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Yo Gabba Gabba: Party in a Box | DVD Set Review

July 19, 2011 By Leave a Comment

yo gabba gabba party in a box dvd setYo Gabba Gabba: Party in a Box came out on July 12th, and I was lucky enough to get a review copy for my daughter and I.  This DVD set is packed with tons of Yo Gabba Gabba fun.  There are three DVDs in the box: Birthday Boogie, Clubhouse and Dancey Dance Bunch

The Dancey Dance Bunch!
Friends
Eat
Dance
Happy

Birthday Boogie!
Birthday
Dress-Up
Talent
Ride

Clubhouse
Clubhouse
Adventure
Summer
Animals

My daughter really loves her new Yo Gabba Gabba DVDs.  Between the three here and the Circus one she got recently as well, it seems she is always handing me a DVD that she wants to watch.  I love watching he happily prance around to the music.  The great thing about Yo Gabba Gabba is that the show encourages kids to get moving, not just sit around like mini-couch potatoes.

This DVD set is a wonderful investment for rainy days, that kids will still enjoy in the cold weather months.  The DVD set has a suggested retail price of $24.99, but is available for a discounted price through most online retailers.

Disclosure: Press sample provided for purpose of review.  All opinions presented here are my own.yo gabba gabba characters

 

Filed Under: Children

Nickelodeon Favorites: Big Box of Play Dates, Vol. 2 ~ Released Today

June 21, 2011 By Leave a Comment

nickelodeon big box of play dates vol 2

The Nickelodeon Favorites: Big Box of Play Dates, Vol. 2 DVD is being released today!  I was lucky enough to get a preview copy  of this feature packed DVD for review.

If your child loves all the fun shows on Nickelodeon and Nick Jr., then this is a great DVD to have on hand.  As the name indicates it is perfect to bring out during play dates.  With the big selection of Nick shows featured all the kids are sure to find something they love.

My daughter adores Yo Gabba Gabba! and seemed to enjoy those sections the best, but she also likes most of the other shows, as well, and had a good time watching the whole DVD.  The other features programs are Dora the Explorer, Go, Diego, Go!, Blue’s Clues, The Wonder Pets!, Ni Hao, Kai-lan and a Team Umizoomi special feature section.

As I mentioned the release date is today, June 21st.  The DVD set provides a whopping 417 minutes of programming, and has a suggested retail price of $36.99.

