My Daughter and I Have Watched A Movie A Night, Thanks Dove Channel

Finding movies to watch that are parent and child friendly isn't always easy. She wants to watch something but I am bored or I pick something and she zones out 10 minutes in, eventually leaving the room to play something on her computer. Keeping her unplugged and spending time together is very important to me. Life goes fast and she will be out of here way before I am ready

Thank you Dove TV. My daughter and I always find something to watch and I never have to worry if it will contain a scene or scenes that are not appropriate for her eyes. I cannot tell you the amount of movies that are deemed family friendly out there so you put them on and suddenly there is a conversation about sex or a couple kissing and eventually more. The Dove Foundation have approved all the movies featured on their channel and in fact have a breakdown of the intensity of everything movie featured on the Dove TV - Roku Channel.

So far we have watched a child hood favorite of mine; Davy and Goliath, The Christmas Orange, The Christmas Rabbit, The Velveteen Rabbit, Mandie and The Secret Tunnel and Abbott and Costello.
 
While it is a subscription channel at a very reasonable $4.99 a month, there is also a free option.

Great family gift idea if you are still wondering what to get someone. Roku boxes were put in both kid's rooms three years ago. It is like having a cable box in their room without paying for a cable box. They don't get cable but they do get Amazon, Netflix, Yahoo, You Tube, The Dove Channel and SOOOO much more. 

Meet The Moodsters

The 411:

I honestly love the idea behind Meet the Moodsters. I know adults who don't always know why they are feeling a certain way or how to deal with it. My son is on the autistic spectrum as many long time readers know and dealing with his moods and the ramifications of his moods are sometimes a full time job for us and his teachers and therapists.

The Moodsters teach Zach how to explore and explain his emotions. Having the tools to cope with the day to day issues that make certain emotions rear their ugly heads is half the battle.

In this book, Zach is trying to perform a magic trick but when everything goes wrong and he can't make it work, he gets very angry over a mess he inadvertently makes. This is when he meets the Moodsters. The Moodsters are little detectives (Coz, Lolly, Snorf, Razzy and Quigly who help him reconcile his emotions thus making him a happier Zach.

The stories and toys teach simple strategies to build social and emotional intelligence skills in young children. Emotional Intelligence (EQ) is defined as the ability to identify and manage one's own emotions as well as the emotions of others. Decades of scientific research has shown that children with EQ skills are better able to manage their thoughts, feelings and behavior. 

I can't wait to show this to his OT and Speech therapist. They are always looking for new ways to address certain situations that may arise with my son and I am sure this could be helpful with some of their other students.

The book is full color and the graphics are beyond superb. Both of my kids loved reading and looking at the book in detail and I can hear the mood meter go off all the time as one of them plays with it. 

3 Deals In One - Perfect For Anyone Who Likes Being Outdoors

 
My son loves walking around the house or deck at night listening to music. It is something he does every night to self sooth and be alone, decompress and get ready for the evening. I love that he does it but have always hated the in and out for water breaks and I worry about my MP3 Player being dropped as well as his safety. We live on a street without streetlights so when he walks around the yard I get nervous that a car won't see him if he steps onto the road. Yesterday he received the running hydration belt with water bottles package which also includes a smartphone armband for my phone and a LED bracelet for his arm, wrist or ankle

The belt has two water bottles which can each hold 6 oz of water. I love that the bottles lie slanted. My other belt has the bottles sitting straight up and they always poke me or my arm sends it flying. The slant keeps them completely out of the way. There are two zippered pockets and the belt is completely adjustable. I could wear it as well as my 12 and 10 year old.

The arm band is for a 6S/6S Plus phone. It is completely adjustable and has a place for a key. Love that....and will be borrowing for the track. He said it was really comfortable, even over his sweat jacket.

The bracelet had a strong smell when I first took it out of the bag but it went away immediately. I love that the band isn't just but also has a button that allows for three different light modes. You can have it solid, quick or slow flashing. I feel way more comfortable now that he can wear this.

This is a great set for hikers, walkers, joggers or just kids who want to walk around at night and listen to music.

The Most Adorable Doll Baking Set Ever!!!

< This is one of the cutest kits I have ever seen for baking. The apron, oven mitt and hat are adorable but it is the other items were went crazy for.  We love this set of baking accessories including the fake foods.

