Picnics and Beach Trips are easy with Monkey Mat #Review #MonkeyMatLifestyle

August 13, 2016 By

 

MM_How_It_Works_1024x1024

 

I love taking my family to the beach, and out for picnics. What I don’t like is sand in my food, beach towels blowing away, blankets at the park blowing away etc… I have been on the hunt for a blanket/mat that will stay in place when we do go to the park and beach. I have found one, Monkey Mat!

FullSizeRender 15

FullSizeRender 14

monkeymat3

The Monkey Mat, a Portable All-Purpose Picnic Travel Play Fitness Mat, is an oversized 5’x5′ mat that fits inside a small 6″x6″ carrying case, weighing only 10oz. It is made of water repellant soft nylon fabric and it not only shakes water right off, but also crumbs, grass, dirt, and other mess. The ties on the ends allows you to connect several Monkey Mats together, or use as loops to secure on the ground with tent stakes which are also available for purchase. There is also a buckle on the carrying pouch and that lets you secure it to the stroller, luggage, bags etc. There is also a loop in the center where you can attach toys if you have a baby or toddler.

IMG_4338

I highly recommend purchasing the Monkey Mat Stakes to secure it to the ground. My husband was able to put the stakes into the grass easily without needed a hammer. My kids wanted to use it in the yard to read a book and have lunch. I love how grass on their feet and crumbs from their food don’t stick and just easily can be brushed off. Once I was done I tossed it into the washing machine and it was ready for our next use.

IMG_4342

This really is a great travel mat. I love that you can fold it up and put it right in the connected travel pouch and also hook it to your purse or stroller. Food, sand and dirt wipe easily off as well as spills of beverages. If you have a baby or toddler, you can hook toys right to the middle of the mat so your child can play. I highly recommend purchasing one for your next beach trip or picnic!

 

My readers get to save! Use coupon code “USFAM” for $5 off + Free Shipping!

 

Connect with Monkey Mat: Website  Twitter Facebook  Pinterest

 

 

***I received Monkey Mat in exchange for my honest opinion. This review is based on my experience with the product. I am not affiliated with the company and everything in this review is my opinion.

 

Marijean

My name is MJ. I have two wonderful children and work part time as well as volunteer at my children's school.

More Posts

DISNEY’S PETE’S DRAGON – Opening in Theatres Everywhere Today! Craft and Cupcake Recipe @disneypetes

August 12, 2016 By

 

 

pd_teaser_1-sheet_v2alt_lg-691x1024

PETE’S DRAGON, starring Bryce Dallas Howard and Robert Redford flies into U.S. theaters on August 12th!

 

A reimagining of Disney’s cherished family film, “Pete’s Dragon” is the adventure of an orphaned boy named Pete and his best friend Elliott, who just so happens to be a dragon. “Pete’s Dragon” stars Bryce Dallas Howard (“Jurassic World”), Oakes Fegley (“This is Where I Leave You”), Wes Bentley (“The Hunger Games”), Karl Urban (“Star Trek”), Oona Laurence (“Southpaw”) and Oscar® winner Robert Redford (“Captain America: The Winter Soldier”). The film, which is directed by David Lowery (“Ain’t Them Bodies Saints”), is written by Lowery & Toby Halbrooks based on a story by Seton I. Miller and S.S. Field and produced by Jim Whitaker, p.g.a. (“The Finest Hours,” “Friday Night Lights”), with Barrie M. Osborne (“The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring,” “The Great Gatsby”) serving as executive producer.

For years, old wood carver Mr. Meacham (Robert Redford) has delighted local children with his tales of the fierce dragon that resides deep in the woods of the Pacific Northwest. To his daughter, Grace (Bryce Dallas Howard), who works as a forest ranger, these stories are little more than tall tales…until she meets Pete (Oakes Fegley). Pete is a mysterious 10-year-old with no family and no home who claims to live in the woods with a giant, green dragon named Elliott. And from Pete’s descriptions, Elliott seems remarkably similar to the dragon from Mr. Meacham’s stories. With the help of Natalie (Oona Laurence), an 11-year-old girl whose father Jack (Wes Bentley) owns the local lumber mill, Grace sets out to determine where Pete came from, where he belongs, and the truth about this dragon. Disney’s “Pete’s Dragon” opens in U.S. theaters on August 12, 2016.

 

 

“Bryce Dallas How-To” with Bryce Dallas Howard – Dragon Cat Costume!

“Bryce Dallas How-To” with Bryce Dallas Howard – Dragon Cupcakes!

 

 

 

 

Like PETE’S DRAGON on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DisneyPetesDragon

 

Follow PETE’S DRAGON on Twitter: https://twitter.com/disneypetes

 

Follow PETE’S DRAGON on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/disneypetesdragon/  

 

Visit Disney Animation on Tumblr: http://disneyanimation.tumblr.com/

 

Visit the official PETE’S DRAGON website here: http://movies.disney.com/petes-dragon-2016

Marijean

My name is MJ. I have two wonderful children and work part time as well as volunteer at my children's school.

