Hendrick’s Gin Golf Umbrella and $20.00 Crate & Barrel Gift Card Giveaway!

** THIS GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED **

It's been a few weeks since I've given something away, and this is a good one!

If you're a non-drinker (or teetotal as the English say), just skip right to the giveaway below. But, if you want to discover your winter cocktail, learn a few little known liquor facts and get a few new drink recipes, then please check out this widget from Robb Report and keep reading!

Have you wondered what winter cocktail fits you best? Take the Discover Your Winter Cocktail quiz and you can find out by answering a few simple questions!


Winter Breeze Ingredients:
  • 1 oz creme de cacao
  • 1 oz vanilla schnapps
  • 1 oz Irish cream
  • milk
Preparation: Pour liquors into a beer mug, and fill with milk. Stir, and serve.
Spring Fever Ingredients:
  • 3/4 oz lemon juice
  • 3/4 oz mango syrup
  • 1 1/2 oz pineapple juice
  • 2 oz blood orange juice
Preparation: Shake well over ice cubes in a shaker, and strain into a collins glass half-filled with crushed ice.

 Okay, now onto the giveaway!

It's easy to enter. Use the Rafflecopter giveaway widget below. Good Luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Win a Chick-fil-A Cow Watch Prize Pack! ***CLOSED***

Congratulations to the winner of this giveaway, Jessica H.!

Remember when I gave you the heads-up that cow watches are coming to Chick-fil-A kid’s meals? 

Now, they're here!

And, in the true spirit of the holidays, cow watches have arrived with a simple and fun message: In your busy holiday season make sure to stop and take a few moments together as a family to spend quality “time” with one another. What a sweet message. And, if your kids haven't gotten one yet, try to get one soon because they won't be here too long. I know my kids are super excited about getting their hands on these.

I am happy to be able to give one of my lucky readers a Chick-fil-A prize pack which will include:  

  • Five Cow Watches
  • Two Chick-fil-A Plush Cows and
  • A Free Peppermint Chocolate Chip Milkshake Coupon with speciality Christmas ornament

Want to win? 

Just leave me a comment below and let me know why you want to win. That's it!

Be sure to put your email address in the response form so that I can get in touch with you if you're the lucky winner.

All entries must be received by Dec 30th at midnight. Winners eligible in USA Only. The prize will be sent via FedEx or UPS.  No P.O. Boxes please. Must be 18 years or older to win. The winner will be selected using random.org, notified by email and must reply to my email within 48 hours. This is not a paid post & all opinions are my own.   You can find my full disclosure & giveaway rules here: www.localfunforkids.com/disclosure Note: Cow Watches are available in Chick-fil-A Kid’s Meals! Check with your local Chick-fil-A restaurant for availability: http://www.chick-fil-a.com/Locations Limited quantities available while supplies last.

Chick-fil-A Watches Are Almost Here & Win a 2012 Calender!

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas... isn't it?  The lights are going up, Christmas trees are decked out at the malls, the kids are coming home from preschool with traces of glitter all over their clothes.

Yep, it's almost Christmas time. 

Everyone in my house absolutely loves Chick-fil-A.  And, within the next few weeks, we're definitely heading over to our local Chick-fil-a, because in mid-December* Cow Watches are coming to the kid’s meals! During the holidays Chick-fil-A Kid’s Meals are featuring the never before seen Cow Watches to reach families with a simple and fun message: In your busy holiday season make sure to stop and take a few moments together as a family to spend quality “time” with one another.

Thanks to my friends at Chick-fil-A, one of my readers will win their very own 2012 Calender with free coupons for Chick-fil-A all year round!  It's easy to enter.  Just leave me a comment below and let me know your favorite item on the Chick-fil-A menu. Be sure to enter your email address so I can get in touch with you if you win.


 

Click the widget above for fun and enriching activities, worksheets and quizzes so that you can share in the holiday fun!

*Cow Watches are coming to Chick-fil-A Kids Meals in mid-December! Check with your local Chick-fil-A restaurant for availability: http://www.chick-fil-a.com/Locations  

For the Calender giveaway: All entries must be received by Dec 2nd at midnight. Winners eligible in USA Only. The prize will be sent via FedEx or UPS.  No P.O. Boxes please.  Must be 18 years or older to win. The winner will be selected using random.org, notified by email and must reply to my email within 24 hours. This is not a paid post & all opinions are my own. This giveaway is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with, Facebook. You are providing information to Localfunforkids.com and not to Facebook. Please see the Disclosure for other details: www.localfunforkids.com/disclosure

Enter to Win Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2 DVD!

Earlier in the week, I promised another giveaway, and I hope you're as excited about this as I am!

The final face-off between good and evil is finally upon us as Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2 is released on DVD November 11, 2011, just in time for the holidays! Join Harry, Ron and Hermione as they do battle against Voldemort in the epic conclusion to the film series everyone is talking about!   

Take The Harry Potter Trivia Quiz! Are you an expert in all things Potter?  Test your knowledge in our trivia quiz!  Discover if you are an expert or a novice by challenging your skills!  The results might surprise you!

Discover The Harry Potter Buzz Portal! Are you hungry for the latest in all things Potter?  The Harry Potter Buzz Portal will give you real time updates on the trending Harry Potter topics from Facebook and Twitter.  Plus, you can share your top three tips to having the ultimate Harry Potter party!

