Girls Mermaid Costume Review

When I was offered the chance to review a costume from Wholesale Halloween Costumes  I knew right away which costume I would choose. Little J's birthday was coming up and she was always fighting with Big J over the Little Mermaid costume. She was delighted when we let her open it days before her birthday and she now had her own costume so no more fighting... well at least over that one item. (haha)

Since we owned one before I knew what to expect. The fabric is great and it is not the cheap plastic of some of the costumes we have owned, but real fabric. I was surprised this time because there were already strings hanging off and Little J has managed to rip one of the seams. Now Big J's costume has rips in it, however it has had many years of wear and tear.  Thankfully the new costume is nothing we can't easily fix as it is along the seam. The Ariel "button" on the front came off already, but I have found that on most of these types of costumes that piece never lasts long.

The J's showing off their matching outfits

The "button"

Overall we are very happy with our costume choice and I have a feeling it will be worn until it literally falls apart and off of Little J.  I do not mind one but as the Little Mermaid is my all time favorite Disney movie.  Not too mention it seems to promote bath time in this house because Little J loves to pretend to be a mermaid.. Of course I have to remind her to take her costume off first!

I have recieved and purchased other costumes from Wholesale Halloween Costumes before and have had no issues and will continue to purchase from them in the future. Quality is good and selection is great. 

(I received a free costume in exchange for a review. All opinions here are 100% mine)

Cleaning House: A Mom's Twelve-Month Experiment to Rid Her Home of Youth Entitlement - Book Review

If your children are anything like mine they believe that there are magic fairies that come along and clean, do dishes and cook. Ok my children really know that their father and I do the work but they do fight us when we ask them to clean and they just feel like everything is our job.

When Kay Wyma realized that an attitude of entitlement had crept into her home, this mother of five got some attitude of her own. Cleaning Houseis her account of a year-long campaign to introduce her kids to basic life skills. From making beds to grocery shopping to refinishing a deck chair, the Wyma family experienced for themselves the ways meaningful work can transform self-absorption into earned self-confidence and concern for others.

This book was about a mother who decided to do a 12 month experiment (for lack of a better word) in order to teach her children to be more self sufficent and stop feeling like they were owed everything. My favorite week was when each child had to purchase and cook dinner, I loved how one of the children just chose to purchase fast food while others really got into the planning of the whole thing. I have even used some of the ideas in the book on my own children.

Have you read any good books lately? Share them in the comments!


(I received a copy of this book from Blogging For Books, I received no money in exchange for my review. All opinions are 100% mine. )

The Charlatan's Boy Book Review

The book is more geared for young teens and would be enjoyed by boys and girls alike.

The story is about a boy on his quest for truth.  He travels around with a man who is not his father, putting on various shows in villages trying to make a living. They basically do whatever it takes to con people out of their money to earn a living. They boy is proud when he succeeds but one could say that he really does not know any other way of life.

I ended up really liking the main character and was rooting for him to have a good ending. There were parts that I was bored at but the last few chapters were very interesting and made up for that.

It was hard to get past the fact that the premise of the book was wrapped around lies and cons, I do not think I would like my children reading this book. I think the author could have added some moments of clarity for the boy.  I also want to mention that the grammar is purposefully incorrect, in order to help better allow the reader to understand the time and place of the story.

This book is a fun, easy read, but it was just not for my tastes.

The Game of Life zAPPed - A new take on a classic

Growing up I loved the Game of Life and it has come a long way over the years. Currently in our house we have the original version, an electronic version and a SpongeBob version. Thanks to Hasbro we have now added THE GAME OF LIFE zAPPed edition.  


With THE GAME OF LIFE zAPPed edition, you can enjoy a whole new way to play! Add your iPad to the unique gameboard for a truly interactive family experience. The free app brings your game to life as you move around the board. You still get to move your car from space to space and select your path to retirement, but now you spin, get paid, sue other players and make important decisions all on your iPad. Don’t want to be just a plain peg? Go ahead and customize your peg character and add a peg-sessory!

