Tag Archives: kids

Chicken Soup For The Soul, “The Multitasking Mom’s Survival Guide” Review & Giveaway!!! 3 Winners!!!

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Do you ever feel like you have so much on your plate you can never catch up?  I feel like that most days.  I always look around and feel that I just have so much going on.  With a house in chaos because no less than 5 major home improvement projects are happening, a very busy career as a marketing director, busy blogger and writer, brand ambassador, and handling a few businesses that my husband and I have, added to the fact that we have 5 kids and a big house (ever see the movie The Money Pit?), where there is always something to be done, I can feel like things are swirling out of control.  I am blessed to be able to work from home but I still work and work a lot!  I make time to play but probably not as much as I should.

When I was picking out books to review from Chicken Soup for the Soul Publishing, I chose The Multitasking Mom’s Survival Guide.  Do you wonder how I made that decision?  I didn’t think so.  I love this book because it’s filled with stories with moms like me, some who juggle and wonder how to keep all those balls in the air just like I do.  I have found that it’s okay to give yourself permission to say, “I am done for the day” and leave whatever for tomorrow and if it doesn’t get done then so be it.

 

I know that I need to prioritize what really needs to be done, my family needs, my needs, jobs that have deadlines are all first.  Then the things we want to get done can come next, but if I don’t get something done, I’m going to stop beating myself up for it.  The opposite is true to that too.  I read in one story in the book, we are told over and over the importance of playing with our kids, that messy houses are signs of great moms, but our kids need to see that we do have to work. Whether it’s for a job or doing the laundry, we teach them important things by showing them we have responsibilities that need attention too.  That really allows moms to release some of that mommy guilt  we all carry in one or two large suitcases with us.  Let’s unpack some of that today!

Stories that show the importance of a mom taking me time strike a very strong chord with me.  Often times I want to put my needs last but really, when I do the things for me I need to do or just spend some down time doing something I enjoy, it really helps my mood, spirit and productivity.  It’s just recognizing that if we don’t take care of our needs we can’t do a good job taking care of anything else and risk becoming resentful.

Stories about slowing down, learning from our kids, juggling a career and laughing after the fact among others will show you how other moms are surviving their multitasking years.  Read some great tips, funny disaster stories, and fill your mind with great ideas for your own life.  Best of all, you will know you are in good company and not alone.  You can purchase the book on Amazon.com.

CSFTS Mom's-Multitasking-Survival-Guide-Front-Book-Cover

Chicken Soup for the Soul Publishing is sponsoring a giveaway on Mommy Ramblings! 3 lucky blog readers will win their own copy of The Multitasking Mom’s Survival Guide!  Thank you to CSFTS Publishing for the review book and for sponsoring this great giveaway on Mommy Ramblings!!!  Open to US residents.

Chicken Soup for the Soul; The Multitasking Mom’s Survival Guide Giveaway on Mommy Ramblings Rules:

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Costume Discounters, Kids Junior Police Costume Review!!!

Costume-Discounters-Logo-Mommy-Ramblings

My kids are obsessed with costumes.  Costumes are not something that are thought about around Halloween, but occur daily with my little guys. Most of the time you will find superheros of all kinds, firemen, army men, tigers and more around our house.  They absolutely adore dressing up in costumes, so when we had an opportunity recently to review a policeman costume from Costume Discounters, they were in their glory.

kids-junior-police-suit-costume

We picked the Kids Junior Police Costume and it’s a very impressive costume, runs true to size and is constructed of high quality clothing material that holds up to the day-to-day dress up fun it gets in this house!  The costume comes complete with hat, handcuffs, badge, radio, billy club, belt and whistle.  All kids need is their imagination and they are off to solve capers, crimes and enforce the law in your very own yard.

Police costume

 

Police costume 1

Kids Junior Police Suit Costume

Every boy has a dream of becoming a policeman and keeping the bad guys off the street. The Jr. Police Costume includes: A one piece suit (shirt/pants) with official-looking patches and a cap with an attached badge. What’s a member of the force without all his accessories? A duty belt, with a radio, baton, handcuffs, gives you the tools for the job. A whistle, ID wallet, and a shirt badge really authenticate this design. Ever let your kid run loose in the house with laws? He’ll be giving you a ticket each time you pick your nose or forget to flush the toilet…and what better way to teach him to respect the law than allow him to set the laws in the house! Or reinforce them at least! Enforce the law and keep the public safe as an honorable police officer. Stop in the name of the law! Just like the real thing! The beat on the streets is that there’s a new sheriff in town! Walking the beat for a sweet candy treat!