All entries must be received by November 30th at midnight. Winners eligible in USA Only. The prize will be sent via FedEx or UPS.  No P.O. Boxes please.  Must be 18 years or older to win. The winner will be selected using random.org, notified by email and must reply to my email within 24 hours. This is not a paid post & all opinions are my own. This giveaway is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with, Facebook. You are providing information to Localfunforkids.com and not to Facebook. Please see the Disclosure for other details: www.localfunforkids.com/disclosure

Winnie The Pooh "Return to the Hundred Acre Wood" Giveaway ***CLOSED***

Update: CONGRATULATIONS TO TARA B. WHO WON THE WINNIE THE POOH DVD/BLUE RAY COMBO PACK!

Just in time for the Christmas, Disney is releasing the new Winnie the Pooh DVD and Blue Ray Combo Pack! This movie looks absolutely adorable.  It's the type of feel good movie you want to watch with your kids while you snuggle together on a dreary day.   

Return to the Hundred Acre Wood, for the latest adventure featuring the world’s beloved bear, Winnie The Pooh!  Join Pooh, Tigger, Rabbit, Christopher Robin, Owl, Kanga, Piglet, Eeyore, and all of the classic characters you know and love when Walt Disney Pictures releases Winnie The Pooh on DVD and Blu-Ray October 25, 2011!

  • Take The Pooh Personality Quiz! Now you can see which character best fits your personality and so can your children with a quiz just for them!
  • Pooh Activities and Downloads! Click above for new games and activities so you and your family can have your own adventure!  Download coloring sheets, exclusive “Pooh” cooking recipes, party ideas, crafts, games and more!


All entries must be recieved by October 29th at midnight. Winners eligible in USA Only. The prize will be sent via FedEx or UPS.  No P.O. Boxes please.  Must be 18 years or older to win. The winner will be selected using random.org, notified by email and must reply to my email within 24 hours. This is not a paid post & all opinions are my own. This giveaway is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with, Facebook. You are providing information to Localfunforkids.com and not to Facebook. Please see the full Disclosure for other details. www.localfunforkids.com/disclosure

Glow Crazy Review and Giveaway ***CLOSED***

CONGRATULATIONS TO DEBI WHO WON THE GLOW CRAZY DISTANCE DOODLER!

Have your kids ever had something that you wanted to play with as much as they did? 

I'm sure this has happened to you before.  Your kids get something new and as soon as you open up the box, you're all completely fascinated. You want to grab it from them and start playing, but you have to control yourself and let them have it first. This is exactly what happened when we opened up the Glow Crazy Distance Doodler and Glow to Go.

I've never seen anything like the Glow Crazy Distance Doodler.  It is so cool! You use a battery powered light wand with a special glow-in-the-dark reusable clings to create mess-free art over and over again.  Just peel off the protective backing of the glow clings and stick it to any smooth surface like a wall, ceiling or window. Then grab your light wand and doodle close up or from a distance. 

It can even be a fun way to help kids learn their letters or shapes before bedtime.  Plus, this makes the most amazing cat toy too. I think we had just as much fun doodling on the ceiling as we did when we played with the cat. 

The Glow to Go is the other product my kids tested out.  The Glow to Go has four bright colored glow pads in a sturdy case. The color of the drawings is different depending on which color canvas you're drawing on. 

I think this one was my favorite, because from a mom's perspective, it's very versatile.  I love the fact that this light wand is actually attached to the case so that you don't have to worry about misplacing it.  It's big enough to let your kids to get creative, but it's compact enough that they could take it in the car and use it on their lap.   You can use it at home or on the road. Although it works best in the dark, we used ours during the day too, and it still worked well.

I'm always looking for kids' products that will enable my kids to use their imagination or be creative in new and unique ways and Glow Crazy fits the bill.

 

Buy Glow Crazy Online by Clicking Here

Anyone who buys the Distance Doodler via the link above can receive an exclusive free bonus pack including 1 Light Writer, 5 Canvas Wall Clings and 4 Stencils

WIN IT

One lucky Local Fun for Kids Reader will

Win a Glow Crazy Distance Doodler kit - including:

1 Dual Action Magic Light Wand
2 Large Reusable Wall Canvas Clings
4 Stencils

Instruction Booklet

 Update: Congratulation to Debi who won the Glow Crazy Distance Doodler     

New Love ~ Johnson's Honey Apple Baby Wash

I am going to make this short and sweet!  The other day I was at Target looking for some shower gel for my boys.  They are 3 and 5, so I don't usually buy baby wash any more.  But, when I saw the Johnson and Johnson's Honey Apple Baby Wash my eyes lit up. 

Being that it's apple season and the leaves are starting to fall, this is perfect to help get into the autumn spirit. This baby wash smells amazing!  It's like you just took a fresh slice of the sweetest apple you could find and put its scent into a rich bath wash.  

In my opinion, it's just as good or better than anything you'd find in a specialty bath store that may sell for triple the price.  I hope it's not seasonal, because I may have to stock up!

My Memories Suite - Review and Giveaway ***CLOSED***

 CONGRATULATIONS TO CHRISTY WHO WON THE MY MEMORIES SUITE SOFTWARE!

