Summer of Toys: Moon Dough

On those days, when we’re not out at Disneyland or splashing in our community pool, I try to offer my son diverse learning and play experiences.  Apart from coloring, baking, and pretend play, my son really enjoys play dough.  Conventional dough dries out when left out and can get stuck in carpets and such.

Thanks to Team Mom, we had an opportunity to check out Moon Dough, an innovative new molding compound that never dries out.   Moon Dough comes in one of four playsets and is offered in eight colors.  It’s also hypo-allergenic and wheat-free.  The dough is soft and feather-light (like marshmallow) and can be molded with hands or the playset (we prefer the playset).

My son adored the Barnyard that he received to mold his dough into cows, pigs, sheep, and horses.  The set came with three dough colors and 2 farm-themed molds (fence and hay bale).  Once the dough is compressed into a ball, children put it into the barn silo and turn the crank.  Out come adorable 3D animals.

There were a few things we found that worked really well to create the best looking animals.  First, we made sure to compress the dough deep down into the silo (which acts as the mold for the animals).  Then we turned the crank slowly so that the animals came out with their features well-defined.

While I like the fact that the dough doesn’t dry out or get stuck in carpet I don’t like the mess it creates.  I find it to be quite crumbly and needed to vacuum after my son played. The sets that come with the Moon Dough will appeal to children and the prices are affordable and range from $9.99 to $19.99.

Moon Dough is available at Toys R Us, Target, Amazon, and retailers nationwide.

No compensation was received for this post.  A product sample was provided via Team Mom to facilitate this review.

How to Choose a Baby Photographer

Up until a few weeks ago, my husband and I left our child’s photos to the pros at our local department store.  We never really bothered to browse local photographers although in retrospect, we should have.  Photography is very personal, and finding that person who will capture you story can be challenging.

Babyphotographers.com is an online resource which helps parents find information about pregnancy and baby photography.  If you live in a city like Los Angeles or New York, it becomes difficult to sort through the sheer number of professional photographers.  If you’re in a smaller city, you may not be aware of hidden talent.  The site helps parents compare photographers to find the one that matches your style, goal, and budget.

I conducted a search in my area and the site pulled up 36 photographers.  Each profile that is pulled up includes an overview of the company, sample photos, location information and  some even include a video by the photographer.

The site is relatively new and changes are being made.  However, I would like to see the results sorted by distance (rather than randomly). I’d also like to see the site develop to allow parents the ability to select a few photographers and compare them side by side.

Babyphotographers.com also has a blog which includes informative articles on topics like how to choose a baby photographer and how to have the perfect photography session.

Right now, the company is hosting a “Smile Baby” contest where you’ll have a chance to win $2,000 in free baby photography.  To enter, simply submit a 100-200 words paragraph answering the question: “How do you get your baby to laugh?” along with completed entry form, including your name, age, email address and phone number to contest@babyphotographers.com.  Entries can also be submitted along with a completed entry form to: Babyphotographers.com Smile Baby Contest, 6060 N. Central Expressway, Suite 350, Dallas, Texas 75206.  The deadline to enter is September 30, 2010.

You can find Babyphotographers.com on Twitter and Facebook.

No compensation was received for this post.

Back to School With Lands’ End

I dreaded wearing that navy skirt, white shirt, and black and white saddle shoes as an elementary school child. And yet, as a mom, I actually like the idea of not having to worry much about my childrens’ school attire.

If your child attends a school that mandates uniforms, check out Lands’ End’s Back to School sale where you can save 30% on school uniforms and up to 50% on backpacks and lunchboxes.  Lands’ End offers a diverse selection of fashionable, well-made uniforms.  Many of them can be worn outside of school, particularly if you mix and match the tops and bottoms (this is easier with the boy’s options).

This year, Lands’ End improved their uniform options by making them more durable (reinforced seams and adjustable waists), offering a wide range of sizes (slim, tall, plus, etc.), adding a personalization option (monograms, embroidery, heat transfers, etc.), and ensuring that the line includes gender-specific options.

Lands’ End also offers an incredible selection of backpacks, including my favorite which is a line designed specifically for the preschool types.  Their ClassMate Collection is lightweight and compact for small tots but roomy enough to hold the essentials.  Right now they’re on sale for $16.50 and the matching lunchboxes are just $9.50.

Be sure to check out their Back to School sale going on right now.  To receive your discount, enter the code AUG27 in the Promo section and 9891 in the Pin section.

No compensation was received for this post. A product sample was provided which helped facilitate this review.

