Mighty Fit Campaign to help Elijah battle childhood cancer ~ how can we help??

I recently found out about a wonderful venture that a young person started to help raise money for childhood cancer.  It is called Alex’s Lemonade Stand.  It is a small childhood cancer fundraising campaign started by Alex
Scott at barely 4 years of age. Alex was

in the process of undergoing
treatment for neuroblastoma, a type of childhood cancer, when she
decided that she wanted to help raise money for her hospital so she
could help other kids fighting cancer. A truly selfless child, she lost
her fight with cancer in 2004 at age 8 but her legacy lives on through
the Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation (ALSF).

Elijah’s story

Auntie Anne’s has partnered with ALSF to help raise funds to fight childhood cancer through a Tilt campaign.
As part of the campaign, a different child hero is being highlighted
each week and I have the privilege of talking about a brave young boy
named Elijah.

Elijah is from Little Rock, Arkansas and was diagnosed
with stage IVneuroblastoma in August 2005. in 2006 Elijah's cancer returned and he had to  travel with his family over 1,200
miles to get treatment at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia.



Although he is
receiving the help he needs, the treatment is very expensive.  Thankfully there are wonderful organizations like ALSF that are available to help children like Elijah.
Elijah has been happy to host his own lemonade stands through ALSF which
shows what a truly remarkable boy he really is.



You can also help Elijah and other children like him who are bravely battling cancer by
visiting the Auntie Anne’s and ALSF Mighty Fight Tilt campaign today and donating!  Even a few dollars can greatly help this wonderful cause.  Please consider a donation of any amount that you feel you are able to give!

Disclosure: Mom Loves 2 Read did not receive any compensation for this post - actually a small donation will be made on behalf of ML2R to the Mighty Fight Tilt Campaign as a thank you for spreading the word about the wonderful fundraising event.

Book review: Wallace: The Underdog Who Conquered a Sport, Saved a Marriage, and Championed Pit Bulls--One Flying Disc at a Time

Book review:

Wallace: The Underdog Who Conquered a Sport, Saved a Marriage, and Championed Pit Bulls--One Flying Disc at a Time

Today, Wallace is a champion. But in the summer of 2005, he was living in a shelter, a refugee from a suspicious pit bull–breeding operation. Andrew “Roo” Yori, a scientist and shelter volunteer, could tell

immediately that Wallace was something special. While on his honeymoon, Roo learned that Wallace was about to be put down. Frantic—and even though they already had two dogs—Roo and his wife fought to keep Wallace alive until they could return home to adopt him.

Once Wallace made it home, Roo knew the dog needed a mission, and serendipity led them to the world of competitive Frisbee dogs. It seemed like a terrible idea. Pit bulls are everything that most Frisbee dogs aren’t: large and heavy with thick muscles that can make them look less than graceful. But after overcoming everything from injuries to prejudice against the breed, the unlikely pair became World Champions.

Movingly told by bestselling author Jim Gorant, Wallace will capture the hearts of animal lovers everywhere—and help rescue this popular breed’s unfairly tarnished reputation. 

My review:  

Aaah, the rise of the underdog! Those of us volunteering in dog rescue are familiar with Wallace and his story. And what a story it is! An unwanted American pit bull terrier, stuck in a shelter, and on the fast track to euthanasia, Wallace rose to stardom, become a flying disc world champion. Wallace did wonders proving the nay sayers with their opinions about pit bulls wrong-a mission his owners continue to this day. This book gives good insight into his transformation from a shelter dog deemed a "liability" to world champion. Inspirational and entertaining, I highly recommend this for anyone who loves dogs, especially pit bulls-and for those who are biased against them! 

Link to an awesome Wallace video that showcases brilliantly what this dog was capable of: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vNicN-o1VyA

Wallace’s official website: http://www.wallacethepitbull.com

Disclosure: I did not receive the item(s) mentioned in this post for free, but spent my own money. Regardless ~ All my reviews are my honest and personal opinion. 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.”.

