{Never} Wordless Wednesday ~ Evan's Room

Ok.. so I have to admit that I still have not finished Evan's room.  Yes I do realize that he is 18 months old.  But I have not completed decorating his room.  But can I use the excuses that Evan doesn't even sleep in his room?  Well, either way we got a little more of his room done this past weekend.  My mom has been a great help.  She came over and helped me to lay it out.  I knew what I wanted, but needed to get it done.

First we got Evan's name in letters.  I had every intention of decorating these, but time got away from me.  So my mom took them and did it for me.  She did an awesome job don't you think!?!

Next I had made these just after Evan was first born.  But it took me a while to find frames that fit well.  Then we put them up on the wall.  I love the way we used the vynil stickers here and behind his name.  I also go the leaf in the corner from Ikea and that was a chore trying to get it up.  And the curtains were made by my mom.

And last the crib bedding came with these cute wall hangings so we got these up.

I still need to get the comforter up on the wall.  I found some cute clips and my mom helped again by making some leaves to cover the clips and make it all match together.  Maybe by the time he is sleeping in his own room we will have it done.  Hopefully he doesn't out grow it too fast.  I love how it is turning out.

Cafe Zupas Blogger's Annual Cookbook Review & Giveaway

I was provided the above mentioned products in order to provide a review.

     Recently, I was at a training and for lunch we had a delicious soup and salad from Cafe Zupas.  Until then I had only heard of Cafe Zupas, but after trying it I was hooked.  It was so good.  The next week I received an email asking if I'd like a copy of the Cafe Zupas Blogger's Annual Cookbook for review.  I immediately said yes.  Of course I realize that the cookbook did not have the same recipes as the restaurant, but I was still looking forward to something good.

     I received the cookbook and it is full of great recipes.  It is divided up into each season, Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter.  There are soups, salads, entrees, and desserts.  Each recipe is labeled by simple, moderate, and complex.  This is really helpful for me.  I always start with the simple and might go into the moderate.  I will likely stay away from the complex until I'm feeling extra adventurous.  There is also a label with how long the recipe takes and how many servings it makes.  This is great when planning to get started and how much you will need.  The ingredients box gives the list of ingredients so you can be sure you have all  you need before you start.  Also, with each recipe there are little tricks and tips from the person that developed the recipes.  There is even a section on cooking oils and how to select the best cooking oil for each recipe.

     Looking at all the great recipes I found some that I can't wait to try.  I know that one of the first will have to be the S'mores Pancakes.  Jayden is my little chocaholic and I know he will love these.  They are labeled as simple and only takes 20 minutes.  I can't wait to try these myself.  I really like that all the ingredients are easily listed in a box on the side so you know before you start what is needed.  I need a couple of ingredients before I can make these.  Some of the other recipes that I have eyed are the Grilled Vegetable Wrap, Sweet and Spicy Chicken Fajitas, Independence Ice Cream Bars, and Cheesecake-filed Pumpkin Cupcakes.  I can't wait to try a few of these.

     Cafe Zupas catering is available in Utah, Arizona, and Nevada.  I am looking forward to the next time I get to have some of their catering or visit their restaurant.  I am planning to try a few of thee recipes very soon, maybe next week while I am on spring break.  But I didn't want to wait to tell you about this great cookbook and give you a chance to win one for yourself.  This cookbook is not available to purchase at this time.

Win it:  One (1) Arizona Mama reader will win their very own copy of Cafe Zupas Blogger's Annual Cookbook

Enter in the Giveaway Tools form below! This giveaway will be open until 3/26 at 11:59PM (MST).  Open to US

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Thank you to Cafe Zupas for sponsoring the review & giveaway

 I was provided the above mentioned products in order to provide a review. I was not compensated in any way. All thoughts and opinions are my own and not influenced. disclosure

Magic Castle Bounce House from Blast Zone Review & Giveaway {5 Winners!!}

I was provided the below mentioned products in order to provide a review.
     Bounce houses are a staple at so many birthday parties and other events that include children.  Most people rent them for a few hours at a time and then they are taken away.  As I have 2 young boys I have never wanted to spend the money for a couple hours of entertainment.  If you have 2 birthdays in a year (more if you have more children) and spend $80-$100 each time you rent, then the cost just seems crazy.  But if you purchase your own bounce house then you have unlimited use for not much more then you would spend renting for a few brief uses at birthday parties.  And what kid would not want to have their very own bounce house?  Even my cautious child Jayden wants his own bounce house.  So I was so excited to work with Blast Zone and receive the Magic Castle Bounce house.  I ordered the bounce house from Amazon and it came so quick.  It came like a week before it originally said it would come.  Which is great so that we made great use of it last weekend before this weekends rain.

