MAONO Lapel Mic | Unboxing and First Impressions

February 1, 2020February 1, 2020 / The Hightower Family | MOMMAAMOMMAB / Leave a comment

Thanks for testing the lapel mic AU100R by MAONO with us!

If you’ve been considering starting a vlog or podcast, you need to think about audio, which makes up a percentage of the complete user experience.

Since paying more attention to our audio ducking and music levels, we have noticed a change in overall satisfaction (increased watch time) even when our videos aren’t generating more clicks per view, necessarily. Bad audio and shaky footage are two things that will cause a viewer to quickly close your video – often they won’t come back to your channel/page after that experience.

YouTube Behind The Scenes at MommaAMommaB.com

One way to manage audio is by painstakingly editing every track “in post”. In post production, tracks are placed into a timeline sequence inside your editing software. Depending on your program, you can “duck”, adjust gains and more. To save exponential amounts of time, reducing your need for post-production editing as much as possible is your best bet.

This means the images and audio coming from your recording source has to be as smooth and crisp as possible.

Imagine trying to add color to a black and white image – this is inherently more difficult than transforming an Andy Warhol into a gray-scale.

Same concept as taking shadows out of a video. Possible. But it will make you want to pull your hair out and ask yourself why couldn’t there have been just ONE hair light on set, instead?

So far I’ve been using this lapel mic from amazon.com and it’s working nicely for on-the-go recording when you need your subject to be turning and moving – when they are also the ones dictating audio.

This lapel mic by MAONO is a lapel / lavalier microphone which attaches to the user or interviewee by a small alligator style clip, keeping your audio more consistent (and also more convenient) than a hand-held microphone or boom.

Save yourself the hassle of adding voice overs or syncing your audio tracks post-production – have your raw audio be “good enough” right out of the camera.

The lav mic is compatible with DSLR cameras, USB devices and smart phones, making it a flexible choice for multi-platform producers.

The MAONO lavalier microphone has a built-in rechargeable battery to make it available for over 90 hours working time.

**Note** I did experience functionality issues using a knock-off apple dongle or two that are known working cables. This device prefers the original Apple Official cables (which currently run $9-12 new from Apple).

3.55mm to Lightning Adapter not included

#AD Thank you to Maono for providing us with our first lav mic in exchange for our honest review

Unboxing the Maono Mic

This product is available on our amazon shop, at no additional costs to you.

Every purchase made directly through amazon affiliate links like this will never increase your purchase price, but does help us by sharing a small percentage of commission – thank you!

If you have any questions before making your purchase, please let me know in the comments, below.

XOXO!

Want to be a vlogger / podcaster? Find more tips and tricks on starting your channel by clicking on the YouTube Creators tab on the menu!

Love,

Mama B

SWIMSUITS FOR SEXY MAMAS | Online Swimsuit Shopping in January | B2prity | Amazon Review

January 28, 2020January 29, 2020 / The Hightower Family | MOMMAAMOMMAB / Leave a comment

My recent unboxing video featured a slimming new swimsuit. Which is cool.

But it’s January. Some might say too cool for a proper outdoor photo as we end the great hibernation that is Winter 2020.

Enjoy Unboxing Videos? More at MommaAMommaB at YouTube

We usually get significant snow here in Wenatchee, WA. I had planned on doing a fun outdoor show photoshoot, and yet we’ve had unfortunate weather patterns; the sunshine never quite lines up with my three to six hours of childcare per week.

So, I did a quick video and took some shots in front of the closet, instead.

This was my first time ordering a swimsuit online, and I’ll definitely do it again!

B2prity has many options to choose from and I took forever placing my complimentary order. As tempting as it was to go with a fun print, especially since this one was courtesy of the company, I stuck to my roots and went with a solid.

Black is classic, and will pair easily with some of the fun beach accessories I wasn’t able to use last year with my floral patterned suit.

Before tightening support ties

One option to secure straps

amazon.com/shop/mommaamommab

I am excited to test this out in the wild on our next sunny vacation. I was half tempted to recline on my porch with a sangria, until I remembered the kids would be up from nap in ten minutes.

Also, it’s still January.

Stay warm, friends!

Love,

Mama B

L’Oreal EverPure

January 17, 2020January 22, 2020 / The Hightower Family | MOMMAAMOMMAB / Leave a comment

Purple shampoo and blue conditioner??

If you saw my Instagram stories earlier, you may have seen that I was testing this L’Oreal product (courtesy Influenster*) all week in varying degrees.

