The Cow Said Neigh! A Farm Story (book review)

  I know your looking for a fun new book to share with your kids!  I have just read and shared with a few of my little friends The Cow Said Neigh!  A Farm Story by Rory Feek!  This is the book you have been looking for to add to your childrens collection.

  The animals on the farm all seem to envy other animals and to take on the appreciation and admiration they speak the appropriate voice of said animal!

  This book became a quick favorite here!  The storyline is so fun and easy to follow it's a great book for younger kids to enjoy as well as early elementary.

  After a few animals have said the wrong noise you will have the attention of everyone.  The illustration was bold and fun.  The colored pages keep the story engaging.

My kids enjoyed this book and are so excited to share the giveaway link with you here!

Of course everyone can't be a winner so after you purchase your own copy print some of these color pages!

As always thank you for reading my review.  This copy was provided to me complimentary but all opinions and comments are solely my own.

Let's Play Ball!

  Summer is almost here and so are all the summer camp options.  My kids have not played any sports yet for teams and I'm  OK with that.  They are little and as much as I like watching little kids play, I just haven't committed myself to shuttling 2 kids to various activities.


  I am about to taking advantage of the best of both worlds.  A weekly soccer camp that I only need to shuttle to once with both of my kids!

  Plus being elementary school age I think they are old enough to listen, pay attention and follow directions and this week long camp will reinforce the fundamentals on a daily basis. 

  These British Soccer Camps offer camps all over North America and their curriculum makes them the most popular.

Check for a location near you here!

 They aim to teach the kids, increase confidence and enforce proper character development.  I love the sounds of this because I don't just want them to learn to play.  I want a full circle experience.  Kids need to learn how to play, how to win or lose and how to conduct themselves.

  Register for this great opportunity now and receive a FREE British Soccer Game jersey with code BSC18.

Family Fun (free day)

  Family fun can happen anywhere.  It just has to be 1) an activity or event be done with 2) family.

  Even a day out can be all about the family.  I checked out and planned my day for the kids today.  Free is always a nice thing so I definitely utilized that as my entertainment today!

  Today we started out with our favorite once a month activity!

The kids workshop at Homedepot!  The project was a periscope.  I will admit I had to remove a few nails with this project.  Precise nailing was most important today.

  After that we made our way to Target!  Did you know they were celebrating Dr. Suess at some locations?  Lucky for us, our location was one of them.

The kids received some fun activity sheets, sat in some very comfy chairs and heard the story Green Eggs and Ham.

 After this a small walk to celebrate 30 years was our next destination.

Happy Birthday AuntieAnnes! We enjoyed celebrating with you!

I not going to ask what the favorite activity of the day was because all I want to hear is spending time together and that may or may not be the answer.  

Either way everyone got out of the house, created, ate and even got a dose of enrichment, and imagination from the Dr.  I would say it was a good day.  Bring on Sunday because it is the day of rest and relax.

A Library has Books?

When you get your own library card it's almost mandatory to attend a diy library card holder event.

I have no shame I sent my teen to a bead class....... and she loved it!

All things John Green was a teen event that was all her idea.  She made pins, inspirational coasters and won this signed book!  She couldn't deny she enjoyed her library experience that day either. Watch out teen I think I saw you smile.

We have attended a lot of the preschool and elementary programs.  The library offers something different (usually hands on) every week.

Games are extra fun when your with your family and things are super sized!

Amazement when your balloon fills up by itself. Panic for mom when your not sure if it's going to blow up. Is there a phobia title for this?

The older kids get an experience one another level of learning and fun!  Shel Silverstein was the focal point one day.  The kids listened to a couple books then acted them out with each other for the parents.

Little miss is currently attending the monthly sewing classes.  She has learned basic sewing, adding buttons, and made a bag!

Mommy even gets to jump into a few programs of my own and I don't even have to share!  Crafts are offered regularly. 

I'm also in their book club.  Brooklyn is our next book. 

We even caught the eclipse at our library! This was fun for the whole family! It wasn't even just a show and bring your lawn chairs. It was a party! 

I'm just saying rumor has it a library has books too! Hmm, I didn't see any, guess I'll have to look next time I'm there.

Now I by no means am saying my library is better then yours but, I may be saying go and have fun at your library and see what they have.  Make suggestions to get more community involvement!   If you library does have activities and classes I would love to hear about them! 

Bic Pens with color and flair

  I received a package of pens from Smiley360 and what a perfect time to sample them just before school shopping.  Each grade suggest different supplies, folder and pen colors are often specifically requested too. So this product is very convenient.

  Bic Gelo-ocity gel pens come in a variety of colors to aid in making that letter standout to a dear friend, maybe spicing up a mundane to-do list, or giving some motivation to your student in their lunch.

