Blogstatic Extravganza: Fiesta Dinnerware ( R+G)

Ladies and Gentlemen! I present to you the finest and boldest dinnerware from  The Homer Laughlin China Co - Fiesta Dinnerware!

Homer Laughlin began making its iconic brand of Fiesta Dinnerware in 1936 and today remains to be the most collected brand of dinnerware.

So what do I love about Fiesta? Made in USA and most importantly lead free.Lead in paints, glazes, and pottery can leach out onto food. and can result in lead poisoning. Lead poisoning is very dangerous, especially to children, and can cause learning disabilities, IQ loss, brain dysfunction, and in some cases even death. Dishwasher, oven, and microwave safe , Fully vitrified lead-free china with a color glaze.

What more, their collection come in bold and lovable colors and exhibit style and quality.Here's a sneak peek into what they have to offer you:

No matter what you want to drink, go bold with these cups and mugs ! Love, love the happy colors!

Put all your bite-sized snacks into these fancy bowls and enjoy them.If you go with the small and medium, these are perfect for portion control!

I didn't forget their tableware! With the square plates, you can be the perfect hostess . I think square plates make any dish look more appetising! And coupled with these colors, I can whip up a quick dish and serve it in style.

I was looking through Fiesta Dinnerware and felt surrounded by a rainbow of colors and wanted a splash of colors for my home! Wasn't I excited to review Fiesta? Boy..I was! I was sent these 3 sisters .err..canisters! They are so pretty and look like 3 sisters ..lol. I chose my favorite colors in small ( Holds 1 Quart) , medium (Holds 2 Quart) and large size (Holds 3 Quart).

See how  comfortably they sit on my counter and it was interesting to note that the lid has a rubber lining that makes it air-tight to seal the freshness inside. They are pretty on the heavy side and I had to save it from my toddler! He was very taken by the bright colors :)

S- $42.99, M - $45.99, L - $51.99

 

These Cansiters can be used for a variety of things. I filled up 1 with almonds and now since they are right on the counter, I will remember to munch a few everyday. Canisters are great for ground coffee and spices as the aroma will be locked in. You can find several ways to use them.

You can buy these canisters as a set for $114.97 and yes you can mix colors!

And if you pick another item, you enjoy free ground shipping for purchases $125 or more!

Thanks to Fiesta Dinnerware  and the PR company, one lucky reader will have the opportunity to win 1 set of 3 canisters in small, medium and large size worth $140!

• Giveaway for this Canister Set from Fiesta Dinnerware will go live on Jan 18, 2011. You can enter from Jan 18-22, 2011

So, look out and remember to enter at the Blogstatic Extravaganza!

(Disclaimer: Thanks to Fiesta Dinnerware and the PR company  for sending me the featured products for review purpose. I was not monetarily compensated for this review. Please note that the review was not influenced by the Sponsor in any way.All opinions expressed here are only my own.)

Blogstatic Extravganza: Wendell August - American Botanical Hostess Tray ( R+G)

I love brands that carry true signature pieces. These products make unique and simply impressive gifts which not only make the receiver happy but gives the giver a proud feeling of giving an "extraordinary" gift.

I am highly impressed with Wendell August for all the above reasons. They really have true signature pieces - honestly,every piece is hand made and the artist leaves his / her initial on each piece.Wow! this is a truly personalized gift for all occasions! If you had read my previous review on Wendell August, you would know what a strong brand it is. Their high-quality products have made them and they still are going strong to remain a favorite brand.

A time-honored tradition of handcrafted elegance for 90 years, Wendell August Forge makes heirloom-quality personalized metal gifts to commemorate life's special moments. These American-made high quality, functional gifts fit within any budget.

As I was looking through the gift section to choose my review product, I had in mind my special friend who truly deserves a neat gift this Valentine's. She is awesome and truly God-sent and I want to let her know what a special person she is to me.

First I thought maybe, this beaded necklace for $36 will be a great idea as the stunning aluminum and the orange bead will  blend without any lumps into casual and formal clothing.

Then I also remembered what a classic addition this Hand Mirror for $15 will be in her makeup kit. She has a beautiful heart and it is a perfect way to remind her of her inner and outer beauty!

I stumbled on this Tracery Small Blossom Bowl for $75 which will be a great accent to a table or to serve some light snacks.

I chose yet another masterpiece - American Botanical Hostess Tray and decided to go with this.

For the love of flowers which reflects nothing but pure beauty, carved intrinsically on aluminum that reflects strength and also doubles to be used as a luncheon tray. To me, it seemed like the perfect gift as I could compare this beautiful piece to how God has intrinsically created each one of us and my friend truly is a pillar of strength and uses her time, skills and talents for the best purposes in life. Let your gifts reflect the true quality!

Take a closer look at this simply stunning piece!

Do you have someone special in mind that deserves to know how much they are loved and appreciated? You have to bookmark Wendell August and choose a " token of appreciation" for all that they mean to you!

