18″ Laura Ingalls Doll Review + Giveaway

November 21, 2016 by Leave a Comment

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If you grew up in the 70’s or 80’s – there is a good chance you were a huge fan of the “Little House on the Prairie” TV series. Or maybe you were a bigger fan of the book series written by Laura Ingalls Wilder. Either way – the show and the books were and still are loved by so many generations.

Thanks to the cozy, warm, and affectionate portrayal of the Ingalls family across all kinds of media platforms around the world, many people think of Ma, Pa, Mary, Laura, Carrie, Grace, Almanzo, and even Jack the bulldog as part of their family.

We were lucky to have had the opportunity to review this beautiful – and very lifelike 18” Laura Ingalls Wilder Doll from The Queens Treasures collection.  The doll itself came in a beautiful box that could be used to store it in if someone wanted to save it as a collector’s item. But, if you are like us, and wanted to pull her out to love and cuddle her – you will love how soft she is! The doll also came with a patchwork quilt, pillow, a small doll and an informational brochure.

The Queens Treasures did an incredible job of capturing Laura’s spirit in this doll. If you want an even bigger pioneer experience, they also have some really fun accessories that go with the doll too! You can purchase Jack the dog, a covered wagon, horses, dishware and so much more.

Whether you are using the books for educational purposes or just reliving a childhood favorite – children and adults alike can let their childhood imagination run wild with this doll and accessories.

The Laura Ingalls 18″ doll is available online at TheQueensTreasures.com and Target.com for $99.99. A full line of accessories is available at http://www.thequeenstreasures.com/new-products/little-house-on-the-prairie-18-doll-line.html

Visit the official Little House on the Prairie website for educational resources, information about the real Ingalls family, historical articles, as well as fun crafts, recipes and more.

 

Giveaway:

One lucky reader in the US will win a Little House on the Prairie® The Queen’s Treasures® Prize Pack, just in time for the holiday season.

Prize Pack includes:

  • One Laura Ingalls Doll by The Queen’s Treasures. Retail value $99.99
  • One Little House Wagon, one Little House Pony, and one Little House Pony w/Saddle by The Queen’s Treasures. Retail value $279.97
  • Jack the Brindle Bull Dog and Shaker Boxes, Cooking Set, Dishes Set, and Kitchen Tool Set. Retail value $195.95
  • Doll Clothing and Accessories by The Queen’s Treasures including: Child’s Apron & Cap, Prairie Dress Set, Little House Night Gown, and Little House Quilt & Basket. Retail value $89.96
  • One Complete Collection DVD Set of the original Little House on the Prairie television series. Retail Value $120
  • One DVD of the Little House on the Prairie: The Legacy of Laura Ingalls Wilder documentary. Retail Value $19.95

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WIN Ice Age: Collision Course #ScratInSpace #CollisionCourse

November 8, 2016 by 42 Comments

Have your kids seen the new movie, Ice Age: Collision Course, yet? My son watched it over and over as soon as the DVD arrived- he really enjoys this series.

ice age

Scrat’s epic pursuit of the elusive acorn catapults him into the universe where he accidentally sets off a series of cosmic events that transform and threaten the Ice Age World. To save themselves, Sid, Manny, Diego, and the rest of the herd must leave their home and embark on a quest full of comedy and adventure, traveling to exotic new lands and encountering a host of colorful new characters.

new ice age movie

The cast includes returning favorites as well as some new voices, including Ray Romano, John Leguizamo, Denis Leary, Seann William Scott, Josh Peck, Simon Pegg, Keke Palmer, Jennifer Lopez, Queen Latifah, Adam Devine, Jesse Tyler Ferguson, Max Greenfield, Jessie J, Nick Offerman, Wanda Sykes, Stephanie Beatriz, Michael Strahan, Melissa Rauch, and Neil deGrasse Tyson.

We had a great family night in watching the movie. My son likes Scrat the best (always chasing that acorn) and Sid as well, while I prefer cantankerous Manny.  He’s just being practical, after all. He was very excited when he saw the new movie had arrived, and it came on a good day- he wasn’t feeling very well, and had stayed home from school that day.

family movie

He snuggled up under the Ice Age blanket, which was super soft and fluffy, and got ready for the show to start. I was hoping he would nod off, but no such luck, lol. My son says his favorite parts include “the crystals”, but I won’t say any more just in case you have not seen the movie yet- no spoilers, LOL. You also get to meet the daughter of Manny and his wife, who has a surprise of her own to shock (and upset) her dad with.

ice age

Nothing sets off the minds of curious, passionate kids quite like space.
Visit HERE to join Scrat on an educational journey through our galaxy! Where kids can have a fun and immersive experience, that puts them into the captain’s chair and shows them what it would be like to be in space with Scrat!

kids telescope

My son loved checking out the night sky himself to see what Scrat saw- are your kids at all interested in space or the constellations? He was so excited with the new Smithsonian telescope- it was an upgrade from his last one. He got some ideas of where to look from his new star gazing book as well. What’s not to love about National Geographic?

star book

One of you can win a copy of the movie for your own family- just feel free to enter to win using the RC form below. Good luck! Ends Dec. 1, 2016.
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WIN Trolls TruMoo Halloween Sweepstakes Prize Pack #DreamWorksTrolls

October 25, 2016 by 124 Comments

Disclosure- This post is in partnership with DreamWorks Animation, Fox and
TruMoo.
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Are your kids excited to see the soon to be released film, Trolls? The film has partnered with TruMoo Chocolate Milk to create TruMoo Chocolate and Orange Scream milks featuring Poppy and Branch from the new Trolls movie- fun, yes?

TruMoo has also launched the TruMoo Halloween Sweepstakes where you can enter codes found on caps of specially marked TruMoo milk products for a chance to win a family cruise plus weekly Trolls prizes.

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Now for a limited time, TruMoo Chocolate and Orange Scream milks feature Poppy and Branch from the new Trolls movie. Whether served in a glass or incorporated in creative recipes like Poppy’s Orange Scream Pudding Parfaits, “Trollicious” Chocolate Cheesecake Dip and Truly Colorful Crepes, every little Troll and Bergen will be asking for more.

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Enter the TruMoo Halloween Sweepstakes for a chance to win a DreamWorks Experience Cruise! Just enter codes found on caps of specially marked TruMoo milk, and your family could win a DreamWorks Experience Royal Caribbean Cruise plus weekly Trolls prizes!

Sweepstakes ends on 11/16/16 at 11:59:59 a.m. PT. For complete Official Rules, go online to www.trumoo.com.

Official Websites

Visit the Official Site

Like ‘Trolls’ on Facebook

Follow on Twitter and Instagram

#DreamWorksTrolls

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TROLLS – In Theaters November 4

From the creators of Shrek comes DreamWorks Animation’s Trolls, a smart, funny and irreverent comedy about the search for happiness, and just how far some will go to get it. This hilarious film transports audiences to a colorful, wondrous world populated by the overly optimistic Trolls, who have a constant dance in their step and a song on their lips, and the comically pessimistic Bergens, who are only happy when they have trolls in their stomachs.

After the Bergens invade Troll Village, Poppy (Kendrick), the happiest Troll ever born, and the overly-cautious curmudgeonly Branch (Timberlake) set off on a journey to rescue her friends. Together, this mismatched duo embarks on a rescue mission full of adventure and mishaps – trying to tolerate each other long enough to get the job done.

Utilizing music to further the film’s narrative, the Trolls soundtrack is produced by Justin Timberlake and features five original songs including songs by Justin Timberlake, Ariana Grande, Anna Kendrick and Gwen Stefani, in addition to a number of classic hits from the ‘60s through the ‘80s.

