She's Making a List... #SearsMom

She's making a list, I'm checking it twice...

3 more weeks till Christmas! 

My daughter turned 5 this year and every year since she was 2 years old and able to grasp a pen properly in her hand, we prepared her Christmas Wish List with her for her letter to Santa.

I cannot think of any other place to go to that is as informative and fun to flip through than the yearly Holiday Sears Wish Book.

We usually do this after our decorations have been put up as we have Ava place her finished letter to Santa anywhere on the Christmas Tree before bed and wake up to find it gone. She thinks Santa has special Elves that pick them up from the tree.

My Mother-in-Law use to tell my husband that when he was little and for some reason that stuck to him and therefore got passed down as something fun to do with our daughter.

Now that she's a big sister (and a very loving and caring one at that), it was a pleasant sight for me to see her circling a few toddler toys on her own. 

"I'm picking the ones Talan wants, Mommy!" Because obviously she knows which ones he wants.

They've got a secret sibling code that only they can understand.

What she circled for her lil' brother. He already owns a Big Hugs Elmo! :)

I also find it so interesting to see the growth in my daughter each year depending on the stuff that she circles.

What I sometimes think she may want, surprisingly she doesn't circle. And you think you know your child really well! It goes to show you how much they are growing each day and that they have their own individual interest. Very helpful!

It's usually followed by milk and cookies and a Christmas movie before bed which is why we often do this together as a family on a weekend.

Do you have any traditions for writing Wish Lists with your children? 

Sears is also hosting an amazing contest on right now called the Sears Wishes of Joy Contest on now until December 15 where entrants can SHARE their wish lists (to win!) PLUS many more opportunities to win up to $10,000 in prizes. It's lots of fun! Check it out here! 

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Disclosure: I am part of the Sears Mom Ambassador program with Mom Central Canada and I receive special perks as part of my affiliation with this group. The opinions on this blog are my own.

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12 Days of Giveaways: Day 3 with Mastermind Toys

Before when I use to ask my child or my niece or nephew what they wanted for their Birthday or for Christmas and they would reply with some sort of toy, my response would usually be less than absorbed.

Yes, I sadly caught the BA (Boring Adult) Syndrome.

I forgot how much toys not only brought joy and elation to a child on Christmas morning, but the many adventures and education it actually brought as well.

I learned to count as a toddler using toys. I learned to walk using toys. I grasped math and science growing up with toys. 

We grow up and we forget the value of play.

What I admire about Mastermind Toys is that they carry only the best quality selection of toys that get your brain and body going along with art of play. There's nothing wasted nor humdrum about them.

You can rest assured what you purchase from Mastermind Toys will always be a great buy! 

Two toys that I really enjoyed (along with my children of course) and found to be so interesting is the Tegu Magnetic Wooden Building Blocks and the Hexbug Aquabots!

Create colourful structures with this beautiful set of Tegu Magnetic Wooden Building Blocks! Tinted in bright colours and featuring magnets, Tegu is ready to inspire creative designs and lots of fun for young builders! Complete with a set of 4 Tegu Magnetic Wooden Wheels, this 42 piece, large building set allows for the construction of structures as well as rolling vehicle creations!

ARV $109.99, mastermindtoys.com

My daughter, son, husband, brother, sister, mom, dad, nephew, neighbour, friend... LOVED building with the Tegu Magnetic Wooden Building Blocks. Age on the box says 0-99 for a reason -- it's so much fun! 

Because of their amazing quality and structure, this is one toy that is sure to last many, many years. Possibly even a hand-me-down to my future grand-kids!

My daughter loves underwater life. She is begging me for a big aquarium filled with fish, turtles, starfish, sharks, manta rays, octopus and more. 

I guess for now we will settle with these cool "robo-fish" as my husband likes to call them.

The Hexbug Aquabot is the first water-born Hexbug micro robotic creature with smart fish technology! Powered by electro-magnetic propulsion, this swimming fish propels itself to explore its environment. The colourful Hexbug Aquabot offers kids the fun experience of having a pet fish, without all the messy clean-up. The Aquabots are equipped with an automatic on and off sensor that activates when submerged in water, a design element meant to get kids thinking about the science behind the robot.

