Peace Quiet for Stressed Out Parents

Well Being


MBE partnered with QuietOn for this campaign. This post contains affiliate links. 

Banish Sleepless Nights & Daytime Noise


Parents with kids of all ages know it's an ongoing challenge to carve out quiet me-time for ourselves. This couldn't be truer today as the pandemic rages on. With school closures and winter approaching, children are spending more time indoors while moms and dads working at home are trying to concentrate. Since that family background noise isn't going to magically disappear, I'm excited to tell haggard parents about my latest discovery: QuietOn, the world's smallest high performance noise canceling earbuds, which can be a real sanity saver, delivering quietude when you want and need it most.


Mom Toddler Baby Triplets at Beach
With my eldest (3), 2-year old Triplets, Vintage Family Photo 


Mother Always Knows Best


Believe me, as a writer and mom of four kids born in a year including triplets (all once upon a time in diapers simultaneously), I definitely know first-hand how elusive finding a few minutes of peace and quiet can be. 

In fact, that's how I became the Mommy Blog Expert in sleep deprivation, among other parenting talents of exhaustion like absent-mindedly handing a baby bottle to my hubby when he asked for a glass of wine at dinner. No lie, that really did happen more than once I have to admit.

Even under normal circumstances few parents would disagree -- raising even a single child -- family living day to day can be downright exhausting, stressing you out so much you may not be thinking as clearly as you could be, not to mention having trouble squeezing in a badly-needed nap while the baby is sleeping or falling asleep at night after a particularly hectic day. 

There's no denying it, we all deserve the occasional respite from all the sounds and chaos of busy family life. That's where QuietOn can become your new best friend.



QuietOn Worlds Smallest Noise Cancellation Ear Buds


QuietOn Noise Canceling Ear Buds


  • Features the company's proprietary active noise cancelling (ANC) technology 
  • Are hand tuned to cancel out low frequencies, which conventional foam earplugs cannot attain
  • Fits securely and comfortably in ears during sleep as well as for work and travel
  • Delivers 20 hours of continuous use on a single battery charge
  • Includes a self-enclosed charging carrying case small enough to fit in the palm of the hand and charging cable 
  • Comes with medium pre-installed soft ear tips as well as two interchangeable sets of smaller and larger foam tips for a perfect fit in a wide range of ear sizes 
  • Makes a thoughtful and creative gift for mothers-to-be at baby showers, new parents and just about anyone else looking for more peace and quiet in their lives
  • Available for $219 USD, shipped direct to you or a loved one



Gift Weary Parents Peace & Quality Sleep


For new mothers -- who often are the primary caregivers of their infants -- QuiteOn makes an unforgettable and thoughtful baby shower gift the recipient will be grateful for in years to come. But that's not to say the dads might not also be sleep deprived, especially if they're holding down a full-time job outside the home on top of helping out with night time feedings and diaper changes. 

Either way, this is something moms and dads can use and benefit from, paving the way to a good night's sleep for both. Luckily, in addition to the QuiteOn Sleep Ear Buds featured in this review, there's also a Double QuietOn Pack ($438 USD ) offered to save both the night and day for all the overtired mothers and fathers out there. These as well as several of the brand's other noise canceling ear bud sets may purchased via the company's official website.  



QuietOn Noise Canceling Ear Buds

Stop counting those sheep and
Start sleeping like a lamb...


QuietOn Enhances Life Beyond Parenting


Now that my kids are self-supporting 20-somethings and living on the opposite coast, you'd think I wouldn't need QuietOn earbuds anymore, right? 

Well guess what? My husband and I may be empty nesters but until recently, neither of us was sleeping well because of all-night snoring. That is, until I regained quality, uninterrupted sleep by wearing QuietOn earbuds at night.

What's more is the earbuds the brand sent me for this review already have proved beneficial while working in my home office. Since I'm a writer, distracting outside noises tend to dampen my motivation, creativity and overall energy level. So now, when thinking, reading, and writing, thanks to the high quality noise cancellation I'm enjoying, I am much more focused and productive.

