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Showing posts with label toys. Show all posts
Showing posts with label toys. Show all posts

Tuesday, November 9, 2010

Holiday Gift Guide: Pillow Pets Review & Giveaway!

pillowpetslogounicornPerfect gift idea for: Traveling kids

Pillow Pets are one of the favorite items I’ve discovered here on this blog.  If you’re not familiar with this toy, Pillow Pets are unique characters that convert from a cuddly stuffed animal to a comfy pillow in seconds.  The animal is made by folding the pillow in half and securing it with the sewn-in velcro patch.  And when it’s time for a snooze, you just undo the velcro and turn your favorite buddy into a pillow.  It’s great for around the house and ideal for travel.

Over the summer I had the pleasure of bringing you a Patriotic Pup giveaway, and just a few weeks later the pup became our very first Pillow Pet friend to come and live with us.  The excitement has not worn off since, and Emma loves rolling around with her Pillow Pet.  It’s her favorite cushion, and I totally understand why.  The chenille fabric is so soft it’s heavenly.  I would love a pillow like this just for myself.  But even with our newset addition, Magical Unicorn, she doesn’t like to share.  

IMG_2672She even found a way to use both of them at once.  The stinker!

Magical Unicorn took this here survey to help you learn about her personality, in case you might want to adopt her.

Your name – Magical Unicorn
Where you live – A castle in Europe
Best friends – Ms. Ladybug, Proper Penguin
Favorite things – Flowers and sparkles
Favorite food – Like a horse, I usually eat things like oats and grass. I love fruits and vegetables of all kinds. Plus, I love marshmallows!
Favorite color – Purple
Favorite thing to do – Making flower necklaces and being with my friends
Favorite thing about you – It used to be my mane, but I’m starting to like my unique horn more and more.
What your friends say about you –
Proper Penguin: “Magical Unicorn is simply lovely. She is sweet and kind and always there to give you a hug. There is also something special about her that I just can’t put my beak on yet.”
Ms. Ladybug – “My favorite thing about Magical Unicorn is the twinkly flair she brings to everything she does. It’s like a special occasion every time we see each other – and she usually brings marshmallows!”

Isn’t that cute?  A lot of time goes into these Pillow Pets, from their name and design to the character and the high quality of the finished product.  I can’t say enough about how luxuriously soft the chenille is, and it doesn’t shed!  We’ve tried copy-cat versions, but the original is always the best and that’s definitely the case with Pillow Pets.  And since they’re so reasonably priced at $24.95 there’s really no need to look elsewhere.  They also offer a smaller version for $15.99.   

GIVEAWAY!
Win the Magical Unicorn Pillow Pet, ARV $25!
(US Only - Ends 11/25)

Mandatory Entry:  Visit Pillow Pets and tell me another favorite character.

EXTRA ENTRIES: Must leave a separate comment for each extra entry. 

+2 Extra Entries EACH if you follow this blog publicly via Google Friend Connect, become a feed subscriber, or an email subscriber
+1 Extra Entry if you ‘Like’ Girl Gone Mom on Facebook and leave a comment on my wall that you entered.
+1 Extra Entry if you ‘Like’ Pillow Pets on Facebook, leave your FB name.
+1 Extra Entry if after you ‘Like’ them, you leave this comment on their wall: I entered to win the Magical Unicorn Pet at Girl Gone Mom - http://bit.ly/dxqMf2
+1 Entry if you follow Pillow Pets on twitter.
+1 Entry daily follow Girl Gone Mom on twitter and tweet this message:

It’s a Pillow and a Pet – It’s a Pillow Pet! #WIN Magical Unicorn #GGMHolidayGuide  -  http://bit.ly/dxqMf2

+2 Extra Entries if you add my main blog button to your blog’s main page.  Please leave link.
+2 Extra Entries if you post my Holiday Gift Guide (snow globe) button to your blog’s main page.  Leave link.
+2 Extra Entries if you add my blog url to your text blog roll. Leave link.
+5 Extra Entries if you blog about this giveaway with a link to this post.

Contest is open to US residents and closes at Midnight EST on Nov. 25th 2010. One main entry per household.  No compensation was received for this post.  The sponsor sent me the product free of charge to facilitate my honest review, and has generously offered the same prize to a lucky reader.