My daughter and I loved playing with the miniature set and taking photos of it. She was going to give it to a friend but has decided she can't part with it.

Great mini set for pretend play or for your doll.

I wish the packaging had a graphic on it but it is probably left off for cost. Don't let the all white box fool you. There is a ton of fun in that plain box.

Keep The Spirit Alive With A Personalize Letter From The Big Guy That Is Secular Or Non Secular

The 411 by Maria:

My kids are 10 and 12 and still like mom and dad big believers. What I loved most about these letters from Santa are how easy it is to select a template and write to your child. The letters are created by YOU so you can include absolutely anything. I chose to fully write mine but you can select a letter that would be perfect for your family from the many samples.  My kids were amazed at how much Santa knows about them and we loved reading them together over and over and over again. My daughter kept asking, "how does he know?"

Looking for more than a letter? There are many packages to choose from as well. Our letters came from the Nice List Package included a credit card size ID card that states both kids are on the Nice List.  There is also an Original Package which just contains the letter, and the Magic Key Package that contains a letter, and a magic key for Santa or the North Pole Package which includes everything like the Nice List ID Card and the Key.

Not only can you personalize the letter and add extras but the letter and envelope look like they were created on antique paper and sent in an antique envelope that only Santa could possess and sealed with a red dot of wax with a Santa emblem. It all looks very official!

Kids will definitely love these letters addressed to them and completely about them. Brighten your child's face and amaze them with a memory that will last forever.

 

On The Go Picnic Boxes Make Food On The Go Super Easy

Like most moms I spend my day juggling. I juggle my part-time job, the kids schedules, house chores, cooking, friends, blogging, product reviews, and more. Yes, guys I know you do too and kudos to you but a lot of guys have no idea the amount of juggling moms do. While you guys head out to work and deal with that part of life so your family has a roof over their head, many moms are doing what they can to make sure everyone is happy. Sometimes this means putting ourselves why at the bottom of the list. Waaaayyyyy down low. 

Meals are also way low on my list....I don't have anytime to think about this especially for myself. I can't tell you the amount of times I wonder why I am hungry and remember it is because I haven't eaten. Who forgets to eat? The last time that happened was right after the births of both my babies.

I want to eat. It is just the constant rush which is why I am so happy to have been able to check out a company called GoPicnic.

There are so many choices and they have been a complete Godsend. I have tossed them in my tote bag when I am working, tossed them in my daughter's lunch box even tossed three in my car for whenever we need something during our mad rushes and I don't want to spend money at a fast food place.

The Meals all come in boxes which has a color photo of everything included in the box, nutritional value which is broken down and super easy to read, and even the inside of the box is used as it contains a game.


What I can tell you about the meals:

The meals come with a few items in each box. For instance a meat stick, cheese spread, crackers, and a snack like nuts or applesauce. Everything is individually wrapped and actually taste great. My kids went through anything that had cheese and crackers very quickly. My favorite was the Turkey Stick!

I loved everything except the cinnamon spread. Not sure why I didn't love it. I guess I expect it to be like my cream cheese but mine cream cheese is high in fat but I love my cream cheese and will eat it regardless of the fat.

Here are some pics of the meals:

Holiday Gift Ideas - Things Remembered

Christmas is fast approaching and I am so not ready this year. I am usually 50% done at this point at the least.

My nieces are all getting older and I never know what to get them but since some of them have already moved into their own apartments I am looking at things that will remind them how much they are loved and how their family will always be there for them.

Things Remembered is a shop I used to frequent during this time in the mall when I was younger. I loved that you could personalize gifts and always shopped for at least two gifts a year there.

So far I have purchased key chains, gift sets, mugs, pillows and towels and blankets. I gave an embroidered antique blanket to my Maid of Honor for serving in my wedding over 22 years ago and oddly enough, she gave us the same one but with our names and wedding date on it.

They have beautiful, quality products like this stunning necklace.

Infinity Heart Crystal Swing Necklace with Free Classic Beveled Edge Round Keepsake Box

It is so pretty!  It is a heart to be worn close to your heart that you can personalize. The  Infinity Crystal Swing Necklace is cleverly designed into the center of the brushed silver finish heart pendant, with clear crystals on one side.

This tiny heart hangs on the extender

This is truly a beautiful heart! You can write whatever you want on the front and the back of the heart.

