Holiday Gift Guide 2009

Holiday Gift Guide:Morphibians Gator RC Car

- brandy3 6 Comments

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Description from site:From the depths of the sea, up comes the Kid Galaxy Toys Morphibians Gator Remote Control Toy – land and water fun all in one! The Morphibians Gator is the powerful, 4 wheel drive remote control car that looks like an alligator with a cool new metallic skin as it drives through ponds and pools, but this Morphibians Gator can drive onto land to “eat up” anything in its way! With a fully functional radio control, the Morphibians Gator Remote Control Toy now also features headlights that help light the way, making this remote control toy ready to perform anywhere. Get ready to drive this green gator machine wherever you can dream! Morphibians Gator from Kid Galaxy Toys operates at 27MHz. Requires 3 “AA” batteries and 2 “AAA” batteries, not included.

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***This is the first educational toy I have ever seen make my hubby get excited.  All three of my children fought over it, so it is pretty popular in my house..  This car is small, but perfect for the hands of a preschooler. The batteries were a bit hard to put in, as the cover is a little hard to get off.  My children absolutely love and approve this toy, they can not put it down.  It’s a land and water toy, but you can not submerge it in water, just small puddles. The headlights also light up, which is fun for playing in the dark!

Visit www.growingtreetoys.com for this gift idea and so much more.

Recommended for ages 3 and up

retails for $29.95

Rating:8 1/2

Disclosure: Product was received

Holiday Gift Guide: EX S5 Digital Camera

- brandy3 2 Comments

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The EX-S5 is a sleek and sturdy digital camera with a compact design, producing high-quality results from a stylish body. Available in a variety of colors, the EX-S5 boasts 10.1 megapixels and weighs in at just over five ounces excluding the battery, making it sleeker and slimmer than almost any other entry-level digital camera on the market.  Widescreen videos can easily be recorded on the EX-S5, and the camera also offers YouTube capture Mode which records videos at the ideal settings for the world’s largest video-sharing site.  Retailing at $129, this camera offers advanced technology at a very affordable price.

***This little camera is the perfect pocket camera.   It’s small and sleek design makes it perfect to fit in a purse, pocket or diaper bag.  I love that it has a big screen, for better picture-taking. 

here are some pics i took with this camera

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This camera takes better quality pics than my Kodak.   The only complaint I have about the Casio EX S5 is the usb slot on the camera is hard to get to.    You can also make Videos, and instantly upload the to you tube.

retail $129.00, but can be found on Amazon for $119.88

visit www.casio.com for this gift idea and much more.

Rating: 9

Holiday gift guide: Gotta catch santa Clause DVD review

- brandy3

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Description from DVD:Hold on to your reindeer because finding Santa is about to become an adventure of a lifetime! Lionsgate releases an all-new CGI animated feature Gotta Catch Santa Claus, starring William Shatner as the voice of Santa.  Sure to become a modern-day holiday classic, this funny, contemporary DVD is enjoyable for the entire family and features six jolly jammin’ new holiday songs.   When a friend starts to doubt the idea of Santa Claus, 12 year old Trevor sets out on a mission to catch old St. Nick in order to prove his existence and put the skeptics to rest.

Gotta Catch Santa Clause will be broadcast during ABC family’s  annual 25 days of Christmas, but you can own it now on DVD.

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sWiZFDqOEOE]

****  This movie is filled with holiday fun. It’s also great for any small child having doubts about Santa.   My children and I really enjoyed this movie and my children are so excited about christmas, even though it’s still a while away.

This is a perfect gift for any age child in the family!

Release date: October 13, 2009

retail price: $19.98 but you can find it on amazon for $14.98

DVD bonus features:

  • Deleted Scenes
  • Santa Behind-the-Scenes Footage
  • 2 Sing-Along Songs

Disclosure:  I received this DVD free in exchange for my review. This however does not affect my views on the product.

Holiday Gift Guide:Cyclone 12 speed blender

- brandy3 1 Comment

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Get the force of a Cyclone to power through even your toughest blending tasks. The unique Cyclone™ Glass Blending Jar design helps keep ingredients in the path of the multi-level stainless steel blades, while 650 watts of peak power and 10 speeds plus pulse ensure great results on salsas, smoothies, shakes, soups, stews and more!

Features:

  • 48-oz. Cyclone™ Glass Blending Jar
  • Multi-Level Stainless Steel Blades
  • 12 Speeds plus Pulse
  • 2-oz. Measuring Cup Lid Insert
  • Perfect Pour® Jar Spout
  • Cord Storage
  • Dishwasher-Safe Lid

    • Cyclone 12 speed blender also has a 2 yr limited warranty.

