|Christmas in November| MyChime {review} from Honeywell

Who to buy for :

-Family

- New Home Owners

Who has you covered :

Honeywell

Last month my family and I received a fantastically festive MyChime from Honeywell, the package consisted of a wireless push button and doorbell, preloaded with a Christmas themed jingle of bells, a Halloween howl, a New Years bar of Auld Lang Syne, as well as a traditional Windsor Chime, and more. I also received a Christmas themed sound card loaded with four popular holiday melodies. MyChime is a great way to add that extra bit of holiday spirit, and will be sure to delight your guests, both young and old this Christmas season. My family and I are always looking for an excuse to ring the doorbell now! And hearing 'Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairies' whenever someone is at the door is just too cute. Our MyChime was super easy to program, and came with easily understandable instructions, it really was as simple as 1-2-3 and we soon had our MyChime set up and ready for guests to ring. We were also very impressed with the quality of our MyChime, the parts are sturdy and the sound is crystal clear, you can choose from 4 volume settings. And the sleek design of the MyChime doorbell makes it suitable for any room in the home, we have our doorbell in the kitchen as that is where you are most likely to find one of us and the doorbell blends right in. I would definitely recommend the MyChime from Honeywell to anyone looking for that finishing touch this holiday season. The great thing about MyChime is that it can be enjoyed all year long, either with the traditional Windsor Chime or by changing it up for New Years, Halloween, and Christmas, or whenever you'd like something different! We have had a blast with our MyChime and will be sure to enjoy it for quite sometime. 

Where to buy :

You can purchase a MyChime from a retailer near you.

I received a MyChime free of charge in order to facilitate my review; however, all opinions expressed in this post are my own, and have not been influenced in any way. I was not paid for this post.

|Christmas in November| Hand Soap {review} from Wembe

Who to buy for :

- Co-workers

-Family

- Friends

Who has you covered :

Wembe

Hand soap makes a great gift for a variety of occasions and is especially fun to use as a stocking stuffer during the holiday season. I love to give soap almost as much as I love to receive soap, it can be quite an adventure 'sniffing-out' the perfect bar of soap to suit your recipients personality! However, last week I was the recipient of two bars of hand soap that had been sent to me by Wembe, a company that believes in nothing less than 100% natural and organic skin care. I received one bar of Snow and one bar of Chocolate, and they have both been super gentle yet very cleansing for my ridiculously sensitive skin. Snow is the more feminine of the two bars, inspired by traditional indigenous medicine, Snow is made with mint, eucalyptus and essential oils from refreshing plants. Chocolate is the more 'manly' of the two, from the heart of the forest, Chocolate invokes the wildest side of your soul. Dark and exotic, the jungle's aphrodisiac promotes healthy skin and deep stimulation of the senses. For the chocolate soap, I would recommend a soap dish as it did leave a slight brown residue on my counter top (which was easily removed with water). 

Here's a little bit more about Wembe :

Our mission is to satiate the human thirst for nature; infusing our products with the purest ingredients from natural sources, certified organic when possible, using our knowledge of the power of the rainforest plants and fruits and the magic of aromatherapy, respecting our environment. Helping our community and always respect other beings.

Chocolate Cleansing Blend

$7.90 USD

Snow Cleansing Blend

$7.35 USD

Where to buy :

You can purchase a variety of natural soaps for the face and body online from Wembe - Amazonian Soul.

CLOSED |Christmas in November| UV Protection Sunglasses {review + giveaway} from Real Kids Shades

THIS GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED

Who to buy for :

- Infants (0-24 months)

- New Parents

Who has you covered :

Real Kids Shades

Star Pupils

I recently had the opportunity to work with Real Kids Shades on a review of their 100% UV Protection Sunglasses for infants (0 - 24 months). These particular sunglasses are from their line of Star Pupils-branded 100% ultraviolet (UV-A & UV-B) protective children's sunglasses, that not only protect your own child's developing vision, but a percentage of proceeds are donated directly to Prevent Blindness America's children's vision education initiative. 

"Recognizing that children's eyes are at special risk from the harmful effects of UV rays, since their eyes are still developing and are more vulnerable to sun damage, we developed Real Kids Shades to provide serious UV protection", says Lisa Medora, vice president of product development, Real Kids Shades. "By providing support to Star Pupils, we hope parents will make their children's eye health a priority."

