I don’t know if you have recently been to Target but all I can say is “FUN”! They have added so many incredible designs and designers that you feel like you have walked into a brand new store. I was just there with the IE Twins and we literally went from one department to the next with our shopping basket getting fuller and fuller!  So many fantastic and fun ideas for Summer.  From clothing to housewares and accessories it was as if a splash of color bloomed at Target.

I couldn’t  resist…with Summer in full swing…I love the idea of bright colors, eating outdoors and enjoying family time! To help the IE Mommy and her amazing readers Welcome Summer in the right fashion…Target has offered a few fantastic Summer ideas! These items are a super way to start your Summer off with style, fun and flair! Plus they are very affordable!

• Char-broil 14” Charcoal Grill – $16.99
• Sunbeam Ice Cream Mixes – $2.99 each
• Sunbeam Ice Cream Gel Canister in Red – $29.99
• Ice Cream Cups – $1.99 each
• Croquet and Bocce Ball Set – $19.99
• Melamine Salad Plate – $1.79
• Melamine Dinner Plate – $1.99
• Mesh Plate Cover – $9.99
• Flatware Carrier – $11.99
• Fabric Tablecloth – $9.99

BASE CAMP EXPEDITION

The EXPEDITION THREE kit features the Backyard Safari™ BASE CAMP FIELD SHELTER AND MINI LANTERN.

This rugged shelter is lightweight and easy to assemble. It also features storage spaces for all your Essential Field Gear. Over 40″ tall, it’s large enough for several Backyard Safari Kids to set up their own instant base camp in the field…all year round.

This special edition kit comes with the collectible EXPEDITION THREE iron-on patch and the EXPEDITION THREE Pop-Up Field Guide™ that features instructions for completing special missions in the field.

CAMOUFLAGE

HIDE IN PLAIN SIGHT!

Backyard Safari™ CAMOUFLAGE is Essential Field Gear with dozens of uses. With a huge size of 5 by 8 foot, it’s easy to blend in with the natural environment, make a sun shade, erect a shelter, or create a blind to stay hidden while you observe nature. The unique die-cut design is stretchable. It’s made of sturdy rip-stop nylon and stands up to wet weather.

CAMPFIRE GLOW LANTERN

THAT WARM CAMPFIRE GLOW…

The CAMPFIRE GLOW LANTERN works two ways. First, light up your base camp with the bright white luminance from the upper dome. Then, flip a switch to activate the warm flickering campfire glow built in the lantern’s base. No flames. No Heat. Just a comforting illusion—and an excuse to gather ’round the old campfire to sing campy songs or tell scary tales.

THE ESSENTIAL CARGO VEST

It’s your most essential piece of field gear. It’s rugged, and tough enough for all your outdoor adventures. Plenty of cargo pockets means lots of space to load up. Six D-Rings and two shoulder epaulets let you clip and hang more essential gear. A large zipper pocket stores your trusty binocs and a clear-view chest pocket stores your Pop-Up Field Guides™. The back of the vest features a one-size-fits-all adjustable strap and two extra mesh pockets for storing extra gear. It’s the must-have for every BACKYARD SAFARI™ kid.

EXPEDITION TWO – HIKING STICK

GET ON THE TRAIL!

The EXPEDITION TWO kit features the unique Backyard Safari™ HIKING STICK. It’s that perfect piece of personal gear that’s indispensable on the trail. It has a unique hand-carved look on a sturdy natural looking walking stick that is a stout 48″ tall. Helps you keep a steady foot on the trail and is useful for poking and prodding those hard-to-reach places. Comes with a collectible EXPEDITION TWO iron-on patch and the EXPEDITION TWO Pop-Up Field Guide™ which features special missions to complete while you’re out on the trail.

They say a picture is worth a thousand words…so enjoy the photos of the IE Twins  enjoying all the dynamic and super fun Backyard Safari equipment we received to review. What a blast!

We did a Backyard Safari review in the past but I have to be honest and say it does not compare to the products we received this time. Those items in the past review were great but the new items were sensational!

The moment the box arrived the IE Twins wanted to build the tent and start exploring. I’ve told you before they are definite animal and nature lovers. I know they didn’t get it from me…no fault of Backyard Safari…I am just more comfortable driving a convertible rather then driving a tent nail.

Regardless of my personal preference…I want my girls to be exposed to everything and to learn to enjoy all the sensations of nature and the outdoors. Backyard Safari definitely allows them that experience.

Even with my limited experience (read none) the tent was easy to put together (after reading other reviews I think I had a harder time then most moms…but again…it’s me!). The compass, walking stick, lantern and vest were gigantic bonuses for my two Safari girls.

