Just a quick note...tomorrow (January 31st) at 12 ET, Rachel Simmons will be leading a Talk on raising confident girls! She is the bestselling author and founder of the Girls Leadership Institute and I am excited to have been asked to co-host this fun chat.

If you'd like to join us, the talk will take place here: http://www.themotherhood.com/talk/show?id=62357

Here's a little more info about the the Talk:

Bestselling author and founder of the Girls Leadership Institute, Rachel Simmons, will lead a Talk on helping our daughters to discover and embrace the best parts of their authentic selves. Bring your questions, your stories of raising your daughters and we'll all learn skills for our girls (and us!) to live with integrity, self-awareness, etc.

Hope to see you there! :)





One of Kaelyn's favorite things about our old house was her bedroom. She loved the fun colors, as well as one feature in particular...her initials on the wall. She enjoyed telling me the letters almost every day and explaining what they stood for. Since that was not something we could take with us when we moved in September, I told her that we'd figure out a new way to display her initials in her room.

Once we got moved in and had her room pretty well put together...we decided it was time to get her initials up on the wall. Kaelyn was very eager to help me every step of the way which was a lot of fun. Since I'm planning to share some of the fun activities and projects my kids and I do together each week here on my blog...I thought this would be a fun one to share this week.

Instead of doing vinyl letters, we thought it would be fun to get creative and have something a little more colorful and fitting for her brightly colored bedroom. She and I went to Hobby Lobby, and as we looked around...I got an idea. We decided to make Shadow Box Initials. Here is what we got for the project:

  • 3 8 x 10 Shadow Box Display Cases
  • 3 pieces of scrapbook paper to match her bedroom (I got 2 pieces of one print and 1 that had more colors in it for the middle initial)
  • 3 white wooden letters
I love Hobby Lobby because they are always having sales. When we bought our supplies for her Shadowbox Initials, we got 40% off or more on everything. It was a very inexpensive way to add a personal touch to her room.

I apologize for not having step by step photos, but the process is very simple. I first cut down each piece of scrapbook paper to fit the shadow box. If you've ever purchased shadow boxes from Hobby Lobby before, your might remember that they have pins that hold the paper that comes inside of them. I used the pins like nails, and once I had the scrapbook paper in place...I put the pins in and hung the letters right from them. It worked perfectly!



Each letter fits nicely in the shadow boxes, and having the colorful background really adds a fun splash of color and ties it into her bedroom nicely. She and I both had fun putting these together and love the way they turned out!!

Like last week, if you have any fun projects or activities you've done with your little ones...feel free to share with us in the comments section below. :)

Pin It





Having just had my third baby 9 weeks ago, I'm still working on getting my body back into shape. Although I know it will never look like it did before children... I know losing a few pounds, toning up, and overall just living an even healthier lifestyle will make me feel more confident and happy about myself.

The problem is...between a lack of motivation and the fact that I just love food way too much...diets never seem to go as planned. That's why I've committed myself to trying to do light workouts a few times a week. This usually consists of getting on my elliptical during the kids' nap time. Of course, I always feel better after working out, but the best part is seeing the numbers go down on the scale every week! I like to keep track of my weight loss, and what better way to do that than with the reliability and encouragement of the new Weight Watchers® by Conair™ Digital Scale and was so happy when asked to review one!

When the scale arrived, I was immediately impressed with the sleek, modern design. It's very slim and a nice size to sit in the bathroom without standing out too much. The silver glass look goes well with our decor and is something I don't mind having sit out for other people to see...and use.


I couldn't be happier with how easy it is to use. There's a button on the bottom that you can switch from lbs to kg. Once you have it where you want it, simply tap your foot on the middle of the scale, and once the easy to read 1.5" digital display turns on...step on and weigh yourself.

This scale seems to be very accurate and I love that it shows even the slightest bit of change in weight. It's such an encouragement to see the pounds drop...even if it's only 1/2 a pound!

