Travel the World with Thomas & Friends

September 30, 2018 by Leave a Comment

Disclosure: The below was provided to me to help facilitate my review. All opinions are my own and honest. I am disclosing this in accordance to FTC Guidelines. Please see “Disclose” and “Terms of Use” tabs for more information.

On September 7, Thomas the Tank Engine left the Island of Sodor to explore the world in his all- new movie “Thomas & Friends: Big World! Big Adventures!”  In addition to the new movie, “Thomas & Friends: Big World! Big Adventures! The Series” made its debut on September 17th.  In honor of Thomas and his travels we decided to throw Thomas a farewell party.

About the Movie:

Thomas leaves Sodor to fulfil his dream of seeing the world. This heroic quest takes Thomas across deserts, through jungles and over dangerous mountains as he travels across five continents seeing sights he has never seen before.

Thomas & Friends is a classic that never gets old. My oldest is 11 and my youngest is 2; and all four of my children love Thomas. As a mom, I love it too. I honestly didn’t think I could love it more, but I do. It’s packed full of important lessons from never giving up to telling the truth. The new series focus on encouraging kids to take adventures and empowering girls; which, I have to admit is a huge plus for this mom of two girls. I always tell them they could do anything as long as they put their mind to it and this new series will encourage that as well.

For the big night, a couple of the kids’ friends gathered to watch the new series and movie debut. We had some yummy popcorn, fruit snacks, and fruit punch (we kept it a little light since it was just about dinner time). After the movie the kids enjoyed putting the train track together and making up the different adventures the little engines encountered.

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Products For Your Home You Will Love

September 25, 2018 by 9 Comments

With winter on the way, and fall finally here (thank goodness for the end of that scorching summer heat!), we are going to be spending more time indoors. Keeping that in mind, here are some interesting and useful new items that you can use year round.

Calamityware serving-ware brings whimsy and art to the dinner table. These fantastical porcelain-plates will also serve as conversation starters, with hidden pictures created by Calamityware and artist Don Moyer. These clever takes on flatware are both pretty and unique, while using a traditional blue and white color scheme. Unexpectedly decorated plates, mugs, and more are covered with depictions of sea monster creatures, giant robots, frogs, and more creatures from sci-fi.  Dishwasher and microwave safe, they are as functional as they are interesting. While they aren’t cheap- $42 for each plate, for example, they make your table a more fun place to dine. Check out all the options at  https://calamityware.com

dinner plates

Save money and single-use-plastic waste by filling and refilling water glasses and  bottles at home. Safe Home Drinking Water Test Kits help provide peace of mind, letting you know what’s in your water. Learn about your tap water with these helpful and easy to use home test kits. Test your water, and make sure that your family’s health is protected.  There is a lot of nonsense in most town’s water nowadays, find out if there is trouble with yours. 80% of the body is water, and you use it for everything- cooking, bathing, drinking, washing, and more. It’s vital to have safe water.  According to the brand, “Safe Home® and Safe Home® Pro EnviroTestKits from Environmental Laboratories, Inc. (ELI), one of North America’s largest EPA Certified Laboratories for testing drinking water, provides several testing options in three easy steps.  Upon receiving the results, you’re empowered to make appropriate decisions – for instance, installing a water treatment or filtration system or disinfecting your well system, among other solutions.”  They are easy to use, the directions take only about a minute to complete and are all but foolproof. There are options for test at home as well as sending a sample out for more detailed information. For more information, visit http://envirotestkits.com/drinking-water-test-kits/

at home testing kits

For your pets, check out HandsOn Gloves (in several colors and sizes, including for children). Get rid of all the excess hair and shedding, which will help your home as well as your allergies. Some dogs (and many cats) hate being brushed, but with the use of these gloves, it just feels like some petting and attention. You can use them in the water at bathtime, or dry. Get your kids to help out, and take care of the pets like they promised to- it’s not work and it’s very easy. It’s also effective, which many products can’t claim honestly.  They take off huge amounts of unwanted and excess fur with no pain or struggling- we were amazed by the huge clumps of fur made by our youngest dog, especially. Good for all hair types, although with very long haired pets you might want to supervise the kiddos so they don’t create knots (as with any brushing). Made with hypo-allergenic, bio-friendly components that are proven to be safe for use with humans and animals, it does it’s job by keeping everyone healthy. For more information, prices, and to choose yours, please visit https://handsongloves.com

easy to use pet brush

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@UniversalPics ‘s Jurassic World Featuring @OriginalFunko Now at @Walmart #FallenKingdomArrives #FallenKingdom #JurassicWorld #Funko #dinosaurs #DVDlaunch #ad

September 15, 2018 by 31 Comments

This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Universal Pictures at Walmart. The opinions and text are all mine.