Starring: Anna Kendrick, Justin Timberlake, Christopher Mintz-Plasse, Russell Brand, Zooey Deschanel, Jeffrey Tambor, Christine Baranski, James Corden, Kunal Nayyar, Ron Funches, Icona Pop, Quvenzhané Wallis, with John Cleese and Gwen Stefani

Directed By: Mike Mitchell; Co-Director: Walt Dohrn

Produced By: Gina Shay

One (1) winner receives

  • $25 Visa gift card to see TROLLS in theaters
  • TruMoo-branded thermos (valued at $30)
  • Coupon for free Trolls-branded “Orange-Scream” TruMoo milk

Please feel free to enter by using the RC code below. Ends Nov. 14, 2016. Good luck! (I fixed the issues from Oct. 25th- I’m so sorry for all of you who tried to use the RC on that date and could not, please accept my apologies! It’s fixed now, thank you!)
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Win @chapstick Fall Fun Prize Pack #ad

September 27, 2016 by 99 Comments

Disclosure- The ChapStick® product, information and gift have been provided by Pfizer Consumer Healthcare.

Now that summer’s coming to an end, the smell of sunblock will be replaced with the smell of freshly sharpened pencils. As you swap the beach bag for backpacks, and stock up for back-to-school season, don’t forget essentials like ChapStick®, America’s favorite lip balm.

ChapStick® is a skincare staple that helps keep lips smooth and silky for the school year. Perfect for students, teachers and parents alike, ChapStick® is the backpack must-have.

No matter the weather, you will want to keep your lips protected. No one likes the feeling of having chapped lips.  We go through quite a lot of lip balm over here, and I’m sure you do as well. Make sure you have enough to get you and your family through the upcoming weather changes- this fun kit will help, yes?

chapstick

And the lunchbox-like tin is pretty cute as well. You will always know where your ChapStick is (unless the kids steal the tin, anyway.)  Make sure you start off the new school year the right way with ChapStick®.

One of you can win a special ChapStick® lunchbox tin including:

  • 3 ChapStick® Classic Original + 1 ChapStick® Moisturizer Original Bonus Stick
  • 3 ChapStick® Classic Cherry + 1 ChapStick® Moisturizer Original Bonus Stick
  • 3 ChapStick® Moisturizer Original + 1 ChapStick® Aloha Coconut Bonus Stick
  • One (1) $50 Visa gift card to stock up on your favorite ChapStick® varieties and back-to-school essentials

Make sure you enter to win- feel free to use the RC form below to enter. Ends Oct 3, 2016. Good luck!
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3D Coin Art Review and Giveaway!

September 26, 2016 by Leave a Comment

Use Your Spare Change to Create a Work of Art!

3D Coin Art Is Fun For All Ages

We had so much fun with this flag! This might be considered a toy, but really it is also a learning experience and a piece of artwork, all rolled into one! My son really enjoyed looking around the house for loose change, and in his piggy bank, to fill this piece of art up!

Saving loose is a great way to learn money management and how important saving money really is, even if it is ONLY coins! Those coins can really add up! This 3D Coin Art takes something we should all already be doing and makes it extra fun!  3D Coin Art™ by New York City-based NSI International Inc. is an innovative way to create amazing 3D works of art out of coins. It’s a puzzle AND a bank all in one! Your kids can create a model that is built with spare change!

3D Coin Art Is Fun For All Ages

There are two really neat pieces of artwork to choose from either the American Flag or the Empire State Building. The American Flag is awesome and I would also love to see the Empire State Building put together. Can you imagine how beautiful that would be? Seems weird to say “beautiful” in relation to coins, but I think that is what it would be.

We did not have enough change to fill the entire thing right off the bat – so we are really looking forward to filling it up completely. Right now, my son it displayed even without the full set of coins and it looks great!

They make it SUPER simple to fill the flag from start to finish!

Fill the coin wells using the Easy To Follow diagrams!

3D Coin Art Is Fun For All Ages

Use Pennies to form The red stripes

3D Coin Art Is Fun For All Ages

Use Nickels to make the white stripes

3D Coin Art Is Fun For All Ages

Use Dimes as our flag’s sparkling stars!

3D Coin Art Is Fun For All Ages

You can pick up the 3D Coin Art United States Flag for only USD $19.99 + $8.99 P&H. There is a 10% discount on all additional United States Flags ordered, plus $8.99 P&H. You can get the 3D Coin Art Empire State Building from Toys R Us too!

