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RCA, Small Wonder EZ2100 HD Video Recorder Review!!!

I was recently sent a RCA Small Wonder HD Video Recorder to review.  I was sent the EZ2100 model and it was very easy to start using.  The thing that really threw me and almost made me give this a poor review was that prior to receiving this I read a review on Amazon.com that said something like,”Make sure you don’t use any of the high-speed SD Cards for this because they won’t work.  You need to use a class 2.  Now that just struck me as weird and I should have looked into it more but when it arrived even though almost all my SD cards are class 10, I found an old class 2 and put it in.  I was very unhappy with the video, however I was not thinking it was the card but due to the camera etc.  So I took several videos of the kids over the next couple of days and was not really happy at all.  The thing I liked best at this point was the RCA Memory Manager software that came with it. This software makes making great movies and special effects with your media super easy.  So finally I said let me try one outside, that was when my little 2 card was full so I opened my Canon 60D and took out the SD class 10 card.  It was at that moment that a huge light bulb appeared above my head and I thought, “Hmmmm, could this be it?  Could that lady on Amazon have no idea what she is talking about?”  With that brilliant moment I ran outside where I found my 4-year-old and took some video.  I came in and took a look, it was like night and day from the video using the class 2 card. My husband had told me that it sounded crazy when I told him that it said to use a class 2 card because in all our other HD video recorder we use class 10.  Well, I learned an important lesson that day, when you read something on Amazon that just sounds wrong, it probably is.  So I am so glad that class 2 ran out of space otherwise this review would have ended on a very bad note.

So okay, what do I think?  I think this unit is super compact and with the right class SD card takes good video.  You do have to be careful to hold the camera steady and I do not think I would want to use it for taping long events unless I had a tripod to hold it.  However for taking HD video that you can easily edit with great software, then upload to Facebook and You Tube you really can’t beat this video recorder for the price. It also takes still photos and has a full color 2.0 inch display.  The video recorder works best in good light and stores in a compact drawstring pouch that makes it super easy to keep in your purse to capture video any time.  I think this would be a great gift for a tween or teen this holiday season so I am adding it to our 2011 Holiday Gift Guide.

 

RCA EZ2100 High Definition Digital Camcorder with 2″ Color Display

The RCA EZ2100 has a super slim profile that’s ideal for travel. The 720p HD, Sports (60fps) or Web Quality recording modes let you capture crisp video with ease. The 2.0-inch full color display is easy to see and great for instant playback. The included RCA Memory Manager Software allows you to easily edit, save or share your video on your computer, with YouTube, Facebook, Vimeo, Flickr, or quickly e-mail to friends and family. The RCA EZ22100 doubles as a camera and can take 3MP still photos. It has 2X digital zoom, HDMI connection for 720p HD TV viewing and built-in rechargeable battery. It also includes an A/V cable, USB cable, wrist strap, and carrying pouch.

Features
  • Compact design is ideal for travel
  • 720p HD, Sports (60fps) or Web Quality recording modes
  • 2.0-inch full color display
  • SD/SDHC memory slot (card not included)
  • Built-in RCA Memory Manager Software
  • Easy sharing with YouTube, Facebook, Vimeo, Flickr and e-mail
  • Easy editing and saving
  • 3MP still photos
  • 2X digital zoom
  • HDMI connection for 720p HD TV viewing
  • Built-in rechargeable battery
  • One year limited warranty
The RCA Dedication

Capturing amazing video has never been this easy. The power of portable digital video is now securely in your hands. Affordable and feature-rich where it counts, RCA digital camcorders are as accessible as they are advanced.

In a digital age where video allows us to stay connected to family, friends and fans alike, quality and convenience are absolutely vital. The marquee star of the show is the simple setup that gets you up and running right out of the box while the included RCA Memory Manger software makes moving, editing and saving video to your PC even easier.

Delivering sleek design and amazing portability RCA is garnering rave reviews. From a collection of compact handhelds to the high-def palm style offerings, this ensemble cast continues to shrink in size but grow in accolades. Capture the moment in an instant with RCA.

Record your greatest moments and share them with the world right away! Designed exclusively for RCA Camcorders, RCA Memory Manager Software makes recording, editing and sharing your videos simple, fast and fun.

Even the installation is effortless – Just copy it to your computer through the included CD or camcorder USB (models EZ5100R and EZ5100RDR) and the software launches automatically whenever the camcorder connects to your PC or MAC.

