Playmobil toys

Playmobil toys have been around for a while, but I don't think they get the attention that they deserve. I really like them. I have been looking over Playmobil.com's website for a while now, and I really like the offerings. From age-specific toys to spiffy "retro" toys that are sure to make our own parents' eyes light up with memories, the toys that Playmobil has are anything but average.

Speaking of toys, what kind of toys do your kids like? My daughter seems to like all of the expensive toys she sees on commercials and in stores. Here at home she has a nice variety of megabloks, Polly Pockets, Barbies, Hello Kitties, My Little Ponies and Littlest Pet Shops. My son is into cars, trains and wooden puzzles.

As for me? Bring on the high end electronics, please and thank you. ;)

Why I love product reviews

When it comes to purchasing a product, whatever it is, I will most likely take the time to read up reviews on it. This is especially true for products over $20. Why? Well, I want to know what I'm paying for, and if it is even worth paying for!

Product reviews that are done by actual bloggers (for a few examples, check out In My Bag and PJ Mommy) are my favorite, because even if the blogger is being compensated with the product in question, nine times out of ten you can count on them to "tell it like it is". I know I do. :)

However, there have been a few times where I've gone ahead and purchased a product without reading up on it first... either on a whim, or because I trust the company. A few examples of that? Well, there's my T-Mobile G1, my iPod, my HP d7v notebook, and the notebook I bought for my husband for his birthday!

eBay! eBay! eBay!

I know, I know, eBay is nothing new. But c'mon... how can you not love eBay? Where else can you buy a perfectly functional T-Mobile G1 power charger for less than $5 -- S&H included? or a $0.78 micro-USB cord (perfect for connecting my Peek to my laptop!)? Or a $18 book for just $5 (My Sister's Keeper, FYI).

But if you're going to eBay, do it right. First, set up a PayPal account and make sure it's verified. This way, you'll be able to pay for your transactions easily and efficiently.

And secondly, shop smart. Always check out a seller's feedback. And if there are a few negatives, don't let them discourage you. Read more and find out WHY those negatives exist. The negatives themselves aren't enough to prove a seller as being suspicious, sneaky or a rip-off -- it's the content of the negatives that will determine how trustworthy and reliable a seller is.

Happy eBaying! :)

Baby Furniture that Will Last

One of my favorite things is to shop for my little girl so of course I have a lot to talk about when it comes to little ones! I just bought some of the nicest baby furniture I have ever come across! Designer furniture like this by Nurseryworks is made to last and will continue to look great through many generations! I have had this crib for my first child and it is looks just as nice for my second one on the way! This clean and modern looking crib goes great with the rest of our decor throughout our home. I believe in investing in any kind of furniture that will not only look good but is of good solid quality. Why buy something that is going to have to be replaced in a few years? Especially when little ones can really be tough on furniture. I'm really happy with this because it can also convert into a toddler bed! So, you actually are getting two pieces of furniture in one! How awesome is that! You can find this particular crib and much more at Babybox.com!

Fab Maternity Jeans!

With all the maternity clothes you can choose from why not invest in a pair of designer jeans to make you feel awesome while you are pregnant! I just checked out the new Citizens of Humanity from "Seven" and was like, "I have to Have those Jeans!" These are the best fitting jeans even if your not expecting! Now moms can look hip and not give up style just because they have a little one on the way! These pants Rock!

Live webcasts are the way to go

I am a huge fan of live satellite webcasts. Whether I watch them or TV or check them out online, satellite webcasts are neat because you see everything while it's happening, with no editing or even any commercial breaks.

Besides live webcasts, I also enjoy YouTube videos, particularly for product reviews, because there's nothing like being able to *see* a product, in addition to reading about it. :)

Football Jerseys for the Guys!

Do you live in a house of men too? Picking out gifts for the guys is always tricky for me! I am always on the lookout for a gift that they would really like. I asked a friend of mine who suggested that I check out these really cool football jerseys! Heck, this is better than great! Why didn't I think of that? All their favorite teams and I can pick them out and have them delivered! How easy is that! I know they will be pleasantly surprised when they open up their birthday gifts! With youth sizes too, Gametimeusa.com made it fun picking out a jersey for the younger fan in the family!

Finding product reviews online

Nine times out of ten I will use an unbiased product review to determine whether or not I'll purchase a product. Manufacturers of products provide plenty of reviews of their own, but of course these reviews focus only on the positive, and ignore or simply gloss over the negative aspects and elements.

How do you go about shopping? Do you read reviews, or simply take the plunge and hope for the best?

Vision Direct

In my experience, shopping with Vision Direct is a real hit-or-miss kind of thing. The first time I ordered contacts from them, I paid for the three day shipping. Two weeks later, after calling and ripping the useless phone center representative a new one, my contacts finally arrived. The excuse for the delay? Supposedly, my contacts were on backorder. Okay, fair enough, but shouldn't the website have stated that when I ordered them? And shouldn't I have been notified shortly after I ordered that there would be a delay?

The second time I ordered contacts from Vision Direct, they arrived in four days. That time, I paid for the standard 7-10 day shipping.

This last time around I ordered contacts and paid for overnight shipping. Four days later I'm notified via email that my order has been canceled, due to an issue with my prescription.

Like I said, Vision Direct is a hit or miss type of company. Buyer beware -- shop elsewhere if you need your contacts immediately!