Everything You Need to Ace…

Back in August last year, I had the opportunity to review three titles in the series Everything You Need to Ace.   I had received the English Language Arts, the World History and the Science titles.

My husband was so impressed with these books that he asked if there were other titles in the series.  “Yes – Math and American History.” , I answered.  “Try to get them as well.”

It is pretty rare that my husband will take the time to check out some books I receive to review so for him to suggest that I get the other two titles is pretty meaningful.

The BIG FAT NOTEBOOK™ series is built on a simple and irresistible conceit—borrowing the notes from the smartest kid in class.  Inside each of the title you will find every subject’s key concepts summarize in small chunks of information so that you can digest that your own rhythm.   And to make things a bit easier on everyone the critical ideas are highlighted in neon colors, the definitions are explained, doodles illustrates the tricky concepts and mnemonics helps to memorize.  Finally you will also find some quizzes at the end of each chapters to help you cement the information in your brain.

Math

Everything You Need to Ace Math . . . covers everything to get a student over any math hump: fractions, decimals, and how to multiply and divide them; ratios, proportions, and percentages; geometry; statistics and probability; expressions and equations; and the coordinate plane and functions.

The math book has been a great reference for us – especially in the pre-algebra lessons when my son forgets how to do a calculation like the Pythagorean theorem.

American History

Everything You Need to Ace American History . . . covers Native Americans to the war in Iraq. There are units on Colonial America; the Revolutionary War and the founding of a new nation; Jefferson and the expansion west; the Civil War and Reconstruction; and all of the notable events of the 20th century—World Wars, the Depression, the Civil Rights movement, and much more.

I was hesitating about this specific title because we are Canadians.  But come to think of it, this book is a perfect summary to discover what happened during the history of America.   And since they are our closest neighbors why not learn a bit about them.  

My Thoughts

This series of book is amazing.  Each title is a great addition to your personal library whether you homeschool or not.   Right at the tips of your fingers you can get information about English Language Arts, Math, World History, American History, as well as Science.  

I would like to suggest some other titles to Workman for future publications: Geography and Canadian History.   I am sure that these two subjects would be popular as well.

I give my two thumbs-up for the titles in the Everything You Need to Ace series.  They are great resources to have at hand when you desire to verify some concepts, learn new facts or simply read for the fun.

Everything you Need to Ace books are available on amazon.ca and amazon.com.

   
  
  
  
  

 

Disclaimer: Thanks to Thomas Allen for sending me the above mentioned books for review purposes. I was not monetarily compensated for this review. Please note that the review was not influenced by the Sponsor in any way. All opinions expressed here are only my own.

Avery Wraparound Labels

We all know that Avery offers a variety of labels for any kind of use.   But in recent years, the company has developed very interesting ideas when it comes to labels.  Their recent product – the wraparound labels – will offer your customers something more by showcasing your brand.  Their water-resistant material and permanent adhesive make them perfect for branding water bottles. They're also ideal for use on products, packaging, marketing materials and more to make your brand or logo really stand out in the crowd.

When I first saw this item available on Amazon Vine Voices, I knew it would be perfect to identify the water bottles of the kids when they go to activities or camp.   Our problem is that we purchase these bottles at Costco and like it or not we are not the only ones to do so.   Recently while we were having lunch after our homeschool coop, a little boy came and almost grabbed my water bottle because he thought it was his…   Funny enough his bottle is identified but mine wasn’t but at his age I suppose you don’t check for a label on the bottle.   Now I have identified mine using these wraparound labels from Avery.

Avery offer  the Avrey Design & Print software online on their website to help you design your labels.   And it contains a ton of designs for the wraparound labels too!   I chose a fun looking design for my daughter’s bottle and mine.   It was easy to add names and images to personalize it as well as changing the colors on the design created by Avery.

My first try to print ended up destroying the label page because it was already broken in.   But the second print was perfect.   And I was able to put the labels without issue on the bottles.

Now I need to design some for the boys in order to identify their water bottlers.

These labels are very original and it will add some personality to the most common bottles purchased at Costco.  That way we are sure to find our bottles when participating to an activity where we know other families will use the same bottles.

The Avery Wraparound Labels (22845) are available at a store near you, even on amazon.ca and amazon.com.

 

Disclaimer: This product has been provided courtesy of Amazon.ca Vine Voices for review purpose. I was not monetarily compensated for this review. Please note that the review was not influenced by Amazon.ca or the Sponsor in any way. All opinions expressed here are only my own.

Sennheiser HD1

From what I have heard the Sennheiser headphone is synonym of high quality.   This time around I have received their new in-ear wireless headphone – the HD1.  This headphone is designed to allow you to move freely while exercising or simply moving at home or at work.  Its design is very out of the ordinary since it has a neckband is made of leather and provide comfort – as a matter of fact you barely notice it.   Also when calls are coming in, it will vibrate in order to let you know about them.

 

The headphone possesses bluetooth technology as well as NFC One Touch Pairing which makes pairing it with your device very easy to do.    In a matter of seconds, my iPad was paired with the headphones and I was able to use them.

Now the first thing you will have to do obviously before using the headphone will be to charge them.  And note that the charging part is located at the end of one of the sides of the neckband.  But careful as I find this part a bit fragile.  I was expecting that this would take a few hours after realizing that once charged the battery will last for 10 hours.   But after checking the quick guide provided in the box, I learned that the charging time would be about 1.5 hour only.   By the way the quick guide is mostly images which illustrate how to use the headset but I can say that this guide is quite easy to understand.   However, if you desire to obtain instruction manuals and product support, you are encouraged to go directly the the Sennheiser website. 

The neckband also has control buttons on one site which will allow you to power the headphones, play or pause the music, control the volume as well as a speech mic when answering your phone calls.   The Sennheiser Captune app is also available for more functions. 

I first used the headphones to watch an episode of a show on Netflix.  The quality of the sound was amazing.   Then I also tried it for listening music and it was once again perfect.   Now this kind of headphone will not kill the noise around you so if someone come to talk to you it will be pretty clear.     However, there is a distance limit in the range of the sound to reach you.  Let me explain.    I was listening to music and left my ipad on the half-wall which we have between the living room and the hall-way.   Every thing was fine when I was in the kitchen or dining room.  But at some point since I was preparing supper, I went in the garage (which is at the other end of the house) in order to get something in our freezer and the sound was breaking up.   I was there for less than a minute but I was able to realize that distance can be an issue.   So be aware of that…

The box contain: the HD1 in-ear wireless headset, an USB  charging cable (not plug though), an ear adapter set coming in XS, S, M, and L, as well as a carry case that is very stylish.

Technical Data

• Frequency response: 15-22,000 Hz
• Sounds pressure level: 112 dB (1Hz/ 0dBFS)
• Total Harmonic Distortion: <0.5% *ikHz, 100dB)
• Supported Codec: SBC, AAC, aptX
• Battery Type: Lithium-ion polymer

If you are looking for a headphone that will allow you flexibility in movement as well as high quality sound, I think that the Sennheiser HD1 will be a great fit for you.   It is light, portable and will allow you to move freely without having the cord in the way.   You can even leave your phone on a desk while walking or exercising.   I am very satisfied with it and would recommend it to anyone.  It can make a great gift for a teenager as well.

The Sennheiser HD1IEBT Black Wireless in ear headphones is available at your favorite store, even on amazon.ca and amazon.com.

 

Disclaimer: This product has been provided courtesy of Amazon.ca Vine Voices for review purpose. I was not monetarily compensated for this review. Please note that the review was not influenced by Amazon.ca or the Sponsor in any way. All opinions expressed here are only my own.