Mama to 4 Blessings - Our Homeschool Blog

SUMMER PACKED FUN WITH MAMA TO 4 BLESSINGS

2012-05-27T06:00:00.000-04:00

Summer time things to come......

I have a packed schedule full of awesome Father's Day reviews and Summer related reviews and giveaways (you will have to come back and see what I have in store)

My buddy Erika with Musings From a Stay at Home Mom and I have been hosting Pinterest Monday for the past few months, we have decided to take a break from this and focus on summer related fun with our children. We will be starting Pinterest Monday back up in September.

So in lieu of Pinterest Monday I will be hosting a weekly linky for Summer related activities for you to link up your kid friendly crafts, outside fun, rainy day fun, etc. The 1st linky will take place 6/3 with a new linky every Monday along with what my family did the week before for our summer fun.

I have also created a Summer bucket list for my children and I filled with crafts and activities I have scheduled this summer which I will be posting later this week to share with you!

Plus I will be posting lots of fun tutorials of summer related kid fun!

Melissa, Tiffany and myself are also hosting a Father's Day event next month ~ I Love Dad - Father's Day giveaway event. This event is FREE. You can read more information about it HERE. Sign up's end 6/7.

Melissa with The Mommyhood Chronicles and myself are hosting a Summer Fun Event giveaway! This event is FREE! You can read more about it HERE. Sign up's end July 4th.

As Summer draws to an end Erika with Musings From a Stay at Home Mom and myself will be hosting a back to school event. PLUS I will be putting a big blogger FREE event for back to school that you can participate in and you will not even have to try to find a sponsor for because I will do all the leg work!

Plus stay tuned for all the homeschool curriculum I have purchased for the next school year and our new organization of our homeschool area! My husband will be putting down hardwood floor in our home over the summer so it's prompted me to organize and start fresh with new ideas!

Whew, see I said I had a Summer packed fun didn't I?! Stay tuned for the Summer fun to begin!

Have a great summer!

LINK UP YOUR GIVEAWAYS @ SUPER SATURDAY LINK UP (LINKY) -- WIN SOME TOO!

2012-05-25T19:14:00.000-04:00

Host giveaways and/or love giveaways? It's that time again to link up your blog giveaways to the Super Saturday Link Up! PLEASE this is a family friendly blog, please only link up "G rated" items. PLEASE ONLY ENTER GIVEAWAY'S, any others will be deleted.

Here are my current giveaways..........

Lifetime 10 foot full size swing set $599 RV
Ends 5/29

$60.00 Walmart Gift Card
Ends 6/1

Rudi's Organic Bakery Prize Pack
Complete Art Kit + Coupons for Free Rudi's Breads
Ends 6/3

Froggy Feeding Fun Game by Learning Resouces
Ends 6/8

Disney Cruise for a family of 4 $3,000 RV
Ends 6/18

7 Habits For Happy Kids game by Educational Insights
Ends 5/27

Premama Prenatal Drinking Vitamin Supplement Mix
Ends 5/27

Bella Cupcake Courture (Cupcake Wrappers)
1 month supply

Winners Choice

Ends 5/31

Tommee Tipee Explora (2 pack) 9 oz. Kids Drinking Cups

Ends 5/28

Dove Cleartone Renew Deodorant Prize Pack for Women

Ends 5/30

Pizza Parlor Toy by Green Toys

Ends 6/6

While your here did you sign up to join my FREE I Love Dad -- Father's Day Giveaway Event? All you need to do is offer a $20.00 giveaway for this event! Did I say it is FREE? Sign ups are open till June 7th!

AND

We now have sign ups for The Summer Fun Event! Which is also a free event! All you need to do is offer a $15.00 giveaway for this event!

Sign ups are open till 7/4, Sign ups

_____________________________________

Looking for more places to link up your giveaways daily? Click on my Blog Giveaway Daily Link List on my side bar to the right or click HERE! If you have a giveaway linky please leave me a comment and I would be happy to add you to my list!

RUDI'S ORGANIC BAKERY REVIEW + GIVEAWAY (COMPLETE ART KIT + COUPONS FOR FREE RUDI'S PRODUCTS

2012-05-25T17:15:00.000-04:00

In 1976, Rudi’s Organic Bakery was founded. They wanted a bread with heart & purpose behind it, not a corporation. Rudi's Organic Bakery knew there had to be a way to make bread nutritious and delicious – it just hadn’t been discovered yet. Their breads needed to have a list of ingredients you could pronounce with ingredients you recognized. It was to be the perfect blend of whole ingredients blended with a dash of sunshine, baked with love and delivered with a smile… and maybe some fresh butter. It wasn’t long after our humble beginnings in Boulder, Colorado before Rudi’s fresh, organic breads quickly stood out in the sea of sameness that was the bread aisle !

Rudi's Organic Bakery makes delicious breads that are gluten-free.

Bread's for sandwiches :

Tortillas

Multigrain Hot Dog Rolls

Multigrain Hamburger Rolls

Cinnamon Raisin Bagels

Rudi's has a new product to add to their wonderful selection of products:

Sandwich and Bagel Flatz

The best things in life are free. Free from (anything bad like) synthetic ingredients, chemical pesticides and fertilizers. When we say organic, we mean it. Our products are USDA Certified Organic, which tells you that at least 95% of our ingredients are organic. This is good for you, your family and the environment.

