Tag Archives: summer

Blast Zone Makes It Easy To Have A Water Park In Your Own Yard

Summer is just about here, if you’re like me you’re probably busy making summer plans. We have some nice day trips planned and since we live on a lake, we really love the summer! Keeping the kids active and cool all summer long may seem like a huge undertaking especially if you don’t have a pool or lake nearby.  How about your own water park in your yard?  Wouldn’t that be a great way to keep the kids busy, active and cool all summer long?  It is so easy with Blast Zone’s Inflatable Crocodile Isle Water Park with 2 Slides!

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This huge inflatable is only about the size of an extra-large folded sleeping bag when deflated.  The magic occurs when you attach the UL listed blower, in mere minutes, before your eyes, it inflates into a child’s dream-their own water park!  With a large pool area and 2 long fun slides, climbing wall, lookout platform and spraying water they will have hours of fun, playing and keeping cool.

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Simple to set up, and one tip we want to share to make things easier is  to get a very large tarp to put under the inflatable. The tarp makes it easy to move the deflated water park on the tarp to different areas of your yard. The other advantage with the tarp is that it is easy to cover the deflated and dry inflatable when it rains.  We keep our inflatables out all summer and using this method our inflatables are in great shape year after year.

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To set up, all you do is unpack the inflatable, quickly attach the water hoses and sprayer to the handy velcro holders, tie the little air out take and hook the included blower to the yellow intake and turn it on.

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Features

Dual Sides

Massive Splash Area

Upgraded Tail Walls

Climbing Ramp

Upgraded Climber

Safety Netting

Commercial Vinyl Impact Surfaces

Double and Quadruple Stitching

Included Fan W GFCI

Included Storage Case

Inflates in Seconds

Includes

Inflatable Unit

UL Listed Blower

Sprayer Assembly (Water Parks Only)

Carrying Case

Instruction Manual

Instructional DVD

1 Yr Warranty on Inflatable

1 Yr Warranty on Blower

“2 Yr Promise” on Kit

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When inflated you can secure with the included stakes to keep you inflatable safe and secure and there are even stakes for the blower.  Then simply attach your garden hose to the hose that extends down the back of the inflatable and secure.

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Turn on your water supply and the water will spray out of the spray heads located above each slide  and eventually fill the pool area,  Now you could fill the pool area too if you like and then connect the hose to the back as well.  We do it the first way and it works fine.  now if you live in the mountains like me and do not have truly level land you  will find areas of the pool that are deeper and areas where it is very shallow but my kids never really care about that and given we move it around all the time the changes in the water of the pool is fun.

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One big advantage the Crocodile Isle has  over the Ultra Croc we have is that with the climbing wall in the front they kids do not exit the pool to climb up to the platform and go down the slides.  This means that they will not be tracking grass, leaves and dirt back into the water and slides.  I really like that!  This is a huge inflatable, 14′ D by 22′ W by 8′ H  with room for up to 6 kids to play at once. The rugged Crocodile Isle Water Park is constructed according to Blast Zone’s strict quality and safety standards, using double and quadruple stitched, reinforced polyester oxford. Commercial-grade vinyl is used on the climbing and slide surfaces, adding extra strength and longer life to the unit. As with all our products, the Crocodile Isle comes with Blast Zone’s industry-leading warranty and customer support.  There is a handy storage bag to hold the inflatable at the end of the season for storage.

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Please note, we just turned the water on that is why it is not showing much in the inflatable. The water fills it very nicely and creates a refreshing splash pool!

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As a blogger I have a brand relationship with Blast Zone and have tested many of their products over the last several years.  I  can tell you that when you are making a purchase like this, you want a quality inflatable, one that is not just going to last for one season.  Over the years we have reviewed many inflatables from Blast Zone and do you know that all of the ones we reviewed we still use and they are in excellent shape.  Multiple years and they look great and provide year after year of enjoyment. As a parent it only makes sense to invest in a product that is going to last and not one that is trashed at the end of the season.

You can see some of our other reviews of Blast Zone products HERE!  There are videos to show you the products in action.  If you have any questions please ask.  I have a lot of experience with the products and would love to assist you with your questions.    The Blast Zone products are available for purchase on Amazon. Recommended for ages 3 years and up. Max weight on inflated structure is 300 lbs. If you have a Blast Zone product I would love for you to tell me what you have and what you love about it.  If you are looking to buy one, share with me which you think you will purchase.

