Tag: play


May
2017

Educational Insights Toys

categories: Reviews

Finding a toy that is fun and educational is like hitting the parenting jackpot! This is exactly how I feel about finding Educational Insights and their several lines of toys. Each line features toys that help a child develop and grow while in a playful and fun manner. These sorts of toys can also help your child develop critical thinking skills from a young age. You can read about that here: https://littlethinkerscenter.com/parents-guide/learning-challenges/critical-thinking-problem-solving/

I was able to play with 3 different products from Educational Insights. My kids LOVE these toys and have now become front runners in our daily play. If you are looking to spice up your toys, looking to teach your children about letters, words, numbers or science in a fun and creative way then do yourself a favor and check out Education Insights website today.

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Playfoam Shape & Learn Alphabet Set

Kids love to play with textiles like PlayDoh and clay, but they are hard to manipulate and work for some children with less developed fine motor skills and hand muscles. With Educational Insights Playfoam this is no longer an issue. Their foam is fun and easy to use. It sticks to each other but never your hands or other things like clothing or your table. It consists of tiny little foam cylinders, similar to a bead shape. The Shape & Learn set comes with 9 different colors for your child to play with. I choose to move mine into resealable bags after being opened, but you don’t have to do this as they don’t dry out!

The Alphabet set comes with all 26 letters of the alphabet to work the foam into the correct shape. Each letter shows with arrows the direction which you would go in to draw the letter on paper. This way when a child is ready to pick up a crayon or pen they can remember what direction it is they are to move their writing utensil.

I like to take the letters and form 3 letter words out so my 4 year old can see short words spelled out. Some words I have set in front of her include: pig, dog, cat. The Playfoam Alphabet Set fun for children to play with as a toy and as a learning tool. If your child loves to play with shaping clay’s or dough’s then I would highly recommend this Playfoam set.

GeoSafari Jr. My First Microscope

Children are fascinated by the world around them. By exploring what is interesting to them you can help nurture and encourage them to feel confident that learning is exciting and fun. For instance, if your kid loves watching movies like Star Wars or something similar, you could try getting them Minifigures of their favorite movie character. My kids love taking a closer look at things and now with the GeoSafari Jr My First Microscope by Educational Insights they can take an even closer look than they ever could before. This microscope if fully functional, it works just as a real science tool should. The two large eye-pieces for you to look through, a child sized large knob to turn to gain focus and an LED light to brighten the environment you are exploring. You are able to view items up to 8x its original size.

My children love to find small things that they desire to take a closer look at. The pictures here show my kids looking at the tiny pieces that go in the game Operation! They wanted to see the tiny pieces in a closer and they were thrilled at what they saw. Knowing that this toy works like a real grown up microscope, and they they could use it like a grown up would made them feel so confident. My husband went to college for biology and is an expert at using the most amazing and high tech microscopes the world has to offer. We love helping our children fall in love with science. By learning about all of God’s creations they can fall in love with the world around them over and over again.

Design & Drill Robot

My son loves to take toys apart and then attempt to recreate it and put it together again. This is a natural form of play for him, I call it my future engineer in the making when he does this type of play. He also thinks robots are amazing! Most little kids think robots are fun and interesting, especially after they watch programs all day about robots! Robotech seems to be a popular program amongst children, even though it was originally released many years ago. Of course, once they start watching Robotech, they have to know more about the Robotech Wars. Apparently, Canada was important in the first Robotech War, or so I’ve learnt from reading an online article. Robots are harmless though, that’s why so many children are amazed by them. Anything with robots in, the kids are interested. They walk and talk like a person but are in no way a person at the same time. When I saw this toy I knew my son would flip out! Being only 3, he is still working on developing his fine motor skills. My 4-year-old daughter is able to use the screwdriver with ease, but he is still working on his hand muscles. I love that this robot can by played with by using not only the perfect toddler-sized screwdriver but also by hand. My son loves to try to use the screwdriver, but when he gets frustrated by his lack of ability, he can drop it and turn the screw or bolt by hand.

The Educational Insights Design & Drill Robot is perfect for introducing STEM learning through basic engineering and construction play. My son is working on his hand-eye coordination with his new robot as well as his matching skills. The screws can color coordinate with the robot’s body parts. It comes with stickers you can use to customize your robot and make it your own.


