Family Review Network

Talk about a box of fun! The Original Ultimate Spinner from Robbins Toy comes with 10 discs of games and activities that will keep your family laughing, learning, and lovin’ it for hours!

From the site: “Educational and fun for the whole family to play. The activity discs are great for home and in the classroom. Our game is very useful in teaching children to learn the alphabet, numbers, basic math equations, and how to tell time. If your child finds certain games and activities too challenging, try using the “Considering Tender Hearts” rules in the instructions. Have fun playing!”

Some of our members received this cool game to review and this is what they had to say:

Blessings Abound: We had a blast trying this game out last night. When I first opened the box, I could smell the freshly cut pine scent and noticed right away how durable and well constructed the game was. This is important when you have young children as most games with spinners use plastic spinners that end up getting warped or broken in no time at all. The spinner arm itself is a great size for small hands who aren’t quite coordinated as they’d like to be.

Mommy Mandy: I laughed so hard at the Up-Or-Down game, we even got Hubby to play along. The kids were giggling pretty hard every time they had to stand up or down.

Summer’s Nook: I am VERY impressed with this game. My favorite part about it is the pine wood base and spinner. We’ve owned more than a few games with flimsy card stock spinners that are quickly damaged. This spinner is sturdy and can’t be ruined unless you’re trying to do so. With 12 different games to play and “Considering Tender Hearts” variations (for little ones) we haven’t even come close to boredom with this one yet.

All Because Two People Fell In Love: We received our Original Ultimate Spinner and both kids were beyond excited about playing this game!! With the HUGE selection this game has to offer the hard part was deciding which game to play first!!

From Melissa’s Desk: Being a homeschooler I can really appreciate a truly FUN game that teaches letters, numbers, basic math skills, and telling time. I would definitely recommend this game to any family looking to have some entertaining educational fun!

Brain Foggles: This is the perfect game for family night. There are hours of fun packed into this one game made by Robbins Toy. Playing board games helps my family keep a tradition alive that my husband and I both grew up with. It’s nice to pass this down to our daughter.

What’s That Smell?: What I really like about this game is the variety. In just one box you get so many fun games, some of them even get you up and moving around. The spinner, being made out of wood is very durable, and with proper care, the rest of the accessories will stand up to time as well. They are a heavy card stock and so long as they are stored properly and handled normally, they should hold up.

The Dirty Shirt: Playing with my kids we had a blast, especially with the Spin Do game which had us pretending, creating and moving around. By the end of that game we were laughing so hard. We also bowled, played baseball and danced all without ever leaving our house.

Lisa Reviews: Ever wanted a game that your kids can grow into? Or would you want a game that will take them years to outgrow?  If you want both of these things, then you definitely need to get your hands on the Ultimate Spinner game.

Sheltered Not Shattered: The spinner base and arm are made of solid wood and the cars are also wood. The discs all store on the spinner base so you don’t have to worry about losing them or getting them messed up. The racetrack game board is only made from posterboard so you will need to take care with it for it to last. I’m thinking of laminating mine. This was a great game and we can’t wait to play it again.

An Island Review: Our absolute favorite game was Goofy Dress Up! For this game, you spin the dial and dress up in the article of clothing that the spinner stops at. The girls had a blast putting on my clothes and it made for some great photo ops!

If you’re looking for a cool new idea for Christmas gifts, The Original Ultimate Spinner should definitely be on the top of your list. You may purchase them on the Robbins Toy website for $69.95.

What’s better than sending a personalized greeting card to loved ones? How about a personalized postage stamp to go along with it?

From the site: “PictureItPostage™ is real US Postage created by Endicia™ (en-dee-shya), the leading distributor of Internet (PC) postage by volume in the United States. Endicia™ has been serving the postal market for over 15 years, with desk top software products and services which automate shipping for businesses and consumers. The company has a long track record of innovation, including numerous industry firsts in the area of internet postage, internet services and mail management. Endicia is an approved and licensed vendor of the US Postal Service”

Family Review Network was fortunate to have the opportunity to review this amazing product. Here’s what our members had to say:

Kristen McLane: I’m lovin’ my customized PictureItPostage postage stamps. This is one of the most fun and unique products that I’ve had the opportunity to review.

O Momma Reviews: I received mine today and I can tell you the quality is excellent, you get exactly what it looks like on your screen when you order.  I love that they are bigger than regular postage so you can really see the design. A huge thumbs up from me.

Val’s Views: The stamps I received looked exactly like the preview I saw when designing them. The image quality was clear and the coloring excellent. I recommend PictureItPostage highly to anyone that wants to send an envelope guaranteed to jump up and grab the recipient’s attention.