I personally need a little motivation and inspiration when it comes to losing weight, which is why I love the idea of this scale. The neatest thing about it, is unlike other scales, this one comes with 15 reusable stickers (in black and color) that have inspirational messages such as, "Every day is a new day", "Live, Laugh, Love", "Smile", etc. There's even a blank label where you can write your own message such as "I will fit back into my swimsuit by June".

These static cling stickers can adhere anywhere on the glas, and peel off just as easily as they go on. I love that they can be switched out so easily! It's a great way to personalize your scale, not mention a fantastic way to make it a personal coach or a motivational friend that encourages you to keep up the good work.



I love this scale. The stickers are a lot of fun and they really do remind me that I'm working hard and to take it one day at a time. I am thrilled with the quality, and considering there's a 10 year warranty...you really can't go wrong with this great scale. If you're looking for a great scale that will also help motivate you to continue your healthy lifestlye choices...I would definitely recommend the Weight Watchers by Conair Digital Scale Model WW58S.

If you just want a good old simple weight measurement, but with extraordinary style, the best-selling Weight Watchers scale, Weight Watchers by Conair Digital Painted Glass Scale Model WW24, is also a great choice! The smooth scale has an easy-to-read 1.3” digital display with a “tap-on” scale activator. There is a high-strength tempered safety glass with decorative silk screen available in white, red, or blue. The scale is 11.8” X 12.6” and has a 400-lb. capacity. The scale runs on long-life AAA lithium batteries that are included and has a 10-year warranty just like the other scale.

Also, be sure to visit the new Conair Scales web site for the Weight Watchers by Conair Scales to learn more about the scales, yummy recipes, and body analysis. Starting on Jan. 12th, answer a short survey for your chance to be one of 10 winners for the WW58S or WW24. Visit www.conairscales.com for more details!

Buy It: You can purchase the Weight Watchers by Conair Digital Scale Model WW58S nationwide at stores such as Kmart and online at www.conair-store.com for an average retail price of $29.99. You can purchase the Weight Watchers® by Conair™ Digital Painted Glass Scale Model WW24 for $29.99 nationwide at stores such as Target, Sears, Meijer, Fry’s and online.

Win It: One very lucky reader is going to win the Weight Watchers by Conair Digital Scale Model WW58S like the one I received!

Mandatory Entry - Visit Conair Scales and let me know another one of their scales you like.
Extra Entries: (Only valid after the mandatory entry has been completed. Leave 1 comment for each extra entry)

1. 3 extra entries- Blog about this giveaway (linking to this post and Conair Scales) and leave THREE comments with the URL to that post.

2. 1 extra entry- Follow me on Twitter and tweet about this giveaway (You can tweet once a day for one extra entry every day)! You can copy and paste:

#WIN a Weight Watchers by Conair Digital Scale! http://bit.ly/xzeENz Ends 2/9

3. 3 extra entries- Post my blog button or blog URL to your blog and leave a comment with the URL to your blog. (If it already is, leave me a comment letting me know)

4.
2 extra entries- subscribe to A Mom's Balancing Act via e-mail (found along the side column) and leave TWO comments letting me know.

5. 2 extra entries- 'Like' A Mom's Balancing Act on Facebook

6. 2 extra entries- Follow my blog publicly on Google Friend Connect

7. Enter any of my current giveaways for an extra entry...ONE extra entry for EACH giveaway you enter!

Leave one comment for each entry you complete above including with each, your e-mail address (or make sure it's visible in your profile) so that I can easily contact the winner!!

This giveaway will end February 9th and is open to US Only!

**The products for this review and giveaway were provided for free by Conair. All opinions are my own and were not influenced in any way.**



DELICIOUS Sticky Bun Breakfast Ring ~ Recipe

Posted by Jenna | Monday, January 23, 2012



I don't know about you, but I'm always looking for delicious recipes that don't take a lot of time. I thought it would be fun to start sharing some of the recipes I make and find, each week here on my blog. If you'd like to play along, simply blog about a yummy recipe you enjoy making and leave a link to your post in the comments section so we can all check it out.

