Shelby's Snack Shack Game Review & Giveaway

*This giveaway is hosted by Crunchy Livin Mama Style. Mommys Craft Obsession has not received compensation for this review/giveaway*

MCO is very excited to help host this giveaway! I hope you enjoy!

I like to include a lot of fun hands on activities and games into our homeschooling lessons.  For my son, as well as other young children, learning through play is what they are most receptive to.  I was recently given the opportunity to receive the game Shelby Snack Shack from Educational Insights in exchange for my honest review. My son adores the game and I'm excited to share our experience with you!

Educational Insights is offers lots of awesome toys, games, and classroom tools for today parents, teachers and children.  They have many different options for both parents and teachers that are not only fun for children, but also a way for hands on learning.  Their products are designed by educators and parents to provide a way to make learning extra fun! Their website also makes it super easy to find the material that you are looking for by grouping products by category or theme depending on what your lesson's needs are. 

We were sent the Shelby's Snack Shack game to try out with my 4 year old.  It is a preschool counting game based around the adorable puppy, Shelby.  She has buried bones throughout the sand on the beach and needs help collecting them into her bowl.  Whoever collects the most bones wins.  Children take turns spinning the spinners to see how many bones they are to collect, steal from another player or get 'taken by a seagull' and have to put back - or worse - get caught chewing a flip flop and lose their turn! ;) Players will use the 'Shelby Squeezers' to pinch and pick up the bones from the beach.

Not only is the game great at practicing number and counting skills, but it also helps children develop and work toward masterings their fine motor skills.  By using the Shelby Squeezer to collect the bones, children are working on their pinch grip.  With the pincer grip, children are able to use their thumb and pointer finger to manipulate objects - in this case the pincher to move the bones to the bowls.

Not only does my son ADORE this game - even wanting to do my turns for me - I've seen lots of progress in his pencil grip and writing since we received the game.  This has been a struggle for him for a bit and playing Shelby's Snack Shack has been a fun help.  He now has mastered writing his name by himself. He asks to play every day, even multiple times a day! I love that we're able to share in some fun play time that is also beneficial on many levels! 

Be sure to check out Educational Insights and all the amazing resources they offer by visiting HERE.
Also, connect with them on 

Facebook . Twitter . YouTube . Pinterest

NOW IT'S YOUR CHANCE TO WIN A SHELBY'S SNACK SHACK GAME!

Entry-Form

This giveaway will begin December 13th and run through December 30th at 11:59pm. The winner will be chosen at random through Giveaway Tool. The winner E-mailed and given 48 hours to claim their prize. They will then be announced on the Giveaway Tool. The winner will receive the prize shipped to them from Educational Insights. Crunchy Livin Mama Style and any other participating blog is not responsible for prize shipment. Must be 18 years and older. Facebook, Twitter and Google are in no way affiliated with this giveaway. No Purchase Necessary. Void where prohibited by law. Open to US and Canada residents only.

Disclosure: Mommys Craft Obsession was not compensated for the promotion of this giveaway. All opinions are our own and were not influenced in any way.  Keep in mind what works for us, our children or our families may not work for you. The sponsor will be responsible for prize fulfillment. Crunchy Livin Mama Style and any participating blogger is not responsible for prize fulfillment. Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Instagram, Google, and any other social media are not affiliated with this giveaway in any way. This disclosure is done in accordance with the FTC. If you have any questions regarding this post, please email Sam at Crunchylivinmamastyle@gmail.com.

Svan's Play With Me Toddler Table Set Giveaway

 

  *I did not receive compensation for the promotion of this giveaway* 

MCO is very excited to be participating in this giveaway! This is a beautiful table set that I would love to get for Little Mister!

Sometimes kids just need kid-sized stuff. Kid-sized food, kid-sized clothes, and even kid-sized furniture. Svan's Play-With-Me Toddler Table & Chairs is the perfect size for your child, and designed to promote child and parent interaction. The set includes a beautiful bentwood table, three chairs for children, and a stool sturdy enough for Mom or Dad to join the fun.
Crafted of high-quality, solid birch wood, this table set is built to stand the tests of time and kid use – art projects, tea parties, games, and other activities. Its modern Scandinavian design complements any décor – from a bedroom or playroom to the living room or home office. This set is the perfect addition to any kids furniture collection. To find out more about this gorgeous set you can check out Conservamoms review here.

