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April 11, 2017 by Krista

10 Irresistible ABC Apps that will help your preschooler

Hey, welcome! I’m so glad you stopped by today! Is your preschooler trying to learn the alphabet? Or maybe it’s your toddler? Either way, if you’ve got a child working on their ABC’s this is for you! I’ve got an active learner and getting him to engage in learning his letters is so difficult – until I started turning it into play time. When I let him use his screen time, which he dearly loves, to practice letters it turns from a fight into fun. These ABC Apps have been so helpful in getting my little guy to learn and practice the alphabet.

 

ABC Apps That Will Help Your Preschooler Learn the ABCs

 

 

 

 

WHY YOU SHOULD USE TECHNOLOGY – AND THESE ABC APPS – TO HELP YOUR CHILD LEARN (AND MAKE YOUR LIFE A LITTLE EASIER)

We live in a very technological world. And there are so many amazing things we can do with that technology, including teach our children. Screen time has come to have such a negative connotation lately that it can be difficult to utilize that tool without feeling guilty.

Every time someone asks how many hours of screen time my kids get a day, I cringe a little on the inside. Not because I’m ashamed of my parenting, but because of that negative view towards screen time. Most people are concerned with “excessive” screen time, but my definition of excessive might not be the same as yours. And that’s okay! While I don’t relish being judged by others, I don’t feel guilty for the time my kids spend in front of a screen. Most of the time, my boys are playing educational games or reading books (or having books read to them).

If screen time guilt is holding you back, evaluate how you use screen time and what benefits your family is seeing from it.

When my oldest was 2, he could accurately identify a hexagon, a pentagon and an octagon. People would praise me for being so involved in his education at such a young age. Almost every time, their eyes would pop and their jaws would drop when I’d admit he actually learned it while playing on the tablet every night while I fixed dinner. It made dinner preparation easier for me to know my 2 year old was sitting at the kitchen table while I was cooking. And he was learning.

Kids can learn great things while they are in front of a screen.

 

ABC Apps Kids can learn great things while they are in front of a screen

ONLY THE BEST ABC APPS WILL DO

There are lots of sub-par apps out there and ABC apps are no exception. I’ve spent a lot of time – hundreds of hours – researching quality learning apps. I’ve found that there are lots and lots of options, but not a lot of great options. And even fewer great options that are free. I am not against paying for a good, quality app; but, I do expect them to be worth every penny. The ABC apps in this list all:

  • Teach something. Most of the time I’m pretty particular about what apps my kids play. I’m much more likely to allow screen time if the apps my kids want to play teach something like math, science, or reading.
  • Not allow my kids to click off to other apps. My boys would download every app in every ad they ever see if I’d let them. Keep my child where he’s supposed to be and I will gladly hand over my money.
  • No inappropriate ads. Even if the game is phenomenal, a sleazy or overly intrusive ad gets an automatic NO.

Be aware that some of these apps DO have in-app purchases. Most are behind parent locks, but I recommend setting your account so purchases need to be verified with a pin or fingerprint and you’re not surprised with any unapproved additions to your app library.

I truly have put in hours of time to ensure the quality of apps I let my kids play. Even educational ABC apps that seem harmless. The ABC apps below have been approved for our home and I encourage you to check them out before you let your little one loose. And, sometimes, things do change; so, if you notice something questionable in any of the apps I’ve suggested, please let me know! I don’t want to support and recommend garbage and I don’t want my kids exposed to it even more than I don’t want your children exposed to it.

ABC Apps That Will Help Your Preschooler Learn The Alphabet

10 IRRESISTIBLE ABC APPS THAT WILL HELP YOUR PRESCHOOLER LEARN THE ALPHABET

Some of the links included in this list are affiliate links. If you choose to purchase any (paid) apps through these links, I will receive a small portion of your payment. Your cost does not increase and purchases through my affiliate links help me keep this site running. These are ABC apps my family uses and I personally recommend.

Here are the 10 irresistible ABC Apps I let my kids play, guilt and worry free!

 

ALPHABET CAR

1. In Alphabet Car, you drive a bus (I know, I thought it was weird too) by tilting your device from side to side. The goal is to spell simple words by collecting each letter in the word by driving into it with the bus. The game gives a visual of the letter you are trying to collect (in the preschool level of the game) and says the letter name. Each level starts with just the next letter appearing on the screen. It gets progressively harder by adding other letters as your child progresses through the level. If your child knows the letter names, but not what they look like, this can help. There is a lite version that you can try out for free, but you can get the full version via an in-app purchase – which is behind a parent lock.
ABC Apps Alphabet Bus google play store

 

ABC Apps Alphabet Car

ALPHATOTS

2. AlphaTots is awesome for letter practice. Each letter starts off with the upper and lower case letters being displayed on the screen and a voice says the name of the letter and it’s sound. Then there’s an activity to do. For example, “E is for erase. Can you erase the star?” After the star is erased, you can move on to the next letter, back to the previous letter. Or you can go back to the home screen and choose any letter. On occasion, Spinlight has sales. They are worth the full price though.

