Check your vision at home with the EyeQue Personal Vision Tracker

During the pandemic, we had the chance to test out a few at-home vision checkers from a company called EyeQue. They make products called the Personal Vision Tracker Plus ($45 at the time of this writing), Insight ($89) and VisionCheck ($69) which work together with your smartphone to help you check your eyesight over time. The Insight and VisionCheck are pretty neat - the Insight will test your visual acuity (20/20 vision), color and contrast sensitivity, while the VisionCheck tests for refraction errors automatically via Bluetooth and the Personal Vision Tracker checking for refraction errors manually.

It was very easy to try the different products using both my iPhone 12 as well as an older iPhone that we had kicking around and it was great for try it out. it was definitely easier to use the automatic VisionCheck since we didn't have to rotate the dial like the Personal Vision Tracker Plus, but it was very easy to use both products.

I took the tests using the different products and brought the results to my eye doctor to ask why they seemed so different than the prescription I had. The eye doctor had said that these systems are good for getting general numbers and trends but for eyeglass prescriptions they like to use their technology-aided instruments to get a ballpark idea, and then use their training and skill to get the numbers closer and perfected.

The VisionCheck and Vision Tracker Plus measures the lens power needed to correct nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism. At the end of the test, you will receive a set of EyeGlass Numbers that can be used to order glasses online - single vision, bifocals and progressives. They use either a manual or powered automated lens rotation to capture each meridian of the eye. The benefit of the VisionCheck is that it provides improved optics for faster, simpler test taking and has powered, automatic lens rotation using Bluetooth technology.

Thankfully, the folks at EyeQue have given us a few of the Vision Tracker Plus products to give away to our readers! You can enter the giveaway by filling out the rafflecopter below.

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NOTE: We were provided with samples of the product to facilitate this review and host the giveaway. No other compensation was provided, and as always, all opinions are our own.

Flows audio glasses make the perfect Father’s Day gift

If you’re looking for a sleek new gift for the tech-loving dad in your life, I have the perfect gift idea.

Flows just launched two Bluetooth audio sunglasses called Bruno’s and Taylor’s which offer high quality built-in bone conduction speakers and microphone pairs up via Bluetooth with your device to operate like any normal Bluetooth headset. 

I had the chance to try a pair of these glasses and they were pretty great. It was very easy to pair them with my iPhone and when I tried calling friends and family everyone said it was easy to hear me and I could hear them. The bone conduction technology is pretty cool and I enjoyed not having anything in my ears but still being able to hear everything around me as well as the conversation on the phone.

It did get a little interesting if I was wearing the glasses and then my little guy borrowed my phone to play a game - I would hear the sound of the game in the glasses even though I wasn’t playing the game! It was an easy fix - just turned off the power to the glasses.

The battery life lasts up to 5 hours and only 1-2 hours to fully recharge, you’ll always be prepared. These glasses are designed to eliminate the issues of wearing normal headphones / headsets when driving, cycling, walking and exercising outdoors, namely, the danger of not hearing traffic or other sounds when outdoors.

One thing I would caution you would be if you’re changing the lenses, you need to be mindful of the way which you pop the lenses out - I don’t usually do that, but if you get the additional lens pack then you can swap the lenses. If you do be sure to pop them from the front/outside in towards what would be your face, which may seem a little counter-intuitive but you wouldn’t want to break the brand new pair of glasses you just bought!

We are giving away a new pair of Flows to one of our readers - so enter the giveaway now and you just might win them for your dad!

Enter the giveaway here

Here’s some additional information about the glasses:

• Fully polarized and tinted Lenses: Easily pop in and out
• mini speakers technology
• Prescription ready
• Frames: TR-90 nylon with IPX2 water-resistant rating
• Lenses: Impact- and scratch-resistant premium flexible plastic
• Built-in multidirectional microphone
• Bluetooth range: 50 ft (15 m)
• Open ear Audio engineering
• Bluetooth version: 5.1
• Battery life: Up to 5 hours
• Battery charging time: Up to 1 hour
• Battery charge method: Proprietary 4-pin charging cable
• No apps needed.  Seamlessly connect to your devices Bluetooth connection
• Navigation Ready

NOTE: We were provided with a complimentary pair of Flows glasses in Bruno style to facilitate this review as well as a pair to give away. No other compensation was provided and all opinions are our own.