     We received the Magic Castle Bounce House, one of Blast Zone's top sellers.  After receiving it I can see why it is a top seller.  There is so much to love about this bounce house.  It is perfect for home use in the back yard or even a large room.  It inflates in a matter of minutes.  It is rated for 3 children or 300 lbs. and there is plenty of room for 3 children.  The doorway has velcro strips to keep the opening closed while children are bouncing and can easily be open when they want in or out.  It has an extra durable commercial vinyl floor and reinforced seams for extra durability.  The sides are a great barrier to keep them safe.  It is tall enough for the kids to bounce and have fun outside, and short enough to be used inside for those days the kids need a way to get energy out and the weather does not allow for outside play.  It comes with a UL approved blower along with blower stakes and bounce house stakes to keep it safely staked to the ground.

     I set the Magic Castle Bounce house up in our backyard.  It was so easy.  I was able to do all the set up myself.  After spreading it all out and attaching the blower it blows up in minutes.  The boys were excited to watch as it inflate.  It was great to have a place for them to get some extra energy out.  When they were done I just turned off the blower.  The castle deflated just as quickly as it inflated.  I did leave it out in the backyard for a while.  The next morning we decided to go to my brother in laws house.  The kids were all excited to use the Magic Castle Bounce house.  It was so simple to roll up the bounce house and easily pack it into the bag.  My husband did help me, but to be honest I think it would be easy to do myself if needed.  It easily fit into the carry bag.

   
When we got to my brother in law's house we easily set up the bounce house.  My brother in law was impressed with how easily it set up and how well it was made.  The kids were all excited to get in and play.  We actually went over the number or children since they were all 5 years old and under, but stayed in the weight limit.  We had 5 children from 18 months to 5 years old and they had plenty of room to play.  Jayden and my nephew both bounced into the side and it was strong enough to keep them safely inside.   It has a small slide when getting out.  Evan loves the slide.  He likes to climb to the doorway, turn and slide down.  My nieces were taking their baby dolls in to bounce with them.  All the kids had a great time bouncing and were sad when we had to put it away.

     Blast Zone has so many great bounce houses, water slides, and even commercial inflatables to choose from.  These make for the perfect birthday entertainment.  I'm looking forward to Spring Break and Summer Break fun.  I know the kids will begin to get bored with extra time on their hands.  I love that I will be able to just pull this out for a fun afternoon or evening.  In addition to getting some energy out and some good exercise the bonus is the good sleep after.

Check out Blast Zone on Facebook for specials!

Buy it:  Blast Zone Magic Castle Inflatable Bouncer (Marked down right now on Amazon, but hurry Amazon prices change often)

 a Rafflecopter giveaway

Thank you to Blast Zone for sponsoring the review & giveaway

 I was provided the above mentioned products in order to provide a review. I was not compensated in any way. All thoughts and opinions are my own and not influenced. disclosure

{Never} Wordless Wednesday ~ Math Whiz

     Jayden was so proud to show me the other day when I picked him up that he received an award.  He got 100% on his Math Test.  Since he did so well his teacher made him a little award.  He was so proud as he should be.  Jayden does very well in math.

Every week Jayden's class does appreciation circle where each person gets to appreciate another person.  Jayden was excited to come home and tell us that his teacher picked him to appreciate for working so hard on his math work and always doing so well.  He loves when he makes others proud.

Learning Resources Recordable Answer Buzzers Review & Giveaway

 I was provided the below mentioned products in order to provide a review. 

   

      Learning Resources has so many great new items this year that it was hard to pick which I'd like to try first.  I recently started a new job as some of you may know.  I am not a high school teacher.  I am teaching Early Childhood Education.  Even though my students are high schoolers, they still love to play games and have fun.  So in trying to help them prepare for a test I though making a fun jeopardy game would be fun.  Learning Resources has these fun new Recordable Answer Buzzers and I though they'd be fun for the game.

