Echo City Capers Jr. Is Back

Our friends Ralph and Joe have once again sent me the latest edition in their Echo City Capers Jr. series.  My children and I absolutely love the Echo City Capers books.  You can read my review on Issues 1-4, on Issues 5 and 6 as well as the Christmas Special, on the first 3 issues, and the 4th and 5th issues of the Echo City Capers Jr. series, and their Holiday Activities Book #3 if you aren't familiar with this awesome series.  

 

The newest Jr. book is titled "Unfotunate Cookies".  The story begins with Miss Fortune and FuFu trying to follow the recipe of their favorite cooking show, but Miss Fortune uses a little magic sugar and the result was pandemonium.  Can Miss Fortune, FuFu and Nightbat put an end to the chaos?  Read the book to find out!  Then try your hand at making some cookies of your own using the recipes at the end of the book.  But I don't advise using magic sugar when you.  That can cause things to get quickly out of hand!

Cool Summer Fashion

I received these products from PatPat for review.  If you're looking for affordable, high quality, great looking clothes for all of your summer wear, look no further.  I got three awesome outfits for my son and he absolutely loves them!  

This 2 Pc. Wolf Print Tee and Shorts Set is absolutely stunning and the fabric is soft and comfortable.  The colors are so vibrant, my photos do not do it justice.  The tee has a picture of a wolf head that practically glows because of the colors, and when paired with the solid black shorts, it makes for a striking outfit.  My son thinks it looks really cool as well. 

This 2 Pc. Black and White Tie Dye Tee and Pants Set is made of a soft and silky material.  My son says that it's kind of like being able to wear comfy pajamas all day long and he loves it.  The fabric is very breathable, making it nice and cool to wear even on a hot summer day.  As you can see from the pics, it got two thumbs up from him!
 

My son loves Batman, so he was thrilled to put on this 2 Pc. Batman Tee and Shorts Set.  With a big Bat Symbol in the center of the shirt, paired with black shorts with a yellow stripe down the side and the word "Batman" on one leg, this outfit will be a hit with any Batman lover!

These are just a small sampling of the products PatPat offers.  They have clothing for boys and girls from newborn to about age 14.  They also have some women's clothing (a lot of maternity and nursing clothing), matching outfits (Mommy & Me and Daddy & Me), shoes, accessories and home & baby gear.  Right now they have a lot of sales going on, so go check it out.  You'll be glad you did!

For Your Summer Reading Enjoyment

I received these books from Ulysses Press for review.  Take some time for yourself and enjoy some summer reading.  Try out some new recipes or increase your knowledge on spy trivia.

The Van Life Cookbook by Susan Marque ($19.95):  Get cooking in your sprinter van, camper van or RV with creative recipes especially crafted for making meals in tight spaces.  You’ve finally finished your van build and are ready to hit the road.  The Van Life Cookbook, a first of its kind collection of recipes and full color photographs, celebrates the #vanlife community and lifestyle while providing delicious and nutritious meal ideas for modern day nomads.  Discover the joys of cooking on the road with dishes like:

• Breakfast Biscuits on the Burner
• Chickpea Avocado Salad
• Van Life Summer Rolls
• Single-Serving Dessert Crisp
• And much more!

The Big Book of Spy Trivia by Bernadette Johnson ($14.95):  Discover the fascinating true stories of spies and secret agents throughout history in this ultimate collection of espionage trivia.  Whether you’re a wannabe 007 or just a fan of subterfuge, the fun facts and legendary stories in this big book of spy trivia are sure to shock and fascinate.  Discover how the most infamous spy organizations like the CIA and the MI6 came into existence, how they recruit citizens into their fold and how they have shaped some of the world’s largest and most memorable historical events.  You’ll even learn real tactics that spies use on missions, from escaping zip ties to reading the body language of a stranger.  This collection spans centuries and countries, including:

• One of history’s first and most iconic spy operations:  the Trojan Horse in ancient Greece  
• America’s first spy organization:  George Washington’s Culper Ring  
• Real life KGB spies from the McCarthy Cold War era:  American citizens Ethel and Julius Rosenberg  
• And much more!

Perfect for any person who has been fascinated by the shadowy world of espionage, this fact packed book quizzes readers on their spy knowledge, from pop culture icons to unsung heroes that history books have forgotten.

