Product Review: Play-Doh - Sweet Shoppe Twirl 'n Twister

The pic above almost says it all, doesn't it? Well, I guess I'm done here...just kidding! Well Riley was lucky enough to get the "Play-Doh - Sweet Shoppe Twirl 'n Twister" this year from her awesome Aunt an Uncle for Christmas and I must admit I was a little leery. We've just had so many bad experiences with products of this nature being a total bomb, so going into it I was ready for meltdowns and frustration galore, but to my surprise it was the opposite!

My only warning is if you are slightly anal/annoyed/or it's your pet peeve to have your Play-Doh colors mix this is soooo not the toy for you. I had to have a little talk with myself before letting my kid do this, reminding that it's all replaceable and this is for kid's fun, not my crazy tendencies. With that said you are free to continue.

This little pack came with the twister, it's self, 2 lollipop holders, and 2 of the small 1 ounce containers of Play-Doh. On the back of the box it gives you a few pictures with a tiny explanation of making your licorice like dough strands. shocking enough it really wasn't hard. The top of the twister pops off with a tiny twist. Just get a little of your choice in color of dough rolled a little round, give a small twist and then insert into the twister. Place the top back on and give the base a twist to lock it in. Crank away and watch the dough make it's way out. Eventually we got so good at it that we twisted the licorice like pieces that were coming out of the twister as cranking some more.

The only problem is that because it's kid friendly they don't make the lock top piece of the twister hard to come off. Let me explain why that's a problem, sometimes while cranking away it's easy to pop off the top. Not a big issue, but sometimes just messes with a kid's flow and I had to step in and help make sure it was on a few more times, so it isn't completely parent hands free. The only other thing is once you use it the clean clear inside of the twister will never look the same. As the dough is twisted some gets stuck and not all can be feed out the bottom, but once again not really a big deal.

As you can see the Play-Doh that comes out of the twister is easily stuck to the lollipop plastic pieces. So easy that once I should my daughter how to work the dough strands into to outer circle I was able to undo it and never had to help with that part again. She had fun and was really proud of it. She even added a donut around continuing with the whole sweets theme.

All and all I give this item a BIG 2 THUMBS UP! Perfect for Preschool age (maybe even younger) and up. I even enjoyed it, once I got over my dough mixing issues that is. So next time you are needing a little something for a gift or just to add to your child's own collection, try getting one of the "Play-Doh - Sweet Shoppe Twirl 'n Twister."

Opinion is my own and we were not given any free items from Play-Doh or affiliates for this review.

Hasbro's Happier New Year's Game Night!

Courtesy of House Party & Hasbro

*Tip* Join House Party!! They give lots of freebies of real things people actually want, and to make it even better enough of items to throw a party! Great way to have some fun with all your friends and family! I got lucky after their application process to be selected as one of their Host(esses) for a "Hasbro's Happier New Year's Game Night." 

Being approved for this party we were sent Twister, Yahtzee, Draw Something (game, not app), and Scrabble Catchphrase. We also got some goodies to help the party, 1 Trophy & Crown for the Game Night Winner, some party cups and hats, along with coupons and batteries. Totally enough to get a Family Game Night on the right track, but of course I had to take that all a few steps further, it was New Years Eve after all.

We went for a mellow, warm up to New Years feel. Lots of goodies to munch on but not a big meal time, so if couples still wanted to go out they had room in there bellies and weren't already drinking and unable to drive. Also, made it a tad earlier (5-8pm) so my guests could avoid most potential NYE driver dangers.

This was the last night we could leave all our Christmas lights a glow so wed did...and throw in a few more touches.

Since they sent us yellow background hats and cups I ran with yellow. I bought some streamer and added it anywhere I could, stair handrails around television, anywhere I could. House Party provided their hosts additional links to items we could print an use, I made a little sign with it...also a way to deter from turning the tv on. I did get a few more trophies, knowing that we were gonna have a little one attending I wanted to be prepared in case any issues arise. 

