PaddlePack by Trunki

The first day of spring has tempted me into day dreaming about days at the beach with the family. If I close my eyes I can feel the sun on my face, the scent of surf and sunscreen tickle my nostrils and the delighted sound of my son laughing as he plays in the sand greets my ears like beautiful music.

When we have a day of fun in the sun planned I have a go to bag for my son that is super cute and designed to keep water from leaking in or seeping out. If you spend any amount of time near the water with your children you will want to keep reading. Let me tell more about the PaddlePak line of bags by Trunki.

PaddlePak is a fun backpack with a fun and friendly design sure to make your kids the envy of the beach. They are made with lightweight material making them easy for kids to carry. They are waterproof, which is fantastic because there are no more leaky swimsuits to contend with when it is time to call it a day. They are spacious with a 7.5 liter capacity, so you can pack water toys, towels and extra clothes without worrying about space.
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Yoshi’s New Island Video Game

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.

toys and nintendo 062Yoshi is one of the most beloved characters created  by Nintendo.  The reasons being that he is cute, tough, and hey- he throws eggs.  He is the quintessential assistant and mode of transportation.  Lets face it, if we could call ride a Yoshi to work or school everyday we would.  This lovable dinosaur is back in the Yoshi’s New Island for the Nintendo 3DS and 2DS.

The game starts out with the familiar stork and Mario story.  Mario is bring carried to his parents, but along the way the stork is attacked by Kamek, causing Mario to fall to Egg Island- and the adventure begins.  This game plays like other Nintendo plat-formers, but with a more child friendly theme.  Many textures look like crayon or pencil drawings, while the main characters are brightly colored and vibrant.  Their animation seamless and a pleasure to watch and play.  As with most recent Nintendo plat-formers, if the player is stuck at a point in the game, wings, then golden wings are available for usage.  These help Yoshi to fly, holding down the jump button, and make him invulnerable to most attacks.
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CAILLOU TALKING DOLL Review

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.

My son used to watch the TV show Caillou quite a lot before he went to school this year.  It comes on in the early morning here, so he doesn’t watch it as much anymore.  He still likes to play with his toys from the show, however, so he was excited when he got into the car after I picked him up from kindergarten the other day and found this guy waiting in the backseat.

03 20 14 020The new Caillou Talking Doll is to be released April 1st for $34.99 online and in specialty stores across the country.  You can also get books, apparel, DVDs, and other toys in “big box” and specialty stores nationwide.  Caillou has been on the air on PBS for 15 years, and this year celebrates it’s 25th anniversary. It is consistently ranked among the top 10 shows for Pre-K kids since it first aired, and is loved by many kids.
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National Geographic Kids Books

National Geographic Kids releases a steady stream of interesting books.  We are going to be looking at a book of George Washington tips and tricks for manners as well as something a bit deeper about slavery called Stolen into Slavery.

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First we will look at the light hearted George Washington’s Rules to Live By: How to Sit, Stand, Smile, and Be Cool! A Good Manners Guide From the Father of Our Country.  This book takes actual tips and hints by George Washington and adds silly illustrations and characters to prove the point of the rules in both a memorable and fun way.  All the rules are fun and are most most definitely a worthwhile lesson to learn.  One which stands out i, “When in company, put not your hands to any part of the body not usually discovered.”  or in layman’s terms don’t pick pick anything on yourself in public.George Washington’s Rules to Live By is available now, is a 128 pages hard cover book and retails for $14.99.
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Dollie and Me Doll and Outfit

Disclosure: The Dollie & Me Doll and outfit 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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As I am sure that all of you well know by now, we are all about babies in this house. My daughters are right at the age that they are really enjoying playing with dolls as well as babies. Dolls have taken a big liking to by my oldest. She was so very excited to receive the Life of the Party Doll.

About Dollie and Me:

The world of Dollie & Me is as big as your imagination! As colorful as you are creative! As exciting as you are adventurous! As Intriguing as you are curious! Open your eyes, your mind, and your heart, and a world of possibilities opens up like a flower.

