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Wednesday, May 31, 2017

Keep Kids Learning this Summer with PlayMonster

Wednesday, May 31, 2017

Keep Kids Learning this Summer with PlayMonster

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This post is sponsored by PlayMonsterAll opinions are mine alone.

Keep kids learning this summer with fun and educational games from PlayMonster!

My family enjoys playing games together. We have a wide range of board, card and dice games and each have our favorites. My daughter loves strategic and quick-thinking games, and I'm always looking for creative ways to boost her critical thinking and fine motor skills. Word Shout and Grabolo from PlayMonster are a couple of our favorite games that are both entertaining and educational. So while you're kids are out of school for the summer, keep their brains working while you have FUN with these games from PlayMonster!

Keep Kids Learning this Summer with Word Shout from PlayMonster

Word Shout is a quick-thinking word-grabbing game! You never know what words the roll of the letter dice will make...just find them fast and shout them out to be sure you get them before anyone else! This is a great game for kids who are learning to spell, and a fun way for the rest of us to sharpen our vocabulary skills!

Keep Kids Learning this Summer with Word Shout from PlayMonster

To play Word Shout, you just need 10 lettered dice. All 10 dice fit neatly into a reusable plastic click case to keep them all in one place for you to play again and again.

Keep Kids Learning this Summer with Word Shout from PlayMonster

The youngest player goes first, and rolls all 10 dice. All players need to pay attention, because speed matters in this game! Everyone looks at the dice (no touching or moving them around) and tries to form at least 3-letter words.

Keep Kids Learning this Summer with Word Shout from PlayMonster

When you find a word, SHOUT it out and take the dice! Everyone continues searching for words from the remaining dice until they have all been taken or when no more words can be formed.

Count how many dice you have collected and that's your score for that round. The scorekeeper records and adds scores after each round. The object of the game is to be the first player to reach 50 points!

Keep Kids Learning this Summer with Word Shout from PlayMonster

This is such a fun game for us to play, and each round goes quickly. My daughter has gotten so quick at finding and putting words together and the game has helped her build her vocabulary. I also love how portable the game is so we can take it everywhere with us.

Word Shout is recommended for 2 to 4 players ages 8 and up. The game contains 10 Word Shout dice, reusable plastic click case, and rules. You can purchase Word Shout at PlayMonster for $7.59.


Keep Kids Learning this Summer with Grabolo from PlayMonster

Grabolo is an awesome game that boosts those visual motor skills, eye-hand coordination and visual scanning. A roll of the dice will tell you which color/number card combination to grab, but you have to act fast! The first player to grab it keeps it, but beware...it could get stolen later!

Keep Kids Learning this Summer with Grabolo from PlayMonster

The game comes with two dice: a number die (1-6) and a color die (red, yellow, blue, purple, green, black) and 36 cards: a set of 6 for each color.

Keep Kids Learning this Summer with Grabolo from PlayMonster

Start by laying all 36 cards out on a table, face up. Roll the dice to get a number and color combination. ALL players need to try to be the FIRST to claim that card with the matching combination by placing their hand over it!

Keep Kids Learning this Summer with Grabolo from PlayMonster

The quickest player takes the card and places it face down in front of them. Keep taking turns rolling the dice and collecting cards.

Keep Kids Learning this Summer with Grabolo from PlayMonster

The cards will start to dwindle down and soon you may come across a combination that isn't on the table anymore! That means one of the players has that card, and now you have the opportunity to guess who has it so you can steal it for yourself. Be careful though! If you guess wrong, one of YOUR cards gets put back on the table for someone else to steal!

The player who gets the most amount of cards collected is the winner!

Keep Kids Learning this Summer with Grabolo from PlayMonster

Grabolo is recommended for 3 to 5 players ages 6 and up. The game contains 36 cards, 2 dice, and rules. You can purchase Grabolo at PlayMonster for $11.99.

For more awesome games like these and MORE be sure to visit the PlayMonster Website and follow along on Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest!

What are your favorite card and dice games?

Tuesday, May 30, 2017

Fruity Summer Bag Toppers

Tuesday, May 30, 2017

Fruity Summer Bag Toppers

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Fruity Summer Bag Toppers are an easy Make It Now project in Cricut Design Space!

