>U Mom Knows Best: June 2016

Thursday, June 30, 2016

Right now Educents is offering FREE SHIPPING on any order


I still haven't found the perfect, all-in-one curriculum that fits my child's every needs. I round out my children's lessons with engaging, hands-on learning activities. Don't leave it to the books. Use the resources below to ensure your students retain their most challenging lessons.
BONUS - Right now Educents is offering FREE SHIPPING on any order. No minimum. Use promo code DISCOVER16 at checkout. Quick, this free shipping offer ends 6/30 at 11:59 PST!! 
freeshipping

Times Tales: Learn the multiplication tables in an hour

If your kids aren't quite "getting it" when it comes to the multiplication tables, consider this supplemental multiplication resource. Times Tales is a very popular series of videos and games that use stories to help kids memorize their upper times tables.

times tales - multiplication videos
get-it-now-200x60

One mom of three says Times Tales taught the times tables to her kids in an hour. "I think it’s important to point out that the purpose of Times Tales is to teach memorization. Children still need to understand the concept of multiplication — the fact that 7×4=28 means 7 groups of 4 equals 28 needs to be understood. I actually taught my kiddos this using Lego bricks. They loved it and it worked! It was the perfect combination along with the Times Tales video. This is one product worth buying!." -Celena, The Traveling Sisterhood

ShillerMath Manipulatives: Colorful fraction lessons

Parents often add supplemental lessons to their math curriculum. Because math concepts build on each other, students must master each concept before moving on to the next lesson. Fractions are a math concept best taught in a hands-on way, especially with geometry concepts in tow. Manipulatives give students the opportunity to see fractions in physical form. Students add fraction pieces to build a whole. The colors of each shape helps students differentiate 1/4 from 1/3. ShillerMath's Fraction Set is a comprehensive supplement to any math curriculum. It includes a fractions lesson book, answer guide, parent guide, catchy songs about fractions, and access to unlimited downloadable resources.

fraction manipulatives
get-it-now-200x60

One mom used the ShilllerMath Fraction Set a week after her children's first fractions lesson. "The fraction circles are a big hit for the little ones who love hands-on learning. These multi-sensorial manipulatives help students of any learning styles to be engaged in the lessons and to learn about fractions in visual, kinesthetic and practical ways." -Ana, They Call Me Blessed

PetraLingua: Online Spanish course for kids

Many parents want their children to learn a second language. This is a challenge for two reasons. One, many times there's no one in the family to teach a second language, because they never learned. Two, foreign language is rarely included in early elementary programs.
The Online Spanish Course by Petra Lingua is a 12-month course that offers everything kids ages 7 - 10 need to learn the language. There's step-by-step video introductions, interactive exercises, flash cards and activity sheets.

.petralingua spanish course
get-it-now-200x60

One parent learned Spanish in high school, but wasn't prepared to teach the language to her child. "My grade schooler wanted to learn Spanish but I only remembered a little from my high school days. Petralingua - exactly what we needed. We both like that the online course uses text, audio, video, plus interactive exercises. The diversity makes everything more interesting. I recommend it." Leslie, Homeschooler

Reusable Map: The best visual tool for geography lessons

How do you teach geography? With a textbook? Do you spend hours creating a map, labeling, cutting and pasting? Save yourself time with Mona MELisa's resources. This reusable map comes with all the states, capitols, and geographic information ready for you to stick on to the map!
Imagine all the ways you can supplement your lessons with these ready-to-go maps.
Guess and reveal state capitols, use the compass to describe states' locations in relation to each other.
Even beyond geography, you can pinpoint regions where history took place, or identify where species from your science lessons thrive.mona melisa US Map 1
get-it-now-200x60These sets are multi-useful. One parent on the road stuck the map to the wall in her RV. "I bought this to use in our RV when we take our trip around the US. I just put it in the RV today and it was perfect! Very durable and well made. Almost like a cloth material. I placed and replaced the stickers a couple of times and they seem like they will last a long time. I'm very excited about this product!" -Kylie K.

