Go Graham Go: Parenting | Recipes | DIY | Brand Ambassador | Product Reviews | NC Mom Blog

The guest bathroom also happens to be the bathroom for the boys.  It also happens to be the smallest room in the house!  Matthew and I have been trying to spruce it up a little bit at a time over the past few months and now I am on a mission to have this bathroom the way I would like it before we start having family over for the Holidays.  Thanksgiving is right around the corner and Christmas will be here before we know it!


My inspiration for the bathroom came from an adorable shower curtain I found online at Target.com.  It comes from the Dwell Studios line that I have in Davis's bedroom.  The difference is this one features bright green and blue submarines!  Because the curtain is a little bit busy, I wanted to make the rest of the bathroom simple, clean and less cartoony.  The first thing we did was remove the old, rusted,  metal space saver that was above the toilet and replaced it with a clean, white space saver with cabinet doors (to hide the mess).  I also picked up a cute little submarine toothbrush holder for the sink (couldn't resist).  We have not yet tackled the walls, but I am going to use a neutral, light color so that the bathroom feels bigger.




With that, I was left with what to do about decorating the one blank wall in the bathroom.  As you know, I am a Gallery Direct ambassador and starting browsing the site looking for things that would work with the decor without being over kill.  I really wanted something that could last for a long time without the boys growing out of it.  So, using the "search" button on the Gallery Direct site, I typed in "submarine" and selected the "stock images" option.  Several different fun pictures popped up, but I settled on a gorgeous digital illustration of a periscope emerging from water.




Because of the size of the bathroom I wanted to make sure I didn't choose anything that would overpower the wall.  That is why I really love the Canvas Gallery Wrap look that Gallery Direct offers.  Of course, they also have many different gorgeous frames and other mediums to print your photo on as well.  The Canvas Gallery Wrap keeps this piece of art simple yet elegant.  The texture of the canvas really makes the picture feel like a painting.  With this bright piece of art in the bathroom we will not need anything else!  I can see this hanging in the bathroom even when the kids are well into their high school years.

So, if you are trying to spruce up the house for the holidays or looking for a creative gift idea, make sure to check out Gallery Direct and browse their options.  I think a great idea would be to use your own photos to create gorgeous pieces of art for Christmas gifts!


This product was provided free of charge by Gallery Direct. These are my honest opinions on the product. I do not post reviews on products I can not stand behind. Please see my Terms of Use for more info.

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I am so excited to share with you all the hottest new item from LeapFrog!  By now you all have probably seen these either in the stores or on commercials.  I am here to tell you that this is my top pick for electronics for kids this Christmas.  If you have a child who is 4-8 they are going to love this thing!  If you have not yet made the jump to the electronic world, this is the year to buy!

Graham is 4 years old and could operate the LeapPad straight out of the box. We do own iPads so he is familiar with the touch screen interface. He also owns the Explorer that utilizes a touch screen. Overall, the LeapPad is hands down my choice if you are trying to decide between the Explorer or the LeapPad. Here are the reasons why:



1. The LeapPad includes the video/camera portion. Explorer requires you to purchase this separately as an attachment. Because the camera is integrated into the LeapPad it makes it much more portable and sturdy in my opinion.
2. The sensitivity is much better on the LeapPad. My 4 year old will sometimes become frustrated with some of the games on the Explorer because it doesn't respond as quickly.
3. It looks and operates a little more like the iPad which definitely has a huge draw for kids.

The good news is that if you already have the Explorer you can use the games in the LeapPad as well. That was definitely a bonus for me. There will be over 100 learning games, digital books and apps that can be downloaded for the LeapPad. A few of the complaints I have read state that they were upset about the price of the apps. They are a little more pricey than random apps for the iPad, but I also have to consider the source and truly value LeapFrog and their focus on education. Also, you can follow your child's Learning Path to track what type of progress they are making in their learning. The Ultra eBooks are definitely one of our son's favorite parts of the LeapPad.








