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GIVEAWAY: Ocean Spray Fruit Flavored Snacks (4 winners!)

February 2, 2012 By 74 Comments

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My boys are so funny!  When I get something new in that they can eat, they immediately start setting up the chairs and TV trays.  Then, they run put on clothes.  After all that is done they say, “We are ready! Can we review those now?”

So, click through to watch my boys on video reviewing the new Ocean Spray Fruit Snacks.

Mom Says:  The flavor is really good, but I am not a gooey snack kind of girl.

The boys say: They love them!  They have asked for these snack way more than they have asked for cookies and candies.  So, in my opinion that makes them the best thing since sliced bread. LOL!

Available in two delicious varieties, Ocean Spray® Fruit Flavored Snacks provide kids with the great tasting snacks they crave and parents with the confidence that they come from a good place. Ocean Spray® Fruit Flavored Snacks are:

    • †Made with real fruit juice and natural colors* and flavors.
    • 80 calories, gluten free and contain 100% of the Daily Value of Vitamin C.
    • Available with year round Double Box Tops.
      In addition, you can

click here

      to download a printable coupon for $1.10 off of the purchase of (2) Ocean Spray

®

    Fruit Flavored snacks today!

*colors from natural sources
†These Fruit Flavored Snacks are made with apple, pear, and cranberry juice concentrate. See package for a list of complete ingredients. They are not intended to replace fruit in the diet.

Four, that’s right, FOUR lucky 3 Boys and a Dog readers will win 6 boxes of Ocean Spray Fruit Snacks!

REQUIRED: Leave a comment telling me: Which of your favorite fruit flavors would you like to see Ocean Spray® Fruit Snacks come out with next?

BONUS #1: Follow @momof3boys3702 on Twitter and RT this contest. The easiest way to retweet is to simply click the green ReTweet on the top right of this post. YOU MAY TWEET ONCE DAILY

BONUS #2: Like Ocean Spray and 3 Boys and a Dog on FaceBook then share this post by clicking the FaceBook share button at the bottom of this post.

Other bonus entries:

  • #1. Spread the word about this review by: email, forums, blogging, Digg, or putting the link in a meme. (one entry per thing done)
  • #2. Sign up for my NEW Weekly Newsletter.
  • #3. Subscribe to my RSS feed.
  • #4. Put my button on your blog.
  • #5. Leave a comment on any other post (excluding giveaways!) Be sure to leave a comment here saying which post.
  • #6 – Vote for me at Picket Fence by clicking the button on my sidebar. Be sure to leave a comment saying you did! YOU MAY VOTE ONCE DAILY!

CONTEST ENDS: at Midnight CST on February 16th

OPEN TO: USA and Canada

*DISCLAIMER: I was sent items by Ocean Spray and MyBlogSpark to help facilitate my review. Any opinions stated are strictly my own.*

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Filed Under: Giveaways, health, Just for Kids, Reviews Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Top 10 Tips to Organize Your Children

January 31, 2012 By 1 Comment

By Bonnie Joy Dewkett

 

shelves of our house

Children’s artwork is a bittersweet thing. It’s beautiful and can represent a glimpse into the world as seen through a child’s eyes. It can also be a great indicator of your child’s development. However, artwork can add up. Before you know it, artwork can over whelm your counters, refrigerator, and walls. By implementing the following steps you will make sure your memories are kept in tact, and decrease the clutter.

  • Before you do anything with a piece of artwork, decide what it means to you. Is it the best piece your child has ever done or is it just another piece they drew while waiting for dinner at a restaurant? Be honest with yourself.
  • Do you have family members that live far away? Have your child sign pieces of artwork, then write a quick note and send the artwork to friends and family who live far away. It may sound silly to you because you have dozens of pieces, but to them it may be the only piece they have!
  • For three-dimensional pieces of art, the easiest thing to do is take a photo of your child with the piece; keep it for a little while, and then dispose of it. I usually suggest moving it to another area of the house, such as the garage, after a period of time. If its not missed, you can easily get rid of it.
  • Use frames that are easily changeable to house artwork. Job tickets are small plastic sheaths that are designed to house contractor’s paperwork on dirty and wet job sites. They are inexpensive and easy to hang on your wall. Papers slip in and out quickly and easily. Changing artwork is a snap.
  • Pizza boxes make great artwork storage. Ask at your local pizza place to give you some unused boxes. Most restaurants will give them away for free. You can group artwork by date, child or academic year.
  • For artwork that is flat, consider scanning it in and storing it digitally.
  • Take photos of your child with their artwork. Then you can print them and put them into an album or you can print a digital photo book. This gives you a printed record of your child’s progress. Print multiple books and give them to family members.
  • Set limits with your child on just how many pieces of artwork you will keep. Stay within these boundaries and it will help them learn to determine which pieces have meaning and which pieces do not.
  • Combine storage with display. Use a string and clothespins to display a large number of items in a small amount of space.
  • Make sure you hold yourself accountable to sit down and sort through artwork. It will build up as the school year progresses. Putting a date into your calendar to make those difficult decisions will make sure it gets done and make sure the artwork doesn’t pile up too high. For the pieces you have determined should be kept and are important, take the time to have them laminated and to protect them in clearly labeled plastic containers.