From there you’re good to go! Use your camcorder to capture video or photos. Quickly view what you’ve recorded or compose your own movie. Even image editing and touch-up is a snap. Connect your camcorder to your computer and share the love. It’s video made simple!

Here’s what you can do:

Quickly view your recordings

Watch your recorded videos right on your PC or MAC screen

Make a movie

Step into the director’s chair with your own custom movies

Trim and join your clips

Compose, assemble and personalize your masterpiece

Add theme, effects and text

Up the cool factor with professional quality effects

Edit and retouch your photos

Enhance your videos to make each scene picture perfect

Burn a disc

Publish your own movies and make DVDs to share with friends, family and even devoted fans

Save important recordings
  • Automatically archive your audio files online with the Moxy backup service (See mozy.com/rcasmallwonder for rates and complete details)
  • RCA customers get 2GBs of online storage space for free and 10 percent off any subscriptions at mozy.com/rcasmallwonder (See mozy.com/rcasmallwonder for rates and complete details)

 

 

 

 


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HelloCanvas.com Review and 25% Off Discount Code!!!

I think you all know what a passion I have for photography.  I love taking pictures and then displaying the ones that I love and that make me happy.  Fortunately, there are a lot of those so I am always looking for great ways to showcase my photographs. One of my favorite shots is a recent family picture and when I was asked by Hello Canvas to do a review on their 24 x 36 inch, 1.2 inch deep canvas, I was so happy.  I do have this photo made in a full color canvas but I really wanted a large Sepia tone of this family photo too.  So I decided that was what I would do. It was very easy to navigate the site and upload the picture I wanted and to customize it with the options that I chose.

The huge canvas arrived in an even bigger box very soon after ordering it.  It was packed well and when we unpacked it we were taken back with how gorgeous it looked and how large it was.  The photograph does not do this beautiful canvas justice.  It is just absolutely stunning and will be the focal point of another family wall I am planning behind our couch in the family room.  I am so glad I did this canvas in the Sepia tone because it just looks so great and goes so well with our color scheme in that room.  If you are looking for high quality canvas with UV protection, a 100% satisfaction guarantee, great customer service and lowest price guarantee, then check out HelloCanvas.com.  Makes a great Christmas Gift, find HelloCanvas.com on our 2011 Holiday Gift Guide, and right now they are having a special 25% discount on all canvas sizes.  To obtain your 25% discount just enter the coupon code christmas2011 at checkout! Order before December 16th and delivery will be before Christmas. Guaranteed!  Hurry you still have time to get a beautiful, keepsake gift that will be treasured for a lifetime.


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Meyamo, DIY One-Piece Bodysuit with Iron on Letters Review & Giveaway!!! {Giveaway Ended}

 

When I was young, I remember browsing the spinning racks of personalized bookmarks and pencils, looking for my name. Sometimes my name was not included, and sometimes I was pleasantly surprised that they had it! Times have changed, and you can get almost anything personalized with your name. But even when I was naming my boys, I thought back to those bookmarks and wondered if they would feel left out because their unusual names definitely wouldn’t be found among the most popular names stocked. So I was happy to agree to a review with Meyamo Do it Yourself One-Piece with iron on letters!

 

I received a fun little project package that came with a soft, 100% organic cotton, long sleeve, white shirt with green trim, and 2 full pages of fuzzy transfer letters in matching green! It did not take long to prep the shirt by  ironing it and easily peel off the letters for my son’s name. There were cute little baby symbols and animal shaped letters you can choose from to make the name more fun! I just laid out the letters evenly, and covered them with the included transparent protective sheet and ironed for 1 minute. The letters had set with the ironing and seem to be stuck on very well! This kit was very easy to do from set up to finish and the 6-12 month shirt fits just right on my 10 month old and feels very comfortable. It is a cute way to get a personalized gift for my boys with unique names, and I got many compliments on it at a birthday party we went to!

 

This Meyamo DIY name shirt came in a handsome little mesh bag with a gift tag that coordinates with the shirt and letter colors! This shirt would make an awesome gift for a baby or toddler, so we are including it to our  Mommy Ramblings 2011 Holiday Gift Guide!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I am happy to announce that Meyamo is sponsoring a give-away on Mommy Ramblings! One lucky blog reader is going to win a DIY one-piece bodysuit with iron on letters!! Thank you Meyamo for this adorable review shirt and giveaway!!!  Open to residents worldwide!!!

