Monday, September 30, 2013

Transformers Construct Bots

So what are are the components of the perfect boy toy.  For my boys the perfect toy has moving parts, invites creativity and open ended play.  Fun involves taking things apart and putting them back together or changing them into something else.  It has to have bright colors and look "cool". Enter, Transformers Construct Bots.

My boys love getting things in the mail, especially things that they get to play with.  Imagine their delight when I opened up my BzzAgent package with Transformer's inside, for them!


I had to laugh at my oldest son, who asked where the package came from.  When I let him know that I the package came for FREE from my blog he was ecstatic! "Can you get more for free Mom?" He asked immediately. So as long as my blogging gets free stuff for my kids apparently they are ok with it! LOL


And it's amazing how quickly I can get my kids moving on a school morning when there is something fun waiting for them in the front room!


I really liked how each transformer came in it's own case.  So all the little pieces and parts had somewhere to go.  There are a lot of extra weapons (which was a huge plus for my boys, they liked being able to switch the weapons and make new combinations) so it was great to have a spot for them.


Kiddo #1 chose Megatron the Deceptacon, and Kiddo #2 picked the Autobot Optimus Prime.



Just like with Lego's each robot came with the pieces in individually wrapped packages and it's own set of instructions with step by step pictures.  There aren't really written instructions, which didn't slow down kiddo #2 at all, but might have been a little helpful for slower Mom trying to help younger brother...


But kiddo #2 was still happy to help build too.  Since he is only 6 it was a little too hard for him to do all alone, but kiddo #1 who is 9 had no problem building the robot all by himself.





Step 1 is completed! The robots are done.  But the fun is just beginning.  That's right these robots are transformers, so we get to see what they look like transformed into their vehicles too!



If that's not a face only a Mother could love I don't know what is!



The little cannon on top, yes it really shoots! Did I tell you my boys thought these were the coolest toy ever?

If you have purchased/owned any of the more complicated transformers before, these are very similar.  They aren't the easiest to transform, but it does get easier with practice.  After looking over the instructions intently you can figure out which little part goes where to make it work.  And after going through the motions two or three times the boys got it figured out and could go back and forth without help.

The pieces do come apart, like Lego's if pulled/pushed too hard, but it's no big deal because they snap right back into place.  We only had one party fail on Megatron, he was a little harder to transform than Optimus Prime, but he eventually went back into place.

In the words of Kiddo #1, "They're epic! Can you get some more free ones?"
Kiddo #2, "Yeah Mom, I love them!"


There ya go, I guess I know what to do for birthday's this year!  I hope your kiddos enjoy these as much as mine did! I wish every morning went as nicely as this one did...

Check out:
Hasbro.com/Transformers to learn more, to hunt, construct, and battle other bots!  There is even a FREE Mobile App. Where you can customize Transformers Construct Bots, check out a gallery and battle. I have it on my iPhone.

I received the Transformers Construct Bots Ultimate Set for FREE from BzzAgent, which included two skeletons and pieces for two full robots: Optimus Prime and Megatron.  Thank you!

Other Construct Bots Sets:

Triple Changers: convert between robot, car and jet modes
  • Blitzwing
  • Bumblebee
Elite Class: convert between robot and vehicle modes
  • Soundwave
  • Wheeljack
  • Megatron
Scout Class: convert between robot and vehicle modes
  • Ironhide
  • Starscream
  • Bumblebee
  • Thundercracker
Enter for your chance to win 1 of 4 coupons for $8 off a Transformers Construct Bots Ultimate Set!

Saturday, September 28, 2013

Why Can't I Skip My Reading Tonight?

Have you ever wondered why schools ask students to read for 20 minutes every night?

Consider 3 Students:

Student “A” reads 20 minutes each day.3600 minutes in a school year
1,800,000 words
90th percentile

Student “B” reads 5 minutes each day.
900 minutes in a school year
282,000 words
50th percentile

Student “C” reads 1 minute each day.
180 minutes in a school year
8,000 words
10th percentile


By the end of 6th grade, Student “A” will have read the equivalent of 60 whole school days.  Student “B” will have read only 12 school days.  Which student would you expect to have a better vocabulary?  Which student would you expect to be more successful in school? Which student would you expect to be more successful in life?
 (Nagy & Herman, 1987)

Read!

