Family Entertainment Extravaganza Sneak Peek

The Family Entertainment Extravaganza Giveaway Hop is coming up fast. It starts Sept 16 12:01 AM when you will have the chance to enter to win all kinds of Entertainment products!

I’ll be starting reviews very soon for the items I’ll be giving away and I’m still finalizing some but I wanted to give my readers a sneak peek to see what you can enter to win. As of right now, most of my giveaways will be US/CAN with one CAN Only, SORRY International Readers!

*If any companies want to sponsor, email me callistasramblings@cogeco.ca ASAP.

Some Products You Might Win Are:

Three My Little Pony DVDS (two of which are Friendship is Magic) from ShoutFactory

Take This Town by MacKenzie Caine CD  + You’re a Doll Cards from Makie Doll

Tenzi Game from I Love Tenzi

You’ve Been Sentenced Game from McNiell Designs

Get Moving Family Fitness Wii Game from Jump Start

and more!

Check back for reviews on these products as I get them and try them out. Come back Sept 16 to enter!

Girl Guide Disney Themed Camp (Thank You Disney!)

Last week I was gone (that’s why there weren’t any new posts) to our local Girl Guide Camp to help run our “Disney” themed camp. Each day our theme was a different land of Walt Disney World (Epcot, Magic Kingdom, etc.).

Last year our theme focused on self esteem and learning about ourselves. I contacted a few companies and got some sponsors to send me things to hand out to the campers.

This year I approached Disney and they happily agreed to sponsor our Girl Guide Camp!

Each camper went home with a Disney DVD, a Meridia wig (Brave) and Odd Life of Timothy Green socks. They also got some Muppets body stickers.

During the week we made a bunch of crafts we found through Pinterest like this one:

Source: acreativeprincess.blogspot.com via LeAnn on Pinterest

 

Here are some photos from camp:

(Clockwise: Justin Bieber made an appearance for Hollywood night, A “Brave” Pirate during our Magic Kingdom Parade, Learning about other countries during Epcot night, Face Painting for Animal Kingdom (that’s my son.)

It was a great week and the girls were so happy to go home with great presents (they didn’t even know that they got a DVD because we gift wrapped it and sent it home with them. I wish I could have seen their faces!)

Thank You Disney (Canada)!

Oogaa (Silicone Baby Feeding Sets + More) – Sponsor Spotlight for #ShakeRattleWin

Oogaa has safe, silicone feeding products for babies. They are starting to carry more products such as clothing too. I will be doing a full review in June.

Benefits:

• Silicone will not grow mould or bacteria.
• Odorless, tasteless
• Microwave Safe
• Dishwasher Safe
• Heat resistant
• Freezer Safe
• BPA free
• Soft on gums
• fun colours and shapes

Where to Buy:

In the USA – At the Oogaa online shop or other online and offline retailers

In Canada – Sold Exclusively at Raspberry Kids

Also available in UK, Hong Kong and Australia

Find Oogaa on Facebook and Twitter

*Disclosure: I will be receiving the product(s) mentioned above free of charge by the company or PR representative for evaluation purposes. No other compensation was provided. See my Disclosure Policy for more information.

Babee Covee and Babee Covee Budee–Sponsor Spotlight for #ShakeRattleWin

The Babee Covee is a 6-in-1 blanket and cover. Save money and space by using the Babee Covee in place of the following size items:

1. Infant Car Seat Cover
2. Nursing Cover
3. Shopping Cart Cover
4. High Chair Cover
5. Stroller Blanket
6. Playtime Blanket

Here is a little video that demonstrates it’s usefulness. If you don’t have a lot of time, skip to 1:47 to see all the uses, otherwise, enjoy the reminder of what’s it’s like trying to remember to bring everything you need for the baby with you.

They JUST came out with a new product too, the Babee Covee Budee.

The Budee is a 4-in-1 smaller blanket that can be used as:

1. Security Blanket
2. Pacifier/Toy Holder
3. Burp Cloth/Lap Pad
4. Tag-Along

You can find out more about how to use the Babee Covee products or purchase them at Babee Covee. Also find them on Facebook and Twitter.

You can win both the Babee Covee and the Babee Covee Budee during the Shake Rattle and Roll Giveaway Hop May 22-Jun 5 (see sidebar under current giveaways)

*Disclosure: This is a sponsor spotlight, not a review. I have not tried this product. No compensation was provided. See my Disclosure Policy for more information.

