Become A Weight Guru: #SkinnyJeans Update

Disclaimer: I received a product to review. All opinions are my own.

I am still doing my 90 day fitness challenge and it has proven to be tougher than I realized. My weight is fluctuating like crazy. I think a lot of it can be attributed to stress and hormones. However, that does not make it any less frustrating. I still weigh because I need that way of measuring to stay on track, but I was dreading and procrastinating when it came time to weigh. The Weight Gurus took care of that problem for me!

The Weight Gurus are set out to help people reach their fitness and health goals. They knew there had to be a better way of managing and tracking weight, so the weightless scale came about.

By the way, they do live up to their claims!

I was intrigued by the idea of a weightless scale. While for the moment, until I get below a certain number, I am sticking with the actual weight option, I'm excited to switch gears in the coming weeks.

The accompanying app is a lifesaver and an encouragement tool of its own. If I'm a pound over last week, my app shows me that I'm still 5 pounds down from last month. Its like your own personal cheerleader. 

The options of the scale are truly amazing. I open the app, and get ready to record my weight, step on the scale, get my reading, and when the screen changes to the code, I scan with my phone. This is by far the easiest tracking tool I have used! Plus, at $24.99 on Amazon, it is a great deal! 

The scale can weigh up to 400 lbs (much higher than most), has an 8 user memory, x-large back lit display, 4 high-precision gauges, Auto on, auto user detect, and low profile design. 100% Satisfaction guarantee/ 5 year warranty. that is an amazing list of features. This thing is more like an appliance than "just a scale." 

This scale has been a lifesaver and kept me on track with my fitness journey. Even if the pounds are not changing as quickly as I would hope, I can feel the difference in myself. Thank you weight gurus for keeping me accountable.

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

Homeschool Tools: TheO SmartBall #giveaway

Disclaimer: I received a product to review. All opinions are my own.

As we continue on our homeschool journey, I have been looking for things we can use now and for years to come, especially with Kodabug in the mix now. One of the biggest things I've learned so far is to have educational activities that can change up the process. I like to be able to have Tbomb still learn, but do something different when he is getting antsy, instead of punishing him. Enter: TheO SmartBall.

This ball is awesome. Although I could use my phone with it, I choose not to (I have to be able to take photos). I use a small 4.7 inch tablet we have that isn't being used much. (In fact, its mostly used in the car.) I've downloaded TheO apps to it and we dove in. Some of it is a little advanced for Tbomb, but that just shows me that it will be relevant to us for years to come.  The version we have fits up to a 4.7 screen, while the new XL version will fit a Galaxy S5 or the new iPhone 6.

TheO apps include Math Flash, Active 123 and Hot Potato. These apps use the different features of smart phones, like motion detection, to add to the experience.

TheO™ SmartBall’s revolutionary technology has combined physical activity, learning and fun into one dynamic experience. Kids love all the incredible Apps! Simply, download one of our fun-filled apps from the iTunes App Store or Google Play. Insert your Apple or Android device into the TheO™ SmartBall, and let the fun begin. You will be amazed at how much fun your kids will have interacting with TheO™ SmartBall.

In addition to TheO apps, I have found an amazing use for this ball. I have installed several "rattle" apps for Kodabug. She likes these while we do school and on the rare occasion she is fussy. I used to worry about her throwing the tablet, but not anymore. Now, I just  pop it in TheO SmartBall and let her have fun. Even outside, I don't have to worry about it landing on the gravel because the device sits so far inside the foam that there is no way it is going to touch a surface.

We are still finding new ways to use TheO SmartBall in our home and school. I'm thinking about having a family game night with it and using the big screen options shown on the website.

To win your own, enter below. Thank you Physical Apps for this amazing giveaway!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

Meet Lulu and Her Friends

Disclaimer: I received a product to review. All opinions are my own.

Have you met Lulu? Well Painting Lulu is the first print to digital coloring experience to grace us with it's presence! This is the cutest thing I have seen for the littles!

Meet Lulu is a 3 in one bundle that features Lulu and her friends. They are recyclable consumer goods that represent different parts of life cycle of environmentally friendly products.

• The coloring book is printed on 100% recycled and recyclable paper. 
• There are over 10 different characters, each of them equally adorable. 
• The free app that accompanies it allows the child to scan the QR code and color on a device. (Making it perfect for travel).
• Available in the iTunes store, Google Play, and Amazon app store.  
• The free digital crayon is adorable and durable. 
• There is a one-click sharing feature so children can share their artwork with their parents.
• There are free coloring pages available online.  

I love that this integrates technology with classic children's entertainment. Although my son has his own tablet, he is still only allowed a certain amount of tech time (unless it is school related). I still want him coloring with crayons. It is nice that he can do this, but learn about technology too.

Meet Lulu has gotten him excited about recycling. I now get scolded when I throw something away, even if it is not recyclable. He loves asking questions and then coloring the page. He especially likes that I can scan the code and he can take it with him. 

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

Homeschool Tool: #Sabor Spanish Learning Songs

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

I did not enjoy Spanish in school. Actually, I really disliked it. I dreaded it every day- almost as much as math. I have been looking for ways for the kids to learn languages that will not set my anxieties off. We all know that if we are dreading it, they will too. Spanish was at the top of my list, so when I was given the opportunity to review ¡Sabor! – Spanish Learning Songs, by WhistleFritz, I jumped!

I received ¡SABOR! – Spanish Learning Songs, and was absolutely impressed! You can listen to clips of these adorable songs on the site. The songs are colorful, fun, and educational. My little guy loves them and giggles the whole time. They keep his attention, so I know he is learning! 

Using several classic children's songs, this CD teaches phrases and vocabulary used in everyday conversation. They are so fun, the kids want to listen. The translation guide will help you assist your children in learning and help you follow along.  

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

Train's New Album: Bulletproof Picasso #Review #O2O

I participated in the Train Bulletproof Picasso album review program as a member of One2One Network. I was provided a free album to review but all opinions are my own.



I have been a fan of Train for quite a while now. There is just something about their music that speaks to your soul. I was so excited when I heard about their 7th studio album, I just had to get on the train (haha). Train is one of the few bands that I didn't stop listening to when I became a mom. I do not have to worry about certain words, yet I was actually getting to listen to adult music. Of course, I was very excited.

Bulletproof Picasso was released September 16, 2014. After listening to it, I'm officially in love!

Believe me, if you love Train, you will be in love with this album!

Kodabug smiles the whole time this album is playing and Tbomb has insisted I put it on his tablet so he can listen with his headphones (he calls them "hear its"). My husband has even requested I add it to his playlist. It isn't often that we all find music we love. I should have known that if anyone could do it, Train could!

Track Listing:

1. Cadillac, Cadillac
2. Bulletproof Picasso
3. Angel In Blue Jeans
4. Give It All
5. Wonder What You’re Doing For The Rest Of Your Life
6. Son Of A Prison Guard
7. Just A Memory
8. I’m Drinkin’ Tonight
9. I Will Remember
10. The Bridge
11. Baby, Happy Birthday
12. Don’t Grow Up So Fast



BUY IT

AMAZON | ITUNES

If you don’t already, Follow Train

* Official Train Website
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* Facebook

Football, Verizon, and a #Giveaway

Disclaimer: I have received product strictly for use for giveaways. 

One of my absolute favorite things about Fall is football. I love football parties, watching while I cook, having it on in the background on Sunday afternoons. I enjoy all football, but pro is my favorite. I love the Steelers, the Saints, and the 49ers. 

One of my favorite memories is watching the Cowboys and 49ers play with my dad. There is something magical about football season that begs for parties, food, festivities, and fandom. In fact, I'm thinking about planning a football party as I write this. 

Luckily, Verizon gets it, that is why they have partnered with NFL to create the best app for football fans. (Press release below)

Jeff Dezen Public Relations has been helping spread the word about this partnership and has offered something special for readers of The Palmetto Queen. Find out how to win one of two Otterbox cases below the press release. 

NFL Mobile Evolves to Keep Fans Better Connected to the Gridiron

The popular app begins new service offerings today to better cater to NFL fans whose viewing habits are increasingly tied to their smart devices.

CHARLOTTE, N.C. – With the NFL season just days away, Verizon’s deal with the NFL to stream live game footage to mobile devices just got a lot sweeter for fans. NFL Mobile, a versatile app that’s proved instrumental in preparing fans to draft and track fantasy football teams, will now offer Verizon customers on MORE Everything data plans free access to exclusive features – to include live games – streamed to a smartphone.

The app is free to download but has traditionally offered premium video content to Verizon Wireless customers for $5 monthly access. For the 2014-2015 season, MORE Everything customers will have free access to Sunday night, Monday night and Thursday night games, as well as Sunday afternoon games in the local market. MORE Everything customers will also be able to access the NFL Network 24/7. For an additional $1.99 per month, customers can access NFL RedZone to see a compilation of game and scoring highlights. Verizon customers with different data plans can access NFL Mobile premium content for $5 per month.

“Each year we’re seeing things like fantasy football grow in popularity, and being able to watch games on the go, check scores, make changes to line-ups from a smartphone has become an essential part of fans’ game plans,” said Jerry Fountain, president for Verizon Wireless in the Carolinas and Tennessee. “We’ve seen usage of NFL Mobile grow, and we feel the anticipation for the season building, especially as we talk with customers about this new benefit for football fans.”

For fantasy football enthusiasts, the app helps them keep up with team news, final scores, highlights, scoring plays and fantasy line-up reminders. The app also sends notifications when a player is injured, providing fantasy-league members time to adjust their line-ups for the upcoming week.

For more information about NFL Mobile, visit VerizonWireless.com/NFL.

###

Media Contact: Karen Schulz | Verizon Wireless | karen.schulz@verizonwireless.com | 864.987.2006

About Verizon Wireless

Verizon Wireless operates the nation’s largest and most reliable 4G LTE network. As the largest wireless company in the U.S., Verizon Wireless serves 104.6 million retail customers, including 98.6 million retail postpaid customers. Verizon Wireless is wholly owned by Verizon Communications Inc. (NYSE, Nasdaq: VZ). For more information, visit www.verizonwireless.com. For the latest news and updates about Verizon Wireless, visit our News Center at http://www.verizonwireless.com/news or follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/VZWNews.  

Win 1 or 2 Otterbox Cases. 

I'm so excited to offer these two cases to readers of The Palmetto Queen. 

Case 1: Steelers Otterbox for iPhone 5

Case 2: Cowboys Otterbox for Galaxy S5

How to win: Just comment below with which case you would like and let me know what your favorite team is. This should be fun, so be sure to share with your friends! 

Winner will be announced Saturday, October 4th!!!