Shrade school week #2- Brightly Beaming Resources

I am always on the lookout for FREE curriculum for my 19 month old.  I am trying to develop a more consistent learning atmosphere that is simple yet effective.  Here is a website (www.letteroftheweek.com) that I just found that has some great activities that are easy yet will provide lots of learning.  I am starting with 13 months Lesson 1 and will move quickly through until we are caught up with the appropriate age for my son.  I am so excited to find this great curriculum.  Take a peek and let me know what you think!

Brightly Beaming Resources

Winner of Boogie Wipes!

The winner for Boogie Wipes is DONNA.  The winner has 48 hours to respond to my email.  Congratulations!  Thank you, everyone, for entering this giveaway.  More fun giveaways to come!

Giveaways and Summer Reading Challenge!

Last chance to enter this giveaway:

*Boogie Wipes 2 (30 count) packs ends 6/25

 

Other giveaways going on:

 

*Episencial Sunny Sunscreen ends 6/30
*Munchie Mug ends 7/2 (LOW comment)

 

 

Being a former teacher and now a mom, I am very focused on reading with my child.  I have read and heard so many things and even told my student's parents that reading is a MUST.  From the time my son was born I started reading to him and taking him to library story time.  At 19 months he has a good vocabulary and can identify many pictures and real life objects.  It's so exciting to see him learn.  I contribute it to having read to him since day 1. 

 

Anyway, I would like to recommend that you participate in the Summer Reading Challenge sponsored by No Time for Flashcards.  Every week you fill out a form of what books your child read or what you read to your child.  Alison also has a drawing for a free Alphabet craft ebook once a week.  Click on the link above for more info and get started!  It's a fun way to track what you are reading.

Take time for your Milk N' Honey today!

What's on our Bookshelf: Wild Animal Baby

Last year my mom and dad subscribed to this really cute and very educational magazine for my son: Wild Animal Baby.  I absolutely feel in love with this magazine.  It has so many wonderful features that really engage your young toddler.  There is usually a little story about an animal at the beginning.  There is also a matching, identifying colors, shapes, and numbers.  There is also a little finger/action play poem, opposites, seek and find page and an ending story.  Sammy Skunk is hiding throughout each book and Shrade loves to find Sammy Skunk!  On the back page is ideas for parents and also an alphabet card to cut out and use for learning beginning letter sounds with animal names.  What I like best is that the pictures are real and I just love that it is highly educational even for ages 1-3.  So check out Wild Animal Baby for your own and enjoy a fun learning time with your precious child.

Munchie Mug Review and Giveaway!!

Recently, my 18 month old son and I got to review the Munchie Mug.  We were so excited to receive this product in the mail.  We do a lot of activities away from home and were looking for something that could hold Shrade's snacks while we were out and about without spilling everywhere.  Munchie Mug is the perfect answer!  We can very easily fill up the Munchie Mug and put on the stay fresh lid.  When it's time to snack, we just remove the lid and screw on the part that allows my little one to reach inside and pull out snacks with no mess!  The fabric over the top is taut, yet gives easily when a a little hand reaches through.  My son figured it out right away!  When snacks are all done it can double as a cup too.

The Munchie Mug stands proud to be 100% American and it's durable, recyclable plastic meets safety standards.  The Munchie Mug can be cleaned by hand or in the top rack of the dishwasher.  I did both and am pleased to say that the Munchie Mug held up well.  This spill resistant cup can be for children ages 10 months and older.  Munchie Mug is environmentally and economically friendly and is created to make a better world for you and your child.

Wouldn't you like this convenient snack cup for your child?

Buy it: The Munchie Mug is $15.95 and can be purchased online.  International orders are now being accepted too!

*This product was provided to me free of charge for the purpose of this review. This is my honest opinion of this product and no monetary compensation was received for my opinion.*
 

Win it: Munchie Mug is offering one of my readers a mug of their own in the color of their choice (blue, pink, yellow).  Open WORLDWIDE.  Giveaway ends Friday, July 2.


To enter: Be sure to connect with all the links before filling out the entry form.