A Cool Project For Summer

I received these products from Tiny Treehouses for review.  If you're looking for a project to keep your kids away from the computer screen or cell phone this summer, this is a great suggestion.  They also make excellent rainy day and family project activities.

The Woodland Outpost ($39) is the original Tiny Treehouse.  This DIY wooden model kit comes with easy to follow instructions, LED lights and even includes the batteries!  It's recommended for age 14 and over.  With a difficulty level of 3/5, it will take an estimated 2-3 hours to assemble the 120 small pieces.  The completed treehouse is scaled at 1:100 and measures 4.5" x 4.1" x 5.7", plus the acrylic stake it sits upon.  It features a tiered roof, a wrap around balcony and all of the furnishings.  

The Temple of Gratitude ($39) is a DIY wooden model kit that comes with easy to follow instructions, LED lights and batteries.  Recommended for ages 14 and over, it has a difficulty level of 4/5.  You can choose to use the acrylic stake, or assemble the 109 pieces on a flat base.  Completion will take 2-3 hours and the finished temple measures 4.5" x 3" x 5.3", plus acrylic stake if you choose to use it.  This is a scale of 1:200.  As you build this Tiny Treehouse, take the time to reflect on the things you are grateful for, and don't forget to be thankful, humble and kind.

Each Tiny Treehouse comes with battery powered LED Lights, but you can choose to swap it out for these USB LED Lights ($3.50) instead, for extended and regular use.  Using these USB LED Lights will mean that you will never have to worry about running out of batteries.  Just follow the instructions to build it into the model.  To turn the lights on, simply plug the lights in to a USB power socket.  Each set of lights include 20 warm white bulbs with a total length of 2.5 m.

Both of these Tiny Treehouses look gorgeous when they're all lit up.  You'll be proud to display your masterpieces for all to see. 

Must Haves For Camping

I received these products from CHARD and NESCO for review.

Camping has always been a big part of summer in my family.  There's nothing quite like setting a tent up in the middle of nowhere and spending a few days surrounded by nature instead of the hustle and bustle of every day life.  It's a beautiful and peaceful experience.  But there are some products that can make a camping trip even easier.

Cooking on a campfire is great, but there are times when you don't want to build a fire.  For those times this Single Burner Butane Camp Stove ($24.99) from CHARD is the perfect alternative.  It's portable and reliable, and it's great for tailgating, camping and hiking.  It features a butane cartridge locking system and safety shut off system.  It has a Piezo electric starter and a fully adjustable heat control dial that ignites and regulates the flame.  The burner provides a CSA approved 8,500 BTU flame and has a big enough cooking area to accommodate a 10" pan.  It comes with a carrying case that holds the camp stove and also has a convenient space to store the butane canister.  Cleanup is easy thanks to a removable enamel  coated drip tray.  It can easily handle your cooking needs while camping.

When camping, it's often a good idea to break down your food supplies into smaller packages.  And a great way to do that is by using a vacuum sealer.  The NESCO VS-09 Deluxe Vacuum Sealer ($79.99) offers all the versatility and performance you could ever need from a vacuum sealer.  It's fully automatic, has a one touch operation and an automatic shut off, all of which makes this vacuum sealer super easy to use.  The 110 watt vacuum pump ensures that you get maximum air extraction when sealing dry and moist food items.  The pulse vacuum function lets you control the suction for delicate items like pastries, buns or cut produce, while the seal only function prevents over vacuuming and crushing of delicate foods.  One handed operation is smooth and easy, thanks to the easy lock handle.  This sealer can accommodate up to an 11.8” width bag, providing the versatility needed for a wide range of sealing jobs and it will keep food fresh for up to 5 times longer than traditional methods.  You can use the accessory port and hose to attach to canisters for marinating meats quickly or protecting crushable items like cereal.  This Vacuum Sealer is compatible with most brands of vacuum sealer bags and rolls, and it comes with sample bag material to get you started.  

This Versatile Cooler Was Made For On The Go

I received this product from Patriot Coolers for review.  They offer products that are designed to handle anything that life throws at you during an adventure.

If you're looking for the perfect way to carry cold drinks and snacks along with you on your summer adventures, this Insulated Tote Cooler ($57.95) is the perfect choice.  It's perfect for your next road trip, day at the beach, fishing on the lake or attending your kids' summer sports activities.

This tote has an 8 gallon capacity and measures 14.5" W x 12" H x 9" D.  It's made of tear resistant material and features a dual zipper closure for easy access.  It has durable carry handles which makes it very easy to transport and a front zipper pocket for storing small items.  

