Lille Punkin' Reviews

Review of The Young Scientist Club Magic School Bus Diving into Slime Kit

2009-11-23T18:00:00.003-06:00

I have three little boys and one brave daughter. So things get icky, sticky, and a bit gooey at my house -- that's just the nature of the business. When I gave them permission recently to make their own slimy substances, I was the BEST MOM EVER!

Welcome to the wonder of The Young Scientist Kits. They are clever, easy-to-use science kits, designed for all ages of children and ready to go in a moment's notice. We opened up the Magic School Bus Diving into Slime Kit and were talking all about polymers and whatnot with my kids. Even my 4 year old was engaged!

These kits contain everything you need for an afternoon (or two) of science fun, and the clean up is really a breeze. My children love this kit, and I can see us picking up different themes to go along with our homeschool or summer school curriculum.

From The Young Scientist Club website:

About The Young Scientists Club
Esther Novis, a mother of five and a former Harvard-trained biologist, started The Young Scientists Club a decade ago as a summer science camp for her then 5-year-old son. Friends from other parts of the country told Novis they felt cheated that their kids couldn’t go, so she naturally packaged the experiments and sent them off. The idea for a science subscription service was born! The subscription kits are now mailed monthly to thousands of children around the world and the company’s retail kits are sold in hundreds of specialty stores.

Cool, huh? Visit http://www.kidsciencekits.com/ to learn more!

Wanna win? We have your choice of kit to giveaway to one lucky reader (ARV $19.99 - $29.99) Just visit the sponsor's website and let us know which of these three kits you want to win:

Science on a Gardening Adventure
Magic Schoolbus Diving into Slime, Gel, and Goop
Magic Schoolbus Going Green

You have until November 29th at 11:59 pm CST to get your entries in, and you can enter every day! (Just comment as directed for your first entry, and for each entry after that, type "Today's Entry!")

Giveaways are subject to complete site rules. (Be sure to give us a way to reach you if you win, and remember that we will never use your email or contact info for anything other than to send your prize.) Good luck, and be sure to check out all of our other giveaways!

*Sample was received for this review.

El Tacodor Giveaway!

2009-11-23T14:11:00.003-06:00

We love taco night at the Knerl house (even more than pizza night!) With the dinner kits from Old El Paso, everything is included (besides fresh stuff) to get the party started. Our faves? The Gordito dinner kit (it comes with a yummy, spicy ranch sauce) and the Hard and Soft Shell Dinner Kit (we like making Double Decker tacos with this kit.)

Just add some lettuce, tomatoes (canned work well if you don't have any fresh), shredded cheese, and chopped green onions for a delicious meal that's very affordable! You can even liven it up with the El Tacodor meal game from the Old El Paso website. Just pick one of the 5 fun games:

Crunch Time - Beat the Clock Play
Meat-N-Greet - Family Fun Play
Lettuce Play - Pantomime Play
In the Lime Light - Performance Play
Say Cheese - Wordplay

In addition to getting what you need to play the games, you can get valuable coupons and enter to win prizes!

We recently got dinner for free, thanks to the folks at My Blog Spark. You can celebrate with your own complimentary El Tacodor meal, too. Just enter our giveaway below:

Wanna Win? We are giving one lucky winner a prize pack like we received (includes 2 coupons for an Old El Paso product/dinner kit and a $10 gift card to get fresh toppings for your meal.) To be entered to win, just comment on this post with your favorite way to eat tacos. You have until November 28th at 11:59 pm CST to get your entries in, and you can enter every day! (Just comment as directed for your first entry, and for each entry after that, type "Today's Entry!")

Giveaways are subject to complete site rules. (Be sure to give us a way to reach you if you win, and remember that we will never use your email or contact info for anything other than to send your prize.) Good luck, and be sure to check out all of our other giveaways!

*Old El Paso and MyBlogSpark provided the sample and prizes for this review.

Bid on Free Stuff with Listia

2009-11-23T09:47:00.004-06:00

What do people do when they want a convenient way to get rid of their stuff -- for free? They use the new service from Listia.com. A place where members can bid on free stuff using points, it's like most auction-style bidding sites, but you don't have to spend any cash! Some cool features of the site, include:

All kinds of items: current items include software, jewelry, and an umbrella!
300 credits for those who sign up and list their first item
A convenient way to recycle electronics, phones, and anything you don't really need -- let someone who could really want it get their chance to own it!

