Teen Reviews Central

The Lushlife laptop identification tag: a personal touch and trendy accessory

The Lushlife identification tag for laptops from www.lushlifehome.com is a stick-on laptop accessory that holds ID and writing supplies and spices up a laptop cover. 

The identification tag contains a pen/pencil carrier, a small, clear compartment for ID, a business card, or a photo of friends or family, and a pocket with room for a small notepad or sticky notes. It's a great way to personalize a laptop and avoid confusion of possession in crowded areas, like school, work, the airport, the train station, etc. The material is a fake snakeskin leather (not my personal favorite, but makes the tag durable and flexible). The ID tag comes in pink, navy blue, green, and black.

The backside of the ID tag has five non-marking adhesive squares that easily adhere to a laptop, so it stays in place. The tag is also surprisingly thin, light, and durable, and can withstand the wear and tear of travel. But it can also be easily removed without leaving marks. The tag is small and compact enough to fit on the cover of any laptop.

This ID tag is handy for those who treat their laptop like a teddy bear (always have it with them) and find themselves often rummaging around for basic writing supplies. But for the well-organized or the "sometimes" laptop users, it isn't very useful. In either case, it's still a cute accessory that personalizes and adheres to a laptop and holds ID. It wouldn't be practical for a laptop to hold a lot of supplies, anyway! The ID tag gives a laptop identification, comes in cute colors, holds small notes, and personalizes an otherwise bland laptop!

Mom Central's Teen Review Central is giving away one Laptop Identification Tag thanks to the team at Lushlife.

Here's how to enter to win:

1. Please comment below on this post (make sure to leave your e-mail address)

2. Bonus entry if you Tweet about the contest

3. Bonus entry if you link to this post from your blog or website 

Contest ended as of Wednesday, September 2nd, 2009 at 11:59 p.m. EST.

Interested in more giveaways? Browse through the Mom Central Giveaways & Freebies Roundup!

You can also buy the Lushlife Identification Tag at www.amazon.com.

Mom Central received an ID Tag from Lushlife in order to review this product.

The Mary Kay timewise replenishing serum+c, another bathroom essential

Time for a personal anecdote: A few days ago, I opened up the bathroom medicine cabinet. My skin felt dry and slightly sunburnt after a day in the summer sun. So I scanned the shelves looking for a sweet-smelling moisturizer that would hopefully replenish and rejuvenate my tortured skin! But all I found was my bland-smelling after-sun lotion and my delicious-smelling moisturizers (that frankly don't do anything for my skin, but smell great). I ended up using both, which became a messy glob of lotion that really didn't do much of anything at all!

After trying out that messy concoction, Mary Kay's timewise replenishing serum+c from www.marykay.com caught my eye. It's a very light, airy, moisturizer and body lotion that replenishes, smooths, and softens skin with an added bonus: it smells heavenly! The timewise serum+c has the soothing and sweet aroma of burnt caramel...YUM. It also applies silky-smooth and sheer and blends in clear. The serum is sensitive and light enough to be applied around the eyes, as well. Finally...a solution to damaged, dry, or sunburnt skin that smells sweet, too! 

You can buy Mary Kay tmewise replenishing serum+c at www.amazon.com.

Mom Central received a review sample of Mary Kay timewise replenshing serum+c.

Lavanila Laboratories' vanilla blossom perfume is fragrant....and healthy?!

The vanilla blossom perfume by Lavanila Laboratories, which can be found at www.lavanila.com, is one of several trendsetting vanilla fragrances that are actually healthy for your skin.

Lavanila Laboratories claims that this collection contains the world's first healthy fragrances designed to nourish skin. The three vanilla scents are infused with antioxidants, botanicals, and pure essential oils. Lavanila Laboratories boasts that the scents avoid the harsh ingredients that are often used in perfumes, such as strong alcohols and chemicals.

The healthy fragrances are Vanilla Blossom, Pure Vanilla, Vanilla Grapefruit, Vanilla Coconut, and Vanilla Lavender.

Vanilla Blossom is a blend of Madagascar vanilla, crushed orange blossom, rose, jasmine, and karo karounde. The scent is also all-natural and blends thirty essential vitamins and minerals to help nourish and replenish skin while you wear it! It smells sweet and playful with some earthy undertones (probably the rose and jasmine) that give the scent sophistication. It's a subtle, shy scent that also smells warm and layered with different vanilla and herbal hints.

The advances of science meet fragrance in this scent for healthier, smoother, and more nourished skin throughout the day -- without comprimising on delicious smell. 

