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Friday, June 29, 2012

Tutorspree: Find Great Tutors For Your Kids




I recently stumbled on a site called TutorSpree, which is like an online market place where you can find high quality tutoring. It's really convenient and a great place for parents to find a private tutor or tutors looking for students.

If you are a tutor, you can sign up as a tutor and create your own profile on TutorSpree.

How Does It Work?

Tutorspree acts as a liaison between tutors and potential students, marketing your skills and helping tutors build a customer base. Unlike a traditional tutoring agency though, tutors set their own rates and schedules and keep the healthy majority of their billable hour.

Lessons are scheduled through their site and in-depth tutor profiles help highlight a tutor’s background and accomplishments. TutorSpree acts as a third party that holds funds and pays them to teachers after a lesson, guaranteeing a safe and secure transaction.

On the website, you can browse tutors by location and/or by subject. For example: I live in Vancouver, BC so I enter the city/location in the space at the top where it says "Help me find a tutor in..." and then press 'Go'. It instantly shows me a list of tutors with the names, location, profile images, and a short bio. If the results show you nothing, you can contact TutorSpree by calling 1-888-886-2508 or fill out an online form to request a tutor.








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Wednesday, June 27, 2012

Disney Baby Is Now In Canada



Disney Baby recently launched in Canada and introduced the hottest item for all new moms and babies - the Disney Cuddly Bodysuit!

The Disney Cuddly Bodysuit is made from 100 per cent huggable soft cotton so moms can welcome their little one with a cuddle. It is also the first infant bodysuit to feature a patented grow-with-me design, with two rows of snaps to ensure extended use as baby grows. The label free design helps protect baby’s delicate skin and the envelope neck makes it easy to go over baby’s head.

A comfy baby is a happy baby, so finding the perfect bodysuit to dress your little angel is essential! Whether in the nursery, at mealtime, on-the-go or during playtime, babies should always feel comfortable and cozy in whatever they wear.

Disney Baby is dedicated to helping parents enjoy every little magical moment with their baby, so when the Disney "Momgineers" discovered that babies go through more than 35 bodysuits in their first year, they listened and created a perfect mom-inspired bodysuit! The extra stitching on all seams provides the Disney Cuddly Bodysuit with added strength to withstand repeated washes. This cuddly bodysuit is not only great for the babies, but for the moms too!



New Product Collections include:

Dressing Baby - The only infant bodysuit with a patent-pending design that "grows" with baby, the DISNEY CUDDLY BODYSUIT™ features a second row of snaps for an inch of longer wear. Now available in new playful patterns and character-inspired designs starring Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse, and characters from Finding Nemo and The Little Mermaid; there is a bodysuit for every little character. New bodysuit sets all include coordinating shorts.

On-the-Go - A little Minnie…a lot of cozy. Everything you need - all in one place! Cruise around in style with the new Minnie Mouse gear collection from Graco! Collection includes Graco Fast Action™ Fold Stroller, Graco Pack 'N Play® Playard with Cuddle Cove™ Rocking Seat, Graco SnugRide® 30 Infant Car Seat, Graco Contempo™ Premiere High Chair, Graco Sweet Snuggle™ Swing.

In the Nursery - Turn baby's nursery into a sleep time safari with the new Disney Baby Lion King Nursery Collection. The collection furnishes parents with everything they need to outfit a nursery, including a four-piece crib bedding set, lamp, a musical mobile and an animal print window valance, among other wildly adorable items.

Mealtime - As one of the most important times of day for baby, Disney Baby offers parents products essential to baby's development specially designed for their gentle little mouths. Available in designs featuring Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse and The Lion King, the Born Free products include bottles that allow baby to control the flow of milk and pacifiers that fit the natural shape of baby's palate and gums.

Bathtime - From splish splashing in the tub to swaddling a squeaky clean baby in a cuddly towel, bathtime is always a fun adventure. To make bathtime the best time, the new Finding Nemo Bath Collection includes a fun tub with engaging toy bar, a hooded towel, bath toys, and more.



