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Family Game Night with Suspend plus #giveaway

Family Game Night used to be the norm in our house. Those days have become a bit scarce lately. We have busy schedules and even the kids just want some down time vegging in front of the tv or playing video games. But sometimes there comes a game that gets the kids to turn off the tv and pull up some carpet. Suspend from Melissa and Doug is that game right now. It’s a simple game of steady hands and balance.
suspend game from melissa and doug

Suspend comes with 24 notched, rubber-tipped wire pieces to hang from a tabletop stand. Sound easy? Try adding another piece! Each time a bar is added, the balance shifts, the difficulty changes and the incredible midair sculpture transforms. Can you add all your game pieces without making it fall? This tricky game for 1-4 players is a test of steady nerves and steady hands.

Suspend was delivered late one afternoon and it was played for anhour that very night. It’s become the go to game for those “I’m bored” moments because it’s something all 3 of the kids can play at the same time. The recommendations say for kids age 8 and up but after an explanation of the rules and directions Shae was playing just as well as the others.

suspend directions
This game takes up very little space to store and to play. It can easily be something you pack for vacations or sleepovers with the grandparents.
Enter to win your own Suspend Family Game here at LookWhatMomFound…and Dad too! Let me know what other games you enjoy playing as a family.

EXTRA ENTRIES:
To receive these extra opportunities for entries, you must fulfill the first REQUIRED entry above. Please note the changes to the entries and frequency, entries that don’t follow rules may be disregarded/ignored/deleted.

  • SUBSCRIBE to LookWhatMomFound…and Dad too! via email or RSS feed
  • SIGNUP for GummyLump’s Newsletter
  • SHARE this link on Facebook (I entered to win a Suspend by Melissa and Doug over at LookWhatMomFound..and Dad too! )
  • REPIN your favorite game or toy from GummyLump’s store onto Pinterest, be sure to include @gummy lump toys in your comment. Share the pin URL here
  • FOLLOW Mom & Dad & GummyLump on Twitter and Tweet this giveaway (1 time per day), please leave your twitter link each time, tweet a form of this message: I entered to win the Suspend Game #Giveaway from @gummylump @lkwhtmomfound @anddadtoo http://bit.ly/NymeVH
  • ENTER another Giveaway – let us know which one in the comment (one extra entry per giveaway you enter, just leave separate comments)
  • COMMENT on any other Review/Our Life/Our Travels/Our Thoughts post, let us know where to find it

Your entries must follow the rules or they won’t be eligible for prizes. This contest ends 11:59 pm, Tuesday, October 9, 2012. The winners will be emailed and will have 24 hours to claim their prize. This contest is open to Continental US residents only. For complete rules please read our blog contest rules page.
I Disclose




Toob Time

When Shaun entered the 2 year old class in daycare back in 2005 the teachers were impressed with his animal recognition and sounds.

Typically kids know cat, dog, cow and bird but he could recognize an iguana, zebra, walrus and sloth. While I’d like to take the credit for this braniac moment it wasn’t me. I had Animal Toobs to thank. Purchasing these toobs actually goes back to little Sabreena. We would pick them up at zoos, museum gift shops and often stuff her stocking with one come Christmas. By the time Shaun came around we had already accumulated a grand collection. He truly played with them and we ended up losing a good amount of them by the time Shae got to them. We’ve been adding to the collection again. Here you see we opened up a Farm Toob from GummyLump.com. They are an inexpensive and educational gift for kids of any age especially since they come in a variety of themes like Pirate, Coral Reef and Dinosaurs. Whatever the obsession of the week is I’m sure there is a Toob for it.

Shamu, not a Toob animal but they live together

A great way to learn animal names and sounds

it was a rainy day so we brought the water table inside, empty

horse and farm animals

mooooooo

Thanks to GummyLump.com for including me in your DotCom.Mom Program and sending great toys for my kids to try out. The Toobs were and always are a hit. Visit GummyLump.com for great prices on Toobs, Melissa and Doug and Arts and Craft Supplies for kids.