Aladdin is now out on Blu-ray/DVD and digital download! Enter to win a download code!

This weekend, we had a lazy morning and watched Aladdin Live on BlueRay! It was great to see how Disney turned the time-honored classic Aladdin into a live-action movie. We were dancing and tapping along to the new versions of the classic songs. It was so fun to enjoy this movie at home!

I'm giving away two sets of digital codes for both movies. You can enter to win them through the rafflecopter here:

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According to the press release for the movies:

Fans of all ages will enjoy the exciting, humorous tale of the lovable “street rat,” Aladdin (Mena Massoud), courageous and self-determined Princess Jasmine (Naomi Scott) and the larger-than-life Genie (Will Smith) with all-new bonus features. The release of the live-action adventure coincides with the addition of the original animated classic to the highly celebrated Walt Disney Signature Collection  —  granting “Aladdin” fans everywhere the opportunity to own both magical movies.
Extras explore elements of “Aladdin” that audiences adore, from the film’s treasured, iconic award-winning music to its beloved characters and their hilarious antics on and off screen. Viewers get the first look at an all-new song “Desert Moon,” deleted from the final film, written by eight-time Academy Award® winning composer Alan Menken and Oscar®-and Tony Award®-winning songwriters Benj Pasek and Justin Paul (“The Greatest Showman,” “La La Land”). Features document Guy Ritchie’s joyful, easy-going approach to directing that led to movie magic; Will Smith’s fresh take on the infamous shape-shifting blue entity confined to an oil lamp; Naomi Scott’s powerful performance as the spirited princess who yearns to lead the people of Agrabah; and the indescribable feeling of playing Aladdin chronicled personally by Mena Massoud. Deleted scenes and a blooper reel round out the fun. 

New England Boat Show coming to Boston 2/10-18 and a giveaway #NEBoatShow

The 2018 Progressive Insurance New England Boat Show drops anchor at the Boston Convention Center, February 10th -18th. This nine-day interactive, educational, immersive and entertaining experience attracts more than 50,000 marine enthusiasts of all ages and lifestyles. With something for every budget and level of interest the Show will feature 600 boats, 250 exhibitors and the best deals of the year for New Englanders prepping for another glorious summer on the water.

I have a special offer for my readers, if you purchase tickets before Friday, February 9th, you can use the code BOATGO to get a special Buy One Get One (BOGO) free deal!

I'm giving away a pair of tickets to the New England Boat Show along with a $50 gift card to enjoy some food at Coppersmith's in South Boston. Enter using the RaffleCopter here:

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Details:

When: Saturday, February 10 through Sunday, February 18, 2018
Where: Boston Convention & Exhibition Center (415 Summer Street, Boston, MA 02210)
Hours:
Saturday, February 10: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Sunday, February 11: 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Monday - Friday, February 12-16: 1:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Saturday, February 17: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Sunday, February 18: 11:00 AM – 5:30 PM

Tickets: 

$16 for adults;
FREE for children 12 and under (when accompanied by an adult)
● Purchase tickets online at www.newenglandboatshow.com or at the box office during the show
● All active military will receive one free ticket with valid ID

Highlights include: 

Progressive® Boat Club: Attendees can take the helm at Progressive’s NEW Oculus Rift virtual reality 
experience, putting themselves at the helm of a virtual boat race, navigating simulated waters, all while trying to beat the clock. For those looking to improve their nautical know-how the Annapolis School of Seamanship will be on deck with an array of hands-on boating courses and visitors can master docking skills at the docking pool with remote control model boats. Plus, exhausted attendees can relax, talk to Progressive experts, get a free quote and win prizes in Progressive Boat Club’s lounge area. 

* GREAT FOR FAMILIES *
Touch-a-Boat Tour: An up-close opportunity for kids of all ages to explore an array of vessels, talk with captains, snap a pic at the helm and learn the ropes of life on the high seas. Kids get their very own boat show passport to collect stamps at 10 boat stops around the Show.

• Climb aboard a real United States Coast Guard Boat, plus a variety of recreational boats from pontoons to cruisers and more! 

• Hop on “Salt”, the life-size whale, a 40’ life-size inflatable Humpback whale to learn about safe boating around whales. 

• Build a toy boat to bring home as a nautical souvenir. 


