Monthly Archives: December 2011

Froebel Gifts, Yarn Balls Review & Give-Away!!! {Giveaway Ended}

In our last review, I told you about the Tieramid Blocks that were influenced by Friedrich W. Froebel, the originator of the “kindergarten system.”  Well, back again with great learning toys and manipulatives that are all based on Froebel’s philosophy.  The Froebel® Gifts are educational materials developed for Friedrich Froebel’s original Kindergarten. Perhaps the world’s most intricately conceived playthings, these materials appear deceptively simple, but represent a sophisticated approach to child development. The Gifts are arguably the first educational toys. I recently had the opportunity to review Gift One-The Yarn Balls from this collection. Froebel recognized that a ball is often a first or favorite toy of infants. It is lightweight and easy to grasp or hold. For Froebel, the ball symbolized unity because it is a complete whole, a pure form. The whole is the beginning of understanding and everything else is derived from the whole. I have told you many times before how much I love to use hands-on learning concepts with my children.  These yarn balls are great for expanding from the simplest concepts to more advanced.  For instance with my 2-year-old we do counting, colors, sorting, and shapes among others.  It also is early physical activity to improve of eye-hand coordination and gross motor control. My 4-year-old can do more advanced work with them like distinguish form, color and movement — the qualities of matter in the physical universe. For instance my husband will show him the structure of atoms and how protons, neutrons and electrons interact.  I know that most children absorb even advanced concepts easier when they have something tactile they can touch and see when learning.  These yarn balls are great for home, home schooling, and the classroom.  Froebel Gifts has many other gifts that will educate your child through play.

 

 

Froebel Gifts is sponsoring a give-away on Mommy Ramblings!!!  One lucky blog reader will win their own set of Yarn Balls.  Thank you to Froebel Gifts for the review Yarn Balls and for sponsoring this terrific give-away on Mommy Ramblings.  Open to US and Canadian residents.

 

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Bulls-Eye Creative Tieramid Circle Set Review & Give-Away!!! {Give-Away Ended}

I have told you before how much I like toys that teach and are fun. When I had the opportunity to review the Tieramid Circle Set I was thrilled.  This quality set of blocks will teach your children so many skills and will grow with your child from pre-school to adults.  The design of the Tieramid Creative Blocks was influenced by Friedrich W. Froebel, the originator of the “kindergarten system.” Kindergarten was designed to teach young children about art, design, mathematics and natural history.”  These blocks are very high quality and will be a set that can be passed down generation to generation or used in the classroom setting.  This set is truly one that will grow with your child.  My two-year old loves it for colors and making the easier patterns from the Tieramid Cards.  I think it is so great for developing his fine motor skills and early math skills. My four-year-old is able to work on more advanced pattern cards and can expand on colors into the primary and secondary colors as well as go further into early math skills and fine motor skills.  The Tieramid Circle Set is like a new toy every time you play with it.  It really allows your child to express their creativity and adults will love to play with it with and without their kids.  Each Tieramid® Creative Blocks™ set contains several individual pieces which fit together like a tiered pyramid, to make a cylinder. Tieramid challenges the mind and sharpens many physiological skills such as: perceptual, fine motor, dexterity, visual and cognitive skills. Your child, or grandchild, will spend hours manipulating Tieramid Blocks. Adults can play puzzles games to keep those grey cell exercised or to use Tieramid as an entertaining way to promote quality family time. Once you open your set, the shapes you can make are as endless as your imagination!

 

 
 

1.
Tieramid blocks are for a broad range of ages and abilities:
• With these nested blocks younger children learn hand-eye-motor coordination skills and physical relationships of “large and small”, “inside and outside”, “up and down”. They learn the primary colors of red, yellow, and blue. They also learn the secondary colors of orange, green, and purple.
• Elementary school children enjoy building complex play structures, and play/practice adult roles. 
• Adults find it challenging to make visually appealing configurations or share games with children.

• People seeking rehabilitation can use Tieramid as a fun, engaging way to improve abilities.

2.Tieramid Creative Blocks can fit together or stack in an unlimited number of ways, both 2 dimensionally and 3 dimensionally. As cylindrical puzzle blocks they can be used for structured play. They are also designed to allow for open-ended play which promotes creative, imaginative thinking and problem solving. A child may associate the same yellow arch with a banana, a telephone, or even a smile.

3.Tieramid Blocks lay a foundation for math skills development. Each piece has a mathematical relationship to another based on a 1:10 ratio.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  

 

Then I realized some people are scared of clowns.

          

I don't want to make people sad.

I want people to be happy!!!

So I made a ladybug because the are lucky and make people smile.

Then I made a bird because they spread joy.

 

Then I decided to fish through the deck for something more complex.

I thought this wave was really neat.

Now we have come full circle.

