Little Pim Foreign Language LeapFrog Apps & Other Gift Ideas

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A few years ago I reviewed Little Pim: Chinese (Mandarin): eating and drinking DVD, and thought it was a great teaching aid to help children learn a 2nd or even 3rd foreign language. Since the time of my review the Little Pim brand has introduced more languages, videos, music, books, flash cards and digital language apps

As a techie family, we love the idea of the apps! The Little Pim apps are available in a variety of ways


Little Pim available on LeapFrog. This unique partnership is the first time LeapFrog brings language learning to its App Center. Little Pim content features a proprietary Entertainment Immersion Method®, which combines animation with real kids to teach simple words and phrases for everyday activities. "Eating and Drinking " and “Wake Up Smiling” are released through LeapFrog's video app center in Spanish, French and English/ESL, Chinese Mandarin and other languages. Each episode is theme based and can be introduced in any order. These video apps teach young children more than 60 words and phrases for morning and evening routines such as waking up, getting dressed and brushing teeth.


Little Pim’s Spanish, French and Chinese iPad Apps are interactive games developed in conjunction with PBS Kids Play and feature three levels of teaching. Designed for native English speakers, these apps help young children develop basic vocabulary about eating and drinking, playing and sharing, and sleeping and waking. Each app introduces a total of 60 words and phrases.


If your not sure if your child will like Little Pim then down for FREE the Little Pim Word Bag and Talking Colouring Book apps and review with your child before purchasing the other apps.

Besides apps, other great gift ideas from Little Pim includes


Intro Gift Set ($34.95) This Little Pim package includes: 1 DVD (eating and drinking), Adorable onesie, 9" velvety soft plush Little Pim panda, and see-through Little Pim tote bag


Backpack Plus Gift Set ($129.95) This ultimate Little Pim package includes: 6 DVDs, 9" velvety soft plush Little Pim panda, Word & Phrase Cards and a new Little Pim backpack.


Complete Gift Set ($169.95) This ultimate Little Pim package includes: 6 DVDs, 9" velvety soft plush Little Pim panda, Bop music CD, Word & Phrase Cards, 2 Little Pim Books ("Colors" and "Feelings") and new Little Pim backpack.

To learn more about Little Pim, visit www.littlepim.com

Note: I received a Little Pim gift set. No other compensation was received. Views expressed are always 100% my own.

Posted in: Apps, Gifts, TechFocus

Snap Secure New "Geo-fence" App Helps Parents Track Children Mobile Device for Safety

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With holidays here, many families are heading out to visit families and friends or do some holiday shopping. After families have separated, how do they keep in touch to get back together again? Nowadays saying, “we’ll meet back at this landmark,” may not be enough. Which is why, Snap Secure’s features allow parents to know where their kids are at all times.


Snap Secure new Geo-fence feature enables parents to ensure children’s safety and know where they are at all times by tracking the location of their mobile device. With Geo-fencing capabilities, parents can establish virtual geographic location boundaries to define where their children should be and receive an instant email alert if the child strays from that location.

Parents can also set Geo-fence time parameters to receive an alert if their child does not arrive within a specified location within a certain time period. For example, parents could establish a Geo-fence around their neighborhood block for when a child arrives home from school. Or, in the case of a child who is dropped off at the movies or an after-school function, to alert if the child leaves the area—either of their own volition or by someone else’s

The new On Demand Family Management feature for Android provides complete family security and visibility directly from any Android mobile device. With On Demand Family Management, any family administrator can remotely locate, ping and wipe any mobile device in the family group from their own Android device, as well as view each group members’ breadcrumb history—which identifies where they’ve been throughout the day, week or month. On Demand Family Management extends the same family management features that currently exist on the Snap Secure web portal.

Geo-fence and On Demand Family Management are available now for Snap Secure subscribers on the Android platform. For more information visit www.mysnapsecure.com

Posted in: Apps

Sesame Street Elmo Christmas eBooks

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This Christmas time share holiday reading with a few of these Sesame Street ebooks featuring Elmo


In Elmo's Delicious Christmas, join Elmo as he helps his mommy and Aunt Sue bake Christmas cookie the day before Christmas. As you read this book with your child, talk to them about your families holiday traditions.

More ebooks your child will enjoy:


When you download the free Sesame Street eBook app you can enjoy 3 free Sesame Street eBooks starring Elmo and friends! You can also browse more than 150 other Sesame Street eBook titles for free. To read, listen, and watch all eBooks simply, subscribe to a Sesame Street eBooks subscription for $3.99/month or $39.99/year.

To see more Sesame Street eBooks visit - http://ebooks.sesamestreet.org

Posted in: Apps

Cut the Rope Holiday & 5 Free Christmas Apps for iPhone & Android

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From the creators of Cut the Rope, comes the Special Holiday Gift game, which combines all the outstanding physics, devilishly tricky levels, and bright colorful visuals of the original — with a festive winter feel. SHAKE your iPhone for a special surprise!


