Crayola “My First Crayola” – Review

Crayola “My First Crayola” – Review

I was chosen to review several My First Crayola products by Crayola. Having a 2 year old and a 1 year old, the My First Crayola product line is perfect for my family. I am able to allow my children to play, use their imagination, and incorporate all of their senses in a safe and non-messy environment.

I am not a ‘clean freak’ necessarily but the thought of allowing my children to use paint or markers scares me. I see how they act with pasta sauce, peanut butter & jelly sandwiches, really all food… I practically get sick thinking of paint or marker all over my dining room or their bodies and clothing. That was until I was exposed to My First Crayola products. The amazing team at Crayola has created a clean and fun line of products I can happily place in my toddlers hands without 50 wet rags on standby.

My First Crayola Egg Crayons

My First Crayola Egg Crayon

 

My First Crayola Scribbled Egg Crayons are solid crayon colors in a fun, easy-to-grip shape! These whimsical art tools are both colorful and full of color-and made to outlast toddlerhood! Includes 3 Scribbled Egg Crayons.”

egg crayonsThis pack of crayons comes with a yellow, blue, and red egg-shaped crayon. My son was so excited that he was able to hold onto a crayon like his big sister. He watches her color all the time and gets upset when he is unable to hold the crayon or drops it due to his less developed motor skills. These egg-shaped crayons are perfect for small hands learning how to hold. Once he gained enough confidence holding the crayon, he started to try and move it on the page to color. Seeing his reaction when he saw marks on the page was priceless. He is still at the age where he wants to try to put all items in his mouths. I can rest assured knowing that all the Crayola products are non-toxic and safe for both my children.

My First Busy Bag Art Kit

Busy Bag 1

 

“It’s an art kit that is designed to be just right for little hands. All-in-one kit contains creative tools for the budding artist, everything they need for coloring, drawing, painting and creative dough sculpting is neatly arranged in a durable storage case that’s always ready to go. Recommended for ages 3 and up. Kit Includes: Durable plastic art case, 6 washable triangular crayons, 4 washable markers, 3 dough colors (total 5.2 oz.), Dough-storage tub, Mini pad, 24 activity sheets.”

My daughter was beyond thrilled when she saw that she was going to be able to play with colored dough. She asked for her scissors immediately (not included; available here). This kit has a little bit of everything for your tiny artist. The activity sheets have beautiful, fun pictures featuring animals, playground scenes, automobiles, and loads of other pictures which will spark your child’s imagination so they can make it their own.

This set features triangular shaped crayons which are developmentally appropriate for young children. While a 3 year old is able to hold a circular crayon, the triangular shape helps their fingers find the correct placement for their fingers. This placement allows them to build confidence in themselves and their ability to draw and write independently. A large majority of us remember those days back in early elementary school, trying to learn the “right way” to hold our pencil. These triangular shaped crayons help kids naturally figure out this necessary skill.

Secure TipMarkers, what can I say? I have a love/hate relationship with them. They are bold. They are exciting. They are messy! Once in a while I need to take a deep breath and let the kids use them. They are beyond elated when getting to use that coveted marker. The first thing my daughter likes to do it repeatedly ‘stab’ the paper with the blunt tip end of a marker. That full arm strength jab. Typically a marker is ‘dead’ after one session with my marker aggressive daughter; the tip is shoved completely inside the tube so I toss it in the trash. These markers, however, are not your average marker. These markers have a special short and rounded tip. This allows for a child to press as hard as they want on the paper but without permanently damaging the marker! Genius! I applaud Crayola with this one ::insert light golf clap:: Crayola has named these markers their Secure Tip; the tips cannot be pinched off or crushed.

My First Crayola Mess-Free Marker and Paper

Max with Moo Moo

Magically reveal colorful patterns with this mess-free marker and paper set! Cute character marker is designed to fit neatly in a toddler’s palm grip. Instantly reveals colorful patterns on the magic paper. Clear ink colors only on magic paper-not on skin, walls or fabric. Includes 1 mess-free character marker and 15 sheets of magic paper. Refill paper available at Crayolastore.com

This product was made for moms like me. I adore it. My children adore it. Best of all, it is affordable.