ABC Apps AlphaTotsABC Apps AlphaTots amazon app store

ABC Apps AlphaTots google play store

 ABC Apps AlphaTots

ABC KIDS

3. ABC Kids is a great ABC app that can grow with your child as they learn the alphabet. There are four games in this app: letter tracing for both upper and lower case letters, beginning sound matching and upper and lower case matching. The letter tracing games are great for introduction to the letter name and it’s shape. It teaches your child how to make the shape with guided tracing. The beginning sound match is a little more difficult. It’s ideal for those kids who know their letters, but aren’t reading quite yet. The upper and lower case matching is perfect for helping your child understand that each letter has two variations.
This game is a full game, there are no ads and it’s FREE in the Play Store and the Amazon App Store.
ABC Apps ABC KidsABC Apps AlphaTots amazon app storeABC Apps ABC Kids google play store
 ABC Apps ABC Kids

PRESCHOOL AND KINDERGARTEN LEARNING GAMES

4. This ABC app is a little less flashy than some of the other ones in this list. It is basic and effective, which is why I like it. In the lite version of the app, there’s only 2 games, but you can get all 15 games for about $3. The upside is that one of the two free games is the alphabet one, so you can try it out before you commit to the other games. The free alphabet game focuses on matching letters and beginning sounds.

Heads up! The App Store and Amazon App store versions are slightly different than the Android version. They only have 12 games. It’s the one we have played with for years and it’s still a good app. (And I think it’s a little cheaper too.)

ABC Apps Preschool and Kindergarten Learning Apps apple app storeABC Apps Preschool and Kindergarten Learning Apps amazon app storeABC Apps Preschool and Kindergarten Learning Apps google play store

 

 

ABC Apps Preschool and Kindergarten Learning Games

 

ELMO LOVES ABCS

5. This is perfect for your Elmo-loving kid. It starts out as a letter tracing activity. I like this one because there’s a guide, but it isn’t overbearing. It gives your child room to explore and play with the form of the letters. After the letters are completed, there is an option to watch a short video clip, draw a picture or play a seek and find game with objects that start with the letter. The lite version of the app includes letters A-C, you can upgrade to get the rest of the alphabet.

ABC Apps Elmo Loves ABC's apple app storeABC Apps Elmo Loves ABCs amazon app storeABC Apps Elmo Loves ABCs google play store

 

 

ABC Apps Elmo Loves ABCs

ALIVE ALPHABET LETTER TRACING

6. This is a pretty basic tracing app, but it’s special too. When tracing the letters, different and unique textures and patterns appear in the trace lines. It’s engaging and will keep your kids guessing. I also really like that the words associated with each letter aren’t the typical alligator, bee, although admittedly letter C is cat, but most of them are different. Alive Alphabet Letter Tracing is Intellijoy’s latest app and is included in the subscription option.

Heads up! Unfortunately, this one isn’t available in the App Store. If you use an iDevice, keep your eyes out for it and hopefully it will be added soon. It was released March 2017. It is in the Play Store and the Amazon App Store.

ABC Apps Alive Alphabet amazon app storeABC Apps Alive Alphabet google play store

 

 

ABC Apps Alive Alphabet

KIDS ABC TRAINS GAME

7. Kids ABC Trains Game is a must-have if you have a train-lover in your home. My boys have really enjoyed this game and it’s great. Five games are included in the full version of this app  – it’s another Intellijoy app and also included in the subscription option. Letter tracing, letter recognition, letter sounds and upper and lower case matching games are all in this app. What my boys really love about this game are the frequent reward badges. The games are quick, which is great for my kids’ short attention spans.

Heads up! Unfortunately, this one isn’t available in the App Store. But it is in the Play Store and the Amazon App Store.

ABC Apps KidsABC Trains Game amazon app storeABC Apps Kids ABC Trains Game google play store

 

 

ABC Apps Kids ABC Trains

KIDS ABC LETTERS

8. This ABC app is great for beginners. It focuses on the basic fundamentals of letters such as letter names, letter formation, recognition of letters in both upper and lower case, matching upper and lower case letters, and alphabetical order. This is an Intellijoy app and included in the subscription option. It is a great place to start with your child and will help build a solid foundation and understanding of letters.

ABC Apps Kids ABC Letters apple app storeABC Apps Kids ABC Letters amazon app storeABC Apps Kids ABC Letters google play store

 

 

ABC Apps Kids ABC Letters

 

KIDS ABC PHONICS

9. Kids ABC Phonics. This game is also included in the Intellijoy subscription pack and builds on the previous app – Kids ABC Letters. The lite version has 4 of the 8 activities and no ads, so you can try before you buy. What I really like about this game is that it’s more than just letters and will grow with your child as they progress. In this game, your child will choose a float to construct and take to the parade. This ABC app focuses on letter recognition and shape, letter sounds, basic letter blends, ending sounds and even introduces the concept of vowels.

ABC Apps Kids ABC Phonics apple app storeABC Apps Kids ABC Phonics amazon app storeABC Apps Kids ABC Phonics google play store

 

 

ABC Apps Kids ABC Phonics

GAPPY LEARNS WRITING

10. Gappy Learns Writing is excellent if you have a little artist; they will love this game! It combines connect the dots with digital drawing. There is also a free draw mode where they can practice forming letters on their own. Before the letter is completely formed, your child can try to guess what letter they are creating. When all the dots are connected and the letter is revealed, your child will match the letter to the correct card on the side of the screen. Every time your child completes a letter, they’ll get a letter-themed coloring page. There are 52 pages to collect. There are also 3 letter styles to choose from.

