Backyard Safari Outfitters Perfect for Exploration! *Review*

This summer we were given the opportunity to review some new products from Backyard Safari Outfitters. Last year, my son and my nephew were introduced to Backyard Safari products and they were super excited to receive a ginormous box packed with hiking and nature stuff. The gear from Backyard Safari really helps to transform any backyard into a world of its own.

Our box of new stuff came with a Base Camp Shelter, Camouflage, Bird Watcher’s Field Kit and Hiking Stick. The kids loved playing with the bug magnifier and bird watching stuff, but the shelter and camouflage were definitely "super cool". The boys made it their fort, then their club- boys only, of course- and then eventually after we left, my niece was allowed to join her brother for a photo opp.

Since then, I was told that my nephew has explored every corner of their property, examined every bug, leaf, stick and rock, and has even allowed his sister and brother to play along on his adventures. I love the fact that Backyard Safari allows children to use their imaginations, yet encourages them to learn more about the world around them.

Mikey really does love his new Backyard Safari gear, and loved seeing the patches on the products this time around. He had them in his pocket for awhile, but he's pretty certain his little brother hid them.

We can't wait to see if he convinces his mommy to sew them on his vest, since his sister is a Brownie, he thinks it's pretty cool.

Backyard Safari products can be found online as well as at stores such as Toys R Us and Target.

Special thanks to our friends at Team Mom and Backyard Safari for allowing us to review this product line and for making summer that much cooler!

Read more...

Educational Toys from GrowingTreeToys.com

"Back to School" doesn't always mean going back to a school building. Many of our readers are home-schoolers, and I applaud those of you who are. I don't think I'd ever be able to find the discipline to stick to a routine.. and I don't think the kids listen to me or respect me enough for it to work.

Anyway, some of the moms that I've been talking with on Twitter and Facebook told me that they stock up on more than standard school supplies, they also tell me that they stock up on educational toys.

I have found a great site called Growing Tree Toys, and they really offer a great selection of toys for kids from birth through 11+. From earth science and nature and life science, to time, reasoning and logic games, Growing Tree Toys has something for every child and every level.

Be sure to visit their site and browse their large selection of educational toys now, and while you're there take advantage of the current promotion: 25% off any item, any size order. Offer ends August 8th, so have fun shopping!

Educational Toys

Read more...

Who Needs a Vacation? Backyard Safari Outfitters Brings Adventure Straight to Your Yard!

My kids are always searching for an adventure, and despite having a girl, they are always into "something" in our back yard. Both of the kids like to play in the mud, chase little lizards, and play with rolly-polies. The only bugs Abbie really doesn't like is spiders, mosquitoes and ants. (In her defense, neither do I.)

With only one car at the moment, many of my goals for summer vacation had to be rescheduled onto a jam packed weekend. I was struggling to find new things to occupy the kids with in our house or our backyard.

When a gigantic box showed up on my doorstep, I honestly had no idea what to expect inside. Thanks to Team Mom, our family was given the opportunity to review a great collection from Backyard Safari Outfitters.

As we pulled the stuff out, the kids eyes lit up like the 4th of July! Alex loved the cargo vest, because it made him look like a real explorer. Abbigaile thought the bug vacuum was a dust buster- until I told her what it was for. Alex took it from there, eager to see what kind of bugs he could suck up with it. The periscope sparked both of the kids interests, and although we have yet to experience using it underwater, the kids have enjoyed playing pretend with it. Whether they were camping under their bed, or the picnic table in the backyard, their imaginations ran with stories and tales of pirates and submarines.

Aside from allowing pretend play to soar, the kids have loved learning about new bugs and birds nests, using their new explorer gear. The periscope was perfect to allow the kids to get a sneak peek at our little birds nest in our front tree. I love the way my children's eyes light up when they're experiencing something new.

This summer, if you're looking to fuel your child's desire to explore, or just for a new experience to share with them, be sure to check out Backyard Safari Outfitters at www.BackyardSafari.com.

“If a child is to keep alive his inborn sense of wonder, he needs the companionship of at least one adult who can share it, rediscovering with him the joy, excitement and mystery of the world we live in.” ~ Rachel Carson

Special thanks to Team Mom and Backyard Safari Outfitters for providing these products for us to evaluate and write a candid review about. This post is 100% our opinion.

Read more...