What To Do In San Francisco with Kids

May 9, 2014 by 8 Comments

When visiting the famous “City by the Bay”, it’s easy to be overwhelmed with the variety of activities and dining options that you will be presented with.  Everything you see looks like fun, all the food smells amazing- so if you only have a few days or week, where are the best places to spend your time and money on your family vacation?

If you like to take a tour of the city you are visiting, let me suggest the Ride the Ducks Tour. This is a chain that can be found in several states, with San Fransisco being one of the newest places to tour on an amphibious WW II DUKW.  Yes, this is definitely “touristy”- and it’s also extremely family friendly, and a good way to see the sites of the city in a way that adults will enjoy and kids will love.  The DUK Captain (yes, your knowledgeable, often funny guide and driver is certified by the US Coast Guard, you are in good hands) knows the city inside and out, and will not only point out landmarks, but also fun spots you might like and good places to eat or shop.  They also let the kids have a turn driving the DUK while it’s in “boat mode” in the bay, which will thrill them.  Since they “guarantee” they are “cheaper then other” sites in San Francisco, you won’t spend as much to see and do what you’d like to.

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You and your family will see the best of San Francisco from land and water. Get up close and personal with the iconic Bay Bridge, float by Alcatraz, see Fisherman’s Wharf, roll through Chinatown, wave at cafe patrons in North Beach (San Francisco’s answer to New York City’s “Little Italy”), as well as taking in great views of the city skyline.

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To see as much as you can for as little as you are able spend, continue saving by purchasing a San Francisco CityPASS.  Available for $84, the pass gives you access to many of the most popular sites in the city, as well as 7-Day unlimited-use Cable Car and Muni transportation pass to help you get around.  If you don’t have a car, this is the best way to get from place to place.  If you have a car with you, be aware that most venues require payment for parking, and many of them are none too inexpensive.  You could rack up the price of the pass in a day or two very easily.

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Another spot included in the CityPASS booklet is the famous California Academy of Sciences ,where you can climb into the treetops of a man-made rainforest to see life on literally all levels, see what it feels like to be in an earthquake, check out eggs that are bigger then your kids, view the bones that show the evolution from ape to human, and see a rare Albino Alligator (Claude, in case you’d like to get formal).

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Also included in your pass is the Blue & Gold Fleet Bay Cruise Adventure, which gives you a tour of the city via boat.  See the sights from the inside or outside of the boat, which ventures out several times a day.  This hour long tour is scenic and narrated (so that you know exactly what it is that you are seeing) and available in 9 languages via audio tour as well. The children will love being on a boat as they cruise past the Pier 39 sea lions, which are a must see for any visitor to the city.  You can also see them on land when you visit the pier later on (and make sure you take a spin on the merry go round).
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It’s Raining Super-Men

May 5, 2014 by 4 Comments

Disclosure: The below was provided for me in order to 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.

The little, plastic kind- sorry ladies.  While that may be bad news if you are shopping for a husband, it’s great news if you are shopping for a son, nephew, or superhero loving child.  There are toys to go with movie blockbusters, TV shows, cartoons, and even a few just because.  What’s hotter then a superhero, really?  For kids, I mean.  Toys. Totally.

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Why is it so many superheros seem to have multiple personality disorders?  They want to save the world, they are distraught and angry, they are filled with angst, they feel responsible, they feel lonely, they push people away, they cling to friends, they occasionally go off the rails (I’m looking at you, Spiderman) etc etc etc.  Now, you can intentionally confuse your superheros- well, those in the Marvel Universe, anyway- by mashing them up with other heroes and villains.  Take the head of Iron Man, the body of Thor, the legs of Hulk, and the arms of Dr. Doom and make your own super-confused-super-humans.  Actually, maybe it IS a good way to shop for a man….Well, there you go.  Fun for kids, for fun superhero enthusiasts, and fun for mom.  What’s not to love?  Prices range from $10 – $20 on http://www.hasbro.com, also available in most stores that sell toys.

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Got a kid who is really into Power Rangers?  Or perhaps just waxing nostalgic yourself.  The Power Rangers have morphed through more sets of super-rangers since it’s origins in 1992 then I care to shake a stick at, were I inclined to shake sticks.  (19 seasons and nearly 100 Rangers total later, the show is still going strong.)  My little brother watched the original Rangers back in the stone age when I was a kid, and I once dressed up as “Tommy, the Green Ranger” at a birthday party which confused all the kids at the McDonalds I was working at, since Tommy is not really a girl.  Hey- I was the only one short enough to fit into the costume on that shift that day.  The Power Rangers are an institution, and going nowhere. They are still making movies and TV episodes, and my son and his friends look forward to the new toys as much as my little brother did a thousand years ago.  So, what’s new in Power Rangers?  The Legacy MegaZord is a return to the original, after celebrating 20 years of Power Rangers saving the world.  This latest Megazord has all the original details from the first toy, but improves it with diecast metal pieces for durability. It comes with a Ranger Key that can be used to open it’s chest. Good for collectors and fans of the current show alike. The Mystic Dragon Zord and Green Ranger set is also inspired by past seasons, and connects to other parts of the Zord Builder collection.   Any 4 inch figure or Power Ranger Key can work with the Dragon Zord, and it comes with one Power Ranger Key as well as the Green Ranger.  The Legacy Megazord and Mystic Dragon Zord can be used together. Roughly $35 and $16 depending on your place of purchase.
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Disney Magical World Nintendo 3DS

May 4, 2014 by 3 Comments

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There is a recent trend in video games called life simulations. These games are a sort of role playing game light. Where players build / upkeep something then are rewarded for it while also helping other characters with various jobs/quests.  The game play is easy going and relaxing and moves as quickly as you’d like it to.
One of the most recent additions to this genre is Disney Magical World. This game takes the genre of life simulation and throws a whole lot of charm and Disney magic to bring a new world to life. The game starts out with you selecting your character’s appearance. This can either be created in game or through the usage of your Mii avatar associated with your 3DS.

