Hey folks! Have you ever wondered when reading a blogger's product review if they really liked the product or if they were just writing good things about it because they (more than likely) received the product in question for free? If so, you're not alone. I'm not a hardcore review/giveaway blogger by any means (which I'm sure you've noticed!), but I've done my fair share. Even if I end up not liking an item or it just plain and simple doesn't work for our family, I still like to be honest about it. (In a polite manner, of course.)
So, what does all of this have to do with today's post? Well, I thought it would be fun to share with you what products I have reviewed since I started blogging that I still use, have gotten the most use out of, and still love! I've been meaning to do a post like this for awhile and what better time of year, right?
1) Ozeri Instavac Food Storage Set
These things are amazing! I won't go into details since you can read the review for yourself by following the link above, but I still use these all the time. Not just for leftovers, either. Just last night John had the bright idea to use one of the bigger sizes as a muffin container. I've also used them as mixing bowls when I didn't feel like dirtying up one of our big ones.
2) Lullaby Light Cube
I have to admit that I can't write about this without having a little smirk on my face. I recently had a comment on my review of this product on Amazon from a fellow user (reading between the lines: troll). His (I'm assuming) or her comment was short and to the point: Sounds like you work for the company. I sent a nice little message back to him stating that I didn't, but I did receive the product for review and regardless, my daughter still loves it after over a year of using it.
In this instance, "loves" is quite possibly an understatement. She requests it every night and everyday at naptime. "Moon? Moon? Moon?" The Lullaby Light Cube is fantastic. No sarcasm for once.
3) Woolzies Dryer Balls & ReusaWool Dryer Balls
Both sets of my dryer balls permanently reside in my dryer. I have to say that I did notice a difference sometimes on certain loads of laundry when we were living with my parents and didn't use our dryer balls. Not surprisingly, it took towels and heavy things like blankets longer to dry. I also like them because they don't have yucky chemicals in them!
Honorable Mentions
Pink Lemonade Shop Cloth Pads
I have to admit I still use tampons most of the time during my period...But to be fair, I only have two pads from PLS that are actually, well, pad sized. All the rest are pantyliners. If you are thinking about trying cloth pads, definitely be sure to check out Pink Lemonade Shop! They have super soft fabrics and fun designs...for what it's worth. :D
Dustpan & Whisk Broom from For Small Hands
I know I just posted my review for this about a month ago, but we've actually been using it for a few months now. Not only does Myka enjoy using it to "help" clean up messes, it comes in handy for me as well if there is a mess that's not worth getting the broom for!
Wednesday, November 26, 2014
Monday, November 24, 2014
TDT: Learning w/Simple Toys & Household Chores
Hey folks! It's been a VERY long time since I've done a post specifically for Toddler Discovery Time! Compared to what we have been doing the past few months (in a nutshell, moving a lot, if you haven't read) I would have much rather have been working on fun posts like these and doing more crafty things with Myka! Anyways, onto today's topic...
I've been thinking a lot lately about how many parents seem to think their children need complicated toys to keep them entertained or "kid activities" (for lack of a better way to put it) for them to learn. Looking at our society as a whole and certain commercials on tv, it's easy to see why a lot of parents think this way. However, there is much to be learned from simple toys (or even "non-toy toys"!) and everyday activities around the house.
As I've mentioned before, I am really interested in the Montessori educational philosophy (and a growing interest in Waldorf education, as well). The activity pictured above is one I've seen many variations of around Pinterest and the internet in general when looking up Montessori based activities for young children. I've been meaning to get the "materials" for this for awhile now and just recently got around to it. (I know. Who doesn't have ice cube trays? Technically I do, but they're used for other crafty stuff at the moment.) I got the ice cube trays in a set of 3 and the tongs for cheap at the Dollar General store.
Myka really enjoyed doing this activity because she has always had rather good fine motor control for her age. I was worried about her getting frustrated with the small size of the holes, but she did fine. You can do all sorts of variations on this, using just about anything you can think of to sort. I've seen people have their older preschoolers use tweezers instead of tongs. Also once they are older, you can ask you child to sort their items according to color, size, number, etc. No matter what age, this is a great activity for working on attention span/concentration, hand-eye coordination, fine motor control, etc.
