Father’s Day 2009: Fogless Shower Mirror from Vat 19

Every other day, my husband gets up, shaves, and then takes a shower.  It’s the same routine and I’ve noticed that it takes one extra step and a few extra minutes on the days he shaves. In fact, he sets his alarm earlier those mornings to ensure he has enough time.  I for one cannot imagine NOT shaving in the shower.  In fact, if I had to shave outside of the shower, well, let’s just say I’d be like the Europeans…or a grizzly bear.  Now if you’re a guy, then you know that shaving without a mirror is next to impossible and a little dangerous.  So…would you men like the convenience and time-saving benefits of shaving in the shower?

Vat19, “purveyors of curiously awesome products,” offer a Fogless Shower Mirror (among many other unique product offerings) to make shaving in the shower quick, easy, and doable.  The mirror claims to be fog-free, and indeed it is.  It also claims to be break resistant although I have to admit that I haven’t tried to “break” it yet!  It’s got a phenomenal zoom magnification (I like taking it out of the shower and putting make up on with it) and the LED light that’s built in is handy for close shaves (and flawlessly applied makeup).  The mirror also has a place to store a razor so it doesn’t end up face down in the corner of the shower, growing bugs!  The mirror comes with a digital clock (so he’s not late for work) and uses 3 AA batteries.

Overall, I think this is a great product for men who’d like to save some time by shaving (safely and effectively) in the shower.  Check out Vat19 for wide variety of unique, off-the-beaten path gifts for dad this Father’s Day.

Father’s Day 2009: Flip Ultra

My husband and I love taking pictures and shooting videos of our little boy.  In fact, most days while we’re out, you’ll find me with both my camera and my video camera, waiting to capture one of our toddler’s quirky, funny, and otherwise adorable moments.  I have to admit that while having a camcorder is a nice luxury, I don’t find it highly practical for every day moments.  Father’s don’t carry bags or purses so a recording device would have to fit in a pocket for it to be practical.

We recently had an opportunity to test out the newly updated Flip Ultra.  For $150.00, you can get dad a quality, portable camcorder that he’ll actually want to use.  Now, I never reviewed or even used the original Flip so I have nothing to compare it to, but hubby and I were truly impressed with how easy it is to record, upload, and share videos.  Plus, it fits in my husband’s pocket!  I know this because he toted it all over Disneyland last week.  Here is a little bit more about the camera from the site:

Now available in both high-definition and standard-resolution models, the new line offers everyday consumers the easiest and most affordable way to capture and share high-quality video. The new Flip Ultra and Flip UltraHD feature two hours of recording time, a large high-resolution two-inch screen, and convenient battery recharging through the built-in USB arm.

I have not seen the HD version of this camera, but we were highly satisfied with the quality and resolution of the picture the camera provided. It has a conveniently simple interface, a speaker above the screen for playback, and a generous 4 GB built-in memory (2 hours of recording time).  Some cameras utilize rechargeable batteries.  The Flip, however, comes with 2 double AA batteries but you can purchase a rechargeable battery pack for an additional cost (which I highly recommend).  I wouldn’t want to run out of battery time while trying to capture an important moment.  The only thing I wish this camera had was a light for nighttime shooting.

I was able to upload videos from my MAC without a problem (it was so easy!).  Check out this video from Disneyland last week:

The camera is available in 4 fun colors (black, white, yellow, and pink).  This would make a great gift for Father’s Day.  I think every new dad should tote one into the delivery room (just be sure to get the wife’s permission!).  You can also purchase the HD version for $199.99.

Father’s Day Giveaway: Kodak Gallery Photo Book

This giveaway is now closed.  Thanks for stopping by.  The winner is Rachael.  Congrats!

My husband and I share a love for photography.  In fact, he is actually more skilled and artistic than I am.  Many of the pictures you see on my blog are his work (which I need to credit more often!).  He took some photography classes in school and while a hobby, it’s still a passion for him.

If that special father cherishes photographic art and memories, you may consider a photo book from Kodak.  My husband and I have created many photo books of our travels and our son.  Kodak Gallery offers simple, stylish, and affordable options for creating photobooks.  Here is a little more information about Kodak’s Personalized Cover Photo Books:

Our high-quality, hardcover Personalized Cover Photo Books feature your own photos and captions with our professional designs and layouts. Cover size measures 10.25 x 9″ and the base price includes 20 double-sided pages (10 sheets of paper).  The professional quality pages allow your photos and memories to leap to life in vibrant color!  And with the ability to add captions and design the layout, you can add inside jokes that will spark memories each time you look through the pages.

Photobooks range in price from $6.99 to $69.99 and are available in a variety of sizes.