Have you used Listia?

*This is a sponsored post. All opinions are my own.

Review of Stay with Me Socks

2009-11-20T10:40:00.004-06:00

"Hey, your kid lost a sock."

I can't tell you how many times I'd be carrying my new little one through a store or shopping mall, when a total stranger would come up to me and tell me this. *sigh* I've just acquired another matchless sock to have to deal with in the laundry.

The neat new product called Stay with Me Socks, however, solves this problem in a cute, comfortable, and practical way. The Adjustable baby socks (which come in blue/white, green/white, pink/white, solid pink, and solid blue), stay on little tykes feet, no matter how squirmy or kicky they get. They are easy to use, and even easier to wash. (Plus the loop and wash design lets you match them up BEFORE you wash and dry them -- keeping them together from one wearing to the next.)

The socks work well, using a strap that velcros around the baby's ankles to help you adjust them to just the right size to be comfortable but snug. Since they work on the outside of the sock, they don't irritate baby's skin, and there are no extra accessories needed to keep track of. This all-in-one solution is adorable!

These socks are affordable (around $4.50 for a pair), and are available at stores like Target this fall! Visit www.staywithmesocks.com for full details!

Wanna win? We have a set of 2 pairs of Stay with Me Socks (newborn size, one pink and one blue) to give away to one lucky reader! To be entered to win, just comment on this post with any story, idea, or tips regarding lost baby socks, and we'll pick one winner randomly to win. You have until November 27th at 11:59 pm CST to get your entries in, and you can enter every day! (Just comment as directed for your first entry, and for each entry after that, type "Today's Entry!")

Giveaways are subject to complete site rules. (Be sure to give us a way to reach you if you win, and remember that we will never use your email or contact info for anything other than to send your prize.) Good luck, and be sure to check out all of our other giveaways!

*Sample was received for this review.

Merry Madagascar Giveaway is Here!

2009-11-18T11:02:00.005-06:00

Woohoo! You can read about how much we loved previewing the holiday special in yesterday's post, but now is the time for some winning! We have an amazing prize pack to give to one lucky reader, compliments of Walmart and Dreamworks. Here is what you can expect to receive if you win:

2 Plush toys (these are good-sized, too!)
1 Game
1 Fuzzy Throw
Recipes
A bag of Fritos
A Package of Velveeta single-serve macaroni cups
A box of Rice Krispies Treats
A package of Chips Ahoy Cookies
A $25 Walmart Gift Card!

Wanna Win? Just comment on this thread with your favorite Madagascar character OR your favorite holiday snack food. You have until November 23rd at 11:59 pm CST to get your entries in, and you can enter every day! (Just comment as directed for your first entry, and for each entry after that, type "Today's Entry!")

Giveaways are subject to complete site rules. (Be sure to give us a way to reach you if you win, and remember that we will never use your email or contact info for anything other than to send your prize.) Good luck, and be sure to check out all of our other giveaways!

*Walmart and Dreamworks provided me with a similar prize pack as part of the 11Moms program.

Merry Madagascar Airs Tonight!

2009-11-17T18:17:00.004-06:00

My kids were thrilled to get a screener of tonight's holiday special "Merry Madagascar", featuring the characters that we all know and love from the Madagascar movies. This fun, half-hour feature was a riot, and totally appropriate for the whole family!

Our only complaint? My oldest son claimed he got "robbed." Upset that it was 30 minutes, and not a full-length movie, he was enjoying himself so much when it ended. He didn't want it to stop! I guess we'll have to watch it tonight at 7 CST on NBC and AGAIN next week on Saturday, November 28th at the same time. (Maybe he'll get his fill?)

Check out our Merry Madagascar giveaway, starting tomorrow. We'll have fun Merry Madagascar prizes for the whole family!

*Screener was received as part of the Walmart 11Moms program.

Elefun & Friends Make Games Fun for Little Kids!

2009-11-16T15:21:00.007-06:00

Maybe you've seen the sale ads for the hottest Christmas toys coming out this season. If you have, you may have noticed two new games for younger kids from Elefun & Friends! We got to try out two games, in particular, and here's what we thought of them:

Giraffalaff Limbo is a cute version of traditional limbo. With just a few minutes to assemble (and batteries, of course), this game is ready to go for all preschoolers. They spin the spinner to figure out how they need to go under the limbo pole (which is adorned by the laughing giraffe). When the music starts, kids can crab walk, crawl, or just scoot under to avoid knocking that mocking giraffe from his place. It's a hoot, and my kids loved the tropical music and the giggles that came from all of the players.

