Review of "Joy Is the Greatest Gift" Book
Tuesday, June 24, 2008
We all have days where we get a bit grumpy. Maybe we just can't get our "chin up" and look at the world in a positive way. How do you get out of that slump? You take a moment to learn about JOY!
The sweetest and most enlightening children's book I've read in forever has made quite an impression on my children. It has also taught me some things that I had forgotten were important to me. Joy Is the Greatest Gift is the first book by Lisa Rey Marks in the Focus Friends series. The words alone will show your child how joy can be had in a simple, yet personal way. The illustrations will further capture their imagination and bring the story to life, leaving a beautiful impression on young minds -- one that is sure to make children giggle and parents breathe easier.
This book (with it's simple message and delightful main character) acknowledges that everyone has a bad day, and there is nothing wrong with it. It goes on, however, to encourage positive behavior that brings about true happiness. More quality content than "feel-good fluff," this is a precious read that is sure to become a favorite.
We are already looking forward to the next book in the series, and have come to trust that author Lisa Marks is a mom who knows her stuff! Visit the Focus Friends website for the full story behind this charming tale, and to learn more about all of their enchanting products (including breath-taking framed art!) Registrants to the website can get a free bookmark.
Would you like to share joy with your child? One lucky reader can get their very own copy of Joy Is the Greatest Gift (valued at $16.99) just by visiting the Focus Friends website and sharing your favorite design from the framed art section. One comment left before June 29th at 11 p.m. CST will be picked at random to win the book! See our full site rules for contest details. Good luck!
Labels: 2008 Reviews, books, gifts, giveaway
posted by Kylinsmom @ 4:41 PM,
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Review of Family Talk Game
Thursday, June 5, 2008
Dinner can be ho-hum in many households. And while statistics show that kids who are engaged in meaningful conversation with their entire family do better in school and life, it is hard to get the ball rolling!
No problem with our new favorite dinner activity -- Family Talk! A simple but effective "card" game -- it's not really a game at all! Various thought-provoking questions secured on a sturdy clip provide many meals' worth of chatter for families that want to grow closer!
We loved that the questions ranged form the truly personal (What's the best thing about your life?) to the silly (What is your favorite kind of cake?) All ages can enjoy this chance to share, and it can be used away from the table, as well. (We love it for long car rides!)
Around the Table Games offers Family Talk, Family Talk 2, and Grandparent Talk! (We loved the idea of videotaping the family sessions for a forever keepsake.)
My kids LOVED this game, and it was amazingly simple. Just when you think your kids will want something high-tech or fast-paced to keep them entertained, Family Talk comes through. What a wonderful change to our meals!
Would you like to own one of the 3 Games? Just visit the website, and tell us which one of the featured video clips is your favorite! We'll pick 2 winners from all the entries left at this post before Sunday, June 8th at 11 pm CST and notify them by email! They will get their choice of game for participating! (Be sure to leave an email or a way to reach you on the post. See our full site rules for privacy details.)
Don't want to wait? Lille Punkin' Readers can get free shipping on any purchase by using code: LILPUNFMT at checkout.
Good luck, and join us for all of our other Girl Week giveaways!
Labels: 2008 Reviews, games, gifts, giveaway
posted by Kylinsmom @ 8:07 AM,
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Review of Cahootie
Wednesday, June 4, 2008
Cahootie. (Bless you.)I bet you're wondering just what a Cahootie is. While it's best explained by showing you, I'll try my best. Cahootie is that paper-foldy game that we used to play when we were kids. You know, where you dream about who you'll marry and how many kids you'll have (and what color house you'll live in!)
Cahootie is a cool way to introduce your daughter to a novel idea from our own past. With some brilliant design options and a more durable structure, Cahootie is for every girl! (You can make your own -- Cahootie's website gives you all the directions. But their version is glossy, bright, and comes with removable stickers for hours of fun future play!)
It truly is a modern twist on the classic paper-folding fortune game. Each Cahootie comes with 40 peel-and-stick fortunes, so the game can be played hundreds of ways! (Did we mention that Cahootie is 100% made in the U.S. ) Cahootie comes in several designs, including: Sporty Girl, Wishes and Dreams, Truth or Dare, Birthday Wishes, and even Republican and Democrat!!!
