A Star for Jesus

*Product Sample Received. Contains affiliate link*

A Star for Jesus is a board book  by Crystal Bowman. I love that the cover of the book is die-cut to enhance the shape of a star. It makes it more appealing for little ones to pick up the book and read. My three year old daughter, Sophia wanted me to read it right away when she saw it.

This book is about Jesus birth. It's the perfect book to help little ones understand that God made the stars and that it means Jesus our Savior is born. The illustration is beautiful and I really like the rhyming text. It brings the story of Jesus' birth to life and keeps my kids attention.


 


Disclosure: I received product sample(s) mentioned above from the company or representing PR for free. NO other payment was given. This is my honest opinion, yours may be different. This post may contain affiliate link.

Friday Favorites

Happy Friday and Happy Halloween! Aside from dressing up we don't really celebrate Halloween. We don't go Trick or Treating. Instead we visit our families to say hello and show off my kids costumes. 

This week's favorite....

New Pet - We have a new hamster pet. Her name is Juliet. Isn't she cute! I think I miss having a baby because I find myself calling her Baby Juliet! 

Winning Giveaways - A few weeks ago I saw a tweet for Great Wolf Lodge giveaway ending in a few hours. I decided to enter and guess what? I WON! I haven't entered giveaways in a long time. When I stopped blogging three years ago, I also stopped entering giveaways. I received my price this week and aside from winning one night stay in any Great Wolf Lodge they also sent me $50 GC and some Peeps products! 

Thrift Store Shopping - I love shopping in thrift stores. I can spend hours just looking around! I went yesterday and bought a complete 16pc Mikasa dinnerware set for $10. Last time I was there, I scored Uggs Boots for $10!

Happy Halloween from Baymax!

BIG HERO 6 opens in theaters everywhere on November 7th!

Like BIG HERO 6 on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DisneyBigHero6

Follow Walt Disney Animation Studios on Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/DisneyAnimation 

Follow BIG HERO 6 on Tumblr: http://bighero6fans.tumblr.com/

Visit the Website: http://www.disney.com/BigHero6  

Adventure Time: Finn the Human on DVD 11/25

Santa's got a brand new bag for Christmas - courtesy of Cartoon Network as ADVENTURE TIME: FINN THE HUMAN arrives on DVD November 25th! The DVD includes an exclusive backpack perfect for any adventure this holiday season and is value packed with 16 fan-favorite episodes!

Adventure Time: Finn the Human

This Christmas, Santa’s got a brand new bag—courtesy of Cartoon Network! Following the huge success of the Jake vs. Me-Mow and Jake the DadDVDs and accompanying Finn and Jake hats, fans of Cartoon Network’s smash hit series, Adventure Time, can now complete their Finn look with an authentic backpack, which is valued at around 20 bucks on its own, packaged with the DVD! Packed with 16 hilarious episodes from fan-favorite seasons,Adventure Time: Finn the Human is a must-have gift for any Adventure Time lover. Beginning November 25, 2014, for only $24.98, fans will be able to get their hands on nearly three hours of content and a sweet exclusive backpack, perfect for any adventure this holiday season.

BASICS

SRP: $24.98

Street Date:  November 25, 2014

Run Time: 176 minutes

UPC: 883929444069

Languages: English

Subtitles: English

American Girl Doll Storage Solution

Emma and Olivia started collecting American Girl Dolls last year. It's what they ask for their birthdays and Christmas. They have six dolls now. What I don't like about these dolls is that they don't stand that well. They would keep falling down. I noticed that if you leave them lying down their hair get tangled and messy. I decided to find a way to store them better instead of piling on top of each other. These dolls are so expensive so I want them to last for a very long time. 

I got these hooks from the dollar store that I have been using to hang their dolls. My girls can easily take their dolls out and place it back on their own. These are also great for any 18 inches dolls such as Journey Dolls.

I've seen others used the metal hooks. I think this is better because it's plastic. It will not scratch their body. Also, you can't beat the price. It's only $2 per doll and you don't have to build or use any tools to put it together.