You can buy Lavanila Healthy Fragrance perfumes, including Vanilla Blossom, Pure Vanilla, Vanilla Grapferuit, Vanilla Coconut, and Vanilla Lavender, from www.amazon.com. 

Mom Central received a review sample of Vanilla Blossom Healthy Fragrance Perfume from Lavanila Laboratories.

eos: the Evolution Of Smooth

The eos collection of body products, which can be purchased at www.evolutionofsmooth.com at the eos store online, contains natural, moisturizing products that feel indulgently smooth and are packaged beautifully.

Their organic lip balm is packaged in a smooth sphere that is fun to use and soft to the touch. It has a twist off top and looks like a round pebble (before I even get to the balm inside, I'm relaxed by the innovative, organic design!).

The website says that the balm feels as gorgeous as it looks...and it really does! Right after rubbing it on, my lips felt softer, smoother, and healthier, and stayed that way long after. The rounded surface of the balm makes it fun to apply, too. The balm smoothes on clear and precisely (a real surprise, considering its large surface area and unconventional shape). The balm not only looks and feels good, but it's good for you, too. It's 95% organic (certified organic by VOF) and is 100% natural.The balm contains shea butter, jojoba oil, and vitamin E, which is rich in antioxidants. The balm comes in three flavors: honeysuckles honeydew, summer fruit, and sweet mint. I've tried the sweet mint and it leaves a fresh-feeling tingle on your lips! 

The eos ultra moisturizing shave cream also leaves you with a smooth, moisturized feeling. It's a non-foaming, uber rich and creamy alternative to regular shaving creams. This shave cream feels more like a body cream than shaving cream because of its after-effect; it leaves legs feeling silky smooth and moisturized when the shower's over. Most other shaving creams make my legs exceptionally dry after shaving, and I need to put moisturizer on immediately after, but this shave cream keeps them moisturized without using lotion. 

Like the balm, the shave cream is packed with healthy ingredients that make your skin feel irresistable: moisturizing natural aloe, oats, shea butter, and antioxidants vitamin E and C.The shave cream lets you get a closer shave and can be applied wet OR dry since it's so rich. Also, you only need a small dallop to shave, so one bottle lasts a long time! The design is similar to the design of the lip balm: soft, pretty, organic, and easy to grip in a wet shower. The bottle is also recyclable and plastic, so it doesn't leave the infamous rust ring in the shower or tub. The shave cream comes in six fragrances: pomegranate raspberry, island blue, lavender jasmine, cucumber melon, vanilla bliss, and sensitive fragrance free, which is hypoallergenic and dermatologist tested.

The organic lip balm and ultra moisturizing shave cream both have the same effect: smooth, soft, moisturized skin and lips. They have pretty, organic designs, are fun to use, smell divine, and feel indulgent!

You can buy Eos lip balm and shave cream at www.amazon.com. 

Mom Central received island blue shave cream and sweet mint lip balm from eos in order to review these products.

Bristols 6's Hem Tape for denim alters jean for a quick fix

Bristols 6's Hem Tape from hemtape.com for denim alters jeans quickly and acts as a temporary tailor. The altering requires no ironing, scissors, or stitching -- just the tape itself. The hem tape is applied to the bottom of jeans and is concealed from view after hemming. The tape helps you customize, hem, or tailor jeans for wear so you can try out new styles before making any permanent changes to the denim. This double stick hem tape is great for switching from heels to flats on-the-go or turning long jeans into capris for hot weather. The tape can also tailor too-long jeans so they don't drag on the ground. The tape works for skinny, straight, bootcut, classic, and wide leg jeans, and can even be used on non-denim fabric pants, skirts, and shorts.

The hem tape makes a clean, smooth hem and does not leave behind sticky residue or marks on the fabric. It is also durable and highly adhesive to fabric, so it lasts and holds the fabric in place for several days. The directions say to take off jeans and fold them inside-out to apply the tape, but I found that you can easily use the tape without even taking the jeans off. But be careful to remove the tape before washing, drying, or ironing your jeans!!

This tape changes the look and style of jeans without permanently altering them, so you can wear the same pair of jeans at different lengths for multiple new looks! It's a great way to get more out of your jeans for different occasions, places, and styles; you can mix it up and experiment. YOU become the designer. Jeans can be shortened or cuffed by rolling them and then using the tape. The tape is also handy to have in your purse to repair fallen hems as you go and it stays in place for the rest of the day.

Each packet of hem tape costs $12.00 (not bad) and comes with 18 strips, which measure 1.5" x 3".The hem tape is white and rectangular with double sides. A clear layer on one side must be peeled off the tape to apply it to fabric. 