Myka has also enjoyed helping me out with household chores for as long as she's been able to, which until recently was mostly laundry and sweeping. I'm not sure how it got started, but several months ago she started wanting to throw trash away. (She has actually thrown a fit on several occasions if it's something we don't want her touching, therefore us not letting her do it. O.o)
In typical little kid fashion, she started getting whiny when John and I were baking something a few weeks ago because she wanted to do what we were doing. He actually gave in before I did (have I mentioned I'm a little OCD about messes?!) and let her have her own bowl of flour and a spoon to play with. She LOVED it. I got a wild hair up my butt today and let her "help" me wash dishes for the first time. She thought that was pretty cool too, especially since she's obsessed with bubbles, thanks to my mom. And to be honest, it actually made washing dishes a lot more enjoyable. (Probably because she behaved and washing dishes is one of my least favorite things to do, but I'll take it. ;) )
Besides the fact that kids enjoy doing what adults do, letting them help out with chores at an early age promotes responsibility, self-esteem, accountability, feeling more involved with family, and the list goes on. Plus, it can be just plain fun sometimes letting your little ones help with otherwise mundane chores that need done. (Did I mention I really hate washing dishes?)
What chores do you let your little ones help out with?
I've been thinking a lot lately about how many parents seem to think their children need complicated toys to keep them entertained or "kid activities" (for lack of a better way to put it) for them to learn. Looking at our society as a whole and certain commercials on tv, it's easy to see why a lot of parents think this way. However, there is much to be learned from simple toys (or even "non-toy toys"!) and everyday activities around the house.
As I've mentioned before, I am really interested in the Montessori educational philosophy (and a growing interest in Waldorf education, as well). The activity pictured above is one I've seen many variations of around Pinterest and the internet in general when looking up Montessori based activities for young children. I've been meaning to get the "materials" for this for awhile now and just recently got around to it. (I know. Who doesn't have ice cube trays? Technically I do, but they're used for other crafty stuff at the moment.) I got the ice cube trays in a set of 3 and the tongs for cheap at the Dollar General store.
Myka really enjoyed doing this activity because she has always had rather good fine motor control for her age. I was worried about her getting frustrated with the small size of the holes, but she did fine. You can do all sorts of variations on this, using just about anything you can think of to sort. I've seen people have their older preschoolers use tweezers instead of tongs. Also once they are older, you can ask you child to sort their items according to color, size, number, etc. No matter what age, this is a great activity for working on attention span/concentration, hand-eye coordination, fine motor control, etc.
Myka has also enjoyed helping me out with household chores for as long as she's been able to, which until recently was mostly laundry and sweeping. I'm not sure how it got started, but several months ago she started wanting to throw trash away. (She has actually thrown a fit on several occasions if it's something we don't want her touching, therefore us not letting her do it. O.o)
In typical little kid fashion, she started getting whiny when John and I were baking something a few weeks ago because she wanted to do what we were doing. He actually gave in before I did (have I mentioned I'm a little OCD about messes?!) and let her have her own bowl of flour and a spoon to play with. She LOVED it. I got a wild hair up my butt today and let her "help" me wash dishes for the first time. She thought that was pretty cool too, especially since she's obsessed with bubbles, thanks to my mom. And to be honest, it actually made washing dishes a lot more enjoyable. (Probably because she behaved and washing dishes is one of my least favorite things to do, but I'll take it. ;) )
Besides the fact that kids enjoy doing what adults do, letting them help out with chores at an early age promotes responsibility, self-esteem, accountability, feeling more involved with family, and the list goes on. Plus, it can be just plain fun sometimes letting your little ones help with otherwise mundane chores that need done. (Did I mention I really hate washing dishes?)
What chores do you let your little ones help out with?
Thursday, November 20, 2014
Easy Peasy Tuna Casserole
Hey folks! It's not really a secret that I'm not a huge fan of cooking. It's never been my favorite and I have poor time management skills in the kitchen. Needless to say, I'm all about easy recipes. Tuna casserole is one of my (and John and Myka's!) favorites. If you're looking for something easy tonight, give this a try!