Swipe your finger to cut the ropes and feed Om Nom candy. Don’t forget to collect stars as you play. Think before you cut, and be sure to avoid spiders, spikes and other obstacles … getting that candy to Om Nom won’t be easy!

Looking for more holiday themed apps? Here are 5 free Christmas Apps:


Rudolph's Gift - Based on the timeless Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer® TV special, Rudolph's Gift let's you lead Santa's sleigh and deliver presents to children around the world. Players can collect power-ups and upgrade Rudolph’s abilities as they deliver as many presents as possible while dodging airborne obstacles.

For iPhone

Hungry Santa - Fatten up Santa before Christmas. Tilt the device to move Santa’s mouth under falling treats, but watch out for the healthy broccoli. Santa gets fatter and fatter as he chomps on all the goodies. Give him some fatty bonuses by bouncing the treats off his belly before he eats them, or eating long strings of treats all in a row. Go for the elusive “Crazy Chomp” bonus. You can’t play this one without laughing out loud.

For iPhone
For Android

Gingerbread Crazy Chef Cookie Maker - The tradition of leaving cookies for Santa has never been as fun and no-fuss as this. Gingerbread Crazy Chef is an innovative app that kids and parents can use together to create the most colorful, playful and crazy holiday cookies to leave for the Jolly Old Elf on Christmas Eve. Choose the shape, mix the ingredients and make “digital cookies” for Santa. Best of all? No mess and no clean-up! Great for kids, families and parents with children.

For iPhone
For Android

Santa’s Village - The perfect game for the whole family. Help Santa by building a bigger and better village, and save Christmas from being ruined by the Grumpkins. Start by building homes for Santa's elves, create a toy factory and make lots of toys, teach reindeer how to fly, and meet magical neighbors like Yobo the Yeti. Unlock special buildings and colorful decorations to make your village even merrier.

For iPhone
For Android

Snowman Maker Plus - The weather outside is frightful, but the fire is so delightful … and since we’ve no place to go, let it snow, let it snow, let it snow. Yes, you can sit by the fire AND build an adorable, realistic looking snowman when you play Snowman Maker.

For iPhone
For Android

hAPPY holidays!

Posted in: Apps

Our Happy Holidays with Family and Friends - Wordless Wednesday

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After the chaos and sadness of the past few months, I made a real effort to enjoy this holiday with our family and friends.

Christmas dinner with our Korean friends

We put up our holiday lights, took out our tree and visited with Grandma (my mom)

This year the best present my son and I received was, the love and happiness that comes with being with family and friends.

Posing with the Rockefeller Christmas tree

Wishing all my online friends and blog readers a Happy Holiday season, no matter what you celebrate (or don't)

Posted in: Blog, WordlessWed

Trailer: "GoldenHeart ['86]" (Dawn Richard)

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Dawn Richard is back with an official trailer for "GoldenHeart ['86]" which was shot by noted director  Eugene Lee Yang, last month. Speaking on the forthcoming video for "'86" Dawn stated:

"'86" is an homage to my past....[e]veryone wants to look at the Danity Kane thing as a negative but it's a positive. The girls have been and continue to be a guiding force in my journey throughout this music business."

With that said, the official video for "'86" is slated for release on January 15th when GoldenHeart arrives in stores on January 15. Peep the trailer for "GoldenHeart ['86]" below and Enjoy!

Second Listen: "We All Want The Same Thing (Acoustic)" (Kevin Michael featuring Akil Dasan)

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Back in 2007 Kevin Michael released his self-titled debut album "Kevin Michael" and one of the numerous standout joints from his album was his acoustic take of his joint "We All Want The Same Thing" with Akil Dasan. While I am sure not a lot of people have listened to this joint, you definitely need to take a first listen and then a second listen to this brilliant joint below! 

Live Audio: "Fool That I Am" (Adele)

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One of Adele's biggest vocal influences was the late Etta James. Adele often credits listening to James' records as helping her find her own voice. With that said, with her passing, Adele took to her website to post a brief reflection on the legendary singer.

"What a lady Etta James was. She was the ultimate original. Her voice was breath taking and her songs are reflections we all recognise in some way or another. Its an honour every time I hear her voice. I saw her at BB Kings in New York a few years ago, and it was something I will remember forever. Thank you to Etta James. And i send all my love to her family and friends xxxx" – Adele

Therefore take a listen to this amazing live audio of Adele covering the Etta James classic "Fool That I Am" during one of her concerts back in 2008 below and Enjoy!