ARV $8.99/each, mastermindtoys.com

This is one stocking stuffer of small gift idea that will please any child! No matter how picky they can be!

To learn more, visit Mastermind Toys at www.mastermindtoys.com.

Courtesy of Mastermind Toys, we are bringing the exciting gift of play with a Tegu 42-Piece Wooden Building Block Set (Tints) and 2 Hexbug Aquabots {ARV $128}!

To enter, leave a comment below telling me why you think PLAY is so important for your child.

Open to Canadian Residents only.

Contest ends 12/12.

Good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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A Glitzi and Glimmery Fun Holiday Gift for Kids

There is definitely something about being able to craft my own toy from beginning to end that makes it extra fun and appealing.
For a child to know how her/his toy was put together, step-by-step, is not only teaching them dexterity and technique but also patience! And we all know how important that particular characteristic is.

I was recently introduced to a new line of toys that offer all of this -- Glitzi Globes, Orbeez and Blingles.

My daughter was so excited to try these out as she's a very hands-on girl and loves putting things together.
It was a fun evening of Glitzing, Glimmering and Foot Spa-ing (with Orbeez Foot Spa!).

We had such a blast! Not only was it fun, but it was really easy to use and at the same time, you're really getting into it doing everything piece by piece. 

The glitter part was admittedly the best part for me! Me and Glitter = Always a party!

I also happen to have a love for snow globes. They are just so whimsical!

Every time I shake a snow globe and see the snow flutter around, one of my favourite songs of all time plays in my head, Ice Dance from Danny Elfman. (Yes leave it to me to get a little dramatic...)

Glitzi Globes: Make your very own mini glitter globes- Glitzi Globes are the cutest, collectible DIY snow globes around! Create your own to pop, swap, share and wear!

The super easy-to-use Glitzi Globes Showcase allows you to create your very own mini glitter globes in just minutes! Simply add water, fill and shake! You can store and display your fabulous collection on the beautiful Showcase and even create a mega spinning carrousel globe!

With the Glitzi Globes Starter Kit, you can create Glitzi Jewellery with your Globes! The easy to use Globe Maker creates beautiful Glitzi Globes in minutes. Just add your character, fill the dome with water, pop on the base plate and display or wear you fabulous finished Glitzi Globes on the ring, bracelet and necklace included.

To learn more about Glitzi Globes, visit www.glitziglobes.ca

Blingles: Blingles is the coolest way to create your own fun and stunning gem designs that stick to almost anything! Bling up your accessories, electronics and more with the no-mess Blingles Studio that makes it easy to design it, roll it and bling it!

Available in 3 Different Theme Packs:

1-Crystal Pets

2- Sparkling Princess

3- Shimmering Candy

With the theme packs, you have enough materials to create up to 6 designs. Make your own or use the patterns included! 

Blingles are also available in the Accessory Pack:

-250 gems + tools to create your own designs

- included: trinket box, key chain, picture frame and 2 gift cards for decorating

Design your own and Bling it to life!

To learn more about Blingles, visit them at: www.blingles.ca.

Orbeez: Orbeez are super-absorbent polymers (several smaller molecules joined together) that can grow to more than 100 times their volume when you add water (the water gets absorbed into the areas between the molecules). The technology was first invented for agricultural purposes in the 1960s- for irrigating crops. Today, these polymers are used in diapers (as we know) to help prevent leaks, in food packaging to absorb excess water, and in floral vases to hydrate cut flowers.

Orbeez are non-toxic (but obviously be aware of the choking hazards of small pieces).

The Orbeez Soothing Spa is a great way to give your hands and feet a treat in the soothing softness of Orbeez. The cascading colourful Orbeez waterfall, scent, and ambient lighting bring spa relaxation to a new level of fun!

