tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15950764359265486492024-03-09T21:46:22.856-05:00Thoughts of FluffA mother of 2 posting on greener living and life in general.Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08154668407741873422noreply@blogger.comBlogger428125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1595076435926548649.post-47443381987089444672016-12-08T00:00:00.000-05:002016-12-08T00:00:26.294-05:00It's the Mom Faves Holiday Giveaway!<img alt="Mom Faves multi-brand holiday giveaway and gift ideas - Mommy Scene" src="http://mommyscene.com/images/giveaways/mom-faves-holiday-giveaway-prize-mommy-scene.jpg" /><br />
We know moms work hard to make Christmas special for their families. This Mom Faves Holiday Giveaway coordinated by <a href="http://mommyscene.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Mommy Scene</a> features great gift ideas to keep moms healthy, happy, pampered, and moisturized! One lucky winner will win them all! Giveaway ends December 18th, 2016.<br />
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Mom Faves Prize List</h3>
<a href="http://mommyscene.com/giveaways/1046-mom-faves-holiday-gift-ideas" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Full Details »</a><br />
<a href="http://www.auroraeyoga.com/yoga-products/yoga-mats/printed-yoga-mats" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Aurorae</a> Printed Yoga Mat<br />
<a href="http://amzn.to/2hevkMx" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">How to Raise Great Kids</a> - 101 Fun & Easy Ideas<br />
<a href="http://www.moonvalleyorganics.com/collections/medicinal-skin-sets/products/natural-body-collection-herbal-heal" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Moon Valley Organics Herbal Heal Gift Set</a>: Herbal Heal, Moon Melt Lotion Bar, Herbal Lip Balm<br />
<a href="https://www.signs.com/canvas-prints" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Signs.com Custom Canvas</a> 12" x 12" print<br />
<a href="http://duodiary.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Duo Diary</a> Health Journal<br />
<a href="https://revelae.com/collections/snack-storage-bags/products/cloth-snack-bags-sweet-set-of-3?variant=16361326593" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Revelae Kids</a> Yummi Pouch Cloth Snack Bags<br />
<a href="http://amzn.to/2h3fC3T" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">CiPU Diaper Bag</a> in Heather Grey<br />
<a href="https://www.paperlesspost.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Paperless Post</a> 1,000 coins (Retail Value $90)<br />
<a href="https://picketfenceshadyside.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The Picket Fence</a> $50 gift certificate<br />
This giveaway is coordinated by Mommy Scene, sponsored by the participating brands, and is open to US entries ages 18 and older. No purchase required to enter. 1 winner will be randomly chosen and contacted through e-mail, and their name displayed on the giveaway page after the giveaway ends on December 18, 2016. Mommy Scene and participating blogs are not responsible for fulfilling brand-sponsored prizes. Prizes will be shipped directly from each brand. Have fun and good luck!<br />
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<script src="https://widget-prime.rafflecopter.com/launch.js"></script>Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17806317143950920344noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1595076435926548649.post-32726892630909832112016-11-21T00:00:00.000-05:002016-11-21T00:00:14.814-05:0012 Days of Christmas Giveaway<h3>
It's time for the 12 Days of Christmas Giveaway!</h3>
Can you believe it's almost the holidays? We are excited to share some super fun, educational, and problem solving gift ideas for families and bring you another amazing giveaway! Enter to win one of these 12 fabulous prize collections as part of <a href="http://mommyscene.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Mommy Scene's</a> <strong>12 Days of Christmas Giveaway</strong>! 12 winners (one per gift collection) will be selected December 12th, 2016!<br />
<h3>
Gift Collection 1</h3>
<a href="http://www.ahgoobaby.com/index.php/our-store/change/the-plush-pad" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Ah Goo Baby</a> Plush Pad Memory Foam Changing Pad<br />
<a href="https://revelae.com/collections/cozy-sleepwear" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Revelae Kids</a> Cozy Sleeper<br />
<a href="http://loopygear.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Loopy Gear</a> Loopy Rattle Holder<br />
<a href="https://bluebaby.myshopify.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Blue Baby Bum</a> Multi-Purpose Car Seat Canopy<br />
<img alt="Mommy Scene Holiday Gift Guide Prize Collection 1" src="http://mommyscene.com/images/giftguide/2016/giveaway/prize-collection1.jpg" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="650" /><br />
<h3>
Gift Collection 2</h3>
<a href="http://www.mymilkies.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Milkies</a> Milk-Saver<br />
<a href="http://www.snugglemeorganic.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Snuggle Me Organic</a> Original Co-Sleeping Baby Bed<br />
<a href="https://store.goochiegoo.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Goochie Goo</a> Garb Blankets<br />
<a href="http://fiddlediddles.com/index.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">LullaBelay</a> Car Seat Strap<br />
<img alt="Mommy Scene Holiday Gift Guide Prize Collection 2" src="http://mommyscene.com/images/giftguide/2016/giveaway/prize-collection2.jpg" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="650" /><br />
<h3>
Gift Collection 3</h3>
<a href="http://packablepails.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Aqua Vault</a> Packable Pails<br />
<a href="http://shop.theolie.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The Minkey</a> by The Olie<br />
<a href="http://www.toysrus.com/search/index.jsp?kwCatId=&kw=ubbi%20snack%20tweat&keywords=ubbi%20snack%20tweat&origkw=ubbi+snack+tweat&sr=1&ff=Taxonomy&fg=Category&fd=&fv=2254197" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Ubbi Snack Tweat</a> Container<br />
<a href="http://www.starkidsproducts.com/snack-play-travel-tray/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Star Kids Products</a> Snack & Play Travel Tray 2.0<br />
<img alt="Mommy Scene Holiday Gift Guide Prize Collection 3" src="http://mommyscene.com/images/giftguide/2016/giveaway/prize-collection3.jpg" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="650" /><br />
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Gift Collection 4</h3>
<a href="https://revelae.com/collections/cozy-sleepwear" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Revelae Kids</a> Cozy Blanket Pouch<br />
<a href="http://toofeze.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Toofeze</a> Natural Baby Teether<br />
<a href="http://www.handsocks.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Handsocks</a> Baby Mittens<br />
<a href="https://www.activeessentialsskincare.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Active Essentials</a> Egyptian Calendula & Aloe Baby Body Wash & Shampoo, Egyptian Calendula Calming Baby Bath, Body & Massage Oil, Egyptian Calendula & Comfrey Healing Baby Balm (3 products)<br />
<img alt="Mommy Scene Holiday Gift Guide Prize Collection 4" src="http://mommyscene.com/images/giftguide/2016/giveaway/prize-collection4.jpg" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="650" /><br />
<h3>
Gift Collection 5</h3>
<a href="http://www.americangirl.com/shop/welliewishers-from-american-girl" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Wellie Wishers</a> American Girl Doll Emerson<br />
<a href="http://www.earzings.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">EarZings</a> Pierce-Free Earrings<br />
<a href="https://revelae.com/collections/snack-storage-bags" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Yummi Pouch</a> Cloth Snack Bags<br />
<a href="https://www.livieandluca.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Livie & Luca</a> Mulberry Pepper Boot<br />
<img alt="Mommy Scene Holiday Gift Guide Prize Collection 5" src="http://mommyscene.com/images/giftguide/2016/giveaway/prize-collection5.jpg" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="650" /><br />
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Gift Collection 6</h3>
<a href="https://www.timiandleslie.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">timi & leslie</a> Rachel 7-Piece Designer Diaper Bag Set<br />
<a href="https://www.kindredbravely.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Kindred Bravely</a> Davy Maternity & Nursing Pajamas Pants Set<br />
<a href="http://amzn.to/2fbZzyk" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Rachel's Remedy</a> Breastfeeding Relief Packs<br />
<a href="http://amzn.to/2f58iST" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Beyond The Tiger Mom</a>: East-West Parenting for the Global Age<br />
<img alt="Mommy Scene Holiday Gift Guide Prize Collection 6" src="http://mommyscene.com/images/giftguide/2016/giveaway/prize-collection6.jpg" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="650" /><br />
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Gift Collection 7</h3>
<a href="http://earthmamaangelbaby.com/products/sleep-little-one-a-naturally-calming-gift-set.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Earth Mama Angel Baby</a> Sleep Little One Gift Set<br />
<a href="https://www.buttonsdiapers.com/Diaper-Accessories/100-muslin-burp-cloth-bib-combo.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Buttons Diapers</a> Muslin Burp Cloth Bib Combo<br />
<a href="http://jackandjillkids.com/usa/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Jack N Jill Kids</a> Natural Care Bunny Gift Kit<br />
<a href="https://www.paigelauren.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">PaigeLauren</a> Classic Layette Footie Romper<br />
<img alt="Mommy Scene Holiday Gift Guide Prize Collection 7" src="http://mommyscene.com/images/giftguide/2016/giveaway/prize-collection7.jpg" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="650" /><br />
<h3>
Gift Collection 8</h3>
<a href="http://wristybuddy.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Wristy Buddy</a> Moose Teething Wristband<br />
<a href="http://www.bazzlebaby.com/banda-bibs/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Bazzle Baby</a> Banda Bib Drool Bib<br />
<a href="http://quickzipsheet.com/collections/get-started" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">QuickZip</a> Zip-On Crib Sheet 3 PK: Starter Pack + 2 Zip-On Sheets<br />
<a href="http://gothinkbaby.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Thinkbaby</a> All-In-One Bottle Set<br />
<img alt="Mommy Scene Holiday Gift Guide Prize Collection 8" src="http://mommyscene.com/images/giftguide/2016/giveaway/prize-collection8.jpg" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="650" /><br />
<h3>
Gift Collection 9</h3>
<a href="http://gothinkbaby.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Thinkbaby</a> Safe Sunscreen SPF 50+<br />
<a href="http://www.starkidsproducts.com/play-n-go/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Star Kids Products</a> Play-n-Go two sided educational activity mat<br />
<a href="http://www.catchieconcepts.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Catchie</a> 3-In-1 Car Seat Protector<br />
<a href="https://revelae.com/collections/sudsy-dough-moldable-soap" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Sudsy Dough</a> Moldable Soap<br />
<img alt="Mommy Scene Holiday Gift Guide Prize Collection 9" src="http://mommyscene.com/images/giftguide/2016/giveaway/prize-collection9.jpg" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="650" /><br />
<h3>
Gift Collection 10</h3>
<a href="http://funbites.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Funbites</a><br />
<a href="https://www.pacificbabyworld.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Pacific Baby</a> Natural Bamboo Feeding Plate<br />
<a href="http://www.iseeme.com/en-us/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">I See Me</a> - It's Fancy to Be Me Personalized Book<br />
<a href="https://www.surpriseride.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Surprise Ride</a> Leonardo da Vinci Activity Kit<br />
<img alt="Mommy Scene Holiday Gift Guide Prize Collection 10" src="http://mommyscene.com/images/giftguide/2016/giveaway/prize-collection10.jpg" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="650" /><br />
<h3>
Gift Collection 11</h3>
<a href="http://yoronaturals.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">YoRo Naturals</a> Organic Manuka Skin Soothing Cream<br />
<a href="http://www.theshrunks.com/shop/indoor-products/play-time/Trampoline-Pool/?products_id=" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The Shrunks</a> Bouncer Pool<br />
<a href="http://www.tottigo.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Tottigo</a> Pack 'n Potty<br />
<a href="https://theaquavault.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Aqua Vault</a> FlexSafe + Waterproof Phone Case<br />
<img alt="Mommy Scene Holiday Gift Guide Prize Collection 11" src="http://mommyscene.com/images/giftguide/2016/giveaway/prize-collection11.jpg" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="650" /><br />
<h3>
Gift Collection 12</h3>
<a href="https://purllamb.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Purl Lamb</a> Hoodie & Pants Set<br />
<a href="http://www.smartnoggintoys.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">SmartNoggin</a> NogginSeek Peek & Seek Rattle<br />
<a href="https://breganwood.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Breganwood Organics</a> Hooded Towel for Babies & Toddlers<br />
<a href="http://revelae.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Yummi Pouch</a> Reusable Food Pouches<br />
<img alt="Mommy Scene Holiday Gift Guide Prize Collection 12" src="http://mommyscene.com/images/giftguide/2016/giveaway/prize-collection12.jpg" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="650" /><br />
This giveaway is sponsored by <a href="http://mommyscene.com/" target="_blank">Mommy Scene</a> and is open to US entries ages 18 and older. No purchase required to enter. 12 winners (one per gift collection) will be randomly chosen and displayed on the giveaway widget after the giveaway ends on December 12th, 2016. Mommy Scene and participating blogs are not responsible for fulfilling brand-sponsored prizes. Prizes will be shipped directly from each brand.<br />
