Monthly Archives: December 2014

December 31, 2014 · 6:23 pm

Join Us For Peter Walsh’s 31 Days 2 Get Organized 2015!!! #31Days2GetOrganized

I am so excited! I love Peter Walsh! He is such an inspiration for releasing the “stuff” that holds us back. The other day I saw that he was asking us to recruit someone for ‪#‎31Days2GetOrganized‬ for 2015! I recruited a good friend, then I thought more about it. Why don’t we all do this? I think it will be a lot of fun if we all come together and let go of things we are hanging on to that are truly weighing us down. What a wonderful way to make a slow month like January much more fun and productive! So I am recruiting all of you! Please join me in the 31 Days 2 Get Organized with Peter Walsh.

If you have never heard of Peter Walsh and I can’t imagine anyone that hasn’t, but if you are in the dark about who he is and what he does, just click the video below to get to know him.

I want to make things really exciting so I created a closed Facebook group just for this. The closed group means that even your most cluttered closet is safe with us and there will be no judging or negativity. The link for the group is here and you can join now. In the group you will post your before and afters of the 31, ten minute challenges Peter will dole out each day. We can work to encourage and keep everyone accountable. I hope you will all join in this with me.

Peter has a New Year Message for us here:

Peter Walsh please join our Facebook Group so you can see our progress. Are you ready for the challenge? I sure am! Comment here and let me know you are up to the challenge and recruit someone to come along.

If you are chomping at the bit to get started you can work on this until Monday January 5th! I know you were so excited to start tomorrow but Peter says it officially starts on January 5th! Don’t worry take his advice and get your family and friends on board and in the meantime join the group and get aquainted. If you just can’t wait, you can get a head start on the challenge with Peter Walsh: 15 Declutter Projects for a Saner You. Of course follow Peter on Facebook and YouTube so you don’t miss a thing!

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Filed under Curb Appeal, DIY, Home, Home Improvement, Kitchen, Life Stages, Main Page Post, Mommy Ramblings

Tagged as #31Days2GetOrganized, 2015, 31 Days 2 Get Organized, clean, Clutter, Mommy Ramblings, Organize, Peter Walsh

· 5:05 pm

Kid’s Academy, Improved Free Learning Game Apps For Kids!!! #MomBuzz

Preschool & Kindergarten Books, Songs & Early Reading Games App

This app has added a new feature. Classic children’s fairytale titles are now available like The Princess and the Pea, Puss and Boots and more. Now with the free version you get just a snippet of the books and then you can purchase a pass for all of them or for an individual book. The books are beautifully illustrated and they app brings the stories to life in an engaging way that kids just love to see and they can also follow along with the text. This is such a fun App and kids love hearing and singing along with the familiar BINGO song. Kids can clap and sing along as they watch the letters appear in the cute farm scene with the adorable dog. There is an upgrade of the free version where kids can even record and play a karaoke session or just sing and clap along. There are mini games too that are fun like animal cards and kids can also make up and record their own stories. My little guy loves recording himself and playing it back.

Get Preschool & Kindergarten Books, Songs & Early Reading Games App on iTunes

Alphabet Tracing & Montessori App

This Alphabet Tracing and Math Puzzle Educational App is wonderful for teaching kids how to form letters and it is easy for them to trace the letters with their fingers. A very hands on app that will encourage them to form letters the right way and get them writing. Perfect for preschool and kindergarten age kids. Children can trace upper case letters of the alphabet with in purchase apps for expanded tracing. There are also fun mazes and rhyming games for kids and a purchase for an all access pass will give your child access to loads of great learning games.

Based on the Montessori learning method your child will develop and practice spelling, reading and writing skills while playing engaging games. Kids will practice writing their letters and their handwriting skills too! Kids love tracing dotted lines to learn how to form letters. The can form lower or upper case letters. There are fun mazes where they have to drag the dog’s bone to a word that rhymes with the word that the dog is thinking of as well as simpler mazes where they lead the dog to his prize. It is so cute and my little guy loves it! Kids are rated with 1, 2 or 3 stars for their performance.

Get Alphabet Tracing & Montessori App on iTunes

Preschool and Kindergarten Games App

They have updated this app and it is easy better it runs better and the graphics are more vibrant making them even more captivating to kids. The same games are there but the bright colors and clear graphics and animation make them even more fun. Great improvements on a stellar app. Kids will practice writing their letters and their handwriting skills with fun games and activities. Kids have a blast tracing dotted lines to learn how to form letters. I like that there are left and right hand modes, 2 levels of difficulty challenges kids.

