Budget Family Vacations that Aren't Short on Fun

 Budget Family Vacations that Aren't Short on Fun

 by: Allison Boyer

Taking vacations as a family can really bring everyone closer together, but unfortunately, trips don’t come cheap. The good news is that you don't have to sacrifice the fun to really enjoy your time together. Here are a few vacation ideas that are low on cost but high on fun.

• Try camping together.

Campsites only cost a fraction of what it would cost to rent a hotel room, and the activities are built into that price. Instead of expensive tours or amusement park tickets, you can enjoy setting up a camp, building a fire, and roasting marshmallows together. Food is also cheaper this way, and during your camping trip you can also hike together, exploring the woods and teaching your kids a little about nature. Even campgrounds that have running water facilities are much less expensive that hotels, so get in touch with the great outdoors for your next family vacation.

• Head to the beach.

Beach vacations don't cost much because you don't have to pay for activities (as long as you go to a free beach). Hotels at beaches run the gambit when it comes to pricing, but you can usually find an affordable option, especially if you play your stay during the week instead of on weekends. You can also get your extended family or friends together to share a beach house for the week. These usually sleep 10+ people and can be a real steal when you all chip in!

• Look at all-inclusive options.

If you're willing to spend a little more on a vacation but still don't want to break the bank, try an all-inclusive option, like those found with Disney. When you pay one lump sum for your hotel, food, and activities, you'll pay much less (in most cases) than if you had paid for all these things separately. Plus, you can focus more on just having fun while you're on vacation, rather than calculating every dollar you spend to try to stretch the budget.

• Go on a cruise.

Like all-inclusive options, cruises are great because you pay one lump sum for the entire vacation, rather than paying as you go. You can find some rather affordable cruises in non-Caribbean locations as well, so don't forget to check out coastal options if you want to save money (and avoid the hassle of getting passports).

• Staycation in style.

Lastly, a "staycation" (where you stay at home instead of travel) might not sound like a lot of fun, but it can be! With the money you've saved, hire a maid for the week, order in instead of cooking, and do some activities around town as a family that you'd usually pass up because you didn't want to spend the money. Declare the rules (within reason) ineffective for the week and eat your ice cream first, let the kids stay up as late as they want, and even pick up a few new toys for entertainment.

**This guest post is from Allison, who works with TravelInsurance.org. When planning your family's next vacation, no matter where you travel, consider checking out travel insurance policies to cover any mishaps that happen when you're away from home!**

**Disclaimer: this post was not written by Over Thirty Mommy, it is a guest post written by Allison Boyer** 
 

My Bean Got Bit!

My Bean Got Bit!

Yesterday when I arrived to pick Bean up from "School" (Daycare), she did her usual yippie skippy my mommy and daddy are here shriek and giggle but when I got in the room and she ran to me for our usual hug the first thing she told me was Sally (not her real name) bit me.  Bean then proceeded to show me a visible bite mark on her upper arm. 

The teacher's assistant that does the after 5:00 watch until parents arrive then nonchalantly said "oh, yeah, you need to sign this".  I as then given a form that stated that my child was bit by another child and it had a drawing of a body with an X on her arm for the area of injury.  I read the form quickly and noted that it had not type of release on it (it was just an incident report) and signed it.  The TA then told me that the center director would look at it and sign it the next day and I would get a copy.

I left with my daughter without any type of explanation of what happened and how there was no teacher that witnessed the other child biting my child.  I tried to ask Bean what happened but you do not get a lot of detail from a 2 1/2 year old so all I could get was that Sally Bit me and it hurt.

I thought that the director would possibly be in a little earlier than usual today to explain what happened or what the procedure was for these biting incidents but she was not there today when I dropped Bean off for "school".  I did notice that in the sign in binder Sally had a similar page that I signed the prior evening that stated that she bit another child. 

I am not sure how these biting incidents work, my child has never been bit before and has never bitten another child but I feel that it should have been handled a little more seriously and maybe I should have at least received a call this morning from the director acknowledging the incident or something more than "oh yeah, Bean was bit by another child, you need to sign this".

I am sure that I am being an overly protective parent, she is my one and only child but she was bit by another student and still has half a mount of teeth marks on her arm today.  I think that warrants some type of apology or explanation.

