Recently I received a really cool book to review—Lightning-Fast Japanese for Kids.
My mom is Japanese but I never learned the language, and it’s always been a regret for me.  My daughter expressed interest in it and wanted me to teach her.  When I had the chance to review this book, it seemed like a great opportunity to do something really cool this summer.

The first thing I noticed about the book was that it’s very different from the other language books I’ve used in the past.  Instead of focusing on phonetics, verb tense, etc. it targets everyday language in everyday situations.  This is really useful when working with kids, who tend to take the most from concrete, meaningful learning.  You can really just jump right in and start learning, rather than having to teach yourself before you teach your kids. [Read more…]

Disclosure: I received the DVD and payment for posting. Opinions shared here are mine. Spoiler alert: I really did eat red bell peppers and like them.

Today’s freebie is for the kids.  And maybe mom, too!!   Reading a book with your child is a great way to get the conversation flowing.  The Billionaire’s Curse has pretty good reviews, and you can’t go wrong with free.  Try it and let me know what you think!

Added a few more that I came across.  Don’t forget to follow my Pinterest page, click over there ———————–>

Mom, do you struggle to keep your kids off of your mat so that you can finish your pose in peace?   How about this cute Little Yoga Mat just for your little one……perfectly sized for your child, and small enough to tuck into your diaper (or yoga) bag.   You know that yoga is relaxing, good for you, and great exercise.  It’s time to share it with your child.  Check out these great poses that are child-friendly and fun.

We received the Lotus Little Yoga Mat to review.  My daughter immediately squealed, because it is purple!!  Her favorite!  It has three flowers on the mat, so it helps her to position her body for each pose. She uses it all of the time, not just to do yoga (and pilates) with me, but also as a reading mat on the floor, a little spot for watching tv, and playing with her DS in her room.  Fun times!  It’s become one of her favorite decor items.   I love it because it’s Earth-friendly—using biodegradable materials that are hypoallergenic. It’s so easy to wipe clean, too.  This would make a great birthday gift along with a kid’s yoga video! [Read more…]

Have you been asking yourself what you’re going to do with the kids all summer?  Maybe you’re looking for a fun new place for a birthday party?  We recently visited a fun new dance & gym that my kids absolutely LOVED.  Check out Revolution Dance and Gymnastics in Gray, TN.

We went to Revolution for a birthday party.  The party was for a 3 year old girl, but there were kids up to age 10, and everyone had a blast. There was a bounce house, a big play area with gym equipment, and a really long trampoline area.  I loved the open feel of the room, there was plenty of room for everyone and the parents could easily see where their children were.  The party room was also spacious, and there was a counter where the food was conveniently located.  This was definitely the party of the year for my 3 year old, he had a great time and ASKED for a nap afterwards.  Success!!

Revolution also offers a Parent’s Night Out, Zumba classes, and summer camps.  I picked up some of the info while I was there and noticed that the prices were extremely reasonable.  Its convenient location is great too,  between Kingsport & Johnson City.  Definitely check it out, Tricities friends!

(I received no discounts or compensation for this post.  The opinions shared here are 100% mine.)