There is nothing more gratifying for the mind, body and soul than a day out surrounded by nature. Sometimes, I like to turn off the TV, power down the cell phones, grab the kids and spend the days outdoors appreciating all Mother Nature has to offer. Because we can’t just pack up and go on vacation; or always afford a day away from home, sometimes a little backyard camping is all we need to reconnect with nature’s beauty. Backyard camping in nature is not only fun for the kids because it’s a change from their usual habits, but it can be a fun learning experience, too, as they learn about birds, insects, trees, flowers, and more.

We were recently sent a few items from Magic Cabin that enhanced my children’s backyard camp out experience. Here’s how we enjoyed them:




After exploring everything the outdoors had to offer, we then had a  "picnic" for dinner, followed by some more play in their tent. When it got dark, we fired up our fire pit (if you don’t have one…a charcoal grill works great, too) and used our new Marshmallow Tree to roast marshmallows to make s'mores while enjoying the night sky and each other’s company. This campfire essential allowed us to roast enough marshmallows for everyone all at once.

Our backyard camp out was fun and restful; and the boys even learned a few things too.







More information about the featured items from Magic Cabin:

Camping Tent: This professional-looking tent morphs from folded to full-of-kids in a moment. Thanks to "one-touch" technology, you just lift it out of its carry bag, hold it up, shake it to snap it into shape, and let the pretend adventures begin! Included carry bag makes it a breeze to pack along to the beach, lake or campsite. Features include a waterproof poly oxford floor adds to its versatility, netting at the roof ensures good ventilation, and the durable, UV-treated, 30-SPF-coated polyester fabric adds extra protection from the sun's rays. For happy campers ages 3 and up.
Size: Approx. 48" x 48" x 36"

Audubon Bird Call:  You can attract many birds with the Audubon Bird Call, a little birchwood and pewter device that chirps and twitters - imitating several birdcalls - when you twist it. Easy to tuck in a pocket or backpack, or carry around your neck on a string. Handcrafted in New England. For ages 5 and up.

Optic Explorer: Young explorers can carry this 2-in-1 telescope/microscope in their pockets or backpacks for up-close viewing of bugs, birds, rocks, leaves and other natural (or man-made) treasures.Perfect for school field trips, camping, hiking or backyard explorations. 12x microscope extends to become a 7x telescope. Contains an 18mm object lens.Colors will vary, Blue or Red we will choose for you. For ages 8 and up.

Marshmallow Tree: Whether they're roughing it in the woods or merely pretend-camping in the backyard, kids will love our 10-prong Marshmallow Tree. It's made from non-stick coated steel wire that's bent and turned to look like the branches of a tree, and has a rosewood-stained, tapered wood handle

Buy it: All the items featured in this review can be purchased directly from Magic Cabin.

Win it: We are giving away a $50 gift certificate to Magic Cabin to one Centsible Mommy reader to use toward Backyard Camping items or anything you choose from Magic Cabin.

Here’s how to enter:
Click over to Magic Cabin, browse the site, and then come back here and leave me a comment on what you’d buy with your $50 gift certificate. Be sure to leave an email address with your entry. Keep reading for additional ways to gain entries.

Additional entries:

"Like" Centsible Mommy on Facebook (1 entry)

Follow me on Twitter- (@CentsibleMom) ( 1 entry)

Post about this giveaway somewhere (facebook, twitter, blog, etc) with a link to this giveaway included and be sure to leave me a comment to where you've posted it! ( 1 entry for each post) 

Follow me on Google Friend Connect (upper right hand corner) (1 entry)

Subscribe to ¢ent$ible Mommy by Email (1 entry)

Refer a friend. Get 1 entry for each friend who enters this giveaway and tells me you sent them! (1 entry each)

Don't forget to enter all my other giveaways still going on! Look on the right sidebar for the current list.



Contest ends at 11:59 pm CST on August 10th. Winner will be randomly selected using a random number generator at random.org.  Winner will be notified in this post and by email. Prizes not claimed within 48 hours will be forfeited and an alternate winner will be drawn. Open to U.S. Residents 18+ only.