     I received the 4 pack of the recordable answer buzzers.  These buzzers are made with a different color base each.  You can record any sound, song, or saying you want up to 7 seconds.  It is simple to record, just press the button and hold it down while you play the sound and release.  Then the buzzer is ready to be used.  Just press the black button on top and the buzzer will sound.  These are really light weight and easy to use.

     Of course I have about 30 students in each class so I need more buzzers.  I grabbed the buzzers out of Jayden's Riddle Moo This game.  That way I had the 4 pre-recorded buzzers and the 4 recordable buzzers to use for a total of 8 teams.  The students were excited to use the buzzers.  They worked great for the game, except I was not able to keep up with which sound was first.  I will have to limit the teams so I have less to listen for next time.  It did take a bit to get the sounds loud enough for the buzzers.  I was finding sounds on my phone and holding it to the buzzer to record.  One problem we had was that when you press the little button on the side the sound will erase.  Of course many of my teenagers could not resist pressing it, even when I said not to.  That meant I had to stop and re-record the sound.  It would be nice to lock in the sound, I could imagine that it would be just as difficult or more so with preschoolers.  The pre-recorded buzzers were louder and did not have the possibility of the sound being erased.

     The Learning Resources Recordable Answer Buzzers were fun and helpful for our game.  The high schoolers loved them and I am sure preschoolers and all those in between would also like them.  Check out all the great new products for 2014 at Learning Resources.

Buy it: Learning Resources Recordable Answer Buzzers (set of 4)

Win it:  One (1) Arizona Mama reader will win Learning Resources Recordable Answer Buzzers

Enter in the Giveaway Tools form below! This giveaway will be open until 3/16 at 11:59PM (MST).  Open to US.  NOTE: If you have won a Learning Resources giveaway on any BLOG during the past 6 months, you are ineligible to win this giveaway! Once 6 months have passed, you can enter again. Thanks!

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Thank you to Learning Resources for sponsoring the review & giveaway

 I was provided the above mentioned products in order to provide a review. I was not compensated in any way. All thoughts and opinions are my own and not influenced. disclosure

   

Toilet Tree Rechargeable Electric Toothbrush

Disclosure: I got this product as part of an advertorial.

     I have been able to try a few different Toilet Tree products over the years.  I have found their products to be very useful.  When I saw the new rechargeable electric toothbrush I was very interested.  We have been searching for a rechargeable brush for Jayden.  He had been using the kids battery powered brushes and they just don't seem to really do enough.  Often the battery only causes the brush to vibrate a little and then the batteries die so quickly.  We really wanted something rechargeable, but everyone we found had just a large head on it that it just would not work for his mouth.

    Some of the features of the rechargeable toothbrush from ToiletTree include:

• 8,800 Oscillations/minute
• Ergonomical handle
• illuminated display
• Dual cleaning
• Natural whitening
• Ultimate plaque removal
• Gentle on teeth and gums
• Helps to keep your gums healthy
• 2 brush modes (clean and sensitive)
• 2 minute timer with 30 second intervals
• Easily charges on its stand
• High-quality DuPont Tynex bristles
• 2 brush heads
• Waterproof design. 
• comes in white or black
• includes a travel brush

          When I received the Toilet Tree Rechargeable Electric Toothbrush I was eager to try it with Jayden.  I was happy that the brush part was not too large.  While looking for an electric toothbrush for Jayden be fore we found that the brush head was often too large.  The toilet tree toothbrush was the perfect size for Jayden.  I really think this brush cleans Jayden's teeth much better then a manual brush or a battery powered brush.  With this brush I am able to help Jayden get all of his teeth clean.  There is a timer to help with being sure your brushing the reccomended 2 minutes.  The two different brush modes make it easy to adjust.  Jayden prefers it on sensitive.

     I also like that this comes with a small travel brush.  The travel brush has its own lid and is easily stored when not in use.  It will be great when we go on vacation this year or on any trips.  John and I often have to take our big rechargabe bruhes all rolled up in a plastic baggie to limit the sharing or germs.  With this Jayden will be able to take the travel brush with its own lid on any trips.  I am happy that we were able to find a toothbrush that works well for Jayden.  Now I feel confident that Jayden will keep up with brushing and continue with good oral health.  Yay!  less dental visits and stress.

