Discovery Kids Puterbugs Game

Geared for children's ages 8 and under Discovery Kids Puterbugs is designed to take kids beyond apps and playing games.  This new website teaches kids how to use technology as a tool in a healthy way. 

It works like this- there is a virtual, cowboy hat wearing teacher, "Mr. Scott",  (my daughter thinks he is hilarious) and a set of little bugs called,  'Puterbugs' for each letter on the keyboard.  It's that simple but watching my child play it showed a whole lot more.  Mr. Scott takes her on a self-guided tour of games, activities and missions on the Puterbugs site that goes with only her level of knowledge.  Everything unfolds in various ways and avenues based on her level of competency.  Games like "Frozen Pizza Pops" have her using the mouse, space bar and learning all the letters on the keyboard in no time.  While she normally plays games on other television websites it usually results in her watching videos or designing cakes and dresses.  Not collecting microchips, driving with a mouse or using learning to spell, add and work all the components at one time.  Words like 'luau' are now part of her vocabulary and list of words she can spell.  Call me happy and impressed.  I love that the site keeps her focused while building concentration. It is beyond anything I have seen her do on other websites. 

Imagine Tomorrow along with the experts at Discovery Kids (Discovery Channel) identified the 'Top 100 Tech Skills' that children should learn.  Concepts like typing, texting, swiping and more are definitely involved and used frequently in Puterbugs.  While I am still limiting her time this game is now at the top of hers and my 'favorite' list. 

MPR Rating:  Five Stars. 

Disclaimer:  MPR was not paid for this post.  Products received are for review purposes only.  Opinions are MPR's only.



Record a Story with Dora the Explorer

Fun Find- Record  a Story™ ($19.99) is something that I'm sure many kids would love to receive as a gift this holiday season.  It allows  readers to easily record their voice narrating a story, and the narration then  plays when each page is turned. Fun for parents or grandparents, they can create  custom-recorded storybook for their kids and grandkids.  Kids can do the  same for parents or long-distance relatives. It's perfect for military families! My girls love the Dora version, which is now on sale for $14.95!

Available at major retailers  nationwide, Record a Story helps families stay connected even when they are separated.  It is a great solution for working and traveling parents too.   New titles this year include, My Grandpa is Special and My  Grandma is Special, Good Night, Sesame Street, The Day You Were Born,  Thomas:  Good Night, Little Engine, I Love You So Much, Ten Little  Pumpkins, The First Christmas and Frosty the Snowman.

Excellent, Economical Kids Party

I recently threw a third birthday party for one of my girls and it costs me $60.  Read about it here.

Little Monster Fun & Learn Book

Fun Find-  Having kids gives you entry back into the world of children's literature, for which I am so glad.  Sometimes you can find an author and set of stories that takes you back to when you were a child and the book, "Little Monster Fun & Learn" by Mercer Mayer has done that for me. 

The "Little Monster Fun & Learn" book puts a big emphasis on children's early education. It gives them a chance to have fun with learning.  Through this book they encounter their ABC's, counting and how to enjoy things like bedtime and traveling through a neighborhood. Full of rhymes and funny monster characters both my three year-old and five year-old love reading this book before bedtime. The gorgeous illustrations provide many hours spent pouring over the pages to just to gaze at the various monsters and their habitats.  They adore this book and I do too. 

You can find "Little Monster Fun & Learn" online at Amazon.com and FastPencil Premiere in both print and digital format.  

Kids Konserve Lunch Sack Giveaway!

ANNIE’S HOMEGROWN, STONYFIELD YOKIDS, HONEST KIDS AND SEVENTH GENERATION TEAM UP TO OFFER FREE REUSABLE KIDS KONSERVE LUNCH SACKS

Annie’s Homegrown, Stonyfield YoKids, Honest Kids and Seventh Generation have teamed up to help families toss their brown bags this back-to-school season by offering a free Kids Konserve lunch sack with the purchase of participating products July 1, 2011 through September 30, 2011.

