Friday, August 22, 2014

TheO SmartBall Review and Giveaway!!

As the wife of an iOS developer (Apple apps for those of you who aren't in IT), we are always looking for fun educational applications for the boys for early learning. They have our old devices as their own "phones" or "remotes" as Carter calls them.

I recently got to try out TheO SmartBall - For kids pre-school to 5th grade. Simply put it's a soft foam ball that uses an app on your phone (iphone, ipod touch, or android devices) to initiate learning while they play. You insert your device directly into the ball (easy to follow tutorial is available online) and get started. TheO™ SmartBall comes with 12 free apps to get you started. Additional apps are available on iTunes and Google Play, and they are constantly developing more. Check out my giveaway at the bottom of this blog post for your chance to win your own TheO SmartBall!!




I love the wide range of apps available which help teach the basics from colors and letter to numbers and shapes.  The newest series Discover! includes fun apps such as
  • Discover Animals by Habitat
  • Discover Bodies
  • Discover Careers
  • Discover Colors
  • Discover Items on a Farm
  • Discover Items in a House
  • Discover Items in a School
  • Discover Objects by Size
  • Discover Textures
  • Discover US States and Capitals
There are even apps for the older kiddos (through ~5th grade) with things like multiplication tables and US States and Capitals.

Nolan and Carter have both been playing with the SmartBall. It's great in that it keeps Carter's attention more than a simple app would. The ball itself though isn't actually required to use the apps and it doesn't have things like buttons to press to make it work etc. but it's still fun and more active approach to iPhone or Android fun. Together the boys love the free Hot Potato game!! Check it out.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

Wednesday, August 20, 2014

Amazing Kites!

Nolan has been asking to fly a kite for a while. We've purchased the cheaply made plastic ones but they never seem to store so they are usually only good for a use or two. Not to mention if the Florida wind gets going they don't hold up. I jumped at the chance to try out The Fighter Jet Kite. What adult kid wouldn't want a kite that looks like an awesome plane?? It's from The Kite Outlet and easily available on Amazon. It even qualifies for free Prime shipping!

The kids really appreciated how fast the kite went together. Nolan carried it in it's case to the park and dad had it up and ready in just a minute. It's not cheap plastic but rather a nylon fabric for durability. The poles aren't plastic or wood but fiberglass for long lasting fun.
Easy and fast to put together.

We seem to be lacking wind recently (unless there is a storm brewing and kite flying is dangerous). The kids couldn't wait any longer so we took it out although not a tree was moving. It took a little bit of effort but we were definitely able to get it flying. It's so light weight that huge gusts aren't needed.



Overall we loved the kite and can't wait to try it at the beach!! If you're looking for something to last and bring lot of fun to your outside play this is definitely it!


I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.