Whether it be taking care of baby or cooking in the kitchen, both Kaelyn and Kaden enjoy imitating mommy and daddy through pretend play. I love nothing more than sitting back and watching them as they engage in such fun creative and imaginative play. I'm always on the lookout for toys that encourage their love for pretend play, especially this time of year when there are many great gift ideas. And, when it comes to fun and educational toys, Learning Resources is one of the first places that comes to mind.

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.

Learning Resources is a brand I became familiar with when I taught preschool. I appreciate their dedication to developing quality educational products. They create hands-on activities that build a foundation of skills through imagination and fun. That is exactly the type of toys I look for when shopping for my kids, which is why I was excited to learn we were going to have the opportunity to review the Pretend & Play® Pro Chef Set from Learning Resources!

Features/Benefits:

• Includes deluxe stock pot, saucepan, 2 lids, skillet, spatula, wooden spoon, oven mitt, play food (chicken leg, carrot, corncob and fried egg) and write & wipe Activity Guide
• Pieces encourage imaginative play and build fine motor skills
• Suitablef or grades PreK+
  

When the Pretend & Play Pro Chef Set arrived, I couldn't wait to check everything out. Of course Kaelyn and Kaden were just as excited!

Pulling everything out of the box, I was happy to see how much was included in this set. It includes a large deluxe stock pot with lid, saucepan with lid, skillet, spatula, 2 cooking spoons, oven mitt and play food pieces—chicken leg, carrot, corncob and fried egg!

Including everything from pots and pans to food, utensils, etc...this is really a great set for little ones who are just getting started with pretend play. It makes a wonderful starter set and includes everything they need to get engaged in imaginative play.

I love that everything is so realistic looking too! The kids enjoy using tools and toys that remind them of the types of things we use in the kitchen when making meals which is why this set has been such a big hit with both of them. I love sitting back and listening to them as they engage in play together...making meals and inviting daddy and I to eat with them. The fact that there are so many pieces, not only helps encourage imaginative play, but also the use of their fine motor skills.

There's even a write & wipe user guide offering fun food activities that we've done together as well. What a great addition to an already fun cooking set!

Overall we've been really happy this set and the fun it has provided both Kaelyn and Kaden. The quality is fantastic and I love that it has only increased their love for pretend play even more! The set would be a great gift idea for any young child on your Christmas list this year.

Buy It: The Pretend & Play Pro Chef Set is available for purchase at LearningResources.com for $24.99.

Win It: One very lucky reader is going to win a Pretend & Play Pro Chef Set like the one we received.

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 Pretend & Play Pro Chef Set from Learning Resources! http://bit.ly/tfT4cE Ends 12/20

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 December 20th 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.

With our third baby born just a couple of weeks ago, we're already learning which baby products are on our list of must-have items for parents with multiple children...especially when we're on the go. With less space in the vehicle now with three children and fewer hands to carry everything and everyone...finding high quality products that are convenient, versatile and make day to day tasks a little easier is important to us. That's why I am so happy to have been introduced to QuickSmart.

An Australian brand, QuickSmart was developed with the mobile on-the-go parent in mind. The innovative design and functionality of their lightweight, convenient and portable line of products adds convenience to the lives of busy parents. With everything from an Easy Fold Stroller, 3-in-1 Play Yard, Easy Fold High Chair and more...parents are sure to find something that suits their needs and lifestyle perfectly.

When I was first introduced to QuickSmart, we were soon expecting our third baby. I enjoyed browsing through their great line of baby gear and could see how many of them would be useful for busy parents on the go. I was especially drawn to their 3 in 1 Travel Bassinet and couldn't have been happier to learn we were going to have the opportunity to review one.

