Scotch Restickable Mounting Shapes, Tabs & Strips Review
If you have little ones in your house, chances are you have “art work” everywhere you turn. Well, at least that is most definitely the case in our house. K loves to make art projects for everyone, and big or small she wants to be sure they are displayed. I have a few key display places, but frankly we are running outta space! That’s why I am in love with Scotch Restickable products.
Scotch Restickables come in three forms Mounting Shapes, Tabs and Strips. They are reusable, non-damaging and oh-so-perfect for displaying K’s artwork at home and at Daddy’s office. They pretty much rock!
Since about half the artwork K creates is designated to go to work with Daddy, his office bulletin board is long past overflowing. Which is why the moment the package arrived, the tabs were immediately sent to Daddy’s office (along with another piece of art work, of course). Ta-da – Daddy can now utilize his wall space to display the proud work of our Miss K.
Look how nice and neat her projects look using the Restickable Tabs.
The Mounting Shapes come in pink, blue and orange, and each package contains stars, hearts and circles. The mounting shapes can be used behind the art you want displayed (like the tabs Dad used at work) or they can be used on top of the artwork to add a little bit of fun to your display. (Hint, I left the plastic protector sheet on top of the shapes that I knew were going to be placed on top of the art work. My thinking is that this will prevent them from attracting dust.) Of course, my little girl was all about the pink shapes, and she loved that Mommy let her hang up her artwork in her room. A new treat.
In addition to being able to stick up your work anywhere, when it is time to change out your artwork, your art comes down clean without leaving a mark on your walls or your art project. Of course, the only reason to take down art in my house is to put up new art in its place. Restickables are reusable. Here’s the coolest part – if your Restickables get dusty/dirty and don’t stick, just rinse them off with soap and water to make them stick again. (Love this feature.)
The one thing I would caution moms is that they are super sticky… so they can rip your paper. I actually had this happen to me twice – once with a super thin piece of paper K had drawn on (no big loss) and the second time when I placed a mounting shape on top of a photo, part of the image tore off when I took it down (I was very sad about this). So be sure that when hanging photos, if you are planning to use the mounting shapes on top – like I did – that it is a replaceable photo… just in case. Most of the time I have used these things with no problem, but it did happen…
The one place I was hoping to use my Restickables was to hold up the ribbon on my daughter’s growth chart (not weight bearing, just decorative), but this was the one test that my Restickables did not pass. I guess the fabric ribbon has too much lint or something because the tab stayed put on the way, but the bow keeps falling down. Oh well.
Another thing I think Restickables will be good for is birthday cards (and well wishes for the baby). When birthday season arrives, K always receives a slew of birthday cards. Normally, I have to clear of a space on a shelf to display the cards, now I will be able to use Restickables to display the cards. No more knocking over the cards like dominoes! (Would be good for Christmas cards too, but I have a display for those.)
Disclosure – I wrote this review while participating in a blog tour by Mom Central Consulting on behalf of Scotch and received ScotchRestickable products to facilitate my review and a promotional item to thank me for taking the time to participate.
The Gruffalo Movie Review ~ Giveaway
Based on the best-selling children’s book, The Gruffalo magically comes to life in the movie now available on DVD. In the classic fable, a clever, little mouse encounters three hungry predators, but in each case the cunning mouse’s story of a Gruffalo frightens his would-be attackers away. But will happens when mouse comes face to face with this monster from his imagination?
A mouse took a stroll in the deep dark wood. A fox saw the mouse and the mouse looked good.
The captivating story is told with few words, but its tone and rhythm will stick with you, long after you watch the movie.
Silly old Fox! Doesn’t he know, there’s no such thing as a Gruffalo?
To compliment the story, the animation is incredible. It is as beautiful to watch as it is to listen to.
Not being familiar with the tale, when the movie first arrived, my husband was concerned that the movie might be a little scary for K. But when we sat down to watch it as a family, she watched the entire movie without a peep. We asked a couple of times if she was ok, and she seemed just fine. While I think she enjoyed it, I think it might be a little “old” for her still (she is 3). I recommend it for a bit older group – perhaps 5+.
The Gruffalo is now available on DVD through Amazon for $9.99.
