KT Tunstall: Tiger Suit (Review)

 

If you are up to date with the latest and greatest music artists, I’m sure you’ve heard of KT Tunstall.  She’s the gal who sings "Black Horse and the Cherry Tree," and "Suddenly I See," – two previous record hits I’ve bopped my head to when they were played on the radio.

I have to admit though, that I never owned any KT Tunstall music.  Until now.  I was recently sent a copy of her third album, Tiger Suit. 

This is the track list:

1. Uummannaq Song
2. Glamour Puss
3. Push That Knot Away
4. Difficulty
5. Fade Like A Shadow
6. Lost
7. Golden Frames
8. Come On, Get In
9. (Still A) Weirdo
10. Madame Trudeaux
11. The Entertainer

KT has a unique music style that is all her own.  She sings a mix of rocker/soulful/ballad style music that you can also dance too.  My daughter started jumping up and down to “Come On, Get In” when I played it.  “Fade Like A Shadow” is the first single of this album and I can hear why.  My other favorites were “Uummannaq Song” and “Push That Knot Away” and despite the strange name, “(Still a) Weirdo” is a really pretty song.

The entire album is awesome.  When you can find a cd that you can listen to without skipping a song, well that says it all, doesn’t it?  The tracks from Tiger Suit will definitely be making their way to my workout playlist. 

No compensation was received for this post.  I received a copy of the new CD in order to facilitate my candid review.

A day in Dutch Wonderland (Review)

 

I remember passing by Dutch Wonderland on the way to visit Pennsylvania's Amish Country a few years ago.  This was pre-parenthood, so I had no good excuse to visit the theme park then, but I still couldn’t help but wonder what existed beyond the castle’s impressive walls.   

One of the many perks of being a parent is the opportunity to relive your childhood again from your child’s perspective.  So the weekend before last, we drove about two hours west so that we could spend an entire day at Dutch Wonderland as a family.  Located in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, this theme park is the self-proclaimed “Kingdom for Kids”.

I was glad to see that the parking is free at Dutch Wonderland.  It’s hard to find a theme park that doesn’t charge at least $15 or more to rent a tiny space in the parking lot for a few hours, so this was a very pleasant surprise. 

But we did get off to a rough start upon our journey through the castle.  The sandwiches in our cooler were confiscated, and my husband was ticked.  Obviously, I know many parks want you to buy the food offered beyond the gates, but our daughter can be picky so it was a major bummer having to re-plan her lunch on the fly.  It was especially disconcerting later when we saw a woman carving her fruit with a sharp knife inside the park while seated for a performance.  You’d think that would have been a bigger concern than a turkey sandwich!  That said, Dutch Wonderland does permit you to leave the park and return later which is nice.  It’s just usually more trouble than it’s worth when you have a crew of kids to manage.

The first ride we headed to was the Merry-Go-Round, as usual!  And as it normally goes, Emma cried when it was done.  After the first fun ride of our day-long adventure, we took advantage of some photo opps like the Dutch Wonderland pretzel and our Amish Family Photo.  Always good for a few laughs, and guaranteed to yield great big smiles long after the day is done.

After going for a ride on the turnpike and then hitching a ride on the monorail, we decided we needed to check out a water ride on this especially hot September day. The Double Splash Flume looked like a blast.  The line was long, but we figured it would move fast.  And it did.  Until the ride started malfunctioning.  After waiting a really long time, the ride itself was a terrifying ordeal for our daughter.  Turns out, she’s not a fan of anything that simulates a roller-coaster ride.  Poor kid.

One of the things that I really loved about Dutch Wonderland is its beautiful surroundings.  You won’t forget you’re in God’s country with some of the magnificent views from inside the park.  Even while on the tugboat ride, we caught a glimpse of these cows drinking from the river we were floating on.

I think our favorite ride of the park was the train, Wonderland Special.  It’s one of the better train rides we’ve been on and it loops through different areas, up and down hills, etc. which keeps it fun.

Overall, we had a really great time at Dutch Wonderland.  This park caters to young kids which is really great.  So many times you visit theme parks and the young ones cannot go on many of the rides.  Not the case here.  There are plenty of attractions for the older kids too, and even those who are children at heart.  All of us kids, we’ll definitely be back for more fun!

No compensation was received for this post.  My family received complimentary passes to Dutch Wonderland so that I could write about my true experience there.

Mastermind: Games for a Rainy Day (Review & Giveaway)

Contest Closed.  Winner #183 Terra H. 

We live in a world where technology has replaced human contact and conversation.  Video games are a blast, but there’s nothing quite like playing a board game with the family to really connect and have fun.  Especially on a rainy day, when you can’t be outside.

I enjoy games that have strategy involved, and I want my daughter to know that using exercising your brain can also be a lot of fun.  Much like these Mastermind games.

With the Mastermind Board Game, you win by outsmarting your opponent.  It’s a two player game where the first player is the codemaker, and the second player tries to decipher that code.  It reminds me of that old battleship game.  It’s reasonably priced at $14.00 and is appropriate for players 8 and up.  My husband is very good at games that require strategy, and I have a terrible memory, so I will probably never win at this game…but I’ll have fun trying!

Animal Mastermind Towers is similar in that it also involves deciphering a code, only it’s more like a matching game.  The object of the game is to guess the order that opponent put their animals in on the provided tile stacks, by asking a series of yes or no questions.  For instance, “Is the monkey below the pig?”.  This is also a 2 player game that is made for kids age 6 and up.   I absolutely loved my card matching game when I was a child.  This is like an updated version of that, but for two players.

Pressman Toys is the maker of both of the games above, and they’ve been at it for over 85 years!  I have found quite a few favorites over the years and I feel such nostalgia for some of the classic games that I used to play with my family when I was young.

GIVEAWAY! 
One lucky winner will receive both of these fun Mastermind games from Pressman Toys!

Mandatory Entry:  Tell me another game you like from Pressman Toys.

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Win two Mastermind games from Pressman Toys – Family friendly, mind-bending fun! @GirlGonemom - http://bit.ly/9gZ9ox

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No compensation was received for this post.  The sponsor provided product samples in order to facilitate my review and has generously offered one for a lucky reader. Contest is open to anyone living in the US age 18 and older and closes at Midnight EST on September 27th.  The winner will be selected using Random.org. See giveaway rules before entering. GOOD LUCK!

Merry Christmas, Olivia DVD (Review)

The only channel we ever watch with Emma is Nickelodeon.  They have all of the toddler-appropriate shows that Emma loves, and now that she’s branching out from her old standby, we’ve been enjoying the child pig with endearing qualities and a vivid imagination, Olivia.

The show deals with childhood challenges and dramas that little preschoolers can relate to, and the show has a catchy theme song too.  Olivia: Merry Christmas, Olivia is coming soon to DVD.  It features a collection of episodes themed for the upcoming holidays.  That’s right—they’re not that far away!

Here is the episode synopses:

Olivia Claus
It’s almost Christmas, and Olivia and Ian can’t wait for Santa to come. But there’s one thing that Santa can’t bring – Olivia’s lost toy, her beloved monkey Mathilda. Olivia imagines herself to be a Santa Claus who returns lost toys.  On Christmas morning Olivia finds new gifts under the tree and Mathilda right under her nose.

Olivia and The Family Photo
Mother is determined to take the perfect family Christmas photo – in the middle of the summer. With the help of a snow machine, Olivia takes it upon herself to bring a little Christmas spirit to the photograph, and to Francine’s backyard beach party next door.

Olivia's Ice Spectacular
Olivia can’t wait to see skating star Sonja Spencer perform in “Cinderella on Ice.” She’s sure she’ll be the lucky audience member chosen to skate with Sonja, and begins practicing on the skating rink she makes in her own backyard. When the show is canceled, Olivia decides the show must go on and she and her friends stage their own ice spectacular.

Olivia's Snow Day
It’s a snow day and school’s closed. Olivia takes to the snow-covered streets with Julian as her cameraman, to report on all the snow day happenings. The biggest story of the day turns out to be an alleged sighting of the legendary abominable snowman. Can it be true? Olivia tracks down the real story.

Olivia Makes a Wedding Gift
Olivia’s favorite art teacher, Miss Davis, is getting married, and Olivia wants to find her the perfect wedding present. But despite all of her fundraising efforts, she only has enough for a very small gift. With help from her classmates, Olivia creates a very special card for Miss Davis to go along with the gift.

Olivia Makes Magic
After seeing Grandma perform an impromptu magic show, Olivia begins practicing her own magic tricks. She doesn’t have much success, until she manages to make herself “disappear” for Ian and Julian. They can’t figure out how she’s done it, but Ian doesn’t care. He just wants his big sister back!

Olivia and the Babies
After noticing all the great compliments Mother receives on account of adorable baby William, Olivia finds herself some babies of her own: her cat Edwin and her dog Perry. Being a mom is tougher than it seems, but when Mother asks Olivia to watch William for a minute, her new skills come in handy.

Olivia's Good Luck
Olivia is determined to sell more Young Pioneers cookies than anybody else in her troupe – especially Francine. It turns out to be harder than she thought it would be, but with a little perseverance and ingenuity, Olivia manages to do her personal best.

The Olivia: Merry Christmas, Olivia DVD will be released on October 5th, just in time to get the entire family in the holiday spirit.  It is approximately 95 minutes long, and was entertaining for our entire family.  It’s such a funny show that we can not only watch in our family room, but now on the DVD player in the car, too.

No compensation was received for this post.  We were sent a complimentary copy of the DVD to facilitate our honest review.

Go, Diego, Go!: Diego’ Ultimate Rescue League (Review)

I just finally installed the portable DVD player in the car since we live ‘out in the woods’ and nothing is right around the corner.  I’ve been adding to Em’s collection of DVDs to keep her entertained while we’re driving for when she starts to get restless.  Go, Diego, Go! is one of the show she engages with when at home, so I knew that Diego's Ultimate Rescue League would be a big hit.  Her favorite part is the intro, and she repeats the “oooh, ahhh!” sounds that are in the chorus.

Go, Diego, Go!: Diego’s Ultimate Rescue League Episode Synopses:

Diego’s International Rescue League
Diego has assembled an elite team of world rescuers to endure a challenging test that will earn them their World Rescuers’ patch. Diego’s team includes Juma – the African desert expert, Shanti – the Indian forest expert, Burgin – an expert diver and surfer from Borneo, Yang – a panda rescuer who can climb up the tallest and most treacherous mountains of China, and team captain Diego – who’s rescued animals from every corner of the globe – even the frozen tundra of Antarctica! The team assembles on Rescue Island, where they must race against the clock in their Rescue-Flyer to identify and return five mystery animal eggs to their respective habitats before time runs out.

Ocean Animal Rescuer
Bottlenose wants to become an ocean animal rescuer just like Diego and Baby Humpback Whale. Bottlenose must swim fast and rescue the baby sea turtles from a giant wave that could devastate the population. Then Diego, Baby Humpback, and Bottlenose must work together to rescue the ocean animals from a dangerous oil-spill before it gets too close to their natural habitats.

Diego Rescues Prince Vicuña
Prince Vicuña embarked on an extensive exploration and has yet to return to his parents, the King and Queen, who long for their lost son. Diego and Messenger Vicuña are quick to develop a plan of action. Diego and Messenger Vicuña run into some trouble as they realize the Prince is over the mountain, near Puma Pass. Diego decides to use a special climbing hook and rope to climb up the mountain toward Puma Pass to rescue the Prince. After a successful rescue, we take the Prince back to Vicuña Valley, and reunite him with his joyful parents.

Diego's Ultimate Rescue League is 94 minutes long.  It has been released and sells for about $16.99 retail.

No compensation was received for this post.  I was sent a copy of this DVD for review purposes, and all opinions above are 100% mine.

Dora the Explorer: Dora’s Slumber Party DVD (Review)

I can’t say Emma is as mesmerized by Dora as she is with Gabba or Nemo, but I am happy to report that she is starting to expand her horizons a bit.  As she grows and changes, so do her tastes.  Thank goodness, because I get tired of watching the same exact movies and episodes over and over!

It pleases me to see her watching Dora accomplish tasks while teaching my daughter problem solving skills and new words in both English and Spanish.  I think she has grown to love Dora’s voice to, especially when she’s singing Twinkle Twinkle Little Star as she does in the Little Star episode on the Dora the Explorer: Dora's Slumber Party DVD.

Dora’s Slumber Party DVD Episode Synopses:

Boots’ Cuddly Dinosaur
As bedtime approaches during Dora and Boots’ sleepover, Boots can’t find his cuddly dinosaur.  The friends realize that Boots’ dinosaur must have fallen out of his bag at Play Park earlier that day. In their quest to help Boots find his cuddly dinosaur, Dora and friends put baby animals to sleep by singing a Spanish lullaby, help Benny find all of his stuffed animals, soar through the air in a balloon, and make a wish on their friend Little Star.  With lots of help, Boots finally finds his cuddly dinosaur at Play Park, just in time for bed.

Louder
Every morning Red Rooster must wake the Sun from its deep slumber.  Dora and Boots decide to help Red Rooster get to the Highest Hill so he can wake up the Sun. Along the way the friends practice making lots of noise and wake up the frogs, the boat and the pigs.  With lots of practice, the friends wake the Sun just in time for morning.

The Lost City
Dora and her friends have lost their most precious toys and will do anything to get them back.  The friends discover that toys must go to the Lost City when they are lost, but the city is very hard to find. Dora and Boots embark on an Indiana Jones-like adventure as they race through the Number Pyramid and take a quick shortcut through the Jumbled Jungle.  If they find the Lost City, Dora will get back her lost teddy bear, and all her friends will find their favorite lost toys.

Little Star
As Dora and Boots get ready to make a wish on the first star that appears in the sky, the star falls.  It’s now up to Dora and Boots to bring Little Star back home to the Moon, so everyone can make their wish. They will have to take Little Star on a long journey over the Troll Bridge, and past Tico’s Tree to help get the star all the way back into the sky.

Song: “Twinkle Twinkle Little Star”

Super Babies' Dream Adventure
As the Super Babies get ready for their nap, the Dream Fairy is nowhere to be found.  The Dream Fairy’s Golden Rooster got locked out of the Dream Castle and couldn’t wake her up, so she was still a sleep.  The Super Babies decide to wake up the Dream Fairy by embarking on a journey through the Giant’s Forest, up to Dragon Mountain and finally to Dream Castle.  When the dream fairy is awoken with her Golden Rooster, she delivers happy naptime dreams for all of the babies. 

Dora Had a Little Lamb
Mary had a Little Lamb, but now Little Lamb is lost.  Dora and Boots jump into a big book of Nursery Rhymes to bring Little Lamb back to her best friend, Mary.  Along the way to Mary’s House, Dora, Boots and Little Lamb pick pickled peppers with Peter Piper; help the Itsy Bitsy Spider climb up the Water Spout; ride a cow over the Moon; put Humpty Dumpty back together again; and even catch a ride in a motorized bath tub. 

Dora the Explorer: Dora's Slumber Party will be released on September 14th for around $16.99. 