Features/Benefits:

• 3-in-1: Diaper bag, hygienic change station and instant travel bassinet
• Changing Station: Instant, hygienic station includes water-proof change mat
• Storage: Magnetized wipes pocket and plenty of places for parents’ essentials
• Machine Washable: Removable cotton sheet for easy care, easy wear
• Bassinet: Unfolds in seconds to a structured sleeping cot for babies up to 19.8 lb
• Travel-friendly: Lets parents pack and plan for every contingency
• Extremely compact: Travel bassinet folds effortlessly down into diaper bag
• Easy Care: Durable, quality materials enable easy and hygienic cleaning
• Weighs just 6.6 lb
• Suitable for Newborn to 19.8 lb, or until child can sit up unassisted
• Dimensions: Cot 6.7 in H x 28.3 in L x 16.5 in W and Diaper Bag 14.2 in H x 3.9 in L x 16.5 in W

When the 3 in 1 Travel Bassinet arrived, I couldn't wait to check it out. Pulling it out of the box, I was already impressed with the quality. Just lifting it and checking out the detail, I could tell this product is well made, durable and made with quality materials that will last. The fabric is that which is easy to care for and easy to clean...a must for any busy parent in my opinion!

Checking it out, I also was amazed with the compact size. I couldn't believe that this diaper bag, also folds out for use as a hygienic changing station and instant travel bassinet.

The diaper bag is a convenient 14.2 in H x 3.9 in L x 16.5 in W in size. It's great for toting around all the essentials we need for our little one, including diapers, wipes, pacifiers...even bottles and diaper creams. Being so compact, I was really happy to see just how much storage there really is. There are pockets on both sides that hold quite a bit. It also features a handy carrying strap which makes it easy to carry with us wherever we're going.

Of course, the diaper bag is just one way this item can be used. As I mentioned, it's a 3-in-1 product and can also be used as a changing station and travel bassinet as well. This time of year we're on the go quite a bit. Between Christmas shopping and visiting family and friends, having such a travel-friendly product is great. Best of all...it couldn't be easier to unfold and use.

By simply removing the carrying strap, removing the buckle prongs on either side of the folded bag and separating the Velcro running down the middle of the cot...we had a travel bassinet ready to use. It literally unfolds in seconds to a structured sleeping cot for babies up to 19.8 lbs!

I was amazed at how stable the bassinet is when unfolded. At 6.7 in H x 28.3 in L x 16.5 in W in size, I was also happy to see that it would easily suit our newborn and would be able to grow with him for quite some time. It's absolutely perfect!

Not only does Caysen enjoy sleeping in the bassinet, but he also enjoys laying and relaxing in it as well. It's the perfect safe place for him to hang out while we're eating, etc. He loves to look at the black and gray designs on the sides which holds his attention for quite some time as well.

One feature I did not expect, but greatly appreciate is the removable cotton sheet for easy care, easy wear. The fact that it comes with a sheet already in it is great and I love that it is easily cared for.

Another use for this product is as a baby changing station. There is a baby change mat located in the rectangular shaped side pocket which easily unfolds and lays right inside the bassinet for comfort and hygiene. It's easy to care for, and makes diaper changes a breeze. Whenever we're visiting someone else's home, it's nice to have a clean, cozy place to change Caysen.

I love that there's plenty of space for all of the diapers and diaper changing essentials...including a special place to keep wipes and have them accessible when we need them.

Having had the chance to use the QuickSmart 3 in 1 Travel Bassinet several times now, we have been very happy with it and wish we had something like this when Kaelyn and Kaden were babies. It's extremely versatile, compact and makes days when we're on the go easier than ever. Having a place for Caysen to sleep, change his diapers, and a diaper bag all in one has been fantastic. The modern design, high quality and versatility are what make this portable bassinet an item I would highly recommend to parents with babies and think it would make a terrific Christmas gift!

Buy It: You can purchase the QuickSmart 3-in-1 Travel Bassinet for $69.99 at Amazon.com (only available in black in the US).

Win It: One very lucky reader is going to win a QuickSmart 3 in 1 Travel Bassinet!

