DryCASE – waterproof case for electronic devices

[ABOUT] DryCASE is a flexible, crystal clear waterproof case that allows complete use of your tablet or e-reader while keeping it dry and clean. Keep Your Devices Dry Underwater.

[REVIEW] Parents, you will want this for beach and pool outings with your kids. You can take your phone or iPad, camera, Nook or any device and know that it is protected from water and sand! You may even want it on hand when you are bathing your toddler. It is not ideal for taking photos through the bag but we are not using it as a camera. We are using it to read the iPad and make phone calls on our cell phones.

Toddy Smart Cloth

[ABOUT] Carefully handcrafted microfiber cloth provides effective, scratch-free cleaning for your iDevices, screens, lenses and more, features an antimicrobial coating, and is offered in a plethora of fashionable designs

  • Functional and fashionable toddy cloth built for cleaning extremely sensitive surfaces including iPhone, iPad, TV’s, glasses, cameras, etc.
  • Dual-sided cleaning: Plush microfiber material on one side to clean and a distinctively patterned silk microfiber on the other side to buff and polish
  • Four different collections include a total of 42 vibrant print and pattern options, guaranteeing a trendy choice for everyone

[REVIEW] For the price, I would yes, it is worth it and the fact that they took a boring cleaning cloth and created some fun patterns only makes it more desirable than using my shirt sleeve. Our kids handprints are all over my iPad and it drives me crazy. The Toddy is thin and light and I can keep one on my desk and the other on my nightstand. These would be excellent stocking stuffers.

Letz Talk CareMail

[ABOUT] Letz Talk is a new product line that gives kids and teens a creative way to help them to open up and share their thoughts, concerns and dreams with the adults in their lives.  Whether it is their parents, grandparents, aunts, teachers or simply a friend they want to chat with. The CareMail is aimed at boosting self-esteem, growth and building confidence.

Check it out at www.letztalknow.com. Age choices are: 5-8, 9-12, or teen. Category choices are: question cards or combination cards.  Question Cards allow children to open up and share their thoughts. Effective communication increases self-esteem, encourages growth and builds confidence.  Combination Cards allow children the opportunity to feel worthy and proud.  The opportunities are endless. This group includes intriguing questions, motivational messages, and challenges to develop confidence and pride.

[REVIEW] We were not quite sure what we were doing when we first opened these cards but quickly realized they were a wonderful way to create discussions with our kids. I am planning now to use them with a group of teen girls that I meet with on a regular basis. There were even cute little magnets so the kids could personalize their mailbox where we get to exchange cards. I love that there are cards aimed at older kids since conversation can become more challenging in the teen years. It creates a wonderful way to spend time together and get to know each other.

I See Me – Personalized Children’s Books

[ABOUT] My Very Own Name is a beautifully illustrated personalized children’s book that helps children to learn to recognize letters and spell their names. In this hardcover, professionally bound book, animals bring letters one by one to create the child’s first and last names in rhyme. A jackal brings a J, an ostrich brings an O, and so on. At the end, the animals celebrate because they’ve created the perfect name.

MY VERY OWN PRIVATE TALE – In My Very Own Pirate Tale, entertaining sea creatures bring letters one by one to spell out your child’s name, and they describe why he or she is the perfect candidate to be the captain’s first mate. The sawshark brings the S, the octopus brings the O, and so on. At the end of this adventurous pirate story, your child’s name is revealed as the secret to opening the treasure. Includes an illustrated encyclopedia of 62 sea creatures with fun facts about each. Filled with beautiful, hand-painted illustrations, this hardcover book is a unique keepsake that will be cherished for a lifetime.

[REVIEW] These are beautiful books and the perfect gift for a child. They will truly delight the way ours did in discovering that the book is all about them. We love that the book encourages the child to learn to spell their name. We would make this a baby gift for every new parent.