Have fun with Dora the Explorer; Go, Diego, Go!; The Wonder Pets!; Blue’s Clues; Yo Gabba Gabba! and Ni Hao, Kai-lan with the new DVD collection, Nickelodeon Favorites: Big Box of Play Dates, Vol. 2. This special box set includes the DVDs We Love Our Friends, Sisters and Brothers and Summer Vacation. Kids will enjoy over seven hours of entertainment with Nickelodeon Favorites: Big Box of Play Dates, Vol. 2. Created by Nickelodeon Home Entertainment and distributed by Paramount Home Entertainment, Nickelodeon Favorites: Big Box of Play Dates, Vol. 2 comes to DVD on June 21, 2011, for the suggested retail price of $36.99.
Nickelodeon Favorites: Big Box of Play Dates, Vol. 2 Synopses:
Nickelodeon Favorites: We Love Our Friends
Dora the Explorer – Best Friends
Boots and Dora are meeting for a picnic to celebrate Best Friends Day. Boots is bringing chocolate, and Dora is bringing yummy strawberries. It’s up to the viewer to help the two best friends meet at Rainbow Rock.
Go, Diego, Go! – Sammy’s Valentine
It’s Valentine’s Day! Little Sammy the Sloth is worried his Valentine to Lulu the Sloth will not reach her on time because he is slow. Diego and Sammy head off on a special trip to deliver the Valentine before the sun goes down.
The Wonder Pets! – Save the Lovebugs! / Save the Skunk Rocker
In “Save the Lovebugs!,” the Wonder Pets travel to the Florida Everglades to reunite a pair of quarreling Lovebugs. In “Save the Skunk Rocker,” the Wonder Pets get a call from a Skunk Rocker who needs to find a band to play with him.
Yo Gabba Gabba – Love
The characters learn about loving different things like flowers, birds, animals and each other.
Blue’s Clues – Love Day
A mystery card floats into Joe’s hands and everyone plays Blue’s Clues to find out whom it’s from.
Ni Hao, Kai-lan – Playtime at Tolee’s
Kai-lan and Rintoo go over to play with Tolee in his tree house. While playing, Rintoo accidently rips his new painting and Tolee doesn’t want to forgive him. Kai-lan shows Tolee why it is important to forgive.
Nickelodeon Favorites: Sisters and Brothers
Dora the Explorer – Big Sister Dora
Dora has some really exciting news that a baby will soon be joining her family.
Go, Diego, Go! – To Babysit a Bobo
The Bobos are on their way to the Spider Monkey Fiesta with their three new baby Bobo sisters. And as the Bobos search for fruit for the party, the restless Bobo sisters speed off into the forest to look for fruit without them.
Blue’s Clues – The Baby’s Here
While waiting for Mr. Salt and Mrs. Pepper to call from the hospital with news that the new baby has arrived, Paprika prepares to be a big sister. Looking at baby books gives everyone a chance to learn about what they were like when they were younger.
The Wonder Pets! –KalamaZoo! / Back to KalamaZoo!
Ming-Ming visits her Aunt Eleanora at the local petting zoo during a school holiday. Eleanora asks Ming-Ming to take care of her toddler cousin, Marvin, for the afternoon. Ming-Ming thinks this will be a “piece-of-cake” but Marvin proves to be quite a spirited little Duck. Ming-Ming finds the patience and compassion to take care of Marvin.
Page 1 of 3
Ni Hao, Kai-lan – Hoho’s Big Flight
On the day of the big lantern festival to celebrate the end of Chinese New Year, YeYe gives Kai-lan some lanterns for her and her friends to decorate. When Hoho’s lantern flies away, he jumps on it and everyone chases to get him down.
Nickelodeon Favorites: Summer Vacation
Dora the Explorer – Baby Crab
Dora and Boots are having a blast at the beach when all of a sudden they hear a call for help. A baby crab has gotten stuck in a net on his way to bring his mother a present.
Go, Diego, Go! – Panchita the Prairie Dog
At the Rescue Ranch, Diego and Alicia find Panchita, a Mexican Prairie Dog who needs to find a nice grassy prairie for her family. Diego and Alicia turn Rescue Pack into a wagon and head out with Panchita and her nine brothers and sisters.
The Wonder Pets! – Save the Hermit Crab / Save the Dolphin
The Wonder Pets take a break from their vacation in Cancun to help a Hermit Crab who has outgrown his shell. Afterwards, the Wonder Pets travel to Hawaii to save a Young Dolphin who has gotten caught in a fisherman’s net.
Blue’s Clues – Blue’s Big Car Trip
Blue’s Clues is hitting the road! Blue puts her booster seat in Carmen, an animated talking car and sets off on a journey. Along the way, they enjoy buckling up, singing songs and using the sights out the window to play interactive games.
Yo Gabba Gabba! – Summer
All the characters in Gabba Land enjoy fun outdoor activities and learn about taking turns.
Ni Hao, Kai-lan – The Hula Duck Dance Party
Kai-lan is going to a party at the Hula’s Ducks’ new island beach house, but when the party games lead to Rintoo having to sit out each time, he starts to cry. Kai-lan, Rintoo and Hoho need help to figure out a new way to play so no one is left out.
Nickelodeon Favorites: Big Box of Play Dates, Vol. 2 Fast Facts:
Street Date: June 21, 2011
Catalogue: 145264
DVD SRP: $36.99
DVD Running Time: Approximately 417 Minutes
Special Features:

Team Umizoomi Music Videos
o
Numbers Everywhere (Nickelodeon Favorites: Sisters and Brothers DVD)
o
Acorn Flower Pattern (Nickelodeon Favorites: Sisters and Brothers DVD)
o
Counting (Nickelodeon Favorites: We Love Our Friends DVD)
o
Celebration (Nickelodeon Favorites: We Love Our Friends DVD)

Disclosure: Media copy provided for purpose of review. All opinions presented here are my own.

