Tech Fun for Kids with Osmo from Best Buy

The reviewer has been compensated in the form of a Best Buy Gift Card and/or received the product/service at a reduced price or for free.


Osmo is gaming systems  that changes the way children interact with their Ipad, but implementing hands-on play!  This great GENIUS KIT set comes with five games: Words, Masterpiece, Tangram, Newton and Numbers.

Set up is easy and you are ready to play.  I mean your children are ready to play! The games are so fun, I found myself mesmerized in the Tangrams.  You use the pieces to match the pieces on the screen.  This is so much fun.  My son enjoyed the Tangrams quite well.




































Words was really great, too. You choose the missing letters until you get the picture clue correct.  I really like that the pictures are bright and vivid.  My son giggled every time he got one right.  And on some,he purposefully chose the wrong letter just to see if Osmo was right. My son is autistic and this was his way of testing Osmo. 

With so many tech gadgets on the market, I think Osmo hit a home run with this set.  I love that my child can learn about numbers, addition and subtraction while he is out of school this summer. It reinforces what he has learned in the school and he has fun doing it, too!
We briefly tried out the Masterpiece and Newton portions of the set, but my son kept wanting to play the others. Yes, autistic kids do that a lot.  From what I was able to see, it looked like so much fun.  We have so much more to explore with the Osmo!  Thank goodness for that, he will have some fun and new things to try! 

Overall, we had lots of fun playing all the components of Osmo.  It is compatible with Apple iPad 2, 3, 4, all versions of iPad Mini and iPad Air, iPad Pro(9.7)  Set includes mirror,  ​sturdy base, ​game pieces, and ​5 game apps in the Apple App Store (free download).  You can check out the Osmo Genuis Kit  available at Best Buy for $99.99 



What do you like best about Osmo? 

Red, White & Blue Jello Trifles

If you are looking for that perfect dessert for your 4th of July cook out, these mini Jello trifles will do the trick,  So very easy to make, (like all my recipes), kids will enjoy them. Adults will adore them.  Just make sure you hide them until it is time for dessert or you might find them all eaten! 



 

Items needed:

2 (3-ounce) boxes Cherry Gelatin Dessert
2 (3-ounce) boxes Berry Bliss Gelatin Dessert
5 cups water for boiling, plus
Additional 4 cups cold water
1 (16-ounce) container Cool Whip
10 Cherries
10 Mini Trifles

Place both boxes of cherry gelatin into a large plastic bowl, set aside. Place both boxes of berry bliss gelatin into another large plastic bowl, set aside. In a large pot, bring 5 cups water to a boil. (Use this amount because some of the water will boil down.) Once boiling, ladle out 2 cups hot water into the cherry gelatin and stir for 2 minutes. Add 2 cups cold water and stir, then place in the fridge to set for 4 or more hours. Ladle out another 2 cups hot water and add to the berry bliss gelatin, then stir for 2 minutes. Add 2 cups cold water and stir together, then place in the fridge for 4 or more hours to set. Set out mini trifles. Break red jello apart with fingers and drop down into the bottom of the trifles. Spoon in an even layer of cool whip. Break apart blue jello with fingers and drop down into trifle. Place additional cool whip in a plastic bag and snip the end with scissors. Top each trifle with cool whip and a cherry.

Mexican Fried Ice Cream Dessert

I always try and make my desserts from items I have on hand.  This Mexican Fried Ice Cream Dessert ius simple to make and very pleasing to the palate.  During these scorching hot summer days, this is my go-to dessert! 


Items needed:

5 cups Plain Corn Flakes (crushed)
1/4 cup Granulated Sugar
1 stick Unsalted Butter (1/2 cup) (cubed)
1 (1.75-quart) container Vanilla Ice Cream
1 (16-ounce) container frozen Whipped Topping (thawed & divided)
3/4 teaspoon Ground Cinnamon
1/4 cup Honey
Chocolate Syrup
Maraschino Cherries

Set out a 9x13 inch casserole dish. Let ice cream sit at room temperature for around 35 minutes. While the ice cream is thawing, place the corn flakes into a large container, then crush and set aside. In a large heavy pot and over medium heat, add the butter. Once melted, add corn flakes and sugar. Cook while stirring for around 5 minutes (it may take less time, watch corn flakes to make sure they don’t overcook). Place cornflakes to the side to cool slightly. In a large mixing bowl, combine the vanilla ice cream, half of the container of whipped topping and ground cinnamon. Stir until completely combined. Place the remaining whipped topping back in the fridge for later use. Spread a 1/3 of the cooked corn flakes on the bottom of the casserole dish. Drop large dollops of the ice cream mixture over the corn flakes, then spread evenly. Sprinkle the top with the remaining corn flakes. Drizzle the honey over the corn flakes. Cover with foil, then place in the freezer for 6 to 8 hours. Remove and cut into squares. Top each square with chocolate syrup, a dollop of the additional whipped topping and a cherry, then serve.

