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

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.

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.

Fun Find- It's Santa Claus! By Ben Rudnick & Friends

Get into the fun energy of the holiday season this year with Ben Rudnick and Friends newest CD, "It's Santa Claus!"  The CD ($9.95) is named for their instant hit and title track.  This CD is all about friends, family and holiday cheer.  The group has recorded classic holiday songs and favorites and made them a bit more fun and adventurous too. 

Full of sounds from guitars, harmonicas, drums, organs and even harmonicas you and your family will surely enjoy this new take on songs like, 'Frosty the Snowman', 'Greensleeves' and 'Auld Lang Syne'.  I even learned the words to that New Year's song, finally. 

Get it here. 



Image from musesofmegret.com

Frances England- Mind of My Own

I consider myself a pretty anti-kiddie music person for all the kids CD's I review.  My kids may love them but I probably loathe them.  Either the artist is too cutesy, the lyrics too silly or whatever. I just have a hard time getting on board because simply put this music isn't geared for me. It's for my kids and that is as it should be.  Still, we as parents do have to listen to it.

Enter Frances England and her newest CD, 'Mind of My Own'.  I love it!  I actually play it on my own.  I find myself singing the songs on my own and I don't care who knows it. I've also watched the 'Tricycle' song video on numerous occasions because I think it's great.  England's music is folksy, soft and sweet at times but never sappy or overplayed.  It comes from the heart in a pure way this is fun and it makes you want to go spend a day out in the sun with your kids. 

My kids?  They love it too.  My two year-old tries to snap her fingers to each song as she sways around and nods her head. The four year-old loves it too.  The bass sounds and lyrics of 'Cookies and Milk' make her happy each time she hears it. 

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 own.

Fun Find- The Body Rocks CD

Get ready to get your kids moving, grooving and learning. The Body Rocks CD features musical greats like Liz Phair, Minnie Driver, Pete Yorn and Guster. Unlike other CDs ($9.99) for kids The Body Rocks clearly teaches kids about the workings of their body without being cutesy or talking down to them. The music is fun, refreshing and talented too. Songs like ‘The Heart Beats Lub Dub’ and ‘Food Gives Energy to Me and You’ grab your child’s attention while educating them. You won’t be sick of listening to The Body Rocks tunes either.


The Body Rocks is a great find. Kids get their body curiosity questions answered and fun songs to sing along with while listening to contemporary music that doesn’t jar your adult ears.

Available at Amazon.com

David Archuleta CD Giveaway!

It's another week and another new giveaway!  This week it is the brand spankin' new David Archuleta CD.  If you are an American Idol or David fan then this is a great prize for you! He looks more grown up and sounds that way too.  Three lucky MPR readers will receive:


- a copy of David Archuleta’s new CD, THE OTHER SIDE OF DOWN

Something 'Bout Love music video


I'll pick three winners on October 12, 2010.  Just comment and you are entered to win!

DAVID ARCHULETA


THE OTHER SIDE OF DOWN


IN STORES OCTOBER 5

Sex and the City 2 Soundtrack

I will be right up front when I say this, if I had not seen the movie this weekend the review for this soundtrack might have been a bit different. 

I listened to the soundtrack (in stores May 25) as soon as I got it.  I am a big fan of SATC and always have been.  However, the wide range of musical styles and sounds was a bit too much for me.  To go from Alicia Keys remake of Blondie's 'Rapture' to a Middle Eastern twist with Cee Lo, Liza Minnelli and the SATC Men's Choir was a tad confusing.  Then I saw the film and it changed my whole perspective and feeling on the soundtrack.  What would have been a jumbled, middle-of-the-road review has changed.

I saw SATC2 this past weekend and then I listened to the soundtrack all over again.  'Rapture' and Ricki-Lee's 'Can't Touch It' are still favorites of mine, but I also have a better appreciation for Cee Lo, the girls rendition of 'I am Woman' and all of Liza.  Call me a new fan.  My kids like the CD too.  My four year-old daughter found the 'Language of Love' and 'Euphrates Dream' to be like Tinkerbell or Princess/Fairy music. "It's beautiful!" she exclaimed.  She's right too. It is beautiful and now I have found a CD that we can all listen to in the car without being bored to tears on either side.  It's a nice mix of upbeat tunes and relaxing classics that makes everyone happy.

