Win a 3-Month Membership to Farfaria Children's Book App of Over 800 Books

This is such a great educational app that will keep kids ages 2 to 9 years old entertained! I feel so fortunate to have the opportunity to test and review this app with my kids. First things first! 

What is Farfaria? FarFaria is an app for the iPad, iPhone and Android devices, giving families and teachers unlimited access to over 800 illustrated children’s books, and 5 new books are added each week. FarFaria helps children ages 2 - 9 years old develop a passion for reading and encourages families to spend quality time reading together.

The books available on Farfaria are educational and entertaining! You'll find non-fiction and fiction, adventure and fairytale, and even bedtime stories included in Farfaria's library. 

I love spending time with my kids, but as a mom to four kids, I am also working hard at getting them to become independent readers. And this app can help with that! It has a "Read-to-Me" feature that every mom is going to embrace! My high-energy three year old has sat still for over 45 minutes turning the pages on the iPad, while Farfaria's "Read-to-Me" feature is keeping her entertained. I've actually been able to work, while she is learning. The other thing is that I didn't even have to teach her how to use it. It is so user-friendly that she figured it out on her own. 

Enter below to win a 3-month membership! If you like it you can continue for $4.99 a month or purchase a yearly membership. More information can be found at www.farfaria.com. I was given a trial subscription to provide an honest review of Farfaria by the brand. It's a great app for any family to try!

App Store download link: https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/free-childrens-books-farfaria/id491771721?mt=8

Google Play download link: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.intuary.farfaria

Website: Farfaria.com 

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I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

Family Must Haves to Beat Cold, Flu and Allergy Season

Cold and Flu season has already made its way into my home. From runny noses to watery eyes and even the stomach bug, it's here and I'm doing everything I can to keep my kids healthy and sick free!

There are a lot of products on the market and I've tried many. Here is what I always have on hand during the cold and flu, and also the allergy, season.

Lip Balm such as Chapstick, CarMax or Blistex: 
My kids love Chapstick! I like CarMax or Blistex. I just feel like they work better. 

Aqua-fore:
I have several bottles of this and I always take this on vacation. It works great for chapped hands, diaper rashes, burns and more!

Honey for sore throats and coughs:
I purchase the bottle that looks like a Teddy Bear. It is so darn cute! And my kids love it. 

Recipe: I warm up a 1/2 cup of water. Then I put a spoon full of honey in it along with a little lemon. Stir it so everything has dissolved. Voila... it's ready to sip. I always tell my kids to sip it. I've found it works better in soothing their throat.

Throat Lozengers like Halls, Ricola, and Ludens:
Flavor and does it work are the most important features when I choose a throat lozenge. My favorite flavor is honey and lemon with Vitamin C added. There are lots of different brands like Halls, Chloraseptic, N'ice and Burts Bees. I'm a Halls and Ricola fan, but am open to trying other brands when I come across a coupon or sale. Make sure you read the labels to make sure it's suitable for kids.

Saline Nasal Spray:
I've been using this since my kids were born. It works amazing! It keeps their little noses moist and helps clean out all the guck out of it.

Salt for canker sores or feeling like strept is coming on:

Recipe: Warm up a 1/2 cup of water.  Put a spoonful of salt in it. Stir it until as much of the salt looks like it has dissolved. The water will become foggy looking. Have your child gargle it then spit it out. Do this two to three times.

Vicks VapoRub Cough Suppressent:

This is another product I absolutely love and always have on hand. It smells fantastic! I use it on their chest, neck, under nose, and back. It has a warming feel to it after you put it on. It helps my kids sleep better. 

Hydrating Liquids like Pedialyte, Gatorade and Canada Dry Gingerale:
I always have a bottle of Canada Dry Gingerale on hand during cold flu season. It has been a life savor with keeping our family hydrated when we have the stomach bug.

Crackers like Saltines:
Saltines are a great food when you have the stomach bug. It doesn't upset your stomach more than it already is. Start with saltines and then move on to other foods a couple hours later.

Thermometer such as ear thermometer or Fever Bugz Stick-on Indicators:

Every home with children should have a thermometer. We have an ear thermometer and also Physio Logic Fever-Bugz Stick-On Fever Indicator. I love them! Great for taking with you when you are traveling.

Humidifier:
We own four humidifiers all Vicks. Vicks Cool Mist has worked the best so far for us.

Heating pad:
Great for ear aches, stomach aches, sore backs and even to relieve sinus pressure.

Steam Inhaler: We don't own one because we own a Nebulizer. It provides vapor therapy for colds, flu, bronchitis, and other respiratory ailments.

Cold Sore Medicine such as Orajel:  


Very rarely do I get cold sores, but when I do I always use Orajel! It just seems to work better and make my cold sore feel better. I recently just received a free sample of Orajel Instant Pain Relief for Cold Sores + Moisterizer from the brand thru Smiley360. I don't have a cold sore, but am very anxious to try it! I've never been disappointed with the Orajel brand name. 