Second Listen: "Rescue Me" (Fontella Bass)

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With the passing of Fontella Bass last night, I thought it would be appropriate to revisit her most remembered and iconic hit "Recuse Me." Topping the R&B charts with "Rescue Me" in 1965, Fontella Bass will forever be remembered through this thumping classic that truly stands the test of time. Bass died Wednesday night at a St. Louis hospice of complications from a heart attack suffered three weeks ago and while she will be missed, her life will live on through her discography that is highlighted by "Rescue Me." Take a listen below to her iconic "Recuse Me" as we honor the legacy of the late Fontella Bass.

Amazing Cover: "Sorry Seems To Be The Hardest Word" (Mary J. Blige)

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During the MOBO Awards in the UK several years ago, Mary J. Blige performed a stirring rendition of Elton John's classic ""Sorry Seems To Be The Hardest Word." While Blige has recorded her own rendition for the "Bridget Jones: The Edge of Reason" soundtrack, I still prefer her live interpretations of this Elton classic as she really leaves it all out there on the state. Watch her sublime interpretation of "Sorry Seems To Be The Hardest Word" below and Enjoy!

Behind the Scenes: "Our Version of Events (On The Road)" (Emeli Sandé)

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Emeli Sandé has had a breakout year in 2012 through releasing her debut LP Our Version of Events, performing at the Opening and Closing Ceremonies for the 2012 Olympics, placing songs on Alicia Keys' and Rihanna's latest LPs, and even headlining her first major tour. With that said, to close out 2012, the critically and commercially acclaimed singer/songwriter has released a behind the scenes feature that takes a look behind-the-scenes of her tour and on the road promotional events for Our Version of Events. Watch it all go down below and if you don't have Our Version of Events, it makes for a great stocking stuffer!

Mixtape: "Agápē" (JoJo)

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After releasing a stream of "AgápÄ“" earlier this week, JoJo has now released the mixtape ahead of its originally scheduled release date.  Featuring production and songwriting credits from Austin Brown and his Backpack Kids team of Tommy Parker and Scott Bruzenak along with Elijah Blake, the short set is a welcomed tide-over until we get JoJo's highly anticipated and often delayed third album. With that said, take a listen below and to "AgápÄ“" and get the free download by clicking here!

Drake Feat Rihanna - What's Love Lyrics

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Lyrics to Drake Feat Rihanna - What's Love




Ohh na na, what's my name
Ohh na na, what's my name

Ohh na na, what's my name
Ohh na na, what's my name
Ohh na na, what's my name
What's my name, what's my name

[Drake:]
Uh, ya
I heard you good with them soft lips
Yeah you know word of mouth,
The square root of 69 is 8 somethin' right
Cuz I've been tryna work it out, oowww
Good weed white wine
Uh I come alive in the night time
Okay, away we go
Only thing we have on is the radio
Ohh Let it play
Say you gotta leave
But I know you wanna stay
You just waiting on the traffic jam to finish girl
The things that we could do in twenty minutes girl
Say my name, say my name wear it out,
it's getting hot crack a window, air it out
I can get you through a mighty long day
Soon as you go the text that I write is gon' say

[Rihanna:]
Not everybody knows how to work my body
Knows how to make me want it
Boy you stay up on it
You got that something
That keeps me so off balance
Baby you're a challenge
Let's explore your talent

[Chorus]
Hey boy I really wanna see
If you can go downtown with a girl like me
Hey boy, I really wanna be with you
Cause you just my type
Ooh na na na na
I need a boy to take it over
Looking for a guy to put in work, uh
Oh woah o-oh, Oh woah o-oh

Hey boy I really wanna see
If you can go downtown with a girl like me
Hey boy, I really wanna be with you
Cause you just my type
Ooh na na na na
I need a boy to take it over
Looking for a guy to put in work, uh
Oh woah o-oh, Oh woah o-oh

Ooh na na, what's my name
Ooh na na, what's my name
Ooh na na, what's my name
What's my name, what's my name

[Rihanna:]
Baby you got me
Ain't nowhere that I'd be
Then with your arms around me
Back and forth you rock me
So I surrender to every word you whisper
Every door you enter, I will let you in

[Chorus]
Hey boy I really wanna see
If you can go downtown with a girl like me
Hey boy, I really wanna be with you
Cause you just my type
Ooh na na na na
I need a boy to take it over
Looking for a guy to put in work, uh
Oh woah o-oh, Oh woah o-oh

Hey boy I really wanna see
If you can go downtown with a girl like me
Hey boy, I really wanna be with you
Cause you just my type
Ooh na na na na
I need a boy to take it over
Looking for a guy to put in work, uh
Oh woah o-oh, Oh woah o-oh

You're so amazing
You took the time to figure me out
That's why you take me
Way past the point of turning me on
You 'bout to break me
I swear you got me losing my mind

Ooh na na, what's my name
Ooh na na, what's my name

Ooh na na, what's my name
Ooh na na, what's my name
Ooh na na, what's my name
What's my name, what's my name

[Chorus]
Hey boy I really wanna see
If you can go downtown with a girl like me
Hey boy, I really wanna be with you
Cause you just my type
Ooh na na na na
I need a boy to take it over
Looking for a guy to put in work, uh
Oh woah o-oh, Oh woah o-oh!!!