Filed Under: Children Tagged With: , , , ,

Yo Gabba Gabba! : Circus ~ DVD Review

June 13, 2011 By 1 Comment

yo gabba gabba circus dvd

Yo Gabba Gabba!: Circus is being released on DVD tomorrow, June 14th.  My daughter and I were lucky enough to get a sneak peek copy, for this review.

This Yo Gabba Gabba DVD is the most enjoyable children’s DVD I can ever remember watching.  Yes, I watched the whole thing with her, and have watched snippets many times as well.  This DVD really is packed with fun.  My daughter LOVES it!  While it is running she either watches mesmerized or giggles, jumps and dances along with the characters.  Parents will enjoy the watching familiar entertainers, such as Weird Al (the ring master), Sarah Silverman and Fred Armisen, join in with all the Yo Gabba Gabba fun.

It is well worth grabbing a copy of this DVD, to be ready for summer rainy days, without school.  If your child likes Brobee, Foofa, Muno and the rest of the Yo Gabba gang, they are sure to enjoy this DVD.

The circus is coming to town with the all-new DVD release, Yo Gabba Gabba: Circus. Muno, Foofa, Brobee, Toodee and Plex star in four awesome episodes including one never-before-seen. Don’t miss the chance to sing and dance under the big top, ride in a hot air balloon, search Gabbaland for treasure and more.  Special guests featured in these episodes include Weird Al Yankovic, Sarah Silverman and Fred Armisen.  Created by Nickelodeon Home Entertainment and distributed by Paramount Home Entertainment, Yo Gabba Gabba: Circus will be released on June 14, 2011, and sold for the suggested retail price of $16.99.

Yo Gabba Gabba: Circus Episode Synopses:

Circus

Muno, Foofa, Brobee, Toodee and Plex help Al the Ringmaster (Weird Al Yankovic) make a circus in Gabba Land!  Brobee learns to be a clown and everyone gets to perform.  The episode also features Sarah Silverman.

Treasure Hunt

Two special guests (Fred Armisen and Charlyne Yi) travel to Gabbaland to search for hidden treasure.  As everyone joins in the search, they all do a special dance in the secret ice cave.

Flying

Brobee and friends go on a hot air balloon ride and meet new friend Sparkles.

Fun

All the Gabba characters learn different ways to have fun, learn to eat healthy portions and how to use their bodies to dance and make music.

Yo Gabba Gabba: Circus Fast Facts:

Street Date: June 14, 2011

Catalogue: 821734

DVD SRP: $16.99

DVD Running Time:  Approximately 95 minutes

Rating: Not Rated

Disclosure: Media copy provided for purpose of review.  All opinions presented here are my own.

yo gabba gabba circus

Filed Under: Children Tagged With: , , , , ,

Tyke Rider: Balance Bikes and Children’s Helmets

June 10, 2011 By 4 Comments

Tyke Rider Balance bikeMy daughter recently received an Early Rider balance bike and nutcase helmet from Tyke Rider , for us to review.  Tyke Rider is an online store that specializes in top design balance bikes and children’s helmets, for kids from 2 to 5 yrs old.

M has developmental delays associated with autism, so she has had a great deal of trouble with the motor coordination required to pedal her tricycle.  Although she has had immense difficulty with this, she has good balance overall, so I have been wanting to try a balance bike with her for some time now.  Thus, I was very pleased when Tyke Rider selected us for this review.

Tyke Rider Early Rider balance bikeTyke Rider Early Rider seatearly rider tirestyke Rider design detailIt only took my husband a few minutes to put the bike together.  With no gears and chain to deal with, assembly was a relatively simple process.   The components fit together well, and are nicely constructed.  Not only is this a high quality balance bike, but it is very cool looking too.  Check out the neat flame-work and cushioned seat.  M was certainly excited when it was presented to her, and I would have a hard time imagining any kid not loving it.

little nutty helmet

Our daughter is still getting the hang of her new balance bike, but is slowly making progress with it (that was not happening with the tricycle).  You will notice she is not wearing her helmet in the pics, that is because she does better on the grass, and doesn’t go more than a few steps yet.  We have tried the Little Nutty helmet with her and it is adorable and easy to adjust.  It will be perfect once she gets a bit more adept with her bike.