Kids trace one letter with the dotted lines and then they try one that has no guiding lines right after. Before they are given the letter they hear the letter name and the picture of something that starts with that letter. You can choose to work on Upper or lower case letters. There are other games like the Alphabet and kids have so much interactive fun focused on a specific letter and learning vocabulary words that start with that letter along with fun graphics. Kids can trace numbers too and when they trace the number correctly they fill up a jar with fire flies. It is really fun and my little guy loves it! Kids are rated with 1, 2 or 3 stars for their performance. The free version can be upgraded to unlock more games and features.

Get Preschool and Kindergarten Games App on iTunes

Android users can also find Kids Academy Apps on Google Play!

Also be sure to visit Kids Academy on social media!

Facebook | Twitter | YouTube

This post was created in partnership with Mom Buzz Media and Kids Academy. All opinions expressed are my own.

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Filed under Education, Special Offers, Tech, Toddler

Tagged as Android, Apps, Educational, free, Google Play, iTunes, Kids Academy, learning

December 29, 2014 · 6:17 pm

How To Make An Adorable Applique Birthday Shirt!!! Easy and Quick Project!

I like to have birthday shirts for my kids and take a picture of them in it on their actual birthday. A few years ago I made one but most of the time I buy them. However, after the success I had with the Christmas shirts, I decided to try and make an applique birthday shirt for my son. It was so easy and looked great! If you would like to try, you can follow the easy tutorial here.

Supplies:

Plain Shirt- short or long sleeve
Material- small amount for number
Number Template- easy to find online
Scissors-Craft and Fabric
Thread to coordinate with number fabric and shirt
Sewable Heat Bond
Iron
Straight Pins
Sewing Machine with Applique Stitch or you can Zig Zag.

Prep:

Make sure to wash your fabric and shirt before starting and then iron.

1. Cut some fabric for your number

2. Cut a piece of sewable heat bond and iron it on the back side of the fabric. **Remember when cutting the sewable heat bond or the fabric that has it ironed on, never use your fabric scissors! You will ruin them. Always use your craft scissors when cutting anything with heat bond.

3. Place the number template on the front side of the fabric, pin and cut.

4. Remove the heat bond paper backing from the number, the nice shiny texture will allow you to iron the number on and hold it securely to sew.

5. Iron the number on the shirt.

6.Take the shirt over to your machine and use an applique stitch around the edges

7.Trim the loose threads and iron the shirt and you are finished.

Please share with me if you try this. I would love to see and hear about your creations.

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Filed under DIY, Giveaway

Tagged as Birthday Shirt, Crafts, DIY, Easy, sew, tutorial

December 28, 2014 · 7:30 pm

Lugz, Women’s Shifter Work Boot Review & Giveaway!!!

We have officially entered the winter season. If you are looking for a sharp looking, practical boot that will give you good traction no matter what winter dishes out, I have a recommendation. I recently browsed Lugz great selection of boots and decided to try the Lugz, Women’s Shifter work boot in black. Now, as a woman with size 11 feet, I was worried they would be huge and make my feet look tremendous. I was wrong, in fact they make my feet look smaller. The boots looked so small I thought they would be too small but they were not and provided lots of room for my feet.

The boots are sturdy and very high quality that will stand up to any amount of hard work or just a day out running errands. The cushioned insoles keep my feet comfy and the sole provides lots of gripping traction to keep me on my feet and not slip sliding away on snowy or icy terrain. As long time Lugz lovers, our family knows their shoes and boots stand up to lots of wear and keep looking good. If you are looking for durable, good-looking footwear for your entire family, check out Lugz!

Right Now if you buy one pair of Lugz, you will get 50% Off another pair when you use the code BOGODEC but hurry this great offer ends December 30th!!! See the site for full details on this amazing offer.

The Women’s Shifter work boot provides a classic cool style and the comfort to last day and night.

DETAILS:

Durabrush Upper
Padded tongue & collar
Cushioned insole

Lugz is sponsoring a giveaway on Mommy Ramblings! One lucky blog reader will win a pair of Women’s Shifter Boots! Thank you Lugz for the review boots and for sponsoring this fantastic giveaway on Mommy Ramblings!!! Open to US residents.

