Food Fun Family

K’NEX Wild Whiplash Roller Coaster #WildWhiplash

CandyMan — Wed, 30 Nov 2016 12:00:38 +0000

This post was sponsored on behalf of K’NEX. All opinions stated are my own.

In all my years building things as a kid, I never dreamed that I would have a job one day that paid me to have fun.

I grew up playing with every building toy you can imagine. It was always fun creating something new as I would do an all-nighter building marathon with friends in front of the TV.

My son and I recently built the K’NEX Wild Whiplash Roller Coaster. K’NEX are really cool because you can build a working project that is quick and easy to assemble. We spent just a short part of our evening putting together the Wild Whiplash Roller Coaster. It was pretty straight forward and it worked flawlessly. My older son jumped in last minute to help us finish up the track and chain that lifts the roller coaster to the top of the ramp. He couldn’t resist joining us when he saw how much fun we were having putting it together.

After a little while of using the pre-designed build, we modified the loops and made a new variation that had a totally new feel.

Strangely, K’NEX are a lot lighter that other construction toys. They are so light, in fact, that you feel like they are going to fall over, but they are actually quite strong. Most things you build with have to be put on a solid foundation or structure to be usable, but this roller coaster was easy to move around without anything attached to it. We took it off the table in seconds without having to take it apart or worry about it falling apart. It’s the lightest construction toy I have ever used.

Let me say one very specific thing that I liked more than anything. I have built lots of spaceships, buildings, cars, and other things. One of the things that can be irritating is trying to find the right piece. Usually there will be a legend or an instruction box, but inevitably, there is some piece that you can’t figure out. With K’NEX, each piece is color coded. If you need a piece that is a certain length, it only comes in one color, so you know exactly what you are looking for. This simple design idea saved us so much time when we were assembling the roller coaster.

After we finished up the initial build, my son was looking for a piece that connects the large K’NEX pieces to the small K’NEX (he has two boxes of K’NEX). He told me to look for a neon green piece. I didn’t know what it looked like, but I found what he needed in seconds. It was quite awesome. He used the extra pieces to extend the roller coaster and change some of the loops.

So, my hat is off to K’NEX. Thanks for the roller coaster and bigger thanks for making something that is easy to build and worth the time.

They really give you an opportunity to design things that will work. You can use the initial project as a springboard for other designs. I know that is typically what I do.

You can watch me and A.J. build the whole thing in a two-minute timelapse here. Look out for the apple dumplings my wife made.

Quick Reference About the K’NEX Wild Whiplash Coaster

Perfect for kids and adults 9+
WORKING motorized roller coaster
Includes 580 parts, with over 14 feet of track and a motorized chain lift
Includes easy-to-follow, step-by-step instructions to build your coaster (PLUS, instructions for a 2nd coaster design are available online)
Finished coaster is over 2 1/2 feet tall
Only available at Walmart
K’NEX Wild Whiplash Roller Coaster retails for $32.97, making it a perfect holiday gift

Connect with K’NEX

Facebook: KNEX
Twitter: @KNEX
Instagram: @knexbrands
Pinterest: K’NEX Brands

10 Customized Gift Ideas from York Photo

Lolli — Wed, 06 Apr 2016 16:30:31 +0000

Are you in the market for customized gift ideas? In a family as big as mine, we almost always have a birthday, anniversary, or holiday coming up, so it’s always a good time to brainstorm gift ideas. This post has been sponsored by York Photo, but all thoughts and ideas are my own.

What are the occasions for which you need to shop for gifts? In just my direct family, we have birthdays in January, March, May, June, August, October, and December. My anniversary is in April (coming up on 21 years!) and now my oldest daughter is about to add HER anniversary in April. When she gets married in a few weeks, I’ll be adding not only another anniversary to the month, but another birthday, too. Then there’s Mother’s Day and Fathers Day, Christmas and Easter. And don’t forget the birthdays and anniversaries in the families that both my husband and I grew up in.

My point here is to demonstrate that I am basically buying gifts all year long. That’s a lot of coming up with the “perfect” gift.

