childrens

Holiday Gift Guide 2010: Cars Toon Frightening McMean

- brandy3 1 Comment

In the center ring, weighing in from the popular Cars Toon, “Monster Truck Mater” comes Frightening McMean! He’s big, he’s bad and he’s ready for kids to push him around. With a raised chassis, oversized, monster truck-worthy wheels and a cool custom paint job, little hands will love maneuvering Frightening McMean , plus whenever he gets knocked on the hood, he’ll say phrases straight from the Toon!

**** My son is a big fan of cars and monster trucks, so receiving this he was so excited. He hasn’t stoped playing with it.  My son loves making him crash so he will talk. When his hood is touched he says different phrases. This is a great addition to any Cars lovers christmas list.

Retail:$19.99

My rating:10

Disclosure: I did not receive any compensation for this post, a product was provided by Mattel, all opinions are my own.

Holiday Gift Guide 2010: Red Rover Game

- brandy3

Red Rover is a memory-matching game combined with run-around play. It features an adorable electronic talking dog and 12 bones with color and number, shape, or letter. The object of the game is to collect the most bones. The game is set up by placing the 12 bones randomly around a space. The game starts when preschoolers press the Red Rover nose and he calls out which bones he wants. Preschoolers run to find the right bone and feed it to Rover, if they’re right, they keep the bone, if they’re wrong, Red Rover encourages them to go back and find the right one. Whoever helps Rover the fastest, wins.

****This game is great for preschoolers. It gets them up and moving and having fun. Plus its a good memory, color and number game.  Red Rover calls out a color or number and the kids need to go find the correct bone and feed it to Rover. who ever gets the most bones wins. My kids had a blast playing this game, and my son  even learned some more colors.  This is a fun get up and play game.

Retail:$19.99

My rating: 9

Disclosure: I did not receive compensation for this post, a product was provided by Mattel for my review

Taylor Swift Fearless Tour Premieres On The Hub

- brandy3

The Hub Network is an all new tv channel for kids , it features some of your kids favorite tv shows that are no longer on tv, and new ones too. The shows are Fraggle Rock (my favorite growing up), Strawberry Shortcake, My Little Pony,  GI Joe, Transformers, and so much more. They even added a new one yesterday that my son totally loves Chuck and Friends. Visit www.hubworld.com to find what channel Hub is on in your area.

The Hub Network has announced that they will feature the Taylor Swift Fearless Tour On the Hub. The announcement was made by  Margaret Loesch, President & CEO of The Hub, and Stephen Davis, President of Hasbro Studios.

Swift, a four-time Grammy Award winner and the top-selling digital artist in music history, has had singles top both the country and pop radio charts, as well as the #1 best-selling album in any genre of music in 2009. This year, at the age of 20, she became the youngest artist in history to win the music industry’s highest honor, the Grammy Award for Album of the Year. Also at the 2010 Grammys, she took home the awards for Country Album of the Year, Best Country Song and Best Country Female Vocal Performance. Her 6x-Platinum FEARLESS album is the most awarded album in country music history. She will release her third studio album, SPEAK NOW, on Oct. 25.

The special will be a 3 day premiere

October 22, 7 p.m. ET-In an impactful opening hour, Swift provides the narrative, home movies and personal photos that chronicle her path from childhood dreams to superstar, culminating with the release of her phenomenally successful FEARLESS album. Swift recounts how her dedication to music and a move to Nashville brought her true happiness.

October 23, 7 p.m. ET-As Swift’s star rises and transcends musical genres, making her a genuine crossover artist, viewers will watch as she starts laying out the plans for the FEARLESS Tour with a very behind-the-scenes look. Other highlights include intimate fan moments and a tribute to her mom.

October 24, 7 p.m. ET-In her life and now on stage, Swift personifies FEARLESS. The final hour of the three-part series of specials highlights the sold out tour’s success. Viewers get Swift’s video diaries as she takes the tour all over the world and to its grand finale at Boston’s Gillette Stadium.

My kids and I love Taylor Swift, and we will definitely be watching this and singing and dancing a long.  Since the Hub launched on 10-10-10 my kids have been watching and really enjoy all the shows, their favorites are of course Strawberry Shortcake, and My Little Pony.

Nothing to disclose just sharing information.

Holiday Gift Guide 2010: Barbie Made for Each Other Set (Toy Story 3)

- brandy3 2 Comments

 

From manufacturer: Barbie and Ken have been sweethearts forever. This gift set celebrates their romance in the movie, Toy Story 3. Includes special kissing feature by pressing Barbie dolls back and shes ready to pucker up and give Ken a kiss. Also includes lipstick to leave a lasting impression.