    I have never owned or used a blender before, so when i received the cyclone in the mail i couldn’t wait to try it.  There are some recipes in the manual that i tried out first.

    Mango raspberry Fizz

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    • 1 1/2 cups pineapple mango juice
    • 1 1/2 cups raspberry sorbet
    • 1 cup frozen sliced peaches
    • cold club soda
    • mint sprigs

    Combine first three ingredients, cover and pulse. Press smoothie until well blended, fill glass with mixture. Top with club soda, garnish with mint sprig.

    **I wasn’t to fond of this drink, but my hubby loved it.

    we also tried Cran-Pineapple Colada

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    • 1 1/2 cups cran-apple juice
    • 1 cup fresh pineapple chunks
    • 2/3 cups frozen  class=”hiddenSpellError” pre=”frozen “>Pina Colada mix
    • 1 ripe banana, sliced
    • 2 cups ice cubes

    combine all ingredients in order, close lid. pulse several times 5 seconds, press liquefy until smooth and blended.

    **This drink was really delicious

    We also made milk shakes

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    • Ice cream(we used cookies n cream)
    • milk
    • chocolate syrup
    • I added extra Oreos(optional)

     

    ***This was so good, of course not very healthy.

    ****The 12 speed cyclone blender is great for making smoothies, shakes, salsa, margaritas, and so much more.  We have been using it everyday since we got it and will keep using it.  It has a glass pitcher, and the lid is dish washer safe. The speed is great and really fast, I am really loving this blender.

    This is the perfect holiday gift for the busy mom on the go.

    rating:10

    disclosure:I received this product free in exchange for my review. This however does not affect my judgement or views.

    Holiday Gift Guide:Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs Review

    - brandy3 1 Comment

     

    Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs is the time-honored story of a beautiful princess whose
    blossoming beauty disturbs her stepmother the Queen. Each day the Queen asks a mysterious magic
    mirror the quintessential question: “mirror, mirror on the wall, who’s the fairest of them all.” As long as
    the mirror answers the Queen’s name, all is well. However, when one day the mirror replies with Snow
    White’s name, the evil Queen begins her quest to kill the young girl, so she may once again be “the
    fairest of them all.”  
    Snow White’s escape from the evil Queen’s plan leads her deep into the forest and to a small cottage
    where she meets, in one of the most famous scenes in motion picture history, the Seven Dwarfs.
    Once “off to work” they go, the wicked Queen persuades Snow White to take a bite of a poisonous
    apple that places a powerful sleeping curse on the young beauty. Heartbroken, the dwarfs make a
    glass coffin for their friend, because she is too beautiful to bury. Only when a handsome Prince — who
    had previously fallen in love with Snow White — finds her and kisses her, does she awaken, “to live
    happily ever after.”  

     This movie was first made in 1937 and is the first American animated feature film in movie history and the first film to have a soundtrack album released!
    On the blu ray bonus material you’ll be able to look firsthand at the Hyperion Studios.

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    Blu-ray  Bonus Features
    • Magic Mirror – Using the latest in Blu-ray technology, the iconic magic Mirror guides the
    audience through the Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs: Diamond Edition features with
    ease, serving as the host for an incredibly immersive experience. The Mirror will recognize
    viewing patterns, knows where the audience has left off and will even suggest where to navigate
    next. This marks the first use of this technology in a Disney Blu-ray release and provides
    viewers with the control to personally create a customized Snow White experience  
    • DisneyView – Disney’s pioneering animated feature is brought to the modern era of widescreen
    high definition viewing by allowing the user to expand their viewing experience beyond the
    original aspect ratio of the film. Utilizing Disney Blu-ray technology, acclaimed Disney artist Toby
    Bluth was able to draw beyond the borders of the classic full frame cinema and fill the otherwise
    dark edges of the screen with beautiful custom imagery, giving audiences a new view of the
    animated classic favorite.  
    • About Toby Bluth – Disney artist Toby Bluth tells how the movie inspired him to
           create the superb DisneyView art.  
    • Audio Commentary with Walt Disney, hosted by John Canemaker    
    • “The Princess and the Frog” Sneak Peek  