Fruitables, is Apple & Eve's newest juice beverage, which has vegetable juice mixed right in with the fruit juice.  Fruitables make it easy to give your child one combined serving of fruits and vegetables with 1/3 less sugar than that of other brands of fruit juices. Apple & Eve Fruitables contain absolutely nothing artificial including high fructose corn syrup. They taste great and don't have that thick feel like some other veggie drinks, which most kids will not drink.
Fruitables are great way to help kids get their daily fruits and veggies; and because this juice tastes great and the veggies taste is undetectable,  kids don't realize their "eating" their veggies. And at only 70 calories per box, you can feel good giving kids their fruits and veggies without all the added sugar and calories.

Fruitables come in juice boxes and  family-size bottles in a variety of yummy flavors like Berry Berry and Tropical Orange and many more.

Visit the Apple & Eve Fruitables website for more information, a complete list of flavors or to find out where to purchase Apple & Eve products.  You can also sign up for their newsletter for money saving coupons and more.


We were provided with samples of this product for review purposes only.  The opinions are my own based on personal use of this product.  I received no monetary compensation for this review.

• Feeding the TamaTown Tama-Go character a piece of food or a snack
• Playing games with the Tama-Go
• Checking its age, discipline, hunger, happiness and other statistics
• Connecting with other friends

Buy it: Coming soon to stores! (Set to launch at Toys 'r' Us, K-mart, and Walmart by early August). Tama-Go's retail price is $19.99 and TamaTown Collectible Characters' retail price is $6.99


"Like" Centsible Mommy on Facebook (1 entry)

Follow me on Twitter- (@CentsibleMom) ( 1 entry)

Post about this giveaway somewhere (facebook, twitter, blog, etc) with a link to this giveaway included and be sure to leave me a comment to where you've posted it! ( 1 entry for each post) 

Follow me on Google Friend Connect (upper right hand corner) (1 entry)

Subscribe to ¢ent$ible Mommy by Email (1 entry)

Refer a friend. Get 1 entry for each friend who enters this giveaway and tells me you sent them! (1 entry each)

Don't forget to enter all my other giveaways still going on! Look on the right sidebar for the current list.



Contest ends at 11:59 pm CST on August 5th. Winner will be randomly selected using a random number generator at random.org.  Winner will be notified in this post and by email. Prizes not claimed within 48 hours will be forfeited and an alternate winner will be drawn. Open to U.S. Residents 18+ only.


I was sent a Tama-Go and additional Tama character for review puposes only. The opionions expressed are my own based on the use of this product. No monetary compensation was received for this post.

All the Sid the Science Kid fans out there are going to love mimicking Sid while asking big questions with Hasbro's new Sid the Science Kid Gotta Know Microphone.

Who is Sid The Science Kid? If your children haven't yet discovered Sid and friends, Sid the Science Kid is an animated television series on PBS Kids, starring Sid, a funny and inquisitive 5-year old. Join Sid and his friends as they celebrate their excitement and curiosity about the world through discovery, activity and fun!

Buy it: Sid the Science Kid Gotta Know Microphone retails for $14.99 and can be purchased online at HasbroToyShop.com or wherever toys and games are sold including, Wal-Mart, Toys "R" Us, Target, and more.




We were sent a Sid the Science Kid Gotta Know Microphone for review. We received no monetary compensation for this review. The opinions expressed are my own based on the use of this product. Note: Some excerpts and descriptions taken from Hasbro.com

With the dog days of summer upon us, and the tempatures and heat index at their peaks, it's very important to keep the family well hydrated, especially while being active outdoors. With so much sweating going on, it's easy to become dehydrated rather quickly.  As Mom, my duty is to worry about the health and safety of my family, so I always make sure to bring/pack water bottles along for my family while we're being active or outdoors to make sure everyone stays safe and doesn't overheat.

This is where Camelbak comes in.  Camelbak, makers of BPA-free sports and recreation water bottles and other products for your hydration needs, offers an adorable assortment of children's water bottles as well as a great selection of adults' water bottles.

Camelbak  Kids' Bottles come in lots of cute designs and colors for both boys and girls like this cute BPA-Free Tritan Kids' Bottle featuring Pirates:

Capacity: 12 oz (.4 L)

• Just the Right Bite-Combining the patented CamelBak Big Bite™ Valve with a stem tube and shut-off valve, this detachable one-piece component is simple for kids to use and simple for parents to clean.
• Never Spill-Easy for small fingers to operate, the clever cap flips open at the touch of a button.
• Safe and Easy-Simplified stem and straw are child-safe yet easy to remove for cleaning. All parts are dishwasher safe.