Hey boy I really wanna see
If you can go downtown with a girl like me
Hey boy, I really wanna be with you
Cause you just my type
Ooh na na na na...!
I need a boy to take it over
Looking for a guy to put in work, uh
Oh woah o-oh, Oh woah o-oh !!!
more lyrics on: http://lyrical-dew.blogspot.com/


Here is a little tips ! :-)

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Eminem feat. Dr. Dre - Old Time's Sake Lyrics

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Album: Eminem Presents The Re-Up (2006)



Lyrics to Eminem feat. Dr. Dre - Old Time's Sake



Good evening! This is your fucking captain speaking
We will soon be reaching an altitude of four million and a half feet
That's eight million miles in the sky
Please, undo your seatbelt for takeoff
You are now free to smoke about the cabin

I'm Dre from back in the day from NWA from black and the gray from
Choking a bitch to smacking her face from
Stacking up bodies to
Racking their kegs up from Racking a bitch to
Stacking them crates up
I'm still hungry
And I'm back with a tapeworm
And we was happening and rapping and tame at me
Shady for us competition Faggot, There ain't none
Speak of the devil It's attack of the rain man
Chainsaw in hand, blood stain on my apron
Soon as the blade spun run, they run away from
Who wanna play dungeon?
No one is safe from In search of a brain surgeon
A great one
Wait, the day ain't funny man It's urgent
I need one
Two boxes of detergent and a paint gun
And an emergency squirt gun to spray A-1

So one more time for old time's sake
Dre, drop that beat and scratch that brake
Now just blow a little bit of that smoke my way And let's go
You are now smoking with the best (the best)

Smoke signal in the sky like Verizon wireless
A nice environment
Surprised, entirely hypnotized by the sound I surround the hydrants
Taking lives of firemen Say goodbye, here I am again Naked wives and vicadin
Before I begin to get so high; pussy boy, I could spin Fin, fin
Fuck the handle I fly off the hinge Let that boy off the bench, coach and throw it to him
There he goes in his trench coat, no clothes again
Baby, make us some French toast and show us some skin
I show you every inch grows of my foreskin
Show me nipple I pinch, throw up, and throw up a ten
Now you know it's a sin to tease, blow us again
The sorcerer of intercourse - if it's forced, it's him
Don't fight the feeling if you're feeling the force within
And when you wake up in the morning next to the porcelain

So one more time for old time's sake
Dre, drop that beat and scratch that brake
Now just blow a little bit of that smoke my way
And let's go You are now smoking with the best (the best)

Now where there's smoke, there's fire Where there's fire, there's flames
Where there's flames, there's chronic
Either you high or you ain't
I got no time for no games Nah uh, he ain't playin'
He's gonna get the AK and aim it right at your brain I'm slightly insane Vodka and kreatine Hypnotic and red bull
It's an incredible energy drink And it's given me wings I believe I can fly
While I pee on a girl You won't catch me, CSI It's as easy as pie
And as simple as cake Dre, get on the mic and make them dribble and shake

Now put your smoke up in the air And raise your henny and coke
And if you really wanna get fucked up, just let me know
We can smoke till there's no more lighter fluid to do it
Lets get into it You smoking with the triest and truest
I got the Midas touch When it comes to rolling shit up
You motherfuckas ain't smoking
You just holding shit up Now here we go
Let's get up, get down, hold up a blunt
I smoke the kinda stuff that make the records go number one
Cuz if at first you don't succeed, won't hurt to smoke some weed
Now them words are just a little more personal for me
Seeing is how I blew up off of puffing them trees Well puffing ain't enough for me
Fuck yeah, light it up Cheech, come on Smoke me out, cuz
Give me contact buzz
Get me on track They love me when I'm on that stuff
But this earth calling Shady, man come on back (what?)
Man we're losing him; he won't even respond back (fuck!)
Now look at all the pretty women in here (Damn bitches)
Dre, it's hot ...
I think we better go check on their temperatures I give them the thermometer
You get the bandages Now baby just bend over
This won't hurt a damn bit,

And give me one more time for old time's sake Dre, drop that beat and scratch that brake
Now just blow a little bit of that smoke my way
And let's go...
You are now smoking with the best (the best)
I said one more time for old time's sake Dre, drop that beat and scratch that brake
Now just send a little bit of that smoke my way
And let's go ...
You are now smoking with the best (the best)...
more lyrics on: http://lyrical-dew.blogspot.com/


When you're Lookin' for a song , Just Type the song name with Singer/band. if you are lookin for lyrics , then add with it "lyrics" . if download, then add "mediafire" / "Beemp3" / "emp3"/"mp3". You Must find your desired song. Thanks.