Consumers are invited to visit Annies.com/bts11, print out the form then mail in proof of purchase of all four brands. Eligible products include:

Any Annie’s Homegrown item
Stonyfield YoKids Organic Yogurt 6-packs or Squeezers
Honest Kids Organic Drinks 8-pack carton or 64-ounce bottle
Seventh Generation Disinfectants (sprays or wipes)

I am giving away ONE Kids Konserve lunch sack to a lucky reader! Deadline is Monday, so enter now.  If your kid is already asking for a new lunch sack then try this one! We love ours, it is easy to clean, fold and open.  Reusable and eco-friendly it holds a standard-size lunch.   To enter, comment and include your email address. For additional entries follow this blog or tweet this contest. Good luck!

TJ Maxx & Marshalls Back-to-School Contest!

School has already begun but the savings and need for forgotten items is still here.  I know I will be going out this week for more pants and sneakers.  The girls just grow so fast!  Did you know that 25% of Moms wait until the last minute to shop for back-to-school clothes? 

I went to Marshalls myself this week to see what kind of back-to-school items I could find for our oldest girl.  The choices were abundant and I came away with not just stuff for her but for the house as well.  What did $50 get me for the girl?  Take a look!

One pink shirt $7, one white shirt $7- both with flower appliques & lace trim, pair of brown fuzzy suede boots $20, Maggie & Zoe purple knit sweater dress for $15. Grand total = $49!



What I didn't show is you is that for just $10 more I found an adorable pair of super soft pink and white pajamas from the high end line Asorba for my oldest daughter.  The two-piece set has pink polka-dot pants and a white shirt embellished with a cupcake.  She is sure to love it.  Each item I purchased was at least 30% off the regular retail price if not more.  The items are not damaged and totally current.

I hadn't been to Marshalls in a while. I used to shop there often when I had more time and less kids. There was more time to browse the racks back then. I'm like 1/3 of moms who like one-stop shopping.  I think I will be back to both stores often though.  As I got reacquainted with Marshalls I was truly amazed at the prices.  I had forgotten how great the finds can be.  I even picked up a hot pink, embroidered kimono Halloween costume for my oldest for just $21.99. It even came with a fan and hair accessory.  A similar one would run me at least $40.  I was so excited over my finds!  I felt downright triumphant. 

You can find great classic brands like Ralph Lauren every time and all the stuff is current.  Buyers for T.J. Maxx and Marshalls deal with the designers directly and merchandise is 20-60% off the regular department store price.  I will be going back next time I need a nice dress or decorations for the home, that is for sure.  Ten thousand new items in each store a week keeps you in the current styles and colors every season!
TJ Maxx & Marshalls are hosting a giveaway until September 23rd.  Enter to win 1 of 3 $100 gift cards to score more deals and savings on items for the whole family!

Enter here.

I wrote this review while participating in a campaign by Mom Central Consulting on behalf of T.J.Maxx and Marshalls and received a gift card to facilitate my review and thank me for taking the time to participate.

Rocknoceros - Colonel Purple Turtle

Fun Find-The fourth studio CD ($14.99) and first ever kid-friendly concept album has launched this week by Rocknoceros. Colonel Purple Turtle is loads of fun and full of whimsical characters. Based right here in the DC Metro area this CD is energetic and features a bit of everything from jazz, barbershop quartet, string ensembles and more. Sure to appeal to kids, because Rocknoceros always does, Colonel Purple Turtle is colorful, funny and definitely worth checking out.

Available here.

*Image from Jamminjava.com

Umi Shoes- Fall 2011

Each year we go out and buy shoes for the new school year. Be it preschool or elementary school our needs are the same. They have to last, they need to be durable and oh yes, cute. I have girls after all. Umi Shoes never fails to hit the mark and that is why year after year we return to them. 2011 is no different.

This year Umi is offering up some adorable styles that are great for pre-walkers, walkers and school age kids. Boys and girls alike can stay active, comfortable and stylish in Umi's. I love how long these shoes last. I have a pair of boots that both my girls wore all winter. That is winter 2008 and 2010. Those boots still look good and could be worn by kid number three. That's how great these shoes are for kids. When I say durable, I mean it.

We love the Cassie's ($59), the Umi mary jane. It is great for dressy times and school days too. My three year old looks great in her new Bluet ($57) shoes for her first year of preschool. She is super excited to wear them and asks often.

MPR Rating: Four Stars.