 Maybe you're a scrapbook addict, or maybe you're a mom like me, who has never scrap booked a day in your life. No matter who you are, there are so many reasons to love My Memories Suite digital scrapbooking software.  This software is so much fun to use and I could see so many of my friends seriously becoming addicted to My Memories Suite.

Even if you're not super tech-savvy, this software enables you to effortlessly build entire digital scrapbook albums and so much more. For years to come, I can see myself using My Memories Suite to make greeting cards, flyers, party invitations, and personal website designs. This will especially come in handy for:

  • Women who want to scrapbook but don't have the time. You can make scrapbooks and print them at home or turn them into professionally printed books!
  • Crafters who want access to thousands of new design elements
  • Anyone who wants to make their own party invitations or greeting cards
  • Bloggers who would love to freshen up their personal web sites but can't afford a designer
  • Photographers or anyone with a Home-based business

The best part is, you can make it as simple or as complex as you choose. You could just open up the software, use the pre-designed templates, drag-and-drop your pictures and be done in 10 minutes.  Or, you could play with the fonts, papers, embellishments, borders and everything else that is available.  It's up to you!

So here is the awesome part...  The company who makes My Memories Suite loves me! They gave me this promo code (STMMMS42600) that I can share with my family and friends (that’s you).  By using this code at MyMemories.com, you can get $10 off My Memories Suite (you get it for $29.95 instead of $39.95) AND you also get a $10 gift certificate to use in their online store!  Simply go to http://www.mymemories.com/digital_scrapbooking_software and use STMMMS42600 in the promo code box on the shopping cart page!

Win It

My Memory Suites is offering one of Local Fun for Kid's readers to receive this $40 software for FREE!

Required Entry:

Enter the quick entry form on Local Fun for Kids Facebook Page (name and email address only)

* By completing the entry form, you will be automatically entered into the giveaway. You do not need to leave any additional comments below, unless you choose to do bonus entries.

 Bonus Entries:

Once you complete the required entry form, you may enter up to 2 additional times.  Just leave extra comments (below) letting me know you completed  one or both of the bonus entries listed below. 

1 Bonus Entry -  visit www.MyMemories.com and choose your favorite digital paper pack or layout, then comment below this post telling me which one(s) you chose.

1 Bonus Entry -Follow @LocalFunforKids on Twitter and Tweet about this Giveaway

Update: Congratulations to Christy who won the My Memory Suites Software!

This giveaway will be open untilOctober 25th 2011 at midnight (EST). Open to U.S. and Canadian Residents Only. Must be 18 years or older to win. The winner will be selected using random.org, notified by email and must reply to my email within 2 days. This is not a paid post & all opinions are my own. This giveaway is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with, Facebook. You are providing information to Localfunforkids.com and not to Facebook. I am participating in My Memories Suites Affiliate program. Please see the full Disclosure for other details.  

Walt Disney’s Spooky Buddies DVD Giveaway ***CLOSED***

Congratulations to the winner of this giveaway Malia P. who won with her bonus entry:

http://twitter.com/#!/livinmommylife/status/116386476631138304

************************************************************************

Halloween is almost here and Disney's irresistible talking Buddies are back in an all-new movie that takes them for a spooky new adventure. With the help of some unexpected new friends -- Pip, Zelda, Rodney, and Skip, the buddies must stop Warwick the Warlock and save the world from his dastardly deeds.

Check out the “Buddy” quiz so you can find out which one of the Spooky Buddies would be your Buddy! View a movie clip! Learn a few Howl-o-ween safety tips to make adventure a howling success for you and your canine companions!

 Win It

We're giving away one Walt Disney’s Spooky Buddies DVD

and entering to win is simple.

Required Entry:

Enter the quick entry form on Local Fun for Kids Facebook Page (name and email address only)

* By completing the entry form, you will be automatically entered into the giveaway. You do not need to leave any additional comments below, unless you choose to do bonus entries.

 Bonus Entries:

Once you complete the required entry form, you may enter up to 2 additional times.  Just leave extra comments (below) letting me know you completed  one or both of the bonus entries listed below. 

1 Bonus Entry - Please tell me who your favorite Buddy is and why.

1 Bonus Entry -Follow @LocalFunforKids on Twitter and Tweet about this Giveaway

Example: I want to #win Walt Disney's New Spooky Buddies DVD with @Localfunforkids   #giveaway

 

This giveaway will be open until September 26th 2011 at midnight (EST). Open to U.S. and Canadian Residents Only. Must be 18 years or older to win. The winner will be selected using random.org, notified by email and must reply to my email within 2 days. This is not a paid post & all opinions are my own. This giveaway is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with, Facebook. You are providing information to Localfunforkids.com and not to Facebook. This contest is not associated with Facebook in any way. Please see the full Disclosure for other details. www.localfunforkids.com

Kid Fun in a Sneaker: Heeleys

When I was given a chance to try out a pair of Heelys I was torn...  Should I get a pair for myself, or should I get a pair for my son?

You probably already know what Heeleys are, but just in case you don't:

Heelys are roller shoes that have one or two wheels embedded in each sole, similar to inline skates.  With these shoes, you can walk, run, or, roll by shifting their weight to your heels.

Until recently, I never knew they made adult sizes of Heelys.  So, I was really surprised when I saw so many varieties on their web site. Boys, girls, men and women all have a really good selection of Heelys to chose from.  Whether you want pretty pink shoes or basic black, there seems to be something for everyone.

