Who knew you could use your iphone to make money and earn freebies?  I didn’t!  I knew about the surveys you could sit and take online, but to be honest, sitting online to take surveys all day just isn’t something I’m likely to do with a 4 year old, 2 year old, and 2 month old!!  I found these awesome apps and thought you’d like to try ‘em out – Be sure to use the links to grab them on your phones as it’ll give us BOTH points   (PS – these apps are FREE!)

1.  CheckPoints

The CheckPoints app is one of my favorites!  Simply open the app, find the products listed in the store, and scan the item barcodes with your phone.

For each item you scan, you will get redeemable points.  With those points, you can get gift cards to your favorite stores!

Available for iPhone and Android users.

2.  We Reward

The WeReward app will award you points for taking pictures of yourself with different products, checking in at various places of business, and for trying out new apps. Every point you get equals one cent and most “jobs” pay anywhere from 10 points to 500 points.  Available for Android and iPhone users.

3.  ShopKick

ShopKick is available for both iPhone and Android users and is a lot like checkpoints.  Simply scan bar codes to rack up your points for great rewards!

*Please use the links provided – they will provide both YOU and ME BONUS POINTS for you signing up.  Best of all, it’s free!

Welcome back!

Family Talk 2 is a conversation game – it has 100 cards, each with a thought-provoking question to inspire fun and thoughtful conversations with your family and friends.  To play, simply pick a card and ask the question!  This game is a great way to get a glimpse into the hearts and minds of those you care about!  What’s more is that it’s incredibly portable – so, take it on car trips or play it around the Christmas tree (or table!)  Either way, you’re sure to have a blast!

Retails at $9.99  / Ages: 3 & up /  2 + players

The Lumps Legend: Children around the world have been so good over the past few years; lumps of coal have built up at the North Pole. Puzzled by what to do with the excess coal; Santa’s elves decided to create an exciting new game that uses lumps of coal of all shapes and sizes. The game is so much fun, good little boys and girls, for the first time ever, are excited to get lumps of coal in their stocking!

Lumps, the Elf Coal Game is a family-friendly dice game for ages 6 and up.  It can be played with one player or up to 100, making it a great game for anywhere!  It’s compact size and easy rules make it a great game for all ages!

WANT TO WIN THEM?

One lucky reader will win both of these games! To enter, simply follow them on twitter (#ContinuumGames) of “like” them on Facebook.  (Then, come back here and let me know which you did in the comments!)  Contest ends December 16, 2011 at noon CST.

And, for ALL of our bosssanders.com readers, they are offering 15% off purchases made on their website – just use the code: funforallages

Disclaimer:  I received these games as part of a review.  Like always, my thoughts and opinions are my own and are not swayed in any way.

Original Sprout -

Original Sprout has become one of our family’s favorite body care brands.  The makers of Original Sprout products not only make products that smell and feel good, but that are also safe for our babies and children.  They do not use any natural or synthetic ingredients linked with estrogen & hormone disruption, cancer & autism such as: Phthalates, Dioxanes 1, 4, Sulfates, Parabens, Formaldehyde, Propylene Glycol, Dipropylene Glycol, Acetaldehydes, Styrene, Toluene, Glycol Ethers, Ethylene Oxide, Musk, Lavender or Tea Tree Oils, Clove, Soy, Nonylphenol, Mineral or Petroleum Oils, Triclosan, Eurethane, 1-2 Propylene Oxide, Placenta, Synthetic Colors & Titanium Dioxide or Nanoparticles.

Their regulated, European Directive Compliant products are:

• Are made by a master stylist and mother, so they are safe and natural, but perform as good or better than high-end salon brands.

• Free of phthalates, phytoestrogens, soy, gluten, animal products, parabens, and propylene glycol with no added dioxanes or formaldehydes.

• Free of skin penetrators & photosensitizers (plasticizers & nanoparticles).

• Extracts are certified organic. The majority of ingredients are plant derived & from natural sources.

• E.U. Directive Compliant with full label disclosure of ingredients.

• Fragrances are made with naturally derived ingredients & are certified FREE of phthalates, lavender, tea tree, PG, DPG, parabens, dioxanes, benzenes, formaldehydes, acetaldehydes, styrene, toluene, chlorobenzene & glycol ethers.

• Products are vegetarian/vegan & biodegradable.

To read more, go here.

The Natural Shampoo, Scrumptious Baby Cream, and Miracle Detangler are three of my favorite Original Sprout products.

The Natural Shampoo gently cleanses as it moisturizes hair.  I love that it can be used on the whole family (including me!)  It’s subtle scent is lovely but not overwhelming, so your sweet babies still smell like sweet babies and not heavily perfumed or obnoxious.

The Scrumptious Baby Cream – OH!  The Scrumptious Baby Cream!  I think the name itself says it all!  The scent is light and fresh and leaves baby (or your) skin feeling and smelling scrumptious!  The cream is ultra-moisturizing, lightweight, and non-greasy!

