Minimize Monday - Week 4 - Toys

Monday! Time to brag about what I purged last week (which means over the weekend in my house - it's the only big task time I can find). This week I finally made a dent in the masses of outgrown toys we have sitting around.

There were broken toys that were only good for the trash. Not many though, which is good. The bin is going as well. The cover was broken in about 5 pieces.

There were toys with life still left in them, that just need a good home. The lower box went to charity. The top box will go to Once Upon a Child. Whatever they don't buy will go to charity as well. What they do buy will generate a few dollars to go into the new toy fund. Or the pedicure for Mommy fund. One or the other.

And, finally, there is a box of items that were missing some parts or instruction booklets. Once I find those, these will be gone. Pablo, Ming Ming and Elmo are still on the unsure list. They were so special to Little Boo I am considering saving them. But I think common sense will win out and they will head to OUAC with the other box.

The vetting of old toys is always difficult for my kids. But I make sure to talk with them about how they are very lucky to have so many great toys, plus the ability to get more. Not all kids are so lucky, so it's good for us to pass along toys to them once we're done playing with them. The Teen inherited pack rat sensibilities from Hubs, so it was really difficult with him. I've been trying to groom Little Boo since toddler-hood, so we'll see how it goes!

Did you remove any clutter or unneeded items from your life this week? I'd love to hear about how you are lightening your load. And if you've blogged about it, head on over to Mommy Moment and link up your post for us all to share!

The Splash 'n Boots Show Act 2 - Review & Giveaway

This DVD is subtitled, "A Whole Lot of Awesome," and according to my Little Boo, that is spot on right.  Splash n' Boots are a Canadian husband and wife duo, who began performing together in 2003, as students at Queen's University. Since then they have recorded 5 albums, produced 2 DVDs, toured across the nation as well as internationally, and been voted Canadian Children's Music Group of the Year! Whew! Currently they are being featured on Treehouse TV (4 year contract!), and are appearing in 4 half-hour Roll Play episodes, recorded from their recent tour.

The DVD plays like a variety show for the kids, and so it really keeps them interested. Moving from funny skits, like "Hide and Seek," to music videos, interspersed with appearances by children playing "Let's Pretend" and performing their stretches, this is an engaging 50 minutes of play.

Little Boo was giggling and singing along. He loved the catchy music and just couldn't keep still. I like that! This DVD does come with a warning label - "May cause laughing and spontaneous dancing" - and that is exactly what we found.  And, as a grown-up (or so I'm told), I found this entertaining as well. It wasn't saccharin. It didn't talk down to kids or feel fake. These two really do seem to be having a great time. Their enthusiasm is infectious.

The extra features on the disc include the option to watch just the music videos, or to watch a series of their "Kitchen Jams." These are songs that the duo write in response to themes sent in by their fans. They record them live in their own kitchen. Very unique!

Splash 'N Boots have their 6th album coming out soon. They are crowd sourcing the content for this one and have been soliciting suggestions from their fans. The song titles have been chosen, but they are still looking for the album title. You can head on over to their Facebook page for more info. The suggestions will be collected until they compile the list on February 13. And be sure to visit them online to check out their videos and tour dates. You can also visit their online store to purchase your own DVDs, CDs, and special Splash 'N Boots merchandise.

Woo Hoo! Would you like to win your own copy of The Splash 'N Boots Show Act 2?? Well, I think we can arrange that. One lucky Raising My Boys reader will receive their very own copy to love and enjoy. Get dancing!!

This contest is open to Canadian residents only, and will run through midnight (EST) February 25th. Please enter via the Rafflecopter widget below. Good luck!







Disclosure: I received a complimentary copy of this DVD to facilitate this review. No other compensation was provided. All opinions expressed are my own.


a Rafflecopter giveaway

Giveaway Fever! $100 #winitweekend

Are you ready for another giveaway? I have been bitten by the giveaway bug, so I've joined another multi-blog cash contest. (I'm sure this bug is related to my viewing of the post-holiday credit card bills. Ouch. I figure we are all in the same boat.) This one is the  Win It Weekend Giveaway and you can win $100US in cash, via paypal (any paypal fees are the responsibility of the winner). Contest is open to worldwide entries and closes at midnight, Sunday, February 12 (hence the weekend thing). 

Please use the Rafflecopter widget below to enter!

Thanks so much to Influential Media for organizing this contest.


If you are a blogger who would like to participate in this giveaway on a future weekend, you can head to Win It Weekend Giveaway to sign up.