Great Toys for Christmas

Disclosure- I received the below in order to complete reviews.  All opinions are my own and honest.  For more info, see the “I Disclose” tab.

Looking for last minute holiday toys and gifts?

So many people wait until the last minute- but that’s OK- there are some great finds and sales to be had this week.

Some of my favorites are;

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Playmates Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Ninja Control Shellraiser

My son loves this new vehicle, which has all the bells and whistles and has been dubbed “so cool”.   The Turtles figurines can really ride on it, and it fits in really well with the rest of the set if you have a little collector.  Side note- daddy had a lot of fun playing Turtles with my 6 year old as well.  He played with the “old school” version when he was a kid, and we still have some of the oldies floating around the house.  “Drive the Turtles into their next battle with this new, full-function remote control vehicle. From rail-riding to street-surfing, Donatello’s customized combat creation packs a powerful punch. With the green team all aboard, the Turtles will cream the Kraang with a frenzy of fast-firing sewer covers!  This vehicle comes with full-steering remote-control action, as well as the ability to control the rapid-fire sewer-cover cannon. Compatible with most Turtles basic action figures (sold separately).”  $49.99, most toy stores and online as well.

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Peter Rabbit DVD and Gift Set

Based on the classic Beatrix Potter tales that are now a new TV show which has become a favorite for many kids (and will be in your home if you have missed it thus far) the Peter Rabbit set  not only features episodes from the TV series, but also some activities to keep your little bunny hopping. This is great to take along when you travel or to have on hand for sick days or snow days, or even to bring along to grandma’s house.  The included puzzle and crayon pack is perfect for keeping little hands busy instead of getting into trouble in the garden.  Exclusively at Walmart for $20

“Welcome to the Lake District, home to Peter Rabbit and his pals, Benjamin Bunny and Lily Bobtail.  Tag along with this intrepid trio on exciting adventures that teach valuable skills like reasoning, problem solving and the value of friendship. Nickelodeon’s Peter Rabbit, a modern take on Beatrix Potter’s beloved characters and locations – and some new ones as well – will have you cheering along with his pals in the first episodes from the series. Peter Rabbit is a high-stakes, humorous, heartfelt series that will bring back childhood memories for those familiar with the classic series, and help make new ones for a whole new generation.  Plus, this gift set also includes a Color-Your-Own Puzzle and Crayons Pack!”
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Peppa Pig is Here to Bring Holiday Cheer

Disclosure- I received some of these products in order to complete this review. All opinions are my own and honest.

My son loves Peppa Pig.  The TV show is one of his favorites, and he can tune in on Nick Jr. daily.  When the first Peppa Pig toys came out, he was psyched.  Nothing is better then playing with your favorite characters and acting out the mischief they get into (and making up some of your own).  Truth be told, as much as he likes Peppa, he likes Daddy Pig more- he snorts WAY louder.  He also likes her baby brother George, because he throws toys, spaghetti, and hides from Peppa (which really peeves her).  So, the boys have it, according to my son.

Bedtime Peppa ($26.99, available at Toys R Us) This soft and cuddly plush doll from Fisher-Price sings a sweet lullaby and lights up as she counts sheep.  Bedtime Peppa Pig has cheeks that light up red, as well as she will sing lullaby songs, snort, and talk to you when you press her tummy.  She even has her own blankie (which is sewn to her so it can’t be lost, thus avoiding bedtime tantrums).

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 Muddy Puddles Bathtime Peppa ($12.99, available at Toys R Us) Kiddos can clean up in the tub alongside Peppa and George with this fun new bath toy from Fisher Price. Includes a bathtub caddy that sticks on tub walls.

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 If your child is familiar with Peppa, you know the “Muddy Puddles” theme.  There are plenty of shows about jumping in them, making muddy messes, and the toys, books, DVDs, and now new bath toys run the same gamut.  Kids like mud? Who would have thought.   The Muddy Puddles Bathtime Peppa Pig toys are cute- Peppa and George are covered in mud, and need a bath.  When you put them in warm water, the mud “disappears”.  The bathtub has suction cups on the side to stick to the bathtub wall, and a hole in the bottom to drain the water out.

pic1Peek N Surprise Playhouse ($34.99 available at Toys R US) Come over to Peppa’s house for a playdate full of sweet surprises.  This portable, four-room playhouse opens to reveal a home filled with fun transforming furniture – switch the sink from messy to clean, fill the tub for a bubble bath, set the family table for dinner time and much more! The playhouse includes over 15 play pieces and folds closed for easy clean up. Peppa and George figures are included for playtime fun. It comes with 2 piggies, and you can get extra characters to go with it as well. It opens up into a house, but everything (furniture, characters, etc) fits neatly inside and folds shut for easy on-the-go carrying. Yes, it even has a handle to make it extra easy to take along.
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Duck Dynasty Season 1-3 Collector’s Set

Disclosure: The Duck Dynasty Seasons 1-3: Collector’s Set was provided to me for my family 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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Everywhere you look there are Duck Dynasty products. They have floor mats, blankets, plants, lunch boxes, etc. This show has definitely sweeped the nation. My husband and I have enjoyed watching this one since their second season. Somehow we didn’t know it existed the first season (I blame becoming parents:) ). This Holiday Season they have released the Seasons 1-3 Collector’s Set.

About the Duck Dynasty Collector’s Set:

With these down-home millionaires from Louisiana, there’s always somebody up to something that you can rest assured somebody else isn’t going to like. See what happens when Willie hosts his own radio show, but makes the mistake of bringing Uncle Si on the air with him. You can also watch how his employee retreat fails to build trust among the Duck Commander team. Catch Jase’s plans to prevent Missy from finding out he’s lost his second, newly replaced wedding ring. But the Robertsons never back down from a challenge, always taking on new adventures. Whether it’s a family cooking, fishing, or football competition; a blind leap into winemaking; a spontaneous road trip in the RV; or their run-ins with critters of all kinds, this clan makes the most of their funny business.

