Disney's “One Busy Day” Book Review

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As a larger family of six I’m always trying to find the best deal for our vacation. It takes a little extra effort to make sure we get the best deal while also feeling safe and taken care of. That is where Extended Stay America comes in.
Why Extended Stay America?
Extended Stay America rooms offer fully-equipped kitchens that include a stove, microwave, and refrigerator. This really helps from over spending one eating out every night. This really was a godsend when we stayed for 3 weeks several years ago. We just hit the grocery store for simple things like snacks and tv dinners that we would be able to come back from a day of fun and heat something up quickly.
Extended Stay America also offers easy and fast grab-and-go breakfasts. Free in-room Wi-Fi (because we all know they can’t go 2 hrs without wifi).
Plus they also offer a convenient laundry center…so we didn’t have to try and find a laundry mat which was amazing!
Right now you can get 18% off a 1-29 night stay! This special runs now – 2/21.
Simply head over HERE and use promo code MB7CB
Giveaway details: Two free nights’ stay at Extended Stay America!
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Offer good for one reservation booked online by 3/31/17, with a departure/check-out date on or before 6/30/17. The two free nights must be used within the same stay, and any unused free nights will be forfeited. The lowest-rated two nights within your stay will be deducted from your bill upon check-out. Reservations are based on availability and must be made online at ESA.com. Additional restrictions and blackout dates may apply. Offer cannot be combined with any other offer, discount or special rate, including Advanced Purchase. Valid only on original reservations and not on any reservation extensions. Offer is non-transferable, non-cancelable and not redeemable for cash or credit. Offer not valid on current or pending reservations. Offer valid only at Extended Stay America brand hotels.
**18% off 1-29 nights offer good for one reservation booked on ExtendedStayAmerica.com by 2/21/17, with a check-out date on or before 6/30/17. Discount applied at hotel upon check-out. Reservations based on availability. Offer cannot be combined with any other offer or negotiated or special rate, including but not limited to Advanced Purchase. Valid only on original reservations. Discounts do not apply to extensions/modifications. Cannot be applied to reservations already booked. Only one promotion discount per thirty days can be used by the same guest at the same hotel location. Offer valid only at Extended Stay America hotels.

LeapFrog has been a part of our house for years, toys, tablets and video games all help my kiddos get school readiness skills for preschool and beyond. LeapFrog’s new Number Lovin’ Oven and Scout’s Build & Discover Tool Set teach math and measurement through interactive pretend play, while Word Whammer develops spelling and phonics skills in a fun and active way.
These exciting new toys add to their growing collection of early childhood toy experiences that encourage skill-building, exploration and pretend play. By encouraging children to learn through exploration and imagination, Number Lovin’ Oven and Scout’s Build & Discover Tool Set offer pretend play experiences that teach math and measurement. To round out the new introductions, Word Whammer, an action-packed new phonics game, helps prepare children for kindergarten in a fun and active way.
“We developed Number Lovin’ Oven and Scout’s Build & Discover Tool Set to encourage toddlers to learn while having fun with characters and environments they can relate to. Word Whammer lets pre-kindergarteners develop important spelling skills with an exciting game that will keep them entertained as they are learning phonics skills and building words,” said Dr. Jody Sherman LeVos, director of LeapFrog’s Learning Team.
The Perfect Recipe for Number Learning Fun
Number Lovin’ Oven is the first preschool toy to bake early math into fun and engaging play focused on cooking and sharing—giving toddlers a first glimpse into how numbers and early math skills are a part of everyday life.
This one was definitely a hit in our house…even with my 5 & 9-year-olds. First and foremost it is a small oven with plenty of fun accessories, but it also does other really cool stuff depending on what setting it’s on. There are 30+ songs & phrases…it sings about washing your hands, you can never start too early on hygiene, and songs about pizza, bread, and cupcakes. The songs teach counting (how many slices of pizza, how many pieces of bread, etc.) which is great, because my 2-year-old loves to count things with me. The number settings tell them the higher the number, the higher the temperature and tells them what bakes best at that temperature. When you put something in the oven it tells you what setting to put it on (numbers 1-5) and counts until it’s done. I love the early learning skills, and he loves cooking mommy some food. He’s learning without knowing it, or it being a “chore” or battle.
Discovery and Skill-Building with LeapFrog’s Playful Pup Scout
Scout’s Build & Discover Tool Set lets toddlers interact with one of children’s favorite LeapFrog characters, playful pup Scout, as he introduces them to their first step-by-step building project through counting, measuring, and color matching.