1. I started testing on my previously rose-gold clenditioner-ed grow out. (If you don’t know what Clenditioner is, search for my previous post!)

2. I did notice instant results (for testing purposes I washed twice and left conditioner sitting on my hair 5 minutes before washing thoroughly). The brassiness from the leftover color deposit seemed to have lifted – or erased – or blended – or whatever the tech term is. You don’t need to be a hairdresser to time down your brassy blondes – even silver and auburn highlighted hair can benefit from this sulfate-free formula, which won’t over-dry locks.

3. After two more days of use I’ll have a good baseline for how this works in “real” life, between color touch ups. Then, it’s off for a trim and professional highlight!

UPDATES:

4. My hairdresser toned me in the chair during my appointment and I am excited to try see how this shampoo helps me maintain my white-blonde hue.

Follow me on Influenster to see what other great products I’m scoring, and see their About section for tips on receiving similar test items for FREE!

*This post is not sponsored | I received complimentary products in exchange for my honest feedback.

Thank me for visiting and checking out my blog. Subscribe before you go if you want to see more posts like this!

Mama B

The photos below were taken on an iPhone XS Max w/o retouching:

KeaBabies Unisex Diaper Bag | Best Cloth Diapering Backpack of 2019

December 27, 2019January 16, 2020 / The Hightower Family | MOMMAAMOMMAB / Leave a comment

My wife and I like to consider ourselves fashionable and modern — though it can be tough to keep up with two kids under the age of three!

Stroller Straps on the Explorer Bag

When it comes to finding a cloth diapering and potty training backpack that suits both our different styles and matches our adventurous parent-vlogger lifestyles, the Explorer bag by KeaBabies is a perfect fit.

From having room to fit extra clothing items and all of those bulky winter accessories, to snacks compartments and pockets to spare, it was easy for us to vote this bag as the Best Unisex Diaper Bag of 2019.

At under $40 it’s a must have to add to your arsenal of parenting gear!

**DISCOUNT CODE for additional 20% off** KEA-HIGHTOWER20

On the off chance Mama gets to strap on some heels or wear a fancy white jacket, this bag pairs nicely with it all! From airplane travel to strapping on the stroller (psst…stroller straps and waterproof changing mat are included), this bag is adventure-ready!

Whether you choose Trendy Black, Classic Gray or Navy Blue, this backpack is a great unisex diaper bag going into 2020.

Thanks KeaBabies for providing this bag in exchange for our honest review.

See our full review:

KeaBabies is on Instagram and YouTube!

Search #KeaMommy #KeaDaddy #KeaParent and join a community of supportive parents.

BEST UNISEX BAG FOR CLOTH DIAPERING PARENTS | KeaBabies Explorer Bag | TRENDY MODERN PARENTING GEAR for ADVENTUROUS FAMILIES KeaBabies: “Parenting is Awesome. Sleep is Overrated. Everyday is an Adventure.”

www.keababies.com

BIOSSANCE for INFLUENSTER | What’s in my VoxBox

December 9, 2019January 16, 2020 / The Hightower Family | MOMMAAMOMMAB / Leave a comment

Over the summer I decided to sign up for a free account through Influenster, “a product discovery and reviews platform for consumers.”

Surprisingly, after entering in all of my social media accounts, the app rated me as having a HIGH impact score. This means my accounts have a high enough visibility to reach enough of an audience to promote certain products for certain companies.

So far, I have been able to partner with L’loreal’s Color & Co as well as Bobbi Brown. The products were things I could actually envision myself buying and using, so Influenster did a great job matching me with the offers.

I was invited to check out The Clean Academy, a free online information sharing site that uncomplicates labels and ‘debunks myths’ regarding skin care and product safety; information that is increasingly glossed over or concealed from consumers. I was astounded at the information I learned!

Biossance offers education as well as products. They want you to know and trust in their merchandise, but also to become a more educated consumer in general.

In order to apply for a free VoxBox, which is how Influenster refers to it’s product tester boxes, I was required to check out the Biossance website and then share a few details to my Facebook or Instagram on what I learned from the videos, which I did on my private Facebook account. The information I shared was in regards to laws and regulations of the beauty industry; I wrote a quick few sentences and posted a the required biossance link, and waited.

The whole process of completing tasks functions like completing an application checklist. You do all the things, and then they could simply be grateful that you helped advertise for them for essentially free – OR – you could be ‘selected’ to receive a box. Now, some reviewers swear there is a secret formula to how to receive boxes, or how to get them expedited. As far as this blog goes, we won’t go into that. I don’t know anything about it, TBH.

