Kidz Bop Review - Kidz Bop 30 and Kidz Bop Christmas Wish List

Kidz Bop- what is it?  In case you are not familiar, Kidz Bop, per their website, is kid friendly versions of today's biggest pop music hits.  Kidz Bop releases four major numbered albums each year. Kidz Bop kids sing on the Kidz Bop albums. And, for five consecutive years (2010-2014), Billboard Magazine has named Kidz Bop kids the "#1 Kids' Artist in the U.S.

Kidz Bop has been a huge hit in our house over the last year. When I realized that Mason and Amanda were both paying more attention to the music played in the car, I decided it was time to introduce them to Kidz Bop.  I knew that the music and lyrics were kid friendly and questionable lyrics would be replaced with more appropriate language.

Kidz Bop 30 is just the latest installment of the popular Kidz Bop line of music. Some tracks on Kidz Bop 30 include Bad Blood, Hey Mamma, Fight Song, Cheerleader, Photograph, and Worth It, just to name a few. My kids have been dancing all around the house every night since receiving the CD.  Like the previous editions, this is a sure hit!

In addition to the newest Kidz Bop CD, Kidz Bop has also released a new holiday CD, Kidz Bop Christmas Wish List.  Included on Kidz Bop Christmas Wish List is 14 classic holiday songs, including Santa Claus is Coming to Town, All I Want for Christmas is You, Jingle Bell Rock, Must Be Santa, Up On The Housetop and so much more.  I was especially excited about this one since I am one of those people who can't wait to start listening to holiday music.  I get it, not everyone is into that...but, what I love is that holiday music is appropriate for my kids to listen to. I never have to worry about offensive lyrics or questionable content.  Kidz Bop would take care of those worries anyway.  I love listening to kids singing. My kids love listening to kids singing. There is a connection that can't be matched. 

Another cool item we got to check out was Arm & Hammer's Tooth Tunes toothbrush.  This is a great idea!  All you have to do is press a button and start brushing after the beep.  The music will play for two minutes and you are done!  I really do like this toothbrush.  It has the quality that Arm & Hammer provides and the fun that kids want.  We have used apps while brushing, but they always seem to crash or not work properly.  This inevitably leads to tears, which is the last thing I need at bedtime.  I will be getting Amanda a Tooth Tunes Jr. toothbrush so she can join in the fun.

Kidz Bop is recommended for kids ages 5-12.  The MSRP is around $13.99 for the CD.  You can get it at the Kidz Bop Shop, iTunes, Amazon, and Google Play. 

Visit Kidz Bop's website for more information on other available CD's and music.


Thanks to Kidz Bop for providing the sample above to facilitate this review.  All opinions are 100% mine.

FREE Holiday Printables!!! (Christmas, Hanukkah, and Kwanzaa)

They are back!  Here are some free printables for the kids to get them revvvvvved up for the holidays!  On these links, you will find Christmas/Hanukkah/Kwanzaa Word Search Puzzles, Coloring Pages, Dot-to-Dot, Mazes, Word Searches and more!

CHRISTMAS

Click HERE for coloring printables from Parents.com

Click HERE for printables and worksheets from Education.com

Click HERE for coloring printables, word searches, cards, and more from Michaels.com

Click HERE for coloring printables, dot-to-dot, mazes and more from PrintActivities.com

Click HERE for coloring pages, word searches, mazes and clip art from Kaboose.com

Click HERE for coloring printables on About.com

Click HERE for Nativity printables on About.com

Click HERE for the 12 Days of Christmas printables on About.com

Click HERE for printables from HP Creative Studio for Home

HANUKKAH

Click HERE for coloring pages from Printables4kids.com

Click HERE for worksheets and printables from Education.com

Click HERE for coloring pages from Kaboose.com

Click HERE for word puzzles from Kaboose.com

Click HERE for printables from TheTeachersCorner.net

Click HERE for printables from HP Creative Studio for Home

KWANZAA

Click HERE for coloring printables from Kaboose.com

Click HERE for word searches and crosswords from Kaboose.com

Click HERE for word search and crossword puzzles from Activityvillage.com

Click HERE for worksheets, word search puzzles, coloring pages and more from Apples4theteacher.com

Click HERE for coloring pages, a word search puzzle and a crossword puzzles from acbteach.com

Click HERE for printables from HP Creative Studio for Home

Christmas Crack

Each Christmas I like to try a new recipe.  It can be a cookie,cake, cookie bar, drink...I'm not particular.  This year, I tried a Christmas Crack recipe.  Christmas Crack is a delicious dessert that won rave reviews at each party this holiday season.  Not only was it delicious, it is so easy to make.  With ingredients I am sure that you already have handy, this is a quick dessert to bring to parties or wrap up and gift to friends, teachers, or neighbors!!