Crocodile Isle Water Park with play balls

You may also like to see video reviews of ours for the following Blast Zone products: Rainforest Rapids, Pirate Blaster Water Park, Ultra Croc Water Park and the review for the  Wet/Dry Hang 10!  Keep up with Blast Zone on Facebook, Instagram  and Twitter.

I received the Crocodile Isle Water Park to facilitate my review. As always my words and views are 100% my own.


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Staying Cool and Comfortable Outdoors In The Summer Heat-NewAir AF-520B Outdoor Misting Fan Review

It is finally getting to feel like summer in New York.  After the bone-chilling winter we had that never wanted to end, you will not hear complaints from me about the heat.  That is especially true since I discovered the NewAir Outdoor Cool Misting Fan. I can’t wait to share this with you because if you are like me, I was not even aware there was such a fan. Since I found out, I am amazed at how easy it now is to stay cool and refreshed outdoors.

NewAir Cool Mist Fan Inside

 

NewAir Front Fan

This 18 inch fan has some great features that make it perfect for keeping you cool and refreshed on even the hottest days. All you need to do is connect it to a garden hose and it adds a refreshing cool mist to the cool breeze it emits. We have never had a fan like this and are really impressed, it is so refreshing when it is hot out and you need a quick cool down.  Our kids loved it too.  Perfect for entertaining on our porch and deck, this fan really is something special!

NewAir Fan Hose Attachment

NewAir Fan Buttons

The fan has 3 speeds and you can adjust the oscillating fan head to tilt it so you have the perfect angle for optimal coolness.  You can adjust the fan from oscillating to stationary. The fan covers a large area, nearly 500  sq. ft.!  It is so easy to adjust this fan so that you have the right angle and direction for optimal coolness.

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The fan has a stylish, sleek design and the black color blends with most patio decor. This fan is designed for long-term durability. The 3 prong GFCI plug means you can use it safely, the highest quality materials are used in construction so you can count on this fan for years to come.  The safety features are really important to us because wherever you have electricity and water, you want to make sure you have the best safety features to prevent anyone from getting a shock or worse. The base is super sturdy and all of the components feel and function like the high-end, quality you would expect in a fan of this caliber.

NewAir Mist Fan Plug

If you are looking to stay cool and comfortable outdoors this summer check out the NewAir AF-520 B 18″ Outdoor Misting Fan.  See it in action in our video below. You can follow NewAir on Facebook, Twitter, Google Plus and YouTube.  You can purchase this fan on  AmazonHome DepotAir-n-water and Newair    Let me know if you have this fan or plan to purchase one.

 

 

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NewAir Mist Fan Black

I received a NewAir Outdoor Cool Misting Fan to facilitate my review, as always my words and views are 100% my own.


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Add This Book To Your Young Reader’s Summer Reading List-Book Giveaway

In New York we still have several weeks of school left.  I know that in the southern states some schools are letting the kids out for summer this Friday!  No better time to start thinking about some great summer reading books for kids. Reading keeps kids entertained, their reading skills sharp and fuels their imagination. I have a great book I want to tell you about that may be one you want to add to your child’s summer reading list. Fans of Polly Horvath or Roald Dahl will love this quirky story of a determined girl, and some extraordinary chickens.

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UNUSUAL CHICKENS FOR THE EXCEPTIONAL POULTRY FARMER

Unusual Chickens Book

by Kelly Jones; illustrated by Katie Kath

Sophie Brown and her family have inherited her dead uncle’s farm—a place vastly different from her familiar hometown of LA. Due to her family’s lack of funds, though, operating a fully functioning farm is out of the question. But what happens when the farm animals come to them? Sophie begins to see chickens—very unusual chickens—appearing on her land. She chronicles their activity and her challenges in a series of fun-to-read letters to her deceased relatives. But when a respected local farmer tries to steal them, Sophie must find a way to keep them (and their superpowers) safe. Readers will become immersed in the narrator’s honest and endearing tone. Young readers will root for Sophie and her chickens until the very last page. UNUSUAL CHICKENS is an original, clucky classic in the making.

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About The Author:

KELLY JONES has been a librarian, a bookseller, and a teacher, and is currently a raiser of (much-loved but fairly ordinary) chickens. Now she has published her first middle-grade novel, UNUSUAL CHICKENS FOR THE EXCEPTIONAL POULTRY FARMER (On sale May 12, 2015 / Alfred A. Knopf Books for Young Readers / $16.99). Written entirely in letters, to-do lists, and quizzes, with several black-and-white drawings, this is a quirky story of a determined, strong-willed girl with some very unusual super chickens.

