Get Great Looking Sunglasses That Are Kid Tough! #Giveaway

If you are a regular reader of Mommy Ramblings you will recall that I have posted previously about how much I like and recommend Real Kids Shades (RKS) sunglasses for kids. They are the only sunglasses my kids wear because they provide superior eye protection and can take the abuse kids dish out.

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I can tell you that we have several pairs and even the first pairs that are close to 5 years old are still going strong. Not one pair has ever broken even when sat on, stepped on or twisted!

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I have big news! RKS, the leader in UV Protective Sunglasses for kids 0-12 now makes sunglasses for adults with the same great features. You might think that young adults and adults would not need a frame that can withstand twisting and squashing. As a mom, I will tell you they are the greatest and they are my go to sunglasses.

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Not only are they tough but every time I wear them, I get tons of compliments. They also led to a rift between my husband and I since he wanted them because they are “purple” even though technically called blue and he is a huge Jimi Hendrix fan.

This may not sound like much but imagine a man who has Ray Bans and Oakley sunglasses arguing that he should have these. Needless to say he did not win and I just love them. I think I will have to get him a pair because the other day our little guy accidentally broke a pair of his sunglasses and that never would have happened with RKS.

I have the RKS Waverunner and they have been on several vacations with me, survived a summer in the lake, climbed Whiteface Mountain and so much more.

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RKS has such great padded cases that come with their sunglasses and my boys also received new Surf style sunglasses. My boys wear sunglasses all the time and they love theirs just as much.

I have even better news, you can enter the giveaway below to win a pair of your choice.

Giveaway:

RKS is sponsoring a giveaway on Mommy Ramblings!  One lucky blog reader will win their choice of one pair of RKS Sunglasses. Thank you RKS for the review sunglasses and for sponsoring this fantastic giveaway on Mommy Ramblings!!! Open to US residents.

Real Kids Shades Sunglasses Giveaway on Mommy Ramblings Rules:

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

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Enjoy Outdoor Colorful Plants, Shrubs & Flowering Trees All Winter

I cannot believe that I have been turning the heat on and walking around in sweatshirts this last week. While it is still warm during  the day, it is turning very cool in the evenings. Seeing as we just hit mid September and it is still officially summer, it is far too early for my taste. I love my plants and I hate knowing it is only a matter of weeks and the first frost will mean the end of the perennials in my flower beds until next spring.

I also dislike having to carry my house plants and trees in and out when they were loving their time on the deck this summer. I am not a winter person. The thing that I dislike the most is the drab grayness that happens right after all the beautiful, fall leaves fall to the ground. There is such a harshness in winter and even when the first snowfall comes the beauty does not last long. Before long, the drabness of the long cold winter leaves me longing for color.

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While I do not have the power to change the weather in New York, I can do something to add color to my home during the winter season. I recently found a company called Permaleaf that has a collection of artificial plants, trees, and flowers that are lifelike and can withstand the elements.

They look great outside, on a patio, by the front door, in planters and more all around my home. I like that they are a nice way to add color during the gray winter months. I ordered a lavender plant in a nice black ornate planter and love it! It is easy to see how the elements will not affect it and I know it will make me smile to see those pops of color over the long winter.

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Check it out and let me know what you think.

 


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#TheBiggestStory Now on DVD & Available as an Audio Book-#Giveaway #FlyBy

Kevin DeYoung’s book, The Biggest Story shares an exciting journey through the Bible. Starting in the Garden of Eden and ending with Christ’s resurrection and what that means for all of us. Now that book and the beautiful illustrations have been adapted into an animated short film available on DVD.

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I was amazed the other night as I watched this with my kids, who sat there with their eyes glued to the screen, how quickly this film took us through the Bible. I think it is great because kids are captivated and do not grow tired as they watch it. It reinforces and connects the stories in the Bible and presents them in a way that kids can understand. It is also an excellent springboard that parents can use to elaborate on particular stories to get kids talking and thinking about our faith. Would be great to show in Sunday School as well.

There is also an audio book on CD that is narrated by Kevin DeYoung who is not only the author but the senior pastor of the University Reformed Church in East Lansing, MI. Kevin and his wife Trisha are the parents of seven children.

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Would you like a chance to win The Biggest Story on DVD and Audio Book?  One lucky blog reader will win both versions.  Open to US and Canadian residents.

The Biggest Story DVD & Audio Book Giveaway on Mommy Ramblings Rules:

Must not have won a FlyBy sponsored giveaway on this or any other site in the last 30 days. Winner subject to approval by FlyBy.

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

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How To Top The Perfect Ice Cream Sundae

We love our ice cream in this house and more than that, we love our ice cream sundaes! We make fresh whipped cream, top gourmet ice cream with real caramel sauce and decadent hot fudge. Then we pile on the freshly whipped cream, add chopped nuts and of course a cherry on top. Some don’t give much thought to that cherry on top but we do. We recently heard about Dell’s Maraschino Cherries and had to try them.dells-cherries

Dell’s Maraschino Cherries are crunchy, tasty and sweet unlike the other brands we have tried that were limp, tasteless and not even appetizing to look at.

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Located in Brooklyn, New York, Dell’s Maraschino Cherries come with or without stems and are the perfect “cherries” for your cocktails, soft drinks, ice cream or desserts. Dell’s Maraschino Cherries has a complete line of the best quality, best tasting, medium, large or jumbo sized maraschino cherries for consumers, retailers, schools, colleges, restaurants, hotels, hospitals and airlines. When you choose Dell’s Maraschino Cherries, you can be rest assured you’re choosing the best!

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Check out the delicious Maraschino Cherry recipes on their website. Let me know how you top your favorite sundae and if you ever tried Dell’s Maraschino Cherries.

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An Easy Way To Add A Pop of Color To Any Room

I love growing things, I have been growing mango trees from seed all summer. I have germinated 10 or 11 trees now that are doing wonderful! I am growing pineapples too from the pineapple top and it is so much fun and so rewarding. I love to garden and also plant and maintain many perennial gardens on my property. I have a vegetable garden too and one of the things I hate about winter is the drabness that seems to take over. Sure the white snow on evergreens is pretty but the long winters can leave me longing for color.

That is where silk flowers come in. They can give me those pops of colors that really cheer me up and make me smile. I also like to use them in areas where it would be hard to maintain real flowering plants. I recently picked out a gorgeous Dancing Orchid. It is 32″ tall and comes in a beautiful ceramic pot.

 

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I am really happy with it and plan to put it around my whirlpool tub in my master bathroom. I like to take a lot of warm baths in the winter and having that colorful orchid there will just help me to feel that spring is not too far away.

Do you decorate with silk plants? Would love to hear your thoughts.

I received the dancing orchid to facilitate my review. As always my words and views are 100% my own.


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Stinky & Dirty Can Help Teach Kids Problem Solving Skills! #StinkyAndDirty

This post has been sponsored by Amazon Studios.

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I don’t know if you have any little boys in your house but my little guys love trucks, playing outside and best of all getting dirty. Playing with their trucks in the sand, dirt or best of all mud is just the greatest thing. What’s a mom to do besides directing them to the shower and remembering that someone said dirt is good for them? Did someone say dirt is good for them? I hope so because I could swear I heard that and that is what I am going to continue thinking.

You can imagine their delight when they watched the new Amazon Original Series, The Stinky & Dirty Show. Stinky is a garbage truck and well, the name certainly fits. Dirty is a backhoe loader that is constantly working with dirt and so his name fits equally well. The two are the best of friends and this strange duo are even what you might call heroes. They are quite creative and love challenges. They constantly ask themselves “What If” when trying to tackle issues or when obstacles are in their way. The series is based on the books by Jim and Kate McMullan and was written and developed by Guy Toube. You can stream the episodes free on Amazon if you have Prime. If you don’t you can still watch 1 episode for free.

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My kids loved the series from the get go and I enjoyed it as well because it teaches kids good problem solving skills. Problem solving skills are something everyone needs because things rarely go as planned and obstacles, challenges and road blocks are something we all face. In order to achieve our goals we must find ways to tackle those obstacles, overcome the challenges and remove the road blocks. Stinky & Dirty show kids that when things get tough the tough find solutions.

Kids can get frustrated when something does not go as they hoped. This series can help them see they need to think and talk about other ways to figure out the solution. They will learn the importance of negotiation and brainstorming with others. In the end they will see that when they keep going instead of giving up, they can reach their goals.  As a mom, I feel this is such an important life lesson. I come across many adults who do not have problem solving skills. If a hurdle comes across their path, they fall instead of learning what they need to do to jump that hurdle. The earlier kids are introduced and learn problem solving skills, the better off they will be.

In the Jump at the Dump episode Stinky & Dirty face many challenges creating a stunt course for Jumpy the stunt cycle who needs a new venue to perform her show. They have to figure out how to make mud that has just the right amount of “sploosh” for Jumpy. Their first challenge is to find a way to direct the water from a spigot to the dirt. When their first idea does not work, they come up with another and when that does not work, they brainstorm another way until they find the perfect solution. The way Jumpy and Stinky talk to each other and ask each other “What If” helps them find the solutions they need to complete their tasks.

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In an episode titled  The Art of Trash, Stinky & Dirty clean up a vacant lot full of trash to make a park, but when they can’t remove some large items, they turn the items into a trash sculpture instead! This is similar to turning trash into treasure or finding ways to recycle and re-purpose things that might normally end up in a landfill. My kids and I just made some Frankenstein Monsters for Halloween decorating using some old scrap cut off boards that were in our basement.

With some green craft paint, we painted the boards and then added some foam embellishments to create hair, eyebrows and a tooth. We used a permanent black marker to draw the mouth and a paint marker for the nose. Then to really make it authentic we screwed two bolts into either side.

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You can have a lot of fun with this and there are other monsters and Halloween critters you can create in this fashion. You can create a mummy if you wrap the board in gauze and add two googly eyes. Make a Jack O’ Lantern by painting the wood orange and using black paint or foam to create eyes and a mouth, add a green bow or green block to the top to serve as the stem.

Whatever you make, your kids will have a great time and learn all about re-purposing and recycling, another great life skill that will improve their world. Let me know if you have watched The Stinky & Dirty Show and what you think. I would love to see your thoughts in the comments.

 


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How To Keep The People & Things You Love Most Close To You

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What are the meaningful things in your life. Maybe you are thinking about your family, your husband, your kids, your pets, your hobbies or your career. Would you like to showcase those things in a way where you could have them with you and be able to share them with others? If you think that sounds nice, a charm bracelet may just be something you would like. Did you know you can make personalized photo charms using photos of your family and pets? Some can be engraved with names and dates to make them even more special.

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Charm bracelets make beautiful gifts to celebrate anniversaries, graduations, holidays and more. Right now you can save big on charms at Soufeel. They have a sale going on where you can get up to 60% off personalized charms. Plus they have $5 off $60, $10 off $100 and $20 off $150!

I love Soufeel charms because they have such a great selection of charms and whether you want family charms, inspirational charms, charms that represent your hobby or career, you are probably going to find it on their site.

Their charms are very high quality and so detailed. All of their products are made of 100% 925 Sterling Silver. I love Soufeel charms and recently orders some personalized photo charms and others. Check out the great charms I choose.

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I was provided with charms and a bracelet to facilitate my review. As always my words and views are 100% my own.

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Filed under Faith, Family, jewelry, Life Stages, Review

Go Back To School With PJ Masks

Almost time for back to school for my kids. I am super excited to share some PJ Mask’s Back To School gear. As PJ Mask Blog Ambassadors we were sent a sampling of goodies. My son loves the feel of the back pack and lunch box. The have an almost memory foam type feel and the shirt with attached cape really lets him play out the part of the little super hero.

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The 14″ PJ Masks Time To Be A Hero backpack features Owlette, Gekko and Catboy. This backpack is nice and roomy with a padded back and straps. There are side mesh pockets to hold a water bottle and a double zipper for convenience.

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This coordinating lunch box features a double zipper for easy access, the padded handle means it is comfortable to carry and your child’s lunch and snack will stay nice and fresh because it is insulated.

Back packs and lunch boxes are available at Toys “R” Us and you can find so many cute clothing options featuring these great little super heroes at Kohl’s. Let me know what you think and if you have any questions.

 

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Enter Our #Giveaway For “The Wonder Years” Complete Series on DVD

Last week Time Life re-issued one of the most beloved sitcoms of all-time in specially priced slipcase packaging!

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THE WONDER YEARS: THE COMPLETE SERIES

There’s Never Been a Better Time to Add One of the “Top 20 Shows of the ‘80’s” to Your Home Entertainment Collection; the 22-Disc Set Features All 115 Landmark Episodes and Nearly 12 Hours of Exclusive Bonus Features!

For six seasons, The Wonder Years captured the angst of growing up in suburban middle-class America in the late 1960’s, as seen through the life and times of Kevin Arnold (Fred Savage). Audiences eagerly followed his evolution as a typical awkward teenager who remembered every moment of his transition from childhood with excruciating detail and remarkable hindsight.

From his first kiss with Winnie Cooper (Danica McKellar) to his friendship with Paul Pfeiffer (Josh Saviano) and the ups and downs of the Arnold family, fans shared in laughter, love, and loss, but above all, wonder. This 22-DVD set contains all 115 episodes from the six seasons of this landmark series that aired from 1988 to 1993. Included in this specially priced slipcase set are complete show notes with episode synopses, cast member reflections, “Current Events,” and more plus nearly 12 hours of bonus material, as well as an astounding soundtrack of over 300 classic period songs as they were featured in the original broadcasts featuring such artists as: Jimi Hendrix, Bob Dylan, Joni Mitchell, The Byrds, Simon & Garfunkel, Aretha Franklin, James Taylor, and of course, Joe Cocker’s unforgettable theme.