I am very impressed with the quality of the sunglasses I received, as well as the attention to detail. There are no metal hinges or pointed edges, and the wrap around polycarbonate frames are held in place on your child's head by an adjustable neoprene band. These sunglasses are fantastic for that active toddler, and will protect their eyes all year long, either from the glare of the sun when you're at the beach in the summer or from the glare of the snow on your skiing holiday. I will definitely recommend Real Kids Shades 100% UV protection sunglasses to all the parents I know who have kids 12 and under. 

"Prevent Blindness America, the nation's leading volunteer eye health and safety organization, is launching its 'Star Pupils' campaign, the organization's children's platform, designed to educate parents on children's vision issues."

In the United States, Star Pupils is a campaign that is striving to educate parents about the preventative measures that can be taken when it comes to their children's eye health. Did you know that 80% of children diagnosed with a learning disability have an undiagnosed vision problem? Or that 70% of juvenile delinquents have visual problems? I believe whole heartedly in preventative measures, so I am glad to see such a large step being taken when it comes to the well being of a future generation's eye sight, as President Barack Obama explained, "No child should be falling behind at school because he can't hear the teacher or see the blackboard. I refuse to accept that millions of our kids fail to reach their full potential because we fail to meet their basic needs." And Prevent Blindness America's CEO and President Hugh R. Perry added, "Our nation's future is in our children's eyes." And this holiday season you can give the gift of healthy eyesight to your own children (grandchildren/nephews/nieces/friend's kids!) with Real Kids Shade's line of Star Pupils sunglasses for kids ages 0 to 12 years. I have a feeling these will be on my list of Baby Shower gifts, as it is really never too early to protect your children's eyesight.

Where to buy :

You can purchase 100% UV Protection sunglasses for children 0 - 12 years online at RealKidsShades.com.

! Real Kids Shades and Star Pupils would love to send one lucky reader a pair of 'My First Shades (0-24 months)' for their active little one !

Open to : US and Canada
Ends : February 28, 2011

Mandatory Entry

Tell us about another pair of Real Kids Shades that caught your eye. This entry must be completed first, remember to leave your email address!

!Please leave each entry as a separate comment! So if it says two extra entries please leave two comments, or if it is five extra entries then please leave five numbered comments !

Extra Entries

- +1 extra entry : Follow The Candid Reviewer via Google Friend Connect 

- +1 extra entry : Follow Real Kids Shades on Twitter
- +1 extra entry : Follow Star Pupils on Twitter

- +1 extra entry : Follow The Candid Reviewer on Twitter

- + 1 extra entry : Like Real Kids Shades on Facebook
- + 1 extra entry : Like Star Pupils on Facebook

- +1 extra entry : Like The Candid Reviewer on Facebook

- +1 extra entry : Tweet the following (can be done once daily)

Enter to win a pair of 'My First Shades' (0-24 mo) from @RealKidsShades @Starpupils and @candidreviewer http://tiny.cc/vzeiu (US/Can)(28/02)

- +2 extra entries : Subscribe to The Candid Reviewer's email list (left sidebar)

- +2 extra entries : Grab my button (right sidebar) and put it on your blog, please leave the link

- +5 extra entries : Purchase a pair of sunglasses from Real Kids Shades

- +5 extra entries : Blog about this giveaway, please leave the link in your comments

I received a pair of My First Shades free of charge in order to facilitate my review; however, all opinions expressed in this post are my own, and have not been influenced in any way. I was not paid for this post.

CLOSED |Christmas in November| TemporalScanner {review + giveaway} from Exergen

THIS GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED

Who to buy for :

- New Parents

- Young Families

Who has you covered :

Exergen

As we swing into the holiday season we are also, unfortunately, heading into cold and flu season. And for new parents this can be quite a roller-coaster ride! However, Exergen has a fantastic product that would make for a very thoughtful gift this holiday season, their Exergen TemporalScanner is a fast and easy to use hand held device that accurately measures core temperature in a non-invasive manner. The Exergen TemporalScanner can be used on the entire family, but it is especially useful when taking a fussing toddler's temperature, you can even take your sleeping infant's temperature without waking them! All thanks to the TemporalScanner's non-invasive external reading, you simply place the probe flush against the middle of the forehead and depress the scan button, keeping the button held down, slide the probe across the forehead until you reach the hairline. Release the scan button and remove probe from forehead, the display screen will now display the body's core temperature. The TemporalScanner really is a breeze to use, thankfully there hasn't been anything more than a cold in our family, but that didn't stop us from having a go at checking each others' temperatures! It only takes 2 - 3 'fuss-free' seconds to get an accurate core temperature that is equivalent to (an oh-so-uncomfortable) rectal temperature and is even more accurate than ear temperature. 