Sunday, November 7, 2010

Holiday Gift Guide: Paddywhack Lane Review & Giveaway

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Ideal gift for:  Christian girls age 3 and up.

“It’s What You Believe Inside That Makes you...You!   The Outside is Mostly Fabrics and Stitching.” 

I love this quote from Paddywhack Lane, and it’s a great lesson that it’s what’s inside that truly counts.  It’s important life lessons like this that Paddywhack Lane teaches children through the guise of play.  Paddywhack Lane specializes in creating a collection of heartwarming, inspirational stories, high quality, role-play toys, gifts and music for young children that parents can feel good about giving to their children.  They believe that Children are the most wonderful gift that we parents have been entrusted with. Underneath each adorable little exterior, hidden inside each child, is a personality and identity that was creatively and supernaturally created by God to bring out the best in each one.  I certainly cannot argue with that! 

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We received a delightful hardcover book called Lauren and the Leaky Pail from Paddywhack lane.  The story teaches children the power of persistence and faith.  It follows Lauren and her desire to win first prize in a gardening contest.  Her leaky pail, however, is ruining everything.  Some unexpected surprises lay ahead for Lauren, and she’s rewarded in the end for her hard work, even if it wasn’t what she envisioned.

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It’s an impressive size at 11”x9” and is 32 pages long.  This is not a book that my daughter will sit quietly and follow along while I read it to her.  She’s too young for that now, but I did really enjoy it myself and I know that she will in a year’s time.  The illustrations are gorgeous.  The book is great quality from the story to the finished product, and is a good value at $15.99.

Another cute item from Paddywhack Lane is Courtney's Tea Party Playset.  It’s a miniature size tea-party hosted by Princess Courtney, with Lizzy the bear and all of Courtney’s favorite treats.  The figurines are poseable and the set is very detailed, down to the teeny-tiny saucers and spoons.  It’s really adorable, but I wouldn’t let Emma play with it.  It’s labeled 3+, but because of the extremely small parts I probably wouldn’t introduce this until 4 or older.  I’ve included my thumb in the photo so you can get an idea of size.  This set is $22.99.

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Paddywhack Lane is offering a 20% off special for my readers if you use the promo code usablogger at checkout. 

GIVEAWAY!
A lucky winner will receive a copy of Lauren and the Leaky Pail and their choice of playset from Paddywhack Lane – ARV $40!
(US Only - Ends 11/19)

Mandatory Entry:  Visit Paddywhack Lane and tell me another toy that you think would make a great holiday gift.

EXTRA ENTRIES: Must leave a separate comment for each extra entry. 

+2 Extra Entries EACH if you follow this blog publicly via Google Friend Connect, become a feed subscriber, or an email subscriber
+1 Extra Entry if you ‘Like’ Girl Gone Mom on Facebook and leave a comment on my wall that you entered.
+1 Extra Entry if you ‘Like’ Paddywhack Lane on Facebook, leave your FB name.
+1 Extra Entry if you follow Paddywhack Lane on twitter.
+1 Entry daily follow Girl Gone Mom on twitter and tweet this message:

Paddywhack Lane offer's quality gifts for kids.  #Win a miniature playset and beautiful book ARV $40 #GGMHolidayGuide http://bit.ly/9f5FOP

+2 Extra Entries if you add my main blog button to your blog’s main page.  Please leave link.
+2 Extra Entries if you post my Holiday Gift Guide (snow globe) button to your blog’s main page.  Leave link.
+2 Extra Entries if you add my blog url to your text blog roll. Leave link.
+5 Extra Entries if you blog about this giveaway with a link to this post.

Contest is open to US residents and closes at Midnight EST on November 19th, 2010. One main entry per household.  No compensation was received for this post.  The sponsor sent me the product free of charge to facilitate my honest review, and has generously offered the same prize to a lucky reader.