Scatterpillar Scramble is for a bit older children. It features a wiggling caterpillar and some funky music. Kids try to place 8 plastic marbles in the hands of the Caterpillar, but it takes steady hands! This is even a challenge for adults, and is a fun family game night addition for families of various age groups. (Note: These marbles are little! Be sure to keep them away from tiny kids. I recommend playing this game on the ground instead of a table, since marbles will definitely be dropped during play.)

Take your family fun online, with the special code that comes inside each Elefun & Friends game box. By visiting www.elefunandfriends.com, you can get access to a special animated short and play exclusive games. These are games that keep on giving!

Wanna Win? We have one Elefun & Friends gift set (which includes both games) to give away to a lucky reader! To be entered to win, just comment with which game you think you'd enjoy most. You have until November 27th at 11:59 pm CST to get your entries in, and you can enter every day! (Just comment as directed for your first entry, and for each entry after that, type "Today's Entry!")

Giveaways are subject to complete site rules. (Be sure to give us a way to reach you if you win, and remember that we will never use your email or contact info for anything other than to send your prize.) Good luck, and be sure to check out all of our other giveaways!

*Hasbro and MyBlogSpark provided the sample and prizes for this review.

A Chance to Win with Bonnie's Fan-Tastic Voyage Sweepstakes!

2009-11-15T20:39:00.003-06:00

Hey guys! Do any of you watch the Bonnie Hunt Show? It is one of my favorite shows right now, and they are having a special promotion going on just for you!

Watch The Bonnie Hunt Show every day for your chance to win a 7-night cruise for you and 9 of your Facebook friends on Royal Caribbean’s Oasis of the Seas, the world’s largest and most revolutionary cruise ship! Air travel provided by Southwest Airlines. Simply tune-in to The Bonnie Hunt Show, watch for the word of the day, and then enter online at www.bonniehunt.com/fantasticvoyage.

Each correct entry will be eligible to win the Grand Prize, as well as one of ten Bonnie Prize Packs that will be given away daily. Entry is limited to one per person per day during the promotion period (November 9 - 20, 2009).

As an added bonus, anyone who becomes a fan of The Bonnie Hunt Show on Facebook and shares the FAN-TASTIC Voyage Sweepstakes with their friends will be automatically entered to win a trip to Los Angeles to see a taping of the show.

I bet you can think of 9 friends to take with you :)

Review of Babalu's FeltTales Story Board

2009-11-12T21:42:00.006-06:00

Those of you with homeschools or daycares understand how expensive it can be to equip your home with high-quality, educational items that are also very fun to play with. I can remember spending hours playing with my school's felt boards, and when I went to research how much they would cost to use in my own home -- I almost passed out!

There is a more affordable and practical alternative, and it comes from a company called Babalu. Their FeltTales Story Boards are of the same fun felt that you remember as a kid, but cost way less (around $20!) With at least 19 pieces per play set, there is lots to do.

Recommended for ages 3 and up, these are great to take along to church, in the car, or just when you need some quiet activities for the kids to do. We tested out the Dinosaur one, and my youngest son spent almost 2 hours rearranging the felt pieces in different ways on the sturdy board with convenient carrying handle.

Various pieces included dinosaurs, plants, rocks, and lava. How much more cool can a play set be?

We're not the only ones who see the value in these story boards. The FeltTales series has gotten such awards as two iParenting Media Awards, the Canadian Toy Testing Council 3 Stars, Creative Child Seal of Excellence and Preferred Choice Awards, Dr. Boy Best Vacation Toy Award, and a National Parenting Center Seal of Approval -- Whew! That's a mouthful :)

With several varieties to choose from you can look forward to themes like: Pretty Princess, Busy Day at the Farm, Pirates at Shipwreck Cove, and Let's Go to the Ballet.

Babalu’s FeltTales can be found at specialty stores nationwide and online at www.amazon.com and www.roundtabletoys.com. For more information visit www.babaluinc.com

Wanna Win? You can win your choice of FeltTales Story Board from Babalu! Just comment on this post with your choice of story board (visit the store for all the offerings). You have until November 26th at 11:59 pm CST to get your entries in, and you can enter every day! (Just comment as directed for your first entry, and for each entry after that, type "Today's Entry!")