Ingredients:

• 1 cup of butter
• 3/4 cup brown sugar
• 1 sleeve of Saltine Crackers or Graham Crackers
• 1 bag of chocolate chips (I used milk chocolate)
• Toppings such as pretzels or M&M’s

Directions:

1. Preheat your oven to 400 degrees.
2. Line a shallow roasting pan with foil that has been sprayed with Pam or a similar cooking spray.
3. Lay out the crackers in a single layer in the bottom of the pan.
4. Bring the 1 cup of butter and 3/4 cup brown sugar to a boil in a pan. Keep stirring the mixture constantly until it is well blended.  Once it is blended let it boil for 5 minutes while stirring.  
5. When the toffee is done, it will pull away from the edge of the pan easily.  You can then pour the toffee over the top of the crackers and spread it out.  It sets quickly, so try to spread it as much as you can. 
6. Immediately place the covered crackers in the oven for 5-6 minutes.
7. After this time, pull out the crackers and let them cool for about 5 minutes.
8. After it has cooled for 5 minutes sprinkle the top with the chocolate chips.  They will start to melt but if they don’t melt fast enough, just place the pan back in the oven for a minute or two.  When the chips are soft, spread the chocolate around with a spatula.  Smooth it out across the top to make it look pretty!
9. At this step, I decided to add some crushed pretzels and M&M's on top of the melted chocolate.  I have also heard of adding nuts or crushed peppermint candy on top.  The choice is yours!
10. Now you are pretty much done!  Let the pan set for 4-5 hours. If you are in a rush like I usually am, you can put the pan in the freezer for about 30-40 minutes.
11. When the chocolate is set turn the pan over, let the crackers turned candy fall out and break into pieces.
12. ENJOY and share only if you want!!!!!!

Hello Kitty Large Posable Doll

It's almost one week to Christmas.  If you are still looking for a great present for the 4 and up aged crowd, you can look no further.  Blip Toys now makes a large Hello Kitty doll that is poseable, dressable and has removable fashions.  Sound cool?  It definitely is!

Blip Toys was kind enough to send the Hello Kitty Princess Doll for review.  This doll is perfect for my little princess who loves all things sparkles and ruffles. I have always loved Hello Kitty from the time I was a little girl and now I have the opportunity to share this love with my daughter. 

This Hello Kitty Princess Doll comes complete with her own tiara and adorable ruffled dress.  I love that this large doll is a good size for smaller hands and the perfect size for a younger child to play with.  This doll is made of a durable, heavier plastic that will endure hours of playing.  The doll is movable and can sit, stand, turn her head or be placed in other poses. 

 

Not to worry, if your little one is not into playing princess.  There are 4 Hello Kitty Large Poseable dolls to choose from: a Princess, Pop Star, Dancer and Best Friend.  You will find that each doll also comes with their own, distinctive outfit and accessories like a scooter or a bed to complete the fun!

These dolls are recommended for ages 4 and up and the MSRP is $24.99.  You can pick one up at your local Target or online at Target.com.


Thanks to Blip Toys for providing the sample above to facilitate this review.  All opinions are 100% mine.

Snow Ice Cream

It finally happened! SNOW! I stumbled across this recipe on Frugal Upstate. Plus, it's a nice treat after all the hard work you put in while shoveling.

Enjoy!

Snow Ice Cream

Ingredients:

• 6 C of very clean snow
• 1/2 C Sugar
• 1 C Milk
• 1 tsp Vanilla

Directions:

• Put the snow in your biggest bowl.
• Sprinkle sugar over the top of the snow.
• Add milk & vanilla and then gently stir until the snow squishes down to about 1/4 of the volume you started with.

