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Valentine’s Day Crafts for Kids

Posted by html404 on February 8, 2013
in Crafts, Fun Stuff, Holidays

If you are looking for ideas for Valentine’s Day crafts for kids, Pinterest had tons of ideas. Just search “Kid’s Valentine’s Day Crafts” or “Valentine’s Day Crafts for Kids” and you will glean more than you’ll ever know what to do with!

Here are some of my personal favorites:

1. Paper is something we have plenty of and our children would love to make pretty things as shown below.

Source: lifeologia.com via Crystal on Pinterest

2. I love butterflies and so do my children. This craft looks super easy and I love the heart-shaped wings!

Source: mommywholovesgiveaways.net via Ashley on Pinterest

3. This heart shaped figure sure is cute.

Source: mamasmiles.com via Nicole on Pinterest

4. Homemade Valentine’s Day cards. I love how they used the hands of a child to make this homemade card.

Source: rosinahuber.blogspot.com via Kathy on Pinterest

5. Chocolate Play Dough. My son has been asking to make homemade play dough and I have been avoiding it because you know what happens when the play dough is taken out. It gets embedded into everything from hands, nails and hair to the carpeting. Ugh. But maybe I could surprise him with this chocolate play dough.

Source: ptskjohnson.blogspot.com via Connie Sue on Pinterest

It’s hard just to stop at five. There were so many to choose from. I chose ones that are easy and we had the materials for as it saves on an extra trip to the store.

What are your favorite Valentine’s Day crafts for kids? Leave a link to it in your comment.

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More Valentine’s Day Gift Ideas

Posted by html404 on February 7, 2013
in Family Stuff, Fun Stuff, Gift Ideas, Holidays, Seasonal Stuff, Uncategorized

Valentine’s Day is only a week away! I came across some more Valentine’s Day gift ideas that I want to share in case any of you are still struggling to find just the right thing for your sweetie or loved ones.

1. Reasons Why Mug. A Reasons Why Mug for mom or dad with little sketches of the children is something I’d enjoy! My husband not so much since he doesn’t drink tea or coffee.

2. Glass Keepsake Box. I think any female over the age of 12 would love something like this to keep jewelry and small trinkets in.

3. Heart in Sand Framed Print. I wish I had known about something like this when Robert and I were dating! It would have been a lovely reminder of our trip to both sides of Florida to watch the sun rise and the sun set.

4. Bucket of Love. Feelings of love low? Need some help? Try this bucket of love to sweeten the mood with your better half. Ha ha. Not sure it will work, but hey it’s worth a try, right?

5. Bee Bear. The Bee Bear can be personalized for each of your children’s names. He’s awfully cute and cuddly looking!

All of these Valentine’s Day gift ideas can be found at the link I provided.

What are you getting your sweetie for V-Day?

This is a compensated post.

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Pillow Racers by Little Tikes

Posted by Brande on February 7, 2013
in Fun Stuff, Kids Stuff, Kids Toys, Uncategorized

Looking for an Award Winning Riding Toy for your little one? Well look no further than Little Tikes Pillow Racers. Pillow Racers are recommended for ages 1 1/2 to 3 years. The Pillow Racers have caster wheels, a molded plastic easy grip handle, and the rest is made of soft material. They can hold up to 50 pounds and the pillow is removable so, your child can use it as a pillow! I love that the Pillow Racers by Little Tikes has 2 uses, you can’t find too many toys that can do a double duty! Great fun and a great friend!

These highly rated racers come in 9 styles.

Your child’s imagination will help them save the day on the Firetruck, or flutter around the yard like a Ladybug. How about a ride back in time on a Dino. Maybe a slow ride on a Turtle is more your child’s thing.

Don’t forget Easter is coming! Imagine your child’s face when they wake up to a new ride on Bunny, Plane, Pink Unicorn, Purple Unicorn, or a Panda!

The Pillow Racers are available at LittleTikes.com.

According to the Little Tikes site if you use the code FNKB8774 you can save 5%!

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Visit from the Fairy Hobmother

Posted by html404 on February 3, 2013
in Appliances, Blog Stuff, Fun Stuff

You know since becoming an adult I’ve never put much stock in fairies and the like…until recently when I received a visit from the Fairy Hobmother. Yes, you read that correctly the Fairy Hobmother. Who or what is the Fairy Hobmother you ask? Let me tell you…

The Fairy Hobmother is what I consider a blog fairy who flits from blog to blog sprinkling good will, encouraging words and timely gifts to bloggers he (yes the Fairy Hobmother is a HE) deems works hard and deserves a little reward, extra joy and happiness.

All the Fairy Hobmother asks in return is a little mention of him, Appliances Online, which has mega deals, tumble dryers and so much more for your appliance needs. He also says other bloggers may also receive some of his fairy dust if they comment on my post. Hint, hint bloggers!

So now do you believe in fairies? I am officially a believer. Thank you Fairy Hobmother for your generosity and mission of spreading good cheer throughout blogosphere and among bloggers!

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TOY DOZER Review

Posted by Professor on January 23, 2013
in Encouragement for Moms, Family Stuff, Fun Stuff, Home, Houseware, Kids Stuff, Organization, Products for Dad, Products for Mom

A CHORE NO MORE!

THE TOY DOZER MAKES TOY CLEAN UP FAST, EASY, AND FUN FOR EVERYONE!

January is National Organization month so what a better way to celebrate but with a product to clean up toys! Our house is overloaded with toys…especially with Christmas just past…we are busting at the seems! This product gives an innovative way to clean up toys with a “scoop” of the wrist! More importantly this is a toy that teaches…by involving children in clean up time, children learn the importance of responsibility. I know that responsibility is a value I am trying to instill in my children…so I am very happy that a “toy” can assist in that venue!

The Toy Dozer is a great product that helps parents and kids clean up all of the toys that we can find overwhelming and exhausting to clean up…just a little more fun! Check out the product in use in the video below:

What exactly is the Toy Dozer? It is a simple yet GENIUS invention! The product is similar to a dustpan … but instead of a broom to “sweep” in messes you have a handy little scooper. The one thing I like about this is the “scooper” Velcro’s inside the dustbin portion of the dozer. This is great… since I would hate to loose part of the product. Do you know how many times I have just wanted to use a broom to sweep up the toys my children have strewn all over the floor? But really…who want s to use an icky broom to clean up messes? The Toy Dozer created a clean way to get at those big toy messes!

My children are HUGE Lego fans! My son builds legos almost everyday…and my girls just got into the Lego friends series of Legos so our house was constantly strewn with the little parts. I was constantly picking up pieces and putting them on building plates or in Baggies. WELL… with the toy dozer pick up just got easier. I have to say that this is a great invention for these little pieces. All I have to do is use the scooper and sweep them all into the receptacle container and I easily have cleaned up a huge mess and then can bag the Legos as needed in seconds! This is a time saver for moms and dads! The kids love the product too! Usually the fuss about having to pick up ALL the Legos…but now the chore is fun and fast!

I do have to say that I also think this product has worked will in our house for beading crafts! My daughters received some bead kids for Christmas and after we were all done with the craft we were able to use the Toy Dozer to effectively clean up the beads in one swoop! I think this will be a great addition to craft days in our house as well…. Since it picks up those little pieces that I am forever using a plate or piece of paper to clean up messes.

We have used this product so many different ways… I do not think you will be disappointed. I have to honestly say that at first I thought it would be a Lego picker-upper only…but we have used it for many other things, including Barbie accessory, crayon, and Doll clothes clean up. I hate to say this but my girls’ room often looks like a tornado went through it (I know I am not alone) …but the Toy Dozer has sincerely made clean up easier!

Overall, I am thrilled with this product! It has made a difference in our “Lego” world! What a blessing to have been able to review this product!

The Toy Dozer comes in a variety of colors: Blue, Red, Purple, and Yellow.

Toy Dozer is also MADE IN THE USA!

To find more out about the Toy Dozer please visit: http://www.toydozer.com/

Faith and Family Reviews received the following product in exchange for writing a review. While we consider it a privilege to receive free products to review, our reviews are our honest opinion and thoughts of the product.

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The Official LEGO® Channel #LEGOChannel

Posted by html404 on January 21, 2013
in Family Stuff, Fun Stuff, Kids Stuff, Kids Toys

Do your kids like watching videos? Do you use videos to keep your child entertained so you can get housework or other work done? Yeah, I admit I do too. Not matter how much I try to limit my use of it, I still find myself turning to it in times when I desperately need peace and quiet or just to occupy them for a couple of uninterrupted hours of work. For the most part our children are really good at keeping themselves busy, it’s the quiet that is elusive. Maybe you can relate.
LEGO® is a popular kids toy and can keep children busy building and creating for hours. We have a couple of smaller kits and our boys have asked for more. Playing with a LEGO® set is a fun activity for the whole family. Just as watching TV or videos is something our family enjoys.

The Official LEGO® Channel is another way to entertain and keep you and your child busy. There are over 500 videos and more are being added each day. You can watch LEGO® Star Wars™, LEGO® Hero Factory, LEGO® The Hobbit™, LEGO® DC Universe™ Super Hereos and so many more favorite LEGO® characters. There are also videos that take you behind the scenes.

These LEGO® videos can be added to a LEGO® playlist and be accessed anywhere when you are at home, on the go, in the car etc. to keep your child(ren) entertained and inspired for the next time they play with their LEGO® toys.

If you do not know how to create a playlist, it’s easy to do. After you sign into your YouTube account and find The Official LEGO® Channel. Browse the videos and when you find one you or your child really likes simply click the “Add to” button beneath the video. There will be a blank space to create a new playlist and you can name it “LEGO® Videos” or whatever you like. The videos will be saved there and accessible again the next time you log onto your account.

Gotta love fun at your fingertips, especially on a cold winter day like today! Brrrr……it’s only 10 degrees here in Chicagoland!

There is a lot of content on web; creating a playlist on the Official LEGO® Channel is a great way to ensure your kids are entertained and watching videos you can feel good about.

Visit the Official LEGO® Channel to build your own playlist to watch with your kids and then reply below for a chance to win one (1) $1,000 gift card to buy your family’s favorite LEGO® products!

This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of LEGO. The opinions and text are all mine. Official Sweepstakes Rules.

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Novica Black Giraffe Wood Ornaments

Posted by Brande on December 23, 2012
in Family Stuff, Fun Stuff, Gift Ideas, Handmade Items, Holidays, Home, Products for Dad, Products for Mom, Reviews, Seasonal Stuff, Shopping

Need a last minute Christmas idea? But, it has to be unique! Head over to Novica.com. Novica is associated with National Geographic and has beautiful items for any occasion. Need help with a special gift? No problem! Novica has a “Gift Finder” section!

When I received my Novica package, I opened the shipping box and this is the box inside! Wrapped with beautiful paper adorned with a crafted bow.

In my package I received 4 individually wrapped Giraffe Wood Ornaments.

These giraffes are hand crafted and hand painted by Made Sarna. Each giraffe is unique in it’s own way. They have a small hanger on the back and ready for the Christmas Tree.

Head to Novia.com for your last minute gifts!

Faith and Family Reviews received the following product in exchange for writing a review/feature. While we consider it a privilege to receive free products to review, our reviews are our honest opinion and thoughts of the product.

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5 Last Minute Stocking Stuffers

Posted by html404 on December 22, 2012
in Eco Friendly Products, Fun Stuff, Gift Ideas, Holidays, Kids Toys, Organic, Reviews, Seasonal Stuff, Shopping, Techie Stuff, Technology/Electronics

If you are heading out shopping this weekend and still need a few stocking stuffers, we have some ideas for you! Below are some products we have recently tried and reviewed or have used in the past. From techie stuff to kids toys, there are last minute stocking stuffers for nearly everyone in the family!

1. Shredz. We got our first snow the other day and our boys have been outside playing with their new Shredz action figures and accessories. The boys really like them! The photos speak for themselves.

2. Eco.Ditty. Eco.Ditty is a company that offers eco-friendly, organic cotton, reusable sandwich and snack bags.

3. Fruit. My mom use to always put a huge apple and orange in our stockings. We never saw that size of fruit any other time of the year.

4. Love’s Christmas Journey DVD. We won this movie in a drawing or something and received it this week. Planning on watching it this weekend or sometime over Christmas.

5. PlayMG. PlayMG is a portable mobile gaming device. It is very cool. So cool that my husband and I have enjoyed playing NBA Jam. If you knew us, you’d know that we both love basketball both watching and playing, but don’t do much of either anymore. Though PlayMG is a pricier item for a stocking stuffer, it is the size of a perfect last minute stocking stuffer, especially if you are stuck in what to get a special someone. No need to buy extra equipment, as it uses a standard cell phone charger to charge. Accessories can be purchased separately, like a case, charger etc.

We have really been enjoying learning to us our PlayMG, but I wouldn’t say it hasn’t been as user friendly as I would like. It took me an email and a couple calls to support and I still cannot get the internet to work even though my WiFi says it is connected. I have to call them again after Christmas. The game has frozen on us a couple of times causing us to reset it by pressing the brightness and volume down buttons, which I need to ask about. Support has been great though.

There were a couple of cards like this and that was the extent of instructions. It came beautifully packaged though in a nice box that slide out like a drawer. Too bad my children sort of wrecked ours already or I could show you how nice it was.