The beauty of this type of product is that you can let your child play with a ‘marker’ without having it end up all over your dining room table…their hands…arms…clothing… I am able to safely walk away to wash a few dishes without worrying that my 2 year old is drawing a beard on my 1 year old. The freedom is priceless. What amuses me the most about this particular mess-free product is the design on the paper. It makes me remember the black sheets of paper we had in elementary school. We were given sharp wooden sticks (wow…schools were practically handing out weapons in the 80’s!) to scratch off the designs and pictures we wanted. I can have my children experience something similar, but without a weapon that could literally poke an eye out.

As soon as I opened the package my 2 year old asked for the “moo-moo cow”. I then realized that she was asking for the drawing utensil, which has a cow design. Having an engaging picture, as simple as it might seem, was a very smart move on Crayola’s end. My daughter can verbalize with which Crayola product she wants to play.

Most adults today grew up using Crayola crayons. We are familiar with them for this reason, but they are so much more then just a crayon manufacturer. They make tools for imaginations, because the “power of creativity starts here”.

Love these products? Want to purchase them right away? Click the links below to order directly from Crayola, or just look for them at your local retailer that carries Crayola.

My First Crayola Egg Crayons

My First Busy Bag Art Kit

My First Crayola Mess-Free Marker and Paper

Don’t forget to follow Crayola too!

Facebook          Twitter          YouTube          Pinterest          Instagram 

“…creatively-alive kids blossom and grow to be inspired, original adults who, in turn, have the ability to inspire the world.”

ArrowsCorrected

 

 Now that you have seen how wonderful these products are head over to the giveaway!

(Runs 4/1/15 – 4/15/15; open to US)

 My First Giveaway Small

 

The Mustard Man Giveaway

The Mustard Man – a Giveaway

By now you have seen my posts featuring the wonderful mustard’s by The Mustard Man. The Mustard Man has kindly decided to offer my readers the chance to win a trio of their amazing mustard’s. One reader will win all three of their mustard flavor’s (one of each 3 delicious flavors), plus a set of recipe cards! Once you try this mustard, I personally guarantee that you will buy it again. It’s just that good. Head over to their website to see where the closest retail location you can purchase The Mustard Man mustard’s. You are also able to order on-line and have it shipped directly to you. Click here to order on-line now.

The Mustard Man 3 Pack Giveaway

I Love Colore Giveaway

 

I Love Colore Giveaway

Hosted by: Nonperfect Parenting
Sponsored by: Perfecto Gifts

Co-hosted by
Bubby’s Mommy, Mean Mommy Magic,
Stylish Momme, & Sweepstakes Diva

Prizes ~ 30 Winners In All

10 Winners will win a pack of 8 Colorè Colored Chalk Markers
10 Winners will win a pack a Colorè 26 Piece Sketch & Drawing Pencils Set
10 Winners will win a pack of of Colorè Brilliant White Liquid Chalk Markers – 2 Pack

Giveaway Terms

  • This giveaway will run from March 15th 10:00AM EST to April 5th at 11:59PM EST and is open to Continental US residents 18+ only.
  • The winner will be notified by e-mail and will have 48 hours to respond or forfeits the prize.
  • This giveaway is not associated with Facebook, Twitter, or any other social media.
  • All participating blogs are not responsible for prize fulfillment.
  • All entries are optional. Void where prohibited by law.

St Patrick’s Day Sweet & “Simply Horsey” Corned Beef

St Patrick’s Day Sweet & “Simply Horsey” Corned Beef

This was the best corned beef my husband and I have ever eaten. That is saying a lot considering how many exclusive places in Ohio and Chicago we have gotten ‘famous’ corned beef from.

