü is the ultimate superfood. It is low in calories and contains no sugar, no fat, no dairy, no sodium, no cholesterol and practically no caffeine, yet is extremely high in antioxidants, theobromine and a host of other vitamins and minerals.

Crio Brü is both a new drink and an ancient one. Ka'kao was an everyday drink of the kings and peoples of the great Incas, Mayans, Olmecs and Aztecs for hundreds of years, but was changed when the Old World met the New. The incredible health properties of cacao are currently lost in the process of making modern chocolate, but with Crio Brü, they are preserved.

They have a Variety of flavors to choose from, including gift sets and baskets. Check out this fantastic gift set for only $39.99.  Would make a Great Boss, Co-Worker or Gift for any foodie on your gift list. Visit them today at: www.criobru.com and grab that perfect gift, shipped to your door in time for the holidays

Giveaway: Bear on the Chair Toy #HolidayGiftGuide100Bloggers

When it comes to picking the best holiday gifts for kids, it can be daunting with so many things to select from. Our wonderful PR Friendly, Holiday Gift Guide 100+ Bloggers are narrowing down those choices to the best of the best this year for you.

Bear On The Chair® $29.99

www.bearonthechair.com

Parenting  is filled with challenges and decisions around every corner that could have a profound impact on your child. Having tools and options to make parenting more effective is something that can enhance a child's happiness and quality of life during critical stages of development. One of our most satisfying experiences with positive parenting has been with the creation of Bear on the Chair by our daughter Symonne.

Parents have found our bear very useful in their ability to motivate their children to brush their teeth, eat vegetables, and follow instructions when they are given. There is something the child finds extremely comforting in communicating with the soft and responsive bear. Parents and children alike really appreciate the story that comes with the bear, which sets an energetic tone for how positive reinforcement will be used. The story gives the child a sense of imagination and wonder that assists in the usefulness of Bear on the Chair and positive parenting. Children are amazed to see their very own adoption certificate and are thrilled to have a new cuddly and friendly behavior buddy in the house.

Parents and teachers have shared how easy it was to see how having help in motivating children can be more effective and more enjoyable for parents and assists in the child learning empathy and making positive improvements in their behavior.

Bear on the Chair offers a chance to give toddlers positive reinforcement, reduce tantrums, and give parents something to feel confident and positive about in the home. Bear on the Chair can help children with Autism and ASD by offering an outlet for communication and expression that is comforting and reassuring.

One Lucky Person is going to win a

Bear On The Chair®

Click HERE to Enter!

Giveaway: Razor Scooter

Sponsored by Razor  Giveaway by www.jennsblahblahblog.com Welcome to the Razor E100 Electric Scooter Giveaway Jenn’s Blah Blog has teamed up with Razor to bring one lucky person a chance to win (1) Razor E100 Electric Scooter. To learn more about this amazing sponsor, Razor, and all the exceptional products that they offer, check out Jenn’s Blah Blog’s http://www.jennsblahblahblog.com/choosing-the-perfect-kids-scooter-for-the-holidays/ review. All kids love to ride scooters. My children loved theirs when they were young, and my granddaughter loved riding hers, as well. Of course, they didn’t have the electric scooters that are available now days. With the upcoming holidays, more and more children will be asking Santa for scooters. But, purchasing a scooter is an investment, so you will want to make sure that you select the right scooter for your child. Choosing the Perfect Kids Scooter for the Holidays!

• Safety gear- Safety first. Always make sure your child has their safety gear on.

• Age- You want to be sure the scooter is the right size for your child. Never choose a scooter that is too large. This will make it difficult to handle & ride. Don’t think they’ll “grow into it” as this can cause a loss in confidence and lead to accidents.

• Comfort- How comfortable your child is with their scooter when they take it for a test drive will determine their overall experience. Factors to keep in mind are: How easy it is to control? Are the handle bars the appropriate height and is it easy to steer?

• Decide- How do you plan to use the scooter? The majority of scooters are built for basic riding, but if your child is a dare-devil, pro scooters are designed specifically for stunts & tricks.