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<script src="https://widget-prime.rafflecopter.com/launch.js"></script>Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17806317143950920344noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1595076435926548649.post-918865666348867622016-10-31T00:00:00.000-04:002016-10-31T00:00:27.148-04:002016 Fall Green Scene Mom Award Winners & GiveawayWe are very excited to bring you another awesome giveaway and help announce the <a href="http://mommyscene.com/2016-fall-winners" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">2016 Fall Green Scene Mom Award Winners</a>, hosted by Mommy Scene and celebrating Eco-friendly product design and creative innovation. Award winning products include natural body products, universal baby gear, essentials for moms, and items for solving problems and making family life with kids easier. Enter to win a fabulous collection of prizes! Open to US entries and ends 11/20/16.<br />
<img alt="Green Scene Mom Awards Giveaway - Mommy Scene" src="http://mommyscene.com/images/awards/fall16/2016-fall-green-scene-mom-award-giveaway.jpg" height="427" width="640" /><br />
<img alt="Organic Manuka Skin Soothing Cream - Green Scene Mom Award Winner" src="http://mommyscene.com/images/awards/fall16/organic-manuka-skin-soothing-cream-green-scene-mom-award-winner.jpg" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="600" /><br />
<h3>
Green Scene Mom Award Prize Collection</h3>
<strong>Yoro Naturals</strong> (2) Organic Manuka Skin Soothing Cream - 2 oz. jars<br />
You'll love this natural, creamy balm by YoRo Naturals. It’s incredibly soothing and healing for eczema, diaper rash, chapped skin, bug bites, cuts and scrapes. Use it anywhere your skin ails you. Gentle and safe for little ones. Soothing and effective for adults too. <a href="http://mommyscene.com/fall-2016-awards/957-organic-manuka-skin-soothing-cream" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Full Award Details »</a><br />
<img alt="Back Buddy Maternity and Nursing Support Pillow - Green Scene Mom Award Winner" src="http://mommyscene.com/images/awards/fall16/back-buddy-support-pillow-green-scene-mom-award-winner.jpg" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="600" /><br />
<strong>Back Buddy</strong> All-In-One Support Pillow<br />
Back Buddy is an award-winning maternity and feeding support pillow, designed by a Chiropractor and a nursing mother. It alleviates common back pain, provides comfort and support for holding or feeding baby, and encourages proper position for breastfeeding. Made in the USA from high-quality structural foam that is certified to be made without harmful flame retardants, phthalates, CFC's, mercury, lead and other heavy metals. <a href="http://mommyscene.com/fall-2016-awards/962-back-buddy-support-pillow" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Full Award Details »</a><br />
<img alt="Bebe Bamboo zZippy Sleepsuit - Green Scene Mom Award Winner" src="http://mommyscene.com/images/awards/fall16/bebe-bamboo-zzippy-sleepsuit-pear-green-scene-mom-award-winner.jpg" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="600" /><br />
<strong>Bebe Bamboo</strong> zZippy Sleepsuit - Pear<br />
Bebe Bamboo specially designed zZippy sleepsuit makes change time quick and easy. The 2 way zipper unzips from the bottom for quicker changing without having to expose the chest, and top to bottom to undress your baby as usual. Extremely soft, delicate and smooth, and promotes comfortable and restful sleep. <a href="http://mommyscene.com/fall-2016-awards/965-bebe-bamboo-zzippy-sleepsuit" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Full Award Details »</a><br />
<img alt="Andy Pandy Bamboo Disposable Diapers - Green Scene Mom Award Winner" src="http://mommyscene.com/images/awards/fall16/andy-pandy-bamboo-disposable-diapers-green-scene-mom-award-winner.jpg" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="600" /><br />
<strong>Andy Pandy Diapers</strong> 2 packs of bamboo diapers<br />
These eco-friendly bamboo diapers are made from the highest quality premium materials. Naturally hypoallergenic and antibacterial, making them ideal for babies with sensitive skin. Made from biodegradable bamboo, these diapers are extremely soft and silky to the touch, yet strong and absorbent. Moisture wicking and thermal regulating capabilities keep your baby's skin dry and comfortable in hot or cold temperatures. Natural aloe liner nourishs your baby's skin and a wetness indicator lets you know when baby needs to be changed. Does not contain chlorine, alcohol, peservatives, phthalates, latex, PVC, TBT, or antioxidants. <a href="http://mommyscene.com/fall-2016-awards/956-andy-pandy-bamboo-disposable-diapers" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Full Award Details »</a><br />
<img alt="Revelae Kids Cozy Sleeper and Blanket Pouch - Green Scene Mom Awards" src="http://mommyscene.com/images/awards/fall16/cozy-swaddle-transition-blanket-sleeper-revelae-kids.jpg" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="600" /><br />
<strong>Revelae Kids</strong> Cozy Sleeper and Blanket Pouch<br />
Revelae Kids Cozy Baby Sleepers create a secure sleeping environment that helps babies sleep through the night, thanks to the fully enclosed baby sleep sack design that resembles the womb and keeps hands and feet tucked inside. One-of-a-kind Cozy Blanket Pouches keep baby cozy from the waist down and are hard to kick off, secured by a soft elastic waistband. The fuzzy polyester material is comforting and can't be pulled up near the face, providing a cozy and safe sleep space. <a href="http://mommyscene.com/fall-2016-awards/981-revelae-kids-cozy-sleepers" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Full Award Details »</a><br />
<img alt="Baby Care by e-cloth Chemical-free Cleaning - Green Scene Mom Awards" src="http://mommyscene.com/images/awards/fall16/e-cloth-chemical-free-baby-clearning-cloths.jpg" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="600" /><br />
<strong>Baby Care by e-cloth</strong> chemical-free cleaning<br />
Stroller & Car Seat Cloth<br />
Toy & Nursery Cloth<br />
Table & High Chair Cloth<br />
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Baby Care by e-cloth products clean with just water, 100% eliminating the risk of chemical sensitivities, allergic reactions, rashes and asthma attacks associated with the use of chemical additives, fragrances and dyes. Baby Care by e-cloth is the safe cleaning choice for thoughtful moms who want to protect their babies and kids by eliminating exposure to toxic chemicals without sacrificing performance. <a href="http://mommyscene.com/fall-2016-awards/966-ecloth-baby-care-chemical-free-cleaning" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Full Award Details »</a><br />
<img alt="Cube Cool Mist Humidifier - Green Scene Mom Awards" src="http://mommyscene.com/images/awards/fall16/crane-personal-cube-ultrasonic-cool-mist-humidifier-green-scene-mom-awards.jpg" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="600" /><br />
<strong>Crane</strong> Cube Cool Mist Humidifier<br />
Here at Crane, we put "Design for Better Living" into everything that we do. We started with a few designs in 2005 and continue to grow each year working towards solving your indoor needs. Crane products are designed with efficiency, function and style in mind. We love to be creative with colors, designs and we know our products will bring comfort and smiles to your home! <a href="http://mommyscene.com/fall-2016-awards/963-crane-personal-cube-ultrasonic-cool-mist-humidifier" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Full Award Details »</a><br />
<img alt="Active Essentials Natural Baby Products - Green Scene Mom Awards" src="http://mommyscene.com/images/awards/fall16/active-essentials-green-scene-mom-award-winner.jpg" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="600" /><br />
<strong>Active Essentials</strong><br />
Egyptian Calendula & Aloe Baby Body Wash & Shampoo<br />
Egyptian Calendula Calming Baby Bath, Body & Massage Oil<br />
Egyptian Calendula & Comfrey Healing Baby Balm<br />
Active Essentials is a luxury organic skincare company offering safe products for babies, kids and adults that are made using ONLY fruits, vegetables, plants and flowers. Active Essentials products are free of any harsh chemicals and chemical preservatives, synthetic fragrances, GMOs, parabens, sulfates or phthalates and are cruelty-free, gluten-free, color-safe, vegan, biodegradable, hypoallergenic, and naturally non-toxic. <a href="http://mommyscene.com/fall-2016-awards/995-active-essentials-baby-care" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Full Award Details »</a><br />
<img alt="Fresh Wave Laundry Booster - Green Scene Mom Awards" src="http://mommyscene.com/images/awards/fall16/fresh-wave-laundry-booster-green-scene-mom-award-winner.jpg" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="600" /><br />
<strong>Fresh Wave Works</strong> Laundry Booster<br />
Loads of happiness is within reach. Fresh Wave Laundry Booster removes odors using natural ingredients. No harsh chemicals. No harmful ingredients. Give your laundry detergent a boost and remove difficult, set-in odors. Add 2 to 4 capfuls during the wash or rinse cycle. To remove washer odors, wet a soft cloth with Laundry Booster. Wipe the rubber gasket, the door and any other visible seals. <a href="http://mommyscene.com/fall-2016-awards/964-fresh-wave-laundry-booster" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Full Award Details »</a><br />
<img alt="Buttons Diapers Muslin Burp Cloth Bibs - Green Scene Mom Awards" src="http://mommyscene.com/images/awards/fall16/buttons-diapers-muslin-bibs-green-scene-mom-award-winner.jpg" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="600" /><br />
<strong>Buttons Diapers</strong> Muslin Burp Cloth Bibs<br />
Buttons Diapers 100% cotton muslin burp cloths and bibs are the perfect baby essential. They work as a contoured over-the-shoulder burp cloth for baby, an large coverage bib during meals, and a handy cloth to wipe up messes. These cute muslin bibs are soft, breathable, absorbent, and made from natural material that gets even softer & fluffier each time you wash it. The burp cloth easily converts to a bib by using the sewn-in snap. <a href="http://mommyscene.com/fall-2016-awards/960-buttons-diapers-muslin-burp-cloth-bibs" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Full Award Details »</a><br />
<img alt="Better Life Natural Cleaning Products - Green Scene Mom Awards" src="http://mommyscene.com/images/awards/fall16/better-life-newborn-essentials-kit.jpg" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="600" /><br />
<strong>Better Life</strong> New Baby Essentials Kit<br />
All-Purpose Cleaner (32oz)<br />
Nursery Cleaner, Lavender & Chamomile (16oz)<br />
Dish Soap (22oz)<br />
Hand and Body Soap (12oz)<br />
Hand and Body Lotion (12oz)<br />
Six-Compartment Cleaning Caddy<br />
(2) General Purpose Microfiber Cloths - green<br />
Safe for bottles, binkies, bibs and even your baby's bum. Better Life was born by two dads who set out to create a line of plant-derived, non-toxic, environmentally friendly cleaners that would be the perfect marriage of safety and performance. The result is a line of cleaners that work better and are safe enough for everything in your home and sink. Even baby. The Better Life New Baby Essentials Kit has everything you need to prep for baby and makes clean up a snap after your bundle of joy arrives! <a href="http://mommyscene.com/fall-2016-awards/958-better-lifes-stain-and-odor-eliminator" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Full Award Details »</a><br />
<img alt="Pacific baby Natural Bamboo Feeding Apple Plate - Green Scene Mom Awards" src="http://mommyscene.com/images/awards/fall16/pacific-baby-bamboo-plate-ceam-scene-mom-award-winner.jpg" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="600" /><br />
<strong>Pacific Baby</strong> Natural Bamboo Feeding Apple Plate - cream<br />
Made from natural bamboo, this modern apple plate is completely plastic-free. Strong, durable and safe, Pacific Baby bamboo feeding products are machine washable, top rack. <a href="http://mommyscene.com/fall-2016-awards/959-pacific-baby-natural-bamboo-plate" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Full Award Details »</a><br />
<h3>
Enter to Win!</h3>
This giveaway is coordinated by <a href="http://mommyscene.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Mommy Scene</a>, sponsored by the participating brands, and is open to US entries ages 18 and older. No purchase required to enter. One winner will be randomly chosen and contacted through e-mail, and their name displayed on the giveaway widget after the giveaway ends on Nov. 20, 2016. Mommy Scene and participating blogs are not responsible for fulfilling brand-sponsored prizes. Prizes will be shipped directly from each brand. Have fun and good luck!<br />
<a class="rcptr" data-raflid="c921242792" data-template="" data-theme="classic" href="http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/c921242792/" id="rcwidget_cpcq3ilr" rel="nofollow">a Rafflecopter giveaway</a>
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<a href="http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/c921242792/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">a Rafflecopter giveaway</a><br />
<br />
<h3>
2016 Fall Green Scene Mom Awards</h3>
<img alt="2016 Fall Green Scene Mom Awards - Mommy Scene" src="http://mommyscene.com/images/awards/fall16/2016-fall-green-scene-mom-award-winners.jpg" height="519" width="640" /><br />
<h3>
<a href="http://mommyscene.com/2016-fall-winners" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">ALL 2016 Fall Green Scene Mom Award Winners »</a></h3>
Active Essentials Calendula & Aloe Baby Body Wash & Shampoo + Calming Baby Massage Oil + Healing Baby Balm<br />
Andy Pandy Bamboo Disposable Diapers<br />
Back Buddy Support Pillow<br />
Bebe Bamboo zZippy Sleepsuit<br />
Better Life's Stain and Odor Eliminator<br />
Buttons Diapers Muslin Burp Cloth Bibs<br />
Crane Personal Cube Ultrasonic Cool Mist Humidifier<br />
e-cloth Chemical Free Baby Care Cleaning Cloths + Hand & Face Cleaning Kit<br />
Fresh Wave Laundry Booster<br />
iBaby Air Smart Air Quality Monitor<br />
Organic Manuka Skin Soothing Cream<br />
Pacific Baby Natural Bamboo Plate<br />
Philips AVENT Innovative Baby Products<br />
Revelae Kids Cozy Blanket Pouches + Cozy Sleepers<br />
Yookidoo Intl. Fill & Flow Spout + Submarine Station<br />
Yummi Pouch Cloth Snack BagsChristinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08154668407741873422noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1595076435926548649.post-19400690967867982772016-10-30T06:00:00.000-04:002016-10-30T06:00:10.218-04:00Brooke's Treehouse Bloomers (review)<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://www.brookestreehouse.com/">Brooke’s Treehouse</a> is
a shop run by a mom who had little chunky baby that needed custom fit clothing,
but she loved the older style clothing (in her words, “Heirloom quality”).
