Monday, December 31, 2018

3 Classroom Craft Ideas to Try With Students

Students always love to play and they have a nice time away from books. To help them with this, teachers usually try to incorporate craft classes into learning, where students get to explore their creativity and imagination through the creation of different crafts. The good thing about it is that there are no limits when it comes to classroom craft lessons. Imagination and creativity, as they say, are unlimited.

As a teacher, you would want to keep your students trying out refreshing and original craft ideas. There are lots of unique craft ideas you could try out with your students to keep them engaged. Well, here are three craft ideas you could incorporate in your craft classes today.

Creative Superhero Craft

Currently, there has been a surge of many superhero figures such as the Wonder woman, Hulk, Batman, Superman, and Black Panther among others. Students usually will always have their favorite superhero and would mimic them at any given time.

So, you can get your students to explore their creativity by coming up with their own imaginative superhero. They can develop a superhero character from their own imagination. From the craft, you will have the opportunity to see how far they can use their imagination and creativity. To make it interesting, you can also get involved so that they can feel you are also part of the process.
In the end, you can award good scores to motivate them in addition to rewarding them with candies.

Animal Based Craft

Kids love animals and they will always be fascinated by them. So, having them craft their favorite animal can be a good craft session. For instance, you could try coming up with 5 animals and group the students into the 5 animal groups depending on their preference and have them create animal crafts.

Also, you could have them create an animal book. Try getting different wildlife magazines and get the students into groups and have them cut out all the animals in the magazines and then create an animal book out of them. Afterward, they can creatively design their respective books and present their final presentations before the other groups. The essential thing is to keep things fun and engaging.

Events and Holiday Craft
Well, there are numerous holidays and events happening throughout the year and this can form the basis of your craft lessons. Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas, Independence Day, and other events can offer good craft ideas. For instance, during the Halloween week, you can have the students craft simple Halloween items such as cards, badges, and attires. For Christmas, you can have them create Christmas cards, banners, badges and simple gifts for their fellow students, teachers and family members.
 Cheerful girl painting New Year while sitting
Another creative idea would be to have them engage in craft lessons based on celebratory days. For example, during the World's Environment Day, you can have your students create environment related crafts to celebrate the day.

Be sure to get the best Classroom Supplies for Teachers to ensure your classroom craft ideas come out perfectly.  Whatever art and craft supplies you are looking for, may it be painting products, beads, collage trays, frames, buttons, pebbles, mosaic squares and more, you will surely find it.

Monday, December 24, 2018

VIZIO P Series 55 Inch 4K HDR Smart TV

*The reviewer has been compensated in the form of a Best Buy Gift Card and/or received the product/service.*

If you are still scrambling for a last minute gift, but don't want something that feels last minute, then you're in luck. The VIZIO P Series 55 Inch 4K HDR Smart TV would make the perfect gift for anyone on your list. Perfect for a man cave. Perfect for families. Perfect to keep for yourself. (I won't judge.)

This is not just any TV. Every pixel is a masterpiece of color, clarity and contrast. With expansive colors, superior HDR performance and pristine 4K detail, each frame is a jaw-dropping experience. VIZIO’s Ultra Color Spectrum® technology paints each scene with over one billion colors. Dolby Vision HDR with UltraBright 1000 brings extraordinary contrast, depth and brightness to the screen. And a high-performance Active Full Array Pro™ backlight with up to 120 local dimming zones produces picture-perfect blacks.

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The all-new VIZIO SmartCast™ offers unprecedented control and streaming options. Browse favorites like Netlifx, Hulu, Prime Video, and YouTube right on the TV. With Chromecast built-in, you can stream thousands of Chromecast-enabled apps from your phone to the TV. Support for Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant makes the P-Series a perfect smart-home centerpiece. Offering a gorgeous edge-to-edge screen design, VIZIO’s P-Series 4K HDR Smart TVs will thrill the most-demanding videophiles.

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TV is life, so a great picture, great sound, and access to all the streaming content are so important. I very rarely watch traditional TV (if I do, it is DVRd) so being able to stream from almost anywhere is great. My current Smart TV does not have Hulu built in so I have to hook my laptop to it. That defeats the purpose of a Smart TV. Smart Device compatibility, while not essential, is such a great feature. Who doesn't love giving commands and having them be obeyed?

So if you need a great gift, today, head over to Best Buy and save $100 on the VIZIO P Series 55 Inch 4K HDR Smart TV. Great Gift Great Service Great price✔  Looks like Santa just "checked" that list 3 times. What are you waiting for? Happy Gifting.

Saturday, December 22, 2018

Starlink Battle for Atlas On Sale at Best Buy!

*The reviewer has been compensated in the form of a Best Buy Gift Card and/or received the product/service.*

Still looking for the perfect gift for a young (or old) gamer on your list? Starlink Battle For Atlas would be perfect. Available on XBox One, PS4, and Nintendo Switch. We got one for our XBox one, and it's a hit! The kids love being space adventurers.


What makes Starlink Battle for Atlas so cool is that you use physical pieces to control the virtual game. It's an open-world space saga that features modular toy technology that allows players to assemble and customize real-world physical starships, link the starships to their game controller, and launch into an epic adventure across the Atlas star system. It is single player or you can play with a second player in split screen.

Each modular component and pilot attached to the starship appears instantly in-game, allowing players to directly affect the course of their battle in a noticeable way. There are many module packs available. Expansions. So it's the gift that can keep on giving. A great gift for Christmas, and then inspiration for future birthdays, rewards, Easter, whatever. I love having a fail-proof gift option.



We got an extra pilot, Starship, and Weapons pack. That way we could see how the changes effect game play. It is really so cool, to watch a video game change before your eyes. Who doesn't love to be in control?


These modules are so awesome. My son even loves to use them as toys when not playing the game. He has been asking to "collect them all" and has put them on his list to Santa. I have plans to get him some, especially Razor Lemay who is an awesome female charterer. There's not enough female characters in most games.

We really love this game. I feel if you have children who like video games and/or outer space, Starlink Battle For Atlas is a no brainer. And right now, you can save $25 on the game and get 30% off expansion packs at Best Buy! What a deal.

Wednesday, December 19, 2018

It's Holiday *Time* - The Michael Kors Wear OS by Google Smartwatch from Best Buy

*The reviewer has been compensated in the form of a Best Buy Gift Card and/or received the product.*

It's that time of year. The time when you are thinking and planning and doing all day, every day. From getting gifts to attending gatherings to hosting gatherings and volunteering, and umpteen other tasks daily. It is easy to lose your head and lose track of the time.

While I cannot help with you numerous responsibilities, I can tell you how to keep them better managed, and in style, too. The Michael Kors Access Runway Wear OS Smartwatch by Google, available at Best Buy.

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This watch is stunning! While it has so many other amazing features, this is definitely a fashion piece. The classic gold or rose gold finish embodies timeless sophistication. If all this watch did was tell time, it would still be and iconic timepiece. However, it does so much more..

Powered by Google, this watch has everything you need to manage your life. From health and fitness tracking, tips, and goals from Google Fit to managing calls, appointments and so much more with Google Assistant, the Wear OS by Google does it all.

All work and no play? Of course not! Not only can the Wear OS by Google lets you access your music, ring your phone and even take selfies! Plus with Google Pay functionality, you can pay with a wave. I don't know about you, but being able to wave my wrist (and gorgeous watch) and just walk out like a queen seems pretty epic.

Plus, you can customize the face (dial) of the watch. You can have it to look more like a real watch face, like shown above, or you can take full advantage of the digital face and make it look like a screen. Either way, it is fabulous and totally you.


Even the box is lovely! No need to get a gift box. I don't even think it would need to be wrapped, just add a bow and a tag and the recipient would be awestruck. If you can't give the gift of time, this is the next best thing.



Or, just get it for yourself. You deserve it. Treat yourself; I think it's time. No matter who on your list is lucky enough to receive such a wonderful gift, head on over to Best Buy to get it. They have both the colors, a Price Match Guarantee, and knowledgeable employees to help you with any questions you may have.

Monday, December 17, 2018

Holiday Gift Guide - Dreaming of Sugarplums

As you prepare for the upcoming holiday, there is surely much to plan. Travel, entertaining, gifts, cards and more. It can be so easy to get caught up in all the planning. It is important to also remember the everyday needs and pleasures of life.

For example, I keep forgetting my usual weekly groceries because I am hyper-focused on the holiday offerings. And my son needed a new bed, I kept having the urge to put it off until after the holidays, like nothing else mattered.

Thankfully, I came to my senses and decided that I could get a bed now, I could even have fun with it, and make it an early holiday gift. I chose the TurboCharged Twin Truck Bed from Step2. It is so fun! As the name implies, it is shaped like a truck. A super cool truck. And, it is fire engine red. Every little boy's dream, right?