This week I thought I'd share one of my new FAVORITE breakfast (or anytime of the day) recipes! It's a Sticky Bun Breakfast Ring recipe that I came across on Pinterest, originally posted on the All Things Delicious blog (you can find more detailed pictures of the step by step process here). Thank you Hannah for your permission to share this recipe with my readers!!

Ingredients:

2 small tubes refrigerator buttermilk biscuits OR 1 tube Pillsbury Grands buttermilk biscuits
3 Tbsp. butter or margarine, melted
1/2 C. pancake syrup
1/3 C. packed brown sugar
1/2 tsp. cinnamon
1/4 C. chopped pecans, opt.
1/4 C. chopped almonds, opt.

Directions:
1. Combine the melted butter and syrup in a bowl and set aside. In another bowl, combine the brown sugar, cinnamon, and nuts (I just used chopped pecans, but you could really use anything you like or none at all).

2. Spray a fluted pan with non-stick spray and place about half of the syrup mixture in the bottom of the pan. Then sprinkle half of the brown sugar mixture on top.

3. Lay the biscuits on the bottom of the pan close together to form a ring. (I used 2 small tubes of the Pillsbury refrigerated buttermilk biscuits which worked out perfectly)

4. Once you have your biscuits in the bottom of the pan, simply top with the remaining syrup mixture and then the sugar mixture.
5. Bake at 375ยบ for approximately 20 minutes or until golden brown.

6. Once done, cool for 1 minute in the pan, then invert onto a large plate or platter

This sticky bun recipe is absolutely amazing!! I love that it's super easy to make and calls for ingredients that I almost always have on hand. I also appreciate that in just 20 minutes it's done. It's the perfect recipe idea for breakfast (or if you're like us, any time of day!).

My pictures do not even do this Sticky Bun Breakfast Ring justice. It is AMAZING! If you end up trying this recipe out, let me know if you love it as much as my family does! It's definitely a new favorite in our house!!

Pin It



Purse Bling Purse to Go Zip Up Purse Organizer ~ Review & Giveaway

Posted by Jenna | Friday, January 20, 2012



Once I had children, I found I carried my purse a lot less than I used to. Now I tend to stick my wallet, cosmetics, keys, etc right in the diaper bag since that's something we carry with us wherever we go. Unfortunately, this is not always the smartest decision...as I am often digging for my things amongst the diapers, wipes, spare clothes, etc. I have been needing an easy way to take the things from my purse and take them along with me in the diaper bag without becoming completely unorganized. Thanks to Purse Bling, I have found a solution!
Purse Bling is a company that focuses on providing excellent quality products with awesome customer service. This family owned business is run by people with a desire to help women find harmony with their handbags.

For those who visit here often, you may remember the review I did for Purse Bling and the Clipa Purse Hook. I was very pleased with this product and couldn't have been happier to learn I was going to have the opportunity to review another one of their fantastic items. As I looked around their website, I was instantly drawn to the Purse to Go Zip Ups and had a feeling this is exactly what I've been looking for and needing!
When the Purse to Go Zip Up Purse Organizer arrived, I was excited to check it out. Pulling it out of the package, I was impressed with the quality right off the bat. The fabric is durable and thick...something I know will last me a very long time!
I have a large purse and diaper bag, so I requested the jumbo size which has been perfect, measuring 14.5"L x 7.5"H x 4"W. I love it! It easily slides right into my purse, helping me keep things in place and easy to find. The jumbo size Purse to Go has 8 pockets which has worked out great for me. It has one 5.75" wide pocket, one 5" wide pocket, one 4.5" pocket, one 3.25" wide pocket, one 3" wide pocket, one 2.75" wide pocket, one 1.75" wide pocket and one 1" wide pocket. I now have a place for everything and feel so much more organized.