I guess I will see if I get any more details of explanation this evening when my husband and I got pick her up.

Disney Cars 2 Movie Prize Pack Giveaway

Disney Cars 2 Movie Prize Pack Giveaway

CARS 2 races into theaters everywhere in Disney Digital 3D and IMAX 3D on June 24th!

 Here is a brief synopsis of Pixar’s follow-up film to the Academy Award  Winning Toy Story 3:

Star racecar Lightning McQueen (voice of Owen Wilson) and the incomparable tow truck Mater (voice of Larry the Cable Guy) take their friendship to exciting new places in “Cars 2” when they head overseas to compete in the first-ever World Grand Prix to determine the world’s fastest car. But the road to the championship is filled with plenty of potholes, detours and hilarious surprises when Mater gets caught up in an intriguing adventure of his own: international espionage. Mater finds himself torn between assisting Lightning McQueen in the high-profile race and towing the line in a top-secret mission orchestrated by master British super spy Finn McMissile (voice of Michael Caine) and the stunning rookie field spy Holley Shiftwell (voice of Emily Mortimer). Mater’s action-packed journey leads him on an explosive chase through the streets of Japan and Europe, trailed by his friends and watched by the whole world. The fast-paced fun includes a colorful new all-car cast, complete with menacing villains and international racing competitors.

In addition to the great giveaway pack below, Disney/Pixar has created an awesome activity pack for kids! These activities include Mazes, Soap Box Dragster Activities, T-shirt Designs, a Radiator Springs Play Set and much, much more! 

 All of these great family activities can be found here: http://media-file.net/11/cars2/family/.

“Like” CARS 2 on Facebook at: http://www.facebook.com/PixarCars

Disney Cars 2 Prize Pack Giveaway

 

WIN IT! 

One Over Thirty Mommy reader will win a Disney Cars 2 Prize Pack consisting of: 1 CARS 2 t-shirt in youth sizes of S, M, L, XL, CARS 2 set of 3 bumper tickets, CARS 2 temporary tattoo sheet (2 per winner), and a CARS 2 puzzle

How to Enter: Mandatory

Leave a comment telling me your favorite Cars 2 character

Extra Entries:
You must complete the mandatory entry before doing any extra entries.

• Follow Over Thirty Mommy publicly (join followers on right-hand sidebar) (1 entry)
• Subscribe to Over Thirty Mommy via Reader or email. (1 entry each)
• Follow Over Thirty Mommy on twitter and tweet about this review/giveaway. (1 entry daily)
• Like Over Thirty Mommy on Facebook (1 entry)

 Please leave a separate comment for each entry.  Good luck!

 
Limitations:
This giveaway is open to U.S. AND CANADIAN Residents 18+ only. Please have a valid email address in your comment or on your blogger profile.  

Giveaway ends midnight PST on 07/3/2011

*** Disclosure: I received no monetary compensation for the purpose of this posting.  I received informational materials and giveaway items for a reader for free.***

 

MyExtra Gum Review

MyExtra Gum Review

I am one of those moms that takes and prints a gadzillion (OK, not really a word!) pictures of my daughter doing all sorts of cute things.  I also love unique personalized gift ideas.

I was recently offered the chance to try out the new MyExtra Gum and thought it would be a super cute way to have an adorable picture of my daughter in my purse and they are such conversation starters.

MyExtra Gum packs are great for all occasions.  They make great family gifts, wedding favors, corporate gifts, promotional items and more.

Creating your own personalized MyExtra Gum packs is as simple as upload your own photos and messages, selecting a font, colors and clip art.  You can choose from one of their templates if you want something quick and simple or you can start from a blank page and create your MyExtra gum packs from scratch .

MyExtra Gum is purchased in five pack sets and each pack of gum contains 15 sticks of gum and is available in peppermint, spearmint and sweet watermelon flavors.   

Over Thirty Mommy's Thoughts

Clearly the MyExtra packs that I created are adorable! You can't deny that they are a great idea and they make fore fun and unique personalized gifts.  I do think they are a little pricey at $4.99 a pack but for the right occasion, the cost is totally worth it.  Every time my daughter sees the MyExtra gum packs, she lays claim to them calling them "Bean's Gum".  If you ask her what type of gum it is she will reply Bean Gum.

