Last week, we took the children to see a Chinese New Year Lion Dance for the very first time. This dragon puppet was lying on the stage before the show. We saw more than one toddler pick him up and try to run off with him. Who could blame them? He is far more endearing than ferocious.
If you'd like to see more Ruby Tuesday photos, go visit Mary at Work of the Poet!
Ravensburger has been in business for over 100 years, making all sorts of products for children and adults alike. We were sent Katie Camper’s Holiday Friends, an 11 piece set of toys for kids 1 ½ and up. This unique, battery-free toy includes a friction-powered camper, similar to the WOW Harry Copter's Animal Rescue previously reviewed for our "Kid Driven Toys" series. Also included are two friends, a boy, a girl, and their dog. The camper is packed with lots of features and opens to reveal a cozy home with a bed, mirror, and spot to eat. Unhook the magnetic trailer and lift of the removable tent to open the lift gate, which has a barbecue grill. It also has a picnic table, dog food/water bowl, and more. You can sort the luggage in the overhead compartment, which is also a simple shape sorter. This set has so many additions, interesting pieces, and parts that it’s fun to play with for all the children I watch; from age 1 ½ to 9.
I find this toy to be really amazing. It is very durable and well-made and will last for a long, long time. I love that it is battery-free, but I have to admit that the friction-powered vehicle is a little loud with a house full of kids. Nonetheless, they love it and I think it’s a great toy as well. Everything fits together nicely and is easily transportable for them to move around the house with it. The play set may be 11 pieces, but it is all self-contained.
(Click any image to enlarge)
Because of how transportable the Ravensburger toys are, they have been chosen by Hyatt Resorts and Toy Tips to participate in a unique, sanity saving program for traveling parents with children. From a recent press release about the Hyatt Resorts Toy Box program: “Filled with an assortment of age-appropriate toys and games for children age toddler to tween, the Hyatt Resort Toy Box has everything a family needs to make their vacation enjoyable. Toys were carefully chosen based on age, educational value, and special circumstances. Each toy also features a "scorecard" that combines Toy Tips researchers' observation of enjoyment and development skills. Each researcher uses an original survey written by psychologists so results are accurate, independent and academic. The total score is weighted and calculated into an A through C- rating scale and Toy Tips only reports on toys with these ratings.”
You can learn more about the Hyatt Resorts Toy Box program and the other Ravensburger toys that have been selected by visiting Hyatt.com. You can learn more about Ravensburger on their website, www.Ravensburger.com or shop for toys at the Ravensburger Shop.
Thank you to Ravensburger for providing us with a complimentary product sample to base this review upon and for providing an additional product for our contest prize.
What you can win:
One lucky reader will receivea Katie Camper's Holiday Friends Play Set (ARV $49.99).
Limitations: This giveaway is open toU.S. entries only. You do not need to be a blogger to enter, but you must have a valid email address and be age 18 years or older. If you enter anonymously and do not include a valid email address in your comment entries, I will not be able to notify you should you win this random drawing.
How to Gain Entries:
Browse the selection of WOW friction-based toys offered by Ravensburger. Then leave a comment telling me the name of the one toy you think would be the most fun for a preschooler (aside from the toy reviewed in this article).You MUST do this to be eligible to win this contest.
Extra Entries:
1) For 5 extra entries, leave a relevant comment on one of my non-giveaway posts. Then leave FIVE separate comments with the name of the post on which you commented. You will earn 5 extra entries for each different non-contest post you comment on.
2) For 5 extra entries, enter one of my other contests. Leave FIVE separate comments here telling me which contest you entered. You will earn 5 extra entries for each contest you enter.
4) For 1 extra entry, "Like" Ravensburger on Facebook. Then leave a separate comment with the link to your Facebook profile.
5)Follow me on Twitter. Then leave a separate comment with the link to your Twitter profile.
6)Tweet about this giveaway linking back to this post. Then come back here and leave the link to your tweet in a separate comment. You may do this once per day until the end of the contest.
7)Subscribe to this blog's feed. Or you can follow me through Blogger or subscribe via email (widget is on sidebar). Then leave a separate comment telling me you did so.
