Mami's 3 Little Monkeys: September 2013

Monday, September 30, 2013

2013 Rugby Championship – Teach your kids something new today!

Have you ever heard of a game called rugby? It’s a really fun sport, especially if you’ve seen a game being played. The rules are similar to games that are familiar to you (such as soccer or football). Two teams, with 15 players each, try to earn points by getting a ball across the opponent’s goal line or between their goalposts. However, in rugby, you can only throw the ball backwards!

Rugby is popular in countries such as Australia, England, Italy and Argentina. It’s watched by over 2 billion people worldwide, especially during world championships. Sam and Sofia, of Little Passports, have been watching the 2013 Rugby Championships and wanted to share some fun facts they have learned. There are many different rugby competitions each year- so don’t get confused! The Rugby Championship is an annual contest between the best rugby teams in the southern hemisphere – including Argentina, Australia, South Africa and New Zealand! Little Passports is here to help you learn more about these countries.

Argentina
• The Argentinian national rugby team is nicknamed Los Pumas, and their emblem features a jaguar. It is the first year they have been included in this Championship.
• Argentina is the second largest country in South America.
• Argentina’s version of the tooth fairy is a small rat called “El Ratón Perez.”

Australia
• The Australian rugby team is named after the Wallaby, an animal that looks very similar to the Kangaroo.
• Scientists are closely watching a volcano called Big Ben. They believe it may be the next Australian volcano to erupt! The last volcanic eruption in Australia was over 5000 years ago at Mt. Gambier.
• The warmest months in Australia happen when we are having winter in the United States. This is because Australia is below the equator.

South Africa
• The South African rugby team is named the Springboks, which is also a small antelope found in West Africa.
• South Africa has 3 capital cities: Pretoria, Cape Town, and Bloemfontein.
• South Africa has 11 official languages, including Zulu, Afrikaans, Xhosa and English.

New Zealand
• New Zealand won the Rugby Championship last year in 2012. They are in the final match this year too!
• This country is over 100,000 square miles, roughly the size of Colorado.
• One of New Zealand’s popular animals is the kiwi bird, in part because it is native only to this country.

Little Passports USA Edition: 1 year at $10.95/month

The 2013 Rugby Championships will end this week! Will you be watching?

Disclosure: I received no form of compensation for this publication, however it may contain affiliate link(s).

Sjaak's organic Chocolates Holiday Giveaway ($200ARV)! 12/1

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This giveaway is open until December 1st at 11:59pm PT.

soleRebels Walk Naked Giveaway! 11/24

5 Grand Prizes from Whole Mom & soleRebels!
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This giveaway ends on November 24th at 11:59pm PT.

Guest Post - Top 10: Back to School Essentials for Students

The advent of school summer holidays necessarily means that September also creeps ever closer. Soon parents and teachers will be thinking about educational supplies. Students, too, will be deciding which new items of school stationary, and maybe art supplies, will be required for the academic year ahead.

Here, not necessarily in order of priority, is a checklist of essential items of school equipment for students:

1. Erasers - It is always best to buy a selection of good-quality erasers. Cheap ones just leave marks. Soft vinyl erasers are clean and very accurate to use. Remember, poster putty can also be used as a versatile and effective eraser.

2. Pencil sharpener – With some pencil sharpeners you can see the pencil tip as you sharpen, which really helps. A double sharpener is really useful too. Keeping blades clean will help them stay sharp and thus prolong the life of your sharpener.

3. Pencils and pens – Essential, of course, and some subjects will definitely have specific requirements. Buy good-quality items and build up your collection as you go.

4. Mathematics Scientific Calculator – Ensure you know the basic calculator functions and specifications your school would recommend. Then, go for a decent quality calculator with a good display and a robust outer case. Do not be tempted to go for increased specifications – some models are banned from exam rooms.

5. Ruler – A basic non-slip aluminum/plastic type ruler, which is see-through, is a good general buy, unless there are more specific requirements.

6. Pocket Dictionary – If there is no school recommendation, go for a recognized academic brand. ‘Pocket’ is a flexible description. Get the best workable trade-off between portability and function.

7. General Pencil Case – This will need to be substantial enough to contain the present collection of writing implements, with some room for expansion as the academic year progresses. The zip, or other fastening mechanism, should be sufficiently robust to withstand the rigorous of school life. A special clear plastic case will also be needed for exams.

8. Lever Arch Files – Think carefully about your needs and buy accordingly. Large volume types may not be very portable; some see-through types may be handy but too fragile to be practical.

9. Punched Pockets – You can never have enough of these useful items to preserve and display work, so buy plenty. There are different qualities available. The very flimsy types may not be durable enough for all student purposes.

10. Academic Diary – An essential organizer for projects, homework and for noting lesson requirements. Schools may specify particular sizes or brands. Otherwise, go for an A5 day-to-a-page type. There is always a wide choice of patterns and styles.

Heads of department and teaching staff will have collated orders for educational supplies in good time, ready for the new term. Likewise, arriving back at school with the all the necessary school stationary and equipment is a basic requirement for all students. This signals they are primed, focused and ready to engage in learning. If a class of students are ready to do this, the teacher-pupil relationship gets off to a flying start with everyone prepared to give their very best. Without distractions or hold-ups, teacher contact time can be used to address immediate subject priorities and promote a purposeful learning environment, maximizing the educational benefits for all students.

Article written by Christy Westwood.

Disclosure: I received no form of compensation for this publication.

Guest Post: Get Hooked on Crochet with Five Easy Books!

For vintage chic or a vintage doily, the artful simplicity of crochet is easy to master with these top five DIY books.

Learning to crochet is a versatile skill; it can be used to make anything from accessories to furnishings, or even add a vintage-looking trim to a summer dress. The techniques are easy to pick up if you have access to a good tutorial, and DIY books help you learn the craft at your own pace and without paying for several lessons. Most offer step-by-step pictorial instructions and projects to ensure you keep progressing.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/nuwandalice/

by Nuwandalice

Learn to Crochet: Clear stitch diagrams and instructions, 20 simple projects to make
(Rowan Yarns, 2005) – £6.99

This portable-sized book is small enough to take anywhere, perfect for learning on the go or on holiday. The basics on how to hold a hook and yarn are shown step-by-step, as well as offering advice on what yarns, threads and sizes of hooks are suitable for different projects. Each stitch is laid out with diagrams and clear instructions accompanied by colour artwork. 'Learn to Crochet' also features 20 first time projects, such as accessories and clothing, taking you from easy to advanced to help you see results.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/kpwerker/

by kpwerker

Crochet Unravelled: A Clear and Concise Guide to Learning Crochet
(Pottage Publishing, 2005) - £6.99

'Crochet Unravelled' combines step-by-step crochet patterns, which help you master each technique and put them together to develop the craft. The book includes tutorials on how to hold the hook and yarn, make basic stitches, understand patterns and even features an American conversion chart for patterns from the USA. 'Crochet Unravelled' is full of illustrations and 11 small projects to get you started, making it accessible for children as well as adults. It also has the added bonus of providing examples for both left- and right-handed crafters, which makes it unique and a must-have for the former!

http://www.flickr.com/photos/lxavian/

by *Leanda

First Crochet
(Collins & Brown, 2011) – £7.99

This book describes itself as the 'ultimate beginners guide' to learning crochet. Combining clear instructions with modern step-by-step photographs, and even fold-out tabs with vital techniques, 'First Crochet' is ideal for quick reference. With a detailed explanation of the basics, such as how to hold a hook, this book then guides you through fundamental techniques of creating intricate patterns and individual effects. 'First Crochet' also contains over 20 projects to begin as soon as you have mastered the basics, including stylish scarves, bags and cushions.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/29694534@N03/

by Crafty Kitten

The Chicks with Sticks Guide to Crochet: Learn to Crochet with More Than 30 Cool, Easy Patterns
(Watson-Guptill, 2008) – £12.99

The 'Chicks with Sticks Guide' boasts that 'anyone can learn to crochet in just a weekend'. The Chicks are not only informative; their anecdotes and wit make learning enjoyable at the same time. Leading you first through an introduction on the basic tools and materials, the book is then laid out in a range of lessons, each introducing different skills and new patterns to keep you progressing. Including over 30 contemporary projects to work on, ranging from belts to jumpers, this guide is best appreciated by those advanced beginners who have done a little crochet before or are re-learning the skill.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/29694534@N03/

by Crafty Kitten

Crochet Workshop: Learn How to Crochet with 20 Inspiring Projects
(Quadrille Publishing, 2012) – £16.99

'Crochet Workshop' takes a comprehensive approach, building on techniques learnt in previous sections to produce more intricate weaves and designs. This book takes you from the absolute basics to completing its 20 projects, through colour photographs, images and helpful charts. As the title suggests, this book is a workshop, meaning you will see results as you progress. By the end you will have mastered a range of crochet techniques and have a nice selection of items to show for it! The projects begin with hats and scarves to help you accomplish the fundamental stitches, moving on to thicker weaves, such as laptop cases, before culminating in delicate lace crochet.

With advice and designs for beginners, these books are ideal to help you see results from your skills and will become a well-thumbed point of reference on your shelves. With so many accessible books to help you master the art of crochet, there is nothing stopping you from getting hooked!

This article was written by Jenny, a dedicated crafts blogger from Leeds.

Mami's 3 Little Monkeys was compensation for this publication.

Soda Stream Revolution Black Starter Kit ($199ARV) US 10/21

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Disclaimer: Mami's 3 Little Monkeys is not responsible for the awarding of the prize. Sponsor is responsible for prize fulfillment. If you have any questions about this giveaway, please email the host at nysavingspecials@gmail.com

Guest Post: Safety in the Toy Box

When you look at your child's bedroom or toy room, what do you see? Do you see endless hours spent playing creatively, or do you see a pile of choking hazards? Believe it or not, the toy box contains several dangers, if you aren't careful. To make sure play time never turns into tragedy, keep these safety tips in mind.

Safety Before You Open the Box

Toy safety starts when you're shopping. Make sure you look at the recommended ages on the toy. Sometimes these are developmental recommendations, but often, particularly if the age excludes the under-three crowd, they also represent a safety concern. If it says "Ages 3 and up," chances are it presents a choking hazard to little ones.
Inspect toys carefully, particularly if you are shopping at "discount" stores with manufacturers you don't know and trust. Look for toys with securely attached parts that look to be sturdy and have no sharp edges. Even brands you know and trust can have poorly made products that slip through, so give everything a careful check.
Lead paint is a very real danger, especially with toys made outside of the country where this is not regulated. Shop with reputable retailers and brands you trust, and purchase new toys instead of used ones, to avoid this problem.
If you're shopping for a toddler or baby, you'll need to consider a few additional safety issues. First, make sure the toys don't have any long strings that could wrap around the child's neck. Pull strings and other cords or straps should not be any longer than 12 inches. Also, avoid toys that have sharp points and rough edges for this age group, and watch for eyes and noses on plush toys that could be chewed off.

Know Common Choking Hazards

Everyone knows to cut up their children's hot dogs, or if they don't the little wiener dog hot dog cutters in the store will tell them, but believe it or not hot dogs are the least of your worries when it comes to choking hazards. Your toy box is also a dangerous culprit, especially if you have young babies and older children in the same home.
Some choking hazards are obvious, but others are less so. As you go through the toy room to eliminate hazards, know what you're looking for. The American Academy of Pediatricians indicates that anything that a child can fit in his mouth is a hazard, and common household items include:

Marbles and balls
Buttons
Coins
Lids to pens or markers
Batteries
Magnets
Balloons (which are small when deflated)
Small toy parts
Legos

Some of these items you may not realize are choking hazards at first. Batteries, for example, are well hidden inside toys. Yet, small button batteries can cause fatal injuries if swallowed, and kids are experts at getting toys open to access hidden compartments. Make sure all toys are properly protected, and get rid of broken toys quickly. Also, if you have a small toy you are unsure about, see if it will fit through a toilet paper roll tube. If it can, it's a choking hazard.

Store Toys Safely

Another way that toys can be dangerous is if they are not stored properly. Most parents struggle with the fact that their children own an overwhelming amount of toys. When you start looking for places to store them, the logical answer may seem to be shelves stacked to the ceiling. Yet this creates a hazard, because small children can try to climb these shelves, which can then topple on them, leading to severe injury or even death.
Instead, choose sturdy, low shelves that children can reach without climbing. Assume that kids will try to climb even if the shelves are low, so opt for shelves that are heavy enough not to topple or light enough not to injure a child if they do. Add even more safety by attaching them to the wall using wall brackets.
If you're going to store toys in bins, make sure they have non-locking lids and vent holes. You'll never know when your child is going to decide to hide in that bin, and you don't want a toddler or preschooler to get stuck inside and suffocate.
If you have a mix of ages in your home, chances are your older kids will have toys that aren't safe for their younger siblings. To avoid a problem, store these on a higher shelf, preferably in a closet or cabinet where they aren't enticing to the younger ones. Keep tabs on what your kids get out to play with, and ensure that they put every piece away when they are done. If you have the space, have a dedicated play area for these small toys, such as Legos, that is closed off for the younger children. Your older children should be mature enough to understand the dangers these small toys pose, so enlist their help in keeping things picked up.
Remember, toys should be fun, not dangerous. If you follow these tips and supervise your children's play well, you can ensure that they are able to enjoy playing without worry for many years to come.

Nicole Harms is a concerned mother, freelance writer and contributor to the Ross Feller Casey, LLP blog.

Guest Post: How to Throw an Unforgettable Baby Shower

The arrival of a new life into the world is an event worthy of celebration, and a baby shower is such a celebration. A well planned baby shower celebrates the life about to arrive by treating the mom-to-be to a fun afternoon full of games, food and presents. Read below for some useful tips to employ when planning an unforgettable baby shower:

Location, Location, Location:

When you begin the planning process of a baby shower, the first step is choosing an ideal location. Of course, the choice of locations will greatly depend on the party budget and the size of the guest list.
Common locations for baby showers are family members or friends' homes, church fellowship halls, voting precincts, or office meeting rooms. If you want to think outside-the-box, consider a restaurant, spa or outdoor garden for the shower location.
Be sure to keep in mind how many people will be attending. You don't want to jam 30 people into someone's living room, yet you don't want more room than you need either or the party will seem poorly attended. Therefore, you must strike a fine balance, keeping in mind the amount of guests at all times.

Theme:

After choosing a location and finalizing the guest list, your next crucial step in planning a baby shower is selecting a theme. Of course, traditionally, baby showers are themed with either blue or pink colors and decor featuring diapers, pacifiers, baby bottles, storks or other animals such as giraffes. However, if you want to go outside the box, consider one of the following ideas:
Team Themed: This is perfect for the mom-to-be who is a big fan of a certain team. Utilize the team's colors and the school mascot.
Shower Themed: Use clouds, rain drops and umbrellas in the party décor. Paper clouds with rain drops hanging down or umbrellas for place mats are all ideas to use with this theme. It is perfect for a boy because you can use blue clouds and such. However, you can easily alter this for a girl by using pink for umbrellas.
Bird Themed: Bird everything is hot right now. You can do this in pink or blue, utilizing all types of birds including the popular owl.
Rustic Themed: Bark, leaves and nature, think cameo or western depending on the style preferences of the mom-to-be.
Rubber Duck Themed: This is a twist on the standard animal themes. You can use rubber ducks for place settings along with wash tubs. To make a great centerpiece, use clear plastic balls for fake "bubbles" in your tub along with a few rubber ducks.
White Themed: For a modern look, decorate using only white. White balloons, streamers, place settings, cake and everything. This is a clean minimalist look for the modern mom-to-be.
Bumblebee Themed: This super cute theme utilizing bees is a great shower idea when the gender of the baby is unknown. Decorate using yellow and black with "what will it bee" script written on various items.
Time Themed: This is also a great way to reveal the gender of the baby. Decorate using antique clocks and anything else related to time. On a framed photo, have the saying, "It's time. Boy or girl, which will it be? When the clock strikes 1:00, we all will see" printed to tie the theme to the baby's gender reveal.
Nautical Themed: This is a classic theme for decorating rooms, but it's not often used as decor for a baby shower. However, it is a great idea for outdoor parties or a baby shower welcoming a boy, thanks to its blue and yellow color scheme. Incorporate sail boat replicas, anchors galore and even sails or netting to complete the look.

