Gain "Laundry Basket" Craft Project for National Keep Kids Creative Week #KeepKidsCreative

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Recently I received a package from Gain Laundry with a fun "laundry" project for me and my son.


The project is part of Gain's aim to bring awareness that this week is "National Keep Kids Creative Week". The Gain brand feels it's important to inspire and support creative in kids (and I suspect adults), so they invited a few moms to do a project with their kids that shows how doing laundry can be fun.

Do a fun project with my kid while teaching him how to do laundry? Of course I said yes! My son is four years old but I'm a believer that it's never too early to start training them to do housework. If done right there's a lot of fun putting dirty laundry into the hamper. Especially if it's a hamper your child has decorated and personalized themselves.

So what's in my package? Our project hamper came filled with all sorts of cool things like constructions paper, stickers, colored plastic tape, markers and of course Gain laundry products so we can get clean clothes when our project is finished.

Right now we're still in the middle of working on our hamper but it will be done this weekend so stay tuned for the "reveal" and laundry fun times! Until then check out Gain Facebook page for ideas to create a unique laundry basket so you're family can join in.

Please Note: I'm being compensated by Gain for sharing about Nat Keep Kids Creative Week and participating in "Laundry Basket" Craft Project. Any personal views expressed are always 100% my own.

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Posted in: Home, Spon

How To Train Your Dragon Live Spectacular VIP Experience & Tech Talk Review #DragonsLive

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As I recently posted the How To Train Your Dragon Live Spectacular is now playing at the Izod Center. Guess who received tickets to see the show?!


Not only did I get show tickets but i was also invite to check out the one of the VIP Experience before the show. Since I loved the movie, I was beyond excited to see how it would be adapted to live on stage. So I took my son, my niece and one of my sisters with me to see the show.



We easily took the bus from Port Authority to the Izod center and was there very quickly. Then we checked into the VIP Entrance and received our VIP badge. It's it pretty? Then we settled in and waited to start our VIP Experience: A Hero's Welcome. We didn't have to wait long.



We were able to dressed in Viking costumes for the VIP photo experience. The kids were dressed in viking books and outfits.



Then it was the adults turn to dress up. Don't we make pretty female vikings? Yes I know we're suppose to be scary but it's hard to do when your having fun. As the adults got dressed, the kids put the finishing touches on their outfits. Viking Hats!

After getting dress we went to the weapons table and armed ourselves from a collection of swords, shield and other viking weapons. Then photo fun began. I'll spare you the details but as you can see from the top photo we made a great group of viking warriors.

After out photo we were suppose to meet Hiccup and Astrid but it was nearly time for the show to start. So they had to leave and we had to hurry back into the arena.


We quickly found our seats and waited for the show to start with all the dragon action. It didn't take long




The Dragons came out quickly and they were amazing to see. They're so real looking with amazing detailing. Then they started to move around the stage, show their personalities and one dragon even blew smoke rings. As if that wasn't amazing enough then the flying started.


I was blown away during one scene where both the dragon and actor did a drop down stunt against an amazing visual display screen. It will have you gasping in your seat!



But that's not the only gasping moment during the show. The final big battle scene was brilliant done. I have to warn you that this dragon is HUGE and very life like but so worth seeing. I don't want to spoil it for you by telling you everything but I can honestly say it's unbelievably spectacular due to the combination of live action and visuals from the background screen. Really it's THAT good.



After being amazed by the live show, we ended our VIP Experience at Dragons 101, a post-show "tech-talk" with a Dragon expert who explained the technical magic behind the show. We learned how they put together the show, the different type of Dragons they use in the performs including shadow dragons (he demonstrated) and how the Izod Center was setup so different things can happen. For example there's a special rig above the stage used to help the Dragons and actors fly.



Then we learned how the trick about how one of the Dragons made smoke. First it was explained what types of props are inside the dragon costumes. One of the Dragons have a drum like device that is used to perform the smoke trick. Then he demoed how the trick works. This part was super fun and I'm glad I caught it on the below video!


There was LOTS of fun and amazing things to learn about how they set up and perform the show so if you're in the New York Metro Area, I encourage you to see the show this weekend at the Izod Center. I know you'll enjoy it and right now you can get tickets starting at $19.50!

A limited number of premium seats and special VIP ticket experiences and family packages are also available. CLICK HERE to purchase tickets, for showtimes and much more.

Visit the website for more information and video previews at http://dreamworksdragonslive.com

Please Note: I was invited as media and received tickets for the purpose of this review. No other compensation was received. Views expressed are always 100% my own.
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Posted in: Event, Review

Wellspring 5 Healthy Halloween Tips for Families

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As we get closer to Halloween, some parents worry about their children eating all those non-nutritive, high fat treats. Despite the challenge Halloween presents, it IS possible to celebrate Halloween and still stick to a healthy plan.

Here are 5 Healthy Halloween Tips for Families from Cari Coulter Registered Dietitian and Program Director of Wellspring Wisconsin.