 

 

Meyamo, DIY One-Piece Bodysuit with Iron on Letters Giveaway on Mommy Ramblings Rules:
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Splendipity, Snuzzle Me 7 in 1 Cart Cover & Burp Cloths Review and $25 Gift Certificate Giveaway!!!! {Giveaway Ended}

I’ve always been worried about the germs my kids can pick up from the shopping carts at the grocery store. I usually use the sanitizing wipes they provide, but even though I try to wipe every surface, I’m sure to miss many areas in my haste.  Another problem I needed to address, was that my baby always got wet when transporting him in his car seat to and from the car when it was raining. So when I had the opportunity to review a 7 in 1 Snuzzle Me car seat cover and set of burp cloths from Splendipity, I was thrilled!
The 7 in 1 car seat cover can be used as a stroller cover, nursing shawl, car seat shade, swing cover and high chair cover in addition to the car seat cover and shopping cart cover! There is probably a separate product out there for each of these situations, but the Splendipity, Snuzzle Me is the first I have heard of that can be used for all of them.
The Snuzzle Me cover is made out of super soft, 100% organic cotton. It is also reversible, one side is blue, and the other is white. They also come in pink or green, and a lightweight option. I really like that this one product has so many different uses. This makes going out a breeze because you only have to take this one cover and you are set.  It keeps the weather away from my baby when it’s on his car seat, with a little hole for the car seat handle, and allowing me to check on him without having to lift the cover off the seat.
It makes a great cart cover, I am able to put the cover on with one hand which is pretty important since I’m usually holding my baby with my other arm! Using it as a nursing cover is another benefit, the elastic holds it in place so my baby can not pull it off as easily as a blanket! The burp cloths are made of the same soft material as the cover, and shaped just right to lay on your shoulder to protect your shirt from unfortunate spit up!
To see a video of the Splendipity, Snuzzle Me click HERE!

Splendipity is sponsoring a giveaway on Mommy Ramblings! One lucky blog reader will win a $25 gift certificate for their Website, the winner can choose something from any of the collections they would like. Thank you Splendipity for this awesome review Snuzzle Me and give-away!!!  Open to US Residents.

Splendipity, $25 Gift Certificate Giveaway on Mommy Ramblings Rules:
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ABC FAMILY ,”Switched at Birth:Volume 1″ Is Being Released on DVD December 13!!! Review and Giveaway!!! {Giveaway Ended}

ABC FAMILY ,”Switched at Birth:Volume 1″ Is Being Released on DVD December 13!!!
From the studio that brought you “The Secret Life of the American Teenager” comes a groundbreaking new drama about the upheaval that two teen girls experience when they discover that they were accidentally switched at birth. Starring Lea Thompson (Back To The Future, “Caroline In The City”), Constance Marie (“George Lopez”), Vanessa Marano (“Gilmore Girls”), Katie Leclerc (“Veronica Mars”), D.W. Moffett (“Friday Night Lights”), and Lucas Grabeel (Disney Channel’s “High School Musical”).

 

Bay Kennish, a talented graffiti artist with an edgy streak, grew up in a wealthy family with happily married parents and an older brother. Daphne Vasquez, an athletic teenager who lost her hearing at an early age, grew up with a single mother in a working class neighborhood. When the girls’ worlds collide, family bonds are tested, new romances are sparked, and they start to learn that it’s who they are inside that matters, not where they grew up.  Relive the girls’ journey and catch up before the premiere with “Switched At Birth: Volume 1.”  Including all 10 episodes plus exclusive collectible iPod skins, this two-disc set is a must-own for every fan!

This DVD set makes a great gift for the tweens and teens on your list.  We are adding it to our 2011 Holiday Gift Guide!!!

ABC Family is sponsoring a giveaway on Mommy Ramblings.  One lucky blog reader will win Volume 1 of Switched at Birth on DVD.  Thank you ABC Family for the review copy and for sponsoring this great give-away.  Open to US residents.

ABC FAMILY ,”Switched at Birth:Volume 1″ giveaway on Mommy Ramblings Rules:

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Froebel Gifts, Yarn Balls Review & Give-Away!!! {Giveaway Ended}