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Lone Ranger Movie Review

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The Lone Ranger has recently been released on Blu-ray combo pack and we are going to be taking a look at this loved and not loved movie.  But first some ground rules, throw out your idea of who the Lone Ranger is from radio and TV yester-year.  Here is the background which is needed, Lone Ranger is a western.  Think cowboys and bad guys locking horns for peace and justice.  The Lone Ranger and Tonto being the good guys and Butch Cavendish and his gang the bad guys.

When released in theaters there were quite a few negative reviews about The Lone Ranger, most of which I feel were because of the updates to the story and characters.  One of which was to cast Johnny Depp as Tonto.  I feel there needed to be a change to the characters and story.  People don’t want to see the same song and dance they could have seen decades ago.  The audience wants to see something new and fresh and there is nothing newer or fresher then Johnny Depp in war paint and a huge headdress.  With big action and some silliness The Lone Ranger might even become one of your surprising favorites.  The biggest of action scenes at the end of the movie which is to say the very least epic and masterfully done.  The movie is a great action movie which will keep everyone interested.  It is rated PG-13 for mainly action and violence so maybe not the best pick for a little one movie.
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Jade & Jasper Jewelry

Don’t get me wrong. I love summer, but I am always excited at the prospect of fall and winter for the opportunity to switch things up a bit with my wardrobe. This year is no exception, and Jade & Jasper is offering women the chance to shine by offering gorgeous jewelry that pairs perfectly with this seasons fashion trends. No matter what style you prefer you can find the perfect piece to compliment your look from Jade & Jasper.

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Vintage Jewelry is hot right now. Pop culture has embraced pearls and beading thanks films such as The Great Gatsby which brought the jazz age to the spotlight again. The Estelle Bib Necklace from the European Vintage Collection will add an old Hollywood kind of glamor while making other women envious of your style. The Estelle Bib Necklace makes a statement with dorado pearls and faceted jet glass beads. Pair this necklace with patent leather or a shimmering metallic fabric for a look that will turn heads.
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The Love Awakened Necklace from the Dark Romance Collection compliments the Military Chic and Punk Grunge Glamour trends. This necklace is beautiful in its simplicity. It is a Hematite and gold plated pendant necklace with crystal and grey Mother of Pearl strung on black glass beads. It would look stunning with Army Green, camouflage or leather. The Love Awakened Necklace isn’t flashy but it definitively adds a rock-star feel to your look.

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Nescafe Dolce Gusto Coffee Machine

pic10“I participated in a campaign on behalf of Mom Central Consulting for NESCAFÉ Dolce Gusto. I received product samples to facilitate my review as well as a thank me for my participation.”

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The holidays bring a plethora of different people into your home, some of which are very specific about their hot beverages.  From tea, to lattes, and espressos, how exactly would a gracious house guest accommodate their guests without buying hundreds of dollars worth of machines and a kitchen full of counter space?  NESCAFÉ Dolce Gusto is the only machine that truly delivers delicious, coffee house quality creations every time with patented smart capsule technology delivering up to 15 bars of professional pressure and espresso technology.

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This new coffee machine is easy to use and serves delicious hot beverages, notice not just coffee.  The beverages available are: Cappuccino Ice, Cappuccino, Carmel Latte Macchiato, Americano, Skinny Cappuccino, Nestea Peach Iced Tea, Skinny Latte, Latte Macchiato, Chococino, Mocha, Chai Tea Latte, Espresso, Caffe Lungo, Caffe Lungo Decaf, Dark Roast, Morning Blend, and Espresso Intenso.

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Joseph Nogucci Jewelry

 

Every mama loves a little something special in her holiday gifts and who wouldn’t love receiving a Joseph Nogucci Iris bracelet for the holidays or anytime?  These are so pretty, and easy to bring into any outfit.

iris bracelet

I received a beautiful pre-made IRIS bracelet in blues and silver, but when you order online, you can actually customize your bracelet. First you select a starter band which comes in sterling silver and leather. Next, you select from over 40 colorful Murano inspired glass beads in beautiful blues, reds, greens and mixed colors. Then, you can add to and separate the glass beads with a huge variety of silver and rhodium charms.

If you don’t design your own or want to send a complete package as a gift, you can also order a complete Iris bracelets like the one I received. I was perfectly happy with the colors selected for me and I liked the surprise aspect about the end product.
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Lorex Sweet Peek Video Baby Monitor

Disclosure: The Sweet Peek Lorex Baby Monitor was provided to me for my family 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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With little ones around, I definitely feel like I always need an extra set of eyes around. Bed time and naptime definitely rank high up there on that list. With my Sweet Peek Video Baby Monitor from Lorex Baby.

About Lorex Baby Monitors:

From the world’s best DIY video surveillance makers comes Lorex Baby. With Lorex Baby, you can now be truly confident with what your little one is doing whenever and wherever you are.

They know that parents are master multi-taskers and Lorex Baby is here to help. With user-friendly menus and standard features like Two-Way Talk, Sleep & Soothe Sounds, and Crystal Clear Night Vision ensure that you’re always in touch with your tot or toddler at a distance.

About Sweet Peek Video Baby Monitor:

You can be sure that this brand new video baby monitor will keep you tuned in to your bundle of joy, no matter where you are in the house. No stork could ever deliver so many picture-perfect features in such a small package! One that is durable and attractive. If you purchase Sweet Peek and enjoy all the value-added benefits including bright, crisp vision by day and night.

This Monitor Includes: