Family Fun In The Sun Guide Reviews

Family Fun In The Sun: Chef Locke BBQ & Oven Planks Review

July 25, 2011 By Stefani 5 Comments

If you have been following my blog, you know that I love to cook. I love to use the stove and oven, but during the summer our BBQ gets quite a bit of use. This summer I have been hearing different friends of mine online talk about beer can chicken. Me being the chef I am, had to figure out just what all this beer can chicken fuss is all about.

Since we like to BBQ, Chef Locke sent us a few items to review to help us make BBQ’ing more exciting this summer. Now I am even more excited about using the grill. Since I consider myself the chef around my house, I now have some extra tools to impress my family with some yummy food.

Of the items we received, we received a Beer Can Chicken Plank. This plank is made from cedar and the only one of its kind anywhere. When using this round cedar plank, it helps to keep the fat and juices from the meat from igniting over the hot coals or gas flames. It does take a little work to be able to use this plank before it goes on the grill. Before you use it, you have to soak it so that it expands around the can.

If you are one that likes to host BBQs at your house or tailgating parties, this will be a great addition to your next get together.

Another food item that has been popular on the BBQ menus lately is pizza. Since I LOVE pizza, it would only make sense to put one on the grill too! Chef Locke sent me a Pizza Pie Plank for review. I think this plank is awesome because like I mentioned before, I LOVE pizza and I LOVE to BBQ. When using this plank, you can choose to make your own pizza or throw on a frozen or take-n-bake pizza to create a unique wood flavored pizza.

With this plank, it does not need to be soaked first, so it is reusable. If you like the wood flavored pizza like you find at some restaurants, you will want to try one of these out.

Chef Locke has a line of BBQ and oven planks to help us create meals that go beyond ordinary! To find out more, please visit: http://www.tailgatingplanks.com.

Disclosure – The products featured above were provided free of cost to me by the manufacturer or representing PR agency. These opinions expressed are my own opinions and are NOT influenced by monetary compensation.

Family Fun In The Sun: New Balance Walking Shoes & Apparel Review

July 25, 2011 By Stefani 5 Comments

When it comes to exercise, I will most of the time choose to take a walk. Whether I am taking a walk around the neighborhood or on the treadmill at the gym, I need to be wearing comfortable shoes! It is no fun walking if your feet are enjoying the exercise.

Since I like to burn calories , I received the WW850 walking shoes from New Balance for review. For walking shoes, I happen to think that these are extremely CUTE! I love that they are comfortable and look stylish at the same time. These shoes have been designed with the True Balance breakthrough balance board technology enhanced muscle toning and calorie burning while you walk. If you have a wide foot, don’t worry because the New Balance shoes come in a variety of widths to provide you with the comfort you need. With each step that you make in these cute shoes, you body will work to maintain your natural balance that causes you to activate your muscles which will increase the calories you will burn.

When I am at the gym, I need to be in style if I am wearing my New Balance shoes. I also received for review a cute New Balance White Shimmel Top for review as well as one of their Black Wrap Around Skirts. This outfit goes PERFECT with my shoes. I can now officially take a walk down the street in style….

I am glad that I got to try some of the New Balance shoes. I have heard of them in the past, but had never had a pair of my own. I have to say that I find these shoes “more comfortable” than some of the other brands of walking shoes I have worn in the past. I will be definitely looking for a pair of these when my daughter signs up for track at school!

To find out more about these products, please visit: www.shopnewbalance.com

Filed Under: Clothing & Shoes Reviews, Family Fun In The Sun Guide Reviews, Product Reviews, Reviews Tagged With: New Balance WW850 Review

Family Fun In The Sun – Fairy Tales Bug Bandit Review

July 24, 2011 By Stefani 5 Comments

When the kids are playing outside, the last thing I want to see is bugs (especially mosquitoes) flying around them. In addition to sunscreen, us moms need to be carrying around bug repellent too. I hate when my children get mosquito bites because I can’t always keep them from scratching them.

We received some of the Bug Bandit from Fairy Tales Hair Care For Children. The Bug Bandit is an all-natural and non-toxic body spray that has been designed to gently repel those annoying bugs including mosquitoes, fleas, gnats and other “no see-ums”.