30 Minute Creamy Chicken Enchiladas

I cook a lot of things using chicken stock, which I make myself using chicken leg thigh quarters or whole chickens that I've quartered. Over the years, I've picked up or developed a lot of recipes that make use of the chicken leftover from this process.

Since the chicken is already cooked, it lends itself very well to meals that can be made in time constrained situations. I freeze it in recipe size batches so that I can grab one and thaw it easily. Even If I forget to put it out of the freezer in the morning, it can be thawed out in a matter of minutes in the microwave. This has saved me on more than one occasion when a half day outing lasted way longer than it was supposed to and we don't make it home until dinnertime. Being able to put a home-cooked meal on the table in less time than it would take to order a pizza is priceless.


This is one of my families favorite "leftover" chicken recipes. It can be done with just about any kind of leftover chicken, or you can cook some specifically to make the recipe. I have to make double the recipe because my husband would probably cry if there were no enchiladas for a snack, and my 6-year-old would do the same if there were none for lunch the next day.

Ingredients:

1 pound cooked chicken, diced
1 package cream cheese, cubed
1 can chopped green chiles
1 package 6-inch tortillas, flour or corn your preference
1 can green chile enchilada sauce
1 can cream of chicken soup
1 cup shredded fiesta cheese blend or cheddar, your preference

Preparation:

Heat oven to  400°F. Prepare a 13X9-inch baking dish.

In a bowl, combine enchilada sauce with cream of chicken soup. Spread a thin layer of the mixture in the bottom of the prepared baking dish.

In a large skillet heat chicken, chiles, and cream cheese on medium heat until heated through and the cream cheese is fully melted.

Spoon mixture into tortillas, roll and place seam-side down into the prepared baking dish. Pour remaining sauce over top, and sprinkle with shredded cheese. Bake for 20 minutes or until hot and cheese is melted.

How kids can enjoy outdoor play and nature

This post is sponsored by the Voice of Play.

With summertime upon us, it is time to get out of the house and PLAY!  Take the kids to the park, to a river, or to a hiking trail.  Let them see and experience nature while they play.


This is  great for kids and adults, alike  Not only is is good for your physically, it is also good for you mentally.  And, the best part about outdoor play with nature,  it is FREE.

I know my State Park, Magnolia Springs, waives the park fee on Wednesdays.  Many parks across the nation offer a similar discount  You can experience nature on a hiking or walking trail and get in some good play time with the entire family.  



I grew up fishing the Ogeechee River with my grandfather  We are passing that tradition down to our kids by taking them fishing at some of the very same spots my grandfather took me.  This is a fun time to play and enjoy nature  Watch out, you just might catch enough for supper.

There are so many things that you can incorporate nature while you play  We have been birdwatching right here in our own yard.  The kids love seeing all of the birds.  They are learning while they enjoy outdoor play.

We all need to get OFF of our phones and get our minds and bodies in tune with nature.  So, when you are done reading this, turn off your phones, take your kids outside and let them experience nature by going on a walk, a hike, or birdwatching.  The possibilities are endless.  You can see the beauty in nature and play with your kids.  I cannot think of a more enjoyable experience and one that will create memories you and your kids will cherish.

The post is brought to you by Activate by Bloglovin and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone.

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How to create great Summer photos with Fracture

As you may remember I recently had a giveaway for a $150 gift code to Fracture. Well , here is your chance to another $150 gift code to Fracture in the Summer Lovin' Giveaway Hop!

The process Fracture uses to make pieces of art from your pictures is amazing. It is picture, frame, and MOUNT, all in one.  I was able to upload a few pictures and get different sizes and I am in awe of the quality of my "Fractures".  

What amazed me about one of my pieces is the fact that it was a  low resolution picture and I ordered it anyway thinking, oh well, we will see.  It came out PERFECT! I chose some photos of my own and one from their gallery.





a Rafflecopter giveaway

Lindsey Blogs at SEBG, Viva Veltoro, and the Summer Lovin’ participating bloggers are not responsible for sponsors who do not fulfill prize obligations.

Make sure to hop to all the other giveaways

 below for more great prizes.