Tracklisting:

1. Alicia Keys “Rapture”

2. Dido “Everything to Lose”
3. Cee Lo “Language of Love”
4. Erykah Badu “Window Seat”
5. Natacha Atlas “Kidda”
6. Michael McGregor “Euphrates Dream”
7. Liza Minnelli “Single Ladies (Put A Ring On It)”
8. Ricki-Lee "Can't Touch It"
9. Alicia Keys "Empire State of Mind (Part II) Broken Down"
10. Jennifer Hudson and Leona Lewis "Love Is Your Color"
11. Sarah Jessica Parker, Kim Cattrall, Kristin Davis, Cynthia Nixon “I Am Woman”
12. Sex and the City Men’s Choir “If Ever I Would Leave You”
13. Sex and the City Men’s Choir “Sunrise, Sunset”
14. Sex and the City Men’s Choir “Till There Was You”
15. Shayna Steele, Jordan Ballard, Kamilah Marshall “Bewitched, Bothered and Bewildered”
16. Liza Minnelli with Billy Stritch “Ev’ry Time We Say Goodbye”
17. Cyndi Lauper “True Colors”
18. Aaron Zigman “Divas and Dunes”

You can buy it at Amazon now.  Win a call from Sarah Jessica Parker herself!  Enter here!

MPR Rating:  Four Stars.

Fun Find-Joanie Leeds-I'm a Rock Star CD

Singer and songwriter Joanie Leeds doesn't just perform kids music, she educates them with her songs.  Easy-going in her approach to music and her rock'n'roll style she touches on subjects like eating healthy, the digital world, being green and socializing with others. 

What I liked about Leeds and her style of music is that it is sophisticated in its lyrics and yet still reaches kids. My four year-old loves it, especially the 'Being Green' song.  I enjoy listening to it too as it isn't sappy sweet or overly repetetive.  It is catchy, authentic and fun.  Her voice is soft, sweet and reachable.  This CD has been played over and over again in our house since we received it. 

You can listen to many of the songs here.  It debuts March 23 and makes a great gift for the preschool set on up. 

MPR Rating:  Four Stars. 

Disclaimer: MPR was not paid for this posting. Products were received and kept for testing purposes. The opinions in this review are solely my own.

Visit my other blog, The Mummy Chronicles, for more.

Fun Find-Maestro Classics The Tortoise and the Hare

Educational, fun for the whole family and a great way to introduce classical music to your children comes Maestro Classics fable The Tortoise and the Hare ($16.98).  

Composer and Conductor Stephen Simon and the London Philharmonic Orchestra have created something truly amazing with this wonderful CD.  There are six supplemental tracks, and original and funny song, the "Pretzel Vendor of Paris" and a 24-page activity booklet that is included with the CD. 

The classic story of the tortoise and the hare will teach your children the value of patience and understanding as well as hone their listening skills.  It's a wonderful find and makes a great addition to your family music collection. 

For ages 4 and up.

Disclaimer:  This post is solely my own opinion.  No compensation was accepted for this post. 

It's the Holiday Gift Guide!

Welcome to Mummy's (MPR, for short) Holiday Gift Guide! There's a little something for everyone on your list and a whole lot of green. In the spirit of giving and helping one another out many of the wares below are from the fabulous world of Etsy. It's all about helping mankind and now Etsy even allows you to shop local. Shop, have fun browsing and enjoy!

Happy Holidays!

~Mummy

For the Women, BFF, Mother, Girl in your life-


Crabtree & Evelyn- From holiday gift sets , eco-totes and all things spa and gifty.

BusyBodyBook Wall Calendar ($14.95) this is a steal of a gift. Perfect for the organizer in your family or the person who wants to be 'the organizer'. Containing a column for each day of the month for each person in the family this wall calendar has helped keep my family sane for over two years now.

The Mi-Bag- Eco-friendly, stylish and affordable.


Zosimos Botanicals- Scented candles, make-up, skincare and more. 100% organic and safe too.

For Mom & Baby-

BornFit- An active wear collection for moms with gifts for the babes too. Check out the Baby Bear Onesie ($24), the Cameron Pullover ($68), Torrey Full Zip Jacket ($76).

SKIN for baby by Monica Olsen - An amazing skincare line for women and babies. The travel kit for kids is simply wonderful. I take it everywhere we travel.

Hostess Gifts and all those who fall under the "Not quite sure what you are looking for but you have to buy or send a gift" Try these great resources.

Alex and Sam Need a hostess gift? Something for the chic baby in your life? Alex and Sam is a philanthropic online gift boutique featuring designer, handcrafted and imported gifts and jewelry by prominent and up-and-coming designers. Proceeds are donated to participating non-profit organizations like Memorial Sloan Kettering Hospital, the Starlight Foundation, the Fund for Public Schools. Non-profit organizations can alos register with the site to help turn a fabulous gift into one that can keep giving.