Jurassic World

One of the most anticipated summer blockbuster movies of the year is coming to DVD and Blu-ray just in time for some fall fun. Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom is set to release on September 18.

“Three years after the Jurassic World theme park was closed down, Owen and Claire return to Isla Nublar to save the dinosaurs when they learn that a once dormant volcano on the island is active and is threatening to extinguish all life there. Along the way, Owen sets out to find Blue, his lead raptor, and discovers a conspiracy that could disrupt the natural order of the entire planet. Life has found a way, again.”

To add to the excitement of the movie launch, Universal Pictures has created a Walmart Exclusive Limited-Edition Blu-ray Funko Gift Set. The set includes Blu-ray, DVD, and digital copies of Fallen Kingdom with several bonus features. It also comes with a 2-pack set of Funko Pocket Pop! Keychains which features two of the movie’s main characters: Owen and his beloved raptor, Blue.

We have not seen the movie yet, and are looking forward to checking it out when it is released. My kids have been talking about seeing it for a while now. I’m old, and remember being scared out of my mind when the original Jurassic Park came out in theaters when I was a kid, LOL.

My son really loves the Funko Pop! keychains that are part of this gift set at Walmart as well. He collects keychains, and has quite the load on his backpack. I’m not even sure how he carries them anymore.

This exclusive gift set can only be found at Walmart starting on , ready to be picked up on September 18, and it’s ONLY $24.96.. Make sure you get yours early before they’re gone. If you just can’t wait, you can pre-order yours today on Walmart.com .

This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Universal Pictures at Walmart. The opinions and text are all mine.

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Must Have Item – My First Seat by Little Tikes

September 11, 2018 by Leave a Comment

Disclosure: The below was provided to me to help facilitate my review. All opinions are my own and honest. I am disclosing this in accordance to FTC Guidelines. Please see “Disclose” and “Terms of Use” tabs for more information

You all know that finding items that you love when you have a baby or older children is incredibly important. I absolutely love this seat. It is a great way to get your baby up and working on those tummy muscles as well as having them be more a part of the classroom.

About My First Seat by Little Tikes:

My First Seat features wide 3.5 inch openings, a wide seat area and tall supportive back to ensure baby is comfortable, supported and that the seat will fit baby as they grow. Careful design considerations were made to ensure that the floor seat would fit infants and babies of all sizes and features some of the largest supportive areas for back, legs, and seat on the market.

The floor seat, which is made completely of soft, comfortable, easy-to-clean foam is designed :

  • For use by infants and babies four months of age to 16  months of age.

  • For fun, supported, comfortable play.

  • To provide safe neck, back, leg and arm support.

  • For use on any flat floor surface.

  • To allow for fun, easy interactions with family during mealtime, playtime and more.

  • To transition with your baby, the seat remains comfortable, safe and supportive even as baby grows due to the tall back, wide leg openings and wide seat area.

My First Seat is proudly made in the USA, is both bio-and-eco-friendly and has undergone and passed the highest level of safety standards and requirements in compliance with the Consumer Products Safety Commission.

My Thoughts:

This is one of the best seats that I have tried out. There are some concerns that I have found in some of the other similar seats on the market. I like that the leg hole on this one is a little bigger for bigger legs. I like that the back of it goes up higher than others so that you feel a little better about your little one sitting in them. I also like the most that the back seems to come around and hug them much better than any of the others that I’ve seen.

Purchase:

If you are interested in purchasing the My First Seat, you may find it at Target, BuyBuyBaby.com and Walmart.com for $44.99.

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bblüv Püre – 3 in 1 HEPA Air Purifier Review

August 9, 2018 by Leave a Comment

Clean Air is a Top Priority

Our most important and a immediate need is to breath and providing clean air free of allergens and other impurities is something we all want in our homes. No matter what our age this is important, but for a baby’s new lungs definitely consider bblüv Püre – 3 in 1 HEPA Air Purifier.

image of Püre – 3 in 1 HEPA Air PurifierThe ionizer in the Püre and HEPA+ filter work with activated carbon. The filter removes up to 99.7% of allergens and pollutants like bacteria, mites, mold, viruses, (hopefully not in the air but…) smoke. Even odors, pollen, and pet dander can be taken out of the air. My dog may be a non shedding breed but that doesn’t mean he is dander free or doesn’t carry in allergens from rubbing up against all kinds of nature on our walks. 

