As I've said in the past, my kids tend to enjoy the simple, open-ended types of toys like blocks, over those with lights, sounds, etc. There's just something exciting about being able to create and explore. In fact, it's toys like this that keep them playing for hours on end! I love the many skills simple products like these offer, which is why I keep my eye out for them this time of year as gifts for my kids.
We own lots of great open-ended toys, but the one thing we've been missing is a set of wooden blocks. It's one of those things that every family should own in my opinion, whether you have girls or boys. That's why I was thrilled to find CP Toys had the Hardwood Unit Blocks Starter Set and that we were going to have the opportunity to review it!
For those who aren't familiar, CPToy.com is a family owned business serving loyal customers since
1953! Dedicated to inspiring learning, creativity and fun...they offer
a unique mix of high quality products with unparalleled play value for
children. Over the years, this company has become a name people know
and trust. Their success can be attributed to the values and principles
set forth by the founders...like their commitment to providing unique children's educational toys, great customer service and the decision to forgo selling violent toys.
We have had the opportunity to review a couple of items from CPToy.com in the past, and have been very impressed with the quality and overall kid appeal. When the blocks arrived, I had a feeling we'd love them just as much...and I was right!
The blocks arrived in a nice box (which I plan to keep using to store the blocks in when not in use). It's the perfect place to keep them so they're not getting scattered and lost throughout the playroom.
Pulling them out of the box I found that they were very well made and something I can tell will last us a long time. They are made of select hardwood with sanded, beveled edges...so they're not only made to last for many generations, but also smooth and safe.
This set is based on the standard unit block 1 3/8" x 2 3/4" x 5 1/2" and includesmore unit and double blocks than most other sets. I have to say, I was impressed with how many blocks came in this starter set. It includes 12 unit blocks, 6 double unit blocks, 4 half unit blocks, 4 pillar blocks, 2 large triangle blocks, 2 ramps, 2 large cylinder blocks...so a total of 32 pieces! We've had fun building with them!
With the variety of blocks offered, this wooden block starter set really lends itself to unending creative play. The sky is the limit as to what can be created using these blocks, and all while kids are having fun they are also learning basic concepts like math, size and balance!
I absolutely love this block set and so do my kids! I would definitely consider it a must-have for all families with children 2+ years, and of course think it would make an excellent Christmas gift this holiday season as well!
Win It: One very lucky reader is going to win a Hardwood Unit Blocks Starter Set from CP Toys! To enter, fill out the Rafflecopter giveaway. If you don't see the form, click here.
Kaelyn loves to engage in pretend play with her dolls. I enjoy encouraging this type of play in any way I can which is why I keep an eye out for fun toys that I know she'd enjoy. She is especially fond of Lalaloopsy dolls and the story behind them.
For those who aren't familiar with Lalaloopsy, they were once rag dolls that magically came to life when their very last stitch was sewn. They encourage children to use their imaginations and have fun. Kaelyn owns a couple Lalaloopsy dolls and is always asking for more. That's why I was thrilled to learn about the Mini Lalaloopsy Silly Fun House Playset with Misty Mysterious and the fact that we were going to have the opportunity to review it!
Features/Benefits:
2-sided playset with five play areas: Twisty slide, Snack Shack, a bucket swing and a doughnut shape swing that spin, zip line with a balloon for the pets to ride in and rollercoaster track with removeable car that moves in both directions.
Exclusive Mini Lalaoopsy doll, Misty Mysterious with her pet rabbit
Includes Pinwheel, Cash register, Character balloon, and pretzels.
I love that the cuteness of Lalaloopsy is now fun house themed! I knew Kaelyn would be excited not only when something Lalaloopsy arrived on our doorstep, but also that it was different than the other Lalaloopsy dolls she already has.
Out of the box I was impressed with all that the fun house includes. Of course there's Misty Mysterious, but there's also little accessories like a cash register, pretzels, etc that get kids involved in using their imaginations and pretend play. I love sitting back and listening to Kaelyn as she walks Lalaloopsy through all of the fun things to do, buying her pretzels and riding rides.