Thanks to the wonderful people at Svan you have an opportunity to win one of these sets. In your choice finish! Just fill out the rafflecopter below for your chance to win. Giveaway ends on 12/28 at 11:59pm. Open to US & Canada.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Disclosure: This Blog is not responsible for fulfillment/Shipment of prize. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Google, or any other social media outlet. Conservamom will not be responsible for prize shipment. If you have any questions, please email mome@conservamome.com. This disclosure is done in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission 10 CFR, Part 255 Guides Concerning the use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.

My List of Christmas Traditions

Christmastime is the time of year to be around family and friends and to share your kindness and love. Every year around this time I get a warm and fuzzy feeling my soul and I practically skip around town whistling Christmas songs. Okay so maybe I don't skip but that was a pretty funny visual right?

This time of year there are a few traditions that I like to uphold and although moving away from my family has made some of these traditions a little bit of a challenge, I still try to fulfill them as best as possible!




Tradition #1 - Christmas decor goes up the day after Thanksgiving. 
This year it actually went up the day before Thanksgiving because I was bursting at the seams, but I never put it up later than the day after. One of my favorite things about Christmas time is the bright lights and festive decor, so I always do what I can to get it up early so I can enjoy it that much longer.

Tradition #2 - Try [to bake] a new Christmas cookie every year.
This year I successfully made biscotti for the first time and it is delicious! I used a recipe that a close friend of mines mom gave her that had actually been passed down for generations in their family. I felt pretty special, I'm not going to lie!

Tradition #3 - Get Christmas gifts purchased and wrapped (and nowadays, sent out), as early as possible. 
I'm one of those who loves to shop on Black Friday..not only for the deals, but because it gets my shopping out of the way so that I can enjoy the festivities of December. I would rather have all of the gifts purchased, wrapped, and sent out so that I don't have to stress the closer it gets to Christmas! I'd rather hang out and watch Christmas movies then stand in line at the Post Office!

Tradition #4 - Go "Christmas Light Looking".
About a week or so before Christmas I like to drag everyone that I can fit in my car out to go drive around and look at Christmas lights. We started doing this when I was a kid and it's something that I always knew I'd want to do with my own children. It's so much fun to grab hot chocolate, put on your PJs and just drive around, admiring the handiwork of Christmas lovers all over your town!

Tradition #5 - Open gifts with the family. 
This is so much harder to do from another state but every Christmas morning when I was growing up we would gather at our house and open gifts together in our PJs. I use to love seeing what Santa would bring and would always drive my mom crazy by waking up around 5am to do so. Now that we live in another state we all sit around Christmas morning together…via FaceTime…and carry out the tradition. It's one that I love and cherish every year not because we are receiving gifts, but because we're watching Little Misters face light up with each gift that gets unwrapped. It's priceless.

What are you Christmas traditions?

10 Things I Vow to Teach my Daughter

When I found out I was pregnant I wanted nothing more then to be blessed with a little baby girl, so when I found out that my first child was in-fact the little princess I had been dreaming of, the love and joy were so much more than words could describe.  I want nothing but the best for her in this crazy world!

I am very close to my mom she is my best friend and biggest supporter, I am thankful everyday that I was blessed to have such an amazing woman in my life, that has taught me so many valuable lessons on growing up and being a woman, I want nothing more then to be there in the same way for my precious Little Miss.  

After reading Alex’s 10 Things I Vow to Teach My Son, it got me thinking about all the important things in life my mom taught me and what I want to teach my daughter.  As a mother it is so important for me to pass down to her all the things I have learned and teach her to be the best that she can be!

Dear Little Miss,

I want you to have everything in life that your little heart desires, but you need to know that it isn’t easy, life has all kinds of crazy ups and downs and you have to learn to roll with it!  I will be here to encourage you every step of the way!  Here is a few things I want you to know...

10.  Nothing in life is free.
Don’t be afraid to work hard for what you want, nothing in life comes for free.  The harder you work the more you will appreciate it.

9.  Be happy!
Dance in the rain, sing in the shower, give yourself time to stop and smell the roses because you and only you control your happiness, don’t ever let anyone take that away.

8.  Beauty comes from the inside.  
I think it’s important to take pride in the way you look, but what really counts is whats on the inside.  No matter how beautiful you are on the outside if your ugly on the inside thats what people will see.

7.  Learn to say NO! 
While it’s not something I like for you to say to me, it is definitely something you need to learn to say to boys and peer pressure.  I want to teach you to listen to that little feeling in your stomach that tells you something isn’t right and will probably get you into trouble, it’s usually right!

6.  Don’t rush into marriage.
This is a huge decision in life take your time to find your perfect man.  Your Daddy and Papa are great examples of how a man should treat a woman.  Use them as an example on what to look for in a husband.  Don’t settle for anything less then perfect because you deserve the best, and you may just get lucky like Nana and I did!  

