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Brainy Baby Flashcar Friends – The PERFECT Learning Toy for Busy Little Brains!

December 3, 2011 By 32 Comments

By AshleyIMG_6174

Brainy Baby has introduced me to what I think are the coolest flash cards I have ever seen, Flashcar Friends! I used to be a teacher before I was a stay at home mom, so I’ve seen my fair share of flashcards. These wooden flashcard sets fit perfectly in their flashcard holders that are shaped like different transportation vehicles. This is like an a million in one toy! Each flashcard is somehow a toy in its own right as I discovered when I opened up the first truck with Atticus, Miles, and Zoe. Studying the pictures on each wooden card was so much fun for the kids. Those who knew how to count started recognizing the numbers and putting the cards in order. The fact that the cards themselves are wooden definitely means they will be durable enough to last awhile… a HUGE factor when choosing toys for kids of any age!

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The Flashcar Friends come in 4 different sets. Each has its own vehicle and learning theme: an airplane that teaches colors and shapes, a firetruck that focuses on animals, a recycling truck that teaches numbers and counting, and a school bus that reinforces ABC’s. Each vehicle is solidly built of wood and just like the flashcards will stand up to wear and tear by kids of all ages. The wheels really roll making each vehicle just as much of a toy on its own as it is with the flashcards.

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These toys are perfect for girls and boys, and it is recommended for children ages 2-5. When we opened up the recycling truck, an (almost) 18-month old boy, a 3-year-old boy, and a 4-year-old girl were thoroughly entertained, each with different parts of the toy. The Flashcard Friends are definitely toys that can last awhile thanks to their great design, learning concepts, and durable construction. Atticus, Miles, and Zoe… and I… give the Flashcar Friends 2 big thumbs up.

Disclosure – A product was provided to me free of charge by the manufacturer or representing PR agency for the writing of this review; however, opinions expressed are my own and are NOT influenced by monetary compensation.

About Ashley:

Ashley has a background in teaching Kindergarten and working with children K through 8th grade. She is now a SAHM and President of our local MOMS Club chapter. She writes her own blog at Momicles.

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JACK’S® PIZZA

December 3, 2011 By 68 Comments

I received a Pizza Kit from a brand I’ve never heard of before. I love all pizza, it really should be a food group. Anyhow, I wanted to share this pizza brand with you guys! Jack’s Pizza!

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JACK’S Pizza was created in 1960 by a man named Jack who was in search of the perfect pizza in Little Chute, Wis. He delivered JACK’S Pizzas to his neighbors and residents of the small town, and as word spread, JACK’S Pizza became a favorite throughout the Midwest. Today, JACK’S Pizza is still made with 100 percent real Wisconsin cheese and the perfect combination of meats and sauce on a thin, crispy crust. A consumer once referred to JACK’S Pizza as “amazing, affordable circles of bliss.”

 

Now, pizza lovers can find JACK’S Pizza from coast-to-coast at a supercenter near you.

This giveaway has ended. Congratulations to the winner, nan.

All rules can be found under giveaway rules.

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Build A Bear Workshop: Holly And Hal: Our Uplifting Christmas Adventure

December 3, 2011 By 3 Comments

By Emily:

Although the stores seem to think the holiday season begins the day after Halloween, you can be certain that this special time of year is upon us when the holiday programs begin airing on television. There are so many programs that I look forward to seeing year after year that I have begun to buy many of them on DVD. Having this collection of holiday DVDs allows our family the convenience of watching our favorite shows commercial-free whenever we’d like. The newest addition to our collection is Build-A-Bear’s first Christmas movie “Holly and Hal: Our Uplifting Christmas Adventure.” Staring two of Build-A-Bear’s favorite furry characters, Holly and Hal Moose, this is a great story about loyalty and never giving up on your dreams.

HHDVDCover2011In this charming movie Holly the level-headed inventor and Hal the dreamer, both filled with imagination and heart, are destined for adventure. This sibling duo finds their way to the North Pole and closer to each other’s heart in this uplifting holiday tale, which will inspire you to follow your dreams…no matter how high they may seem. Will they be able to work together to save Christmas in time for Santa to make his famous flight? Find out as you experience the holiday antics of this pair of antlered siblings with powerful imaginations, a love of adventure and a wintery world of new friends.

You can check out the trailer here:

“Holly and Hal: Our Uplifting Christmas Adventure” includes the voices of Meaghan Martin, from 10 Things I Hate About You, and Jonathan Morgan Heit as Easton and Weston, panicked elves working in the weather center as the storm of the century nears. Though this is not a musical cartoon, there are entertaining songs that make this movie extra special.