Buy it:  Rechargeable Electric Toothbrush by ToiletTree Products. Includes a free sonic travel toothbrush.

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.

{Never} Wordless Wednesday ~ Harlem Globetrotters

   Recently we were able to attend the Harlem Globetrotters show at Jobbing.com arena.  Jayden was excited to see the show and we were all happy that John was able to attend this time.  The Jobbing.com arena is so close to our house that it takes only a few minutes to get there.  This makes for a much more relaxing evening.  We didn't have to fight traffic to downtown, find and pay for parking, and then fight to get out and back home.  I love events so close to home.  And parking was free.  We were happy that our seats were pretty good.

The Globetrotters were funny as ever doing all their tricks and silliness. 

The boys loved the show and being with daddy.

The Globetrotters were dancing and being silly.

Jayden was so excited to get an official Harlem Globetrotter basketball to take home. 

Power Up You New Devices On the Go With MagicSticks Portable Charger Review

     Electronics are probably the number one gift item for the holidays.  Along with all those devices comes the need for keeping them charged. When your away from home it is not always easy to charge your device.  Teaching High School I have found that students ask me constantly if they can charge their phones during class.  Its crazy how fast they drain their batteries.  They would have less problems if they had the Magicstick.

     I was recently sent one of the Magicstick from PowerRocks to review.  Magicstick is a rechargeable portable charger that work with many cell phones and portable devices.  Its compact, lightweight, and great for charging your devices on the go.  It has a single USB port and a micro USB port with a cable that works in both sides.  You can plug the cable in and charge the Magicstick.  It then holds up to two full charges that can be used for standard smart phones, bluetooth headsets, cameras, ereaders and more.  It has a smart chip that helps it to not over charge any device.  It is made from aluminum housing for durability and safety.  Magicstick comes in 8 different fun colors.  It charges in the same amount of time of a standard wall charger and you can check the charge status with a push of a button.  It includes a carry case to keep it all together.

     I used my Magicstick to charge my Samsung Galaxy S3 when the battery died and I was out and about.  It worked great.  I was able to charge my phone without being stuck at home waiting for it to charge.  I really like that I can plug it in to charge my phone and leave it in my bag.  The Magicstick is small and fits anywhere.  I was even able to recharge my Kindle Fire using the Magicstick.  Which was a lifesaver since Evan is always wanting to watch Elmo and the Kindle is where we put it on for him.  When the Kindle died he was so upset.  I plugged in the Magicstick and the Kindle Fire began to charge while Evan continued to watch Elmo.  And when he moved around and carried the Kindle away from us the charger is light weight enough.  Evan didn't have to sit by the wall.

     The Magicstick is great for charging any device on the go.  Its great back up in case a charge is needed.  I really like that it works for so many different devices.  I also like that I can press the button and it will light up green or red to let me know if it is charged or not.  I keep it in my purse in case I am ever in need of a charge.


Buy it:  Powerocks Magicstick 2800mAh Universal Extended Battery - Blue

Thank you Powerocks for sponsoring this review.

 I was provided the above mentioned products in exchange for an honest review. I was not compensated in any way. All thoughts and opinions are my own and not influenced. disclosure

AIM Infant Alert Monitor

 This is a guest post and I was not provided anything in exchange for this post.  

    As a parent, how many times have you crept down a hallway, opened the door and peeked inside. As you navigate your way through the nursery you silently pray that you won't step on a toy, sneeze, or breathe too loudly. You peer through the dark trying to see your baby's chest and listening for the rise and fall of their breath. And then it happens. The baby uses it's spider sense and recognizes you're in the room and wakes up screaming. You'll now spend the next thirty minutes trying to get that baby to fall back to sleep, and though you regret ever going into the room in the first place, you'll do it again tomorrow night... or maybe even a second time tonight. There is no fear like the fear a parent experiences when they wonder if their silently sleeping baby is still breathing.

     AIM Infant Alert Monitor Meet AIM. AIM takes the guesswork out and lets parents know they will know seconds after their baby stops breathing should that ever actually happen. Though the chances of ever needing this device are slim, the inventors knew the peace of mind in knowing your baby is still breathing regularly is absolutely priceless.