Kids Academy Apps

*Sponsored Post*

My girls are always asking me to download them new games on their iPad so I'm always looking for new ones to download. I like apps that are not only fun but also educational. These three apps are exactly that. If you have a toddler, preschooler, or a kindergartener, you should definitely check them out.

Preschool and Kindergarten learning kids games free for toddlerBy Kids Academy Co apps: Preschool & Kindergarten Learning Kids Games, Educational Books, Free Songs

Give your preschoolers a chance to learn basic alphabet, writing and mathematics the fun way! This app immerses your child with wonderful graphics and sound, all while improving hand eye coordination necessary for you toddler's development.

This app is created to make fun more educational! The app goes beyond simply great graphics and beautiful music by engaging children to learn preschool basics through intriguing game play. Toddlers will start with easy tracing by collecting fireflies in a jar and will move gradually to tracing requiring more developed fine-motor skills. The basic skills in this app are foundations for reading, writing and arithmetic operations. Appropriate hints are provided to support your children as they practice and build their skills.

ABCs alphabet phonics & Montessori learn to read app for toddlerBy Kids Academy Co apps: Preschool & Kindergarten Learning Kids Games, Educational Books, Free Songs

This builds on the previous app by introducing your preschooler to writing both uppercase and lowercase letters of the alphabet. The app takes tracing to eventually writing alphabetical characters.  It also teaches your young one the sound of each characters as they are applied in words and rate's them accordingly. This app is a wonderful way of introducing children to the basics of writing and reading.  

Learning to write has never been more fun! With Montessori Worksheets for Kids Free your kids will not only learn to write letters, but will also develop good handwriting skills! The app turns the learning process into what kids love the most - a game! ---

Bingo ABCs alphabet phonics song with farm animals cards for toddler freeBy Kids Academy Co apps: Preschool & Kindergarten Learning Kids Games, Educational Books, Free Songs

This app takes the "Bingo" song that us older folks have come to know and love and reintroduces them to the new generation! This interactive, sing along music book will keep your kids preoccupied for hours with mini games and a recording, karaoke function, all while learning different farm animals.

Cute interactions, a catchy tune, and simple lyrics of this sing along music book will entertain you and your kids. With a single app you can sing and record your singing in a Karaoke session, play mini games with farm animals cards, make up and record your own stories!

Wordless Wednesday: New Pet

My girls have a new pet....Meet Juliet

DIY Bath Crayons

I'm always looking for crafts and activities that my kids and I can do. It has to be easy enough for them to do on their own or with very little help.

When I saw this DIY soap crayons on Pinterest I know my kids would be very excited to do them. They are fun and easy to make. I had everything I needed except for the white soap so I went to the dollar store and bought one.

You will need:

White bar soap - We used two Ivory Soap
Grater
Food Coloring
Water

1. Grate your soap.

 2. Add a table spoon of water to one cup of grated soap. Then add your food coloring. The darker you want your crayons the more food coloring you add. Then mix it all up. It should have a dough consistency.

 3.  You can use cookie cutter, play dough cutter to form any shape you want. Let it dry and wait until it gets hard.

My Little Pony Equestria Girls: Rainbow Rocks on Blu-ray & DVD Today

*Product Sample Received*

We saw the movie My Little Pony Equestria Girls: Rainbow Rocks about a month ago and my girls really loved the movie. They were so excited when they saw we have the Blu-ray & DVD copy. They love everything and anything with Little Pony. They all have different favorite characters and pretend to be one. Olivia is Pinkie Pie, Emma is Rainbow Dash, and Sophia is Flutter Shy. I love watching them singing and dancing along with the music. They've watched it so many times that they've already memorized all the songs. I admit I like their songs too. I find myself singing a long with my girls! 

