Introduction to Sensory Play

I have always been intrigued by Sensory Exploration and Sensory Play, but for some reason I never got into it until recently. It's such an easy way to keep the kids entertained while also teaching them (two things I am so very found of!)

Sensory Play allows the children to develop fine motor skills by allowing them to manipulate the objects in front of them. It also helps with concentration. Want some proof? My highly active son spent a half hour straight playing with his sensory bag tonight, which took only seconds for me to create. He was squishing it, checking out the objects in it, and playing with it - until it popped (remember duct tape all around.)

Sensory play also allows problem solving skills and language skills. For example, the sensory bin below is geared towards teaching toddlers all about the letter "B" and was easily assembled using common "B" items that you already have on hand. Such as blocks, a bear, some beads, ect..

Along with letters, sensory play can also teach colors. This is the same idea as the letter bin, it's just with a common color instead of a common letter. This blue would look lovely in a beach or water themed bin. 

UnReal Candy Review

I recently had the chance to try UnReal Candy: UnJunked - which for those of us who are a little behind on the healthy living (no fears I was until this opportunity) UnReal Candy is a company that has managed to take the junk out of our favorite chocolate candies and replace that junk with real ingredients.

To be more specific, this wonderful company replaced the corn syrup, hydrogenated fats, GMOs, artificial colors, flavors and preservatives that we find in our everyday Ressees, M&M's, Snickers Bars, ect.. with real cane sugar, real milk, natural oils, real peanuts, and real cacao. Better yet is that the company only operates in the US and in Canada so not only are you are buying healthy chocolate but your also buying home grown candy (another thing we are big on at my house).

So healthy junk food.. ok we made it that far, but what about the taste??? Again you're reading my mind and my initial thoughts on this was that  most healthy food does not taste nearly as delicious as the unhealthy version (especially when you are discussing chocolate and other "really bad" foods.) However, since UnReal Candy still uses oils, cacao, and sugar the candy is just as delicious as the unhealthy junkie versions. My taste-testers (my husband and my toddler) both loved all of the different varieties we were able to try and the end result was that it wasn't sticky nor was it syrupy.

In our sample pack we received 5 different types of UnReal Candy including Chocolate Caramel Nougat Bars (similar to Milky Ways), Peanut Butter Cups, Candy Coated Chocolates with Peanuts (like Peanut M&M's), Chocolate Caramel Peanut Nougat Bars (similar to Snickers), and Plain Candy Coated Chocolates. Again all of which were tried and passed by myself, my husband, and our toddler (and boy do I have picky eaters in my household!)

So, yes in one since all candy is unhealthy and should be ate as a treat, however when enjoying that treat why not avoid the junk and eat a healthier version.