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Indoor Activities For Your Kids from Razor

27 Mar

Let’s face it…it’s a crazy time in the world and people lives are being turned upside down, but we will get through this. One of the main issues we see, is parents trying to keep their kids busy during all of these school closings.

Razor has some great suggestions for keeping kids busy and entertained, as well as getting kids up and active and outside…and with Spring just around the corner the weather is great for getting some fresh air and having some fun!

Indoor Activity Ideas to Keep Kids Busy from Razor

The Spring weather is here and you may have the option of getting kids outside for some fresh air and play time during these school shut downs…and bikes, skateboards, scooters and electric rides are the perfect solution for kids with some energy to burn….but what about when they are inside?

Razor has got some great energy-burning activity ideas perfect for indoor play!

Get kids of all ages to unplug, get up, and MOVE, even inside, with ideas like:

  • Simon Says – This classic game gets an indoor twist with commands like “Simon says hop to your pillow and back,” “Simon Says run up the stairs and back,” and “Simon Says bring me a spoon”
  • Dance Party – Nothing gets kids going like a dance party! Pick a favorite playlist and crank up the jams! Learn a new move on YouTube or try a round of freeze dance, pausing your music and holding statue-still til it starts up again (Alexa is a great freeze dance partner!)
  • Tape Shapes – Clear some space on a non-carpeted floor and use painter’s tape to make large triangles, rectangles, squares, and circles on the floor. Assign each child a starting space, then call moves like “crab walk to the circle,” “crawl to the square,” or “jump backwards to the rectangle.”
  • Balloon Ball – Blow up some balloons, toss a sheet over two chairs to make a “net”, and serve up a round of indoor balloon volleyball – just don’t let that balloon touch the floor!
  • Laundry Basketball – If your kids are bonkers for basketball, empty out a laundry basket and take turns tossing a Nerf ball into the basket, backing up two steps each time you score. See who can shoot from the farthest distance!
  • Soda Bottle Bowling – Dig some empty soda or water bottles out of the recycling and set up an indoor bowling alley in your hallway. Roll a soft ball toward your targets and see who can knock down the most “pins” and reset them the fastest.
  • Long Jump – Using painter’s tape, lay six 2-foot strips, each about a foot apart. Assign a starting spot and see who can jump the farthest!
  • Potato Pass – Kids waddle their way toward a bucket or bowl – with a potato between their knees – and see who can drop it in first in this half-baked indoor game! Make it tricky by placing the bucket in another room, forcing turns or steps along the way.
  • Be My Mirror – Pair up your kids and assign a starter to make a series of moves while their partner tries to mirror what they’re doing. Get through the series and switch roles – miss one and begin again!
  • Hula Hoop Marathon – Grab a hoop and set the timer to see who can last the longest. Expert “hoopers” can try swiveling their hula hoops on their necks, arms, and ankles.

Just because they are playing inside doesn’t mean they have to be couch potatoes. Get creative and your kids will follow suit. And these can all be played outside as well!

Holiday Of Play Top Picks For Tweens and Teens #weknowplay

10 Oct

Toy Insider Holiday Of Play had me very excited to see what toys for my tweens and teens will make it in our house this year. I don’t have little ones anymore so it’s all about Tech, Stem, Games, Drones, and my daughter still loves her dolls and dollhouses, Shopkins and all girly things in between. I love playing al types of games with my kids from video games, board games, puzzles and outdoor activities. I also play girly toys with my daughter as well. This time around I’m focusing on ages 9 and up. 


One outdoor activity game we love are Nerf Toys. We can’t wait to try out the Nerf Rebelle Flipside Bow. This bow has two five-dart drums that flip around to blast 10 darts. Kids can pull the string back and release it to send each dart flying up to 80 feet.


Another outdoor game we will take with us as we are huge Nintendo and Mario fans is the Nintendo MarioKart 8 QuadCopter Drone. Kids can fly Mario’s R/C quadrocopter with anti-gravity mode. Features a six-axle gyro system for flight stability, a protective cage for the rotors, and 2.4 GHz technology for up to seven minutes of flight. It has beginner and advanced modes, and a rechargeable battery.


My kids will also love the Nerf Mastodon Blaster. The first-ever motorized Nerf blaster is ready for battle with rapid-fire speed and a 24-dart drum. Its massive size and shoulder strap make for epic battles and easy maneuverability.


Nintendo Entertainment System: NES Classic Edition just made me wanna battle my kids and show them how I used to do it. This new nostalgia-fueled gaming system is a near identical, mini replica of Nintendo’s original home console and syncs directly to a TV. It comes with 30 NES games built-in, including Super Mario Brothers and Pac-Man.


Yes my kids still play Minecraft games so this Lego Minecraft Jungle Tree House will be fun to build and keep them busy for a while. Kids can build an awesome tree house using more than 700 pieces, then defend it from intruders. The set includes a trap door to lure in Creeper, plus a tamed Ocelot and Alex figure.


