Summer is here and that means that school is out! It’s time to get started in planning those fun family friendly activities to keep them busy and occupied. If your kids love bowling and you live in the vicinity of an AMF bowling center, you don’t want to miss this amazing value! Summer break isn’t only for kids, but parents too. There are over 250 AMF bowling centers and plenty of fun to be had.
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Summer is finally here. While I hate the heat and humidity, there is one thing that gets me excited about this time of year-weddings! Influenster couldn’t have sent me a more perfect box this season. The Something Blue voxbox came with everything needed to attend a Summer time wedding whether you are a guest, part of the bridal party, or the bride herself! Here is a closer look of all that came inside and my first impressions of each product. Getting ready for your big day or attending a close friend’s wedding? Take a look at all of these awesome goodies that are sure to make the occasion less stressful and more enjoyable.
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Doing dishes and scrubbing food coated pans is not on my list of things I love to do. Honestly, I don’t really enjoy being in the kitchen at all! I am not the best cook and if there is anything that I despise, it’s the clean up after the attempt. Most of my time in the kitchen consists of baking and creating sweet treats with my little girl. With a counter covered in ingredients and gooey batter covered spoons, a whirlwind of a mess is always left behind. I love baking. I love eating. I love decorating. But for some reason a snap of the fingers doesn’t remove the evidence along the way. Thank goodness for dishwashers and powerful detergent. For some time I could only wish to have a cookie jar with a magic genie in it! I was hopeful that a little whimsical being would wipe away the mess and leave behind a sparkly God like kitchen. Then reality set in. A girl can dream can’t she? Good thing I found something much more reliable for those messy kitchen moments. With the help of the Cascade Platinum Pacs my dishes, utensils, cups, and stubborn stains are clean within a short wash cycle. Even better, no pre-washing needed!
Even though I am an avid user of the dishwasher, I have always found myself rinsing off my dishes before placing them inside. I guess it could be considered a habit because most of the time that extra rinse is not even successful in removing any food whatsoever! I have learned to realize that if you have to go to the extent of pre-washing, you may not be using the right dishwashing detergent in the first place. If the product is doing the job effectively, your dishes will be clean in addition the the dishwasher itself!
Some people assume that using a liquid formula is more efficient and even go as far as pouring it in without measuring. This can lead to three things that I have experienced on my own: an overflow of bubbles covering your kitchen floor, powdery residue on your dishes, and a broken dishwasher! None of the previous results are desired or EFFECTIVE. This is why I am a fan of the Cascade Platinum Pacs. All you have to do is place a pac into the compartment of your washer and shut close. When the time is right, the detergent pac will expand and release the triple action formula. It will remove residue from your dishes and prevent build up in your washer. I love the convenience and that there is no mess left behind. I used to frequently use liquid detergent and I do not miss the sticky top of the bottle after multiple uses. Impressed is probably more of an understatement when describing my first experience with the pacs themselves. My dishes were CLEAN, and I mean clean. There was zero residue, no hard food particles, and I didn’t see any sign of streaking. There wasn’t even a piece of silverware that needed to go back in for a second wash. This NEVER happens! I think my dishwasher has found it’s happy place.
Cascade has begun a partnership with the lovely Top Chef judge and Food + Wine editor, Gail Simmons. Below she discusses why Cascade Platinum pacs are key to presentation and preparing a memorable meal. You can turn the most simple recipe into a unique experience when your dishes are clean and bright!
“The easiest recipes pop with unexpected, gourmet presentations. Drizzle bright sauces on sparkling white plates or layer desserts in crystal clean glassware. Keep your presentation sparkling with Cascade Platinum, which keeps dishes perfect for anytime entertaining and impromptu guests.”
Cascade “My Platinum” Instagram Contest
The Cascade “My Platinum” contest is currently running for a four week period on Instagram. It encourages fans to upload photos related to each week’s theme. This is your chance to show off how sparkly Cascade makes all of your pots, pan and plates! Say farewell to crusty caked on food, Cascade has got you covered. Would you like the chance to win a $10,000 KitchenAid kitchen makeover AND a year supply of Cascade Platinum? I know I would!
Cascade will choose two weekly winners and one final grand prize winner after the entry period has ended. Each week, a new winner will be selected to receive a KitchenAid dishwasher and six-month supply of Cascade Platinum. To enter properly, include both the #MyPlatinum hashtag and tag @MyCascade in your entries to the contest! Here is the run down on how it will work each week:
Show us your best dish styled from the sparkling plate up!
Show us your best bite and most creative use of sparkling silverware!