The Daily D (eal)

I may not be Consumer Queen, but the hubby says that I “rock” at scoring great deals.  I try not to buy anything that’s not on sale, use coupons whenever possible (including online coupons), and do a ton of research before making purchases.  I was recently introduced to Daily D, a site that hand-picks the best local merchants to provide you with significant discounts.  If you sign up (it’s free), they’ll deliver those deals straight to your inbox.

Right now there are two incredible deals I want to tell you about…

1.  $12 for Kids Climbing Class at Rockreation (60% Off)

Looking for a new, fun, safe activity for your 6-11 year old?  Try rock climbing at Rockreation!  Each 2-hour climb time session has a maximum of 5 kids per instructor, so they get plenty of attention and instruction.  They won’t know it, but it’s also a good learning experience, teaching them how to work with other kids and adults while learning about safety, responsibility and respect.

2.  $25 for Mom & Me Apron Class at Sewing Art Center (50% Off)

With all the classes and scheduling, it’s practically impossible to find some nice one-on-one time with kids.  How about a class that’s fun, you can do together, and you learn a skill you can both use?  Spend a Saturday afternoon with the child in your life while you both learn to sew! $25 enrolls you both, provides all the tools, fabric, supplies and know-how, and sends you each on your way with an apron of your own making.

“I wrote this review while participating in a test drive campaign by Mom Central on behalf of the DailyD. Mom Central sent me a gift card to thank me for taking the time to participate.”

Back to School With SIGG

Earlier this morning, I participated in a web chat with Michelle Conlin and several “green” bloggers to discuss her film project entitled No Impact Man.  I have an entire post dedicated to the project, but it definitely had me thinking about what MORE I can do to reduce my carbon footprint.

It seems simple enough… forgo BPA-laden plastic and opt for reusable bottles and food storage products. SIGG, the world leader in reusable, eco-friendly beverage bottles recently introduced their aluminum lunch boxes which are actually fashionable enough to be used for storing all kinds of things (think makeup, jewelry).

SIGG’s products are 100% recyclable and free from BPA or phthalates.  Their bottles are lined so that there is no lingering odor or taste.  The company offers a number of fun, vibrant kid’s designs for boys and girls.  My three year old is finally at a point where he understands the concept of drinking from bottles like this one.  I like the smaller 0.3 L size for tots since it holds about the amount of liquid he’s capable of drinking.

SIGG now offers customization.  You can visit their site to upload personal photos or create your own graphic with their image library to use on their products.

No compensation was received for this post. A product sample was provided by the company to facilitate this review.

2011 Preview: The Sak & Elliott Lucca

While we were in New York, I decided to schedule some early morning meetings with some of the PR representatives I’ve worked with over the past three years.  One of days, I headed over to The Sak Brand Group Showroom (which just so happens to be right across the street from the Empire State Building) for their Spring 2011 Preview.

The Sak Brand Group is one of the largest handbag companies in the US and offers a variety of designs, at varying price points, in the following brands:  The Sak, Elliott Lucca, freebird, sakroots, Luxy, and Lina.  I actually own a sakroots bag which I adore because it’s stylish, functional, and eco-friendly.  sakroots is the company’s eco-friendly brand and this spring will offer fun, vibrant everyday accessories including handbags, iPod cases, computer bags, yoga mat bags, camera cases, umbrellas, rain boots, and more.  The entire collection is made from eco-friendly materials like recycled nylon and canvas and supports The Nature Conservancy’s Plant a Billion Trees Campaign.  Prints include Peace, One World, and Flower Power and the collection retails for under $139.  Here are a few of the pieces that stood out:

freebird is a highly affordable collection offering carefree, eclectic designs derived from man-made leather.  The brand will debut their hands-free compact nano bag.  The bags were intricately designed with a focus on touch and texture and can be worn as a crossbody, clutch, mini backpack or belt bag.  Some of the design features include hand-stitching, mesh metal and metallic hardware.  The nano bag will retail for $35-$59 and will be available in fall colors like toffee, indigo, and cocoa.

This spring, the Sak will debut a new Crochet collection.  The handbags will feature signature textured weaves and relaxed styles in bright, vibrant colors like papaya, boutique stripe, and pink multi.  The entire collection will retail for under $79.

You can purchase handbags and accessories from the Sak, sakroots, and freebird online and at Macy’s, Nordstrom and Dillard’s.

No compensation was received for this post. I received a thank you gift for attending the brand’s press preview day.