But, even though I was tempted to get a pair for myself, I decided to choose a pair for my son. He never seems to stop moving and he's definitely much more coordinated than I am. 

We ordered his Heelys online, and I have to say that their customer service was top totch and they ship fast!  When we received the shoes, I was extremely impressed with the quality.  They are very durable and have a nice sleek appearance.  Some people are naturals on Heelys, but for others, like my son, it will definitely take a bit of practice. Luckily, if you find that your child has difficulty with the wheels in the shoe, you can just pop out the wheels, put in the sturdy plug to use them like regular sneakers.  Having the ability to quickly pop the wheel in and out makes them really versatile and functional.

Becoming an expert on your Heelys is almost like mastering a new sport.  So, it's a great way for kids to learn that it takes practice and patience to master a skill.  However, once you figure it out, it's a peice of cake.  Plus, you can learn lots of cool tricks as shown here in this video.

If you want to buy Heely's you can use the US store finder or the International store finder to find a retail location near you, or go here to shop online.

Wouldn't these be a cool Christmas present?

Disclaimer:  The Heelys company provided me with a pair of shoes free of charge to review, but all opinions expressed are, as always, my own.  I was given no monetary compensation for this post.

Sleep Scentsations ~ Review and Giveaway ***CLOSED***

***Congratulations to Allison who was the winner of this giveaway! ***

Sleep, Ah... Wonderful Sleep! 

I never intended to be a co-sleeping mommy and I could probably write a book about 'How to get your kids not to sleep in their beds all night'. But, to make a long story short - sleep is a luxury in my life. And, when I found Sleep Scentsations Pillow Liners at Bath Time in Cape May, NJ  I was so excited to try them out at home.

If you've never heard of Sleep Scentsations, here's some info about them:

Sleep Scentsations products are a soft, cushioned pillow liner infused with quality aroma-therapy oils that lasts for 4-5 nights.  Create a relaxing spa experience in your bedroom and indulge your senses as you drift off to sleep.

Simply place Sleep Scentsations aroma-therapy liners on your pillow and enjoy a natural, drug-free solution to help you get a better nights sleep. (Source)

I bought a few Relax Sleep Scentsations liners which have an aroma therapy blend of lavender and soothing chamomile, and the scent was AMAZING! It's hard to explain, but it's the ideal blend of aromas that make you relaxed, calm and ready for a peaceful night's sleep. I was definitely happy with my purchase and I will be buying more soon.

These pillow liners are the perfect little treat for when you're having a rough week and need something to calm you down and relieve stress.  There are so many different scents, such as: My Boyfriends Shirt, Snore RX, Day at the Beach, Restore and more.

Individually, they are about the same price as a cup of cappucino, and it's fat free! Plus, they make great gifts or party favors. Whether you need a present for someone that 'has everything' or want to slip it in a greeting card for a friend who needs a pick-me-up, they're such a thoughtful gift.   

You can buy Sleep Scentsations pillow liners at a location near you or directly from their website.

Thanks to the generous ladies at Sleep Scentsations, I'm giving away a

New - Aromatherapy Collection set to one of my lucky readers

Win (2) Relax,  (2) Retreat, (2) Restore and (2) Romance scented pillow liners with a Lavender satin eye mask for a truly pampered sleep.

8  LINERS AND LAVENDER EYE MASK IN ORGANZA GIFT BAG  ~ $20.99 Value

Click HERE to Enter to see the FULL POST and ENTER THIS GIVEAWAY!

Sleep Scentsations Review & Giveaway

Sleep, Ah... Wonderful Sleep! 

I never intended to be a co-sleeping mommy and I could probably write a book about 'How to get your kids not to sleep in their beds all night'. But, to make a long story short - sleep is a luxury in my life. And, when I found Sleep Scentsations Pillow Liners at Bath Time in Cape May, NJ  I was so excited to try them out at home.

If you've never heard of Sleep Scentsations, here's some info about them:

Sleep Scentsations products are a soft, cushioned pillow liner infused with quality aroma-therapy oils that lasts for 4-5 nights.  Create a relaxing spa experience in your bedroom and indulge your senses as you drift off to sleep.

Simply place Sleep Scentsations aroma-therapy liners on your pillow and enjoy a natural, drug-free solution to help you get a better nights sleep. (Source)

I bought a few Relax Sleep Scentsations liners which have an aroma therapy blend of lavender and soothing chamomile, and the scent was AMAZING! It's hard to explain, but it's the ideal blend of aromas that make you relaxed, calm and ready for a peaceful night's sleep. I was definitely happy with my purchase and I will be buying more soon.

These pillow liners are the perfect little treat for when you're having a rough week and need something to calm you down and relieve stress.  There are so many different scents, such as: My Boyfriends Shirt, Snore RX, Day at the Beach, Restore and more.

Individually, they are about the same price as a cup of cappucino, and it's fat free! Plus, they make great gifts or party favors. Whether you need a present for someone that 'has everything' or want to slip it in a greeting card for a friend who needs a pick-me-up, they're such a thoughtful gift.   

Win It

Win the New - Aromatherapy Collection!

 Now you can bring that spa experience home and enjoy total relaxation with the New Spa Collection by Sleep Scentsations.  Enter to win (2) Relax,  (2) Retreat, (2) Restore and (2) Romance scented pillow liners with a Lavender satin eye mask for a truly pampered sleep.

