When It Cools Down, These Will Warm You Up

November 25, 2015 by 4 Comments

Now that the weather outside has gotten a bit frightful, we will need to bundle up a little more.  But that doesn’t necessarily mean adding bulk or ugly, clodding boots- check out these lovely layers from some of our favorite brands (that last longer then a season, too!)

pic8

When it’s cold enough to need a little more then just a shirt, check out the Craghoppers ‘Swainby’ half zip fleece for the man and teenager boys in your life.  Classic, comfortable, and nearly impossible to stain in my own personal experience (really, my guy has not been successful yet, and I could swear he’s trying), it also washes well without all the ugly pilling that some fleece get. Besides it’s good looks and great function, it’s really very warm and comfortable.  My son loves it because it’s soft (and it retains it’s softness after repeated washings), has a large pocket, and easy to pair with anything. It is made with a cotton fleece blend, and has insulating technology built in. With it’s high collar that can be folded down or left up for additional warmth, and elasticated cuffs and hem, it’s wearer keeps extra body heat in. Too warm?  No worries- just undo the half front zip for some air.  Get yours for $60 at http://www.us.craghoppers.com

pic6

When you need a little more then a sweatshirt, put on the Skipton Jacket by Craghoppers.  Water resistant, so good for those days that are snowy or a bit rainy, it’s also soft, super insulated, and nowhere near as thick as you would think it needs to be.  It’s thin- as thin as your spring jacket- but it’s been doing the husband good in 3o degree weather with no complaints to be had.  Not only is it lightweight, but it’s also made of soft wool and has a satiny-smooth lining that feels great next to your skin.  It’s very smart-looking, great for work or going out, a compliment to any outfit.  It has both a zipper and buttons, and you can use either one or both together for added wind protection. To top it off (quite literally) is an attached hood.  There are two functioning side pockets, big enough for your hands, a pair of gloves, your keys, or a cell phone- yes, they really do function.  Get yours for about $180 at sites like http://www.backcountry.com/

20151114_084153

When it’s time to head into the snow, no one wants wet, cold feet.  The Icebug Diana BUGrip boots are amazing in cold, wet, icy weather- not only are they nice to look at, but they really do help keep a grip on the ground. Besides keeping your feet warm and dry (and stylish!), the half-calf high boot is good for tromping about on snowy days and keeping your pants dry, too. Insulated with soft fleece, they feel good on as well as looking good. Easy to put on, they zip up with no issues as well as have a front lace for adjustment.  No wasted time or aggravation fiddling and fussing. The BUGrip outsole helps give traction in winter weather conditions- and it really works.  You can even hear it softly sticking as you walk, which is both amusing and reassuring. Get yours at http://icebug.com/us/ or at stores like Amazon for about $200.

20151114_083147

Still have cold feet?  Check out the St. Moritz Lite 200 I WP- a mouthful, but a cute, cute boot. These are insulated, water resistant, weatherproof, and have a cute faux fur top.  They come in black, brown, and gray, so choose your favorite color.  Each has a fleece lining that will keep your feet warm as you stomp through the snow. If you work up a sweat, not to worry- these are odor resistant as well, so you will not need to leave your boots outside the door like some people (you know who you are!) With Thinsulate insulation built in, you know you will stay warm, even when the temperature drops. The adorable St. Moritz will have everyone asking where you got them.  You can pick them up at http://us.hi-tec.com for about $100, by the way.

naot

When you are ready to head indoors, and need something a little less “outdoorsy” but still ready for winter festivities, the NAOT VISTOSO will be your go to boot. Zipping up the side, this ankle boot is too cute with a little bow across it (ready for the holidays!) It is padded for extra comfort, and has a memory foam footbed. As you wear it, the bottom bed and microfiber molds to your foot, making it more and more comfortable as you go along. The heel is sturdy, the sole is flexible, and you won’t feel like you are doing a balancing act all evening. These are boots you won’t feel the need to kick off quickly. Get them at http://naot.com or Amazon for about $200.

Disclosure- I received the above in order to facilitate this review.  All opinions are my own and honest.  For more, see “I Disclose”.

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

Roadtrips with Kids- What to Take

September 22, 2015 by 1 Comment

When you are taking a road trip with the kids, you want them to be comfortable and occupied (and quiet!) so the trip will be more enjoyable for everyone.  Here are some new road trip accessories for kids of all ages to help you keep on truckin’.