What You'll Need:
-small can of tuna of your choice
-egg noodles (regular sized bag)
-shredded cheddar cheese
-peas
-2-3 cans (normal size) cream of mushroom soup
-1 (regular sized) can of corn
-potato chips or crackers (optional)
1) In a large pot, boil enough water for your noodles and peas. I use half the bag of egg noodles and probably 1/2-1 cup of peas. (Not gonna lie. I eyeball a lot of stuff on this recipe.)
2) Once your water is close to boiling, add your peas. Once it is fully boiling, add your noodles. (This is only if you are using FROZEN peas, so they have a little more time to thaw and cook.)
3) Once your noodles and peas are finished cooking, drain the water and add them back to the pot. Add your cans of soup, corn (we use a regular sized can, which is probably still a little much for some people, but it really adds flavor!), and tuna. I also suggest adding a little of the cheese in at this time too. Mix together well.
4) I don't think it really matters what kind of pan you use, but I suggest a medium-sized rectangular casserole dish. Pour your mixture into the dish. Add some extra cheese on top (up to you how much cheese you like) and crumble some plain potato chips or Saltine or Ritz crackers on top if you like.
5) Bake in oven at 350 F for about 10 minutes or until cheese is melty.
(In case you're wondering why in the picture I made mine in a cake pan, we currently do not have an oven that works, so I used a cake pan to make mine in our toaster oven!)
Tuesday, November 18, 2014
Baby Munchkin Boutique Giveaway
Giveaway Hosted by: Tales From A Southern Mom and Mommy by Nurture
Sponsored by: Baby Munchkin Boutique
There are just so many adorable things. She has nursing covers, blankets, headbands, hats, car seat covers and ties for little boys. It seems that everyone buys new babies the same things sometimes, some onesies, some socks, maybe a bib or two, but it is always nice to find something that is special.
Jamie from Baby Munchkin Boutique makes all of these things by hand and she even does special orders, so if you need something custom to match a nursery she is the shop to stop at.
The Baby Munchkin Boutique is a definite stop on your holiday list, if you have little ones to buy for. Boy or girl, she has very cute and very reasonably priced handmade gifts that you don’t have time to hand make yourself. Jamie is sponsoring a giveaway for a Winter Wonderland package with your choice of blanket and hat. Enter below, Good Luck and Happy Holidays!
This blog did not receive any compensation for this giveaway. Sponsor is responsible for shipment of prize to the winner. This giveaway is no way sponsored, endorsed by, affiliated with, or associated with Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Google or any other social media platform. If you have any questions or would like to see your product featured please email Julie at julie.talesfromasouthernmom@gmail.comKidOFit Shoes Giveaway
A perfect gift for kids, these shoes are fashionable and very good for their feet and growing bodies. It is a bonus that you can see their toes on the bottom and know when they are too small or large or if they are still fitting well. You can win your very own pair of shoes of your choice from KidOFit! Enter below, Good Luck and Happy Holidays!
This blog did not receive any compensation for this giveaway. Sponsor is responsible for shipment of prize to the winner. This giveaway is no way sponsored, endorsed by, affiliated with, or associated with Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Google or any other social media platform. If you have any questions or would like to see your product featured please email Julie at julie.talesfromasouthernmom@gmail.com
Monday, November 17, 2014
Our Thanksgiving Unit
Hey folks! It's hard to believe that it's almost time for Thanksgiving already for those of us here in the U.S. Now that we're all settled in our new place, I've been trying to get back into our learning activities. We stopped on the letter C...at least a couple of months ago. lol So, I thought we would start out again with some fun Thanksgiving themed things.
Now don't get me wrong. I don't actually expect Myka to be able to "do" some of this stuff "the right way". It's best suited for preschoolers. To be honest, I mostly did the printables because I've had a bad case of the lazies recently and figured it was better than nothing...Plus, since I decided to laminate them, we'll be able to use them for the next few years. Moving on...
