Category Archives: Mommy Ramblings

December 2, 2014 · 11:40 pm

Safari Ltd® Educational Toys That Teach & Giveaway!!! #HolidayGiftGuide

My seven-year old is so interested in planets and the solar system and his little brother is full of questions about the size of the sun and which planets are hot or cold. I think it’s wonderful when I can find toys that let us expand on those topics with tactile objects that will let them really see and understand the world around them. Safari Ltd. has been a leader in producing “Toys that Teach™” since 1982. Their mission is to teach children the importance of nature and conservation through the joy of imaginative play.

Safari Ltd® TOOBS® are collections of hand painted figures. There are so many collections to choose from like Ancient Rome, NYC, Sea Life, Babies, Dinosaurs, Ancient Egypt, Around The World, Coral Reef, Deep Sea Creatures, Butterflies, Arctic, Trains and so much more. TOOBS® are great to use for kids projects, for teaching, sharing, playing, collecting and so much more. TOOBS® are perfectly sized to make awesome stocking stuffers. My kids loved the Trains and NYC TOOBS® and I thought the babies TOOBS® were perfect for using in miniature scenes and especially in doll houses.

The Solar System Set from the Safariology® collection was a huge hit, my boys loved handling he planets and seeing where they were in relation to the sun and other planets. The tray has a cover that holds the planets in place when they are done so that everything stays right where it belongs.

This set includes 8 planets and the sun, all hand-painted for detail and accuracy using the latest information from astronomers. Also includes an acetate tray for display, and a blister card with educational information in English, Spanish, French, and German.

For when my guys go exploring the Safariology® Luminoculars have them covered. Made of durable ABS plastic with 3.5x magnification, a light beam that shines up to 100 feet, and a built-in compass. Now explorers can discover more, see farther away, and still find their way home! Luminoculars are available in translucent red, translucent blue, and camouflage.

You can find Safari Ltd® Toys on our 2014 Holiday Gift Guide!

Safari Ltd® is sponsoring a giveaway on Mommy Ramblings! One lucky blog reader will win their choice of a regular TOOBS® set or one figure (subject to availability)! Thank you Safari Ltd® for the review products and for sponsoring this awesome giveaway on Mommy Ramblings!!! Open to US residents.

Safari Ltd® Giveaway on Mommy Ramblings Rules:

Please enter the giveaway using the Rafflecopter widget below. Good Luck!!!

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Filed under Christmas, Giveaway, Holiday, Main Page Post, Mommy Ramblings, Review, Toys

Tagged as #HolidayGiftGuide, Animals, Collection, Educational, Figures, giveaway, Mommy Ramblings, Safari Ltd®, Safariology, Shop, TOOB, TOOBS, Toys That Teach

· 5:10 pm

Our Evening With The Original Harlem Globetrotters!!! #PTPAGlobies

As a PTPA Blogaholic I was provided with tickets to this event for myself and my family. All views and opinions are as always, 100% my own.

We recently attending an Original Harlem Globetrotters event at the Webster Bank Arena in Connecticut. We took our little boys ages 5 and 7 and it was their first time seeing the Globetrotters. The evening started with a VIP meet and greet with some of the players. This was very exciting and we saw close up how tall Stretch was, he is very tall!

Check out our instagram for more meet and greet photos.

After that we stopped to get food and headed to our seats. The show started and it was filled with all kinds of antics, feats of skill and fun. The Washington Generals were there along with their elderly coach and that whole scenario was the premise for lots of jokes and laughs.

People were pulled out throughout the show and thrust into character themselves. Big Easy was hysterical with his comical interaction with the crowd. Taken a ladies purse, drinking a kids soda, dancing with the husband of the woman who he stole the purse from and so much more.

A wonderful time with the mascots Globe (Globee) and Big G who were a hit with kids and adults alike. When Big G who was full of air kept falling on his face with a splat it was absolutely hilarious.

