I Am Making Home Movies All Wrong! Watch the puddles at the garden centers this Spring!

Love this idea.

Watch Dad turn his toddler into an incredible super hero
 

Coolest Dad ever. Check out his 12 other videos. 

Children's Books We Are Loving Right Now @Scholastic

NAUGHTY KITTY by Adam Stower

When Lily is finally allowed to have her very own kitten, strange things are afoot. Lily's brand new, teeny-tiny Kitty shouldn't be any trouble at all, but as soon as Lily leaves Kitty alone, hilarious hijinks are always around the corner.

Kitty ruins the kitchen, Kitty ruins the den. And we won't talk about what Kitty did to the rug. (Ugg!) Could it be that someone or something else is to blame for Kitty's wild behavior?

A loveable story that will have kids laughing out loud, NAUGHTY KITTY is a classic tale of mistaken cat-tastophies that makes for a roaringly purr-fect read.

The 411 by Maria And Goddess:

We loved this sweet book with the adorable faced kitty!  Poor kitty can't do anything right in Lily's eyes. Her tiny kitty gets in quite a bit of trouble.  It seems that every time Kitty turns around Lily is scolding it for something. However, it isn't Lily's kitty who is making the mischief but a huge tiger that has escaped from the zoo.

We love the illustrations of Lily and her kitty. AND...my reluctant 8 year old read this book without any help which makes it even better for this reading momma! 

With word bubbles, full page illustrations, a sweet, funny story and kitty's innocent face, kids and parents will love this book.

AVAILABLE IN JUNE

Learn to count to five as these very hungry pandas lunch on bamboo in this innovative board book with die-cut pages!

Brightly colored illustrations and fun rhyming text make this the perfect read-aloud for young children just learning about numbers and counting. The die-cut pandas sit at the top of the page, and as the reader moves through the book, each panda gets something to eat! Little hands stay engaged with the turn of the page as readers learn all about how to count to and visualize numbers 1 to 5!

The 411 by Maria and Goddess:





Five Hungry Pandas is an adorable book about sweet, cuddly pandas, who are all very hungry. Each page opens with a Panda cut out.  The book has a number on each page where each of the panda gets to eventually eat leaving the reminder on the next page. It's basically a count up and a count down book. We thought it was really cute and Goddess thinks kids will love the panda faces and searching for the number on each page. She said that she would have loved pointing to the numbers if she was a toddler and I agree.

The Swift Boys and Me by Kody Keplinger

Eleven-year-old Nola Sutton has been best friends and neighbors with the Swift boys for practically her whole life. There's the youngest, Kevin, who never stops talking; the oldest, Brian, who's always kind and calm; and then there's Canaan, the ringleader and Nola's best-best friend. Together, they have a summer of fun adventures planned.

But then everything changes overnight.

When the boys' dad leaves without even saying good-bye, it completely destroys the Swift family, and all Nola can do is watch. She tries to hold on to them, but they are changing. Kevin stops talking, Canaan starts hanging out with mean boys, and Brian is never around. Nola just wants things to go back to the way they were -- the way they've always been.

Is Nola strong enough to save the Swift boys from themselves, or has she lost them forever?

The 411 by Maria:

I love YA books. This book was written by Kody Keplinger while in middle school. Pretty impressive for a young woman.

The Swift Boys and Me find Nola a tom boy who hangs out with three brothers coming of age. She watched her best friend Canaan's father leave one night and never come back. Now she is a on a mission to find out why he left and if he is ever coming back all while dealing with her mom's upcoming wedding and her best friends reeling from the disappearance of their dad.

The story and characters are well written. I loved the story and can't wait to pass it to my niece. My only complaint is that the ending left me wondering if everyone will be OK.

 

Disclaimer: I received these books from Scholastic Books no monetary compensation was received for my honest opinion.

ENOUGH SAID! Moving On

“Letting go doesn't mean that you don't care about someone anymore. It's just realizing that the only person you really have control over is yourself.” Deborah Reber, Chicken Soup for the Teenage Soul: 101 Stories of Life, Love and Learning 

“Cry. Forgive. Learn. Move on. Let your tears water the seeds of your future happiness.”
― Steve Maraboli

“I will never forget what you did to me. I will never forgive it. I will never stop mourning what you stole from me. But I realize now I can't steal it back and I'm done spending every day trying to.”
― Katja Millay, The Sea of Tranquility   

“We could do ourselves a tremendous favor by letting go of the people who poison our spirit.”
― Steve Maraboli

 

Enter To #WIN A National Geographic Kids Look And Learn Prize Pack

NationalGeographic Kids Look and Learn series brings fun, lively content to the preschool set with board books that cover a range of topics in an engaging, interactive way.   Each book in the series focuses on a different concept or subject and is designed specifically to cultivate early concept learning with context reinforcement so learning sticks.  Whether it's parts of the body, counting, baby animals, colors or exploring the world of same and different, each durable and sturdy board book is filled with bright, gorgeous photographs and is developed in conjunction with experts in the field of child development and growth.   Perfect for developmental skill building for ages one to four, these eye-catching books make early learning fun!

