Vado HD

I have never had a video camera up till the end of last year. Then I received my first hand held point and shoot video camera. It was easy to use, and great to take everywhere with me. I loved having something I could easily hook up to my computer and use for vlogging.

The only problem I had is that is wasn't a very high quality picture. I wanted something that wasn't fuzzy and was just as easy to use. That is when I came across the Vado HD. It has been great to use. If you want to see the difference between the two and hear all the positive and negative aspects of the two separate cameras, be sure to stop by and read my whole review on my site, Sweet 'n' Sassy Girls.

BooginHead SippiGrip

Does your little one love to throw everything ? Do their sippy cups always end up on the floor or ground ? Have you had to chase a sippy cup down a aisle of the store while shopping or even while pushing the stroller. While in the car do you have screaming toddler because they can not reach their cup. If you answered yes, then you need the the SippiGrip ! SippiGrip is a is durable, washable and has a unique grip material for a strong hold. SippiGrip grips your child's cup, bottle or toy for a secure and safe fit!

I am not sure why my toddler thinks if he is in the shopping cart or in his stroller he MUST throw his cup constantly. I can not tell you how many cups we have lost !

As you can see in the photo of my son in his stroller the SippyGrip works great ! We went to the zoo on Mothers Day and it was so nice not to worry where his cup was and it was always in his reach. I also always take the SippiGrip to the grocery store and attach his cup to the cart.

To read my full review and for a chance to WIN a SippiGrip & BinkiGrip Visit HERE !

KODAK EASYSHARE Z1015 IS

I love taking photos, you can say it is my hobby but I call it my mommy time !!

A few years ago I just had to have a SLR camera, I love the quality of photos but did not realize how heavy it was to take with me for a day out with the kids or how expensive it was to by extra lenses to have just a little zoom. I find myself leaving it behind and not using it.

I came across the the KODAK EASYSHARE Z1015 IS ,with 10 mega pixels and 15X zoom, the Z1015 is embodies the some of the qualities of an SLR minus the cost and difficulty! Plus it is not as heavy and bulky ! This is my must take everywhere camera !

To read the full review and enter to WIN a KODAK EASYSHARE Z1015 IS visit Life In A House OF Blue. Contest ends 6/14.....Just in time for Fathers Day !!!

Summer Party: Vado Pocket Video Camera

Imagine the memories that will be created this summer. How will you catch them? A clunky camcorder? Probably not, because you'll leave it behind when you realize how much OTHER stuff you have to carry. Diaper Bags, Totes, Snacks & Drinks, etc.

But, what if you could catch memories on a slim, pocket-sized camera. The Vado. When we went to Downtown Disney, I left my Canon at home, because of the size. But the Vado I slipped in my pocket and managed to capture memories at the water fountain, train ride and the Lego store. In fact, you can't stop me when I have the Vado. I take it on walks, to the playground, playdates and more - because you never now when that "perfect" shot will happen. And I don't want to be camera-less!

Plus, there are SO MANY great features about the Vado - just in case you are doing some comparative shopping. Things I noticed, compared to my other "slim" camcorder are:

HUGE 2" Screen. Whoa. After looking through a 1.5" screen for so long on the other camera, the Vado's 2" anti-glare screen is like watching my videos on a movie-theater! Everything is so crisp and clear!

Rechargeable Battery. I know that if you upgrade the "other" camera, you can get a rechargeable battery. But the Vado comes with the rechargeable battery, standard. So no more batteries dying after a week. Every time you plug your Vado into your computer it recharges. And of course you'll be plugging it in often, to upload those awesome summer memories!

Flexible USB Tab. How many people who own the other camera have already experienced a broken USB tab. Raise your hand! The other camera's built in USB tab is so stiff, that if you accidentally knock it (or a curious toddler does), it snaps. But the Vado's is flexible. It has some give. So, a definite mom-must-have-feature.

Pocket-Sized. This thing is REALLY pocket-sized. I stick it in my front pocket, back pocket, diaper bag pocket. No reason to ever leave it behind. There is always room for V-A-D-O-Vado! (Sung in the Jello jingle way)

Here is my Buzz about the Vado!


And look at the videos shot by your Summer Party hosts - me @ the Mom Buzz and Susan @ Life in a House of Blue. We'll both be using Vado videos to show off as many summer must-haves as possible!

