The Monster on Top of The Bed Family of Books - Review

Product: Monster on Top of the Bed Family of Books

Company/Creator: Alan H. Jordan

Where to Buy: Amazon

Recommend?: Yes

Synopsis of The Monster on Top of the Bed
Once upon a time there was a little girl named Suzy, who used to jump up and down on her bed having just a great time. This scared a young critter named Karrit who lived under Suzy’s bed. But, Karrit heard Suzy do all sorts of nice things for people, and he wanted her to be his friend. Still, Suzy ate strange things like cakes made out of pans (pancakes) and the toes of toemays (tomatoes) and—he couldn’t believe it—he heard her talk about eating something truly horrendous.
One day Karrit heard Suzy tell her mother that she was lonely and needed a friend. Because of that Karrit decided to visit Suzy, and Suzy got to meet him. At first Suzy was scared of Karrit. After all, he had red, scaly legs, and a blue nose, but he seemed a little scared too. Suzy treated Karrit the way that she would want to be treated if she had gone to his house.

As they grew to know each other, Suzy found out that Karrit didn’t understand some English words. Suzy figured out what was confusing Karrit, and she was sorry to have scared him. She showed him a hotdog (she didn’t eat dogs that were hot) a tomato (she didn’t eat the toes of matoes) and a carrot (she definitely didn’t eat Karrits).
Suzy made Karrit feel that she liked him, and that she wanted him to be happy. Because of that, the two of them played. They kept getting to know each other better until one day they both realized that they didn’t have to be afraid of each other, and that it was a mistake for each of them to think the other was a

“monster.” Suzy and Karrit became best friends, and neither was afraid of monsters again.

This is NOT just one book.  The Monster on Top of the Bed is just part of a family of books and audio books and activity guides that work together to create a fantastic experience for children.  What makes this experience so valuable is that the child actually gets to create their own story to banish their fears, and that they also get to spend hours coloring, learning to count, understanding phonics, etc.

This story is very cute. It is a good story for teaching about perception. Maybe that thing you're frightened of is just misunderstood and even frightened of you! There is a blank copy of the story where children can write in their own words! Great opportunity for discussing fears and how we can make them less scary.

http://www.monbed.com

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

Nasopure Little Squirt to go Review

Product: Nasopure Little Squirt to go

Company/Creator: Dr Hana

Where to Buy: Amazon

Connect: website, twitter

                facebook, youTube

Recommend?: Yes

Dr. Hana's Nasopure Little Squirt to go® is the preferred nasal wash for kids! Designed with little hands in mind, this comfortable, convenient, and easy to use nasal wash system cleans out pollens, bacteria, and dust particles before they have a chance to root themselves in your child's sinuses. Little squirt to go can help your child combat allergies, congestion, colds, flu, asthma, and much more - and it's 100% natural! Benefits of consistent use of nasal washing for children include improved sleep, comfort, and general health, marked by fewer expensive doctor appointments. 

Little Squirt to go is also great for athletes and frequent travelers. The 4 oz. bottle is perfect for storing in travel bags and sports bags, and can help you stay healthy on the go! 

Nasopure is 100% natural - no other additives, perfumes or ingredients. The bottle is BPA free and dishwasher safe, too! (Made in Kansas City, MO and assembled by adults with disabilities). 


This really couldn't have come at a better time. I've been miserable with sinus trouble for weeks. I really liked the Little Squirt method. Seems so much easier, and less intimidating, than a neti pot.

This bottle in particular is made for kids 2 and up. However, Miss O isn't quite convinced yet, but we're going to look at the provided how to teach children information some more. A few more months and we can work with Miss Em as well.

It's pretty neat that the bottle is made relatively close to me! So very local, and BPA free..awesome!

Nasal washes are a great first alternative to sinus medicines, which can cause issue when overused. The Nasopure Little Squirt to go flushes away all of the irritants and encourages natural drainage. Gentle and effective...though it does take getting used to!
x

Menu Plan Monday 12/15-12/21

Been some time since I did a Menu Plan Monday, y'all....let's do this!

Miss Em is doing much better with dairy. Her Dr recommended we try using lactaid while reintroducing very slowly. She can now have a little bit of cheese or yogurt and no troubles! Straight milk is still problematic, though, even with the lactaid. So, we don't have to eliminate dairy now, but we are still keeping it low.

Ohh Sunday is the Solstice! Can hardly wait! Except I can...because I'm so not ready hahaha.

I try to keep it pretty Clean.