  The colors I received were pink, purple and blue.   These pens offer a nice comfortable rubber grip, are retractable and dry quicker then most pens.  I liked the colors and the way the pens wrote.  There was indeed no smear as the ink did dry quickly.  My kit included the pens, coupons to pass out, a coloring sheet to test my colors on, an information guide about the pens and the Smiley360 card with instructions.

  Smiley360 offers a variety of products complimentary for testing purposes and reviews.  Sign up here.  You answers surveys to see if you qualify and accept or decline offers based on your interest.   You share your experiences on your social media platforms and wait for the next opportunity. Through Smiley360 I have tested both products I was familiar with and new products.

  This time it was a win for the kids and myself as we got a great introduction to some colorful school supplies!  I have tried a variety of products from Mucinex, a pillow, vitamins, Advil and dog food to name a few.

   I received these pens complimentary for review purposes from Smiley360 and all opinions expressed are my own.

#bicgelocity

Showtime Rewards at Cinemark

  Reward programs from stores and restaurants do have their own unique perks.  Some perks are not as good.  I will not necessarily run out my house for a buy one get one free deal.  A free burger from the restaurant down the street gets my attention and so does free entertainment.

  Last week I received an email promoting a special screening of Girls Trip for Cinemark Connections.  Cinemark's reward program works twice as hard as other programs.  I have the app on my phone and open it upon arriving at the location.  I have the staff scan my phone when I purchase tickets and food. For these scans I receive points.

   Another way I receive points is Cinemode.  You get points for not using your phone for the duration of the movie.

  Your points go towards discounts on food, drinks and even some special movie items!

            

I am slowing building up my points and when I see the right reward I'll know it when I see it! For now I am just collecting away.  It's hard to remember to have them scan for tickets and food so that's a hit or miss deal for me but the Cinemode is easy to remember.

So next time you visit Cinemark don't forget to get your points.  Cinemark provides several movie viewing options to include digital, XD and 3D! I always love that Tuesdays at my local theater is matinee ALL day! 

What's the next movie you plan on seeing?

A Date with Home Depot

  The first Saturday of every month Home Depot offers a kids workshop!  Once and a while there's a bonus.  This weekend was the bonus.  I'm going to walk you through how easy it is to take your kids to this freebie in your area!


  First off sign up online at your local store.  It's not necessary but it gives them a heads up on how many kits to order.   Next even if you sign up it doesn't guarantee you a kit; it is a first come first serve deal.  The workshop is 9am-12noon.  Of course if you get there earlier versus later your chances are good.

Behold the kit of the day.  Some kits vary in size, ease of assembly and some you get to paint (on site).

The tables usually have the necessary tools. This kit also required a screwdriver not shown.  

Instructions are pretty easy to follow.  I have messed up once and a while but for the most part it's not that bad.

The instructions include an inventory of the necessary items to cross check for assembly.

The kits come usually come with all the pieces to include nails at various sizes, decals and anything relevant to the project.

The instructions are so through that it tells you when to use large nails and small nails.

 Pre-made holes make it easy to insert the nail and maybe steady it before hammering.

Hammering is not easy but I have watched my daughter get much better at hammering.

She is able to hold the piece steady and hammer the nails now.

Bring on the back of the project!

Screwdrivers were needed.  My son loves to play with his tools at home so this was exciting to him.

Screwing a screw in is hard to do.  ousting the screw down and twisting it in required another hand.

The top of the project required a screw eye!

A little finger to secure to secure the last piece of hardware.

Finishing touches were easy and I could step back and relax now.

I present you a finished product not painted but my other child wants to paint theirs and then apply the stickers.

A picture frame! A nice handmade gift for someone for Christmas or a keepsake ornament for the tree.

#Nablopomo

Turkey Day

A turkey day from nature.

Grab a pinecone, leaves in different shapes and colors, and glue!

I drizzled glue into the crevices of the pinecone and then inserted the leaves.  Stack the leaves in largest to smallest from the back working your way forward.  See how I added my bigger leaves in the back and even added the colored ones in the front.

I cut out the head, beak and wattle and glued them together; then added the eyes.  Again you can add a drizzle of glue in the pinecone or just wedge it in.

I obviously skipped the feet part but I did use the caps of a milk container to prop them up or even angle them and it worked out perfect! 

Great project for kids and the uniqueness  of  their turkeys will shine through.

Gobble, gobble

#Nablopomo

Summer Bucketlist

  Summer is in full swing.  We are trying to take advantage of it and enjoy it around the extreme heat and rain.  I don't usually make a list; but instead just go explore and have fun however this year I decided to make one.  I made a list of places and activities I would like to do this summer for both myself and my kids.