Once everything seems fully combined, dish into bowls and enjoy immediately!

Kid Friendly Pumpkin Pie

So my kids are not super picky eaters, but they do present their challenges from time to time.  I wanted to have adessert this Thanksgiving that I thought everyone might enjoy.  Now what is Thanksgiving with out pumpkin pie?  How about Ice Cream Pumpkin Pie?  I think I found a winner!

Ingredients

• 18 graham cracker boards

• 1/2 cup  (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted

• 2 tablespoons  cinnamon sugar

• 1 pint  chocolate chip ice cream, softened

• 1 pint  vanilla ice cream, softened

• 1 cup  solid pack pumpkin

• Chocolate curls for garnish, optional

 

Directions:

1. Heat oven to 350 degrees F.
2. In food processor, pulse graham crackers to form fine crumbs. Add butter and 1 tablespoon of the sugar; pulse to moisten crumbs. Press into bottom and up sides of a 9-inch deep-dish pie plate.
3. Bake at 350 degrees F for 10 minutes. Remove to a rack; cool completely.
4. Spread the softened chocolate chip ice cream over the bottom of the cooled crust. Freeze until hardened, about 3 hours.
5. In a medium-size bowl, mix together the vanilla ice cream, pumpkin and remaining tablespoon of cinnamon sugar. Spread over the top of the frozen chocolate chip layer. Freeze 3 hours or overnight.
6. To serve, garnish with chocolate curls if desired. If frozen overnight, let stand at room temperature for 15 minutes before serving. Makes 8 servings.

 

Check this recipe out and find more on Parents.com

 

 

Layered Salted Caramel Bars

 

I am looking to add some new dessert ideas to my holiday lineup this year.  I will be starting with this one.  Maybe for breakfast?  Sure...why not!

Layered Salted Caramel Bars

Pillsbury® Crescent Recipe Creations® refrigerated seamless dough sheets are the base for these breakfast bars that incorporate all your favorite caramel roll flavors.

    

prep time 15 min                    

total time 60 min

servings 12                    

 

Ingredients

• 1/3  cup butter, melted
• 1/2  cup packed brown sugar
• 1     tablespoon corn syrup
• 1/2  teaspoon salt
• 1/2  cup chopped pecans (optional)
• 1/2  cup granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
• 3 cans (8 oz each) Pillsbury® Crescent Recipe Creations® refrigerated seamless dough sheet 
• 1/4 cup butter, melted                

 

Steps

1. Heat oven to 350°F. In small bowl, mix 1/3 cup melted butter, the brown sugar, corn syrup and salt. Spread evenly in ungreased 13x9-inch pan. Sprinkle with pecans.                         
2. In small bowl, mix granulated sugar and cinnamon. Unroll one of the dough sheets. Press into 13x9-inch rectangle. Place in pan. Brush with some of the 1/4 cup melted butter, and sprinkle with some of the cinnamon sugar. Repeat with remaining dough sheets, butter and cinnamon sugar, ending with cinnamon sugar.
3. Cover with foil. Bake 20 minutes. Remove foil; bake 25 to 30 minutes longer or until deep golden brown. Immediately turn pan upside down onto heatproof tray or serving plate. Let stand 1 minute so caramel will drizzle over rolls; remove pan. Cut into 4 rows by 3 rows.                     

Expert Tips

**If you can't find Pillsbury® Crescent Recipe Creations® refrigerated seamless dough sheets, you can substitute Pillsbury® refrigerated crescent dinner rolls. Just be sure to firmly press perforations to seal.

**These bars are best served straight from the oven while the caramel is still warm.

For more great recipes like this one, go to Pillsbury.com!!!

Free Thanksgiving Crafts

Thanksgiving is around the corner.  Here are some cute crafts to for your little turkey!

Check out Fave Crafts for a free e-book of Thanksgiving crafts.  You will also find lots of crafts for other holidays like Easter, Father's Day and Valentine's Day!

Then head back over the Parents.com for Thanksgiving crafts for the whole family!