Disclosure: I did not receive any products nor was paid for this post. I was provided info from the PR firm to share. Any expressed opinions are my own and personal thoughts. No other compensation was given



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Traveling With Children: Tips & Products for Successful Family Travel



One Step Ahead Offers Unique Tips and Products for Successful Family Travel




School's out, and families across the country are getting ready to take their summer vacations. One Step Ahead realizes traveling with children can be stressful and can present some unique challenges. We aim to help simplify life for parents traveling with children by providing some valuable tips and unique product picks - that won't break the bank!

One Step Ahead's Facebook fans helped them develop some unique "real life" parent tips for traveling with kids:

* Travel fairy. Purchase small, inexpensive toys to use as rewards during the trip. For each hour of good behavior while on the trip, hand out a wrapped reward to each child. They will be motivated to behave and will enjoy a new treat to keep them occupied during the next stretch.

* Catch your Zzzz's. Time road trips or flights around sleep schedules if possible. Try to travel when the kids are sleeping to pass a large chunk of time. If possible, travel overnight. Try the Deluxe Seat Belt Snoozer Car Pillow.

* Snack attack. Bring a cooler of snacks for kids (and parents!). This will help keep kids hunger-free for longer periods of time and will prevent frequent food stops. This will also cut down on airplane snack costs while in-flight. Try the My First Insulated Lunchbags and Snack Happened Reusable Snack Bags.

* Family time. While road-tripping, play family travel games such as License Plate Bingo, I Spy, Landmark Scavenger Hunt & throw in family sing-along time to boot! Try the Flip to Win Travel Hangman.

* Bookworms. In addition to favorite story books, bring along brochures of your destination for kids browse and pick out things they want to do when they arrive and/or catalogs for kids to circle picks for birthday/holiday lists. Even load up the iPod with audiobooks for whole family entertainment. Try the Kids Activity Books or My Quiet Activity Book.

* Activity binders! Print free online coloring pages of kids' favorite characters, dot-to-dots, mazes (even some fun school skill worksheets!) & assemble in a special binder for each child. Give to each child at the start of the trip for hours of entertainment! Bring along a Deluxe Snack & Play Kids Travel Tray or Family Travel Car Organizers!

* Everyone needs a break. When traveling by car, try and pre-plan meal stops around rest-stop/park locations. Either bring or buy meals there & let the kids stretch their legs and burn off some energy running around before hitting the road again! Take along a Waterproof Outdoor Blanket for perfect rest stop picnics!


* Engage children. Have children help with the packing! Give them each parent-approved bags to fill with special toys and activities that they want to play with en route and while at your destination! Try the My First Backpacks or Sun Smarties Swim Bags.

* Mail the luggage. When flying, cut down on airport baggage by mailing some items to your destination ahead of time. It's easier to maneuver with kids through the airport when you're not carrying so many bags. Try the Go Go Kidz Travelmate for whizzing through the airport.

* When flying, bring at least one small, carry-on bag with your family's "essentials" (think change of clothes, diapers, toothbrush, favorite stuffed animal etc). You never know when your flight could be delayed or your baggage could get lost for a night or two!

* Whether you're road-tripping to Grandma's house or flying to a destination vacation, bring along some items to help children easily transition to their temporary home-away-from home. Try the Go-Pod Portable Activity Center, Stay-Put Inflatable Bed Rail Set or Tuck Me In Travel Bed.

* Stay safe. No matter where your destination, be prepared & address appropriate safety behaviors with the family in advance of the trip. Explain what to expect at the airport, theme park, hotel or visiting house & agree on best safety practices. For theme park visits, try the Clip-On Child Locator and/or Temporary Tattoos so you can write your cell phone number on your child's arm.


Even though traveling with kids can tack some extra organization on to the front-end of the trip, it's well worth it! Fans agree, the more families travel together, the easier it becomes. Once families have all of the quirks worked out, traveling with children can be very rewarding, can help children learn about new cultures and can create lasting memories for years to come. Bon Voyage!