Serious Relief for Serious Cold Sores! $1 off Orajel Single Dose Cold Sore Treatment! Free Sample





Antibacterial Wipes like Wet Ones:
For the past ten years I've used baby wipes to wipe dirt and germs off my kids hands and faces. Well...that has changed. I just received a free sample of Wet Ones from the brand thru Smiley360 and will be continuing using them ongoing. My daughter said they smell awesome! I have to agree. And they work great with removing dirt and whatever else you have on your hands. Funny thing is my mom has used these for years. She absolutely loves Wet Ones. I thought they were too expensive. Was I ever wrong! The brand has coupons and deals all the time. 


Receive a $1 off coupon! Wet Ones - delivering a fresh start anywhere! Wet Ones Anywhere Free Sample

Tissues such as Scotties Facial Tissues:

I'm so guilty! I buy tissues based on price and softness. I hate hate hate tissues that make my nose hurt more when I have a cold. I was just introduced to the Scotties Facial Tissue brand and received a free sample thru Smiley360 to try. One of the main reasons I wanted to try this product was because it was environmentally conscious. For every 1 tree Scotties uses, they plant 3 more. More companies need to give back to the environment! The packaging is very attractive. In fact, it caught the eye of my 3 year old who now has claimed the Scotties tissue free sample and has put it in her bedroom. I highly recommend trying this product. The tissues are soft. It's easy to open. And it's made by a company that is taking care of our trees!

Here is a video of my 3 year old trying out Scotties for the first time! 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F0cMpYH6mtY 

Love that Scotties Tissues plants 3 trees for every tree they use!  Scotties Tree Rock Free Sample

Other products I have which may need a doctors approval / prescription:
Nebulizer: We had to purchase this because one of my sons had bad croup and allergies. Really made a difference.

Other products that my friends highly recommend, but I haven't tried or purchased:

Neti Pot: My neighbors and friends can't say enough great things about the Netti Pot. I'm so nervous to try it. Someday!

Neti Pots for Sinus Problems: Do they work by WebMD

Ten Thankful Indians $50 Book Blast Giveaway

About the Book

Title: Ten Thankful Turkeys | Author: Angela Muse | Illustrator: Ewa Powdles | Publication Date: October 4, 2014 | Publisher: 4EYESBOOKS | Pages: 32 | Recommended Ages: 2 to 8 Summary: This colorful autumn tale follows ten turkeys as they get ready for an important celebration. This story teaches about gratitude. There are also fun turkey facts in the back of the book.

Kindle version available for only 99 cents from Amazon on October 24 & 25, 2014. Grab your copy now!!

Amazon (Kindle) * Amazon (Paperback) 

About the Author: Angela Muse

Angela Muse was born in California to a military family. This meant that she got used to being the "new kid" in school every couple of years. It was hard trying to make new friends, but Angela discovered she had a knack for writing. In high school Angela began writing poetry and song lyrics. Expressing herself through writing seemed very natural. After becoming a Mom in 2003, Angela continued her storytelling to her own children. In 2009 she wrote and published her first rhyming children's book aimed at toddlers. Since then she has released several more children's picture books and released books in her first young adult romance series, The Alpha Girls, in 2013/2014. Her husband, Ben Muse writes suspense/thriller books that can also be found on Amazon.

Website | Facebook | Goodreads | Twitter

* $50 Book Blast Giveaway *

Prize: One winner will receive a $50 Amazon gift card or PayPal cash (winner's choice) Contest closes: November 23, 11:59 pm, 2014 Open to: Internationally How to enter: Please enter using the Rafflecopter widget below. Terms and Conditions: NO PURCHASE NECESSARY TO ENTER OR WIN. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW. A winner will be randomly drawn through the Rafflecopter widget and will be contacted by email within 48 hours after the giveaway ends. The winner will then have 72 hours to respond. If the winner does not respond within 72 hours, a new draw will take place for a new winner. Odds of winning will vary depending on the number of eligible entries received. This contest is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with Facebook. This giveaway is sponsored by the Angela Muse and is hosted and managed by Renee from Mother Daughter Book Reviews. If you have any additional questions – feel free to send and email to Renee(at)MotherDaughterBookReviews(dot)com.
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Gerbs in the House $50 Book Giveaway

• 

  Title: Gerbs in the House: The Dilly Dally Bedtime Routine 
  Published: September 15, 2014Author:  Lydia LukidisIllustrator: Heather Cook
  Photographer:  Bailey Thompson 
  

  • Publisher: Gerbil Meets Mouse Publishing 

  • 44 page children's picture book

About Book:
Mocha (daddy) says it’s bedtime, but Petri (son) wants nothing to do with it!  Reading books, singing lullabies and juggling plates are only a few of the things Mocha does in an attempt to tire his son out. Although Petri is entertained, he still refuses to sleep. He just wants to dilly dally! Worn out by his son’s shenanigans and silly antics, will Mocha ever get Petri to bed before losing his marbles?

My Review:
**I was provided a PDF copy of this children's book for my honest review. My review is not from a writer's critique, but from a kid-friendly review.

This children's picture book is truly a creative rhyming piece! The colorfully illustrated front cover drew me in, and the illustrated pages combined with photos of two real live gerbils makes this children's picture book very entertaining and quite hilarious. It reminded me of when I was a child and dressed my cats up. 