****This Barbie and Ken set is so fun according to my daughters. Although we haven’t seen Toy Story we’ve seen clips and trailers, Barbie and Ken are so funny. It’s the perfect toy for any girl. My daughter loves that Barbie can kiss Ken and it even leaves a kiss mark on his cheek.  Barbie even comes with a gym bag and towel.

Retail:$26.99

My rating: 10

Disclosure: I did not receive any compensation for this post, a product was provided by Mattel, all opinions are my own.

Holiday Gift Guide 2010: Play doh Cake Making Station

- brandy3 2 Comments

The fun really starts to stack up as you create layer after layer of fun and fabulous Play-Doh modeling compound “cake” creations. Use the molds to create layers for your pretend “cakes” and then load up your cake makin station tool to add all kinds of amazing decorations on top. Use your “frosting” tool to add “frosting” to the top of each “cake”. When you’re done with your “bakery” masterpiece, set it on the plate accessory to “serve” to your friends so you can celebrate.

****My Kids love Play Doh, I hate the mess they make but it fun and helps them learn how to sculpt and be creative.   My daughter made me a Play Doh cake for my birthday and it was so adorable. I always let someone borrow my camera when there is cute moments, dang.  The one thing I hate about this set is the Play Doh got mixed up, and to me it ruins the Play Doh. My kids didn’t mind though, they were having so much fun, they cried when I had to put it away.

This would be a great addition to any childs Christmas list.

Retail:$16.99

My Rating: 8

Disclosure: I did not receive any compensation for this post, a product was provided by Hasbro for my review.

American Museum of Natural History Childrens Shows

- brandy3

I was recently invited to visit the Natural History Museum in NYC to attend a childrens show. I attended Dr Nebulas Laboratory Planetary Vacation.

Overview: 

Dr. Nebula is lost in space! Help Scooter learn about the planets and moons of our solar system. By creating a three-dimensional model of the solar system, children will help locate Dr. Nebula.  This one-hour Interactive Science Theater show offers a fun encounter the whole family will enjoy. Join live presenter Scooter, Dr. Nebula’s trusty apprentice, as kids explore hands-on activities and find the answers to questions on the universe and beyond.

****I was very impressed by this show, but There are some things I think they could work on.  The show was very informative as they talked about the planets and how hot/cold it is there. They also talked about why Pluto is no a planet anymore, and new discoveries. That was very informative and great my 5 yr old learned a lot.

They also showed you how to make a aseroid or comet (sorry don’t remember which one) out of dry ice, coke and some other products.

What I really didn’t like about the show was Dr. Nebula was a horrible actor, the guy even though he’s only shown for about 10 minutes had a horrible accent and didn’t need teh fake mustache.   My daughter was very hurt when she was not called on to participate.  Now I understand there are a lot of kids and no everyone can participate, but all the kids chosen were always from the same areas of the room, and it looked like some kids were even chosen twice. They did make an effort though at the end to have all the kids not chosen to hold a paper up(sun).

Overall this program was fun for the kids and according to my daughter she learned a lot.

If you would like to attend a Childrens event at AMNH here are some events going on in the month of October

10th Anniversary Celebration of the Frederick Phineas and Sandra Priest Rose Center For Earth  and Space

  • Sunday October 10, 10 AM-5:45 PM
  • free with museum admission
  • Overview-To commemorate the 10th anniversary of the Frederick Phineas and Sandra Priest Rose Center for Earth and Space, the American Museum of Natural History will host a special celebration for all ages featuring dazzling performances, live concerts, hands-on activities, presentations by Museum scientists, and a special appearance by NASA astronaut Michael Massimino.  Festivities will include the world premiere of the new Big Bang presentation, which takes visitors on an exciting journey through the universe, and of the spectacular AstroBulletin about the last 10 years of astrophysics.      Event highlights include: Space Panorama, a recreation the historic Apollo 11 flight using only hand movements, facial expressions, narration, music, and a table; AstroCappella, a unique singing group, The Chromatics, that blends astronomy and music to create songs about the universe; and Native American Sky Stories, featuring Grammy Award winner Joanne Shenandoah and historian Doug George presenting Native American Sky Stories with music, dance, and more.

Wild, Wild World: Bats

  • Saturday October 16 11-12pm and 1-2pm
  • $10-$12
  • Get ready for Halloween! Rob Mies of the Organization for Bat Conservation leads this live-animal program about bats. Learn amazing facts about endangered species, vampire bats, and more. Meet a few bat ambassadors, including the Malayan flying fox, the largest bat in the world with a wingspan of up to 6 feet.