What's included:
1. PetPad- Create a pet, learn to draw letters and teach your pet tricks
2. Story Studio: All About Me- kids create their own book that includes pictures of themselves and their own handwriting
3. Art Studio- includes different stamps, shapes, brushes, pencil, eraser and a zoom tool for fun pieces of art
4. Camera and Video Recorder- can hold up to 30K pictures or 120 min of video, countdown timer, edit photos, edit profile pic, view and upload photos and videos
5. My Stuff- this is where your child can view their art, photos, videos and make changes



We were also sent the new Pet Pals 2 and Disney Pixar Pals games for review.  Graham's favorite is definitely the Disney Pixar Pals game because his favorite Disney characters are represented.  Within this game your child will be able to learn about the solar system, math skills, and play fun games with many of your favorite characters (WALL-E, Toy Story, Nemo, etc).  Pet Pals 2 is a fun extension to the Pet Pals that is already included on the LeapPad.  You can care for your pet as well as learn math skills.  The math games help your child obtain more items for their pet.  Graham also has the Disney Pixar Cars 2 game and spends quite a bit of time with that one.  Again, there is a big math focus that is appropriate for ages 4-8.  Of course, anything that involves cars and racing is a winner in Graham's world!  Most games retail for about $24 or less.

The LeapPad is available in both green and pink and has a durable outer shell. I truly think this is the best thing LeapFrog has come out with yet.  You can purchase the LeapPad online or in stores for about $99.  Even though the price tag is high, this will be an item that will be used for years to come and is well worth the money spent.



This product was provided free of charge by LeapFrog. These are my honest opinions on the product. I do not post reviews on products I can not stand behind. Please see my Terms of Use for more info.


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First of all, I have to tell you all that I am anything BUT a professional photographer.  I truly love taking pictures and always have the best intentions of learning more about how to take them, but the truth is that I really am mediocre at best.  I absolutely love the Nikon camera we purchased two Christmases ago, but I still have to use "automatic" most of the time.  I even purchased one of those "Use Your Camera" books for dummies.  I guess it would help if I read it!  The reality is that as great as the photos are and as much as I love it, it is a HUGE camera when you are talking about travel.  If you have been following my blog for a while, you know that I do quite a bit of travel for blogger events.  I so want to take my Nikon, but I never do because of the size and limitations for quick trips.  I generally end up using my iPhone and reserve the Nikon for blog pictures.

Compared to the Nikon

Compared to the iPhone!

So, when I received an email from Olympus a few short weeks ago asking me to take part in the Pen Ready Project I had to read the email about 25 times before it sunk in!  I was sent the Olympus PEN E-PM1 to try out and upload my 20 best pictures to the Pen Ready Project page.  Amazing.  I am extremely grateful for this opportunity and for what it has done to my photography.

No editing on any of the photos above.  Shot with Grainy Film Art feature.

First of all, the PEN E-PM1 is tiny and oh so cute!  Truly, I just want to take it everywhere with me (and usually do).  I can easily slip this into my purse which makes it that much easier to take on trips and carry-on bags.  If you are a blogger and you have been to events, you know how important simplicity is when it comes to what you are carrying.  For that matter, if you are a parent who isn't a blogger it is important!

Both photos taken using the Diorama art feature.  No edits.

The part I love the most, the PEN E-PM1 truly makes it easy for anyone to have professional looking photos.  This is the part I couldn't even begin to make up.  The proof is in the pudding when you look at the photos I've captured.  I have had absolutely no photography classes and many of the best ones were when I was not trying.  What makes the Olympus PEN E-PM1 so easy to use?  Here is the list:

• DSLR image quality 12.3 megapixel sensor
• In-body stabilization technology (great for photography with kids)
• Live Guide System.  You can preview what your shot will look like before you take it!
• Art Features: Pop Art, Soft Focus, Grainy Film, Pin Hole, Diorama and Dramatic Tone).  This is one of my favorite features
• Direct HD Movie Button is located right on the back and allows up to 29 minutes of 1080 HD video and stereo sound
• Fast Auto Focus System makes it great for kids and pets who are always on the move
• iAuto automatically identifies what type of picture you are taking and adjusts accordingly
• Widescreen LCD allows you to see what you are shooting, whether it is a picture or video
• Eye detect automatically detects faces in your photos (up to 8 faces)

This product was provided free of charge by Olympus. These are my honest opinions on the product. I do not post reviews on products I can not stand behind. Please see my Terms of Use for more info.