Fruity Summer Bag Toppers are an easy Make It Now project in Cricut Design Space! #CricutMade

With summer on its way, I wanted to make a little treat for my husband to share with his coworkers and fellow teachers to wish them a "sweet" summer break! I was searching for inspiration in Cricut Design Space, and came across these adorable Summer Bag Toppers as a "Make It Now" project. In just a few minutes, I was able to create something special to share with friends. I'm excited to share how you can do it, too!
Wednesday, May 24, 2017

Yoda Father's Day Shirt

Wednesday, May 24, 2017

Yoda Father's Day Shirt

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This a sponsored post with Expressions Vinyl and may contain affiliate links.

Make dad a Yoda Father's Day Shirt with HTV from Expressions Vinyl and free cut file!

Use HTV from Expressions Vinyl to make dad a Yoda Father's Day Shirt with free cut file!

Monday, May 22, 2017

Free Printable Summer Word Search Coloring Page

Monday, May 22, 2017

Free Printable Summer Word Search Coloring Page

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Welcome summer with this Free Printable Summer Word Search Coloring Page!

Welcome summer with this Free Printable Summer Word Search Coloring Page!

My daughter and I love coloring, and enjoy word searches even more. Summer is just around the corner, so I created this Free Printable Summer Word Search Coloring Page for everyone to enjoy. It's the perfect mix of brain games and a coloring book!

Welcome summer with this Free Printable Summer Word Search Coloring Page!

My husband loves taking these kinds of activities to school to entertain the students and keep them busy. With school coming to a close, this is the perfect worksheet to get ready for summer vacation!

What are you waiting for?! Go grab some colored pencils and a pencil sharpener, and get to work!!

Welcome summer with this Free Printable Summer Word Search Coloring Page!

The top section is filled with fun summer images like a sun wearing sunglasses, flip flops and a palm tree, as well as the word "summer" to color. Not only has my daughter had a ton of fun with this printable, but I've found it to be pretty calming myself!

Welcome summer with this Free Printable Summer Word Search Coloring Page!

There's 30 summer vocabulary words that are lots of fun for both kids and adults to look for! Words will be horizontal, vertical, diagonal and backwards. Good luck!!


Some things you should know before downloading:
*Artsy-Fartsy Mama printables are for PERSONAL USE ONLY.
*You may NOT modify, re-sell, redistribute, or claim the design as your own.
*Please do not remove the credits/watermarks.
*If you'd like to share this project, credit must be given to Artsy-Fartsy Mama & linked back to this post.

What's your favorite part about summer?

Monday, May 15, 2017

Free Printable LEGO Batman Movie Bingo

Monday, May 15, 2017

Free Printable LEGO Batman Movie Bingo

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Sponsored by LEGO®, get ready for the LEGO Batman Movie DVD release by building LEGO Batman BrickHeadz and playing Free Printable LEGO Batman Movie Bingo!

Download Free Printable LEGO Batman Movie Bingo

We saw the LEGO Batman Movie a few months ago and absolutely loved it! Everything about this movie is AWESOME!! We are counting down the days until we own it on DVD (June 13th!) and are planning on playing this Free Printable LEGO Batman Movie Bingo while we watch it!

LEGO Batman Movie Bingo includes all of your favorite characters, including Batman (of course), Batgirl, Joker, Robin, as well as a few new ones you might not recognize yet if you haven't seen the movie! The bingo set includes ten bingo cards, so it's easy to print and use for parties. It's fun for every age to play. The calling cards also include the names of the characters in case you don't know who they are.

(Set includes 10 bingo cards and calling cards in a single PDF file)

Download Free Printable LEGO Batman Movie Bingo

The blank set works a little differently. You get one bingo card with empty spaces (except for the "free" spot). Then print and cut out the bingo pieces so you can assemble the bingo cards yourself! Just glue the pieces in place and you're ready to play!

This is a great option for little hands that want to be creative, or if you have a larger group of people and don't want multiple cards that are the same. The blank bingo set includes all the same characters as the full set, but you can create your own bingo card setup.