Save Now!!!

Costume Discounters is having a sale now and you can save 20% on orders of $29 or more by using the discount code 29Save when you checkout. Oh and if you really like Police News you can click on that link for lots of police info, products and more.


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Trunki, PaddlePak; Water-Resistant Backpack Review & Giveaway!!! #TrunkiUS

trunki logo Swim lessons, boat trips, water parks and other outings where kids need to bring along some extras is the perfect time to use a PaddlePak.  A PaddlePak is a water-resistant backpack designed to stop wet stuff from getting in, or leaking out! Made from lightweight and durable material it’s big enough to fit everything your little one needs for fun-filled days out and about, at school camp, parks, family vacation, sleepovers as well as trips to the beach or pool.  trunki Pinch trunki clown fish paddlepak   paddlepak1   paddlepak 2   paddle pak 2 We received a Pinch-Lobster PaddlePak to review and my son thought it was super cute and so did I. It is roomy enough to hold a swim suit, towel and more.  There is a spacial zippered pouch for small things and it has padded comfy straps that let little ones carry the pak securely and comfortably. Lots of cute friends to choose from to accompany little ones on all kinds of trips.

Trunki

PaddlePak is recommended for ages 2 and up! Trunki is sponsoring a giveaway on Mommy Ramblings!  One lucky blog reader will win their own PaddlePak!  Thank you to Trunki for sponsoring this adorable giveaway on Mommy Ramblings!!!  Open to US residents. trunki pic Trunki, PaddlePak, Water-Resistant Backpack Giveaway on Mommy Ramblings Rules: Please enter the giveaway using the Rafflecopter widget below.  Good Luck!!!

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Win A Backyard Explorers Kit From Orkin!!! #BugWisdom

Backyard Explorers Kit
With 2 little boys who love to explore, it is a given critters of all kinds will find their way into their hands.  Whether chasing butterflies or catching fireflies and everything in between boys, bugs and discovery go hand in hand.  Orkin has some bug wisdom to share below as well:

When life hands you dung, just roll with it.

At Orkin, we never stop learning. Our new “Bug Wisdom” video series is a reminder that some of life’s biggest lessons come from small places. Bugs are smart, curious creatures – we humans can learn a lot from their ways.

Take the quiz to discover your “Spirit Bug,” and check out all the GIFs to soak in every nugget of wisdom that these bugs have to offer!

The Orkin Man always knows what to look for when he shows up at your home. If you want to get exploration down to a science, be sure and enter to win Orkin’s Backyard Explorers Kit!

 

@AskTheOrkinMan and follow them on Facebook, YouTube and on their website.

Enter to win an Orkin Backyard Explorers Kit:
– The Orkin 9-Page Activity Bug Book
– Orkin Bugview Bug Catching Tool and Magnifier
– Red/Black Summer Wayfarer Sunglasses
Rules:
Each household is only eligible to win 1 Orkin Backyard Explorers Kit 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. Enter to win using the Rafflecopter widget below.  Good Luck!!!

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“Duck & Goose Go To The Beach” Kick Off Summer With A Blog Tour & Giveaway!!!

Summer is HERE… and Duck & Goose are waddling on over to the beach…
 
New York Times Bestseller!
Duck-Goose-Go-To-The-Beach-Book-Giveaway
A Great way to kick summer off with your kids.  My kids love the Duck & Goose Books, they are so adorable and always have a great message to share with even the youngest children.  Pick up a copy and share it with the special child(ren) in your life!  Have a safe, healthy and fun summer!!! 

In this delightful follow-up to the New York Times bestselling Duck & Goose and Duck, Duck, Goose, Duck wants to go on an adventure. Goose doesn’t. He doesn’t see the point. After all, why would they go anywhere when they’re happy right where they are? But then Goose sees the ocean and loves it. Who doesn’t? Well, Duck, for one!

Enter to Win Duck & Goose Go To The Beach!!!

Would you like to win a copy of Duck & Goose Go To The Beach ?  Enter below for your chance by using the Rafflecopter widget.  Thank you To Random House for sponsoring this blog tour and giveaway!!!  Open to US residents

Duck & Goose Go To The Beach  Book Giveaway on Mommy Ramblings!!!