This past year, my siblings and I made very special gifts for our mom and dad. My dad had a “big” birthday this year, so we put together a photo book full of pictures, stories and memories about dad. It was such a huge success that we made one just for Mom for Christmas. Customized gifts are the best! They’re extra meaningful and appreciated for years and years.

10 great customized gifts for any occasion

I’ve made so many customized gifts over the years, from photo books to photo mugs to jewelry and more. I had so much fun looking through York Photos’s site to get ideas for my upcoming gifting needs. The possibilities are endless! Here are my top 10 customized gift ideas (most of which I’ve made before, and some that have made it on my list of things to do this year!)

I was able to design a new iPhone case on York Photo this past month. I love my new personalized iPhone case! It was so easy to customize with my own pictures, and I loved the sayings and graphics that York Photo had to choose from. The case is great quality and I’ve gotten compliments since I’ve had it on my phone! Here’s a little about the case:

flex-frame has a matte soft-touch coating for comfort in holding the phone
antimicrobial additive reduces harmful bacteria by up to 99%
protective camera flash trim reduces flash bounce
metal insert produces high quality image
UV resistant, durable and scratch resistant

One of the coolest things about my new case from York Photo is that the back panel is removable, which means that I could design even more customized metal inserts and swap them out for a new look whenever I want.

Enter to WIN a $30 York Photo gift card

What customized gift do YOU want to make? (Yes, it’s totally acceptable to make something for yourself like I did!). I’m excited to have the chance to give one lucky reader $30 to spend at York Photo. Note: this giveaway prize includes FREE SHIPPING!

Enter on the giveaway widget below and GOOD LUCK! This giveaway will end on 4/20/16 at 11:59pm ET and a winner will be chosen at random and notified via email after the giveaway is closed.

Entry -Form

Connect with York Photo

Website: https://www.yorkphoto.com/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/YorkPhoto1
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/YorkPhoto/
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/YorkPhoto/

Holiday Gift Guide: Family-Friendly Games

Jody — Sat, 12 Dec 2015 13:00:13 +0000

Whether it is a weekly thing or just a couple times of year, family game night is a great way to bring everyone together. A little friendly competition, a whole lot of laughs, and a great excuse for good snacks!

Family-friendly games are an ideal holiday gift idea when you’re shopping for an entire family. Not only are games useful all year long and enjoyed by multiple age groups, but they are the type of gift that brings people together. Snacks, laughter, and family bonding. Who could ask for a better gift?

Note: Amazon affiliate links are used for products.

Family-Friendly Games for the Families on Your Holiday Shopping List

Here are a few tried-and-true family games that promote family bonding and family togetherness:

1. Uno – This game is a classic: simple, fun, and basic enough that even the little ones can play. You can also find it in many characters and themes – everything from Frozen to a Holiday edition – as well as more complicated versions.

2. Hedbandz – Several different versions of this are available – Disney, Adult, and one for children – any of which are sure to have you rolling with laughter as you try to guess what object is on your hedbandz.

3. Sorry – This is a game we all remember from our childhoods, and it is still as much fun as it used to be and should be in every family game closet!

4. Pie Face – This new game has gained in popularity and has become quite a sensation with adults and kids alike. Preschoolers to high schoolers in your house are sure to love it.

5. Monopoly – There is a reason that this game has stood the test of time for family game night. It has been bringing more families together while causing more fights than any other game – keeping it at the top. You can go with the classic version or choose the game in themes like Star Wars, Minions, Dog Breeds, and a whole lot more.

6. Yahtzee – This game is definitely taking it back to old school times! I love the original packaging on this one. It is also sneaky math practice for the kids!

7. Catch Phrase – This one is a favorite in our house – even the littler ones can throw out their guesses and feel like they are part of the team.

8. Pictionary – This is another classic game that is good for multiple age groups Pictionary will have you laughing with and at each other until the tears start rolling!

9. Apples to Apples – This is a fun game of comparison where everyone takes turns being the judge. It’s a different game every time you play.

10. Clue – Clue is the classic mystery game that involves problem solving, deduction, and reasoning. Who knew how educational Clue could be? A fun Whodunit? for the family.

