A Dream-Come-True Mermaid Transformation: Fin Fun Mermaid Tails {Review}

As Little Sister B's birthday began drawing near, I was met with my usual struggle as to what gift I could give her. Toys? Clothes? Accessories? Stuffed animals?

Well, sure. But...

What about something a little more unique? Something that I knew would make her eyes open wide and her jaw drop to the floor? Something that would hold her attention long past when her taste in one type of toy has changed or has long been outgrown?

That's why I was so excited to be introduced to the huge selection of high-quality mermaid tail designs from Fin Fun!

As I mentioned last month, Fin Fun offer a vast selection of mermaid tails to choose from, making it easy to shop simply by selecting one of the categories. For instance, the Fin Fun Mermaidens collection features tails based on the beloved Mermaiden Princess characters, each with a unique personality and story, which can be found on the kid-friendly FinFriends.com site.

Or, for a brighter, more eye-catching option, the Limited Edition collection combines fantasy with nature's beauty in spectacular designs that have a shimmery, shiny look and feel. I found that no matter which category I browsed, each of Fin Fun's tails were even more incredible than the next!

Which is why I couldn't wait for one to arrive and for Little Sister B to be just as excited!

Does anything warm a mother's heart more than seeing her child so happy?

Right away we were elated to see the Bali Breeze Mermaid Tail and accompanying Fin Fun Swim Monofin in their stylish packaging...

...and I appreciated that both pieces were ready to use right out of the box.

The Mermaid Tail itself is, quite simply, gorgeous. The colors are bright and shiny as they gradually change from yellow to green to blue scales down its full length and the whole overall effect is a shimmery, sparkly texture.

As the fabric is made from a high-quality, breathable, 4-way stretch poly spandex swimsuit material, there is no problem pulling this lightweight, stretchy tail right on!

At the same time, the tail is open at the bottom so that it not only aids in getting it on and off and makes it so young mermaids can shuffle/walk, but it also makes it possible for the Monofin to be pulled on and off with ease.

Simply pull the mermaid tail up enough to pop your feet into the Monofin holes and then stretch the tail down and around to complete the full effect!

Is it any wonder that Little Sister B is so enamored with her Fin Fun Mermaid Tail and Monofin that she hasn't worn it once without a HUGE grin on her face? When we were packing for our beach vacation she questioned me time and again as to whether I had packed it because she just had to have it with her!

I really don't know if she could love this any more than she does, both for the incredible, attention-grabbing, realistic way that it looks as well as for the fact that it allows her to glide effortlessly through the water when swimming with it!

From top to bottom, Fin Fun has impressed us from the start!

I appreciate the attention to detail that goes into their products as well as their focus on comfort, performance, and safety. I don't have to worry that Little Sister B cannot get the Bali Breeze Mermaid Tail or Monofin on or off on her own, and the tail itself can even be machine washed on gentle to keep it clean and ready for the next use.

It really isn't any wonder that Fin Fun's award-winning products have become a celebrity favorite, as well as the best-selling mermaid tail brand in the world!

Do you have a mermaid fan in your life? Fin Fun offers amazing options in sizes for kids through adults, so you're going to want to head over to FinFun.com and connect with them on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and Instagram to see their full lineup of incredible mermaid products.

While a complete mermaid transformation is a little on the expensive side (the Bali Breeze Mermaid Tail and Monofin retail for $54.95 each), I am quite positive that Little Sister B will be using these gorgeous pieces for years to come!

But, wait! Why not save a little on your purchase? If you have a young mermaid fan in your life that would love Fin Fun products just as much as mine does, enter the coupon code USFAMILY16 to save $5 off of your order today.

Other than the Mermaid Tail and Monofin I received from Fin Fun in order to facilitate my review, I was not compensated or enticed to do this post in any way. This review is solely my honest opinion about these products.

An Experience Like No Other: Medieval Times Dinner & Tournament {Review}

Although I'm not a huge fan of living in the Midwest when winter rolls around, I do love our little city and have a difficult time imagining living anywhere else.

