Everyone Loves Grace

Our daughter loves to read.  But I remember that my son did not.  I had to fight with him just to get him to read the minimum required by the school for his homework.  I had to find books that he liked and even then, this was still a challenge that we continuously fought about.  

 

Thanks to Katy McQuaid.  My daughter received a review copy.  All opinions stated are my own based on my personal experience.

Since learning to read, this girl always has a book in her reach.  As she has gotten older, she is getting picky about the books she wants to read.  She is adventurous, so she definitely loves to read stories that take care on adventures.  The adventures take her to places she has never been to or sometimes places she has been to.  

If you can find a great book series, you can make a little reader very happy.  

My daughter loved going on this adventure with Grace.  She was so happy to find out that Grace was a dog.  Because of course, she loves animals.  She was excited to find out that Grace was traveling to Texas.  And the rest, you will have to read on your own.  No spoiler alerts.  I will tell you that this was a book that she did not put down.  She literally read it from start to finish.  And when she was finished, she loved talking about it.  She told me what she learned and wanted to find out what other adventures Grace was going on.  

Katy, the author of the “Everybody Loves Grace” illustrated book series aims to give kids hope and courage as they face life’s many challenges.  The books are based on true stories told from the perspective of Katy’s beloved Finnish Lapphund, Grace.  The inspiring lessons are written in a fun, light, and humorous tone while addressing some of the most challenging situations people encounter in life.

“In summary,” says Katy, “this book series is an acknowledgement that we need to treat each other well, and that we have the ability to have a profound impact on others’ lives with simple acts of kindness.”

***CLOSED***Giveaway - Cinderella and the Secret Prince

Do you have a princess at home that dreams of a castle and dancing at a royal ball one day?  My daughter was born with pixie dust dreams.  Who am I to judge having been there myself?

Disclosure-This giveaway is hosted by Shout! Factory.  Review copy was received.  All opinions stated are my own based on my personal opinion.

On November 5th, Shout! Kids and Gold Valley Films released a secret, never-before-told tale of Cinderella.  Cinderella and the Secret Prince tells about a new adventure we have yet to hear.  Just in time for the holiday break.  Grab your blanket, some hot chocolate, and curl up on the couch with the family.  Follow along with the fairy, the mouse friends, and of course, Cinderella.  Check this out:


About - During the Royal Ball, the real prince was turned into a mouse by the evil witch, and the "Prince" from the Royal Ball is in fact a fraud! Now begins the new adventure to save the real Prince and help him defeat the evil force.

Want to win a copy for your family?  Enter below:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

This giveaway is only open to US.  The winner will be randomly selected.  They will have 24 hours to claim their prize.  Fulfillment of prize will be by the sponsor.  Good luck.

***CLOSED***Giveaway - 100 WAYS TO BE THANKFUL

Tis the season to be thankful.  We have hit November, the month of Thanksgiving.  This year I have more to be thankful for than those in the past.  The last five years I have not been as thankful as I should have been.  I should really explain what I mean...

Disclosure-This giveaway is brought to you by National Geographic Kids.  Review copy was received.  All opinions stated are my own based on my personal opinion.

This year has been eye-opening for me after my health scare and awakening.  But I am not alone in this, my family too has been affected.  We have been having a lot of open dialogue with my daughter and she has had several inquisitions.  As a parent, the changes I made were for our future as a family.  We learn from our mistakes and we should be thankful for them as they offer us a chance to grow.  For the past five years, without knowing, my attitude have been very ungrateful.  I should have been thankful for all the little things, the bigger messes, and the huge chaos in between.  Instead of looking at the negative, I should have found the positive in my situations.  Like I said, it was a good lesson to learn and to be able to teach my daughter in hoping that this helps her as she grows older.  Sometimes when we are in situations, we cannot look at the bright side.  I will give you an example:

Now I can be thankful for - the time my husband was able to spend with my daughter as a stay-at-home dad after he lost his lost for a year.  It was very unexpected.  I am not sure if I have talked about it here or not but I am ready to talk about it now.  My daughter was able to have time that no money can replace with her dad.  I am thankful that our family went back to the basics as we had to make due with what we had and stretch what we did not have.

