What to Read Next: May 2013

I love to read and until recently, almost always had a book (or two) going at any given time. Now that I’m trying to grow two little readers of my own, though, I find that my book diary consists of mostly picture books and early chapter books.

And my normal reading time—right before my own bedtime—gets cut short most nights, when I can’t keep my eyes open any longer than to sneak in a few pages. Clearly I need to switch things up and start fitting in short reading sessions throughout the day. Or I could keep accumulating books on my never-ending to-read list.

But where’s the fun in that?

Each month I’m going to set a “What to Read Next” goal of the books I’d like to read that month, so that I don’t get distracted (by other books or by Downton Abbey – ha!). I’d also like to make my way through my backlog of books. I have a growing number on my bookshelf still waiting to be read. So I’ll look to include an older book on each month’s What to Read Next list, too.

What to Read Next: May 2013

1. Finish The Storyteller by Jodi Picoult
2. He’s Gone by Deb Caletti
3. The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Society by Mary Ann Shaffer – this is my “clearing out the back stock” selection for this month)

I’d love to hear your opinion on what to read next! What have you been reading?

Leave your recommendations on what to read next in the comments section.

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Kohls Cares for Kids – Summer 2013

Kohl’s has announced their newest selection of books and stuffed animals for Kohls Cares for Kids. This season it’s The Pout Pout Fish – my kids will be so excited!

I love shopping from the Kohls Cares collection, because we get high-quality hardcover picture books and stuffed animals for a small fraction of the regular price – just $5 each. And better yet… we know our money is going to a good cause.

This time around, there’s also a reusable bag offered as part of the collection, too.

Previous Kohls Cares Merchandise on clearance

Every time they switch out their selection, they also clearance out the most recent books and animals. Right now catch a few items from the previous Kohls Cares collections at just $2.50 each.

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National Train Day

This Saturday (5/11) is National Train Day!

There are a ton of FREE events planned to celebrate National Train Day in several different cities. Check for events near you in NYC, Philadelphia, Washington, DC, Chicago and Los Angeles, and others all around the country.

About National Train Day

National Train Day marks the 143^rd anniversary of the creation of the nation’s first transcontinental railroad. On May 10, 1869, in Promontory Summit, Utah, the ’golden spike’ was driven into the final tie that joined 1,776 miles of the Central Pacific and Union Pacific railways, forever transforming the face and character of America.

National Train Day is an annual celebration of train travel and the ways trains touch the lives of people across America. Train stations and other venues across the country host activities and exhibits that highlight the past, present and future of trains and travel. The ‘rail way’ comes to life for attendees, as well as those participating online and through social media. Only on a train do we see more of the world around us, and live more of the experiences we have when we discover the ‘rail way’. Look out your window. What do you see? Look around you. Who do you see? It’s all part of the journey.

What will you be doing for National Train Day?

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Disclosure: We received a copy of these books to facilitate our review. All thoughts and opinions are our own. And we take our Play-Doh (and our reading) very, very seriously.

Two things my kids can’t get enough of are Play-Doh and books.

So when I found out that the new line of Play-Doh books from Silver Dolphin have combined their two favorite hobbies? Well, that’s cause for some major excitement around here!

The board books—which teach first concepts like counting, colors and shapes—are easily wipeable, in case you’re, let’s say, trying to recreate those shapes with your own Play-Doh as you flip the pages.

And priced at just $6.95 each, they’re a perfect baby shower gift or 1st birthday gift!

About Play-Doh books by Silver Dolphin

Mama’s Little Ducklings (ages 3 and up; $6.95). This lift-the-flap book will have kids searching for Mama Duck’s little wayward duckling that is missing.

My First Words (ages 3 and up; $6.95). Colorful and lively PLAY-DOH illustrations teach youngsters more than 50 vocabulary words featured in categories like animals, clothing, and transportation. Kids will delight in seeing everyday items represented in the vivid colors and funky texture that can only be PLAY-DOH.