ABC Apps Gappy Learns Writing apple app storeABC Apps Gappy Learns Writing amazon app storeABC Apps Gappy Learns Writing google play store

 

 

ABC Apps Gappy Learns Writing

 

DIGITAL STORYBOOKS

You’re amazing if you’ve made it to the bottom of this list! And as a special bonus I’ve got one more ABC app recommendation for you! Actually, this isn’t a specific app, but a type of app. We LOVE interactive storybooks, both my boys and I. If your kids love stories and reading, but you don’t have hours to spend reading to them, these are lifesavers.

I highly recommend Oceanhouse Media apps. We particularly love the Little Critter books by Mercer Mayer and the Dr. Seuss books. You can buy the books individually or purchase collections or a subscription. If you think there’s any chance of purchasing several books, the collections are a great way to go because these books can add up fast. Books are one thing I have a hard time convincing myself we have enough of and I especially love how little space they require for storage. Digital books are definitely awesome for families that love to read.

Each book has the option of reading to your child, reading guided by your child as they click on the words and letting your child (or you) read it. They also have some super fun interactive parts too, helping your active kids stay more engaged. In the Little Critter books, you can search for the spider on each page, just like in the original paper books.

Get the Little Critter Books:

ABC Apps Interactive Storybooks apple app storeABC Apps Interactive Storybooks amazon app storeABC Apps Interactive Storybooks google play store

 

 

 

Get the Dr. Seuss Books:

ABC Apps Interactive Storybooks apple app storeABC Apps Interactive Storybooks amazon app storeABC Apps Interactive Storybooks google play store

 

KIDS CAN LEARN GREAT THINGS WHILE THEY ARE IN FRONT OF A SCREEN

Don’t let guilt keep you from using these great resources to help your child learn. Not all screen time is equal. These ABC apps are good for your kids. And letting them practice letters with ABC apps that can guide them and help them while you make dinner, fold the laundry, or do your grocery shopping isn’t going to hurt. In fact, it just might help.

 

DO YOU HAVE ANY FAVORITE EDUCATIONAL APPS FOR YOUR KIDS?

Share your favorite apps in the comments. If your child is an ABC rockstar and is learning to read, click that next button to check out 5 awesome sight word apps that will help your child learn to read.

April 6, 2017 by Krista

How to Get Control of the Mess with this Cleaning Checklist

Has clutter taken over your home during the winter months? The holidays and then two of my boys’ birthdays always tend to leave my home feeling a little… messy. When the sun finally starts shining, I want to get our things back under control. This cleaning checklist makes it easy to stay on track and get the extra clutter out.

Control the Mess Cleaning Checklist

 

 

WHAT’S IN THIS CLEANING CHECKLIST

This list is 2 pages of tasks, divided by room, that will help you clean and de-clutter your home. The winter months often bring an influx of things into our homes – I blame it on the holidays – and this is a great place to start weeding some of the things out. It’s much easier to keep your home together if there aren’t so many pieces. You don’t need all the things! Get rid of some! I promise you won’t miss them.

 

WHO IS THIS CLEANING CHECKLIST FOR

This list is for the busy household that doesn’t have days and weeks to spend cleaning up their home. It’s for the stay-at home mom who spends days making snacks and chasing toddlers. This list is for the working mom who has limited time in her home and with her family. It’s for the family that would rather play together than spend weekends cleaning. It’s for the household that is full of things they don’t use and love.

If you’re not sure where to start, if you’ve started before and gotten overwhelmed, if your time is limited or if you’re tired of all the things taking over your home, then this list will help!

Disclaimer: This list doesn’t include tasks such as washing walls in every room, baseboards, or window tracks. It doesn’t include dusting ceiling fans, dusting in general, or cleaning carpets. Those things should still be done, eventually. The main focus of this list is getting unnecessary things out of your home. Once there are fewer things, these deeper cleaning jobs will be easier to complete. So, get the things out and then go back and do the window tracks and baseboards.

 

WHY DO YOU NEED THIS CLEANING CHECKLIST?

Life is busy. Who has time to spend days and weeks deep cleaning? I sure don’t. This checklist keeps you on track when your cleaning list is long and detailed and time is limited. Deep cleaning your home is a big job and all the tasks can be overwhelming. This list will:

  • keep you organized with tasks divided room by room
  • keep you from missing commonly overlooked tasks and areas
  • help you clean your home systematically, thoroughly and comprehensively
  • help you use your time efficiently with a checklist of tasks that need completing

Simplify the huge project of deep cleaning your home by using this checklist. You’ll be able to work room-by-room, clearing clutter from your home in an efficient manner. Remember, you want to cut down on the things in your home while cleaning a little too.

 

CLICK TO DOWNLOAD YOUR OWN CHECKLIST!!Declutter Your Home Cleaning Checklist

 

HOW TO USE THIS CLEANING CHECKLIST

This may seem obvious. Just check everything off the list, right? Check off all the boxes and you’re done. Sure, you can do that. But, I want to let you in on a little secret. That’s not the only way to rock your clean and purge project!

These pages are divided into rooms, but they are designed so the tasks can be done depending on the time you have available. Most of the tasks can be done in 45 minutes or less. Some can be done in as little as 10 or 15 minutes. Save the tasks that take longer for when you have the time to conquer them. And get the whole family to help and knock that list out even more quickly!

If you can work room-by-room, I do suggest doing that. Two reasons:

  1. When you see everything all at once, it’s overwhelming. Cut it down and focus on one space at a time. It’s much easier to clean one room than an entire house. If you can’t do a whole room at one time, cut that down too and focus on just the closet or just the dishes or just under the sink.
  2. If you focus on one space, get it cleaned and de-cluttered, then move on, you will be encouraged by the visible progress. The clean room will motivate you to keep it that way and to keep going on the rest of the tasks.

 

Conquer the Clutter Chaos Cleaning Checklist

 

CAN A CLEANING LIST GIVE YOU FREEDOM?

YES. It can and it will, if you take the de-clutter part seriously. Cleaning is good, simplifying and de-cluttering is better! Take the list one room, one area, one task at a time. Before you know it, you’ll find your groove. Throwing things out won’t be so difficult. It’s okay if it takes a little time to get through it all. And it’s okay if your home still looks “lived in” – you do, indeed, live in it. But, I promise you will love the freedom that having fewer things will give you.

 

CLICK TO DOWNLOAD YOUR OWN CHECKLIST!!Declutter Your Home Cleaning Checklist

 

NOT QUITE READY TO COMMIT TO THE WHOLE CLEANING CHECKLIST?

Does de-cluttering your entire house overwhelm you? Start small and make a big impact with these 6 steps to fewer toys and a happier home.

fewer toys happier family

 

Not ready to get rid of the toys completely? Find out how to set up a toy rotation system. Your home will be less cluttered and your kids will think Christmas comes every time you rotate the toys out.

 

April 4, 2017 by Krista

4 Essential Oils that will Help Your Family

Essential oils. Do they really work? I have 3 young kids who are constantly bringing germs of every kind into our home. So I, like many others, asked this burning question. Could I really keep my family healthier with essential oils? I found there are those who swear they work miracles and those who swear they are complete hogwash. I decided to test it out for myself. Before I dive in too deeply, let me say that I am not a medical expert nor do I have medical training. This is not medical advice. It’s just what I’ve discovered during my personal use of oils over the past two years. So, are essential oils really everything they are made out to be? And which ones are the best to start off with?

4 Essential Oils that will Help your Family
I spent the last two years researching, testing, evaluating, trying different brands of oils, and studying the way essential oils affect my family. In my research, I came across benefits that seemed too good to be true. People treating cancer and chronic skin diseases and reversing cavities. I read about people replacing everything in their medicine cabinets with essential oils. The skeptic in me was snorting rather loudly. No way, right?

WHAT DO YOU EXPECT ESSENTIAL OILS TO DO FOR YOU?

After two years of research and personal use, this is where I stand. I don’t know if essential oils can cure cancer or reverse tooth decay; those aren’t the purposes I used the oils for. I do know that if you expect miracles, there’s a much bigger chance you will be disappointed. Imagine my frustration when I diffused a lavender blend in my boys’ room and expected them to sleep peacefully and quietly all night long and I spent my night getting up 4 different times. It was a disappointment, to say the least.

It was then that I realized essential oils aren’t magic potions.

  • Do they have benefits and even healing properties? Yes.
  • Are they a sure cure for every ailment, every time? No.
  • Do they work the same for everyone? No.
  • Do you have to experiment and use trial and error. Yes. A lot.

 

WORTHWHILE USES OF ESSENTIAL OILS

When I changed my reasons for using essential oils, I became much happier with the results we experienced.

  • I love cleaning with essential oils. It’s safe and there are no harsh chemicals.
  • I love using essential oils for scent and aromatherapy. No one wants to walk into their home (or anyone else’s!) when it smells like sweaty, rough and tumble boys.
  • I love being able to try a natural remedy for common physical pains and other daily uses. I often try essential oils on headaches, bug bites, and in my homemade cosmetics and body care products.

With my essential oils, I don’t expect miracles. Essential oils didn’t replace my medicine cabinet, they were added to it. They have also become fixtures in my cleaning supplies and in helping me create a welcoming and pleasant home.

 

WHERE ARE THE HIGH QUALITY ESSENTIAL OILS?

Affiliate Link Disclaimer

I researched, experimented with and tried so many brands of essential oils. That was what confused me the absolute most about them. “Quality” almost seems to be open to anyone’s interpretation in regards to essential oils. I started where most people start: DoTerra and Young Living oils. The oils and the other products were great, but the MLM structure of these companies was a huge turn off to me. I didn’t want a “DoTerra Lady” and I certainly didn’t want to join anyone’s team – not even for the discount.

The prices were another turn off. When I started looking into building my collection, I quickly realized that I was going to have to sell my first born to keep up my stock. I started trying other brands and companies. Most of them fell flat. DoTerra and Young Living are great products, but I just couldn’t justify the price tag. Luckily, before I gave up on essential oils altogether, I was introduced to Rocky Mountain Oils (RMO).

Rocky Mountain Oils are the closest oils I have found to the ones I first tried and fell in love with. These oils are effective. They perform the way I have come to expect my oils to perform. And here’s the kicker for me: They are more affordable than the big names and they are not an MLM company. These are the oils I use in my home, with my kids and I love them.

4 Essential Oils that will Help your Family be healthier happier calmer breathe easier

4 MUST-HAVE ESSENTIAL OILS THAT WILL HELP YOUR FAMILY BE HEALTHIER, HAPPIER, CALMER AND BREATHE EASIER

There are lots of great oils out there and I have managed to increase my collection slowly over the past few years. But, there are just some oils I will never run out of, if I can help it. These are my must-haves:

FOR CLEANING: LEMON

Lemon. This is probably the most heavily used essential oil in my home. Mix a few drops in homemade cleaning solutions, such as vinegar and water disinfectant. Lemon is also great in the diffuser and serves as a mood lifter and helps deodorize my sometimes-less-than-fresh boy-infested home.

lemon essential oil

FOR PAIN RELIEF: PEPPERMINT

Peppermint. This is the essential oil I use the most for medicinal purposes. Let me remind you though, this is not medical advice! Peppermint is my go-to first response for headaches and tummy aches. Create a blend by combining 3-5 drops and fractionated coconut oil or jojoba oil in a roller bottle and apply it over the headache. Massage gently for 2-5 minutes. For tummy aches, combine 3-5 drops and fractionated coconut oil or jojoba oil in a roller bottle and apply on the stomach. Massage stomach, if it’s not tender to touch.

RMO peppermint essential oil
A note about carrier oils: Carrier oils are oils that you mix with essential oils. They help dilute the essential oil – some essential oils can cause irritation to the skin if they aren’t diluted first. Carrier oils also help your body absorb more of the essential oil. Rocky Mountain Oils has some great carrier oils, but they are kind of pricey. You can find Fractionated Coconut Oil (16 oz bottle) and Jojoba Oil (8 oz bottle | 16 oz bottle) on Amazon for less. Roller bottles are the most convenient way to dilute your oils – find roller bottles on Amazon.

FOR REJUVINATION AND EASIER BREATHING: EUCALYPTUS

Eucalyptus. This oil is great if you need a little rejuvenation. It has been a lifesaver lately as things start to bloom and my allergies start going crazy. It’s also great if you’re suffering from nasal congestion. Just diffuse 2-3 drops for clearer, easier breathing. RMO has a few different kinds of eucalyptus to choose from. The radiata is the kind I usually get, but the globulus is effective too. I haven’t tried the citriodora variation.

Eucalyptus essential oil

Need a diffuser? Rocky Mountain Oils has a few diffusers – including a super cute whale one – and Amazon has tons to choose from. I have this small one and this large one (pictured below), both of which have been great and have lasted over a year.

Diffuser and essential oils that will help your family

FOR WELL-BEING: LAVENDER

Lavender. This oil is for me. This is one of my favorites to use in aromatherapy. A bubble bath with 3-5 drops of lavender is just heavenly. Lavender is one of my favorites to diffuse as well and it tends to have a more grounding or calming effect on our household than one of sleepiness, which makes it perfect to blend with lemon and peppermint! It’s also a great moisturizer for your skin, make sure you dilute the oil with a carrier oil to prevent skin irritation.

lavender essential oil

Also a great oil to use in homemade cosmetics or body care products because it’s subtle and not overpowering. RMO has Hungary and Bulgaria versions of lavender oil – Hungary is my lavender of choice.Add 1-2 drops to 1 cup sugar and 1/2 cup fractionated coconut oil for a calming exfoliating body scrub. Store in an airtight container and keep moisture out. Sore muscles? mix 3 drops lavender, 2 drops eucalyptus and jojoba oil in a roller bottle for use on sore muscles. It’s a wonderful massage oil.

 

THE ONLY WAY TO KNOW IF ESSENTIAL OILS WORK FOR YOUR FAMILY TO TRY THEM

Essential oils don’t work the same for everyone. The only way to really know if they will work for you and your family is to try them. Experiment. See what happens. It is an investment to get started in, but with these four essential oils you should get a pretty good idea how your family will be effected by them. Skip the starter kits with 12 oils and save the money until you know if you like what essential oils can do for your family. Lemon, Peppermint, Eucalyptus and Lavender. That’s all you need to start helping your family feel healthier, happier, calmer and breathe easier.

February 20, 2017 by Krista

Springtime Bingo Game Printable

Are you ready for springtime? I know I am. And my kids are too. We’re all tired of being inside all day long or having to don big bulky coats and the wind nipping at our noses when we go out. You too? If you’re still bundling up or hunkering down, you don’t have to totally give up on spring. I’ve got just the thing to bring a little spring inside to you: Springtime Bingo!

Get Your Springtime Bingo Printables

SPRINGTIME BINGO IS FOR EVERYONE!

My kids’ favorite thing about playing Bingo is that I let them use food as their place markers. Even if it’s just craisins or cereal, they still get excited. Maybe it’s a boy thing? But when we combine a game and a snack, they are in heaven!

