Archive for June, 2010
Product Review: Sassy Bath Toys
Jun 30th
Sassy recently redesigned and relaunched its bath toys. Each product is focused on important aspects of your infants growth: Imagination, Exploration, Communication and Fascination.
I was excited when we were sent a few Sassy Bath Toys to review. Since it is summer they serve a purpose in our bath tub and also in our pool fun outside! We were sent the Pour and Explore Cups, Catch and Release Net, and the Pull and Go Boat.
A little bit about Sassy Bath Toys:
We’re making a splash with a whole new line of Sassy bath toys! They have been designed with the help of child development experts to fit baby’s developing sensory perception, motor skills and creativity. Just like the developmental toy line, Sassy bath toys are designed to fit every age and stage as baby grows and develops.
Child development experts agree that certain elements are critical for an effective developmental toy. You’ll find them throughout the new Sassy bath toy line:
- Character faces: They are symmetrical, bold and organized. Babies and young children respond best to organized images.
- Variety: Babies have a tremendous capacity to learn; therefore, it is important to offer variety in the toys and the experiences they provide.
- Realism: Toys that reflect the real world help baby make sense of the world around her. They open the way for conversations between baby and caregiver, which expose baby to new vocabulary.
The bath toys are divided by age so you can find something most appropriate for your child. The newborn to 6 month old stage focuses on the senses, the 6 month toys are perfect for teaching the cause and effect of spilling and playing with water, and the 9 month toys encourage exploration, creativity and imagination. And even though they are geared towards infants, these toys can be fun at any child’s age.
My Review:
Mr. Toddler certainly loves playing with all of these toys, and he loves his bath time. He loved the boat, he likes pulling the cord and watching it swim through the water. He enjoys the catch and release net. He likes to catch more than just the toys it came with. He finds all his toys in the tub with the net. And he likes seeing the cause and effect of the pour and explore cups. He will pour and pour and pour! It is a struggle to get him out of the tub at the end of bath time. I would encourage anyone who has a child infancy through preschool to check out Sassy Bath Toys, you will not be disappointed.
Shop: Sassy’s redesigned Bath Toys are great, check out the Sassy website for more helpful information. All of the toys reviewed were between five and seven dollars.
Disclaimer: Thanks to Sassy for providing the bath products for the purpose of this review. The opinions expressed here are my own and uninfluenced by receipt of product.
Star Spangled Rice Krispie Treats: Fun 4th of July Recipe
Jun 29th
Prep Time: 20 minutes • Total Time: 40 minutes • Servings: 8
Celebrate Independence Day by making these flag shaped rice krispie treats with your kids. Decorate with red, white and blue. Then take a bite – they’re tasty, too.
Ingredients:
- 3 tablespoons butter or margarine
- 1 package (10 oz., about 40) marshmallows
- - OR -
- 4 cups miniature marshmallows
- 6 cups Rice Krispies®
- Canned frosting or decorating gel
- Assorted candies
- Why use Kellogg’s® Rice Krispies®?
Directions:
1. In large saucepan melt butter over low heat. Add marshmallows and stir until completely melted. Remove from heat.
2. Add KELLOGG’S RICE KRISPIES cereal. Stir until well coated.
3. Using buttered spatula or wax paper evenly press mixture into 13 x 9 x 2-inch pan coated with cooking spray. Cool. Cut into 8 rectangles. Decorate with frosting and/or candies. Best if served the same day.
Microwave Directions:
In microwave-safe bowl heat butter and marshmallows on HIGH for 3 minutes, stirring after 2 minutes. Stir until smooth. Follow steps 2 and 3 above. Microwave cooking times may vary.
Note:
For best results, use fresh marshmallows.
1 jar (7 oz.) marshmallow crème can be substituted for marshmallows.
Diet, reduced calorie or tub margarine is not recommended.
Store no more than two days at room temperature in airtight container. To freeze, place in layers separated by wax paper in airtight container. Freeze for up to 6 weeks. Let stand at room temperature for 15 minutes before serving.
I think I am going to have to try these with Mr. Toddler! They look so cute! And I love Rice Krispie Treats!
Recipe can be found here: Star Spangled Rice Krispie Treats
Rhoost Baby-Proofing Products Review and Giveaway
Jun 24th
CLOSED
I was pleased to be invited to do a review of the Rhoost Collection of baby-proofing products. Since Mr. Toddler of course loves to run around and get into things we have looked into several baby proofing gadgets. I know that you can go to any baby or home-wares store and find safety items to cover outlets and sharp corners, keep cabinets and even toilets closed. However, most baby proofing items I’ve come across are constructed in big, white, obtrusive plastic, and really are not esthetically pleasing against your nice furniture or hardwood cabinets. Thanks to Mom Select and Rhoost we were able to try the Rhoost Baby Edge product which protects the corners of your sharp objects, be it tables, dressers, or cabinets.