Plus, along with having just about everything that we could ask for right here in the 'burbs, we also have the added benefit of being within driving distance to larger cities for whenever we are looking to head over for a visit.

Case in point, our recent jaunt to Chicago to check out the fun and excitement of Medieval Times Dinner & Tournament!

As I mentioned last month, there are 11 Medieval Times Dinner & Tournament locations throughout North America that provide far more than a simple meal and show for their visitors.

Instead, guests are transported back in time to the age of heroic knights on spirited horses, thrilling swordplay, a master falconer and his gorgeous flying companion, javelins being thrown, a "hands-on" feast (who needs silverware?), and much more.

It definitely didn't take any convincing for the entire family to be excited for our own visit to the Medieval Times castle in Chicago!

After we arrived and were checked in, we marveled at the wide array of items and beverages for sale before being invited in to the arena. It was time to head in and get ready to cheer on the Yellow Knight (when you receive your tickets, guests are assigned to one of the six different color areas and the corresponding knight)!

While we had discussed what the evening would ensue, Little Sister B still had lots of questions pertaining to the horses, knights, and more. What was going to happen? Would people get hurt? Would there be real horses? Were they real knights? When was the food going to be served?

Fortunately, not long after we were seated our friendly server appeared and the night was underway. I couldn't get enough of seeing the looks on both of my girls' faces as they took everything in in complete amazement!

I have to admit that as much as I chuckled at Little Sister B's incredulous looks, I too had a difficult time tearing my eyes away from the showmanship and performance that is Medieval Times from start to finish.

The king and princess, the falconer, the knights' authentic armor and real metal weapons... when jousting, they charge at speeds of approximately 15 to 20 miles per hour and reach an impact velocity speed of about 30 to 40 miles per hour! Where else are you going to see something like that?

Not to mention that while all of this incredible performance is happening, we were served course after course (each quite a large portion) of delicious foods. I was thrilled that Medieval Times also caters to vegetarians, as our plates were far from empty.

Definitely plan your visit to the castle when you are hungry, because there is a lot of eating to be done!

By the time the night was coming to an end, both Big Sister E and Little Sister B had eaten their fill and were fully into the action of cheering on our Yellow Knight as he worked to defeat his enemies — not only did they love him because we were assigned to his section, he had thrown each of them a carnation at various times during the show!

Besides, just as Big Sister E said when she turned to me partway through with a glint in her eye, where else would they be encouraged to scream and yell as loud as they could while indoors and in public?!

For a completely unique experience that your family is sure to be talking about for quite some time to come (we still like to randomly pull out our yellow flags and towels and cheer for the Yellow Knight while at home!) check out Medieval Times Dinner & Tournament at MedievalTimes.com.

Plus, now is a great time to buy tickets with this money-saving promotional offer! Right now you can purchase adult tickets for $36.95 and child tickets (12 and under) for $29.95 by using the coupon code MT3629 through February 28, 2017. Simply click here to take advantage of this great offer!

Other than the tickets I was provided for my family to experience Medieval Times Dinner & Tournament, I was not compensated or enticed to do this review in any way. This post is solely my honest opinion about our experience.

Make Your Young Mermaid's Dreams Come True with Fin Fun Mermaid Tails {Coupon Code}

Although sometimes I find it difficult to shop for my kids with their ever-changing interests and attention spans, there are other instances where an item or brand catches their eye and I know it is a clear winner.

For Little Sister B, that has always been a mermaid tail. First spotted at a swimming pool one or two summers back, she has since always longed to be able to slip on a stylish, eye-catching tail of her own and dive into the water to swim away.

Fortunately, I was recently introduced to the company that does an amazing job catering to mermaids who desire an entire wardrobe of stylish, eye-catching tails. It's time to check out Fin Fun and their huge selection of high-quality mermaid tail designs inspired by the beauty of the sea and nature!

