2012 Canadian Children’s Group of
the Year, Splash’N Boots, are releasing their highly anticipated sixth
album “Coconuts Don’t Fall Far From the Tree”!

My Thoughts:

I thought, to be honest, that this would be another annoying childrens show, that my kids would love and I would hate. I was wrong. Its very cute and funny. It kept the kids attention and my three year old absolutely loved it. She loves the songs and the games and couldnt wait to go play Hide N Seek like they did in the show.

Press Release:
Hot off the heels of a cross-Canada theatre tour with Treehouse LIVE, the
cutting-edge duo have written the new compilation based on feedback from
their fans. All 15 song titles as well as the album’s name were decided
and voted on by Splash’N Boots fans via the group’s Facebook page
(www.facebook.com/splashnboots), and fans were also involved every step of
the way during the writing process. Over the course of seven months, fans
were continually asked to chime in with fun ideas for lyrics, making this
album the ultimate band/fan collaboration.

“This album truly has been a labour of love,” says Nick the group’s
‘Splash’. “We’re nothing without our fans and we’re so happy that they’ve
played such a major part in the writing process.”

Awarded 2012 Canadian Children’s Group of the Year at the SiriusXM Indie
Awards this past March, Splash’N Boots have made special mention in the
CD’s booklet to fans who suggested each winning song title. In addition,
the duo will be donating one dollar of every album sale to Sick Kids
Hospital, an organization they have proudly supported since the inception
of their career, recently donating $1000 after selling one thousand copies
of their “Back In Yellow” CD.

With their infectious music video “For the Love of Dance” currently on
national rotation on Treehouse TV, Splash’N Boots already have eight brand
new music videos in the works for the new album, which as always star
their fans- parents and children alike.

With six CDs and two full-length DVDs under their belts, as well as over
1,000 international festival and theatre performances, there is no sign of
slowing down for this breakthrough team. In addition to their music video
currently on heavy rotation on Treehouse TV, the duo performed in 11
cities this fall with Treehouse LIVE for the Roll Play Live Animal Party
tour – based on Treehouse TV’s award-winning show Roll Play. Subsequently,
the breakout pair landed an additional four music videos as well as four
half hour episodes of Roll Play that will air on the popular children’s
network in late 2012.

Splash’N Boots are constantly connected to their fans via social media
channels. With a growing following on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and
Instagram, the two have a lot in store for the remaining of 2012 as well
as 2013, including new music videos and international performances.

For more information, including tour dates and to purchase merchandise,
please visit www.splashnboots.com.

Enter To WIN a DVD Copy Of SplashNBoots Below!

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I was really excited about this review as I have been wanting to try Time4Learning.com with my younger kids. I was a little unsure of using a completely online curriculum, but after 30 days, I am glad we tried it. My youngest boys ages 7 and 9 really learned a lot using Time4Learning. They loved the fun games and the attention grabbing worksheets. They couldnt wait to start school in the mornings. My 9 year old has some math and reading problems and it was pretty amazing to see him start reading better in just a month and really enjoy and understand the math lessons. Meanwhile my 7 year old loved learning about all the insects in the science class. He loves nature and bugs and he was really excited that learning about bugs and insects were part of his curriculum and that he could understand the lessons.

  I loved that with just a click of the mouse I could see what my kids had done that day, print out a report or even assign harder or not so hard assignments. The program is easy to understand and navigate.

I also signed my three year old up for the preschool class. I do have to say Time4Learning didnt hold her attention long. But she is three. Nothing holds her attention long. The games for her age were very colorful, educational and fun.  I will try again with her in a year or so. She loves to do school, as long as it only takes about 5 minutes to do!

Time4Learning.com is not just for homeschoolers! It would be a great after school or summer program to help your kids keep up, or get ahead. The lessons are fun, educational and attention grabbing. My kids definitely learned a lot in the last 30 days and had a lot of fun learning it.

If your thinking about homeschooling but dont know where to start, helping your kids get ahead after school, or keeping your kids busy this coming summer while they learn then Time4Learning.com is just what you are looking for.

Head on over to check Time4Learning.com out!

