Do You Have The #GreatestGrad? @BestBuy Has The Greatest Gifts!

The reviewer has been compensated in the form of a Best Buy Gift Card and/or received the product/service at a reduced price or for free.

Momma Told Me: The end of one journey begins another.


I graduated at 16. I was the youngest of my class and , by far, the one with the least direction moving forward. I had graduated early an with accolades but hardly had any idea what I wanted to do with the rest of my life. At the time Art School seemed like a fitting rebellion against the studies I had been subject to the previous 12 years. I recall, even in 'my time' graduation wasn't quite what it is today. Our school gathered on the football field and all 256 of my graduating class marched across a very shaky and old stage set with a podium. My parents had recently filed for divorce, and neither side could quite agree who would be present in the face of the other, so my support group was much smaller than those of my friends. To me, the whole ordeal was a non-event.

Today it seems that even Kindergarten matriculation is being called graduation- children who spent the last year learning to finger-paint get caps and a ceremony with a certificate. As adorable as that is, it kind of stains the importance and celebration of someone who has stuck out all of their K-12 years and made plans to further their future with job training or a secondary education. Let's face it, no matter your age, graduation is a bit scary. Whether you're leaving high school for a University, or leaving college to, well, pay off those school loans, graduation marks the turning of a stage in one's life. It should be celebrated.

Just two years back my youngest cousin finished her final year of private school and began an engineering degree that to this day makes my head spin. We hosted a big celebration and a mountain of gifts were bestowed upon her, in addition to a box full of cards with cash. Graduates have expenses, yes, but most grads won't be tempted to turn those checks into valuable assets (pizza and beer here they come!) I buy many of my yearly gifts at Best Buy, there simply is no other place with the hottest tech and media products and an reassuring Price Match Guarantee. Best Buy even has a great Gifts For Grads Guide to help you determine your grads needs (Fitness Fanatic, Networker, or Moving Out) and match them with a valuable gift that will aid them on their journey ahead.

A close friend of our family has a daughter heading off to college this fall who will not only be Moving Out for the first time, but is also always connected with her friends across the nation, and her family in Mexico. As a big Networker she needs reliable technology that will keep her connected to her WiFi network while about campus and away from her dorm, as well as powerful chargers and battery packs to keep her devices running. Her mother didn't even know such things existed until I pulled up the Mophie 32GB Space Pack Case and Charger, perfect for storing data an charging her daughter's iPhone 5. This unique case is essentially an expansion pack for your smartphone, and the perfect way for new grads to keep track of all those meticulous notes (or meticulous blackmail photos) and keep their phone charged when out at a long day full of classes.

Just check out some of the other great finds for the Networker Grad, at Best Buy:

• iPhone 5s
• Lenovo Yoga 2 13" Touch-Screen Laptop
• SONOS Play:1 Wireless Speaker for Streaming Music
• SanDisk Connect 32GB USB 2.0 Wireless Flash Drive
• Google Chromecast
• iTunes Gift Card $50
• Jawbone MINI Jambox Wireless Speaker
• Surface 2 64GB AT&T 4G LTE
• Surface Keyboard Cover
• Samsung S-View Flip Cover for Note 3
• Seagate Backup Plus Slim 1TB External USB Portable Hard Drive
• Linksys Smart Wi-Fi Dual-Band Wireless-AC Router
• Speck CandyShell Cell Phone Case

If you're like me, you might be attending several graduation ceremonies over the coming weeks; some of which for friends of the family or lost cousins you really don't know too well. Don't worry, Best Buy still has you covered with a complete range of grad gifts under $50. Consider gifting and iTunes gift card in the denomination that fits your budget, or a Mr. Coffee 12 Cup Maker for all those late nights spend studying. The best thing about buying Grad gifts at Best Buy is that your grad is sure to love their gift, or have a blast exchanging it at their local store for something that fits them even better. Don't let the grads in your life go tech hungry, let Best Buy help lead the way to a well connected future with the hottest gifts for grads this season!

What Daughter Says: Start your grad on the right foot with a gift that will guide them on their journey ahead.

The Fault In Our Stars: My Thoughts On The Book Turned Movie

 Momma Told Me: You can't pick the life you live, you can only pick how you live it.