Click HERE for Simple Turkey Day Crafts

Click HERE for Cute Crafts to Show Giving Thanks

Click HERE for Thanksgiving Crafts and Goodies

Click HERE for Turkey Day Place Mats

Click HERE for Wooden Spool Turkey

Click HERE for Thanksgiving Placecards, Stickers & More!

Click HERE for Simply Adorable Thanksgiving Crafts

Click HERE for Cool Indian Corn Magnets

Click HERE for Super Cute Thanksgiving Day Hats

Clcik HERE for A Banner Thanksgiving

Click HERE for Thanksgiving and Christmas Decorations Kids Can Make

Medical Supplies From Your Home

Working in Social Security Disability for a while, I often spoke to people who were in need of medical equipment.  Most often people would use TENS units and muscle stimulators, amongst other supplies.  One popular item my clients would use is the LG-TEC Dual Combo TENS Unit and Muscle Stimulator for continued rehabilitation at home of treating pain in the nerves and muscles. 

However, I know that medical equipment is not always affordable or easy to get.  Fortunately, you can visit LGMed Supply Online and choose affordable equipment that is best suites your needs from the ease and comfort of your own home. 

With a satisfaction guarantee and the comfort of knowing all items are in-stock, you will have your supplies in no time.  It is also easy to get additional information online and at their online customer blog.

Free Halloween Printables

Halloween is right around the corner!  Have you decorated yet?  If not, here is a fun coloring activity to start the kids off.  Check out these free Halloween printables for kids of any age to color.

Click HERE for free Halloween printables and projects from Better Home and Gardens

Click HERE for free Halloween printables, coloring pages, masks, cards, word searches and more from about.com

Click HERE for free Halloween coloring pages from coloring-page.net

Click HERE for free Halloween printables from mes-english.com

Click HERE for free Halloween printables from dltk.com

Click HERE for free Halloween printables from activityvillage.com

Click HERE for free Halloween printables from kaboose.com

Click HERE for hree Halloween printables from familycrafts.about.com

Softsoap Body Wash Review



 

 

Ahhh, now I am ready for the rest of summer!....a new line of body wash is here to help take me away on the vacation that I am still waiting for.  So far this summer has been spent pushing my kids on the swings, playing in the sandbox, running through the sprinkler, riding bikes, and lots of other fun activities that keep me and my kids going until the sun goes down.  But, when the day is done, I am ready to relax and have some "me" time.  A shower with the best smelling body washes is just what I need to whisk myself away.

I love to use body wash in the shower.  I find that soap alone not only dries my skin out, but leaves me feeling cheated.  I don't know if it is the refreshing scents or the moisturizing I crave but, for me, using body wash is a simple indulgence that will go a long way when facing a long day.

I was so excited to try Softsoap brand limited edition body washes.  This was just what I needed to complete my Summer!  Softsoap has created two amazing seasonal scents: Maui (Coconut Splash) and Pacific Sunset (Refreshing Citrus).

I first tried the Maui body wash.  This coconut scented wash is a light green with moisturizing beads in it.  This Softsoap formula, like all of them, also left my skin feeling soft and smooth.  I was immediately relaxed by all the bubbles created in my pouf and I found that it left my skin feeling soft and smooth. 

I then tried Softsoap's Pacific Sunset.   I am usually not a fan of grapefruit, but this Softsoap has changed that.  This body wash is a beautiful pink color with moisture beads in it.  This formula definitely helped my skin to stay soft and supple.  I loved the light refreshing scent and the rich lather that left my skin feeling extra soft.  My skin was moisturized, far from that dry feeling that bar soap leaves me. 

If you want to be transported to the nearest tropical island via your shower, head over to Walmart and pick up a bottle or three of this body wash.  It will be available until September, so don't wait!  Each bottle retails for about $3.48.


We were provided with a sample of the products reviewed above in order to facilitate the review. All opinions are 100% our own.

Free Father's Day Printables

It's coming soon!  Father's Day is June 16.  Get ready to make Dad's day special with some homemade cards and printables from the kids!