So the Edge is made of a soft, black rubbery material and it easily covers the corners of our table. It was fairly easy to install, and did not require any screws. Since Mr. Toddler’s favorite thing to do is to run around the kitchen and chase the dog–I can’t tell you how many times he has hit his head on the corner of the table, I think this product is going to do the trick. I just placed it a few days ago.
But, don’t take my word for it. Rhoost wants my readers to be able to share in great baby safety products too!
Giveaway: One of my lucky readers will win a Rhoost Sling Safety Product.
Mandatory Entry:
Visit Rhoost and tell me what you have learned or what products you would like to try.
Extra Entries:
1. Follow my blog via GFC.
2. Follow me on Networked Blogs.
3. Follow me on twitter
4. Like me on Facebook
5. Buy a product from Rhoost and let me know you did. (3 extra entries)
6. Tweet about this giveaway and include @lifeofmodernmom in the link(can be done daily)
7. Blog about this giveaway and link it back (5 entries)
8. Grab my button (2 entries)
9. Enter my other giveaways (3 entries)
Open to US. Ends 7/6 at 11:59 CST.
I was given the opportunity to review the product by Rhoost and Mom Central. All opinions stated are my own.
Winner by random.org, #20 Lara. Congrats Lara!
Product Review: Simply Ageless Cosmetics by Covergirl
Jun 23rd
I was able to try the Simply Ageless products by COVERGIRL and Olay, and I was really impressed with this makeup.
About the Product: COVERGIRL and Olay Simply Ageless…What do you get when you combine the make-up know-how of COVERGIRL with the skin care expertise of Olay? COVERGIRL and Olay Simply Ageless, a premium make-up line that can actually make you look younger. Really! Keep reading to find out how adding all four products to your beauty regimen can help you achieve the total Simply Ageless look, and help maintain your youthful glow at any age. Simply Ageless Foundation COVERGIRL & Olay Simply Ageless Foundation is formulated with smooth COVERGIRL makeup and Olay Regenerist serum to help restore evenness to your skin’s texture and tone.
And, unlike leading department stores’ anti-aging foundation that can settle into fine lines and emphasize wrinkles and make you look older, COVERGIRL & Olay Simply Ageless Foundation is scientifically designed to suspend over fine lines for an ultrafine layer of coverage and an instantly younger and smoother appearance.
Correct, conceal, and brighten
Work the rest of the COVERGIRL & Olay Simply Ageless products into your daily anti-aging beauty regimen to enhance your look:
- COVERGIRL & Olay Simply Ageless Corrector: Visibly correct even the most severe dark circles for a more youthful look
- COVERGIRL & Olay Simply Ageless Eye Concealer: Hide dark circles and visibly brighten skin around your eyes for a wide-awake look (use over Simply Ageless Corrector for severe dark circles)
- COVERGIRL & Olay Simply Ageless Sculpting Blush: Instantly sculpt cheekbones for an even, naturally glowing look
My Review: I have to admit that I am not a big makeup person, I really like makeup that feels light that I don’t even realize I have on, and that I don’t have to touch up. Well this product is GREAT! I found that this product did make my skin feel smoother, and it spreads on very lightly–while doing its job. And the make-up seems to last all day! No foundation touch up is needed. Would I purchase this product again–Absolutely!
(All information about COVERGIRL and Olay Simply Ageless was provided to me by BzzAgent. I am a BzzAgent and I was sent a free product to review. The opinion stated is my own.)
Brugo Mug Review and Giveaway
Jun 22nd
CLOSED
Brugo offers a patented technology that allows coffee & tea enthusiasts to enjoy every sip of their hot beverage in the “perfect temperature Zone”, while eliminating the spills, spatters & burned lips that are a familiar part of the “to-go” coffee experience. This sounds great to me, I always have trouble knowing when my coffee is not to hot to drink, and I sometimes end up burning my mouth, or I let it cool down to much. So a cup that has the perfect temperature zone to avoid the burned mouth and tongue is fantastic.
How does the Brugo Mug Work? By using a simple “tip and sip” motion, BRUGO users transfer sip-sized amounts (1 fluid oz) of a hot beverage to the temperature control chamber, where it immediately reaches this Perfect Temperature Zone. Only the liquid in the chamber is cooled and only this liquid exits the sip opening. A tight seal keeps the remaining coffee at its hottest.