In our last review, I told you about the Tieramid Blocks that were influenced by Friedrich W. Froebel, the originator of the “kindergarten system.”  Well, back again with great learning toys and manipulatives that are all based on Froebel’s philosophy.  The Froebel® Gifts are educational materials developed for Friedrich Froebel’s original Kindergarten. Perhaps the world’s most intricately conceived playthings, these materials appear deceptively simple, but represent a sophisticated approach to child development. The Gifts are arguably the first educational toys. I recently had the opportunity to review Gift One-The Yarn Balls from this collection. Froebel recognized that a ball is often a first or favorite toy of infants. It is lightweight and easy to grasp or hold. For Froebel, the ball symbolized unity because it is a complete whole, a pure form. The whole is the beginning of understanding and everything else is derived from the whole. I have told you many times before how much I love to use hands-on learning concepts with my children.  These yarn balls are great for expanding from the simplest concepts to more advanced.  For instance with my 2-year-old we do counting, colors, sorting, and shapes among others.  It also is early physical activity to improve of eye-hand coordination and gross motor control. My 4-year-old can do more advanced work with them like distinguish form, color and movement — the qualities of matter in the physical universe. For instance my husband will show him the structure of atoms and how protons, neutrons and electrons interact.  I know that most children absorb even advanced concepts easier when they have something tactile they can touch and see when learning.  These yarn balls are great for home, home schooling, and the classroom.  Froebel Gifts has many other gifts that will educate your child through play.

 

 

Froebel Gifts is sponsoring a give-away on Mommy Ramblings!!!  One lucky blog reader will win their own set of Yarn Balls.  Thank you to Froebel Gifts for the review Yarn Balls and for sponsoring this terrific give-away on Mommy Ramblings.  Open to US and Canadian residents.

 

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Bulls-Eye Creative Tieramid Circle Set Review & Give-Away!!! {Give-Away Ended}

I have told you before how much I like toys that teach and are fun. When I had the opportunity to review the Tieramid Circle Set I was thrilled.  This quality set of blocks will teach your children so many skills and will grow with your child from pre-school to adults.  The design of the Tieramid Creative Blocks was influenced by Friedrich W. Froebel, the originator of the “kindergarten system.” Kindergarten was designed to teach young children about art, design, mathematics and natural history.”  These blocks are very high quality and will be a set that can be passed down generation to generation or used in the classroom setting.  This set is truly one that will grow with your child.  My two-year old loves it for colors and making the easier patterns from the Tieramid Cards.  I think it is so great for developing his fine motor skills and early math skills. My four-year-old is able to work on more advanced pattern cards and can expand on colors into the primary and secondary colors as well as go further into early math skills and fine motor skills.  The Tieramid Circle Set is like a new toy every time you play with it.  It really allows your child to express their creativity and adults will love to play with it with and without their kids.  Each Tieramid® Creative Blocks™ set contains several individual pieces which fit together like a tiered pyramid, to make a cylinder. Tieramid challenges the mind and sharpens many physiological skills such as: perceptual, fine motor, dexterity, visual and cognitive skills. Your child, or grandchild, will spend hours manipulating Tieramid Blocks. Adults can play puzzles games to keep those grey cell exercised or to use Tieramid as an entertaining way to promote quality family time. Once you open your set, the shapes you can make are as endless as your imagination!

 

 
 

1.
Tieramid blocks are for a broad range of ages and abilities:
• With these nested blocks younger children learn hand-eye-motor coordination skills and physical relationships of “large and small”, “inside and outside”, “up and down”. They learn the primary colors of red, yellow, and blue. They also learn the secondary colors of orange, green, and purple.
• Elementary school children enjoy building complex play structures, and play/practice adult roles. 
• Adults find it challenging to make visually appealing configurations or share games with children.

• People seeking rehabilitation can use Tieramid as a fun, engaging way to improve abilities.

2.Tieramid Creative Blocks can fit together or stack in an unlimited number of ways, both 2 dimensionally and 3 dimensionally. As cylindrical puzzle blocks they can be used for structured play. They are also designed to allow for open-ended play which promotes creative, imaginative thinking and problem solving. A child may associate the same yellow arch with a banana, a telephone, or even a smile.

3.Tieramid Blocks lay a foundation for math skills development. Each piece has a mathematical relationship to another based on a 1:10 ratio.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  

 

Then I realized some people are scared of clowns.

          

I don't want to make people sad.

I want people to be happy!!!

So I made a ladybug because the are lucky and make people smile.

Then I made a bird because they spread joy.

 

Then I decided to fish through the deck for something more complex.

I thought this wave was really neat.

Now we have come full circle.

Bulls-Eye Creative is sponsoring a give-away on Mommy Ramblings.  One lucky blog reader will win the half circle or rainbow Tieramid Block Set. Thank you Bulls-Eye Creative for the review circle set and for sponsoring this great give-away on Mommy Ramblings!!!  Open to US residents.