I think her favorite part about the Mini Lalaloopsy Silly Fun House Playset, is the that everything is fun, silly and crazy! There's a twisty slide, snack shack, bucket swing, zip line and more! Misty Mysterious never gets bored because there's always something fun to do!
Both Kaelyn and Kaden have a lot of fun playing with the Mini Lalaloopsy Silly Fun House Playset! It's so different than anything they own, which makes it that much more fun. I appreciate the open ended fun it provides and the fact that they can get creative while playing. Some of the accessories are small, so we're careful to play with it at a table when Caysen is around. It's great for the recommended age of 4+ though...I'd definitely suggest it as a gift idea this Christmas.
Buy It: You can purchase the Mini Lalaloopsy Silly Fun House Playset with Misty Mysterious for $42.99.
Win It: One very lucky reader is going to win a Mini Lalaloopsy Silly Fun House Playset! To enter fill out the Rafflecopter Giveaway below. If you don't see the form, click here.
When we're home, our family loves to have music playing! That's why I love the advancements in technology which allow us to listen to music even when the radio stations don't come in clearly where we live. We're not only able to conveniently listen to music from our iPhone, iPod and iPad, but also a list of songs that we love hearing over and over again!
The only problem we've found with listening to music this way, is that it's not always the most convenient to have our devices docked to a sound system to stream music. I want to be able to keep my iPhone with me while listening to music through a sound system, which is why I began looking for one last month. Just days after starting my search, I was introduced to a product that was the solution I've been looking for and I couldn't have been happier to learn I was going to have the opportunity to review one!
Soundfreaq recently introduced a new music experience with their line of wireless speaker docks. The sleek Sound Step Recharge system has received praise for its sound clarity and innovative design to stream music from any Bluetooth enabled device! This means a smartphone, iPod, etc does not need to be docked to the device for playing music so you can keep your phone or device with you, using it if needed, while still enjoying the music through high quality speakers.
Features:
Stream Bluetooth wireless from any A2DP compatible device (iPhone, iPad, Android & more)
UQ3 spatial sound enhancement for balanced audio
Enjoy up to 7 hours of AC-free listening with the built-in rechargeable battery
Charge mobile devices from the USB power port
Line-in jack to connect any device with a standard 3.5mm headphone jack
I don't know about you, but the description of this new wireless speaker dock is just what our household has been needing. When the Soundfreaq Sound Kick arrived, we were all excited to test it out.
Out of the box, I was immediately impressed with the sleek and modern design. The black Sound Kick Bluetooth speaker fits in very well with the decor and furniture in our home, so I don't mind having it sit out for people to see. The size is also very nice. It's not too big that it takes up a lot of room, yet not too small either!
Of course, once we got done checking it over, we wanted to see how well it worked! Our home has an open floor plan, and the kitchen is pretty central to the rest of the home. So, we decided that it would be the perfect place to set the speaker. In no time we had the speaker plugged in, turned on, and hooked up to the bluetooth on my phone.
Once it was all ready to use, I found my favorite music on my phone, hit play and...WOW! Instantly we were blown away by the sound clarity. I even tried turning it up and down and the sound clarity remained the same. It is very impressive! Speaking of volume, I love that I can turn it up using the volume buttons on the unit itself as well as on my phone!
Of course, other than the amazing sound quality, what sets the Soundfreaq Sound Kick apart from other products I've used in the past is that it allows me to stream Bluetooth wireless from my A2DP compatible devices (iPhone, iPad, etc)! This is most definitely my favorite feature, as I'm able to have my phone with me while I'm cleaning, baking, and playing with my kids...all while getting to listen to our favorite music!
Lately we've been listening to a lot of Christmas music on our Soundfreaq Sound Kick and it has brought it to a whole new level. Between the sound quality and the convenience it allows, I'm able to enjoy music like new before! I absolutely love it!