Taking it one step further, I can easily see QuietOn earbuds being just the thing I need to sleep well on our frequent red eye transcontinental flights to visit our kids. Even during daylight hours while traveling for business or leisure, I intend to bring these tiny sanity savers along, so I can read, write, and concentrate better and work in complete silence. They will also come in handy, no doubt, if there's baby sitting near me crying non-stop on a flight from LA to New York -- something that really has happened to me more than once.
 

Toddler Triplets Eating in Booster Seats High Chair
Feeding Time at the Zoo at my house, Vintage Family Photo

My toddler helping haggard Mommy
feed our 2-year old triplets


Peace and Quiet You Can Count On


How I miss those Halcyon days as well as wish QuietOn noise cancellation ear buds had been around when my own four were little. Today's parents are so fortunate to have such a reliable and helpful easy-to-use tech-based survival tool available to help get through the hectic days ahead as well as to help navigate parenthood in general with a clear head. 

Parents, whether you have a colicky newborn or a loud teenager, QuietOn can help restore peace and quiet to your busy household. The ability to achieve a good night's sleep while still being able to hear your infant as needed (or your teen sneaking home after curfew) is a blissful reminder that you can indeed have it all, including peace and quiet. 

Beyond more energy for all that parenting, these are also useful for traveling or if you have a spouse who snores like a big semi truck rumbling down the freeway, or really any other time you seek peace, tranquility, and calm.



QuietOn Noise Canceling Ear Buds


Get Ready to Quiet On...


About QuietOn


Nordic company QuietOn, based in Finland, is the innovative developer of the world's smallest active noise cancelling earbuds which incorporate the Finnish sensibilities of simplicity, peace and tranquility. The lifestyle tech device -- already owned by tens of thousands of satisfied consumer and business users in 120+ countries -- is specifically designed to enable restful sleep as well as quiet in noisy or loud indoor and outdoor environments. Learn more by visiting the brand's website as well as following QuietOn on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube. Available direct from the manufacturer as well as on Amazon.


DISCLOSURE: Mommy Blog Expert participates in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program that allows our site to earn compensation for including referral links within our posts to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.

Christmas Under the Stars Lauren Daigle Special

Entertainment 

MBE partnered with Lev3l Digital for this campaign. This post contains affiliate links

Christmas TV Special Review & Giveaway


For those of you who celebrate Christmas, get ready to be dazzled with pure family-friendly holiday entertainment. That's because on December 6 at 9pm ET/6pm PT the new Christmas Under the Stars holiday music special starring two-time GRAMMY winner Lauren Daigle is scheduled to air on BYUtv. 

Christmas Family Music TV Special, December 6




Hot Chocolate Christmas Cookies



Don't miss MBE's Exclusive Giveaway, Details at bottom

Having had the chance to screen Christmas Under the Stars in advance, I think you're in for a real treat. From the moment Daigle, an award-winning contemporary Christian singer and songwriter with a devoted following, takes center stage you will want to just relax, sit back and take it all in. 

Don't forget to be prepared for family movie night at your house! You'll definitely want to have some hot chocolate and Christmas cookies on hand ready to serve while you and your children are enjoying this musical holiday special together.
 

Christmas Under the Stars Lauren Daigle BYUTV



With a run time of just under one hour, young and old will likely get lost in the improvised jazzy and beautiful arrangements of classic traditional holiday tunes. From Jingle Bells to O Holy Night and more from Daigle's album Behold: A Christmas Collection, which is available on CD or as an MP3 download, you've never seen or heard Christmas music performed quite like this. The album debuted at No. 77 on the US Billboard 200 in November 2016 and is still touching the hearts and souls of many fans.

The intimate and upbeat Christmas Under the Stars performance, available for free streaming exclusively via BYUtv or the BYUtv App, was taped during the pandemic before a live studio audience sitting in pairs on couches safely social distancing around the show floor. The performance also includes Daigle singing her hit song Light of the World (Behold Version).  Light of the World (2013), which was the singer's very first single to be released has continued to endure, with the tune's music video now approaching 9 million views on YouTube

Clearly, this Louisiana born and raised female artist's unique music style is deeply rooted and inspired by her exposure to the zydeco, blues, and Cajun music with which she grew up.