{Bonus} CAMP: Travel Edition – This is a new game that Lolli’s family was just introduced to. Here’s what she had to say about CAMP –> Please note: I received a game to review with my family. All thoughts are my own.

This is the perfect game to play at home or in the car during a family road trip! My kids played CAMP: Travel Edition recently while we were on a day trip in the car. I loved hearing the trivia questions from the front seat. The question cards include nature-based trivia on the 50 states – from state insects to National Monuments and Parks and more. So while the kids were playing their game, they were learning more about the 50 states. I love it!

I also love that it fits nicely in a plastic carrying bag. The only complaint the kids had was that the pieces didn’t stay on the board very well when we were driving. They came up with a whole plan on how to make the game pieces stay, though!

What games would you add to this Holiday Gift Guide for family games?

Traveling? Don’t Leave Home Without Comfortable Shoes

Lolli — Thu, 10 Dec 2015 17:54:27 +0000

December tends to be a huge traveling month. I just got back from one trip and I’ll be heading on a family road trip in less than 2 weeks. What are the most important items in (and outside) YOUR suitcase? I know that I don’t leave home without a pair of comfortable shoes! This post is sponsored by Aerosoles but all thoughts and opinions are my own.

I am all about comfort. I’ve never been much of a fashionista, but I do want to look nice when I leave the house. However, with very sensitive feet, having something comfortable on my feet is a #1 priority, especially when I’m traveling.

Traveling? This is When You Need Comfortable Shoes:

Comfortable shoes for walking through the airport
Comfortable shoes for spending hours in the car
Comfortable shoes for sight seeing
Comfortable shoes for a night out dancing
Comfortable shoes for walking (because there is always a ton of walking when I travel!)

Basically, I need comfortable walking shoes for everything that I do – from my travels around the country to my trip to the grocery store to the time I spend standing in my kitchen. I love Aerosoles brand shoes because I know that I can do it ALL in the same pair of shoes – they’re a brand that represents extreme comfort to me, but they’re also CUTE.

I wore my new Aerosoles boots (High Gear faux fur mid calf boots) on my recent day trip walking around Washington DC with my family. I also wore them as I trekked through ZooAmerica in Hershey this past weekend. And to a Christmas concert with a wintery dress and a scarf. I’ll be wearing them again tonight as I head to see the Nutcracker at the Warner Theater in DC. They are so comfortable that I feel like I’m wearing moccasin slippers. There was no “breaking in” period – they were comfortable right out of the box.

And, what’s even more impressive is that I’ve gotten compliments every single time I’ve worn them. People love these boots!

Did You Know?

All Aerosoles shoes feature Diamond Flex Soles designed to disperse friction away from the foot as well as a Memory Foam Insole that soothes and pampers your feet. Running late and can’t find any socks? – Aerosoles shoes have a Sueded Sock and Lining to provide you with a breathable, soft layer to rest on.

There are so many beautiful, comfortable shoes to choose from at Aerosoles. I already have a few additional shoes on my wish list. Which shoes would you add to YOUR holiday wish list?

Connect With Aerosoles:

Website | Twitter | Facebook | Pinterest | Instagram

Holiday Gift Guide: 10 Items on a Food Blogger’s Wishlist

Jody — Thu, 10 Dec 2015 03:30:13 +0000

Being a food blogger is a rewarding and at times frustrating business (especially for those of us that didn’t start out as food bloggers). A lot of work goes into setting up what can seem to be a simple shot – cooking, staging, lighting, adding props, keeping little hands out of the food before you shoot, and a whole lot more. In preparation for the holidays and inevitable gift wish lists, I gathered 10 ideas that make the food bloggers life a little easier. Note: Amazon affiliate links used to products.

10 Things a Food Blogger Would love to Get For Christmas

[1] Backdrops – With food photography luckily you do not need huge backdrop setups. 3’x3’ is generally an adequate size. There are a ton of pretty patterns and colors out there to choose from, right now simple wood is all the rage.