(Set includes one blank bingo card, bingo pieces, and calling cards in a single PDF file)

Game Instructions
1. Pick some kind of object to mark your squares (LEGOs, candy, glass gems, buttons, etc)
2. Give each player a bingo card and markers (or put your own card together with the blank set).
3. Have each player put a marker over the free space.
4. Have one person choose a calling card and say it out loud. Each player will cover that item on their card with a marker.
5. Once a player has 5 squares covered in a row (horizontally, vertically, or diagonally), call out "BINGO!" and win the game!

Some things you should know before downloading:
*Artsy-Fartsy Mama printables are for PERSONAL USE ONLY.
*You may NOT modify, re-sell, redistribute, or claim the design as your own.
*Please do not remove the credits/watermarks.
*If you'd like to share this printable, credit must be given to Artsy-Fartsy Mama & linked back to this post.

To lengthen the life of the prints, I would recommend printing the bingo cards and calling cards on cardstock. All sets are 8.5x11 inches and combined in a single PDF format.


Build Batgirl and The Joker BrickHeadz characters from The LEGO Batman Movie!

Besides Batman, our favorite characters from the movie are Joker and Batgirl. My husband loves all the characters and is always collecting action figures. BrickHeadz construction characters are a ton of fun to build, and bring you a brand new way to collect, build and display iconic characters from your favorite movies, TV series, games and comics.

You can collect Batman™, Batgirl™, Robin™, and The Joker™ BrickHeadz construction characters from LEGO Batman Movie.

Build the LEGO Batman Movie BrickHeadz Batgirl character!

My daughter is obsessed with Batgirl and loves how she's so tough and kicks the bad guys' butts! Recommended for ages 10+, this Batgirl™ BrickHeadz construction character contains 99 pieces and easy-to-follow building instructions.

Build the LEGO Batman Movie BrickHeadz Batgirl character!

This Batgirl™ BrickHeadz construction character is fun to build using LEGO System bricks that recreate all of her iconic details, including her Batgirl icon and a yellow Batarang! She also stands on a buildable baseplate with a series number and BrickHeadz icon for easy display.

Build The Joker BrickHeadz character from The LEGO Batman Movie!

Batman’s enigmatic archenemy, The Joker, is just hilarious and I can't resist a classic villain! Plus, let's admit it - he's adorable! Also recommended for ages 10+, The Joker™ BrickHeadz construction character contains 151 pieces and easy-to-follow building instructions.

Build The Joker BrickHeadz character from The LEGO Batman Movie!

The Joker™ BrickHeadz construction character features authentic detailing, BrickHeadz eyes, buildable iconic green hair and outfit from LEGO Batman Movie, plus a display baseplate.

Build Batgirl and The Joker BrickHeadz characters from The LEGO Batman Movie!

These characters are so detailed and they are so much fun to build. As fun as it is to build the characters according to instructions, it's sometimes even MORE fun to mash up your LEGO BrickHeadz construction characters to create supercool hybrids or your own amazing characters!!

Who is your favorite LEGO Batman Movie character?

Monday, May 8, 2017

4-Ingredient Ice Cream Pies

Monday, May 8, 2017

4-Ingredient Ice Cream Pies

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Easy Mint Chip and Vanilla Bean Ice Cream Pies are a delectable dessert that you can enjoy all summer long without the guilt!

Easy Mint Chip and Vanilla Bean Ice Cream Pies are a delectable dessert that you can enjoy all summer long without the guilt!

As much as I try to diet and eat right, my biggest food weakness has got to be ice cream. Working on getting back in shape is on everyone's mind now that summer is on the way. Unfortunately, ice cream is also a great way to cool down in the heat...

These ice cream pies I'm about to share with you have become one of my favorite desserts for two main reasons. First, they are a delightful treat that I have enjoyed devouring, and I think you will too. Second, and most importantly, they are made with low carb ice creams. I like using this for dessert because it's a high-protein and low fat ice cream that combines delicious taste, powerful nutrition, and clean ingredients so you don't have to feel guilty about enjoying dessert!
Wednesday, May 3, 2017

How Worry Eaters Can Help Kids Cope with Anxiety

Wednesday, May 3, 2017

How Worry Eaters Can Help Kids Cope with Anxiety

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We received a Worry Eater plush from Haywire Group in exchange for this honest review. As always, all opinions are my own.