I will be recommending the Exergen TemporalScanner to many of the young families I know. And would encourage those who have new or young parents on their gift list to consider giving the gift of peace-of-mind that Exergen's TemporalScanner offers. 

Here's a little bit more about the Exergen TemporalScanner :

The TemporalScanner Thermometer is a totally non-invasive system with advanced infrared technology providing maximum ease of use with quick, consistently accurate measurements. Advanced, patented technology measures temperatures with a gentle stroke across the forehead.

The TemporalScanner Thermometer has been clinically tested for accuracy compared to rectal thermometers and temperature sensors inserted in the heart during course of patient treatment and accepted for use in major hospitals, making it the ideal thermometer for use with newborns, infants, children or adults.

The TemporalScanner has patented software, providing arterial heat balance. This unique process determines temperature by accurately measuring the balance between the tissues warming from arterial blood and tissues cooling (warming) caused by heat loss (gain) to the environment.

You can also view an introductory video Here.

Where to buy :

You can purchase Exergen's TemporalScanner at these retailers, (just scroll down).

! One super lucky reader is going to receive an Exergen TemporalScanner for their family !

Open to : US and Canada
Ends : December 10, 2010

Mandatory Entry

Let us know why you would love to win an Exergen TemporalScanner. This entry must be completed first, remember to leave your email address!

!Please leave each entry as a separate comment! So if it says two extra entries please leave two comments, or if it is five extra entries then please leave five numbered comments !

Extra Entries

- +1 extra entry : Follow The Candid Reviewer via Google Friend Connect 

- +1 extra entry : Follow Exergen on Twitter

- +1 extra entry : Follow The Candid Reviewer on Twitter

- + 1 extra entry : Like Exergen on Facebook

- +1 extra entry : Like The Candid Reviewer on Facebook

- +1 extra entry : Tweet the following (can be done once daily)

Enter to win an Exergen TemporalScanner Thermometer from @Exergen  and @candidreviewer http://tiny.cc/aup3z (US/Can)(10/12)

- +2 extra entries : Subscribe to The Candid Reviewer's email list (left sidebar)

- +2 extra entries : Grab my button (right sidebar) and put it on your blog, please leave the link

- +5 extra entries : Purchase something an Exorgen TemporalScanner

- +5 extra entries : Blog about this giveaway, please leave the link in your comments

I received an Exergen TemporalScanner free of charge in order to facilitate my review; however, all opinions expressed in this post are my own, and have not been influenced in any way. I was not paid for this post.

And the winners are ...

Congratulations goes to ...

daisydoll

who was the winner of our Personalized CD Coasters giveaway, sponsored by I Commit To Green.

~

and Congratulations also goes out to ...

Heavensent1

who won our Rubik's Slide giveaway, sponsored by Techno Source.

|Christmas in November| Jewel Pops {review} from Kameleon Jewelry

Who to buy for :

- Women

- Teens

-Tweens

Who has you covered :

Kameleon Jewelry

Last month I had the opportunity to review a Sterling Silver Cubic Zirconia Pendant as well as several Jewel Pops from Kameleon Jewelry. My Pendant was packaged in a funky little box, with the interchangeable Jewel Pops neatly housed in a tin case. Ok, so speedy shipping, check! Amazing presentation, check! Gorgeous jewelry, double check! Kameleon Jewelry has an absolutely fantastic selection of bracelets, earrings, necklaces, pendants, pins, and rings, even sunglasses! All featuring the ability to change out the central piece, (Jewel Pop). And with a wide range of colors, images, and styles you can easily match your mood or occasion on the fly by changing around the Jewel Pop. 

I am in love with my Pendant from Kameleon Jewelry. The Pendant itself is well made, and sits on a sturdy yet delicate chain, and the cubic zirconias adds some lovely sparkle to any outfit. What I really love about my jewelry from Kameleon Jewelry is of course the Jewel Pops, these really are a cinch to change around, making this piece of jewelry completely versatile and downright fun to wear! If I'm heading to an evening black tie event I simply pop in my Pink Purple Flash Jewel Pop, which gives me some subtle glimmer while still remaining sophisticated. 