 Not for children under 3 years.







Camelbak Kids' Bottles also come in Stainless Steel:

More information about Stainless Steel Kids' Bottles:
 Capacity: 12 oz (.4 L)

• Kid-sized, fun and easy to clean, this bottle is ready for any adventure.
• Made from medical-grade stainless steel, with no inner liners or plastic coatings that aluminum bottles require.
• Naturally BPA-Free, stain resistant and taste-free
• Just the Right Bite: Combining the patented CamelBak Big Bite™ Valve with a stem tube and shut-off valve, this detachable one-piece component is simple for kids to use and simple for parents to clean.
• •Never Spill: Easy for small fingers to operate, the clever cap flips open at the touch of a button.
• •Safe and Easy: Simplified stem and straw are child-safe yet easy to remove for cleaning. All parts are dishwasher safe.

Not for children under 3 years
                                                                                                                      


For us adults, Camelbak offers their line of Better Bottles, which come in both plastic and stainless steel in an array of designs and colors for men and women.

Capacity: 24 oz (.75 L)

The CamelBak® Better Bottle™ goes stainless. With the Big Bite Valve™ in our revolutionary cap, CamelBak has re-energized the reusable bottle category, creating the ultimate spill-proof companion.


•Also available in INSULATED STAINLESS: Micro-welded, double-wall .5L Insulated Stainless bottles feature vacuum insulation to keep beverages cool for hours.

•Naturally BPA-Free, stain resistant and taste free



 
 

Our thoughts on BPA-Free water bottles from Camelbak:
Not only I am loving the designs, but the quality is terrific.  Especially the kids bottles, as they seem to withstand being dropped and more. They appear to be very durable bottles that will withstand the use by children..  I also like that these water bottles are spill proof, making them easy to bring/pack along in a backpack, tote, and more without having to worry about spillage.  
 
Buy it:  For prices, more information, or to shop for the featured water bottles or other designs and hydration products, visit Camelbak online.
 
 
 
 
 
We were sent the products shown for review purposes only.  We did not receive any monetary compensation for this post. All of the opinions presented are my own based on the use of these products.

The New K'nex Sesame Street Collection (ages 2+)


K’NEX has three new Sesame Street Building Sets.  Aren't they cute? The new characters are Kick It! Elmo, Swim Time Ernie, and Cookie Monster’s Basketball. Each set has 13-15 pieces, and comes in a cute and handy carrying case making cleanup for the little ones easy. Each one retails for $12.99, and is recommended for ages 2 and up. The colorful chunky parts make it easy for small hands to snap, stack and plug together.

More information about each:

"Kick it Elmo" Building Set











Cookie Monster Basketball Building Set

• 
  
  Physical Development: Building with Kid K'nex supports the development of hand-eye coordination
• 
  
  Social Emotional Development-Playing with Kid K'nex either alone or with friends encourages imaginative play
• 
  
  Language Development: Talking about K'nex creations can enhance language skills
• 
  
  Cognitive Skills-Sorting and making Patterns with K'nex encourages thinking and problem-solving skills

Our thoughts on the Construction Crews Series:
This set is an amazing set for kids who love construction vehicles. Not only can you have fun building these sets, but children can play with the vehicles once they are built because they have some working parts!  My 5 year old son loved this set and appreciated the fact they could be combined to make a  "work site". 



Fire Rescue 10 Model Set



Build 10 different models, including a cool fire engine, and bring them to life with the spring motor! Packed with 127 parts plus step-by-step instructions and building ideas for 10 unique models. The convenient storage box is a great place to store your parts and makes it easy for you to take the fun with you. For ages 5+.


Our thoughts on The Fire Rescue 10 Model Set:

This set is a fun building set that comes with the directions to build 10 amazing "working" models. The possibilities are endless with this set!  My boys love firetrucks so they have lots of fun playing with this set while they allow their imaginations to run wild.

Overall, we thought ALL the K'nex products sent to us to try out were really fun! We liked them so much in fact that we've included them in our 2010 Top Toys Guide. (more toys will be featured soon) 
For more information or to purchase the featured sets, or to see other K'nex products visit the K'nex website. 
 
