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SOL REPUBLIC: Jax In-Ear Headphones Review

June 10, 2013 by The Mom Jen Leave a Comment

My family and I are avid music lovers, and in this day and age, we get most of our sound from iPhones and tablets. In the interest of privacy, a lot of the time we are vying for an available pair of earbuds to listen with, and of course I’m a big fan of anything I can use to listen OR talk with on my iPhone. (Hands free is an important and necessary safety feature!)

Given the chance to try out a set of SOL REPUBLIC’s new Jax In-Ear Headphones, we jumped!

There are so many things to list about this product that I love — where do I start? Right off the bat, the color is fantastic. We received a pair in the bright blue color, which makes them easy to find quickly. The cable itself is also Tangle Free, which means I don’t spend (what feels like) hours trying to untangle them before use. They’re always ready to go whenever I need them, and that’s helpful if I’m in a hurry to answer a call.

Each set of headphones comes with changeable ear tips in various sizes, giving you the chance to find the right size for you. I found that the smallest size worked well for me, giving me great sound and comfort, as well as not completely drowning out the outside world when I’m around my kids or in my car. Most of the time, anyway. SOL REPUBLIC has this to say, too:

Like all other SOL REPUBLIC in-ear headphones, Jax are part of our exclusive Ear Tips For Life program so you never have to worry when you lose your ear tips. SOL REPUBLIC is the only manufacturer that will replace your ear tips anytime they are lost, misplaced or if you simply want a different size. I always prefer a company that offers customer service like that!

Designed from the ground up, Jax use SOL REPUBLIC’s newly developed i2 Sound Engines, which deliver powerful sound with great bass and clear highs. An ideal headphone for both playing music and talking on the phone, Jax offer users a number of benefits, including a flat cable that doesn’t tangle and a durable design to withstand everyday use. At less than $40, Jax are also the perfect choice as a secondary headphone for the on- or over-ear headphone user who wants the same signature SOL REPUBLIC sound in a compact design. Jax are available in two configurations: a 3-button “Made for iPhone” controller optimized for Apple products that includes volume control, and a single-button universal control without volume control for compatibility with a wider range of devices, including Android phones.

I’m very impressed with the sound quality of these headphones, and if anything, the microphone is almost TOO sensitive, which I prefer over not sensitive enough. I just have to be careful that it’s not banging against my collar or clothes, or the person I’m talking to hears a bit of interference. It’s avoidable if I’m conscious of it.

I was a Best Buy a few days ago and saw these headphones available for sale, and felt happy that I was set for now with a pair. But at only $39.99, it wouldn’t bother me to invest in more. Especially once the new colors start showing up. 🙂

Merrie is a writer for the Jen is on a Journey and you can also find her at her blog, Sleepless Mornings: “I’m the mother of two beautiful children, an Executive Assistant, a scrapbooker, a baker, and sometimes I’m even fun to be around!”
Product was sent for honest review, all opinions my own.

Nonni’s Biscotti Review

May 13, 2013 by The Mom Jen 2 Comments

I’ve always been a breakfast person. Some people skip it, but I feel better from the get go if I start my day with at least a little something and not an empty stomach. Thanks to an opportunity to review Nonni’s Biscotti, I’ve had a lot of great starts lately!

Let me first say that I am a dunker. That’s right, I dunk my biscotti right into my coffee before every single bite. I don’t think I’m original with this concept, but I think it’s worth noting so that it’s clear how I enjoy my biscotti. I want it soft and flavored with a bit of my coffee so that it melts in my mouth every time. And yes, that’s just how it is to enjoy some Nonni’s!

Thanks to Costco I was aware of the Almond Dark Chocolate flavor, which I purchased a while back in a nice sized tub from their store. Because each of the biscotti are individually wrapped, they stay fresh and ready to eat at a moments notice. This is handy for this mom on the go! What I didn’t know is that they make the same flavor in a bite size. This is handy but also means I can eat more of them in one sitting! 😉

The other wonderful flavors I was happy to try out included Classic Almond, Caramel Milk Chocolate, Cioccolati and Salted Caramel. They were all fantastic and happily eaten up by both my kids and I. It turns out they are also delicious when dunked in milk — this according to my son, who ate most of the Caramel Milk Chocolate bites! My favorite was the Cioccolati, which isn’t shocking since I’m a lover of chocolate, but it wasn’t overwhelming, either. Those came individually wrapped and have managed to last to this day. I won’t say where I’m hiding them.