Math DVDs: Turn math lessons into musical fun

If your kids struggle in the area of math, these resources are an approachable way to introduce foundational math concepts. Each math DVD has 12 to 18 video segments, and each video lasts about an hour long.
Concepts included in the Early Math DVDs:
  • Money & making change
  • Addition & subtraction
  • rocknlearn_dvds_math_collection_mommywifelife
get-it-now-200x60

"When I made the decision to homeschool, the idea of teaching math beyond the simple, foundational concepts intimidated me. The Rock ‘N Learn Early Math DVD Collection provides supplemental learning and entertainment by combining math concepts, :"animation and music. I love any chance I get to integrate music into learning time." - Teri, Mommy Wife Life

Polymer Experiment: Hands-on science lessons for all ages

Find opportunities to ditch the books and get messy! This science experiment is a fun, hands-on way to learn about science, math, and following directions. This is a great activity for different age groups to enjoy. Experimenting with squishy, squashy polymers creates the perfect opportunities for young children to engage in sensory play and to naturally use scientific processes while having fun. Older kids can practice reading the instructions and making measurements. The Slimy Squishy Polymer Bucket comes with items such as test tubes, biodegradable cups, mixing spoons, coloring tablets, and an experiment guide to help you make the following: Gobbledy Goop, JellyStones, Water Marbles, Glow in the Dark Spit Balls, Slippery Spheres, Silly Squares, Space Sand, and Super Snow. Adding a little water to crystals and powder will create lots of science fun for your little ones.preschool science experiment
get-it-now-200x60

You can expect to learn, create, and play with your child. There are many ways to use this experiment as a supplement to your curriculum. Create snow to practice writing letters and numbers, discuss measurement, and teach the importance of listening & following directions.

Don't forget, Educents is offering FREE SHIPPING on any order. No minimum. Use promo code DISCOVER16 at checkout. This is a RARE offer. So act quick, this free shipping offer ends 6/30 at 11:59 PST!!

Honey Balsamic Roasted Acorn Squash

This post contains sponsored links from Tessemae's  
I discovered a delicious way to cook acorn squash and it is so easy.


   I was browsing through recipes with my boys looking for a way to get them to eat more veggies. The picture of the roasted acorn squash caught their eye and they said, “that looks good.” So I just knew I had to make this Honey Balsamic Acorn Squash as when my boys say veggies look good that makes my heart sing. My boys like sweet potatoes so being that acorn squash has a similar taste and texture, I just had to make this yummy vegetable for my boys. I love how the squash is roasted with the skin on which makes it a great eat with your hands snack for my boys. These roasted squash pieces taste great warm or cold. These Honey Balsamic Roasted Acorn Squash are so good that I could not stop eating them.



   The delicious honey balsamic taste comes from an all natural salad dressing that I am loving. This dressing is made by Tessemae. Go check out my review HERE and find out more about this light delicious all natural dressing.




                   Honey Balsamic Roasted Acorn Squash 

2 acorn squash
4 tablespoon Tessemae Honey Balsamic all natural dressing
½ cup dried cranberries
Coarse salt and fresh ground pepper

Oven to 425F
 Cut the acorn squash in half (break off the stem, then put the squash stem side down on your cutting board and use a serrated knife to slice.) Scoop out the seeds, then cut each half lengthwise into quarters. In a large bowl toss the squash pieces with 2 tablespoons Honey Balsamic dressing. Place the squash pieces on a baking sheet and season with salt and pepper. Roast until tender and deeply brown, about 35 minutes. Sprinkle the dried cranberries over the squash and bake for a couple more minutes. Drizzle the remaining Honey Balsamic dressing over the squash and enjoy. Serves 8


“These opinions are my own and I received samples of Tessemae's all natural dressing and $25.00 to purchase the ingredients to facilitate this post.”


Tuesday, June 28, 2016

How To Stimulate Skin Renewal With A Daily Face Brushing

  A daily brushing of the face does wonders for your skin.


   I like to think that I have nice looking skin. I no longer am troubled by monthly outbreaks of pimples. I guess that is one good thing about getting older as those darn hormones are leaving my skin alone. Getting older just means new skin problems. There is the fine lines, dull skin, uneven skin tone. Also the increased use of anti-aging products. Getting older does not mean I can take a break from a facial routine either. I still have to wash my face every day if I want it to look nice.


 I discovered a fun new way to wash my face and it also helps my skin look more radiant. My new face washing toy is this cool Facial Brush Skin Cleansing System. It feels so wonderful on my skin and makes washing so much easier. Most times I use this brush in the shower but some nights I use it by the sink. I can even use this brush on my body and feet as it comes with other brushes and even a pumice one. I love the pumice brush as it takes off all that nasty dry skin on my feet.


