Mommy Octopus

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Review: LeapPad3 Learning System

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LeapPad3

 

I’ve heard from several of my readers that would like to know more about the new LeapPad3.  LeapFrog has graciously sent a LeapFrog3 and some of their popular games for us to review and let you know our thoughts!

LeapPad3

I have to tell you my first thought upon taking it out of the box.  HOORAY for no batteries!  It has a rechargeable internal battery like adult tablets!  We have the original LeapPad and it goes through batteries like crazy, so having the internal battery is very important to me.

The new LeapPad3 is a Wi-Fi accessible tablet that provides access to kid-safe web experience and over 1,000 age appropriate, educator approved games.  Right off the bat, it includes 10 games plus you get your choice of another downloadable game!

My favorite thing about all LeapFrog products is that it’s not just a gaming system.  When my kids play, they are learning!  We’ve been using our LeapPad3 to enhance my younger 2 daughters learning while I’m homeschooling the big kids.  I know that they are safe, engaged, and learning, and that makes me happy.  The girls do like to play some games on my iPad but not all are learning games, so I really try to limit those.  I’d much rather them be playing with the LeapPad3.

LeapPad3

 

A neat feature of the LeapPad3 is that it auto-adjusts the level that your child needs to be on to keep them challenged or to back off if they aren’t ready for a concept yet.  Their progress is remembered from game to game and book to book!

My daughters both agree that Octonauts is the best game to play on the LeapPad3.  It has some of their favorite characters and they enjoy the games.  If you have games from previous versions of the LeapPad, they will work on the LeapPad3, so no worries about that!

LeapPad3

 

We are definitely impressed with the LeapPad3 and I’m considering getting a 2nd one so both my girls can play.  LeapPad3 is equipped for peer-to-peer games over Wi-Fi, so you can play safely with friends across nearby Wi-Fi–enabled LeapFrog devices using the included Pet Chat and Pet Pad Party apps. Or, extend the fun on LeapFrog Kart Racing, Roly Poly World, Arturo’s Bug Adventures, Go Gopher Go and more (sold separately).  I would definitely recommend keeping this item in mind when you create your holiday wish lists.

Big thanks for LeapFrog for sending us the product to review.  For more information, you can check check out LeapFrog.com or find this product on Amazon.com.

Make Cookie Monster Brownie Sandwich Cookies

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Cookie Monster Brownie Sandwich Cooki

 

Making themed food for my kids has been a source of fun for me lately.  Last week, we made the Cookie Monster Brownie Sandwich Cookies that I found on the Dixie Crystals website.  They were so easy to make!  The cookie was so soft and brownie-ish that it practically melted in my mouth!  You, too, can have fun making these treats with your children.

First up, make the cookies!

Monster Cookies 1

Cookie Ingredients:

  • 1 3/4 cups flour
  • 3/4 cup cocoa
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup butter, room temperature
  • 1 cup Dixie Crystals Extra Fine Granulated Sugar 
  • 1 egg
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla
  • 1/2 cup milk chocolate chips (we used dark chocolate chips instead)

Directions:

  1. Preheat oven to 350° F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
  2. In bowl, whisk flour, cocoa, baking soda and salt. Set aside.
  3. Cream butter and sugar together until light and creamy, about 3 minutes. Add egg, milk, and vanilla. Once combined, slowly add dry ingredients until fully mixed.
  4. Take a heaping tablespoon and drop batter onto the prepared baking sheets, 2 inches apart.
  5. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes. The cookies will be set, but still soft. Cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

frosting

Now we can make the buttercream icing filling.  Note, I found that this recipe made a TON of icing, more than we needed, so consider halving the recipe.

For Buttercream Icing: 

Directions:

  1. Combine all ingredients using an electric mixer.
  2. Continue to beat until ingredients are well combined and fluffy.

Now it’s time to put together your monster!

IMG_2976

Tips on how to put together Cookie Monster:

  • I found it easiest to put the frosting on top of one cookie and then stack a 2nd cookie on top.  This way, the bottom of the cookie monster is still flat on the bottom and will easily sit on any plate.
  • Put a generous helping of frosting in between the cookies.
  • Using a ziplock bag, pipe frosting on top of the 2nd cookie to add your candy eyes.  Candy eyes can be found at most craft stores.
  • Eat and enjoy!

Cookie Monsters

These are perfect for a fall/Halloween party or just for fun with your kids.  Simple to make, delicious to eat!