Lugz, Women’s Shifter Work Boot Giveaway on Mommy Ramblings Rules:

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Filed under Fashion, Giveaway, Main Page Post, Mommy Ramblings, Review

Tagged as Boot, boots, Fashion, giveaway, Grip, Lugz, Mommy Ramblings, play, review, Shifter, shoes, Traction, work, Work Boot

December 26, 2014 · 8:16 pm

Shop Lovable Labels For TKO Savings During Their Boxing Week Blowout!!! #mylovablelabels

Want to save big on durable, high quality, colorful labels? Then hurry and visit Lovable Labels because for a short time you can save 50%! That’s right, half off several of their highly popular packages of labels, address labels and fun stickies! The sale is only on from December 26th thru December 31st and will be over and out along with 2014. Just check out what you can save below:

Take a look at these 4 BIG DEALS!!!

#1 50% OFF SPLIT PACKS-2 NAMES-ONE PACK-ONE DESIGN- Now only $25

#2 50% OFF HOLLY JOLLY GIFT PACKS-NOW ONLY $12.50!

#3 50% OFF GIFT SEALS & ADDRESS LABELS—Now only $10.95

#4 50% OFF HOLIDAY FUN STICKIES-NOW ONLY $4.95

BONUS Webcrashers—The first 100 customers who spend $50 or more on their order will receive $10 off by using the code WEBCRASH14 at checkout!

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Filed under Discount Code, Lovable Labels, Main Page Post, Mommy Ramblings, Toddler, Toys

Tagged as "Don't Let The Pigeon Stay Up Late", #mylovablelabels, Big, Blowout, Bonus, Boxing Week, camp, coupon code, Cute, daycare, Durable, fun, holiday, Label, Mommy Ramblings, Name, Packs, Promo Code, Save, school, Shop, Tidy

December 22, 2014 · 5:17 pm

Keurig® 2.0 K550 Brewing System Featured On Our 2014 Holiday Gift Guide!!! #HolidayGiftGuide

As a blogger with Northeast Bloggers, I was provided a Keurig® 2.0 K550 for my honest review, this did not influence my opinion or views in any way which are 100% my own!

We have been a Keurig® family since 2010 and we absolutely love the Keurig® brewers. Keurig® brewers are a great choice for holiday gift giving this season and I want to tell you about the new Keurig^® 2.0 K550 Brewing System.

This is by far the most versatile Keurig® brewer to date! You can brew a cup or a carafe of coffee now! There are also lots of great features to customize your brewer in the settings like different color wallpaper and bright color reservoir lights among others. The box contains all you need to get started brewing the perfect cup or carafe of coffee. The reservoir has a water filter that you change periodically and the brewer can even remind you to do so if you like.

The brewer will also dispense hot water when you choose the hot water selection on the touch screen. The water reservoir a large capacity so it really is great when brewing a carafe. The pop up lid makes it easy to refill the water without removing the reservoir from the brewer. You can then choose brew strength cup size on the touch screen. The brewer recognizes the pack and knows whether it is a cup or carafe pack.

You need to use Keurig® brand packs, which include nearly 400 different beverages from 60 brands. Consumers looking for a recyclable option can use Vue® packs (also with Keurig 2.0 Brewing Technology™) and K-Carafe™ packs. The plastic cup used in Vue® and K-Carafe™ packs is made of polypropylene/#5 plastic, which can be separated from the lid and filter and recycled wherever #5 plastic is accepted. Cleaning and descaling is now easier using the touch screen options.

Set up was easy and the only part that was a little hard was the bottom of the filter holder was on pretty tight and took some prying to come out. after that you soak the included filter pack for 5 minutes and rinse for 60 seconds, then insert it in the filter holder. You can set the date you put it in and the date to change on a dial on the top of the holder. The brewer itself can be set to remind you to if you like. Then you want to do a cleaning cycle before brewing your first cup. After filling the reservoir you then brew a 6 oz cup of boiling water to clean the machine. After that you are good to go.

We were sent an additional assortment of some great holiday inspired flavors like Spicy Eggnog, Wicked Winter Blend and Gingerbread that I just love. My husband likes the carafe brewing option and the four cup carafe gets him through his morning. He likes his caffeine! It is so nice to have all the options like the night-light, wallpaper, clock settings, brew setting and more to really make the machine OURS. It is everything we love about Keurig brewers and more! Take a look at the following videos to see the brewer in action and learn more about the features.

Product Dimensions: 10.43”L x 13.63”W x 13.45”H
Product Weight: 13.9 lbs
Voltage / Wattage: 120 V / 60Hz / 1470W
Includes:
4-cup starter carafe
4 K-Carafe™ packs:
Green Mountain Coffee® Breakfast Blend
Green Mountain Coffee® French Roast
Green Mountain Coffee® French Vanilla
The Original Donut Shop® Regular
6 K-Cup® packs:
The Original Donut Shop® Regular Extra Bold
Green Mountain Coffee® Hazelnut
Green Mountain Coffee® Nantucket Blend®
Barista Prima Coffeehouse® Italian Roast
Starbucks® Pike Place® Roast
Celestial Seasonings® English Breakfast Tea
2.0 Water Filter Starter Kit with one filter

Mommy Ramblings is adding the Keurig^® 2.0 K550 Brewing System to our 2014 Holiday Gift Guide. If you are looking for a great last-minute gift, consider this Keurig brewer and the recipient will think of you cup after cup or carafe after carafe for years to come! You can follow Keurig on Twitter and Facebook.

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Filed under Christmas, Holiday, Review

Tagged as #HolidayGiftGuide, 2.0, 2014 Holiday Gift Guide, keurig, Keurig® 2.0 K550 Brewing System, Mommy Ramblings, NE Bloggers, Northeast Bloggers, review

December 19, 2014 · 9:19 pm

Elf On The Shelf-Worst Parenting Fail!!!

I love the Elf on the Shelf but not for the reason you may think. I love them because they remind me of my absolute favorite childhood Christmas decoration. My parents had the kneehugger elves from Japan and every year I would arrange them hanging with acrobatic skill through the house. I remember telling my mom they were my favorite and she told me they were hers too.

When I had my own family she and I were shopping one day and found some very similar elves of which I scooped up more than a few to decorate my home. So, when the Elf on the Shelf came out, I loved it just on its looks. I am not one of those over the top parents who cannot wait every night to plan some elaborate hijinks that the kids will find the next day. Truth be told, my husband and I forget half the time to move them (we have 2) and have to tell the kids things like,”I guess he likes the top of the picture frame so much, he went right back.” or “He is really being tricky, guess he thought you would not look there since he was there yesterday.”

My kids love elves too, in fact I picked up several more this year and my little guys was so cute. In the store they asked if they could touch them and if they were the real elves. To which I answered, “No, they are just adorable decorations. Which ones should we get?” So I have elves all over and the irony is in my biggest confession which I will tell you next.

Last year, someone I know posted on Facebook that her children were traumatized when going through the Christmas decorations to find the Elf on the Shelf packed away with the ornaments. He was supposed to be at the North Pole, not in a box that was in their basement all year! The magic was spoiled and I am not sure if the mom or the children was more upset. So, last year I told my husband we could not put our Elves away with any of the Christmas decorations. Instead we hid them really good, in fact we hid them so good, we don’t even know where they are!

I am so mad now, because I either have to buy 2 more and you can’t just buy replacement elves, you have to buy the whole set up and I have the books and boxes because they do not take those with them to the North Pole. I would still need to come up with a story of why they are so late, but I am good at stories so that is not the part that bothers me.

My husband found my childhood kneehugger elves and a bunch of others along with an Annalee Santa that looks like an elf and asked why don’t I just spin some yarn with these characters. I have thought about some very elaborate tales, like telling he kids that one of the older and very wise kneehugger elves just made it here, he is old and his magic is not so great any more. He brought a note that our elves Jingle and Jangle had a very odd thing happen right before they were leaving to come to our house. They were decorating the tree and their legs got caught in some of the lights in a way that twisted them and they both broke both legs. They were in excruciating pain and the doctor could not clear them to travel. That is when the wise but old elf said he would make the journey to explain. It took him a long time to get here and he cannot possibly fly back every night, so he will just phone in reports and ride back with Santa on Christmas Eve.

No matter what this goes down in the parenting fail book. I am sure they will both be found January 1st.

UPDATE

A few hours after writing this Jingle and Jangle were found. They were tucked inside a santa hat behind some of my dolls that were on a shelf. Hubby tucked them back there and it was like a Clark Griswold moment when he thought about the switch being off when he remembered. Now they are perched one in the tree and one hanging from a cabinet door handle for the kids to see in the morning. Better late than never!

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Filed under Christmas, Collectibles, Dolls and Dollhouses, Holiday, Humor, Main Page Post, Mommy Ramblings

Tagged as Christmas, Elf On The Shelf, Kneehugger Elves, Lost, Mommy Ramblings, Parenting Fail, Tradition

· 1:22 pm

Shop Walmart For Rollbacks on Disney Planes Items Perfect For Last Minute Gifts!!! #PlanesToTheRescue

This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #PlanesToTheRescue #CollectiveBias

Are you looking for the off button on the clock like I am? I cannot believe how fast the days are flying by. It seems it was Thanksgiving and now we are already at the last shopping weekend before Christmas. I am so behind on absolutely everything. If you are still looking for some last-minute holiday gift ideas, Walmart has Disney Planes merchandise on Rollback.

Looking for last minute holiday gift ideas? Delight the little ones in
your life with Disney Planes items now on Rollback at Walmart! All
items listed below are on rollback through the holiday season!
#PlanesToTheRescue #ad

Disney Planes Flight to the Finish Speedway ($24.97)

Disney Planes: Fire & Rescue Die-Cast Vehicles, 3-Pack ($14.97)

Disney Planes: Fire & Rescue Deluxe Talking Vehicle Assortment ($19.97)

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Filed under Christmas, Holiday, Main Page Post, Mommy Ramblings, Sale, Special Offers, Toddler, Toys

Tagged as #Collective Bias, Christmas, Disney, Gifts, holiday, Last Minute, Mommy Ramblings, Planes, Rollbacks, Shop, SoFab, walmart

December 17, 2014 · 11:25 pm

Glee Gum, Make Your Own Candy Kit, Review & Giveaway!!! #HolidayGiftGuide

In the past you may have read about how we made our own milk chocolate with kits from Glee Gum. We decided to mix it up a bit this year and try a different kit. We opted for the Make Your Own Chewing Gum Kit. So recently we set out to test out our gum making skills. The kit comes with all you need, even a disposable tray to melt the chicle gum base which resembles small beads or popcorn kernels. The reason for the disposable tray is because the chicle gum base when melted is so incredibly sticky.

We used the microwave to melt the chicle gum base and when it was melted we added the corn syrup and tried to stir.

I say tried to because the stickiness really makes you add some serious muscle to the mix. after that you roll it in the confectioner’s sugar and then knead in one of the flavor packets. After that you roll it and cut it into pieces. The best part is last and you can taste your creation.

My kids thought it was fun and as a parent it was very educational like all their “make your own” kits. For parents, educators and home school the website has a lesson plan with resources to expand on and more. You can see more educational material HERE. We have also added Glee Gum Make Your Own Candy Kits to our 2014 Holiday Gift Guide.

Glee Gum is sponsoring a giveaway on Mommy Ramblings and one lucky winner will win their choice of Make Your Own Candy Kit! Thank you Glee Gum for the review kit and for sponsoring this sweet giveaway on Mommy Ramblings!!! Open to US Residents.

Glee Gum, Make Your Own Candy Kit Giveaway on Mommy Ramblings Rules:

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

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Filed under Baking, Christmas, DIY, Family, Family Fun, Giveaway, Kitchen, Main Page Post, Mommy Ramblings, Recipes, Review

Tagged as #HolidayGiftGuide, Candy Kit, Chewing Gum, Chocolate, Educational, fun, giveaway, Glee Gum, Holiday Gift Guide, learning, Make Your Own, Mommy Ramblings, review

· 7:05 pm

ChicoBag, Hobo rePete Purple Potion Bag Review & Giveaway!!! #HolidayGiftGuide

Do you remember the expression, “Dynamite Comes In Small Packages”? I do, a boy I went to elementary school who was shorter than most at the time would constantly say that. He had great self-confidence but he was right, you can have something fantastic packed in a small package. That reminds me of the Hobo rePETe bag from ChicoBag.

The Hobo is an expandable carry all that can be worn as a stylish hobo-style bag or just kept to use if you have some impromptu purchases, so great for traveling. The bag features a large zippered main compartment, interior zipper pocket, front slip pocket for added organization and storage and a tie together strap that allows for a custom fit and adds a feminine touch. The interior pocket doubles as a pouch for the entire bag, making it perfect for travel. Made of recycled materials and finished with a subtle, heat embossed pattern. The Hobo was designed for the eco-chic adventurista on a mission to tread lightly on the planet, while looking good.

This bag is so wonderful to use every day or to pack when traveling. If you are like me, you probably come back with more than you went with and to have a bag like this for those items is such a convenience. The bag is very well constructed to use as an everyday purse or tote and will stand up to the use with quality workmanship and components. This bag makes a great gift and even fits perfectly in a stocking!

ChicoBag is sponsoring a giveaway on Mommy Ramblings! One lucky winner will win a Purple Potion Hobo rePETe Bag! Thank you to ChicoBag for the review product and for sponsoring this great giveaway on Mommy Ramblings!!! Open to US residents.

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Filed under Christmas, Giveaway, Holiday, Main Page Post, Mommy Ramblings, Review

Tagged as bag, ChicoBag, Compact, giveaway, Hobo, Mommy Ramblings, Neat, rePETe, review