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Giveaway:

Penguin Random House is sponsoring a giveaway on Mommy Ramblings!  One lucky blog reader will win their own copy of Unusual Chickens For The Exceptional Poultry Farmer. Thank you Penguin Random House for the review book  and for sponsoring this fantastic giveaway on Mommy Ramblings!!!  Open to US residents.

Unusual Chickens For The Exceptional Poultry Farmer Giveaway on Mommy Ramblings Rules:

Please enter the giveaway using the Rafflecopter widget below.  Good Luck!!!

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See How To Keep Your Kid’s Belongings Safe This Summer & Save!

Label Daddy Logo

Summer is coming, kids will be out of school and summer activities will be underway.  Camp, day camp, swim lessons, pool parties, sports, beach vacations and more may be on your child’s agenda.  Make sure their stuff is safe and labeled with Label Daddy labels.  These durable labels are perfect to label clothing, sports equipment, electronics, towels, water bottles, shoes and more!  Right now you can save 20% on Label Daddy labels! Label Daddy is the number one solution for labeling your belongings! Label Daddy labels keep your child’s things safe and protects them from being mixed up with other children’s stuff.

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These labels are super durable peel-and-stick washable labels — they’re washer/dryer safe, microwave safe, dishwasher safe and UV resistant! Label Daddy labels are also fun and attractive. You design your own labels! Pick from tons of colors, sizes and logos, including Disney and Marvel characters, MLB, NBA, and NHL team logos, other sport and fun logos, and more. Their exclusive laminated coating gives labels an extra layer of protection and is a must for camp! These labels are made in the USA and shipped directly to you worldwide.

Save 20% on your entire Label Daddy order – this is the best discount available anywhere. Use code USFAMILY20 at checkout.   Go HERE to shop and save!

 

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Our Painted River Rock Creations!!! Rock Painting Tutorial

If you have been reading out blog for a while you know that I love painting river rocks that we “hunt” for along the Delaware and Beaverkill Rivers.  This year I also started picking up truck loads of huge river rocks for a landscaping project I am working on.  More on that soon.  I wanted to share some of what I have been working on so far this summer.

 

The Boys Have Loved Our Rock Collecting Trips!!!

The Boys Have Loved Our Rock Collecting Trips!!!

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Did not want to get his shirt full of paint, lol.

Did not want to get his shirt full of paint, lol.

 A few rocks I made for my daughter.

A few rocks I made for my daughter.

The one that started it.

The one that started it.

 

Yep, it was the start of...

Yep, it was the start of…

A Trip to find triangular rocks.

A Trip to find triangular rocks.

And that led to this:

They needed personality, so I gave them some!!!

They needed personality, so I gave them some!!!

He reminds me of Bozo!

He reminds me of Bozo!

This guy makes me laugh!

This guy makes me laugh!

I have a neat project I am almost done with and will show you soon, it’s a great idea for someone who loves plants but has a brown thumb.

If you want to try this, it’s easy.  Just collect your rocks, paint and seal them with Mod Podge.  I just use craft paint you can find in any craft store or even Walmart.  Also, for details you can use the Elmer’s Painter Pens.  Share with me if you try this, I would love to see your creations!


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Our Summer Journey With Safety 1st!!! #OurSummerJourney

Living in the beautiful Catskill Mountains of Upstate New York is like being on a great vacation all summer.  We live on a lake, and people who live here relish when they can spend a week or two vacation at the lake.  We are so blessed that we live here and get to play here every day!!!

This is what it's like living on a lake in the summer!!! Out with the kids on the Walk On Water Mat and being circled by my cousin and neighbors.  #OurSummerJourney

This is what it’s like living on a lake in the summer!!! Out with the kids on the Walk On Water Mat and being circled by my cousin and neighbors. #OurSummerJourney

Besides the lake there is so much to do and we recently took a few day trips that were so much fun!  We went to the Wayne County Fair in nearby Pennsylvania, we gathered rocks as we spent some time on the Delaware River that we will use for a rock painting and landscaping project, we went blueberry picking and made a scrumptious blueberry pound cake.

 

Blueberry Picking, Day Trip #OurSummerJourney

Blueberry Picking, Day Trip #OurSummerJourney

Our Summer Journey River

Spending some time on the Delaware River-Day Trippin’ and #OurSummerJourney with Safety 1st!!!