I was going to go with a darker color, but then decided to go with a lighter color instead. I'm really happy I did. The inside of my purse and diaper bag are dark brown and black, so having something light has made it much easier to see and find things in the pockets when needed.
The neatest feature about this purse organizer, is that it's actually a Purse to Go because it zips up. It's great for a little more privacy in your purse when you don't want the whole world seeing everything you have in it every time you open it up. Not only that, but it makes transferring the important items from my purse to the diaper bag super easy! Of course, it can also be used unzipped if you have larger items you would like to fit in it as well...but I have found the zipper to be very helpful!
The versatility of this product is great. It's perfect for diaper bags and purses, but is also a nice place to keep cosmetics, men's toiletries, or even in a laptop bag to keep things like flash drives, discs, cords, etc organized.

In the time I've been using the Purse to Go Zip Up Purse Organizer from Purse Bling, I have been very impressed. The quality is fantastic, and the versatility and organization it provides is great. I love being able to keep all of the smaller items from my purse all in one place without having to dig for it. It's exactly what I had been looking for and am so happy to now have it. I would definitely recommend it to others looking to organize smaller items in their purse, diaper bag, briefcase, etc.

Buy It: You can purchase the Purse to Go Zip Up Purse Organizer from Purse Bling in several different sizes (and colors), with prices starting at $21.95.

Win It: One very lucky reader is going to win a Purse to Go Zip Up of their own!

Mandatory Entry - Visit Purse Bling and let me know another one of their products you like.

Extra Entries: (Only valid after the mandatory entry has been completed. Leave 1 comment for each extra entry)

1. 1 extra entry- Like Purse Bling On Facebook

2. 1 extra entry- Follow Purse Bling on Twitter

3. 3 extra entries- Blog about this giveaway (linking to this post and Purse Bling) and leave THREE comments with the URL to that post.

4. 1 extra entry- Follow me on Twitter and tweet about this giveaway (You can tweet once a day for one extra entry every day)! You can copy and paste:

#WIN a Purse Bling Purse to Go Zip Up Purse Organizer! http://bit.ly/Anx2x0 Ends 2/3

5. 3 extra entries- Post my blog button or blog URL to your blog and leave a comment with the URL to your blog. (If it already is, leave me a comment letting me know)

6.
2 extra entries- subscribe to A Mom's Balancing Act via e-mail (found along the side column) and leave TWO comments letting me know.

7. 2 extra entries- 'Like' A Mom's Balancing Act on Facebook

8. 2 extra entries- Follow my blog publicly on Google Friend Connect

9. Enter any of my current giveaways for an extra entry...ONE extra entry for EACH giveaway you enter!

Leave one comment for each entry you complete above including with each, your e-mail address (or make sure it's visible in your profile) so that I can easily contact the winner!!

This giveaway will end February 3rd and is open to US Only!

**The products for this review and giveaway were provided for free by Purse Bling. All opinions are my own and were not influenced in any way.**





As a mom and former PreK teacher, I really love sitting down with my kids and doing fun educational activities together. Whether it's through the use of toys, manipulatives or other activities I have on hand (many of which are from my teaching years), I enjoy seeing them explore, discover and learn new things daily! I thought it would be fun to share some of the activities we do together here on my blog each week...and hopefully you will share ideas as well!

My 4 year old loves to learn. She enjoys the time we spend together daily doing different activities...especially those dealing with letters and numbers. One day last week she said, "Mom, can we do math?". We do many different activities with numbers, counting, sorting, one-to-one correspondence, etc... but most recently she has been interested in simple addition. As I thought about what we could do that day, I decided to pull out a bag of popsicle sticks. I had come across this neat idea on Pinterest and decided to simplify it to a level Kaelyn could easily do and understand.

On each stick I wrote numbers (including one stick with an addition sign and one with an equal sign). I then put the corresponding number of dots along the length of each stick to make counting/adding easier for her. She began by grabbing two numbers and counting the dots on each one to find how many total dots there were. Once she had figured out the total by counting them together, she found that number stick and placed it after the equal sign. It was a very simple, yet a fun and educational way to work on addition with her. It has been great for number recognition, counting, and more!