Here are some other links to check out too!

http://www.Time4Learning.com – Online interactive curriculum for home use, PreK-8th Grade.
http://www.Time4Writing.com – Online writing tutorials for high, middle, and elementary school students.
http://www.Time4Learning.net – A forum to chat with parents online about kids, education, parenting and more…
http://www.Time4Learning.com – Online interactive curriculum for home use, PreK-8th Grade.
http://www.Time4Writing.com – Online writing tutorials for high, middle, and elementary school students.
http://www.Time4Learning.net – A forum to chat with parents online about kids, education, parenting and more…

I was given a one month free trial in compensation to use Time4Learning in order to write this review. All opinions are completely my own.

The new season of Shushybye, with brand new episodes, is finally here on BabyFirst!!!

Shushybye is an original preschool entertainment and lifestyle brand, encompassing a national television series, national radio show, Video On Demand programming, series of bedtime storybooks, toys and plush dolls, music CDs, DVDs and sleepwear. Shushybye is all about dreams…dreams made especially for children by the Shushies who live in Shushybye villages such as Nap Valley, Snore Shore and Slumber Heights.  But children have to go to bed on time in order to get their Shushybye dreams (i.e. when Mommy tells them!).  Children make their Dream Wish before they go to sleep.  The Shushies make all their dreams then place them in Dream Boxes.  Conductor McCloud puts the Dream Boxes on the Shushybye Train and transports them to children as they fall asleep on time.

My Thoughts:

Putters loves the cute songs, and shows on this DVD set. I love that it helps my very active 3 year old calm down and relax a little before getting ready for bed, or even just a quiet time. Even my younger boys (age 7 and 9) will sit and watch this show, giving me some much needed quiet time to get things done, or just to be able to relax for a few minutes. Its also helped with getting Putters to bed on time. She sleeps the least amount of any of my children. She stopped taking naps over a year ago and most nights does not go to sleep until well past 10:00 p.m. and is usually up before 8:00 a.m.! Since watching this video almost daily, she is at least staying in her bed and quietly playing with toys or books at bedtime (8:30 p.m.) instead of running crazy through the house until she crashes!

On Sunday, January 27, BabyFirst, America’s television destination for parent-child interactive entertainment  debuted the new season of its popular music-centric series Shushybye Baby. (BabyFirst is available on DirecTV, Dish Network and Comcast.)

To celebrate the new season, Shushabye would like to offer a blessed reader a special three DVD collection – the entire series collection of the multi award-winning and critically-acclaimed children’s television show. The DVDs include:

26 all-new complete episodes
56 Shushybye music videos
60 Original Shushybye songs in all
and
Over 40 fun-filled story-vignettes starring the Shushies!

Shushybye Video Material:

The Late Monkees Singer, Davy Jones, Sings a Shushybye Song:

Shushybye Show Footage:

ShushybyeSizzle FINAL Vimeo from Shushybye and Dreamsters on Vimeo.

Enter To Win This Great DVD Set Below!

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Spring has officially sprung and while our minds wander to the thought of sunnier, warmer days spent outdoors, it’s important to think about the indoors and get a jump on spring cleaning. During the long winter months, carpets and flooring can especially take a hit after enduring holiday season spills and winter soil, like snow, mud and dirt.

 While the thought of cleaning floors throughout the entire house can feel like a daunting task, you can help your readers face the big spring clean and the months in-between with a few simple tips from BISSELL, the experts in floor care, which are included below.

· Carpets

  The Spring Clean

1.      Move as much furniture out of the way as possible. If furniture is too heavy to be moved, invest in furniture glides to make moving them easier.

2.      Vacuum the entire room thoroughly. For heavier traffic areas, go over the area 5 – 7 times. For light traffic areas and spots usually under furniture, go over the area 3 – 4 times.

3.      If there are deep set-in stains, use a pre-treat cleaner to help penetrate the carpet and loosen the stain.

4.      Next, use a deep cleaner to remove ground-in dirt and stains. Move the deep cleaner in forward and backward passes slowly over each area. It is best to wait about 4 to 6 hours for the carpet to dry. Use a fan to increase air circulation and speed drying. BISSELL recommends deep cleaning at least twice a year to help prolong the look of carpets. Deep cleaners can also be used to clean rugs and upholstery.

