Category: The Reviews

Joyfolie Review 2: BUYER BEWARE!!!!

Joyfolie Review 2: BUYER BEWARE!!!!

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I want to start off by saying, once upon a time; this company was a really great company that I LOOOOVVVED shopping with!  I even wrote a positive review Joyfolie Shoes Review!  If you scroll through my daughter’s IG page zizah_the_gymnast_diva, you’ll find her dolled up with an ABUNDANCE of pieces from this company.

I would say for about the past 2 years, I haven’t really shopped with this company.  This is mainly because my daughter is over the dress up stage, she is a competitive gymnast who spends the vast majority of her time in a leotard in the gym,  and when she does have down time, she is relaxing trying to be a normal kid. Whenever an occasion to dress up would arise, I still would typically get her stuff from here. Shoot, I even started getting some of the boots they sold for women for myself!

Hands down, they have unique styles that are absolutely stunning….they always have. However, over time as this company has grown, the quality has deteriorated. Jessica Hernandez (the owner), started off making everything by hand and selling on Etsy. You would get one-of-a-kind quality little girl shoes that were sure to receive several compliments. Not only that, because they were so rare, well made, and desired, the resale value was awesome! It truly was a win-win for moms all around. As the demand rose, she moved to having her products manufactured.  Things slowly started taking a turn for the worse. Buttons/jewels/flowers would fall off, sizes don’t correspond with their size chart, one wear and they are destroyed, and so forth. Despite these flaws, the customer service would always make it right some way somehow, which in my book was a fair trade.

Now over the past couple years of my hiatus from shopping, I have seen that during big sales they had a flood of angry customers due to shipping, lack of communication, issues with products and returns etc.  I just never dug deep into it, because I assumed customer service handled it as they’ve done in the past.

May 20th (this Sunday) my daughter has an award ceremony for gymnastics. One day out of the year she will get to dress up. I turned to Joyfolie as I have always done. There is a stunning Catrin “Red” dress online that my daughter and I both agreed was the one. Plus she already had red shoes from Joyfolie, that would match! I ordered a cute dress for myself as well. Before I ordered my daughter’s dress, I noticed it had a note “dress run big”. Seeing that, and knowing my child is small for her age, I contacted them, gave them her measurements, and ordered what was recommended by their staff.

Honey baby, let me tell you; that dress was NOTHING like pictured. The color was wrong, the size was wrong, and it was so cheap, it look like something from the dollar store. The dress I ordered for myself had a zipper that was sewn together. I spent 30 minutes fixing that, and then it just was not a great fit. Could just be me since I’m petite so I didn’t even complain about that one.

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“No big deal,” I say to myself. I’ll contact customer service and they’ll fix it. Boy was I wrong!!!!! As of today (started contacting them 5/2) I still have no credit, no product, and they have received their products last Friday. My daughter has no dress, and they could care LESS. They assured me they wanted to make this right, but really had NOTHING TO OFFER but an exchanged dress…which due to the manufacturing flaw of it running big, it would NEVER fit my daughter.  Not only that, it was like 4 shades lighter than the color, and totally didn’t match the shoes (I attribute this to the photographer’s editing use of saturation).

I have went back and forth with these people for TWO WEEKS trying to give them every opportunity to remedy their mistake. I explained the importance and time sensitivity of getting a replacement dress. I was even willing to exchange for something else (despite the fact I want nothing to do with them).  They were steadfast on offerinv me another cheap, punch (not red), too big dress. OR I could return them, wait for a credit, reorder something else, and pay $30 for expedited shipping!!!

I even went a step further and contacted the owner on her personal IG page (she’s traveling the world from stealing people’s money and making crappy products inspired by her travels….eyeroll). She basically took no ownership of her piss poor products or  the pitiful customer service AND BLOCKED ME!! At the end of the day, if you buy something from here, you BETTER be prepared to be stuck with it, or a store credit. Like I said, unless you pay full price, a refund is not an option. I suggest you throughly read their Return Policy After dealing with them and their customer service, you won’t even want the store credit! At the rate she’s going, she barking up a tree for a law suit or being out of business soon.