Three debut titles in the First Concept series. This series will teach children important early concepts like counting, shapes, and colors. Rhyming text and dynamic illustrations featuring colorful PLAY-DOH molds offer a delightful visual and learning experience.  The first book in the series is Counting Bunnies (ages 3 and up; $6.95), a creative way to learn numbers, which will be followed by the two other titles publishing in April 2013 – Rainbow Butterflies, a creative way to learn colors, and Making Shapes with Monkeys, a creative way to learn shapes (both for ages 3 and up and priced at $6.95 each).

Disclosure: We received a copy of these books to facilitate our review. All thoughts and opinions are our own. And we take our Play-Doh (and our reading) very, very seriously.

The post Play-Doh Interactive Books by Silver Dolphin {review} appeared first on Fun Finds For Families.

Free Kindle books

Here’s an awesome freebie – grab it now, before the price jumps back up!

Download a FREE copy of The Design Cookbook: Recipes for a Stylish Home by Kelly Edwards for a limited time. This is a $27.95 value — and was just published this week (May 1, 2013), so it’s brand new!

Book description:

Through stunning photographs and step-by-step instructions, designer and lifestyle expert Kelly Edwards brings a myriad of looks, tastes, and approaches to chic home design in this guidebook. From the kitchen and the bedroom to the home office and the out-of-doors, Kelly illustrates how to achieve the best color, texture, proportion, and overall design aesthetic and passes along decorating tips from amazing designers and tastemakers. Individual chapters contain a wide array of images and inspiration for the respective spaces along with an assortment of do-it-yourself “recipes” to achieve just the right personality.

How to read free Kindle books without a Kindle

You don’t actually need a Kindle to read these Kindle books. Download the free Kindle reading apps and read them right on your computer, smartphone or tablet.

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I just signed our son up for this. He’ll be so excited to get his free book in the mail!

Right now when you sign up for the Junie B Jones Reading Club, you’ll get:

• One FREE copy of Junie B. Jones and the Stupid Smelly Bus
• Exclusive activity pages
• A membership ID card

Supplies are limited, so sign up now!
 
(Thanks Family Savings!)
 

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Have you heard The Lumineers yet? They are, without a doubt, my new favorite band. Their album rocks and they’re amazing live.

Right now you can download the song “Stubborn Love” by The Lumineers for only $.69.

It’s a great introduction to the band. Let me know what you think!

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Amazon prices can change at any time. Be sure to confirm that the price is the same before you finalize your order.

You can enjoy FREE shipping on many items with Amazon Prime. We have it and it totally pays for itself every year with the money we save in shipping (or buying more items to get up to that $25 minimum)!

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This is an AWESOME price for this popular Polly Pocket set! In fact, it’s the lowest price it’s been.

Get the Polly Pocket Playtime Pet Shop for only $13.50. Plus you’ll get FREE shipping right now, too. This is usually $29.99, so you’re saving 59%.

Check out the customer reviews. They’re all very favorable – and most say that both boys and girls enjoyed this set!

Product description:

• The ultimate pet shop, where Polly doll can nurture her pets
• 2 floors with a working elevator for tons of pet shop fun
• Pick out a new pet and go upstairs to give it a bath or rock it to sleep
• Polly doll’s bendable arms make it easy for her to hold her pets
• Includes 1 Polly doll, 8 pets, 1 large swing, pet toys and tons of accessories

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Today is the LAST DAY to grab this FREE voucher, which allows you to purchase select kids’ Kindle books for only $2.

You’ll need to claim this voucher in order to get that sale price – and you’ll need to use the voucher before April 10.

Here’s how to get the deal:

1. Sign up for Amazon Local for free.

2. Search for and claim the Kids’ Kindle voucher deal. (Just click on “Get Voucher” and check out.)

3. Your voucher will be delivered to your Amazon account. Sign in and click on “My Vouchers” to see it.

4. Follow the instructions on your voucher to redeem!

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Here’s an awesome freebie! I just downloaded a copy myself!

Hurry and download Superman (1987-2006) Issue #1 [Kindle edition] for FREE right now!

Book description:

Superman’s first adventure following the CRISIS ON INFINITE EARTHS mega-event just may be his last as he comes face-to-face with Metallo, the Man with the Kryptonite Heart!

