Rave and Review

A Gym in a Suitcase: The Amazing Journey Gym {Review & Giveaway}

Ultimate Holiday Gift Guide - Day 5

With freezing temperatures on the horizon it’s always temping to wrap up in a sweater and forget your active summer routine.  This is especially true as the holidays approach and all the baked goods are there for the taking, but this is actually one of the best times to have a good workout regimen and stay healthy as it will make swimsuit season next year that much easier if you aren’t trying to lose all the fall and winter pounds most people gain.

One of my new favorite tools for staying fit even when it’s too blustery to leave the house is the Journey Gym, the first all-in-one portable workout system that can easily fit in a linen closet, under a bed, and is even perfect for traveling.  At first glance, the Journey Gym looks like a large briefcase, with a carrying handle and a rectangular shape that could just as easily hold a laptop and paperwork. 

Upon opening the Journey Gym you see a series of colored resistance bands that run through the case with quick attachment clips at the end.  To use the Gym, you simply open the case all the way, attach the 8 “feet”, and remove the handles with connection clips and then turn over so the base rests firmly on the ground.  Within minutes of opening the box we had journey Gym set up in our living room and were impressed by the quality of the bands, connectors, handles and commercial grade step as well as the design of the system. 

Really, the more I played with it and realized how many different ways you could use it, the more genius it seemed.  Even though it is based on a pretty basic idea of resistance bands and a workout step, it’s the execution of the Journey Gym that makes it rave-worthy.  With the Journey Gym you don’t need to find a place to store big and bulky workout equipment when you’re not using it.  Because it uses resistance bands instead of traditional free weights that are large and awkward, you don’t have to designate an entire room in your house just to weight training. 

Then, since it works by merely clipping your handle or strap to the resistance band of your choice, changing your workout by varying the amount of resistance or your point of connection is also easier because it takes mere seconds.  It’s this flexibility that gives you the ability to do an insane amount of different exercises and easily switch between them during the course of your workout, allowing more time for actual working out. 

I was absolutely shocked when I got to try the Journey Gym and realized how completely versatile and expandable the system is for whatever your fitness level or preferred workout is.  While I’ve been a fan of resistance bands before, what I really love about the Journey Gym is the integrated step that allows you to add cardio to your workout.  It can really be used by both beginners as well as experienced weight trainers and can mimic just about any exercise you can imagine and work every muscle group. 

Since I’m recovering from an auto accident and can’t do high-impact workouts, I love that the resistance band workout with the Journey Gym is so smooth.  This means that even my physical therapist approves of me using the Journey Gym at lower resistance levels since it doesn’t have the jerkiness of typical weightlifting and instead allows you to use more fluid motions.  All of this reduces impact on your joints and decreases the possibility of injury, which are paramount for me as I heal.

In addition to a great workout tool, what’s really cool about the Journey Gym system is how much they want you to succeed.  The gym ships with a workout video that can be completed in either 10 or 20 minutes and each routine alternates between strength training and cardio.  The 10 minute video has a female lead and the 20 minute has a male lead and they have different exercises.  I personally like this as it allows me to alternate what video I watch each day and helps vary it up a bit while still getting in circuit training. 


But, while the video is actually a good workout and I look forward to doing the routine each day, what makes the system so expandable is that they have a website that allows you to create your own workout video.  By selecting your own specific exercise and dragging it into your timeline, you can create your own routine and even add music and remove the instructions before each exercise, something that would certainly be nice if you are doing a workout every day. 

Speaking of doing the routine every day, I am happy to report that we love the Journey Gym so much that my husband and I are committed to doing it every. single. day.  We developed a system where we alternate the 20 minute routine with the 10 minute routine each day, 7 days a week.  What’s really cool about our plan is that we have a deal that while the other person is working out, we will clean up the main areas of the house.  This means that not only are we getting a great 10 or 20 minute workout, we are also getting an additional 10 or 20 minutes of cleaning exercises also.  Bonus: our house has never looked better!

If you are searching for a great present for someone fitness-minded this holiday season or are looking at getting back in or staying in shape yourself, you should definitely check out Journey Gym and see how awesome of a system it really is.  Hey, if it can get my family excited {and I do mean excited} about working out, it’s got to be pretty cool, right?

Price: $245 ARV.  Find out more about the Journey Gym, its many features, and where to buy at journeygym.com

Want to win an awesome Journey Gym for yourself?  Of course you do!

To enter, simply visit the Journey Gym site and comment on this post telling me what you like about the system and where the most unusual place that you would use it!

 And, as always, there are extra entries available!  {Please leave a separate comment for each completed}

2 Extra Entries - Like Journey Gym's Facebook page and comment with where you would use the Journey Gym if you won and @ tag Rave & Review

2 Extra Entries {per method} - Follow Rave & Review! Subscribe by RSS feed, Subscribe by email, become a fan of R&R on Facebook or add R&R to your blogroll or sidebar.

1 Extra Entry {daily} - Twitter.  Simply tweet the following after following us both:

Have you heard of a gym in a suitcase? Enter to #win a super cool @JourneyGym #giveaway with @RaveAndReview! http://t.co/ypugszeY ARV $245!