I also picked up a few extras. New Year's Eve isn't New Year's without a few loud items. So noise makers were a must as was some sweets. I attempted for the first time to make Domino Brownies. I think they were kind of cute, my husband says looks wise a total fail. LOL! An yes, those are Ferrero Rochers, nothing says NYE like some gold wrapped chocolate. They worked as a added favor with some "Thank You for Coming" coupons for the games.

You may notice on a table there are some sheets with a pen laying by it, well I also printed out a few sheets New Years Writing Printable. I changed the best part of school year to say "school/work."  At the end of the night I sat with our Riley and asked her...kid's answers are the cutest! A few guests took some home to do in private.

I should had taken a picture, but I forgot, later we put out some more little appetizers, like smokies (sausage weenies, crock-pot cooked in BBQ sauce), popcorn chicken and some of Ore-Ida Potato Grillers. I wish I had more time or a bigger budget because I found these two ideas on Pinterest and I was dying!!! JENGA Cheese and Dice Cheese & Crackers!!! Seriously, would had loved to do the Jenga, even as a game it's self.

A few extra printouts that added to the decor was the New Year's Resoultion collage from "The Itsy Factor." I also found this New Year printable on Pinterest , but the link from there didn't work to the blog. It still worked for me to print though.

Games were all set, decorations a check and food was a go. Now it was just time for our group to get down to partying part!

Let me just say ALL the games were a HUGE BLAST!!! The newer version of "Twister" was some serious challenge and it was hilarious! Really enjoyed the new "Draw Something" way more then I ever thought possible. It still has the app premises of gaining coins by drawing something and guessing. It also still had the letters to help the guessing, just no bombs. Last but defiantly not least, "Scrabble Catchphrase." Took us a few times to get the rules straight but it was soooo much fun once we got it! Kind of like a trivia meets hot potato. "Boys Team" won, still unsure how that happened. Haha. Well my point is, Go Out and Get Any of these Games! Plan a Game Night because it was a great night for all of us (ages 4 to 50 something). We really all enjoyed it!!!

Did I show you the photo of our game night mascot? 'Cause I really have to, our poor old baby pug, Otis did great job rocking a party hat and watching out for dropped food. Too cute not to share.

an

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

Just want to reiterate, I do not own the rights to any of the Trademarked items and did receive items for free as a promotion to share, though the opinions remain my own. Thank you.

Holiday Season

Before I get into our fun and maybe some ideas for you, I just want to do the Mommy feeling vent thing-
In light of the recent terrible events we are extra attentive to our little one. Kids are sensitive to the world around them and as much as I'm trying to guard her from the news I know she has picked up on somethings. We had to speak of evils and what do if she should see "a non-police man with a gun," just lots of conversations we weren't ready for or even wanted to discuss. The event has made us look a little more at what a gift our child is. I didn't think we could possibly love her anymore then we do, but I think sometimes as a parent we take everything for granted. For every bath-time and repetitive story reading there's another parent out there missing out on such things or wishing and wanting for their little soul to come into their lives. So hug your little one a little more and try to make the most out of the moments we are so lucky to have.

Now down to business, SORRY! It's been far too long between posts, but we've been busy busy making the most of the Holiday Season.

Photo Courtesy of Maximo Photography

This year it's been us taking advantage of everything there is near us. We live in San Diego so we have plenty all year round, but I'm sure you can find enough free, cheap or worth the price things to get into!

If you live in our neck of the woods, check out San Diego Family Magazine, lots of listings of what's going on.

We must admit it's pretty awesome living near a ton of major theme parks. Thanks to radio and news stations there always seems a chance to win a few tickets here and there. The biggest key is have a Facebook and follow each, they normally do additional giveaways on there if you can't always be near a television or radio with your phone in hand.

We got lucky this year and my sister also won tickets to SeaWorld San Diego's Christmas Celebration (lasts until Jan. 5th) so we all got to go as a family. It was raining and cold, but nothing a good jacket and some rain boots couldn't help! The whole night was tons of fun, lots of Christmas decor and characters at every turn. The penguins and Wild Arctic just made us feel that much more in the winter spirit. If you are close to one I really recommend trying, if you can swing it in your budget check into their Fun Card program, it's a price of 1 day but covers a year minus a few of  their busiest days. They also are offering a deal on a 2 year membership, but I really don't know the details.