Holiday Gift Guide: Baby Alive Bouncin’ Babbles Doll (Review)

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Perfect Gift Idea for:  Doll-loving toddlers

Right now, Emma can’t get enough of her baby dolls.  Big and small, soft or firm, she loves them all.  And let me tell you, she is a really good mommy to her babies.  She hugs and kisses them, carries them around, and pushes them in the stroller.  She even feeds their bellies and changes their diapers – even when they don’t have diapers.babyalive

Yesterday, she saw the Baby Alive Bouncin’ Babbles doll in our office/holiday gift guide storage area.  She went crazy for it, so I had to let her open it.  After all, she is working on this gift guide too, right?

She has several other dolls to play with, but this weekend she’s been focusing all of her time and attention on her new Baby Alive baby. 

IMG_2680IMG_2714They went for a long stroll around the house, taking stops to kiss her gently on the head, and then Emma cuddled her the entire way to her cousins’ house where she was still playing with her Bouncin’ Babbles.  I love this photo of her getting ready to take a ride on the slide.  It’s the cutest thing watching my little girl play mommy, but there’s a lot more to Baby Alive. 

Just like the name hints at, she acts just like a real baby.  When we press her left hand, she will coo, talk baby talk, and bounce up and down.  I shot a brief video below just to show you all she can do.

 

It would be nice if this doll came with a playpen like the one she comes packaged in.  This keeps in her place when she decides to bounce up and down, and Emma doesn’t really understand that she has to hold on tight to keep the baby from falling over. We were able to keep her packaging in tact so that we can use the packaging as her playpen, but being that it’s made of cardboard I know it won’t last long.  That’s the only improvement I think could be made for this toy.  Or maybe an accessory sold separately?

The Baby Alive Bouncin’ Babbles doll is available in Caucasian, Hispanic and African American ethnicities.  The retail price is $24.99.  Since Emma liked Bouncin’ Babbles so much, I’m looking into getting her more Baby Alive dolls for Christmas this year.

No compensation was received for this post.  My daughter received the doll in order to facilitate our review, but all of the views expressed in this post are my own.

Friday, November 5, 2010

Holiday Gift Guide: HearthSong Cottage Playhouse ARV $80 {Review & Giveaway}

Hearthsonglogo

playhouse

Gift Idea Perfect for:  Any child or child at heart

What is it about children and forts?  Emma loves it when we make one out of a big blanket and all hide beneath the “roof”.  We do this because the teepee-shaped tent she’s been playing with won’t fit us adults; it will barely contain her and yet she still insists that we come inside.  Of course we do what we’re told, but she’s not pleased that our limbs and rear-ends poke out.  What we really wanted needed, was an indoor playhouse just like the one she has outside.  When we saw the Cottage Playhouse at HearthSong, our search was over.

I knew this playhouse was going to be great fun for Emma.  What I didn’t expect is how fun it would be for her dad and I, because we can all fit inside and play as a family.  This thing measures 5 feet by 4 feet and is about 5 feet tall.  It is HUGE, and is large enough to fit me, Emma, ad daddy with plenty of room to spare.  We could literally have a tea-party in here!

The Cottage Playhouse is sturdy.  It’s framed with fiberglass poles that fit into metal connectors.  The vinyl covering hangs from the frame and ties to the poles to keep it snugly in place.  It was a breeze to set up, and once we finished “building” her home, Emma was over the moon with delight.  The fact that it fit all of us was major, and all of the other fun features were icing on the cake.

playhousemont

The windows and doors can be velcroed up or down, and the house itself has special touches to make this house a home, like flower boxes and landscaping.  Emma loves adjusting the windows and crawling through the doggy door.  Thanks to the mesh eaves and window vents, it won’t get too stifling in there.

There are tons of great toys available at HearthSong, and for the holidays it’s very helpful that their playthings are categorized by age and type.  But be careful, it’s easy to get carried away!

GIVEAWAY!
One very lucky person will win the Cottage Playhouse from HearthSong!
(US Only - Ends 12/3)

Mandatory Entry:  Visit HearthSong and tell me another toy that you think would make a great holiday gift.

EXTRA ENTRIES: Must leave a separate comment for each extra entry. 

