After being cooped up all winter long, we spend a lot of time outdoors during the summer months enjoying the warmth and freedom to run around and play. I like to give my kids a variety of open-ended play opportunities, and look for outdoor toys that encourage this through learning, fun and creativity. It's neat to see them use their imaginations and thanks to CP Toys, I know I can find a great selection of kids toys that will help them do just that!

CPToy.com is a family owned business serving loyal customers since 1953! Dedicated to inspiring learning, creativity and fun...they offer a unique mix of high quality products with unparalleled play value for children. Over the years, this company has become a name people know and trust. Their success can be attributed to the values and principles set forth by the founders...like their commitment to providing unique children's educational toys, great customer service and the decision to forgo selling violent toys.

We had the opportunity to review the Little Helper Cleaning Set from CP Toys last November and were very impressed with the quality and way that it encouraged creativity and fun. That's why I was excited to learn we were going to have the opportunity to review another of their great products for summer. They have a large selection of fun toys for children of all ages. With everything from games and puzzles to pretend play items and more...you're sure to find toys that bridge the gap between learning and fun.

 

As I browsed their different categories and toys for different ages, I came across the Power Garden Tools and decided these would be a fun toy for the kids to use outside this summer.

Features/Benefits:

• Includes a leaf blower, weed trimmer, chain saw and lawn mower
• Durably made of plastic
• Realistic action and sound effects
• Accessories include work gloves and goggles
• Requires 11 AA batteries (not included)
• Designed for children 4 years old+

My kids love to imitate the different jobs they see my husband and I doing around the house and yard, so I had a feeling this Power Garden Tools Set would be a huge hit! I was right. From the moment it arrived, Kaelyn and Kaden were begging to check it out!

Upon opening the box, I found a power garden tools set which included a leaf blower, weed trimmer, chain saw, and lawn mower...along with gloves and goggles too. There was very little assembly...the only thing that needed to be put together was the lawn mower which only took seconds.

Right away I was impressed with the realistic look of each of the play power tools. Everything resembled the different power tools we use, which made it that much more exciting for the kids! I love that so much attention was given to the little details. Everything from the way they operate to the look sets them apart as one-of-a-kind and something young children will love!

Even though the box was on the smaller side, I was happy to see that each of the power garden tools was a nice size for both my two year old and 4 year old. The quality is also good, giving me peace of mind that these will hold up to a lot of use and play. I was happy about this, as I know my kids will be using these for summers to come!

Of course, after checking out each piece, we couldn't wait to get them outside and start using them! Before starting, we put the batteries in so we were able to operate each one. There's 11 AA batteries needed in total, which seemed like a lot, but when you think of how many toys you're talking about...it wasn't too bad. In no time we had them ready to go!

The kids were super excited once they realized that these not only look like daddy's tools...but sound like them too!! Kaden was all about helping mow with his new lawn mower and loved being able to start it up and hear the fun, realistic sounds it makes.

He of course needed the goggles and work gloves too! :)

Kaelyn grabbed the chain saw right away, as she had recently seen my husband cutting some branches off a couple of our trees. She went right over to a tree and being "sawing". Again, the real sound and movement of the saw when it's on made it that much more real and fun for her to use.

The weed trimmer and leaf blower have also been big hits and are used on a daily basis. My kids love to grab whatever they see me or my husband using and help out right along side us. It's fun to see them using their imaginations and engaged in pretend play. I've heard them playing house, while one is outside working on the lawn and the other takes the chain saw with him to go to work. I could sit and watch this type of creative play for hours.

We have had a blast with the Power Garden Tools. I appreciate the thought that went into every detail, and think the sound effects are probably our favorite part! Once again, CP toys did not disappoint. They have made our summer playtime even more fun, creative and enjoyable! I would definitely recommend this Power Garden Tools set to any family with children.

Buy It: You can purchase the Power Garden Tools play set for $69.99 at CPToys.com.

Win It: One very lucky reader is going to a Power Garden Tools set of their own! (US and Canada). You can enter the giveaway via the Rafflecopter giveaway below. If you don't see the Rafflecopter form, click here.


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**The products for this review and giveaway were provided for free. All opinions are my own.

Having had my third baby 7 months ago, I'm still working on losing those last few pounds and getting my pre-baby body back. I've been trying to eat healthier and limit my calorie intake...including my weakness and something I LOVE...chocolate! I try not to indulge in my chocolate cravings too much, as I can't help but feel guilty eating it when I'm working hard to get back into shape. It hasn't been easy though, which is why I was thankful when I learned about Hershey's Simple Pleasures. I can now have Sweet Independence and enjoy my chocolate and all its deliciousness once again...guilt-free!

