Kidecals: Ultimate Organizing Solution

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

I'm sure you have all figured out by now that I am a sucker for stickers, color coding, and labels. Well, this amazing company, Kidecals has added to that addiction. They allowed me to pick out a couple of things to try out with our family. I chose some things that I haven't tried anything like them before: chalkboard labels and date labels. Although their keyboard labels were a close one.

Before I get to those items, I just want to say that they have the most adorable branding and packaging. I mean seriously, check this out- I wish they made washi tape!

Chalkboard Labels

I chose the Chalkboard Plaque Labels. They come with 6 three inch labels and 6 four inch labels! I have placed one on my laptop- I can write a hashtag on it when doing an event. I have one by the door (so I don't forget things), and have used them in the kids travel activity kits. You can use chalk or chalk pens with them. They are durable and waterproof. 

These are also great for labeling jars (for storage or gifting), labeling items for a potluck, labeling pantry items, and even organizing your homeschool room. 

PS- I love anything chalkboard! (Have you seen my new branding for Cari On Media?)

Date Labels

I'm officially in love! These are my favorite labels yet- we use them or everything. Seriously! We had these printed with "The Georges" on them so they would be versatile. Use them for baby bottles/ food, storing leftovers, lunches, freezer meals- anything! 

We use them for more non-traditional things, I've even used them to label thumb drives. We use them when sending food with the kids to the babysitter, labeling equipment, and labeling toys when going to a play group. 

You could even use these to date homeschool lessons. For instance, use a binder clip to separate each day's assignments and use one of these labels on the binder clip- then write in the day!

You can customize the date labels with name and other information, even preview before you order. We didn't have anything put for "other information," so they would be more versatile. When you order these, you get 144 1x1.5" labels. They are microwaveable and freezer proof. Also, they leave no residue when removed. (yes, they are repositional). You can use a wax pencil, permanent marker, or dry erase marker to write in your information. 

Seriously, these are my most useful organizational tool (besides my calendar). In fact, I put a few of them in my planner in case I need them on the go. This was awesome because I ended up needing to leave a bowl when I hadn't planned on it, so I just stuck a label on there and knew I would get it back! 

The only thing I would change about these - I wish they had bigger ones as well! 

Tip

When ordering custom labels for your family, use color coding to differentiate between members of the household instead of names. For instance you could order blue and pink of the date labels to keep the kids' items separate, or even use different colored pens. I know personalizing with names is big now, but in the grande scheme of things, it isn't too save to have your children's names plastered every where. Let's use initials and color coding when possible. 

Lighting Solution for Everyone: Mr Beams

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

Being an outdoorsy family, we tend to not like the sun going down. While the Mr and I sit outside in the dark, we don't like to have the kids outside after dark because we are surrounded by woods. Part of the beauty of living in the country is the absence of street lights- we can enjoy the stars, so having a street light installed is not an option.

Mr Beams sent me a light to try out and it has been a life saver. They sent me the Mr Beams™ Wireless Motion Sensor LED Spotlight w/ Remote Control MB370. I love the wireless capabilities of it- the only installation required is screwing it to the wall or post. It uses D batteries and they last quite a while. It can work as a spotlight or motion sensor. We use the remote and turn it on for the kids to play, then set it to motion when we are done in case the dogs start barking- then we can see what they are barking at.

The motion sensor has a 30 second shut off, so we don't have to worry about it running all night. It is perfect for home security, as well as patio lighting. There are two additional shut off settings- one hour and four hours. Even better are the special features of the light. The LED lights will never need to be replaced (the lights in the other kind are expensive). The brightness of the light is adjustable, with 3 different settings.

We have started using the light for events as well. I had my husband mount it to a board so that I could use zip ties to attach it to poles when we are out for events- easy lighting anywhere! This is perfect for bigfoot hunts and paranormal investigations. We can use them during set up, team meetings, and command central. I'm really looking forward to using it for events that carry over into the night as well.

Every family could benefit from the lighting solutions offered by Mr Beams. How would you use them?

Discover God's Heart Devotional Bible

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



I have a love for Bibles that has inspired a pretty large collection. It covers Bibles from the 1800s that are huge congregation Bibles (from when the whole church shared one) to newer translations intended for teenagers. Every time I'm in a new or used book store, I have to look at the Bibles. They just draw me in.

When I had the opportunity to review the NIV Discover God's Heart Devotional Bible, I jumped at it. Although I don't own many devotional Bibles, I love what they offer. No two are alike and there is always something to gain. I was told once in a Bible study class that when we study our Bibles, we should pray, then open it up. God will make sure that we read what he wants us to that day.

I have a daily reading plan I go by for my daily bible study. When I use this Bible for that, I always end up getting caught up in the devotions, which is okay too.

What I love about this Bible though, is that you do not need a daily reading plan. It is broken up into manageable portions, making it an amazing read-through Bible. This Bible will help you grasp the tougher parts of scripture, as well as get a deeper understanding of God's word.