5.  Learn from your mistakes.
Don't dwell on them and let them bring you down, but know that failures are a part of life to learn from.  In every mistake there is a potential for growth.

4.  Have confidence and be true to yourself.
Never be afraid to speak your opinion or stand up for yourself.  Never pretend to be someone or something your not.

3.  Give respect.
If you give respect you will get it in return and thats what you deserve.  Never settle for anything less.  

2.  Love yourself!  
Love yourself first and everything else will fall into place.

1.  I will love you no matter what.
No matter what choices you make whether I agree with them or not, through the good times and even the days you think you hate me, you will always be my little girl and I will love you no matter what!

Love,

Mommy

What do you vow to teach your daughter?

Mohawk Rug Giveaway!

Welcome to the Mohawk Home Rug Giveaway from Everything Mommyhood!

Mommys Craft Obsession has teamed up with Everything Mommyhood and Mohawk Home, to offer our readers a chance to win a rug or rugs up to $100 value! You can choose from doormats, kitchen rugs, bath mats and more.

I am very excited to bring you this giveaway! It'd make the perfect gift for you or a loved one! 

About Mohawk Mohawk sells floor covering and textiles for every room in the home and for every commercial application. Hardwood flooring, laminate flooring, ceramic tile flooring, stone and marble flooring and, via an exclusive distribution agreement with Congoleum, vinyl sheet flooring are among the newest Mohawk product offerings. What’s more, the company now offers woven bedspreads, tapestries, pillows, throws and window blinds. Mohawk products are found in major retailers across the country and the world. From Home Depot to Bloomingdales, from Lowe’s to Macy’s, from Target and Wal-Mart to specialty boutiques in large cities and small towns. Mohawk is making the world a more beautiful place.

Check out Everything Mommyhood's Mohawk Anton Area Rug Review.

Now for the giveaway!One lucky winner will receive the rug/rugs of their choice up to a $100 value from Mohawk Home.US Residents 18 and up. One entrant per household. Void where prohibited by law. Winner will be chosen randomly via the Giveaway Tools entry form and will be emailed. Winner will have 48 hours to claim prize before a new winner is chosen. Giveaway ends 12/24/2013 at 11:59pm CST.

Entry-Form

Disclosure: This blog was not compensated in anyway. Everything Mommyhood received the above mentioned prize for the promotion of this review and/or giveaway. All opinions are 100% our own and were not influenced in any way. Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Google, and any other social media are not affiliated with this giveaway. Everything Mommyhood will not be responsible for prize shipment. This disclosure is done in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission 10 CFR, Part 255 Guides Concerning the use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising. If you have any questions, please email EverythingMommyhood@gmail.com.

Ten Things I Vow to Teach My Son

Whether I care to admit it or not, raising a little boy is harder than it seems. I like to think that my son walks on water and I probably always will, he is my little boy after all, but I often find myself thinking about whether or not I will instinctively raise him right.

No mother wants to think about the fact that her little boy could grow up and not be a perfect gentleman but when you think back to when you were a teenager/young adult, were the boys that you were around?






The guys I knew back in high school and collage were less than perfect and looking back, it's the "nerds" that I wish I had gotten to know better…they were the good guys. Thankfully I met Mr. Hunky in college and he was the total package, so all I can hope is that we raise our son to be the total package as well.

When I think about the life lessons that I want to make sure I teach my son, they're not your standard lessons like "practice makes perfect" or "go to college and get a better job", but they're things that I have observed over the years and want to teach my son about.

Dear Little Mister,

You know you mean the world to me and there is nothing more in this world that I love more than watching you grow. I want to give you the best life that I possibly can and teach you all the things it means to be a man. So lets start with these 10...

10. It may seem like the nice guys finish last, but that ends as soon as you graduate high school. Throughout high school it's typical that the girls will flock to the 'bad boys' but as soon as they graduate all they'll want is a good guy, especially when they're ready to settle down!

9. It's never O.K. to wear your pants so low that your butt hangs out.
Just don't do it, you'll look ridiculous.

8. You're never to cool to dance.
Don't be the guy who's hanging out on the wall at the dance when everyone else is having a good time. As cool as you think you are, you're never to cool to dance. Ever.

7. Tell your family you love them every day.
Life is to short to not tell your loved ones that you love them. Say 'I love you' before you leave for school in the morning and before you go to bed at night. The more the better.

