Wednesday, September 28, 2011
Playful Planet - Storyland Yoga REVIEW and GIVEAWAY (TOMOSON)
Sponsored by Tomoson.com
I was lucky to have the opportunity to review the Playful Planet Storyland Yoga DVD. It is a winner of the Mom's Choice Awards, Parents Choice Approved; It was a Dr. Toy Winner for best green product!
This yoga dvd is geared for teaching children, aged 3-8, basic yoga. It is hosted by "Ahmed Fahmy" and involves a group of children.
Ahmed narrates and enacts a story based on animals and nature, and while doing so is teaching the children yoga positions. Once they have finished acting out the story, they practice the positions they learned in a "routine".
I will admit, that I have never tried yoga before. It wasn't my "thing". I must say how enjoyable this was! Julien had a lot of fun (he was a little antsy in the beginning, but once the story got going he got into it). I was very surprised at how much of a workout it actually is - and realized how out of shape I am. Julien was able to keep up with it much more than I was.
There are two programs on the DVD - Condor Trek and Save The Whale. Julien enjoyed them both equally; I really like that they use the animals in the stories - I found that it really helped to keep his attention focused on the program - and he really didn't even realize that he was "exercising".
Ahmed does a great job of portraying the animals and making their sounds; he has the kids get involved and I will definitely be keeping this in our DVD library.
To learn more, check out their website
BUY IT:
You can purchase your own copy here on Amazon.com for $14.99 ( a portion of the proceeds go to the "Save the Whales" and "Kids vs. Global Warming" foundations.)
WIN IT:
1 of my lucky readers will win their own copy! Use the rafflecopter form below to enter! Contest will run September 28th to October 10th at 9pm EST.
I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.
Tuesday, September 27, 2011
GIVEAWAY - Caillou's World, Busytown and Peekaboo Barn Apps!
I was recently asked to host a giveaway for these Apps which are available for iPhone, iPad and Android.
Unfortunately, I cannot review them because I do not own any of the appropriate devices, however - I am still offering the giveaway for my readers!
Caillou's World
Recommended for ages 2-5, explore Caillou's World while practicing the basics of phonics and spelling. Available on iPhone, iPad and Android, and Android tablets
Busytown
Busytown, the memorable storybook world filled adorable animal families, outrageous pickle cars, and endless items to discover and examine has now come to life!
To enter is very simple - use the rafflecopter form below: first, you must be a GFC follower of my blog; then head on over to twitter and follow @nightdaystudios, and tweet to tell them which app you would like to win! (there will be 3 winners, and each can choose which app they would like). All THREE steps must be completed to qualify.
Unfortunately, I cannot review them because I do not own any of the appropriate devices, however - I am still offering the giveaway for my readers!
Caillou's World
Recommended for ages 2-5, explore Caillou's World while practicing the basics of phonics and spelling. Available on iPhone, iPad and Android, and Android tablets
Busytown
Busytown, the memorable storybook world filled adorable animal families, outrageous pickle cars, and endless items to discover and examine has now come to life!
Peekaboo Barn
Inside a little bouncing barn, friendly farm animals are waiting to pop out and surprise your little one. Try and guess who they are; tap the doors to find out!
To enter is very simple - use the rafflecopter form below: first, you must be a GFC follower of my blog; then head on over to twitter and follow @nightdaystudios, and tweet to tell them which app you would like to win! (there will be 3 winners, and each can choose which app they would like). All THREE steps must be completed to qualify.
DO NOT leave blog post comments - they will be deleted and your entry will not count. Use the rafflecopter form below
This giveaway is closed. You can enter current giveaways
Friday, September 23, 2011
School
Julien LOVES going to school! He doesn't complain in the morning; there are no tears; no screams and no pleading with me not to go.
I am so thrilled with how well he is doing; after all the fighting we went through with nursery school, it is amazing to watch him head off to school and no that he WANTS to go to school!
I am so thrilled with how well he is doing; after all the fighting we went through with nursery school, it is amazing to watch him head off to school and no that he WANTS to go to school!
Tuesday, September 20, 2011
Oxo Candela Glow (bzzz agent) UPDATE!
So after having them for the last week, I love these lights! I put them on the book shelves in the boys rooms, and use them as night lights! They can be left unattended, they don't get hot and they have about an 8 hr charge to them.