Now, when my little man goes to sleep, to dream of sugarplums, on Christmas Eve, he can do it in style. And speaking of sugarplums, he and his sister will be able to whip them up into sugarplum pie with the fabulous Step2 Shop And Play Kitchen Playset.


My kiddos are going to love it! Actually, I love it too, and can't wait to play with it with them. Pretend food/cooking was always my favorite thing to play as a child. I remember "fighting" over the kitchen play station in kindergarten.

So as the days count down and more and more stress descends upon us, let's remember that the holidays are fun and fabulous and great gifts are wonderful, but there is more to life and family than just the holidays. Let's make every day a holiday. Sweet sugarplum dreams to you all.

*Although I received these products at no cost, to facilitate my review, all opinions are 100% my own.*

Friday, December 14, 2018

Holiday Gift Guide- Motorola Talkabout T600

If you are still looking for the perfect gift for the man (any man) on your list, you're in luck. Hubby and I have been playing with these Motorola Talkabout T600 H20 2-Way Radios, and they are so awesome. From teenager to grandpa, and anyone in between, these two-way radios make a great, fun, practical gift.


In fact, any man, woman, or child would love these, I just feel they fit better as a mens gift idea, since I feel men get left out a lot on gift guides, and I personally have a really hard time knowing what to get my hubby, and other male family, as gifts.

They are great to have for any outdoor adventures: camping, hiking, hunting, fishing, boating. Any time you may need to get in touch, and want a backup in case of a lost/damaged/dead cell phone. These babies are waterproof, and they float! They even have a water activated LED flashlight, making it super easy to find if you drop it in the water.


For a fun gift that is sure to be a hit with anyone on your list, that is useful and will not just sit around on a shelf or in a closet, these Motorola Takabout T600 H2) Two-Way Radios is sure to check all the boxes and bring smiles to the face of anyone who receives them.

*Although I received this product at no cost to facilitate a review, all opinions are 100% my own.*

Holiday Gift Guide - Bandai Toys

We are under 2 weeks away from Christmas. If Santa hasn't finished up his shopping yet, it's time to really go into overdrive. In our house, Santa has been stocking up for months, but there is always room for a few more last minute additions, especially when they are this cool.

Bandai has so many great toys. We are a sucker for anything Disney related, and my daughter is obsessed with dolls, so the adorable Ralph Breaks the Internet Talking Vanellope Doll was a no brainer. She is so cute. Her hair clips can be worn by her new best (human) friend.


Speaking of cute, how adorable is Baymax from Big Hero 6? This Squish To Fix Baymax Playset is so fun. My kids (and I) love all things squishy. And did I mention all things Disney? I did? Well it's worth saying again. We love Disney. Big Hero 6 is such a sweet movie. And now a sweet toy.


And this Hy[per Cluster YoYo Starter Pack might not be Disney, but it is super cool. I love active gifts like this. This is great for getting my son to go outside and it helps build motor skills and hand eye coordination. Not something a klutz like me would be good at. But my son is great at this kind of thing. He always pick it up freakishly fast.


No matter what age or gender child you are shopping for Bandai is sure to have the perfect gift to make their holiday a little more special. I hope you all have a safe, happy, joyful holiday.

*Although I received these items at no cost, to facilitate a review, all opinions are 100% my own.*

Wednesday, December 12, 2018

Holiday Gift Guide - Ugly Christmas Sweater

Everyone has seen a sweater, especially a holiday sweater, that is just so ugly you a baffled not only why someone would wear it, but by why a designer would even make it. There is a fine line between festive and fugly. It got to the point, where people would try to find the ugliest sweaters on purpose, and ugly sweater parties were born.

But when you want to look "ugly", but not really, and you still want to have your personality come through, you can get an Ugly Christmas Sweater. Now, all the holiday and pop culture themes you love have been uglified.

In this case, ugly just means epic. Who wouldn't want a Home Alone, National Lampoon, or Harry Potter sweater? And what could be more awesome than a soft, cozy, grandma-esqe sweater with Grateful Dead Dancing Bears on it? Talk about Rock 'n Roll.


You know you want one. I mean, look at those bears.


This is going to be a gift, so I have not tried it on, though I am super tempted to keep it for myself. I don't wear many (any) sweaters, ugly or otherwise, but this is just too cool.


I know the recipient will love this gift. How could they not? Seriously, anyone looking for a statement piece this holiday season needs to check out UglyChristmasSweater.com. If you are looking for a unique gift, something fun yet practical, nothing better than a fabulously "ugly" sweater.