PLEASE NOTE: Prices fluctuate quickly, so make sure you check the price to see that it’s still free before you download it yourself.

How to read free Kindle books without a Kindle

You don’t actually need a Kindle to read these Kindle books. Download the free Kindle reading apps and read them right on your computer, smartphone or tablet.

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I’ve been a member of the Walgreens Balance Rewards for several months now and it’s been a nice way to get money back every time I shop for necessities.

So I was very excited to hear about the latest addition to the Walgreens Balance Rewards program: Steps With Balance Rewards.

What exactly is Steps With Balance Rewards? Well, it’s all about keeping me (and other members) motivated to keep active and to continue a healthy lifestyle.

How does it do that? Easy! By rewarding us every time we set and reach a fitness goal or weigh in.

Earn 20 points for every mile you walk or run and 20 points per daily weigh-in. Set goals, engage with an active community and earn badges for healthy activity. Those points accumulate and you’ll receive a $5 reward for every 5,000 points you earn.

The best part is that it can be as personalized to your own fitness level as you’d like. The person just starting out doesn’t need to commit to running 30 miles a week, for instance.

You can set your own fitness goals, for your own current fitness level and get rewarded no matter where you are. As long as you’re making those steps to a healthier, more active lifestyle, you’ll earn rewards through the Steps With Walgreens program.

Use those rewards at Walgreens to buy anything you need… including items that are added motivation to keep you working toward those fitness goals.

How do you sign up for the Steps With Walgreens program?

Getting enrolled with the Steps With Walgreens program is quick and easy.

If you’re already a Balance Rewards member, just log in to your account at Walgreens.com. You can do this on your computer or right on your phone, through the Walgreens mobile app.

Once you’re logged in, you’ll be able to head over to the Steps With Balance Rewards page (see below):

Once you’re on the Steps With Balance Rewards page, you set up your profile, which consists of choosing a screen name and your gender. This takes two minutes, at most.

And with that, you’re in!

Now the fun begins… setting your goals.

Again, the best part here is that you can set the goals that are right for your fitness level. If you’d like to walk a mile a day or run 10 or 20 miles per week, they’re all perfect, as long as they’re the perfect goals for you!

What keeps me motivated to reach my goals?

I started running only a few years ago, right after my youngest was born, and fell in love. I ran my first half-marathon less than a year after I started and it was the best feeling to get outside and hit the pavement several times a week. While it was tough to find time with a newborn (and a toddler), that time to myself with fresh air and heart pumping was enough to boost my spirits and give me enough energy to tackle the rest of the day.

Of course, there are still days that I need a little extra motivation to get moving.

So what keeps me motivated to keep lacing up?

1. Races. There’s something about a formal race that helps motivate me to keep running each week. I’ve only run two races so far (ever) – and they were both half-marathons. I can tell you it’s really tough to brush off your training runs when you know you have a long-distance race looming closer and closer.

2. Finding a compatible training partner. It’s a lot tougher to skip a run if someone else is waiting for you so they can start theirs!

3. An upbeat playlist. The time I spend on curating the perfect playlists is absolutely time well spent, in my mind. Music is such an integral part of my daily running motivation, that I end up updating my workout playlist every few months. I look forward to that high-energy music accompanying the sounds my feet make as they hit the streets.

4. Daily fitness log. Without fail, I keep track of every run I’ve ever been on. I love to look back at how far I’ve come in the (relatively) short time I’ve been a runner. While I already do this through a dedicated running app, I love that it’ll take just a second to log the workout on my Walgreens app, getting me one step closer to a Walgreens Balance Reward!

5. Dream big. While my first half-marathon was close to home (the Philadelphia Half Marathon), my second was more of a destination run. I signed up with one of my closest friends for a girls’ weekend – and we chose to take on the Disney Princess Half-Marathon. It’s a memory I’ll always cherish and was such a wonderful reward in itself to have a weekend away with my friend!

But you don’t have to travel hundreds of miles to stay motivated.

The reality is, most of your fitness goals (and mine) are going to happen within your everyday life and your regular routine.