Friday, September 27, 2013

Mmmmay I have S'more Cookies!

One of my all time favorite combinations is chocolate and graham crackers.  We go camping a lot, but the first time we made S'mores on a camping trip was the start of an obsession, especially for my oldest! My youngest doesn't like chocolate but he still likes marshmallows and graham crackers so we just make his minus the chocolate, just a little extra for Mommy! I don't complain much :)

For those of you who don't know me well my favorite dessert is cookies.  Really cookies in just about any form, so what better way to serve those favorite campfire treats than in cookie form! Not only are they a little cleaner but they are easy to accomplish right at home. I hope you enjoy these as much as we do.



Mmmmay I have S'more Cookies!

2 sticks of butter (1 cup)
1 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup sugar
2 eggs
2 tsp vanilla
11 graham crackers (1 1/3 cup graham cracker crumbs)
1 cup bread flour
1 2/3 cup flour
2 tsp baking powder
1 tsp kosher salt
1 3 oz bottle vanilla jet puffed mallow bits
1 cup mini m&m's
1 cup semi sweet chocolate chips

In a food processor or a gallon zip top bag with a rolling pin, crush the graham crackers into fine crumbs. Set aside.

In a large mixing bowl or kitchen aid add the butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar.  Beat the butter and the sugar for 2 minutes until creamy.  


Add the eggs and vanilla, and beat an additional 2 minutes until the mixture is light and fluffy.


In a separate bowl combine the bread flour, all purpose flour, baking powder, salt, and graham cracker crumbs.  Stirring until mixed.  Add the dry ingredients to the creamed mixture in two additions, mixing only until all the flour is incorporated.


Add the mallow bits and mix on the lowest speed until evenly distributed.  




Add the m&m's and chocolate chips and mix on the lowest speed or by hand just until fully mixed in. Transfer to a container with a tight fitting lid or cover the mixing bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate 2 hrs. Preheat oven to 350˚ F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.  Scoop out dough with a medium scoop spaced about 2" apart and flatten slightly with the palm of your hand.  



Bake for 10-12 minutes until set and browned on the bottom.


 Allow the baked cookies to cool on the baking sheet for about 3 minutes before transferring to a cooling rack to cool completely.


Chocolate perfection!




Thursday, September 26, 2013

Fabulous Features from Great Idea Thursday #23

Welcome! I'm so glad you came by to check out the Fabulous Features from this week's Great Idea Thursday's Link Party!

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There were so many amazing posts this week! Ya'll have got me in the fall spirit.  I can't wait to snag some extra time to get cranking out some fun things :) Thanks for being so amazing!

Wednesday, September 25, 2013

Great Idea Thursday's - 24

Welcome to:


Here we are already in the last full week of September I can hardly believe it! Next week I'll be pulling out my totes from upstairs to decorate the house for Halloween! Have you been planning for fall? What fun traditions do you have? What are you most looking forward to making? I've been dreaming of pumpkin and apples!

Give a great big welcome to my fabulous Co-Host this week:


Great Idea Thursday's #24

Come share what you have been doing every week! If you are interested in Co-Hosting this party shoot me an e-mail me  @ kristascookin@gmail.com.

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This is what I've been making:




Don't forget to enter the KiteReader's Giveaway, it closes on 10/6.  Get a FREE eBook just for entering!


Friday, September 20, 2013

Fabulous Features for Great Idea Thursday's #23

Welcome! I'm so glad you came by to check out the Fabulous Features from this week's Great Idea Thursday's Link Party!

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That's it for this week! There were some fabulous links, I will be back to leave comments soon.  I had a little one home with the flu this week and then my computer/internet was a little crazy so I'm sorry this is a day late... And if I haven't commented on your link yet, don't worry I'm comin'! Thanks for joining me every week! Ya'll are wonderful :)

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