I will say that so far the PlayMG has been a motivator for my boys (9 and nearly 11) to do their chores, so it is working in the sense that I want it too. I like that it is portable and needs no other service other than WiFi and it will work with our NetZero device. I also like that we can use the Bill My Parents card. I added $20 to it and Bill My Parents added another $10, so I can use that as an extra incentive for chores. OR if certain individuals are not complying then I can say I get to spend the money instead. Hoping I don’t have to resort to that but if I have to play hard ball I will!

The Bill My Parents card works like a debit card but teens cannot overspend if there is no money on the card. Parents can be notified via email of purchases etc., but they will not be able to get a report of websites visited or what their kids watched. That’s a downfall, if you ask me. I like that it’s a debit card. Now that my girls are getting older, it will be a useful tool to use to educate them about responsible credit card use.

Overall, we like PlayMG, I just wish more instructions came with the device on how to get everything set up -email, internet etc. This is a great device that gets my children OFF my iPhone and onto THEIR games without expensive cell phone charges or contracts.

Have fun with any last minute shopping, visiting or preparing you have to do this weekend!

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Reverse Charades Holiday Edition Review

Posted by Brande on December 22, 2012
in Family Stuff, Fun Stuff, Gift Ideas, Holidays, Humor, Kids Stuff, Kids Toys, Products for Dad, Products for Mom, Reviews, Seasonal Stuff, Shopping

Reverse Charades Holiday Edition Review

So, I think I still have pains in my side from laughing so much! My husband, myself, and 2 other friends played this one evening when the kids went to bed. I’ve never had so much fun with a game and it got very competitive! I’m laughing as I write this remembering my husband trying to act out “Cindy Lou Who”. Start laughing now… imaging trying to act out “Hark the Herald Angels Sing”, “Nutcracker”, or “Comet, Cupid, Donner, Blitzen”. Bring some tissues because your going to laugh until you cry! Reverse Charades Holiday Edition is a must have for a Christmas Party! Great stocking stuffer also it a small box (it’s about the size of an iPhone).

Reverse Charades also come in Girls Night In Edition and Sports Edition. To purchase Reverse Charades online click here, Amazon.com, or 2000 other store locations.

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Reverse Charades Expansion Pack Review

Posted by html404 on December 17, 2012
in Family Stuff, Fun Stuff, Gift Ideas, Girl Stuff, Holidays, Products for Dad, Products for Mom, Reviews, Sports

Reverse Charades Expansion Pack

Reverse Charades and Reverse Charades Junior are a twist on an old favorite. In this game the whole team has 60 seconds to act out as many words as possible with one person guessing. Newly available are three different expansion packs, Girls’ Night In Edition, Sports Edition, and Holiday Edition, to keep the fun going. Each fits inside Reverse Charades Original or Junior Edition, or can be played by itself.

Basic rules (from the publisher):

1. Split into teams of three or more. Decide on a number of rounds or a point target to win.

2. 1 word guessed correctly = 1 point. Each team has one minute to guess as many words as possible.

3. Each team selects a guesser (everyone gets a turn) and the rest of the team acts out the words.

4. Shhh! Not a peep among the team members.

5. Ready, set, go! The first team to your target wins.

Each edition comes with 220 words, for 6 or more people aged 6 and over.

Girls’ Night In Edition

I was able to review two of the Reverse Charades Expansion Packs. I brought the Girls’ Night In to my Wives Club Christmas party, and we had an absolute blast! I can’t remember the last time I laughed so hard. I loved how easy it was to teach everyone how to play and set up took under a minute. The small and compact box fit easily into my purse and clean up was a breeze. One of the teams acted out the word, “pregnancy test,” and everyone was laughing so hard! I would recommend this to any and all women groups. It would be fun at a bachelorette party or any party as an icebreaker.

Sports Edition

I brought the Sports Edition Expansion Pack to our last Monday Night Football party. There were 5 couples and we decided to do husbands vs. wives. I don’t know who laughed more, the husbands or the wives. We played until 20 points, and played three rounds. The husbands won the championship round, but the wives gave them a run for their money. This would be a great edition to any board game night, family party, couple’s night, or sporting event party. It was extremely easy to learn the game and even easier to set up.

Overall, Reverse Charades Girls’ Night In Edition and Sports Edition are hilarious and fun filled games to play. Since they come in a small box, they are great for travel and easy to set up. They would make a great gift for anyone on your list!

Retail price of expansion packs $9.99. Check out their website for more information:

ReverseCharades.com