 

When we take day trips we are gone all day and the kids like to sleep on the way there and usually fall asleep for the night on the way home.  It is important to me that they are comfortable and safe in the car.  That’s why we love Safety 1st car seats.  The  Advance SE 65 Air+ Convertible Car Seat is safe and super comfy for Luke and he sleeps like a baby in it!  It has a nice big cup holder and it’s a super safe seat that is reinforced with steel.  The Air Protect® advanced cushion system protects his head, where it’s needed most and the GCell HX™ patented foam with hexagonal shapes inside the seat provides superior body protection.  The seat provides full body side impact protection and that gives parents peace of mind!  This seat as well as the new one for Ethan that is just a bit delayed surely make #OurSummerJourney day trips much easier!

#OurSummerJourney-Safety 1st-- Advance 65 Air+ Convertible Car Seat features Air Protect + to keep children from 5-65 pounds safer in the car.

#OurSummerJourney-Safety 1st– Advance 65 Air+ Convertible Car Seat features Air Protect + to keep children from 5-65 pounds safer in the car.

We took a great day trip to the Wayne County Fair in Pennsylvania and the kids had an awesome time.  There was a big Monster Truck show and so between the rides, animals, show, food, exhibits and more it was very late when we were driving home.  It is nice that a seat so safe is so comfortable!

Petting The Goats at the Fair!!!  #OurSummerJourney

Petting The Goats at the Fair!!! #OurSummerJourney

Fair Rides-#OurSummerJourney

Fair Rides-#OurSummerJourney

Having a Blast! #OurSummerJourney

Having a Blast! #OurSummerJourney

The Fun Slide-#OurSummerJourney

The Fun Slide-#OurSummerJourney

Slip Sliding Fun-#OurSummerJourney

Slip Sliding Fun-#OurSummerJourney

Riding The Swings--#OurSummerJourney

Riding The Swings–#OurSummerJourney

Great Memories-#OurSummerJourney

Great Memories-#OurSummerJourney

Rollercoaster-#OurSummerJourney

Rollercoaster-#OurSummerJourney

View From the Ferris Wheel-#OurSummerJourney

View From the Ferris Wheel-#OurSummerJourney

#OurSummerJourney-Fun at the County Fair!!!

#OurSummerJourney-Fun at the County Fair!!!

Carousel Fun-#OurSummerJourney

Carousel Fun-#OurSummerJourney

A Fun Filled Day-#OurSummerJourney

A Fun Filled Day-#OurSummerJourney

Time For Ice Cream-Time For an Ice Cream Headache Oh NO!!!  #OurSummerJourney

Time For Ice Cream-Time For an Ice Cream Headache Oh NO!!! #OurSummerJourney

 

Quick Recovery #OurSummerJourney

Quick Recovery #OurSummerJourney


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Trunki, PaddlePak; Water-Resistant Backpack Review & Giveaway!!! #TrunkiUS

trunki logo Swim lessons, boat trips, water parks and other outings where kids need to bring along some extras is the perfect time to use a PaddlePak.  A PaddlePak is a water-resistant backpack designed to stop wet stuff from getting in, or leaking out! Made from lightweight and durable material it’s big enough to fit everything your little one needs for fun-filled days out and about, at school camp, parks, family vacation, sleepovers as well as trips to the beach or pool.  trunki Pinch trunki clown fish paddlepak   paddlepak1   paddlepak 2   paddle pak 2 We received a Pinch-Lobster PaddlePak to review and my son thought it was super cute and so did I. It is roomy enough to hold a swim suit, towel and more.  There is a spacial zippered pouch for small things and it has padded comfy straps that let little ones carry the pak securely and comfortably. Lots of cute friends to choose from to accompany little ones on all kinds of trips.

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PaddlePak is recommended for ages 2 and up! Trunki is sponsoring a giveaway on Mommy Ramblings!  One lucky blog reader will win their own PaddlePak!  Thank you to Trunki for sponsoring this adorable giveaway on Mommy Ramblings!!!  Open to US residents. trunki pic Trunki, PaddlePak, Water-Resistant Backpack Giveaway on Mommy Ramblings Rules: Please enter the giveaway using the Rafflecopter widget below.  Good Luck!!!

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Win A Backyard Explorers Kit From Orkin!!! #BugWisdom

Backyard Explorers Kit
With 2 little boys who love to explore, it is a given critters of all kinds will find their way into their hands.  Whether chasing butterflies or catching fireflies and everything in between boys, bugs and discovery go hand in hand.  Orkin has some bug wisdom to share below as well:

When life hands you dung, just roll with it.

At Orkin, we never stop learning. Our new “Bug Wisdom” video series is a reminder that some of life’s biggest lessons come from small places. Bugs are smart, curious creatures – we humans can learn a lot from their ways.