The charging station is nice - it holds them both at the same time, is slim and not too wide so it doesn't take up much room. One thing that I don't like, they need to be put on the charging station between uses. I would rather let them die and then recharge, but it's not too big a deal!
I will definitely recommend to my friends/readers
The charging station is nice - it holds them both at the same time, is slim and not too wide so it doesn't take up much room. One thing that I don't like, they need to be put on the charging station between uses. I would rather let them die and then recharge, but it's not too big a deal!
I will definitely recommend to my friends/readers
Monday, September 19, 2011
Amish Friendship Bread
Have you ever made it? ever heard of it?
When I was in high school, a friend of my brothers gave my mom and I a starter for it. Being bakers, we were both intrigued and decided to see what it was like.
The one we made was a chocolate chip loaf, and it was pretty good. Over the years, I had forgotten about it. Then, not long after I got married I saw a recipe online and decided to make it, but it wasn't really what I remembered.
I take part in a gift exchange with some ladies every couple of months, and recently received a book entitled "Amish Friendship Bread".
The book tells about a town that is changed by 1 starter that is passed around. It goes on to give different recipes/variations of the bread that can be made.
So, I decided to try again. I made my starter on Friday, and it is now sitting on my dining room table fermenting as we speak! It will be ready to bake on Sunday - I am going to try a few different kinds of bread with my starter - a pumpkin loaf, a chocolate chip loaf and just the regular cinnamon bread!
I would love to hear your stories too - please share!
Thursday, September 15, 2011
school
So today, my first "baby" starts school. I am so absolutely excited for him, for what he is going to learn, the friends he will make and the experiences he will have.
But, I am so incredibly emotional. I am not sad that he is growing up - I am thrilled. I am sad that my baby is old enough to go to school I guess. I am not really completely sure how to describe the emotions I am having - I guess the only ppl that would really understand are other mothers that have done this before.
I made him pancakes for breakfast this morning - and they were all ready when he woke up. At the moment, he is consuming said pancakes and watching Special Agent Oso on Disney Jr.
I will update when I get back from the bus stop.
UPDATE
He kept saying he didn't want to go to school, or take the bus. He just wanted to stay home with mommy and Kyle. I told him that mommy and Kyle would be waiting at the bus stop when he got off, with big smiles - and that there was a surprise when we got home (I made a welcome home cake for him!)
My mom came over to stay at the house with Kyle when I took Jules to the bus, but Julien wanted us all to go - so when Mickey Mouse Clubhouse ended, we were out the door. It was a quick walk this morning, and we had a 5minute or so wait when we got to the stop.
I was fine - until I saw the bus come down the street - then I got a little teary. When the bus stopped, the driver said hi and Julien got on the bus, and didn't look back. There were no tears, or emotional outbursts! I was so happy that my fears didn't come true.
When the bus pulled away, I had a little cry and mom, Kyle and I walked back home.
Picture time!
Julien watching MMC before heading off to school
Ready to go
going to the bus
and the cake waiting for him on the counter when he gets home!
But, I am so incredibly emotional. I am not sad that he is growing up - I am thrilled. I am sad that my baby is old enough to go to school I guess. I am not really completely sure how to describe the emotions I am having - I guess the only ppl that would really understand are other mothers that have done this before.
I made him pancakes for breakfast this morning - and they were all ready when he woke up. At the moment, he is consuming said pancakes and watching Special Agent Oso on Disney Jr.
I will update when I get back from the bus stop.
UPDATE
He kept saying he didn't want to go to school, or take the bus. He just wanted to stay home with mommy and Kyle. I told him that mommy and Kyle would be waiting at the bus stop when he got off, with big smiles - and that there was a surprise when we got home (I made a welcome home cake for him!)
My mom came over to stay at the house with Kyle when I took Jules to the bus, but Julien wanted us all to go - so when Mickey Mouse Clubhouse ended, we were out the door. It was a quick walk this morning, and we had a 5minute or so wait when we got to the stop.
I was fine - until I saw the bus come down the street - then I got a little teary. When the bus stopped, the driver said hi and Julien got on the bus, and didn't look back. There were no tears, or emotional outbursts! I was so happy that my fears didn't come true.
