Sesame Street: 40 Years of Sunny Days *Giveaway*

November 5, 2009

This giveaway is now closed. Thanks for stopping by! Congrats to Paula H, Amber and Bridget C!

Sunny Days…Ok…so I’ve been singing this with my little boy the past few days (giggle!).  I grew up watching Sesame Street.  In fact, my mother tells me that at the time, it’s really the only television show she’d let me watch.  My son loves watching the show and his favorite character is Elmo. My mother-in-law gave my son my husband’s stuffed Elmo from when he was a child.  My point is, Sesame Street has been around a long time (40 years to be exact) and a lot of history has been made.  It’s interesting to watch the same show we watched as children with my son.

On November 6, 2009, Sesame Street:  40 Years of Sunny Days will be released on DVD.  Since I haven’t seen it yet, here is a little more information from the site:

40th_Slipcase_3DFor 40 years, sunny days have swept the clouds away and inspired preschoolers to learn, grow and achieve their highest potential.  Relive the best-of-the-best when SESAME STREET: 40 YEARS OF SUNNY DAYS debuts as a two-disc DVD set November 10 from Vivendi Entertainment and Sesame Workshop, the non-profit educational organization behind Sesame Street. Premiering on November 10, 1969, Sesame Street is the longest running children’s series and “…arguably, the most important children’s program in the history of television” (Newsweek.com). Featuring nearly six hours of everyone’s favorite Sesame Street stories, songs, Muppets™ and celebrity segments, the SESAME STREET: 40 YEARS OF SUNNY DAYS collectible set spans the renowned show’s four decades, includes never-before-seen archival footage and a limited-edition hard covered commemorative book.

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I am so excited about seeing this.  I have no idea if I’ll remember any of the episodes but it’s going to be fun reliving those memories.  Tomorrow is the release (did you happen to see Google yesterday and today?) and the two-disc set will be available for $29.93.

Win It! Two of you will win a copy of this DVD and one of you will win a copy of the DVD PLUS a copy of Sesame Street: A Celebration – 40 Years Of Life On The Street.  Simply leave me a comment with your favorite Sesame Street moment.  Comments will close on November 20, 2009 at 10 PM PST.  One comment per person, please (unless you do the extra credit). US residents only. Duplicates and comments not including the above information will be disqualified. Comments are moderated. If you don’t see your comment in a reasonable amount of time, send me an email. Bloggers and non-bloggers may enter. If you don’t want to leave your email address, please be sure to check back for my announcement on the winner. Please note that winners must respond within 48 hours of being announced/contacted or another winner will be drawn.

Want an extra entry? Do any or all of the following and receive an extra entry for each one.

Be sure to leave me a separate comment for each additional entry.

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We Laughed, We Played, We Learned

April 18, 2009

sesame_street_the_body_logoMy son FINALLY got to meet his favorite furry red monster today!  We had a fun-filled day in Los Angeles at Hollywood and Highland and got a chance to see Sesame Street Presents:  The Body.  This hands-on, interactive exhibit will get your child moving as he/she discover the ins and outs of the body.  Here is a little more information about this attraction:

Get to know what’s under your skin at Sesame Street Presents: The Body, an amazing new educational attraction featuring Elmo, Oscar, Grover and the rest of your Sesame Street friends. This new interactive exhibition teaches children how their bodies work and how to keep them healthy as they hop, jump, run and dance their way through this hands-on Sesame Street adventure.

edu_sesameThe exhibit is divided into 5 main areas, Sesame Street, Your Outsides, Your Insides, How You Work, and Staying Healthy.  Included is a guide that allows parents to expound upon the topics raised during their exploration.  What makes this exhibit attractive to kids is the tie to familiar characters and the hands-on experience.  As soon as we walked in my son recognized Oscar the Grouch’s trash can and those famous steps to the 123 Building where he met and talked with Elmo. My son kicked a ball, learned all about brushing his teeth, combing his hair, and washing his hands, dressed Elmo, and got sneezed on.  We “pumped” the heart, inflated the lungs, and even experienced the entire process of digestion (from food to poop!).  My favorite part, of course, was the Count Organ’s Organ where we learned all about our vital organs.  My son’s favorite part?  Super Grover’s Obstacle Course, of course. This is a padded (thankfully) area where kids can climb, slide, crawl, jump, and generally just release energy!  I think the best part of this exhibit is the fact that it teaches kids important lessons on how to take care of their body.  Mr. Hooper’s Store is the place where children can shop for healthy foods and learn about the importance of a healthy diet. My son spent almost as long in the store as he did playing in the Obstacle Course.  Here are some pictures I took at the event:

img_4027img_4097Giving Elmo a "High Five"

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Sesame Street Presents:  The Body, ends it’s tour in Los Angeles on April 26th but be sure to check out their site for an update on where they’re headed next!

Information:  The exhibit is designed for children ages 2-8 and tickets are $10 (accompanying adult is free).

Elmo And The Bookaneers: Pirates Who Love To Read *Giveaway*

April 17, 2009

This giveaway is now closed.  Thanks for stopping by!  The winners are Deb K, Amy, and Heather G.  Congrats!

Ahoy mates!  (cheesy?)  My son’s favorite furry red monster is back for more adventures in his latest debut…Elmo and The Bookaneers:  Pirates Who Love to Read.  Elmo AND books?  My son is sooo there!  Bert, Ernie, Abby and your favorite Sesame Street friends will join Elmo in his reading adventure! Here is a little more information about the latest release fromt the site:

elmo_and_the_bookaneers_box_art_3dThe Bookaneers led by Tina Fey have come ashore on Sesame Street and they want to plunder Elmo’s bookshelf.  When Elmo finds out how much they love to read, he can’t wait to become a bookaneer himself.  Can he pass the test and help them find their treature?  In ‘Elmo’s World:  Books,’ Elmo invites you to learn all about the books he treasures.  Sing along with Abby in a song about something she treasures:  words!  Bert and Ernie are also on the hunt for treasure in an episode from the fantastic new claymation series ‘Bert and Ernie’s GreatAdventures.’

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Elmo And The Bookaneers: Pirates Who Love To Read debuts April 21, 2009 and will be available for purchase (MRSP $14.93).

Win It! I have 3 copies of Elmo And The Bookaneers:  Pirates Who Love To Read to give away!  Simple head on over to Sesame Workshop and come back to leave me a comment with something you liked or learned on the site.  Comments will close on May 2, 2009 at 10 PM PST.  One comment per person, please (unless you do the extra credit). US residents only. Duplicates and comments not including the above information will be disqualified. Comments are moderated. If you don’t see your comment in a reasonable amount of time, send me an email. Bloggers and non-bloggers may enter. If you don’t want to leave your email address, please be sure to check back for my announcement on the winner. Please note that winners must respond within 48 hours of being announced/contacted or another winner will be drawn.

Want an extra entry? Do any or all of the following and receive an extra entry for each one.

Be sure to leave me a separate comment for each additional entry.

Vote for your favorite classic Sesame Street clip to be included in a DVD compilation due out later this year and leave a comment.  The clip with the most votes will be featured in Sesame Street:  40 Years of Sunny Days. This must be done before April 28th and comments left after that date won’t be counted  (obviously this is on the honor system but it’s really neat so you should check it out!)

Follow me on Twitter AND tweet about the contest.

Subscribe to my feed via email or reader.

Blog about this giveaway. It doesn’t have to be a separate post. Just include a blurb about it when you blog about other giveaways.

Place my button on your site. If you have difficulty, please let me know.

Click on one of the very cute buttons below and digg, stumble, fav, etc. Just let me know what you did in the comments!

My Interview With the Lovable, Huggable Elmo!

