Friday, August 31, 2012

LeapFrog Touch Magic Guitar Review & Giveaway


My son is obsessed with two things - Queen and guitars. When he wakes up in the morning, the first thing he does is grab his guitar. The second is demand that I put on Queen: Live from Montreal. He then rocks out while he eats his breakfast. He's a bit of a nut. Recently, I was offered the chance to review some awesome new Touch Magic products from LeapFrog. This included the Rock N Learn guitar.

Before I tell you about the Rock N Learn guitar, let me tell you about the new Touch Magic technology. When you see the guitar, you'll be surprised to see it has no strings or buttons. Neither does the bus. It is completely flat. All your kids have to do to play with the toys is touch it. The Touch Magic products will recognize every touch your child makes. It is almost like a touchscreen on a computer or a phone. It's awesome sauce. CJ loves it, and I don't have to worry about him breaking buttons or strings. Currently they offer a Learning Bus, Rockin' Guitar, and Counting Train.

The guitar itself is adorable. It is just the right size for CJ. It can play solo guitar, or he can play it so it sounds like he's part of a band. There are also buttons that make it play songs like Itsy Bitsy Spider, If You're Happy and You Know, and the ABC Song. Then your kiddos can just strum along. If you strum really fast, the song goes faster. CJ thinks that part is hilarious. He calls it the "baby" voice. During the song, you can add in silly sounds and drums to make the song really fun. So where does the learning come in? Your kiddos will have no idea that by playing the guitar, they are learning music and creativity, role-play, and motor skills.

I only have two complaints about the guitar. I wish that the strap was longer. CJ gets a little crazy with his singing, dancing, and guitar-rocking, so he ends up with the strap wrapped around his neck. He immediately comes to me to fix it, and he isn't in any danger of suffocating, but I'd just prefer if it was a little longer so this wouldn't be an issue. I try to get him to just wear the strap on his arm, but he prefers it around his neck. I also wish that the clips to attach the strap were on both sides. CJ sometimes shows tendencies to being a lefty, and with the clips on the side they are on, he can only play the guitar right-handed. Again, he doesn't care, but I think that would make it easier to use.

The LeapFrog Rockin' Guitar currently retails for $24.99 and is available at Target and other major retailers. You can connect with LeapFrog via facebook, twitter, and YouTube.

When I received the LeapFrog Rockin' Guitar, I was also sent a ton of fun activities and ideas to throw a Rockin' Guitar party. Unfortunately, I wasn't able to get anyone together in time to throw the party. I guess people were too busy with end of the summer and back to school plans. This however, does work out well for one of you. One of you will receive a Rockin' Guitar plus ALL of activities and fun stuff to throw your own Rockin' Guitar party. Why should you throw a Rockin' Guitar party? Well besides the obvious ridiculous amount of fun you would have? Well let me tell you about a little thing call the Rockin' Guitar Contest.

To enter the contest, you simply take and upload a video of your child playing either the Rockin' Guitar or any other play guitar you have. You then share the video through facebook and other social media. The top five videos will then win $500!! So have fun and then enter your kids to win $500?! You can't lose.

So back to the point. Throw your own party! How? Well, you can win a party package right here! Just fill out the rafflecopter below!

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I received free LeapFrog products in order to host the LeapFrog sponsored Rock N' Learn Party. The opinions expressed are my own. Pin It

Thursday, August 30, 2012

My Favorite Things Giveaway: NookColor

I was just having a discussion with my aunt the other day about books vs nooks. I love me some books. To me, there is nothing like that new book smell, except for that old book smell. Books smell heavenly. One of my favorite things in the world is that feeling where I crack the spine on a new book. I don't mean literally crack it, but that first time opening the book. Love it. But guess what. I love my nook too. I have a nookcolor, and it is awesome. Before I had the nook, I would carry about 5 books around with me. I just never knew what I would be in the mood to read. Those books get heavy. Now I can carry my lightweight little nookcolor, and have hundreds of books at my fingertips. It is amazeballs. That is why I am linking up with Kate n' Kaboodle for the NookColor giveaway. You can win one of your very own. Then you can carry around hundreds of books too!! You'll love it, I promise. Check out below for more information and don't forget to enter!! 

