Tuesday, November 26, 2013

Enjoy Education with Your Child: GenZ Read Together Program

This is a sponsored post.  
I received a free trial as compensation.  
The opinions are my own.


I had the privilege a year ago to homeschool my oldest son through kindergarten.  It was so rewarding to sit beside him, teach him how to read or express his creativity, and really watch his brain grasp onto concepts he would use the rest of his life.  Sending him to 1st grade at a public school this year made me nervous.  The majority of his learning is now done with his teacher (who thankfully has turned out to be amazing) and I miss that personal interaction we had working side by side.  Not wanting to over-work him after he gets home from a long day at school, I've been looking for simple ways to still sit down and spend some fun educational time with him.  Signing up for the new email subscription service, GenZ, has allowed me to do that in a current and enjoyable way. 

GenZ Read Together (www.genZreadtogether.com) emails wonderful real-life stories and activities each day to parents’ smartphones, tablets or computers. Whether it's at breakfast, bus stop, or bedtime -- GenZ makes it convenient to read about amazing people, places and things. 

Created by educators and award-winning children's writers, stories are written at two levels, for children in grades K-2 and 3-5.  Titles include:
The Atocha (world's greatest treasure hunter), Captain Sully Saves the Day, The Chilean Miners' Rescue, Wilt Scores 100 Points!, Owen and Mzee - an Unusual Friendship, The Invention of Velcro, and hundreds more!
Buried Alive! The Chilean Miners Rescue
I love that many of the stories available are fairly current topics.  The Chilean Miners Rescue, Captain Sully landing his airplane in the Hudson, or even a bio of Lady Gaga.  The information is presented in an age appropriate way.  There are comprehension questions to discuss, and pop quiz questions. 
Each story has several layers of activities to complete together with your child.  As you progress, your child earns points towards sweepstakes items.  This part seems a little hokey to me, but if you're using GenZ to engage with your child on a meaningful level, then throwing in a chance to win a Chipotle gift card can just be icing on the cake.
I appreciate companies that promote interaction between parents and their children. I'm excited to read more stories from GenZ with my boys and I hope you'll give it a try as well!
My readers receive a FREE Trial Subscription 
(no cc required) to GenZ Read Together! 
 CLICK HERE and Use Promo Code: A156

This offer is open to everyone! Please 
share this link and promo code with your friends and family.

Monday, November 25, 2013

Thursday, November 21, 2013

50% Off Sale, and a Giveaway

Red and White Butterfly Feather Steampunk Mini Top Hat Fascinator

One of our favorite handmade accessory designers is having an End of Season 50% of sale on her Facebook page and we want to share the love.  So many gift ideas for little girls and some fun grown-up girl items, too.  Visit Masked Fairy to see what she's selling and let her know I sent you!

Want to win a free accessory from the Masked Fairy sale album?
Visit the Freemples Facebook page for more information!



Tuesday, November 19, 2013

Lego Duplo Party (Provided by HouseParty.com)

All products in this review were provided for free
 from houseparty.com.  No other compensation was made. 
 The thoughts are mine.

Sometimes in the middle of a mundane week, you just need to have a party.  And when HouseParty.com sends you a huge box full of toys, it makes the party really easy....


Now that B has been using the Pleygo toy rental service for a couple of months, P has been feeling left out in the new toy department.  That made getting accepted for a Duplo House Party extra special because it was going to be toys for preschool age kids like him.  It definitely didn't hurt that the toys we received were all Disney themed for shows he loves watching.  I was surprised he didn't latch on to the biggest toy and refuse to share, but instead decided that "Skipper's Flight School" was the one that was only for him.  

When you host a House Party there is usually not a requirement or strict instructions on what to do with the product at your party.  At all of my parties in the past, I've sent toys or items home with the party guests as they're leaving.  I've always figured it'd be pretty greedy to keep them all, but more just don't think my kids need to be buried in 6-8 brand new toys at one time.  I did the same thing and sent 4 sets of Lego Duplos home with P's friends and cousins.  This time I did keep one for each of my boys.

So what did HouseParty.com provide for today's party?  Here's the list...

