product reviews – Desires of my Heart Blog

Walmart Grocery Review | It’s a GAME-CHANGER, Folks!!

marsha0727 — Tue, 26 Jul 2016 22:01:00 +0000

Today I had my first Walmart Grocery (online ordering/pick-up) experience, and let me just say…this could be the biggest game-changer for our family, ever!

A couple of weeks ago, I received a mailer “introducing” me to the Walmart Grocery experience and offered a $10 credit on my first order. I looked at it, and tucked it away in my coupon holder, and hadn’t really thought much about it. Until today…

You see, I have put off buying groceries for days… dreading the task of taking all three kids grocery shopping — with all of the kid drama, long lines, scorching heat, and the inevitable frustration when I get home to realize I missed half of my list of items needed due to trying to focus on the kids and their antics. I had already decided that I would just go get groceries this evening, even though that’s when it’s craziest, just so I could go without the kids and hopefully have a little less crazy in my grocery shopping. But then, I remembered that Walmart Grocery coupon, and it expired in just a few days, so I decided now is truly the perfect time to “give them a try.”

Guys, I didn’t have big expectations, at all. It’s Walmart, after all…not Publix. But, small or large expectations, they blew me away today!! So, I’m here to share my personal experience (good and bad) with you, so you can decide for yourself if this may be that game-changer for your family, as well.

So, let’s start with the website…Walmart Grocery Website + $10 off coupon

It was much like any online shopping website (Walmart/Target/etc)…you can shop by category, you can search by general name (ie. milk), or you can search for a specific name (ie. Almondmilk Original Unsweetened). And, once you find your item, you easily add it to your cart.
It gives you the option to choose the Walmart Grocery location you’d like to use, as well as “reserving” you pick-up time slot (you have an hour for your pick-up window).
In my experience, I had approximately 30 minutes to complete my order before it made me reselect my reservation time. {Most people could probably have been done in half that time, but since I was home, I would think of something and I’d go “check” to make sure I needed it…not to mention the occasional kid interruption…but I digress…}
Once you finish, you will check out. {This is also where you will put your $10 off coupon code if it didn’t already apply it for you}.

Once you’ve checked out, you’ll receive a confirmation email that gives you a run down of your order, as well as details on pick-up…

Here’s a “snippet” from my email: {note: I did not receive a call to alert me that my order was ready for pick-up, but I arrived 2 minutes prior to the beginning of my pick-up time window, and they brought it out within just a few minutes!}

Your confirmation email tells you about the “edit” option, where you have a small window of time that you can add/remove/change your order. For me, I ordered at 10am, and my email said my “cutoff time for changes” was 1pm. I did try to add a forgotten item at 11am, and it would not allow it, as it was already “processing”. Honestly, I thought I just wasn’t finding the right “area” online to make the changes, so I contacted customer service, but they said they couldn’t “add” anything once the edit button disappears, whether it is before the editable time indicated or not.

I will say, however, on a side note that customer service was super quick to respond (via phone AND email) to my question and offered an account credit for my trouble. They also said they were escalating the call so that they could fix the problem for future, as they want their cutoff times to be accurate for the customer.
Hindsight (and suggestion for you), it is probably best to order the day before you want to pick up, so you can easily add/change/edit before cutoff time when you remember things you forgot. I just needed groceries today, so I didn’t have that option this time.

Now, for the pick-up process…all I can say is Wow! Kudos to Walmart for getting the job done and doing it RIGHT!!

Upon arrival at Walmart, it was very easy to see where to go for “pick-up”…there was a huge awning with Grocery Pick-Up written on it.