These conversations are not easy to have with kids.  The lessons are there though.

In the month of November we are all taught to give thanks on one day, but we should be thankful all the time.  Do you go around the table on thanksgiving and say what you are thankful for?

National Geographic Kids Books has released 100 Ways to Be Thankful.  A book that features 100 creative ways to open up the conversations about gratitude in our life and help kiddos be able to identify it.

It is a great book that kids can pop open and open up their minds to the attitude of gratitude.  Each of the 100 ways has opened questions, suggestions, and most of all ideas in easy to read language for the entire family to get involved.

Like #41, practice random acts of kindness.  Simple and easy to do.

My life lesson from above is actually #62, look for a lesson in struggles.  The tips are great.  I could have used them a couple of years ago.

Are you curious read the rest?  Well, you can win your very own copy just in time for your Thanksgiving get together.

Enter below:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

This giveaway is open to US only.  Fulfillment of prize will be done by sponsor.  The winner will have 24 hours to claim their prize.  One winner will be randomly selected.  Good luck.

Let’s Get Ready for Bed

How are your routines and bed times going?  Are you back on track yet?  After long holiday school breaks, routines, schedules, and bed times can get all out of whack with our families.  But the little ones can have a harder time than mommies and daddies.

 
Thanks to Nurturing Steps for sending sample product for review.  All opinions stated are my own based on my personal experience.

Healthy sleep habits are learned from a very small age.  I loved receiving tips and tricks from other mothers on what worked for them.  Every story shared always reiterated routine, routine, routine. 

Michael W. Smith has launched Nurturing Steps, an infant and toddler series with the simple mission to enliven a child's journey with hope and faith through music and storytelling.  

Let’s Get Ready for Bed takes children on a journey through Sleepy Puppy’s bedtime routine. And when Sleepy Puppy turns out to be not-so-sleepy after all, his friends Eddie the bear and Lamby the sheep know just what to do to help him drift off to dreamland. Along with read-aloud rhymes and a cover that sparkles with glitter, Let’s Get Ready for Bed also includes an exclusive link to a lullaby by Smith. The song is meant to further help lull young children to sleep.

“One of the greatest joys of my life is being a parent and a grandparent,” says Smith, the father of five, who is called “G-Daddy” by his 14 grandkids.  “I want to serve the next generation well.  That’s why I created Nurturing Steps, to provide stories and songs that will help shape the faith of our newest generation.”

I have been a fan of Michael W Smith since I was a teenager.  I love his music.  And now, I love this book.  It is a cute story that we can share with our kids.  It is not just any story, it has a great message. 

For all the latest Nurturing Steps news, go to www.nurturingsteps.com.  To connect with Michael W. Smith, go to www.michaelwsmith.com, Twitter, Facebook, YouTube and Instagram.

On the Go Snacking

By now you are back in session, school that is.  School has started, routines are back to normal, and the schedules are starting to fill up with after-school activities, practices, and games.

Thanks to Fresh Cravings for sending samples for review.  All opinions stated are my own based on my personal experience.

My schedule fills up super fast when school starts.  I am sure that is the same for all parents with school aged kids.  From packing the school lunches to running to a practice, we all have one thing in common.  We look for easy on-the-go snacks that our kids will enjoy.  But what about mom and dad?  Do you ever grab something for you?  Or are you like me, starving? 

 Who doesn't love chips and salsa?  Introducing Fresh Cravings salsa.

Made with fresh vine-ripened tomatoes and crisp, hand-picked vegetables, along with zesty peppers and spices, Fresh Cravings salsa is never cooked, which gives it a fresh authentic taste.  These snack packs come in Fresh Cravings’ most popular recipe, Restaurant Style, in Mild heat.  They include just the right amount of tortilla chips for it to be a nourishing treat without worrying about portion control.  They are sold in Walmart stores for $1.78 and can be found in the produce section.