[2] Camera Strap – Even if they already have one or two camera straps, a unique and fun camera strap is a photographer’s favorite accessory. They can switch straps out to match outfits or moods.

[3] Camera Cleaning Kit – I am bit ashamed to admit that my camera gets a bit of build up on it. I try to give it a quick wipe down after each food shoot but sometimes there is still debris in the cracks and crevices. A good cleaning kit is a must have.

[4] Dishes – Simple white dishes are the most popular and give your food a clean palette, but a pretty colorful dish now and then can really set off your food.

[5] Fabrics – Burlap, muslin, cheesecloth, runners, scrap fabric – they can all come in handy to set up shots and add texture to them. We all have a collection and are always adding to it.

[6] Props – Pretty food related props often help make the shot. Simple, useful tools are best like a salt cellar, rolling pin, and measuring spoons.

[7] Extra SD Cards – I know it seems I never have enough space to keep all my shots. There are tons on my computer, burned to discs, on memory cards, flash drives, etc. I try to keep them separated by month and then also keep mine separate from my clients. Multiple SD cards are just a great idea.

[8] SD Card Holder – This goes hand in hand with #7 – if you are going to have many memory cards you need a convenient place to keep them organized.

[9] Books – Most food bloggers are always looking to improve their game, and books with helpful tips can teach new techniques or inspire new point of views.

[10] Light Box – Nothing is more frustrating to a food blogger than having a perfectly set up shot except when the weather decides not to cooperate on your most productive day. Light boxes with a set of good lights can give you a natural light look on overcast and downright gloomy days.

Holiday Gift Guide: 10 Must-Have Gifts for Travelers

Jody — Mon, 07 Dec 2015 15:09:47 +0000

Whether your sister-in-law travels for work, your nanny is backpacking through Europe, or your parents are jet-setting all over the place, you are probably looking for some great gifts for the travelers on your holiday gift list. From practical to fun this list has you covered.

Note: Amazon affiliate links used.

Holiday Gift Guide: 10 Must-Have Gifts for Travelers

Travel Pillow – Hypoallergenic, environmentally friendly, and machine washable, this comfy and practical pillow is a must have on the frequent traveler’s wish list.

Power Bank – Sometimes when you are on the road it is hard to find a plug to charge up your cell phone (a necessity, we all know) so a portable phone power bank can be a lifesaver!

Luggage Scale – A luggage scale comes in really handy for those on the go, a quick way to make sure they are within the limits on their carryon or checked in luggage.

Travel Journal – This pretty travel journal is a great way to record memories, experiences, and thoughts, or even collect ticket stubs and other memorabilia from trips.

Luggage Tags – Pretty and bright tags will make bags much easier to spot on the luggage carousel at the airport.

Camera Lens Kit for Phones – Great for anyone, but especially those who like to travel light, a camera lens kit will get them shooting like a pro with just their cell phone.

Scratch Off Map – This is a really fun and memorable way to mark where they have been, whether they are a world traveler or just road tripping across the US.

Noise Cancelling Headphones – These headphones lessen outside noises while allowing you to listen to music, watch movies, listen to podcasts, and more while you jet set!

Universal Travel Wall Charger – Overseas travelers will really love this adaptor! Nothing is more frustrating than having a dead cell phone or a computer that you can’t use. This adaptor works in the US, Australia, and the UK.

Toiletry Travel Bag – They will definitely need a place to put their toothbrush, deodorant, makeup, shampoo, and other items. This one comes in 5 beautiful colors.

What travel-centric gifts are at the top of your wish list? What would you add?

Give The Gift of Premium Angus Steak This Holiday Season

Lolli — Tue, 01 Dec 2015 21:51:39 +0000

I love a good steak. There’s nothing quite like it. So when I was offered the opportunity to review a selection of premium Angus steak – some of the best beef in the country – I didn’t hesitate. Although I was sent a sampling of steaks from Chicago Steak Company, all thoughts and opinions are my own.

I have always considered myself to be a good cook, but I was painfully ignorant about steaks until just the last couple of years. I remember buying steak at the grocery store (whatever was on sale…because that’s how I rolled) and then wondering why my steaks didn’t taste anything like the steaks I ordered at my favorite restaurant.