You’ve likely heard of BubbleBum (an easy to take along car seat that folds up and flattens out for travel).  They have expanded their lines to include Sneck (a seatbelt travel pillow) and Junkie.

pic4
The Junkie helps keep your kids organized, and the car cleaner.  It is both a car organizer and an activity station that can help keep the kids busy once you put their favorite things inside. It is easy to harness into the backseat and store activities, coloring books, snacks, drinks, and more between two children (and carseats).  There are two retractable trays, two cup holders, an insulated area for cold items, and plenty of storage.  The tote bag is removable, so you can bring your “projects” into the house, hotel, restaurant- wherever you are headed next-  easily.  Junkie makes road trips more organized.

Sneck is a travel pillow that lets kids nap easily in the car, filled with micro-beads and is plush on the outside.  The Sneck attaches most headrests easily with a Velcro strap so it stays where the child wants it to.  There is a small mesh pocket that can hold a small toy or electronic device.  Kids can use Sneck 3 ways to find the position that is most comfortable for them to sleep in.

pic5

You can find BubbleBum, Sneck, and Junkie on Btheir website as well as Target.com, Babiesrus.com, Sears.com and Walmart.com. You can also connect with them on Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest.

NeckNapperz are easy to take along, adorable, transforming plush pillow/stuffed toys that are perfect for roadtrips, planes, trains- or even for your child’s own bed.  These neck pillows transform from plush toy into a plush neck pillow and back again, which makes them great for dual uses.  Kids are easily bored, as we all know, and being able to entertain themselves while you wait to board the plane or snuggle up with in the car, then use it when they are ready to nap is doubly-useful.
20150723_113344
The pillow offers support and cradles your child’s head, so none of those stiff shoulders and necks when they wake up from sleeping “funny”.  The neck pillow has a snap on the end, so they can snap it shut and secure if they would like to. It is easy to attach it to luggage or a carry on while you are moving about, so it doesn’t get lost.  They are priced at $19.99- you can get yours at http://www.necknapperz.com/

Equiptbaby is for the littlest travelers, and makes it easy to put baby to sleep wherever you are. This portable bassinet is so small, you can fold it up and put it into your diaper bag.  Made of rip stop nylon, it has SPF 50 protection from the sun to keep baby safe while he or she sleeps. Baby is visible from all angles and protected against insects with fine mesh- there are no chemical sprays used.  The inside, soft padded insert is machine washable, so if baby has an accident, cleanup is easy.  Setup is a breeze- it pops right out in about 2 seconds.  No worries!  It’s easy to fold back up too, and place back into your bag when baby wakes up.  Recommended for ages 0-6 months. You can get yours for $69.95 at www.equiptbaby.com

pic9

If you are headed to a hotel, cabin, campground, or even a relatives house where you will need more sleeps pace then you have, check out Kid O Bunk.  These portable bunkbeds are perfect for camping, or anytime when you need an extra bed for the kids.  There are no tools needed to put it together, as it has lock in disks that snap together. They look somewhat like army cots, but are smaller in size and are built as multi-use bunk beds.  You can also use it like a bench/couch for daytime use, or side by side beds if you have the room or the kids prefer it.

pic3

The bed’s material is machine washable, should anyone have a spill or an accident.  They come with a zippered carry bag for storage and to take it from place to place, and have side organizers to place “treasures” in for safe keeping while they sleep.  The Kid O Bunk is recommended up to age 12, but bigger kids will be too long to fit easily.  Each cot holds up to 200 lbs, so that’s a non-issue for most kids of those ages (one would think).  There are no ladders or mattresses needed- you can get your bunk for $289 at http://www.kidobunk.com or Cabela’s in lime green or teal.

Disclosure- I have received the above in order to facilitate this review.  All opinions are my own and honest.

Filed Under: review Tagged With: , , , ,

Toys From TV Shows and Movies

July 9, 2015 by 7 Comments

This summer, there are tons of kids movies to choose from.  Of course, rainy days will also allow for some TV time, and kids love to role play and act out favorite scenes from TV shows and movies they love.  Here is some of what’s hot right now.