On the Menu this week:

• Stuffed Peppers
• Beef & Veg Soup
• Paleo Ramen (with adjustments)
• Chicken & Carrots
• Garlic Lemon Basil Tilapia

If there are new recipes for the week, I will have them pinned here.
And then I will move them here with my commentary after I've tried them.
See more MPM at OrgJunkie

Foxbrim's Natural Refresh Toner #Review

Product: Natural Refresh Toner

Company/Creator: Foxbrim

Where to Buy: Amazon

Connect: website
                facebook
                pinterest

Recommend?: Yes!

Do you want to start your day right?

Foxbrim's Natural Refresh Toner is the perfect choice for supporting healthy glowing skin. As part of your daily regimen, Natural Refresh Toner provides the ESSENTIAL step to tone, cleanse and prepare skin. 100% Natural and Alcohol Free. Expect the best and enjoy all the benefits - provided exclusively by Foxbrim.
.
I love that this toner is contains no alcohol, parabens, additives, fillers or fragrances, and is never tested on animals. Witch Hazel is one of my favorite beauty supply ingredients. It's very soothing and healing. The toner leaves my skin feeling great. Foxbrim manufactures there products in small batches to maintain inegrity. They are a great company that cares about their products. The other products in the line look amazing as well. And Foxbrim offers a money back guarantee so why not try it out for yourself?! It should be great for all skin types

Baby Rockstar Lullaby Renditions of Frozen Review

Product: Lullaby Renditions of Frozen

Company/Creator: Baby Rockstar

Where to Buy: here


Recommend?: Yes

Walt Disney's Frozen soundtrack melodically performed with sleepy tones and soothing bells with light percussion!

Baby Rockstar rearranges the chart topping hit as beautiful melodies played by soothing bells mixed with sleepy tones and light percussive effects. These calming and dreamy renditions will help get your little rockstars ready for bedtime. Baby Rockstar releases ignite a musical curiosity in your little ones and will be favorites of young children, and their parents, for years to come.

Track Listing:
Frozen Heart
Do You Want to Build a Snowman
For the First Time in Forever
Love Is an Open Door
Let It Go
Reindeers Are Better Than People
In Summer
For the First Time in Forever (Reprise)
Fixer Upper
Vuelie
Heimr Arnadalr

Baby Rockstar releases ignite a musical curiosity in your little ones and will be favorites of young children, and their parents, for years to come!



We have just been loving this! Played it as soon as we got it out of the mailer! Miss O likes to sing along with the music and Miss Em just enjoys swaying to it. Very melodic and relaxing. If you have Frozen fans in the house, this will be a great addition!

Turkey Day Official Menu!

It's almost time to do the shopping so, the official list here. I actually already got the main items so just making sure I didn't miss something! This is sort of a last minute grocery list more than anything ;]

Turkey in a Bag (not exactly my choice....but...)
Time needed: 4 hours

Need:

• Bag

Gravy (slightly modified)

Time needed: 30 minutes

Bread - Sweet Rolls from the store

Salad

Need:

• Tomatoes
• Cucumber?

Whipped Cranberry Dressing with Coconut Whipped Cream

• Coconut Milk without guar gum

Deviled Eggs

Dairy Free Pumpkin Pie with Never Fail Dairy Free Crust

Need:

• Flour...not sure we have enough
• Pie Pan

Snack mix for little fingers  (popcorn, cereal, grahams)

Thanksgiving planning

I realize I've still been neglecting this blog -- just so much to get done before next month!  I'm trying.

Piczzle - Your special puzzle with your own photo. Review

Product: Photo Puzzle

Company/Creator: Piczzle

Connect: website, twitter,
                   facebook

Recommend?: Yes

Product Description

Piczzle - your own puzzle from your special image.
Piczzle's Cardboard Puzzles are made of outstanding materials, top craftsmanship and the highest print quality. They are constructed of a premium grade cardboard that has been laminated with a glossy finish. Our cardboard puzzles are precision press cut so that all pieces will be perfectly match one another and they are printed using an advanced digital printing technique that results in sharp, multicolored prints.

I chose to get my girls' 4 and 1 year photo Piczzled. It's great a quality photo and the pieces fit together easily and snug! They several different shapes and sizes, with frame options perfect for the holidays. It makes a super cute gift for grandparents, weddings, birthdays, or other momentous occasion.





I received a free Piczzle in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own.

Zep Commercial Cleaning Products for the Home #Review

Product: Zep All-Around Oxy Cleaner & Degreaser and Zep Quick Clean Disinfectant

Company/Creator: Zep

Connect: website, twitter, facebook
                  pinterest, g+, youtube

Recommend?: Yes

I received some samples of Zep cleaning products to review and share with a couple friends. I did not receive any compensation for this review and will only share my honest opinion.

