Holiday Gift Guide - Joovy Groove UltraLight

This year I had something on my list that every mom and dad need. A great, lightweight stroller. Our family is headed off on a great adventure in the New Year... a trip to Disney World! Since we will be traveling with two kids and 5 adults we decided that it would be a better idea to bring two single strollers rather than one double. This way we can split up throughout the day.

Traveling with a baby as young as my son will be a first for me. So I had a checklist of things that I was looking for in a single stroller. It has to be light. On and off buses all day.... the lighter the better! We need to be able to functionally use the basket. Between sweatshirts and souvenirs... the basket can get full fast! It has to recline. I am hoping he will be able to nap on the go and avoid going back to the hotel. There has to be a canopy and it needs to provide enough shade. The Florida sun can be hot!

With lots of research and a bit of experience, my letter to Santa was written. I was wishing for a Joovy Groove UltraLight. And then.... Christmas came early! I was given the opportunity to check one out in person for review. Woohoo!

I have some experience with Joovy and LOVE my double stroller, the ScooterX2. So I felt confident that this stroller would meet my expectations. What I actually found was that it exceeded them... greatly.

Every point on my list was met:
Lightweight: only 12.78 pounds - and it has a carry strap! Toss it over your shoulder and go!
Functional basket: Large and easily accessible!
Recline: Unlimited recline positions to 149 degrees
Canopy: Oversized (perhaps my favorite feature... the canopy is huge!)

The Groove UltraLight was very easy to put together. All we had to do was attach the wheels, put on the canopy and attach the shoulder straps. Within minutes we were ready to go!

We got the Blueberry color.... and I love it! 

I have fallen so in love with this stroller and all of the fabulous features that I now want to replace our other single stroller with a Groove UltraLight to better meet the needs of my daughter. The back is nice and high, which would allow for her to nap should the occasion arise (oh please please please!). I also love the idea of providing her with the great shade that Joovy's canopies cover. And the handles are so nice and high that this stroller is just over-all more comfortable for my husband and I to push. Not to mention the cup holder... crucial for my husband who loves to have a beverage on hand.

Our Donald Duck has already checked it out and given it his seal of approval.

Joovy has never let me down with their great way of thinking, functional designs, great color options, and quality of products. But perhaps what really makes this company stand out is it's customer service. I had to call with a quick question and they were so friendly and dedicated to making sure everything was perfect. They had an answer for every question and made me feel comfortable. Two thumbs up!

Make sure you check out their website to learn more about the Joovy Groove UltraLight, as well as the other great products they carry. You just might find the perfect gift for someone on your list... or one for yourself! You can also follow them on Facebook for the latest news and great contests and giveaways!

iCaughtSanta.com - FREE Photos!

iCaughtSanta.com is a really fun way to bring even more holiday magic into your home. It's as easy as 1-2-3. Simply upload a photo of your tree, stockings, house.... really anything.... and add in a fun image of Santa. Then you can show your kids that you caugh Santa in the act!

We did this a couple of years ago with my daughter and she thought it was the coolest thing ever. This is a fun and affordable way to make the magic come alive. And right now you can do it for FREE!

Simply go through the steps and then at checkout enter the code SantaShare for your free picture. This code expires on December 10th... but you can use it as many times as you want to up until that point. So share the magic with family and friends!

I just did this fun process and made a great photo of Santa getting caught in front of our stockings! It was quick and easy and look how great it came out!

I am really impressed with how easily you can move Santa around and size him to fit your photo. And he comes out looking crisp and clear.  We don't have our tree up yet, but it's going up this weekend! So I will be sure to share some more fun pics once we deck our halls.
I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

Holiday Gift Guide - Chicken Soup for the Soul: It's Christmas!

Chicken Soup for the Soul: It's Christmas!

101 Joyful Stories about the Love, Fun, and Wonder of the Holidays
Christmas is an exciting and joyous time of year, a time of family, friends, and traditions. You will delight in reading these 101 festive stories about the joy, wonder, and blessings of the season. This collection is filled with merry and heartwarming stories about holiday traditions, family, and goodwill. Remember, all of our stories are "Santa safe" so they can be enjoyed by the whole family. A fantastic holiday gift and a great way to start the season!

My Thoughts:
It has pretty much become a tradition for me to get the latest Christmas Chicken Soup for the Soul book each year. And as many as I read I just can't seem to get enough. There is something magical about reading the most personal tales from people's lives that bring them joy. It's like stepping into their home and feeling the warmth and love of the holiday season through their eyes.