Disclaimer: MPR was not paid for this post. Products received are for review purposes only. Opinions are MPR's only.

Image from shoes.com

Glow Crazy Review

The Glow Crazy Distance Doodler is one of those fun, creative toys that works really well for both boys and girls and varying ages. For ages 6 and up this toy is quite cool. Using a laser you can draw and write from up to ten feet away! What kid wouldn't find that fun?

The Glow Crazy ($19.99) has narrow or wide beams, makes silhouettes, allows kids to draw freehand or use the stencils that come with the kit. It's a good no mess toy that occupies kids time no matter what the season.

The kit consists of -

1 Dual Action Magic Lightwand (order online or via TV and you score a second wide beam wand free)

2 Jumbo Wall Clings (12"x 30" each)

4 Stencil Sheets

Fun Tip Booklet

All add up to many hours of fun and all you need to do is add the dark. My kids thought it was a riot. They enjoyed tracing their toys and themselves with the Glow Crazy. Despite the toy being for ages 6+ my three year old had a total blast with it as well.

MPR Rating: Four Stars.

Disclaimer: MPR was not paid for this post. Products received are for review purposes only. Opinions are MPR's only.

Chloraseptic Kids Sore Throat Spray

Fun Find-Chloraseptic Kids Sore Throat Spray is perfect for one touch relief. A single, quick dose of the grape flavored spray coats your child's throat and provides fast-acting relief on their mouth and throat. It's sugar-free, alcohol-free and aspirin-free too.

Find it in your local drugstore, discount store and grocery store today!

dENiZEN Jeans

New this summer to Target are the American classic jeans dENiZEN! These great-fitting, affordable, fashionable jeans work well for the entire family. Created by Levi's (circa 1853) this American company knows jeans.

We received a pair of size 6 skinny jeans ($17.99) for my daughter. She starts kindergarten this Fall and new jeans were on the top of our back to school shopping list. The jeans are soft (she won't wear them if they are not) and have a nice on-trend dark wash. There is a bit of stretch to them and a tapered leg. I love the adjustable waist on these jeans. She's small but tall and the adjustable waist band is the only way we can wear pants that fit her height and middle. The fact that I can buy the Skinny style and the two other styles (Super Skinny, Slim Boot) at Target is such a bonus.

Like dENiZEN on Facebook and get a surprise!

MPR Rating: Five Stars.

Disclaimer: MPR was not paid for this post. Products received are for review purposes only. Opinions are MPR's only.

Kraft Veggie Pasta Macaroni & Cheese Review

That blue box. You know the one I am talking about. It sits in your pantry, a frequent staple, and it competes masterfully with the organic purple mac 'n' cheese box that sports a white bunny. At least in my house this happens. Kraft has unveiled a new version of its classic mac'n'cheese, but this time made from vegetable pasta so that kids get an extra helping of them each day. I often puree vegetables in their food and they aren't the wiser so why not make vegetable pasta? It looks just like the regular kind. They won't know it is different, right?

Does it taste like the original version of Kraft macaroni n' cheese? Honestly, I could not tell the difference. I sampled some and gave the rest to my two oldest kids. The middle one scarfed it up and asked for seconds. She liked it just fine. The oldest, my critic, took a bite. Then a second bite. She chewed. She gave me the stink eye and said, "This doesn't taste the same." Sigh. I took another sample taste and could barely taste the difference, if there even is one. It is so minimal and not in a bad way. I couldn't believe it. She's good.

The rundown on Kraft Veggie Pasta Macaroni 'n' Cheese ($1.49, 5.5 oz box) is this- it is cauliflower powder that makes it veggie. One serving equals a half-cup serving of vegetables. While I do sneak vegetables into my kids food from time to time (to enhance flavor and give them an extra dose of vegetables) I don't like the idea that this could be seen as a substitution. However, I hope we are all smarter than that and add a serving of vegetables with this dish anyway. In addition, I wish there was a healthier grain version of the pasta. Maybe Kraft could include the veggies, ditch the yellow dye and make it whole grain? That would really be something to talk about.

MPR Rating: Two Stars.

Disclaimer: MPR was not paid for this post. Products received are for review purposes only. Opinions are MPR's only.