“We continuously hear from our customers that they want healthier, more affordable snacking solutions for their families,” says Jay Whitney, President of FoodStory Brands, the company behind Fresh Cravings.  “We developed this Fresh Cravings Salsa and Tortilla Chips combo to help parents find a fun, and more nourishing snack for their kids and for themselves.”

Whether I pack them for my lunch for work or grab a snack for mommy to sit on the sidelines with while watching practice, this is the perfect grab-and-go snack.

Let Them Build It - Strawbees

I hate when my kids get summer colds.  Those are the worst.  The doctor recommends lots of rest which includes staying at home with dad and it disrupts my daughter's routine.  When my daughter gets sick, I try to distract her from the crummy feeling.

Thanks to Strawbees for sending sample product fore review.  All opinions stated are my own based on my personal experience.

When I am sick, I feel that distracting my brain helps me feel better.  It always works for me.  My daughter is the same way.  She loves to be engaged and enjoys experimenting.

My kids have always been very independent.  They love to tinker, discover, and create things all on their own.  

Strawbees Inventor Kit allows kids to be creative.  They can let their imagination run wild as they build.  The creations they make with their own hands.  It is a wonderful educational toy.  Kids do not even realize that they are actually learning while getting creative.

The toys that brings hours of fun for my future inventor.   Whether your kids get cabin fever, are looking for a challenging toy, or just love to work with their imagine; this is the perfect toy for them.  

Snap To It Family Time

With winter break coming, have you thought about what you and the kids will be doing for two weeks?  I like thinking of creative ways we can share family time together that we can all enjoy.

Thanks to Revell for sending sample product for review.  All opinions stated are my own based on my personal experience.

What ideas come to mind?  The weather can be unpredictable sometimes.  Planning things outdoors can sometimes be back fire, so I try to have back up plans.

Did you ever build a model as a kid?  Model car, plane, train, etc...  How much fun was it?

Scooby-Doo Bi Plane Snaptite Model Kit-

Model Includes:

• Highly detailed bi-plane

• 3 Characters ready to fly (Scooby-Doo, Shaggy, and Velma)

• Fun and bright model design

Lil Bit got help from Daddy.  The directions are numbered, have big pictures, and only a few steps that are easy to follow.

Kit does come with a caution to position all parts carefully because they will only snap together once.

My Little Pony Equestria Girls – Magical Movie Night

Do you have a My Little Pony lover in your home?  We have a pony lover in our house.

My daughter received a copy of My Little Pony Equestria Girls – Magical Movie Night for review.  All opinions stated are our own based on our personal experience.

Full-time students and part-time magical pony-girls, the Equestria Girls are always ready to save the day with the Magic of Friendship! So, gather round for three mystical adventures:

Dance Magic

With the Camp Everfree fundraising deadline looming, the Equestria Girls realize they need a new plan to raise more money and are ready to try new things. Rarity finds out about a music video competition, with a huge cash prize, and she’s eager to convince her friends at Canterlot High to enter the contest. However, the girls soon learn that Crystal Prep Academy is also interested in participating in the contest. The students at CPA have many more resources and are better dancers! The girls learn that sometimes coming together instead of competing is the best plan of all!

Movie Magic

The Equestria Girls have been specially invited by A.K. Yearling to go on the set of the upcoming Daring Do movie and they are overjoyed. For super-fan Rainbow Dash, watching behind the scenes as her favorite heroine comes to life is a dream come true. However, when a rare and important prop from the set goes missing, putting the movie on hold, Rainbow Dash’s dream becomes a nightmare. The Equestria Girls take it upon themselves to track down the missing prop and end up trotting into a real-life Daring Do adventure!

Mirror Magic

As the pages in her journal run out, there’s only one thing for Sunset Shimmer to do: return to Equestria as a pony to get a new journal! There, she meets new pony Starlight Glimmer and agrees to bring her back through the mirror portal to experience life as a human girl at Canterlot High. However, while Sunset Shimmer is away, a revenge‐seeking Juniper Montage finds a beautiful hand mirror enchanted with Equestrian magic. Not only can it provide a window into another land, but if you push the right button, It can also make things disappear into limbo, trapped between the two realms! Sunset Shimmer and Starlight Glimmer return to find the Mane 6 missing and Juniper Montage acting extremely suspicious. Will Sunset Shimmer and Starlight Glimmer save the girls, or are the Mane 6 lost in limbo for good?

My Little Pony Equestria Girls – Magical Movie Night comes to DVD on today from Shout! Kids in collaboration with Hasbro Studios.

Your pony won't want to miss these next adventures.  

Giveaway-Disney's Beauty and the Beast

Have you seen Disney's BEAUTY AND THE BEAST?

This is a sponsored post.  All opinions stated are my own based on my personal experience.

In celebration of Disney's BEAUTY AND THE BEAST coming out on Digital HD and Blu-ray on June 6, I am hosting a giveaway.  Thanks to the sponsors for sending me 2 digital copies to giveaway to 2 lucky readers of Independentmami. 

Enter below.  Good luck.  2 winners will be randomly selected.
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Wiping the Boogies Right on Out

This is a compensated post in collaboration with Boogie Wipes.  All opinions stated are my own based on personal experience. 

The weather is crazy this year. No wonder everyone seems to be getting sick lately. I have been traveling a lot lately. I am trying not to pick anything up to bring home to my family. In the airport I come into contact with so many people, I can only imagine all the germs that could possibly be around. Especially when the first thing I do when I come home is get great big bear hugs from my kids. So how do I keep my kids safe from all the germs?

Obviously I cannot keep them in a bubble and save them from everything, but we can start with healthy habits. According to some statistics, pre-school children like my daughter have around nine colds per year. If I do the math, that is almost one cold a month. Can you imagine all the missed days of school? Healthy habits can help your child learn how not to spread germs.

Do you NOSE where to start? Healthy habits start with you.

Little hands touch many things. Warm water and soap can get those germs taken care of. Easier said than done. When our kids get a cold they can suffer from runny noses. Have you seen how little hands handle boogies? My kids have wiped their noses every which way but right.

Bare hands are a big No No.

It is our job to teach our kiddos how to handle their noses.

1) Sneezing into their sleeves can prevent germs from flying everywhere.

2) Digging for boogies in their noses can make things worse. Share with your kids how germs can get under their nails and then can be transferred from one place to the other.

3) Blowing the boogies right on out of there. Our pediatrician has always told my kids that it is good when you have boogies coming out. That means they are not getting trapped inside the body. But it is important that we do not spread germs in this process. But do you have the kid that hates blowing his or her nose?

My daughter likes using Boogie Wipes in Great Grape scent to clean her nose. Why?

Because she loves that the wipes do not hurt her nose and that they smell like grapes.

Why does this mom like using Boogie Wipes?

-They are made with a natural and sterile saline formula, which dissolves kids' dried boogers.

-Boogie Wipes have no harsh or drying chemicals – like alcohol or chlorine which is great when your child has sensitive skin.

Also remember to practice what you preach. Kids mimic their parents and they are always watching.

For more information or to get a $0.50 off coupon go to: boogiewipes.com/coupon.

Gift Ideas For Kids

Are you looking for some fun gift ideas for your kids or wondering what to get them?  I have some ideas to help you.  I know sometimes I wonder what to get all my nieces and nephews too.  Kids sometimes can be hard.  I like to be the perfect gift giver.  I love to see their faces when they get something they like.

1)  Books-Kids love books.  My daughter loves reading a different book everyday at bedtime.

Footloose by Kenny Loggins is a book your kids will love.  Kenny rewrote and re-recorded the original song.

