LeapFrog “Learn, Create & Share” Party

I am homeschooling this year so anything I can find to interject some additional fun into learning is a big plus for me and most likely, my children.  I love the LeapFrog line of products as I already have many of their learning toys such as two Leapsters (I have two children and you know how bad kids share at times), a Tag and DVDs.  LeapFrog is a name I trust and as a repeat customer, I definitely wanted to take part in the opportunity I received as a member of MomSelect to host a LeapFrog Learn, Create & Share Party.  We received an amazing kit to host this party which included:

• A LeapPad Explorer Learning Tablet with a pre-loaded book and game
• A Tag Reading System with a Read to Learn Series
• Interactive map
• Download Card
• Coloring and activity sheets
• Coupons for our guests

The host pack was so complete and full of great items that we took the time to go through each learning activity to ensure we were able to explain and show our guests all that each one provided.  My girls thought it was Christmas when we opened the box but then again, I was pretty excited to learn more about the LeapPad Learning Tablets and the Interactive Map.  We already have a Tag Reading System but the books were perfect for what we have been learning which are vowels.  I'm going to first provide what I thought of each one.

LeapPad Explorere Learning Tablet

The LeapPad Explorere Learning Tablet is an amazing learning tool that offers your children an incredible array of things to do from downloading applications from LeapFrog and taking pictures and recording videos.  My girls are having so much fun taking pictures and using the drawing tool to change and add to the pictures.  The video component is also something they are having quite a bit of fun.  We used our download card to purchase more fun.  It operates like our gadgets do with a touch on the screen to tilting the tablet to using the buttons.  It's a really great way to introduce children to technology as it's not going away!  It's also ideal for traveling given the library of 100+ cartridge games and activities available.  

The set up was very easy with hooking it up to the computer, signing up for LeapFrog and downloading the applicable program to connect to LeapFrog.  It was quick and that was good because the testers were ready to go.  I love that that you can use cartridges or buy online and download directly on to the LeapFrog Explorer Learning Tablet. 

Tag with Learn to Read Books

The Tag with Learn to Read Books were equally excellent.  The Tag is set up to allow children to touch different areas on the book for sound or dialogue.  The child can choose to read along with the Tag as it slowly reads with the speed of them moving the Tag along each word or with the touch of the Tag to the dot on the page, it automatically reads the passage to the child to follow along.  The books are full of great opportunities to help teach them about the vowels and there are additional books available to buy and to expand your library.  This is a must have for encouraging your child to read and learn in my opinion.

Tag Globe Trotter Map

The Tag Globe Trotter Map is another great tool for teaching while having fun.  With the help of their Tag, they can play games, learn fast facts that teaches about the United States, landmarks, famous places and animals.  There are 10 interactive games for them to choose from and it's as easy as click and tag on what they want to do.  Another bonus is parents can track their learning progress with the LeapFrog Learning Path.  On the other side is the world map where they get to meet different kid characters from different countries that include the country they are from, what they eat, how they play and how they say hello in their native language.  I absolutely love this and can't wait for my girls to keep learning from it.  I had just purchased an inexpensive globe but that doesn't compare to what both sides of the maps can teach and this is something that will grow with them over the years.  It's fun, it's interactive and most of all, it's educational.

Activity Sheets

This was a big hit among my girls.  The sheets were excellent in offering more fun yet learning activities and kept the party moving in between the children taking turns at playing with the LeapFrog Tag and the LeapFrog Explorer Learning Tablet.  The Learning Tablet was the big hit of course but they all had fun with the tag.

The kids were excited about the party and we were able to tie it in with a birthday party.

To purchase LeapFrog products online, click here for the LeapFrog online shop and to stay up to date, "like" LeapFrog on Facebook and follow LeapFrog on Twitter.




*Disclosure:  I received a party pack with LeapFrog products.  The opinions are of my own.