3D Coin Art Is Fun For All Ages

Giveaway:

One lucky winner will receive a 3D Coin Art Flag and 3D Coin Art Empire State Building (ARV $40). To enter, leave a comment on this post and then just complete the entry form below by 11:59 pm on 9/28/16. Good luck!

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Disclosure: I was given a sample of the Super Wubble in exchange for my honest opinions. All opinions are mine and mine only – no opinions are ever influenced by samples or compensation for a review.
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Super Wubble Bubble Ball Review and Giveaway!

September 26, 2016 by Leave a Comment

Super Wubble Bubble Ball Review & Giveaway

The Super Wubble Bubble Ball is a kid’s toy that looks like a giant translucent bubble. But instead of floating away and popping, it provided us with hours of fun and is so strong you can even sit on it! And believe me, we tested its limits!

The all new Super Wubble Bubble ball is made with Xpandium, our incredible new material that is stronger, more tear-resistant and patchable with the included emergency repair kit. It’s still just as squishy, stretchy and fun as ever, but now it can withstand even more play! The included battery-operated pump inflates the Super Wubble Bubble ball in minutes. When you’re finished playing, you can even deflate Super Wubble Bubble ball and put it away for next time.

Super Wubble Bubble Ball Review & Giveaway
Super Wubble Bubble:

  • Looks like a bubble, plays like a ball
  • Xpandium is super-stretchy and super-strong
  • Squishy, stretchy and fun
  • Battery-operated pump included
  • Ball easily deflates for storage
  • Pump requires 4 AA batteries (not included)

You need to make sure that you have NEW batteries because the pump requires them without a doubt. With the nozzle firmly in place, I attached the pump and hit the switch. If your Wubble is not airing up, you probably do not have the nozzle in far enough. It took about 3 minutes to inflate to the recommended size of a little under 3 feet. After removing the pump and nozzle, and making sure the valve was depressed into the balloon, the Super Wubble Bubble Ball was ready to go!

Super Wubble Bubble Ball Review & Giveaway

According to the “About” page, the Wubble is made from “top-secret super-thermo-stretch-tacular stuff.” They go on to elaborate by saying it’s a specially engineered synthetic rubber that contains no PVCs, latex, BPAs, pthalates (a plastics hardener), or other “yucky stuff.” And of course – we love the no “yucky stuff” right?

Overall, we were very happy with the Wubble ball. It gaves us hours of fun, laughing, and more fun. And if eventually it pops, the company has a lifetime guarantee that they will replace the ball! We would definitely recommend this toy to people who are looking for something fun to play with, especially indoors.

Super Wubble Bubble Ball Review & Giveaway

Want your own? Enter to win!

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Disclosure: I was given a sample of the Super Wubble in exchange for my honest opinions. All opinions are mine and mine only.
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Win Entenmann’s® Little Bites® muffins and Nature’s Harvest® Prize Pack #lifeofthelunchbox

September 22, 2016 by Leave a Comment

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It’s that time of year again! Back to school season is here  and Entenmann’s® Little Bites® muffins and Nature’s Harvest® bread are teaming up, bringing families the PERFECT lunchbox equation!

From July 15th to September 30th, Entenmann’s® Little Bites® muffins and Nature’s Harvest® bread are hosting the “Life of The Lunchbox Sweepstakes.” Fans can visit http://www.lifeofthelunchbox.com to enter for a chance to win a $10,000 savings bond for their child. An additional 100 2nd prize winners will receive a Lunchbox Bundle that includes Little Bites® snacks, Nature’s Harvest® bread and a $50 gift card for school supplies. Check out how to enter and find the rules here.

Made with Little Bites® signature golden muffins and chock full of delicious chocolate chips, the Little Bites® Chocolate Chip muffins are filled with mega-chocolaty goodness to go! These pre-portioned pouches of delicious bite-sized baked snacks are made with real ingredients and are perfect for today’s families and their on-the-go needs. With over 10 different favors of Little Bites® baked snacks there are plenty of choices for on-the-go snacking. Never any high fructose corn syrup and always zero grams of trans fat.