Go2Bras — AMY Go2 Bras – Cami Style

[ABOUT] This sexy cami style bra in ivory, toast and black can be shown and no one will know it is your bra. It is a full coverage bra with an embroidered lace that can be worn under plunging necklines and jackets giving the appearance that you wearing a beautiful cami, without the extra layer. WEBSITE

[REVIEW] I love this bra. I often have blouses and sweaters that I wish came up a little higher so I could wear them without a shirt or tank underneath. This is a fabulous option and they are comfortable and sexy. This Go2Bras website is also a great resource for bra purchases.

This company also gives back with their Buy ONE, Give ONE campaign with Clothes4Souls… “We are thrilled to partner with Clothes4Souls and help provide hope and clothing to those in need,” said Connie Elder, Founder and CEO of Connie Elder International. “We hope you will join us in this effort by purchasing a gift or something for yourself from our Go2 Bra collection and help someone else at the same time,” she said. Clothes4Souls has distributed more than 1 million pieces of clothing since the charity’s inception after the Haitian earthquake in 2010.

Wicked Audio Cellular Jaw Breakers & Metallics

[ABOUT] Popular earbuds and headphones now feature built-in mic to support all mobile devices. Tours, Jaw Breakers and Metallics include a microphone so you can now make and receive calls. Cellular Jaw Breakers include four bold colors with a candy theme, guaranteeing a match to anyone’s unique style.

Fill your ears with Wicked Metallics and prepare for mind blowing sound. Stylish and vibrant earbuds produce great sound at an affordable price Noise isolating earbuds deliver mind blowing sound. Light weight form delivers the ultimate in comfort.  Available in 4 metallically brilliant colors: Pink, Blue, White, Green and Black… website

[REVIEW] I love how bright and trendy these buds are. Great sound quality for the price and the colors are fun for everyone. The fact that I have the option to use the Jawbreakers as a microphone when I am driving or traveling without having to take a second headset is an added bonus.

Sock ons

[ABOUT] Sock Ons are the inventors of clever little baby accessories that make parenting a little easier. Keeping socks on babies feet is no simple task. Little kick, tug at the toes and they’re off! Sock Ons are clever little things that keep those socks on. The garment is worn over the sock and ‘locks’ it into place with a patent pending design. Sock Ons have been awarded the baby industries most coveted prize for innovation. Sock Ons are an ingenious and trendy solution to a very annoying problem and are quickly becoming a necessary item that no baby (or sane parent) can do without! Sock Ons have been invented by a mum of five little boys who always lost their socks! Sock ons are a simple yet highly effective solution to the problem of keeping socks on! Resembling something like a ‘sock jacket’, Sock Ons slip on over the sock and ‘locks’ it into place. The design lies in the fact that if the sock is pulled from the toes, the sock gets locked into the hole around the heel, thus preventing it from slipping off.

[REVIEW] Sock Ons are AMAZING! My biggest frustrations with my twins was always them either yanking them off or falling off when they are crawling around. These should be tied on top of every baby gift for a new parent!

Shake It Up! 3-1 Handshake Game – Grandcamp Adventures

[ABOUT] Great times are in store as you play your way through these handshake games and create your own Grandparent/Grandchild secret handshake.   Turn the cards over and solve the floor puzzle picture from the Here We Go! storybook adventure.  Enjoy these fun games at home, on vacation, or anytime you’ve got a few minutes for GrandCamping.

  • Activity contains 24 Handshake/Puzzle cards
  • Pictures of Handshake gestures on one side
  • Other side of each card is a puzzle piece
  • 3 Levels of difficulty to ensure fun for all ages
  • Puzzle is a picture out of our Here We Go! storybook

Grandcamp Adventures is a company dedicated to delivering toys and activities that help kids have fun and maybe even strengthen their relationship with their family members, especially grandparents! WEBSITE

[REVIEW] This is such a cute idea for parents, siblings and grandparents to do with each other. It is playful and engaging and you get three activities in one. Grandparents will feel very hip and young when they have their special handshake with their grandchild.