2)  Socks-I don't know if you know but socks are the thang.  You have to have your sock game be super strong when you are in school.  This cool be your ticket to cool.

The Sox Market has any kind of sock you can thing of for everyone in the family.

3)  Watch-Every kid wants to be like the big kids or grown ups.  I remember asking my mom for a watch one year for Christmas.  My daughter asked for one this year too.  But I thought she was too small.

Watchitude is designed for kids ages 4-12.  They slap on.  How cool is that!  Remember those slap bracelets from back in the days?  Like those, only cooler because of the designs.

4)  Kicks-That means shoes.  Some cool shoes with cool shoe laces.

Dick's Sporting Goods has team up with sportsmatter.org.  Youth sports programs are losing funding.  Through the program Sports Matter, DICK's will match up to $1.5 million dollars to programs selected by teachers for public and charter school.  So not only are you buying a great gift, but you are helping others.  And don't forget to swap out the laces for green laces.

***Disclosure-Sample products were received for review.  All opinions stated are my own based on my personal experience and preference. 

Share A Scare Kids Halloween Lunch Ideas

Halloween falls on a school day this year.  It is my daughter's first year in school and she loves to pack lunches.  I started thinking how can I add a little spookiness to her lunch and what I do for one, I have to do for the other one.  It is his last year of school and why not add a little fun to his lunch too.

Thanks to Nestle for sending samples for review.  All opinions stated are my own based on my personal experience.

I decided to share a little scare with my kids this year.  First, I added a little spooky to the refrigerator by placing a decorative pumpkin and Nestle Halloween water bottles.

Then I added a little fun to their lunch packs:

Spooky Apple Mouth or Monsters

For my son I made him a gross mouth.  He loves Nutella so his mouth was full of Nutella.  For my daughter I made a monster that was full of grape jelly.  I used peanuts for the teeth on both.

Ghosts

For the head I used a white mini powered donut and for the body, I used marshmallows.  I placed them in a small snack bag.  I placed a white napkin on top.  Then I used a ribbon to tie the napkin to the snack bag.  My daughter said a ghost had to a face so I used a marker to add eyes, nose, and mouth.

Spooktacular Drinks

Nestlé® Pure Life® Halloween monster/Día de los Muertos calavera bottles come in cute holiday-inspired designs including a spooky cat, jack-o-lantern and two new calaveras, available in 8 oz. size water bottles that will keep the kids hydrated whether at a party, in their lunch packs, or out trick-or-treating.  My kids love to drink water.  Water is always in their lunch packs.  These water bottles help me share a little scare with them.

How do you share a scare with your kids? 

Music Makes Me Lose My Mind

I do not know what it is about music but it can really change my mood, put a smile on a face, and really turn a day around.  Music helps us express ourselves, moves us, and sometimes changes us.

Remember when you were a teen?  I do.  I loved music.  I love to take my music on the go too. 

Thanks to DreamWave for sending my teen the Bubble Pod to review.  All opinions stated are our own based on our personal experience.

This is a Bluetooth speaker that your kids will want.  Why?  Because:

-ultra-light
-portable
-compact

It comes in 4 different colors; baby blue, sunshine yellow, bubblegum pink, and jolly green.  It is rechargeable.  It also has IPX5 water/dust/sand/snow protection which is great because with kids you need all the extra protection available. 

My teen loves to take his music on the go.  He can now use this on his walks to and from the bus, school, or anywhere else he may go.  It has a D-ring which can be attached to any backpacks.

But moms can use it too, hook it on the stroller, on any clothes, or even in your pocket.

For more information, go to godreamwave.com. 

Sunny Days = Lots of Rays

Do your kids ask to put sunscreen on or do they run?  Sun protection is important.  We have to teach our little ones how important it is.

My kid will run out and is ready to play in the sun.  I used to be the same care free way when I was younger too.  But my mother always covered us full body with a white coat of sunscreen.  I have to admit I have done the same.