Once you get into a pick-up parking spot, you have a speaker system on the driver’s side and also a sign in front of you that tells you a number you can call to pick-up. I chose to call, and I immediately got a courteous employee ready to help. I gave her my name and told her I was picking up, and that was it! I sat back and waited. {I arrived about 2 minutes prior to my 1-hour pick up window, and I did not call and give them any advance notice of my arrival…I wanted to see how well they’d be prepared without any notice. I kid you not, she was at my car within 5 minutes, if that, ready to confirm my order and load my groceries!}

The employee greeted me cheerfully, handed me a complimentary ice-cold bottle of water, and began the “order confirmation” and loading process.

Part of the “order confirmation” was to confirm that a couple of substitutions were made in my order, and whether or not I was ok with those substitutions. In my case, it was a small “size” difference, which did not matter at all to me! So, I signed and we were on our way to her loading the groceries. {Once I got home, I realized that they conveniently added a “substitution” sticker to the bag which held those items, if by chance, I was not ok with those items and they were taken off my order.}

I had one kid napping through the entire grocery experience {it was so nice to be able to get groceries and do nap time at the same time!} The other two, sat playing their ipods as our groceries were quickly loaded.

They also labeled the “fragile” items (like my eggs) with stickers…probably more for their benefit, but it helped me, as well, so I knew which bags not to give the kids to unload.

It was a bit of a drive for the closest Walmart Grocery (about 25 minutes from my house to Madison Blvd), and it took less than 10 minutes for the entire pick-up process…So in way less than an hour, my three kids and I purchased and had our car loaded with groceries, never having to set foot out of our air-conditioned car! It was the easiest shopping I’ve ever done for groceries, and it didn’t cost anything extra!! For me, it’s a game-changer, folks. I’m sure, at some point, there will likely be a “fee” associated with the service, but until then, I’m sold. And when that time does come, I’d likely still be sold.

Now, one final thing…Walmart Grocery currently has it to where you can earn a $10 referral credit for each friend that signs up and places their first order (each friend gets a $10 credit, too)! Talk about a way to “earn” free groceries/save money. So, go ahead and sign up HERE to get started on your Walmart Grocery addition

Sew Krafty – Little Mommy Accessories | AG Bitty Baby | Review & DISCOUNT CODE!

marsha0727 — Fri, 20 May 2016 14:05:00 +0000

{TODAY through JUNE 6th, if you mention our blog post in an email to their store site or use the code LITTLEMAMA5P, you will get 5% off of everything in the store!! Go check them out!!!}

I don’t know about you, but I am always looking for unique gift ideas for my children (and nieces, nephews, cousins…well, you get the picture!). Recently, my sweet 5 year old niece asked for a “real” looking diaper bag and accessories for her birthday to use with her new American Girl Bitty Baby. I looked all over the “big name” stores online, only to find small, unrealistic ones made more for 2-year-olds. So, that got me to thinking…there had to be somewhere I could find cuter, more realistic accessories for all of those sweet “Little Mommies” out there! That’s when I stumbled across Sew Krafty by Angie & Liz!

They currently have at least 30 reasons (and growing) why you should check their Etsy shop!

I have two “Little Mommies” of my own…an almost 2-year-old, who is obsessed with anything baby, especially for her AG Bitty Baby…and a 9-year-old who still enjoys “realistic” pretend play. Yes, that is a pretty broad age-range, but I’d venture to say that Sew Krafty has successfully bridged that gap to create items that all ages would love!

Angie & Liz sent me an adorable diaper bag and accessory kit to enjoy & review (and they’ve also offered a great deal for you, as well, so keep reading!!) I was floored by the attention-to-detail and wonderful craftsmanship of their items! There was much thought, time, and love put into the making of these items.

The sets are perfectly coordinated. The diaper bag is a beautiful replica of what I carried for my own babies…just on a smaller, more manageable scale…complete with side and inside pockets, and a velcro closure (hidden by a button). SO stinkin’ cute!!

And, what diaper bag would be complete without a doll-size minky blanket, diaper changing pad, shoulder burp cloth, diapers, bib, and {my personal favorite accessory} a wipe holder and wipes?!

