Bzz Agent Review: Tonka XT

 

 

Have you seen the newest toy out by Hasbro?? They are called the Tonka XT Ricochet Tricksters.

 

So I’m guessing you are saying what in the heck are those?? Right? Oh, come on I know you are!!!

Well, to answer your question they are remote controlled stunt vehicles. They can drive fast, do awesome stunts, and make an afternoon full of fun!

It has a “Trick Trigger” which allows you to use one of three pre-programmed stunts. This care is designed sleek and has no “upside down” … it flips, it turns, it spins, you name it!

The best part, being that your child can come up with his/her own stunts. They can build a really cool ramp, or use stairs, and the vehicle will go soaring through the air. (Parents be warned keep away from breakables)

Pros:

• Cool Stunts programmed
  
• Lots of fun
  
• Its small, so easy to travel with
  
• Durable
  

Cons:

• Requires 5 AA Batteries
  
• Needs to charge for 20-30 mins to use it for 15-30 mins
  
• Intended for Indoor Use
  
• Not truly rechargeable

 

 

My monkey man loved this toy. It was a hit, before I even got it out of the box. I mean what little boy doesn’t like a really cool trickster remote control car! Matter of fact, my hubby (the big boy) wanted to use it just as much! It provided hours of fun for both of them… 

 

 

I tried to get a picture of it in action but my camera kept making them blurry.  

I think this Tonka XT  would be a really great gift for the holidays.. and it isn’t horribly priced for a remote control vehicle. It can be purchased for $24.99 at Walmart, Target, Toys R Us, and Kmart.

*I received a Tonka Ricochet Trickster from BzzAgent in exchange for writing this review. My opinions are strictly mine and my monkey’s from using the Tonka Ricochet Trickster!

 

Simple Woman’s Daybook

 

 

 

 

 

FOR TODAY:

October 31, 2011

Outside my window...

Its sunny, but a bit chilly… Suppose to be up in the 40’s.

I am thinking...  What shall I do today? There is lots to be done, but my list is so long, I don’t know where to start.

I am thankful for...  Fun days with my family, that re-energize.

From the learning rooms... We are doing good, and going onto our 12th week. If you would like to see more about our journey stop by our Monkey School Blog.

From the kitchen...  Pork Chops from the Crockpot Girls on Facebook.

I am wearing...  Jeans, t-shirt, sweatshirt, and my flip flops!

I am creating...  A list of foods for Thanksgiving… and ideas for Christmas, they are sneaking up on me way to quick!

I am going... To be weeding out some stuff this next couple weeks, to sell at a local Tag Sale. Thinking if I can get the kids to do the same, and tell them they can use their money on a present for each other or mommy and daddy!  

I am reading... Still on Escape by Barbara Delinsky

I am hoping... The snow stays quiet for a bit longer, after this last storm melts, I have a few more things to clean up!

I am hearing...   My kids rummaging through Lego’s!

Around the house...  Dishes, floors to be swept, and general picking up to be done.

One of my favorite things... Time with my kiddo’s!

A few plans for the rest of the week:  Not much.. some cooking, library, Girl Scout Sock Hop, and Goat School.

Here is picture for thought I am sharing...

My handsome boy! Isn’t it soooo Cute!!! Ok, I might be a bit bias!

Members Mark 4X Probiotic Review:

 

 

Most people don’t think about their Digestive Health Care. I know, I don’t usually. However, lately I had been reading up on it, and wanted to try it out. Why you ask??

My Story:

Well, I am not a horrible eater… however, probably not the best. I have been having stomach issues for a few months now. I thought it might be an ulcer, but have been told from many sources, that with an ulcer you usually have other symptoms such as aggravation with foods with lots of acid. This was not the case for me..

I would just wake up with dull pains in my stomach. After tying different ways of eating, and trying some other medicines, I decided to go another route. I just couldn’t take the annoyance of it anymore. There was no rhyme or reason to the pain. If I ate sometimes it would go away, sometimes it didn’t. It could be there in the morning, afternoon or night.

My body has never been great at digesting things, so I thought I would give this a try. I mean what harm could it do right?

My Shopping Experience:

After looking for some different ones online. I was contacted to try Members Mark 4X Probiotic. I figured it’s a place to start.

As many of you might know, Members Mark is the Sam’s label brand. So off to Sam’s Club we went yesterday after a very long day of activities. (So please excuse the kids in the pictures with costumes on)

I am a Sam’s Club Member already and really love shopping at Sam’s. Not only can I get things like vitamins, but also, food, clothing, books, and appliances!