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Model Profile: Whitney N'Cole

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Available Now: Whitney N'Cole  - Comic Book, Poster and Cards


To order, click “Add To Cart” below:


Whitney N'Cole - Comic Book: $2.99

________________

Whitney N'Cole - Picture Trading Cards (8-Card Set): $3.99

______________________

Whitney N'Cole - 11x14 Glossy Poster Print: $14.99

___________________________
About Me:


My name is Whitney N'Cole, im 26 year old Country girl from Arkansas who loves to ride horses an fish. I am a very spunky, funny, caring loving person. Im a single parent of a very handsome 5 year old big boy who i love dearly. I have been modeling since 2001 an im very passionate about it. I want to exhale in every way possible with my modeling an thats my ultimate goal. To Exhale an stay true to myself as well as reach for the sky because the sky truly is the limit for me..



==============================

Recipe: Prawns with Star Thistle Honey Brunoise & Bee Raw Review

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Toast to your family’s health this holiday season with Bee Raw Honey products—from varietal honey flights to cranberry honey, star thistle honey and other seasonal specialties.



I found a great recipe on the Bee Raw site for Pan Seared Prawns with Star Thistle Honey Brunoise

Ingredients: Serves 2

1 avocado, cut into small even dice
1 mango, cut into small even dice
1 grapefruit, with supremes cut in thirds and juice reserved
1/2 red onion, cut into small even dice
1 jalapeno, seeded, veined and very finely diced
1/4 cup Bee Raw Star Thistle Honey Shop Now

Instructions

• Liberally salt prawns and sear in a very hot skillet in olive oil about 1 1/2 minutes per side—2 minutes for larger prawns.
• Reserving half of the pepper, mix all remaining ingredients, adding a pinch of salt.
• Let stand for 5 minuets then season to taste with remaining pepper and more salt.
• Serve prawns topped with mango and avocado brunoise and a side of black beans and yellow rice.

I choose this recipe because it used the Star Thistle Honey, which is so yummy. How do I know? Because I recently received a sample for review!


My Star Thistle Honey was amazingly thick, creamy and lightly sweet. Unlike the store bought honeys I'm used to, this Star Thistle Honey introduced me to a new and different flavor. And I like it!

Bee Raw honey skips the processing phase, so their honey retains its bold flavor, distinct color and natural goodness, as well as the pollen that possesses immune-building properties. Each Bee Raw varietal honey is “fairly traded,” meaning the local beekeepers that produce them receive a premium price for their premium product.

Bee Raw Honey pricing starts at $12 for single honey jars and goes up to $79 for flights; Bee Raw Tea products range from $14 to $85. Combination honey and tea gift sets are also available within these price ranges.

For more information about Bee Raw products, recipes and pairings, please visit: www.beeraw.com

Note: I received a product sample for review purpose. No other compensation was received. Any personal views expressed are always 100% my own.

Posted in: Food, Recipe, Review

Celebrity Chef B. Smith at AMNH 2012 Kwanzaa Celebration

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The American Museum of Natural History celebrates its 34th annual Kwanzaa celebration with Kwanzaa 2012: First Fruits of the Harvest. The event celebrates the rich traditions of Kwanzaa and honors the holiday’s seven guiding principles.



WHEN
Saturday, December 29, from noon to 5 pm


WHERE
Performances: Milstein Hall of Ocean Life.
Kwanzaa International Marketplace: Birds of the World, Grand Gallery, Hall of North American Forests, and Warburg Hall of New York State Environment


The festival will include a special interview about Karamu (African Feast) with pioneering restaurateur B. Smith, family-friendly hands-on activities, and an international marketplace.

Restoration Dance Theatre Company and Balance Dance Theatre, led by acclaimed choreographer Obediah Wright, will perform in an exciting program that also includes newcomers Soul Steps and Underground System Afrobeat.

A special screening of The Black Candle, narrated by world-renowned poet Maya Angelou, closes the day. The film is a landmark documentary that uses Kwanzaa as a vehicle to explore and celebrate the African-American experience.


ADMISSION

Performances and activities are free with Museum admission. Suggested admission to the Museum is $19 for adults, $14.50 for students and seniors, and $10.50 for children.

For more information, call 212-769-5315 or visit www.amnh.org/kwanzaa

2013 Toy of the Year Awards Finalists & Sweepstakes

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Recently I was invited by The Toy Industry Association to a holiday press event to unveil the finalists in the 2013 Toy of the Year Awards! The TOTY Awards is a TIA-sponsored event in support of the Toy Industry Foundation - an organization that dedicates itself to bring smiles to kids through the joy of toys and play.

