Ristorante Dr Oetker

Frozen food can make our lives easier especially with busy schedules and no time.  There are great products available and in my experience some not so great products.  Anything that I can taste the freezer taste as I call it in the food is not good.  I was pleasantly surprised with Ristorante Pizza, if I didn't know it was frozen I would not have been able to tell.  Every bite tasted fresh and very flavorful.  We tried the Mozzarella pizza and it was amazing.  It is a thin crust pizza and the cheese was gooey and stretchy.  Both of my boys (5 and 2) ate every bit of their pizza and asked for seconds.  This is a newer product in the US market as it is very popular in Europe.  So glad it is available here in the US, wonderful to have such a great tasting pizza option for a quick snack that the whole family enjoys.


***Sponsored by Bzz Agent and Ristorante Dr. Oetker and even though the pizza was free the opinions are my own.

Build A Bear Workshop

If you have never had the opportunity to go to Build A Bear Workshop you are missing out on a wonderful experience.  The attention to detail and care that go into each visit is above and beyond.  

There are so many choices at Build a Bear for girls and yes even boys.  They have superhero bears now.  

They have made the entire process very interactive.  You are able to choice attributes for your cuddly new friend; everything from intelligence to friendship.

We added a sound to our creation.  It was a twilight sparkle sound with a few phrases she would say.  

Then you head to the stuffing area where they fill up your friend with whatever squishiness you require.  They have a cute ritual with a heart that is placed inside that makes the process very special. At this point they place a bar code inside before sewing up the seam that makes it easy to locate the owner if you ever get separated from your Build A Bear creation.  Someone would just bring the Bear to a store location and they would track down the owner.  How nice is that?  With kids it is inevitable that some toys do get misplaced. 

Next it was bath time where you can brush away any fuzz and brush your new friends hair.  

Next was naming your friend my boy named his pony exactly by her name.  She could go by no other.  There is some basic information asked which is used to help make the birth certificate.  The attention to detail in Build A Bear is so much fun.

The last step before paying of course, is picking out clothes and accessories.  My boy chose some shoes with skates and a leash.  If you ever have any problems with your bear or if you get it home and you find it is not cuddly enough you can bring them back for a free surgery with more stuffing added. 

 If you are interested in trying out Build A Bear Workshop with your child I was given a special coupon to pass on to our friends of the blog http://www.buildabear.com/pdf/2000918_SmileyCoupon_US.pdf?sc_cid=aff:Smiley:5off25

***This post is sponsored by Smiley 360 and Build A Bear and my boy received a wonderful opportunity to pick out a pony with all the bells and whistles for free.  Although we received the items for free all opinions are my own.

The Mess Detectives and the Case of the Lost Temper

We recently got the opportunity to read a Zonderkidz book, The Mess Detectives and the Case of the Lost Temper by Karen Poth.  This is an I Can Read Book with a level 1.  Level 1 is for beginning readers who are eager to read on their own.  I will start off by saying both of my boys were very excited to read this book.  Both of them love Veggietales and look forward to any new products that come into our home.  The story was easy to read and follow and of course it had the silliness you would expect from a Veggietales product.  Even the cover was eye catching and silly.

What is funnier than fake glasses, nose and mustache on a tomato?  A cucumber in a chicken outfit perhaps.  There was a moral to the story which was simply control your temper when you are upset.  Great lesson for all children.  Both of my boys were entertained for the entire book.  Great early reader book with a great lesson.  

***I was given this book to review through Booklook Blogger and although the book was provided free the review was entirely my own opinion and my kids.

The Train Party: I have a 2 Year Old!!!!

I have been talking so much on the blog about Thomas and party ideas that I thought I would do one final post to show you guys the results.  We had the party this weekend and fun was had by all.

The food table I made a snack train and put Thomas in the front. There was a Produce car, Choo Choo Crackers, Log car, and Tender car I also made a fruit train with Watermelon and a cantaloupe.

Party Table and Set Up

Set up for Goodie Boxes

Train Track on the floor with black electrical tape

The Cardboard Train (All of the kids loved it)

Here are some links to the blogs I did in preparation for this party.  

Invitation:  http://learningtopeewiththedooropen.blogspot.com/2014/07/thomas-train-invitation.html

Favor Box:  http://learningtopeewiththedooropen.blogspot.com/2014/07/thomas-train-favor-box.html

Thomas Party Train:  http://learningtopeewiththedooropen.blogspot.com/2014/08/thomas-party-train.html

List of Ideas:  http://learningtopeewiththedooropen.blogspot.com/2014/08/thomas-train-party.html

Stonyfield YoTot

Sneaky moms need sneaky tools so I was excited to find that Stonyfield Farms brought out a toddler geared yogurt in partnership with Happy Tot.  My almost 2 year old wants to do everything himself so I love that the yogurt comes in easy to use pouches.  The yogurt has all the elements from the Stonyfield yogurt we love, great tasting, organic yogurt.  The yogurt has Vitamin D added and 13 mg DHA & EPA.  I have only found this at our local Super Target.  The great thing about this product is the veggies are included in the yogurt.

They come in:

Pear-Spinach-Mango

Sweet Potato

Strawberry-Beet-Berry

For further information go to http://www.stonyfield.com/products/yotoddler/yotoddler-pouches/pear-spinach-mango

**This post is in no way sponsored or affiliated with Stonyfield Farms I am just a mommy who loves the product and wants to share how great it is

Kidfresh

Kidfresh is a line of products that fit in perfectly with my food product posts lately.  Sometimes as moms we have to be a little sneaky.  Sneaky moms are necessary with picky eaters and noses turned up to vegetables.  Kidfresh has so many options to appease your picky eater.

There is:

Totally Twisted Pasta + Meatballs

Fun-tastic Fish-Sticks

Easy Cheesy Ravioli

Wagon Wheels Mac+Cheese

Mamma Mia Cheesy Pizza

Muy Cheesy Quesadillas

Spaghetti Loops + Meat Sauce

Mighty Meaty Chicken Meatballs

Muy Bueno Kids Buritos

Super Duper Chicken Nuggets

Rainbow Rice and Chicken

Each meal is made with 100% natural ingredients- no artificial colors, favors, or preservatives.  Plus they are non GMO and moderate in sodium, calories, and fat.  Every ingredient list was simple and easy to recognize every item used.

We tried the Mighty Meaty Meatballs and Super Duper Chicken Nuggets.  First off what I was impressed with was the taste.  I am not a huge fan of frozen foods normally but both of them were really great.  Both of my boys liked them as well.  Secondly, there is veggies in every meal they make and my kids didn't detect it (mommy win).  

These are found in the frozen foods section and can be quickly prepared for your little one.  To find additional info you can visit http://www.kidfresh.com

***This review was done in partnership with Mom's Meet and Kidfresh.  Although, I was provided with free product to try; all of the opinions and this review is completely my own.

Jonah and the Great Big Fish

My two year old and I got the chance to read a new book today while his big brother was in school.  Have I mentioned yet how much I like having the one on one time with him?  (I do)

We got the opportunity to read an adorable book called Jonah and the Great Big Fish, written by Rhonda Gowler Greene and illustrated by Margaret Spengler.    Clever rhyming and quick pace made this book an easy to listen to story for him.  There were lots of colorful illustrations and it kept his interest the entire time, which is not an easy task.  The story stayed true to the bible story and made it accessible to both my 5 year old and 2 year old.  The book lists the age range as 4-8 as suitable but I think toddlers as well will enjoy it.  If you are interested in purchasing this book I found it is available on amazon at http://www.amazon.com/Jonah-Great-Rhonda-Gowler-Greene/dp/0310732190

***I received this book as a Book Look Blogger and other than the book and the time that my little one enjoyed the book I received no additional compensation and my opinions all completely my own.

The Push Back

As my son is getting older I have noticed some behavior that I thought would occur only in the teenage years.  The latest scenario is he asks to do something and I tell him no.  Then he proceeds to tell me he is doing it anyway.  We have been having a real problem with listening lately and an abundance of time outs.  Is 5 going into 6 the big push back age?  Trying to establish their independence?  In this house it is and it is driving me insane.

They say that by 6 most behaviors are harder to change in a child they are more moldable before this point and that makes me a little scared.  Have I not done my job properly as a parent?  Is this a behavior that is here to stay?

I want my child to be strong willed in general in life but not so stubborn that he can't react properly in his normal life.  Plus when he reacts this way he sounds like a spoiled willful child that doesn't respect authority which is definitely not what I want.  It is a crazy balance trying to ensure that your child has just the right mix of both.  We are making progress slowly but it is proving to be harder that I could ever have anticipated.

Another Amazon $10 Gift Code

Since the giveaway for an amazon gift code went so well.  We decided to do another one.  Amazon is a great place to get any number of things.  Currently I have my eye on quite a wish list of things.  If you have a wish list or even one wish this is a great giveaway to take part in.  Best of luck and thank you for being a part of our blog.

  a Rafflecopter giveaway ***This giveaway is not sponsored by Amazon.  Must have valid email address and you have 1 week to claim your prize upon winning.  Winner will be chosen randomly through rafflecopter and the winner's actions will be verified.

Mommy's Club: Healthy Home Company

I am always looking for product that are safe to use around my kids and actually clean.  I was excited to try a new product (to me) of Mommy's Club products through Healthy Home.  I specifically had the chance to try the Sanitizer.

There is a light pretty nonexistent scent and it feels like water.  It is non alcohol, non aerosol, and it have osha root.  It also doesn't dry out your skin.  It cleans and purifies all surfaces, minor scrapes, and abrasions.  I was really surprised to find out that this one product alone has so many uses and replaces so many products.   The prices were actually very reasonable for the 4 oz product perfect touch sanitizer $6.95.  

They also have makeup, hair care products, toothpaste, water filtration systems, and countless other products.
Some of the many great things about these products:
-100% toxic free and are made with an oxygen-rich solution
-Not tested on animals
-Organic

Here is the link if you are interested in checking them out:  http://mommysclub.com/514288
If you are interested in learning more about the company and what they are achieving here is a video https://www.mommysclub.com/what-is-hhc.php

***This post was done in partnership with Mommy's club but the opinions are 100% my own

1st Day of Kindergarten

My boy was so excited to go to Kindergarten today.  When we got there he didn't look back.  Can't believe I have a Kindergartener!!!!

Hope if you have a child starting school today they have a great 1st day back.

Hobbies...do you have time for them?

Time is fleeting in my life.  There never seems to be enough time for things.  Enough time in the day, enough time to sleep, and time speeds by at an alarming rate with my little ones.  It blows my mind that I have an almost 6 year old and an almost 2 year old.  I try to live in the moment as much as possible but time seems to fly by.  With caring for the needs of my kids and taking care of the household my free time is pretty nonexistent.  Once upon a time...I had hobbies, hobbies that I loved and spent quite a deal of time with.  I used to scrapbook, go to the theater quite often, read books,  and perform.  But all of these things have fallen at the wayside with the daily demands of life.  Now if I put a mommy spin on these hobbies I still do these things.  My scrapbooking hobby is alive and well in a different arena when I plan parties.  I do a lot of D.I.Y projects for the party so I am able to use the crafty side of my brain plus there is always art projects with my kids.  My next hobby going to the theater- well for kids shows but I don't go to the theater nearly as much as I used to.  My next hobby is reading.  I love to read!!!  Like reading rainbow said a book can tell you anywhere.  I love a good book but my books are much shorter now- kids books.  My last hobby performing, used to be my career and that has been shelved for now but when I have more time I will be back for that one.  My oldest just showed interest in being involved with a theater group so in my future I may be a stage mom.  Whoever says having kids doesn't change your life hasn't lived a life as a mom or a dad.  Kids change your life profoundly but I wouldn't change it for the world.

Thomas the Train Party

These are some ideas I found that were cute to add to the decor of your upcoming Thomas the Train party.  I also included all of the blogs I have done in preparation for his Thomas Party.  Hope this list helps you with some inspiring ideas.

Invitation
Here is my invitation for my 2 year old's Thomas party

http://learningtopeewiththedooropen.blogspot.com/2014/07/thomas-train-invitation.html

Birthday Banner
In my search I found a file for a banner to print out.

http://www.passionforsavings.com/content/uploads/2014/05/thomas%20banner.pdf


Railroad signs 

These can be used for food labels or decor for tables
http://www.pbs.org/parents/birthday-parties/thomas-birthday-party/decorations/thomas-railroad-crossing-labels/#3

Decor

http://learningtopeewiththedooropen.blogspot.com/2014/08/thomas-party-train.html

Food Ideas
I found an adorable idea using disposable loaf pans and making them look like a train on your food table.  I have seen Oreos for the wheels or even black card stock wheels so cute.


Party Crafts
Sir Topham Hat craft

http://www.sproutonline.com/crafts-and-recipes/crafts/sir-topham-hatt-craft

Thomas the Train Box Craft

http://www.sproutonline.com/crafts-and-recipes/crafts/thomas-train-craft

Favor Box

http://learningtopeewiththedooropen.blogspot.com/2014/07/thomas-train-favor-box.html

Thank you cards
http://www.sproutonline.com/printables/thomas-friends-thank-you-note

Amazon Gift Code Winner

To all of our new mommies and followers Thank you!!!  We hope you enjoy the blog and continue to be active in our community.  Thank you everyone for entering our latest giveaway for an amazon gift code.  Boy...the response and enthusiasm was awesome.  Through rafflecopter we have a randomly selected winner:  Ashley A.  Congratulations!!!!


Please Contact us through our email and confirm what email address to send code to and it is yours.


We have a lot of exciting giveaways coming up and you guys are making it possible.  The more people are involved the more giveaways we are able to promote.

Buddy Fruits & Veggies

I don't know about you but I have an extremely picky almost 2 year old in my house.  He loves fruit but unless I am tricky doesn't eat vegetables.  That is why I was excited to find that Buddy Fruit has a line with veggies included.   First of all I love that this is Organic and each variety has very simple ingredients.  The base of all of the pouches is Organic apple puree.  They are free of preservative, coloring, fat, artificial flavoring, genetic modification, water, dairy, and gluten.  They are a great on the go snack and my little one finishes every pouch. If you are looking for a way to sneak veggies into your little ones daily diet this is a great tricky mom solution to do it.  The website for more information is http://www.buddyfruits.com/veggies.html

They have 3 different kinds:

Apple, Spinach, and Pear

Apple, Sweet Potato, and Blueberries

Apple, Orange, and Carrots

***This post is in no way sponsored by Buddy Fruit and Veggies or any of its subsidiaries.  This is just from a mom that really appreciates the product

Back to School

Yes...it is that time of year again.  When parents happily push their carts around an office supply store (at least according to commercials).  The school lists are out and the teacher requirements have been made.  I just got our list for kindergarten and we have been out trying to find all of the things on the list...boy is it specific!!!!  Plus my boy has grown so we have had to purchase a new wardrobe for school as well and he for the first time has gotten opinionated about the shopping-what to buy, are we done yet?

When it was time for school I remember being so excited.  In the mail we would find out who our teacher was and the bus schedule.  I always had a first day of school outfit that I thought was fabulous for a first impression on the first day of the school year.  I don't think it is like that for boys...at least not mine.  Don't get me wrong- he is looking forward to school.  New school, new experiences, new friends.  Just not like I did and that is okay.

Now am I excited for him to start school?  It's debatable. I am excited for the new experiences, independence, and fun he is going to have.  But honestly, I am sad for him to be gone so long everyday.  As much as he can drive me crazy he is a great little helper and knows how to give me hugs at the best times.  I know his little brother is going to miss him terribly.  On the plus side my almost 2 year will be getting more one on one time with me.

How did you cope or make the transition easier into Kindergarten?

Annie's Homegrown Animal Cookies

Annie's Homegrown recently came out with a new product, Bernie's Farm Animal Cookies.  They are made with no artificial flavors, synthetic colors, or synthetic preservatives.  Each serving has 8 grams of whole grain.  What I like about these cookies first of all that my little one likes them (I tried them too they taste great!!!) and to color the cookies they used Beets, Blueberries, and Carrots.  I am always looking for better alternatives for snack time and this product fits the bill.
With new Bernie’s Farm Animal Cookies, connecting kids to real food and farm experiences just got a little sweeter! Say hello to playful cookie shapes featuring life on the farm, including a cow, tractor, barn, chicken and more. Made with organic wheat and naturally colored with fruit and vegetable extracts like blueberry, beet and carrot, parents will love the wholesome ingredients and fun farm shapes that make snack-time great-tasting and exciting for little ones! Also available in a resealable bag or in individual snack packs.

Here is the website for further information http://www.annies.com/products/snacks/bernies-farm-animal-cookies

***This post is not sponsored or affiliated with Annie's I am just a mom who enjoys the products.

Kiwi Crate

There is a program out that can enhance learning for your little one and it comes out to your house!!!  Kiwi Crate is an award winning, monthly subscription service that has creative and educational items that come right to your door.  They have enriching hands-on-products that can open up the door to fun and learning.  Each Kiwi Crate has a theme some examples are: Music, Color, Robots, and Safari.  Each kit has everything you need for 2-3 projects that you can work together to accomplish with your child.  These boxes make it simple for you to have wonderful hands on projects for the busy mama who doesn't have time to gather the materials or planning out projects.  Here is a sample of one of the kits offered- Colorful Inspiration All of the materials are included to make: 1.  Spinning Colors      Design and color different patterns.   2.  Stained Glass      Make a colorful stained glass 3. Tissue Tie Dye Bag     Create a colorful tie-dyed bag Right now in August, if you subscribe you can save $10 on any subscription plus you would receive a welcome kit which will enable your child to unearth the monthly adventures and explorations.  To save 10% use code BACKTOSCHOOL10  Order today at http://www.momsaffiliate.com/e/4m3kygqbt5u4 **This post is in partnership with Moms Affiliate and Kiwi Crate but all opinions are entirely my own

Date Night

Screaming kids, messes galore, time outs, dirty diapers, and no rest.  This is a normal occurrence in our household.  I love my kids with everything I am but they know how to wear a mama out.  A lot of times I don't get a lot of adult conversation so it can drive anyone a little crazy.  My shower time is normally my only solace time which happens before bed.  My husband thinks I am odd because I have a soft light on when I shower but it is my only relaxing time all day.

We don't get the opportunity to go out without the kids often but when we do we are ready.  It is so important to have a date night at least once a month if you can do it.  A lot of times we are so busy caring for the kids needs that we really don't have time to connect to each other.  It is important to have a healthy relationship to have at least a date night every so often.  Plus BONUS you can have a meal without rushing, being interrupted, or feeding your little ones.  It is good to laugh and have those adult conversations together.  I won't promise that your kids won't come up in conversation but I can promise that you will feel more equipped to handle the days that follow.  I feel like a normal person after a date night and appreciated.  Don't deny yourself a date night-ask a babysitter or trusted family member asap your sanity depends on it!!!!

Thomas Party Train

I have been seeing these cute Thomas trains for parties all over the internet.
Items Needed
Cardboard Boxes (3 )
Blue Paint, yellow paint, and red paint to paint the boxes
Thomas pdf (below)

Black card stock

Save your cardboard boxes and make a cute sit in train for your party.  Depending on your box you can either paint or wrap your boxes.  I painted one box blue (Thomas), the 2nd red, and the 3rd yellow.  After the blue box dried, I put a yellow #1 on Thomas.

Then using my trusty glue gun I glued Thomas' face to the front.  With the black card stock I stapled together the funnel and then used the glue gun to attach it to the top of the Thomas box.

This is a link for a pdf for a Thomas face.  Cut it out and you have your face for your train.
http://www.pbs.org/parents/birthday-parties/thomas-birthday-party/decorations/thomas-friends-photo-booth/#2

Hope you enjoy making this train.  It was really simple to make and lots of fun for the kids.