  I made a list for both because their are somethings on mine that are not for children and just things I would like to do.  Now I may not get to all the items on either list but I sure hope so and will try.

  I initially made the list but asked for other choices when I was done but the kids will tend to say things they have already done throughout the year.  I think Chuck E. Cheese and us can take a break for a bit.  So on my lit are places and activities that I know they would like but are not fully aware of to even suggest.  I know that after they experience some of them they will be happy to have done it.

  Planned activities for my kids are: water balloon fight, badminton game, boat ride, fishing, nighttime fun like cooking s'mores and collecting lightening bugs.  Some planned places include camping, museums,  water park and even McDonald's so they can play in the play area.

  We have a pony swim that I would like the kids to see and maybe get them to a cavern!  My list includes a trip to Biltmore Estates  and  train ride.  I personally am considering a white water raft trip, indoor skydiving and a trip to a flower field!

  Of course this is a portion of my summer bucket list.  It's nice to have it organized and to cross an item off when we have done it.  We will still do the summer fun things like going to the beach, swimming at the pool, visiting a park or playground and take advantage of the kids free and budget deals like attending the movies, bowling and summer library programs.

  Follow us as we visit new places and experience new things this summer.  Hopefully it will inspire you with your family to try something new as well.

Date 12

  The week is almost over but the fun doesn't need to be.  Your have hopefully spent some quality time dating your significant other and had fun along the way.  Today is day 12 of a month long dating month.  This week was shared for your chosen mate.  Only a few more days left let's make the most of it!

  Today your date mission is to get out and about.  Check out a car show or whatever his hobby is.  For you maybe you like visiting a art museum or looking at antiques. Spend time sharing what the other person likes.  I'm not sure if you can squeeze both activities in on the same day but that would be best.  Even surprising your date mate with what they look to do would be nice.  No money needs to be spent.  Simply browsing or window shopping is sufficient.  This date is about sharing hobbies, a low key fun activity.  Learning from your partner what they like.

  This date can bring you closet or educate you in unknown areas.  I wouldn't mind looking at cars.  However at a slow, check out all the engines and tires rate of speed may get old quickly.  So I may talk about other things to pass the time.  I might be able to have a full conversation with him, an almost undivided attention conversation because he would be happy and content looking at cars. Doing something he likes to do.  Lol, I would win at a museum too because he may decide to talk more to pass the time as well.  We know how men just love to talk.

  Well there you have it everyone.  Get out and about today and see something.  His and hers today. Equal sharing.  Have fun with this and only one more day before we date someone else.....

Virginia Gorge

Do you know several times a year the national parks waive their entrance fee?  They have the dates and parks listed on there website.  Most of the states have a park some states have several to choose from.  You are able to select on parks you are interested in to gain more information about that particular park.  This information will give you their normal entrance fees, daily programs offered,  hours, directions and even if they have camp sites at that location.  I figured out in August that the next free national park day in September was going to be to visit Great Falls National Park.

  The picture at the top of this page was what peaked my interest.  It was a picture of a gorge.  I am from the land of gorges.  Originally from upstate NY I have made the trip to Niagara Falls multiple times as well as visit a very close Letchworth State Park (Grand Canyon of the East).  I guess I was having a case of homesickness.  It was such a magnificent looking park I had to check this out.

  As with any park there are plenty of walking trails.  Your map/guide will help you decide the distance you want to trek as well as the ease of the trail.  (We were not there to hike as I have the "boot".)  However when I do go hiking I weigh my options.  How many more places am I going that day or what did I do before I got there?  How will the children hold up?

Sadly you don't necessarily know the terrain of a trail until you get going on it so I never assume I can take my stroller.  Even if I took the stroller it's just a cheap one and not a rugged jogger.  (That has had a flat for years).  I also have never acquired one of those fancy backpacks so my youngest walks, whines, cries and chugs along slowly. My little man is getting better we are sitting at 1 mile almost comfortably.

  This park is a no trash park.  Which I thought was neat and wondered how that really works out.  This means don't bring anything in or just take it all back out with you.  There are no garbage cans in the whole park.  I did see posts with plastic bags for your personal use but for you to put your trash in and take the bag with you.

  In the park there is a visitor center and two areas of parking fairly close to the gorge area.  We were not able to park closest so that gave us a small walk.  The trail was nice.  It was smooth somewhat even.  I could have maneuvered the stroller through it.  We even crossed over a little bridge!  My kids enjoyed walking and looking at the stream alongside us.

I tried to share some pictures with you an not give you the whole view.  This is one of the best parks I have been too.  We all enjoyed ourselves and I would like to go back.  These pictures give no justice to the beauty of this park.  You really must go experience this for yourself.  Make sure you have your camera and batteries because you will need them.