During the event, The Toy Industry Association (TIA) announced the 84 finalists for the prestigious 2013 Toy of the Year Awards (TOTY). Between now and January 13, 2013, toy lovers of all ages can vote for their favorites in 12 categories – from e-Connected and Innovative to Educational and Outdoor toys – and sign up to win exclusive prize packages at www.ToyAwards.org

This year’s finalists – representing 69 unique products or properties from 46 companies – were selected from nearly 650 nominees submitted for consideration. Nomination committees comprised of academics, journalists, toy trend experts, play therapists, toy inventors and designers, and toy retailers narrowed the field to the slate of finalists including:


ACTIVITY TOY OF THE YEAR: Toys that inspire creative play through various forms of activity

? Blingles™ Bling Studio by Moose Toys
? Cake Pops By Bakerella Ultimate Cake Pops Set by SRM Entertainment LTD.
? Digital Light Designer by Crayola
? LEGO® Friends by The LEGO Group
? LiteBrix™ by Cra-z-Art®
? Monster High® Create-A-Monster Design Lab by Mattel, Inc.
? Symphony in B.™ by B. toys by Battat

BOY TOY OF THE YEAR: Toys developed for boys of any age

? Air Hogs Battle Tracker™ by Spin Master Ltd.
? HEXBUG® Warriors Battling Robots Battle Stadium by Innovation First International
? Hot Wheels® Ballistiks™ by Mattel, Inc.
? LEGO® Ninjago by The LEGO Group
? Nerf N-Strike Elite Hail-Fire blaster by Hasbro, Inc.
? Skylanders Giants™ by Activision Publishing, Inc.
? Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Shellraiser by Playmates Toys



E-CONNECTED TOY OF THE YEAR: An app-cessory or other physical toy that interacts with a smartphone, tablet or gaming device

? Animal Planet Wildlands by Nukotoys
? Furby by Hasbro, Inc.
? Kurio7 by Techno Source, a division of LF Products (a Li & Fung Company)
? Life of George by LeapFrog Enterprises, Inc.
? Skylanders Giants™ by Activision Publishing, Inc.
? Sphero® by Orbotix
? StoryBots™ Starring You® StoryBooks by JibJab Media Inc.

EDUCATIONAL TOY OF THE YEAR: Toys that help children to develop special skills and knowledge through play

? InnoTab® 2 by VTech Electronics North America, LLC
? LeapPad2™ by LeapFrog Enterprises, Inc.
? Leapster GS Explorer by LeapFrog Enterprises, Inc.
? LEGO® Architecture by The LEGO Group
? Roll & Play™ by ThinkFun Inc.
? Spectacular Science by Thames & Kosmos
? Zingo!® Sight Words by ThinkFun Inc.



GAME OF THE YEAR: Children’s board, card, CD-ROM or electronic game formats. (NOTE: All electronic games must have an ESRB “Early Childhood” rating)

? Disney Jake and the Never Land Pirates Never Land Challenge Game by Wonder Forge, Inc
? Don’t Rock the Boat™ by Patch Products
? Fibber™ by Spin Master Ltd
? Perplexus Epic™ by PlaSmart Inc.
? Skylanders Giants™ by Activision Publishing, Inc.
? Spot It Jr. Animals by Blue Orange Games
? The Sneaky, Snacky Squirrel Game™ by Educational Insights

GIRL TOY OF THE YEAR: Toys developed for girls of any age

? Disney Princess Cinderella Magic Lights Dress by Creative Designs International (CDI), a division of JAKKS Pacific
? Doc McStuffins “Time For Your Check-Up” Doll by Just Play
? Furby by Hasbro, Inc.
? Furreal Friends Baby Butterscotch, My Magical Show Pony by Hasbro, Inc.
? La Dee Da™ by Spin Master Ltd
? LEGO® Friends by The LEGO Group
? Monster High® High School by Mattel, Inc.



INFANT/TODDLER TOY OF THE YEAR: Toys developed for infant children and toddlers (ages up to 36 months)

? Alphabet Activity Cube™ by VTech Electronics North America, LLC
? Cruise & Groove Ballapalooza™ by Fisher-Price, Inc.
? LEGO® Duplo Creative Sorter by The LEGO Group
? Rock*tivity walk ‘n roll rider by PLAYSKOOL
? Roll & Play™ by ThinkFun Inc.
? Tranquil Turtle™ by Cloud b
? Woofer™ by B. toys by Battat

INNOVATIVE TOY OF THE YEAR: Toys that utilize innovative design, technology, or manufacturing processes to enhance play value

? 4D Cityscape Time Puzzles by 4D Cityscape Puzzles Inc.
? Digital Light Designer by Crayola
? Furby by Hasbro, Inc.
? Illumivor Mecha-Shark by Skyrocket Toys
? LeapPad2™ by LeapFrog Enterprises, Inc.
? Nerf Firevision Sports Football set by Hasbro, Inc.
? Swish™ by ThinkFun Inc


