Friday, July 17

Q&A With Herokins CEO, Paolo Debellini! @WorldOfHerokins


Recently I had the opportunity to Review Herokins App & Kids Interactive Watch. The beta was just released, and I see so much positivity in this product.  Herokins is completely Gift Guide worthy! I can't wait for more Story Quests.  Here are some Questions I asked the Herokins CEO, Paolo Debellini, and his answers.

Q: Will there be more characters than McRed? Like General. Grey instead. ​

A: We're planning to create additional characters​ in the future. And General Grey will be one of the first! For now McRed and Dr. Rose are the only physical characters but there will are a lot of friends, companions, sidekicks and of course villains in the planning. We're as eager as you to see a physical General Grey unit and we're already roaming about ideas.

 Q: What made them want to create an interactive comic book app? The finger print sync scenes are ingenious. 

A: The idea of creating an interactive comic book app with a physical impact derived from the very vision of our company. Our goal since day one has been very clear: Stories come first; stories are fun, they teach us through inspiration. ​ They are glue that gets us together. ​

My source of inspiration for Herokins comes from a very interesting event that happened to me a couple of years ago: I was hiking with my nephews. My nephew Stefano was very grumpy because my sister didn’t have time to provide him with the necessary attention. To calm him down I created a simple story/pretend play: there were villains trying to kidnap us and we needed an alternative route to reach the top of the mountain. With that, his mood flipped 180. He loved it so much, that to this day, we still play the same story, just with different variations. That day opened my eyes, and I asked myself: “ is there a way to bring stories into everyday situations? Is there a way that children can really have fun while also learning about the world around them?”. That’s when I created McRed, DrRose, and the world of Herokins. I wanted to create unique superheroes, who despite their superpowers, were imperfect, such that they could be easily relatable. I wanted to create a companion ​that says “ we need to figure this out together”. ​A toy that is more than a plastic shell and therefore can be a bonding element to parents and kids with this strong message of team work that's forgotten in our life sometimes. This was, when we came up with the Energy Ball and the two fingerprints. It's like a ritual kids can have with their parents. A tiny cooperation piece that is part of one big bonding experience.

Q: Will there be choices or alternate scenarios? Say a child doesn't want to clap, and doesn’t.

​A: In fact the decision of children will be very important for the storyline. ​The technical features of these two Herokins and the creative ways of using the data points they generate will give children their own personal adventure filled with their own personal decisions. Choices and alternate scenarios are a key element to these features.

Additional

I also thought the hiding behind the imagery tree scene was playful. Would love more of that! The interaction between the parent and child while reading the story lines made this fun.

​Thank you very much! We really appreciate the feedback! We're planning on including more real life interactions as the story are being written. Our beta testing and the reviews have shown that this part is not only the most fun and remembered it's also the most effective when it comes to learning. We're already working on many situations like this, and can't wait to show you when they're ready!

Tuesday, July 14

Charites® 24k Golden Rose Flowers #Review #LoveIsForever #BetterThanARose #Spon


This is a sponsored post, all opinions and photos are my own. Charities 24k Gold Rose is a beautiful alternative to giving someone a single rose.  I personally do not like receiving cut flowers.  I do how ever like this faux 9 inch rose.   The hallowed Gold Rose has a lot of details that resemble a real rose, from the petals to the stem, and leaves.  I am blown away at how beautiful it is.  


The packaging of the rose was adorable in it's own way.  The tabs flip open, and then you see the Rose, with it's stem secretly in a soft foam stand. 


The box also comes in a gift bag as well.  So not only do yo get the rose, you also get the packaging/gift wrap without having to shop anywhere else.


I think everything about Charites 24k Golden Rose is beautiful.  It's also on Amazon for $24.42, with Free Prime Shipping.  Normally $59.99.  