Ritmo Prenatal Audio Sound System - Sponsor Spotlight for #ShakeRattleWin

Science has shown us the value of playing music to your unborn child, but it’s always been a bit tricky. If you play music in the room, your baby probably can’t hear it unless it’s turned up really loud. If you play it through headphones held to your belly, then you can’t enjoy the music too.

What Is Ritmo?

Ritmo is designed to be enjoyed by both mother and baby at the SAME TIME. It features four speakers for surround sound and hugs your belly and back, also providing lumbar support during a time when you really need it. The belt can be adjusted as your baby (and belly) grow.

Ritmo was recently worn by Emily Deschanel's pregnant character Dr. Temperance "Bones" Brennan on the Fox Network TV show Bones.

In addition, families can use a complimentary recording sservice online called Nuvo Connect to create recordings such as stories or lullabies to be played for the baby. This would be absolutely perfect for fathers-to-be who are in the military and want the baby to know his voice.

 

What Makes Ritmo Different?

Ritmo is the only prenatal audio product that uses advanced acoustic technology specifically created for prenatal use. It’s designed for comfort and convenience and the belt provides lumbar support.

You can get the Ritmo for $79.99 or the Ritmo Premium for $149.99.  Both come with the belt  but the Ritmo Premium has more:

We understand that there are many parents that prefer the convenience of Nuvo Group handling the safety component of their baby’s prenatal sound experience. Therefore, this product offering includes the Ritmo Safe & Sound Controller, which is a device that actually learns the patterns of music and sounds and plays it to the baby in the womb at a continuous safe and stable decibel level that uniquely fits their physical growth stage during the pregnancy. This product also includes a washing pouch and a power supply charger. – source

How Can I Use Ritmo?

Any way you want. You do NOT have to be sitting or laying down. You can use it while you take a walk or while you shop. Since it straps to your belly, you can move around as you want and it will stay put.

Where Can I Get Ritmo?

You can purchase online at Nuvo Group or select online retailers. Ritmo is also available in select stores in the US, UK and Republic of Korea.  (So Canadians have to buy online.) Details here.

You can Like Ritmo by Nuvo on Facebook.

Nuvo Group is sponsoring my giveaway for the Shake Rattle & Roll Hop. I will be giving away one Ritmo Prenatal Audio Sound System Premium (RV: $149) so come back May 22 to enter!

*Disclosure: This is a spotlight, not a review. I have not tried the product myself. No compensation was provided. See my Disclosure Policy for more information.

What to Expect When You’re Expecting - Sponsor Spotlight for #ShakeRattleWin

You may have heard that your favourite pregnancy book is being made in to a movie and it's out in theatres May 18.

When I was pregnant with my first child I followed along with What to Expect When You’re Expecting by Heidi Murkoff every step of the way. I checked certain parts again with babies #2 and #3.

Watch Cameron Diaz, Jennifer Lopez, Dennis Quaid, Chris Rock and many others in this sure to be funny movie.

You can find all kind of information, interviews, photo galleries and more on the movie at the What to Expect website.

One Minute Trailer:

 

The movie comes at the same time that the book’s being released in it’s fourth edition.

Thomas Allen & Sons is sponsoring the upcoming Shake, Rattle and Roll Giveaway Hop with a copy of the fourth edition of What to Expect When You’re Expecting by Heidi Murkoff.

So come back May 22 to enter for that and other prizes!

*Disclosure: No compensation was provided. See my Disclosure Policy for more information.

REVIEW: Stopain Cold (Non-Oral Pain Relief)

Stopain was my sponsor for the Toast to 2012 giveaway hop that recently passed. I've been waiting for a chance to try the product out to review but of course, murphy's law, because I have it waiting here, I haven't had muscle pains.


Stopain is a nice alternative to oral medications when you hare dealing with muscle pains and stiffness.

"The active ingredient in Stopain is menthol, recognized by the FDA as an analgesic indicated for the temporary relief for minor pains and stiffness of arthritis, muscle aches, strains and simple backaches. It also contains peppermint oil and eucalyptus oil, recognized by the FDA for their analgesic properties. Extra-strength Stopain formulas are also formulated with glucosamine and MSM, essential nutrients that support joint health and mobility."