We're giving a couple of Cahooties away to some lucky readers! Just visit Cahootie's website, and leave us a comment here on this post with your favorite Cahootie anytime before Sunday, June 8th at 11 pm CST. We'll randomly pick the winners and notify them by email! (Be sure to leave an email or a way to reach you on the post. See our full site rules for privacy details.)
Good luck, and join us for all of our other Girl Week giveaways!
Labels: 2008 Reviews, games, gifts, giveaway
posted by Kylinsmom @ 9:51 PM,
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Review of Bed Bugz Bed Bolster
Tuesday, May 13, 2008
Nothing is more dreadful than that hearing a "thud" from your little one's bedroom, and you instantly know that they have fallen out of bed -- again.What can a parent do to keep little tykes where they can safely sleep? Metal bed rails are not comfortable or practical to take with you on the road. Plastic rails don't fit all sizes of beds and can be difficult to install. What about a comfy bed rail that is easy to install and you can take it anywhere?
Toddler Coddler has the brightest idea in bed safety -- the Bed Bugz! These super cozy bed bolsters are inflatable and can attach to any size bed in minutes! (Note: The original size fits toddler beds up to a double bed. New larger sizes will be coming out for queen and king sized beds.)
The Bed Bugz can keep tiny ones from falling into the cracks between the bed and the wall (something that always scares my toddlers!) They are lightweight and can be used at relatives' houses, hotels, and RV's!We liked that they worked so well, and my kids didn't wake up with "bar" marks on their faces from sleeping against them at night. The covers are washable, so drool stains and other dirty smudges can come out with ease.
Check out all the colors of Bed Bugz at their website. You can choose from pink, blue, and light green (all adorned with the adorable, snoring bed bug!) Available at Amazon and other family-friendly retailers!
Labels: 2008 Reviews, gifts, household
posted by Kylinsmom @ 10:10 AM,
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Review of Crafty Baby's Nap Pack
Tuesday, April 8, 2008
Nap time is my favorite time of the day. Kids get to rest, and I get to get a few things done! Blankies and pillows make the nap a special time of comfort and relaxation for my kids, so I was really excited to give the Nap Pack from Crafty Baby a try!
Made from durable (but oh-so-luvable) fleece material, the Nap Pack comes in 7 adorable patterns. (Check out the Green Flowers!) The blanket unrolls to provide a comfortable sleeping surface with light cover, and it all comes attached to a toddler-sized pillow! The Nap Pack is light and portable, and even my 4-yr-old can roll it up and take it with him without assistance from me.
Since kids can get drooly in their sleep (and generally just plain goobery), the Nap Pack is small enough to toss in the wash with the rest of your child's clothes. No shrinkage here!
The Nap Pack is perfect for daycare, preschool, or just vegging out in the living room after a hard day's play! See all the Nap Pack designs and the rest of the Crafty Baby line at their website: www.craftybaby.com
Labels: 2008 Reviews, gifts, household
posted by Kylinsmom @ 10:04 AM,
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Featured Merchant: Little Jet Set
Tuesday, April 1, 2008
Vacation plans are being made all over the country, and now is the best time to look ahead at what kind of gear you will need when bringing your little ones in tow! Why search all over for kid-friendly travel products, when you can get the latest and most adorable items all from one place....Little Jet Set has trendy solutions to your family travel needs, including luggage, toys, pillows and blankets, toiletries... you name it! Here's a look at the products we reviewed from this fabulous merchant:
"Find It" at the Beach game - Who knew that searching could be so fun (and challenging)? Tip and twist the tube to move the colorful "sand" around. See how many of the hidden objects you can find. Challenge a friend for competitive fun! The part we loved best? -- No pieces to lose, and it's so quiet! This is perfect to stash in a suitcase to play in the car, on a plane, or anytime you just need to be entertained.
