The Masks We Wear- Featuring Imagine By Rubie's

Momma Told Me: Masks are an accessory, only you can define the person behind them.


With all of the Marvel and superhero hype over the past few years the topic of superheroes is constantly brought up in discussions with friends, as well as during the children's free play. Girl or boy, the kids in our group can't get enough of superheroes. But an interesting question was asked by the 8 year old, and promptly answered by the 5 year year old just the other day;

Daisy (8): "If superheroes are so awesome, why do they need a disguise to cover up who they really are?"

Lynnsey (5): "Because nobody would believe they had super powers if they didn't wear their uniforms!"

Of course any self respecting nerd knows that superheros commonly devise a uniform, or disguise, as a way to ultimately protect their identity from the villains who seek to harm them. More specifically, to protect the identity of those they love and care for most. But this did bring up an interesting theme for a conversation. Most modern day superheroes follow a universe story-line in which their identities are quite public. Sure, some people need their mask to function as part of a suit (Ant-Man, Iron Man, etc) but do superheroes need a uniform in order to be super?

The answer is, of course, no.

When I was a little girl Momma forbid masks in the house. While I suspect this was party due to a -minor- incident involving a Halloween mask, the upstairs hallway, and my father's lack of appropriate timing in something that was otherwise humorous (long story,) she maintained that "While you will wear many hats in your life, you need never wear a mask." It was her argument that I could be whatever I wanted, no matter what I wore. She was right, of course.

But are masks always used as a crutch, something to hide behind?

For a long time I struggled with this myself. As a blogger I find I am almost constantly wearing some form of mask- whether it's a touched up photo, or simply the best angle of my home on camera. My physical impression is loud, dramatic, and strong- but it's just the surface of what I have to offer, and what lies beneath. At the same time, the socially awkward, anxious, introvert that first put on this mask 5 years ago has found confidence and strengths behind it. Strengths I take with me when the mask is off. The person I am when the camera is away, when I'm 'on my own,' has tremendously benefited from the mask I wear.

Our masks in life are our accessories. They don't define our superpowers, and we are no less fantastic once we take them off. Okay, it would be a little strange watching a man in a button down and jeans fly through the sky to rescue a woman from a burning building- but that's only because we're conditioned to look for something flashy and different in the first place. Clark Kent doesn't become Superman, he is always Superman, uniform or not, his powers, his heart, his determination, don't go away. So, the next time in your life you feel as though you are naked, caught without a mask, remember it was you who conquered and overcame every single time before.

Of course, us modern day superheroes have to make due without all the glitz and glamor of custom outfits, cascading capes, and glittered masks. It's just not practical on a blogger's budget, you know? But you and your little ones can enjoy authentic DC licensed masks and costumes from Imagine by Rubies. No, this is not a sponsored mention, we just happened across 2 of their masks and have thoroughly enjoyed them. You'll find the My Super Best Friends (glitter) kid's mask and DC Batman mask made by Imagine by Rubie's seen above on Amazon and at a variety of toy retailers nationwide. Regardless, let's discuss what it means to be your own superhero and what types of masks we wear in the real world today!


What Daughter Says: Be your own superhero, no matter the uniform.

A New Generation Of Builders With Magnetic Stick N' Stack

We received complimentary product in order to help facilitate the article below, regardless all photos and opinions are genuine and copyright Momma Told Me Blog 2016.

Momma Told Me: If you imagine it, you can build it.

As a young girl I was considered quite the tom boy. While my cousins were toting around baby dolls in toy strollers, playing 'house', I was often drafting the plans for building block skyscrapers and baking glow-in-the-dark bugs with my Creeper Crawler oven. It wasn't the specific type of activity I craved, it was an opportunity to create or problem solve that I truly loved. From early grade school I found myself spending hours making something from nothing- whether with my mothers' crafting scraps, discarded toilet paper rolls, or rainbow building blocks. If Momma said I couldn't have a dragon, Id' make one- if my father told me I'd have to wait until my birthday for new action figures, I'd make new clothes and personas for the old ones. And I am so glad to say that, even in a few short generations, building is now widely accepted as a gender-less play-time activity.

In fact, building blocks are the most popular toys at the after-school daycare I work with on Thursdays. Regardless of a child's age, gender, or background, each can enjoy the satisfaction of bringing their imagination to life, when playing with building blocks.

Of course, as the times change, so do the toys- yet some of the most awesome toys on the shelf remain those with the simplest of concepts, and the most limitless of possibilities. Enter Magnetic Stick N' Stack tiles by Shape Mags. Quite possibly the coolest building blocks ever (and yes, I'm comparing them to blocks that glow in the dark, light up, or stick together like Velcro) these translucent colored tiles feature carefully placed internal magnets which magically fasten them to one another in an almost never ending configuration of shapes and patterns.