**Disclosure: I did not receive any form of compensation for this blog post.  I was provided with a complimentary set from MyExtra.com via MomSelect . **

. 

Time to Get Your Summer Hair Do!!! Sharing Spree: $49 for Haircut, All Over Color or Dimensional Highlights and Blow Dry Styling

$49 for Haircut, All Over Color or Dimensional Highlights and Blow Dry Styling (up to $125 value)

 GET SUMMER READY WITH THIS SPREE!!

For only $49 (up to $125 value), you get a haircut, all over hair color or dimensional highlights, shampoo, and blow dry styling! To make it easy, you can choose from 4 different high-end salons: Urbaca Salon downtown in the Pearl District (valid for appointments with Laci), Fresh Mane Salon in Vancouver, Karusso's Hair Odyssey in Lake Oswego (valid for appointments with Josalyn) and P'zazz Salon in Beaverton (valid for appointments with Maria).
Proceeds from this deal will benefit Loaves and Fishes Centers, The Meals on Wheels People.  Do good and look good by purchasing this deal today!

 GET SUMMER READY WITH THIS SPREE!!

Summer Sun Where Are You?

Summer Sun Where Are You?

So my calendar says that summer starts next Tuesday but the weather lately disagrees.  I am ready for some summer sun! This spring was the 4th coldest and 2nd wettest in history, easily making it the WORST spring in Portland history.

Even my counter top weather station thinks that summer will never arrive, here is what it gave me for today's forecast!

A few weeks ago we had three consecutive days in the 70's.  It was either wishful thinking on my part or I totally jinxed the rest of Portland but I took those nice days to mean that summer was on the way and I spent hours sorting through my daughter's room getting her closet and dressers organized for the impending sunshine and nice weather.  

I took all her winter clothes out of the top dresser drawers and moved them to the bottom and moved all of her summer shorts and skirty skirts (as she calls them) up to the top.  I took all the long sleeved shirts out of the closet and replaced them with her vast collection of girls dresses and tank tops.   I boxed up her boots, against her cries that she NEEDED her bugga bugga rain boots and her sparkly cowgirl boots, and replaced them with her sandal (floppers as she likes to call her flip flops) collection.

During our three nice days she couldn't get enough of her shorty shorts, skirty skirts and dresses.  I am pretty sure we went through at least three outfits a day.  She must have known that this was going to be her only opportunity to wear her summer sun clothes and so she tried to get them all worn in our short nice weather period. (although, I hear rumors that we might get to 85 next week!!!!)

I can never get enough of her in her adorable summer outfits, she loves to spin and twirl in her skirty skirts and dresses.  It is too cute!

I watch the weather every evening before bed just to see if I can get out one of her cute summer sun dresses to wear the next day.  of course she insists on wearing shorty shorts under her dresses so that she can still slide and play in the dirt with all her friends at "school" without showing her panties.

COME ON SUMMER SUN!!! WE ARE READY AND WAITING!!!

Target Expands Recall of Child Booster Seats

Target Expands Recall of Child Booster Seats 

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with the firm named below, today announced a voluntary recall of the following consumer product. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed.

Name of Product: Circo Child Booster Seats.

Hazard: The booster seat’s restraint buckle can open unexpectedly, allowing a child to fall from the chair and be injured.

Incidents/Injuries: Target has received 10 additional reports of booster seat buckles opening unexpectedly, including three reports of bumps and/or bruises when a child fell forward out of the booster seat, hitting an object or the floor.

Description: The expanded recall involves all Circo Booster Seats, including those sold as early as 2005. The plastic booster seats are blue with green trim and a white plastic restraint buckle. They attach to an adult chair to boost a child to a table. “Circo” and “Booster Seat” can be found on a green label located in the front of the booster seat.

Sold exclusively at: Target stores nationwide from January 2005 through June 2009 for about $13.

Manufactured in: China

Remedy: Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled booster seats and return them to any Target store for a full refund.

Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact Target at (800) 440-0680 between 7 a.m. and 6 p.m. CT Monday through Friday, or visit the firm’s website at www.target.com

Sharing Spree Portland: $35 for 60 minute massage (a $75 Value)

$35 for 60 minute massage (a $75 Value) - choose from 5 locations!
	Spree Includes: We all know the benefits of massage are far reaching - health, relaxation, boost to your immune system, pain management, etc. But the real reason you want this deal is because a massage just sounds so good right now! Besides the great price, the best part of this Sharing Spree is that we have a massage therapist near you. We're working with 5 different locations to offer a one hour massage for just $35 (up to $75 value)! Choose which location works best for you! May purchase up to 5, if used for different locations. Locations: Northeast Portland, Southeast Portland, Beaverton, Barbur Blvd., & Vancouver.
Get in on today's sharing Spree Deal and relax! Available in Multiple Locations View the Deal for all participating locations Other Deals available:  Nashville TN:  $35 for an Awesome Mobile Auto Detail - a $75 value!  Birmingham AL: The Black Out Cancer Event : Includes Entrance, Beer/Wine & Unlimited Food! ($22.50 a $45 Value!)

Pacific Play Tents Review and Giveaway

Pacific Play Tents Review and Giveaway

 

My daughter is all about forts right now, for weeks we had all of our dining room chairs in the living room covered with blankets.  She would crawl in her "fort" and watch her favorite Dora cartoons on her DVD player, with her Backyard Safari Lantern.  Finally I got tired of moving the chairs every time we were going to eat at the table so I contacted Pacific Play Tents to see about finding a replacement for our old school fort.

About Pacific Play Tents

Pacific Play Tents is a privately owned company dedicated to providing children with creative, high quality and imaginative products for indoor and outdoor use. As parents of small children, the have tried to design products that stimulate children's imagination and teach them how to interact with each other.  They have designed all of their tents and tunnels to be interchangeable. You can buy two or three different tents and connect them together through a maze of tunnels. You can create your very own city of tents and secret hiding places, winding through your very own space.

Over Thirty Mommy's Thoughts
I am thrilled to have my dining room chairs back and my daughter is overjoyed to have fun new forts, it is a win win for everyone! Our new pacific play tents are wonderful and my daughter loves them.  The Lady Bug Tent and Tunnel has replaced the chair/blanket for and is a permanent fixture in our living room now.

We have used our forts both in the house and in the back yard.  They are easy to set up and when folded up, they take up minimal space.  The Lady Bug tent goes together just like a small camping tent with two poles, the Little Red School House takes a bit more thinking but the directions are easy to follow and it only takes minutes to assemble and start playing. 

Both are spacious (more so for kids but Daddy can fit in the Lady Bug Tent with out too much discomfort!) and well built.  My little Bean can be a bit rough when she gets excited so the break away tunnel is perfect for when she decided to do "Rolly-Polly" while in it. 

She loves to take snacks, movies and toys in her tents and can spend hours playing in there.  She has even been caught a couple times hiding in the back of the fort with a snack she has swipped from the snack drawer with out asking but it is so cute to see her in there that I just can't get all that mad at her.

Each of the tents we received had roll up flaps and windows so that she can see out and so that I can see in to keep an eye on her. 

 
Where to Buy:

Pacific Play Tents are available at numerous stores, boutiques and online shopping retailers.  Check out the list of where to buy from their site


Pacific Play Tents Giveaway

WIN IT! 
Two Over Thirty Mommy Readers will  be randomly chosen to receive a Pacific Play Tent of their own! One winner will receive the LadyBug Tent & Tunnel Combo and a second winner will receive the Cottage Play House.

How to Enter: Mandatory

Leave a comment telling me which Pacific Play Tent product you would like most for the child in your life (or for your cat or dog! lol)

Extra Entries:
You must complete the mandatory entry before doing any extra entries.

• Follow Over Thirty Mommy publicly (join followers on right-hand sidebar) (1 entry)
• Subscribe to Over Thirty Mommy via Reader or email. (1 entry each)
• Follow Over Thirty Mommy on twitter and tweet about this review/giveaway. (1 entry daily)
• Like Over Thirty Mommy on Facebook (1 entry)
• Blog about the giveaway on your site and link back to Over Thirty Mommy (leave a link to your post in comment) (5 entries!!!) 
• Grab my Blog Button (2 entries)

 Please leave a separate comment for each entry.  Good luck!