IMG_0013

Avengers- with several new Marvel movies out there, and more on the way, this line of toys doesn’t seem to be going anywhere anytime soon.  Kids will love “becoming” their favorite Marvel hero when they put on masks, gloves, grab a weapon, and race to save the day.   My son loves getting to become his favorite hero (and this changes from day to day) and swoop around the house, saving us from danger. Or daddy, in some cases.  He loves his Marvel Avengers Age of Ultron Iron Man Arc FX Armor gloves, one of which lights up just like the “real” Iron man.  The masks have large eye holes and are big enough for most kids. The new Marvel Avengers Age of Ultron line lets you choose from Hulk, Thor, Captain America, or Iron Man dress up gear, but sadly (just like the rest of the toy line) does not include Black Widow.   Sorry girls!  We would love to see Black Widow action figures and dress up gear for not only the girls who love these movies and superheros (and deserve a role model hero), but also the boys who want complete playsets.  Yes, there are many boys who do want to play with all sorts of action figures- it’s a new day, toy makers, with open minded parents and children.  You can pick up all the other dress up characters at stores like Target and Toys R Us for varying prices.

The dog wouldn't move, so he becomes a prop, LOL.

The dog wouldn’t move, so he becomes a prop, LOL.

 

Paddington Bear, everyone’s favorite, is here for a new generation from Darkest Peru. No matter if you and your kids are already fans or became so after watching the new movie, your little ones will want a Paddington of their own to snuggle up with.  YoTToy makes adorable plush toys, and Paddington is one of their newest. He comes in several styles and sizes, and one even comes with his own suitcase and marmalade sandwich.  As you grab your Paddington storybook, your child will grab their stuffed buddy to read along with.  Grab your Paddington at http://www.yottoy.com/home.html or stores like Barnes and Nobel, prices vary.

paddington bear

Do your kids love Sonic the Hedgehog?  I know my brothers and I did when we were kids- my brothers more so then myself.  My husband was also a huge fan- we were kids who grew up with the first wave of these toys and games, and now we get to watch our own children love them as well.  Sonic now has a TV show, called Sonic Boom (there is also a video game of the same name).   Take Sonic and Tails off screen with the new Sonic the Hedgehog Tails Plane ($29.99).  This plane has all the lights and sounds you would expect- and some things you won’t.  You can activate the propeller with the trigger, it has flashing headlights, engine sounds, and an ejector seat to send Tails to safety. It also comes with a Tails figure and the 2 AAA batteries it will need (and they last a long time, too).  The only negative feature is that the wings and tail fins fall off- they are supposed to, but it really annoys my son, and me too, if we want to be honest.  I’m not sure why we would want them to fall apart, but if your kids like that, they are in for a thrill. They are easy to put back together, but I advise putting it into a bag or box before putting away into the  toybox so you can find it all easily. There is also the pretty cute Sonic the Hedgehog Interactive Chili Dog Plush ($29.99).  Sonic loves chili dogs, did you know that?  It is his favorite food, so of course he needs to have one with him at all times (removable, no worries).  This 15″  Sonic the Hedgehog Plush says 10 different phrases as well as three different modes- talk, run with me and chili dog mode.  You can turn the sound off as well, should you like to.

20150518_160758

20150518_161346

If you have a child that likes to build, and likes dinosaurs, they will love the new Jurassic World LEGOs.  They have several options to choose from, starting at $19.99.  Your child can act out scenes from the movie, or if they are too young to see it but are obsessed anyway (like mine is), they can just use their imaginations. My son is much too young for the movie, but he really loves the idea of dinosaurs and people living together- I guess he hasn’t figured out they would just eat us, ay?  Him and the scientists, they need to think a bit! Anyway, the LEGOs are great because he can build the sets as they were meant to be built, or any way he wants to.  He can make the creatures interact, and use several sets together to make scenes from the movie- or make up scenes, as it were.  Raptor Rampage is one of his favorite sets, and comes with 3 minifigs, 2 raptors, vehicles, tons of accessories, and more.  It retails for $50.  Pteranodon Capture is the least expensive set, and comes with helicopter, dinosaur, and two minifigs as well as a capture net and more for $20.  There are more options available, head to http://shop.lego.com

2015-06-29 cannon 022

2015-06-29 cannon 025

When it’s time to put the toys away, it can be a real chore to get the kids to help. Make it more fun by giving them a toy that’s really part of the cleanup- the new Minions Storage Chest from Jakks Pacific.  Minion Kevin is a little hard to find- your best best looks to be Amazon – but he is so cute and really fun.  He is great for play, with shelves inside, but he is also fun to keep all your Despicable Me and Minion Movie toys inside for safe keeping.   With his cute face and lovable smile, he is hard to resist!

pic7

Disclosure- we have received the above in order to facilitate these reviews.  All opinions are our own and honest.