And just a suggestion - Mother's Day is RIGHT around the corner. You may want to hint to some people that a Vado is an awesome, affordable gift.

WIN - SUMMER BLOCK PARTY

Creative Labs is giving three Vados away as part of our Summer Promotion! Read how to enter below and put your entry(ies) into the form!

Visit Creative Labs and tell me what item you love, other than the Vado described above.

EXTRA ENTRIES:
To receive these extra opportunities for entries, you must fulfill the first REQUIRED entry. But for extra entries, you can:

• Add the Mom Buzz to your Twitter and Tweet the contest. Leave the Twitterlink.
• Blog about the contest - add a link to the Mom Buzz and the Sponsor
• Add the Mom Buzz button to your site OR add the Mom Buzz to your blog roll.
• Add the Summer Party button to your site.

<a href="http://themombuzz.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="The Mom Buzz" src="http://i452.photobucket.com/albums/qq244/erintales/SummerPartycopy.jpg" /></a>

Contest Ends May 30. Please read complete rules.

For more chances to win, visit:
Life in a House of Blue
Look What Mom Found
As They Grow Up
The Mom Buzz

Flipper Toothbrush Holder

My son received this adorable Retriever Flipper from the My Flipper USA My Puppy Collection . You may be wondering, What is a flipper ? A flipper holds your toothbrush and will allow your toothbrush to dry quicker and keeps it from getting contaminated . The holder has 2 strong suction cups on the back, it sticks to mirrors, tiles, etc. The patented snap-closed mechanism is really easy to use. When I opened the package I was unsure if it would really stay on our mirror especially after being used a couple of times....well it did ! To read full review, get a 20% off discount code and see video visit Life In A House Of Blue !

Belkin Surge Protectors

If you are trying to conserve energy, you might want to look into Belkin surge protectors. They have outlets that are "always on" for things like clocks that need constant power. Then they have "switchable" outlets that allow you to turn the outlets off when you aren't using those items. This is great for TV's, DVD players, computers, printers, etc. You simply switch them on using a remote control when you want those items to be on. This helps reduce the electricity that is used when something is plugged in, but not turned on. Be sure to visit my blog Sweet 'n' Sassy Girls to read more about Belkin Surge protectors and find out how we used ours.

Panasonic Inverter Microwave

Is your microwave living up to it's true potential? Do you really ONLY want to use it to reheat food and burn make popcorn? Why bother wasting valuable kitchen space with it? If you want a microwave, I have disovered one that can handle the day-to-day needs of nourishing my family.

This microwave is something that can COOK meals, not just reheat them. Microwave, Bake and Broil - do it all! And I don't want overcooked edges and undercooked insides. I do want healthy meals. And it HAS to be easy to use!

Panasonic answered. First off, I trust the brand. My first Panasonic Microwave was over 20 years old when I had the opportunity to try the new Panasonic Inverter Microwave (NN-C994S). And I know I am not the only one with a Panasonic that old - and working. Second, the Panasonic Inverter Microwave that I received is also a Convection Oven! So while I am baking a rum cake in the Panasonic, I can simultaneously bake cupcakes in my other oven. It's so convenient. I can also cook WHOLE MEALS in minutes - getting only one dish dirty.

And the Microwave has a setting that talks you through how to use it, even if it does have a lot of buttons and knobs. It tells you which one to push next for that PERFECT MEAL.

It's so easy to use and I am so pleased with it. Plus, it has one IMPORTANT MUST-HAVE feature. It's stainless steel exterior is smudge-proof. I love that!

So learn more about the Panasonic at the Mom Buzz. And there is even an opportunity to WIN one of the fabulous microwave ovens!

Learn more and win!

WIN and READ a FULL REVIEW - Contest Ends May 2nd

OF MOMS and MICROWAVES

Designer Laptop Bags

I am a Mom on the go. Whether I'm in class or just heading to the coffee shop for some "alone" time, my laptop comes with me. Carrying a laptop with you can be tedious and bulky if you don't have the right laptop bag and accessories. Kolobags offers a variety of designer laptop bags perfect for carrying your laptop in style.

Kolobags is all about style. Technology can take on a new sense of fashion with Kolobags.