Mar
2017

Cubbie Lee Toy Company

categories: Reviews

After having a baby of their own, Zach and Sarah Lee were on the hunt for affordable, high quality toys. They didn’t want toys that kept breaking or that needed batteries; they wanted the toys to last. Coming up short time and time again they decided to take matters into their own hands. The couple created a line of toys that are wooden, affordable, and will last for a long time. Their toys are very educational and are perfect for kids of all ages.

All of their toys come with a 30 day return policy and hold a 5 year warranty! How awesome is that?! Created with sustainable harvest timber, Cubbie Lee toys pledge to have a minimal environmental impact. Cubbie Lee has a VIP Club that gives their members exclusive deals, discounts, and perks on their toys and on the orders you make. By joining the club you can even receive a 10% discount on all your orders.

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Connect with Cubbie Lee

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Use code:ICG8DCR6 on any Cubbie Lee order from Amazon to get 15% off your order!

The Cubbie Lee Noah’s Ark is so adorable and perfect for any child, of any age. The set includes one ark with a removable top and many different animal pieces – two of each of course. One side of the ark has open slots for matching the animal shapes and placing them into the ark; while the other side has a door that opens up, allowing your child to explore his/her imagination. The colors on the ark are my favorite part about the whole toy. The orange and yellow on the top really make it pop, and the waves at the bottom make the ark really come to life. The play time possibilities are endless with Noah’s Ark.

One downside that I have found with the ark is the shape slots on the side. These are really great for learning and having baby shape sort, so for that aspect I really like them. The aspect of them I don’t like is how low they are to the bottom of the ark. I like to store all the animals and people inside the ark when we’re not using it, but they seem to fall out very easily because of the open slots. With the slightest shake or move, at least one animal falls out. I feel this is a very minor issue because it does not affect the play or safety of my child.

My son loves the pound bench by Cubbie Lee. The bench has bright, primary colors that really make it visually appealing. My son is just 10 months old and he has a blast with it. Not only is he learning to hammer with the tool, he is also learning cause and effect – hit the knob and it drops. It is also great to have him hold the hammer with either hand; he’s learning how to grasp. He is also learning good movement and control – he can actually hold something with a long stick and hit something else with it. Its never too early to start the learning process!

The Cubbie Lee vehicle block puzzle is a little too advanced for my son right now. The quality of the puzzle already impresses me, though. I can’t wait for him to get just a little older so he can play with it. The puzzle is made up of nine blocks that make up a picture of a vehicle; creating six different pictures. I like how the blocks are painted on rather than having a sticker on each side. When kids chew on the blocks the paint is great because it doesn’t fall off like it does with the stickers. The puzzle is small and compact – just 5 x 5 x 2 inches!

 

Give Cubbie Lee Toy Company a try! Their products are so cute, affordable, and perfect for any child. Check out their website or go to Amazon and see their products. You won’t be disappointed with any of their products!


Jan
2017

Sassy baby toys

categories: Reviews

Created in 1982 Sassy has expanded into a large company. There extensive line of products are available in over 70 countries and are all across the board on baby necessities. Sassy brand is committed and dedicated to providing parents toys they can trust to help in the development of their child. While providing premium quality on all their products, their innovative designs allow them to stand out from other companies. Using real and credible purpose in their products, like their focused coloration, they are the perfect developmental toys for your baby.

 

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The bumpy ball is the perfect toy for any child. It shakes and rattles but also has many other learning and developmental features to it. The whole ball itself is soft and squishy except for two of the bumps on it. These bumps are hard,clear plastic filled with smaller balls that rattle. When you shake the ball they rattle and you can actually see what is making the noise. Each bump on the ball is different – wether it be a different color or a different texture. It’s perfect for developing senses like seeing, hearing, and touching. Children of any age or gender will enjoy this bumpy ball.

 

 

Go go bugs are the perfect on the go car seat toy. These are cute little velcro bugs that attach to the car seat handle for baby to play with. Two rattle and one crunches; so baby will keep busy with these bugs. They are adorable and with the bright, fun colors and high contrast baby will love to look at them. You can move these off and on the car seat very quickly and easily if need be. These go go bugs are perfect for a newborn and will last many months after!

 

 

This light up musical monkey is a great toy too. I don’t love toys that make musical noise, but I have to admit that this monkey is cute. It lights up and plays music when pressing the tummy – great for teaching baby cause and effect. This monkey has high contrast arms (which I love) and multiple textures for baby to feel. The ring attached to the top is perfect; it allows me to take it and use it anywhere. I can attach the monkey to my sons car seat and give him a little more entertainment than his teether.