Giveaways are subject to complete site rules. (Be sure to give us a way to reach you if you win, and remember that we will never use your email or contact info for anything other than to send your prize.) Good luck, and be sure to check out all of our other giveaways!

*Sample was received for this review.

Win Winter's Tail for Nintendo DS!

2009-11-11T10:00:00.003-06:00

We haven't reviewed this one yet (it doesn't come out until Nov. 24th), but you can enter to win NOW! From the #1 New York Times Best Selling Authors of Owen & Mzee, it's based on real life events, filled with fish facts, whale words, exciting microgames, and a storybook editor (complete with paint an color mode.) That's hours of educational entertainment for your Nintendo DS!

"Take an exciting journey on your Nintendo DS and learn about the real-life story of Winter, an Atlantic bottlenose dolphin who overcame incredible odds. Including fun mini-games and a fully interactive storybook based on the Scholastic Book Winter's Tail, read by the authors Juliana, Isabella and Craig Hatkoff. The release date is set for November 24^th. Rated E for Everyone!"

See trailer below:

http://www.youtube.com/v/XXjbp06am5Y&hl=en&fs=1">

For more information, visit the website at http://www.winterstail.com/

Wanna Win? We have 2 copies of this game to give away to our readers! To enter, just comment below on why you want to win! We'll randomly pick 2 entries to get a copy sent to their door. You will have until November 24th at 11:59 pm CST to get your entries in, and you can enter every day! (Just comment as directed for your first entry, and for each entry after that, type "Today's Entry!")

Giveaways are subject to complete site rules. (Be sure to give us a way to reach you if you win, and remember that we will never use your email or contact info for anything other than to send your prize.) Good luck, and be sure to check out all of our other giveaways!

Mclaren Stroller Recall (Children's Fingers at Risk!)

2009-11-10T10:48:00.004-06:00

Oh my! This recall is scary (and very important.) Please read it in its entirety at the CPSC official website.) There have been a total of 15 incident reported, 12 of them resulting in partial fingertip amputations from getting them in the stroller! This affects the following models of strollers from Mclaren USA:

"This recall involves all Maclaren single and double umbrella strollers. The word “Maclaren” is printed on the stroller. The affected models included Volo, Triumph, Quest Sport, Quest Mod, Techno XT, TechnoXLR, Twin Triumph, Twin Techno and Easy Traveller."

Please contact Mclaren immediately for a free repair kit! www.maclaren.us/recall

Stay safe!

What Flavor Are You Today?

2009-11-09T10:23:00.004-06:00

Since finding out that a new baby is on the way (yeah!), I've been more conscious about my coffee intake. This means that it is helpful to make my coffee one cup at a time, instead of by the pot. I was fortunate to sample a whole new variety of coffee singles from Nescafe and Taster's Choice last month, giving me the perfect opportunity to figure out what my favorite flavor is!

Here are the varities that were available to me:

Original Blend - Smooth, caffeinated and delicious. This tastes much like my typical morning roast, but is ready in seconds!
Decaf - My favorite at the moment. I love to stick a few single-servings of this in my purse for when I head out to shop or do errands. I can order up a cup of hot water at my favorite restaurant, and I'm guaranteed fresh, decaf coffee that I know I will love.
Hazelnut - Perfect for indulgent occasions, this coffee has a nutty, sweet flavor that makes it feel a little like dessert!
Vanilla - My least favorite, this is actually VERY sweet. Great for someone who likes a little sugar in their coffee :)

Since I'm only allowed a cup or two a day now, I've really come to appreciate how easy it is to boil a kettle of water, and add the instant coffee directly to my cup. Fresh coffee anytime, anywhere. Now who doesn't like THAT idea?

For more information on Taster's Choice offerings, see their website at www.tasterschoice.com

*I received a coffee lover's kit and samples to thank me for my time in reviewing this product.

Have "The Talk" With Your Kids!

2009-11-06T21:57:00.000-06:00

Do you struggle with what you should say to your kids regarding underage drinking? Do you worry that drinking and driving may be an occurrence that is common for kids your children's age? As someone who has lost family to the tragedy of drinking and driving, I can't tell you how much this conversation needs to take place -- no matter how awkward or difficult.