I really enjoy reading a couple of short storied each night before bed. Being tucked in under the warm blankets and visiting with people I've never met but can almost feel like I know them. It really gets you in the holiday spirit. This would be a great gift for someone special this holiday season!

Holiday Gift Guide - Phineas and Ferb: Quest for Cool Stuff

Join Phineas and Ferb on an out-of-this-world adventure as they dig, drill, and explore for hidden treasure for their Museum of Cool in their newest ride, the A.T.T. (All Terrain Transformatron). Play as Agent P and stop Dr. Doofenshmirtz from releasing his horde of robots on the Tri-State area.

Available On: Nintendo 3DS™, Nintendo DS™, Wii U™, Wii™, Xbox 360®

My Thoughts:
This game is a lot of fun! My daughter loves to watch Phineas and Ferb and I can honestly say it's a show that my husband and I can sit down and enjoy with her. So now that she is starting to play some video games I figured that this one would be a hit.

I think the storyline in this game is key. It really keeps her motivated and interested to see what's going on next. And the game moves at a good pace for kids. It can keep her engaged and interested for quite some time. The music and sounds are great and really add to the experience.

The only trouble we had was with some of the controls. You really have to be pretty spot on with your jumping. But I think with time she will get the hang of it better. It wasn't enough to discourage her from playing!

This would make a great gift this holiday season for any kid who is a fan of the show. It really is true to the characters and general theme of the show. Lots of family fun!

JFK A New World Order

JFK: A NEW WORLD ORDER

COMMEMORATE THE 50TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE DEATH OF JFK WITH AN ALL NEW BLU-RAY + DVD COMBO DOCUMENTARY

Over Six Hours Of The Myth And Memory of JFK The Man Who Captivated A Nation!
Fifty years after his death, President John F. Kennedy’s life and legacy continues to capture the hearts and minds of an entire nation.  Experience the history all over again as a new generation of Americans is introduced to the compelling story of this unforgettable leader, and the political dynasty that he left behind. Insightful and concise, this eight - part documentary series covers the life of JFK, from his perilous birth to his dramatic assassination in 1963.




My Thoughts:
The assassination of JFK happened before I was even born. My grandparents would talk about the young, handsome president as if they had known him. The emotions in their voices were strange to me as they didn't know him. But the pain of that day had clearly hit them hard and stuck with them.

With the 50th Anniversary upon us there has been a lot of coverage in magazines that I read. So I was slowly starting to get to know the more personal emotions behind the tragic event. And for the first time... I started to understand my grandparents pain.

Whether you agreed with his politics or not, no one can argue that November 22, 1963 wasn't a tragic day for our entire country. But perhaps what has hit me the most was the loss of a father and husband. Stepping inside his life, learning about his relationship with his wife and his children make this even even more tragic.

This documentary series is enthralling. JFK was a truly interesting man from birth to death. This DVD covers a lot of territory in only 6 short hours. It is historically so important and I'm glad that I got to know him... and can now understand better what happened that day to him and to all of those standing by.

Holiday Gift Guide - Mr. Tiger Goes Wild - Review and Giveaway

A wild picture book—about being yourself.

Mr. Tiger lived a perfectly proper life in a perfectly proper city and everything was perfectly fine . . . until the day he had a wonderfully wild idea! Why choose to stay in the stuffy city when there is a whole wide world of wilderness and wildness to explore? So Mr. Tiger bounds off on an adventure to discover where he really belongs.

Mr. Tiger Goes Wild shows us that there’s a time and place for everything. Even going wild.

Recommended for ages 3-6

My Thoughts:
I really do love books. As a teacher and a parent I have a real appreciation for children's books that portray important messages that boost self esteem and address real childhood issues in fun ways. With that being said, I have read hundreds of children's books and enjoy many of them. But this book.... tops them all.

When this book arrived I was excited because I knew that Peter Brown is a Caldecott honor artist. But when I began turning the pages I was just so impressed in so many ways.

First of all, the message. Be yourself. Don't be who people want you to be or expect you to be. Be you... and do what makes you happy. What a powerful message for kids just trying to fit in. My daughter is only 4 and I am already dealing with her wanting to dress like her friends and have the same toys. Wear what you like and play what you like to play. You are only 4 for a short time... so be true to you! This book helped open a lovely conversation with her about just being her beautiful self and enjoying every minute of it.

Secondly, the illustrations are just fantastic! From the dull, muted colors of the city to the vibrant colors of the wilderness.

