Family Fun Magazine...

Today the newest addition of Family Fun arrived in my mailbox.  I have been a diehard fan of Family Fun since my twins were born and a family member got me a subscription. 

Family Fun Magazine is geared toward parents of toddlers through grade schoolers and is filled with fabulous ideas.  In every issue you will find ideas for creative crafts, family games, holiday activities, yummy recipes as well as great ideas for family time.  Every month I find a whole slew of things to do with the kids.  In this month's issue alone I have already found 11 things I am just dying to try with the kids.  Some examples?  Making a bee house, Making Blow Paint Monsters, Cooking up some cucumber cups and testing out the Lego design of the month.  This is all from one issue...I know lots of people who save every issue for ideas and I tear pages out to save of things I want to try for later.  This is the ultimate magazine for fun ideas to do with the kids.

I will admit I am not a super creative gal but Family Fun Magazine allows me to fake it and that alone makes the subscription a steal at $9.95.  This is a must have for any mom with younger children...instant ideas to make you look like super mom.  Who can resist that??

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Melissa & Doug Farm Cube Puzzle...

My 3.5 year olds are just starting to enjoy puzzles.  We have a few of the standard wooden puzzles that they are into but I thought it would be fun to get something a little different and a little more challenging.  I picked up the Melissa & Doug Farm Cube Puzzle for them to try out and while they did have fun with it, I was not terribly impressed with the quality.

The puzzle includes 16 wooden blocks which have different pictures on each of the 6 sides.  The cubes work together to make six different farm-themed puzzles (cows, horses, chickens etc...).  At just over $10 you can't really beat the price.  I do think the puzzles are a tad too challenging for 3 year olds and may be better suited to those in the 4-5 year old range.  Each of the different sides has a different colored border so that part does help but the colors in the pictures are similar so it is often hard for little ones to determine which side works in each puzzle.

Now for the quality....after about a month of only occasional play the images are already starting to peel up a bit and the wood is dented as well.  I am not going to lie, my boys are pretty rough and tumble but not so much that this should be happening yet.  Overall I do think this toy is a good addition to your puzzle colleciton.  I think the kids will enjoy it more in a few months and it gives them a bit more of a challenge than their other puzzles (or "puzzies" as we refer to them here!) do.  I do think the quality could be better but, for just over $10, you are not going to get solid gold puzzle blocks!

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April's Giveaway Winner...

Congratulations to the winner of April's giveaway...Jolee!  She is the lucky winner of a set of note cards (her pick was the flower design, #3)  by the very talented Danna of Unique Scrap Designs.  A great big thank you to all who entered.  I had such a great time hosting my very first giveaway that I am already planning one for May.  Please check back soon to see what is up for grabs as well as many more reviews. Pin It

Mommy Do You Love Me by Jeanne Willis...

I have recently come across the sweetest book for children...Mommy Do You Love Me by Jeanne Willis.  This book is just right for bedtime especially on those days when your little angels have been pushing your buttons.

Mommy Do You Love Me is a book about a mother chicken's unconditional love for her little chick.  The little chick asks questions like  "Will you love me if I make funny faces?" and  "When I get muddy?" and the mother chicken always answers with a "yes".  On a particularly naughty day for the chick the chicken squawks at him leaving him wondering if she still loves him even when he is naughty.  The mother chicken tells her chick "sometimes you make me mad and sometimes you make me sad, but no matter what you say or do I will always love you".  I love this message and think it is such a comforting one for little ones to hear.  The illustrations (by Jan Fearnley) are done in nice, soft colors and are the perfect companion to the words . 


This is a great book for the 3 and up age group and is an especially good one to end the day with.  Happy Reading!

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Fisher-Price Two Tone Television....

Ok...it is 5 am and I am awake with my early bird baby.  As soon as there is a hint of a bird chirp outside she is up like a shot.  When we get up, I change her, feed her and then it is play time.  My girl is just beginning to scoot around (she is nearly 6 months) and is finally enjoying a little tummy time.  She is currently loving a certain toy and therefore so am I because it allows me a little down time before the remaining troops bolt downstairs.