The BRUGO lid has three options: LOCK, TIP & COOL, and SIP. The LOCK setting seals the mug and is perfect for transporting the beverage without spilling. TIP & COOL gives the consumer the full benefits of the temperature control chamber. Once the beverage in the mug has cooled to a palatable temperature, users simply turn the dial to SIP and drink the beverage directly.
One lucky reader will win a Brugo Mug Thanks to the Brugo Company!
To Enter:
Visit Brugo and Tell Me What Color Mug you would choose, or what you have learned.
Additional Entries:
1. Follow me on GFC
2. Follow me on Twitter
3. Follow me on Networked Blogs
4. Tweet about this giveaway (may complete daily) (2 entries)
5. Blog about this giveaway and link it back (5 Entries)
6. Like me on Facebook
7. Enter another one of my giveaway(3 Entries)
Open to US. Giveaway will end of July 5th at 1159 pm CST. You will be emailed if you are the winner, please respond within 48 hours, or I will have to pick a new winner.
Thank you to Brugo for providing the mug for review, no other compensation was received.
Winner #17 via random.org–Lady with the comment “I like the sunshine colored one.”
Summer Activities Challenge by Education.com
Jun 17th
The Summer Activities Challenge sponsored by Education.com is full of great activities you can complete with your children this summer. It will keep your kids busy with fun activities that are educational, and keep those minds stimulated! The activities are appropriate for preschool on up.
I know that I am always searching for fun and educational activities for Mr. Toddler, so I have signed us up. And they have great activities that I know he will enjoy.
You can learn more about the Summer Activities Challenge on Education.com here. The goal is to complete 10 activities or more this summer, and as you complete activities you can be entered to win some great prizes.
So check it out for your kids today!
Father’s Day Craft/Gift Ideas for Kids
Jun 14th
Check out these cute gift cards that children can make for Father’s Day! I found these cute ideas on Martha Stewart’s website.
The Folded Shirt Card
Here is how to make this card:
Use legal-size (8 1/2-by-14-inch) decorative paper
1. Place paper facedown. Fold in half vertically; unfold. Line up left edge with centerline fold, and crease; repeat with right edge. Unfold, and lay flat.
2. Fold top-left corner in to line up with outermost crease, forming a triangle; repeat on top-right corner. Using index fingers and thumbs, pinch together outside points of each triangle so they meet, and crease.
3. While still pinching triangles, fold down top edge (this will make sleeves).
4. Turn paper upside down, and flip it over. Fold down top edge 3/4 inch.
5. Flip paper over. Fold top left and right corners so tips meet at centerline.
6. Tuck bottom edge under collar, and flatten by creasing. For the tie, cut out an 8-by-1/2-inch strip of decorative paper. Knot paper. Snip close to knot on one side; trim other to a point. Glue to shirt.
Paper Airplane Card
Choose a lightweight paper; a map of his favorite city or hiking trail are good options, or pick a colored paper and inscribe a message on the wings. Your message can be a simple greeting or a much-appreciated coupon for a couple of hours of yard work. Fold the paper first, so you’ll know where to write.
Here is the link for the Template to the airplane.
Another super cute idea:
Father’s Day Notepad
Here is how to make this:
Wrap a rubber band around a notepad cube and have kids write greetings and make drawings on two sides with a broad, pointy marker. (Fine tips will get caught between the pages.) Move band, and decorate the other two sides. Tie the notepad with a colorful ribbon. As an added gift, slide in a pen.
Ring Bound Scrapbooks
Kids can put together a scrapbook for Dad using highlights from previous vacations or special outings. Using a hole punch, include postcards, souvenirs, maps, and stickers to create the personalized gift.
(I loved this one, although Mr. Toddler is still to young to put this together–but we will have to pull it out in the future.)
ImagiPLAY Toys Review and Giveaway
Jun 9th
CLOSED
“For over a decade, ImagiPLAY has created high-quality educational toys that inspire children’s imaginations and the desire to explore. With the abundance of toys available for children today, ImagiPLAY sets itself apart from the rest through its motto: Toys with Integrity. By producing quality products that connect with nature, have eco-friendly sources, and hold educational value, ImagiPLAY works to benefit the earth we share and the people that inhabit it.”
Three Chicks Puzzle
ImagiPlay products have been recognized by the media, children’s advocacy groups, and parents’ organizations for their outstanding quality, design and ability to inspire imagination. They have also received numerous awards from well respected groups and organizations such as Parenting Magazines, Creative Child Magazine, Dr. Toy, Parents’ Choice Foundation and more. Aside from all of the recognition and most importantly, ImagiPLAY’s products have helped thousands of children worldwide to discover themselves and their world as they navigate the waters of the human Age of Exploration.