Filed Under: review, toys Tagged With: ,

Can You Build It? Sure, Why Not?

April 22, 2015 by 3 Comments

Kids and building go hand in hand- make it bigger, higher, better, more greener- whatever strikes their fancy that particular day. And yes, greener is certainly a word, especially when preceded by “more”. Not only are building toys a good time, but they help with parent child bonding, motor skills and hand-eye coordination, social skills and cooperation, creativity, spatial skills, and more. So, lets get building!

IMG_0027

LEGO, of course, are great building toys. With many sets and sizes to choose from, there is something for every kid (and parent) to play with.  LEGO DC Comics Batman™: The Penguin Face off lets kids recreate and act out scenes from favorite superhero moments. The Penguin has stolen a diamond and has his minions guarding it- Batman must save the day, of course.  Complete with scuba Batman and Penguin minifigs, scuba vehicle and duck boat to build, it also has weapons (because what are superheros without their weapons), Penguin’s umbrella, 2 minion penguins, “diamond”, and more for about $13 on http://shop.lego.com.   Another cool thing about this set is that the Penguin and Duck Boat were also seen in the recent “LEGO DC Comics Super Heroes: Justice League vs. Bizarro League” movie.  While the movie is quite a mouthful, it was pretty funny, and a good flick for the whole family (and fans of LEGO and/or Superheroes).   If you want to play “real” heroes, take a look at the Swamp Police Starter Set.  For $10, you get 4 minifigs, an alligator, boat, raft, “hideout” spot, and quite a few accessories like a spider, snake, handcuffs, walkie talkie, shovel, and more.

20150420_073838

Building toys don’t have to be all blocks, bricks, and hard edges anymore- have you met Bun Bun? These are soft and collectible stacking stuffed animals, created to be stacked and piled up.  Stacking plush toys have already created a splash overseas in countries like Japan, and they are now hitting the US markets. Bun Bun comes in a variety of sizes, colors, and animal varieties, and encourage kids to be creative and to see how high they can stack their new cuddly toys. Both boys and girls we have tested them with love them, and can’t get enough.  My son is in love, since they combine two of his favorite things- building and animals.  Stuffed animals?  Even better!
[Read more…]

Filed Under: kids, review, toys Tagged With: ,

Getting Your Kids To Bed

April 8, 2015 by 2 Comments

Getting the kids to go to bed, and to STAY in bed, can be one of the hardest times of any parent’s day.  Starting, and keeping, a bedtime routine is always ideal- but what to do when that doesn’t do the trick?  Sometimes, having just the right “helper” is what the Sandman ordered.

Check out some of these fun and innovative new products for bedtime and beyond.

nightlights

Have you met Brobo and his friends?  First introduced in 2012, but available in larger markets now in 2015, these fun and cuddly buddies will keep your kids company and scare away the darkness when it’s time for lights-out. There are several characters available- Brobo, Pep, Mumu, Trex, and Dog.  These adorable, futuristic robot friends are plush and soft, with glowing centers (think Iron Man’s glowing chest piece) that light up.  This is called “Shine Force”, and is activated by tapping it’s hand (or tail) to the light, which also vibrates.  $35 at www.brobo.com
[Read more…]

Filed Under: review, toys Tagged With:

Fantasy Playthings for Children

March 18, 2015 by 3 Comments

Kids need to spend time in their own imaginations, creating worlds and scenarios of their own design.   Children who engage in imaginative play are shown to have better vocabularies, better cognitive flexibility, more creativity, and increased creative performance both on and off the job into their adult years.  They are also more flexible, able to consider other’s opinions, and adapt better in many situations.  Fantasy play is also just a lot of fun- here are a few of our current favorites.