Get 'eco chic' with environmental activist Ann Wizer and her whimsical line of credit card holders, mini make-up bags, shopping bags, shoulder totes and laptop holders and more made from recycled trash. Yes, I said trash. A portion of each purchase goes to the XS Project, a nonprofit organization that raises environmental awareness and helps trash pickers—those who source the raw material— and their families. Great for teens, sitters, friends and female family members.

Michael Buble's 'Crazy Love' CD


John Kelly Chocolates- Truffle Fudge bars, anyone? Yes, please! Bring them to a party, give them as a gift. Everyone will love you.

Suzanne Graham for You- Scented soaps that are gentle and 100% natural. Simply Delish!



Couleur Nature- French designs and oh so natural. Placemats, tea towels, tablecloths and more.

Squier Design's Adirondack Inspired Tea lights.


For the Kiddos

Putumayo Kids 'Family Christmas' CD- Festive songs the whole family will enjoy. Featuring 11 tracks from various artists with everything from jugband bluegrass styling to retro swing sounds.

Leapfrog's Zippity

The 'I Love You' Book by Todd Parr

The Nutcracker and the Mouse King by Gail de Marcken

for ages four and up.

The Christmas Magic book by Lauren Thompson


Pal Podzzz Nightlights-($19.99)

Tutu's by Allison's Wonderland- ($10-23) Adorable. Handmade and she even has holiday creations for your little dreamer.

Mudpuppy has items for girls and boys ranging from baby to young adult. Block puzzles, stickers, stationary, flash cards, banks and more all with a whimsical, educational feel that is top quality all the way.



YummyPockets- iphone covers and more. Great stocking stuffer and for teens.

Vinyl Fruit's very own wall decals. Think lifesize Edward Cullen silouette. There's even Team Jacob stuff, if that is your thing.

A DVD that is simply enchanting. The book is wonderful too. Get both here. I don't love Thomas but now my kids do and I can actually tolerate this wonderfully done movie. The sunsets look real. It's beautiful.


Invasion of the Bristlebots - Crafty for ages 8 and up.

Paper Fashion Fancy- Crafty for ages 8 and up.

For the Menfolk

Green Earth Waterless Car Wash kit. You read it here first!


Two Trees Tshirt from Critter Jitters.

Retro 'Map' Cufflinks.

Trio of soaps. I know, who wants that? Many guys, trust me. Made from goats milk and available in a variety of fragrances you are sure to find one he'll love.





Want more? Then feel free to browse through the five and four star reviews and more in the MPR sidebar.

Win a Copy of 'Crazy Love' by Michael Buble!

Released October 9, 2009 and debuting at the top of the charts for two weeks now is Michael Buble's 'Crazy Love'. The 13 track CD (11 standards, 2 originals) is "about the inevitable roller coaster ride of relationships."

While I don't entirely dig that cover. It's a bit creepy and might I add it seems that Michael may be getting a bit full of himself. However, the boy can sing, croon and sweep you off your feet with his velvety tones. I do love his music and this CD is no exception.

Want a copy? FIVE Lucky winners will get a chance to win one! Winner will be chosen at random on October 30, 2009. To enter just follow me on this here little review blog and leave a comment afterwards. Good Luck!

Fun Find- Music Box CD

Compiled of twelve tracks of original music and lyrics Mary Kaye's Music Box($15.99) is a timeless compilation of simply titled songs that go the distance. This mother of two with a music and theatre background is quite different from your usual children's music CD. Songs like 'Hot Chocolate Fairy' are fun and imaginative. My daughter really got into the whole back story on the fairy and wanted to hear it again and again. Mary Kaye's songs conjure beautiful images, tales and feelings as you listen to each song. They all drive your child's imagination further each time you listen to her music too.

To purchase and preview Mary Kaye's Music Box visit here.

Michael Buble Meets Madison Square Garden

Six years, 40 countries, and a trip down memory lane that all leads to one night. Michael Buble Meets Madison Square Garden is a combination CD/DVD ($24.98) full of songs, bonus material and more. The more portion is a great backstage look at Michael, his crew and everything that goes into the making of this one big night, his December 5, 2008 concert at the Garden. There are 10 songs in this package and the whole thing is full of Buble's swagger, charm and infectious appeal.

I'm giving away FIVE copies to FIVE lucky MPR readers! All you have to do is check out my blog, The Mummy Chronicles, follow it and then comment here afterwards. I'll pick five winners at random on Friday, September 11. Good Luck!

MPR Rating: Four Stars.

Fun Find- Ask the Planet CD

A 2009 iParenting Award winner, "Ask the Planet" is a wonderful children's CD that seeks to educate and reconnect kids to nature and the world around them.