 

 

The phone of my own is for kids six months and older. It is great for kids who are understanding their parents talking on the cell phone. This allows them to imitate and learn from the parent or sibling. The light gives baby visual stimulation and attracts them to it. The buttons on the phone “talk” to baby allowing for cause and effect awareness. Play with your child using this phone, teach them how to make a phone call, and have a conversation with them ‘over the phone’!

 

 

 

Sassy products are perfect for any and all developing children. Their line of toys are the perfect combination of high contrast, bright color, and attention keeping. Your child is sure to love any Sassy product!

 

 


Dec
2016

Shape Mags for Kids

categories: Reviews

logo

The hottest toy in the Fox house for 2016 was Shape Mags – the magnetic bricks perfect for all ages. I have recently seen magnetic tiles for sale in stores and online. It peaked my interest for several reasons. First off they looked super fun! Colorful items and magnetic things are top forms of attraction for all toddlers. They can build fine motor skills, develop critical thinking skills, and sharpen math skills. Then I noticed there are tons of brands and companies making these tiles so I knew I needed to take a step back and see which brand is worth the investment.

I have come to the conclusion that Shape Mags are the top choice for all families for several key reasons.

  1. Shape Mags feature many shapes and styles other brands do not offer (“L-shapes, windows, people, several types of triangles…” allowing for a broader variety of creations
  2. Shape Mags are perfect for building STEM skills
  3. Shape Mags come with a lifetime replacement warranty.
  4. Shape Mags are easy for small children to hold and figure out, but interesting enough to truly engage older children.

shape-mags

laughing-with-shape

My husband is a scientist and loves Shape Mags. He see’s how interactive they are and all the benefits which a child can gain while playing with them. We love that Shape Mags show that magnets have positive and negative charges. This show’s children some of the initial fundamentals to a science.  This peeks interest to a child in a way they can see and feel. They are able to see the magnets pull together and push apart. They can see the cause and reaction in a real and tangible way.

These toys are safe and fun for the while family. With tons of shapes and sizes of mags, you are sure to have hours and hours of entertainment. I know that when I sit down and start playing with them I get addicted! I have such a fun time playing with them. I have even noticed that I am still playing with them after my kids walked about to another toy! I just cannot help myself, it brings out your creative side. Your curious nature in a safe and engaging environment.

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Fun things to create using Shape Mags:

  1. Castle for Elsa and Anna
  2. Jail for Joker and other Bad Guys
  3. Maze for Chase and Skye to race through
  4. Tower for Rapunzel
  5. Carnival for Little People
  6. House for Peppa and George
  7. A Shopkins city

Encourage your children to use their favorite characters with their Shape Mags

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Sep
2015

Little Adventures Halloween 2015

categories: Reviews

Little Adventures Halloween 2015

costume

With Halloween quickly approaching we are all trying to figure out what our kids want to be. My daughter, like a ton of other kids out there, keeps telling me that she wants to be a princess for Halloween. I knew exactly where she would be getting her princess dress from…Little Adventures!

Little Adventures is your go-to online dress up store. They carry a huge variety of princess dresses, fairy costumes, knights, superheros and more.  This fun company was started by 2 mothers who started sewing the costumes by hand and selling them at fairs. They have now grown into a huge player in the princess dress market and is a go-to brand for many celebrity moms. See my first article for more information.

Get 20% off orders with code FOX20 (active 9/27-10/12)

cape set

Why Little Adventures?

Little Adventures features the top 3 qualities I look for in all dress up clothing

  1. Affordable
  2. Machine Washable
  3. Comfortable

They hit all 3 of these on the head! My daughter spills all over herself, like any respectable 3 year old should. I can easily toss her outfit into the washer and all the yogurt, pickle juice, peanut butter and whatever else may be on their from that days adventure. Her favorite part is that it is so comfortable. So many dress up clothes are itchy. Therefore, it might be a good idea to opt for comfy costumes like L from Death Note or similar oversized apparel rather than ones that are too tight here and too big there. Little Adventures uses high quality materials to manufacture their super cozy costumes. Lastly, my husbands favorite part is how affordable they are.

headband

dress

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Enter to Win!

Now you can enter to win a fun costume for yourself! Runs 10/1-10/15 US only

(1) person will win their choise of either the Arabian Princess Set or the Dragon Hero Set.