I'd never heard of Zep prior to joining the Cleansters on Crowdtap. Zep carries quite a variety of products. I was able to try the  Zep All-Around Oxy Cleaner & Degreaser and Zep Quick Clean Disinfectant.

The All-Around Oxy Cleaner & Degreaser is perfect for tough kitchen and bathroom stains. It's quick and very easy to use as well. Just spray, let it sit a minute, then wipe away and ta-da -- looking like new! For use on countertops, granite, laminate, formica, porcelain, ceramic, engineered stone, stainless steel, appliances, most types of carpet, upholstery, kitchen and household surfaces. Not for use on leather, silk, suede, sensitive stone surfaces, marble, or any surfaces harmed by water.


The Quick Clean Disinfectant does not smell nearly as strong as some other disinfectants. It shouldn't be used on anything that will touch/go in your mouth (dishes, etc). Pre-cleaning is needed for heavily soiled surfaces, as this product's main purpose is to disinfect. Great for cleaning up after having raw meat on the counter, but surfaces that may come in contact with food need to be rinsed with potable water after disinfecting.


These probably won't be my first choice, because I would prefer natural methods, but for those extra tough spots I think Zep will be great.

Shady Baby Sunshades #Review

Product: Shady Baby Sunshades

Company/Creator: CG Baby

Where to Buy: Amazon

Connect: website,

Recommend?: Yes

Details about Shady Baby Cling Sunshades· 

 Shady Baby sunshades provide sun glare and heat reduction, plus 30+ sun block protection (Over 90% of UV rays blocked).·       19" by 12" fits most rear windows with enough extra room to open windows slightly when desired. Great not just for babies and children, but also for anyone, pets included·       Electrostatic cling means easy application and superior stickability. Firm rims mean easy positioning, removal and storage - stores in small compact space.·       No risk of breakage or flying projectiles (like broken rollers or suction cups) in the event of sudden stops.·       Dark enough to provide excellent sun and heat reduction; Light enough for good visibility. Your passengers can see out easily.·       Risk Free - You get our No Questions Asked Full Money Back Guarantee if you are not completely satisfied with our product.·       Easy to apply, remove and store in provided pouch.·        Top quality mesh and strong PVC plastic used. This design is why our shades are so effective at reducing sun glare and heat, and with a UPF of 30+, effective at blocking harmful UV rays as well.·       The sturdy rim makes positioning a breeze. Strong electrostatic cling assures that the screens will stay in place.·        Shady Baby screens are dark enough to block sun glare and heat and light enough to provide good visibility.·       2 screens per package means double coverage. Consider buying two sets so you don't have to switch between vehicles. 

I was initally unsure how these were supposed to stay on the windows -- but they really do. The only time I've had moderate concern with them slipping was a very windy day. They flapped a bit, but managed to hang on.

Excuse the dirty (and goofy) face ;]

The girls appreciate having most of the sunshine out of their eyes, though Miss Em is still rear facing so she has the back window to deal with still.

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

My Growing Up Reward Chart #Review

Product: My Growing Up Chart

Company/Creator: Victoria Chart Company


Where to Buy: Amazon


Connect: website, twitter, facebook
               

Recommend?: Yes

My Growing Up Reward Chart~~A large reward chart and re-usable stickers to help encourage positive behavior, achievement and development in children from 4 years. Ideal for supporting children of elementary school age.
Most importantly, parents can customize this chart to the individual need of their child.
Each pack contains:• A Large Wall Chart (11 inches wide by 25 inches high) to hang in a central point to monitor progress.
• 10 x Activity Stickers which cover the following activities: I enjoyed school, I’ve been kind to someone, I dressed myself, I practiced my reading, I’ve eaten my food, I practiced my math, I’ve written and drawn, I practiced my spellings, I’ve been good at bedtime and I’ve been polite.
• 6 x Blank Activity Stickers that can be customized to the individual needs of your child.
• 240 Colored 1-20 Stickers designed to help with learning colors and counting.
• 84 Gold ‘Great Job’ Star Stickers for when your child does exceptionally well.
• A Supportive Information Sheet with a practical example, tips and guidelines to help you and your child get the best results from your chart.• Sticky mounting pads and a dry-erase marker.

Miss O is headstrong. I'm trying to remind myself that will be a great trait when she's grown and making her own decisions. In the meantime....some compromises need to be made so we can live in some peace. ;]

When the My Growing Up Reward Chart arrived in the mail, we were both very excited to check it out. The activity stickers options provided are great, but if some don't apply to you, that's perfectly ok because there are blank ones as well! One of our blank ones I wrote in "I have been patient" because that is one of our biggest struggles. Sometimes it's hard for a little one to understand that they have to wait for what they want. Waiting is hard work. To be honest, we don't have as many stars there as some other areas, but it's not empty so it's a start! We may need to introduce a timer or watch along with this one.