I usually absolutely LOVE LeapFrog products, but I just like this one. Let me just say, it is developmentally appropriate for a 2-year-old, even a 1-year-old. But my son is the youngest of 4 and has played with other tool products and was a little frustrated that the screws, nails and bolts didn’t come out like “they normally do”. The product description says you can build a doghouse, but it’s really just a few walls that come up and down, and just snap into place..not “tools” needed to “build” it. I also don’t see the speaking feature to be necessary. It’s not connected to any of the bolts, screws etc. So I’m not seeing the point. Aside from my pickiness, this a fine toy tool set and completely age appropriate. I like that it’s got nails, screws, and bolts with which to practice motor skills with, and because they are all permanently attached to the toolbox so they don’t end up all over the house. I also like that the tools and corresponding fasteners are color-coordinated so that it’s easy for kids to make that cognitive connection between the hammer and the nail, etc.
Twist for Letter Sounds and Blast to Build Words
Word Whammer gets kids jamming on phonics skills as they spin, push and twist the handles to identify letters and build words in three action-packed games and five learning levels that adapt as children play.
I gave this to my 5 year old who just started Kindergarten, and he was excited to play it at first. It has three games to choose from which you can scroll through to see games by tilting the right handle up or down and then push in to select that game. the same motions are needed for game play. While I see the value in the games, he seemed to get a little bored after a while and moved on to another toy, but tends to always come back and ask to play with it again. With only three games, I don’t see it being a toy that will last long, although game adapts as children play, keeping them challenged, motivated and engaged as they progress, so maybe it will last longer than I think. I do love that there are letter matching and spelling games which is something he really needs to work on. The design is a nice change from the tablets and traditional mobile gaming toys.
Overall the boys were very excited about the new LeapFrog School Readiness Toys!
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Peeps have been enjoyed by our family at Easter since I was a kid…and I love being able to share them with my boys..but we have never tried their holiday flavors, so we were all excited when a box full of holiday Peeps showed up at our door! I had no idea there were so many flavors…and this year the Minions are the “Official Peeps Tastetesters” so you can find them on nearly all the Peep packaging! This made quite the excitement with the boys and then of course we had to watch both movies..lol..
We got all kinds of goodies that would make PERFECT stocking stuffers!
With so many cute shape there is something for everyone! Snowmen, Trees, Gingerbread Flavored Men, Candy Cane Chicks, Candy Cane Chicks with the bottom dipped in chocolate, Chocolate Mousse Flavored Reindeer, Chocolate Dipped Sugar Cookie Chicks, White Fudge Dipped Cocoa & Cream Chicks, & Rainbow Pop Chick “Skewer”.
FOR SUGAR COOKIE RECIPE VISIT THIS PAGE
Candy Cane Flavored Marshmallow Chicks put a new twist on an old holiday favorite. Fluffy marshmallow and classic peppermint taste all wrapped up into one delicious and fun shaped seasonal treat. Available in 5 and 10 count packages.
PEEPS Chocolate Dipped Candy Cane Flavored Marshmallow Chicks are destined to become a favorite Christmas tradition. Candy cane flavored marshmallow is delicately dipped in delicious chocolate to create an unforgettable taste. And, they make perfect stocking stuffers too!
NEW PEEPS Large Marshmallow Snowmen are sure to be a BIG hit this holiday season! These delicious marshmallow treats are full of character and perfect for PEEPS-inspired crafts and recipes.
PEEPS Marshmallow Snowmen help make the holidays fun! The fluffy marshmallow and adorable shape make these snowmen perfect for fun-filled crafts and recipes, not to mention great tasting Christmas treats!
PEEPS Christmas Rainbow Pops are deliciously festive, holiday colored ‘PEEPS on a stick’. They make the perfect stocking stuffer for PEEPS fans of all ages.
PEEPS Chocolate Mousse Flavored Marshmallow Reindeer are loved by children and adults alike! The fun and festive shape is ideal for creative holiday recipes, crafts and snacks!
PEEPS Gingerbread Flavored Marshmallow Gingerbread Men creatively combine our signature PEEPS marshmallow with the great taste of freshly baked gingerbread. Ideal for eating and decorating!
Chocolate Dipped Sugar Cookie Flavored Marshmallow Chicks combine all the sweet goodness of fresh baked sugar cookies with the delicious taste of creamy milk chocolate to make even Santa come back for more.
PEEPS Marshmallow Trees are a holiday favorite! The festive holiday shape is the perfect treat for holiday parties, recipes and crafts.
NEW Hot Cocoa & Cream Flavored Marshmallow Chicks dipped in flavorful white fudge are guaranteed to warm up any holiday gathering. Pair one with a cup of delicious Hot Chocolate for a real tasty treat. YUM!
A Delicious Creamy Hot Cocoa
1 can (14oz) sweetened condensed milk
2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
1 1/2 cups whipping cream
5 1/2 cups milk
1/2 cup heavy cream
2 tsp vanilla
In a large, heavy bottom sauce pan combine sweetened condensed milk and chocolate chips over medium heat.
