I Can Do That! Activity Books

A product was given for review for my honest opinion. No other compensation was given.

Summer is here and parents everywhere are stockpiling games, activities, and great ideas for keeping their kids occupied an engaged. And now that school is starting soon (or has already!) you can also continue the learning at home with 3 new activity books that are budget-friendly, imaginative, and perfect for preschoolers who are bursting with creativity and eager to show off their independence.

I Can Do That! activity books are filled with fun, super-easy activities that empower children 3 and up to create amazing art, make cool paper-folding projects, and master mazes and other puzzles with adorable stickers.

These three charming interactive books are popular in Japan. And they are now available for the first time in the U.S.

They are:
• great for boosting skills over the summer
• ideal for rainy day play and quiet time
• perfect to pack for any car ride, flight, or train trip
• budget-friendly (and beloved) birthday gifts and thank-you gifts

Check out more about each activity book below:

I CAN DO THAT! ERASABLE ART by La ZOO

The illustrations of food, animals, clothing, and vehicles by La ZOO are designed to get little ones to use their imaginations—and their fine motor muscles. Who wouldn’t want to decorate their dream donut or give a zebra its stripes. Wipe-off pages hold crayon beautifully and can be wiped clean easily with a paper towel so little artists can make their mark again and again. (Wet erase and dry-erase markers also work on the pages.)

I CAN DO THAT! ORIGAMI

Children as young as 3 years old can follow simple instructionsfor cutting and folding to transform an elephant into a teapot, make a hippo roar, or turn a car into a dessert. The activities are clever and surprising and help to build focus, encourage children to follow sequential directions, and enhance fine motor skills.

I CAN DO THAT! STICKERS

Matching and counting games, mazes, picture puzzles, and other fun activities will keep preschoolers entertained for hours. What’s more, these value-packed pages help children ages 3 to 5 build problem-solving, number sense, fine motor, and reasoning skills while they play. Plus, the 350 reusable stickers in the book can be enjoyed again and again.

*Disclosure - This product was given for review for my honest opinion. No other compensation was given.*

Get a Great Night's Sleep When Traveling This Summer with @HoMedics SoundSpa Line!

A product was given for review for my honest opinion. No other compensation was given.

There are two things that my family needs in a hotel room when traveling to get a good night's sleep - a humidifier (hotel air is SO DRY!!!) and a Sound Machine. It gets to be a lot to pack and carry around but it is usually so worth it for a great night's sleep away from home!

But lately, things have gotten easier for me when traveling because I have this AWESOME HoMedics MyBaby® Ultrasonic Humidifier which has both a sound machine AND a humidifier in ONE! It is my new favorite traveling must-have and our whole family LOVES it!

The HoMedics MyBaby SoundSpa Ultrasonic Humidifier combines soothing humidity and relaxing sounds to help your baby sleep throughout the night. Its one-gallon tank can deliver up to 45 hours of run time per filling, and Clean Tank Technology helps to protect the tank from mold and mildew. An optional night light gently illuminates the room, while 4 soothing sounds block distractions and lull baby to sleep

What I love about HoMedics is that they are all about getting a great night's sleep!!! They are even the new, official sleep-conditioning partner of the National Sleep Foundation. More than 10 HoMedics sleep-conditioning and sleep-therapy products for adults and infants will feature the National Sleep Foundation’s seal, indicating they align with the Foundation’s mission of improving sleep health and well-being through sleep education, and the incorporation of sleep science in products to encourage restful sleep.

HoMedics’ SoundSpa line of premium sound-technology products helps adults and infants alike rest their overactive and/or distracted minds using white noise and relaxing nature sounds, such as a rainforest or campfire. Sounds are designed to soothe the senses, encourage sleep and maintain deep sleep for a refreshed morning.

SoundSpa technology has been digitally mastered with the help of sound engineers to produce white noise and environmental sounds that help users fall asleep and stay asleep. For example, our sleep-therapy programs begin the user’s sleep ritual with nature sounds that softly transition into brown noise. This process helps the user achieve the deepest and most relaxed sleep.

Additionally, HoMedics’ portable sound products make travel less disruptive to sleep patterns, reducing distracting noises and maintaining sleep routines developed at home.