+2 Extra Entries EACH if you follow this blog publicly via Google Friend Connect, become a feed subscriber, or an email subscriber
+1 Extra Entry if you ‘Like’ Girl Gone Mom on Facebook and leave a comment on my wall that you entered.
+1 Extra Entry if you ‘Like’ HearthSong Toys on Facebook, leave your FB name.
+1 Extra Entry if you follow Hearthsong Toys on twitter.
+1 Entry daily follow Girl Gone Mom on twitter and tweet this message:

#GGMHolidayGuide WIN the Cottage Playhouse from Hearthsong Toys ARV $80.00 @GirlGoneMom - http://bit.ly/cq6W9e

+2 Extra Entries if you add my main blog button to your blog’s main page.  Please leave link.
+2 Extra Entries if you post my Holiday Gift Guide (snow globe) button to your blog’s main page.  Leave link.
+2 Extra Entries if you add my blog url to your text blog roll. Leave link.
+5 Extra Entries if you blog about this giveaway with a link to this post.

Contest is open to US residents and closes at Midnight EST on December 3rd, 2010. One main entry per household.  No compensation was received for this post.  The sponsor sent me the product free of charge to facilitate my honest review, and has generously offered the same prize to a lucky reader.

Wednesday, October 27, 2010

Goldberger Toy Co. Dolls Giveaway (2 Winners!)

goldbergerlogo

No matter what play place or whose home we are visiting, Emma gravitates toward the dolls.  Dolls are hands down her favorite of all of the toys scattered throughout our house.  Lately she’s been feeding her babies, pushing them around in the stroller and kissing them on the head.  She’s a good mommy to her pretend babies, and since she’s such a fan I’ve been on the lookout for the best baby dolls I can find.  How could I turn down an opportunity to have my baby doll try out two Goldberger Toy Co. dolls?

Goldberger Toy Co. dolls have been around for just about 100 years.  They are made specifically for children up to three years old, have been tested thoroughly for safety, and come with a lifetime guarantee.  With that said, you’d think they might cost a pretty penny, but they don’t.  Each of the dolls we were sent are under $20.00, an amazing price for such high quality dolls.

mommybabyThe first doll I opened for Emma is the Mommy’s Baby – Playful Baby.  This interactive doll will talk, sing, coo and more when her hand is pressed.  The head is a hard vinyl material while the body is soft, which is perfect for cuddling.  The one we were sent comes with just a baby bottle, but it looks like the one you can purchase online now has a few more accessories including a place setting.  Her eyes open when she’s sitting up and close when you lay her down.  Emma likes to feed and nurture her baby – it’s the cutest thing to watch her pretend to be me!

The Mommy’s Baby is about $16.99 – a fantastic price for all of her features.

airbabyThe Unbelievably Soft Baby is just that, or not.  You can actually adjust the firmness of this one.  She is also scented to smell like a real baby and is just perfect for a child of any age.  This dolls is only $12.99!

dollmontOf the two dolls, Mommy’s Baby was Emma’s favorite.  Can you tell?

Goldberger Toy Co. dolls are available at major retailers such as Wal-Mart, Target and Toys R Us!

GIVEAWAY!
Enter to win one of the above Goldberger Toy Co. Dolls!
There will be two winners – one person will win the Unbelievably Soft Doll and the other will win the Mommy’s Baby Doll.
(US Only - Ends 11/10)

Mandatory Entry:  Visit Goldberger Toy Co. and tell me the name of another toy you love.

EXTRA ENTRIES: Must leave a separate comment for each extra entry. 

+1 Extra Entry if you follow this blog publicly via Google Friend Connect
+1 Extra Entry if you follow Goldberger Toy Co. on twitter, leave your ID.
+1 Entry daily follow Girl Gone Mom on twitter and tweet this message:

#Win a great doll for toddlers by Goldberger Toy Co. (Two Winners!) @GirlGoneMom - http://bit.ly/cCVPVL

+1 Extra Entry if you ‘Like’ Girl Gone Mom on Facebook and leave a comment on my wall that you entered.
+1 Extra Entry if you like Goldberger Toy Co. on Facebook, leave your FB name.
+1 Extra Entry if after liking them you leave this comment on their wall: I entered to win one of two Goldberger Toy dolls at Girl Gone Mom - http://bit.ly/cCVPVL
+2 Extra Entries if you become a feed subscriber and tell me which reader you use.
+2 Extra Entries if you are an email subscriber.  Leave email address.
+2 Extra Entries add my new (green) button to your blog sidebar.  Leave the link.
+2 Extra Entries if you add my blog url to your text blog roll. Leave link.
+1 Extra Entry if you subscribe to my youtube page.
+1 Extra Entry if you subscribe to the Goldberger Toys youtube page.
+1 Extra Entry for every other current giveaway you enter.
+1 Extra Entry if you leave a comment on a recent non-giveaway post.
+5 Extra Entries if you blog about this giveaway with a link to this post.