One of the greatest things has to be "Holidays at Disneyland!" It lasts until Jan. 6th. Last year was not only my kid's first time seeing the park during the Holidays, but mine as well. Totally AMAZING! I must admit this year with Cars Land now open at California Adventure it's even better! But, my absolute favorite has to be the "Nightmare Before Christmas" take over of the Haunted Mansion. As you see from my shirt, I'm kind of a geek for that stuff.

The best of this season has to be another "Thanks to Groupon!" Every year they seem to offer discounted tickets to The Nutcracker Ballet and this year Riley was finally old enough to be able to attend. It was fantastic! We all got to dress up and head out to the Theatre and enjoy a show. As you see Riley even got to meet a few Ballerinas  Since that night it's been non-stop "Tchaikovsky's Nutcracker" music and a little dancer all over my house. I love it! I'm all about supporting her love of classical music and dance.

One of the biggies in this town is "December Nights" in Balboa Park, if you follow our Facebook page you may have seen a link for it. It's lots of fun but getting more an more crowded as the years go by, so the park has been trying to offer shuttles to help. But, to be honest we skipped it! I know the pics lead you to believe we didn't but we totally did. But, we couldn't be more fortunate to be part of a awesome Church that happened to have a Christmas event in Balboa Park, right before the "December Nights." 

It was a great night of hot coco, gingerbread men  Christmas decor, a Nativity Set, and Riley preforming her heart out to "Jingle Bells," and a little time with Santa. Up until this year I haven't thought twice about the whole Santa thing. I don't mean the telling of him, I mean the debate that Christmas is for Christ and has no room for Santa. Honestly, I never even knew this was a train of thought but as I read more and more of other people's parenting philosophies there are some things that take me by surprise. If you feel this way and it works for you, great, but it's not for us. I believe in letting Santa be. in my mind he s kind of a symbol of childhood. A symbol all about embodying the giving and loving spirit with a little bit of hope an magic, plus he was a real man once upon a time.

Art Project from her Sunday School

It's all about balance and letting the focus fall on the history and explaining why we celebrate it. Our Riley doesn't run around the house saying "I can't wait till I GET presents!!" But, she actually runs around the house saying, "IT'S ALMOST JESUS' BIRTHDAY!!!" She gets it! Also it may help that we put more emphasis on the giving, less on the receiving.

What we've been doing to make it more about the giving is for the past few days it's been a crazy mess of baking and lot's of hammered candy canes! Yesterday, we finally were able to package up all our goodies and drop them by some of our awesome neighbors, friends and family. The best part is that people don't expect anything from us and though it's not much everyone was so gracious and Riley just beams after every delivery.

One of our Christmas traditions is a gingerbread making night. Lots of fun, if you aren't already doing so, start tonight. Riley is becoming a pro at this, less and less messy as the years are going by. It's the fun of letting your kid do some more in the kitchen and as a family getting creative. It's great for kids to learn how to use tools and it works for some bonding time. The awesome thing about this year is we got to use these cookies for her class' cookie exchange, talk about killing 2 birds with 1 stone. 

Just in case you were looking for something a little less mess and extremely easy, but will occupy hands, get out your white coffee filters and scissors. Cutest snowflakes, hands down! Let the little ones go to town. We folded them down to a nice triangle and started with the cutting. My kiddo felt her's needed some color so I let her. They look great in the windows and were fun to make. I actually enjoyed doing and looking at these way more then the old paper way. It's also easier on little hands because it's thinner and easier to cut then paper.

Last but not least. this year we lost a loved one and I wanted to do something a little special just to keep the memory of him. If you remember last year I made a few beach themed ornaments, well this was kind of similar. For this funeral we traveled to Chicago, my husband's hometown and where most of his family still is. Well it was that perfect time of year in the Midwest, when it was just starting to turn all the colors of fall. During one of the days with the family my husband grabbed a branch so my daughter could show her class all the beautiful leaves once we got back home. We keep them and they dried so nicely. Well I took a trip to the craft store, got me a clear plastic ornament and some white paint pens. I stumbled upon this quote and saved it before I knew what/or exactly how I was going to do something, "Because Someone we Love is in Heaven there's a little bit of Heaven in our Home." It was too perfect, so once I filled the ornament carefully with some of the leaves I wrote the quote on one side with a heart and the other side with "Grandpa Archie" and his birth year and parting year. I hope you didn't lose anyone this year, but if you did this maybe a great idea to hold them close. Just fill it with something special to that person or maybe some dried flower petals from the service, even pictures. Do what feels right in your heart.