The title is not in reference to any line in the movie and, though the direct adaptation from John Green's 2012 novel of the same name, is not obvious to the viewer. This is something that is mirrored in many of the films complex themes that might come across as too philosophical for the modern teen romance fan. Don't worry, that is just as fine- a fifteen year-old can go and enjoy this movie just as much as their mother, but on an entirely different level. But to define the title is to truly define the book and the film; a reference to the line directly from Shakespeare's Julius Caeser, which bluntly declares that we should not be furious with the fates for the life we are given, but the weakness in ourselves that forbid us from embracing it wholeheartedly. Or, at least that is my interpretation, I am far from a scholar.
You see The Fault is a film that will be most enjoyed if little is given away, but in my humble opinion of so beautifully composed that one could know the novel inside and out and still be drawn into loving the characters enough to feel every painful moment through the last 20 or so minutes. For those entirely in the dark about this film I would do you a disservice to try and summarize it as a story about a girl coping with cancer, or even an ill fated tale of young love. It truly is more complex than that; even the minor characters have large flaws and lessons to be learned. Every single member of the cast has hurdles and triumphs, and none are anywhere near perfect in their coping with the situations that befall them. For this the film plays as real, even in the little moments of lighthearted laughter and triumph.

The Fault, at it's core, is not about happy endings (you've been warned, but will likely not know what to expect until it is staring your heart in the face.) It is about the raw, candid, reality of life and how everyone who encounters it is faced with two options; to feel every moment through the happiness and the pain, or to run in fear of one and deny the other. What I especially like about this tale, though it deals with the prominent topic of terminal illness the characters do not cope with extravagant acts and triumphs, but by truly learning to embrace the tiny moments that make this life real. To feel is to be alive, and that includes the pain just as much as the pleasure.

I was worried, due to the young cast of characters The Fault would be cheesy an leave me with little more than soft fuzzies for the idea of the film. Beware, I cry very infrequently at films, and when I do it's a few solitary tears. The Fault had me fighting a quiver and trying not gasp for air; even the highs of the film were impactful realizations of life and the power of the human spirit. This story is raw and has a lot to offer, but it will break your heart, and the only happy ending is the message and the lessons prominent throughout the story.

 What Daughter Says: You can't pick where The Fault will take you, but you can take away some great, affirming messages from the lives these star-crossed characters live.

Wonderfully Curious About Wonka Peel-A-Pop Frozen Desserts

Momma Told Me: Pick your dessert wisely, you only get one!

I like to think I'm a practical person. The exception being any time there is sugar involved in any way, shape, or form. Some people collect stamps or porcelain dolls the way I collect sweet experiences. Life is simply too short to eat the same boring cookie for dessert, or scoop the same ice cream alongside your slice of cake. Especially since sugar is such a sinful indulgence for me; I have to work at controlling myself because my body doesn't tend to process it quite like those around me. So every sweet treat must be an original and unique experience.

Nothing better illustrates this outlook like the fictional character of Willy Wonka, and the Nestle brand of Wonka chocolates, candies, and (now) froze treats. I remember as a child watching the original Technicolor Charlie and The Chocolate Factory and marveling at the magical world of whimsical sugar. In the scene where the flavored wallpaper is introduced I found myself quite conflicted; who would want to stick their tongue on a wall where others had quite likely done so? (practical me) But who could turn down the wafting aroma of fresh pie and the promise of a low calorie lick? (sugar fiend me)

And so it will come as no surprise that the blogger who regularly hunts down absurd flavors of Oreos and buys seasonal M and M flavors on Amazon was at once repulsed and captivated by the most recent Wonka creation; Peel-A-Pop. These first appeared in an ad on the Walmart website about a month back, and I have been tirelessly searching for them since. Our market area is one of the last to adopt new products and trends, so the 'hunt' for new products like this is always exciting. I do believe I squealed like a little girl and jumped up and down, yes jumped, when I spotted these at last in our local Walmart freezer (and since at Ralphs and Vons.)

That's a lot of suspense for a product, and the lack of advertising in our area and general information on the product only helped to add to my curiosity. Sold in packages of 8, for about $3, with two varieties (Vanilla Banana and Vanilla Grape,) these were a little smaller than I expected. More like a plantain in serving size. When you first unwrap them the outer 'peelable' and edible peel is opalescent in hue, which lends to my misconception that this 'edible peel would be made out of a type of taffy or sweet chewy candy. In reality the easy to tear (from the top) peel starts to turn translucent within a minute of peeling and has a very eerie JELLO like response to movement and touch.In fact, the peels, themselves, actually have very little flavor and were a textural no-go for me. Of the three kids only one scarfed their peel down with enthusiasm.

