Alphabeasts: Alphabet Learning Plush Giveaway and Review~ 3/14

Momma Told Me: Learning can be fun!

When I was a kid- Okay, that made me feel a little old; but, in my defense, I'm still young enough to have grown up in the 'educational computing' generation. In any case, with a stay at home mother hovering over me each summer and vacation, I was never left to 'entertain myself' for too long. In fact, Momma believed that much of that free 'playtime' could easily be turned into fun learning time. I can recall many wayward shopping trips to various craft and homeschooling stores, Momma filling her cart with flashcards, notebooks, and PC programs. And, as an adult, I still believe the individual who first conceived learning could be bundled with moving cartoons and images on computers, was a complete genius. After all, in the 80s, a black and white (okay green) pixelated image of spelling lines was as close to a video game as one got!

And, while you should never tell any kid this, learning can be fun, and it's never too soon to start (covertly) teaching your children to explore and question. Today's featured product, the Alphabeasts, are much more than a collection of witty child's characters, songs, or stories. The brand itself has done quite the impressive job of marketing a comprehensive world and unique educational outlook that appeals to many age groups, and can easily grow with your child. At their core the Alphabeasts are a set of 26 'beasts', each representing a letter of the alphabet. Each character is multi-colored, for visual engagement, and intriguingly shaped, to reflect the letter (and Beast's) unique personality and traits. Dadlidoit (D) is much more than Dadlidoit the 'D' Beast; he is a Red and Yellow character with wavy 'hair' design that reflects his unique 'fire breathing' ability, and 'Do It' mentality.

It probably comes as no surprise that the Alphabeasts all live in their own fictional land, a cleverly illustrated tree (with branches of letters), called Alphaland. The Alphabeasts all work together each day to solve various puzzles and life challenges. Essentially this story serves to encourage children to play with letters to create words. Kind of like a spelling riddle. For example, if the Alphabeasts were having a big feast and had a table full of ingredients they would come together to spell 'C-O-O-K', and their magical powers would whip up something tasty. I'll admit, I'm an adult and this little game does get quite addictive. My personal downside? While the Alphabeasts product line includes stand alone books, the plush characters are singular in size (at this time), with a 15" Beast retailing for $15.99. The best most children can hope for is 4-5, or perhaps the Beast of their namesake. I'd love to see a more affordable option to encourage a collection of the whole group (maybe a smaller beanbag size?).

In any case, we received a few of the 15" plush for review some time back, and I should also note that the $15.99 asking price for these large plush critters is reasonable. The quality certainly matches the tag, but is still a bummer for a collection of 26! Each of these 15" plush are somewhat flat in stature, but feature many unique angles and curves, made from a soft fleece material. One side of the Beast is predominantly one color, while the opposite side bears the minor (accent color) from the other. On the stomach of each side is a neatly embroidered letter. The faces, and even physical features, of each Best vary greatly with each character, adding to the learning opportunities. Our girls loved describing the differences between each beast through counting, shapes, and colors- as well as working on spelling those words! And, each Alphabeast has their own tag, complete with name and story, to truly bring the character to life.

Rachel (5) immediately took to these guys, creating her own names and stories long before learning their background. Johnea (9) was a little more interested in playing with them as dolls, but inquired about the unique name pronunciations and attempted to read their individual stories. For some reason 'Q', Quatto was the favorite and did not leave Rachel's arms all day. Ironically enough, one of the most difficult letters for her to write became her best buddy in plush.

What Daughter Says: Enjoy exploring the alphabet with Alphabeasts!

One Momma Told Me follower will win 2 Alphabeasts 15" plush characters!

Petit Jean Meats: Red Velvet Bacon Cupcakes $10 PayPal Giveaway~ 3/20

Momma Told Me: Let there be bacon!

Today I'd like to deviate a little from our usual Review-Giveaway format. Those of you who are fans of me and my writing may know that I sometimes write for TavernDirect.com, and write weekly for Gourmet Orchards on their Lifestyle Food Blog. Yes, I am a foodie at heart. So, when the Official Ham company of the Dallas Cowboys, Petit Jean Meats, agreed to indulge me of my egregious obsession with bacon, I leapt at the opportunity. You see, I am the daughter of two professed bac-aholics. Momma, the very inspiration and guest blogger for this site, recently emerged from major surgery only to question me when I'd be reviewing Petit Jean again; and when she might be able to sample their famous bacon. Not only does that attest to her love of sliced pork, but the quality of these fine meats! When Momma asks for something by name, it's worth noting!

