Young At Heart Mommy

Managing Motherhood Through Love & Laughter

Mommy ♡ Daughter Date: The Young At Art Museum #YoungAtArt

It’s been over a year since our first visit to the Young At Art Museum here in South Florida. Last week was intense stressful around here. Between working, preparing for a birthday party, and Valentine school festivities I was extremely exhausted by the time Sunday arrived. I was more than ready to relax and unwind a bit since I was off of work Monday & Tuesday. Typically when I am off during the week I take advantage of having free time to myself because Toodie is in school until the afternoon and it gives me a chance to get things done without any distractions. Since I was able to get some rest and run a few errands yesterday I thought it would be nice to spend a day at the museum before heading back to reality on Wednesday. Toodie has been asking me to take her to visit the Young At Art Museum again for a while now & this seemed to be the perfect time to do so. Yes, I let her play hooky from school today.. shhhhh!
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Creative Summer Activities Featuring CRAYOLA + #GIVEAWAY!

Summer has really started to grow on me. Usually I am one to prefer the cooler months and can’t wait for October to roll around. But this year I have been spending much more time outside with Toodie, enjoying the sunshine & nature itself. While we have had more rainy days than sunny, we take full advantage when the weather is beautiful. Most of our time outside is spent playing with bubbles, running in the sprinklers, coloring with sidewalk chalk, and watering plants. Typical Summer fun activities right? Since Florida has had unpredictable weather this year, I always like to have activities ready for the outdoors and indoors. With the help of Crayola I am able to be prepared through rain or shine. Last week they were kind enough to send Toodie a few of their popular Summer time products! Included within the package was a box of Washable Sidewalk Chalk, Color Wonder Mess Free Glitter Paper with markers, and the Color Wonder Mini Stow and Go.


Washable Sidewalk Chalk:
  • A standout from the crowd — it’s the first sidewalk chalk featuring 48 classic Crayola crayon colors!  And that’s not all – the chalk is also bolder and more vibrant than ever.
  • With so many colors to choose from, kids can let their imaginations run wild to create beautiful masterpieces that may include “carnation pink” flowers, “sepia” colored tree trunks, “granny smith apple” turtles or “scarlet” colored lady bugs.
  • A new anti-roll shape prevents chalk from rolling away and the wide sides allow kids to draw thick lines.
  • Parents will appreciate that the chalk is washable from sidewalks and driveways – simply spray away with water! 

Toodie loves drawing pictures with chalk. What’s great about the Washable Sidewalk chalk is that it comes in 24 different colors and is in fact… WASHABLE! It comes off extremely easy whether you hose off the area with water or let it fade. The colors are also not traditional. They are bright, vibrant, and there are so many to choose from. I love that they are crayon shaped too! This makes them easy to hold for smaller hands.


Color Wonder Mess-Free Glitter Paper and Markers:
  • Crayola’s new Color Wonder Glitter Paper is full of glittery fun but without the mess, since the glitter effects are in the paper.
  • Kids can create dazzling, sparkly masterpieces with their favorite Disney Princesses and Fairies.
  • With Crayola’s Color Wonder system, parents can rest easy since the mess-free Color Wonder markers will only appear on the special Color Wonder paper – not on skin, clothing, walls or furniture.
  • Kids can color and watch in awe as hidden images magically appear on the glittery paper.

In our home we are very familiar with the mess-free Color Wonder sets. When Toodie was younger we would find her drawings on the walls and tile, convincing us that we needed a better option! I started buying the color wonder markers and paper because they were so conveniant and I didn’t have to worry about it ending up in the wrong place. Toodie was thrilled that the glitter coloring pages were Disney Princess themed! The pack came with 12 individual pictures to color and 5 markers. The markers can always be re-used and you can purchase more magic paper sheets!

Color Wonder Mini Stow and Go:
•        Mess-free fun hits the road with Crayola Wonder Mini Stow and Go!
•        The Color Wonder Mini Stow & Go gives you a portable writing surface and storage for your creations and markers.
•        Markers color only on special paper and not on skin, furniture or carpets! 
•        Each pack includes a 15-page mini Color Wonder Coloring Pad and 3 Color Wonder Markers.
 

The Mini Stow and Go is ideal for traveling and restaurant visits. It’s basically mini Color Wonder pages and markers packed in a slim storage case. Since receiving our Crayola goodies I have kept this in my purse for when we are out and about. It’s great for entertaining little ones when you are away from home or running errands. There are even extra slots for you to put additional markers in.