You know as I am writing this I wonder if I would have loved camping and the outdoors more if I had fantastic toys like the ones offered by Backyard Safari.  The items they offer are realistic, fun, sturdy and usable…they offer a bit of reality in fun bite-size pieces and toys for the kids to learn and enjoy.

Backyard Safari toys get an A+ from the IE Mommy and an A++ from the IE Twins…..Tops scores, sweet summer toys and products that teach and are durable….Sounds like a few perfect childhood memories are on their way to being made!

Review & Giveaway Opportunity Provided by Backyard Resources & Team Mom
No compensation was received for this post.

For more than 25 years, Learning Resources® has been designing award-winning products that enable parents and teachers to go beyond traditional instruction and inspire children to reach new heights. Developed by top educators who understand learning and children, the Company’s innovative educational toys uniquely tap into the limitless potential of children everywhere, so they reach beyond, reach forward and achieve more. And as the global leader in developing engaging hands-on learning experiences for children, Learning Resources knows how to make learning exciting and fun for children of all ages and abilities. This year, Learning Resources introduces more than 80 new “teacher-approved” toys and multi-sensory items that truly help children ages 2 and up progress along their individual learning paths. As always, the Company’s commitment to safety is absolute, with every item designed, developed and manufactured under the strictest safety standards.

Big View Bug Jars, Set of 6

Adorable jars feature ladybug wings that open to invite little learners to investigate insects.

Look who’s been spotted! Encourage science exploration with these ladybug observation jars. Wings open to reveal a 3.5x magnifying lens that supports up-close viewing. Screw-on cap and air vents keep living critters (and all matter) secure.

• Supports scientific observations with a 3.5x magnifying lens, hidden under the bug’s wings
• Engages even those children who shy away from bugs, thanks to cute (and secure) design
• Features screw-on cap and air vents for live-critter observation
• Durable plastic jars measure 4.5″H x 3.5″ in diameter
• Grades PreK+

Ages 3 and up. SRP: $35.99 for set of 6; $69.99 for set of 12. Available at www.learningresources.com, online retailers and specialty stores.

Early Science Explorer’s Set

With a jumbo magnifier and trusty pair of tweezers, what more does a young science explorer need to build connections? Magnifier features built-in stand for hands-free observation, clear 4.5x magnification, and expansive 4 1/2″ diameter viewing area.  Easy-to-grip 6″ tweezers exercise fine motor skills and help strengthen little hands for writing. Colorful, washable plastic. Colors may vary. Ages 3 and up. SRP: $6.99 Available at www.learningresources.com, online retailers and specialty stores.

Encourage young scientists to take their investigations further with these perfectly sized tools!

• Includes durable magnifier with built-in stand for hands-free observation
• Exercises fine motor skills as children use the easy-grip tweezers—depressions on the colorful 6″ tweezers guide small hands into the proper pincer position
• Washable plastic; colors may vary
• Grades PreK+

I will admit that I am not a big fan of dirt and bugs. Science + dirt and bugs = NO GO for the IE Mommy. One key character plus that I have is knowing what I like and knowing what I don’t like and those three things just don’t do it for me. But of course to every rule there is an exception.  Mine happen to be named Rylan & Skylar. They LOVE dirt, bugs and science and therefore…I am involved with, immersed in and immersed in Science, dirt and bugs…oh my!

My girls have such great hearts when it comes to learning. They don’t mind getting dirty and love to know the “Why” of everything that they touch or are involved with.

The great products from Learning Resources allow children, like mine, to learn and play till their heart’s content as they explore the world around them. We received  Big View Bug Jars, Set of 6 and the Early Science Explorer’s Set for review and it was a huge hit!

The IE Twins could  not wait to get out and explore our garden and yard. The poor bugs and critters should have heard a bugle call of revelry because my girls were ready to explore.

The Early Science Explorer’s Set comes with a large magnifying glass and tweezers which are perfect for little hands and their ever growing dexterity. They are ideal for squeamish moms kids that don’t really want to touch the critters but still want to look for them.

The Big View Bug Jars are so very cute. They have huge ladybug tops that make the jars adorable. Plus the wings pull apart so there is a viewing window that is also magnified.

As much as I dislike bugs and dirt…I loved the expression and excitement all over my girls’ faces as they found and explored all the various garden bugs in our yard.

So great when they learn and don’t even know it. Thanks Learning Resources.