OUTDOOR TOY OF THE YEAR: Toys designed for outdoor play

? Fuze Wheel Writer by Skyrocket Toys
? Little Tikes® Cozy Couple Go Bubbles by Imperial Toy
? Nat Geo WILD™ Anteater Bug Vac™ by Uncle Milton Industries
? Nerf Firevision Sports Football set by Hasbro, Inc.
? Razor® FlashRider™ 360 by Razor USA LLC
? The Original Big Wheel by JAKKS Pacific
? YBIKE Explorer by National Sporting Goods

PRESCHOOL TOY OF THE YEAR: Toys developed for preschool-aged children (aged 3-5)

? Chuggington Die-Cast Railway by Wilson and TOMY
? Disney Princess Songs Palace by Little People® by Fisher-Price, Inc.
? Doc McStuffins “Time For Your Check-Up” Doll by Just Play
? LeapPad2™ by LeapFrog Enterprises, Inc.
? Servin’ Surprises™ Kitchen & Table by Fisher-Price, Inc.
? Switch & Go Dinos™ by VTech Electronics North America, LLC
? Symphony in B.™ by B. toys by Battat


PROPERTY OF THE YEAR: Property that had the greatest success spreading its brand throughout the industry

? Barbie® (Mattel, Inc.)
? Disney Princess-Cinderella (Disney Consumer Products )
? LEGO® Ninjago (The LEGO Group / Ninjago)
? Marvel’s The Avengers ™ (Disney Consumer Products)
? Monster High™ (Mattel, Inc.)
? Skylanders Giants™ (Activision Publishing, Inc.)
? Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (Nickelodeon)


SPECIALTY TOY OF THE YEAR: Toys primarily distributed through specialty retailers

? 4D Cityscape Time Puzzles by 4D Cityscape Puzzles Inc.
? All Duct Out by ALEX Toys
? Fashion Angels Color Rox Hair Chox™ by Fashion Angels Enterprises™
? Fastrack by Blue Orange Games
? LEGO® Architecture by The LEGO Group
? Loopdedoo® Kit by Ann Williams
? Playmobil E-Rangers Headquarters by Playmobil


During the event TIA experts offered toy industry predictions and talked about shopping tips and the outlook on holiday toys performance metrics. While lots of it was technical industry information, as a parent and consumer I was impressed with the research that goes into figuring out toy trends.

Make sure you vote for your favorite toy in each category for a chance to win ALL the toys from that category!

Please Note: I was invited as media to cover the event. No other compensation was received. Views expressed are always 100% my own.

Posted in: Event, Toys

Scholastic Store Grinch Visit and December Weekly Deals

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Spending time at Scholastic Store is always fun! Recently we enjoyed some fun activities at the Scholastic Store SoHo playing with their Chuggington train-table and meeting the real life Grinch from Madison Square Garden’s Grinch musical!


The Grinch was at Scholastic Store for a meet and greet and story time. Which book did the Grinch? Dr. Seuss How the Grinch Stole Christmas! Of Course!

The kids (and many adults) sat quietly while the Grinch read this holiday classic. Then he posed for photos. Of course I had to get one with him and my son. My son will appreciate this photo for many Christmas holidays to come.


After story time we enjoyed some time playing at the Chuggington train-table. Earlier that day the debut of the latest episode of Chuggington, Icy Escapades, was shown in the Scholastic Auditorium. We missed it since we went to the Rise of the Guardians Movie screening , but we were still able to enjoy the train table and pose for a photo in the Chuggington cutouts.


Before leaving we toured around the store and learned more, aka played with, many of the toys that can be found in the store. There's lots of different toys to choose from for all age ranges.

For holiday shopping this December, The Scholastic Store (557 Broadway between Prince and Spring Streets) has weekly and daily deals that will help you check everyone off of their shopping lists!


Daily Surprise Deals

This December, the store will have a new surprise one-day deal every day! The deal will be posted in an ornament inside the store window each morning, so shoppers can come back every day to see what’s new! They find deals like 25% off Lego Advent Calendars, Clifford Collection for 50% Off, and a free Skip Hop Book with any Skip Hop purchase!

Weekly Deals

• 30% Off All Clifford Items (December 10-16)
• 40% Off All Hardcover Books (December 17-24)
• BIG RED Sale (December 26-January 1)

BONUS Teacher Deals

The Scholastic Store loves teachers! Teachers get a 25% discount on books all year round when they show their educator ID, but for the entire month of December teachers can DOUBLE THEIR DISCOUNT and take 50% off all book purchases!

Note: I attend a public Scholastic Store event. I was not paid or requested to post about the event but it's The Grinch, of course I'm posting about meeting him! Any personal views expressed are always 100% my own.

Posted in: Event

My Life with the Samsung Galaxy S III & Upcoming Premium Suite upgrade

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From Black Friday till now, I keep hearing people talking about getting the new iPhone 5. Some of the features they're excited about? The iPhone 5 new larger screen, Siri and some other odds and ends.