No compensation was received for this post.  I was sent a copy of this DVD for review purposes, and all opinions above are 100% mine.

SpongeBob SquarePants: 10 Happiest Moments DVD - Review

SpongeBob is one of those cartoons that are created not just for the kids, but for the parents too.  I get a chuckle out of watching this cartoon.  It has humor for the adults mixed right into a silly storyline that kids love.  Emma really enjoys anything to do with sea life, so these underwater stories are interesting for her to watch.  She’s too young to get the silly humor, but in good time she will.  SpongeBob SquarePants: 10 Happiest Moments is a great DVD to add to our collection of family favorites.

Episode Synopses:

Tea at the Treedome
Sandy invites SpongeBob to her glass enclosed home for the first time. Unfortunately, the Treedome is filled with air. Great for squirrels, but could prove lethal for a sponge!

Mermaidman and Barnacle Boy
When SpongeBob and Patrick discover television superheroes Mermaidman and Barnacleboy living in a rest home nearby, they try to convince the duo to come out of retirement.

Culture Shock
Squidward plans and hosts a talent show at the Krusty Krab. The show’s a bomb, until SpongeBob takes to the stage to mop up!

Karate Choppers
SpongeBob and Sandy’s constant karate sparring gets in the way at the Krusty Krab, threatening SpongeBob’s job.

The Algae’s Always Greener
Plankton trades lives with Mr. Krabs for one day, and that’s not enough!

Just One Bite
Learning Squidward has never tasted a Krabby Patty, SpongeBob becomes obsessed with getting him to take just one tiny bite.

Graveyard Shift
Things get real creepy at the Krusty Krab during the overnight shift.

No Weenies Allowed
SpongeBob and Patrick are psyched to ride the scariest, most thrilling roller coaster Bikini Bottom has ever seen!

Christmas Who?
When Santa doesn’t show on Christmas morning, everyone is disappointed, especially SpongeBob.

DVD Special Features:
Bonus Episode: Help Wanted – Pilot Episode

The official release date is September 14, 2010 and the 133 minute-long DVD is available for $14.99.

No compensation was received for this post.  I received a complimentary copy of the DVD to facilitate my review, but all opinions are 100% my own.

There was a party in our city!

Today was the big day we’d been anticipating since June.  The Yo Gabba Gabba gang came to Philadelphia, and we all partied at the Mann center, gabba land style.  This was our first time at the Mann center and I didn’t realize that the this was an outdoor venue, so naturally I wore jeans down to my ankles.  We were there early and we melted under the hot sun as we waited for the main gates to open.  Luckily, the seating area was covered, so we were in the shade for the actual show.  Our seats were way in the back, but the stadium was pretty small and we had a great view of center stage.

DJ Lance Rock appeared on the on-stage screen before he broke out through the door, a very cool entrance that built excitement for all of the kids and parents as we anticipated the appearance of Brobee, Foofa, Plex, Muno and Todee.   After their initial introductions, our gabba friends encouraged everyone in the audience to stand and dance.  This is what we’re always doing when we watch the show at home, so this was our favorite part overall. 

After that, Emma was shouting, “More! More!” a.k.a. “Maw, Maw!”

Another awesome part of the show was when Brobee went flying in the air after the gang’s performance of “Balloons Make me Happy”.  This has to be Emma’s all-time favorite Yo Gabba Gabba episode.  If only The Postmarks were the musical guests! 

But I think the children were all happy when all of the balloons that were suspended up above were released.  It was complete mahem at that point.  Not really, but you can imagine how the kids and adults scrambled!  My husband returned empty-handed, but Emma was getting a little restless at this point so I went down to find one for her.

After a short break, we all learned a new dancey dance before the gabba gang performed the Philly Phanatic’s dancey dance.  Then Biz Markie took the stage (after a quick on-screen tease that he wasn’t able to make it) and he performed his beat of the day and brought a few lucky front-row kids on stage to try their hand at beatboxing. 

This was a such a fun experience for us, and we hope Yo Gabba Gabba Live will be partying in our city again sometime soon.  The tour is not over yet though, and there will be shows well into the fall season.  For complete tour, ticket, and VIP package information, visit www.yogabbagabbalive.com.  

No compensation was received for this post.  A big thank you to Yo Gabba Gabba Live for providing complimentary tickets for me and my family.  This mom got so much joy out of seeing her daughter smile from ear to ear and watch her favorite pals come to life.

Monkey Monkey Music: What are the Odds? (Review & Giveaway)

Contest Closed
Whether we’re walking around the neighborhood, riding in the car, or just chilling out at home, there is often music involved.  In the summertime we find ourselves spending a lot of time in the backyard and I play music from my children’s playlist on my iPod for Emma.  I’m so glad that she really enjoys music and I like to encourage her love for this art.  I’m happy to add Meredith LeVande’s fun music to our playlist.

Ms. LeVande writes the very music that she sings.  She’s based in New York City, but this gal is more than street smart.  She holds undergraduate degrees in Women’s Studies and English, she also has a master’s degree in music and a law degree!  That’s one driven lady, if you ask me.  I think this is what makes her music so well-rounded.  Her brand is Monkey Monkey Music, which is aimed at “putting the child back into children’s music.”