Games:

The next step in ensuring a great baby shower experience is coming up with a few games or forms of entertainment for guests to participate in while attending the shower. Most of us know about the popular shower game that prohibits the utterance of the word "baby." If the word slips out, you lose your pin, and whoever keeps their pin and gathers a few more wins a prize. We also know about the ever-present shower game where guests attempt to guess the circumference of a mom-to-be's belly with yarn. However, the following ideas are some not-so-common ideas for party entertainment:
Guess the Baby Photo: In the invitation, ask guests to bring along a baby photo of themselves. Pass around the photos at some point during the party and have each guest try to guess which baby photo belongs to which guest. This is a simple ice-breaker type of game that wont take too long and isn't difficult to understand.
Guess that Song: Make a mixed CD of songs that include the word baby. Have guests guess who sings the song and its title. This CD can double as a party gift if you make enough copies for everyone to take one home. Be sure to label the CD with the mom-to-be's name and the date. You can utilize a label maker that will allow you to easily personalize these CDs.
Share the Wisdom: In many cases, women attending a baby shower will already have experience being a mom. Purchase a well-made book with blank pages and write on the top of each sheet, "What I wish I had known about motherhood." Pass the book around throughout the shower and ask the experienced moms to share their wisdom. At the end of the party, the mom-to-be will have a keepsake she will treasure for years to come.

Samantha Hunt works at eInvite, an online retailer of wedding invitations, stationery, bar and bat mitzvah invitations, save-the-dates, birthday party invitations, and other custom paper goods.

Del Sol Color Changing Shirt & Nail Polish Giveaway! US 10/15

This Giveaway is sponsored by: PW Companies
Hosted By: All About My Deals

Product/company details: PW Companies was established in 2007 and is headquartered in Sandy, Utah, a suburb of Salt Lake City. It's the parent company for Del Sol, a retail brand specializing in color-changing clothing and accessories, and its sister brand, Cariloha, a retail brand centered on bamboo-based products.

Product Review: Del Sol color changing shirt and nail polish

Giveaway Details:
Dates:
Starts: 9/29
Ends: 10/15
Eligibility: Open to US residents who are 18 years of age or older.
How to enter: Complete tasks on the giveaway tool below to gain entries into the giveaway. Be sure to complete the sponsors tasks, as a thank you to them for sponsoring a giveaway.

Note: Winners will be notified by email once the giveaway ends. The winners will have 48 hours to get back to the host. If the host is not notified a new winner will be pulled for that prize.

Prizes:
Any (1) Color Changing Graphic Tee PLUS
(2) color changing nail polishes( winner can pick the colors)

Entry -Form

Disclosure: This blog is not responsible for prize fulfillment. If you have any concerns contact the host at: allaboutmydeals@gmail.com. This giveaway is not associated, sponsored nor endorsed by Facebook or Twitter or any other social networking site. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commissions 16 CFR, Part 255 Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials In Advertising.

$100 Victoria's Secret Gift Card Giveaway! WW 10/31

Welcome to the $100 Victoria's Secret Gift Card Giveaway!

This giveaway is brought to you by Empowered Mommy

Co-hosted by:

Downshifting

The Frugal Exerciser

Grapefruitprincess Re-loaded

Joys Of Life

Giveaway Monkey

Thank you to all our wonderful co-hosts' for helping us making this giveaway one great event!

One lucky winner will win a $100 Gift Card to shop at their favorite online store Victoria's Secret! Who doesn't love Victoria's Secret?

So girls, this is your time to get a chance and win $100 worth of shopping at your favorite store. Get ready for pink giveaway, it is here now. Grab your entries now!

This giveaway is open World-Wide. Entrants must be 18+ to enter the giveaway.

Giveaway dates: September 30 to October 31, 2013

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Disclosure: I did not receive any compensation for the publication of this post. All views are 100% my own and may differ to those of your own. The participating blogs are not responsible for the shipment of the prize. The host of the giveaway Empowered Mommy will choose a winner randomly at the end of the winner and the winner be notified via email. For questions, email Empowered Mommy.

Saturday, September 28, 2013

Green Kids Crafts FREE Halloween Kit (NO shipping fees either!)

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I can't wait to do these crafts with the kids this week and/or next week, I'll be sure to make a post(s) and share with you all the Halloween fun and decorations we've made!

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Disclosure: This publication may contain affiliate link(s).

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Disclosure: This publication may contain affiliate link(s).

Friday, September 27, 2013

Divorce Rates in the U.S.

Source Site

I greatly appreciate the fact that the rate of divorce for couples with children is less then the rate of couples without children. It is nice to see evidence that couples are probably trying to make things work instead of breaking their children's hearts. Divorce is not only hard on the couple, but also their children.

Honestly, I am quite surprised that the divorce rate greatly increases the more times your married and divorced. To me it always seemed as thought the first marriages where the worst and often end, but I also thought that the second or third marriages were solid and lasted. And apparently, just be uber cautious of who you would like to marry if your an Oklahoma resident.

While it is a fact that divorce rates in the US are lessening and even if I were in a committed relationship still, I would not get married until after many many years! The thing about rushing into marriage, even a few years of dating prior is that people change! You start to see more and more true colors and the way a person really is when you move in together apposed to dating and living separately, then once you've settled into the same house together, you both open up a little more and more things start to creep out. When you've committed to becoming engaged to one another there is another level of comfort in which most people will change a little more. Once your married it's like most people become 100% comfortable, letting out their true self in full. I'm not saying everyone pretends to be someone different and honestly often times you don't even realize that you do so. Some people become more lazy, less polite or just plain old crabby. This is not me saying that this is the only thing that can lead to divorce as I know that is not true, but this all definitely the first thing everyone should watch closely and just be yourself from the beginning of your relationship. Don't try to be someone you are not just to impress a person of interest, be yourself. If they can not accept you for who you are then you deserve someone better them.

Have you been divorced? If so how many times?

Disclosure: This publication is a sponsored post, the info-graphic was given to me by the sponsor, the wording below it is all my own words.

Tiny Prints 20% OFF Sitewide Sale! Expires 10/1/13

Enjoy 20% OFF Sitewide now through October 1, 2013 at 11:59pm PT when you use code AUTUMN13 at checkout on all Tiny Prints products.

There is no minimum purchase required for this promotion. This offer cannot be combined with other offers. This offer is not applicable to previously placed orders or towards the purchase of greeting cards, Erin Condren weekly planners, Platinum Design Service, gift cards, gift certificates, calendars or photo books. Offer is only valid on Tiny Prints and is nor applicable on treat.com, third party or partner websites. To prevent abuse, Tiny Prints reserves the right to discontinue or modify this offer at any time without notice. Tiny Print also reserves the right to cancel any order at any time.

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Disclosure: This publication may contain affiliate link(s).

Guest Post: How to Help Your Child Choose a Sport

Sports are an excellent way to boost a child's self-esteem, develop coordination, learn valuable teamwork skills and keep fit. Thus, sports activities for children should be an integral part of any lifestyle and as we will see a bit later, the benefits can also directly affect a child's aptitude for learning and intellectual growth.

Different Sports for Different Abilities

One of the greatest advantages of sports games is the fact that there are literally hundreds of different activities to choose from. These will directly correlate with a child's athletic prowess and physical abilities. Each child will have a unique goal and this should be catered to as best as possible. For example, a young boy may wish to excel in basketball while a girl may instead show a keen interest in dancing or gymnastics. The main goal is to listen to these desires and encourage such enthusiasm. This is important, for each child will display their own level of athletic prowess. Supporting these dreams will give children the necessary confidence to put forth the necessary amounts of effort.

Success Measured by Observable Results

Another key aspect of all sports activities for children are the simple fact that success or failure is much more palpable than in other areas of life. Scoring a goal or winning a karate competition are milestones in a child's life that will help to instil a great deal of pride and a sense of personal achievement. However, there are also important lessons to be learned in regards to humility when dealing with loss. These tools will directly correlate to a child being better equipped to deal with real-life situations when he or she becomes an adult. Also, teamwork and a healthy competitive nature are all but essential in the real world and learning these attributes can help a child to understand the importance of group progress and goal setting.

Sports Inside and Outside of a Scholastic Environment

As mentioned earlier, there are a host of activities to choose from. Thankfully, some sports games are not gender-specific. Some examples of these can be:

Bowling
Swimming
Track
Golf
Karate

These can be enjoyed by both sexes and can be learned at very early ages. Obviously, sports such as wrestling, football, boxing and basketball are generally be classified by gender.

Sports such as baseball, football, track, basketball and swimming can most likely be enjoyed in a scholastic environment. More unique choices such as karate, golf and bowling will most likely be found in extracurricular programmes. Nonetheless, these sports are still quite valid options when supervised by trained professionals.

Personality is Important

Another consideration that parents and educators should take note of is the fact that a specific sport will tend to correlate to the personality of a child. Children that are more solitary by nature can find immense enjoyment in activities such as weightlifting or golf, as there is little need for teamwork. More gregarious children will obviously be more keen to participate in team-oriented activities such as baseball or football. Each position should be encouraged, as the child will find a greater satisfaction playing a sport that he or she feels comfortable with.

Applications to the Learning Process

As mentioned earlier, performance and a sense of achievement will frequently lead to scholastic achievement. Children’s sports help youngsters to learn about the importance of key values such as honesty, teamwork, fair play, respect for themselves and others, and adherence to rules. Plus research shows it helps to improve the learning performance of children, encourages school attendance and a desire to succeed academically. The value of the educational benefits of sport should not be under-estimated.
So, it is easy to see that choosing the right sport will have a notable impact on a child's overall development. Encouraging his or her desires, fostering healthy levels of competition and adopting a hands-on interest in a child's choices will all enable the child to excel both inside and outside of a scholastic atmosphere.

Guest writer Carl Pandini blogs about sport and education for Davies Sports, a PE Sports equipment supplier in the UK.
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Hauck Toys Superman or Batman Go Kart ($229ARV) Cont. US/CAN 10/11

Welcome to the Hauck Kids Go Kart Giveaway,

hosted by Housewife on a Mission and Thrifty Nifty Mommy!

Hauck Toys manufactures fun, innovative products for boys and girls of all ages. Megan from Housewife on a Mission was sent a Superman Go Kart to review from Grand Touring Baby. Grand Touring Baby, if you don't know, is the official domestic distributor for Hauck, i'coo and Hauck Toy products in Canada and the USA! To read Megan's full review the Superman Go Kart, GO HERE.

About the Go Kart:

Innovative, durable and sport inspired design puts the driver of the new Hurricane pedal kart in complete control of any situation. The custom, ergonomic seat is adjustable and equipped with a high backrest – for a comfortable and safe sitting position. Speed can be kept in-check, even through curves, with the easy-to-use handbrake.

