Tag Archives: kids

Help Your Children Be The Best They Can Be

As parents, grandparents, teachers, counselors and more we want to help kids be the best they can be.  Self-esteem, tolerance, good values – these are gifts that will last children a lifetime and help them become successful adults. I want to share a great book with you that shows kids positive role models to follow in its stories about making good choices, having confidence and doing the right thing.  These stories serve as a sounding board to encourage conversation and discussion between children and adults.  Perfect for family discussions and great for the classroom.

From Chicken Soup for the Soul Publishing, Be The Best You Can Be is a  joint project of Chicken Soup for the Soul and The Boniuk Foundation, working together to promote tolerance, respect, and compassion, inspiring young people and adults to embrace their differences, reject stereotypes, and make good choices. It’s part of a larger effort that includes additional books for teens, college students, parents, and grandparents, as well as a family television show every Saturday morning starting in October.

Be The Best You Can Be Book

This book harnesses the power of storytelling to inspire and teach kids, while also entertaining them. Key issues such as bullying, tolerance, and values are addressed in stories selected from Chicken Soup for the Soul’s vast library and represent the best on these topics from the company’s 22-year history.

You can read a story from the book HERE!

Enter Our Giveaway To Win A Copy of This Book!  3 Winners!!!

Chicken Soup for the Soul Publishing is sponsoring a giveaway on Mommy Ramblings. Three lucky blog readers will win their own copy of Be The Best You Can Be!  Thank you to CSFTSP for the review book and for sponsoring this inspiring giveaway on Mommy Ramblings.  Open to US residents.  Good Luck!!!

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Chicken Soup for the Soul: Be The Best You Can Be Book Giveaway on Mommy Ramblings:

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Make The New Baby Transition Easier For Older Siblings with Mission: New Baby Book #Giveaway

Mission: New Baby by Susan Hood is a book to make the transition to a new sibling see more like a mission and your child a special agent.  This book will be an inspiration for soon-to-be big brothers and sisters.

Parents will appreciate the encouraged bonding as they share this book as a family.  The illustrations by Mary Lundquist are absolutely charming and the text will have everyone giggling.  If you are looking for a unique book to celebrate an older sibling, then Mission: New Baby is what you’re looking for.  Recommended for children ages 3-7, book is 32 pages and available in hardcover or Ebook.

National Siblings Day is April 10th!  This book would be perfect for starting that sibling bond off early!

Random House Children’s Books is sponsoring a giveaway on Mommy Ramblings!  Two lucky blog readers will win their own copy of Mission: New Baby! . Thank you to Random House for the review book and for sponsoring this fantastic giveaway on Mommy Ramblings!!!  Open to US residents.

Random House, Mission: New Baby Book Giveaway on Mommy Ramblings Rules:

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Moxie Jean-Save Time, Money & The Planet-Resale Reimagined

This post is sponsored by Moxie Jean and may contain affiliate links, as always, my words and views are 100% my own.

 

Moxie Jean Logo

Babies and kids grow so fast, they hardly have time to wear most of their expensive and adorable outfits more than a few times.  Many times brand new outfits are outgrown before they are even worn.  I know most people buy gifts for a new baby in small sizes, so parents have so many outfits and such a short amount of time before they are outgrown.  No matter how hard I tried there were always brand new outfits never worn and a baby that no longer fit in that size.  Now there is a solution for all of this and more!

Moxie Jean is an online “upscale resale” store  started by 2 moms, Sharon Schneider and Sandra Pinter, who are also sisters.  Moxie Jean only sells new or “like new” clothing.  You will find  phenomenal name brands and styles at a fraction of what they cost new. Everything comes with their 100% satisfaction guarantee. Sizes for kids range from newborn to size 14.  You can get an additional 20% off your order when you sign up for their inventory alerts with your email.  The site is so easy to navigate, you choose girl or boy and size and then you can choose from several filters to narrow down their expansive selection. Every Monday and Thursday they get new inventory and you can shop new markdowns and clearance too for even greater savings.  I was very impressed and have ordered 2 times from them so far and believe me will again many times over.