My three year old enjoyed the pictures. My ten year old daughter enjoyed the rhyming story. It was a little longer (44 pages) compared to other children's picture books (32 pages) they've read. But the photos and illustrations were entertaining enough to keep their attention!

If your kids are gerbil lovers, they'll definitely be inspired and entertained by this children's book.

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2014 Christmas Gift Ideas for Kids 2 - 12 Years Old

I've moved my blog!
Please visit my new blog to see 2014 hottest Christmas Gift Ideas for Kids 2-12!

Children's Book Review of Mini-Myths by Joan Holub

Age Range: 1 - 3 years

• Author: Joan Holub
• Series: Mini Myths
• Board book: 24 pages
• Publisher: Harry N. Abrams; Brdbk edition (September 16, 2014)

About Be Patient, PANDORA!

When Pandora is warned by her mother not to open a box, her spirited curiosity trumps her obedience. Pandora harmlessly touches the box, innocently leans on the box, and eventually, albeit accidentally, bursts the box open! The cupcakes that were hidden inside are ruined, except for one last vestige, which Pandora presents in the hope that her mother still loves her. Leslie Patricelli’s depictions of this physical comedy bring a lively narrative to Joan Holub’s carefully crafted text. Includes a summary of the original Pandora’s Box myth at the end.

Praise for Mini-Myths: Be Patient, Pandora!
"These adorable volumes feature the title characters learning important life lessons with slight allusions to their Greek mythology counterparts."
--School Library Journal

Purchase “Be Patient, Pandora!”:  Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Book Depository | iTunes

About Play Nice, HERCULES!

Hercules is not as interested in “playing nice” as he is in playing strong! But when one feat of strength destroys his little sister’s 12-piece tower, he must use his powers for good to restore the tower and seek her forgiveness. She forgives him indeed, and then shows her own strength by gleefully knocking down the stacked blocks herself! Joan Holub’s expertly focused text pairs perfectly with Leslie Patricelli’s famously humorous illustrations. Includes a summary of the original Hercules’s Twelve Labors myth at the end.

Praise for Mini-Myths: Play Nice, Hercules!
"These adorable volumes feature the title characters learning important life lessons with slight allusions to their Greek mythology counterparts."
--School Library Journal

Purchase “Play Nice, Hercules!”:  Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Book Depository | iTunes

My Review of Mini-Myths:

Absolutely loved both of these books! The illustrations are fun and simple, as is the text. Perfect for a toddler or earlier preschooler.

As soon as the books arrived, I showed them to my two year old. We sat down to read them both. She giggled as we read Be Patient, Pandora! My two year old is very much like Pandora - curious, inquisitive, and impatient. But what toddler isn't? Pandora is tempted to find out what is in the wrapped up box. Her mom warns her not to touch it. But the wrapped gift is way too tempting for Pandora. This book teaches children to listen to their parents and the consequences of not listening. It also teaches kids that sometimes its better to wait because the surprise can be so much fun!

Play Nice, HERCULES was just as entertaining. Like every big brother, he torments his little sister by knocking down some blocks she built. She cries and he rebuilds her creation. But his lesson isn't finished there. I don't want to spoil the ending because it really captured a kid moment perfectly. This book teaches kids the importance of forgiveness, sharing, and playing nicely together.

We are now huge fans of the Mini-Myths children's picture books. Perfect for stocking stuffers for the holidays or just a little treat!

* I was given copies of both Mini-Myths books for my honest review.

Enter to Win Isabella Babysits Baxter Children's Picture Book (Wunderkind Family)

Author: Melissa Perry Moraja

Illustrator: Melissa Perry Moraja
Published: October 27, 2014
Publisher: Melissa Productions, Inc.
Pages: 32 pages
Series:  The Wunderkind Family

About the Book:
Six year old Isabella usually is the one who has a babysitter. But when her enormous puppy named Baxter creates a mess and prevents her mom from working, Isabella's mom asks her to babysit him. And Isabella knows exactly how to do it! Or does she? First, Isabella gets Baxter dressed...TWICE! Next they have a snack, but not without a CRASH and a BANG. And that’s just the beginning. Join Isabella in her very first picture book filled with lots of humor and adventure as she tries to keep Baxter from making a bigger mess.

"Filled with humor and fun, Isabella Babysits Baxter is perfect for young children, and I especially recommend it for families with pets. Melissa Perry Moraja does a great job of bringing these real-life characters to print in a new, entertaining children’s book that is sure to please the whole family." - Review by Readers Favorite Reviewer

Isabella babysits Baxter

Now Available for Pre-Order

Website |  Amazon | Barnes and Noble

ENTER GIVEAWAY

This giveaway ends October 27th and is open World-wide. However, entries in the USA will receive a hardback autographed copy. Because of shipping, if outside of the United States of America, I will send an ebook copy of Isabella babysits Baxter to the winner.
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Also checkout Melissa Productions other children's books!

The Wunderkind Family Series

Splatter and Friends children's picture books