Blingles, Glitzi Globes, and Orbeez are all available at:

• Toys R Us
• Walmart
• Target
• Sears
• London drugs
• Home hardware
• Canada Tire
• Loblaws

These would surely make a great gift idea for the Holidays for a little girl (or boy!). 

To make one special child on your list very happy this year, one of my readers will win a Glitzi Globes Showcase which includes everything they will need to Glitz and Showcase their creations!

The easy to use Glitzi Globes showcase create beautiful Glitzi Globes™- in just minutes! Just add water, fill and shake! Now store them in your Glitzi show case and show them off! Also check out the mega spinning globe you can make soooo glitzi!

To win, simply enter via rafflecopter below.

Contest ends December 12th, 2013.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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Disclosure: I received sample products for a complete and honest review; and as always all opinions expressed are entirely my own.

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Reflections of Christmas

As the year draws to a close and we near the fun and festivities of the Holiday Season, you start to really reminisce about Holiday visions and what each past Christmas has brought to your memory bank.

Dating back to the days when paying mortgage bills and stressing about work deadlines were virtually non-existent and the only thing that mattered during the Holiday season was if I was finally going to see Santa and especially if the doll I really wanted was going to be wrapped underneath the tree... some of the best memories in my life have been on Christmas Day.

Left: Toothless Grin, happy 7 year old Carol on Christmas Day | Right: 20 year old Carol receiving gift from Grandma         

Age does not exist on Christmas mornings -- I still get that thrill myself (and perhaps even still BELIEVE that Santa does exist... he does, doesn't he?)

Christmas matters a great deal to me and my family.
It's not only another Holiday for us, but a special time to show our love for one another and celebrate the special joy of the season with lots of fun, laughter, and good food!
Our saying: "Always leave with full hearts and full tummies!"

Come with me along the years as I reflect on past Christmas'...

My daughter's first Christmas! [Christmas 2008]

Christmas 2009 - Ava with Grandpa E 

This picture is particularly special to us and Ava. This past year we lost our Father (and her Grandpa) and oh did he adore Ava. This was her first Christmas spent with him at his place when she was a year and a half. Here he is chuckling as he patiently adds the ornaments back to the tree that Ava would constantly remove in her toddler curiousity and playfulness and then run towards her stack of presents!
Such a sweet memory.

Christmas 2010 

Christmas 2011

 Presents!

Santa is here! Ava's excitement cannot be contained. The joy in Children's faces is priceless.

Baby Talan's First Christmas! [Christmas 2012]

What a lovely walk down the candy cane-lined memory lane.

As I prepare for the upcoming 2013 Christmas, one other must-do is to have my children write Santa a letter telling him what was on their Wish list.

Sears makes it so much more easier with their brilliant and jam-packed Sears Wish Book.
We look forward to it every year!

Check out the markings on Ava's Sears Wish Book a couple years back. I told her to mark in purple crayon what she wanted. Can you tell someone loved Hello Kitty? I love that Sears categorizes their Wish Book to fit all ages and preferences for kids of all ages!

Did I mention I was recently selected as a new #SearsMom Ambassador?

This of course is not only exciting for me and my family but fitting as we are loyal and happy customers of Sears! You can follow along on social media via hashtag #SearsMom!

I LOVE their Sears' Top Toys Selection which you can find on their website in their Toy Shop.

Visit the Toy Shop here!

My son has the Fisher-Price Laugh and Learn Crawl Around Car and it's definitely a MUST-HAVE for growing and exploratory toddlers.

Big Hugs Elmo is also another great gift idea this year for young kids. He hugs you back! 

My daughter has her sights set on the LeapFrog LeapPad Ultra Tablet (this makes me happy as a mother as she's not only playing but learning!) 

My future doctor also has a LOVE for Doc McStuffins and playing doc so this Top Toy, Disney Doc McStuffins Get Better Check-Up Centre is definitely on her Wish List!

EXCITING CONTEST!

Starting Friday November 15th, and each Friday following (until December 13th), Sears will be hosting a Friday Daily Facebook contest GIVEAWAY! They’ll be giving away one of their top and hottest holiday toys – and all you have to do is leave a comment. How easy is that?