A couple of other features that I've really appreciated are the portable 7 hours of AC-free listening thanks to the built-in rechargeable battery, as well as the fact that it can charge mobile devices from the USB power port! These options make the use of our Soundfreaq Speaker even more convenient and fun to use! I really think that Soundfreaq has thought of everything and created just the speaker I've been searching for.
My parents were over visiting shortly after we received the product. We had our music playing as usual, and both of them were very impressed with it. In fact, my dad is planning to buy one very soon for their house! The neat part is, if he doesn't want black the Sound Kick also comes in a variety of colors as part of the new Chromatics Collection in colorful Sunset, Ocean and Twilight! His favorite feature, other than the color choices, is that it plays audio from your mobile device including things like music, as well as movies, tv shows, videos, games, internet radio and more!
As I'm sure you can tell, we've have been thrilled with the Soundfreaq Sound Kick Bluetooth Speaker! It's a great device for the whole family, as it's easy to use and compatible with so many different Bluetooth-enabled devices. The quality is fantastic and it's great that it will be compatible with future devices that have Bluetooth, so I know we will have it a very long time!
Christmas is just around the corner, and I think the Soundfreaq Sound Kick would be the perfect holiday gift for a spouse, kids, friends, relatives...you name it! There's even a Sound Kick w/case option available on Amazon.com!
**I wrote this review while participating in a blog tour by Mom Central Consulting on behalf of Soundfreaq and received a product sample to facilitate my review
We love family movie nights, which is why I always enjoy coming across entertainment for the whole family. It's time we get to set aside to spend together. I was excited to learn more about The Odd Life of Timothy Green and the fact that it's being released on a Blu-ray Combo Pack, DVD, High Definition Digital and On-Demand platforms December 4, 2012!
Disney's The Odd Life of Timothy Green is one of the year's most uplifting and enchanting family films. Geared toward audiences of all ages, it's a must-own family film and one the whole family could snuggle up to this holiday season.
For those who aren't familiar with the movie, here's a little bit of background. From Academy Award-nominated writer/director Peter Hedges (Dan in Real
Life, What’s Eating Gilbert Grape), and starring Golden Globe® winner
Jennifer Garner, Joel Edgerton, Oscar® winner Dianne Wiest and CJ Adams
as Timothy Green, comes this highly imaginative story about a happily
married couple who can’t wait to start a family but can only dream
about what their child would be like. Then one stormy night young
Timothy shows up on their doorstep. Soon they and the small town in
which they live learn that sometimes the unexpected can bring some of
life’s greatest gifts.
We received the 2-Disc Combo Pack and I couldn't be happier to have this movie as a part of our family movie library. The first Disc is a Blu-ray Feature Film + Bonus. It features:
This is Family - Discover how this vibrant, uplifting story took root and blossomed
The Gift of Music - Hear the origin of the movie son "This Gift" by Oscar winner Glen Hansard and composer Geoff Zanelli's playful, inspired score.
Feature Commentary
Plus all DVD Bonus Features
On the second Disc there's the DVD Feature Film + Bonus. It features
Glen Hansard "This Gift Music Video)
Deleted Scenes - with commentary by Director Peter Hedges
The Odd Life of Timothy Green Blu-ray Combo Pack provides viewers with the chance to delve deeper into this captivating movie
experience through never-before-seen bonus features, as well as an inspiring, magic story the whole family can enjoy.
I don't know about you, but cuddling up with my family by the fire watching a great movie is my idea of the perfect night this time of year. We're thrilled to own it, and the good news is...one lucky reader is going to as well!
Win It: One very lucky reader is going to win a The Odd Life of Timothy Green Prize Pack which includes socks, DVD/Blu-ray combo pack, notepad, wild flower seed packets, and poster! To enter, simply fill out the Rafflecopter Giveaway. If you don't see the form, click here.