What I have come to learn is this; they know they are selling bullshit products, because their refund policy, is now a joke!! They don’t want to return your money, unless you pay full price! Due to the inflated prices and POORLY MADE products, NO ONE IN THEIR RIGHT MIND IS GOING TO PAY FULL PRICE!!! They know this and are always offering a promo code to keep your money. This was NEVER THE CASE IN THE PAST!! I didn’t even know they changed their return policy to this shady mess, until I started doing research! In my opinion, NO company who stands behind their product would have a policy such as theirs.

They are not even accredited with the BBB due to ALL NEGATIVE COMPLAINTS. Reviews of this company are barely a 2 out of 5 stars with BBB and other review sites.

As it stands, I had to dispute this through PayPal and I am awaiting a resolution.  I plan to sponsor this post 3 times the amount I lost dealing with them, so as many people can learn about this shady behind crooked company.  If you have an experience, good or bad, please leave a comment! Also share this so other people can at the minimal be warned when shopping with this company.

Thanks as always for hearing my rants!!!

The New 2015 Cinderella Movie is……

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FREAKING AWESOME, GREAT, SUPER, SPLENDID, THE BESTEST (YES BESTEST) FAIRYTALE BOOK BROUGHT TO LIFE!!!


Listen people, if you haven’t seen this movie, YOU ARE MISSING OUT! I have NEVER, EVER, EVER, EVER, seen a book brought to life in this manner.

Here’s a Preview If You Missed It!


There was no detail spared with making this movie.  The scenery, the props, the WARDROBE was to DIE FOR, and the ACTORS and ACTRESSES were FLAWLESS!

I was watching this movie as if I never read or of heard of Cinderella…that’s how engaging it was.  I was captivated by every word they spoke and breath they took.

I know this movie was great because my 5-year-old who ALWAYS TALK DURING MOVIES, was speechless, tuned in, with her mouth gaped open.  

Now let me get back to this wardrobe.. I love 19th century clothing style. It had so much character, detail, sexiness, and elegance.  The velvets, the lace, the brass buttons, thin waistlines…I could go on and on!  (clutches pearls and passes out)

It was said in an article written by the The Globe and Mail there were over 10,000 Swaroski crystals on the Cinderella dress! Bling Bling! 



Lady Tremaine (the evil step-mother) her dresses were just FABULOUS, delicate lace, olive greens, bright yellows, fitted and trimmed, with hats and veils that would make a church woman lose her MIND!!!

 




Now the EYE CANDY! Woo-wee-BABY! Prince Charming was an absolute joy to watch…those, eyes, his frame, his voice, his passion…man oh man! He too looked awesome in his costumes! I never knew a man in tights could make my legs weak!


Even the foot men outfits were Stunning, the royal blue coats with the brass buttons, made me want a replica for my son to wear! I couldn’t find a picture of the coat, but go watch the movie and you’ll see for yourself!

Lastly the acting….was priceless.  Whoever casted for this movie, deserves a raise! EVERYONE WAS STUPENDOUS! If I didn’t know any better, I would have thought Ella and the Prince were lovers in real life! They were beyond believable! Those two made that love story and fairytale ending THEIR OWN! I swear they had to have experienced that type of love drama in their life. They had me with every gasp they took when they touched, and the way they looked into each other’s eyes….pure storybook!

I definitely want this on DVD and NEED TO SEE it again in IMAX.  If you don’t believe me about how awesome a movie this is, please go check it out!

Oh, and in no way was I compensated for writing this, these are TRULY my own opinions and feelings! 

Mixed Chicks Hair Products Review

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Okay, so my children have extremely weird hair textures, and multiple ones I might add!

My last 3 children all have a curly texture hair (don’t know the number and all that stuff), but it varies to very loose curls to tight curls, and kinky in the middle (for all 3 of them).  I’ve tried MULTIPLE hair products on their hair and have fell in LOVE with the Mix Chicks Line.


I highly recommend buying this product directly from the website, because for some reason, it is seriously marked up several dollars in hair/beauty stores.

So when my son hair is not washed and/or conditioned (only when dad is on bath duty), his hair looks horribly dry and coarse.

However, once I use the condition…it like a pure MIRACLE!! His hair has shine, moisture, and most of all, his natural curl comes ALIVE!!!

What I love most about the condition is I NEVER have to comb his hair!  I literally can comb out all kinks and tangles with my fingers! That means, no crying screaming, running 1 year old (SCORE!).