Visit them on Facebook here.

Here's to many more special Holiday memories!

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Disclosure: I am part of the Sears Mom Ambassador program with Mom Central Canada and I receive special perks as part of my affiliation with this group. The opinions on this blog are my own.

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Big Hugs Make the Perfect Gift Plus Big Hugs Elmo #Giveaway

Someone once said to me that "a hug is the universal medicine" and I couldn't agree more.
Do you remember all the times, good and bad, in your life where you received a warm and genuine embrace from someone? The feeling of receiving a hug during a time you need it most is indescribable. It's something that is only felt deep within the heart.

One of the things I teach my children every time they see someone they care about feeling sad or when they want to show their love is to give them a great big hug.
My daughter is old enough to understand the effects and meaning behind hugs, however my son is too young to fully grasp the meaning but not young enough to truly feel the effects. There's no age limit for that.
He knows how good hugs from mommy, daddy, his sister or grandparents feel when he's fallen down and hurt himself or when he takes his wobbly steps as he learns to walk and gets happy praises and big hugs in celebration.

I'm now slowly compiling my holiday gift list for all the special people in my life and there is no doubt in my mind that Big Hugs Elmo would make one of those special little people on that list VERY happy this year.

On top of being a PTPA Winner, Big Hugs Elmo has also gained the stamp of approval in my family!

My son is currently still teething and he gets bouts of tearful episodes (poor baby!) and I noticed how much more calm he gets when Elmo is around him.

He absolutely adores his furry friend and not only for his comforting embrace but because of all the amazing and fun features included!

There are so many ways to play with Sesame Street Big Hugs Elmo! When you give Elmo a great big hug, he'll hug back, say fun phrases or sing a sweet song about hugs! Press Elmo's left foot and he will invite little ones to join in on 1 of 4 imagination activities. There are 50+ animated sounds and phrases like, "Elmo loves getting hugs from you," 

"Let's pretend we're rabbits! Boing, boing, boing," and "Move to the beat!" When children lay Big Hugs Elmo down in a flat position, he'll become sleepy, sing a lullaby and make sleeping sound effects. 

I have to admit that Elmo's sweet lullaby has even put me to sleep a couple of times. So sweet! 

Features: 

• Hug Elmo and he'll move his arms to hug back 
• Pretend with Elmo: There are 4 fun imagination scenarios: astronauts, rabbits, frogs & horses 
• Dance with Elmo: Move Elmo around - he really responds 
• Sing along with Big Hugs Elmo: Plays 3 fun songs 
• Nap time: Lay Elmo down to hear a sweet lullaby and sleeping sound effects

This past Halloween, Big Hugs Elmo even tagged along as Talan's "Partner in Cuteness-Crime". :)

To learn more about Big Hugs Elmo, visit: www.hasbro.com/playskool/en_CA/sesamestreet/bighugselmo/

If you're on Social Media, PTPA is currently hosting a fun 'Spot the Seal with Hasbro' Contest that offers you many chances to win some seriously amazing prizes including Big Hugs Elmo and many other PTPA-winning Hasbro Products!
For more information, visit: ptpa.com/2013/10/10/spot-seal-hasbro/.

Thanks to Hasbro, as a BHE Brand Ambassador, one of my lucky readers will have the opportunity to win another Big Hugs Elmo of their own this month {ARV $69.99}

1) Leave me a comment below telling  me what your favourite feature is on the Big Hugs Elmo

2) Enter via rafflecopter below for additional entries

The contest will close and a winner will be selected at random on November 17, 2013.

Open to US and Canada (excluding Quebec).

Good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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Disclosure: I am participating in the Hasbro Big Hugs Elmo Blogger Campaign by PTPA Media and received product and compensation as a thank you for participating. The opinions expressed on this blog are my very own.

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Save BIG on Fisher-Price Fridays

There are two things that make me very happy:
1) Seeing my Children Laughing and Learning 
and
2) Saving money

Well, those two things I love have united to bring you one seriously sweet deal.