Giveaway – One lucky reader will win a copy of The Gruffalo for their family.
To enter – Please use the Rafflecopter form below to take advantage of your entry opportunities.
Disclosure – I was provided a copy of this movie to facilitate this review, however, all thoughts and opinions are my own.
HalloweenCostumes.com Review
Dress-up play is a daily occurrence in our house. There is a nearly constant parade of princesses and tutus, hats and purses, play heels and jewels and more. My girly-girl can’t get enough of playing dress up, and when her friends show up… let’s just say it’s a good thing that we have a bunch of costumes to play with!
As the biggest dress-up day of the year approaches, costume stores (both on- and offline) will begin popping up on every corner. But the last thing a little girl wants is to have the same costume as another little girl has (gasp). So the key for discerning moms (who don’t feel the crafty bug to make a costume themselves), is to find a site with exclusive costumes. I found one, and I found the cutest costume for my little princess!
HalloweenCostumes.com carries a huge variety of costumes and accessories for babies to adults including a line of exclusive costumes that you won’t find anywhere else. Including this adorable Alice in Wonderland Tutu.
I mean really, could she be any cuter? I simply love this costume because it includes a leotard, a tutu, apron and a headband, which means the pieces can be mixed and matched with other things for even more fun costumes. I also have to point out that this is one of the highest quality costumes I have purchased in a long time. Seriously, this is a costume that was made for play and made to last! (Normally priced at $36.99, this costume is currently on sale for $24.99) And since I am planning an Alice Tea Party for K’s birthday (yes, I am already planning for March), this will be the perfect outfit for the birthday girl!
In addition to the extensive selection of costumes for babies, toddlers and kids, HalloweenCostumes.com offers tons of great adult costumes for both men and women – like some really neat pirate costumes. The site also offers a flat $4.99 shipping.
Finally, if you are looking for a great deal, HalloweenCostumes.com is currently running a big sale on tons of costumes and accessories (up to 90% off). With Halloween just around the corner, now’s the time to scoop up these hot deals for the holiday or for dress-up play.
Disclosure – I was provided the Alice costume to facilitate my review, however, all thoughts an opinions are my own.
The Fox and The Hound 1 & 2 Review
I consider myself well-versed in Disney culture and movies, but for some reason The Fox and The Hound was not a movie that I was very familiar with. But since K is also being raised with an appreciation for all things from The Mouse, and she just loves Bambi, I couldn’t wait to get my hands on a copy of the re-released set of both The Fox and The Hound 1 & 2.
Originally debuting in 1981, this tale of two unlikely friends features some very familiar voices from other Disney classics including Mickey Rooney as Todd, John Fiedler (better known as Piglet from Winnie the Pooh) as Porcupine, Pat Buttram (the voice of the Sheriff from Disney’s Robin Hood) as Chief and Kurt Russel joining the voices as Cooper. I just love hearing familiar voices in the Disney Classics.
When Tod, an orphaned fox cub meets Copper, a coonhound puppy, they make a pledge to be lifelong friends, not realizing that Copper is being groomed to hunt wild animals, including foxes. Copper spends the winter with his owner, Slade, and an older dog, Chief, tracking animals at a remote cabin. When they return, a lonely Tod eagerly greets his old playmate but is stunned when a reluctant Copper joins Slade and Chief to chase Tod through the forest. During the pursuit, Tod escapes but Chief is seriously injured. Seeking revenge, Copper hunts down Tod only to find himself confronting an even bigger enemy, which he and Tod must face together.
The follow up story of The Fox and The Hound 2 (2006) introduced more familar voices to the cast of characters including Patrick Swayze as Cash, Reba McEntire Jeff Foxworthy as Lyle.
In The Fox and the Hound 2, music takes centerstage as Tod contemplates joining up with “The Singin’ Strays,” a group of harmonizing dogs appearing at the local county fair but dreaming of hitting the big time at the Grand OleOpry. While Tod does his best to fit in with his new friends, Copper finds himself relegated to “roadie,” a position he begins to resent. With the encouragement of Dixie, the “diva” of “The Singin” Strays,” Copper manages to sabotage an important audition. The next day, their differences forgotten, Copper and Tod team up and, using Copper’s superior tracking skills, they locate the Grand Ole Opry talent scout who signs “The Singin’ Strays” (minus Tod, who chooses his friendship with Copper over fame) on the spot.