5.      Once the carpet has fully dried, run the vacuum once more throughout the room to finish cleaning.

 The In-Between

1.      Between deep cleans, vacuum the entire area of the carpet at least once per week. For high traffic areas, it is best to vacuum twice weekly.

2.      To amplify the effects of vacuuming, use Febreze™ Carpet Deodorizing Powders on your carpets. Before vacuuming, just sprinkle the powder over the area to be treated. Wait a few minutes and then vacuum the area thoroughly. The powder helps to clean 3x better than vacuuming alone because it clings to the dirt and hair in the carpet, allowing for easier pickup. It also leaves a light scent to keep the home smelling fresh.

Flooring (Hardwood, Linoleum, Vinyl or Tile)

·        The Spring Clean

1.      Depending on what room is being cleaned, move large appliances, furniture and rugs out of the way. To avoid scratching surfaces, use furniture glides when moving heavier furniture out of the way.

2.      For the best results, sweep and then vacuum the entire room.

3.      Finally, use a steam cleaner to clean and sanitize the floor. Not only do steam cleaners remove dirt and residue, they also eliminate germs and bacteria due to the high temperature of the steam. The floor will be dry within seconds. Fast and simple!

  The In-Between

1.      To prevent tracking dirt and water across the floor, be sure to place doormats at all entrances. This will not only keep floors cleaner but will also reduce the risk of abrasive materials collecting on the floor and scratching the surface.

2.      Clean your hard floors at least once a week using one or a combination of the following: a sweeper, a dust/dry mop, a hard floor cleaner or a wood floor cleaner. This will help floors keep their shine longer.

Ahoy matey!

I have some exciting news to share with you regarding Pirate’s Booty, all-natural snacks.  Pirate’s Booty recently announced its new look for a special limited edition 12-pack of half-ounce Pirate’s Booty, themed to the Disney Junior preschool series, Jake and the Never Land Pirates!

Jake and the Never Land Pirates is a favorite show at our house and Pirates Booty is an all time favorite snack. My kids love the taste and I love that its natural and healthy for them. What more could a mom ask for?

Sea Cliff, N.Y. (February 20, 2013) – Pirate’s Booty®, a leader and manufacturer of all-natural snacks, is pleased to announce its new look, themed to the Disney Junior preschool series, Jake and the Never Land Pirates.  A new snack launch for 2013, Pirate’s Booty is offering a special Limited Edition 12-pack of half-ounce Pirate’s Booty.

The Limited Edition Jake and the Never Land Pirates multipack features Pirate’s Booty’s best-selling product – Pirate’s Booty Aged White Cheddar.  The pack also features Jake and the Never Land Pirates characters and games to keep the crew engaged during snack time.  The little treasures half-ounce size of Pirate’s Booty Aged White Cheddar is just 65-calories and is the perfect portion for the lunchbox or when on-the-go.

Disney Junior’s Jake and the Never Land Pirates, cable TV’s #1 series among Boys 2-5 for the past two consecutive years, revolves around a crew of kid pirates – leader Jake and pals Izzy and Cubby – and follows their Never Land adventures as they work to outwit two infamous characters, the one and only Captain Hook and Mister Smee, from the Disney film classic “Peter Pan.”

“We (at Pirate’s Booty) are excited to collaborate with Disney Junior on this special Jake and the Never Land Pirates snack,” stated Eric Berniker, Pirate’s Booty Vice President of Marketing.  “Jake and the Never Land Pirates and Pirate’s Booty both embody the fun-loving, adventurous and optimistic spirit that we all love.  Pirate’s Booty is proud to give consumers a delicious and all-natural snacking option with the release of the Limited Edition half-ounce 12-pack of Pirate’s Booty Aged White Cheddar,” he continued.

“The Jake and the Never Land Pirates edition of Pirates Booty is a fun way to extend the Disney Junior brand, as it represents a snack that the whole family can feel good about eating,” said JD Edwards, Senior Vice President of Media Networks Licensing at Disney Consumer Products.