Contest is open to US residents and closes at Midnight EST on 11/10/2010.  One main entry per person.  The sponsor provided the products for this review/giveaway, but no other compensation was received.  All opinions expressed are my own.

Friday, October 22, 2010

Mr. Potato Head Trick or Tater (Review & Giveaway) 5 Winners!

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I love when the classic toys I loved as a child are reinvented like this.  Mr. Potato Head is a lot of fun and teaches kids about the characteristics of a face and body and allows them the creativity and silliness of putting things back where they don’t belong. 

If you need a great Halloween gift idea for the little ones, you should consider the Mr. Potato Head Trick or Tater.  He features glow-in-the-dark eyes, a pumpkin trick-or-treating basket, a set of fangs and bat ears.  He even comes with his costume; this year Mr. Potato head is dressing up as a ghost!

tator

Why give your toddler all that sugar when you can “treat” them to a fun toy like this?  Plus, it’s only about $7.99!  We’ll probably let Emma enjoy a few candy treats this year, but she’ll have this fun toy to play with long after the holiday and even when all of the candy is gone.

GIVEAWAY!
FIVE lucky readers will win the Mr. Potato Head Trick or Tater!
(US Only – Ends 11/5)

Mandatory Entry: Visit Hasbro Toys and tell me another favorite – please include the url. 

EXTRA ENTRIES: Must leave a separate comment for each extra entry. 
+1 Extra Entry if you follow this blog publicly via Google Friend Connect
+1 Extra Entry if you follow Playskool on twitter.
+1 Entry daily follow Girl Gone Mom on twitter and tweet this message:

The Mr. Potato Head Trick or Tater is the Halloween toy for Toddlers – #Win one @GirlGoneMom ---> http://bit.ly/cd08mX

+1 Extra Entry ‘Like’ Girl Gone Mom on Facebook and leave a comment on my wall that you entered.
+1 Extra Entry if you like Mr. Potato Head on Facebook, leave your FB name.
+2 Extra Entries if you become a feed subscriber and tell me which reader you use.
+2 Extra Entries if you are an email subscriber.  Leave email address.
+2 Extra Entries add my new (green) button to your blog sidebar.  Leave the link.
+2 Extra Entries if you add my blog url to your text blog roll. Leave link.
+1 Extra Entry for every other current giveaway you enter.
+1 Extra Entry if you leave a comment on a recent non-giveaway post.
+5 Extra Entries if you blog about this giveaway with a link to this post.

Contest is open to US residents and closes at Midnight EST on 11/5/2010.  One main entry per person.  No compensation was received for this post.  The sponsor sent me the product sample and is offering a prize for one lucky reader.

Sunday, September 12, 2010

The bug you will want your kids to play with : A Hexbug Nano (Review)

hexbugI’m not a fan of bugs, but this little robotic bug is pretty darn cool.  The Hexbug Nano acts like a real bug, only it doesn’t bite.  It came inside a little test tube, and I have to admit that my first reaction was: “This is it?!”

It really is a nifty little thing though.  They only cost $7.99 a piece, and when you buy one it comes with a code so that kids can play games online. 

Check out Emma’s reaction when I turn it on…she loves it!

No compensation was received for this post.  I received a sample product to facilitate my candid review of the new product.  The opinions above are all mine and only mine.

Wednesday, September 8, 2010

Zoobie Pets (Review & Giveaway)

Zoobies Banner Logo

Contest Closed. Congrats to the winner, #458--tinagirl

I’m not sure exactly when this happened, but my girl has become a little snuggler.  She loves a good pillow and a blankie no matter what time of day, whether she’s feeling sleepy or fully awake.  Just when I think I can join in on the relaxing, she’s up and off again to find the next toy to play with.  Her new Zoobie Pet is so multi-talented, it provides all of these things for her.  It’s a plush toy, a comfy pillow and a soft blanket all in one package. The ultimate companion for a child.