Thanks to a new website -- www.thepowerofparents.org -- there is a whole new world of information at your fingertips, readily available for parents to use when looking for ways to have "the talk" with their kids. Some of the things I especially love about this site and the places it links to include:

Parents Blog - while new, it's off to a great start, with statistics and ideas for engaging kids early and keeping them safe.
Ask the Expert - get answers to your questions NOW!
Videos - these eye-opening quick clips will have you thinking and your kids talking.

Right now, the site is a little fresh, which means that most of the information will apply to H.S. students. But don't worry! There are resources for younger kids coming soon!

*I wrote this review while participating in a blog campaign by Mom Central on behalf of MADD. A donation was made to MADD in my name to thank me for taking the time to participate.

Review of "Aliens in the Attic" on DVD

2009-11-05T19:36:00.005-06:00

Whew! What a ride!

That's what we kept saying after watching that rather odd, but very funny Aliens in the Attic, which was just released on Nov. 3rd! We had the wonderful opportunity to do a sneak peek of the film, and we have watched it no less than 6 times since we received it! (No kidding!)

Here's what we LOVED about the film:

The creatures, while a bit evil, weren't too scary. (In fact, one was lovable and even became a friend of the kids.)
The action scenes weren't too violent. There were a few "slapstick"moments that actually had me in tears, it was so funny. But nothing that would leave a kid scared.
There was some romantic banter between leading lady Ashley Tisdale and her over-aged boyfriend that was obvious to adults that it was a bit ill-intentioned. The brothers step in and keep it clean, however, as this film continually enforced family values between the kids and encouraged team work.

Was there anything we would have done differently? Not really. Outside of one or two personal injuries (which were really deserved, believe me) and a swimsuit shot, this was a pretty clean film and deserving of a PG rating. Kids as young as 4 can follow along and laugh, and adults (while they may find it reminiscent of Gremlins meets Batteries Not Included), will have some fun, too.

And the fact that the kids and parents end up closer in the end? Priceless.

Wanna Win? We have 5 copies of this fabulous film from Twentieth Century Fox to give away to our readers! To enter, just comment below with whether you've seen it or why you want to! We'll randomly pick 5 entries to get a copy sent to their door.

You will have until November 13th at 11:59 pm CST to get your entries in, and you can enter every day! (Just comment as directed for your first entry, and for each entry after that, type "Today's Entry!")

Giveaways are subject to complete site rules. (Be sure to give us a way to reach you if you win, and remember that we will never use your email or contact info for anything other than to send your prize.) Good luck, and be sure to check out all of our other giveaways!

*Sample was received for this review.

Backyard Playset and Art Easel Recalls!

2009-11-05T19:30:00.002-06:00

These art easels by MacPherson's have been recalled due to a lead hazard. (See details here.)

Several Adventure brand playsets have been recalled. (See the details here.)

Stay safe!

On Our Way...

2009-11-05T17:11:00.002-06:00

After what seems like forever, we'll be back to posting regularly, starting tomorrow! We've been battling the flu at our house (as have so many others we've talked to), and thankfully, are expected to make a full recovery!

What does this mean for you? Expect more reviews, giveaways, and freebies than usual, as we work to catch up! (And prepare for our extra-special holiday gift guide, too!)

Stay healthy! We're glad to be back :)

Evenflo Smart Steps for Better Eating!

2009-10-30T21:03:00.006-05:00

My little guy still uses a "sippy cup" -- yes, I know that he probably should ditch it, but let's face it, it's a small concession to make for a kid who's not quite 3 and is already proficient at using the potty. To celebrate what appears to be my baby growing up, we were happy to try out the new line of products from Evenflo Smart Steps. The products are designed to help transition infants to a more grown-up eating style, but while being safe and comfortable to use.

The insulated cup (shown above) came to us in the pink/purple color. Even though my son got teased by his brothers, he LOVED this cup. The best part was an insulated cover that helped keep his milk cold while he drank it, and was easily removed for washing. (It also kept from spilling, while allowing him to drink easily from the cup.) We also got to try some Snack Stackers, which were little plastic bowls with locking lids, perfect for stashing cereal or crackers in the car or diaper bag. (And I loved how nicely they washed up!)

The premise behind Smart Steps isn't just to make the accessories easy to use and keep clean. They are all designed to teach parents and kids how to eat well by learning healthy eating habits. Through bright, fun colors and a variety of "stages", Evenflo believes that portion control is something even the smallest diners can master!

To see the entire line of gear, check out the Evenflo website (and take the interactive quiz to find out your parental eating style). You can also download a valuable coupon on your next purchase of Evenflo Smart Steps gear, or read more about the line at MomCentral!