The ice cream inside the Peel-A-Pops, however, is absolutely scrumptious. While the concept is fun and novel for the first few pops, our household didn't care much to eat the peel after they'd had their fun peeling it. It's gelatin like texture simply wasn't what the marketing had led us to expect, and even creeped the youngest (4) out a bit. In all they are a one-of-a-kind experience and the per box price is modest enough to do just that- experience them. I doubt they will be around permanently though.

What Daughter Says: Peel-A-Pops won't make my craving list, but they were a one of a kind experience!

Outfitting Your Fan Cave With A NewAir WCD-200W Water Dispenser

*I received the following product as part of the NewAir Brew Crew in hopes I would share my honest opinions on setup and operation. Any thumbs up on YouTube towards my setup video will go towards account as a vote in a Brew Crew competition.

Momma Told Me: Your father is the only man I know who could actually overdose on water.

My father is a camel. Okay, so that may not be one of the more flattering analogies, as we lead up to Father's Day, or even the right comparison, but it's been typed and we're not going back. What I mean is that my father will drink water all day long, and in as large of a quantity as he can get. As a young girl I remember marveling at the 64oz (soft drink) jugs he'd bring home from the gas station to fill with his filtered water. And, just like some people are in tune with wine or the finer notes of a good beer, he is a water snob. He can detect the most minute of imperfections and even 'flavoring' of water from it's source. Having fresh, clean, tasty (yes tasty) water on hand at all times within his home is a must. So, naturally, having a water dispenser is a logical step to the continuation of his Fan Cave.

When I was a little girl my father spent most of his time home in his office. Now an eligible bachelor with no children in the house his 'office' has turned into his living room (Shhhhh, you didn't hear that from me.) And that's understandable since it's filled with some of his favorite things, mementos of the Red Sox, La-Z-Boy recliners, and a 75" HD Flat Screen television that puts off enough heat to warm the entire room in the Winter. But my father is picky about what goes into his home- no 'unsightly' appliances sit on counters or out in the open where guests can see them. Let's face it, water dispensers aren't typically the most 'sexy' appliance. Luckily, the NewAir WCD-200W Water Dispenser is made with complimentary design in mind. It's sleek white profile is polished, simplistic, and fits in perfectly right by the patio door leading out of my father's Fan Cave.

Now, it wouldn't be a very good Father's Day gift if I just dumped the mailing box at his house and left; so I was a good daughter and stayed to help with the setup process. We first had to leave the unit standing in it's intended spot for 2 hours to allow for any settling in shipping or transit. Then we prepared our 5 gallon bottle (we'd bought at our local grocery store, which had a refill station posted outside) by removing the sanitary seal and refill plug, and wiping it down. We next installed the bottle, which is as simple as placing the bottle upside down in the unit, plugged the water dispenser in, and flipped both the hot and cold switches on. We then tested the water flow through the Hot valve, to pull water down into the unit, then let it sit for 30 minutes before beginning a cleaning.

You will want to clean and maintain your water dispenser regularly (I recommend once every 3 months, or 3 bottle changes,) and also when you first set it up, as dust may have accumulated in the factory. To do so we turned the unit off after it's 30 minute cycle, unplugged the base, and removed the water bottle. We then drained both the hot and cold valves, and the drain cap located on the back of the unit. This was about 3/4 gallon of water, which we used to water plants and whatnot. After clearing all of the water you are ready to go through the simple setup process again and enjoy your unit.

Water dispensers have come a long way from when Momma was a young girl, and even my father was impressed with the quiet nature of the unit. The WCD-200W can heat and cool water at the same time, or you may only run one temperature function as needed (hot in Winter, etc) to save energy (though it is Energy Star approved.) You may also run the unit without power to dispense room temperature water when power is not available.

One of our favorite features, however, is the small storage compartment on the bottom of the dispenser that opens by a magnetically closed door. This is the perfect place to store instant coffee packets and cups; since that steaming 176F-203F water makes a mean hot beverage in the middle of an early morning Sox broadcast! For those worried about tiny hands, the unit has a special hot water dispenser toggle that requires deliberate force and intention to dispense- and the hot water function may always be flipped off via the switch in the back.