3 Extra Entries - Blogger Bonus.  Blog about this giveaway linking back to this post and leave an address where I can find your writeup

1 Extra Entry - Comment love.  Enter any of my other Giveaways and/or comment on any non-giveaway post!

On December 20th at 11:59pm PST a winner will be drawn, announced here and notified via email.  Winner will have 48 hours to contact me or a new winner will be chosen.  Giveaway open to US and Canadian Addresses.

This giveaway is now closed.  Thank you to all who entered and congratulations to:

#104 Doris C said... Tweeted https://twitter.com/#!/dewinner/status/139313342648029184

A big thank you to Journey Gym for providing the information and giveaway for one lucky giveaway winner.  All opinions are 100% ours and no monetary compensation was received in exchange for this Rave Review.

Mountain Buggy Terrain Jogging Stroller

Get Out and PLAY Event - Day 40

If you are serious about getting in shape after baby, there’s really one investment that you should consider – a rugged jogging stroller. Cheaper than a gym membership and perfect for those that don’t have babysitters at the ready, by running, jogging, and hitting the trails with your little one you are able to get moving while still bonding with baby. We recently got a chance to test drive the Mountain Buggy Terrain stroller and were really impressed with the premium features that make this one serious stroller.

Mountain Buggy strollers are some of the most rugged and durable strollers anywhere and are perfect for roads, sidewalks, trails, and even rough terrain other strollers can’t touch. Their motto is “life without limit” and this stroller definitely fits the bill. Like all Mountain Buggy strollers, the Terrain was designed in New Zealand and engineered to be tough enough to handle whatever may come your way.

The first thing we all noticed was how incredibly smooth the ride is in the Terrain, effortlessly gliding over stones, dirt, grass, and rocks. Even steering one-handed, the stroller is stable and well-weighted, allowing for an easy ride. This is partially thanks to the rugged air-filled tires, shock absorbing suspension, and also in part due to the high ground clearance.

For the best control over different terrains, there are different front wheel settings that are easy to select on the go. Whether you leave the front wheel so it swivels or lock it firmly in place, forward or backward, it’s easy to customize your ride.

As with most nice strollers, the Terrain has a recline adjustment that can allow children to lean back and relax while you roll. The really cool thing about this stroller is that the seat can be set at any angle thanks to a pull strap recline mechanism. It does require two hands, but still allows you to customize your ride for your child and activity. The best thing about it is that it goes almost entirely flat, which means it can even be used on new babies {at slow speeds} instead of the 6mo+ restriction of most jogging strollers.

If you do have a little babe, you will be happy that the Terrain will also act as a travel system with an infant car seat adapter. There are adapters that work specifically with Evenflo, Peg Perego and Graco seats as well as a universal car seat adapter that works with Baby Trend, Evenflo, Graco, Peg Perego, Maxi Cosi, Chicco, which means you could even use the Terrain for your daily run as well as for shopping trips. If you’re like me and swoon whenever you see a carrycot, you will love that there is an optional Terrain Cot you can buy as well.

For the older toddler, we love that the Terrain has a roomy seat that is 14” wide and has a 20 ½“ seatback with a whopping 24” seatback-to-canopy measurement that can accommodate older and taller children. It also has an incredibly high weight capacity of 77lbs, which is the highest weight rating I have ever seen in a stroller.

The Terrain has a large sun canopy with a sun visor and peek-a-boo window that offers a good amount of shade for your child and does well when the rain clouds roll in. For us parents, there is a large capacity basket below the seat that can handle all sorts of accoutrements and even has a mesh zippered top to ensure you don’t lose anything when you really get moving.

Safety is always a big concern of ours, so we love that the Terrain also has a great 5-point padded harness with a safety buckle that even our crafty toddlers could not break out of. We also love that there are two brakes on the stroller; a rear footbrake that locks both wheels to park and secure the stroller as well as a hand brake on the handlebar to give you complete control as you pick up speed. While we don’t use the handlebar brake very often in our strolls, we appreciate the option over the traditional nylon strap brake that other strollers come with.

Besides safety features and comfort to spare for your little one, the Terrain also has some great features for mom and dad, including a great adjustable handle height to accommodate different sized joggers. Even at a full run, my husband and I did not kick the back of the stroller, which is an amazing feat considering we both have incredibly long legs.

Unlike most other jogging type strollers, the Terrain comes with a console-style attachment that has cupholders and cubbies for snacks and essentials. It should be noted that the cupholders are more for water bottles than lattes, as they lean backwards from the stroller and make it easy to toss in capped beverages and retrieve them easily. There are also two cupholders in the seat pockets for your little one to store a beverage or two.

We also really love the easy lever system fold/unfold of the Terrain which allows you to get out on your way quickly and easily. Once folded, there is a locking strap that keeps the Terrain closed for transport. While the Mountain Buggy Terrain Jogging Stroller is great for around town, field, and trail, it isn’t the most compact folding stroller. It does fit in the back of our compact sedan with a little rearranging, especially with the wheels removed, but at 29lbs, it is a bit heavy to take in and out.

If you’re looking for sleek, sporty, and incredibly maneuverable, the Terrain is the perfect stroller for you. It is weighted well so that it doesn’t feel flimsy even while trekking, but also handles like a dream even with baby on board. With a rugged frame, superior braking system, high weight limit and expandable system that can accommodate even babies, we think the Terrain is a fabulous all-terrain jogging stroller for your sporty lifestyle!

