Zingo Word Builder {Product Review}

A ThinkFun Game

So Much Fun, Bingo with a Zing!
Your kids won't even know they're learning while playing this simple yet ingenious word building game. We love to play games together as a family and I'm all for including some education in the mix. Why not? 

ThinkFun
The makers at ThinkFun switched up the traditional Bingo game and made it even better. My girls actually really like playing this game and so do I. This version of the game is an awesome word building exercise and it's perfect for ages 5 and up, though my 4 year old plays with us so she can learn along the way as well.

Simplicity at it's Best

Comes with 6 double sided cards, 72 tiles and the Zinger

The concept is so simple it makes one say, "why didn't I think of that". After shaming myself I get over it and I'm just plum happy that at least someone thought of it. The initial reaction to the game is one of, this may be a little fun...ok. Then when you start to play, it's just as addictive as a bingo game at the local fair without having to smooth talk the announcer. I felt like an old woman yelling for more chips. It's easy enough to have fun at and challenging enough to exercise you and your little ones brains.

The yellow side is easier with only 1 letter to fill. Orange side has 2 blank spaces

Build Reading Skills, Three letters at a Time
It's the perfect confidence builder for early readers! Ideal for players who are just learning to put letters together to form words, great for teaching spelling and vocabulary. With two levels of play, it's designed to engage and support both beginner and more experienced readers. Just slide the Zinger and claim your tiles to fill your Zingo card with three letter words. My girls and I to make the game a little tougher and the stakes a little higher, play with 2 or 3 cards at time. I tell you, they have a promising bingo future ahead of them.

Bedtime Fun, ThinkFun
We like to play Zingo anytime of the day but, I found that playing it at bedtime is a good way to wind down and the added benefit of the last thing being on their minds is learning, forming words and spelling. Even if they are dreaming about something else, the brain building is subconciously on their mind. We are eager to try out the whole line of ThinkFun Zingo games. You should go out and get yours today.

Like this review, keep coming back for more!

Your Hip Chick,

Narjah


Disclaimer:

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

{Product Review} The Ozeri Weightmaster 400 lbs Digital Bathroom Scale

Luxury Lifestyle Manufacturer
Ozeri, is a specialty manufacturer of digital lifestyle products for the modern home. A company that began as a supplier to destination club markets includes luxury products for the home.

The span of products range from bathroom scales, kitchen appliances, entertaining pieces (wine bottle openers) to pedometers. The product that I am reviewing today is the Ozeri WeightMaster Bathroom Scale. 

Out with the Old, In with the New
It's been a while since I've had a scale, I just stopped purchasing them. They were all too bulky and never really fit in. The old scales that I've had, all ended up malfunctioning and were never consistent on accuracy. Thinking back it seemed like after the first use the damn things would never really go back to zero. The Ozeri scale is digital and eliminates the propensity to be off balance.

Super sleek and no slip

Bringing Sexy Sleek Back
The sleek design of the Ozeri scale looks great in any bathroom with the color choice of black or white. The white goes well with my bathroom and it doesn't get in the way too much. The door glides right over and it doesn't move around thanks to the no-slip grips on the bottom. 

The ability to set personal profiles for each of our family of 5 is a cool feature and it's easy enough for my 4 year old to use. You just set your height and weight and the scale keeps track of your bmi and gain or loss with color indicators of green and red. 

If I had to reccommend a scale it would be one that's attractive, modern, and functional. This scale weighs in high on all of those features and the price point of about $40 is not too bad. 

Ozeri Weightmaster Scale

The Ozeri Weightmaster Digital Bathroom Scale Specifications
with BMI and Weight Differential Detection was designed and engineered in the USA to provide a comprehensive yet simple weight management solution to measure and track your weight. 

Personalized Profile

Featuring BMI Measurement and Auto Recognition Technology, the Ozeri WeightMaster weighs up to 400 lbs and displays your BMI (Body Mass Index), a measure of your body fat based on your height and weight. Immediately after displaying your weight and BMI, the scale's Weight Differential Detection displays your "net weight change" from your last weigh-in (L1), the average of your last 3 weigh-ins (L3), and last 7 weigh-ins (L7). 

By measuring your weight once a day, the Ozeri WeightMaster empowers you to see how your current weight changes day to day, from the last 3 days, and over the previous week. For users who would rather just focus on their weight trend without worrying so much about the actual numbers, the WeightMaster features Color Alert Technology, which displays your weight change in a GREEN illumination for weight loss and RED for weight gain, providing a visual form of intuitive feedback. 

Red = weight gain :-(

With built-in intelligence, the WeightMaster requires no complicated syncing and spares you the data connection failures common to more expensive wireless and Bluetooth alternatives. Precision engineered and durably made, WeightMaster auto-calibrates with StepOn technology and auto-powers off to preserve battery life. 

The Ozeri WeightMaster is made out of impact-resistant tempered glass, and equipped with non-slip scratch-resistant feet that won't damage flooring. Ships with batteries included, and backed by Ozeri's 100% Hassle-Free Satisfaction Guarantee.