In 2005, Monkey Monkey Music’s first album was a smash hit.  It was a Parenting magazine “Pick,” and was featured on Sirius Satellite Radio.  Since that time Meredith LeVande has been performing at more intimate gatherings, and she’s built an excellent relationship among young families in the tri-state area.

The new Monkey Monkey Music CD is called What Are the Odds?  It will be officially released on August 31st. It is a nice balance between baby music and songs for older kids so it fits the entire family quite well.   It’s fun and upbeat, and Emma is working on her dance routine tirelessly. 

GIVEAWAY!
Win the Monkey Monkey Music CD!

Here are the links needed for some of the EXTRA ENTRIES (You may want to complete before filling out form).
-Like Girl Gone Mom on Facebook
-Follow Girl Gone Mom twitter
-If you follow me on twitter, you’ll receive one extra entry per day for tweeting this:
#Win the new cd by Monkey Monkey Music and Meredith LeVande – http://bit.ly/cWeFMC Appropriate for kids of all ages! @girlgonemom #Summeressentials

No compensation was received for this post. I received a copy of the CD in order to form my opinion. Contest closes at Midnight EST on August 10th. The winner will be selected using Random.org. See giveaway rules before entering. GOOD LUCK!

Photo Credit - Gaetano Salvadore

Yo Gabba Gabba, Live and CD/DVD Giveaway!

Contest Closed
Is it August 29th yet?  That’s the day we are going to see Yo Gabba Gabba Live at the Mann Center in Philadelphia and we cannot wait.  It’s going to be a blast and we are super excited!  If you have kids, chances are that they’re fans of Yo Gabba Gabba.  What’s not to love?  It’s a show all about music, dancing and learning new things.  I swear my daughter learned to point out her eyes, mouth and face from this show. 

When the songs come on, especially the Super Music Friends Show, Emma stops dead in her tracks.  We’re going to have to pick up the Yo Gabba Gabba!: Music is Awesome Volume 1 CD so that we can enjoy all of the awesome music from the Roots and the Shins (two of my favorites) when we’re driving in the car or out on a walk. 

Yo Gabba Gabba is going to be releasing the Music is Awesome Volume 2 CD in the next few weeks.  It features hit songs from weezer, mgmt, jimmy eat world and more songs from the show and will be available at Target on August 24th!  

About two months ago, I posted a review for the The Nickelodeon DVD Yo Gabba Gabba!: Clubhouse which includes performances by special guests Erykah Badu, The Killers, Jimmy Eat World, The Sounds, The Aquabats, Jack McBrayer, Paul Scheer, and Mark Mothersbaugh.  This is Emma’s favorite DVD without a doubt. When Gabba comes on, it’s time to DANCE!  Break it down now! 

The Yo Gabba Gabba Live Tour is coming to a city near you very soon.  Be sure to visit this site for more information on where you can see your Gabba friends in the flesh!

 

GIVEAWAY!
Win the Yo Gabba Gabba! ClubHouse DVD and Music is Awesome: Volume 1 CD!

Here are the links needed for some of the EXTRA ENTRIES (You may want to complete before filling out form).
-Like Yo Gabba Gabba on Facebook
-Like Girl Gone Mom on Facebook
-Follow Yo Gabba Gabba on twitter
-Follow Girl Gone Mom twitter
-If you follow us both on twitter, you’ll receive one extra entry per day for tweeting this:
#Win Yo Gabba Gabba! Clubhouse DVD and Music CD http://bit.ly/bDOg3H to celebrate their live Summer tour! @girlgonemom #Summeressentials

No compensation was received for this post. I am participating in a campaign to help promote the live tour and my family will be attending a complimentary show. Contest closes at Midnight EST on August 10th. The winner will be selected using Random.org. See giveaway rules before entering. GOOD LUCK!

Dora The Explorer: Dora’s Big Birthday Adventure DVD

It’s Dora’s birthday!   ¡Feliz Cumpleaños, Dora!

There’s no better way to celebrate with Dora than to go along with her on a big adventure, solve puzzles and practice our Spanish.  Like all Dora episodes, Dora's Big Birthday Adventure is a fun learning experience for kids.

Along with her best pal boots the monkey, Dora’s imagination takes her on big adventures.  And with the help of her viewers, overcome obstacles along the way. 

The episodes featured on this DVD go something like this.

Dora’s Big Birthday Adventure
Happy Birthday, Dora! In the final episode of the Magic Storybook Trilogy, a twisting wind has blown Dora and Boots into Wizzle World, a land located in the Magic Storybook. Dora and Boots can’t jump out of the Magic Storybook without first taking Dora’s crystal to the Wishing Wizzle (Hector Elizondo) so he can wish them back home in time for Dora’s birthday party with all her family and friends. They set off an adventure to Wishing Mountain, but they better watch out for La Bruja and her Flying Monkeys who don’t like wishes and try to stop Dora and Boots.

Dora and Boots need to get home for Dora’s birthday party with all her family and friends. They can’t wait to get home to everyone they love back in the rainforest, but before Dora and Boots can jump out of the Magic Storybook, a twisty wind picks them up and blows them into Wizzle World.