Buy it:  You can buy directly from the official K'nex online shop or purchase K'nex products at most retailers nationwide.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
We were provided with the above mentioned toys for review purposes only.  We received no monetary compensation for this post.  All the opinions and ideas expressed are our own. Note: Some excerpts taken from K'nex website.

This giveaway is now closed. The winner randomly selected was #27, smilekisses.  Congratulations!  Thanks to everybody that entered the giveaway.
Light Up Marble Racers combine the racing excitement of mini-toy sports cars and the classic amusement of marbles to create a fun new toy for boys and girls 3 years of age and older.  They come ready to customize with easy to use themed stickers.  The LED Marble rolls and lights up creating quite the light show as these cars are raced.   They're fun to shake, too, or so I am told by my sons.    I must mention, they fit on name brand (1:64 scale ) tracks and accessories as well. 


These snazzy racers currently come in 6 electrifying designs (with pretty cool names to match):  Catseye, Volcano, Confetti, Police Chief,  Cyclone, and Fire Chief .   Click here to see them all and for information on where they're sold. 

We were sent a 6-car set to try out.  When I asked my 5 year old what he liked best about the Light Up Marble Racers, I was answered, matter of fact, "because they light up!" with a need -you- ask look.


Here's how to enter:

Additional entries:
Additional entries: (Entry 1 must be completed first. Please leave a separate comment for each ):


"Like" Centsible Mommy on Facebook (1 entry)

"Tweet" with me on Twitter- CentsibleMom ( 1 entry)

Post about this giveaway somewhere (facebook, twitter, blog, etc) with a link to this giveaway included and be sure to leave me a comment to where you've posted it! ( 1 entry)

Follow me on Google Friend Connect (upper left hand corner) (1 entry)

Giveaway Rules: Open to US residents 18+ only. This giveaway ends on July 7 at 11:59 pm CT. One winner will be randomly drawn using the random number generator at random.org. The winner will be announced in this post and sent an email. In the event the winner does not reply within 48 hours from the time notified, an alternate winner will be drawn.



I was sent a set of 6 Light Up Marble Racers for review purposes only.  The opinions expressed are my own honest experiences based on the use of the product provided.  I received no monetary compensation for the review of this product

This giveaway is now closed.  The winner randomly selected is #28-Denise S.  Congratulations, Denise!

If you are a parent or spend any time at all with children, then you’ve probably seen the commercial for Pillow Pets. My boys begged for one every time the commercial aired, so you can imagine how ecstatic I was when given the opportunity to review these cozy critters!



Just as the catchy jingle claims…It’s a Pillow. It’s a Pet. It’s a Pillow Pet. With just a quick opening and closing of the strap on the sides of the pet, it transforms into a comfy pillow and back to a pet again. Pillow Pets are made of ultra-soft machine washable chenille so they are very comfortable!





I especially like that  Pillow Pets are machine washable and made to withstand lots of love by the little ones, a must with any children’s product.

With nearly 30 pets to choose from, and with a selection of adorable jungle animals, farm animals, insects, and sea critters, you’ll be sure to find a Pillow Pet your child will love. Pillow Pets make great toys, comfy pillows, cozy night time companions, and are great for travel and overnight trips.


Buy it: Click over to getpillowpets.com to purchase your Pillow Pet. Priced at $19.95 they are budget friendly, making for the perfect $20 gift. Additional pillow pets are just $15.95 (up to 5).



Win It: One lucky Centsible Mommy Reader will win an adorable Pillow Pet of their choice!

Here’s how:

Entry #1: (Mandatory) Click over to getpillowpets.com and then come back here and leave me a comment of which pillow pet your child would love. That’s it! Keep reading for ways to gain additional entries.


Additional Entries: (Leave a separate comment for each)

• Follow Centsible Mommy on Facebook
• Post this giveaway somewhere (blog, facebook, twitter, etc.) with a link included and receive an additional entry! Be sure to leave me a comment with a link to what and where you’ve posted.

Good Luck!

This Giveaway ends on July 2nd at 11:59 PM CT. One winner will be randomly drawn using the random number generator at random.org. The winner will be announced in this post and sent an email. In the event the winner does not reply within 72 hours from the time notified, an alternate winner will be drawn.


I received Pillow Pets for review purposes and will be allotted one for giveaway.  The opinions expressed are my own  and are based on my personal experience with this product.  I received no monetary compensation for this review.