Bulls-Eye Creative is sponsoring a give-away on Mommy Ramblings.  One lucky blog reader will win the half circle or rainbow Tieramid Block Set. Thank you Bulls-Eye Creative for the review circle set and for sponsoring this great give-away on Mommy Ramblings!!!  Open to US residents.

The Tieramid Spectrum Rainbow Arches curved, semi-circle building blocks from Bulls-Eye Creative offer endless hours of creative fun. This 7-tier set of blocks has 11 brightly colored pieces. Non-toxic inks. Winner of a 2005 award from Dr. Toy. Ages: 3+

 

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Milano Series Mia Tote Review & Give-Away!!! {Give-Away Ended}

I am back again with another review for a Milano Series Bag.  For my review this time, I chose the Mia Tote in Charcoal.  This is a large bag with lots to zippered pockets to keep everything organized and safe.  There is a large back pocket with velcro closure that is perfect for magazines, folders, journals or books.  The bag is made of high quality nylon that will stand up to most anything you can dish out. Everything is quality constructed so you know this bag will last.  Comes in lots of great colors.  I really love this bag, the straps are long enough to wear it over my shoulder which keeps my hands free.  I love all the zippered pockets that keep your important things secure even if your bag tips over or falls.  The bag looks stylish and smart and will handle most anything you need to carry.

With the Mia Tote you will never again leave the house unprepared. ..  Made of a high quality nylon, this fashionable purse zippers shut to keep your items safely contained while on the go with to two inside pockets, 1 zippered and 1 open.  The front of the bag is truly unique featuring 2 large zippered pockets, 1 mini zip pocket and 2 open pockets for easy access to your daily necessities.  The bag also features an extra-large back pocket for easy access to frequently used items.   The Mia Tote is available in Chocolate, Charcoal, Pear and Orange and measures 16 ½” tall x 15 ½” wide.

Milano Series is sponsoring a give-away on Mommy Ramblings.  One lucky blog reader will win a Mia Tote in their choice of color (based on availability).  Thank you Milano Series for the review tote and for sponsoring this great give-away on Mommy Ramblings!!!  Open to US Residents.

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Special Offers, Discounts and Promo Codes From Our Wonderful Sponsors!!!

Special Sales and Discount Offers From Our Great Sponsors to Say Thank You and Happy Holidays!!!

As this year is almost at an end, Mommy Ramblings has been so blessed by the wonderful sponsors who have generously donated products for our reviews and give-aways!!!  I wanted to share with you some special offers that these sponsors are running for the Holiday Season:

Our give-aways and reviews for Zylie and Shen Bear were very popular with our readers.  We were given a special code that will allow Mommy Rambling’s Readers to take 30% off the purchase price of their order with code “MOMMYRAMBLINGS” at www.zyliethebear.com. Code expires 12/20/11. Happy Holidays!!!

Jedidiah, a great company that gives back.  You can give a gift that really gives!!!  Our friends at Jedidiah wanted me to share this Free Shipping Special with you.  Happy Holidays From Jedidiah!!!  To shop visit www.jedidiahusa.com.

 

Juppy Baby Walker-Teaching your baby to walk? Try the Juppy the ONLY baby walker that fits in your purse!  While supplies last order the Juppy for only $14.95.  Happy Holidays from Juppy!!!

 

BuyCostumes.com

To shop and save visit buycostumes.com  

Baby Elf Infant / Toddler Costume


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Pure Pearls, Lavender, Freshwater Pearl Earrings, 7.0-8.0mm & Give-Away!!! {Give-Away Ended}

I was recently asked if I wanted to do a review for PurePearls.com.  I gladly accepted and was asked to pick a pair of their AAA quality, Freshwater Pearl Earings 7.0-8.0 mm.  I choose the lavender color, freshwater pearl earrings in the 14K yellow gold. They recently arrived carefully packed in a white box which when opened revealed a black velvet hinged box that contained the beautiful lavender pearl earrings.  They are an impressive size, beautifully round and very good quality.  The pearl earrings came complete with an appraisal for $345.00. They have so many great pieces of Pearl jewelry on their Website.  If you are looking for a gift for your wife, daughter, sister, girlfriend, or yourself, take a look at their Pearl Bracelets, EarringsNecklaces, Pendants, Pearl Sets and Rings. We know that the recipient of a gift from Pure Pearls will just be thrilled so we are adding them to our 2011 Holiday Gift Guide.   

Pure Pearls is sponsoring a give-away on Mommy Ramblings.  One lucky blog reader will win their choice of AAA Quality 7.0-8.0mm. freshwater Pearl Stud Earrings in any natural pearl color.  Choose from white, pink, lavender or black and with either 14K Yellow or White Gold backs and posts.  Thank you Pure Pearls for the beautiful review earrings and this fabulous give-away!!!  Open to US and Canadian residents.  