After discovering a love for sewing and designing these clothes, she has since
opened Brooke’s Treehouse to offer these clothes to everyone.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Despite how it sounds,
this is not a sponsored post. In fact, the owner of Brooke’s Treehouse doesn’t
even know I have a blog (though I have a feeling she’ll figure it out after
this post)! I was scouring the internet for “bloomers”, “pantaloons”, or
“pettipants” for Squiggle for her Halloween costume. She’s going to be <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0876563/">Ponyo</a>.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4DwXRGzjjui3B4EXvVrHMozKhKwIAfN_YHDrYA-gkY2-HkZhCrfnIKwd87IOA_Z5AF53J_WB63vp-sL4T2H5IokraOiItCcoHXKROAlY84mrg7woWxUui85bMmn2HIPqt2CCMA0f9UR8l/s1600/ponyo.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="354" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4DwXRGzjjui3B4EXvVrHMozKhKwIAfN_YHDrYA-gkY2-HkZhCrfnIKwd87IOA_Z5AF53J_WB63vp-sL4T2H5IokraOiItCcoHXKROAlY84mrg7woWxUui85bMmn2HIPqt2CCMA0f9UR8l/s640/ponyo.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A still-frame from the movie <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Ponyo-Noah-Lindsey-Cyrus/dp/B002ZTQVGQ">Ponyo</a>.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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I kept finding white
diaper covers or adult pantaloons, but I finally found some that <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Brookes-Treehouse-Little-Ruffle-Bloomers/dp/B01DSIO55G">looked perfect</a>, and were actually the most reasonably priced, too. Those were at
Brooke’s Treehouse. I actually found the <a href="https://www.amazon.com/s?marketplaceID=ATVPDKIKX0DER&me=A1G6IVQFV1JVPJ&merchant=A1G6IVQFV1JVPJ&redirect=true">Brooke's Treehouse shop through amazon.com</a>, but after
ordering realized I might not have them in time for our party (a little over a
week from placing my order) because there is a hurricane making landfall right
now, and it’s sort of a big deal. I decided to look up where the seller was
from, found them on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/Brookestreehouse/">FaceBook</a>, and saw that they were, indeed, in the south. </div>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-804yeKXDaMw/WBVJgXBBUUI/AAAAAAAACn0/84PUeHmGmI0axl9qmgvGu9FKosZwYGmqQCLcB/s1600/bloomer.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-804yeKXDaMw/WBVJgXBBUUI/AAAAAAAACn0/84PUeHmGmI0axl9qmgvGu9FKosZwYGmqQCLcB/s640/bloomer.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<o:p></o:p>After a message to
their shop, I was surprised to hear back so quickly… it hadn’t even been an
hour! I had explained my concern with the weather and my sort of last-minute
ordering on a Friday night (so them not arriving on time seriously would be all
my fault!), and they assured me I should have them Tuesday or Wednesday. The
earliest shipping estimate had said the following Friday at the <i>earliest</i>. They arrived the following Tuesday!<o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WvZpoQzajBI/WBVKkd954II/AAAAAAAACoI/9PsyDS8Dxj835r4p0pdhoFyoohdBMo7GACLcB/s1600/bloomer3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WvZpoQzajBI/WBVKkd954II/AAAAAAAACoI/9PsyDS8Dxj835r4p0pdhoFyoohdBMo7GACLcB/s640/bloomer3.jpg" width="283" /></a><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uQtLORXhHEY/WBVKmZVSlVI/AAAAAAAACoM/iQB9LjWMdtghz8-r2QqTzJllS6TgRSkMQCLcB/s1600/bloomer2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uQtLORXhHEY/WBVKmZVSlVI/AAAAAAAACoM/iQB9LjWMdtghz8-r2QqTzJllS6TgRSkMQCLcB/s640/bloomer2.jpg" width="307" /></a></div>
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A front and back view (having her lift her costume a bit to show the fit) after our little party. The party, of course, means chocolate on everything near her mouth.</div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BLrjKyV99zs/WBVJ5SRgD3I/AAAAAAAACoQ/J_MDF8Bnes0aBfvjpnO-2HG3ntxVkThHgCEw/s1600/ponyobloomers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BLrjKyV99zs/WBVJ5SRgD3I/AAAAAAAACoQ/J_MDF8Bnes0aBfvjpnO-2HG3ntxVkThHgCEw/s640/ponyobloomers.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WILxeHuzGYs/WBVLlidHiKI/AAAAAAAACoU/BX5QAvS8GP4ioGUwEnds9U9pb05P8dbVACLcB/s1600/ponyo2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WILxeHuzGYs/WBVLlidHiKI/AAAAAAAACoU/BX5QAvS8GP4ioGUwEnds9U9pb05P8dbVACLcB/s640/ponyo2.jpg" width="458" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our little Ponyo with a $1 bucket from the party store, and an adult jacket (thrifted) cut and sewn to resemble a dress. It isn't a perfect costume, but it was good enough for her! And of course she had put her shoes on the wrong feet.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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And, as you can see,
they are <i>perfect </i><span lang="EN-GB">for the costume! I ordered a size 5 since Squiggle is a chunk, but
Amazon didn’t have the size chart shown on the actual store front page. I wish
I had seen the store page, first! Still, they fit great and will get lots of
use. I'm glad I ordered up. They are good quality, decently priced, and the customer service is great.
I definitely recommend <a href="http://www.brookestreehouse.com/">Brooke’s Treehouse</a> if you’re looking for some cute, old
timey clothing.</span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB">For some more cute outfit browsi</span>ng<span lang="EN-GB">, check out Brooke's Treehouse </span>on <a href="https://www.instagram.com/brookestreehouse/">Instagram </a>& <a href="https://www.pinterest.com/brookesthouse/">Pinterest</a>, too!</div>
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<i><span lang="EN-GB">Disclaimer: Thoughts of Fluff is responsible for the content of this
post. The bloomers featured in this post were purchased by me. All opinions are
my own and may differ from those of your own</span></i><span lang="EN-GB">.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08154668407741873422noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1595076435926548649.post-86935479570318074112016-10-17T06:00:00.000-04:002016-10-17T06:00:10.994-04:00I SPY Eagle Eye Find-it Game (review)<a href="http://www.ugames.com/university_games/default.asp">University Games</a> also sent us <a href="http://www.areyougame.com/Interact/item.asp?itemno=BP06120&sa=0">I SPY Eagle Eye Find-it Game</a> for review. I was super excited about this because I'm sort of awesome at searches (word puzzles, image searches, you name it!) and I knew this would be my sort of game.<br />
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AO3U3Bpajuk/V_wVjupnzxI/AAAAAAAACms/tGtTm_AU-nU7kJAnOpGNZ-95aFpcAxcQQCLcB/s1600/6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AO3U3Bpajuk/V_wVjupnzxI/AAAAAAAACms/tGtTm_AU-nU7kJAnOpGNZ-95aFpcAxcQQCLcB/s640/6.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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It's a very simple game to explain, there is no reading required to play, and the instructions suggest numerous ways to play including different ways to score and tournament style playing. Since Bobble and Squiggle are so young (5 and 3), I opted to not keep score at all. I mean, let's be honest: I was going to win, right? I figured that I'd just take a few seconds to remind them of the instructions, and take pictures for the review before I started searching.<br />
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XDLJFCNwEWY/V_wVj5REcII/AAAAAAAACmw/QOODPh8ICko6TuGTTKdbmOvOVWir--oOQCLcB/s1600/7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XDLJFCNwEWY/V_wVj5REcII/AAAAAAAACmw/QOODPh8ICko6TuGTTKdbmOvOVWir--oOQCLcB/s640/7.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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The first time we played, I helped them, explaining that everyone gets one board piece (a big, cardboard card), and everyone gets one little card that has images on it. Each tiny card has 8 tiny pictures on it, but it only has <i>one </i>item on your game board. The game boards are 2-sided, so you technically have 8 boards. There is a bell that you place in the middle and when you find the item on your card on your board, you hit the bell. (If you are keeping score, you hit the bell and yell first; simply hitting the bell would imply you should all switch boards because you couldn't find anything.)<br />
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EmHMNEWFNdE/V_wVjRtegQI/AAAAAAAACmo/X_vsclFSa-MJRiNHrvID2KInnbCkBBgCgCLcB/s1600/5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EmHMNEWFNdE/V_wVjRtegQI/AAAAAAAACmo/X_vsclFSa-MJRiNHrvID2KInnbCkBBgCgCLcB/s640/5.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Honestly, I figured my 5 year old would be decent, and my 3 year old would get frustrated. This is because my husband played with us the first time and we quickly learned that there are lots of little "almost" images. By this, I mean the same item as on your card, but tilted a different way (for example, instead of a toy pig on its side, it would be standing upright, or a truck that is identical but a different number). It's actually pretty challenging!<br />
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-N1QvJ0nu4es/V_wVjD7U_ZI/AAAAAAAACmg/kXp69LKFRs8zykkSpQ71PKdJqrXAjHFvgCLcB/s1600/1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-N1QvJ0nu4es/V_wVjD7U_ZI/AAAAAAAACmg/kXp69LKFRs8zykkSpQ71PKdJqrXAjHFvgCLcB/s640/1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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The second time we played was about 2 weeks after first introducing them to the game. Squiggle abandoned her building activities to play, leaving the mess behind her (explaining the background in the pictures). I was a bit cocky in thinking I was going to own them at the game, apparently, because Squiggle (who is only 3, mind you) quickly put me in my place! Look at that smug face!<br />
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nVfgnmSyZ8k/V_wVjFzNXRI/AAAAAAAACmc/YDBjkga2o-AHaI1cZ1KHtWy2U6tYdd67wCLcB/s1600/3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nVfgnmSyZ8k/V_wVjFzNXRI/AAAAAAAACmc/YDBjkga2o-AHaI1cZ1KHtWy2U6tYdd67wCLcB/s640/3.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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She found the first 3 legitimate items, first try, and very quickly. I thought she was finding near misses, or maybe simply excited to ring the bell. Nope... she was simply ruling the game. I had another image that showed her pointing out what she found on the card and on her board, but I don't want to give anything away, so I opted not to share that one. I will, instead, share an <i>extremely</i> up close image of part of a board to show just how detailed they are.<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6WcVb9nkmN4/V_wYJTnzaaI/AAAAAAAACm8/gGi-xh99vMsCTFGkFMcPQ9ExYbeTLPNlQCLcB/s1600/8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6WcVb9nkmN4/V_wYJTnzaaI/AAAAAAAACm8/gGi-xh99vMsCTFGkFMcPQ9ExYbeTLPNlQCLcB/s640/8.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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That being said, the game suggests ages 5 and up. I know these are suggestions, but I didn't expect a 3 year old to actually be <i>good </i>at it. I was going to recommend this for kids that were about kindergarten age, but I am now going to suggest that if your child (or the one you are shopping for) has an eye for detail, get the game regardless of age.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kn6e0K5tIZQ/V_wVi0Dq1zI/AAAAAAAACmY/JY-DUHQgNtIoLuMht-1n6yIlmKfKVjyQwCLcB/s1600/2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kn6e0K5tIZQ/V_wVi0Dq1zI/AAAAAAAACmY/JY-DUHQgNtIoLuMht-1n6yIlmKfKVjyQwCLcB/s640/2.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bobble leaning over to see if Squiggle really did find something <i>again</i>. She did.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Despite only having 8 board images, we have not succeeded in memorizing a single thing. Each board has so much detail and there are so many cards to search off of that we've never played through all of them in one game, and many times we don't even find the items on the card since you get a new card when someone finds an item. It's really set up to keep it challenging for a long time.<br />
<br />
You can purchase <a href="http://www.areyougame.com/Interact/item.asp?itemno=BP06120&sa=0">I SPY: EAGLE EYE </a>for under $20 at <a href="http://areyougame.com/">Areyougame.com</a>, and at various retail stores. Don't forget to check out <a href="http://areyougame.com/">Areyougame.com</a> for games to suit all sorts of occasions!<br />
<br />
<i>Disclaimer: Thoughts of Fluff is was sent this product in exchange for a review. This did not sway my opinion in any way. All opinions are my own and may differ from those of your own. </i>Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08154668407741873422noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1595076435926548649.post-67104675997556699172016-10-13T06:00:00.000-04:002016-10-13T06:00:09.950-04:00Coffee Milk<div class="MsoNormal">
The weather is
changing to that lovely autumn weather here, and that just begs for a hot
drink. Both of my kids love all sorts of hot drinks, even coffee, so we
improvise a bit to make things more kid friendly (for them). <o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LZ25jrTxThs/V_p7l0_IBBI/AAAAAAAACmA/CT8o8zhYURITABNS5V4Bz4St9sWSFhvPwCLcB/s1600/1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="314" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LZ25jrTxThs/V_p7l0_IBBI/AAAAAAAACmA/CT8o8zhYURITABNS5V4Bz4St9sWSFhvPwCLcB/s640/1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Not being big caffeine
drinkers anyway, we keep decaf in the house (we drink ½ caff., but there is
always 100% decaf available). The kids love the taste of coffee, but we’re not
too keen on them having coffee as a drink. Thanks to many shopping visits to Trader
Joe’s, the kids have become fond of “coffee milk”. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-x63Upy9N4Xw/V_p7l0qswlI/AAAAAAAACl4/Y7GL-XPa0loaSmengsB3QMMa2pRJAnaBwCLcB/s1600/2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="332" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-x63Upy9N4Xw/V_p7l0qswlI/AAAAAAAACl4/Y7GL-XPa0loaSmengsB3QMMa2pRJAnaBwCLcB/s640/2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Coffee milk really is
nothing more than a tiny bit of coffee (with whatever sweetener you desire) to
a disproportionate amount of milk. At Trader Joe’s, I tend to do something like
a 1:4 ratio of coffee to milk. Enough for the flavour, but also always a
drinkable temperature for them.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hp7vImujq1s/V_p7l7KZt1I/AAAAAAAACl8/1xGSIna2vzgnUhHQWtMuUI3PofkCCf3zwCLcB/s1600/3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hp7vImujq1s/V_p7l7KZt1I/AAAAAAAACl8/1xGSIna2vzgnUhHQWtMuUI3PofkCCf3zwCLcB/s640/3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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At home, we use a
Keurig with a refillable k-cup. I make a single cup of decaf coffee, split it
between two mugs, and add milk. Since this is 100% decaf, I’ll do a 1:1 ratio.