Big J loves that she can give her "peg" crazy hair and funny accessories like glasses or purses. She also loves that when you land on certain spaces you unlock more than 100 clips from America's Funniest Home Videos which needless to say are hilarious, especially when you are 5!

My favorite thing about the game, except for the fact that The Game of Life is my favorite is that there are less pieces to lose. You no longer have the buildings, bridges and spinners to put together. The APP also keeps track of you job, house and life tiles for you. Meaning you no longer have to worry about losing or handing out those cards.

THE GAME OF LIFE zAPPed will be on our top list of board games for years to come.


Where to Purchase
Hasbro Toy Shop ($24.99)
The game can also be found at Amazon.com or Toys R Us


Includes gameboard, 4 car movers, 52 pegs, money pack, 4 rubber pads, Quick Start Guide. iPad not included but required to play the game.
For 2 to 4 Players
Ages 8 and up


I was provided a copy of THE GAME OF LIFE zAPPed for review purposes. No other compensation was received. All opinions are mine and 100% honest. 

Don't Let the Pigeon Run This App Review

Don't Let the Pigeon Run This App is by far one of our favorite apps! We got it for the iPad, but it is also available for  iPhone and the iPod Touch. The best part for Big J is that it is interactive and has three different story modes that let you create different stories over and over again. My favorite part is when your story is ready you get to shake the pigeon to get started! (You either use your finger or you can actually shake your iPad) The only downside I have found is that the basic story line is the same no matter which story you choose. You can change some of the choices but the rest is basically the same. While that annoyed me after a couple stories neither Big J or Little J seemed to care at all.

Three unique storytelling modes

• Mode one already has stories created for you, so you can just sit back and listen. 
• Mode two allows your child (or you because you know you want to) choose from three choices for a number of different questions. Your choices become part of the story. 
• Mode three allows your child to speak any answer they want to the questions. This has lead to many a crazy story in our house.

Other Cool Features

• Starring appearance by the Pigeon, voiced by Mo Willems. - This is the perfect pigeon voice.
• Also starring YOU! Record your own voice as part of the story.
• Pigeon-drawing tutorial with Mo. - Your drawing also becomes part of the story.
• Personalized vault for six of your favorite Big Pigeon stories..
• Read-along option.
• Shake-and-tap interactivity.
• Pigeon-y sound effects and music. 

 



Brought to you by Disney Publishing Worldwide, the world’s largest publisher of children’s books and magazines. Entering the New Year as a leading publisher of children’s book apps, Disney Publishing has garnered more than 7 million App Store downloads to-date with apps including:

Some of the other app titles include:

• The Lion King: Timon's Tale
• Tangled Storybook Deluxe
• It's a Small World
• Disney Princess: A Royal Christmas
• Pooh's Birthday Surprize
• Cars 2 Storybook Deluxe

Purchase Don't Let the Pigeon Run This App at iTunes ($6.99)

Learn more:
Disney Books Apps Website
Disney Read Facebook Page 
Disney Read Twitter


This app was provided to us thanks to Disney Publishing Apps and Family Review Network. No other compensation was provided. All opinions are 100% mine and honest.

PediaCare® Infant and Children's Liquid Acetaminophen Review and Giveaway

I remember the first time Big J got a fever. As a first time mom I was freaked out and not really sure what to do. Thankfully I could rely on PediaCare and their Infant Acetaminophen. Now they have improved on the dosing methods to make it easier for parents and safer for children. 

PediaCare® now offer additional product enhancements, including age-appropriate dosing devices.  Infant products will now contain a special dosing syringe and flow restrictors on the bottles; children’s products, for ages 2 to 11 years, will have the bottles with flow restrictors, and continue to contain dosing cups. Both infant and children’s formulations will continue to have weight-based instructions on the package, as well. Please note that there will be a transition period where both the current infant products and the new infant products will be on store shelves. It is always recommended that you read and follow the package directions and it is more important while both concentrations are available. 

