Vtech Cody The Smart Cub (Plus a Giveaway!)

Disclaimer: I was provided a product for review and giveaway as well as compensation for my posting. I was not required to write a positive review- all opinions are my own (and Mac's)! 

Around my castle, we love anything that teaches. We embrace books, games, and even educational toys. Actually, especially educational toys! I love that he doesn't know he is learning and I can give him an educational toy and that will keep him busy while I get work done (or school planning done), without feeling guilty because he is still learning.

When Vtech contacted me about reviewing a new toy, I was ecstatic because I LOVE Vtech. I don't think I could count the Vtech toys my little ones have. When I found that I would be reviewing Cody- the smart cub, I was ecstatic because it teaches things that he does not have other things to teach him.

VTech’s latest addition to its line of infant and preschool toys, Cody the Smart Cub™ introduces children to early learning skills and helps establish a lifetime love of learning.

Not only does Cody teach some of the body parts and give little ones something to snuggle, but helps to establish timeline and routines. Cody teaches daily routines, emotions, first words, and even holidays. Cody is designed especially for children from 6- 36 months, and can even be customized! 

Cody knows exactly what time it is and children will grow and learn with their smart cub every day through daily morning greetings, bedtime music, and holiday and birthday wishes.

Parents can share in the developmental journey online through VTech’s app store, the Learning Lodge™, and personalize the smart cub with their child’s name, favorite stories, and more.

Right out of the box, Cody includes 40 phrases, four sing-along songs, two stories and 30 melodies. Plus, parents can easily download 130 melodies, 20 stories and many more activities via VTech’s Learning Lodge™. 

Ages 6-36 months, MSRP: $19.99

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As I'm sure you can tell from the pictures, Mac loves Cody- he is his best friend. He loves that Cody knows his name and what time of day it is. He even knows to tell Mac Happy Birthday!!! 

I like that I can switch up the phrases and songs he sings so that He doesn't get bored with him. I can also choose songs and phrases that go along with his school theme for the week. I love hearing Mac and Cody talk while I am working. 

Now with his little sister here, Mac likes to teach her things with Cody. He says "don't cry, Cody will sing to you!" Isn't that just sweeter than tea!?!

Cody will be a great friend in our house for many years to come (Cora may come along soon- she's Pink!) 

Thanks to Vtech, one of my lucky readers gets a Cody of their own! Just comment and tell me what your favorite Vtech toy is- the winner will be selected at random. 

A Miracle, A Deal, and All Kinds of Head Spinning: I Didn't Know I Was Pregnant Edition!

I've been missing lately and here's why:



I really had not felt too great lately and my to do list was growing daily. Stress was really setting in, so I thought stress was the culprit of the feeling yucky and tired. At 3 am on Tuesday, September 2nd, I went to the emergency room. I didn’t know what was wrong, but I was scared. The ER doctors thought I had an ulcer, fibroid tumors, and kidney stones. It turns out that I was pregnant. They still thought I had kidney stones and that was the cause of the pain. A little after 8 that morning, they sent me to ultrasound to make sure the baby was okay and I wasn’t a miscarriage. What a shock I was to get there, I was in active labor and didn’t even know I was pregnant. Needless to say, my world started spinning and I was grasping to hold on for my husband to get there (he had been home with our little boy) and remember to tell the surgery team everything they needed to know about me. After a long cesarean, I had a beautiful baby girl who was 37 weeks along. Dakota Lee George is amazing an 100 percent healthy.



Our world is still spinning out of control and we are grasping for normalcy and trying to get caught up with preparing for baby.

To celebrate the birth of our amazing daughter, our little boy becoming the best big brother ever, and my husband urging me to get back to work (he says it keeps me sane), I am running a once in a life time special.

I have some other great things lined up for The Palmetto Queen including more details, great posts, and even some giveaways! 

O!Snap- A Convenience for Headphone Wearers Everywhere!

Disclaimer: I received this product in exchange for a review. All opinions are my own.

Do you follow me on Instagram? Did you see these?