 

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Hawaiian Lei Craft

Summer crafting is in full swing but it’s hard to get them up on a regular basis. While we went on vacation this year it’s wasn’t tropical or remote like last years trip. To take our minds back to sandy beaches and palm trees we decided to make some flower leis. This particular craft can be adjusted for different ages depending on what you prep, what you allow your child to do on their own and what kind of supplies you use.

supplies are prepped

making-Hawaiian-lei-kids-craft

threading the string

Supplies
2-3 straws cut to 1″-2″
embroidery floss or yarn or twine
fabric or paper flowers in various colors and sizes

Directions
We had striped bendy straws. Shae cut them into into about 2″ lengths and we tossed the bendy part. The flowers we used were cut using Fiskars Punches in 2 flower shapes from various colors of construction paper. Patterned paper would work really well here too. Start threading a straw piece with 1,2 or 3 flowers then another straw piece. Shae put flowers together that were different sizes and colors. When she was done filling up a 20″ length of embroidery floss I gave it a double knot and it was ready to wear.

flower-kids-craft-necklace

pull all the way through

almost there

This is a great craft to work on with multiple children. All of the supplies can be prepped before hand and there is no waiting for paint or glue to dry or worry about huge messes to clean up. if you don’t have punches available fabric flower bunches from the $1 bin can be taken apart and used. They already have a hole in the middle of the petals too so assembly is simple.

hawaiian-lei-craft

all done and so pretty


Have fun with this one and hope to see your end results. Don’t forget to visit GummyLump #300CraftsforKids Blog to see the fun crafts going on over there. This particular project came right from Fiskars Idea Gallery using their paper punches.




I Disclose




Off to Mom-Moms House, Trunki Giveaway

Shae loves to spend the night at my parent’s house and now my sister’s. She had her first sleepover at my sister’s last weekend and took along her new Melissa and Doug Trunki rolling suitcase. The Trunki is a little more than just a suitcase actually, it’s also a ride on toy and personalized friends.
Equipped with a tow strap, carry handles, secure catches, integrated wheels and stabilizers to prevent toppling over; the Trunki can handle a child up to 100lbs. An optional accessory is a padded seat that transforms into a saddle bag with lots of little compartments.


As you can see from the all the pictures Shae really made the Trunki her own. She loaded it up with stickers, faces on both ends and destination labels of all the places she wants to take it. So far it’s only gone 1 place but I’m sure it’s going to get a lot of use this summer and beyond.

GummyLump is giving a LookWhatMomFound…and Dad too! reader a trunki of their choice. Let me know what color you would choose for that special child in your life.
EXTRA ENTRIES:
To receive these extra opportunities for entries, you must fulfill the first REQUIRED entry above. Please note the changes to the entries and frequency, entries that don’t follow rules will be disregarded/ignored/deleted.

  • Subscribe to LookWhatMomFound…and Dad too! via email or RSS feed, bottom of page
  • Follow this blog on Google Friend Connect, bottom of page
  • Follow Us on Networked Blog, bottom of page
  • Sign up for the GummyLump Newsletter
  • Follow Mom and Dad and GummyLump on Twitter and Tweet this giveaway 1 time per day, please leave your twitter link each time, tweet a form of this message: I entered to win a Trunki Suitcase #giveaway from @Gummylump @lkwhtmomfound & @anddadtoo http://bit.ly/rh4tPU 
  • SHARE this giveaway on your Facebook wall (easy to use widget at top of post) OR WRITE on our Facebook Wall that you entered to win this giveaway
  • LIKE Gummylump and share why you want to win the Trunki
  • Enter another Giveaway – let us know which one in the comment (one extra entry per giveaway you enter, just leave separate comments)
  • Leave a relevant comment on any other Review/Family/Article post, let us know where to find it

Your entries must follow the rules or they won’t be eligible for prizes. This contest ends 11:59 pm, Thursday, July 28, 2011. The winners will be emailed and will have 24 hours to claim their prize. This contest is open to Continental US residents only. For complete rules please read our contest rules page.

 

 

I Disclose




Adding Fiskars to Craft Time

Craft time is probably one of Shae’s most favorite times of day. We don’t get to do a project everyday but a couple times a week is good progress for us. We’ve been stocking on supplies but were lacking tools. Fiskars sent us some great additions to help with embellishing and adding those fun final touches.

Edgers- decorative shaped scissors that add flair to any project
Squeeze Punches-easy to use punch to create instant shapes
Paper Trimmers- get straight cuts in a snap from almost any type of paper
Border Punches-instant grass without specks of paper flying around

With the above tools and our existing stash of supplies Shae has been able to create some really fun new projects all part of our #300CraftsforKids Campaign along with GummyLump.  Here are a couple crafts that we’ve accomplished over the last couple weeks.

cutting legs for the jellyfish

see the grass, made from fiskars border punch

hawaiian lei flowers made with punch

Shae’s able to use the scissors and punches with just a little assistance. Her lines may not be straight, her painting my not provide full coverage and her cuts may be off center but she’s enthusiastic about creating things to show off to others. She loves the flower punches and carries stacks of them in her purse to hand out to anyone that she thinks deserves one.
Thanks Fiskars for taking our crafts to a whole new level.

