Miles from Tomorrowland Season 2 Space Adventures

June 19, 2016 by 2 Comments

Disclosure- I received the below in order to facilitate this review.  All opinions are my own and honest. For more, see “I Disclose”.
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Miles From Tomorrowland has always been a favorite in our household! My girls have been anxiously looking forward to the premiere of Season 2 starting. With Season 2 starting comes a new great line of toys that every Miles fan is going to love.

About the Miles From Tomorrowland Season 2 Toys:

TOMY brings storytelling and space adventure to life with its innovative toy line that captures the sense of wonder and exploration from the Disney Junior TV series “Miles from Tomorrowland.” The product line encourages STEAM learning, and features evergreen play patterns that kids can use to recreate adventures from the TV episodes or to discover new stories for Miles and his family and friends.

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About the Toys:

Photon Flyer: This great toy was built by Miles Callisto for a space race derby. It has now become Miles’ go-to mode of transportation. Miles can get anywhere in the galaxy in a flash with the super speed of the Photon Flyer. All you need to do to activate hyper speed mode is pull forward on the nose of the ship and race off after your target. You can turn on the hard light wings with the push of a button. If your race or mission requires surface exploration push back the hard light wings to drive around in surface mode.

This great toy transforms into 3 modes: surface mode, space mode, and hyperspeed mode.

Miles From Tomorrowland, Haruna: Haruna is Miles Calisto’s best friend from Earth. Haruna and Miles go way back and even learned to skateboard together when they were in kindergarten. Haruna still loves riding his skateboard, even in outer space. The Haruna action figure, with poseable arms and legs, can practice awesome moves on his skateboard accessory with rolling wheels.

Gadfly’s Scourge Vehicle: On his quest to steal the Rift Drive, galactic space theif Gadfly needs his ship, the Scourge, to make his get away from the Space Guard Police Force. The Scourge ship makes it easy to steal the rift drive with a grappling claw that extends from the bottom of the ship to pick up the included rift drive. Launch flash beams at any enemies coming your way as Gadfly zooms off.

Miles From Tomorrowland, Prince Rygan: Prince Rygan is the sole heir to the throne of the empire of the Dethalian Race. But Prince Rygan likes nothing better than hanging out with Miles Callisto playing a game of Kalok. Even though his mother, Queen Gemma, is very strict, Rygan has a way of charming her to get his way. He’s adventurous like Miles and is always ready to get into and out of trouble with Miles. The Prince Rygan action figure, with articulated arms and legs, can keep up with Miles on any adventure on his super cool Dethalian Blast Board accessory.

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My Thoughts:

My daughters have had a blast playing with these awesome toys. They love shooting from Gadfly’s Scourge Vehicle, and they absolutely love lighting up the Photon Flyer. The toys are a great way to ring in the new season. I know that they are a great way to pump up any Miles Lover and prepare them for the wonderful Season 2 that is in store.

Filed Under: kids, review, toys Tagged With: , , , ,

Cute Pediped Kids Sandals Review and GIVEAWAY

June 16, 2016 by 59 Comments

Disclosure- I received the below in order to facilitate this review. All opinions are my own and honest. Please see “Disclose” tab for more info.

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With summer here, you know that I was looking for the easiest, most comfortable shoes for my little dude and our summer fun and travels. He’s not big on laces, so we are loving the Flex Canyon.

About Pediped:

Pediped’s motto is: Pediped, next best thing to bare feet.

These shoes are made with exceptional quality, unsurpassed comfort, and distinctive styling. These shoes are award winning, and they are the fastest growing children’s footwear brand in the United States.

Awards:

  • American Pdiatric Medical Association Seal of Acceptance for promotion of heathy foot development
  • Orthopedic Medical Professionals deem pediped shoes an excellent choice for parents/caregivers who want their children’s feet to develop naturally and healthily.
  • Earnshaw’s Earnie Award for Company of the Year and Best Footwear
  • In 2012, Earnie Award for Company for good

Pediped is sold in over 3,000 stores in the United States and 40 countries worldwide with an offering of more than 130 designs for boys and girls in their three lines.