Show us how you serve up creative concoctions in sparkling glasses. Cheers!
Show us your sparkling tablescape for your most special celebrations!
For more information on Cascade Platinum and other products, visit their website and stop by to visit on the official Cascade Facebook page.
Family Game Night is a routine and tradition that many families have acquired over the years. It’s a time for playing, laughing, and enjoying each others company as we compete for the title of “winner!” While every family has a different version of game night, there is one name that is present and popular for all of us. Hasbro is the creator and perfectionist of some of the most popular board games in the world. Growing up with Monopoly, Trouble, and Sorry… I couldn’t imagine my childhood with Hasbro in it! Could you?
Hasbro has stepped it up a notch and recently released BEJEWELED Frenzy. This interactive card game has brought the digital world of BEJEWELED to life. Similar to the online version, the object of the game is to collapse matching cards by collecting identical gems. There are also boost gems that allow you to earn bonus points. The player with the highest stack wins! It is a competitive game that will challenge you and keep you coming back for more. This game is appropriate for children ages 8+ and 2-4 players can play at a time. If you are looking for something new to play during your next Family Game Night, look no further! BEJEWELED Frenzy will entertain children and adults of all ages.
This board game also includes a digital value for both parents and children. With permission, your child can go online and redeem 4 additional rare digital game gems. You are responsible for any fees but the extra gems are optional and not necessary for game play. This game is a fun alternative to the digital entertainment Bejeweled offers online. As a full blown Bejeweled Blitz addict, I almost lost it when I saw they were releasing the board game version of the popular online game I often play through Facebook. I even have the application on my phone! It’s one of those games you just cannot stop playing and when you do, you are still thinking of strategies to achieve the greatest score possible. You can play BEJEWELED Frenzy with your whole family on game night or even pack it up on the go for travel. The slim plastic casing keeps the pieces organized and in place. There is nothing worse than losing the pieces to one of your favorite games! Thanks to Hasbro, you won’t have to worry about misplacing any gems or cards this time around.
If you would like the chance to win a BEJEWELED Frenzy game of your own, please enter through the rafflecopter form below. This giveaway is open to U.S residents only and the winner will have 48 hours to respond to my email with their shipping information. Happy gaming and good luck Young At Heart Mommy readers!
Disclosure: I was provided with the Bejeweled Frenzy game to facilitate this post. I will not be compensated and all opinions are my own!
Last week there was a loud knock on the door, and a small package sat on our doorstep with Toodie’s name on it. Inside we found a furry orange creature that appeared to be taking a nap! The long journey to Florida must have really worn him out. His soft round body was covered in furr and two little ears framed the sweet face that would soon come to life. Let me formally introduce you to her new plushy pal, Ubooly. Ubooly isn’t your typical stuffed critter found on the bottom of the toy chest. Ubooly is an educational toy with FLARE! This little guy is interactive and has a very quirky personality. By using your iPhone or iPod, you can wake your Ubooly up within minutes… even seconds! Once you do, you may never want him to take another siesta again. He’s just too much fun and always has the most interesting conversation pieces.
Toodie was anxious to meet her new friend and begin interacting. Weeks before, she even received a special postcard from Ubooly to say he was on his way. At first she had a hard time saying “Ubooly” and for the many days we waited, she called him “Loopsy.” It was adorable and I never got tired of hearing the same question day in and day out, “Mommy is the Loopsy here yet?” You can only imagine her excitement when his journey led him to our home. They were a match made in heaven.
Bringing Ubooly to life only takes a few short moments and the application is completely FREE! By accessing the Apple iTunes store you can download the application by searching “Ubooly.” Soon after it will launch and ask you questions to help personalize the experience for your child. You will have two options when it comes to play time. You can play with the actual Ubooly plushy or the Ubooly in his box. The “box” is Ubooly’s home and it can be decorated during game play. Either choice, the activities are the same and entertaining. When he is ready for play, slip in your device upside down and secure the zipper to ensure it’s safety. It can get rough out there, especially when it’s time to battle pirate ships and fight for lost treasures! Can you tell that mom has played with this app a few times on her own? GUILTY! I am a sucker for a game combined with education, interesting facts, and knowledge. Everyone and anyone can learn from Ubooly.