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They have clothing, shoes and accessories and have recently added maternity clothing to their inventory.  Check them out, but hurry if you like something, at these prices things go fast!  Don’t hesitate if you see something you love for your child or yourself.

When your child has outgrown his or her clothing you can request a Moxie Jean Mailer Bag and send them back as well as add any other gently used or new clothing and they will be put on the site for sale.  When they sell you will receive a percentage of the purchase price.  Unsold clothing is donated to charity. Shopping at Moxie Jean is a way to save time, money and the planet without sacrificing style.  Moxie Jean is resale reimagined.

I hope you will check them out and let me know what you think.  Would love to hear about your great finds too so just drop a note in the comments.  Happy shopping!

 

Adorable clothes at 75% off retail every day

 

“This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of Moxie Jean.”


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Splash Math, Fun Learning Math Game Apps For Kids!!! #FreeMathApp #MomBuzz

Games that are fun and encourage learning are always welcome additions in our household.  Recently I downloaded some Splash Math Apps for my kids.  I downloaded the Pre-K to K and the version for Grades 1-5.  I recently posted the following 2 reviews of them on iTunes if you want to check them out.

Splash Math Pre-K:

This fun math app is great for kids in pre-k and kindergarten.  My son is in Kindergarten and loves math, his dad is a math professor so it is in his genes. The fun, friendly characters make the math games fun and kids learn and practice counting skills, addition, subtraction, compare numbers to determine which is greater than or less than, measuring, early geometry and more.  If a child completed all the levels in any given learning unit they win a prize.  If they get the wrong answer they are given helpful guidance to help steer them toward the right answer.  This is a great app for little ones that teaches early math skills they will need to build a strong foundation.  They get 20 questions daily for free.
iPad Screenshot 1
My son is in second grade and loves math and numbers.  It is in his genes as his father is a mathematics professor, lol.  Anyway this app downloads easy and is great for kids in 1st thru 5th grade.  It is aligned with common core curriculum my child’s school is using  and teaches multiplication, division, number sense, geometry, fractions and more.  There is an area for them to do their work and it offers 20 questions with the free version daily. This is a great app for kids to hone their math skills or learn some new ones.
Splash Math 1-5

Join the 8 million+ users!

Download Splash Math on iTunes!

Get SplashMath for Grades 1-5

Get SplashMath for Pre-K

Or check them out on Google Play!

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$100 Amazon Gift Card Giveaway

Write a short review of any Splash Math app on the iTunes App Store. If you have already reviewed Splash Math app, simply update your review.

Send an email to giveaway@splashmath.com with your iTunes nickname and the app you reviewed.

 

This post was created in partnership with Mom Buzz Media and StudyPad Inc. All opinions expressed are my own.

 


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Shop Wonder Forge Games This Holiday Season & Enter Our Giveaway To Win 2 Star Wars Games!!! #HolidayGiftGuide

wonder-forge-logo

Wonder Forge has consistently offered top-quality experiences, raising the bar for preschool and family games everywhere. The preschool titles celebrate the “can do” attitude in all kids—engaging them physically, socially, and creatively. The family games bridge generation gaps and create wholesome family moments and lasting memories.   If you are shopping for kids big and small this holiday season, Wonder Forge has some great choices that will have the whole family playing and interacting together.  Check out these great games:

 

Disney Pictopia Family Trivia Game

 disney-pictopia-game-contents

Our family loves games we can play together and Pictopia is certainly one that fits that description.  This uniquely collaborative yet competitive trivia game will have your family teaming up and testing their knowledge on 1,000 questions covering the World of Disney!  Questions range from Disney Jr., Disney XC to the Disney Parks and classic films.  Players place wagers based on knowledge of those images, and then work together or on their own, to answer the question.  For ages 7 and up.

