Esio Hot & Cold Beverage Dispenser Review

I was recently offered the opportunity to review a very exciting new product... the Esio Hot & Cold Beverage System. This is an awesome system that lets you instantly make both hot and cold drinks, in one machine!

The Esio has a large water reservoir (almost a gallon) that refills the 1/2 gallon tanks that hold hot and cold water. That way you always have hot and cold water ready for whatever beverage you desire!

Just open the little door,

drop in the flavor of your choice,

You don't even have to open it or do anything to it (except for the first time, when you remove the seal). Drop it in, close the door, select the strength of your beverage, and whether you want hot or cold water.

You can turn the dial and select whatever strength you want (instead of a couple strength options you have 15!)

Hold the blue button for cold (similar to a soda machine) for however much you want. For hot, they have a safety lock. Push in the dial and the red button will light up, and then you can dispense a hot drink. The hot water is HOT (much much warmer than my unnamed coffee-by-the-cup-maker) and the cold water is pretty cold (not ice cold but much cooler than tap water).

Esio makes a HUGE variety of flavors. We received the ones shown below, and several of them were very popular with our family. My kids are already clamoring for more of their favorites, and to try other flavors. Many of these flavors are 0 calories or 10 calories per serving!

Because it's a Multiserve E-Pack, each pouch contains approximately 14 8oz cups (on the middle strength). In our experience, we run the juices at about 25% strength, but the coffees and teas need to be at max (I think we like our hot drinks strong!) It breaks down to only $0.36-$0.46 per serving. Plus, because of the technology, there's no taste crossover between your beverages.

Esio is currently available at select Walmart stores (in my area, only 1 of the 3 closest Walmarts to me carries it), and on EsioBev.com. This machine retails for $199.99, and considering all the options it has and the flavors available, it's a good deal. You can always have any drink you want at your fingertips... think of all the space you'll save in the fridge!

Disclosure: I received the Esio and E-Packs shown above as part of a promotional program with MomSelect in order to facilitate this review. I received no other compensation for this publication. My opinions are my own and may differ from those of your own.

Borsa Bella Design Co. Review and Giveaway

Are you looking for a case for your phone or iPad or camera or ereader? Do you like well made, well protected, sleek bags? Then I have the website for you!

Borsa Bella Design Co. makes amazing bags of all shapes and sizes, and they're perfect for all of the tech in your life.

They have everything from iPad sleeves like this one

iPad/computer bags like this Moxie bag,

DSLR bags like this one (this style of bag is one of my absolute favorites, I mean seriously, does this look like a camera bag or an awesome purse?)

and even some really hot ereader bags for the guys!

I had the opportunity to test out the Small Gadget Roo, and it's one of the best purse/bag/case I've ever used.

It fits my giant phone (and its case), and I still had room for money, credit cards, a chapstick and even a couple keys! I love the fact that it's extremely well padded, (so padded that when Princesa dropped my phone while it was in the Roo I didn't worry). It's an absolutely adorable little wristlet or handbag, but it would also easily clip to a larger bag (or even your belt loop).

Not only that, they offer an adjustable strap for only $5 more to make it into a purse!

This is Little Miss wearing it (on the smallest setting on the strap). The best thing about the strap for me (as I'm a large woman) is that it fits me across the body! Yes, I can wear this bag just like my daughter does, and it looks about the same on me. This strap is amazing, and if you're even remotely a large person, you know the difficulties of finding a strap that goes across your body.

I have to admit, I'm a wallet in my jeans kind of girl, so for me to want to carry a purse is HUGE! I've used this bag several times on different occasions, and on every time people have complimented me on it. I was volunteering at a theater production of the Nutcracker, and I kept my valuables strapped to me (even though I was dressed reasonably nicely), and it NEVER got in the way. It hung close to me and kept my phone safe, even when I bumped into a table.

Borsa Bella Design Co. makes quality bags in a huge variety of styles and colors. They also offer personalization or monogramming. You can truly customize your bag to fit your needs. I love so many of their products that I had a hard time choosing between them.

Want one for yourself? Check out their website, follow them on Twitter or on Facebook. They also have weekly giveaways on their Facebook page!

Want to win one for yourself? Luckily for you, Borsa Bella Design Co. has offered one of my readers a $40 gift certificate! You can have the hard decision of deciding which one is right for you!

Enter on the Rafflecopter below and good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Giveaway ends at 11:59pm 12/22/2012.

