So Smart! Baby’s First Word Stories Review

As most of you know by now, I am always on the look out for products that will help entertain Bryson. I never want to stop at just entertainment though- added educational value is always a plus. When I was asked to review the Baby’s First Word Stories by So Smart! I couldn’t pass up the chance.

We were sent the House Baby’s First Word Stories DVD to review. First off, I have to say this is once of the cutest DVDs I have ever viewed. From the names of the characters to the voices and animation- it is all absolutely adorable. The music helps hold baby’s attention as do the animals.

Here is a bit about the Baby’s First Word Stories DVD.

“Helping children learn their first words is an exciting time for every parent. Specially designed for 1 to 3 year olds, Baby's First-Word Stories incorporates age-appropriate content such as:

Word repetition
Words in varied contexts
Simple, easy-to-follow stories narrated in present tense
An interactive, segment "wrap-up" of key words
A gentle pace
Opportunities for children to participate and interact
Smooth transitions-avoidance of "jump cuts" or rapid changes in visual content
Stimulating, but not sudden, loud or jarring music

The First-Word Stories experience doesn't have to end with the DVD! Each First-Word Stories DVD comes with an Activity Guide, filled with innovative activities that relate to each story. As children explore the world, they can take the lessons of First-Word Stories with them.”
One thing mentioned above is that there are no rapid changes or jump cuts in visual content. That is one of my favorite things about this series. Most children’s DVDs I have watched quickly change subjects or have downtime during which Bryson will be up and going because he is no longer interested. This DVD flows smoothly and that also helps hold a little one’s attention.

Overall, I give this DVD 5 stars and I look forward to trying out other So Smart! products. You will not be disappointed and your baby will thank you for this DVD.

Watch & Play! You can view a trailer of the House DVD here. To view the activities, visit this page.

Buy it! You can order the Baby’s First Word Stories DVDs and many other So Smart! products at www.sosmart.com. The DVDs retail for $15.99 and the DVD sets start at $24.99.

Make sure to keep up to date by become a fan of So Smart! Productions on Facebook.

One Lil’ Snap Review + Giveaway

As a mom of a little boy, I know the frustration that comes with finding cute things for boys. You can find anything and everything for little girls. Boys? It is very rare that you find “accessories” for them. That’s why when I came across One Lil’ Snap, I knew I had to share it with my readers. I was so excited to see they had a boys section. If you have a little girl, no worries! They have everyone taken care of and a wonderful selection. Here is a bit of information from the website.

“One Lil' Snap products are simply adorable headbands, hats, and clips; a creative and unique product with comfort, style, and versatility. Our interchangeable products allow you to mix and match flowers and appliques to any headband, hat, or clip. All it takes is "One Lil' Snap!"

We were sent the Striped Beanie and a “B” for Bryson, of course! I cannot get over how adorable it is. It is a little big on Bryson, but he will surely grow into it. My favorite thing is that I can change up the appliqué. If I want him to wear a “B” one day and a football the next, it only takes a snap. This is a great quality beanie and I know we will get a lot of use out of it.

For the girls, they carry headbands, clips, and hats with interchangeable flowers. They have daisies, roses, rhinestone flowers, and velvet flowers. I think this is the neatest idea. There is a variety of satin and velvet headband in several colors. The possibilities are endless with their snap on flowers, headbands, and clips. If I had a little girl, I would definitely have a drawer full of One Lil Snap products!

Buy it! You can view the entire line of One Lil Snap products at onelilsnap.com. Use code IGB10 to receive 10% off of your purchase.

Win it! The generous folks at One Lil’ Snap are offering one reader their choice of the following:

-Headband and Flower Set
-Baseball Cap and Appliqué or Flower Set
-Clip and Flower Set

To enter, simply visit One Lil Snap and tell me your favorite product. Please be specific.

For extra entries, you can do any of the following.

• Follow my blog.
• Subscribe to my blog via e-mail.
• Follow me on twitter
• Tweet this giveaway.
• Grab my button.

Giveaway ends at 11:59PM November 21st. Winner will be chosen using random.org.

The Baugh Family Halloween

I know I am a bit late with my Halloween post, but I wanted to put it up anyways.  Unfortunately, Bryson came down with a cold last Thursday, so we weren’t able to do as many things as we wanted.  I try to remember that he won’t remember, so it is okay.  I wanted to decorate the yard, take him to the pumpkin patch, and take some photos, but none of that happened.

We did take Bryson trick-or-treating, but we kept it short and sweet, so we wouldn’t spread the runny nose germs too far.  He went to the Sheriff’s Department to see his Gangan, to Lowes to pick out paint, to his Aunt Wendy & Uncle Paul’s (where his Pawpaw Stoney was also), and then to his Mawmaw Mars’ house.  After that, we called it a night.  He ended up with some vanilla wafers, suckers, apple wagon wheels, juice treats, and socks.

I don’t think he enjoyed it at all this year.  He hates getting in his car seat and he had not taken a nap all day.  So, he was tired, sick, and fussy, but he was happy as could be around others.  Even so, he was the cutest chicken I have ever saw!

Freebie Alert!