Unlike other topical pain relievers, Stopain comes in a spray, roll-on or gel so you can apply without getting it on your hands if you want.

Some features of the products:

- No Drip (Spray)

- Non-greasy

- Clear, non-staining

- Light, vanishing scent

"Stopain is also proud to be a Proceeds Sponsor of the Arthritis Foundation. The Stopain labels feature this sponsorship and for every unit of Stopain products sold, a portion of the proceeds will be donated to the Arthritis Foundation with a minimum contribution of $25,000."

I guess I'll have to come back and add more after I've tried it.

Where to Buy: Stopain is available in Canada at Zellers, Shoppers Drug Mart and Jean Coutu. For where to buy in US or online, go here.

Visit the website for more information and also like Stopain on Facebook, and look for ongoing sweepstakes

*Disclosure: I received the product(s) mentioned above free of charge by the company or PR representative for evaluation purposes. No other compensation was provided. See my Disclosure Policy for more information.

New Year New Reads Book Reviews

Thanks SO much to the sponsors for my New Year New Reads Giveaway. Each of the books that are being given away in the event will be reviewed on SMS Book Reviews. Normally they would have been done before the end of the event but some still haven't made it through the mail to me and there are a lot of books, it takes time to read them.

Here is a list of all the books and when they have been reviewed, they will be linked directly to the review for your convenience. So even if you aren't sure if the books are for you, enter now! You only have 4 days left. If you don't win, you can use the reviews to determine if you wish to purchase the book.

The 4-1-1 on Life Skills by Michele Sfakianos, RN, BSN 
101 Things I Hate About Your House by James Swan with Carol Beggy
1% Solution for Work and Life: How to Make Your Next 30 Days The Best Ever by Tom Connellan
The Swiss Cheese Theory of Life: How to Get Through Life's Holes Without Getting Stuck in Them! by Judith Belmont and Lora Shor
Courtesy Bootcamp by Anthonette Klinkerman 
Cows Can't Quack by Dave Reisman
Red is Best Board Book by Kathy Stinson
Dogs Don't Eat Jam by Sarah Tsiang
Chicken, Pig, Cow and the Class Pet by Ruth Ohi
Likeable Social Media : How to Delight Your Customers, Create an Irresistible Brand, and Be Generally Amazing on Facebook (and Other Social Networks) by Dave Kerpen 
How to Win Friends and Influence People in the Digital Age by Dale Carnegie Training 

The 4-1-1 on Step Parenting by Michele Sfakianos 
What I Wish I'd Known About Raising a Child with Autism by Bobbi Sheahan and Kathy DeOrnellas, Ph.D. 
Grilled Cheese Please! by Laura Werlin 
The Busy Mum's Cookbook by Mary Gwynn 
The Berlin Cookbook by Rose Marie Donhauser 

*Disclosure: I received the product(s) mentioned above free of charge by the company or PR representative for evaluation purposes. No other compensation was provided. See my Disclosure Policy for more information. 

REVIEW: Lovable Labels Friendship Pack (Toast to 2012 Sponsor)

Lovable Labels is a great place to get personalized labels for your child, no matter what you plan on labelling. I've reviewed products from Lovable Labels before: Wire Tags and Holly Jolly Gift Pack.

Lovable Labels has added a new fun set you may be interested in. The Friendship Pack has 120 labels (30 Sticker Labels, 80 Slimline Labels, 10 Fun Stickies) PLUS you get a FREE Friendship Sampler (40 Slimline Labels) for a friend!

There are two colour sets to choose from, as shown below.

(c) Lovable Labels

I chose to get labels for my younger daughter and we have already used one of her heart shaped fun stickies to label the DSi she got for Christmas. I chose the pink and purple set because Alastrin is a girly girl and pink is her favourite colour (plus she loves hearts.) However if your child isn't into pink and purple, there is the more bold colour design with a star fun sticky to choose from.

We love Lovable Labels because:

• They are dishwasher safe
• They are microwave safe
• They are easy to apply
• They STAY STUCK
• They are bold but simple
• They are a great price

With the Friendship Pack, we get to gift a friend with some labels of their own! Both sets come wrapped in red foil so it's already ready to give as a gift.

