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Friday, March 30, 2012

The Year of the Dragon in 3D: A Peek 'n Play Story App

The Year of the Dragon in 3D - A Peek 'n Play Story App

2012 is the Year of the Dragon! Dominic’s proud parents rule the sea and sky, advise the Emperor, and have high expectations for their son. Meanwhile Dom befriends the boy Bo and the other zodiac animals, who wish to paddle a boat in the village’s annual river race. But when other people and Dom’s parents disapprove, what will Dom do?

Mobad Media transforms Oliver Chin's fantastic children's book into an extraordinary 3D experience for the iPad & iPhone 4. Mobad Games is a member of Moms with Apps, a collaborative group of family-friendly developers seeking to promote quality apps for kids and families.

Features & Benefits:
• "Read To Me" highlights the words to improve reading skills
• "I Can Read" allows reading at your own pace
• Individual words can be tapped and multiple words selected to hear that section of the story played back
• Interactive surprises and hidden objects on every page
• Original music and soothing narration
• Hints can be turned on to assist in finding interactive thingamabobs
• Auto Play available if you want to watch the story unfold like a movie




Brandon always enjoy new story apps.  I was given the opportunity check out this app together with him. We liked it very much and the illustrations are really adorable. The graphics are amazing! Like all kids, he is curious about everything. He would tap and touch the characters to find out what actions/animations they do. The highlight words also help in developing reading skills. Also a fun way to learn about the Chinese zodiac and the year of the dragon.

Check out the sneak peak of the app in the video below:




Disclosure: I received a code to redeem for the above App at no charge in exchange for a review of my opinion. The opinions expressed are my own personal and honest thoughts. No other compensation was given.




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Wednesday, March 28, 2012

PBS KIDS' Martha Speaks and Arthur Celebrate National Poetry Month

To celebrate National Poetry Month, PBS KIDS' Martha Speaks and Arthur have partnered with the Poetry Foundation on a special week of reading, writing, and poetry episodes April 2-6, 2012 featuring former United States Poet Laureate Billy Collins and Inaugural Children's Poet Laureate Jack Prelutsky. Kids also are invited to create and publish their own poetry online with an all-new game, Martha's Rhyme Time at pbskids.org/martha and Fern's Poetry Club at pbskids.org/arthur.



The Poetry Foundation and WGBH are teaming up to invite kids to celebrate National Poetry Month with Martha Speaks and Arthur. Tune in to PBS KIDS Monday, April 2, 2012 (check local listings) to join former United States Poet Laureate Billy Collins and inaugural Children's Poet Laureate Jack Prelutsky in episodes highlighting poetry. Kids also are invited to create and publish their own poetry online with an all-new game, Martha's Rhyme Time at pbskids.org/martha and Fern's Poetry Club at pbskids.org/arthur.

"Martha Speaks and Arthur share a focus on literacy and actively encourage creativity and love of words," says Carol Greenwald, Senior Executive Producer at WGBH. "Through this partnership with the Poetry Foundation, we hope to encourage and inspire the next generation of poetry readers and writers."

"Children who are exposed to the joys of poetry at a young age are most likely to become lifelong readers of poetry as adults," adds Stephanie Hlywak, Media Director of the Poetry Foundation. "How better to create a new generation of poetry lovers than to enlist the help of Martha, Arthur, Billy Collins, and Jack Prelutsky?"

Airing Monday, April 2, 2012, PBS KIDS will premiere the brand-new Martha Speaks episode Billy Collins Speaks (check local listings). In this episode, Billy Collins writes great poems about dogs, and Martha thinks she knows why. Obviously, the former poet laureate must be a canine himself! When Martha meets Billy Collins, she's in for a few surprises...as is he. Tune in to learn words like poem, poet, prose, imposter, and metaphor. Then in the classic Arthur episode "I'm a Poet," Arthur and his friends are challenged to write a poem for a contest to be judged by inaugural Children's Poet Laureate Jack Prelutsky. Though intimidated at first, everyone comes up with a poem that reflects his or her own unique approach.