Offering a vast selection of mermaid tails to choose from, Fin Fun's website makes it easy to shop simply by selecting one of the categories. For instance, the Fin Fun Mermaidens collection features tails based on the beloved Mermaiden Princess characters, each with a unique personality and story, which can be found on the kid-friendly FinFriends.com site.

Or, for a brighter, more eye-catching option, the Limited Edition collection combines fantasy with nature's beauty in spectacular designs that have a shimmery, shiny look and feel. I find that no matter which category I browse, each of Fin Fun's tails are even more incredible than the next!

But more than simply looking the part of a mermaid, I love that Fin Fun offers their patented Fin Fun Monofin (available for separate purchase) to provide natural mermaid motion for smooth swimming at the pool, lake or beach.

Users' feet are not strapped in, making removal of the Monofin easy, with just one tug and a kick. The open tail bottom makes it easy to insert and remove the Monofin (required for swimming), while also avoiding trapped air and allowing mermaids to walk on land. It all comes together to make it a snap for kids to use, wear, swim, remove, and more!

Fin Fun has it all! Their award-winning products are designed for a realistic mermaid experience that also provides maximum safety, comfort, and performance. The premium quality and attention to detail has made them a celebrity favorite, as well as the best-selling mermaid tail brand in the world!

Stay tuned for our upcoming review and, in the meantime, visit FinFun.com and connect with them on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and Instagram.

But, wait! If you have a young mermaid fan in your life that would love one Fin Fun products just as much as mine, be sure to save some money on your purchase! Simply enter the coupon code USFAMILY16 to save $5 off of your order today.

This post is part of a collaboration with Fin Fun and I will be receiving a Mermaid Tail and Monofin in order to facilitate a review. However, all thoughts and opinions expressed are 100% honest and my own.

Bouncing, Throwing, Smooshing, Sitting, Endless Fun with the Super Wubble Bubble Ball {Review}

There are some toys that have been around for generations; for instance wooden blocks, baby dolls, small cars, rubber balls, and more.

And, while there is of course a reason why these are beloved classics, that isn't to say that making a few changes or updates can't take them to the next level. Adding movable limbs to a doll or new, colorful designs to a set of cars, for example.

But what if you could take a well-loved toy and give it enough of a makeover that it takes it to an entirely new level? Providing not only entertainment, but active movement, tons of laughter, lots of creativity, and basically endless joy?

Then you must have taken a regular ball and updated it to a Super Wubble Bubble Ball!

A soft, lightweight ball that can be inflated to gigantic proportions, the Super Wubble is super smashable and super squashable. Bounce it, throw it, kick it, smoosh it, smash it, sit on it — there isn't much you can't do!

As Super Wubble is made with a new super stretchy material called Xpandium, it is up to four times stronger and more tear-resistant than the original Wubble Bubble Ball. The result? Even more hours of stretchy, squishy, bouncy fun!

I had no doubt that my kids were going to absolutely love the Super Wubble and we all couldn't wait to get it out of the box and ready for play!

Right away I appreciated how easy the Super Wubble is to inflate, as the included battery-operated pump is simple and intuitive (deflating is just as easy — perfect for not having to find a place to stash a full blown Super Wubble around the house).

In a matter of minutes, it was time to Wubble and my girls couldn't have cared less that it had just rained. They pulled on their boots and were out the door ready to see what they could do with their own smooshy bubble ball!

Talk about fun!

While my kids initially treated the Super Wubble with the utmost care and caution, they soon realized that just because it is extra soft doesn't mean that it is extra fragile.

Instead, they took to bouncing, throwing, smashing, sitting, rolling, volleying, and much more and marveled at the strength of the Super Wubble throughout all of their play. Aside from coming into contact with sharp objects like tacks, broken glass, sharp fingernails, branches or concrete, I don't see this magic ball popping anytime soon.

In the meantime, the current favorite Super Wubble activity is making all sorts of "interesting" faces by crushing oneself into the ball. The fun never stops!