We went to our local Sam’s and looked around for a few minutes, it had been a couple weeks since we had last been in there, and you never know what new things you might find. Especially around the holiday’s!! 

My kids always have to stop for some samples. Their favorite part of the whole shopping experience. Here they are trying out some Brownie Bites, and Pumpkin Muffins…

Then we headed over to the books and movies, to see what new things they had. My kids love to read, and many times you can find great books a bit cheaper than the book store.  

From there we headed on to the vitamin section. Where we searched for the Members Mark 4X Probiotic.

Took us a few minutes to see. Then we looked at the product (which I will tell you a bit more about in my next post after I have been taking it for awhile.)

You can get this at Sam’s for $28.88 for an 84 pack. Which is a 3 month supply cause you only need to take it once a day. Not really a bad price for 3 months.

The box looks like this on the front and back:

Another thing I like about Sam’s is the speedy checkout. Even when there busy, many lanes are open, and it generally doesn’t take us to long to check out. Check out is easy with them scanning your member card, and then you can pay by cash, gift card, check, debit, or credit.

Making it easy to run in, and out!

Check back in a couple weeks for an update about the product and how well it is working.  

*Disclosure: This shop has been compensated as part of a social shopper insights study for Collective Bias and MamaBzz.

 

The Homeschool Mother’s Journal

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

In my life this week… 

We have been pretty busy, but not as bad as the week before. Trying to get ready for winter, a few trips, and some activities going on.  You??

In our homeschool this week… 

We did good. The kids are staying pretty much on task, and enjoying our lessons. I’m hoping things continue to go smoothly! If you would like to read more about our homeschool journey, go here.

 

Helpful homeschooling tips or advice to share…

Make sure to in cooperate some fun stuff, and don’t be afraid to let a little book work slide to do it. They will still learn, and most importantly have a BLAST along the way!

Places we’re going and people we’re seeing…

This week, we are not really going to many places, maybe a day trip in Augusta, to run some errands, and stop at the library, and most importantly the BOOK STORE. My kids love the book store.

Then we have a Girl Scout Dance this Friday, so we will see some friends, and have a great time!

On Saturday we are attending a Goat School, and learning about goats. Should be interesting… Look for a post on that!

My favorite thing this week was…

Watching my kids face, when they got to go play in the snow today! My son was EXCITED!!!

What’s working/not working for us…

I really think our bit more scheduled, but laid back schedule is working for us this year. Last year I was so worried about getting all our days in, I let it suck the fun out of our lives. This year we are taking things as they come, and working with it.   Very important to keep everyone happy!

Questions/thoughts I have…

What special things do you teach around Thanksgiving?? 

Things I’m working on…

Trying to be more patient (still) and learning to let the little things slide. Being a bit more laid back… Having lots of fun!

I’m reading…  Escape by Barbara Delinsky

I’m cooking…  Today’s menu includes some yummy Sheppard’s Pie!

I’m grateful for…  A very supportive mom, that helps we when ever I need it. She is even taking Latin, with Monkey Man, so I can focus on the girls, and he still gets his work done. Its kinda of cute. (She does worksheets and all… the best part is, I think she is really having fun with it)

A photo, video, link, or quote to share…

Middle Monkey at her birthday party.. Her favorite thing of the party. A Hay Jump.. who woulda thought??

Five Question Friday

 

 

 

 

 

 

1. Do you prefer cotton, silk, or flannel sheets?

I love flannel sheets, in the winter. They are so warm and snuggly.  

2. What time zone are you in?

Eastern

3. What is your favorite part of the holiday season?

Family traditions, cooking, and being with family…

4. What is your favorite "wintry" drink? (It doesn't have to be an "alcoholic" drink!)

Hot cocoa!! with Marshmallows

5. In your opinion, what is the worst job in the world?

I really don’t know, I think there are many that people don’t even consider cause it is not gross or disgusting. There are so many that are hard jobs, with very little reward. I feel for them.

Tos Review: Marshall Publishing- George Washington Craver

 

 

 

 

 

 

Have you ever wanted a dvd of a Historical Person, or event that took place? Something that breaks it down for you to understand, and for your child to get.

Marshall Publishing has done just that with many dvd’s. We were lucky enough to review the one about George Washington Craver. Let me tell you a few things about it.

