Thursday, January 31, 2013

Trail mix Chex treat recipe


I put this recipe together for Valentine's Day but anytime and any occasion would be perfect. 
Bring it to your next party or make it for movie night!

Isabelle Thornton Trail mix treat recipe

4 cups rice Chex mix cereal
1 cup assorted nuts with sea salt
1 cup caramel bits or equivalent in squares
1/2 cup M & Ms
1/2 cup semi sweet chocolate chips


In bowl add cereal, M & M, nuts.

Melt the caramel in a separate bowl for 20 seconds at a time in the microwave. When melted add to the cereal and mix well.

When mix is still sticky make little mounts the size of golf bowls using your hands or 2 spoons. Place on parchment paper.

In separate bowl melt semi sweet chocolate every 10 seconds at a time. When melted sprinkle with a fork on the top of the mix mounts. 
let set and place in cupcake liners.
You can use this recipe also as a gift like shown in this Gift for teacher's post



Wednesday, January 30, 2013

Puppet Masterpiece Theatre App Review

I love original and unique child stories. I sat down with my little girl to experience Puppet Masterpiece Theatre by Organa. The color, artwork, characters and voices are simply charming on all levels. She would move the puppets around the screen and was completely engaged with the story about friendship. The characters are straight from a child’s imagination and something every child will gravitate to.

The story is broken with interactive games that include puzzles, painting, mazes, etc. Instead of just listening or reading a story my daughter was able to be a part of it. It is a story that is completely child friendly and something your child can play over and over again with different interaction. 


Here are some screenshots and more about the story origins:
 


"Puppet Masterpiece Theater: The Circus is a delightful interactive puppet show inspired by the imagination of a real-life child and brought to life years later on the iPad! When Alexandra Conn was just 11-years-old, she created a paper puppet show with unique handmade characters and an engaging story about a group of friends who get more than they bargain for when a circus comes to town. Now an adult and an accomplished artist, Alexandra has brought her original puppet show and illustrations to life through beautiful animation, music, games and more for all children to enjoy!"



Get this original and amazing app here:
https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/puppet-masterpiece-theatre/id564227242?mt=8

Tuesday, January 29, 2013

Telling time – learning kids to tell time with the interactive Fun Clock By Mingoville Education App Review



My 5 year old is learning to tell time in kindergarten. I have noticed a couple of things now on this my 3rd child learning this lesson. First, she loses attention very quickly. Second, telling time from scratch can be hard to teach. My 3rd child gets the cool benefit of technology. It is easier and a lot more fun to learn to tell time with apps. Mingoville Education’s Telling Time app has an interactive and effective teaching experience for time telling youngsters. 

I loved the animation of the birds, the background voices and the iPhone interface to drag and drop the numbers and hour & minute hands on the clock. The exercises reinforce the learning and make telling time a fun and memorable lesson. 

Here are some screenshots from the app:



The following games are included:
✔ Learn to build your own clock 
✔ Talking clock 
✔ Learn to set the time Move the hands to tell time 
✔ Choose the right clock to make the bus depart 
✔ Tilt the ipad or iphone to move the numbers to the right position on the clock 

Get this excellent teaching app here:

Monday, January 28, 2013

Valentine Features and a link party!




Linking these posts to Facebook and pinning to Pinterest.
Link anything Home decor, Valentine and French inspired.I will keep this linky up until Valentine's day.

My next giveaway will be February 1st. My favorite beauty products and my blog Anniversary. It will be big!.

Please be courteous and link back to your host Le chateau des fleurs.




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I also have a new "Shabby chic" button if you would like to grab it! 


Saturday, January 26, 2013

Kids Animal Piano App Review


I have a 5 year old and 1 year old girl. They are fascinated with animals and animal sounds at this age. The Kids Animal Piano app is designed as a piano with the different color coded piano keys to play animal sounds for all the major animals. I sat down with my 2 girls and experimented with all the different animal sounds and ranges. The app also plays the following songs:

• BINGO
• Black Sheep
• Brother John
• Happy Birthday
• This Old Man
• Itsy Bitsy Spider *
• Twinkle Twinkle Little Star *
• 5 Little Monkeys *
• Hush Little Baby *
• Alphabet Song *
( * available in Kids Animal Piano PRO version)

The itsy bitsy spider and twinkle twinkle little star songs were our favorites. The app is available for both iPhone and iPad. My girls kept asking me to play throughout the day. Kids Animal Piano is well designed, easy to use and will create interactive and fun app memories with your little ones.


Get the Kids Animal Piano app here:
https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/kids-animal-piano/id541458791?mt=8


Thursday, January 24, 2013

Reader Rabbit Preschool App review


My girl has been off school for 3 weeks. We are on all year round school. I really love it because if you want to go somewhere in January when everyone is in school you get the place all to yourself. I can also sleep in and do fun things with the kids and there is no crowd. The downside to it is that the kids get off track also with the studying. I have to keep them busy with very good books and also great games.  