In My Little Pony Equestria Girls, released in fall 2013, Twilight Sparkle’s crown was stolen from the Crystal Empire, and she pursued the thief, Sunset Shimmer, into an alternate world where she finds herself turned into…a teenage girl! To regain her crown and return to Equestria, Twilight had to learn how to fit into this strange, new world and defeat Sunset Shimmer in a competition to become crowned Princess of the Fall Formal at Canterlot High. 

In My Little Pony Equestria Girls: Rainbow Rocks, Canterlot High (CHS) is hosting a musical showcase, and Rainbow Dash, Applejack, Pinkie Pie, Rarity, and Fluttershy are going to be performing with their new band, The Rainbooms. But when The Dazzlings, a new girl group, arrive at CHS and convince everyone to turn the friendly showcase into a Battle of the Bands, tensions mount between the competing musical acts. A now-reformed Sunset Shimmer realizes that The Dazzlings may not be ordinary girls and are after something far more sinister than just being named Best Band at Canterlot High. The Rainbooms call on Princess Twilight to restore harmony to their world to help them perform a musical counter-spell so that they can win a battle that now determines the fate of the entire school.

My Little Pony Equestria Girls: Rainbow Rocks is now available for pre-order at Amazon.com, ShoutFactory.com, Target.com, and Walmart.com, and will be in stores everywhere October 28.

For more information on My Little Pony Equestria Girls: Rainbow Rocks, please visit www.mlpeg.com.

Disclosure: I received product sample(s) mentioned above from the company or representing PR for free. NO other payment was given. This is my honest opinion, yours may be different. This post may contain affiliate link.

 

Link Your Giveaways!

Time to link your giveaways so others can enter!

Ultrasport Travel and Sports Towel From Shandali Review

*Product Sample Received*

Shandali UltraSport Travel Towel is multi-purpose towel that allows you to use the same great towel in multiple places. They are ultra-absorbent and quick drying. It is made of microfiber, feels really soft and extremely lightweight material.

I got this towel for my husband. He trains BJJ and after training he takes a shower in his gym. He loves this towel because although this towel is 24 inches by 48 inches, it is very light and can be folded really small. This towel doesn't add any bulk or weight which is great because his gym bag is already heavy due to his Gis, rash guards and other things he needs in order to train.

The Shandali UltraSport Travel Towels are not only good for people who work out or go to gym. I think these are great for any mom on the go. You can take this with you in your diaper bag to clean up spills or use it as a changing mat. You won't even notice it's there. This probably folds smaller than a receiving blanket but a lot more absorbent!

This towel is also good for travels, camping, beach, pool or anywhere you need to take a towel with you.




I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

Weekly Wishes

Happy Monday! Welcome to weekly wishes. Once again I'm linking up with Melyssa from The Nectar Collective.

This weekend  our family went to Demarest Farm. We love going to this place for apple picking and pumpkin picking. They have the best apple cider donut!

Last week's wishes....

Run 10 miles or 3 times - I only ran once. I did 3 miles.

Make a meal plan this week - I did this. I like doing this because we save a lot of money by planning our meals. I get to use what we have on hand instead of buying new ingredients.

Try reading The Maze Runner again - I think I'm giving up on this book. It's not for me. I read another book instead.

Make a blog calendar - I downloaded a planner app on my iPad. I think this is what I'm going to use for now until I buy a new planner.

This Week's Wishes......

Make homemade christmas presents. - I'm planning to let my kids make some crafts to give to their grandparents and teachers.

Run 10 miles - I've been neglecting running for two weeks now. 

Make a Meal Plan




What's your goal or wishes this week?? 

Mommy and Me Monday: Pumpkin Picking

Jessi's Holiday Gift Guide Giveaway Event

Jessi's Holiday Gift Guide Giveaway Event

EVENT DATE:

NOV 21ST - DEC 12TH

CO-HOST: Fee: $5 Receive 5 links on the Giveaway Tool (No Facebook or G+) Link to your blog in the Giveaway HTML

1 FREE LINK (Twitter, Pinterest, or Instagram) Additional links are $1 each (No Facebook or G+) BlogLovin & Newsletter links are $2 each

(1 Blog per person)

PRIZES: MAM Holiday Pacifier $30 eGift Code to Kidecals 1 Peekapak Box 3-Month Gift Subscription to Beauty Box 5

MORE TO COME!

