Pilot Bottle to Pen (B2P) Recycled Water Bottle Pen Review and Giveaway #Review #Giveaway #GoingGreen #B2P

April 25, 2016 By Marijean

My husband and I are always using pens in our home. We have a drawer filled of them and unfortunately most are disposable. I hate just tossing them into the trash and would prefer to use refillable pens. I was contacted to review refillable gel pens made out of recycled bottles.

Here is some information about the B2P Gel Roller Pens:

Made from 89% recycled content
Vibrant G2 Gel Ink for smooth, effortless writing
Meets ISO 14001 and 14021 standards
Available in vivid colors as well as black, blue and red ink.
Retractable and Refillable with G2 Refills

Bottle-2-Pen (B2P) is the world’s first pen made from recycled bottles. Approximately 2.5 million plastic bottles enter landfills every hour in the United States, and comprise close to 50% of all recyclable waste. Pilot manufactures B2P gel ink pens from 89% post-consumer recycled plastic bottles. Pilot’s B2P pens write smoothly, have vibrant inks are and are 100% refillable. So you can write the next chapter for a cleaner planet with B2P.

I’m a fan of Pilot products, and their idea of recycling bottles into pens is awesome. I received a vivid multi color pack which includes Purple, Blue, Dark green, Light green and Pink. I also received a Red two pack. They are 0.7mm fine tip. I love the colors, they are very bright and the ink gives a unique personal look. The look of the pens is very cool, looks just like a water bottle with the ridges and all. The pen fits nicely in my hand, has a nice grip to it and is very comfortable to write with. The ink comes out nice and smooth and doesn’t smear.

These pens are refillable and take the standard G2 refills with any color you would like, and are easy to find at a store near you (they had them at my local Publix and Target).

Click here to see the different B2P that are offered, and to order.

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GIVEAWAY

Would you like to try out these B2P pens? I am giving away THREE packages of B2P Gel Pens to one lucky winner! US Only, giveaway ends 5/9.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

***I was given a product in exchange for my honest opinion. This review is based on my experience with the product. I am not affiliated with the company and everything in this review is my opinion.

Marijean

My name is MJ. I have two wonderful children and work part time as well as volunteer at my children's school.

Send Mom A Beautiful Bouquet Of Flowers From Hallmark Flowers For Mother’s Day #HallmarkFlowers #LoveHallmark

April 23, 2016 By Marijean

Mother’s Day is quickly approaching us on May 8th this year, and a perfect gift to get Mom would be a beautiful bouquet of flowers. I love flowers, there’s nothing better than the smell and look of beautiful flowers in your home. It is so exciting to open your door and find that someone has sent you a special arrangement for Mother’s Day.

I had the chance to submit a story about my mother for a Hallmark Flowers contest. If chosen, I would receive a bouquet of flowers and so would my mother for Mother’s Day. I was thrilled when I received notice that I was chosen! My mother means the absolute world to me. We have always been very close, and I consider her my very best friend. Before I moved from NJ to FL in 2014, we would always spend time together, and she just adores her grandchildren. Now that I am not living near her we still talk 2-3 times a day on the phone, and she visits very often. I really miss her like crazy. I was excited to tell Hallmark all about how special my mom is and how much she means to me.

The picture I submitted to Hallmark with my story. This is my Mom and I at my wedding in 2004.

My entry: My beautiful mother has been there for me through everything. She has also been my rock through the loss of my daughter. Even though I moved many states away, we talk many times a day and she always comes to visit. She definitely deserves a beautiful bouquet of flowers for Mother’s Day!!

When I was notified that I won, I was told a bouquet would be sent to my Mom, and I also would receive one for myself. Even though I was excited, and wanted to call her right away to tell her about it, I restrained and let it be a surprise. Boy was she surprised! She called me and thanked me a million times for the gorgeous flowers! A beautiful glass vase came with the bouquet and the bouquet was wrapped in a beautiful Hallmark-branded floral sleeve and tissue. She couldn’t wait to take pictures and post on her social media page to show everyone! The arrangement was so large that she separated them into two different vases. She was excited to put each one in a different room in the house.

My beautiful mother with her Hallmark flowers!

Beautiful Mom card included.

