Not all Halloween Treats are Equal

For years, our kids loved to sort candy after a night of Trick-or-Treating.







But not all candy are created equal. Especially now that Dova has braces.

According to Great Expressions Dental Centers, here are facts and simple tips to make your Halloween a safe and healthy one.

• FACT: Sticky candies, such as caramel and taffy, increase the chances of broken brackets the day after Halloween.
• TIP: To prevent this from happening to your child, or a neighbor, pass out individually-wrapped stringed cheese instead! Cheese is tasty and its calcium and phosphates help neutralize plaque acid, and ultimately reduces cavities. It will also play nice with brackets.

• FACT: 73% of kids ages 2 -5 will eat candy on Halloween. The highest consumption rate, however, is among 6 – 8 year olds, 87% of which eat candy on Halloween.
• TIP: Avoid letting your trick-or-treaters fill up on sweets. Before sending your little vampire out to trick-or-treat, let them snack on fruits and vegetables. Jack-o Lantern oranges and carrot fingers are fun and festive snacks for your appetizer table.

• FACT: Sweets that are chewy and sticky can get stuck between teeth, leading to tooth decay.
• TIP: Be sure to run from gummy candy, sour candies, and taffy. Instead pass out sugar-free lollipops and hard candies, sugar-free gum, and dark chocolate.

Happy Halloween everyone!

Disclaimer: This post was sponsored by Great Expressions Dental Centers for promotional movie passes and dental kits.

Giveaway - Harbor Sweets Gather Chocolates

What's better than hand-crafted chocolates? Harbor Sweets is working with Pollinator Partnership to aid in their efforts to preserve and protect honeybee pollinators. Now you can indulge in gourmet chocolate delicacies and help raise awareness of the plight of the honeybee. A portion of the sales from Gather (2.5%) will be donated to the Pollinator Partnership.

In each "flight" of Gather Chocolate (similar to how you sample beer or wine), there are six varieties of honey-infused dark chocolate. A six-piece box is $12.50 and 12-piece box is $18.50.

• Caramelized Honey
• Pomegranate Molasses
• Sesame Crunch
• Cashew Caramel
• Coconut Cluster
• Sour Cherry

We split the chocolates amongst my family members and each of us enjoyed them, even the milk chocolate lover. Each chocolate has a rich and distinct flavor, without being too sweet. Harbor Sweets is located locally in Salem, Massachusetts and sold in high-end grocers, gift shops and online. Check out the story behind Gather.



*** If you'd like to win a six piece box of Harbor Sweets Gather Chocolate, check out the easy entry methods in Rafflecopter below (click read more if necessary) . The giveaway ends on September 22th at 12:00am and is open to residents of US and Canada. All entries are verified, good luck! ***

I received samples of the Gather chocolates for this review and giveaway. Yum!

Review - Brookstone uSqueez App Foot and Calf Massager

If you don't have a personal masseuse at home to massage your legs and feet after a long day, then you would best be rejuvenated by the OSIM uSqueez App-Controlled Foot and Calf Massager offered by Brookstone.



Since this version of the uSqueez Massager is app-controlled, you can connect wirelessly with an iOS device and control your massage. What a great way to spend some quality me time, with an iPad and massage!

The uSqueez comes with preset programs which you can run, my favorite was "Pulse".



The preset programs are also available through buttons on the side of the uSqueez so you don't have to use an iPad or iPhone to control it. Through the app, you can also customize a manual massage.



Or you can peruse the app to find interesting facts about massage.



Since I'm not much of a manual reader, I also learned that you can change the angle of the uSqueez with a flip out bar.



The only problem is keeping the rest of the family out of the uSqueez! The one complaint we had was that it was a little tight for people with athletic calves. Once you squeeze yourself in, the massage is strong and effective!



Special thanks to Brookstone for loaning an OSIM uSqueez App-Controlled Foot and Calf Massager to review.

The Harlem Globetrotters at the DCU Center, March 17th, 2pm

Looking for an awesome event the whole family will enjoy? Get your tickets to the Harlem Globetrotters brand new "You Write the Rules" tour. Your family's smiles will start before you even get to the game as the Globetrotters take kid participation to a whole NEW level. Your family can vote at harlemglobetrotters.com and decide rules for the game that could affect the final outcome. With rules like double the points for every basket, and two balls in play at the same time, there's an exciting rule that every kid will enjoy. After the game, Globetrotter stars will stay on court to sign autographs and take photographs with your kids. The only thing better than finding an awesome event for the whole family, is getting a great deal on it. Use the promo code "USFAMILY" when you buy tickets for your family to save $7 on each ticket purchased at http://www.harlemglobetrotters.com/tickets*. Get ready to experience the show your family will remember for a lifetime!

Here's a video we took of the Harlem Globetrotters at TD Garden in Boston last year.



You can get your tickets here http://www.harlemglobetrotters.com/tickets and don't forget to use the promo code USFAMILY to save $7 on every ticket!
*Discount available on select seating levels "

Special thanks to US Family Guide for providing two tickets for this event!

Giveaway - The Great Race from Barefoot Books

Ever wonder about the story behind the animals of the Chinese zodiac? The Great Race from Barefoot Books retells this story with vibrant illustrations. It also provides intriguing notes about the Chinese calendar, annual festivals, and character traits of the animals that rule different years. I am a horse, which are popular, independent and fun. But of course!

My nine year old daughter enjoyed the book as well, although she felt that the cat was cheated by the rat. Hint, have you heard of the Year of the Cat? It doesn't exist! Celebrate the year of the Snake this Chinese New Year on February 10th with your own copy of The Great Race.  Xin nian kuai le!

To learn more about Barefoot Books, check out their history, blog, and podcast.

*** If you'd like to win your own copy of The Great Race or another title from Barefoot Books, head to their site and provide your favorite title (other than The Great Race) in the comments. Please add your entry to Rafflecopter (click read more if necessary) and check out the easy ways to earn more entries. The giveaway ends on February 14th at 12:00am and is open to residents of US and Canada (no PO boxes please). ***

Giveaway - Brookstone Shiatsu Bed Lounger

After my work day is done and the family is fed, I always head to the bedroom for some quality time with my iPad®. OK, this really means that I do a few rounds of Bejeweled Blitz and enter the Cubis Creatures tournament, but nonetheless, it's finally me time! With the Brookstone Shiatsu Bed Lounger, I have the added benefit of Shiatsu massage for my lower back as well as a spot to charge my iPad.

The massage action of the Brookstone Shiatsu Bed Lounger is quite effective with four kneading nodules. If you'd rather just lounge, a padded cover folds over the massage nodes. The best part of the Brookstone Shiatsu Bed Lounger is that the foam is firm and durable, and doesn't loose its shape like the old "husband" pillows of yesteryear.

These days, my kids have abducted my lounger for sitting on the floor in living room. Who needs a couch when you can get a massage watching TV or playing video games?



*** If you'd like to win your own Brookstone Shiatsu Bed Lounger, head to their site, answer an easy peasy questions in Rafflecopter below (click read more if necessary) and check out the easy ways to earn more entries. The giveaway ends on January 25th at 12:00am and is open to residents of US and Canada. ***

Giveaway - Brookstone eComfort Tablet Pillow and Dustin Touchscreen Cleaner

The Brookstone eComfort Tablet Pillow is finally the answer to using an iPad® in bed. I've always enjoyed using laptops and now my iPad in bed, but there's always the problem of cold hands after holding the device too long.  The eComfort Tablet Pillow beats traditional case stands by securely holding an iPad upright on a soft surface completely hands free.  With the rotation lock feature of the iPad, I can even lie sideways in bed and enjoy an iBook.