If you did, I'm sure you are wanting to know how the O!Snap Headphone Clip worked. Let me start by saying this is an amazingly genius product- my husband and I are having a custody battle over it! We do very different activities, but the clip worked fantastically for both of us.

Since I work at home and tend to need my hands free, the O!Snap clip has saved me a few times. I can use my headset (see this video), type, write in my planner, shuffle through notes, and even juggle toys without getting tangled in my cords. It has really come in handy when speaking with clients and recording my podcast. I was also able to quietly do yoga without breaking my neck with cords. I'm in love!

My husband loves it as well. (I might just have to be nice and get him one too!- or buy me a pink one!) He does construction and loves to listen to music while he is at work. He says it makes the day go by faster. He can use all the tools he wants and climb ladders without having to worry about the headphones- which is nice since he is as clumsy as I am!

My husband and I have even been shopping around for headphones for our little one (he loves music) and have already decided that he will have one because he gets his lack of balance from us and he's a very active soon to be 3 year old.

All in all, if you use headphones, you will benefit from the O!Snap clip!

For some fun, check out this video- O!Snap at its best!

 

This product not only keeps the headphones from tangled around you while you are busy, but it looks cool too. Here is another genius feature (see this video) that is better shown than told!

The O!Snap Clip has also been featured in CNet and Trail Runner Magazine.

10 Must Have Organizing Tools for Busy Ladies

As you all know, I love being organized. Sometimes I have to re-evaluate how I organize, but I'm always organized. I've shared many tips and tools to help, but today I want to share my favorite tools- those things that I cannot live without. Some are not specific, but some are specific tools that I urge you to use. I will share a more in depth post with each of these in the future.

1. Planner: I admit- this is the most important item in my possession. I could not function without a planner- but I am still looking for the one that works perfectly- maybe I should just make my own :/

2. Google Calendar- I will go into more detail about how I use multiple Google Calendars to keep me organized, but know that it is one of the most amazing tools IN THE WORLD!

3. eM Client - My newest obsession. This email client has changed my life. It works seamlessly with multiple gmail accounts, calendar, tasks, chat, and contacts. It even syncs. I am amazed and will share more about this next week!

4. A Great Bag- It doesn't really matter what kind of bag you use, but finding the right purse/ bag is essential to living the organized life. I have to have a huge purse with smaller bags inside. I also have a cross body purse that I use for trips so that I'm not lugging a huge thing around.

5. A Great Wallet- same as with the great bag- there is nothing more annoying that checking out at the store and not being able to find what you need, or everything falling out when you open it. Find one that works for you!

6. A "Briefcase": Even if you work at home always, you never work at home, or if you are somewhere in the middle, you need a briefcase of some sort. You should have one even if you do not work. I have a great one that looks a lot like a purse. It is black croc and even has a removable laptop sleeve. It is perfect for meetings because my computer, charger, planner, a few files, and a small bag with supplies fits perfectly. It goes on my shoulder. I like doing this and keeping meeting items separate from my purse.  Here's one to drool over:

7. A Launch Station- this doesn't have to be anything fancy, just some place where things that need to leave the house are kept, notes are kept, and even keys are kept. It can simply be a corner of the kitchen, but it should have a large calendar with important dates, and a message center.

8. A place to "work": Until my corner "office" is set up, I am working out of a mobile office. It works. I know that when I sit down to work, everything I need is right there with me. If you have an office/ desk to work at, great. If not, you can create a mobile office out of anything from a bag to a rolling file cart. Just know what you need before you get started. (I cannot wait to share a post on this!)

9.  Knowing yourself is very important- know what works with you, know what you need help with, know what you are good at, and what you should delegate. You would be amazed at how knowing yourself and listening to those things will keep you more organized.

10. A Plan- Know what you have to do, when you have to do it by, and what you need to do to have it done. This goes for every thing going on in your life from a day trip, to a office presentation, to a vacation in Cancun. I could not function without a plan- and lists.

Better Dental Health with OraMD (For Free!)

Disclosure: I received this product for free in exchange for my review and hosting a giveaway. However, I was not asked to post a positive review- all opinions are my own. 

