We’ve been a big fan of Baby Einstein DVDs since Savannah was a baby. 2 years later, I cannot even begin to tell you all the words and sign language she has learned through watching.  Let’s just say it’s proven to be a valuable part of our DVD collection.  So, when Mom Central gave me the opportunity to preview Baby Einstein’s newest DVD called World Music (it comes out next Tuesday, March 31st!), of course I jumped at it. We also received the World Music CD to try out.

This DVD is full of different cultures, musical instruments, dancing styles, animals, nature scenes…and of course those funny puppets.  While Savannah was confused there were not any babies in this one (she kept asking for babies), only older children and adults unlike her other Einstein DVDs, it certainly kept her attention. Every time a new picture popped up on the screen of a zebra, giraffe, pyramid, water fall, etc. she kept asking, “What’s that Mommy?” and I would tell her. Again, this DVD proved to be a great education resource and expanding her knowledge of the world and new vocabulary.

What’s really cool about this DVD that I haven’t noticed on others is that it has a “Grow With Me” feature.  Basically, there are 2 different viewing options. One that is the typical pictures with music, and another one that adds words to the pictures encouraging recognition of words.  So as your baby turns into toddler or preschooler, it adds another layer of learning. Love, love, love this idea and feature!  The second option also includes more Puppet shows to show interaction and grow their sense of humor.

The CD contains the same instrumental music that showcase different parts of the world, from America to Spain to China. However the CD expands on the music more and even includes some songs sung in different languages!  Which, honesty might even help me some as I’m continuing my own Spanish lessons (for my English degree…? I don’t know why either).

While this is not my top favorite Baby Einstein DVD (I’m partial to First Signs because it helped us communicate when she was just a baby!), this video is definitely educational for babies, toddlers, and parents alike.  It takes us beyond our limited view and helps us explore different cultures. What I noticed is the the drum is in every puppet scene, no matter what country they were showing, as if to show that music connects us all no matter where we live.

We all have music.

The winner is…Crystal!  Congrats I’ll email you for your information and get it passed along to the company.

And the two people that will get 5% off codes: Jill and Ivymae!  I’ll email you both with the codes.

Thanks for entering everyone!

At home teeth whitening products have been around for a few years now, and they seem to get better and better. The last time I used a teeth whitening product was in preparation for our wedding nearly 2 years ago. Mark and I both wanted sparkly white smiles for our big day, so we bought the Crest Whitestrips to try.  In short: I hated them.  They slid of my teeth, they produced an unsightly amount of spit in my mouth and just over all felt “yucky.” I resorted to the overnight kind because I could just brush it on, go to sleep, and not think about it.

However, a few weeks ago I received a review opportunity to try the new Crest  Whitestrips Advanced Seal and since I had an unpleasant experience before, I thought this would be the perfect chance to see if they really have improved. As soon as they arrived I tested them out, and surprisingly, yes! They have improved! The advanced strips specifically were made to temporarily adhere to your teeth to better stay put, even while you talk or drink.  They also didn’t produce all that spit since things stayed put. In fact, they were so comfortable and convenient, I forgot to take them off after 30 minutes!  Luckily, no harm done though and they easily peeled right off with no nasty left over gunk (unlike the night time brand I used to use). I haven’t completed the full recommended time of 2 weeks, but my husband says my teeth already look whiter.

The only negative issue is that it seems to burn my gums a tiny bit so I’ve learned not to place the strips on them, but to align the strip with the gum line.  It also is a bit pricey at around $45 but for the quality and outcome once a year, I think it’s worth it. Especially, compared to what it would cost at the dentist.  But, there is a coupon available on their website to help with the cost!

Overall, I think these are much improved and will continue to use them to keep my smile white

I have a confession: When I was in kindergarten, I so desperately wanted glasses I pretended I couldn’t read those eye chart things so my Mom would take me to get some.  In short: my plan didn’t work and my Mom was sure stumped at how I couldn’t see one day but was fine the next.

I’ve always wanted glasses. I’m sure people who have to wear glasses find this funny that I would want to, but I see glasses as a way to add more personality to a face, to be more distinguished looking, or to just look “cool.”   But, I could never justify buying myself a pair of glasses for those purposes until a review opportunity came along for a free pair of glasses from EyeBuyDirect.com! And, I could get them without a prescription in the lenses!  EyeBuyDirect aims to be a convenient way to buy new glasses that are the same quality as what’s in stores, but saving at least 70% of the cost!

I began searching for my new glasses right away and the website was very easy to navigate. There were tons of choices, both men and women, from simple rimless to crazy bright colored frames, they had it all.  However, like buying most things online, I was a bit hesitant…because wait…I can’t try them on first can I?  Nope. But they do have some extremely helpful tools to help you “try on” glasses virtually. All you need is a picture! They have several angles of each pair of glasses and you can even select ones to compare against each other. They also have a great 100% satisfaction guarantee return/exchange policy if for whatever reason you aren’t satisfied with your choice once it arrives.

The real beauty of this website though are the prices!  The pair I bought (the Donna in brown/copper) was only $49.95. Others are as low as $7.95.   Now, like I said, I’ve never bought glasses before but from what I’ve heard from from my relatives that wear glasses, theirs cost much more than this.  Each pair of glasses also comes with a sturdy clear plastic case and a lens cloth.

So what if you do need prescription lenses?  All you need is your current prescription numbers from your eye doctor to enter at checkout once you pick out the frames you want.   If you don’t? Just click “I use my glasses for fashion only.” The website makes it very easy to check out and has several other enhancing options from thinner lenses to light adjusting to get exactly what you need.

Overall I am very satisfied with my experience with EyeBuyDirect and I love my glasses (I would upload a picture of me with the new glasses but my camera’s batteries are dead).  My only somewhat negative experience was finding a picture of me for the virtual “EyeTry” that wasn’t too big or too small.  I had to hunt through my hundreds of photos and play with the cropping/size to find one suitable.  My suggestion: make it easy on yourself. Just take a picture with you facing straight forward and upload it. It will save time, trust me.  Also, it took nearly 2 weeks for my glasses to arrive which is longer than I expected it to be. But, I understand that each pair of glasses are made especially for one person and that takes time!

And guess what? You can win a giftcode to receive a free pair of glasses up to $100 (excluding designer glasses and sunglasses)! Just comment on this post with the link to your favorite frames by March 13th.  For extra entries (comment separately for each one)  you can also upload a photo with “EyeTry” and leave a comment with the link.  Also, you can twitter about the giveaway, blog about it, and subscribe to my feed. One winner will be chosen randomly and announced on March 14th.

I also have two 5% off codes that two runners up will win.

This review opportunity was provided by The Family Review Network.

Congrats Tangie from Save Your Money Mama!

If you will respond to my email with the necessary information, we’ll get the toothbrush and gift bag sent right away!

Thanks to everyone who entered and don’t forget there is a $1 coupon available for the Crayola Timer Light Toothbrush.  Just enter the code CRAYTL at www.gumbrand.com