The Miracle Detangler is one of my faves!  My oldest daughter (age 4) has thin hair that tangles easy.  Post-bath has been a battle since her hair has covered her ears – me trying to sort through the tangles and her dodging the brush!  But, with this detangler, her hair becomes manageable and soft.  Other detangling products (a popular brand) have been tried on her hair, but leave her hair limp and smelling like chemicals – UGH!  Original Sprout’s Miracle Detangler leaves her hair pretty and tangle-free, without the horrid chemical smell!  (And, it leaves me without the headache!)

And, guess what!?  Original Sprout is offering Bosssanders.com readers 10% off their first order by using this code: FIRST_ORDER_10-U at www.originalsprout.com!

Disclaimer:  I received these products as part of a review.  Like always, my thoughts and opinions are my own and are not swayed in any way.

Do you have a great product (or represent a company that does) that you’d like to see on our 2011 Christmas Lineup this year?

We’d love to hear from you!

We are currently accepting submissions geared towards both children and adults!

For more information, please email me at bosssanders (at) gmail (dot) com .

Science is Simple

Why, yes it can be!

With two little ones – a Kindergartner and a toddler, science needs to STAY simple.  Both of my girls are hands-on learners, so that makes science REALLY fun in our house!

Because my girls are young, and because I believe exploration and hands-on activities (especially science!) is best, Science Is Simple is a great book for us!

Written by Peggy Ashbrook and having won the Learning Magazine’s Teachers’ Choice Award, Science Is Simple divides its experiments into lessons.

What Kinds Of Lessons Will My Child Learn From This Book?

Of course, just like with any tools or curriculum, it really depends on how you present the material and their curiosity, but here are a few of the great “lessons” listed in the Table of Contents:

Magnets and Testing Hypotheses
Year-Round Gardening
What Do Seeds Need To Grow
Why Do Some Tree Leaves Change Color?
Stretch Your Senses on a Walk To A Nearby Park
Compost Critters
Spring-Flowering Bulbs…Are Planted In The Fall
Corn and an Introduction to the Globe
Winter Birds
What is Melting
What Can the Wind Do?

Why Is This Book Different From Other Science Textbooks?

Well, first off, it isn’t a textbook!  Second, it’s written for Preschoolers and Kindergartners (although the activities can definitely be altered for older kids if you have siblings involved).

Science is Simple contains over 250 Activities and each Lesson is divided into different sections that give you tips for presenting the material to your child.  And, if you struggle with what to say or the questions to ask, this book covers that too!  Also included in each lesson is a section on other activity ideas and book ideas beyond the experiments to help supplement what they just learned.

Would I Recommend This Book?

Definitely!  This is one of those resources that we’ll continue to use with all of our children.  Whether you are a home-educator or you teach in a classroom, it’s great!

Where Can I Get It?

You can find it on Amazon.com HERE.  Currently, it’s $13.57 (list price is $19.95).

PS – Want to see one of our experiments from the book?  Check out our mantis babies!

The Internet isnt working … Again.

Call to comcast:

C: …to upgrade your service, press 2.

A: (presses 2)

C: Hi and welcome to comcast, how may I help you?

A: Hi, I was wanting to upgrade my Internet account to one that works…

C: Okay, we can definitely help you with that… (she takes my information down should we get disconnected. I want to remind her that my phone service isnt comcast, so it shouldnt be a problem. But I dont.)

It shows here that you already have an existing Internet account with us…

A: Precisely.

C: We dont have any upgrades at this time for Internet, would you like to upgrade your TV service?

A: Oh really? I was starting to wonder if maybe I accidentally bought the works half the time package.

C: (in all seriousness, she says…). No, we actually dont offer any packages like that. Currently, we dont offer anything for just half the month. According to your account, you have unlimited Internet usage. You can get on any time you want for however long you want.

A: Exactly.

C: What?

A: So… I should be able to get online whenever and however long I want? Then, why does comcast keep turning it off?

C: Maybe I should transfer you to technical support instead of upgrades. They could probably help you better.

A: (I wonder about the accuracy of that statement and stifle another giggle.)

C: …..But, before I let you go, let me tell you about this great offer (speed talking starts) ifyousignuptodayforblahblahblah…

A: Im not really interested. Id really just like my Internet to work…

C: Yeah, but…

A: Transfer me.

C: Okay, well you are also eligible for our special service where we cover all technical equipment and it gives you 24/7 access to a technician in case you have more problems… Its only $9.99 a month.

A: No thanks.

C: Well, I thought you might be interested since youre having so much trouble. The technician could login to your computer remotely and help you get back online. And, itd all be free.

A: You mean… After the $9.99 a month, itd be free?

C: Thats correct.

A: So, let me get this straight: You want me to double-pay for Internet service I should be getting anyway but Comcast keeps screwing up. And then, you want your goofy technicians to have access to remote-in to my private computer from wherever to do absolutely nothing because lets face it… My Internet problems? Its not me, its you people.

C: Er…um…but…Well, okay. You are also eligible for a free home security system, but I will just have someone call you back about that so I can go ahead and transfer you to technical support to get your Internet back up.

What Is Time 4 Learning?

Time 4 Learning is an online curriculum for PreK – 8th Graders.  It can be used to complement their current curriculum or as an entire curriculum in itself to cover language arts, math, science, and social studies.

