Laser X Revolution and Laser X Micro B2 Blaster Review

We were introduced to the Laser X family of products two Christmas' ago! My son is really into outdoor activities. Each new Laser X has something exciting to offer; that leaves us with hours of fun together! If you have been following I just post the review of the Laser X Evolution the other day. You can check it out HERE.

Let's discuss the Laser X Revolution & Laser X Micro B2 Blaster!!

Laser X Revolution can be found at Target and getlaserx.com. Laser X Revolution blast opponents up to 300’ away – inside or out, in darkness or bright sunlight.  Choose from more than 20 team colors to light up your blaster! Blaster beams go through windows and strategically bounce off walls and mirrors to hit opponents, while quick-slide reload keeps the action going. 

My favorite part All Laser X gear works together. Games can include unlimited players. Recommended for Ages 6+.

Laser X Micro B2 Blasters are the most portable, easy-to-use Laser X Blasters! These compact, 5-inch blasters feature state-of-the-art lighting and sound effects that bring the excitement of a laser tag arena right to your own backyard. No receiver vests are needed, because a receiver is built right into each blaster! With a blasting range of 100, Micro B2 Blasters work with all other Laser X gear. Games can include an unlimited number of players. Play one-on-one, in teams or set your blaster to “rogue, and every player’s on their own! 

Also recommended for Ages 6 and up.

Do you own any of the Laser X products?

If so, What is your favorite Laser X ??

Tips for going to a Pumpkin Patch

I first started throwing Pumpkin Parties when I purchased my home. I didn't have children, but saw a need for kids to participate in good wholesome crafty fun. Back then (and still today) parents couldn't afford extras like pumpkins and parties. Since I didn't have kids, I felt it was my gift to them to set up, host and throw a fun kid party each year.

Thus a tradition of pumpkin parties began until THIS year. It is the first time in 15 years I will not be hosting a Pumpkin party. It's pretty sad. So we decided to go to a Pumpkin Patch and pick our own pumpkins rather than just buying from a produce stand. If you are comfortable throwing a Pumpkin Party and want some tips check out THIS POST.

Once I shared our trip I got several questions, so here a few tips:

**Wear comfortable clothes

**Bring something to keep them in. While the stand we visited gave us baskets to use while picking we still needed our own way to get them back home with us. I suggest a basket or bucket. 

**They price per Quart and bushel

** Search your local area and find farms then keep notifications on because many of the "U PICK" items are seasonal and weather permitting. The dates are ever changing and seem to sell out quick!

I know you can go and purchase pumpkins from a chain store BUT where is the fun in that? (ok so it's convenient but I like some adventure). I also believe in purchasing from a local farmer to help them and our community. I will say after physically picking our pumpkins form a patch I think we will continuing to do that every year as well. While roadside produce stands are fun this was more our speed. If you want to see some of the other produce we picked this year take a look at these articles: Grapes, Strawberries, Cherries, Peaches and Apples.

Do you pick out  your Pumpkins??

Grocery store or Local Farm Stand??

Do you curve Pumpkins??

5 Ways to encourage STEM Learning

As a mother, you hear a lot about all the things you need to teach your child. After venturing in to Remote Learning for school, I have been diligent with my son's studies. One major educational focus, teachers have, in the last few years are STEM learning programs. 

What is the STEM approach, you might ask? It centers around Science, Technology, Engineering and Math education.

**I received a  few free products to  help facilitate my review. I was not required to write a positive review . The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC Regulations.

1. Everywhere I look, STEM is featured in articles, on daytime TV shows and in the classroom. We have been lucky to find great educational toys and programs that help fuel the love of STEM under a blanket of learning! Which would be my very first way to encourage STEM learning. Get them EXCITED about it! The more you encourage them the more you both will enjoy it. We dress up, we "play" together and even read together.

2. Find products to help implement STEM learning in your home! These can be fun activity kits similar to this Crayola Space Science Kit. It's loaded with STEAM and educational activities for your little astronaut. Learn about stars, planets, meteors, and create a full- scale solar system. It encouraged kids to ignite their creativity and space imagination.

3. Play a card game together. We play a variety of card games at all different times of the day. Before COVID-19 we would play a few hands of Rummy before school drop off. It encourages Math and Strategy. If you are looking for some card games check out our favorites here.