Still skeptical on this ball's strength? See for yourself how Super Wubble holds up on their YouTube channel where everything from a pineapple to a bowling ball to a shopping cart to a cinder block are dropped onto this giant ball!

When it comes to adding a unique, one-of-a-kind toy to your household (or to give as a great birthday present or gift for the upcoming holidays), the Super Wubble is one that won't disappoint. Kids of all ages (as well as adults) are going to be clamoring for another turn and the laughter and smiles can't be beat!

To make a purchase or find out more about the Super Wubble Bubble Ball, visit WubbleBall.com and connect with all things Wubble on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and Instagram.

This review is part of a sponsored campaign for Wubble Ball but all thoughts and opinions shared are honest and my own.

The Mudderella Training Program and the Final Countdown to Mudderella 2016!

Thus far, 2016 hasn't been my year in terms of making the best decisions for my health.

While I haven't taken up smoking or gone down to two hours of sleep per night, the tiny sliver of willpower that I used to have against eating every bit of chocolate in sight or snacking at all times of the day seems to have disappeared. On top of that, the modest amount of exercise that I used to get seems to have dwindled down to mowing the lawn, an occasional stroll over to my kids' school, and... well, walking in and out of the kitchen for more snacks.

However, with Mudderella 2016 less than four weeks away, I'm pleased with the way that I've been kicking myself into gear lately. If I'm going to take on this course and "Own Your Strong" for myself, then I want to be as ready as possible!

If you didn't see my post last month, then you missed hearing that three of my amazing friends and I have decided to take on Mudderella Chicago for the second year in a row. Last year the rain and cold temperatures put a damper on the event, but this year I have been willing Mother Nature to take it easy on the Midwest on June 4th.

Instead, I can't wait to lace up an old pair of tennis shoes and hit the trails for this incredible 5- to 7-mile muddy obstacle course for the second time. We'll be running, climbing, crawling, balancing, jumping, and more through grass, over walls, and, of course, in mud. Bring it!

But let's be real, my excitement over getting to participate in Mudderella 2016 is only going to get me so far and then I'm going to need some actual muscles and endurance in order for me to not end up passing out, right?

Fortunately, that's where the Mudderella Training Program comes in.

I love the way that this exercise guide is broken down into six different workouts that are designed to get you up and moving (while also mixing things up enough to keep it interesting). No special gear or tools needed, simply find an open spot and follow the instructions to perform a few circuits of each of the moves (which are shown in videos in case you aren't sure or don't recognize the names).

Planks, squats, mountain climbers, jumping jacks, lunges, rocket jumps, and more — I find that each of the steps are definitely challenging, but that's the point, right? If I think that my legs are burning doing step ups, I just have to remind myself that each exercise is making me just a little bit stronger for taking on the full challenge of Mudderella!

Along with their Training Program, however, I also love that the Mudderella blog has a Weekly Training Program that currently has 12 weeks worth of day by day training cards that are perfect for downloading onto your phone, printing and bringing to the gym, sharing with friends, and more.

Much more detail is listed for each day on the blog.

While I can't claim that I have been 100% following Mudderella's Training Program each and every day, I am happy that I've made much more of an effort to get myself physically ready for event day.

Even though my inner lazy voice still wants to stay put, what better inspiration than knowing that I'm soon going to be surrounding myself with a group of my closest friends while conquering a muddy obstacle course?

Have you signed up to spend a day overcoming personal challenges, giving your fitness goals a boost, and filling your soul with feelings of empowerment and support yet? There are six Mudderella 2016 events planned (so far), so be sure to head over to find the one nearest you:

• Grayslake, IL - June 4, 2016
• Englishtown, NJ - June 18, 2016
• Epping, NH - July 30, 2016
• Kitchener, Ontario - August 27, 2016
• Whistler, British Columbia - September 24, 2016
• Melbourne, Australia - December 3, 2016

For an even better reason to sign up soon, Mudderella is offering a Buy 2 Get 1 Free special right now so that you and two (or more) of your friends can save a bundle of money when you register to take part!