Win It! One of you will win a Personalized Cover Photo Book.  Simply head on over to the site and take a look around.  Come back here and leave me a comment with the type of book you’d create for that dad in your life.  Comments will close on June 21, 2009 at 10 PM PST.  One comment per person, please (unless you do the extra credit). US residents only. Duplicates and comments not including the above information will be disqualified. Comments are moderated. If you don’t see your comment in a reasonable amount of time, send me an email. Bloggers and non-bloggers may enter. If you don’t want to leave your email address, please be sure to check back for my announcement on the winner. Please note that winners must respond within 48 hours of being announced/contacted or another winner will be drawn.

Want an extra entry? Do any or all of the following and receive an extra entry for each one.

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Add the Father’s Day Gift Guide Button to your site.

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Father’s Day Giveaway: Daddy Diaper Changing Toolbox

This giveaway is now closed.  Thanks for stopping by.  The winner is Mollie.  Congrats!

My husband and I are just starting to get our minds around the fact that we are going to have another baby.  We’re so excited about what a new baby means for all three of us. Being a mother is one of the most exciting, challenging, rewarding, sacrificing experiences in my life.  Much attention is paid to moms, particularly first-time moms, and understandably so.  There are physical and hormonal changes that a father does not have to go through.  However, a father’s role, adjustments, and experiences are just as important.  I would not be the wife, mother, or woman that I am today without my husband.  He compliments me in so many ways, making up for where I’m weak.  In the next couple of weeks, my goal is to focus on fathers and the special and vital role they play in the life of families.

I have several giveaways and reviews lined up which will focus on the different “types” of dads in our lives. I hope you’ll find that perfect gift idea to celebrate how important he is!

Earlier this year, I told you about a fun and lighthearted gift for new dads called the Daddy Diaper Changing Toolbox.  If you missed my review, you’ll definitely want to check it out here.  New dads are sometimes awkward and nervous with their little babies (which also makes them adorable).  Diaper changes are one of those often dreaded moments.  Founder Chris Hartfield wanted to celebrate fatherhood with a little humor and product that dads could actually use.  New to the Daddy Diaper Changing Toolbox are the “Real Men Change Diapers” bumper stickers which retail for $2.00.

Win It! One of you will win a Daddy Diaper Changing Toolbox!  Simply head on over to the site or check out my past review and then leave a comment with the item you think that dad in your life will find most useful.  Comments will close on June 21, 2009 at 10 PM PST.  One comment per person, please (unless you do the extra credit). US residents only. Duplicates and comments not including the above information will be disqualified. Comments are moderated. If you don’t see your comment in a reasonable amount of time, send me an email. Bloggers and non-bloggers may enter. If you don’t want to leave your email address, please be sure to check back for my announcement on the winner. Please note that winners must respond within 48 hours of being announced/contacted or another winner will be drawn.

Want an extra entry? Do any or all of the following and receive an extra entry for each one.

Be sure to leave me a separate comment for each additional entry.

Add the Father’s Day Gift Guide Button to your site.

Enter Amanda’s giveaways.

Follow me on Twitter AND tweet about the contest.

Subscribe to my feed via email or reader.

Blog about this giveaway. It doesn’t have to be a separate post. Just include a blurb about it when you blog about other giveaways.

Place my button on your site. If you have difficulty, please let me know.

Click on one of the very cute buttons below and digg, stumble, fav, etc. Just let me know what you did in the comments!

Father’s Day 2009: Professional Dad

Duck Bill Money Clip: With it’s revolutionary Quad Bend Bite, the Duck Bill Money Clip engineered in the U. S. A. to keep your cash, plastic, and “stuff” securely gathered. Choose freehand engraving for that truly unique and personalized touch. Available in polished and matte finishes. Retails for $36-$46.	EyeBuyDirect.com the world’s leading online optical retailer offering full prescription eyeglasses for as little as $7.95. Their vision is “to empower vision for anyone, anywhere”. Forbes magazine recently dubbed EyeBuyDirect as “an efficient and easy-to-use prescription eyeglasses site, that provides fashionable, quality eyeglass frames and prescription lenses starting at only $7.95; significantly lower than the leading eyeglass chains.”
Personalized keepsake box by SnapFish This personalized keepsake jewelry box makes giving a thoughtful and elegant gift easy. Made of richly-stained wood, the personalized jewelry box measures 5½” square by 2¼” deep. Your photo appears on a glossy, ceramic tile measuring 4½” square.	Golf & Wine Legends: The perfect collection for wine and golf lovers. Three premium wines from legendary golfers and wine enthusiasts Arnold Palmer, Ernie Els and Nick Faldo paired with a sleeve of three golf balls. Wine.com’s mission is to become the trusted resource for the wine enthusiast, whether shopping for yourself or sending a gift. They strive to offer you a great selection, low prices, convenient delivery and information that helps you enjoy wine with confidence.
Autism Speaks the world’s largest autism science and advocacy organization, is offering a variety of products in various price points whose proceeds help raise money for autism research. No matter what his style, Autism Speaks has a gift for every type of dad out there.	Knock Knock Stuff, an innovative, independent and irreverent Venice, CA-based novelty + gift design company, has a whole slew of funny, slightly inappropriate paper goods that will make the dads & grads in your life chuckle. All priced below $25, these graphically compelling and well-designed ditties won’t break the bank.