Annual Halloween Celebration:

  • Sunday October 31, 2-5pm
  • $10 per person
  • Trick or treat among the dangerous dinosaurs, eerie elephants, and other-worldly planets. Kids’ favorite characters will wander the Museum halls greeting and entertaining visitors. Spooky arts and crafts will keep little hands busy, and live performances will punctuate the proceedings.

Visit www.amnh.com for more info.

Disclosure: I did not receive any compensation for this post, complimentary tickes were provided for my family and I.

Ni Hao Kai-Lan Princess Kai-Lan Dvd Review

- brandy3

Product Description: Kai-lan, Rintoo, Tolee and Hoho are playing in the backyard when they get a visit from their superhero friend, the Monkey King, who really needs their help. Will Kai-lan and her friends go on an adventure with the Monkey King and see what they can do? Of course they will! The Monkey King gives them robes to wear that give them special powers to float, jump, and spin in the air! They’ll have to use their special powers – and the viewer’s help – to leap over bamboo forests, travel past a moat of giant bubbles, and find their way into the majestic palaces.

Episodes:

  • Princess Kai-Lan
  • Lulu’s Cloud
  • The Moon Festival
  • Bonus feature: Walking on Sunshine music video

****  The bears and the foxes hate each other , but don’t know why. When A bear cub and small fox want to be friends it’s up to Kai-Lan and her friends to bring them together. Kai-Lan convinces the Bear Queen to talk to the Fox King and work out their differences. They unite and create the Kingdom of Friends.  My daughter and son were thrilled to see this. they enjoyed every minute of it.

Retail: $16.99 but you can find on Amazon for $12.99

Release date: October 5, 2010

Running time: 96 minutes

Disclosure: I did not receive any compensation for this post. A product was provided by Nickelodeon.

My Kids Facebook App

- brandy3

The “My Kids” Facebook app is  the ultimate online brag book, a place to share all of the cool things your kids are doing. Once you install the app, you can create mini-profiles for each of your kids. Then you can create status updates for them, upload all those aww-worthy pictures and videos, mark their latest achievements, give them virtual “gifts” and more. And it all lives on an easy-to-share tab right on your profile page

 ****This facebook app is so cute. I can upload my kids pictures and even write about what they are doing for my Facebook friends to see. It’s very nice, because all my family lives so far away and now with this app they can see how big my kids are getting and more.

You can view mine here

Get your own My Kids facebook tab

Disclosure: No compensation was received for this post.

Olivia Toys From Spinmaster

- brandy3 1 Comment

From the best-selling book and hit Nick Jr. television show, Olivia inspires kids everywhere to think boldly and follow their dreams. Spinmaster has taken Olivia’s Imagination and personality and transformed them into fun and creative toys for ages 4 and up.

Oliva’ s house includes her bedroom, kitchen, and living room. my kids had fun playing with this, they even try to copy what was happening on the show at the time. They were watching and playing and playing at the same time. The house also includes a Olivia toy, 23 accessories, and sticker sheet.  Plus the house turns into a pirate ship for Olivia’s wild imagination which makes playing even more fun.

The Olivia plush doll is all dressed up and ready to perform. With this super soft plush everyone’s a star, plus the best fashions.  Collect all four dressed with Olivia’s favorite outfits including Artist, Opera Singer, Cow, Outfits.

This is so cute and small my son actually took this as his own and is attached. It’s cuddly and very fun to play with according to him. 

You can find these toys at Target, Toys R US, and Kmart or visit www.myolivia.com for more information.

The 2-1 house is $29.99 and the plush is $9.99

Disclosure: No compensation was received for this post, products were provided by Spinmaster through Team Mom.

Mickey Mouse Road Rally Review

- brandy3 1 Comment

Product Description:  Rev up the fun with “Road Racin’ Mickey” and all your Clubhouse pals in a full-length adventure that’ll have you movin’ and groovin’ all the way to the finish line! Join the gang on a wild ride through Mickey Park, the desert, Mistletoe Mountain and the jungle! Along the way, you’ll help pick the right Mouseketools and find “Mickey Markers” that unlock special surprises. And, share the excitement when Toodles and Goofy team up to rescue  Pete.There’s laughter and fast-paced fun around every corner in Mickey’s Road Rally!

**** This is a perfect combination for my son, he loves cars and Mickey. Mickey goes racing and tries to find Mickey’s markers along the way. This movie is full of interaction for the kids. My kids are always up and jumping around.  my kids loved to watching Mickey and the gang go through the different courses. park , desert, mountain and jungle.

Retail:$26.99 but you can find on Amazon for $18.49

Release date: September 7, 2010

Running time: 45 minutes

My rating: 7

Disclosure: No compensation was received for this post, a product was provided by Disney.

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