Archive for Seasonal Stuff

Picture Collage Maker Review & Giveaway!

Posted by Brande on November 18, 2011
in Blog Stuff, Downloads, Family Stuff, Fun Stuff, Gift Ideas, Giveaways, Holidays, Home, News Worthy, Products for Dad, Products for Mom, Seasonal Stuff, Techie Stuff, Technology/Electronics, Uncategorized

CLOSED! Karen won!

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.

What if you could make your own photo collages, cards, calendars, and scrapbook at home, without fighting with your computer. Here’s your answer the “Picture Collage Maker” by Pearl Mountain Software.

I’m not the most savvy person when it comes to editing photos and making cards. But, this software is very user friendly. With this software you are able to print, create desktop wallpaper, and email.

With Thanksgiving right around the corner, why not bring a collage or calendar for your host/hostess. With this program they have 16 different Thanksgiving templates to choose from. Here are a few.

After choosing a template, you click on photos. It brings up your computer files and you can choose which photos to use. Easily by dragging them into the photo and they “pop” in. No more extra step by having to download pictures first on the Internet. Then drag them. Then having to wait for them in the mail.

Picture Collage Maker also have many other holiday and non holiday templates in addition to Thanksgiving.

I was experimenting with the program. Here’s my Thanksgiving photo of my dog and cats! (If you notice the template is the first one in the above group of pictures)

This is a wonderful and easy program to use. The hardest part was deciding which template to use! I will be spreading the word to all my friends about this product. Here’s their website to download your own Picture Collage Maker! http://www.picturecollagesoftware.com . I had lots of fun, I think you will too!

GIVEAWAY:

Photo Collage Maker wants to give 20 readers a gift code to make your own Photo Collage! We are trying something new and using Raffle Copter to host our giveaways, so let me know what you all think ok?

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The Berenstain Bears Get Ready for Christmas ~ Children’s Book Review

Posted by Professor on November 15, 2011
in Books, Family Stuff, Holidays, Seasonal Stuff

Click to see a larger image of The Berenstain Bears Get Ready for Christmas by Jan & Mike Berenstain

Mike and Jan Berenstain enlighten and inspire the holiday spirit in children with a fun Lift-the-Flap Cook from the Berenstain Bears Living Lights series that teaches readers the story of Christmas!

In this new book the Berenstain Bears arrive just in time for the holidays! The family finds fun and adventure as the bears attempt to assemble the family nativity scene.

The book is from Zonderkidz; a division of Zondervan…this publishing company inspires young lives through imagination and innovation. They are a leader in Christian children’s communications that awaken the hearts and touch the souls of kids under 16 and the people who love them, from family to educators.

OUR REVIEW:

When I initially opened the package I thought…oh another Berenstain Bears book! We have so many of the beloved Berenstain Bears books that I thought it would be nice to add another to our library. I opened the book and found it was a Christmas book…but to my surprise it was not just any commercial Christmas book but a CHRISTIAN Christmas book…complete with nativity scene bile and the mention of Jesus. This was a treat because so many books have been commercialized to remove the true sprit of Christmas and are only about presents and Santa Clause. I was very happy to share this warm book with my children and inspire the true meaning of the holiday!

My children LOVED this book! My children are 7, 5, and 3 and they ALL were very excited about the book! The Lift-the-Flap feature was a hit with all of them…they all wanted to lift the flap as we read the story! My older daughter was even able to read the book to the younger ones … this was a plus! The children understood the themes in the book, which were important…they especially liked the bears putting out the nativity scene, as this is ne of our family traditions!

To find out more about the Berenstain Bears Christmas or other Zonderkids products please visit:

www.zonderkidz.com

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The Number Train Giant Floor Puzzle / Twin Sisters Review

Posted by Brande on August 5, 2011
in DVDs & CDs, Fun Stuff, Holidays, Parenting, School, Seasonal Stuff, Shopping

About Twin Sisters:

“Fraternal Twins Kim Thompson and Karen Hilderbrand have always been close, and have always worked well together. This company was born out of a love for children and seeing the wonderful look of pride on their faces when they have mastered a concept, and have had fun doing it!

Kim started her career as a classroom teacher. She loved teaching first grade and would incorporate music on a daily basis. My class would sing our spelling words, clap out rhythms, march around the room – all while learning. Many phonemic awareness activities involve music, and I found this to be a really fun and effective way to teach. When I earned my masters degree in “Integrating the Arts into the Elementary School Curriculum,”
I was convinced that music was a powerful teaching tool. I began teaching third grade and while becoming familiar with my new math curriculum, discovered that I would be teaching the multiplication facts. What a challenge! I knew that using music and rhythm would make it fun and easy – so that’s what I did. Karen and I worked together and wrote “Rap With The Facts.” We recorded our first album with the help of Hal Wright, and that’s how it all began!”