We also add stevia powder at home since they really don’t need a bunch of
sugar. On the rare occasions they get sugar, we just stir that in before adding
the milk so it dissolves better.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sypxikl_XxM/V_p7mWrctHI/AAAAAAAACmI/SDdjBYdeEskHAusGzYUv_qJNUaHtU6prACLcB/s1600/5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sypxikl_XxM/V_p7mWrctHI/AAAAAAAACmI/SDdjBYdeEskHAusGzYUv_qJNUaHtU6prACLcB/s400/5.jpg" width="300" /></a><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6kL4VYoCiR8/V_p7mXgaSdI/AAAAAAAACmE/nRhqnIve8DgF3UIonStYnlZ8Dxd6RSSvQCLcB/s1600/4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6kL4VYoCiR8/V_p7mXgaSdI/AAAAAAAACmE/nRhqnIve8DgF3UIonStYnlZ8Dxd6RSSvQCLcB/s400/4.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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<i>Disclaimer: Thoughts of Fluff is responsible
for the content of this post. All opinions are my own and may differ from those
of your own.<o:p></o:p></i></div>
Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08154668407741873422noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1595076435926548649.post-74620864164884079572016-10-10T06:00:00.000-04:002016-10-10T06:00:18.684-04:00The Very Hungry Caterpillar Spin & Seek ABC Game (game review)<div class="MsoNormal">
Another character
favourite is looking to be a favourite game
for your little ones, only this time it's one of Eric Carle's characters! A family favourite recognized almost everywhere: The Very Hungry Caterpillar!! </div>
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<a href="http://www.areyougame.com/interact/item.asp?itemno=01249">The Very Hungry Caterpillar Spin & Seek ABC Game</a> by Briarpatch (<a href="http://www.ugames.com/university_games/default.asp">University Games</a>) is geared towards the younger game-playing crowd, this game focuses on letter recognition for both uppercase and lowercase letters.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-W0O4rVu1kiI/V_mmpezGniI/AAAAAAAACkw/2769Hlf_UgAMJYteQN1nGqsGCjFLJ7i2QCLcB/s1600/12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-W0O4rVu1kiI/V_mmpezGniI/AAAAAAAACkw/2769Hlf_UgAMJYteQN1nGqsGCjFLJ7i2QCLcB/s640/12.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<tr><td><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CDXFX0XddP4/V_mmpnh5M3I/AAAAAAAACk0/ML05VA5sufYFTs4h9OW2b177LeqJakQyACLcB/s1600/14.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CDXFX0XddP4/V_mmpnh5M3I/AAAAAAAACk0/ML05VA5sufYFTs4h9OW2b177LeqJakQyACLcB/s400/14.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">Character piece choices</td></tr>
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The set up of the game is pretty easy. The players can choose one of 4 Eric Carle characters to be their playing piece, the cards are spread out on the floor to be visible, and you spin the spinner to determine how far you move.</div>
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There are two cards for each letter: 1 uppercase, 1 lowercase. In the example above, you can see that the letters are both the same colours, regardless of case (so both A cards will have a red A, both C cards will have a green C, etc.). This is identical to the representation on the game board to help with identification. To further assist identification, all lowercase letter cards are bordered with a blue line, and all upper case cards have an orange border. The backside of the cards show an example of a word that starts with that letter (same for both cases).</div>
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So everyone picks a character, the cards are spread out <i>image side up (i.e. bear -- you know, <b>opposite</b> of what I did above... I'll get to this)</i>, and everyone is ready to go, so you spin the spinner!</div>
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You can choose to move the number of spaces shown on the spinner (in the above case, 3 spaces), or you can move to the next space with a BIG or little letter as indicated in the outside ring of the spinner (above case would be BIG letter). This is beneficial if someone just landed on the space 3 ahead of you, but 1 ahead of you was a BIG letter not yet snagged!</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/--3sk37mB5lQ/V_mmo_r4LmI/AAAAAAAACko/2ZV3lI4KGAYJo6SqTvxJP3dV53zBG9yOQCLcB/s1600/10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/--3sk37mB5lQ/V_mmo_r4LmI/AAAAAAAACko/2ZV3lI4KGAYJo6SqTvxJP3dV53zBG9yOQCLcB/s640/10.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bobble moving his piece</td></tr>
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Now you may notice that I separated the lower case letters from the upper case letters in the picture above. This is not suggested in the instructions, but since Squiggle doesn't recognize most letters (unless they are in her name), I thought it would help her to have the lower case on one side and the upper case on the other. As she gets better at the letter recognition, I plan to mix them all up. </div>
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You may also notice that, contrary to the instructions I mentioned earlier, I have the letter side up instead of the image side up. This is specifically to benefit Squiggle, as she doesn't know her alphabet, or sounds. Image side up would be more challenging for Bobble because he would see a train before he paid attention to the top of the card that said "little t", and he might think of the sound and associate with a letter that way. Since Squiggle is so new to letters, however, he obliged us in playing the "easy way" to help her learn.</div>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-S96A2Y6Ibvs/V_mmqxXDCII/AAAAAAAAClU/fOzVDLn0v8cJHC3aW1sEUS-u1lBl2PYnQCLcB/s1600/6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-S96A2Y6Ibvs/V_mmqxXDCII/AAAAAAAAClU/fOzVDLn0v8cJHC3aW1sEUS-u1lBl2PYnQCLcB/s400/6.jpg" width="300" /></a><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-25LUYSdzVro/V_mmq2KhOxI/AAAAAAAAClY/v2wPBhcNklcJcrEiVh_6b-IEnFIFhGi8ACLcB/s1600/7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-25LUYSdzVro/V_mmq2KhOxI/AAAAAAAAClY/v2wPBhcNklcJcrEiVh_6b-IEnFIFhGi8ACLcB/s400/7.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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When you move to a space, you have to find the image card that matches that letter, and it <i>must</i> be the proper case. If you land on the BIG B, you cannot select the little b card. If you select a wrong card, the card is put back down the next person gets to go. If you land on an space that someone already got a card from, you can spin and move again. If you land on an space that someone guessed incorrectly on (so they are there, but the card hasn't been taken), you may share a space.</div>
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The game ends when <i>all </i>players reach FINISH. The player with the most cards wins (ties result in more than one winner). </div>
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The kids liked it so much, they insisted on playing again before bed! To make it a little more challenging for Bobble, we mixed up the upper and lower case letters.</div>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pzbh_ulpPb4/V_mmqC3l1YI/AAAAAAAAClE/aPLnRwVYo9c4784lBtHduNfRlXHAtTHNgCLcB/s1600/2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pzbh_ulpPb4/V_mmqC3l1YI/AAAAAAAAClE/aPLnRwVYo9c4784lBtHduNfRlXHAtTHNgCLcB/s400/2.jpg" width="300" /></a><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uroQityjRYQ/V_mmo-VZXFI/AAAAAAAACks/EIMZ0o9fqGsD3UQA-unrv3JYFRvTGYVlwCLcB/s1600/1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uroQityjRYQ/V_mmo-VZXFI/AAAAAAAACks/EIMZ0o9fqGsD3UQA-unrv3JYFRvTGYVlwCLcB/s400/1.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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What I love about this game is that you can alter the play to accommodate the skill level of the child(ren) playing. For Squiggle, she needs to just see the letters as she starts learning, but we always flip over the card to show the image and say what it is and what sound it makes. That usually sounds like, "B. Bear. Buh-buh-bear. Bear starts with the letter B!" As her letter recognition improves, the cases will be mixed up<br />
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As letter recognition improves, mixing the letters will help her<br />
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For someone like Bobble who knows his letters and sounds really well and is just starting to read, the image side is great. It encourages letter recognition coupled with sound recall, and also helps learn to spell/read as they see the word spelled out on the card.<br />
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The only thing I don't like about the game isn't actually an issue with this specific game at all, so much as an issue with any game with cardboard pieces that slide into a tiny plastic stand:<br />
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With young children, they get ruined quickly. Bent, ripped, you name it. We made it a household rule (...that never seems to be followed, of course) that you always leave the base on the pieces and they will be stored that way to prevent things like the above from happening. Of course, you could also just put a bit of tape around the bottom before putting it on the base. I'm sure that would help too!<br />
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<a href="http://www.areyougame.com/interact/item.asp?itemno=01249">The Very Hungry Caterpillar Spin & Seek ABC Game</a> is a great choice for an emerging reader or young preschooler. This game can be purchased for around $15, making it a fun, educational, and budget-friendly gift for any occasion. Be sure to check out <a href="http://areyougame.com/">Areyougame.com</a> for this game, and many other great games!<br />
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<i>Disclaimer: Thoughts of Fluff was sent this product for review. This did not influence my opinion of the game at all. All opinions are my own and may differ from those of your own.</i></div>
Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08154668407741873422noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1595076435926548649.post-5032164052370660962016-10-03T06:00:00.000-04:002016-10-03T06:00:27.388-04:00Shimmer and Shine: Genie Friends Forever (game review)Have a Shimmer and Shine fan? Check out the <a href="http://www.areyougame.com/Interact/item.asp?q=shimmer&qmethod=0&itemno=01217&sa=0">Shimmer and Shine: Genie Friends Forever</a> cooperative game from Briarpatch (<a href="http://www.ugames.com/default.asp">University Games</a>). Being a cooperative game, the game requires all players (up to 4) to work together to get to the end. No one person is a loser, all winners or try again!<br />
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Each player gets a magic carpet, selects their character as their playing piece, and utilizes a spinner to determine movement. There is also a token that gets flipped, so your kids might just learn a new skill! (My kids had no clue how to flip a coin before this game.)<br />
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Storage of the game is easy, provided you have a container to keep all the pieces together. We just use a sandwich baggy for all of the player pieces, token, and 32 jewels.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Spinner, cardboard coin for flipping, magic carpet, and playing pieces.</td></tr>
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Counting only goes up to 3, so for those children just learning to count, it will be easier than some other games I've reviewed. In fact, recommended ages are 3 and up! To start, all 32 jewels are placed on the castle.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jewels are on the castle and we're ready to pick our playing piece!</td></tr>
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No reading is required for this game except for the person reading the rules the first time around. The game is two-part. You start out on the start space on the first half of the board (the side with the castle). You spin to move, and each space means something different:<br />
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<u>Jewel Space</u>: You select any jewel you wish from the pile on the castle and place it on your magic carpet.<br />
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<u>Genie Space</u>: You select a jewel from the pile to give to another player.<br />
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<u>Wish Space</u>: You flip the token in the air. If it says "Oops", you remove a jewel from your magic carpet and put it back in the pile. If it says "Boom Zahramay!", you take a jewel from the pile.<br />
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You stay on the left side of the board until all players have one of each jewel on their card. This is where the cooperative part comes in, as players need to look at all the cards to determine which player they give a jewel to (usually the one with the least amount of jewels).<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pQPJvf3r8No/V-veDsr5gDI/AAAAAAAACkM/3JejctdomUsS48S5l4INmzuWehuAsAtbQCLcB/s1600/9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pQPJvf3r8No/V-veDsr5gDI/AAAAAAAACkM/3JejctdomUsS48S5l4INmzuWehuAsAtbQCLcB/s640/9.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Squiggle gives me a pink jewel</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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If you have your magic carpet full, you still play while others need jewels. You can give a jewel you get to another player since you can only have one of each on this half of the board.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RrAvBu3gjwA/V-veC50LBfI/AAAAAAAACj8/NvW8irqQ9Yc6jE6wja9pSD-kPQ5EIzhLwCLcB/s1600/5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RrAvBu3gjwA/V-veC50LBfI/AAAAAAAACj8/NvW8irqQ9Yc6jE6wja9pSD-kPQ5EIzhLwCLcB/s640/5.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">All 4 jewels acquired, ready to move on!</td></tr>