GIVEAWAY

One (1) Reader will Win a Big View Bug Jars & the Early Science Explorer’s Set

Mandatory Entries (3):

1. TWITTER - Follow the IE Mommy and Learning Resourcess on Twitter - Tweet: RT – Make Learning Fun with Learning Resources Bug Jars and Explorer Set @learninghandson @iemommy #giveaway http://www.theiemommy.com/2011/06/17/learning-resources-2 (*First tweet is Mandatory)
2. Follow on Google Friends Connect (Right side bar)
   
   
3. Tell me your favorite toy at Learning Resources (other then ones listed here)
   

Extra Entries (2):

1. TWITTER - Follow the IE Mommy and Learning Resourcess on Twitter - Tweet: RT – Make Learning Fun with Learning Resources Bug Jars and Explorer Set @learninghandson @iemommy #giveaway http://www.theiemommy.com/2011/06/17/learning-resources-2 (Each Additional tweets = 1 Extra Entries. Leave Tweet Links in the comment section for it to count as an entry)
   
2. FACEBOOK - Like IE Mommy and Learning Resources on Facebook – Leave this post – Bugs are _____(you fill in the blank) but Learning Resources makes them ___________(you fill in the blank) - http://www.theiemommy.com/2011/06/17/learning-resources-2 - (Leave FB Link in the comment section for it to count as an entry)

Contest Ends: June 27th

Review & Giveaway Opportunity Provided by Learning Resources
No compensation was received for this post.

When Summer arrives it seems as if kids have two things on their mind. #1 Sleeping in late and watching A LOT of television or #2 getting into all kinds of mischief outside. Neither of those options really strike me as appealing but I do realize that it’s just a part of childhood.

Wubbzy DVDs fit that “Summer bill” perfectly!  Each and every Wubbzy DVD or cartoon that we have reviewed has been cute, whimsical, entertaining and always has a little lesson involved. I love that. Wubbzy is fun enough for the kids to watch and entertaining enough for me to sit with them to watch it.

We received the Wubbzy Saves the Day DVD and think it is a perfect Summer pleasure. Wubbzy is of course adorable and cute (as always) so you will enjoy a little bit of quite time with your kids as you laugh along with this fun DVD. Wubbzy DVDs will give your child the “TV” time they long of during the summer and the confidence to you to know they are watching something fun and wholesome. Watching Wubbzy get into mischief may just have your child second guess his or her own mischievous ideas.

Wubbzy Saves the Day contains the following episodes:

• Follow the Leader
• Bye Bye Birdies
• Moo Moo’s snoozity Snooze
• Woozy Walden
• The Nasty Nose
• Daizy’s Favorite Place

It is approximately 70 minutes in length and also includes such fun bonus features as a Printable Wubbzy Growth Chart, Coloring and Activity Sheets, Music Videos and Sneak Peaks.

Visit www.wubbzy.com for Lots of Fun games, ideas and crafts!

Review Opportunity provided by Wow Wow Wubbzy

Rev your engines as your favorite characters from Cars are back with Cars 2 racing into theatres everywhere on June 24th! Here is a brief synopsis of Pixar’s follow-up film to the Academy Award  Winning Toy Story 3:

When star racecar Lightning McQueen (voice of Owen Wilson) and the incomparable tow truck Mater (voice of Larry the Cable Guy) head overseas to compete in the first-ever World Grand Prix, Mater gets caught up in an intriguing adventure of his own: international espionage!

GIVEAWAY

(Open to US and Canadian Winners Only)

(1) Reader will Win a Disney Cars 2 Gift Pack

- CARS 2 t-shirt in youth sizes of S, M, L, XL

- CARS 2 set of 3 bumper tickets

- CARS 2 temporary tattoo sheet (2 per winner)

- CARS 2 puzzle

Mandatory Entries (2):

1. TWITTER - Follow the IE Mommy on Twitter - Tweet: RT – Enter 2 Win the Disney Cars2 Gift Pack Giveaway @iemommy #giveaway http://www.theiemommy.com/2011/06/14/cars2 (*First tweet is Mandatory)
   
   
2. Follow on Google Friends Connect (Right side bar)
   

Extra Entries (1):

1. TWITTER - Follow the IE Mommy on Twitter - Tweet: RT – Enter 2 Win the Disney Cars2 Gift Pack Giveaway @iemommy #giveaway http://www.theiemommy.com/2011/06/14/cars2 (Each Additional tweets = 1 Extra Entries. Leave Tweet Links in the comment section for it to count as an entry)
2. FACEBOOK - Like IE Mommy and Cars2 on Facebook – Leave this post – I am going to RACE to see Cars2 http://www.theiemommy.com/2011/06/14/cars2 (Leave FB Link in the comment section for it to count as an entry)

Contest Ends: June 24th

Giveaway Opportunity provided by Disney & Cars2