 

Promotes:
  • Family together-time
  • Strategic thinking
  • Cooperation and teamwork
Product Contents
  • 200 Cards (1000 Questions)
  • 30 Wager Coins
  • 1 Game Board
  • 6 Movers
  • 6 Scoring Dials
  • 1 Die
  • Instructions

Pictopia

Pictopia 5

Pictopia 4

Pictopia 2

 

Do you have Star Wars fans in your house like I do?  If so, check out these great games:

Star Wars Face Off Dice Game:

 

star-wars-face-off-contents

Go head-to-head in this action-packed bluff ‘n’ battle dice game!  Roll hero combos to rack up points or push your luck and “go villain” to steal the win!  Pack it all up in the collectible cup and play anywhere!  For ages 8 and up and 2 to 4 players.

Product Contents
  • 1 Darth Vader/Luke Skywalker Dice Cup
  • 5 Dice
  • Instructions

Star Wars Face Off

Star  Wars Face Off 1

Star Wars Force Grab:

 

star-wars-force-grab-contents

Force Grab is edge-of-your-seat fun! Race to spot when the Star Wars objects match the pictures. React fast! Look out for decoys, bonus scoring twists, and other disturbances in the Force!  My kids love playing this race to action game with us   Ages 6 and up and for 2 to 6 players.

Promotes:
  • Physical dexterity
  • Memory
  • Quick reflexes
Product Contents
  • 15 Objects
  • 4 Lightsaber Markers
  • 1 “3” Marker
  • 1 “0” Marker
  • 50 Placards
  • 15 Score Tokens
  • Instructions

Star Wars Force Grab Game

 

Star Wars Force Grab Game 1

Star Wars Rebel Missions:

It’s a dark time in the galaxy as the evil Galactic Empire tightens its grip of power. Work together as the ragtag crew of the Ghost starship and fight Imperial forces on the remote planet of Lothal! In this exciting team strategy game, race against the Imperial Timer to complete daring Rebel missions and find the four secret codes that will deal a blow to the Empire! Every game is a different edge-of-your-seat adventure!  Ages 6 and up and 2 to 4 players.

Promotes:
  • Cooperation and teamwork
  • Strategic thinking
Product Contents
  • 1 Imperial Timer
  • 2 Dice
  • 44 Resource Tokens
  • 28 Mission Placards
  • 5 Rebel Profiles
  • Instructions

Star Wars Rebel Missions

 

Star Wars Rebel Game

 

When you are ready for a stretch, it is time to play Disney Junior Super Stretchy Game:

disney-jr-super-stretchy-contents

 

Get moving with the beloved characters from Disney Junior, including Doc McStuffins, Jake and the Never Land Pirates, Sofia the First, and Mickey Mouse Clubhouse! While you stretch your body, other players flip over cards and call out characters, colors, and shapes. How many can you reach at the same time? It’s active fun for your wiggly ones!

Promotes:
  • Self-confidence
  • Teamwork and cooperation
  • Physical dexterity
Product Contents
  • 44 Game Cards
  • 1 Card Holder
  • 1 Play Mat
  • Instructions

Super Stretchy Game

Super Stretchy Disney Game

 

Where to Buy:  You can purchase these great games at Major Retailers like Toys R Us, Walmart, Kohls and Amazon.com.  You can find Wonder Forge on our 2014 Holiday Gift Guide at Mommy Ramblings.

 

Giveaway!!!

Wonder Forge is sponsoring a giveaway and one lucky Mommy Ramblings’ reader will win their own Star Wars Rebels Mission and Star Wars Force Grab Game!!!  Thanks to Wonder Forge for the review games and for sponsoring this fantastic giveaway on Mommy Ramblings!!! Open to US residents.

Wonder Forge Star Wars Rebel Missions and Force Grab Game Giveaway on Mommy Ramblings Rules:

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

 

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Draw-A-Saurus Drawing Book By James Silvani Review & Giveaway!!! #HolidayGiftGuide

Random_House_logo

My seven-year-old loves drawing and he’s really becoming quite the artist.  He was thrilled to see Draw-A-Saurus arrive.  A quick scan of  the pages filled him with inspiration to create.  I have no doubt our home will be filled with his dinosaur drawings and I am sure his little brother will be trying his best to follow right along.  If you have a dino-loving artist in your home or on your gift list this holiday season, this book would be the perfect fit!  Mommy Ramblings is adding Draw-A-Saurus to our 2014 Holiday Gift Guide.  Keep reading to see how you can win a copy in our giveaway.