Poise® Pads & Extra Security for Women

I remember an episode on Hot in Cleveland where one of the stars endorsed a product for women for leak control.  It was a funny episode but not when you are the woman enduring this.  Light bladder leakage is something that affects 1 in 3 women so if you are one of those three, you are not alone.  I have a young friend who is experiencing light leakage post pregnancy so it can hit young or old.  Poise® Pads are perfect for having that extra security without the worry.  One of my older friends use Poise® Pads and swears by them.  Before discovering them, she was always on edge and worried if an incident would occur during an event so she stayed clear of most.  Poise® Pads allowed her to have her life back.

During the month of October for Women's Health Month, Poise® Pads will be available at Sam's Club and in case you didn't know, Sam's Members save $11.72 per box when purchased at Sam's Club.  If you are enduring this condition and are not sure about how they feel or effectiveness, you can get a free sample.  Some of the benefits of Poise® Pads include:

• Locks away wetness and odor
• Contours to fit your body so no bulky feel
• Helps to keep you fresh

Click below to get your free sample:






 Disclosure: I will be compensated for this post. I do not use Poise Pads but my opinions were based on two friends that I know and the opinions are of my own.

Disney's Winnie the Pooh DVD/Blu-Ray Widget & Giveaway - 10/28

Isn't it Tiggerific? All of your favorite characters are returning to Hundred Acre Wood for the latest adventure featuring everybody's favorite bear, Winnie the Pooh. Join Pooh, Tigger, Kanga, Roo, Christopher Robin, Piglet, Rabbit, and Eeyore when Walt Disney Pictures releases Winnie the Pooh on DVD & Blu-Ray October 25. 


Use the widget below to take the personality quiz, download coloring pages, games & more, and watch a sneak peak of the movie. 


One lucky winner will receive their own copy of Disney's Winnie the Pooh DVD/Blu-Ray combo pack by entering the giveaway on the Rafflecopter form below. 


*Disclosure: This giveaway is sponsored by PartnersHub. I received no compensation for this post.

Wordless Wednesday

My morning sunrise.

Homeschool Trip to the Grand Canyon & More

Tomorrow we are embarking on a trip to Arizona.  First to pick up my oldest and her baby and then we will head to Sedona, Montezuma Castle, Flagstaff, a natural blow hole and then on to the Grand Canyon.  On our return trip back, we are going to visit Tombstone too.  This will be an action pack weekend but I hope the girls learn a lot.  This is my first year homeschooling and it's frightening at times.  I am taking it on as much as I can as I will be returning to work and moving so I need to get in as much as I can to ensure no one is behind.

My cousin, who also homeschools, told me about making binders.  It was a great idea and I recreated one with material I gathered off the net.  I think they will have a lot of fun playing car bingo and other activities along the away while learning about the attractions we will visit.  Thank you, Ruthie for the great idea!

Christmas Cards by Taylor Swift!

My children are BIG Taylor Swift fans ... I mean BIG fans so when I received an e-mail about new Taylor Swift Christmas cards at CardStore (link below), I had to take a look!

Here is what some look like:

  

Delicious Santé Nuts: Celebrating Life Every Day & 25% Discount Code

I'm a person who loves nuts: peanuts, almonds, walnuts, hazelnuts and so on.  Many nuts are not only tasty but they are good for you.  I have been learning more and more about what is good and what is not and have definitely found that certain nuts like almonds are good for you.  I try to consume 10 a day as that is what I've read from many sources stating they are good for you.  I had never heard of Santé Nuts until recently when I was able to sample the different varieties they have.  I was not required to write this post but opted to because I really like some of them.  You are probably wondering 'so what makes the Santé Nuts different?  I was too and here is the difference from regular nuts:

• Nuts with a spice recipe consists of all natural ingredients.
• The nuts are roasted by hand in small batches.
• A secret technique that minimizes the amount of oil the nuts absorb during the roasting process.