Tyke Rider Early RiderTyke Rider also carries LikeaBike and 3-in1 Wishbone bikes in addition to the Early Rider we reviewed.  As you can see above they offer Nutcase helmets too, both in the Little Nutty we received, and Nutcase for kids from 5-12 years of age.  We couldn’t be happier with the quality of the merchandise from Tyke Rider, and would highly recommend their online store.

Disclosure: Product sample provided for purpose of review, through the Family Review Network.  All opinions presented here are my own.

Filed Under: Children Tagged With: , , , ,

Chuggington Interactive Wash & Fuel Train Set (w/ Giveaway) – Toys for Autism

April 28, 2011 By

Learning Curve ChuggingtonThe Chuggington Interactive Wash & Fuel set from Learning Curve is a great toy for any child, but I was particularly happy to see how well my autistic daughter played with it.  Like many children on the spectrum, it is hard to get her to play with toys that have an element of pretend appropriately.  I know she enjoys trains a lot, but all the train toys she had before this did not have an interactive element to them.  They were simple wood trains, that collected dust.

Chuggington Wash and Fuel set

Wilson goes into the washer!

This Learning Curve train set has on the other hand, has kept her attention well.  Yes, she still drifts on occasion, while we are playing with it, but she pushes the trains on the track sporadically (she never did that with her old set), and is fascinated with the wash part.  I also like that the trains greet each other and discuss what they are doing.  This integrates language examples to the play time, beyond what I say.

The set comes with Brewster, and while he talks about the wash and fuel stations, and makes some statements without other trains, I would suggest picking up another train or two, if this is starting your Chuggington collection.  The trains discussing things with each other makes it more fun.

Learning Curve Chuggington trains

Brewster going onto the track.

Whether your child is typically developing, or on the autism spectrum, if they like trains, this set is sure to be a winner.  For those who do have autistic children, I would especially suggest this toy.  Since, the trains only move by people power, the tendency of autistic kids to just watch the toy functioning on it’s own, is not an issue.  The trains also demonstrate basic social interactions during play.  The balance between what the trains/set  does, and what your child needs to contribute to make things happen is an excellent balance.  I did not intend this to be a “therapeutic” toy, but I am happy to say, it really has been one for my daughter.

The Learning Curve Chuggington Interactive Wash & Fuel Set is available,   at Toys R Us stores nationwide.  Check out more about Chuggington interactive trains on the Learning Curve website.

Disclosure: Product sample provided for purpose of review.  All opinions presented here are my own.

Chuggington Giveaway

One lucky Blommi reader will win a Chuggington Interactive Wash & Fuel Set, courtesy of Learning Curve.

Entry Options (do as many or as few as you like, but make sure to leave a separate comment for each entry)

  • Tell me who is the fave Chuggington Chugger, of your child.
  • Follow this blog via email or RSS (One entry each).
  • Follow me through Google Friend Connect (bottom of page)
  • Follow @TwiMommi on Twitter and tweet about this giveaway can be done 3x per day at least 1 hour apart (account must be public and have at least 50 followers). Feel free to use this tweet: ” Win a Learning Curve Chugginton Interactive Wash and Fuel Train Set  from @TwiMommi http://su.pr/17hIoe “
  • “Like” Blommi on Facebook
  • “Like” Learning Curve on Facebook
  • Share or “like” this giveaway on Facebook
  • For 2 entries! Grab my ad button (available here), or add Blommi.com to your blogroll -> blog must be public with minimum 25 followers. Leave a link where it can be found, in your comment. (remember to leave 2 separate comments)
  • For 3 Entries! Blog about this giveaway with a live link back to this post  -> blog must be public with minimum 25 followers. (be sure to leave 3 separate comments)

One winner will be randomly selected from all valid entries, and will have 48 hours to respond to their prize winner email notification. If winner fails to respond, within that time period, a new winner will be drawn. Giveaways hosted on Blommi are sponsored by third parties. Site owner will of course endeavor to see all prizes are fulfilled, but is not responsible for fulfillment, nor for missing or damaged prizes. Contest ends May 12, 2010 at 11:59 pm CT. Open to US residents , age 18+.