You can see the plastic that sits on the heart when you first get it to ensure it is scratch free during shipping.

I am wrapping mine up and giving it to myself for Christmas. Truly a beautiful gift.

Personalize Your Wall Art With Your Own Photo Collage on Canvas

I've talked about Collage before especially with this stunning photo blanket which is definitely my over all pick for Christmas presents this year.

Now I want to show you their amazing canvas collage wall art.

They take your photos, print them on canvas wah lah...you have your most favorite wall art ever.

What surprises me most is just how clear and stunning my photos from my phone camera come out on blankets or canvas. Collage is definitely a wonderful printing business because each photo looks like it was taken with my best Canon camera. The clarity and the color really impresses me.

Our Little Christmas Tree + Our Unboxing Video

If you are looking for a very special holiday gift this year, consider Jackson and Perkins. Jackson and Perkins knows that sometimes it is hard to come up with gift ideas. I have this problem every year and it gets harder and harder as the family grows.  I love the idea of giving the gift of Christmas or the gift of the Season and Jackson and Perkins has a huge holiday selection. You have to check it out.

Like this Chalkboard Evergreen Centerpiece

The Box!

Decorating The Tree 

 All Decorated

You can watch us un-box this beauty and see everything included here.

 

MR. WARMTH! DON RICKLES: THE ULTIMATE TV COLLECTION - A MUST HAVE

The 411:

I sat down happily to review this collection of Don's shows including CPO Sharkey. Let me start by saying I am a huge Don Rickles fan. This is a wonderful collection of the best of Don!  I know a lot of people know Don Rickles as the voice of Mr. Potato Head in Toy Story but I have been watching him from the past 43 of my 49 years at least.

From the very beginning with Don Rickles, Don Adams, Harvey Korman and that hot guy who I can't remember...It was so fun. Just a bunch of friends sitting in chairs chatting with an audience. It seemed very real, unscripted and funny. 

This is a great gift for anyone who loves Don or loves comedy. 

I loved CPO Sharkey. Don played a Navy Chief Petty Officer in charge of new recruits.  The running jokes were usually about Don's height as opposed to his assistant Seaman Lester who was very tall.  My sisters and I loved this show!

Breakfast and Star Wars Perfect Together

For a limited time...some of the most popular Big G cereals have mashed together! You can see this historical mashup on Honey Nut Cheerios, Trix, Cinnamon Toast Crunch, Reese Puffs and Cookie Crisp.  Buzzbee is Darth Vadar, The Trix Rabbit is Princess Leia and Chip the Wolf is a storm trooper. Besides the cereal boxes being changed this partnership includes one collectible prize in the boxes that is beyond cool.

There are six different Droid viewers along with a limited edition BB-8 Droid that can be found only in select Target stores. Each viewer will reveal an image from “Star Wars: The Force Awakens,” which is opening in theaters a week before Christmas on December 18.

My kids were beyond excited when we got the box.

 Handsome opened it for us and started reading

We had a blast opening the box and looking at the changes on the cereal boxes.

We LOVE the droids as has every kid that comes over. They will be asking their parents to get these cereals because they want their own collection!

We can't wait to see the movie when it comes out....but until then...May The Force Be With You.

Bunnies By The Bay Is My New Favorite Baby Store +Video Review

This guy is so soft and squishy I wanted to grab my blanket and head to the couch for a nap with the TV on in the background. That sounds like heaven to me right now. 

Oh my gosh...this bunny! I love and adore the face and the softness of the blanket. It is truly an adorable baby gift and I love that bunny can come out of the pocket for when they just want to squeeze and hold him tight.

Bunnies By The Bay will be my go to shop from now on. I think I just heard my friend Jen is having a girl. I can't wait to shop for her and already have my eyes on a sweet little baby friendly gift from Bunnies By The Bay.

See My Quick Video Here:

Are You The Best Paleontologist? Find Out When You Play Draw 4: Dig for Dino's

Oddly enough it took us a moment to learn this game but once I got it...it was a snap...

Basically depending on how many people playing you create a playing field of cards. This will be your evacuation area. The goal is to see who gets the most completed dinosaurs on the dig.

The cards are all turned over to reveal either a question mark or some dino bones. The question mark cards are the action cards and the bone cards reveal a dinosaur on the other side. Each dinosaur is made up of four cards and like I said before the goal is to have the most dinosaurs.