Meet the Go! Go! Sports Girls.  They're sporty girls who know how to Dream Big and Go For It.  Aren't they adorable?  And because they represent a variety of sports, your girl will be able to find her perfect match.


The girls pictured above include:  Brooke the Golf Girl, Cassie the Soccer Girl, Ella the Running Girl, Gracie the Tennis Girl, Maya the Gymnastics Girl, M.C. the Dancing Girl, Sam the Softball Girl, Suzi the Swimming Girl, Taye the Basketball Girl. There is also Anna, another choice of Soccer Girl, and Kate, another choice of Basketball Girl not pictured.( Go here to "meet" all the girls up close).

Here's my favorite, Cassie:


"Cassie is speedy and loves to score goals! Her favorite soccer position is right forward. Before playing, Cassie always puts on sunscreen and stretches. During the game she drinks plenty of water and at half-time she eats a healthy snack, like an apple. When Cassie is off the field, she likes playing board games and swimming."

Cassie likes to Dream Big and Go For It!  And that is the message all the Go! Go! Sports Girls want to send to all girls, to Dream Big and Go For It!

Go! Go! Sports Girls also want girls know it is important to exercise everyday, eat healthy foods, get a good night’s sleep and to appreciate and be true to yourself!

Buy them:  Visit Go! Go! Sports Girls for a list of online retailers.

Win One:  Thanks to Dream Big Toy Company, I am giving away a Go! Go! Sports Girl of your choice to one lucky Centsible Mommy reader. 

Here's how to enter:
Visit Go! Go! Sports Girls website and "meet" the girls.  Then come back here and leave a comment of which girl was your favorite.  Be sure to include an email address or a way for me to contact you should you win. That's it!  Keep reading for ways to gain additional entries.

Additional Entries: Please leave a separate comment for each entry! Entry 1 must be completed first.

Follow Centsible Mommy on Facebook (1 entry)

Become a fan of Go! Go! Sports Girls on Facebook (1 entry)

Post about this giveaway anywhere (facebook, twitter, blog, etc).  Be sure to include a link to the giveaway in your post.  Then  please leave me a comment with the link to where you did! (1 entry)

Best of Luck to All!

This Giveaway ends on July 2nd at 11:59 PM CT.   One winner will be randomly drawn using the random number generator at random.org.  The winner will be announced in this post and sent an email.  In the event the winner does not reply within 72 hours from the time notified, an alternate will be drawn.

I was sent a Cassie Doll for review purposes and will be provided an additional doll for giveaway.  I received no monetary compensation for any of the ideas or  honest opinions expressed. My opinions expressed are honest  and based on my own personal experiences with the product. 

If your little ones are like mine, than no sooner than you turn on the stove, they’re not far behind asking to help in the kitchen. My boys (the little aspiring chefs) love helping in the kitchen and learning to cook, so I was thrilled when given the opportunity to review the Handstand Kids Italian Cookbook Kit.

Not only does the Handstand Kids Italian Cookbook feature delicious Italian recipes formatted in a way children can understand, but it also introduces them to the foods and language of a different culture. The Italian Cookbook is just one in the series of international cookbooks offered by Handstand Kids Cookbook Company and author, Yvette Garfield; there is also a Mexican Cookbook which comes in a tortilla bag with a child-sized oven mitt; and the Chinese Cookbook is packaged in a take-out box with a set of chopsticks.



The Italian Cookbook Kit comes appropriately packaged in a pizza box. It also comes with a cute children’s sized (adjustable) chef’s hat. The recipes inside are not only delicious, but all the ingredients and utensils used are translated into Italian and are used in the recipes so that children can learn the language as they cook. The pages are colorfully illustrated and the graphics are very cute.

The recipes are rated by difficulty with one garlic clove being the easiest and so on. Since my children are young, ages 5 and 2, the rating system shows exactly how much help they will need. The delicious recipes featured are those that kids will love, and some of the traditional childrens' favorites can be made with an Italian twist with the "Italianize my" section. For example when you “Italianize” sandwiches they become panini, popcorn becomes Italian popcorn, and many more. There are breads, soups, salads, main entrees and of course delicious desserts. There are some both nutritious and delicious choices as well.


Who are the Handstand Kids?