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BONUS FEATURES 

  • Highlights from the first cast reunion in 16 years
  • Roundtable discussions with Danica McKellar, Fred Savage, and Josh Saviano
  • 6 newly produced featurettes
  • Farewell set tour
  • One-hour ABC broadcast of the series finale
  • 1 TV Guide
  • Exclusive interviews with the show’s creators and cast including Fred Savage, Danica McKellar, Josh Saviano, Alley Mills, Dan Lauria, Olivia d’Abo, Jason Hervey, and more!

ABOUT THE WONDER YEARS 

The Wonder Years debuted in 1988 following ABC’s broadcast of Super Bowl XXII, and the affectionate look at growing up in the late ‘60s and early ‘70s in suburban America was unlike anything else on television. It was 1968 — the year of Nixon, space walks, Mod Squad, and Vietnam. Enter Kevin Arnold, a sixth grader at Kennedy Junior High School. Set against the suburban backdrop of Anytown, USA, Kevin sought to minimize his teenage angst while dealing with an older, noogie-happy brother Wayne (Jason Hervey), a rebellious sister, Karen (Olivia d’Abo), distant, workaholic father, Jack (Dan Lauria) and doting housewife mother, Norma (Alley Mills). Add to the mix Paul Pfeiffer (Josh Saviano), his nerdy, allergy-riddled best friend, a potential love interest in winsome girl-next-door Winnie Cooper (Danica McKellar) and narration by an older, wiser, wittier Kevin (voiced by Daniel Stern) to add perspective to the nostalgia, and you have the perfect recipe for TV greatness.

For the next six seasons, America tuned in to follow Kevin’s exploits, as he navigated adolescence in the most memorable of ways. From 1988 to 1993, The Wonder Years was one of the most popular shows on TV, achieving a spot in the Nielsen Top 30 for four of its six seasons. And the critical accolades and awards would follow: after only a scant six episodes, the show captured an Emmy® for “Best Comedy Series;” and, at the age of 13, Fred Savage would become the youngest actor ever nominated as “Outstanding Lead Actor for a Comedy Series.” The series would also go on to win 24 awards (and be nominated for 70 more), including multiple Emmy® Awards, a Golden Globe® and, in 1989, a Peabody® Award for pushing the boundaries of the sitcom format and using new modes of storytelling. Additionally, in 1997, “My Father’s Office” was ranked #29 on TV Guide’s “100 Greatest Episodes of All Time” and in the 2009 list, the pilot episode was ranked #43. Suffice it to say, The Wonder Years was one of the most critically lauded sitcoms of the late 80s and early 90s.

Enter To Win This Collector’s Set

Time Life is sponsoring a giveaway on Mommy Ramblings!  One lucky blog reader will win this 22 disc Wonder Years Collection! Thank you to Time Life for sponsoring this fantastic giveaway on Mommy Ramblings!!!  Open to US residents.

Wonder Years Complete Series DVD Collection Giveaway on Mommy Ramblings Rules:

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

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The Swan Princess: Princess Tomorrow, Pirate Today DVD Giveaway

Sony Home Video provided me with some of the materials I used in this Blog Post/Giveaway. The opinions I share are my own.

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The Swan Princess: Princess Tomorrow, Pirate Today will be released on DVD September 6th from Sony Home Entertainment!

In the brand new original animated film, Princess Alise is training to be the perfect royal but in her heart all she wants to do is sail the seven seas as a swashbuckling pirate! After setting sail, Princess Alise is shipwrecked and washes ashore on an island where she meets Lucas, a young boy who has been living there by herself. They have to work together to survive and get back to civilization!

Are you fit for a storybook fairy tale or a swashbuckling high seas adventure? Take the quiz to find out and unlock a GIF!

Enter The Giveaway!

Sony Home Video is sponsoring a giveaway on Mommy Ramblings!  One lucky blog reader will win The Swan Princess: Princess Tomorrow, Pirate Today! DVD . Thank you  for the review product and for sponsoring this fantastic giveaway on Mommy Ramblings!!!  Open to US residents.

The Swan Princess: Princess Tomorrow, Pirate Today! DVD Giveaway on Mommy Ramblings Rules:

Each household is only eligible to win The Swan Princess: Princess Tomorrow, Pirate Today! DVD 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. The prize will be sent via FedEx or USPS. No P.O. Boxes please.

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

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