Welcome to the Nook Color 8GB Giveaway!

BuyDig has teamed up with Kate n' Kaboodle and co-hosts News Wahl and Colleen's Book Nook to bring you this wonderful Back to School giveaway!

This fabulous giveaway includes a 8GB Nook Color and a $25 Barnes & Noble Giftcard!

The Barnes & Noble 8GB Nook Color features the 7 inch VividView Touchscreen that displays 16 million colors ultra-bright. This touchscreen is specially designed for remarkable clarity, minimal glare and is ultra responsive. The Nook Color is fully customizable so you can make the text bigger, choose your favorite font or read in portrait or landscape. Books, Magazines, Newspapers, Textbooks, Comics...if you want to read it, the Nook Color can deliver in seconds with it's built-in WiFi capabilities! With over 2.5 million titles available, there is something for everyone. There is an endless list of free books and you can even save up to 90% on textbooks! Concerned about storage? Worry no more! With 8GB (up to 5,000 books) of built-in memory and expandable storage up to 32GB with microSD memory card, there is plenty of room! Whether you want to watch movies with Netflix, read your favorite book, listen to music, check your Facebook, search the web or enjoy a wide variety of apps, the Nook Color is for you!

Read Kate n' Kaboodle's Review here and check out her other Back To School giveaways!



Connect with BuyDig : Online, Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Blog, G+


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BuyDig currently has the 8GB Nook Color available on their website for $149!
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One winner will receive a 8MB Nook Color and a $25 Barnes & Noble Gift Card!
Enter on the Rafflecopter below. US Only. Good luck!

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Tuesday, August 28, 2012

Labor Day Blogfest and Book Fair Giveaway


In honor of Melynda Fleury's close call with diabetes, Wayman Publishing is throwing Melynda's Labor Day Blogfest & Book Fair. From September 2nd - 4th, you will have direct unlimited access to download any of Wayman's top ten books! In addition, Mommy Blog Designs, has also agreed to contribute a premade blog design for one lucky winner. They will also be giving away, $200 in paypal cash! The link to download the books will be posted on September 1st. Until then, enter to win one of the prizes through the rafflecopter below! Good luck!


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Monday, August 27, 2012

Guest Post : Baby Fire Safety

Image: FreeDigitalPhotos.net
Baby Fire Safety: the Basics

Adults in their homes must consider the basics of fire safety, especially when an infant is a member of the household. Around the home and in the bedrooms simple steps can be taken to make certain that an unexpected fire does not destroy the home and its inhabitants.

Prevention of Accidental FireFires that start in the home are unpredictable and destructive. Babies are the ones most often to die in the smoke and flames of a house fire. Installing safety devices and having practical plans to prevent accidental fire is essential. The following are some steps to take to keep the home safe from fires:


Safety devices - Correct installment of smoke alarms that are in good working condition is one of the first steps to take when preventing house fires. Recommended are alarms attached to the ceiling at various points throughout the house that have the ability to interconnect and alert of fire or smoke.

For the infant's bedroom where the child will lie down unattended, installing baby monitors is highly advantageous. These can be sound detectors or sound and image so that caretakers can leave the baby alone and still have some way to watch the infant.
For the time when a fire in the home occurs, fire extinguishers of various types should be placed in the kitchen and other spots throughout the home. For houses that have upper floors, keeping a fire ladder in an easily accessible place is important. Additional safety is found in having working automatic sprinkler systems.


Fire escape plan - Every household should have a workable fire escape plan that is regularly practiced. Then, one adult should be designated as the one to carry the baby out in the event of a fire.
Candles - Candles should never burn unattended, and they should always sit out in the open with nothing flammable around them when they are burning.


Smoking - All smoking items like cigarettes and pipes should not be lit and set down anywhere but safe holders and fires safe disposal containers and as a child gets older cigarette lighters should be always kept out of reach.

