American Girl Beforever Maryellen Review

Disclosure- We received the below in order to facilitate this review. All opinions are our own and honest.


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Meet the newest American Girl Doll Maryellen Larkin from the 1950s.

About American Girl:

At American Girl, they celebrate girls and all that they can be. That’s why they develop products and experiences that help girls grow up in a wholesome way, while encouraging them to enjoy girlhood through fun and enchanting play.

They have a wide variety of products that they offer which include:

  • American Girl Characters
  • My American Girl dolls
  • Bitty Baby
  • American Girl magazine
  • American Girl Retail Stores
  • Books
  • e-books

They hope that their stories, characters, and more speak to girls everywhere, helping them become all that they can be.

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About Maryellen Larkin:

Maryellen Larkin is the latest addition to American Girl’s stable of historical dolls (BeForever line), which includes characters from World War II years, colonial times, The Great Depression, the Civil War, 1970s, and even more.

Maryellen, whose story is set in 1954, is a strawberry blonde doll that loves to draw. She even has many adorable outfits from the 1950s era.

She comes with 1 of the three books in the series that have her navigating the post-war world of the 50’s.

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My Thoughts:

My girls were absolutely thrilled when they received the amazing Maryellen Larkin. She was absolutely adorable. My girls loved her outfit- even down to the shoes :). Her hair is adorable in the ponytail and is very soft so it is easy for the girls to style her hair in different styles. The outfit that she is wearing is adorable on her as well as my daughter ;). The additional outfits that are available for Maryellen are also absolutely perfect for the era.

My girls love playing with Maryellen and have a hard time being willing to take turns with her, even though they know that they have to.

American Girl dolls are our favorite. They are great dolls that are made to last many years into the future, and they are made extremely well. Your child can play with the doll daily, it doesn’t need to just sit on the shelf and look pretty.

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Purchase:

If you would like to purchase the Maryellen doll, you only have a few more days to purchase her before the year is over. However, there are many other great products that American Girl has to offer. I am sure that any little girl in your life would be excited to open an American Girl doll on Christmas morning. Head on over to the American Girl website to find the right item for you!

Miles from Tomorrow Land Awesome Toys

Disclosure- The below has been provided in order to facilitate this review. All opinions are my own and honest.

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Miles From Tomorrowland is a favorite around this house! My girls have the schedule memorized, even with school in session, we still wake up and have time to watch it after we get ready :). We were so very excited to be able to host our very own Miles from Tomorrowland party and invite our friends over to play with the awesome new Miles From Tomorrowland Toys from Tomy.

About Miles From Tomorrowland:

Miles from Tomorrowland is an animated Disney Junior series. It centers around the Callisto family who live on a spaceship called the Stellosphere and work for the Tomorrowland Transit Authority.

Miles is an enthusiastic boy with a rambunctious boys streak. Miles has a sister Loretta Callisto who is the ‘brains’. Their mom Phoebe and dad Leo are the captain and the engineer of the ship. M.E.R.C. is the family’s pet robo-ostrich who is never far from Miles’ side.

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About the Toys:

StarJetter: Miles and his family, the Callistos, are on a mission to connect the universe. The StarJetter, their most nimble and versatile exploratory shuttle, transports them anywhere in the galaxy. Let the StarJetter help your child on any missions with all 3 of its exploration modes:

  • Space Mode, with the Stellosphere and the Callisto family
  • Once they land, put the legs down for extreme height to walk over any obstacles
  • For rocky and mountainous terrain, pull the legs down for extreme height to walk over any obstacles

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Stellosphere: The Callistos are on a mission to connect the universe. Explore the galaxy on the Stellosphere, the home base space station for the Callistos, where they relax, recharge and receive new missions from the TTA.

The Stellosphere comes apart into 3 separate ships to make space explorations easier. Open up the large Stellosphere playset to reveal the Callisto’s command center where Miles and the Callisto Family 9figures sold separately) can receive missions from the TTA. For short, quick missions, take the mini StarJetter that is stored in the Stellosphere. For longer missions that require a greater distance to travel take the Zip Ship that can be removed from the top of the Stellosphere.

To boost any ship with lights and sounds remove the XVR system form the bottom of the Stellosphere and attach to the other ships. With that many ways to explore, no mission is too difficult.

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Superstellar Blastboard: Blastboard, go!