  So why do I love this face cleaning brush? Well, it polishes away the dull skin on  my face and provides my face with a mini facial as it exfoliates all the dirt and dead skin on my face. All this brushing, which does not hurt, gives me cleaner, softer skin that looks nice. My new face brush comes with four brushes. Two of them are for the face, soft and medium. Then there is a bigger on that I can use on my body as I want that skin to look nice too. My favorite brush is the pumice one. This one is like a mini sander for my feet and does wonders on my dry cracked heels. I got my brush in my favorite color, purple, but it comes in all these other colors.

So now I don't have to visit the spa for a facial, not that I did but I wanted too. I can just use my fun face brush and get spa clean skin. Just look at all this face brush can do for your skin.

Stimulates skin renewal.
Improves overall skin clarity and appearance.
Removes dead skin cells to expose healthier-looking skin.
Energizes skin and leaves it sooth, soft and radiant.
Cleans deep to help remove stubborn makeup.
Enhances absorption of moisturizers.

              Go here to discover more about my spa facial brush and find out how you can get one for your facial routine.
                        https://toilettreeproducts.com/product/facial-brush-skin-cleansing-system/


ToiletTree makes other fun products too for your bathroom and traveling.

                                                             Twitter: @ToiletTreeProd
                                                             Facebook: ToiletTreeProducts
                                                             Instagram: @ToiletTreeProducts
                                                             Pinterest: ToiletTreeProd

"These opinions are my own and I received a Professional Care System to facilitate this post."

Monday, June 27, 2016

4th Of July Fruit S'mores



Create a fun patriotic dessert using fruit snacks


   The challenge was to create a unique 4th of July dessert using fruit snacks. I received three boxes of delicious Welch's fruit snacks in red, white, and blue colors. My boys had a blast separating all the fruit snacks by colors. The Strawberry fruit snacks were a beautiful red color while the Fruit ‘n Yogurt ones were white. My boys discovered that the Berries N Cherries were both red and “blue” color. My boys and brained stormed of what we could create with the colorful fruit snacks. We thought of making a flag on gelatin but quickly realized that we did not have enough blue or white fruit snacks. Other ideas my boys and I came up with were ice cream sandwiches, popcorn, and cake. While looking in the pantry, I saw a box of graham crackers and frosting. Now, my boys love frosting on graham crackers, so adding fruit snacks would make a perfect fun 4th dessert.


Welch's fruit snacks are so delicious and fruit is the 1st ingredient. I love that they are low fat and gluten free. These delicious snacks have 100% vitamin C too! They even have vitamins and minerals in them. These are a family favorite snack.



 My boys noticed that the 'blue" fruit snacks are more purple color but it still great for our patriotic dessert. Maybe Welch's needs to make a blue color fruit snack.


  I love that these look like ice cream sandwiches but since they are made with frosting they are not going to melt. These were so simple to make. I placed the frosting between two graham crackers and then stuck the fruit snacks on the sides. I then sprinkled them with sprinkles. My boys said these tasted so good. You can make these ahead of time for your 4th party or place the ingredients on the table and let your guests have fun creating their fruit s'mores.

                        What patriotic dessert would you make with Welch's fruit snacks?

                                             http://www.welchsfruitsnacks.com/




Here is another way to use the frosting, fruit snacks, and graham crackers. They make a delicious open face dessert.




"These opinions are my own and I received three boxes of fruit snacks to create this yummy dessert."

"Imperial" Tea Light Holder Set Of Four Giveaway




HotRef is the place for all your party needs from weddings to birthdays. They carry lots of unique items to make your next event the best. Check out my reviews that I did on wedding and baby shower items. These "Imperial" Tea Light Holders are perfect for next wedding, bridal shower, or any other event. This is just one of thousands of item the HotRef sells. Look at some of my favorite items, I just love the pink polka dots on these bridesmaids gifts.



Go check out HotRef and discover all the wonderful items that they carry for weddings, birthdays, baby showers, and more.



Enter to win a set of four "Imperial" Tea Light Holders. I am giving away two sets to two lucky readers. Just enter on the form below and good luck. This giveaway ends July 13th, 2016 and is only open to residents of the United States.

This giveaway is open to US residents 18 years of age or older.  Chances of winning this giveaway depends on the number of entries. All entries will be verified. Winners will be notified within 24 hours at  the end of  the contest and will then have 48 hours to respond to the email or a new winner will be chosen. Sponsor is responsible for shipping out the prize. Void where prohibited



Cub Scout Camping With The Scout Mosquito Repeller Camp Lantern

This post contains sponsored links from Thermacell

My boys love camping!