Little Jet Set had ALL of our favorite bath and body products (including Tiny Tillia and Little Twig). Just see what cute toiletry sets they feature from our friends over at Circle Of Friends! We had fun trying the shampoo and conditioner set, but the best part was smelling like a rootbeer float after using the body wash! The girl's sampler is just as sweet! Each are affordably priced at just $4.25.
The Doggie Diary Art Folio from the Piggy Story won our highest praises as the cutest and most versatile product from Little Jet Set. The fabric tote contains everything you need to take art on the road, to church, or just on the couch! Crayons and paper are included, and the tote easily closes with velcro fasteners. This may never leave your little artist's side!See all the goodies at Little Jet Set's website. (And check out their 50% off clearance section -- no coupon required!)
Labels: 2008 Reviews, games, gifts
posted by Kylinsmom @ 9:32 AM,
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Review of Crayola Color Wonder Mess-Free Soft Sticks
Monday, March 10, 2008
My boys are always busy "creating" new pieces of art. The trouble is, there is often more mess than I can handle. Even the best cleaners can't keep my furniture and walls safe from a crayon casualty or a marker massacre.When we tried Crayola's Color Wonder Mess-Free Soft Sticks recently, I was more than pleasantly surprised. While more costly than other markers or crayons, these clever little art "sticks" were easy to use and had amazing results. They worked much like pencil-sized glue sticks. By twisting the bottom of each soft stick, they popped out from their plastic casings (much like lipstick) and could be rubbed on the special Crayola paper much like a glue stick. The clear coating didn't do much at first, but if you waited a few seconds, brilliant color began to appear on the pages of the notebook. Orange sticks made orange patterns, yellow sticks made yellow, and so on. Preprinted patterns made each creation perfect; there was no chance for going outside of the lines. We were even able to "blend" some colors (green and yellow) to make new colors.
The soft sticks broke off occasionally if too much pressure was applied. They are safe and effective, however, at letting even the most inexperienced and undisciplined artists run wild with artistic inspiration. In three words: "We loved them."
The entire line of Crayola Color Wonder products can be viewed at their website. Available online at Amazon.com.
Labels: 2008 Reviews, education, gifts
posted by Kylinsmom @ 9:11 AM,
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Review of Bagettes
Wednesday, February 27, 2008
Looking for a perfect gift for your bridesmaids? Maybe you just want that unique present for Mom that she hasn't already received. May I present you with the coolest personalized gift I've seen this year?
Bagettes are truly unique bags and purses that are made special by your own photographs. These are high quality, professionally-done pieces. (Meaning: They don't look like something you ironed-on, people...)
The magic of Bagettes is in their variety and style. Trendy purses are everywhere, but these adorable black leather photo purses (adorned with your kid's smile or a favorite pet, of course) are works of art! Similar purses with photos of someone else's dog can go for $80-$120 at your retailer or mall. Why not make your purse a forever keepsake with a photo that really means something to you?
More than purses and totes, Bagettes creates coin purses, golf accessory bags, and more! They also offer a generous fund-raising program for schools and charities! For more information on all their products, plus details about how to submit the perfect photo for your gift, visit www.bagettes.com.
Labels: 2008 Reviews, gifts, Mom
posted by Kylinsmom @ 10:49 AM,
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Holiday Spotlight: Bella B Natural Body Care
Friday, February 8, 2008
Stretch marks, pregnancy mask, and tired legs are all symptoms of a healthy pregnancy. But what if you want a little relief from all the beauty blemishes? Bella B Natural Body Care has the perfect line of products for you!
You don't even have to be pregnant or nursing to enjoy some of their wonderfully natural products. Indulge yourself in their Silk & Honey Body Cream or the Body Buzz Firming and Cellulite Control. Everything smells great and feels even better! Bella B is safe to use when expecting, and Bella B utilizes the highest quality, clinically-proven ingredients available. There is no petroleum, mineral oils, lanolin, and parabens.
(All Tummy Honey products include anti-itch ingredients to soothe those growing tummies!)
Are you a mama looking for a better nipple cream? Wanting to try out some fabulous products from an even more fabulous company? Visit Mother's Intuition to see the entire line of some of the best body care out there!