Dora Helps the Birthday Wizzle
Dora is reading a storybook about a Birthday Wizzle who could make birthday wishes come true with his magic wand. Today is his birthday so it was his turn to make a wish, but a wind came in and blew the wand out of the book! Dora must jump into the book and bring the wishing wand back to the Wizzle to give him his birthday wish.

Wizzle Wishes
Dora and Boots meet a cute little Wizzle who lost his bag of wishes and can’t get home. Our heroes set off in search of the lost wishes, but their friends keep finding the wishes first, and their wishes get everyone into trouble. Dora and Boots must overcome a giant sunflower in Isa’s garden, a storm of raining nuts in the Nutty Forest and slippery slopes at the Wishing Well in order to return to wishes to their rightful owner.

In addition to the above episodes, there is also a bonus game that kids can play.

DVD Quick Facts:
Street Date: August 3, 2010
DVD SRP: $16.99
DVD Running Time: Approximately 95 Minutes

This is fine entertainment for your little explorer!

No compensation was received for this post, but I did receive the product discussed free of charge in order to facilitate my review.  All of the opinions above are 100% my own.

Summer Reading: A Desirable Residence by Madeleine Wickham (Giveaway – 5 Winners!)

(Contest Closed)
Boy, do I miss the days of curling up with a good book, especially when I’m beach or pool side while I let the sun tan my skin.  When you have a toddler, a blog, bills to pay and a house to clean, who has the time to read?  My most recent answer to this is, you make the time.  Somehow, us moms have to carve out some “me time” to keep us sane.  And there’s nothing like a good book to take your mind away from the stress of all of your motherly duties. 

My latest escape is A Desirable Residence by Madeleine Wickham.  I’m about half way through this book.  I reach for it whenever I have a few minutes to spare.  Mostly I’ve been reading it at the pool club on the weekend while my husband entertains our daughter.  (I’m lucky like that.)

The Author, Madeleine Wickham has written several novels and a few bestsellers including The Wedding Girl, Sleeping Arrangements, and The Gatecrasher. She also penned the Shopaholic series as Sophie Kinsella.

What I’m enjoying about this book is that it is tangible and relevant, tapping into the problems that plague everyday families in 2010.  Issues like real estate lows, debt, materialism and overspending as well as infidelity.  There may be a slight learning curve to some of the references and phrases in the book, since it is based in Great Britain, but that makes it even more interesting.

  Here is a preview of the storyline:

The asking price for this house includes a stunning renovation of hearts and dreams....Liz and Jonathan Chambers were stuck with two mortgages, mounting debts, and a miserable adolescent daughter. Then realtor Marcus Witherstone came into their lives—and it seemed he would solve all their problems. He knew the perfect tenants from London who would rent their old house: a glamorous PR girl, Ginny, and her almost-famous husband, Piers.

But soon Liz is lost in blissful dreams of Marcus, Jonathan is left to run their business, and neither of them has time to notice that their teenage daughter is developing an unhealthy passion for the tenants, Piers and Ginny. Everyone is tangled up with everyone else, and in the most awkward possible way. As events close in, they all begin to realize that some deceptions are just a bit too close to home.

A Desirable Residence is sure to continue the phenomenal success of the Sophie Kinsella/Madeleine Wickham franchise.

How would like to read this book while you enjoy a warm summer breeze and a cool drink?  Well, you’re in luck. 

WIN IT!  Five (5) lucky readers will each win a copy of A Desirable Residence!  Just leave your email address in the form below to be entered so that I can reach you if you win! 
(Your email address will never be distributed and will only be used to contact you.)

Here are the links for EXTRA ENTRIES (You may want to complete before filling out form).
-Like my new facebook page for Girl Gone Mom.
-Follow me on twitter.
-The tweet to use for this giveaway:
5 winners will receive a copy of the book, A Desirable Residence http://tinyurl.com/253hv7b Enter to #win @girlgonemom #summeressentials

 

No compensation was received for this post.  The sponsor provided one copy to me to facility my review and has generously offered to award 5 copies to 5 lucky readers.  Giveaway will end on July 15, 2010 and Midnight EST. 

Nickelodeon: The First Day of School on DVD

Summer has just begun -- are already looking forward to the first day of school?  You can get your children hyped for the upcoming school year with Nickelodeon: The First Day of School on DVD.   With episodes from your child’s favorite pals, Dora the Explorer, Go, Diego, Go!, Blue’s Clues, The Wonder Pets!, and Ni Hao Kai-Lan, you’ll enjoy over two hours of educational entertainment.  This is especially great for children who have anxiety about going to school for the first time.  Emma’s no where near her first day of pre-school, but she sure enjoyed this DVD, from all of her favorite Nick Jr. characters.

Nickelodeon: First Day of School Synopses:

Dora the Explorer – First Day of School
Boots and Tico are really excited because it’s their first day of school and they’re going to learn in English and Spanish! Dora leads the way, teaching Boots Spanish and Tico English as they head out to school. At the river, their Guatemalan friend Camila shows them how to find turtles to ride across, then they go through the Forest where Swiper swipes Tico and Boots’ lunches and they have to find them.