#SolariCollection

This post contains affilate links.

ABOUT THE SOLARI COLLECTION: David Yurman just launched their new Solari collection this spring. The Solari collection features 18k gold spiral forms with a constellation of celestial movements the sun, moon and stars designed with vivid gemstones, 18k gold spheres, and statement pearls. The collection is one where you can stack and style in infinite ways, layer color stones, gold and pearls.

How to protect your phone or device with IntelliGlass

IntelliArmor provided me with a code to purchase this product.  All opinions in this post are my own.
Having a screen protector for your phone is paramount to keep it from getting damaged. Having to replace your phone can be very costly, so a screen protector is a definite must have  IntelliArmor has a screen protector for most phones and tablets.

Wash your hands thoroughly before you install your IntelliArmor Screen protector. Before you install your screen protector, MAKE SURE YOUR SCREEN IS CLEAN.  Everything you need to install on your phone or device is included!

Start with a flat surface for optimal results. Make sure you align the IntelliGlass and do not touch the adhesive side when you are removing the adhesive. Once it is aligned, run your fingers from the middle to the outside edges.  If there are any bubble use the squeegee and microfiber cloth  that is included to smooth those out.  Viola, your phone is now protected with the best screen protector on the market.

Once your screen protector is on you can be assured there will be no more smudges and your phones is protected from dings hits.  You know, we all do this once in a while!

Overall, I am very pleased with my IntelliGlass from IntelliArmor.  Get yours today!  Use code INTELLI20 for a 20% discount on your order from IntelliArmor,


This is a sponsored post on behalf of IntelliArmor.

Granola Parfaits

I was extremely excited to make these delicious parfaits.  I was truly amazed at how delectable they are.  You can change up the dried fruits or nuts and make it your own.  This parfait is to-die-for, melt in your mouth goodness!  





Items needed:

2 ½ cups Old Fashioned Oats
2/3 cup dried Apricots (diced)
1/2 cup Blueberry Craisins
1/2 cup Sliced Almonds
2 Tablespoons Wheat Germ
1 teaspoon Cinnamon
2/3 cup Agave Nectar
1/3 cup Canola Oil
2 Tablespoons Coconut Oil
Wax Paper
Vanilla Yogurt
Parfait Glasses

Grease and line 3 (11x17) inch pans with wax paper, set aside. In a large mixing bowl combine, oats, apricots, craisins, almonds, wheat germ and cinnamon. Blend together with hands. In a 1 quart pot combine, agave nectar, canola oil and coconut oil. Turn burner to low heat and once it is hot, add pot and cook while stirring for 4 minutes until coconut oil has melted. Remove pot from burner and pour over dry mixture. Stir together until completely incorporated. Pour mixture onto 1 of the pans. Bake at 325 degrees on the 3rd rack for 22 minutes, tossing mixture with a spatula every 4 minutes. Remove from oven and toss mixture onto the other 2 pans to dry out. Layer yogurt in the bottom of parfait glasses and then add a layer of granola. Repeat until glasses are filled.

Samsung Gear VR is The Perfect Gift For Father's Day

The reviewer has been compensated in the form of a Best Buy Gift Card and/or received the product/service at a reduced price or for free.



Looking for the perfect Father's day gift for the tech savvy  or gamer Dad? Check out the Samsung Gear VR powered by Oculus! Mobile virtual reality is finally here! You can have your own mobile cinema, stream a vast selection of games and videos from Vimeo and Twitch! My favorite thing about the Gear VR is a new Walking Dead VR app. Yes, I said theWalking Dead  app!  How cool is that?



Not to mention cool features like 360 degree photos and street view! This is the perfect time to get Dad that perfect gift for Father's Day from Best Buy.  He will love this choice of a Samsung phone and FREE Samsung Gear VR as a gift. Probably the best thing about this is YOU will get to use this amazing gift, as well!   Learn more about the Samsung Gear VR HERE.

You can get a Free Samsung Gear VR, plus $50 of Virtual Reality content with purchase, or lease, and activation of select Samsung Smartphones and the offer is good 6/5-6/18 online or in Best Buy stores. 



Since my father is one who has everything and wants nothing, I know I will be buying this for him from Best Buy.  I know he will be overwhelmed with joy when he sees his gift. (And, I will get to use it, too! )

What are some of the features that you like about the Samsung Gear VR?

DIONO Radian RXT Giveaway

Car seats keep changing and improving the overall safety of your children,  You can win this DIONO Radian RXT car seat valued at$359.