• Durability- Money can be an issue when it comes to choosing a scooter. If you buy a cheap scooter, you’re going to find it will not last. This can be a huge discouragement for your child. It’s always better to shell out the extra crash for a scooter that will last for years to come.

Now, you have an opportunity to win your very own Razor E100 Electric Scooter, just in time for the holidays, by entering the giveaway below. Giveaway will end on December 2, 2014.  Open to U.S. residents only, must be over the age of 18 and enter using the giveaway tool below. Good Luck Everyone!

Razor E100 Electric Scooter Giveaway

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By submitting an entry to this giveaway you agree to the following Terms & Conditions:
Jenns Blah Blah Blog reserves the right to make revisions to cancel or suspend this contest for any reason. Jenns Blah Blah Blog will not be responsible for shipping the prize. This event is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Google, Pinterest, or any other social media network. Social media networks are not responsible for prize fulfillment. We were not compensated in any way for this giveaway. Winner will have 48 hours to respond to winning email send from jennsblahblahblog@hotmail.com before another winner will be drawn. Question or comments can be sent to jennsblahblahblog@hotmail.com. Giveaway is open to Worldwide, no purchase needed to enter, must be at least 18 years old Void in Puerto Rico and where restricted or prohibited by law. Winner will be selected using random.org.
You also agree to the Giveaway Tools' Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.

 

Disclosure: Jenn’s Blah Blog was compensated either by free product or payment. I have not been compensated for this post. All opinions and experiences are my own. Open to the U.S. residents only and must be 18+. Confirmed Winner(s) will be contacted by email and have 48 hours to respond before a new winner will be drawn. No purchase necessary. Void where prohibited by law. The sponsor(s) will be responsible for product shipment to winner(s) of the giveaway. Sponsor will be responsible for prize fulfillment. This event is in no way associated with, sponsored, administered, or endorsed by Facebook, Twitter, Google, Pinterest or any other social media network. The disclosure is done in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission 10 CFR, Part 255 Guides Concerning the use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.    

 

Good Luck

 

Walmart announces Pre-Black Friday Event, Price Matching Starting Friday 11-21

                             

Starting yesterday Friday, Nov. 21 at 8am, Walmart lowered the prices on popular toys, electronics and more to match or beat select Black Friday offers from top national competitors one week early. This Pre-Black Friday event gives customers an early taste of Walmart’s Black Friday prices by moving up items typically found on Black Friday.

Walmart just upped the ante once again. For the second year, the retailer is lowering the prices on popular toys, electronics and more to match or beat select Black Friday offers from top national competitors one week early. Walmart’s Pre-Black Friday Event begins Friday, Nov. 21 at 8:00 a.m. and also gives customers an early taste of Walmart’s Black Friday prices by moving up items typically found on Black Friday.

“The retail environment is incredibly competitive and we know that our customers are looking to us for the lowest prices and great deals all season long,” said Duncan Mac Naughton, chief merchandising officer, Walmart U.S. “That’s why we’ve more than doubled the amount of items included in our Pre-Black Friday Event. Combined with our Black Friday weekend, there is absolutely no other place to shop this holiday season.”

Walmart’s Pre-Black Friday Event will kick off on Nov. 21 and run through Nov. 27, while supplies last.

Matching Competitors’ Offers

The retailer will be matching or beating select Black Friday offers from top national competitors on items such as:

· A 40-inch LED HDTV

· 60-inch TVs from LG and Sony

· A PlayStation 4 offer

· Canon Wireless Printer

· Keurig K-40

· KitchenAid Stand Mixer

· Select Lego sets

· And more…

Walmart will unveil the specific items and prices on Walmart.com this Thursday, Nov. 20.