4. Coding is a great way to bring STEM inside the home and help your child learn technology and programming. During quarantine we tried iD Tech. They offer Virtual Tech Camps, perfect for home-based students seeking the collaborative spirit of on-campus programs. They utilize your child’s love of apps & video games (think Minecraft and Fortnite) into a foundation for college, internships, and dream careers.

5. Encourage reading!! I am a HUGE advocate of reading to kids but also to get them excited to read for themselves. This is were they can become imaginative inventors and creators. Escaping to distant worlds (in a novel) to learning fun facts in non-fiction books, STEM learning can be woven in. My son is an AVID reader if you ever need suggestions let me know. Here are a few books I would recommend when your kids are ages 4-7, here.

Have you heard of STEM learning?

How do you implement STEM Learning at home?

Spaghetti Balinese Recipe

 During this Pandemic I have been really going back to making things from scratch! Today, I am delighted to share my Spaghetti Balinese Recipe thanks to the wonderful folks at Vermont Wagyu. They provided the delicious naturally raised 100% full-blood Wagyu beef. Head over to their website for some if you are in the market. This recipe is SUPER easy to make, with delicious flavors that is sure to be a hit!

What you will need:

1 pd of 100% full-blood Wagyu beef
3 cloves of garlic (diced)
1 Small onion (diced)
Olive oil (about a tablespoon)
1-2 Can of tomatoes (diced) or you can use fresh
2 small cans of tomato sauce
2 packets of  gravy mix
Spaghetti
Small glass of wine (Optional)

Laser X Evolution Review

**I received a free product to review. I was not required to write a positive review . The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC Regulations.

We were introduced to the Laser X family of products two Christmas' ago! My son is really into outdoor activities. We happened to stumble upon these at our local Walmart. Each new Laser X has something exciting to offer; that leaves us with hours of fun together!

Let's discuss some of the NEW Laser X Evolution coming out!!

Laser X Evolution, is a new addition to the Laser X family and works with all previous Laser X products!  Laser X is the #1 Home Laser Tag System on the PLANET! 

Blast opponents up to 300' away – inside or out, in darkness or bright sunlight. The blaster beams go through windows and strategically bounce off walls and mirrors to hit opponents. All while quick-slide reloads keep the action going. 

Games can include unlimited players. Ages 6+. Requires 6 "AAA" batteries (not included). Sold exclusively at Walmart!

From our personal use the Laser X Evolution coming out fit right in with our other units. I love being able to play multiplayer or just one on one with my son. Set up is easy, quality is great and they are the perfect family backyard activity, in my opinion.

Do you own any of the Laser X products?

If so, What is your favorite Laser X ??

Wubble Rumblers Review

**I received a free product to review. I was not required to write a positive review . The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC Regulations.

We have reviewed several of the Wubble Ball products because my son personally LOVES them. If you do as well, check out several of the reviews on the Supper Wubble, Wubble Ball and Glo Wubble Ball. Each one that comes out has something exciting to offer that leaves us with hours of fun together!

Let's discuss some of the NEW Wubble products coming out!!

Wubble Rumblers are the latest in the Wubble family. Styles include a Wrestler, Ninja, Fist or Karate Hand.  Whack ‘em! Smack ‘em! Bop ‘em! Chop ‘em! The Wubble Rumblers are made for good old rough and tumble fun!  Battle it out with friends with this ultimate accessory for play fighting. The Rumblers inflate a gigantic three feet tall!  

Rumblers are squishy, squashy, super soft and 400 times more elastic than a typical inflatable – from the makers of the Super Wubble Bubble Ball!  Enjoy hours of big bopping fun as you get your rumble on! Recommended for ages 6+.  Inflates in minutes with the enclosed nozzle.

We set up the Wubble Rumbler Ninja for our son to WHACK around. From our personal use it was SUPER easy to inflate. Out of ALL the Wubble products the handheld pump included had this blown up within minutes. From there it was ready to play with, which our son did. Don't take out word for it enjoy some Target Reviews and see what others are saying about these: Wubble Wrestler, Wubble Ninja, Wubble Fist or the Wubble Chop.

Enter to WIN in the 

Wubble RUMBLERS Giveaway

Do you own any Wubble Products??

What is your favorite Wubble item??

Herb & Panko Tilapia Recipe

This has become such a popular recipe, I thought I would share again with some updated photos. We personally love it! It's an inspired recipe, the original one is here.

