Tag Archives: going review

Pictli: Gift Your Memories With This Photo App + Discount Code

09/10/2015 R.C. Liley 4 Comments

How many pictures do you have posted on Facebook and/or Instagram that you wish you could print and frame to place in your home or give as a gift? If you’re like me, the parent taking pictures of every little move your kid makes, then most likely the answer is “A lot.”

Well, lucky for you (and me), there’s an app for that! Did you see it coming? 🙂

Pictli is a photo printing/framing app for the iPhone or service for Android/PC users (such as myself) that allows you to easily upload a picture from Facebook, Instagram, or your computer, select one of many beautiful frame options they have, and have your framed photo sent to you or someone else as a gift.

Thanks to Frank, founder / Chief Memory Maker of Pictli, I was given the opportunity to try their service myself. I was hesitant at first because I’ve messed with other online photo printing services that work okay, but end up taking longer than I’d like. Plus, the frame choices were never that impressive to me.

Because of this, I started the process not expecting much, but just five minutes later and I was searching for more pictures to print and frame! Guys, forget flowers for the lady in your life, Pictli delivers something they’ll cherish for years (it won’t die the next day) and is easily the same price as the basic flower arrangement. And jewlery? Most (yes, some simply just want the bling) ladies would absolutely love a moment captured and framed over something flashy that can seriously lighten the load on your wallet.

The fact that you can do it all from your phone (if you download on iTunes) or computer and choose from all of your amazing photos on Facebook, Instagram, or saved on your computer makes it even better. The process is quick, simple, and even a little fun.

Once you pic from the thousands of photos we all have (I’m not the only one, right?) selecting a frame to compliment your memory and design taste is made easy as you scroll through seeing what your pic will look like in each frame. You can even adjust the size, rotate, and zoom in/out to your liking.

Not my picture…or phone, but this is the app on an iPhone

Before I began, I knew the picture I wanted to frame. It’s my background on Facebook, and one I recently shared on a #MySundayPhoto post. Picking a frame took the longest, but mainly because I just liked looking at each one and messing with the settings. Then I selected the recipient which was just me because I’m selfish I guess, and presto, my framed memory was on its way!

And talk about customer service, Pictli is outstanding with their friendly responses and order update to let you know when to expect your treasured gift. It quickly arrived securely packed in bubble wrap, safe from any delivery drivers’ lack of handling care.

I loved the neatly tied string with personalized note you can add.

Since it was just for our home, I only put the date the picture was taken. Avery’s growing so fast, I figured having a date will prove quite handy years down the road. And the finished product was an absolute masterpiece!

I went with The Rawls wood frame and think it matches the picture wonderfully. I never told my wife, Kelley, about the service or the picture until it arrived, and she was in love with the quality and detail. We now have the frame setup above the kitchen sink, where I spend a lot of time, so we can see our beautiful girl staring back at us with that cute smirk that never grows old.

I have zero complaints about the whole process and am scrolling through my pictures to find what I’ll frame next. Anyone looking for a great gift or just a simple way to frame a cherished memory, Pictli has what you’re looking for. Download their app on iTunes or access their site on your Android/computer to get started now!

But wait! Before you check out, you can save 20% off their already super awesome prices by using discount code RC1509. The code is good through the end of September and can be used for as many framed memories as you’d like.

So skip the flowers next time you need to get a gift, and give something with true, lasting meaning, a framed memory you can have on its way in 5 minutes by just using your phone. Remember, tell them R.C. sent you, but in the form of a 20% off discount code RC1509, they probably won’t care about the former. 😉

Disclosure: I received a gift code to purchase a Pictli print. No other compensation was received. All opinions are my own.

Going Reviews, Parenting

SnoofyBee Clean Hands Changing Pad: Fear No Diaper Change!

09/06/2015 R.C. Liley 2 Comments

I’ve come to terms with the fact that our little girl is not quite ready for serious potty training. Any parent, I’m sure, understands the allure of not having to change diapers anymore, but it’s something we all must accept. Thanks to the Clean Hands Changing Pad from SnoofyBee, accepting this fundamental part of parenting is much easier!

SnoofyBee recently sent me one of their Clean Hands Changing Pads to use and review, and I must say, diaper changes have become ~~quite pleasant~~ less messy. At first glance, it looked like a modern day sun reflector used to tan your face years ago.

But, this changing pad actually helps parents keep their cool by keeping their kids’ and their own hands free of pee or poo. I don’t know about your kids, but Avery’s curious little grabby hands seem to gravitate directly to the mess before us when changing her diaper. This leads to to us quickly trying to correct her movement only to end up with both of our hands tainted by poo.

Unless you’re one of the lucky ones with a kid that patiently remains idle as you clean and change them, you know what I’m talking about. I was skeptical of the Clean Hands Changing Pad at first, so I just kept it in the car to use when on the go. Well, one day as we were on the go, she went, meaning t it was time to put the SnoofyBee to the test.

The result? Easy-peasy! The velcro attachment for the barrier to keep her hands mess-free was simply to put on and worked like a charm. Plus, the high quality material folds up easily after using and conveniently holds diapers and wipes inside.