In any case it is incredibly easy to have a box of these fine thick cut bacon packages delivered directly to your door. That's right, only the finest, leanest, cuts of thick bacon in flavors such as Hickory Smoked and Peppered- from the people who know pork. Forget gimmick ridden 'Bacon-of-the-Month' programs, and overpriced artificial flavored baconalia merchandise, Petit Jean Meats has the bacon gifts your recipient is sure to rave about for years. And your Momma Told You you couldn't wrap bacon? Don't have any ham fans? How about treating yourself to some of the finest bacon, or spiral ham, around? Petit Jean also has a wide selection of sausage, turkey, and complete dinners perfect for entertaining, or just plain spoiling one's self.

But getting back to MY box of bacon, the Bacon Sampler; I was happy to oblige a series of bacon inspired foodie posts, in exchange for such wonderful meat endowment. For Valentine's the beau and I whipped up a cupcake sure to speak to any man's heart, with rich red velvet, and a cream cheese frosting of candied hickory smoked bacon. Did I mention there was a Dark Chocolate center involved? This crimson treat was certainly the highlight of our February, but don't let that fool you- these bad boys can be made all year round.....Don't you hear your kitchen calling?

Red Velvet Cupcake Base:

**2 1/2 C All Purpose Flour **1/2 C Unsweetened Cocoa Powder **1 TSP Baking Soda
**1/2 TSP Salt **1 C Butter, Softened **2 C Granulated Sugar **4 Large Eggs
**1 C Sour Cream **1/2 C Whole Milk ** 2 Dark Chocolate Hershey's Bars
**1OZ (9 Drops) Red Food Color *2 TSP Pure Vanilla Extract

Vanilla Cream Cheese Frosting:

**1 (8OZ) Package Cream Cheese, Softened **1/4 C Butter, Softened **2 TBSP Sour Cream
**2 TSP Pure Vanilla Extract ** 1 (16 OZ) Box Powdered Sugar

Candied Bacon:

**(1/2) 1.5lbs Petit Jean Hickory Smoked Bacon (Thick Cut) **2 C Golden Brown Sugar

To Candy Bacon:

Preheat the oven to 415F and line a ridged cookie sheet generously with foil. (The pan will need at least 1-2 inches in depth to allow for run off of grease and sugar)

To begin, slice bacon in half (or about 4-5 inch pieces). Thick cut, higher quality bacon will candy best and leave enough meat to wrap. Attempting to candy the bacon with pieces that are too long will result in curled and/or burnt bacon. Pat (dip) each side of the bacon pieces in a bowl of the brown sugar and place side by side on the foiled cookie sheet. Place in oven for 7-10 minutes, or until the bacon holds some stiffness when removed with fork. Remove candied bacon and place with fork (in lifting motion) side by side on parchment paper. Bacon will harden slowly upon cooling and cooking should be monitored closely as ovens vary.

Allow candied bacon to cool 2-3 minutes before tearing for frosting. Bacon should be pliable and slightly sticky. Candied Bacon will keep in the fridge (ziploc baggie, single stacked) for up to 5 days.

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350F.
   
2. Mix flour, cocoa powder, baking soda and salt in. Set aside.
3. In separate, large, bowl beat butter and sugar on medium speed 5 MINS or until light and fluffy.
   
4. Beat in eggs, one at a time. Combine with sour cream, milk, food color and vanilla.
   
5. Slowly mix in flour mixture, on low speed, until just blended.
   
6. Spoon batter into 24 paper-lined muffin cups, 1/3 full.
7. Gently set 1 square of Dark Chocolate Bar in the center.
8. Top with batter until cup is 2/3 full.
   
9. Bake 20-25 MINS or until toothpick inserted comes out clean. Cool 5 minutes prior to removing from pans.
   
10. Allow to cool entirely prior to frosting!
    
11. Vanilla Cream Cheese Frosting: Beat cream cheese, softened, butter, sour cream and vanilla extract in large bowl until light and fluffy. Gradually beat in confectioners' sugar until smooth. Tear bacon into pieces 1/4", and gently stir into frosting mixture.

**I took some leftover candied bacon and dipped them in leftover chocolate to add as a garnish.

Just because I want to have a little fun, and you all are SO amazing, here's a little giveaway for you; $10 PayPal cash....or Amazon GC, for those who cannot receive PayPal.

Etymotic: mc3 Headset and Earphones Review and Giveaway~ 3/10

Momma Told Me: If you keep listening to that so loud, you'll go deaf!

I still recall my very first Walkman cassette player. It had the most impractical, and uncomfortable, wire framed headphones with hideous orange earpads. And, because the purpose of the Walkman was to be portable, it ironically failed on it's execution of portable sound. Sure, I could crank the volume all the way up to drown out the rumble of our family's mini van, or the chatter on the bus- but that also meant everyone around me was forced to listen as well. Then, with my first compact CD player, in the 90s, came a new DJ inspired headset. Now that the advances in portable audio had vastly improved the quality of output, consumers sought a more intimate and all consuming experience. In some cases larger than the actual CD player device, audiophiles everywhere strapped on highly padded 'noise cancelling' headsets. Not only were these headsets quite heavy, but extremely uncomfortable for any period of time. That seemed to bother me least, in exchange for listening to my favorite tunes, on loop, as I'd find creative ways to strap and hang them with the least discomfort.

It goes without saying that technological advancements in my lifetime, thus far, have been nothing short of astounding. That which was only intended for professional precision just a decade back is now sold in increasingly smaller devices, at lower costs to consumers worldwide. And, as media conversion and transport has evolved from bulky vinyl discs to intangible digital formats, the methods through which we consume this entertainment has progressed as well. One such pioneer in the audio industry is famed research and technical company Etymotic. With an engineering approach to research and a namesake that literally means 'true to the ear', Etymotic was founded by a Phd in 1983 to accurately asses the audio limits of the human ear. What better, accidental, development for precision audio technology than through the meticulous research and understanding of the human ear? Dr Killion's advancements for the medically deaf and hearing impaired broke barriers of previous audio conceptions, and in turn enhanced the listening experience of music lovers worldwide.

Based on the same principles of targeted audio delivery as many current hearing aids, in 1984, Etymotic developed and marketed their first pair of precision insert earphones. Their introduction of balanced armature receivers, the customization of audio delivery to meet the individual target, was revolutionary in the non-medical audio world. Then, in 1991, Etymotic devised the world's first Noise Isolating High Fidelity In-Ear Earphone; the basis for nearly all subsequent in ear monitors and recording devices since. If all of this technical jargon is confusing you it boils down to this; Etymotic is one of the industry's leaders in audio delivery advancement, with product development based on proven studies and even medical information. Not only do their consumer based headsets demand the highest quality of audio output, but the safest delivery, for increased listening and enjoyment.

I'll admit, it's often hard for me to consider coughing up more than $75 for a good pair of ear buds. They get lost so easily, and the cords tend to pinch or break in storage and wrapping- rendering them useless. But I was not surprised to learn that high end personal audio output can easily dip into the multi-hundreds, and often exceed $250. for those passionate about their music, and in tune to the infinite acoustics of high fidelity sound, a pair of Skull Candies simply will not do. My other half is one who falls into this category, turning his nose up at even some of the high end contenders, rambling on about finities I'd never pick up on. As a sensible woman, with Momma's words ringing in her ear, my attraction to Etymotic's low-cost (under $100) mc3's was the 2 year limited warranty and ear healthy noise delivery. At the core of Etymotic's personal audio technology is the simple concept of targeted audio delivery. Rather than drowning out the world around us with a harsh barrage of audio waves, Etymotic has harnessed the finite frequencies of audio and delivered them directly, in ear. Small sound with big impact, on a personal level.

We received a pair of Etymotic's mc3 (youth targeted and economy model, SRV $99) In Ear Headset and Earphones for review here on Momma Told Me. I quickly picked up on the quality standards that the brand evidently held throughout their collection. These headphones were packaged with the same educational presentation, safe storage pouch, and varied earbud caps as any other model. They were certainly the oddest looking 'in ear' bud I'd ever seen, with their tri cone tips. Compatible with nearly all modern personal audio output devices (iPAd, iPhone, MP3, etc) the mc3's include access to a very unique APP which enables the user to modify the level of noise isolation when listening. This is a big plus for safety, as many rely on audio enjoyment while performing potentially dangerous tasks such as biking near open traffic, or driving. The AWARENESS Programmable Noise Isolation APP enables the user to alter the intensity of audio output, without compromising quality, to foster a dual awareness of the surrounding environment. This alone is a great selling point for parents of teen music fans!

Some additional bragging points of the mc3 include a highly sturdy Kevlar reinforced cable, close proximity high sensitivity microphone (for hands free communication), and the additional options for in ear tips and comfort. Speaking of those tips... I'll admit, the layered cone adapters reminded me of some sci-fi technology at first. Oddly enough, these were the ones I found most comfortable, with a very soothing 'umbrella' effect that efficiently distributes sound and isolates outside noise during use. The ultra soft material molds to one's ear canal without scratching or irritating in long term use. And, because the sound is being delivered in such close proximity to the ear drum, and at such highly attune frequencies, the output is much safer and natural to our hearing. I hardly profess to be an audio snob, but even I could clearly tell the difference in depth and clarity compared to my old $30 earbuds. In fact, I was astounded the way new instrumentals and faint backtracks came to life. It was as though I were discovering my favorite songs for the first time again!

While Etymotic, and their varied models, offers a sea of research and audio distribution graphs to tantalize the truly discerning audio consumer- the mc3's are perhaps the best option for the everyday shopper. Their 2 year warranty help justify the initial sticker shock, and the impressive performance will surely have the technology addicted returning for the more advanced models.

What Daughter Says: Don't compromise your hearing for clarity. Listen the safe, and precise, way with Etymotic!

One Momma Told Me follower will win a pair of Etymotic mc3's!

MOH: Memory On Hand Digital Storage Giveaway and Review~ 3/9

Momma Told Me: I swear, I'd lose my head if it wasn't attached to my neck!

My mother, while she wore many hats, was not the most organized when I was a child. She'd kill me for admitting, but it really wasn't a lack of any system or organization, it was more of a short term memory loss. With all of the tasks she was forced to juggle with schedules, meal plans, appointments, and what not, it was hard to remember where she last placed her coffee, let alone the grocery list. I can clearly recall time spent watching her flutter back and forth in a panic looking for keys attached to her belt, or glasses on her head. Yes, it was comical as a child to note my parent was, in fact, not without flaw- but now with a growing family of my own I realize the challenge. Even those with steel cage memories can sometimes get frazzled up against a deadline or during the holidays.

In 2009, undergraduate Andrew Kitzenberg set out to simply improve the functionality and attractiveness of a common, everyday tech device. While the concept of portable digital memory would have been featured in a Sci-Fi film, back when my mother was a kid, USB memory sticks are practically sold in vending machines today. Of course, the convenience of having a small, portable method of memory transfer does come with it's own hang ups. Most memory sticks are build of a case which consists of little more than a plastic box. I cannot recall all the times in college I misplaced mine in the lab, a coffee shop, or even at home. And since most memory sticks house important data, I was not too keen on discovering I'd misplaced my mid-term finals just days before the due date.

Andrews approach was simple; to enhance the portability of the common memory stick with a fashionable format that was difficult to misplace. Looking at the result, the Memory On Hand bracelet, it's easy to see where he drew his inspiration. Remember all of those rubber yellow Livestrong bands from the turn of the century? MOH has turned the fad into functionality with a lightweight, and extremely durable rubber based band housing a 2-4 GB memory stick. It's actually rather ingenious the way the USB stick turns into a functioning clasp when inserted into the cavity on the opposite end. Not only is the band kept 'on hand' when not in use, but there's no fear of losing the band when attached to an electronic device thanks the the bracelet attached.

Memory On Hand bands retail for just $19.95-$24.95, depending on storage capacity, and come in a variety of eye catching solid or tie-dyed colors. You can be boring and unsuspecting with a simple white MOH band, or make a statement with designs such as Cotton Candy and Lemon Lime Clementine. These versatile devices make great, affordable, gifts for the techie in your life, as well as a valuable tool for any household with digital photos, MP3s, and files. Most high schools even require their incoming classes to carry a memory stick these days, and USB based data storage is essential for any college student!

I was sent a Rain Forrest designed Memory On Hand bracelet for review here on Momma Told Me. Right out of the box, or in it I should say, I was impressed with the professional and modern packaging. An easy ship window box safely stored the band, ready to wrap or gift as is. The bracelet inside bore the same company logo on the USB stick, with a pretty base of bright yellow and tie dye swirls of purple. The band fit snug, but with some room, on my wrist, and securely snapped shut for wear. It was a little tricky for my to fasten this on my own wrist at first, but gre much easier with practice. I'm also glad to report that I've worn the MOH band all day without incident of loss or falling off! These seem like such a simple 'Why didn't I think of that?' product, but the simple fact is, MOH has brilliantly executed an everyday quandary solution, and with fashion to boot!

What Daughter Says: Don't loose valuable files and data, invest in the stylish and affordable Memory On Hand Band!

One lucky Momma Told Me follower will win their very own Memory On Hand 2GB band!