8  LINERS AND LAVENDER EYE MASK IN ORGANZA GIFT BAG  ~ $20.99 Value

Required Entry:

Complete the Entry Form on Local Fun for Kids Facebook Page

* By completing the entry form, you will be automatically entered into the giveaway. You don't need to leave any additional comments below, unless you choose to do bonus entries.

Bonus Entries:

Once you complete the required entry form, you may enter up to 2 additional times.  Just leave extra comments letting me know you completed  one or both of the bonus entries listed below. 

1 Bonus Entry -Follow @SleepScents on Twitter and Tweet about this Giveaway

Example:  Love #Sleep?  You'll love it more with @SleepScents http://bit.ly/pbTpsG  #giveaway

1 Bonus Entry - Follow @LocalFunforKids on Twitter and Tweet about this Giveaway

Example: Enter to win a Aromatherapy Collection Set with @Localfunforkids http://bit.ly/pbTpsG  #giveaway
****
After you enter the giveaway, stop by Sleep Scentsation's Facebook Page and say Hello!
 

This giveaway will be open until September 12th 2011 at midnight (EST). Open to U.S. Residents Only. Must be 18 years or older to win. The winner will be selected using random.org, notified by email and must reply to my email within 3 days. This is not a paid post & all opinions about Sleeo Scentsations are my own. This giveaway is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with, Facebook. You are providing information to Localfunforkids.com and not to Facebook. This contest is not associated with Facebook in any way. Disclosure can be found on www.localfunforkids.com

Jiggly New Snack ~ Mixchief Jello Review

JELL-O!

Honestly, I've never really been a gelatin-kind-of-girl. But, when I saw this Michief JELL-O in the supermarket, I thought it was pretty cool for 3 reasons:

1) This box screamed "BUY ME! I'M FUN!"  It has a wacky little character on there.  The box is the color of neon green slime and my kids got really excited about it. Usually they're trying to throw potato chips in the shopping cart, so this was a much healthier alternative.

2) You make Mixchief JELL-O by adding your own juice. This means that their are no gross artificial colors in there that I need to worry about.  I always try to eliminate artificial colors and flavors from my kid's snacks.  And, this allows me to use the juice of my choice - 100% juice with no high fructose corn syrup, no artificial colors and I can even use organic.

3) With Mixcheif JELL-O the possibilities are endless. When you buy cherry jello or lime JELL-O, that's what you get.  But, you could buy 3 boxes of Mixchief JELL-O and create 3 completely different flavors. I love experimenting with new recipes, so this perfect for creative cooks like me.

We used our favorite fruit juice to make our Mixchief JELL-O. The kids were so excited to help stir it up, and, then, they kept checking the refrigerator to see if our JELL-O was ready yet. When it was nice and jiggly, we got to test it out.  It tasted exactly like the juice we made. Yum! We can't wait to experiment with our next box of Mixchief JELL-O and come up with another jiggly snack!

This post isn't sponsored in any way.  These are my honest opinions.

Review: Crayola Dry Erase Activity Center

My son looked at up me and said "Maybe this is a magic marker, or maybe I'm just magic!" 

Everytime he uses the Crayola Dry Erase Activity Center, he comes to me showing me what he's done.  He is so proud of himself learning to write new letters and growing his writing skills. But, it wasn't love at first sight.

When I first showed him the box, he was skeptical that this was going to be fun. My 5 year old has never been a huge fan of coloring or writing, and I think he knew I had an agenda.  I want to help him refine his fine motor skills before Kindergarten.

Together, we opened the box and got out the 4 dry erase markers, eraser and activity sheets.  Everything fits snuggly into the sturdy case, so it's easy to keep it all together.  There are a bunch of different templates that come with the activity center.  But, you can also create your own templates and slide them under the plastic. 

This is perfect for my son because he can trace over his name or words over and over again which is building his self esteem.  Once he's comfortable with tracing a letter or word, he can do it independently without having to use the template.

I feel like he has learned more about writing in three days with the Crayola Dry Erase Activity Center than he has over the past year.  He's so excited about learning new letters and his confidence with his writing skills has sky-rocketed.  I think it's more than magical!

All Opinions are my own. The links included are affiliate links.

*CLOSED* Costume Discounters - Review & Giveaway

Do you have a child who loves to dress up in costumes?  There are days where my boys are completely consumed by pretend play and they dress up to play the part.  Is doesn't matter what time of year it is.  When it comes to kids, costumes are not just for Halloween.  Pretend play not only nurtures the imagination, but it can also help enhance social, language, and problem solving skills too.

When Costume Discounters contacted me to do a review for their website I knew my 5 year old would be the perfect partner to collaborate with.  He received a Get Real Gear Fireman Costume for his 4th birthday, and ever since then,  he has worn it at least 100 times.   He's starting to outgrow his fireman costume, so this was perfect timing to let him pick out a out a new costume from Costume Discounters amazing selection of costumes.  He chose this kid's doctors costume which is perfect for playing veterinarian.