Space heaters - All space heaters should be unplugged when unattended. These appliances should also be placed three feet away from anything flammable.


Kitchen appliances - Cooks must not leave the kitchen when anything is cooking.

Electric outlets - Outlet covers should be on outlets not in use. Multi-plugs in one receptacle (overloading) is not safe. Kitchens and bathroom outlets must be equipped with Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters so they will shut off automatically when sensing moisture.
Fire places, chimneys and outdoor grill stations are fire hazards. These features must be attended at all times when in use and cleaned regularly.

Fire Safety Responsibilities
Accidental fires are rare in homes in which the adults have taken the proper safety measures, but fires can happen so fast and lives are changed forever. When a baby is brought into the home, the parents or guardians in that home have the responsibility to take the time for securing the house against fires.


Author Bio:
Martha is an expert in home and business security and pays particular attention to fire safety and prevention. She is currently studying at risk assessment at university so that she can further her knowledge in this field. She is writing on behalf of discount fire supplies who provide a large variety of fire safety equipment. For more information on fire safety including discount fire supplies for your home or business.
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Sunday, August 26, 2012

Charm City Babies Giveaway


Welcome to the Charm City Babies Giveaway event Hosted by Momma T and Baby E and sponsored By Charmed City Babies!

Charm City Babies is a baby clothing line that offers designs inspired by vintage, rock n' roll and pop culture. Some of the oneises include fun sayings like, "Believe the Hype," "Stay Hungry Stay Foolish," and "#cutestbabyever". These 100% cotton onesies are available in available in sizes 0-3, 6, 12, and 18 months. Visit the CCB store to view their full line.
  
 

Charm City Babies has a wonderful Buy One, Give One program and works with charities, NICUs, hospitals and youth organizations that are in need of clothing for their infants. For every onesie purchased through the Charm City Babies online store, a onesie will go to a child a need! You can read more about their Buy One, Give One program on the CCB websiteThey are always looking for more partners so if you work with a hospital or children’s center please feel free to reach out to them. Their contact information can be found on their website. 

Now for the Giveaway! Enter to win a Charm City Babies Prize Pack below! One lucky reader will receive three (3) CCB onesies of their choice (design and size), a CCB bib, and a signed copy of the children's book Terple: Always Dream Big which was written by CCB co-owner, Richie Frieman!

Make sure to visit Momma T and Baby E for her Charmed City Baby Review!

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Disclosure: I received no compensation for this publication. My opinions are my own and may differ from those of your own. Momma T and Baby E and [YOUR BLOG NAME HERE] is not responsible for sponsor prize shipment. Pin It

Saturday, August 25, 2012

Things I Found on the Interwebs (8)

Recipes
Vegetable Panini with Chipotle Sauce Simple and yummy.
Nutella Mug Cake I may be eating this as I type... I regret nothing.
Carrot Cake Oatmeal Sounds perfect for fall.

Education
Pumping in Your Classroom Breast pumping that is.

Resources for Studying French Meant for homeschool, but could work for anyone.
What Every Teacher Wants You To Know But won't tell you. 


Kids

Your Screaming Kids are Distracting Me Makes me feel better about bringing CJ to church.
How To Know Your Kid is Ready For Kindergarten Note, this is to determine if they are ready, not if you are. ;-)
20 Motherhood Tips
Back to School Books for Pre-Schoolers
Perfect School Schedule for a 2 year old
Don't Make Me Come Up There!: Quiet Moments for Busy Moms One of my favorite bloggers wrote a book!


Other
Faux Magnetic Letters For when you are sick of looking at the primary-colored letters.
Introducing Me! @ Crazy Beautiful Unique
Best 90's Toys Ever!

10 Photos That Make You Want to Fall In Love

Shaming Bad Dogs Hysterical



How I feel about every blog post. BRILLIANCE PEOPLE!


So cute!


