ROBIN’S PICKS and GIVEAWAY: Summer Goodies

KEEP ME COMFY NECK REST FROM AURORA

The perfect plush for summer, whether you plan to take your child on a plane, train or car trip.  Or, your child can use it to relax or nap at home.  My son loves this sort, adorable Panda Neck Rest, and even took it to school to show his friends.  With all the running around he does, he sometimes complains of neck stiffness, and this takes his mind off it in a fun, comforting way.  They are machine washable, and come in a variety of animal designs.  Really cute and practical! 

GIVEAWAY: WIN A NECK REST.  DROP A NOTE TO [email protected], AND TELL US WHY YOU’D LIKE TO WIN.  YOU WILL BE NOTIFIED VIA EMAIL IF CHOSEN.  PLEASE RESPOND BY MIDNIGHT 6/20, AND PROVIDE YOUR FULL MAILING ADDRESS.

AUDIOVOX DVD PLAYER – 7″ Portable DVD Player with Headrest Bracket Kit (DS7521PK) 

Are you planning a trip with your family this summer?

Do you have a child who gets restless in the car or on a train or plane?

Enter Audiovox.

They offer an array of products including affordable, good quality portable DVD players.

The 7″ screen version model (it comes larger)  is ideal for little hands, and convenient for larger hands as well.  And, it may be strapped on to the back of a car headrest, so it doesn’t need to be held while being watched.  Have more than one child?  It comes with two plug in headphones so both can listen, and mom/dad don’t have to tune in.  Stereo speakers are built-in.

It offers two hours of play time, and has an internal rechargeable Li-polymer battery that you can plug in at home or in your car.  Plus, it features adjustable positioning angles for optimum viewing pleasure and comes with a remote control.  It plays CDs and DVDs, and sound and screen looked great.  This is gonna become a staple in our family for any vacation, and I might even watch a movie in bed or at the pool club, if I can pry it away from my son.

LEGO HEAVY WEAPONS BOOK

 If you have an olderchild who is dying to visit Legoland this summer, but you can’t get there, you might want to check out this new hardcover book….

My son is a huge Lego fan, and while my husband I are not gun fans, this book was something my son couldn’t resist.  Though a bit complex for him, he gets a kick out of the pictures and aspires to attempt the creations one day.

Author Jack Streat, age 17, is an accomplished LEGO weapons builder whose YouTube videos have over 16 million views.

In LEGO^® Heavy Weapons (No Starch Press, ISBN 9781593274122), Streat offers a collection of building instructions for four truly impressive, 1:1-scale LEGO replicas of the world’s most iconic firearms. LEGO builders will learn to create a massive Desert Eagle handgun with blowback action, plus three accurate brick-shooting marvels: an AKS-74U assault rifle with folding stock, a bolt-action Lee Enfield sniper rifle (aka. Jungle Carbine), and a pump-action SPAS 12 combat shotgun.

According to No Starch Press founder Bill Pollock, “Readers will instantly recognize these models from their favorite Tarantino films and videogames like Counter-Strike and Call of Duty.” Pollock continues, “At last, LEGO fans can turn that pile of dusty bricks into insane weapons that they can brandish while running wild through their homes.”

Available in fine bookstores everywhere, or directly from No Starch Press.  [email protected], 1-800-420-7240).  Visit — http://nostarch.com/legoheavyweapons, and use code “ARMORY” to get 30% off the book.

COLDFRONT – for Menopausal Women and Others

Need to chill this summer?

coldfront® is a personal cooling system that includes two cooling palm packs to be used anywhere, anytime- great for travel and everyday. It’s especially helpful for menopausal women experiencing hot flashes. coldfront® is hormone-free and has no side effects. The convenient carrying case is no larger than a sunglass case and is designed with fashion in mind. The case also contains a super absorbent, reusable, quick drying cloth to wipe away any moisture left behind. Just place coldfront® in the freezer for 12 hours then toss in a purse, take the cooling palm packs out when a hot flash comes one, and apply wherever cooling relief is needed. Can come in  handy during summer vacation or a day at the pool or beach!

I am not in menopause as yet, but I found these very clever and convenient.  I’m gonna keep them around for when the day comes, and in the meantime, I can also use them to ice an in injury or boo-boo my son may get.

GAIAM — CASUAL AND WORKOUT WEAR AND MORE

Gaiam’s Summer 2012 catalog features eco –friendly casual wear and workout wear and gear, including a fresh new eco wardrobe crafted from earth-friendly fabrics, including pure organic cotton, light and sustainable bamboo and high-performance recycled polyester.

I love many of their items, including this Grecian Tunic.  Subtle draping and a shawl collar give this beautiful tunic-style top ageless appeal. Elegant, figure flattering and easy to wear. Stretchy and versatile.  32″ from neck to hem. 67% rayon from sustainable bamboo, 30% organic cotton, 3% spandex. Machine washable.

If your everyday wardrobe needs a stylish boost, or you gym clothing could use a lift, Gaiam is a great, well-priced, quality brand to check out!

Note: Thanks to the featured companies for providing product samples.

Tags: family, Lego, menopause, mother, portable DVD player, shopping for summer vacation, stuffed animals, workout wear