Need Testers for New Fitness App!

Calling all Fitness Fans!

We don't always have the the time to get to the gym. Juggling jobs, kids' activities and just getting out of bed can sometimes take all you've got--but fitness guru Valerie Orsoni has a plan! We're looking for a select few (2,000 to be exact) beta testers for her new ANDROID app called Monty! Please (link ) or add your name and email in the comments to be one of the lucky few to try out this new and exciting APP! For more information on Valerie you can check her site here.

You'll be glad you did!

*Image from sante.journaldesfemmes.com.

Wiglington & Wenks- A Virtual World for Kids

The Travels of Wiglington and Wenks Virtual World - a massively fun online virtual world for kids (6 and up) that allows them to travel to places around the world, through time and space, meet famous historical people, play games, own exotic islands, build culture-inspired houses, wear cool costumes or create their own clothing while exploring secret locations and solving ancient mysteries.  Whew!

We had a free trial membership to test this virtual world out and as soon as we logged on my four year-old daughter became entranced.  It's vibrant and exciting to enter the world of Wiglington and Wenks. We created a character to look like her and in under ten minutes we had started our journey.  However, it quickly became clear that this was a bit too advanced for her four year-old self.  There is reading required and an overall thought process and game playing that she has not achieved yet.  I think ages six or even eight would prefer this game and really enjoy all it has to offer while becoming a legendary traveler. View a video presentation here.

While on Wiglington and Wenks your kid can be part of the only virtual world which allows kids to travel and explore locations around the world. There are more than 200 virtual world scenes with more coming later this year. It's all very educational too.  They learn about historical figures from all over, many countries, inventions, plant life, animals and even environmental issues.  Despite being too young for the site overall my daughter loved browsing through the site with my help and seeing all it had to offer.  She loved picking a country to visit as well as learning about historical people.

Don't just take my word for it though- “Wiglington and Wenks is so much more than your standard virtual world, it has a rich story line with well developed characters, plot, mystery, and quests. Students are dropped into the story and invited to participate, learning through exploration, problem solving, and critical thinking.” - Winner of the Edublog Award 2009

MPR Rating:  Four Stars.

Giveaway Alert!  Five readers will get one month complimentary memberships as well as some sponsored virtual items to Wiglington and Wenks!  Just comment to enter and follow this here blog as well.  Already a follower?  Simply comment to enter. I'll choose five winners next Wednesday, August 18, 2010. 


Disclaimer:  MPR was not paid for this post.  All products received are for review and testing purposes only.  Opinions are those of MPR only.

The iGo Charge Anywhere

The iGo charger ($49.99) is one of the best gadgets I have come across in quite some time.  It can go anywhere and be used to charge more than one item at a time.  It reduces standby power up to 85% which saves time and money too.  The iGo charger works as a wall charger while simultaneously charging itself.  It's quite amazing.  Its integrated battery can then be used to charge items like cell phones, mobile electronics and gaming devices all on its own without being plugged into a wall. 

The iGo has two USB outports (perfect for charging my Blackberry and my husband's all at the same time) and a long USB charging cable (6ft) that works well for travel.  I love how long the cable is, especially in hotel rooms when outlets are not always abundant.  This charger (2.28 x 2.52 x 1.46") is also incredibly lightweight and has foldable wall blades that make storing it in a bag, glove box, or anywhere really easy.  Tips for different devices are available and are easy to plug in or out as well.  It's just a neat, little package all around. 

Recently I have taken it with me to charge my phone in airports, hotels and in my car.  When we went to the beach this summer I didn't have to leave my phone behind if it wasn't fully charged because I just stuck the iGo in my beach bag and charged my phone while at the beach.  It was the perfect set-up.  It also seemed to charge my phone fully in half the time it takes when it is normally plugged into the wall on a standard charger.  I love that! 


The iGo charger is available for netbooks, laptops, cameras, gps systems and many other devices. It is compatible with almost any brand as well.  It's affordable and green. I simply love my iGo!

MPR Rating:  Five Stars.

Disclaimer:  MPR was not paid for this post. Opinions are MPR's own.  Items received are for review or testing purposes only.

Fun Find- Litl Webbook Coupon!