  • Originals: 0-24 months

[Read more…]

Filed Under: clothes and shoes, giveaway, kids, review Tagged With: ,

Hot Summer Toys For Travel and Fun

June 15, 2016 by 6 Comments

Disclosure- We received the below in order to facility reviews. All opinions are our own and honest. For more information, see “I Disclose”.

 

With many of us already into a long summer break from school with the kids at home, we think about what to do with all this time off.  Travel, outside play, day trips, and of course- what to do when you are stuck inside on blistering hot or rainy days.

Here are some of our current favorites.

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The Nerf Action Camera  is perfect for documenting all your child’s favorite summer activities (while keeping their little hands off your own camera and phone).  With a colorful Nerf-inspired design, it is easy to spot and can take a tumble. While it is made for kids, it’s high quality (and nicer then my first few “grown up” cameras were).  Your kids can see what they shot or line it up with a 1.8 TFT preview screen, comes with 5.1 mega pixels for great photos, and 720p HD video capabilities so they can take recordings as well. That always keeps them occupied (and laughing). My favorite thing is that it is waterproof, so it is not only safe in mishaps, but also for pool, waterpark, and beach fun.  And the price is right as well- available at http://www.toysrus.com for $50.

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Taking a long trip? Be it a plane, train, or automobile, your kids will love the new Kurio Xtreme 2.  The newest in the Kurio line, it is also the safest, most full-featured Android tablet built especially for kids (*according to website). Of course, it is great for use at home as well, and can keep kids off your tablet and occupied with their own. It comes with 60 apps  like Fruit Ninja and Subway Surfers, as well as more active body-controlled Kurio Motion games. Kids can also read e-books, take photos or shoot video, and watch movies.  It also connects to the Google Play Store, but requires parent permission. There are a TON of free parent controls, and the tablet comes with a free lifetime subscription to “Kurio’s best-in-class parental controls and their comprehensive Kurio Genius internet filtering system” (as per Kurio).  It can take a minute to set up- best to charge it and do while the kids are in bed so they don’t drive you insane.  This sturdy tablet is made tough, and has bumper and screen protector included, as well as a kickstand.  If you need help with setup, Kurio techs are available 24 hours a day, and can even take over the tablet for you to fix what ails it.   Grab yours for $100 at http://www.kurioworld.com

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Stuck inside?  If your kids are like mine, they love the newly released movie Zootopia.  The playsets have been a huge hit over here, and we have spent hours playing with them.  They also travel well (there are 3 characters in my purse right now) and are good for busting boredom at restaurants and the like while you wait. You can find plush, figure sets, vehicle sets, and more- let your child choose what they love best. There are several vehicle sets to choose from, from Nick and his convertible to Judy and her Police Cruiser (that has been a huge hit, it even has a little jail cell in the back). Character figure sets come in two packs, three packs, and larger- you will save money if you just get the large pack, honestly.  (If you are going to end up getting more then 2 sets, just get the big one!)  The plush come in talking and non talking, and two sizes.  There are choices for all your little fans- and you will end up playing as well.  It’s a cute movie, the toys don’t disappoint. Prices vary.

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The big hit of the season has been Budsies.  The absolute cutest stuffed things in the world (yes, just according to me).  Your child draws a photo of what they would like to crate, uploads it to the website, and then stuffed animal version is mailed home to you in a few weeks.  Along the way, you get emails telling you and your child about your little creation’s progress, giving you updates, and letting you know how your Budsies is progressing.  Those are adorable as well, little progress reports.  It’s so creative, and fun for the kids to see a real life version of what they imagined. My son was thrilled beyond my expectation when his Budsies arrived, a polar bear with a rainbow sweater he drew.  It takes a while before it arrives, but the anticipation likely makes it that much more fun. This is a wonderful gift, project, or memento for any child, and will be a toy you never give away or get rid of.  It’s a treasured keepsake for all times. You can also choose a “Selfie”, which is made in the likeness of anyone you choose, and is a great gift for people in the armed services.