Just toss it in a purse or diaper bag and you’re good to go! SnoofyBee’s instructions help ease any reservations you have about how to use their changing pad, and even have a video to watch.

Easy, right? My only issue was the concern that Avery would absolutely hate having a cone around her head, but, with the exception of the first two times, this was not a problem. We even play peek-a-boo during changes where I hide behind the cone which yields sweet giggles every time. Raise your hand if you’d like to hear your adorable child’s giggles instead of whines as you clean their behinds?

I was going for a semi-rhyme there, just work with me. And I hope you raised your hands!

Now I confidently go out to run errands or to a trampoline park with the SnoofyBee in tow for any diaper changes. Before, I used to fear having to use whatever was available to the public for changing her, but now we have a safe, clean, and dependable changing pad. Here are the key features:

Sides attach to create a barrier that keeps your baby’s hands away from diaper mess
Waterproof wipe-clean surface
Portable hassle-free diaper changing anywhere
Folds small for parents on the go
Fits diapers, wipes and a change of clothes inside folded pad
Padding keeps baby comfortable on any surface
Baby’s hands remain free to play
Barrier adjusts to fit growing baby
Certified safe and PVC free

I wish we had the SnoofyBee many months ago when Avery learned to squirm and wriggle about, but even now, at almost 2 years old, it’s an awesome investment in a parent’s mental state and everyone’s hygiene.

Fear no poo or pee with the SnoofyBee!

SnoofyBee started with a goal of $15,000 on Kickstarter and now have almost $119k pledged as a result of happy parents all over. They will be funded today, 09/06/15 and you can get your own or give one as a gift (or both) now!

Check them out and see what’s “changing” on Facebook, Twitter, and their website.

Have you tried the SnoofyBee Clean Hands Changing Pad?

Have you heard of or want to try?

How would you like to keep everyone’s hands free of poo when changing?

Going Healthy, Going Reviews, Promo

Dr. Mercola Complete Probiotics Review: Happy Gut, Healthy Body

09/01/2015 R.C. Liley 2 Comments

I used to think gut health simply meant not feeling bloated and gassy. But, over the years, I’ve learned a healthy gut plays a vital role in the health of our whole body, including our mind.

Maintaining a healthy diet comprised of whole, minimally processed food is the biggest factor to ensuring a happy and healthy gut microbiome. By feeding yourself, and therefore the symbiotic bacteria/organisms inside your body, with nutritious foods, you’re helping to reinforce yourself with a healthy body.

A common example of the microbiota living inside us are gut bacteria that thrive on probiotics. For me, I make a point to eat various cultured and fermented foods like yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut, kimchi, etc. But, if you tend to be constantly stressed, travel a lot, or exercise, having a good probiotic supplement is essential to help support your immune system.

Even someone who considers their diet to be very healthy, like me, can benefit from supplementing with a high quality probiotic. I’ve been taking Complete Probiotics by Dr. Mercola for almost two weeks and already notice an improvement.

When it comes to taking anything in pill form, I am extremely cautious. Many manufactures have other ingredients like magnesium stearate or artificial colors just to make the capsule look “cool”, but Complete Probiotics has none of that. Click here for a PDF of their complete product label.

After about 2 days, I felt a little better inside and things just moved better, to put it nicely. Not that I had a lot of trouble before, but with my constant need to exercise daily and finding anything to stress over for no reason, a little help was welcome. As a lover and daily consumer of plain Greek yogurt, I always figured I’m getting plenty of beneficial probiotics, but never thought of the effect high heat pasteurization has on reducing the beneficial bacterial.

Most commercial yogurts are not a good source of probiotics. Heat pasteurization significantly reduces most of the “good” bacteria benefits.

Guess that’s one reason I still felt bloated so often. Thanks to Complete Probiotics, I’m feeling better mentally and physically by just taking two capsules first thing in the morning.

Even better, since they do not need refrigeration, they are perfect for travel, when we need them most. I will never advocate a supplement in place of a diet with real, wholesome food, but with the difference I’ve felt after taking Dr. Mercola’s Complete Probiotics, I think they’re worth looking into. Check out their site for extensive information on what makes Complete Probiotics stand out from the rest, and to order your own.

Here’s a snippet for the summary of advantages as listed on Dr. Mercola’s page.

If you find that you’re constantly stressed, exercise vigorously, travel a lot, or just feel rundown, a good probiotic might help you improve. Again, no supplement will ever make up for a poor diet, so I’d always say look to make changes there if needed.

Since I’ve felt the good results from taking Complete Probitics, I’ve become interested in all of the products Dr. Mercola has to offer including things for pets, kids, fitness, household use, and more.

Check out their site and let me know what supplement or other product you’d like to try most.

*The product/s mentioned above have been given to me to review, and without any form of compensation. The opinions in this article are solely my own, and have not been influenced by Mercola.com and/or other parties. I understand that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not evaluated any of the statements mentioned above. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any health condition. Pregnant women, nursing moms, and people who are taking medications or have a medical condition should consult their physician before using this product.