So if you struggle to sleep when traveling, grab a HoMedics portable sound product for your next trip and you WON'T regret it!!!

Buy It:

You can purchase all HoMedics SoundSpa products from their website.

*Disclosure - This product was given for review for my honest opinion. No other compensation was given.*

Must-Have for All Summer Road Trips: @finditgames #Giveaway

A product was given for review for my honest opinion. No other compensation was given.

Can you spot the red cape, red fur or red & white shirt? That’s the challenge for kids this season as they venture on a treasure hunt to search for loveable characters from Captain Underpants, Sesame Street Jr. and Where’s Waldo? They needn’t go very far as everything is contained in the hand-held adventure game.

Parent company Identity Games is pleased to announce its 2017 collection of Find It® Games (starting at $19.99) have just arrived on store shelves. These puzzling adventures in a tall clear tube follow the hottest licenses including Captain Underpants, now an animated summer blockbuster from DreamWorks. Based on the children’s books series, this Find It game is filled with items from the whimsical storyline about two fourth graders, Harold and George.

I love that they offer these Find It Games for all ages! I got the Where's Waldo for my older children and my preschooler LOVES the Sesame Street Jr. Find It game!

Big Bird, Elmo and Ernie star in this Sesame Street Jr. Find It game that boasts larger-than-usual pieces. It makes spotting a yellow rubber duckie just a little easier! Cookie Monster, Bert and the rest of the gang are hiding in plain sight. Go find them!

My LOVES Elmo and he likes to find things so I knew this Find It game would be perfect for him. He instantly started finding everything in the game and I like that they list everything in the game right on the top so my son can know what he is looking for!

This was great for keeping him occupied in the car on our many trips to the cabin!

And for my older school-aged children, I got the Where's Waldo game. They love the different games they can play with this and it also keeps them busy in the car and at home!

Where’s Waldo? already had a reputation for blending into the scenery. Spotting him takes a keen eye. Waldo sports a distinctive red-and-white-striped shirt, knit cap and black glasses. In the newest edition of Find It, search for 40 Waldo items in a sea of colored pellets.

If you’re looking for summer toys, travel toys, or educational products, Find  It is for you! They really promote concentration and focus and can keep children content and occupied in the car on all your summer road trips!

Buy It:

You can purchase all Find It games from their website.

Win It:

Find It Games is generously offering (1) of the three Find Its to a lucky winner!

Enter here for a chance to win:

(1) Find It Game
(choose from Where's Waldo, Sesame Street Jr or Captain Underpants)
a Rafflecopter giveaway

* Thank you to Find It Games for their product for review! Disclosure - This product was given for review for my honest opinion. No other compensation was given.*

Get A Sweet Treat with "No Funky Stuff" from @otis_spunkmeyer!

A product was given for review for my honest opinion. No other compensation was given.

It's no secret that we like a sweet treat in our house!

But what we don't like is "funky stuff" that are often found in sweets including high fructose corn syrup, artificial colors and flavors and partially hydrogenated oils.

So these days when I need something sweet after a long day, with my coffee on the weekend or with a nice tall glass of wine, I reach for Otis Spunkmeyer!

Otis Spunkmeyer promises me ‘No Funky Stuff’ and promises that their all-new retail line of 20+ cookies and sweet treats is made without artificial flavors or colors, high-fructose corn syrup or partially hydrogenated oils. It’s the perfect snack for back-to-school (or for parents!) that everyone can feel good about.

Otis Spunkmeyer was one of the original sweet treat brands, with their famous cookies launching in the 70’s. Their new commitment to using better-for-you ingredients – or ‘No Funky Stuff’ – means that Otis Spunkmeyer’s cookies, frozen cookie dough, and new snack cakes, cupcakes and muffins are all delivering on a superior tasting treat that kids and parents love!

There wasn't a single treats from Otis Spunkmeyer that I didn't like - from their cookies to the Mini Loaf Cakes to the Mini Cupcakes! Each was a treat and I loved that each was individually wrapped so I could hold back with just eating one (well...most of the time!) :) Plus, that makes it great for grabbing on-the-go for all the busy, summertime fun you are having!

These individual sized, "No Funky Stuff" treats are great in lunches as a special treat this upcoming school year (would make a great 1st day of school treat!) or in the picnic basket this summer! No matter where you eat them or what you are doing, I can vouch that they are DELICIOUS and made without the icky ingredients! I LOVE THAT!

