Happymomblogger

As we venture into the warmer months, some of us may be elated while others are groaning, “oh no, what are we going to do with the kids?” Well, there are lots of fun things to do right now when Spring is in the air and the colder days are behind us. Factor in some eco-friendly plans into it and you and your kids will have tons of good memories to last them throughout the year.

– Go on a nature hike in your local national park or any mountain area with trails. Bring along some snacks or have a picnic.

– Visit a museum during their free museum days. Simply visit that museum and click on their calendar link to access their free admission days.

– Plant an eco-friendly garden. Plant organic herbs and organic vegetables. If you want faster results, plant from already established plants instead of from seeds.

– Watch a movie during Matinee. And be sure to sign up for their frequent rewards plan. You’ll earn points for free movies, drinks, and popcorn.

– Volunteer at an arboretum. This is especially great for kids as they’ll learn about what grows at the arboretum as well as how to maintain certain plants at an arboretum. Most of these classes are free or for a minimal cost.

– Take up cooking classes. These are great for both adults and kids as kids learn the important skills of handling knives, cutting techniques, and cooking from basics.

– Take art classes. Even if you don’t know your Leonardo da Vinci from your Matisse, you’ll learn basics about using paintbrushes as well as different forms of medium.

– Visit local beaches or small town beaches. Quaint little towns with their own beaches are a lot of fun and have unique tourist attractions. Spend a whole day there or spend a night.

Whatever you plan on doing with the kids be sure to include healthy snacks, sunscreen, and a tablet to look up important info while you’re there.

Being a parent is hard enough with everyday worries about your kids and what they’ll do and how they’ll grow up. With so many manuals and books out there on how to raise your kids among other advice, have you ever considered advice on how to shop for your kids? Well, shopping for food that is – and namely, the right kind of food that will ensure a healthy lifestyle. I’m pretty diligent when it comes to grocery shopping for my son and my family and I am an avid label reader. You have to be nowadays with so many new products out on the industry shouting at you through TV commercials, ads on the internet, magazines, and so forth. As individuals, we are constantly being tempted with new and delicious foods the minute we walk into a grocery store or turn on the TV. And although as strategic and cunning as those advertisements and packaging may be, we do have a lot of control on what we buy and what we shouldn’t buy.

Straddling off the successful book titled, Unjunk Your Junk Food written by the sassy authors and founders of Naturally Savvy, they have created a new e-book called, Label Lessons: Your Guide to a Healthy Shopping Cart (http://www.naturallysavvy.com/labellessons/). Similar to their first book, Label Lessons teaches you how to properly read product labels and compares not only food, but supplements and personal care items as well. It is an invaluable book one which will surely stay in your reading list as well as on your coffee table. And since it’s an e-book, it’s easy to keep it on your tablet, computer, or smartphone should you feel the need to look at it while you’re shopping. The book has clear illustrations of the “bad choice” and the “naturally savvy approved choice”, and gives reasons to why there are differences between the two products. Many reasons are compelling and what I think about when I am buying something new for my son and family to try.

With the convenient age of shopping virtually anywhere in the United States as well as abroad, it seems that convenience may not always be the best choice. We shouldn’t readily rely on processed foods as a go-to for a meal or snack for our children. But when we do, it should always be made with the right choice. Not everyone can afford to purchase organic and natural foods but we can be selective on what we buy for our kids. After all, eating healthy and living a healthy lifestyle will only instill good habits in our children later on. My son is tempted just like any other kid will be when he sees those colorful cereals on TV with the clever animation jumping into their creative minds. After all, advertising and marketing companies know exactly what they’re doing in enticing you to buy the products. Perhaps that’s why obesity and other food-related health issues remain a problem with kids in the United States. It’s all too easy to pick up a box of sugary, sticky, colorful snack rather than eating a piece of fruit or something healthier.