About Life of the Party Doll-18 inch Play Doll:

  • 18 inch play doll with sleep eyes, rooted hair, soft body, and joints at neck, shoulder, and hip
  • Doll is made by Madame Alexander Doll Company
  • Teal blue textured brocade fabric
  • Cross-over V-neck dress with gathered waist and double-tiered skirt
  • Self-fabric cummerbund
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Kitchen Club Kids- Rainbow Salad

Disclosure: The End of the Rainbow Fruit Salad Book from Kitchen Club Kids 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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One of my favorite things to do with my girls is to cook. They love to spend time in the kitchen with me just as much as I love to have them in there with me. The Kitchen Club Kids is the perfect addition to our days in the Kitchen together.

About Kitchen Club Kids:

Kitchen Club Kids promotes healthy eating habits, fundamental learning opportunities and recipe building. Not to mention the books are very fun to read.

Each story introduces a real recipe that can be prepared in the kitchen by cooks of any level. SO, whether you’re reading with your child before mealtime or before bedtime, Kitchen Club Kids turns story time into a culinary, learning adventure.

Kitchen Club Kids cooking adventure books are also a great gift for expecting moms and foodie friends with young kids. The colorful illustrations and layered learning opportunities on each page will keep your child’s interest from beginning to end.

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Peppa Pig: My Birthday Party DVD

Disclosure: The Peppa Pig: My Birthday Party DVD 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.

Peppa Pig

Who doesn’t love Peppa Pig?  Peppa Pig is airing on Nick Jr. The show follows the adventures of Peppa, a little piggy who lives with her brother George, Mummy Pig and Daddy Pig.

About Peppa Pig:

Peppa airs daily on Nick Jr. Peppa Pig follows the hilarious adventures of Peppa, a loveable little piggy, her family and all of her animal friends, including Suzy Sheep, Pedro Pony, Danny Dog, and more. Peppa loves to play game,s dress up, and visit exciting places and make new friends, but her absolute favorite thing to do is jumping up and down in mud puddles!

All of Peppa’s adventures are filled with wholesome entertainment that the entire family can enjoy together. Most importantly, there is always a happy ending.

About Peppa Pig: My Birthday Party – 

This great DVD welcomes preschoolers to the charm and magic of Peppa’s world with All-New adventures featuring 14 fun-packed “Peppasodes” from the award-winning series, plus two fun educational extras, “Learn the Alphabet” and “Learn to Count”.

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Dolling Up

 

Got dolls on the brain?  If you have daughters, nieces, or sons who like playing baby, then chances are that you do. While the choices in dolls may seem as endless as that hour between dinner and bedtime, there are some fun new twists on the basic baby doll that have recently come out, and your little doll is sure to love.

Gund’s Peek a Boo Dolly is great for the youngest children,engaging them in a game and talking to them. She pulls her pink blanket up over her eyes and asks “where did you go?”  and “peek a boo, I found you!” as she lowers it.  She says 6 different phrases, and plays for roughly 40 seconds at a time when her button is pressed.  She is soft and snuggly, and kids will love to hold her. With a sweet smile on her face and fleecy clothes, she looks happy, plush, and has no small parts to choke on or become loose.  She needs 3 AAA batteries, which are included. Also available in Peek a Boo Bear, a brown bear with a cream colored blanket, these retail for $40.  They are available in many gift stores as well as http://shop.gund.com

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Adora’s PlayTime™ Babies Love Ewe is so sweet, and would make a great Easter or spring doll for your precious little one. Dressed in a little lamb covered one piece outfit and pink headband, she is adorable and kids will gravitate to her.  She comes with her own bottle, her eyes open and close when you move her, and she can suck her own thumb.  The best part about this baby, is that she is completely machine washable.  You read that right!  When she gets dirty, as your kid’s favorite toy is bound to, just toss her in the wash on gentle and hang her on the line to dry.  Can’t get any easier then that.   You and your child will appreciate the life like features of this toy- from her little fingernails to her turned up toes, she is as sweet as they come.
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