To learn more about Kolobags and your chance to win a laptop tote from Kolobags, head over to For The Love of Baby!

Panasonic Thermopot

Coffee & Tea Lovers rejoice! Now you can have hot water at demand, thanks to the Panasonic Thermopot. This kitchen appliance rocks and has so many super uses. You almost wonder how you did without!

It keeps your water hot so you can recharge with caffeine, relax with tea and make some quick meals for breakfast and lunch at a moment's notice. It's also great for making warm bottles for baby!

Plus, it is safer than boiling water on the stove with a little curious toddler around your legs and it also means you won't forget that you were heating up water in the microwave - only to let it get cold again as you did a diaper change, cleaned up toys and throw a load in the washer.

Pretty much - it's a must-have for busy moms - which is EVERY MOM!

Learn more by visiting my in-depth review at theMomBuzz.

WIN:
There is a contest going on right now for a ThermoPot at theMomBuzz. Visit the review to enter: Anyone Can Boil Water.

Keurig Platinum Brewing System

Do you have coffee drinkers in your home ? Do they all like different kinds of coffee or some like it weak and some like it strong ? In our house my husband likes his coffee very strong, way to strong for me. I add water to my cup to help but it is still not like I like it ! With the Keurig Platinum Single-Cup Brewing System both my husband and myself can have a great tasting cup of coffee just the way we like it ! We were able to try a variety of coffee, teas and hot chocolates which were all delicious. To read my full review of the Keurig and enter to WIN one for your home visit HERE !

The FLIP Digital Camcorder

You've seen the videos on blogs. They've caught your eye as you walk past in the store. But of course, is a FLIP Digital Camcorder worth it? I have owned the FLIP Ultra now for several months and have caught some great memories on video. This fun device can record up to 60 minutes of video and much much more!

Head on over to For The Love of Baby! to check out my experience with the FLIP, some video that has been caught on this camcorder, and the pros (and cons!) to decide if this camcorder is the right choice for you.

SafetyMate

Have you ever wondered exactly what you need to do for say, a bee sting? Well there are times I have wondered that and just didn't have time to search the internet, or found it unnecessary to call the doctor to find out. Now, it is easier than ever with the Safety Mate. This amazing device is a talking first aid kit and it really works fantastic.

In an emergency situation a lot of us panic or forget what to do, or simply don’t know what to do. To read more about SafetyMate review visit As They Grow Up. Also, while you are there, don't forget to enter for a chance to win one for yourself!!

Spread Heads Review and Giveaway

You wanna add some gross to meal time? Of course you don’t but I’m sure the kids do. Here’s a compromise, Spread Heads. You won’t be adding anything inedible or nasty to the meal just the normal condiments. The concept is simple, Ketchup Charlie snots out ketchup and Mustard Marvin pukes mustard. Yup, you read that right, snot and puke at the dinner table. Ok let me explain, rather let me show you.


That got you laughing right; it got my son laughing too. We aren’t big mustard eaters so we put Marvin on our ranch dressing bottle, it really doesn’t matter what color it is, it’s still gross and funny at the same time.

Do these guys sound like the perfect pair to fit into your family? Spread Heads is giving a PlayDate Picks reader the chance to win a set of their own.

MANDATORY ENTRY:Visit Spread Heads and tell me something about the company. (Be Sure To Leave a Valid Email Address)

Extra Entries: the Mandatory Entry must be done first. Leave a comment for each action taken.

• Follow PlayDate Picks on Twitter and Tweet about the giveaway
• Follow PlayDate Picks Add PlayDate Picks button to your blog
• Blog about this giveaway with links back to Spread Heads & PlayDate Picks!
• Join PlayDate Picks Forum and come back here and let us know your member name

If your entries do not follow the rules, they will be deleted!
Contest ends at 11:59pm EST on Friday March 20, 2009. If the prize is not claimed within 48 hours a new winner will be chosen. I will email prize winner and also post winners name here on Playdate Picks the day after the contest ends.
Winner will be chosen at Random! I will be using Random.com to select the winner.
Contest open to U.S. residents only.

Loud Enough Review

I know that I can't be the only mother in the world that seems to always be telling their children to turn down the music. I always worry that they are playing the Ipods too loud and in the end will damage their hearing. Thanks to LoudEnough I don't have to worry as much.

