Mom Loves 2 Read 2 - backup blog: 2015-01-18
For all current Mom Loves 2 Read Reviews, Giveaways, Mommy Moments and More go to ~ www.momloves2read.com

Friday, January 23, 2015

Upgrading Your Playroom In Style #craft #diy







If I say to you 'the kids playroom', what do you see? 




A cave of abandoned sippy cups, finger painting gone wrong, discarded toys and scribbles on the wall? Wrong. The kids' playroom doesn't need to mean mayhem. With a little creativity and care you can turn this environment from chaotic, into an area where your kids can roam free and express themselves, without taking it out on the wallpaper. While you're at it, you can even help them learn as

they play. Here's a few fun ideas to spruce up the kids' playroom.



Get Creative!



If you're keen for your kids to develop their creative side but minimize the mess then there's a few options to keep both camps happy. Setting up a drawing board and easel encourages budding artists, lets them look and feel the part. So they can get in the zone but keep the painting in one area. Alternatively if you'd like to encourage your kids to personalize their playroom then go all out with drawing-friendly wallpaper. This comes in a variety of styles including those printed with borders and picture frames in a range of sizes. This helps them draw between the lines and create their own 'photos' of friends, family and pets. So they can start their own DIY at an early age!



If that's one step too far then incorporating blackboards and slates into the playroom allows your kids to add their own touch without any permanent damage. This kind of material can be kept to the wall or even a section of flooring so the kids can draw on their own snakes and ladders or hopscotch games with chalk. Adding this material on to storage can also encourage the kids to clean up. For example, chalking labels on to drawers for different items i.e. dolls, crayons and books can help them to learn how to organize their toys and keep the playroom tidy. Alternatively, you could even create a blackboard wall for the kids, meaning endless fun without the worry!









Another option where you can both get involved is sewing. This can turn out to be a lot more fun than it first seems. You can handle the sewing while your kids pitch in with design ideas and pick their favorite colors. You could also choose to invest in a child-friendly sewing machine too so your children can join in entirely and learn a new skill. You can create everything from pillowcases to patchwork style quilts and curtains; with a sewing machine no idea is too big or small.  My girls and I are learning to sew together.  We have a wonderful teacher in their grandmother who sews 18" doll clothes for their American Girl Dolls and other 18" dolls.  She is a great artistic inspiration for our sewing projects.



Another fun way to get creative and crafty is by repurposing items and making them into new and functional things.  My girls and I too this old TV cabinet and turned it into a fun and funky doll clothes wardrobe:






 















Our latest crafty creations use cardboard boxes and empty cereal boxes to create furniture and accessories for the girls doll collection - they have a lot of fun coming up with new and exciting ways to use what normally would be trash to create fun new treasures!



From designing your own interiors to sketching games and pictures, these are just a few ideas to get you inspired to spruce up your kids' playroom. Adding a personal touch whether it's through sewing your own curtains, or customizing storage, will turn the playroom into a place you'll both love.








Image by hownowdesign used under the Creative Commons license.







Disclosure:n Information and links in this post provided in collaboration with travel, tech and fashion representatives. 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.”.

Thursday, January 22, 2015

Royal Fluff Cloth Diaper Giveaway ~ ends 2/5

Love Cloth Diapers!  Here is a chance to win a Royal Fluff Pocket Cloth Diaper of your choice!










This blog did not receive any compensation for this giveaway. Sponsor is responsible for shipment of prize to the winner. This giveaway is no way sponsored, endorsed by, affiliated with, or associated with Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Google or any other social media platform. If you have any questions or would like to see your product featured please email Julie at julie.talesfromasouthernmom@gmail.com
Julie A Beveridge
Tales From A Southern Mom
http://talesfromasouthernmom.com/

Dance and Sing along with Danza and her friends ~ Danza's Message by Karen Kilpatrick #review #book tour




Danza's Message 2Title: Danza’s Message

Author: Karen Kilpatrick

Publisher: Nina Charles LLC

Pages: 22

Genre: Children’s

Format: Paperback/Kindle



Playing and dancing, you’re a star! Listen to Danza: Beautiful is what you are! Danza and her friends are silly and sweet. Playing before the mirror, they are reminded of just how special they are. Parents and children alike can relate to this valuable book about self-esteem

and self-acceptance. Written in rhythmic and memorable rhyme, this is a fun book to either read aloud or give to early readers. Winner of Parent Tested Parent Approved Seal of Approval and Academics’ Choice Smart Book Award.


For More Information










Ella's Toys 2Title: Ella’s Toys

Author: Karen Kilpatrick

Publisher: Nina Charles LLC

Pages: 22

Genre: Children’s

Format: Paperback/Kindle



Ella’s toys are beyond compare, but playtime’s more fun when she learns to share! Flaunting her toys but keeping them to herself is not much fun after the other kids lose interest. Left alone, Ella decides to make it up to her friends. Children will learn an important lesson in this endearing book about generosity, friendship, and the benefits of giving. Written in rhythmic and memorable rhyme, this is a fun book to either read aloud or perfect for early readers. Ella’s Toys was designed to encourage early literacy, enhance social and emotional development, and promote character growth. Winner of Parent Tested Parent Approved Seal of Approval and Academics’ Choice Smart Book Award.