Buy It:

You can purchase Otis Spunkmeyer snacks at a local retailer.

* Thank you to Otis Spunkmeyer for their product for review! Disclosure - This product was given for review for my honest opinion. No other compensation was given.*

Summer Family Travel Tips from Safety 1st‏

A product was given for review for my honest opinion. No other compensation was given.

July is well underway and summer is upon us!

What travel plans do you have for your family this summer? 

According to AAA, 35% of Americans plan on taking a road trip this summer that is 50 miles or more from home.

We are traveling this summer to northern Wisconsin for my grandparents 60th wedding anniversary celebration. We are staying a couple nights in a hotel and a must for us when traveling anywhere is a quality, easy to carry and easy to set up travel bed or play yard for my youngest son who doesn't sleep in a bed yet. Every trip we take this summer, we will definitely be taking our new Prelude Play Yard from Safety 1st.

The Prelude Play Yard by Safety 1st will come in handy for years to come. This three-way convertible play yard is a cozy bassinet, a convenient changing table, and a roomy play yard all in one. The bassinet is spacious and comfortable for baby, while the changing table offers added convenience with a large accessory area to keep diapers, wipes, and other necessities close at hand. When your little one is ready, this item converts into a full-sized play yard with plenty of room for favorite toys. Breathable mesh keeps your infant in easy view. This simple-to-assemble play yard packs away to fit into the included carrying bag for easy travel, making it great for stays away from home.

This play yard is spacious for even my two year old and I love that I can see him at all times through the mesh sides.

Best of all, it was also super easy to set up and take down. I love the push buttons on the side that turn green when it is latched upright correctly.

I also love the storage pockets on the side and how compact it folds up so it doesn't take up much room in the car. We definitely need all the room we can get when packing for a family of five!

FEATURES:

• Full size bassinet
• Elevated changing table with accessory tray
• Removable arch with cute toys
• On-the-go carry bag
• Spacious play yard for napping or play

With the increase in number of cars on the road and family road trips, it’s important to make sure all parents and children travel safely wherever you go this summer. Check out this great safety check list from Safety 1st Car Seat Safety expert Ryan Hawker:

“Are We There Yet?” Your Road Trip Safety Check List

By: Ryan Hawker, Safety 1st Car Seat Safety Expert

Gas prices are starting to drop! Yes! Therefore it’s no secret that this summer AAA is predicting more and more people will be hitting the roads for a summer vacation. According to the travel organization, 35% of Americans are planning to take a vacation more than 50 miles from home with two or more immediate family members in the next 12 months. 

If you are traveling with little ones a very important tip that most people forget to confirm is that car seat or home safety is a part of the travel check list. Before you hit the road make sure to take a look in the back seat to confirm your child is in the correct child restraint for his or her height and weight, and that the car seat is installed correctly. 

In Your Back Seat: 

· The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) advises parents to keep their toddlers in rear-facing car seats until age 2. The new Safety 1st Grow and Go EX Air, offers a safer and more comfortable ride with extended use at each stage; including up to 50 pounds rear-facing and 100 pounds in the belt-positioning booster mode. Remember, the safest place to install a car seat, rear or forward-facing, is typically in the center of the rear seat. 

· Always make sure your child is secure by keeping the car seat harness snug. Experts test the snugness with the "pinch test". If you pinch the harness straps at the shoulder and can gather material, it is too lose. Cinch it down. Also, check in with a local Child Passenger Safety Technician to ensure your child’s seat is installed correctly. You can visit a local police department, fire station, AAA office or Safe Kids Chapter for guidance.

· It’s something you rarely think about, but car seats expire! You can find the expiration date on the back or the side of the car seat. Also, if a car seat has been in a crash you should not use it. Plastic can warp, materials can fray and the car seat will not protect a child correctly. Always avoid used car seats. The history of a car seat tells a lot about its ability to protect on the road ahead. If you don’t know where it has been, you don’t know if it can protect your child.

On The Road:

· Road trips often mean long hours in the car, especially when traveling through high volume areas. According to AAA, Fifty-five percent of Americans say they are more likely to take a road trip this year due to lower gas prices, which can lead to more traffic. Make sure your driver is always well-rested and the kids are occupied to reduce distractions. It’s a good idea to keep snacks and activities handy. Also don’t forget a charger for your tablet or iPhone.