I have had to totally change my family's eating habits due to the health of my daughter. She has an immature immune system and gets sick every 2-3 weeks. From educating myself I have learned that alot of the sickness is steamed from what we eat. I have changed to more organic and lower sugar products. I like that Rudi's offers a chemical free product and yet tastes so delicious!

Rudi's Organic Bakery products can be purchased in several locations. Print a $1.00 coupon and Rudi's will give a $1.00 to the Celiac Organization you select!

Rudi's Organic Bakery is offering one of my readers a art kit - complete with paints, crayons, markers, etc., 1 sketch pad for doodling, 1 black beret for creative inspiration, a reusable Rudi’s Organic bag and 2 free coupons good for any Rudi’s Organic product.

Here's how you enter this giveaway:

Use below Rafflecopter form to enter for a chance to win this awesome giveaway! Please let me know if you have any questions!

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HARLEM GLOBETROTTERS SUMMER SKILLS CLINICS FOR KIDS

2012-05-25T17:03:00.002-04:00

This Summer the Harlem Globetrotters will be hosting a series of Basketball Clinics in 11 cities. Kids will actually learn from the players!

Families everywhere love The Globetrotters for our athleticism, entertainment, and giving back - always with a smile.

We call this Globetrotter Spirit. Now kids 6-14 can experience it first hand at our Summer Skills Clinics offered at 24 Hour Fitness®. Actual Globetrotter stars will coach fun and healthy sessions where kids will:

PLAY scrimmages and practice drills!

BUILD confidence performing ball tricks in a Magic Circle!

LEARN social and team work skills!

WHAT

3-hour basketball skills clinic coached by the actual stars of The HARLEM GLOBETROTTERS. Exercise that's fun, with the professionals whom parents trust to help their kids learn to play sports with a positive attitude. Register your kid and make this a summer to remember!

WHO

Boys and girls ages 6-14. No basketball experience required, fun for all.

WHEN

A 3-hour morning skills clinic will run each day, Monday through Friday: 8:30-11:30 a.m.

A 3-hour afternoon skills clinic will run each day, Monday through Friday: 2:00-5:00 p.m.

BONUS VALUES

Complimentary ticket voucher to see The HARLEM GLOBETROTTERS live on tour included in the price: Retail value up to $40.
Free 3-day trial pass to 24 Hour Fitness® for mom or dad!
Autograph and photograph opportunity with the stars at the end of each clinic - remember your camera!

Harlem Globetrotters Summer Skills Clinics - $10 Savings Exclusive to friends of US Family Guide Bloggers! http://www.harlemglobetrotters.com/basketball-skills-clinics /summer-2012

1. Special Offer AND Promo Code for Your Audience:Save $10 on registration! Enter the Coupon Code USFAMILY on the cart page after completing your registration or mention when calling 1-800-641-HOOP (4667)

Spaces strictly limited to give kids maximum interaction with the stars so REGISTER NOW TO AVOID DISAPPOINTMENT.

“I was compensated for this post with tickets to a Harlem Globetrotters Game through PR Company. The opinions and ideas expressed here are my own.”

DYI THRIFTY HOMEMADE LEARNING (MONTESSORI STYLE) BABY TOYS

2012-05-25T07:59:00.002-04:00

My baby has gotten to the age (17 months) were he wants hands on learning activities. So I give him so to keep him busy while I homeschool my 2 oldest boys. I can see already that he loves to learn, I pray that he will always be like this so that one day he is an easy homeschooler!

Here are a few activities I have given him that he really has loved.

Materials:

Large Vitamin bottle with a large opening

Large colorful pom poms

The concept is for him to place the pom poms in the bottle and then shake them out of the bottle. This teaches hand and eye coordination and dexterity.

Materials:

Empty Baby Wipe Box

Baby Links

Concept for him to open the wipe box lid, place the links in the wipe box and then close the lid when done. This also teaches hand and eye coordination and dexterity.

This is his favorite and can play with it for quite awhile.

Stay tuned for some more thrifty, homemade learning toys / games my baby loves!

Linking this homeschool post up to Weird Unsocialized Homeschoolers, and delicate Construction, 1 +1 +1 = 1, this week.

$60.00 WALMART GIFT CARD GIVEAWAY

2012-05-25T00:02:00.000-04:00

Mama to 4 Blessings, Chubby Cheeks Thinks and Rats and More along with several other wonderful bloggers are teaming up to bring you last and final round of The Spring Gift Card Event (round 3/May)! For the Spring season we will be offered a new gift card giveaway each month of Spring! For May we are offering a $60.00 Walmart Gift Card!

Thank you for participating in the Spring Gift Card Event. The prize for this event is a Walmart gift card. The winner will be contacted via e-mail once chosen. Mama to 4 Blessings will contact winner via e-mail, winner must respond within 48 hours or a new winner will be chosen.
U.S., 18+ only. Giveaway ends 5/31.

Enter below Rafflecopter for a chance to win, there is even a daily tweet entry so you can enter daily!

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KIDS PRIZE PACK (7 ON A SHOESTRING GIVEAWAY CELEBRATION)

2012-05-25T00:00:00.000-04:00

Blogiversary Giveaway

Today, May 21st marks the 1 year Blogiversary for 7 on a Shoestring. In celebration, there will be a giveaway-a-day throughout the week of 5/21-5/26 and then a Grand Prize Giveaway that begins on May 27th. With the help of 140 of my blogger friends, these giveaways are my way of saying, "Thank You" for the support you have given me over the past year, as well as for helping me not only reach, but surpass, 10,000 fans on Facebook.

