Colorful Travel Toys

Summer is here, and we know what that means- time to get your travel on.  We also know that means many a chorus of “Are we there yet?” and “I’m BORED!” from the minions in the backseat.  So before you begin your next trip, be prepared!  Parents rejoice- you don’t just have to shove a tablet or video on for hours at a time- your kids can be creative and stimulate their fun and original ideas while on the road.  (It wont’ kill them to unplug once in a while, we promise!)

pic2The Scribble and Doodle On the Go is perfect for car or plane rides- even for keeping kids busy in restaurants while they wait for their food.  The hard cover book has 50 activity pages to color and play on and 2 pages of stickers (every kid’s delight).  The “On the Go” book pertains to travel and travel activities, but you can also get “Girly Swirly”, “My First Scribble” and other options.  They don’t come with crayons, so bring some with you. All are available for $11 each on http://www.alextoys.com/

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Color a Cutie backpack is perfect for travel- you can not only store your kid’s toys and games in it (and it’s small enough that they can carry it about themselves) but also it will give them something to do while you get from here to there.  A fun project AND a useful travel pack- what’s not to love.  It comes with 5 permanent markers so kids can design their pack any way they like, and it stays that way.  Yes, bring a smock so they don’t ruin their clothes. Also available in Color a Backpack- Pirate.  $28 at http://www.alextoys.com
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Pack Light With prAna

Thanks to prAna for adding a new dimension of style to my summer wardrobe and for inspiring this post.

I tend to get a little excited about the changing seasons, not only is a change in temperatures good for my soul, but the change in my wardrobe is good for my self esteem and overall happiness levels. Admit it, there is just something borderline magical about new clothes and busting out seasonal favorites is simply fun.

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All packed up for tw0 and a half weeks out with mom!

I can always count on prAna for cute clothes that are comfortable. I had the chance to try out 3 pieces from their collection that are ideal for summer looks and that are sure to become seasonal favorites.

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First the Dahlia Womens Skirt in Boysenberry. I loved the clean lines and versatility of this A Line skirt. I can wear it shopping, out to dinner or even just around the house. It is made with 100% organic cotton and is Fair Trade Certified. I love knowing that every skirt sold helps to end poverty in the community that produced the skirt. Retailing for about $55, the Dahlia Skirt is timeless and will be a great addition to your wardrobe.
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Specially Designed ‘Aesop’s Fables’ Stories For Kids

In Anna Award’s specially designed Aesop‘s Fables series, young readers build confidence in reading skills while learning valuable life lessons.

We read with my son every day, oftentimes more then one book a day.  I think it’s important to read kids the classics, not just what’s trendy or fun character books.  They have their place as well, but the classics are so for a reason, and not something I want my son to grow up not knowing. More and more kids don’t know any of the old stories or legends or folktales anymore, and I find that sad.  Series like this, tailor made for children, make it easy to introduce your children to these fun and interesting tales, and the price is right, too.

Keep summer brain drain at bay, even for little ones!  Read to them, interact with them, and keep their minds active and thinking.  These large print books are great for early readers, or those learning to read as well.

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The Aesop‘s Fables series specially designed by Anna Award is certain to please young readers and their parents with stimulating illustrations by Val Biro and an enjoyable opportunity to improve reading comprehension.  Award’s retellings are designed to build reading confidence and comprehension in early readers, and the books in this series feature large, clear, simple text that is reinforced by illustrations.  Perfectly suited for new readers, ages four and up, the updated classics are sure to be a hit. Each book is $6.95.

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In the first installment, Aesop‘s Fables: The Bear and the Travellers with the Ducks and the Tortoise, readers are taught valuable lessons about friendship and life.  These lessons are broken down into easy-to-understand words for young readers.  Through “The Bear and the Travellers”, young readers learn about the importance of loyalty.  In “The Ducks and the Tortoise”, readers explore how the grass is not always greener on the other side.
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WIN Made in America Summer Toys

Disclosure- I will receive the same prize pack.  The below information was provided to me from the company.
For sand and beach play – the best sand table, big pail of fun and cart-along wagon – all made in America by American Plastic Toys:
American Plastic Toys are made of colorful and durable poly and are safety tested to all ASTM requirements as well as most export standards. Best of all, it’s all made in the U.S.A. by U.S. workers! 
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SAND TABLE/ $20/ Ages 1 1/2 +

Sand play is an essential part of growing up.  American Plastic Toys makes the perfect sand table for outdoor OR indoor play. This sturdy table comes complete with a removable water-proof cover for outdoor use to protect the sand and toys from rain as well as any unwanted guests. It holds up to 50 pounds of play sand and provides a nice open area for kids to sit or kneel next to the Sand Table to build roads and castles in the sand. Unlike other sand tables, kids don’t use up any space by having to put their feet in the play area as they sit on the edge. The Sand Table assembly is fast and easy and requires no tools!
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Stay Safe with Master Lock (and a Giveaway)

With the start of summer and families more likely to be enjoying the outdoors – either at home or away – Master Lock is reminding consumers of simple security precautions to ensure their homes remain a safe haven. Master Lock offers several great product solutions to help consumers keep their homes safe.