Modern Baby Product Guide: mOmma

When I was pregnant with my son, I struggled to find more than one or two companies offering BPA-free bottles and feeding products.  It’s been three years, and I don’t think I could find a BPA-containing feeding product at Target if I wanted to (which is a good thing).  The challenge is now to decide which bottle, sippy cup, feeding set is most fitting for our children.

mOmma is a new line of feeding products that “combine innovation and technology to transform mealtime into an opportunity to play and learn.”  When I first opened up the feeding products, I was struck by their uniquely designed shapes.  My first thought was, did my toddler have the dexterity to utilize the fork/spoon and straw cup?  Could my almost 8 month old daughter, who’s nearly ready for a sippy cup actually drink from it?  Interestingly enough, the unique design of mOmma’s products is  supposed to make it easy for both infants and toddlers to eventually learn to eat and drink independently. Features like dual handles and round shapes help strengthen a child’s grip and make it easy for infants to grasp.  I’ve yet to see a company design feeding gear with a spherical base which keeps the products upright and prevents them from coming into contact with germ-ridden surfaces. And, the utensils come with protective lids which makes it easy and hygienic to tote along on outings.

A vast majority of sippy cups leak…either initially or eventually.  mOmma’s cups feature a non-spill lid and rubber-coated bottoms to prevent leaks and drips.  So far my 3 year old has managed to avoid the spills…when he isn’t trying to untwist the top of the straw cup.

I was surprised my daughter could grasp the utensils and sippy cup.  And my son was immediately intrigued by the bright colors and spherical designs.

mOmma’s line of feeding products are BPA and phthalate-free.  While I find them to be a bit higher priced than conventional products (around $10), I like their modern design and durability.

Now through September 10, you can enter a photo of your tot’s messiest mealtime moment for a chance to win a pack of mOMma products (retail value $104.50).  For more information, just visit their website or Facebook page.

{Photo: All rights reserved}

No compensation was received for this post. Product samples were provided via Team Mom to facilitate this review.

Summer DVD Releases

I think it’s been weeks since my husband and I have watched a movie…particularly one that isn’t animated!  Since we don’t get a lot of opportunities to go out to the movies, we rely on DVD and Netflix to catch up on the latest releases.

On August 24th, Image Entertainment will release $5 A Day on Blu-Ray ($29.98) and DVD ($27.98).  With an all-star cast line up including Christopher Walken, Sharon Stone, Amanda Peet, and Peter Coyote, $5 A Day will make you laugh and warm your heart.  Here is a short synopsis from the site:

Nat (Christopher Walken) is an eccentric conman – a hustler content with a life of schemes and underhanded deals.  He lacks one thing:  a reconciliation with his son, Flynn (Alessandro Nivola), who has ceased trusting his father long ago.  But Nat’s time is growing short:  he has been diagnosed with a terminal illness.  True to form, Nat cons Flynn into joining him in a cross country journey to an experimental medical facility.  Short on money, but not on imagination, the two realize that to reach their destination they can spend no more than $5 A Day.  They come up with increasingly ridiculous schemes to keep within their budget – but there is a distance of emotion as well as miles to cover.  Are they on the path towards a father-son reunion?

On September 14th, Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment and Jerry Bruckheimer Films will release Prince of Persia:  The Sands of Time on Blu-Ray and DVD.  Starring Academy Award nominee Jake Gyllenhaal and Academy Award winner Sir Ben Kingsley, this action-adventure film is filled with “spectacular visual effects, exotic locales, and breathtaking action.” Here is a short synopsis from the site:

In the spirit of the Pirates of the Caribbean trilogy, Walt Disney Pictures and Jerry Bruckheimer Films transport you to the mystical lands of Persia for this wildly entertaining, epic action-adventure.  It‘s a race against time when a rogue prince (Jake Gyllenhaal) reluctantly teams up with a rival princess (Gemma Arterton) to safeguard a magical dagger that gives its possessor the power to reverse time and rule the world.  Filled with death-defying escapes and unexpected twists at every turn – Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time is a fun-filled adventure that will keep your pulse pounding long after the credits end.

On September 21, Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment will release Tinker Bell and the Great Fairy Rescue on Blu-ray & DVD.  The movie features the voice talents of Michael Sheen, Pamela Adlon, Lucy Liu, and Kristin Chenoweth as fairies and humans meet for the first time.  Here is a short synopsis from the site:

What would you do if you met a fairy? Witness the historic moment when Tinker Bell first meets a human being, and it’s not who you think.  Years before meeting Wendy and the Lost Boys, Tinker Bell met Lizzy, a little girl with a steadfast belief in the power of pixie dust and the magic land of fairies.  During the fairies’ summer visit to the flowering meadows of England, two very different worlds unite for the first time and Tink develops a special bond with a curious child in need of a friend.  As her fellow fairies launch a daring rescue, Tinker Bell takes a huge risk, putting her own safety and the future of all fairykind in jeopardy.  Experience Disney’s astonishing all-new movie about the true power of faith and friendship.

