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Playing Indoors in the Summer

August 4, 2011 by

When it’s too hot to actually venture outside what do you and the kids end up doing? Watching TV, playing on the computer, eating? While there is nothing wrong with any of these I prefer to engage the kids with something more entertaining and lively. Lately board games have been Shae’s favorite thing to do. Candy Land, Guess Who, Uno (I know, it’s not a board game) and Hungry Hungry Hippos are her lastest faves. Mix that in with crafts, puzzles, outings and the iPad our day is pretty solidly packed.

But when we got the opportunity to review some fun Nickelodeon Character games and toys the kids were thrilled. Dora’s Carousel Adventure Playset was perfect for my niece Madi. She’s recently fell in love with Dora on the television so I knew she’d take to Dora in her hands. The cute Dora figure came along with colorful accessories that included a carousel horse.

My kids have been enjoying Dora Candyland and Spongebob Hangman. The hangman game has been helping Shaun with his spelling and Candyland is always a great color and counting teacher.

How are you spending those rainy or too hot to bear summer days with the kids?



I Disclose




Fun in the Sand and Sun with Melissa and Doug Giveaway

June 3, 2011 by

It’s about beach time. We head to the Jersey Shore each summer and soak up the sand and sun. This year we are headed with a bit more fun. Melissa and Doug have an adorable new Sunny Patch collection called Sand Play. We are ditching our tired and boring sand toys for these “gourmet” baking sets.melissa-doug-cupcake-sand-play-sunny-patch
The Seaside Sidekicks Sand Cupcake Set is going to me Shae’s favorite because, well, she loves cupcakes. We’ve all made mudpies in the sand but how cool is cupcakes. Shae can now set up shop right next to our beach chairs and umbrellas for a day of fun.
melissa-doug-pail-sand-play-sunny-patchSome of the their other fun sets include a Baking Set, Molding Sets, Cookie Sets and Pail and Shovel sets. The Sunny Patch Collection comes from David Kirks children’s books and Nick Jr animated series. The stories follow the adventures of a family of bugs and their friends. Melissa and Doug have brought the fun characters to life on a series of different outdoor toys, activies and gear.

Melissa and Doug want to make your summer more fun with a prize pack of Sunny Patch Sand Play sets. Enter to win by telling me what beach you love to visit and what Sunny Patch Sand Play set you would love to take along.

EXTRA ENTRIES:
To receive these extra opportunities for entries, you must fulfill the first REQUIRED entry above. Please note the changes to the entries and frequency, entries that don’t follow rules will be disregarded/ignored/deleted.

  • Subscribe to LookWhatMomFound…and Dad too! via email or RSS feed, bottom of page
  • Publicly follow this blog of Google Friend Connect, bottom of page
  • Like Us in Networked Blog, bottom of page
  • Follow Mom and Dad and Melissa and Doug on Twitter and Tweet this giveaway 1 time per day, please leave your twitter link each time, tweet a form of this message: Fun in the Sun with @MelissaandDoug Sand Play prize pack #giveaway @lkwhtmomfound & @anddadtoo http://bit.ly/iQvuhx
  • SHARE this giveaway on your Facebook wall (easy to use widget at top of post)
  • LIKE Melissa and Doug on Facebook
  • Sign up for the Treasured Toy Club for exclusive promotions, giveaways and previews
  • Enter another Giveaway – let us know which one in the comment (one extra entry per giveaway you enter, just leave separate comments)

Your entries must follow the rules or they won’t be eligible for prizes. This contest ends 11:59 pm, Friday, June 24, 2011. The winners will be emailed and will have 24 hours to claim their prize. This contest is open to Continental US residents only. The sponsor reserves the right to limit prizes to 1 per household/winner during a specified time frame. For complete rules please read our contest rules page.

I Disclose




Rapunzel, let down your hair Giveaways

May 23, 2011 by

disney-tangled-rapunzel-bluray-dvd-movieIf you haven’t heard of Walt Disney Animation Studios newest film, Tangled, you may be living under a rock. Ever since seeing a pre-screening Shae has been obsessed. To make the love affair worse Shae was sent a Tolly Tots Rapunzel doll for review.