Get yours here http://www.budsies.com/ No one will ever forget this gift.

Filed Under: kids, review, toys Tagged With: ,

Kohl’s Cares for Kids

June 3, 2016 by 2 Comments

 

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As many of your know, shopping with children in tow can be interesting/taxing/mind boggling-ly difficult.  To help with this predicament, Kohls has a two prong answer- Kohls Cares.  This program has low cost plush and books of popular book titles, and all the proceeds from the net profit of the items are donated to kids’ health and education initiatives nationwide.  This means your little one gets a new toy, your wallet gets so stay a little heavier, AND you get to help children in need across the country.

The items available are always changing and are of the utmost quality.  You can give a gift that gives back with children’s books and soft toys from the Kohl’s Cares® summer collection. The pieces are priced at just $5 each, with 100 percent of the net profit supporting children’s health initiatives nationwide.

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The summer collection of Kohl’s Cares books and plush is available now through June 26 at Kohl’s Stores nationwide and online at Kohls.com and includes:

  • Penguin on Vacation book, Penguin’s Big Adventure book and penguin soft toy
  • Board Book Set and clownfish soft toy
  • Found book and bear soft toy
  • Stormy Night book and dinosaur soft toy

To date, Kohl‘s has raised nearly $300 million through the Kohl’s Cares merchandise program. To reinforce the company’s commitment to children’s health, Kohl’s has donated financial support to hospitals across the country. The donations fund hospital outreach programs focused on children’s health initiatives and address the specific issues needed most in each hospital’s community. These tailored programs provide vital resources to families at no cost and include topics such as injury prevention, asthma awareness, dental care, and fitness. A complete list of hospital partners is available online.

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These toys make great gifts as well in a pinch where you just have no idea what to get for a little one in your life.  They are also just fun to bring home for your child who enjoys plush toys.  The only issue with The Kohls Cares program is, it can be difficult to say no to your little one when they ask for one of them.  I know I never can, and we now have a giant collection of them. It’s hard to say no to a cute face asking for a cute plush or book, when you know the proceeds go to a good cause- AND it’s inexpensive. What can you do?  It’s one time in your life you don’t have to just say no.

Filed Under: charity/notforprofit, kids, review, toys Tagged With: ,

Color Switch: Totally Fun for All Ages

May 5, 2016 by Leave a Comment

Very few games provide equally entertaining experiences for children and adults. Quite often, my husband or I will download the latest popular mobile game to see what the fuss is about. If one of our kids asks for a new game (e.g. Flappy Bird, Subway Surfers), we play it first and usually give our approval. After setting up a title on our kids’ tablet or computer, we rarely play it again. But, Color Switch has broken that pattern in a big way.

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In case you’re unfamiliar, Color Switch is a brand-new, extremely popular casual game. It’s meant for kids and adults alike, and it really hits the mark. Just like in Flappy Bird, Canabalt, and One Tap Hero, the control scheme consists of one button. In the web version of Color Switch, you click the mouse to move. On mobile devices, you merely tap the screen. There are no complicated moves to learn or instructions to memorize. It literally doesn’t get any simpler than that. A five-year-old can learn to play Color Switch just as quickly as a 50-year-old.

Easy controls are just the beginning of what makes Color Switch appeal to such a broad audience. Like several world-famous mobile games before it, Color Switch features equally simple gameplay. All you do is move a colored orb through matching obstacles. If your piece is yellow, then you can glide or bounce through yellow shapes. If you are purple, you can slide right through purple barriers. Although the concept is simple, the difficulty level is high.