Kids love the Batman/Superman go kart due to its fantastic handling characteristics, child-oriented ergonomics and safety. In addition, it encourages physical activity, builds strength, endurance and co-ordination.

• Sporty 3 point steering for responsive, quick maneuvering

• Adjustable Bucket Seat will accommodate multiple heights

• Weight tested for 100lbs

• Race-Styled Pedals with real rubber wheels & 8 Ball Style Brake

• Age: 4 – 8 years old

One lucky person will WIN a Hauck Toys Superman
or Batman Go Kart (winner's choice) valued at $229!

Connect: You can connect with Hauck Toys on the Grand Touring Baby website and on their Facebook.

Win It: Just enter using the Giveaway Tools form below for your chance to WIN a Hauck Toys Go Kart in either Superman or Batman theme.

To WIN a Hauck Toys Superman or Batman Go Kart valued at $229,
just enter using the Giveaway Tools form.

Open to the US (48 Continental) and Canada

(excluding Yukon, NWT & Nunavut) only,ages 18 and up.

Ends 10/11/13 at 11:59 PM EST.

Entry -Form

Disclosure: I did not receive any compensation for hosting this giveaway. The participating bloggers are not responsible for prize fulfillment.

Thursday, September 26, 2013

Bloggers Wanted! Baby's Arrival in Style Event

Babies, babies and more babies are on their way all around us!!!!

The Andersons Angels & The Mi Savings Mama Families are both expecting new members!!!!

So we have decided to celebrate by hosting this Giveaway!!!!

Event: Baby's Arrival in Style Event

Dates: November 1 - 22, 2013

Hosted By: Andersons Angels & Mi Savings Mama

Sponsors Participating so Far:

(This list will be updated as sponsors come in)
bbfl - Mommy/Delivery Bag (ARV $120)
Tiny Love - Starry Night mobile (ARV $69.99)
PinkBlush Maternity - $25 Gift Certificate (ARV $25)
bump babies - 2 shirts (ARV $84)
JuJu band - Belly Binder (ARV $14.99)
Bamboobies - Multi-Pack (ARV $29.99)

BLOGGER PARTICIPANT GIVEAWAY CONTEST (YOU can win prizes, too!!)

-The blogger who refers the most bloggers to sign up will win a $20 Paypal Credit! Announcements are not mandatory, but are a great way to increase sign-ups so you can win.

- Each blogger receives 1 free link of choice (Twitter or Pinterest).

-Additional Links can be purchased at $2 each. These links can be Twitter, RSS, Email, Instagram and/or Pinterest.

-Co-host Spots area available for $10.00

(Co-host receives 2 Free links and will host a page for the giveaway)

-Host Pages can be purchased for $5.00 each
(will just host a page for the giveaway)

If you would like to participate in this Giveaway you can by

Signing Up Here

We will only be taking the first 30 blogs to sign up!!

Bloggers Wanted! Viva Las Vegas 4D3N Giveaway!

Alice at Adventure Into Domesticland&Alice On Vacation
brings you:

Prize Package includes:
• 4 day and 3 night accommodations at a 3+ star hotel on the strip in Las Vegas, NV for 2 adults!
(25 years or older)
• A $500 dollar Funbook! (with cash, chips, meals, tokens & show tickets!)

One FREE Link with announcement post OR $5 to participate.
(Facebook, Twitter or Pinterest)
Additional Paid links available for $2 each.
Email Subscription, RSS or Feedburn links for $3.
Picketfence, Daily Vote or Daily Comments for $5.

Co-Host Spots Available - $10
You will receive any 4 links of your choice on the Rafflecopter and a link to your blog in the giveaway post.
Benefits of becoming a Co-Host include, increasing your followers, increase your traffic, increase number of backlinks/links in, and help better stats, ranks, and ratings.

REFERRAL PRIZE!!
The person who signs up the most referrals will be given a co-host spot for FREE!

Please let them know Mami's 3 Little Monkeys or Sarh Snarski sent you! :) Thanks.
Sign Up Here!