The oil aspect is important if you are wanting to eat healthier as less oil means less fat, more crunch and more nuts.  Who wants a soggy nut other than those southern boiled peanut fans?  Nothing against those that do but I prefer mine crunchy.  The other thing that I like about Santé Nuts are the variations available that creator, Sara Tidar, started in the kitchen.  Her secret roasting technique passed on by her grandmother started it all.  When Sara became a single mom six year's ago, she started on her journey in being an entrepreneur which I love being a former single mother too.

The Review

Candied Pecans Santé Nuts:  I love pecans .. I mean, I really love pecans.  Almost as much as I love Johnny Depp but not quite.  Pecans are delicious and wonderful alone or in recipes.  Pecans can be jazzed up or ate plain.  These candied pecans were slightly sweet but just enough to keep you eating like there was no tomorrow.  They were crispy yet lightly touched with pure cane sugar which means natural sugar and I'm all for that.  They are gluten free and carry the kosher seal.  I really liked them and would have liked to have tried one of the recipes but I ate them all (smile).  Not only does Santé Nuts provide recipe suggestions but they also give a beer and wine pairing suggestion.  1/4 of a cup is only 190 calories and only 10 grams of carbs.  This is perfect for me since I'm always watching my food intake.  They are also reasonably priced and in comparison to other brands at $5.29 a package.

Candied Walnuts also have the light jazzing up of pure cane sugar.  I really enjoy walnuts and try to eat them daily too.  Having a light sugar taste is always good for me!  Out of the four nuts I tried, this was my least favorite.  The walnuts left an after taste that I didn't care for.  It wasn't so bad that I didn't eat them because I did eat every last one of the walnuts but I can state that I wasn't a big fan of this variety.  

They are also gluten free and have the kosher seal.  I still like the fact they are all natural  and that is a huge pro for me.  

Garlic Almonds had me a bit worried as I opened the bag.  I didn't think garlic and almonds would go together but I was wrong.  What I love about these are, garlic and almonds are so good for you!  If you are not a garlic fan, stay away from these.  The garlic is pretty strong but I found them addicting.  I love them and I think they became my favorite out of all of them.  They were crunchy yet light and I just loved the garlic flavor.  They are described as "peppy as a sportscar" and that is a perfect analogy!  

They, just like the others, are all natural, gluten free and have the kosher seal.  

The Roasted Salted Pecans were my second favorite.  They were light, crunchy and had a slight salt taste. It was not overpowering but just the right amount.  They are perfect out of the bag or in a recipe but I ate all mine before I could check out the recipes.  Each variety has recipes and pairings on their respective web location.  These were perfect for a quick snack and again, were my second favorite.

Overall, I really like Santé Nuts and although I didn't care as much for the Candied Walnuts, I love the concept of all natural ingredients and less oil.  I would recommend Santé Nuts for all those who enjoy nuts and want to enjoy them straight out of the bag or in a recipe.  


If you want to try Santé Nuts, you can save 25% off with code 2011-Blog-187 on any order at www.SanteNuts.com until December 16, 2011.  <-- Would make a great Christmas present in the bag or in a delicious box of Chocolate Chip Pecan Cookies!


Check out Santé Nuts on Facebook.





Santé provided free samples of their nuts so I could review them. However, all of the opinions expressed here are my own.

Mamavation Week Two

I'm late in my post but better late than never, right?  Sort of like jumping on the wagon to a healthier lifestyle as late is better than never.  I always justify why I fail but I also learned how to get back up and try, try again.  I'm good at trying and I know one of these days, it will click and it will be maintaining as it will be easy to stay healthy.  I was there once upon a time and I plan to get back. I'm grateful to the internet for opening my eyes to so many bad things out there.  Granted, I use not so good diets to get into shape and maybe I'll wake up and see that a healthier way is better even if it's slow.