My favorite thing about Bingo is that it’s a learning experience that keeps my kids busy for 10 minutes – sometimes longer! And I love that they can all play together. They range in age from 5-10 now, but we’ve played with them as young as 3, with a bit of help. Bingo is a great game for kids. What do you get out of Bingo? How about:

  • encourages cooperative play
  • develops observation
  • practices matching skills
  • practices taking turns and sportsmanship.

Everyone loves a good game of Bingo, right!? So, get out the cereal and let the games begin!

ARE YOU READY TO PLAY SPRINGTIME BINGO?

SPRINGTIME BINGO GAME MATERIALS:

  • Springtime Bingo game printables. Click the link to get your own set of the game. A new window will open. Download and save the PDF file of the game to your computer. You can then print it right at home.
  • Scissors
  • Place markers
  • A gallon ziptop bag to store your game in after you play

SPRINGTIME BINGO PREP DIRECTIONS:

  1. Download and print the three game boards and the draw cards from the link. If you need more than 3 boards, print extras.
  2. When everything is printed, use the scissors to cut out the draw cards. Note: To prolong the life of your game, you can laminate the boards and draw cards. But, that’s totally optional.

Springtime Bingo

SPRINGTIME BINGO GAME PLAY INSTRUCTIONS:

  1. Distribute a Springtime Bingo board and 16 place markers to each player.
  2. Place the draw cards face down in a pile in the middle of the table.
  3. Take turns drawing a draw card from the pile and sharing it with the group. Each player marks off the matching picture from the draw card on their board.
  4. First player to get four in a row yells “BINGO!”

springtime bingo

We let the winner eat their winning place markers and then replace those that get eaten – and any other ones that have “magically disappeared” during the game, but that’s totally optional. It keeps my ever-starving boys happy and engaged longer. Yes, sometimes it’s worth trading a handful of cereal for another 10 minutes of entertained boys while I’m trying to get dinner finished.

YOU’RE JUST 10 MINUTES FROM A GREAT KIDS ACTIVITY

Until the weather starts warming, the trees start blooming and the snow melts this is probably the best springtime you’ll find. Entertained kids, learning and playing, and a few minutes to actually get something done. Yep, the best you’ll find. For now.

This Springtime Bingo game first posted on Whatever Dee-Dee Wants in April 2015 as a guest post written by Krista. The post has been republished here after being updated to maintain accuracy and relevancy.

January 25, 2017 by Krista

Make Celebrating Easy with The Valentine’s Day Printables Bundle

 

ALL THINGS VALENTINE’S DAY

Blogger Bundle

The BEST Valentine’s Day ideas in one place!

AND we have the BEST deal for you, too! But you gotta act quick. The timer on this deal is ticking down FAST!

And they don’t call it the day of love for nothin’. We wanted to show our love for YOU in a verrrrrry special way.

Listen up lovelies, cause we’re giving you a special deal that not even Cupid can touch. Yep. It’s that awesome!

{Drum roll please….}

Remember our Christmas bundle? It FLEW off the virtual shelves! It was such a smashing success that the second it ended, we had tons of you asking us if we could do it again!

Well, we couldn’t let you down. {You know we LOVE you!} And, of course, we HAD to make this one even better than the last two.

We teamed up with 20+ extremely talented designers to create the ULTIMATE Valentine’s Day Printables bundle! And ohmygosh, we’re head-over-heels IN LOVE!

Guys. This Valentine’s Day Printables bundle is so full of cuteness, we don’t even know where to begin.

Wait for it…

All Things Valentines Day Bundle

See what we mean? It really IS even better than the last bundle!! What you’re looking at is almost 200 pages of printables for you, all in one handy dandy Valentine’s Day Printables bundle. And OF COURSE, we slashed the price! So much that you’ll think it’s a typo. It’s not. The deal is THAT FREAKIN’ AWESOME.

20+ crazy, cute printables—ONE crazy, low price!

You can get over $200 worth of ADORABLE items for only $15-$20!

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We’re NOT KIDDING! Gorgeous wall art and decor, creative gift ideas, cute classroom valentines, craft and activity ideas for the kids, romantic date ideas, and MORE all from your favorite bloggers! You’re waiting for the catch, right? Well, there is a teeny, tiny one…

You’ll have to ACT FAST—this deal only lasts for THREE DAYS!

HERE’S HOW IT WORKS:

This is a 3-Day sale, buuut the price goes up a little each day. So, you can snag it today because the price is going up tomorrow! Here’s the breakdown…

  • Buy on the 25th for only $15
  • Buy on the 26th for only $18
  • Buy on the 27th for only $20
  • After that, this deal is GONE FOREVER!

So basically what your mama always said is true- procrastination doesn’t pay!

Wait too long {like after the 27th at midnight MST} and this deal will be gone FOREVER!

And now, the big reveal. Here are the deets of the deal!!

WHAT’S INCLUDED:

This baby seriously has EVERYTHING you could ever WANT or NEED for Valentine’s Day! Including…

  • Beautiful Valentine’s prints to decorate your home.
  • Romantic gift ideas for your sweetheart.
  • Cute and creative classroom valentines for kids and teachers.
  • Meaningful activities and an advent for making memories.
  • Darling party printables and decor.
  • AND SO MUCH MORE! {See EVERYTHING below!}

Um, one page of wall art ALONE can be around $20 on Etsy! And you get ALL THAT JAZZ for the same price? This is a no-brainer!