(All entries will be verified prior to awarding this prize.)
Random Drawing:
This contest will be closed onMonday, March 21st, 2011 at 11:59pm EST. A random number drawing will be held shortly after. The winner will be announced here and will be contact via email or through their blog. If the winner does not respond within 48 hours, a new number will be drawn.
I have decided to start writing my own, personal articles about my family so my readers can get to know us. I figured for my first article, I’d write about my son’s hair. If you’ve been reading my reviews, namely the ones with pictures of my 4 year old, Quinn, you’ve probably noticed his crazy, out of control hair. Since he was born, the kid has had a full head of hair. It’s always been thick, crazy, and virtually untamable. Even wetting his hair down completely and brushing it into submission doesn’t work because as soon as it dries, it’s crazy again. Why, you ask? I have no idea. Some days it will lay down great with no help at all, but most days he wakes up with crazy hair and no matter what I do, it just won’t lie down. It’s become sort of his trademark and very fitting of his wild and silly personality. People say to him all the time, “Boy, your hair is crazy!” and his response as of late is, “I know, I know!” Really, it doesn’t bother me so much anymore. It’s part of what makes him uniquely “Quinn” and I love that about it.
I leave you with a picture of his crazy hair from today. It’s particularly crazy because he refused to brush it after his bath last night, so it was matted and wild when he went to bed and this was the morning product…
I took some great photos of the children yesterday. Sometimes it is like pulling teeth to get them to just be themselves. Other times, they are in the right mood and things just click. Yesterday was one of those days. The last photo reminds me of how much our three really love each other even though they fight like cats and dogs sometimes.
"Adoration"
"Fresh"
"Cracking Himself Up"
"BSF . . . Best Siblings Forever!"
Thank you for taking the time to view my photos this week! If you'd like to play along or see more great photos, stop by to see Lotus a.k.a. Sarcastic Mom.
Elmo and his friends are having another story time adventure in Sesame Street’s new DVD, Silly Storytime. In this DVD, Elmo and his Sesame Street friends retell popular fairy tales Rapunzel, Sleeping Beauty, Jack and the Beanstalk, and Little Red Riding Hood. This DVD also features one of my favorite Muppets, Kermit, in some segments. Our personal favorite of the stories was Elmo and Zoe’s retelling of Rapunzel. When Zoe hears the story of Rapunzel, she wishes for long hair like her, so her Hairy Godperson grants her wish, which puts Zoe in a bit of a pickle. True to Sesame Street’s reputation, the DVD is full of funny, cute, and interesting stories that truly interested all the kids in my daycare.
If you have a Sesame Street lover in your home, this DVD is perfect for them. It’s available at most major retailers of children's DVDs for $14.98 or less.
Thank you to Warner Home Video for sending us a complimentary product sample to base this review upon.
When long time friends and dog enthusiasts joined forces, the product was an online company that merges cute, fashionable clothing with creative dog-related taglines and themes. I love a company with a purpose, and Lucky Puppy definitely has a purpose. For every purchase that is made from their store, www.luckypuppyonline.com, they donate 15% of their sales to Animal Haven in New York City to help out our furry friends. While Lucky Puppy apparel is adorable, the real heart of the brand is what makes it irresistible. Not only do they donate money to the animal shelter, but they help homeless dogs find forever homes.
We were sent a charcoal colored burnout “LOVE” t-shirt in Quinn’s size to review. The shirt is so cute that I couldn’t wait to get it on Quinn for pictures. It is well made, though a little thin, and I fear it won’t last long with regular wear on a 4 year old. While we have it, though, I am proud to have Quinn wear it. It’s cute, comfy, and was a perfect shirt for him to wear on Valentine’s Day. Because of how thin it is, it will be perfectly cool and comfy for summer.
You can see all of Lucky Puppy’s amazing products on their website and at Lucky Puppy on Facebook. They have lots of cute things for children and adults. This particular shirt comes in multiple colors. It retails for $25 and is available in sizes 2T to 6.
Thank you to Lucky Puppy for sending us a complimentary product sample to base this review upon.