If you are like me, you probably don’t like the “scent” of some of the popular insect repellents. I normally think most of these products have a really strong smell. The Bug Bandit has been infused with natural rosemary oil, citronella, lemongrass, peppermint, cedar bark cinnamon and other natural oils to keep skin silky soft and moisturized. I personally think this stuff has a nice scent considering what it has been made to do.

Here are some key features of the Bug Bandit I want to share:

Safe to use on children ages 3 and up
Non-toxic, DEET and pesticide free
Available in 2 sizes (2oz and 8oz)
Helps to keep skin moisturized

You can find out more about these products by visiting: http://www.fairytaleshaircare.com

Disclosure – The product featured above was provided free of cost to me by the manufacturer or representing PR agency. These opinions expressed are my own opinions and are NOT influenced by monetary compensation.

Filed Under: Family Fun In The Sun Guide Reviews, Product Reviews, Reviews Tagged With: Bug Bandit Review

Family Fun In The Sun: Coolibar Child Boy Shorts & Marina Sun Hat Review

July 23, 2011 By Stefani 3 Comments

What summer isn’t fun without going to the beach? I live in sunny California, but I don’t live close to the ocean. I do live close to a few lakes and rivers which is good enough for me. During the summer when it is HOT, we often will head out to the lake to have some fun with the family and friends.

One bad thing about going out in the sun is the damage that the sun can do to our poor skin. I am always worried about the sun, so I usually come prepared with lots of sunscreen. What I found this year is clothing that can help protect your skin too! We received a few items from Coolibar for review. If you have never heard of Coolibar, they have clothing that has UPF 50+ & 98% UV Protection. You can use sunscreen, but it can only go so far. Now you can get clothing that will help protect your skin while you are out in the sun.

My son received a pair of the Coolibar Child Board Shorts for review. These shorts are adorable for little boys. These shorts will offer your child waist to knee protection with some style!

These shorts are cut from their exclusive quick-drying fabric. They are soft (unlike many board shorts we have bought in the past) and stretchy. These shorts are also lightweight and ideal for any water activity. Once your child is out of the water and out in the sun, these shorts are made to dry quickly and provide superior breathability. These shorts also come in another “graphic” style and are available in the following sizes: (2-4) (6-8)(10-12)(14-16).

For me, I received one of the Women’s Marina Sun Hats. Since I am now always outside doing my gardening, this is going to come in handy on the days that I am not out at the lake soaking up the sun. My backyard gets quite a bit of sun, so this hat will help protect me while I am watering my vegetables, flowers or lawn.

The Marina Sun Hat has a woven polyester shell and offers UV protection with a fully lined crown, moisture wicking internal sweatband and crushable, packable construction. It is available in a variety of colors including pale lilac, natural, morning sky, pink and icicle. I think the pink and purple is the cutest!

Coolibar also has shirts, swim cover-ups, umbrellas, shelters and more! To find out more, please visit: http://www.coolibar.com.

Save 15% OFF any order $75+ by using coupon code: SUNSAFE – - Exp 07/31/2011

Disclosure – The products featured above was provided free of cost to me by the manufacturer or representing PR agency. These opinions expressed are my own opinions and are NOT influenced by monetary compensation.

Filed Under: Clothing & Shoes Reviews, Family Fun In The Sun Guide Reviews, Product Reviews, Reviews Tagged With: Coolibar review

Family Fun In The Sun: Flipflop Wines Review – Part 2

July 22, 2011 By Stefani 3 Comments

This year I discovered my liking for wine. After doing a review for Flipflop Wines earlier this year, I have been hooked. To make a long story short, I thought I was allergic to wine so I never used to drink it. I decided to try it and to my surprise, I liked it. Now wine is not something I drink every day, but it is something I can enjoy on a hot day or night when I need a cold and refreshing drink.

When it comes to wine, I would say that I am a fan of the white wines and I like mine chilled. Sometimes I even add a piece or two of ice to make my glass of wine super cold. My favorites are the wines that have a “fruity” taste to them. This month I have been enjoying some of the California Chardonnay from Flipflop Wines. This wine is a Chardonnay wine with a pineapple and soft vanilla aftertaste. This is best served chilled and tastes great with Wood-fired Neapolitan pizza, mac & cheese or chicken Caesar salad. I didn’t eat any food with it, I enjoyed it solo! I bet it tastes great with some steak too!