  My boys love to go camping with their dad and their Cub scout troop. They just got back from a camping trip today and are already planning the next camp out. My husband said the mosquitos were biting at the campground at night time. My husband did bring with bug spray but my boys hated the smell of it. My boys reluctantly wore the bug spray as they did not want bug bites. I just hate that my boys have to wear chemicals to keep those nasty mosquitos away. The bugs are just one of several reasons why I don't go camping. The main reason I stay home when my boys camp is my sensitivity to smoke. I tend to cough up a lung when I am near smoke, even from barbecues.



   My boys are going camping next month and I am sending a cool new lantern with them. This Thermacell Mosquito Repeller Scout Camp Lantern will help with those pesky mosquitoes. This bright lantern not only helps them to see at night but it also repels mosquitoes, black flies, and other biting insects. The odor-free chemical-free repellent creates a 15 x 15-foot zone of protection too! This lantern does not contain DEET either, instead, it contains a cartridge of natural ingredients like citronella that repels the bugs. The lantern heats up these natural ingredients and the bugs stay away.


  The light part of this lantern is pretty cool too! It has four light settings and even an SOS signal setting. It runs on 4 AA batteries for up to 10 hours. I just love that my boys can carry or hang up the lantern.  The Thermacell Scout Camp Lantern has also been evaluated by the EPA for safety and effectiveness.This lantern is perfect for my boy's next camping trip. This would also be perfect for your backyard. The Thermacell lantern comes with 1 Max Life repeller mat and 1 butane cartridge which is perfect for one camping trip. I can then buy another butane cartridge and repeller mat for their next camping trip.


 Check out how you can get one of these cool bug repelling lanterns for your next camping trip or for your backyard.

http://www.thermacell.com/products/mosquito-repellents/mosquito-repeller-lanterns/scout-mosquito-repeller-camp-lantern

20% off Thermacell Products! Your order of $40 or more - Use "FamilyGuide2016" at Thermacell.com

http://usfamilyguide.com/coupons.php?bid=12655&dealid=2627 



"These opinions are my own and I received the above-mentioned product to facilitate this post."

Friday, June 24, 2016

How I Keep My Boys On Track With WatchMinder

I love how a watch reminds my boys to do things with simple commands.



   School is out for the summer. I want my boys to enjoy their summer and have some fun but I also want to keep some kind of schedule with them so they don’t get lazy. I also want my boys to continue learning during the summer. I tried to cut back on the hours that I work but it has not happened so far this month. This month has brought plenty of paid opportunities for me and I just can’t turn down extra money. So I have to still focus on work and focus on my boys too. That can be difficult at times. Being a good mom, I don’t want to ignore my boys and let them do what everything they want, but how do I keep them busy and focused when I have to focus on my work?


  I have made a somewhat relaxed schedule for my boys this summer to follow so they know what they have to do every day. The problem is me reminding them when to do certain things. I get so busy with work that I plain forget and I also want my boys to learn how to manage their time. So what is a busy mom to do? I got smart this summer and gave my boys this cool time management watch. The WatchMinder allows me to pre-program messages that remind my boys to do things throughout the day. There are 65 pre-programmed messages to choose from and the watch vibrates at the time I select so my boys can be reminded to do their chores and other things. One child wears the watch each day and reminds the other when it vibrates so they can read the message on the watch. I have the watch programmed to remind my boys to take their allergy medicine in the morning and to eat breakfast. Later on, during the day,  my boys will get reminders to do chores. When they get the chore reminder they come ask me what their chores are for the day. My boys eagerly do their chores as that means they get computer time for completion. I also remind my boys to read during the day. I no longer have bedtime fights either as the watch reminds my boys to brush their teeth and when it is lights out. My favorite reminder is the one they get every hour to remember to drink water. My boys forget to drink water during the summer and get bad headaches.

       


   The WatchMinder is easy to program and perfect for all wrist sizes so that even adults can use its management system. This rechargeable watch is perfect for kids with AD/HD and even for seniors for medication reminders. Do you a child who wets the bed? This watch is perfect to remind them to use the bathroom at night. Moms who are potty training a child can use this watch to remind their child to use the potty. The vibrations are discreet so only the person wearing will know about the reminders and it is even waterproof. I am thinking when the boys head back to school this fall, this watch will be perfect to help me manage my day or even remind me to get up and move more.


Behavior Modification
Bedwetting and Incontinence
Rehabilitation
Medication Reminder
Everyday Life and Wellness
Deaf and Heard-Of-Hearing


                                         How would you use the WatchMinder? 
To discover more about this awesome time/behavioral management watch just visit the below link.