Check out Lovable Labels Blog which not only features product information and company news but also posts on everyday life. Also be sure to connect on Facebook and Twitter.

Thanks to Lovable Labels for sponsoring a prize in the Toast to 2012 Giveaway Hop. You have a chance to win a Friendship Pack until Jan 17, 2012 - so hurry!

*Disclosure: I received the product(s) mentioned above free of charge by the company or PR representative for evaluation purposes. No other compensation was provided. See my Disclosure Policy for more information. 

REVIEW: Paper Jamz Mic Series - Sing Like a Pro (#12DaysGalore Sponsor)

Paper Jamz by WowWee is a hit new toy you may or may not have heard of. The idea is you can sing or make music as if you were a pro, without the big expensive versions of the instruments.

You can choose from a guitar (regular or special artist ones like Justin Bieber!), drums or microphone.

I gave away a guitar for the 12 Days of Gifts Galore giveaway but I decided to review the microphone.

The microphone has room to hold 3 songs to play while you sing as well as fun options:

• Perfect Pitch (analyzes and tunes your pitch as you sing)
• Solo/Duet Mode (Sing with the artist or be the artist by turning it ON or OFF when using the songs)
• Auto-Harmony (Double or Triple singer's voice and shifts pitch to create harmony)
• Auto-Vibrato (adds vibrato (vibration) to singer's voice)
• Chorus (Multiplies singer's vocals to add depth)
• Auto (Recreates original sound of the song - makes me sound like the artist)

Check out the commercial for more information but be warned, it's pretty silly!

I videotaped my girls demonstrating the microphone. I apologize for the swear word in the song and my child picking at her nose LOL.



It's a lot of fun, even I play with it. When my girls cousins come over, they use it to change their voice too. My 12 year old niece hid the microphone in her shirt and the speaker in a pocket of a large blanket she was wearing so whenever she talked, it sounded scary. 

Where to Buy in Canada:

Zellers
Toys R Us
Home Hardware
Sears
Wal-Mart

Find Paper Jamz on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube!

*Disclosure: I received the product(s) mentioned above free of charge by the company or PR representative for evaluation purposes. No other compensation was provided. See my Disclosure Policy for more information. 

REVIEW: Bright Starts Roll & Chase Bumble Bee

When your baby gets to the stage where he or she is learning to crawl, they start to lose interest in toys that just sit there like rattles and blocks because they want to move. So they crawl around your house getting in to everything instead!

The Roll and Chase Bumble Bee from Bright Starts is the perfect type of toy for this stage. It doesn't really roll but sort of "walks" along and plays music to entice your crawler to chase after it.  There are three buttons to push on the front and two settings (ABC and Music.) It doesn't always move, sometimes it just plays the music so your child will have a chance to catch up to it if they are just starting out with crawling.

In my FIRST YouTube video, I demonstrate how it moves (without baby). Please excuse wiggly camera and foot as this was my first try.



My baby, while 8 months, cannot crawl yet so he doesn't use the toy much as it wiggles away from him, but we will keep showing up and maybe one day he'll scoot towards it!

My only recommendations for how it could be better is the buttons should be on top of the toy more, there should be more of them and they should be easier to push.

Find Bright Starts on Facebook and Twitter.


*Disclosure: I received the product(s) mentioned above free of charge by the company or PR representative for evaluation purposes. No other compensation was provided. See my Disclosure Policy for more information. 

REVIEW: Lovable Labels Holly Jolly Gift Pack (#12DaysGalore Sponsor)

 I reviewed the wire tags from Lovable Labels in September and this time I tried out one of their Holiday Packs.

The Holiday Packs are an assorted package of personalized clothing and shoe labels. They come in two sizes and each size comes in two "types." (basically "girlish" and "boyish" but they aren't marked as such so if your boy loves pink or your girl loves blue and red, go for it!)

So what do you get?

The Holly Jolly Gift Pack is $24.99 CDN

Wrapped in a pretty red foil package, the recipient will receive 15 Multi-Purpose Stickers, 40 Slimline Labels, 12 Shoe Labels, 24 Press N' Stick Clothing DOTS (6 Large, 6 Medium and 12 Small) and 2 Mini-Metal Tags.