Interview with Lauren Daigle


In this interview Lauren Daigle shares some thoughts on why she's so passionate about her music and Behold: A Christmas Collection 





Mark your calendar for December 6 now. Then when Christmas Under the Stars airs, get into the holiday spirit from the safety of your home and, of course, feel free to sing along! 

Meanwhile, keep reading to find out how you can enter MBE's exclusive giveaway for chance to win Lauren Daigle's Behold: A Christmas Collection CD album.

GIVEAWAY


Behold: A Christmas Collection
CD Album by Lauren Daigle

MBE Giveaway


Lauren Daigle Behold A Christmas Collection Holiday CD


Giveaway Details


Thanks to Lev3l, ONE (1 lucky MBE giveaway participant will win Lauren Daigle's Behold: A Christmas Collection CD music album. For this giveaway Mommy Blog Expert is hosting, visit this MBE Instagram post to enter. Contest is open to US residents and qualifying winner will be selected at random. Hurry, this giveaway ends December 10, 2020 at 11:59 pm EST. Lev3l is providing the prize and is responsible for delivery to winner.


Good Luck to Everyone Who Enters to Win!



About BYUTV


Family is the focal point of BYUtv, a non-commercial, value-based television network bringing a wholesome, inspiring, and uplifting entertainment experience into 54 million homes nationwide. Available on cable via DirectTV and DISH and through the free BYUtv App available for through the App Store, GooglePlay and Amazon.

DISCLOSURE: We participate in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program that allows our site to earn compensation for including referral links within our posts to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.

Free Kids Wireless Phones While Supplies Last

Giveaway

2,500 Gabb Wireless Phones to be Given Away


With so much concern about kids safety online and off, and all the uncertainty right now, staying connected has never been more important. That's why as a mom of four kids, triplets plus one all born within a year, I'm excited to give parents a heads up about Gabb Days of Giving and the upcoming Gabb Wireless free phone giveaway next week.


Teen Girl Cell Phone Ukulele


MBE Partnered with Gabb for this campaign


Phone Giveaway Starts November 23


On Monday, November 23, beginning at 11 am ET/8am PT, Gabb Wireless is giving away a total of 2,500 Gabb Z2 wireless mobile phones valued at $99.99 each on a first-come, first-serve basis. 

Service is not included with these free phones that work exclusively on the Gabb Wireless nationwide network which covers most areas of the US. However, no long-term contract is required and users have their choice of two monthly plans starting at $19.99+ per month.


Teen Boy Cell Phone Painting


In addition to giving out $250,000 worth of cell phones, Gabb Wireless is donating $25,000 to the non-profit SaveTheKids Foundation to honor the late Collin Kartchner, a young father who was founder of this national organization advocating for the protection of kids from the dangers of social media, online threats and excessive tech device usage.

"We are giving away 25,000 phones to help keep more kids safe," says Stephen Dalby, founder and CEO of Gabb Wireless. "This has been a difficult year for us all and we want to give back to the community so parents and children can focus on enjoying time with family and friends during the holiday season and stay connected with others." 

What Sets The Gabb Wireless Phone Apart


The Gabb Z2 phone has the look and feel of a smartphone. But, since it does not allow internet access, parental controls aren't needed. So, the device helps guard youth against such dangers as screen addiction, cyberbullying, inappropriate content, online predators and more. 

Gabb's mobile phone comes equipped with 14 essential built-in apps which provide freedom for kids from distractions such as social media, internet, games, and app stores.
 

Wireless Phone Giveaway


How to Get a Free Phone 
for Your Child


Parents can claim a free Gabb Z2 phone for your son or daughter HERE. Participants can then activate their child's phone by selecting from one of two Gabb Wireless plans, neither of which requires a long-term contract. Choose from the Gabb Unlimited Talk and Text Plan ($19.99/month) or the Gabb Plus Plan ($24.99/month) which allows MMS sharing of group and image texts. A software update in November is expected to add GPS functionality to both levels of Gabb Wireless service.