The Handstand Kids motto is "Traveling the world, one recipe at a time.”

“The five Handstand Kids are featured throughout the series: kid chefs can follow along as Felix, Izzy, Ari, Gabby and Marvin learn about the recipes, culture and language of a new country. The Handstand Kids offer helpful hints about cooking for special diets and finding ways to use cooking skills to Stir It Up and support the community.”



Click here to find ways your children can Stir It Up and help their community with their cooking skills.

“The Handstand Kids are a diverse bunch with varied interests so kids can easily relate to the characters. Felix is a vegetarian, Izzy is a picky eater and loves to cook for his diabetic sister, Ari uses her cooking skills to volunteer at kid's charities, Gabby is bilingual, speaking both Spanish and English, and Marvin is an aspiring chef.”


Visit the Online Recipe Box to browse free recipes similar to those found in the Handstand Kids Cookbook Series.


Buy it: Visit Handstand Kids shop to buy the Italian Cookbook Kit or any of their other kits. These kits are so much fun; and are a great way to introduce kids to international cuisine and cultures. You can also purchase children's aprons and other accessories to enhance your little chef’s cooking experience

How we used the cookbook & our thoughts on the Handstand Kids Products:
My 5 year old wanted to cook lunch for his Daddy & Papa for Father’s Day, so we choose Mamma Mia Minestrone Soup, Foot-Long Garlic Bread, and Bella Biscotti Cookies for our menu for Daddy's & Papa's Italian luncheon at our "Ristorante." And because the recipes were easy to prepare, my son only needed minimal help. My 2 year old also pitched in making our Italian cuisine. Both my boys had a blast cooking for their Daddy and the food turned out delicious!  I love this product because it opened up the dialogue about the differences in people, different cultures, and embracing other cultures. Overall, this is a great children's cookbook series.  And any activity that my children and I get to spend doing together gets an thumbs up from me!

The opinions and ideas are expressed are my own honest opinions based on the product I reviewed.  I was sent a Italian Cookbook Kit for review purposes only.  I received no monetary compensation for this post.

The books, The Adventures Zylie the Bear, New York and The Adventures of Zylie the Bear, China, are just the start in the series with more adventures to come. The rest of Zylie's adventures will be decided by you- their customers and readers, so they don't know yet where she will be going next. These storybooks are based on Zylie's travels with each adventure focusing on a different country, helping children to learn about each country's culture and history, language, and more.

Online Fun: Be sure to visit to Zylie the Bear's site to read the online storybook, read Zylie's diary, "Talk" to Zylie, create an avatar, or to visit Zylie's shop and much more.

Some items from Zylie's Shop:



Zylie the Bear Kit

Begin your adventures with Zylie! Her kit comes with an 18" plush Zylie bear, in her signature skinny jeans, flounce top and beautifully-detailed cream-colored swing jacket. She’s carrying a cool orange bag that comes complete with her diary, map and all-important passport. Get to know Zylie™, her brother Theo and their wacky adventures by reading her first book: The Adventures of Zylie the Bear, New York™!

- Includes the first book in The Adventures series
- Use the passport number on the back to log into Zylie's website
- Additional outfits for Zylie and her friends are available separately
- Books can also be purchased separately
 
 
 
Shen the Panda Kit

Meet Shen, Zylie's panda friend from China! His kit comes with an 18" plush Shen panda, in his green t-shirt, cool leather jacket and blue jeans. He also has his backpack, filled with his passport and, most importantly, his drumsticks. Find out how Zylie™ and Theo meet Shen and follow their travels in China with the second book in Zylie's adventure series, The Adventures of Zylie the Bear, China™.

- Includes the second book in The Adventures series
- Use the passport number on the back to log into Zylie's website
- Additional outfits for Shen are available separately
- Books can also be purchased separately

My thoughts on Zylie the Bear and Shen
You have seen Zylie and Shen for yourselves and know how adorable they are, so who cares what I think, right? But I will still say, not only are Zylie and Shen adorable and fun to play with, but they serve as a great tool in helping children learn about cultures different from their own, making them a great teaching tool.  By the way, the kids I gave Zylie and Shen to have yet to put them down! They love them.

I was sent a Zylie the Bear and Shen the Panda Kit to review.  The opinions expressed are my own.  I received no compensation for this post.