Find out more about the Terrain as well as the full line of Mountain Buggy products at http://mountainbuggy.com/

A big thank you to Mountain Buggy for letting us test out the Terrain jogging stroller.  All opinions are 100% ours and no monetary compensation was received in exchange for this Rave Review.

BikeGlow Safety Light {Review & Coupon Code}

Get Out and PLAY Event – Day 37

Riding bikes has long been one of our favorite outdoor activities, both before and after we had kids.  It really is one of the best ways to spend a day together and give you the best mix of conversation, exercise, and adventure.  But, one thing that has changed after having kids is how much more I think about bike safety than I did before. 

It may seem kind of ridiculous, but it actually took me having my kids along on the ride for me to think about all the dangers out there on the roads and trails.  As most bikers know, a large part of bike safety is making sure that you are as visible as possible, so I’m always struggling to keep us all well-lit for low-light or evening rides.  With only small reflectors on most bikes located on the front and the back {and possibly the pedals, if you’re lucky}, the typical bike is nearly invisible from the sides. 

One of the coolest products I have ever seen to add visibility and keep the whole family safe while riding is the BikeGlow safety light.  The BikeGlow safety light is one of those simple, yet super effective, products that make you wonder why you didn’t think of it first.  It merely consists of a battery pack with an on/off switch connected to a 10 foot long light tube.  And that’s it.  But those three simple elements combine to make one of the most unique lighting products we have ever seen and makes you visible from all sides, not just the front and the back.

To use, you simply attach the light tube to your frame with zip ties and then attach the battery pack by Velcro to an easy to reach location on your bike.  Then you simply wrap the light tube all over and around your bike in any pattern or style that you want, turning your bike into a glowing, shiny beacon of style and visibility. 

Once it’s attached, it’s incredibly unobtrusive and can be left on your bike even during daylight rides.  But then, whenever you think you need to increase your visibility, you can turn on the light to either steady on, slow, or fast blinking. 

Beyond blinking, BikeGlow has another high visibility trick up its sleeve and something the whole family will think is cool.  By offering a range of colors like blue, green, purple, pink and more, you can pick a color that will look good with your bike and stand out against the normal white and red of your head and tail lights {although you can get those colors too if you want!}

Though the BikeGlow is obviously marketed towards bikers, whether they are avid riders, new to the sport, or even young children, it should also be noted that the BikeGlow is not just for bikes.  You could cover your bike trailers, your wagons, or even your strollers with the BikeGlow to add visibility to just about anything you can imagine. 

Love the BikeGlow and want to get 25% off at www.bikeglow.com?  Use coupon code "raveandreview" at check out and help make the whole family visible and safe out on the roads!

A big thank you to BikeGlow for sending their safety light for review.  All opinions are 100% ours and no form of monetary compensation was received in exchange for this Rave Review.

J.L. Childs Dragon Tails Hybrid Sunglasses {Review and Q&A}

Get Out and PLAY Event - Day 32

When my wife first told me she had a new pair of sunglasses for me to try out, I was pretty excited as I think most guys would be.  But if I’d known then what I was getting I would have been a lot more so.  You see, one of the aspects I love most about reviewing products is the chance to see the design and innovation in new products, but this is especially true when it comes to products that you would think are as advanced as they could be, like sunglasses.

With the Dragon Tails from J.L. Childs, first and foremost you get a great pair of sunglasses.  With UV400 rated lenses you will be sure to keep your eyes safe from the sun’s rays, and their wrap around shape means you have a full field of view. But the details beyond those are where it gets fun. 

Besides protecting you from the sun, those lenses are ANSI Z87.1 certified, which means you are protected from impacts as well.  I bet you {like me} hadn’t even thought of all the situations where that would be great to have.  For instance, hiking, biking, or rock climbing where branches or debris may be flying, as well as hunting, water skiing or other outdoor activities. 

But, even more practical is that you can wear them in situations where safety glasses are required, which is great on outdoor job sites for construction or industrial settings or even just doing yard work.  This has been great for me as I no longer have to switch back and forth from my sunglasses to safety glasses as I move around for work, especially since my safety glasses aren’t tinted at all and are horrible for bright and sunny days. 

At this point the skeptics are saying something about “sure, they would protect you... if they don’t just get knocked off,” and that is where some more innovation comes in.  The standard arms of the glasses can be easily removed and replaced with an adjustable elastic band, essentially turning them into goggles.  To keep this as comfortable as possible and to protect your eyes even more, the Dragon Tails come with a full surround cushion that snaps into place to complete this transition.  Of course, you can leave the padding on in sunglass form as well if you wish, but I typically remove it before wearing as sunglasses. 

Besides the lenses being super tough, the frames are made out of TR-90 plastic which is virtually indestructible, much to my son's dismay.  As someone who has broken a few pairs of glasses by forgetting they were in my pocket or stuffing them into my luggage at the airport, I can definitely appreciate that.

