Building with Puzzlekid- Twin Spin Helicopter.

Raise your hands if you have spent a fortune on Lego kits??

Yeah I think if you’re a parent there is that one specific type of toy your kid is in love with. For us its Lego. Those pesky colorful bricks that are so addictive and attractive. For us in particular they are a great tool that my son has been using for years to strengthen his hand as he has some fine motor skills delays. Because some pieces are so small it has taught him to have patience and use his practice tool to get them to stick together.

As his mom I have sat and watched him get better and better.

Check out his new video posted on his youtube page. Adventures with Puzzlekid/momoftornado.

 Don’t forget to like and subscribe and thank you for taking the time to read this. Leave me your toy must have for your child.

 Thank you and come back soon..

Find this build on Amazon ( Affiliate Link)
LEGO Creator Twin Spin Helicopter 31049 Children’s Toy

How I save for the holidays.

Who doesn’t like getting gift cards? I have found some awesome sights that allow me to earn points and redeem them for gift cards. For the past three years I’ve  accumulated enough points that I’ve used to redeem for  gift cards that I use for Christmas shopping. I use the site to click thru to shop online, print coupons, take surveys and browse. As an example I usually redeem my points for Amazon gift cards. I then use the gift cards on AWESOME deals they have thru the holiday season and by clicking thru Swagbucks I start to earn points that I use next Christmas. It’s a wonderful cycle that I don’t mind doing over again. I love swagbucks because they have so many ways of earning points. They have a tool bar you can add to your browsers and when you search for things you earn points, they have surveys, buy thru links that earn points per dollars spent, online games, daily polls; the possibilities can be endless.

Click the link (Click Here) to head on over to Swagbucks so you can start earning your awesome points.

Another sight I  use which sends me a check once I reached a certain amount so no need to try to redeem points with this one, is Ebates. If you love shopping online then this sight might be what you’re looking for.  They have a ton of stores from Macys to Overstock they even have Zulily.

Click the link (Click Here)to head on over to Ebates and start earning that BIG Fat Check.

These are just a few sights I love to use. Let me know if you want to know what Apps I use to earn cash back on items I buy at the grocery store.

What sites do you use? Leave me a comment, like this post and don’t forget to subscribe. You can also follow me on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook.

Start collecting to make this Holiday count.

*please note All links used are referral links. 

 

Shelter Dogs Rock. Our new fur baby.

If you are interested in adopting a shelter animal please consider doing it the weekend of May 30 – 31,  2015. I know the shelter we adopted Cash is participating in this great event. If you’re in the Bay Area, CA please consider visiting the Oakland Animal Shelter. Otherwise visit the website to search shelters in your area.

Please visit http://www.maddiesfund.org/maddies-pet-adoption-days-2015.htm to find a local shelters in your area supported by this free adoption weekend.

“Maddie’s^® Pet Adoption Days May30 – 31 2015 has supported the adoptions of more than 30,000 homeless dogs and cats since the program’s inception in 2010. For each pet adopted, Maddies Fund^®gives participating shelters from $200 to $2,500. This funding enables the shelters and rescue groups to save and treat more animals throughout the year.”

Shelter dogs rock.

I would like to introduce you to my new fur baby. His name is Cash and he comes to us from the Oakland Animal Services Shelter in Oakland CA. I had the pleasure of visiting the shelter a few times to ensure we found the right dog for our family. I feel in love with so many pooches but was only able to take one home. Oakland Animal Services is a no kill shelter so there main goal is to pair the right family with their perfect dog.  Cash is a beautiful pit terrier mix that is only about 11 months old. He was found as a stray , adopted then returned for being too much of a  puppy. I know sad face. He is a sweet loving dog that just wants a great family to help him along his puppy years and form a wonderful bond for the rest of his life. The shelter I visited has a wonderful visiting policy with the dogs where you, your family and any animals in your home can spend one on one time with the dog. How wonderful is that. Because I have a small child I needed to know the dog understood the type of energy my tornado can have.

If you are looking to adopt please visit your local shelter, or rescue agency to give a pooch or kitty a chance to show you just how much love they have to give. The volunteers are such a great source of information and are super helpful and kind. Remember some dogs have a hard time showing when there in the kennels. If the shelter provides visiting please give that dog a chance to wow you outside of the cage they live in.  I think I would be a hot mess if I was in a cage all day as well.  

AND THEY CALL IT PUPPY LOVE……

 

Cuddle buddy???

Sun bathing at his finest.

Taken at the shelter – look how happy he was. A forever home found .

Travel buddies!!

#shelterdogsrock

From long to short…..

Going into 2015 I knew I needed to change a lot of things. So to begin this journey of self change I decided to get a drastic hair cut.  Now if you see the picture I’ve included you will see how long my hair was. I have never cut my hair this short EVER and my darling stylist was shocked and excited to explore my request to go nuts and cut it off. Jen gave me a beautiful A line cut with my longest pieces towards the front.

When I went home and honestly looked at myself I realized I had left my old self on the floor with all that excess hair I had that was dry, brittle and easily breaking off. I honestly never thought I could pull off a short cut. But those were all hang ups I personally had about how I saw myself. I didn’t go all Angela Basset cut my own hair off like in Waiting to Exhale but I now know how she feels. I had held on to my long hair so much because I thought that was one of the few features of myself I really loved. But now I look at myself and I still love my hair. It looks fresh, light and healthy.

Have you ever given yourself a drastic change??

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Ideas wanted.. Spring Break is here!!!!

Being in kindergarten means were official big kid statues which also means my calendar is jam packed with half days, teacher days, every holiday imaginable and school breaks.  Nothing is harder than being a single parent who works full time that has to try to find someone that has two or more weeks to watch my kid. But I’m grateful that I have a great network of people I can use. With my day starting earlier means I can be at work early so that I can be home early to enjoy the beautiful spring days.

It’s not so hot that I can bust out the water guns and slip and slides (which won’t happen this year because of California’s drought problem) but it’s also warm enough to enjoy a great evening hike or picnic dinner. I have a few ideas but I’d like to know what YOU do during spring break to enjoy the afternoon sun and beautiful evenings? Please leave me a comment I’d love to hear your ideas and spring break activities.

Let’s keep in touch (K.I.T) follow me on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook. All links in the margin —->

Tackling the world of Sight Word

If your child is in Kindergarten then you know the standard 100 sight words all 5 years olds should know by the end of their first scholastic year, (did you notice the sarcasm). Clearly it’s not 1986 anymore because I don’t remember ever having to do this. I remember making kites out of straws and tissue paper, learning my ABC’s, singing and coming home with macaroni necklaces for my mom. Not coming home with a list of words and HOMEWORK.

What is a sight word or tricky word? According to Wikipedia: Link http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sight_word

”Sight words, often also called high frequency sight words, are commonly used words that young children are encouraged to memorize as a whole by sight, so that they can automatically recognize these words in print without having to use any strategies to decode.”

But with that said… I’ve had to find ways to capture the attention of a 5 year old boy so that we can attempt to conquer the mountain that is memorizing words.  Sitting with him has really not worked because it was boring to him.  After battling for 10 minutes and then knowing that by then it was pointless to even attempt to have a study session I went on a hunt for entertaining ways to help him learn his words.

First thing I decided to make the words visible. I used colored markers to write the words on index cards. This way he had a bigger card he could recite from instead of just words on a sheet of paper or on a key ring. Then I took my not so handy craft skills and put a word worm on our hallway wall. Once he knows a word, it would come off the wall and placed on my bedroom door.  Randomly I will point to a word so he can say it. That was a good motivation for him. Seeing the words moved from the learning place to the GOAL place.

Board games are a huge hit in our household so I looked into finding educational games.  The two games I did purchase have been a huge hit and are super fun to play. They both are bingo type games so having to look at the word, look at the board, look at the word, is essential to winning and learning.  Both were found on Amazon, I’ve included the link below. Easily this is over an hour of playing and learning (wink wink ) time.

Zingo:

http://www.amazon.com/Think-Fun-7704-Zingo-Sight/dp/B008RU8GC4/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1424995613&sr=8-2&keywords=zingo

Sight Word Bingo:

http://www.amazon.com/Trend-Enterprises-Sight-Words-Bingo/dp/B007YCMCIA/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1424995667&sr=8-1&keywords=sight+word+bingo

Are you in Sight Word world? Share your tips and tricks that help your child memorize their first 100 words.

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What do you give thanks for?

I give thanks for the healthy kids in my life, and I give thanks for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

For the second in year in a row my son and I will be walking in the St Jude Give thanks. Walk to support St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. One day one huge walk!  On November 22^nd, 65 communities will take part in the efforts to raise money to help support life saving treatments that St Jude provides to children and their families.