*I wrote this review while participating in a blog campaign by Mom Central on behalf of Evenflo and received a sample to facilitate my candid review. In addition, Mom Central sent me a gift card to thank me for taking the time to participate.

Listerine Oral Care Challenge

2009-10-28T15:21:00.005-05:00

Wow! I can't believe how many kids oral care products there are on the market today. One of our favorites, Listerine Agent Cool Blue, is a flouride-free brushing "helper" that we've been using in our house for years. (It leaves some blue stuff in your sink every time kids use it, but it's nothing that can't be cleaned up with a wet wipe.)

Since our participation in the Listerine Oral Care Challenge this month, however, we have learned about even more ways to keep kids excited and diligent about taking good care of their teeth. Even when I get a bit lazy about doing the whole routine: brush, floss, rinse -- my kids are super persistent that "Mom, I need to do all these things for my teeth. We only have to do them for the ones we want to keep!"

My kids are right, of course, and so I've been introducing myself to some handy tools to helping us out during our 2-week challenge to take extra good care of our teeth (and right before Halloween, too!) I really like the Reach flossers and the Listerine Total Care (which makes me feel like less of a yuck-mouth in the morning.)

Our family went through the 2-week Oral Care challenge with flying colors. To be honest, we didn't even need the cute calendar and rewards stickers that came in our challenge kit. (Wasn't spitting bright blue stuff into the sink reward enough?)

I think my family is on the right track to a lifetime of good oral health!

Want to learn more about doing your own family challenge? Visit www.listerine.com or www.listerinekids.com to hear about ways to take care of your kids' teeth in fun ways that they'll love!

*I wrote this review while participating in a blog tour campaign by Mom Central on behalf of Listerine and Reach and received Listerine and Reach products for the Oral Care Challenge and a gift certificate to thank me for taking the time to participate.

Review of Rothschild Jackets for Kids

2009-10-27T17:42:00.001-05:00

"Don't forget your jacket!"

It's the anthem of mothers everywhere, as kids head out into chillier weather, and once again we are faced with seeing if last year's jackets and coats fit. If you are like me (and your kids have grown a gazillion inches over the past few months), you'll be looking to buy a high-quality, comfortable, and cute jacket that kids will be proud to wear to school and activities.

We had the chance to try on a new Rothschild jacket at our house (my 7-year-old son did, actually.) What did he think? Well, I think the pictures of him proudly displaying it speak for themselves:

You can see the exact jacket we tried on here (it's reversible, which was super-exciting for my little guy!) It's just one of many sizes and styles available for the winter season, and we found it to be super-cozy and totally washable (a big plus at our house!)

To see all of Rothschild's cozy cold-weather offerings, hit up their website at www.rothschildkids.com

Wanna Save? We have an exclusive coupon code for parents who want to save money on a Rothschild jacket for their kids. Just use code 35LP to save 35% off your purchase from now until 12/31/09. That's awesome savings!

Wanna Win? We will also be giving away one jacket to a lucky reader. To be entered to win, just comment on this post with your favorite jacket from the Rothschild website (Please note, that due to availability, we will be giving the winner their choice of size and gender preference -- but can't guarantee a specific style.) You will have until November 12th at 11:59 pm CST to get your entries in, and you can enter every day! (Just comment as directed for your first entry, and for each entry after that, type "Today's Entry!")

Giveaways are subject to complete site rules. (Be sure to give us a way to reach you if you win, and remember that we will never use your email or contact info for anything other than to send your prize.) Good luck, and be sure to check out all of our other giveaways!

*Sample was received for this review.

Why Cable When You Can Fancast?

2009-10-26T20:42:00.004-05:00

We admittedly don't have cable at our house. Why? Well, in addition to the cost (which I can't justify right now), I really don't like having all those shows on all the time. (My kids don't need any more motivation to sit around and do nothing!)

That's why Fancast has been a favorite online stop for my family for about a year now. With over 10,000 hours of online video programming, 60,000 videos available, and 13,000 full-length shows, I know that there is something I will want to watch daily -- for FREE! Another killer aspect of the website is that it is an aggregate for over 100 other content sites (even Hulu.com!) so I can find all my top online shows in one place. They even have some exclusive stuff, like interviews, blogs, trailers, and extras you won't find anywhere else.