Here's a little Q&A that I did with John Child's this past week talking about the glasses, his vision, and the future of Dragon Tail Sunglasses:

1. How did Dragon Tails get its start?  It started from when I lost my eyewear climbing in Boulder Canyon and thought that I need climbing sunglasses that not only can protect my eyes but also will not fall off my face on my favorite climbs.
2. What makes your glasses unique?  Dragon Tails are safety rated, can transform to goggles for when you are skiing, and also have a unique design to wrap around your head for when you are doing activities like climbing or skiing.
3. Who are Dragon Tails Sunglasses for? The active, athletic individual who needs a durable, secure eyewear for their active lifestyle.
4. What do you see next for Dragon Tail?  A new design that incorporates some feedback I've gotten from customers.  Hopefully the second version will supercede the first!

Some cool facts about Dragon Tail Sunglasses:
•    Free Shipping and Free Returns if You Aren't Happy
•    100% Money Back Guarantee
•    10% Profits Donated to the World Wildlife Fund

Find out more at http://jlchildsoutfitters.com/ and at their Facebook and Twitter pages!  P.S. Show them some love on their social networking sites when you get a moment, they need some good followers and fans on both pages!

A big thank you to Dragon Tail Sunglasses for this review opportunity.  All opinions are 100% ours and no form of monetary compensation was received in exchange for this Rave Review.

Step2 Grand Slam Baseball

Get Out and PLAY Event – Day 25

Playing ball is a rite of passage around here.  As long as I can remember my family has been fans of baseball.  Not the kind that takes place at a stadium {although we do like that, too}, but rather the kind that takes place in the backyard, the park, and sometimes, in our living room.  For us, baseball is about more than playing - It’s a great way to work on hand-eye coordination, dexterity, and teamwork, amongst other things. 

So, now that I've got two little ones myself, I need to get them ready for playing ball with their cousins and friends.  While my daughter might be a girly girl most of the time, she definitely has inherited both her parents' love of ball, and we knew we needed to get her some age appropriate gear to enjoy this summer.  Of course we turned to Step2, the makers of our favorite outdoor play equipment, to help us find a way to assist in teaching the basics of baseball.  Their new Step2 Grand Slam Baseball is like having a kid appropriate batting cage/"catch" partner/and net all in one and it's a great choice for beginner on up.

The design of the Grand Slam Baseball is fairly simple, it's just a medium sized foldable and repositionable net, a heavy duty plastic ball "pitcher", a plastic bat and three squishy balls, but the skills they take away from the game is anything but.  Depending on age and ability, you can tailor your game to fit your little one easily while making the learning process fun. 

For our daughter who recently turned 3, we started with the most basic exercise: throwing the 3 foam balls into the net over and over again.  When she was ready, we turned the Grand Slam Baseball on and she was thrilled with the whoooshing sound it made and even more so when the balls that made it into the net sailed back to her.  When we had been working on that for a while, we introduced the included plastic bat for her to try hitting the balls as they were pitched.

While her aim is not the best yet and doesn't make it into the net all that often, she has a blast playing with the Grand Slam Baseball and looks forward to every opportunity to take it outside.  For now the novelty of having us fill the hopper and set it to pitch to her is enough, but I am excited about all the ways it can grow with both kids throughout the years.  As she develops her aim and then works on her batting, the game will get even more fun for her… and for us. 

I find myself getting excited about bringing it out almost as much as she does.  It’s really fun to try and change things up by choosing between ground balls and arcing pitches and varying where we stand or what games we play alone  and as a family, and it’s not hard to tailor the games to each player’s ability.  I know I would have loved to have it to play "catch" with when I was young and couldn't find someone who wanted to play with me, and it would have been really nice to have as I practiced my swing, which has always been a little ... Let's just say "wild".

The Step2 Grand Slam Baseball is the perfect tool for developing your child's coordination, aim, dexterity, and more, as well as being just a whole lot of fun for the whole family.  It’s a great warm weather toy that is portable enough to fold and throw into your trunk and take to a park or playdate, as well as being a great backyard toy for all ages of children.

Find out more at Step2.com or find the Grand Slam Baseball in retail near you.

A big thank you to Step2 for this review opportunity.  All opinions are 100% ours and no form of monetary compensation was received in exchange for this Rave Review.

ezShade Portable Sun Protection Curtain {Review & Giveaway}

Get Out and PLAY Event - Day 23

I am extremely fair skinned, so much so that I can get a sunburn walking to the mailbox.  For this reason, I am always diligently wearing sunscreen and I require shade on the brightest sunny days.  This means that I often bring shade with me so I don’t have to be constantly seeking it out, or worse, have to spend the entire summer indoors.  As great as it is to bring your own shade, the problem is that the sun is always moving and I feel like I can never relax outside for fear that I will quickly be sunbathing if I’m not careful.

The solution is ezShade by Solar Eclipz, a brilliant mom inspired product that is essentially a sun curtain that attaches to beach umbrellas, gazebos, and more.  This lightweight curtain gives you UPF 50+ sun protection by blocking over 99% of UVA and UVB rays and makes it so you don’t have to keep rearranging your shade throughout the day.  Anyone that has ever used a pop up gazebo or beach umbrella knows that the shade they provide is actually quite limiting unless the sun is directly overhead, which means that for most of the day you are stuck rearranging and moving spots in order to keep everyone out of the sun for any length of time. 

