8/30/13

ABC Flash Cards

Details:  A deck of cards that contain an upper and lower case letters for each letter of the alphabet.  Each card has a picture on one side and the letter and picture word on the reverse side.
Alphabet Flash Cards are sold by Educational Toys Planet.  They can also be found in the ABC's toy section of most stores.  Look for toys for 3, 4 & 5 year olds.



Review:  Having home schooled for many many years, I thought this was a very colorful deck of flash cards to help pre-schoolers learn the alphabet, recognize upper and lower case letters, and associate an object with each letter.  These are very fun.

There are many games that can be played with these cards.  There is the matching game, mixing the cards up and placing them in alphabetical order by letter or by object.  Finding the missing letter game where you have 5 or 10 cards remove one, and have your child guess which one is missing.

There are so many things that can be done with these fun cards.  How about incorporating games like put all the animals together.  Introduce the vowels, and separate those from the rest of the flash cards.  Let your imagination run wild and let your child/children have a blast.

Pros:  Great colors, objects, size of card, sturdiness of card all just great.  Perfect for little hands and big.

Cons:  None.

My Rating:  Thumbs Up!


I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

8/25/13

Weight Loss Wrap


Details: It Works! Wrap, is a weight loss, wellness product that helps tighten, tone, and firm skin by combining several natural herbs in a botanically based formula.  This is just like those salon body wraps, but at a fraction of the cost, and it can be used at home, while working out, doing chores, or working on the computer.  This wrap helps reduce the appearance of cellulite.  Directions: apply one 13x21 inch wrap to an area of your choice that might benefit from some tightening or toning: ads, arms, back, buttocks, legs, or side.  Leave on for 45 minutes.  Repeat after 72 hours.  Contact a local distributor, and host a party so you can try It Works! free with the coupon.  There are 9 steps in using this product.

My Review:  I was so excited to try this product.  I have been struggling for the whole year to loose weight, burn off fat, and loose inches so I can fit into the clothes that I have.  It Works! Wrap is basically a large piece of plastic (like a thin disposable table cloth plastic) with a lotion on it made from herbs that you put on the part of your body that you want to "wrap" like your belly butt, thighs or whatever.  Then you let it sit on there for 45 minutes every 72 hours.  You'll loose inches, and your collagen will disappear too.  I was able to try the full package which is 4 applications.  Each time I used it I lost 1 inch around my waist.  I felt better, and as I have been eating more vegetables and fruits while doing this wrap I have lost 10 pounds.  So in 2 weeks I have lost 4 inches, and 10 pounds.  My skin where I put the applications looks really healthy and clear.  I didn't get sick, have any bad results or side affects at all.  I'm really impressed with these, and highly recommend It Works! Wraps to anyone!
Before Wrap 1
After Wrap 1


Pros: works great

Cons: I'm out :(

Disclaimer: I received complimentary products to test, try and review for the purpose of giving an honest non biased review.  I only recommend products I have tested, and that get a Thumbs Up!

My Rating

8/23/13

Magnetic Math Manipulatives



My kids love magnets, they love things that make lots of noise, and they love hands on any and everything.  So here is some things that we have created for Math, but can also be used for any educational magnets.  I bought 2 pizza pans at the Dollar Tree, as well as 2 packets of wooden magnetic numbers.  So each boy has his own set.  My 3 year old is learning to count, he can count to 10 in Spanish, and 12 in English, and my 5 year old is doing mathematics.

8/21/13

Hallows Haven book review

Details: Hallows Haven is a book of Magick.  Gwen is a teenager, who loves her friends and loves her life.  Raised by her Grandparents she's experienced more than her fair share of death, in her life.  Her Mother and Grandfather have both passed on, leaving her with her over protective Grandmother.  But as much as her life is great during the day, night time is a completely different story.  Gwen has nightmares, but its not really multiple nightmares, as its actually the same nightmare repeating itself.  There is nothing wrong with nightmares, until you wake up with dirt and hair in your hands that came from your nightmare.  What is going on with Gwen?  Who can she talk to?  What will she say?  She can't feel more like a freak until her Grandmother rescues her from a day-mare at school.  What doesn't Gwen know about herself and her family?