Patch the Pinto-PlushChoosing between the many adorable Zoobie Pets was no easy task…they’re all so cute.  Since we did actually have to choose one, I eventually decided on Patch the Pinto.  He’s part of the new Zoobie Pets Farm collection. When I first showed Emma her new “horsie”, she sat right down on his back ready for a ride!

zoobiesThen I showed her the many facets of Pinto.  He transformed from a cuddly stuffed pet, to a pillow to lay her head on, and finally a big soft blankey right in front of her eyes.  How does it do all that?  Well, essentially the ‘pillow’ is a really a blanket stuffed into the shell of Patch the Pinto.  When his belly is velcroed together using the sewn-in straps, he becomes a cute cuddly animal. 

The blanket, when removed from the pillow is a generous size at 53x34 inches.   You can see the disappointment in Emma’s face as she wondered where her plush animal had gone.   The blanket is luxuriously soft, and while Pinto is indeed deflated when you use him as a blanket, his shell is still attached and great for cuddling while you warm up.  As we step into fall, Pinto will be joining us when we’re strolling outdoors and taking part in the many fun activities in store for us.

In addition to the regular sized Zoobies there are also Baby Zoobies and Jumbo Zoobies available, and between all three sizes the prices run anywhere from $25.00-$90.00.  It’s the perect travel companion.

croc3GIVEAWAY!  One lucky person will win the Zoobie Pet of their choosing! ARV $34.00

Mandatory Entry:  Visit with Zoobie Pets and tell me which one you have to have.

EXTRA ENTRIES: Must leave a separate comment for each entry.
+1 Entry if you ‘Like’ Zoobie Pets on facebook, leave your fb name.
+1 Entry if after you like them, leave this comment on their wall: I just entered to win an adorable Zoobie Pet @girlgonemom! Enter here: http://bit.ly/9Osfo7
+1 Entry ‘Like’ Girl Gone Mom on Facebook and leave a comment on my wall.
+1 Entry if you follow Zoobie Pets on twitter and leave your handle.
+1 Entry daily follow Girl Gone Mom on twitter and tweet this message.  Must leave the url to tweet in your comment.

Enter to win your favorite @ZoobiePets – A cuddly animal, pillow, and blanket all in one! @GirlGonemom - http://bit.ly/9Osfo7

+1 Entry if you are a public follower of this blog.
+2 Entries if you become a feed subscriber and tell me which reader you use.
+2 Entries if you are an email subscriber.  Leave email address.
+3 Entries add my new (green) button to your blog sidebar.  Leave the link.
+1 Entry if you add my Fall for Fashion button to your blog sidebar.  Leave link.
+1 Entry for every other current giveaway you enter.
+1 Entry if you leave a meaningful comment on a non-giveaway post.
+5 Entries if you blog about this giveaway.

No compensation was received for this post. The sponsor provided a product sample in order to facilitate my review and has generously offered one for a lucky reader. Contest is open to US residents age 18 and older and closes at Midnight EST on September 24th. 
The winner will be selected using Random.org. See giveaway rules before entering. GOOD LUCK!

Tuesday, September 7, 2010

American Plastic Toys Enchanted Beauty Salon from CSN Stores (Review)

CSN_Stores_LogoAt this point in her toddlerhood, Emma is starting to do a lot of mimicking.   She likes to copy the things we say and do - the good and the bad!   When I’m cooking on the stove she runs on over to her play kitchen to do some pretend cooking, and when daddy is vacuuming the floor she likes to assist using her own cleaning supplies and elbow grease.  I like to fuel the fire in her imagination by getting toys for her that aid in her pretend playing.

iN 004That coupled with the fact that she seems to be outgrowing many of her toys directed me toward the pretend play area of the CSN stores website.  There were so many toys to choose from there, but eventually I decided to apply my gift code toward the purchase of the American Plastic Toys Enchanted Beauty Salon with Sounds.  It arrived rather quickly, and though it involved a fairly extensive assembly, my husband was able to put this together one evening after Emma went to bed.