We have used Boogie Wipes in the past for little kid runny noses, so I was happy to try Achooz Saline Nose Wipes for us adults, made by the same company. When you get a cold or have allergies, blowing and wiping your nose all the time can be, quite literally, a pain. With Achooz wipes, you can make your nose happy and avoid the ugly, dry, itchy, and pain that comes with a runny nose. Achooz'steams of doctors and chemists created their unique, non-medicated formula to break down mucus and soothe your nose while wiping. It’s the same gentle, patent-pending mix of saline, vitamin E, and aloe as their Boogie Wipes and is available in Cool Menthol and Fragrance Free to suit anyone’s stuffy nose.
I haven’t had a cold recently (knock on wood), so my allergy-ridden friend, Jenny, tried them out for me. She really loved how soft, yet durable they were and felt the menthol scent was an added bonus and really helped break up the mucus. I was pleased with how thick and cottony they were also, and I really liked the menthol scent as well.
You can learn more about Achooz on their website, www.achooz.com. There you can find their Facebook and Twitter links, find a retailer, and learn how to get a $0.50 off coupon for a pack of Achooz for yourself.
Thank you to Achooz for sending us a complimentary product sample to base this review upon and for providing additional product for our contest prize.
What you can win:
One lucky reader will receivean Achooz Gift Pack.
Limitations: This giveaway is open toU.S. entries only. You do not need to be a blogger to enter, but you must have a valid email address and be age 18 years or older. If you enter anonymously and do not include a valid email address in your comment entries, I will not be able to notify you should you win this random drawing.
How to Gain Entries:
Leave a comment telling me at which Achooz retailer you would most likely shop.You MUST do this to be eligible to win this contest.
Extra Entries:
1) For 5 extra entries, leave a relevant comment on one of my non-giveaway posts. Then leave FIVE separate comments with the name of the post on which you commented. You will earn 5 extra entries for each different non-contest post you comment on.
2) For 5 extra entries, enter one of my other contests. Leave FIVE separate comments here telling me which contest you entered. You will earn 5 extra entries for each contest you enter.
3)For 10 extra entries, sign up to receive Achooz Newz. Then come back here and leave TEN separate comments telling me you did.
5) For 1 extra entry each, follow Achooz on Twitter and/or "Like" Achooz on Facebook. Then leave a separate comment for each with the link to your Twitter or Facebook profile.
6)Follow me on Twitter. Then leave a separate comment with the link to your Twitter profile.
7)Tweet about this giveaway linking back to this post. Then come back here and leave the link to your tweet in a separate comment. You may do this once per day until the end of the contest.
8)Subscribe to this blog's feed. Or you can follow me through Blogger or subscribe via email (widget is on sidebar). Then leave a separate comment telling me you did so.
(All entries will be verified prior to awarding this prize.)
Random Drawing:
This contest will be closed onMonday, March 7th, 2011 at 11:59pm EST. A random number drawing will be held shortly after. The winner will be announced here and will be contact via email or through their blog. If the winner does not respond within 48 hours, a new number will be drawn.
The Vtech LS6375-3 is sleek and compact. The base unit has a built in answering machine and charges one of the handsets. The additional handset and DECT 6.0 headset each have their own charging cradles and can be placed anywhere in your home.
Each handset is full featured and comes with all the bells and whistles you would expect a modern phone system to have...except one button speed dialing. Although the Vtech LS6375-3 is a great system, it boggles my mind that one button speed dialing was left out in a modern phone. This is the same complaint we had with the Vtech DS6321-3 phone system. The phone does have a directory, but you need to scroll through the contacts even if you jump to a particular letter of the alphabet. We had taught our oldest child to use the speed dial for emergencies, not an option with this system. We had to resort to only programming the most important numbers into this phone so that it would be easier to use in case of an emergency.
The handsets can be used as speakerphones so you can talk while you do other things like cook or use your computer. My favorite feature is the press to talk intercom, it functions just like a walkie talkie. Our previous phone system's intercom functioned only like a phone call. Having the option to use the handsets for either is much better.