    The AIM monitor is attached to your baby's waistband or diaper. It monitors the movement of a baby's stomach created by breathing. Should this movement stop, the AIM issues a quick "JustChecking" vibration. Oftentimes, newborns just need a subtle reminder to keep breathing and a small vibration is just the reminder they needed. Should movement not resume after the vibration, an audio alert is sent to the parent unit letting Mom, Dad, babysitter, or whoever know it's time to check on the little one. Sounds amazing right? Unfortunately for all of us, this product doesn't exist yet. Healthcare Zoo needs your help to make AIM a reality. Find out more about the AIM and the goals of HealthCare Zoo by clicking over to their Indiegogo campaign. You can pledge to help with the first round of manufacturing the AIM Infant Alert Monitor. Pledge $100 or more, and you'll even get a monitor for yourself if the campaign is successful! Every little bit helps. Even just a $5 donation could help save a baby's life.

This is a guest post and I was not provided anything in exchange for this post.  

New Year New You Envie de Fraises Maternity, Nursing, and Beyond Review plus Giveaway

     I have been at my new job for a month and a half now.  The change has been going well.  I think I am becoming the new me with this new job.  And of course the great clothing that I have received in helping me in this change has been great.   Recently I found out about Envie de Fraises.  I wish I had known about them when I was pregnant with my boys.  The good thing is that they also carry nursing wear.  Since I am still nursing Evan I just had to try some of their nursing wear.

     Envie de Fraises has the largest collection of maternity wear in Europe.  Their design studio is in the heart of Paris's fashion district.  Over the last 7 years the stylists and designers at Enie de Fraises have used their passion and talent to develop maternity clothing that meets the needs and expectations of future moms.

     I was fortunate to receive a number of items from Envie de Fraises.  The first item I received was the Maternity top with cowl neck in teal.  This shirt is so pretty.  The color is a deep beautiful teal.  It is short sleeve with lightweight fabric making it perfect for just about any weather here in Arizona.  The cowl neck makes it easy to nurse and looks more elegant.  This shirt is perfect for me to wear to work for a nice dressed up look, around town on the weekend with jeans for a dressed up look and easily accessible for nursing.  The length of the shirt is perfect so it is not too short or too long.  I love this shirt and find myself choosing to wear it often.  I really like how versatile it is with dressing up and dressing down.

     The second item I received was the Maternity cardigan with front pockets.  This cardigan is light weight and made from really soft material.  It is extra long and fits very comfortably.  I love how simple it is and how it goes with just about anything.  It can be worn during maternity, nursing, and beyond.  I expect I will definitely be using and wearing this for a while.  Here in Arizona we have to dress in layers since during this time of the year it is cool in the morning and warms by the afternoon.  I love this cardigan and it works with so many things.  This can also be dressed up or dressed down.

     The next item I received is the long asymmetric maternity cardigan.  This cardigan is also made with soft material.  I love how flowing it is and the fit is great.  The asymmetric material makes it look more elegant.  The front sides are longer then the back.  The sleeves are more form fitting.  This also can be dressed up or down.  This cardigan is so comfortable.

     The last item I received was the pregnancy and nursing wrap.  It is long sleeve with a cross over top.  It is made with 93% Viscose and 7 % Elastane.  The material is so soft and comfortable.  I love the length is perfect.  It easily stretches for a pregnant belly and still looks great if your not.  Since I am not pregnant I worried about it looking frumpy, but it looks great.  The sleeves are long enough.  The cross over in the front make nursing easy.  This top can also be worn dressed up with a skirt or slacks or dressed down with jeans.  The color is sharp and not faded at all.

     I can't say enough about the items I received.  I love them all.  I expected something nice, but definitely did not expect them to be this nice.  I love these nursing wear items.  They are all so comfortable and stylish.  Now I want to be pregnant again so I can get more... well, maybe not yet.  But if I was to get pregnant again I'd love to get some more of their items for sure.  They offer express shipping and easy free returns, although I don't know why you'd ever return these items.

Win it:  One (1) Arizona Mama reader will win the Maternity dress with waterfall front and long sleeves in their choice of size.

Enter in the Giveaway Tools form below! This giveaway will be open until 3/8 at 11:59PM (MST).  Open to US.  

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Thank you to Envie de Fraises for sponsoring the review & giveaway

 I was provided the above mentioned products in order to provide a review. I was not compensated in any way. All thoughts and opinions are my own and not influenced. disclosure