The Santa Sampler Gift Pack is $14.99 CDN

Wrapped in a pretty red foil package, the recipient will receive 15 Multi-Purpose Stickers, 40 Slimline Labels, and 24 Press N' Stick Clothing DOTS (6 Large, 6 Medium and 12 Small).

 I reviewed the Holly Jolly Gift Pack which comes in Christmas Jewels or Santa's Pick. I chose Christmas Jewels and one of my daughter's names.

As with all Lovable Labels products, the stickers are made of a thicker material to stand up to use and washings and general wear and tear.

The clothing tags are meant to be put on garment tags or care labels, not directly on the fabric. They can also be put on the liners of windbreakers, snowpants, snow jackets etc. They are machine washable and Dryer and Bleach Safe.

The sticker labels can be used for any household items such as lunch pails, water bottles, toys, cups, anything. They are dishwasher and microwave safe.

Keep in mind if ordering for a very young child (18months or younger) in daycare or something that the shoe labels would not fit into a very small shoe. They should work from preschooler size 6 and up at least I'd guess.

Christmas Jewels

Santa's Pick

For a limited time only you will receive gift seals with your purchase of one of the holiday packs. Lovable Labels ships to US and Canada.

Find Lovable Labels on Facebook and Twitter.

*Disclosure: I received the product(s) mentioned above free of charge by the company or PR representative for evaluation purposes. No other compensation was provided. See my Disclosure Policy for more information. 

REVIEW: My Very Merry First Christmas Personalized Book (I See Me) #12DaysGalore Sponsor

Your child's first Christmas is always a special one. Videos of your baby either helping open the presents or laying quietly absorbing the surroundings (depending on age) is one of those moments you remember.

Many people get Baby's 1st Christmas Ornaments for the tree but I like this idea better.

I See Me has personalized First Christmas books. Your child's name is in the title and in the garland of the tree on the cover as well as throughout the book.

Here's an example using the sample name Jacob:

"Cardinal flapped and fluttered outside of Jacob's house. "Christmas is coming!" I have to tell Mouse!"

It's a small hardcover book with a shiny cover and thick pages. The best part of it is that although it's a Christmas book and Santa and the reindeer do make an appearance, they aren't the stars of the show. It focuses on animals and the Christmas Tree. It's secular too if that's what you are looking for.

Also I was able to personalize it more. His name is on the cover as mentioned and throughout the pages of the book. His full name is in the title page along with a dedication and the inside cover says This book was written especially for Liam. 

I See Me has other personalized books and products too like the My Very Own Name book that I reviewed on my other blog.

*Disclosure: I received the product(s) mentioned above free of charge by the company or PR representative for evaluation purposes. No other compensation was provided. See my Disclosure Policy for more information. 

Spotlight: Live Call With Santa with SantaSpeaking.com - Sponsor for #12DaysGalore

Would your child like to talk to Santa on the phone? It's possible!

SantaSpeaking.com offers live, interactive, personalized phone calls with Santa Claus.

"When Santa calls, he's a kind, generous and "jolly old soul" who knows your child's name, whether they've been naughty or nice, who their best friends are, and for that matter - what kind of grades they got on their last report card, or how they did on their latest dance recital."

You can get the call for one child or more than one and you can purchase a mini CD or MP3 recording of the call as well. The mini CD doubles as a tree ornament.

The company ensures that your child's call is safe. You can read about their practices here.

A Bit About the Company:

"Bob and Linda have both experienced the magic of believing in miracles, each having survived individual diagnoses of cancer. Linda was cured of colon cancer, and Bob is currently in long-term remission from pancreatic cancer. It is their hope that bringing the magic of Santa to you may also help bring about an end to this tragic disease, and thus, a portion of all net profits will be donated to the STAND UP TO CANCER organization."

Send your kids to visit Santa's Wonderland, a site for kids with Fun and Games, a Santa Tracker and the ability to email Santa. (make sure your speakers aren't too loud before you go there!)

How much a call costs depends on a few factors.

The pricing is determined by 2 things:
1. Type of call (single, extended, cd, no cd, etc.
2. The scheduled date of the call (prices go higher as it gets closer to Xmas.

See all the details here.

Buy It: Order your personalized call now!

Win It: Hurry there are only two days left to enter to win a live call (Single or Extended through 12/22) and CD during the 12 Days of Giveaways Galore (ends Dec. 6 11:59 PM EST)

*Disclosure: I did not receive any compensation. See my Disclosure Policy for more information. 

