Part 2 – Free Kids Apps

**(When I downloaded these apps they were free, I cannot guarantee if they started charging a fee.) **

I completely forgot about all the phones and tablets out there that are not an “I” product.  To those, I apologize if these apps are not available for your product.  Otherwise, I was pleasantly surprised with the positive feedback from the last Free Kids Apps post! Thank you and Enjoy!

Toddler Puzzle Shapes – This app is compatible for iPhone, iPod Touch, and iPad.  You are able to turn the music on or off and is available in 5 different languages.  This app is for your little ones.  When you press start, you are given 5 different shapes and a ghost outline of one of the shapes.  Your child will then drag the correct shape to the ghost shape.  After every 3rd choosing of the shape a jigsaw (4 pieces) appears.  When you select a puzzle piece, it glows where the piece should go.  In the tools section, you are able to turn off the jigsaw section.

PBS Kids Video – Compatible with iPhone & iPad.  Got any kids that love Elmo?  He’s on this app along with SUPER WHY, Curious George, Cat in the Hat and others!  However, this is not a game your child can watch videos of their favorite educational friends.

Barnyard Mahjong Free – This one is also compatible with the iphone & ipad.  This is for the bigger kids (and this Mom!)  If you’ve ever played a Mahjong game you know it’s addictive.  If you haven’t, all you do is match the tiles and you’ll catch “the addict bug”. The tiles in this one are animals, fruits, veggies and the farmer, so it’s easier for kids.

Happy Downloading!


signature

Children & Technology – Wordless Wednesday


signature

Belated Monday Motivation: Office Organization

I haven’t been doing very well with keeping up with my Monday Motivation posts. I did get my office organized last weekend but failed to post photos. So I am doing it this week. Though my tables are not quite as neat right now because I am in the middle of a couple of projects!

We still have a bit of stuff in our room, but it is minimal. I have to get another bookcase up to get the books up off the floor! I am also starting to think gardening and since half our room is not really used unless the boys are wrestling, I am thinking about setting up tables to start our seeds. Not sure about that idea yet though.

My utility closet/room is a disaster this week since the younger children have just thrown all their winter gear on the floor! So that is a goal for today to get that cleaned up. I should take a picture of it but the younger children usually do not care about stuff like that so it would be futile to use it as blackmail!

Now I have to do my Fun with Food Post (last week’s but will be posted THIS week!)


signature

Butt Bench Review

My first thought when I was first approached with something called a Butt Bench was, a Butt What?  After looking at the website (http://www.buttbench.com/), my curiosity instantly changed to I need one of these!

A Butt Bench is a wooden seat for the bathtub, it rests on the back of the tub and has 2 suction cups that attach to the wall.   Imagine, not having to be a flamingo or sitting on the edge of your tub trying to shave your legs. How many of us have had near accidents with falling over or sliding around on a slippery tub edge.  Come on, it’s okay we’ve all done it.  With this product, NEVER AGAIN.  The Butt Bench is very sturdy and can easily be removed or installed when it is needed.  Their website says in the FAQ’s section, the Butt Bench can hold up to 300 pounds.  They are available in Cedar,  Pine, Pink Pine, and White Pine.  The Butt Bench is also available in 12″ or 15″.

Here are 2 pictures from the Butt Bench website.

 

My Review –

Awesome product!  It is indeed sturdy and I feel much safer when shaving my legs.  I came down with a sinus infection is past week and it was great to sit in the steam.  It’s also good storage for shampoo bottles and soaps, no more having an avalanche of bottles.

Good news!  They are having a Valentine’s Sale!

Find them on Facebook –  https://www.facebook.com/buttbench1

Or Twitter –  twitter@buttbench

Faith and Family Reviews received the following product in exchange for writing a review. While we consider it a privilege to receive free products to review, our reviews are our honest opinion and thoughts of the product.


signature

The Essentials – A Healthy Tuesday Tip

Why Essential Oils are Essential?