The DECT 6.0 Headset looks and wears just like an oversized Bluetooth mobile phone headset. It is comfortable to wear, the sound quality is excellent, and it works anywhere in the house. You can press one button and answer an incoming call or join a call already in progress. It does not have the capability of dialing out, however. Still it is very handy for talking on the phone while keeping your hands free for other things, such as typing on your computer, preparing dinner, and other household tasks.
Overall the Vtech LS6375-3 is an excellent expandable phone system and we should get years of use out of it. The two-handset system with the headset retails for $99.95 . We have already ordered an additional handset for the middle floor. If Vtech chose to add one press speed dialing for your 10 favorite people the Vtech LS6375-3 would be perfect.
We only have two contests to draw the winners for today. I hope everyone had a great President's Day weekend and is getting back into the swing of things.
Congratulations to our two winners! Official email notifications will be going out immediately. Please respond within 48 hours to claim your prizes. Please remember that I always reply to let you know that I have received your information.
As a February school vacation treat, a school in one of our surrounding towns hosted a free event in honor of Chinese New Year. The main attraction was to be a lion dance by the Boston Chinese Freemasons. I remember watching lion dances when I was little in the streets of Boston's Chinatown. The drums and the firecrackers were terribly loud for my little ears. That is why we have not taken our little ones yet. This show seemed like the perfect opportunity for them to watch a traditional lion dance in a controlled environment, where they were less likely to become overwhelmed. They had read about such dances in children's books about Chinese New Year, so they were already somewhat familiar with it. They soon learned that reading about the lion dance in a book does not compare to experiencing one in person.
The show started a bit late and the natives were starting to get restless . . .
We received a brief introduction about Chinese New Year . . .
Before the lion dance commenced, we heard a story illustrated by shadow puppets. Then it was time to wake the lion . . .
The drummers and the dancers did an excellent job engaging both the children and the adults . . .
All three of our children enjoyed the lion dance very much. Our preschoolers thought the lion was a bit scary, but still very cool. Only our 4 year old son accepted the invitation to gently pet the lion after the show.
The entire show lasted less than 45 minutes, but I think it helped to create some fun memories for our children.
Ravensburger has been in business for over 100 years, making all sorts of products for children and adults alike. We were sent Katie Camper’s Holiday Friends
I have decided to start writing my own, personal articles about my family so my readers can get to know us. I figured for my first article, I’d write about my son’s hair. If you’ve been reading my reviews, namely the ones with pictures of my 4 year old, Quinn, you’ve probably noticed his crazy, out of control hair. Since he was born, the kid has had a full head of hair. It’s always been thick, crazy, and virtually untamable. Even wetting his hair down completely and brushing it into submission doesn’t work because as soon as it dries, it’s crazy again. Why, you ask? I have no idea. Some days it will lay down great with no help at all, but most days he wakes up with crazy hair and no matter what I do, it just won’t lie down. It’s become sort of his trademark and very fitting of his wild and silly personality. People say to him all the time, “Boy, your hair is crazy!” and his response as of late is, “I know, I know!” Really, it doesn’t bother me so much anymore. It’s part of what makes him uniquely “Quinn” and I love that about it.
I took some great photos of the children yesterday. Sometimes it is like pulling teeth to get them to just be themselves. Other times, they are in the right mood and things just click. Yesterday was one of those days. The last photo reminds me of how much our three really love each other even though they fight like cats and dogs sometimes.
Elmo and his friends are having another story time adventure in Sesame Street’s new DVD, Silly Storytime
When long time friends and dog enthusiasts joined forces, the product was an online company that merges cute, fashionable clothing with creative dog-related taglines and themes. I love a company with a purpose, and Lucky Puppy definitely has a purpose. For every purchase that is made from their store, www.luckypuppyonline.com, they donate 15% of their sales to Animal Haven in New York City to help out our furry friends. While Lucky Puppy apparel is adorable, the real heart of the brand is what makes it irresistible. Not only do they donate money to the animal shelter, but they help homeless dogs find forever homes. 
We have used Boogie Wipes
We recently received the Vtech LS6375-3 Two Handset Cordless Answering System with the Cordless DECT 6.0 Headset to test out in our home . . .
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