Crayola has so many tools to encourage your child to be creative. These are just three!  For more information on these Crayola products along with the many others they offer, visit their website here. Also, get social and follow along on Twitter and Facebook! Crayola has been kind enough to provide me with one Summer Fun gift pack to give away to my readers. If you would like the chance to win all three products mentioned above, enter below. Good luck and as always, thanks for stopping by!

Disclosure:  The Crayola pack, information, and additional gift pack have been provided by Crayola. All opinions are my own!

Exploring Creativity With WowWee ArtSee Studio For The iPad!

At four years old Toodie has mastered using my iPad to play games, listen to music, browse YouTube, take photos, and spontaneously tweet random things to my followers. This usually includes a jumble of letters and funny emojis but she calls this “tweeting like mommy.” Each day I am amazed at how intelligent and savvy she is with technology around us. Thankfully there are apps and software to feed this curiosity and also educate simultaneously. One of her favorite gadgets to use is of course my ever so popular iPad. It’s light, portable, and just plain fun because of the innovative touch screen. It offers a different play experience compared to a PC or handheld console.

I recently discovered an interactive app and and tool that integrates the iPad with hours of entertaining activities for children. WowWee’s ArtSee Studio encourages drawing, animation, art, and imagination through an interactive journey. Your child can create pictures from a blank canvas, color pre-drawn characters, paint from a pallete of vibrant colors, and even learn through educational activities. To get started all you need is the ArtSee Studio protective case, your tablet, and the FREE app. Download the app from the iTunes store and slide in your iPad to secure it in place. It is compatible with iPad generations 1,2,3 & 4. While the ArtSee Studio app can be used without the case, options are limited and you need the attached stamps for most activities.

Toodie has always enjoyed doing anything artys and creative. This app completely sucked her in and sent her into a whimsical world of imagination, which I loved! She took her time browsing through the activities and kept coming back to those she favored. She practiced symmetry, matching, sound, and memory through a variety of games. These included Connect The Dots, Odd One Out, Association, Melodee and Symmetry. Each teaching a different skill while making it fun and easy to understand. In addition to the five stamps, there is a pen stylus perfect for tiny hands. The pen snaps right into the case just as the other pieces do. This makes it easy to carry around to restaurants or in the car without having to  worry about losing any loose pieces along the way. It’s going to be a life saver on our next long drive to Disney World!

All of your child’s saved artwork is safely stored in the “collection” tab within the Artsee Studio app. This makes holding on to their unique creations easy. It also allows them to go back and view what they have made later on. Toodie enjoyed showcasing her drawings and scrolling through her pictures days later. At any time she could go back and add personality, sound, and actions!

FEATURES INCLUDED: 
 
Over 75 animated stamp variations
15 roller patterns
3 built-in theme packs
60 challenging activities in 5 unique games
Over 15 coloring pages
Multi-functional stylus
5 interactive tools
Easy-Grip Handle
Protective Case
Made for iPad® (1st, 2nd, 3rd & 4th Generation

The case itself is a nice size and because it is flat, it rests easily on the lap. The back even has a flip out stand so it can sit up on a table! Toodie used it resting on her knees. Normally when she plays with the iPad I have to put a pillow underneath because there is nothing to hold it in place. This is a small feature that many may look over but it is SO helpful!

On the bottom of the Artsee Studio interface there is a prompt to access the Parent Menu. By holding two fingers down onto the strip of symbols, you will be presented with further options. Here you can save your child’s artwork, print, or share within your social media channels. You can also purchase additional theme packages including “Fairy Tales.” Import your own photos for your child to play with or make changes to the difficulty scale. ArtSee Studio can be played on a Junior or Advanced option to grow with your child. As a mom of an intelligent toddler, I prefer that she work on stimulating activities that will challenge her as she grows. Once she masters the Junior level, I can raise the bar to Advanced and watch her learn! It’s also nice that parents still have control over the application and can make these alternations at any time.

If interested in further information on the ArtSee Studio you can visit their website. Here you can get a closer look at the individual features and take a step forward in expanding your child’s imagination! Connect with the brand on Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest for updates and other reviews from parents like myself. You even have a chance to win one of your own if you pay close attention on Twitter. They frequently have RT contests in which a lucky winner receives their very own ArtSee Studio!

Disclosure: I was provided with an Artsee Studio to facilitate this review. All opinions are my own and I will not be compensated!

Join Crayola’s Big Colorful 110th Birthday Bash Adventure!

To celebrate Crayola’s 110th birthday, the 8 original crayons are throwing a birthday bash at the new fun-omenal Crayola Experience, the world’s only interactive Crayola family attraction. Right now, they’re out on a colorful adventure to spread the news, and you’re invited to join the fun!