About the Product:

Name: George Washington Craver: His life and His work on Dvd

For Ages:  4th Grade and up

Length:  Approx. 30 Minutes

Price: $19.95

To Order: You can order them by going to www.marshallpub.com or calling 1-888-300-3455

Now about the Dvd.. It tells the story of the life of George Washington Craver. Which did you know was the Peanut man?? I did not.

My son is in 4th grade, and he really enjoyed this documentary. He was very attentive, and found lots of things fascinating, as did I. The Dvd was very well done, and easy to follow.

Monkey man’s comments about the dvd were. “Mom, there should be more people in the world like him”… “Can you believe he didn’t care about money??” and so on. He really was touched by the fact that a man that came from nothing, was able to find the positive and make his life mean something.

I was impressed as well. A man that stared evil in the face many times throughout his life, and kept such an outlook on life. Inspires me to do the same. Favorite line was something like We should not look for what we can get out of life, but what we can do with out life while here. AMAZING!!

I really recommend this Dvd to anyone who is trying to teach about historical people. Or just to anyone looking for something to beef up the history lesson. They even include a study guide and discussion questions for you to use along with it.

Some of the other Dvd’s that Marshall Publishing offers are…

• Fire Trucks
  
• History of the Oregon Trail
  
• Lincoln at Gettysburg: The battle and the Address
  
• Lewis & Clark Expedition
  
• Lots on Railroads
  
• Animals and so MUCH more!!!
  

Look to see what the rest of the TOS Crew is saying about it!!

*I received this dvd for free from Marshall Publishing for my honest opinion as part of the TOS Crew. All opinions are 100% mine and my monkey’s.

Happy Birthday Middle Monkey!!!

 

 

Today is my Middle Monkey’s birthday! She turns 8 yrs old! I have such a hard time believing that she is already 8! Where did the time go??

We have over come a lot in the last few years. She has matured in strides. I’m very proud of her.

Some of Middle Monkey’s favorites & Interests today….

At 8 she…

LOVES to dance and sing! 

Her favorite foods are Mac & Cheese, and tomato soup!

Favorite color is pink still….

Her best friend lives in FL… and she misses her dearly.

She is awesome at Math!

She is a loyal Girl Scout and loves 4H….

I can’t wait to see what another year with her brings!!

Happy Birthday!!!

 

Totino’s Pizza Night Review and Giveaway

Do you have any fun family traditions on Friday nights? To make the night special after a long week at school, or work?! 



At our house we like to do alternating Friday night fun things.. Like one week we will have a game night, the next week it would be dinner out, the next week maybe bowling, and then one week would be a Movie Night. With the rising costs going to the movie theater is not usually an option for us. So we love to do movies at home, making an easier dinner, getting some popcorn, maybe a box of candy, and then renting a movie! Perfect end to a long week! 


Well Totino’s and Redbox have teamed up together to make it a bit easier for you on a Friday night! 


Participating Totino’s Pizza products if you purchase 4 Totino Party Pizza’s, or 2 Totino’s pizza rolls you can get a free one-day rental promo code, that you can redeemed here for the Rolls, and here for the pizzas.

Then with more than 27,800 Redbox locations, there is a great chance of finding the perfect Friday Night movie!!! 


Now for the best news of all!! 


How would you like to win one of these prize packs??? 

*The VIP coupons, prize pack, information, and giveaway have been provided by Totino’s through MyBlogSpark. All opinions are 100% mine or my monkey’s.

Tos Review: Northstar Games- Say Anything Family

 

 

 

 

As you have probably read in past posts, we love playing games in this family! We try really hard to have a game night once or twice a month. Do you have game night at your house? Why do we? Well, I find it brings our family together really well, for some fun and laughter.

We are always excited to try out new games. North Star Games “Say Anything” looked like lots of fun.

 

What you will find in the Say Anything game:

• 360 Topics on 60 question cards
  
• 6 Dry Erase Boards
  
• 6 Dry Erase Markers
  
• 1 Select-O-Matic 6000
  
• 12 Player Tokens
  
• Dry Erase Score Board
  
• Rules

The object of the game is to…

Get enough points to win!!

How to play:

The Judge asks a question, and everyone rights whatever they come up with on a little board. When you have written your answer, you lay the board face up, and the judge decides which one is their favorite. Then the players can put two tokens on which over board they think the judge will pick. Whoever choose the right one gets points, and the writer of that one gets a bonus point.