 
Limitations:
This giveaway is open to U.S. Residents 18+ only. Please have a valid email address in your comment or on your blogger profile.  

Giveaway ends midnight PST on 06/25/2011

Kashi Recalls Select Frozen Pizzas Because They May Contain Plastic Fragments

Kashi Recalls Select Frozen Pizzas Because They May Contain Plastic Fragments

Kashi is recalling approximately 11,000 cases of frozen pizzas, including Mediterranean Thin Crust Pizza, Roasted Vegetable Thin Crust Pizza, and Mushroom Trio and Spinach Thin Crust Pizza due to possible plastic fragments in an ingredient in the pizza crusts.

The impacted products include the following individually packaged pizzas:

• Kashi Mediterranean Thin Crust Pizza packaged in a 12.7 ounce box and marked with UPC Code 1862732905 3 and Best If Used Before date of either May10 12NU, May18 12NU, or May19 12NU;
• Kashi Roasted Vegetable Thin Crust Pizza packaged in a 12.2 ounce box and marked with UPC Code 1862737342 1 and Best If Used Before date of either May09 12NU or May14 12NU;
• Kashi Mushroom Trio and Spinach Thin Crust Pizza packaged in an 11.9 ounce box and marked with UPC Code 1862737344 5 and Best If Used Before date of May17 12NU.

No other Kashi frozen pizzas or other products are included in the recall, and no consumer complaints have been reported. The products were distributed nationwide through U.S. retail grocery stores.

"People who buy Kashi trust the quality and safety of our foods," said David DeSouza, general manager. "We apologize for this situation and are working closely with our suppliers and retail customers to resolve it quickly."

Consumers with questions or who would like a replacement may contact the Kashi Consumer Response Center at 877.864.3521 Monday – Friday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Eastern time, or visit www.Kashi.com¹.

BRATZ Makeup Design Sketch Book Recalled

BRATZ Makeup Design Sketch Book Recalled Because of Possible Health Risk

MGA Entertainment of Van Nuys, CA is recalling 6,200 units of the Bratz Makeup Design Sketch Book. This product has the potential to be contaminated with Staphylococcus warneri and Staphylococcus intermedius. MGA is recalling products produced between November 5, 2010 and February 25, 2011. MGA has ceased production and distribution of this product.

S. warneri rarely causes disease in humans. Wounds in the eye increase risk of infection and may result in symptoms such as pain and decreased visual acuity. S. intermedius is a very rare cause of infection in humans and risks are typically associated with veterinary exposures. For certain individuals, such as those with compromised immune systems, introduction into the eye by either microorganism may result in infection, which, if left untreated, may lead to sight-threatening complications.

To date there have been no reports of illness or injury associated with this product.
The Makeup Design Sketch book was distributed nationwide and sold through retail stores and e-commerce web sites.

Product can be identified by the batch code and/or item number printed on the back cover of the sketch book. The UPC for product number 504788 is: 0-35051-50478-8

Through finished product testing, elevated levels of bacteria was found in the eye shadow portion of this product.

Consumers should discontinue use of this product. For information on how to obtain a refund for your purchase, phone MGA Customer Service at 1 800 222-4685 Monday-Saturday, 8 AM-6 PM CST.

RECALL ALERT: American Girl Crafts Jewelry Kit

EKSuccess Brands Recalls American Girl Crafts Jewelry Kit Due to Violation of Lead Paint Standard

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with the firm named below, today announced a voluntary recall of the following consumer product. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed.

Name of Product: American Girl Crafts™ Pearly Beads & Ribbon Bracelets kit

Units: About 75,000

Distributor: EKSuccess Brands, a division of Wilton Brands Inc., of Woodbridge, Ill.

Hazard: The surface coating on some of the beads contains excessive levels of lead, which is prohibited under federal law.

Incidents/Injuries: None reported.