Visit Mudderella.com to find out much more and be sure to connect with this incredible event on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest and Instagram. Mudderella 2016, here we come!

I have been provided with Mudderella registration codes in order to facilitate my review, but all of the information and opinions shared are 100% honest and my own.

Mudderella 2016: Own Your Strong!

Last spring I spent weeks (months, actually) planning, preparing, worrying, anticipating and exercising as my friends and I counted down the days until we were able to participate in an athletic event unlike any other: Mudderella.

Were there times that I thought that we might be crazy? Absolutely. Who voluntarily puts themselves through a 5- to 7-mile muddy obstacle course — particularly if you're me and you're, well, lazy?

But the more that I visited the Mudderella website; read about their incredible support of Futures Without Violence (a national nonprofit that is working to prevent and end domestic violence); and learned about how these events are the first and only full-day athletic event series designed for women, by women; I knew I had to try.

When else could I challenge my all-around strength, balance, endurance, and agility in a team environment with friends that would be there to encourage me along the way? Before we knew it, we were lacing up our (old) tennis shoes and (literally) jumping right in!

Sometimes I still can't believe we made it mile after mile, but we really did.

From sloshing through mud up to our ankles to crawling in it under cargo nets to working together to conquer and climb obstacles that we never would have thought possible, it was a day that I'll never forget.

I was pretty grossed out at our first obstacle!

Unfortunately spring weather in the Midwest is unpredictable and Mudderella Chicago 2015 happened to fall on an extremely cold, blustery, rainy day, putting a damper on the entire event. But even with all that? It was still very easy to see that Mudderella truly provides a way to be strong, have fun and enjoy the day with your girlfriends all at once — no solitary workout here!

From start to finish, groups of friends (no duo is too small! No gang is too big!) completed and conquered the course together. The feeling of crossing the finish line is one of empowerment, laughter and overcoming a challenge with other amazing women by your side helping and cheering you on!

I can honestly say that whether you take part in a Mudderella event with a partner or in a huge group, the experience of togetherness and strength while having fun is pretty much indescribable. The laughter and camaraderie and eagerness to lend a hand between friends as well as with complete strangers really does make this event stand on its own.

Which is why my rock star team of four has decided to take on the Mudderella course once again!

I'm most looking forward to new obstacles such as Stunt Double...

Leap from a 10’ high platform and onto a large inflatable below!

...as well as having the chance to complete a handful of classic course obstacles that were closed last year for safety due to the high winds and freezing rain. This year it will be a beautiful warm day on June 4th, 2016 (I just know it!) and we will be ready to conquer Mudderella Chicago once again!

Are you with me? If you would like to spend a day overcoming personal challenges, giving your fitness goals a boost, and filling your soul with feelings of empowerment and support, then Mudderella is for you! There is no incorrect definition of "success," as ALL women are welcome to participate to discover just how possible it is to Own Your Strong.

Right now Mudderella has six events planned for 2016 (be sure to check back as they add more!), so it's easy to find the one nearest you:

• Grayslake, IL - June 4, 2016
• Englishtown, NJ - June 18, 2016
• Epping, NH - July 30, 2016
• Kitchener, Ontario - August 27, 2016
• Whistler, British Columbia - September 24, 2016
• Melbourne, Australia - December 3, 2016

Visit Mudderella.com to find out more and sign up in your area — remember that even if you aren't feeling all that physically fit at the moment (me!) that the Mudderella Training Program can help you get there!

You can also feel your own motivation build by visiting Mudderella.com and connecting with this incredible event on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Instagram.

I have been provided with Mudderella registration codes in order to facilitate my review, but all of the information and opinions shared are 100% honest and my own.

The Tiny Smart Robot for All Ages: Ozobot Starter Pack {Review}

Although it is a little bit of a blow to the ego, I have no doubt that both of my children will grow up to be far more technologically-skilled than I am. After all, right now I can still manage to muddle my way through using just about any device or application, but the way that they can both pick up gadgets or apps and instinctively know what to do is a regular way of life for them.