My Review: OMG!  I love this book, its like a female version of Harry Potter, but almost better.  The way the author paints her details, and background information of her characters, cities, and her plot captures you, reels you in, and only tosses you back into reality when the book ends.  Get your favorite cup of drink, snack, and snugglie, and get ready for the long spell because you are going to be bewitched into a trance until you finish this book.  I MUST read the rest of this series as they come out.  I am so hooked to this!  It is amazingly well done.  You must watch the video clip, because that's really the hook to this fishing match.  And it is a very tasty bait that you will want to get.


Pros: amazing!

Cons: when does the next book come out?  The ending is driving me up the wall, I need to know what happens next.

Disclaimer: I recieved a complimentary copy of this book for an honest review.  I only recommend products that I have personally tested or read, and I only recommend products that get a thumbs up.

                                                                                               My Rating 

8/13/13

Probiotics - Gummy Style

Details:  Digestive Advantage Probiotics by Schiff promotes digestive health two ways.  They promote digestive and immune health.  Probiotics are beneficial bacteria that live in your digestive tract.  These contain BC30 probiotic which doesn't get washed away in your digestive tract.  BC30 surives 10X bettter than yogurt.


Review:  I received a sample of the Probiotic Gummies, Plus Fiber.  First of all, I'm big on probiotics, and second of all, I really like gummy bears.  So to combine the two, well, guess what?  They got me hooked.

The gummies have either a sugar or citric acid coating.  Kind of reminded me of sour gummies, but yet not really sour.  They taste great.  Of course, it's hard to tell with just two gummies how quickly you'll notice a difference with the probiotics doing their thing. But I believe they will do what they say they will do.

If you or someone you know is experiencing digestive issues then be sure to purchase a bottle of Digestive Advantage Probiotic Gummies Plus Fiber.  Improve your immune system at the same time.  I believe it will take at least a week to notice a big difference, but you may be surprised and notice improvement immediately.

Get yours here:


Pros:  Great tasty way for kids and adults to get probiotics in them that will be more beneficial than just yogurt.  Add to that the additional fiber and immune support benefits as well. Decently priced and can be found at most stores that carry this kind of item.

Cons:  None.

My Rating:  Thumbs UP!

8/11/13

Teaching Children Self-Esteem through Hugo The Happy Starfish

Details:  Suzy Liebermann's book, It's Good to be Me,  is the first book of HUGO THE HAPPY STARFISH is an Award-Winning Finalist in the CHILRDEN’S MIND/ BODY/ SPIRIT category of the USA “Best Books 2011” Awards.

The key theme behind the HUGO THE HAPPY STARFISH series is that building character based on a positive attitude leads to a happy, self-confident and successful human being. I have written this exciting series of children’s books to help educate children about their feelings, their attitude, their choices, and the consequences that follow. 
 IT’S GOOD TO BE ME! is a story about the importance of self-esteem when striving to be a happy and successful person.   Hugo learns a great lesson and once those changes are made he wishes he could be himself again.  Join Hugo on his journey as he discovers that being himself is the best way to be – and the only way to be happy.

Review:  Hugo’s story is a good way to teach kids about having a healthy self-esteem and to be happy with the way they are.  This book is a great way to teach APPRECIATION and the FIVE SENSES.  Hugo believes that the Magic Manta is the greatest sea creature, and Hugo wants to be just like him.  Magic Manta grants him 6 magic wishes, and Hugo sets out at once to change himself.
Get your book here to find out what happens to Hugo.


Pros:  Love Suzy Liebermann's books.

Cons:  Again, the ebook has an issue of zooming in on the page on an android phone, possibly a tablet too.  Author is aware of the issue and working on fixing this.

My Rating:  Thumbs UP!!!

Disclaimer: I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

8/10/13

Learning Commitment through Suzy Liebermann's Books

Details:  ONE STEP AT A TIME by Suzy Liebermann, is another Hugo the Happy Starfish book.  ONE STEP AT A TIME is a story about the need for perspective, whatever mountains we face. This book is the perfect way to each kids to divide big challenges into little chunks and to take things one step at a time.  The book is suitable as a read aloud book for preschoolers or a self-read book for older children.
The book comes with a number of worksheets which are downloadable at no cost on Suzy's website.  Hugo The Happy Starfish.

Review:  This book was fun to read, and I loved how the author took us to Switzerland.  Suzy not only incorporates great character traits, but letting kids see the world too is captivating.  Hugo the Happy Starfish learns how to stick with it.  If it is important, all he has to do is take One Step At A Time.  Doesn't mean he'll get discouraged, but it can still be accomplished.
(When you read this book, you may want to have some chocolate candy on hand to give to your children afterwards.)
You can get your copy here: 

Pros:  Great childrens book.  Captivatingly written.

Cons:  Ebook still needs some work to allow to zoom in, but author is aware of issue and working on correcting it.

My Rating:  Thumbs UP!!!  



Disclaimer: I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

8/5/13

Great Kids Snacks - Oatmeal Squares

Details: Nature Valley Soft-Baked Oatmeal Squares are like a soft cookie with all the goodness that a granola bar would give you. They are made with 100% natural whole grain oats and contain 12-16 grams of whole grains per serving. They have 9 grams of sugar or less. They are about 155 calories each.
Review: These soft-baked oatmeal squares are a great alternative to the hard and chewy granola bars. They are fairly tasty, but they are crumbly. They come in two flavors, Cinnamon and Brown Sugar, and Peanut Butter. Of all the years of buying granola bars for snacks, it's about time they came up with something like this. They aren't exactly like a cookie, and because of that, I think the peanut butter flavor isn't what I was expecting. It's nothing like a peanut butter cookie, but it is ok.

You can get your kids school snacks here:

Pros: Another good choice when getting granola type bars.

Cons:  These definitely are not for anyone with nut allergies, or wheat allergies. They get a B- on the Fooducate website for having 2.5 teaspoons of sugar per serving and for being highly processed.

My Rating:  Thumbs Up for a decent flavor and alternative to granola bars.  Thumbs Down for not being more nutritious and healthy.


8/4/13

Teach Children Empathy through Hugo the Starfish book

Details:  Suzy Liebermann has an entire series of children's stories relating to character traits.  Each revolve around Hugo The Happy Starfish.  Her books are very colorful, and great reading for kids of all ages.  She says, "Believing that happiness can be learned, feelings can be understood and that building character based on a positive attitude leads to happy, content, self-confident and successful human beings,I have created this exciting series of charming books about HUGO THE HAPPY STARFISH."  Suzy does a great job with this.
Review:  The Power of the Word - The Island of Empathy is #2 in her Character Traits Series.  Hugo is on a quest to find the real world.  He travels to various islands to discover what the real world is all about.  The Power of the Word, takes Hugo to the Island of Empathy.  Here he learns that good words are like arrows with hearts on the end.  They make you feel good all over.  On the other hand, words that hurt and are bad or mean are like arrows with sharp points-they hurt.

I believe most kids would enjoy these books.  It would be great to have access to these in school's and libraries for parents and teachers to discuss with their children.  What a fun way to learn about good character traits.  Get your copy here:  



Pros:  Delightfully written.

Cons:  The ebooks are a bit challenging to read.  The author is aware of the problem of not being able to zoom in on the ebook pages.  She is working to correct that issue.

My Review:  Thumbs Up.  


Disclaimer:  I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

8/1/13

Kids Book on Happiness by Suzy Leibermann

Details:   FLYING HIGH - HUGO THE HAPPY STARFISH  is written by Suzy Liebermann.  She has an entire series of children's stories relating to character traits.  Each revolve around Hugo The Happy Starfish.  Her books are very colorful, and great reading for kids of all ages.  She says, "Believing that happiness can be learned, feelings can be understood and that building character based on a positive attitude leads to happy, content, self-confident and successful human beings,I have created this exciting series of charming books about HUGO THE HAPPY STARFISH."  Suzy does a great job with this.  She  has written this series to help educate children about their feelings, their attitudes, their choices and the consequences that follow.

Review:  Flying High, is about finding Happiness.  Hugo the Happy Starfish must travel to various islands to learn about different character traits, life skills, and ecological alertness.  This is the first in her series.  However, it is my belief that you don't have to start with this book to enjoy the series, but might be beneficial.

Hugo has a big heart and he wants to make others happy.  To be truly happy, one has to have the right attitude.  This is what Hugo learns.  He also learns what it means to be open minded, which can be confusing to kids.  Hugo also learns about enthusiasm and how important it is to be enthusiastic to learn new things.

As I read each of Suzy's books in this series, it is interesting to see how Hugo is so much like children in general-very enthusiastic and curious.  This is a great series to get.  You can start by getting the first book in the series here.



Pros:  Very good at teaching character traits to kids through Hugo the Happy Starfish.

Cons:  The ebook doesn't allow you to zoom in on the android phone.  Don't know if the same holds true for a tablet. Author is aware of issue and working on correcting it.

My Rating:  Thumbs UP! 

Disclaimer:  I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.