Pirate’s Booty Aged White Cheddar is a deliciously baked, all-natural snack made from puffed rice and corn and blended with real aged white cheddar cheese.  Pirate’s Booty has all the fun, but half the fat and fewer calories than regular fried potato chips, so it’s a snack that kids and moms agree on.  Pirate’s Booty is gluten-free and made in a peanut and tree-nut free facility.  The Limited Edition Jake and the Never Land Pirates half-ounce 12-packs are available at retailers nationwide.

About Pirate Brands

Pirate Brands, a leader and manufacturer of all-natural snacks, is
located in Sea Cliff, NY and has been creating healthier treasures
since 1987.  The company was founded on the belief that you shouldn’t
have to “snackrifice” taste and fun for health.  Pirate Brands produces
deliciously baked, all-natural, trans fat and gluten free snacks that
include Pirate’s Booty, Smart Puffs and Tings.  Pirate Brands’ snacks
are free from fryers and ingredients you can’t pronounce, Arrr.
Products are sold in the US.  For more information visit:
www.piratebrands.com<http://www.piratebrands.com>

We love, absolutely love, our Yonanas dessert maker. As you may know, Yonanas is a small appliance that uses its patented technology and high-torque blade to emulsify frozen fruit ONLY into a creamy, tasty dessert that is just like ice cream—only much healthier.  www.yonanas.com

And now Yonanas are getting even better with beautiful colors that will brighten up any kitchen!

Dessert maker gets bold with a daring new line of vivid colors

 CLEVELAND, OH (April 8, 2013) – Yonanas, America’s favorite small appliance for the kitchen that turns frozen bananas and other frozen fruit into a healthy, delicious treat that looks and tastes like soft-serve ice cream, is getting colorful this spring.

 Eileen McHale, co-founder and spokesperson of Healthy Foods, LLC, is scheduled to unveil Yonanas’ new colorful machines on QVC^® April 10, 2013 (QVC Item #K39252).  A departure from the treat maker’s signature sleek, silver hue, the bright and fun spring colors including cinnamon, blue, purple, hot pink, orange, white, yellow and neon green will brighten up kitchens across the country with delicious and healthy treats and desserts. The traditional shade of will still be available as well.

 ”The new colored machines are a great addition to the Yonanas family and add a fun twist to the Yonanas-making process,” said McHale.  “Just like the frozen treat, the new line is a pleasure you don’t have to feel guilty about.”

 Viewers can follow Yonanas on Twitter before the show for a chance to participate in a giveaway. Followers can also tweet at Yonanas using the hashtag “#ColorMeHealthy.”

The new machines will be available, while supplies last, through QVC.com, the QVC apps or by calling 800.345.1515.  To learn more about the machines and get great recipes visit www.yonanas.com.

 QVC, the Q and the Q ribbon logo are registered service marks of ER Marks, Inc.

There’s still time to get mom and grandma the perfect Mother’s Day Gift. Check out our Top Ten List of must-have products from mom this year.

Willow Creek Studio
Your clothing has so many memories, whether it be your children’s baby clothes, your teenager’s sports jerseys or your race shirts. Don’t pack these memories away in the attic; instead let Willow Creek Studio create a one-of-a-kind memory blanket that you will cherish for a lifetime. All you need to do is collect your favorite items, mail them to Willow Creek Studio and in a few weeks you will have your finished blanket. Also from Willow Creek Studio, one-of-a-kind Owl Pillows—part of their Gift a Hoot Program. Each pillow is hand-crafted with recycled clothing. With the purchase of each Owl Pillow, one will be donated to a child in need. WCS can also create an Owl Pillow with your special items of clothing. www.willowcreekbaby.com