I’m thankful to know that St. Jude is there — finding cures for kids with pediatric cancer and other deadly diseases and giving hope to parents around the world. I’ve been so moved by the inspirational stories of the kids treated there that I decieded to walk. I need your support to help me reach my fundraising goal of $150. To find out more about St Jude Children’s Research Hospital and the research they are doing to help save lives please visit. www.stjude.org.

As a fundraiser effort I have partnered with Younique to give 10% of retail price to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. If you would like to visit the site and make a purchase please use the link below .https://www.youniqueproducts.com/leticiamolina/party/854260/view

How your support helps:
Thanks to donations from people like us, families never receive a bill from St. Jude for anything.Treatments invented at St. Jude have helped push the overall childhood cancer survival rate from 20 percent to more than 80 percent.”

Please visit my fundraising Web page to donate (or register!) today. Donate here.

To read about last year’s event visit my post from last year.   https://momoftornado.wordpress.com/2013/12/07/give-thanks-walk/

Thank you for your support!

Product Review..Younique Moonstruck 3D Fiber Lash

               As described on the website.
“Our simple three-step process combines Transplanting Gel and Natural Fibers to help create the appearance of incredible thickness and volume to your existing lashes. Watch as your lashes transform into something you have only dreamed of! The 3D Fiber Lashes are water resistant but easily wash off with warm water and facial cleanser at the end of the day. Try it! It will quickly become your favorite makeup must-have!”

Younique Moonstruck 3D Fiber Lash

As a busy single mom I’m always looking for short cuts in the morning to get out the door fast and put together. I’ve found that having a limitless amount of time in the morning to get ready is a fantasy. I’ve said this before having a fast five minute face is a must have for me. A friend of mine told me about this product because she knows my eyes are super sensitive and since our family had a scare last year with some health issues we have been moving towards a more organic approach in most of the products we use and consume. I trusted her enough that I ordered the product immediately and since then have not looked back.

Younique 3D Fiber Lashes are packed in two separate bottles, the Transplanting Gel and the Natural Green Tea Fibers. They are used together to give the appearance of thicker, fuller, longer lashes. The instructions are easy to follow and as you get used to putting it on you can put your own spin to it. I’m a one coat kind of gal which is just enough for me to look awake and ready to face the world. If I wanted a bit more drama and glam then yes I would go for a second or even a third coat.

I found the product easy to apply and easy to remove. As I would with any water proof mascara I wash my face with a cleaner and then go over my face with a makeup removing clothes. Nothing fancy I use the Target brand and it works great.  As I’ve used the product I’ve learned that a little goes a long way. Also the transplanting gel is mostly made of  Natural Proplis , a component collected by bees, it might thicken up with cold weather. I’ve learned that just warming up the bottle will help liquefy the product. I’m a fidgety person so having make-up on my face that I can feel make my fingers twitch. With this product, I forget I have it on. I originally thought my eyelids would feel heavy especially with them becoming thicker but I don’t feel anything. It comes in two tubes so finding the balance when applying is essential. Don’t let the product dry. I hold them both in one hand and immediately apply the fibers after I applied the gel. Then seal the product with the Transplanting Gel once more and you are set.  The price point for this is $29 dollars. It’s in the range of most high end mascaras and I would apply this to that spectrum. Unfortunately this product is not found in stores but you can order it and have it shipped directly to you.

If you’re interested in the product, click here for your direct link to Younique.

What are you make up must haves?? Leave me a comment. Have you tried Younique products? Let me know your thoughts.

 

**This is a personal blog. All products were purchased with my own money. I have become a Younique Presenter, the link provided is a reference link that will lead you to my personal web page.  If you have questions please contact me via the web page and I will be happy to speak with you regarding Younique.

October Shanagans !!!!

October is the month of spooky treats and sneaky tricks.. This year I decided we would do something super special.

We went to Disneyland and did Trick or Treating with Mickey and Friends. It was such a magical experience for myself since the last time I was actually there was before I could remember even being there. So even as I disguised the trip as something special for my son it was also something super special for me. As soon as the sun went down the decorations and spooky noises came out and I was in awwwww. I loved how they lit the castle and you could see spiders crawling over it and the purple color of the castle so perfect. My son was quick to say he saw spells being cast all over he park and the Magic of Disney made us feel like we were caught in a spell. I loved how they set up stations so the kiddos can collect yummy treat and if lucky catch characters posing for pictures. My son is still talking about his conversation with Pirate Goofy. I honestly cannot wait to go back. I had such a great time with my son. He was a real trooper and did well even thought it was crowded. Unfortunaly we did not get to all the rides that night but the ones we did get on were AWESOME. I have first hand experience on why people fall in love with this place. We are now ready to tackle our next trip with out laniards and pins. Our first pin is the first time at Disney pin that we were given at the ticket counter.

I’m already starting to save my pennies so we can go once again next year. Definatly visiting Disney on a budget is very doable. Never let anything stop you. It will all be worth it.

Thomas and Percy Halloween Party at Roaring Camp Railways was such a fun day for my little one. He was able to finally meet his favorite trains; Thomas the Tank Engine and his best friend Percy. This was the first year Percy made it to Roaring Camp. The day was beautiful and all the activities were so much fun. My son could not contain his excitement when we walked into the park and he was surrounded by trains.  We were able to take pictures with Thomas and Percy. Sir Topham Hatt was also available to take pictubut we did not have time. We also enjoyed all the activities they were offering. Tattoos and face painting, and picking pumpkins to take home and jumping in the Bounce House. I think having a bouncy house is essential to giving kids a fun time. The best part was our 20 min train ride. It was a relaxing ride thru the area pulled one direction by Thomas and then pulled back to the rail station by Percy.

I would defiantly suggest this trip if you have the chance to visit a railroad station where Thomas the Tank Engine stationed. The wonder of it will live forever in your childs memory

Boo at the Zoo was a super fun event the Oakland Zoo holds over a weekend in Oct. The kids and grown ups are encouranged to come in costume, participate in a costume parade, enjoy the scavanger hunt and maybe take a spooky train ride.  We saw huge spooky bats; new to me since the last visit we made to the zoo. I thought they were pretty cool. Most were sleeping but some were up scratching and swinging away. Reminded me of a book we read ; Bats at the beach by Brian Lies. Check it out if you have not. But  they were not the only animals we saw up close. During the Animal Theater show we saw a Farrett, a Horned owl and a Black snack. Honestly I cant tell you the name of the snack because I was so freaked out. This mom does not like snakes. But I did learn that its not poisenous and it kills its pray by thrashing it about and this type of snake pretend to be a cobra when its faced with a danger. As we visited different stations to learn about animals we also got our booklet stamped so we could claim a prize at the end of our scavanger hunt. This made being at the zoo so much more fun. To end the day we moved on over to Adventure Land to enjoy a kid coaster, a zippy plane ride and the carasoul.

Well I hope you all had a fabulous october and please let me know what cool and fun things you do to celebrate and count down to halloween.
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Last Minute Halloween Costume.

Fabulous news.. Halloween falls on a Friday this year! This time I was prepared or thought I was. Well my son and I went in September to scope out all the costumes, giving him options, make sure we find his size and finally reduce my stress.

Fast forward to Oct 27th… when I see that the school has sent home a note asking that costumes be characters from a book and non violent with no mask. Great …. That information would have been helpful a month ago when I got him a Power Ranger costume complete with a face mask. AHHHHHHHHHH. But totally understandable and this mom jumped on it! But now with 3 days left for this venture my hours to put together something is limited. I was a little stressed out I’m not going to lie. At that point I saw Rogelio (Jane Villanueva’s dad on “Jane the Virgin”- CW network) in front me telling me to “inhale, exhale” (in Spanish). After I’ve calmed and inhaled, exhaled I started to raid my sons books and we narrowed it down to his three favorite books.
*Aliens in underpants save the world.
*Charlie Brown is lost
*If you give a pig a party.

As most of you know the week before Halloween is crazy. The Halloween store is packed to the brim with last minute shoppers and the last thing I want to do at 6pm when I get home from work is make my way over with a tired Kindergartner to a crowed store to wait in line in the hopes that I find a cheap enough option to go with. So out of the three choices I picked.. CHARLIE BROWN.

Easy.. So here it is.
*Yellow shirt
*Black shorts
*Yellow socks.
I did purchase fabric paint to make the chevron stripes on the yellow shirt but this had to be the best last minute costume.

Allow the garment to dry for at least 24 hours before you wear it or wash it.

This year my son will have two costumes. One for school and one for our night haunts!!! 

Let me know what last minute costumes you have come up with. Like, share and comment..
Happy Halloween!!!