 Disclosure: I received the Small Gadget Roo shown above from Borsa Bella Design Co. to review. I received no other compensation for this publication. My opinions are my own and may differ from those of your own. Sanity is for those without children is not responsible for sponsor prize shipment.

Ozeri Green Earth Wok Review

I'm always looking for ways to make my family healthier, but I've been wary of switching from my (chemical-laden) nonstick pans because I need my food to not stick! I need quick cleanup (and I'm kind of lazy when it comes to dishes).

When I found out about the Ozeri Green Earth Wok, which is 100% PTFE and PFOA free (the nasty chemicals in non-stick cookware), yet it's ceramic and nonstick, I figured it was worth a shot. But honestly, I figured it wouldn't be great, and I'd be scrubbing yet again.

Imagine my surprise when I started cooking with this awesome wok, and not only is it lightweight compared to my other wok, has a hefty base that conducts heat well, and is deeper than my other wok, but NOTHING sticks!

I started out with Bok Choy with a smidgen of oil...

They cooked up beautifully and didn't stick at all.

I tried fried rice, spaghetti sauce, and even a fried egg (with absolutely no oil!) and everything came out beautifully! I love this pan!

It did take a little getting used to for me, since it's a different shape than my previous wok, but I've come to like the shape better. A big plus for me is that the base is smaller, even though it cooks better than my old one, so I can put it on the medium sized burner on my stove, so I can use the large one for another dish at the same time.

If you're looking to replace your wok (or any of your pans) and you're looking for a green, healthier alternative to typical nonstick pans, look no further than Ozeri! You can also find them on Facebook or purchase this wok on Amazon. It's currently under $40, and in stock for Christmas delivery.

Disclosure: I received the product shown above from Ozeri to review. I received no other compensation for this publication. My opinions are my own and may differ from yours.  

Eco Natural Soap Review and Giveaway

Do you ever worry about the products that you put on your skin? Do you prefer eco-friendly products? If so, I've found a great company for you!

Eco Natural Soap makes soaps, balms and even makeup with 100% pure, natural, organic ingredients. Not only that, they try to use as much 100% recycled packaging as possible!

They make eco-friendly, skin friendly products!

I had the opportunity to try several of the products, and I have to say that I'm sold on them! I tried the PM Moisturizer, the Exotic Butters Luxury Dry Skin Balm, the Bath & Body Bar, and Lip Balm. They were all in the Citrus Sunrise scent (I'm a fruity scent lover, so selecting a scent was easy).

These products have no added water in them, so this little tub lasts a LONG time! You only need a teensy bit of it, and it's super moisturizing! I really like the PM Moisturizer, since I wake up with super soft skin.

I was a bit leery of the Bath & Body Bar at first, since I've never been a bar soap user (even as a child we used liquid), but it feels nice and smells WONDERFUL! I've been using it quite a bit. The Citrus scent of all of these products has an herbal undertone, so it's not a pure fruit scent, but I still love it.

I also had the opportunity to try their Mineral Makeup. It works as a foundation and concealer, and works best when applied with a brush. Since I didn't know what color to purchase I chose a sample pack of the light tones, so I could play around with what works best for me. I don't wear a lot of makeup, but I really like the way it felt, and the coverage was even, without feeling heavy.

Want to try these products for yourself? Check them out on their website at econaturalsoap.com. This company is still a very small company, consisting of just 3 people, but they manage to make upwards of 400 bars of soap a day, and keep their products natural and organic.

Want to win some to try them for yourself? Eco Natural Soap is offering one of my readers a prize package that includes 2 soaps, one body balm and one lip balm (you choose the scent for all of them. Choose all the same like I did, or mix and match and enjoy them all!)

Enter to win on the Rafflecopter below, and good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Giveaway ends at 11:59pm 12/17/12.

Disclosure: I received the products shown above from Eco Natural Soap to review. I received no other compensation for this publication. My opinions are my own and may differ from those of your own. Sanity is for those without children is not responsible for sponsor prize shipment.   

The Happy Trunk Review and Giveaway

Do your kids like arts and crafts? Mine LOVE them (see my craft closet makeover post here)!

I recently found an amazing concept... monthly craft deliveries!

The Happy Trunk delivers a box filled with art, craft and science activities for ages 3-11. And they deliver it monthly, for only $14 a month! And all materials are included, so you just have to open the box and have fun!

We received the October box from The Happy Trunk, and the kids were ecstatic when we opened it.