ImagiPLAY has a LARGE assortment of toys including Puzzles, Play Sets, Pull Toys, Mazes, Food Play, Building Blocks and so much more. All of ImagiPLAY’s toys are made from eco-friendly materials, with plantation-growth rubberwood which is splinter free. Here is just a sample of the variety of products offered by ImagiPLAY, and the ones we received to review.
ImagiPLAY generously sent my family the Three Chicks Puzzle, the Veggie Set, and Push Along Duck to review and we LOVE all the items. Mr. Toddler favorites were the veggie set and the three chicks puzzle. He liked the veggie cutting set, since he is at an age where he is into wanting to learn how to use silverware. So cutting apart the veggies, was a hit. And he likes puzzles, so this provided him fun putting the pieces together as well. I love toys that are fun, yet educational for the children.
All of the items have vibrant colors, and are educational. They also are high quality, and have tolerated a few drops from the toddlers hands.
ImagiPLAY’s products are naturally safe, produced with thought, and made for fun. Stop by ImagiPLAY today…they have wonderful toys your children will love!
Push Along Duck
BUY IT: Purchase your favorite ImagiPLAY products HERE. They are offering a 35% discount to my readers with coupon code best-toy 35.
WIN IT: One lucky winner will receive their very set of 3 Chicks Puzzle, Veggie Set, and Push Along Duck (as pictured above)
How to Enter: To enter the giveaway, simply submit your qualifying entries in the comments section. Place one comment per entry.
This giveaway is open to those in the US
Ends 6/23 at Midnight CST
Mandatory Entry: Visit ImagiPLAY and tell me the name of the product you love most.
Extra Entries:
1. Follow my blog via GFC.
2. Follow me on Networked Blogs.
3. Follow me on twitter
4. Like me on Facebook
5. Buy a product from Imagiplay, and let me know you did(3 entries)
6. Tweet about this giveaway and include @lifeofmodernmom in the link
7. Blog about this giveaway and link it back (5 entries)
8. Grab my button (2 entries)
Thank you to ImagiPLAY for providing the toys for review. No other compensation was given, and the opinion stated is my own.
Winner Tomoko with comment # 90
tweet
http://twitter.com/orangefukurou/status/1669950771
A Few Books for Toddler/Preschoolers Summer Reading Fun
Jun 8th
With summer upon us, and Mr. Toddler’s normal activity/early preschool classes not in session, I thought that I would spend some time reading to him everyday. I looked into area libraries reading programs, and they all offer over the summer reading clubs. You should check out your local libraries to see what is available near you.
Here is a few books that are appropriate for the toddler/preschooler.
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Giveaway $35 dollar gift certificate to Pro Kitchen Equipment
Jun 7th
CLOSED
US Markerboard just launched a new website, and I am so excited to be able to let you know about the website via a great giveaway for a 35 dollar gift certificate to the store. ProKitchenEquipment.com features professional grade cookware and kitchen equipment. The products are high quality that are good enough for restaurants and great for your home.
Check out this sizzle platter with liner for 11.99.
Or these cook knives for 33.99.
US Markerboard also has started a blog US Innovators, which focuses on innovation in business and education. If you get a chance please hop on over and check it out.
Win It:
Thanks to US Markerboard and ProKitchenEquipment.com, One lucky reader will win a $35 gift certificate to ProKitchenEquipment.com!
For your first required entry, just swing on over to ProKitchenEquipment.com and leave a comment below telling me one thing you would spend your $35 on!
Want extra entries?
- Follow US Markerboard on Twitter.
- Show US Markerboard you like them on Facebook. Then leave a message on their wall letting them know you entered this giveaway.
- Follow me on GFC
- Follow Life of a Modern Mom on Twitter.
- Tweet about the giveaway (This can be done once daily) including a link to the giveaway and @LifeofModernMom
- Subscribe to me on Networked Blog
- Like me on Facebook
- Blog about this giveaway and link back to this page. (Good for 5 entries)
- Grab my button and put it on your blog (tell me where to find it). (3 entries)
**NOTE: Leave one comment for every entry. You must have a visible email address in your Blogger Profile, otherwise it needs to be listed on every entry!!**
Giveaway Rules: Giveaway is open to US only. Winner will be chosen via random.org and notified via email. Winner will be asked to respond within 48 hours. Giveaway ends 6/21 at 1159 midnight CST.
Winner # 43 by Random.org: Ria Clarke, with comment I would love a chef’s knife.