Description: This recall involves the Pearly Beads & Ribbon Bracelets kit distributed under the American Girl Crafts name with a SKU number of 30-585331. The SKU number is located on the back of the package in the lower right corner. The kit contains 56 pieces. The beads in the jewelry kit are pink, blue, orange and white. Some pink beads have darker pink butterflies imprinted on them. The ribbons in the kit are orange, red, blue and purple.

Sold at: Michaels Stores and other retailers nationwide from September 2009 through June 2011 for about $8.

Manufactured in: China

Remedy: Consumers should immediately take the recalled kits and any finished bracelets made from the kits away from children and contact the company for a full refund.

Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact EKSuccess Brands toll-free at (855) 535-2099 between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. CT Monday through Thursday and between 8 a.m. and 2 p.m. CT on Fridays or visit the firm's website at www.eksuccessbrands.com

Hero Fruit Spreadables Review and Giveaway

Hero Fruit Spreadables Review and Giveaway 

Until Recently I have been one of those over protective moms that cut everything up into teeny tiny pieces to avoid choking hazards.  Now that I am relaxing a bit and allowing her to take her own bites, my daughter has found a love for PB&J sandwiches.

 

While I love PB&J sandwiches myself, I am not a fan of what goes into most Jams and Jellies.   There is too much high fructose corn syrup, artificial flavoring and artificial coloring for me to feel good about letting her eat PB&J sandwiches as often as she requests them.  

When I was offered a chance to sample the new Hero Fruit Spreadables, I was thrilled.  

 

About Hero Fruit Spreadables

Hero Fruit Spreadables are made with 100% natural ingredients and they boast more fruit per serving.  Hero Fruit Spreadables contain NO High Fructose Corn Syrup and NO Artificial Ingredients and are available in four great flavor blends: Strawberry Red Currant, Mixed Berry, Strawberry Banana, and Cherry Banana. Hero Fruit Spreadables are seedless and smooth in texture; they are not lumpy or watery.

Over Thirty Mommy's Thoughts

I LOVE IT! oh yeah and so does my daughter!   

I was sent a fantastic Hero Fruit Spreadables PB&J Party pack to sample. The pack included one of each of the four Fruit Spreadables fruit blends, peanut butter, sandwich cutters in fun shapes and sizes, balloons, streamers, recipes, a reusable lunch bag, and a $5 Target gift card so you I could buy fresh bread and tortillas. 

 

I got some Hero Fruit Spreadables out this morning for my toast and she freaked out because I was going to eat HER Toy Story Jam.  Trying to explain that the food in the fridge belonged to everyone in the family was futile, it was HERS and HERS alone. 

 

I am always looking for more natural foods for the family and prefer real sugar over HFCS.  The High Fructose Corn Syrup commercials tell you that it is good for you and basically the same as real sugar, but I don't buy it. 

One thing about Jam that I dislike is when you take it out of the fridge to put on your bread, it is difficult to spread and often tears the bread.  That is not a problem at all with Hero Fruit Spreadables.  They are specially made to spread easily so no more ripped bread!  

I never got a chance to throw a party and use the decorations that came in the party pack because my daughter dug into the basket the moment I unwrapped the jars of Fruit spreadables and then she ran off with the lunch bag.

Over all we love the Hero Fruit Spreadables, they are all natural and taste fantastic.

Where to buy

Hero Fruit Spreadables are available exclusively at SuperTarget stores nationwide for a suggested retail price of $2.49.

Hero Fruit Spreadables Giveaway

WIN IT! 
One Over Thirty Mommy Readers will  be randomly chosen to receive a Hero Fruit Spreadables PB&J Party pack

How to Enter: Mandatory

Leave a comment telling me which of the four Hero Fruit Spreadables flavors you want to try the most: Strawberry Red Currant, Mixed Berry, Strawberry Banana, or Cherry Banana.

Extra Entries:
You must complete the mandatory entry before doing any extra entries.

• Follow Over Thirty Mommy publicly (join followers on right-hand sidebar) (1 entry)
• Subscribe to Over Thirty Mommy via Reader or email. (1 entry each)
• Follow Over Thirty Mommy on twitter and tweet about this review/giveaway. (1 entry daily)
• Like Over Thirty Mommy on Facebook (1 entry)
• Blog about the giveaway on your site and link back to Over Thirty Mommy (leave a link to your post in comment) (5 entries!!!) 
• Grab my Blog Button (2 entries)

 Please leave a separate comment for each entry.  Good luck!

