Sylvania DOT-it Checkers Giveaway

Sylvania DOT-it Checkers are button-sized, portable LED lights. They have magnetic and adhesive backing options and are waterproof for multipurpose use. They push to operate and have constant and blinking modes.  Check out how they are used in Sylvania's Lights. Action. DOT-it Airstream trailer.

I have four packages to give away to four randomly chosen winners. Just leave a comment as to how you would use them. Contest ends October 15 at 11pm and is open to residents of US and Canada.

Trivia for Charity

If you're a fan of Free Rice, where you test your vocabulary to donate free rice to the UN World Food Program, then you need to check out Trivia For Charity as well. This trivia site that donates money to the American Cancer Society, Habitat for Humanity, and The Humane Society. For each correct answer a small donation is made to the charity that the visitor picks. It is incredibly addictive as it tallies your score against other visitors.

Need a brain boost? Try Brainiversity!

"Brain games" are all the rage these days, offering fun "edutainment" for all ages. The success of brain games for the Nintendo DS such as the Brain Age series and Big Brain Academy offer testament to this fact. But what if you want to the benefit of playing these games without having to fork over $130 for a Nintendo DS? Brainiversity for Windows is the answer.

Brainiversity features 16 different activities covering Language, Memory, Math and Analysis and is played in English or Spanish. You can track your progress over daily exams and compare them with your friends and family. Under the practice mode, you can unlock activities as you make progress.The host, Edison the light bulb, shares fun facts including J.K. Rowling's birthday.

My son and I (the avid gamers in our family) tried out the game and give it two thumbs up. It was a bit difficult for my 7-year-old son at first, as some of the math questions involve multiplication and division, but he managed fine. A junior version is in the works from by Red Sprite Studios.

Brainiversity is offered by Brighter Minds Media. Check out their entire line of books and games for children as well as their weekly contest.

Templeton Turtle Goes Exploring

Templeton Turtle Goes Exploring

Ron Pridmore's first book, Templeton Turtle Goes Exploring, is sure to be a hit.  The story is based on a dream and tells about a baby turtle as he journeys around his pond for the first time, meeting animals of every size and personalities.  Templeton experiences disappointment, friendship, fear and ultimately community.  My children, 7 and 4, both give the book a thumbs up.

The book is beautifully illustrated by Michele-lee Phelan and my daughter enjoyed quietly looking at the pictures afterwards, searching for fish and other details.

Ron Pridmore is a strong advocate of letting children experience wildlife and the outdoors, especially in this age of television and video games.  According to the Children and Nature Network, 8-year-old children can identify 25 percent more Pokemon characters than wildlife species.  "I hope that Templeton's story will inspire other children to spend more time outside," Pridmore says.  "With the green movement continually growing in prominence and the state of our environment in the balance, it's more important than ever for our kids to have an appreciation for nature."

Ron Pridmore answered some of my questions about his new book:

1. Did the story of the book really come from a dream?  Yes, the story came from a dream I had. When I woke up the story was so real, it felt like I was there. In my dream Templeton didn't have a name, he was just a turtle that I dreamed about. I wrote the story just as I dreamed it.
2. How would you suggest that children explore the outside world safely in this age of Lyme disease and West Nile cirus?  I would suggest, in the case of Lyme disease, to try and go to parks with nice walking trails that have been cleared of over-grown brush and trees. When you get home check one another to make sure you don't have any ticks on your body and take a warm shower. These steps should protect you from Lyme disease. Here in Napa we have several parks with nice walking trails, and I have never had a problem with ticks. For the West Nile virus I would suggest that before you go hiking spray yourself with Off Deep Woods mosquito repellent. It has long-lasting protection and also helps protect from ticks. Mosquitoes are stubborn, so take the can of spray with you in your back pack just in case you need to spray yourself again. If you follow these suggestions you will be fine and can enjoy the outdoors safely.

If you visit Eco-Libris by August 2nd, you can also enter to win their review copy of Templeton Turtle Goes Exploring.

We are featured in 5 Minutes for Mom

The Tees For Change giveaway is featured on 5 Minutes For Mom's 5 Minutes Around the Blogosphere today. Also check out the twin mom's store Pedal Cards and Retro Collectibles.

Tees For Change Giveaway

Tees For Change carries a line of eco-friendly organic cotton and bamboo tees adorned with positive messages. They are available in women's and men's styles as well as a 100% organic cotton baby line.

To win this live fully tee in organic cotton jersey, visit Tees For Change and leave a comment with your favorite "mission", or t-shirt saying by August 8th, 2008 at 11pm.  The winner will be chosen randomly and must have a valid e-mail address.  Shipping to US and Canada.

You can also receive 15% off your order by using the code "mommybytes" until August 31, 2008.

Weekly Contest from Brighter Minds Media

Stop by the Brighter Minds Media Contest site every week to enter to win cool educational prizes from Brighter Minds Media.  I have been a fan of their site since their Halloween contest where they awarded every entry with a prize package.  We got a ton of books, and a game CD just for entering.  So stop by or subscribe to their contest page.