The morning after, she woke up and ran over to sit on the seat and look in the mirror.  I was kind of jealous – I don’t even have a vanity, and hers has cool sounds too!  It is very light and I am going to have to weigh it down with something because it does topple over on her when she leans on it in the slightest way.  This is the one con about this product, but since the $60.00 price tag is on the low side for a larger toy set (believe it or not), I didn’t expect it to be perfect.

The beauty salon sounds are really neat. When you remove some of the items from the blue base, you get to hear them.  Like the hairdryer, for instance.  It sounds like a real hairdryer in use.  The set came with lots of accessories like barrettes, combs, headbands, curling iron, cell phone and so forth.  I did remove the lipstick and some of the smaller accessories that I felt may be a choking hazard.  This toy was designed for children age 3 and up.  Overall, we’re satisfied with our purchase of this mini beauty salon.

No compensation was received for this post.  I was given a gift certificate which I put toward the purchase of the American Plastic Toys Beauty Salon in order to provide my honest opinion.

Sunday, July 18, 2010

Super Water Slide by Hearthsong (Review & Giveaway)

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Contest Closed
With the extreme heat wave we’ve been experiencing (will we ever get relief?), we’re constantly on the lookout for ways to keep cool while having fun at the same time.  I’ve been taking Emma to indoor places as we make our way through the summer.  Museums, bookstores, and supermarkets are among the few options we have during the week.  It seems like such a shame to be spending our summer confined to indoor spaces, though.  So if there’s one essential item this summer, it’s the Super Water Slide from Hearthsong.

hearthsong With the Dual Action Foot Pump, this pool was inflated in no time.  I’d say 10 minutes, tops.  After that was done, Emma helped to fill the pool.  She’s such a good little helper.   After the pool was filled, we attached the hose.  This treats kids to streams of fresh water to keep the slide slick, but Emma was happy just to play with the cool mist.
hsslide This is nothing like the water slide I grew up using on my parents’ lawn.  As you can see in the above images, the slide itself is inflated to provide padding and protection.  What were our parents thinking letting us slide down a hill on a thin sheet of plastic?  The water slide has come a long way since those days.  And speaking of long, the slide area itself is 12 whole feet in length!042

At the end of the slide is a large pool offering a water-park quality splash at the end of a fun, slipper ride.  Emma’s a bit young to slide, but she still had a blast playing with the water streams and splashing in the cool pool.   This toy made for kids ages 4-15 and can accommodate the little ones too as you can see.  I was very tempted to take a turn myself.  :)

The Super Water Slide is an excellent way to cool down this summer.  And let’s face it—when there’s water involved, the kids are game no matter what the temperature.  Am I right?

 

GIVEAWAY!
Due to the generosity of Hearthsong, one VERY lucky reader will win the Super Water Slide and Dual Action Foot Pump!

Here are the links needed for some of the EXTRA ENTRIES (You may want to complete before filling out form).
-Like Hearthsong on Facebook
-Like Girl Gone Mom on Facebook
-Follow Hearthsong on Twitter
-Follow Girl Gone Mom twitter
-If you follow me and Hearthsong on twitter, you’ll receive one extra entry per day for tweeting:

#Win the Super Water Slide from @hearthsongtoys #Summeressentials @girlgonemom ~ ARV $82! http://bit.ly/d55Imr

 

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 August 10th. The winner will be selected using Random.org. See giveaway rules before entering. GOOD LUCK!

Tuesday, July 13, 2010

Hayneedle.com ~ Radio Flyer Ultimate Family Wagon ARV $160 (Review & Giveaway)

hayneedleContest Closed
Toddlers can become fussy about riding around strapped into a stroller when they reach a certain age.  Sometimes Emma will go right in without any complaints, but I’ve been getting more of the opposite reaction lately.  I’ve been in the market for a wagon that she can ride around in, one that also provides shade.  When I saw that hayneedle.com carried the Radio Flyer Ultimate Family Wagon in their ridingtoys.com store, I was ecstatic.020

I mean, Radio Flyer toys are an American classic.  This is one of those brands that comes to mind when I think of long-lasting quality toys.  They’ve been around for over 90 years, and the brand has thrived the entire time, even through the Great Depression.  Personally, I’ve developed a fondness for their antique and vintage toys, but when I think of what I want my daughter to actually play with, it’s their new items.  The new products have innovations that are sure to exceed expectations.