Disclosure: I did not receive any products nor was paid for this post. I was provided info from the PR firm to share. Any expressed opinions are my own and personal thoughts. No other compensation was given


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Tuesday, June 26, 2012

Playcation by Mattel: New Coupons on Toys





Save big on your favorite Mattel Brands. Click here for this week's new offers and coupons.



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Sunday, June 24, 2012

Barbeques, Fireworks, and Free Shipping!



Kidorable Raincoats


Join the party! Kidorable celebrates America's Day by providing you a special limited time offer. Use code JULY4TH to receive free shipping on any order over $50. Visit www.kidorable.com and have your little ones pick their favorite style. This offer is good from July 1st through July 8th.








Disclosure: I did not receive any products nor was paid for this post. I was provided info from the PR firm to share. Any expressed opinions are my own and personal thoughts. No other compensation was given



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Saturday, June 23, 2012

Frankenweenie in Theatres October 5, 2012



From creative genius Tim Burton (“Alice in Wonderland,” The Nightmare Before Christmas”) comes “Frankenweenie,” a heartwarming tale about a boy and his dog. After unexpectedly losing his beloved dog Sparky, young Victor harnesses the power of science to bring his best friend back to life—with just a few minor adjustments. He tries to hide his home-sewn creation, but when Sparky gets out, Victor’s fellow students, teachers and the entire town all learn that getting a new “leash on life” can be monstrous.

A stop-motion animated film, “Frankenweenie” was filmed in black and white and rendered in 3D. The talented voice cast includes: Catherine O’Hara, Martin Short, Martin Landau, Charlie Tahan, Atticus Shaffer, Robert Capron, Conchata Ferrell and Winona Ryder.

Presented by Disney, “Frankenweenie” is directed by Tim Burton, produced by Tim Burton and Allison Abbate, from a screenplay by John August, based on an original idea by Tim Burton. “Frankenweenie” releases in theatres on October 5, 2012.

CHARACTER DESCRIPTIONS

VICTOR (voiced by Charlie Tahan)

Victor Frankenstein is a clever and industrious 10-year-old boy who is inspired by science. He lives with his parents and dog, Sparky, in the town of New Holland. Victor immerses himself in making films and inventing in his attic workshop. When Sparky dies in a car accident, Victor uses scientific ingenuity to bring him back to life.





SPARKY

Sparky is a devoted and playful bull terrier whose sense of curiosity is matched only by his beloved owner, Victor. Sparky enjoys chasing after balls and being the star of Victor’s homemade movies. He exudes tons of energy and enthusiasm, which even his untimely death doesn’t diminish.






MR. & MRS. FRANKENSTEIN
(Voiced by Catherine O’Hara & Martin Short )

Mr. Frankenstein is a travel agent, friendly and social, who likes to dispense roundabout advice to his son. He is proud of Victor’s accomplishments, but is concerned he doesn’t have any friends other than Sparky. He would prefer his son be more social and encourages him to join the baseball team. Mr. Frankenstein has a playful and loving relationship with his wife, Victor’s mom.

Mrs. Frankenstein is a loving and supportive mother who encourages her son’s scientific pursuits, even when her kitchen appliances end up in his attic lab. She is an avid reader and loves to watch movies with her husband and enjoys the company of her family and her books.


ELSA VAN HELSING (voiced by Winona Ryder)

Elsa Van Helsing is a soulful and somber classmate of Victor. She lives next door to him with her tyrant uncle, Mayor Burgemeister, who forces her to be this year’s “Little Dutch Girl” at the town’s celebration of Dutch Day. Elsa also has a beloved pet, her poodle Persephone, and truly empathizes with Victor when he loses Sparky.






PERSEPHONE

Persephone is a perfectly groomed black poodle with an enormously large poof of hair on her head. She is curious and flirtatious with Sparky and fiercely loyal to Elsa, her owner. When Persephone and Sparky first meet in the backyard, the attraction is instantaneous and electrifying.






TOSHIAKI (voiced by James Hiroyuki Liao)

Toshiaki is over-achieving and mega-competitive. He delights in beating Victor at his own game and like a power-hungry, mad scientist, Toshiaki will stop at nothing to win the top prize in the school’s science fair—even if it means stealing Victor’s ideas to do it.