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As the game progresses and more quests are done more customization is further and further unlocked with your character, their personal space and your cafe which is run by your character in game. The game takes familiar characters like Goofy, Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse and brings them to life as new friend who need help and also patrons of your cafe. There is nothing as interesting as watching Goofy eat pastries in your cafe. Some examples of the help character need are: collecting items, completing a specific set of directions,putting on the right article of clothing and getting complemented on it or as simple as fishing.
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Guess How Much I Love You (new line of toys)

May 1, 2014 by 6 Comments

My little boy loves his stuffed animals.  He also loves the book, “Guess How Much I Love You”, which we have been reading to him since he was a baby.  The modern classic, which was written in 1994 by British author Sam McBratney and illustrated by Anita Jeram has sold more then 28 million copies- so if you have read it to your little love, you are not alone.

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My son has prints of the storybook on his wall in his bedroom, he loves the story so.  He and I often tell each other we love each other to the moon and back, and he likes to stretch his arms to see if they will go wider then mine.  When Kids Preferred came out with the new line of toys from the beloved book, he was thrilled.
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A Soft, Cuddly Bunny To Love

May 1, 2014 by 3 Comments

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What child doesn’t love a soft toy?  My son loves stuffed animals, they are one of his favorite toys.  One of the latest stuffed toys he has gotten is Baby Bo, the stuffed bunny from Ragtales.  The perfect size for little hands, he is soft and snuggly, with no buttons or eyes that will come loose and choke a child.  His eyes are sewn on, and he is adorable in every way.  Delivered in his own box, he is presented like a gift and will delight the child that gets to open him.

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“Just like the larger version of Bo our new Baby Bo Rabbit is just as lovable and will delight any child for many years to come. Baby Bo is made in the same gorgeous fur, has a weighted torso and comes with an embroidered identification patch on the sole of the paw. Baby Bo comes in a beautiful presentation box.” (Via Ragtales)
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Why You Should Travel With a PaddlePak

May 1, 2014 by 9 Comments

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We travel a lot.  My son loves to take his own backpack with him, although it usually ends up being carried by mommy. The first good thing about this backpack is that he likes to carry it- the Paddlepak Backpacks are adorable and lightweight.  The next most awesome thing about them is that they are water resistant- so when junior or the little miss spills all over it in the car or plane, the inside contents are safe.

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We have recently taken several trips with the PaddlePak backpacks, and will be using them as often as possible.  My son used his backpack at the pool, the beach, and island hopping on a Caribbean cruise.  The packs weathered the use with no problems, and did well on the plane and boat rides as well to carry snacks and toys.

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While I think these bags are perfect for beach and pool use, they are great for everyday travel as well.  Going to grandma’s?  Taking a road trip?  Maybe just going to the mall and need something to play with with someone has a try on party.  Pack up a few things into the Paddlepak, and move along.  There is room in the tails of the packs to store “treasures” like rocks and shells, or even your room card.  Kids love to put “stuff in stuff'” as we all well know, and it’s easy to find in the tail.  If your child still uses a pacifier, there is a spot on the padded shoulder straps to connect it to as well so you won’t lose it (how gross, finding it on an airport or restaurant floor!)
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Pediped Kids Sandals – Review and GIVEAWAY

April 30, 2014 by 42 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 a new school year upon us, you know that I was looking for the easiest, most comfortable shoes for my little dude to go back to school with. He’s not big on laces, so we are loving the Flex Shoreline.

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

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Annie Collection from Just Pretend Kids

April 26, 2014 by 1 Comment

Disclosure: The Annic Collection Costume/Dress Up Outfit from Just Pretend Kids mentioned below was provided for me in order to 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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My girls absolutely love playing dress up. They even got a huge dress up dresser with tons of dress up clothes for their birthdays. They were so very excited to add the Annie Collection from Just Pretend Kids to their dress up collection.

About Just Pretend Kids:

Wyla Inc. (the parent company of JustPretend and JustPretendKids.com) has been designing, producing, and supplying tulle, lace, and novelty fabrics for over forty years. They take special care to make the finest quality fabrics at affordable prices. Because they have experience with their own children and grandchildren they know how important it is to produce fabrics that are comfortable and safe to wear while at the same time being beautiful and magical.

They believe that Pretending is a human way of practicing for real life. In many cases, they believe that it helps people decide what we want to do or not want to be when we grow up. They want their costumes to make your children feel like princesses, pirates, dragons, and lady bugs, and to inspire them to dream, laugh, imagine, and explore.

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