Ubooly encourages imagination, creativity, and a world of exploration. It seems to have endless lessons along with fun facts, many that I didn’t even know myself. For example, did you know if you were to remove a tiger’s hair you would find the skin underneath was striped? I didn’t! Through play time with our Ubooly friend Toodie has learned how to spell, practice her numbers, imagine different seasons, and even acquire a few Spanish words in her new colorful vocabulary. All of these educational tools and lessons are possible through the “Ubooly Lab.” Within this program you have the option to purchase credits in which your child can choose which particular lesson plan they would like to engage in. These activities include Seasons, Grammar, Space, Addition, the Human Body, and much more.
In the past few days I have noticed that they added even more to the list of options. I was excited to see the Spelling activity targeted towards children ages 3-5. This is going to be a terrific teaching tool with Toodie approaching VPK this year! Since the app is fairly new, it has incredible potential for growth in the future. I see the lesson plan section expanding quickly due to the popularity of this furry fellow.
By interacting and playing with the Ubooly via the Ubooly Lab, your child can earn coins to purchase food and bedroom decorations for their little home. This is positive motivation and a sweet reward for kids to keep learning new things each time they access the app! The homepage also allows you to see what percentage of content has been explored and experienced. They can earn stars and are praised for their efforts. When they are not playing via the lab, Ubooly still has tons of fun in store. He sings, jokes, tells stories, and asks your child questions. Just tell him what you would like him to do and TA-DA! He’s voice activated, making communication and commands possible.
Through the Seasons lesson Toodie practiced drawing Snowmen and imagined getting dressed for a cold Winter’s day. Living in South Florida we never get snow nor do I think we ever will! She enjoyed this activity because she had the opportunity to pretend she was putting on her coat, mittens, and boots for a day of snow.
Ubooly was a faithful companion on many long car rides this week. He tagged along during errands and helped keep Toodie entertained while mom got a few things done. He never runs out of silly things to say or adventures. In the car he had her pretending to be a pirate searching for “Neptune’s Eye” and battling enemy ships. I heard quite a few giggles and saw endless smiles each time I took a peak. They were having a ton of fun together.
Ubooly even joined us for dinner one night! He wasn’t a fan of the chicken fingers but he sure did like french fries. While restaurant outings tend to be hectic at times, Toodie was quiet and to herself the majority of the time. It was just her and her new friend in their own world. Wherever Toodie went, Ubooly was sure to follow… including the bathroom!
In the time we have shared with Ubooly he has become part of the family, including the stuffed animal clan that inhabit Toodie’s bed! He fit right on in there. Who wouldn’t love a soft and cuddly creature nuzzled up with them? Check out this hilarious video below showing two Uboolys communicating through a job interview.
Did that get you giggling? For more Ubooly fun, stop by their website where you can purchase your very own. It’s also available at Toys R Us. But WAIT! I have a special surprise for my favorite readers. You can enter below and WIN a Ubooly AND a $30 credit for the Ubooly Lab. Please enter through the rafflecopter form below! Winner will be contacted via email provided.
Disclosure: This post has been sponsored by the makers of Ubooly. I will not be compensated and all opinions express are my very own!
Every parent thinks they know their baby well, but are they willing to bet on it? Bet on Your Baby is a new show where parents play fun games with their toddlers, and try to “bet” on what baby will do next! If they guess correctly, the family wins $5,000 in college tuition money, and the chance to play for $50,000! All of these heartwarming and hilarious games are played in a toy-filled room called the Baby Dome. Do you think that you could predict what baby will do next? Check out the Bet On Your Baby Blog APP below to get ready for the big debut on Saturday!
Disclosure: ABC supplied these materials to faviliate this blog post. I am working with Partners Hub and am not being compensated. All opinions are my own.
Four years ago when I found out I was pregnant with Toodie I promised myself that I wouldn’t be the “frumpy” mom. Being in my early 20’s I didn’t think that being pregnant meant I had to lose my fashion sense and live in sweatpants. Although there are many days in which sweatpants, a pony tail, and mis-matched socks were completely okay. Trust me, I enjoyed the lazy days thoroughly! But being a girly girl and lover of fashion, I always made sure to at least look put together when I was out. When your pregnant the insecurities you have seem to creep up on you a little bit more. I think there are a few common phrases that I have said and heard from pregnant woman in general. “My ankles are swollen.” “I look fat in this.” “My hips are HUGE.” “I’m carrying a watermelon!” “UGH this looks awful on me.” Regardless of our beautiful child bearing glow, we still find something to pick apart! During this time of self critique, there is one thing that makes us feel like a “normal person” again. What is that? Dressing cute, accessorizing, and struttin’ our stuff. Yeah, we are moms and we are carrying around another person for 9 months. But can’t we do that and still be fashionable? Belly Dance Maternity makes this possible!