A couple of weeks went by and then I received an email saying “You’re In!” I had been selected to receive a free sample box. My app says it’s being prepared for shipment, and it doesn’t give any tracking numbers or other information. It will just update the app when it goes out for mailing, and I’ll eagerly await!

Sometimes it can take 1-2 weeks between getting the email notice and receiving the VoxBox.

PRODUCTS RECEIVED IN THE BIOSSANCE VOXBOX

The items I received were beautifully packaged in a charcoal bag with metallic rose gold hardware, with “SPREAD LOVE NOT TOXINS” plus the brand name embossed in gold foil across the front.

I also received a reusable metal straw kit with storage bag and cleaning tool , and a bamboo toothbrush:

Biossance Squalane + Omega Repair Cream

Biossance Squalane + Vitamin C Rose Oil

Biossance Squalane + Vitamin C Rose Mask

Biossance Squalane + Peptide Eye Gel

Biossance Squalane + Rose Vegan Lip Balm

Bamboo face cloths + storage bag included

The funny thing about this package is that with my last beauty box by Ipsy, I was given a quiz to define what my favorite and least favorites when it comes to fragrances and flavors, etc. The only thing I ever put down that I wasn’t a huge fan of is rose, but of course Influenster did not get copied on that one! Everything in this package is rose! It made me laugh. If you’re interested in the IPSY unboxing, here it is:

I did learn a lesson about being open minded: though rose isn’t typically a scent I can stomach, the Biossance products were extremely gently scented, and so I wasn’t overwhelmed and – surprise to me – enjoyed the products despite the rose scent. I did have to laugh, though, when I first opened this box!

I’ll be sure to post the video link here, after the full review.

Any questions for me? I answer them all 🙂 Reach out! I love hearing from you!

Love,

Mama B

Purses and Stuff: Life without a Diaper Bag?

November 19, 2019January 16, 2020 / The Hightower Family | MOMMAAMOMMAB / Leave a comment

This week I started off the vlog with a little introduction of the four handbags I am most often using these days.

One of the bags was given to us by an Amazon retailer and this particular bag gave me a glimpse into what life might be like when I don’t have to lug around diaper bags (soon)! But until then, here are two diaper bags and two…adult bags.

The leather purse shown in the beginning clips are by Kattee – Retailing at just $52, I was quite impressed!

Purchase link is in the vlog’s description box (expand the YouTube video below):

My current bag is a beautiful Levy (now available in ash blue) by Happ. I love the quilted look and the gold embellishments, as well as the sturdy feet on the bottom. I’ve mentioned before that I’ve been stopped by many people to ask where I’d gotten it (at the retailer’s website, incase you are wondering!) – And the response is almost always of surprise, when I tell them it’s a diaper bag!

Amy’s favorite bag is a backpack style, with sturdy comfortable straps and lots of pockets for organization, as well as two easy-to-access side pockets for bottles and sippies, and insulated interior pockets to keep prepared bottles cold.

I can’t find the link anymore, but it’s worth sleuthing out if you’re on the hunt for a new bag! It’s by LekeBaby, and the cool grey color is great for hiding debris or spills when they happen!

I found a link to the newest model and included it in my Amazon Storefront incase you want to try it out for yourself. At $36 it’s not a bad investment (Amazon Prime members are able to return items at no cost if they don’t meet expectations).

The last bag on my list is a small crossbody purse for child-free date nights – the whopping five we’ve had since becoming parents!

Nothing beats leaving all the stuff behind and taking the bare essentials. Keys? Check. Phone? Check. Wallet? Done.

It’s in my coat closet and I can’t be bothered to look at the brand. I got it from Target many moons ago, and like most things I want to recommend to you, I’ll likely never find it online (because I’m the worst blogger).

The point is: get yourself a small purse!

I feel like a whole new woman (or my old self?) when slightly less weighed down with everyone else’s junk. I mean, necessities.

Don’t get me wrong. I appreciate deeply the fact I am able to provide my kids with all of the things. I just never thought I’d really need so. much. stuff.

Next stop, KIDS BACKPACK REVIEWS!

(Can you believe it’s almost PRESCHOOL TIME?)

Love,

Mama B

AMAZON Bluetooth Wireless headphone for $10?