Herokins - The Adventures of Learning Superhero Watch & App Review #InteractiveReadingApp #LearningApps #ComicBooks #Superheros #Spon



This is a sponsored post, all opinions are my own.  Herokins; The Adventures of Learning is a fun interactive way to combine a wearable super hero (McRed) while syncing to the Herokins App from your own device. He's bluetooth activated! And the adventure begins! Herokins IndieGoGo campaign is online. Pre-order your own Herokins today! http://ow.ly/PzjbD


I enjoyed Herokins just as much as my son.  My son has autism, and I am always trying to find interactive ways to keep his interest, and help with his social, and cognitive sensory issues. The Story Quests are interactive and go along with everyday tasks by just making those task have more adventure, and imagination.  Instead of the next story line popping up, you have to tap it, or do a fun, social interactive task together. One was to have both of us place our fingers to Open up a special task for McRed while he was fighting off General Grey.  Another interactive task was to Clap, tho my favorite one, was when I had to ask Sy to go stand behind an imaginary tree!  Also while all of this is going on, McRed (the Watch.) has a built in speaker.  I just liked how this can go along with his already schedule for ESY, and regular school year with the everyday tasks.  We can't wait til more Story Quests are added.  I noticed a speaker/music player on the dresser. Fingers crossed we get to see the Herokins/or some type of musical interactive story line.  This app & wearable super hero has a lot of playful,fun and learning potential.  



My overall impression of Herokins, The Interactive Watch, and the StoryQuests is a positive one. The app loads fast,   it's easy to sync by pushing McReds belt.  Also if you don't want to wear him as a watch, he easily can be slid off the watch.  To charge both,  I just used the Kindle Fires usb Charger attachment.  The graphics are amazing, and fun.  I even giggled at the octopus on General Greys head after McRed helped save the day!  



There is McRed, and Dr. Rose, depending on if your child prefers Red, or Pink.  I personally want a General Grey!  



If you wan't to find out more about Herokins, check them out by going to, http://www.herokins.com/, on facebook, http://facebook.com/herokins, twitter, http://twitter.com/WorldOfHerokins

Monday, June 29

Sriracha Almond Stuffed Peppers #Recipe @BlueDiamond #Ad

This post is sponsored by Blue Diamond Almonds. All opinions are my own.


Blue Diamond Almonds has a new Bold Sriracha Flavor! 

I like my food on the spicy side.  I am always adding Sriracha to  rice, meats, soups, seriously, almost everything.  I can't lie, I was excited to try the new Sriracha Almonds. 

The Blue Diamond Almonds, Bold Sriracha were full of flavors, savory, and spicy.  I decided to use them a few ways while making Sriracha Almond Stuffed Peppers.  


Ingredients,
Blue Diamond Almonds BOLD SRIRACHA
Hot Sausage 12 oz
3 Medium Green Peppers
Red Onion
Roasted Tomatoes
Jalapeno/Habanero Shredded  Monterey Jack Cheese
Long Rice
Salt
Pepper
Dried Garlic 
Dried Chile Peppers

First I had fun using my nutribullet to shred the Sriracha Almonds into a course powder.  It doesn't have to be perfect, I wanted some of the bigger pieces for on top the Cheese, and I wanted the smaller pieces for when I fried the Sausage/Peppers/Onions together.  



Prepped the Green peppers, cut off the tops, deseeded, and boiled my Green Peppers in water for a few minutes, just enough to cook through a little,  Drained the water, and put the peppers in a baking dish.



(put on my Long Grain rice in my rice maker,  its 3 cups of Long grain, and 6 cups of water, added dried chile peppers, dried garlic, salt, and pepper. Make the rice however you want,)  



Fried the Sausage (Drained twice. I use HOT Breakfast Sausage, and dont like a lot of grease.) I then refried the Sausage with the cut up green pepper from the top, cubed red onions, and then some of the course Blue Diamond Sriracha Almonds.  Let me tell you, it smelled amazing together.

Preheat Oven to 450

The Rice should be done now,  I then add the rice to the Almond/Sausage/Pepper/Onion Mix in the pan.  Also add a cup of Fire Roasted Tomatoes.  

Now,  you stuff the Peppers with the Rice Mix.  I also like to add some cheese in the bottom of the Green Pepper before adding the Rice Mix.  When the Pepper is packed, I put it in the Oven to bake for 10 minutes.  Then I add the Cheese on top while baking, and turn the Oven off.  It melts super fast.  