She also likes to take the sticks and place them in order from least to greatest as she counts.

How about you, do you have any fun educational activities you do with your toddler/preschool aged children? We'd love for you to share them with us!


Pin It



Wordless Wednesday ~ Baby Smiles

Posted by Jenna | Tuesday, January 17, 2012



I can't believe this little guy is 8 weeks old already. Time sure does fly by!
And, although I wish the time would slow down a bit, I do love each and every new milestone... especially his little baby smiles! They're so precious! Caysen began smiling for us a several weeks ago, and has since been smiling more and more. He loves when we talk to him and smiles from ear to ear whenever he hears us laugh. I love it!!



Glamourmom Nursing Bra Tummy Control Long Tank Review & Giveaway

Posted by Jenna | Tuesday, January 17, 2012



Those first few months after having a baby, I always feel self-conscious about my postpartum belly. I want to find tops that are flattering, slimming and comfortable, while still making it easy to breastfeed my babies discretely without exposing my sides and midsection. I've never had much luck finding such clothing with my first two children, but thankfully... was introduced to Glamourmom shortly after our baby boy was born a couple of months ago.

Founder, Line Rothman desperately searched for a nursing top that provided full support and easy breast access, while keeping her postpartum belly covered in 2000 when her first daughter was born. Unable to find anything, she designed a tank top with a unique full support built-in nursing bra, and Glamourmom was born! This company offers the most fashionable pregnancy and nursing experience for moms and moms-to-be. They are an internationally loved brand, and with an expanding collection that offers superior fit, quality and support, it's easy to find the right style for your changing body.

As I browsed the Glamourmom website for the first time, I was impressed with the great selection of nursing bras, nursing bra tanks, sleepwear, maternity tops and more! At the time, I had just had our son a couple of weeks prior and was in desperate need of a comfortable, flattering nursing tank that would not only make it easy to breastfeed, but one that would also cover my postpartum belly. That's why I was instantly drawn to the Glamourmom Nursing Bra Tummy Control Long Tank and couldn't have been happier to learn I was going to have the opportunity to review one!
Features/Benefits:

  • Original, patented design for full discretion and support when nursing in public
  • Full built-in nursing bra with inner bra cup frame for continued breast support during nursing
  • Adjustable wide, spaghetti straps with Memory Fill for extra support
  • Nursing bra hook closures for easy, one-handed access
  • Light-mesh lining holds nursing pads in place
  • Outer layer is extra long for fashion and guaranteed postpartum coverage
  • Absorbent, stretchy cotton/elastane blend adjusts to weight loss after baby is born
  • Tummy control panel - inner layer support panel that trims tummy & waist and pulls together excess post partum skin to help reduce stretch marks
When the Nursing Bra Tummy Control Long Tank arrived, I was immediately impressed with the quality. I could tell just from taking it out of the package that it was made well and is something that will last wash after wash. I also found the cotton to be super soft and had a feeling it would be incredibly comfortable. I was right!

Putting the Nursing Tank on, I was happy with how comfortable and soft it is. I was hoping that the size I chose would fit ok, and thankfully it does perfectly! I absolutely love the wide spaghetti straps, They have memory filler for extra support and are also adjustable so I can get the perfect fit.

The outer layer is extra long which I love! It's not only fashionable worn under something, but is also perfect for postpartum coverage! I don't have to worry about it riding up and exposing my belly or sides.

I have had the opportunity to wear this Nursing Tank several times since receiving it and love two main features especially! The full built-in nursing bra is fantastic! I love that the inner bra cup frame provides continued breast support during nursing. There's even a light mesh lining which holds nursing pads in place very well.

The tank also has nursing bra hook closures which make it easy to access with one hand. Having something that so easy to use is a must...especially when I have a fussing baby that's eager to eat. I am able to simply unhook it and start feeding my little one right away.