For more fun recipes and activities, visit Kids Kitchen.

This is a sponsored post, written for Dixie Crystals.

LeapFrog LeapBand – Kids Fitness and Activity Tracker!

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LeapBand

A few weeks ago, LeapFrog introduced it’s kid fitness and activity tracker!  It’s called the LeapBand!

Screen Shot 2014-10-07 at 3.08.17 PM

 

We were sent a LeapBand to check out for you guys and my 5 year old has volunteered to check it out.  She loves it and loves the challenges that it gives her.  Some of them are pretty silly and the other kids join in the fun as well.

LeapBand

 

The LeapFrog LeapBand was easy to set up and came already partially charged so we were able to play it immediately.  And yes, I said charged, so batteries are not needed.  To recharge, simply plugin to your computer with it’s included cord.

On your LeapBand, your child can choose a pet and then they do activities with their pet.  They can feed it healthy food, play with it, and do challenges.

LeapBand

 

Through different activities, your child earns points in order to level up and get more animals.

On the back end of things, you can plug the LeapBand into your computer and check your child’s progress.  You can even specify which times your child can play with the LeapBand so they aren’t getting into trouble at school or playing with it during bedtime.  There is also an area that you can select which challenges it will ask your child to perform. If your child is in any way limited or frustrated with a challenge, you can deselect the ones that your child would struggle with doing.  Your child also doesn’t need to be able to read since it will say all instructions out loud.

My kids really like the LeapBand and are enjoying playing with it and I made a little video to show you some of the features that make it so fun.

If you cannot see the video, CLICK HERE to see it.

So there you have it!  It’s a hit around here!  For more information, you can check it out on LeapFrog.com or on Amazon.com.

Simple Oven Dried Apple Rings

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Simple Oven Dried Apple Rings

 

My mom recently came back from New York and with her she brought nearly a bushel of apples!  My kids have been gobbling them up like crazy, but I figured we needed something fun to do with them besides just eating them.  We decided to make Simple Oven Dried Apple Rings.

What’s nice about them is that they can be done right in your oven and it’s almost a “fix it and forget it” type of dish that doesn’t take too much effort.

First step, wash your apples well and core them.  Slice into 1/4 inch rings using a mandolin.

Simple Oven Dried Apple Rings

 

As you slice the apples, discard the tops and bottom rings and drop the remaining apples into a bowl with 2 tbsp lemon juice and 2 cups of water to prevent browning.

Simple Oven Dried Apple Ring

Dry the apples on a clean kitchen towel and then lay the slices on wire racks over baking sheets.  Place in the oven on low heat (140 degrees F) for 2-10 hours depending on your preference, turning occasionally.  Longer for crisp slices and less for soft slices.

Then enjoy!  Store extra in an airtight jar or container in a dark, cool place.

Recipe: 3 Ingredient Guacamole – Make in 5 Minutes!

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3 Ingredient Guacamole - Make in 5 Minutes!

 

On Sunday I was in a position where I needed to fix a snack quickly for a bunch of people at my in-laws and wasn’t quite sure what I could make to serve.  I noticed that there were a bunch of avocados, but no tomatoes or onions to pair with to make my usual guacamole. They also didn’t have a food processor so I was in a bit of a pickle.

There was a can of Ro-Tel in the pantry, so I decided to wing it!  It turned out great!  Everyone was raving about it and I was surprised at how simple it was to make.

First up, you’ll need to cut open 4 or 5 avocados and take the pit out.  Put all the avocado goodness in a bowl.  Add 1/2 can of Ro*Tel and juice from 1 small lime.  You can add more Ro*Tel based on your preference.

3 Ingredient Guacamole

Using a potato masher, mash it up!  Don’t get too carried away since you will want a little bit of texture to the guacamole.  The Ro*Tel already has salt in it, so you can serve it as is or add a teensy bit if you think it needs more.

IMG_2816

 

Serve with chips and enjoy!

3 Ingredient Guacamole – Make in 5 Minutes!
Author: Mommy Octopus
Ingredients
  • 4-5 Avocados
  • 1/2 Can Ro-Tel
  • 1 Lime
Instructions
  1. Cut open Avocados and take out the pit. Scrape avocado into small bowl
  2. Add in 1/2 can of Ro-Tel or preference.
  3. Juice 1 lime.
  4. Using a potato masher, mash all ingredients to combine.
  5. Salt if desired.
  6. Serve with Chips.