Recess Monkey at Wolf Trap

Recently I mentioned the kids band Recess Monkey. The trio of teachers from Seattle is a great find. My kids love the silly but not stupid songs and I do too. I really didn't see myself rocking out to songs like 'Grandma' but then we went to a Recess Monkey show at Wolf Trap's Theatre-in-the-Woods and I did just that. So did my two youngest girls too.

While it was a not so enjoyable heat scorcher of a day we braved the elements to see this band and it was worth it. They are fun, not too loud, and full of energy. The whole audience of kids and parents had a great time dancing, singing and acting out songs. My 11 month-old could not stop waving her arms and moving to the music, something I had never seen her do before. I highly recommend seeing Recess Monkey at least once.

Wolf Trap's Theatre-in-the-Woods is a wonderful way to introduce your kids to concerts, plays and puppet shows. The venue is not too big and it is a fairly free feeling setting. You can picnic nearby and there are ample bathrooms. There is also a good amount of staff on hand to answer questions and just help out.
If you are in the Washington, DC area it is a great place to take your family but also a night out just for adults.

Sebamed Baby

Sebamed, a German company, is all about ph-balance in your skin. The Sebamed baby line is probably one of the most interesting baby skincare lines that I have tested. It isn't bogged down with cute packaging or cartoon characters, it doesn't contain a powdery or sweet scent to it (or phthalates) either. In short, it is what it says it is and it works.

Hypoallergenic, free of dyes, dioxan, formaldehyde and many other chemicals found in skincare products for kids and adults Sebamed is outstanding. Containing Vitamin E, soothing chamomile (more on that later) and a special water in oil emulsion the Sebamed Baby Cream ($12.99) is worth the price tag. If you have kids with sensitive skin it is like hitting a jackpot. For example, my oldest daughter spends a lot of time in the bath tub. She likes to play in it on her stomach. The non-skid surface of the tub ends up shredding her. The only lotion we have found that works to heal and not irritate her skin after this happens is Sebamed Baby Cream. Now we are tear-free after bath time and this has been the only lotion that does the trick. Additionally, I have two kids who suffer from eczema and this cream takes care of any irritations, dry spots, or scaly patches in one or two uses. It's been such a find!

Sebamed offers a whole line of baby products from shampoo to diaper cream. They also have adult formulas for dry skin, aging and acne. You can even purchase lotions in liter form. It is available at Costco, Kerr Drugs and online.

MPR Rating: Five Stars.

Disclaimer: MPR was not paid for this post. Products are for review purposes only. Opinions are MPR's only.

Adidas Lite Fit Eyewear Collection for Kids

In May 2011, adidas Eyewear launched an exclusive youth eyewear collection, the Lite Fit. Focusing on fit, durability, comfort, and style, they are perfect for active kids. adidas Lite Fit's are backed by Silhouette’s quality standards of durable products that offer unbeatable value. These frames sit securely on the child's face without slipping. They are lightweight and made of Performance Steel with flexible SPX at the temples. This eliminates those pressure points on the nose, temples and face that many glasses cause. I know I feel mine right now with my standard, heavier frames. I can't get over how light these frames are either.

My middle child is almost three and has had some problems with her eyes. Corrective lenses might be needed and so we tried a pair of the adidas Lite Fit on her. She actually liked wearing them and said, "they're nice. I like it. I want it." A good recommendation from a child under three. I like that they are so durable because she is a rough and tumble kid. She's also a girl with long hair and the seamless screws on the Lite Fit's won't tangle in her hair.

Sized for kids small and up to teens the adidas Lite Fit collection is available in playful and bright colors like matte blue (6050), pretty pink(6051), matte purple (6053), and the more sophisticated shiny brown (6054) and matte grey/black (6056). The collection is also available in six shapes and four different eye sizes for optimal fit and comes with a hard case for safe storage and a cleaning cloth. Even the case is light!


adidas Eyewear and MPR are happy to give one complete pair of glasses, frame and lenses (with the correct prescription!) with an adidas sports sack as a giveaway to lucky reader's child! You choose the frame and adidas will have their lab fill the order with your child's prescription. To enter just comment on the frames you would like from the Lite Fit collection. Additional entries can be gained by following MPR and retweeting this giveaway. A winner will be chosen at random on July 29, 2011.