Since the beginning, we have been blessed with continual growth. Our MISSION is to be The Leader in Children’s Educational Music. We have worked very hard to create excellent products that children will enjoy, and to make learning effective and fun for the lives that we touch through our music. To get a glimpse of how hard we have been working to be the leader in children’s educational music, visit our awards section. www.twinsisters.com/awards”

Twin Sisters Productions offers many children’s learning activities. The kids don’t even realize they are learning because they are having fun!

I received “The Number Train Giant Floor Puzzle”

“Young learners will quickly begin to recognize numerals, number words, and number order 1 to 20 with this all-new giant Number Train Floor Puzzle! The 6-foot x 7-inch puzzle features 27 large, sturdy laminated pieces. The Music CD includes 12 songs that teach numbers and counting. Bonus! Print the 48-page Numbers & Counting Activity Book PDF from your own computer! Practice tracing and writing numbers, counting sets, and more!”

Even though my daughter is still a little young for this product (recommended ages are 4 to 10). She really enjoys the puzzle and songs. Each puzzle piece has a number of animals relating to the current number they are on. Granted she doesn’t know her numbers in order yet, she does understand matching and is also learning about animals. I printed the activity book and that is a bit advanced for her at this time, but it teaches them number counting and writing. The music is great! I love the fact the puzzle comes with a CD, to print the activity book at any time! Most products you use the activity book once and you need to dispose of it. Great product for upcoming birthday parties, holidays, or rainy or snowy day activities.

For this product and many others, visit the Twin Sisters website at http://www.twinsisters.com/

Twin Sisters can also be found on Facebook &

Twitter!

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Patriotic Pops

Posted by Brande on July 4, 2011
in Food and Treats, Fun Stuff, Holidays, Recipes, Seasonal Stuff

From Family Fun Website & Magazine. Forget about the blueberry & strawberry cake dessert, try this one!

http://familyfun.go.com/recipes/patriotic-pops-683134/

Ingredients

2 cups blue Powerade, Gatorade, or Kool-Aid
12 5-ounce disposable cups
1 cup frozen whipped topping

1 cup vanilla yogurt
12 craft sticks
2 cups cran-raspberry juice

Instructions

1. To make the pops, equally divide the blue juice among the plastic cups, then place the cups in the freezer until the juice is partially frozen, about 30 to 45 minutes.

2. Mix together the whipped topping and yogurt and divide this mixture among the cups.

3. Set a craft stick in the center of each pop and return the cups to the freezer for approximately 45 minutes.

4. For the final layer, add the cran-raspberry juice to the cups and place them in the freezer until solid.

5. To remove the pops, run warm water over the outside of each cup.

They are on my list this year! If you follow the site above, there’s a short video to explain & demonstrate the recipe also! Enjoy! Happy 4th!

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Saturday! Go to Lowe’s & Starbucks!

Posted by Brande on April 22, 2011
in Deals, Food and Treats, Free Stuff, Gardening, Seasonal Stuff

Celebrate Earth Day with Lowe’s and Starbucks!

Lowe’s (www.lowes.com) is giving away one million trees On Saturday the 23rd! Before you leave the house grab your reuseable mug and on your way to Lowe’s stop by Starbucks for a free coffee or tea! (http://www.starbucks.com/blog/happy-earth-day/993)

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Dye Job – Easter’s Coming!

Posted by Brande on March 28, 2011
in All Natural Products, Articles, Eco Friendly Products, Family Stuff, Fun Stuff, Holidays, Seasonal Stuff

I was looking at my Food Network Magazine(April 2011) and found on page 115 a great way to dye Easter eggs with stuff you may have at home. The article goes onto say…

“This year’s egg-dyeing kit might already be in your pantry: We tried dyeing eggs with ingredients we had on hand – candy, spices, fruit – and ended up with this amazingly colorful half dozen. To make your own, boil 2 cups of water with 1 tablespoon of vinegar, add your “dye” (12 Now and Later candies, one 7-ounce box of Red Hots, 1 tablespoon Jell-O or Kool-Aid, 1/2 cup of frozen blueberries or 2 tablespoons turmeric) and simmer 15 minutes; strain into a mug for dyeing. Experiment with ingredients in your own kitchen: If it’s something that stains your clothes, chances are it’ll work wonders on an egg!”

I made 2 different dyes on Saturday. One blueberry (on the left) and the other to the right is mixed berries (strawberry, raspberry, & blueberries). Here’s the proof….

It works! I left them in the dye for about 20 minutes. They are lighter than the packaged dyes you will get at the store, but at least you know the ingredients in these dyes! I was thinking about maybe trying beets. What are your ideas?

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Costume Discounters Review

Posted by Brande on March 18, 2011
in Children's Clothing, Family Stuff, Fashion, Seasonal Stuff, Shopping

Have your kids picked out their Halloween costume yet? No!? Halloween is only 7 months away! Well, let Costume Discounters help out the whole family! They have an extensive collection of costumes, including Easter, mascots, infants, and plus size.

My Review:

I received a Girls XS (3T-4T) Deluxe Toddler Alice in Wonderland costume for my daughter.