Now, you may have seen similar toys at your child's school, daycare, or even in advanced learning classes- There are a few other brands out there cornering the magnetic block movement. However, Magnetic Stick N' Stack sets are actually more affordable than those 'other' brands, while also being 100% compatible! They're also incredibly durable, and the perfect size for small hands- great for kids as young as age 3+.

And, while we did have several 3 and 4 year-olds on hand to build with these, right out of the box, I have to say the adults and even tweens were also eagerly waiting on their turn as well! So what can you expect if you have littles afoot? Magnetic Stick N' Stack sets are perfect for homes with multi-aged children, or toddlers- children can not only grow with the tiles, but also grow and learn while playing with others as well! Carter is often very reserved, yet extremely articulate in his thought processes- at 5 he built several 3-dimensional structures and even a multi-layer vehicle. His pride was evident, as he'd stop those around him often to exclaim, "Look guys! Look what I made!"

Magnetic Stick N' Stack pieces are a little on the heavy side, compared to other brands, which gives me confident they will outlast other sets and toys. This also means a more deliberate hand is required in advance structure design. Lynnsey, age 6, was keen to spot structural flaws in her magnetic structures and would visibly light up anytime she happened to solve a 'problem.' Many of the younger kids worked on a 'piece by piece' level, while the older kids (10+) would gather a group of pieces for their design prior.

I can't lie- I spent my fair share of time trying to sneak away unused pieces to build with. There was something calming as I was taken back to my own childhood of building fantastical structures. I especially enjoyed the more advanced concepts of weights and balances, or structural support. By the time I got my 'penguin' complete, above, I had several pairs of eyes on me. And that's when it officially became a group toy- suddenly the kids were donating their pieces to make one, giant, structure together. And you can't ask much more from a toy than to foster communication, problem solving, and friendship, while remaining wildly fun.

Magnetic Stick N' Stack sets come in a variety of shapes and sizes. I highly suggest investing in a Master or Engineer Builder set to start. While you may not seem too keen to leap into the investment at first, I promise you the wide range of shapes will provide endless entertainment. Once children have had a chance to explore the types of structures they can, and prefer to, make, then you can add on supplemental pieces like a dome set, or building plate. And, did I mention- these don't hurt to step on (that's a building block joke for you!)

If your child is a little less creative, and needs some inspiration- or prefers to recreate and build based on concepts, Magnetic Stick N' Stack also makes some really durable idea books that tuck right away with the blocks. We often started building one concept, then used the foundation of the idea to make something a little more our own. Before long, the kids were going wild creating their own buildings, cars, bridges, animals and more! This is definitely one toy I could have spent hours a day with growing up!

What Daughter Says: I never outgrew building blocks- now kids can grow with a whole new way to build and imagine.

Blog POP! Spring Fling: EggDrop Blind Toy Subscription Boxes Giveaway 4/7

We received the following product or service complimentary in hopes we would share our genuine experiences here on the blog. All photos contained below are copyright Momma Told Me Blog 2016.

Momma Told Me: The best things are worth waiting on.

I spent the first 11 years of my life growing up in a condominium complex. I recall it as rather large, and there were only 2 central mailbox hubs for residents to retrieve their mail from. It seemed as though our mailbox was located precisely halfway through the complex, exactly 7 rows of buildings (I know, I counted every single day.) Momma hated the walk and found this aspect of shared wall living quite inconvenient. Some days she'd refuse to get the mail at all, "We'll grab both days tomorrow, it's not worth the walk," she'd say. But for me, the mail was magical.

Modern snail mail may have lost a little bit of it's sparkle for today's generation, but there was a time when I skipped ahead just to get to that tiny little metal cube. Momma always bought me these wonderful books with enchanting titles like "100 Free Things For Kids To Send Away For," or "Mail For Kids Under $1" and all you had to do was fill out a PPRAE, or postage paid return addressed envelope, and send it away to the addresses inside and get wonderful surprises in the mail back. Many of the times it was as small as a Smokey the Bear sticker, a coloring book, or a plastic boomerang, but the act of anticipating the mail's arrival, and the surprises inside, was simply the best. Never mind how easy it was for Momma to get me to practice my handwriting AND math skills when filling out all of these stamped envelopes on my own!

Today's generation is still very much obsessed with surprise and anticipation- but they practice their excitement while watching others open boxes and eggs online. EggDrop was inspired by youth's obsession with surprise, or 'blind' packs and the ever so popular Surprise Egg phenomenon. However, it is NOT a service where you get surprises inside eggs (despite some of the graphics on the website and the title of the plan itself.) I'll admit there was a bit of sadness in my heart when I opened our first box and realized that all of the surprises where immediately visible to the recipient.

However, the contents of the box, itself, is a surprise- and many of the items inside are 'blind packs' or pre-packaged (often collectible) toys that contain random characters or pieces from a larger branded line of toys. For example, Shopkins and Squinkies, or Marvel Miniatures. These lines of toys come in easy to tear foil pouches containing 1-3 mini toy characters inside. If your child is big on collecting things- this is the service for you. Though, again, I have to say I was a bit bummed the initial surprise was busted as soon as the top of the box flipped open- I was genuinely expecting each toy/surprise to come in their own compartment, or even egg. (Which would be really cool for kids to enjoy the box over several days, and double the surprise of the items inside.)

Having said this, there's no denying the awesome inside and the value for the price. We're talking name brand, in demand cartoon characters starting at just $19.99 a month (or less if you buy a year in advance) for 6 random items, or $29.99 a month for a more custom selection. We easily pay $3-$5 or more for each of the items included in our EggDrop, in a retail store- so the price is a deal. And, I have to say, it does bring the magic of the 'snail' mailbox back again!

February's EggDrop box included 1 Minion Silicone Slap Bracelet (which I so desperately tried to haggle off the girls for my collection, unsuccessfully, then discovered I could only find it on sale online for $8!) 1 Big Hero 6 Dog Tag (which was immediately put on with excitement, just like the slap bracelet,) 1 Pocket POP! Frozen themed character (We got Anna and Elsa, but I hear Olaf was in the mix too,) 1 Marvel Superheroes Blind Bag, 1 Squinkies Blind Bag, and 1 Shopkins Blind Bag. I really loved that there was a mix of 'boys' and 'girls' themed toys (if you're into gender labeling,) and that even the less girly toys were exciting to the 4 year old and 8 year old girls who un-boxed them. I have to admit, the dog tag was a complete surprise and turned out to be just the coolest thing for the kids (who knew?) I think we might have to subscribe to EggDrop and use the surprises inside as behavior incentives each month. Only new rule- I get to pick my favorite surprise out first!

What Daughter Says: EggDrop makes snail mail fun for kids again.

A big thanks to EggDrop for donating 2 EggDrop Classic Boxes to our daycare group, and for providing one lucky reader with 2 EggDrop Classic Boxes of their own! Enter the giveaway below then hop along on the giveaway LINKY to enter for more amazing prizes!

Blog POP!: Bears For Humanity: 100% Organic Certified, U.S.A. Made, Buy One Give One Teddy Bears

We received a Bears For Humanity sample, and donation on our behalf, in exchange for our honest thoughts here. All photos contained below are copyright Momma Told Me Blog 2015.

Momma Told Me: Imagine. If every time you did something for yourself, someone else was helped too.


What's in a teddy bear?

I like to think something magical.

A teddy bear is so much more than a toy- it's your child's first friend, a symbol of love, the most important guest at a tea party, something passed down from generation to generation, and for thousands of children passing through tough times, a symbol of comfort and hope. A teddy bear is a familiar face, a gentle hug, and a reminder that someone is loved, no matter who or where they are.

I recently had a talk with a girlfriend of mine about childhood toys and long lost memories. I could almost see the vivid picture she painted of her mother's attic, and long lost friends. A rocking horse her grandfather made for her, a slinky she'd watched crawl down her front porch steps hundreds of times, and a faded old teddy bear missing his left eye. She'd had an ordinary childhood, as ordinary goes; 2 parents, gifts on Christmas morning, and a dog in the backyard. "I out grew most of my toys by 10, I'd rather spend my time outside or with my friends than playing with trinkets and things," she explained, "But that silly little bear," she'd paused as though she were drinking warm memories, "I kept that bear on my bed until the day I went off to college. I don't think I ever outgrew it."

What followed was a long talk about the value of 'things,' and the way in which we, as humans, find comfort in such material objects. The conversation ended with a declarative statement, "Every child should have a teddy bear," to which I whole-heartedly agree. And that, my friends, is just one of the core beliefs behind the beautiful handcrafted teddies at Bears For Humanity. In fact, the founder believe so strongly in the purity of a teddy bear as a comforting and iconic childhood symbol that they're committed the brand to product teddy bears only made from 100% organic materials. A Bear as wholesome and naturally cuddle-worthy as your child.

But that's far from all, Bears For Humanity will also donate an equal bear, for every bear purchased, to one of 5 amazing charities, Semper Fi, Toys For Tots, Lucile Packard Children's Hospital, One Simple Wish, or Save The Children. When you buy one of these adorable classically designed teddy bears you get to choose the charity which receives your bear donation! One bear for you or your loved one, and one to a child desperately in need of a huggable best friend. And each an every bear is currently made by loving hands of employees located here in my home state, California- providing jobs to, in most cases mothers, who so desperately need them!