What you will need:

4 large tilapia filets
1 cup flour ( I used a package of fish crust flour)
2 eggs, beaten
2 Tablespoons water
1-1/4 cup Panko breadcrumbs
2 Tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
3 Tablespoons oil
Salt & pepper

 

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. 

Line a cookie sheet with aluminum foil.

Rinse tilapia. Pat dry with paper towel. I seasoned ours with Borsari or you can use Salt & Pepper!

 You will need three dishes or bowls to bread your tilapia. In the first bowl, add flour. In the second bowl, add beaten eggs and water. In the third bowl, mix together panko breadcrumbs & parsley!

 Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add oil. If you do not have a very large skillet, you can cook your tilapia in batches and you will want to use just half of the oil at a time. Dip tilapia in flour, then egg mixture, then into breadcrumbs. Press breadcrumbs into tilapia. Place tilapia into hot oil.

Cook 2-3 minutes on each side to form a golden brown crust. The tilapia will continue to cook in the oven. Place tilapia onto prepared cookie sheet. Bake for 15 minutes.

Serve & Enjoy.  

Encourage STEM Learning with Smithsonian's Science Lab and Jellyfish tank

**This is a Collaboration with Smithsonian products. I received samples to help facilitate my review. I was in no way required to express a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC Regulations.

 I like to encourage my son by learn through his play. Anyone else? I feel like during the Pandemic we had to seek out creative ways to learn. Whenever I can find a "toy" that encourages STEM learning, I like to share it. The Holidays are right around the corner so, I am sharing TWO different gift ideas. We were lucky to get a few samples to help give you our thoughts on each.

Smithsonian Mega Science Lab: 

Excavate bones to assemble into a model dinosaur. 

Erupt a mini volcano. 

Observe the process of crystal formation. 

Assemble your own weather station. 

Six amazing STEM adventures that are safe and easy to do! Ages 10+

Jellyfish Tank:

Watch a simulated bloom of jellyfish “swim!” A colorful, mesmerizing and educational addition to any room. 

Great for a desktop, tabletop, bookshelf or nightstand! 

Learn about amazing and unusual jellyfish – their size, what they eat, how and why they sting and more! 

Measures 9” high and 2 ¾” wide LED light requires 3 “AA” batteries (not included)

If you have kids who are venturing into the STEM learning these are both great options! Don't just take my word for it. You can read some Target reviews here: 

Link to Mega Science Lab white box, Mega Science Lab black box, Jellyfish Tank.

From personal use we found them to set up easily. For the Jelly Fish tank it now sits on my son's Virtual learning desk. To help with his attention focus. Seems almost contradictory but it truly helps. When he gets "bored", instead of fidgeting he simply looks at the jellies swimming while listening to the lessons. 

Do you have any STEM learning kits for your children??

What STEM learning resources do you find beneficial for your kids?

When We Last Spoke Movie Release & Review

Need a new movie to watch? I was lucky enough to get an early release sneak peek of "When We Last Spoke" and it was delightful!

I received early access to the movie to help facilitate my review. All opinions expressed are my own. This is a Sponsored post.

About the Movie: 

In 1967, sisters Juliet (Darby Camp) and Evangeline (Chandler Head) are abandoned by their mother at their unsuspecting grandparents’ farm in the small southern town of Fireside. Stunned by their sudden arrival, tender-hearted Walt (Corbin Bernsen) and champion fiddler Ruby (Melissa Gilbert) graciously stand in for the missing parents and create one blue-ribbon recipe for a loving family. 

Fireside, home of radio Station KOFF, kept secrets, broken promises and to-die-for sundaes serves as the backdrop for this heartwarming story full of surprises. Top it all off with the unexpected appearance of Walt’s ailing mother—eccentric, Emily Dickinson-quoting Itasca (Cloris Leachman), and laughter and tears abound. 

Richly packed with plenty of quirky characters and hilarious escapades, When We Last Spoke is a timeless movie for all ages that digs in deep to things that matter most—family, friends, love, and forgiveness.

Thought I can't give away any juicy details or spoilers I can say it was worth a watch. I personally enjoyed the cast and thought they did a great job. The soundtrack brought me back to my childhood. For reference, particularly when my brother and I used to watch Home Alone around the Holidays. 

