Sunday, March 29, 2015

Spring Fling - Win a $50 Pacific Play Tents Gift Card!

What I love most about spring, especially the beginning of spring, is the weather. It is nice and warm and sunny, grass is green and soft and everything is beautiful. Most importantly, is it's not too hot yet, like it becomes in the summertime. The perfect weather for playing outside.

My kids love their technology. Their iPads and computer are the main focus pretty much all day, except for when I let them play outside. That's why I want them outside, every chance I have. But since we leave on a corner street, meaning a(busy) road right in front of our house and a road (dead end) on one side (passing the front and back yards). That makes me a bit nervous, even when I am right there with them because things can happen in a split second.

I only like to allow them outside if I know they will be content in the activity we are doing, and I will be able to watch them and keep them in a set area, away from the street. Luckily, Pacific Play Tents has a great selection of fun toys that would all keep my kids' interest.

One item in particular really jumped out at me immediately, and I knew my kids would fall in love with it. The Painting Teepee is incredible.


For my kids, having their very own teepee to play in will make them very happy, but being about to actually paint it with any design they desire, will be the quintessence of fun for them. My will especially love this Painting Teepee. He has told me several times that he wants to be an artist when he gets older. While I am sure that will change dozens of times before he is an adult, he clearly loves art, and he draws every single day.

I really love that this is a fun fort type item for my kids, but it is way more special than a conventional play house or tent. I, being part Native American, actually wanted a teepee when I was young, even though back then, to my knowledge, play teepees did not exist. I wanted a real one, and now, getting this for my children kind of fulfills my childhood wish as well.

I have not gotten it yet, but it is on its way, and I cannot wait for the kids to see their amazing Painting Teepee. In fact, I can't wait to see it either. While I always love playing with my children, I do not always enjoy the particular activity. I know I will love playing in this fun teepee with them. At an impressive 64" tall, I will be able to do so comfortably.

Best of all The Painting Teepee is the perfect activity for getting fresh air and unplugging from technology outside, but it is also perfect for curling up with a good book or watching a video on the iPad inside. Either way, The Painting Teepee is sure to bring countless hours of fun to anyone with the good fortune to own one.

UPDATE: We received The Painting Teepee a couple weeks ago, and it is ever better than I could have imagined. Even assembling the teepee is fun, and the kids wanted so badly to help me. They are so excited to get it put together, from the very moment they saw the box.


My daughter (3) kept calling it a tent at first, but she does have a tent and she clearly knew this was different (better), which is why she was so excited. My son knew it was a teepee, which just made me so happy. He said, "Just like the Native Americans!" Seeing my son appreciate and understand the culture like that is wonderful.


As much fun as just playing in The Painting Teepee is, decorating it was even more fun. My sister was visiting on the day that we decorated it, and it simply proved that you are never too old to enjoy creating something special to adorn the walls of a teepee. In fact, I am pretty sure she had more fun than the kids did.

Once I put the camera down, I was able to join the fun too. While I am a horrible artist, it was so much fun to paint something from my heart on a teepee my children will play in every day for a long, long time. It's like I was giving a piece of myself to them in a way that is different than I have done before.

There is so much I could say about The Painting Teepee, but, as silly as it may sound to many of you, I cannot accurately describe what makes this teepee so special. It is just a feeling that we all have, this is so much more than a toy. It is different and fun and high quality, and a product I am very proud to share with my children.

While I wish I had the pleasure of giving away one of these incredible Painting Teepees, I do have honor of giveaway a $50 Gift Card to Pacific Play Tents, which can be used toward any of their amazing items. Enter below for your chance to win this wonderful prize.

Be sure to enter the other Spring Fling giveaways as well via the linky below. Good luck.

  a Rafflecopter giveaway

Saturday, March 28, 2015

Spring Fling - Win Hayashi System 911 Hair Products!

As many of you know, I have a love/hate relationship with my hair. Well during the the humid months(which in Florida is most of them), it is definitely hate. I am a very low maintenance person. In fact, when it comes to my appearance, I am really more lazy than anything. I rarely wear makeup, and never actually style my hair. I hat to spend excess time to make myself look presentable.

That is why I don't want to use 10 different products and use a blow dryer or flat iron, etc. to keep my hair from looking like I just got electrocuted. Unfortunately, it usually does take a lot of work to keep my hair manageable, which is why it always looks horrible.

