My Friend Cayla – there’s an app for this doll

September 10, 2015 by 4 Comments

Welcome to the new age of toys.  No longer are there just smart TV’s and phones, now just about anything can be ‘smarter’ with a connection to the internet and some ingenuity.

With this in mind, we are taking a look at My Friend Cayla from Genesis Toys.  This doll is 18 inches tall and has a plethora of nifty features some of which include: answering just about any question, telling you a story, playing a game, discussing photos with you, speaking Spanish, and telling you about the weather to name a few of her talents. Cayla is a doll for the digital age- she interfaces with a free app.  Which after a quick install onto your smart phone or tablet, which is both iOS and Android supported, it acts as both an interface with Cayla and an internet connection.  The phone or tablet then allows you to read a story with Cayla, play games and even go through her photos, all of which work seamlessly and easily at distances up to 30 feet.

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Cayla does connect to your device via Bluetooth, so be sure that option is enabled on your phone/tablet.  Once Cayla is connected to your device, you can choose for her to use the internet to help answer questions or simply work offline if that is your preference.  The more you play with Cayla, the more intuitive play time gets and the better she gets to “know” your child.  I especially like the interactive aspect of her speech patterns, where instead of simply talking about candy, (for example) she will ask your child if they like treats, what their favorite is, and then tell them what her favorite candy is.  Your child will know when its time for them to talk by the charm on Cayla’s neck lighting up or the heart on the app page turning yellow.

Cayla is also a multiple award winning toy getting recognition as:
• Winner of Innovative Toy of the Year Award 2015
• Gadget of the Year recipient

Cayla is available now at stores everywhere and online.  She retails for $59.99.

For more information be sure to check out Cayla online:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MFCayla

Twitter: https://twitter.com/myfriendcayla

Instagram: https://instagram.com/myfriendcaylausa

Pinterest: www.pinterest.com/myfriendcayla

 

 

Filed Under: review, toys Tagged With: ,

Star Wars Global Day of Play #StarWarsDayOfPlay

September 8, 2015 by 4 Comments

 Have you seen the out-of-this-world new line of toys will showcase the new characters and vehicles from STAR WARS: THE FORCE AWAKENS? They are based on the seventh film in the STAR WARS saga, hitting theaters in the U.S. on December 18th, and the kids (and big kids) are going to be clamoring for them. 

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Hasbro’s expansive toy line includes classic expressions like the 3.75-inch action figures and vehicles that have been synonymous with STAR WARS since the release of the very first film, as well as innovative new products. New for 2015, the FURBACCA toy gives the interactivity of Hasbro’s classic FURBY toy a fun, STAR WARS twist. The new BLADEBUILDERS system lets fans design and customize their own LIGHTSABERS, and STAR WARS HERO MASHERS action figures let kids mash up their own fun STAR WARS heroes and villains with interchangeable parts and accessories. From STAR WARS themed PLAY-DOH sets for preschoolers to highly detailed collectibles from STAR WARS: THE BLACK SERIES for fans of all ages, there will be something to make every STAR WARS fan want to run to stores as soon as possible.

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The expansive toy line for STAR WARS: THE FORCE AWAKENS is available now, so head out to local stores, visit your online destination of choice, etc- and see what they have that strikes your fancy.

Want to know who has what?  Check out this helpful list-

  • AMAZON: Pre-order the STAR WARS: THE BLACK SERIES TROOPER EVOLUTION 4-PACK, featuring four 6-inch figures not available anywhere else, including the long-awaited PHASE II CLONE TROOPER and a FIRST ORDER STORMTROOPER with exclusive red pauldron!
  • COSTCO: The STAR WARSHERO MASHERS ULTIMATE BOUNTY MULTI-PACK features five 6-inch customizable action figures (including DARTH VADER, HAN SOLO and BOBA FETT), plus extra gear and accessories.
  • ENTERTAINMENT EARTH: Pre-order STAR WARS: THE BLACK SERIES 6-INCH FIGURE 4-PACK from entertainmentearth.com, featuring four exclusive 6-inch STAR WARS: THE BLACK SERIES figures, including a MAGMA STORMTROOPER and R2-Q5 DEATH STAR ASTROMECH DROID.
  • KMART: STAR WARS: THE FORCE AWAKENS villain KYLO REN comes with an exclusive “snow” deco and a snow base in the STAR WARS: THE BLACK SERIES 6-inch exclusive, available for pre-order. The base will connect with a future exclusive in this series…

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  • KOHL’S: The STAR WARS: THE FORCE AWAKENSKYLO REN MASK WITH CONNECT AND CUSTOMIZE LIGHTSABER SET at Kohl’s comes with a KYLO REN MASK and KYLO REN EXTEND LIGHTSABER, featuring a BLADEBUILDERS connector and a LIGHT DAGGER.
  • SAM’S CLUB: The CHEWBACCA ROLE-PLAY MULTI-PACK contains both the NERF CHEWBACCA BOWCASTER, which features exclusive deco and exclusive FIRST ORDER targets, and the CHEWBACCA ELECTRONIC MASK.
  • TARGET: Everyone’s favorite new Droid from STAR WARS: THE FORCE AWAKENSis coming to Target! A limited number of REMOTE CONTROL BB-8 toys will be available exclusively in Target stores on Force Friday, with more stock to come throughout the fall season!