Miles rockets through the cosmos in nanoseconds on his Blastboard and your child can too! Choose from three different game modes to practice balance skills on the Blastboard:

  • “Blastboard Surfing!” Keep up with Miles’ Blastboard surfing directions to complete the mission.
  • “LightSpeed!” Lean towards the flashing lights as fast as possible.
  • Miles frequently moves to his own beat, and your child can too with “Let’s Race!” Your child can race against herself and move in any direction she chooses with the music.

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Figurines:

There are many figurines of each of the different characters that are featured in Miles From Tomorrowland. We were able to play with a few of them and they were lots of fun!

About The Party:

We had an absolutely amazing time trying out all of these wonderful toys. The kids had so much fun playing with each of the awesome toys. There was a great variety of toys. The kids never got bored and were great at sharing all of the toys. I can say from observing them playing for the 2 hours that they were here I can’t tell you what their favorite toy would be, as they all played with each toy equally. The kids at the party ranged from ages 2 to 7.

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Here’s a little photo of most of our party guests!  As you can see they couldn’t sit still for long as they were ready to play some more with their amazing new toys!

Purchase:

If you are interested in purchasing any of these great toys, head on over to ToysRUs and pick out the perfect toys for you Miles from Tomorrowland fan!

Prevent Lice Before It Can Start

With school starting, and the “super lice” that have been going around, the best treatment seems to be preventing lice from ever taking hold in your child’s hair. Enter So Cozy – a line of hair products for kids which are salon quality but meant for little heads, or in our case a little big head.  So Cozy is broken down into three general categories; Cinch, which are products that just work and work easily, Behave, which are the stylizers of the crew, and Boo which is formulated to repel lice.

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Lice happens. It can happen to anyone. Don’t let it happen to you. Use this fresh scented, lice prevention shampoo and the little buggers want nothing to do with you. Boo! Lice Prevention Shampoo is infused with tea tree oil, a natural and powerful lice repellent, to leave hair soft and silky. Safe and gentle enough for everyday use. A fright for lice, a big relief for you.  You can also pick up lice prevention spray if that’s more to your liking.

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What’s in these lice preventatives?

  • Tea Tree Oil – One of the most effective natural ingredients demonstrated to prevent lice naturally.
  • Rosemary Extract – A natural plant extract that helps with preventing lice; rich in vitamins to promote healthy hair and natural shine
  • Keratin – Protects hair, helps to increase hair strength and minimize damages caused by brushing and overuse of accessories like barrettes and elastic bands.
  • Peppermint Oil – Moisturizing and works as an astringent to prevent buildup plus aids in hair growth.
  • Lavender Flower Extract – Calms and soothes skin.
  • Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract – Moisturizes and soothe hair, scalp and body.

So Safe: Non-Toxic, No Parabens, Sulfates, Phthalates, Synthetic Color, Propylene Glycol. Free of Gluten, Wheat and Nuts. No Nasties Here!

Why bother with bugs?  No one wants to deal with the mess and real PITA that they create, not to mention some kids are really embarrassed should they get them.  An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, some wise mouth once said, and we agree. Pick up some lice prevention today and keep those buggies at bay.

 

Bratz Study Abroad Doll – Yasmin

Disclosure- The below has been provided in order to facilitate this review. All opinions are my own and honest.
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My girls absolutely love playing with dolls and barbies. They were incredibly excited to be able to play with Bratz Study Abroad – Yasmin.

About Bratz Dolls:

The iconic pop culture brand Bratz is back!  They are famous for their creative take on girl’s fashion, Bratz has been reimagined to reflect the trends of today and is poised to be every bit as trend-setting as the original collection was back in 2001.

They are taking cues from pop-culture buzz words and trends, the new line includes outfits and accessories themed around Selfies, world travels, winter sports and even emojis. The revamped Bratz dolls will also give girls the chance to create their own outfits with a C.I.Y. Shoppe design tool that provides an immersive and interactive experience to truly express themselves and create their own worlds.

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About Yasmin: 

The Bratz Study Abroad Collection features each of the girls in outfits inspired by the countries that they have visited.

While Yasmin is soaking it up in Brazil, the language, the samba, the bold fashions – Yasmin brings back a piece of the paradise to share her best friends for life.