 

 

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Too Cute for Words, GummyLump Toy #Giveaway

gummylump-brand-ambassadorShae’s greatest loves in the world are of course ME, her pillow pets and her play kitchen. The play kitchen is over 2 years old but gets used every day. We’ve been slowly switching out the original plastic and flimsy food and accessories for high quality wooden play food and toys that are made to last.


KidKraft Kitchen Playsets are fun to look at but are constructed to last many many years making them heirloom toys. The quality put into the creation of all of their products is top priority for the KidKraft team and that dedication to excellence makes them a leader in creative and imaginative playthings.

I’m a little bit of a baker and Shae loves to help so of course we got the KidKraft Baking Set for review. Not a single switch to turn on and no batteries to replace. You can see for yourself how she makes the mixer “mix” her ingredients. The utensils are realistic, the mixer is simple but looks just like mommy’s and the cookies look delicious!

As a GummyLump Mom-bassador I want to give a LookWhatMomFound…and Dad too! reader the chance to win a KidKraft Wooden Kitchen Toy Accessory. The winner get to choose from the Mixer, Blender or Toaster. Let me know which set you prefer.

EXTRA ENTRIES:
To receive these extra opportunities for entries, you must fulfill the first REQUIRED entry above. Please note the changes to the entries and frequency, entries that don’t follow rules will be disregarded/ignored/deleted.

  • Subscribe to LookWhatMomFound…and Dad too! via email or RSS feed, bottom of page
  • Publicly follow this blog of Google Friend Connect, bottom of page
  • Like Us in Networked Blog, bottom of page
  • Follow Mom and Dad and GummyLump on Twitter and Tweet this giveaway 1 time per day, please leave your twitter link each time, tweet a form of this message: Imaginative Play with @GummyLump kitchen toys #giveaway @lkwhtmomfound & @anddadtoo http://bit.ly/jBOF7T
  • Like LookWhatMomFound…and Dad too! on Facebook AND SHARE this giveaway.
  • Like GummyLump on Facebook and leave this message on their wall; @LookWhatMomFound sent me so I can win wooden kitchen toys
  • Enter another Giveaway – let us know which one in the comment (one extra entry per giveaway you enter, just leave separate comments)

Your entries must follow the rules or they won’t be eligible for prizes. This contest ends 11:59 pm, Thrusday, June 9, 2011. The winners will be emailed and will have 24 hours to claim their prize. This contest is open to Continental US residents only. For complete rules please read our contest rules page.

 

 

I Disclose




GummyLump Crafts for Kids plus Easel Giveaway

It may be cold outside but that doesn’t mean it can’t be tons of fun inside. Join me and GummyLump as we work on 300 Crafts for Kids in 2011. Throughout 2011 GummyLump will post fun, creative, preschool suitable crafts that any family can do at home. With the collection of standard supplies, some specialty items such as foam stickers and pipe cleaners you and your child will be able to whip up adorable creations to keep or give as special gifts to family and friends.

The other day Shae and I chose to do a Favorite Things banner. This was a variation on Project #10 “Things I Like” craft. I taped 2 large scrapbook pieces of paper, titled it Shae’s favorite things and we drew and pasted pictures of things like her brother and sister, a pink flower and Scooby Doo movies and games. I could’ve made this project as big as her bedroom wall but we contained it to something smaller that she can show off to everyone that comes over.



Crafting and imagination play is key for kids development. Growing up we I remember being occupied with books, crayons, dolls and blocks; I make sure my kids get to enjoy the simple facets of play so they aren’t consumed with technology and electronics.

Get your kids imaginations and fingers working with some of the crafts listed on GummyLump. If you accomplish any of the crafts listed and upload a picture of your finished project on GummyLump’s Facebook Page you’ll automatically be entered to win their weekly giveaway of Kids Art Supplies. Please note that all crafts show modifications to suit children with special needs, no one is left out!