Since the main characters (Cooper and Todd) grow up in the first movie, I was a little surprised to see them again as pups in The Fox and The Hound 2. But I quite enjoyed the lighter story focused on a series of musical numbers that made my daughter want to get up and dance.
Both movies are Disney Classics that I am very happy to share with and enjoy with my daughter. Whether The Fox and The Hound was a favorite of yours as a kid, or, like me, you are not as familiar with this film, I recommend adding the 30th Anniversary set that includes both movies to your Disney library.
The Fox and The Hound 1 & 2 Blu-Ray/DVD combo is now available on Amazon for $22.99 (remember this is for two full-length movies). Another pleasant surprise, because it is two movies you will receive 250 Disney Movie Rewards points for this combo!
For another fun treat, click on the image below to download the activity sheets for the kiddos. (The Suburban Mom HINT – K loved the coloring pages, but I didn’t bother printing out the “spot the differences” page because it was full color (hello ink eater), so we just looked at that on the computer.)
Disclosure – I was provided a copy of The Fox and The Hound 1 & 2 to facilitate this review, however, all thoughts and opinions are my own.
Virtual Baby Shower – One Step Ahead Review
With my first, I had the luxury of planning my day-to-day activities around her schedule. We had a routine that revolved around her nap, feeding and play schedule. Heck, even at three years old our schedule pretty much revolves around what works for her. Sure, there is the occasional shift in routine, but it is mostly her world.
For baby #2, I already anticipate the second-child syndrome of having to be flexible around big sister’s activities. From preschool pick up to dance class, I’ll be dragging this kiddo through sister’s world. After all, I can’t well keep a busy three year old home with me all of the time – we’d all go nuts!
In the beginning, the infant car seat will be her perch. But soon enough she will need more entertainment than just me rocking her. Dreading a baby wanting to crawl around dirty floors (ick), I know I will need somewhere to put her. Check out the solution I found.
The KidCo Go-Pod Portable Activity Center from One Step Ahead is an activity center on the go. It is lightweight (7 lbs) and folds easily, making it the perfect place to plop the baby for some play time while we wait for Sis. Can’t you see us waiting in the dance studio lobby playing happily while mom watches big Sis dance? Ahhhhh, one can hope it will be this simple, right? 
Another great use for this portable wonder is on playdates to visit big sister’s friends, or traveling when bringing along an entire swing or exersauser is outs the question. Really the possibilities for use go on and on…
Of course nothing lasts forever, and the product recommends for use from 4 months and up to 26 lbs or the baby starts walking. I fear it will be a sad day when it is time to retire this handy contraption, but isn’t it always a sad day when they move on from stage to stage and old toys are left behind?
Features I love:
- Protective floor mat – no touching an icky floor with little toes
- A cup holder and a snack holder – will put snacks in a cup so I don’t have to clean holders
- 5 loops for attaching toys – yeay, no picking up toys that have been thrown on the floor
- Carrying bag with shoulder strap makes it super easy to take on the go – easy peasy fold too
- 4 adjustable height positions to accommodate your growing baby – see picture above that shows poll in highest position
Overall, this is a nifty contraption. The only con that I have noticed is that it takes some serious finger pressure to adjust the height, but since that isn’t something you will do often it isn’t that big of a deal. Besides, you really wouldn’t want little fingers adjusting the height, so just and FYI more than a con.
The KidCo Go-Pod Portable Activity Center is available from One Step Ahead for $49.95. If you have never shopped from One Step Ahead, you should really check it out. The company carries all kinds of solutions for babies that I have never seen anywhere else, all kinds of great stuff.
I am excited that One Step Ahead is participating in The Suburban Mom’s Virtual Baby Shower. In addition to all of the other fabulous prizes, the winner will win a KidCo Go-Pod Portable Activity Center!
Enter to win The Suburban Mom’s Virtual Baby Shower Giveaway valued at more than $550 here!!!
Disclosure - I received the KidCo Go-Pod Portable Activity Center to facilitate this review and one is being provided for the winner, however, all thoughts and opinions are my own.