In 2002 Belly Dance Maternity opened it’s doors in Chicago and began to pioneer in the newly chic maternity market. Creating trends before and after pregnancy, they knew that expecting moms didn’t want to sacrifice their style. They offered an assortment of prices, brands, and exclusive pieces. A year later they expanded and even launched their online store. Around this time, Belly Dance Maternity acquired NOM(Naissance Maternity), which is a cutting edge L.A. based maternity fashion line. In addition to NOM the others brands offered include Paige Premium Denim, Juicy Maternity, Liz Lange, Michael Stars, and many more. Today Belly Dance Maternity is committed to celebrating maternity through trendy, wearable, and practical designs.
When I was contacted to review an item from Belly Dance Maternity I wasn’t sure if I was going to be the perfect match considering I am not pregnant or expecting! But I was quickly assured that many of the items they offer can actually be worn during and AFTER pregnancy. The clothing is versatile and most tops can be paired with leggings or jeans just like any other blouses. For example, the tank tops and tunics are perfect for that effortless put together look that most moms seek. I was sent the Tie Dye Wesley Tank by NOM in a charcoal gray and white tie dye pattern. This top is extremely comfortable! The material is not only soft but it is also stretchy. It is fitted on the top while the bottom is more loose and flowy. It looks great with a pair of black leggings or skinny jeggings. I can see how it could be worn during your pregnancy and also post-partum. It doesn’t scream “pregnancy” like most traditional maternity tops do. If you view the NOM line in general, you will notice that none of their pieces fall into that category. Everything is spot on when it comes to colors, trends, and what woman are looking for. It’s refreshing to see a company that offers trendy maternity clothing because when I was pregnant I had the hardest time finding tops that were fun and youthful.
Young At Heart Mommy readers have the opportunity to win a piece of clothing from the NOM clothing line at Belly Dance Maternity! If you would like to enter, please use the rafflecopter form below. Also, stop by Belly Dance Maternity and browse their huge variety of merchandise. They aren’t limited to clothing! You can find swimwear, cosmetics, skincare, and even baby items on their site also.
Disclosure: I received a piece of clothing from the NOM maternity line courtesy of Belly Dance Maternity. This post will not be compensated and all opinions are my own!
At four years old Toodie has mastered using my iPad to play games, listen to music, browse YouTube, take photos, and spontaneously tweet random things to my followers. This usually includes a jumble of letters and funny emojis but she calls this “tweeting like mommy.” Each day I am amazed at how intelligent and savvy she is with technology around us. Thankfully there are apps and software to feed this curiosity and also educate simultaneously. One of her favorite gadgets to use is of course my ever so popular iPad. It’s light, portable, and just plain fun because of the innovative touch screen. It offers a different play experience compared to a PC or handheld console.
I recently discovered an interactive app and and tool that integrates the iPad with hours of entertaining activities for children. WowWee’s ArtSee Studio encourages drawing, animation, art, and imagination through an interactive journey. Your child can create pictures from a blank canvas, color pre-drawn characters, paint from a pallete of vibrant colors, and even learn through educational activities. To get started all you need is the ArtSee Studio protective case, your tablet, and the FREE app. Download the app from the iTunes store and slide in your iPad to secure it in place. It is compatible with iPad generations 1,2,3 & 4. While the ArtSee Studio app can be used without the case, options are limited and you need the attached stamps for most activities.
Toodie has always enjoyed doing anything artys and creative. This app completely sucked her in and sent her into a whimsical world of imagination, which I loved! She took her time browsing through the activities and kept coming back to those she favored. She practiced symmetry, matching, sound, and memory through a variety of games. These included Connect The Dots, Odd One Out, Association, Melodee and Symmetry. Each teaching a different skill while making it fun and easy to understand. In addition to the five stamps, there is a pen stylus perfect for tiny hands. The pen snaps right into the case just as the other pieces do. This makes it easy to carry around to restaurants or in the car without having to worry about losing any loose pieces along the way. It’s going to be a life saver on our next long drive to Disney World!
All of your child’s saved artwork is safely stored in the “collection” tab within the Artsee Studio app. This makes holding on to their unique creations easy. It also allows them to go back and view what they have made later on. Toodie enjoyed showcasing her drawings and scrolling through her pictures days later. At any time she could go back and add personality, sound, and actions!