When the bus pulled away, I had a little cry and mom, Kyle and I walked back home.
Picture time!
Julien watching MMC before heading off to school
Ready to go
going to the bus
and the cake waiting for him on the counter when he gets home!
Wednesday, September 14, 2011
Needles for Kyle
Today is Kyle's 1yr check up and shots. We have never really had an issue in the past, but I am a little worried today. I am unsure how things will go - and for some reason I think he may have a reaction to them.
I am hoping I am wrong - please wish me luck!
I am hoping I am wrong - please wish me luck!
Needles for Kyle
Today is Kyle's 1yr check up and shots. We have never really had an issue in the past, but I am a little worried today. I am unsure how things will go - and for some reason I think he may have a reaction to them.
I am hoping I am wrong - please wish me luck!
I am hoping I am wrong - please wish me luck!
Monday, September 12, 2011
BabyBond discount code
I just thought I would post the discount code for BabyBond again - have a look at their site, place your order and use code TOM at checkout - you will save 25%!
Oxo Candela Glow (bzzz agent)
A few months ago, I wrote a post saying that I had the opportunity (through bzzz agent) to review the Oxo Candela Glow lights. It took quite a while for the shipment to arrive, and today it came in!
I was stoked when I found it waiting for me in my mail box!
I haven't had a chance to really test them out yet, but they are pretty neat. My initial reaction, is that they would make great night lights for the boys rooms, but I need to do some further reading and check out how long they can be left on for etc.
They are slightly smaller than I was expecting, but I think they would be a great addition as a centerpiece if you wanted a candlelight free, candle lit dinner!
Thursday, September 8, 2011
Dogs need to be leashed
DOGS NEED TO BE LEASHED
I will preface this post by saying that I love dogs, I really do. I am not scared of them, nor do I think that certain breeds should be destroyed.
I thought I would take the boys to the park this morning so they could run around, kick a soccer ball, swing or whatever struck their mood
There was a group of dog owners at one corner of the soccer field (they are there pretty much every weekday morning), with dogs not on leashes (12-15 dogs). I took the boys to the other end so that hopefully the dogs would leave us alone.
Julien took his ball and was kicking it down the field towards the net - and a dog came running and grabbed the ball. The owner called it, it didn't listen and kept running around with the ball - I wasn't overly worried about Jules, as the dog seemed to think it was a game and was running away from us, not towards him...
So the owner makes his way over, apologizes and the dog runs away. One of the other owners was finally able to get the ball (it took about 5 minutes) and the dogs owner brings it back again , apologizing and gives it to me.
It's covered in dog drool, and I realize there was a hole in it. I said something, and he apologized and said if I gave him my # he would replace the ball.
For a $5.00 ball, it seemed like to much of a headache.
I am so annoyed - what was supposed to be a fun trip to the park turned into an annoying hassle; my son was upset because he just wanted to play soccer with HIS ball;
It's a kids park - not a dog park. Dogs are supposed to be leashed - and it drives me nuts. This group meets EVERY morning, at the same time. There are a bunch of different breeds, the majority seem to be labs/retrievers but there are some smaller ones that I am unsure of breed.
Until today, I have never done/said anything because the dogs have pretty much kept away from the kids; but today, I called bylaw. I am tired of having to keep my kids in a certain area for fear that one of the dogs will come to play. I am sure they are friendly dogs, but my children are small, and could accidentally get hurt by "playing".
I have taught/am teaching the boys that they need to be respectful of animals; that they should never approach an unknown dog (animal) without permission from the owner, and that they need to be cautious. I don't want to instill fear in them, but ANY animal can turn. I don't care how friendly they are, any animal has the potential to bite.
Thursday, September 1, 2011
Celebrate Back to School with Boston Pizza {kids card giveaway}
Boston Pizza Kids Cards will be on sale September 5th! Help raise money for charity, while feeding your own child! I was recently contacted by a PR rep for Boston Pizza, and they asked me to post about the Kids Cards that will be available for the month of September - a way to celebrate Back to School! When you purchase a Kids Card (minimum $5.00 donation) you will receive 5 kids meals free - with an entree purchase of $14.00 or more.
Check out the press release below:
A Delicious Way to Raise ‘Dough’ for Canadian Families
There are two things Canadian kids love - going out for dinner, and helping other kids in need. Why not combine the two and enjoy friendly service, a lively atmosphere and special food tailored just for them while helping a great Canadian cause?
Starting September 5th, 2011 families can take advantage of one of the most valuable family restaurant offers anywhere. For a minimum five dollar donation to the Boston Pizza Foundation, guests get five free kids meals (a value of more than $35). More information is available at www.bostonpizza.com/kidscards (link will be active on September 5th)
Boston Pizza’s Kids Menu also offers fresh, healthy and trans-fat free options including baked salmon, whole wheat linguini and fresh pint-sized pizzas on whole wheat crust with fresh toppings. Healthy, kid-approved sides include tossed salad and steamed vegetables as well as Jell-O and a reduced-sugar fruit cup for dessert. Kids can also enjoy the new BP Kids Cheeseburgers - two mini burgers sized perfectly for kids.
The five dollar donation supports hundreds of local, national and global non-profit organizations committed to making a difference in the lives of Canadian children and families in need.
“Giving back to our community is part of Boston Pizza’s culture,” said Cheryl Treliving, Executive Director of the Boston Pizza Foundation. “The Kids Card program is the perfect way for families to make a meaningful charitable donation while also receiving something special for their kids. Everybody wins. Last year Canadians rallied around our Kids Cards and helped raise over $200,000.”
Over the last 20 years the Boston Pizza Foundation has raised more than $12.1 million through the BP Kids Card program and other local and national fundraising initiatives. Money raised supports national charities like the Heart & Stroke Foundation of Canada, Juveniles Diabetes Research Foundation and Kids Help Phone, as well as a host of many local and global organizations that directly support and enhance the lives and health of children and families in the communities we live in.
Buy It: head on over to your local Boston Pizza location (starting September 5th) and you can purchase your own BP Kids Cards!
Win It: enter using the rafflecopter form below for your chance to win 1 of 5 BP Kids Cards! As always, for rules check here - this giveaway is open to Canadians only and will end at midnight (est) September 8th, 2011. **both mandatory entries must be completed for your chance to win**
Check out the press release below:
A Delicious Way to Raise ‘Dough’ for Canadian Families
There are two things Canadian kids love - going out for dinner, and helping other kids in need. Why not combine the two and enjoy friendly service, a lively atmosphere and special food tailored just for them while helping a great Canadian cause?
Starting September 5th, 2011 families can take advantage of one of the most valuable family restaurant offers anywhere. For a minimum five dollar donation to the Boston Pizza Foundation, guests get five free kids meals (a value of more than $35). More information is available at www.bostonpizza.com/kidscards (link will be active on September 5th)
Boston Pizza’s Kids Menu also offers fresh, healthy and trans-fat free options including baked salmon, whole wheat linguini and fresh pint-sized pizzas on whole wheat crust with fresh toppings. Healthy, kid-approved sides include tossed salad and steamed vegetables as well as Jell-O and a reduced-sugar fruit cup for dessert. Kids can also enjoy the new BP Kids Cheeseburgers - two mini burgers sized perfectly for kids.
The five dollar donation supports hundreds of local, national and global non-profit organizations committed to making a difference in the lives of Canadian children and families in need.
“Giving back to our community is part of Boston Pizza’s culture,” said Cheryl Treliving, Executive Director of the Boston Pizza Foundation. “The Kids Card program is the perfect way for families to make a meaningful charitable donation while also receiving something special for their kids. Everybody wins. Last year Canadians rallied around our Kids Cards and helped raise over $200,000.”
Over the last 20 years the Boston Pizza Foundation has raised more than $12.1 million through the BP Kids Card program and other local and national fundraising initiatives. Money raised supports national charities like the Heart & Stroke Foundation of Canada, Juveniles Diabetes Research Foundation and Kids Help Phone, as well as a host of many local and global organizations that directly support and enhance the lives and health of children and families in the communities we live in.
Buy It: head on over to your local Boston Pizza location (starting September 5th) and you can purchase your own BP Kids Cards!
Win It: enter using the rafflecopter form below for your chance to win 1 of 5 BP Kids Cards! As always, for rules check here - this giveaway is open to Canadians only and will end at midnight (est) September 8th, 2011. **both mandatory entries must be completed for your chance to win**
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