1. (Mandatory) Be a follower on my blog (2 entries)
2. Tell me what color mug you would like if you won. (required)
3. Subscribe to my blog by email. (top right corner)
4. Put my button on your blog and provide link.
5. "Like" Munchie Mug on Facebook (friend request)
6. Follow Munchie Mug  on Twitter
7. Follow me on Twitter (@shondaet)
8. Post about this giveaway on another site (Facebook, Twitter, Blog) (1 entry for each)

Please fill out this easy form to enter:  

Entry for Munchie Mug Giveaway

 

Shrade Playschool Plan of the Week #1

This week's theme: The Farm

*In My Heart (Bible memory) : Jeremiah 33:3 "Call to me and I will answer you." (from Totally Tots)

*Stories: Mrs. Wishy Washy, Farmer's Market, Does a Cow say Boo?, etc.

*Activities: matching animal cards, draw farm food

*Songs: Old Macdonald, When _____get up in the morning (lots of animals names and sounds)

Manipulatives: Vegetable food set, chick puzzle and little duck (will be reviewed soon for a giveaway!)

Out and About: Visit a farm, library story time

Be intentional, make a plan and then be spontaneous as well.  We will try to do all of these things this week as well as anything else I can think of!

Monday Shareday!!

Monday Shareday!!

Yes, it's Monday again and time to share what you have posted or what you have found as a great post and link up here!

Last week I was interested in crafts.  This week you will see I was interested in FOOD!

  Carol at Frugal Life Project found this great summer snack idea from Kraft foods.  Yummy!

Froggy at A little of this and a little of that... took a cooking class and made this cake.  Isn't it cute?

My friend, Amy, over at Living Word Academy posted about Pupcakes.  It looked like fun project for kids.

So what did you post or what did you find?  Please link up and share.  I love it!  Thanks, Shonda

Episencial Baby Skin Care - Sunny Sunscreen Review and Giveaway!!

I recently was privileged to review Episencial Baby Skin Care- Sunny Sunscreen  SPF 35 for my 18 month old son who has skin sensitivity.  I was looking for a product that was natural and effective and that would not irritate my son's skin.  I know there are many mothers out there like me that rely on products for our babies that promote health and protection.

I was very pleased when I first spread this milky white cream onto my son's skin and it quickly absorbed leaving no sticky residue or overpowering scent.  Instead it was easy to spread and made my son's skin feel soft and smooth.  Not only does it protect the skin, but it also has nourishing oils like avocado, sesame and safflower to moisturize.  This sunscreen is water resistant and uses no harsh chemical elements.  I feel confident to smear this wonderful product on my son's skin because I know this company has specifically made it their mission to promote health and wellness with natural ingredients.

BIG NEWS!  This Sunny Sunscreen was named one of the top sunscreens for safety and effectiveness according the Environmental Working Group's annual sunscreen guide.  Out of 500, only 39 were selected.  The Environmental Working Group also has a database that has classified Episencial with the highest safety rating for ingredients that target sun damage due to the company's standard on producing high quality, all natural formulas.

Right now there is a great Episencial Sunblock Kit available exclusively at Diapers.com that includes: Sunny Sunscreen SPF 35, Protective Face Balm SPF 6, Soothing Cream and a creative art project with the Very Hungry Caterpillar for only $19.99.  What a great way to be prepared  and protected from the summer sun with this kit!  You can also get a $10 off coupon from Episencial's Facebook page for Diapers.com.  If you are a new customer to Diapers.com be sure to enter my referral code #SHXN5659.  Thank you!

So many good deals!  And that's not all, I am having a GIVEAWAY right here at Milk N' Honey for the Sunny Sunscreen!

Win it:  You can win the Sunny Sunscreen by filling out the entry form below.  Open to US.  Giveaway ends Wednesday, June 30.

To enter:  Be sure to connect with all the links before filling out the entry form.
1. (Mandatory) Be a follower on my blog (2 entries)
2. Tell me what product from Episencial that you would like to try.
3. Put my button on your blog and provide link.
4. "Like" Episencial on Facebook
5. Follow Episencial on Twitter
6. Sign up for Episencial's enewsletter (link at bottom of page)
7. Post about this giveaway on another site (Facebook, Twitter, Blog) (1 entry for each)

Fill out this easy form to enter: Entry for Episencial Sunny Sunscreen Giveaway

 

Learning Activity: Pattern Blocks

Shrade loves this set of pattern blocks.  One of our friends gave us a bunch of fun toys and this was in the box.  There are 16 blocks that are all different shapes: star, pentagon, hexagon, diamond, circle, heart, rectangle, square, triangle, heart, parallelogram, quatrafoil, octagon, right triangle, half circle and oval.  There are four colors: red, blue, yellow and green.  Shrade has just discovered how to slide the shapes into the openings on the box.  It's really incredible all the fun ways we can use this for learning.  Shrade spends hours playing with these blocks.