MPR Rating: Five Stars.

Disclaimer: MPR was not paid for this post. All products received are for review purposes only. Opinions are MPR's only.

Prosperity 4 Kids Piggy Bank

Created by a mother, Prosperity 4 Kids is a wonderful set that every parent and child can learn from and utilize.  Set up to teach kids how to save, give, invest and spend the Prosperity 4 Kids set includes a ceramic piggy bank, story book and CD ($39.95).  The bank is divided into four compartments that children can store their money in depending on what they want to do with it.  You want to give, put it in the charity pig.  You want to invest your money for the future then deposit it in the corresponding pig. The storybook describes to children the values of each category and how they can work for the child now and in the future.  It's actually become a pretty regular bed time story selection in our house since we received it.  I can't think of an easier way to describe this money management to my kids than with this bank and book.

Lori Mackey, the creator, is a leading expert on kids and money.  She is behind this masterful book, Mama Money and the Three Little Pigs.  We received another bank very similar to this a while back and we explained the how and the why to the different compartments in the bank as best that we could, but I was never sure that my child understood it all very well.  The story in the book with the Prosperity 4 Kids bank is the key.  It is an engaging, fun and smart way to get everyone in the family into thinking about how they use their dollars and cents.  We love this bank and book!

Prosperity 4 Kids banks, books and more can be purchased in sets and a la carte.  You can find them on the company website.

MPR Rating:  Five Stars.

Disclaimer:  MPR was not paid for this post.  Products received are for review purposes only.  Opinions are MPR's only.

Itzy Bitzy Shoes & Accessories

Those big flowers, knit headbands and giant bows. I laughed whenever I saw them on some little baby's head. Then Itzy Bitzy sent me a box of those very same bows, headbands and giant flowers for my own daughter's head and I fell in love.

I know. I can't quite believe it myself but it is hard to resist a baby with a big ol' pink flower on her head, or a yellow one, or purple or blue. We seem to have them all now. And not just for the baby either. Headbands, barrettes and shoes by Itzy Bitzy abound in our house now, decorating all three of my girls almost every day. When we are out and about or just playing in our neighborhood people stop me and squeal or express delight in how cute and adorable these accessories are on my kids. It's true. The entire Itzy Bitzy line of accessories is diverse and goes with anything.

y favorite is the frayed flower clips on my oldest daughter. She sports them in yellow or small purple checks quite often, while my two year old adores the feathery soft marabou clip. All three girls wear the ribbon and flower clips, the headbands and wraps too. It is the first time that they willingly choose things for their hair and get excited about them. What I like about them is how they stay put and can be used in a variety of ways. I can attach them just to their hair, on a band, hat or elastic.

The Itzy Bitzy shoes are pretty swell too. They have flip flops, squeaky shoes for boys and girls, sandals and mary jane style shoes. All of them come in many colors and styles and each is well made. Celebrity kids all over wear Itzy Bitzy shoes, from Coco Arquette and Seraphine Affleck and many others. It's form, function and style all in one little shoe.

Itzy Bitzy shoes and accessories were created by mom, Michelle Ruesch. After having twins Michelle wanted shoes that helped her not just keep tabs on her kids roaming but also assisted them in heel to toe walking. When kids step right the shoes squeak. They love it and continue to get the squeaking going. Soon they are walking and then running! Itzy Bitzy shoes and accessories donates a portion of their proceeds to The Treacher Collins Connection and Children's Craniofacial Association. It's a cause Michelle holds close to her own heart as one of her own daughters was born with Treacher Collins.

Itzy Bitzy shoes are available online.

MPR Rating: Four Stars.

Disclaimer: MPR was not paid for this post. All products received are for review purposes only. Opinions are MPR's only.

GIVEAWAY: I have 3 pairs of size 3 boys Itzy Bitzy shoes! That is a pair of flip flops (camo style), Austin style Brown lace ups and Easton boys sandals in light brown (Value of over $50!). Enter to win by commenting! I will choose a winner at random on July 1, 2011.