Then I would go to a friend’s house for his famous BBQ and HE would be able to duplicate that amazing taste and tenderness that I loved. I thought it was about what this friend (or the restaurants) were putting on the steaks to make them taste so good. For some reason, I never made the connection that the quality of the cut of meat made more of the difference in how it tasted.

Luckily, I’ve learned the error of my thinking, and I’ve become much more picky about the meat that I’ll buy. A quality steak makes a fantastic meal. But a low-quality steak is almost always a disappointing waste of time and money. If I’m going to grill a steak, I might as well do it right. Right?

What’s In a Great Steak?

I have learned a ton about steaks simply by browsing through Chicago Steak Company’s website. There, you can find information on:

Grade – Chicago Steak Company only offers USDA Choice and USDA Prime steaks, which represents only 2% of all American beef. The USDA describes USDA Prime as “the ultimate in tenderness, juiciness and flavor.”
Aging – Aging meat is a process that breaks down a steak and makes it more tender and flavorful.
The Importance of Hand Selection – Variations in marbling, texture and color are just a few of the variables that can affect flavor and tenderness. Chicago Steak Company carefully selects beef from the top of the grade.

You can also watch videos about how to cook and season meat as well as what cuts of beef you should buy.

Premium Angus Steak from Chicago Steak Company – The Perfect Holiday Gift Idea

Want to “wow” a special family member, friend or co-worker? A package from Chicago Steak Company is sure to be noticed and appreciated! There are tons of options – from gifts under $100 to decadent desserts (that Greek yogurt mousse cake looks incredible!) to steak gift clubs (steaks all year!) and more.

I would highly recommend the package that I received – it’s not Chicago Steak Company’s most popular combination of Premium Angus steaks for nothing! The “Chicago’s Best Seller” includes:

2 (6oz) Complete Trim Filet Mignons
2 (10oz) Boneless Strips
2 (8oz) Sirloin Steaks
2 (8oz) Ribeyes

The steaks come individually frozen, and all I had to do to get them ready to cook was to move them from the freezer to the fridge the day before I wanted to cook them.

I seasoned my steaks with some Chicago Steak Seasoning and then melted a little butter in my cast iron skillet. I’ve learned that I prefer my steaks prepared simply so that I can savor the natural flavors.

The first thing that I noticed about the steaks was the tenderness and the texture. Each bite was melt-in-your-mouth delicious. I tried the boneless strips, ribeyes, and sirloin (I’m saving the filets for a special occasion!) and my favorite cut was the boneless strips. In fact, we were fighting over those cuts!

Exclusive Chicago Steak Company Discounts for Food Fun Family Readers

If you would like to try some steaks from Chicago Steak Company for yourself to see the difference, I’ve got a discount code to share! Just ender code K10OFF for 10% off your order. Or use code K3FREE for Free Shipping + 12 (4oz) Gourmet Steak Burgers on orders of $99 or more and a $25 gift check to use on an order $150 and above.

Which premium combination from Chicago Steak Company would you choose?

Connect with Chicago Steak Company:

Facebook: Facebook.com/ChicagoSteakCompany
Twitter: @MyChicagoSteak
Pinterest: Pinterest.com/mychicagosteak
Google+: Plus.google.com/+Mychicagosteakco
Youtube: Youtube.com/user/MyChicagoSteak

7 Great Gift Ideas for the Adventurous Family

Lolli — Mon, 23 Nov 2015 14:02:01 +0000

We are all explorers. And this Christmas, my family is celebrating that fact with a different kind of holiday gift-giving. This list of 7 great gift ideas plus giveaway are sponsored by Sierra Trading Post, but all thoughts are my own.

We Are All Explorers

My oldest daughter, who is away at college, has started to comment (complain?) recently that she thinks her family has been abducted and replaced by outdoorsy adventure-seekers. She claims she doesn’t know who we are anymore. I just chuckle.

I suppose it’s true. After we drove across the country to drop her off at school 2 summers ago, we got a taste for travel and adventure and the outdoors and we haven’t looked back.

This year, we’ve made a conscious decision to focus on experience-based gifts versus toys and frivolous things. That’s where Sierra Trading Post comes in. If you’re planning outdoor activities, you need to be prepared. Sierra Trading Post makes it easier to explore by offering incredible savings on the best brands of outdoor apparel and gear from around the world. And right now, they’re offering a 15% off plus half off shipping promotion with code ASAVENOW5.

Note: Offer available 11/23 through 12/7. Clearance items are excluded from the 15% off, but you’ll still save with 50% off shipping!

7 Great Gift Ideas for the Adventurous Family

As we make plans for our winter adventures in Florida, our next family road trip or just explorations around our home town, I’ve been eyeing a few fun gift ideas that are perfect for the adventure-seeking family.

For the trail runner or hiker (like my husband), these Adidas Outdoor Terrex Swift R Trail Running Shoes (For Men) would be the perfect gift. A good pair of trail shoes will help him explore even more miles…in comfort!

For those times when you have to pack light, this Single Travel Hammock would be ideal. My husband likes to take the kids on bike rides down the C&O Canal in the fall. As beautiful as the bike ride is, they can’t carry much gear on their bikes, so light weight travel hammocks are a welcome comfort when they stop for the night along the trail.

For the anywhere explorer, a good backpack is a must, like this Kelty Redtail 27 Backpack. Whether you’re heading on the airplane or on the trail, a backpack is a critical part of your trip to keep snacks and other essentials close at hand.

For after a day of exploring, nothing beats a warm, cozy blanket like this Woolrich Meadow Creek Throw Blanket. I get a throw blanket every year for Christmas. It’s something I look forward to each year. You can never have too many cozy blankets!

For the adventurous girl, these waterproof, insulated Lowa Yukon Ice Gore-Tex® Hiking Boots for women will take you far. My girls go to a fun week-long camp each year and they need good hiking shoes. Nothing is worse on a long hike than wet, sore feet. My girls will be leading the group with these boots.

For the curious kids (little kids and big kids alike) these Steiner Predator Pro Binoculars are perfect for taking in the surroundings and taking explorations to the next level. Whether it’s watching for birds or other critters or enjoying the view up close, we love traveling with a good set of binoculars.

For the outdoor-loving cook, you can’t do without a classic Lodge Cast Iron Deep Camp Dutch Oven. I use cast iron for indoor cooking all the time, but I’ve been eyeing a 5 quart Dutch oven with a camp fire lid. Next time we go camping as a family, I won’t go without this staple for outdoor cooking.

Don’t forget – from now until December 7, you can save on all of these items and more with the 15% off + half off shipping promotion when you use code ASAVENOW5

About Sierra Trading Post:

Sierra Trading Post has great long-term partnerships with the best brand names in the business so they are able to offer super low prices on their very best closeouts, overstock items, and 2nds — then they pass the savings on to you!

Closeouts are always first quality; brands often make design tweaks or add new colors to their products. When they do, the previous product is offered at a great price.
Overstock items are always first quality, too. If an item is designated as a closeout item, it simply means that the manufacturer’s inventory is too large and they need to sell these extras.
2nds have minor cosmetic flaws or slight irregularities that don’t affect the fit, performance, or longevity of the item, but a small flaw means big savings for you! The labels for these products may be clipped or marked.

Enter to WIN a $300 Amazon Gift Card

Enter below to win a $300 Amazon gift card! Giveaway ends December 7. U.S. residents ages 18 and up only may enter.

How to enter: Tell us your favorite item from Sierra Trading Post and why you like it in the comments below.

Good luck!!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Worry Less. Do More. Even With a New Baby

Lolli — Tue, 10 Nov 2015 20:46:12 +0000

When I had babies in the house, I was constantly worried about finding a balance between getting things done and getting my little ones the sleep that they needed (or should I say the sleep I really needed them to get!). Since I don’t have babies in the house anymore, I turned to my favorite mom-of-a-new-baby to write about this amazing product for new parents. Seriously. I wish I had had the Keera Video Baby Monitor when my babies were little. My sister, Andrea, who happened to be one of the people who inspired me to start a blog 8 years ago, received the Keera 2 Camera Video Baby Monitor in exchange for her honest review. All thoughts expressed here are her own.