Are you part of the ugly sweater craze yet? Will you be now? What design/theme do you love most? Who do you know that would love one of these epic sweaters? I would love to discuss all this with you all in the comments.

*Although I received this at no cost to facilitate a review, all opinions are 100% my own.*

Monday, December 10, 2018

Holiday Gift Guide - Yale Assure Lock

This holiday season, give the gift of security and convenience. Nothing is more important than the safety of your family. That is something you cannot put a price on. The same with time. Things that save you time and stress are priceless.

With the Yale Assure Lock, you can cover all of those. Know that your family is safe from break-ins. Know if your kids got safely home, even when you are not there. Since the system replaces your current deadbolt, there are no cylinders to pick, making it much harder to break in.


Kids can let themselves with a  unique pin code, so they won't need a key that can get lost or end up with a person with malicious intentions. The unique pin codes also allow you to track who has entered the home and when.

You can even lock and unlock the door from your phone, even when you are not there. That is great for letting someone in one time. (Ex "call me when you get to the house and I will let you in.") Perfect for someone pickup up or dropping something off.

If you have your phone with you, the door will unlock automatically as you approach. Perfect if you re carrying things and don't want to dig for keys (which you will no longer need for your door, though, since you will use a pin) or try to type in your pin.

What other gift can provide such security and convenience? Everything in your home is becoming smart now, why shouldn't your lock be? Gift the gift of peace of mind this holiday season.

*Although I received this product at no cost to facilitate a review, all opinions are 100% my own.*

Saturday, December 1, 2018

Holiday Gift Guide - Blentec Designer 725 Blender + Giveaway!

The holiday season is officially here, much quicker than I was expecting. It's time to start buying holiday gifts as well as planning holiday gatherings. The Blendtec Designer 725 can help with both. If you are looking for a show-stopping gift for someone close to you, you definitely cannot go wrong with the Designer 725.


It is such a versatile gift. Busy mom? Being able to chop and dice veggies in a flash is a pretty great time saver, not to mention the clean setting, full, ad soap and tap a button, then rinse. Cleaning can literally not get any simpler than that. Less time wasted chopping and cleaning, more time with children or relaxing.

Health nut? Smooties and whole fruit juices for the win. The Blendtec Designer 725 is powerful enough to blend touch skins and even seeds so you can get all of the nutrients without sacrificing quality. And not having to seed/peel things also makes it quicker and easier.

"From scratch" foodie? Make your own nut butters, baby food, salsa, ice cream, soup and much more. Whether you have to control ingredients for allergies, health issues, or just for quality and peace of mind, you will always know what your family is eating. Plus it is usually much more cost effective to make it yourself. Have you bought almond butter lately?

Party animal? Make perfect blended drinks. The party never stops and neither does the Designer 725. With plenty of power to crush ice to perfection, your margaritas have never been so good, or so easy. And again, save money. Making drinks at home is much more economical than going out.

With six preprogrammed one-touch cycles, to ensure blending perfection. The settings are: Smoothie, Salsa, Ice Cream, Whole Juice, Hot Soup, and Clean. You can add 10 seconds to any cycle by tapping the respective button while the cycle is running. The Designer 725 even suggests additional uses for each cycle so you know how to get the most from your blender.



And if the preprogrammed cycles don't match your exact need, there is a 100 speed touch slider. Get seamless precision speed control for 100 speeds with the slide of a finger. It even tells you which speed to use for stirring, chopping, mixing, blending, or pureeing. You can use Multi-Speed Pulse for an added burst of power at any speed.

The Blendtec Designer 725 is truly the blender with a brain. The exclusive SmartBlend technology senses and identifies potential problems that could interfere with the perfect blend-including loading errors, overheating, or air pockets - and then tells users how to fix them. What an amazing feature for blender novices. It is actually really helpful even if you have ample experience.

The Belndtec Designer 725 is the best blender I've ever had, and I have had other "high end" blenders. I love the preset options, it makes it so easy to get the same result every time. I also love the SmartBlend feature. I generally know what I am doing, but it never hurts to have a fail safe just in case.

Anyone who wants to try new recipes, improve their health, eat more from scratch, Have some great cocktails, or blend anything, ever, the Blendtec Designer 725 is the perfect gift. And all the features that make it the perfect gift also make it perfect for holiday entertaining. Faster prep, faster cleanup, better quality, less stress, happier guests, happier you. What more could you want?

While the Designer 725 is worth every penny, you know what's even better? Free. That's right. Blendtec has been generous enough to provide a Designer 725 blender to give away. One of you very luck souls will win. Enter below for your chance. Good luck!