Slow ... that's my problem.  I want it NOW!  I can start strong and then I can stop strong too.  It's nothing to want to tear into that bag of Keebler cookies or the Hershey bars.  I have learned I just need to not buy them since I lack self control.  I'm finding that since the new season of The Biggest Loser started, I have my motivation back.  I tape it as I hate the commercials, unless it's them showing Bob, but I can't stand the weigh in's when they go to the commercial.  So, I tape and watch it the next day when I can get on my recumbent bike and kick some butt.  I like the new trainers and I didn't think I would but Anna reminds me of me always the sappy, teary eyed one.  She has compassion but can push them as needed.  I'm enjoying watching Dolvette too.  He is tough and not bad on the eyes so he's also motivational.  My favorite now that Jillian is gone is Bob.

My other motivation is just self-satisfaction as I want to be happy inside and out.  Getting there knowing I feel and look better coupled with I'll be around longer for my children and grandchild is worth the desire to not eat that cookie or bag of cookies (smirk).

I still kept off the bulk of what I lost but picked up six pounds since I wrote last and knocked off two since yesterday between counting calories and exercising.  I'm trying LiveStrong.com to count and mark my calories and I have five other family members wanting to lose weight for a big family reunion next July and I'm leading the group so if that's not motivation enough, I don't know what it is.

Still......those cookies are calling my name .....

Big G Cereals & Specially Marked Boxes with DC Comics: Fuel & Read

Hold on to your capes for a breakfast of heroic proportions!  My favorite cereal maker, General Mills is getting ready to provide some awesome breakfast fun for you and your little ones.  Kids usually love comics and super heroes so what better way to start breakfast in epic proportions than with DC Comis?


Big G cereals and DC Comics have combined powers in their dedicated efforts to promote reading among children. They have enlisted the help of the Justice League, from Batman to Wonder Woman to Green Lantern, and they are coming right to your breakfast table! Available now, specially marked Big G cereal boxes feature action packed, collectible Justice League comic books.

Want more action adventure? Each comic contains a link to www.BigGCerealHeroes.com for continuations of each story, not to mention a cut-out DC Super Hero mask on the back of the box perfect for helping the Justice League fight crime at breakfast time!

Disclosure:  Information provided by DC Comics and General Mills through MyBlogSpark.

Chuck: The Complete Fourth Season on DVD/Blu-Ray

Oh the romantic and sweet proposals that you see some men able to fulfill to start a new life full of magical memories.  I love to see them and think what a lucky woman that is!  Not everyone gets the bells and whistles of an elaborately planned proposal and some are just romantic in themselves due to the unexpected nature or the intense love already there.  In episode 13, Chuck finally proposes to Sarah in the hospital hallway.  She accepts, kneeling with him and kisses him as the scene fades.  Wasn't that sweet?  You felt the love between the two and even though it was in a hospital, it was still romantic.


I was surprised that he finally asked Sarah and loved the way he did it.   Having Sarah respond the way she did completed the moment in Chuck.  What do you think?  Are you a Chuck fan and did you like it?  Was it too sappy, not sappy enough or just right?


In season four, the geek gone spy is putting everything on the line, available for pre-order here: http://bit.ly/r3n2er.








*Disclosure:  I have been hired by Warner Bros WBWord division to raise awareness for Chuck: The Complete Fourth Season on DVD/Blu-Ray.

General Mills/Walmart Star Wars Limited Edition Cereal & $25 GC Giveaway 10/31

If you are like my family, you already own the 9-disc Star Wars: The Complete Saga that came out on Blu-Ray on September 16th.  We are HUGE fans and have been to Disney twice just to catch the annual Star Wars Days.  You can imagine my children's surprise when we opened our box from MyBlogSpark that contained specially marked General Mills cereal with the Star Wars episodes on the back!

I thought it was Christmas to hear the squeals of delight in seeing not only were their favorite cereals included BUT they had Star Wars on the back!  It was perfect timing as we were out of a couple of those cereals too.  Lucky Charms, Honey Nut Cheerios and Cinnamon Toast Crunch are some of their favorite cereals.  I'm partial to the General Mills line of cereals due to the whole grain content.  They even have a whole grain guarantee to ensure what I'm giving my children is what I think I am.  You can learn more about the grain content and more at Whole Grain Nation.