*Immune stimulating *Supportive of the body’s natural defenses *Supportive of the immune, circulatory, respiratory, endocrine, digestive, nervous, and other body systems *Aiding in maintaining normal cellular regeneration *Mood elevating *Antiseptic (topical use only) *High in antioxidants *Aromatic *Oxygenating *Boosting to stamina and energy *Helpful in relaxation *Helpful in managing stress and frustration *Helpful in reducing the appearance of aging *Helpful in the improvement of mental clarity *Helpful in promoting overall health, vitality, and longevity.

What Are Essential Oils

Essential oils are the subtle, aromatic and volatile liquids extracted from the flowers, seeds, leaves, stems, bark and roots of herbs, bushes, shrubs and trees through distillation. According to ancient Egyptian hieroglyphics and Chinese manuscripts, priests and physicians were using essential oils thousands of years before Christ to heal the sick. They are the oldest form of medicine and cosmetic known to man and were considered more valuable than gold. There are hundreds of references to oils in the Bible. The wise men brought the Christ Child gold, frankincense and myrrh. (Clinical research now shows that frankincense oil contains very high immune stimulating properties.) Some of the precious oils which have been used since antiquity for anointing and healing the sick are: frankincense, myrrh, galbanum, hyssop, cassia, cinnamon and spikenard. Science is only now beginning to investigate the incredible healing substances found in essential oils.

Young Living Essential Oils are 100% Pure Therapeutic Grade


The Frequency of Essential Oils

The effectiveness of essential oils cannot be fully understood without some discussion of frequency. Frequency is the measurable rate of electrical energy flow that is constant between any two points. Everything has frequency. Pure Essential Oils have very high frequency. Dr. Robert O. Becker in his book, The Body Electric, establishes that the human body has an electrical frequency and that much about a person’s health can be determined by ones frequency. In 1992, Bruce Tainio of Tainio Technology, an independent division of Eastern State University in Cheny Washington, built the first frequency monitor in the world. Tainio has determined that the average frequency of the human body during the day time is 62-68 Hz. (A healthy body frequency is 62-72 Hz.) When the frequency drops the immune system is compromised. If the frequency drops to 58 Hz. cold and flu symptoms appear, at 55 Hz. diseases like Candida take hold, at 52 Hz. Epstein Bar, and at 42 Hz. Cancer. According to Dr. Royal Rife every disease has a frequency. He found that certain frequencies can prevent the development of disease and that others would destroy disease. Substances with higher frequency will destroy diseases of lower frequency. The study of frequencies raises an important question concerning the frequencies of substances we eat, breath, and absorb. Many pollutants lower healthy frequency. Processed/canned food has a frequency of zero. Fresh produce has up to 15 Hz., dry herbs from 12 to 22 Hz. and fresh herbs from 20 to 27 Hz. Essential oils start at 52 Hz. and go as high as 320 Hz., the frequency of Pure Rose Oil. Clinical research shows that essential oils have the highest frequency of any natural substance known to man creating an environment in which disease, bacteria, virus, fungus etc. cannot live.

Essential Oils Are Aromatic


Essential oils are highly aromatic and therefore many of the benefits can be obtained by simply inhaling them. This can be done by breathing in the fragrance from the bottle or can be diffused into the room. Essential oils when diffused can be the best air filtration system in the world. They will: (1) Purify by removing metallic particles and toxins from the air. (2) Increase atmospheric oxygen. (3) Destroy orders from mold, cigarettes and animals. (4) Fill the air with a fresh herbal aromatic scent. (5) Increase ozone and negative ions in the house which inhibits bacteria growth.

Essential Oils Penetrate

The penetrating characteristic of essential oils greatly enhances their ability to be effective. 100% Pure, Therapeutic Grade Essential Oils will penetrate into the body when applied to the skin. Essential oil placed on the feet will be distributed to every cell in the body in 21 minutes. They will even penetrate a finger or toe nail to treat fungus underneath.

Don’t expect the same results unless you are using Young Living Therapeutic Grade essential oils and supplements. Also, each person is different so they may not work as well for you as it does for others, So try another oil or supplement that might work better for you.