A Wrestling Addicted Mommy’s Blog: With just an upload of the picture and a few easy steps (which the website walks you through, anyone could do it) my stamp was created. Once your photo has been uploaded to the site, you have editing tools to use as well so you can make sure the stamp is perfect and just what you’re looking for, whether it be just changing the orientation, zooming in or out, or changing the color or adding text, PictureIt Postage makes sure that your stamp is one of a kind.

Mom of 2 Dancers: The process is so super easy. It literally takes minutes to process your order. The editing was super friendly, you can center your photo however you want. You can make a vertical picture horizontal and vice versa.

3 P’s Mama Says: I had the chance to order some from PictureItPostage so that I could know what I was talking about so, of course, I wanted to order some with a picture of my 3 P’s. Problem was, when I got ready to order them, I could not decide which ones to order……so, like any good shopping mama, I ORDERED BOTH! (one compliments of the company and one on my own.:) So what do you think?? Definite keepers in my book! Would I order from PictureItPostage again? You bet!

Chocolate Fingerprints: I am as pleased as punch with these stamps! These would be perfect for special occasions, such as birthdays, Mother’s Day, Christmas, baby announcements, and wedding invitations. The picture on the stamps is 1 1/2″ x 1 3/16″ and the whole stamp measures 2 1/2″ x 1 9/16″; the perfect size! They’re big enough to be special, but not too big. I love my stamps!

My Trendy Tykes: Our stamps arrived in the mail yesterday and we couldn’t wait to use them. The kids got busy writing letters and drawing pictures so they could mail something. They loved seeing their faces on the top of the envelope.

Mama Sparkles: I’ve never been a stamp collecter, but I’ll be collecting the ones that I made at PictureItPostage. PictureItPostage allows you to create personalized U.S. postage by uploading your favorite photo, graphic or logo.

Rockin Mama: They’re perfect for announcements and special occasion/holiday cards that are often housed in larger-sized envelopes.  The quality is impressive and the resolution exceptional.  They’re almost too nice to want to use but I definitely want to show them off (just not to Visa or Amex!).

Wish List Worthy: The PictureItPostage website made it so simple to create my own stamps. I used a photo of our cute dog,  because who can ever get enough of seeing her? All I had to do is choose which photo I wanted, and if I wanted to change the color of the bar on the side (I did change it to a blue/green color). They did the rest! The stamps came so quickly after my order too!

The Way I See It: I absolutely love it! It can’t get much better than adorning an envelope with my grand babies.

Blessings Abound: Guess what I received in the mail today just in time for the upcoming holidays? I received these neat postage stamps with my loved ones on it courtesy of The Family Review Network and PictureItPostage! I think my stamps came out quite nicely and arrived faster than I anticipated!

An Ordinary Life: I love my stamps, they are personalized just for me. You get to choose everything, and the picture quality isn’t bad. Looks like an actual high quality print right on your stamp.

All Because Two People Fell In Love: We were very excited when we were given the opportunity to review this great site and product!! The whole process took less than five minutes!! The hardest part was trying to pick which image I wanted to put on my stamps!!! They arrived in just a few days after I ordered them!! It is was a very quick and easy process!! This service is actually more convenient than driving to the post office and purchasing common stamps.

The Clan McLeod: I have a friend sends her husband to the post office for stamps with the statement, “Get pretty ones!” I can’t wait to tell her about PictureItPostage. She’ll never have to worry about “pretty” ones again!

From Melissa’s Desk: If I had to describe PictureItPostage in one word, I would say…“FUN!”

Lisa Reviews: It literally took me about 10 minute to completely put this together.  Shipping took no time at all.  I am 100% satisfied with this company and would highly recommend you use them also.

Brain Foggles: These stamps are twice as large as regular stamps, can be portrait or landscape formatted and the background and font colors can be changed to suit your needs. The site is very easy to use as you can see exactly what you are doing step by step along the way. PictureItPostage provides ideas to get you started to making a unique statement that people are sure to remember whether it be for personal or business use.

Thoughts From the Mrs.: I knew my stamps would turn out adorable, but they look so good I’m hesitant to put them through the mail! This stamp will be used on my holiday cards this year and I can’t wait to send them out. I almost feel like I don’t need to send anything more than the stamp for our holiday card.

Here’s What I Think: I thought that this site was super easy to use. It was very user friendly. You just choose your photo and upload it. They say that after placing the order, it takes 7-10 days, but my stamps came in about 5 days. The quality of the stamps is great too.

Red Sox Mommy: The holidays are coming, and these awesome stamps would be the perfect addition to any holiday greeting. It only takes 3 simple steps and your stamp is created.

Our Seven Qtpies: In all, it took 5 minutes to get my stamps made and ordered. It takes 7-10 days to get your stamps delivered to your door, which is really pretty quick, in my opinion.