Take the quiz to discover your “Spirit Bug,” and check out all the GIFs to soak in every nugget of wisdom that these bugs have to offer!

The Orkin Man always knows what to look for when he shows up at your home. If you want to get exploration down to a science, be sure and enter to win Orkin’s Backyard Explorers Kit!

 

@AskTheOrkinMan and follow them on Facebook, YouTube and on their website.

Enter to win an Orkin Backyard Explorers Kit:
– The Orkin 9-Page Activity Bug Book
– Orkin Bugview Bug Catching Tool and Magnifier
– Red/Black Summer Wayfarer Sunglasses
Rules:
Each household is only eligible to win 1 Orkin Backyard Explorers Kit via blog reviews and giveaways. Only one entrant per mailing address per giveaway. If you have won the same prize on another blog, you will not be eligible to win it again. Winner is subject to eligibility verification. Enter to win using the Rafflecopter widget below.  Good Luck!!!

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“Duck & Goose Go To The Beach” Kick Off Summer With A Blog Tour & Giveaway!!!

Summer is HERE… and Duck & Goose are waddling on over to the beach…
 
New York Times Bestseller!
Duck-Goose-Go-To-The-Beach-Book-Giveaway
A Great way to kick summer off with your kids.  My kids love the Duck & Goose Books, they are so adorable and always have a great message to share with even the youngest children.  Pick up a copy and share it with the special child(ren) in your life!  Have a safe, healthy and fun summer!!! 

In this delightful follow-up to the New York Times bestselling Duck & Goose and Duck, Duck, Goose, Duck wants to go on an adventure. Goose doesn’t. He doesn’t see the point. After all, why would they go anywhere when they’re happy right where they are? But then Goose sees the ocean and loves it. Who doesn’t? Well, Duck, for one!

Enter to Win Duck & Goose Go To The Beach!!!

Would you like to win a copy of Duck & Goose Go To The Beach ?  Enter below for your chance by using the Rafflecopter widget.  Thank you To Random House for sponsoring this blog tour and giveaway!!!  Open to US residents

Duck & Goose Go To The Beach  Book Giveaway on Mommy Ramblings!!!

 

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Filed under Books, Giveaway, Main Page Post, Mommy Ramblings

Blast Zone, Rainforest Rapids Inflatable Review and Magic Castle Bounce House Giveaway!!!

BlastZoneLogo

We recently reviewed Blast Zone’s Rainforest Rapids Wet or Dry Inflatable with Slides.  First let me say we are huge Blast Zone fans and our kids spend the entire late spring, summer and early fall in their inflatables.  This is our Fifth Inflatable from Blast Zone and I can tell you they are very high quality and all 5 are going strong!

Blast Zone Rainforest Rapids

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We live on a lake and we have all the kids coming over to use them and they hold up to all the abuse the kids can dish out.  We were very impressed with the Rainforest Rapids Inflatable, it was a cinch to set up, just like all the Blast Zone inflatables we have and super easy to attach the tubes for the water.  We have been using it for several weeks and I will tell you that it is so easy to maintain.

What my husband and I do to make things really easy is that we purchased very large, high quality tarps that we put under our inflatables.  It keeps them clean and you can deflate them and then wrap the tarp around the inflatable for a cover if rain is coming and the next day uncover and inflate.  The kids go from bouncing to sliding to splashing and swimming with ease and squeals of delight.

 

The unit keeps them cool and active all day and they have so much fun.  It is the first thing turned on in the morning and literally not turned off until dark during the Summer.  I think these units are a great investment for families because they are like having a water park in your yard and are great for birthdays and parties too!

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If you are looking for an inflatable, I would look no further than Blast Zone.  You can follow Blast Zone on Facebook and on YouTube.  You can also check out the commercial line of Blast Zone Inflatables Here and view Moonwalks and Inflatable Slides!

Would you like a chance to win a bounce house from Blast Zone?  If so enter our giveaway below!

Blast Zone Magic Castle

Blast Zone is sponsoring a giveaway on Mommy Ramblings!   One lucky blog reader will win a Blast Zone Magic Castle Inflatable Bouncer Bounce House! Thank you to Blast Zone for the review inflatable and for sponsoring this awesome giveaway on Mommy Ramblings!!!  Open to US Residents.

Blast Zone Magic Castle 2

Blast Zone, Magic Castle Bounce House Giveaway on Mommy Ramblings Rules:

Please enter the giveaway using the Rafflecopter widget below.  Good Luck!!!

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