The hem tape works for a quick-fix, an experimental look, or just a change-up. It stays put and sticks to fabric without leaving marks or residue behind, so you don't have to worry; you can be creative and mix up the look of your jeans again and again!

You can buy Bristols 6 Hem Tape at www.amazon.com.

Mom Central received a pack of Bristol 6 Hem Tape in order to review this product.

Jibbitz: personalize & accessorize

Jibbitz shoe accessories from www.jibbitz.com are plastic, one-piece designs made especially for Crocs. Each jibbit easily pushes in and out of a desired hole on the top of Crocs shoes.  

These cute, plastic accessories come in many different designs, shapes, and colors. There are especially lots of Disney characters, cartoon characters, and comic book heroe favorites, such as the Little Mermaid, Tweety Bird, and Wonder Woman. There are also activity designs, like volleyballs, ice skates, and piano keyboards. Jibbitz also come in plastic gem stones, animals, monuments, sports teams, lettering,  numbers....you name it!  

 Jibbitz stay snuggly in place in the holes during active use and don't wear out easily. They are a great way to personalize and accessorize Croc shoes. Jibbitz also make cute gifts; they take the concept of charm bracelets and apply it to feet!

You can buy all types of Jibbitz for your Crocs at www.amazon.com. 

Mom Central received a three-pack of Jibbitz in order to review this product.

     

Walmart's Your Zone dry-erase frame: a simple touch to brighten up a bedroom or dorm

The Your Zone dry-erase frame, which can be found at walmart.com/yourzone is one of many innovative products from Walmart designed to personalize a bedroom or dorm.

The Your Zone collection is affordable and is designed specifically for teens, with fun patterns, bright colors, and cute (yet functional) accessories to help personalize a space.

The dry-erase picture frame is one of these fun accessories. It has a whiteboard marker clipped to the frame itself, so you can easily access (and keep track of) the marker. The cap stays clipped to the frame while you write or draw on the frame itself. This dry-erase frame makes it easy to personalize messages, be creative, and have fun with the frame. This simple touch helps make a bland dorm room or bedroom feel personal, unique, and your own. It's also easy to change the message or design to keep up with a teen's everchanging life (just use a tissue to wipe the frame clean and begin anew).

Walmart's Your Zone collection has other great products for teens and the website contains useful tools for designing a room from floor to ceiling!  (There is a Design Ideas section and a tool to create your own room using Walmart products which then allows you to see the room in 3D!). The Your Zone collection takes the stress out of teen room designing on a budget. The collection's fun accessories, like the dry-erase frame, colorful bulletin boards, stools, and multi-colored lamps, allow a teen to personalize their room for less (something a teen and their parents can both agree on!). 

Mom Central received a Your Zone dry-erase frame from Walmart in order to review this product.

The Sunbelt Sweet & Salty Chewy Peanut Granola Bars: SO good, I could barely stop eating one to write this review!

The Sunbelt Sweet & Salty Chewy Peanut Granola Bars (www.sunbeltsnacks.com) are absolutely divine. They're a salty, sweet, crunchy, chewy, blend of granola, peanuts, and chocolate fudge dipping. YUM. My mouth waters just thinking about them...

But what makes this little bar great is not only the taste, but the nutritional value. There are a lot of salty, chewy, chocolate snack bars out there...but none of them are quite as tasty and as healthy all in one.These bars also aren't too dry like other salty and sweet granola bars. 

Each bar contains three grams of protein, whole grain oats, fiber, roasted peanuts, and a sweet, chocolate fudge drizzle to top it all off. One box contains eight individually-wrapped bars, and at $2.59 a box, they're great for staying on a budget (that's 32 cents a bar!). The bars are sold in grocery stores and discount centers across the nation.

Sunbelt, the company responsible for this delicious treat, also can take credit for some good deeds, like sponsoring many marathons, walkathons, and triathlons. Their message and goals, aside from their yummy snacks, are something to feel good about; like their slogan "fits your daily adventure" (I like that, adventures should be daily!) and their involvement with US Youth Soccer and Race For The Cure. They're also big on nutrition, health, and physical activity.

One small warning: This bar is FILLED with sugar and it's salty, so having a drink nearby is a must. I recommend a tall, cold glass of milk to do the trick. 

You can buy Sunbelt Sweet & Salty Chewy Peanut Granola Bars at www.amazon.com.

Mom Central received a box of Sunbelt Sweet & Salty Chewy Peanut Granola Bars in order to review this product.

Potter Style's "Our Family Tree" Keepsake Journal: a family activity for a rainy day

 The Potter Style's "Our Family Tree" keepsake journal beautifully displays a family tree with both maternal and paternal sides for you to fill out, keep, and display.