SIGN UP HERE

ExceptionalSheets 900 gram Egyptian Cotton 2-Piece Bath Towel Review

*Product Sample Received*

I was given a code to purchase the ExceptionalSheets 900 gram Egyptian Cotton 2-Piece Bath on Amazon for free. I don't usually buy our towels or bed sheets online. I like to feel them and make sure they feel soft and the quality is good. And I don't buy expensive towels. I don't think I ever paid more than $10 for one. 

But these towels are amazing! It's definitely worth it. The quality is exceptional. You definitely get what you pay. They feel incredibly soft.  They are thick and heavy. And most of all very absorbent. These towels are 30 inches wide x 55 inches long so they are huge!

I've already washed them once. I haven't had any issues with color fading or loose threads. I highly recommend them. These towels make our old towels look cheap! 

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

Friday Favorites

This week's favorite....

Organic Pineapple - this is so good. I've had it twice this week. And they are only $2.99 each!

Roasted Pumpkin Seeds- These are so addicting. My girls were carving pumpkins so I decided to roast their seeds instead of throwing it away. Check my Recipe.

Ben & Jerry's S'mores!!!

FlipBelt - This thing is amazing! I ran with my iPhone, eyeglasses, and a car key and this stayed put. It did not bounce or sag. It did not feel heavy. I will be posting my review soon. (was given for review purpose)

How to Make Pumpkin Puree #Recipe

Making pumpkin puree is really easy. You don't need anything but a pumpkin. You can make a huge batch and freeze it so you can use it later for muffins, pancakes or pie. You can even add it to your smoothies.

1. Rinse and clean your pumpkin. Cut off the top then cut it in half. Scoop out the inside. But don't throw the seeds away. Here's a recipe for Roasted Pumpkin Seeds. 

2. Place it upside down on a baking sheet. I added foil for easy cleanup.

3. Place it in a 400 F oven for 35-40 minutes or until the skin is soft.

5. Peel off the skin.

6. You can blend it, put in a food processor or use a  potato masher. It's up to you. I just used a FORK! I placed it in a bowl and mashed it.

You can either freeze it or put in the fridge. It should be good for 5 to 7 days in the fridge.

LEGO® KIDSFEST ANNOUNCES 2015 TOUR DATES

 LEGO^® KIDSFEST ANNOUNCES 2015 TOUR DATES

Giant Family Expo Kicks Off 7th Year of National Tour

  

• Phoenix, AZ: Feb. 27 - March 1 (University of Phoenix Stadium)
• St. Louis, MO:  March 20-22 (America's Center)  
• Nashville, TN:  April 17 - 19 (Music City Center)
• Austin, TX: Sept. 4 - 6 (Austin Convention Center)

The LEGO KidsFest is a traveling LEGOextravaganza featuring millions of LEGO bricks and dozens of hands-on educational and fun building activities for all ages. It features dozens of life-sized LEGO models and displays, LEGO brand building areas, the Big Brick Pile, race ramps and more, all covering three acres of space. 

Five identical sessions are available.  Tickets are $22.50 and $19.50 for children under 12. For more information and to purchase tickets, log on tohttp://www.legokidsfest.com. 

The LEGO® KidsFest kicks off its seventh year on the road with new tour stops in St. Louis and Nashville and a return to some popular markets.
The 2015 tour stops include Phoenix, AZ (Feb. 27 – March 1), St. Louis, MO (March 20 – 22), Nashville, TN (April 17 – 19) and Austin, TX (Sept. 4 – 6).
In its seventh year of touring, LEGO KidsFest is visiting a few less markets this year to focus on its new LEGO Creativity Tour.

“With the pilot of the LEGO Creativity Tour in Biloxi, Mississippi in December, we expect to be sharing some news about new tour dates early next year,” said Vince Rubino, Events Manager for LEGO Systems, Inc.
“Right now through year’s end, our focus is on testing new concepts and continuing to deliver an amazing and fun-filled LEGO experience for families around the country.”