When I find hair products that really solve my hair issues, it is a close to a (retail) miracle as I'll ever see. That is why I am currently in love with Hayashi System 911. The entire line contains only 4 products, and they are all super convenient. There is 911 Shampoo, 911 Emergency Pak(essentially conditioner), 911 Protein Mist and 911 Leave In Repair Cream.


So even someone like me, who hates to use multiple products can use this system without a hassle. It's so simple. Shampoo, rinse, condition, rinse, apply Leave In Repair Cream, let dry(or blow dry if you do that). Protein Mist as needed. I am so pleased with how little time I wasted with this system.

Even better, I am thrilled with the wonderful results I have already noticed from using the Hayashi System 911. My hair feels so smooth, it is soft and manageable. I no longer rip half of it out in a vain attempt to brush it. It actually stays in place and no longer looks like an old straw broom. I love it.


I know I don't take a good picture, but I hope you can see how healthy and tame my hair looks. I am so happy about this, that I actually feel kinda silly for being so excited about hair care products. My husband's family has their yearly reunion next weekend, and while I dread the thought of being in a bathing suit(for the beach and the pool) around them, at least my hair will look good. If only System 911 worked on my body.


I don't know how many people fight with their hair like I used to, but if System 911 can tame my tresses, then it can work magic on anyone's hair issues. I am so glad I found something that fits my needs and my lackadaisical styling efforts.

Since I know how much Hayashi System 911 can benefit anyone who uses it, I am excited that Hayashi has been so kind as to host a giveaway for you all. One lucky winner will receive the complete Hayashi System 911 product line($150 value). Enter below for your chance to win this wonderful giveaway.

Be sure to enter all the other giveaways in the Spring Fling Blog Pop Event as well, they are linked in the linky below. Good luck.
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Friday, March 27, 2015

Spring Fling - Win a Huge Spin Master Prize Pack!

Spring has sprung and so has the Spring Fling Blog Pop Event. The fun continues with another fantastic review, and a truly epic giveaway, courtesy of Spin Master. Are you excited yet?

With Easter quickly approaching, my thoughts of spring are centered around my kids' spring break and the colorful eggs and chocolate bunnies that are sure to come their way next weekend. While the reason behind the holiday is infinitely more meaningful than the Easter baskets and treats that come with it, I still love to treat my children with some fun gifts, especially since it makes them so happy, and they rarely ask for things.

While candy and snacks are fun, and a huge hit with the kids, I want them to have something to show from their treats besides just cavities. I like to give them toys, specifically ones that spark their creativity. That way, the fun lasts longer than a few days. This year, they will be getting a variety of toys and games from Spin Master.


While they each will get their own "basket" of toys/treats, what I love about these gifts, is that they will share them.

My daughter will be getting the Magic Mixer, the Sew Cool Sew Studio and some extra Sew Cool Fabric.


The Magic Mixer is great because it allows kids to create tasty treats on their own, but unlike other kids confection "ovens", the Magic Mixer uses no heat, instead the treats all "cook" in the refrigerator, making it completely safe. The Magic Mixer also gives the fun of using their own mixer, which only adds to the fun.


Similarly, the Sew Cool Machine is unlike any other product. It does not use thread, there is no bobbin to wind or foot peddle to use, or needle to thread. The fabric is like magic, and the Sew Cool Sew Studio includes materials and directions for 9 fun projects like a pencil case, purse, stuffed plush and more. The Sew Creative fabric will allow for even more sewing fun.

While stereotypically, these may seem like "girl toys", as I mentioned, my son and daughter will be sharing these toys. My son loves to help me cook, even though his autism causes him to never actually try the foods we make, he really enjoys it. He also loves crafts and to create almost anything, so he will have lots of fun helping his sister to create the fun Sew Cool projects, that she will keep to use for herself.

Speaking of my son, he will be getting The Logo Board Game, Boom Boom Balloon, Air Hogs Hyper Disc and Kinetic Sand Gems.


The Logo Board Game, there could be no better gift for him. Honestly I am so surprised and thrilled that a game like this exists. My son is autistic, and he tends to become obsessed with certain things. Thanks to the plethora of iPad games whose objective it to identify logos, he is basically addicted to brand logos. He even draws them in abundance every day. This game was practically made for him, he is going to love it.



The Boom Boom Balloon game is another perfect game for him. He and his sister both love balloons, and he loves games of all kinds. I love that he and his sister can play together or that we can play as a family, the rules are very simple and there are not a lot of cards or pieces to lose.