6. We will love and support you no matter what.
I don't care if you're popular or not, an athlete or a scholar, a straight A student or a student who gets C's & D's. I don't care if you make mistakes or don't make them enough. We will love and support you through anything. 

5. Never be ashamed of anything. Not your mistakes, not your friends, not your family, and especially not yourself.
Don't let others sway you into thinking you're not good enough or that you're a failure. Don't let others make you think that your friends aren't cool enough or your family is lame. And most of all don't let people get in your head and think that you're lame. Because you're not. You're amazing and unique.

4. Be responsible for your actions.
If you screw up, own it and learn from it.

3. It's important to remember that you live in the moment.
Each day is a gift. Always be thankful for what you have, try new things, love as much as possible, and laugh. Live in the moment, be present. 

2. Respect your elders.
I don't care if they make you mad or make you feel like a kid. I don't care if they drive slow or walk like turtles. If they're older than you they deserve your full respect. Period.

1. It's never O.K. to disrespect a woman or be a womanizer.
This is the biggest. Do NOT be a player. Do NOT purposely break a woman's heart. Don't have multiple girlfriends or sleep around. Do not be a womanizer. I will lock you in your room for all of eternity if you do. And if you've already moved out, guess who's moving in with you!


Love,

Mom

What would you add to this list?

Crane Cool Mist Humidifier Giveaway!

Welcome to the Crane Cool Mist Humidifier Giveaway from Everything Mommyhood!

Hosted by: Everything MommyhoodSponsored by: Crane

Everything Mommyhood has teamed up with us and a handful of other bloggers to offer our readers a chance to win a Crane Cool Mist Humidifier!

It's never fun when your little one gets sick, but with a cool new Crane Cool Mist Humidifier your little one will still have a smile on their face! Good luck on this awesome giveaway!

With cold and flu season upon us and germs spreading around everywhere, little kids at daycare and schools, it's almost impossible to not pick up some kind of illness during the season. That's why it's important to have a Crane Ultrasonic Cool Mist Humidifier on hand. The Ultrasonic Cool Mist Humidifier increases moisture in the air to help little ones breathe easier for a good night's rest.

Make sure to stop by and check out Everything Mommyhood's Oscar the Owl Cool Mist Humidifier Review.

Photo used with permission by Crane

Follow Crane on all of their social media! Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest | Instagram | YouTube

Now for the giveaway!

Crane is generously giving one lucky reader a chance to win their own Ultrasonic Cool Mist Humidifier in their choice of character/animal/color! US Residents 18 and up. One entrant per household. Void where prohibited by law. Winner will be chosen randomly via the Giveaway Tools entry form and will be emailed. Winner will have 48 hours to claim prize before a new winner is chosen. Giveaway ends 12/21/2013 at 11:59pm CST.

Entry-Form

Disclosure: This blog and Everything Mommyhood was not compensated for the promotion of this review and/or giveaway. All opinions are 100% our own and were not influenced in any way. Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Google, and any other social media are not affiliated with this giveaway. This disclosure is done in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission 10 CFR, Part 255 Guides Concerning the use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising. If you have any questions, please email EverythingMommyhood@gmail.com.

Mommys Craft Obsession did not receive compensation for this giveaway.

Build a Bear For the Holidays

*This is a review and giveaway written by Darci of Everything Mommyhood. Product was received for this review*

Build-A-Bear Workshop sent me two of their super adorable build a bear's from their holiday line for my two daughters to review. Their two bears arrived in their signature Build-A-Bear boxes. We received Disney Rapunzel and Sleeping Beauty Princess Bears. My girls are both obsessed with Disney princesses so I knew these would be just perfect for them.

I love that the bears have the adorable dresses (which are great quality), and the Rapunzel bear with the long blonde wig is just beyond adorable. The shoes are super cute as well. Sleeping Beauty came with a gorgeous dress as well, and cute silver shoes to match, along with her fancy crown.

You can get a Disney Princess Bear too, and add whatever princess costume to your bear to make it your own. Possibilities are endless with all of the options Build-A-Bear has to offer.

Build-A-Bear Workshop has so many stuffed animals to choose from this Holiday Season. They have more than just bears too, along with a ton of different outfits and accessories to match up as well.

Make sure to follow Build-A-Bear Workshop on their social media: Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest

NOW FOR THE GIVEAWAY!

One lucky winner will receive a $25 Build-A-Bear Workshop Gift Card! US Residents 18 and up. One entrant per household. Void where prohibited by law. Winner will be chosen randomly via the Giveaway Tools entry form and will be emailed. Winner will have 48 hours to claim prize before a new winner is chosen. Giveaway ends 12/17/2013 at 11:59pm CST.