FEATURES INCLUDED:
Over 75 animated stamp variations
15 roller patterns
3 built-in theme packs
60 challenging activities in 5 unique games
Over 15 coloring pages
Multi-functional stylus
5 interactive tools
Easy-Grip Handle
Protective Case
Made for iPad® (1st, 2nd, 3rd & 4th Generation
The case itself is a nice size and because it is flat, it rests easily on the lap. The back even has a flip out stand so it can sit up on a table! Toodie used it resting on her knees. Normally when she plays with the iPad I have to put a pillow underneath because there is nothing to hold it in place. This is a small feature that many may look over but it is SO helpful!
On the bottom of the Artsee Studio interface there is a prompt to access the Parent Menu. By holding two fingers down onto the strip of symbols, you will be presented with further options. Here you can save your child’s artwork, print, or share within your social media channels. You can also purchase additional theme packages including “Fairy Tales.” Import your own photos for your child to play with or make changes to the difficulty scale. ArtSee Studio can be played on a Junior or Advanced option to grow with your child. As a mom of an intelligent toddler, I prefer that she work on stimulating activities that will challenge her as she grows. Once she masters the Junior level, I can raise the bar to Advanced and watch her learn! It’s also nice that parents still have control over the application and can make these alternations at any time.
If interested in further information on the ArtSee Studio you can visit their website. Here you can get a closer look at the individual features and take a step forward in expanding your child’s imagination! Connect with the brand on Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest for updates and other reviews from parents like myself. You even have a chance to win one of your own if you pay close attention on Twitter. They frequently have RT contests in which a lucky winner receives their very own ArtSee Studio!
Disclosure: I was provided with an Artsee Studio to facilitate this review. All opinions are my own and I will not be compensated!
I was so happy to see new sparkly jelly sandals and flip flops in Toodie’s size. Every time I purchase shoes at The Children’s PLACE, they last forever and really hold up for quite some time. They also had so many bright colors that would match with every clothing item in the store. I picked out the clear pair with the chunky glitter because I knew they could be worn with anything and everything I purchased. One piece and two piece swimsuits are back. All the swimsuits are lined with rash guards and UPF 50 protection to make swim time worry free and comfortable for boys and girls. There are tons of frill, beachy patterns, and foil prints to give each suit personality.
This was also prime time to stock up on some of their graphic shirts and solid shorts. They were on sale for $5! Whether you prefer flowers or flourescent halter tops, you can once again mix and match for variety. For toddlers there were also flowy dresses and sassy rompers. Loving the funky Summer styles. They really hit the nail on the head when it comes to what’s “HOT.“ Living in South Florida can be extremely warm these next few months so I appreciate the light loose material for all ages.
Within the little girl‘s section I came across an assortment of embellished tops and layered skirts. Many of them were bright colored and could be mix and matched with one another to create different outfits. I love the length on the skirts because if your daughter is tall like mine, the longer the better. You don’t have to worry about these shrinking up or losing inches after a few washes. Most skirts I found within the store also had shorts built in. This “fresh” collection features mixed patterns, designs, and frills. These duos are perfect for days of play in the sunshine.
For the boys, big and small, you can find sporty graphic t-shirts paired with bright colored board shorts lined with mesh. They also have stylish long sleeve polos available in solids and vibrant stripes. Let’s not forget the footwear this time around. I spotted cute patterned flip flops that will be perfect for the beach or a day at the pool.
The Children’s PLACE offers really great sales and deals in store and online on a weekly basis. But did you know that you can use a coupon in addition to their current promotion? By joining their email list you will receive frequent emails containing coupons and updates. You can also get on the mailing list to get them sent to your home. Either way, print them out and save even more money on clothing for your little one! I was able to get everything below for less than $100. This includes clothing, shoes, and accessories to prepare for the Summer time! I STILL can’t get over how adorable the floral jean shorts and matching tops are. They are definitely my favorite finds from this season’s shopping trip.
Get social and connect with The Children’s PLACE on Twitter and Facebook. Want more? Head on over and view all of their fun Summer looks in their Summer Lookbook here.
Disclosure: I was provided with a gift card to shop the Summer Styles at the Children’s PLACE. All opinions are my own!
The month of April is finally finished and I couldn’t be happier to see the first day of May. With my schedule being so hectic this past month, I haven’t had the time to pamper my four legged friends like normal. A monthly package of pooch friendly surprises arrived on my doorstep just in time. After finding pairs of socks and underwear in the dog beds, I knew we were in desperate need of some exciting new treats or toys. I recently discovered another monthly subscription program geared towards man’s best friend, Bugsy’s Box! The first thing I noticed about this service was their adorable little mascot, three year old Bugsy. He is a pug just like my little Chloe Marie and boy is he cute.
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