The Tieramid Spectrum Rainbow Arches curved, semi-circle building blocks from Bulls-Eye Creative offer endless hours of creative fun. This 7-tier set of blocks has 11 brightly colored pieces. Non-toxic inks. Winner of a 2005 award from Dr. Toy. Ages: 3+

 

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Milano Series Mia Tote Review & Give-Away!!! {Give-Away Ended}

I am back again with another review for a Milano Series Bag.  For my review this time, I chose the Mia Tote in Charcoal.  This is a large bag with lots to zippered pockets to keep everything organized and safe.  There is a large back pocket with velcro closure that is perfect for magazines, folders, journals or books.  The bag is made of high quality nylon that will stand up to most anything you can dish out. Everything is quality constructed so you know this bag will last.  Comes in lots of great colors.  I really love this bag, the straps are long enough to wear it over my shoulder which keeps my hands free.  I love all the zippered pockets that keep your important things secure even if your bag tips over or falls.  The bag looks stylish and smart and will handle most anything you need to carry.

With the Mia Tote you will never again leave the house unprepared. ..  Made of a high quality nylon, this fashionable purse zippers shut to keep your items safely contained while on the go with to two inside pockets, 1 zippered and 1 open.  The front of the bag is truly unique featuring 2 large zippered pockets, 1 mini zip pocket and 2 open pockets for easy access to your daily necessities.  The bag also features an extra-large back pocket for easy access to frequently used items.   The Mia Tote is available in Chocolate, Charcoal, Pear and Orange and measures 16 ½” tall x 15 ½” wide.

Milano Series is sponsoring a give-away on Mommy Ramblings.  One lucky blog reader will win a Mia Tote in their choice of color (based on availability).  Thank you Milano Series for the review tote and for sponsoring this great give-away on Mommy Ramblings!!!  Open to US Residents.

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Pure Pearls, Lavender, Freshwater Pearl Earrings, 7.0-8.0mm & Give-Away!!! {Give-Away Ended}

I was recently asked if I wanted to do a review for PurePearls.com.  I gladly accepted and was asked to pick a pair of their AAA quality, Freshwater Pearl Earings 7.0-8.0 mm.  I choose the lavender color, freshwater pearl earrings in the 14K yellow gold. They recently arrived carefully packed in a white box which when opened revealed a black velvet hinged box that contained the beautiful lavender pearl earrings.  They are an impressive size, beautifully round and very good quality.  The pearl earrings came complete with an appraisal for $345.00. They have so many great pieces of Pearl jewelry on their Website.  If you are looking for a gift for your wife, daughter, sister, girlfriend, or yourself, take a look at their Pearl Bracelets, EarringsNecklaces, Pendants, Pearl Sets and Rings. We know that the recipient of a gift from Pure Pearls will just be thrilled so we are adding them to our 2011 Holiday Gift Guide.   

Pure Pearls is sponsoring a give-away on Mommy Ramblings.  One lucky blog reader will win their choice of AAA Quality 7.0-8.0mm. freshwater Pearl Stud Earrings in any natural pearl color.  Choose from white, pink, lavender or black and with either 14K Yellow or White Gold backs and posts.  Thank you Pure Pearls for the beautiful review earrings and this fabulous give-away!!!  Open to US and Canadian residents.  

                                       

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Richard Scarry’s Busy Busy Airport Game Review & Give-Away!!! {Give-Away Ended}

I was thrilled when Wonder Forge asked me if I would like to review the new Richard Scarry’s Busy Busy Airport Pre-School Game.  It’s a Busy Busy Day at the Airport and You’re the Pilot! Set up destination game boards around the room. Load your plane with your favorite Busytown characters and wait for the all clear for take-off. Then fly to faraway places like the beach, mountains, the city, and more. Collect souvenirs wherever you go. The player with the most wins! It’s out-of-your-seat role play fun! Learning Fun includes picture identification and matching, physical movement and imaginative play, as well as strategic thinking. Product Contents include: 4 Airplanes, 1 Airport Box, 1 Dice Tower, 16 Passenger Tiles, 16 Souvenir Cards, 4 Destination Pads, 2 Dice, and 1 Game Rules Manual.

This is such a fun game to play with little ones.  They get to move around and pick up the passengers and fly the plane.  The game is for ages 3 and up and for 2-4 players.     This makes a great gift for the pre-schoolers on your list this year.  We love it so much we are adding it to our 2011 Holiday Gift Guide.

Wonder Forge is generously sponsoring a give-away on Mommy Ramblings.  One lucky blog reader will win a Busy Busy Airport Game. Thank you Wonder Forge for the review game and for sponsoring this jet setting give-away on Mommy Ramblings!!!  Open to US Residents.

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