When We Last Spoke are set to be in theaters one October 27, 29, 30 & 31

6 Tips to Harvesting Grapes

"You can be drinking the wine today, but picking the grapes tomorrow". 

-Jonathan Tucker

In our quest to cross another fruit to harvest off our list this year, I stumbled upon

Sceiford Quality Fruit farm. According to their Facebook page it is a 5th generation family owned and operated u-pick fruit orchards and vineyards. Tree-ripened, in season. Cherries, peaches, pears, plums, prunes, apples, quince, and grapes.

They do sell Concord, Niagara, and Steuben grapes. We were on the hunt for Niagara grapes this trip. It happens to be my personal favorite variety which tends to be sweeter in flavoring.

Now we have been picking fruits and vegetables all Summer long so bringing your own carriers seemed obviously. This trip we completely forgot but luckily had some reusable bags in the car to use. 

Here are other tips to harvesting grapes:

1. Remember to hold a cluster of grapes in one hand & snip the whole cluster off the vine!
2. A pair of gardening sheers ( the dollar store sells them) We were lucky this establishment had plenty to lend, just be careful they are sharp!
3. Bring something to keep them in. While the stand we visited had baskets to use. I suggest bringing your own basket, container, bin or bucket. It helps if it has a handle!
4. Wear appropriate shoes! Remember U-pick areas have been previously visited and some produce doesn't make it in bins.
5. Wear comfortable clothes, you are after all going in between the vines.
6. Search your local area and find farms then keep notifications on because many of the "U PICK" items are seasonal and weather permitting. The dates are ever changing and seem to sell out quick!

We saw so many people make a day of it complete with picnic baskets, lawn chairs and coolers. you could easily just enjoy the sunshine within the vineyards if you plan ahead. Just check your local area farms for their rules on doing this!

We had so much fun making a day trip to Sceiford Quality Fruit picking grapes! 

If you are in the North East, Pennsylvania area, Visit them:

11820 Middle Rd North East, PA 16428

Have you picked grapes before? 

What is your favorite variety of grape??

Erin Condren Giveaway

Ready for a Great Giveaway??

Let's get our lives back on track with a chance to win a Erin Condren Hope Blooms Life Planner!!

One winner will receive an Erin Condren Hope Blooms LifePlanner, Pink Wildflowers Notepad 2pk, Hope Blooms Planner Folio, and 6 Sunrise Dual Tipped Markers (RV $113). See below for terms and conditions. Open to U.S. residents of the 48 contiguous United States. You must be 18 years old to enter to win. This giveaway ends at 11:59 PM EST on 10.30.20.

 

You are invited to the Inlinkz link party!

Click here to enter

Monster Truck Championship Video Game Release & Review

Do you need a new Video Game to play??

Monster Truck competitions are very popular. I remember taking my son to one in person when he was a toddler. Something about large trucks showing off there talents and awesome paint jobs! Did I mention Monster Truck Championship releases on October 15th? Enjoy it on PS$ or Xbox One. 

We had early access to test out the new game out BUT before I share my thoughts enjoy the trailer:

We had early access to help facilitate my review. All opinions expressed are my own. This is not a sponsored post.

Monster Truck Championship is the first ever Monster Truck Simulation video game! It houses 16 customizable trucks, 25 arenas and 3 leagues to win to become champion. Ready for my families break down??

Our favorite things:

** Super Easy to set up & play

** Family Friendly, All ages can enjoy

** The Events are competitive gaining you new parts, sponsor offers & customizations

** Design your own Monster truck by winning part

** Graphics are spot on

If you are looking for a game your kids can play or something you can play together this is a great option. We take turns completing events and comparing our results. 

Use these Marketing Tips to Hook Your Ideal Customers

Are you trying to reach more Customers in your Business? Maybe you are trying to build a relationship with your current audience? These Marketing tips (Also check out Angela Wei Milk, 9 Ways to Foster Women’s Advancement in Marketing) will help both online and on Social Media Accounts!

Follow your ideal customer. This means to go out and find your ideal client, than engage with them. For example, if you sell handmade baby clothes, use hashtags like #babyboy, #babygirl, and #momlife to find hip moms who might want to buy from you.

This is a sponsored post with  Angela Wei Milk. Enjoy her post: 9 Ways to Foster Women’s Advancement in Marketing.