About Gabb Wireless

Headquartered in the Silicon Slopes, Utah, Gabb Wireless enables parents to provide kids with the ideal first phone without worrying about uncontrolled access to the internet, inappropriate content, social media, academic distraction, cell phone addiction and more. Learn more about Gabb by visiting the official website. 

Trolls World Tour LEGO Kids Review Giveaway

Toys 


Trolls World Tour LEGO Building Sets Review + Giveaway

MBE Partnered with LEGO for this campaign. This post contains affiliate links

Who has Trolls World Tour lovers or LEGO enthusiasts in the house? If you have kids, chances are good that you probably have fans of one or both of those popular family-friendly entertainment brands. 


LEGO Trolls World Tour Pop Celebration Tree House Building Set


I've got some exciting news for you which combines the best of both worlds. Following on the tails of the first-ever LEGO Music Video for DreamWorks Animation's Trolls World Tour released earlier this month, a new collection of LEGO toy building sets inspired by the hit animated children's film has launched in time for the holidays.

The new collection features six LEGO Trolls World Tour building sets in all, including the LEGO Trolls World Tour - Pop Village Trolls Treehouse 41255 Set which is my favorite. Suitable for ages 6+, this building kit comes with 380 pieces. 

Kids will have a blast building everything pictured on the box of this fanciful Trolls-inspired treehouse by following the classic LEGO step-by-step directions. The set comes with five Trolls mini figurines to assemble, including exclusive characters Guy Diamond and Tiny Diamond. There are also lots of assorted mini accessories to keep things and entertaining. Plus boys and girls can put things inside the two open-and-close treehouse room pods the set features, hanging them on the 8-inch tall tree for even more fun and imaginary play.

To extend the fun and creativity, LEGO enthusiasts who are feeling even more adventurous, have endless options to create original designs limited only by their imaginations by combining this set with the other LEGO Trolls World Tour building kits as well as same-sized LEGO blocks already in their collections.


LEGO Trolls World Tour Pop Celebration Treehouse Building Kit


LEGO Trolls World Tour Building Kits
Now Available Online & Instore



With such a fun new LEGO Trolls World Tour collaborative toy  collection now in stores, I'm excited to announce that the brand is providing the prize for a giveaway exclusively for MBE's audience. Keep scrolling to find out how you can enter for the chance to win the LEGO Trolls World Tour Pop Village Celebration Tree House building set (ARV $49.99) for a special child or maybe even yourself. 

GIVEAWAY

LEGO Trolls World Tour
Pop Village Celebration 
Tree House Set

MBE Giveaway


LEGO Trolls World Tour Building Set Giveaway


Thanks to LEGO, ONE (1) lucky MBE giveaway participant will win the fanciful LEGO Trolls World Tour Pop Village Celebration Trolls Tree House Set. For this giveaway Mommy Blog Expert is hosting visit this MBE Instagram post to enter. Contest is open to US residents and qualifying winner will be selected at random. Hurry, this giveaway ends December 14, 2020 at 11:59 pm EST. LEGO is providing the prize and is responsible for delivery to winner.

Good Luck to Everyone Who Enters to Win!


About the DreamWorks Trolls

The DreamsWorks Trolls entertainment empire emerged in 2016. Ever since, fans around the world have been touched by the Trolls' joyful, funny, singing and dancing frolicking adventures. So far there have been multiple family-friendly feature films such as Trolls and Trolls World Tour, TV series, a prime-time holiday special, original digital content, video games, and a range of licensed merchandise. Trolls have also inspired live-entertainment touring shows, Universal Studios Parks' attractions, and a variety of pop-up experiential events for kids and their parents to enjoy together. The first-ever DreamWorks Trolls World Tour LEGO Music Video which recently debuted on the Peacock Kids YouTube Channel and the fun, new LEGO Trolls World Tour building sets are among the latest new offerings to enchant young and old.

About The LEGO Group

The LEGO Group was founded in Billund, Denmark in 1932 by Ole Kirk Kristiansen. The company name comes from two Danish words LEg GOdt, which together translate to "Play Well." The LEGO Group continues to remain family-owned in Denmark and its products are sold around the world in 140+ countries.