Another favorite was the Salted Caramel. One thing I would suggest is that this is a sweeter cookie and is best served as a dessert. I imagine either enjoying one in the afternoon with a little pick-me-up cup of coffee, or perhaps after dinner with a cup of decaf or a dessert drink. No matter when you eat it, it’s a tasty treat.

My eyes weren’t very open to biscotti before now, but I have since seen Nonni’s on the shelves in all of my local grocery stores. I’m glad to know that when the last crumb is dipped, I can pick up some more very conveniently. Thank you to Nonni’s Biscotti for sending me these delicious samples, along with a darling mug that I use frequently. This cookie lover appreciates it!
Merrie is a writer for the Jen is on a Journey and you can also find her at her blog, Sleepless Mornings: “I’m the mother of two beautiful children, an Executive Assistant, a scrapbooker, a baker, and sometimes I’m even fun to be around!”
Product was sent for honest review, all opinions my own.

Plus Motif Tablet Case by Papier de Maison: Review

April 1, 2013 by The Mom Jen Leave a Comment

We’re tablet people at our house. My son has the iPad 1, I have the iPad 3 and my daughter has a Kindle Fire. Between us, we have an interesting time keeping each one charged, up to date, and most importantly — well protected! This is where Plus Motif comes in.

The idea of a tablet case that protects your tablet is a good one, but with Plus Motif you get so much more. Both the large case and the medium come as a tri-fold that provides both a notepad and a 2 n 1 stylus pen that combines the function of a stylus and a traditional writing pen. The case is padded on the back, has a magnetic closure in the front and four black elastic bands to hold your device securely. It also has the ability to stand up in three positions for a variety of uses.

Even better than THAT? It’s pretty! Whether you are a girly girl (like my daughter and I) or a business man in the work place, there is a design for you and your style.

It’s available in 4 sizes to accommodate tablets and e-Readers, and it comes in 16 colors and is complimented by 72 different Motif Designs. The Motif Design snaps easily on the cover to give a customized look to your tablet cover. It’s what Plus Motif calls Fun, Fashion and Function in a Snap! I couldn’t agree more!

We traveled all over northern California this weekend for the Easter holiday, and these cases worked wonderfully for both of my kids. My son is enjoying the large case for his iPad 1 (and I was pleased that the case is versatile, despite the version used), and my daughter is taking full advantage of what the medium case offers her Kindle. I’ve already seen a lot of notes written on the notepad, and wherever she “tosses” her very expensive tablet, I know it’s being well taken care of. That makes this mom happy.

I would say the only minor drawback is that the cover does not work with the tablets that can be turned off with a magnetic cover. This case does not offer that, but in my opinion, it offers plenty more. Be sure and check out the website here, www.PlusMotif.com which offers the PlusMotif Designer, where you can create and design the perfect case for you.

The large case that fits the iPad case retails for $39.99 with Motif Designs for $5.99 each.
The medium size fits the iPad mini retails for $34.99 with Motif Designs for $4.99 each.
The small size fits eReaders retails for $29.99 with the Motif Designs for $3.99 each.
There is also a journal that retails for $17.99 with the Motif Designs for $3.99 each.

Merrie is writer for the Jen is on a Journey and you can also find her at her blog, Sleepless Mornings: “I’m the mother of two beautiful children, an Executive Assistant, a scrapbooker, a baker, and sometimes I’m even fun to be around!”
Product was sent for honest review, all opinions my own.

Oransi Fridge Air Purifier Review

February 18, 2013 by The Mom Jen Leave a Comment

I don’t know about you, but my fridge is often a mish-mash of overflowing drawers and Tupperware, with a variety of foods coming and going daily. This sometimes leads to an inconvenient and unwelcome odor that eeks out every time I open the door. And then along came my saving grace — the Oransi Ionic Fridge Air Purifier!