She must’ve known something special was in the box because Shae wouldn’t leave my side when it arrived. She was suspicious like usual but it was like she could sense it was a treat just for her. Toddler Rapunzel is adorable. Long, long, long flowing hair, a crown, a brush, shoes and pretty dress. Upon taking it out of the box I instantly recruited Sabreena to brush out the hair; I didn’t want it to end up matted and ugly. Since then it’s been braided, twisted, brushed, dragged, chewed and rubber banded numerous times. We’ve had some hair loss but nothing tragic. Right now Rapunzel sits on Shae’s toybox where her little cousins hands can’t reach her. She gets caressed and her crown gets adjusted each day;  toddler Rapunzel gets the royal treatment.

tolly-tots-rapunzel-tangled-doll

she's actually watching Tangled at this very moment

Have you seen Tangled? I have; about 200 times. I’m not kidding. There were a couple weeks when it first came out in March that it was on 2-3 times a day. Now it’s died down to 2-3 times a week. I don’t mind really because it’s a great movie. Shae loves the story and loves the characters even more; so much that she duped convinced Rob into buying her a Flynn Rider doll.

tangled-rapunzel-doll-tollytots

baby-rapunzel-tangled-dollIn celebration of the release of the 4-Disc Disney Blu-ray™ Combo Pack on March 29, 2011 TollyTots wants to give a LookWhatMomFound…and Dad too! reader a Tolly Tots Toddler or Baby doll AND the Tangled Blu-ray™/DVD combo. Tell me which doll you would prefer and if you’ve seen Tangled yet.

EXTRA ENTRIES:
To receive these extra opportunities for entries, you must fulfill the first REQUIRED entry above. Please note the changes to the extra entries and frequency, entries that don’t follow rules will be disregarded/ignored/deleted.

  • Subscribe to LookWhatMomFound…and Dad too! via email or RSS feed, bottom of page
  • Publicly follow this blog of Google Friend Connect, bottom of page
  • Like Us in Networked Blog, bottom of page
  • Follow Mom and Dad and TollyTots on Twitter and Tweet this giveaway 1 time per day, please leave your twitter link each time, tweet a form of this message: #Win @TollyTots Tangled Doll and Tangled Blu-Ray/DVD Combo #giveaway @lkwhtmomfound & @anddadtoo http://bit.ly/mFxQWH
  • Like LookWhatMomFound…and Dad too! on Facebook AND SHARE this giveaway on your wall.
  • Like TollyTots on Facebook
  • Enter another Giveaway – let us know which one in the comment (one extra entry per giveaway you enter, just leave separate comments)

Your entries must follow the rules or they won’t be eligible for prizes. This contest ends 11:59 pm, Monday, June 13, 2011. The winners will be emailed and will have 24 hours to claim their prize. This contest is open to Continental US residents only. For complete rules please read our contest rules page.

I Disclose




Too Cute for Words, GummyLump Toy #Giveaway

May 19, 2011 by

gummylump-brand-ambassadorShae’s greatest loves in the world are of course ME, her pillow pets and her play kitchen. The play kitchen is over 2 years old but gets used every day. We’ve been slowly switching out the original plastic and flimsy food and accessories for high quality wooden play food and toys that are made to last.


KidKraft Kitchen Playsets are fun to look at but are constructed to last many many years making them heirloom toys. The quality put into the creation of all of their products is top priority for the KidKraft team and that dedication to excellence makes them a leader in creative and imaginative playthings.

I’m a little bit of a baker and Shae loves to help so of course we got the KidKraft Baking Set for review. Not a single switch to turn on and no batteries to replace. You can see for yourself how she makes the mixer “mix” her ingredients. The utensils are realistic, the mixer is simple but looks just like mommy’s and the cookies look delicious!