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When all players have one of each jewel, you all move to the magic carpet spot on the second half of the board to continue game play!</div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-h1s0TYg81HI/V-veC-1rcnI/AAAAAAAACj4/9s9axCuSEoAw2tzPysKSICD583qx77u4gCLcB/s1600/4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-h1s0TYg81HI/V-veC-1rcnI/AAAAAAAACj4/9s9axCuSEoAw2tzPysKSICD583qx77u4gCLcB/s640/4.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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On this half of the board, the goal is to fill the jewel spaces on the bottle before all 6 oops spaces are filled. The spaces have slightly different meanings on this half.</div>
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<u>Jewel Space</u>: You still collect a jewel from the pile and place it on your card.</div>
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<u>Genie Space</u>: You select a jewel from <b>your</b> card to give to the player of your choice.</div>
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<u>Wish Space</u>: You flip the token, but if it lands on "oops", you place a jewel from your magic carpet card onto an oops space on the board. If it lands on "Boom Zahramay!", you place a jewel on the matching shape on the genie bottle.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JSqBVJKABAU/V-veClIGeBI/AAAAAAAACj0/tScz01UMEa4m33TZAZZ5EdFydoCxCtOngCLcB/s1600/3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JSqBVJKABAU/V-veClIGeBI/AAAAAAAACj0/tScz01UMEa4m33TZAZZ5EdFydoCxCtOngCLcB/s640/3.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">3 jewel spaces are filled on the bottle</td></tr>
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You have to encourage your little ones to think about which gems they should be taking from the pile in this half, as you want them to have the gems they need to put in the bottle. If they have to give a gem to another player, you want them to have enough of the needed gems to give to a player that might not have that one so they can use it if they land on the right space.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_MpRB-4aWkg/V-veCcL0YBI/AAAAAAAACjw/dl1CC6FFab8kNtvLtvzPiyk371BKE6zPgCLcB/s1600/2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_MpRB-4aWkg/V-veCcL0YBI/AAAAAAAACjw/dl1CC6FFab8kNtvLtvzPiyk371BKE6zPgCLcB/s640/2.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We did it!</td></tr>
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Sometimes you get lucky and get very few "oops" flips. From the winning picture above, you can see we only had two! We aren't always so lucky, however, and sometimes we can't get the jewel spaces filled before the oops spaces.<br />
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This game is very colourful, and movement is easy since counting only goes to 3. This makes it easy to maintain the attention of the younger children. It can be frustrating for those who haven't learned how to flip a token or coin yet.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9t955xwQtwoMIH35ZDVn6KyfSGNITIkoxhwGhxuUk3pv64b2PiHDiL7jwb3dFa8E6IMfs35kwRRyKV-s9Sak9YRX9GWYcvWz4wNeM9-7xTFRCue345GMqVneRFd1pJBg7PsCEWHcG5boW/s1600/13.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9t955xwQtwoMIH35ZDVn6KyfSGNITIkoxhwGhxuUk3pv64b2PiHDiL7jwb3dFa8E6IMfs35kwRRyKV-s9Sak9YRX9GWYcvWz4wNeM9-7xTFRCue345GMqVneRFd1pJBg7PsCEWHcG5boW/s640/13.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">She's ready to play again!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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The only thing my kids were unhappy with was not being able to do anything if they landed on the magic carpet space. You can always adopt the rule that they spin again if this happens, though. That way they don't feel like their turn was skipped.<br />
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Shimmer and Shine: Genie Friends Forever would make a great gift for birthdays or holidays, and can be found purchased for around $20. Be sure to check out <a href="http://areyougame.com/">Areyougame.com</a> for this game, and many other great games!<br />
<br />
<i>Disclaimer: Thoughts of Fluff was sent this product for review in exchange for my honest opinion. This did not influence my opinion of the product in any way. All opinions are my own and may differ from those of your own.</i>Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08154668407741873422noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1595076435926548649.post-44302104293633983592016-09-26T06:00:00.000-04:002016-09-28T11:54:50.771-04:00Pete the Cat Groovy Button Game (review)<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: 0in;">
Still looking for some board game ideas? Check
out the <a href="http://www.areyougame.com/Interact/item.asp?q=pete%2Bthe%2Bcat&qmethod=0&itemno=01256&sa=0">Pete the Cat Groovy Buttons Game</a> by Briarpatch (University Games). The game is
fairly quick, so if you need a game that takes little time, this is a good
choice. Likewise, if your kids prefer to play more than one game in a row, this
is a great option to not take up too much time!<o:p></o:p></div>
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Setting the game up is super easy, and it also
includes my new favourite feature: an in-board spinner! (Check out my <a href="http://thoughtsoffluff.blogspot.com/2016/09/kids-on-stage-game-review.html">Kids onStage review</a> to read why!) The down side is that you do risk the child(ren) leaning on the board to reach the spinner when they first start playing, and that will knock your pieces over. Once they get used to not pushing or leaning on the board with all their weight, it works quite well!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-kLxjNHnhzgbWlWHB8HCLWZ4EAZHEwJfZWknK6Aj2nDBW0QQffKy82WfuryFH5tF941L1ine1CYmiFDdu7by9SdBVNYWoV-CaNt1YzbQmT-C_DjGLeaKr5O3ZweLyTA3sZLjTLsPzHXlR/s1600/3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-kLxjNHnhzgbWlWHB8HCLWZ4EAZHEwJfZWknK6Aj2nDBW0QQffKy82WfuryFH5tF941L1ine1CYmiFDdu7by9SdBVNYWoV-CaNt1YzbQmT-C_DjGLeaKr5O3ZweLyTA3sZLjTLsPzHXlR/s640/3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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The buttons all go in a pile to the side of the
board, and each player gets a button jar. All the pieces are cardboard (spinner
arrow and stand for your game piece aside) and can easily be stored in a single
sandwich bag.</div>
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To play, you select your game (Pete the Cat
character) piece and place it in any of the green circles on the board corners.
Movement is clockwise around the board (the number of spaces that your spinner
lands on), and youngest player goes first. If you land on a green button, you
take the number of buttons shown on that spot from the button pile and put them
on your button jar. If you land on a red button, you place that number of
buttons from your jar onto Pete the Cat in the center of the board. If you land
on a blue space, you can switch your button jar with any other player’s button
jar (getting all their buttons). The goal is to have the most buttons when the
button pile is gone. <o:p></o:p></div>
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You have the option of going through the center
part of the board (towards Pete the Cat) from either direction. If you land
directly on Pete the Cat, you get <i>all</i>
the buttons that are on him (from people landing on red spaces). This
encourages planning ahead since they need to decide if it will be worth going
that way due to all the red buttons and how many buttons are sitting on Pete
the Cat. <o:p></o:p></div>
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When the button pile is gone, any buttons
sitting on Pete the Cat are divided evenly amongst the players. When our first
game ended, however, Bobble had only a handful of the 40 buttons, so we just
gave all of them to him (he still had the least number of buttons). The person
with the most buttons wins!<o:p></o:p></div>
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This game encourages counting skills the most,
but it also encourages colour recognition (and having to remember what those
colours mean in the game). It also encourages basic strategizing in giving the
option of moving towards the center of the board or not. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-j68hDbFVbNs/V99IazzZTuI/AAAAAAAACi0/rFAIBlcaqHIXoUiYgekhBnFM7O3gFgIMACLcB/s1600/5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-j68hDbFVbNs/V99IazzZTuI/AAAAAAAACi0/rFAIBlcaqHIXoUiYgekhBnFM7O3gFgIMACLcB/s400/5.jpg" width="300" /></a><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UC8cZLeYHNE/V99IbWjAC1I/AAAAAAAACi8/agw0RVNFAvMIjQCPe8oE_AB7f3n9YS7LwCLcB/s1600/7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UC8cZLeYHNE/V99IbWjAC1I/AAAAAAAACi8/agw0RVNFAvMIjQCPe8oE_AB7f3n9YS7LwCLcB/s400/7.jpg" width="296" /></a> </div>
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My kids loved this game right off the bat
because: Pete the Cat. The game play, as I mentioned, was pretty decently
paced, so it wouldn’t be frustrating if the kids want to play more than once.Since it’s just counting, it’s not really boring for the older people playing
like some children’s games are. If you’re looking for a fun, decent-paced game
for a younger child, Pete the Cat Groovy Buttons Game is a good option!<o:p></o:p></div>
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You can find the Pete the Cat Groovy Buttons Game for around $20. Don't forget to check out <a href="http://areyougame.com/">AreYouGame.com</a> to find games for all occasions and all ages!<o:p></o:p></div>
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<i>Disclaimer:
Thoughts of Fluff was sent this product for review in exchange for my honest
opinion. This did not influence my opinion of the product in any way. All
opinions are my own and may differ from those of your own.</i><o:p></o:p></div>
Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08154668407741873422noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1595076435926548649.post-29663237960126746712016-09-19T06:00:00.000-04:002016-09-19T13:29:26.581-04:00Kids on Stage (game review)<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: 0in;">
I previously mentioned the <a href="http://thoughtsoffluff.blogspot.com/2016/04/super-why-abc-letter-game-review.html">Super Why ABC Game</a>,
by Briarpatch (University Games), and how educational and fun it is. I am pleased to be able
to review some more of their games, as they have offered me some for review!
First up: <a href="http://www.areyougame.com/Interact/item.asp?q=kids%2Bon%2Bstage&qmethod=0&itemno=01214&sa=0">Kids on Stage</a>! </div>
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<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">I'd like to state, in advance, that my camera could not focus on the card and the action at the same time, so I'm sorry for slightly out-of-focus cards... but they are clear enough to see what the person should be doing!</span></i><o:p></o:p></div>
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I was excited to try Kids on Stage before I
even opened it because the box said there was no reading required. This meant I
had a much better chance to play them successfully with the kids since Bobble
can sight read a few things, but Squiggle is still working on her alphabet. I also
liked that it was for 2 – 6 players. It’s nice for when the kids have some
friends over, or for larger families.<o:p></o:p></div>
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The setup is really easy, and you can start
playing pretty much immediately after you put your piece on the board and set
up the spinner. The spinner, by the way, is attached to the board. I cannot
tell you how nice this is. Aside from not having to worry about it getting left
out of the box and then stepped on (and broken), or a kid being angry and
throwing it (or hoarding it), it’s always there when you want to play. I <i>love</i> the spinner being part of the
board! <o:p></o:p></div>
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As far as actual game play, the rules are very
easy to understand. You spin, you move that number, and you draw a card with
the colour that matches the space you are on. Red cards are action cards, green
cards are object cards, and blue cards are animal cards. Some of the cards can
be challenging for things the children haven’t been exposed to. One example
would be sewing. My kids weren’t sure what to do for that one. Others were
difficult for them to not give away because they know many of the American Sign
Language (ASL) signs for animals, objects, or actions on the cards. <o:p></o:p></div>
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You guess until you get it right. If they are
having trouble guessing what you are acting out, you <i>can</i> make noises to help give it away. Fake snoring made the red
“sleeping” card a bit too obvious, though! There is no counting who got however
many cards right, you just play until you all get to the end. Quite simple, and
takes away the frustration of not winning for the kids.<o:p></o:p></div>
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I honestly wasn’t sure how well Squiggle,
having just turned three, would grasp the concept of acting something out
without saying what it was. I was pleasantly surprised that she understood
quickly, I just reminded her at every turn to “be/do this without saying it”.