 
Limitations:
This giveaway is open to U.S. Residents 18+ only. Please have a valid email address in your comment or on your blogger profile.  

Giveaway ends midnight PST on 06/19/2011

Brainetics Review

Brainetics Review

For the past 9 months (up until about a month ago!) I have been a stay at home mom.  I LOVED being home with my daughter but missed working and engaging my brain.  My line of work involves lots of numbers and critical thinking and I felt that with each passing day I was losing a little bit of my skills (that and I am not sure I ever gained back my pre-pregnancy brain! LOL).  When offered the chance to try out the Brainetics system, I was really excited and so was my husband.  The program is a little too advanced for my toddler but I think that in a couple years she will learn alot from it.


About Brainetics

Brainetics, an innovative system that is making learning exciting again. Through fun games and entertaining tricks, Brainetics is teaching kids how to master the priceless skills of focus, following directions, problem solving, organizational skills and memory improvement.  The Brainetics program includes: A set of 5 fun, entertaining and engaging DVDs that gradually get more challenging and involved as the program progresses. A specially-designed, custom Brainetics playbook that explains each lesson, provides practice space and helps the individual understand each section. One set of 52 custom Brainetics flash cards that help processing speed and lesson comprehension. One deck of playing cards that are used to increase mental speed, pattern recognition and focus. A 'Parent Guide' that explains the goals of each lesson, what to expect and how to become involved in the learning process.

Is Brianetics just for kids?
NO!!!

Brainetics is for anybody aged 9 to 90 that have a grasp of the multiplication tables.

Over 35 percent of users are adults and seniors. Parents are using the program to get an edge at the workplace and Seniors are using it to stave off mental aging. Brainetics is a high-energy program that challenges a person - at his / her own pace - with fun mental tasks that help one concentrate, focus, and build mental processing at the same time.

How Does Brainetics Work?

Brainetics teaches your brain to behave like a computer. It will receive information, store it and memorize all the relevant information while ignoring the unnecessary information. 


There are three powerful reasons that make Brainetics work so well: 1. Brainetics teaches how to MASTER all the vitally important learning SKILLS (focus, concentration, problem solving, thinking outside the box, organizational, increased mental capacity and memory) that are rarely taught in schools and people lack throughout their lives. 2. Brainetics TRAINS two different parts of the MIND to work simultaneously yet independently of each other. One part memorizes information while another part is sorting and processing new information. The mind will begin to work much more efficiently and be more powerful giving Brainetics kids a huge advantage throughout their academic lives and beyond. 3. Brainetics is INCREDIBLY FUN. Brainetics will never seem like a chore and everything is very fun and cool to learn for all ages and ability levels. Brainetics can either be learned alone, or entire families can learn together.

Over Thirty Mommy's Thoughts:
Wow, my math skills have slipped since I took my last math class.  I thought I was fairly competent in math with my work but I have so much to learn and re-learn.  The very beginning is about learning Magic Squares and I must admit I had to watch it a couple times to completely grasp the concept but they are really fun and interesting.

Who's heard of the Fibonacci sequence?  I have and I have always wanted to learn more about it.  Brainetics helped me learn the trick.  

It is amazing how Brainetics can take concepts that I found so confusing before and make them so easy to learn and master.

With my crazy new schedule, I have not had a chance to make it through all 5 DVDs and flash cards but what I have watched so far makes me want to learn more.  I think I might start taking the DVD's to work to watch during my lunch break.

While the math is too advanced for my two year old daughter, she still watches the DVD's and calls them "Smarties".  Hopefully that proves true and they make me smarter!

How to Connect with Brainetics:
Visit the Brainetics Website
Follow Brainetics on Twitter.
Friend Brainetics on Facebook.

Where to Buy:
 You can purchase the entire Brainetics Program online, here.   It is also available at Amazon.com and other book retailers.
                                       

       




















**Disclaimer: I was not paid in any form of cash for this posting.   I received the Brainetics Program for the purpose of this review .  This is solely the opinion of Over Thirty Mommy. Other people may have different experiences with the.**