My girl has this App that she really loves. yesterday, she could not let the iPad go. She was playing Reader Rabbit a really fun and education App and she was delighted. She smiled at me after 20 minutes and said “ I am smart!” Don’t you love it when you find something that makes your child happy? 





Reader Rabbit Apps teach kids basic Preschool skills like letters and sounds, shapes and colors, matching, and counting through a series of fun and entertaining mini-games. Reader Rabbit is available for Preschool, Kindergarten, 1st Grade and 2nd Grade.
After school my girl was looking for the iPad to play some more. This is surely on my list for after school play, weekend or even off school material.


Get this cute and educational here:
https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/reader-rabbit-preschool/id473567305?mt=8

Tuesday, January 22, 2013

What's in my closet? App review


I have a confession to make or let’s say a few. First I love clothes, if I was paid to shop I would be at the mall all day, everyday. Second, I have many styles and I love a lot of things in all colors of the rainbow. Third, I don’t know what I have in my closet or where things are. 

I just found my favorite shirt in my husband’s closet and I forgot it was my favorite shirt and I had it! I got an App for that lets me know now for example how many scarves I have in what color and where they are. They all migrated to my Bedroom closet. I really love this tool for organizing my belongings. Even Jewelry. I always forget what I have and ended up buying another black necklace the other day. It was on sale, yes but I could have saved the money for something else...




What’s in my closet is here to help you with:
•Know what you’ve got
•Know where it is
•Keep track of your things
•Save time when you need to find something
•Help save money by not buying things you already own
•Free up valuable space

Get this fabulous and fashionable App here:
https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/whats-in-my-closet/id534537666?mt=8

Monday, January 21, 2013

Valentine's day feature, It's the link party!

Glass slippers and all sorts of stuff shared her Valentine decor and this heart cards banner that I fell in love with last week and I love all her accessories. So cute!! You have to check them out. Shabby chic too!




Linking this posts to Facebook and pinning to Pinterest.
Link anything Home decor, Valentine and French inspired.

My next giveaway will be February 1st. My favorite beauty products and my blog Anniversary. It will be big!.

Please be courteous and link back to your host Le chateau des fleurs.




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I also have a new "Shabby chic" button if you would like to grab it! 


Thursday, January 17, 2013

Decimals: Addition Math App Review

When I tell my daughter it is time to do her math homework and practice decimals she always gives me THE FACE. Yes, I know all of you have seen the face at one time or another. I found the cutest app that turns math, decimals and addition into GOOD words. The app is based in your virtual room. You get to dress up your app avatar from a closet full of fun clothes, do your decimal math work and play interactive math games; the alien invader game is my favorite. Finally you are rewarded for correct work and get to collect a shelf full of achievements / trophies.

Here are some screenshots from my math adventure:



It is such a cute, fun interactive design that teaches valuable math learning. It is great for the classroom and for individual study. The app is completely kid friendly so when they are playing the interactive games you will know that they are also learning math principles at the same time. The app motivates kids to learn and keeps them engaged the entire time.

 


Get my new favorite math app here:
https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/decimals-addition/id574358722?mt=8


Healthy dessert: baked apple recipe

I used to make these baked apples with my Mom when I was a kid in France. It is very easy and healthy and my kids love them too. Baby loves to chew on them. This is a great dessert for an healthy diet.


Healthy baked apple recipe. Organic, Vegetarian, Vegan dessert

1 Organic apple per person (Fuji here but any red or golden apple will work)
1 slice of Hazelnut bread per person (or your favorite and usual healthy bread)
1 Tablespoon Organic brown sugar or 1/2 Tablespoon Organic Aguave.
1/2 Tablespoon oats per apple.

Preheat oven at 350.
In small individual dish, cut your slice of bread to fit the dish.
Core the apple with a knife in a square shape or use an apple corer, place on the bread. Add the brown sugar or Aguave in the middle of the apple and then sprinkle the Oats on top.
Bake for 40 minutes or until the apple is tender and brown.

Wednesday, January 16, 2013

25 ways how to tie a scarf


Video:


I was thinking about trying one way to tie my scarf once a day this month since it's so cold? I am trying the "bunny ears" tomorrow.
I find this video on Facebook but could not find the creator of it. If you find out. Let me know.
This video is a keeper. Don't you think?

Tuesday, January 15, 2013

Lucky Mon Luck Test App review


Why are we all attracted to the concept of luck? I once heard the definition of luck is “Opportunity with preparedness”. I actually like that definition that favors the prepared. On the other hand, I have to admit that I will take luck any way or any how I come across it. Are you lucky? How lucky are you? I can’t answer those questions but you may be able to find the answers in the Lucky Mon App! 




Take the Luck Test to find out how lucky you really are. Could you be the luckiest of all players around the world today or did you have more luck yesterday? Compare your luck over days or weeks and with others in the Game Center. Participate in global happiness and luck assessment. Become the best seven-dot ladybug seeker, the fastest four-leaf clover seeker, or the smartest goldfish catcher...you will need good eyes, quick fingers and a bit of luck. 