As a GummyLump Mom-bassador I want to give a LookWhatMomFound…and Dad too! reader the chance to win a KidKraft Wooden Kitchen Toy Accessory. The winner get to choose from the Mixer, Blender or Toaster. Let me know which set you prefer.

EXTRA ENTRIES:
To receive these extra opportunities for entries, you must fulfill the first REQUIRED entry above. Please note the changes to the entries and frequency, entries that don’t follow rules will be disregarded/ignored/deleted.

  • Subscribe to LookWhatMomFound…and Dad too! via email or RSS feed, bottom of page
  • Publicly follow this blog of Google Friend Connect, bottom of page
  • Like Us in Networked Blog, bottom of page
  • Follow Mom and Dad and GummyLump on Twitter and Tweet this giveaway 1 time per day, please leave your twitter link each time, tweet a form of this message: Imaginative Play with @GummyLump kitchen toys #giveaway @lkwhtmomfound & @anddadtoo http://bit.ly/jBOF7T
  • Like LookWhatMomFound…and Dad too! on Facebook AND SHARE this giveaway.
  • Like GummyLump on Facebook and leave this message on their wall; @LookWhatMomFound sent me so I can win wooden kitchen toys
  • Enter another Giveaway – let us know which one in the comment (one extra entry per giveaway you enter, just leave separate comments)

Your entries must follow the rules or they won’t be eligible for prizes. This contest ends 11:59 pm, Thrusday, June 9, 2011. The winners will be emailed and will have 24 hours to claim their prize. This contest is open to Continental US residents only. For complete rules please read our contest rules page.

 

 

I Disclose




We Had An Awesome Green Lantern Party

May 15, 2011 by

In preparation for the Green Lantern Movie which will be hitting theaters on June 17, 2011 we were lucky enough to have been invited to host a Green Lantern party. Knowing how excited Shaun and Shae would be about this party got me excited to have this party as well.

Shaun and his friends from the neighborhood plus Shae and Sabreena attended the party that we held Friday night. We served chips and homemade pizza and had a blast watching the Green Lantern First Flight DVD. All of the kids had a blast playing with the Battle Shifter figures like Blade Attack and Scorpion Assault. They also had a blast taking turns playing with the Green Lantern Colossal Cannons. I think the cannons other then the food might have been the biggest hit at the party. The kids did find it hard to share the cannons and I think that was because they were having so much fun shooting the power discs but in the end everyone got a turn with the cannon.

In our party box were other cool items that they kids were excited to receive like the Green Lantern Power Ring as well as the Green Lantern Secret Origins Comics. Before this party I have to be honest I didn’t know there were so many cool Green Lantern toys but our party showed me that I was 100% wrong.

I was also given a recipe that I didn’t get a chance to try but from the description sounds like something Shaun and I would enjoy.

Intergalactic Power Slime – The classic Jello Recipe with a Green Lantern Twist! Perfect for intergalactic warriors!

Ingredients:

  • 1 pkg lime Jello
  • 1 cup hot water
  • 1 cup cold water
  • 1 large green apple peeled, cored, chopped
  • 5 oz pkg mini marshmallows

Instructions: In a glass pan, stir the hot water into the powered Jello mix until it is completely dissolved. Next, stir in the cold water. Add the apples and marshmallows. Chill until firm. For easy serving, pour Jello mixture in individual serving bowls before chilling.

So our Green Lantern Party was a huge hit and the kids were excited that they got to leave with toys, rings and a comic book. Shaun and I can’t wait for the Green Lantern to hit theaters. We are totally there.










I Disclose




Superstructs Custom Buildable Construction Gift Giveaway

November 23, 2010 by

Personalized gifts are cool and kids love seeing their names on things no matter if it’s a keychain, notepad or even their lunchbox. Superstructs, vibrant plastic rod and connector style construction toys, is now creating customized kits perfect for the holidays or birthdays. With more than 24,000 possible combinations, it’s easy to customize a kit to a child’s taste.

First you choose which Superstructs sets you want, which start at just $9.99, you then get to customize the box with the child’s name and the occasion. It’s a pretty simple process and the finished product you receive in the mail looks awesome.