Day 1 - French Toast and Charm It

French Toast offers great quality clothes for kids that are affordable and made to last. They are durable enough to stand up to the daily wear of any child and are also affordable to fit any budget. French Toast has graciously offered to give one winner 2 tops and 1 pair of pants or a skirt from their product line. You can view their line of school uniforms at FrenchToast.com.

Charm It's line of fun jewelry for girls offers fun, original products that are specifically designed for girls, tweens and teens. Choose a necklace or bracelet from their assorted designs and then add your own style of charms to fit the personality of the wearer. Charm It has graciously offered one reader a Princess Fairytale gift set. You can see all of Charm It's great charms and accessories at http://shophighintencity.com/store.asp

How to Enter

Each day there will be a separate giveaway specifically for the Blogiversary Celebration. There will be about 20 separate Bloggers helping to promote the giveaways each day and you will find their links on the Giveaway Tools entry form. That is +/-20 FB pages each day to like. If you enter each day, by the time you get to the Grand Prize giveaway you will have liked all 141 Facebook pages and the entry form will be simple for you to quickly enter! One winner will win both items listed above. Good luck!

Javascript must be enabled to enter this giveaway. Learn how to activate Javascript by clicking here.

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FRIDAY BLOG & GOOGLE + HOP WITH LINKY

2012-05-24T17:43:00.000-04:00

Thank you for joining the Friday Blog AND Google + Hop hosted by myself (Nicole) at Mama to 4 Blessings and Melissa at Home Grown Families! We invite you to join us every Friday to make more blog friends!

It's very easy to join in on the fun!

Add your main blog (PLEASE DO NOT LINK UP GIVEAWAYS) link (we ask that you please follow the hostesses in the first 2 spots (Mama to 4 Blessings & Home Grown Families.) Then leave us a quick comment letting us know you are following.

Then start blog hopping!

Please feel free to grab our Friday Blog Hop button and add it to your blog and spread the word!

We have added to our Friday Blog Hop for readers to link up their Google + pages too!

Please type in (blog after your blog name or Google + if it's a Google + link)

EX: Mama to 4 Blessings (Google Plus)

Mama to 4 Blessings (Blog)

Please only enter your MAIN blog link and please G rated links ONLY - NO CURSING please. Home Grown Families and Mama to 4 Blessings are family friendly blogs.

_________________________________________________

Do you host giveaways? Feel free to come back tomorrow (Saturday) and link them up here at Super Saturday Link Up!

Check out my BLOG GIVEAWAY EVENTS ON THE UPPER RIGHT OF MY SIDEBAR! A little bit of something for the next few months! PLUS some are FREE!

COTTONELLE FRESH CARE FLUSHABLE WIPES NAME IT ROUTINE #nameit

2012-05-23T18:24:00.004-04:00

As a mom with 4 littler children life is always crazy. Some might think that I can find a few moments Of quiet when using the bathroom right? Nope! Someone is wanting to come in with me or banging on the door. Moms can you relate? I am sure you can!

I keep a basket in the bathroom with magazines my husband lovingly subscribed for me. Funny to think that I could go "potty" in peace and enjoy my magazines. When I actually have a moment to do so, my kids are in the bathroom wanting to look at them with me!

Toiletries are important to me not to skimp on. There are brands out there that are cheap and fall apart the moment you use them. I think it's important to be clean not for just sanitary reasons but because you want to feel good about yourself as well!

Have you ever tried cheap brands of toilet paper and regretted it later? Falling apart and then you have to keep using more and more and then you realize that you should have just purchased Cottonelle Ultra Comfort Care that wouldn't have happened? I have! We typically use baby wipes after using the bathroom and when they kids wipe they tend to throw them in the toilet. I have spend many of times plunging the toilets because of this. I am thrilled that I have a solution to our problem and probably yours. From speaking with several friends they do the same thing, use baby wipes. Cottonelle Fresh Care Flushable Wipes are not only flushable but they are nice and thick and are alcohol free unlike baby wipes!

Now you can even hang the dispenser box on the wall near your toilet paper with a removable EasyReach hanger no damage applicator!

These Cottonelle Fresh Care Flushable Wipes come in 2 scents - Regular and Gentle Care. Right now you can print off a $1.50 coupon.

For offers and promotions like Cottonelle on Facebook and/or Twitter.

Name your Cottonelle Care Routine on Facebook.

Cottonelle Ultra Comfort Care Toilet Paper and Fresh Care Flushable Wipes users can join the conversation to Name It on Facebook.com/Cottonelle.

The Name Generator on Cottonelle Brand’s Facebook Page will allow users to get a name in three fun ways:

The Randomizer: Simply click to get a name instantly

The Personalizer: Answer a few questions for a personalized name

The Customizer: Create a name to add to our Book of Names and enter for a chance to win a year’s supply of Cottonelle products.

To qualify for the year’s supply of Cottonelle Ultra Comfort Care and Cottonelle Fresh Care, entrants must create a name through The Customizer on Cottonelle Brand’s Facebook Page between June 12, 2012, and February 28, 2013. Winners will be selected in a random drawing on a weekly basis. There is a limit of one prize per person. See full terms and conditions on Cottonelle Brand’s Facebook Page or Cottonelle.com.

People can also participate by following @Cottonelle on Twitter for exclusive opportunities to win #NameIt prizes and check out the Book of Names on Cottonelle.com to see what others have named their routine and get fun bathroom trivia.