Available at Build A Bear and your favorite retailers this holiday season, this family-friendly DVD also includes a $5 off $25 coupon for a future purchase at your local Build-A-Bear workshops. If you have a Build-A-Bear fan in your home, “Holly and Hal: Our Uplifting Christmas Adventure” this would be a great gift to enjoy year after year!

 

About Emily:

Emily is also very active in the local MOMS CLUB. She raises chickens and has 2 shih tzus. Her daughter Caitlyn attends Montessori school and she hates housecleaning, loves wine and enjoys dining out. She would love to find a cure for the depression and anxiety she has dealt with on and off over the past 10 years, just like me. She is an amazing mom and friend.

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Daydreams, Moving Dreams, and Dream-houses

December 2, 2011 By 4 Comments

By Ashley,

Do you ever find yourself daydreaming about what life would be like if you lived somewhere else? I do… and the more travel opportunities I have, the more I get lost in the daydreams of relocating. The PNW does have its perks, but I could definitely be convinced to leave it behind… especially since it rains ¾ of the year!

Well, recently I was directed to Park’s Edge in Utah. I’ve been to several states recently, and now I’m thinking that I need to make my way to Utah… SOON! This place got me daydreaming about what it would be like to relocate to Utah. Park City Homes is located right on the edge of Park City, UT. You are just minutes away from anything you could imagine! Seriously… fishing, hiking, skiing, bobsledding, shopping, spas, fine dining… no matter what your lifestyle or interest Park City has it!

In my process of daydreaming, I of course had to figure out what my dream-house would look like. Real estate in Utah isn’t a bad investment idea either. Park’s Edge homes start around $296,000, which makes them about $200 a square foot – not bad in comparison to other markets. They even have rentals available if you are one of the lucky families able to spend a season somewhere.

Host to the 2002 Olympics, minutes from the Sundance Film Festival, and home to 3 world renowned ski resorts Park City has so much excitement to offer balanced with the abundance of nature and wildlife surrounding the area.

Thinking of relocating? Wanting to do some daydreaming? Simply choosing a vacation? Check out Park City. You might find just what you’re looking for.

 

About Ashley:

Ashley has a background in teaching Kindergarten and working with children K through 8th grade. She is now a SAHM and President of our local MOMS Club chapter. She writes her own blog at Momicles.

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Everyone Loves Hickory Farms Party

December 2, 2011 By 8 Comments

I had a party before Thanksgiving and what did we have, we had Hickory Farms. LOTS of Hickory Farms and everyone went home with their own box. Ok, each couple went home with their own box, and I had a few boxes left over to give to people here and there and the response has always been.

REALLY? That’s for me? I Love Hickory Farms, or some response just like it. I have to admit it’s been so much fun sharing the boxes of Hickory Farms with those around me. I love being Santa! And Everyone LOVES Hickory Farms!

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Growing up for me, we didn’t buy Hickory Farms, but for my husband this has always been a fun tradition. When we got married that year for Christmas we had to go out and get cheese and a Hickory Farms Beef Stick. I remember that it was a special meal for the two of us. Neither one of us are very big eaters, don’t get me wrong I LOVE FOOD, but we just don’t eat a large quantity, so we would get two meals out of the beef stick and cheese. We haven’t done it every single year but we talk about doing it ever single year and bought it often. This year thanks to my blog we didn’t have to buy any, and I’m still giving it away. I have one huge box left and I’m trying to decide who should get it.

So Why does everyone like Hickory Farms:

I think everyone Likes Hickory Farms for some sentimental reason. So many people have family traditions or holiday traditions wrapped around Hickory Farms. Plus the quality and taste just make you think holiday party. One of the best serving trays to make is a meat and cheese tray, and Hickory Farms includes the cheese, the sausage, and fruit, crackers, and condiments all in one box. The selection of gourmet gift baskets are filled with fresh, quality ingredients.

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The Orchards Bounty basket (which contains fresh produce) was enjoyed by our whole family. The kids loved the pears, who knew they were going to like pears. Plus the oranges and apples were a great addition to the meat and cheese assortment. The basket was quite beautiful too!

 

And You know I’m all about the charity aspect:

For a limited time this holiday season, for each Party Planner Gift Box sold, Hickory Farms will donate $5 to Share Our Strength, a leading national non-profit organization working to end childhood hunger in America.  Additionally, for 40 of these gift items, Hickory Farms provides free military shipping, allowing our troops across the globe to share in holiday traditions.

For more information about the brand, just visit, Hickory Farms Facebook page.