This tote has a heavy duty hard bottom EVA base which makes it nearly impossible to tip over, and an FDA approved inner lining.  It's a lightweight and dependable cooler tote that is perfect for any occasion.  Never be caught without a cold drink again!  

The tote comes in your choice of Navy or Grey.  Can't decide which color you prefer?  Why not get them both?  It will be an essential part of your summer gear, whether traveling, playing or just hanging out.  I use mine every day and absolutely love it!

Patriot Coolers proudly supports Veterans by making a donation to Homes for Our Troops each time this bag is purchased.

Must Haves For Your Next BBQ

I received these products from Carpathen for review.  They offer a variety of flamping, BBQ and gardening products.  They also have an Amazon store.  Whether you're looking for a last minute Father's Day gift, or just something that will make your summer BBQs tastier and easier, you're going to love these products.

The Z-Smoker Pellet Tube will transform your grill into a smoker.  Due to its small size, this pellet tube smoker fits inside most grills to make it super easy to add a delicious wood smoked flavor to your food without needing an expensive cold smoker.  Just fill the smoker tube with food grade wood pellets in the flavor of your choice and light.  You'll get 5 hours of thin blue smoke that will infuse your meat with an awesome smoky flavor.  Works great with pork, ribs, cured meat, hot dogs, sausages, chicken, cheese, fish and more.

The Z-Smoker kit includes:  

• 1 Smoke tube
• 1 Smoking Guide with Amazing Delicious Recipes and Smoking Tips in digital format
• 1 Meat Temperature Chart (in digital format)
• 1 Marinade
• Rubs and BBQ Sauces Guide (in digital format)
• 1 Pellet Tube Smoker User Guide (hard copy)
• 1 Canvas Bag for Easy Storage

You get everything you need to have a wonderfully delicious BBQ.  You can also find the Z-Smoker on Amazon.

Nothing says summer like roasting hot dogs and marshmallows over a campfire.  These Roasting Sticks make it super easy and convenient to roast these delicious campfire staples.  No need to wander around in the woods searching for suitable branches to clumsily chop for a decent roasting stick.  These roasting sticks are perfect.  

They telescope like a radio antenna to extend from 10" to 34" to create the perfect length.  The fork can rotate independently from the handle with just two fingers on the colored plastic ring.  The handles are made of natural wood and are comfortably pleasant to hold.  And heat is not conducted through the rod, so there's no danger of being burnt from holding them.

The set includes six different ring colors on the handles, making it easy to tell which stick belongs to who.   This is essential when you have more than one child because children fight over everything!  Clean up is super easy, simply wipe with a wet cloth and a little soap.  Then retract the handles and place the sticks back in the included zippered bag.  

They're compact, easy to store and convenient to carry, making it easy to take along with you on all of your adventures.  You can also find these Roasting Sticks on Amazon.

A Stylish Watch Gift Set

I received this product from Groovy Guy Gifts for review.  This is a great site to shop for gifts for the men in your life.  Whether you're looking for a gift for Dad, husband/boyfriend, brother, groomsman or friend (or something for yourself because you deserve it!) check out their site to see their full selection.  They have TONS of great products!

The Cool Hand Groomsman ($89.99) is actually designed as a groomsman gift, but it makes a great gift for any man.  The set comes with an engraved wristwatch, sunglasses and cufflinks, all displayed and stored in a sleek watch organizer box that measures 13" long, 8.125" wide and 3" high. 

The box is made of black vegan leather with a faux suede lining inside and a glass top.  There are four watch compartments, two compartments for storing rings or cufflinks and three other compartments where you can store sunglasses, jewelry, keys, spare change or whatever else you choose to store there.  You can make it even more special by personalizing the glass top with a name or the initials of your choice.

The watch is a classic timepiece that's made from real sandalwood and genuine leather.  The sunglasses are stylish and functional, made with sebring woodgrain plastic and are perfect for those sunny summer days.  The watch and the sunglasses can both be personalized.  The cufflinks are brass and make a stylish addition to any suit or tuxedo.  They do say "Groomsman" on them, but they look awesome!

This gift set is sure to impress anyone who receives it.  And you'll turn heads when you wear the watch and sunglasses.  The box is great to empty your pockets into at the end of your day, keeping it all together, organized and putting an end to clutter.