The only time this didn’t work was when she was sleepy. Then she just threw
herself against the couch, giggling, and saying what she should act out. So,
sleepy times aside, it worked really well. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Bobble, who is now 5 ½, really loved it. I was
actually surprised at how much better Squiggle was at acting the things out,
and how quickly she guessed things correctly compared to Bobble. However,
Bobble has always been a bit slower on pretend play. I think this will be
really good to encourage him to use his imagination, and that’s a great thing.<o:p></o:p></div>
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I liked that the spinner went all the way up to
8, as that could make the game go really quickly (which is sometimes a welcome
relief, am I right?!). The one thing I didn’t like was that, should the game be
a moderately-paced game, you might go through all the cards for a certain
colour and then they would be too easy because the kids remember what did and
didn’t work for acting that one out. That also makes it less fun to play twice
in a row.<o:p></o:p></div>
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I’d love to see more cards available for this
game, or even blank cards that were added with it so you can create your own. I
think 10 more cards of each colour could really make a big difference.<o:p></o:p></div>
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I highly recommend this game for anyone looking
for a present, or simply for a fun new addition to their game shelf. It
encourages creative thinking, requires action, doesn’t require reading (though
the word/words <i>are</i> on the card),
helps with counting to 8, and colour recognition. </div>
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You can purchase Kids on Stage for around $20, so head on over to <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Kids-On-Stage-Board-Game/dp/B01HE1UOUS">Amazon.com</a> or <a href="http://areyougame.com/">AreYouGame.com</a> to check out this game (and many others)!<o:p></o:p></div>
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<i>Disclaimer:
Thoughts of Fluff was given the game in exchange for an honest review. This did
not sway my opinion of the product at all. All opinions are my own and may
differ from those of your own.</i><o:p></o:p></div>
Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08154668407741873422noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1595076435926548649.post-66047103026187366412016-09-06T22:17:00.002-04:002016-09-06T22:17:47.511-04:00Sorry about that!Sorry for the disappearance, everyone! Many of you know I'm in grad school, and now I'm in the last couple of months. Basically, I'm really, really busy working on my master's thesis.<br />
<br />
Never fear, though! While I don't have a tremendous amount of stuff lined up to be posted twice weekly like I had been (until my accidental disappearance), I do have a handful of game reviews coming in the near future.<br />
<br />
If you're looking for gift ideas, you'll want to be sure to keep an eye out in the next few weeks!Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08154668407741873422noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1595076435926548649.post-27017236120949581572016-08-18T06:00:00.000-04:002016-08-18T06:00:29.149-04:00Re-homing the RooIt took a while for our rooster to get accepted by our established flock, and once he did, he kept to his own. After a while he started acting like a cockerel and mounting our girls... and crowing again. He stopped crowing after he was introduced to the flock, but once he took his place as the chicken in charge, he crowed. A lot.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhrpIOhMtXNvl-p1LVMD4HsV1tBKnwzLVbOEZSiO0yBoZK6AdgOACwTkLHUDJ9JXEhyphenhyphen1iFNwwfyT10NfqNdFrGMTV-xy7REtf2EPduG-4lD37TzON3sO_-TWig3yPvt_sq59qEeIULMhVO/s1600/coopp.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhrpIOhMtXNvl-p1LVMD4HsV1tBKnwzLVbOEZSiO0yBoZK6AdgOACwTkLHUDJ9JXEhyphenhyphen1iFNwwfyT10NfqNdFrGMTV-xy7REtf2EPduG-4lD37TzON3sO_-TWig3yPvt_sq59qEeIULMhVO/s640/coopp.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Finally accepted, he would roost next to (or in between) the girls. Here he is sleeping on the far right.</td></tr>
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Sadly, we have had to rehome our rooster. I made certain to check with each of our immediate neighbors, personally, to see if his crowing was disturbing anyone. I understand that we all have to share this space, and I don't want to be <i>that </i>neighbor. You know, the one that always annoys the others? Yeah, I don't want to be that person.<br />
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Every single one of the neighbors assured me it wasn't bothering them, but I told them if he ever started to bother them, please let me know and I will get rid of him right away.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNWUM5ps6sbfp-f0SilxMXr08nU07uXhO22SQMlThMTX8s7qAX6VhoHTszF0aw7YkwSK6ail3wOvfGs0rwaECplDx0rNkUX2nbOs450dWGPmI-vCs6JGcayCSKL6elq_g_8gQ-X7MpW_Y_/s1600/Prince.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNWUM5ps6sbfp-f0SilxMXr08nU07uXhO22SQMlThMTX8s7qAX6VhoHTszF0aw7YkwSK6ail3wOvfGs0rwaECplDx0rNkUX2nbOs450dWGPmI-vCs6JGcayCSKL6elq_g_8gQ-X7MpW_Y_/s640/Prince.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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Last week we had a surprise visit early in the morning. It was a police officer. Someone had called to complain about the rooster crowing, so they had to come out to let us know. Same sort of protocol as if someone complained about a dog constantly barking or something.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZLqdtNCdv7mtQDD0f7YYoB1nqudYHh9GC7u7JybYFoS67KRR4BQQu8TrvCJ4PqjhhjpSskLcAvm5G_EoS_vjQwcNp_23HDe5TyOjMDGkSf-BMGHH0q1og5CszUxabWEUkHcMsjbruV5OG/s1600/12w2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZLqdtNCdv7mtQDD0f7YYoB1nqudYHh9GC7u7JybYFoS67KRR4BQQu8TrvCJ4PqjhhjpSskLcAvm5G_EoS_vjQwcNp_23HDe5TyOjMDGkSf-BMGHH0q1og5CszUxabWEUkHcMsjbruV5OG/s640/12w2.jpg" width="632" /></a><br />
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The whole interaction (which was pleasant, mind you. The officer was very kind.) saddened me. I wondered why someone just wouldn't tell me in person. I can only assume it wasn't one of my immediate neighbors that complained, as I know for a fact that some of them enjoyed hearing the crowing because it made them feel like they were in the country!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisJaVI9bpy4ZiNSKNcgKi-Vb_VpoeaQKp4x6gBISV54jOHXiJUVItcqhuGBIA5Tk-P-oLzfEvWChVomVU95_QMvbm9TciWm1j3xFXGaRr0RebltjmsTfXooRDMlhZgN0ZCxBHdfVCpKRpP/s1600/12w3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisJaVI9bpy4ZiNSKNcgKi-Vb_VpoeaQKp4x6gBISV54jOHXiJUVItcqhuGBIA5Tk-P-oLzfEvWChVomVU95_QMvbm9TciWm1j3xFXGaRr0RebltjmsTfXooRDMlhZgN0ZCxBHdfVCpKRpP/s640/12w3.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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Regardless, one complaint is plenty when it's a situation we cannot control. I've heard of those collars you place on a rooster to prevent them from crowing, but I've also read too many instances where the rooster died after they placed it. (Yes, it specifically states how to put them on, but if the rooster can still crow they consider it too loose... and one of the reviewers tightened it a hair tighter and the rooster seemed to be okay but simply wasn't getting enough oxygen after that.)<br />
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I couldn't do that to my rooster, so I contacted the person that took the chicks (the other half of my younger chicks) and asked if they were interested in a rooster. For free, of course. I wanted him to go to a good home. They accepted, and quickly picked him up. I have been promised pictures, which makes me feel better. He wasn't cuddly after he started his cockerel duties, so it's not like I lost a chicken I could hold. Still, he was a handsome fellow and I will miss him.<br />
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<i>Disclaimer: Thoughts of Fluff is responsible for the content of this post. All opinions are my own and may differ from those of your own.</i>Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17806317143950920344noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1595076435926548649.post-87553865712652202722016-08-15T06:00:00.000-04:002016-08-15T06:00:16.206-04:00No-poo journey<div class="MsoNormal">
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2014, I stopped using shampoo. I was fortunate in not having work at that
moment, because I heard that your hair goes through some really oily phase as
it adjusts to not being washed as much. I tried a variety of things at first,
but thanks to this blog post (which shared actual scientific reasoning as to
why baking soda is bad for your hair), I knew to steer clear of the most
commonly discussed method of going “no-poo” which would be a baking soda and
ACV wash/condition method.<o:p></o:p></div>
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I had done a lot of
reading leading up to my decision, and got many ideas for things to try. First
up was just water. Literally just water. I wasn’t sure how it would work, but I
knew that around week 4 was supposed to be the greasiest your hair looks with
any no-poo transition, so I decided at the start I wouldn’t judge until at
least week 7. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Week 7 and my hair
just wasn’t feelin’ it. My hair is very thick, and it is naturally a bit oily.
It just looked bad with plain water. Thankfully, with no job at that point, I
didn’t have to worry about professional appearances, and would just throw a
bandana on over my hair when I had to step out, hoping it would pass the greasy
phase.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">June 2014 (nothing)</td></tr>
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I decided to revisit
the post linked above and tried out the rye flour method of shampoo. I just
mixed in a bit of rye flour with water until it was a paste, used that to rub
into my scalp, and rinsed. I used ACV/water for conditioner. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqngBRpEMhyjnLBZRtkE07uSGSqrYsDOHsCiKxHi-4-TdEmzrcOW7ZcH0PPKLutSgTkDd12LJURVcz8FiSeuFcGlDUb3n86bIclTX7q_iOlnOcy41UfUVMImdK2MHTwiITwezsRYqsQUz7/s1600/may15.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqngBRpEMhyjnLBZRtkE07uSGSqrYsDOHsCiKxHi-4-TdEmzrcOW7ZcH0PPKLutSgTkDd12LJURVcz8FiSeuFcGlDUb3n86bIclTX7q_iOlnOcy41UfUVMImdK2MHTwiITwezsRYqsQUz7/s640/may15.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">May 2015 (Rye flour)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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The above worked
really well, and I continued doing that for the last year and a half (if not a
bit longer). It was especially nice when I would cut my hair short, but I
recently started using shampoo again, for simplicity’s sake.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-07XVQRkb1ik/V5U_C5fZ5DI/AAAAAAAAA0I/ZG8J9uzLwJ0GMRWiJAN_izShjhx0x8G_ACLcB/s1600/bff.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-07XVQRkb1ik/V5U_C5fZ5DI/AAAAAAAAA0I/ZG8J9uzLwJ0GMRWiJAN_izShjhx0x8G_ACLcB/s640/bff.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">June 2016 (Rye flour)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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I know it sounds like
not much work to pour a bit of rye flour into a bowl and mix with a bit of
shower water. It really wasn’t. I stirred it with my finger. It took basically
no time. The hard part was rinsing it out of my hair. If I had thin hair, I
think it would be a totally different ending to the story, honestly. Rye flour
has little pieces of the shell (husk) in the flour. It is great as an
exfoliator for the scalp, but isn’t a friend to thick hair. I found that if I
didn’t take the time to use the highest pressure and carefully blast every part
of my hair, the tiny little pieces of husk stuck to strands of hair. This
looked bad. Not just like a weird piece of fuzzy in someone’s hair, weird… but
it looked like a piece of dandruff, or worse, a louse egg.</div>
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If I switched to the
tub faucet and rinsed under there, it was easier to get it all out, but it just
was such a water waste. That, and it hurt my neck to do that. It was more of an
inconvenience, and my hair was longer by this point. Thick, long, heavy hair…
and having to do that. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
I truly believe that
if I had very fine, straight hair, this would be a non-issue. Sadly, my hair is
not only very thick, but naturally wavy (not curly). I loved paying only a few
dollars a year for rye flour and having it last so long, but now I’m back to
shampoo. I’m actually really sad about it, as I really wanted to never go back.