Here are a few things you should know about Costume Discounters:

  • I love their Price Match Guarantee.  They guarantee the lowest costume prices on the Internet. If you find the identical costume elsewhere within 10 days of purchase, they'll match the costume price and take off an additional 20%.  Nice!
  • Quick Shipping.  Orders received before 3:00pm EST are shipped the same day. They strive to make their costumes shippable all over the world including the US, Canada, Australia, France, the United Kingdom and New Zealand. 
  • They offer a huge selection of adult Halloween costumes as well as toddler,child & teen costumes for Halloween! Some of the top costumes are: Buzz Lightyear, Harry Potter, Disney Princesses, Iron Man and Batman.


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Want to WIN a $20 credit toward any purchase at Costume Discounters?

*** Required entry ***

Visit Costume Discounters web site and leave me a comment below letting me know which costume you like the most.

* Bonus Entries *

Once you enter, you may enter additional times by leaving extra comments for any, or all, options listed below. Some methods allow you to enter multiple times for single actions!

  • Follow Local Fun for Kids on Twitter and Tweet about this giveaway with a link back to this post. (counts as 1 entry)  "#Win $20 to spend at Costume Discounters - http://bit.ly/iQriXA @localfunforkids @CostumeDiscount #giveaway Ends 7/10"
  • Leave a comment on any non-giveaway blog post. You can leave up to 3 separate comments (counts as up to 3 extra entries)

This giveaway will be open until July 10th 2011 at midnight (EST). Open to U.S. Residents Only. Must be 18 years or older to win.  The winner will be chosen by random.org, notified by email that day and must reply to my email within 3 days. I was given a costume in exchange for the giveaway, however, this is not a paid post & all opinions about Costume Discounters are my own. This contest is not associated with Facebook in any way. Disclosure can be found here.

THE WINNER OF THIS CONTEST IS:

 

Following you on Twitter and just retweeted your tweet :)
ps Thought I was already following you on there because of PSMM. Opps.

July 3, 2011 | debi9kids

 

Advance Auto Parts Monster Jam: Tips, Philly Coupon Code & Giveaway!

*THE GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED, HOWEVER PLEASE TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THE COUPON CODE: "BLOGGER" FOR DISCOUNTED TICKETS.  SEE BELOW FOR DETAILS.*

Anyone who knows me, knows that the boys in my family have the 'need for speed'. Whether I like it or not, they are captivated by anything with wheels - and the faster & crazier the better!

Last week, I was in the kitchen getting coffee and I heard my 5 year old yelling.  I went to the living room to see what was going on, and there he was intensely watching Monster Jam.  He was screaming at the t.v "GO GRAVE DIGGER!!!!!!" 

Needless to say, the boys are so extremely excited to see Advance Auto Parts Monster Jam® on Saturday, June 4 at Lincoln Financial Field. 

And, I am even more excited to give away a Family 4 Pack of tickets to this event.  One lucky, Philadelphia area reader will win these tickets & get to cheer for their favorite Monster Truck at the Lincoln Financial Field
on June 4th!

First, I wanted to give you some tips...

Want to impress your kids with some Monster Jam 'truck talk'?  I've got you covered!

Here is some 'truck talk' you need to know:

Burn Out – Spinning the truck’s tires to clear the mud off and gain traction

Endo - When a vehicle crashes and rolls end-over-end.

Lose Fire - Stall the engine

Pull the Pin - The first thing that an official must do when a truck rolls over. The pin is located in the rear bumper and shuts off all power to the truck

Mash the Throttle – Step hard on the accelerator

Riding the Wave – Coming down hard and bouncing up on the front tires while traveling some distance

Do your kids want to meet a Monster Truck Driver before Monster Jam?

You'll want to go to the 'Party in the Pits'.  Pit parties are held in every city prior to one of the monster truck performances.  This is where you can take photographs, get driver autographs and check out the monster trucks on display. The Pit Party at the Linc is from from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m.  Admission to the Pit Party is included with the purchase of a ticket!  Monster Jam racing will begin at 7 p.m.

Is there anything else you need to know?

Everyone I know who has ever been to a Monster Jam event says the same thing. It is a thrilling & entertaining event.  But, between the screaming fans and the roar of the engines, you won't want to forget ear plugs.

Is there a special discount or coupon code for Philly area fans who still need to buy tickets?:

Yes.  Go to this Ticketmaster page to purchase seats for Advance Auto Parts Monster Jam at The Linc on June 4th, 2011.  Just use the promo code BLOGGER to save $10 on all $25 and $35 seats. The code and discount also work for phone orders at 800-745-3000.  Note: This discount isn't good for front row and VIP seats, kids pricing, or $15 seats, and it's not available on the day of the show.

Want to win tickets?

Here's your chance to win a Family 4 Pack of tickets to Advance Auto Parts Monster Jam at the Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia on June 4th!

*** Required entry ***

To enter, just leave a comment at the end of his post and tell me which Monster Truck you would cheer for at Monster Jam (leave 1 comment below / counts as 1 entry)

* Bonus Entries *

Once you enter, you may enter additional times by leaving extra comments for any, or all, options listed below. Some methods allow you to enter multiple times for single actions!

  • Follow Local Fun for Kids on Twitter and Tweet about this giveaway with a link back to this post. (counts as 1 entry)
  • Leave a comment on any non-giveaway blog post. You can leave up to 3 separate comments (counts as up to 3 extra entries)

Some other Philly Area Bloggers are hosting giveaways too... Find their giveaways here.