BOB (voiced by Robert Capron)

Bob is a momma’s boy who is the brawn to Toshiaki’s brains. He is agreeable and never mean-spirited, but on the flip side he’s easily led and gullible. Bob follows Toshiaki everywhere, but is the first one to run to Victor for help when he gets in over his head.






BOB’S MOM (voiced by Conchata Ferrell)

Bob’s Mom is a plump, suburban housewife who is prone to panic and hysteria when things go awry. She has very simple, stereotypical views on life, which she isn’t shy about sharing with the community. She dotes on her son Bob and believes her actions, though often misguided, are in his best interest.








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Potty Cover Review & Giveaway


PottyCover is a disposable toilet seat cover for children that covers the sides and the front of the toilet, keeping germs and wetness away.




You know how it's like with public toilets - most of the time, they are really dirty. Whenever I take little Brandon out to the public toilets, I used to try to wipe down the seat and even cover the front with toilet paper. Then it was kind of a waste of time so I just lift him up so he wouldn't touch the toilet. My arms would get tired.

With PottyCover, I just take it out, place it on top of the toilet and have Brandon stand there to pee without me worrying about his legs touching the sides. The front and side flaps of the PottyCover just falls into place and overlap. It's quite convenient and nice that the PottyCover comes individually wrapped to fit in my purse. When we finish, we just throw it in the bin. This is great for us parents who are always worried about germs when taking their children to the public restrooms.

Features & Benefits:

- Provides a waterproof barrier between the toilet and your child.
- Oversized design provides maximum coverage by covering front and sides.
- Soft non-woven fabric for comfort, coated with plastic to keep germs and wetness away.
- Protects from germs in public toilets.
- Stays on the toilet without any messy adhesive strips.
- Covers the sides of the toilet where kids hold on to maintain balance.

WHERE TO BUY? PottyCover is available on Amazon.com, buybuyBABY, BedBathAndBeyond and local retailers. You can find a list of stores at www.PottyCover.com.


GIVEAWAY

One (1) lucky reader will have a chance to win a PottyCover package. Chosen winner will be selected via Random.org through Rafflecopter and is open to US & Canadian residents (ends July 31, 2012 at 11:59pm EST). Winner will have 48 hours to respond to claim their prize.

{Please wait while Rafflecopter entry form loads...}

a Rafflecopter giveaway






Disclosure: I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.



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Friday, June 22, 2012

Frog Hollow Preschool Grad - Class of 2012

"Yay, I graduated preschool." - Brandon

It was the end of school year celebration and we had a small ceremony. Two different classes got together and did a little singing performance for the adults. It was really cute!

Little Brandon and his classmates singing/performing "Wild Thing" (first time school performance)"




After the performance, the class went to their classroom for the presentation and to receive their diplomas.





Brandon's two teachers: Miss Alice & Mrs. Nicoletta



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Thursday, June 21, 2012

{WINNER} "I Couldn't Love You More" Book Giveaway





Announcement: The lucky WINNER for the "I Couldn't Love You More" Book Giveaway that ended June 14, 2012 is..... (drum roll, please).




Congratulations to Tammy (#89)



I have sent you an email. You have 48 hours to respond. Thanks everyone for participating in my giveaway contests.





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{WINNER} The Best Homemade Baby Food on the Planet Book Giveaway



Announcement: The lucky WINNER for the Best Homemade Baby Food on the Planet Book Giveaway that ended June 13, 2012 is..... (drum roll, please).





Congratulations to Soozle (#14)



I have sent you an email. You have 48 hours to respond. Thanks everyone for participating in my giveaway contests.







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Design Squad Nation Wins Daytime Emmy Award




PBS KIDS GO's Design Squad Nation Wins Daytime Emmy Award


Design Squad Nation won a coveted Emmy Award honoring its online destination for creative kids and tweens. Designed to inspire the next generation of engineers, the PBS project won the Emmy for New Approaches –Daytime Children’s at the 39th Annual Daytime Creative Arts Emmy Awards ceremony held this weekend in Los Angeles.