• PediaCare Children's Fever Reducer/Pain Reliever
• For ages 2 -11
• Flow restrictor bottle and dosing cup
• Dye free Cherry
• Cherry or grape flavors
• Weight and age-based dosing instructions on package
• Suggested retail price for a 4-ounce liquid bottle is $7.59.

• PediaCare Infants Fever Reducer/Pain Reliever
• For ages 0-36 months
• New special dosing syringe and flow restrictor bottles
• Dye free Cherry
• New bubble gum flavor as well as cherry and grape
• Weight and age-based dosing instructions on package 
• Suggested retail price for a 2-ounce liquid bottle is $6.99.

New dosage syringe

For more information about PediaCare® products and the new dosing system visit pediacare.com


One lucky reader will win one of each. Enter with rafflecopter form below.

I was provided the items for review by Family Review Network and PediaCare®. All opinions were 100% mine and honest.

 
a Rafflecopter giveaway    

Kashi Review

As a working mom with two children I am always looking for snacks and breakfast items that are easy, nutritious and appealing to me, Big J and Little J. No small feat, but I have found some with the help of Kashi and their TLC Peanutty Dark Chocolate Layered Granola Bars, Cinnamon Harvest Cereal and TLC Soft-Baked Ripe Strawberry Cereal Bars. Thanks to Kashi and Mom Meet for providing the product.

For more than 25 years, Kashi has stood up for real food, offering a variety of naturally nutritious foods and educational resources for everyone to enjoy. Their products are natural, minimally processed, and free of highly refined sugars, artificial additives and unnatural preservatives. This is something that has recently become very important to the hubs and I as we deal with Big J's hyperactivity. With a variety of options, including cereal, bars, waffles, frozen entrees and crackers you are bound to find items that everyone in the family will love.

TLC Peanutty Dark Chocolate Layered Granola Bars

My hands down favorite of the three (I mean chocolate!!) the bars are made with Kashi's signature blend of Seven Whole Grains and features the smooth taste of peanuts with rich, dark chocolate for a sweet and savory combination. This is perfect for when the late afternoon chocolate craving hits (or anytime a snack is in order). The dark chocolate satisfies my need for sweets and the grains and peanuts keep me full. Did I mention the 7 grams of fiber 4 grams of protein? Big J is also a fan and has had one in her lunch most days the past couple of weeks. Sadly, due to Little J's peanut allergy she is not allowed to have any.

Cinnamon Harvest Cereal

Since Little J was unable to try the bars I let her have first taste of the Cinnamon Harvest Cereal which she loves! The cereal is bite-sized organic whole-wheat biscuits, light sweetened and baked with real organic cinnamon. Tastes great and contains 20% of my daily fiber requirements and 2/3 of my daily recommended whole grain intake...bring it on.  I do have to mention that I love cereal and will eat it any time of day so I know cereal. These are also great because the small size means that my kids can have some without milk and it makes a great snack.

TLC Soft-Baked Ripe Strawberry Cereal Bars.

The cereal bars were not a favorite for Big J or Little J, but I enjoyed them. I found them a little dry but still very tasty. A great grab and go breakfast on those days when I just do not have the time to sit still and eat. The Rip Strawberry Cereal Bars are baked up toasty and golden with fruit and wildflower honey for natural goodness. They offer up to 3 grams of fiber and 11grams of whole grains.  Kashi suggests microwaving them for a few seconds to create a warm pie taste. Which I have not tried yet but am planning on it.

I also shared these Kashi treats with other Moms and the feedback was great. With so many choices from Kashi the parents were able to find good snacks that their children would love and most times the mom's loved the snacks too. The hands down favorite was the TLC Peanutty Dark Chocolate Layered Granola Bars for both parents and children. The bars tasted wonderful and the moms could feel good about giving them to their children.

 For more information about Kashi and their products please visit their website and Facebook page.

I received this product for free from the sponsor of the Moms Meet program, May media Group LLC, who received it directly from the manufacturer. As a Mom's Meet blogger I agreed to use this product and post my opinion on my blog. My opinions do not necessarily reflect the opinions of May Media Group LLC or the manufacturer of the product.