                                       

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Richard Scarry’s Busy Busy Airport Game Review & Give-Away!!! {Give-Away Ended}

I was thrilled when Wonder Forge asked me if I would like to review the new Richard Scarry’s Busy Busy Airport Pre-School Game.  It’s a Busy Busy Day at the Airport and You’re the Pilot! Set up destination game boards around the room. Load your plane with your favorite Busytown characters and wait for the all clear for take-off. Then fly to faraway places like the beach, mountains, the city, and more. Collect souvenirs wherever you go. The player with the most wins! It’s out-of-your-seat role play fun! Learning Fun includes picture identification and matching, physical movement and imaginative play, as well as strategic thinking. Product Contents include: 4 Airplanes, 1 Airport Box, 1 Dice Tower, 16 Passenger Tiles, 16 Souvenir Cards, 4 Destination Pads, 2 Dice, and 1 Game Rules Manual.

This is such a fun game to play with little ones.  They get to move around and pick up the passengers and fly the plane.  The game is for ages 3 and up and for 2-4 players.     This makes a great gift for the pre-schoolers on your list this year.  We love it so much we are adding it to our 2011 Holiday Gift Guide.

Wonder Forge is generously sponsoring a give-away on Mommy Ramblings.  One lucky blog reader will win a Busy Busy Airport Game. Thank you Wonder Forge for the review game and for sponsoring this jet setting give-away on Mommy Ramblings!!!  Open to US Residents.

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Goody Double Wear Hair Accessories Review & Give-Away!!!

Goody is undoubtably one of the most recognized names in hair accessories.  Goody knows that women like the flexibility to wear their hair different ways based on what they are doing or the weather.  Goody Double Wear is a great accessory that allows you the option to wear your hair down or just pull it back in a pony tail or headband on a whim.  With Double Wear the black elastic hair band has gone through a sophisticated make over that allows you to wear the pony tail holder as a bracelet and the head band as a necklace.  With Double Wear you are ready to change your look anytime you want.  These are so great because you can just leave for the day with them on as jewelry and say the wind picks up and you want to pull your hair back, you don’t have to dig through your purse and hope you have something, the perfect hair accessory is your Goody bracelet or necklace.  They are available accented in gold or silver.  I was recently sent a variety of bracelets and necklace Double Wear products to review.  They are quite nice and the quality you would expect from Goody.  I love the options that the Double Wear products give you.  I am one of those people who always tries to be prepared, and these are just great to have on hand, I mean on your arm or neck for quick style or plan changes.

 

Goody is sponsoring a give-away on Mommy Ramblings.  One lucky blog reader will win the same assortment of Double Wear that I did. Thank you Goody for the review products and for sponsoring this great give-away on Mommy Ramblings!!!  Open to US residents.

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Kid Basix Safe Sippy 2 and Safe Sporter Review & Give-Away!!! {Give-Away Ended}

I recently had the opportunity to pick a couple of products from Kid Basix to review.   Kid Basix started a revolution when they rethought the sippy cup and created the Safe Sippy™ no-spill bottle from clean, non-leaching stainless steel. But while BPA-free products are still important to parents, the world is changing. Safety, value, the environment – they are all important now. And Kid Basix will continue to be at the forefront of that conversation as they rethink everything.  I chose the Safe Sippy 2 and the Safe Sporter.  I love that they are made of clean non-leaching stainless steel.  I can clearly see they are clean and fresh every time I use them.

I picked the Safe Sippy 2 for my two-year-old.  I like it for a number of reasons but some of the main ones are that it has handles so it is easy to hold on to for little hands, it has a dust cover so I can fill it and keep it in the diaper bag or insulated bag until he is ready to drink it and the top stays nice and clean.  However, the really  great thing about this sippy is that it is a 2 in 1 convertible sippy to straw bottle. This sippy grows with your child from a sippy to a straw sports bottle.

For my 4-year-old I choose the Safe Sporter.  It is perfect for water at soccer and t-ball games and since it is stainless steel if we go to winter events it is perfect for hot chocolate.  I do not like putting hot drinks in plastic containers even if they are BPA free.  I think it is much healthier to use stainless steel for hot drinks and the outer TPR sleeve is great to grip and stays cool.  I like that everything is dishwasher safe and I love the high quality of these products.

Kid Basix’s full line of products includes the Safe Starter bottle, Safe Sippy, Safe Sippy 2 and the Safe Sporter.  If you are looking for a safe alternative to plastics you should take a look at the Kid Basix’s product line.

 

I am happy to let you know that Kid Basix’s is sponsoring a give-away on Mommy Ramblings.  One lucky blog reader will win the Kid Basix’s product of their choice.  Thank you Kid Basix’s for the review products and for sponsoring this awesome give-away on Mommy Ramblings!!!  Open to US residents.

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Baby Gogo Doll and Moses Basket Review and Give-away!!! {Give-Away Ended}

It seems baby dolls have consistently been one of the most beloved children’s toys of all time. Children see parents with their baby brothers or sisters and want to imitate them in taking care of their own baby. Many dolls available today have so many features, like talking, crying, wetting diapers, even growing their hair! I myself am a fan of a simple classic doll that teaches a child to use their imagination to make their baby doll come to life, as it can be a great learning experience. I was sent a Baby GoGo Doll and Moses basket for review a short time ago from their manufacturer. I was pleased to find that this toy was a sweet, classic doll, that is perfect for inspiring natural, imaginative play!

Baby GoGo was recently reinvented for the 21st century, outfitted with cozy, gender neutral pajamas and a soft little blankie! In addition to the Baby GoGo doll and Moses basket, they also have a diaper bag and play outfit, with more to come! My niece enjoyed mothering her Baby GoGo doll, laying it in the Moses basket for a nap, covering it with the soft blankie, and watching as it closed it’s eyes and slept. A book is included with the doll, “Baby GoGo Goes Home” That tells of Baby GoGo coming home from the hospital to meet big brother and sister! The body of Baby GoGo is soft and huggable, but with more realistic face, arms and legs. It has long pretty eyelashes on it’s eyes that open and close! The Moses basket is colorful and sturdy, it has a small pocket on the outside, and is the perfect size for Baby GoGo, and includes a tiny fluffy pillow! The handles on the basket make for easy carrying, and I can imagine my niece will be carrying it with her everywhere, using her imagination and being a wonderful little mother!

Baby GoGo and accessories would make the perfect Christmas gift for any little girl or boy, especially if there is a new baby in the family. They can use their new baby doll and imitate mommy and daddy and learn to help out with the baby. Mommy Ramblings is adding Baby GoGo to our 2011 Holiday Gift Guide, because we know what a great gift it would make!

Baby GoGo is sponsoring a give-away on Mommy Ramblings! One lucky blog reader will win their own Baby GoGo Doll and Moses basket!! Thank you Baby GoGo for this classic review doll and give-away!!!  Open to US Residents.

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It’s a Beautiful Day, Even Through The Rain!!!

It is unseasonably warm for December in New York.  It was a balmy 60 degrees yesterday and today it was a few degrees cooler but still way above average temperatures.  The day was rainy and gray and as we headed off to the oncologist, I prayed it was not a sign of  the news we were waiting to hear.  We were called right in and the nurse checked Michael’s weight, blood pressure, pulse and temp and then drew 4 tubes of blood that the doctor ordered to be processed STAT.

Our doctor came through the door still wearing his fleece jacket, we were definitely his first appointment.  He almost immediately started to palpate Michael’s neck and said that he can feel the scar tissue where the incision was and there is a tiny node a bit behind he can feel, but that could be from almost anything.

He then took a seat and expressed the same disappointed sentiment that Michael’s radiation oncologist is on vacation and that I had to receive a call from the other doctor.  He explained that, he had received a call from that doctor that an area on the PET Scan was lit up.  Our doctor explained that there are a lot of reasons why that may be.  First off, the area is the same area that showed up prior to radiation after the surgery and that was thought to be scar tissue.  The area is now smaller which would be consistent with shrinking scar tissue.  Could we know 100% it was scar tissue?  No, we can’t but the doctor said the other option would be a biopsy and he explained that if this was his son or himself he would not have one based on this.

He explained, given that doctors took months to originally diagnose him and when he finally was, he was still in the earliest possible stage, that waiting a couple of months to repeat a PET Scan would not jeopardize his health even if this was something.  He again went into how Michael has one of the best forms of Hodgkin’s and Hodgkin’s as a whole is very susceptible to radiation so he could not fathom how after surgical removal of the nodule and having his neck blasted with radiation that anything could be left.  It is his strongest opinion that it is nothing and that the follow-up PET Scan should show it considerably smaller or gone completely.

He said in the rare case that it gets bigger or that it turns out to be a reoccurrence, waiting the 2 months will not make any difference and he strongly suggested we wait unless Michael was the kind of person that could not make it through the next 2 months wondering if it was scar tissue or something else.  He also explained that a needle biopsy may not show anything like the first time and we would have to do a core biopsy and he just did not see the need for it.

Michael totally agreed to wait and he is not the nervous kind.  Even when I asked him if he would be up at night wondering and worrying he told me, “Nah, I’ll roll the dice.”   What a kid!  Anyway, I certainly was able to breathe a lot easier and the doctor was wonderful as always and spent a lot of time with us and made us feel very confident that waiting was the right decision.  He also had me feel Michael’s neck and told me to check him every week just to see if there were any changes.  Then we scheduled the follow-up and went out into the rain which had let up and the fog was lifting.  It was a good morning.  Thank God, and thank you all for your prayers.


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