Nature’s Harvest® Honey Wheat Bread is baked with 8 grams of whole grains per serving and a touch of honey! It’s a delicious step towards getting more whole grains into the lunchbox and reaching the recommended 32-48g of whole grains per day. Help balance your family’s diets with delicious, nutritious whole grains, simply by adding their favorite Nature’s Harvest® breads to the grocery basket. In any variety of Nature’s Harvest® bread you chose, you can always count on 8 grams or more of whole grains per serving, no high fructose corn syrup, and no artificial flavors or colors.

One of you can win a package valued at $71. The “Life of The Lunchbox” giveaway package includes: One $25 AMEX gift card, four Entenmann’s Little Bites coupons, four Natures Harvest coupons and two boxes of Entenmann’s Little Bites Chocolate Chip muffins. Make Sure you leave a comment as to who you would give this to. Good luck!
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Win Tickets- Curious George at the Liberty Science Center #LSCCuriousity

September 22, 2016 by 7 Comments

 

 

liberty science center

The Liberty Science Center in nearby Jersey City, NJ has a ton to do for kids and families. They also constantly rotate exhibits and events so no one ever gets tired of doing anything. The latest event is Curious George: Let’s Get Curious, which opened this weekend.

“Letting curiosity and inquiry be their guides, children explore familiar buildings and locales from the “Curious George” books and television series on PBS Kids in Curious George: Let’s Get Curious! The exhibit presents key concepts in science, math, and engineering, which are woven throughout the exhibit. Activities invite children to learn like Curious George does—through direct experience and problem solving!

You can also meet Curious George in person at the Science Center. George will visit October 1, November 11, November 25, December 28, and December 29. Come take photos with him and give a big, friendly hug. Curious George can’t wait to meet your family!”

liberty science center

You can also get plenty of Curious George souvenirs in the gift shop.

All the fun an excitement was a wonderful way to get kids and adults to learn science and mechanics in a hands on way, while having tons of fun- the true Liberty Science Center fashion. The kids also loved meeting Curious George himself.  The exhibit will run until Jan. 8, 2017.

hands on learning

 

There is also the “Bodies Revealed” exhibit that older kids, parents- and really anyone will enjoy. It does cost more, so as a premium exhibition, it is available with the Premium Pass or a Combination Ticket.

“Bodies Revealed* presents real human figures and organs that reveal the wonder and beauty of the human form. The exhibition shows detailed views of human anatomy, from whole body displays to individual skeletal, muscular, nervous, respiratory, digestive, urinary, reproductive, endocrine, and circulatory systems. Unlike models that idealize the body through the eyes of an artist, this exhibition shows the body and its systems as they really exist, including natural variation.

The figures, skeletons, and organs in Bodies Revealed came from individuals who donated their bodies to accredited medical universities in the People’s Republic of China for the purpose of study and education. All donated bodies were examined by an anatomist and a biological anthropologist to confirm that they died of natural causes. A separate gallery respectfully displays the stages of human development in the womb. All of the embryos and fetuses died of natural causes before birth. (Viewers enter the gallery through clearly marked doors.)”

hands on learning

Don’t forget to sign up for fun experiments! Staff is on hand if you or the kids need help. (And yes, the kids took turns, LOL)

There are also IMAX and Real 3D movies playing. These are also for an extra fee, but worth the price.  We saw “Beautiful Planet” in the IMAX theater, which was not only visually stunning, but also gave the audience insights as to the changes our planet is going through and why.  Hopefully, it also encourages people to make better choices to help the planet as well.

 

All this and more can be found at the Liberty Science Center, where science comes alive on a regular basis. Make sure you check out the ever changing schedule of IMAX movies (where where the gigantic IMAX screen makes the smallest of critters and the liveliest of robots come to life)- it’s very cool to see a movie in a giant dome.

If you would like to win a 4 pack of tickets, please just leave your name and email in the comments below. Ends Oct. 20, 2016. Thanks!

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