Click HERE for Father's Day printables like card, photo frames, and iron on's by Creative Home Studio by HP

Click HERE for free printables like coupons for Dad, cards, coloring pages, and iron on's from momsbreak.com

Click HERE for free activities like word searches, dot to dot, mazes, coloring pages, tracing pages and certificates for Dad from printactivities.com

Click HERE for Father's Day card printables from about.com

Enjoy more Father's Day card printables HERE from kaboose.com

Click HERE for Father's Day printables from coloringcastle.com

Scanimalz Review and Giveaway (Closed)

Scanimalz.....what are they?  Here's the story.....   Scanimalz are originally from SCANdinavia, frequently have SCANic attacks, are afraid of SCANacondas, like to do SCANnon balls, eat Shrimp SCANpi and make SCANtastic pets!  They are the cutest toys that combine what kids love the most...a stuffed toy and technology.  I knew I had the perfect little man to put this toy to the test.  Mason, like most kids his age, loves to use my iPhone and will crowd around any kid playing a game on an iPad. 

We received the Scanimalz, Beta Bear to try out.  I couldn't wait to pop this little guy out of his box!   He is adorable and very soft.  He is the perfect size for little ones to carry around during play also.

 
To start, I had to download the free iOS Scanimalz app.  The app is also available for Android.  This was easy enough and had no problems with the app.  Here's what the Scanimalz App features:

• Character recognition/tracks Scanimalz collection
• Play one of four games to earn points to make it onto the leader board and then redeem those points to dress up your Scanimalz and make them even more scantastic!
• Points are accrued by having the character eat Scanimalz’ food or squishing Scanaconda, daily SCANtasy spinz, and by adding to your collection

So, to get started, I had to scan the one time activation QR code included with the Bear.  After that, I was ready to play games with my newly unlocked Scanimalz.  To keep the fun going, you are encouraged to scan daily via bonus points, extra Scantasy Spins and hidden reveals.  Each Scanimalz has different abilities and point value power within each game and there are many ways to collect points.

I loved that this was so easy for Mason to play with.  Once I got it set up, he was ready to go!  I also like that there are over 30 Scanimalz characters for both boys and girls.  What I really love about Scanimalz is that it combines old and new play.  Kids can still play with a stuffed animal (old), but can still be involved with technology (new).  It's the way of the world and I think that there will be more toys combining play like this. 

Series one of Scanimalz will be launched in Spring of 2013. There will be 32 new styles in the first year alone. Rare styles will also be included. You can find Scanimalz at Toys R Us, specialty shops and select malls/kiosks nationwide. MSRP: $9.99 and is for ages 3+.

Want to learn more about Scanimalz?  Go to www.scanimalz.com.

Want to win one of your own?  Fill out the form below for a chance to win.  The Giveaway will run from 5/23/13 until 6/6/13. 

Congrats to Cheri R, winner of the Scanimalz Giveaway.  The winner will have 48 hours to respond or another winner will be chosen.



Thanks to Wicked Cool Toys for providing the above item for review and Giveaway.  All opinions are 100% mine.

Memorial Day Printables

The unofficial start to Summer is in a few days.  I can't believe it!  I LOVE the Summer months and am looking forward to long days and warm nights, spending time with the the family at the park and roasting marshmallows.

To get you in the mood for Memorial Day, below is a list of free printables for the kiddies!

Click HERE for free coloring pages from raisingourkids.com/patrioticcoloringpages.com

Click HERE for a free word search from about.com

Click HERE for a free crossword puzzle from about.com

Click HERE for a free coloring page from about.com

Click HERE for free craft ideas from kaboose.com

Click HERE from free printables from sherriallen.com

Click HERE for awesome free printables from usa-printables.com

Clcik HERE for free printables from apples4theteacher.com

Super Cute Mother's Day Craft

Mother's Day is upon us once again.  Each year, I buy my Mom flowers for her garden.  It's what she always asks for and she can enjoy the flowers all summer long.  However, when summer is gone, I'd like her to have something special that will last all year round.

This year I am having Mason help me make a hand print canvas with a recent photograph on it.  This is a super cute idea and the possibilities are really endless. 

Here's what you have to do.  Go to your local craft store (probably Michael's or A.C. Moore) and buy whatever size blank canvas you want to use.  The ones I purchased came two in a pack and were on sale for only $2.99.  I used an 8x10 size and could have easily gone bigger.  I didn't want to go bigger in this particular case because I know that my Mom sometimes places treasures like this on display in the china cabinet. 