Lastly, I know it’s not a movie per se, but one of my favorite shows (the 4th season), which is no longer on air, just came out on DVD. Ugly Betty: The Complete Fourth and Final Season, is now available on DVD from Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment.

There are underdogs and then there is Betty Suarez, the ultimate “fish-out-of-water.”  Her efforts to fit in with her colleagues at a glossy magazine may bring unintentionally hysterical results, but they also have audiences rooting for their favorite fashionista. Betty sure has come a long way! She is finally coming into her own and getting what she’s worked so hard for. But what she doesn’t realize is that she’s starting over in so many ways, and if she wants to play in the big leagues she needs to keep up.

No compensation was received for this post.

Summer of Toys: Thomas Wooden Railway Early Engineers Roundabout Station Set

My toddler…

“Mommy, Mommy…Draw a train…Draw Thomas…Draw tracks…Draw a tunnel…”  My son thinks I’m Van Gogh!  : )  And every time we go anywhere…and I mean anywhere…he has to have a train.  Last week we visited FAO Schwarz…twice…we managed to escape with just one lone train…Charlie.  Before we went on vacation…I went shopping at T.J. Maxx for some BlogHer attire.  I wasn’t quite so fortunate.  By the time I had finished perusing the aisles, Rosie and Diesel were no longer in their packages.  Add them to the collection.  My son is a train-a-holic!

Right before our trip to New York City, my son received the Early Engineers Roundabout Station Set.  He couldn’t get us to open it quick enough.  Like most boys, my son has been enthralled with trains since he first discovered them. When he was about a year and a half, we broke down and bought him an entire train table…one that really didn’t get use until he was about 2 1/2.  Which is why I like the Early Engineers line.

The Early Engineers line was designed with little tots in mind, and in many ways, resembles the classic Thomas Wooden Railway system.  Toddlers who are still mastering dexterity will benefit from “chunky vehicles, sturdy tracktiles and simple destinations.”  I like the fact that my son can use the trains he already has with this set.  The set is transportable (unlike his ginormous train table) and yes, we’ve taken it with us on car trips.  Additional tracks and sets can also be added (although at present there are only 3 in total) as your toddler grows.

The Early Engineers sets are crafted similarly to Thomas Wooden Railway sets and include quality wood craftsmanship and the timeless signature look.  Despite their affordable price point, the sets are still well made and include a variety of features.  The Roundabout Station Set includes an Early Engineers Thomas Engine, two destinations, track and molded track layout with wooden tracktiles and two accessories.

You can find the Early Engineers line at Toys R Us.

No compensation was received for this post.  A product sample was provided to facilitate this review.

Modern Baby Product Guide: Personalized Alphabet Canvases by Stuck On You

I love living in our home…the home we purchased with our own money and all of the freedoms that come with it.  I can paint my bathroom magenta and get black out curtains if I want (although the hubby would never go for magenta).  I can hang pictures of places I dream of visiting and tear out the tile in my kitchen without asking anyone (but the hubby, of course).  And we can decorate and redecorate our children’s room every season if that’s what we decide to do.

At present, our daughter is living in our bed room.  But when we’re all ready to move to a big girl bed, she’ll share a room with my son.  Since his room is boy through and through, we’ll have to do some re decorating…perhaps cut the room in half and paint it pink (hehe!).

If you were to walk into my son’s room,  you’d see his silhouette on one wall, trains on the opposite wall, his name on the third.  It’s highly personalized and changes from time to time.  And because we’re a fan of all things personalized, we recently received a gorgeous Alphabet Canvas from Stuck On You for our daughter.

Stuck On You is “the original online personalized label company,” but offers much more than labels.    You may remember that I featured the company during my 2009 Holiday Gift Guide.  I like their fresh, inspired designs and modern, innovative solutions.

Canvases are a simple way to add personality to a room, particularly if you don’t want to paint or wall paper a space.  The 19″ x 19″  Personalized Alphabet Canvases are available in pink or blue and can be personalized with up to 10 characters.  They retail for $79.95 and come ready to hang.

Since the 2010 School Year is right around the corner, you may want to check out their Back to School Specials:

1.  Back to School Super Special Pack ($43.95)

25 Small Vinyl Labels

20 Vinyl Shoe Labels

1 Personalized Bag Tag

25 Clothing Transfers

2.  Tools for School ($29.95-$34.95)

Offered in pink or blue and include the following:

For personalized gift ideas and innovative quality labeling solutions, visit Stuck On You.

No compensation was received for this post.  A product sample was provided to facilitate this review.

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