The ezShade solves this in a small and lightweight solution that is easy to throw into your bag in its included stuff sack and attach once you claim your shade.  Available in 3 different colors and sizes from large beach umbrellas {weighing 9oz} to 10x10 portable canopies {straight leg or angled leg models available, weighing in at 16-20oz}, the ezShade is my new beach must-have.  Because I use a variety of canopies and shades, I opted to review the 10x10 straight leg version so I could easily attach it to our pop-up canopy, our covered front porch play area, our staked gazebo in our backyard, and even at the local pool shelters and enjoy the awesome UPF 50+ benefits wherever we go.

As excited as I was about the ezShade, I did have some concerns about how functional it would be when set up and how easy it would be to use.  The first of which was the fact that I was hoping to attach it to numerous shades and gazebos and would need to customize the fit each time.  Luckily, the design is smart enough that it can easily be modified for different styles and types of structures by simply using Velcro {we bought extra pieces so we could leave it in place on our gazebos without worry and then we made our own Velcro loops to attach to odd sized shades} and find it more than sufficient for our needs.  For most people that will only be attaching it to one canopy or gazebo, you will only need the included Velcro pieces to get a perfect fit each time.
The next design element we really appreciate is the bottom hook and loop pocket that helps you adjust the height of your shade as well as weight the bottom of it so it doesn’t blow in the wind or allow sun underneath.  If you don’t have bean bag weights, you can easily use water bottles, sand, and more that gives you versatility on the go and means you have to carry less with you when you go. 

We really love the ezShade and know it’s going to get a whole lot of use throughout the years at the beach, park, sporting events, and even just for backyard playtime.  Because we love it so much, I was thrilled when I read that a 12x12 canopy version of the ezShade is in the works.  I know we will pick one up for our 12x12 heavy-duty backyard gazebo once they are released as that would be a wonderful way to enjoy outdoor time without worrying about sun exposure.  Here’s hoping that a tan or brown color ezShade is also in the works, and if so, we might just snag two – one for the front of the house and one for the back!      

To Buy: The ezShade costs $24.95 for the umbrella version, $36.95 for the 8' canopy version, and $39.95 for the 10'x10' versions.  Find out how you can make the most of your umbrella, canopy, and gazebo shade at myezshade.com or visit the ezShade YouTube site

The ezShade is available at Babies R Us, Toys R Us superstores, Sport Chalet,
Cabela’s, BuyBuyBaby.com, BedBathandBeyond.com and Amazon.com {with 20% off coupon code available on their Facebook page}

 
Thanks to their generosity, one lucky Rave and Review reader will win their own portable 10x10 straight leg ezShade to bring their own UPF 50+ protection with them this summer!

To Enter: Simply comment on the ezShade Facebook Fan Page with your favorite feature or how you would use your ezShade!  {Bonus: liking them gets you 20% off your Amazon.com order!}

And, as always, there are extra entries available!

1) Subscribe to Rave and Review, top of right sidebar {2 extra entries, must be verified to count}

2) Tweet about this Giveaway after following us both {daily Tweet, just post link here}

Make your own shade with @raveandreview and @ezShade just in time for the hot summer enter to #win this #giveaway http://bit.ly/pBFEfz  

3) Blog about this Giveaway with links back to this post as well as the www.raveandreview.com homepage {3 extra entries - just post the URL where I can find your writeup}

4) Place my button or logo in your sidebar on your blog or website {2 extra entries, must have an active link to R&R}

5) Comment love.  Enter any of my other Giveaways and/or comment on any non-giveaway post!

6) NEW!  "Like" Rave and Review on Facebook! {3 extra entries}

On August 10th at 11:59pm PST a winner will be drawn via Random.org, announced here, and notified via email.  Winner will have 48 hours to contact me or a new winner will be chosen.  

This giveaway is now closed.  Thank you to all who entered and congratulations to

#66 Doris C said... Tweeted http://twitter.com/#!/dewinner/status/99652448423124992

A big thank you to Solar Eclipz for providing the sample for review as well as offering a giveaway to our fabulous readers.  All opinions are 100% ours and no form of monetary compensation was received in exchange for this very Rave Review. 

TheraPearl Cold & Hot Therapy Packs {Review & Giveaway}

How many of you have that special frostbitten bag of peas in your freezer – the one no one eats, but everyone runs to when they need a cold compress?  Me?  I’m waving my hand wildly.  How many of you out there thought there had to be a better way, but struggled to find a practical solution for a cold compress that conforms to your curves but doesn’t leak, smell, or expire?  Yep, still waving my hand wildly.  Finding a heat pack was similarly difficult and my best solution was a bulky electrical heating pad that was stiff, uncomfortable, and, well, electrical. 

If you’ve noticed, I’m using the past-tense to talk about our hot and cold packs and that’s because we have found a much, much better solution for both.   The solution is TheraPearl, a company that makes a whole line of hot and cold compresses for whatever ails you.   Instead of one pack to heat and one to cool, TheraPearl Cold and Hot Therapy Packs are both, all wrapped up in one ingenious product that has changed the way we treat minor discomforts at our house. 

We got to try out some really cool TheraPearl products this past spring that included the Nursing Buddies set and two colorful children’s pals and we all simply love them.  Because we enjoy using them so much, we have thrown out our bags of frozen peas and donated our heating pad and now rely solely on the TheraPearl for small injuries, strains, or muscle aches. 