“I was compensated for this post through SocialMoms. The opinions and ideas expressed here are my own.”

FATHER'S DAY GIFT GUIDE

2012-05-23T18:19:00.000-04:00

Welcome to the 2012 Father's Day Gift Guide hosted by Blog It Forward! If you are looking for great gift ideas for dad then you came to the right place! Men are so hard to buy for aren't they?! We want to help. We have gift ideas for all of the special men in your life! From hammocks to bathrobes to digital filing systems, we have ideas that will make your shopping easier!

Be sure to come back on June 1 because we will be giving away *every*single*gift* on the Father's Day Gift Guide!

NeatDesk :: For the digital dad. This year give him a sleek tech-tool that will help him manage and digitize important files at home, in the office, and on the road.
3D Photo Crystal :: For the sentimental dad. 3D Laser Gifts can create etched crystals that show your love and appreciation for dad in a creative way.
Kentfield Men's Hiking Shoe :: For the active dad. The Kentfield by Ahnu is designed for the dad who wants the performance of a cross-trainer with the breathability and comfort of a water-sandal.
Xperience Days :: For the adventurous dad. With thousands of unique gift experiences nationwide, there is a perfect opportunity for dad in your area.
Organic Bamboo Bathrobe :: For the "green" dad. Any dad would love to receive such a luxurious and eco-friendly gift from The Ultimate Green Store!
EatSmart Precision GetFit Body Scale :: For the health conscious dad. This scale from EatSmart is perfect for dads who are serious about taking control of their health!
Hammock Bliss :: For the outdoorsy dad. Any dad who loves to spend time outdoors will love a new hammock from Hammock Bliss!
Galileo Weather Station :: For the weather buff dad. Dad will love to study the weather on the Galileo Weather Station from Wind & Weather!
King Louie Microfiber Windshirt :: For the All American dad. All USA Clothing offers many gift options that dad will love, all Made in the USA!
Journal 10 :: For the record keeper dad. Give dad his own personal time machine as he records precious memories and builds a memoir to treasure.
Sogno Coffee :: For the coffee loving dad. Dad will enjoy premium Sogno Coffee made with only the finest Arabica beans.

Please visit the links above which will take you to a full review of our fabulous sponsors. You will also find special offers and discounts. We hope you found some gift giving inspiration for your dad! Don't forget to come back to this blog on June 1. We are giving away over $1210 in prizes!

LEARNING RESOURCES FEEDING FROGGY FUN GAME REVIEW + GIVEAWAY

2012-05-23T08:44:00.000-04:00

Learning Resources is a leading manufacturer of innovative, hands-on educational materials for classrooms and learning toys for the home. For more than 25 years, the company has been a trusted source for educators and parents for quality, award-winning educational products. The Company’s diverse product line of over 1300 proprietary products serves children and their families, kindergarten, primary, and middle school markets focused in the areas of mathematics, science, early childhood, reading, Spanish language, English language learning and teacher resources

I incorporate alot of Learning Resources products into our homeschooling. When I homeschool my oldest son I like not only for my littler one's to be learning and stay busy but I want to have fun at the same time and that's exactly what Learning Resources products do!

A product that Learning Resources offers is Feeding Froggy Fun.

Squeeze open Froggy’s mouth and grab flies to strengthen fine motor muscles. Also develops number sense, counting and color recognition.

Roll a cube to determine which flies to munch—practice number and color matching skills too!

Includes 2 durable rubber frogs, 60 flies, 1 number cube, 1 color cube and Activity Guide

Teaches:

Basic Concepts

Fine Motor

Cognitive: Math

Key points

Size is conducive to whole hand grasping. (Frogs measure 2.5” in diameter ) It helps keep tight fists open

Encourages bilateral coordination—children can grasp the frog with one hand and feed it with the other. Helps establish a dominant hand and support cognitive organization

Flies can be used to create AB patterning (e.g. red, blue, red, blue)

Reinforces both numbers and counting skills

Can you tell my preschooler enjoyed playing this game? We sat and played it as a family. While my preschooler enjoyed it my daughter struggled with squeezing the frog hard enough to get the mouth of it fully opened to get the fly inside but I think it's because she is 2 years old and her dexterity is still developing, this game will definitely strenghten her hand muscles! This game not only teaches patience because you have to get the frogs mouth to open but it teaches, colors and math concepts. Plus the kids love the rubbery frogs to play with!

The Froggy Feeding Fun Game can be purchased directly from Learning Resources for $21.99. Learning Resources has something educational for all ages! Right now Learning Resources is offering free shipping for orders $50.00 or more using code Spring at the check out!

Enter to win Froggy Feeding Fun Game!

Here's how you enter this giveaway:

Use below Rafflecopter form to enter for a chance to win this awesome giveaway! Please let me know if you have any questions!

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PRICELESS FACES - WORDLESS WEDNESDAY WITH LINKY

2012-05-22T16:14:00.000-04:00

I took my kids to our local zoo over the weekend, they love playing in the water fountains there. I captured these fun moments and I am posting the one's with their funny faces! I love stepping to the side and just watch them play it's priceless. Moments to always treasure.

See my daughter's face

My baby

My oldest son's face

And my 4 year old son, his chest all puffed out with a weird look on his face.

