Best iPad / iPhone Book Apps for Kids (October 2011 Edition)

When I began making these round-up lists of best kid game and book apps for the many iPad and iPhone devices available to children these days, I thought this would be a difficult feature to keep going month to month once I'd covered all the "good ones" in likely the first few months. I was wrong. Great new apps keep popping up daily mingled with a few older ones I had yet to find, this monthly list of top kid apps currently has no end in sight.

Congrats to all the creators for continuing to dazzle myself and more importantly the kids.  Here's some favorites on our list for the month of October:

Great Haba Children's Games at Maukilo

I've been a longtime fan of Haba's well made toys, games, and other play things so I was very happy to get a request to check out a couple of their popular children's games from their online store Maukilo.com.  We were provided with two games for review, HABA's Ben Bear Helps His Friends and HABA's Where is Leo?  We really liked both and at $11-$12 we will be keeping them in mind as birthdays for friends as they come up.

THE LION KING: Diamond Edition Blu-ray + DVD Combo Pack

On October 4th, Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment releases THE LION KING: Diamond Edition on Blu-ray 3D & Blu-ray Hi-Def! Journey back to Pride Rock and experience the stunning picture & sound enhanced classic. Delve deeper behind-the-scenes with new bonus material including hilarious animated bloopers and Disney's Second Screen application!

We had a chance to check out a provided review copy of the new Diamond Edition on Blu-ray and it really is amazing.  The powerful story takes on new life with the crisp picture and deep colors.  This was a first viewing of the tale for my twin boys and they could have not have loved it more, though they were a bit nervous in parts.  Boy is Simba's Uncle Scar mean or what?  In the end, they were embracing that whole "Hakuna Matata" moto though.

Now on DVD, Jake and the Never Land Pirates

I was very excited to hear that one of the twins favorite TV shows is now (as of September 27th) available on DVD!  The Disney Junior hit Jake and the Never Land Pirates just released their first DVD yesterday and it comes complete with a pirate eyepatch and a 7-track CD music sampler.

We've had our provided review copy in the car all week and the twins have really enjoyed it.  The DVD contains seven full episodes of the show along with two bonus features including Yo Ho, You Want To Be A Pirate?, where Jake teaches viewers how to talk like a pirate, and Pirate Party With Pirate-oke, a collection of music videos performed by The Never Land Pirate Band that allow viewers to enjoy with or without the sing-along/karaoke-like feature.

Pottery Barn Kids and NatGeo Wild invite you to a “Roar Off” Contest!

Pottery Barn Kids in partnership with National Geographic, is inviting parents to submit videos of their child/children giving their best “roar" to help save Big Cats!  If you ask me, it's the perfect opportunity for your wee wild ones to really let it all out.

The prize is $4,000 cash and the video will be played on the NatGeo WILD TV network! Here is the link to the contest http://roar.votigo.com/roar so you can view the entries they’ve received so far and submit your own child's 10 second roar for a chance to win!

Additionally, you can enter for a chance to win $1,000 by simply voting for your favorite videos!

Need something extra to help you get in the roaring mood?  Don't miss the downloadable Big Cat Masks available for free download on the contest page or shop the Pottery Barn Kids National Geographic Collection.

Llama Llama Home with Mama Children's Book (#giveaway)

There is a new addition to the popular New York Times bestselling Llama Llama book series by Anna Dewdney!  This latest children's book is called Llama Llama Home with Mama and it's likely no coincidence it is hitting the book store and your libary shelves right as the common cold, allergy season, and the flu are also striking.

Sushi Costume (Another Easy No Sew Halloween Costume Idea!)

My tween daughter has moved beyond the whole princess and pretty stage of Halloween this year.  She opted for something with a sense of whimsy and we came up with this easy to make sushi roll costume.  She particularly loves how comfortable it is to wear for extended amounts of time.

Below please find instructions on how I made her this sushi roll costume.

Sesame Street's 42nd season begins Sept. 26th! Watch their Glee / Journey Spoof Now

Sesame Street's 42nd season begins September 26th, 2011.  Here's a must see clip called "G," a spoof of the television show Glee and Journey's song, "Don't Stop Believin'." To prepare for G-gionals, the G Club members sing a song about the letter "G" and the two sounds it makes.


Ok so maybe I'm a touch too old for Sesame Street, but I must admit I've watched it 3 times now  and the kids aren't even home.

#DontFrettheSweat Tween Academy Summary (Giveaway)

Hi Readers! I hope some of you were able to attend the first session of Tween Academy, sponsored by Unilever and Don’t Fret the Sweat, On September 20th. Rosalind Wiseman, parenting expert and New York Times bestselling author of Queen Bees and Wannabes, led the class with help from six blogger co-hosts including myself. The subject of this first session was Tweens Heading Back to School.

If your missed it or want to reread something discussed, he summary of the entire class is posted on TheMotherhood.  Also, to be part of an ongoing discussion, you can visit Don’t Fret the Sweat on Facebook.  And make your calendars, the next Tween Academy with a focus on Tweens and Personal Hygiene will take place on Wednesday, September 28th at 12pm EST.  

Pampers Hello Apps + an Apple iTouch Giveaway! #PampersHelloApps

The new Pampers Hello World Baby Memories App is available now for free download on iTunes for your iPad, iTouch, or iPhone and one of our lucky readers can even win an Apple iTouch to try this new free app on! 

As a member of the Pamper's Baby Board, I've had the chance to play around with the new Pampers Hello World Baby Memories App on my iPad and ohhhh how I wish this was out a few years back when I had first given birth to my twins.

Features on the new Hello World app include:

It's a Spider Halloween Party!

Knowing that I love Halloween and adore Planning Kid's Parties, I was recently was offered the chance to work with Party City.  After browsing their wide array of Halloween Party Themes, Halloween Costumes, and even Boy Costumes, I found myself drawn to their Spider Frenzy Theme.

DUMBO 70th Anniversary Edition now on Blu-ray Hi-Def & DVD

Can you believe that Walt Disney's DUMBO has been out for 70 years?  Even more so, can you believe the wide appeal of this classic to new and old audiences after all this time?  It's hard not to fall in love with Dumbo with his big ears and big heart.  Ask anyone that's seen it and they'll start talking about his mouse friend (Timothy), the feather, and that weird pink elephants on parade dream he has when he is feverish!

Much thanks to Disney for letting us share a copy of this premium restoration with our entire family in a recent viewing.  The kids were shocked when I revealed the movie was first made in 1941.

Educational Insights Playfoam Combo Pack (Giveaway)

Now when it comes to educational toys, a playfoam may not be the first thing you think of but the opportunity to learn is definitely there. You can form a circle, a triangle, an animal that starts with the letter B, or even use it to simply allow a child that time to be creative.

Just squish it up, squash it back down, and start all over again. True to their claims we found when reviewing a provided pack that Educational Insights Playfoam® never dries out and we'd agree that the secret no-stick formula as an impressive one. If I was going to plan a kid's play date at Buckingham Palace or the White House, this would be the substance I'd suggest in terms of least mess.

Walt Disney's Spooky Buddies Blu Ray/DVD Combo Pack Contest

The dog days of summer may be over but the Buddies are back!  I am very excited to let you know about the newest “Buddies” DVD release Walt Disney’s Spooky Buddies hitting shelves September 20, 2011!

Enter to Win:

Anyone else interested in a copy? We are giving away 1 Walt Disney's Spooky Buddies Blu Ray/DVD Combo Pack. Simply post your favorite buddy in the comments section on our Facebook page then return here to comment on why you picked that buddy.

Betty Crocker Molasses Cookie Mix (Giveaway)

If you've ever made molasses cookies before, you may recall the sticky goey mess you had to clean up afterwards.  Sticky spoons, sticky counters, sticky fingers, and if my little ones are helping ... you can count on there being a sticky floor too.

Betty Crocker has some good news for those who love the taste and scent of those cookies but could really do without the mess involved.  This fall, Betty Crocker is introducing a molasses cookie mix, making this year-round favorite easy to bake in less than 20 minutes.

Another Quick Family Weekend

It's amazing how quick weekends go by when you are busy parent!  You wait for them all week and then blink they are gone.

We kicked off our Friday evening with another victory for my son's HS football team (4-0) and then woke up early Saturday so the kids could run in two races being held by their school.  One was a 1k for the little ones.

Our three year old twins entered and finished last and 2nd to last in their first ever race.  However if you ask them, they will tell you they won (so it's all good)!

Our older three kids (16,12, & 10) all entered the 5k run.  They all did well!  As a matter of fact our oldest won the 15-19 age division and our second oldest won the 14 and under age group.  Our daughter Cordelia, who normally sticks to just dancing, finished mid pack and is already talking about doing it again.  A victory there for her as well!

Next it was Hip Hop rehearsals for our daughter and a flag football game for our 12 year old son.  Hayden won his flag football game proving it was certainly a good day to be him.  The remainder of the weekend wasn't quite so exciting but still went racing by; a movie at home, laundry, cooking, cleaning, and then suddenly there we were making sandwiches for school this morning.

Soynut butter and Jelly anyone?

You're Invited! Attend Tween Academy with me on TheMotherhood Sept 20th #DontFretTheSweat

You're Invited!  Attend Tween Academy with me on TheMotherhood tomorrow, Sept 20th 2011.

What: A class offering advice, suggestions and empathy when it comes to tweens and issues surrounding going back to school.  It’s all part of Tween Academy on TheMotherhood, sponsored by Unilever.  

About the class: From making new friends to managing classes and homework, heading back to school can be filled with sweat-inducing moments.  During this class, we’ll talk about how to get back into the school routine and offer advice on guiding tweens through classes, after-school sports, rough spots with friends, bullying and more.

Denizen Jeans from Levi Brand

Shorts aren't an option in Chicago this week.  There is a chill in the air!  Even our older boys who are never cold deemed it time to pull out the jeans.  Out came last years jeans and as is often the case with growing boys, most of them didn't fit.  Too short, too tight ...

Off to Target for a couple new pairs from the Denizen line by Levi Brand.  Both of our teen boys like the overall look as well as the fit, and mommy really likes the price.  A pair for $17.99, a pair for $19.99; they even have some for mom in the $29.99 price range.

Levi recently introduced this new brand of great looking, great fitting jeans for the whole family called dENIZEN.  We first sampled a pair a few months back (provided by Denizen via Team Mom) and have been hooked ever since.  dENIZEN jeans are exclusively available at Target.

New Halloween DVDs for Kids

With Halloween about a month and a half away, it is time to start planning those spooky parties, thinking about your costume ideas, and gathering all that fun Halloween gear.  We love Halloween time and have some fun ideas to share.  Over the next few weeks watch for some new no sew Halloween costumes we are making along with a Spider themed Halloween party.

To set the mood here are a couple kid friendly Halloween movies:

Spooky Buddies:

The Buddies are Back in a Spooktacular Adventure!  SPOOKY BUDDIES premieres on Blu-ray, DVD & Movie Download from Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment on September 20th!  For a goulish good time, catch Rosebud, B-Dawg, Buddah, Budderball, and Mudbud in their all-new Halloween-themed movie! SPOOKY BUDDIES continues the overwhelmingly popular franchise that features the adorable talking puppies, with action, laughs, and fast-paced adventure.

New Hershey's Air Delight Chocolate

You know that message about "never messing with perfection"?  Well, it was thankfully a message ignored by the folks at Hershey's Chocolate numerous times over the years.  The positive results are evident in all the yummy items that keep popping up in the candy isle.  Their latest treat is one for the pure chocolate lovers like myself.

More Giveaway Winners

Congrats to all the winners of our recent contests!
Winners include:

#16 who won the Elmer's Glue Giveaway
#42 who won the Disney's Prom DVD
#79 who won the Locker Lookz Decor Giveaway
#41 who won the Education Insights Sneaky Snack Squirrel Game
#241 who won the Sprite Spark Parks Gift Pack Giveaway
#54 who won the Something Borrowed DVD
and #178 who won the Land O Lakes Cinnamon Sugar Giveaway

Reusable Tag & Placecards by Any Random Jane

With the twins in school 3 days a week, I've taken the opportunity to catch up on a billion big and little tasks I had put off. One of the many things was a toy sweep and sort. Some toys left, some toys arrived, and lots of toys were returned to the place they actually belong. It's amazing how many random pieces of one game can end up in another even when I am a stickler for one to two toys out at a time.

Start the day w/ Big G Cereals (Giveaway)

Are you a breakfast eater?  How about your kids?  I was reading the breakfast and cereal info that General Mills has made available at cerealbenefits.com and it was really informative.  One of the facts I found most interesting:

"Girls who ate cereal were less likely to become overweight as young adults than noncereal eaters."

This back-to-school season, enjoy the most important meal of the day while finding great savings on your favorite breakfasts with a little help from Big G cereals.

FootzyRolls: The Rollable Shoe

Have you ever found yourself desperately wishing you had brought a spare pair of flat comfortable shoes to escape the fashionable but horribly uncomfortable pair your chose over anything practical in your closet?  Me too!

I'm planning ahead next time though.  I was recently provided with a pair of ballet flats that roll up into a tiny case you can stash almost anywhere.  Plop them in your purse, stick them in your glovebox, stow them in your coat pocket ...  These rollable shoes go by the name Footzyrolls and they are not only flat but cute and comfortable too.  No more driving in 3 inch heels, no more walking on ice in shoes with no grip, no more dancing barefoot at weddings.

There are a bunch of Footzyrolls designs to choose one, just find one or two that will work with your wardrobe and stash them with that basic cardigan.

*Please note I was provided with this item for my review.

School Lunch Containers that are Fun, Safe, & Green

One Less Soda Can: 

This is a portable drink container disguised as a pop can.  The comparisons stop there though.  Unlike your can of fizzy stuff, this container keeps the cold stuff cold and the hot stuff hot.  It also can be reused over and over again.  Fill it with water, juice, hot chocolate, tea, milk, or even your favorite cola and bring it with you.

Made from PLA, a material derived from corn, means that there is no plastic, petroleum, or heavy metal. All One Less Products are BPAFree and can be reused over and over. When properly discarded, they can either be recycled with plastics or biodegrade in nature.

My 12 year old and 10 year old frequently rush to snatch up this cool drink container before the other one grabs it.  It has a slot that opens and shuts at the top for sipping, but the entire top also twists off to make it simple to fill and wash.


Kinderville Storage Jars:
Made in two sizes, one for littler bites and one for the bigger bites. These portable silicone jars provide an attractive, easy to open, safe, and very cool looking option for your kid’s school snacks and lunches. Unlike plastic, Kinderville's storage jars are bacteria resistant and BPA, Phthalate and Lead free. Better still, because silicon can withstand both hot and cold temps, these containers are microwave, freezer, and dishwasher safe. We've also found the durability factor to be terrific. My twins have used these jars for bringing anything from grapes to crackers to meatballs.

Please note, we also give some of their other products high praise as well.  Don't miss the Kinderville ice pop molds, cups, and awesome lotion dispensers.

*Much thanks to both companies for providing items for our review coverage.

Warming up to School

The twins' main teacher tells me they are really warming up to the whole school concept now.  No more tears and sad moments for my duo.

Adjusting to the school day is tough even for my teenagers, so it was no real surprise the twins who have spent virtually all their days with me needed time to adjust to being in the new place, with new people, following a new schedule.

The twins went from getting a big nap after lunch daily at home in their own beds to a much smaller rest time after lunch 3 days a week in their new school surroundings.

Lunch is still a bit of a adjustment for the boys.  The twins still need to work on eating more of it while there, instead of quickly scarfing it down right outside the school doors when dismissed for the day.

In any event, school seems to be a positive thing for them both.  Declan seems to be talking more and both boys clearly adore their teachers. In fact, they tell me they love their teacher and teacher loves them.  Declan even claims to have kissed her.

They also can name a few classmates, have learned a couple songs including one about sitting criss cross applesauce, and have brought home paper bag mouse puppets and apple tree projects they made themselves.

Here's to learning to love the school routine!

Totino’s Pizza Stuffers

I practically live in my car from 3-7 weekdays and that means my little guys are in it a lot too.  The backseat is a science experiment in the making.

What's the backseat of your car look like?  Any chance one might find stray crackers, chips, or even fries hiding in crevices during those infrequent car cleanouts?

Learning Resources: Pizza Mania Early Math Game (Giveaway)

Learning Resources never seems to disappoint when it comes to putting a new spin on a classic educational game concept.

The latest game we received from Learning Resources for review is called Pizza Mania and we really have been enjoying it. The Chef is like the "Simon Says" of the pizza kitchen yelling out toppings we should put on or take off our pizza.  Get the pizza order just right and you win the round.  Skills such as listening, counting, and early addition and subtraction are all put to the test at a fun pace my 3 year old twins were able to enjoy along with their 10 year old big sis.

We are giving away a Pizza Manie Early Math Game to one lucky reader!

Kellogg's & Scholastic couple for Breakfast & Books (Giveaway)

This past Sunday, we built a huge window seat under our large back bay window.  This spot had been screaming for just such a built-in since we moved into the home some 16 years ago.  It's the perfect perch for reading and adds much needed extra seating for family gatherings.  There is just something about curling up with a book near the window.  Perhaps it will in part inspire my kids to "read every day & lead a better life", a literacy message Kellogg's and Scholastic have teamed up to deliver. 

Does the Back to School Shopping ever really end?

  Thank you to Crocs for sponsoring this blog post. Please click here to learn more about Crocs’ new Back to School line. I was selected for this sponsorship by the Clever Girls Collective. All opinions expressed here are my own. 

Does the Back to School Shopping Season ever really end?  As the random request for items still keep coming in from the teachers, schools, coaches, and the kids themselves; I've found myself wondering when exactly back to school shopping can officially be declared done.

Box Tops for Education & Betty Crocker (Giveaway)

This school year, giving back to your school can be as easy as baking a cake!  Look for the Red Spoon on your favorite Betty Crocker® dessert mixes, the only brand in the baking aisle with Box Tops.  I have fabulous news for all you Box Top Collectors, you can now find Box Tops for Education on all Betty Crocker baking mixes.  Also, this back-to-school season, look for double Box Tops on specially marked packages of Betty Crocker baking mixes.

New Keebler Granola Fudge Bars

Kellog's Keebler brand has a new Granola Fudge Bar line on the market that has been drawing some serious attention in our pantry.

You see with 5 kids, things such as new yummy looking treats go a touch early and the first to make their lunch on Monday morning isn't nearly as crucial as being sure to get in there to make your lunch early on Friday before the last of the "good stuff" is snagged.

This past week's hot item were the Keebler Granola Bars.  They went quick and the kids are already clamoring for mor.  We were sent both Chocolate chip and Peanut Butter flavors to review and they both received a thumbs up from our crew in taste.

Additional thumbs up earned from Mommy because each yummy granola bar is a reasonable 150 calories, does not contain any high fructose corn syrup, and has 10g of Whole Grain.

Back to School: Step2 Art Easel Desk

The twins have been inspired by their various projects at school, and often come home ready to doodle and create some more.  Perfect timing, as we recently received the new Step2 Art Easel Desk  for review.

Best iPad / iPhone Book Apps for Kids (September 2011 Edition)

Our twins love reading interactive books on the iPad and part of the reason clearly is the quality book apps we have found for our ever growing electronic library.

This month's favorites can be found listed below:

Hungry Jack Premium Hashbrown Potatoes

Last week our back to school breakfast routine was shaken up a bit by trying provided samples for Hungry Jack Premium Hashbrown Potatoes.  My oldest two boys 16 and 12 were in LOVE with the warm hearty addition and it equally impressed the littler ones.  The Hashbrowns are relatively easily to prepare too.

When you first get up simply add hot water to the package and let sit for around 12 minutes.  This essentially rehydrates the 100% Idaho Potatoes inside.  Once the waiting period is over, you simply fry them up in a pan for about 5 minutes.  Done!

I'm really glad they approached us to review this product as I would never have guessed they would be so easy to prepare.  Definitely a handy item to add to your pantry for those cold winter mornings.

Another year, Additional Responsibility for Sports Moms

It dawned on me this past week that my role as a sports mom has recently become a far more difficult task.  I've taken on new job responsibilities that make me miss the days when I was "simply" responsible for driving my 5 kids to and from practice, washing their practice items and uniforms, finding their assorted gear, and keeping them well nourished and stocked up on Gatorade.  I'm now still responsible for all those rather thankless and hugely time consuming yet important tasks, but also in charge of navigating the whole college recruitment process with my oldest child.