Ingredients:

  • Corned beef (with pickling spices; should be in with the beef)
  • 3 tablespoons of “Simply Horsey” Mustard
  • 1 tablespoon of honey
  • 1-2 tablespoons of brown sugar
  • 2 large potatoes (peeled and cubed)
  • 2 large carrots (peeled and sliced) OR half a bag of baby carrots
  • 1 cabbage

1. Place corned beef and pickling spices in a crockpot with 2 cups of water.

1 m

2. Chop carrots, cabbage and potatoes.

2 m

3. Cook corned beef, alone, for 6-7 hours on low.

4. Add vegetables in the last 60-90 minutes of cooking time.

5. Remove the corned beef and place in a baking dish.

6. Mix the “Simply Horsey” mustard and honey.

3 m

7. Using a spoon or a brush, coat the top and sides of the corned beef.

4 m

8. Bake at 350 for 10 minutes.

9. Remove from oven and sprinkle the brown sugar on top. Bake for another 10 minutes.

5 m

10. Serve with vegetables. Enjoy!

6 m

7 m

The Mustard Man – A Review

The Mustard Man

“You should do something with this!” Were the words that Tim, the owner and creator of The Mustard Man, would constantly hear. For years Tim would make his homemade mustard and bring it to social gatherings and family holidays. Everyone wanted to have some of his amazing creation. It all started with him making it for a tailgating event and once that ball started to roll there was no way to stop it, and we are so glad it didn’t!

The Mustard Man is an Ohio based company. They are currently available at upscale retailers such as: Heinen’s, West Point Market, Anderson’s, Buehler’s and many more. They are constantly gaining popularity and becoming available in more upscale retailers. You are also able to make purchases through their website (click here to order today). The Mustard Man ships anywhere across the US

The Mustard Man has 3 unique flavors which are so versatile that you can use them every day. Simply Horsey, Simply Peppered, and Simply Sweet are the current flavors The Mustard Man has available.

with tomato

Simply Horsey:

“A very smooth Horseradish taste that won’t make your eyes water but will tickle your palate. An Excellent addition to Roast Beef, Prime Rib, Corned Beef, Brats, Burgers, hard boiled eggs, and salads. Goes great with a Sharp Cheese and crackers.”

**I love this on tater tots

Simply Peppered:

“You must love ground black pepper. This mustard is a perfect match for your Grilled meats like Steaks, Chicken, Burgers, Brats. Simply Peppered goes great with roasted vegetables and is excellent in our “Potato Gratin” recipe.”

**I think this sauce would be perfect on a left over Easter ham sandwich.

Simply Sweet:

“A softer, creamier mustard that won’t offend the “Non-Mustard” friend or family member who attends the gathering.

This Mustard is definitely a great “Party Dip” for Chips, Cheese, Crackers, Burgers, Brats, Deli Sandwiches, Chicken Salad, Tuna Salad, Chicken Tenders, or Chicken Nuggets. You might think Deviled Eggs or Egg Salad.”

**I would pair this sweet potato fries.

tots mama
Tots go perfectly with “Simply Horsey”
 There are just so many options. Some tried and true recipes can be found here. Recipes like “Simply Horsey” Planked Salmon and “Simply Peppered” Gruyere Potato Gratin.
Using the “Simply Horsey” mustard I made my family favorite Mustard Chicken. This is one of my “having people over” dishes. You know, the one that is fun and sorta fancy but nothing too crazy that you might mess up. This is a scrumptious dish that everyone will talk about the next day. Click the link under the picture to see how to make it for yourself.
 "Simply Horsey" Mustard Chicken

“Simply Horsey” Mustard Chicken

 

Be sure to follow The Mustard Man for exciting recipes and new products!

Facebook           Twitter          Pinterest

Want to try The Mustard Man mustard before you buy it?

Click here to try to win a set for yourself!

{giveaway will run 3/17/15 through 3/31/15}

Knife System Sharpener – Giveaway {hop}

Knife System Sharpener & $5 Amazon Gift Card Giveaway!

{a giveaway hop}

Are you looking for an easy to use, home-cook/residential use knife sharpener? Here is your chance to win one! This System Sharpener brand knife sharpener is available through Amazon for purchase or you can enter below for a chance to win one PLUS a $5 Amazon gift card!