Mom Giveaways Reviews: The stamps looked great. Vibrant colors and printed on glossy paper.  The only sign that the photos are actually stamps is the barcode on the right side.  I could not have been happier with my purchase.

Sage and Savvy: The entire process was very easy. The only difficult part was deciding what I wanted on the stamps!

Just A Mom’s Take on Things: They are somewhat larger than a typical postage stamp, but I didn’t have any trouble fitting one on a standard-sized envelope. If you’re using them on a smaller or invitation sized envelope, you’ll just want to make sure to leave enough room if you address them before putting the postage on.

An Island Review: I loved it! The whole process from designing my stamp, placing my order, and receiving my items was completely easy and painless. In fact, it was more convenient than driving down to the post office and purchasing generic stamps. And I love the way they turned out! I can hardly wait till the holidays are here so I can show them off to family and friends.

Get yours today! A pack of 20 personalized stamps are only $18.95.

We recently had the opportunity to review Cole Family Christmas by Jennifer Liu Bryan and found it to be a wonderful story for the whole family.

From the book: “Cole Family Christmas is a delightful story about a coal-mining family of eleven in the Appalachian Mountains who learns that love and togetherness far surpass material things. It’s a story similar to the O’Henry’s Gift of the Magi in which one’s most prized possession take on a new meaning when you give them away.”

It all starts when the nine children are allowed to go through the Sears Catalog and select something they’d each like for Christmas. Since they don’t come from a wealthy family, this is a real treat for them. When Christmas finally arrives, a winter storm prevents the post office from delivering the mail on time which forces Papa & Mama Cole to improvise and come up with new gifts for their children. How will the family react when they don’t find their anticipated gifts under the tree? The result is a memorable morning that celebrates the true meaning of Christmas.

Buy it!

You may purchase your copy of Cole Family Christmas for only $17.95. Get yours today!

Mom Giveaways Reviews: My family really enjoyed this book.  My 4 year old son was enthralled with the illustrations.  My 2 year old daughter had trouble sitting through the reading of the book but enjoyed having the entire family on the couch together.  The story itself is amazing and shows the importance of family and love.

Kristen McLane: I was happily surprised by the colorful illustrations and engaging story. The story “behind the story” is fascinating as well. The Cole Family Christmas story is true. It was passed down orally through generations of Cole family members until recently when Hazel Cole Kendell, 88, related the story to her granddaughter-in-law, Jennifer Liu Bryan.

Mama Sparkles: Cole Family Christmas has a warm, inviting quality to it where you actually feel a member of this wonderful family. It takes you back in time where you experience all their love, heartbreak, laughter, and tears. It’s written in nine chapters and is meant to be read aloud with your own families - this in turn also encourages us to spend time with our family, and to treasure our own histories.

The Glamorous WAHM: This is a treasured tale that will now be incorporated into my family’s Christmas traditions for years to come!

All Because Two People Fell In Love: This book is made up of 9 short chapters to help encourage family-time by reading aloud to one another. This truly is heart-warming story that reminds us the one of the best parts of Christmas is creating family memories!!! This true story will be shared each year at Christmas with our family.

My Trendy Tykes: If you are looking for a great gift idea then I highly suggest this book. (especially during Christmas time) I loved this book! I couldn’t put this one down so it was read within a couple of hours. My daughter is now reading it and she is enjoying it just as much as I did. This is definately one to share with the whole family!

The Way I See It . . . : I found the story to be entertaining and I relished in learning about close-knit coal mining communities and how important they were to the families that lived in them. The story also brought to life my own Christmas memories of when things were tough and buying things my children saw on television commercials wasn’t a feasible consideration. There are several books I like to re-read every year during the Christmas season and Cole Family Christmas will now be one of them.

The Clan McLeod: With such a sweet story, adorable illustrations and an important lesson, this book will become an annual holiday read for me and my family. It’s also one that will passed on from generation to generation along with our other Christmas favorites!

Just a Mom’s Take on Things: The story is a precious family tale and I can see why it’s been passed down from one generation to another for so long. I am looking forward to sharing the book, and the story, with my girls this Christmas and for many more to come.

Sheltered Not Shattered: It was an excellent book and I am sure it will become one of our yearly traditions. I can definately see us sitting around the Christmas tree on the day after thanksgiving reading this book.

Val’s Views: The printing in the book is in a nice sized font and the language is easy to understand. The actual writing in the book is so personal that the reader feels almost as if it is their own family memory that is being described. The book is suitable for reading by people of all ages, from grandchild to grandparent. It would make a great book for a family to read together during the holiday season.

Brain Foggles: I read it and and enjoyed it thoroughly. My daughter who is 9, read it and understood the significance of the story.  My family works at keeping family traditions and memories alive. The Cole Family Christmas will help you to understand why this is so rewarding.