The October box contained the following projects:


- Glow in the dark monster puppet
- Design your own trick or treat bag
- Design your own cape
- Glow in the dark mummy
- Creativity challenge kit

Here's the contents of the box:

There were all of the necessary supplies, including a bag with scissors, glue and crayons! There were also lots of stickers and foam shapes, so the kids could let their creativity go wild.

Princesa was able to make the trick or treat bag all by herself!

Little Miss made the Glow in the dark mummy

And the cape (which has gotten lots of wear)














Bok Boy made the monster puppet

But my very favorite was the creativity challenge, which had a couple of random items in it and the direction to see what you could make! Bok Boy made a witch door hanger.









We had such a great time with our The Happy Trunk box. My kids would love to get these boxes in the mail every month!

Find out more about The Happy Trunk on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, or their website.

Want to order one for your family or as a gift? You can get 40% off a 3 month subscription with this special coupon code: HT3M40. That makes 3 monthly boxes cost less than $36! What an awesome deal!

Want to win a one month box? The Happy Trunk is offering a one month box to one of my readers! Enter on the Rafflecopter below.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Giveaway ends at 11:59pm ET 12/12/12.
 
Disclosure: I received a 1 month box from The Happy Trunk to review. I received no other compensation for this publication. My opinions are my own and may differ from those of your own. Sanity is for those without children is not responsible for sponsor prize shipment.  

Pinypon Party and Review

We had the opportunity to have a Pinypon party recently. If you haven't heard of Pinypon before (which I hadn't), Pinypon is a mini-dolls world inhabited by independent and modern girls, who love fashion, accessories and hairstyles.

To my little one, Pinypon are adorable little dolls that you can interchange. Their hair and bodies come apart so you can change their clothes and hair. Not only that, their faces are double sided, with two different expressions, so you can fully customize your dolls.

See all the little flowers and whatnot in the pictures? Those can be interchanged as hair decorations, jewelry, and even decorations for their RV and buildings.

We received an assortment of Pinypon dolls to share with our friends, along with 2 caravans (one to keep and one to raffle off during the party). My kids LOVE the caravan, even Bok Boy liked to play with it because it had so many uses.

 

Here's a picture of it closed up. It even has surfboards on top (that have wheels under them so the dolls can surf!)

When open, there's a shower that really works, a couple of beds, kitchen, storage area, and even a even a little food stand that opens up on the side!

The roof flips over and becomes a boat, complete with a slide! Every part of this seems to have multiple uses, and it all fits inside the caravan while it's closed up. It even has enough room for a couple of extra dolls! I love these products, and they've been played with literally every day since we got them.

The only downside for me was I didn't open the packages ahead of time, so I was opening boxes and putting on a LOT of stickers on the caravan while a bunch of kids were waiting to play.

We also received 2 Nenuco dolls, one for Princesa and one to raffle during the party.

Princesa and Little Miss have been fighting over this, but Princesa won out (since Little Miss has claimed that she only wants "girl" dolls, not baby dolls!)

We had a great time hosting this MommyParties event! We had many happy little girls after all was said and done, and I know several girls who now have Pinypon on their Christmas lists!

Want more info? Find Pinypon on their website here on their Facebook page here.

Disclosure: I received the products shown above to review and share from MomSelect. I received no other compensation for this publication. My opinions are my own and may differ from those of your own.

Holiday Gift Guide

Need ideas for those hard-to-shop for people on your list? Here's some of my favorites this year: (follow the links to my reviews) More items will be added often, so check back!

For the creative child

For the Zombie Lover in your life

To customize your child's room

For the girl who loves to accessorize

For the kids who love arts and crafts

For the person who wishes for organic skincare

For the cook in your life

For the tech-lover in your life

 

For your family (and anyone else who loves beverages!)

For the spicy people in your life

Mona MELisa Designs Review and Giveaway

Are you looking for a way to customize your child's room without spending a lot of money? I've found the perfect company for you.

Mona MELisa Designs makes customized wall art for children's rooms. They have a large selection of growth charts, name signs, Peel & Play packs, and canvas poster murals. Each of these items are original designs, created and hand-drawn digitally by their artist. Therefore, not only can you add your child's name to your creation, but you can choose the color schemes of your mural, the skin tone, hair color, eye color, clothing color and hair texture of the child on the artwork. You can truly make the art customized for your child!

Isn't this awesome??

Mona MELisa's Poster Murals are 24x48" in size, so they're HUGE, and they're made of heavy duty canvas, so they hang easily and clean up nicely.

When my daughter was offered a poster mural, she chose the Pony Girl Mural, which is gorgeous!