All matching/coordinating. Everything is soft…child-friendly…and as cute as can be…all while mimicking exactly what a Mom would have/need. Truly perfect for all of your “Little Mommies” out there!

The diapers are completely adjustable, so they will easily fit a wide variety of baby dolls! We used them on our AG Bitty Baby dolls, as that’s what is most played with here. But we also tried them on our Corolle doll, Circo doll, and even a newborn Cabbage Patch doll! Totally versatile for baby dolls! (Which is perfect for us, since I apparently have a 2-year-old baby doll “hoarder” {haha–but that’s a whole other story…}).

Now, this set impressed me! I was super-excited about how beautifully crafted it was, and I would totally use this as a special gift for any “Little Mommy” I know! But, I couldn’t post a review without handing it over to my 2 and 9 year old girls, to see their reactions…

Before handing it over to my 2-year-old, I let my 9-year-old see it. She’s at a hard age to know what she would and would not play with…she still likes imagination play, but there’s apparently a very thin line on what is “too babyish” and what is acceptable. And I am no good at finding that line. However, as soon as I brought the set out, she was in love! Being older, she immediately wanted to play “realistically” with it…she brought out the changing pad, to put on a clean (new) diaper…she used the burp cloth on her shoulder while she rocked the baby to sleep…and she adored having a diaper bag that she felt was made “just for her”. Her only complaint was that she’d have to share with her little sister! {We may be purchasing a second set in our near future!}

This set totally passed the approval test of my 9-year-old…with flying colors! And this Mom loved seeing that imagination play come back in a more realistic fashion at an age that is so often more interested in electronics, etc. What better way to “teach” those basic Mommy skills than letting them mimic for themselves exactly what they see real moms doing?

Now, I knew my 2-year-old would love this…she has a definite love for bags and baby dolls…but I wasn’t sure if she would be old enough to understand the pretend play portion of all the accessories she now had. I was wrong! She immediately but her diaper bag on her shoulder (it was a little long for her, but didn’t drag the floor…and she certainly didn’t care!), and told us her baby had “shoo-shooed” {which is Addison language for needing a clean diaper}.

Obviously, my 2-year-old doesn’t do realistic pretend play the same as my 9-year-old…but she packs and repacks her diaper bag frequently throughout the day. She doesn’t take her doll anywhere without her “bag” ready to go!

This diaper bag and accessories is apparently going to be very well-loved and well-used here…but after seeing the workmanship Angie & Liz put into it, I could see it lasting through all of their fun play stages.

On a side note, the diaper bag fit beautifully over the handle of my daughter’s baby doll stroller, which she loves! Now she’s totally ready to see the world, baby and all of baby’s “necessities” in tow.

So, what’s my overall review? In case it wasn’t clear above…{grins} Take a look at Sew Krafty’s shop!! They have so many adorable items for sale for your favorite “Little Mommies” — diaper bags and accessories (like what I just showed you), doll clothes, aprons, and even mini boppy pillows complete with nursing covers (I totally needed this a few years ago…when my oldest kept stealing my boppy to feed her own baby {haha}…)

And they already have plans for more awesome products over the next month! Check them out! It’s worth your time…I promise! AND starting TODAY through JUNE 6th, if you mention our blog post in an email to their store site or use the code LITTLEMAMA5P, you will get 5% off of everything in the store!!

Here’s how to keep up with them and their newest creations:

Sew Krafty Etsy Shop (be sure to favorite their shop for quick access!!)

Facebook Page (go like it and follow their newest additions!)

I received this book for free from Sew Krafty for this review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

The Time Chamber | Adult Coloring Book | Book Review

marsha0727 — Mon, 28 Dec 2015 15:02:00 +0000

I was recently given the opportunity to review Daria Song’s “The Time Chamber”. This is a storybook style coloringbook, geared to older children and adults. It has the many beautifully intricate designs covering each page, but unlike most “adult” coloring books, this isn’t just random designs. This book is just that, a book. It tells the story (mostly through pictures for you to color) of a little fairy who lives inside a cuckoo, but chooses to venture out into the world (a little girls’ room) to see what adventures await.