We had a wonderful time and if the Original Harlem Globetrotters make their way nearby to you during their tour, you should plan to go see them for a night of side-splitting fun on the court. You can go HERE to check dates, locations and purchase tickets.

The boys went home with some loot. We bought them tee shirts and basketballs so they can always remember the first time they saw the Original Harlem Globetrotters. I am sure it won’t be the last time.

For more game shots and video of our trip just check out our Instagram.

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Filed under Attractions, Entertainment, Exclusive, Family, Family Fun, Main Page Post, Mommy Ramblings

Tagged as #PTPAGlobies, Connecticut, Entertainment, funny, Greet, Harlem Globetrotters, Laughs, Meet, Mommy Ramblings, Original, Performance, PTPA, PTPA Blogaholic, Show, sports, Stunts, VIP, Webster Bank Arena, World Tour

November 29, 2014 · 12:17 am

Shop World Vision #GiftCatalog For Gifts That Give Back & Giveaway!!!

I don’t know if you ventured out on Black Friday today, but I sure didn’t. I’m so glad too after seeing some of the craziness on the news tonight. If you are looking for a meaningful gift that truly depicts the sentiment, “it is better to give than to receive”, you should check out the World Vision Gift Catalog. The Catalog is filled with over 250 poverty-fighting gifts starting at just $10. When you choose to give where it is needed most, you can receive a handcrafted gift for your generosity.

Choose from handcrafted gifts like Cinnamon Boxes, Serving Spoons, Beaded Necklaces, gorgeous Cuff Bracelets and more that you can keep or give to loved ones this season. It may seem odd to give the gift of a goat, chicken or clean water but it could mean life for someone living in poverty. Take a look at the 2014 World Vision Gift Catalog and consider giving a life changing gift this holiday season.

To order from World Vision’s Gift Catalog, visit www.worldvisiongifts.org or call 855-WV-GIFTS. You can visit with World Vision on Facebook and Twitter. Since it began in 1996, the World Vision Gift Catalog has grown in popularity as a gift-giving alternative; more than 844,000 people helped someone through the Catalog in the last fiscal year alone.

Look at these gorgeous hand crafted serving spoons from Kenya. These are just one of the many gifts available when you give and they are perfect for entertaining or giving to someone who does.

Would you like to have a chance to win a set of serving spoons. If so, just enter using the Rafflecopter widget below.

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Filed under cause, Christmas, Giveaway, Holiday, Main Page Post, Mommy Ramblings

Tagged as #GiftCatalog, #HolidayGiftGuide, Gift Catalog, Gifts, Giving, Handcrafted, Help, Kenya, Meaningful Gifts, Mommy Ramblings, Poverty, Serving Spoons, World Vision

November 24, 2014 · 6:08 pm

Lakeshore Learning Beginner’s Science Lab Review & Giveaway!!! #HolidayGiftGuide

Are you looking for gifts for the kids on your holiday gift list that are as much fun as they are educational? If so, you should check out Lakeshore Learning. They have a full inventory of educational and fun toys for all ages and many are on sale. You can view their Holiday Flyer and see for yourself the wide selection and great prices. Click HERE for a coupon that will save you 20% on any regularly priced item. There is also an additional coupon you can use in store and online on the back of the digital flyer!

We picked the Beginner’s Science Lab from the Holiday Flyer for our budding scientists.

The boys were thrilled to see the huge box filled with all kinds of science equipment and materials.

Building a volcano was the first project. It was very simple, there is a non-toxic paper mache mixture that you just add water to and mix with your hands. Then on some wax paper you mold into a volcano shape and form the opening. It must dry for a couple of days before you can have an eruption. Ours is drying but we will take a video and update this post in a couple of days.

Another great experiment, is the liquid layers, using pancake syrup, cooking oil and colored water, the boys observed how the colored water formed a ball that actually passed through the oil layer into the water layer. They thought that was really neat. We have some more experiments lined up for today and they are really looking forward to it.