On top of that, when I grew up I had toys and games that were just that, toys and games. Kids these days? They have amazing, incredible, innovative things that are far more than just toys in that they are fun but also fully educational.

In fact, they are technologically-advanced, fully interactive miniature robots that can change the way that children learn and play — they are Ozobot!

An open-ended, user-friendly, extremely unique robotic system, Ozobot promotes social interaction, computational thinking, and confidence-building all in one teeny tiny package. While STEM-infused toys and gadgets are more and more commonly available these days, I was instantly drawn to the fact that Ozobot can be controlled simply by drawing colored lines. What better way to get even the youngest of children excited about programming!

This holiday season, it was the perfect time to check out the joy of coding with the Ozobot Starter Pack.

Including all the necessary tools to ignite the imaginations of children while inspiring and enticing them to play with Ozobot, we couldn't wait to open the Starter Pack (available in red or blue) box and take this tiny robot out to play.

Inside, we found four code-creating markers, two clear play surface sheets, two sheets of reusable Ozobot code stickers, a DIY blank customizable Ozobot skin and DIY skin sticker sheets, and a charging USB cable.

Have you ever looked at a robot and thought it was adorable? I haven't — until now!

I always appreciate products that don't require extended setup, installation, construction, charging or more before they are ready for use and Ozobot is exactly that!

I simply glanced over the Quick Start Guide and marveled at the sheer number of stickers, accessories and activities that were included in this set...

...and followed the 2-second instructions to calibrate our Ozobot to a large black dot (seen in the upper right of the above photo).

Then it was time to press the power button and set Ozobot loose to see it immediately start following any of the lines printed on the activity sheets. This cute little guy even changes the color of his lights to match whatever color line he is rolling along on!

While I was content to simply watch Ozobot zip back and forth along a variety of simple routes (what can I say? It's so cute to watch!), both Big Sister E and Little Sister B were more than eager to put their logic, programming, and reasoning skills to work to extend the experience even further.

We began by using the included markers to draw a variety of lines and designs, quickly realizing that Ozobot is easily customized just by changing the color, direction, and shape of the lines. The girls took one look at the Code Reference Sheet (showing which color combinations would cause Ozobot to do things such as speed up, slow down, spin around, etc.) and started drawing patterns and designs for him to follow!

At the same time, the ability to "dress" Ozobot in all sorts of ways with the various protective skins made everything even more enticing (and cute, may I add)!

Attractiveness aside, I love how simply playing with Ozobot led to the girls and I talking about how it can identify color and therefore the color sequences act as commands for it to follow. This little gadget truly makes it so that programming is not just for geeks, it's for everyone!

In the time since our Ozobot Starter Pack arrived, its appeal hasn't lessened one bit. The ability to do more simple or more complex activities with this one-inch robot has provided a huge range of opportunities for logic, critical thinking, problem solving, seeing how the idea for a sequence of commands can turn into a visual outcome, and much more.

Whether you are coming up with your own innovative paths for this enchanting robot to follow or are using the mission-based activities to figure out exactly what commands he needs to get from point A to point B...

...Ozobot can foster a love of technology for kids of all ages!

I can't even tell you all the fun that we have had with this amazing little piece of technology, so just take a peek at it in action in the great video that the company made to show it off!


To find out more about what Ozobot can do (there is a free app to extend the enrichment even further!), see why retailers and parents are in love with this award-winning robot, or simply to decided if Cool Blue or Lava Red would be a better choice for the child in your life to unwrap this holiday season, visit Ozobot.com and connect with them on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

The Ozobot Starter Pack is recommended for ages 6+ and retails for $49.99. It can be purchased from retailers such as Barnes and Noble and Toys "R" Us, on Amazon, and more.

Other than the Starter Pack I was sent from Ozobot in order to facilitate my review, I was not compensated or enticed to do this post in any way. This review is solely my honest opinion about this product.