Monkey Mat
Encourage outdoor play, or practice yoga al fresco with Monkey Mat! These adorable portable mats come in four fun colors and are easy to take anywhere. You can use them for playtime, picnics and even yoga in the park! They’re also perfect for travel–allowing your child a safe place to play on a hotel floor. They have an easy zip, clip-n-go system and they aren’t as bulky as a blanket. You won’t want to leave home without your Monkey Mat! www.monkeymat.com
Camera Coats
If mom never leaves home without her camera… give her something functional and stylish to keep her camera safe! Camera Coats is a must-have camera accessory for pro to rookie photographers that fuses fashion with function. Each Camera Coat has a nice, soft, fatty layer of padding to keep your camera (and your memories) safe! Most Camera Coats are water-resistant and they boast sturdy buckles, so you won’t lose your camera while taking pictures. You’ll also love the three handy outside pockets – perfect for that SD card, smartphone or lens cap! There’s a camera coat for everyone – men, women and teens! www.cameracoats.com
Lisa Leonard Designs
Lisa Leonard Designs offers beautiful and inspirational hand-made jewelry. Lisa has several designs that would make any mom happy, but the “Key to My Heart” necklace is our favorite. Wear your children close to your heart. Lisa Leonard’s beautiful sterling silver, hand-stamped “Key to My Heart” necklace is the perfect gift for mom. The vintage, 1” skeleton key is cast in sterling silver and hand-stamped with the word or name of your choice (kids’ name, birthdays). Paired with a hand-cast sterling heart charm, this necklace is full of meaning! Key and heart tags included. Customize with a sterling disc and/or skinny tag for additional kids’ names or special dates. We love how it clinks and moves. Perfect for everyday! http://www.lisaleonardonline.com/sterling-key-to-my-heart-necklace-P186C115.aspx
Towel Tight
Get mom a touch of a spa at home with Towel Tight. Simply wrap and overlap your towel when getting out of the shower, bath, pool, beach or locker room and your hands are free! Squeeze open Towel Tight and attach it to the front and back of the towel, and your towel is tightly in place. Towel Tight secures the most plush fabric to thin and delicate. www.toweltight.com
When Masks
Give mom the gift that provides her with a little R&R (and gorgeous skin) any time she wants!  When Masks are the perfect solution for busy women who need to give their skin the extra TLC it needs in a hassle free face mask that is both time and budget friendly.  When Masks use a bio-cellulose sheet, a soft, gentle material made from coconuts that fits to stay on your face.  There are five different formulas available using this material that is highly effective in delivering nutrients to the skin.  Travelmate is the perfect choice for a mom (ahem, and her daughter) who are on the go! www.whenmask.com

Bed of Nails
Whether she has her chakras aligned or is in search of a way to find her happy place, any mom will appreciate the feeling of rest, relaxation and rejuvenation she’ll feel with the Bed of Nails.  Endorsed by Dr. Oz, the Bed of Nails acupressure pillow and mat work similar to acupuncture. The pressure of the rounded plastic nails or points against the skin may help the body release the happiness drug; endorphins. Endorphins will give Mom back exactly what she needs; focus, happiness, joy and energy. us.bedofnails.org

Allison Lauren Allison Lauren (www.allisonlauren.com) creates beautiful fashion-forward jewelry that is sure to impress and delight. Everyone deserves to indulge and feel their most beautiful. With Allison Lauren’s line of stunning pieces it’s easy to achieve a cutting edge look with an extremely attractive price point. From a full line of rings, bracelets, earrings and necklaces, Allison Lauren’s passion for design comes through in each piece of the collection. Simple sophistication is key with earthy tones and rich colors used throughout. A timeless sense of beauty runs throughout her designs and offers an overall bold trendiness always with style. Because Allison Lauren creates and designs each piece she is on top of quality as well. With gorgeous items that will stand the test of time, anything from the Allison Lauren collection will be sure to enhance your collection and bring out the beauty from within.

Pop.N.Go
Pop.N.Go (www.buypopngo.com) is the perfect fashion accessory to have at the ready with unpredictable weather. From rainy days to windy nights and everything in between, the Pop.N.Go scarf should go everywhere you’re going. Always be prepared for the unexpected and of course look good while doing so. Pop.N.Go is the first ever chic water-repellent beauty scarf that protects your hair against rain, wet snow, high winds, and humidity all while providing a classic look for the ultimate fashion-forward female.