We love this Beginner’s Science Lab so much we are adding it to our 2014 Holiday Gift Guide. Would you like a chance to win one? Great! Just enter using the Rafflecopter widget below. Good Luck!!! Open to US Residents. Many thanks to Lakeshore Learning for the review kit and for this awesome giveaway!!!

Lakeshore Learning Beginner’s Science Lab Giveaway on Mommy Ramblings:

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Filed under Christmas, Education, Entertainment, Family, Giveaway, Holiday, Holiday Gift Guide, Main Page Post, Mommy Ramblings, Review, Sale, Shopping, Special Offers, Toys

Tagged as #HolidayGiftGuide, Beginner's Science Lab, Coupons, Educational, Experiments, giveaway, Holiday Flyer, Holiday Gift Guide, Lakeshore Learning, Learn, Mommy Ramblings, review, Save, Savings, Science, Toy, Volcano

November 20, 2014 · 12:12 am

Show Me The Kwan Word Game- Fun For Everyone

Our family loves word games, especially me and my daughter. There is always excitement over the old favorites but when there is something new, that is really exciting. Griddly Games has a fast paced, dice rolling, word game called Show Me the Kwan. It is simple to play and quick for any number of players. Kids 10 and up can play and even younger kids if they can spell simple words.

Given the chosen category the players must call out fitting words where either the first, second or last letter correspond to the lettered dice that were rolled. Each die has an assigned point value. At the end of the 1 minute round, all players must count their points on the dice they collected. Shop at Griddly Games and use the codes FREESHIP for free shipping on Kwan ONLY, or code 10FORME for 10% off their entire order.

Mommy Ramblings has added Griddly Games’ Show Me The Kwan to our 2014 Holiday Gift Guide.

Touch Screen Friendly Glider Gloves Review & Giveaway!!! #HolidayGiftGuide

Most of the country has been hit with record-breaking low temperatures in an Arctic blast that is hitting far too soon, since it is still officially autumn. If you are in one of those areas your hands are going to need protection when you go out. If you have a smart phone, you do not want to have to remove your gloves to use your phone, but sometimes you have to because your phone is not responsive. Well, no need for frosty fingers, you can have your gloves and your smart phone too.

Glider Gloves are touch screen friendly and are made with special conductive micro-fibers woven into the liner, they are able to bridge the conductive gap your gloves create between you and your device. The result? Amazing touch response along your entire hand and fingers and allows for precise control and unparalleled touch response of your touchscreen device – no matter which part of the glove you use.

Available in Urban or the thicker, warmer Winter the gloves make a great gift this holiday season. You will find Glider Gloves on our 2014 Holiday Gift Guide.

I tried out a pair of the Winter and they are toasty warm and I am still able to expertly navigate my iPhone 6. The gloves are comfortable and stretch nicely giving you a great range of motion with your hands.

Glider Gloves is sponsoring a giveaway on Mommy Ramblings! One lucky blog reader will win a pair of Touch Screen Friendly Glider Gloves! Thank you to Glider Gloves for the review gloves and for sponsoring this awesome giveaway on Mommy Ramblings!!! Open to US residents.

Touch Screen Friendly Glider Gloves Giveaway on Mommy Ramblings Rules:

Please enter the giveaway using the Rafflecopter widget below. Good Luck!!!

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Filed under Christmas, Fashion, Giveaway, Main Page Post, Mommy Ramblings, Review

Tagged as #HolidayGiftGuide, 2014 Holiday Gift Guide, giveaway, Glider Gloves, Mommy Ramblings, review, Smart Phone, Touch Screen Friendly, Warmth, Winter

November 17, 2014 · 11:10 pm

The Three Dogateers DVD Giveaway!!! #TheThreeDogateers

Three pampered pooches left to guard the house on Christmas Eve become fearless DOGATEERS when thieves break in and steal every present, every ornament—even the yuletide tree! Vowing to save Christmas, the three canines set out in search of Santa, the only one who can help them on their quest.