My family is has been a huge fan of National Geographic since I was a little girl. The coloful photos and animal filled articles made my sisters and I very happy when we visited our grandparents non-child friendly home. They had a subscription and it gave us something to do. We only wish there was a National Geographic Kids back then but thankfully there is now. My kids love Nat Geo Kids. What's not to love?! 

 

National Geographic Kids Look and Learn Prize Pack is comprised of Colors!, Counts!, Baby Animals, Match!, Same and Different and All About Me (ARV: $42).  

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Disclaimer: No monetary compensation was received to host this giveaway. THIS IS A US GIVEAWAY ONLY!

The Book Thief Was Amazing! @BookThiefMovie @FHEinsiders

The 411 by Maria:

I have not read The Book Thief and I honestly had no idea what the movie was about when I started out but I cannot wait to read it. 

There is so much to love about this movie. Besides it being an amazing storyline, the acting was incredible and the sets made me feel like I wasn't just watching a period piece. 

Narrated by Death we see Liesel on a train to her adoptive parents. Her mom is no longer able to care for her and her brother so she is being sent to Germany to live with a childless couple Hans and Rosa. Liesel, played by Sophie Nelisse is a beautiful, quiet, scared young girl. I was floored by her portrayal. She is quiet, sweet, innocent and timid I loved her from the moment she comes on the screen.   

Liesel's brother dies on his way to Germany. The grave diggers bury him quickly track side. Liesel spots a book called The Grave Diggers and takes it. The movie begins.

My heart ached for the moment this beautiful, blonde girl walks into the home of Hans and Rosa so confused, hurt, lost and shy. Rosa seemingly tough and gritty, Hans the opposite, sweet, soft and empathetic. 

Set in Germany in the years 1939-1943, a war, death, fear, resistance and secrecy made up the times but at the heart of this movie Liesel and Hans have a beautiful relationship that showcases love in its purest form.  A man doing the best he can. Standing by his promises and finding the beauty in the meager, hard life that he has been dealt. 

This is a book everyone she read. It is a movie everyone should see. Definitely a classic. I will watch this movie again and try not to cry this time.

Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy for my honest review as a Fox Home Entertainment Insider

WALKING WITH DINOSAURS THE MOVIE!

I cannot wait to see this movie! Watch for a DVD Giveaway coming up very soon.

Walking With Dinosaurs Blu-Ray Giveaway & TONS OF ACTIVITY SHEETS #RAFFLECOPTER #WalkingwithDinosDVD

My family is so excited to see Walking With Dinosaurs. As a Jurassic Park fan I can tell you that I have always been fascinated by these massive creatures from long ago. Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment and BBC Earth Films invite you to bring home Walking with Dinosaurs The Movie, an awe-inspiring adventure 70 million years in the making, now stomping in just in time for Easter. Dino fans of all ages will be ‘herding” to get their own copy of Walking With Dinosaurs The Movie, releasing on Blu-ray™ and DVD March 25. Hailed by viewers for its explosive visual achievements, Walking With Dinosaurs is "Jurassic Park meets The Lion King” (The Today Show) and “…too good a visual treat to miss” (Philadelphia Inquirer). Experience the spectacular story that brings dinosaurs to life and the viewer back in time. Directed by Barry Cook (Mulan, Arthur Christmas) and Neil Nightingale (Meerkats: The Movie) and the writer behind the hit film Happy Feet, Walking With Dinosaurs The Movie features heart-warming performances from an incredible ensemble of Hollywood’s biggest stars including: John Leguizamo (Ice Age, Rio 2), Justin Long (Alvin and the Chipmunks, Dodgeball) and Karl Urban (Star Trek).

Fox Home Entertainment has some fun activity sheets for fans of Walking With Dinosaurs

We really want to do this volcano cake. I am a huge fan of cakes with a soft middle.  DELISH!

Check out these Spot The Pair pictures. My kids love these kinds of sheets.

We hope you enjoy all these activity sheets. Simply cut out all the pieces and play with your kids. They love spending time with you.

Print out this fun door hanger. Your Dino Fans Will Love it!

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  Disclaimer: 

I am hosting as a Fox Home Entertainment Insider. No monetary compensation was received.

Whatever You Grow Up To Be by Karen Kingsbury & Illustrated By Valeria Docampo

Book Description 
From New York Times bestselling author Karen Kingsbury, a new children’s book about a very special mother-son relationship. In this beautifully illustrated picture book, #1 New York Times bestselling author Karen Kingsbury explores with heartwarming clarity the special bond between a mother and her son. From birth to football games to college graduation, the mother reminds her maturing child of God’s promises for him—whatever he grows up to be. A companion piece to Kingsbury’s Always Daddy’s Princess, a picture book about one father’s love for his daughter as she matures from baby to parent herself, Whatever You Grow Up to Be will remind young boys and their moms of all the blessings they share. Told in playful and emotive verse—with a whisper of Scripture enriching every page—children and parents will find fun and encouragement in the supportive guidance of God’s word. Perfect for gift giving and special occasions, this book can serve as a treasured keepsake as well as a compelling reminder of the influence a loving mother can have in the life of her son.

 The 411 by Maria and Goddess: 

We have an hour to kill every school morning and do try to get some reading done. This book definitely was adorable and my problem reader had no problem reading it on her own.

It was difficult for her to get to the next page due to the wonderfully, colored pages. We both that the illustrations were great!

Honestly the story is very, very sweet and I found myself tearing up as she read the book to me. As parents we watch our little ones grow right before our eyes. I am amazed everyday and this book puts all that into words and shows just how fast time flies.

Like us, the mom in this story watches her little guy grow right before her eyes from baby to adult and a daddy.

LOVED THIS. Very sweet book.

Publishers: Harper Collins 

Disclosure: I received a complimentary book for my honest review. There was no monetary compensation.

Dial Deep Cleaning Hand Soap Giveaway

This is Dial Deep Cleaning Hand Soap!

They come in amazing scents and look great on my bathroom counter.

Each one is a gentle micro-scrubber formula that smooths and moisturizes the skin leaving your hands smelling simply yummy and good.

Goddess loves using it and tells me that she actually washes her hands more because she loves the smell. Here she is after painting using the Yellow Raspberry and Black Sugar which has a tart and sweet fragrance.

Goddess as always had very dry hands. She needs to moisturize almost daily. The Dial Deep Cleaning Hand Soap has actually helped the condition of her skin. It seems more hydrated and oh yeah, have I mentioned the smell?!

Look at the little Black Sugar!

There is one more scent which we have not tried yet called Coconut Lime Verbena. It is my next purchase for sure.

Goddess is chomping at the bit to open Water Blossoms but I don't want two open soaps in the bathroom. Look at that beautiful blue!

OK...now it is your turn. Which one would you love to try?

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Disclaimer: Due to FCC rules I received a complimentary product for my honest opinion. No monetary compensation was received.

Burglary is More than a Break In; Why Home Security is Important

It is said that one of the easiest crimes to prevent is also the most common, burglary. The home is a safe haven that seems impenetrable. Because of this, most people do not take the proper precautions when it comes to removing their home as a target from thieves. When the home feels safe, some think that nothing bad could ever happen there, or that their family could never fall victim to a burglary. Another reason some people shy away from home security action is they think it will break the bank. Yes, home security systems can be expensive, but there are cost conscious and even free ways to keep your home safe and secure. Whatever the reason may be for someone as to why home security is not a priority, I would like to make a point on why it is. 

Costly

While you may be covered by insurance, having someone enter your home could be costly, figuratively and literally. You are ending up with more money loss than you would if there had been a little expense put toward home security efforts. You are left with broken windows or doors, as well as possible damage within the home, and your expensive belongings or valuables have been taken. Yes most items can be replaced, but then there are the extreme valuables within the home. A burglar can take something that is priceless and irreplaceable, like a family heirloom. It is only when those precious things are stolen that there are things that cannot be replaced. 

No Peace

After a break in, the family is left without peace of mind. The biggest shift is not that belongings were taken but that the safe sanctuary was tainted. The home goes from the safest place in the world to the complete opposite at the snap of a finger. Your children will no longer feel safe and neither will you. The aftermath could potentially create psychological problems for you and your family. A home should always be a safe place and security precautions should not be implemented after a home has been forcefully entered. 

It Won’t Happen to Us

Statistics say that a burglary happens every fifteen seconds. With that fact, the chance of a home being invaded just became realistically possible. Even the littlest of efforts to having your home not catch a burglar’s eye is important. A security system sign, closed curtains, locked and dead bolted doors are all little things that could dissuade a burglar from targeting your home.  The slightest bit of caution can make the biggest difference. Most burglars are looking for easy targets. 

The psychological aftermath and the risk of losing irreplaceable items are the two main reasons that some form of home security should be put into place in any home. How often burglaries occur is another risk that most home owners should not be willing to take with their homes. It is encouraged of anyone to look at the website for Seattle home security or any city’s security website for all of the best home security technologies and tips. Don’t be the target of the next burglary in fifteen seconds. Make sure to keep you home a safe sanctuary for you and your family. 

Image Source: http://safesoundfamily.com