    DVD Bonus Features
    • Audio Commentary with Walt Disney, hosted by John Canemaker
    • “The Princess and the Frog” Sneak Peek  
    • Snow White Returns – Newly discovered storyboards suggest a brand new Snow White
    featurette that never got made.  For the first time, current Disney animators show how this
    short story would have played.
    • The One That Started It All – This featurette reveals how Snow White and the Seven
    Dwarfs forever changed the world of movies and the world at large.
    • “Someday My Prince Will Come” – Music video by Tiffany Thornton
    • Dopey’s Wild Mine Ride – An interactive set-top game for the whole family
    • Animation Voice Talent  
    • Disney Through The Decades – A series of video segments with celebrity hosts
    • “Heigh-Ho” Karaoke Sing-Along
    • Dylan & Cole Sprouse: Blu-ray™ Is Suite!   
    • Learn How To Take Your Favorite Movies On The Go

    plus the movie has games to play and a music video by Tiffany Thorton(Someday My Prince Will Come)

    ****This has always been one of my favorite movies. Since this video hasn’t been available since 2001, my children have never seen it, so I’m glad to be able to share the magic of this movie with them.  My DD are Disney Princess fans, so they really enjoyed this movie. The seven dwarfs really amused them, and now I am listening to Heigh Ho, over and over.   The Games and extras are a lot of fun, my kids really enjoyed Dopey’s Wild Mine Ride.  

    More info:

    Running time: 88 minutes

    release date: blu ray 10/6/09,

    2 disc DVD 11/24/09

    retail price:29.99-39.99

    rated G

    This product was provided for free, in a exchange for a review. This however has no affect on my personal views. This is my personal opinion.

    Holiday Gift Guide:Mini Strawberry Shortcake Doll with Purse

    - brandy3 1 Comment

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    This tiny friend is very sweet and berry sweet smelling! Brush your pretty little Strawberry Shortcake figure’s hair to make sure she’s just as lovely as can be and then bring her along with you on all kinds of delicious adventures!
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    ***This mini doll is so adorable and fun.  Comes with a doll, brush, and cute little purse to carry her in.  She has beautiful(real) long hair that you can brush.  my daughters were so impressed with this doll, and can even play with her in their new Berry Cafe Playset. 

    Ages 4 and up

    retail value: $6.99

    visit www.hasbrotoyshop.com for this and other great holiday gifts.

    This product was provided for free, in a exchange for a review. This however has no affect on my personal views. This my personal opinion.

    Holiday Gift Guide: Strawberry Shortcake Sweet Surprise Doll

    - brandy3 1 Comment

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     From Manufacturer: She may be tiny, but Strawberry Shortcake has a huge heart! Her friends love to gather at her Berry Café, where they can always count on her for a helping hand and some berry delicious treats – no wonder she’s everyone’s best friend in Berry Bitty City™.

    Help this pretty little redhead look even prettier with a “berry” special makeover! First brush this sweet-smelling Strawberry Shortcake doll’s lustrous hair and then snap in hair extensions for a little extra glam! Next, use the “magic” pen to reveal her eye shadow, lip color and berry beauty mark! And last, but definitely not least, top off her look with adorable stickers to accessorize all over!

    Scented doll comes with dress, 2 barrettes with Shimmer Shine hair extensions, color-change pen, brush and 4 hair clips accessories and 2 sticker sheets and instructions.

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    This doll is perfect for the little beautician, you can dress her, put make up on her,and do her hair.  My daughters had such a great time playing with her.  Being able to style her hair, and some barrettes even have extensions.   Doing her make up is easy just wet the applicator and apply. Plus she comes with shiny stickers to finish off the look. The best thing I love about Strawberry Shortcake is the smell.  The sweet strawberry smell is so great.

    Recommended: ages 3 and up

    was just released this year: 2009

    retail price $22.99

    visit www.hasbrotoyshop.com for this and other great holiday gifts

    I was not in any way compensated for this post, but Hasbro offered me a doll for review.

    Holiday Gift Guide: Strawberry Shortcake’s Berry Cafe

    - brandy3

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    From manufacturer:She might be tiny, but Strawberry Shortcake has a huge heart! Her friends love to gather at her Berry Café, where they can always count on her for a helping hand and some berry delicious treats—no wonder she’s everyone’s best friend in Berry Bitty City.

    Help your Strawberry Shortcake figure serve up very special treats in her charming strawberry-shaped, berry-sweet smelling café! Send her up and down her pull-out staircase, readying her shop and carrying delicious “croissants”, “waffles”, “muffins” and more from her special oven to her countertop and table. Just in case guests are thirsty, too, help her make “smoothies” in the blender that really whirls! Then, when it’s time to close up shop, let your Strawberry Shortcake figure relax with a ride on her special bird friend—press down on the top and around and around they’ll spin!