I recently received LoudEnoughs to try, and I thought who better to try them out was my 13 year old daughter. She is the one that we have to tell a million times a day to turn her music down.

She loved the way they had the case and since LoudEnough is designed with kids in mind, it comes with 3 different sizes of ear tips. They fit perfectly and still allowed her to listen to her music but at a safe level. To read more of the LoudEnough review, visit As They Grow Up

Shandle

Are you a mom of boys and hate the idea of them having to touch the toilet seat when they put the seat up and down ? The Shandle is a handle that easily attaches to the seat of your toilet. The shandle is an innovative bathroom accessory with built-in antimicrobial protection that makes lifting the toilet seat easier and cleaner than ever. This mom of boys loves that our shandle gives them a reminder to put the seat down when they are finished especially when mom goes to sit !!! To read my full review of the Shandle visit Life In A House Of Blue !

Peek - Simply Email

What better way to stay connected with your loved one. With Peek you can send love letters all day and night. This Valentine's Day say it by email!
Peek is having a Valentine's Day sale going on NOW ! Get a Peek for under $50.00, regular $79.95 !

What is a Peek ? Peek is the only mobile device devoted solely to email. If you are looking for something with all the bells and whistles the Peek is not for you ! The best part of the Peek is NO CONTRACTS !

To read my Peek review go HERE !

Misikko - Hana Professional Flat Iron

Are you looking to save time when it comes to straightening your hair ? If so check out the Hana Professional Flat Iron from Misikko. This flat iron straightens my hair a lot faster and my hair stays straighter longer compared to other flat irons I have tried in the past ! To read my full review on the Hana Professional Flat Iron and to see before & after photos of my hair, visit Life In A House Of Blue.

Smart Shopper *CLOSED*

When I sit down to make my shopping list most of the time it takes me FOREVER since most of the time I can not remember what I need to buy. I have to look in the refrigerator, pantry, etc. to see what needs to be put on my list. Since I received the Smart Shopper that is a thing of the past ! The Smart Shopper is an automated grocery list organizer that runs on AA batteries and
can be placed on a counter top, wall mounted or it is magnetic and can go on the refrigerator . Using Nuance's state-of-the-art voice recognition technology, you simply presses a button on the unit and speaks the name of a grocery item you need. When you are ready to go to the store just push the print button and your list is printed, the list is also organized by departments like meat, dairy etc. I find with my list I save time and also money in the store since I know exactly what I need.

See Smart Shopper In Action !

WIN a Smart Shopper !

MANDATORY ENTRY:

• Visit Smart Shopper, then leave a comment letting me know one fact from their site that is not in this post..
  

EXTRA ENTRIES:
To receive these extra entries, you must do the MANDATORY entry.

• Follow PDP on Twitter & Tweet about the contest.
• Add Playdate Picks Button to your blog . (right sidebar)
  
• Follow Playdate Picks ! (right sidebar)
• Join Playdaye Picks Forum HERE and let us know your member name!
• Blog about the contest - add a link to Playdate Picks & Smart Shopper
  

If entries do not follow rules, they will be deleted !
One winner will be chosen! I will be using a random number generator to select the winner.Contest ends at 11:59pm CST on Sunday February 8,2009.If the prize is not claimed in 48 hours a new winner will be chosen.Contest open to U.S. residents only.The winner will be announced on PDP (and emailed) Monday February 9,2009.

The Shandle

As we all know with little ones, for some reason they feel that HAVE to touch the toilet seat. No matter how much we ask them not too, the little hands always find a way to get there. All I have to say about that is, thank goodness for The Shandle. This little gadget is wonderful. The one you see pictured is the one we have in our house and my son LOVES it. Oh and I love his hands not touching the potty seat. Since we received this, he uses is all the time. To read more of my review on The Shandle, visit As They Grow Up. While you are there, don't forget to enter for a chance to win!!

Kajeet

Does your child/teen want a cell phone ? Are you worried about huge bills and long contracts ? Well here is your solution: Kajeet is a cell phone service made for kids ! Kajeet has no contracts, no activation fees and no surprise bills . You can also manage who your kid can talk to and text, what time of day the phone can be used ,how much money can be spent, and what features can be used. I also really like the GPS feature they offer.To read my full review of Kajeet visit Life In A House Of Blue !