Thursday, December 12, 2013

Green Toys- Ferry Boat Review

**All opinions expressed are 100% my own.  I was not compensated for this post.  I was given the Ferry Boat for review purposes.**



We believe the world would be a much better place if everyone said “please” and “thank you", cell phones didn’t ring during movies, and all toys were fun, safe, and made from environmentally friendly materials. Since it’s probably no use holding our breath for those first two, we’re concentrating on the toys.

Green Toys Inc. makes an awesome line of classic children’s toys constructed from recycled plastic and other environmentally friendly materials. This helps reduce fossil fuel use and reduce greenhouse gas emissions, improving the overall health and happiness of the planet.

Ben and Doug absolutely love playing in water.  Be it the bath tub or the swimming pool.  If I would let them, they would spend all day in the pool!!

They have a couple of fun toys that they take with them in the pool, and then others they take into the tub.  Recently I was sent a Ferry Boat from Green Toys, and both boys love it.  It is their new favorite bath toy!!


The Ferry is made from 100% recycled plastic, and is a very sturdy toy.  The plastic is thick enough to withstand rough and tough boy play!!  The cars are also very sturdy, and cute.  I think what the boys like the best is the ramp on the ferry boat.  They shoot the cars off of that, right into the water.  Then they laugh and laugh!!

  

Green Toys carries a large variety of fun toys for kids including play food, trucks and tool sets.

















There is still plenty of time to purchase some of these terrific toys for your kids.  Order by December 19th for guaranteed Christmas delivery!!

**All opinions expressed are 100% my own.  I was not compensated for this post.  I was given the Ferry Boat for review purposes.**

Sarah's Blog Of Fun
This post is written by Sarah Coulsey. She is a Wife, and Mother of two boys living in New England. This post may contain affiliate links.

Wednesday, December 11, 2013

Bronto The Dinosaur Children's Books Review And ~~Giveaway~~




Craigmore Creations was founded in 2008. The initial vision was the creation of the Terra Tempo series, with the idea of bringing natural history to life in a full-color graphic novel series that would engage young readers with intelligent, entertaining stories. With the growing concerns of climate change and the loss of biodiversity occurring, reaching the next generation with material that could educate about Earth history while being entertaining was of the utmost importance. Terra Tempo lead into Blunderbuss Wanderlust, which lead into Right Where You Are Now, which then opened the way into Craigmore Creations becoming a fully operational publishing house. As a small, independent publisher, Craigmore Creations works very closely with authors, illustrators and in-house design staff to produce quality books that are works of art in and of themselves.

My boys love to read.  They like a huge variety of books.  Anything from Disney stories, Scary stories, Christmas stories, and they really like books about animals.  

Craigmore Creations has published a terrific series featuring Bronto the dinosaur.

Bronto, a prehistoric gentle giant, is the star in two charming, beautifully illustrated picture books:  Bronto & the Pterodactyl Eggs and Bronto, Friend of Ceratops. 

Using story lines that foster curiosity and empathy and hand-painted watercolor and ink illustrations, author Charlotte Vivian Rodenberg introduces young minds to science, dinosaurs and adventure and even weaves in facts about dinosaurs and the Earth as it existed then.  Young dinosaur fans will surely fall in love with big-hearted Bronto!

Bronto & the Pterodactyl Eggs-

Amid the leafy branches of a Jurassic tree, one kind-hearted Apatosaurus comes upon a nest of pterodactyl eggs. He looks all around, but their momma is nowhere to be seen. Bronto is compelled to protect these new fledglings when disaster strikes.  In this tale of caring and camaraderie, join the world’s bravest Bronto on his quest to help little wings take flight!

Bronto, Friend of Ceratops-

Bronto, the big-hearted gentle giant, is back after the volcanic eruption in the Jurassic. Now, in the changing landscape of the Cretaceous, his devotion to his dinosaur friends is momentous. The Sauropods take to the hills and the Pterosaurs take flight, but one Ceratops herd has taken to the forests. When the forests become perilous, heroic Bronto rises to the occasion to aid his comrades. However, he finds he needs some help in his pursuit!