  • (1) Never Land Hideout LEGO® DUPLO® brand Jake and the Never Land Pirates™ set
  • (1) Jake’s Pirate Ship Bucky LEGO DUPLO brand Jake and the Never Land Pirates™ set
  • (1) Jake’s Treasure Hunt LEGO DUPLO brand Jake and the Never Land Pirates™ set
  • (1) Skipper’s Flight School LEGO DUPLO brand Planes™ set
  • (1) Ripslinger’s Air Race LEGO DUPLO brand Planes™ set
  • (1) Dusty and Chug LEGO DUPLO brand Planes™ set
  • (1) Jake and the Never Land Pirates DVD
  • (12) Paper crowns
  • (12) LEGO DUPLO sticker sheets
  • (12) LEGO DUPLO brand Planes™ posters
  • (12) LEGO DUPLO product catalogs
  • (1) Pack of LEGO DUPLO napkins
  • (1) Pack of red paper plates
Count that up and it included 6 full Duplo sets ranging in price from $14.99-$39.99 in addition to all the fun party favors and decorations.  For us, it all added up to party success!

Interested in hosting your own House Party?  It's quick and easy to sign up at houseparty.com.  Here are a few tips to get you started:
  • Requirements for each party vary, but this is not a program just for bloggers.  If you like getting free things, you can host a party.
  • Feast or famine.  The number of parties available at one time varies quite a lot.  When I applied for this party there were 8-10 open parties, but when I went on to apply for new parties today there is only 1 available.  Check back often.
  • My experience has been that once accepted for a party, it'll be 6-9 months before being accepted again.  This is not written anywhere in the terms and conditions, but after hosting several parties, this seems to be about the length of time between parties.  
Click to learn more about the



What questions do you have about hosting your own House Party?

Monday, November 18, 2013

It's Christmas Bakers Edition Giveaway

Inline image 1

It’s Christmas Baker's Edition Giveaway Event


Can you believe we're in the holiday season already?  I've been busy pinning Christmas food recipes.  Here are two of my favorites...

Chocolate Pomegranate Ginger Bark, so pretty!!!  pomegranate and ginger spritzer non-alcoholic
Chocolate PomegranateGinger Bark from laradelilah@wordpress.com
Pomegranate Ginger Spritzer from drizzleanddip.com
MPM Network Bloggers are gearing up for an amazing holiday season. Make sure you stop by and checkout all the tasty recipes below. Surely you will find something that makes your holiday even yummier!

One lucky reader will receive a KitchenAid Tilt-head Stand Mixer + accessories!

Giveaway ends December 9th at 11:59pm, open to US & Canada, ages 18+. To enter please use the Rafflecopter form below. Good luck.


Disclosure: Freemples is not responsible for sponsor prize shipment. 
Please contact teri@mompoweredmedia.com with questions 
or to see your business or blog featured on the next big event!

Monday, November 11, 2013

#BloggerOpp Tego Power Grid Giveaway


BLOGGERS WANTED!!
Sponsored By: Tego Power

Prize: Tego Power Grid - $59ARV
Open to: US only
Dates: Dec. 1st through Dec. 22nd 

Blogger Requirements & Fees:
- 2 Free links w/announcement post or pay $2 fee
-Promote giveaway via Facebook & Twitter at least 3x/week
-Additional links available for $1/ea
-Co-Host for $5 (4 links and 2 follow pages)
(Send payments to jedilynn106@yahoo.com via Paypal as a GIFT please)

Sign-ups close Nov. 27th 2013

Sign-up! 

If you have any questions, comments or concerns feel free to email Sarh at mamis3littlemonkeys@yahoo.com

#BloggerOpp Zike Scooter Giveaway


Bloggers Wanted! 

Sponsored By: Zike

Prize: Zike Z100 Hybrid Freestyle Scooter ($249ARV)
Open to Cont. US residents
Dates: Dec. 14th - 28th

Blogger Requirements & Fees
- 2 Free links w/announcement post or pay $2 fee
-Promote giveaway via Facebook & Twitter at least 3x/week
-Additional links available for $1/ea
-Co-Host for $5 (4 links and 2 follow pages)
(Send payments to jedilynn106@yahoo.com via Paypal as a GIFT please)
Sign-ups close Dec. 10th 2013
Sign-up! 

If you have any questions, comments or concerns feel free to email Sarh at mamis3littlemonkeys@yahoo.com