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Long ago I came to the conclusion that seasonal merchandising means you cannot get what you need when you most need it. Example. You find you need to replace your winter pajamas or slippers in February and can’t because they’re no longer on sale. That’s right folks. Summer items are starting to appear in local stores now. That’s ridiculous! One of the items you see all of the time in the summer but not so much during the winter is sunglasses.
According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO), sunglasses are not just for sunny summer days, but are also needed during the winter season when reflections from snow, water, sand or pavement can intensify UV rays to extremely high levels. The AAO also tells us that most parents (82%) encourage their children to use sunscreen when outdoors in the sunlight to protect the skin, but only 32% protect the vulnerable eyes of their infants, toddlers and children with sunglasses. That’s a scary thought when you consider that children’s eyes are at increased risk for permanent damage from sunlight until they are at least 10 years old, because their eyes are highly sensitive and still developing. Furthermore, 90% of total lifetime damage from the sun’s harmful rays occurs by age 18.
I never really gave childrens sunglasses much thought other than that it was cute. Of course I thought they were cute – they’ve got cute little licensed characters on them. You’ve seen the ones I mean in the department stores. I have bought CJ 3 or 4 pair and they just didn’t fit right and never stayed on. Shortly before our recent trip to Disney, I started contemplating what I was going to do for CJ’s eyes as there has been known to be some sunshine in Florida. I didn’t see any children’s sunglasses in the department stores. That didn’t surprise me, as I couldn’t find slippers or pajamas either. Fortunately, the folks at Real Kids Shades sent us some sunglasses and asked us to share our thoughts.
Real Kids Shades offers a line of durable and stylish sunglasses for infants and children to age 12. Real Kids Shades offer 100% UV protection and are measured by the strictest American, European and Australian governing bodies. Real Kids Shades are approved by the Melanoma International Foundation and meets with the sunglass recommendations of Prevent Blindness America. These kids sunglasses are Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act (CPSIA) compliant, CE Certified and FDA Approved for protecting children’s eyes against dangerous exposure to UV-A and UV-B rays. They are lead-free and made of impact-resistant, shatterproof polycarbonate frames and lenses. A wide range of styles and colors are available, including sports styles. Some of these styles can be fitted with prescription lenses.
I was very impressed with the Real Kids Shades. In the past when CJ has worn sunglasses they have always fallen off. CJ is small and I wondered how well these would work. As it turns out, they work great! They’re very stylish looking and I love the adjustable band that kept them on his head. He didn’t seem to mind wearing them at all, probably because they actually fit. And these glasses actually covered his eyes, unlike any of the ones we’d bought previously.
The frames are all stylish looking without looking too young or too old. I find the price quite reasonable considering the fact that they provide the protection my son’s eyes need and because they on. (No need to buy more if these stay on.)
Suggested retail prices for Real Kids Shades range from $14.99 to $19.99. For more information and store location, visit www.realkidshades.com.
WIN IT!
ONE winner will receive a pair of Real Kids Shades.
HOW TO ENTER. (MANDATORY)
To enter visit the Real Kids Shades website and then leave a comment on this post telling me which style of Real Kids Shades you like the most and what your favorite color in that style is.
BONUS ENTRIES
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1 - Visit Game Review Network and leave a comment on any post (except a giveaway post) there. Then return here and leave a comment on this post telling me one thing you read or learned there. (That’s two comments you need to leave for this bonus entry, one there and one here.) Unlimited entries for this method of entry.
1 - Visit HereAndThere.US (my Mom) and leave a comment on any post (except a giveaway post) there. Then return here and leave a comment on this post telling me one thing you read or learned on my Mom’s blog. (That’s two comments you need to leave for this bonus entry, one there and one here.) Unlimited entries for this method of entry.
Leave an additional comment for each entry you qualify for. You must have completed the first entry according to the instructions to be eligible for any bonus entries.
THE SMALL PRINT.
US addresses only please. This contest will end on Saturday 03/13/10 at 11:59 pm est. If you’ve entered any of my giveaways before then you know that only comments containing all of the requested information will be eligible for entry. The winner must contact me to confirm they wish to receive the prize within two days of my email notifying them they’ve won. Good luck to everyone!
THIS GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED.
Thanks for stopping by! If you have a picture up for Wordless Wednesday, leave your link below on Mr. Linky! Then head on over to From Val’s Kitchen, Game Review Network, Here And There, What’s That Smell, Wordless Wednesday, Go Graham Go, 5 Minutes for Mom and The Not-So-Blog Blog for more wordless fun!
Thanks for stopping by! If you have a picture up for Wordless Wednesday, leave your link below on Mr. Linky! Then head on over to From Val’s Kitchen, Game Review Network, Here And There, What’s That Smell, Wordless Wednesday, Go Graham Go, 5 Minutes for Mom and The Not-So-Blog Blog for more wordless fun!
This is a teacup from the Teacup ride at Walt disney world. Looks harmless enough, doesn’t IT?
I got off of there feeling green and woozy. That’s because the teacup had some help spinning around. Here are the two culprits, who thought that spinning it as fast as it could go was really funny, as was the look on my face. Poor Diva didn’t feel any better. In fact, she actually looked green for a minute.
I’m so excited - I’m going to Disney next week! I’m really looking forward to seeing CJ’s reaction in the parks as he’s really into Mickey and Pooh. He and I are flying out on Tuesday. My parents, as well as my brother LB3 and his girlfriend Diva, are driving down. They left last night. I have a close relationship with my parents but always worry a little when they travel, which is often. You know what I mean right? Stuff happens. I’ve often thought it would be awesome if I could use gps real time tracking to keep tabs on where they are. Until there is an easier way I rely on phone calls. I’m a little worried because that area is expecting some severe weather, which makes driving a camper a bit less fun. Fortunately, my Dad will be sharing the driving with my brother, which should make the long drive easier and quicker. At 7:30 am this morning they were in Virginia and my Mom was eagerly awaiting checking out some outlet stores that she always stops at. I’ve never met anyone else who know where every outlet and mall is, no matter where she is. She’s like a 411 for malls. Do you know anyone like that?
Thanks for stopping by! If you have a picture up for Wordless Wednesday, leave your link below on Mr. Linky! Then head on over to From Val’s Kitchen, Game Review Network, Here And There, What’s That Smell, Wordless Wednesday, Go Graham Go, 5 Minutes for Mom and The Not-So-Blog Blog for more wordless fun!
Thanks for stopping by! If you have a picture up for Wordless Wednesday, leave your link below on Mr. Linky! Then head on over to From Val’s Kitchen, Game Review Network, From Val’s Camera, Here And There, What’s That Smell, Wordless Wednesday, Go Graham Go, 5 Minutes for Mom and The Not-So-Blog Blog for more wordless fun!
Thanks for stopping by! If you have a picture up for Wordless Wednesday, leave your link below on Mr. Linky! Then head on over to From Val’s Kitchen, Here And There, What’s That Smell, Wordless Wednesday, Go Graham Go, 5 Minutes for Mom and The Not-So-Blog Blog for more wordless fun!
CJ is 10 but developmentally he’s much younger. It can be very hard to shop for toys for him because usually he’s either got it or it’s just not a good fit for him. One thing he enjoys tremendously is playing video games. His old VSmile has seen much better days. V Tech now makes a newer model, the VSmile Cyber Pocket.
About the VSmile Cyber Pocket
Kid-smart video gaming goes anywhere with V.Smile Cyber Pocket – featuring a flip top high resolution screen and easy touch writing pad, V.Smile Cyber Pocket even adjust to both right and left-handed players.
V.Smile Cyber Pocket users can also access a secure website using V.Link to show kids how their game scores stack up as well as provide them with bonus games to reward their progress. It’s easy to use and encourages them to keep up the good work!
Best of all, V.Smile Cyber Pocket toys play all of the Smartridges in the V.Smile Library. So as kids’ skills grow, you can keep supplying them with new challenges.
CJ adjusted to playing with the new VSmile Cyber Pocket quickly. There’s a lot of things I like about this game. It improves eye to hand coordination. It helps both fine and gross motor skills. It encourages concentration. The game skills have educational value while remaining fun and interesting. The game system itself fits well in his hands and isn’t too big or too small, making it the ideal toy for both home and long car rides. It’s great that all of the VSmile cartridges work in it, so games from the other systems like the VMotion can be used. The VSmile Cyber Pocket operates on 4 AA batteries. I have found the battery life to be quite reasonable but for those concerned there is an AC adapter available for about $10. We give this system six thumbs up - 2 from me, 2 from RB and 2 from CJ. The model we received did not have the capability to connect to a television but I believe the current model in stores does. That’s a feature we definitely would enjoy.
The V Tech VSmile Cyber Pocket sells for $49.99. It’s available for purchase online and in stores nationwide.
The product(s) featured in this review was provided free of cost to me for the sole purpose of product testing and review. This review has not been monetarily compensated and is based on the views and opinions of my family and/or self. Please note that the opinions reflected in this post have not been influenced by the sponsor in any way.
GIFT IDEA - GUM CRAYOLA TIMER LIGHT TOOTHBRUSH
I’ve always thought that tooth brushing habits are formed at very young ages. There’s no better time to teach children how to brush well. CJ doesn’t mind brushing but sometimes he’s in such a hurry to do something else that he’ll want to rush out of the room. I know that effective brushing should take more than ten seconds no matter if you’re an adult or child. The Crayola Timer Light Toothbrush has helped CJ understand that he needs to stay in there and be brushing until the light goes off at least once.
About the GUM Crayola Timer Light Toothbrush
The GUM Crayola Timer Light toothbrush is a unique toothbrush that lights up for 60 seconds encouraging children ages 4-11 to brush for the recommended time by dentists – 60 seconds or longer. In addition to being educational, the toothbrush is fun and easy to use, and resembles a Crayola marker. With bright, fun colors that light up, children will look forward to brushing their teeth.
Features include:
To help get parents and children excited about keeping their teeth healthy and clean while having fun, Sunstar has created a YouTube channel: www.youtube.com/GumCrayolaTimerLight. If you have a great story that you’d like to share about how the toothbrush has helped with your teeth brushing routine, please post a video of you and your little ones. Also, please visit www.GUMCrayolatimerlight.com for tips and suggestions about children’s dental health.
GUM is offering Mom Knows It All readers a special code to get $1.00 off the purchase of a GUM Crayola Timer Toothbrush. The promo code is GUM100 and it can be redeemed at www.gumbrand.com.
WIN IT!
One winner will receive a giveaway package including the toothbrush and other children’s dental hygiene products courtesy of GUM brand.
HOW TO ENTER. (MANDATORY)
To enter leave a comment on this post telling me if your child hurries when brushing.
BONUS ENTRIES
1 - Subscribe to my RSS feed.
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1 - Place my button on your blog.
1 - Place my holiday gift guide button on your blog.
Leave an additional comment for each entry you qualify for. You must have completed the first entry according to the instructions to be eligible for any bonus entries.
THE SMALL PRINT.
US addresses only please. This contest will end on Tuesday 12/15/09 at 11:59 pm est. If you’ve entered any of my giveaways before then you know that only comments containing all of the requested information will be eligible for entry. The winner must contact me to confirm they wish to receive the prize within two days of my email notifying them they’ve won. Good luck to everyone!
The product(s) featured in this review was provided free of cost to me for the sole purpose of product testing and review. This review has not been monetarily compensated and is based on the views and opinions of my family and/or self. Please note that the opinions reflected in this post have not been influenced by the sponsor in any way.
THIS GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED.
Thanks for stopping by! If you have a picture up for Wordless Wednesday, leave your link below on Mr. Linky! Then head on over to From Val’s Kitchen, Here And There, What’s That Smell, Wordless Wednesday, Go Graham Go, 5 Minutes for Mom and The Not-So-Blog Blog for more wordless fun!
Have you seen Elmo Tickle Hands? They are so cute! CJ is 10 but still loves Elmo and Sesame Street. I am seriously considering getting this for him for Christmas. What I like about it is that the toy is really interactive. Don’t get me wrong, other Elmo toys are adorable to watch. What makes the Tickle Hands fun is that they’re gloves that the child can wear. When the wearer touches something with their right hand the glove vibrates and you hear Elmo. (The left hand is for looking cute only and it does that well.) The other thing I like is that the toy comes with a DVD that will teach you how to do the Tickle Hand Groove dance, which is awesome because it encourages children to get up and dance.
Do you have or have you seen Elmo Tickle Hands? What do you think about it?
I was out and about today looking at some children’s clothing. CJ needs some more long sleeve shirts and sweatshirts for the winter. Now he’s 10 years old but he’s very small. He’s only just gone into a size 8. Why is it that the nice, cute boys clothing stops at sizes 6 and 7? CJ likes things like Thomas The Train and cars. All the shirts I found were Transformers and similar things. The cute outfits stopped at size 7. And the underwear. We’re still fighting the potty fight, trying to get CJ to poop on the potty. He really liked his Thomas the Train underwear and we thought they sort of helped motivate him. Well unfortunately his size 6 underwear squeezed his “business” because he’d outgrown them. He’s not nearly as impressed by their replacements, more Transformers or some such thing. My Mom tells me that I have to let him grow up. I wonder instead why the rest of society is rushing their kids out of cute things. Are we rushing our children to grow up by dressing them in clothing that isn’t as young? Anybody else want to get in on this discussion?
