Basic Shapes for Beginners Ebook Giveaway!

I hope you have had a chance to check out Basic Shapes for Beginners, A Hands-On Approach to Pre-Writing Strokes for Preschoolers by Heather Greutman. We are still using the activities to reinforce her shape recognition and we are working on those pre-writing skills. See my review for more information.

I am thrilled that I get to give away a copy to one of my readers. Just enter through the form below; contest ends April 7, 2014, 11:59pm. Don’t want to wait to see if you win? You can order a copy today and use the code LAUNCH50 for 50% off until April 6!

Be sure to follow Golden Reflections Blog on Facebook, Pintrest, Twitter and G+ for additional ideas for activities and other giveaways.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

 

*This post contains affiliate links. I was provided a copy of the book to review. All opinions are my own.*

Deals and Steals – March 27, 2014

FOR THE KIDS: FabKids – 50% Off Your First FabKids Outfit

 

FOR THE POOCH: Happy Dog Box – 50% Off + Free Shipping!

 

FOR WHATEVER IS COMING UP: Vistaprint – 10 Free Invitations

 

THINKING AHEAD FOR MOTHER’S DAY AND FATHER’S DAY!

Vistaprint – $5.99 T-shirt + New Customers Receive Free Shipping on T-shirt. Ends April 1!

York Photo – $2 Mug

My Abuela

I woke up to some sad news today. My Abuela, my grandmother, passed last night. It was a long time coming so it has been expected for some time but the fact that it actually happened was still hard to hear. She helped raise me when I was a baby, made Spanish dance costumes for me, and is probably where I got my shutterbug gene from. In true “grandma” fashion she always made sure I had a full tummy when I came to visit. I used love going to her house when I was young because she had wood floors that I could perform flamenco on for her and, of course, the big pool in the backyard was great. Most of all, even in my twenties she would still have me sit on her lap so she could love on me like she did when I was a baby.

I admit that I haven’t really felt close to my family for some time, mostly since I moved away when I got married. However, I think having children makes you appreciate your family more. It has been difficult to see my grandmother deteriorating over the past few years. I am not sure if she recognized me the last time I saw her. I am pretty sure she never really understood who Kelsey was but I am glad she got to meet her. I choose to remember her from a few years ago with red hair, nails done, and a smile and I hope I never lose the mental audio of her calling me “Micha.”

Aubrey is usually a great sleeper for a six month old but she woke up around 11:30p last night and would not let me put her back down. After a few tries I finally propped myself up on the guest bed and she fell asleep on my chest. In the morning, I found out that this was about the timeframe of my grandmothers passing. I am going to believe that she came to meet her newest granddaughter. I have to believe that there is a better place when we go, somewhere where we have everything we want and are with everyone we have ever loved.

Unfortunately, one of the unpleasant parts of living away from family is not being able to be there sometimes. I am not going to make it to the funeral. On the other hand, it turns out it is a good reason for a visit. I’ll be heading down to Miami next week. I think it will be a good distraction for my mom and hopefully my family can meet Aubrey.

 

Basic Shapes for Beginners Ebook Review and Promo Code

I am happy to share with new resource with you, Basic Shapes for Beginners, A Hands-On Approach to Pre-Writing Strokes for Preschoolers by Heather Greutman. My 3 year old daughter and I have been using some of the activities in this ebook to fill in times when we need a quick activity. She goes to preschool Monday thru Thursday mornings but in the afternoon or on the weekends we sometimes find ourselves with a little free time but stuck inside.

The ebook is set up in weeks based on different shapes with 5 activities included in each week, along with 1 bonus activity for each week plus 3 bonus activities at the end. You can choose to use the activities as you wish. Some of the activities we have done a version of when Kelsey was younger and I don’t think she is ready for others. I believe that means there is something for every 2-5 year old and it is something you could continue to revisit as your child gains more skills. It has been helpful to be able to print out the page I want to use that day. The activities use items that you most likely already have around the house or can be purchased inexpensively.

I hope you enjoy Basic Shapes for Beginners as much as we have and purchase a copy today. Be sure to use the code LAUNCH50 for 50% off until April 6! You can also enter to win a copy here.

Building structures with blocks with printout from Basic Shapes for Beginners

*This post contains affiliate links. I was provided a copy of the book to review. All opinions are my own.*

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Hawaiian Upside Down Deep Dish Pizza, a New Tra-Dish with Ragú

Ragú challenged bloggers to put their own spin on one of their classic dishes and create, what they call, a New Tra-Dish. I decided to take on their Upside-Down Deep Dish Pizza Recipe and gave it a Hawaiian twist with chicken, ham and pineapple.

This is a good recipe for a weeknight since the ingredients can all be ready ahead of time. This recipe just takes a few minutes on the stovetop, a few more to assemble and, finally, 20 minutes in the oven. For the chicken, you can use prepared chicken breast strips, shred a store bought rotisserie chicken, or bake frozen chicken with your choice of spices for 50 minutes at 375 degrees, shred and put away until you are ready to make your upside-down pizza. Lastly, feel free to add any additional vegetables, like olives or peppers, that your family enjoys or substitute kale (rinse and tear leafy portions off of stems) for the spinach.

Start by heating the Ragú® Old World Style® Traditional Sauce in a skillet. Stir in the spinach and stir occasionally until it wilts down. Stir in the chicken. Pour the mixture into your dish.

Top with ham and pineapple.

Get a helper to spread the cheese out on top.

Top with the pizza dough, sealing the edges. Bake for 15-20 minutes, then let stand for 10 minutes.

Hawaiian Upside Down Deep Dish Pizza

Ingredients:
– 1 jar Ragú® Old World Style® Traditional Sauce
– 4 cups fresh spinach
– 2 cups shredded, baked chicken
– 1 small package (8 oz.) of cubed ham
– 1 small can of pineapple tidbits, drained
– 2 cups of mozzarella cheese
– 1 tube of refrigerated pizza dough

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°.
2. Heat Pasta Sauce and bring to a simmer, stir in fresh spinach until it wilts down. Stir in shredded chicken. Pour mixture into 2-quart deep dish pie plate or baking dish.
3. Top with ham and pineapple tidbits.
4. Top with cheese.
5. Place pizza dough over the dish, sealing edges tightly.
6. Bake 15-20 minutes or until crust is golden. Let stand 10 minutes.

Each jar of Ragú® Old World Style® Traditional Sauce is made with 11 juicy tomatoes making it its richest, thickest recipe* and is a great addition to many dishes. Need a few other suggestions for the dinner table? Visit Facebook.com/RaguSauce for more easy and delicious Authentic Italian recipe ideas. Find more recipes on Pinterest with the hashtag #NewTraDish, on Twitter with @RaguSauce and hashtag #NewTraDish and Facebook tag @Ragu and hashtag #NewTraDish.

Enter the Ragú Sweepstakes for a chance to win great Authentic Italian themed prizes, including a grand prize trip to Italy for a family of four at www.RaguSweeps.com!

*versus our previous OWS formula

Aubrey’s First Official Food

Aubrey had her first official food today. I have let her gum on bananas and apple slices but last night we baked an extra sweet potato and I added just enough water to get it smooth in the blender. The “hardest” part of sweet potato puree is getting it separated into small containers.

Last night is also when I realized I wasn’t ready for Aubrey eating yet. I had to rearrange the table and chairs and wipe down a booster and tray that have been sitting in storage. Today I had to fish around for the baby spoon and a bib. I have all the stuff but forgot it’s been two years since I used them.

Aubrey was a little unsure about her first bite of sweet potatoes but kept reaching for more and already has her hands on the spoon. Since it was the first time, I only gave her about a tablespoon worth. She started crying when it was done! I gave her a little bit more. We’ll see if sweet potatoes like her back.

Well, at least I think she ate some. There’s a lot left behind on that face.

Big Sister

It has been interesting to watch how Kelsey has been doing with being a big sister. Aubrey is 6 months old now and we’ve gone through a couple of phases of this whole sibling thing.

It took me by surprise that she asked to hold Aubrey the day she got home from the hospital. It surprises me still how much she hugs on her and asks to hold her on a regular basis. We are, however, still working on gentle touching since Kelsey will tug on Aubrey’s arm, or try to pat her on the head, or pull or squeeze a little too hard while hugging.

I never entirely feel like I’m giving them equal attention but I try to give them one on one attention when I can. Unfortunately, I do sometimes get “put her down” when the baby has been particularly clingy and I haven’t been able to get her out of my arms most of the day. It’s not always easy juggling the two of them. Everything will be fine and then all at once, one is crying, one is pooping, the dog wants to go out, and the phone is ringing.

Overall, she seems to be taking it all in stride. She likes to help by picking out diapers, picking out clothes, and putting clothes away for me. Aubrey will be fussy or trying to chew on something that she shouldn’t be and Kelsey will go over and grab a baby toy for her. She’ll also take toys away from her when she wants them so, you know, it’s a work in progress.

Bath toys and tea party pieces are unwillingly shared but I do think she looks forward to Aubrey playing with her soon enough. In the meanwhile, Kelsey has become better at playing by herself.

I think she likely had these qualities before Aubrey came along, but Kelsey has shown she is thoughtful, caring and tolerant. At every step of the way with her for the past few years I’ve always been nervous about how she’ll react to things and always been prepared for the worst. Too many horror stories from other parents, I guess. She has always handled things great. I need to stop worrying so much and enjoy them a bit more.

Shamrock Clothespin Counting

Happy St. Patrick’s Day! We are hoping to get out and catch a few Irish dance performances and eat some corned beef and cabbage this weekend. How are you celebrating?

I originally made a set of these cards with hearts to do this same activity around Valentine’s Day. Kelsey still plays with them every few days so I decided to make a set with shamrocks to share with you. It’s a great busy bag or quiet time type of activity.

Print these cards and cut them apart. You can laminate (or cover with contact paper) to make them a little more kid proof. Grab some clothespins. There are a few things you can do with these:

• Identify the number on the card.
• Count the shamrocks.
• Clip on the corresponding number of clothespins.
• Practice putting the cards in number order.

I’d love to know what else you come up to do with these. Enjoy!

 

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