As someone who loves chocolate, I was excited when asked to try the new Hershey's Simple Pleasures chocolates. As soon as they arrived, I pulled them out of the box and read something on the back of the package that made my day (...summer, and year!)... Hershey's Simple Pleasures chocolates have 30 percent less fat than the average leading milk chocolates. YAY! Chocolate that I can actually enjoy and feel good about eating.

All three varieties sounded absolutely delicious (Milk Chocolate with Vanilla Creme, Milk Chocolate with Chocolate Creme, and Dark Chocolate with Chocolate Creme) so I opened up each one and tried them all right there and then! All I can say is yyuuummmm! Had I not read that these individually-wrapped chocolates only have 30 calories in each one, I would have never known! They are delicious and satisfy my chocolate craving like any other chocolate. The best part is, I don't have to feel guilty about it. I can enjoy a 30 calorie chocolate that tastes great, all while sticking to my diet and continuing to eat healthier.

My favorite would definitely be the Milk Chocolate with Vanilla Creme. The flavors are amazing and oh so yummy! And, I'm not the only who enjoys the Hershey's Simple Pleasures chocolates...my kids and husband also agree that they are delicious. Next time I get some, I think I may have to hide them so they last longer though! 


I simply could not give up my chocolate all together, and now I have no guilt in eating it thanks to Hershey's Simple Pleasures and their chocolate that states to have 30 percent less fat than the average of the leading milk chocolates! I feel great enjoying the foods I love, and you can too! Be sure to keep an eye out for Hershey's Simple Pleasures chocolates in stores.

Also, head over to the  Hershey's Simple Pleasures Facebook Page and sign the Declaration of Sweet Independence. Simply declare what you want your independence from (work, stress, etc - anything in your life) and you could win some sweet prizes!

**This post was sponsored by Hershey's and TheMotherhood. I received free samples of Hershey's Simple Pleasures Chocolates to try, however...my opinions are my own and were not influenced in any way. 

With the bitter cold winters we have here in the Midwest, summer is our time to get outdoors and enjoy the warmth as much as we possibly can. Now that we have a larger yard for the kids to run around and play, I have been keeping my eye out for great outdoor activities they can do together. Of course, one company that comes to mind immediately when I think of high quality toys for kids, is Little Tikes.

Since 1970 Little Tikes has been offering families an amazing selection of innovative children's products that encourage them to get up and be active while playing. Offering everything from baby toys and children's furniture to riding toys and workshops...they have created a line of products that parents can trust and turn to time and time again.

Over the years we've owned several Little Tikes products and have always been impressed with the quality, educational and overall appeal. That's why I was happy to learn we were going to have the opportunity to review one of their great toys for summer...the Little Tikes Big Digger Sandbox!

Features/Benefits:

• Excavator really works to pick up sand and load the trucks
• Molded in ramps and roadways in the sand area
• Lid doubles as a truck ramp
• Holds 100lbs. of sand (not included)
• Accessories include: 1-Dump truck, 1-Rake, 1-Shovel, 1-Sand sifter, 1-Sand cup, 2-Characters
• Recommended for ages 3+

When the Little Tikes Big Digger Sandbox arrived, we were all excited to check it out. Upon opening the box, we found the sand area, lid, and accessories.

I was happy to see that the only assembly required was screwing on the excavator. Once that was complete, we were ready to take the sandbox outside and fill it with sand.

Once we got it outside and the sand put in, the kids were very excited to start playing. As they played, I was checking everything out and was very happy with the quality. It's exactly what I would expect from Little Tikes. It's extremely durable and kid-friendly...something I can tell will last us a very long time!

One thing we did notice was that it was difficult for the kids to both sit in the sandbox and play at the same time. They found it easier to either sit on the edges or sit outside of the box which has worked out just fine.

I love that this sandbox came with accessories like the Dump truck, Rake, Shovel, Sand sifter, Sand cup, and Characters. It made it possible for the kids to start playing right away...creating, pretending and having fun together!

Of course, the most unique part of this sandbox, and probably my kids' favorite is the the construction possibilities. The sand area features a molded in ramp and roadway, equipped with a real working excavator to dig in the sand and load up the dump truck. I have found that Kaelyn and Kaden like to work as a team. She enjoys using the excavator and Kaden likes to drive the dump truck around.

Instead of just driving it around in the sand, which is a lot of fun for him...he also enjoys the fact that the lid doubles as a ramp to drive the truck down and up on as well. I love this feature too! It's great being able to extend the play area for the kids, while still having a lid to keep the sand dry when we're not using it.

And, even when the lid is on...the sandbox can still be used as a construction zone for the truck.