The deluxe costume comes with dress with attached pinafore, ruffle trim petticoat, and headband with a teal blue bow. The dress is 100% Polyester in a beautiful teal blue color. The attached pinafore has a silver edged ruffle with a lovely picture of Alice holding a cup of tea on one side and glittery tea cups on the other. The bow has a plastic piece in the center with a picture of Alice on it. The petticoat that goes under the dress is 100% Olefin. The dress and petticoat both have velcro closures. The headband is plastic, but has a good strectch that seems like it won’t break easily. The entire outfit needs to be hand washed separately in cold water, line dried, and cool iron (if needed).

We are heading to see a certain mouseland this year. This costume will be perfect for our trip. If you’ve been down there in the past few years you’ll notice the little girls in their princess outfits. Those outfits in the parks are VERY expensive. My advice is to buy your princess, fairy, or pirate outfit from Costume Discounters before you head out the door on vacation. Here’s a link to the princess costumes.

These opinions are my own.

Editor’s Note: We do not endorse all of the costumes found on this site to be family-friendly.

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St. Patrick’s Day!

Posted by Brande on March 17, 2011
in Articles, Education, Family Stuff, Food and Treats, Fun Stuff, Holidays, Seasonal Stuff

I’m far from Irish, but like many other people I will be Irish for a day! I’ve got my corned beef & cabbage in the slow cooker. So, join in on the fun!

Who is St. Patrick?

http://familyfun.go.com/st-patricks-day/st-patricks-day-history-971546/
People all over the world celebrate on the 17th day of March in honor of St. Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland. Some cities have parades, most revelers wear green, and a few families commemorate the day with traditional Irish fare for their meal. However, everyone may not know who St. Patrick is.

Born in Britain during the 4th century, St. Patrick was kidnapped and enslaved by Irish raiders when he was a teenager. Although he was able to escape after six years and become a priest in Britain, he later chose to return to Ireland as a missionary, in order to help spread the teachings of Christianity to pagans. According to Irish folklore, he also used a shamrock to explain the Christian concept of Trinity to the Irish. In spite of continuous opposition from pagan leaders, he continued to evangelize for thirty years while baptizing newly converted Christians and establishing monasteries, churches, and schools. He died on March 17th and was canonized by the local church.

St. Patrick’s Day was first publicly celebrated in Boston in 1737 where a large population of Irish immigrants resided. Nearly 200 years later, the first St. Patrick’s Dayparade in the Irish Free State was held in Dublin in 1931. During the mid 90’s, the Irish government also began a campaign to promote tourism in Ireland on March 17th.

While many Catholics still quietly celebrate this day of religious observance by going to mass, St. Patrick’s Day slowly evolved to become a celebration of Irish heritage. Through the years, along with legendary shamrocks, many symbols were included in festivities that are reflective of Ireland’s folklore, culture, and national identity (think leprechauns, ethnic cuisine, and wearing green).Other places that join in on this celebration include Japan, New Zealand, Argentina, and Canada, along with many cities across the United States.

Here’s a fun family dessert for everyone to help out with also from Family Fun Magazine! I’ve made them, and they are really cute! http://familyfun.go.com/st-patricks-day/st-patricks-day-recipes/st-patricks-day-desserts/clover-cupcakes-687369/

Clover Cupcakes

It doesn’t take the luck of the Irish to make these St. Patty’s Day treats look so sweet — just a clever baking technique.

Ingredients

Cupcake batter
Cupcake tins and liners
Aluminum foil
White frosting

Green food coloring
Toothpick
Green licorice (we used Twizzlers Rainbow Twists sold in a pack with other colors)

Instructions

Place paper liners in 32 standard muffin cups, then fill each halfway with the batter.
For each cupcake, roll three balls of foil (ours were 2/3 inch in diameter) and insert them evenly around the perimeter between the liner and the tin, as shown.
Bake the cupcakes for a few minutes less than the package suggests (because there’s less batter per cup than usual), or until a toothpick comes out clean.
Allow the cupcakes to cool, then remove them from the tin.
Cover each with green frosting (our ratio was 1 teaspoon of green food coloring to one 16-ounce can of white frosting).
Use a toothpick to draw leaf veins, and insert a 2-inch-long piece of green licorice for a stem.

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Don’t Forget to Change Your Clocks & Batteries

Posted by Brande on March 12, 2011
in Family Stuff, Seasonal Stuff

Spring is coming! (That groundhog better be right!)

Don’t forget to change your clocks this weekend. The official time to change your clocks is Sunday the 13th at 2:00 a.m. Not happening, we are springing our clocks forward early on Saturday night before bed. Remember this is also a good time to change the batteries in your smoke & carbon monoxide detectors.

I’m excited about some extra daylight. Except for one thing…… my daughter. She’s 2 and these time changes can mess with her head. So, as much as I’m going to dislike it. Her wake up call on Sunday will be at 8:00 am (7:00 am in her mind). My husband and I, well…we will just make more coffee and deal with the grumpy toddler.