I love the coverage and support that the Nursing Bra Tummy Control Tank offers, and have enjoyed wearing it while nursing my little one. Not only has it made breastfeeding easier, especially in public...but I am in love with the tummy control panel!!

The Tummy Control Panel is an inner layer support panel that trims the tummy and waist. Even if the outer layer were to ride up (which I have had no problem with), my tummy would still be covered thanks to this fitted inner layer. Not only that, but as I said...it truly does trim my waist and tummy. It helps minimize the "muffin top" that so many of us struggle with after birth, and makes me feel confident when wearing it! I was skeptical as to how well it would work, but I have been so impressed with the way it slims my mid-section that I'm considering buying a couple more of these tops. It pulls together excess postpartum skin to help reduce stretch marks, and even encourages proper posture during breastfeeding while supporting the lower back.

Having had the Glamourmom Nursing Bra Tummy Control Long Tank for about a month now, I've had the opportunity to wear it several times. I can honestly say this is the best nursing tank I have worn and wish that I had it when nursing my other two children as well. The full discretion and support it offers is fantastic, not to mention that it's very comfortable and slimming. I have not found all of these things with any other nursing tank and am so happy to have been introduced to Glamourmom. I would definitely recommend this top and brand to other moms and moms-to-be that I know.

Of course, this is just one of many items offered from Glamourmom. I also think their nursing sleepwear and other nursing tops look extremely comfortable and stylish.

Buy It: You can purchase the Nursing Bra Tummy Control Long Tank for $54.

Win It:
One very lucky reader is going to win a Nursing Bra Tummy Control Long Tank from Glamourmom!

Mandatory Entry - Visit Glamourmom and let me know another item you'd love to have!
Extra Entries: (Only valid after the mandatory entry has been completed. Leave 1 comment for each extra entry)

1. 1 extra entry- Like Glamourmom on Facebook

2. 1 extra entry- Follow Glamourmom on Twitter

3. 3 extra entries- Blog about this giveaway (linking to this post and Glamourmom) and leave THREE comments with the URL to that post.

4. 1 extra entry- Follow me on Twitter and tweet about this giveaway (You can tweet once a day for one extra entry every day)! You can copy and paste:

#WIN a Glamourmom Nursing Bra Tummy Control Long Tank! http://bit.ly/A8XGfJ Ends 2/1

5. 3 extra entries- Post my blog button or blog URL to your blog and leave a comment with the URL to your blog. (If it already is, leave me a comment letting me know)

6.
2 extra entries- subscribe to A Mom's Balancing Act via e-mail (found along the side column) and leave TWO comments letting me know.

7. 2 extra entries- 'Like' A Mom's Balancing Act on Facebook

8. 2 extra entries- Follow my blog publicly on Google Friend Connect

Leave one comment for each entry you complete above including with each, your e-mail address (or make sure it's visible in your profile) so that I can easily contact the winner!!

This giveaway will end February 1st and is open to US Only!

**The products for this review and giveaway were provided for free by Glamourmom. All opinions are my own and were not influenced in any way.**





With the New Year often comes a list of resolutions dealing with everything from eating healthier to exercising more. Having just had a baby, I know that getting back in shape is one of my goals for 2012 and am happy to know that Tropicana can help!

Have you ever heard of Trop50? It's a new juice beverage from Tropicana offering 50% less sugar and 50% less calories...making it a healthy choice for the New Year and a great way to enjoy the yummy flavors of Tropicana all while keeping my resolutions to get healthier in the New Year!

Having never tried Trop50, I was excited when given the opportunity to test it out. There are many flavors to choose from. My favorite is definitely the Raspberry Lemonade! Since there is less sugar and calories, I thought it might taste different...but I really couldn't tell at all. It tastes great and offers the delicious flavor I would expect from Tropicana with less sugar and calories! YAY! There are no artificial sweeteners (which I LOVE) and is made with real fruit juices. It also gives me a full day supply of vitamin C and is a good source for antioxidant vitamin E!