Mandatory Entry - Visit QuickSmart and tell me 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 QuickSmart on Facebook

2. 1 extra entry - Follow QuickSmart on Twitter

3. 3 extra entries- Blog about this giveaway (linking to this post and QuickSmart) 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 3-in-1 Travel Bassinet from QuickSmart! http://bit.ly/tib9sw Ends 12/19

5. 3 extra entries- Post my holiday blog button 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. Leave me a comment on which one(s)....ONE entry for EACH giveaway you enter!!

8. 1 extra entry- Share about this giveaway on your Facebook status by including a link back to this giveaway (you can do this once a day, for an extra entry every day).

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 December 19th and is open to US Only!

**The products for this review and giveaway were provided for free. All opinions are my own and were not influenced in any way. The opinions of others may differ from my own*

Since Kaelyn was very young, she has always enjoyed books. Whether it be looking through them on her own or having them read to her...it's a love that has only grown as she gets older. I am always looking for ways to encourage her love for reading, and like to find books with positive messages that teach important life lessons. That's why I was thrilled when introduced to Howard B. Wigglebottom animated books, songs, posters, lessons and non-violent games. With these free products, WeDoListen.org is enabling 4-8 year olds to be better listeners, learn important life lessons, feel good about themselves and more.

For those who prefer hardcover books, they offering them on their site at a 50% - 66% publisher direct discount. Having looked through their books, I was especially interested in the Howard B. Wigglebottom Learns To Listen book and couldn't have been happier to learn we were going to have the opportunity to review it.

When the book arrived, Kaelyn was asking to look at it right away. Just looking at the cover and a few of the pages, I could already tell that this is a quality book...one that's durable and will hold up to a lot of use.

Of course, once she caught glimpse of the colorful, large illustrations...she was very eager to have me read it to her. I can't blame her...I was just as excited to see what this book was about.

Reading through the book, we were both impressed with the colorful pictures. It definitely held Kaelyn's interest and makes it a great book geared toward children her age.

The storyline and positive message of this book is also an important one and probably my favorite part about the book. At 4 years old, Kaelyn is working on becoming a better listener which is why the lesson on listening is so great for her. In this book, howard gets into a lot of trouble for not listening. He feels sad and alone. One day he sits down and thinks about it He decides from now on that he wants to become a better listener. He finds that being a better listener is a lot of fun. He gets rewarded with awards, extra time to play and have fun, etc.

Kaelyn absolutely loves this book. It's a terrific teaching tool for children her age on discussing the importance of good listening habits. It's a cute story with a great message and one I think is especially perfect for children who are just entering school and settings where they need to listen to other adults and authority figures.

I appreciate the fact that there's even a page at the back of the book with a list of ways to become a better listener. I discuss these often with Kaelyn as a reminder and she really has taken to them very well. With suggestions like sit quietly, use both your eyes and your ears to help you listen, and more...it's really a great book for children of all ages. I am really happy to have been introduced to it and think other parents and children will appreciate it as well.

Buy It: You can purchase the Howard B. Wigglebottom Learns to Listen book and other hardcover books for $6.

Win It: One very lucky reader is going to win a Howard B. Wigglebottom Learns to Listen book of their own!

Mandatory Entry - Visit WeDoListen.org and let me know another book 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 Howard B. Wigglebottom on Facebook and

2. 1 extra entry - Like Howard B Wigglebottom on Twitter

3. 3 extra entries- Blog about this giveaway (linking to this post) 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 Howard B. Wigglebottom Learns to Listen Book! http://bit.ly/vbHsni Ends 12/15

5. 3 extra entries- Post my blog button 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 December 15th and is open to US Only!

**The products for this review and giveaway were provided for free. All opinions are my own and were not influenced in any way. The opinions of others may differ from my own*

Winter is nearing which means bitter cold weather and being cooped up indoors more than we would like. This is the time of year I start looking for fun activities the kids and I can do together at home. Things that encourage creativity, learning, developing motor skills, and more! That's why I was excited when introduced to WABA Fun's Bubber Bucket!

