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

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Raising a Father by Arjun Sen - Do You Know Your Child?

This is a Sponsored Post written by me on behalf of Raising a Father. All opinions are 100% mine.

"When the child is born, every father signs this unwritten contract 
that for 18 years, I'll be there no matter what. 
Unconditionally, every moment, be present."~Arjun Sen

I know that I was a 'Daddy's Girl', and I know that the time I had with my father growing up was great when it was good, and not so great during the tough times.. but nonetheless, he was my father. My husband has a lot of similar traits- many of the good and a few of the bad- and it's been proven in study after study how a young lady's relationship with her father helps to mold her future relationship. 

It's amazing to me that little Maka called out her dad at only 8 years old, telling him how he's never there for her, and doesn't know her. How he spends more time on his cell phone than with her; that even when he's with her- he's not.

Do you know your child? Does your husband? What's your child's favorite color? Who's their best friend?

The author, Arjun Sen, explains in his book how he took a sacrifice to save the most important relationship in his life. The relationship between him and his daughter, and the eight year journey he's been on in his book, Raising a Father.

Reviewers state that the stories in this book are moments most of us share with our own families, but the author has a way of bringing out the life lessons in the event that opens our eyes to truly enjoy and experience the moments in ways we've never seen before.

As I clicked through Arjun Sen's blog, I took note to an article written called, "10 Ways to Give the Gift of Time This Season". This top ten list provides a great start to those looking to enjoy more minutes with their families, and even how to go "the extra yard".

Reading the other articles on his blog and on the Raising a Father website, as well as listening to the videos on the blog and YouTube, has really encouraged me to want to read the entire book and share it with my husband.

I can see the way my daughter worships my husband now, at only three and a half, and can only pray that their friendship and relationship continues to grow, mature, and strengthen as they get older.  I think that this book may have the tools needed to relate, and appreciate, all of the "little things" so many of us let slip away.

I'd love to hear your thoughts.. Watch this video below, and let me know if this book might be something your family could use, or if you know of a man who would be blessed learning more about this product.

Special thanks to Social Spark and Raising a Father for providing me with the opportunity to review this website, author and book. 

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Holiday Deals at CookieBouquets.com!

Home of the Best Cookies in the World- (ok, this is *my* opinion and every family member that's had a baby in the last 4 years!)- CookieBouquets.com has some great specials going on just in time for the holidays!

Whether you're celebrating Hanukkah or Christmas, you can personalize your cookie-bouquet to fit just about any occasion.

CookieBouquets.com's slogan is "the edible alternative"- and that it is. Why send flowers or fruit, or some horrid cake that you think might taste good because the picture is pretty?? Everyone loves cookies, and in my experience over the past 4 years, every single person that I've sent one to says that these cookies are by far the tastiest!

Not finding a bouquet or box that strikes your fancy? The helpful customer service representatives will help customize your order to meet your needs. Products at CookieBouquets.com start at only $7.95, so you'll find something for every budget.

Check it out for yourself, ask for a catalog, or to be included in special email offers, here!

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Exercise Your Mind with BrainFuel!

I've recently had the opportunity to review BrainFuel4Kids, a website packed with information on how to maximize your child's learning potential by using the right foods, brain games, and so much more. Included in the review of BrainFuel was a 30-day free trial to Lumosity.com to track and record my personal Brain Training Exercises.

I've been playing these games almost non-stop since I enrolled, and I can tell you they're not only fun, but as the levels increase, it's almost like your brain goes into auto-pilot and you're doing the Brain Training games with almost exact accuracy, and it's really FUN! I love watching my BPI (Brain Performance Index) increase, and comparing it to other individuals my age.

Moms and Dads can join the forums to ask any food related questions to the registered dietitian, as well as any other questions that you may have about exercising your child's mind!

My son is 'gifted' and loves websites that are packed with tons of information (like did you know that...Your brain contains a vast network of connections capable of performing 20 million-billion calculations per second.) 20 Million-BILLION?!?!?!- So the next time you think you're incapable of multitasking, know that that is not only untrue, but impossible!! Alex has thoroughly enjoyed the fun facts on the BrainFuel website, and many of the games he thinks are "totally cool".

I love finding great resources for Moms and their children, and I thoroughly encourage you to check out BrainFuel and let me know what you think!

“I wrote this review while participating in a blog tour campaign by Mom Central on behalf of BrainFuel and received an insulated lunch bag from California Innovations to thank me for taking the time to participate.”

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