For Shae I chose the funny car, dragster and boom truck and crane.  I then customized it to say Merry Christmas Shae which I think she is going to go absolutely nuts over.  It was hard for me to select which three items I wanted in my custom kit because I like them all.  Superstructs will be my new go to gift for birthdays because they are universal for girls and boys and customizable.

Another cool thing is Superstructs kits are receiving attention in the industry by receiving the following awards: prestigious Fall 2010 Parents’ Choice Recommended Award,  Dr. Toy: 100 Best Children’s Products and 10 Best Creative Products for 2010.

WABA Fun designs, manufactures and markets a line of award-winning construction toys under the Superstructs brand name and target children ages 3 and up and exceed all current US and European toy safety standards.  WABA Fun is committed to developing products that inspire imagination and encourage children to be creative during their playtime.

Be sure to enter coupon code KQPPB5PB for 40% off of one of the company’s best-selling kits, the BIG Builder, a 126-piece set for ages 4-11, normally $41.95. The code expires 1/31/2011.

Win your very own Superstructs Custom Kit and select up to 3 models.  All you need to do is head over to Superstructs and tell me something that wasn’t mentioned in this review.

EXTRA ENTRIES:

To receive these extra opportunities for entries, you must fulfill the first REQUIRED entry above and please be sure your email in your comment or have it attached to you blogger dashboard. I will not search through About Me/Contact Me links. Please note the changes to the entries or frequency, entries that don’t follow rules will be disregarded/ignored/deleted.

  • Subscribe to LookWhatMomFound…and Dad too! via email or RSS feed
  • Follow Mom and Dad and Superstructs on Twitter and Tweet this giveaway 1 time per day, please leave your twitter link each time, tweet a form of this message: Enter to #win a Custom buildable construction Kit from @superstructs http://bit.ly/ens2OF
  • Like LookWhatMomFound…and Dad too! and Superstructs on Facebook AND share this giveaway including link on YOUR WALL.
  • Enter another Giveaway – let us know which one in the comment (one extra entry per giveaway you enter, just leave separate comments)

Your entries must follow the rules or they won’t be eligible for prizes. This contest ends 11:59 pm, Wednesday, December 14, 2010. The winners will be emailed and will have 24 hours to claim their prize. This contest is open to US residents only. For complete rules please read our contest rules page.

This is a sponsored post but the opinions and descriptions presented belong solely to LookWhatMomFound…and Dad too! Your experiences and reactions may differ from ours.




This Book Is The Devil – Beware!!!!

November 9, 2010 by

Yes, I know it is only a book with toys in it but Shaun and Shae both want to look at it at the same time and Shaun wants to see it but not show Shae and Shae wants to show me stuff while Shaun is looking at it.  Also, they want EVERYTHING from the book and I mean everything.  For instance this morning Shaun and Shae were looking at the book again for the 20thtime and Shaun rattled off ten things he wanted but as soon as Shae said she wanted the Barbie castle Shaun told here “Shae that is $139.99.” Really???  Why the heck does Shaun care how much it costs since he isn’t paying for it plus the ten things he rattled off probably costs at least that much if not more.

It is funny because I remember as a kids looking at the Sears and Toys R Us Holiday Toy books and probably acted the same way and I am sure my parents got annoyed with me and my brothers like I am with Shaun and Shae. LOL. Pack backs are a you know what. LOL. Oh well guess I will have to deal with it until I can put together a secret mission and remove this toy book from the house. Wish me luck!

If you have seen this book BEWARE. Don’t give it to your kids unless you absolutely have to. Trust me on this one. LOL.




Holiday Wishlist 2010 – Melissa and Doug Recap

November 5, 2010 by

Most of you probably know we love Melissa and Doug Baby and Toddler Toys in a big way.  I would almost say in a stalker kind of way, LOL.  We have had Melissa and Doug toys in the house since Shaun was a baby and he is now seven.  I can’t even tell you how many things Shae has from the lemonade stand to numerous play food sets.

