Olivia the Pig Plush Doll & 2-in1 Play Set

Team Mom Review

You probably know Olivia from the best-selling children’s book and hit Nick Jr. television show. Now Spin Master has taken her bold personality and wild imagination and created a collection of fun and creative toys for children ages 4 and up.  Courtesy of Spin Master and Team Mom we received the Olivia 2-in-1 play set and an 8" plush Olivia doll dressed up like a cow.

First, the Olivia doll ($9.99). This plush pig comes dressed as a cow with bright red bows bedecking her ears. I gave her to my two year-old to start and she hugged Olivia and then put her aside.  I explained it was a pig dressed as a cow and she looked at me like I was crazy.  My four year-old didn't show much interest either.  However, this toy is well made and you can find it dressed in other outfits like a princess and more.  If you know a little girl who loves Olivia then this doll will be a hit.  Available at Toys R Us, Amazon and Target. 

In our house it was love at first sight with the Olivia 2-in-1 play set ($29.99). This toy is awesome!  Both my girls could not wait to get it out of its box and every adult who has come across it in our home finds it simply amazing.  It provides so many play scenarios and the handle at the top of the roof makes it easy to tote from play space to space.  The set includes one Olivia doll, 23 accessories for her house or pirate ship and a sticker sheet to decorate both sets.  The house unfolds by hinges to separate ways (a few fingers have been pinched but nothing severe) and it easy for small hands to open and close the play set.  This Olivia toy has been a huge hit in our house. I highly recommend it as a gift or to put on your list this holiday season.  It is available at Amazon, Toys R Us and Target.

MPR Rating:  Five Stars.

Disclaimer:  This is a Team Mom review. MPR was not paid for this post. Team Mom supplied the review items for testing/review purposes only.  Opinions are MPR's only.

Moon Dough- Magical Molding Dough

Spin Master toys presents Magical Moon Dough a molding dough that never dries out.  It's wheat-free, hypo-allergenic and it is for ages three and up.  We received our Farm set as part of a Team Mom review. There are two other sets available- Puppies featuring a dog house and Diner where kids can create fast food items out of the moon dough.

Our Moon Dough kit ($19.99) included one molding barn base with a ramp and handle to crank out the farm animal molds- a chicken, cow and sheep plus a fence mold and hay mold.  There were three dough colors in our set- blue, yellow and white as well as a plastic playmat to offset the farm scene.  My four year-old was immediately interested in the brightly colored play set and she loves other molding clays so she couldn't wait to attack this set.  The first thing we noticed is that the moon dough texture takes a bit to get used to. It may not dry out but it is crumbly coming out of the package. If the bag falls on the floor like it did with us it goes everywhere creating quite a mess.  It also sticks to clothes and hands, which I found irritating, but she didn't seem to notice.  I suggest wearing a smock to play with this stuff.    While I found the moon dough to be interesting in concept and messy. My kid loved it.  She liked cranking out the animal molds and watching them slide out of the barn.  Once she created the animals she had a whole set to play with and used it like she would a plastic farm set of toys creating scenarios for the animals to play in.  It held her interest longer than Play-doh does because she could create all these characters with an incredibly light, very easy to mold dough.  The crank handle was not hard to use and the animals popped right out and didn't stick to anything on the way out.  This made play time tantrum free, which I was grateful for as well. 

MPR Rating:  Three Stars (from Mom), Four Stars (from the kid).

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

Team Mom- mOmma Bottles, Cups & More!

Made in Italy and quite unique, mOmma bottles, sippy cups and feeding dishes are innovative and full of movement and color. My kids gravitated towards them right away even if they weren't pink and purple because they are so different looking.  They even wanted to use the baby feeding dishes and bottles just because the product is so revolutionary in style.

The sippy cups (9 oz, $13.25) looks a lot like the mOmma bottle.  It's BPA and Phthalate free which I always look for in a plastic product.  It's non-spill and has dual handles to help strengthen grip.  I love how the cups stay upright even when dropped! It's amazing and you don't have to worry about the sipping part becoming full of floor germs.  I don't have to worry about drips in the car or on the floor either which is fantastic when you have more than one kid in the house.  Who wants to be constantly cleaning up sticky juice or milk all day?  It's interchangeable with the bottle as well.  A nice bonus as I don't love the price of this cup, especially at the rate we lose them.   It is also dishwasher safe.

The mOmma bottle ($10.75) looks a lot like the sippy cup.  It's simple and modern looking coming in green or orange colors.  It doesn't tip just like the cup and stays clean.  It's BPA and Phthalate free too as well as being dishwasher safe.  The shape of it can sometimes get lost in a diaper bag but it won't leak on you and the silicone nipple and venting system reduce vacuum build-up which helps with colic. 

Last, but not least, is the mOmma feeding dish ($9.25). This is a nice wide, round dish that is pretty stable on the table.  It has separate spots for different foods making it great for starter foods with babies or picky toddlers.  I like the look and design of this plate as it breaks from tradition.  My kids also think it is super cool looking and always want to use it despite it lacking any trace of princess pictures.  That's quite alright with me. 

mOmma baby products are available here.  They make great gifts and are a welcome addition to our house and kid dish supply. I would recommend them to anyone. 