About Craigmore Creations-

Craigmore Creations is an independent publishing house located in Portland, Oregon. Their books celebrate the earth through art and storytelling. Craigmore Creations create graphic novels, books, picture books and educational tools that all share a common thread of natural history. www.craigmorecreations.com.

The stories in both books are really cute, but I love the illustrations!!  Aren't they beautiful??



I also received an adorable stuffed T-Rex.  It is so soft and cuddly!!  Ben Jr will sit down and read the books, and Doug will make it look like the T-Rex is doing the talking!!

If you have small children on your shopping list, then these books would make a great gift!!

How would you like to win a copy of each book, and a stuffed T-Rex like I got??  One lucky reader will win thanks to Craigmore Creations!!

Enter below using the rafflecopter and Happy Holidays!!



a Rafflecopter giveaway


Sarah's Blog Of Fun
This post is written by Sarah Coulsey. She is a Wife, and Mother of two boys living in New England. This post may contain affiliate links.

Tuesday, December 10, 2013

Mr. Bar-B-Q 21-Piece Barbecue Tool Set Review And ~~Giveaway~~

**All opinions expressed are 100% my own.  I was not compensated for this post.  I was sent the tool set for review purposes.**





Mr. Bar-B-Q® is the world’s leader in innovative barbecue accessories, turning backyard grilling into effortless cooking. We are continually providing new experiences for all types of grillers.

Our company provides everything a backyard grilling enthusiast needs for their BBQ toolbox – from deluxe tool sets and brushes to grilling accessories such as a Beer Can Chicken Roaster and Grill Stone Pizza Sets.

Founded in 1972, Mr. Bar-B-Q® has been committed to providing consumers innovative, superior quality products at an excellent value. Most importantly, we pride ourselves in offering ‘Everything for the Grill™’ making our product line more diverse, expansive and interesting than any other brand. To meet and exceed consumer expectations, we are constantly adapting to market trends and regularly introducing new products that enhance the grilling experience!

I have a very hard time every year trying to think of a great present for my Husband.  He is hard to buy for.  Do you have that problem too??

Ben loves to grill outside.  We do it all year long (even in the snow!!)  We had an OK tool set that came with our grill, but over the last couple years, it has worn down a lot, and is kind of scary looking!!

I came across Mr. Bar-B-Q one day and I saw their 21 Piece Stainless Steel Tool Set With Aluminum Case and a light bulb went off!!  





This set Includes- an over sized 4-in-1 spatula, fork, tongs, basting brush, knife, 8 corn holders, 4 skewers, grill brush with replaceable head, 1 replacement head, salt & pepper shaker and aluminum carrying case. Durable stay cool tubular handles and a 5 year warranty.

I fell in love with this kit when it arrived.  So shiny and new, and it comes with a second grill brush head.  Those things get so gross and yucky, and you pay an arm and a leg to buy them separately from a kit.  Each tool is very strong and sturdy and will last a long time.




I truly love this kit, and I know Ben will love it too!!

How would you like to win one??  The good folks at Mr. Bar-B-Q are giving one lucky reader their own 21 piece set.  This would be perfect for the griller in your family!!


a Rafflecopter giveaway

**All opinions expressed are 100% my own.  I was not compensated for this post.  I was sent the tool set for review purposes.**


Sarah's Blog Of Fun
This post is written by Sarah Coulsey. She is a Wife, and Mother of two boys living in New England. This post may contain affiliate links.

Monday, December 9, 2013

Irish Twins Soap Co. Review And ~~Giveaway~~




At Irish Twins Handmade Soap Company we believe in natural, good-for-you products ….that are good-for-the earth too.

Our soaps are safe, non-toxic natural alternatives to harmful synthetic chemicals.  They are biodegradable with no added synthetics, phosphates, ammonias, chemicals, toxins or artificial colors or perfumes.  They are cruelty-free and minimally packaged. We try to be mindful of every purchase we make and strive to support fair trade, organic and sustainable businesses.