Bonnie Joy Dewkett, CPO® is an organizing expert, author, and motivational speaker. Her company, The Joyful Organizer®, creates and implements organizational systems for the home or office. These changes allow her Customers to create calm from chaos at work and at home. Bonnie has achieved the prestigious designation of Certified Professional Organizer, CPO®, fromThe Board of Certification for Professional Organizers.She is a member of The National Association of Professional Organizers (NAPO) and has published The Joyful Organizer’s Guide to a Joyful Move which is available on her website http://www.thejoyfulorganizer.com.

 

Image courtesy of Flicker

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Filed Under: Guest Blogger, Just for Kids, Organizing Tagged With: , ,

GIVEAWAY: The Penelope Rose 3D Children’s Book for iPhone/iPad

January 19, 2012 By 37 Comments

Like most kids mine love books! Especially search and find type books and the tougher they are the better. I have one who can read, an up and coming reader, a book chewer and one who doesn’t know what a book is yet, so as you can imagine we have all kinds of different books lying around the house. What we don’t have are very many children’s e-books. E-books are handy for keeping kids busy on long car rides, in the grocery store or waiting at the doctor’s office. Interactive e-books are even better.

 

 

 

 

 

Mobad Games has created 3D interactive Peek ‘N Play books that not only encourage your child to read but they also keep their attention for a very long time. I gave the iPad to my daughter, who is almost 7 years old, and asked her to play around with The Penelope Rose app and give me her honest opinion. I watched her play for quite sometime and noticed that she was more interested in finding the hidden treasures then in the story itself! When I asked her what she thought of the app she said it was “Awesome!”. She said it was easy to use and the 3D effects were “cool”. Her favorite part of the book was finding all the pixies and painting the flowers. Even though she can read herself, she chose to have the app read the book to her, likely so she could focus on finding stuff lol. The narrators voice is very soothing and easy to listen to.

The Penelope Rose is a magical fairytale of how roses were saved and fairies became the artists of the winged world. Check out the trailer here.

 

 

We also had the opportunity to review their newest 3D book Billie the Unicorn, I downloaded this one onto my iPod to try and it was just as fun as The Penelope Rose! I gave this one to my, almost, 5 year old son to try out and he really enjoyed it! He likes to have books read to him so he listened to the story first then started tapping around looking for what would make a sound next.

 

 

 

 

 

I think what I really enjoyed about these apps was how simple it was for my kids to navigate through and figure out what to do without being told. Though to tell you the truth they don’t need much instruction for any app on the iPod/iPad! The stories were cute and engaging and the graphics were quite well done. The 3D pictures were really neat, depending on how you tipped the device you could see behind the layers to find some of the hidden treasures. You have to see it in action the screenshots don’t do it justice! I’ve never seen or used an app that could do that. Both stories really kept my kids engaged, even my 2 year old was tapping all over the screen and grabbing the iPod to turn it this way and that, trying to “help” his siblings ;) .

The young unicorn Billie seeks adventure, so her forest cousins show her how to grow delightful flowers. But the legend of a castle which holds the most beautiful garden lures her away! Will Billie discover that friendship matters the most? Check out the trailer here.

 

Each story has two reading options, I Can Read and Read To Me, making it a very versatile app for all ages. If you’re stuck on a word you just simply tap the word and it is read for you, or if you’re stuck on a few words simply drag your finger over the words to have them played back. In the Read To Me mode the words are highlighted as it goes for your child to follow along. Though the 3D effects are more visible on the iPad, the iPhone/iPod versions are just as good and perfect for those outings where carrying an iPad along just isn’t practical.

I just got some exciting news from Mobad Games as well! They are releasing a new 3D Peek ‘N Play book just in time for the Chinese New Year that begins on Monday(Jan 23rd). It’s called The Year of the Dragon watch for it to become available in the iTunes app store very soon!

2012 is the Year of the Dragon! Dominic’s proud parents rule the sea and sky, advise the Emperor, and have high expectations for their son. Meanwhile Dom befriends the boy Bo and the other zodiac animals, who wish to paddle a boat in the village’s annual river race. Check out the trailer here.