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

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Hym and Hur: A Fantasy Love Story with a Comedic Twist {Review}

The Perfect Short Story
I used to be an avid reader. I would go to the book store and walk around reading the back of covers that interested me and discover the mind escape of my desire. I don't know about everybody else but, I know that since I became a mom I can't leisurely read as much as I want or need to. When I saw this opportunity, I was eager to jump at a chance to read a book for fun and force myself to take time for myself. I wasn't disappointed when I started to read the book, I felt like I knew what was going to happen. Then it got to a climax and I was hit with a surprise that left me wondering why it ended.

Short but Sweet
This book was the perfect short story. It wasn't too long but, long enough to make me want to know more and look forward to a sequel. Phillip Frey, an accomplished theatrical actor and writer was able to bring to life characters, that for me had a celestial quality that hit to the heart of who I believe us all to be. I believe that we all are the greatest creator and judge of our life. 

Worth the Read
Hym and Hur are mates for eternity and play a risky game with death literally. Playing pranks on humanity that leaves them wishing they never mingled with the devil. 

If you are looking for a short but, fun read this book is for you. You can pick up this comedic short story at Amazon.com or Phillip Frey's website. Tell me how you like it.

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

45 Kid Friendly No Bake Desserts

Cake Without the Bake
I love making sweet treats with my girls but, I want it to be easy because I really don't have the time to slave over a hot oven for a simple treat. 

Check out these 45 Kid Friendly No Bake Desserts. 

Tasty treats from Pop Sugar

All of the pop sickles look delicious!

Hip Mommy Music Pick: H.O.G Daily - Sun Ray - Tsaphkiel

Image courtesy: Sun Ray of HOG Daily

Hear Ye Hear Ye, Hip Hop is NOT Dead!!!
I haven't done my music pick in a minute. Friends of mine know that music is such a HUGE part of my life. I like to say that I Create Under the Influence of music, C.U.I. Every Hip Mommy Chick/parent needs some good music to listen to. 

Music that they can also feel good about listening to it with their children, very important. Music that has consciousness and isn't filled with derogatory laced lyrics, ya know...feel good music. 

House of God on a Daily
I'm proud to introduce you to Sun Ray and Tsaphkiel of HOG Daily, which stands for House of God Daily out of New Orleans. I was asked to review one song but, their music, lifestyle and what they are doing needs more than just a review. Their story needs to be told. 

The pick and song, I'm honored to be the first to introduce to the world is called, Loaded. It's a play on the word and the way it's put, is simply the way we all should be. The song has such a 90's feel, that brings the listener a ton of Summer time nostalgia. I can see this being a cookout jam, the up tempo beat has the cow bell right in the pocket. 

The hook is a Queen asking a King, if he's high off life. He returns with "Queen, I'm Loaded". That's why I tune into the House of God on a Daily. Even my girls know most of the songs once the beat drops. 

Listen here to: Loaded* 

Read more below:


New Orleans, Harmony Oaks (Magnolia)
Most people are used to New Orleans being the home of rap music from the Lil' Wayne's and Masta P's, these artists birthed the Bling era of rap music. When I say rap music, you know what I mean. I'm not knocking either of those men, because I respect an aspect of every one's hustle. Masta P is the king of hustle and Lil' Wayne is...Lil' Wayne. I remember back in the day when Lil Wayne was getting his rhymes ghost written by a Philly artist named Gillie Da Kid, probably still has ghostwriters, anyway I digress. 

The video below is of Sun Ray and Tsapkiel (Ghazi Gamali) explaining where music started for them.

Part 1


Click here for Parts 2 and 3

God Hop
The NOLA is now proving to be the new home of hip hop, real hip hop. Just about every serious hip hop head has heard of Jay Electronica, with his level of God Hop. Well, now you have the yet unknown storytellers Sun Ray and Tsaphkiel of, H.O.G Daily. They have revived the soul of Hip Hop and are on a mission to get back to the essence of Hip Hop with a meaning. In case you missed it at the beginning. I'm pleased to announce that Hip Hop is not dead, it has been resurrected through the House of God. I come from a time when hip hop had a message and a meaning. From what I'm hearing we need this music. 

It's Bigger Than Hip Hop
It's unfortunate that the industry doesn't check for the likes of a Yasin Bey (Mos Def), Talib Kweli, Common or HOG Daily. They're considered too conscious to sell, I call bullshit. Jay Z said it best with his verse on Moment of Clarity that says, "If skills sold, truth be told, I'd probably be lyrically Talib Kweli. Truthfully, I wanna rhyme like Common Sense but, I did 5 mill'- I ain't rhyme like Common since." That's deep on so many levels. 

That New New
It's refreshing and exciting just to hear Sun Ray and Tsapkiel rhyme and make beats to live to. This is that new new, music to liberate you. I think folks are starting to get tired of the same negativity that a lot of hip hop music has in it. We need a balance, such as we need balance in life. I can't even listen to the radio with my little girls, out of fear of them hearing something about, a ho@ not being loyal or it being nothing to cut that b**ch off. How did this become acceptable in the first place? 