I added the purifier to my fridge at the end of the week a few weeks back, and by the weekend I stopped noticing “unpleasant” odors. Opening and closing the doors no longer knocked me out of my boots, and what’s better is that I never even noticed it once I added it. It’s tiny and doesn’t make any noticeable noise — I just placed it out of sight, and let it go to work. It’s simple to use and it keeps food fresher. That’s something my family can use!

The Oransi Ionic Fridge air purifier cleans the air in your refrigerator so it smells amazing.

Top 10 ionic fridge air purifier features that delight:

1. Save money for starters: there are no replacement filters and nothing to clean. The air purifier uses 2 AA batteries that require replacement approximately every 45-90 days. Built-in micro processor controls the operation of the air purifier so it will cycle on and off to save battery life.

2. Silent: no fans.

3. Intuitive.

4. Effective in the removal of odors and bacteria to keep your refrigerator smelling fresh and your food fresher.

5. Conveniently fits anywhere in your refrigerator.

6. Attractive neutral color and cool contemporary design.

7. Easy operating instructions: Turn it on Freshen your refrigerator

8. Patented Piezo-electric technology: allows for a high negative ion output to freshen your refrigerator without the harmful side effects of ozone that is found in standard ionizers.

9. Safety: The Ionic Fridge air purifier has received safety certifications from GS and CE as well as the RoHS lead free directive. Made of durable fire-resistant ABS materials. Tested for ozone production by ITI (Industrial Research Technology Institute) and found to be 0.011 ppm which is 78% below FDA limits.

10. Operating costs: Ionic Fridge purifier average battery costs: $1/month.

I highly recommend this device — in my opinion, it will add to the life of my fridge by keeping it fresh and pleasant to have around. For the simplicity of adding two AA batteries every few months, I’ll take it!

Follow Oransi on Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/OransiLLC) AND Twitter (http://www.twitter.com/OransiLLC).
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Merrie is a writer for the Jen is on a Journey and you can also find her at her blog, Sleepless Mornings: “I’m the mother of two beautiful children, an Executive Assistant, a scrapbooker, a baker, and sometimes I’m even fun to be around!”
Product was sent for honest review, all opinions my own.

Hob Nob Wines: Wicked Red Review

November 20, 2012 by The Mom Jen 7 Comments

I’ve been a red wine lover for a lot of years, but this summer I found myself turning to sweet whites that I could chill in the fridge on a warm day. As fall approached I wondered when I would return to reds.

Hob Nob wines has helped me return to my first love.

I was lucky enough to sample their newest wine, “Wicked Red.”

Featuring a blend of Grenache, Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah and Pinot Noir, this 2010 Vintage is sure to stimulate the senses with its roasted coffee, mocha, toasted hazelnut aromas and spicy notes with hints of orange zest and orange flower, which all create a smooth, flavorful texture.

It’s incredible! I served it with sides of cheese, crackers and warm dip during a birthday celebration/girlfriend get together, and it was the most popular drink by far. Everyone who tried it loved it, and it didn’t last long. The flavor is fantastic, and isn’t overwhelming in some way that limits what you can drink it with. We had a variety of foods and desserts, and it tasted great with everything. I will absolutely be purchasing this wine to keep on hand to serve to friends, or just to enjoy by the fire on a cool evening.

After viewing their website at http://www.hobnobwines.com/agegate.php, I found that they are available at quite a few retailers located in towns that I frequent, so it won’t be difficult to pick some up and try their other varietals. A big thank you to Hob Nob for allowing me to enjoy their Wicked Red with friends!

Wicked Red features sleek, best-in-class design with a Lux+ screw cap closure for easy party pouring and retails for $9.99. For more information, please visit www.hobnobwines.com, HobNob on Facebook or Twitter. Bonus holiday recipe:

HOBNOB’S WICKED RED PUNCH
12 servings

1 750-ml bottle of HobNob Wicked Red
1½ cups spiced rum
2 cups freshly squeezed orange juice
2 tablespoons of orange zest
1 tablespoon ground ginger
1 tablespoon cinnamon
2 tablespoons simple syrup
1 lime, zested

Combine all ingredients in a large bowl and let sit, refrigerated for at least an hour before. If available, add one large block of ice to the bowl. Stir well before serving and garnish glass with a sugar rim and orange slice.