Two new Martha Speaks episodes highlighting parts of speech and featuring a visit from the Bookbots air on PBS KIDS Tuesday and Wednesday, April 3-4, 2012 (check local listings). Additionally, past episodes of Arthur celebrating creative writing will air on PBS KIDS Tuesday-Friday, April 3-6, 2012 (check local listings).

New Games Highlight Poetry and Creative Writing Online at pbskids.org! Kids are invited to read, write, and share poetry online with Martha's Rhyme Time at pbskids.org/martha and Fern's Poetry Club at pbskids.org/arthur.



Martha's Rhyme Time
In Martha's Rhyme Time, kids can create rhyming couplets for Martha to perform. Building each from six different sets of words, there are—mathematically speaking—a bazillion combinations to create. Kids also can customize the performance stage and create a printed version to color and stick on the fridge. And, of course, with Martha being Martha, she'll introduce and explain many new vocabulary words along the way!

Fern's Poetry Club
Fern's Poetry Club is a long-running, popular poetry feature on the Arthur website that encourages children to write and share their poems online. Fern's Poetry Club contains information to help kids understand what poetry is, a description of different types of poems, and tips for kids on how to write their own poems, plus an archive of poems submitted to the site over the past 10 years. To celebrate National Poetry Month, new features will be added, including poetry-related video clips from Arthur. Kids will now see Fern, Arthur, and all their friends enjoying this wonderful form of expression!



Disclosure: I did not receive any products nor was paid for this post. I was provided info from the PR firm to share. Any expressed opinions are my own and personal thoughts. No other compensation was given.



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Apple iPod Blogger Event & iTunes Gift Card

iPod & iTunes Gift Card Event!
$7 Sign up fee all goes towards event! NO ADMIN FEES!


iPod Touch & iTunes $25 Gift Card Music, games, iMessage, HD video recording, and more. It has fun written all over it. Join our new Giveaway Event $7

1 (one) Winner will win iPod Touch & iTunes $25 Gift Card. Signups start now and run to April 7th. The Giveaway starts April 8th and ends April 22nd. There is NO admin fee. All fees will go towards the prize $7 Facebook page & Twitter. Please double check your links before you submit the doc. Be sure to join the giveaway group at http://www.momblogsociety.com/group/mbs-mdr-mmwabby-sponsored-giveaways.

Paypal money is due upon entry to save your spot on the Rafflecopter. Thanks for helping us make a successful giveaway. Please send payment of $7 to ladonna(at)ladonnadennis(dot)com and put your blog and name in the Paypal message area.


BLOGGERS GET MORE LIKES AND FOLLOWS! SIGN UP HERE
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Monday, March 26, 2012

Interactive iPad Book: Elfishki and The Unwelcome Guest (Now Available)


kidsiphoneapps.net had just recently released their newest interactive iPad book: Elfishki and the Unwelcome Guest. It is now available for purchase at the iTunes App Store.

Description:

Brand new magical fairy tale from the makers of an acclaimed interactive animated book "Elfishki and The Giant Cake":

Once upon a time, on the beautiful Rainbow Island in the middle of the Sparkling Sea lived magical little people called Elfishki.

Some of them could fly like butterflies and some could swim like mermaids. They shared the island with animals who could speak and trees who did not talk, but understood everything. All in all, this was a place where miracles happened every day.

One morning, an ice cream seller named Vince and his friend, a dragon named Brungildo, went to their garage for the freezer boxes. But they couldn't get inside. Vince kept putting his key into the keyhole, but it would just fall out — as if somebody pushed it back. Vince peeked into the keyhole and was dumbfounded — inside the lock was a tiny blue person with a tail...


Here's what you find in the app:

1. Original, not found anywhere else captivating texts, designed to develop your child’s conscious reading skills - according to the Common Core State Standards for English Language Arts.

2. Stunning interactive art, classic animation and videos.

3. Fun, interactive elements on EVERY page.

3. Professional Audio Voice over of the story, so your child can listen along with the text.

4. THREE(3) Questions on every page of the book specifically designed to help your child analyze the text, boost their imagination and make predictions about the story.

5. A bonus game specifically designed to test your child's attention to detail - Help Jeanso Pack his Backpack.








You can download and purchase the app HERE.