You can join in by following the crayons on their adventure! In the process you will LEARN more about each color and enter to WIN a trip for 4 to celebrate their birthday and the Grand Opening of the all new Crayola Experience this coming May, 2013! What child wouldn’t LOVE this?! I grew up with Crayola and would absolutely love to attend this event as an adult. Can you imagine how thrilled your little one would be too?!

Just visit the Crayola Facebook page and click “enter now” for your chance to be first in line when the Crayola Experience reopens. You don’t want to miss out on this exciting opportunity and chance to win!

The new Crayola Experience features four floors of new interactive exhibits and one-of-a-kind attractions that will bring the magic of color and your child’s creativity to life! The winner will be among the first to experience the fun, along with a three- night, all-expenses paid stay. It’s an experience your kids will never forget – and neither will you!


Disclosure: The information used within this post was provided by Crayola.

Our Day At The Young At Art Museum In South Florida #YoungAtArt

After many months of hectic holiday preparations, I was ecstatic when presented with the opportunity to take a break and spend the day at our local children’s art museum. Here in South Florida there are many attractions, museums, and zoos to keep families busy all year round. While it seems that there is always something new to experience, at times it can be hard finding activities that are geared toward younger children. When I was first told about the Young At Art Museum it was undergoing renovations and an expansion to prepare for its grand re-opening. Now that it is opened and fully functioning, a learning experience for all ages is provided. From birth all the way to adulthood, the museum is designed to transform the way our children appreciate art. The Young At Art Museum is a very unique hands-on children’s museum where kids learn within the wonderful world of ART! Sparking imagination through art provides endless possibilities and opens a creative outlet in each and every child. Here they have the ability to learn by creating, touching, imagining, and exploring.

When entering the museum there was no clear path to where we should begin or where we should end up after exploring. The choice was ours and with so much to do, it was just a matter of what we wanted to try first! It was immediately stimulating and the exhibits were visually stunning. You could tell that A LOT of hard work and thought went into the layout. Since our visit was around Christmas, they had a Gingerbread House Workshop for $10 per child. I was happy to see seasonal crafts being offered to get into the holiday spirit. While our creation was drying we headed to the different “scapes” throughout the museum.

The museum is divided into four main sections- the Wonderscapes, Artscapes, Culturescapes, and Greenscapes. Each area offers activities and exhibits true to the theme. For example, the Greenscapes will encourage your child to connect with nature and the environment. Toodie got to play with blocks made from recycled material and make her own puppet. Right around the corner, the Wonderscapes offer a journey of words, music, fantasy play, and literacy. There was also a comfy cozy area to read books. This is where we spent most of our visit and I noticed many of the kids were gravitating towards the fun inside. As a toddler, Toodie usually gets distracted and bored very easily. This is one of the very few places I have found that has kept her attention the whole visit! We never ran out of things to do here ad when it was time to leave, it was a struggle. I had to promise another visit back VERY soon. 

In conjunction with the museum, the Broward County Library is open within the same hours. This includes free public library services, materials, internet access, and tutoring rooms. You can stop in during your visit to read a book with your child or wind down after a long day of play. Don’t forget your library card! As you can see this is not a traditional museum. This means there are more than the exhibits to enjoy. The Young At Art Museum offers workshops, camp programs, a museum pre-school, and even a place to host a birthday party full of creativity. The art stations, interactive experiences, and educational activities are sure to stimulate your child’s mind. There is enough to do that you could practically spend the whole entire day enjoying everything within the museum. You can even grab a bite to eat at their cafe during or after your visit. A gift shop is also on the premises if you want to bring home any keepsakes! They really do have everything… I can see why they have received so many rewards and are highly recognized within the community. We have visited a few museums within the last few years and none of them have compared to how well their concepts are executed.

 
If you are interested in visiting the Young At Art Museum and would like more information, stop by their website here. You can also connect by liking them on Facebook where you will be the first to know about events, activities, and promotions the museum is offering. If you are already a member or have visited with your family, please share any thoughts on your experience!


Disclosure: My family and I were granted complimentary admission into the museum as part of a blogger event. I will not be compensated for this review or blog post. All opinions are my own!

Wonder Box : Sparking Creativity In Your Child!

Monthly subscription boxes created for children are one of my favorite things to review! That being said, when I came across the wonderful world of the Wonder Box I couldn’t wait to see how “wonderful” it was. The Wonder Box is filled with creative activities designed to stimulate the minds and imagination of your child. Each month, for $19.99 your box will be delivered to your doorstep. This includes free shipping and the option to cancel at any time. You can also purchase the Wonder Box as a gift whether it be for one month, three, or even twelve.