Features:

  • Styled in a pair of sunny yellow sandals and a light pink shopper bag.
  • Yasmin is wearing a colorful crop top, zip-up denim jacket with fringed sleeves, and a tropical satin skirt.
  • Her 2nd outfit is a 2-piece sporty top and bottom combo
  • Turquoise headwrap
  • Pineapple purse
  • Electric green luggage with telescoping handle
  • Sticker sheet to decorate luggage
  • 13 accessories, including the iconic Bratz hairbrush in sunny yellow

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My Thoughts:

My daughters were incredibly excited to play with Yasmin. They alternate playing with her with their barbies and just playing with her. They have enjoyed decorating her suitcase. There were so many great accessories for them to play with with her that they could’t have been any happier to be able to do a little bit of everything with Yasmin.

The girls love dressing her up in a combination of the outfits that were provided when they got her.

I think that Yasmin and the other Bratz Dolls in the Study Abroad line would be perfect toys for little girls!

Back to School Fashions with AG Doll Maryellen

Disclosure: The MaryEllen American Girl outfit was provided to me to help facilitate my review. All opinions are my own and honest. I am disclosing this in accordance to FTC Guidelines. Please see “Disclose” tab for more information.
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I know that everyone out there does some Back to School Clothes shopping. My girls love to go shopping at the beginning of the year and I love to find outfits that will grow with them and that are definitely covering in all appropriate areas. I am so impressed with the Back to School Fashions featuring Maryellen‘s historically-inspired outfits for girls.

About Maryellen:

American Girl introduces fans to top-requested 1950s character Maryellen Larkin – an optimistic, energetic girl growing up in Daytona Beach, Florida, in 1954. The Maryellen product line includes the 18-inch Maryellen doll and two-book series, several 1950s-era doll outfits and cool new accessories that combine iconic ’50s aesthetics with innovative features that extend the play experience for girls, including a TV console that works with a girls’ iPad, and a jukebox that plays ’50s-style songs and connects to electronic music players.

Maryellen Girls Clothing:

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The clothing items from Maryellen’s line are absolutely adorable for girls. My daughter loves the dress and cardigan that she has received and she is also excited about the other outfits that she is really hoping to receive for Christmas. I think that these items are adorable. 1950 was a good time to live and these clothes most definitely are perfect for the girls in your life. They truly are in style right now and perfect. These are perfect clothes for Back to School time with any little girl.

My Thoughts:

These outfits are absolutely perfect for my girls. I think that they are adorable and fit absolutely wonderful. I can tell that they are made extremely well. These outfits will last for both of my girls to be able to wear them. On top of the fact that my daughters love their new outfit, they also love that they are able to match their brand new American Girl Doll Maryellen. Maryellen is the perfect doll for my daughters and now they get to match her when they play or go out and about.

Purchase:

If you would like to purchase some clothes from the Maryellen line at American Girl, head on over to the website and find the perfect outfit for you.

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Back to School Backpacks

Back to school is a crazy time of year- and not many parents relish back to school shopping.  No matter what your kids need for school this year, they are sure to need a backpack to carry all their “stuff” to and from classes, home, and back again.  Here are some fun and functional choices for your students-

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Got a little one entering Pre-K or Kindergarten this year?  He or she will love Bixbee, and so will you.  These are just the cutest bags with great patterns and styles.  Some have wings, some have animal faces and ears- heck, even shark fins.  For bigger kids, they have tamer color palettes and more typical styles of backpack.  The cool thing about Bixbee is that they come in three sizes, so they will fit your child’s stature.  Some backpacks only come in certain sizes, or only one or two options, but you will be able to find one that fits your child’s style and size.  It’s recommended that the backpack rest in the lower back, and no more then four inches below the waist to avoid causing chronic pain, which is important to Bixbee.  These backpacks are also sturdy, PVC, BPA, phthalate, and lead free, and have many pockets for your child’s belongings.  Bixbee cares about kids- when you buy a backpack, they donate one to a child in need somewhere in the world.  What else can you ask for in a backpack?  Comfort, style, and caring. You can get yours at http://www.bixbee.com

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Wildkin backpacks and lunch bags are great for kids who like all their things to match, or parents who find it easier to grab everything when it all looks the same.  Not only are backpacks and lunchboxes available, but nap mats, sports bags, pencil cases, and more.  The material is not at tough as some of the bags out there, so if you have a child that is tough on his or her gear, these might not last as long as others.  The patterns are delightful- I have purchased several things for my child in one of them, including his very first “big boy” bedding set.  There are many different types of packs, bags, and duffels- check out the site and get what you need for the upcoming year at http://www.wildkin.com