What's your Wordless Wednesday? Link up with Frugal Plus & Mama to 4 Blessings every week and share your Wordless Wednesday! PLEASE do not link up your giveaways on this linky. You can add them every Saturday to my Super Saturday linky

GREEN TOYS PIZZA PARLOR REVIEW + GIVEAWAY (SHAKE RATTLE + ROLL EVENT)

2012-05-22T00:02:00.000-04:00

The Shake, Rattle, & Roll Giveaway Hop features a variety of great products for kids of all ages! Once you have entered to win here, be sure to visit all of the participating blogs at the bottom of this post! Don’t forget to enter to win the Shake, Rattle, & Roll Grand Prize sponsored by Tommee Tippee! You will have the chance to win a Closer to Nature Audio Baby Monitor valued at $149.99! Visit Formula Mom to Enter the Shake, Rattle, & Roll Grand Prize Giveaway!!

Green Toys, Inc. makes an awesome line of classic children’s toys constructed from recycled plastic and other environmentally friendly materials. This helps reduce fossil fuel use and reduce greenhouse gas emissions, improving the overall health and happiness of the planet.

One of their fun toys is the Pizza Parlor.

Pizza lovers can pretend and play chef and server by taking orders, creating custom pizzas, and serving guests. This colorful 27-piece set features four slices that can be stacked with toppings galore to dish up any personal pie. Each realistic part is made in the USA from food-safe 100% recycled plastic milk containers that save energy and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Each pizza ingredient is interchangeable with other Green Toys stacking play food products and fits on Green Toys kitchen sets. The set includes 4 pizza crusts, 20 pizza toppings (4 sauce, 4 cheese, 4 sets pepperoni, 2 sets mushrooms, 2 sets onions, 1 green pepper, 1 red pepper, 1 red tomato, and 1 green tomato), pizza cutter, Pizza Parlor order forms, and pizza "delivery" box. Take out or deliver this Good Green Fun™! No BPA, PVC, phthalates, or external coatings. Meets FDA food contact standards. Dishwasher safe.

Dimensions: Complete Pizza: 7-3/4" diameter, 1-1/4"H
Toppings: Approximately 3" W, Pizza cutter: 6-3/4" L

Age recommended: 2 years and up

My kids love their new Pizza Parlor! It was fun to see all their creations as their imaginations went wild! This toy definitely gets children to be be creative and for littler ones great for hand and eye coordination as the male and female parts of the pizza toppings go together. I like hot this is a BPA Free product and made from recycled products! Saving our planet and learning at the same time!

The Pizza Parlor can be purchased directly from Green Toys for $27.99

Enter to win a Pizza Parlor from Green Toys!

Here's how you enter this giveaway:

Use below Rafflecopter form to enter for a chance to win this awesome giveaway! Please let me know if you have any questions!

Disclosure: Formula Mom, Tales From the Nursery, and the Shake, Rattle, & Roll bloggers are not responsible for sponsors that fail to fulfill their prizes.

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DISNEY CRUISE GIVEAWAY FOR A FAMILY OF 4 $3,000 RV

2012-05-21T21:00:00.000-04:00

Here's the moment we've all been waiting for! Acadiana's Thrifty Mom has teamed up with American Family and an awesome group of bloggers to bring you our BIGGEST giveaway yet! One lucky fan will win a Disney Cruise for a family of 4 valued at $3000! That's right, a Disney Cruise ♥ This awesome giveaway is brought to you by American Family and Acadiana's Thrifty Mom, and hosted by Frugality For Less, and Debbie Does Coupons.

*This giveaway is opened to U.S. residents only. You must be 18 years of age to enter to win. The winner will be responsible for transportation to and from the port of departure. This giveaway is not affiliated with Facebook, Google, Pinterest, or Twitter in any way. Please read HERE for complete rules.

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FROM DREAMWORKS PICTURES COMES PEOPLE LIKE US IN THEATERS JUNE 29TH

2012-05-21T19:19:00.003-04:00

From DreamWorks Pictures comes “People Like Us,” a drama/comedy about family, inspired by true events, starring Chris Pine (“Star Trek”) as Sam, a twenty-something, fast-talking salesman, whose latest deal collapses on the day he learns that his father has suddenly died. Against his wishes, Sam is called home, where he must put his father's estate in order and reconnect with his estranged family. In the course of fulfilling his father's last wishes, Sam uncovers a startling secret that turns his entire world upside down: He has a 30-year-old sister Frankie whom he never knew about (Elizabeth Banks). As their relationship develops, Sam is forced to rethink everything he thought he knew about his family—and re-examine his own life choices in the process.

In a story inspired by true events, Sam, a twenty-something, fast-talking salesman, is tasked with fulfilling his estranged father’s last wishes—delivering an inheritance to a sister he never knew he had.

The film also stars Olivia Wilde, Michael Hall D’Addario, Philip Baker Hall, Mark Duplass and Michelle Pfeiffer. A DreamWorks Pictures presentation, “People Like Us” is directed by Alex Kurtzman, produced by Roberto Orci, Bobby Cohen and Clayton Townsend, and written by Alex Kurtzman & Roberto Orci & Jody Lambert.

The film releases in U.S. theaters on June 29, 2012.

Mama to 4 Blessings will be attending the prescreening June 13th, make sure you come back and check out my review!

Like People Like Us on Facebook for movie updates!

7 HABITS OF HAPPY KIDS GAME REVIEW + GIVEAWAY (BLOGGER PR KICKOFF EVENT)

2012-05-21T00:02:00.000-04:00

Welcome to the BloggerPR Kickoff Giveaway Hop!