The Three Dogateers is Dove “Family-Approved”!

#TheThreeDogateers

The Three Dogateers DVD Giveaway Rules:

Each household is only eligible to win One (1) The Three Dogateers DVD via blog reviews and giveaways. Only one entrant per mailing address per giveaway. If you have won the same prize on another blog, you will not be eligible to win it again. Winner is subject to eligibility verification. Please enter the giveaway using the Rafflecopter widget below. Good Luck!!!

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Filed under Christmas, Dogs, Entertainment, Giveaway, Main Page Post, Mommy Ramblings, Review

Tagged as #TheThreeDogateers, Christmas, DVD, giveaway, holiday, Mommy Ramblings, Movie, The Three Dogateers

November 14, 2014 · 1:04 pm

Eco Vessel, Insulated Steel Bottles Review & Giveaway!!! #HolidayGiftGuide

We use water bottles all the time. I want my kids to use high quality bottles that are free of any toxins and are easy to care for. The Eco Vessel Twist is a triple insulated kids stainless steel water bottle with fun designs and colors. It is a large enough bottle that it is good for younger kids, older kids and even adults would look fine using. It holds a full 12 ounces of water.

Features I love are that it has a leak-proof twist cap, and it fits car cup holders, the bottles are great to pack because the triple max insulation keeps drinks cold for up to 36 hours and hot for 8 hours. This is essential when we go on trips because I can pack drinks and not have to keep pulling off to go to a convenience store because they want a cold or hot drink. They make getting where we are going a more pleasant experience and of course we make better time.

The full bottle designs are fun and add a lot of style to the bottle. This is a great water bottle that is perfect anywhere they go. There is even a removable tea strainer

The Boulder Triple Insulated Water Bottle is a Vacuum Insulated 25 ounce Stainless Steel vessel. This bottle is great for long trips, hikes, biking, sports events and really anywhere you go. It has the same great leak prof drinking spout as the kid’s bottle and is perfect for water, coffee, hot chocolate, soup and more. TriMax® triple insulation keeps liquids cold for up to 36 hours and hot for up to 8 hours. The wide mouth on the bottle is great for adding ice cubes and for filling. There is a removable tea strainer.

The bottles are free of BPA, phthalates and liners and made of premium #304 stainless steel.

You can find Eco Vessel on our 2014 Holiday Gift Guide because their products make great gifts for everyone on your holiday gift list this season.

Eco Vessel is sponsoring a giveaway on Mommy Ramblings. One lucky blog reader will have their choice of the Kid’s 12 oz Eco Vessel Twist or 25 oz Boulder Triple Insulated Water Bottle in the color/design of their choice (subject to availability). Thank you Eco Vessel for the review products and for sponsoring this refreshing giveaway on Mommy Ramblings!!! Open to US residents.

Eco-Vessel Triple Insulated, Stainless Steel Water Bottle Giveaway on Mommy Ramblings Rules:

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Filed under Christmas, Giveaway, Health, Main Page Post, Mommy Ramblings, Review

Tagged as #HolidayGiftGuide, Bottle, Cold, Drinks, Eco Vessel, giveaway, Holiday Gift Guide, hot, Insulated, Mommy Ramblings, review, Stainless Steel, Water

November 11, 2014 · 11:44 pm

SentoSphere, Optical Mysteries Review & Giveaway!!! #HolidayGiftGuide

My husband is a scientist and a mathematical whiz, so I knew he would be ecstatic to delve into Optical Mysteries from SentoSphere with our boys. I was not wrong, am I ever? 😛 He poured over all the experiments and said they were very educational and interesting.

He was able to show the kids how energy from the sun can be harnessed for solar power. There were lots of fun experiments showing the effect light has on colors. Creating your own rainbow and building a kaleidoscope were other fun activities included in this kit. They are still having fun and learning every day with these great experiments.