Today I have a very special offer to share with you. The makers of OraMD are offering readers of The Palmetto Queen a free bottle to try (just pay shipping and handling). They are also giving away a bottle of OraMD to three separate winners (no shipping charge).

Before I get to the details of this lovely deal and giveaway, I'll share with you what I thought of OraMD.

I will admit that using this product took a little getting used to, but only because I am used to brushing with toothpaste. The taste was a little strong the first couple times I used it, but it really didn't bother me. I am a Listerine girl, and grew up using the un-flavored kind, so I like the burn. I like knowing that my mouth is being cleaned.

My mouth felt amazing after the first use- and there was no gritty texture like some toothpastes have. I still use a whitening toothpaste once a day to keep my teeth white (because I have those bad habits). OraMD does have a polisher, but not a sufficient whitener. I follow the whitening toothpaste with OraMD.

Since my son was born, I have slowly started having problems with my teeth (although I have never had a cavity). They have become sensitive and some have even broken (I'm a teeth grinder). However, I have had no problem using OraMD, and I have had problems with some toothpastes.

This is the first product I have found that not only has these amazing benefits, but makes my mouth feel great, tastes great, and is gentle enough for my sensitive mouth.

OraMD can be used for brushing (2-5 drops on a toothbrush), a rinse (adding 2-5 drops to an ounce of water), and as a breath freshener (put 1-3 drops on the tip of your tongue). The ingredients have been proven to kill the harmful bacteria that lead to gum disease.

OraMD can even be used for children 3 and older (just be sure to start with one drop). Do not use if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. 

Now... For Your Special Opportunity! 

3 lucky readers of The Palmetto Queen will get a free bottle of OraMD. 

There is also a special offer below- just pay shipping and handling!

a Rafflecopter giveaway
The manufacturer is willing to offer my readers one FREE bottle. They said they would love to have our readers try out OraMD and agreed to send one bottle FREE if our readers would pay a minimal shipping and handling charge. They also agreed to include 2 eye-opening reports called 1) “The 6 Hidden Dangers In Toothpaste” and 2) “Why The FDA Requires A Warning Label On Your Toothpaste.” That’s a total value of over $40.00. Click here to get your FREE bottle and FREE reports now.

10 End of Day Habits to Make Mornings go More Smoothly: Back to School With The Palmetto Queen

One of the most important routines we can set is our evening routine. I know a lot of people say the morning is more important. However, I have found that if I have a good evening routine in place, my mornings go more smoothly because I am more prepared. Then my whole day goes much smoother.

I will share some tips on evening routines that will make the school year, work change, and even travel easier. (Thanks mom for setting the tone for me and routines- some of these are yours!)

Here are some things to do in the evening to make mornings a little easier.

1. Make sure all backpacks/ purses/ briefcases have been emptied and repacked. (Helps cut down on clutter and ensures a fresh start in the morning)

2. While cleaning out the bags, mark any important dates in your calendar.

3. Make sure any permission slips, notes, library books, and anything else that needs to be turned in is gathered.

4. Even if you don't have much time, spend 15 minutes picking up around the house. You will be amazed at how much can get done when everyone pitches in. This will help make sure things are put away so they are easy to find and that the house doesn't get out of control.

5. What are you having for breakfast? Set out non-refrigerated items, bowls, spoons, fruit. Handy for morning.

6. Consider lunches for the next day and prepare what you can ahead of time.

7. Is there anything special that needs to go with someone the next day? Stick a note on the door!

8.Look at your planner to see what is going on the next day- this will tell you if you need to prepare anything for the next day.

9. Confirm schedules with whole family and double check family calendar to make sure every thing is correct.

10. Relax and go to bed. Make sure you find something to do every night that will relax you- this will make you sleep better and slow your mind down. It doesn't matter if it is reading a book, playing a game, or watching tv- we all must have something.

I hope you have enjoyed my tips and this whole series. Remember that the key is finding what works for you. I am a planner, very organized, and cannot live without my planner, to do lists, and entirely too much coffee. Not everyone works this way. I urge you to set a goal of finding what works for you and your family!

Have a great school year! My journey starts August 26th!