$25 iTunes Gift Card Giveaway ~ 8/23 - 9/6

Come take a chance on winning an iTunes Gift Card - another amazing giveaway that Susan from Mom Loves 2 Read has found just for YOU!

 

Hosted by: Queen of Savings, Mom of 4 Boys, Michigan Savings & More & Dividing by

Zero

Sponsor: Wonder Forge Pictopia: Disney Edition App
 

To celebrate the release of their new app the awesome folks from Wonder Forge are offering a $25 iTunes Gift Card to one of my lucky readers. Discover playful trivia spanning decades of Disney magic, from the animated classics and blockbuster movies to television hits and dazzling theme park destinations. 

Image-based questions celebrate touchstone characters like Mickey Mouse, Cinderella, Jack Sparrow, Buzz Lightyear, and Elsa from Frozen. Challenge your Disney knowledge alone through solo play, or have a trivia party with your friends—there’s something for everyone! There is also an option to purchase an additional 

Disneyland Theme Park Trivia Pack for only $0.99

Prize: $25 iTunes Gift Card

Dates: 8/23-9/6

Open to: US Residents 18+

Enter to win using the widget below. Good luck!

 

$25 iTunes Gift Card from Wonder Forge

Disclosure: Mom Loves 2 Read did not receive compensation for this post and is not responsible for prize fulfillment.

Beatrix Girls Birthday Party Prize Pack ~ Come enter to win - 8/23 through 9/6

Hosted by: Queen of Savings, Michigan Savings & More, Dividing by Zero, Barbara's Beat

Sponsor: Beatrix Girls Popstar Club

They’re musicians, they’re dolls, they’re role models for a new generation of empowered young girls. Sure, they’re adorable with great clothes and fabulous hair, but there’s so much more to them than that! The

Beatrix Girls are an accomplished pop band with real music that girls are sure to adore. Each member of the band sings, plays a different instrument and even writes the songs. They’ve achieved the pop-star success that young girls dream of – and they’ve done it through talent, tenacity and old-fashioned hard work. Best of all, none of that success has gone to their heads. They’re young, they’re real and they’re spunky.

Party like a princess with this fun and fantastic Beatrix Girls Party Kit

Enter below for YOUR chance to WIN!

Prize: Printable Invitation Template, 15 Posters, 15 Stickers, 15 Balloons, 15 "Meet the Beatrix" CD's, 4 Beatrix Girl Dolls and a Beatrix Girls Activity Book

Dates: 8/23-9/6

Open to: US Residents 18+

Enter to win using the widget below. Good luck!

Beatrix Girls Birthday Party Prize Pack Giveaway

 


Disclosure: Mom Loves 2 Read did not receive compensation for this post and is not responsible for prize fulfillment.

Find great teaching aids from UI School Supply like the game Qwirkle! #review #sp

With school now in session, it is that time of year again to think about how we as parents, grandparents and teachers can aid our young students in learning at home as well as at school.  One of my favorite ways to have my children continue "learning" on weekends and school breaks is to play interactive games.  I love to

find games and toys that are not only fun, but also teach them critical thinking and have educational value.



One of our favorite games is called Qwirkle.  I found Qwirkle on the UI School Supply website along with many other great teaching aids.  Qwirkle is a fun game for kids of all ages that is easy to play.  Children, and adults, match colors and shapes, but this game also
requires tactical maneuvers and well-planned strategy. Players each earn points by
building rows and columns of blocks that share a common shape or color.
It is on the order of dominoes yet is easy enough for even preschoolers to play.



I love that Qwirkle can be played by 2 to 4 players from a family or even a small group of children in a classroom environment.  It is fun for every player.

Disclosure: Mom Loves 2 Read did receive compensation for this post. Regardless ~ All my reviews are my honest and personal opinion. 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.”.

EXTRA! EXTRA! Read all about it! Roly-Poly Monster visits the Zoo ~ adorable children's book #review

Come and join Roly-Poly Monster in a brand new adventure as he goes to
visit the Monster Town Zoo! 



Follow along as he discovers new and amazing
animals, rides a colorful train and of course, does his favorite
activity – rolling! 



This colorful, rhyming picture book is the second
book featuring Roly-Poly Monster and is recommended for ages 2-6 years
old.







My Review:

Author Charity Tober and her Illustrator Husband, Andrew Tober have created the second book for young children called

Roly-Poly Monster Goes to the Zoo!



In this adorable second book, Roly-Poly Monster and his family get up in the morning and get ready to have a family trip to the Zoo!  Many young children will relate to a fun filled Zoo trip while reading along with Roly-Poly Monster and his family as they travel by bus to see all the fun and unique creatures at their local Zoo.



My youngest has read this book as well as the first Roly-Poly monster book over and over.  She is six years old and in first grade this year.  She and her big sister, age 9, love the Roly-Poly Monster stories.  They comment over and over about the wonderful illustrations on each page, the fun Zoo map and compare Roly-Poly Monster's adventures to their own Zoo trip memories!



The story is told in a fun rhyme that younger readers and pre-readers enjoy.  With colorful and vibrant illustrations on each and every page that help tell the story along with the fun wording, children can relate to adorable little Roly-Poly Monster as he gets excited about all the fun things there are to see and do at the Zoo!  Roly-Poly Monster books are wonderful for young children ages 2 - 6.







This absolutely adorable book is available on Amazon: Roly-Poly Monster Goes to the Zoo
  

Disclosure: I received free the item(s) mentioned in this post in exchange for my honest review. Regardless ~ All my reviews are my honest and personal opinion. 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.”.

Bloglovin Hop #84 ~ Come boost your social media with Happy Kids, Inc & Mom Loves 2 Read!

Tweet

  

Your Devoted Host:

Your Lovely Co-Hosts:

      

   

1. Enter a link DIRECT to your Bloglovin' profile (you will need to manually upload a profile pic).

2. Follow your host, sponsors, and co-hosts.

3. Visit a few other blogs in the linky and make new friends.

4. Tweet and share this hop!

<div align="center"><br /><a href="http://www.happykidsincblog.com/p/bloglovin-blog-hop.html" title="Happy Kids, Inc." target="_blank"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/proxy/AVvXsEi0qtWCEK66tZrlQ4xU5D9yH2_J6jqTtg-62QyrsGByIBxIvSgvBV3xfF3rzB1COwfm6KebNZnmRuUe9UcNEioyhvOijHfW_6sG6O3L-k57FNSOkd8H1eDFuGy4lygvpbTJCOxblAe5wqyyTR_Nxsqv6BykAlG2xTHtsoMWvAiMcj96m2JI6KIu0bHLxoE8KSnVhpGDdbTdCSkkPWFQZKiUhWQ-5Yr_=" alt="Happy Kids, Inc." style="border:none;" /></a></div><br />

Check out the new way to zoom ~ Zike WingFlyer Z100 #review

WingFlyer Z100 combines fun with fitness in a high quality product that
will last for years. Our patented drive system and unique air tires make
the WingFlyer both smooth and easy to ride. With a handlebar stem that
lifts right out of the base, the WingFlyer Z100 is easy to transport for
hours of fun on the fly! Recommended

for ages 5-8. Weight limit 150
pounds









Review:

Yes, we love it!  What a wonderful invention - the fun of a scooter with the pedal type exercise of a bike - a ZIKE!  It was really easy to put together with great step by step instructions!

The tires are bigger and more like small bike tires than the little scooter tires for more stability and a smoother ride.  The pedals are large enough for little to big feet, and push down with the pressure of the rider to make the chain move and turn the wheels just like a bicycle.  But, the differences are also fun - no seat so the rider stays in the upright standing position and the pedals are pressed down instead of forward - so it is a fun, smooth motion that gains lots of speed.  The hand break makes it easy to slow down or stop the zike.

Although the Zike z100 is recommended for kids ages 5 to 8 with a max user weight of 150lbs, it is great for even older children to ride - and yes, even I snuck a few rides on it!  My 9 year old daughter zips up and down the road in our neighbor hood on the Zike and loves how fast she can "fly" on it!