Filed Under: Children Tagged With: , , , , ,

Tales About Tails: Cat in the Hat DVD Review and Giveaway

April 13, 2011 By

tales about tails cat in the hat dvdWe recently received a copy of the new Tales About Tails Cat in the Hat DVD, for review.  While my daughter has enjoyed he Cat in the Cat shows before, she has had a particular interest lately.  A few weeks ago her preschool class had a Cat in the Hat party, and ever since, The Cat has gained status with her.  She really enjoyed the DVD, and actually gave it to me to play a few times, after her initial viewing (a status usually reserved for Caillou DVDs).

Studio: NCircle Entertainment

DVD Release Date: April 5, 2011

Run Time: 75 minutes

Synopsis:

What’s better than a tale or two?
Tales about Tails from you know who!
It so happens the Cat knows a lot about tails
There are tails on beavers, and even on whales!
You can see how a monkey’s tail helps him climb high
Or a rattlesnake’s tail warns of danger nearby.
When the kids want to perform a little dance,
They meet a bird named Tango, who teaches a prance.
Take a journey with your favorite Cat,
The Cat in the Hat Knows a Lot About That!

Disclosure: Media copy of DVD provided.  All opinions presented here are my own.

Cat in the Hat DVD Giveaway

One lucky Blommi reader will win a Tales About Tails: Cat in the Hat DVD

Mandatory Entry (must be done for all other entries to count): Visit NCircle Entertainment’s kid’s activities page and tell me which one you want to do with your kids.

For additional entries:

  • For 2 entries! Follow this blog via email.
  • Follow this blog via RSS
  • Follow me through Google Friend Connect
  • Follow @TwiMommi and @NCircle on Twitter and tweet about this giveaway up to 1x per time per day  (leave a separate comment for each tweet)
  • Become a fan (now called like)  DVDs-Kids-Love on Facebook
  • Become a fan (now called like) Blommi on Facebook
  • Share or “like” this giveaway on Facebook.
  • Stumble any non-giveaway post that appeals to you. (Can be done once daily – leave your Stumble Upon name in comment) .
  • For 2 entries! Grab my ad button (available here) and post it on your blog, or add Blommi to your blogroll.  Leave a link where it can be found, in your comment.  (remember to leave 2 separate comments)

One winner will be randomly selected from all valid entries, and will have 48 hours to respond to their prize winner email notification.  If winner fails to respond, within that time period, a new winner will be drawn. Giveaways hosted on Blommi are sponsored by third parties.  Site owner will of course endeavor to see all prizes are fulfilled, but is not responsible for fulfillment, nor for missing or damaged prizes.  Contest ends April 27, 2010 at 11:59 pm CT.  Open to US residents , age 18+.

Confirmed winner vickie C.

Filed Under: Children Tagged With: , , , , ,

Limited Edition Easter Pillow Pet Giveaway

April 6, 2011 By

purple bunny pillow petJust in time for Easter, Purple Fluffy Bunny has been released, as a Limited Edition Easter Pillow Pet.  This adorable bunny Pillow Pet has purple fur and a green gingham belly… too cute.  While the kids would love one for Easter, so would any adult who is fond of rabbits.  The gingham really dresses it up.  It would look nice hanging out on a bench or arm chair.

Like the other Pillow Pets I have reviewed in the past, this is very well constructed. There is a decided difference between a real Pillow Pet and the knock-offs.  It is certainly worth the small difference in price, to get the real thing.

easter pillow petRecently my daughter spilled juice all over my pillow, not long before bedtime.  Since I knew the pillow would not be washed and dried in time  for me to sleep with it, I grabbed one of her Pillow Pets as a stand in.  While I still prefer my own pillow, the Pillow Pet was really pretty comfortable to sleep with.  A few Pillow Pets on hand would sure make you ready for a sleep over, better  than cramming your closet full of spare pillows.

This adorable Limited Edition Easter Pillow Pet is only available while supplies last.  They ran out of rabbits last year for Easter, so if you want one for your child, I would not dawdle.

Disclosure: Review sample provided.  All opinions are my own.