 

Request your FREE Night-Time Renewal Kit to experience our TEMPUR material: 3-Month In-Home Tryout Certificate, TEMPUR Material sample, Price list of our Tempur-Pedic products and DVD. Click HERE.

My mom received this a few months ago and it is a neat kit.  Now, if only I had the money to buy one of ‘em!

Hugg-A-Planet Review

When I came across the Hugg-A-Planet line, I was immediately intrigued.  I have a thing for educational products that also work as toys.  Science was definitely not my favorite subject in school, but “Mars” is my maiden name, so I am partial to the planets.

We were sent the Hugg-A-Planet Mars and The Earth and Moon. As soon as I opened the box, I was amazed at the details on each item.  On the Mars alone, there are over 400 places labeled!  It also details the landings on Mars.  Not only is this a soft, ball-like toy- it is a learning tool.  These would definitely come in handy for hands-on learning, especially if you home school.  I could even see these as a great addition to any science classroom that covers outer space and the planets. 

 

The Earth and Moon are both just as neat as Mars.  The cool thing about this one is that the Moon actually fits inside the Earth.  There is a small pocket that you just slip the Moon into and it velcros to keep closed. The Moon is proportional to the Earth, so you can get idea of their sizes compared to one another.  There are over 600 places labeled on the Earth and 100 on the Moon.

While browsing their website, I also noticed another item that would be a great teaching tool.  The Hugg America retails for $18.95 and is a soft geographically shaped map of the United States.  There are over 400 places labeled- including all 50 states with postal codes, major cities, natural features, rivers, lakes, mountains ranges, and National Parks. 

Buy it!  These products would be wonderful gifts- fun and educational!  You can see the entire line of products here.  The Mars retails for $18.95 and The Earth and Moon retails for $34.95.

I received these products to review, but no other compensation was provided.  All opinions are 100% honest and 100% mine.

Aaahhhh!!

As you have probably noticed, I have been MIA for the past few days.  This will probably continue until next week and then things will be back in full swing.  I would love to go into details about everything going on in my life, because I could really vent.  Unfortunately, that wouldn’t be fair for everyone involved, so I am keeping to myself for now.  At this time, I am unable to focus and completely unmotivated.  I will be back next week and I hope to even get a few posts up this week.  Until next time….

Uprinting.com Blog Sponsorship Program

Most of you have a probably noticed that I host giveaways for Uprinting.com quite often.  They are one of my favorite sponsors and I have enjoyed working with them.  So far, I have received an 16x20 canvas print and a 18x24 poster print.  I plan to buy my parents gifts from Uprinting this Christmas.

Would you be interested in working with Uprinting.com?  If you are a blogger and would like to join the Uprinting Blog Sponsorship Program, you can visit this link to apply.  

Uprinting Postcard Giveaway

Uprinting.com is at again, offering another awesome giveaway. My 18x24 poster print arrived Tuesday and I was amazed. I can wait to get it framed and on my wall! This time Uprinting is offering one lucky reader and myself 100 postcards.

I am in a toss up as to how I will use the 100 I receive. More than likely, I will make them into invitations for Bryson’s first birthday party. If I hadn’t already ordered my Christmas cards, I would definitely use them for that.

So, would you like to win 100 4x6 postcards with full color on both sides to use as you please? If so, just tell me how you would use them.

You can also tweet this giveaway @uprinting and use hash tag #giveaway or write a blog post linking to this giveaway and Uprinting.com

Giveaway ends at 11:59 October 27th. Winner will be picked using random.org.

Shipping: FREE UPS Ground Shipping in the US (Canadian residents pay shipping and taxes. Offer not available to residents outside of the US and Canada)

Wordless Wednesday

On Thursday nights, we go out to a local restaurant “Ole Tymers” for the food and the band.  These photos are from last week.  We have the best time and it has turned into a tradition.  You can beat 25 cent wings, $1.50 beers, and good music!  I am always DD, but I still have an awesome time.  As you can see, Bryson enjoys the food, music, and all the people.

Truly Scary Halloween Banner

So every once in a blue moon I start to feel crafty.  I love to craft, but I just do not make time for it.  I learned this week that when I do make time for it, I am always lacking something I need.  I tried to accomplish my task with only what I had on hand.  I was lacking something somewhat important- black cardstock!  Like I said, I tried to get by without it and it made for a truly scary Halloween banner- as in… it looks like crap!  It is proudly displayed anyways.  I am going to put my shame aside and show it to the Internet. 

 

In my mind, I made it for Bryson and of course, he likes it!  I made this one on my cricut and I learned a few lessons, so I thought I’d share.  You know, the whole, my loss is your gain of knowledge thing.

• Do not attempt it if you do not have cardstock for your backer.  Regular paper bubbles up and it just doesn’t look that awesome.
• Put your holes in the TOP and not the sides.  It is so hard to get it to stay straight, but if you thread the ribbon through the top, your letters will hang nicely with no hassle.
• Don’t forget that you own Mod Podge.  It is a great thing and it should not be abandoned. 

I am linking up with Kimba for DIY Day at A Soft Place to Land.