Nov 16

Learning With Cypher Kids 3D Interactive Cards #CypherKidsClub #cbias

Nov 16

Being a child of the 80′s, there is no denying that technology has evolved and expanded since my days growing up. It amazes me that we have gone from beepers to cell phones, computers to laptops, and now we have skinny tablets to take care of all our needs. At three years old Toodie has mastered using technology to play games, learn, and interact. These days books are not the only source of learning. There are advanced computer programs and apps to help our children expand their knowledge in numbers, letters, and identifying animals. Since my daughter is very device savvy, I was eager to introduce her to the Cypher Kids Augmented Reality Cards.

Cypher Entertainment has created the 3D Interactive Cards that not only bring learning to life but also make it exciting! The cards are available in three educational categories: Wild Animal Adventures, Letters, & Numbers. They are targeted for children ages 3 and up, providing a 3D experience without the use of any glasses! You can use the cards with most Apple devices including the iPhone 3GS, iPhone 4, iPhone 4S, iPhone 5, iPod touch (3rd generation), iPod touch (4th generation), iPod touch (5th generation), and the iPad. The app that corresponds with each deck of cards can be found free to download within the Apple Itunes Store. Shortly after browsing for the Cypher Kid’s app, we headed to our nearby Target to get a closer look at the interactive cards.

Once we arrived in the electronics section it was easy to find the aisle displaying App Accessories for Apple gadgets. The boxes of cards were displayed on the top row and all three options were available to choose from. I thought Toodie would have a hard time picking which set she would like but she immediately went for the Wild Animal Adventures pack. That’s my girl, the animal lover! Each set is sold for $29.99 plus tax. You can see more photos of our shopping trip in my Google+ album here.

Each individual box also has a QR code on the back which can be scanned to take you to the direct download for the matching app. We took all of the 18 cards out of the box and laid them out so Toodie could get familiar with the animals. Once she chose which one she would like to learn about, we turned the card over to be scanned by the iPad. Ideally the card should be laying flat on a surface so the camera can pick up the required information. Within a few seconds the card comes to life and a 3D image pops up. You get to learn about the animals and their habitats while watching them roam around the screen.

The Wild Animal Adventure Deck has two different options when you first access the app, exploration and snapshots. Exploration gives an inside look at where the animal lives while listening to prompts that allow your child to interact with the picture. After listening to a short description about the penguin, you can click the photo and watch them dive into the water! Snapshots shows you what the animal looks like by placing its photo right on the card. You can move the card around to look from different angles. This is such a cool feature! The animals look and sound so realistic. I was impressed with the accuracy and attention to detail.

Soon after buying the animal deck, I was given the opportunity to purchase the two remaining card sets. Since my iPad has been continuously occupied this week, I took that as a big red flag that someone was really enjoying them! With this in mind I didn’t hesitate and made my way back to Target for the others. Just like the Wild Animal Adventures, the Number flashcards had large 3d graphics and bold colors which catch your attention. The numbers range from 1 to 20 and each is paired with a set of different objects to encourage counting in order.

The Letters deck was made up off 26 cards highlighting each letter of the alphabet in depth. The two digital characters, Digi & Beebot, focus on lower-case and uppercase forms of letters along with pronunciation. Out of all three of the card sets, this was my favorite because I felt it offered the most interaction. The pictures were cute and the robots had quirky personalities which kept Toodie engaged during play.

This season if you have children to shop for these are going to make great gifts and stocking stuffers. I am hoping that in the future they will come out with extended educational categories for other age groups so she can grow with the program. With an upcoming family vacation only weeks away, these are going to be helpful in keeping my munchkin entertained on the long car ride. I highly recommend all three of the interactive card decks, especially if you have children that love to learn!

For more information on the Cypher Kids Augmented Reality Cards you can check your local Target or stop by the Cypher Kids Club website. For updates and to interact with other fans, visit Cypher Kids Club on Facebook or follow along on Twitter.