Honestly I don't see what the big deal was since Galaxy S III from Samsung was launched months in advanced. When compared, the Galaxy S III has a bigger screen and better smartphone features (in my humble opinion) way better then what the iPhone had to offer.


In full disclosure for the last few months I've been living my life using the Galaxy S III, after receiving one during the launch event earlier this year.


During the event Samsung announced a few ways phone owners could utilize their Galaxy S III

• Samsung Share-to-Go Stations - Samsung customers are able to download (free) content directly to their device with a simple tap of their phone to the smart board or kiosk. Content is stored on the device to be accessed at any time.

• Samsung Galaxy SIII Cinema Game - an interactive cinema 3D game experience in theaters which allows the audience to uniquely interact with a 3D phone on-screen and move the images with hand motions to score points.

• Samsung Beacon, a mobile-only magazine and content hub with news, tips, information and entertainment. Beacon will offer exclusive stories and downloadable content including music, video, and e-books.

After hearing all the announcements, I had some one on one time with one of the Galaxy S III, taking photos, learning about the features like ShareShot and meeting NBA star Kevin Love, who was challenging guest to a game of hoops.

While being at the event was lots fun, I was more excited to see how the Galaxy S III performed in real life.


Once home I noticed how light and thin the Galaxy S III was. Even though it has a very nice large face, over all it wasn't bulky or heavy.


I then checked out some of the features including the S Memo, an app that allows pictures, voice recordings, typed text, and even handwritten notes and drawings to be combined and converted into a "memo," for sharing. Using S Memo and the apps was easy and straight forward. If your a creative person you'll like how these apps enhance your mobile experience.


My next feature to try out was the camera and video. As a blogger (and mom) I take tons of photos and videos. I was REALLY impressed with the photos and videos I took with the Galaxy S III.

The camera has 8-megapixel rear camera with zero-lag shutter speed and a 1.9-megapixel front camera. Everything came out clear and sharp. I was able to adjust camera setting for photo size and zoom in while taking video. You can see the zooming while recording action in my video for my son's preschool graduation singing

When I was ready to share, Galaxy S III allowed me to do so quickly and easily.

• With ‘S Beam,’ you could share a 1GB movie file within three minutes and a 10MB music file within two seconds by simply touching another GALAXY S III phone, even without a Wi-Fi or cellular signal.

• The ‘Buddy photo share’ allows photos to be simultaneously shared with all your friends directly from the camera or the photo gallery.

• With ‘AllShare Cast’, you can wirelessly connect the GALAXY S III to instantly share any forms of files between GALAXY S III and your tablet, PC, and televisions regardless of the distance between the devices. Under AllShare Play is also the ‘Group Cast’ feature that allows you to share your screen among multiple friends on the same Wi-Fi network.

Not only does the Samsung Galaxy S III comes with tons more features besides the ones I highlighted here, but recently it was announced that it will be even smarter with the Premium Suite upgrade! Following the Jellybean upgrade, more special and innovative functions will be available. Check out the below video for a highlight


The new features are broken down into four categories: contextual awareness, enhanced features, powerful multimedia, and new features and better accessibility. Availability and timing of the Premium Suite upgrade will vary depending on the country and mobile carrier.

So as you can see, the Galaxy S III has lots to offer over the iPhone 5 (in my opinion) so if you get a chance, definitely check it out.

The Samsung Galaxy S III is available in 16 GB and 32 GB models. Prices varies depending on the wireless network. To learn more visit - http://www.samsung.com/global/galaxys3/

Please Note: I was invited as media to cover the event. I received the Samsung Galaxy S III for the purpose of this review. No other compensation was received. Views expressed are always 100% my own.

Posted in: Event, Review, TechFocus

Live Audio: "The Way He Makes Me Feel" (Jennifer Holliday)

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This live audio of Jennifer Holliday never gets old in my book and even though the audio quality is a little off, it's still on point in my book. With that said, back in 1984 Jennifer Holliday took to the 1984 Oscar telecast to perform a stirring rendition of the Oscar nominated ballad "The Way He Makes Me Feel". Lifted from the soundtrack to the Oscar nominated film "Yentl", Holliday stepped in for Barbra Streisand to perform the powerful rendition of the classic song. Take a listen below to Jennifer Holliday's take on "The Way He Makes Me Feel" and Enjoy!

Live Video of the Day: "Love & War" (Tamar Braxton)

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Tamar Braxton has been on a whirlwind since releasing her debut single "Love & War" off of her forthcoming 2013 sophomore album last week. Having already peaked at #1 on iTunes' Top 200 singles chart, Tamar is on the fast-track to the top with a banging single and several sublime live performances. With that said, Tamar stopped by "The Wendy Williams Show" earlier today to perform the daytime debut performance of "Love & War" and you can watch her rock it below!