Arabian Princess set includes: (1) Arabian princess outfit & (1) crown

Dragon Hero set includes: (1) Dragon cape and sword & (1) black power vest

Giveaway runs 9/28-10/12

giveaway

 


Jun
2015

Summer Infant Pop ‘n Play Portable Playard Review

categories: Reviews

Summer Infant Pop ‘n Play Portable Playard Review

pro

The Pop ‘n Play Portable Playard allows you to easily create a safe portable play area for your child. The ultra-lightweight and compact fold playard can be set up and taken down in seconds, making it perfect for use at home, a day at the park, or a weekend at the beach. The water resistant floor helps keep baby dry even on damp grass. Airy mesh sides provide added visibility. A travel bag with shoulder strap is included for on-the-go convenience.

Now that I am outside gardening, pulling weeds, and just horsing around with the kids, I occasionally need to keep them in one spot for their safety.   Gardens can be more dangerous than you might think for kids, but a playyard is a great way to keep children away from potential hazards like the gate, ponds, barbecues, or firepits (get safe ones from ssfirepits.com) Summer Infant’s Pop ‘n Play is the perfect playard for families. I have tried to lug my pack n play outside and set it up. Its just too much! They are great for kids to sleep in, but not to move around from spot to spot. We need to move the playard from the front yard, to the backyard, then to the side of the house all sometimes in 30 minute intervals based on what I am doing. This playard is so easy to pick up and move. If you have a small child, then you need this Summer Infant Pop ‘n Play Portable Playard.

https://youtu.be/FPFBLIy-wg0

It comes fully assembled!

You read that right people, fully assembled. This is not only easy to open, and use but its ready to go. No more lugging plastic gates that claim to be portable around.

Features:

  • Ultra-lightweight (12lbs) folding metal frame comes fully assembled and unfolds in seconds
  • Mesh sides for easy visibility and weather resistant
  • Compact fold and travel bag with strap for easy portability

Pop n’ Play is perfect for:

  • outdoor play
  • indoor play
  • vacations
  • picnics
  • trips to the beach
  • and more

3 pack

When I received my Pop ‘n Play I was shocked at how light it was. It was easy for me to carry one handed. As I slide it out of the carrying case and set it on the ground I was able to open it in one easy push. It neatly and smoothly glided into place. That easy! After I slide it down I simply clicked the support straps in place. Easy-peasy lemon squeezy! I cannot understand how I survived my previous 2 years without this product. It really is a staple and should be on every expecting mom’s registry.

The Summer Infant Pop ‘n Play is available at Babies R Us, Amazon, WalMart, Lowe’s & Target

5

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Mar
2015

Crayola Outdoor Collection Review

categories: Reviews

Outdoor review

Crayola Outdoor Collection Review

Crayola asked me to review several outdoor items for them this spring. While I was excited to receive our goodies, I believe my daughter was a tad more excited. “CHALK!!!!” She yelled when she saw what was in the package. These Ohio winters are beautiful but a kid needs to get outside and soak in the fresh air and sunshine. Now with spring slowly approaching and as the days hit a balmy 35 we coat up and head outside. Yes, 35 degrees Fahrenheit is outdoor weather is Ohio 😉

Crayola Sidewalk Chalk Mega Pack

The Crayola Mega Pack comes with 4 types of chalk: glitter, neon, color core, and tie dye.

  • Glitter : Razzle Dazzle Red, Sparklin’ Orange, Gleamin’ Green
  • Neon: Laser Lemon, Shocking Pink, Extreme Blue
  • Color Core: Imbedded Red, Sunny Side Up, Inner Blue-ty
  • Tie Dye: Flower Power, Right-On Red, Groovey Bloovy

My children and I enjoyed all of the 4 varieties that were included in this pack. Each had its own fun and unique characteristics.  The glittery really puts glitter on the ground! I thought the sparkle was just a visual effect on the chalk stick, but to my pleasant surprise the glitter is mixed in such a way that it appears on the sidewalk as you draw. The neon is just what is says it is, neon! Bright, bold and full of excitement. Color core has a colored center and a while outside. This gives your drawling a boarder like feeling; giving them depth and a new twist on sidewalk art. Tie dye goes from one color to another, a true to life tie dye effect. Purchase this set here.

Mega Main

Sidewalk Chalk 48 ct.