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WANT TO TAKE A CLOSER LOOK AT EVERYTHING INCLUDED?

I thought so! We are seriously obsessed with Every. Single. Thing. In this whole dang bundle. Just wait until you see all of the LOVE-ly printable goodness…

Valentines Bundle Scavenger Hunt and Wall Art

1. Valentine’s Day Scavenger Hunt by Ashlee Marie – Chose from two different Scavenger Hunts for your spouse OR kids! The Kids’ Scavenger Hunt will have them hunting for Valentine’s related items, and the String Scavenger Hunt leaves a trail of string with lots of sweet love notes!

2. Valentines Wall Art by C Dot Love – These 3 Valentine’s printables are perfect for displaying together or separately. You can trim to 8×10 for framing OR put behind a mat in a larger frame. (I’m thinking it would make for darling bedroom decor!)

Valentines Bundle Printables

3. Our Love Story by Kristen Duke – We just LOVE this next one. Check out this cute printable Love Story Journal. With places to write down “His Version” and “Her Version” this is a keepsake you’ll want to keep forever!

4. Valentines Happy Mail Kit by Crafting Chicks – Send some LOVE this Valentine’s Day using this adorable Valentines Happy Mail Kit. This printable kit includes a banner, cupcake toppers, and mailing label.

Valentines Bundle Crafts And Prints

5. Woodland Creatures Valentine Craft by FaLaLa Designs – Help your kids create their own Valentines with this simple craft. I can’t even get over how CUTE these little critters are. The heart they’re holding even opens up to deliver a personal message.

6. 3 Valentine’s Prints by Family Ever After – Still need more festive decor to get your house decked out for V-day? We’ve totally got you covered. Print and frame all 3 of these cute Valentine’s prints, available in 4×6, 5×7, AND 8×10 sizes.

 

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Valentines Day Coupons and Chocolate Bar Wrappers

7. Love Coupons by Inspiration Made Simple – Give your honey some love coupons this Valentine’s Day! It’s a fun gift that keeps on giving. And who wouldn’t love some spoiling and pampering from their sweetie? It even has a page of blank coupons so you can personalize it with your own ideas!

8. Chocolate Bar Valentine Variety Pack by Less Ordinary Designs – Chocolate is a Valentine’s Day staple, and giving candy bars just got a whole lot cuter with these printable wrappers. This pack features 5 different designs sized to fit a standard bar of chocolate (normally around 1.55 oz). These wrapped bars of chocolate will be a sweet way to give a unique Valentine’s Day treat!

Valentines Day Party Printables

9. Valentine’s Party Printables by Love The Day – If you’re hosting a party this Valentine’s, this pack has everything you’ll need! We’re talking: Party Flags, Cupcake Wrappers, Drink Labels, AND lots of different Party Tags! (I think I’ll throw a mini-family party just so I can use them!)

10. Valentine’s Dinner for Kids by My Sister’s Suitcase – Let the kids enjoy a special dinner that’s just for them! Included in the Dinner Kit: printable Invitation, Coloring Placemat, Straw Flags, Mini Banner, and a Tic Tac Toe game (for a little after-dinner activity).

Valentines Day Lunch and Printable Love Checks

11. Heart-on-a-String Lunch Kit by Paging Supermom – Why not send the kiddos to school with a little extra LOVE in their lunch this Valentine’s Day? The Lunch Bag Seal, Sandwich String Charms, and Juice Box Wrap are sure to make it a lunch they’ll remember! (I’m thinking the hubby would love it too!)

12. Love Checks by Petite Party Studio – These darling love checks from “The Love Bank” make the perfect, meaningful gift for your Valentine. They even come with a cute checkbook cover to put them in! How fun is that?!

Valentines Day Date Night Printable Set And Bunting

13. Cheap Date Night Printable Set by Printable Crush – Plan out weeks of inexpensive, fun, and creative date nights with this Cheap Date Night Printable Set! It has everything you need for a fun night out, or a night in, including a dating journal, photo props, gift tags, games, surveys, and more!

14. Red Dot Alphabet Bunting by Remodelaholic – This fun red dot bunting printable is so versatile! Use it to create the perfect Valentine’s Day mantel. Create a banner with you and your honey’s name, the word valentine, or another fun saying! Bonus- The pretty red color is also great for patriotic holiday, birthdays, or even Christmas!

 

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Valentines Day Printable Cards and Advent Boxes

15. 3 Love Cards by Smitten By – No need to buy Valentine’s cards this year, this printable pack has everything you need. Including: A DIY Scratch-off Card (with instructions), an “I Love You” card, and an “I love you because…” card! Good luck choosing just one. Clearly you need them ALL!

16. Valentine Advent Boxes by Somewhat Simple – Count down to “LOVE Day” all month long with these 14 ADORABLE Advent Boxes. Fill them up with sweets & treats, activities to do as a family, or anything your heart desires!