Two brands that I trust and am loyal to, Fisher-Price and Babies“R”Us, are introducing Fisher-Price Fridays!
Starting every Friday in September, Fisher-Price will offer half price Friday deals for one day only.

The very first half price sale on ALL Fisher-Price Laugh & Learn toys will take place tomorrow Sept 6 in store and online at babiesrus.ca/fp (this site goes live on September 6th).

This couldn't have come at a more amazing time for us because this Saturday we celebrate our sons 1st Birthday! I will definitely be taking advantage of this amazing deal.

One example of a Fisher-Price Laugh & Learn Toy that I have been eyeing for him is this Laugh & Learn™ Crawl Around™ Car.

How adorable is it?

You can check it out all the fantastic Fisher-Price Laugh & Learn Toys by clicking here.
Quality toys that are proven favourites at half the price? Don't miss out!
Which one will you be grabbing on a Fisher-Price Friday?

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To Baby Brother, From Your Big Sis: Fisher-Price Favourites + Exclusive Discount Code

Nothing makes your realize more than ever how cherished life's moments are and how quickly these moments fly by then when you are looking through old photographs.

I'm actually glad I'm one of those mothers that love to snap a picture as often as I can -- you need to capture them before they're gone! You'll never get them back.

Another way to hold onto those moments are material items that have long endured the test of time and continue to serve a purpose in the lives of those you love.

Fisher-Price has launched a new site focusing on their 12 most favoured Toys of all time, Fisher-Price Favourites.

These toys have continued to grace the Mom's Must-Have Lists time and time again and as a mother with two little ones that own a few of those items, I can say that they all deserve to be up there.

One of those items that we first purchased 4 years ago and happened to be one of our daughter's ultimate favourite funny companion was the Original Fisher-Price Laugh & Learn Love to Play Puppy.

This puppy offers so much fun and educational entertainment for your child and my daughter loved singing and clapping along with "Head, Shoulders, Knees & Toes" and "Patty-Cake, Patty-Cake, Baker's Man." 

In fact, she learned to distinguish her Face & Body parts courtesy of the Laugh & Learn Love to Play Puppy.

In the photo above, you'll see a photo of my now 4 year old daughter, Ava, at 5-6 months old and her baby brother, Talan, now 6 months old on the right.

Although there has been some changes to this original puppy that we own, this one still works well and my son and loving it as much as his big sister did.

We always try and teach our children about pride of ownership and were so touched when our daughter took the puppy in her arms, hugged it tightly and handed it over to her baby brother saying, "You can have it now, Talan. I hope you love him as much as I did."

Yes, that almost drove me to tears (well, watery eyes, but close).

Giving up something you love is never easy, especially for children. But giving it someone you love even more, is well worth it. 

The Top 12 Fisher-Price Favourites include:

1. Ocean Wonders Aquarium

2. My Little Snugabunny Cradle N Swing
3. Infant to Toddler Rocker
4. SpaceSaver High Chair
5. Discover’n Grow Jumperoo
6. Brilliant Basics Rock a Stack
7. Laugh & Learn Love to Play Puppy
8. Laugh & Learn Say Please Tea Set
9. Laugh & Learn Click ‘n Learn Remote
10. Brilliant Basics Stroll-Along Walker
11. Little People Wheelies Stand ‘ n Play Rampway
12. Little People Animal Sounds Farm

What Makes a Fisher-Price Favourite?

• These toys have been tried & tested through the years, and year over year have been favourites of moms, not just in Canada, but World over.
• They have lasted through generations of kids, and continually pass not only the “Dr Alfono test”, but also the “kid test”!
• They encourage child development and support children in achieving important milestones.

On this list, another favourite is The Ocean Wonders Aquarium. 

This is another original that big sis owned for her crib, and has always helped her to keep calm whilst attempting to fall asleep.  We are now using it for our son's crib (4 years later and still working!) in hopes that it'll help him to get use to sleeping alone in it.  He's not really loving his crib and much prefers mommy next to him.