Thanks to Wendell August , one lucky reader will have the opportunity to win 1 beautiful American Botanical Hostess Tray worth $52!

Sponsor Connect:

Like "Wendell August" on Facebook

Follow "Wendell August" on Twitter.

                                             Subscribe to Wendell August by email    

• Giveaway for this American Botanical Hostess Tray will go live on Jan 18, 2011. You can enter from Jan 18-22, 2011

So, look out and remember to enter at the Blogstatic Extravaganza!

(Disclaimer: Thanks to Wendell August and the PR company  for sending me the featured products for review purpose. I was not monetarily compensated for this review. Please note that the review was not influenced by the Sponsor in any way.All opinions expressed here are only my own.)

A bundle of 3 beautiful books from Zonderkidz ( + Giveaway)

There are few brands that are my favorite when it comes to children's books and Zonderkidz is one of them. Zonderkidz has books that will help me teach my little one about God and the good values needed for life, in a colorful and creative way.

This is a colorful book of prayers compiled by well known poet, Lee Bennett Hopkins for young children.Beautifully illustrated by Gigi Moore, this prayer book has short and simple prayers for children that will help them to know how to pray.

Prayers for all occasions - morning, play, bedtime and I was excited to teach my son that he can pray "anytime". It has bold, attractive pictures and the page with firetruck is my son's favorite.It teaches him to be thankful too..for his teachers, rescue heroes etc. Totally adorable and very useful!

You can buy it from Zondervan for US $ 12.99 / CAD $14.99.

This is a very beautiful and classic fairy tale about a young knight who chooses what is right and true even in the face of adversity. It is a story that has an interesting flow and builds curiosity to know what is coming next. Children will listen to it with great interest and will learn a good value - to always stick to truth as truth always triumphs. My son loves the story and can sit through till the end, which is great for his age. Truly, a character building story by Karen Kingsbury and illustrated by Gabrielle Grimard.

You can buy it from Zondervan for US $15.99 / CAD $18.99.

Rick Warren is a well-known name in my family and little did we know about his collection for children..Just as the name says, this is book is all and only about The Lord's Prayer.

Each line from the Lord's prayer is magnificently illustrated by Richard Jesse with vivid pictures of boys and girls who are playing, smiling and learning to understand the true meaning of prayer.

Open the book and find yourself taken into the essence of each line as you look at 2 pages filled with illustrations for that particular line.I love to read it to my son and he looks with wide-open eyes at the illustrations. He will be soon on his way to learning the prayer by-heart as this book has made it easy and simple for him.

You can buy it from Zondervan for $16.99

Check out this inspirational video about this book!

Thanks to Zonderkidz, one lucky reader will have the opportunity to win a set of 3 books valued at $45 !

Sponsor Connect:

Fan Zondervan on Facebook. 

Follow Zondervan on Twitter

• Giveaway for this set of books will go live on Jan 18, 2011. You can enter from Jan 18-22, 2011

So, look out and remember to enter at the Blogstatic Extravaganza!

(Disclaimer: Thanks to Zonderkidz  for sending me the featured products for review purpose. I was not monetarily compensated for this review. Please note that the review was not influenced by the Sponsor in any way.All opinions expressed here are only my own.)

Blogstatic Extravaganza:Toddler Tool Series Kit from Free Spirit Publishing ( R+G)

 

Judy Galbraith was a classroom teacher who struggled to find kid-friendly information that addressed the real-life issues her students faced. She decided it was time that young people had access to books that will help young people develop socially, emotionally, and intellectually. And that's how "free spirit" was founded.

More than two decades later, Free Spirit Publishing continues to be the leader in Self-Help for Kids^® and Self-Help for Teens^®, building its list from just a few titles to over 285 award-winning books and products, with new titles being published every year.  Free Spirit has won several accolades and continue to offer a variety of material that are helping children and young people.

I also love the fact that Free Spirit Publishing is committed to the three Rs: Reduce, Reuse, Recycle.

I had the opportunity to review a wonderful collection of books for my toddler. The Toddler Tools Series Kit contains 8 books ( in April 2011, it will be 9 with a new addition " Meal Time"). 

These books can be used right from birth to toddler years. They are board books, 7" x 7" with beautiful color illustrations. 

• From the dynamic, award-winning author/illustrator team of the Best Behavior™ Series
• Ideal for both home and childcare settings
• Tips for parents and caregivers included at the end of each book
• Books engage toddlers in facing daily routines and transitions with confidence
• Contemporary illustrations complement gentle, reassuring text

About the author and illustrator:
 
Elizabeth Verdick is the author of more than 30 highly acclaimed books for children and teenagers, including books in the Toddler Tools™ board book series, the Best Behavior™ series for young children, and the Laugh & Learn™ series for preteens.
 
Marieka Heinlen is a freelance illustrator and designer, Marieka focuses her work on books and other materials for children, teens, parents, and teachers.