Essential oil testimonials are an effective way of learning and sharing. With this knowledge, We can take control of our own personal health. However, we are required by law to state:

“These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. Products and Techniques mentioned are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Information provided here is in no way intended to replace proper medical help. Consult with the health authorities of your choice.”

Copyright © 2011, Cornucopia Health Scents, All rights reserved.
What Are Essential Oils by Shauna Dastrup used with permission.


signature

Free Apps for Kids!

**(When I downloaded these apps they were free, I cannot guarantee if they started charging a fee.) **

Personally, I’m over the Angry Birds frenzy.  How about you?  For the next few weeks I’m going show you 3 apps that my daughter (she’s 3) and I enjoy.  Most of these apps are directed toward the little ones, but there are a few along the way that your older kids might like as well.

Like most free games on iTunes, they are not the entire version.  They want to get you hooked so you’ll buy it.  So, far that hasn’t affected our home and we are happy with what we got. 

The first one is called ABC Animal Puzzle Free.  This game is compatible with an iPhone and iPad.  This is not a complete version.  However, still very playable for your younger ones.  It’s a puzzle game.  There are 5-9 piece puzzles.  Besides the puzzle you are learning animals names, for example there is an elephant puzzle and it says ELEPHANT when you are completing it.  Also, on this app is a Memory Game. (Click the bubbles on the bottom right corner to activate the menu). There is a stickers & score card section that let’s you know which puzzles you’ve completed and how long it took. 

   Baby DJ – this one can get a little annoying after a while, but is still cute!  This app is currently available for the iPhone and iPad.   Got a little musician in your house?  Here’s the app for you.  There are 10 options on this one.  Anywhere from a lion to an octopus.  Even Santa Claus makes his way onto this app.  Once you choose an animal, the next screen opens to 9 “records” (like the good ol’ black vinyl records).  You touch a record and it spin and start a beat.  Then as you continue pressing the records, they sync up.  Then press them again and that record turns off.  Each animal has different beats. 

The last one for this week is Glow Draw!  Again, this one is available for the iPhone and iPad.  All kids love to draw and this app is kind of like etch a sketch.  You draw and then shake your device to erase it.  On the lower left you can change colors,make your line wider, put a background of your pictures loaded on your device and save or email you pictures!

Fun FREE apps for kids! Now it’s your turn to share you favorite apps!


signature

Where Wildflowers Bloom – A Revell Blog Tour

I read Where Wildflowers Bloom shortly after Christmas. It is a book in the Sisters at Heart series written by Ann Shorey.

Unfortunately my review isn’t going to give a stellar rating of this story. It was only ok. I found it a predictable, historical romance. I thought the main character, Faith Lindberg, was a bit flaky and did not make very wise choices because she was trying to run from her problems. Guess I am old enough now that I know running from problems only gives you more problems in the end!

On the other hand, I could understand Faith’s grief and wanting to run away from it because I have been there and done that. It is the realist in me, which is now on the other side of grief, that saw how useless her running away was ineffective against her healing.

I didn’t like the predictable story line. It makes for a rather bland book, in my humble opinion.

Ann Shorey is offering a giveaway that you may enter here.

Faith and Family Reviews received the following product in exchange for writing a review. While we consider it a privilege to receive free products to review, our reviews are our honest opinion and thoughts of the product.


signature

Little Ace and The Ten Commandments App Review & T-Shirt Giveaway

How cute is this little guy! 

It’s never to early to have your children learning about the Ten Commandments, in a fun way! This little cartoon chick goes on a journey to find “the God”.  While in this travels he learns about the Ten Commandments through other cartoon animals. 

The narrator of this story has a soothing voice, talks smoothly and slowly. With this iPad app you can turn the narrator on or off, so you or your child can read this e-book.  You can also control to turn the pages or have the “story” turn the pages when it’s time.  In addition, there are interactive opportunities for your child to help the animals with tasks, for example to find the goat’s glasses and put then on the goat. This app is available on iTunes for only $2.99.

Here are a few screen shots.