After taking the Peppers out the oven, I sprinkled some of the Blue Diamond Sriracha Almonds on top, and placed a whole almond on the cheese as a treat too.   I think there are so many ways to incorporate Blue Diamond Almonds into a meal.  

Don't forget to check Blue Diamond out on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.  Also visit them on their website, http://www.bluediamond.com/





Sunday, June 21

Get Out And Play! #SummertimePlay @Voice_of_Play #sp



Today is officially the first day of Summer!  Get out there and have some Summertime Play! This post is sponsored by the Voice of Play. 




There are many benefits to Free time play, and expression while running around having fun on the playgrounds.  From Exploration, Cognitive Skills, even to Social Interaction with other children. Or just alone time while using imagination.  It's all important.

IPEMA likes to think of playgrounds as "nature’s many colorful, open, hands-on classrooms that provide tremendous learning opportunities to kids of all ages."  I agree 100%.







Do you have a favorite Park? Whats the reason this makes it your favorite place to take the kids?




Our favorite park has a huge Ship, which makes sense since we are close to Jamestown.  It also has a fenced in younger kids section that is perfect for Sy.



His sensory needs are met by the mini rock climbers, the embedded faux wall with old time tools, and camp ground. A lot of built in's under to pirate ship to spin, and on top.  Even a Crows Nest.  For the older kids, there is a Mini Zipline, and Higher Climbing wall with a Slide at the top.  It's an amazing park, and experience.  Great for Summer Time Play!



I challenge you to go out to a park, and play! :)  






Tuesday, June 16

BK Creamery Blueberries & Cream Waffles #Recipe #GlutenFree #sp



Recently I went to Giants for a BK Creamery In-Store Event.  I'm one of those people that also love to save money using coupons.  So I was excited to be able to use a ,60 cents off coupon towards Bk Creamery

There are a couple more events this weekend at a few Giants, and Super Shop & Stop, Check here and see if any are in your area for BK Creamery In-Store Event Testing.  I tried Strawberries, and Cream at mine.  I enjoyed just the fruit, and cream so I decided I wanted to do a simple recipe with just a fruit, and cream.  


Breakfast is my favorite part of the day.  I decided to make Blueberries over top of a Gluten Free Waffle.  Easy, delicious, and not costly.  Heres how I like to make BlueBerries & Cream Waffles.

Ingredients
Bring the blueberries to a simmer, and cook until berries break down, about 4 minutes. Let cool a little.

Whisk in a bowl some Blueberry Syrup with BK Creamerys Extra Thick Double Cream.

Toast your Gluten Free Waffle (Or make from Scratch, I just use my favorite brands premade Gluten Free Blueberry Waffles.)

My blueberries were sweet, but if yours are too bitter, try a touch of lemon to get rid of the bitterness.


I am a fan of this cream, and how well it mixes with just a whisk.  It wasn't tangy, and I was dipping blueberries in the cream to eat as a treat.


You can find even more ideas and recipes by visiting the Brooklyn Creamery website, http://bkcreamery.com/, or print a BK Creamy Coupon by Clicking [Here.] Don't forget to check them out on twitter, facebook, pinterest, and instagram.

Disclaimer: I received compensation to facilitate a review.  All Images, Opinions, are my own.

Friday, June 12

Enter to #WIN A Magic Bullet #Giveaway #Smoothies #CleanLiving #Sp



GIVEAWAY!

We have ONE (1) Magic Bullet up or grabs, and all you have to do is enter via the Rafflecopter, below! 

You must be 18 or older, or have parental permission to do so, and you must reside in the U.S.A. All entries are verified so please use a valid email address and enter as many of the entry points as you like, nothing is mandatory! 

This giveaway ends at midnight on June 30th and a winner will be chosen within 24 hours. The winner shall be informed and shall have 48 hours to claim their prize! If no winner claims their prize, then a new winner will be selected until we have confirmation and a prize claimed!

It is that simple! Have fun and GOOD LUCK! 

a Rafflecopter giveaway



Read the Rest of the Magic Bullet Review over at Moms Gone Bronson! Life According to Greenvics is not responsible for Prize fulfillment.