"All of the songs on Ask the Planet were written with the hope of teaching kids about biomimicry, which is the process of learning from and then emulating Nature’s genius to create more sustainable designs. It’s studying a leaf to invent a better solar cell or studying an electric eel to make a better battery. “Biomimicry introduces an era based not on what we can extract from the natural world, but what we can learn from it.” Janine Benyus, author Biomimicry: Innovation Inspired by Nature. "

Listening to this CD is wonderful. Using the talents of artists like Ani DiFranco, Bill Harley, Bruce Cockburn, Dar Williams, Brandi Carlile, Laura Love, Erin McKeown and Bill Sims, Jr. along with the song writing genius of Amy Martin your child will grow to love this multi-award winning CD.

To purchase visit the Ask the Planet website here.

Fun Find- Eric Herman 'What a Ride!' CD

Full of catchy pop melodies and fun lyrics Eric Herman's 'What a Ride' ($14.99) is one great CD. It will appeal to older and younger kids alike as well as adults. The lyrics are relatable for the whole family and elementary school age kids will certainly find this CD especially appealing.

Throughout the eleven tracks 'What a Ride' consistently delivers engaging, full-on energetic style songs that are just perfect for a car trip or at home dance party. If you are looking for a CD that won't drive you insane and still keep your kids happy then you need to give 'What a Ride' a test drive.

MPR Rating: Five Stars.

Fun Find- Teaspoon at a Time CD

Singer-songwriter Dave Kinnoin newest creation, "Teaspoon At a Time" ($14.98) is a fun, inspirational and rockin' CD. The CD showcases a variety of subjects that concern kids from the joy in helping others to the fun of reading. There are fifteen original songs on this CD and all honor kids thoughts and feelings.

Kinnoin has written over 200 songs for a variety of companies like Sesame Street, Disney Audio, Jim Henson TV and more. He is one of the most successful song writers out there today and this latest venture is going to be a big hit.

Fun Find- Banjo to Beatbox CD

Based out of Washington, DC and from the creative and multi-talented minds of Cathy Fink, Marcy Marxer and Christylez Bacon is a fresh new video enhanced and digitally available EP, Banjo to Beatbox.

Christylez Bacon is an amazing hip-hop artist who can not only rhyme but beatbox, play percussion and use a banjo ukulele that will impress even the most doubtful listener. When combined with Cathy and Marcy's unique and award-winning folk music sound you get such great songs as, Jubilation, the CD's opening track. This CD is pure adventure in music that is sure to grab your child's attention as well as yours. We love it and it's become a fast family favorite in our house.

You can download Banjo to Beatbox for $6.99; or purchase the EP disc: for $7.99. at their website.

Fun Find- B is for Bob CD Giveaway!

Do you love Bob Marley? Do you think your kids would too? Ziggy Marley, Bob's eldest son and a four-time Grammy winner, has created a terrific new album just for kids called, 'B is for Bob'.

Beginning June 23, a whole new generation can listen to eight transformed Bob Marley songs and four others that are untouched. It's a great CD for the summertime and one the whole family can and will enjoy! Included are loads of fun extras like additional online content, coloring pages, a sing-a-long music video and a FREE one-year subscription to Parents magazine. We'll be jammin' to this CD on all our summer road trips this season!

I'm giving away FIVE (5) copies of this CD to some lucky readers this week! Enter to win by commenting and don't forget to leave your email address so I can contact you! I will choose five winners at random on Friday, June 26. Good Lucks!





B is for Bob -

PINK! from Rocknoceros

From the high-energy, original band Rocknoceros (pronounced like rhinoceros) comes their newest CD - PINK! ($15.00)Rocknoceros comprised of the trio Boogie Woogie Bennie, Coach Cotton and Williebob hail from the DC burbs of Northern Virginia, just like me! PINK!, the new CD and title track is all about the rosy-hued color and is a fun mix of old-school pop styles and Beatles type songs geared for kids ages 2-9.

Rocknoceros is a favorite among the kid set here in Northern Virginia and they frequently play live at some pretty notable venues like Wolf Trap, the Smithsonian Institution and more. I played the PINK! CD for my kids in the car one day and found the pop and sometimes alternative rock sound to be cute and inviting. Kids can listen to songs like, "Can You Tell Time?" or "Gonna Cut My Hair" and have an educational, involved and fun experience. It's not just silly kid music. You can watch a video and have your kids dance along here.

Check out Rocknoceros schedule and podcasts too because they will be touring all over the East Coast this summer and may be coming to a fun venue near you!