During our home study process for adoption, we were warned that we everything that we enjoyed doing in our spare time would be much more difficult once you adopted an infant. I remember thinking, “No way! There’s got to be ways to still have a life and a baby at the same time!”

One of the strategies I had in mind was getting a video baby monitor. This was the one thing I knew I wanted to get with this baby. I knew this would allow me more breathing room. If I could actually SEE that our baby was ok…then I could relax and fully invest myself into another activity.

We were blessed to adopt a beautiful baby boy in January! I got my Levana video baby monitor mounted above his crib. It comes with two cameras, but so far we’ve used just the one above his crib. When he’s down for a nap I turn my monitor on and GO!

Worry Less. Do More.

My alarm goes off at 5:45am and I look at my video monitor. He’s sleeping peacefully! You have time for at least a 20 minute work out….no excuses!

He’s curled up with his favorite blanket during his afternoon nap and not even tossing and turning! Time to turn on my favorite music and start prepping dinner!

We’ve read stories; extra cuddle time, and we just laid him down for the night. I look at the monitor and it’s a done deal….the little guy is falling right to sleep. With no delay I can catch up on cleaning or relaxing on my laptop.

Our little guy is an amazing sleeper. We are so lucky, BUT we also did sleep training. It was a breeze with a video monitor. To be able to see the video feed and that he’s ok and he’s rubbing his eyes and about to fall asleep (even if he’s still crying or talking on the audio) was so helpful to stick with the process.

The monitor picture quality is superb, with amazing night vision capabilities and a cool feature that allows you to talk to your baby though the monitor. It sounds weird, but it is so effective at calming your baby down!

Even if the peace of mind my video monitor gave me during sleep training was the only time I felt it was useful….I’d STILL get one. But it also helps me keep my life balanced and productive, giving me the assurance of the one thing I always want to know…”Is my baby safe and sound right now?”

How could you use the Keera Video Baby Monitor to be more productive with your kids?

About the Keera Video Baby Monitor

Introducing Keera, Levana’s 3.5” touch panel Pan/Tilt/Zoom video baby monitor. The Keera monitor has the ability to record video and take pictures of your little one while viewing the live performance from your monitor. A powerful battery will last up to 24 hours while you and baby catch up on your extra winks. Touch panel buttons and simple graphic icons make selecting any of the many features easy and intuitive, even if you are distracted. Trust the Keera monitor to shed some light on the freedom that comes from doing more knowing your child is safe.

The Keera 2 Camera Video Baby Monitor can be purchased directly from the Levana website at MyLevana.com for $219.99. Or you can find it on Amazon. I personally think this monitor system would make a perfect holiday gift to new or expecting parents!

String Art and More {Handmade for the Holidays} #KLUTZhandmade

Lolli — Sat, 31 Oct 2015 03:43:48 +0000

I am so pumped about this Handmade for the Holidays campaign. So are my kids (and I love that!!). Samples and prizing were provided by Klutz. All thoughts are my own.

Some days (most days, actually), I love my job. Some days, going to work means making adorable string art to give to one of my kids as a pick-me-up, just-because-I-love-you gift. That’s what I did today. I had been eyeing one of the Klutz kits that I received recently – the String Art kit – and I decided that some time away from the computer was just what I needed.

One of the things I love most about Klutz creative kits is that they come with a thorough, colorful book full of ideas and instructions for making your craft along with an attached box full of the supplies you’ll need to complete the craft projects.

I pulled out the String Art kit and had a blast creating an owl wall hanging (I’ve got a daughter who loves owls!).

When my kids came home and saw my finished project, they were so excited that they asked me to teach them how to make their own string art. I think we’re on to something brilliant! What could be better than making one-of-a-kind gifts for family and friends?