1. Don’t buy candy weeks ahead of time. Even if it’s just two weeks before the holiday, and you ARE already at the grocery store, and the bags ARE on sale, resist the urge to make your purchase this far in advance. Buying your Halloween candy at the beginning of October extends the amount of time that these tempting little blobs of fat (treats?) are in your pantry and increases the likelihood that you will eat some (or all) before Halloween rolls around. 
2. Avoid purchasing your favorite candy. Technically, these are going to be handed out to other people so there is no need to buy the one that tempts you the most. If you are less likely to overindulge in Twizzlers than Smarties, than buy the former and leave the latter at the store. 
3. Keep the treats Wellspring friendly. While there are definitely a number of high fat candies that will take you over your 20g a day limit within a few bites, many candies and treats can fit into your plan. Most gummy and hard candies are fat free or very low in fat. You can also modify any Halloween themed recipes to be lower in fat than the traditional options. (See this month’s Newsletter recipe: Low Fat Caramel Corn). Focusing on hard candies can even decrease your intake further because they take longer to eat. 
4. Stay smart about leftovers. Still have an extra bag of candy that wasn’t handed out? Kids come home with three bagfuls of treats? Instead of keeping them around the house, choose some Wellspring friendly favorites, toss out the rest of them. You could donate them to a homeless shelter, but those higher fat candies really do not do much good for anyone. 
5. Limit the focus on food and candy. Halloween does not have to be all about sweets! Have your kids engage in fun activities like pumpkin carving, costume pageants, haunted houses, ghost stories, and other fun ghoulish games: Extra points if your activities get you moving!

This year, Wellspring – America’s leading provider of weight-loss camps for overweight young people, families and adults – wants to help families have an enjoyable Halloween because there’s nothing scarier than a post-apocalyptic sugar melt down!

To learn more about Wellspring visit - www.wellspringweightloss.com

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Posted in: Health

Tokidoki & Ju-Ju-Be New Bag Collection

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tokidoki, the pop culture brand meaning “sometimes” in Japanese, is partnering with renowned diaper bag company, Ju-Ju-Be, on a brand new collection in stores now.


Launched in 2005 and known for its fun features, the definitive Ju-Ju-Be ‘Super-Smart’ bag is about to get super cool. Each bag will have the outstanding quality and detail Ju-Ju-Be is known for, including crumb drains and mommy pockets, with tokidoki’s signature urban prints, “Iconic” and “TD Dreams,” throughout eleven unique styles. Included in this collection are backpacks, wristlets, totes, and messenger bags that will appeal to consumers of all ages.


Stand-out features of the tokidoki x Ju-Ju-Be collection will include its exclusive trims and embossed linings, as well as co-branded pull zippers. All products are antimicrobial and machine washable with Teflon®-treated fabric to reduce odor and help prevent stains from sticking. Other notable features include ergonomically curved straps, memory foam changing pads, plenty of compartments for organization, insulated bottle pockets for climate control, and all metal hardware.

The collection will range from $18.00 - $188.00, and can be found in department and specialty stores as well as www.ju-ju-be.com and www.tokidoki.it

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Posted in: Fashion

Harry Potter for Kinect Xbox Game Giveaway

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Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry is about to open its doors and welcome students for another magical year. One lucky reader of The Mommy Factor can attend the magical wizarding school in Harry Potter for Kinect, the highly-anticipated title that comes out on Xbox 360 on October 9th.


GAME OVERVIEW:

The all-new Harry Potter for Kinect video game exclusively on KINECT™ for Xbox 360® allows players to experience Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry and the wizarding world like never before! Through the innovative KINECT capability, each player can scan their face to create a wizard avatar in their likeness – and then play as their avatar in the game.

Utilizing controller-free and voice recognition technology available only on KINECT, players will attend Hogwarts, interact with professors, students and friends, call out spells to cast against opponents, brew potions, and even fly as they race on broomsticks to be the first to catch the Golden Snitch in a Quidditch match. Harry Potter for Kinect allows players, for the first time, to attend Hogwarts as part of the wizarding world.




GAME FEATURES:

• For the first time, create a witch or wizard character in your likeness that will become part of the gameplay through KINECT’s scanning technology.
• Experience unforgettable moments from all eight films -- from having your wand choose you at Ollivanders and being sorted as a first-year student at Hogwarts, to battling You-Know-Who in a climactic wizard battle.
• Cast spells at your opponents by performing the proper casting maneuvers and calling out spell names utilizing KINECT’s controller-free and voice recognition capabilities.
• Challenge a friend in competitive mini-games, or join forces against a mutual opponent in co-op games.
• Jump, duck and dodge the wild branches of the Whomping Willow, swipe at annoying and sometimes dangerous pixies, repel terrifying Dementors, swim among Grindylows in the lake, and shove opponents out of the way as you soar above the Quid

Ready to enter the giveaway and win your own copy of Harry Potter for Kinect?

WIN The Mommy Factor giveaway!