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Thursday, August 23, 2012

Guest Post - The Difference Between High and Low Fantasy

There has been a huge resurgence in the popularity of fantasy novels. I believe this is due in large part to both JK Rowling, Stephanie Meyer, and George RR Martin. You may notice when you are reading the synopsis to a fantasy book that it is referred to as high fantasy or low fantasy. Most people don't know the difference.  Today, I have a guest post from Louis Sharman, a fantasy book lover, and he is going to explain what exactly high vs low fantasy means.
The Difference Between High and Low Fantasy

The Difference Between High and Low Fantasy

Fantasy books are one of the most popular genres of fiction around. Readers have long sought to immerse themselves in a book, with the contents transporting them off to faraway lands in order to escape their own lives for a short while. Not all fantasy books, however, transport their readers to lands that exist in different times, universes or even planes. Instead, some take place right here in the world we know, marking the difference between high and low fantasy.


High
High fantasy is the name given to the books which take place in worlds that are far removed from our own. Popularised by revered fantasy author J.R.R. Tolkien and C.S. Lewis, the high fantasy genre takes place in faraway lands which are devised by the author.
These books are generally the more fantastical of the two genres, with these worlds allowing for a sense of fluidity that our own would not allow. As they do not have to follow the rules of our world, writers have free reign to allow their characters to float, teleport or turn invisible without needing the reader to suspend disbelief for too long – as the facet can be written off as something which happens on the faraway planet.
High fantasy is not entirely divorced from our own world, however. Some books in this genre begin and end in the world we know, but take a sizeable detour en route to an entirely new one.


Low
Low fantasy, meanwhile, is the opposite, in that whilst the book is still firmly in the fantasy genre, the events take place on earth. The name refers to the fact that these types of book typically have lower fantastical elements within them and instead offer large amounts of realism.
The phenomenally successful ‘Harry Potter’ novels would be an example of low fiction as, not only do they take place on earth, but the fantasy elements are anchored by an – albeit small - sense of realism.
Neither of the genres are any better than the other, however, it simply boils down to user preference.




Author Bio: Louis Sharman is an avid blogger and writes for a plethora of subjects ranging from book reviews to suggesting the importance of ebooks in modern culture. He lives in London, UK and enjoys reviewing the most recent fantasy books. He also has a great collection of sheet music for pianos.
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Wednesday, August 22, 2012

Wordless Wednesday - CJ's Week in Pictures



First rice krispies treat!

Scared baby.

Angry sleep.



Fluff face!

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Tuesday, August 21, 2012

Back to School Books for Pre-Schoolers

Is your little one going to school for the first time? Or are they just not looking forward to the end of summer? Well I've got a bunch of books that will help smooth the transition and get them (hopfully) excited about school. A lot of these have familiar characters like Curious George and the Berenstein Bears. If your child has a favorite character, check to see if there's a back to school book featuring that character. Kids are natural imitators, so if they see a beloved character loves school, they might be more willing to give it a chance. 

How Do Dinosaurs Go To School? - This is the fourth dinosaur book by Jane Yolen. These are adorable rhyming stories where dinosaurs do things they kids do. In this one, the dinosaurs are heading to school. What sort of mischief will they get in along the way?
Llama Llama Misses Mama - Poor Llama Llama. He is excited for his first day of school until he realizes that his mama is going to leave him there. Will she ever come back for him he worries? I love Llama Llama so this one is my personal favorite off this list. 
The Berenstain Bears Go to School - Sister Bear is scared on her first day of school. Brother Bear tries to get her excited by telling her all of the great things that happen at school. Soon she's ready to go! There is also The Berenstein Bears Go Back to School, but I haven't read that one. I'm sure it is great though.
Chrysanthemum - Chrysanthemum is a little mouse with a big name. She loves her name until she goes to her first day of school and discovers that her name is different from everyone else's. She is afraid she doesn't fit in, until the meet a music teacher with another very special name. 
Back to School, Splat! - Splat's homework on the very first day of school is to remember the most exciting thing that he did over the summer. What do you think it was? You'll be surprised! This is a great one for siblings to share. 
Curious George's First Day of School - Follow George as he becomes a teacher's assistant for a day. He tries his best, but as usual gets things into a bit of a mess. Your kids will learn about primary colors and what happens when certain colors mix. It also has a few activities at the end. 
How I Spent My Summer Vacation  - Help your little one to remember what they did over their summer vacation while exploring Wallace's adventure out West. 