As the kids and I were working on their projects, one of them said that their string artwork would be the perfect teacher gift. I loved that the kit was easy enough for the kids to understand, and that the finished projects were cute enough to hang proudly on the wall.

I can’t wait to open up more of our new Klutz kits – they are all so perfect for making handmade gifts that people will actually want to keep and use!

ABOUT THE PRODUCTS

Shrink & Link Jewelry

With more than 2 million Shrink Art Jewelry and Shrinky Dinks books in print, we at Klutz are pretty much shrink plastic experts. But when it’s as easy as tracing, cutting, and baking . . . you can become a shrink art expert too! Even if you’re totally new to this whole shrink art thing, our step-by-step instructions will have your friends admiring your “did-you-really-make-that?!” jewelry in no time.

This is the only book out there that lets you make reusable, transferable, dimensional pendants and attach them to a ring or a necklace. With Shrink and Link Jewelry, you can create brilliant shrink art charms from over 50 traceable designs – and then mix and match them for a limitless wardrobe of unique, colorful jewelry!

Make Glitter Clay Charms

Design your own bracelet with itty-bitty glittery charms! As a follow-up to our beloved bestseller Make Clay Charms, this book comes with 35 new charm designs, new clay colors, and two packets of accent glitter to make your charms sparkle and shine.

Starting with a few basic shapes and easy-to-mold clay, you can sculpt mini food, tiny aliens and robots, pocket-sized unicorns, and dozens of other cuties that you can customize with extra personality. Just pop your creations in the oven to set (with an adult’s help, of course), use our special glaze to give them polish and add as much glitter as you want, then attach them to the included bracelet. Each project has clear instructions and a true-to-life sizing guide to help you craft your own glitter charms.

Pop Collage

Nothing is cooler than a look that’s unmistakably you. Luckily, when it comes to sprucing up your stuff, Pop Collage has you covered (pun intended). We make collages simple with our crystal-clear instructions and everything you need to get started.

Learn to tear, cut, hole-punch, and layer the included Pop Pages in unexpected ways. It’s a no-mistake, anything-goes activity-chaos encouraged. Tackle the 10 projects included in the book like paper bowls, a bookmark, an owl, an accessory tray, a frame, and more. Then get inspired with ideas from the book so you can make anything pop!

String Art

String art used to be just for squares (and triangles and other geometric shapes), but our new string art system opens up a whole new world of possibilities. From cute critters to fashionable flowers to trendy typography, kids can make everything in the book after learning just three simple methods.

The final results may look intricate, but we include an only-from-Klutz pin-pushing tool so even a string-art newbie can create awesome art with this classic craft. And our pin-pusher solves string art’s prickliest problems by making sure that every pin goes in straight and at the same height. With instructions for 20 projects and enough materials for six, kids will be making amazing art in no time.

Finger Knitting

Cozy knit accessories are right at your fingertips-literally! Make scarves, hats, jewelry, cat ear headbands, boot toppers, and much more with easy instructions for 15 projects. Even if you’ve never knit a stitch before, you’ll be amazed by what you can make without needles. And with 200 yards of metallic-sparkle yarn right in the box, you can whip up 2 extra-large scarves or several smaller projects.

How do you finger knit? Simply weave the yarn back and forth between your fingers, and then pick up the loops. Really, it’s that easy! When you’re ready to take a break, use the handy stitch holder until it’s time to continue. Then braid, fold, wrap, or tie your finger-knit chains into cool creations, such as a flower-embellished scarf, a beaded necklace, or a boho-style fringe. Everything you need comes with the book (fingertips not included).

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KLUTZ HANDMADE FOR THE HOLIDAYS GIVEAWAY

Klutz has so many fun and educational projects to choose from – there’s something that fits almost everyone on your holiday shopping list. And you can enter to win your own KLUTZ collection to create beautiful, unique, meaningful handmade gifts this holiday season!

One (1) winner receives a set of 5 KLUTZ activity kits, including:

Giveaway open to US addresses only. Prizing and samples provided by Klutz. This giveaway will end on November 13 at 11:59 ET, after which a winner will be chosen at random and notified via email. Good luck!

Entry -Form