I received my Bouquet the next day, the flowers were delivered in a sealed box via UPS. The flowers came wrapped in beautiful Hallmark wrapping, and the vase was very secure in the box via tie straps. So beautiful!

Flowers and vase nice and secured in the box.

Beautiful Hallmark wrapping.

My beautiful bouquet!!

My mom and I are absolutely thrilled with our flowers. They came perfectly fresh to our doors, and all flowers were in great condition, no flowers were wilted. We will definitely be ordering from Hallmark Flowers for future holidays!!

Hallmark Flowers has a beautiful selection of potted plants and bouquets of flowers for any and all occasions.

The introductory Hallmark Flowers collection features 11 curated floral bouquets. Each bouquet is wrapped in a Hallmark-branded floral sleeve and tissue to help gift recipients associate these arrangements with quality, caring and luxury. The collection also includes 11 beautiful, fresh potted plants. A Hallmark sentiment tag to match the occasion complements each bouquet and plant. The full lineup and more information is available at www.HallmarkFlowers.com.

***I was given a bouquet of flowers in exchange for my honest opinion. This review is based on my experience with Hallmark Flowers. I am not affiliated with the company and everything in this review is my opinion.

Marijean

My name is MJ. I have two wonderful children and work part time as well as volunteer at my children's school.

Bubble Guppies: Fun On The Farm DVD Available May 10th @Nickjr @Nickelodeon #review

April 22, 2016 By Marijean

FARMS AND FRIENDS GO TOGETHER BETTER THAN EVER

IN THESE FARM-TASTIC ADVENTURES

BUBBLE GUPPIES:

FUN ON THE FARM

Available on DVD May 10, 2016

My 4 year old son LOVES Bubble Guppies. He has been watching this show since he was a baby. He loves all of the adventures the Bubble Guppies go on and is always singing the songs. He was excited to be able to watch the new DVD Fun on the Farm. He loved learning about the farm animals, and the questions the Bubble Guppies and farm friends would ask such as “What animal does milk come from?” He would answer the questions and sing the songs about the animals. He even wanted to eat some carrots after watching! I love that he is learning while having fun watching. Such a cute DVD for children to watch.

Bubble Guppies fans won’t want to miss this new collection of fantastic farm-themed episodes in Bubble Guppies: Fun on the Farm, which hits shelves May 10. This new collection explores the world of farming as the Bubble Guppies meet new animal friends like Bubble Kitty and Spring Chicken, and join in exciting farm events like the Cowgirl Parade. In the five featured episodes, the Bubble Guppies meet new friends that oink, moo and buzz, having tons of farming fun along the way.

Join the Bubble Guppies for 5 farm-tactic field trips! Meet new friends that oink, moo and buzz. Discover what grows on farms and in flower beds, meet Bubble Kitty, find the spring chicken and giddy up for the cowgirl parade!

Bubble Guppies: Fun on the Farm includes the following episodes:

Have a Cow!
The Cowgirl Parade!
The Spring Chicken is Coming!
The Bubble Bee-Athalon!
Bubble Kitty!

Bubble Guppies: Fun on the Farm Fast Facts

Street Date: May 10, 2016

Catalog: 59177669000 (US); 59177668000 (CAN)

Running Time: 120 Minutes

Audio: English, Spanish and French audio tracks

S.R.P.: $15.99

You can pre-order this DVD from Amazon.com for $9.99.

***I was given a product in exchange for my honest opinion. This review is based on my experience with the product. I am not affiliated with the company and everything in this review is my opinion.

Marijean

My name is MJ. I have two wonderful children and work part time as well as volunteer at my children's school.

Nickelodeon’s Let’s Learn: S.T.E.M. Vol 2 Available on DVD May 3rd. @nickjr #nickelodeon

April 21, 2016 By Marijean

THE POWER OF MATH IS BACK TO SAVE THE DAY IN THIS

NEW NUMBER-FILLED COLLECTION

LET’S LEARN: S.T.E.M. Vol 2

Available on DVD May 3rd.

Join some of your favorite characters from hit preschool shows such as Blaze and the Monster Machines, PAW Patrol, Team Umizoomi, and Dora and Friends for exciting adventures in this brand-new DVD containing 144 minutes of educational entertainment. Each DVD contains a S.T.E.M.-themed worksheet as a free gift with purchase while supplies last.