So, what is TheraPearl?  Formed by a doctor as a practical alternative for healing, their hot and cold therapy packs are like nothing I have ever seen before.  Instead of gel, TheraPearl packs are filled with squishy gel “bubbles” that are smooth and soft to conform to curves, which makes them a great option instead of leaky ice packs, messy frozen peas, or electrical pads.  

My daughter loves the kids TheraPearl packs that have adorable pig and frog designs and they have been a lifesaver as the active spring and summer activities have resumed.  They are the perfect size for her little hands and her little injuries and perfect to keep in either the fridge or freezer to pull out quickly when needed.  When she falls down and gets hurt, nothing consoles her quite like her “Bubble Pig”, as she has affectionately named it. 

Not only are the TheraPearl packs sized perfectly for numerous functions, they are all reusable, easy to freeze or heat, and are doctor-recommended.   This is partly due to the fact the packs can do both hot and cold as well as disseminate their cold or warm properties in 20 minutes, the recommended time for heat or ice.  They are also incredibly easy to use, either hot or cold, by popping a pack into the freezer or fridge or heating for a few minutes in the microwave.

TheraPearl has a variety of different shaped packs available that are designed for different uses, but the great thing is that they can be used anywhere interchangeably.  While the Nursing Buddies were incredibly nice to have during an episode of painful engorgement, they also work nicely for knee injuries, head compresses, and just about any small or medium area you can imagine.  Next on our list is the large sports pack so we can have a large and a small option available… you know, just in case.

You'd expect with a product as cool as this that they would cost a fortune, but the prices are not only reasonable, they are a true bargain!  The Nursing Buddies set can be bought for $14.99 and the Kid's Pals are $5.99!

 
Thanks to their generosity, one lucky Rave and Review reader will win a TheraPearl Cold & Hot Therapy Pack!

To Enter: Simply visit TheraPearl and tell me what product you would like most if you win 

And, as always, there are extra entries available!

1) Subscribe to Rave and Review, top of right sidebar {2 extra entries, must be verified to count}

2) Like TheraPearl on Facebook {1 extra entry, just leave your FB name in comment}

3) Like PTPA Media on Facebook {1 extra entry, just leave your FB name in comment}

4) Tweet about this Giveaway after following us all {daily Tweet, just post link here}

Have you tried TheraPearl Hot & Cold Therapy Packs? Win one with @raveandreview and @PTPA & @TheraPearl #giveaway http://bit.ly/rrPLR6" 

5) Blog about this Giveaway with links back to this post as well as the www.raveandreview.com homepage {3 extra entries - just post the URL where I can find your writeup}

6) Place my button or logo in your sidebar on your blog or website {2 extra entries, must have an active link to R&R}

7) Comment love.  Enter any of my other Giveaways and/or comment on any non-giveaway post!

8) NEW!  "Like" Rave and Review on Facebook! {3 extra entries}

On August 14th at 11:59pm PST a winner will be drawn via Random.org, announced here, and notified via email.  Winner will have 48 hours to contact me or a new winner will be chosen. 

This giveaway is now closed.  Thank you to all who entered and congrats to:

#27 Sonya said... I must have the Nursing Buddy soon!

A big thank you to TheraPearl and PTPA for providing the samples for review as well as offering a giveaway to our fabulous readers.  All opinions are 100% ours and no form of monetary compensation was received in exchange for this very Rave Review. 

BPONG Inflatable Table {Review & Giveaway}

Get Out and PLAY Event - Day 22

I never went through a “wild” stage, didn’t have crazy friends, and have always been incredibly responsible, even at a very young age.  Because of this, I have never played any sort of “drinking game”, and had never even heard of Beer Pong until just recently.  But, drinking games don’t have to be about debauchery and wild nights, they can also be a really fun way to help a group of adults mingle, connect, and have a great time – responsibly. 

With this is mind, I would like to introduce you to our new party game: the BPONG Inflatable Floating Beer Pong Table.  We took it on a recent multi-generation family vacation and were shocked at what a huge hit it was.  The BPONG table is essentially a 6 ½’ long inflatable raft that has 24 cup holders built in so you can take Beer Bong anywhere and everywhere.  Whether we were inside the condo, in the backyard, or even down by the lake, we all had fun playing our version of Beer Pong, which most of the time involved no alcohol at all. 

We had packed it with us on vacation and weren’t sure it was even going to come out of the package during the trip, but then when the mood in the condo had hit an all-time low we were in dire need of a pick me up.   As much as I love hearing what my family feels about topics such as the economy, politics, and world hunger, too much in-depth discussion can kill a vacation mood in no time.  The solution?  A rousing game of Beer Pong… with a winner’s bracket.

As I eluded to before, we kind of made up our own rules to play even though the BPONG table did come with some basic instructions.  The first modification was to not actually fill the glasses.  Yes, I know, we basically ruined the game, but because we only had 24 plastic cups to play with for the whole vacation it made sense to conserve our resources.  Plus, none of us are huge drinkers and filling glasses half full can be a dangerous thing, so this was a better option for us.  Instead, we left the cups empty and then when someone scored we would just take a sip of whatever beverage we were drinking, whether it was Sprite, Iced Tea, or a margarita.