I got the cute puzzles, counting, and tracing sheets from Learning 2 Walk. She has both a general Thanksgiving themed printable pack and a turkey one. I've been using our pumpkins from the fall sensory bin to use as "dobbers" of sorts on the counting sheets to physically represent the numbers. Oddly enough, Myka is a lot more into counting than she is the alphabet.
I also came across some cute Thanksgiving poems when searching for Thanksgiving stories for toddlers online. I like that they rhyme and some of them are to the tunes of well-known songs/rhymes (i.e. Frere Jacques) You can find the THANKS poem in the top right picture HERE and the list of poems on the left HERE.
John and I visited the book store last weekend so I could find a new Thanksgiving book for Myka and a book to take to my friend's daughter's birthday party this weekend. I was actually really impressed with their selection of Thanksgiving books, plus they had their own display, making them easy to find. Their children's section is laid out WAY better than the book store we used to go to in Arkansas. Anyways, I chose The Night Before Thanksgiving by Natasha Wing. Yes, it is like The Night Before Christmas and it actually made me literally lol a few times. Definitely worth checking out.
We finally finished making a paper plate turkey I had started last year. It actually turned out to be kind of convenient because I already had the body painted and glued together. :D Myka loves using the glue stick, so I let her help glue things on, she placed a few of the feathers and the face pieces, and helped me ruffle the feathers up. The turkey looks a bit scared, don't you think? I would be too if I were a turkey this time of year. ;)
What sort of fun Thanksgiving themed activities have you been doing with your little ones this week?
Now don't get me wrong. I don't actually expect Myka to be able to "do" some of this stuff "the right way". It's best suited for preschoolers. To be honest, I mostly did the printables because I've had a bad case of the lazies recently and figured it was better than nothing...Plus, since I decided to laminate them, we'll be able to use them for the next few years. Moving on...
I got the cute puzzles, counting, and tracing sheets from Learning 2 Walk. She has both a general Thanksgiving themed printable pack and a turkey one. I've been using our pumpkins from the fall sensory bin to use as "dobbers" of sorts on the counting sheets to physically represent the numbers. Oddly enough, Myka is a lot more into counting than she is the alphabet.
I also came across some cute Thanksgiving poems when searching for Thanksgiving stories for toddlers online. I like that they rhyme and some of them are to the tunes of well-known songs/rhymes (i.e. Frere Jacques) You can find the THANKS poem in the top right picture HERE and the list of poems on the left HERE.
John and I visited the book store last weekend so I could find a new Thanksgiving book for Myka and a book to take to my friend's daughter's birthday party this weekend. I was actually really impressed with their selection of Thanksgiving books, plus they had their own display, making them easy to find. Their children's section is laid out WAY better than the book store we used to go to in Arkansas. Anyways, I chose The Night Before Thanksgiving by Natasha Wing. Yes, it is like The Night Before Christmas and it actually made me literally lol a few times. Definitely worth checking out.
We finally finished making a paper plate turkey I had started last year. It actually turned out to be kind of convenient because I already had the body painted and glued together. :D Myka loves using the glue stick, so I let her help glue things on, she placed a few of the feathers and the face pieces, and helped me ruffle the feathers up. The turkey looks a bit scared, don't you think? I would be too if I were a turkey this time of year. ;)
What sort of fun Thanksgiving themed activities have you been doing with your little ones this week?
The IE Mommy's Favorite Things Giveaway
Accessories
Tote from Pattern LA
This adorable tote continues to be a favorite. The quality surpassed my expectations and it has held up with the beating I give my bags! The color didn't fade, the zipper didn't break and there are no holes, tears or rips. Amazing after a year of use! You can read my full original review here.
Baby
Bop Buddie from Lambie & Me
I tried this with Jax who had a preference for the ugly pacifiers the hospital gave you and was shocked when immediately latched onto it and nine months later, he still hasn't let go! Lambie, or Lambie Lamenstein as we've named him, is his most prized possession! He doesn't go to sleep without it! You can read my full original review here.