· Children don’t always do what they’re told but they do often mimic what they observe. According to Safe Ride 4 Kids, almost 40% of children riding in vehicles with unbelted drivers were not wearing belt restraints at the time of an accident. Set a good example and always use your seatbelt.

· Protect your car like you would protect your home. It’s important to eliminate projectiles and keep them secured in a bag tucked under the seat or in a compartment. Anything in the car that is not secured is a possible projectile in the event that you stop fast. That could be a child’s toy or a water bottle. In a crash, objects take on greater weight due to crash forces.

At Your Destination:

· A great way to help your child adjust to sleeping in a new location is to start the process at home before you leave. If your child will be sleeping in a Play Yard during the trip, use it for bed or nap time the entire week before. This will help him or her get used to a new sleep environment.

· Are you planning on renting a house for your family vacation this summer? Unfortunately, vacation rentals don’t come child-proofed. Sharp corners and dangerous objects are inevitable. Therefore be sure to pack essential child proofing items in your suitcase. Soften the edges of an unfamiliar house with the Foam Bumper Kit. The Easy Install Walk-Thru Gate is great for blocking off new staircases that your little one may want to venture down, and don’t forget Plug Protectors, and door Knob Covers are essential for rooms you don’t want little ones venturing into unsupervised, such as the bathroom.

* Thank you to Safety 1st for their product for review! Disclosure - This product was given for review for my honest opinion. No other compensation was given.*

Must-Haves Products for Summer Travels with Kids

A product was given for review for my honest opinion. No other compensation was given.

Summer break is quickly approaching and that means that family vacations are on the horizon!! But whether you’re traveling by plane, train, or automobile, kids can turn travel into a trial of your sanity. I am the first to admit I absolutely HATE car rides and having three children under 6 in the car for long hours is one of the most trying experiences out there! However, I am also a firm believer in family vacations and making memories so away we go in the car each summer as a family!

But luckily, over the years, I have learned a few tricks to making vacations easier for the whole family and I have learned about some great products that help out too!

Check out some of my top products to make summer vacations more fun and less stressful:

4Kids Trolley Suitcase

It all starts with a fun suitcase that gets children excited for the trip and helpful in packing! I love to travel in style with the 4Kids Trolley Suitcases by Lassig. Not only does it feature cute designs and fun colors - it is really fun and easy for our children to pull around and makes my load lighter.

The trolley features a large main section, inside elastic straps to secure items, additional bag for dirty clothes or shoes, height adjustable handle and outer pocket. This is a must have for the little traveler. I love the extra bag for shoes or dirty clothes - we ALWAYS need that when traveling! My children love this new suitcase and can't wait to travel with it this summer!

MSRP: $95.49. Available online at www.Amazon.com

Claessens' Kid’Sleep Globetrotter

Nothing makes traveling harder than lack of sleep! We LOVE our sleep clocks at home for helping the children know when to wake up but we have never had one to travel with....until NOW!

We have been a fan and user of the Claessens' Kid'Sleep clock for years and now everyone is so excited to use the Claessens’ Kid’Sleep Globetrotter when traveling! It is the perfect travel companion that can be used as a night light and sleep trainer for young children and an alarm clock for older children.

If the sleeping sheep is lit, kids know to stay in bed. When the awake sheep is illuminated, it is okay to get out of bed and start the day. It is super compact and fits nicely in a suitcase and my children have the original Kid'Sleep so they love that they have one they can travel with now! AND, we, as parents, are so happy to not be woken up early in the morning when traveling anymore!!

For ages 2-7 years. 
$24.99 online at www.Amazon.com 

Play Wrap Happy Trails

And for entertaining the traveling baby, HABA’s Play Wrap Happy Trails offers plenty of stimulating sounds and textures!

It easily attaches to car seats and cribs to offer endless entertainment and the little car shape includes squeaker. I love that it can move from bed to carseat to wherever your child likes to play! It makes lots of fun noises and will become your baby's new favorite traveling buddy! For ages Birth-1 year.