                                                 http://www.watchminder.com

                         Click here to watch a video that shows the WatchMinder in action.

                                              https://youtu.be/E5D0mO11v1U



                     The vibrating wristwatch that will privately cue you through your day.



                                "These opinions are my own and I received a WatchMinder to facilitate this post"

Free bai or bai Bubbles Drink


FREE Friday Download at Kroger!

Free bai or bai Bubbles Receive ONE (1) FREE bai or bai Bubbles, any variety (11.5 or 18 fo). Available in most stores.
Exp 07/10/2016

This Friday, June 10, 2016 – ONLY, you can load a coupon to your Kroger (or Affiliate) Plus Card for one Free bai or bai Bubbles 


Although 6/24/16 is the only day that you can load the coupon, the coupon offer is redeemable through 7/10/2016
                                                 http://kroger.softcoin.com/programs/kroger/freefri/

Tuesday, June 21, 2016

A Look Inside My Active Teen's Sport Bag

This post contains sponsored links from BODYARMOR

If you have kids that play sports then you will want to read up on this new drink from BODYARMOR!



   My teen is very active year round. I don’t think he ever sits still. His morning starts out with a three-mile bike ride to school. After school my son has cross country practice and ROTC activities like PT and shooting range. Then my son has the 3-mile bike ride home. Summertime activities are very similar, just no school work and sailing added into his activities. My teen is always on the go. So he has a bag always ready to go with essential items that are needed for his sports activities. I always have these top sports essential items avaiIable for my son.  Come take a look at the items that are in my teen's sports bag.



        A Look Inside My ActiveTeen's Sport Bag



 1- Water: My son always carries a reusable water bottle in his bag so he can fill it up throughout the day with water. Is is very important for active teens to drink plenty of water. My son tends to drink a gallon of water a day.

2- Fruit: My son snacks on fruit all day as it gives him great energy and nutrition. His favorites are apples and oranges as they travel well.

3-Granola Bars: I keep the house stocked with granola bars that are loaded with nutrition and protein so my son can keep plenty in his bag. My son will eat a granola bar before his activity for that needed energy and to satisfy his endless hunger.

4-Fruit Squeeze Pouches: Theses fruit pouches are great when my son's busy schedule does not give him time to eat as he can eat these pretty quick. They also taste great and give him more needed fruit.

5-Sunscreen: My son is out in the sun when doing sports so this is needed to protect his skin.

6-Towel: My son sweats a lot so a towel is great for that.

7-Disposable Wipes: These are great for cleaning up after sports so my son smells better. They are also great for all the bloody nose's that my son gets.

8-Headband: My son wears this to absorb all the sweat from his head.

9-Socks: My son changes his socks after sports because his are usually stinky and wet.

10-Shoes: My son does not want to wear out his running shoes so keeps them in his bag to change into before running.

11-Workout clothes: Since my son is at school he needs to change into his shorts and tee before his activities

12-Zipper plastic bags: These are great for those stinky socks and wet sweaty clothes

13-Hydration drinks/Sports drinks: All these activities makes my son sweat so it is important for him to replenish those electrolytes that he can not get from water alone.


   Speaking of Hydration drinks, I discovered a new delicious sports drink that provides my son superior hydration without any artificial colors, sweeteners, or colors. BODYARMOR SuperDrink is a coconut based drink that has natural colors not neon chemical ones like other sports drinks. It also is low in sodium with only 15mg. Did you know other sports drinks contain up to 160mg of sodium? Kids don't need all that extra sodium in their body.  BODYARMOR comes in 8-great tasting flavors: fruit punch, orange mango, strawberry banana, tropical punch, lemon lime, mixed berry, grape, and blackout berry. This hydration sports drink also is loaded with essential vitamins and minerals (A, E, B5, B12, C, Niacin, Folic Acid, Zinc and Magnesium.)  I love that it has no caffeine or gluten and is also certified Kosher. My teen loves the Tropical Punch flavor!

   BODYARMOR is available at many stores! In Albuquerque, it is in stores like Target, Albertsons, 7-Eleven and Circle K.



Coupon:


Stay connected:


Instagram @drinkbodyarmor



 "These opinions are my own and I received samples of BODYARMOUR and compensation to facilitate this post"
   
data-matched-content-rows-num="2" data-matched-content-columns-num="2"
Mom knows best