Marzetti Old Fashioned Caramel Dip Review and Giveaway

 

Want a chance to win $20 - $1000 Amazon gift cards and enjoy a great treat? Then grab a specially marked tub of Marzetti Old Fashioned Caramel Dip to try you hand at the Lucky Pick Instant Win Game. If you get a lucky pick head over to www.marzetti.com/luckypick/ to enter your code and claim your prize. (contest ends 11/30/11)

With holiday entertaining season upon us, everyone is looking for quick and easy crowd pleasers that fit a variety of occasions. Marzetti^® Caramel Dips are the perfect finishing touch for a variety of party favorites – whether it’s a dip for apples, pears and pretzels (My favorite!) or a special ingredient in a delicious recipe.

Throwing a brunch get together for the holiday? How about impressing your guests with BakedPancake with Caramel Banana Sauce

Needs some easy and delicious dessert ideas? Try Caramel Cashew Pie or for something a little different serve Caramel Mocha Coffee. If you do please feel free to send me an invite!

Review

I have always loved Marzetti Old Fashioned Caramel Dip but have not had it in awhile and had never thought to try it in a recipe. I prefer my apples with a little caramel sauce for a great, healthy treat. It is also a great way to get Big J to eat more fruit! I am thinking my new weekly treat is going to be the Caramel Mocha Coffee, of course that is only if the dip lasts that long.

For more recipe ideas and additional product information visit www.marzetti.com

Buy It

Marzetti Caramel Dips are available in your grocer’s produce section for a suggested retail price of $3.99 per 16-ounce package (prices may vary by store)

WIN IT

ChildUp Review - Teach your child to Count

Since 2005, the ChildUp Team of early childhood development experts and dedicated parents is providing information and developing solutions and tools for parents who intend to raise successful, balanced, and happy children. 

The ChildUp program is based on decades of practical positive parenting experience in real life situations and families, backed up by leading worldwide scientific research in early education from the past 10 years.

ChildUp offers a series of efficient solutions and tools in matter of parenting, early childhood development, and early learning: the ChildUp Online Parenting Courses, the ChildUp Early Learning Game Cards, the ChildUp Early Learning Applications, and the ChildUp Early Learning Method. 


The two current packs is the ChildUp's Early Learning Game Card Series are Teach Your Child to Count to 10 and Teach Your Child to Count to 20.

Teach Your Child to Count to 10 - Math and Logic #1  is the first pack in ChildUp's Early Learning Game Cards. Features bright colors, big numbers and animals from around the world.

• Includes 48 Child’s Cards to learn to count from 1 to 10 while discovering four different series of 10 popular animals.
• Includes 16 Parent’s Cards presenting the 1st part of the ChildUp Early Learning Method, with practical early learning and parenting advice.
• Helps parents to teach:
• Numbers from 0 to 10
• Numbers as quantities and symbols
• The first steps of addition

• Includes 48 Child’s Cards to learn to count from 10 to 20 while discovering four different series of 10 new animals.
• Includes 16 Parent’s Cards presenting the 2nd part of the ChildUp Early Learning Method, with practical early learning and parenting advice.
• Helps parents to teach:
• Numbers from 10 to 20
• Odd and even numbers
• First additions and subtractions
• Categorizing, sorting, and comparing

They have also created a new app The ChildUp Early Learning Application “iCount-to-10”  which was created to help parents and early childhood educators teach children from 1 to 5 years old to count to 10. By playing this game with an adult, any child will learn to count to 10 (one of the very first steps in arithmetic), numbers as quantities and symbols, and the basics of addition. All that while discovering 40 popular animals and their real sounds. Moreover, with the app comes the ChildUp Early Learning Method, which provides precious information on brain development, early learning and parenting expertise.

Our Review

Both Big J & Little J love the colorful cards. Of course Little J is still too young to really understand, but she loves listening to her sister say the numbers and has even started repeating a few herself! Yeah to new words. Big J also loves the app, but poor Little J is scared by the animal sounds. (She has a fear of strange noises at the moment) Mommy is hoping she out grows that soon so she too can enjoy playing with the app and learning. 