October 26, 2019 / The Hightower Family | MOMMAAMOMMAB / Leave a comment

See the full review:

I always thought earpieces were synonymous with Blackberries – and I neither had nor needed either of those things. So when an amazon reviewer reached out to us with a usb earpiece I agreed, thinking I could probably get my wife to test it out during conference calls.

Well, when the product arrived she reminded me that her actual prescribed hearing aids were designed to pair with her smartphone: she didn’t need the extra hardware to keep track of and charge.

Begrudgingly, I waited until the last few days of our review period to test it out. I let the thing charge for a full hour and then decided to try it out while editing the vlog footage of the device charging, etc. I paired it easily, for it into my ear, and began playing music from my SoundCloud app on my iOS device. I switched into my editing app and the music stopped, switching automatically to the new app.

Cool, I thought, editing my intro and switching to an older vlog that needed finishing touches. I decided to export the finished clip, and is is usually where I remove my headphone and walk away from my phone (closing the app means stopping the painfully slow file transfer). I gave the main button on the earpiece a tap, and was surprised to hear my SoundCloud playlist resume.

Crap! I must have closed the app…

…wait…

No, the headpiece just picked up the secondary audio for me. Ha! Amazing! I decided to push my luck. “Hey, Siri: text my wife.”

I immediately heard her in my ear canal: “What would you like to say to Amy [Rainbow Pictorial] Hightower?”

This earpiece exceeded my expectations. It’s a poor mans one-legged version of the AirPods that I can’t afford. It keeps my children from tanking cords from my ears, allows me to podcast while cooking, without my telephone swinging from my apron pocket (yes, I cook with an apron. I take this housewife thing very seriously). I can enjoy my audiobook at night without disturbing my wife’s sleep, or completely blocking I’m the sound of the baby monitor (I actually like having one alert ear)!

Thank you to lcreat for donating this earpiece for our review. This is a great gift idea for the audiophiles in our life!

Find this item and more in our YouTube Favorites list:

Amazon.com/shop/mommaamommab

This post is not sponsored – we may earn a small commission from affiliate links. Thank you!

Ginmic Toys | Amazon Review

October 7, 2019October 8, 2019 / The Hightower Family | MOMMAAMOMMAB / Leave a comment

Ginmic Toys offered our family a complementary play mat and dinosaurs in exchange for our honest review. In a nutshell, here are our pros and cons list (click play on the video above to watch the full video and see Canyon’s delight in unboxing this product, which came in a very exciting dinosaur box):

Pros:

Packaged in a cardboard box with a very eye catching dinosaur scene – just add a ribbon and tag for a beautiful gift wrap alternative.
Smaller items were packaged as sets, making it easy to discern different parts and pieces: the palm trees came in their own cellophane bag, as did the small dinosaurs (or ‘baby dinos’ as Canyon says).
The felt mat was thicker than the cheaper felt you often see at the craft or dollar stores. The image was printed crisply, with a high resolution and large enough for my two kids to share.
Additional scenery pieces made it easier to expand play ideas. We pretended the palm trees were ‘salads’ for the herbivores, and the carnivores got big hunks of meat (ahem, brown boulders and rocks).
It provides hours and hours of fun. We are not always sure what makes a product a “hit” or a “miss” in my toddler’s world, but this one he consistently asks for. So, that’s a win!

COULD USE IMPROVEMENT:

Two of the large dinosaur figurines did not stand independently, and one my wife was able to bend a little to make it work. Could be potentially frustrating for some kids if all but one or two stand.
The toggles/drawstrings on the storage bag could present a hazard – supervision suggested by this mama (as well as by the manufacturer).

My two year old didn’t seem to notice the wobbly dinos, but seemed delighted with the mini set and the travel bag, as well as matching the dinos to the images on the mat and learning each name/classification.

As supervision is almost always required or at least strongly recommended for all kids products, that doesn’t necessarily fall into the “cons” category, but I had to point out the two long drawstrings.

I recommend this play mat for kids around 3 years old, and it is marked for ages 3+ so it seems like GINMIC is on point with that. Or else I am. Or, we are on the same page, anyway!

Pinterest provides DIY felt play mat ideas, available for free online. If you aren’t willing or in a position to invest the resources toward a DIY, save yourself time and frustration and order this play mat from Amazon. It’s also available on Prime!

Click the link below to purchase it directly from our Amazon shop (a storefront where we earn a small commission for each item purchased directly through our associate links – thank you!):

www.amazon.com/shop/mommaamommab