The images are beautiful, but are different than most coloring books I have or have seen. They are very intricate, but not the typical zentangle style designs. It is a paperback book with a dust cover.

The pages are extremely thick, which I LOVE. Even coloring with the darkest of my fine tip Steadtler markers, not even a hint of bleed-through could be seen. I can’t say that about my other adult coloring books.

For me, the story itself did nothing for me. But, even though I didn’t really care about the story, I still enjoy coloring in the book. It is different than all of my other zentangle and adult coloring books. But different isn’t a bad thing. This is a beautiful gift-worthy book for fairy and art lovers alike. And the perfect rainy day or stress-relieving activity!

I received this book for free from the Blogging for Books Program for this review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Lazarus Awakening | Book+DVD Review

marsha0727 — Tue, 08 Sep 2015 16:50:00 +0000

I have seen, heard, and even read books/lessons on the lives of Mary and Martha from the Bible. They are so applicable even in today’s world (maybe even more today!) But through the years, I cannot recount a time that the emphasis of that story was even put on Lazarus. So, when I saw that Joanna Weaver, the author known best for writing “Having a Martha Heart in a Mary World”, had an 8 week Bible study on Lazarus (“Lazarus Awakening”), I was thrilled!!

On the technical aspect of it, it is helpful to know that the Lazarus Awakening DVD/Study Guide is made to accompany the Lazarus Awakening book, but the DVD alone could also work as a short devotional for personal or group use, and the book, a challenging devotional all on it’s own. The DVD segments are relatively short…around 20 minutes…but are challenging and encouraging. The videos were set in Israel, so it helps to put a place/scene with the story. There are also special “Isreal segments” as a bonus of the DVD, that let you explore Biblical details in Israel from the comfort of your own home, though they are a bit more like an interview of sorts, instead of a tourguide, which I would have preferred.

The Study Guide, though it does discuss similar topics, was not made as a DVD companion, but as a book companion. Each week assigns you a portion of the book to read, a short challenge, memory verse implimentation, discussion questions, a guide to the DVD session, a place for prayer requests, and an assignment for the week.

On the spiritual side of it, it may be important to note for you that several different Bible translations are used within the Bible study material. Though I do prefer KJV and NASB personally, I did not find that the use of the other translations took away from the study, as I had my Bible reading along with her.

The basic jist of this study is something that I think we can all relate to in one way or another — that Jesus is calling us out of our tomb of regret, doubt, fear, or whatever else may be keeping us from His love. “The same love that came to Lazarus’ rescue that long ago day in Bethanywants to rescue us as well.” And, just as Jesus tarried on hisway to help Lazarus, when your answer from God is “wait”, you can know that He loves you unconditionally and has a plan — we just have to trust! And, PRAISE GOD, “with the Holy Spirit’s help, we can leave our tombs behind and walk out into new life, just as Lazarus did. Unbound and unhindered. Sanctified and set free. I enjoyed this Bible study and would recommend any this study material as a great challenge and encouragement in life.

Disclosure of Material Comnection: I received this book free from Blogging for Books as part of their book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements.”

Additional iProduct Storage without the $$$ | RAVPower 5in1 Product Review

marsha0727 — Mon, 10 Aug 2015 13:10:00 +0000

It took years to talk me into making the jump from Android/Windows to Apple for my technology needs…especially when it came to my smart phone. But, after I did, I enjoyed the many “perks” for being an Apple product user. One of the biggest perks was how everything synced seamlessly together when I jumped back and forth between my iphone, ipad, and even the kids’ ipods. That’s something that I fought with constantly with my Android (I couldn’t even keep my google calendars synced together!)