About Universal Brand Development

Universal Brand Development (UBD) leads the expansion of NBCUniversal's intellectual properties, franchise, characters, stories and more. In addition to franchise brand management, UBD is involved in consumer products and more created by Universal Pictures, Illumination, DreamWorks Animation, and NBCUniversal TV and Streaming. UBD is part of NBCUniversal, a subsidiary of Comcast Corporation.

DISCLOSURE: We participate in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program that allows our site to earn compensation for including referral links within our posts to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.

Smart Train Kids STEM Toy Review + Giveaway

Toys


MBE partnered with Intelino for this review and giveaway and this post contains affiliate links

2020 Year of The Smart Toy Train


For decades, kids have been enchanted with trains large and small. As a Baby Boomer I know trains sure did fascinate me as I recall the book The Engine That Could which my parents read to me and the elaborate Lionel electric model train table village my Daddy built in our basement for our family and friends to enjoy. Then when I became a mother, we raised our foursome with the help of Thomas the Tank Engine as well as visits to children's museums dedicated to the history and fun of real and toy trains, and a family vacation train trip via the Alaska Railroad from Anchorage to Denali National Park.


Train Bridge Fall Leaves
Photo Cred Balazs Busznyak


The Classic Toy Train Reinvented for Modern Kids


Fast forward to 2020. There's a new, ultra modern futuristic smart train speeding down the tracks, approaching the station and pulling into the hearts and homes of boys and girls just in time for the holiday shopping season. Meet the Intelino J1 Smart Train, the classic train toy retooled for a new generation, which has been selling abroad for a year and is now also available across North America in the US and Canada. 

A special thank you to my nephew and niece's darling children for test driving the Intelino J1 Smart Train Starter Set they received from the brand, sharing with you our loyal readers how much fun they're having with this intellectually stimulating toy and what a great holiday gift idea other kids will likely appreciate.

Rooted in the nostalgia and traditional toy train playing experience of yesteryear, the Intelino Smart Train incorporates the latest robotics technology. Even better, it is expandable and designed to grow with your child as their fine motor abilities and STEM skills emerge and develop.


Intelino Smart Train Kids STEM Toy
 

For a child as young as a 3-year old, thanks to the simplicity of the train's design, no technical ability is required. As a child's first train set, a preschooler can enjoy screen free amusement with a modular train track that is easy for little ones to click together to assemble, ready for hours of train playing fun. 

To make things even more exciting, little ones can even snap on different color tiles to the track which impact the way the train moves. Out of the box, the engine comes with 17 snap-based actions built-in to the train. So even without the app, the smart engine's color sensors are continuously scanning the track while the train is in motion, responding to each of seven tile colors with different actions. An added plus for the younger set is that the Intelino train included in the starter set is compatible with the ability to run (with a few limitations) on most major brand wooden tracks made by BRIO, IKEA and others.


Train STEM Toy Girl Playing


Expanding Kids Minds As They Grow


Later, when paired with the free app that's included, older boys and girls are able to interact with the toy on a more complex and sophisticated level. Elevating the train's functionality to new heights using a smartphone or mobile device, the Intelino Smart Train grows with kids, expanding into a smart train featuring advanced robotics which will engage new STEM skills as youngsters grow, learn, control and interact with the train.

"First we went through the instructions together, learning about how everything works," the kids' mom recalls. "Then my six-year old easily assembled the track on his own in about 15 minutes while I downloaded the app onto a smartphone. The next thing I knew, my son and his younger sister, who is in kindergarten, were off to the races having a blast together, saying things like 'Oh my gosh, Mom, look at that train go and Vroom and off we go!'

"As a parent I like that the Intelino Smart Train is not only educational and helps to build STEM skills, it is also small, compact, making it simple for kids to put together and take apart for storage. Best played with on a wood, laminate or other smooth surface floor, the train, tracks and app are all easy enough for boys and girls as young as 5 or 6 years old to use without any adult involvement. This is a fun activity to keep my kids occupied for an hour or two while I'm preparing dinner, especially on hectic school nights."