The kids have absolutely loved this construction themed sandbox! It has allowed for hours of active play for the two of them as they create sand castles, roadways, and so much more. I've enjoyed watching as they use their imaginations and have fun pretending. The extra features of this sandbox are what really set this sandbox apart...I appreciate that it's all included so that parents don't have to go out and buy that separately.

We've been having a blast with this fun sandbox. Along with the quality, the construction fun can't be beat. I would definitely recommend it to families with young children.

Buy It: You can purchase the Little Tikes Big Digger Sandbox for $49.99.

Win It: One very lucky reader is going to win a Little Tikes Digger Sandbox! To enter, enter the Rafflecopter giveaway below. US Only. If you don't see the Rafflecopter form, click here.

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**The product for this review and giveaway were provided for free. All opinions are my own.

Space is limited in our home with three children and all their toys, gear, etc. I am always looking for products that help save space and still suit our needs. Known for extremely convenient, lightweight and portable baby gear items...I know I can always count on QuickSmart and their high quality products.

For those who have been reading here for a while, you know that I'm a big fan of QuickSmart. With products like the the 3-in-1 Play Yard and the Easy Fold Stroller...busy parents now have baby gear products that are not only great quality, but also very convenient.

We have had the opportunity to review a couple of items from QuickSmart in the past. Each time we are impressed with the quality, innovative design and convenience they offer. That's why I was excited to learn we were going to have the opportunity to review the QuickSmart Easy Fold High Chair.

Features/Benefits:

• 2 Step Fold
• Extremely Compact
• Snack Tray
• Easy Care
• No assembly required
• Comfort
• Safe
• Grows with child
• Designed for children 6+ months, up to 30.8 lbs

I have always thought of high chairs as being a bit of an eyesore and something that takes up a lot of space in our smaller dining area. With Caysen now eating some table foods, I wanted to find something that would suit our needs, but not take up a lot of space. Thanks to QuickSmart, I have!

I was really excited when the Easy Fold High Chair arrived, and couldn't wait to check it out. Right out of the box, I was happy to see that there was no assembly required! Like the other QuickSmart products we have reviewed, I LOVE this. As a busy parent I don't have a lot of time to put together baby gear, and having a product ready to use right out of the box is something I really appreciate!

Of course, I couldn't help but notice how nicely it folds up. It's extremely compact, slim and easy to store away when necessary. I really love this feature, especially when we have company over and want more space. It's lightweight (19.1 lbs) and easy to carry where we need it as well.

Not only is the compact design really nice, but I appreciate how easy it is to fold and unfold as well! Below is a quick video from QuickSmart showing how easy!

Following the user-friendly directions, I quickly learned that unfolding and folding the high chair couldn't be easier. I simply unlocked the grey side latch, grasped the center back of the seat and using an upward motion, was able to raise the high chair until it clicked into place. Folding it up is just as simple.

Once set up, the high chair is really stunning. I love the signature print of the the QuickSmart products. It's attractive, neutral and I would think would go well in anyone's home. I really like the fact that it's neutral and can be used with a boy or a girl too.

The laminated fabric is also very easy to wipe off and clean. 

The quality of the high chair was also evident as soon as I had it set up and ready to use. The frame and seat is durable and stable, something that I see lasting us a very long time. 

Of course, once I had checked it over, I was excited to get Caysen in the seat and see what he thought of it. Every time we have used this high chair, he seems very comfortable. I love that there's a 2 position backrest, great for babies who take bottles and those who are eating some table foods. 

Knowing how quickly kids grow, it's also nice to have a high chair made to grow with a child. The foot rest, harness and tray are all made to adjust as your child grows which is really neat. The foot rest has six different heights, the seat has a 2 position recline, and the food tray has three adjustment positions.

Speaking of the tray, it offers a couple of features that are unique and something I really like as well. First, I love that instead of snapping on like so many high chairs, it slides on. It makes it easy to fit to Caysen's size, and also seems very secure. To slide on and off, there's a button on the bottom and lever that you pull or push. It's very simple and easy to use.

There's also a convenient snack tray which makes cleaning a breeze. It's dishwasher safe and instead of having to clean the whole tray, it simply snaps off. I wish all high chairs had this feature...it's wonderful!

Once again, QuickSmart did not disappoint! In the time we've been able to use this with Caysen, we've been really impressed with the quality and the many features which make it safe, convenient and the most compact high chair we've come across. I think it's great for a family looking for ways to save on space and would definitely recommend it to parents with little ones. 

Buy It: You can purchase the Easy Fold High Chair for $189.99 from QuickSmart. 

You can connect with QuickSmart on Facebook and Twitter. 

**The product for this review was provided by QuickSmart. All opinions are my own and were not influenced in any way.