 

Check out all their apps available in the iTunes App Store, with prices ranging from $1.99 (for the Highlights books) and $4.99 (The Penelope Rose HD for iPad) these books are a steal!

Win it!

Three of our lucky readers are going to get a chance to win their choice of story app and as a bonus Mobad Games will also give each winner a code for one of their Highlights Hidden Pictures games!

REQUIRED COMMENT: Visit the website, and tell me which story you’d choose if you won.

BONUS #1: Follow @MobadMedia and @momof3boys3702 on Twitter and RT this contest. The easiest way to retweet is to simply click the green ReTweet on the top right of this post. YOU MAY TWEET ONCE DAILY!

BONUS #2: Like Mobad Media and 3 Boys and a Dog on Facebook, then share this post by clicking the Facebook share button at the bottom of this post.  (You really want to follow them on Facebook, because they let you know when there are sales!)

Other bonus entries:

  • #1. Spread the word about this review by: email, forums, blogging, Digg, or putting the link in a meme. (one entry per thing done)
  • #2. Sign up for my NEW Weekly Newsletter.
  • #3. Subscribe to my RSS feed.
  • #4. Put my button on your blog.
  • #5. Leave a comment on any other post (excluding giveaways!) Be sure to leave a comment here saying which post.
  • #6 – Vote for me at Picket Fence by clicking the button on my sidebar. Be sure to leave a comment saying you did! YOU MAY VOTE ONCE DAILY!

CONTEST ENDS: at Midnight CST on Feb 2, 2012

OPEN TO: Worldwide

*DISCLAIMER: I was given these apps from Mobad Games to help facilitate my review. Any opinions stated are strictly my own.*

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Filed Under: Giveaways, Just for Kids, Parenting and Family, Review and Giveaways, Reviews

Giveaway: Leap Frog Phonics Farm DVD

January 13, 2012 By

Own anything by Leap Frog Phonics?  If you do, I don’t have to tell you the awesome quality their items are, especially their DVDs!  My kids love them, time and time again!  They are so fun to watch and the tunes are so catchy that even my two-year-old was singing the letter sounds!

In this Leap Frog Phoincs DVD, Leap Frog’s Scout and Friends Phonics Farm is another of the great line of Leap Frog DVDs I’ve seen around! This one teaches early reading skills such as the alphabet identification and sound (phonics).  This DVD is geared for children ages two to five but a late bloomer would love watching this as well.  The DVD runs for a short 37 minutes which kept my little active ones focused since it didn’t last too long.  The animation is adorable and top quality, like all Leap Frog products.

Want to have a sneak peak at this DVD?  Here’s LeapFrog: Phonics Farm – Trailer

 

DVD SYNOPSIS 
Meet Scout and his friends, Violet, Eli and Penny…best friends who have all kinds of learning adventures along with their magical toy car, Axle. When the pets long to learn about new animals for their games, Axle whisks them away to a magical farm to see a collection of letter animals the likes of which have never been seen before! The pets learn phonics as they participate in the  animals’ alphabet antics. The team gets in shape with an Athletic Alligator, consoles a Sad Seal and converses with a High-Pitched Horse as they make their way through the entire alphabet and make many new friends along the way!

 

Buy It

Ready to add this awesome Leap Frog Phonics DVD to your family’s collection?  Buy It!

Win It

Three (3) lucky readers will win a copy of Leap Frog Phonics Farm DVD of their own!

REQUIRED COMMENT: Visit the website, look around, then come back and tell me something you learned.

BONUS #1:

Follow @momof3boys3702  and @LeapFrog on Twitter and RT this contest. The easiest way to retweet is to simply click the green ReTweet on the top right of this post. YOU MAY TWEET ONCE DAILY!

BONUS #2:

Like 3 Boys and a Dog on Facebook, then share this post by clicking the Facebook share button at the bottom of this post.  Follow Leap Frog on Facebook, because they let you know when there are sales and deals.

Other bonus entries:

  • #1. Spread the word about this review by: email, forums, blogging, Digg, or putting the link in a meme. (one entry per thing done)
  • #2. Sign up for my NEW Weekly Newsletter.
  • #3. Subscribe to my RSS feed.
  • #4. Put my button on your blog.
  • #5. Leave a comment on any other post (excluding giveaways!) Be sure to leave a comment here saying which post.
  • #6 – Vote for me at Picket Fence by clicking the button on my sidebar. Be sure to leave a comment saying you did! YOU MAY VOTE ONCE DAILY!