    Café playset comes with mini scented Strawberry Shortcake figure, dress, hat, bed, bed tray, 2 “fruit smoothies”, 2 “ice cream””muffins”, tray with 3 “croissants”, tray with “pie”, tray with 4 “cupcakes”, plate with “slice of cake”, plate of “sandwiches”, plate with “waffles”, plate with “pancakes”, 2 mugs, counter with smoothie blender, oven basket, bistro table and 2 bistro chairs accessories.

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    *** My DD fell in love with this playset the moment she saw it.  She is a big Strawberry shortcake fan. This playset is tons of fun, but it does have a lot of small parts. It’s a lot cheaper than doll houses.  The playset is very cute, i love the swinging bird at the top.

    This is recommended for  ages 4 and up

    retail value is $34.99 and can be bought at hasbrotoyshopor retail locations.

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    This is a prfect gift for the holidays for any little girl!

    Holiday Gift Guide: Cherry Blossom Market

    - brandy3 2 Comments

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    Give little imaginations the perfect place to bloom – and set up shop! – with this adorable market playhouse. Standing just over four feet tall, the exterior is adorned with blooming flowers printed on the double-sided fabric walls. Inside depicts a sideboard crawling with pantry staples, jars of yummy “treats” on the windowsill and a real fabric curtain above the window. Little shoppers can order from the walk-up window, while the store clerk works inside, pretending to pack and sell the freshest “fruits” and “vegetables,” or make imaginative “ice cream” creations for friends! Transactions are made on the play cash register that comes with play money, while the “clock” on the wall lets everyone know how long until closing time. Moms and Dads will find the lightweight structure simple to move and nest DREAM TOWN accessories (sold separately – includes list similar to SWEET LILY castle) for fast, easy storage. Who would’ve thought that the best place for your little girl to play store is located in the nicest neighborhood she knows – your very own home!

    ***Dream town cherry Blossom Market is apart of the Dream Town collection.  Includes the market playhouse, cash register, and play money.  This is such a fun playhouse. and my DD are learning counting money and taking inventory!   This was a little confusing and hard to put together, but it is worth it when it’s ready.

    Ages 3 and up

    Dream Town Cherry Blossom Market retails at $51.99

    the Cherry Blossom Market Produce Stand is retailed at $22.99

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    We also received Market produce stand.

    Shop to your heart’s content with this adorable produce stand that’s selling nothing but the freshest pretend fruits and veggies! The three-bin fabric stand holds only the “ripest” fabric foods, including a pretend pear, strawberry, broccoli stalk, eggplant and corn! Add it to the CHERRY BLOSSOM Market playhouse (sold separately) for an even bigger shopping experience! Use the reusable shopping bag to make lots of trips and pack your favorite picks inside – fruits and veggies have never been more fun!
    Produce stand comes with fabric broccoli, fabric pear, fabric strawberry, fabric corn, fabric eggplant, shopping bag, produce stand (plastic frame, 5 pieces, fabric cover) and instructions. 

    **This is a great little stand to keep produce on to help sell in the little market.   We weren’t to excited about the fruit being fabric, but we can always get plastic play fruit.

    Visit www.hasbrotoyshop.comto purchase these items or find them a a local retailer.

    Holiday gift guide: Chuck My Talking Truck

    - brandy3 6 Comments

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    Chuck my talking Truck is part of the Chuck and friends collection.

    from manufacturer:   CHUCK MY TALKING TRUCK toy is a preschool boy’s best buddy who always has something to say!  This friendly truck featuring sound recognition technology is fully interactive and will roll forward when called!  CHUCK is revving to go with over 40 onboard phrases to encourage play such as “We’ve got work to do!”  Toddlers will enjoy rolling the brightly-colored dump truck across the floor, tilting back the dump bed to unload big hauls, and going on adventures with their fun loving pal CHUCK.   Requires three “C” batteries, not included.  Available at most major toy retailers nationwide and on HasbroToyShop.com.

    Requires 3 C batteries, which are  included.  Chuck My talking Truck talks when you press his bumper, top lights, and lift the dump bed. The dump bed wiggles, and the bumper moves.  Plus the truck rolls toward you when you call it.

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    *** This Tonka truck is such a creative toy. my son got a big kick out of it.   It’s fully motorized, talks, wiggles, everything you could imagine this truck does.  It also includes a story book for your little one, that my son loves so much.  The phrases are fun and my son is even repeating them. “comin through!” “Let’s get to work”, “time to roll”

    This toy is sold and distributed by Hasbro

    For ages 3+(but website says ages 2 and up)

    Retail price is $34.99

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