Knife System Sharpener & $5 Amazon GC Giveaway
 

Luck Of The Irish

 

Welcome to the Luck of the Irish Giveaway Hop, brought to you by The Hopping Bloggers & Up All Night Blogging!

 

Hosted by Mama Smith’s Review Blog & Women And Their Pretties

 

Co-Hosted by

 

DownshiftingPRO, Melanie Meditates, Feeling Fit, Bit by Bit, Enza’s Bargains, Golden State Mom , Deb Knows Best, Barbie’s Beauty Bits, & Ninas Bargain Beauty

Each blogger participating in this hop has a giveaway with a prize value of at least $15 – and some are much more than that! Be sure to scroll down the whole list and visit them all – there is no limit to how many prizes you can win! Good Luck and Have Fun!

DISCLOSURE: Mama Smith’s Review Blog and Women and Their Pretties are not responsible for any of the prize fulfillment. Each blogger is responsible for providing their sponsor with their winner’s contact information.

“Simply Horsey” Mustard Chicken

“Simply Horsey” Mustard Chicken

This is a family favorite in the Fox Den. If you need a fun and unique dish then this is the perfect dish for you. Be sure to follow the directions properly to ensure delicious results.

Ingredients:

  • 6-8 boneless and skinless chicken thighs
  • 1/2 cup “Simply Horsey” Mustard
  • 2-3 tablespoons whole grain mustard (or a thick mustard with grains)
  • 1/4 cup pure maple syrup (You need GOOD syrup. No fake Aunt stuff!)
  • 1 tablespoon rice wine vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon corn starch
  • 2 or 3 springs of fresh rosemary

ingre mam

1. Preheat oven to 450 degrees Fahrenheit.

2. Line an 8×8 glass baking dish with tin foil. It is important you cook using a small dish or you will loose the magic of the liquids. Be sure to line it with foil, this helps with heating it properly (and clean up).

3. Combine “Simply Horsey” mustard, grain mustard, syrup, vinegar and a tablespoon of rosemary. Mix well.

in bowl words

4. Coat the chicken in the sauce. Place the chicken in the dish and pour mixture on top of chicken.

raw mama

5. Bake, uncovered, for 40 minutes.

6. Remove chicken from dish and set aside. Take the liquid and pour into a small bowl. Add the 1 tablespoon of corn starch to the liquid and stir well. This will thicken the into a beautiful sauce.

sauce mama

7. Serve chicken with sauce and enjoy!

"Simply Horsey" Mustard Chicken
“Simply Horsey” Mustard Chicken

(Please comment below after you try it and tell me how much you love it!)

Crystal Wash – Giveaway {hop}

Crystal Wash 2.0

Crystal Wash – Giveaway

{Rainbow Giveaway Hop}

Are you ‘crunchy’? Do you look for ways to help reduce your carbon footprint? Use less chemicals? Keep your home free from dyes? Then Crystal Wash is right up your alley. Crystal Wash is the new way to wash your laundry, with out detergents! No mess, easy to use and free from all detergents, chemicals, dyes and perfumes. Sound too good to be true?

Read more about Crystal Wash spheres here.

Under the Rainbow Blog Hop

Welcome to the [3rd annual] Under the Rainbow Giveaway Hop Event, hosted by the Lindsey Blogs & Viva Veltoro.

Who doesn’t love finding gold under the rainbow? I’ve joined with a group of bloggers who will be offering great prizes for you, just waiting to be found under the rainbow! So, hop along to all in the giveaway hop linky below to find your gold! Don’t miss the Grand Prize too – if you have 1 or 2 children, you’ll find the gold under the rainbow in the form of an amazing Fold N Go Double Stroller from Combi USA! Enter the Grand Prize here.

Main Prize Pic

Crystal Wash 2.0


 

So Easy Being Green, Viva Veltoro, and the Under the Rainbow participating bloggers are not responsible for sponsors who do not fulfill prize obligations.