Playing this way isn’t possible with a flat table as the empty plastic cups would just topple over with one wrong hit, but because the cup spots are indented on the inflatable BPONG table, leaving the cups empty was not a problem at all.  In fact, I think it worked out better for our group as it allowed us to each choose our beverage of choice as well as limit our alcohol consumption so we were able to play multiple games and drink more responsibly.  But, changing the game so dramatically was also fun because it invited even more new twists on the official Beer Pong rules and made it so we could create a game that would interest us all and get us playing competitively and cooperatively at the same time. 

For the weeklong family vacation the BPONG table got more use than 99% of the things we packed our compact sedan with, and was arguably the hit of the party.  The best part was that the kids didn’t even realize it was a drinking game.  To them, it was a test of skill trying to get the BPONG balls to sail into the glasses, which they actually got quite good at.  Then, when it was used as a floating raft during pool time, it was simply a great place to lounge and warm up in the hot sun.  When it was time to leave, the table was simply deflated and folded compactly for transport, all ready for the next event. 

When you’re looking to get yourself a BPONG table and you are wondering whether you should get a hard top table or the inflatable model, here are just a few things to consider:  The BPONG Inflatable Table has ridged channels of air that make up the raft base and thus don’t give you a very reliable bounce option for scoring.  Obviously, a flat table top does not have ridges and rounded spots, making it far better for bouncing.  The BPONG Inflatable Beer Pong Table is clearly the most portable option, but it should be noted that it is widely considered a “drinking game” and many public places have rules regarding such games, so know in advance whether your table would be welcome. 

Want to find out more about BPONG?  Check out BPONG.COM which is the self-proclaimed Center of the Beer Pong Universe™ and home to The World Series of Beer Pong®.  The BPONG® Inflatable Floating Beer Pong Table measures 6.5 feet x 35 inches x 4 inches {inflated} and weighs 5 pounds.  Not only is it a whole lot of fun, it’s also floatable, hangable, and portable and has a quick inflate/deflate valve as well as a standard valve.  The table retails for $59.99 (U.S.) and is available for purchase at the official BPONG Store and at retail locations throughout North America, including Spencer Gifts.

 
Thanks to their generosity, one lucky Rave and Review reader will win their own portable BPONG Inflatable Floating Beer Pong Table!

To Enter: Simply visit BPONG.com and then tell me where you would take your table if you win 

And, as always, there are extra entries available!

1) Subscribe to Rave and Review, top of right sidebar {2 extra entries, must be verified to count}

2) Like BPONG on Facebook {1 extra entry, just leave your FB name in comment}

3) Tweet about this Giveaway after following us {daily Tweet, just post link here}

Win a @BPONG Inflatable Table from @raveandreview just in time for the summer #giveaway http://bit.ly/nHTHgv

4) Blog about this Giveaway with links back to this post as well as the www.raveandreview.com homepage {3 extra entries - just post the URL where I can find your writeup}

5) Place my button or logo in your sidebar on your blog or website {2 extra entries, must have an active link to R&R}

6) Comment love.  Enter any of my other Giveaways and/or comment on any non-giveaway post!

7) NEW!  "Like" Rave and Review on Facebook! {3 extra entries}

On August 5th at 11:59pm PST a winner will be drawn via Random.org, announced here, and notified via email.  Winner will have 48 hours to contact me or a new winner will be chosen.  Winner must be 21+ and a resident of the US to collect prize.

This giveaway is now closed.  Thank you to all who entered and congratulations to:

#13 Kimberly said...  I like you on FB

A big thank you to BPONG for providing the sample for review as well as offering a giveaway to our fabulous readers.  All opinions are 100% ours and no form of monetary compensation was received in exchange for this very Rave Review.  The World Series of Beer Pong, WSOBP, WSOBP VII, BPONG and BPONG.COM, among others, are trademarks of BPONG, LLC and/or Beer Pong Events.

Splash Bombs Water Toys {Review}

Get Out And PLAY Event – Day 15

My family is completely unable to get in a pool without it becoming some sort of game.  How many times can we toss the ball back and forth before it falls in the water?  Anyone down for a noodle race? Wanna play pool football?  

Because of our immense love for pool games and our wide range of ages that all want to get in on the fun, we are always on the lookout for new water toys that can entertain the whole family all summer long.  Prime Time Toys came to our rescue this year with the release of a full line of toys that expands on their awesome Splash Bombs line and make a simple game of toss a whole lot more fun. 

With offerings such as Splash Disc, Splash Pets, Splash Golf Set, Splash Sword, and Splash Bomb Combo Packs, they offer the perfect way to cool off this summer – whether you are playing in the pool or just in your backyard.  Like the original Splash Bombs, this new line is soft and squeezable which makes them safer for shared pools and smaller kids.  But, the best thing about them is that they can hold up to 10 times their weight in water when placed in a pool.  This water is released in a mist or a full-on deluge when caught or squeezed, which makes them a fun twist on the beach ball or typical pool toys.

We were lucky enough to receive some samples of the Splash Disc and Splash Golf this past spring just in time for the first pool party of the year and everyone loved them.  In fact, they might have been the toys of the  event, the one the kids were lining up to play and that kept them entertained for hours upon hours in the pool and backyard. 