Thanks to Australia Gold for sending sample products for review.  All opinions stated are my own based on my personal experience.

Tips to protecting your little one's skin:

1)  Wet/Dry sunscreen-Sunscreen goop can sometimes feel so heavy.  It can take for ever to dry.  As  a kid, one minute is for ever.

Hello Kitty body mist sunscreens are so easy to use.  The spray can be applied to wet or dry skin.  Like when you get to the beach and your kid runs into the waves before you cover them with sunscreen.  The plus is that it smells lovely and it has Hello Kitty on it.  So my daughter loves it.  She said it is for little girls only.  I like that it is water resistant for 80 minutes.

The SPF 50 body mist has a light and clean Paradise Pineapple fragrance. Australian Gold combines cutting edge sunscreen protection with Asian skin caring ingredients, Yomogi and Butterfly Bush, to deliver sun protection with exceptional skin care.

2)  Lip balm-Lips need protection too. 

The SPF 30 Lip Balm delivers sun protection and conditions lips with Jojoba, Sunflower Seed Oil, Pomegranate, and Vitamin E.

Again my daughter thinks this is make up so she likes putting it on.  We have been doing a lot of outdoors activities.

It is safe to use on tattoos. 

3) Reapply-Don't forgot to reapply. 

4) Head gear-Find a hat or cap that your kids like or they may not want to wear it. 

5)  Cover Ups-When your little ones are not in the sun, cover them up.  If they are like mine, they will not sit under the towel.  I found this cover up that even has a hoodie that my daughter loves.  For boys, I recommend putting a dry shirt on them.

 Mom and dad-Don't forget to cover your body too.  You are running around taking care of the kids and may forget to put sunscreen on you.

My tip for you is put sunscreen on before you leave the house.  I always make everyone use the restroom before we leave the house.  When it is my turn, that is when I put sunscreen on me. 

Australian Gold Extreme Sport 30 is water resistant for 80 minutes. It has Australian naturals, moisturizers, and aloe vera.  I like the way it smells. 

And don't forget to reapply.  I lather/spray/mist the kids first.  Then I do me.

Easter Basket Ideas for the Littles

This year we are going to be attending more than one Easter egg hunt.  What kid needs all that candy?  Not mine.  So I got a little bit creative with this year's Easter basket from mami and papi.

I normally do not go all out on an Easter basket.  One year I ran out and got a prepackage one that was way over prized.  I hate to admit that all those Pinterest Perfect moms made me feel bad because I did not make my kid a basket, or create something cute.  My daughter is only 4.  I feel I am learning and getting better at this.  No one should make you feel bad that you do or do not get your kid an Easter basket.  If you want to, then do it.  If you don't, then don't.  If you do choose to get your littles basket, it should not break the bank.  I stopped at the dollar store to get some of my goodies.  Here is what I have in the above Easter basket for my Lil Bit:

1)  Basket-This is a recycled basket that I already had.  I actually counted and my daughter has 4 Easter baskets.  These are starting to multiply and I have something to do with it.  So I instead of buying a new basket, I used this one and it happens to be the perfect color I was looking for.

2)  Grass-It is messy.  What do you do with it afterwards?  I actually was at Walmart during my lunch hour and found they have several rollback racks in the middle aisles.  I found cute character t-shirts for $1.00.  I used one of these shirts as my "grass".

3)  Eggs-Every Easter basket needs eggs with wonderful surprises inside.  (I actually got some really cute chick eggs last year on clearance after Easter.  Those were not used in this basket but will be used for one of the egg hunts.)  Since my daughter will be attending several parties, candy is not on my list of goodies in these eggs.  I decided to stuff the eggs with other useful things that my daughter likes, needs, and were the right size.
-kid's nail polish (Disney multi pack)-2 fit perfect in a larger egg, or 1 in a regular size egg
-socks-1 pair fit in the larger size eggs.  My daughter loves colorful socks.  The dollar store carries character socks.  I also thought of doing undies, but we have plenty from back to school time.  Those character undies come in multi packs.  You can probably get 1 in each egg. 
-hair accessories-small hair bows can be used to decorate the basket or they can be placed inside the eggs.  The size of the bow will determine the size of the egg.  The dollar store carries a lot of different hair accessories.