Disclosure: I did not receive any products nor was paid for this post. I was provided info from the PR firm to share. Any expressed opinions are my own and personal thoughts. No other compensation was given.


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Growing Tree Toys $25 GC Giveaway


Growing Tree Toys offer a wide variety of educational toys for kids of all ages. Easter is just around the corner and you're in the right place to find some goodies for a fun and festive holiday! Find toys featuring those Easter icons, like bunnies, chicks, and eggs, and other cute toys sized just right to be featured in an Easter basket. And best of all, many of these items are priced at 15 dollars or less.




Also, readers of "Baby Brandon's Adventures" save 15% their first order using discount code: FD302 Only valid on first order. Valid online only. Certain brands excluded. Shop online at www.growingtreetoys.com.

{GIVEAWAY}


I am giving away to one (1) lucky reader a $25 gift certificate to redeem any product(s) you wish. Chosen winner will be selected via Random.org through Rafflecopter and is open to US only (ends April 26, 2012).

{Please wait while Rafflecopter entry form loads...}


a Rafflecopter giveaway





Disclosure: I was not paid for this post nor received any products. I received a gift code either to use for myself or for giveaway. Thanks to Growing Tree Toys and Blogtricity Team. The opinions expressed in my review are my own personal and honest thoughts. No other compensation was given.


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Saturday, March 24, 2012

Playdate at Sunrise Park

It was another playdate with Michelle. She came over and played with Brandon while my aunt had some chores to finish. It was a great day and I took the kids to the nearby park (Sunrise Park). Walked over there after we went to the library and grocery shopping. The kids had a fun day. Michelle is like a big sister to Brandon. It was great!








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Thursday, March 22, 2012

But how much sugar is too much?

A Spoonful of Sugar Helps the Medicine Go Down

But how much sugar is too much?

Mary Poppins suggests a spoonful of sugar to help the medicine go down, but how much sugar is too much? On average, an adolescent consumes 34 teaspoons of sugar, or 500 calories worth each day.

Parents can help children limit sugar intake to the recommended 6.5 teaspoons per day by avoiding cookies and candies, and instead serving sugar free or no sugar added sweets such as those made from Sans Sucre Baking Mixes. Sans Sucre, meaning “sugar free” in French, produces a line of guilt-free baking mixes in four varieties from coffee cakes to brownies.

“Children generally love sweet treats, but parents want to be health conscious. We created our Sans Sucre line of mixes for healthy eaters who still want to enjoy great tasting desserts,” said Steve Bernard chief executive officer of Bernard Food Industries.

By replacing sugary snacks and desserts, children and adults alike are consuming less sugar which lowers the risk of diabetes, heart disease and, most commonly, body fat. The Sans Sucre recipe below is a sugar free dessert that all can enjoy.

Caramel Apple Cake

1 fresh apple chopped, peeled and cored
2 boxes Sans Sucre Apple Cinnamon Coffee Cake baking mix
1 cup water
1 egg
4 tablespoons all-natural applesauce
1 cup sugar-free caramel

Preheat oven to 375F. Prepare 8"x8" pan by lightly greasing or spraying with non-stick cooking spray. Chop apple into chunks. Blend water, all-natural applesauce, egg and both mixes in a medium bowl using an electric mixer. Fold apple pieces into cake batter. Spread evenly in greased pan. Bake 25-30 minutes or until inserted toothpick comes out clean. Cool completely. Drizzle sugar-free caramel over top of cake. Store covered.

About Sans Sucre Baking Mixes

Sans Sucre is the first line of baking mixes from foodservice industry specialists, Bernard Food Industries, Inc that are flavored with Stevia, an all-natural sweetener. In addition, they are sugar-free or no sugar added, low fat, no cholesterol, lower in calories and lower in sodium. For more information visit: www.sanssucrefoods.com.

About Bernard Food Industries

Since 1947, Bernard Food Industries, Inc. has been dedicated to providing solutions to the foodservice industry. Family owned and operated by the Bernard family, Bernard Food Industries, Inc. has 1,000 specialty food products, including beverages, soups, seasonings, sauces, baking mixes, and more. Of those products, 350 are dietary in nature. For more information visit: www.bernardfoods.com or www.edietshop.com.

