Wednesday, June 29, 2016

National Geographic Kids Books "Dive Into Summer" #Giveaway




Between Shark Week and Finding Dory (which if you have not seen it was incredible and I can't wait to see it again) it's no wonder National Geographic Kids is sponsoring a book giveaway for the summer which also features one of our all time favorite fish Dory!

The books are exactly what you would expect from National Geographic. Full color photos, loads of interesting information and reader friendly tidbits and trivia that keeps the reader engrossed, interested and reading. 

Ocean Animals: Who's Who in the Deep Blue ($12.99, ages 8-12) is an oversized book and it needs to be!  Featuring huge, stunning underwater photographs this book covers it all -- from life in coral reefs to sharks and rays, to bizarre creatures of the deep and even sea birds -- and all the favorites from Finding Dory including, sea lions, octopus, beluga whales, whale sharks and of course clown fish and Dory herself -- blue tangs!   Check out a few pages from the visually amazing and totally engrossing Ocean Animals here:  https://www.dropbox.com/sh/m92n1oe9swhd2ca/AACG1Xg3U8iZtLAp1BEn9s5Na?dl=0.





Ocean Animals Sticker Activity Book (ages 4-8, $6.99) has over 1,000 cool stickers of the most popular, adorable, ferocious and weird ocean animals, like dolphins, coral, fish, sea turtles, seals and more. Also included are skill-building puzzles and mazes, spelling and pattern games, drawing, photos, facts, and other activities that will keep kids you entertained (and learning) for hours on end. Perfect for road trips and plane rides!


 If you are interested in purchasing



For More Information Follow:

National Geographic Kids on Facebook - http://www.facebook.com/NationalGeographicKid * National Geographic Kids Books on twitter - @NGKidsBks

To Enter the Giveaway

Disclaimer: I received a complimentary product for my honest opinion. My reviews are 100% honest and true based on my personal opinion not on a company’s description or request. No monetary compensation was received

Meet The Bobs and Tweets by Pepper Springfield


Meet The Bobs and Tweets by Pepper Springfield and Illustrated by Kristy Caldwell   
Age Range: 4 - 8 years 
Grade Level: Preschool - 3 
Lexile Measure: 550 
Hardcover: 80 pages 
Publisher: Scholastic Inc. (June 28, 2016)

...the Bobs, who are messy, and the Tweets, who are neat. How can these two strange families get along in the same neighborhood? And are all the Tweets really neat and all the Bobs slobs?

This is the first book in a brand-new series of full-color, illustrated high-interest rhyming stories that's just right for reluctant readers. It's Dr. Seuss meets Captain Underpants wrapped into one zany adventure. Get ready to read...and laugh!

The 411:

The entire time I was reading it I felt like I was reading a satire Dr. Seuss book so the description of Dr. Seuss meets Captain Underpants is perfect.

The Bobs are all messy except for one (Bob 7 named Dean) and The Tweets are all clean except for one (Tweet 7 named Lou). When they are tossed together there will surely be mayhem especially when the Bob's dog Chopper and The Tweets cat Pretty Kitty get in the mix.

The book kept my attention in the beginning but every once in a while it didn't read out loud well because the rhyme would drop off but it is a decent read and with a Lexile of 550, it isn't a bad summer book for kids within the range. 



Disclaimer: I received a complimentary product for my honest opinion.  My reviews are 100% honest and true based on my personal opinion not on a company’s description or request. No monetary compensation was received



Tuesday, June 28, 2016

Can Mom Regain Her Desired Look?


Whether you have been a mother for many years or just a short period of time, you undoubtedly have much on your plate.


From careers to running a family, your health can sometimes take a backseat to everything else that is taking place.

That said moms across America are oftentimes faced with one of the biggest challenge they’ll come across, finding time for themselves.

When that time is discovered, many moms will just want to kick back and relax.