January 16, 2009

I have shared with you some amazing experiences that have evolved because of my blog.  Last week I did something very cool.  I interviewed Elmo!  Before Christmas, I told you about the upcoming release of Elmo Loves You, just in time for Valentine’s Day.  Last week, several bloggers were given the opportunity to speak with the adorable, well-loved, furry red monster from Sesame Street.  I so wish I had the ability to record the interview (check out Classy Mommy who actually did this!). Nevertheless, here it is…straight from the horse’s furry red monster’s mouth! 
We started the interview with introductions.  He had all of his mannerisms that you’ve come to know and love on Sesame Street.  I did my absolute best to capture exactly what Elmo said!  Here it is:
Me: Elmo,  I heard you made a surprise card? Can you tell me who it was for?
Elmo: Elmo made a surprise card for someone special but it blew away.
Me: It blew away?
Elmo:  Yes and I couldn’t get it.
Me: Elmo, can you tell me who the card was for?
Elmo:  No.  It was a surprise card for someone special.
Me:  Elmo, can you tell me how you made the card?
Elmo:  I used construction paper, and glitter, and crayons.
Me:  Well, Elmo, where is the card now? Did you find it?
Elmo:  The card is with someone special.
Elmo:  Elmo sang with John Lennon and Trisha Yearwood and REM
Me:  Wow….did you sing a special song?
Elmo:  Elmo sang, “Elmo Loves You” and Elmo teaches you how to sign “I Love You”
Me:  That’s wonderful Elmo.  Can I ask you a few more questions?  What is your favorite TV show, besides Sesame Street, of course?
Elmo:  I like Spongebob Squarepants
Me:  What else does Elmo like to do?
Elmo:  I like to sing and play games
Me:  Elmo, what do you want to be when you grow up?
Elmo:  Elmo wants to be a teacher
Me:  Elmo, thank you so much for taking the time to speak with me.  Is there anything else you’d like to say?
Elmo: Elmo loves all of you very much!
Once my interview with Elmo was finished, I had the opportunity of speaking with the voice behind Elmo, Kevin Clash.  
Me:  Hi Kevin.  Thank you so much for taking time to speak to me.  I wanted to ask you a few questions if that is ok.  Why do you think Elmo is so popular?  
Kevin:  Kids really connect individually to the simplicity of the character.  They love his laugh and the fact that he is so positive.  Elmo was created for really young kids.  People realized that young kids, even younger than they thought, were watching. We wanted to create a younger character with the same Muppet edge and humor.  
Me:  How did you get started doing the voice for Elmo?  
Kevin:  I started building puppets at a young age, around 10.  I incorporated puppets into school and did live shows in the area I was living in.  My mentor knew Bob Keeshan who put me in contact with Jim Henson. I ended up working with Jim Henson and the muppet and then becoming a regular puppeteer on Sesame Street.  
Me:  What is it like being “Elmo”?  Do you ever use your Elmo voice in “real life”?
Kevin:  I don’t actually use the voice in real life.  I went out with my daughter one time when she was young and she told someone at the store that her daddy was Elmo.  I did the voice but they didn’t believe me so I stopped using it.  I wrote a book called My LIfe as a Furry Red Monster and I am recognized more because of the book.  
Me:  What is your favorite part of your job?  
Kevin:  I am able to do something with kids and they are the best audience.  I work on a show where I can give back to children.  When 911 happened I was able to give back to the kids by entertaining them and helping them get away from the tragedy.  I did the same thing when Hurricane Katrina hit.  It’s an honor to be on the show.  It’s humbling and a lot of fun.  Children have these conversations with “Elmo” and I have the best seat in the world.  
Me:  So what is up next for Elmo and Sesame Street?  
Kevin: We are in our third sequence of outreach programs. We produced a series of DVDs specifically for 
military families.  We’ve done some US show tours with sesame characters at military bases so kids can see their favorite characters and understand what mommy and daddy do in the military.  We’ve also done a series of emergency preparedness DVD’s for parents and their children.  Our next step is to create a series specifically focused on autism.  Parents can get these DVDs for free directly from the Sesame Workshop site.  
Me:  Kevin, thank you so much for your time.  It was an honor to speak with both you and Elmo!
That’s a wrap folks!  

