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Showing posts from March, 2014

Violife Rockee Toothbrush Review and Giveaway

Thank you Violife for sending me the blue dog and pink cat Rockee toothbrush for review.  I was not paid for this review and all opinions are my own.   Violife has several different types of toothbrushes that allow you to add a little personality and flare compared to your typical toothbrushes you see in the store.   I received the two children's toothbrushes which not only have kept my son entertained during teeth brushing time but my son has time and time again asked to play with his toothbrush!   It may sound strange but on some days my son refuses to brush his teeth but now he is always wanting his toothbrush because of the rocking motion and fun that occurs with the Rockee toothbrush from Violife.                                                                       ...

How to Help Your Kids Have Healthy Coping Mechanisms

No matter what age humans are, we begin to develop methods for coping with the stresses in our lives that can be either healthy or unhealthy. Some of these coping mechanisms begin to take shape when our children are young and can lead to more serious coping mechanisms as they grow. While they are young, it is important to help kids understand their emotions and help give them healthy coping mechanisms that they can easily tap into when met with something that makes them feel overwhelmed or out of control. Here are a few suggestions for preparing your kids to cope with stress. Create a Safe Space to Talk Children need to learn at a young age that they can safely express even their most vulnerable feelings to someone – and get help if they’re encountering something they feel they can’t handle. If your children don’t open up to you – which happens often for parents – finding a mentor or a counselor might be a helpful tactic. Kids will learn that they can safely trust an adult to h...

Kernal Season's - Review

8 Seasoning Gift Basket from Kernel Seasons: Packed in a classic cardboard popcorn bucket and wrapped with a cellophane bag that can be easily opened and resealed to allow the ability to add movie tickets, movie gift certificates, or gift cards to round out your flavor present. It's the perfect gift for any occasion.  Basket Includes: 1 White Cheddar 1 Nacho Cheese 1 Kettle Corn 1 Butter 1 Garlic Parmesan 1 Bacon Cheddar 1 Ranch 1 Caramel 2 Microwave Popcorn Packets Thank-you Kernal Season's for sending me free samples in exchange for an honest review.  All opinions are my own and I was not paid for this review. Movie and popcorn is a normal theme throughout my life.  I will admit that I typically am just a butter and salt type of gal but my taste buds have now experienced 8 flavors!  So of the 8 flavors I enjoyed and would use again the butter, caramel, white cheddar, nacho cheese, and garlic parmesan! Now there is one flavor that...

Guest Post: Muay Thai training as a method for weight loss

There are many ways to lose weight and they all use different approaches to the problem. Physical activity is one of the best methods to lose weight and nowadays there are lots of materials online and lots of gyms that can help you with this process.  Training Muay Thai recently became a really popular method to lose weight, especially among women. As we all know Muay Thai is a combat sport but you don’t have to engage in professional fighting to practice it. Women usually imagine Muay Thai as a sport where two men beat each other violently and that’s it. But Muay Thai is much more of that.  Muay Thai helps lose weight, burn fat and puts no stress on the body. Muay Thai works all the muscles because of the way it is used (all limbs including knees and elbows are used), and it will tone up your muscles and make you slimmer.  Of course you can practice Muay Thai training at a competitive level but you can also hit your local gym and practice it there. It is up to you an...

Ozeri Serafino Double Wall Insulated Beverage and Coffee Glasses- REVIEW

Thank-you Ozeri for sending me these beverage glasses for review.  I was not paid for this review and all opinions are 100% mine.   Product Description: Made of durable, heat resistant, mouth-blown borosilicate glass of the finest quality, the 12 oz. Serafino glasses are the largest in the Ozeri Artisan Series of award-winning handcrafted drink ware. Borosilicate glass is stronger than common glass, shatter-resistant and with the Serafino's double-walled design, it offers the ultimate insulation to maintain drinks at their ideal temperature. The Serafino's unique double wall design suspends drinks within an inner wall for an attention-grabbing optical effect, while the wraparound contour provides a natural aesthetic grip. Each glass is made to keep your hands cool even with your hottest drinks and free of condensation with your chilled beverages. The patent-pending Serafino is great for coffee, cappuccinos, hot or iced teas, cocktails, frozen beverages and much more. Each ...