And during an afternoon outing I can simply replace the Pink Purple Flash with my Swarovski Blue Pearl Jewel Pop for a a fun and light hearted piece of jewelry.

Here's a little bit more about Kameleon Jewelry :

All of us share a basic desire to express our individuality, our feelings and emotions and to stand out from the crowd.

We have captured the essence of this spirit with our line of sterling silver interchangeable jewellery – Kameleon Jewellery -'Change is Natural'. Nature has inspired both our style and purpose to create a Jewellery Collection as unique as you are.

Kameleon Jewellery is unique in the global marketplace, being the first jewellery system to offer interchangeability across the entire spectrum of jewellery design. The Collections 50 plus base jewellery designs includes rings, earrings, pendants, bracelets, necklaces and pins. Our Jewellery features natural flowing lines and is carefully crafted to accept small interchangeable inserts called JewelPops.

JewelPops come in a rainbow of colors and materials. Some are set with semi-precious stones, Swarovski Crystal, synthetic opals or sparkling cubics and sport outrageous names like 'Strawberry Shortcake' (Rhodochrosite) and 'Midnight at the Oasis' (Blue Sunstone), adding a real element of fun to the Collection.

I highly recommend Kameleon Jewelry to anyone who has jewelry lovers on their Christmas gift list this holiday season, their beautiful jewelry and huge selection of Jewel Pops are sure to be a hit! I have had a ton of fun wearing my pendant necklace from Kameleon Jewelry. Every time I've worn it I have received nothing but compliments and admiration, especially after I've let them in on the 'secret' of Jewel Pops!

Thank you so much for reading my review, and a special thank you to Kameleon Jewelry for providing me with a Cubic Zirconia Pendant and two Jewel Pops to review.

All views expressed in this post are my own and have not been influenced in any way. I was not paid for this post.

CLOSED |Christmas in November| Organic Infant Wear {giveaway} from Organically Grown

THIS GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED

Who to buy for :

- New Parents

- Infants

Who has you covered :

Organically Grown

Organically Grown carries a fantastic selection of organic cotton apparel for Him, Her, Baby, and Toddler. The clothing at Organically Grown is an affordable, as well as fashionable and eco-conscious alternative to mainstream apparel. Organically Grown also has a line of Wall Decor that will please many different tastes.

Men's Organic Cotton Green Revolution T-shirt

$24.99

Here's a little bit more about Organically Grown :

Driven by our positive spirit, and heartfelt commitment to a healthy planet, we founded the Organically Grown Group. We were raised to believe that we could make a difference, and affect real change in the world. As a young and innovative company, we believe in your right to affordable, safe, stylish, high-quality organic products from apparel and home décor, to personal care items.

Organically Grown has begun to play an active role in the organic revolution. Our apparel is made from organic cotton, which is grown by safe, pesticide-free methods from plants that are not genetically modified. We support the organic farming community and organizations worldwide that are committed to a green, sustainable environment. There is a direct connection between what we wear and the effect it has on the earth.

Boy's Organic Cotton Protect Recycling Two-Piece Set

$22.00

Where to buy :

You can shop online directly from Organically Grown.

! One lucky reader is going to receive an Organic Cotton Infant Three-Piece Bodysuit in the winner's choice of size and gender. Organically Grown will choose the style !

Infant Girls Organic Cotton 'Winter Friends' 3-Piece Bodysuit Set

$20.00

Open to : US and Canada
Ends : December 1, 2010

Mandatory Entry

Let us know what else you love from Organically Grown. This entry must be completed first, remember to leave your email address!

!Please leave each entry as a separate comment! So if it says two extra entries please leave two comments, or if it is five extra entries then please leave five numbered comments !