I have been reading them to my busy toddler for many days now and this is one book where he actually understands what he is read to. He also makes references to what we read during the day. Putting into practice the things he learned are a very good sign that the book and the content are being digested, nourishing the brain and being exhibited in behavior. Excellent writing and illustrations draws the child and keeps the attention to the few but powerful words being learned.

I would aptly call it " The Toddler Power Kit" ! Teaching toddlers who are gaining independence and want things their own way, is  quite challenging and testing. These books are a great tool to teach and if my toddler in his terrible 2's can follow what he reads, this is power!

I must admit that our bed time routine is a little mixed up! This book neatly shows the transition from evening activities to bedtime . Cheerful, soft illustrations and reassuring text set a tone that helps toddlers feel good about the daily routine of settling down to sleep. In the morning, the children will yawn, stretch, and be a little bit bigger, a little bit stronger, and a little bit smarter—all because of a good night’s sleep.

 It is cute when my son says" calm down mommy!" when he sees me being angry or mad at something. This book is helping him to know that it is ok to express your emotions and how you can be on your way to feeling better.It is one of his favorite books!

Clean up time is also a great read that can be practiced.Toddlers will look forward to clean-up time with this simple rhyming book that encourages them to chant along as they tidy up. We are slowly catching up to understanding how clean-up time can help make room for more fun!

"Listen" is probably one of the most frequently used words by moms. Toddlers especially tend to understand better when we show them how it is done. This book shows "how to listen".Really how does one listen? " Criss-Cross, Applesauce, hands on knees!" That's the posture for listening! Now my son has a better understanding of "listening" as he knows that the posture and putting away things can help him focus more.

"Manners Time" can be introduced way early in early childhood.Since my son knows his "please" and "thank you", he acknowledges very confidentially when I read this book to him. At the end of every page, he says "correct!". The content of this book can easily make connections with a toddler's brain and that's when the "correct" comes out.

 Nap time is still a struggle.. I get a outright "NO" when it comes to nap time.This calming, encouraging book helps young children quiet down so they can get the rest they need. Eyes are closed, lights are dimmed…and (yawn, s-t-r-e-t-c-h) before little ones know it, it’s time to wake up. Cozy illustrations enhance the text.

How toddlers love not-to- share! Their most favorite word being "Mine". I read this book to my son and he liked it and understood that it is a happy feeling to share. Finally, he said "My book!"..lol. I am sure it will improve with age, but it is important to teach them to take turns and share.He also learned that it is best to approach a grown-up when it is difficult to share.

Everyday, my son has tears when I drop him at the daycare. Clinging to me and hard to say goodbye are some things I deal with everyday with my son. This book is really helping him know that it is not a forever goodbye and reassuring that he will be seeing mommy very soon.This gentle book helps ease the transition with simple rituals: hugs and kisses, a big wave, a deep breath, and the confidence to seek comfort with the new caregiver or other children.

Free Spirit has these 8 books on their website for $60.84 ( Mealtime book is included). You can also buy these books separately for $7.95 each.

   
Thanks to Free Spirit Publishing, one lucky reader will have the opportunity to win a set of 8 books valued at $60 !

• Giveaway for this set of books will go live on Jan 18, 2011. You can enter from Jan 18-22, 2011

So, look out and remember to enter at the Blogstatic Extravaganza!

(Disclaimer: Thanks to Free Spirit publishing  for sending me the featured products for review purpose. I was not monetarily compensated for this review. Please note that the review was not influenced by the Sponsor in any way.All opinions expressed here are only my own.)

Blogstatic Extravaganza:Rock N Learn: Money & Making Change ( R+G)

"Money, Money, Money, It's a rich man's world ! " - Well if you gotta be rich, you should learn how not to loose money. Learning to make change with the correct amount is essential. Teaching these concepts to children will help them gain more confidence and also save money from a young age.

I love the way Rock N Learn rocks educational concepts with songs and music. In this DVD,  Penny and Bill make money and teach your little ones about making change.

Really cool songs and games are a great way to take a peek into the real world.Children can also learn about coins and dollar bills, counting cash, expressing money in written units and lots more learning.

Penny and Bill learn how to recognize coins, a little about the history of money, why coins and bills are starting to look different, and much more. They learn strategies for sorting coins and cash and use "skip counting" to find out exactly how much money they have.

 Penny and Bill also pretend to buy things at a garage sale which the children can really relate to.At the end of the video, there is a big concert and someone special joins Penny and Bill, right in the front!

This video is for ages 6 and up and my son was too young to understand it. But I enjoyed it and definitely Rock N Learn will a tool in his path of learning.

You can buy it from Rock N Learn  for $19.99.

Thanks to Rock N Learn, one lucky reader will have the opportunity to win a Rock N Learn: Money & Making Change DVD valued at $19.99 !

• Giveaway for this DVD will go live on Jan 18, 2011. You can enter from Jan 18-22, 2011

So, look out and remember to enter at the Blogstatic Extravaganza!