While at the craft store, I also purchased some stickers and "bling on a roll" to make a frame for the picture.  That cost about $8.00.  I originally was going to use ribbon to frame the picture, but found this instead.  It looked perfect for the job and it already had adhesive on the back of it.

Next, choose your favorite colors of washable finger paint to make the hand prints.  Mason chose orange since there was orange in the sweater he was wearing in the picture.  I chose pink for Amanda since that matched her outfit in the picture.  It also complimented the stickers and "bling" I bought. 

 

 

 

Let the hand prints dry and decorate as you like!  Here is my finished masterpiece.  I think it turned out pretty cute and was very inexpensive to make. 

 



 

This is a gift that definitely will last a long time to come. While I'm at it, I am making one for myself too!

 

 

Free Mother's Day Printables

In case you didn't know, Mother's Day is this Sunday!  In my family we celebrate all the women who have touched our lives, including Mom's, Sister's, Aunt's and Grandmother's.  I know you won't forget all the women that have touched your life. 

Here is a great list of printables if you would like your child to make something special for the special women in your life.

Click HERE for free Mother's Day printables from from allfreeprintables.com

Click HERE for free Mother's Day printables, mazes, coloring pages, word searches, dot to dot, etc from printactivities.com

Click HERE for free Mother's Day printables like cards and coupon books from Parents.com

Click HERE for a free Mother's Day Heart Necklace craft from babycenter.com

Click HERE for free coloring pages, word searches, mazes, cards and crosswords from kaboose.com

Click HERE for coloring pages, mazes, word searches, dot to dots, mazes, certificates, and more from printactivities.com

Click HERE for free printables from hp.com

Peach Suite

It's Spring! That means spring cleaning. After a long winter with two kids bring in all the dirt from outside, it sure does need it! I go crazy cleaning every nook and cranny in my house. I clean the floors, the walls, the curtains, the carpets, and the furniture. 

But this year I seem to be busier than ever.  All the cleaning isn't getting done like it should.  The kids keep me busy and they want to be outside playing, not inside cleaning.  This year I think I am going to make it easy for myself and order from an Atlanta Hotel Supply company.

This is a Hotel Supply Online company that really has all the supplies you would ever want for your cleaning needs. From catering supplies, kitchen supplies, concessions, to Hotel Bar Supplies, you will be sure to find the cleaning supplies and equipment you are looking for.

PeachSuite is committed to providing high quality hotel supplies and hotel equipment at a great value. And, you don't have to be hotel or large business to order from them, the majority of their products are available for purchase by the general consumer.  That is great news for me and this house will surely be clean in no time!

FreePianoLessons4Kids.com Review

Everyone knows that babies love music.  I believe it is natural and innate in them to be connected to music.  Babies naturally bounce and move to the rhythm of music without needing any encouragement.  Recent research from the University of Kansas finds that adults ages 60 to 83 who had taken music lessons for 10 years or more starting at about age 10 had better cognitive functioning than their non musical counterparts.  Interesting....

OK, so I honestly and truly believe that music is very important, especially for children.  The numerous benefits speak for themselves.  From the very beginning, I have exposed Mason to all genres of music.  We sing and dance, take music classes, play the drums and of course, the play around on the piano.  Now that Mason is almost 3, I am beginning to introduce him to a more formal approach to music.  Of course, Mason is still young for formal lessons, but I have been working on simple concepts like the musical alphabet, how many keys are on the piano and the difference between the black and white keys and patterns on the piano. 

So, I may be throwing out musical terms or concepts that you are not familiar with or maybe you have no musical experience, and that's OK.  With my musical background, it comes naturally to me to begin introducing Mason to music at an early age.   I have years of teaching under my belt and have tried many different approaches when it comes to teaching children.  And, although I have the know how, I have also learned that sometimes children learn better from someone who is not their parent.  And that is OK, too.  The important thing is that there is a musical experience happening.

Here is a brilliant idea that you can use to introduce your children to music and teach your children how to play the piano, even if you don't know anything about music.  In fact, you can learn along side your children!  FreePianoLessons4Kids.com could be just what you are looking for.  Here's how it works:

Pianist, Joseph Hoffman, currently has available almost 50 FREE piano lessons that you can start watching anytime and anywhere from website http://www.FreePianoLessons4Kids.com.  No login, user name or payment is required.  Nice!  From the start, this is a great opportunity to see if your children are interested in taking piano lessons, without the hassle of finding a teacher and spending a lot of money.

I have reviewed several of the lessons myself.  I have been impressed with the thoroughness and kid friendly pace of each lesson.  Mr. Hoffman takes the time to explain and show you each musical skill completely.  It is obvious that much though and preparation has been put into presenting each lesson.  He uses fun visual aids, such as colored flash cards and games that children will love to play.  Mr. Hoffman clearly understands how children learn. 

Each lesson is short, about 10 minutes on average.  And while Mr. Hoffman recommends that most children do best with about 2-3 lessons per week or about every other day, you could easily do only one or two lessons a week, depending on how quickly your child progresses.  On the days you don't watch a new lesson, it is also recommended that time is spent at the piano reviewing the previous lesson or concepts that were taught.  This includes reviewing past material and playing songs that have already been mastered. 

In addition to the free piano lessons, there are materials the Mr. Hoffman has designed through "years of  kid testing" that help to develop musical reading skills, music theory, dictation, rhythm, and much, much more.  In short, this is a well rounded music curriculum.  There is a small and very reasonable fee for downloading the additional materials.  These materials are conveniently available for printing at home.  Although the printable materials are not required, it is recommended and will definitely enhance the learning process.

There is also a Piano Listening Album available for download.  Mr. Hoffman assigns this to all of his own students to listen to everyday.  As Mr. Hoffman states, "This album features fun, beautiful, original settings of all the songs students will learn using my lessons.  By listening often to this album, students become thoroughly familiar with the music, enabling the lessons to progress at a faster, more confident pace."

In case you are still not sure if you can successfully provide to your children piano lessons via the Internet, Mr, Hoffman has also provided a Parent's Guide that will provide you with the information you need to make this a successful experience for your child. 

I highly recommend that you check out FreePianoLessons4Kids.com because, honestly, you have nothing to lose and a great start for a promising musical future to gain!

Thanks to Mr. Hoffman for allowing me access to his website, worksheets and piano listening album to complete this review.  All opinions are 100% mine.

Free Cinco de Mayo Printables

It's that time again, a free list of printables and crafts for Cinco de Mayo.  Have fun!!!!

Click HERE for free games and activities from thekidzpage.com

Click HERE for free printables from abcteach.com

Click HERE for free crafts ideas from freekidscrafts.com

Click HERE for more free craft ideas from allfreeholidaycrafts.com

Click HERE for wordsearches,vocabulary sheets, crossword puzzles, coloring pages, and more from homeschooling.about.com

Click HERE for online coloring pages from thecolor.com

Click HERE for free coloring pages from apples4theteacher.com

Click HERE for free coloring pages, word puzzles, games, crafts and more from kaboose.com

Pillsbury Crescent Roll Taco Bake

I love Mexican food and certainly do not make it often enough.  I have made tacos, fajitas, and this tasty Beef Taco Bake.  I'm not sure where I came across this recipe, maybe on Pillsbury.com?  But, this will be our experimental Cinco de Mayo dinner this year!

Pillsbury's Crescent Roll Taco Bake Recipe

 

Ingredients:

• 2 crescent roll tubes
• 1 LB ground beef (or ground turkey)
• 1 packet of taco seasoning
• 1 1/2 cups grated cheddar cheese
• ... Shredded lettuce
• 1 or 2 diced tomatoes
• 1/2 small can sliced olives (if desired)
• Sour cream, optional
• sliced avocado, optional

 

Directions:

1. Lay out the two tubes of crescent pastry, thick sides in. Use some of the left over crescent rolls to to make the center a bit thicker.
2. Brown beef and add taco seasoning.
3. Lay beef in a circle inside of the laid out crescent rolls
4. Add cheese to the top
5. Pull over crescent rolls and tuck in under meat and cheese.
6. Follow cook time on the pack of crescent rolls.
7. Add cheese, lettuce, tomato, black olives, sour cream or whatever toppings you like for your tacos, in the middle.