Why spend money in the salon when I could give my daughter a pedicure at home with the Shimmer ‘N Sparkle Real Super Spa Salon. This spa provides the ultimate pedicure experience when kids add water and scented spa fizz. It features a cascading waterfall, sparkling lights, and bubbling water, leaving kids feeling pampered and relaxed.


I was also amazed with the Bose Build Speaker Cube- A Build-it-yourself Bluetooth Speaker for Kids. My kids enjoy taking things apart and putting things together. 


I also want Snuggles My Dream Puppy from Moose Toys. This puppy looks so real and we just want to snuggle with him. Best thing about it I don’t have to clean up behind it or walk it. My kids want a puppy. Here it is. 


These are just some of the games and toys that were featured at the Hokiday Of Play event. To learn more about all the toys please click here: http://www.thetoyinsider.com/2016-holiday-gift-guide/


Disclosure: I was invited to attend Holiday Of Play. Thank you for the invite from The Toy Insider and the fun time. Opinions are mine 100%. 

American Girl Doll Launches Wellie Wishers At Momtrends Event

30 Jun

My daughter recently turned 9 years old and I’ve never taken her to the American Girl Store. I’ve never been there myself. We’ve passed by it plenty of times but I’ve never had the time till recently. The only problem is that she still hasn’t been there. I attended an event given by Momtrends for the launch of the new dolls Wellie Wishers. 


Wellie Wishers are a group of sweet and silly girls who each have the same bug bright wish to be a good friend. They are rocking cute colorful garden boots and are cared for by their wonderful Aunt Miranda. 

They are finding out that “good deeds” such as cooperating, sharing, taking turns, respecting feelings and making it right aren’t always the easiest things to do but they are just the right things to do to make beautiful friendships bloom. 


Walking into the American Girl Store was wonderful as I followed the footsteps up to the third floor where a tea party awaited. It was beautifully decorated and I met author Valerie Tripp who has written over 40 books for American Girl. She spoke about the Wellie Wishers and other books and also gave everyone signed copies of a Wellie Wishers book. We also got to choose a Wellie Wishers doll. I chose Ashlyn for my daughter. That was her first choice and it kind of rhymes with her name Taylinn. The description of Ashlyn is: She’s the generous soul of the social circle. Her fancy-free party themes are just the right thing to turn a friend’s frown upside down. I picked the right one. 


If Ashlyn wasn’t your choice there was Emerson, Willa, Kendall and Camille. They’re all adorable. 
The dolls are 14.5″.They retail for $60. You can also purchase matching outfits for your daughter and her doll, wellies, socks, doll houses, etc. I purchased socks and a ladybug hairbrush for my daughter. The boots (wellies) don’t come in her size. If you order online there’s free shipping through 7/31. http://www.americangirl.com/shop/dolls/


Now you know I have to take my daughter to Ametican Girl Store because I’ve been and I want her to experience it with her doll and have a tea party as well. She was very happy with her doll and accessories. 


To explore the world of the Wellie Wishers through books, online games and more check out http://www.anericangirl.com/play/welliewishers

Disclosure: This is not a sponsored post. Opinions are mine 100% as always. I was given a doll and book for my daughter. Thank you Momtrends and American Girl for everything. 

Leapfrog’s New 2016 Product Lineup

14 Jun

LeapFrog hosted their annual product showcase in New York on Tuesday, June 7th and I was invited to an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at their new 2016 product lineup.

LeapFrog announced LeapStart, a new interactive workbook that helps to prepare kids for the classroom and life beyond, as well as the full 2016 toy lineup for Back to School and Holiday. 
This year’s products focus teaching 21st Century Learning Skills, which intertwines school curriculum with new ways of thinking, problem solving and collaborating, to prepare children for a quickly-evolving, globally-connected world.

 The 2016 product lineup includes:

LeapStart: A new interactive system and library of activity books that bring learning to life to teach key school and life skills. There are two platforms, one for Preschool & Pre-Kindergarten and one for Kindergarten & 1st Grade and each is compatible with the LeapStart activity books that help build key skills and challenge kids to get ready for their next step in learning. Priced at $39.99 for the LeapStart system and $12.99 for 16 additional LeapStart Activity Books.


Melody the Musical Turtle: Ten musical activities prompt toddlers aged 2 years and up to find numbers and colors, repeat sequences from memory and create tunes by pressing light-up buttons on Melody’s shell. Priced at $19.99.


Count Along Register: Budding entrepreneurs can run a store and expand their imagination through pretend play and exercise social play skills that help them build a foundation for core and life skills. The talking, interactive cash register features an adorable character that talks, sings and lights up, offering much more than typical calculator-like cash registers. Priced at $19.99


Learn & Groove Musical Mat: An interactive floor mat that develops cognitive and physical development. Kids get to move, dance, and play music while they learn foundational mathematics skills, as well as 21st century skills, such as creativity as they compose their own tunes, and collaboration as they play with friends. Priced at $29.99.