Birthday Boy turns 3

HAPPY 3rd BIRTHDAY TITUS!!! It's true we held a "Batman" themed birthday party this last weekend for my big three year old.  Not only did he turn three this week but he also has been diaper-less for 2 weeks!    This party was held in our local rec center so the kids could bring there bikes or scooters and have some fun!   We also had them dress up as their favorite super heroes so it was a room full of cute kids in costumes... actually the adults had some cute costumes too!  Here are some highlights from the party: We played a little bean bag toss and we discovered how good of an aim Titus has!  Opening presents sure showed us that he has lots of friends who love him and blessed him with lots of toys and money!!   I enjoy the bonding between friends.  As you can see Batman and Captain America can be best buds.   Titus was very adorable blowing out his candle before we finished singing "Happy Birth...

"Whatever You Grow Up to Be" by Karen Kingsbury - Book Review

About the book: Whatever You Grow Up to Be, by New York Times bestselling author Karen Kingsbury, brings the mother-son relationship into new light, as a young boy discovers the unlimited possibilities God has for his life, while never forgetting the special bond he shares with his mother.  “Ten little toes right from the start Make footprints on your mommy’s heart!” The timeless journey of a mother and son is poignantly captured in the story of a boy’s growth from childhood to fatherhood. From birth to football games to college graduation, a mother reminds her son that life is filled with possibilities and that God has a plan for him---whatever he grows up to be! My Review I am a fan of Karen Kingsbury!   I reviewed her story, "Always Daddy's Princess" about a year ago and you can read that review HERE .  Karen Kingsbury has a way of writing to make you envision your son or daughter doing each and everything in the story.   As I read the story I...

The 'get it now' mentality! (Devotional)

Pastor Anthony at Riverside foursquare church in LeClaire IA. Talking about the riches we miss out on because we try to bypass Gods order. Bless God today, be blessed tomorrow; bless self today and miss out on Gods blessing tomorrow.

Mini Getaway at The Kalahari- Wisconsin Dells

Yes it is true, we went to the Kalahari during spring break! My husband and I went away there a year ago without the kids but this year they came.  Last time we went we enjoyed more of the adult activities such as the outdoor hot tub and adult water slides. !   This time it was all about our children.  We mini golfed about a half dozen times.   My son has the cutest victory dance that makes you smile as you watch his innocent joyful and proud expressions.    The Kalahari is filled with several animal statues and I think we managed to get a picture by all of them!   Inside the hotel they have several different restaurants and this time we found the buffet.   We did breakfast there and we were hooked.   The price is a little bit more but the quality of the food is amazing!  Breakfast had amazing smoothies, several egg choices, several different types of pancakes, fresh fruit, cereal, several meat choices, and mu...

Small Tricks for Adding Warmth to Your Home Décor

Small Tricks for Adding Warmth to Your Home Décor Small towns are full of quaint, sweet houses perfect for individuals with eclectic style. Eclectic style is characterized by mixing items of multiple design genres and placing them in close proximity of one another. The contrast creates a sense of warmth and charm. It’s easy to do, especially if you have an eye for unique items that have a lot of character or are conversation starters. Just be sure not to overdo it with knickknacks – keep surfaces and spaces edited down and curated for an elevated style. Here are a few hints for adding warmth to your eclectic style. Living Things Plants and flowers always add charm to a space. Even if you’re not the best at keeping plants alive, many companies now manufacture artificial plants that look almost exactly like the real thing. A bit of green or a splash of natural color go a long way. Choose plants that match your design aesthetic. If you prefer real plants but don’t have a green th...

Using Cards as Dominoes!

  These cards helped me in the process of potty training my son!   He was so upset about it all until we started playing games.    We used the Phase 10 cards in a different way which created a fun time for my almost 3 year old.   He surprised me at how well he understood the rules.  He could put a card down if it matched the number or the color!  It is possible to take an older kid or adult game and use it for a toddler at his or her ability level.   Colors and numbers is a great skill we have been working on along with talking and this activity provided it all.   He was using his words with saying the color and a couple of the numbers.    Since playing this game we have done 3 other times... I guess it is a new favorite!   Might have to take the idea to my classroom at school.  

DIY Customized Countertop

This DIY project was completed by my amazing and wonderful husband who always wants to make special things for me!   I LOVE HIM and feel loved by him!   Due to the smaller room it was too challenging to get a full picture displaying all his hard work and customized work.  There are more pictures in this post to give you a better idea on the layout of the project.   Let me take you back to what we started with, one word would be clutter!   Unfortunately I did not get a picture with the small metal shelf with towels and board games that were between the washer and dryer so this picture will have to do: Yes, in that space between the washer and dryer would be CLUTTER galore.   It drove me bonkers since this is the entry way to our house so the first thing people would see would be our icky clutter of towels and board games.    My husband's idea was to get some cabinets in the middle and build a custom shelf over the washer and t...

School Age- Easter Book Package Giveaway

Easter Book Giveaway!   Get ready to enter the giveaway to win a copy of " The Legend of the Easter Egg" "Keep the Faith" and " 101 Bible Stores from Creation to Revelation."   These books would be perfect for any child's Easter Basket.   This newly illustrated edition of The Legend of the Easter Egg renews the wonder and charm of the original timeless tale that explores the meaning behind Easter eggs and the Easter story itself. Written by Lori Walburg with vibrant artwork from Marley and Me illustrator, Richard Cowdrey, this holiday classic comes to life for a new generation.  One April morning when the air was soft and sweet, a boy and his sister went outside to gather eggs. “Easter’s coming,” the sister said. “Let’s pretend we’re hunting Easter eggs.” “What are Easter eggs?” the boy asked. When Thomas’s older sister Lucy falls ill, Thomas goes to live with the Sonnemans in their candy shop. He gets to eat peppermint sticks, fill candy jars...

Toddler Easter Package Giveaway

  Are you on the hunt for items for your son or daughter's Easter basket?  Time to enter this giveaway to win 3 books!  The titles include: "An Easter Gift for Me " " The Rhyme Bible Storybook for Toddlers " and " Goodnight Angles ."  To enter please look below for the easy Rafflecopter form.   I have previously written a review on the Rhyme Bible so feel free to read my review, HERE.      The book, "An Easter Gift for Me" is a great book for older kids as well as the toddler group.    The book walks you through Jesus and the Cross.    The description:   Jesus came to Earth as a baby. When he grew up he taught people about God. 'But some of the people did not understand the way Jesus fit into God's special plan.' He died on a cross, and that was sad. But he came alive again and lives in heaven today! My Review: The book is a quick overview of the foundations and importance of Jesus.  It i...

FaithGirlz-Online Faith, Fun, and Community For Tween Girls

Online Faith, Fun, and Community For Tween Girls FaithGirlz launches new user-friendly website Grand Rapids---  March 12, 2014 ---Growing up isn't easy. With so much to learn and figure out sometimes deciding who you are is the biggest challenge of all. Faithgirlz helps preteen girls discover the beauty of believing.   As a product line created especially for girls from Zonderkidz, FaithGirlz offers tweens, ages 8-12, the unique opportunity to explore, share, and develop their faith. Zonderkidz is thrilled to be able to share God's Word to this unique and wonderful group of believers and seekers as they navigate the sometimes difficult, but always exciting, "tween" years.   The FaithGirlz website was developed to give girls a sense of community and belonging that is an extension of Zonderkidz FaithGirlz products, which also include the new Good News Shoes and Samantha Sanderson series, and helpful resources like Finding God in Tough Times....

Family Museum Fun!

  Spring break is here for me and I have been enjoying my family most of all!    On my first day of spring break I took my son to the local Family Museum .  I was thrilled with this fun new spot!   I know we will be back since my daughter was not with us, she still has school because her spring break did not line up with mine.  :(   We did pull her out one day this week to go on a mini vacation, post to come soon.   This museum had so many fun areas from a pizza store, grocery, farm, fireman, water play, science play, and so much more.  Each section had dress clothes to help kids feel like they are playing the part of store clerk to pizza maker.  :)   Dear Titus, I had a blast playing with you on this day!   You made me a tasty pizza, ice cream cone, and you checked out all my yummy groceries at the store.  You were so amazed with all the play areas you went from each section kinda quickly then found your wa...

"Pups of the Spirit"

About "Pup's of the Spirit"  Nine lovable canines romp through the pages of this picture book displaying the important Fruit of the Spirit traits including: Love, Joy, Peace, Kindness, Patience, Goodness, Faithfulness, Gentleness, and Self-control. “God gave each puppy a gift of its own, and PUPS OF THE SPIRIT is how they are known!” Peanut is patient, and Kay is so kind. Each of these nine loveable puppies has a special trait to help them grow closer to God. From love and joy to patience and kindness, children will have fun learning about the fruits of the spirit with these playful and cuddly companions. Video Clip: ) My Review: I was given a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.  I was not paid for this review and all opinions are 100% mine.  I would have never thought to connect the fruits of the spirit with animals.   It truly gives children a better picture and understanding of the fruits of the spirit by relating i...