Are you entered to win our Valentine's Day goodie bag? If not, post a comment here or on any of our other Holiday Spotlight posts to be entered. (One entry per holiday post.) The winner will receive goodies from Bella B, along with stuff from all our other sponsors!
Labels: 2008 Reviews, Bath and Body, gifts, Mom, Valentines
posted by Kylinsmom @ 1:33 PM,
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Holiday Spotlight: Kickshaw Confections
Monday, February 4, 2008
Valentine's Day is noted for its excessive chocolate consumption... as it should be! What better way to tell Mom that you love her than with a box of handcrafted gourmet goodies....
If you are craving the finest roca, crunchy pretzels drizzled in chocolate, or all-natural and uniquely flavored lollipops, we have just the confectioner for you! Kickshaw Confections is a classy choice for the love of your life. Only the best ingredients go into their creations, and I can personally vouch for how delicious they are!
I had the privilege of sampling their yummy Peanut Butter Cup Dipped Pretzels. They are to die for! Crispy pretzels covered in gooey peanut butter (the real thing) and then dunked and drizzled in the best chocolate.. you get the picture. Fantastic! Did I mention that they are gluten-free, too?
The shop at KickShaw Confections really knows their stuff. Everything comes in attractive packaging and is shipped to your door with the most careful packing methods. You can read more about KickShaw Confections at their website, but Hurry -- you must order by February 7th to ensure delivery for Valentine's Day!
Like goodies? Comment on this post with your favorite KickShaw Confection and be entered to win a goodie bag with gifts from all of our Holiday Spotlight merchants! You have until this Friday at 11 p.m. to enter.. check out our rules HERE!
Labels: 2008 Reviews, food and drink, gifts, giveaway, Valentines
posted by Kylinsmom @ 9:17 AM,
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Review of Aardvark Adventures Personalized Stories
Friday, January 25, 2008
Books are vital to raising a well-rounded and confident young person. What do you do if you're little one isn't all that interested in books, however? Make it all about them!
Aardvark Adventure Stories has brought us the opportunity to place your child smack dab in the middle of their very own storybook! We were more than thrilled with the results, and here's how easy and effective this product is:
- Visit Aardvark's website, and click on "Start Your Adventure."
- Choose from one of 7 original stories designed to engage and entertain even the most finicky readers. (Ages are clearly marked for optimum reading level!)
- Follow the suggestions for selecting the best variety of photos for your book.
- Fill in the personal info for your child (They take Nicknames!)
- Upload up to 6 photos to be included in the story.
We loved our book, Zoom, Zoom, Zoom for my 2-year-old. When he first saw his face on the pages of his own storybook, he couldn't contain his excitement! He rushed around to show everyone, and the grandparents really got a kick out of it!
This book would make a great present for adults, too! Can you imagine the pride that comes from showing friends and family how your grandchild starred in their own storybook?
For all the info on the most personalized book we've seen, visit Aardvark's website, and see how you're child can become a literary star!
Labels: 2008 Reviews, books, gifts
posted by Kylinsmom @ 3:00 PM,
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Review of SparkSprite Mail for Kids
Wednesday, January 9, 2008
What kid doesn't love getting mail? (Even I love to get something other than bills!) Now it is super easy to send a special kid in your life mail that will make them feel like the luckiest kid in the world!
SparkSprite has turned sending that treasured care package into a very easy task! Simply create an account, enter the names and addresses of your mail recipients, and choose whether you want them to receive monthly or quarterly mailings. Then SparkSprite goes to work, sending out special letters packed with fun gifts for children to enjoy!
Our sample arrived in a brightly-colored envelope with the child's name in BIG BOLD letters. It contained a cute letter that had been personalized for the kid and the season. There were all kinds of little gifts inside that tied in to the letter: stickers, a postcard, and other surprises! It was so much fun!
This would be an excellent way for families to stay connected, without that trip to the store and post office. Wouldn't it be nice to send a gift to someone special every month? For more information, visit SparkSprite's website!
Labels: 2008 Reviews, gifts
posted by Kylinsmom @ 8:07 AM,
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