Note: Sans Sucre line of baking mixes is the first to use Stevia in place of sugar or artificial sweeteners. Stevia is an all-natural sugar substitute that is sweet in taste and free of calories, carbohydrates and fat, making it a healthy alternative. However, there is a distinct difference in taste between Stevia and regular sugar. “Like soda and diet soda both Stevia and sugar have different flavor profiles,” says Steven Bernard, chief executive officer of Bernard Food Industries.



Disclosure: I did not receive any products nor was paid for this post. I was provided info from the PR firm to share. Any expressed opinions are my own and personal thoughts. No other compensation was given.




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Wednesday, March 21, 2012

Ice-Skating for the First Time



It was Brandon's first time ice-skating. I told him the night before so he would know ahead of time where we were going and be prepared for it. After I mentioned it, he first told me he didn't want to because he was afraid he will slip and fall. Then I showed him videos on YouTube of other toddlers ice-skating and most of them had these rails they can hold while on the ice rink.

When we got to the Britannia Community Centre, we walked around to get familiarized with the place. I helped Brandon put on the ice-skates and we even brought own own helmet. I took a few photos with my small camera I had in my pocket.

How did he do you ask? Well, he was a bit nervous at first. I said to him after putting on the skates, "It feels funny when you walk, doesn't it?" He nodded.  I had cleats on (same with most of the other parents), so I didn't skate with him. When I put him on the ice, his feet couldn't stay. We had the railing thing for him to hold. His feet just kept sliding everywhere so I told him to keep them together and pointing straight. After a few laps, both of us got used to it. Brandon held on (like the way he did in the last picture below) and kept his feet together. He likes it when I go fast and he would tell me to go fast when I stopped for a little break. Well, he didn't move his feet at all. He just kept them still while I pushed him along.  I told him to move his feet like he's walking the next time I take him skating.

So he enjoyed the ice-skating. I asked him if he would go again next time and he nodded.










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Tuesday, March 20, 2012

Gustafer Yellowgold CD/DVD Set Review & Giveaway



Gustafer Yellowgold's Year In The Day
"A cross between 'Yellow Submarine' and Dr. Seuss." - The New York Times


Morgan Taylor developed the "musical moving storybook" Gustafer Yellowgold experience as equal parts pop rock concert and hand-drawn cartoon movie. in Gustafer Yellowgold's Year In The Day, we find former Sun-resident Gustafer Yellowgold enjoying his Minnesota woodland home and experiencing his own unique take on a year's worth of Earth holidays, both classic and unusual.

When Brandon saw the new CD/DVD I showed him, he was curious and wanted to check it out. I told him there's a music CD and a video DVD. We decided to listen to the songs first. I have never seen nor heard about Gustafer Yellowgold before. The illustrations were cute and funny. So while listening to the songs, I went to read more about the character and the creator. Morgan Taylor is the illustrator, songwriter, and singer. I was impressed. The music was catchy and all the songs have a nice upbeat. Even little Brandon enjoyed it.

Then we watched the video later that day. It's cute and funny with nice upbeat songs to dance along to. It kept my little Brandon entertained. He even started dancing once the music was on.  He even asked me about the cartoon and I told him that it's "Gustafer and his pet worm".

The humorous and hand-drawn music videos follow Gustafer through eleven different days of the calendar year. The season kicks off with the crackling, minty optimism of "New Is The New Old," then moves to some worm's-eye-view philosophizing with a groundhog in the McCartney-esque "A Shadow." "Pancake Smackdown" gets a Freddy Mercury-type royal treatment by intertwining a rocking medieval choir with a flurry of frisbeed flapjacks to celebrate Fat Tuesday/Pancake Day. Gustafer spooks himself with an awesome Halloween costume in the howling 1970s guitar-driven exhilaration of "Werewolves Rock," then settles head first into comfort food heaven in the Tin Pan Alley swing of "Pumpkin Pied." Many more celebrations receive the one-of-a-kind Gustafer blend of blissful pop-music, lyrical poignancy and gorgeously drawn cartoon absurdity.