We are celebrating the launch of BloggerPR, which is a brand new support and media group for bloggers. Over 50 blogs are giving away some amazing prizes valued over $25! This event will run from May 21-27, 2012. Join us as we kick off a brand new and exciting venture for our members!

Educational Insights, is the manufacturer of playful products with serious educational value, including subject-specific classroom products, teacher resources, educational toys, and games. Their products are designed by seasoned educators and parents who know that, first and foremost, learning must be fun.

I have really trying to focus on character building with my children lately. Teaching them to be Godly children, to be respectful, putting others first and to have healthy habits. When I was contact by Educational Insights to review their 7 Habits of Happy Kids Game I was thrilled!

A playful way to introduce, practice, and promote 7 kid-friendly principles of personal happiness. Share thoughtful, personal responses, and really listen to each other in this family-friendly game that includes game board, 7 character pieces, 7 token holders, 7 sets of tokens, 12 Wild Ernie tokens, and 1 pair of “Ear-Resistable” Jumper Rabbit ears. For 3–7 players. Grades 1+

How to Play:
1. Players choose their playing pieces – characters are from the best-selling 7 Habits of Happy Kids books!
2. Take turns reading cards, responding, and moving around the board to collect tokens for each of the 7 Habits.
3. The first player to fill his or her token holder with 7 tokens becomes the card reader.
4. Play continues until all players have filled their token holders – a true win-win!

Comes with:

Game board, 7 character pieces, 7 token holders, 7 sets of tokens, 12 Wild Ernie tokens, and 1 pair of “Ear-Resistable” Jumper Rabbit ears

As you can tell from the photo my boys loved this game! It was a great family bonding time and it gave us an opportunity to share ourselves with each other. I learned likes and dislikes about my children that I didn't know and we reminisced over past experiences which was heartwarming while creating an environment of listening and being respectful. What a great family game!

The baby loved the bunny ears, even though he was too little to play the game he wanted to wear the bunny ears when no one else was!

The 7 Habits of Happy Kids Game can be purchased directly from Educational Insights for $29.99. Right now Educational Insights is offering 20% to 60% off on sale items. Great time to stock up on some awesome products for the summer and next school year!

Enter to win 7 Habits of Happy Kids Game!

Here's how you enter this giveaway:

Use below Rafflecopter form to enter for a chance to win this awesome giveaway! Please let me know if you have any questions!
Open to US participants, 18+

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KINDLE FIRE GIVEAWAY

2012-05-21T00:00:00.000-04:00

I've teamed up with Embracing Beauty to giveaway a Kindle Fire to one lucky reader. This is a great gadget for anyone on your gift-giving list, including Dad! Whether you're a social media addict, book lover, or avid blog reader, this is one product you'll love to own!

Kindle Fire, Full Color 7″ Multi-touch Display, Wi-Fi - RV: $199

Movies, apps, games, music, reading and more, plus Amazon’s revolutionary, cloud-accelerated web browser

Over 20 million movies, TV shows, songs, magazines, and books

Thousands of popular apps and games, including Netflix, Hulu Plus, Pandora, and more

Ultra-fast web browsing – Amazon Silk

Free cloud storage

Vibrant color touchscreen with extra-wide viewing angle

Fast, powerful dual-core processor

Favorite children’s books, graphic novels, and magazines in rich color

Amazon Prime Members enjoy unlimited, instant streaming on thousands of popular movies and TV shows.

Amazon Prime Members choose from over a hundred thousand books to borrow for free.

Want to win a Kindle Fire?

One winner will receive a free Kindle Fire shipped right to their door.

There are some great ways to earn extra entries into this giveaway! All mandatory and extra entries must be submitted within the Rafflecopter Giveaway box below.

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This giveaway is open worldwide and will go from May 21-26, 2012 11:59pm EST. As always, if you have any trouble entering this giveaway, or if you have any questions, please contact me!

KID SUMMER FUN PINS - PINTEREST MONDAY WITH LINKY

2012-05-20T19:40:00.003-04:00

I am teaming up and co-hosting with my friend at Musings From a Stay at Home Mom for the weekly Pinterest Monday! Just link to a post with your favorite Pinterest finds for the week and comment on the post above yours!

This hop is for family-friendly Pinterest-related blog posts only

You may link up the following:

Your post of favorite pins. A post you'd like pinned. It must be "pin-worthy," meaning no giveaways, no sponsored, for sale posts, etc. You may also link to your Pinterest profile Any other links will be deleted. Thank you!

You can also link up your favorite Pins at Energizer Bunnies Mommy Reports every Friday!

This week I chose Pins of some summer fun activities that will be on our bucket list this summer.

Water pouring using various cups, bowls, containers

etc.

Source: mamato3blessings.blogspot.com via Mama on Pinterest

Source: ziggityzoom.com via Mama on Pinterest

Source: playathomemom3.blogspot.com via Mama on Pinterest

Share your favorite Pins with us from the week! Link up below!

LOWE'S $25.00 GIFT CARD FLASH GIVEAWAY

2012-05-19T23:17:00.001-04:00

One winner will receive One $25 Lowe's Gift Card. The giveaway will run from Sunday, May 20, 2012 at 12:01 AM until Monday, May 22, 2012 at 9:00 PM. This giveaway is open to US Residents 18 of age or older.