I have struggled with anxiety for as long as I can remember. Worrying about school, making friends, taking tests, and loads of imaginary scenarios were just part of life. There's a stigma around admitting you are feeling anxious or depressed. I was also reminded that all kids have their worries and doubts, so I assumed that everyone was just as anxious as I was. In 2013, I shattered my leg, bringing my anxiety to a whole new level.

While I was on 3 months of bedrest with my broken leg, my 3 year old daughter (at the time) was an incredible help to me. At such a young age, she unfortunately also got to witness the darkest time in her own mother's life. It breaks my heart to know that some of her worries and anxieties have been brought on by her witnessing this ordeal, but I have also noticed that she is a lot stronger at this age than I ever was because of it. It has been a tough road, but I am no longer ashamed to admit that I can't work through this alone. Most importantly, I have come to realize that it's really okay to ask others for help.

Tuesday, May 2, 2017

Sparkle Unicorn Milkshake

Tuesday, May 2, 2017

Sparkle Unicorn Milkshake

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Not sure if you've heard, but Starbucks seems to have this new addition to their menu - the Unicorn Frappuccino. Sounds super fancy and it's also quite beautiful. Unfortunately, I am not a Frappuccino kind of girl... but, I would take a milkshake any day! This is how my Cute Sparkle Unicorn Milkshake was born. 

Make your own unicorn drinks at home like this Cute Sparkle Unicorn Milkshake recipe

Before you whip up the milkshake, you need to prepare the glasses first. Have fun with it and remember that they don't have to be perfect. Just like unicorns, each Unicorn Milkshake is unique 😉

Melt down some blue candy melts in the microwave. Then, using a spoon or a squeeze bottle, drip the melted blue goodness along the inside of the glass and let it just drip down. Easy enough, right? Next, dip the rim of the glass into a bowl of the melted candy melts so it covers about 1/8-1/4 inch of the rim. Sprinkle a bunch of colorful sprinkles over the candy melt and press lightly to make sure they stick well. Place the finished glasses in the fridge or freezer to chill while you prepare the milkshake.

Make your own unicorn drinks at home like this Cute Sparkle Unicorn Milkshake recipe

Pour the magical milkshake into the chilled glasses and top with a generous swirl of whipped cream. Sprinkle a bunch of the sparkliest sprinkles you can find, and voila!! The cutest sparkle unicorn milkshake you ever did see.

Cute Sparkle Unicorn Milkshake
Makes 1 serving

Ingredients:
1 cup vanilla ice cream
1/2 cup milk
1/8 teaspoon vanilla extract
blue candy melts
colorful sprinkles
whipped cream

Directions:
  1. In blender, combine ice cream, milk, and vanilla. Blend until mixture is smooth.
  2. Pour milkshake mixture into two separate bowls.
  3. In one bowl, add some neon pink food coloring gel, and add neon purple food coloring gel to the other bowl. Mix well to distribute the food coloring.
  4. Place milkshake mixtures in the freezer to thicken up while you prepare the serving glass.
  5. Microwave the blue candy melts in a bowl for one minute, then in 30 second increments until they are completely melted.
  6. Use a spoon and drip the melted candy melt along the inside of the glass. Let it run down.
  7. Dip the rim of the glass in the bowl of candy melts. Immediately pour sprinkles around the entire rim to coat the candy melt. Press sprinkles lightly to make sure they stick well.
  8. Place the glass in the fridge or freezer to cool for 5-10 minutes.
  9. Layer pink ice cream, whipped cream, and purple ice cream until the glass is full.
  10. Top with a swirl of whipped cream and add a bunch of sparkly sprinkles.
  11. Enjoy!

Make your own unicorn drinks at home!

A few of my favorite bloggers wanted to create their own unique unicorn drinks as well, so we teamed up to share all of our recipes with you! Click the links below to check them out and save them to make later:

Delicious Unicorn Drink by The Country Chic Cottage
Unicorn Rose Sangria by Mad in Crafts
Cute Sparkle Unicorn Milkshake by Artsy-Fartsy Mama
Unicorn Freakshake by Amanda's Cookin'
Rainbow Sprinkle Unicorn Drink by 100 Directions

What kind of Unicorn Drink would you make?