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1. iPlay Funtime Tractor: This tractor has been around for about 8 years and 3 kids!  It was passed down from my cousin and it is always a favorite among kids.  Tractor moves at a slow pace, working horn and lights, sings Old McDonald, plays the sounds of the animals in the wagon. $32.
2. Little People Zoo Talkers Animal Sounds Zoo: Davis plays with this every day.  Several different interactions as well as sounds from the animals. $40.
3. My Discovery House by LeapFrog: Such a fun activity toy that can be carried around easily.  Over 40 different learning activities will have your toddler entertained for a long time. $20.
4. Tumblekins Fire Truck: This all wooden fire truck includes a fun little Tumblekin that rocks and rolls around as your toddler pushes the truck.  Pair this with the Fire Station Playset for even more fun. $20.
5. Yookidoo Stack 'n' Spray Tub Fountain: Both boys enjoy this fun bath toy!  Switch up the attachments for different sprays and lots of giggles. $30.

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If you are looking for a more natural way to keep your home or car fresh, check out the Greenleaf Sachets.  I was first drawn to these because they were created by a husband and wife team that live only about 45 minutes from my home town.  I love to support local and I really love to support natural!


We were sent several of the Greenleaf Sachets for review and I have been overly impressed with them.  I can honestly say that this has been the strongest and longest lasting product for our cars.  My husband stuck his in the glove box and it is still going strong after several weeks.  I also open up the Sachets and pour them into our vacuum cleaner in order to have a fresher smell in the house.  We also use these in the diaper pail in Davis's room.  While they work great, they are just not strong enough to over power that!  I'm not sure what would be... ha!

You can purchase the Greenleaf Sachets in several different aromas and sizes.  Each sachet retails for about $2 a piece.  Find a store near you or purchase online.

This product was provided free of charge by Greenleaf Gifts. These are my honest opinions on the product. I do not post reviews on products I can not stand behind. Please see my Terms of Use for more info.



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We absolutely adore HABA products because of the value and quality.  You really can't beat wooden toys for the safety, beauty and fun!  HABA is a company that always has babies, toddlers and kids in mind.  This is why I was excited to try out the Sorting Box Animals.

We were sent the Sorting Box Animals for review a few weeks ago and even our babysitter has commented on how much she loves this product.  If you have a toddler, you know how important the fine motor skills are.  They are working hard on figuring out cause and effect as well as manipulating objects.  We have owned several different types of shape sorting toys over the years and this is definitely one of my favorites.


The HABA Sorting Box Animals includes a wooden box with 6 wooden puzzle pieces and 2 wooden slats with 4 different scenes that can be slid in and out of the box.  Just flip the slat over in order to discover another fun scene that goes along with the painted puzzle pieces.  I also appreciate that everything has a place with this toy.  Whichever slat is not in use you store on the bottom of the box.  Love it!


Davis spends quite a bit of time trying to figure out the shapes, sliding the slats in and out of the box and carrying this around.  I can see this being one of those toys that is passed down through children over many years.  The HABA Sorting Box Animals retails for about $32.



This product was provided free of charge by HABA USA. These are my honest opinions on the product. I do not post reviews on products I can not stand behind. Please see my Terms of Use for more info. Subscribe to Go Graham Go! by Email as well as follow us on Twitter!

The new Christmas movie by VeggieTales is here and you are going to love it!  This year the movie is based upon the story of the little drummer boy.


The Little Drummer Boy stars Junior Asparagus as a lonely boy who has been wronged and becomes bitter.  When his family goes missing and his house is burned down he decides that he doesn't need anyone in his life besides his animals.  When he plays his drum the animals dance.  In the end he finds himself witnessing the new born Savior and finds his parents in the mix.  The Little Drummer Boy teaches the concept of forgiveness in a beautiful way while showing children the true meaning of Christmas.  Of course, you can't forget the Silly Song: "The 8 Polish Foods of Christmas".  It is hilarious and will leave you feeling stuffed.






We were also sent the O Holy Night: Journey of The Little Drummer Boy CD for review.  This is a great companion to the movie and features Amy Grant, Matthew West, Stephen Curtis Chapman, BeBe & CeCe Winans and others.  I don't know about you, but our family pulls out the Christmas music on Thanksgiving Day and we are excited to add this one to our collection.  It is fun to have one for the kids!


You can purchase The Little Drummer Boy for about $14 online or retail stores near you.



This product was provided free of charge by VeggieTales. These are my honest opinions on the product. I do not post reviews on products I can not stand behind. Please see my Terms of Use for more info.