The 365 devotions contained inside serve as your own tour-guide through the scriptures and summarizes each section and helps you apply it to your own life. It also helps achieve a greater understanding of how all of the scripture is tied together.

The layout of this Bible is amazing- it is different than the majority I have seen- I love how it all "makes sense" and ties everything together. It is a beautiful Bible that you will be proud to carry and display. While it can be used as a "regular" going to church Bible, my recommendation is that you reserve this particular Bible as your devotional aid, if you use multiples, like I do. In fact, it stays on my night stand for this reason!

Whether you are new in your journey, or have been traveling for years, this Bible will help you get to know God in a deeper, more passionate way.

Kinivo For My Gadget Addiction

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

As you all have figured out by now, I have a serious addiction to gadgets of the tech kind. Yes, my name is Cari and I'm a geek. My husband thinks it is funny that I will never have enough gadgets. He should be happy though, he gets my hand me downs.

When the people at Kinivo asked me to review a product for them, I had a hard time picking a product- because I wanted them all. I drooled over the adorable mini portable speaker, the premium Bluetooth boombox, and the Bluetooth stereo headphones. Then, I decided to go practical for my work and fell in love with this beauty:

This is the Kinivo BTX270 Wireless Bluetooth Portable Speaker ($59.99). It supports apt-x for high quality audio, can stream audio from any Bluetooth enabled device, and can even be plugged in via audio cable. The battery (rechargeable) allows for up to 8 hours of use anywhere you want. When you are using an iPhone or iPad, the battery status shows. 

At about a pound, this is a great speaker for home, or away from home. There is even a built in microphone for hands free calling! It even has an almost armor like coating to enhance it's durability. 

I have used this speaker in several different settings. My laptop speakers are horrible, so it has gotten plenty of us.

1. Events- in place of a pa system when using a smaller event room- I have not tested it outside yet, but plan to as soon as it warms up for our outside events. 
2. Connected to my laptop for the kids to watch movies. 
3. Presenting evidence from paranormal investigations. 
4. Making business client calls. 
5. Listening to music from my phone while working. 
6. Playing music for the kids to keep them entertained while I work.
7. I have even been tempted to plug it in to the TV- the sound is that great. 

I mean seriously, this speaker has sound quality similar to that of my dad's custom built sound system (he built himself and is awesome). There are two differences- this does not take a whole room and there isn't really any sound distortion when using high volume. Also, there is no shaking of the whole house when the sound is turned up. 

You could use this speaker at a party with a good many people and it would work great! 

I have never been so impressed by a company or a speaker. I have used many speakers in the past, many Bluetooth devices, and many other sound devices. I am beyond impressed. Good job Kinivo! 

Organizing Solution: #PackingCubes by Dot to Dot Travel

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

These packing cubes have become one of my favorite organizing tools. I have started using them for everything. I use them for switching out the kids' seasonal clothing, storing extra blankets, and even organizing equipment. I will also use them when we travel this summer for organizing everyone's clothing in a single bag- I just know it will make my life so much easier. In fact, every time I see them in the closet, I think of another use.

While the small ones likely have many more uses, I actually received the Large packing cubes (in orange of course) and they are perfect for our family. I can't wait to use them this summer. With 10 available colors, and a pack of 1 or 4 available, you know these are a dream come true for me. I am going to get a different color for each family member- making organizing even easier. These can be used for clothing, shoes, toiletries, books, toys, and so much more. Actually, the only thing I would change is that I wish they were in assorted sizes instead of all the same.

Features

Dimensions - 17.5" x 12.75" x 3.25"

Mesh front allows you to easily see the contents

Protects items from dirt and dust

Excellent quality construction

Durable zipper

Light weight

Southern Charm Mason Jars #ReCAPMasonJars

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

I'm sure you could never guess from the design of this blog, but I have a special love for Mason Jars. They are another staple from years ago that are still relevant, and front porch sitting would just never be the same without them. Growing up, my mom had a set with handles that we had our tea with dinner in.

ReCAP has a whole line of products that take the functionality of mason jars to a whole new level, including pumps, sprayers, and my favorite, the Pour Cap. This lid is very versatile.

You can use it for yarn, salad dressings, as a drink mixer, and so many other things. I use mine for a kind of boring purpose. I use it on a mason jar for my morning shake. I have a shaker bottle, but it isn't quite the same. I also use it when I take a cold coffee out for errands. We have also used it to take tea on a picnic in.

To me, there is nothing like drinking from a mason jar, but the reCap makes it easier to do in my busy life. I get to daily go back to the days of sitting with my granny on her front porch drinking some tea and gossiping about the neighbors and listening of stories of when her and my grandaddy's love was new. She has been gone several years now, but the memories are like yesterday. In fact, I wish they had these when she was alive because her cup had to be covered at all times- so she would sit there and unscrew the lid every times she wanted a drink, or use a Hardees coffee lid on top.