MSRP: $19.99. Available online at www.HABAusa.com

* Disclosure - This product was given for review for my honest opinion. No other compensation was given.*

Travel Safely This Summer with @safety1st!

A product was given for review for my honest opinion. No other compensation was given.

Where will are you going this summer? 

According to AAA, road trips top the list this year. With many families hitting the road this summer, Safety 1st wants to make sure parents and children have a safe summer while on the go.

Check out these great tips from Safety 1st and keep them in mind anywhere and everywhere you go this summer!

Oh The Places You’ll Go – Travel Safety This Summer

By Safety 1st

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 75% of car seats on the road are installed incorrectly. Here are some easy tips to think about before hitting the road.

1. The safest place to install a car seat is typically in the center of the rear seat.
2. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) advises parents to keep their toddlers in rear-facing car seats until age 2. It also advises that most children will need to ride in a belt-positioning booster seat until they have reached 4 feet 9 inches tall and are between 8 and 12 years of age.
3. Check in with a local Child Passenger Safety Technician to ensure your child’s seat is installed correctly. You can visit a local police station, fire station, AAA office or Safe Kids Chapter for guidance.

Where is Baby?

It may seem like common sense but never, leave a child alone in the car. Hyperthermia is a severe form of heat stroke and last year 30 children died after being left or trapped in a hot vehicle. You can learn more about this issue and easy tips to prevent it here.

Safeguard the Car

Just as important as safe guarding your home, don’t forget about the car. Especially on long road trips. It’s important to eliminate projectiles, anything in the car that is not secured is a possible projectile. That could be a child’s toy, wet nap container, or a water bottle. In a crash, objects take on greater weight due to crash forces.

Make sure unused shoulder belts are not in reach of children as they can pose strangulation risk.

Car Seats Expire

Car seats expire. Especially if you get a hand-me-down car seat you should always check the expiration date to confirm the seat is safe for your child. You can find the expiration date on the back or the side of the car seat. Also, another very important tip - once a car seat has been in a crash you should not use it, plastic can warp and materials can fray. To properly dispose of a car seat check with your local waste management facility to see if they recycle number 5 plastic.

So if you are looking for a car seat that will keep your baby safe and will last a LONG time, then check out the new Grow and Go 3-in-1 car seat from Safety 1st.  It will be the first and last car seat parents and caregivers will need, making it simple to keep your little one safe in the backseat. In addition, the seat features side impact protection, a no rethread harness, buckle holders, two cup holders and an easily removable seat cover.

Safety 1st Grow and Go 3-in-1 Convertible Car Seat can be used rear-facing, forward-facing or as a booster. This extended use car seat features a no re-thread harness, buckle holders, dual cup holders and a removable seat cover.

I absolutely LOVE that this seat can be used from baby to toddler to school age! So many baby products are only used for a couple weeks but it is so refreshing to see a baby item that is safe AND can be used for many YEARS! Love this!

Buy It:

You can purchase The Grow and Go exclusively for $169.99 at Babies ‘R’ Us.

* Thank you to Safety 1st for their product for review! Disclosure - This product was given for review for my honest opinion. No other compensation was given.*

Travel This Summer with Hedgren Bags

A product was given for review for my honest opinion. No other compensation was given.

Where are you headed on vacation this summer???

Wherever you are going it is always important to have a great and durable suitcase or bag to carry your clothing and accessories. I don't know how many times in the past things in my suitcase have gotten ruined because I used cheap, badly made and broken suitcases!

Never again because I now have an awesome overnight bag from Hedgren. Hedgren is a popular European bag company that is now available in the U.S. They have a variety of fabulous totes,
colorful handbags, backpacks, laptop/tech bags and travel gear.

Hedgren bags come in a variety of stylish designs and are incredibly functional. They are made of a signature nylon material that comes in different colors and styles so they are easy to wipe down and keep clean.

I received the Capital Trolley bag and it especially perfect for my husband's frequent overnight business trips and perfect as a carry on!

The Capital is a handy overnight trolley with durable structure & organizational features. It has 2 separate compartments, fits a 15" laptop, A4 sized documents, had plenty of pockets to store pens, cards and your phone and it has a removable toilet bag.