GAIAM Fitness & Yoga DVD’s

[ABOUT] Gaiam is releasing three new DVD titles, featuring some of the most highly recognized names in fitness and yoga. I wanted to let you know about these new titles and offer you the chance to review these DVD’s and/or interview the high-profile talent featured on them before they hit shelves on December 6.

  • Gwen Lawrence’s Fit Body Yoga – In her first DVD with Gaiam, Gwen calls upon her extensive experience working with professional athletes to provide everyday yoga routines for women, with a focus on fitness. Fit Body Yoga blends traditional yoga practices with cutting edge training techniques to get women into shape. Known as the go-to yoga instructor for several New York sports teams, Gwen presents women with the same moves she uses to keep professional athletes fit and injury-free.
  • Seane Corn’s Detox Flow Yoga – Seane Corn, the internationally-recognized yoga instructor known for her holistic approach both on and off the mat, teamed up with Gaiam to provide a yoga experience that focuses on detoxifying the body and mind of physical and emotional toxins. Seane Corn’s Detox Flow Yoga introduces users to poses that improve circulation and digestion, build strength, and help lose weight. Throughout the DVD, Corn shares her extensive knowledge on how to integrate awareness of the body, breath, movement through the practice of yoga.
  • Trudie Styler’s Strengthen & Restore – This is the seventh DVD release and second mobile app in the mind-body fitness series featuring actress, producer and environmental activist, Trudie Styler, and celebrity trainer, James D’Silva. The DVD features three practices designed to strengthen the body while calming the mind, creating the ultimate balance in life. The Strengthen & Restore App will support the practices found on the DVD along with a photo gallery of images shot on Trudie and Stings’ farm in England.
  • WEBSITE

[REVIEW] coming soon…

Aubrey Organics

[ABOUT] Why use something synthetic when something natural works so much better? That’s the practical philosophy behind every Aubrey Organics® product. This simple idea has been the cornerstone of our pioneering company since the beginning. Read our labels. You’ll find only the finest herbals and plant extracts in their most natural form, and no synthetic additives or petrochemicals of any kind in any of our products.

  • Crème de la Shave – Pomegranate. Made with rich emollients and fruit extracts, this moisturizing shave cream pampers and protects your skin for a luxurious, ultra-smooth shave and legs so soft, you may not need a lotion after shaving. You’ll love its silky feel and exotic tropical scent.
  • Natural Baby & Kids Shampoo – Our natural soap base cleanses gently, while camomile and balm-mint soothe and hydrate baby’s hair and scalp. (Not a “no tears” formula.)

Book: Miracles Are Made – A Real-Life Guide to Autism

[ABOUT] Miracles Are Made is a real-life guide written from the happenings of real life. It is a How To on living with and healing autism. Lynette Louise began life’s journey first as an individual, then as a mother, and eventually as a grandmother reaching into the heart of this disorder and helping first herself and then her children to become independent. Lynette’s journey, challenging as it was, taught her many lessons on the very real possibilities and limitations buried within the diagnosis.In Miracles Are Made Lynette not only shares stories from her personal and professional life but also illuminates the whys and the wherefores of the social climate parents find themselves in when coping with autism. She does this by educating us on the history of science and social awareness in relation to this disorder. She then teaches us how to make the best of what is possible and recreate the healings she has been fortunate enough to facilitate. You will come away understanding how to understand autism.You will come away knowing what to do.  WEBSITE

[REVIEW] The surprisingly honest book was written by global autism expert and mother Lynette Louise. This book could not have been written so beautifully by any other.  As a global autism expert she is invited eagerly into homes around the world-from Beirut to India to Kansas and more- as she shares her unique blend of play therapy, family dynamics counseling and neurofeedback (biofeedback for the brain), effectively guiding parents comfortably into the role of expert in their family’s healing.

As a single mom (although often married, rarely co-parenting or co-bill paying) of eight now grown kids-six adopted, four of whom were on the spectrum of autism- she is non-judgmental, informed and quite hilarious.  She is also my mother. Because of this I hesitated in writing this review.  I figured people would read it as biased and maybe even self-serving.  Perhaps some people will read it that way.