These limited edition boxes are only available at Walmart so you need to hurry to grab up your very cool box that comes in the following varieties:

• Honey Nut Cheerios
• Cinnamon Toast Crunch
• Lucky Charms

Isn't this so cool?   When the girls realized it made a scene, they were even more impressed.  They are loving this!  Did I mention we are Star Wars fans??

Now for the fun stuff!  One winner will receive one box of each of the cereals that I did along with a $25 Walmart card to run and buy your own specially marked boxes!

Click here for all my other giveaways.

Disclosure: The cereal, gift card, information, and giveaway have been provided by General Mills through MyBlogSpark.

No Greater a Miracle than a Child

I'm reminded daily on what a miracle children are.  They have the ability to turn a frown into a smile.  The innate ability to be there for you when you are sad or upset.  They seem to read an adult like no other at times.  I'm always marveling at how my children can bring an instant smile to my face no matter what.  Children are something to be cherished, to be loved and most of all, to be held in a light of nothing less than nurturing love and respect.

I've learned a lot from raising my children and was truly blessed in having to get to repeat the journey of motherhood.  I have a 23 year old and then I have one as young as four.  I also have a grandchild and can say that while some might cringe at the thought of starting over, I'm more than thrilled to have almost my entire adulthood (before old age) spent raising children.  Granted they can at times add to the stress with what seems like endless bickering or fits, it's small enough to be overshadowed by the beauty of a smile, a laugh, a hug, a kiss or a silly face.

To hear, 'you are the best mom ever' is magical.  Nothing compares to a love of a child and during the darkest moments, it's immeasurable.

Carpet Headaches? Try the BISSELL Stomp 'N Go Pads

What better way to demonstrate a product than at a party, right?  I thought it made perfect sense along with an inclusion of bring all your kiddies too!  As part of my participation with Mom Central, I received the BISSELL Stomp 'N Go kit chalk full of BISSELL Stomp 'N Go packages and carpet pre-treated with grape juice stains to test.  I was happy to see that as I really didn't want to stain and play with my own carpets unless I had to.  

These truly are magical and easy to use.  Just open the package, place on the stain, stomp on the stain and you are ready to go.  After a 30 minute wait, or 24 hours for tough stains, you come back the stain has diminished.  I suspect that I needed to go the extra time on a couple of the stains but they work.  I'm amazed at how easy they were too use and how effective they are.  They are inexpensive too considering you are getting five stain lifting pads for each box.  I was skeptical when I saw the stains on the carpet remnants but as you can see below, even after a quick demonstration, they work!

 

After

One thing I did notice is you have to be careful if you pick up the pad and try to move it around to get a non-touched part of on the stain as the stain did bleed a bit on the part of the carpet it was touching.  This is a must have to hand on hand and with the convenience, it's ideal for any family whether you have children or not.  They are perfect for quick clean ups, handy as you stomp and throw away.  There were no odors or fumes and it left no sticky residue.

I definitely think they are worth the money and would recommend them to anyone with carpeting.

*Disclosure:  I wrote this review while participating in a campaign by Mom Central Consulting on behalf of BISSELL and received a party kit and a promotional item to thank me for taking the time to participate.

Hauling & Trucking, Medical Transcription Source and Makobi Scribe Present New Year’s Resolution Blog Carnival 1/3 - 1/10

Hauling & Trucking, Medical Transcription Source and Makobi Scribe

Present New Year’s Resolution Blog Carnival

Calling all bloggers!  Want a great way to kick off the new year?  Join in the New Year's Resolution Blog Carnival from January 3 - 10.  There is a paid to participate option or a FREE option!  Yes, I said free!


Head on over here to find out more and sign up!

Christmas Gift Guide 2011- Seeking Sponsors

Health, Beauty, Family and Children is joining My So Called Homeschool Life again this year for a Christmas Gift Guide and giveaway event.  Join many other confirmed participants in this year's event.


To participate in having your business or product promoted in our Guide or to receive more information, please send an e-mail to staying_younger@yahoo.com.