Valentines Day Dinner Printables and Essential Oil Recipes

17. Valentine’s Dinner Printables by Tatertots and Jello – This printable pack is jammed packed with goodies for a memorable Valentine’s Dinner. Including: Cupcake Toppers, Banner, Plate Toppers or Silverware Holders, Place Cards, Straw Toppers, and even 2 5×7 prints!

18. EPIC Valentine’s Essentials Bundle by That Crazy Oil Lady – Do you LOVE essential oils? Whip up some crazy-awesome Valentine’s recipes in the kitchen and in your home with the Valentine’s Day Essentials Kit, Kids Scavenger Hunt, Printable art, and Valentine’s Cards! These beautiful recipe cards are great to create some sexy, sensual, and romantic moments, gift to a girlfriend for her Bachelorette party with some essential oils, or use as a gift tag along with the recipe you make yourself when you give it to your spouse! This beautiful bundle includes framable wall art as well! Also included is a set of 8 Valentine’s cards, ready for your personal touch, and a fun Scavenger hunt game for the kiddos!

Valentines Day Date Ideas and Printables

19. At-Home Date Night by The 36th Avenue – Can’t get out for Valentine’s Day? This printable pack has absolutely everything you need for a romantic night in- no babysitter required! Including: Invitation, Menu, Napkin Rings, Coasters, Food Toppers, Small Banner, Bottle Wrapper, AND Valentine Print.

20. Choose Your Own Valentine Adventure Date by The Dating Divas – Get ready for an adventure! That’s right, we have your Valentine’s date already planned out for you. Just print the clever “Choose Your Own Valentine Adventure” booklet, hand it to your honey, and let him decide how the night will go.

Cute Valentines Day Printables and Ideas

21. “Dine & Be Mine” Bedroom Fun by The Dating Divas – Surprise your sweetie with this sassy but classy way to spice things up on Valentine’s Day! Give him the invitation to a night of romance, then present him with the romantic Menu of Services and his Love Cash. Now what man wouldn’t love THAT?! *wink*

22. 4 Valentine’s Day Prints by The Girl Creative – Add some instant V-day decor to your home with these 4 different, GORGEOUS Valentine’s Day Prints. You can print and frame all 4 in both 5×7 and 8×10 sizes! (These are so beautiful, I’d leave them up year round!)

Printables Valentines And Gift Wrap Set

23. You Color My World Valentine’s Pack by Thirty Handmade Days – You won’t believe all of the cuteness included in this pack! The Bag Toppers and Sticker Labels are perfect for pairing with a box of crayons as valentines for the kids’ classmates and friends. The two gift card holder templates are perfect as a cute teacher gift… AND the Valentine’s coloring page finishes off the set!

24. Valentine Gift Wrap Set by Whimsicle Designs – Your Valentine gift-giving just got a whole lot easier (& cuter!!) This darling set includes 5 gift tags, 3 bows, & 3 wrapping paper sheets! (And hey- you can use most of it even AFTER Valentine’s Day too!)

 

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Valentines Day Bingo and Coupon Book For Kids

25. Valentine Monster Bingo Yellow Bliss Road by – Add some fun to the holiday by playing this cute but simple game with your kids. Bingo set includes 6 different Bingo Cards as well as the Calling Cards. (This would be a FUN one to bring to class parties too!)

26. Printable Coupon Book for Kids! by How Does She – Don’t forget your kids this Valentine’s Day. This coupon book allows them to cash in on a variety of fun activities! It’s a wonderful, simple way to make sure each kid feels loved this Valentine’s Day!

BUT WAIT!

Hold the phone! You didn’t think that was all, did you? It’s not. Because I LOVE you so very much, I’ll be sending you a special little treat if you purchase the bundle through the link below.

Couple's Truth or Dare Printable Game

Truth or Dare Couple’s Edition is a great little game to play on Valentine’s after the kids are in bed and you’re ready to turn up the heat a little bit! It’s all DIY, you can choose the cards you want or make your own and it comes with a non-descriptive box you can put together to keep it all in. There’s 48 pre-written cards, a blank template, Rule Card, box template and instructions to put it all together.

Score this fun Valentine’s Day Printables coupon book (12 total coupons in the set) for the kids and a super easy Valentine’s Day gift that will keep on giving to everyone long after the 14th passes. Spend some time with your favorite little people and show them how much they mean!

See?! Told ya! EVERYTHING you could ever want or need this Valentine’s Day, all in one AH-Mazing bundle! Buy now and save BIG!

$200 worth of stuff for only $15-20 buckaroos!

Three super, duper important things to remember:

The price jumps up tomorrow!
It’s only available for TWO MORE DAYS!
Midnight MST on the 27th, this deal is gone FOREVER!

What are you waiting for?!

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Happy Valentine’s Day!

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I'm Krista. Ringleader here on While He Was Napping, wife to my handsome Mr. Right & momma to my THREE energetic boys, Big J (9), Little J (6) & Little N (4). We FINALLY added a beautiful little girl to our family last December.

I’m knee-deep in Tonka trucks & Thomas trains. I survive our crazy days with Vanilla Coke, Sonic slushies, sweet snuggles and little giggles. When I tuck them in tight & kiss them good night, I get a little time to create & just be me.


It all happened
while (s)he was napping
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