This Full House Reviews

Wintertime Craft: Froot Loops Cereal Bracelet Chain

Challenge here is to NOT eat them ALL before she's finished!

We did A LOT of crafts when my kids were younger -- give a kid a piece of paper, a crayon and a couple of glue sticks, well, you ARE the Queen (or King) of Distraction -- especially, around the holidays.

What is our favorite wintertime craft?  Well, I'm really glad you asked -- stay with me here, it's been a long winter -- two crafts that immediately come to mind are:  making paper chains, and stringing together cereal (or popcorn) and then hanging them outside (or on one of the trees in our yard) as a wintertime treat for the birds.

My friends over at Kellogg's created a really cool Pinterest board of Fruit Loops busy bags and crafts, basically activity bags that can be easily assembled to help kids encourage age-appropriate skills, like counting and sorting.

Although my kids are older (our youngest is 11) we still enjoy crafting together and then it suddenly occurred to me:  we NEVER did get around to making our paper chains or wintertime treat for our bird-friends, dangit.

Hope likes to coordinate her nerd glasses, for every occasion!

So, for this project, my youngest and I decided to incorporate our two favorite crafts together and created a pretty awesome Fruit Loops cereal bracelet chain -- here's how:

POLLY-O/KRAFT String Cheese and Crayola B2S Giveaway

COMMENTS ARE CLOSED: Looking forward to sharing some really awesome back-to-school supplies with you, Betsy (comment #36) please check your email for further instructions, thanks!!!

My family and I recently went on a hike at one of our favorite staycation destinations.  However, this year, my body gave out on me on the car ride up (stupid back, dumbass 40's) so, half my crew and I were chatting with an older couple while the other half tackled hiking the red trail.

"So, you kids excited about going back to school?"

[sound of crickets, chirping]

The older couple happened to be waiting for their grandchildren (stupid red trail) and, well, they already knew the answer to THAT question and what is it with grandparents riling up the kids like that?!?

Although my kids would NEVER admit it (out loud, anyways) they ARE looking forward to seeing their friends and getting back on a more normal routine (sort of) me, too!

I am excited to partner with the good folks at Kraft Foods and Crayola (two back-to-school staples at our house) in helping to spread the word about their “feed their hunger and creativity” campaign AND sharing an awesome package of back-to-school supplies.

Stuff That Makes Me Go, "DER! Why Didn't I Think of That?": Scrapbook Layout Wall Hanging

Source:  scrapbooksetc.com via Liz on Pinterest

I love, Love, LOve, LOVe, LOVE how you can easily change out the photos, whenever.   Also, glad I didn't throw away that old curtain rod!   #packratsunite

© 2003 - 2012 This Full House

Disclosure:  No payment was received for this blog post.  Just sharing cool stuff I find down the rabbit hole that is Pinterest DAMMIT!

Creative Money Gifting Ideas for Teens: Money Origami

Have you heard of Pinterest? Got a couple of hours to spare? No, really, it's one of my new favorite places to visit whenever I need an idea for...well...anything, really. 

My son is turning 13, next week (ACK!) and is at that age when money becomes a very practical gift -- seeing as he grows out of EVERYTHING within a few months anyway.

Here are some really cool folding techniques I've pinned today:

We can't afford to get him a camera at the moment, however...

Source: joannagoddard.blogspot.com via Liz on Pinterest

 

His sisters would probably appreciate giving/receiving puffy little money hearts more than he, still...

Source: homemade-gifts-made-easy.com via Liz on Pinterest

 

This adorable shirt & tie has awesome step-by-step instructions including lots of visual aides, too (YAY!)

Source: homemade-gifts-made-easy.com via Liz on Pinterest

 

So fun, right?  I should probably preface any future Pinterest posts with "Warning:  major time suck ahead!"

Find me on Pinterest:  http://pinterest.com/thisfullhouse/

© 2003 - 2012 This Full House

Disclosure:  No payment, product or any other consideration besides sharing stuff we like with online friends was received for this blog post.

New Discussion @HorizonDairy: Recycling Christmas Cards into Fun and Easy Holiday Crafts!

Don't throw out those old Christmas cards  -- declare a holiday craft night, instead! Come join me, as we discuss green living at the Horizon Healthy Families Community (when you have time, of course!):

All I Want for Christmas Is: A Special Sort of Teacher's Gift

I invite you to join me, as we're discussing this very sore subject at the Horizon Healthy Families Community:

Our Favorite Thanksgiving Tradition: Thanksgiving Tree

Only one more sleep until Thanksgiving (YAY!) 

One of our favorite holiday traditions started when my youngest brought home a craft she made in 1^st grade out of popsicle sticks.

Come by and visit with me at PlaydatePlace.com where I am sharing our favorite Thanksgiving family tradition:  creating a Thanksgiving Tree.

FIND IT HERE:  http://playdateplace.kmart.com/2011/11/the-thanksgiving-tree-that-almost-wasn%E2%80%99t/?intcmp=PlaydatePlace

I'll leave the porch light on for you, thanks!