Just to name a few:
*stacking
*colors
*shapes
*counting

If you have other ideas of how we can use these for learning, please make a comment.  I love to get new ideas!  Thanks, Shonda

Eco-Friendly LunchBox Giveaway!!

Jump over to Knowlton Nest and check out my review for the Easy LunchBox system.  You can also enter to win this prize pack as seen in the picture above!  This is such a great way to help you start making healthy lunches for your kids!  Be sure to visit the Easy LunchBox website for more info. Thanks, Shonda

Monday Shareday!! (NEW)

Monday Shareday!

Today I thought I would start a new linky for sharing your fun kid posts or other neat posts that you have or find.  I don't have a button yet, but I'll work on it.

 So I found 3 neat posts this last week and I wanted to share them with you:

*Oopsey Daisy- Old MacDonald 

I thought this was so cute and something I might want to make for my child.  Thanks, Alison.

*Fowl Single File- Felted Bean Bags

  Megan made these as a project for Craft Hope.  Aren't they adorable?

*Frugal Life- DIY: Crayon Initials

  Carol posted this as a Do It Yourself project.  Looks like fun!

So, as you can see I have my eyes on cool crafts this week.  I really hope to be more crafty soon and these ideas inspire me!

So, do you have a moment to share a great post that you have or one that you found?  Please link up!  Thanks, Shonda

 

Friday Blog Hop

Hi Blog Friends!  I'm so glad it's Friday!  I'm Shonda and I am here at Milk N' Honey Learn and Grow with my son Shrade.  We have a lot of fun here learning and growing.  We talk about books, recipes, learning activities, music and have fun giveaways too!  I love followers and I always follow back!  Have a great day!

PS.  I have 3 great giveaways going.  Go to the right under Current Giveaways and enter for a $20 EcoMom GC, Rockin' Green Laundry Soap and Boogie Wipes!  I have a fast and easy entry form.  LOW comments on all!  Thanks!

Kid Friendly Friday

Hi Mom Blog Buddies-  If you came here today to link up to Kid Friendly Friday, I am no longer hosting.  I was actually substituting for Angela over at Confessions of a Non-Domestic Housewife.  She is back on track.  So head on over there to link up.  Have a great Friday, Shonda

Boogie Wipes Review and Giveaway!!

How many times am I looking for something to wipe my son's nose that actually cleans the mucus?  I first saw Boogie Wipes at my MOPS group.  A few take along packets were sitting out and so I took a few.  It wasn't too much later that I had a chance to use one with my son.  I  loved how quick and easy I could whip out the wipe and not only clean off the boogies, but cleanse the area around his nose as well.  I recently was given the chance to try 4 different scents of Boogie Wipes for this review: Great Grape, Magic Menthol, Fresh Scent and Simply Unscented.  My 18 month old son really likes the Boogie Wipes and he doesn't run away when I  try to clean him up.  Instead he says, "mmmm."  I frequently need this product since my son gets upset quite often and actually cries so hard that he needs a good wipe down.

Boogie Wipes was invented by moms (Mindee and Julie) as a solution to prevent kids from getting red and runny noses.  The saline-infused moist wipe was born after much time and effort.  These mom had found a better way to sooth stuffy noses.

I really like that the Boogie Wipes packages are so portable.  There are 2 different kinds of packaging for Boogie Wipes: 30 count pack and Boogies on the Run!  I know for me it is very handy to have a 30 count pack upstairs and downstairs and to have several Boogies on the Run packs in diaper bags, cars and purses.  You never know, you might be able to share a Boogie Wipe with another needy mom too!

What is a Boogie Wipe?
*Unique formula moisturizers with Chamomile, Vitamin E and Aloe on a moist wipe
*Hypo-allergenic
*Alcohol free
*Relieves stuffed noses safe and effectively

*This product was provided to me free of charge for the purpose of this review. This is my honest opinion of this product and no monetary compensation was received for my opinion.*
 

Buy it:
Go to Boogie Wipes and choose your packaging and get ready to wipe those pesky boogies away!

You can also join the Boogie Bunch to get updates on products, free samples and coupons.Get $1 off coupon just for joining!

Win it:
You can win 2 (30count) packs of Boogie Wipes (combo varies- unscented, grape, fresh and menthol).
Open to US and Canada.
Giveaway ends Friday, June 25.