On a technical level the bblüv Püre 3 in 1 HEPA Air Purifier removes particles larger than 0.3 microns, which sounds really, really tiny. Go science! Even indoor allergens can trigger asthma year round not just tied to growing season. Mine are so much worse when the citrus trees go into bloom, but that doesn’t mean I am every fully allergy free. Reducing exposure is the first step, but not always possible if you want to step outside your door. You can however control the air in your home.

image of bbl. air filter on white backdropThe small size makes it easy to find a place for in your baby’s room or anywhere else in the house. The unit comes with one long lasting filter, the cord and the main unit. You will need your own wall plug. It just has the cord which ends in a USB so if you have an extra plug from a cell phone or other device laying around you can use that. If you don’t have an extra that you can dedicate to the filter you may need to buy one. Plugging and unplugging it can be a major pain. Also when it is plugged in the light on the power button can be pretty bright.

bblüv Püre 3 in 1 HEPA Air Purifier is a great option for a healthier environment for your family. The air we breath fuels our entire body and we can’t do much to improve what we are exposed to out in the world. Make your home a safer environment to breath in and know you are taking steps to protect and nurture your little one.

Find out more about this product on the bblüv website – bbluvgroup.com

Or find them on Social Media – Twitter – Facebook – Instagram

Read our review of other bblüv products HERE

 

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Back to School Shopping for @BTFE at @Costco #ad

August 8, 2018 by 3 Comments

Disclosure- I receive monetary compensation from General Mills in exchange of my endorsement of Box Tops For Education.

costco

Getting ready for back to school always requires a fairly big shop. When you have kids, so does the weekly grocery shopping trip, am I right? It’s bananas how much food these little hoovers consume. I have no idea where they put it, either. This is one of the main reasons I became a Costco member- that, and because they are often cited as one of the most ethical large companies out there. I try to shop small, shop local, and shop ethical whenever humanly possible. They tend to have higher quality products, sustainable sourced and ethically produced, as well as a fair pay for employees and a compassionate working environment. Imagine that! If only all companies acted like that. They do well for it, as well. The stores are always clean, and shopping experiences are easy and pleasant. Well, that’s not counting for the kids- but no store is responsible for that, LOL.  They almost always have “sample stations” throughout the store that you can bribe the kiddos with, however. Smart thinking, Sell more products, since we buy what we like, AND no hangry customers. Very smart.

The prices are fair, and less since you buy in bulk as well. This also means more time between trips, hopefully! I also like that they don’t use bags- bring your own, or use boxes, or just load directly into your car. Easy.

You can get SO MANY Box Tops for your kids school while you are shopping for items you already love, like Lucky Charms, Mott’s Fruit Snacks, and Nature Valley. Because the boxes are large, you often get “bonus” Box Tops as well- more money for your child’s school. Bonus, indeed.

What’s stopping you? Head over and become a member today. You can even pick up a prepared dinner while you were there. What? Hey, it totally counts as cooking. Shhh.

Plus, they have a contest going on where you can win 100 Box Tops! Check out this site to see more.


NO PURCHASE NECESSARY.  A PURCHASE WILL NOT INCREASE YOUR CHANCES OF WINNING.  GAME OPEN ONLY TO LEGAL RESIDENTS OF THE FIFTY (50) UNITED STATES AND D.C. WHO ARE 18+ WHO ARE MEMBERS OF BOXTOPS4EDUCATION.COM AND HAVE DESIGNATED A SCHOOL TO SUPPORT AT  TIME OF ENTRY. MEMBERSHIP TO BOXTOPS4EDUCATION.COM IS FREE AND AVAILABLE AT BOXTOPS4EDUCATION.COM. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW. Online instant win game starts 7/16/18 at 12:00 a.m. ET & ends 9/10/18 at 11:59 p.m. ET. For Official Rules, prize descriptions and odds disclosure, visit www.CostcoBTFE.com.   Sponsor: General Mills Sales, Inc., One General Mills Blvd, Minneapolis, MN 55426.

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Too Hot To Work Out? Work In. Inside, Anyway.

July 30, 2018 by Leave a Comment

When it’s just too hot to work out outside, you can take your workouts inside. Don’t have a gym membership, or just REALLY not in the mood to go out? Just keep some DVDs in the house so you can stay on track. Here are some new ones we tried out.