Color Switch is so addictive because it’s easy to learn but hard to win. Sometimes, I can breeze through the first few obstacles without any issues. During other game sessions, I barely get through one barrier before crashing. Color Switch is designed to deliver a different experience every time you play. Your starting color is random, as are the colors of the obstacles in your path. This means savvy gamers can’t simply memorize the correct pattern or timing to reach higher levels with ease. It’s just as tricky (and fun) for my kids and their friends as it is for the hubby and me.

The web version of Color Switch, available here, includes one game mode. That’s all I need for hours and hours of fun. Gamers that excel and desire extra challenges can try the mobile version for an additional nine modes. The mobile app includes gravity-altering gameplay, color modifications, and all sorts of other variations. While I found the mobile app to be very extensive (there are 100 unlockable orbs and 1000 levels spread across 10 modes), I didn’t need the extra hoopla.

Games that are made for “players of all ages” often disappoint. Color Switch does the opposite—it is genuinely fun for casual gamers, young and old. My family is having a blast trying to set an unbeatable score in our household. Bounce through a rainbow of colors, and try to beat your own record in Color Switch!

Filed Under: kids Tagged With:

New Jumbo Minds’ Science ABCs Book Collection

April 15, 2016 by Leave a Comment

Disclosure- I received the below in order to facilitate this review.  All opinions are my own and honest. For more, see “I Disclose”
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As a teacher and mom I am definitely a big promoter of reading to your children and having them read to you. I was excited to be able to receive part of this awesome new line Jumbo Minds’ Science ABCs.

About Jumbo Minds:

The mission of Jumbo Minds is to increase the exposure to, basic understanding of, and enthusiasm for science and STEM in children through well-crafted books and related products.

The founders of Jumbo Minds are sisters who have backgrounds in education, science, and business. The sisters have combined their love of science and teaching with their entrepreneurial spirit. Annette Dunn, CEO, majored in biology and started her professional career in a chemistry lab. Jumbo Minds is the second company she started and directs. Corrine Knight, Chief Educational Officer, is a previously certified teacher with experience teaching primary, middle, and high school science and math curriculum. Their sister, Valeri Sewald, who spent most her career on Wall Street working in international sales, has recently joined the executive team and directs Jumbo Minds’ corporate messaging.

At Jumbo Minds, they dream of sparking a science revolution!

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About Jumbo Minds’ Science ABC Books:

Their books were created by scientists and educators to introduce science to children in a fun and engaging way, with vibrant illustrations.

Some great perks of these books:

  • Teach the alphabet
  • Introduce the science vocabulary
  • Explain the meaning of the word via short and easy definitions
  • Provide extended learning with longer definitions and further detail
  • Increase readability for readers with a dyslexic-friendly font
  • Are made in the USA

The target age group is 0-6. Children of all ages will be able to learn from these books.

My Thoughts:

I was definitely impressed with these great books. I love to read with my kids and my kids love to read and look for books. They enjoyed looking at the pictures and listening to new vocabulary words while we read. I teach 3rd grade and my students were even interested in these books even though they are well past the age of 6. This is a great book line to get your kids going and more familiar with many science words.

Purchase:

If you are interested in purchasing any of these books, head on over to the website and get the ones you are interested in.

Filed Under: book review, kids, review Tagged With: , , , , ,

Learning Resources New Sprouts Grow It!

April 9, 2016 by Leave a Comment

Disclosure- I received the below in order to facilitate this review.  All opinions are my own and honest. For more, see “I Disclose”.
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Finding great toys that help strengthen the imagination of my children is incredibly important to me. With The New Sprouts line from Learning Resources I have not been disappointed.

About Learning Resources:

Learning Resources is a leading global manufacturer of innovative, hands-on educational products trusted by teachers and parents and loved by children. The company has 1100+ products that are sold in more than 80 countries. Among the company’s brands are Pretend & Play, Smart Snacks, New Sprouts, Gears!Gears!Gears! Primary Science, now!Board, simple technology, Hands-On Standards publications, Rainbow Fractions, and Reading Rods.