As I'm trying to eat healthier and get back in shape, I like knowing that I can enjoy such a yummy fruit juice beverage without feeling guilty. Knowing that it has vitamins and less sugar and no artificial sweeteners also makes it something I don't mind letting my kids have sometimes too.

Having tried Trop50, I would definitely recommend it to others I know as it delivers the goodness of fruit juice with 50 percent less sugar and calories, and no artificial sweeteners!

Also, be sure to check out the Trop50 Near Year’s program, True Resolutions. Trop50 True Resolutions celebrates the real reasons behind New Year's resolutions. Head over to the Trop50 Facebook Page and share your resolution for the new year and you'll earn a coupon for $1 off Trop50 for yourself and $.50 off coupons for up to 50 of your friends! Whether you submit a resolution or not, you can also enter a sweepstakes there, to win a $1000 gift (ends 1/31/2012)!

Win It: 5 lucky readers are going to win a coupon for free Trop50 in the flavor of their choice!

Mandatory Entry - Visit Trop50 and let me know which flavor you might choose if you win.

Extra Entries: (Only valid after the mandatory entry has been completed. Leave 1 comment for each extra entry)

1. 1 extra entry- Like Trop50 on Facebook

2. 1 extra entry- Follow TropicanaOJ on Twitter

3. 3 extra entries- Blog about this giveaway (linking to this post and Trop50) and leave THREE comments with the URL to that post.

4. 1 extra entry- Follow me on Twitter and tweet about this giveaway (You can tweet once a day for one extra entry every day)! You can copy and paste:

#WIN a coupon for a free Trop50 juice beverage in flavor of choice (5 winners!) from @TropicanaOJ! http://bit.ly/yNxFiq Ends 1/27 #Trop50

5. 3 extra entries- Post my blog button or blog URL to your blog and leave a comment with the URL to your blog. (If it already is, leave me a comment letting me know)

6.
2 extra entries- subscribe to A Mom's Balancing Act via e-mail (found along the side column) and leave TWO comments letting me know.

7. 2 extra entries- 'Like' A Mom's Balancing Act on Facebook

8. 2 extra entries- Follow my blog publicly on Google Friend Connect

9. Enter any of my other current giveaways and receive one entry for each that you enter.

Leave one comment for each entry you complete above including with each, your e-mail address (or make sure it's visible in your profile) so that I can easily contact the winner!!

This giveaway will end January 27th and is open to US Only!

**The products for this review & giveaway were provided for free. All opinions are my own and were not influenced in any way






We've Been Keeping Busy

Posted by Jenna | Thursday, January 12, 2012



This past weekend we celebrated another Christmas with my Mom's side of the family. We had a great time! I think by the end of the day, Caysen was worn out. :)

Another highlight for Kaelyn and Kaden last weekend was going to see their Grandpa! My father-in-law raises pigs, so it's always a treat when the kids get to go visit and play with them on the farm. Thankfully, this winter has been VERY mild, so it was the perfect time to spend some time outdoors!



Learning Resources Smart Snacks Alpha Pops Review & Giveaway

Posted by Jenna | Tuesday, January 10, 2012




From the time Kaelyn was very young, she has had a love for learning. I enjoy encouraging that love in any way I can...especially when it comes to finding fun activities and games we can do together. At 4 years old, she is especially interested in letters, sounds and words...so I've been keeping my eye out for toys and products that will help her learn and prepare for preschool. Thankfully, I know I can count on Learning Resources for just that!

The leading manufacturer of innovative, hands-on educational materials for classrooms and learning toys for the home, Learning Resources has been a trusted source for educators and parents for more than 25 years! With a diverse product line of over 1300 products focusing on everything from mathematics, science, early childhood, reading, etc...it's no wonder Learning Resources is a name known around the world.