Train STEM Toy Girl Boy Play


How Intelino Works With the App


The smart engine is powered by a 32-bit ARM microcontroller via Bluetooth wireless connectivity, while the MCU controls the train’s sensors, running its software algorithms and communicating with external devices. It also enables firmware updates and user programmability features. But don't let all that technical jargon about robotics scare you because the Intelino train "brain" is hardwired to offer a host of really fun features which older kids can easily tap into and leverage.  

In addition to a multi-function button to turn the engine ON and OFF and start and stop it, kids will appreciate all capabilities they can control such as traveling speed, sound and light effects. For example, the built-in speaker makes it possible to change the sound of the train from a city express train, to and police transporter and more. 

Similarly, LED feedback lights on the train engine illuminate via color LEDs -- customized by the user by programming within the app -- which varies as the train starts, stops, moves forward or backward, or goes slower or faster traveling up to 3.3 feet (100 centimeters) per second. It even has a mileage odometer which tracks and records how far the train has traveled.

Additional cool features include the electro-magnetic wagon coupler in the rear of the engine which can also be controlled via color senor inputs or through the app, dropping off the attached wagon on demand. The included Lithium Polymer battery delivers 100+ minutes of continuous play time and is rechargeable via a micro-USB port.
 

Intelino Smart Train Kids Educational STEM Toy


The Intelino J1 Smart Train Starter Set


The fun begins as soon as the box is opened. Inside, kids will discover an unboxing experience like none other as they check out what's inside each of the nested boxes. 

What's Included

  • Smart Train Engine and a Wagon
  • 20-piece Train Tracks Set
  • 40 Color Snaps Controlling Train Actions
  • Sheet of Decals to Customize Train Cars
  • USB Charging Cable
  • Quick-Start Guide

As you've seen by the images throughout this post, my 5-year old grand niece and 6-year old grand nephew gave this train set a thorough test drive, ultimately giving the Intelino Smart Train Starter Set a thumbs up kids seal of approval. Their mom and dad also agree and they look forward to many hours of family fun together watching their kids playing together while increasing their STEM skill smarts through interacting with this innovative train set.


Today Show Names Intelino to Hottest Kids Holiday Tech Gift Picks  



With such a popular kids tech toy now available in the US and Canada, we could not be more excited to be announcing that thanks to the brand we are hosting an Intelino Smart Train Starter Set Giveaway exclusively for MBE's audience. Read on to learn how to enter for your chance to win this fun and educational kid- and family-friendly prize valued at approximately $100 USD/$130 CAD.

GIVEAWAY

Intelino Smart Train
Kids STEM Toy 
US + Canada Residents Eligible to Win

MBE Giveaway

Intelino Smart Train STEM Toy Giveaway


Thanks to Intelino, ONE (1) lucky MBE giveaway participant will win the sparkling Intelino Smart Train Starter Set (Approx value $100 USD/$130 CAD). To enter this giveaway Mommy Blog Expert is hosting, visit this MBE Instagram post. Contest is open to BOTH USA and CANADA residents and qualifying winner will be selected at random. Hurry, this giveaway ends December 1, 2020 at 11:59pm EST. Intelino is providing the prize and is responsible for delivery to winner.

Good Luck to Everyone Who Enters to Win!

More About Intelino

Sold internationally since 2019, the Intelino Smart Train is sturdy and built to last, engaging and challenging kids' brains as they grow, expanding into learning reasoning and coding when used with the app. The Intelino J1 Smart Train Starter Set, as well as add-on accessories including the Intelino Track Extension Pack  and Intelino Wooden Track Adapter Kit, are currently available for purchase separately.

Plans to expand product offerings and availability both online and in-store are expected to be announced soon. Founded by Dr. Armen Kroyan, PhD, an inventor and electrical engineer, California-based Intelino is a consumer robotics company focused on developing and bringing new smart educational toys to the current generation growing up today who are the future scientists and engineers of tomorrow. 

Learn more about the Intelino Smart Train on the brand's website, plus stay up on all the latest Intelino news by following them on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube

DISCLOSURE: We participate in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program that allows our site to earn compensation for including referral links within our posts to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.