My Thoughts:

The Positive –

• Age appropriate “cartoons” teach the lessons.  Lorelei (age 4) and I tested out several different grade levels to see the differences in each.  As the grade level goes up, so does the appropriateness of the “cartoons.”
• The lessons were fun for Lorelei.  She generally enjoys school and learning anyhow, but these were easily presented as games for the most part.
• The ability to move at your own pace within grade levels and even beyond.
• Easy enough for a 3.5 year old to know how to move to the next lesson and within lessons (easy navigation)
• Slow and repetitive (great for younger or slower learners)
• Parents are able to see progress reports for their child’s work and set time limits for child to be on the program.
• Enhances computer skills
• Provides lessons plans and extra printable worksheets
  

The negative -

• Parents can’t select certain lessons to show or not show on a child’s page – would be a helpful option so the parent can let child do “assignments” instead of possibly wandering.  Also, would be helpful to not repeat lessons already learned.
• Repetitive and slow – great for slower learners, not so great for those who catch on more quickly.
• Not what I would consider a complete curriculum – except maybe the Pre-K could possibly stand alone.  Time 4 Learning lesson plans are correlated to the learning standards for all 50 states, however I believe there are some things that need to be hands-on and covered in more depth.
• Not enough reaction time before the lesson will begin repeating itself.  Lorelei would sometimes get very frustrated because she didn’t have enough time to make her decision and click.
• Price – Their prices are always available to change, so please check to see what their current pricing is set at.  Currently (at time of posting), their program cost about $20 per month for the first child ($14.95 for second child).  So, for us, that would be $240 for one year.

My Final Thoughts:

While Lorelei did enjoy the program, it wasn’t right for our family after we considered the yearly cost and the completeness of this particular program compared to what we needed for her.  However, if it was less expensive, we might consider it as a “fun activity” to complement her learning.  Also, I’m not very comfortable with her being on the computer for a large amount of time – whether it’s schoolwork or not.

Is it for you and your family? You decide.  Check out Time 4 Learning and their lesson demos for free!

Disclaimer:  I received Time 4 Learning as part of a review.  Like always, my thoughts and opinions are my own and are not swayed in any way.

If you watch much of the Food Network, it’s easy to get caught up in how *easy* things seem:  Pre-measured containers of food, a finished version of the dish already in the oven, and a crew to clean up your mess (and do your shopping for next episode!).

Often, we hear about the rags to riches stories, but really…those are few and far in between.  Rarely do we hear about the countless folks who apply their dreams and struggle through countless obstacles, sometimes never being able to fully realize their goals.

The story of Rick Tramonto, is laced with heartbreak, hardships, and inspiration.  Rick began as a dropout working at Wendy’s and slowly worked his way up to culinary stardom, encountering rough times in the process.  From the outside-in, it looked like Tramonto had all of the makings of a meaningful life.  But on the inside, his marriage and life were falling apart.  He had finally reached the point of giving up hope when things changed.

Rick Tramonto’s story is a wonderful one that attests to our need for God in our life in order to truly find meaning in our life.  –That it doesn’t matter if we reach every dream and attain the luxuries we think we need if God isn’t front and center in our life.

I’m not going to ruin the rest of the story (which is great by the way, and packed full of some of his original recipes), but this story is a hopeful one – one that speaks to those of us who have met more than our fair share of obstacles on the way to our dreams.  But, more than that…it gives hope that happiness and meaningfulness can be found regardless of where you are in life as long as you have your key ingredient:  God.

*DISCLAIMER:  I received this book to be reviewed.  As always, my thoughts and opinions are my own and can never be bought.

A little over a year ago, my husband took our girls and I to Disney World for the very first time (for us).  As magical as Disney World is, Jeff Dixon’s book The Key To The Kingdom takes it up yet another notch.  Dixon’s book is based on the popular theme park as he carefully unfolds a great mystery where characters scramble through the parks to uncover clues and missing pieces of one giant puzzle.

I soaked this book up in one weekend, so I consider this an easy, fun read.  I loved flipping through the pages and being able to mentally picture myself exactly where the characters were standing.  It’s one thing to build a scenario from scratch in your imagination as you read, but completely different when you’ve actually been to the place that the story unfolds.  The characters were easy to relate to and definitely kept me going.

My ONLY complaint would be that the many clues (trivia points) listed in the book weren’t neatly printed in the back for me to re-visit.  However, he did list his sources, so with a little work, I could easily educate myself on all Disney trivia (also, there are a few on his website).

Would I recommend this book? Definitely.  –Especially if you appreciate anything Disney (whether it’s theme parks, characters, or movies).

Book Price: $12.44 to $16, depending on where you buy it.  Available at BAMM, Borders, Amazon, and more.

This is a Mama Buzz review. The product was provided by Bring It On Communications for this review.  All comments and opinions, however, are mine.

I’m reading this wonderful book, One Thousand Gifts by Ann Voscamp, and don’t want to put it down.

We all have those moments, days, and even years where our life seems to have crumbled to shambles beneath our very feet.  This book is about the dare to live fully right where you are.

Join the author, myself and many others as we come together to discuss this wonderful life-changing book (HERE).