Children's Products
Baby Boutique Headbands from CGH
I tried and tried for years every headband, hair clip, bow in the book on Paige's hair! She NEVER likes them! Every day I'd go to pick her up from school and her hairpiece would be in her cubby. We tried these bands from CGH and she LOVED them! They were so adorable and unique and she liked that they didn't hurt her head or ears at all. You can read my full original review here.
Fitness
21 Day Fix from Beachbody
This review was literally life changing for me since it helped me reach all of my fitness goals in three weeks! AND I loved it so much I decided to become a Beachbody Coach to help others reach their goals too. I have never seen such a complete program that covers all your fitness needs and really works! For my transformation story you can read my full original review here.
Gadget & Tech
Weightmaster II Scale from Ozeri
This was the year to lose my baby weight after delivering Jax at the end of December! I really wanted to know more than just my weight though and I loved that this scale also told me my BMI. Not only that; it stores your info and will tell you what you've lost in the past day, three days and week! It's a nice way to keep tabs on myself! You can read my full original review here.
Games and Toys: Baby
Gymini Developlace Play Mat from Tiny Love
We got so much use out of this Gymini from Tiny Love! Jax loved it from the start! When he was a newborn he would lay under it and just look around at the colors. As he developed, he started playing with the dangling toys. Then at about six months when he started crawling we turned it into the tent and he played hide and go seek in it! You can read my full original review here.
Games and Toys: Boys
Angry Birds Action Game from Tactic Games
My son has been hooked on Angry Birds from Day one! He is obsessed! He is pretty single minded so when he's into something, it's all about that one thing! That's why it's nice to have options! This Angry Birds Action Game is so fun to play that the whole family gets involved. Whenever it's game night and it's Reed's turn to choose, he will go for this one every time! You can read my complete original review here.
Games and Toys: Girls
Disney Palace Pets from Build-A-Bear Workshop
My daughter already loves Build-A-Bear Workshop AND she loves Disney so put them together and you have a hit! She got the Cinderella pet Pumpkin and I don't think a day has gone by that she hasn't played with it! She loves to dress up like Cinderella and then carry around Pumpkin. It's pretty much the cutest thing ever. You can read my complete original review here.
Haircare
Paige's hair is always a tangled mess! She has that hair that just sticks together and tangles. And now that she does swim lessons three times a week it's even worse! Thank goodness for The Knot Genie. It was the first brush she didn't scream and complain about and the only one she lets me use til this day! You can read my original complete review here.Home and Family Products
Our Family Rules Canvas from Fulcrum Gallery
This was one of my more recent reviews and I absolutely love it! I get so many compliments on it because it's such a unique spin on the popular Family Rules! The colors just pop and the fonts all blend together perfectly. I also love referring my kids to this when they need reminding of a certain rule now that they are reading! You can read my complete original review here.
Jewelry
Locket and Charms from Origami Owl
I had heard lots of things about Origami Owl and really didn't know what all the fuss was about, until I had one! LOVE IT! I love everything about it and it's one of my two favorite necklaces to wear all the time! I love the quality and look of it and that it represents my most treasured job in life: being a mom! You can read my original complete review here.
Kitchen
Soma Walter Filtration System
I love this water filtration system from Soma! It's definitely a step up from the old pitcher we used to have. It looks beautiful sitting on my counter and I get a lot of people complimenting and asking about it. I like having water handy to pour because I'm more like to drink it that way! You can read my original complete review here.
Makeup
Whiplash Eyelash Curler from Crave Naturals
I have not been blessed with long gorgeous eyelashes like my three precious children! Mine need a little bit of help. Ok, a LOT of help! This eyelash curler is amazing! It gives instant results without cramping of the fingers or pulling of the eyelashes. It's become part of my daily routine. Ok, make that part of my routine when I wear makeup! You can read my original complete review here.