Father’s Day 2009: Sporty Dad

KLEINERT’S: With everything from convenient one-use disposables to undershirts to polo shirts to denim weekend wear and t-shirts, the Kleinert’s® products wear well, look great and can be worn everywhere. Kleinert’s® dress shirts, casual wear and active wear are treated with Fabrapel®/Dry Defense- a treatment exclusive to Kleinert’s® that is a hypoallergenic patented finish which makes fabric water repellant, stain repellant and inhibits bacterial growth while eliminating heat and odors. Far superior to other products on the market, Kleinert’s® fashion combines style and functionality into one thoughtful present. This Father’s Day, dress dad in a style he’ll really appreciate and keep him looking as cool as he feels!

Father’s Day 2009: Tech Dad

JVC Everio GZ-MG630 - Ultra-compact HDD/microSD hybrid Everio featuring 60GB HDD for up to 75 hours of recording, with KONICA MINOLTA LENS, 40x dynamic zoom, Laser Touch Operation, and convenient “One Touch” buttons for easy sharing and carrying. All 2009 Everios make sharing and watching videos easier than ever. New for this year is the One Touch Export function that allows Everio videos to be imported into iTunes and loaded into an iPod or iPhone. All 2009 Everios also offer One Touch DVD burning and the One Touch Upload function that JVC introduced to users in 2008 as a new and convenient way to upload videos to YouTube.	Insignia GPS Personal Navigation from BestBuy : Travel on road trips with ease with the new 3.5” Insignia™ GPS Personal Navigation Device. If you take a wrong turn, this system automatically recalculates a new route to get you to your destination. It also lets you hit the road with two-way Internet connectivity to deliver the latest real-time traffic reports. Sending addresses directly to your device from Google Maps is a cinch with the Insignia GPS navigation system.
Vat 19 Fogless Shower Mirror: If you’re in the market for something fun, stylish, and functional this Father’s Day, check out the Z850 Fogless Shower Mirror at Vat 19. This is a must-have for any man who enjoys a close, comfortable shave. The steam and humidity of the shower make it the most ideal place to shave. And with the Zadro fog free shaving mirror, shaving in the shower will forever be quick and easy.	Flip Ultra: With the brand new version just recently launched, dads will find it easier to shoot and share videos of their family. The Flip Ultra camcorder offers 120 minutes of record time so he’ll never miss a moment. It’s easy to use, portable, and affordable at only $149.99.
Living in HD: LiHD is a community for digital video, photography and HDTV enthusiasts seeking and sharing peer-to-peer knowledge to improve their digital life. LiHD is powered by people who have answers with those who have questions, and unlike sales people who tend to be biased, the LiHD community members are all about sharing and helping each other learn and grow. Panasonic’s SD memory cards start at 1 GB which means he’ll have plenty of storage space for files, pictures, and more.	Nintendo has just launched two new games, New Play Control! Pikmin and New Play Control! Mario Power Tennis. New Play Control! Pikmin: Life under a microscope fantasy world, Pikmin delivers a unique experience like few before it with a blend of real-time strategy, adventure, and puzzle elements. You control Captain Olimar, a lovable little astronaut, who crash-landed on a planet inhabited by even more lovable little plant creatures known as Pikmin. Olimar can command these creatures RTS-style, assign them tasks, make them attack foes, and gather resources. The ultimate task is to rebuild Olimar’s space ship before a 30-day time window elapses. Command lovable little creatures RTS-style Rebuild Olimar’s space ship before a 30-day time window elapses.

New Play Control! Mario Power Tennis: Step out on to the court and get ready for tennis like you’ve never experienced it before as Mario and friends serve up sporty fun with a Mario-style twist. In New Play Control! Mario Power Tennis, the Nintendo GameCube hit is back with exciting Wii controls and a dazzling widescreen presentation. Pick up your Wii Remote and get ready to practice your swing with Mario and the gang as they take you on an unforgettable tour of the wackier side of tennis.