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Playing Indoors in the Summer

When it’s too hot to actually venture outside what do you and the kids end up doing? Watching TV, playing on the computer, eating? While there is nothing wrong with any of these I prefer to engage the kids with something more entertaining and lively. Lately board games have been Shae’s favorite thing to do. Candy Land, Guess Who, Uno (I know, it’s not a board game) and Hungry Hungry Hippos are her lastest faves. Mix that in with crafts, puzzles, outings and the iPad our day is pretty solidly packed.

But when we got the opportunity to review some fun Nickelodeon Character games and toys the kids were thrilled. Dora’s Carousel Adventure Playset was perfect for my niece Madi. She’s recently fell in love with Dora on the television so I knew she’d take to Dora in her hands. The cute Dora figure came along with colorful accessories that included a carousel horse.

My kids have been enjoying Dora Candyland and Spongebob Hangman. The hangman game has been helping Shaun with his spelling and Candyland is always a great color and counting teacher.

How are you spending those rainy or too hot to bear summer days with the kids?



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Earn a Backyard Fun Badge

Disney’s Family Fun Magazine brings us fun filled ideas, informational articles and kid-friendly recipes. I’ve been reading this publication for over 8 years an know I can count on them for wholesome and entertaining content. They are celebrating their 20th anniversary with “Badges of Fun”, a fun, yearlong initiative that encourages families to spend even more time together.

HOW TO START

First, check out the June/July birthday issue of FamilyFun, which features the first badge, themed “BackyardFun.” Families can earn these badges monthly — and, enter to win fun prizes — by completing one of three suggested activities under a particular theme. More details below on FamilyFun’s suggested ideas for “Backyard Fun” this summer!

SHARE YOUR FUN:

Families are encouraged to share their experiences on the Badges of Fun microsite and print (or tear out from the June/July issue) a custom display poster — perfect for the fridge — to serve as a reminder of badges earned over the course of the year-long program.

WHO’S INVOLVED:

Families across the country — and YOU, hopefully! Also, the first “Backyard Fun” badge for the June/July birthday issue was created by LeafCutterDesigns.com’s Lea Redmond. Each issue, there will be a new badge featured — each designed by various arts & craft bloggers who are fans of FamilyFun.

This past month we finished up planting the veggie garden and weeding the side and front yards. We’ve worked together to get flowers in hanging baskets and herbs in deck planters too. While this may not sound like fun for some families my kids love to get their hands dirty and literally see the fruits of their labor. We’ve also snuck in some dusk games in the field behind our house. The sunset provides enough light to toss around a ball and play a little badminton.

What kind of Backyard Fun can you have as a family?

 

 

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Flip Flops made with a conscious

Just last week was perfect spring weather. We were enjoying bright blue skies, a shining sun and a blowing breeze throw all of the open windows. These hopeful signs mean I can break out my flip flops and store my warm fuzzy slippers and socks.
Havainana’s womens sandals and mens sandals are great expressions of personality while being simple and social responsible. All Havaiana sandals are produced in one location in Campina Grande, Brazil. This factory is one of the city’s largest employers. Their socially and environmentally conscious efforts include reduction of water usage and electricity, recycling of residual materials, development of sensible products and environmental education to all employees.
havaianas- womens-sandalsThere is a lot of good going on behind the scenes but don’t forget about the end result; cool sandals and shoes for men and women. Trendy designs, sleek colors and inspired prints are hot this season. These SLIM MATRYOSHKA women’s flip flops are totally my style. With a tad higher price tag of $30 these are a limited edition print. But the typical price is usually $22 for equally stylish options. Kids can sport Havaiana’s too! The selection might not be as plentiful but they are still cute and perfect for warm weather.

 

 

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Crocs aren’t just for kids

What do I get the most excited about for spring and summer? Flip Flops. I’m a simple girl with simple needs….I need comfy flip flops. Don’t get me wrong I love me a strappy sandal, sparkly crystals, wedge heels and bright colors but my go to for ease and simplicity is a flip-flop.

crocs-tone-flip-flop

what's up with the cankle

The Crocs Tone Skylar Flips are fitting nicely into my warm weather wardrobe. A few months back I reviewed Crocs Tone Skylar Flats and Clogs. I admitted they were comfortable but just not my style. I gifted them to my pregnant friend at the time and she loved them. I’m liking the look of the Emma Wedge too and may add them to my summer shoe arsenal.
crocs-skylar-flip-flop

Rob received the Bowen sneaker. This is a very different shoe than he’s used to wearing. Rob is a tried and true sneaker wearer but is actually liking his Crocs. They are comfortable and go really well with jeans and khakis. To me the Bowen isn’t a sneaker but instead a good looking, grown up casual shoe. It doesn’t resemble a typical Croc; that’s a good thing for me.

Hands down, Crocs are comfortable. Not all the styles are my taste but I know why people love them so much.

 

 

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UMI Shoes for Spring and Summer plus Giveaway

 

There’s a hint of spring in the air. That means the snow boots can be packed away and the fun spring sandals and shoes can make their appearance. UMI Shoes for kids are the epitome of style, comfort and quality and come in the best colors, patterns and designs for the season.

Shae is rocking her Riff these days. Being a casual shoe girl these sneaker style are a definite change for Shae but they have a fun and bright look. The shoes have a rubber sole but NO laces so she can slip them on easily for playing outside.

UMI Shoes are made to protect little feet while maintaining proper structure to let those little feet grow. Focusing on sustainable construction is just one way UMI sets themselves apart from others. -Each show is created using high quality materials, tried and true practices and a belief that every little foot that steps into an UMI shoe is special. Always enjoy free shipping and returns on each order too.


This year’s Spring/Summer collection is full of great designs for kids of all ages. Win a pair of your choice here at LookWhatMomFound…and Dad too! Visit UMI Shoes and come back and tell me with shoe or shoes you like best.

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, right sidebar.
  • Follow Mom and Dad and UMIShoes 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 pair of kids @UMIShoes from @lkwhtmomfound @anddadtoo http://bit.ly/ijIfwa
  • Like LookWhatMomFound…and Dad too! and UMIShoes 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)

Your entries must follow the rules or they won’t be eligible for prizes. This contest ends 11:59 pm, Thursday, March 24, 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.









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