Which product catches your eye? Check out http://www.leapfrog.com for more information and @leapfrog on Twitter. 

Disclosure: I was invited to the showcase. Opinions are mine 100% as always. This post is not compensated. 
 

Nintendo’s Disney Art Academy Game 

1 Jun

I attended a Disney Art Academy event at the Nintendo store at Rockefeller Plaza. I was among the first to play the game that was co-hosted by Sabrina Carpenter, Hollywood Records recording artist and star of the Disney Channel’s Girl Meets World. For the first time in the Art Academy series, Disney Art Academy teaches players to draw some of the most classic and recognizable Disney and Pixar characters using a variety of drawing tools like pastels, paintbrushes and markets. A new edition is the Magic Brush where you can add glitter, stars and clouds to your masterpiece. There are more than 80 characters.

 


I loved art class growing up and my kids also love drawing so I knew this was going to be a fun event. We were given a Nintendo 3DS and started with a tutorial step by step learning how to draw Olaf from Frozen and I even tried to draw Mickey Mouse. I love how easy it was and you don’t have to be a professional you just take your time and follow directions. 

Sabrina Carpenter showed us her skills and I felt like a true artist. We even had berets to wear and cute mini paint brushes and easels at our tables. There was also a Disney stuffed animal at each table as well. 

If you make a mistake that’s not a problem because you can erase and start over. At the end you can save your art work to your SD card. It’s also Rated E for Everyone. Suggested retail price is $29.99. I enjoyed this game very much and I knew my kids would also enjoy. Nintendo was kind enough to send a 3DS XL for my kids. Of course they argued about who gets it. I gave it to my 13 yr old since he’s always been a fan of Nintendo. 

Have no fear I said to my daughter since the announcement that the Nimtendo 2DS system price dropped to $79.99 on May 20. It also comes pre-installed with Mario Kart 7. Click on this link for more info: http://www.nintendo.com/2ds


My son just purchased this game for his 3DS and he loves it just as much as Disney Art Academy. My kids enjoyed drawing Disney and Pixar characters on the 3DS. I also tried to draw a few more characters like Simba from The Lion King and Elsa from Frozen. My son takes his 3DS with him when we travel and plays it everyday at home. 


Check out @NintendoAmerica on Twitter. 


Disclosure: I was invited to this event from Nintendo and given a Nintendo 3DS XL for my kids honest review. Opinions are mine 100% as always. Thank you Nintendo. This post is not compensated. 
 

TTPM Spring Showcase Fun Filled Day With My Kids And Lots Of Toys

11 May

TTPM Spring Showcase took place last month at the Metropolitan Pavillion and not only was I excited to attend so we’re my kids. It was bring your kids to work day and what better way to spend the day with your cool mom in a place full of toys. TTPM always has the greatest brands come together and show the coolest toys that will soon be in the hands of all kids and parents because I’m definitely a big kid.

After breakfast the press conference kicked off the day with the Most Wanted toys. My kids were saying oohs and ahhs to all the toys that came on stage and even the dogs took part too modeling costumes. My daughter jumped out of her seat to see Shopkins Season 5 from Moose Toys and Wet Head the fun new game from Zing Toys. My son loved all the Nerf products like the Super Soaker Breach Blast blaster which was named a top Outdoor Toy on TTPM’s Most Wanted list for 2016, Hot Wheels and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. They also had fun on the Vuly trampoline from Spinmaster.  Spinmaster also brought along their talking Secret Life of Pets characters. 

 Pet toys were also big this year and the puppies and doggies were there to prove it. The WWE pet collection was so adorable. I loved all the fun things for pets and it just makes me want a puppy even more. (Shh don’t tell my kids, they’ve been wanting one for years).Vetch toys have everything for your infant, baby and preschooler. Hasbro’s Marvel Captain America Blaster Reveal Shield & Scope Vision Helmet recognized on TTPM Most Wanted Movie Toy list. My daughter was happy to receive a shield. 
 Play Doh is a must in our house and so glad to hear it was named one of TTPM’s Hot Brands for 2016. My daughter goes to town creating so many amazing things with her play doh. 


My daughter took a pic with her favorite You Tube Vloggers/Toy Reviewers (Disney Car Toys).My kids and every other kid ran through the curtains to get to test out al the toys. I though the parents were usually the beasts but the kids out did us. Lol. My daughter was excited to try out Wet Head and be the first to get wet. Next up Shopkins because she had to get samples of the new Season 5. She has seasons 1-4 now she’s on a mission to collect Season 5. They loved Razor WorldWide brand new Jetts. Just strap on and go. Also they couldn’t get enough of the scooters. 