As an exclusive to MPR readers I'm offering $100 OFF with free shipping and a free remote on a Litl webbook!  This webbook($399) is simply amazing and it makes a great gift for Dads or new graduates this summer.  It's perfect for everyone at every age actually. 

To get this deal go to litl.com/momdeal by July 1, 2010 and you are all set!  Enjoy!!!

VueZone Personal Video Network

The Vue Personal Video Network ($299) is a handy, compact security device that works well in your home. It comes with two wireless battery operated cameras, a network gateway with its own AC power adapter, four camera mounts for mounting your cameras, and an Ethernet cable. The personal my.VueZone.com account with 2 GB storage and the first year of membership are also free.




First off, I was pleased that the system came with its own batteries. It looks like it would be the perfect nanny cam too. The set up is easy and takes mere minutes. Simply peel and stick the magnetic mounts and the cameras are ready to be hidden or adhered anywhere they are needed or even in plain sight. There is little configuration on the Vue network gateway too. All you need to do is plug it into your router and synchronize the cameras. Viewing is almost immediate. This is great for those of us with kids who are pressed for time.

I also liked that there is no software to install. From there all you have to do is view, record or even share what is happening with your content and you can do it all online. Your VueZone account is secure so you don't have to worry about unauthorized access or an invasion of privacy either. Pricing for the Vue is fair except when you want to add additional cameras.  You can add up to fifty which is amazing, but at $99 a pop that is steep.

I think this device is wonderful because it is so easy to set up and use. It is perfect for those of us who cannot be home with our kids all the time and want to see what is going on at home with them and the sitter or even our pets. You could be on vacation and see what is going on in your home right from your desktop or laptop computer. It really is peel, stick and  view just like Vue claims. The Vue Personal Video Network can add peace of mind in mere minutes. Even better is that you can share your images with friends and family via the internet and even upload videos or pictures to Flickr and YouTube. It is fun and useful all at the same time.

Available online at the VueZone website and Amazon as well.

MPR Rating:  Four Stars.

Disclaimer: MPR was not paid for this posting. Products were received and kept for testing purposes. The opinions in this review are solely my own.

Fun Find- YojoMama

Do you live in San Francisco, New York or L.A.? Have kids too? Then Yojo Mama might be your new best friend. Yojo Mama is the newest way to keep you up-to-date on all the child-friendly activities in your area.

It is great if you need a weekend activity or just something to keep you busy on a rainy day. Yojo Mama will help you find kids clothing stores, shopping deals and even diaper changing stations. It is accessible by your mobile phone and your PC and updates can be received all the time. It's simply a great way to find what you need when you need it.

Zivio Boom- Wireless Headset

From Joby, the Zivio Boom wireless headset ($129.95) is one of the latest items in the bluetooth market. Small, lightweight and deceptively easy to use the Zivio could be your new best friend.

I, for one, have always shunned these little ear pieces. That eerie blue glow radiating off your head, the talking to thin air and so much more just made me think people looked like a bunch of cyborgs running around totally out of touch with their surroundings. Combine that with the fact that gadgets do not usually sway me and I planned on never owning one of these. Until now. Joby was extremely generous at BlogHer and I scored one of these delicate devices and it has been love at first sight.

Not only is this handsfree headset great for driving and conversing but it has incredibly clear sound quality blowing other bluetooth headsets out of the water. I find it very easy (read addictive) to use this while doing things around the house or outside because the extended mouthpiece reduces outside noise. It is also comfortable to wear. The Zivio comes with three scoop style and three additional mushroom style earpieces for the best fit, plus two ear loops and ear loop magnets. You are guaranteed a good, customized fit.

Other points about the Zivio that I loved is that it lasts ten hours and charges very fast. The retractable charger is compact and just an all around clever design. Set up is simple and the website is comprehensive and a breeze to navigate. Any time I have had a question about the workings of my Zivio or any of its pieces I have found the answer on the website in under five minutes.

The Zivio Boom wireless headset is just 13 grams, has over 200 hours of standby time, is comfortable and flexible to wear and use and has over 10 meters of range. It is the first headset of its kind that I have ever considered using and after months of use I still have not grown tired of this fun device.

You can purchase yours here now.