Includes:

• 1 solar panel

• 1 spinning board

• 1 LED light box

• 1 DIY kaleidoscope

• 1 optical fibre

• 1 trick (illusion) box

• 3D glasses

• 3D pictures assortment

• 4 bottles of ink

• 1 pipette

• 1 mirror

• 1 paintbrush

• 10 optic tests

• 1 illustrated instruction leaflet

For ages 8 years and older

If you have a little scientist on your holiday gift list, you should check out Optical Mysteries. Mommy Ramblings is adding it to our 2014 Holiday Gift Guide.

Sentosphere is sponsoring a giveaway on Mommy Ramblings. One lucky blog reader will win their own Optical MysteriesKit. Thank you Sentosphere for the review kit and for sponsoring this illuminating giveaway on Mommy Ramblings. Open to US residents.

Sentosphere, Optical Mysteries Giveaway on Mommy Ramblings Rules:

Please enter the giveaway using the Rafflecopter widget below. Good Luck!!!

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Filed under Christmas, Holiday, Holiday Gift Guide, Main Page Post, Mommy Ramblings, Toys

Tagged as #HolidayGiftGuide, giveaway, Holiday Gift Guide, Mommy Ramblings, Optical Mysteries, review, SentoSphere

· 10:22 pm

Show Cars.com Your #newcarface & They Could Pay Off Your Car Loan!!!

This post is sponsored by Cars.com but all of my words and opinions are 100% my own.

Buying a new car is quite an experience and investment. Looking back on my childhood, there are some very funny new car buying stories that we love to share. My older brother started a side business selling firewood when he was just out of his teens. Since he needed a truck to haul the cords of wood, my parents went out with him to look at a long-term rental and they came home with a brand new yellow Chevy cargo van. Or there’s the time my parents bought 3 new Triumph Spitfires, one for each of my older brothers, because the deal was just too good to pass up. I remember going to dealership after dealership with my dad when he was looking at Corvettes. We took so many test drives before he surprised us one day driving in with a new white Chevy Stingray Corvette. How he loved that car! There are so many great memories but one of the fondest is how my parents bought my sister and I matching red Pontiac Firebirds when I was 16.

As an adult I have had my own experiences with my husband buying cars for ourselves and our older kids. I am sure my kids have some great memories of our experiences, but probably nothing as colorful as my parents’ purchases. Maybe you are in the market for a new car, it’s getting closer to winter and if you live in a cold climate, maybe an SUV or 4 Wheel Drive is on your agenda.

Cars.com is a great website that takes the drama out of car shopping. They are also taking the drama out of car loans with a Cars.com contest giving away up to $25,000 to pay off someone’s car loan. Guess what? That someone could be you because if you show Cars.com your #NewCarFace they just might pay off your car loan. Wow, what would your New Car Face look like? Maybe like the ones below:

Ways To Enter:

On Twitter: Upload a photo of your new car + happy new car face. Use #newcarface and mention/tag @carsdotcom in your post.
On Instagram: Upload a photo of your new car + happy new car face. Use #newcarface and mention/tag @carsdotcom in your post.
On Facebook: Post a photo of your new car + happy new car face on the Cars.com Facebook wall (as a new post). Be sure to use #newcarface for your entry to be valid.

Legal Considerations:

Participants can only submit 1 entry during the promotional period
Visit This Site for more examples of #newcarface entries, additional contest details and rules.
Open to legal US residents (excluding MD, NJ and TN), 18+ who hold (or whose immediate family member holds) a qualifying vehicle loan or lease.
Begins 7/29/14 at 8:00:00 am CST and ends 1/2/15 at 12:00:00 pm CST. Prize value up to $25k.
Subject to the Official Rules HERE. See Official Rules for full details, including eligibility criteria and qualifying vehicle restrictions.
Sponsor: Cars.com, a division of Classified Ventures, LLC.
Please do not include any personal information, like your license plate number.
A “New Car” is considered a new or used car bought or leased on or after 1/1/2012.