Family-Friendly Product Reviews at Mommy Living the Life of Riley

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May
27
Posted by: Melissa @ Mommy Living the Life of Riley on May 27th, 2013    Filed in: Product Reviews

Summer LearningWorking parents are already lining up child care plans for the summer. While they’re at it, educators say all parents of school-age children should also plan for preventing the dreaded summer slide.

The "summer slide" is the information and skills children forget during summer break from the end of one school year to the beginning of the next school year.  The education slide is well-documented by numerous studies, which were synthesized in the 1990s by Harris Cooper, then a professor at the University of Missouri-Columbia.  He found that children could forget one to three months of learning over the summer.

While some people are aware of the learning loss, many aren't aware that children tend to gain weight more rapidly when they're out of school.  Harris Cooper found that kids, especially those at risk for obesity, gain as much weight during the summer as they do all school year.

What can parents do to keep young brains and bodies engaged in healthy ways over the summer?  Try these tips to maximize your children's health and happiness during the break:

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May
26
Posted by: Melissa @ Mommy Living the Life of Riley on May 26th, 2013    Filed in: Product Reviews

OnsenEach year, I realize I move farther and farther away from Baby New Year and closer and closer toward Father Time.  Of course, who wants to look the part?   :cover eyes:  I take my skin care regimen very seriously and have been using some amazing products for years which really help my skin look its best.

Following a regular schedule of exfoliation and moisturization is a terrific way to turn back the hands of time, promote skin cell turnover and an overall refreshed look, as well as reduce the signs of fine lines and wrinkles.  Now, thanks to Onsen, it couldn't be easier to treat your skin to a daily regimen of effective attributes to help you fend off the hands of time.

Receive 50% OFF your entire order of face care products from Onsen by using coupon code "50stillblond"

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May
18
Posted by: Melissa @ Mommy Living the Life of Riley on May 18th, 2013    Filed in: Product Reviews

In2ition by Delta FaucetI love being a homeowner, for now I have a permanent palette to create and decorate as I please.  We've lived in our home for over seven years now and have changed nearly every inch of it to suit our style and tastes.  Our upstairs bathroom was one of the first rooms we redid because it's used so often.  Unfortunately, we were quite short-sighted in choosing a shower head for this project and based our decision on looks, not function, which we now regret.

When thinking of changing our bathroom's shower head, several manufacturers came to mind, including Delta Faucet Company.  Delta is one of the world's largest manufacturers of quality faucets and makes many of their products right here in the USA.  :usa:  They were kind enough to allow me to review one of their newest bathroom shower head designs, the In2ition Two-In-One Shower Arm Mounted Shower.  Keep reading to learn more!

I reviewed the In2ition Two-In-One Shower Arm Mounted Shower in the Venetian Bronze finish from Delta Faucet Company, which retails for $410.00.

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May
16
Posted by: Melissa @ Mommy Living the Life of Riley on May 16th, 2013    Filed in: Product Reviews

Have you ever been on a play date, at a school function or playground and interacted with a group of other moms?  I don't know why, but situations like these tend to make me a tad uncomfortable because I always feel like I'm being "sized up" for some reason.  In my opinion, women are pretty competitive against each other in general, but when you throw children into the mix, the claws really come out.   :cover eyes:

Before long, the conversation always seems to turn to how brilliant, beautiful and talented everyone's child is and how everyone's family is the picture of white-picket fence living.  For these reasons, I've tended to steer away from joining play groups with folks other than my friends and family, just because I am not one to sit and smile through the endless heaps of bull#&@* being shoveled my way.

Well, if you've ever wondered just how catty and superficial other moms can truly be, then you don't want to miss the newest reality show on Lifetime, Pretty Wicked Moms!

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May
15
Posted by: Melissa @ Mommy Living the Life of Riley on May 15th, 2013    Filed in: Product Reviews

Phase 4 FilmsThis year, Spring has arrived with a BANG here in Houston.  Both April and May have brought a lot of rain our way and that bang I mentioned is more like the clap of thunder.  Even though the temperatures are mild and pleasant at the moment, the rain is keeping my active 4-year-old indoors.  :pull hair out:

I do my best to keep Riley entertained and happy, but being a work-at-home mom with a cooped up and energetic 4-year-old can be challenging sometimes.  If you're in the same boat and are looking for fun ways to entertain your children during those rainy days, be sure to check out the latest family-friendly offerings from Phase 4 Films.

I reviewed the following movies from Phase 4 Films, both found exclusively at Walmart:

The Berenstain Bears: Golden Brother Edition, which retails for $19.99

The Berenstain Bears: Golden Sister Edition, which retails for $19.99

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May
12
Posted by: Melissa @ Mommy Living the Life of Riley on May 12th, 2013    Filed in: Product Reviews

Ruth's Chris Steak HouseOn May 1st, Houston was busy celebrating the upcoming Kentucky Derby event in true Southern fashion at the Ruth's Chris Big Reds & Bourbons Dinner.  A delectable 5-course menu designed by cookbook author and celebrity TV show host, Joey Altman, delivered in a major way and the amazing Bulleit 10-year bourbon was the perfect ending to a perfect evening.

Ruth's Chris Steak House celebrated all things Derby in 74 locations across the country on May 2nd.  From the first smooth and sweet Bulleit Bourbon Mint Julep served, my husband and I knew we were in for a down-home celebration like no other.

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