The eComfort Tablet Pillow can hold 10" tablets as well as 7" tablets including the Kindle® Fire.  I would recommend removing the case while using the eComfort Tablet Pillow, as the X-stand tends to squish most cases.  I've switched to using a thin Smart Cover as they are easy to remove for the eComfort Tablet Pillow.



If you're an avid tablet gamer or have kids that use tablet devices, the Brookstone Dustin 2-in-1 Touchscreen Cleaning Cloth is a must have accessory.  We are constantly cleaning our screens and absolutely love this handy device.  They come two in a package, so we don't even have to fight over them.

*** If you'd like to win your own Brookstone eComfort Tablet Pillow and Dustin Touchscreen Cleaner, head to their site and answer a few easy peasy questions in Rafflecopter below (click read more if necessary) and check out the easy ways to earn more entries. The giveaway ends on December 16th at 12:00am and is open to residents of US and Canada. ***

Giveaway - Acorn Crosslander Mule Shoes

It's autumn and time to put away the flip flops and put on some cozy footwear! These Acorn Crosslander Mule Shoes are the perfect companion to crisp cool days. They are extremely comfortable, well constructed and super stylish.

I bought my first pair of Acorn slippers in 1996 and have always been impressed with their comfort and quality.  Acorn has since branched out to shoes, boots, socks and more.  It's obvious from their selection that they are still committed to quality materials, super sharp casual styles and ultimate comfort.

Acorn is sponsoring a Facebook "Love You" contest with $5000 worth of prizes, plus the chance to become product testers or even "star" in an Acorn footwear ad campaign. Just create an Acorn self portrait describing "what makes you, you?" on their Facebook page application.

*** If you'd like to win your own pair of Acorn Crosslander Mule shoes, head to their site and tell me  your favorite Acorn footwear product and choice of color for the Crosslander Mule in Rafflecopter below (click read more if necessary) and check out the easy ways to earn more entries. The giveaway ends on November 24th at 12:01am and is open to US residents. ***

Giveaway - Brookstone Rover 2.0 Wireless Spy Tank

Brookstone has come back again this year with a faster, cooler Rover 2.0 Wireless Spy Tank.  In sleek black, the Rover 2.0 is faster, and now records video as well as still photos.  As soon as I hooked it up the iPad to its wireless network, my kids once again took the controls intuitively.



Now we can capture the true chaos that is my kids on video.



You don't need to trust super sleek product photo, it is really that cool looking, especially with the controllable headlights.



And there's no escaping the Rover's all knowing eye!



*** If you'd like to win your own Rover 2.0 Wireless Spy Tank, head to their site and tell me what your favorite feature is in Rafflecopter below (click read more if necessary) and check out the easy ways to earn more entries. The giveaway ends on November 16th at 12:01am and is open to residents of US and Canada. ***

Giveaway - Brookstone iConvert Scanner

The Brookstone iConvert Scanner is every digital hoarder's dream!  I purchased my first digital camera in 2000, one month before my first child was born.  So all my son's and then my daughter's photos were digital, but there are so many documents and photos that aren't.  In the past, I used my printer/fax/scanner machine to scan photos but it was a tedious process.  I scanned artwork and portraits from school and other items such as birthday cards to save digitally. Now it is even easier with the iConvert Scanner.

The iConvert scanner works perfectly with my new iPad 3 as well as older iPad models. You simply plug it in and the app will automatically come up in the iTunes app store.  It comes with a power adapter but it also works from a powered USB hub with a standard USB cable (not included - it was just easier to power it this way on my desk). 

One of the really cool features of the iConvert scanner is that it will scan any size paper from a business card to a full 8.5x11" sheet.  The scan will be automatically cropped to the proper size.  Check out my cool new business card, it even has a QR code (the square barcode...  Also I crossed out the phone number - you didn't want that anyway).



Being the resident software test engineer person as well software developer at my job, I like to test things to their fullest. So I threw a variety of things at the scanner. One of them was this note that Dova wrote on a napkin.