 

Look at these adorable details:

We have it hung on Little Miss' wall above her bed, and it really brightens up her room.

Want one of your own? Mona MELisa Designs is offering 60% off to my readers! Use the code SANITY 1112 at checkout to save yourself a lot of money this season. Want to follow them to find out about discounts, new products, etc? Check them out on Facebook.

Or you can win one here! MonaMELisa Designs is offering a Personalized Mural of choice to one of my readers (a $90 value!)

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Giveaway ends 12/5/12 at 11:59pm ET.

Disclosure: I received a canvas wall mural to review. I received no other compensation for this publication. My opinions are my own and may differ from those of your own. Sanity is for those without children is not responsible for sponsor prize shipment.  

Zombie Gnomes Review and Giveaway

Does you or someone you know like zombies? Are you a little off-beat when it comes to your yard decor? If so, I've found the perfect item for you!

This, my friends, is Patient Zero.5, my new Zombie Gnome. Isn't he cute?! Okay, maybe not cute, but I think he's fun. He's hand casted from a concrete blend, hand painted, then sealed using an outdoor weather sealer. He will last for a long time in your yard!

Patient Zero.5 measures 10 1/2 inches tall, and he fits right into my yard (although I keep him peeking out from the side, so not to scare random passerbys!)

Because these are handmade, delivery can take 5-6 weeks, but if you order from Chris and Jane's Place Etsy site before December 7th you will get it in time for Christmas (for domestic orders only).

Chris and Jane's Place has also expanded to their own website. You can find it here.

Want to win one of your own? Enter on the Rafflecopter below and you can win a Patient Zero.5 for yourself!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Giveaway ends at 11:59pm ET 12/5/12.
Disclosure: I received a Patient Zero.5 to review. I received no other compensation for this publication. My opinions are my own and may differ from those of your own. Sanity is for those without children is not responsible for sponsor prize shipment.

Happy Toy Machine Review

If your house is anything like mine, you're completely overrun with stuffed animals. At my house, when the time comes to sort through toys and get rid of them, the stuffed bears, bunnies, and dogs go first. I'll happily keep a stuffed badger, or a white alligator, or a stuffed pika. But bears and bunnies, that we have hundreds of? Those are the first to go!

Which is why I was so happy to discover Happy Toy Machine! Happy Toy Machine is a US company that lets you design everything about your toy! Everything... animal style, color, fabric type, ears, legs, etc. It is so much fun! Plus, did I mention that it's made in the USA?!

When I was offered the opportunity to review one of Happy Toy Machine's toys, I jumped at the chance. And then I played on their website for HOURS! I kept playing with all different shapes, designs, and colors until I had created my favorite. Meet Princess Robotica...

I know, she's a crazy crazy toy (or as Bok Boy calls her, an alien-monster-mermaid-butterfly-bunny-cat-robot). But honestly I was trying to make as different of a toy as I possibly could for our youngest. Hubby thought I was crazy, but then it showed up...

Isn't she adorable?

Rear view is a little blurry, but notice the wings and fluffy tail!

The first thing I noticed about Princess Robotica was how soft her fabric is. I ordered the super-soft plush, and boy is it soft! It is extremely well sewn, and the embroidery is amazing!!  Plus, not only can you choose from their embroidery options, but you can also add your child's name (or whatever name you choose) on your toy.

My other favorite thing about their toys is the fact the entire face is embroidered, so it's safe for little ones (aka no eyes to fall out and get choked on). Plus their stuffing is certified non-toxic and child-safe, since little ones like to chew.

The only negative I have is the fact that we only have one... my other two are EXTREMELY jealous that they didn't get to make their own (and they currently have Happy Toy Machine gift certificates on their Christmas wish list). In fact, Princess Robotica has been living in Little Miss' bed, instead of our youngest's bed. 

Can you see the smile in her eyes? Of course, even though she's stolen her sister's Happy Toy Machine toy, she still wants to design her own. At a price range of $15-$50, she will definitely get a chance this Christmas! Not only that, she can also get stickers of her toy! I swear, this company has thought of everything.

Want to make one for yourself? Head on over to Happy Toy Machine and start designing your own. Creating your toy is free, and you can create one or many, and adjust them as often as you like until you find perfection. Then order your toys now, or save them for later.

Want to find out more about Happy Toy Machine? Check them out on their Facebook page or  follow them on Twitter.

Disclosure: I received a gift certificate in order to facilitate a review. I received no other compensation for this publication. My opinions are my own and may differ from those of your own.