Great Wolf Lodge Pocono Mountains, PA

Great Wolf Lodge located in Pocono Mountains; PA is a family-friendly resort that all ages can enjoy. We visited as part of the Reviewers Retreat in May taking my five, two and ten-month old along for the short visit. For three days, we splashed, swam, rode water slides, played games and had a ball. Inside it was a balmy 84 degrees in the water park. Outside it, was a rainy, grey mess but who cared?

While there my family of five stayed in a family suite (sleeps four, max of six) that had two queen beds, a sofa with a pullout couch (queen-sized) and a small table with a balcony. My girls loved sitting at the tiny two-person table eating their lunch and dinner while my husband and I sat at the larger two-person table inside. A microwave, refrigerator and countertop were also in the room. This was a huge convenience as we packed a cooler full of drinks and snacks and used both appliances during our stay. It is tough to leave the room to eat all the time when you have three little ones. That was why I was so surprised and dismayed that room service was not available at Great Wolf Lodge. There was no room service and actually very little options when it came to dining in general. Just because we are at a family-oriented establishment does not mean I want to eat fried food and pizza all the time. A lack luster buffet and snack shack and ice cream parlor were our only options for each meal and it made us glad that our stay did not go beyond three days. That is a real shame. We are not into specialized foods and none of has have food allergies either but I would have liked more options than sugar-laden foods at breakfast and fast food type items at lunch and dinner. There is a Starbucks and bakery on premises as well.


Other than the food issue, we loved staying at Great Wolf Lodge in Pocono Mountains. It was easy to navigate despite being under renovations. The lifeguards on staff are located every five feet it seemed and I always felt that my family and I were safe while using the water park. There are four pools located in the park and that does not include the adult only swim area. The wave pool was a big hit with my kids and so were the water slides. My oldest loved waiting for the big "wooden" bucket to pour our its contents from the sky every few minutes. There are slides and games for all ages and I loved that about the park. No age was discriminated and it made for a great time. Another plus that I adored was the wrist bands. Everyone gets one, except those under three, and you wear them the whole time. You can have them activated for charging purposes effectively eliminating the need to carry your debit or credit card or wallet while at the waterpark or anywhere else on site. That was so wonderful! It makes life so much easier, especially in that that type of environment.

Great Wolf Lodge has accommodations for all sizes of families and groups from large too small. There are suites with bunk beds and bigger eating areas and more. I hope the bathrooms are bigger in those rooms. Our four to six person bathroom was quite tiny with only room for a shower and toilet. It was a surprise to find a family resort with that sort of bathroom. Maybe Great Wolf will consider renovating that portion of their facilities next.

Despite the food choices and small bathroom, Great Wolf is a fun, special place to stay. Your kids will love the story time, water park, arcade and MagiQuest adventures that are programmed throughout the site. The bear hunt my kids went on was a blast for them as was the arts and crafts room. The Gr8 Space for older kids is good too. All ages can enjoy this place and we would go back to another location again in the future.

MPR Rating: Four Stars/Three Stars (Four for fun, three for food)

Disclaimer: MPR was not paid for this post. Products received are for review and test purposes only. We stayed at the Great Wolf Lodge as part of the Reviewers Retreat. Opinions are MPR’s only.

*Images from stlmommy.com, golflink.com and followatswu.com

Recess Monkey's Flying!

I am so not a fan of kids music. I don't like listening to it in the car ever. Three school teachers from Seattle have changed all that. Recess Monkey's latest CD 'Flying' is fun, jump, dance around music with lyrics that rock! From song one, Flying, I found myself dancing along and learning the words in minutes. When I picked up my oldest daughter from school that day, Recess Monkey was playing in the car again. We've played it a lot since that first day too.

Full of energy with sounds that sometime remind me of a sneaky mix of Jack White and Better than Ezra this trio of rockin' teachers just works. My kids do too. We rock out to songs about kids covered in bandaids, toolboxes and grandma's house like it is nobodies business and you know what? It's cool.

In fact, I'm taking them to see Recess Monkey next month. Yes, indeed this mom of three is going to her first kids concert and I can't wait.

Like Recess Monkey on Facebook! View the 'Sidekick' video here. So cute!

MPR Rating: Five Stars.

Disclaimer: MPR was not paid for this post. Products received are for review and test purposes only. Opinions are MPR's only.

The MUPPETS Official Trailer