There’s no shortage of science and math fun in Let’s Learn: S.T.E.M. Vol 2, Nickelodeon’s second DVD dedicated to the world of numbers. A hot topic for educators everywhere, S.T.E.M. education (science, technology, engineering and math) has proven to be the perfect tool in jump-starting children’s interest in problem solving and technology. Nick’s Let’s Learn: S.T.E.M. Vol 2 contains more than 140 minutes of S.T.E.M. – themed adventures with Blaze and the Monster Machines, the first preschool show on TV to comprehensively cover all areas of S.T.E.M. in every episode, as well as fan-favorites Dora and Friends: Into the City!, PAW Patrol and Team Umizoomi. In addition to expanding imaginations and developing inquisitive minds, the Let’s Learn: S.T.E.M. Vol 2 DVD also comes with a S.T.E.M.-themed worksheet to reinforce some of the lessons learned throughout the collection. Produced by Nickelodeon Home Entertainment and distributed by Paramount Home Media Distribution, Let’s Learn: S.T.E.M. Vol 2will be available on DVD May 3, for the suggested retail price of $14.99.

Let’s Learn: S.T.E.M. Vol 2 includes the following episodes:

Blaze and the Monster Machines: Cake-tastrophe
Blaze and the Monster Machines: Runaway Rocket
PAW Patrol: Pups Save Walinda/ Pups Save a Big Bone
Dora and Friends: Into the City!: Kite Day
Team Umizoomi: Job Well Done
Team Umizoomi: Race to the Top of Shape Mountain

Let’s Learn: S.T.E.M. Vol 2Fast Facts

Street Date: May 3, 2016

Catalog: 59177540000 (US)

Running Time: 144 Minutes

Audio: English, Spanish and French audio tracks

S.R.P.: $14.99

This DVD is filled with favorite characters, songs and language that kids can understand, yet poses a bit of a challenge to their young minds. The stories have the characters working together to solve problems, and keeps my children entertained the whole time. This DVD finds the perfect balance of entertainment while learning at the same time.

My children love Nickelodeon shows, especially Paw Patrol and Dora. I try to limit their television viewings to only educations shows, which Nick Jr. has plenty of them. They were very excited when we had a chance to review a copy of this DVD before it is released to stores on May 3rd. I love how these episodes incorporate Science, Technology, Engineering and Math. A cute coloring S.T.E.M. worksheet is also included! My 4 year old and 7 year old watched every episode and loved each one. I love that they are learning while watching their favorite shows!

Nickelodeon’s Let’s Learn S.T.E.M. Volume 2 retails for approximately $14.99 and will be available to purchase on May 3rd. You can pre-order right now through Amazon.com for $9.99.

***I was given a copy of this DVD in exchange for my honest opinion. This review is based on my experience with the DVD. I am not affiliated with the company and everything in this review is my opinion.

Marijean

My name is MJ. I have two wonderful children and work part time as well as volunteer at my children's school.

2016 Mazda CX-5 Grand Touring FWD #Review #DriveMazda @MazdaUSA

April 20, 2016 By Marijean

2016 Mazda CX-5 Grand Touring Front-Wheel Drive Review

I was provided the new 2016 Mazda CX-5 Grand Touring to test for a week free of charge to facilitate this review. All opinions expressed here are my own.

I recently had the opportunity to review the 2016 Mazda CX-5 Grand Touring SUV. I was very excited to test it out for a week since I am in the market for a new small crossover type vehicle. The Mazda CX-5 is a crossover vehicle which means it is a crossover between a car and a SUV, but the way it drives is more like a car.

This vehicle has a very sporty look and feel to it, with very aggressive styling. The Soul Red paint (additional $300 charge) is really striking. The LED Headlights which are included in the Grand Touring Package really light up the road at night.

The 19 inch alloy wheels which come standard are really sharp. The vehicle comes with TOYO All season tires.

The CX-5 is equipped with a SKYACTIV-G 2.5L Engine, SKYACTIV-Drive 6SPD Sport Mode, 184 Horsepower; 185 LB-FT Torque, Front-Wheel Drive, 4 Wheel Disc Brakes, Electric Power Assisted Steering, Independent Front/Rear Suspension and Front & Rear Stabilizer Bars. Doing a lot of highway driving this week with the Mazda I must say that the pickup was excellent. I like that you don’t have to have your foot on the pedal to the floor to get the vehicle moving.