LookWhatMomFound…and Dad too! readers are eligible for their own giveaway too! Enter to win a Melissa and Doug Wooden Floor Easel.  Tell me a craft you’d like to try out or that has been a favorite with your children.
EXTRA ENTRIES:

To receive these extra opportunities for entries, you must fulfill the first REQUIRED entry above. Please note the changes to the entries and frequency, entries that don’t follow rules will be disregarded/ignored/deleted.

  • Subscribe to LookWhatMomFound…and Dad too! via email or RSS feed
  • Publicly follow this blog of Google Friend Connect, bottom of page
  • Like Us in our Networked Blog section under our button.
  • Follow Mom and Dad and GummyLump on Twitter and Tweet this giveaway 1 time per day, please leave your twitter link each time, tweet a form of this message: #win Wooden Easel from @GummyLump and @lkwhtmomfound @anddadtoo #kidscrafts http://bit.ly/hH60qF
  • Like GummyLump and LookWhatMomFound…and Dad too! on Facebook AND like this giveaway.
  • Enter another Giveaway – let us know which one in the comment (one extra entry per giveaway you enter, just leave separate comments)
  • Post your craft on GummyLump’s Facebook Page

Your entries must follow the rules or they won’t be eligible for prizes. This contest ends 11:59 pm, Saturday, March 5, 2011. The winners will be emailed and will have 24 hours to claim their prize. This contest is open to US residents only. For complete rules please read our contest rules page.

This is a sponsored post but the opinions and descriptions presented belong solely to LookWhatMomFound…and Dad too! Your experiences and reactions may differ from ours.




Gummy Lump sells Melissa and Doug toys and more plus GIVEAWAY-CLOSED

Pretend play is the number one form of play in our house. Shae’s imagination runs wild especially when playing with her kitchen and food. Melissa and Doug play food is among the best out there in terms of quality, construction and design. Gummy Lump is a leading online seller of excellent imaginative children’s toys for kids of all ages.

Shae had been playing with her new Slice and Bake Cookie Set nonstop for weeks. Everyday day she is serving up decorated cookies to the whole family and bringing it along when we visit family to serve them too. Melissa and Doug food toys are made of durable materials with a strong attention to detail. The cookies slices are held together by Velcro so kids can actually cut them apart and stick them to the included cookie sheet. The icing/decorations also stick with Velcro. These details work perfectly to keep pieces from getting lost and to make the entire process fun and as close to real as possible.

here Shae is showing you the “slicing and baking” process of her cookies,  look at her over, she’s crafty.


Melissa and Doug’s Fridge Food Set has been a great addition to our play kitchen. The kids are using the set as ingredients while cooking and baking and added these items to their “restaurant” menu. Made of solid wood and painted with very cool details the Melissa and Doug sets are going to last a lifetime and longer. Imagine your grandchildren playing with the same toys as your child, Melissa and Doug can make that happen.
Gummy Lump is an online retailer of only the highest quality and most unique toys, building blocks, and puzzles available. Their goal is to bring you the best selection of creative and educational toys for children ages 0-6. Win some great prizes from Gummy Lump right here at LookWhatMomFound…and Dad too! Visit Gummy Lump and tell me what toys or games would be perfect for your family and you can win any 2 Melissa and Doug Playfood Sets.

EXTRA ENTRIES:
To receive these extra opportunities for entries, you must fulfill the first REQUIRED entry above and please be sure your email in your comment, attached to you blogger dashboard or easily seen on your website/blog. I will not search through About Me/Contact Me links.

  • Subscribe to LookWhatMomFound…and Dad too! via email or RSS feed
  • Leave a relevant comment on a non-giveaway Review, Family Story or Article; let me know where to find your comment.
  • Enter any other current Giveaway for an extra entry for each one entered
  • Follow Mom and Dad and GummyLump on Twitter and Tweet this giveaway 1 time per day, please leave your twitter link, copy and paste this message: WIN 2 Melissa and Doug Playfood sets from @gummylump @lkwhtmomfound @and_dad_too http://bit.ly/c7tA6K
  • Become a fan of LookWhatMomFound…and Dad too! and Gummy Lump on Facebook
  • Follow LookWhatMomFound…and Dad too! via Google Friend Connect (bottom of page)

Your entries must follow the rules or they won’t be eligible for prizes. This contest ends 11:59 pm, Thursday, April 8, 2010. The winners will be emailed and will have 48 hours to claim their prize. This contest is open to US residents only. For complete rules please read our contest rules page.

This is a sponsored post but the opinions and descriptions presented belong solely to LookWhatMomFound…and Dad too! Your experiences and reactions may differ from ours.