More Posts

Nickelodeon Shimmer and Shine: Welcome to Zahramay Falls out on DVD August 16th #Review

August 11, 2016 By

 

THE WISH-GRANTING GENIES ARE BACK TO CREATE MAGIC 
AND FUN IN MORE MAGICAL ADVENTURES  
 
SHIMMER AND SHINE: 
WELCOME TO ZAHRAMAY FALLS
 
Available on DVD August 16, 2016
92364733-994d-401b-a761-10b4a9abc7f9-1
Welcome to Zahramay Falls, the magical home of twin genies-in-training Shimmer and Shine! Available on DVD August 16, Shimmer and Shine: Welcome to Zahramay Falls takes fans on a journey with Shimmer, Shine, Leah and Zac, as they experience magical adventures in the genie world of Zahramay Falls. This three-episode DVD is the second release for the hit animated series and includes the season two premiere which features brand-new characters and an all-new vibrant look with CG animation. No matter what kinds of trouble comes their way, Shimmer, Shine and Leah show preschoolers that persistence and resilience always save the day. Produced by Nickelodeon Home Entertainment and distributed by Paramount Home Media Distribution, Shimmer and Shine: Welcome to Zahramay Falls will be available on DVD August 16 – alongside new Shimmer and Shine consumer products – for the suggested retail price of $14.99.
Shimmer and Shine: Welcome to Zahramay Falls includes the following episodes:
  • Welcome to Zahramay Falls – Shimmer and Shine receive a special Green Burst Gem from Princess Samira and bring it into the human world. The evil sorceress Zeta uses magic to steal the gem, but her spell goes awry and pulls Leah and Zac into Zahramay Falls.
  • First Wish (Double Episode) – Leah wins a genie bottle pendant at a carnival and is surprised to find that her prize comes with a bonus – Shimmer and Shine.  Leah wishes for a polka-dotted elephant and things get complicated when Leah uses her remaining wishes to keep Zac from seeing the elephant. In the end, the girls create a new carnival attraction and learn that they can overcome any obstacle by working together.
  • Happy Wishaversary – It’s time for Shimmer, Shine and Leah to celebrate their Wishaversary! In honor of their Wishaversary, Shimmer and Shine make Leah the perfect gift-a bracelet with a magical touch. When Leah puts the bracelet on, she can float like a genie. However, when Zac shows up to play a video game with Leah, Rocket gets a hold of the bracelet and starts to float. Leah must play the video game with Zac, while also working with the genies to retrieve the magical bracelet before Zac sees Rocket floating away.

FullSizeRender 13

 

 

My Review:

Some days it is a struggle to find a show we all agree on in my home. My kids love to watch cartoons and I am fine with that as long as it teaches them something in the process. My daughter and son both love the Shimmer and Shine series. They are always asking me when new episodes and DVDs are coming out. I was lucky to be able to review a copy before it is being released and they were thrilled! I love this show right along with my kids, because it teaches children that everyone makes mistakes, but also how to fix those mistakes. The episodes are filled with colorful graphics, colorful and entertaining characters, cute songs and keep my kids fully entertained. I highly recommend this DVD, your children will love it and you will feel good about them watching it and learning valuable lessons from the characters.

You can pre-order your copy on Amazon here. This DVD will be released on August 16th. 

 

***I received a copy of this DVD in exchange for my honest opinion. This review is based on my experience with the DVD. I am not affiliated with the company and everything in this review is my opinion.

Marijean

My name is MJ. I have two wonderful children and work part time as well as volunteer at my children's school.

More Posts

4 Must-Try Adrenaline-Pumping Family Activities in Queenstown

August 9, 2016 By

 

Walking_header

 

An ideal place to spend your time off is at the beautiful city of Queenstown. This all-round tourist destination is packed with fun-filled and thrilling activities perfect for your whole family. You can certainly enjoy your family holiday at this city, for there are a lot of activities that you can try out while here.

Queenstown has spectacular natural views that you will truly appreciate once you have witnessed them. Since there are numerous thrilling activities you can do here, all your family members will be enthralled. Situated on the shores of Lake Wakatipu and overlooked by The Remarkables Range, this city is a prime lake resort and four season alpine.

Apparently, a car hire in Queenstown is available for you to discover more places around the city. You and your family will be able to visit any attractions easier and more comfortable.

Here are the best family activities to try when you are in Queenstown.

Hiking

With Queenstown’s breathtaking environment, it is a paradise for those who love to hike as well as walk. In fact, the town is best discovered by foot, so it is nice to go on hiking with your family. Probably, one of the ideal family-friendly walk near the city is at Moke Lake. It takes approximately two to three hours to walk around with a magnificent view and well-made path.

Jet Boating

One great family adventure to do in Queenstown is jet boating. Absolutely, this will be a fun, exciting, and unforgettable activity to try with your entire family. There are numerous companies that offer this kind of adventure which you can choose from. Thus, select one with the best deal, since jet boating comes with a price. Nonetheless, it will be worth it and the fun you experience will be priceless.

White Water Rafting

For extra thrill and adrenaline-fueled adventure, experience the famous white water rafting in Queenstown. If your family is looking for an ultimate adventure, then try the half-day rafting trips on Kawarau Rivers or Shotover through Challenge Rafting. While in action, you will witness the superb scenery of the rivers and it is surely an adventure to remember a lifetime.

Bungee Jumping

Queenstown is known to be the adventure capital of the world and the most popular bungee jumping spot, Kawarau Bridge Bungee, is the world’s home of bungee jumping. You can visit this site if you are ready for a one-of-a-kind adventure that you will never forget. In case bungee jumping is in your bucket list, then Queenstown is the perfect place to experience it.

With all these action-packed family activities mentioned above, you will definitely enjoy your stay in Queenstown. Whether you are up for a fabulous adventure with the whole family or simply in search of fun and entertainment, this gorgeous city is the place to be. People from all ages and walks of life will be delighted to experience these ultimate Queenstown activities and have best time of their lives. So what are you waiting for? Plan your trip here ahead and make the most out of your family vacation.

Anne

I'm a mother of 2 who likes to get involved in too much! Besides writing here I started a non-profit, I'm on the PTO board, very active in my community and volunteer in the school. I enjoy music, reading, cooking, traveling and spending time with my family. We just adopted our 3rd cat and love them all!

More Posts

« Previous Page
Next Page »