This giveaway will be open until May 25th 2011 at midnight (EST). This contest is open to U.S. Residents Only. Must be 18 years or older to win.  The winner will be chosen by random.org on May 26th, notified by email that day and must reply to my email within 3 days.  I was given a family four pack of Monster Jam tickets, however, this is not a paid post & all opinions about Monster Jam are my own.  Disclosure can be found here.

Real Kids Shades - Sunglasses Review & Giveaway ***CLOSED***

 

When you become a Mom, instinct kicks in.  You want to protect your child from head to toe.  But, for some reason, many parents overlook protecting their child's eyes from sun damage. Honestly, it would probably be something I might have overlooked too.  But, my little guy has been wearing glasses for farsightedness since he's been 6 months old, so this is a topic near to my heart.  Whether your child has perfect vision, or not, protecting their vision for the future is essential.

The fact is: kids need eye protection just as much or more than an adult.  Children are more vulnerable to sun-related eye damage because they typically spend more time outside compared to adults.  That is why your kids need a quality pair of sunglasses like Real Kids Shades. 

I was lucky to review several pairs of sunglasses from Real Kids Shades with my sons' help. I really admire this company because they're completely dedicated to raising awareness about the need to protect children's eyes from sun damage and have even partnered with Prevent Blindness America.

When I saw Real Kids Shades website, I was immediately drawn to the Flex Sunglasses (above).  These are amazing!  They are rubberized, bendable frames which means they are uber-durable.  And, if you're kids are as rough as mine are, this is a priceless feature. When I first saw the frames in-person, I actually thought they may be too narrow for my 5 year olds face.  But, I was wrong.  He absolutely adores these sunglasses.  I think one of the main reasons he loves these is because they are extremely lightweight which makes them very comfortable to wear.  My son has the vibrant Royal Blue Flex shades and he gives them two thumbs up!  Plus, the flex also comes in bigger Jackie-O style for girls which are really cute.

We also received the Extreme Sport style (above) that my 5 year old thinks are so cool.  I asked him why he likes them and he said "because they're colorful and rubbery."  Let me translate this... They are ideal for sports because they have a soft band that secures them on your child's head.  And, they are just really cool looking. They look like a scaled down adult version with fun kid colors, which really appeals to my son.  He's so excited to these sunglasses out on the soccer field this weekend.

My little guy, age 3, is in prescription sunglasses at the moment, and Real Kids Shades can accomodate that too!  They have a great little pair of sunglasses called My First Shades that are made for kids ages 2-5.  These frames only cost $14.99 are are ideal for parents who need might want to get custom prescription tinted lenses put into these frames (although they come with regular non-prescription lenses for kids who don't need a prescription).  These sunglasses are great for active kids who will wear the wrap around style.  These are going to be our go-to sunglasses for my 3 year old, as soon as I swap out the regular lenses with his prescription.  They will be perfect for the pool.

You have a chance to win a pair of Real Kids Shades for your child!

BUY IT

Buy Real Kids Shades on their website. 

I mentioned three of their styles above, but, they also have 5 other innovative styles.

  WIN IT

The generous folks at Real Kids Shades have offered the winner of this contest

any pair of sunglasses from their website - Winner's choice!

   How to Enter:

 Just follow Local Fun for Kids on Facebook and leave a comment here letting me know.

Bonus Entries :

Once you Enter, you may enter additional times with the following bonus entries. Just leave an extra comment here (below) for each individual entry method that you complete.

1 Bonus Entry - Follow Real Kids Shades on Facebook 

1 Bonus Entry - Follow Local Fun for Kids  on Twitter and Tweet about this giveaway:
#Win a pair of @RealKidsShades with @LocalFunforKids http://www.localfunforkids.com/giv-rev/

1 Bonus Entry - Follow Real Kids Shades on Twitter - @RealKidsShades
Each person can leave a total of 4 comments (1 Required Entry + 3 Bonus Entries)
This giveaway will be open until May 7th 2011 at midnight (EST). This contest is open to U.S. Residents Only. Must be 18 years or older to Win.  The winner will be chosen by random.org. The winner will be notified by email and must respond within 3 days with your choice sunglasees and shipping address. Real Kids Shades will be responsible for sending this prize to the winner. I am not responsible for lost prizes, but I will do my best to follow up with the sponsoring company.  This is not a paid post & all opinions are my own.  I was given free samples of the products in exchange for my review.  All opinions about these sunglasses are my own.

DivaCup Review & Giveaway! ***CLOSED***

Note: This is a post for the Ladies - so, if you're a guy stumbling upon this, you'll probably want to skip to another post.


Why don't more women know about the DivaCup?  Seriously... Have you heard about the DivaCup yet?  If you already love the DivaCup be sure to tell your friends about this giveaway.  But, if you're still wondering what the heck I'm talking about, keep reading, please!

I was hesitant at first, but after using the DivaCup a few times, I became an instant fan.  It's amazing to go to the beach, the pool, or an all day festival and not have to worry about my period for up to 12 hours.  I can go out for the day and not carry any tampons or pads around.  When it's inserted correctly, it really can be so comfortable that you forget it's there.

Here's some information from DivaCup.com:

What is the DivaCup? The DivaCup is a non-absorbent menstrual cup that simply collects menstrual flow.  It is worn internally, yet because it is soft and smooth, it cannot be felt nor will it leak when inserted properly. The DivaCup is the most clean and convenient method of feminine hygiene protection. The DivaCup can be worn for up to 12 hours before emptying, washing and reinserting for use for another 12 hours. It can be used for light or moderate flows and is emptied more often to accommodate heavy flows.  Perfect for overnight use.