My son loved the Nerf Sports Station where he was at more than once throughout the day. Finding Dory has the most cutest toys some that teach you how to talk whale, bath squirters and plush toys from Bandai America. We can’t  wait for the movie.

Just Play Toys had Sofia the First and Lion King toys ready for the kids. Leap Frog has the best educational games and toys for the kids. My daughter took home a Leap Pad Platinum tablet. She just loves it and takes it everywhere. I love it too!We received an ant farm from Uncle Milton toys and the  ants can be sent to you in the mail. Also light up signs featuring Finding Dory. My daughter collects lots of Legos and she loves Lego Friends. My kids also liked seeing  Minecraft Legos because they are huge Minecraft fans. 



Alex Toys gave kids a water blaster and there were also shrinky dinks and other girl accessories. Nickelodeon TV has the best beach set up station in the room showcasing everything Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and more from toys to beach wear, towels, sandals, etc. I felt like I was at the beach and wanted to take home the lifeguard chair. Lunch was great and that’s when I took a rest. There were four bags stuffed with toys thanks to my kids who worked the room like future mini bloggers in the making. They had fun with their friends too. 

They were so many toys and we are ready to review as much as we can. This summer we can’t wait to get outdoors and take the toys with is. Keep a lookout for our reviews.

Just want to thank TTPM again for a fun filled day with all the brands and making take your kid to work day a fun experience. See you soon! 


Disclosure: My kids and I were invited to attend TTPM and opinions are ours 100%. We were given swag. 

Build-A-Bear Workshop Welcomes Care Bears 

22 Jan

Care Bears made their debut to Build-A-Bear Workshops® nationwide for a year-long promotion highlighting the loveable, caring and sharing bunch. You can also order online at http://www.buildabear.com  

 I was invited to see how it all went down at the Empire State Building location. I’ve never experienced the Build-A-Bear Workshop before but was glad to finally get a chance to now that Care Bears joined them.   

  Care Bears have always been one of my favorite stuffed animals. My kids are also fans. I was able to pick out two bears, outfits and accessories, then see how the bears were stuffed, given their beating hearts, a cotton candy and bubble gum scent, theme music and birth certificates. I also received backpacks and the cardboard house that it travels in. Hmm, was I giving these to my daughter or keeping one for myself? Well you should know the answer. She got both. She was very surprised and thankful.   

    
   
  
 
Tenderheart Bear and Cheer Bear are ready for you take home to your little ones for Valentine’s Day, Birthdays or any occasion. Create your personalized bear today. I chose Cheer Bear. Which bear will you choose?  

   
Cheer Bear is a very happy Care Bear who helps others see the bright side of life. She will sometimes even do a cheer to help make someone happier! Wherever she goes, Cheer Bear wears a belly badge of hope and happiness- a colorful rainbow. Cheer Bear has soft pink fur. 

Now open at Build-A-Bear Workshop Empire State 350 5th Avenue, on 34th street, New York NY.

Check out @carebearsfriend and @buildabear on Twitter 

Disclosure: I was not compensated for this post. Opinions are mine 100% as always. 

                                         

What’s Inside My Holiday Gift Guide? 

4 Dec

What are you looking for in a holiday gift guide? Who are you shopping for? Does price matter? Do you shop online or in stores? Favorite stores, websites, charities. 

I’m listing my favorite fashion, beauty, houseware appliances, tech, toys and food items. Take a look and see what catches your eye. Some even make great stocking stuffers. Giving you a few ideas. Enjoy! 

HOUSEWARE APPLIANCES 

1. Ninja Coffee Bar with glass or thermal carafe makes classic, rich, over ice & specialty coffees. http://www.ninjakitchen.com

  
2. Nutri Ninja Auto-IQ Compact System Blender. Auto-iQ Smooth Boost technology takes drink customization to the next level. A unique combination of powerful Ninja blades, high-torque motor, and high speeds allows you achieve an even greater level of smoothness than Ninja has ever delivered before—all at the touch of a button. http://www.ninjakitchen.com

   
 

3. Power Pressure Cooker XL. Available in 6, 8 and 10 quart models. Save time, energy and money. Prepares succulent meals with one touch of a button up to 70% faster than conventional cooking. http://www.powerpressurecooker/TurkeyDude

  
4. KitchenAid Mixer. Artisan Series 5-Quart Tilt-Head Stand Mixer. Choose over 20 colors, 10 speeds and the power hub fits optional attachments from food grinders to pasta makers. http://www.kitchenaid.com

  
5. KitchenAid Spiralizer Attachment. Reinvent classic meals and inspire your culinary creativity with the versatile KitchenAid Spiralizer with Peel, Core and Slice Stand Mixer Attachment. Make fresh fruit and vegetable recipe options, from zucchini noodles to sweet and savory dishes.