The Splash Disc is great for Frisbee fans that want a water-friendly version that doesn’t constantly need to be chased down out of the pool. This made it perfect for our rousing game of catch that all the husbands instigated and great for the little ones because it was easy enough for them to throw and incredibly fun to catch when it's full of water. 

But, for the kids, the real hit was the Splash Golf set that came with a few different pieces making it fun for a group to play together cooperatively or competitively.  Whether you use the pieces all together as intended or you make up your own game – splash bomb golf, water bag toss, pirates and more, the possibilities are limitless if you add a little imagination.

Besides being really cool in the pool, what’s really neat about all of the Splash sets is that they are great even if you aren’t actually in the water.  On a hot summer day, you can easily dip the toys in cool water and then just play toss, golf, and more in your backyard, enjoying a great mist each time you catch a disc or ball in the air... and helping water the lawn at the same time!   

To buy:  You can find Prime Time Toys Splash line on Amazon.com, Target.com and at numerous local retailers.  The Splash Disc retails for $9.99 and Splash Golf retails for $16.99, which includes a floating brightly colored target, 3 balls and a golf club.

A big thank you to Prime Time Toys for sending a few Splash Toys to enjoy this spring.  All opinions are 100% ours and no form of monetary compensation was received in exchange for this very Rave Review.

FishEyes Rod & Reel Underwater Camera

Get Out and PLAY Event - Day 13

The act of fishing may date back centuries, but although there have been new inventions and tools along the way, there's just not a whole lot of innovation.  Very rarely does something come along that really embraces modern technology in the world of fishing, so I was completely excited when I first heard about FishEyes Fishing Rod & Reel and knew it was the perfect Father’s Day pick for the dad that has everything. 

With the debut of the FishEyes Rod & Reel Underwater Camera, the folks at Nextsport have taken what used to be a passive sport and made it a whole lot more interactive.  Their newest innovation is the first underwater fishing camera that allows you to watch your hook, bait basket, and the surrounding areas in real time. Yes, a fishing pole with a CAMERA!

The FishEyes pole features a waterproof video camera that is located at the end of the fishing line, just above where your bait goes that gives you a good view of the bait basket or hook while fishing.  This camera is connected to the fishing rod with a long cable which transmits live footage via the full color LCD screen on the fishing rod. 

Not only does this allow you to see what is happening below the water and help guide where you place your line, this interactive nature makes fishing leagues more exciting.  Never again will you wonder whether the fish are out where you are or what the surrounding conditions are that you are fishing in, because you will be able to watch the action as it happens below the water. 

While I was excited about the FishEyes Rod & Reel just off the description alone, I have seen a lot of chintzy cameras in my day and I honestly was not expecting much from the underwater camera on the FishEyes.  I was sure that poor camera quality would be amplified since we tend to fish from docks {which then are surrounded by seaweed and plant life}, but I still thought it would be a fun novelty even if I was able to make out a shadow or two underwater. 

Upon dropping the camera line into the water, I realized that this was going to be much more fun than a novelty item.  Even though we were dock fishing and the water was a bit murky, the camera images were quite good, and much brighter than we expected.  In fact, we ended up spending a good amount of time just moving the camera around exploring under the docks since we could see so well, which was fun for even the non-fishing group. 

This of course proves the point that the FishEyes Rod & Reel Underwater Camera really isn’t just for serious fishermen.  It is also perfect for those who:
1) Don't like the laid back nature of fishing but would still like to tell their own “fish stories”
2) Have a love for gadgets of all kinds
3) Have small kids they take fishing and want to teach them about what happens deep in the water while they wait

While I personally enjoy laying back, enjoying the scenery and letting my mind drift off while fishing, I still fall in category #2 and #3… and my wife happens to fall in all three.  But really, I can’t imagine anyone who isn’t intrigued by the idea of seeing what’s going on under the water, which was confirmed by all the friends I made down at the lake who wanted to see the FishEyes in action.  Let me tell you, I felt very popular.

Since the FishEyes is so popular, I love that it is compact enough that I can easily keep it in the trunk, the bottom of the stroller, and even carry easily as it has a great balanced grip to carry it with.  This makes it easy to take hiking, throw in the car and take with us during our weekends out, or take it on vacation with us without having to completely reorganize the car.

Another thing I love is that the Fish Eyes Rod & Reel also comes with a bait basket which is perfect if you want to see fish come over by the camera without worrying about having to catch and release them.  Besides being fun for kiddos, this is also a good way to be able to see what bait really works.  In this way I really like it as a companion rod to my normal fishing pole.  Since the FishEyes rigging is attached to the camera with breakaway connectors to protect it from damage, I wouldn’t want to catch too big of a fish on it.  But, by using the FishEyes and my standard pole together, I can really increase my chances by bypassing a lot of the normal fishing guesswork. 

If you are buying for someone who loves fishing, someone who wants to love fishing but doesn’t like the “waiting”, or someone that just loves gadgets and the great outdoors, the FishEyes Rod & Reel is the perfect gift this Father’s Day.

Check out this FishEyes video to see it in action:

Find out more at http://www.fish-eyes.com or visit http://www.nextsport.com

A big thank you to Nextsport Inc for sending their new FishEyes to be reviewed.  All opinions are 100% ours and no form of monetary compensation was received in exchange for this Rave Review.