As I've mentioned in the past, I am a huge fan of Learning Resources and have been since before I had children and was teaching preschool. They create hands-on activities that build a foundation of skills through imagination and fun. I always enjoy visiting their site and recently came across their new 2012 products, many of which I know my kids would absolutely love. That's why I was excited to learn we were going to have the opportunity to review one!

With Kaelyn's interest in letters, words, sounds and more...I knew she would enjoy something like the Smart Snacks Alpha Pops. In fact, when the box arrived, she was begging to get it out right there and then. Of course, I couldn't say no...I was just as excited to check this new toy out!

As we pulled the pieces out of the box, I was happy to find the great quality Learning Resources is known for. The colors are bright and intriguing for both Kaelyn (4 years old) and Kaden (2 years old).

We began by separating the Alpha Pops and mixing them up so Kaelyn could match the lowercase and uppercase letters. I knew she'd enjoy a game like this, as we talk a lot about the letters and do different activities with them. Not only does this game encourage recognition of letters though, I was amazed at the step further that Kaelyn took it! As she picked up matching letters, she'd tell me the letter, the sound it made and a word that started with it all on her own! She has had a lot of fun with this, and I have enjoyed watching her!
The pops are double sided with a different letter on each side. This confused her at first, but she quickly learned that's how each of the pops were and soon got the hang of it.

Not only was it fun and challenging for Kaelyn, but Kaden also enjoyed it! The bright colors really grabbed his attention and instead of trying to match using the letters...he began matching up the pops based on color. The Alpha Pops are large enough that his little hands could hold and manipulate them easily which was nice too!
I have been pleasantly surprised with how well both my kids like the Smart Snacks Alpha Pops. It was a game I thought would be good for encouraging Kaelyn's letter recognition...but it turned out to be so much more than that! Both of my kids have learned from this toy and had a lot of fun at the same time. I love that it's something children of different ages and skill levels can use. They've been having a blast with the Alpha Pops and I know this is something we'll be pulling out a lot more in the future!

If you're looking for a fun, educational toy for your 2-5 year olds... I would definitely recommend Smart Snacks Alpha Pops from Learning Resources. The quality is great and it helps encourage letter recognition, fine motor skills, imaginative play and more!

Buy It: You can purchase the Smart Snacks Alpha Pops at Learning Resources for $17.99.

Win It: One lucky reader is going to win Smart Snacks Alpha Pops of their own!

Mandatory Entry - Visit Learning Resources and let me know another product you'd love to have.
Extra Entries: (Only valid after the mandatory entry has been completed. Leave 1 comment for each extra entry)

1. 1 extra entry- Like Learning Resources on Facebook

2. 1 extra entry- Follow Learning Resources on Twitter

3. 1 extra entry - Subscribe to the Learning Resources You Tube page

4. 1 extra entry - Following the Learning Resources Blog on Google Friend Connect

5. 3 extra entries- Blog about this giveaway (linking to this post and Learning Resources) and leave THREE comments with the URL to that post.

6. 1 extra entry- Follow me on Twitter and tweet about this giveaway (You can tweet once a day for one extra entry every day)! You can copy and paste:

#WIN a Smart Snacks Alpha Pops game from Learning Resources! http://bit.ly/AmTHP5 Ends 1/24

7. 3 extra entries- Post my blog button or blog URL to your blog and leave a comment with the URL to your blog. (If it already is, leave me a comment letting me know)

8.
2 extra entries- subscribe to A Mom's Balancing Act via e-mail (found along the side column) and leave TWO comments letting me know.

9. 2 extra entries- 'Like' A Mom's Balancing Act on Facebook

10. 2 extra entries- Follow my blog publicly on Google Friend Connect

Leave one comment for each entry you complete above including with each, your e-mail address (or make sure it's visible in your profile) so that I can easily contact the winner!!

This giveaway will end January 24th and is open to US Only!

**The products for this review & giveaway were provided for free. All opinions are my own and were not influenced in any way




09 10