CONTEST ENDS: at Midnight CST on 1/26/12

OPEN TO: US & Canada Only

*DISCLAIMER: I was sent items by LeapFrog Enterprises, Inc. to help facilitate my review. Any opinions stated are strictly my own.*


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Filed Under: Early Years, Giveaways, Homeschooling, Just for Kids, Parenting, Parenting, Parenting and Family, Review and Giveaways, Reviews, Teachable Moments Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , ,

Giveaway: The Story of Hanukkah Howie (book)

January 12, 2012 By

Hannukah Howie kids bookEver had a bad hair day?  My kids are notorious for those, water, hair gel, etc., usually fixes the uncompromising hair for my kids but in this story, the mom isn’t so lucky!  The Story of Hannukah Howie is a great little story about the adventures of a small Jewish boy who grows up with hair with a mind of it’s own but in the end it turns out to be  a really special gift.  What seemed like just another bad hair day, is what makes Howie eventually become a special boy.

As a mom and teacher, I really enjoyed reading this book to my kids.  We got to learn about the religious practices of another culture and I thought it was perfect because it was during a time when our family was celebrating Christmas.  So we got to compare and contrast the two holidays.  Why would a Christian family want a Hanukkah book?  Simple, Jesus Christ was Jewish!  It also gave me an opportunity to also teach that our Christian faith was grounded on Judeo-Christian principals.  This light little story aided in this process at our home and the added feature was how well the story was written.  It felt like listening to your favorite grandmother telling you a real story about a little boy with bad hair who turned out to save Hanukkah and bring cheer to others!  The rhyming feature in the book gave it that great added touch everyone enjoys in a read aloud.  The text was also predictable so the kids were able to chime in ever so often to keep them engaged in the story.  The illustrations helped in this aspect as well.  In a very clever fashion this book teaches about Hanukkah but in a subtle and gentle manner.  Actually, Howie reminded me a little of Santa Claus a little!  :) So whether your family is Jewish or not, I recommend this great little story!

About the Book:

Have you ever had a bad hair day? Well, imagine eight bad hair days in a row — and at just the wrong time. Our hero, Howie, has very strange spiked hair, but only during the eight days of Hanukkah.  By day eight, in fact, there are “… nine spikes in all, four at right, four at left, one in center so tall”. Howie’s Mom gradually realizes that Howie’s hair looks like a menorah — the nine-candled centerpiece for the Jewish holiday of Hanukkah. But just when she wonders what she can do, Hanukkah ends and the spikes disappear.

Was the hair-spiking a one-time event? Not a chance. Each year at Hanukkah, Howie’s hair springs into spikes. Since they are impossible to control, over the years both Hannah and Howie search for possible remedies. Readers learn that “…the only solution that seemed to be there… was for Howie to cover his very strange hair.”

This clever book, besides being hugely entertaining,  presents a gentle message that, regardless of our personal appearance and our differences we each have a role in this life – we each have a place in the family of man.  For Howie, his hair and its particular uniqueness ends up being the crown jewel of his personality!

Buy it!

Interested in adding this great book to your family library, buy it today!

Win It

One lucky reader will win a The Story of Hannukah Howie Book of their own!

REQUIRED COMMENT: Visit the The Story of Hannukah Howie website, look around, then come back and tell me why you would be interested in adding this story to your family library.

BONUS #1:

Follow @momof3boys3702 on Twitter and RT this contest. The easiest way to retweet is to simply click the green ReTweet on the top right of this post. YOU MAY TWEET ONCE DAILY!

BONUS #2:

Like 3 Boys and a Dog on Facebook, then share this post by clicking the Facebook share button at the bottom of this post.  You also want to follow them on Facebook, because they let you know of events related to this book.

Other bonus entries:

  • #1. Spread the word about this review by: email, forums, blogging, Digg, or putting the link in a meme. (one entry per thing done)
  • #2. Sign up for my NEW Weekly Newsletter.
  • #3. Subscribe to my RSS feed.
  • #4. Put my button on your blog.
  • #5. Leave a comment on any other post (excluding giveaways!) Be sure to leave a comment here saying which post.
  • #6 – Vote for me at Picket Fence by clicking the button on my sidebar. Be sure to leave a comment saying you did! YOU MAY VOTE ONCE DAILY!

CONTEST ENDS: at Midnight CST on 1/26/12

OPEN TO: US & Canada

*DISCLAIMER: I was sent items to help facilitate my review. Any opinions stated are strictly my own.*

 

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Filed Under: Early Years, Giveaways, Holidays / Seasons, Homemaking / Housekeeping, Homeschooling, Just for Kids, Parenting, Parenting, Parenting and Family, Reviews, Teachable Moments Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
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