Stir constantly until chocolate is completely melted and smooth.
Add whipping cream, milk, heavy cream, and vanilla, whisking mixture together till smooth and completely combined.
Serve warm with whip cream & marshmallow PEEPS!
If you are making this for a larger crowd the mixture can be put in a crockpot 3-4 hours before serving time, making sure to stir every hour.
My Sparkling Life https://mysparklinglife.com/
You can see the ways we enjoy our holiday Peeps! I would love for you to share your ideas in the comments below or share pictures on our facebook page!
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Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

I have been such a huge Disney fan since I was a child..I have now passed this love of the magic that Disney brings to my kids! Last night we attended the opening night of Disney On Ice 100 Year of Magic at the American Bank Center in Corpus Christi, Tx. The closer we got to the even the more excitement filled the truck. We reached the American Bank Center and met up with our giveaway winners to give them there passes to attend. I could see the excitement in their children’s faces too.
photo courtesy of Rachel Young (ticket winner)
As we entered the event center the glow of the toys at the concession stands, the Disney memorabilia throughout the building and the staff who had that radiant glow and energy of Disney cast members provided you with a true feeling of being at Disney World. You could feel the Disney magic oozing everywhere!
my boys patiently waiting
We wound our way through the crowds and excited children to our seats where we all sat in a row with excited children bouncing on the seat taking in the glow of the ice and the sounds of the vendors walking around selling goodies. The first thing that you notice is the gigantic castle wall at the one end of the ice. Closer observation revealed the film strip accents that adorned the edges of the ice with the corners being the film reels. As you look around at the other families you see just as much excitement and many of the children dressed in their favorite characters’ costumes and outfits.
Rachel Young and her family patiently waiting…Christin Banda & Family (ticket winners) next to them
All of a sudden it was show time! Mickey and Minnie came out and began to host the evening and set the stage for what was to be a truly magical evening. I could here my four year old squeal with excitement over the roar of all the kids screaming. The show truly brought 100 years of Disney to the ice in so many ways. The show ranged from bringing new Disney movies and characters to the ice like those from Toy Story, Lilo & Stitch all the way back to Pinocchio and even Jiminy Cricket. They were even able to bring “It’s a Small World” to the ice and truly feel that you were at Disney World. I won’t reveal all that the show has to offer but will say that the surprises, the thrills of the performers and the excitement was non-stop. There were a few things that made this show so wonderful:
For our family, the experience was beyond magical. My 4 year old was on the edge of his seat most of the night and kept cheering, singing, and truly feeling as a part of the show with the characters. As parents, it nearly brought us to tears to us to see how much happiness the magic of Disney brought to our family throughout the entire show from beginning to end. My four year old slept with his Mickey Mouse crown (with ears) last night and went off to school talking all about it this morning! I hope he doesn’t drive them crazy. Overall, I would go see this show again and again and thank Disney for putting together such an amazing show and bringing the magic and world of Disney to those that can’t travel to them! Buy Mickey! Hope to see you again soon! Disclosure: I was provided passes for my family to attend the show in exchange for my time and efforts in reporting on the show, and hosting a giveaway sponsored by Feld Entertainment however I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. Feld Entertainment has not influenced the editorial nature of this post, and No other compensation was received. Please see our disclosure policy for more information.

Don’t let the cold, wet, winter weather stop your kids being active, there are plenty of ways for them to keep moving.
Even if your children are not overweight it is important for them to participate in physical activity daily. Physical activity is vital for children’s physical and mental development and can pave the way to a healthier life in adulthood, reducing the risk of a number of chronic diseases.
Today I’m going to share 5 ways you can keep your kids active this winter
Find Local Indoor Facilities. Visit an indoor pool, ice skating rink, indoor inflatable play center, go bowling, play lazer tag, or go play basketball at a local gym, school, or community center.
Dance! Encourage your child to pick the music, crank it up and then dance away! March, box step, bounce, spin, shake it…it is a great way to burn calories.
Take it Outside. If there is snow where you live get the whole family outside to do some sledding, build snow forts, throw snowballs, or build a snow sculpture—anything that keeps the kids moving and having fun. If you don’t live in the snow, you can still play games like kickball, jump rope, hide & seek, or football (see my post on NFL’s Play60).
Get Cleaning. Not their favorite task, but there is always plenty to do and a great way to keep them active. Pick jobs based on age and capability: younger children can pick up toys while older kids can vacuum, sort laundry, or scrub the bathtub.
Workout Together. My kids love working out with me. I encourage them to do jumping jacks, sit-ups, and push-ups with me during commercial breaks from TV.
How are you keeping your kids active during the winter months?
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