Just remember this is, 

"Our hearts grow tender with childhood memories and love of kindred, and we are better throughout the year for having, in spirit, become a child again at Christmas time." - Laura Ingalls Wilder  

On that note, Merry Christmas everyone! An don't forget to take advantage of any neighborhood light displays let your inner child run free. ;)

Guest Blog: Health & Safety Concerns for Home DIY Projects

Asbestos in the Home

Image courtesy of the Mesothelioma Cancer Alliance.

Avoiding Chemical Exposure From Home Renovations

If you plan on doing any DIY home improvements, there are many points to consider before taking that step. You and your family could potentially be exposed to some dangerous substances that may be hazardous to your health if the proper precautions are not taken.

What you should know

If you are renovating an older home, remember that asbestos is one of the common dangerous substances you may encounter as you work. In addition, many people have no idea that their health has been affected until they develop mesothelioma many years later and no preventive measures can be taken. Unfortunately, once the asbestos becomes lodged in the lungs, heart or stomach, the process becomes irreversible.

What you can do

Remember to use aspirators, protective clothing and gloves as you work to prevent any health problems the harmful substances can cause. Be aware that inhaling mildew and mold, which develop in a dark, damp area after a flood or leaks, can cause you to break out in a rash or become lethargic or ill. Whenever this occurs, they should be removed promptly.

Exposure to radon is another common problem that can cause your health to deteriorate. This gas is colorless, tasteless and odorless, and a special test is needed to determine if it is present. Since it can cause harmful conditions such as lung cancer, exposure to radon should always be avoided.

You can reduce the possibility of becoming exposed to these life-threatening substances by learning more about the topic and taking the necessary precautions as you work. If you wear the recommended gear when removing them, you will have the satisfaction of a job well done and protect your family at the same time.

Brian Turner has been working with the Mesothelioma Cancer Alliance as an environmental health and toxic substance safety advocate since June of 2007. Brian brings a tremendous amount of research and awareness experience in environmental health risks, environmental carcinogens, and green building expertise. Brian is very interested in all types of cars; his favorites are classic, muscle, and imports. Brian is commonly found playing and watching various sports with his friends.

Read more from Brian: Mesothelioma.com/blog/authors/brian/

Remove Temporary Tattoos

After a little research and some trial and error I found a way to save you some muscle and your little one's skin. 

Let me just start this by saying, don't get me wrong I'm fine with my kid sporting a temporary tattoo or two, but there is a time and a place. An well that would not be on her face at church, at least in my book. So, what was I going to do when my kid comes home after a fun day out with a couple "Mike the Knight" tats on her cheeks knowing that the next morning would be a much needed church time? Also may I mention these were some good grade quality tattoos not any of those one time bath gone cheapies. They looked just as new after a good bath soak.

It really came down to 2 items to get these bad boys off my daughter's face, Baby Oil & Cotton Balls! 

Soak a cotton ball in Baby Oil, rub it on the tattoo. Nice little layer. Next we tried Diaper Wipes because they normally work with the cheap ones, but this time around it was a no go. But, a wet warm washcloth was just the thing. I also read you can get the leftover tattoo off with Scotch Tape, but as you see my little one still has some of her peach-fuzz so I didn't want to harm her, instead we just spent a extra few wipes of the washcloth and DONE! Good as new! Pheww!! Wish I knew about this when I was a kid, could had saved my skin tons.

Just to prove I'm still "A Cool Mom" her's some links on making your own tattoos:
Oh the Lovely Things has a way with Printable Tattoo Paper
Charlotte is not my name has a way to do it with Bandage Spray
Tradewind Tiaras' even has DIY GLITTER TATTOOS!

I really hope this helps you, sometimes we all need to know a few mommy tricks in the most random of areas.