REVIEW: Foods from The Zone Fast Weight Loss Program

Zone Labs and the Zone Fast Weight Loss Program were one of my sponsors for the Coupon Cabin hop that just ended.

I was sent a two week supply of food just like my winner will receive to try out. You can see the full list of food here.

The bread products tasted pretty regular. The bagels were a bit smaller but other than that, they tasted like your average bread product. We made pizzas with the pizza crusts and the flatbreads and they were yummy. The cinnamon swirl bread was delicious!

The snacks were different. The "cookie" was nothing like a cookie but was still tasty. To me it was more like a rice krispie "square." The nougat bars had me conflicted. I loved the Double Chocolate Fudge one but didn't like the fruity ones.

I used the orzo pasta for a dish but have not tried the fusili yet but I do want to try one of the recipes that came with the food.

Please note that bread products should be refrigerated or frozen if not to be used right away to assure freshness. 

The program also comes with a 2 week supply of Daily Essentials. (supplements), information booklets and a sample 2 week menu.

I can't speak for how filling the foods were (they are supposed to keep you full for longer) because I am struggling with overeating and was eating even thought I wasn't hungry.

*Disclosure: I received the product(s) mentioned above free of charge by the company or PR representative for evaluation purposes. No other compensation was provided. See my Disclosure Policy for more information. 

REVIEW: Mumoocie Body Pillow - Sponsor for #12DaysGalore

Come back between Nov 25-Dec 6 for your chance to win a Memory Foam Mumoocie Pillow (RV: $80) in my 12 Days of Gifts Galore Giveaway.

The Mumoocie (pronounced MAH-MOO-SEE) is a body pillow with a unique design. It's designed to mimic another body so that an adult, child or baby can cuddle up to it in a spooning position and feel like they are not sleeping alone.

Anyone can use it but it was designed with children moving from the family bed to their own bed or who otherwise have trouble sleeping on their own, adults whose spouses are on midnights or are away for work (military or business trips) and who will therefore be sleeping alone, or even pets!

"Mumoocie is for anyone who encounters separation anxiety and enjoys getting a good night's rest!"

You can see the gallery of possible uses here.

The pillow comes in fiber fill or memory foam. The one pictured to the right is Memory foam so it holds it's shape. The fiber fill one is more rounded. I was able to try out the memory foam pillow, here's what my family thought:

• Mom's First Thought: I LOVE Memory Foam, the pillow will never go flat but weird shape.
• Dad's First Thought: Is this for me? I need a new pillow for between my legs.
• Daughter #1's First Thought: I LOVE this pillow. It's my favourite pillow now. Can I use it? Can I use it?
• Daughter #2's First Thought: That's a funny pillow, it's so squishy!
• Son's First Thought: (Okay he's 8 months, so I don't know what he's thinking but he seemed to like when I used it to prop him up as he slept in my arms because it was fussy.)

My husband first tried it between his legs but it's not the right size for him, he loves the memory foam though. Now it currently lays between us in bed as when he lays facing the bed, he has to have his arm over a pillow. It's like an arm rest in bed. I use it too when I face that way. I do like cuddling up to it when he's not in bed but I find I don't cuddle up to it the right way. I prefer it backwards (facing me)

It's supposed to retain heat and scent so that if I slept with it in my bed for a few days, I could pass it to my child and it should smell like me or if I sleep with my child and the pillow and then transfer her to her bed, it would retain my heat. I haven't tried it like this as my children have no problem sleeping by themselves generally. I did offer it to my younger daughter when I was going to be away for the night but she forgot to use it.

My eldest daughter loves to lay on it with it under her chest when she watches TV in my bedroom. I also use it to prop up my arm when I nurse the baby in bed or to keep items handy like the remote or his soother, without them sliding down under me. I've even used it as a table when I use my laptop in bed for my USB mouse. The memory foam is that hard and yet that soft at the same time!

I think this pillow is a great idea. You can even add a voice recorder so that when it's squeezed it repeats a message you recorded such as "Go to sleep little one." Check out the Mumoocie YouTube channel for more. Also see Mumoocie on Facebook and Twitter.

The pillow was featured on "The Doctors" in October. You can see the video below (they pronounce it wrong.)