The Air Hogs Hyper disc is great because it is an outside activity, that will get the kids to be active, which is something I am always looking to do. Again, it is a great family activity, and will be a good alternative to the traditional games of catch that we play with a ball. This is especially a good daddy and kids game, which is awesome.


Kinetic Sand is something both kids already adore. We have several Kinetic Sand products already, and the kids would play with them non-stop if I did not limit them(for their messiness). Kinetic Sand is not messy, if you play with it over the box as intended, but my kids walk all over with it, and it winds up everywhere, but that is because it is so fun they don't want to stop playing with it, even while doing other things.

It's very hard to blame them for that since I actually love it as well. It is so soothing to feel the sand slide through your fingers and to squish t up in your fists. It is amazing to watch the Kinetic Sand bold and move, it is like magic, and I love it. If you have never experienced Kinetic Sand, this is a must try product for kids and adults alike. The new Metallics and Gems varieties are so pretty, I can't wait to see how it looks in action.

If you are still looking for basket fillers for your little ones, Spin Master has so many amazing products. The only downside would be not being able to chose them all. The ultimate upside is that Spin Master has been kind enough to host an epic prize pack giveaway. While it won't arrive by Easter, this prize would make any day feel like a holiday.

One very lucky winner will receive a Zoomer Puppy, Zoomer Dino, Air Hogs Hyper Disk, Kinetic Sand Metallics/Gems and a Sew Cool Machine. The prize is worth over $250!! Enter below for your chance at this fabulous prize pack.

Also, be sure to enter all the other Spring Fling giveaways via the linky below. Good luck.

Blog POP! SpinMaster *I received these items at no cost to facilitate an honest review, all opinions are 100% my own.*

Thursday, March 26, 2015

ROBOTS-4-U Summer Camps

As a parent, I always want to find things for my kids to do that are not only fun and exciting, but also educational, especially during the summer when they will not be getting the education element from school. You don't want to bore them with work during the summer, but don't want them to lose knowledge by having too much empty fun.

That is why I am so excited about ROBOTS-4-U Summer Camps. They are enrolling now, and look like so much fun that even I would love to go. My son(as many already know) has autism, and has a need to be doing something stimulating at all times. He does like to learn and is very smart, but gets bored easily.

He loves technology and and to create things, which is why I know that ROBOTS-4-U Summer Camps would be so great for him. A way to make new friends, learn new things and have fun in a safe place that he has never been. He will love it.


ROBOTS-4-U camps are really incredible.

- Robot / Science / Engineering / Day Camp / Challenges

- Camps Girls and Boys - Aged 7 to 14

- Robot Camps and Dynamic Art Camps offered during June, July and August

- Hands on Learning, Self-Paced. Beginners to Expert!

- 1 week (5 days) long

- Days: Monday to Friday Times: 9:00-11:30a.m. and 12:30-3:00 p.m.

- CAMPERS RATIO: 1 Instructor to 16 participants

- Each Camper Individually uses a ROBOTICS or DYNAMIC ART Kit. Robot kits do not go home with campers but are available for purchase!




-Register early as camps do fill up quickly! Use code USF1550r for 60% off Robotics Science Camp. What a great deal!!

Spring Fling - Win a Magic Castle Bounce House from Blast Zone!

The time has come again. Spring is here and with it comes the Spring Fling Blog Pop Event. If you are new to my blog, you may not know what that is(yet), but if you have been around awhile, this should be the time of year you've been waiting for, since this means you have a chance to win some incredible giveaways from not only myself, but the other wonderful bloggers in the event.

Of course, we need to kick things off with a BANG, which is why I am thrilled to once again feature Blast Zone on our Blog Pop Event. Blast Zone is always my main event for these events, and for good reason. Their products are fantastic.

Spring Fling is especially ideal to feature Blast Zone's awesome inflatables, as the weather is good and the kids get a break from school, and summer is on it's way, all of which are the perfect environment to enjoy an inflatable water slide or bouncy castle.

I have had the pleasure or working with Blast Zone many times(as I just mentioned), and having tried many of their inflatables, and all of them have been perfect. They are high quality and durable. They are easy to use and set up in mere minutes, and likewise deflate in minutes. They are easy to clean and store in a modest space.

Most importantly, they are so much fun. My kids just adore Blast Zone inflatables. They love being able to go outside and play and have fun safely without ants, dirt, itchy grass, etc. and they LOVE cooling down on the water inflatables.

which brings me to the Blast Zone item I will be reviewing this time. I will be receiving the Spray N Splash 2 Water Park.


