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One of the best things about doing product reviews on this ol’ blog is having the opportunity to share our finds with people we love – it is so fun to give gifts that we wouldn’t otherwise be able to give. We were excited when Seiko asked us to take part in a Father’s Day promotion by giving one of these to one of our favorite dads.

Isn’t it pretty?

I gave it (the Seiko Men’s Coutura watch, to be exact) to my dad on Father’s Day. It was the perfect gift for him – he’s a person who doesn’t like “stuff” to clutter up his home (he has a standing “no books, no clothes” rule) but he does happen to like watches. And this is a really nice watch.

Here’s the official spiel:
Seiko Coutura. This masculine Big Date Chronograph has a brushed and polished two-tone. stainless steel case and bracelet. The polished bezel is accented with diamond cuts that perfectly catch the light. The white dial has LumiBrite hands and markers can measure up to 60 minutes in 1/5th second increments as well as split time measurement. Sapphire crystal is virtually scratch resistant and the cabochon crown adds that finishing touch.

I asked my dad what he particularly liked about the watch, and here’s what he said:
It has a substantial weight. The date is easy to read and the clasp is secure. The gold-accented stainless steel finish has a nice appearance. It has a functional chronograph. It also comes with a strong warranty, and the battery life is predicted to be long.

I have to say, the weight is what struck me about it when I first opened the box. It just feels like a fancy watch! And it looks very sharp.

Thanks to Seiko for helping me out with a wonderful Father’s Day gift that I’m sure my dad will have around for years.

P.S. In case you were wondering (I had to google it) – it appears that “chronograph” means “a watch with a stopwatch.” There, you learned something today.

Mmmmmmm…. does that not look delicious? I love, love, love s’mores, and I am happy to be participating in Hershey’s Say S’mores campaign through The Motherhood.

Throughout the summer, Hershey is inviting families to share their favorite s’mores moments on their Facebook page, and enter to win a bunch of s’mores-themed prizes. The grand-prize is a Canon Rebel Camera, slate marble outdoor firebowl, $250 SnapFish gift card, roasting skewers set and all of the ingredients needed to make S’mores, including Hershey’s Milk Chocolate bars (so don’t enter, because I want to win). You can also download the Say S’mores application to participate in monthly photo contests and receive a $1 coupon good toward the purchase of any two Hershey’s Milk Chocolate bar 6-packs.

Here’s what I’m entering:

I’ll be writing another post about s’mores later in the summer – but it’s a surprise theme. I don’t even know what it is, but I’m sure it’s going to be fun! Because really, it involves Hershey bars and marshmallows. I am sold.

Head over to Facebook and share your s’mores memory!

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This post is part of my participation in the Hershey’s “Say S’mores” Promotion. All opinions expressed are mine.

Well looky there, it’s Tuesday!  So I am going to copy off of Emily and participate in Top Ten Tuesday over at Oh Amanda’s place.  Inspired by the Usborne Books party I had last night, I am going to regale you with my Top Ten favorite Usborne kids’ books!  Reading and books in general, but Usborne books in particular, have been very instrumental in my work with Sophie in helping her catch up in regards to her speech delay.  I LOVE THEM. In no particular order, here are my top ten faves:

1) That’s Not my Lion (et al!)

This is a great book from the “touchy-feely” series. I like all it’s companion books equally. We have That’s Not My…Baby, Dolly, Dinosaur, Train, and Monkey as well. This is a great series for babies and toddlers to feel textures and learn descriptive vocabulary. They are cute and kids love them!

2) Going to the Dentist Sticker Book

This book and all the books from the “First Experiences” series is awesome! It explains so perfectly what happens on a trip to the dentist. I got it specifically for Sophie to prepare her for her first trip and it worked like a CHARM. My wild and crazy girl was super-excited to be just like the kids in the book and she did AWESOME at her first cleaning and exam! Plus the stickers just made the book even more fun for her. Some of her other favorites are the Going to School Sticker Book and Going to the Doctor Sticker Book. These First Experiences books are awesome for preparing your preschooler for life’s big changes and they are available in non-sticker versions too.

3) See Inside Your Body

This is an awesome book for teaching your school-ager about how the body works. Joshua loves it! It has a ton of flaps to lift – it’s very interactive, wonderfully illustrated, and really a great tool for teaching about how we’re made and why and how we work on the inside.

4) The Mini Children’s Bible

This is one of my favorite purchases ever. I really wanted to present Bible stories to Sophie in a way she could understand without buying a bazillion different Bible story books. This Bible has them all and is really well illustrated. It tells the stories on a great level for kids and we are having a great time reading through the Bible stories together.

5) Finger Rhymes

I looooove this little book.  “Itsy-Bitsy Spider” and a bunch more cute rhymes with the finger motions.  Even at 4 Sophie still loves doing all these with me, and I know it’s a favorite of Emily’s Sammy as well.  It’s a winner and a really fun read and activity with your toddler or preschooler!

6) The New Baby

This is also a “First Experiences” book, but I thought it warranted it’s own mention. I used this ad nauseum to prepare Sophie for Jonah’s arrival, and I think it really helped!  Also, *bonus* it tastefully depicts the mom breastfeeding.

7) Science Beginners Set 4

I love this set of five books, and so does Joshua.  They explain some of these topics that he’s really interested in an fun and easy to read and comprehend way. Great illustrations, too!  Joshua also loves the Beginner series on dinosaurs, reptiles, and other animals.

8) What’s Happening on the Farm?

This is a great book to encourage kids to find, count, and observe. It’s great for learning to answer “WH” questions and the illustrations are great. A very interactive book to read with your little one. And, it’s part of a “What’s Happening” series, so there are several others to go along with it.

9) Sleeping Beauty sticker book

Sophie is really into princesses (finally!) and I love the way Usborne tells these stories. Simple, not scary, and the stickers make the story interactive and fun. I am definitely going to buy the other Princess sticker stories as well.

10) Getting Dressed (Magnet Version)

This book, chock full o ‘magnets, is lots of fun and was very instrumental in teaching Sophie the names of items of clothing, where they go, and what season they are appropriate for. AND then after she learned all that, she had (and still has) fun dressing up the book characters however she wants. I highly recommend all the magnet books!

Well, those are my 10 faves!  But I could go on…I love Usborne books.  If you don’t have your own Usborne consultant and you want to buy any of these, you can order from this link on my show until Friday, and the books will be shipped right to your door.

For more Top Ten Tuesday, check out Oh Amanda!

What are YOUR favorite Usborne books?