WAYS TO ENTER:

For this giveaway I'm using the Rafflecopter form which is super easy! Go on and enter to win! Entries must be made on or before 11:59 p.m. October 15, 2012.

a Rafflecopter giveaway


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Posted in: Gaming, Giveaway

ABC Mouse 30-Day Free Trial

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Do you have a young kiddo at home and would like to give her a head start on literacy and other important skills she will need for formal education? Or are you planning to homeschool you child from preschool and beyond? Then check out this great website and free trial offer!

ABC Mouse offers a full online curriculum for preschool, pre-k, and kindergarten in the subjects of reading, math, science, social studies, art, and music. Children can start anywhere and move through the curriculum at their own pace! ABC Mouse has won numerous awards, including the Parent's Choice, Teacher's Choice, and Mom's Choice GOLD awards! CLICK HERE to get your first month FREE!

Disclosure: I will receive a free subscription for posting this information. No monetary exchange took place.
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Halloween Chocolate Prize Pack Giveaway

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Halloween is 33 days away, have you started planning for it--decorations, crafts, parties, etc.? No Halloween celebration would be complete without treats. So Dishin' With Rebelle and a group of bloggers are bringing you this sweet giveaway with prizes provided by Madelaine Chocolates! There will be plenty more chances to win Halloween treats in October. Let's rock this one first!

About the Sponsor:
Established in 1949, Madelaine dedicated themselves to perfecting their chocolate and holding the belief that everyone should be able to afford fine chocolate. All their products are made locally in the company's base in Far Rockway, Queens, NY. They provide chocolates for every occasion including Easter, Birthdays, Valentines Day, and Christmas. Their premium quality chocolates help make every moment special!

One lucky person will win an awesome Halloween Chocolate Package from Madelaine!In the package, the winner will find:

• Oval Ghosts
• Halloween Mini Duets
• Halloween Hunt
• Gooey Ghouls Pail
• Fall Mix Malt Balls

Giveaway ends on 10/10. Open to US residents 18+ only. Please use the Rafflecopter form below to enter and good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway


Disclosure: I received no compensation for this publication. icefairy's Treasure Chest is only helping promote this giveaway. Madelaine Chocolates is solely responsible for prize shipment.
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Wild Planet Back To School Sweepstakes & Free Product Coupons Giveaway

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Wild Planet, leading provider of sustainable seafood, is hosting a back-to-school sweepstakes on their Facebook page to inspire healthy lunches. One winner will be chosen every Friday through September 30th to receive a lunch bag cooler of sustainable canned seafood! Enter here for your chance to win!

The GiveawayWhether you have entered the sweepstakes or not, you will have an extra chance to win right here. Wild planet has generously offered to give one of my lucky readers a set of VIP coupons to try their seafood products for FREE!


Please submit your entries via the Rafflecopter form below and good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway


Disclosure: I received free product coupons to facilitate my posting. No monetary exchange took place. Prize will be delivered directly to the winner from the sponsor.
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Hasbro Twister Dance Review & Flash Giveaway

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Do you enjoy playing the classic Twister game? Do you love to dance? Now you can easily combine the two in one single game: Twister Dance, Hasbro's latest release featuring a custom remix of "Till The World Ends" by pop star Britney Spears. The game is on Kmart's annual Fab 15 toy list!
Twister Dance provides a new, fun way to learn hot dance moves via a dance console with multi-color LED lights, 8 iconic Twister spots powered by beat detection technology, and 5 pre-programmed songs performed by today's top artists:

• "Till the World Ends," TWISTER REMIX, performed by Britney Spears
• "Whip My Hair," performed by Willow Smith
• "We R Who We R," performed by Ke$ha
• "Cupid Shuffle," performed by Cupid
• And an exclusive track "Caught Up in a Twister."

To play, simply follow the lights on the dance console to place your feet on the spots with corresponding colors. You can choose among 3 levels: Beginner, Intermediate and Advanced. Dancers are also encouraged to show off their individual style by improvising arm and hand movements. With a little practice, you can rock the spots like Britney Spears in her music video!


My favorite feature of Twister Dance is that it allows you to connect your own mp3 player to the console and dance to your favorite songs. It also makes it easy to keep your game updated with what's hot and trendy. The console alone functions as a quality speaker. You can get a copy of the game at online and offline retailers nationwide for $34.99.

Do you have a child ages 8-16 who's got the moves to rock the spots? Upload her video to RocktheSpots.com by October 24 and get a chance to be part of Brittany's new video and to win $10,000!
The Giveaway Hasbro has generously offered to give one of my lucky readers a copy of Twister Dance game valued at $34.99! The game can be played solo or with company. It's a game the whole family can enjoy!

Giveaway runs for only 72 hours! Please submit your entries via the Rafflecopter form below and good luck!
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Disclosure: I received free product to facilitate my honest review. No monetary exchange took place. All views and opinions expressed are my own and may differ from yours. Prize will be delivered directly to the winner from the sponsor. Email ThisBlogThis!Share to TwitterShare to Facebook