You can find this product as well as many other gift ideas for the men in your life on their website.

Kids Love This Toothpaste and Mouthwash

I received these products from Frost Oral Care for review.

With summer upon us, it can be difficult to get our kids to take the time to practice good oral hygiene.  They're always in such a hurry to get out in the sun and have fun, that they often forget about brushing their teeth and complain that they don't have time when you remind them.  But thanks to Frost's natural smile care line, your kids will be excited to brush their teeth!

This Watermelon Slushie Toothpaste ($9.95) tastes like a delicious, refreshing summer treat.  It's made with a gentle fluoride formula to prevent cavities and help your kid's teeth grow healthy and strong.  In addition to the awesome flavor and clean ingredients, this toothpaste is sugar free, paraben free and sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) free.  So it has all of the good stuff and none of the bad.  Your kids will actually look forward to brushing their teeth!

After brushing with the delicious toothpaste, your child can follow up with this Bubblegum Burst Anticavity Fluoride Rinse Mouthwash ($9.95).  This mouth rinse will clean, and freshen your mouth without leaving that stinging sensation behind.  And best of all, it tastes like bubblegum!  Using a gentle fluoride formula combined with hydroxyapatite and Frost's special herbal blend, this mouthwash will keep cavities and plaque at bay.  It's perfect to use after brushing and throughout the day in between brushing.

Use Frost's natural smile care line to encourage good oral hygiene habits to keep your children's teeth healthy and strong.

Makeup For Your Lips, Cheeks and Eyes, All In One Stick

I received these products from LaJeanell for review.  This indie brand and woman owned business offers all natural vegan skin care and makeup products that work great for any skin type.  

La Jeanell offers products like Sunscreen Lotion, Advanced Golden Glow Serum, Moonlight Lume Pod and these cool all in one sticks that look like lipstick, but are made to use on your cheeks and as eyeshadow as well!  And you can buy their products in bundles sets that includes a nice makeup bag!

This Lip, Cheek and Eye Shadow ($28 each) comes in five gorgeous and versatile shades (Spring Blossom, Autumn Leaves, Shirley, Winter Holly Berries and Summer Breeze).  These five shades were designed to allow you to create many more colors.  You can easily blend the colors together to create new a brilliant new looks and colors that POP.  When applied individually, you get subtle colors.  Or you can mix the shades to create layers for incredibly lucious and kissable lips.  You'll be able to wear a new shade for every season, every mood or every outfit without having to spend a fortune on dozens of different colors.

You can be fearless with rich, clean and creamy colors, creating glamorous and vibrant nourishing shades.  These sticks make it easy to volumize, hydrate and moisturize your lips to keep them soft, plump and gorgeous.  and you can coordinate your eyes and cheeks by using the same sticks to apply color in those areas!

LaJeanell’s founder, Shirley Powell, brings more than 40 years of business experience.  She represented two high end luxury cosmetics companies.  As an entrepreneur and model, she found herself searching for quality makeup that was health conscious.  As a result, she found the need to create a line that provided a solution to the problem.  Shirley founded LaJeanell to provide quality skincare solutions.  It resulted in a great selection of natural and organic makeup.  Her vision was to include anti-aging components to the product line.  Thus, giving users a younger look without going under the scalpel.

Premium Steaks For Dad

I received these products from Chicago Steak Company for review.  Since 1864, they have been offering the World's Finest Beef and delivering it directly to your door.  The steaks from Chicago Steak Company are all sourced exclusively from Mid-West raised heritage cattle.  This selective sourcing gives their steaks the prized tenderness, marbling and flavor that can only come from superior growing conditions and bloodlines.  The steaks are then aged for four to six weeks to develop the complexity of flavor demanded by 5-star restaurants, steakhouses and discerning steak lovers.  These steaks are either wet aged or dry aged using aging techniques that go back generations.  They have the largest Dry Aging Facility in the Mid-West, and have created a unique flavor profile that is second to none.  In fact, they are the leader in Dry Aging Beef nationwide.  All steaks are trimmed by butchers the old fashioned way, and hand carved with expert precision to remove any extra tissue and fat.  As a result, you get an exceptionally tender and flavorful steak.