“I wrote this review while participating in a campaign by Mom Central Consulting on behalf of Hickory Farms and received product samples to facilitate my review and a promotional item to thank me for taking the time to participate.”

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We Had a Successful TweetDrive Seattle Charity Event! Treehouse Says Thank You!

December 2, 2011 By 12 Comments

I didn’t get any blogging done yesterday because I was at an event. I LOVE EVENTS and Last night’s event was my favorite so far. We had the Annual Seattle Night Out Tweet Drive for the charity Treehouse and they sent all the workers a thank you letter. For me the event was so much fun. Ashley from Momicles joined me and we manned the door taking money, toys and giving out door prize/swag bag tickets to everyone that came in. I also got on the stage and picked winners for all the door prizes I brought with me. It was so much fun getting up on the stage in my elf outfit. The picture is blurry, I didn’t expect to get on stage, so I didn’t bring my camera but I have proof of being on stage.

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Then after the event we had dinner downstairs in the Hard Rock.

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I also wanted to share the Thank You from Treehouse with all of you. This is from TreeHouse!

The TweetDrive was indeed an incredible success for Treehouse. The timing is especially great for us. Because most of our donation drives start coming in next week, but the kids started shopping yesterday, the Wearhouse was pretty well cleared out. The staff and volunteers breathed a huge sigh of relief when they saw the toys from the TweetDrive. Tomorrow is another shopping day, and because of you we can restock the shelves with the toys that you collected!

The staff are working on processing and counting the toys now, so I hope to have a number for you by today or Monday.

Greg, the Wearhouse will be open until 5pm today, and from 10am to 2pm tomorrow. It will help immensely if you are able to count the toys prior to arrival. If not, please let me know so I give the Wearhouse staff/volunteers a HUGE heads up to keep your delivery separate from our other donations so we can count them and get you an accurate number!

Imelda, sorry I didn’t get to meet you last night – thank you for collecting all those books!

And to everyone, THANK YOU again, on behalf of the almost 1,000 foster kids that will shop in the Wearhouse. The Seattle TweetDrive is really making a difference for them this holiday.

Warmest regards,

Here is the first stack of toys:

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Last night after I left, I was told that more people showed up, it was like the party that never ended and one car brought a full car load of more toys. It’s Fantastic! Thank you friends for your support of MomStart. Thank you PR and Companies that made donations, and thank you to all the other volunteers and especially Seattle Night Out who did all of the organizing.

Here is my list of Sponsors:

Macy’s Photo with Santa Yes Virginia book (door prize)
Epson Artisan Printer (door prize from MomStart)
Flip Camera (door Prize MomStart)
iPod shuffle 25.00 I tunes gift card ear buds (door prize MomStart)
War Horse Movie Passes (swag bag from DreamWorks)
Mary Kay (Lynn Hooper) products (swag bag)
Johnsonville Sausage (swag bag and door prize)
Northgate Simon Mall Chocolate bars (swag bag)
Pampers Gift Basket (Door Prize)

Thank you all for making last night a successful event!

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Tasty Treat Thursday: Hummus Artichoke Dip Recipe

December 1, 2011 By 21 Comments

By Summer:

Who doesn’t love artichoke dip? Tribe Hummus has transformed the typical recipe into a lower calorie and lower fat option by substituting hummus for mayonnaise. This replacement helps make this dip a super-food!

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Tribe Hummus Artichoke Dip Recipe

Ingredients

8 ounces of Tribe Classic Hummus (a little less than 1 tub)
8 ounces of cream cheese, softened
1 14-ounce can of artichoke hearts, or 2 6-ounce jars marinated artichoke hearts, drained & coarsely chopped
1-2 scallions, finely chopped
1½ cups shredded parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon minced garlic
1 Tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
salt and pepper to taste

Directions

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. In a medium sized bowl, stir the hummus and cream cheese together until well combined. Stir in the artichoke hearts, scallions, and parmesan cheese until combined. Add the garlic, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper and stir until combined. Pour into a small casserole baking dish. Bake uncovered for 30-40 minutes until bubbly and browned. Serve hot.

I added 2 dashes of hot sauce because my husband loves it. I serve my dip with Wheat Thins because I love them and I had them in the house. You can serve it with pita chips, tortilla chips, other crackers, crostini or cut vegetables.

Find Tribe Hummus in a store near you! If you want to keep up with Tribe Hummus for coupons or new flavor releases then check out Tribe Hummus, Like Tribe Hummus on Facebook, and follow them on Twitter @TribeHummus. And if you missed it check out my review of Tribe Hummus on Mom Start.

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