We have also been having a really difficult time when it's time to go to bed. Many tears were shed for a good while. Knowing that she won't get a sticker if she doesn't behave at bedtime has made for some improvement. There are still tough nights, but they are farther between, not every single night being a battle. So for that especially, I love this chart. The company does make a bedtime chart as well that we may consider.

I tried pulling off the stickers just to see if we'd be able to switch it up at a later time. They seem to come off pretty easily so if they're stored well they may hold up to re-use. The chart itself can be written on with dry erase marker (one is provided) for a particular goal or even a reward once they hit a certain number.

Overall this is a great tool to get those busy minds excited and focused.


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

Leo SuperHero Children's Ebook #Review

Product: Leo SuperHero Children's Ebook


Company/Creator: The Brothers


Where to Buy: Amazon


Recommend?: Yes

A great adventure children's ebook : Leo’s Sunday Adventure begins early one Sunday morning when everybody is asleep. His cat, Milkshake, wakes him up and leads him to the kitchen where he finds something special. This is the beginning of Leo and Milkshake’s short adventure in the house and the back yard. This is a wonderful story for children. The story teaches children the importance of patience and love of others (they will meet a cat that does not always chase mice) and they will learn how Leo improvises, creatively using objects that he has learnt about.

I love the concept of this book, with breaking out of stereotypes and showing that anyone can be a superhero. Again, I have run into the issue of my littles not loving the Ebook format, but it is what it is. Another issue I've found common among Ebooks is the lack of really good editing. There are some typos that should be fixed. The story is good, but could be more exciting. Overall we really liked it. 

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

Animals Tails Children's Book Review

Product: Animals Tails Children's Book

Company/Creator: Dan Jackson


Where to Buy: Amazon


Recommend?: Yes

Animals Tails is not "JUST" a Book. It's really a good book.
This book describes animals and what they do with their tails. Join us and meet the Elephant, Giraffe, Fox, Cats and more. 
The book is a great book for kids to read alone or with their parents. The book contains great animals tails pictures. 

I was thinking this would be a little more geared for the baby, and she did love looking at the animals, but it was more appropriate for Miss O. It's full of very interesting facts about animals tails and why they are the way they are.  I find it a bit more difficult to keep their attention with Ebooks. That textile factor of a physical book makes a difference. It's more of an educational book than a fun read, which is ok, but is also something that makes it difficult to keep hold of those short attention spans. Needs a bit of editing.

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

PhantomFit Resistance Loop Bands #Review

Product: Resistance Loop Bands

Company/Creator: PhantomFit

Where to Buy: Amazon

Connect: website

Recommend?: Yes











PhantomFit Resistance bands are the best solution because they:
 

• Are perfect for physical therapy exercises all the way to intense workouts
• Works flawlessly for arm, ankle, and leg workouts
• Are separated by resistance level to meet your needs
• Are extremely durable and long-lasting
• Are lightweight and portable

What's Included?

• 1 Blue "Light" Band
• 1 Red "Medium" Band
• 1 Green "Heavy" Band
• 1 Black "X-Heavy" Band
• Nylon carrying case for portability
• A workout music downloadable as a mp3 file
  

I much prefer body weight training to other forms of exercise. Mainly because it seems more cost efficient to me and it can be done just about anywhere. Adding resistance bands to the mix enhances the results without much change at all.

I love the variety of resistance these bands offer. They're sturdy and easily portable, but the bag they came in was pretty much impossible to place them back inside. I heard that they were changing the bag, though, so it may be different now. The only other issue I had with them is they are a bit skinny and roll up on themselves sometimes. I would have liked them, to be wider. 

There are so many exercises you can do with these bands, or just add them into exercises you already do. Just have a quick search for resistance loop band exercise and you should pull up quite a list.

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

Bigger Better Nut Milk Bag #Review

Product: Bigger and Better Nut Milk Bag

Company/Creator: Ellie's Best

Where to Buy: Amazon

Connect: website, twitter, facebook,
                     pinterest, youTube

Recommend?: Yes

OUR TOP SELLING NUT MILK BAG IS SO POPULAR  BECAUSE IT IS DESIGNED SPECIFICALLY TO MAKE STRAINING SMOOTH & NUTRITIOUS NATURAL BEVERAGES FAST AND EASY!
- Ellie's Bigger Better Nut Milk Bag is the perfect size for small or large batches, made with professional grade nylon mesh, and triple stitched won't tear like other bags, letting pulp into your almond milk
- Become a perfect almond  milk maker every time, no double straining ever!
- Heavy-duty materials and construction prevents split seams and eliminates pulp from almond milk & green juices
- The Bigger Better Nut Milk Bag is double the capacity of most & made to fit over pitcher mouths, medium bowls & large jars for easy pouring unlike small, messy bags
- Rounded corners for easy milking and fast clean up
- The perfect size mesh only lets the milk & nutrients through, ensuring smooth & delicious nut milks - NO GRAINY PULP - just thick, rich & nutritious milk
- All food grade nylon materials made to last & last
Includes FREE E-BOOK LOADED WITH RECIPES AND TIPS!