About Morgan Taylor:

A native of Dayton, Ohio, Morgan Taylor moved to New York City in 1999, residing there for a decade while honing his songwriting skills and establishing himself as a successful sound engineer. He has released several CDs, including the 70-song box set, Box of Monster.

Beginning as a young teen in the ’80s in various musical groups, Taylor has a long and varied musical history that has seen him sharing bills with such artists as Bob Dylan, WILCO, Jimmie Dale Gilmore, The Polyphonic Spree, The Breeders, Natalie Merchant, Lisa Loeb, The Smithereens, Matthew Sweet, Guided By Voices, Missing Persons and even A Flock Of Seagulls!

To stay up-to-date, Like Gustafer Yellowgold on Facebook and follow Gustafer on Twitter.






GIVEAWAY
One (1) lucky reader will have a chance to win a copy of Gustafer Yellowgold's year In The Day CD/DVD Set of their own. Chosen winner will be selected via Random.org through Rafflecopter and is open to US & Canadian residents (ends April 21, 2012 at 11:59pm EST). Winner will have 48 hours to respond to claim their prize.

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a Rafflecopter giveaway




Disclosure:  I am participating in this review program through Mom Blog Society. I received a complimentary copy of the CD/DVD Set at no charge in exchange for a review of my opinion. The opinions expressed are my own personal and honest thoughts. No other compensation was given. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.


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Monday, March 19, 2012

THE MUPPETS Are Back Now on Blu-Ray March 20th



THE MUPPETS are back again, and are being released on Blu-ray Combo Pack MARCH 20th!


Muppet domination continues with a hilarious new movie from Walt Disney Studios. Jason Segel, Academy Award(R) nominee Amy Adams (Best Performance By An Actress In a Supporting Role, Junebug, Doubt, The Fighter) and Academy Award winner Chris Cooper (Best Performance By An Actor In A Supporting Role, Adaptation) join everyone's favorite Muppets and an all-star celebrity cast in a comic adventure for the whole family. While on vacation in Los Angeles, Walter, the world's biggest Muppet fan, his brother Gary, and friend Mary uncover the diabolical plot of a greedy oil millionaire to destroy the Muppet Theater. Now, the Muppet-loving trio must reunite Kermit, Miss Piggy, Fozzie Bear and their friends to stage the greatest Muppet telethon ever and save their beloved theater. The gang is back together again in a must-own movie full of irresistible music and family fun. Bring home the biggest Muppet adventure ever on Disney Blu-ray(TM) and DVD!

There are tons of fun activities for kids that I want to share including:
- Spot the Difference
- Colour Moi Piggy
- The Great Maze

Click HERE to download activities and don’t forget to have a Muppetational time!




Disclosure: I did not receive any products nor was paid for this post. I was provided info from the PR firm to share. Any expressed opinions are my own and personal thoughts. No other compensation was given.



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Sunday, March 18, 2012

"Mini" Mini Cooper

We went to the mall a couple days ago and saw this "mini" Mini Cooper car. It was really cute so I decided to snap a photo of Brandon in it. We didn't buy it since we already have a Disney Lightning McQueen one at home sitting in the garage.




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Friday, March 16, 2012

Curious George Dance Contest



Calling all Curious George fans!


Exercise your creativity! George is celebrating the arts with this first ever Curious George Dance Contest. Send in a video of your child doing their best monkey moves to the Curious George theme song. Winning video will be included on a Curious George DVD.

How it works:

Video your child dancing to the Curious George theme sone. A panel of judges will review video submissions and pick 10 finalists based on enthusiasm, creativity, and originality. Videos from the 10 finalists will be posted here and the winner will be voted by Curious George fans!

Contest Dates:

Starts February 24, 2012. Video submissions are due by April 2. Public voting period is APril 16-April 30. Grand Prize Winner will be announced in May 2012.

Prize:

Winning video will be included on a Curious George DVD. Grand prize winner will also receive a Curiousity Kit and may even win a visit from George!

9 Runner up Prizes: A Curious George Curiousity Kit





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