Another great feature is the cute little kick stand!  A great way to keep this scooter upright and stored nicely like a bike when not in use - no zike laying around the driveway like the little scooters - getting in the way! Zike is a new family favorite in my home - just wish I had one that I could ride too!  The Zike is great for fun family outings, single riding, exercise or just for a quick zip to school!

You can find out more about Zike on their 

website:  http://www.zike.net/

Facebook, Twitter & YouTube

Disclosure: I received free the item(s) mentioned in this post in exchange for my honest review. Regardless ~ All my reviews are my honest and personal opinion. 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.”.

The Boxcar Children is now an animated film for children of all ages to enjoy on DVD ~ #review #giveaway #TheBoxCarChildren

About the movie:

Four orphaned and homeless siblings happen upon an abandoned boxcar, which
with a little creativity and hard work, they gradually furnish with all the
comforts of home.

Fearful that they will be sent to live with the reputedly cruel grandfather
they have never met, the children keep their new home a secret - until a serious
illness forces them to reveal

themselves in order to save young Violet.

Featuring
an all-star cast of voice actors, including Academy Award Nominee Martin Sheen
(Apocalypse Now), J.K. Simmons (Spiderman), Zach Gordon
(Diary of a Wimpy Kid), Joey King (Fargo), Mackenzie Foy
(Twilight series), and Jadon Sand (LEGO: The Movie), this is
the very first full-length, animated feature adaptation of Gertrude Chandler
Warner's best-selling classic!

My Review:

What a wonderful way to share my favorite children's book from my youth with my kids!  I love that Boxcar Children is now an animated movie that my children and I all love and can watch together over and over. Since viewing this DVD, my older daughter - age 9, and myself have both re-read the first book in the series again to refresh our memories and have watched this DVD together several times.  It sticks right along with the story I loved as a child and remains one of my favorite series for children to read!

Collector's Edition Special Features

• THE BOXCAR CHILDREN E-BOOK PREVIEW
  


• THE BOXCAR CHILDREN GUIDE TO ADVENTURE E-BOOK PREVIEW
  


• PRINTABLE TOWN MAP
  


• OFFICIAL SOUNDTRACK
  


• ABOUT THE AUTHOR/MUSEUM FEATURETTE
  


• DOWNLOADABLE ACTIVITY KIT
  


• STILLS GALLERY

Dove Approved - all ages!

The Boxcar Children is coming to DVD on
August 19th! VOD also available!

Preorder at Walmart: http://www.walmart.com/ip/38107477

https://www.facebook.com/BoxcarChildren

https://twitter.com/boxcarchildren

Enter the GIVEAWAY below - open to US & Canada residents - void where prohibited by law.

Entry-Form

Disclosure: I received free the item(s) mentioned in this post in exchange for my honest review. Regardless ~ All my reviews are my honest and personal opinion. Many thanks to Propeller Consulting, LLC for providing this prize for the
giveaway. Choice of winners and opinions are 100% my own and NOT influenced by
monetary compensation. Only one entrant per mailing
address, per giveaway. If you have won the same prize on another blog, you are
not eligible to win it again. Winner is subject to eligibility
verification.” 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.”.

BTS Transportation Sweepstakes ~ Enter to #Win a $500 travel Gift Card ~ #giveaway ends 9/19

Welcome to the MPM BTS Transportation Sweepstakes 

Organized by: Mom to Bed by 8 - Special thank you to our supporting co-host bloggers: A Medic's World,

My So Called Balanced Life, Life with 5 monkies, Reviews 411, Monica's Rants, Raves & Reviews, Michigan Saving and More and Plum Crazy About Coupons.

One winner will receive a $500 Southwest Gift Card.  A great gift for someone special or to use on your next vacation or family travel!  Great for College students to travel home or away for a break from School!

Where would you go?

Giveaway ends September 19th at 11:59pm, open to US and Canadian residents, ages 18+. Excludes Quebec. Only one entrant per household, per address. Winner is subject to eligibility verification. Enter using the giveaway form below. Good luck!