Participating bloggers that made this giveaway possible:

Bodhi's Mews Donna's Deals and More Are We There Yet?Bonkers 4 Coupons A little bit of everything Mom Does Reviews Mama Chocolate Mama to 4 Blessings Love It Why We Love Green Just Like June Livin' The MOMMY Life One House Schoolroom Coupon Queen of Texas Family Savings Center Thrifty Momma Ramblings Work at Home Wife and MotherGustosa Giveaways The Giveaway Tree The Review Wire Frugal-Shopping New Age Mama Coupondipity NWF Coupon Exchange Carol's Random Babble The Frugal Ginger

MoneySavingGirlThe Glam KittyShayShay's PlaceTatum's Family ReviewsSweeping The USA

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HOW TO MAKE A VOLCANO WITH HYDROGEN PEROXIDE + YEAST! (SCIENCE SUNDAY)

2012-05-19T22:50:00.001-04:00

My oldest son has been taking homeschool Science classes at our local Children's Museum for the past month. They are all hands on (I will be posting them for the next few Science Sundays) This particular one was awesome! Volcano's!

They did 4 volcano's 4 different ways, I will post each one for the next 4 weeks. My son loved making these and some of them I have never heard of mixing these products together to cause the "volcano effect" Like this one!

Materials:

Hydrogen Peroxide

Food coloring

Yeast mixed thoroughly with water

Water bottle

Add the Hydrogen Peroxide to the bottle with the food coloring and then add the yeast, make sure the bottle is on a surface that you do not mind getting dirty because once the yeast is poured it it's fast to make the volcano!

When it was done oozing it looked like plastic on the table around the bottle.

Come back next week to see our 2nd volcano!

Linking this homeschool post up to Weird Unsocialized Homeschoolers, and delicate Construction this week!

HUGGIES SNUG + DRY AND HUGGIES GET MORE DONE WIPES REVIEW

2012-05-19T22:24:00.000-04:00

I am what you call a daytime cloth diapering mom and disposable diapering mom at night time and when we travel. I switched from disposables to cloth diapers because of the expense and to preserve our planet. I use disposables at nigh time because my baby's diaper gets so wet that he leaks terribly so I find that Huggies Snug & Dry works best at night time - no leaking!

With an adorable Mickey Mouse design these diapers are the best disposables you will find on the market. With removable adjustable tabs which is perfect because my baby has figured out how to take his diapers off, I am able to put it back on him good as new. These are so many different brands on the market from big brands to generic brands but Huggies is a brand you can trust that stands by their products, they say Long-Lasting production? I agree it is, better than what my cloth diapers can do at times.

~ Unlike other brands, HUGGIES Snug & Dry Diapers have a SnugFit waistband and unique Grip Tabs for a secure fit

~ Absorb-Away layers and Long-Lasting Core lock in wetness—while keeping your baby dry

~ Stopping guards around the legs and waist help keep wetness in

We mostly use disposable baby wipes as well and we are very picky on the brand wipes we buy and use. Typically per my husbands request we purchase our favorite bulk store name brand because they are nice and thick and durable but after using the Huggies Get More Done Wipes I am not so sure we need to buy the wipes we have been purchasing. What I really liked most was not only they were thick, durable and didn't fall apart but the package opening was nice and big and several didn't come out when I pulled on the top one. This package is perfect to toss in the diaper bag for diaper changes, to clean noses and faces, clean surface areas when out to eat, etc!

Huggies One & Done Wipes help you get more done with improved thickness and texture.

~ Thicker, so you can get more done with one

~ Improved texture helps grab the mess

~ Fragrance free and alcohol-free

See for yourself how Huggies has made these great diapering products in such an innovative way! To stay tuned for new Huggies products and offers follow Huggies on Facebook and Twitter.

“I participated in a campaign on behalf of Mom Central for Huggies. I received product samples to facilitate my review and a promotional item to thank me for participating”

GOT GIVEAWAYS? SHARE THEM + LINK UP @ SUPER SATURDAY LINK UP (WIN SOME TOO)

2012-05-18T19:42:00.002-04:00

Here are my current giveaways..........

Lifetime 10 foot full size swing set $599 RV
Ends 5/27

Mama D's Closet -- Mama Cloth Pads

Ends 5/21

Bella Cupcake Courture (Cupcake Wrappers)

Winners Choice

Ends 5/31

Tommee Tipee Explora (2 pack) 9 oz. Kids Drinking Cups

Ends 5/28

Dove Cleartone Renew Deodorant Prize Pack for Women

Ends 5/30

Premama Prenatal Powered Drinking Supplement Mix

1 month supply

Ends 5/27

What Women Want Giveaway Event

(handbag, jewelry, perfume + more prize pack)

Ends 5/25

AND

We now have sign ups for The Summer Fun Event! Which is also a free event! All you need to do is offer a $15.00 giveaway for this event!

Sign ups are open till 7/4, Sign ups

_____________________________________

PREMAMA PRENATAL DRINKING VITAMIN REVIEW + 1 MONTH SUPPLY GIVEAWAY

2012-05-18T18:15:00.003-04:00

After interviewing our moms, aunts, cousins, distant relatives, family friends, and over a hundred expectant mothers, Premama began to realize how real the discomforts of taking prenatal pills were. While a majority of the women were aware of prenatal vitamin health benefits, many simply stopped using them because the pills became unbearable. They learned that each year over 850,000 women in the United States suffer from pregnancy complications and birth defects—largely due to nutritional deficiency.