Additional Savings on Items Typically Found on Black Friday

Also part of the event, the retailer will offer Black Friday-like prices on a variety of items.  Examples include:

· Samsung 58” Class Smart LED HDTV – $698 (special buy)

· Samsung 40” Class LED HDTV with “Frozen Sing-Along Edition” – $298 (special buy)

· New iPad Air 2 16 GB, WiFi – $489 with a $100 Walmart gift card

· Get a $75 gift card with the purchase of the iPhone 6 or 5s

o iPhone 6 available for $179 or iPhone 5s for $79 with a two year service agreement on Sprint, AT&T or Verizon

o iPhone 6 and 5s available for $0 down for AT&T Next or Verizon Edge customers – plans available in select markets

· 4-Pc Table Tennis Set – $79 (special buy)

· A variety of “Frozen” special buys

· Black & Decker 18v 2-Battery NiCad Drill – 69.88 ($20 savings)

· Hoover High Performance Bagless Upright Vacuum – $98 (special buy)

After Walmart’s Pre-Black Friday Event comes the “New Black Friday.” The company’s events begin online Thanksgiving morning with in-store events kicking off at 6 p.m. and 8 p.m. on Thanksgiving Day and 6 a.m. on Friday, Nov. 28 continuing all the way through Cyber Monday. The retailer will offer nine 1-Hour Guarantee items, focused on the top electronics customers want from the most popular brands. For more information on Walmart’s Black Friday offers, please visit www.walmart.com/blackfriday. 

4 Ways to Get the Most Affordable Smartphones

Smartphones have become an important part of American life, but affording the latest trends can come at a hefty blow to a consumer’s wallet. Thankfully there are a few ways for people to afford the latest smartphones, regardless if they are on a tight budget or have eco-friendly concerns. 

From no-contract cell phone plans to recycling programs, here are 4 simple ways to get an affordable smartphone:

1. Purchase a No-Contract Cell Phone Plan: GIV Mobile is the first affordable phone service to give away a FREE Android Smartphone with the purchase of their two-month "Unlimited Everything Plan" which starts at $35/month. Running on the reliable T-Mobile network, GIV Mobile’s plans include talk, text, and 4G LTE data, all while donating 8% of every customer’s monthly bill to charities of their choice such as Alzheimer’s Association, The Conservation Fund, PetSmart Charities and more.

2. Recycle an Old Cell Phone: Verizon Wireless rewards customers for every cell phone or electronic device recycled. The process is easy, customers can either go online to send in their device or go into a store and have their device appraised.  Within 30 days the customer will receive a Verizon Wireless electronic gift card that can then be used towards an updated smartphone.

3. Buy an Unlocked Cell Phone: Gazelle can be a great place to shop for unlocked cell phones which are not attached to any specific carrier and instead run on a GSM cellular network using SIM cards. Their flexibility makes them a smart option for international travelers or those who don’t want any type of commitment. Also, no-contract companies like PTel sell the latest smartphones and offer cell phone service plans separately, with their plans starting at only $20/month.

4. Lease Your Phone: Much like leasing a car, Sprint is offering a new option called the “iPhone for Life Plan,” which allows consumers to lease an iPhone 6 with no money down for $20/month.  After two years, the customer can choose to turn in the iPhone for a new one or the latest Apple device. While customers will end up paying almost the full purchase price of the phone in the long run, it allows those who can’t quite afford to make the investment all at once the ability to keep up with technology on a budget.

 

GIV Mobile: BLU Advance 4.0 Android Smartphone with Everything Unlimited Plan

Disclosure: Products mentioned in this post were provided for review purposes only. Opinions are completely honest.

Giv Mobile announced they are giving away an Android Smartphone when an unlimited everything plan is purchased. The phone is the BLU Advance 4.0 Android Smartphone, which is an awesome entry level Android Smartphone with a multitude of features.

Design: The Advance 4.0 has a vibrantly dynamic 4” touch display. The phone displays images very nice and bright. Images are easily seen, except when tilted at an up/down angle. When it’s slightly tilted the screen looks washed out. It doesn’t do this when tilted sideways, so I don’t know what causes it.

The phone comes with a clear case and screen protector. There is 4 GB of internal memory; 1.27GB of space for apps (the other 2.72GB is for the Android OS). That isn’t much but space can definitely be upgraded with an inserted SD card. When you pair it with an SD card (which most people do), internal memory doesn’t really matter. Take the back off and under the battery there are three slots; two for SIM cards, the other for a mini-SD memory card.

Performance: The MediaTek chip and 512mb of RAM doesn’t have the same get-up-and-go as a flagship phone, but for daily use this performs quickly and efficiently. The phone is loaded with what is basically stock Jelly Bean, which is great. Multitasking is a breeze; I can check my email, update my twitter, and listen to music all at the same time.

I listen to a lot of music on my phone, continuously read emails, and occasionally watch videos on Youtube- and this phone hasn’t failed me once. The phone is downloaded with all the apps that I needed, with no extra junk to have to remove. I appreciated that very much. Usually I have to go through and delete a few, but I didn’t this time. The Play Store is all ready so you can download extra apps such as Facebook or games.

Every game that I downloaded from the Play Store worked very well. There was absolutely no freezing or re-loading. The Gmail app that came downloaded with the phone is a lifesaver. You can make the setting so that it dings when new emails pop-up. The emails came through as soon as they were sent, even when the Gmail app on my Samsung S4 would not.

Connectivity: Reception for cell and data are, of course, entirely dictated by location. The closer you are to towers, the stronger the signal is. The Advance 4.0’s Wi-Fi signal is very strong, even better than my Nokia Lumia Icon. I can get the Advance 4.0 to connect in places that the Lumia wouldn’t even think about connecting.

It will even let me connect to my neighbors wi-fi through two houses and about 45 feet. Data connectivity is flawless - both on wifi and 3g (the phone is compatible with HSPA+) and ping was good per Speedtest.

Battery: The Advance 4.0 comes with a 1600mah battery. With the MediaTek chip, the battery should last a very long time. To test the batteries life-span I streamed music via iHeartRadio via WiFi to my Sol Republic Bluetooth Wireless Speaker (which is a double battery drainer). I also watched some videos, checked my email, downloaded apps, and browsed the web.

I was on the phone ALL day then left it on all night without charging. It was also streaming music while I slept, and when I woke up there was still a 23% battery life. For a cheaper Smartphone, this one is phenomenal.  Of course, I wouldn’t NORMALLY be on the phone ALL day streaming music and downloading stuff. There’s no way the battery is going to completely die unless you forget to charge it for long periods of time.

To be eligible for the offer- sign up for either a $40 or a $50 two-month Everything Unlimited plan. The plan comes with unlimited text (which includes global texts), voice and data. The $40 plan includes 250MB 4G/3G data, while the $50 plan gives you 2 gigs monthly at 4G/3G speeds.

Paired with GIV Mobile’s “Unlimited Everything” service that starts at only $29/month plan, it is not only an affordable gift, but the receiver can choose up to three charities such as the Alzheimer's Association, Kids in Need Foundation, American Forests and more to receive 8% of their bill every month.

 

Tech Specs

Height
4-9/10"

Width
2-5/8"

Depth
1/2"

Weight
3.2 ounces

Phone Style
Bar phone

Band and Mode
GSM|HSDPA|3G
Number/type of bands and modes the phone can use, which affects coverage and capabilities.

Technology Details
3G|HSDPA
Wireless network technology the phone uses. Common technologies include GSM, CDMA and TDMA (including iDEN).

Bluetooth-Enabled
Yes

Talk Time
Up to 15 hours
Amount of time you can spend talking on the phone before the battery is depleted.

Standby Time
Up to 25 days
Amount of time the phone can be left on (waiting for a call) before the battery is depleted.

Battery Type
Lithium-ion

Vibrate Mode
Yes
Silently alerts you to incoming calls when ringing is not desirable.

Customizable Ring Tones
Yes
Feature that allows you to download additional ringtones and/or create your own.

Voice Activated
Yes
Lets you dial a preset phone number by saying a word (e.g., "home").

Downloadable Games
Yes
Indicates that a phone is capable of downloading games from the Internet.

Speed Dialing
Yes

Color Display
Yes
Color LCD screen for displaying call information, navigating menu options and viewing photos and video (as capable).

Internet/Email Capable
Yes
These devices offer wireless Internet, which can be used to access email at specific sites. Some devices also offer a full e-mail client that can connect directly to a standard POP or IMAP e-mail server over a wireless Internet connection.

Built-in Digital Camera
Yes
Lets you take digital photos and send them to other phones or e-mail accounts.

MMS
Yes
Multimedia Messaging Service enables cell phone users to send text messages, graphics, photos and audio and video clips to other MMS users or to e-mail accounts.

Text Messaging/Instant Messaging
Yes
Text messaging is the ability to exchange short text messages with other cell phone users. Instant messaging enables text conversations with computer users through programs such as AIM or Yahoo! Messenger.

Touch Screen
Yes

QWERTY Keyboard
No

Camera Resolution
5.0MP

MP3 Playback Capability
Yes

Vibration Alert
Yes
Silently alerts you to incoming calls when ringing is not desirable.

Speakerphone
Yes
Lets you talk and listen to calls without holding the phone. Ideal for making conference calls with others in the room.

Graphics
Yes
Type of graphics (video) adapter (usually built into the motherboard), identified by manufacturer and model.

Downloadable Ringtones
Yes
Indicates that a phone is capable of downloading additional ringtones from the Internet.

External Caller ID
Yes
Small screen that displays the name and number of the person calling.

Device Manufacturer
Blu

Product Line
Advance

Product Model
4.0

Handset Type
Smartphone

Mobile Operating System
Android

UPC
848958008286

 

Connect with Giv Mobile:

Facebook, Twitter, & Pinterest

 

Who would you love to give this to for a Christmas Gift?

Sparkup Magical Book Reader

   Disclosure: The items in this post were given for review purposes only; all opinions expressed are completely honest and 100% my own.

I am and have always been an avid reader. I love reading wanted to share that love of learning with my children as well. They love sitting down to hear new stories and meet new characters, so I knew thee Sparkup Book Reader would be perfect for us. I thought it would be an fun way to make memories, while building their love of learning.

    

The Sparkup Book Reader is a very cool innovative reading device that clips onto the back any picture book and reads it aloud. Our reader came with two books; Shrek & Tikki Tikki Tembo. The books came pre-recorded, but I love that I could re-record the books in my voice to make it personal to my kids. It can store up to 50 books (or 250 minutes of audio), which I love.

The Sparkup reader also comes with a USB cord. The USB lets you download pre-recorded books from the Sparkup website or upload what you’ve recorded to your computer. Once you’ve uploaded the books you’ve recorded, they can be sent via email. This is an amazing feature for sending your parents books being read by your child. Great keepsake material right there! :)

Sparkup has a tiny camera attached to the front. It captures a picture of the front cover and each individual page then stores it in it’s memory. Each time that book is connected after it’s recorded- the Sparkup automatically starts reading the book. I love that it doesn’t read too fast or too slow-it follows their lead, reading as they turn the pages. It will even read pages out of order which is pretty amazing!

 

I had never heard of the Sparkup reader until recently. It immediately caught my eye. It teaches and encourages kids comprehensive reading skills, growing confident in reading independently. Aidan (7) has been doing an amazing job at reading this year, while Adisyn (5) is just beginning to learn. He started A.R. (Accelerated Reading) in his 2nd grade class. This is where they quiz the kids on what they’ve learned from the books they’ve read.

I love that I can record his A.R. books and he can re-read them as many times as he needs/wants to. Memorization and repetition, as well as interaction is what helps kids remember what they’ve been reading. We read it together a couple of times, while I ask him “what are they doing?”, “What did he do wrong?” Stuff like that (depending on the story).. Then I record it and let him re-play it.

My kids can now pick up a book from their “Spark-up” collection and read by themselves. They can sit in their “reading corner” and enjoy their books whenever they wish. It made my kids love reading even more, because it brings life and interaction into their books. It helps build their imagination and reading comprehension, while also helping build their confidence. We will definitely be adding more books to our collection!

Story time together as a family is magical. We can now take turns recording different character voices and our own sound-effects to any book. They can then go back and listen to themselves reading, which they love. Or we can download professionally recorded stories, complete with sound effects, directly from the Sparkup website.

If you have a child learning how to read or just want to give them something to help them learn, this would be a perfect gift!

Connect with Sparkup online:

Facebook, Twitter, & Pinterest