 

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Disney Movies Anywhere Introduces PIXAR SUMMER MOVIES TO GO!!!

pixar movies to go

Soak up summer with Pixar Summer Movies To Go exclusively on Disney Movies Anywhere, the free app that lets you stream and download Disney, Pixar and Marvel films anywhere. Beginning June 3, log on for new Pixar surprises coming each week throughout 13 weeks of summer.

With Pixar Summer Movies To Go, a different fan favorite film will be available each week and you can unlock exclusive bonus content like special filmmaker introductions, film trivia and more Pixar surprises!  Additionally, in the Discover section of the Disney Movies Anywhere app you’ll find “Countdown to Pixar’s Ultimate Movie-Making Secrets.”

 

Rev up your digital movie collection starting with Cars on June 3. Check in each week to find out what movie is featured, and you’ll soon be whizzing through outer space with WallE, floating on the breeze with Up, trying to catch your toys in action while watching Toy Story, and catching the East Australian Current with Dory in Finding Nemo.

Perfect for vacations and summer travel; download the free Disney Movies Anywhere app on your iPhone or iPad and gear up for Pixar Summer Movies To Go to get summer started right.  And for a limited time, when you download Disney Movies Anywhere and link your iTunes account, you’ll get The Incredibles for free.  Find out more about buying, watching, and collecting your favorite Disney, Pixar and Marvel movies anywhere and download the App at http://di.sn/sX8

ABOUT DISNEY MOVIES ANYWHERE (DMA):  Disney Movies Anywhere (DMA) is a cloud-based digital movie service that offers a hassle-free way for consumers to buy, watch, and manage Disney digital content across platforms and iOS devices via the easy-to-use DMA app for iPhone, iPad and iPod touch or at DisneyMoviesAnywhere.com.  A DMA-eligible digital title purchased from iTunes or redeemed in DMA will be accessible in a user’s DMA locker. There are currently over 400 films from Disney’s rich history available for streaming and download, including Disney Branded Animation, Disney Live-Action, Pixar, and Marvel titles, along with exclusive, original content. For more information or to redeem Digital Copy codes to build your library and earn Disney Movie Rewards for digital purchases, visit www.disneymoviesanywhere.com.

 


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“Count on the Subway” Book Review & Giveaway!!!

random house kids logo

Count on The Subway by Paul DuBois Jacobs and Jennifer Swender is a delightful children’s book that tells what it’s like to ride the subway counting all the way.  My little ones love this book especially since they hear all about the subway from their sister who attends school near NYC.

This book was very timely since she will be graduating in a few weeks and was hired as a GIS Analyst with New Jersey Transit.  So trains, subways and everything transportation is big around here.

So if you have a MetroCard of if you have never stepped foot on a subway, this book is a ticket to ride for all.  Everyone can experience a taste of navigating through NYC on this counting adventure!

Count on the Subway

1 MetroCard, Momma and me.
Down 2 flights—to catch the 3.
4 turnstiles, singers 5.
A rumble, a screech . . . the train arrives!

This bright, young counting book is a delightful trip through the New York City subway system. Hand in hand, child and mother see colorful subway signs and funny passengers, watch trains screeching by, and make new friends. With bold illustrations and a playful, rhyming text, this is not only a counting book, but also a tribute to New York and a sweet story of a child and parent navigating the city together.

Giveaway

Random House is sponsoring a giveaway on Mommy Ramblings!  One lucky blog reader will win their own copy of Count on the Subway!  Thank you Random House for sponsoring this great giveaway and for the review copy.  Open to US residents.

Random House, Count on the Subway Book Giveaway on Mommy Ramblings Rules:

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Nui Organics, Kid’s Clothing Review & $50 Gift Certificate Giveaway!!!

nui organics

Kids want to be comfortable in their clothes.  Naturally, active kids want to be able to twist, turn, wiggle and jump without feeling constricted.  

Nui Organics loves producing quality clothing for children using only the world’s purest merino wools and cottons. No harsh chemicals for our children, or our planet. Everything is manufactured in a socially and environmentally responsible way.  

nui organics group 1

I recently had the chance to try some of Nui Organics clothing with my son.  I chose the Kavi Shorts in ocean stripe and the Vic, 3/4 Sleeve Top in ocean whale.

nui Ocean Whale Top

nui organics kavi short

My son loved them and immediately started jumping around because they were so comfy and that worked to my disadvantage when trying to snap a picture of him with the outfit.

nui organics collage
It did show me that they are an excellent children’s clothing choice that feels great and looks great and to kids, comfort trumps most anything.  Lots of easy to mix and match pieces are available for boys and girls.

nui organics group 3

nui organics group 5

Nui Organics is sponsoring a giveaway on Mommy Ramblings!  One lucky blog reader will win a $50 Gift Certificate to Nui Organics!  Thank you Nui Organics for the review outfit and for sponsoring this awesome giveaway on Mommy Ramblings!!!  Open to US residents.