Skincare
Herbacin Foot Care from Herbacin USA
One of the biggest luxuries in life to me involves getting a pedicure! I run around all day long and my feet take the brunt of it! While it's a luxury I don't get often, there's no reason I can't take care of my feet at home! The Herbacin foot cream really made me feel like I was getting a spa treatment at home. I love sitting down and rubbing this on at the end of a long day. It's become part of my nightly routine. You can read my original complete review here.The Giveaway
And now, the moment you've all been waiting for! Most of these amazing companies have agreed to Giveaway my favorite things to YOU! Some aren't the exact same product but they are comparable and since they are coming from the same Company, I know you will love them!Pattern LA
One Winner: ARV $24.00
Sydney SmartPhone Case - Fleur Berry
Lambie & Me
One Winner: ARV $29.95
Lambie Lovie Snuggle Blanket
GCH
One Winner: ARV $11.99
Christmas 3 Piece Outfit
Ozeri
One Winner: ARV $14.95
5-Piece Wine Bottle Corkscrew & Accessory Set
Tiny Love
One Winner: ARV $50.00
Tactic Games
One Winner: ARV $24.99
Angry Birds Action Game
The Knot Genie
One Winner: ARV $19.95
The Knot Genie (color may vary)
Fulcrum Gallery
One Winner: ARV $75.00
Gift Card
Origami Owl
ARV $50.00
$50.00 Gift Card
Crave Naturals
One Winner for (4) Crave Products: ARV $73.75
Brow & Lash Kit
Glide Thru Detangling Brush
Precision Tweezers
Organic Argan Oil
Herbacin USA
One Winner: ARV $6.00
Foot Cream
Enter to Win these Prizes and Good Luck!
Mixed Bag Mama did not receive compensation for promoting this post.Sunday, November 16, 2014
Mommy's Obsessions 2014 Holiday Gift Guide Giveaways
Welcome to
Mommy's Obsessions 2014 Holiday Gift Guide Giveaway!
Hosted by Mommy's Obsessions
It's that time of year again! Time to make your list of who in the family has been naughty and who has been nice, and make your choices on the perfect gift to give this holiday season. Coming up with fun, useful, and unique gifts can sometimes be a challenge, so this year Mommy's Obsession is here to help! They've put together a list of 30 products for mom, baby, and kids to make your holiday shopping decisions a little simpler! From cozy blankets to fun and exciting toys, this list is sure to help you find something perfect for your loved ones this year!
To view the Mommy's Obsessions 2014 Holiday Gift Guide, visit Mommy's Obsessions!
Are you ready for the chance to win over $735 worth of amazing products baby/kids, and $760 for yourself? Enter the giveaways below for your chance to win an amazing prize package for yourself or to share!
. . .
Baby/Kids Giveaway
One winner will receive:
(1) $100 Gift Certificate to Friendly Rooster
(1) Wintertime Set from My True Nature
(1) 3 Pack of Bandana Bibs from Mum2Mum
(1) InRoad Toys Classic Play Tape + (1) Classic Rail Tape
(1) Merdy Inc Luxe Feathery White Heart Receiving Blanket
(1) Jamberry Nails Kids Zebra + Scribble Hearts
(1) Chewbeads Rattle
(1) Softbums Starter Kit
(1) HABA Play Cookie Tin
(1) Hape Toys Park & Go Garage + (1) Fire Station + (1) Fire Truck + (1) Happy Firemen set
(1) Blooming Bath
(1) Brown Owl Animal Hopper
(1) KaZAM Balance Bike
ARV: $735
The Giveaway will close late on the evening of November 26th. The winner will be chosen at random through Giveaway Tools. The winner will be announced both on Giveaway Tools form as well as notified by email and announced on Mommy's Obsessions Facebook. The winner will have 48 hours to respond to said email before they forfeit their prize and a new winner is chosen. Mommy's Obsessions and participating bloggers are not responsible for prize shipments. Some prizes may require winner to choose color/print/fabric/sizes. Must be 18 years and older. Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Google, and other forms of social media are in no way affiliated with this giveaway. No Purchase Necessary. Void where prohibited by law. One entry per household. U.S. Residents Only.