In all, the NewAir WCD-200W Water Dispenser was a home run (see what I did there?) of a Father's Day gift, and I know it will enjoy many years of use in my father's Fan Cave.

What Daughter Says: Now my father can supplement his water addiction without missing a single bunt, foul, or home run!

NewAir WCD-200W Instructional Setup Video

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Please 'Thumbs Up' my video on YouTube to help vote for me to go to BlogHer!

Summer Health: The Eyes Have It- Or Do They? #MC

I wrote this review while participating in an Influencer campaign by Mom Central Consulting on behalf of Johnson & Johnson Vision Care, Inc. and received a promotional item from Mom Central to thank me for participating.

Momma Told Me: If you're going out, protect yourself!


I have had vision troubles since early grade-school. No matter how many carrots I scarfed, and there were a lot, my eyes decided they wanted something more fashionable than my face. So Momma trounced right into the local mega warehouse store and promptly bought the most Harry-Potter esque frames she could find (long before Hogwarts existed, mind you.) From there on out my eyes and I had a tumultuous relationship. Partly because I am so discerning and such a perfectionist (I squint with even the slightest bit of clarity inconsistency,) and partly because I never cared to go the extra mile to take care of my eyes. After all, they sit in my head, there's not much more too it, right?

While you may let your lashes and lids do all the heavy lifting in the eye care department the truth is our sight and eyes can tell us a lot about our overall health. You may recall, a year and a half back, I was diagnosed pre-diabetic and learned I had consumed enough sugar, over a long enough time, to impact the clarity of my vision. I was lucky enough that the sharpness returned shortly after a dramatic diet change, and my retinas showed no signs of permanent blood vessel damage. The optometrist, however, did ask me an odd question,

"Do you wear sunglasses at all when you are outside?"

I thought it was an odd query, given my complexion most often matches a vampire, and my primary optical aid of choice is a pair of glasses. While I own a prescription pair of sunglasses it's not always convenient to pull them out and put my primary pair away safely. And it's not exactly like I'm just sitting outside staring into the sun, when I am out and about.

It turns out that many of the same facts and concerns that apply to UV Rays and skincare apply to your eyes as well. As a fair skinned gal I knew all too well that I can easily burn much quicker on an overcast day, then in the brightest direct light. What I didn't know was that those same rays can reflect off water, grass, and numerous other surfaces an absorb right through my retinas. Talk about scary all that ultraviolet radiation bouncing around inside my eyes! I already know my farsighted vision is nearing nearsighted (not good) and I'm not legally safe to do, well anything, without corrective vision, so I was even more alarmed to hear my optometrist tell me that UV damage is hard to measure and in most cases permanent. Effects may include a loss in clarity of vision or even cataracts, and are even more pronounced in younger, developing eyes.

While it was a terrifying visit, it was also an eye opening one. I learned that there are ways to limit the absorption of UV-A and UV-B rays into the retina through supplemental accessories like wide-brimmed hats, sunglasses, and even UV Blocking contact lenses. While the UV blocking lens technology is pretty revolutionary, conclusive testing as far as the impact and long term benefits have not yet been done. Regardless, contacts such as Acuvue Moist Astigmatism 1-Day with Lacreon have been tested to filter up to 83% of UV-A and 97% of UV-B rays. And, when paired with monitored sun exposure and a hat, that leaves me feeling a lot more confident that I am truly looking out for my eyes.

Whether you have perfect vision, or wear coke bottle glasses, protecting your eyes from the sun is important all year round. Take the time to talk to your optometrist about possible early damage screening and visit this Fast Facts For Your Health roundup of eye care tips to learn more. Keep in mind that preventative care and protection is always better when stacked, do not rely on one method of UV protection alone. Sunglasses have different levels of UV blocking capabilities, an some UV rays will always get past; so limit your direct exposure to refracted rays with proper headgear when outside for more then 30 minutes at a time.

Do you consider UV protection for your eyes always, or only when your eyes are bothered by the sun?

What Daughter Says: We often remember sunblock and sunglasses, but we seldom consider these things when the sun isn't a nuisance.

How I Make Smooth Legs A Part Of My Summer Beauty Routine

I am a member of the Collective Bias® Social Fabric® Community. This shop has been compensated as part of a social shopper amplification for #CollectiveBias and its advertiser.

Momma Told Me: I prefer to let my legs hibernate.