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  • TOYS “R” US: Toys “R” Us is your exclusive destination to pre-order the STAR WARS: THE BLACK SERIES 6-inch FIRST ORDER SNOWTROOPER OFFICER action figure – this character won’t be available anywhere else! Build up your troops with this officer, which comes with a blaster and an exclusive red pauldron. Available for pre-order by 9/6.
  • WALGREENS: Fans can capture the climactic battle from STAR WARS: RETURN OF THE JEDIwith this exclusive STAR WARS: THE BLACK SERIES 6-INCH DARTH VADER (EMPEROR’S WRATH) figure, featuring an exclusive translucent mask with a visible skull underneath it, as well as an exclusive removable hand.
  • WALMART: This fall, Walmart is the home for STAR WARScollectors and the exclusive home of the fan-favorite STAR WARS: THE BLACK SERIES3.75-inch action figure line. A limited number of the first wave of the new line will be available in Walmart stores, and the second wave, featuring brand-new figures from STAR WARS: THE FORCE AWAKENS and a brand-new PRINCESS LEIA figure, will be available for online pre-order!

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Filed Under: review, toys Tagged With: , ,

Back to School Fashions with AG Doll Maryellen

September 7, 2015 by 6 Comments

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

Earning Money for My Child’s School With Box Tops #BTFE #ad

September 4, 2015 by 4 Comments

Disclosure- This is a sponsored post.  All opinions are my own and honest.

Most schools struggle with funding, and host fundraisers fairly constantly to help fill in any gaps- or even huge deficits- that they can.  Many schools use Box Tops as one way to get cash for their schools, and it is a really easy way that doesn’t annoy parents with fliers or forcing them to buy overpriced garbage they neither want nor need. I mean, awesome stuff they are privileged to sell and harass people to purchase.  Something like that…..

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The way Box Tops for Education works is that you buy food.  You eat the food. Then you clip off these little areas that say “Box Tops for Education” on the items you bought and consumed, and send them into your child’s school.  The school sends them in- and they get money.  You don’t have to buy anything you weren’t already getting, and the school gets cash.  Win win!  This is a fundraiser we are always happy to participate in.

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We picked up some General Mills® items from our local Walmart on our last shopping trip.   Some of the items even had bonus box tops, meaning that the school will get even more cash back because they will get extra box tops with our regular purchase. When you are done with your food (and more!  You can get box tops on items like tissues and paper towels, too), just make sure you check your boxes, cans, and everything else to see if there are any on the item. If there are- clip them, save them, and send them in to your child’s school.  Easy!  And you already spent the money, someone might as well get something extra from it, right?  Learn more about Box Tops for Education at Walmart Here!

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Some Box Tops for Education™ Facts:

Box Tops are worth $0.10 for your child’s school
Box Tops is one of America’s largest school earnings loyalty programs.
Over 80,000 k-8 schools participate
Schools can use Box Tops cash to buy whatever they need.
Box Tops for Education has contributed over $525 million to participating schools since the launch of the program in 1996.

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Filed Under: food, review Tagged With:

Getting ready for College with Schick #SchickSummerSelfie #ad

September 3, 2015 by 7 Comments

College can be a harrowing adventure.  With added responsibilities, finally leaving the nest and going out on your own- it can be a lot to handle.  For the most part it’s a fun adventure, but it’s something that is best when you are prepared for it properly.  Some of the necessities for school include not only items like the notebooks, tablets, and backpacks, but also form supplies like easy to cook food, bedding, and toiletries like the  Schick® Quattro For Women® or Schick® Hydro Silk® Razor.  You don’t want to make the wrong impression on your first day of class, after all.

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With the right razors even the un-freshest of places can be tamed. Other things your new student will need include a soap box (bathrooms are gross), toothpaste, toothbrush holder, lots of deodorant, and of course a towel. I remember when I was first going to college to live on campus I brought so much extra stuff that I didn’t need it was ridiculous. I had so much fun making new friends, and moving in day was a trip. Since everyone always forgets something, and I had everything, soon enough I was known as “that person”- just go ask them!  Just shy of a way to pass the trigonometry exams, then I’m useless, ha.  These friendships and connections are some of the most important parts of college- the new people you meet and learning to get along.  Be sure to get out there and be social and be confident- and always fresh.  A nice clean shave and brushed teeth as your first offenses against shyness and bashfulness, because no one wants to be near the gross person who reeks.