Amelia Bedelia Goes Back to School - This is a super cute lift-the-tabs book following one of my favorite characters, Amelia Bedelia. See what happens when she's told to "take her seat" or "paint anything she wants". Uhoh. 

David Goes To School - David is still as high-octane as ever, but now he's got a new teacher and boy is she in for it. We know that David means well, but see what sort of craziness he causes in the classroom. 
If You Take a Mouse to School - The Mouse from If You Take a Mouse to the Movies is back, but this time he is heading to school. See what happens when he decides to write a story, eat lunch, even washing his hands turns into an adventure! 
Back to School Tortoise - Tortoise has a lot of worries on the first day of school. He is very surprised to find that his day doesn't turn out nearly as horrible as he thought it would. 
Mouse's First Day of School - Go along with Mouse as he discovers all the fun people and things to learn that you can only find at school! 
I Am NOT Going to School Today! - Hank is so worried about preschool that he decides that he is just going to skip the very first day. He soon discovers with the help of his favorite stuffed animal that he has nothing to be afraid of.
I Am Not Going To Get Up Today!  - I sincerely hope that this isn't the first time you've heard of this book. It is one of my sister and I's favorites from when we were kids. A boy decides he is not going to get up that day. The entire town is shocked. They soon call in the Marines and everything else they can think of to get him up. Will it work?
What to Expect at Preschool - This cute book is a question and answer format. Each page has a question your child might be worried about like "Will my parents leave me there?" and then an answer that is truthful, but will help them figure out exactly what is going to happen. It sounds clinical, but it isn't. It's a very gentle sweet book that I really like.
Maisy Goes to Preschool - Maisy the mouse shares her very exciting day at school from hanging up her jacket to recess to waiting to be picked up.
Back-to-School Rules - Percy has ten rules that will help you become head of your class. He's got lots of tips to help you have fun while staying out of trouble. (For a slightly more advanced reader, 5 and up.)
Pete the Cat: Rocking in My School Shoes - Pete the Cat discovers that school is more than just a classroom. There's also a lunchroom, a library, even a playground. Pete is still the coolest cat around, he's just got some new territory. Pin It

Monday, August 20, 2012

Children's Book Review & Giveaway - Care For Our World


It is very important to me and to most mothers that I raise a child who has empathy and is kind to others. I recently got to review an amazing book that can help you do that. Care For Our World is not only a sweet book about caring for animals and the world in general, it also is an interactive playset.

 The book comes in a beautiful box. When you open it, you find not only the book, but a set of high quality cardboard figures to punch out and put together. The book then become an interactive wildlife habitat. Obviously CJ is too little to put them together himself, so I did that part for him. Next we read the book and finally, CJ got down on the floor and played with all of the animals. The animals are absolutely adorable. There are two of most of them, so we played Noah's ark. It looks like they are all hand-painted. The cardboard is extremely well-made. A two year old has to try really hard to destroy these! The animals come from all over the world. There are penguins from the arctic, lions and zebras from the jungle, and bears from the forest. There are also birds of every kind, as well as bugs.


The kit comes from a company called Compendium, Inc. Their motto is "Play. Learn. Grow. You have friends to meet wherever you go." So cute. They have so many other cute kits, like the Boogie Monster Dance Kit, which comes with an adorable set of plush monster feet to help your kiddo boogie. They also carry wedding, Valentine's, and gifts for any other occasion.




I highly recommend this kit for your little ones. In addition to being fun to play, the book has become one of CJ's favorite bedtime stories. He loves the little boy and girl who are the characters interacting with all the animals in the book. The Care For Our World kit is available at Compendium Incfor $34.95.






The wonderful people at Live Inspired have offered one lucky Babies, Books, and Signs reader their very own kit. To enter, just scroll to the rafflecopter form at the bottom. Good luck!




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