I may live in Southern California but this fair skinned girl has a love/hate relationship with Summer. While most modern media would have 'the rest' of the world believing us SoCal girls run around in daisy dukes with bikini tops every month of the year, it's not quite the case. Yes, I live a stone's throw away from the beach, and I love that I can walk down to the pier any afternoon at sunset- but the reality is maintaining Summer legs, year round, is quite a hefty chore. In my head I have endless time to prep for Summer, and I walk around with radiant skin Snow White would be envious of. In reality, I AM paler than Snow White, but my legs are hardly radiant.

So, during a routine Pharmacy/Grocery/Gardening supplies run at my local Walmart Supercenter the other day I was understandable paralyzed by the numerous displays intended to gently nudge patrons like me towards Summer skin. Guilt overcame me, I knew I'd been neglecting one of my best assets and I resolved then and there to take the first steps in my prep for Summer. Among the wall of suncare, tanning oils and suntan lotions, there were also several after sun care products like the sweet smelling Hawaiian Tropic® Lime Coolada After Sun Moisturizer. This, paired with my favorite SPF 50 sunscreen, the perfect sensitive skin razor, and shaving cream were the perfect incentive to hit the bath-tub and pamper myself.

I could hardly make eye contact with my legs as I ran that bath-water. I didn't even recognize the strangers in front of, erm below?, me. Though I shave year round I was now painfully aware of all the spots I'd missed in lazy, and rushed morning touch-ups. Yes, I liked smooth legs, but I also liked having a little extra me time. There was always a compromise between a close, accurate, shave and a few extra moments of silence before my home erupted into a scene of utter chaos.

The answer to this conundrum was turning my prep for Summer into me time that was indulgent and relaxing. Exfoliating my legs with a grape see and peppermint shea infused scrub not only helps calm me from the stress of the day, but helped open my pours and even remove thin layers of dead skin. I know, I know, it doesn't sound sexy, but a great exfoliating regimen can mean more vibrant skin, and longer lasting smooth legs!

Once my pores were invigorated and awake I was ready to shave. It's something I do several times a week, but this time I was committed to taking the time to actually cover the curves and edges of my shapely legs. With such fair skin I tend to be sensitive to excess fragrances and the irritation of close shaves. With the new Hydro Silk® Sensitive Care® razor, by Schick, I enjoyed the extra close shave of 5 blades that sensed my curves and naturally adjusted to the angles of my skin for a more gentle experience. For an extra soothing and indulgent shave I added a rich layer of lathering Skintimate® Skin Therapy Sensitive Skin shave cream, which helped condition my skin as I shaved. Together, the moisture rich and hypoallergenic serum of the Hydro razor and 8 conditioner infused shaving cream left my smooth legs ready to face any Summer occasion.

Normally, around this time of the year I'll sign up for a month of quick-coloring at the local tanning salon. They actually have a special booth designed solely to tan legs and even out skin color quickly. Let's face it, most legs are covered straight through the Winter, but our arms and faces still see a moderate amount of sunlight. I can embrace my pale complexion to a point, but uncovering those legs, no matter how smooth, for the Summer can be an embarrassment. This year I decided to go the natural route, and treat my legs with tanning lotion, and the remainder of my skin with sunscreen, until the bottom half of my body met up with my top half. Having a moisturizing and cooling after sun product, like Hawaiian Tropic's Lime Coolada moisturizer helps to nourish my in-progress skin and soothe my legs during the tanning process.

I never end up looking like a bronzed goddess at the end of Summer- it's just not my style. I have sensitive skin that is beautifully fair, and having smooth, sexy, legs builds my confidence in that. If you're ready to #SummerizeYourLegs then pick up a copy of this month's issue of All You magazine where you can read about how to 'Prep, Shave, and Protect,' while scoring some money saving coupons on Skintimate and Schick shaving products. If you're not quite ready to burst onto the Summer scene and head in store, find shaving, moisturizing, and Summer beauty products online at Walmart.com, where you can also enter to win a Summerize Prize Pack while browsing hot Summer skincare tips. And, if that isn't enough, be sure to RSVP and join me for the Summerize Your Legs Twitter party on June 12th, at 1PM EST for girl talk, Summer beauty tips, and prizes!

What Daughter Says: Summer is here, get those legs ready for fun in the sun with a skin care regimen that promotes healthy and radiant skin.