The Radio Flyer Ultimate Family Wagon has a UV-protected canopy, which is just what I wanted.  The canopy is easily removable if you do not need it.  For help with storage, this wagon was smartly designed to allow the handle to fold over the top of the wagon.  And with cup holders galore, seats, tables, and roomy storage, this wagon does not disappoint. 

One quality that definitely stands out is the many options that you have.  The five-way bed can accommodate each of the following needs:
  1. Two children in seats with parent access storage
  2. One child in seat + covered storage area
  3. One child in seat + extra large storage area
  4. One child in seat + tray table for eating or drawing + storage area
  5. Seats fold flat for flatbed wagon

Emma had a wonderful time today being chauffeured up and down the driveway.  I loved that it was easily maneuverable-the wheels turn on a dime.  This truly is a wagon for the family, with two cupholders for adults, and two more for the kids. I love all of the extra storage.  It makes trips to the park, zoo, or mall easy as pie.  I know that we’ll be using this for Trick-or-Treating this year!

022The wagon is designed for children age 18 months and over, and does include safety belts.  Another safety measure is the design of the front axles, which are designed for non-tip turning. 

I’m amazed at how many amazing products are available at hayneedle.com, including the Radio Flyer Ultimate Family Wagon for $159.99 plus only $5.00 for US Shipping.  The item arrived quickly and was well-packaged.  Unfortunately, my husband was in a big rush to put it together and did not read the directions.  He ended up putting the wheels on wrong, which resulted in him damaging some areas of the wagon during the removal and reassembly.  Learn from his mistake: Read the instructions first!

 

GIVEAWAY!!!
One Radio Flyer Ultimate Family Wagon is up for grabs! 
-Or-
Choose a $100.00 gift certificate to hayneedle.com!

Here are the links needed for some of the EXTRA ENTRIES (You may want to complete before filling out form).
-Like Hayneedle on facebook
-Like my new facebook page for Girl Gone Mom
-Follow Hayneedle on twitter.
-Follow me on twitter.
-The tweet to use for this giveaway:

#Win a the Radio Flyer Ultimate Family Wagon http://bit.ly/dcWpFt from @hayneedle @girlgonemom #summeressentials ARV $160

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 August 10th. The winner will be selected using Random.org. See giveaway rules before entering. GOOD LUCK!

Thursday, July 8, 2010

Play-doh Poppin’ Movie Snacks (Review & Giveaway)

hasbrologo One vivid memory of my childhood has to do with Play-doh, particularly the smell.  I still love that doughy sent.  Movies are a popular Summer pastime, but not all toddlers can sit through a film in the theatre.  I haven’t event attempted a trip with Emma to the box office, but we do frequently watch movies from the comfort of our home.

hadbropoppin Know a great way to keep the kids entertained during an at-home movie?  The Play-doh Fun Food Poppin Movie Snacksset from Hasbro.  Kids three and older can have fun making make-believe movie snacks, and the entire kit costs less than a large popcorn!

006The set includes all of the tools they’ll need to pop pretend popcorn, make pretend candy, scoop yummy-looking ice cream and even make fake fries! The set includes five cans of PLAY-DOH compound and accessories.  Play-doh contains wheat, and is non-toxic.

My daughter is a bit young for this set, but she still had a blast playing without the actual Play-doh!  It' is a really cute toy and very reasonably priced – only about $10.00!

 

GIVEAWAY!  One reader will receive a Play-doh Poppin’ Movie Snacks set!

Here are the links needed for some of the EXTRA ENTRIES (You may want to complete before filling out form).
-Visit Hasbro and tell me about a product not discussed in this post that you’d like to try.
-Like my new facebook page for Girl Gone Mom, and follow me on twitter.
-The tweet to use for this giveaway: #Win the PLAY-DOH Poppin’ Movie Snacks set! http://bit.ly/ckjrlv @girlgonemom #summeressentials

 

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 2nd. The winner will be selected using Random.org. See giveaway rules before entering. GOOD LUCK!

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