Sesame Street Goes Global

October 31, 2008

I, like many of you, grew up watching Sesame Street.  My son absolutely adores Sesame Street (I know, I know…I’m violating AAP’s number one rule!).  He especially loves Play With Me, Sesame.  I must be naive but I really never thought about the fact that children all over the world watch Sesame Street too!

About a month ago, Putumayo Kids released Sesame Street Playground, a CD/DVD set which features songs and music videos from Sesame Street productions around the world.  The mission of Putumayo Kids and Sesame Workshop is to reach children around the world and help them gain an understanding and respect for other cultures.

This our first exposure to music by Putumayo Kids and we love it!  I play it in the car all the time for my son who laughs and tries very hard to “tell me all about it” (he is a babbling toddler).  I think he’s most fascinated by the music videos we’ve watched on the acommpanying DVD.  The music is rich, upbeat and ethnic with a truly diverse feel.  You and your children will recognize many of the songs including Rubber Duckie sung in Chinese, the Sesame Street Theme sung in Dutch, and Elmo’s song sung in English.  The CD features songs from Brazil, France, China, India, Israel, Mexico, the Netherlands, Palestine, Russia, South Africa, Tanzania, and the US, all of which were produced in the country of origin.  The DVD is a compilation of 5 music videos with characters developed to reflect the diversity of children in each respective country.

I truly believe in exposing children to different cultures at a young age and I think this CD/DVD set does a great job of introducing cultural concepts to children in a familiar way.  The other day I left the CD in the car and it was playing while I was driving (without my son) and I never turned it off!  Kudos to that!  You can purchase Sesame Street Playground on the site for $14.98.  Be sure to listen to clips and watch a preview of the video on the site.

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    Giveaway: Pinky Dinky Doo – Polka Dot Pox

    October 15, 2008

    *Update*
    This giveaway is now closed.  Thank you so much for stopping by.  The winners are Terra Heck, Janet F., Cindi, Catherine KingChuparkoff, and Marilyn. Congratulations!

    If your children watch Noggin, they may have seen Pinky Dinky Doo, an animated series created by Jim Jinkins to support early literacy skills.  On October 21, 2008, Pink Dinky Doo is coming to DVD from Genius Products and Sesame Workshop. Be sure to stop by after the release date for my review. Here is a little teaser:

    “Bigger is always better when it comes to the imagination and stories of Pinky Dinky Doo. Pinky dances her way to a cardboard Story Box to come up with hilarious and often-wacky solutions to any problems that arise.  In the company of her lovable little brother Tyler, and adorable pet guinea pig, Mr. Guinea Pig, Pinky invites children to participate in her interactive songs and games.   Pinky’s funny and fantastic stories, games and songs promote reading skills, while also encouraging children to strengthen vocabulary skills and learning comprehension in an entertaining way.  Polka Dot Pox includes four episodes, each with two twelve-minute stories plus interactive games.”

    You can watch a preview here.

    You can purchase Pinky Dinky Doo for $14.93 directly on the site.

    Win It!  5 readers will win a copy of Pinky Dinky Doo!   Head on over to the Sesame Street Store and take a look around.  Come back and leave me a comment with the name of another product your child might enjoy.  Comments will close on October 22, 2008 at 10 pm PST and I will announce the winner here the following day. One comment per person, please. US residents only. Duplicates and comments not including the above information will be disqualified. Comments are moderated. If you don’t see your comment in a reasonable amount of time, send me an email. Bloggers and non-bloggers may enter. If you don’t want to leave your email address, please be sure to check back for my announcement on the winner. Please note that winners must respond within 48 hours of being announced/contacted or another winner will be drawn.