ALSO, this condition makes MY HAIR manageable and easy to comb.  That’s saying ALOT, because I have natural hair, and despite my children have a fine grade of hair….I DON’T!  I once would spend at least an HOUR combing through my hair.  However, NO MORE! One hour is now about 10-15 minutes!

After using the wash out conditioner, I use the leave in conditioner on my son’s hair and it’s like a holding/setting lotion.  It locks all the moisture, shine and keeps his curls coils intact all-day.

If I had to post a con for this line would be fragrance.  I understand it’s the kids version, and it might not apply to the adult line, but it literally has no smell.  I love snuggling with my son and getting a light fragrance from his hair…however this line of hair products you will not.

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Sleepy Wrap vs. Moby Wrap

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To be equipped to deal with my youngest two children in the home and in public, I wear what I call “My Second Bra” a Sleepy Wrap.  I refer to it as my second bra, because it’s strapped to my chest like a bra supporting my dangling child, and I DO NOT LEAVE HOME WITHOUT IT (otherwise I’m asking for trouble)!

The SLEEPY WRAP at work!

 

When I first purchased my Sleepy Wrap, (which is now made by Boba) it was out of desperation of having a high maintenance little girl who DEMANDED my attention every second she was awake.

I needed a way to get household tasks accomplished all while keeping her satisfied.  Therefore I looked into a baby carrier….being the anal person I am when purchasing something, I looked up MULTIPLE ones, (back carriers, front carriers, slings, wraps etc.) and decided on a wrap.
The two that made the final cut was the Sleepy Wrap and the Moby Wrap.  After reading several reviews, the Sleepy Wrap was said to be made with better quality material, and felt more secure when holding the baby. So that’s what I decided on.
Let me tell you, I was never happier with my purchase!  It took a few attempts to learn how to secure it to my body, but once I did, my life was completely changed!  I could cook (with her on my back), clean, USE TWO HANDS to do things, and so much more.  I no longer was hemmed up with holding her all day, and feeling so unaccomplished for not getting things done.
I love this wrap because
  1. It’s comfortable
  2. It evenly distributes the weight of the child so one shoulder, or my back is not hurting
  3. It breathes and allows for air to circulate
  4. The quality, stretch and durability of the material is AWESOME
  5. It allows me to keep my baby close and still get things done
So lets fast forward 4 1/2 years, and 2 babies latter…guess who is STILL using the SAME SLEEPY WRAP, and I’m just as satisfied!  After my daughter outgrew the wrap, i gave it to my cousin, and THEN, after her daughter outgrew it she gave it back to me, and it’s like it never left my care.
Despite multiple use, washes, owners and years, this wrap has held it’s value and purpose in my life.  I had a friend come over who purchased the Moby Wrap, and she AND HER HUSBAND, were impressed with the quality of the material and the fact that it was almost 5 years old.  Needless to say, they returned their Moby Wrap to purchase a sleepy wrap.

While I mentioned this wrap is now being called Boba, you can still purchase the original at Amazon.com  I promise you will not be disappointed with your purchase!

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Fisher Price Kick and Play Piano Review

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Having a high maintenance little one, I have purchased just about EVERY moving, noise making, rocking, cradling, swinging baby item there is.  To help decide what was good fit for my baby boy, I had to read NUMEROUS REVIEWS!  Thus I wanted to share my experience with the items I purchased and own.

The Fisher Price Kick and Play Piano

Assembly: Very quick and easy took about 5 minutes tops.  Simply pull the tabs through the holes to secure the mat, pop the piano into the legs, and the legs into the base, hang your toys and you are ready.  It came with batteries.
Price:  I almost NEVER pay retail.  I paid around $30 on Amazon.  Buy Buy Baby and Babies R us is selling it for about $45. I’d suggest shopping around, and looking up retailmenot.com for coupons before purchase, or signing up for buy buy baby website for a 20% coupon.
Quality: I like the quality, the toys are very stimulating to all the senses for baby, and it comes with quite a few hanging toys to alternate and change out to keep baby entertained.
Use:  So the good thing about this, is you can use it in a variety of ways.  The baby can simply lie there and play with the hanging toys.  Sometimes the piano would overstimulate my son when he was lying down, ane would just cry.
You can have the piano on so when baby kicks it makes note sounds and sings a tune.
You can rotate the piano to a traditional piano and have baby bang and play on it.