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Subscribe to Go Graham Go! by Email as well as follow us on Twitter!

I have a secret--Christmas is two months away. Yes, we still get to be tricked or treated on Halloween and  extend thanks (and be thanked!) on Thanksgiving but I just know these next 8 weeks are going to fly by. Before we know it, our mailboxes will be overflowing with seasonal greetings bringing pictures and updates of family and friends. If you're like me, receiving those special holiday cards is one reason why it really is "the most wonderful time of the year".



The last two years, my family and I have relied on Shutterfly to carry our merry good wishes to our nearest and dearest. I have fallen in love with how dependable Shutterfly products are--the quality of their greeting cards, calendars, and photo books puts them in their own league amongst other photo sites. Add in their excellent choices of graphics, designs, sizes, and options (not to mention their incredible customer service!) and you really cannot find anyone else to rival Shutterfly.

In the past year alone, I've ordered Mother's Day cards for all the moms in my life, Father's Day cards for all the dads in my life, personalized stationery for my daughter's first birthday, five completely customizable photo books, and too many Christmas cards and birthday greetings to count.  I seriously love using them to ensure that every major memory, milestone, or occasion does not go undocumented or uncelebrated.


My experience with their photo greeting cards is always the same--I start with a great pre-designed product,  customize the layout to suit my picture and text needs, crop, rotate, and create until it is perfect and then eagerly await my little orange Shutterfly package in the mail. Their customer service is simply outstanding--if I mess up, miss a deadline, or need to change something, they are so accommodating and helpful. Shutterfly sends you updates about your order and shipping every step of the way, further driving home how great they are. And don't even get me started on how awesome their photo books are--now that you can completely customize every aspect on each page, your photo book is guaranteed to be original and incredible!

I cannot wait for my third daughter to be born so we can take our family Christmas pictures. I'm already brainstorming about which Christmas cards we'll choose to use this year--and i'm glad I'm getting a head start! Shutterfly has more than 900 (yes! nine hundred!) Christmas cards to choose from. The six cards you see throughout this post are some of my favorites, though. Thankfully, Shutterfly makes it a bit easier to choose by helping you narrow down categories by number of pictures, specific colors, layout, size, etc.





Or, better yet, why not try to win 25 free greeting cards?



This product was provided free of charge to Allie by Shutterfly. These are her honest opinions on the product. Please see my Terms of Use for more info.

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Just in time for Halloween, your Chuggington fans can dress up as their favorite Chuggers!  Honk your horns for the Koko, Wilson and Brewster line of Chuggington costumes from Rubies!


We were sent the Brewster costume for review last week.  Although Graham will not be wearing this particular costume this year (because of the Angry Birds Costumes I created), we were definitely impressed with the quality, comfort and ease of the Brewster Chuggington Costume.

You can purchase these costumes from Party City stores and PartyCity.com for about $24.99!  I like it when you can find a costume for under $30.

This product was provided free of charge by Chuggington. These are my honest opinions on the product. I do not post reviews on products I can not stand behind. Please see my Terms of Use for more info.


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I have been so excited to be a part of the Pen Ready project (I'm #796)!  More on that to come, but until then here are a few shots that make me feel like a pro (totally the camera).  These were all shot with the Olympus PEN E-PM1 Camera.

Grainy Film Art Option

Dramatic Focus Art Option

Scary Halloween Cat! lol!

3D Option.  Don't these look like they are popping out at you?!  Scary laundry :)

This product was provided free of charge by Olympus.  Please see my Terms of Use for more info. Subscribe to Go Graham Go! by Email as well as follow us on Twitter!

Hasbro has a brand new construction play line called KRE-O.  They contain sets and figures that are from the Transformers characters if you have a fan in your household.  So, if your kids like to build things and also appreciate the Transformers, these could be a great choice for them this Christmas!


Head over to the KRE-O website in order to watch the sets being built.  Sets range from $59.99 to $11.99 and can be purchased online or in retails stores.  The best news is that there is a $5 off coupon available on Coupons.com right now through 11/27 that works if you spend $20 or more on KRE-O products!  Every little bit helps during the Holidays!

This product was provided free of charge by Hasbro. These are my honest opinions on the product. I do not post reviews on products I can not stand behind. Please see my Terms of Use for more info.


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