The Natural Dentist Kids Toothpaste Giveaway {hop}

The Natural Dentist Kid’s Toothpaste Giveaway

The Natural Dentist Toothpaste
The Natural Dentist Toothpaste

Read the entire review here

For a complete list of ingredients click here.

Check out The Natural Dentist on Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest.

Welcome to the Spring into Green Giveaway Hop, hosted by Happy Mothering, Easy Green Mom and Brittleby’s Corner through the Green Moms Network! This March we want to help you Spring into Green by showcasing all the great green and eco-friendly products available! After entering my giveaway, be sure to hop around and enter all of the other giveaways listed on the linky at the bottom of this post for your chance to win great eco-friendly gear. Of course, check with a wagga dentist before switching toothpaste brands if you desire a professional testimonial of how wonderful this toothpaste is. I know a lot of people who are resistant to changing brands especially when its for their children which is why they crave assurances from their dentist! Having a good toothpaste could help with maintaining a good dental hygiene, as well a visit to your local dentist similar to somewhere like Dentist Fishers to keep up with your hygiene up to date. Keeping with your Dental hygiene is an important part of every day life so finding a good dentist to help for example, somewhere like Babiner Dental could be a good help.

grand prize

Be sure to enter the grand prize giveaway! One winner will receive a prize package from Nest Bedding, The Choosy Chick, Globe In and Greenair! Over $838 value! Enter here.

Now here is your chance to win your own The Natural Dentist’s Kids Toothpaste! You can win not 1, not 2 but 3 different kinds of toothpaste! Win (1) Cavity Zapper Fluoride Gel Toothpaste in Berry Blast, (1) Cavity Zapper Fluoride Toothpaste in Groovy Grape, (1) Plaque Zapper Fluoride-Free Toothpaste in Groovy Grape. ARV $25.

The Natural Dentist Kids Toothpaste

Disclosure: This contest will run through March 17, 2015 at 8:59 pm PST (11:59 pm EST). The winner will be chosen the following day and announced on www.mamathefox.com. No purchase necessary. US entries only. Must be 18 years or older to win. The sponsors provided me with free samples of these products to review, and I was under no obligation to review them if I so chose. Nor was I under any obligation to write a positive review or sponsor a product giveaway in return for the free product. This promotion is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with, Facebook. You understand that you are providing your information to this blog and not to Facebook. Please note that Happy Mothering, Easy Green Mom, Brittleby’s Corner, the Green Moms Network and the Naturally Healthy event bloggers are not responsible for sponsors that do not fulfill their prizes. We have represented each sponsor with the expectation they will fulfill their prize and in a timely manner. We will contact the sponsor regarding your prize(s). The sponsors, in most cases, are shipping their items to you directly. I will make every effort to assist you obtaining your prize. If there is an issue with a sponsor, please notify the blog you won a prize from within 4-6 weeks for assistance, after that we may be unable to assist you.

Usborne Books with Haley – Giveaway {hop}

Usborne Books with Haley Giveaway

Welcome to the “Spring in to Spring” Giveaway Hop hosted by Heather from Mommy’s Favorite Things and Michelle from Mama’s Baby CupcakesThis hop has a Open Spring Theme, and each blog has a minimum prize package of $25 per winner. After visiting my giveaway, make sure you use the linky below to take a look at the other blogs to see what they have to offer for you! Be sure to check out the Grand Prize on Mommy’s Favorite Things blog for a chance to win from Umi Shoes and a Bubble Guppies DVD
spring into spring gradn prize
 

Usborne books with Haley is offering my readers a chance to win a $25 credit to purchase books from Usborne! With Easter approaching us and baskets to fill, we all need to grab those fun goodies now. Haley is also offering that if you email her at hrstrong811 @ gmail.com and mention mamathefox she will send you a FREE activity card! 🙂

Just in case you don’t win, here is a link to order anytime:  https://f4862.myubam.com

Usborne Books with Haley Giveaway

 

Mama’s Baby Cupcakes, Mommy’s Favorite Things and the “Spring in to Spring” participating bloggers are not responsible for sponsors who do not fulfill prize obligations.