You also can hook the toys on the mat and use it along with the toys for tummy time.


Review and Stars: I’d give this toy 5 stars for the following reasons
1. It’s very versatile, and I can change it to so many different styles to keep my son entertained
2. It’s great quality for the price
3. The company was very generous with the hanging toys for stimulation
4. It was very easy to assemble
5. My son absolutely LOVES IT!  In my pictures you will see things surrounding hime because he is a little wobbly with sitting but insists, so in case humpty dumpty has a great fall…. he has cushion.!

Bumbo Chair Review

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While I thought the Bumbo Chair was known like Michael Jackson in the parenting world, I quickly learned otherwise!  Every time I mentioned “Bumbo”, everyone gave me the blank stare as if I dropped the F bomb!  Therefore, my extended family inspired this post.

 

The Bumbo chair is basically an overpriced piece of foam shaped to assist your baby in a supported sitting position.  This chair runs anywhere from $20-$50+ depending on where you purchase, and if you purchase new or used.
I do want to mention, in 2012 this company voluntarily recalled this chair and offered a safety strap to help secure your child.  Apparently parents were leaving their child unattended on high surfaces and well guess what….the child fell (wow really) and the parents blamed the company.
I have a Bumbo with and without the straps, and personally, due to the design of the chair, the straps SERIOUSLY get in the way!  As a competent mother, my son is NEVER EVER left unattended in his Bumbo, especially on high surfaces.  Yes, I will sit him on the island in the kitchen while I’m cooking, but again, he is NEVER left by himself.  The majority of his time is spent on the floor playing with his toys on the tray (which can be purchased separately).  I also would like to make note that my son literally will arc his back in a manner where he’s basically out of the chair, but has NEVER ONCE made it out successfully and he’s 5 months.
PROS:
  •  What I love about this chair is the fact it allows baby to sit upright.  This is great for babies with reflux who need to sit up after meals.
  • I also like this because it gives baby another view of life besides lying on their back or in someone’s arms.  I also love the how the chair just snuggly cradle baby, so there is no drooping or falling to the sides.
  • I also like that this chair is lightweight and soft.  Can transport from room to room with baby in your hands.
  • The tray is a double whammy, but on the good side, I can put toys on there to keep my son entertained.
CONS:
  • What I don’t like about this chair is sometimes the snug fit is restrictive for babies with chunky legs. (my son legs sometimes catch and I have to pop his legs out).  Although, it does not seem to cause my baby any discomfort.
  • The EXPENSIVE tray that can be purchased is not easily put on or off, but when in place, it does allow you to place objects atop for baby to play with.
  • The straps are now mandatory, and as I mentioned before, they just get IN THE WAY!
  • I would like to mention that I would not use this chair until at least 3 months for a term baby, but please use your parental judgement based on your baby.  Your baby really needs to have good neck support for this to be used properly and safely for your child.

It’s You Bebe Cradle Belly Band Review #pregnancy

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If you haven’t figured out by now that my back is absolutely KILLING ME, during this pregnancy, well it is. I am carrying my baby in my back and not liking it!  I’m not sure how this will work for those carrying differently, but for back carriers like myself, it was heaven sent. I want to offer all advise that got me through that I possibly can to prevent anyone from suffering one minute more than needed.

Thus I did some research and invested in a “It’s You Baby Band”belly band.  Again, I read many reviews before buying, and the one that was the most prevalent and negative was the sizing.  Many complained it was sized too small for the weight requirements and recommended buyers to buy up a size for maximum support.  The sizing ranges Small 136lbs-180lbs  Medium 181-225  Large 226-270 and Petite 90-135.

At the time, I fell into the small range, and due to the recommendation of going up a size, well I did and wish I did not.  While the band did offer some relief, it just did not give me the support I needed because it was a tad too big, I held onto it in hopes of growing into it and brought the right size in the meantime.  The small fit great and offered GREAT support!  Like the reviews stated, I did have to use the last set of latches, but whatever, it worked and still is working just fine.  It’s like someone is holding my belly up for me, thus taking almost all pressure off my back.  It’s like a breath of fresh air when I wear it.  The only problem I have with it, is due to it being the summer, I have to have it against my bare belly for I mostly wear sun dresses, and it causes me to sweat like a pig!  Other than that I really have no complaints with this product at all!