LOOK! MORE STUFF WE'RE SHARING:

• Check out my latest (as in, last week) bathroom makeover and sharing a $20.00 gift card to Home Depot.

• Also, we would LOVE to share this awesome Xbox 360 4GB Console with Kinect Bundle with one of our online friends, this holiday season!

Because, we roll like that -- Happy Thanksgiving, everyone!!!

Snapware Fall Solutions Review & Giveaway

COMMENTS ARE CLOSED: So happy to be sharing some really awesome stuff with you, Ferriz (comment #186) please check your mail for further instructions, thanks!!!

To be honest, with ALL the wet weather and Hurricane Irene wreaking havoc on our ceiling AND roof (UGH!) I'm sort of glad summer is over.  We're hoping to be able to get started on repairs, you know, before the snow comes.

[knocking on wood until knuckles bleed]

Yesterday, our 2 year-old water heater crapped out and, well, see tagline, in blog header, above (double-UGH!)

Needless to say, like most families, I'm continually on the look out for budget-friendly ways to better organize This Full House of cold showers and leaky walls.

My friends at Snapware sent us an awesome “Snapware Fall Solutions” kit with some of the brand’s latest (not even in stores yet!) re-usable, BPA-free, dishwasher-safe AND microwave-safe products.

Want to see?

Recycle Old Blue Jeans into Fun Locker Magnets!

I'm still having a hard time believing that, in just a few months, I will have 3 teenagers in the house. 

[shiver]

My kids are growing up SO FAST it seems they don't even have time to wear their clothes out.  What, yours too!?!?

Come by and visit with me at PlaydatePlace.com where we are sharing one of our favorite ways to recycle old, or worn out blue jeans!

When you have time, of course!

FIND IT HERE:  http://playdateplace.kmart.com/2011/09/recycle-old-blue-jean-into-fun-locker-magnets/

COMING SOON THIS HALLOWEEN:  Also, my friends at Kmart.com will be launching an Online Social Hub to help you find some great deals, blog posts, costume information, learn about our sweepstakes and much more -- details to follow REAL SOON!!!

In the meantime, Kmart has over a 1000 costumes online, with great deals on all product, and shipping too -- currently, shipping is FREE on all items!

Thank you for visiting my shopping blog.  Be sure to visit and/or subscribe to my home blog, ThisFullHouse.com (when you have time, of course!) or stop by and just say, "Hi!"  We'll leave the porch light on for you, just in case.

© 2003 - 2011 This Full House

Disclosure:  I am a featured blogger and Kmart Playdate Place Parent.

Our Favorite Back-to-School Project: Recycled Rainsticks

My kids went back-to-school, today.

[pausing to enjoy the sound of silence]

Nearing completion of our 13th First Day of School, I feel it safe to say that this is a very bittersweet time.  Am I right?

Come by and visit with me at PlaydatePlace.com where we are sharing one of my favorite back-to-school projects.

When you have time, of course!

FIND IT HERE:  http://playdateplace.kmart.com/2011/09/our-favorite-back-to-school-project-recycled-rainsticks/?intcmp=PlaydatePlace

I'll leave the porch light on for you, thanks!

LOOK! MORE STUFF WE'RE SHARING:

We're giving away a nice assortment of Scotch brand new environmentally-friendly products, including the Scotch Magic Greener Tape, just in time for back-to-school!

Thank you for visiting my review blog.  Be sure to visit and/or subscribe to my home blog, ThisFullHouse.com (when you have time, of course!) or stop by and just say, "Hi!"  We'll leave the porch light on for you, just in case.

© 2003 - 2011 This Full House

Disclosure:  I am a featured blogger and Kmart Playdate Place Parent.

Elmer's Kids in Need Foundation: Still Time to Help Kids Get Back-to-School Supplies!

COMMENTS ARE CLOSED: I am SO EXCITED to be sharing this awesome prize pack with you Jane H. (comment #99)  Yvonne Butler (comment #48) and Veronica Garrett (comment #110) please check your email for further instructions, thanks!!!

We love Elmer's products and have been loyal customers for, um, how old is my oldest kid?!?

Anyway, I know that a lot of your kids are back-to-school (already!?!?) and most kids here in Jersey start up after Labor Day weekend (SOB!)

I recently learned that Elmer’s is partnering with the Kids In Need Foundation to provide essential school supplies to students who need them the most.

Here's two very simple ways in which we can ALL help:

• For every “like” on the Elmer’s Facebook page (through Sept. 1st) the company will donate one Elmer’s product.

• Plus, they will make an additional donation for every unique view the video receives on the Elmer’s Kids In Need tab.

Please like the Elmer’s Facebook page, watch the video, and share it with your friends and family. With just one click, you will help a child in need!

To help you (yes, maybe even YOU!) get back-to-school ready, the good folks at Elmers have offered to send three (3) of our online friends a lovely Back-to-School prize pack, including:

Nestle Family Best Summer Ever

Check out my summer ideas and enter for a chance to win weekly prizes -->ENTER NOW!