On the other hand, many moms will turn to exercise and eating better, knowing that they must keep up their strength and energy levels in order to preside over a busy family life.
For some moms, all that stress can keep them from getting and maintaining their desired look.

So, the question then becomes can mom regain her desired look?

Exercise and Diet

In order for countless mothers to find and maintain the look they want, here are some pointers to remember:

1.    Exercise – Above all else, make sure you take some time on a daily basis (or as close to it) to exercise. Even just going for a short 15-to-30 minute walk each day is better than nothing. Not only will walking and other forms of regular exercise help you in controlling any weight issues, it also is good for the heart and mind. Better yet, find one or more people to accompany you on your walks. Some women may work much of the day and only have time in the evening hours for exercise. This can present a problem when you have a family and husband awaiting you at home. Some women may also be hesitant to go for walks by themselves in the evening hours due to safety concerns, so it certainly pays to have one or more friends or family members to keep you company

2.    Diet – Another big component of a healthy lifestyle is one’s diet. Do you find eating to be a stress reliever for you in your busy life? If so, you are contributing to your health issues by turning to food as a source of help. Instead of downing lots of junk food during the day and/or night, eat healthier snacks such as fruits and vegetables. This not only helps you in terms of weight, but also strengthens your heart and other parts of the body at the same time

3.    Products – There are various products on the market that can assist you in your desire to not only lose weight but also remove excess pockets of fat, especially in your leg and thigh areas. Whether you opt for Revitol Cellulite Cream or other products out there, do your research first. See which product or products have the best reputation when it comes to helping in the removal of cellulite. Also look at the company’s history, researching to see which ones have a track record of excellent customer service. In today’s world, customer service oftentimes takes a back seat to making a sale and getting as much money as possible out of the consumer. Those companies who will take the time to assist customers and realize they are number one tend to stick around much longer

4.    Family – Finally, it never hurts to lean on family when battling something, especially when it is to improve your health. Families can oftentimes be the biggest supporters out there, most notably when it involves mom. Make sure your family supports you and keeps you on your toes in your efforts to lose weight and stay healthy overall. As their mom or wife, one’s kids and their husband have to pitch in and show mom how appreciated she truly is.

When mom (and her entire family for that matter) all put in the effort to assist the matriarch of the family in getting that look she truly wants, everyone will have reason to smile.

Remember, families do many things together, so helping achieve the look of her choice is something everyone can partake in.

Yes, mom has to make the final call as to what she wants to look like, but some input from the family, including offering tips and support of exercise, diet, products etc. can go a long way.

Sketchy Stories by Kerby Rosanes



The Sketchbook Art of Kerby Rosanes
Illustrator: Kerby Rosanes
Format: Flexibound, 128 Pages
ISBN: 9781631061752
Publisher: Race Point Publishing
Published: May. 31, 2016
$16.99 / £10.99

World-renowned artist Kerby Rosanes specializes in black ink doodles and sketches, and at the age of 23, he quit his desk job as a graphic designer to pursue his art full time. With a legion of over a million followers, Kerby has been a source of inspiration to artists, designers, and art-lovers all over the world with his stunning art and inspirational messages like "Never Quit Drawing" and "Be Awesome Today." Now fans can glimpse the personal sketchbook of Kerby Rosanes with Sketchy Stories, a beautiful facsimile reproduction of his original sketchbook, loaded with secret doodles, elaborate sketches, and whimsical lines and detailed patterns. Interspersed with his artwork, Kerby also includes techniques, tips, inspirations, influences, and more. The ideal gift for fans of Kerby Rosanes or anyone who is ready to be creatively inspired.

The 411:

Kerby Rosanes doodles like Picasso paints. Most of us doodle faces, lines, circles or hearts. Kerby doodles incredibly detailed masterpieces. This book is a replica of some of his finest pieces. The book is made to look like a sketchbook which opens flat so you can see most of the drawings on their two page spread. 