Whether you are looking for a special gift for Dad, or just some delicious meat to cook on the grill this summer, the Premium Angus Beef Chicago's Best Seller ($229.95) is a delicious choice.  This assortment includes:

• 2 (6oz) Premium Angus Complete Trim Filet Mignons
• 2 (10oz) Premium Angus Boneless Strips
• 2 (8oz) Premium Angus Top Sirloins
• 2 (8oz) Premium Angus Ribeyes

Every cut of steak in this assortment is certified USDA Prime or upper-1/3 USDA Choice.  Each steak is hand selected and hand carved to ensure you get the best cut possible, then they are individually wrapped and vacuum sealed.  This assortment package gives you a sampling of the best cuts of steak and it makes the perfect gift for any steak enthusiast.

Whether you prefer tender, lean or well marbled steaks, this is an excellent choice that includes them all.  You can cut through the Filet with a fork and, when you take a bite, you'll see just how incredibly tender it is.  If you prefer a lean steak with plenty of flavor, you'll love the Top Sirloins and Boneless Strips!  And the Ribeye has the most fat and marbling, but it only enhances the flavor and delivers a healthy dose of deliciousness.  Everyone has their own personal preferences, but this assortment will let you try them all.

Browse the Chicago Steak Company website to see their full selection as you plan for your next big BBQ or intimate dinner.  

 

A Gift For A Gamer Dad or Rainy Day Fun For Any Roblox Fan

I received these books from Simon & Shuster for review.  Whether you're looking for a Father's Day gift for your gamer Dad, or just something to keep a Roblox fan occupied on a rainy summer day, these books are perfect choices for any Roblox loving member of your family.

The Advanced Roblox Coding Book:  An Unofficial Guide, Updated Edition ($15.99) by Heath Haskins (a.k.a. CodePrime8) will help you make the most out of your Roblox experience.  It's now updated with new content, including updated avatar customization, movement and animation updates and more!  This book provides next level, beginner friendly guidance for middle grade readers using Roblox Studio and Lua code to create interactive games.  It will teach you where and how to use scripts, how to introduce variables and customize graphic elements and then how to put these skills together into fun and interesting games and experiences.  With examples, step by step instructions and game creation walk-throughs, this book has everything a Roblox creator needs!

The Ultimate Roblox Book:  The Unofficial Guide, Updated Edition ($15.99) by David Jagneaux with Heath Haskins (a.k.a. CodePrime8) is an easy to use guide that will help you to build and create your own Roblox world.  Roblox is the largest user generated online gaming platform that allows users to create and share their own game worlds and gaming creations, and it has taken the digital world by storm.  This book uses updated screenshots and instructions to provide brand new information on game changes and the latest features.  With everything from instructions for playing the games, to tips on creating your own worlds, to the basics of coding, this updated guide gives you all the tools you need to get started.

This is a great way for Dad to spend some quality time with his kids doing something they will all enjoy, so it is a perfect choice for a Father's Day gift.  This is also a fun way to spend a rainy summer day when there's no sunshine to enjoy.

Design Your Own Clothes

I received this product from My1of1.com for review.  This is a great site that lets you design your own apparel and accessories.  Choose from a range of tees, hoodies, crops, tanks, accessories and more, and have your own image or wording printed on it to make it completely and uniquely yours.  Whether it's a photo, a drawing or just a favorite phrase or family quote, it's completely up to you!

My oldest daughter is a digital artist and she jumped at the chance to design a hoodie with her art printed on it.  And now she can't wait for the new school year to begin so she can show it off to her friends.  The website is super easy to navigate, and the design process is easy as well.

Screen Shot from My1of1.com

First you choose the product you want to customize, and then click on "customize".  This takes you to the design tool where you can add text and images from their gallery, backgrounds & patterns, clipart library, and more.  You can even choose "draw with your hand" and draw your own design directly on the product!  Or upload your own photos and use those instead.  If you're not sure what you want, then check out their Ideas & Templates for inspiration!

You can choose to add a design on the front, back, or both!  You also get to choose the color of your product.  Once you finish your design, you place your order for the size and quantity that you want.  There are no minimum orders, so order just one for yourself, or order one for all of your family and friends.  It's up to you!   

My daughter loves her hoodie and she's proud that she designed it herself.  She says it's super comfortable and it fits her really well.  It's a luxe quality cotton product that's local to Los Angeles where My1of1.com is based.  And I was surprised how quickly the hoodie was delivered.

Whether you're looking for some unique and customized clothing for Back To School, or t-shirts for an event or family reunion, My1of1.com is a great site to get them from!