*Disclosure: I received the product(s) mentioned above free of charge by the company or PR representative for evaluation purposes. No other compensation was provided. See my Disclosure Policy for more information. 

REVIEW: Reading Kingdom - Online Reading Program - Sponsor for #12DaysGalore

One person will win a Year Subscription (RV: $199) to Reading Kingdom in my 12 Days of Gifts Galore Giveaway which starts Nov. 25!

Reading Kingdom is an online reading program designed for ages 4-10 and can be used by parents as a supplement to what they learn at school, by schools directly or as a homeschooling reading lesson plan.

Sequencing

 

The program covers all six skills needed for reading: sequencing, motor skills, sounds, meaning, grammar and comprehension and the lessons are tailored to your child's ability. Reading Kingdom recognizes that children of the same age aren't necessarily at the same reading level.

My two oldest children are in JK and SK and so are right at the beginning of the age group for this program. They WANT to learn how to read and practice reading and writing every second they get (because they want to, I don't sit them down and make them do it.)

Letter Land

How It Works

I set them up with some profiles (quick and easy) and then there is an optional keyboard/mouse skills training for children who aren't familiar with the keyboard. My kids are pretty adept at it so we skipped that. They perhaps could have used a bit of it as they didn't know where every key is or the punctuation but the have done okay without it.

So first they do a Skills Survey which is able to figure out where they need to start out. If it's determined they need to do the Sequencing and Letter sections, then that's where they start. That's where my children are right now.

The program is designed to take a while. It will take 4-6 weeks for my kids to do the section they are on, more if they don't work on it a few times a week.

My 5 Year old Playing Reading Kingdom

When we first started, they had a little trouble and I got frustrated. They say you can help your child with keyboard or mouse skills if need be but not to help them in any other way as the program takes how well your child did and determines how much more practice and at what level they need it. So I tried to do that but it kept assuming they didn't know what to do because they were taking too long to do it. So it would say click p for example and before they clicked it, it would stop and explain what to do and then give them another try. Then before they clicked it, it would show again and do it for them then move on to the next one. I've realized that the problem was they needed more keyboard skills. The keyboard skills are not just knowing how to use the keyboard but where each button is so they can click it quicker. Once we figured this out, everything went fine.

Tips From Me

• Turn off other distractions such as TV, music and take siblings that are distracting out of the room.
• Make sure the keyboard and mouse are at the right height for the child. Right now we only have a laptop and as you can see from the above photo, it's too high for my children. I did plug in a USB mouse though so they don't have to try to use the laptop mouse.
• Do only one session at a time. The sessions seem short once they get the hang of it and they often ask to do a second session right afterwards but then half way through that one inevitably have trouble sitting still and get distracted which affects their work. You want to end while they are having fun so they will want to do it again.
• Call it a reading game (which it is) or Reading Kingdom. Do not call it homework, lessons such (unless you are using it with homeschooling in which case it is but still, it sounds more fun that way)

Reading Kingdom offers a way to see your child's progress. It offers a progress meter for each child:

(c) Reading Kingdom. Screenshot from Kathleen Garber (does not appear blurry for real

There are also little icons beside each section that show if it's in progress, not yet started, completed and level of performance (needs attention or good, very good or excellent performance.)

So Does It Work?

Well before we started Reading Kingdom, my 5 year old SK girl was getting the hang of letter sounds and sequencing (left to right) and such but wasn't reading more than 5 words not including family member's names. We've been doing the program for about a month (and not even as often as recommended) and she is reading beginner books and signs all around! She is catching on so quickly and although she is learning at school, this big jump all of a sudden I'm sure is at least partly because of Reading Kingdom.

Subscriptions and Free Trials

You can sign up for a free 30 day trial to test it out. The regular membership prices are below but if you subscribe when you sign up for your trial, you save 25%!

$19.99/month or $199.99/year for first reader
$9.99/month or $99.99/year for each additional reader
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Also be sure to check out the Reading Kingdom blog for great articles and tips on reading. Also find Reading Kingdom on Facebook and Twitter.

*Disclosure: I received the product(s) mentioned above free of charge by the company or PR representative for evaluation purposes. No other compensation was provided. See my Disclosure Policy for more information. 