   
 
TECHNOLOGY

1. HP Envy 5540. The HP Envy All-in-One printer is a great compact solution for your home and office printing, scanning and copying needs. Now, when you buy the HP Envy 5540 e-All-in-One printer, it comes with 3 months free of HP Instant Ink! With HP Instant Ink you select your subscription plan and HP takes care of the rest so that you never run out of ink and printing costs a lot less! Ink, shipping, and cartridge recycling are included in your monthly plan. Plans start as low as $2.99/month and are based on pages printed, not cartridges used. There’s no annual fee and you can change or cancel plans online at anytime. Link to HP Envy 5540 e-All-in-One printer: http://bit.ly/HPEnvy5540Printer  Link to HP Instant Ink: http://bit.ly/HPInstantInk6

FREE INK OFFER: Now through December 31st, when you enroll your printer in HP Instant Ink, you will receive six free months of ink! To decide which plan is right for you and to enroll, visit http://bit.ly/HPInstantInk6 but remember to do it before December 31, 2015! 

   
   
2. Monster Products. 24K Backfloat Speaker. This is a rugged Bluetooth shower speaker, a floating speaker for the pool, and one of the best portable speakers around. Sing along in the shower or tub or float this powerful speaker in the Jacuzzi. Bring it to the campsite or to the beach. BackFloat is engineered to keep pumping out high-performance Pure Monster Sound no matter how wet things get. http://www.monsterproducts.com

  
3. My Charge Razor Max Rechargeable 6000mAh battery. RazorMax delivers an extra 27 hours talk time for your smartphone. This powerbank comes equipped with 2 USB ports and is perfect for charging two devices at once. With a 2.4A output, the RazorMax portable charger is great for charging tablets and other power thirsty devices. http://www.shop.mycharge.com

  

4. Monster ClarityHD High Performance Earbuds. Advanced construction with reinforcement at critical stress points. Ergonomically designed, with multiple ear tips for a better fit. Won’t fall out of your ears like other earbuds. Premium sound quality at an incredible value. Superior noise isolation. ControlTalk Universal for clearer calls, simple music controls. Flat, tangle-resistant cable. Extremely lightweight. Low-profile right angle connector. http://www.monsterproducts.com 

For a 20% discount on all products on Monster, please use promo code ‘MonsterNation’ at checkout. Offer good until December 25.

  
5. Lumee Case. LED lighting on both sides of the case give you a soft and beautiful light for every occasion. Dimmer Switch to control light output and let you control the light. Rechargeable battery and charging cord. Long lasting battery that works independently of your phone. I use for my IPhone 6. Check website for your phone. http://www.lumee.com

  
KIDS COOKING TOOLS

Thanks to Curious Chef – which provides real cooking tools designed just for kids – little ones can be more involved in the baking and cooking process as they aspire to be the next Cake Boss or Top Chef! These cooking tools are specifically designed for kids 4+ with safety and smaller hands in mind, helping inspire curiosity in the kitchen. http://www.curiouschef.com

1. 2 Quart Mixing Bowl – Designed with a sturdy base and easy grip handles, the 2-Quart Mixing Bowl helps your child mix up family favorites like cookies, pancakes or brownies

  
2. 2 Cup Clear Measuring Cup – Help your kids practice math and measurements with the 2 Cup Clear Measuring Cup, complete with color-coded measurements in both cup and ounce increments.

  
3. Medium Nylon Plastic Knife – Put your kids to work chopping with the Medium Nylon Plastic Knife, which is designed to be tough on foods and safer on skin than a metal blade. Also featuring an ergonomically-designed handle, this knife is easier for little hands to grasp.

  
4. Nylon Cookie Turner — Cookies and kids go hand in hand, especially when it comes to baking. The Curious Chef Nylon Cookie Turner real kitchen tool lets your child have a part in the cookie baking fun.

  
5. Actus Lunch Box. These collectible lunch boxes are designed for PEANUTS lovers of all ages! Choose your favorites from our PEANUTS lunch boxes, utensils kit, plastic mugs and many more! http://www.skaterlunch.com

   
  
TOYS

1. Guitar Hero Live. This is the first ever playable music video network and has launched with two 24-hour channels and hundreds of playable songs.The all new Guitar Hero. One game. Two ways to play. GH Live, where you can rock real crowds with real reactions.With a continually updating library of hundreds of videos across genres, there’s something for everyone. 