I haven't yet been able to find raw nuts to make out own nut milk. I think the store I plan to go to tonight will have some, but in the meantime I made chicken stock. Actually, I hadn't intended to use the nut milk bag for the stock, but I was looking around for my mesh strainer when it hit me.

Don't you love those aha moments?

The bag was perfect. kept all the little bit and pieces out of my stock. It's very sturdy and big enough that I didn't need help.

The rounded corners are great, makes it super easy to clean. And look at that pretty stock. Yum,


At some point we may also make some goat cheese also since I recently found some goat milk in the store and the littlest doesn't do well with cow milk.

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

Well then...

I have been horribly neglecting this blog. I have so much catching up to do..apologies to all my Tomoson reps I need to do reviews for. Ugh. Life got in the way? I'm going to do my best to get back on track. In the meantime, here are some projects I've been working on the past month or two...

Olaf cocoon set. I added pipe cleaners for the stick hair on my way to the post office because I didn't have them yet, so I didn't get a picture of it before sending.

Patterns:

Ola Bunny - She has since added smaller sizes, but I'd modified from the original pattern to make a baby size. I also chose the stuff the front portion of the brim and stitch flat the back portion.

Look At Frosty Go - I skipped much of this pattern (scarf, hat, carrot), added straps, added foot snowballs, made the buttons bigger, and slightly adjusted the waist to fit a 3-6m baby.

This one is going to be for my girls. It's inspired by a log cabin pattern. Hoping to get in done to give to them as a winter solstice gift.

Pattern:

Modern Log Cabin - I'm using this as a basic layout and size of the pieces. I do have to increase some pieces as I go around to accomodate the extra joining stitch I'm putting between them. This is not typically needed for a log cabin, I just wanted to break up the bright colors some. 

Girl's Halloween costumes. No real patterns. Made a vest with a hood for Twink and put some yarn and felt ears on a hoodie for Starlite. (I totally had to look up the horse's name.) I am Rainbow Brite to complete the set ;]

 Here we have a bear in progress. Obviously the ears are not done.

Patterns:
Textured Baby Hat - used this for the V-stitch instructions, Otherwise no pattern for the hat portion.
Crochet Flower "Dahlia" - Used an I hook for the size. Cute and simple pattern.

 This one is for me. It's on hold....maybe it'll be done by next fall, yeah? Haha.

Pattern:

Lost Souls Skull Shawl

Not really the last of what I need to do, but the last of those I've started. A batman-to-be head and a pirate-to-be body and leg.

Patterns:

My Hero Batman

My Hero Superman - using this one for the pirate base

Smart Weigh 500 x 0.01g Digital Pro Pocket Scale Review

Product: Smart Weigh 500 x 0.01g Digital Pro Pocket Scale Review

Company/Creator: x

Where to Buy: Amazon










Have you been looking for the perfect on-the-go pocket scale?
One that is lightweight, accurate, and reliable? Look no further – the Smart Weigh Digital Pocket Scale with its sleek and portable design is exactly what you have been looking for!
Advanced!
Tired of inaccurate weight readings? Ready for an upgrade? The Smart Weigh scale features the highest grade precision with the latest technology.
Weigh Master!
This scale will help you accomplish a wide variety of weighing needs. It will do so accurately and to perfection!
Style!
Features a unique and simple design with its stainless steel 3.94” x 3.7” platform. It is easy to operate by using the four sleek chrome buttons.

• Features - the top500 is strong, accurate, fast, and user-friendly; will work great for any of your mailing, jewelry, reloading, and cooking needs
  Functions - this scale can double up as a postal scale; the pcs function gives you an accurate count and the hold function will lock weight readings
  Design - features a clear LCD screen lit by a bright blue backlight; will display readings in g, OZ, OZT, dwt, GN, and CT
  Precision - manufactured with high precision sensors to provide the most accurate weight readings; weighs up to 500 grams in 0.01 Increments
  Includes - 2 AAA batteries with a two minute auto shut off feature; the tare function will provide a net weight