Premama gathered a team of obstetricians and gynecologists (OB/GYNs), nutritionists, pharmacists and health business experts and immediately delved into product development. They promised a prenatal nutritional beverage that was complete, all-natural, and easy-to-drink. With friends, family and numerous moms-to-be serving as samplers of Premama, refining their product until everyone reached a consensus on nutritional effectiveness and taste. Our next step was to launch our company to market a flavorless Premama to OB/GYNs across the United States. After winning the 2011 Rhode Island Business Plan Competition, meeting with countless doctors, interviewing expectant moms, and receiving extremely positive feedback on our drink, we are proud to finally present Premama to market.

Pregnancy, Premama believes, should be as healthy, wholesome and comfortable as possible. Now moms and moms-to-be can feel good knowing Premama provides all the key prenatal nutrients for their babies and themselves—without the pain of the pill. At Premama, passion for your well-being is our motivation behind everything we do

I have to say that I stopped taking a prenatal vitamin when my last baby was born even though I am still nursing him, why? I just don't like pills. And now my husband and I are trying to conceive our 5th baby it's definitely essential that I take a prenatal vitamin especially since I nurse our 17 month baby and trying to conceive at the same time. Premama is easy to use, added mine to cold water however, I wasn't too fond of the taste. The great thing is that I do not have to swallow a pill and all the ingredients are 100% natural!

Premama comes in 1 month supply for $25.00 (plus $4.95 shipping), 3 months supply for $75.00 (free shipping), 6 months supply for $125.00 (free shipping PLUS ONE FREE BOX), 9 months for $175.00 (free shipping PLUS TWO FREE BOXES).

Enter to win a month supply of Premama!

Here's how you enter this giveaway:

Use below Rafflecopter form to enter for a chance to win this awesome giveaway! Please let me know if you have any questions!

Disclaimer: “Mama to 4 Blessings receieved free products for my honest review in the Premama promotional review / giveaway program from MomSelect.". Opinions are my own and NOT influenced by monetary compensation.

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OUTSIDE OF THE BOX, LEARNING WITH PAINT SWATCHES

2012-05-18T08:50:00.000-04:00

I love looking for ways to teach my children using thrifty methods. I am sure you have seen on various blogs with moms teaching with paint swatches from the hardware store. I had started doing this when my 2nd son was 2 years old (2 years ago). Now I am using them with my 3 year old daughter. BUT I have thought of a few new ways to do so! Check them out below!

Materials:

Larger paper paint swatches

Crayons (the same colors as the paint swatches)

Smaller white pieces of paper cut in squares

Glue stick

Hole Puncher

Loop Ring

I had my daughter color each square the same colors as the paint swatches, so one square would be red, one orange, one yellow and so on.

Then I had her glue each colored square she colored on the matching paint swatch.

Then I hole punched it and looped it with a ring. She now has a learning color flashcard book she made all by herself!

Then I took larger paint swatches and cut them in half so I had 2 piles of the same color

Then are played color matching game, lay the colors face down and match!

Next, matching colored paper clips to the Mickey Mouse paint swatches.

Materials:

Colored paint swatches

Colored paper clips

I simply had her match the colored paper clip to the same color Mickey Mouse paint swatch.

Have you ever incorporated paint swatches in your learning, if so how?

Linking this homeschool post up to Homeschool Creations, Weird Unsocialized Homeschoolers, and delicate Construction this week.

BELLA CUPCAKE COUTURE (CUPCAKE WRAPPERS) REVIEW + GIVEAWAY

2012-05-17T22:13:00.002-04:00

Bella Cupcake Couture is the passionate creation of Carrie Middlemiss. After a year of research and talking to cupcake lovers and shop owners, she created stylish textile-inspired cupcake wrappers to hide the crinkly, translucent paper they're baked in.

Carrie wanted something fashionable for the bottom portion of her cupcakes and always said "Why should the frosting have all the limelight?"
Now, Bella Cupcake Couture offers posh and chic textile-inspired cupcake wrappers. The boutique-style designs add a touch of sophistication and elegance for any special occasion. Carrie envisions the wrappers, which are printed with soy inks on recycled paper, at weddings, bridal and baby showers and as birthday gifts, housewarming gifts and a little treat for yourself.

I had the opportunity to review the Faith Cross With Doves Wrappers. I chose this wrapper because we had our baby dedicated at church on Mother's Day. We wanted something special as a desert to celebrate the occasion.

12 textile-inspired cupcake wrappers included.
~ Easy to assemble. Simply bake or buy your favorite frosted cupcake and set inside wrapper for an elegant finish.

~ For presentation purposes only and not appropriate for baking.

~Measures 3.25" wide and and just under 2" tall.

~ Sold in a package of 12 count for $7.99 or 50 count for $29.99

These cupcake wrappers really spruced up the typical boring cupcakes, especially mine! I was amazed how beautiful these wrappers made my cupcakes look. They were super easy to put on the cupcakes. After I baked my cupcakes in the typical cupcake liner, after cooling and icing the cupcakes I wrapped the Bella Cupcake Couture Wrapper around the base of the cupcake! Viola! What a great alternative to candies, tall icing on the tops of cupcakes!

Bella Cupcake Couture sells cupcake wrappers for just about everything: baby shower, graduation, Valentine's, Fall, birthday's and much more!

Enter to win a 12 count set of Bella Cupcake Couture wrappers of your choice!

Here's how you enter this giveaway:

Use below Rafflecopter form to enter for a chance to win this awesome giveaway! Please let me know if you have any questions!

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