In the book, Label Lessons, I was really impressed at all the details and information that was written. The book relates why artificial food colors are a hazard to one’s health as well as packaging of certain foods that can be dangerous as well. It also covers topics on genetically modified ingredients and how to avoid them, ingredients that can potentially cause irreversible harm to your body, and how to choose the right ingredients. I really liked the recipes offered in the book as well and the ingredients label that defines the differences between what is good for you and what is bad.

Label Lessons is a free e-book for anyone to download and share: http://www.naturallysavvy.com/labellessons/. Feel free to share it with anyone who wishes to start eating healthy or want to get more information than what they already know. And the best part is – Naturally Savvy will donate $1.00 for every share of the e-book via the link above to the Holistic Moms Network (http://www.holisticmoms.org/). And to help you make the right food choices, there are also coupons included in the e-book for you to download and print.

So don’t even think about whether you should read Label Lessons or not. It’s such an insightful and useful book that you will be both shocked and relieved after you finish reading the book.

Disclaimer: The product(s)were sent to the author for review by the manufacturer/PR. All reviews on “Happymomblogger” remain unbiased and unpaid and are the sole decision of the author. The opinions of these product(s) were not influenced in any way, shape, or form. As always, please read the ingredients carefully when trying new products.

Please read the labels and ingredients carefully and follow all manufacturer’s instructions (if any). The products selected for the giveaway were generously donated by the companies/PR to help readers learn more about their products. The winner’s choice in using/consuming these products are entirely up to the winner and will not hold the author and her family liable nor the companies/PR liable. These products are made with non-toxic ingredients but always be safe with what you use and consume.

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If you’re ever a fan of Disney and their movies and television shows, then you undoubtedly know that there are also strong, moving songs to go along with them. Oftentimes the songs in the movie or the show relates to the plot and the beautiful and memorable songs stay with you for a long time. In the instance with Disney’s television shows, there are always something fun, hip, and unforgettable leaving you impressed at the immense talents within the Disney entity.

Without missing a beat, Disney Channel conjured up a new hit series called Shake It Up. Aimed towards young kids to tweens Shake It Up is a fairly new show just shy of 3 years running. The show is full of laughs and mishaps as it follows best friends CeCe Jones and Rocky Blue in their every day adventures as dancers for the hit TV dance show, aptly called “Shake It Up, Chicago!” Among other members of the show include funny yet protective brother to Rocky, Ty Blue aka Roshon Fegan of Camp Rock fame, Deuce Martinez, a “worldly” teenager, Flynn Jones, CeCe’s  precocious and mischievous little brother, and a few other well-casted characters that blend perfectly into the show. Once again the Disney Channel has another music inspired hit show that you can’t help falling in love with. And to make matters even more exhilarating, Disney has also come out with a new CD accompanying the hit show.

As an official blogger for Child’s Play Communications, I was given the unique opportunity to listen and review their newest music CD, Shake It Up: I ❤ Dance. I was really impressed at the quality of music and lyrics on the CD and although there were only a few tracks with Bella Thorne (CeCe) and Zendaya (Rocky) singing on the CD, it was still filled with danceable and recognizable songs. Even the theme song, “Shake It Up” performed by Selena Gomez was included in the track as a nice touch. When I received the CD, I popped it into our car’s radio and my son and I both sang and jammed to the songs. He was excited that he got a brand new CD with new songs on them and since he and I both watch Shake It Up on a regular basis, the songs had more meaning for us.

The main characters, CeCe and Rocky are definitely charismatic and charming in their own individual ways. They both remind me of Lucy and Ethel from “I Love Lucy” in that one was the troublemaker while the other one was always unwittingly helping them both get out of trouble. But unlike Lucy and Ethel, CeCe and Rocky has real musical talent as well as enviable dance talent. On the show, they rose to fame from backup dancers to lead dancers in a matter of weeks. It’s fun to watch them perform intricate dance moves as Shake It Up, Chicago! goes through an opening routine that’ll blow your mind each time you see it. We love the fact that the show centers around family and growing up with normal problems and issues that most families probably have to deal with. And like any other Disney movie or show, Disney always relates an important message to the audience each and every time.

Personally I enjoy soundtracks to shows or movies because it reminds me of the show and I can always listen to the songs whenever I feel like it. Plus, if it’s a favorite show, it’s a good memorabilia as well and you can keep the soundtrack for many years even after the show has been cancelled. In the newest Shake It Up: I ❤ Dance CD Soundtrack, there are 12 titles total and I would’ve liked it to contain a little more, instead of having to listen to the entire CD over and over again. But with a few songs that have already become our favorites, it’s no big deal to listen to the entire CD since each song lasts at most three or four minutes long. All the songs have been featured on the show having been danced to by either CeCe and Rocky or guest dancers. And if you’re a fan of the show, then you’ll surely recognize some of the songs on the CD Soundtrack.

For more information about the show, Shake It Up or the CD, Shake It Up: I ❤ Dance , please visit their websites:  http://disneychannel.disney.com/shake-it-up and http://music.disney.com/.

Disclaimer: The product(s)were sent to the author for review by the manufacturer/PR. All reviews on “Happymomblogger” remain unbiased and unpaid and are the sole decision of the author. The opinions of these product(s) were not influenced in any way, shape, or form. As always, please read the ingredients carefully when trying new products.

Please read the labels and ingredients carefully and follow all manufacturer’s instructions (if any). The products selected for the giveaway were generously donated by the companies/PR to help readers learn more about their products. The winner’s choice in using/consuming these products are entirely up to the winner and will not hold the author and her family liable nor the companies/PR liable. These products are made with non-toxic ingredients but always be safe with what you use and consume.

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When you think of a fig bar, what images come to mind? Something dry and overly sweet in a not so appetizing way? Well, that’s what I used to think of fig bars until I tried something entirely new and different. And although fig bars are usually perceived as only a nutritional requirement rather than a recreational treat, when I found out about Nature’s Bakery, I was truly delighted at their flavor and appeal.

Nature’s Bakery or rather spelled in lowercase letters – nature’s bakery (http://naturesbakery.com/) is a family owned and operated food company specializing in homemade-like fig bars. With natural fig paste as the base ingredient for all of their fig bars, each bar is deliciously paired with other unique ingredients such as blueberry, apple, apricot, raspberry, and many other natural and wholesome ingredients. I like the fact that they’re not overly sweet, they’re super moist, and they come in a small enough size that if you wanted more, you certainly could. And the great thing about these fig bars is that they are definitely not boring and would be enjoyed by people of all ages.

Nature’s Bakery started as early as the 60’s as a family-owned bakery. Later, with the need of nutritious and natural products on the rise, Nature’s Bakery was formed and with one mission in mind: to offer all natural, nutritious and deliciously wholesome snack foods to support balanced, healthy, everyday lifestyles. Nature’s Bakery comes in individual sized packets so they are great to throw in a bag or purse, for on the go, for athletes, and for an anytime snack that’s healthier, tastier, and full of sweet goodness. I think I might even give these out during Halloween as a healthier alternative to candy. When Nature’s Bakery had sent me their lineup of different flavors to try and review, we were excited to try all of them. My son and I both enjoy the Blueberry and Apple Cinnamon flavors and the Vanilla Fig and Vanilla Raspberry definitely have unique flavors. The Vanilla flavor isn’t overly strong like some other vanilla flavored sweets might be yet it’s subtle and delicate with just a hint of the popular spice.

All of Nature’s Bakery fig bars are made with naturally derived ingredients and have a bar full of important vitamins and minerals and are also made with whole grains. The folks at Nature’s Bakery carefully blend a wholesome and delicious combination of sweet, moist, and nutritious fig bars that sets itself apart from other regular fig bars or even energy bars. With the fig fruit as a nutritiously satisfying ingredient, you won’t feel guilty if you eat too many of them either. We really enjoyed them as they are- mine with a cup of hot tea, and my son with a nice glass of milk.

The current flavors offered by Nature’s Bakery are: Apple Cinnamon, Blueberry, Whole Wheat Fig, Peach Apricot, Raspberry, Vanilla Fig, and Vanilla Raspberry. You can find Nature’s Bakery fig bars at most natural grocery stores and major supermarkets that carry natural and organic products. You can also use their handy store locator to find their products near you  If you would like more information about Nature’s Bakery and their unique line of delicious and wholesome fig bars, please check out their website: http://naturesbakery.com/, Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/naturesbakery, and Twitter: https://twitter.com/NaturesBakery.

Whether you’re looking for a new healthy snack to try for your kids or you’re an avid nutrition bar taster, you definitely have to give nature’s bakery fig bars a try. I think they are really great for kids as well as adults and because they are full of important vitamins and nutrients, they are much healthier than most snacks out on the market these days. My son, my nieces, and nephews all enjoyed these fig bars and because they are a nice small size, they’re just the right amount for an anytime snack.

Disclaimer: The product(s)were sent to the author for review by the manufacturer/PR. All reviews on “Happymomblogger” remain unbiased and unpaid and are the sole decision of the author. The opinions of these product(s) were not influenced in any way, shape, or form. As always, please read the ingredients carefully when trying new products.

Please read the labels and ingredients carefully and follow all manufacturer’s instructions (if any). The products selected for the giveaway were generously donated by the companies/PR to help readers learn more about their products. The winner’s choice in using/consuming these products are entirely up to the winner and will not hold the author and her family liable nor the companies/PR liable. These products are made with non-toxic ingredients but always be safe with what you use and consume.

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What is it about Crayola that brings back nostalgic memories of childhood? Perhaps it’s because they’ve been around for many, many years and it’s probably the one leading brand of coloring tools for children and adults alike. We have boxes full of Crayola crayons, pencils, and a few markers yet it seems like they are always coming out with something new – whether it’s a new color, a new design, or a new adventure for these playful Crayola characters.

Right now, to celebrate Crayola’s 110th birthday, the 8 original crayons are throwing a birthday bash at the new fun-omenal Crayola Experience, the world’s only interactive Crayola family attraction. And these colorful characters are out on the road spreading the fun about their birthday celebration and the Grand Opening of the all new Crayola Experience opening May, 2013. And if you want to join in on the fun as well, you can follow them on their Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/Crayola/app_316661705126 and enter a contest to win a trip for 4 to celebrate their birthday and the Grand Opening.

The all new Crayola Experience features four floors of new interactive exhibits and one-of-a-kind attractions that will bring the magic of color and your child’s creativity to life. The winner will be among the first to experience the fun, along with a three- night, all-expenses paid stay. You can enter the contest every day for more chances to win this fun and exciting prize. What child wouldn’t want to immerse themselves in a land full of colors, fun, and creativity? I myself have grown up with Crayola and they’re usually my first choice when I buy Crayola products for my son or for presents for other kids. Crayola colors are vibrant, unique, and rich in pigment and compared to other brands, it’s hard to compare the higher quality of Crayola products.

Crayola gave me the opportunity to post this information on my blog so I hope you take advantage of this contest hosted on Facebook. Even if you’re not a fan of Crayola, you may want to give their products a try anyway. They are not expensive and there are so many different products to choose from. So be sure to head on to their Facebook contest page: https://www.facebook.com/Crayola/app_316661705126 for a chance to win!

Disclaimer: The product(s)were sent to the author for review by the manufacturer/PR. All reviews on “Happymomblogger” remain unbiased and unpaid and are the sole decision of the author. The opinions of these product(s) were not influenced in any way, shape, or form. As always, please read the ingredients carefully when trying new products.

Please read the labels and ingredients carefully and follow all manufacturer’s instructions (if any). The products selected for the giveaway were generously donated by the companies/PR to help readers learn more about their products. The winner’s choice in using/consuming these products are entirely up to the winner and will not hold the author and her family liable nor the companies/PR liable. These products are made with non-toxic ingredients but always be safe with what you use and consume.

http://www.topmommyblogs.com/blogs

If you have a kid that’s absolutely fanatic about cars or anything that moves, then you’ve probably heard of Ridemakerz. There’s always something fun and creative to do with the customizable line of cars and trucks that is sure to delight any young child (or adult). Now, they have a new line of create-your-own automobiles that’s easier than their standard Ridemakerz you’d find in their signature stores. This new line called Xtreme Customz can be found at most Target and Toys R Us stores and is designed for kids ages 5 and up and can be customized at home rather than in their Ridemakerz stores. We’ve been to the Ridemakerz stores a few times and it’s always fun to check out the different type of cars available to make and upgrade. And when we found out about their Xtreme Customz line which we found at ToysRUs, we were equally excited at the unique options for the custom made vehicles. My son absolutely love building cars and he finds the challenge of making them to his own liking quite exhilarating. So ofcourse we have tons of different types of vehicle building toys yet it seems like there’s never enough building toys for him to play with. And I’m pretty sure that most young kids feel that way about their toys – that they just don’t have enough of them. Only thing is, it can get quite costly with all these new and fascinating toys coming out practically every day, it’s almost a hazard going shopping these days. Too much eye candy, so to speak. But with Xtreme Customz (http://www.xtremecustomz.com/), the prices are actually really decent. It costs $9.99 and there are a great variety of makes and models to choose from. The unique new body styles currently comes in popular Superhero models such as Iron Man, Spiderman, and Batman. There are also military type cars, police cars, and regular street cars and you can either lift them to make them “off road” or keep them in race mode.

As an official blogger for MommyParties, I was given the unique opportunity to try Xtreme Customz as well as throw a party featuring these fun new toys. So, I gathered my friends and family and their kids and each child received their very own Xtreme Customz model. It was a crazy frenzy of kids jumping at the opportunity to try out these newest toys from Ridemakerz. Most of these models that we received were all recognizable by the kids such as the Iron Man car (shown above), Batman, Police Cars, and Chevy Camaro (like Bumblebee). Since Xtreme Customz and Mommy Parties had sent me a wonderful selection to choose from, all the kids were really happy with their choices.

Xtreme Customz custom built models are an easy way to get your kids attention when they’re tired of just plain old cars that are already built for them. With Xtreme Customz, they can add or remove parts, customize it, and swap them for different parts with other models. And they are a good size at 1:48 scale size and they look pretty close to the real life counterparts. I even had fun helping build them and we raced them around the roads to see who had the fastest “car”.

Currently Xtreme Customz has about 21 different models to choose from so there’s one for everyone of every taste. And your Xtreme Customz cars are easy to carry around and play with on the go too. You can also get creative and play with them on dirt roads or any other simulated scenarios to make your custom cars even more fun and exciting. There are also a bunch of fun stuff to do on the Xtreme Customz (http://www.xtremecustomz.com/) website as well. The photo above lists all the cars that are currently available and I’m hoping they’ll make more soon. Maybe they’ll have more licensed cars in the future with all these new movies coming out as well.

If you’re interested in learning more about Xtreme Customz, be sure to visit their website or pick up a few at your local Toys R Us or Target stores. And the great thing about these custom build cars is that they are not limited to just boys – girls would love them too!

Disclaimer: Happymomblogger was given Xtreme Customz custom build cars as part of the MommyParties blogger program.

Disclaimer: The product(s)were sent to the author for review by the manufacturer/PR. All reviews on “Happymomblogger” remain unbiased and unpaid and are the sole decision of the author. The opinions of these product(s) were not influenced in any way, shape, or form. As always, please read the ingredients carefully when trying new products. Please read the labels and ingredients carefully and follow all manufacturer’s instructions (if any). The products selected for the giveaway were generously donated by the companies/PR to help readers learn more about their products. The winner’s choice in using/consuming these products are entirely up to the winner and will not hold the author and her family liable nor the companies/PR liable. These products are made with non-toxic ingredients but always be safe with what you use and consume. http://www.topmommyblogs.com/blogs