Check out these awesome tips from Master Lock as well!

Master Lock Offers Tips for Summer Home Safety

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Home is where the heart is, and also, where the people and possessions most important to consumers reside. Yet, nearly half of North Americans (44 percent) don’t take any security precautions other than locking their windows and doors to keep these items safe.* With the start of summer and families more likely to be enjoying the outdoors — either at home or away — Master Lock is reminding consumers of simple security precautions to ensure their home remains a safe haven.

“Safety starts and ends at home,” said Rebecca Smith of Master Lock, a leading manufacturer of innovative safety and security solutions. “There’s no better time to incorporate safe practices into your family’s routine to ensure a safe and memorable summer.”

Master Lock offers its top six tips for home security:

1. Make Your Backyard a Safe Place – Remember to put garden tools and lawn mowers away in a locked place after use. Un-stored tools could cause a fall or tempt young children to use them as toys. Secure your shed or garage door with a high-security, weather-resistant lock, such as the Master Lock Magnum Laminated Padlock. Not only does this deter kids from using tools as toys, it also guards lawn equipment from theft.

2. Sleep Safely with Windows Open – Sleeping with open windows provides a cool breeze for pleasant rest and helps many people sleep better. Even better, it lessens the chance of succumbing to carbon monoxide poisoning, a dangerous nighttime killer. Unfortunately, it also provides easy access to your home for intruders. Before enjoying this summertime routine, take proactive measurers to ensure you do so safely. If you use a home security system (only 14 percent of North Americans do*), ensure it provides window security coverage. Otherwise, use a window blocking device that prevents windows from opening more than six inches, and ensure windows cannot be accessed from outside. While you’re sleeping, ensure all doors are locked, and safeguard patio doors from intruders with Master Lock’s Door Security Bar.
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Win The Zoo is Closed Today and At The Zoo Scratch & Sketch Books

To celebrate National Zoo Keeper Week, July 20-26, a week to celebrate zoos as well as zoo keepers and their dedication to animal care, conservation and education, you can win this book and activity book set!

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The Zoo is Closed Today written by Evelyn Beilenson, illustrated by Anne Kennedy:
It was a warm sunny day
with not much to do.
So Sue and John walked
to the Kalamazoo.

But when John and Sue arrive at the zoo, they are in for a big surprise! What is wrong with all of the animals? From Edward the elephant to Marcel the monkey, the animals have tummy aches and toothaches, runny noses and sore throats. Pete the zookeeper can barely keep up with taking care of them and has to close the zoo. And the next day, John and Sue are in for an even bigger surprise! This charming tale, illustrated with humor and warmth, demonstrates the value of sweet friendship.

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This Week On Nutrisystem

So, I didn’t use my Nutrisystem this week. I was in Norway, and I didn’t bring the food with me. I would not have been able to, with packing space and would have needed another bag just for it- plus I wasn’t sure there would be microwaves or ovens I would be able to use.  Also- I mean, I was in Norway.  I wanted to try the food!

The kicker?  I lost four pounds.  Hooray!  But frustrated- When I’m home, sticking to my diet and going to the gym, I lose one pound a week.  I go to Europe, overindulge, eat what I want, including desserts- and lose four.  What?  I swear, my body just likes to mess with me.  But I will take the weight loss, absolutely.  And we did do a lot of walking, so that helped I’m sure.
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Bumble Bee Transformers Costume

Disclosure- I received the below  in order to facilitate this review. All opinions are my own and honest. Please see “Disclose” tab for more info.

How do you plan to celebrate the new Transformers movie?  Yeah- it’s a big deal in our house.

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On those long, boring summer days, why not bust out the dress up/costume box and let the kids go nuts?  From princesses to dinosaurs to Transformers and more,  there are all kinda of fun costumes your kids can choose from.  Now is also the time to fish for ideas for Halloween costumes as well.  Get an idea of what the kids are really into and will want to be for Halloween.

Without the "full gear" on top- just the basic outfit

Without the “full gear” on top- just the basic outfit

Little Man (like his Dad) loves robots, and Transformers have to be some of his favorites.  His absolute favorite of the Transformers is the silly but tough Bumblebee.  So this was his pick for costumes this year, so far.  We had the pleasure of giving the new Transformers costume a try from Halloween Adventure.  Number one- shipping was quick and packaging of the costume was perfect.  No damage at all.  Secondly, Little Man loves the costume.  Ever since first laying eyes on it, he loves the robot arms and the way the body suit makes him look like a robot without the bulk of bigger costumes.  There are circuit and wire patterns which go along with the arm cannon, chest and mask.  The arm cannon, mask and chest plate are all made of a light yet durable plastic while the body suit is a spandex type material which is form fitting but not very tight.  Every so often he likes to dress up in a costume and spend the day as that character.  Sometimes a monkey, there used to be a dinosaur he would dress up as regularly, now I wouldn’t be surprised if that character is Bumblebee.  This costume follows in the line of ever popular Transformers from the Official trailer for the new movie.  The Bumblebee Transformers Deluxe costume retails for $39.99 but is on sale often so be sure to check it soon.
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