Gone Fishing: Goose Hummock Shops will be offering top-notch fishing seminars and kayak demos in two giant, brand new fiberglass water tanks, attendees can test lures, rods and reels, plus the latest kayaks. Stay tuned for more seminar times and updates soon on NewEnglandBoatShow.com. 

Nautical Fare: A returning fan favorite is, South Boston’s dynamic restaurant just minutes from the BCEC, Coppersmith will offer visitors live cooking demos from Executive Chef Jason Heard and his team for a perfect day on the water. Demos will include tuna tartare wontons, prime rib sliders and more on Saturday, Feb. 10, Thursday, Feb. 15 and Saturday, Feb. 17 from the Goose Hummock booth. Plus, make sure to visit Coppersmith in South Boston to snap a pic with the “Show” boat featured in their restaurant starting Feb 9th to enter to win a grand prize worth $3,000.
Climb Aboard: Hundreds of the latest boat models under one roof for attendees to browse, board and buy for every lifestyle and budget ranging from luxury cruisers and sport fishers to center consoles and pontoon boats, plus marine accessories and much more. 

Dozens of boating seminars: With a special emphasis on fishing tips and advice on sailing and boating topics. 

Learn to Do It Yourself: Step into Fred’s Shed, an interactive garage with experts teaching the art of boat 
maintenance and repair. 

Discover Boating Center: Unbiased information and affordable boats - some can even be financed for less than $250 
per month! 

Pets on Board Contest: Share your favorite photo of your pet living the boating life to win a pet life jacket! There are 3 
ways to enter– Bring the photo to the Show, tag #petsonboard and #neboatshow on Instagram or Twitter, or post your photo as a comment on the designated Facebook post from 1/27/18. 


NOTE: I am receiving compensation in exchange for this post, some social posts during the event as well as a post-event recap. All opinions are our own.

Flash giveaway: Family 4-pack of tickets to Red Sox American Girl Night at Fenway!

OK guys, you won't believe this but the great folks at the Red Sox gave us a family 4-pack of tickets to give away to one lucky Parental Ideas blog fan. All you have to do is enter through the rafflecopter form below!

HURRY! Giveaway closes TONIGHT at 12:00 AM on 7/24/16

American Girl celebrates girls and all that they can be! The Red Sox are teaming up with American Girl on Monday, July 25 for one special evening. With the purchase of your special American Girl Night ticket to see the Red Sox battle the Tigers, you will also receive a Red Sox t-shirt for your American Girl doll.

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NOTE: We were provided with Red Sox Game tickets to attend the game as well as for the giveaway for promotional purposes as part of the Red Sox Moms/Red Sox Parents.  No other compensation was provided. All opinions are our own.

KRAVE Jerky is GREAT!

I had the chance to meet some great folks at KRAVE Jerky, while checking out the Bike Boston Friday Festival at City Hall Plaza a few weeks ago… About 10 years ago I started eating jerky as a healthy snack and have been getting it at Trader Joe’s where we love to eat their Turkey Jerky. Recently, while at Roche Brothers supermarket in downtown Boston, I saw the KRAVE packaging and it caught my eye. I grabbed some Lemon Garlic Turkey Jerky and found that it was really tasty and quite healthy - lower in sodium and high in protein!

The great people at KRAVE at the bike festival gave me some to take home and try and we were pleasantly surprised by the flavors and varieties. We really liked the Basil Citrus and Lemon Garlic Turkey Jerky as well as the Pineapple Orange Beef Jerky so far.

I find that it’s a great high protein, low-fat snack and is low in WeightWatchers PointsPlus points (anywhere from 1-3 points per serving).

Here are some KRAVE Jerky facts:

• KRAVE Jerky does not contain any nitrates, hormones, MSG or artificial flavors & is Gluten Free.  
• KRAVE Jerky is 97% fat free; lower in sodium (50-70%), cholesterol (50-70%) and calories (15-70%) than their major competitors 
• KRAVE Jerky is made using unique culinary techniques such as double marinating, brining, baking and grilling to maintain their signature moist and tender texture.

The great folks at KRAVE have offered us a Sampler pack containing 1 of each variety of Jerky they offer, 8 total along with a KRAVE t-shirt as a prize for us to give away to one of our loyal readers.

Please enter using the rafflecopter below!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

NOTE: The great crew at KRAVE Jerky provided me with some free Jerky and a giveaway in exchange for this post. There was no promise of a positive review. No other compensation was provided.