If you are a fan of red wines, Flipflop Wines has three different red wines to choose from. If you are a fan of white wine, there are 4 different YUMMY wines that you are sure to like. Out of the whole Flipflop Wines lineup, I think the Pinot Grigio or the Washington Riesling just might be my favorites, all though I have liked each of the white wines I have tried from them (read my past review). Now I just need to re-stock my wine supply because I am currently OUT! Since the weather has been HOT here lately, a bottle of chilled wine can be perfect for quenching my thirst.

When it comes to wine, I have to say that Flipflop Wines are my FAVORITE. I love the taste and I love the name of the company. I am a mom who lives in her flip flops, so the name fits this mom perfectly. I also LOVE the fact that for every bottle of Flipflop wine that is purchased, Soles4Souls will distribute a pair of shoes to someone in need. Seems like a win win situation doesn’t it?

To find out more about Flipflop Wines, please visit: http://www.flipflopwines.com.

Filed Under: Family Fun In The Sun Guide Reviews, Product Reviews, Wine Reviews

Family Fun In The Sun: Kelty Child Carrier Backpack Review

July 21, 2011 By Stefani 7 Comments

If you are like me, I like to find places to go with the kids during summer vacation from school. Summer break is my time to relax, enjoy not taking the kids back and forth to school and enjoying time with my family. Last summer we went on two exciting trips to Southern California to visit a few of the popular amusement parks.

This summer, I have been taking the kids on outdoor trips. We have been to some parks, 3 different zoos and to the river a couple times to feed the ducks. For those of you that don’t like pushing around a stroller when you are outdoors, Kelty has an awesome line of child carriers to help carry your child on your adventure. We received the Kelty FC 3.0 Child Carrier Backpack for review. Now this can really come in handy when taking a hiking trip with the kids.

This child carrier is a top of the line, trail-based carrier that is designed with a unique 5 point adjustable harness to secure your child in the carrier. It is also equipped with an auto-deploy kickstand, under seat storage, a unique molded back panel, a sun hood, changing pad and more. The Kelty FC 3.0 child carrier is awesome and would be something that even the dads will want to use.

Here are a few of the Kelty Child Carrier Backpack features I want to share:

Padded adjustable-height child’s seat
Toy loops
Carry/lift handles
50-pound weight limit
Removable, washable cockpit pad
Lightweight aluminum frame
Organizer pocket

If you are looking for some outdoor fun, check out the other products from Kelty. They carry an awesome line of tents, backpacks, outdoor shelters and other outdoor equipment you just might need!

To take a peek at their products, please visit: http://www.kelty.com.

Filed Under: Family Fun In The Sun Guide Reviews, Product Reviews, Reviews Tagged With: Kelty FC 3.0 Child Carrier Backpack review

Family Fun In The Sun: Funky Monkey Snacks Review and Giveaway

July 21, 2011 By Stefani

Since the kids have been home (and driving me crazy by the way), I find myself trying to find more healthy snacks to feed them.

For those that like dried fruit, you need to try some of the Funky Monkey snacks. These are YUMMY dried fruit snacks that come in 7 different flavors (Applemon, Bananamon, Carnaval Mix, JiveALime, MangOJ, Pink Pineapple and Purple Punk). I have tried all kinds of different dried fruit throughout my years, but these snacks taste great and seem a little unique in their own little way.

I like this dried fruit because they use a unique freeze-drying process that helps the fruit maintain almost all the flavor and nutrients that you can get from fresh fruit. This process creates a “crunch” which in my opinion makes this dried fruit unique. Each package of Funky Monkey snacks contains 3 servings of real fruit and contain NO added sugar or sweeteners, NO artificial colors, NO artificial flavors and NO preservatives.

My favorite Funky Monkey snack is the Carnaval Mix, even though I like all the varieties I have tried. These are a great snack to keep in you purse, car, lunch bag or in your desk drawer for when you need something sweet and healthy. The Funky Monkey snacks are:

Gluten FREE
100% Real Fruit
100% Natural
GMO FREE

To find out more information, please visit: www.funkymonkeysnacks.com.

Now For The Giveaway

One Lucky Reader is going to win some Funky Monkey Snacks too!

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This giveaway will end on August 4, 2011 at 11:59 PM PST. The winner will be chosen at random using “And The Winner Is” plugin from all valid entries and submitted. The winner will be notified via email and will have 48 hours to contact me with their mailing information before another winner is chosen. This giveaway is open to U.S. residents only ages 18 years or older.