Covering more than three acres of space, the LEGO KidsFest extravaganza brings all of the hands-on, minds-on fun of LEGO building and experience together in an activity-filled event for all ages and builders of all skills.
Five sessions — all identical and 4½ half hours in length — are held at each tour stop.

LEGO KidsFest tickets can be purchased at www.LEGOKidsFest.com.

On tour since 2009, previous LEGO KidsFest tour stops have included major cities such as Chicago, Boston, Dallas, Atlanta, San Jose, Cleveland, Richmond, Phoenix, Portland and more.  Tickets generally sell out and attendance averages 27,000-30,000 visitors at each venue. 

Some of the activities at the shows include:

• •          LEGO Model Gallery: dozens of life-sized models made entirely from LEGO bricks
  •          LEGO Master Builders: live demonstrations and activities from the crew who get paid to play
  •          Race Ramps: build a custom car, then race it down the ramp against friends and family 
  •          LEGO Fusion: test out a new, fun and creative way of combining real LEGO brick building with a smartphone or tablet.
  •          LEGO Chima: choose a tribe and test battling skills with the whole family
  •          LEGO Star Wars™: build and display a Star Wars model
  •          LEGO Disney™ Princess: create a princess scene to add to a LEGO story book
  •          LEGO Super Heroes: build a badge and pose with a bigger than life Spiderman model
  •          LEGO DUPLO®: younger visitors can explore imagination through building
  •          LEGO Retail:purchase LEGO merchandise and official KidsFest tour goods
  •          LEGO Friends: build for the five empowered friends from Heartlake City
  •          LEGO Ninjago: spin the way to being a Spinjitzu member
  •          LEGO Mindstorms: build and program robots and snakes
  •          LEGO City: using the imagination to create buildings and vehicles to the urban diorama
  •          LEGO Technic: get hands-on with the cool, realistic vehicles at the booth
  •          Creation Nation: build your own creation to add to a custom map of the U.S.
  •          Brick Pile: a gigantic pile full of LEGO bricks for creative play and enjoyment
  •       Monochromatic Builds: bricks of a single color foster group creativity

 Based on sell-out attendance in previous markets, advance ticket purchase is strongly encouraged. Tickets for all 2015 tour stops are on sale atwww.LEGOkidsfest.com. 

Disclosure: Information was provided to me. I was not compensated to share this information.

Petz Beach Review

Petz Beach is a virtual pet game for the nintendo 3DS. From the digital company Ubisoft, this video game franchise has sold over 23 million units worldwide and is back and more interactive than ever. The game starts the player in a village where you adopt a dog to take care of and teach tricks. Along the way you complete quests which will provide you with credits to purchase more skills for your pet to learn such as finding seashells, sniffing out mushrooms, etc. Or items such as hats and collars to fully customize your pet. 

Speaking of pets, there are other animals aside from canines as there are more than 50 different types of them in the game from cats, to dolphins and whales. The environment in the game changes as the season transitions from one to another, for non stop adventure all year long. Starting out in a small village by the beach, the game expands as players explore the town and meet new neighbors with their pets, helping new friends will expand the village as the game progresses.

Watching my daughter Olivia play the game (as well as trying it out for myself), I love the little snippets of information regarding different animals, insects and plants that pop up while playing. Through its partnership with Encyclopaedia Britannica, Petz Beach incorporates those little pieces of info as kids care for their pets and complete missions.

For those that are not beach types, there is also Petz Countryside (comes out same day as the Petz Beach) that has the same variety of animals and adventures, the game expandability, and the ability to connect with friends, albeit with a more country, barnyard feel. Both games are available online at Amazon.com

Now excuse me while I feed my all black, german shepherd, Wolfie some of that organic puppy chow that he likes so much. 


I was selected for this opportunity as a member of Clever Girls Collective and the content and opinions expressed here are all my own.