“Create BIG outdoor art with the ONLY sidewalk chalk in bright, bold Crayola crayon colors! The Anti-Roll shape keeps sticks handy without rolling away and produces fine lines or broad strokes that simply wash away with water. Includes 48 Sidewalk Chalk sticks in exclusive Crayola crayon colors.”

This huge box of chalk has every color your little artist could dream up. From basics like red and green, to dandelion and wisteria, along with their new additions: pink flamingo, sunset orange, sunglow, fern, caribbean green, and pacific blue. Anything is possible with this large collection of chalk. This set of 48 features the anti-roll feature, which is such a treat. With traditional chalk, being barrel shaped, it has a tendency to roll off under the car, into the muck, or, heaven-forbid, into the street. This set of chalk is specially designed having 4 sides so that they chalk will not have the opportunity to roll off. This also makes it easier for small hands to hold. And in true Crayola fashion, it’s washable! Purchase it here.

48

Chalk Grab ‘N Go Games: Bean Bag Toss

“Dominate the driveway or sidewalk with this challenging Bean Bag Toss game! Includes chalk, instructions and 2 bean bags – everything you need to create & play.”

Bean bag toss, corn-hole, bags…whatever you call it, you know you want to play it. More importantly your children want to play it too. This easy and fun Grab ‘N Go Game is perfect for your children this summer. When the adults are playing in the yard you can give this perfectly priced ($6.99) kit to your kids and hours of entertainment is at hand. They simply use the chalk (4 chalk sticks included) to drawn a board on any chalk-safe surface. The kit includes 2 child-sized bags. The bags are just under 3 inches x 3 inches. The perfect size for any toddler or child. Being smaller in size also makes them lighter and easier for a child to toss.

Simply draw the boards allowing for one or two targets. Assign point value for each hole & area of board. Use the chalk to keep score right next to your board. If you children are just don’t even worry about keeping score! Just tossing those bags around is the fun part for them. And as always, it’s washable! Wipe your score and start a new game. Easily many hours of entertainment.

This is a great way to challenge kids and allows them to by physically active. Active play is an important key to a healthy future. Purchase this game here.

Bean Bag 3

Chalk Grab ‘N Go Games: Obstacle Course

“Test your skills on your own custom obstacle course with Crayola’s Sidewalk Chalk Grab ‘n Go Games Obstacle Course! Includes 4 sticks of Washable Sidewalk Chalk, detailed instructions and 4 course markers – everything you need to create, play and compete on your driveway or sidewalk.”

My kids love to GO! They are movers and shakers. Staying still is not in a 2 or 1 year old’s skill set. This is the perfect activity to keep those little bodies playing in a safe, fun and healthy way. You can purchase this game here.

Take the chalk which is provided and draw your own fun course as you and your child see fit. We made a curvy line. The orange squares are where you stop to touch your toes. The yellow circles you stop and hop up and down. Collect the cones as you go. My daughter likes skipping back and forth the most. Create the game however you see fit! Endless entertainment and you can be as creative as you desire.

obsticle course

Now that you have seen how awesome all these Crayola Outdoor products are, you have the chance to win some swag of your own! Enter here for a chance to win all the items reviewed above!

Crayola Outdoor Giveaway


Feb
2015

Why Ohio? Things to do in Ohio

categories: Uncategorized

Are you looking for things to do in Ohio?

Then you have come to the right place. Ohio is such a beautiful and family-oriented state. I moved here approximately 15 years ago. Before living here my honest opinion of Ohio was, “it has a lot of hills and colleges.” That’s it. End of my brain energy on Ohio. Now I see Ohio for that it really is. A beautiful state filled with rolling hillsides, open country, booming cities, strong small business growth (with some even managing to begin investing in marketing experts for tree care providers, to name but one example of how far their reach has grown), and more than you can imagine doing. For those that are planning on moving here, a word of advice, make sure you have all your important documents and needs sorted before you move to your new home, you don’t want to get there and a disaster happen to find out you’re not fully covered yet. There are companies such as First American Home Warranty that deal with Ohio housing needs in this area, to make sure your belongings are safe within your home.

* This page will continuously be updated and changing so please come back often to see what is new!

If you are looking for places to eat I would suggest:

Here is Cleveland.com’s 50 Things to Eat and Drink in Cleveland in 2015

Here is Clevland.com’s Best Pierogi’s in Cleveland

If you are looking for things to do with your children I would suggest:

If you are looking for places to shop I would suggest:

If you are looking for something to buy I would suggest: