Thursday, June 30, 2016

Peter and the Wolf in Hollywood Party

This post may be sponsored.


I got to host a Peter and the Wolf in Hollywood Party.  I was so excited.  I'm a music teacher so I'm very familiar with Peter and the Wolf.  I use it all the time to teach students the sounds of the different instruments and the instrument families.

We got together with friends and let the kids play and swim together.  They had a blast.  We tried out the app Peter and the Wolf in Hollywood narrated by Alice Cooper.  The kids enjoyed the new twist and modern story based on the original.  I like the section that shows each character and their instruments that represent them.  Personally, I would have preferred if they stuck to all of Prokofiev's Music rather than mostly new music created for it.  The only parts of the original used were to introduce the character.  It would have been more of a teaching tool, but can still used in a compare/contrast with the original story and music.

The kids enjoyed the story and it kept their attention.   We played pool games and had lots of ducks in the water just like the ducks in Peter and the wolf in Hollywood. 
Drum Stick Pretzels
Making "Drum Sticks"
We made lots of Yummy Peter and the Wolf in Hollywood Snacks!
Duck in the water Jello



















The kids enjoyed all the swimming games.  Lots of little ducks in the water! 



One of our littlest Ducks!

We had our snacks and enjoyed the Peter and the Wolf in Hollywood app and story!




Check out the app for yourself peterandthewolfinhollywood.com.

Wednesday, June 29, 2016

Monkey Mat as seen on Shark tank $5 off + free shipping

This post is sponsored.
I'm pretty sure I remember seeing this episode of Shark Tank. The Monkey Mat looks awesome. 
Monkey Mat, AS SEEN ON SHARK TANK, allows you to make your space, any place! Originally inspired by an unexpected six-hour layover at the airport (constant cringing while two babies crawled all over dirty floors!), and also by overall active lifestyles, this go-everywhere large mat in attached ultra-compact pouch gives you a clean space on the go - no more bulky blankets! Perfect for all ages, all places - park, beach, concerts, dirty airport/hotel floors, camping, hiking, sports events & more!

 www.monkeymat.com

My readers get to save! Use coupon code "USFAM" for $5 off + Free Shipping!

Monday, June 27, 2016

Maze Circuit Game review


This item was provided for the review.  All opinions are our own.

Review done by an 8 year old, "Sissy." 

I like this game a lot.  It's great for people who want to learn.  I got some of the challenges correct,  but with a different solution. My Dad helped me with some of the cards.  The little pieces didn't always stay on the game.



Review by Mom and Dad.

This game is a great educational logic game.  It's a one player game, although I could see working together as a team to complete the challenges.  The player is given a card or "challenge" (60 challenges beginners to experts) that shows what tokens can be used.  Some tokens have a set place and you use the other tokens listed to create your circuit.  If it works, beacons are lit up to show the electric current.  My husband helped our 8 year old with it.  She loved it.  She got excited each time she lit up the beacon lights.  She did have to think about some of them for a bit.  My husband tried an expert level by himself and even he took a bit to find the solution.  He LOVES logic puzzles so this is the perfect game for him.  I'm a teacher and will be sharing this game with other teachers to possibly use as a center in class.  


We did have some issues with the tokens not staying in the grid correctly.  They'd pop out.  It was difficult to get out of the packaging, but all the tokens have a place to be put back in.  It does require 3AAA batteries.  There are also lots of warnings about not overloading a circuit.  Basically, you should monitor children playing it so that they aren't overloading the battery causing it to overheat.  

The game is available on Amazon for $29.99.  Check it out here.


Wednesday, June 1, 2016

Mamaway Baby Sling Review

Product was provided for review.  All opinions are my own.


I recently received a mamaway baby sling to try out. With twins many times both want to be held by Mama which can be quite difficult. I've been looking into baby wearing more and more.  With four kids and two being infants, it is a necessity.   One of my favorite go-to baby wearing items is a ring sling because it's fast and easy to put on. No buckles. No straps.

We tried out the mamaway sling right away and love it.  Both my boys enjoyed being in it. They took turns and we're so happy once in.

The fabric feels great. It's 100% Prima cotton. It's strong and not stretchy.  If it stretched they wouldn't feel so secure. 
 
There's a pouch sewn into it so that you can fold it up and store it. This is one of my favorite features. I can fold It up neatly and compact and put it in my diaper bag for whenever I need it. I find myself needing it quite often.  Now I need to get a second one so I can wear one baby on each hip.



I was a little worried that the rings are plastic but they seem strong and the fabric slid right through easily but held strong.

They have great instructional videos. I had worn my boys in a ring sling before but when I saw the videos I realize it was so much easier using tips from the videos.  There are so many options with a ring sling from infants all the way up to 100+lbs. My 8 year old is not even close to a 100 lbs so no worries about your baby not fitting.  There's plenty of length on the tail to fit even larger women. I'm not tiny and it fit me fine with plenty of room to go.  Plus the extra tail can be used for a breast feeding cover.

I love the color options too!  Check them out!

Go here for the instructional videos.