This in-depth yet accessible dinosaur drawing guide combines humor, creativity, and the latest dino research to show artists young and old how to breathe life into drawings of their prehistoric favorites. 

Draw A Saurus Book mR
Prehistoric Pencil Power!
Even though they lived some 65 million years ago, dinosaurs and other prehistoric reptiles continue to rule today. From movies to comics and cartoons, these ancient, giant beasts are everywhere you turn. Of course, who wants to just read about or watch these dinos when you can learn how to use pencils, pens, markers, and more to draw your very own?

Cartoonist James Silvani combines easy-to-follow art exercises with the latest, greatest dino-facts to help you create fun and cool dinosaur doodles all by yourself. With lessons on old favorites like T-rex and stegosaurus, as well as lesser-known (but still awesome) creatures like the massive argentinosaurus, Draw-a-Saurus has everything the dinosaur fan could ever ask for (outside of their very own pet dino!).

Of all the creatures to walk the earth, nothing captures the imagination and fascination of children (and children at heart) quite like dinosaurs. Even though they lived 65 million years ago, dinosaurs are morepresent than ever in movies, comics and cartoons. Draw-A-Saurus takes readers on a pre-historicadventure, giving expert lessons on drawing their favorite dinosaurs.An accomplished cartoonist that has worked for Disney, Marvel, and Dreamworks, James Silvaniknows how to break down these complex creatures into easy, step-by-step lessons that make drawingthese colossal creatures an accessible and fun activity.  Draw-A-Saurus is more than your average doodle book. Each dino-drawing lesson is accompanied by fun facts and the latest information on old favorites like T-rex and velociraptors, along with some less heard of (but equally awesome) dinosaurs like:
  • Struthiomius, who has a beak instead of teeth
  • Pteranodon, whose hands and fingers evolved into wings
  • Protoceratops, who was roughly the size of a sheep!
  • Argentinosaurus, the largest animal to ever walk the earth

With easy-to-follow art exercises that mix creativity with the latest dino-facts, Draw-A-Saurus has everything the dinosaur fan could ever ask for. 

JAMES SILVANI is an artist and illustrator and has drawn characters for Disney, Warner Bros.,Dreamworks, Lucasfilm, and Marvel Comics. Currently he is a comic book illustrator for titles likeDisney’s Mickey MouseDuckTalesDarkwing Duck, and The Muppets. Silvani has drawn dinosaursand other prehistoric beasts since childhood, and now puts those skills to use in art workshops atlibraries, schools, and comic book conventions. Silvani is a resident of Kihei, Hawaii.

Would you like to win a copy?  Random House is sponsoring a giveaway and one lucky blog reader will win their own copy of Draw-A-Saurus.  Thank you Random House for the review copy and for sponsoring this dino-riffic giveaway on Mommy Ramblings!!!  Open to US residents.

Draw-A-Saurus Dinosaur Drawing Book By James Silvani Giveaway on Mommy Ramblings Rules:

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Time Is No Match For Any of Us!!!

The school supplies are labeled, the backpacks are packed and the lunch boxes are full of healthy lunch snacks.  Yet, as the kids lay nestled all snug in their beds, I am begging and pleading for time to slow down.  You see this mom is not ready for summer to end, seems it just started and now it’s the end!  It doesn’t seem fair, how could it be over?  We didn’t even do most of the things on our list, I feel full of mommy guilt and I’m shaking my fist!

This thing we call time is spinning too fast, in the blink of an eye, our kids grow right up.  The time we thought we had passes us by, before we know it they’ll be moving on and saying goodbye.  Childhood is far too fleeting and bittersweet for my taste.   You see,  I know how quickly it passes, this is my second time through it and so I know how it goes.  First time parents think they have years and years and the time will go slow and not disappear.  However, those of us who have been here before, know all too well, how quickly time goes.