   

 
2. Shopkins. Moose Toys collectible characters from your favorite shops. Also in plush, backpacks and accessories. Seasons 1-3 available now while Season 4 will be available in December. Shopkins Plush are an Imports Dragon product. http://www.importsdragon.com and http://www.moosetoys.com
 
 
3. Pie Face Game. Hasbro has done it agin with this board game for the whole family filled with fun and suspense. Someone is bound to get a pie in their face. http://www.hasbro.com 

  
4. Barbie Fashionistas. These dolls are ready for anything dressed in a look you’ll love that’s perfect for daytime and nighttime fun. The fabulous fashion is right on trend and fits their style and personality perfectly. With an amazing pair of shoes and the perfect bag, the sensational look is complete! Girls can try new styles and play out a variety of stories with this delightful doll. http://www.shop.mattel.com

  
5. Star Wars Episode 7 Remote Control BB-8 – Only at Target. This remote control BB-8 figure rolls in any direction and makes expressive droid sounds as you lead him into adventure. Collect and battle with this and other figures, vehicles, and Star Wars toys. http://www.target.com

  
 FASHION

1. Hanes Hoisery. Hanes Hosiery’s new Fall 2015 collection features innovative styles that are the perfect balance of beauty and comfort. Hanes is revitalizing legwear this season with the introduction of X-Temp technology and solution based sheers, tights and leggings that compliment women of every age, nationwide.

The Hanes Power Shapers collection integrates the benefits of shapewear into legwear with run resistant technology that keeps every woman looking polished with a flawless finish from day to night. Available in a variety of deniers and a no hose® slimmer, the Hanes Power Shapers collection provides a smooth, no lines appearance, even under the most body conscious styles.

X-Temp tights from Hanes are designed to adapt to your body temperature providing comfort throughout the day. X-Temp technology is designed to adjust to your body’s temperature and activity to keep you comfortable and confident. X-Temp tights are available in a variety of styles from core opaques to boot liners, convertibles and smoothing leggings that can be dressed up or down for any occasion.

Website: http://www.hanes.com/onehanesplace/legwear/legwear-brands/all-hanes

2. L’eggs Tights. Introducing New L’eggs Energy Tights! By combining health & well being with fashion, L’eggs Energy delivers a true “feel good, look good” combination. By leveraging Beauty, Wellness, and Comfort macro-trends, the Energy Collection provides a compelling and affordable legwear solution. By integrating 360-degree Graduated Compression (which many millennials equate with sports/fitness), L’eggs Energy appeals across generations.

L’eggs Energy comes in Tights, Footless Tights and Trouser Sock styles in sizes S thru XL. 

Found for $7.99 or less at your local food, drug and mass merchandiser like CVS!

Website: http://www.hanes.com/onehanesplace/brands/our-brands/leggs

  
3. nicole by Nicole Miller. nicole by Nicole Miller Sleeveless Embellished Jumpsuit, $68 available at JCPenney and jcpenney.com 

nicole by Nicole Miller Feather Trim Dress, $86 available at JCPenney and jcpenney.com

nicole by Nicole Miller Pave Crystal Hinged Gold-Tone Cuff Bracelet, $34 available at JCPenney and jcpenney.com

  
4. Jord Wood Watches are focused on creating timepieces that are modeled after a modern lifestyle. They value sustainability, efficiency, and experiential living. They make their watches for people who don’t just have somewhere to be, they have somewhere to go. Scratch-resistant mineral glass deployment buckle with push buttons. http://www.woodwatches.com

  

5. Heavenly Touch Denim from Riders by Lee.  Slimming Stretch denim is now softer than ever! Touching is believing with Heavenly Touch denim, the innovative fabric construction that is ultra-soft. And with the right amount of stretch, these jeans are as comfortable as your favorite sweats, but are infinitely more flattering! Soft & comfortable, slimming & flattering…look good feel great. http://www.lee.com and http://www.kmart.com

  
FOOD

1. Deep River Snacks. The high quality snack brand that “Gives a Chip” is more than just a bag of chips… they pride themselves on doing right in everything they do. All snacks non-GMO, made in a nut-free facility and contain no artificial dyes, flavors or preservatives. And each bag uses its packaging real estate to raise awareness for a specific charity!
This holiday season, Deep River Snacks is offering four special edition snack packs that make the perfect gift or stocking stuffer:

Chips & Charity – an assortment of kettle chips plus a $10 charity gift certificate that the recipient can use to make a donation to their favorite non-profit
Snack Attack – 24 bags of delicious kettle chips with 12 different flavors to enjoy

Turn Up The Heat – a collection of the brand’s hottest flavors for those who love some heat: Zesty Jalapeño, NY Spicy Dill Pickle and Aged Cheddar & Horseradish

Holiday Crunch – an assortment of red, green and white bags perfect for parties, stockings, hostess of teacher gifts and combining three of the top selling kettle varieties: Original Salted, Mesquite BBQ and Zesty Jalapeño

Party Pleasers – an 80 count box of 1 oz bags of kettle chips

http://www.deepriversnacks.com

 

 
2.Woodbridge Wine. Woodbridge by Robert Mondavi is pleased to introduce the limited-edition Woodbridge by Robert Mondavi Harvest Spiced Red Blend. A unique red blend with flavors of rich red berries accented with cinnamon, vanilla, and clove, this blend is the perfect accompaniment to festive gatherings with friends and family. Available for $5.99-7.99 per 750 mL bottle, the Woodbridge by Robert Mondavi Harvest Spiced Red Blend is delicious served at room temperature, or can also be heated on the stove with cinnamon sticks, orange slices and cloves, for a cozy mulled cocktail treat.