- Really fun 10-step Luck Test measures how lucky you are
- Try the 3 Seeker games - all levels now enabled!!
- Real Luck Monitor - compare your luck and watch daily changes
- Be a part of global happiness and luck assessment
- Utilizes Game Center and Luckmon.com for comparison



Test your luck with this fun and interactive App:
https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/luck-monitor/id405618091?mt=8&ign-mpt=uo%3D4

Monday, January 14, 2013

Yummy panini and tea set features, come link up!




Linking these posts to Facebook and pinning to Pinterest.
Link anything Home decor, Valentine and French inspired.
Enter my Giveaway it ends 1/15!
Please be courteous and link back to your host Le chateau des fleurs.




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I also have a new "Shabby chic" button if you would like to grab it! 


Wednesday, January 9, 2013

Learning to Write With Smart Balloons App Review

Let me know if this sounds familiar…. “It’s time to put down the iPad and do your homework!” With the Learning to Write with Smart Balloons By Jan Friml you can now say, “It’s time to pick up the iPad and practice writing”. You kids will love to practice the basics and techniques of writing with the Smart Balloons app.


The app starts with basic finger strokes across the screen and increases in difficulty, direction and shape with each increasing level completed. When the stroke is not correct the app will gently prompt you and repeats the drill so you can get it right. When you successfully complete a level you get to pump and pop the balloon which my 5 year old absolutely loves!




Here is some more detail and screenshots about the app:
Writing is one of the basic activities which children learn after entering school. In their exercise books and under the teacher's supervision, they train lines, arcs, loops and many other graphomotor elements.

Although the iPad cannot teach your child the correct pencil grip or body posture, it can be a very good tool for training the shapes used in learning to write. By "finger writing", the brain activates the same centers the child uses when writing with a pencil.

You can get my favorite new child writing app here:

https://itunes.apple.com/app/learning-to-write-smart-balloons/id582926119?mt=8

Tuesday, January 8, 2013

Lately according to my iphone

Chocolate mouth. We love French chocolates from Mamie.

Soleil is 11 months and is a smartie. She does all those funny things like head butting me or pulling my hair in the morning to wake me up "cough". Yesterday we received a box from my Mom from Paris with yummy chocolate and the cutie would get a bite and then laugh... She is always trying to get in trouble in the dog food. Especially the dog water. She says lots of little words like "more" when she wants to eat and  "uh oh". She dances and sings.




Utah has been so cold that ice isn't melting on the drive way. Way too cold for me.
We went for Pho with the kids. I am so addicted to Pho I could eat it everyday.
Our tree this year was a floked tree with some red ornaments. I really wanted to plant a Bruce tree in our front yard just to put lights on it!




My 5 year old got into my lipsticks again


I love my calendar. Every year I have to have a Thomas Kinkade one



Monday, January 7, 2013

Shabby chic Features. It's the French Party!

Sorry it took me so long to get the party started. My baby and family took all my time and I never got to do it. I am starting a new party for February. This party gets a lot of views, it's great traffic for you and also you get exposure on Facebook if you are Featured. Direct traffic then. I hope your first week in the New Year was a good one! Below are the Featured posts:

Penny's Vintage home shared her some fun Home decor from 2012. This shed is so Shabby chic and gorgeous!

Butterfly and bungalow shared her house makeover. Inside out it is amazing and you have to see it. Such a great inspiration! Here is the picture of the gorgeous Shabby chic bedroom!

Glass slippers and all sort of things shared her New Year party and those shabby chic party hats! LOVE!

Thanks so much for joining our party!

I will pin this on Pinterest!

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For the party, link old and new French inspired posts and Home decor posts and since it is January give us so Valentine inspirations too!!

My favorites will be linked to pinterest and Featured on Facebook.
I would ask you to visit the post before you and leave a comment and to Google + this post. It will help everyone get the most exposure.






Follow Me on Pinterest

I have the January party going on now. My favorite beauty products are for grabs. Don't forget to enter!




Please be courteous and link back to your host Le chateau des fleurs.




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I also have a new "Shabby chic" button if you would like to grab it! 


Friday, January 4, 2013

ABC Sounds App Review

I am a fan of the NBC show The Voice. I think the judges have the best job in the world listening to that great voice talent. Like the TV show, the voice behind ABC Sounds makes all the difference. My daughter instantly connected to the voice and learning pattern presented here. There is a slow and relaxing pattern and beat that children just love and that promotes learning retention. All the music and vocals are performed by the professional Barbara Milne.


The app makes all the animal and object pictures look slightly like the letters and even has a hidden letter in the picture. It is a simple but fantastic tool to help your child recognize and learn quickly. You can swipe through the letters back and forth to repeat the ones that need practice. It is perfect for young kids and for the classroom as well. This app stands out above the rest for learning the ABCs and sounds.





You can get this fabulous app here:

https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/abcsounds-lite/id568754054?mt=8
Contact me at: isafrenchy@gmail.com