Play Osmo - the perfect gift for kids this Christmas!

Have you heard of

Osmo

? I first found learned of Osmo this year and wow I am impressed. If your kiddos love their tablet like my boys do they are going to love Osmo and moms you are going to love it even more because they are learning while they play!

Osmo is not like any other game, Osmo uses physical games pieces with digital technology, it is hands on, interactive and educational! Osmo transforms your iPad to a hands on learning device.

Osmo has a variety of games available for all ages. We were gifted the Genius Starter Kit which includes 7 fun educational games for kids ages 6-10!

Are your children distance learning? This is a perfect resource while distance learning, giving them practice with problem solving skills in a fun way. Developed by teachers, engineers and parents Osmo technology lets children supplement learning through hands on learning experiences.

This is such a neat tool that transforms your iPad to a hands on learning device which makes mom feel better about screen time, plus it is fun for family game night. You can have fun with art, tangrams and more!

This would make a fantastic Christmas gift! They have Coding Kits, they have kits for pre-school ages 3-5, they have Disney themed games, this is something you can add onto over the years and something that will grow with your children.

My sister-in-law is a pre-school director and they use Osmo at their pre-school, she loves it too! I have heard great things about Osmo from friends, you can see it in action on our YouTube check out our unboxing video https://youtu.be/1NwysYMd2hM.

What is in the box? Osmo Base and Reflector for iPad, Tangram pieces, Numbers tiles, Words tiles, Stackable storage for each game & 7 Game Apps. Arrange puzzle pieces to match on-screen shapes (Tangram), solve creative physics puzzles by drawing lines or placing items in front of the screen (Newton), learn to draw anything with creative drawing skills (Masterpiece), add, count & multiply tiles to pop the number bubbles (Numbers), learn spelling & vocabulary with on-screen images (Words).

For more information on this award winning educational games system visit their website at:

PlayOsmo.com

Thank you for reading if you've enjoyed the content you've read above please share with your friends.  

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post our family was gifted an Osmo in exchange for our honest opinion. Although I receive these benefits all opinions are my own. 

The Grinch's Grotto | Westfield Galleria Mall Roseville, CA

Move over Santa, we are taking pictures with the Grinch, 2020 style!

What a fun take on Christmas pictures this year, we all know this has been a different year, from toilet paper shortages to face masks.  Having your photo taken with The Grinch is a festive and fun way to create memories this 2020.  

"The Grinch's Grotto" will open on Black Friday, November 27th at select flagship malls across America, including right here in Roseville, CA at the Westfield Galleria Mall.  All locations Los Angeles, Chicago, DC, Dallas, Houston, San Diego, Miami, Toronto, Northern California and the New York Tri-State area are practicing COVID-19 safety guidelines. 

You can purchase your tickets online here and reserve a time slot to have your photos taken with The Grinch.  Our boys had a blast, they had fun practicing Grinch Poses, they even played Rock, Paper, Scissors with The Grinch, I love that we will have these memorable photos to look back on. 

Tickets are $50 for a group of up to five people to experience The Grinch's Grotto, each group will have a private meet and greet experience.  You can also purchase the VIP experience where you will receive exclusive Grinch merch, a t-shirt, tote bag, pin, a Grinch sock tree ornament, and more photo options including digital links. For all ticket options visit GrinchGrotto.com.

You can visit The Grinch's Grotto from November 27th through December 31st, Westfield Galleria Mall hours are 11 AM to 7 PM.  Be sure to reserve your spot today!

Guests enter these free-standing locations for a one of a kind visit with The Grinch in his special cave for photo-shoot and other special surprises that are both intimate and in true Grinch fashion, socially distant.