To enter:
1. Mandatory: Be a follower on my blog (2 entries)

2. Tell me what scent of Boogie Wipes you would like (unscented, grape, fresh or menthol)

3. Put my button on your blog and provide the link.

4. "Like" Boogie Wipes on Facebook 

5. Follow Boogie Wipes on Twitter

6. Join the Boogie Bunch (updates, coupons, free samples)

7. Post this giveaway on another site (Facebook, Twitter, Blog, etc) (1 entry for every site)

 

Please fill out this simple form to enter: Entry for Boogie Wipes Giveaway

Rockin' Green Giveaway!

Hey, mom blog buddies!  I just reviewed this awesome laundry soap from Rockin' Green over at my other blog- Knowlton Nest.  But you can also enter the giveaway right here.  Giveaway ends 6/23, open to US only.

Be sure to read the the review so you can fill out all the necessary information on this easy entry form: Entry for Rockin' Green Giveaway

Eco Mom Review and Giveaway!

Hi Mom Blog Buddies!  Be sure to read my recent review of EcoMom products (on my other blog- Knowlton Nest).  You may enter the giveaway for a $20 gift certificate from EcoMom.  Giveaway ends Friday, June 18.

Click to enter here: Entry for EcoMom Giveaway.  Thanks!!

Kid Friendly Friday

Welcome to another week of Kid Friendly Friday!  Do you have a post to share!  Please link up so we can see what fun things you are doing with your kids.  Thanks for sharing and be sure to tell others that you are linked up here.

Giveaway! Makaboo Pillow ends 6/7

I just found that Christi at Frugal Novice is having a giveaway for these adorable pillows.  The giveaway ends on 6/7 so hurry!

Food Fun: Super Baby Food Recipe Ideas

I have been using Super Baby Food for my son since I first started making food for him at 6 months.  My son is now 18 months old, but he is not able to eat the food that we eat.  We like spicy things and food that can be very acidic to children.  He is very sensitive and I have to constantly monitor what is bothering him.  So I continue to make recipes from Super Baby Food. 

I really want to share about what I make, but I will not be able to print the recipes here due to copyright laws.  But I will tell you about each thing I made last week and you can find all the recipes in Super Baby Food.  Have fun!

Pizza for toddlers- homemade crust with tomato sauce and mozzarella cheese

Cream of Broccoli soup-  I added cheese and flour.  This is how I freeze the soup and then pop out and put in freezer bags.  I take out what I want to feed my son the night before and let it thaw.  Easy!

Wonderful Waffles-  Oh, these are the bomb!  My son loves them and so do I.  I added shredded apple and you can't even taste it, but you know you are eating something healthy!

Honey Wheat Germ Balls-  These are yummy.  I freeze these too.  A bit of a sweet treat with all the good stuff packed in- wheat germ and honey.

Awesome Orange Bread-  This has orange juice in it and not really sweet at all.  There is also the healthy spice- cinnamon.  Add that to anything to up the "good" to any sweet treat!

Grain and Cottage Cheese Squares- I made this in a 9X13 pan and cut into squares.  I froze on the cookie sheet and then put in freezer bag.  I take out the night before and let it thaw in fridge.  There's cottage cheese, egg, brown rice and parsley in this dish.

That's it for today.  I'll do another Super Baby Food edition next month!

What's on our Bookshelf? Little Blue Truck

We received this book as a gift from my sister.  It is absolutely adorable!  The Little Blue truck is driving down a country road.  As he beeps along, he encounters several barn animals.  They all answer back with their respective animal noises.  However, a big dump truck barrels through and has no regard for the Little Blue truck or the friendly animals.  He gets stuck in the mud and all the animals ignore his pleas for help except the Little Blue truck.  Finally, after Little Blue also gets stuck while helping the dump truck, all the animals come to help.

This is a fun little rhyming book that focuses on helping others even when they don't deserve it.  Children learn animal names and sounds as the Little Blue Truck happily makes it's way through the countryside.  This is a sweet book that you will enjoy over and over.

Shrade really likes the word "car" and when I read this book he loudly calls it a CAR, but I just as loudly repeat TRUCK.  Maybe someday he will get it!

Learning Activity: Transferring Objects

So Shrade actually started doing this on his own!  I gave him a jar with cotton balls and he took another cup and started transferring the cotton balls from the jar to the cup and back.  It was a sight to see!  He was occupied with this activity for several minutes.  It goes to show that when you leave kids to explore themselves, they learn so much!