Fracture – The New Way to Print and Frame Digital Photos
Who needs a frame when you can have your picture printed directly on to glass? Fracture is a brand new concept that streamlines the photo printing process. With prices starting at just $12—you’ll start taking those photos you love off of your computer or camera and placing the memories on your walls. The simple look and feel of Fracture makes decorating easy. Just upload your photos at www.fractureme.com, choose the size and edits, then hit submit. They make great gifts for everyone.

RoseArt recently announced the availability of an original outdoor play product: Surprise Inside! Sidewalk Chalk. Now that days are getting longer and warmer, this unique new product is just the item to help usher in spring and the start of the outdoor play season. Each set of adorable, 3D-shaped chalk contains a collectible toy hidden within the center piece. Kids will prolong their play sessions to reach the surprise inside. Collect all five packs for more chances to find all 20 possible figurines.

RoseArt Surprise Inside! Sidewalk Chalk makes a perfect “Top Ten List” item for upcoming segments, articles, posts and galleries on any of the following:

• Easter baskets
• Spring break
• Party favors
• Block parties
• End of school celebrations
• Outdoor games
• Family crafts
• Art activities under $5

My Thoughts:

My kids LOVED the RoseArt Surprise Inside! Sidewalk Chalk. They spent hours outside in the warm sunshine trying to get to to the prize in the middle and my sidewalk and front porch were beautifully decorated until our next Spring shower. They were all excited and jumping for joy when they finally reached the hidden surprise. A cute little bat. I loved that not only did it bring out my kids creative juices, it kept them occupied and outside playing for quite  awhile. I also loved that this new art pack is less then $5 and available at several stores. The RoseArt Surprise Inside! Sidewalk Chalk will definitely be a constant addition to our outdoor play this summer.

At about $3 per pack, Surprise Inside! Sidewalk Chalk is available nationwide at Target, Wal-Mart and Kmart.

Are you looking for a new way to freshen, clean and moisturize your skin? Look no further then Olay Fresh Effects now available at Walmart.com!

Between deep-down-to-the-pores shine cleansers, exfoliating micro beads, cleansing cloths that remove dirt and makeup, and moisturizers that provide 24-hour hydration, treating yourself to a micro-facial, has never felt so good (or been so easy!).  Your skin will look fresh and rejuvenated with the Olay Fresh Effects newest product line-up.

Everything a lady needs to keep her facial skin clean and bright!

I am not a huge makeup person. In fact, I rarely wear it. I rarely do much of anything with my face to be honest. With six kids who has time?

That has all changed with the Olay Fresh Effects skin care regimen that I was sent for review. With Olay Fresh Effects I can deep clean, hydrate and refresh my skin in just minutes. In the mornings the Powered Contour Cleaning System with the Shine, Shine Go Away cleanser makes cleaning my face super quick and easy and leaves my skin feeling clean and super soft. I follow up with the Satin Finish Lotion and I am ready for my day. If I am headed to town or church I add in the BB Cream! Skin Perfecting Tinted Moisturizer in light to medium and my favorite blush with a little mascara and tinted lip balm and I am ready to go in ten minutes or less. This is so important when I need to spend all that time looking for shoes and socks before running out the door!

My girls love the cute little vanity that came with the review items!

While getting ready for bed, I use the Bead Me Up! Exfoliating Cleanser for a deep clean that feels great. I love going to bed knowing my face is clean from all the days grime. The Swipe Out Makeup Removal Clothes are handy for a quick cleanup when I get home from town. I always like to wash my face and hands after getting home. These wipes make that super simple to do and leave my face feeling fresh and clean.

So, if your looking for a new, easier way to keep your skin looking and feeling fresh, head on over to Walmart.com and check out the new Olay Fresh Effects!

You can also find Olay Fresh Effects on Facebook and Twitter!

Disclosure:“The Olay Fresh Effects product, information, and two gift packs have been provided by Olay in exchange for my honest review. All opinions stated in this review are entirely my own.” 

NOTE: Olay does not represent or warrant the accuracy of any statements or product claims made here, nor does it endorse any opinions expressed within this blogsite.