Unfortunately, the one big downfall for Apple is the lack of ability to add additional space when you run out. I never had to worry about that with my Android…just get a large capacity microSD card, slide it into my droid phone, and I was good to go! Not so with Apple. But who knew I’d need so much space? How knew there really was cause for a more expensive iphone with larger storage?! Not me!!

So, what’s a girl to do? I haven’t had my iphone too long, so a new one wasn’t really my idea of a solution. Delete pictures frequently? Delete apps that I didn’t have to have, in order to take more video or pictures of our family’s latest and greatest fun? Yep…that’s exactly what I did…and then I’d want them back so I could post them on social media…and where were they? Sitting at home on my laptop {which, by the way, I seldom EVER use} doing me absolutely NO go!

Until…dadadadaaaaa…this little beauty entered my life!

I ran across RAVpower 5in1 device on Amazon, while searching for items I wanted to add to my birthday list. It’s list price was $149.99 on Amazon, but was priced at a surprising $39.99. I don’t know about you, but when I see a price drop that drastically, I assume it’s probably pretty worthless, or in the very least frustrating to use. But, after seeing that it would essentially allow me to carry a small {phone sized} device with me that could act as my wireless external harddrive and alternate battery backup {plus more}, I decided to give it a try. All I can say is, YOU NEED ONE OF THESE!

For $39.99 plus a SD card {which most of us can easily find in an old digital camera we used in the “dark ages” before smart phone cameras were so legit}, I can now push and pull (sorry for the lack of techy language) data/music/videos/pictures to and from my Apple devices wirelessly at any given time and even share them with others wirelessly, so I can keep free space on my devices, while keeping an organized copy of any of my data nearby. And best of all, it took me 10 minutes to get it configured on my devices {and I didn’t even have to call my “tech-support” {aka my husband}. Swwweeeet!

*I tried this out on my windows laptop (you have to download their software for this to work), my Apple iPad and iPhone (requires an app to manage your files, etc.), but check it out…it probably even works for Android devices.

So, go ahead and add this steal of a deal to your Amazon cart or wish list. You can thank me later {hehe}

Product Review: Adventures in BoogaBooga Land

marsha0727 — Wed, 06 Oct 2010 21:38:00 +0000

I recently received Adventures in BoogaBooga Land from Thomas Nelson Publishing (through Booksneeze) for review. Marty the monkey and Gerard the giraffe take adventure after adventure together, encountering challenges and mishaps of all kinds along the way. Their adventures are based on 3 parables taught by Jesus, the workers in the vineyard (Matt. 20:1-16), the wise and foolish builders (Matt. 7:24-27), and the lamp under the bowl (Matt 5:14-16). After watching this DVD with my children, ages 3 (almost 4) and 2, I have mixed thoughts to share regarding the movie.

If you were to ask my children their opinion, I think they would give it great positive reviews. My children immediately sat down to watch the movie, and have since watched it frequently. It has fun, catchy music, lots of funny mishaps to laugh at, and silly-looking animals to enjoy. What’s not to like from a kid’s perspective?

If you were to ask me or my husband our opinions of the DVD, they would vary slightly from our kids. Having seen so many of the DVDs from the Tommy Nelson Publishing companies, our expectations were a big high. My immediate thought as the movie started, was that the graphics were similar to that of Cartoon Network’s shows, which we do not allow our family to watch. The storyline with Marty & Gerard were pictured as a skewed version of Wiley Coyote and Roadrunner, with Marty being the one always getting hurt. But, putting my graphic dislikes aside, most importantly, I was greatly disappointed with the content in the movie clips. Typically, my children come away from these type of DVDs with a lesson from the Bible that they can and often do repeat to whomever will listen. Even after watching this DVD 6+ times, when asked, my daughter (the oldest) still has no idea of any significant lessons that were taught with Marty & Gerard. To them, it’s entertaining, but that’s all…and to me, that’s not enough.