  
3. POM Juice. Sweet, a little tart, and a whole lot of healthy. Powered by pomegranate antioxidants, it’s authentic, delicious and 100% pure. There is no added sugar, colorants or cheap filler juices. Also Super Teas, Juice Blends, Fresh Fruit and Fresh Pomegranate Arils. There’s also loads of recipes available online: http://www.pomwonderful.com

  
    
 

4. Del Monte Fusion. Del Monte Fruit & Veggie Fusions come in 3 delicious flavors: Peach Mango, Apple Pear Watermelon, Cherry Fruit Trio. 1 snack cup = 1 combined serving of fruit & veggies, (contains 1 serving (1/2 cup) that is 75% fruit and 25% vegetables, per USDA Nutrient Data), No high fructose corn syrup, No artificial flavors or sweeteners, Excellent source of Vitamin C, Available nationwide for $2.99 for four 4oz cups. 

  
5. Military Match K-Cup Pods Variety Blends. Buy four boxes of our 18-count K-Cup pods and they will match your order with four additional boxes, plus our signature Military Match mug – FREE! They will also send all 8 boxes plus a signature military mug to the APO/FPO or military base address you provide – it’s all part of our MIlitary Match Gift Box Program! This gift set includes two 18-count boxes of each: Dark Roast, Cafe Special, Breakfast Blend and 100% Colombia Altura K-Cup pods and one Military Match mug. http://www.communitycoffee.com

 
6. Siracha2Go.  The perfect package for the Sriracha lover who needs to always be equipped with their favorite hot sauce. http://www.siracha2go.com 

    
  
BEAUTY

1. Alien by Thierry Mugler. Mysterious and fascinating, ALIEN perfume has the power to illuminate and reveal a radiant, feminine aura. ALIEN fragrance brings out the solar goddess in every women. … Thierry Mugler ALIEN perfume at the ALIEN perfume Source, or with refill bottles and ALIEN eco-refills! http://www.macys.com and http://www.muglerusa.com

  
2. Aveeno Positively Radiant Brightening Cleanser helps improve skinny one, texture and clarity.  Oil free, hypoallergenic and noncomedogenic. Luminous looking skin after removing dirt, oil and makeup. http://www.aveeno.com

3. Aveeno Positively Radiant Daily Moisturizer Broad Spectrum SPF 30 evens tone and texture in 30 days. http://www.aveeno.com

 
 
4. Younique Moodstruck 3D Fiber Lashes+ Mascara. Increase your average lash volume by up to 400%. My lashes definitely increased in length and looked full and amazing. Never seen my lashes this long before. http://www.youniqueproducts.com

 
 
5. Zest FruitBoost Shower Gel. All four Zest Fruitboost varieties revitalize with gentle moisturizers and skin-nourishing, antioxidant-rich Vitamin C. Every Zest Fruitboost 10oz tube lasts up to 40 showers, so a little quarter size amount goes a long, long way. And at a suggested retail price of $2.99, a huge boost for wallets everywhere.  Available in four luscious, fruit-filled scents — Citrus Splash, Very Berry, Peach Mango, and Pomegranate Acai. Available at Walmart stores. http://www.zest.com

  
6. Dove Hair Oxygen Moisture Shampoo & Conditioner collection, which provided 95% more volume after one wash. http://www.dove.us.com and http://www.walmart.com

  

DONATIONS:

1. St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. What are you grateful for? Join our community of supporters​, patients, partners and celebrity friends and let the world know you support the kids of St. Jude.When you donate $1, you’re helping save lives. http://www.stjude.org

2. No Kid Hungry. Instead of another ugly sweater, send your family and friends beautifully designed and printed holiday cards from No Kid Hungry. 100% of the proceeds go toward the mission feeding our nation’s hungry kids. This holiday season, help us reach our holiday goal of providing 10 million meals to kids in need. http://www.nokidhungry.org

Disclosure: The HP printer/InstantInk part of this post listed under Technology is sponsored campaign with Mom Select. All opinions are mine 100% as always. All other items were either reviewed or just something I liked and added to my gift guide. 

Momtrends Holiday Soirée Recap

17 Nov

I look forward to Momtrends Holiday parties every year. A few hours of fun with friends, food, fashion show and brands showing us what we absolutely must have this holiday season. 