About New Sprouts Grow It:

A garden full of imaginative play! Plant and grow flowers and veggies right before your eyes with gardening essentials including a watering can, a shovel, and 3 pots. Colorful mix-and-match flowers and veggies encourage role play and early vocabulary development while nurturing an appreciation for nature. Includes 2 flowers and 2 veggies (carrot and radish). Largest piece (watering can) measures 5 1/2″L x 4 1/2″H.

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  • You can grow imaginations
  • Simple in/out play along with learning new words keep kids active, learning, and having fun
  • Sized perfectly for small hands
  • Part of the New Sprouts line perfect for inviting early imaginative play with pieces that are durable and easy to hold-soft, plastic parts make them especially safe for toddlers
  • Ideal for ages 2+

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My Thoughts:

My girls had a great deal of fun playing with this great new toy. They just turned 4 and 6 recently and still had a great deal of fun. So if fun can start around 2 for your child, they are going to for sure get many years of great fun out of this awesome toy. The girls had fun mixing this and I was impressed at how much their little imaginations grow when they play new things or topics. The toy is perfect for little hands. It is going to last and will in no way break apart.

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Purchase:

If you are interested in purchasing this great toy from New Sprouts or any of the other great ones that they have to offer, head on over to their website and get one ordered today.

Filed Under: baby, kids, review, toys Tagged With: , , , ,

Kidz Bop must have Greatest Hits CD

April 8, 2016 by Leave a Comment

Disclosure- I received the below in order to facilitate this review.  All opinions are my own and honest. For more, see “I Disclose”.
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You all know that I absolutely love Kidz Bop Music. I think that I pretty much own each of them that have came out since I have started teaching and having children of my own. The Kidz Bop Greatest Hits CD does not disappoint in the least.

About Kidz Bop:

Kidz Bop records kid-friendly versions of today’s biggest pop music hits. They release two major numbered albums each year. They also release a themed album in the spring.

Who sings on the Kidz Bop albums?

The Kidz Bop kids sing on the kidz bop albums. For four consecutive years (2010-2013), Billboard magazine has named the Kidz Bop Kids the “#1 Kids Artists” in the U.S. !

Who are the Kidz Bop Kids and how does Kidz Bop cast the group?

Meet the new Kidz Bop kids – Ashlynn, Bredia, Grant, Jayna, and Matt! Kidz Bop recently held a nationwide casting call to find a new group of talented young performers to sing on the Kidz Bop albums, star in TV commercials & music videos and travel North America as part of the Kidz Bop Kids live tour. Thousands of kids across the country try out and only 5 are picked.

The Kidz Bop Kids perform more than 25 live shows each year.

About Kidz Bop Greatest Hits CD:

Kidz Bop is celebrating its 15th birthday with this awesome collection of Greatest Hits! This album features the biggest pop hits ever- sung by kids for kids. Get ready to sing along with all of your favorite songs, because this playlist is guaranteed to get the party started!

Here are the hits from the CD:

  1. Happy
  2. Uptown Funk
  3. Party Rock Anthem
  4. Shake It Off
  5. Roar
  6. Call Me Maybe
  7. Thrift Shop
  8. Best Day of My Life
  9. Gangnam Style
  10. Moves Like Jagger
  11. All About That Bas
  12. The Fox (What Does the Fox Say?)
  13. Bills
  14. Make Some Noise!

My Thoughts:

As you all know by now, I absolutely love my Kidz Bop CD’s. I teach and have children of my own and love to be able to listen to popular songs that I don’t have to run and silence to edit myself. My students and children alike love when I get out the music and get it going. The songs sound just like the regular songs, just have been made so that they are appropriate for children. I have and will continue to make sure that each and every Kidz Bop CD will be a part of our collection.

The Greatest Hits CD had many of my favorite songs as well as my girls’ and they were so very happy to have all the songs in one place.

Purchase:

If you are interested in purchasing this great CD, head on over to the website and get a copy ordered for yourselves, you won’t be disappointed.

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