The reality is, this review is quite possibly more valuable because of my relationship with the author.

Let’s all remember that our parents’ endeavors generally make us nervous.  Our fear regarding how it reflects on us (although not the gargantuan proportion it was as teenagers) is always present.  I was always nervous when my mom stepped on stage to sing or preform stand-up comedy.  My palms sweat when she was about to make a radio show appearance or otherwise share her vision with the world.  I suppose it didn’t help that until neurofeedback my mom herself was still struggling with social skills and face blindness.  So whenever she was in the spotlight I was scared.  I wanted her to succeed.  I wanted her to be ‘right’ or ‘smart’ or funny.  Sometimes, admittedly, I wanted her to shut up.

But with MIRACLES ARE MADE, she has shared with passion, humor and intelligence our lifetime of learning.  The therapies, struggles and mistakes made along the road to independence for three of my four autistic brothers have become a gift for other moms.  Other sisters.  Other families.   I don’t know if it is ‘smart’ or ‘right’, but I do know that it is beautiful and helpful.  And downright funny!

I have four sons of my own, my two youngest being almost autistic themselves and my highlighter was put to the test during my first, second and third reading of mom’s new book.  The overall attitude and narrative make the concrete parenting answers easily grasped, understood and remembered.

The sharing of miracles made and recognized by some of her clients from all over the world, invite a feeling of global understanding regarding autism and parenting in general.   They also remind us to see the miracles when they are made.  So many examples leave few readers and their unique situations feeling left out.  We are all represented in this book, and given concrete tools and understanding.

I love this book and sing its praise loudly.  I share with friends, teachers and strangers.  I carry a copy with me at all times and have given it proudly as a gift to struggling parents.  I am working as hard as I can to introduce my mom and her message to the world, proudly learning as she steps on stage, talks on the radio and appears on television. I love this book and recommend it to parents (not just of autism) everywhere. I love my mom and recommend her, too!

~Tsara Shelton

Book: Kate Kate The Fashion Plate

[ABOUT]Kate’s adventures are educational, inspirational and encourage girls to follow their dreams.  WEBSITE

[OVERVIEW] Kate has been busy designing dresses for Marie and Antoinette, her two little dogs.But now she has a chance to shine as a famous fashion designer, or so she thinks.   When Kate’s mom, a fashion icon and head of The Costume Institute at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, arranges for Kate to help dress the mannequins at Bergs, New York’s fanciest department store, Kate is jumping for joy.  Kate has to promise her mother that she will dress in the latest style, “plain and simple” when she goes to Bergs, and not  in one of her own designs. But it seems Kate has a problem. Although she tries, she just can’t  look like everyone else. Even worse, the dresses she is given to put on the mannequins are so “booring” they make Kate feel sad. Bursting with ideas on how to give the dresses more sparkle and pizzazz, Kate gets carried away …. until Mrs. Blinker, the owner of Bergs walks in and sees what Kate is doing.  Now that Kate is in big trouble, what will happen to her dreams of being a fashion designer? Does Kate learn that she has to look like everyone else to be accepted?

[REVIEW] This is a wonderful new book series for young tweens [ages 6-10]. This will be our next mother-daughter Book Club pick. It was a fun, charming, and an easy read that kept my daughter engaged and entertained.