My hair already feels less healthy, but I’m trying out more natural shampoos
and hoping to find the perfect one for me. It will probably be a lot of trial
and error until I find one I like, and it isn’t going to be as cheap as the rye
flour (nothing would!). <o:p></o:p></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
If you’re looking to
go no-poo and have thin/straight hair (or just short hair), I highly recommend
trying the rye flour option. Otherwise, I’m interested in hearing suggestions
for other no-poo alternatives (or good, natural shampoos)!<o:p></o:p></div>
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<i>Disclaimer: Thoughts of Fluff is responsible
for the content of this post. All opinions are my own and may differ from your
own.<o:p></o:p></i></div>
Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17806317143950920344noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1595076435926548649.post-78359274386564157152016-08-11T06:00:00.000-04:002016-08-11T06:00:33.347-04:00Adventures with Chicks (pt. 9)Instead of waiting a whole week before letting them out with the girls, I decided to only wait 5 days based on the behaviour of the chicks and the established flock. There didn't seem to be any sort of animosity in the group, so I let them out after spreading out a whole box full of produce goodies for them. I made sure to scatter across the whole run so everyone could snack without being forced near the other chickens, then I put the chicks in.<br />
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There were squabbles, but nothing constant. Most of the time the hens were just wanting to eat. Sometimes even eating near the chicks. Occasionally a charge at the chicks, but not a full-on attack.<br />
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<br />
There have been a few times when the hens attacked a chick, pulling a feather out here or there, but that was it. They didn't carry on, it was always a quick squabble. This is quite the opposite of when we introduced our roo to them, as they would corner him and just pick on him constantly until I intervened. This is just attempts to establish pecking order.<br />
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I can't tell you how much of a relief it was to see them react this way! The new girls stick to their little group, but the rooster is the one that was nice to them straight away. He would even break up a pecking-order squabble from time to time.<br />
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<i>Disclaimer: Thoughts of Fluff is responsible for the content of this post. All opinions are my own and may differ from those of your own.</i>Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17806317143950920344noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1595076435926548649.post-14363972815753397842016-08-08T06:00:00.000-04:002016-08-08T06:00:29.636-04:00Cleaning TrickeryI recently realized that Bobble could do a lot more than I was having him do around the house. I remember I used to let him just match socks for me with laundry, but the other day I saw him actually folding laundry and doing it well. If I asked him to do some laundry, however, he wasn't interested.<br />
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Same with anything else. I likes to help clean, but only when he wants to. If he's asked, no dice. Having "chores" or "clean up" on a schedule didn't change this, despite him always wanting to do what was on the schedule any other time.<br />
<br />
This past weekend, however, I finally found a way that works (at least for him)!<br />
<br />
He likes to watch the show "UmiZoomi", and they always have missions. He also likes to play video games where they have specific challenges or missions to complete for him to move on in the game. I put this knowledge to the best use I could, and hand wrote a note for him to find in the morning. (He cannot read 100% on his own, but he can pick out the majority of the words these days.)<br />
<br />
It read something along the lines of:<br />
<br />
<i><b>Bobble, </b></i><br />
<i><b><br /></b></i>
<i><b>Here are your missions for Sunday morning:</b></i><br />
<i><b>1) Pick up living room</b></i><br />
<i><b>2) Vacuum living room</b></i><br />
<i><b>3) Put away <u>YOUR</u> laundry</b></i><br />
<i><b><br /></b></i>
<i><b>Good luck!</b></i><br />
<i><b><br /></b></i>
<i><b>Love, </b></i><br />
<i><b>Mom</b></i><br />
<br />
The list actually had 7 items on it, but all were tiny (the living room was mostly picked up already), easy to do (one was literally telling me a different room was ready for <i>me</i> to vacuum it), and worded simply so he felt he could read it himself and would actually try.<br />
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He took to the "missions" swimmingly, and took great delight in crossing the items off as he completed them. I'm going to start putting "missions" on the fridge on a dry erase board and see if I still have luck getting him to cooperate!<br />
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<i>Disclaimer: Thoughts of Fluff is responsible for the content of this post. All opinions are my own and may differ from those of your own.</i>Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17806317143950920344noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1595076435926548649.post-18486420002387767372016-08-04T06:00:00.002-04:002016-08-04T06:00:17.490-04:00Adventures with Chicks (Pt. 8)At 12 weeks of age, the chicks that we still had (4 of them were rehomed) found their cage set up in the enclosed section of our coop (just like our rooster was set up when he was first introduced to the girls). While we set that up, the kids watched the chicks play in the baby-gated area, and then loved on them a bit.<br />
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We put up a section of plastic on the western side of the coop that was directly behind their cage to help protect from the elements (eventually it has to rain, right?), and a bit of cardboard on the one side to help them be able to hide from the girls if they felt nervous before the established flock was let out in the morning.<br />
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I have let the established flock out to free-range and opened up the door for the chicks to explore, but they don't want to venture too far away yet. Soon they will be integrated with the rest of the flock! They aren't really looking like chicks anymore, though. They look so grown up!<br />
<br />
<i>Disclaimer: Thoughts of Fluff is responsible for the content of this post. All opinions are my own and may differ from those of your own.</i>Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17806317143950920344noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1595076435926548649.post-74607773991714968692016-08-01T06:00:00.000-04:002016-08-01T06:00:08.309-04:00Alba Botanica SPF 50 SunScreen (review)Last year I found an organic sunscreen I liked a lot, but we couldn't find it without driving roughly 90 miles. While that's not always a big deal (since that's right near the zoo and we like making zoo trips), it's not very practical for the rest of the time. I also couldn't find it higher than SPF30, and it had only 40 minutes of water resistance.<br />
<br />
I did some searching and found <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Alba-Botanica-Hawaiian-Coconut-Sunscreen/dp/B00WB84IRU">Alba Botanica's Hawaiian Clear Spray Sunscreen with SPF50</a>. It's not organic, but the ingredients are 100% vegetarian, biodegradable, and it is water resistant for 80 minutes.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6Gg0yti-o4gXtgkJChyphenhyphengm-IdhXx6tfDH5Z4eIMEM8fgwE73MdF7SW9z9Y6jupO18osQj7MR8gCD1J67unpoFC4zBPqiZXu8V5k8ngu3uV0WpGH0HtY_K7TLJbk04lkvqvmfjxHTN6-5wd/s1600/IMG_4533.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6Gg0yti-o4gXtgkJChyphenhyphengm-IdhXx6tfDH5Z4eIMEM8fgwE73MdF7SW9z9Y6jupO18osQj7MR8gCD1J67unpoFC4zBPqiZXu8V5k8ngu3uV0WpGH0HtY_K7TLJbk04lkvqvmfjxHTN6-5wd/s640/IMG_4533.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
One of my favourite things about this sunscreen is that it is air-propelled (no CFCs) and it is biodegradable. It is also free of parabens, phthalates, and ..... <i style="font-weight: bold;">synthetic fragrances</i>!!! This last one is huge for me because most fake scents don't agree with me. Well, at least not my sinuses.<br />
<br />
In addition to the benefits above, it's an easy spray-on sunscreen that doesn't need to be rubbed in. Instead of being a white sunscreen that sprays on and you rub in, this sunscreen is clear.<br />
<br />
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2XHdcdOvYqo/V4fM1KPsMKI/AAAAAAAAAys/vW5WOTq2wws2Uk7vEkT6AKDc5b4fHiTrwCLcB/s1600/IMG_4535.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2XHdcdOvYqo/V4fM1KPsMKI/AAAAAAAAAys/vW5WOTq2wws2Uk7vEkT6AKDc5b4fHiTrwCLcB/s400/IMG_4535.JPG" width="300" /></a><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OmVUF7ctfaU/V4fMxoo8hQI/AAAAAAAAAyo/MVW6JuZWt4oIizNHGU_zs3arlY--2dGJACLcB/s1600/IMG_4534.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OmVUF7ctfaU/V4fMxoo8hQI/AAAAAAAAAyo/MVW6JuZWt4oIizNHGU_zs3arlY--2dGJACLcB/s400/IMG_4534.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
If heavily applied (as on Squiggle's arm above), it's still just clear. Also, don't spray that much on. That happened because Bobble was helping! I just used the extra to apply to her face. Bobble's back (also seen above) shows immediately after applying the sunscreen (in the <i>proper</i> amount).<br />
<br />
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PwxILO-wM5I/V4fM2jEH9GI/AAAAAAAAAyw/Y4wlItqKz9YCYjj3c7ht-FZITNUhEZaWgCLcB/s1600/IMG_4536.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PwxILO-wM5I/V4fM2jEH9GI/AAAAAAAAAyw/Y4wlItqKz9YCYjj3c7ht-FZITNUhEZaWgCLcB/s400/IMG_4536.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
To apply to faces, simply spray on your hand and then apply to the face. Alternatively, wipe the extra off that your child attempted to apply themselves and use that.<br />
<br />
Another neat feature is the locking cap. If you twist the cap to the right, it won't spray. While not exactly child-proof, it certainly helps with sunscreen transport in a bag!<br />
<br />
I haven't been able to find this locally, though Walmart apparently carries it (<a href="http://www.walmart.com/ip/Hawaiian-Clear-Spray-Sunscreen-SPF-50/179882022">at least online</a>). Having Amazon Prime, however, it's a non-issue. Though I could also order the other sunscreen I liked (mentioned at the beginning of the post), this one lasts longer and is much less expensive.<br />
<br />
<i>Disclaimer: The above products were purchased by me. Thoughts of Fluff was not compensated in any way for this post. All opinions are my own and may differ from those of your own.</i><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17806317143950920344noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1595076435926548649.post-16013354741307689672016-07-29T06:00:00.003-04:002016-07-29T06:00:21.793-04:00Pokémon Go: tips pt.4Since Pokémon Go is so popular, I thought I might post some Pokémon Go information. Some of this may be obvious to my readers, but let’s face it: not all of us are as quick to catch on to new games as others. Bear with me if you know these or find them obvious… they aren’t obvious to everyone! (…I’m proof of that.) <o:p></o:p>I'll post tips on a different topic for the next few days!<br />
<br />
Catching Pokémon<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin-left: .75in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]-->-<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span><!--[endif]-->Since much of catching a <o:p></o:p>Pokémon really <i>is</i> self explanatory, other than the obvious "use the special razz berry" or "aim at the circle the game shows you", I offer you this: keep your screen clean! Little fingers are often the ones trying to catch the Pokémon on my phone, and those little fingers quickly dirty the screen. I've noticed those smudges have made capture success rates horrible, so keep it clean!</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
Battles<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin-left: .75in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]-->-<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span><!--[endif]-->I actually
have no tips for this. I am horrible at it. Feel free to give me tips!</div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin-left: .75in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
<i>Disclaimer: Thoughts of Fluff is responsible
for the content of this post. All opinions are my own and may differ from those
of your own. <o:p></o:p></i></div>
Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17806317143950920344noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1595076435926548649.post-69697568534186216722016-07-28T06:00:00.001-04:002016-07-28T06:00:10.497-04:00Pokémon Go: tips pt.3Since Pokémon Go is so popular, I thought I might post some Pokémon Go information. Some of this may be obvious to my readers, but let’s face it: not all of us are as quick to catch on to new games as others. Bear with me if you know these or find them obvious… they aren’t obvious to everyone! (…I’m proof of that.) <o:p></o:p>I'll post tips on a different topic for the next few days!<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
Pokémon<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin-left: .75in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]-->-<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span><!--[endif]-->You can only
carry 250 pokémon at any given point in time. I didn’t realize this until I hit
the cap, but this allowed for me to keep those duplicates that only had the
highest CP, and made my selections for which to evolve much easier.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .75in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]-->-<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span><!--[endif]-->To
transfer pokémon, scroll all the way down after you capture one (or just go to
“Pokémon” when you click on your pokéball, select your pokémon you want to
transfer, and scroll down there). There is a button that says “Transfer” and
will <b><i>permanently</i>
</b>send that pokémon to the professor. You will get a candy when you transfer.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin-left: .75in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]-->-<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span><!--[endif]-->Many have
seen the tip on how to select the evolution your Eevee gets, but if you haven’t
yet, just name the Eevee either “Pyro” (spelling/caps count) to get Flareon,
“Sparky” to get Jolteon, and “Rainer” to get Vaporeon.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
<i><br /></i></div>
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<i>Disclaimer: Thoughts of Fluff is responsible
for the content of this post. All opinions are my own and may differ from those
of your own. <o:p></o:p></i></div>
Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17806317143950920344noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1595076435926548649.post-37618121110034970382016-07-27T06:00:00.000-04:002016-07-27T06:00:21.819-04:00Pokémon Go: tips pt.2<div class="MsoNormal">
Since Pokémon Go is so
popular, I thought I might post some Pokémon Go information. Some of this may
be obvious to my readers, but let’s face it: not all of us are as quick to
catch on to new games as others. Bear with me if you know these or find them
obvious… they aren’t obvious to everyone! (…I’m proof of that.) <o:p></o:p>I'll post tips on a different topic for the next few days!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
<br /></div>
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Pokéstops<o:p></o:p></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]-->-<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span><!--[endif]-->Spin the
image at a pokéstop to get items. Yes, it seems a given to many, but I’ll be the
first to admit I had no idea what to do and clicked the stop and just stared at
it wondering why I didn’t get anything. Yeah, I’m old.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .75in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]-->-<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span><!--[endif]-->Every 5
minutes you can get items from a pokéstop again. This is also a helpful way to
let the kids know when it’s time to leave if they can’t tell time: Sorry, guys!
We got to get items for our bag 6 times! That means it’s been 30 minutes, we
need to go home now.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin-left: .75in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]-->-<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span><!--[endif]-->You
probably don’t need more than 10 of the healing items (though I keep 20 of
each) in your bag, so if your bag is full discard those to stock up on more pokéballs
at pokéstops. If your bag is full, and you collect nothing from the stop, you
still have to wait 5 minutes before you try again after you discard things.