Buy it:  Each pack of cards can be purchased from the ChildUp website for $9.99

The iCount-to-10 ChildUp Early Learning App is available at the Apple Online Store.

We received one pack of Teach Your Child to Count to 10, one pack Teach Your Child to Count to 20 and a free download of The ChildUp app curtesy of ChildUp and Family Review Network. All opinions are my own (with the help of Big J & Little J) and 100% honest. 

Mommy Rolling Along - Heelys Review

For those of you who have not heard of Heelys they are shoes with a single or double wheel in the heel and they allow the wearer to go from walking to rolling simply by shifting their weight to their heels. 


When I first applied to review Heelys I was thinking I would get a pair for Big J, but when I was accepted and started looking at my choices I realized she was still a little too small feet wise so I decided on a pair for myself. Of course I was scared because I am not know for my graceful abilities! 

When they arrived I was very excited and tried them on right away. Since I was not ready to try outside just yet I tried them out on the kitchen floor. Lets just say I won't be doing any tricks anytime soon, but I figured out how to go in a straight line! The best part is that the wheels come out and you have a comfortable, stylish sneaker to wear.  The Heelys site also offers plenty of videos on how to start using your Heelys as well as how to do certain tricks. There is also the Heelys Safety Playbook which gives you some great tips on keeping yourself and your children safe.


Of course now Big J wants a pair, so perhaps in a year or so when she is a little older I will be picking out one for her. She will be getting the ones with two wheels which is more for beginners.  Maybe her and I will be tricking it out in our Heelys together! 




Where to purchase:
   - Heelys can be purchased online at the Heelys Shop or use the search feature to find a store near you that sells them.


More Information about Heelys:
 - Heelys Facebook Page
 - Follow on Twitter




Disclosure
I was sent a pair of heelys for review through Business2Blogger for review purposes. All opinions are my own. Please see my disclosure policy for more information.

Costume Discounters Review - Little Red Riding Hood

I love Halloween! It is by far my favorite holiday, I mean candy, being able to dress like anything you want, pumpkins and did I mention the candy??

Last year Little J was not very happy with her costume so this year I decided to go with something different and since she loves playing dress up with her sister I thought why not the Lil' Red Riding Hood Infant Costume from Costume Discounters. I have received costumes from them before and I was not disappointed this time either. The costume is very good quality, especially the hooded cape which was very soft and velvety.

The minute I took it out of the package Little J had to try it on.

Close up of the cape 

Look at that smile, I think she loves it 

No matter how hard I tried I could not get her to look at me so I could take a full on shot. 

Of course Big J had to get in a picture too. 

Litte Red Riding Hood not your thing for halloween? Don't worry Costume Discounters has a ton of infant halloween costumes to choose from, and girls, boys and adult costumes too. Big J already has her  costume picked out too. (I think we are going with Arial this year) 

We received a free Little Red Riding Hood costume from Costume Discounters in order to review. All opinions are my own and 100% honest. 

FoundIt Review and Giveaway

With Big J starting Kindergarten tomorrow (gulp) I know that things will get lost all the time. Not to mention that we have a lot of electronics that we carry around with us that would be very expensive to replace. While I know that some people who find lost items are not nice enough to try to find the actual owner I want to be able to assist the kind samaritans who actually want to return lost items. It steps FoundIt!

What is FoundIt?

We all lose stuff. At FoundIt, they help us get it back. That's it in a nutshell.

They know how it feels to lose something important. So they started FoundIt™ as a lost and found that connects the Finder and the Owner (the FoundIt™ member) instantly. They are a lost item retrieval network. It works great for anything that's easily lost but hard to replace, like phones, and laptops, keys and cameras, jackets and tennis rackets. (All while keeping your private information private.) It's a simple way for people to return your lost items.

When you sign up for an account, they'll send you labels/stickers with your unique FoundIt ID. (You only need to register once; the ID is yours for life.) Then, if you ever lose something with your FoundIt ID in a taxi, on a trail, or in a restaurant, the good people who find it have a simple way to get it back to you. Visit their website to see how it works. 