Not convinced? You really have to try it yourself. Just think about how much TIME you'll save when using Fancast. I wait until I'm all done blogging, the dishes are done, and the kids are in bed. Then I sneak a big bowl of ice cream or some nachos with cheese and sit in my living room with my laptop and my HDTV. I can watch any show online with limited commerical interruption (each little sponsored blip is much shorter than a typical TV commercial block.) I can save time by decreasing my ad intake and there are no more interruptions from the little guys! It's everything I want in FREE TV.

Some of my favorite shows on Fancast right now include: The Office, The Middle, and Sanctuary! (I also watch a half a dozen cable shows in a non-committal manner.. but don't pay cable prices.)

Anyway, I have to go. (It's Fancast time tonight!)

Review of Blurt! The Uproarious Word Race Game

2009-10-26T18:04:00.007-05:00

Finally, a game that challenges the mind, but is oh-so-simple to learn and play. Blurt! is that game, and it's so easy to master, that we opened it up late last night and played a quick game before we went to bed!

My husband, 11-year-old daughter, and I were able to read the instructions and begin in minutes. The pieces are nicely organized and contained within the packaging, and there were enough for the whole family to play. (And don't worry about younger players playing against older players, there are legal ways to level the playing field!) Suitable for ages 7 and up, it is fast and fun play for 3-12 players!

Each question in Blurt! seems almost too easy, but after you play for a while (literally shouting out the correct answer before anyone else), you get a little goofy, and find it even harder to think of the most obvious answers! This is where the real fun begins!

This awesome, vocabulary-building game is perfect for evenings with friends, or a nice break from your homeschool curriculum. Even if you don't homeschool, I'd recommend it for kids who need to get away from screen time and pick up a bit of fun language practice. (Believe me.. this does NOT seem like work at all!)

(In our jammies, playing Blurt!)

Because Blurt! packs up so nicely, it's great to keep in the car for trips to family get-togethers or vacations. (I can just see this on the dining room table at the next Thanksgiving dinner.) It's one of the games that there is no learning curve to start playing -- so everyone will feel welcome. (But yet it's challenging enough for the brainiacs to enjoy.)

To get a little taste of the fun we had playing Blurt! check out this quick 1-minute trailer! http://www.theplaymakers.com/Playthings/Blurt_builds.html

The game, with a suggested retail value of $29.95 is available via Educational Insights .

Wanna win? We're giving one lucky reader their very own Blurt! game (ARV $29.95). To be entered to win, just visit the quick movie trailer and tell us what the blue logo at the end of the movie says. Internet connection too slow to play it? Just visit Educational Insights and tell us one other fun product you may enjoy.

You have until November 12th at 11:59 pm CST to get your entries in. (One entry per person, please.) Giveaways are subject to complete site rules. (Be sure to give us a way to reach you if you win, and remember that we will never use your email or contact info for anything other than to send your prize.) Good luck, and be sure to check out all of our other giveaways!

*Sample was received for this review.

It's Here! Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs Diamond Edition Combo Pack

2009-10-26T17:47:00.004-05:00

Wow! Has it been around that long? I loved Snow White as a kid, and now my own kids are enjoying it! Even though my youngest two were a bit freaked out by how scary the witch was in the movie (I had forgotten about her), they laughed a lot watching the dwarfs and seeing the ultimate happy ending.

What's the big deal about the Diamond Edition of the DVD? Well, you get two discs with the movie (one Blu-Ray and one regular DVD.) For those who aren't familiar with how wonderful Blu-Ray can be, here are a few fun facts:

Up to 6x better quality than DVD
7.1 Surround Sound
Immersive activity with games and special features
Kid proof-more scratch resistant (hallelujah!)
Plays both Blu-ray and DVD discs
Blu-ray also plays on Sony Playstation 3 players

I think the frugalist in me likes paying a bit more for something that could last through my kid's destructive years!

Like many DVD's, there are some awesome bonus features that were almost more exciting for my kids than the movie itself. Their favorites? The Jewel Jumble Game, Mirror on the Wall (which princess are you most like?), and "Heigh-Ho" Karaoke sing along!

This special edition has been available for a while now, but it may not be forever! If you need a neat stocking stuffer for a Disney newbie in your house, I'd consider this classic tale.

*Sample was received by One2One Network for this post.

Gettin' Our Lab On!