Obviously, you can see that this wasn’t my favorite children’s DVD. There are so many out there that offer a much clearer picture of God’s word, I would be hard for me to recommend this one above all others. However, as I said, they are enjoyed by the kids. So, if you are looking for a clean cartoon for the kids to enjoy, this may be for you. But if you are looking for them to walk away with Bible verses or lessons, you may want to keep looking. I give this DVD a 3-star (out of 5) rating.

I received this DVD free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Gigi’s Big Break – A Review

marsha0727 — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 14:17:00 +0000

I was recently sent one of the new “Gigi, God’s Little Princess” movies on DVD, Gigi’s Big Break from Thomas Nelson Publishing. My 3-year-old daughter absolutely loves Gigi, and I definitely enjoy the positive lessons that are taught through the movies. So, we were anxious to watch Gigi’s Big Break as soon as it arrived!

My daughter sat through the entire movie, watching it very intently and commenting on what was right/wrong to do in the story. It was great to see that the lessons presented were on a level that even a 3-year-old could understand. I did immediately notice that the movie was fully animated. This was not a negative thing, per se, but we were used to seeing the real little girl, Gigi, who would take us into the animated world as she was thinking/dreaming.

This DVD had two full-length episodes. The first is “The White Lie”, based on 1 John 1:8-9. This story teaching about honesty was great! It used a simple example of not telling the truth when you think you may get in trouble, then watching that lie grow each time you tell it. Gigi learned that, though it may not be fun to get in trouble for an action (like her disobedience that led to a broken vase), it is much worse to lie about it and have to live with the guilt of that sin. This is a great lesson that shows the importance of honesty and the truth of God’s forgiveness and love for us.

The second story on the DVD is “The Pink Surprise”, based on Luke 10:21, where Gigi is told that her parents have a great surprise to tell her about. She spends all day imagining all of the many possibilities the surprise may be…moving to outer space, getting a new beautiful canopy bed like her friend, etc. To her surprise, she is going to be a big sister! Gigi is quickly concerned about no longer being the only child and losing her parents love and attention. She even tries to figure out how to return the new baby. But in the end, she gains a blessing that will last forever!

If you are looking for a simple animated movie for the little princess in your life, I would suggest this. The movie is cute and funny, keeping even a busy 3-year-old’s attention, but also teaches great Biblical lessons for life! This is a great way to put real life examples to the important life lessons you teach from God’s word.

Hermie & Friends: Antonio Meets His Match

marsha0727 — Thu, 21 Jan 2010 18:34:00 +0000

Our family, my three-year-old daughter in particular, loves all of the Hermie DVDs by Max Lucado. I was recently given the opportunity (from Thomas Nelson Publishing) to review the latest in the Hermie series, ‘Antonio Meets His Match.’

Upon opening the DVD, my daughter was immediately thrilled and ready to watch it! We began movie, and even my 16 month old son sat through the entire show (which doesn’t happen often). Throughout the entire show, my daughter laughed and interacted with the characters, and, when it was finished, she wanted to watch it again. She would definitely recommend the movie!

While, I do enjoy the Hermie DVDs, as a mom, I am always hesitant to offer my recommendations on a movie that I myself have not watched in its entirety. However, I must say that I love the lesson that is so clearly taught through this cute story…”to love your neighbor as yourself “ (Luke 10:27). Antonio Ant is known as the bravest of the brave in the garden. He always wins the strength competition, but also uses his strength to often help his neighbors, too. When the garden becomes home to a group of Scottish ants, Angus being the main “new” character, Antonio is looked to for help in ridding the garden of these different (and quite annoying) new neighbors. But, when Antonio talks to God concerning his annoying new neighbor and the garden friends’ desire to have them gone, God answers by telling him that he should “love as I have loved you.” We see Hermie and friends learning what it means to truly love, despite differences.

The Bible truths are solid, the characters are loveable and funny, and the songs and music are great! I didn’t see anything in the movie that I would question. I would recommend this movie to anyone with younger children. It’s a great way to reinforce God’s command to love.