Extra Entries

- +1 extra entry : Follow The Candid Reviewer via Google Friend Connect 

- +1 extra entry : Follow Organically Grown on Twitter

- +1 extra entry : Follow The Candid Reviewer on Twitter

- + 1 extra entry : Like Organically Grown on Facebook

- +1 extra entry : Like The Candid Reviewer on Facebook

- +1 extra entry : Tweet the following (can be done once daily)

Enter to win an Organic Cotton 3-piece Infant Body Suit from @organicallygrwn  and @candidreviewer http://tiny.cc/x78ah (US/Can)(01/12)

- +2 extra entries : Subscribe to The Candid Reviewer's email list (left sidebar)

- +2 extra entries : Grab my button (right sidebar) and put it on your blog, please leave the link

- +5 extra entries : Purchase something from Organically Grown

- +5 extra entries : Blog about this giveaway, please leave the link in your comments

All opinions expressed in this post are my own, and have not been influenced in any way. I was not paid for this post.

|Christmas in November| Necklace {review + giveaway} from SimaGilady.com

To buy for :

- Moms

- Dads

Who has you covered :

SimaGilday.com

Last month I received a little package containing a beautiful You are my Shining Star necklace from SimaGilady.com. My necklace included a 16 inch ball chain and two super smooth 1/2 inch discs, as well as a pearl for that finishing touch. The discs were hand stamped with mine and my sister's names as well as a cute little star on each disc. The necklace arrived all ready to be gifted to my own mum, who now wears it every day and absolutely loves it! SimaGilady.com is a fantastic place to find personalized jewelry for both him and her, or a special keepsake for yourself. I was very impressed with my Shining Star necklace, it is lightweight but doesn't fly around when you move and the clasp is smaller but still very easy to use. The You are my Shining Star necklace is a subtle, yet elegant way for mom's to keep their kids close to their hearts. 

Here's a little bit more about Sima G. from her Etsy Bio :

'I am a mother of 4 beautiful kids: I love my life, my kids and my husband who always supports my work and crazy ideas.I LOVE my job, and I believe it shows. 
My goal is to reach the handmade lovers and one-of-a-kind fans from all over the world.
Art & Jewelry has been my passion in my life, but to personalized jewelry FOR YOU always captured my heart. Who could resist the unique designs, the quality craftsmanship and the lasting beauty of these treasures from years gone by? Feel free to browse this lovely collection—I'm sure you'll find something you like! '

And here are just a few of my favorite things from SimaGilady.com :

A tiny HAMSA necklace

$25.00

Lucky Penny Keychains

$10.00

Hammered Sterling Silver necklace for Her

$56.00

Sterling Silver bar for Him

$45.00

I highly recommend SimaGilady.com for that personalized gift you've been looking to get for that special person in your life this holiday season. The customer services is fantastic, and the jewelry is absolutely gorgeous!

Where to buy :

You can purchase Sima Gilady Jewelry from several places online including SimaG on Etsy and at SimaGilady.com. 

! Sima Gilady would love to send one lucky reader their own You are my Shining Star Necklace, personalized with the winner's choice of names (up to 4 discs) !

You are my Shining Star Necklace

$38.00 - $55.00

Open to : US and Canada
Ends : November 30, 2010

Mandatory Entry

Head over to SimaGilady.com, then come back here and let us know your favorite piece. This entry must be completed first, remember to leave your email address!

!Please leave each entry as a separate comment! So if it says two extra entries please leave two comments, or if it is five extra entries then please leave five numbered comments !

Extra Entries

- +1 extra entry : Follow The Candid Reviewer via Google Friend Connect 

- +1 extra entry : Follow The Candid Reviewer on Twitter

- +1 extra entry : Like The Candid Reviewer on Facebook

- +1 extra entry : Tweet the following (can be done once daily)

Enter to win a You are my Shining Star Necklace from SimaGilady.com and @candidreviewer here http://tiny.cc/23n0r (US/Can)(30/11)

- +2 extra entries : Subscribe to The Candid Reviewer's email list (left sidebar)

- +2 extra entries : Grab my button (right sidebar) and put it on your blog, please leave the link

- +5 extra entries : Purchase something from SimaGilady.com

- +5 extra entries : Blog about this giveaway, please leave the link in your comments

I was sent a You are my Shining Star Necklace free of charge in order to facilitate my reviews; however, all opinions expressed in this post are my own, and have not been influenced in any way. I was not paid for this post.

And the winners are ...

Congratulations goes to ...

Rachel and JC

who have each won a Nalgene Water Bottle Prize Pack !

and a Congratulations also goes out to ...

Donna

who was the winner of our Interchangeable Beaded Watch giveaway sponsored by ChunkyBling.com.