Walking into the event was filled with beautiful fresh Teleflora flowers. It was like Winter Wonderland. I’ve always enjoyed having a Teleflora arrangement in my house. What I love is you can get flowers for any occasion. It brings out my surroundings on the table and my guests enjoy seeing what new arrangement I ordered.  

 POM juice is amazing. I was shocked when I found out the incredible flavors of juices/teas they have. I was really in shock when I tasted the appetizers that had pomegranate added. The Lamb Meatballs and Pom-Mint Relish and the Pom Guacamole served with tortilla and plantain chips were very good. There were also cocktails like the Pom Mimosa Mocktail and Sparkling Wine with Pom Wonderful Arils. The Pomegranate Peach Passion Tea was my favorite but I would drink them all. My kids enjoyed them as well.  

    
 Igloo Coolers and products are a must have. If you tailgate and party and don’t own the igloo brand then you need to get to a store and pick some up. The Igloo Party Bar is on my wish list. It features an exclusive LiddUp LED light system so when your party goes into the night guests can easily find their drinks. It runs on 4 AA batteries and have removable dividers. Also loved the thermal tote bags and took home in our swag bag the sports 1/2 gallon beverage cooler with hooks. Also the kids lunch bags were a hit and I appreciate Igloo thinking of them as well. There’s also a 45 can ultra collegiate cooler. 

 Family owned Tessemae’s brought along their all natural, healthy condiments. When I first heard of Tessemae’s I tried their ketchup at a kids food festival and immediately purchased a few bottles. This time I was impressed with their salad dressings, marinades, sauces and mayonnaise. Everything was delicious. 

   
Momtrends surprised someone special with a gift for dedicating six years of hard work, writing posts and being a supporter and attendee at all of their events. Who was it? Oh that would be me. I was in total shock and very happy to be recognized and receive an incredible gift. No words can express how I felt and was so grateful and honored. Thank you so much. You made my night and I am blessed to have Momtrends in my life. xoxo.  

 I enjoyed talking with all the brands and there were so much more. The picture below shows who they are.

Check out @Momtrends on Twitter for more on this event.   

    
   
Disclosure: I was not compensated for this post. I was invited to this event and opinions are mine 100% as always. 

Recap KidzVuz Holiday Party with the Perez’s 

17 Nov

Kidz Vuz Holiday Party took place at Studio 450 NYC on November 15. I love this party because it’s small and intimate and my kids get to do the networking, test out the toys, have fun with their friends and they cannot get lost. I still talk to the brands but my kids also hand out business cards and enter contests. It’s always a fun time with Kidz Vuz. 

This year Jakks Toys, Classroom Direct, Lincoln Center Kids, Wubble Ball, ThinkFun, Disney Pixar, Bway Zone, Compose Yourself, Vita Coco, Alex’s Lemonade Stand, Food For Thoughts Cards, Save The Children, Heart Of Haiti, Randi’s Brownies, Once Upon A Mattress and National PTA were in attendance.  

 Lincoln Center Kids had one of the Nutcracker costumes on display for the kids to try on or take a picture with. My daughter loves watching ballet so this was a treat for her. We also visit Lincoln Center quite a bit so it was nice seeing Lincoln Center Kids at the event. They handed out their free events guide for 2015-2016 and we got to spin the wheel to win free giveaways.  

    
 Wubble Ball was the most popular with the kids. There were balls flying everywhere. I love how soft they are and the biggest one your child can lay in and it won’t pop. The parents were getting knocked I the head but it didn’t hurt. It looks like a bubble but plays like a ball and no pump is needed. Everyone got a sample.  

    
    
    
   
Disney Pixar was promoting their new movie The Good Dinosaur that hits theaters November 25th. We’ve been waiting for this movie and won tickets to a special screening on November 24th. We also received a hat, poster and notebook. Temporary tattoos, stickers and coloring sheets were also available for kids to take home.  

 Jakks Toys made sure to bring their Star Wars collection and Disney’s Star Darlings dolls with them. My daughter took a picture with her favorite doll in hopes of winning. They were all cute.  

   
Food For Thoughts Give Back Greeting Cards is doing great things to feed the hungry. With the purchase of each card, Food for Thoughts Cards donates the value equivalent to the cost of a peanut butter and jelly sandwich to a food pantry, soup kitchen, or other organization that feeds the hungry. We wrote encouraging words on a few greeting cards. No one should be without food. 

    
    
    
    
  
    
    
    
 My daughter also loved being interviewed by KidzVuz with her bestie.  

    
 To learn about all the brands mentioned above check out @kidzvuz onTwitter or http://www.kidzvuz.com and look for the hashtag #kidzvuzholiday on Twitter and Instagram. 

Thank you KidzVuz, we had an amazing time and can’t wait for the next KidzVuz event.

Disclosure: I was not compensated for this post. We were invited to this event through KidzVuz. Opinions are mine and my kids 100% as always.

 

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