My Review –

This is a MUST HAVE e-book in my house.  My daughter and I loved it.  I let the narrator read to her (he does the animals voices much better than I).  The app says it good for children 4 and over, however my daughter is 3 and LOVED it.  What I like is it’s a book that will grow with your children.  Once they are at reading age, they can read to you.  The learning experience is also wonderful in a fun way.  My daughter loved the cartoon chick.  The graphics are not fancy or overwhelming.  Just very simple with a lot of impact on the story.  My recommendation is to download it now.  You won’t regret this one!

Here’s the download site – http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/little-ace-ten-commandments/id481298715?mt=8

Here’s Liitle Ace’s Website – http://www.acethechick.com/

And he’s on Facebook!  Go ahead and “like” him!  It’s hard not to!

Like this t-shirt?  You can win it!!!


a Rafflecopter giveaway

Faith and Family Reviews received the following product in exchange for writing a review. While we consider it a privilege to receive free products to review, our reviews are our honest opinion and thoughts of the product.


signature

Win an iTouch SPY Pack in the Chasing Mona Lisa Giveaway

Win an iTouch SPY Pack in the Chasing Mona Lisa Giveaway from @triciagoyer @mikeyorkey!

Chasing Mona Lisa is the continuing tale of Gabi Mueller and Eric Hofstadler (first introduced in The Swiss Courier). This time the due are on a relentless quest to save the most famous painting in the world  – the Mona Lisa. You can help Gabi and Eric with your very own spy pack when you enter The Chasing Mona Lisa Giveaway!

One passionate protector will receive:

  • iTouch (The must-have device for any spy. Camera, Maps & Music.)
  • Starbucks Gift Card (For all those late nights.)
  • Moleskin Notebook (For those important notes.)
  • Invisible Ink Pen (Don’t want anyone reading those important notes.)
  • Chasing Mona Lisa by Tricia Goyer & Mike Yorkey (Great handbook and intriguing tale for any spy-in-training!)

Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends at noon on January 31st. The winner will be announced at the Chasing Mona Lisa Facebook Party on 1/31. Tricia and Mike will be hosting an author chat (on Facebook and Live from Tricia’s website) and giving away their books and a Book Club prize pack! (Ten copies of the book for your small group or book club AND a LIVE Author Chat for your group with Tricia and Mike.)

So grab your copy of Chasing Mona Lisa and join Tricia and Mike on the evening of the 31st for an author chat, spy training (do you know how to pick a lock?) and lots of giveaways. 

Enter via E-mail Enter via FacebookEnter via Twitter

Don’t miss a moment of the fun. RSVP today and tell your friends via FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on the 31st!


signature

Watch FRESH online for FREE – 1 week only!

For today’s Thrifty Thursday post, we have a FREE movie! Those interested in our current food system you can now watch the movie FRESH online this week FREE! Here’s an email that I received from FRESH:

Here at FRESH, we’re always looking for ways to build the good food movement and reach a tipping point where sustainable food is the rule, not the exception. So, we’d like to continue spreading the word with an exciting new initiative: FRESH is available for viewing online for FREE! For a limited time (we do need to pay our bills after all), you can access the full-length film from your desktop. The movie will be available for one week, from Thursday, January 26th through Wednesday, February 1st, so don’t wait to watch! To access the movie, simply click below.

http://action.freshthemovie.com/p/salsa/web/common/public/signup?signup_page_KEY=6608

We hope that you will take the opportunity to enjoy the film and share it far and wide, with your friends, family, coworkers, school, baking club, gardening circle and more. After accessing the movie online, you’ll receive an exclusive link to purchase a FRESH DVD for home use for just $14.99, 50% off our regular price! Consider supporting FRESH and our work by buying or gifting a copy to someone you care about.

http://action.freshthemovie.com/p/salsa/web/common/public/signup?signup_page_KEY=6608

Cheers,

Ana and Crystal
The FRESH Team

P.S. Want to support good food and our work at FRESH? Consider adding to our tip jar.

Like this message? Forward it and pass it on!

Facebook
Twitter

Or, copy and paste the following text into Twitter: Watch @FRESHthemovie, FREE online till 2/1! Great film on how to put good food on every plate: http://bit.ly/AbfNsm

© 2008 FRESH the movie – New thinking on what we’re eating.


signature