Entry-Form

Disclaimer: The participating bloggers were not compensated for this post. No purchase is necessary to enter. One entrant per household, per address. Void where prohibited by law. Winner(s) will be contacted by email and have 48 hours to respond before a new winner is chosen. The sponsor(s) will be responsible for product shipment to winner(s) of this sweepstakes. This event is in no way administered, sponsored, or endorsed by, or associated with, Facebook and/or Twitter, Google, Pinterest. Contact teri@mompoweredmedia.com if you have any additional questions or comments.

Back To School Palooza Giveaway ~ Over $430 in Prizes including Giftcards and Kindle Fire HD #giveaway

Welcome to the Back-to-School Giveaway Palooza

Sponsored by: Failing Perfect, Dibsies Personalization Station, Zazzle, Fundanoodle, and Educational Insights

Hosted & Organized by: Failing Perfect

Co-hosted by: Here We Go Again, Ready?, Intelligent Domestications, Heartbeats ~ Soul Stains, Spaceships and Laser Beams, Peace and Chaos, and The More The Merrier

 I can't believe it's that time of year again! My kids are back in school!  And this year is different for me . . . my oldest started Jr High!  And my youngest is in ALL day school for the first time - With all three kids gone

to school all day, I have no more excuses for not cleaning my house! LOL



It's really hard to believe that school is already back in session! It seems like just yesterday when we were looking forward to the start of summer. Because we love our readers - and their kids - we want to help you get ready for back-to-school by helping one lucky reader get the year started with a bang. That is why we teamed up with our blogger friends and a few generous sponsors to bring you the chance to win this fantastic giveaway!



One winner is going to receive a prize package worth over $430! This giveaway includes something for everyone in the family from preschoolers through college students.



 


Here is what is included:

• Kindle Fire HD 7" Tablet, Wifi, 16 GB  & $100 Target Gift Card from Failing Perfect (Retail Value: $269.00)


• Personalized Lunch Box & Personalized Backpack from Dibsies Personalization Station (Retail Value: $78.00)


• $50 Zazzle Gift Code from Zazzle


• Hot Dots Laugh It Up! Math Vocabulary Cards for grades 1-3, Hot Dots Reading Informational Text for grades 4-6, Hot Dots Pen, & GeoSafari Jr. My First Microscope for ages 3+ from Educational Insights(Retail Value: $79.95)


• The winner's choice of one activity kit:  I Can Bead, Lace, Rip, Trace!, I Can Pound!, I Can Build Uppercase! or I Can Build Lowercase! from Fundanoodle (Retail Value: $32.99) 

Back-to-School Palooza Giveaway: The Details

• Giveaway will begin on August 18th, 2014 and will end at 11:59 PM, Mountain Time (US) on September 2nd, 2014.


• Open to residents in the continental US, 18 years or older.


• One entrant per household.


• Void where prohibited by law.


• No purchase necessary to enter or win.


• Winner will have 24 Hours to respond to winner notification email, or prize will be forfeited and another winner will be chosen.


• Winner will be chosen via random.org.


• The winning entry will be verified.


• Sponsors will be individually responsible for prize fulfillment.

If you agree to the above terms, then enter using the Giveaway Form below. Good Luck!! 

Back-to-School Giveaway Palooza

Good Luck!

Disclosure:  This blog did not receive compensation and is not responsible for prize fulfillment. This post may contain affiliate links. By participating in the Sweepstakes, each entrant unconditionally accepts and agrees to comply with and abide by these rules and the decisions of Failing Perfect ("Sponsor"), which shall be final and binding in all respects. Failing Perfect is responsible for the collection, submission or processing of Entries and the overall administration of the giveaway. This promotion is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with, Facebook, Pinterest, Twitter, Instagram, andor any other social media. Please contact michelle@failingperfect.com with any questions, comments or problems related to the Sweepstakes. 

If you would like your product or service featured on a similar giveaway, contact michelle@failingperfect.com for more information.

Be sure to check out Mom Loves 2 Read's other current giveaways.

And don't forget the Giveaway Linky - where you can add your current giveaways and enter tons more!