SantaMedical Non-Contact Infrared Thermometer ~~REVIEW~~

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Nearly any parent, especially first time parents, knows how challenging it can be to take a child's temperature when they are sick.  That's why I really looked forward to the opportunity to try the SantaMedical Non-contact Infrared Thermometer for a discounted price in exchange for my honest review.  As a mother of 4, I actually got to the point where I lived without a thermometer and just started taking guesses, simply because I could never get my kids to cooperate when I wanted to take their temps.  After all, they felt like poo, the last thing they wanted to do was sit there for what seemed like forever with a cold glass instrument in their mouth, or something prodding their ear.  I have a couple friends preparing to have new babies, and thought something like this might be a perfect component of my gift basket for their baby showers.

This thermometer uses 2 AAA batteries, which are included.  Also included is a soft (suede?) storage pouch, providing a safe place for storage when the thermometer is not in use.  According to the included instructions, the device is pre-set at the factory and does not have a need to be calibrated.  While I did read some other reviews indicating they needed to calibrate their device, I found it provided a very accurate reading straight out of the box.  According to the instructions, there may be times when certain procedures may be necessary to acclimate the device, should the ambient temperature of an environment change significantly.  The instructions also indicate that the most reliable way to check the temperature is by aiming the device at the forehead, over the right temporal region, from a distance of about 3 to 5 cm.  At that point, operation is as simple as pressing a button and reading the instant result, which is digitally displayed on the screen.

What is your favorite method of taking your child's temperature?  Share your thoughts below.

Undercover Travel Security Kit ~~REVIEW~~

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I really wish I had this Undercover Travel Security Kit: Waist Money Belt and Neck Stash Wallet Combo by Trekimo a couple of months ago, when we took our kids on vacation to an amusement park.  Fortunately, we had no issues.  However, we had to make frequent trips to our locker to get money and other important items out as needed.  With this belt/neck pouch kit, we wouldn't have even had to have spent the $15 for the locker.

My first thought when I received the offer to try this combo out for free in exchange for an honest review was three words:  "Fanny Pack... ew".  Nevertheless, I did find myself a little intrigued, as it seemed to differ from the traditional fanny pack.  What I received, promptly and neatly packaged, were the following two items:

Undercover Money Belt - This belt is adjustable and designed to be worn around your waist.  The outer layer has a soft mesh covering, and the inner layer has two zippered pockets.  You can actually fit quite a bit into these pockets, such as money, jewelry, credit cards, cell phone, and more.  Unlike fanny packs, which are typically designed with a bulky pouch, this product is designed relatively flat (of course it will bulk up a bit with items inside), and will conceal easily under your clothes.

Hidden Neck Pouch - I prefer to wear mine cross-body.  Like the waist belt, this pouch has a soft mesh outer layer.  The top part, which includes a small zippered pouch, perfect for carrying money, including loose change, folds over to a velcro attachment.  The back side includes a pouch big enough for most cell phones, and a couple more pouches where you could put money and/or credit cards, however, they don't zip up.  Aside from the fact that I probably wouldn't use the pockets that don't zip, deeming them useless to me, I really like this kit.

Considering the fact that we take several fun outings with our kids each Summer, I expect to get a lot of great use from this.

Question of the Day:  Where do you stash your money, credit cards, and other valuables when you're out and about?  Do you carry just a purse and/or wallet, or do you use something like this?