Go, Diego, Go! –“ Linda the Librarian”Alicia is opening a new library on the mountain top. Linda the Llama was supposed to bring the books for the library -- but she's late and it's almost time to open the library. Diego finds Linda the Llama and they set off for the library. But first they’ve got to go up and down the rocky mountains by saying "arriba/abajo," then a big wind blows away the library books and it's up to the viewer to find them.

Blue's Clues – “Blue Takes You To School”It's Periwinkle's first day at preschool, and everyone needs to help Periwinkle make it through his first day. From finding his cubby and getting through circle time, to reading the job chart and understanding how to take turns and respect others, Periwinkle has a lot to learn.

The Wonder Pets! – “Off to School / Save the Pangaroo”
· Off to School -- The Wonder Pets help our old friend the Baby Blowfish overcome her separation anxiety on her first day of Fish Preschool.
· Save the Pangaroo -- The Wonder Pets help a kid-art Pangaroo, a fictional animal that is part kangaroo and part parrot, who has been thrown away in the trash.

Ni Hao, Kai-lan –“Lulu Day”
Today, Kai-lan is having a playdate with her best girl friend, Lulu the rhino. Kai-lan has all sorts of games to play with Lulu, but Lulu wants to play with different things than Kai-lan. Kai-lan and Lulu need the viewers’ help to figure out a way to compromise and play things that make them both happy.

DVD Facts:
Street Date: July 13, 2010
DVD SRP: $16.99
DVD Running Time: Approximately 122 Minutes

No compensation was received for this post, but I did receive the product discussed free of charge in order to facilitate my review.  All of the opinions above are 100% my own.

The Backyardigans: Operation Elephant Drop DVD (Review)

For the longest time my daughter would only watch Yo Gabba Gabba.  I'm thankful that she's starting to expand her horizons.  The Backyardigans have great songs and the graphics are amazingly realistic for a cartoon; not like the now archaic cartoons that I remember watching.  It's no wonder this is an Emmy® Award-winning show.

In the new DVD,  The Backyardigans: Operation Elephant Drop, kids can join Pablo, Tyrone, Uniqua, Tasha and Austin as they use their imaginations to take them on epic adventures.  The DVD features four episodes: Elephant on the Run, The Magic Skateboard, The Flipper!, and Super Team Awesome!

The episodes expose preschoolers to several music genres, including Alternative Rock, Forró, Bo Diddley-Style Rock and American Country Rock with real choregraphed movements recreated in animation.  Emma watches in amazement during the singing and dancing routines.

The Backyardigans: Operation Elephant Drop Episode Synopses:

Elephant on the Run
Park Ranger Tasha has a very important job for delivery agents Tyrone and Pablo -- to get an endangered Indian elephant safely to the Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary and to avoid the bad guys. Music Genre: Alternative Rock

The Magic Skateboard
Tyrone really wants to be a great skateboarder. He may not know all the tricks yet, but he’s going to compete in the Show-Off Showdown. Once he finds the magic skateboard, even his top competition takes notice.
Music Genre: Forró

The Flipper!
Uniqua, Tasha and Pablo are the Meteor Watch Squad. But when meteor obsessed Pablo accidentally spills toxic space stuff all over himself, he becomes the super strong, super excitable Flipper!
Music Genre: Bo Diddley-Style Rock

Super Team Awesome!
Tyrone is a tour guide for the world’s only lava geyser, Old Gushie. When a loose boulder in the cavern threatens to cause a geothermal disaster, Tyrone calls for help. Not one, but three superheroes come to save the day!
Music Genre: American Country Rock

The Backyardigans: Operation Elephant Drop Fast Facts:
Street Date: July 13, 2010
DVD SRP: $16.99
DVD Running Time: 95 Minutes

No compensation was received for this post, but I did receive the product discussed free of charge in order to facilitate my review. All of the opinions above are 100% my own.

There’s a Party in YOUR City: Yo Gabba Gabba Live!

My daughter’s favorite characters DJ Lance Rock, Brobee, Foofa, Plex, Muno and Todee are coming to Philadelphia this summer for Yo Gabba Gabba Live!  The show will also feature special guests Biz Markie, Dancey Dance and Super Music Friend Show Guests.  We’re going and we can’t wait!

You might recall a few months back when I posted about Emma’s experience with a DJ Lance imposter.  She was star-struck then, can you imagine how excited she’ll be?

Fresh off a triumphant sold-out tour debut, a headlining performance at The White House, a critically-acclaimed, chart-topping album, and an appearance at Coachella that garnered rave reviews from spectators and media alike, DJ Lance Rock and the cast of YO GABBA GABBA! are heading back on the road with YO GABBA GABBA! LIVE!: THERE’S A PARTY IN MY CITY! to play to enthusiastic fans on a 60-city tour across North America.  Today’s hottest live show for families will make stops at top theaters, arenas and amphitheaters throughout North America, starting August 27 in Bethel, NY and ending in Dallas, TX on December 12.  YO GABBA GABBA! LIVE!: THERE’S A PARTY IN MY CITY! is produced by S2BN Entertainment in association with Wildbrain Entertainment and The Magic Store.