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When it comes to school gear, you want to choose wisely, and you don’t want to have to buy the same items over and over because they were flimsy or poorly made.  Introducing Chooze Bags and coordinating lunch boxes.  Not only are they durable (and I personally took this one for a few days as well as my son’s own use of it), but they also have the added and somewhat unusual bonus of  being able to turn it inside out for a whole new look if you get tired of one version. They are totally reversible, with two fully functional sides, giving kids the ability to swap prints and styles without swapping backpacks.  I really like this backpack- it has tough side bags for water bottles and whatnot, many pockets, pouches, and places to keep your items, and zippers that don’t catch or pull. The straps are also padded, which is great- you know how heavy those backpacks can get.  Tons of options to chooze from (see what I did there? So clever….)- get yours now at http://www.choozeshoes.com/collections/backpacks

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If you are looking for something delicious to stick into lunchboxes this year, try Noosa Yoghurt.   The tastes and flavor combinations, along with the fact that it is made in small batches on a small family farm, make this unlike any other yogurt on the market today.  Made with all natural whole milk, fresh fruit purees, and honey, one bite will keep you coming back for more.  My husband is now an addict. It’s also  all natural, gluten-free, and probiotic, so it’s good for the whole family.  It comes in a variety of sizes- some just perfect for lunchboxes (some bigger for the husbands who want more). With flavors like Cranberry Apple, Pumpkin, Honey, Strawberry Rhubarb, and more, you can find both fun and unusual flavors or favorites like Vanilla and Blueberry.   Find a store that sells Noosa near you at http://www.noosayoghurt.com/

Enjoy Playtime with Sevi Magnetic Playsets

Disclosure: The Magnetic Playsets from Sevi were provided to me to help facilitate my review. All opinions are my own and honest. I am disclosing this in accordance to FTC Guidelines. Please see “Disclose” tab for more information.
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I am always on the lookout for new, fun things for my kids to play with. I was so excited when I saw these Magnetic Playsets from Sevi.

About Sevi:

In toy years, Sevi is Europe’s oldest wooden toymaker — 184 years. Their 2015 collection of Play Sets offer a new direction in creative fun. And when kids slow down to play with these captivating sets, important skills develop from concentration and patience to boundless creativity. Geared for tots ages 3 and up, the play sets are fun for the whole family with their mix and match amusement.

All Sevi designs originate in Italy by specially trained toy designers.

Sevi products are produced in the Far East in a Trudi-run factory employing local artisans under fair and safe working conditions.

All Sevi products have been thoroughly and rigorously tested by an independent lab, and meet or exceed all European and US federal regulations for children’s toys. Parents never worry about the quality or safety of any Sevi product.

All Sevi products are extremely durable, eco-friendly, and kid safe.

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About Magnetic Fashion & Magnetic Faces Playsets:

Each magnetic set can create four different game scenes. Children can play solo or with a friend as the board lays flat or can stand like an easel with a different design on either side.

The box is easy to close and carry to take on a trip. It also stores perfectly on the bookshelf.

The magnetic playsets works on:

  • Creativity
  • Imagination
  • Fine Motor Skills

 

My Thoughts:

My daughters were incredibly excited to receive their new Magnetic Play Sets. They have both had a great deal of fun playing with them and seeing all the wonderful faces and outfits that they can create. I can honestly say that they don’t seem to have a favorite, they take turns and play well on both of the Playsets that we have.

We have taken a vacation and used them for the girls to play with in the car. I was a little bit worried about it initially, because some of the magnet pieces are small. The girls did a great job just getting out a few pieces at a time and were careful not to lose anything.

I am a huge fan on this wonderful product. I definitely plan to look at more of the products that Sevi has to offer.

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Purchase: 

If you are interested in purchasing any products that Sevi has to offer, head on over to their website and check them out!

Stretchmo and Puzzles and Dragons

Available now for the 3DS system is a fun new free-mium game in the -mo series which started with Pushmo, then Crashmo and Pushmo world.  The newest in the series is Stretchmo.  This game starts out as a free download where a minimum of levels and the tutorial stages are available giving the player just enough game to want more and more is indeed available in the form of 4 new sections.  These sections are Playtime Plaza, Sculpture Square, Fortress of Fun and NES Expo.  All unlock a total of 250 Stretchmo puzzles ranging from animals to shapes and even familiar NES characters from their 8bit days.  In total, this game is a blast once you get the hang of it.  Getting into the proper state of mind to solve each puzzle can take some time, but once you figure it out, it is quite fulfilling. My son, who might not figure out each puzzle as quickly as Daddy,thoroughly enjoy the game because the controls are easy and the main characters are cute little creatures.

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