 Our products are handmade with using the highest quality ingredients derived from nature.  Our soaps are made with the oils of olive, coconut, sweet almond, castor, and sunflower, and butters such as shae and cocoa.  We use no fragrance oils, only the purest essential oils, herbs and garden botanicals such as chamomile, peppermint, calendula, comfrey, lavender and rose petals.  Oatmeal, coffee and cornmeal is added to some bars as a gentle exfoliant.  They are moisturizing, with a rich and luxurious lather.

I love the variety of handmade soaps you can get at Irish Twins Soap Company.  I was sent two of their Rustic soaps to try out.

Mint Chocolate Truffle - Moisturizing, with Peppermint Essential Oil and Cocoa.  This soap has a wonderful mint smell to it.  It lathers well, and leaves you feeling clean!! 




Lumberjack Swag - a sexy blend of essential oils including bay rum, cedarwood, geranium and black pepper. This one is brand new and comes on a hemp rope!  This one has a manly woodsy scent to it.  My Husband loves the fact that it is on a rope.  He hangs it from the shower head to keep away from kids!!



They also have a terrific soap that is perfect for those naughty on your list!!

Dakota Gunsmoke - Activated charcoal is the ingredient in this soap that makes it extra special. Activated Charcoal is a skin detoxifier, it literally pulls out impurities in the skin.  This one is popular at Christmastime for Santa's who want to deliver a lump of "coal".



If you are looking for a fun, and great smelling gift, check out Irish Twins Soap Co!!



How would you like to win the same bars I got??  One lucky reader will win one bar of Mint Chocolate Truffle, and one bar of Lumberjack Swag.

Enter below using the rafflecopter form, and Happy Holidays!!


a Rafflecopter giveaway

Sarah's Blog Of Fun
This post is written by Sarah Coulsey. She is a Wife, and Mother of two boys living in New England. This post may contain affiliate links.

Friday, December 6, 2013

Beasty Buddies Hats Review

**All opinions expressed are 100% my own.  I was not compensated for this post.  I was sent the hat for review purposes.**




The Beasty Buddies Story:

Beasty Buddies fleece hats are the softest, warmest, fuzziest, and most original hats on Earth! Uniquely designed in the USA and lovingly made by hand with the finest materials found on Earth, Beasty Buddies Hats are sure to make you stand out from the crowd! With a complete size range, everyone from toddlers to adults will wear ‘em. The myths and legends of Beasty Buddies Monsters, Dragons, Creatures, Vikings & Woodland Elves have come alive in a fantastic and fuzzy form of head ware.

Ben and Doug are both boys boys most of the time.  As they get older, they are starting to like scarier things more then cute and cuddly things.  When I saw the Beasty Buddies Hats, I knew these were right up their alley.  

We were sent Bumblezor.  Isn't he cute I mean scary!!

Bumblezor™ lives in the Misty Mountains at the top of his giant stone tower. Bumblezor is the wisest of all of the Beasty Buddies and as a dragon wizard is constantly working on potions and new magic spells. 




The hat is very soft, and seems quite durable.  I love the fact that it not only fits the little children, but the big one too!!



There are many different hats to choose from.  Hats from Monsters to Vikings!!  You can also get matching plush monsters to go along with the hats!!

Beasty Buddies would make a great addition to your little monsters wardrobe!!

**All opinions expressed are 100% my own.  I was not compensated for this post.  I was sent the hat for review purposes.**

Sarah's Blog Of Fun
This post is written by Sarah Coulsey. She is a Wife, and Mother of two boys living in New England. This post may contain affiliate links.

The Gate- A Game Of Myth And Magic Review And ~~Giveaway~~

**All opinions expressed are 100% my own.  I was not compensated for this post. I was given the game for review purposes.**






Ben and I are nerds!!  Our idea of a fun night together is sitting down and playing board games.  We have been doing this for years!!  We would have all night game competitions with our best friend Chris.  We usually played Risk.  A very strategic game that involves a lot of concentration.  

I hate to loose, so I was always a spoil sport when we played.  Ben and Chris would always gang up on me to knock me out first just so I would whine!!

We have now found a new all night game to add to our arsenal!!  The Gate Game is very challenging.  It comes with a 28" x 24" Game Board, 333 Cards, 8 Custom Pieces, 10 Custom Dice, 82 Colored Glass Currency, Beginner & Advanced Rules.



We started out with the beginner version.  There are three dimensions you need to travel through to get to the gate.  Along the way you will battle monsters, and make decisions to battle your friends to win cards.

There are a couple different cards that you will use throughout the game.  The main cards are the Gate Cards and there are also three different types of Encounter Cards (green, blue and red)  The gate cards can give you things like treasure, and even help you send your opponents to the dungeon.  The Encounter Cards are the ones that tell you how to fight and what happens.  You fight other players, monsters and you even fight in the Pitt to win the prizes in it.  

The custom playing pieces are very well detailed and well made.  We thought they looked great.

It did take Ben and I a little while to figure out the game.  There are a lot of rules and a lot of different things going on all at once.  When they say this game is for 11 years and older, I agree.  

If you have a person on your shopping list who loves mythical realms and games, this would make a great gift!!

I am excited to be able to give one lucky reader their very own game thanks to Oofdah! Games.

Enter below using the rafflecopter, and Happy Holidays!!



a Rafflecopter giveaway

**All opinions expressed are 100% my own.  I was not compensated for this post. I was given the game for review purposes.**

Sarah's Blog Of Fun
This post is written by Sarah Coulsey. She is a Wife, and Mother of two boys living in New England. This post may contain affiliate links.

Vosswinkel Cookie Review And ~~Giveaway~~

**All opinions expressed are 100% my own.  I was not compensated for this post. I was given some cookies for review purposes.**




Our specialty cookies have been in the family for years, and were always around during the holidays and other special events.  Over time, our friends & family encouraged us to bring our cookies to the marketplace . . . and so we did!

We founded our business on the same principles that created our family's first eye-catching cookies . . . And we will always treat you and your gift with that same care and attention.

We will never compromise on quality.
We are dedicated to providing personal care and attention to every order.
We want every package to create an event to remember.

A gift from the Vosswinkel Cookie Company replaces the ordinary with something extraordinary.  We provide unique and delicious 3 dimensional specialty cookies, hand shaped to resemble fruits and vegetables.  Our artisan crafted buttery shortbread cookies are available in a large variety of tins, platters and collections that will leave a lasting impression.


I would like to think my family and I are cookie tasting experts!!  We eat them, and then tell you how they were!!  It's a hard job, but someone has to do it!!

There are many different types of cookies in this world, but the cookies I received from Vosswinkel Cookie Company, completely blew our minds!!



These shortbread butter cookies are all made by hand, and look just like real fruits and veggies.  Each one has such meticulous details, that we were afraid to eat them!!  Oh we sacrificed for the better good, and tried them though.  Actually they were all gone with in a day!!  

Most of them tasted just like the item it looked like.  The strawberries tasted like strawberries, the grapes tasted like grapes, and the oranges tasted like orange cream-sickle.  The veggie ones actually had some creative flavors to them!! The carrots are cheesecake, the leeks are creme brulee, and the pea pods are butter rum!!



The only parts that were not edible were the stems.  

These cookies were absolutely delicious, and beautiful.  Vosswinkel offers many different gift options from thank you gifts to corporate party gifts.  



There is a gift for everyone on your list!!

I am very happy to be able to offer one lucky reader a $60 Gift Certificate to get cookies of their choice thanks to the good folks at Vosswinkel Cookie Company!!

Enter below using the rafflecopter form, and Happy Holidays!!



a Rafflecopter giveaway

**All opinions expressed are 100% my own.  I was not compensated for this post. I was given some cookies for review purposes.**


Sarah's Blog Of Fun
This post is written by Sarah Coulsey. She is a Wife, and Mother of two boys living in New England. This post may contain affiliate links.