Brain Fuel

The end of August heralds in the start of the school year. After a summer of sun and fun, it’s time to get the brain focused. There are many places to look to find games, but if you’re looking for something new, visit BrainFuel4kids. Brain fuel has tips for parents on how to boost your child’s brain function and tips and trivia for kids.

My daughter’s favorite section of the website, besides the brain facts, was the games. There are matching games, speed games and math games. Games that rely on memory and problem solving. Not surprisingly, her reaction times were a bit sluggish at first, but after just a week, she was able to boost her scores. Her favorite game was Monster Garden. You had to make your way home avoiding the monsters along the way by remembering which square they were in.

I liked the forums, where you could get hints from other parents and talk to a registered dietitian. While I didn’t actively participate in any of the conversations, it’s a great resource to read and pick up hints to do at home - from food to eat, to excise tips and ways to relax. A plus to the games were they were pretty quick. As parents, you don't always have time to sit at the computer for hours on end. In just a few minutes, you could play through a memory game. And each step, while timed, waits to start until you click okay. So if you need to get up mid session to change a channel or grab a drink, you score isn't affected.

And of course, the games were addictive. Not satisfied with my scores, I tried many different games over and over until I felt happy with my results. Over the week, I could see how my scores improved and as I was playing, I could tell I was making the connection faster. My favorite game, and one I found tough at first was the face-name recognition. Have you ever walked up to someone and know that you’ve seen them before but can’t place their name? This game did just that. They showed you a face and gave you a name with it and you had to make matches memory style. It was super easy when there were just 3-4 people, but once they added in more, it was hard to keep straight. Did Nathan have glasses? Was Jane blond?

As a parent, I am going to continue to let my daughter play with these games. I can feel confidant in knowing that she’s working her brain while she’s having fun!

I wrote this review while participating in a blog tour campaign by Mom Central on behalf of BrainFuel and received an insulated lunch bag from Innovations to thank me for taking the time to participate.

Skinny Cow Ice Cream

Ice cream is my downfall. I tend to unwind at night, with a bowl of ice cream watching TV. Even in the dead of winter. Walking by the freezer containers at the store, I always skip right past the healthier alternatives to my favorite treat - the fruit ice creams, the low fat versions and the sugar free versions.

The ladies at MOM Central sent me some coupons to try Skinny Cow ice cream sandwiches on them, so for once, I had reason to stop short of my favorites. Growing up, ice cream sandwiches were a treat. I was pleasantly surprised when I took my first bite. It was the same creamy vanilla flavor inside and the same stick to your fingers chocolate cookie outside. So I did the next thing, I gave one to my husband to try. And then my kids. And everyone agreed that they tasted like regular ice cream sandwiches.

We tried the vanilla/chocolate combo and mint flavored sandwiches. All were delicious! Other sandwich flavors include cookies and cream, strawberry and chocolate peanut butter (which sounds interesting but I couldn't find nearby). We even went back and tried their fudge bars- yum! Next on the list is the new truffle bars.

Skinny Cow ice cream now has a place in my freezer.

Eggo Bake Shop Twists

Eggo Bake shop Twists definitely bring new meaning to "Leggo my Eggo". When I fist picked them up, it was the middle of the day. That did not stop my girls from wanting to try them. So we had them after lunch, as sort of a snack. My girls devoured them. And asked for more.

They currently come in two flavors- apple and strawberry. And while we didn't eat them in the way they were made, they would definitely make a quick and tasty breakfast. In just 20 seconds in the microwave (for one, as per the box), you have a tasty fruit-filled treat. A quick word of caution though, make sure you let them cool for a few minutes. The inside gets hot. And if breakfast isn't your style, use them as a sweet after dinner treat. They tasted similar to turnovers for a sweet snack.

My seven year old's first comment (after looking at the box) was "thanks Mom, you brought me some protein (they had 3 grams per serving)." She's on a protein kick and tends to read the labels on everything.

The only downside is that there are very few in a box. They come four to a package, and are a bit on the smaller side. We each had 1 of each flavor with my girls asking for more. So if your an adult, you could easily eat a whole box for breakfast. Or if you have kids, easily go through 2 boxes in one sitting. The upside is, they are fairly inexpensive, depending on where you shop. My first stop to get them was at a local grocery store and they were $3.60 a box (I didn't buy them there as this store tend to err on expensive side). I picked them up at Target for $2.04 a box (another grocery store had them for $3.00).

So if your looking for a quick, sweet breakfast, you should definitely try them. We recommend the apple.

This post was made possible through the women at Mom Central.

Milkshake Winners

Winners have been picked by random.org and are in the process of being notified.

CD/DVD : Danielle
Concert Tickets : Rachael

Congratulations to the winners.

Milkshake

Music, it's food for the soul. When we become parents, we start out by introducing our kids to classical artists, such as Mozart and Beethoven. As they get older, they discover the Wiggles, Raffi and other various children's artists. Music, that will, eventually drive any sane person insane. But as parents, we continue to play the same music, over and over. Some of use buy overpriced concert tickets to take our kids too. Concerts that they won't remember when they are a bit older.

For us, we tried to throw some other genre's into the mix. Nestled in between our Wiggles and Raffi CD's are various other children's mixes, some folk, some rock, some country and some reggae. But nonetheless, we are always on the lookout to add to our music library. So I couldn't wait to review Milkshake's newest DVD, Screen Play, as well as one of their CD's.

So we got the CD and DVD in the mail and I looked at it and thought "wow, the packaging is busy" and "they're on PBS, so it's probably nothing spectacular". Then I popped in the DVD and was very pleasantly surprised. While they appear in wacky outfits - they are catering to kids. And since their outfits are nothing different then what you'd find my two younger girls wearing (even some of their dress up outfits were pictured on kids on the package), they must know what their doing. Their songs are all about things kids can relate to, however they definitely have a rock sound. The guitar and drum beats sound similar to some that Einey jams along to on Guitar Hero. In the car, I put in the CD and the girls keep asking for me to play it over and over. We've only listened to it a few times, but already they have their favorite songs. The songs themselves, are pretty catchy, the girls love walking around singing "miiiLLLKK- SHAKE" and "it's a rainy, rainy day".

I like it because I have no problem listening to it over and over without fearing that my head will explode. And I don't have to worry about my four year old singing songs of sex and drugs and death. I'd much rather her learn to love music of all origins in an age-appropriate manner. I am very glad to have been introduced to Milkshake and love having more music to add to our library. I would highly recommend picking up a CD when you get a chance.

And as a super sweet treat, they sent me an addition DVD and CD to give away. All you have to do it join their Facebook fan page and then leave a comment back here. The winner will be drawn Wednesday February 25th at 12:00 pm EST. I need an email or blog link to be able to contact the winner.

Even sweeter? I also am offering a four pack of concert tickets for their live concert, March 28th in Foxboro, MA. This offer is open to local residents (MA, RI and CT) only. Again, you can win by becoming a fan of Milkshake and then leave a comment back here by noon EST, Wednesday February 25th. In addition, take a few minutes and look around. Tell me what your favorite song is!

Please be sure to note if you are entering for the CD/DVD or the concert tickets or both!

We like Happy Song and We got a Band.