The New Approaches award recognizes Design Squad Nation’s “creative and innovative approaches to the practice, presentation and delivery” of children’s programming. The Design Squad Nation website brings creative ideas to life with the motto “dream it, build it, live it.” On the website’s ‘Projects’ gallery, kids can brainstorm new ideas, submit dream projects, and respond to those of other kids through sketches and real world prototypes — all while earning points. The games FIDGIT and STRING THING blend both creativity and puzzle solving online. A vast library of videos show teams working together to tackle an array of engineering projects — including a pedal-powered bike organ, a water-saving toilet, and a human-powered flying machine.

“PBS and Design Squad Nation have been on the forefront of creating innovative ways to engage kids online,” said senior producer Dave Peth. “It’s great that the academy is recognizing other platforms, besides television, as a way to distribute our media and to interact with our brands.”

Executive producer Marisa Wolsky added, “I am so proud of this team and this production. More than a TV show, and more than a website, Design Squad Nation is a growing community built around the belief that with creative problem solving and engineering, any kid can make a difference. This award is particularly gratifying, since we are currently hard at work to make this community bigger and stronger, inspiring a new generation of engineers to dream big and change the world.”

Other nominees in the New Approaches Daytime Children’s category were “ “Cyberchase,” “Fizzy’s Lunch Lab,” and “Noah Comprende.”

The 39th Annual Daytime Emmy Awards is a presentation of the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences in cooperation with the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences.

Design Squad Nation invites the next generation of great thinkers to get involved at pbskidsgo.org/designsquadnation. You can also follow Design Squad Nation on Facebook at www.facebook.com/DesignSquadNation and on Twitter at twitter.com/designsquad.


PBS KIDS GO! offers early elementary children the opportunity to explore new ideas and new worlds through television, online and community-based programs.




Disclosure: I did not receive any products nor was paid for this post. I was provided info from the PR firm to share. Any expressed opinions are my own and personal thoughts. No other compensation was given

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Wednesday, June 20, 2012

Toys “R” Us Kids Day

If you haven't heard, there's a fun event happening this weekend at TOYS "R" US stores across Canada. TOYS "R" US celebrates "School's Out" with Kids Day!




As kids anxiously await the beginning of their summer vacation, Toys “R” Us is preparing to celebrate school’s out by inviting children of all ages to kick off summer fun at its first ever Kids Day! On Saturday, June 23 at all Toys “R” Us locations across Canada (excluding Express stores), crowds of kids will gather for an exciting event filled with fun and engaging activities!

Open to the public and FREE of cost, Toys “R” Us Kids Day will allow little ones across the country the opportunity to:

- Demonstrate their craftsmanship while building a mini KRE-O Battleship Boat
- Channel their creativity into designing a Sticky Mosaics Butterfly
- Test their accuracy during Nerf Target Practice
- Learn some tips and tricks at interactive video gaming stations

On top of that, the first 100 families at each location will leave with free surprise loot bags to extend the fun at home.

"Every year children eagerly countdown to the last day of school as they get excited for summer fun and freedom," said Liz MacDonald, vice president of marketing at Toys “R” Us Canada. "This year, Toys“R”Us is thrilled to help kick off summer by offering kids a special day dedicated to play and celebrating the end of another successful school year."





DETAILS:

When: Saturday, June 23, 2012 @ 11:00am - 2:00pm

Where: All Toys“R”Us stores across Canada (excluding Toys-R-Us Express locations)
Visit http://www.toysrus.ca/storeLocator/search.jsp to find the store nearest you

Who: Parents and children of all ages – all are welcome!

Photo Opportunity: Crowds of children building boats, designing butterflies, playing with Nerf blasters and demoing the latest video games all in celebration of the best time of the year – school’s out!

Join us fun filled day of activities and demos! Available while quantities last!



Disclosure: I did not receive any products nor was paid for this post. I was provided info from the PR firm to share. Any expressed opinions are my own and personal thoughts. No other compensation was given.



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