MPR Rating: Four Stars.

Disclaimer:  MPR was not paid for this post.  It is part of the Team Mom review line.  Opinions are MPR's own.  Products received are for review and testing purposes only.  


CONTEST!
mOmma, the beloved line of Italian baby and toddler feeding products, is kicking off the mOmma’s messiest mOmments photo contest from August 2 – September 10, 2010. Parents can enter a photo of their little one's messiest mealtime for a chance to win a prize pack of mOmma product for themselves and a friend (total value: $104.50).

Log onto http://www.mommaus.com/ enter and to “like” mOmma on Facebook here.

Babyphotographers.com Works!

Team Mom recently turned me on to a new website- Babyphotographers.com.  It's an incredibly comprehensive website that allows parents to find information regarding local baby and children's photographers. 

Expecting a baby soon I immediately logged on and found some amazing photographers in my town and close by.  Some of the photographers listed I had even viewed before as their works adorn my friends walls.  From Babyphotographers.com you can not only find the important information but view the photographers website and galleries but it is a great way to compare and contrast the local professional shutterbugs in your area.  It's easy to use and has a wide range of photogs to choose from based on style, goal or budget.  The website also features a helpful "How to Have the Perfect Baby Photography Session" which is a great bonus. 


Babyphotographers.com is also offering the “Smile Baby” contest where you can win a $2,000 gift certificate to the photographer of your choice from within the Babyphotographers.com site. Second place finalist will receive a $1,000 gift certificate; third place will receive a $500 gift certificate.

Find Babyphotographer.com on Facebook and Twitter too! 

Disclaimer:  MPR was not paid for this post.  It is part of a Team Mom review. Opinions are those of MPR's only.

Pop on Pals Amusement Park Playset

Spin Master introduces Pop On Pals a set of toys that features a world of fun pals, pets, vehicles and playsets! Geared for ages 2 and up each set features mix n’ match fun that allows little ones to let their imaginations soar with possibilities. For example a fireman can become a musician, a princess becomes a baker through inter-changing rings you place on the 'Pal', you get the idea.  Pop On Pals makes for great imaginative play that also helps kids to develop their fine motor skills.

As a Team Mom tester we received the Amusement Park Playset ($34.99) and from the moment I pulled the brightly colored box out of its packing my youngest child got so excited.  We let her test it alone at first, without the aid of the four year-old and she was in heaven.  After being shown a few things like putting the 'Pal' in the car she let it ride down the roller coaster, ride the Ferris wheel and really loved the music the toy made as she used it.  There are five activities in all on this toy with many lights, sounds and musical parts to it.  They can play the Strong Man game, ride the Dragon Ferris Wheel, the roller coaster and so much more.  It kept her interest for about a half hour initially.  Later that day our eldest (4) came home with a few friends and they all began to play with it too.  Since then it has become a nice addition to our toy collection with the kids integrating the Amusement Park playset in with their other toys.  My only issue with this set is that only one 'Pal' comes with it making it hard for more than one kid to play with it at a time.  Additional 'Pals' are available and I would highly recommend purchasing them up front.  The toy becomes less engaging with only one 'Pal'. 

In addition to the playsets like a castle and town building scenes you can buy additional packs of 'pals', pets, vehicles and 2-in-1 sets to create many adventures with Pop on Pals.  Priced moderately and not overly busy, loud or irritating Pop on Pals playsets make a fun, entertaining toy that lets your child's imagination roam through the town.  Pop on Pals are available at Toys R Us, Walmart, Target, Amazon and many other retailers nationwide. 

MPR Rating: Three Stars.

Disclaimer:  I am a member of Team Mom.  Product received via Team Mom and I was not paid for this post.  All products received were for review purposes only.  Opinions are that of MPR only.

Team Mom- Consumer Reports Best Baby Products Giveaway!

"Breast is best." That's the mantra. However, as a mother of two who has gone both the breast and formula route I know that formula can be EXPENSIVE! However, be it medication, low milk production, needing to supplement or not being able to pump at work (don't get me started.) it’s important for new moms to know that they can get the best value for their money, while also safeguarding baby’s health while giving them what they need.

The 10th edition Consumer Reports Best Baby Products, store-brand infant formula is as nutritious for babies as nationally advertised brands. Moms can save up to 50% of their money by using store brand formula. It's true- $27 for Enfamil. $14 for the store brand. I've priced it out all over from Target to Wegmans.

As of the month of October, Women, Infants and Children (WIC) has designed an initiative to promote breastfeeding. This will reduce infant-formula subsidies by up to 26%. Parents who previously had most of their formula paid for by WIC may now have to purchase formula on their own. To help spread the word, PBM Products, which makes store-brand formula, is offering a free copy of the 368-page Consumer Reports Best Baby Products ($16.95) and some coupons for purchases at Walgreens, Babies “R” Us, Kroger and MANY other leading stores where store brand formula is sold.

Enter to win the book! It's easy- just comment below and I'll choose a winner at random on October 30, 2009.

Team Mom- Leslie Patricelli books!