Limited Edition Easter Pillow Pet Giveaway Closed

Congratulations to the confirmed Bunny winner:

Ashley K

 

 

Filed Under: Children Tagged With: , , , , ,

What to Expect the Second Year Gift Basket Giveaway

April 4, 2011 By

what to expect the second year

What to Expect the Second Year, by Heidi Murkoff and Sharon Mazel will be hitting store shelves tomorrow, April 5th.  We have already gone through the second year in our home, and I assure you it is quite an adventure.  This follow up to the popular What to Expect the First Year, would have been handy to have around.  In our case the information would have been more useful in reflecting the things M wasn’t doing, rather than how to deal with things as they happened.  You see, the second year is often when disabilities first become noticeable.

If you are preparing for , or currently in the second year with your child, this book could be helpful on many levels. While I opted not to review this particular title, since it was not applicable to our family, I am familiar with the series, and feel this would be a useful parenting tool.

As I mentioned above, What to Expect the Second Year will be released April 5th. In celebration of the book’s release, I am hosting a gift basket giveaway.

Disclosure: Posted as courtesy to my readers.  Prize provided by publisher.

what to expect the second year giveawayWhat to Expect the Second Year Gift Basket Giveaway

One lucky Blommi reader will win a What to Expect the Second Year Gift Basket with $75 worth of products perfect for that second year of life.

Ways to Enter (do as many or as few as you like, but make sure to do a separate comment for each entry)

One time entries:

  • Visit the What to Expect the Second Year web page, and tell me something you learned there.
  • Register while on their site.
  • Follow this blog via email.
  • Follow this blog via RSS
  • Follow me through Google Friend Connect
  • “Like” Blommi on Facebook
  • “Like” What to Expect on Facebook
  • Share or “like” this giveaway on Facebook
  • For 2 entries! Grab my ad button (available here), or add Blommi.com to your blogroll -> blog must be public with minimum 25 followers. Leave a link where it can be found, in your comment. (remember to leave 2 separate comments)

Daily Entries:

  • Follow both @Heidi-Murkoff and  @TwiMommi on Twitter and tweet about this giveaway can be done Can be done once daily (account must be public and have at least 50 followers).
  • Stumble any non-giveaway post that appeals to you. Can be done once daily – leave your Stumble Upon name in comment.

One winner will be randomly selected from all valid entries, and will have 48 hours to respond to their prize winner email notification. If winner fails to respond, within that time period, a new winner will be drawn. Giveaways hosted on Blommi are sponsored by third parties. Site owner will of course endeavor to see all prizes are fulfilled, but is not responsible for fulfillment, nor for missing or damaged prizes. Contest ends April 18, 2010 at 11:59 pm CT. Open to US residents , age 18+.

Confirmed winner Trixx!

Filed Under: Children Tagged With: ,

True Royalty Children’s Clothing Review

March 14, 2011 By

true royalty logo

I recently had the pleasure of selecting a True Royalty children’s T-shirt to review.  The characters on these Tees are simply adorable.  It was hard to pick, so I suggested a few and received this sleepy monarch butterfly for my daughter.

butterfly t shirt

The first thing I noticed upon unwrapping the shirt has the quality of the fabric used.  While I wouldn’t call it thick, it certainly seems quite durable, and the construction is also well done.  This is a T-shirt that will not wear out or twist after a few washes.  Considering it is 100% cotton, it also didn’t seem to shrink in the wash.  The Tees run true to size.  My daughter just grew out of 3T and has started wearing 4T clothing.  The above pic was taken last week , and she is wearing a 4T in it.  As you can see the length on these tees is good.  If you want to tuck them in or pair them with leggings (as I did here), you should not have an issue.

True Royalty patch

All of the characters are original to the line, and are too cute for words.  My other faves are the monkey & the bear.  I also like that they embroider a logo patch on the back of the Tee, just below the collar.  It is a nice detail.

If you would like to order some True Royalty…

Exclusive Reader Discount:  Use the discount code “blommi” for 20% off and free shipping.

Disclosure: Product sample provided for the purpose of review.  All opinions presented here are my own.

True Royalty Giveaway giveaway has ended. Confirmed winner Karen P.

Filed Under: Children, Children's Fashion, Clothing, Girl's Clothing Tagged With: , , , ,
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