It also features:

• Top zip closure
• Double handles and adjustable luggage handle with a 23.5" max drop
• Front features two exterior zippered pockets, including an organizer panel
• Two main compartments; one serves as a clothing compartment and the other features a padded laptop compartment (15" laptop)
• Includes two packing cubes and a lock to keep your laptop safe

I love the super soft laptop section. It is the softest material but thick to protect any laptop. I also love the luggage handle for easy pulling and my favorite part are the included packing cubes perfect for toiletries, dirty clothes or shoes while traveling!

If you are looking for a durable carry on or traveling bag for short trips, this this Capital Trolley bag is perfect for you! Whether you are looking to keep a laptop safe on the trip or just your clothes, the Capital Trolley will do that for you!

Buy It: 

You can purchase the Capital Trolley Bag for $229 from eBags.com

* Thank you to Hedgren for their product for review! Disclosure - This product was given for review for my honest opinion. No other compensation was given.*

Enjoy Summer with Alex Brand Toys!

A product was given for review for my honest opinion. No other compensation was given.

It’s that time of year again when parents need to get creative and find new ways to keep kids busy while school’s out.

I know we are only about three weeks into Summer Break and I am already searching for new and fun things to keep my children entertained throughout the day and also keep them challenged mentally!

Alex Brands® has a whole family of brands that offer products to help children develop their imagination and creativity. If you’re looking for rainy day activities, to avoid kids’ summer brain drain, or fun things to for outdoor play or travel, Alex Brands is sure to have a great product for you and your family!

Check out three of my favorite products from Alex Brands that will help your children stay entertained in three important areas this summer:

AVOIDING KIDS’ SUMMER BRAIN DRAIN

Alex Toys® USA Map in the Tub™

Turn bath time into a cross-country, educational adventure! Learn about the United States while soaking in the tub with this 74 piece kit USA Map in the Tub from ALEX Toys!

My son LOVES to do this map in the shower and I love that it is both educational and easy to clean up and put in the storage bag! :) He loves to piece together the entire USA and study the names of the states and their state animals and add on fun shapes like a car, boat, or compass, and famous monuments like the Statue of Liberty.

The foam pieces float in the tub and stick to any tub wall or tile when wet and cleanup and storage is easy- just use the mesh bag equipped with suction cups to hang on the bath wall

Its great for Ages 3+ and includes 74-piece foam puzzle that includes all 50 states, plus weather and landmark pieces to layer.

Assembled continental USA approximately 22″ x 11″

MSRP $20.00

OUTDOOR PLAY

Poof® Ultimate Chalk Mandala Set

New for 2015! Sidewalk art just got a lot easier and more more fun. Create colorful mandala designs with giant stencils and an array of colorful chalks.

One of the things my children were most excited about when we moved into a house is doing sidewalk chalk in the driveway and sidewalks! And they absolutely LOVE being artistic and showing their personalities through drawing!

They LOVE this kit and love the stencils and all the colors!! AND I Love the holders so their hands don't get all chalky!

It includes:

• 36 pieces of jumbo chalks
• 2 giant stencils (22.5″” x 22.5″” / 57.2cm x 57.2cm) that fold up
• 5 plastic holders for less mess

MSRP $32.00

TRAVEL

Zoob® Traveler 40

The ZOOB 0Z11040 ZOOB Traveler 40 Moving Mind-Building Modeling System is a building set that's different from the rest! The pieces can be moved after being put together, so kids can play with their ZOOB creations, instead of just looking at them.

ZOOB pieces snap, click and pop together to form joints that rotate, limbs that extend, axles that spin and lots more. Kids can create simple models in minutes or get absorbed and spend hours at a time. There's no limit to what they can build: from animals to aliens, from dinosaurs to DNA. Since ZOOB is based on real-life systems, its built-in educational value encourages kids to learn, explore and create using the most important tool of all: their imaginations.

My son LOVES to build and create and so I knew this ZOOB set would be so perfect for him! Plus, I ABSOLUTELY LOVE that it is great to travel with! We have already used it several times while traveling and many wonderful creations have been made!!

The ZOOB Traveler 40 contains (40) pieces in assorted colors, foam building base for added stability and a sturdy, zippered storage bag for easy traveling. ZOOB is an award-winning building set with a difference!

MSRP $22.00

* Thank you to Alex Brands for their product for review! Disclosure - This product was given for review for my honest opinion. No other compensation was given.*