2009-10-23T21:57:00.004-05:00

Our kids LOVE science! We live on a farm, so just hanging out and looking at a bug or two is the highlight of our day, and we seem to learn so much more from the natural world around us than from our homeschool textbooks.

Team Mom recently helped to inspire our science lesson with some new science kits from Elmers: Mythbusters Weird World of Water Kit and Magnificent Manicure Kit.First, my boys get a kick out of Mythbusters. They've never watched it (we don't have cable), but they are totally aware of what it is from commercials, and newspaper ads, and listening to their cousins talk about it. When we opened the box with the Mythbusters kit, the boys went WILD! (Crazy. Insane.) They saw that it was all about building a water rocket, and it was the first thing on our list to tackle. Other fun lessons in this kit include: power of whirlpools, liquid rainbows, and more!

My daughter isn't the most girly girl, but she is curious. And when she had an opportunity to use the Magnificent Manicure Kit to create some fun spa products AND learn fun facts about her fingernails, I knew that this was a match made in heaven. (She loves to tinker.. and this definitely was a tinkering kind of kit.) Lessons are mostly hygiene, anatomy, and health related.

We only have one downside to these other wonderful sets -- if you have more than one kid (like we do) you might want to pick up a couple kits. The supplies are usually good for one try at each experiment, and if everyone wants a turn at mixing, you'll need to have a few sets.

You don't have to homeschool to enjoy science kits at home. (Just look at me -- I was public schooled and the year that all my cousins got baby dolls, I got a 200-piece chemistry kit. I used that thing daily until all my test tubes broke.) If you have kids that love to learn, but might need a little creative staging, check out these kits from Elmers.

Visit Elmers at their website (www.elmers.com) to learn more.

*Thank you to Team Mom for providing us with a sample for our review.

Got Colic?

2009-10-23T14:45:00.002-05:00

I've been pretty lucky with all my kids. Out of the four babies I've raised, colic was only really an issue with one (my first), and I was so young and inexperienced at the time that I wasn't really even sure that it was indeed colic.

Since most moms are already dealing with fatigue, stress, emotions, and the demands of a new baby, colic can be the one thing that can put you over the top. Have you dealt with colic?

The symptoms of colic can include crying forever (no matter what you do for the baby), symptoms occurring around the same time every day/night, and a tummy that sticks out or feels hard. So what kind of colic treatment really works?

Some moms swear by gripe water, a homeopathic solution that deals with the causes of colic (and it is often used to help acid reflux in newborns.) The special product can be purchased without a doctor's prescription and contains all-natural ingredients.

Would you try gripe water for babies? Let us know your thoughts on the topic!

Review of Alphabotz Superphonic Decoder Cards

2009-10-22T17:45:00.005-05:00

Flashcards are an integral part of our homeschool curriculum (and long, boring car rides.) To keep things fresh, we often get different sets frequently to learn math, colors, and numbers. But the most important skill we tend to learn with flashcards is phonics! That's why when we were offered a chance to try out Alphabotz SuperPhonic Decoder Cards, I flipped! Here are some of the perks to using these cards over traditional cards that just show a letter or picture:

46 cards in total, and all are printed on really heavy card stock (they store nicely in a sturdy cardboard container with a slide out drawer)
Each card features a different letter or sound and a corresponding robot character (D is for Digger). They also have a different object with the same letter sound on their head, and some fun facts that highlight the same letter sound for repetitive (but fun) learning.
These cards were just named to Dr. Toy's 100 Best Children's Products of 2009!

What did my kids think of the cards? Well, my 11-year-old was able to "coach" them through the stack, emphasizing the personal characteristics that reinforced the phonics principles and brought the robots to life:

In short, even my 2-year-old was repeating the sounds and naming the pictures out loud. Just like traditional flashcards (but with more of a "collectible" appeal), these will be used often at our house!

Learn more about the cards at www.alphabotz.com!

Wanna save? If you buy though this Amazon link, and use code KSBLOGS1 you can save 20% off the purchase price of the cards, now through December 31st!

Wanna win? Just comment on this post with your favorite letter (yep, it's that easy!) For an extra entry, join the Alphabotz Facebook group! You have until November 2nd at 11:59 pm CST to get your entries in! (Two total entries per person, please.)

Giveaways are subject to complete site rules. (Be sure to give us a way to reach you if you win, and remember that we will never use your email or contact info for anything other than to send your prize.) Good luck, and be sure to check out all of our other giveaways!

*Sample was received for this review.