Disclosure: I am a member of the Collective Bias™ Social Fabric® Community. This shop has been compensated as part of a social shopper insights study for Collective Bias™ and Cypher Kids Club #CBias #SocialFabric

Oct 15

Fun Fall Fashions At Cookie’s Kids Online #CookiesKids #CBias

Oct 15

We may not have the typical Fall weather here in Florida, but I always like to clean out Toodie’s wardrobe this time of year and make way for new styles. It is hard for us to tell when the season actually arrives given there are no bright colored leaves or squirrels running around with acorns. The one thing that assures us it is here, is beloved Football! Within the next few months it will begin to cool down calling for long sleeve shirts, jeans, jackets, and light sweaters. I’m anxiously awaiting the morning I will wake up and it’s breezy outside. Since my toddler is effortlessly growing like a weed, the clothing we buy usually only lasts one season. When the next year rolls around, most of the pieces in her closet are too small for further use. After rummaging through the pieces that still fit, it was time to get shopping for new Fall fashions on the #CookiesKids website!

The Cookieskids.com website was very new to me but I have heard wonderful things about their sales on name brand clothing as well as school uniforms. Before shopping I wanted to get a little background information on the company and how they were started. On top of their thriving online shop, Cookie’s Kids currently has 7 stores within the NYC area in Bronx, Brooklyn, & Jamaica.

About Cookie’s Kids

In 1972, a young man named Cookie and his brother Marvin went into business together. They rented a 1600 square foot store in Jamaica, Queens, fixed it up, bought inventory and Summer and Fall, and opened a day after Thanksgiving with a full stock of holiday toys. The toys were a success and they put the extra money toward buying children’s clothing for the next season. When that did well, they bought more clothing.

The business was on its way.

As the brothers Cookie, Marvin and Sonny, who had come in as a third partner in the business, began to open new stores in new locations, inventory expanded. Besides the latest fashions, our customers wanted shoes, toys, backpacks and accessories and we were prepared to deliver. By the late 1990′s there were six superstores throughout the NYC area, and though they previously had different names, by that time they were all named Cookie’s Kids. Also in the late ’90s came an important addition to Cookie’s Kids’ inventory: school uniforms. It was the steady success in uniform sales that paved the way for founding CookiesKids.com in 2007, which originally sold uniforms and soon after the entire Cookie’s Kids Inventory.

Cookie’s Kids has a broad variety of clothing for girls and boys on top of accessories, toys, shoes, and uniforms. With their well organized departments I could easily browse through each section to find what I was looking for. I really did enjoy looking through each department to see what they had to offer. While it is now Fall, they had clothing for every season available. This appealed to me because while it may be cold in some states, it is still hot and humid here in Florida. I mainly focused on the little girl’s clothing in hopes of adding to my daughter’s fall wardrobe. I found many recognizable name brands that were discounted and affordable.

After coming across a few cute outfits that I thought would be appropriate, I found the Alva Kids application icon nearby. This assisted me in choosing the right size based on the measurements I provided. This application is unique because it stores your child’s sizing information and as they grow, their profile will as well. Each time you come back to purchase you will have updated recommendations.

I was overwhelmed by all of the choices in the little girl’s department. I spent a long time going back and forth between the sets and the sweatsuits. Ultimately, I decided to stick to the sets which included a top and pants. My daughter has more clothes than anyone I know but whenever I need to find the matching bottoms to her shirts, they can’t be found! Buying sets helps me keep the outfit together and makes getting her dressed in the morning that much easier. The long sleeve shirts will be good to have on hand when we get a surprise cold front. Some of them even came with three pieces for a great price.

The checkout process was a breeze and I even scored an extra 5% off with a coupon code I found online. My Cookie’s Kids order was processed and on the way. I couldn’t wait to get my daughter into her new Fall clothing.

Both of these trendy sets were only $12.99 a piece, including the top and bottom for each. From the pictures on their site I expected them to be cute but I was in love when I saw them on! The Alva Kids sizing application was completely accurate in choosing the best size for my daughter’s tall lean stature. I was worried about the leggings being too big but the waste fit perfectly and they were both down to her ankles.

We both loved her new outfits and Toodie had no problem putting on a little fashion show outside for mommy. I wasn’t the only one satisfied with my Cookie’s Kid choices. The Dotted Bows Set was loose, flowing, and had a touch of sparkle. The top was sheer and covered in big white bows while black sequins accented the neckline. I noticed that the black leggings were thicker and softer than what I am used to buying. It’s so hard to find leggings that are not thin, see through, and rip after a busy day running around on the playground. These felt much more durable while still remaining soft. There was plenty of room for her to grow into the whole outfit which will get a lot of use within Fall and Winter.

Toodie was ecstatic when she saw that the second set had a huge gold sequined heart on the front. The Heart Of Gold outfit is also sold in silver with a huge sparkly bow on the front along with the lining on the bottom. After seeing this one I couldn’t even decide which was cuter! I was impressed with these outfits and noticed they were both made by a brand called Royal Buzz. I was not familiar with this brand prior to this shopping experience but will be checking back often to see what they have. Now that I am aware of the high quality and low prices, I can’t wait to place my second order. Cookie’s Kids made shopping online an enjoyable experience. I was able to expand Toodie’s Fall wardrobe without standing in long lines or leaving the comfort of my home. I can only hope they will consider bringing a retail location down South!

Cookie’s Kids has also created a new program known as the credit refund policy. This means if you buy something one day for $8.99 and the next day it gets discounted to $7.99, your account will be credited the difference for future use!

If you would like to keep up with the current Cookie’s Kids promotions you can follow along on Facebook and Twitter.

You can take a look at my full shopping experience at CookiesKids.com in my Google+ album here.

I also have a coupon code for all of my wonderful readers.
By entering youngatheartmommy at checkout you will receive 10% off sitewide! This offer expires 12/14/12.

Oct 11

First Aid Kit Makeover Featuring BAND-AID Brand Quiltvent Bandages #HealthyValue #CBias

Oct 11

A first aid kit is something every parent and household should have at least one of. Being the parent of a toddler there is always a scrape, scratch, or bruise that needs a little extra TLC. With that being said, I noticed that ours has been on the skimpy side lately and could use a makeover. Heading to Sam’s Club for the day, I knew that I could find several items needed to spruce it up a bit. Sam’s not only has an endless variety of products to shop from, but they offer them at unbeatable prices for families on a budget. I love buying in bulk because it means I won’t run out of the things I need and I am also saving money in the process.

Upon entering the store, there were huge boxes packed with bright orange pumpkins. Sams always has an impressive seasonal section and it was refreshing to be greeted by a little taste of Fall. After picking pumpkins to bring home for carving, we headed towards the pharmacy section in search of the Band-Aid Quiltvent Bandages.

There they are! After briefly browsing the aisles, I came across the fully stocked display for the Band-Aid Quiltvent Bandages. Surrounding the bandages were packages of rubbing alcohol, cotton swabs, probiotics, rubber gloves, and an endless row of vitamins. I even spotted a bucket of Epson Salt on the very end. Everything you may need for an accident or injury seemed to be in the general area.

The aisle was also full of first aid related products. Several items that you would find in a normal kit were sold individually in bulk packages. The first thing this made me think of was Girl Scouts. I was a Girl Scout for 13 years and I remember purchasing similar items for donations and camping trips. Sam’s Club delivers value and savings by selling their bulk merchandise for less, allowing you to get more for your money. It truly is a place to stock up on all those must have items, especially band-aids.

Taking a closer look into the value pack purchased, there was a full assortment of band-aids that were different sizes and styles. This included 100 Flexible Fabric strips, 20 Tough Waterproof Strips, 20 Tough Strips, and 20 Flexible Fabric Strips with Quiltvent. Not to mention the Winnie the Pooh bandages that will probably end up being “stickers” when Toodie gets a hold of them. Regardless, this means for about $10 I walked away with five boxes of bandages which is beyond a steal. Normally bad-aids can range from $3-$5 a box where I live.

Band-Aids are dependable and very well known in our household. They offer many benefits and protect even the smallest injury from becoming infected. By creating air channels for superior breathability, cuts are kept clean and bacteria free which helps them to heal quickly. The Band-Aid Quiltvent Bandages are made with a unique Memory Weave fabric that moves with you for extra flexibility, better fit, and greater comfort. The white fabric resembles a honey comb pattern and is much softer than the usual material you would find within a band-aid. Since a covered wound heals faster than an uncovered one, a durable band-aid is very important to have. I feel a lot more confident knowing these will be in our first aid kit for the whole family to use.

Using a medium sized storage box with handles, we decorated the outside to make it more personalized. Toodie picked out bright flowered stickers at the store and added them to the outside of the box.

We made sure to include all of the essentials minus anything dangerous. I wanted Toodie to be able to access the kit without having to worry about her safety. On top of the Band-Aid Quiltvent Bandages, we also added several other things that you would find in a first aid kit. The box contained Neosporin, cotton swabs, tissues, anti-bacterial, alcohol wipes, and several other items. There was everything needed for proper wound care from home or on the go. This is so important considering I have an accident prone toddler who manages to get a bump, bruise, and scratch weekly!