So far, it's been doing it's job!

And courtesy of Mom Central Canada and Fisher-Price, you can get your hands on one (or more) of the Fisher-Price Favourites at an exclusive deal!

From March 29th to April 30th, use this code: FISHERPRICE20

and receive 20% off Fisher-Price Favourites at Toys 'R' Us.  Visit here to take advantage of this code.

And don't forget to head over to www.fisherprice.ca/fpfavourites to learn more!

**Disclosure: I am part of the Fisher-Price Blogger Campaign with Mom Central Canada and I receive special perks as part of my affiliation with this group. The opinions on this blog are my own.

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DIY Fun with Orb Factory & Giveaway

I usually like to immerse myself in the usual play routine my 4 year old has and really get involved in what she does.  Each day that passes she does or says something new (and most often very clever) that reminds me what she's playing has a huge impact on her overall learning.

When I was introduced to The Orb Factory and their line of Products for Children, I was instantly intrigued.
What caught my attention were these exact words: We believe in the power of play. We strive to produce toys that not only stimulate a child’s mind, but their creativity as well. Our kits allow children to lose themselves in a world of magic, imagination and artistic freedom.

They are a Canadian company (another big plus for me) located in Halifax, Nova Scotia with over 20 years in business, sold in over 50 countries with numerous awards and have become a recognized and trusted name in the toy industry.
After receiving a couple of products to try out with my daughter, I can honestly say they deserve all these awards and then some -- so much fun and easy to create according to the child's age and of good quality.

We received The Butterfly Tiara Singles from their Sticky Mosaics® Line and Mr. Monster from their Plush Craft Line.

My little girl was ecstatic to receive them! 

First off, the website was very well laid out featuring the different Product lines and their own separate locations so that you can focus on the products for that specific line.  

They also help make it easier to find a fitting product according to your child's gender and age.

We tried the Butterfly Tiara first.

This is part of their Singles line as it only comes with one single item and it's only $4.99! Great price for what you can do with it.  It was quick and easy to make with over 250 sticky mosaic pieces of different pretty colours and styles - perfectly suitable for a princess.

My daughter loves her new tiara.  And what made her love it even more was that she helped make it!

The next item we received that I absolutely love, love, loved (yes, that's love x3!) was the ever so adorable Mr. Monster.

I still think he's in fact a she, or just a very pretty Mr. but aside from the speculation, we had so much creating the cute monster.

Tell me this is not a MISS Monster?

The best part about these products is that the kits are easy to use, mess-free (BONUS!) and they turn out looking amazing!

Taking everything out of the packaging, it was well prepped and organized to make it simple and easy to get started.

What's included:

• 1 stylus
• 260 fabric pieces
• Interchangeable eyes and mouth
• Fully posable and interchangable limbs

Let's get DIY-ing! I allowed my daughter to start. Using the stylus provided (all their products are safe for use - nothing sharp or pointy), she started punching the lovely fabric into the numbers.

I have to admit that I took over with the punching about a quarter into it because my inner DIY-er had to get in on the action.  It was just so pretty!  My daughter didn't mind at all as I had her organizing the fabric pieces by colour while mommy went punch-crazy.

Then what's left to do is add the eyes, mouth and stick the limbs on and Voila! MISS Monster.

How cute is she/he?

There was no mess after this was done and it teaches number and pattern recognition.  A mother's dream!

Most importantly, my daughter had a lot of fun creating a new little plushy pal that she can keep forever.  Miss Monster now has a special little spot on her bed (that's kind of a big deal).

The Plushy Pals Mr. Monster sells for $19.99 and can be purchased online at: www.plush-craft.com or you can contact them here to be directed to a retailer near you that carries these products.

You can view all of Orb Factory's Line of awesome products at: www.orbfactory.com.

Thanks to Orb Factory, one of my readers will get to experience the fun in these products by winning a product of their choice.

To be eligible, simply enter via rafflecopter below.

*Open to both Canada and US Residents.

Ends 12/30.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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