Momma Giveaway
One winner will receive:
(1) Knocked Up Fitness Guide to Pregnancy Book + (1) Postpartum DVD
(1) $30 Pink Lemonade Shop Gift Certificate(1)Lalabu Soothe Shirt
(1) $25 Jamberry Nails Gift Certificate
(1) $25 Bamboobies Gift Certificate
(1) Aden + Anais Daydream Blanket
(1) Dairy Fairy Josie Sleep'in Beauty Bra
(1) Surprise Set of 3 Scent Bars from Scentsy by Alex
(1) Set of Sheets from Cariloha Bamboo
(1) Vitabath Spice is Nice Gift Set
(1) Eat Smart Precision Tracker Digital Bathroom Scale
(1) Pattern LA Dilly Bag
(1) ItWorks Wrap
ARV: $760
The Giveaway will close late on the evening of November 26th. The winner will be chosen at random through Giveaway Tools. The winner will be announced both on Giveaway Tools form as well as notified by email and announced on Mommy's Obsessions Facebook. The winner will have 48 hours to respond to said email before they forfeit their prize and a new winner is chosen. Mommy's Obsessions and participating bloggers are not responsible for prize shipments. Some prizes may require winner to choose color/print/fabric/sizes. Must be 18 years and older. Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Google, and other forms of social media are in no way affiliated with this giveaway. No Purchase Necessary. Void where prohibited by law. One entry per household. U.S. Residents Only.
We have teamed up with Mommy's Obsessions to bring you these two large scale giveaways. All photos have been used with permission by each company for promotional purposes. Mommy's Obsessions received complimentary products or payment for inclusion. For questions or concerns please contact mommysobsessions@gmail.com. This disclosure is done in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission 10 CFR, Part 255 Guides Concerning the use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.
Friday, November 14, 2014
Toddler Socialization: Important, Detrimental, or Neither?
Hey folks! Now that we're back in Indiana, Myka is older, and we are living on our own again, I've been making more of an effort to get us out of the house more often. Personally, I've come to like my hermit lifestyle for the most part, but I feel like it would do Myka some good to "socialize" with other kids. Or would it?
The vast majority of what I have read and heard from other people, it is good and you should provide opportunities for your kids to socialize before they start school. I recently read some interesting comments on another blogger's Facebook page post that got me to wondering if toddler socialization is really all that beneficial, though.
To be honest, I can't even remember what the original post was about exactly, but it was something related to younger children playing together. I found one woman's comment particularly intriguing. Basically, her point was that children pick up social cues from adults, not other children. She does have a point, but I feel like kids still benefit from playing with one another, especially when younger ones are around older ones. (Perhaps one of the main reasons I like Montessori so much!)
I definitely think it's important, as adults, to set good examples for our children since they pick up bad habits from us just as easily (if not more so!) as they do from other children. Whose kid hasn't picked up a bad word (even if it's not necessarily a curse word) at some point in their lives? More than likely, kids are not going to want to wash their hands or brush their teeth if we don't do so regularly, right? We also need to be sure to set good examples of sharing, using our words instead of our hands to express frustrations and solve problems, and the like.
With that being said and as I mentioned, I think children still benefit with interacting with one another at an early age. They can still pick up new words, learn how to manipulate toys in new ways, and there are always plenty of opportunities to teach them what is acceptable social behavior. (Read: Explaining to little Susie why it's not ok to hit Mandy just because she has a toy that she wants to play with and what an appropriate way to handle the situation and her feelings would be!)
Don't get me wrong: Kids can pick up bad behaviors from other kids too, just as they can from adults. No parent wants to pick their child up from daycare only to find out that he/she has picked up hitting or biting from another kid! However, I'm sure it goes without saying that I still plan on taking Myka to fun events and places where other children will be. Besides, she enjoys getting out of the house more than I do and God knows I should probably start talking to more adults during the day. ;)
What are your thoughts? Do you feel it's important for your children to interact with others? (Especially if they are the only child?) Why or why not?
The vast majority of what I have read and heard from other people, it is good and you should provide opportunities for your kids to socialize before they start school. I recently read some interesting comments on another blogger's Facebook page post that got me to wondering if toddler socialization is really all that beneficial, though.
To be honest, I can't even remember what the original post was about exactly, but it was something related to younger children playing together. I found one woman's comment particularly intriguing. Basically, her point was that children pick up social cues from adults, not other children. She does have a point, but I feel like kids still benefit from playing with one another, especially when younger ones are around older ones. (Perhaps one of the main reasons I like Montessori so much!)
I definitely think it's important, as adults, to set good examples for our children since they pick up bad habits from us just as easily (if not more so!) as they do from other children. Whose kid hasn't picked up a bad word (even if it's not necessarily a curse word) at some point in their lives? More than likely, kids are not going to want to wash their hands or brush their teeth if we don't do so regularly, right? We also need to be sure to set good examples of sharing, using our words instead of our hands to express frustrations and solve problems, and the like.
With that being said and as I mentioned, I think children still benefit with interacting with one another at an early age. They can still pick up new words, learn how to manipulate toys in new ways, and there are always plenty of opportunities to teach them what is acceptable social behavior. (Read: Explaining to little Susie why it's not ok to hit Mandy just because she has a toy that she wants to play with and what an appropriate way to handle the situation and her feelings would be!)
Don't get me wrong: Kids can pick up bad behaviors from other kids too, just as they can from adults. No parent wants to pick their child up from daycare only to find out that he/she has picked up hitting or biting from another kid! However, I'm sure it goes without saying that I still plan on taking Myka to fun events and places where other children will be. Besides, she enjoys getting out of the house more than I do and God knows I should probably start talking to more adults during the day. ;)
What are your thoughts? Do you feel it's important for your children to interact with others? (Especially if they are the only child?) Why or why not?
Thursday, November 13, 2014
B.Toys Baa Baa Barn Giveaway
B. Toys have a unique look and feel and they are so brilliant in my opinion, they say on their site:
"The look, feel and function are inspired by the world around us. By our children’s faces. Our dreams. Our own childhoods. Our travels. By Peruvian textiles and New England foliage. By a pretty bar of soap that gave us a moment of delight.
Our process? Part joy. Part love. Part mischief. Part serendipity."
This is a fabulous toy and it makes me want all of their toys for my kids. You can connect with B. Toys at their website. Stay tuned as the great people at B. Toys are giving away one of the Baa Baa Barns for one of our readers. You don't want to miss it! If you just cannot wait you can buy your own HERE! Enter Below, Good Luck and Happy Holidays!
This blog did not receive any compensation for this giveaway. Sponsor is responsible for shipment of prize to the winner. This giveaway is no way sponsored, endorsed by, affiliated with, or associated with Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Google or any other social media platform. If you have any questions or would like to see your product featured please email Julie at julie.talesfromasouthernmom@gmail.com
This is a fabulous toy and it makes me want all of their toys for my kids. You can connect with B. Toys at their website. Stay tuned as the great people at B. Toys are giving away one of the Baa Baa Barns for one of our readers. You don't want to miss it! If you just cannot wait you can buy your own HERE! Enter Below, Good Luck and Happy Holidays!
This blog did not receive any compensation for this giveaway. Sponsor is responsible for shipment of prize to the winner. This giveaway is no way sponsored, endorsed by, affiliated with, or associated with Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Google or any other social media platform. If you have any questions or would like to see your product featured please email Julie at julie.talesfromasouthernmom@gmail.com
GirlznDollz Giveaway
GirlznDollz celebrates everything there is to being a girl! Empowerment starts at an early age, and GirlznDollz wants to teach and grow with your child to let them know that the possibilities are limitless to who they can become!
How awesome for a company to embrace the individuality of everyone! I think it is time for more companies to get this message. These dolls are everything we always want to be from the purple hair to the pink striped stockings, we all want to be a little more individual! These dolls are perfect for under your tree! Girlzndollz is giving away to one lucky reader the doll of their choice for our Holiday Gift Guide. Enter Below, Good Luck and Happy Holidays!
This blog did not receive any compensation for this giveaway. Sponsor is responsible for shipment of prize to the winner. This giveaway is no way sponsored, endorsed by, affiliated with, or associated with Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Google or any other social media platform. If you have any questions or would like to see your product featured please email Julie at julie.talesfromasouthernmom@gmail.com