Each month the Wonder Box is curated around a different theme. While the contents of the box will remain a mystery until it arrives at your door, they will always include at least three educational projects. Each activity will come with everything you need to assist your child in exploring their creativity including instructions and supplies. All Wonder Boxes are carefully put together by Education.com experts and are designed to help your children work on essential Kindergarten skills. Some of these skills include Shape Recognition, Color Exploration, Fine Motor Skills, Reading Readiness, and many more. While this program targets children ages 3-6, it is never too soon to pave the learning path for your little one. The activities can be easily modified to stretch imagination and challenge younger and older children.

When the Wonder Box arrived I couldn’t resist capturing the cuteness of the packaging. Everything was wrapped in a pretty blue tissue paper fastened together by a sticker of their mascot, Ed the Otter. Why an otter? Simple, they are curious little creatures that enjoy exploring their environment just like our children!

The theme of this particular Wonder Box is “Once Upon A Time.” It included puppet play materials, a design your own cape kit, story cards, and an interactive coloring story book paired with a recipe. In total, there were six different activities provided including the Stone Soup recipe card!

  
The illustrated story cards allowed us to create a fun story by using our imagination.  I laid out about eight cards on the table and had Toodie choose one at a time. Based on the picture, our story kept growing on growing. I enjoyed hearing what she came up with and how wacky it turned out! Three year olds REALLY do have an incredible imagination that can bring any adult’s silly side out.

The Puppet Play pouch had everything needed to create a fuzzy felt friend. I was impressed because there were more than enough pieces and we even had plenty left over. Wonder Box sure isn’t stingy when it comes to materials. There was glue, string, googly eyes, and felt pieces in different shapes. Toodie had so much fun with this project. She created a dragon-dog looking creature with a beard! The glue kept everything secure and after a lot of play, her puppet friend is still strongly held together.

Next up was the Story Cape. How ADORABLE is this? I almost wished they had sent a cape for mommy to make! I couldn’t get over  the excellent quality and thought behind this activity. The cape was a soft green satin material on one side and fabric on the other. Supplied with multiple fabric crayons, Toodie could design her cape whether she wanted to be a princess or superhero. We agreed that she was “Super Toodie” and decorated together. I am beyond happy with how it turned out and she pranced around the house acting as though she was soaring through the sky. To keep the design on the cape, the instructions said to iron it on with a sheet of paper. This took about five minutes and prevented the fabric crayons from smearing or transferring. If Toodie wants to change the design all we have to do is throw it in the washing machine! Very cool..

Last but not least, Toodie colored the story of the “Stone Soup.” This coloring  book was interactive and encouraged her to participate by drawing pictures that coordinated with the story. There was even a recipe card with instructions on how to make our very own stone soup. YUM!
If you can’t tell by this review how impressed I am with Wonder Box than I may have to say it one more time! Hands down, the Wonder Box is one of the best monthly subscription programs I have ever reviewed for children. You can tell that the curators behind the box have really put effort, thought, and consideration into its creation. It wasn’t just thrown together. The activities and projects are engaging and entertaining. They kept my three year old intrigued and that alone impresses me. 

For more information on the Wonder Box visit their site and get social by following along with Education.com on Facebook & Twitter.
Disclosure: I received the products above from Wonderbox  for my consideration and to share my honest opinion and experience. I am under no obligation to post a positive review on them. I will not be compensated for this review. As always, opinion are my own!

Kids Get Creative With Kelly Kits!

Crafts are something that Toodie and I always enjoy doing together. I often look for new ideas and fun things for us to do together! Kelly Kits come with everything you need to spark creativity in your children.

Kelly Kits encourage art play using a wide variety of creative tools & materials beyond what coloring books can offer. The Original Kelly Kit comes complete with one set of five unique activities that cover the five art disciplines: painting, drawing, sculpting, printmaking, & collage. Each kit contains all of the tools & materials needed for the activities, the user just needs access to a kitchen! To increase functionality for homeschooling parents, each activity includes an instruction card with an enrichment idea to adapt the art activity to a school lesson. Kelly Kits are designed to encourage creativity & teach!

Get a FREE Children’s Art Kelly Kit Delivered to Your Door! A $9.99 Value http://www.kellykits.com/free-kit-2/  
Promo Code: USFG99

Disclosure: I will be receiving a Kelly Kit for posting this promotion. I am under no obligation to post a positive review on them. As always, opinion are my own!

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