My daughter was very excited to have a first aid kit to call her own. We found a spot in one of our bathroom drawers and placed it in nice and snug. This is going to be excellent to bring along in the car when we take our trip to Disney in December. Near or far, you always have to be prepared for the unexpected boo-boo!

For more information on the BAND-AID® Adhesive Bandages with QUILTVENT® Technology you can visit their Facebook page. You can also take a look at my full shopping experience at Sam’s Club in my Google+ album here!

Disclosure: I am a member of the Collective Bias™ Social Fabric® Community. I have been compensated as part of a social shopper insights study for Collective Bias™ and BAND-AID^® Brand #CBias #SocialFabric. Regardless, all opinions are my own!

Oct 05

Kidfresh Frozen Meals Provide Healthier Options #KFHealthyKids #CBias

Oct 05

As parents we are always searching for healthier meal options for our children and ourselves. It can be tricky avoiding processed foods, artificial coloring, and mystery ingredients labeled on boxes. This past year has been a stepping stone for my family because I have changed our eating habits tremendously. In addition to purchasing fresh vegetables and fruits, I read labels and make sure I know exactly what we are eating. I have not only been trying to improve my own eating habits, but also those of my daughter who is growing like a weed. Since it is not always possible to cook a full course healthy meal every single night, it is nice to have other nutritious options to choose from. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, and even snack time can sometimes be stressful and conflict with busy schedules. With this in mind I took a trip to my local Publix supermarket to find the Kidfresh frozen kid’s meals. The team behind Kidfresh has mastered the art of sneaking vegetables into their meals and getting them into little tummies! Before leaving to the grocery store, I checked the Kidfresh Facebook page and printed a coupon for $1 off. You can print one too by entering your email.

Prepared with my KidFresh coupon and a list of groceries, we arrived to Publix for some late night shopping. My plan was to tackle the freezer section but I decided to get the essentials first. It had to be the quickest shopping session ever. I think I really got myself excited about checking out Kidfresh!

After picking up what we needed, I headed over to find the KidFresh meals in the freezer section. I expected them to be near the other healthy kid’s meals but was surprised to see the display by the ethnic foods. The bright green packaging stuck our like a sore thumb and caught my eye immediately. Every variety was fully stocked and available for purchase. I also noticed that there was a small sign under each, listing the nutrition facts. This gave me a quick glimpse as to what the meals offered. I didn’t see this information under any other brand, only Kidfresh.

Having a hard time choosing which to toss in the cart, I decided to get one of each! With the $1 coupon handy, two of the meals were almost free. What is better than saving money AND getting healthy alternatives for your children?

I wanted to learn a little bit more about Kidfresh and what made them so unique. The back of the package was full of useful information and taught me a thing or two. I took a moment to read further. Each delicious entree is made from all natural ingredients and contains 1 half cup of vegetables per serving. Seems like an easy way to get protein, fiber, and calcium into my daughter’s diet without her even knowing. I am liking Kidfresh already.

With all of the benefits presented, I piled in the packages and headed to check out. It was a relief knowing that I was purchasing food that may be frozen, but is still loaded with vitamins and nutrients.

Tonight’s dinner would be the true test. I heated up the Easy Cheesy Ravioli in hopes that Toodie was enjoy it without noticing the hidden veggies. I recognized that the tomato sauce was thick, chunky, and made with real vegetable. The ravioli squares were plump and stuffed with Ricotta, Romano, and Parmesan cheese. This was such a refreshing change from what we are used to. Most frozen meals are processed and very bland. Before serving, I snuck a bite in myself and enjoyed the medley of tomato, squash, and natural cheese. I was sold. It was hard to believe that this meal consisted of so many hidden vegetables, even carrots. The flavors blended perfectly and now I understand why Kidfresh is so good at what they do. Toodie loved her dinner and actually finished her whole entire meal. It may seem like no surprise, but with her being such a picky eater this rarely ever happens. Her bowl was empty and her belly was happy. Finally, I don’t have to feel so bad about giving my kid a frozen dinner. Kidfresh came out on top tonight!

If you would like to find out more information about Kidfresh, you can follow along on Facebook and Twitter. This will allow you to stay up to date with their products and be the first to hear about promotions.

Also, take a peek on my Google+ album for a closer look into my shopping experience & new found love for Kidfresh meals!