If your don't have SoundCloud, get it right now. These guys are the reason I have it today. I've had plenty of people send me music through SoundCloud but, until them I never really got on it. They brought me the good news and I'm here to spread the word. Enjoy, share this and tell me what you think @hipmommychicks. 

  
More from HOG Daily

These men are into so many wonderful things beyond the music. Check them out: HOG Daily

Lifestyle

Videos

Testimonies

*Be aware,this song does have some choice curse words. Not safe for young ears*

PoshTheSocialite: EVENT ALERT: Hip Hop Royalty to Perform at J Dilla Tribute Concert & Fundraiser (VIDEO)

DC Loves Dilla
Every year folks come out to celebrate the life and music of producer J Dilla. The hip hop great passed away in 2006 and every since then, his life and work have been celebrated in an annual tribute. This year is no different in the 9th annual DC Loves Dilla Tribute Concert and Fundraiser. He helped form one of my favorite groups Slum Village and has worked with artists such as a Tribe Called Quest, Erykah Badu, MF Doom, The Roots, The Pharcyde, Common, Busta Rhymes, and De La Soul.

On Thursday July 17th, fans across the globe will gather together and at the Howard Theatre, located at 620 T St. NW. Show starts at 8 and you are sure to be in for a treat. 

For more details click the link below from my girl, PoshTheSocialte.



PoshTheSocialite: EVENT ALERT: Hip Hop Royalty to Perform at J Dilla Tribute Concert & Fundraiser (VIDEO)

Women in Business Wednesday; Walmart Will Label Products Owned by Women

Women Owned Logo

Move over ‘Certified Organic’ and ‘Fair Trade’, products on shelves in Walmart will have to make room for one more label: Women-Owned. From September 2014, consumers will be able to clearly identify which products come from female-owned or led companies and make their shopping decisions accordingly.

Moving Forward

As part of their promise to source $20 billion worth of goods from women owned companies in the US by 2016, Walmart have taken the step to clearly label the relevant products with a colourful ‘Women Owned’ logo.

The idea is part of Walmart’s Women’s Economic Empowerment Initiative, which launched in 2011 and aims to promote female-led business all over the world. The new symbol will appear on products which have been certified by the Women’s Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC), which gives the seal of approval to companies who wish to carry the logo if they meet certain criteria in regards to female representation.

Pamela Prince-Eason, the CEO of the certification organisation WBENC believes “there is a strong business case for having the logo on products.” In fact, a recent study commissioned by Walmart found that “90 percent of female customers in the U.S. would go out of their way to purchase products from women, believing they would offer higher quality.”

Women-owned businesses contribute more than $1.3 trillion dollars to the U.S. economy and employ 7.7 million people across the country. Walmart hopes that the logo, which resembles a ring of women with their arms around each other, “can inspire female consumers to act on a sense of solidarity.”

Related Posts:

Government Contracting Programs for Women

Momprenuers: Turning Passion into Profit

Small Business Startup Non-Gov Grants

3 Tips to Succeed in Networking Today

The Economic Impact of Women in Business

Source: CBC News

To Diaper or Not to Diaper...That is the Question

Potty, Potty, Bo Botty

Potty training can be a tough job for every parent. I've spoke with moms that have potty trained their babies from a newborn (yep, newborn) and others that have their toddler in diapers into the early pre-school ages. Both have their own reasonable success and reasons for their method of potty training. 

Advancements in Diapers; Toilet Trainings Nemesis
It's been common practice in several countries that just don't use/cant' afford disposable diapers. Over the years diaper advancements have made life easier and people lazier. I'm not knocking it, because I benefit from the advancements and have used them myself. However, there is another way and this info graphic gives some pretty interesting stats on the straight poop. 

Check out this cute infographic inside?

Mother's Living With: Postpartum Depression

stockimages / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Living With Postpartum Depression

Being a mom involves being on you’re A-game 100% of the time. However, when illness strikes, this isn’t always possible. It’s therefore imperative that we seek help when we need it.

Many of us will have experienced the baby blues – up to 80% of us, in fact. This is a natural part of becoming a mother. All those hormones racing around our bodies can imbalance the chemicals in our brain and we can feel irritable, anxious and down as a result. However, the difference is knowing when this has become a bigger issue and developed into postpartum depression.

PsychGuide: Get the Help You Need

This article has some useful information on postpartum depression, including the signs you may have it and possible treatment. If you’re feeling any of the symptoms described, visit your doctor so you can get the help you need.

Related Posts:

Eating Placenta to Battle Postpartum Depression

Abusive Husband Deserves Some Street Justice

Good Ol' Street Justice
Too often people choose to mind their own business and do nothing when they see a "domestic dispute". Thankfully these folks didn't stand for this abuse on their streets and took matters into their own hands. 

Someone was filming from what appers to be a window above and a baby in the background. This man is beating this woman in the street, as if it is ok. He even ran off a passrby that tried to intervene. Before you know it, a crowd gathers around and starts the beat down. I don't even know what happened to the jerk. He ran into the ground like a rat.

Click here to see the video