Husky: 45-Piece Stubby Combination Wrench and Socket Set

[ABOUT] Convenient set includes all of the most commonly used bits and sockets plus a ratcheting screwdriver that indexes up to 180 degrees

  • 45-piece set provides a generous collection of compatible tools for use on the job or at home
  • Includes a ratcheting screwdriver that is able to index up to 180 degrees and locks into 9 different positions to help make the job easier
  • Ratcheting Screwdriver and Ratchet features a rubber grip handle for comfortable and non-slip grip
  • Set includes 1/4 in. and 3/8 in. Ratchet, Stubby Wrench, and Ratcheting Screwdriver, plus 12 SAE sockets and 13 Metric sockets
  • Additional pieces include 1/4 x 3/8 adaptor, 15 screwdriver bits and a screwdriver adaptor
  • The screwdriver’s ratcheting feature and stubby size help get into tight spots
  • Useful set for household repairs and auto work
  • Comes in a compact and handy carry case for easy portability and storage
  • Backed by Husky’s Forever Guarantee
  • WEBSITE [available at Home Depot]

[REVIEW] Every household needs something this compact and convenient. This is an excellent stocking stuffer for any man in your life!

By ParentClick Editor Posted in Movies

Banangrams Games

[ABOUT] Bananagrams is the first in the bunch, the game that started it all. Great portable word games for kids of all ages.

  • Bananagrams: The Anagram game that will drive you bananas. The award-winning word game that needs no pencil, paper, or board. Fast and fun. Players race against each other to build crossword grids and use all their letter tiles first. Great for travel. [players ages 7-97]
  • Pairsinpears: Fresh Fun comes in pears. Race to make pairs of connecting words in matching patterns. A great way for children to develop memory and cognitive skills while learning the alphabet, pattern recognition, vowels, vocabulary, rhyming, and more. Advanced players can use semi-palindromes and palindromes to win extra points. The pear-shaped pouch contains four full alphabet sets in four distinct patterns. [players ages six and up]
  • Appleletters: An Apple a day for us all to play. Create a continuous word snake by adding your word to the head or tail. Orginally designed with younger players in mind, APPLETTERS features three levels of play to amuse children and challenge adults. The free-standing tiles are easy to handle and can be used to play three different games. [players ages six and up]
  • Zip-It: The Twenty-second word race you can play anyplace. Take 12 cubes and race against your opponent to build a word grid. One hand can be played in as little as 20 seconds and everything you need is in the bag. An exhilarating, high-speed, two-player game with 24 letter cubes in a unique cloth pouch with colored scoring zippers.The ability to play on an airplane or train makes Zip-It the ultimate travel game. Each pouch includes a WEORDS dictonary of weird words that help win word games. [players ages seven and up]
  • Fruitominoes: Connect Fruit, instead of dots. Take turns matching six attractive fruit patterns. A fresh, fruity and colorful twist to the classic game of dominoes. Twenty-eight beautifully crafted dominoes in a compact pouch make this a great game for young and old. [players ages five and up]
  • WEBSITE

[REVIEWS] We LOVE these games. We bought our first set a year ago when we were traveling and they were a hit with the whole family and kids ranging from 6-13 years. It is faster and simpler than scrabble and it is completely engaging. It is easy to take with you and quick to set up so we keep one in the car.

Cupcaqe Muffin Meal

[ABOUT] A brand new bakeware accessory that makes cup-like holes in regular or large size muffins or cupcakes so that you can fill with your imagination.

  • Fits any regular or large size muffin or cupcake pan (any brand, make or model)
  • Easy adjustable cup locks into place to make shallow or deeper holes as desired and slides out effortlessly.
  • Fast and easy clean-up – dishwasher safe
  • FDA approved – high temperature sturdy plastic bakeware
  • Make your next muffin a meal and you will never have leftovers again.
  • Kids will love helping you bake with muffinmealTM.
  • Endless batter and filling combinations
  • You will never have a problem trying to get your kids to eat breakfast, lunch or dinner.
  • WEBSITE

RECIPES

  • Lemon Cupcakes Stuffed with Fruit
  • Carrot Cake with Baked Apples
  • Meatloaf with Mashed Potatoes
  • Chili & Cornbread

[REVIEW] This bakeware accessory easily allowed us to make a fun, delicious meal without a lot of extra effort. We tested the muffinmeal ™ with cornbread and chili for an unique dinner. It’s easy to imagine making fancy cupcakes for birthday parties and Girls’ Nights. helping me be more creative in the kitchen than I really am.