Team Mom sent me two books this month, both by Leslie Patricelli, 'Baby Happy, Baby Sad' and 'Higher, Higher'. Both books are from Candlewick Press and are full of simple concepts, silly fun and bright artwork that your child will surely love and want to read over and over again.

'Baby Happy, Baby Sad' ($6.99) is a short, sweet book with the pages illustrating both happy and sad to your child. Geared for the toddler and preschool set its message is simple. It clearly illustrates ways in which a baby is happy or sad. My daughter loves to look at the pictures and figure out just why the baby may be happy or sad. Since the concept is so easy it also makes her feel like she can read right along with me or on her own. I'm betting that in a few more readings she'll actually know how to read it.

'Higher, Higher' ($15.99) also for the baby and preschool set is one of those books that consists of very few words and a lot of imagination. Each time I read it to my daughters I make up a bit more of a story . It is a simple book but the brilliant illustrations of a girl going higher and higher on her swing give children the space to create their own stories each time they read it. We love reading this book before naps and at bedtime.

Both books are available at Amazon.

Team Mom- Bella Sara

Bella Sara is the leading trading card group for girls. This inspirational online horse game about the land of North of North presents girls with positive messages about friendship and some safe online fun. Not content to just sit on its laurels Bella Sara has created two new parts to its line- Bella Sara Miniatures Series 1 Collection and Bella Sara Treasures.

The concept is simple. Just like baseball cards girls can collect and trade Bella Sara horse character cards ($1.99). Each card contains a code that can be entered online. The Miniatures Series has an added bonus of providing a soft, velvety miniature horse (20 in all) inside each card pack. Girls can collect, trade and love these little horses creating offline games in the process. With Bella Sara Treasures ($2.99), the eighth series in this line, there are printable activities, bonus codes, wallpapers, coloring pages, jigsaw puzzles and more.

I think that Bella Sara (5 yrs and up) is a great product for girls, however in our house my two daughters (an infant and a three year-old) are a bit too young to really have any fun with the cards. My preschooler loved the stickers included in the Treasures pack and really enjoyed making up imaginary games with the Miniatures horse figurines. The online games, loading the codes in and learning about the different characters was way over her head. The Bella Sara website is well done though and I can see how it would really entice girls of the elementary school age.

I think the Bella Sara concept is wonderful as it features natural wonders, historical artifacts and gives girls a chance to explore a very non-threatening world that parents won't have to constantly monitor. It was created by Gitte Odder Braendgaard who devised the line when she worked as a social worker in Denmark. She wanted children to have a game that was made up of meaningful messages and imagination -building game play. I can definitely see how Bella Sara does that and would recommend it to anyone who has a child who loves horses or is looking for a quality gaming website for their child.

MPR Rating: Three Stars

To celebrate Treasures, the eighth series in this trading card line, Bella Sara is kicking off a contest for a chance for kids to win an exciting Treasure Hunt Party for themselves and their friends! It runs through April 30 so enter to win on the Bella Sara website now!

Parents Critter Conga

What kid doesn't like to make music? For that matter, what kid doesn't like to make noise? In my house my daughter loves to run around and make a drum out of anything or create a horn out of any cylinder type object. When we opened the box from Team Mom with the Parents Critter Conga inside her eyes lit up and she said, "Oooh, can I have that?" Yes, indeed.

The Critter Conga ($30) is another hit from the Parents line of toys. Geared for ages 18 months and up it features a black-spotted Leopard Conga Drum, Giraffe maracas, an Antelope whistle, a Tambourine lid, Snake drumsticks and a Crocodile cabasa and clacker. All these African animal themed instruments will stir up your child's creative and musical juices. It will also improve their motor skills and memory not to mention keep them and their siblings or friends real busy with all the tapping, twirling, blowing, banging and just plain shaking they will be doing.

My daughter, who is almost three, loves this set. She makes up games with the animals and has a blast making music with each instrument too. Especially with that conga drum! The Critter Conga is a great toy set and makes a wonderful and reasonably priced gift for both boys and girls alike. It is available online here or at your local Costco store. As an added bonus all Parents toys are 100% phthalate-free too, so they are fun and safe.

They're Baaack! The Banana Splits!

Remember Fleegle, Drooper, Bingo and Snorky? That Fab Four of animal friends that made up the hit show, The Banana Splits? Well, guess what? They are back! Now with all new songs, jokes, videos and coming to your house soon (Sept. 2) on the Cartoon Network you and your kids can share in the fun of this musical group.

The site, while still in Beta version, contains a fan section, videos, a joke of the day and fun songs for your kids to enjoy. Kids ages 4-7 can watch the video shorts and play games on the website whenever they want to. It's easy to navigate, full of bright colors and very similar to the format of the old 1960s version of the Banana Splits, just refreshed. I checked it out with my 2 1/2 year-old and she loved them. The music is upbeat and fun with counting and lots of action that keeps your kids attention.

I suggest you check it out with your kids first and figure out if it is something for you. I'm not a big fan of it personally, but that is because the original version of the show scared me to death as a kid. I don't know why, but it did. While my daughter seems immune and this version is a lot less dark but equally psychedelic, I still can't shake my old feelings and I have no desire to watch this with her.