That’s why Steps With Balance Rewards at Walgreens is so helpful – it’s rewarding you for steps you’re already taking and with the mobile app, you’re able to easily log in and get rewards for reaching those goals.

Check out this Google + album for the rest of my shopping experience. Learn more about the Balance Rewards program on Twitter and Facebook.

And check the new Aisle Share FUN page for even more fun in the aisles!

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Disclosure: I am a member of the Collective Bias™ Social Fabric® Community.  This content has been compensated as part of a social shopper insights study for Collective Bias™ and Walgreens #CBias #SocialFabric. All opinions are my own.

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How Deep Is Your Love for the Bee Gees? You Should Be Dancing when you find out the price on this entire album!

Download the Bee Gees Number Ones mp3 album for only $1.99 right now.

Don’t Forget to Remember to download this one before the price jumps back up! I’m not sure how long this deal is Stayin’ Alive.

Amazon prices can change at any time. Be sure to confirm that the price is the same before you finalize your order.

You can enjoy FREE shipping on many items with Amazon Prime. We have it and it totally pays for itself every year with the money we save in shipping (or buying more items to get up to that $25 minimum)!

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Great deal on what looks like a fun game!

Get the Finding Nemo game for Nintendo DS for only $7.99. The regular price is $19.99, so you’d save 60% on this one. Ships free with Amazon Prime or with a $25 purchase.

This might be a good one to grab for the gift closet!

Product description:

• Three different game modes:
• Baggy Mode – Pick one of the Tank Gang that have escaped from the dentist and use the touch screen to roll him. Completing this game will allow the selected character to be playable in the mini-games.
• Mini-Games – Play as Nemo, Marlin or Dory and receive sea tokens when completing the mini-games and buy items from the Interactive Reef. Play over 30 mini-games!
• Interactive Reef – Players can use their sea tokens they have earned in the mini-games to purchase items in the interactive reef. You are able to enjoy creating and viewing your very own personal reef!

Amazon prices can change at any time. Be sure to confirm that the price is the same before you finalize your order.

You can enjoy FREE shipping on many items with Amazon Prime. We have it and it makes such a difference!

The post Finding Nemo (DS Game) for $7.99 appeared first on Fun Finds For Families.

Calling all sleuths! This is a fantastic price for this complete series.

Right now you can get Where On Earth is Carmen Sandiego: The Complete Series for only $5.49. It’s usually $12.98, so you’ll save almost 60%. Ships free with Amazon Prime or with a $25 minimum purchase.

This has 50 customer reviews… and almost all of them are 5-star! That’s a good sign. (I used to love the game myself, but never saw the show.)

Product description:

• Based on the top-selling Carmen Sandiego video game franchise!
• Won an Emmy Award for Outstanding Animated Children’s Program .
• Has aired in first-run syndication as well as repeats on Fox Family Channel, PAX TV and is currently airing on the new kid s network THE HUB.
• All-Star voice talent includes Rita Moreno, James Avery, James Belushi, Tim Curry and dozens more!
• BRAND RESURGENCE An all-new Facebook social edutainment game has launched from the same development studio as Oregon Trail!
• Bonus feature film included: The Secret Garden.
• Bonus episodes from Liberty s Kids

(Thanks, Surviving a Teacher’s Salary!)

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Do you plan to see The Croods in theaters?

Download this FREE app: The Croods Movie Storybook app. This is compatible with Android devices. Grab it now before the price jumps back up. (It’s normally $2.99.)

Product description:

The Croods Movie Storybook transports fans back in time to tell the story of the first family road trip. Grug leads his caveman family, the Croods, on a perilous adventure across harsh terrain as they try to outrace cataclysmic events. Can Grug do it alone, or will the Croods require the help of Guy, a brave outsider? Join Grug, Ugga, Eep, Guy, Thunk, Sandy, Gran, and a cast of prehistoric creatures to find out if they can survive the journey–and each other!

The storybook features Auto Play, Read To Me, and Read To Myself narration options, as well as genuine character audio from the film.

Prices could change at any time. Grab it now while it’s still free!

Find even more free apps here.

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