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This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Schick®. The opinions and text are all mine.

This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Schick®. The opinions and text are all mine.

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Consumer Reports #1 Rated Detergent, Persil

September 3, 2015 by 10 Comments

Persil is a popular laundry detergent brand which originated in Europe and is now available in the USA. Your clothes will thank you for trying this; its powerful stain-fighting, exceptional whitening, and amazing freshness are unbeatable.

It recently beat out long time favorite Tide for the #1 slot- as a long time Tide lover, I was dubious I would like it as much, let alone more.  After trying it, I can tell you that I do like it just as much, and the smell is fantastic.  I love the scent- it is long lasting, fresh, and fills the room with a clean and uplifting fragrance. The clothes are also clean and it is good at cleaning the messes your family leaves on clothing, which is really all you can ask for in a detergent.  You can use it for colors or whites, as well.

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Working on any upcoming segments? ConsumerReports.org just rated Persil ProClean Power-Liquid 2in1 “the best detergent they have ever tested”, ranking it 1st in their recently released results, and relegating Tide, which has held the top spot for years, to 2nd place.

Persil ProClean Power-Liquid 2in1 (currently at Walmart; rolling out to other retailers nationwide now)

With the power-packed combination of Persil detergent plus Pro-Lift Technology™, 2in1 is the most powerful stain-fighting Persil detergent available. Persil 2in1 laundry detergent is great for everyday laundry and has a power-boosted formula to help fight tough stains.

  • Pro-Lift Technology™ for the most powerful Persil stain-fighting detergent
  • Optimized for use in all washing machine types, including high efficiency (HE) washers
  • Use with white and colored laundry

Visit www.PersilProClean.com for more information on all their products.

Filed Under: home, review Tagged With: ,

Getting Creative with Box Tops #BTFE #ad

September 2, 2015 by 4 Comments

In one of our recent trips to Walmart, we picked up some Box Tops for Education products. My son picked out his favorite cereals as well as several kinds of yogurt. When shopping, it is very easy to grab Box Tops for Education items and still get everything on your list. At my son’s school they have worksheets that can be decorated and filled in with box tops, which help the school earn money.

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If I were trying to drum up box top donations for a school, I would take a more tongue in check approach. I am not sure how parking or pick up drop offs go at your school, but at most every school I’ve ever been to it is a mad house led by some administrator. No one likes car line, it’s no fun at all.  We all also know about the “back to school” fairs at the beginning of the year- it would be fun to combing a box top drive with putting the car line to good use.  Every paper turned in that is full of box tops, the parent gets an extra ticket for a tricky tray item, a fair ride, whatever your school is tormenting you with.  I mean, whatever fun activity you get to go to for your child’s school.

A great way to fill up that sheet is with Walmart’s bonus Box Tops offers on select General Mills products, where you can get up to 5 box tops per purchase instead of only one. You can increase the funds your child’s school receives, and some of the cereals are in “buy two” boxes that also save you money.

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You have to get these things anyway, just clip the Box Tops when you are done and send them in with your child.  Every little bit helps, and your child will be happy to contribute as well (in more then one way).

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This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of General Mills®. The opinions and text are all mine.

Filed Under: review Tagged With: ,

Lunch Box Ideas with Wet Ones #WishIHadAWetOnes #ad

September 2, 2015 by 2 Comments

School time is coming up fast, and it is time to think about getting creative with lunches. Instead of simply filling a lunch box with juice, a sandwich, and a fruit snack, why not make them guess whats coming each day?  A great way to do this is with a varied amount of foods, and switching it up often.

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First up, lets discuss snacks.  Classically the fruit snacks are used, especially with the younger kids, but there are tons of kinds and varieties of those as well.  Visit an international market, that is always fun.  Try giving the kids soup and gold fish crackers or cottage cheese and pretzel sticks, things like that.  You don’t have to be “that mom” spending 400 hours making an adorable bento box they aren’t going to eat anyway- just fill up their lunchbox with foods they like, and a variety of them. Soup, pasta, salad, even pizza with the proper containers could work.

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Any kind of drink can be packed, but the best thing for them is water.  You can give them sun tea or flavored water to keep their sugar intake down or for a surprise.  It can be cute to get your kids a bento box, and fill it with an odd assortment of fun stuff, with each compartment having a new surprise lunch treat.  Maybe think about leaving a note, small drawing, sticker, or just a special chocolate treat- that will make your child’s day.  The smallest of sentiments go a long way.

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Don’t forget the clean up.  Make sure to pack a Wet Ones so your little ones can keep germ free and clean after (and before!) lunchtime. America’s #1 Hand Wipe, they are perfect to clean messy hands and kill 99.99% of germs. They have an Aloe formula, so they won’t dry or irritate your skin like hand sanitizers can. And, they’re hypoallergenic- what more can a mom ask for in a wipe?

This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Wet Ones®. The opinions and text are all mine.

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