“If there was ever a year where The Grinch really would take over the holiday season, it’s 2020,” said Kilburn CEO Mark Manuel. “It’s been said even the meanest soul is moved by Christmas and at its core this Dr. Seuss story is about finding your own way to redemption which is what inspired us here. It is great to be once again collaborating with our partners at Dr. Seuss Enterprises on this project. Through these challenging times, we still wanted to find a way to give families some joy this holiday season in a lighthearted and fun way. After all, 2020 has been a tough year, but it can’t take away our ability to smile and laugh which are oftentimes the first steps of continued hope”.

Complete with a burlap sack full of presents, a Grinch stylized holiday tree and a backlit fireplace with hanging stockings just as depicted in the book, this true-to-form experience will place guests inside the classic tale in one of the most authentic ways possible. Guests will also be given the opportunity to pick a sign with their choice of a favorite 2020 slogan to be placed in their photo with the Grinch. Sample slogans include, “You’re a mean one, 2020” “2020: "Stink, Stank, Stunk,” “2020 - How The Grinch Stole, Well, The Whole Year” and some positive ones including “The Grinch still can’t steal Christmas!”

“The Grinch’s Grotto” will kick off on November 27th across North America. Tickets for each engagement will go on sale on November 12th. Tickets will be limited and it is recommended guests pre-book their visits online prior to visiting. To see a list of locations and to pre-register for tickets please visit https://www.grinchgrotto.com/.

Thank you for reading if you've enjoyed the content you've read above please share with your friends.  For the latest information on Grinch's Grotto Westfield Galleria follow them on social media on Instagram @GrinchGrotto and here on Facebook.

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post our family received complimentary tickets in exchange for event promotion. Although I receive these benefits all opinions are my own. 

About Kilburn Live

Kilburn Live, a division of Kilburn Media, is one of the fastest growing live events companies in North America. As a global leader in experiential, touring, and static live event offerings, Kilburn Live brings the world’s biggest brands to life through groundbreaking and highly entertaining attractions, activations, and immersive entertainment.

About Dr. Seuss

Theodor Seuss Geisel is quite simply the most beloved children’s book author of all time. Winner of the Pulitzer Prize in 1984, three Academy Awards, two Emmy Awards, three Grammy Awards, and three Caldecott Honors, Geisel wrote and illustrated 45 books for children. Hundreds of millions of copies have found their way into homes and hearts around the world. While Theodor Geisel died on September 24, 1991, Dr. Seuss lives on, inspiring generations of children of all ages to explore the joys of reading. For more information about Dr. Seuss and his works, visit seussville.com and follow us on Instagram and Facebook.

About Dr. Seuss Enterprises

Dr. Seuss Enterprises is a leading children’s entertainment company focused on protecting Theodor Seuss Geisel’s (Dr. Seuss) legacy and thereby ensuring that each generation can experience the genius of Dr. Seuss. The company was established in 1993 and is based in San Diego, CA. Dr. Seuss Enterprises’ global endeavors complement Dr. Seuss’s iconic books and include films, TV shows, stage productions, exhibitions, digital media, licensed merchandise, and other strategic partnerships. Ted Geisel once said he never wanted to license his characters to anyone who would “round out the edges” – a guiding principle at Dr. Seuss Enterprises. For more information about Dr. Seuss and his works, visit seussville.com and follow us on Instagram and Facebook.

Kids Market at Westfield Galleria | Roseville, CA

Kids Market at Westfield is a Holiday Kids Market, just for kids!  Located in the Westfield Galleria Mall in Roseville, CA you can find it near the Louis Vuitton store and on the side of the mall entrance near Ruth Chris Restaurant.  

Our family was invited to get a sneak peak and our boys absolutely loved it!  They were able to experience real Christmas Shopping including learning to stick to a budget.

When we first arrived we checked in at our selected time slot.  You can reserve your shopping time here https://bit.ly/3ksd6Df.  Each child is given a clipboard to list who they are shopping for and list the budget they have to work with.  They are also given gift tags ready to place on their selected gifts.  Each child and parent are given a matching wrist band so each guide knows who is in your shopping group.

They start with a very cute puppet show, I love the rhyme that again encourages kiddos to stick to their budget, an essential life lesson presented in a fun way.  Once the puppet show is done, the kids can begin shopping with the help of a guide.  

There are different stations, based on the price of the items.  You will see mini window displays of gifts under $10, $15 gifts, $20 gifts and $25 gifts.  There are a variety of items such as candles, tote bags, beautiful ornaments, journals, mugs, jewelry, and more.  

Once they finished selecting their gifts and writing them on their shopping list, you take your clipboard to the check out window where you pay for the items, then very quickly your gifts are gift wrapped and ready at the pick-up window.  I was pleasantly surprised at how quick the staff is at having your gifts wrapped and ready to pick up. 

This is the perfect spot for kiddos to shop for gifts for mom, dad, grandparents, aunts, teachers and more.  We loved this festive and educational experience!  Kids Market teaches kids the joys of gift shopping and giving. Cost to participate is ONLY $5, for FAQ and to book your experience click here: https://bit.ly/3ksd6Df.

This is definitely a fun family, festive experience I highly recommend.  You can enjoy the Kids Market now through November 29th.  

Admission Includes:

30-40-minute experience (variable by child)
2 socially distanced live puppet shows
Selection of giftable items for purchase, ranging from $10-$25 each (no purchase required). Candles, Jewelry, Ornaments and more!
Clipboard, shopping list and pencil (all items are sanitized between guests, or are for 1-time use)
Kids Market-branded gift bag for each gift purchased + gift tag sticker
Kids Market photo wall (self-serve)
Scavenger hunt

This experience is recommended for children age 5-12. 

Reservations:

All participants are required to register through Eventbrite and purchase a ticket for a designated time slot. You’ll receive a confirmation email once you register. Please print your confirmation and bring it with you, or, have it available on your phone.

Check-In:

The Market is located on Level 1, near Louis Vuitton. This is a timed entry experience, so we recommend arriving 25 minutes early for parking and check-in. Visitors will check in with staff and children will receive matching numbered wristbands for guardian/child, clipboard, blank shopping list, gift tags, and a pencil.

Please note that masks are required at all times by adults and children.

The Holiday Market will run from Thursday, November 12th - Sunday, November 29th!

THE KIDS MARKET IS SPONSORED BY KIDS CARE DENTAL & ORTHODONTICS.  Kids Care Dental provides a reusable bag for each child that includes a toothbrush, Chapstick, wooden airplane and fun chart to track how often they brush and floss. 

Market Moments Recap

Check-In | Visitors will check-in for their booked time slots and confirm each child's shopping budget.

Lobby | Guests will gather in the quaint lobby where parents will help their children make their shopping lists for family and friends.

Puppet Theater | Children will enter the puppet theater and watch instructions about the experience while staying safe and following the rules.

The Market | Children will browse the space and mark their selections down on their shopping lists.

Check-Out & Gift Wrap | Once kids are finished shopping, they will hand in their final shopping lists to the puppet cashier to wrap gifts.

Photo Opportunity | Directly adjacent to check-out is a photo opportunity to complete the experience.

Thank you for reading if you've enjoyed the content you've read above please share with your friends.  For the latest information on Westfield Galleria follow them on social media on Instagram @WestfieldGar and here on Facebook.

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post in collaboration with Westfield Galleria. Although I receive these benefits all opinions are my own. 

William Jessup Students Introduce You to Little Bear Tree Farm in Scenic Alta, CA

Families have been cooped up all year and holiday events are getting canceled. During this holiday season, parents are looking for positive memories for their families. Little Bear Tree Farm might be a solution for these families looking to start a new tradition. It’s a family-owned business that’s only an hour’s drive from Sacramento. Select and cut your own Christmas tree, take cool family photos, enjoy the friendly animals, gift shop, famous hot chocolate, and other goodies.

William Jessup University’s upper-division marketing class has been hired by Little Bear Tree Farm to do marketing for the business. This class has a surprising track record of success when it comes to marketing real companies.

Adjunct Professor Scott Alvord, who teaches the class and runs a business consulting company, says, “I’ve been impressed with the students’ ability to turn classroom principles into actual marketing campaigns. In past semesters, the class brought heavy traffic to the Roseville Area Chamber of Commerce website and set sales records for the Sacramento Ballet’s The Nutcracker and the large BerryFest event.”

How can a class of inexperienced students be so successful in the real world? Dr. Stephen Strombeck, Dean of the Business School at WJU explains, “Many of our professors are working professionals in the field, allowing them to integrate real-life applications into business concepts. This has led to some creative class projects with legitimate marketing budgets.”

This year has been especially challenging for the university due to the pandemic. The president of the university, Dr. John Jackson, states, “Our teaching staff and students have refused to let this pandemic stop them from getting a quality education. I’m impressed with the creativity of our professors to give our students hands-on experience in this unique hybrid teaching model. Classes like this help our students be exceptionally employable.”

“The hybrid teaching model provides flexibility for regional students and opportunities for international students, like me, to participate in the experience,” explains Kenny Cao, a Hong Kong-based Junior, majoring in Business.

Sarah DeRise, a Junior majoring in Digital Communication and Design, admits, “Even though I’m not a business major, this class has taught me useful skills I can use in my career field.”

The students will be using a mixture of social media and print advertising to reach new customers. The whole marketing strategy centers around carefully-developed target avatars.

MacGregor Douglass, a Junior majoring in Business with an Entrepreneurship Concentration, explains, “One of our target avatars is Jenny Johnson, a 38-year old mother of two in the Sacramento area. After having her children cooped up at home all year, she wants to start a unique family tradition for the holidays. Our second avatar is Linda Johnson, a 65-year-old grandmother who wants lasting memories for the whole family.”

Holly Parrish Bezner, owner of Little Bear Tree Farm, shares, “I was pleasantly surprised with their professionalism. They dressed up for our initial interview, and they asked in-depth questions to get to the heart of my family business. Their target avatar approach is unique and an effective way to market my business.”

If your family is looking for a fun new tradition that will make fond family memories, Little Bear Tree Farm could be exactly what you’re looking for. They are only a short 1-hour ride from Sacramento and the location is full of photo opportunities, friendly animals, thousands of Christmas trees to choose from, unique gift shop items, and sweet treats to eat.

Weekends can be a little busy but mid-week visitors have the best experience without the larger crowds. Holly is excited about reaching new visitors. “We are ready for the new families, and we have taken COVID-19 safety precautions to give them peace of mind as they look for their special tree.”

Visit their website for more information LittleBearTreeFarm.com

SOURCE: Little Bear Tree Farm and William Jessup University

Thank you for reading if you’ve enjoyed the content you’ve read above please share with your friends.

World Kindness Day 2020

Friday, November 13, 2020 is World Kindness Day! I am a firm believer that we are the light and our purpose is to spread kindness, love, joy and light everywhere we go. I know there are huge issues people are facing, from life threatening health battles, financial struggles, marriage issues, battling anxiety, grief and the list goes on. 

I know our country has been divided on so many issues and I am not walking with my eyes closed or unaware of what is going on around us, or just recommending sprinkling pixie dust and hoping for the best. I have traveled to Africa on a missions trip, where people don't even have shoes and struggle to find safe, clean drinking water. I've had the privilege of traveling to Mexico to distribute toy boxes to kids in need. I understand that there are massive issues all around us.  

One thing I know for sure is, I can only control my actions, change starts with one, so while I may not be able to tackle world peace, or end world hunger, I can be kind, I can bring a smile to someone, I can buy a meal, I can uplift my neighbor, I can lead by example to my children and live a life of love, kindness, and generosity, raising them to do the same, so one day at a time friend, that is what I will do. 

Micah 6:8 He has shown you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God?

I love this verse in the Amplified Version: He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you except to be just, and to love [and to diligently practice] kindness (compassion), and to walk humbly with your God [setting aside any overblown sense of importance or self-righteousness].

I've been on the receiving end of a Turkey meal because we couldn't afford one, one year, many years ago my kids only Christmas presents were those kindly gifted to us through a local Adopt-A-Family Program, I personally know the impact of someone's kindness and generosity.  

We can all agree that this year 2020 has been a year with great challenges.  A year where we have been separated from human contact, our smiles hidden behind masks, local businesses, people's life dreams put on pause, which is why this year more than ever we need to be intentional about kindness. 

I am inviting you to join me in spreading kindness all month long, in this month of November, I am hosting a giveaway one for my Instagram followers and one for my Facebook followers, not sponsored, not gifted I bought these books on my own. You will be entered to win a Kindness Prize Package which will include, an autographed copy of "Your Hidden Superpower" by Adrienne Bankert, a notebook and a $20 Starbucks gift card.  

How to enter, go to the platform of your choice or both Instagram and/or Facebook look for this picture below, Like, Comment and Share the post.  At the end of the month I will randomly select a winner, 2 Winners one from Instagram and one from Facebook!!! Comment a random act of kindness idea, tell us about an act of kindness that touched you, share with us a random act of kindness you plan on doing. 

Photo by: @YourCreativeCounterpart

While the giveaway is fun, I love giveaways, my hope through this is to spread and propagate random acts of kindness throughout our city and around the world.  I would love for you to comment on the social posts a random act of kindness you do, or will do in hopes to inspire each other to spread kindness all month long.

I would LOVE if you would tag me and post a picture or video sharing a random act of kindness you do, I can then re-share if you tag me. Get your kids involved, use this month of Thanksgiving to focus on how much we have to be thankful for and spreading kindness. 

Here is a FREE printable list of some random act of kindness ideas to help you get started, print it out and keep it on your refrigerator to remind you. 

Click here or the image for a free PDF printable version.

Here is also a FREE printable of some encouraging notes, a free way for you to spread joy.  Send them to school with your kids to hand out, tape them to a product at the grocery store, tape them in restroom stalls, etc.   

Click here or the image for a PDF free printable. 

This book by Adrienne Bankert "Your Hidden Superpower: The Kindness That Makes You Unbeatable at Work and Connects You with Anyone" is a great inspiring read.  You can spread kindness by purchasing a copy, Adrienne Bankert is from Sacramento, I love supporting our local businesses and local talent.  Adrienne started her television career here on KCRA local news sharing traffic, moving up to anchoring, she has pursued her dream of National TV and is now in New York a Good Morning America correspondent and anchor.

Photo by: @YourCreativeCounterpart

You can shop local at Family Books & Gifts, they carry her book, shopping local and supporting our local businesses is an act of kindness or find it on Amazon and leave a review, that is an act of kindness. 

Your Hidden Superpower will help you:

See simple acts of kindness from a new and empowering perspective;

Learn how to make kindness a habit and experience more peace, inspiration, and impact;

Engage kindness at work and enjoy remarkable opportunities—plus, know how to get from “here” to “there” quickly; and

Activate kindness as a force to reconnect you to your authentic self, replenish your passion and creativity, and find your voice.

Thank you for reading if you've enjoyed the content you've read above please share with your friends.  The beautiful photographs used in this post were taken by my friend Britney @YourCreativeCounterPart.  Go give her a follow and some love on her page, another simple way to spread kindness! 

Photo by: @YourCreativeCounterpart

Photo by: @YourCreativeCounterpart

Cadence Kitchen Dining out at Home

Okay you have to try Cadence Kitchen Meals, this is a game changer!  I had the privilege of seeing them debut at the brand new Flagship Save Mart store in Modesto awhile back and I was definitely intrigued.  Save Mart has partnered with this innovative company Cadence Kitchen, they flash freeze food, that only requires you to heat in a skillet, no butter or oil is needed.  Cadence Kitchen enables you to go from freezer to fork in just minutes.  They have a variety of food items, perfect for those busy nights when you have no time to cook.

Hey guess what Sacramento they are coming to a store near you!  I found Cadence Kitchen at my local Roseville Save Mart Supermarket (Foothills & Junction Blvd.).  Currently at the Roseville location there are limited options, (Seafood Paella, Scallops Carbonara and Salmon Dijon) I am hoping they expand soon, because I want to try them all! I hear the Elk Grove and Sacramento stores have a lot more options, go check them out! 

I know that just like you during this pandemic we are all managing working from home, childcare and limited dining out options.  I know after a long day I will take all the help I can get with getting dinner on the table.  I am extremely grateful to have solutions that are clean, delicious and nutritious, Cadence Kitchen is not like your typical frozen food.  Each meal is prepared with clean ingredients that are affordable, easy, convenient and great tasting.  Dinner in less than 15 minutes is now a reality!

Just the other night my husband and I had an evening to ourselves while our kiddos went to the park with their cousins, we were able to create a Date Night at home in 8 minutes!!!  We made the Scallops Carbonara and it was better than dining out and a lot more affordable too!  This flavorful dish brings delicate, sustainably sourced bay scallops together with crisp, savory bacon, fine mushrooms, subtle leeks, and vibrant, sweet green peas. In a creamy, white wine and tarragon sauce, this Scallops Carbonara will transport your taste buds into a fine-dining experience right at home.

The Scallops Carbonara went perfect with cauliflower rice helping us stick with our Keto eating lifestyle and yet enjoy a restaurant style meal right in the comfort of our own home in just minutes.  Cadence Kitchen Meals are so easy to make, just pour them in a pan and cover and cook on medium high heat.  I can't wait to try the Salmon Dijon next!  

Cadence Kitchen is the perfect solution for those nights when you don't want to cook, don't have time to cook or maybe you don't know how to cook, let Cadence Kitchen prepare the meal for you, just heat and serve!

Discover the new frozen at a store near you! For the Cadence Kitchen store locator click here.

Some of the flavors you can find at the Sacramento and Elk Grove stores are Beef Stew, Chicken & Sausage Jambalaya, Chicken Fajitas, Chicken Marsala Meatballs, Chicken Stir Fry, Four Cheese Mac & Cheese, Lobster Tortellini, Mexican Style Street Corn, Prime Rib Beef & Broccoli, Prime Rib Beef Roast & Gravy, Salmon Dijon, Scallops Carbonara, Seafood Paella, Shrimp Scampi, Surf & Turf Fried Rice, and Vegan Latin Bowl.

Cadence Kitchen is one of the only brands using nitrogen flash-freezing technology with food.  This high-tech nitrogen flash-freezing technique locks in flavor and freshness, food stays as fresh as the day it was Flash-Frozen, how amazing is that!

Be sure to follow Cadence Kitchen on Social Media for all the latest updates. 

Instagram @CadenceKitchen

Facebook @CadenceKitchen

Twitter @CadenceKitchen

Pinterest @CadenceKitchen

Cadence Kitchen is a food technology company that combines culinary expertise, high-quality ingredients, and innovative technology to transform the way people access and prepare their meals. Launched in 2019, Cadence Kitchen offers restaurant-quality and chef-crafted sides and entrées that prove frozen food can extend beyond convenience and accessibility to offer superior flavor and freshness.

In a world where consumers’ dining habits have rapidly changed whether due to necessity or preference, Cadence Kitchen is a home dining solution that provides the same or better quality and variety than restaurant dining at a greater convenience than cooking from scratch. With 70 percent of consumers purchasing more frozen food than they have before the pandemic, we’re here to prove frozen is the new fresh with options for dining out at home™ that rival a restaurant experience while easing strain in the kitchen.

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post in collaboration with Cadence Kitchen. Although I receive these benefits all opinions are my own. For more information on the company, please visit: https://www.cadencekitchen.com/ revolutionizing the way you prepare and experience food.