Say Anything is geared towards ages 8 and up. Monkey Man and Middle Monkey had no problem playing this game, and it was refreshing to hear is answers and what they could come up with.  

 

 

Our Thoughts:

Very fun, and all my kids played. My little monkey didn’t play alone, only because she can’t write all words by herself. We all had a really good time playing though! It really brings out the imagine too! Another game being added to our Friday night game list!!  

You can find Say Anything at your local Barnes & Nobles, Borders, or Target store. It averages about $24.95.

 

You can find Northstar Games on Facebook & Twitter!!

Hear what more of the members of TOS Crew are saying about this product!

*We received a copy of this game through TOS Crew in exchange for our honest opinion. All thoughts and opinions are 100% ours.

 

Tos Review: Northstar Games- Wits & Wagers Family

 

 

 

 

Again I’m sure you have heard me say it enough… we love games in this house! Board games are one of our favorite past times! However, finding a really good one… where everyone can play. Seems we range from ages 6 to 67 here, is not always the easiest task.

Recently we had the opportunity to review the game Wits & Wagers… I wasn’t so sure it was going to be a hit, but I have to tell you after playing this game, the kids were begging to play again.

This is the Wits & Wagers family edition. They also have a party one.  The great part about this game, is while its trivia all you have to do is write a guess.

Here’s how it works, a person picks up the trivia card and asks a question. Then each person or team writes on their card a number (or guess a number) to the questions. Then they place the card down showing their answer. From there people put their meeples (cute little people)  on the answer they think is right, or closest to the answer. You have two meeples so you can put one on two different answers to try and get points. Then the answer is read, and the answer closest without going over is the winner. The points are figured out by who had a meeples on the right answer. Plus the person who wrote the right answer gets a point. The first person/team to reach 15 pts wins!

Some of the best parts for us about this game was that my 6 yr old could play, cause if she was on a team, she can write. Plus there are some questions that she even knew the answers too, such as how many Disney Princess’s are their?

 

The game includes:

• 150 Trivia Question Cards (2 questions on each)
  
• 5 Dry Erase Answer Boards
  
• 5 Dry Erase Pens
  
• 5 Large Meeples
  
• 5 Small Meeples
  
• A Dry Erase Score Board
  
• Rules

 

We absolutely loved this game, and it will become a regular Friday night game night game for us!!!  

You can purchase Wits & Wagers  online at Amazon or at your local Target Store.

You can find Northstar games on Facebook & Twitter!

Check out more reviews from our TOS Crew!

 

* I was given the game in exchange for my honest opinion as part of the TOS Crew.  No other compensation was given.

 

 

 

 

 

Wednesday Hodgepodge

 

 

 

 

 

 

1. What gives you goosebumps?  Erie noises!

2. Halloween-are you a lover or a hater? Okay, that sounds harsh...Halloween-yay or nay?  I’m kinda a yay and nay.. I love to decorate for Halloween, but I’m not huge on going around trick or treating. You?

3. Can you respect someone you do not trust, and can you trust someone you do not respect? No, I can not respect someone I do not trust. Nor can  I trust someone I can’t respect. I really think it is a two way street.. they kinda go hand in hand.

4. Apples or oranges? Yes, you have to choose.  Oranges hands down.. apples are good. However, not my favorite, unless cooked.

5. What is something you wish was in your town? (shop, restaurant, attraction, etc)

Nothing really.. I think I like it the way it is. To much stuff means why to many people in your town and annoying drivers.

6. What non-food item is in your refrigerator or freezer?

The only thing we have in our fridge non-food is baking soda. In the freezer is ice packs.

7. Are you at all superstitious? Not really.. I sometimes crack jokes about it, but not really.

8. Insert your own random thought here.

Can’t believe my middle girl is going to be 8 yrs old tomorrow. WOW!!! Time sure as heck flies, doesn’t it?

Pink winner is…

 

 

 

 

# 13

Congrats Cheryl!!

Look for an email from me! Remember you only have 48 hrs to respond or I will choose a new winner.  

Thanks again, and check back for some more giveaways coming soon!

 

 

Simple Woman’s Daybook:

 

 

 

 

 

FOR TODAY

October 24, 2011

Outside my window... It is sunny and beautiful for the first time in a while.

I am thinking... There are so many things I want to get done today… but probably won’t.

I am thankful for...  The gorgeous day today, to get me motivated.  

From the learning rooms... We are doing really good. Lots of great things happening. Be sure to check our days, and awesome reviews! Swing by..