It's on it's way as I type, but I have not yet received it. I know that the kids and I will love it though, not just because all Blast Zone products are great, but because I reviewed the Hydro Rush Water Park(you can see that review here), which is fairly similar, and the kids loved that. Unfortunately, that was my first inflatable, and I did not know how to care for it properly(drying fully before storing) and it got moldy. They miss having it, so they will be thrilled with the Spray N Splash 2.

I will come back and post that review within this post as soon as I have had a chance to let the kids enjoy it. In the meantime though, let''s get to the reason why you really want to read this post, the giveaway. I know you all want a Blast Zone inflatable to call your very own, and by entering the giveaway below, you will have a chance to win a Magic Castle Bounce House(play balls are sold separately.)


This giveaway as valued at $249.99. There will be one lucky winner, and it could be you. Enter now via the Rafflecopter below. Good luck.

Be sure to enter the other fabulous giveaways in the Spring Fling Event, they are included in the linky below and more will be added over the next 4 days, so stay tuned.
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Sunday, March 22, 2015

Is Your Home Safe?

I'll be the first to admit, that I have actually never really worried about the safety of my home. It's probably from growing up in a not-so-safe neighborhood, and having a mother who still never seemed to worry for our safety. We slept with windows not only unlocked, but wide open(for "cool" air since we had no AC).

I really can't explain it. My family is my whole world, and of course I never want any harm to come to them, or even to myself, who I really have no worry for, but still I never feel that we are unsafe. Even after we had a break-in attempt last year.

I assume we were home(sleeping) when the attempt happened. We never even heard anything, only saw the damage to the back door(the next day or a couple days later. We rarely use the back door, so who knows. The door jam was all carved out and there were gashes in the deadbolt. The back door screen was off and the plastic that holds the screen was broken, and the window above the kitchen sink was missing a screen as well.

Someone obviously tried to get in the house. Thankfully, the windows were locked and the door and deadbolt apparently were secure. We called in a report and the person was eventually arrested, but only charged with the other break-in he had done(of which there were many), since he did not actually get in, it would have only been a misdemeanor apparently.

Still, I was not afraid. Feeling safe should be a good thing of course, but one can never be too careful, and I don't want to be lackadaisical and have it lead to harm for my family. I am trying to get more serious about our safety, not only from break-ins, but from anything that can cause us harm.

I discovered MBIntel, and was pleased to discover they offer a FREE Home Risk Analysis. I answered all the questions, which too about 15 minutes, and was provided with my personal results in my security, safety and emergency preparedness.

http://xtremeqpon.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/myintel-score.png

The questions are very thorough and really made me realize there are MANY factors when it comes to safety.

The results are broken into three categories: Good, Average and Poor. It turns out that my security is Average, my safety is Average and my emergency preparedness is Poor, which was very eye opening to me. Clearly, I want to score "Good" in all categories, but average can be acceptable, but discovering that I am not prepared for emergencies is not okay.

The questions alone really made me realize how unprepared I am. For example I do not have emergency food or water stored, or multiple first aid kits in different locations, or a set emergency plan(known to the family). There is a myriad of things that I should have already been doing to keep my home and family safe, and I feel horrible for being so unprepared.

I am so glad I took the Safety Analysis. I could never forgive myself if anything happened to my family because I was not doing everything I can to protect them.

So whether you have worried for your safety in the past, or after reading this, you now are, or     even    if you still don't think you are at risk, I highly recommend getting your FREE Home Risk Analysis. You have nothing to lose, but you may just save your life or the life of someone you love. Even if you are doing everything right, this will give you peace of mind.

https://www.mbintel.net/

This post was created in partnership with Mom Buzz Media. All opinions expressed are my own and are not influenced in any way. Thank you for reading!
MBIntel 1

Sunday, March 15, 2015

The Flintstones and WWE Stone Age Smackdown Available Now! #WWEMoms

*I am a member of #WWEMoms, and I received a copy of The Flintstones and WWE Stone Age Smackdown to facilitate this review. All opinions are 100% my own.*

Anyone who knows me at all or has followed my site knows that I am a huge WWE fan, and that I have been since before I can remember. I only talk about it every chance I get. Perhaps it is not as well known that I am also obsessed with The Flintstones.

 My parents watched The Flintstones when they were children, and then shared the wonderful series with me and my siblings when we were growing up. Now that I am a mother, I am thrilled to share The Flintstones with my children.