Something about Melissa and Doug toys just draws me in.  Back over the summer we were at Border’s and I saw a huge section of items and we bought Shae the pizza set.  I liked the pizza set so much I went back two days later and got her the birthday cake set.  Melissa and Doug toys are built with imagination in mind for the little ones and big ones who will play with them.

We are excited to have received for overview the Purse Fill and Spill and the Mailbox Fill and Spill for our two nieces.  They are still babies but the thought of them growing up with Melissa and Doug toys like Shaun and Shae did is a really cool thought.  The toys are quality made and will last a long time no matter how hard you beat them up.

Here is a brief description of the Mailbox Fill and Spill:

Soft plush mailbox full of happy greetings for your baby. Peek inside through the see-through back panel, raise the flag and open the door to remove your mail. Find envelopes for many special occasions with removable stamps and other treats. Put them in, take them out, it’s always good news. Constructed of high quality fabrics and plastic for durable play. Recommended Ages: 2+ years

Here is a brief description of the Purse Fill and Spill:

Everything necessary for the little girl on the go! This soft play set includes a cell phone that chimes, a key ring with keys, a change purse with coins, and a compact with a child-safe mirror. Everything is easily removed and replaced into a charming purse with a purple handle. Constructed of high quality fabrics and plastic, this durable set will provide hours of pretend fun! Recommended Ages: 18+ months

If you have children on your holiday list this season check out Melissa and Doug as they have a great selection of baby and toddler toys and you can be sure they will have something for everyone.

Melissa and Doug is giving one lucky Look What Mom Found…and Dad too! reader a chance to win the mailbox fill and spill and the purse fill and spill.  Head over to Melissa and Doug and tell me what other products you like and if you win who will get this prize.

EXTRA ENTRIES:
To receive these extra opportunities for entries, you must fulfill the first REQUIRED entry above and please be sure your email in your comment or have it attached to you blogger dashboard. I will not search through About Me/Contact Me links. Please note the changes to the entries or frequency, entries that don’t follow rules will be disregarded/ignored/deleted.

  • Subscribe to LookWhatMomFound…and Dad too! via email or RSS feed
  • Follow Mom and Dad and Melissa and Doug on Twitter and Tweet this giveaway 1 time per day, please leave your twitter link each time, tweet a form of this message: #Win #MelissaandDoug toys for the little ones http://bit.ly/acxtLb
  • Like LookWhatMomFound…and Dad too! and Melissa and Doug on Facebook AND share this giveaway including link on YOUR WALL.
  • Sign up for Melissa and Doug’s blog
  • Enter another Holiday Gift Guide Giveaway – let me know in a comment which one (one extra entry per giveaway you enter, just leave separate comments)

Your entries must follow the rules or they won’t be eligible for prizes. This contest ends 11:59 pm, Sunday, November 28, 2010. The winners will be emailed and will have 48 hours to claim their prize. This contest is open to US residents only. For complete rules please read our contest rules page.

This is a sponsored post but the opinions and descriptions presented belong solely to LookWhatMomFound…and Dad too! Your experiences and reactions may differ from ours.




Product Rave-Bee Bop Music Toy Set

January 12, 2009 by

Musical Instruments are great toys for children of all ages. My youngest daughter received the Bee Bop Music Toy Set from Target. The phrase good things come in small packages is defintely true in this case. The drum acts as the carrying case for the other bug themed instruments; drumsticks, ladybug xylophone, bumblebee maracas, caterpillar tambourine and bug bell shaker. The set is colorful and inviting and can also be worn so that your little one can lead the parade with his one man band. A big bonus with this toy is the fact that it isn’t loud at all, the instruments jingle and shake and thump but at a reasonable noise level. I could probably even make a phone call while she was playing.

Shae wanted it out of the package IMMEDIATELY after opening on Christmas morning
Here is Uncle Matt(my brother in law) giving Shae her very first drum lesson, sorry it’s kinda dark



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