Dear Mom, I can't stand another minute with Adam. Please don't let him annoy me! He threw me on the couch and I hit my head on the wood. He has been bothering me so much. Love, Dova.

Yup, it scans napkins. And artwork.  Check out these cozy kittens on a rug.

Last but not least, it scans photos. Here's the artist of these creations.



The scanner is extra handy compared to the old-fashioned kind and we are always thinking of new things to scan.  The quality has been outstanding as you would expect from all Brookstone products.

*** If you'd like to win your own Brookstone iConvert Scanner, tell me what device you'd use the speaker with in Rafflecopter below (click read more if necessary) and check out the easy ways to earn more entries. The giveaway ends on June 24th at 12:01am and is open to residents of US and Canada. ***

Review - Spot It by Blue Orange Games

Looking for a great family game that's hours of fun and super easy to learn?  Spot It from Blue Orange Games has taken a favorite "spot" in our family. The premise is simple. On any two cards, there is always one and only one matching symbol.  Spot it and you win. Sounds easy, but with different size images, it can sometimes take a sharp eye. Sometimes you can get on a roll with the same image, which makes the game fast and exciting.

My engineering mind marvels at the fact that only one image matches between any two cards.  With 22 different images and eight images on each card, you would think it would be impossible, but sure enough, it works every time.

Spot It is for ages 7 to adult and my 8-year-old daughter and 11-year-old son love it.  For younger kids, Blue Orange also offers Spot It Jr. for kids ages 4 and up.  Check out Spot It on Facebook, YouTube and Twitter and buy it on Amazon.

Special thanks to Blue Orange Games for providing the Spot It game for review.  No other compensation was received.

Giveaway - Brookstone Wireless Bluetooth Keyboard Pro for iPad

When considering a Bluetooth keyboard for your iPad, have you considered the ability to remove the keyboard to type more comfortably (although not necessarily poolside in a turquoise bikini as shown above)?  How about premium supple leather (in my favorite leather color)?

The Brookstone Wireless Bluetooth Keyboard Pro is the must have accessory for the everyday user to the executive looking for the very best in iPad accessories.  The keyboard has excellent tactile feedback and is super easy to pair to your iPad or even a smartphone through the wireless Bluetooth connection.

With the iPad and the keyboard, you can do some serious work editing documents, writing emails and even blog posts (you can bet this one was written using it!).  With the keyboard, your iPad screen is no longer half-filled with the graphic keyboard which makes creating content much easier and rewarding.

The leather case extremely high quality and stylish.  The iPad sleeve and bezel fit well and all the iPad controls are readily available.  But you know what?  You can use the volume controls right on the keyboard, as well music controls, brightness, home screen and locking the screen.

The iPad is secure in the leather case and well protected against accidental drops.  The removable keyboard is held in place magnetically and the integrated stand hold the iPad at the perfect angle.  All together, the combination of the iPad, case and keyboard is a bit heavy and bulky, but it's a small concession to make considering the huge jump in productivity.

I absolutely love my Brookstone Bluetooth Keyboard! It makes my iPad as useful as a laptop with a keyboard.  The Bluetooth Keyboard Pro is available from Brookstone online or in stores for $149.  You can also check out the Bluetooth Keyboard with Tech-Grip Case and the original Bluetooth iPad Keyboard Case for $99 each.

*** If you'd like to win your own Brookstone Bluetooth Keyboard Pro, tell me what device you'd use the keyboard with in Rafflecopter below (click read more if necessary) and check out the easy ways to earn more entries. The giveaway ends on May 16th at 12:01am and is open to residents of US and Canada. ***

Review - Kidz Bop Ultimate Hits

On May 8th, Kidz Bop will be releasing their Ultimate Hits CD featuring the most popular releases from their hugely successful line of Kidz Bob CDs, "sung by kids for kids". As I heard about it,

I Gotta Feeling May 8th is going to be Dynamite! We’re going to Party In The USA with the release of KIDZ BOP Ultimate Hits! The California Gurls will be dancing to all 13 hits this Fire Burning summer! You don’t need to be a Billionaire to get a copy, its only $13.98! 

As well as these hits, the Ultimate Hits CD contains, Tik Tok, Break Your Heart, Hey Soul Sister, DG Got us Falling in Love, You Belong with Me, Single Ladies and Fireflies. The songs are excellently produced and even contain kid-friendly lyrics (I want to be a Billionaire, so very bad).

My 8-year-old daughter immediately began singing along with the songs.  She knew all but two of them already and within two playings, she was singing along with those catchy tunes as well.  She gives it a two huge thumbs up and a huge smile!



Special thanks to Kidz Bop for providing a review copy of the CD.  No other compensation was received.

Giveaway - Disney On Ice Presents Mickey & Minnie's Magical Journey

Disney On Ice is back in town for April vacation in Massachusetts! Our plans to visit Walt Disney World in April were squashed when DirectAir went under, but we are still planning to enjoy the Disney's magic locally. The last Disney On Ice show we attended was spectacular in every sense, and everyone is looking forward to this latest installment.  Disney On Ice presents Mickey & Minnie's Magical Journey runs from Thursday, April 19 to Sunday April 22 at the DCU Center in Worcester.  Here's the show description:

Make imagination your destination! Join Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse on a journey into the magical worlds of Disney’s The Little Mermaid, The Lion King, Peter Pan and Lilo & Stitch. Discover Ariel and Sebastian’s enchanting undersea kingdom; visit the Pride Lands with Simba and Nala; soar through starry skies with Peter Pan and his sassy fairy friend Tinker Bell; and say “aloha” to fun with Lilo and Stitch. You'll be captivated by the music, beauty and laughter in a journey so magical, you’ll never want to go home.

We cannot wait until school vacation for this event!  Check out the YouTube video and ticket information.

*** If you'd like to win a family four pack of tickets to Disney On Ice presents Mickey & Minnie's Magical Journey on April 19 at 7pm, tell me your favorite Disney character in Rafflecopter below (click read more if necessary) and check out the easy ways to earn more entries. The giveaway ends on April 9th at 12:01 am and is open to anyone who can attend the Worcester show. ***


April 11, 2012 - If you didn't win tickets and are still interested in attending, check out these offers for the Friday and Saturday night performances (4/20 and 4/21):

• Offer: Kids Tickets $10 – Friday Night
• Offer:  Kids Tickets $10 – Saturday Night

Giveaway - Brookstone Big Blue Live Wireless Bluetooth Speaker

If there's one thing that is inconvenient about the iPhone, it is getting quality sound without having to plug it in or dock it.  As a musician, I routinely dock my iPhone in Bose SoundDocks around my home when I am learning fiddle pieces or for accompaniment.  I am serious about my sound!  But what about the times where I just want to listen to music casually?  I either have to don the earbuds, plug in speakers or deal with the tinny speakers on the phone itself.

Thankfully, Brookstone has come through with the answer to my problems!  The Big Blue Live Wireless Bluetooth Speaker packs a great sound in a small package.  It plays music in your library as well as from apps like Pandora.  In fact, my son especially loves to listen to music while playing Bejeweled so he came time the explosions to the music. Whenever we hang out in my bedroom, my kids always ask to listen to "Big Blue".  The sound is surprisingly full range, with big bass.  It is not as clear as high end speakers, but perfectly fine for casual listening.

Big Blue Live is truly wireless in that it has a rechargeable battery so you can easily take your sound with you for about 4 hours.  It was easy to pair to my iPhone (very similar to pairing a Bluetooth headset) and syncs up quickly when turned on. There are controls for volume as well as skipping tracks and fast forward/reverse.  It even has a built-in microphone so you can use it as a wireless speakerphone.

*** If you'd like to win your own Brookstone Big Blue Live Wireless Speaker, tell me what device you'd use the speaker with in Rafflecopter below (click read more if necessary) and check out the easy ways to earn more entries. The giveaway ends on March 4th at 12:01am and is open to residents of US and Canada. ***

Giveaway - Disney On Ice presents Dare to Dream in Boston

Looking for a spectacular entertainment during February school vacation?  Get ready to watch Rapunzel's ride of a lifetime as Disney On Ice presents Dare To Dream featuring characters from Tangled.  The show is runs from Friday, February 17 to Sunday February 26 at TD Garden in Boston.  Here's the show description:

Get tangled up in the newest thrilling show to hit the ice, Disney On Ice presents Dare to Dream. Experience Disney’s hilarious hair-raising escapade, Tangled; as Rapunzel, her unlikely companion, Flynn, and Maximus, embark on an uproarious journey that takes adventure to new lengths! Boogie to the beat of the bayou with Princess Tiana and Prince Naveen in a magical, musical journey that all begins with a fateful kiss. And fanciful dreams become reality as Cinderella meets her Prince Charming, with a glass slipper fit for an unforgettable fantasy come true. All your favorite princesses take to the ice in a spectacular finale at the ultimate Disney Princess event of a lifetime! Experience the beauty, sparkle, and spirit when Disney On Ice presents Dare to Dream comes to your hometown!

We cannot wait to start our school vacation with this event!  Check out the YouTube video and ticket information.

*** If you'd like to win a family four pack of tickets to Disney On Ice presents Dare To Dream on February 17 at 7pm, tell me your favorite Disney character in Rafflecopter below and check out the easy ways to earn more entries. The giveaway ends on February 3rd at 12:01am and is open to anyone who can attend the Boston show. ***

Review - Tribe Hummus

February is American Heart Health Month and a great time to think about eating healthier.  Tribe Hummus offers a way to lower the risk of heart disease with all natural ingredients and none of the bad stuff like artificial flavors, preservatives, hydrogenates oils or high-fructose corn syrup.

And hummus doesn't have to be boring, Tribe Hummus offers flavors like Spicy Red Pepper and Olive Tapenade.  We tried the Zesty Spice and Garlic and were thrilled with the flavor.  Living in Massachusetts, we also like to support local companies and was happy to learn that Tribe Hummus is based in Taunton, MA.

So if one of your New Year's resolution is to eat healthier, or if you are concerned about heart disease, Tribe Hummus is a tasty way to address both.

Special thanks to Tribe Hummus for providing samples for review.  No other compensation was given.

Review - Brookstone Rover Spy Tank

Here's a cool iPhone/iPad controlled device that's sure to please kids of all ages.  I always had my eye on the  AR.Drone Quadricopter, but really, who can afford a RC helicopter?  The Brookstone Rover Spy Tank is the next best land-based option.  Check out the fun my kids had with it.



Adam loved to get up close and personal to it.



Yup, that close. The wi-fi connection to my iPhone was super easy to set up and the Rover was super easy to control, even by 7yo Dova. The streaming video was great for giggles and the snapshot button was well used. Over and over.









Wait, did the Rover spy mom jumping in the kitchen? This super shot was taken by Dova the controls. See? Super easy to use.

In addition to the all important snapshot button, the Rover's movements are easily controlled by using the touchscreen arrows or by G-drive which uses the iPhone or iPad accelerometer. It also has a night vision mode which lights the way in the dark to sense ghosts, or in this case, ghostly kids.



After playing with the Rover, I had a little trouble hooking back up to my home wi-fi, but after a quick reset of my router, it was smooth sailing.  For a fun family toy for the holidays, you can get the Rover Spy Tank at Brookstone for $99.99.

Special thanks to Brookstone for providing the Rover Spy Tank for review as part of the Brookstone Review Crew.