Bottom Line & A Core Defined with Patricia Friberg (a professional trainer) is a Pilates and Strength based workout broken into three segments; Bottom Activation 1, 2, and A Core Defined. These and a few guides, set ups, and an intro make up the DVD. It focuses on defining your butt (as the name indicates) but also works your core, improves posture, and helps you become more flexible and fit. While it definitely focus on the glutes, you will feel this workout in your abs and legs as well for sure.  You will likely want to do the first activation a few times before you move on to the second, just to get the hang of it or to get your body ready for the higher intensity. A Core Defined covers more of the body overall, but really focuses on the abs. Friberg gives good direction throughout, just keep pace that is comfortable to you and move on when you are ready. Available for $20 from http://www.patriciafriberg.com

Want to work your lower body? Want to work out, but in a bit of a time crunch? Your Sexy Everything (Booty, Legs, Thighs) by Ilyse Baker might be one to try out. I know it says “everything”, but it means everything below the Mason Dixon, it seems. It has a good variety of workouts, containing four mini workouts that are 5, 6 ,7, and 8 minutes long each as well as two bonus workouts- Ballet Grooves, a 5 minute core workout (and it’s fun) as well as the Dancer’s Floor Stretch (seeing a theme here?) that is 10 minutes of lengthening, flexibility enhancing stretching and toning. $15 at http://ilysebaker.com/

Also available by Ilyse Baker are Dancinerate Sassy Jazz and Hip Hop Fusion and Dancinerate Burn with the Beat. These fun workouts are great ways to add some variety to your routine, and maybe learn some new moves. If you are a great dancer- great! These will just add to your skills and be good practice for you. Not a good dancer? (Cough) That’s ok- they are still really fun to do, and no one sees you being completely off when you are in your own living room- enjoy it.

Want to add a little something extra to your workout? The AB-EZE suspension trainer is fun, interesting, and easy to install and use. It’s an interesting way to work your abs and core, it’s design based on a trapeze harness found on a catamaran. It uses your body and weight as well as gravity to give you a work out, by leaning on the support pad and using it to engage your muscles. AB-EZE anchors easily over any door or fixed point, then by leaning on the comfortable support pad, muscles will instantly engage. You can change the intensity by pressing a button and lengthening or shortening the strap, and changing your body positions. Use it to “firm and lift the butt; sculpt abs and shrink waistline; strengthen back; and, shape and define legs”.  Easy to take with you when you travel if you’d like as well. Get yours for $149.99 at www.ab-eze.com 

In Light of Change by Julie Rammal is a change of pace. It’s a little slower, and uses your whole body to work out your whole body. This is one of the more interesting DVDs I’ve tried in a while. It is for sure not like other DVDs you might have tried. It has eight different (VERY different) segments ranging from Cardio Boxing to “Tibetan Rituals”, none of which take more then 8 minutes to complete each. No equipment is needed to do any of them, and is said to be inspired by “aerobics, primal movements, yoga, Pilates, stretching and nature.” Overall, I found it calming and relaxing, while still providing a decent workout. I enjoyed this one, it was quite different, but in a good way. One note- it’s not great for beginners. Ms. Rammal is not great with instruction or giving modifications, so only do what you feel comfortable with, or what you’ve been taught to do as modifications outside. Available for about $19 from Amazon.com

 

 

 

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Go Exploring with the Tiny Love Meadow Days Super Mat

July 14, 2018 by Leave a Comment

With a toddler in the house, having a great play mat is a must. Little ones spend a lot of time on the floor, and exploring, so offering them a comfy and engaging place to play is important to most parents.

We have had a chance to try out the Tiny Love Meadow Days Super Mat. Let me tell you what I loved about this adorable and engaging option for my little learner.

At a first glance, you are going to notice how cute this Tiny Love Mat is. It is colorful, adorable and has so many friendly animals on it that little ones find it irresistible. But, there is so much more to this mat than a cute appearance.

The mat has so many ways to engage and play on a comfy surface. From a peek a boo tree to a stand up mirror for baby to explore his or her own face, to a crinkly fox tail for sensory play, this mat has it all, including a ring for attaching a favorite toy.

It even has a teether ring attached for when those first teeth start to come in. While baby learns and plays he can find comfort for an added bonus. The mat folds up for easy storage and transport. We have taken this on the go, when we are visiting family across the state and we love how easy it is to take along for a play or nap area for our little one.

Tiny Love’s Meadow Days Mat is a great option for families of little ones. It is suitable for babies to use at birth, which makes it a great shower gift option. Affordably priced and filled with ten engaging ways to play, it is sure to bring a smile to any babies face! I have been more than impressed with the quality and durability, as well as they ways to learn with this mat. I would recommend it to other parents for a gift, or an addition to your tummy time routines.

Filed Under: kids, review