Our Seven Qtpies: I enjoyed reading the book and can’t wait to pass it on to family members to read. I plan to use it as a family night activity as Christmas approaches.

From Melissa’s Desk: I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. I can’t wait to bring it out during the Christmas season to read with my children. I have a feeling that reading this story will become a tradition in our house.

A Wrestling Addicted Mommy’s Blog: I’ve read the book first as I thought it was a little early to start reading this Christmas book to the girls, it’s something I’d like to save to read them a little closer to the holidays. I really enjoyed reading it, there are 9 chapters in the book and they’re fairly short and easy to read, the book is also in hardcover with some great illustration.

An Island Review: My girls really enjoyed this book. In fact, when we were done, Girlie Girl said that it would be okay if Santa didn’t bring her the things on her wish list this year. She would be perfectly happy with the family just being together. Now that’s what I call a life lesson.

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This giveaway is now closed. Thank you for your participation.
The winner is Kari.
Congratulations!

For those with young children in the house, you know how active they can be. That’s why I’m always looking for a way to keep one step ahead of them.

That’s where Glow Mama comes in.

From the site: “Glow Mama was conceived shortly after my son. After skipping my caffeine, surrendering my cocktails and sacrificing my artificial additives, I was struggling to find a way to keep hydrated and healthy.   It wasn’t until I was eating a lot of kiwis for their vitamin C and fiber that the “you’re glowing” compliments starting rolling in.  I put the two together – “don’t all moms-to-be have special needs and need to feel special?” and Glow Mama was born.”

Glow Mama is a great way to stay hydrated and healthy. It’s filled with the vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and other nutrients you need to keep yourself going. It was first aimed at pre- and post-natal mothers but can really benefit any woman looking for healthy alternative drinks.

Eight bottles of Glow Mama sells for $14.45 with only $5 shipping anywhere in the US.

Sage and Savvy: I never ate a kiwi before so I really didn’t know what to expect when I took the first sip. The Glow Mama beverage turned out to be very light and refreshing. I was afraid it would be too sweet, but it wasn’t at all–it was very tasty.

A Wrestling Addicted Mommy’s Blog: actually love kiwi and couldn’t wait to try out this drink, although, the third ingredient on the list is white grape juice, I can say honestly I could taste that well and above the kiwi flavor. It was a little disappointing as I was looking forward to a kiwi taste, but it was good and refreshing just the same.

Mom of 2 Dancers: I have to say the drink is very refreshing. It has a light taste, it is not strong or overpowering. Very easy to drink, unlike pop that goes down harsh at times. It is best super cold in my opinion. I’m really surprised at how good at is. There is also no after taste. I wish this was around during my pregnancy because I had a hard time finding things to drink. I’m very funny about my drinks, I only drink Coke, Sweat Tea & Green Tea. I definitely will be drinking this though, and I love that I don’t have to feel guilty drinking it!

Ohana Mama: This yummy kiwi infused drink is my new cocktail of choice!  And the best part…because the word “Mama” is in the name, my hubby will leave it alone and not steal the last one, like he always does (sorry hun) and my little boy totally accepted it when I said, “this isn’t for you honey, it’s for mama, it’s called Glow MAMA, so it’s just mama juice, ok?”   Wow, that was easy!

Red Sox Mommy: Glow Mama juice can be sipped chilled all by itself as a refreshing all-natural alternative to water or mixed up in a delicious mocktail like the Pina Co-Labor or the Mom-ito.

Rockin Mama: I can barely go a day without tea and coffee but caffeine and babies, regardless of whether they are in or outside of the womb, don’t mix. With recent research linking high fructose corn syrup to obesity and diabetes, it’s prudent for all mamas, pregnant or not, to stay away from it. So what does that leave? Water, juice, and Glow Mama!

An Island Review: I had the opportunity to try out a sample of Glow Mama and was pleasantly surprised at the taste. It’s best when it’s ice cold and I found it to have a clean and refreshing taste. And the fact that it’s designed to hydrate you makes it all the better.

Win it!

Want to try it for yourself? We have 2 12oz bottles of Glow Mama to give away to one lucky winner. To enter:

• Just mention in comments before midnight, Oct 26th why you’d like to try Glow Mama. That’s it!
• A random winner will be selected and notified on Oct 27th.
• The winner will have 3 days to claim their prize.
• Don’t forget to leave a way to contact you in case you win.

To earn extra entries, you may do any or all of the following. Each one counts as a extra entry but you must leave a separate comment for each one.

• Subscribe to our feed.
• Mention this giveaway on your blog with a link back here and to Glow Mama.
• Place our button in your sidebar.

This giveaway is open to US addresses. Good luck!