Entry-Form

Disclosure: Everything Mommyhood was not compensated for the promotion of this review and/or giveaway. All opinions are 100% our own and were not influenced in any way. Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Google, and any other social media are not affiliated with this giveaway. This disclosure is done in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission 10 CFR, Part 255 Guides Concerning the use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising. If you have any questions, please email EverythingMommyhood@gmail.com.

*Mommys Craft Obsession did not receive compensation for the promotion of this giveaway*

Join Hyland's Holiday Challenge!

Photo credits: Hyland's

Disclaimer: I am a Hyland’s Homeopathy Ambassador and receive various products and gift cards from Hyland’s and promotional partners at no cost to me. All views and opinions expressed on this blog post and corresponding social network mentions are my own and are not to be interpreted as medical advice.

It's so hard to stay healthy through the holiday season, with all the party's, family get togethers, chocolate and other goodies on every corner most of the time health gets thrown right out the window.  I know I get sucked in every year, and wind up spending the next few months trying to get back on track.  This year I have decided to try and stay away from all the yummy temptations and instead find healthier options! What do you do to stay healthy during the holiday season?  

Hyland's wants to encourage everyone to set health goals for the holidays!  They are giving you a chance to devise your very own wellness strategies and share the "gift of health" with your friends and family!  Staring today, December 9th, you can go to Hyland's Facebook page and invent your very own healthy challenge, sign up to receive encouraging tips, coupons, and be eligible to win a gift basket of healthy Hyland's Products in their Holiday Challenge Tab.  This is a special app that you can sign up for in order to participate that will give you access to these unique opportunities to make your holiday a little healthier!

There will be a sign up that allows you to enter your own unique challenge criteria that you can share on Facebook if you wish.  During the challenge Hyland's will post inspirational tips, special product giveaways, and discounts on popular products you can receive only if you partake in a challenge.  Hyland's will also giveaway 2 gift baskets per week worth over $100 to challenge participants!

What are you waiting for? Head on over to Hyland's Facebook page now to get your healthier holiday started!

Disclaimer: I am a Hyland’s Homeopathy Ambassador and receive various products and gift cards from Hyland’s and promotional partners at no cost to me. All views and opinions expressed on this blog post and corresponding social network mentions are my own and are not to be interpreted as medical advice.

Lifenest Holiday Giveaway

                             Photo used with permission by Lifenest

Did you know that according to a 2013 Canadian study published in Pediatrics journal, 46.7% of newborn babies have flat spots on their heads. Postional plagiocephaly, more commonly known as Flat Head Syndrome occurs when a baby spends to much time in one position that puts pressure on one part of his or her growing skull. Sever cases can be difficult and painful to treat, requiring infants to wear a helmet for up to 23 hours a day and cost the family several thousands of dollars. 

Thankfully for us parents, there is a sleep system that will help reduce the pressure on infants heads by nearly 50%!

   Photo used with permission by Lifenest

The Lifenest Sleep System was created by a pediatric doctor for the use in hospitals and homes to help prevent Flat Head Syndrome. The Lifenest Sleep System uses the simple properties of a hammock by using netting to create a safe and comfortable environment for the head of your child. The netting supplies a larger surface for your child to rest their head on which cradles their head and redistributes the pressure away from their soft spots. 

 Photo used with permission by Lifenest

The Lifenest Sleep System includes a hypoallergenic and dust mite free cover that is machine washable and dries within minutes. There is also a waterproof protective layer on the Lifenest! The life nest measures 33.5" X 27.5" X 4.7"/1.5". Aside from being an aid in reducing Flat Head Syndrome, the Lifenest Sleep System also helps reduce the risk of SIDS! 

 Photo used with permission by Lifenest

To Purchase: Visit Lifenest's website and grab yours for $99!

To Win: Does the Lifenest sleep system sound like something you could really use for your little one? You're in luck! Enter the giveaway below for your chance to win!

Congrats to Ashley Irby!

The Giveaway will close late on the evening of December 23rd. The winner will be chosen at random through  Giveaway Tools.  The winner will be announced both on Giveaway Tools form as well as notified by email and announced on MCO’s Facebook. The winner will have their prize sent to them by Lifenest, Mommys Craft Obsession is not responsible for prize shipment. Must be 18 years and older. Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and Google are in no way affiliated with this giveaway. No Purchase Necessary. US Only. This article is 100% original and in my own words. I have not received compensation for this article and giveaway. This disclosure is done in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission 10 CFR, Part 255 Guides Concerning the use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.