4)  Toys-Most kids always want toys.  My kid does need anymore toys.  Her birthday and Christmas just passed.  We still have gifts that are in the boxes, unused.  I decided to get my daughter a useful toy like chalk.  We have a chalkboard wall in our kitchen.  She loves to color, write, and draw.  I found a big box of chalk at the dollar store and they even had the fancy chalk holders.  My daughter needs this, because she keeps breaking her chalks.  Once they are broken, she does not want them.  This chalk can also be used on the sidewalk perfect for any Spring day.
Movies-If you want to splurge on a big ticket item, why not spend money on something your kiddo will use over and over.  Summer will be here soon enough and my kids love to watch movies.
Plush-I do not do stuff animals.  What do you do with so many stuffed animals?  It is an asthma sufferers hell when those things get all dusty.  Someone has to dust them off.  But I do get the kids small collective figurines, dolls, or action figures.  This year I found a replacement for the little chick my daughter loved.  Both of hers from a previous basket broke, and she loved those little chicks.

Do you get your kids' Easter baskets?  Have you gotten your kiddos baskets ready this year?  What are some things you add to your basket?  I am already thinking about next year's...

***CLOSED***Giveaway-Monster High: Great Scarrier Reef

Do you have a Monster High fan in your house?  Did you know that Monster High: Great Scarrier Reef was just released on Blu-ray?

Splash into a Whole New Monster High™ World!  Join your favorite ghoul friends in an all-new aquatic adventure!  When the ghouls get pulled into the school pool, they’re transported to the gore-geous underwater world of the Great Scarrier Reef.  Lagoona realizes she's come home and, in a fintastic mission of the heart, decides to come to terms with her own freaky flaws.  Of course she’ll need some help from the most creeperiffic friends ever as she confronts a frenemy from her past, competes in a scaretastic dance extravaganza, and fights a terrible beast from the deep!

This Blu-ray will make a perfect addition to any Easter basket.  If you have a little ghoul lover, don't forget to grab this while picking those goodies.  (By the way this title has not been licensed to Netflix.)  Do you want to win a copy?

Enter below.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Flick Friday-Transformers Rescue Bots: Adventures in Time and Space

Spring break is next week. What will you kids be doing? Will you be taking a road trip or staying at home? I remember growing up, we did not travel. We were stuck at home. It was a regular work week for my parents. I had to babysit my brothers and that meant keeping them entertained. 

And usually shows are on regular programing or on repeat. How about getting your littles their favorite Transformers Rescue Bots on DVD?

The Rescue Bots take their adventures through time and space!  This heroic collection of Transformers: Rescue Bots features five exciting episodes that the whole family can enjoy.

Griffin Rock’s Autobot first responders — Chase, Heatwave, Blades and Boulder — are back for more action-packed adventures!  Only this time, they’re proving that they’ll stop at nothing to protect their Earth friends, even if it means traveling through all of time and space!

Episodes Include:

-It’s A Bot Time
-Unfinished Business
-Switcheroo
-Time After Time
-The Last Of Morocco

Note:  Thanks to Shout! Factory for sending us a sample copy for review.  All opinions stated are my own based on our personal experiences.

Sometimes I am not sure who is the bigger fan on the Rescue Bots in our house.  We get so rapped up in all the adventures that the Rescue Bots go on.  It is hard to walk away.  Adventures in Time and Space does not disappoint.  Our favorite episode was the Switcheroo.  What will yours be? 

Making your Kids Early Readers with Fun Children's Magazines

My daughter is at that age where she wants to start learning how to read.  She pretends and story tells.  As her proud mom, I love that she likes Reading.  Reading has not been a popular subject for myself or my son but apparently daddy and daughter do love this subject.  So of course, I want to support her joy.  I have been looking for literature she can enjoy.

Note-I am a USFG blogger.  I received some Redan Publishing Magazines for review.  All opinions stated are my own based on my personal experience.

When you subscribe and you'll get:

• FREE delivery before it's in stores
• Lock in low price
• FREE to switch magazine titles at any time
• Available in the US only

I like that these magazines are kid friendly.  They are age appropriate.  They have many different titles to choose from.  You can find your child's favorite characters.

Each magazine will have activities, stories, crafts, posters, and so much more.  You can also win prizes in the Readers' picture gallery. 

 

My daughter is not in school yet and does not have to do homework.  So everyday she picks a different page from the magazine for us to do.  Some pages she can do on her own, other she needs my help.  

This is a perfect activity for weekends, school breaks, or holidays.  Go to Redan.com for more information or to place your order today.      

Toddler Friendly Jewelry

***Disclosure-Sample product was received for your review.  All opinions stated are my own based on my personal experience.

My daughter loves to play with my jewelry but she is still a toddler.  What do most babies and toddlers do?  They stick everything in their mouth.  I have been looking for jewelry that is kid friendly and that she would like.  I happen to have a little diva.

My princess received the Spring Heart Necklace from Juniorbeads.

Juniorbeads is children's jewelry made for ages 3 and up.  It is safe for your kids because it has no BPA, no phthalates, no cadmium, no lead, and no metals.  The beads are 100% silicone (similar to pacifiers and nipples).  Necklaces have a breakaway clasp for added safety.  Jewelry can be used as a sensory tool.  (If using as a sensory tool, please use under adult supervision.)  Easy to clean, just use dish soap and water, also dishwasher safe too.

Your daughter will love these.  They are available in different colors.  They also have dog tags and bangles.  And best of all some even glow in the dark. 

If you have baby, you may want to try Chewbeads.

Chewbeads are stylish and add extra interest and color to your outfit.  They are completely safe for your baby or toddler to chew on when they are teething.  Baby-safe jewelry is a great gift for new moms.  It is 100% safe silicone.  It is a piece of fashionable jewelry and e and not a string of baby toys hung around your neck.

For more information, go to: http://www.chewbeads.com/

Sprout New Preschool Series - FLOOGALS

***Disclosure-I was invited to a luncheon at Benjy's to get a sneak preview of a new show.  All opinions stated are my own based on my personal experience.

Do your kids watch Sprout?

Sprout is a 24-hour preschool network.  Their programming is different then other networks.  They are launching FLOOGALS a new original series created for kids ages 2-6.  

FLOOGALS follows the adventures of three exuberantly inquisitive aliens exploring Planet Earth.  Every day an exciting mission of experimentation, learning, and discovery awaits Captain Fleeker, First Officer Flo, and Junior Boomer as they explore the human way of life.  FLOOGALS follows the aliens’ hilarious antics as they learn about the oddities of the world, offering an unexpected and fun perspective on everyday life.  Each episode features the Floogals on a mission of discovery, using gadgets and teamwork to learn about this new planet.  The show features vibrant CGI animation alongside live action, and captures Earth from the perspective of these pocket-sized creatures. FLOOGALS encourages curiosity while grounding the excitement of exploration in the realities of a child’s world.

Each character has their own personalities.
-Captain Fleeker is a seeker of any open door to adventure.

-First Officer Flo is a collector of clues and explorer of animals, water and more.

-Junior Boomer, the tiniest Floogal who likes to dream big and has an eager eye to discover the “hooman” creatures living on Earth.

FLOOGALS encourages preschoolers to “floogal” their own world—to explore, observe, and view things from a different perspective.

FLOOGALS premieres on Sprout today at 8pm ET/5pm PT.

To learn more about FLOOGALS and Sprout’s original programming, visit www.SproutOnline.com.