MY REVIEW:


Ella's Toys is an adorable story of how hard it can be for children to share the toys they love, even with their best friends.  When Ella sees that her friends don't want to play with her if she won't share, she learns that sharing can not only be fun but also is a way of showing that she cares.  A wonderful lesson within a fun and colorfully illustrated story.  What a fun and sweet book to have in any child's personal library!



 


For More Information




Love Monster Lulu 2Title: Love Monster Lulu

Author: Karen Kilpatrick

Publisher: Nina Charles LLC

Pages: 22

Genre: Children’s

Format: Paperback/Kindle



Love Monster Lulu is scaring up snuggles! But with no one around, who’s left to cuddle? Lulu is sad when she can’t find anyone to share her love with, but her mother and sister give the comfort she needs in this sweet story showcasing the importance of family and being loved. Written in rhythmic and memorable rhyme, this is a fun book to either read aloud or perfect for early readers. Love Monster Lulu was designed to encourage early literacy and enhance emotional development. Winner of Parent Tested Parent Approved Seal of Approval and Academics’ Choice Smart Book Award.



For More Information




Divider 9




Karen KilpatrickKaren Kilpatrick is the author and co-illustrator of the award winning children’s books series, Pumpkinheads® (Carmin CaresElla’s ToysLove Monster LuluSage’s Songand Danza’s Message). She currently is working on new Pumpkinheads® titles and other books for children. Karen also writes adult short stories, and is a winning author in the Florida Writer’s Association’s collection contest, with her short story,The Envelope, published October 2014. She lives with her husband and three children in Parkland, Florida. To learn more about Pumpkinheads ® books and for fun art activities, games, and stories, you can visit www.pumpkinheads.com.



For More Information









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.”.

Wednesday, January 21, 2015

NestFresh ~ What do you do with your eggs?








NestFresh is a proud member of the National Frozen & Refrigerated Foods Association. We are so excited to have a guest post from them in which they share their favorite egg recipes.


In today’s busy world, we all want tasty, wholesome AND convenient meal solutions. Surprise! The frozen food and dairy aisles offer it all! As an initiative of National Frozen & Refrigerated Foods Association, which promotes the sales and consumption of

frozen and refrigerated foods, Easy Home Meals came to life as a resource to find simple recipes, easy meal ideas, new product information, tips and much more.


We launched our Easy Home Meals blog this past spring to help you find real solutions for your real life needs. Our Easy Home Meals blog is a place to find recipes, meal ideas, tips and tricks and culinary inspiration—with help from shortcuts from the “cool” aisles of the grocery store.


So, what does that have to do with eggs, you may ask? Eggs are especially important to the Easy Home Meals team for their health benefits and versatility. What we love about eggs is that they’re more than just a breakfast staple. You can incorporate eggs into every meal occasion due to their adaptability! Being an egg-sential part of many food menus, eggs seamlessly fit into a variety of cuisines while maintaining a comfort-food appeal. In 2014, American eateries have seen an increase in dishes that highlight eggs from breakfast to dessert. Because of this trend, 2014 is known as “The Year of the Egg” due to the explosion of egg dishes that go from your average morning omelet to global-inspired lunch and dinner entrĂ©es.


Since eggs are an ingredient known for their versatility and nutrition, incorporating them into a variety of dishes works best for those who want delicious and healthy meals. What’s also great is all of the creative possibilities you have with eggs. Between combining eggs with Greek yogurt to make lighter deviled eggs, to topping salads with hard boiled eggs for a protein punch and even having eggs for dinner like the popular steak and eggs dish.


Check out some of our favorite creative recipes using eggs!


Egg-cellent Breakfasts




Tacos aren’t just for lunch or dinner. These Cheesy Egg and Potato Breakfast Tacoscombine cheese, eggs, refrigerated potatoes and refrigerated tortillas for a unique but tasty breakfast!




Think beyond your typical breakfast and use refrigerated biscuit dough to make these delicious Prosciutto and Egg Biscuit Cups!


Egg-tastic Lunches




Combine eggs with sour cream, cottage cheese, noodles, pineapple and a few other ingredients to make this classic European dish known as “kugel” or Pineapple Noodle Pudding!




Cheeseburgers are a lunch staple—take yours to the next level by topping it with a fried egg like in this Cheddar Burger.


Egg-licious Dinners




For those who wish to have a tasty vegetarian option put a unique spin on an Italian classic with Spaghetti with Caramelized Onions and Fried Eggs!




Kick this classic breakfast dish up a notch with spicy cheese and refried beans to make it a dinner— Pepper Jack Huevos and Refried Beans!


Dessert




Eggs are often behind-the-scenes of your most loved desserts—like this Mini Smore Pie!




We also can’t forget this seasonal favorite Eggnog Cheesecake!

WHAT do you like to make with Eggs?  Comment below with your favorite egg dish and/or recipe! 






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.”.








 

Blog Archive