Champions on the stage and in the community, the Gabba gang will participate in various service projects aimed at building homes and hope in the cities they visit during their four month journey across North America.  In addition, $1 from every ticket sold will be donated to the Habitat for Humanity local affiliate in each tour city, to further their homebuilding efforts.

For complete tour, ticket, and VIP package information, visit www.yogabbagabbalive.com.   Children under one year of age will be admitted free to sit on a parent’s lap. 

Follow the gang on Facebook and Twitter.  I’ll be posting a fantastic Yo Gabba Gabba giveaway soon too, so keep your eyes peeled!

I was not compensated for this post, but I will be posting my review of the tour later this summer.

Balloonatiks: The Collector's Set (Review & Giveaway)

  Contest Closed
It’s exciting how my daughter is starting to get into watching movies.  We can now sit and enjoy being entertained together as a family.  The Balloonatiks are regular teenagers who were mysteriously inflated into the superhero characters Flator, Squeeker, Airbrain, Sparky and Bouncer.  They have sworn to protect Hot Air City from the likes of Dr. Poppemoff, Deflator and others that mean harm to inhabitants of the city. 
Meet the five Balloonatiks.  They all have neat superpowers.

• Flator – can grow to massive sizes.
• Squeeker – uses her high-pitched cheers to debilitate bad guys.
• Airbrain – can use his giant head as a hot air balloon.
• Sparky – can stop evil-doers with his lightning bolts.
• Bouncer – can transform into a ball and bounce at amazing heights.

The Balloonatiks have been featured in comics, games, paperbacks, and now on DVD.  I started the DVD and the theme song started playing, which is performed by Ray Parker Jr. who wrote the Ghostbuster theme song.  When Emma heard it, she plopped down and watched.  I was surprised because I thought this might be for a more mature audience than the tender age of one and a half.  It was an entertaining show for both of us.

The Balloonatiks website will give you a good feel for what it’s like and you’ll hear the catchy theme song there.  It is also interactive with fun games.

BUY IT! The Balloonatiks DVD is available on Amazon for $14.95.  You can also win a copy here!

WIN IT!  Fill in the form below to be entered.

Here are the links for EXTRA ENTRIES (You may want to visit before filling out form).
Like the Balloonatiks on facebook.  
Like my new facebook page for Girl Gone Mom.
Follow me on twitter.
The tweet for this giveaway: #Win Balloonatiks: The Collector’s Set DVD @girlgonemom http://tinyurl.com/28t5bot


No compensation was received for this post. I received a product sample in order to facilitate my honest review. Contest is open to U.S. residents 18 and older and closes at Midnight EST on July 14th. The winner will be selected using Random.org. GOOD LUCK!

The Not-Its! Time Out to Rock (Review & Giveaway)

Contest Closed
Remember how rockin’ the Seattle music scene was in the late 90s?  I recall bopping my head to tunes by Pearl Jam, Nirvana and Soundgarden.  Well now it’s translated to music made for our kids.  The latest and greatest sensation, The Not-Its!

Led by Sarah Shannon, lead vocalist of the 90’s indie-pop band Velocity Girl, and with bassist/backup singer Nori Hoeft, this is no male-dominated band.  Girls rock!  The other three members of the band aren’t bad either.  Tom Baisden plays the lead guitar, Danny Adamson on the rythm guitar and Mike Bayer provides the beat. 

The band debuted in 2009 with “We Are the Not-Its!” and their second album to be released on July 20th is called, “Time Out to Rock”.  It sure delivers, as I’ve been rocking out to it since I hit play.

Track List:

1. Welcome To Our School

2. Time Out To Rock

3. First Kid In Outer Space

4. Green Light, Go!

5. Accidentally

6. Say It Loudly

7. Cheetah The Buffalo

8. FANTASTIC

9. Only Kids Can See

10. Change My Luck

11. Hollow Tree

BUY IT! Listen to music samples on The Not-Its! website, you will love it!  The entire album can be downloaded for only $9.99, and it’s worth every penny.   You can also win a copy here!

WIN IT!  Tell me who will listen to this cd. (mandatory entry).

For EXTRA ENTRIES, leave one comment for each entry:
+1 entry each if you follow this blog publicly through google friend connect –OR- become a feed subscriber –OR – subscribe by email.
+1 entry each if you follow The Not-Its on twitter or facebook.
+2 entries if you like my new facebook page for Girl Gone Mom.
+1 entry per day if you follow me on twitter and tweet the following:

#Win the new cd by The Not-Its!: “Time to Rock” #giveaway @girlgonemom They rock Seattle! http://tinyurl.com/2buzzne

+1 entry for every current giveaway you enter on this blog.
+3 entries if you add the Summer Essentials button to your blog (must have the new ‘Girl Gone Mom’ name)
+3 entries if you blog about this giveaway including a link to this post.

No compensation was received for this post. I received a product sample in order to facilitate my honest review. Contest is open to U.S. residents 18 and older and closes at Midnight EST on July 7th. The winner will be selected using Random.org. Please leave your email address either in your comment or make sure it is listed on your profile page so that I can reach you if you win. See giveaway rules before entering. GOOD LUCK!