 

Where I’ve Been…

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I apologize for not keeping up with the deals and info the past couple of days.  Honestly, I’m supposed to be at the Type-A Conference this weekend talking with a bunch of brands and bringing you guys lots of new info and fun stuff.  Unfortunately, I’m not.  But fortunately all members of my extended family are alive and well.

On Wednesday afternoon, my brother in law was in a serious bicycle wreck that included a concussion and road rash.  He stayed 2 days in the ICU and was transferred last night to a regular room where he will stay for the next few days.  It’s been a long couple of days but we are thankful he will be ok and that he is still here to be my children’s silly uncle.

We would appreciate healing prayers and prayers for the rest of the family during this time.  Please be patient with me as well, as family always comes before anything else.

~Erin

Homemade Laundry Detergent Recipe

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Homemade Laundry Detergent

 

 

It’s that time again for my family.  Time to make more laundry detergent!  With a family of 6, we have lots of clothing that needs to be washed.  I’ve been able to save money by making my own laundry detergent the past couple years.  Its super easy to do as well!

  • 1- 4lb 12 oz box of 20 Mule Team Borax
  • 1 – 4 lb box of Arm And Hammer Baking Soda
  • 1 – 3 lb 7 oz box of Arm and Hammer Super Washing Soda
  • 1 – 3lb container Oxy-Clean
  • 4 – bars Fels Naptha Soap, grated
  • 1 – large bottle of Purex Crystals in your favorite scent

Simply combine all ingredients in large rubbermaid container and combine together.  Mix well to ensure that everything is combined.  Use 2-3 tablespoons per wash for a non-HE washer or 1 tablespoon for HE!

Tasty Tuesday: Egg Roll in a Bowl

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Egg Roll in a Bowl

I have seen several recipes for egg roll in a bowl, however some contained soy sauce, which we cannot have due to my son’s allergy and some contained funky things that we didn’t have on hand.  For lunch today, I put together our own version of Eggroll in a Bowl that was a huge hit around here!  My hubby loved it as well!

We had received cabbage in our Bountiful Basket this past week and we had carrots and onions leftover from a previous basket so everything we needed was on hand.

Egg Roll in a Bowl

 

First up, throw a pound of Johnsonville Italian Sausage or similar brand into a large skillet.  Brown the pork until done.  Add in a whole chopped onion and stir to combine.  Cook over medium high heat about 5 minutes.

As the onions cook, prepare your cabbage and carrots.  I found it easiest to chop the cabbage and then put it through my food processor to shred.  Same with the carrots.  I peeled them and put them through the food processor.  Much easier!

Add in your cabbage and carrot mixture along with your coconut amines, garlic, and ginger.  Stir to combine and cover.  Cook on low about 5-8 more minutes.

photo 4-4

Enjoy!

Tasty Tuesday: Eggroll in a Bowl
Ingredients
  • 1 lb package Johnsonville or similar italian sausage
  • 1 Head of cabbage, shredded
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 2 carrots
  • 3 cloves of garlic
  • 1 teaspoon ginger
  • 1/4 cup Coconut Aminos (Soy Sauce Alternative)
Instructions
  1. Brown the sausage in a skillet until done.
  2. Add in onions and cook over medium high heat for about 5-10 minutes.
  3. While the onions and sausage cooks, put the peeled carrots through the food processor to grate and do the same with the washed and cored cabbage.
  4. Add the cabbage and carrots into the sausage mixture.
  5. Add in the garlic, ginger and coconut aminos.
  6. Stir to combine, cover, and cook on medium low about 5 minutes.
  7. Eat while warm!

My husband had the great idea to stir a little horseradish mustard in his at the end and he loved it that way!

This is a great carb free meal that also goes well on the Trim Healthy Mama plan.  This would be an S meal.

How to Make Vampire Doughnuts

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How to Make Vampire Doughnuts

 

 

I love making fun things out of food!  Check out these fun Vampire doughnuts!  They are so easy to make!

Simply grab a dozen doughnuts, vampire teeth, and chocolate chips or other candy for eyes.

Dozen Vampire Doughnuts

 

Place the vampire teeth in the hole of the doughnut and add the eyes and you have a fun seasonal food.  I’m sending these in to work with my husband tomorrow.  I think the other deputies will get a kick out of Vampire Doughnuts!  (Yes, I’m sending doughnuts to officers) 🙂

Enjoy!

(P.S. You can grab 144 vampire teeth on Amazon right now for $6.98!)

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