Nui Organics $50 Gift Certificate Giveaway on Mommy Ramblings Rules:

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

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Lovable Labels, Ultimate Camp Pack Review & Giveaway!!!

Lovable-Labels-Logo

I recently received the Ultimate Camp Pack from Lovable Labels.  Personalized for my son, this pack is a super value because you get 15 Sticker Labels, 40 Slimline Labels, 12 Shoe Labels, 72 Press and Stick Clothing Dots, 2 Mini Metal Tags with Silver Ball Chain and 12 Square Labels.  You can choose from 20 different designs/colors and 45 icons and I chose the Sporty design which really fits my son and most boys!  Labels are durable and will survive summer, camp and just about anything your child can dish out because the peel & stick labels are UV resistant, waterproof, dishwasher and microwave safe.

Sporty-Ultimate -Camp- Pack -Lovable Labels

Description: Best Value! Keep your kids’ things out of the lost and found bin with the Ultimate Camp Pack! It’s fast and easy to label backpacks, water bottles, clothing, shoes, toiletries and so much more!

Ultimate Camp Pack Includes:

15 Sticker Labels
40 Slimline Labels
12 Shoe Labels
72 Press n’ Stick Clothing DOTS™
2 Mini-Metal Tag (two 4” silver ball chain incld)
12 Square Labels

Colors: Available in 20 designs / Colors and 45 Icons

Features: Dishwasher and Microwave Safe, Waterproof, UV Resistant, Peel & Stick

Beach-Bag-with-Metal-Tag

Lovable Labels is sponsoring a giveaway on Mommy Ramblings.  One lucky blog reader will win an Ultimate Camp Pack in their choice of personalization and design/color.  Thank you Lovable Labels for the review pack and for sponsoring this great giveaway on Mommy Ramblings!!!  Open to US residents.

Lovable Labels, Ultimate Camp Pack Label Giveaway on Mommy Ramblings Rules:

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MK & Company, Tale of the Tooth Fairy Gift Sets Review and Giveaway!!!

Tale of the Tooth Fairy Logo

My six-year-old has just begun losing his teeth.  If this is a familiar scene in your house, you are probably frequented by The Tooth Fairy.  I received a delightful couple of Tale of the Tooth Fairy Gift Sets recently and my youngest who has not lost any teeth and my six-year-old were very intrigued.  The day that I was reviewing them, my son lost a tooth and I could not believe the timing.  We thoroughly got to do the review that day!  The gift sets feature a delightful soft fairy doll in a girl or boy variety, a gorgeous keepsake box that ties with a ribbon and the hardcover book that explains the Tale of the  Tooth Fairy.  You can read the book HERE.

ToothFairy Sets

 

tooth Fairy Gift Set

If you read the book at the link above, you will understand that the Tooth Fairy gives a child the doll so that she can easily find the tooth which the child places in the bag that the doll carries.  Now, she does not need to search high and low to find the children’s teeth and the children have a familiar routine to follow every time they lose a tooth.  We put our son’s tooth in the bag and in the morning the tooth was gone and some spending money was left beside the doll.  My son was very excited and really liked the little stuffed replica Tooth Fairy.  Softer than a box and with more personality then a plain pouch this gift set is adorable.  Our youngest who has claimed the other box set cannot wait to begin using it!

Tooth Fairy Gift Set 3

 

Tooth Fairy Gift Set 5

 

Tooth Fairy Gift Sets 1

The back of the book has a section you can keep track of your child's lost tooth.

The back of the book has a section you can keep track of your child’s lost tooth.

 

Tooth Fairy Gift Set 2

The Tale of the Tooth Fairy Gift Set makes a very special gift that will start a tradition that can be passed down through generations.

Here is the lost tooth!

Here is the lost tooth!

Tale of The Tooth Fairy

toothfairy1

MK & Company is sponsoring a giveaway on Mommy Ramblings!  One lucky blog reader will win their choice of a girl fairy or boy fairy Tale of the Tooth Fairy Gift Set!  Thank you MK & Company for the review sets and for sponsoring this great giveaway on Mommy Ramblings!!!  Open to US residents.

Tale of the Tooth Fairy Gift Set Giveaway on Mommy Ramblings Rules:

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