    Want an extra entry? Do any or all of the following and receive an extra entry for each one.  That means you can gain up to a total of three entries!

    Be sure to leave me a separate comment for each additional entry.

    Follow me on Twitter.

    Blog about this giveaway.  It doesn’t have to be a separate post.  Just include a blurb about it when you blog about other giveaways.

    Review: Sesame Street Building Sets by K’NEX

    September 30, 2008

    It is in playing, and perhaps only in playing, that the child is free to be creative.

    Donald Winnicott

    You don’t understand how excited I was when Team Mom notified me of the opportunity to review the all-new Sesame Street Building Sets by K’NEX!  First off, my son absolutely adores Sesame Street…particularly Play With Me Sesame.  Secondly, my son loves to take things apart and try to put them back together…yes…even at his young age!  So when I opened the package and pulled out the Ernie Building Set, it was out of my hands before I could give it a second look (toddlers are grabby that way and everything is “mine”).  We have had a lot of fun over the past week playing with the building set…me putting it together…him taking it apart and then trying to put it back together again.  

    As my son gets older, I find him getting bored easily with toys and gravitating towards books more and more.  He’ll take a book, place it in my hand, and sit in my lap, expectantly waiting for me to read to him. I have had to be creative about the types of toys I buy for him.  I wholeheartedly believe that toys should be fun and educational and the Sesame Street Building Sets do both very well.  The sets come in characters that children are familiar with and that is what sparks their interest and curiousity.

    The Sesame Street Building Sets promote physical, social-emotional, cognitive, and language development. The sets can be played by your child alone or with someone else and it’s actually encouraged that he/she do both.  The sets are designed for preschoolers ages 2 and up.  

    Our set came with 15 pieces, a set of stickers, and an activity sheet detailing ways to engage in active play. The Ernie storage canister is handy for keeping the pieces from getting lost behind the couch in one place.  The Sesame Street Building Sets retail from $10.99-$31.99 and can be purchased directly on the site or a local retailer in your area.  

    Thank you Team Mom and K’NEX for this review opportunity!

     

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    Review: Sesame Street Building Sets by K’NEX

    September 30, 2008

    It is in playing, and perhaps only in playing, that the child is free to be creative.

    Donald Winnicott

    You don’t understand how excited I was when Team Mom notified me of the opportunity to review the all-new Sesame Street Building Sets by K’NEX!  First off, my son absolutely adores Sesame Street…particularly Play With Me Sesame.  Secondly, my son loves to take things apart and try to put them back together…yes…even at his young age!  So when I opened the package and pulled out the Ernie Building Set, it was out of my hands before I could give it a second look (toddlers are grabby that way and everything is “mine”).  We have had a lot of fun over the past week playing with the building set…me putting it together…him taking it apart and then trying to put it back together again.  

    As my son gets older, I find him getting bored easily with toys and gravitating towards books more and more.  He’ll take a book, place it in my hand, and sit in my lap, expectantly waiting for me to read to him. I have had to be creative about the types of toys I buy for him.  I wholeheartedly believe that toys should be fun and educational and the Sesame Street Building Sets do both very well.  The sets come in characters that children are familiar with and that is what sparks their interest and curiousity.

    The Sesame Street Building Sets promote physical, social-emotional, cognitive, and language development. The sets can be played by your child alone or with someone else and it’s actually encouraged that he/she do both.  The sets are designed for preschoolers ages 2 and up.  

    Our set came with 15 pieces, a set of stickers, and an activity sheet detailing ways to engage in active play. The Ernie storage canister is handy for keeping the pieces from getting lost behind the couch in one place.  The Sesame Street Building Sets retail from $10.99-$31.99 and can be purchased directly on the site or a local retailer in your area.  

    Thank you Team Mom and K’NEX for this review opportunity!

     

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