While the original version is timeless, I am really excited about the newest Flintstones adventure, which combines the beloved Bedrock gang with the added excitement of WWE superstars. The Flintstones and WWE Stone Age Smackdown is newly available in a Blu-Ray, DVD, Digital HD combo pack.


I had the pleasure of receiving a copy for review since I am a (very proud) #WWEMom. I made the mistake of telling the kids in advance that we were getting it, and because of that, I was question dozens of times a day about when it would arrive. When it did, I was basically tackled by my son(and daughter following suit) so that he could watch it immediately.

I had planned for us to watch it as a family, since even my husband loves The Flintstones and, of course, is a WWE fan. My son would not wait, so he watched it first in his room, and I could hear him laughing and clapping several times. He is autistic and claps when excited, and it sounded like he was beatboxing, he was having a blast.

I decided that the rest of us would watch it that night, and assumed he would do something else since he had just watched it, but he watched it again with us, and he was still as enthusiastic( aka loud) as the first time. Our daughter, while only 3 and not fully capable of following the plot entirely, loved it as well. she loves WWE too, believe it or not, she loves to watch the "fall down", so the wrestling parts were especially fun for her.

The story is really good. Fred loses the family vacation money, so he talks Barney into becoming a pro wrestler, where he ends up facing the likes of John Cena(stone), The Undertaker and more. Even Vince McMahon(McMagma) has a role in this film. It is so fun to see all the WWE Superstars as Bedrockin' cartoons.

The Flintstones and WWE Stone Age Smackdown really is a really great family movie. We all loved it, no matter your age, almost everyone loves the Flintstones, the WWE or both. And even if you were not a fan before, this adorable movie will probably make you a fan. We have already watched this movie as a family 3 times, and my son has watched it alone probably (additional) 6 times.

If you are looking for old meets new, family-friendly entertainment, look no further. Get your Bedrock on and check out The Flintstones and WWE Stone Age Smackdown. You won't be sorry. You can buy it at WWE Shop or almost anywhere DVDs are sold. Yabba-Dabba do it now!

Sunday, March 1, 2015

Learning is Fun with Kids Academy

Mom Buzz Media Approved Blogger ● Connecting Bloggers & Brands in Perfect Harmony

Educational Apps from Kids Academy Available on iTunes & Google Play Free for a limited time!

I love helping my kids learn with free and fun Kids Academy apps. I am happy to bring you all information on the new updates and hopefully introduce you to the company. It is never too early to start learning and Kids Academy has made it easy AND fun with these apps!

kids academy dog 

Preschool & Kindergarten Baby Books, Songs, and Early Reading Toddler Games

 

I am trying to get my 3 year old more interested in reading. She loves to hear stories sometimes, but other times she gets distracted at story time and other, more flashy things catch her attention. What I love about this app is that she can have wonderful, classic stories like The Three Little Pigs(which she loves) in a format that is more exciting to her active little brain. Also, so can now have story time, even if I am not free to read to her, even in places like the car on long trips. The sing-a-longs are so fun too, she sings ALL the time now.

Download this game for FREE on iTunes

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123 Tracing Numbers: Montessori Math Game for Kids

 

My 3 year old is pretty good at counting, she can count to about 20 fairly easily, but she is not fully able to recognize the numbers by their appearance. This fun app allows her to not only learn to recognize the numbers, but also to "write" them. She loves catching the fireflies when she traces the number correctly. I love that when she makes a mistake, the app says, very sweetly, "let's try again". I wish all apps were this easy for her to use.

Download this game for FREE on iTunes

Free for a limited time! Normally $3.99!
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numnber3 

ABC Preschool Games for Kids

 

We love this app. My daughter is 3 and loves to use the iPad like her brother. We use this app when we travel or are visiting an unfamiliar place. It keeps her happy and entertained and helps her not get overwhelmed in new situations. She already knows her ABC, but the tracing helps her learn how to write them and the games help teach her proper vocabulary and early mathematics. I really love how much content this app offers, it keeps her busy and helps her grow. 

Download this game for FREE on Google Play

Free for a limited time! Normally $2.99
fun learning google play

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About Kids Academy
Kids Academy develops mobile apps for preschool education. Covering all major platforms their apps are designed to help kids of 5 and under to master all of the preschool educational skills from letters to numbers and vocabulary. Having passed the ten million installs mark, Kids Academy continues to deliver quality apps for iOS, Android and Amazon devices.
This post was created in partnership with Mom Buzz Media. The reviews above are my own opinions and are not influenced in any way.