CouponCabin’s 25 Crazy Dayz of Giveawayz Sponsor Spotlight – Nielsen-Massey Vanillas #CouponCabinHop

Be sure to come back November 1 for your chance to win a prize from this company during the 25 Crazy Dayz of Giveawayz Event.

Neilsen-Massey Vanillas carry Vanilla Extracts, Powders and Beans of many types. Nielsen-Massey has been creating with Vanilla for over 100 years!

Neilsen-Massey had donated one 4oz bottle of Madagascar Bourbon Pure Vanilla Extract (RV: $10)
The Bourbon is named after the place and it has no alcohol in it!

The website has information on Vanilla as well as some vanilla recipes. You can also buy their new cookbook. The vanilla facts section is interesting as well.

Buy It: Check out the Where to Buy page to find out where to get it.

*Disclosure: I will be receiving a bottle of vanilla extract to review this month. The company is sponsoring a giveaway during Coupon Cabin's 25 Crazy Dayz of Giveawayz. No other compensation was provided. See my Disclosure Policy for more information.

CouponCabin’s 25 Crazy Dayz of Giveawayz Sponsor Spotlight – Sophia Grace #CouponCabinHop

Be sure to come back November 1 for your chance to win a prize from this company during the 25 Crazy Dayz of Giveawayz Event. 

How many stained shirts do you have from food splatter while cooking? I have so many it's not even funny. I have an apron but it's black and boring and I forget to put it on most of the time.

Sophia Grace sells beautifully designed aprons for women, men and children. They are made in Canada too! They also sell laminated ones that are great for hair dressers, crafters or anyone who prefers a apron that can be wiped clean. They even carry some special aprons that would make great wedding gifts!

Now you can cook in style! Their motto is Be Fun Be Flirty Be Fabulous!

Follow Sophia Grace Aprons on Facebook and Twitter

Sophia Grace Aprons is donating one apron for the Crazy Dayz of Giveawayz Event.



 Buy It: Buy directly from the Sophia Grace website

Use the code "ilovecallista" to get $10 off AND free shipping! But hurry, this code is only good till Nov. 30.


*Disclosure: I will be receiving an apron to review this month. The company is sponsoring a giveaway during Coupon Cabin's 25 Crazy Dayz of Giveawayz. No other compensation was provided. See my Disclosure Policy for more information. 

CouponCabin’s 25 Crazy Dayz of Giveawayz Sponsor Spotlight – GHG Global Powerhouse #CouponCabinHop

Be sure to come back November 1 for your chance to win a prize from this company during the 25 Crazy Dayz of Giveawayz Event.

Do you like healthy drinks? All the way from the Caribbean Island of Trinidad I have a health product for you. It's a non-alcoholic wine that doubles as an energy drink! I think it will be easier to quote the product page:

LaVie™ was born from Mother Nature’s most energizing, healthful and enchanting botanicals. This great-tasting, non-alcoholic drink began with red grapes from the Bordeaux Region of France, was masterfully blended with wholesome aloe vera and red raspberries, and finally garnished with an amazing array of nature’s sensuous bounty.

The word ‘LaVie’ is French for ‘life’…for the energizing and revitalizing effects and the incredible benefits to the human body that this product has, the name is perfect! According to some studies, LaVie’s™ key ingredients have been found to improve cardiovascular health, boost the immune system, recover lost stamina, and provide other uplifting physical benefits.

When served chilled, LaVie™ not only becomes appealing as a dietary supplement, but it tastes great too! The suggested use is not to exceed more than two servings daily due to the intense amount of herbs and botanicals included in LaVie™. For this same reason, it is also not intended for children or pregnant women. Although each person’s reaction to LaVie™ may vary, when consumed accordingly, LaVie™ can be an excellent complement to almost anyone’s diet!

 La Vie is just one product from NHT Global/GHG Global Powerhouse which ships their products to 33 countries!

You can learn more about the product at the NHT Global site. Choose your country and then go to products and then La Vie.

I will be giving away one 32oz bottle (RV: $31.67) during the Crazy Dayz of Giveawayz event.

Buy It: You can purchase La Vie and the other products online at the NHT Global Store.

*Disclosure: I will be receiving a bottle of La Vie to review this month. The company is sponsoring a giveaway during Coupon Cabin's 25 Crazy Dayz of Giveawayz. No other compensation was provided. See my Disclosure Policy for more information.