1. MAKE YOUR POSTS & ADS ABOUT YOUR TARGET AUDIENCE, NOT YOU

Focus on their needs and how you can uniquely meet them. Most brands are focused on their products and services. Stand out by focusing on your target market instead.

When writing captions be unique to YOUR BRAND! Since you are using your IG for a business you need to make sure your photo text follow these helpful guidelines:  

A. Attention-grabbing headline. GRAB people. This is THE most important part of an IG feed POST your caption. If you can’t stop people from scrolling, then they definitely won’t like, comment, save or share 🤷‍♀️ 

B. Value-packed body. This is the main course, so make it juicy & engaging! Make sure people feel empowered or educated after reading this. When writing ask yourself am I teaching something? Will my readers want to share this? 

C. Tell them why it’s important. You need to tell them why they need to know what you just shared. People want to know how something will benefit them otherwise should they care? 

D. Call to action. Each caption you write should have an intention and it should all relate back to your business goals. 

2. TALK TO THEM

Ask questions and have a conversation around your one big idea. Engage with folks and build trust to let them know you are looking for relationships. Not sales. When you ask questions, they’re much more likely to engage. 

You can’t expect to build any type of connection with people online if you aren’t willing to engage with them. So make sure to: 

A. Follow back a couple of accounts that you actually like 

B. Leave genuine comments (and read their captions) 

C. Like their photos regularly 

D. Watch their stories and reply to them 

Don’t force yourself to interact with people that you wouldn’t normally. It’s a waste of time. Rather just try to connect with real people and become a regular in their circle. The biggest mistake I see people make (and a big reason why people lose so many followers) is that they interact with an account once, just enough to get them to follow, and you never do it again. So make sure to spend some time going through your feed and commenting and liking pictures from people you already follow. This will strengthen the “bond” and they will see you’re a real person yourself, and not just a “hungry for a follow back” type of account.

3. BE WILLING TO BE CONTROVERSIAL

The most successful brands have raving fans as well as big detractors. Your goal through your posts is to attract exactly your perfect prospect and repel everyone else. 

Another great idea: instead of commenting or liking their photos I like to comment on their followers comments. 

This does two things: 

1. The like minded account sees your comment 

2. The follower also gets a notification of your comment. 

This basically introduces you to their followers. Now don’t just go trying to steal followers. Actually write an authentic comment. I personally like to ask questions instigating a conversation.

4. BE AUTHENTIC

Stop trying to be someone you’re not and instead be real with your audience. Different is good. Different stands out. People relate more to those they believe are being real. Occasionally let your fans in a little on your life, your family and who you are as a real person. People want to do business with people they know, like and trust.

Asbury Woods Nature Center Trails, Pennsylvania

"After a day’s walk, everything has twice its usual value."- G.M. Trevelyan

Following on our exploration of the regions near us we recently hiked trails in Asbury Woods,  Pennsylvania. believe it or not I found this gem of a place via another person Facebook post. How many of you find fun events or places on Social Media?? I have to say I love it. After a quick Map search of how far it was we planned a day to explore with some nice weather.

The Asbury Woods consist of 205 natural acres of fields, forests and streams offer over 5 miles of breathtaking trails that are open to the public during daylight hours. We simply stopped in at the "take out" pamphlet box near the Nature Center and started exploring trails.

They have a boardwalk with handicap accessibility. It also stated they offer Summer Camps, lessons and classes. We didn't sign up for anything since it is not super close to where we live but worth a day trip if you are in my area!

Some fun side things to do while visiting:

Painted rocks are scattered throughout the park

Pokemon Go has some fun species to collect here.

They have a hidden Compass Course

They also have QR codes to scan and learn about fun secrets throughout the trails

They also have Geocaching: 

 An outdoor treasure hunting game using GPS-enabled devices. Geocaching members follow a specific set of GPS coordinates and then attempt to find the geocache container hidden at that location. All you need in order to participate is a GPS device or a GPS-enabled mobile phone and a Geocaching Membership account.

The park also have a nice water basin you can enjoy. We saw several kids looking for crayfish. It was a nice place to hike, sit and enjoy a picnic. We would definitely visit again, I would say the trails are easy. Towards the wooden bridge there are several stairs to climb. So, if you are not up for that stay near the Nature Center.

What are your favorite Nature Trials?

Have you ever been to Asbury Woods in PA?