From the kitchen...  We are just having a quick frozen pizza tonight, we have so much going on.

I am wearing...  My jeans, a t-shirt, and a sweatshirt, but of course my flip flops!

I am creating...  Some craft projects for my girl scouts today.

I am going... to go nutty!

I am reading... A Kristen Hannah book… that seems to be really good so far.

I am hoping...  we have a fabulous meeting tonight.

I am hearing...  My kids giggle and play

Around the house...  There is lots to be done… what about you??

One of my favorite things... Ice cream!

A few plans for the rest of the week:  This week, we have girl scouts, cub scouts, school, library trip, an extra class, apples to be made into pie filling and canned, lawn to be mowed, friends to see, help a friend, 4H, a girl scouts trip, Trunk or treat at church, a cub scout awards thing, a Halloween party, and hoping to fit in some rest.  

Here is picture for thought I am sharing...

The kids helping me make bones!

Zhip Review

 

 

 

As a mom with smaller children, some gadgets just make my life way easier.  With smartphones being the new rave, and most everyone owning one, the Zhip is an accessory that might help make your life easier.

The Zhip, is a device that you hook to your smartphone, or IPod so it can stand up, or you can hook it to the back of a seat in your car. There are many uses to it.

This would make a wonderful stocking stuffer, for someone in your life.

The Zhip is also folds up pretty small, so you can put it in your purse, or in your car, without it being in your way.

Some facts about the Zhip:

• The Zhip is made of 100% Polycarbonate material, which is the same stuff used to make bullet proof glass, so it's sturdy and durable.
  
• The unit is compact (it measures 2⁷/₈" x 1³/₈" x ³/₄"), comes equipped with a built-in desktop stand.
  
• The Zhip expands to fit any handheld mobile device and features special retractable, "scratch-free" grip handles with protective padding that attach tightly around a smartphone or iPod Touch to safeguard and secure even the most expensive device. 
  
• It is equipped with a sturdy, "no-drop," three-foot extendable zip cord to easily mount any smartphone practically anywhere for the following uses:

This video explains a bit more about it.

You can buy it for $14.95 or for a limited time you can get it for $9.95 by entering this code ZHIPMOM

You can purchase one at Amazon, or Best Buy as well.

* I was given a Zhip for free in exchange for my honest opinion. All opinions are 100% mine.

 

Quest for Zhu Winner….

 

 

is…

#1

Congrats to Nicole!

Please be sure to look for an email from me. The winner has 48hrs to respond or I choose a new one.

Check back again soon, we have lots of great giveaways to come!  

Simple Woman’s Daybook

 

 

 

 

 

FOR TODAY

October 17th, 2011

Outside my window... It is windy and chilly, but not a bad day considering the amount of rain we have had lately.

I am thinking... Wow, do I have SOO much to accomplish this week.

I am thankful for...  A helpful husband (when I really need it)

From the learning rooms... We did our normal Monday routine. You can read more about it here.

From the kitchen...  We are having a yummy fish chowder with some rolls. I can’t wait!!! YUM!

I am wearing...  Pants, a t-shirt, and my sweatshirt, with Flip Flops! Yup, I’m a goob!

I am creating...  So many things right now, A pumpkin bean bag toss, A plan to get everything done this week, and plans for girl scout meetings.

I am going... To be everywhere this week! Visiting a friend tomorrow, Field trip Wednesday, and lots of other places!

I am reading... Stuff finished my new Nicholas Sparks book “The Best of Me”… Oh my!!! Not disappointing, just as good as all the others! Now to wait for  a new one again!  

I am hoping... I get everything done this week that I need to without to much stress.

I am hearing...   My Little Monkey reading me a story… and talk to her doll.

Around the house...  Hubby did my chores today… so all I have left is folding laundry, and mowing the lawn this week. (if I have time)

One of my favorite things... Listen to my monkey’s read books to me.. love listening to them.

A few plans for the rest of the week:  Had a meeting today, and baked two cakes.. Tomorrow I’m making 150 pds of applesauce with a friend, Wednesday we are going on a field trip, Thursday I have to make a bunch of caramel & candy apples, Friday I need to frost cakes, and bake some goodies, Achievement night, and then Saturday is Middle Monkey’s long awaited Fall Themed Birthday Party! Plus we have school everyday… YOU?

Here is picture for thought I am sharing...

A couple from us Apple Picking…