This summer, my family and I will be celebrating our 2nd Annual Staycation and, well, considering the economy doesn't seem to be fixing itself, any time soon, that's not really a bad thing, right?

Unless, it's raining outside and/or we've pretty much run out of ideas on, you know, what to do next.

I'm very, very excited to announce the launch of Best Summer Ever by Nestle Family where I, along with some fellow bloggers, were given the opportunity to contribute to a huge list of summer challenges for your family.

Oh, and there are some awesome summer prizes featured each week -- like, this Independence Giveaway running June 26th to July 2nd:

• Ice cream for 10 people
• Bottle of Nestlé Nesquik syrup
• 22.5 In. 1 touch silver kettle grill, black
• Cooler and BBQ Tools
• Mail order steak Gift Card

Quite frankly, I feel Nestle did a terrific job in creating a very comprehensive, fun AND easy -- not to mention, useful -- website for families (like mine) this summer.

Why?

Well, we're sharing all sorts of fun ways to help celebrate summertime with your family and tossing around some very useful advice, too.

For example one of my contribution in the Stay Home Challenge:

Things to Do on a Rainy Day:  Did  you know that bowling centers offer free or discounted sessions...all...summer...long?!?

So, I hope you consider visiting with me at Nestle Family Best Summer Ever and please don't forget to enter for a chance to win super prizes...every week.

I will be hosting my own giveaway, right here, real soon, so stay tuned!

Until then:  what are you doing to make this summer the best summer ever?

© 2003 - 2011 This Full House

Disclosure: I was compensated for all my Nestle Family posts. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Fabulous Flowers Review & Giveaway

COMMENTS ARE CLOSED: So happy to be sharing with Melody J (comment #6) and pmj (comment #28) please check your email for further instructions, thanks!

We are HUGE fans of Klutz.com at our house (not just because of the name, either!)

IMO, their activity books are perfect for those times when you find yourself in need of a break from replacing batteries, or just looking for some creative quiet time.

It's been raining for 3 days and my vegetable beds need weeding, badly.

Soooo...YES...this IS definitely one of those times!

This month, we received Fabulous Flowers by Anne Akers Johnson and learned how to create pretty paper flowers, too (no weeding, required!)

Getting Kids Excited About Science: Virtual Science Fair Review & Giveaway!

COMMENTS ARE CLOSED: So happy to be sharing this with you, Samantha (comment #32) please check your email for further instructions, thanks!!!

Recycled Robot c. 2007

One of the challenges of raising 4 kids, attending 4 different schools (yes, in the same school district) is keeping up with all the science projects that come home.

One year, my husband Garth (not his real name) helped my son create this awesome robot, using objects recycled from around the house, and, well, I think it turned out GREAT and sort of looks like the robot from Lost in Space, right?

Keeping our kids excited about science is difficult - especially, dealing with the frustrations of when stuff just doesn't work out, as planned.

To help with these challenges, Scientific Explorer and Elmer’s have partnered to show kids just how easy and fun science, and science fair presentations, should be.

Have you never built a volcano?  Me, either.  So, you can imagine my apprehension in receiving a Lava Blasting Volcano Kit.

Turns out, with good reason, too.

Deal Alert: FREE Nick Jr.'s Olivia Dress-Up Party Printables

It's been snowing (A LOT!) here in Jersey (what, YOU too?) and, well, cabin fever can cause severe bouts of crankiness, don't you know?

"What ARE you wearing?"

Picture this:  green t-shirt, orange shorts, purple leggings (embellished with gold and silver peace signs) and a red tutu.

"Don't worry, we're playing dress-ups!"

Taking into consideration my youngest is 9 years-old, this, for me, was a very refreshing fact, indeed!

Got a daughter who enjoys playing dress-ups?  Does she watch Nick Jr.'s Olivia?  EXCELLENT!!!

You can score some really cute FREE dress-up party printables by going to NickJr.com and printing out the following:

• Olivia’s Designer Dress-Up Party Invitations
• Olivia’s Straw Toppers
• Olivia’s Designer Dress-Up Pack
• Olivia’s Dress-Up Party Certificate
• Olivia Dress-Up Party Goody Bag
• Olivia Photo Frame Party Favor

Or, visit the Kids Printables Page on NickJr.com to find coloring pages, puzzles, games, crafts and more cool stuff for your favorite Nick Jr. show(s) to help, you know, keep the cabin fever monster at bay.

Good luck and pray GroundhogDay,org reports Punxsutawney Phil does NOT see his shadow, tomorrow!  Or, is it the other way around?  Either way, NO MORE SNOW, or the stupid groundhog gets it!

OTHER COOL STUFF WE'RE SHARING:

New Year, New Space Blogger Challenge - Sharing $100 American Express Gift Card

Football Party Recipes Big Game Giveaway - Sharing awesome mixing bowls, plates and serving pieces

© 2003 - 2011 This Full House

No payment, product or any other consideration, other than a chance to help families (like mine) save a little milk money was received for this blog post.