The CX-5 I received came with a black leather interior. The seats are very plush and comfy, and they are also heated which is a plus. My husband loves that they are bucket type seats that hug your body. The interior is roomy and sharp looking. The interior is big enough to seat 5 comfortably.

The navigation and audio system are controlled by using a joystick in the middle. You also have an electronic parking brake and volume control knob. You can access everything on your screen with these buttons. Once you are driving you cannot use the touch screen via fingers, you have to use the controls near your shifter.

The CX-5 comes standard with a 7 inch color screen display, which displays your rearview camera, radio and navigation system. The HD radio is a BOSE AM/FM/CD/MP3/SAT. The sound quality is amazing!! Also includes Bluetooth hands free phone/audio and a Sirius Satellite radio trial. Below the radio are your air conditioning/heating controls along with your defroster and heated seats controls.

The 2016 Mazda CX-5 Grand Touring has a lot of safety features included in the $1500 ACTIVESENSE Package which includes Radar Cruise Control, Smart Brake Support, Lane Departure Warning and High Beam Control. These buttons are conveniently placed on the left side of the steering wheel, making them very easy to access.

The steering wheel is leather wrapped, which has a great feel to it. I do wish the steering was a bit smoother, but overall it is good. The steering column is tilt and telescopic which is great especially since my husband and I like to have the steering wheel in different positions. The controls on the steering wheel are for audio, Cruise control, and Bluetooth controls.

A power moonroof also comes standard. The moonroof opens nice and smooth and is very enjoyable.

I am very impressed with the cargo room. You will not have an issue with strollers or luggage in this vehicle! There is also a really nice carpeted cargo mat (optional) that says “CX-5” on it.

This vehicle also comes with a spare tire and jack which is very convenient!

Key Fob which locks/unlocks doors and a panic button.

Fuel Economy: 29 MPG (26 City and 33 Highway) I did a lot of driving for the week I had this car, and I didn’t have to fill up the tank once. I love the gas mileage on this vehicle!

PROS (my opinion):

Sharp looking, Ample cargo space, Great gas mileage, Lots of safety and security features, Adequate pickup, Nice navigation system, very fairly priced.

CONS (my opinion):

Unconventional controls layout, Would like to see a V6 option for more pickup, would like to see sliding 2nd row seats to maximize leg room, Screen controls via finger touch are disabled when the car is in drive and transmission noise is a little louder than expected. No options for auto tailgate or memory seats.

Overall, I really liked driving this car. It is comfortable, sporty-looking and was great with the gas mileage. I love the navigation system and the lane departure warning with blind spot detection, and all of the many safety features which makes me feel comfortable knowing my family and I are safe while driving this vehicle.

The 2016 Mazda CX-5 is a perfect vehicle for 1st time drivers, kids going off to college and families. It really is a great SUV. Upgrading to the Grand Touring package gives you much more for a fair price. Check out the Mazda CX-5 Grand Touring soon if you are planning on purchasing a new vehicle!

2016 Mazda CX-5 Grand Touring Front-Wheel Drive

Base Price: $28,200

Price As Tested: $33,240

Options:

Grand Touring Tech Package: $1,505
Navigation System
LED Headlights
Adaptive Front Lighting
LED Daytime Running Lights
LED Foglights
LED Combination Tail Lights
Smart City Brake Support
Auto-Dim Mirror With Homelink

GT i-Activesense Package: $1,500
Mazda Radar Cruise Control
Smart Brake Support
Lane Departure Warning
High Beam Control

Soul Red Paint: $300

Mazda Mobile Start: $550

Door Sill Trim Plates: $125

Rear Bumper Guard: $100

Cargo Mat: $60

Destination Charge: $880

A big thanks to Drive Shop for allowing my family to test out the Mazda CX-5 Grand Touring FWD!

I was provided the new 2016 Mazda CX-5 Grand Touring to test for a week free of charge to facilitate this review. All opinions expressed here are my own.

What do YOU think of the 2016 CX-5? Would this car be a good vehicle for your family? Please comment below!