For those who aren't familiar, WABA Fun designs manufactures and markets educational children's toys under brand names like Superstructs, Moon Sand, and Bubber. Dedicated to inspiring imagination and encouraging children to be creative with their playtime, products like Bubber Bucket make a terrific gift idea for children of all ages.

What child doesn't enjoy looking up in the sky and spotting faces, animals, and other objects?! I know mine do...and so do I, even as an adult. That's why the idea of WABA Fun's Bubber Bucket was so intriguing to me. Fun with Bubber, is much like being able to reach up, grab the clouds and sculpt something. Bubber is a lightweight and pleasant-to-the-touch compound providing a welcome alternative to cold clay, messy doughs, and could-watching. It's the lightest modeling compound on earth which had me very excited when I learned we were going to have the opportunity to review some.
When the Bubber Bucket arrived, Kaelyn caught eye of it right away and couldn't wait to try it out. Having read and heard so much about it, I have to admit I was pretty eager to check it out as well. I liked the fact that it comes in a bucket right away. This makes it easy to store when we're not using it.
Upon opening the bucket, we began touching the lightweight compound. I was amazed with how lightweight it is. It's feels light as air and fluffy like a cloud. It feels great in your hands, and is very easy to mold and manipulate.

Having never used anything like this before, I couldn't help but wonder how easy it would be to use...but thankfully, found it was very easy. It's easy to leave clean, sharp lines and amazing imprints with this compound. What I love is no matter if you have just a little, or a lot...it's easy to sculpt. So...both kids with big hands and those with little hands can enjoy this fun product. It encourages creativity and also stimulates their fine motor skills.

Kaelyn was very happy with the Bubber. Rather than sculpting with it, I noticed she was more interested in examining it and enjoying the sensory experience of this very unique, cloud-like modeling clay.
We received a School Stamps Set and found that it was a very fun addition to the Bubber....especially for Kaelyn's age. As a former teacher, I have learned that it's a good idea to involve several of the senses when children are doing an activity and learning. This is the perfect way to do that...as you can use the stamps with the compound to spell and learn letters. This is right up Kaelyn's alley and something she really enjoyed doing!

Aside from being a fun activity for kids, Bubber is a product that parents will appreciate too. I found that it never dries out which I think is great. I can't tell you how many doughs and clays we've been through because they've dried out in a short time. This, even if not stored properly, will still be pliable the next day. It's also easy to clean up. It sticks to itself so you can blot it up or easily vacuum it from floors and carpets. It leaves no stain or residue either!

Being non-toxic, non-allergenic, and containing no gluten is also something I really appreciate and like about Bubber. We've been very happy with it and would definitely recommend it to families with young children. Available in several colors, you're sure to find the perfect one for the child on your Christmas list this year...giving them a gift that provides hours of portable fun!

Buy It: You can purchase the WABA Fun’s Bubber Bucket (Ages 3+) for $12.99.

Win It: One very lucky reader is going to win a Bubber Bucket of their own!

Mandatory Entry - Visit WABA Fun 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. 3 extra entries- Blog about this giveaway (linking to this post and WABA Fun) 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:

A fun alternative to clay and dough. #WIN a Bubber Bucket from WABA Fun! http://bit.ly/tUuHoF Ends 12/15

3. 3 extra entries- Post my holiday blog button 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 other current giveaways. Leave me a comment on which one(s)....ONE entry for EACH giveaway you enter!!

8. 1 extra entry- Share about this giveaway on your Facebook status by including a link back to this giveaway (you can do this once a day, for an extra entry every day).

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 December 15th and is open to US Only!

**The products for this review and giveaway were provided for free. All opinions are my own and were not influenced in any way. The opinions of others may differ from my own*