Yes, even if you got nothing. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
<i>Disclaimer: Thoughts of Fluff is responsible
for the content of this post. All opinions are my own and may differ from those
of your own. <o:p></o:p></i></div>
Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17806317143950920344noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1595076435926548649.post-87670582134825025852016-07-26T06:00:00.000-04:002016-07-26T06:00:20.709-04:00 Pokémon Go: tips pt.1<div class="MsoNormal">
Since Pokémon Go is so
popular, I thought I might post some Pokémon Go information. Some of this may
be obvious to my readers, but let’s face it: not all of us are as quick to
catch on to new games as others. Bear with me if you know these or find them
obvious… they aren’t obvious to everyone! (…I’m proof of that.) I'll post tips on a different topic for the next few days!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
Hatching
Eggs<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin-left: .75in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]-->-<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span><!--[endif]-->To hatch
eggs, you have to walk... but you have to have the Pokémon Go app open to do
it. It won’t register walking done while the app isn’t open on your phone! (The
same is true of the little incense things… they attract Pokémon near you, but
the app needs to stay open to actually get any benefit from it!)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .75in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]-->-<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span><!--[endif]-->If you
want to log miles, driving isn’t the way to do it. You have to be going really
slow for it to register (since obviously you could hatch a lot of eggs by
driving on the highway!). I still have the game on when I drive (not actively
playing, of course), but it only registers about 0.2mi of a 7 mile trip, for
example, so probably only when I’m coming to a stop and starting out (or in a
parking lot).<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .75in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]-->-<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span><!--[endif]-->Swings are
your friend! If your kids are at the park but are old enough to not want you to
interact with them while there (my kids would rather play with other kids at
this point), swing! Swinging is enough movement that your phone registers it
like you were walking, but you can stay there and watch your kids, get a bit of
exercise, and have a bit of fun while hatching an egg.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin-left: .75in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]-->-<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span><!--[endif]-->Speaking
of swings, a baby swing will do the same thing, but it’s not as fun.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<i style="text-indent: 0in;">Disclaimer: Thoughts of Fluff is responsible for the content of this post. All opinions are my own and may differ from those of your own. </i></div>
Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17806317143950920344noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1595076435926548649.post-45624449452073483622016-07-25T06:00:00.001-04:002016-07-25T06:00:38.383-04:00Pokémon Go<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
<a href="http://www.pokemongo.com/en-us/">Pokémon Go</a> became a huge sensation as soon as it was released. I don’t need more things
to distract me or occupy my time, but I have noticed that when I go out with
the family that Bobble is reluctant to do things. Squiggle wants to hike and
walk, Bobble just wants to go home. Sometimes he evens asks to just go home so
he can play video games.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
This
is disappointing for me, as he really doesn’t get to play video games very
often. Sometimes not even at all in a whole week. I finally succumbed to the Pokémon Go fad because I thought that if it would get him to stop complaining
when we were out and about, it might be worth it. Also, it's free.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
I
tested it out to get an idea of how you play the game while the kids were
asleep, catching a few Pokémon in our house and learning the very basics. I even saved Bobble's life that night. Obviously.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM8YJB7OhRRUR2I4ByV8F43W_31DaehK9tn9PQvfM-8FTyYGUgarRmUauIIW8TJ4cS9aTn_riyr_G4lpndjm3sBsm8Moe5CbUFbLviAxceGEwTcGCUlBQAU-WOp4xM0oScu6lpZJXO8zqz/s1600/13645127_10208920566227744_9187825807443490980_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM8YJB7OhRRUR2I4ByV8F43W_31DaehK9tn9PQvfM-8FTyYGUgarRmUauIIW8TJ4cS9aTn_riyr_G4lpndjm3sBsm8Moe5CbUFbLviAxceGEwTcGCUlBQAU-WOp4xM0oScu6lpZJXO8zqz/s640/13645127_10208920566227744_9187825807443490980_n.jpg" width="462" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
The
next day I took them for a walk downtown to catch Pokémon. They fought over who
got to hold the phone, and it wasn’t very fun because the fighting escalated
into tantrums. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
I
tried again the next day, walking around the neighborhood with them. This time,
I turned the volume on the game up (I had it on silent and it would vibrate
when a Pokémon appeared) and put it in my pocket. I told them that when there
was a Pokémon, I’d let them know, and they would take turns. That worked much
better.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
Now
they know that I hold the phone no matter what. We walk, and I let them know
who gets to catch the Pokémon (they alternate) and who gets to spin for items
at the Pokéstops (they alternate for these, too). If I have the volume off so
it just vibrates, sometimes I don’t pull the phone out hardly at all, and the
kids just happily walk with me. Bobble occasionally will ask if there is a Pokémon or Pokéstop near, and sometimes I’ll pull the phone out and look with
them. As it stands, however, they (mostly Bobble) accept I’ll just tell them
when it’s time to catch something, and we now get to enjoy walks without as
much whining. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
Thanks, Pokémon Go!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
<i>Disclaimer: Thoughts of Fluff is responsible
for the contents of this post. All opinions are my own and may differ from
those of your own.<o:p></o:p></i></div>
Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17806317143950920344noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1595076435926548649.post-66697477202767654622016-07-18T06:00:00.000-04:002016-10-15T09:30:53.185-04:00Perfect Chocolate Cake (recipe)I know I've shared the <a href="http://thoughtsoffluff.blogspot.com/2014/07/chocolate-avocado-cake-wcoconut-creme.html">surprisingly delicious vegan chocolate avocado cake recipe</a>, but it was a denser chocolate cake, I thought I'd post my go-to recipe for a light, fluffy chocolate cake. It's 100% just the recipe from the back of a box of Hershey's Special Dark Cocoa powder. I have use this recipe for roughly a decade now, and it's awesome. The frosting recipe that accompanies it is also great.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<img border="0" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-101ZCjZKT0A/V2LzEyL67lI/AAAAAAAACeo/2jL7r2q-Azg8uQKiNAV95fNkiOywuE6mQCLcB/s640/chococake1.jpg" /><br />
<br />
I do change a few things slightly, but that would be like using the sodium-free baking powder since Bobble has the sodium restriction, and using sunflower oil in lieu of vegetable oil.<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_BK53qdk0s6hAMaKDfzdL2Jse_Jw6ngXp-j1QMUmYxkT4QRs2yob3QY6ywrY5qNJim9t2TU7mDc4P2iTyrodGGTkZJe7zfwFPk1tqLTKo2qf5fMhymbokkfzhgBx672vwfeLxUcKVR6V-/s1600/chococake3.jpg"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_BK53qdk0s6hAMaKDfzdL2Jse_Jw6ngXp-j1QMUmYxkT4QRs2yob3QY6ywrY5qNJim9t2TU7mDc4P2iTyrodGGTkZJe7zfwFPk1tqLTKo2qf5fMhymbokkfzhgBx672vwfeLxUcKVR6V-/s640/chococake3.jpg" /></a><br />
Don't mind the cake on a plate on a carrier. I forgot I owned the cake carrier before I frosted the cake, and when I realized it I figured it was just easier to keep it on the plate!<br />
<br />
<br />
This cake turns out perfect every time, too!<br />
<br />
<img border="0" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZY_I6iqPh7A/V2LzJzOOqvI/AAAAAAAACew/EYmNUJXLPAgd4nAbHXXxb86PykaQGo4ewCLcB/s640/chococake2.jpg" /><br />
<br />
So, if you prefer fluffier cakes and have no food restrictions, try this one out.<br />
<div>
<br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.hersheys.com/recipes/en_US/recipes/8108/hersheys-especially-dark-chocolate-cake.html">Hershey's "Especially Dark" Chocolate Cake</a></span></b><br />
Ingredients <br />
2 cups sugar <br />
1-3/4 cups all-purpose flour <br />
3/4 cup HERSHEY'S SPECIAL DARK Cocoa <br />
1-1/2 teaspoons baking powder <br />
1-1/2 teaspoons baking soda <br />
1 teaspoon salt <br />
2 eggs <br />
1 cup milk <br />
1/2 cup vegetable oil <br />
2 teaspoons vanilla extract <br />
1 cup boiling water <br />
"ESPECIALLY DARK" CHOCOLATE FROSTING (recipe follows) <br />
<br />
Directions <br />
<br />
Heat oven to 350°F. Grease and flour two 9-inch round baking pans or line 28 to 30 muffin cups (2-1/2 inches in diameter) with paper bake cups. <br />
<br />
Stir together sugar, flour, cocoa, baking powder, baking soda and salt in large bowl. Add eggs, milk, oil and vanilla; beat on medium speed of mixer 2 minutes. Stir in boiling water (batter will be thin). Pour batter into prepared pans or fill cups about 2/3 full with batter. <br />
<br />
Bake 30 to 35 minutes for round pans or 22 to 25 minutes for cupcakes or until wooden pick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool 10 minutes; remove from pans to wire racks. Cool completely. Frost with "ESPECIALLY DARK" CHOCOLATE FROSTING. 10 to 12 servings. <br />
<br />
<br />
<b>"ESPECIALLY DARK" CHOCOLATE FROSTING </b><br />
1/2 cup (1 stick) butter or margarine <br />
2/3 cup HERSHEY'S SPECIAL DARK Cocoa <br />
3 cups powdered sugar <br />
1/3 cup milk <br />
1 teaspoon vanilla extract <br />
<br />
Melt butter, Stir in cocoa. Alternately add powdered sugar and milk, beating to spreading consistency. Add small amount additional milk, if needed. Stir in vanilla. About 2 cups frosting.</div>
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<i>Disclaimer: Thoughts of Fluff was not compensated in any way for this post. All opinions are my own and may differ from those of your own. The recipes are both Hershey's recipes and can be found at the links above.</i>Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08154668407741873422noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1595076435926548649.post-66585224672423172492016-07-14T06:00:00.001-04:002016-07-14T06:00:16.219-04:00Adventures with chicks (pt. 7)At 8 weeks old, the chickens are really coming into their own! They have enjoyed a few treats like some fresh plants, dried bugs, and a few pieces of fresh fruit scraps.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1ZJcFOfbUWg/V2MAyG9F1EI/AAAAAAAACfY/yBll0eORu5suqXbLzv6JEjEH8d_nuOx5ACLcB/s1600/8wa.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1ZJcFOfbUWg/V2MAyG9F1EI/AAAAAAAACfY/yBll0eORu5suqXbLzv6JEjEH8d_nuOx5ACLcB/s640/8wa.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Marshmallow (white cochin) and our unnamed Bantam Partridge Silkie + photobomb from our Blue(?) chick</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8V1RS5dLKKs/V2MAyBXqkqI/AAAAAAAACfU/IujkCz20q3sezBfHgpxcLVFtej85Nbe8wCLcB/s1600/8wb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8V1RS5dLKKs/V2MAyBXqkqI/AAAAAAAACfU/IujkCz20q3sezBfHgpxcLVFtej85Nbe8wCLcB/s640/8wb.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Black Australorp</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pBAmxFfZucY/V2MAyKfI58I/AAAAAAAACfQ/a_RX0MJTuc86TpUkB-8vd-se5Pve69b6ACLcB/s1600/8wc.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pBAmxFfZucY/V2MAyKfI58I/AAAAAAAACfQ/a_RX0MJTuc86TpUkB-8vd-se5Pve69b6ACLcB/s640/8wc.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I just dropped some wild strawberries in for them, and the OE is more interested in making sure she's in the picture</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KfZHC2LnBzk/V2MAyRxg4GI/AAAAAAAACfc/ARJ8DqfySPEepOC4uBKWcX4Hi0-kMZMrACLcB/s1600/8wd.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KfZHC2LnBzk/V2MAyRxg4GI/AAAAAAAACfc/ARJ8DqfySPEepOC4uBKWcX4Hi0-kMZMrACLcB/s640/8wd.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our most curious chick is the little Barred Rock</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisE_moR-nMSqA0fEQFFg86Y0tjdao43RkxyRhyphenhyphen_jNnZfxUUk2cW7bLdkkcIj8t0hzopSsaW0fEtlK-grikqWkKaT6ojkERs2rJ4HlEsEfZRViN2tmmbqd4m6IL7O3pbomhd9TfDbo_SYGw/s1600/8we.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisE_moR-nMSqA0fEQFFg86Y0tjdao43RkxyRhyphenhyphen_jNnZfxUUk2cW7bLdkkcIj8t0hzopSsaW0fEtlK-grikqWkKaT6ojkERs2rJ4HlEsEfZRViN2tmmbqd4m6IL7O3pbomhd9TfDbo_SYGw/s640/8we.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This pretty girl was just getting ready to stretch out her wing (which is why it looks a bit funny)</td></tr>
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<i>Disclaimer: Thoughts of Fluff is responsible for the content of this post. All opinions are my own and may differ from those of your own.</i>Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08154668407741873422noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1595076435926548649.post-25161415966334348562016-07-11T06:00:00.000-04:002016-07-11T06:00:07.223-04:00A chalk alternative<div class="MsoNormal">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6ovHWGxTTjs/V2F9PfFP4fI/AAAAAAAACdo/E5XSAYfjFGo6wtqM8rapX1_9RSB-4tYoQCLcB/s1600/markers1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6ovHWGxTTjs/V2F9PfFP4fI/AAAAAAAACdo/E5XSAYfjFGo6wtqM8rapX1_9RSB-4tYoQCLcB/s640/markers1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<span lang="EN-US"><br /></span>
<span lang="EN-US"><br /></span>
<span lang="EN-US">I like to
do a weekly menu for our dinner meals and place it on the fridge. It would be
quite wasteful to print something like that out weekly, especially when it
could change anyway. I don’t have one of those neat little chalk wall sections
like I’ve seen in some houses, so I got a little dry erase board and some
markers. </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Y4YoDoGon-o/V2F8WzPzpbI/AAAAAAAACdU/LeJAUAA7yC04PQkf8FHmVzRHu6YZG_SgQCLcB/s1600/markers3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Y4YoDoGon-o/V2F8WzPzpbI/AAAAAAAACdU/LeJAUAA7yC04PQkf8FHmVzRHu6YZG_SgQCLcB/s640/markers3.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<span lang="EN-US"><br /></span>
<span lang="EN-US">The markers I got were too wide to allow me to write a full meal in
the allotted space legibly, so I didn’t really use them much and bought fine
point markers. That left me with markers just sitting around.</span></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vqGUzXaZfAw/V2F8WjnHbvI/AAAAAAAACdM/tW-OEtj4uOgTjNxMbqWtNwsenL21rS_cwCLcB/s1600/markers5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vqGUzXaZfAw/V2F8WjnHbvI/AAAAAAAACdM/tW-OEtj4uOgTjNxMbqWtNwsenL21rS_cwCLcB/s640/markers5.jpg" width="352" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Though it's hard to see, there is a jack-o-lantern drawn on the top half of the door</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
When
cleaning off the area where those markers were kept, I noticed they also said “window
chalk”. I never thought about much, but they would work nicely for window
decorations, so I decided to let the kids use the markers. They knew they were
special markers since they were only ever used for the menu, so they understood
they couldn’t use them like normal markers. I let them decorate the front storm
door windows and other various windows in the house. This worked great for
rainy days when they couldn’t play outside with chalk, and it also was great
for when they had a party. They want to help decorate for their parties, but
there really isn’t much they can do yet. They cannot blow up balloons yet (they
try, though!), they can’t reach to hang items from higher up, and they really
just feel left out when it comes to that. Now I let them use the markers for
helping decorate.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"><br /></span>
<span lang="EN-US"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MZS5wtW-I24/V2F8Wh3dBPI/AAAAAAAACdQ/vA1C-v2lSQoh37VKGuztU9C-yh_yrIyWACLcB/s1600/markers4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="448" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MZS5wtW-I24/V2F8Wh3dBPI/AAAAAAAACdQ/vA1C-v2lSQoh37VKGuztU9C-yh_yrIyWACLcB/s640/markers4.jpg" width="640" /></a></span><br />
<span lang="EN-US"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">They have
not tried to use regular markers on the door/windows, and they haven’t tried to
use the special chalk/dry erase markers on anything but glass (thankfully!). I’m
glad that the markers aren’t going to waste, and that the kids can feel useful
when “decorating” or can express themselves for all to see without it being
permanent.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"><br /></span>
The markers are also easy to clean up because they are water based. They wipe off easily (dry with a bit of pressure, or water takes it right off), and they come off of hands easily, too!</div>
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<i><span lang="EN-US">Disclaimer: Thoughts of Fluff is responsible
for this post. All products were purchased by me. All opinions are my own and
may differ from those of your own.</span></i><span lang="EN-US"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08154668407741873422noreply@blogger.com0