This journal is easy-to-use, neatly organized, and has accordion panels that fold and unfold. The attached panels can be removed from the hard covers and stand upright to be displayed on a mantel at family reunions. The panels can also lie flat in book form for easy storage. The backside of the panels have multiple lines to jot down notes on each side of the family and your own family.

The journal has pretty designs and illustrations: lots of artistic tree branches, subtle pastel colors, and looping spirals (a Mom Central favorite!!). 

The tree trunk grows in the middle of the book for "me," the paternal side branches out to the left, and the maternal side branches out to the right. Usually, when I think of a family tree, the trunk represents the eldest members of a family (as far back as you can go), and the branches represent younger generations, so that the tree can keep branching out for years to come! This tree, however, is organized longways to fit in a compact book. Unfortunately, this designs lends no room for posterity and stops at the trunk with "me." So it's great for recording and tracking family relations from a personal perspective, but isn't well-suited to be THE continued family archives.

The tree includes branches for up to five generations (your great-great grandparents) on both sides of the family. Leaf-shaped paper plaques cling to the branches, each with lines for the name, life dates, and place of birth of a closely-related family member. There's room above each plaque to add a small photo of the family member, too. 

The book also comes with tons of small leaf stickers stowed neatly in a pocket on the inside back cover. These leaf stickers can be used to customize your family tree and allow you the flexibility to record your specific family relations. The leaves are color-coordinated, too (blue for offspring, green for siblings, and orange for spouses) and display lines for names and life dates. The leaves, representing more distantly-related relatives, can be placed around the leaf plaques to show relations of the members of the family. 

Asking parents, aunts, and uncles about older family members helps you fill out the leaves and is a great segway to unveiling family stories and anecdotes...stories that would otherwise remain stowed away in the dusty folds of time. This books makes a great rainy day activity for the whole family to do. 

You can buy the Potter Style's "Our Family Tree" keepsake journal at www.amazon.com.

Mom Central received a review copy of "Our Family Tree" keepsake journal.

Painter Essentials 4 by Corel is the home art studio right on your computer screen

Painter Essentials 4 by Corel, which can be purchased at www.corel.com, allows you to draw, paint, or auto-paint. Drawing and painting are free-hand, while auto-painting creates a work of art out of any photograph. You can even paint scanned-in sketches, too.

Painter Essentials 4 comes with a CD that allows you to install the program onto your computer. Once the program is installed, you only need to use the CD to run check-ups and make any repairs needed in the program. Painter Essentials 4 also comes with a user guide that provides tips, instructions, and tutorials on using the program.The user guide is organized nicely and is easy to follow. It uses real photos as examples to walk through the process of auto-painting and touch-ups.

The program itself has links to a gallery of featured artists, the Corel online community, and the monthly newsletter, which has even more tips and tutorials. The program also has an on-line version of the user guide in addition to the actual painting, drawing, and auto-painting set-ups.

The drawing and painting window provides lots of options for materials. Looking through the brushes alone is like stepping into a gigantic art store and having an employee tell you, "take whatever you'd like!" There are materials for thick paint, thin paint, water, and dry media. There are pencils, pens, blenders, effects, and photo effects for the photo itself. The painting and drawing window also has an eraser, a paint bucket, text boxes, a paint mixer, a color wheel, a rubber stamp, brush sizes, grain choices...the options go on and on! 

The photo painting window performs the auto-paint function. You can select a tutorial image or your own photograph and choose the style in which you would like the photo to be painted (Seurat, impressionistic, oil painting, modern, watercolor...). You can also touch up or draw right over the photo yourself using the drawing and painting window. The program also allows you to print your finished pieces. 

This program is the next best thing to creating actual art; what it lacks in hands-on involvement, it makes up for with its extensive, realistic materials and functions, including everything from blending colors to creating texture. And although it isn't a huge personal feat to watch the auto-paint work its wonders on your favorite photograph, it still creates a beautiful piece that you can delve back into and add your own creative touches to (or start from scratch in drawing and painting and really do it on your own!).

The technological aspect of this program adds a new layer of difficulty and makes it frustrating at times to get the look or feel that you want. Practicing, reading the guide, and using your own creativity, however, help as you go. It's fun to tinker with the options and figure out what works best to create your own art or auto-paint. This is also a great tool for making birthday cards, personalized stationary, or a painted or sketched version of a school photo! 

You can buy Corel Painter Essentials 4 at www.amazon.com.

Mom Central received a Painter Essentials 4 kit from Corel in order to review this product.