Is the DivaCup sanitary?  Yes, when used as directed, The DivaCup is more sanitary than tampons or pads.  The DivaCup is made from top quality, healthcare grade silicone, which is 100% latex-free, plastic-free, BPA-free and odorless. 

It's economical and better for the environment!  The cost of a DivaCup is a a fraction of what you would typically spend on pad and tampons in a year.  I am sure you can find better things to buy with your money instead of more pads and tampons. Plus, using the DivaCup saves a lot of waste from our landfills & that's something we can all smile about!

The only thing that really bothers me about the DivaCup is that I only found out about it a year ago.  I was lucky that my sister told me about the DivaCup then, but, I really wish I would've known about it sooner.  This is definitely a product that more women need to know about.  That is why I am so happy to be spreading the word and hosting this giveaway!

 BUY IT

Buy a Diva Cup through DivaCup's Store Locator or purchase from lunapads.com or drugstore.com. 

 WIN IT

The generous folks at DivaCup have offered the winner of this contest

one Diva Cup (Model 1 or 2).

 

  How to Enter:

 Just follow Local Fun for Kids on Facebook and leave a comment below letting me know.

Bonus Entries :

Once you Enter, you may enter additional times with the following bonus entries. Just leave an extra comment below for each individual entry method that you complete.

2 Bonus Entries - Watch the video on DivaCup.com where EcoStiletto's Rachel Breaks Down the Reusable Cup and telling me two things thing you learned from the video (leave 2 seperate comments)

1 Bonus Entry - Follow Local Fun for Kids  on Twitter and Tweet about this giveaway:
Win a @DivaCup with @LocalFunforKids * Enter by April 2nd

1 Bonus Entry - Follow DivaCup on Facebook  or Twitter

1 Bonus Entry - Follow Local Fun for Kids publicly on Google Friends Connect.

Each person can leave a total of six comments (1 Required Entry + 5 Bonus Entries)
This giveaway will be open until April 2nd, 2011 at midnight (EST). This contest is open to U.S. Residents Only. Must be 18 years or older to Win.  The winner will be chosen by random.org. The winner will be notified by email and must respond within 3 days with your choice of diva cup (Model 1 or Model 2) and shipping address. DivaCup will be responsible for sending this prize to the winner. I am not responsible for lost prizes, but I will do my best to follow up with the sponsoring company.  This is not a paid post & all opinions are my own.

Crazy Dog T-shirt Giveaway ***CLOSED***

Spring is just around the corner and, as they say on MTV's Jersey Shore, it's almost "T-shirt Time!"  I'm really looking forward to the warmer weather and switching over to my summer attire.  And, I think these t-shirts from crazy dog will definitely help to get you in the mood for "T-shirt time" too. They actually even have a bunch of Jersey Shore themed t-shirts, Big Bang Theory t-shirts, and... drum-roll please (whether you like it or not)... Charlie Sheen inspired t-shirts.

WIN IT

The people over at Crazy Dog t-shirts have generously offered the winner of this contest

one ADULT T-shirt of your choice from www.Crazydogtshirts.com valued at $16.99 or less.

   Required Entry:

 Just follow Local Fun for Kids on Facebook and leave a comment below letting me know.

Bonus Entries:

 1 Bonus Entry -  Go to Crazydogtshirts.com and leave me comment below letting me know what shirt you might choose if you win
1 Bonus Entry - For Suggesting Following Local Fun for Kids   to at least 5 of your FaceBook Friends.
1 Bonus Entry -Follow Crazy Dog T-shirts on Facebook and leave me comment below letting me know.

Just leave a comment below for each individual entry method that you complete.  The more comments mean you have a greater chance of winning.

This giveaway will be open until March 26th, 2011 at midnight (EST). This contest is open to U.S. Residents Only. Must be 18 years or older to win.  Winners cannot have received a promotional item from  Nachomamatees.com, Crazydogtshirts.com or CostumeSquad.com within the past 90 days, or own a review/giveaway blog of their own.  The winner will be chosen by random.org. The winner will be notified by email and must respond within 3 days with your choice of adult t-shirt (16.99 or less), size and shipping address.   Crazydogtshirts.com will be responsible for sending this prize to the winner.
All Opinion are my own. 

Nachomamas Tee Review

Just because you're a parent doesn't mean your clothes have to be boring.  I was recently given the opportunity to review a t-shirt from Nachomamatees.com and their t-shirts are anything but bland or boring!  They have an awesome selection of t-shirts that are funny, movie themed, vintage style and more.

My husband is a huge fan of the tv show The Office, so when we saw the Dunder Mifflin t-shirt, he knew this was the one he wanted to review.  This t-shirt is one of the most popular shirts that Nachomamas tees sells.  You can see all of their best-selling shirts here.  The customer service was excellent and the shipping was fast. The Dunder Mifflin t-shirt we selected was a nice vibrant blue color as shown on the website and was a nice quality cotton.  It's a great fit on my husband, and he can't wait to sport it all summer long!

And, keep an eye out for our GIVEAWAY.  Tomorrow, we'll be posting a giveaway for Crazy Dog t-shirts (Nachomama Tee's sister site).