Matthew's Puzzle and a mom putting it all together

Kia Soul Review

June 28, 2013 By Maryann

Disclosure: I test drove the Kia Soul free of charge in exchange for this unbiased review.

Holy cow have I had a great time last week! I got to take a lovely trip to Orlando, FL and hang out with some great ladies. I even got to spend some time with Global Resorts making some promotional videos for them. You all know I LOVE to talk and this was a super fun opportunity for me. But one of the absolute coolest things I got to do was drive a beautiful, new Kia Soul.

I had never driven a Kia Soul before so I was sort of psyched to try one out. And although this isn’t the most important part of the test drive, I was really excited to see it was a fantastic shade of red called Molten. Basically, it was HOT. It was a great way to introduce me to the car.

When I first picked the car up I was still at the Orlando airport, so I was thrilled to find the Kia Soul had a Navigation package with SIRIUS Traffic. It came in handy while trying to locate my condo, and I used it later in the week as I went to Downtown Disney and my favorite Orlando restaurant – Cafe Tu Tu Tango.

The Kia Soul has a neat feature I have never been introduced to before, and that is Push Button Start with Smart Key. It was kind of crazy. When I picked the car up it had been valeted so the car was delivered to me with the engine running. When I had to start it for the first time myself I sort of lucked into the proper way to start the vehicle. I drove it to a well known pizza place and when leaving I couldn’t start the car. I ended up having to look in the book to see that you have to put your foot on the brake and THEN press the start button. From that moment on I had no problem.

The Kia Soul is a very roomy with 4 doors and rear hatch. There was plenty of room for my luggage and although I didn’t have any passengers that needed to sit in the back seat, I think if I had, they would have been very comfortable. I was completely impressed with the whole interior. It was installed with the Premium Package that included:

Navigation with SIRIUS Traffic
Push Button Start with Smart Key
Leather Seat Trim
Heated Front Seats
Automatic Climate Control

I think one of my favorite features is the UVO Powered by Microsoft with Rear Camera Display. My husband’s car had a rear camera and I totally covet it every time I drive his car. Having it while on vacation, in an area I am unfamiliar with, was just perfect because it allowed me that additional sense of control. And provided me with additional “eyes” in the back of my car.

I worked with some wonderful people at STI to allow me to be part of this fun review, and I can’t thank them enough. The Kia Soul was a really fun vehicle, but it was also a very practical car too. The car I drove had an MSRP of $23,575.00 and got 25 MPG. Overall, I liked this car a lot and would highly recommend it to anyone looking for a 4-door vehicle in this class. Totally, 2 thumbs up!

CNB Naturally Far Infrared Sauna

June 27, 2013 By Maryann

I love my CNB Natrually Far Infrared Sauna. I think this thing is the most relaxing way to promote healing. I was lucky enough to try this sauna out at the Autism One conference in Chicago last month and my husband was sweet enough to allow me to purchase one. Bonnie and Anthony of CNB Naturally were super sweet and we hit it off right away. Bonnie and I have even bonded over our love of Matthew’s new protocol. She uses it too! What are the chances?

I wanted to give you a little peek at me in the sauna so you can see just how wonderful this piece is. My mother has gotten addicted to it since it seems to ease her back pain. She was one of my main reasons for wanting this sauna and I love that she is getting relief from using it. I encourage her to come over as often as possible to use it.

I use it daily and I make my husband use it every evening before retiring to bed. It helps with pain and insomnia so I figure it is perfect for him. Check out CNB Naturally and let me know what you think of my cool sauna (well really it is hot, but you know what I mean).

Wordless Wednesday Angry Birds Star Wars Cake

June 26, 2013 By Maryann

My middle son, Nico, wanted a Luke Skywalker Angry Bird birthday cake. So being the loving mom I am, I obliged.This is a gluten free chocolate cake with a buttercream transfer I made just for him.

Real Kids Shades Eye Protection for the Whole Year and Giveaway

June 25, 2013 By Maryann

Real Kids Shades Sunglass Giveaway-1-4

Disclosure: Real Kids Shades provided me with sunglasses with which to facilitate this review and giveaway. No other compensation was received.

Summer is here and we are getting outside a lot more often. I know I have to wear sunglasses when the sun is even a little bright, but it is of the utmost importance for little kids. Children’s eyes are at increased risk for permanent eye damage from sunlight until they’re 10 years old. Real Kids Shades makes affordable, stylish and comfortable shades for kids. Their “My First Shades” line was designed with the help of a pediatric ophthalmologist for optimal fit, comfort and safety.

I remember taking all the boys in for eye exams and having our eye doctor tell me that sunglasses were necessary for our two younger boys because they both have blue eyes. She said they are even more susceptible to sun damage because of the light color of their eyes, and she suggested we get them good sunglasses that they can wear all year long. I really had no idea it was that important.

Prevent Blindness America offers the following guidelines for choosing the right sunglasses for your children:

Only purchase sunglasses that block 99% to 100% of both types of ultraviolet rays: UV-A and UV-B. Sunglasses should also eliminate glare and squinting.
Check lenses carefully for scratches, bubbles and distortions. Flaws in the lenses can cause children’s eyes to work harder and result in squinting, tearing and even headaches.
Select sunglasses that suit children’s active lifestyles. They should be impact-resistant; lenses should not pop out of frames; and frames should be bendable, unbreakable, and/or have snap-on temples.
Always choose sunglasses made of polycarbonate, the most impact-resistant material available.

Real Kids Shades sent us three pairs of their children’s sunglasses. We received the 3-7 Flex in Red, the 7-12 Glide in Blue and the 7-12 Blade in Blue. These are perfect for the boys. They are lightweight and fit comfortably. I love that they are stylish, but most importantly they protect my boys eyes.

Real Kids Shades Sunglass Giveaway-1

We have a history of eye diseases in our family, so I want to make sure our boys do everything they can to prevent eye problems that may come from sun exposure. Please visit Real Kids Shades to learn more about Prevent Blindness America and to see a selection of their very cool shades!

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