Bears For Humanity are unlike any teddy bear you'd pull off the shelf in the toy store. Not only are their 100% certified organic materials safe for your child to cuddle and grow with, their feature beautiful detailing from tufted fur and jointed arms and legs, to that classic pinched teddy bear face. Choose from 16" Premium Bears in 5 beautiful colors or 7" Baby Bears, as well as adorable accessories such as shirts and bow ties! Doesn't Sammie just look dapper in his red tie? We simply cannot sing enough praise for this socially conscious toy brand; we've even donated our Blue Sweetie Baby Bear to our local Toys For Tots to help emphasize the message  and spirit of giving with our little ones! If you're still shopping for a gift that goes beyond smiles today, to a lasting gift tomorrow, check out and support Bears For Humanity this holiday season.

What Daughter Says: The only thing better than hugging a teddy bear is knowing someone else is hugging one too.

 

Bring Imaginations To Life With 3D Magic Maker

***I received the following product in hopes I would share our honest thoughts and experiences, which I'm about to do. All opinions are unique and my own, and all photos are copyright Momma Told Me Blog 2015.

Momma Told Me: Bring your imagination to life.

When I was in grade school one of my absolute favorite toys wasn't an Easy Bake Oven, it was a toy molding oven known as the Creepy Crawler Oven. While it was marketed  heavily towards boys, and featured primarily super heroes, monsters, and insects as the topic for most of it's molds, I was fascinated by the opportunity to create a toy of my own I could physically hold. For years it was my favorite toy- I owned almost a hundred mold 'plates' and had spent countless of my parent's hard earned dollars on refills of 'goop' to provide myself with a rainbow palette of colors. Momma never minded; I could easily keep myself engaged and occupied for hours- and I was always fostering creativity and a since of pride in making something on my own.

When I first discovered 3D Magic I was instantly reminded of childhood weekends spent hunched over a patio table meticulously coloring molds with Creepy Crawlers. I knew, immediately, it was going to be at the top of many toy lists this holiday season. This one of a kind, revolutionary, new toy is a safe way for children to create 3D models of just about anything. Unlike my childhood toy, 3D Magic involves no hot heat lamps, and works to 'cure' the included paint material with concentrated UV light. Think of it like putting your damp, sticky, fingernails underneath a curing lamp at the nail salon.

The device is very lightweight and compact, and entirely battery powered (a plus and minus in my book.) Since we like to let the kids play and create outside, it's nice not to have to worry about power sources; though I do find myself wondering how long the batteries will last. Since the unit is only ever actually powered while 'curing' I have high hopes the batteries will actually outlast the refills of paint! 3D Maker includes several starter templates including a sea turtle, bridge, and clown fish, as well as a few blank trays for kids to fre-form create on.

The kids were, understandably, immediately excited about this product concept, but using the color vials proved a little trickier than it looked. One thing we learned quickly is that the younger kids had to be reminded to close the paint bottles when not in use, and work quickly, or the paint actually began setting/hardening in the bottles. While everyone aged 4-11 created something, we found that kids 6+ had the most sucess remembering to follow the lines and make sure all lines touched.

None of the creations came out looking quite like the box's examples- even mine was a little 'lumpy' in spots here and there. Regardless, nobody got frustrated and everyone had that 'WOW' moment when their creation emerged from the 3D Magic curing unit. The children would huddle around just watching the curing light blink, and then repeatedly tell me 'It's done! It's done!' until I retrieved it.

Since using 3D Magic is literally as simple as drawing on the templates or blank cards and placing the creations in the unit for 2 minutes, just about any age can use this supervised and older siblings will enjoy helping younger siblings with projects. Some of the more advanced 3D model compositions do require a steady hand, and understanding of how to assemble, but it was nothing the 8+ kids couldn't manage. As for Jazzy, 4, she drew a hamster and Daisy, 7 even made a minion.

The 3D Magic maker comes with 3 colors of 'paint,' pink, orange, and teal- though we all agree orange and pink cured to almost an identical color. We created 5 projects and used every last drop of our included paint. For gifting purposes I highly recommend picking up a few refill bottles to get kids started. Additional template packs can be bought with refills as well, or free-form fun can be had to extend the life and fun of the toy. In all, there was a little frustration on the adult's part about kids remembering to reseal the paint so it didn't harden or clog the tips, but all of the kids had a blast. We're planning on turning some of the creations into holiday ornaments and magnets for the fridge! Did you have a creative toy you loved growing up?

What Daughter Says: Truly bring your imagination to life with creations you can touch in the 3D Magic maker!