My daughter loves to draw and found this book interesting and inspirational. His drawings are a touch of whimsical with tons of animals, faces and places. Using mostly black ink and the use of light and dark shading Kerby creates masterpieces that make you want to look at them over and over again because you always spot something new hidden that  you never noticed before. 

To Purchase:



Disclaimer: I received a complimentary product for my honest opinion. My star ratings are exact based on Amazon's star descriptions. My reviews are 100% honest and true based on my personal opinion not on a company’s description or request. No monetary compensation was received

Monday, June 27, 2016

Children's Summer Read - Unidentified Surburban Object by Mike Jung



The next person who compares Chloe Cho with famous violinist Abigail Yang is going to HEAR it. Chloe has just about had it with people not knowing the difference between someone who's Chinese, Japanese, or Korean. She's had it with people thinking that everything she does well -- getting good grades, winning first chair in the orchestra, et CETera -- are because she's ASIAN.

Of course, her own parents don't want to have anything to DO with their Korean background. Any time Chloe asks them a question they change the subject. They seem perfectly happy to be the only Asian family in town. It's only when Chloe's with her best friend, Shelly, that she doesn't feel like a total alien.

Then a new teacher comes to town: Ms. Lee. She's Korean American, and for the first time Chloe has a person to talk to who seems to understand completely. For Ms. Lee's class, Chloe finally gets to explore her family history. But what she unearths is light-years away from what she expected.

The 411 by Maria:

Great read about middle schooler Chloe Cho who embraces her Korean heritage unlike her parents who refuse to talk with her about their past, family, or anything having to do with Korea.  Chloe is growing up in an white town in suburbia and where there is no one like her.

Mike writes the angst of a teen girl perfectly. She is full of vigor, moody, abrasive and so done with everyone who annoys her when they compare her to Abigail Yang because of their shared heritage. Everything changes when new teacher Ms. Lee comes to school. Finally someone Chloe wants to relate to.

The plot twist comes out of nowhere. I had no idea what her parents deal was but found it exciting.

Not to give anything away. This is great read for the summer.  A little young adult, a little science fiction, a little humor.

To Purchase:



Disclaimer: I received a complimentary product for my honest opinion. My star ratings are exact based on Amazon's star descriptions. My reviews are 100% honest and true based on my personal opinion not on a company’s description or request. No monetary compensation was received

Oh So Random



This weekend my daughter's classmate invited the entire grade to his house for an End Of School Year Splash. They live right on a lake and were told to bring sunblock, towels, a swimsuit, water shoes if they had them and a life vest if they had one. When we got there one of her besties was arriving at the same time which now that I have seen it should always happen. When friends arrive to a party together they don't feel uncomfortable when they first get there because they have each other. Mental note to set this up for my daughter for the next party.

My girl is in the middle, blue suit dragging her friend on a float

Goddess has matured so much over the past few years. It kills me sometimes.

She was having a blast
The kids had a blast. Even though it was a drop off, I hung out. I am not a drop of kind of parent unless I know you and really trust you. I can name three people like that right now where my kids would be dropped off without a second thought. Three is better than none.

The parents also set up a slip and slide. Which I hear was very cold.



She acted like she was about to go down but changed her mind last minute

Her friends are fearless

running through was apparently fine
Then before I knew it there was talk of  a boat ride.


Goddess without her glasses can see nothing. The squinting is not just from the sun
before I even had time to discuss, she was on the boat

And it was being lowered into the water
 
 
I watched them drive away and I thought...wait who is this guy? I don't really know him.
While the girls were gone I busied myself with watching the boys who were jumping from a 25 foot deck into the lake. UGH...


  
Even Goddess' friend took the plunge when she returned. Go FAITH!
It was a great day and while I was worried about my daughter who drove away in a boat with a bunch of other 5th grade girls and a stranger she informed me on her return she was having the best time.

Still going to hover but learning that my little girl is totally growing up and doesn't need me as much.

SOB!