P1030042

Safari LTD makes  a wide variety of figurines that are perfect for imaginative play.  No matter whether your child likes to pretend they are on a farm, in a faraway land, under the sea, or with mythical creatures (or maybe a mash up of the above), they can find fun new friends they will enjoy playing with for years.  Sturdy, with realistic painting and anatomies (of course, even the dragons!) these toys can take a tumble and look no worse for the wear.  They are fun to collect, but don’t need to stay on a shelf to be enjoyed.  You can find creatures in all shapes and sizes at https://www.safariltd.com/

IMG_0028

HABA puppets are great for children of any age (HABA recommends age 1 and up, but as they are soft with no loose parts or buttons, younger would be OK in my opinion as well).  They are soft-bodied with sewn-on faces and easy to manipulate parts.  These simple and cute puppets are basic use- one finger holds up the head, one moves one arm/hand, another moves the other.  They have many smiling, friendly faced choices that will give your kids many happy hours of theater-show creations.  There are also themes you can get in a set (one by one) such as Red Riding Hood, royal family, and more.  Finger puppets are also available. I have machine washed and hung-to-dry mine, which as any parent knows, is a bonus with messy kids who love to play.  Most puppets are about $15, see http://www.habausa.com for choices.
[Read more…]

Filed Under: kids, review, toys Tagged With:

Keeping The Kids Busy During Long Winter Days

February 25, 2015 by 2 Comments

Versatile- play with it inside, take it outside, pack it up and bring it along with you to grandma’s, even take it into the tub- is the new Playmobil Take Along Zoo and Aquarium.  This set comes with trees, pools, fences, and quite a few animals (such as zebras, giraffes, lions, fish, walrus) and human caretakers as well.  All of these pieces fit easily into the case, which folds up and is easy to store or take along.  When open, one side is the zoo, and the other the aquarium.  Your child can really fill it up with water and let the sea creatures have a swim.  It comes with quite a lot of pieces for one set, and there is room in the case for a few more should your child have some other “animal friends” that want to visit.  Available for $49 on Playmobil’s site.

products 1 23 15 004

If you are stuck inside like many of us this winter (the temperatures have been crazy lately- more days in the negative then the positive degrees for much of the country) you are breaking out fun indoor playthings. Some inexpensive ways to replenish or restock are by American Plastic Toys- made right here in the USA, and really low cost.  Take the Fashion Doll Coupe- for only $5 (yes, really) you and your kids can take your toys cruising all over the house.  Since the wheels are plastic, they won’t leave those ugly and annoying black marks on your floors, either. The car is a two seater, and fits most popular dolls as well as smaller stuffed animals and toys.
[Read more…]

Filed Under: review, toys Tagged With: , ,

Getting Your Game On

January 19, 2015 by 3 Comments

Looking to add on to your world of gaming?  Check out these fun playthings that will keep your little one (OK, you too) entertained through the long winter months.

pic4Got a little gamer?  The cute 7.5 inch plush from Nintendo are soft and great for bedtime cuddles (or anytime).  You can find them in characters like Mario, Luigi, Yoshi, Link, Red Pinkmin, and Yellow Pinkmin for about $8 in stores like Target and Toys R Us.

Again, good for the younger gamers among us (and some of the bigger players who are young at heart) is JAKKS Pacific’s Hero Portal.  The latest additions of the Plug It In and Play TV Games come in Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and Power Rangers (each console comes with 2 heroes). These are simple to use-  since the games are built into the controller, there is no additional gaming console needed. The Hero Portal just plugs into the A/V jacks of any standard TV and contains all games with no additional consoles, wires, or software needed.  Just pick your Hero, place him or her on the portal, and begin battling your way through 6 stages and 18 missions in each game.  You can also unlock secret missions and characters with booster packs. Available for $40 at stores like Amazon.  Additional characters and consoles sold separately.

pic5

Angry Birds Telepods are a lot of fun for any fan of the game- and by now, we are guessing that’s nearly everyone.  The latest sets come in Transformers or Stella (the pink lady bird) variety.  There are so many options of sets and characters available, that we will focus on the Telepods as wholes rather then any one set.  With many price points and sized sets (some even have play houses) available, there is one that is right for every budget and every fan.
[Read more…]

Filed Under: review, toys Tagged With: , , , ,