We moms who were young enough to start over again with a new set of babes share a secret between us.  We will tell you don’t blink because if you do, a lifetime will pass and you won’t believe it’s true.  It’s scary and real, but we have to accept it, life is too short and over too quickly.  We try to hold on kicking and screaming to push back the hours, days and the months. We want to just slow it all down but we know it’s futile, we don’t stand a chance but we try nonetheless in our warrior stance.

So, I’m not thrilled that another school year is thrust upon us. Unless some magical power comes over me tonight and somehow I am able to win the fight and turn back the time and start summer again, I will have to grin and rejoice at the dawn of the day and send my children along to start a new year.  It’s harder than hard since my baby starts school and I just want to hold him and not let him go, but I know that he has much to learn and explore.  The best thing comes at the end of the day, I can hold him as he shares all he did that first day.   I will hold him and smile and laugh as he does. He will not see the tears fall from my eyes, instead I will secretly  wipe them and treasure the moment and everything in it.

I urge you my friends to understand that no matter your age or the stage you are in, it will pass all too quickly without warning and leave you wondering just where the years went.  You won’t have an answer, you will not even believe how fast time can fly.  It’s then you will understand all too well that we’re not in control. We live a life, then it’s over and hope those left behind are filled with great memories of love from that sweet time we did share.   So love on your family and friends while you can because time, is not something that can be bought, stopped or stalled.  Time is the constant we know will keep moving, so live every day to the fullest you can because time waits for no one and isn’t your friend.


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Save UpTo 70% On Back To School Shopping At The All New Nordstrom Rack!!! #NordstromRack

This post is sponsored by Nordstrom Rack but my word and opinions are as always 100% my own.

Closer and closer to school starting for us and it’s so bittersweet for me.  I don’t want the summer to be over.  I don’t want the days to grow shorter and colder and I definitely don’t want to head into the winter that everyone is predicting will be one of the worst!  As much as I try though, I can’t stop time.   With the kids heading back to school it’s important to make sure they start the year off right.  Did you know that the all-new nordstromrack.com has the top brands and latest styles for up to 70% off!  They really do, and they make it easy to dress to impress with designer brands at clearance prices.

Some of my favorite picks for my boys for back to school on the site were:

The Tucker + Tate “Townsend” Straight Leg Jeans in Toddler and Little Boy Sizes.  The jeans were only $12.97, that is 64% off the regular price

Tucker + Tate

 The Tucker + Tate Conrad Plaid Shirt is only $12.97 and 65% off the regular price!

Tucker Tate Conrad Plaid Shirt

The ASICS Performance Tees were only $9.97 which is 38% off the regular price.  This one so aptly describes either one of my little guys!

Ascics Performance Tee Full Speed Ahead

 

Volcom ‘Stripeedo’ Hoodie was 14.97 a whopping 70% off the regular price!

Volcom Stripeedo Hoodie

The Stride Rite Racer Light-Up Sneakers were only $16.97!  That’s 67% off the regular retail price.

 

Stride Rite Light Up Sneaker

 

And for mom, I saw so many great options to wear and accessorize for Meet the Teacher night at school.

My top picks for me were:

The Sienna Rose Fringe Sleeve Tunic Blouse for $35 is great for pairing with nice pants or jeans and is 37% off the regular price.

Fringe Trim Tunic Blouse

MOTHER ‘Daydreamer’ Skinny Flare Leg Jeans were 75% off the regular price of $196.00 which means they were only $49.00!  Score!!!

Mother Daydreamer Jean

 

The Sweet Trotters ‘Suki’ Flats were 63% off the regular price and were a steal at $36.97!

Suki Trotters Flat

The Indio Leather Demi Handbag in ocean is a must have for me and at 50% off the regular price, why not?  A gorgeous leather bag for $64.97!

Indio Leather Demi Handbag

 

 

 

 


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Peekaboo Barn, Lift-The-Flap Board Book Review & Giveaway!!!

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Peekaboo Barn is an adorable new Lift-The-Flap  book based on the iconic toddler app Peekaboo Barn will thrill fans with its tactile feel and keep them busy with lots of flaps to lift in this sturdy board book. And for those who’ve never seen or played the app, the barn setting, adorable animals, and sound words make this a book for the very young that easily stands on its own. Includes a free app with purchase!

Written by Nat Sims and illustrated by Nathan Tabor the book is suitable for ages 1 month to 3 years. Little hands will love opening the barn doors to discover the animals inside.  This book makes a great gift for any young child!

Peekabook-Barn-Lift-The-Flap-Board-Book

ABOUT THE APP

Peekaboo Barn, which celebrated its fifth birthday in early 2014, has been played over 85 million times worldwide.

Night & Day Studios recently unveiled an updated look to their classic app that features vibrant colors, more robust and playful animations and three new farm animal friends. The app includes twelve different language options, as well as a feature for caregivers and children to record their own voice in the app.

Enter The Giveaway:

Candlewick Press is sponsoring a giveaway on Mommy Ramblings!  One lucky blog reader will win a copy of Peekaboo Barn, A Lift-The-Flap Board Book!  Thank you to Candlewick Press for the review copy and for sponsoring this great giveaway on Mommy Ramblings!!!  Open to US residents.

Candlewick Press, Peekaboo Barn, Lift-The-Flap Board Book Giveaway on Mommy Ramblings Rules:

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

 

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Schoola Helps Schools In Need When You Buy or Donate Kid’s Clothes!!! #clothes4schools

schoola logo

Are you back to school shopping for your children?  Maybe going through clothing they have outgrown, wondering what to do with it all?  If you are, you may be interested to know how Schoola can help you and your child’s school.  Schoola is an online shop dedicated to recycling brand-name children’s clothing, with 40% of the proceeds going to schools in need.  The innovative new program – which saves parents money and gives back at the same time – has been heralded by Fox News, the LA Times, Forbes and Parenting Magazine.

Mommy Ramblings was selected to participate in a special campaign called “20 Days of Schoola” Adopt-a-School.  Mommy Ramblings was given of choice of 3 deserving schools and it was hard to choose, but we selected a small school in the Bronx called KIPP Academy.  KIPP Academy has a goal to raise $25,000 to fund a music program. KIPP Academy works hard to support kids who need all the help they can get. Ninety-five percent of its students qualify for free or reduced-cost lunch. More than one in seven receives special education services. Music helps KIPP Academy reach and engage every child who enters its doors. The slogan on the Music Room wall sets the stage—All of Us Will Learn Music.  No matter what backgrounds they come from or what challenges they face, they learn lessons together that will serve them the rest of their lives.For more about Kipp Academy and how Schoola helps schools in need watch the video below.

I was blessed growing up to be able to go to a school that had the funding to offer all kinds of great in school and after school programs for students.  Sadly many schools today cannot offer as much to students and so students are denied the opportunity to participate in art, music and sports programs that can stimulate and nurture natural or learned talent.

My older children were also able to participate in programs like I was and their school years were enriched with music lessons, great art programs, sports programs, extra curricular programs and more.  My younger children who are just entering school are also able to do the same, but many schools have been impacted by lack of funding and have had to cut programs like music, art and sports.

You Can Help

You can shop on Schoola for back-to-school clothing, even clothing new with tags and for every transaction that is processed by going through this link, Schoola will donate $1 to KIPP Academy.  That’s not all, everyone that requests a donation bag through the same link will help too because Schoola will donate $1 for every requested bag to Kipp Academy. Perhaps the best part is, if you send in a donation bag of clothing, you can fill out the name of a school you support and for every $5 in sales, Schoola will donate $2 to the school you selected!!! That’s a real win-win for Kipp Academy and the school of your choice!!!   You can follow Schoola on Twitter and Facebook to keep up to date on all the latest happenings.

This post is brought to you by Schoola, the best place to buy discounted kids clothes all while give back to schools in need.Click here to learn more about Schoola.Click here to see what people are saying.

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