The Fisher-Price Two Tone Television is something I had as a kid and is part of the "classic" collection (sort of depressing to be a classic!).  In any case, this oldie but goodie is quite popular with my baby girl.  For those of you who don't remember this throwback from FP, it is a simple, boxy, "TV", that plays two songs while a loop of pictures goes by on the screen.  The songs are Row, Row, Row Your Boat and London Bridge and the volume (for me) is just right (but not adjustable which may be a downside for some).  The rolling scene shows sweet pictures of a boat being rowed by children and children playing London Bridge.  There are two knobs, one that simply spins and the other that winds up the music.  The knob for music is a little tight to turn and it is a bit challenging even for my 3.5 year olds.

The manufacturers recommended age for this toy is 12+ months but I actually think it is appropriate for the younger set.  The pictures are engaging and the music is soothing for a baby and provided you don't let them  knock themselves on the head with it they will enjoy it immensely.  This is a simple toy from a simpler time...not many bells and whistles but, really, how much of that does a child really need anyway?  Check out this retro favorite on Amazon...
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Taggie's Plush Baby Doll...

Those of you who have had babies know about the "tag phenomenon".  No matter what toy you put in front of your baby, if it is adorned with some sort of tag, they are going to go for that.  The Taggies Company has a whole line of products which cater to those tag loving babies and one of my favorites is the Plush Baby Doll.

This cute little doll is just the right size for baby hands and is crafted of super soft fabric of different textures.  The feet and hat are trimmed with silky satin.  Then, or course, there are the tags.  There are 10 tags to keep your baby happy and they all have a different print or color (cows, numbers, teddy bears).  My nearly 6 month old daughter LOVES this doll and just can't get enough of inspecting each tag and chewing on them as well.  This chewing part brings me to the next part of why I love this sweet faced dolly...she is washable!  Yep, after your little angel drools all over her, simply toss her in the washing machine and let her air dry...good as new!

The Taggies Company has a slew of different tag covered toys, blankets and books and all are incredibly reasonably priced with most items falling in the $10-$20 range.  These items are fantastic baby shower gifts!
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April's Giveaway...

I am thrilled to announce Reviewed By Mom's very first giveaway with a prize provided by Unique Scrap Designs.

  Unique Scrap Designs specializes in custom stationary and premade scrapbook layouts.  They have the most adorable invitations for any occasion as well as really beautiful birth announcements.  I only wish I had discovered them in time to do my daughter's announcements.  In addition to all these great invites and announcements they also have some really great note cards...I am a big fan of the thank you cards. 

On top of having a ton of fantastic designs, I also really like supporting a mom business.  Danna, the gal behind the cool cards, is a stay-at-home mom to her 2 year old son and has another on the way.  She manages to run her business while caring for her son and growing a baby...impressive!

So, the details...the winner of this contest will win a set of 8 thank you note cards along with envelopes.  Choose your favorite from the following four choices and if you win your choice will be shipped right out to you.  The contest runs from today (April 16th) and will close on April 23rd.  I will announce the winner on Monday the 26th on this blog and via e-mail.  If the winner does not contact me within 48 hours with an address to send the prize I will have a re-draw.  Now, the fun part.  How to enter...

1. Comment on this post with the number of your favorite card style.

2.   Become a fan of Reviewed by Mom on Facebook (click on "Facebook" or on the Facebook link on the right of this page).  If you are already a fan that counts too...just leave a comment to let me know you already follow me.

3.  Become a follower of this blog.  Just click the "follow" button on the right hand side of this page.

4.  Check out Unique Scrap Designs on Etsy ( http://www.uniquescrapdesigns.etsy.com/ ).  Check out Danna's cool designs and comment here to mention something you found on her site that you loved (hard to pick just one!).

5.   Become a fan of Unique Scrap Designs on Facebook.  Again, if you are already a fan leave a comment to let me know because that counts too.

So, you have a total of five possible entries.  Not bad at all!  That is it in a nutshell...don't forget to enter and feel free to spread the word.  Check back next week to find out if you are the winner.  Good Luck and here are the choices...

Number 1

Number 2

Number 3

Number 4

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Bob the Builder On Site...

Being the mom of twin three year old boys has given me an education in construction.  My guys just love a good construction vehicle and they want to know just what each an every one is and what it does.  My description of "it's a scooper truck, honey" for everything just does not cut it these days.  Enter trusty Bob the Builder to save the day.

Bob the Builder is a pretty popular guy around our house.  He has tools, he builds things and his equipment even talks....what's not to like?  Even more popular than the "regular" Bob episodes are the "on-site" programs.  Bob the Builder On Site DVD's feature Bob and all this cronies but they also include footage from real construction sites.  These live action bits take you from demolition (a real favorite here!) right up to the finished product.  My boys love watching the step-by-step footage of things being built and learning about the trucks and tools used to create the finished product.  There are several of the on-site DVD's available but my boys like the Bob the Builder On Site-Houses and Playgroundsthe best.  I am not even ashamed to say that I have found these episodes interesting as well and I can now name my fair share of construction equipment...not bad for this girly-girl Mama! 

Check these DVDs' out for your budding construction worker.  He (or she!) will not be disappointed!

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Crocodile Creek Placemats...

I don't know about you but feeding time at my house is messy.  One of my children in particular eats with such gusto that everything even remotely nearby gets covered with whatever he is attempting to get into his mouth...it is a sight to behold.  This messiness factor is why I am in love with Crocodile Creek Placemats. 

We received a couple of these for the boy's first birthday and I have been a loyal fan ever since.  It is really such a simple concept....the placemats are made of a super thin, PVC free plastic and they are decorated with things kids love making them an easy choice for meal time.  The designs are not only completely adorable but they often include a mini lesson in things like numbers and the alphabet.  There are farm animals with numbers, zoo animals, ABC's, planets, dinosaurs, flowers, a state map and many, many more.  We currently have four different designs and both boys enjoy choosing which one they will eat upon at each meal.  The bright and engaging pictures help to keep them occupied while they wait for dinner to be served.

The clean-up for these placemats is a snap.  Simply wipe down with a dish cloth and evidence of even the messiest of eaters is gone.  We have had a couple of these mats for more than two years and they are showing little to no wear after countless washings.  Not bad for a product that runs $5-6!!  Pick up a couple to get you through the messy years (I think that ends at about 10, right??)...

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Stay-Fresh Baby Food Containers...

As I mentioned in my recent review of the book, First Meals, I made all of the twin's baby food.  Now that my daughter has just had her first dose of homemade carrots I just whipped out my trusty Stay-Fresh Baby Food Containers. 

Stay-Fresh Baby Containers allow those who puree their own baby food to have the convenience factor of jarred baby food.  Each of the containers (there are 12 in the set) holds 2 ounces of whatever concoction you have put together for you tiny diner.  Even better is that each of these sturdy plastic containers are microwave AND dishwasher safe meaning making your own baby food just got a little handier.  Each has a screw on lid (no messy pop off lids!) and the plastic is (of course!) BPA free.  The containers are stackable and the set includes a try that can fit right on your freezer door and holds all twelve of the containers. 

These containers are obviously great for homemade baby food but I have also used mine for milk storage.  As I stated before, each holds 2 ounces but the 1 ounce level is marked as well, making these convenient for milk and/or formula storage too. 

I have found Stay-Fresh Baby Containers to be super convenient in my quest to be a baby food making machine.  There is something so satisfying about filling all those little containers up with a bunch of little purees...now if only I could find away to make the peeling part more enjoyable! 

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Love You Forever...

I just recently purchased the book Love You Forever by Robert Munsch for my 3.5 year olds.  I have heard about this book and how it was a favorite for many so I decided we should have it for our collection.

The basic premise for those of you who do not know is how a mother and her new baby boy navigate the stages of childhood  and manhood.  It starts out showing the mother cradling her newborn and singing to him "I'll love you forever, I'll like you for always, As long as I am living my baby you'll be".   The mother repeats that song through the terrible twos, adolescence and the teenage years, each night sneaking into his room after her son is asleep.  The last portion of the book depicts the grown man singing the same moving song to his newborn baby girl.  Very moving.

While I find this book incredibly touching I do have some issues with it.  First of all, there is a part in the book when the mother pays a visit to her grown son who is living on his own.  She drives across town, makes sure his lights are off and then sneaks in, cradles him and sings him the song.  Now, I am a dedicated mother but even I find this a bit much (and maybe a little creepy).  Secondly, I am a little bothered about another section when the mother calls her grown son to say "I am old and sick you had better come".  He then goes to her, cradles her and sings their song.  As an adult I find this touching but for a child this is scary.  Most of us don't want our children thinking about us as elderly quite yet, do we?  Lastly, it is hard to get though this book without crying.  For me, it IS emotional thinking about my children growing up and not needing me so much and this book really stirs those feelings up.  I don't really want to send my kiddos to bed with visions of me sniffling over them getting bigger though!

Obviously, I am not such a lover of this book.  I love the idea of this book and am glad I have read it but I think  I will save it for when my kids get older...like maybe adults.  Then I can say "Hey, you think I am over protective??  This lady still rocks her 25 year old to sleep".  Meanwhile, I will continue to read it myself because it is touching and beautifully written...I will just have a box of tissues close by.
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Skecher's Shape-Ups...

About 2 months ago I started to hear about new sneakers on the market that help speed up the toning process.  Yes, it sounded too good to be true but I am desperate.  Three young children does not allow for much time to exercise unless you count baby bouncing and playing monster with my three year olds!  Of course I bought right into the hype and ordered myself a pair of Shape-Ups by Skechers!

I am not going to lie.  The Shape-Ups are not exactly what I would call cute or even attractive however they are not hideous and the style I got actually looks decent with jeans, almost like a stacked hiking boot.  Besides, I will quit being a slave to fashion if it means the mere act of standing will give me tighter glutes! In addition to tighter glutes here are some of the claims of what Shape-ups are designed to do:  promote weight loss, strengthen the back, firm calf and buttock muscles, reduce cellulite, tone thighs, increase cardiovascular health, improve posture, reduce stress on knee and ankle joints, promote weight loss and establish world peace.  Ok, I made that last one up but you can probably see why I was so anxious to try these out!

So, after 2 months of wearing these shoes pretty regularly (at least a couple hours on most days) here is my take.  I have lost a few pounds as well as a few inches.  I am not sure if this is 100% related to the shoes (I DID just have a baby 5 months ago) but I am not doing any organized exercise or anything I wasn't doing pre Shape-ups.  The very best part of the shoe though is how comfortable they are.  They really do force you into having good posture.  The sole of the shoe is curved (to mimic walking in the sand) so you have to use your core muscles to balance.  I am able to wear these shoes while I am chasing after the kids and doing normal day-to-day activities with no problem.  The booklet included with the shoes recommended starting off with short spurts of wearing to reduce soreness but I did not do that.  I am sort of an "all in" type of gal and, while I could definitely "feel the burn" the next day it was nice to know the shoes might be working!

I would definitely recommend these shoes.  I think the promises might be a little over the top but I am a believer in at least a few of the claims.  If you do a lot of walking, have a bad back or just want to add a little "oomph" into your every day activities these shoes are a must.  Oh, and for you vertically challenged ladies like me, these puppies give you a couple of additional inches....bonus!


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