They believe in your privacy and being honest and up-front with their members. They'll never sell, rent or otherwise abuse your trust or your information. No ads or sneaky cookies. No following you around town to see what kind of ice cream you buy. (In case you're curious, they love strawberry.)

What I received:

MacDaddy Family Package — $24.99

• 4 years access to FoundIt Network
• Set of 62 stickers
• 2 key tags
• 3 bag tags
• 1 luggage tag/ID card
• 2 round tags (pet tag)

 Stickers 

Tags

The stickers hold up well on items, even ones like my cell phone that go in and out of pockets and my purse. I also like the fact that I do not have to list my address and name on my items. This is especially important when it comes to the safety of Big J & Little J. I always remember hearing that you should not put certain information like name, address and phone number on your child's information because someone could use that to gain their trusts. Now the stickers just have my code on it. This way when someone finds a lost item they go the the FoundIt website and put in the code. The person who finds the item then can choose how they want to be contacted back about returning the item; phone, e-mail, text or even a simply anonymous note saying something like, "I found your phone and left it with the coffee shop manager.". I would then get an e-mail or text message from FoundIt alerting me that my item was found. Privacy for all parties involved.

Where to purchase:
Visit Foundit.net to purchase one of the three packages. (Prices range from $7.99 - $24.99)



WIN IT!! One lucky reader will win the MacDaddy Family Package from FoundIt. To enter please use the Rafflecopter entry form below.

101 Offline Activities Book Review

101 Offline Activities You Can Do With Your Child

Here’s a brief time out that EVERYONE in your family will enjoy: disconnect from the Net, put away your digital toys, and get ready for some good old-fashioned fun.  Even 20 minutes a day can be rejuvenating for you and a great way to connect with your children. In 101 Offline Activities You Can Do With Your Child, you’ll find activities that tap the most advanced computer of all time—the one between the ears.  Best of all, you can do most of the activities with little or no preparation!


Steve and Ruth Bennett are the authors of the million copy-selling activity books, 365 TV-Free Activities You Can Do With Your Child and 365 Outdoor Activities You Can Do With Your Child, as well as numerous other activity books. The Bennetts have written widely on families and quality time. Steve is the founder of AuthorBytes, a company that creates Websites and digital collateral for authors; Ruth is a landscape architect who specializes in public parks, university quadrangles, and children’s play spaces.They have two young-adult children and live in Cambridge, Massachusetts.


Review
This book could not have come at a better time since I am home with my children all the time right now. (I lost my job in February) My husband and I also end up entertaining 2-5 other neighborhood children each day who come to play with Big J. Two of which are known for being bored all the time. 


The great thing about these activities is that some only require your time, or the time of bored children of course. The ones that do require items typically need items that you would find around your house such as paper plates, pens and a muffin tin. The activities are designed to do at home, on the go or even while waiting in line while running errands. 


Each activity has:

• Easy to follow instructions
• List of required Items
• Category 
• In the kitchen
• At home
• Anytime, Anyplace
• Out and About
• On the Road

Two of our favorites are:

      *Gimme Shelter - Big J and friends are currently into building tents and forts so this is a great one for them. Using couch cushions, pillows, blankets, chairs and props children create their own cabin and even a pretend campfire out of blocks and paper. 

      * Fresh off the Press - Using a store circular I can keep Big J occupied "matching" the items in the flyer to ones in the store while getting my shopping done. 

One we are looking forward to trying soon:

      * Travel board games which uses the Make Before you go Card Board Game - Using simple household items (cardboard, glue, scissors) create a portable board game which can be used to play highway bingo, concentration and lotto. 

This is a great book for anyone who has to entertain children, especially if you always hear "We are bored."

To purchase

Book can be purchased from Amazon or Barnes and Noble for $19.95 (at time of post)

Autographed copies are also available for $25.00 through the offline activities website. (Click on Buy the Book) 

“This post was written for Family Review Network and offlineactivities.com who provided the complimentary product for review in exchange for my honest opinion. All opinions are mine."