Thirdly, the layout and pace of the story was perfect. There are pages with no words at all... but the illustration has so much character that you know exactly what the artist is trying to portray. The story is short, sweet, and perfect for bedtime reading.

This is a book that kids and adults can relate to. We all need to get a little bit wild at times. And it's so important to realize how to take the best of two worlds and make your own world where you are happy and you can be yourself.

I would highly recommend this book! And be sure to check out some really fun activities on Peter Brown's website. With gift tags and ornaments... your kids will have a blast!

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LifebankUSA “Peace of Mind” Winter Car Seat Giveaway

As the only company that offers cord blood, placenta blood and tissue banking -- and the first to release placenta-derived stem cells for a successful transplant -- New Jersey-based LifebankUSA is a technological leader that is pioneering key medical innovations in the field.  Owned by the Celgene Corporation, a world-class biopharmaceutical company, LifebankUSA also operates a robust donation program and collects cells from anywhere in the US for use primarily in advancing medical research.

There’s only one opportunity to save your baby’s stem cells for the future... 

As an expectant parent, your baby’s health means everything. Right now, he or she is protected in the womb and will soon enter the world. There is a lot to think about and prepare for, but an invaluable step you can take when your child is born is to preserve his/her stem-cell rich cord and placenta blood The ability of stem cells to save lives via cord blood banking has proven successful for replacing abnormal or diseased cells, and treating life-threatening blood disorders such as leukemia, lymphoma, and myeloma.  In fact, since 1988 stem cell transplants have been used to treat some 80 diseases.

LifebankUSA is dedicated to providing peace of mind for you and your family. As a mother of two I strongly urge you to check out LifebankUSA and all that they have to offer as the only company that offers cord blood, placenta blood, and tissue banking.

GIVEAWAY
In the true spirit of "Peace of Mind," LifebankUSA will be giving away three top rated Britax Marathon 70-G3 Convertible Car Seats.

Please Click HERE for your chance to win!

Holiday Gift Guide- Pound Puppies: Holiday Hijinks

Available Now on DVD

Can the Pound Puppies gang — Lucky, Niblet, Cookie, Strudel, Squirt and Mr. Nut-Nut — make sure that every pet has a family of their very own this holiday season? Find out in this merry-filled disc, packed with five of your all-time favorite holiday episodes!

Winner of the 2012 Humanitas Prize in Children’s Animation, the Pound Puppies series is currently airing on The Hub in the U.S. and YTV in Canada and stars the voices of Eric McCormack, Yvette Nicole Brown, Michael Rapaport, John DiMaggio, Alanna Ubach, René Auberjonois, and M. Emmet Walsh.

Episodes Include:
I Heard The Barks On Christmas Eve
I Never Barked For My Father
Barlow
Good Dog, McLeish
Prince And The Pupper

My Thoughts:
As an animal lover and a holiday enthusiast this DVD is a welcome addition to our family's collection of holiday DVD's. There is something really special about the idea of a new puppy for Christmas. Of course, after watching this my daughter desperately wants a puppy for Christmas. Can we take a rain check, Santa?

My daughter loves watching Pound Puppies and I love having this DVD for this holiday season. Each episode is short and sweet and filled with holiday cheer. The puppies are each unique and have their own personalities. But they are truly the best of friends... all looking out for each other. It's a great DVD to share with your kids this holiday season.

Holiday Gift Guide - Educational Insights

Based in Southern California, Educational Insights, is the manufacturer of playful products with serious educational value, including subject-specific classroom products, teacher resources, educational toys, and games. Our products are designed by seasoned educators and parents who know that, first and foremost, learning must be fun.

I was lucky enough to have the opportunity to check out one of the fabulous products offered by Educational Insights, Shelby's Snack Shack Game.

This preschool counting bone-anza is a summer day trip to a dog beach! Shelby buried bones in the sand and needs your help collecting them. Help her dig up the most bones and you win! Kids take turns using the adorable Shelby Squeezers to fill their dog bowl with bones while they practice early counting and number skills. Sounds simple, but be careful—spin a sneaky seagull, and you’ll lose some bones or get sidetracked chewing a flip flop and miss your turn!

2–4 players. Grades Pre-K+ - See more HERE.

My Thoughts:
As the parents of a preschooler I know how important it is to make learning fun. My daughter craves learning because we turn everything into a game. This is a fabulous game to play with your little ones where they will practicing counting skills in a fun way.

For my daughter, anytime mommy and daddy play with her the game becomes oodles more fun. This is the perfect game for parents and children to play together. It doesn't take long to play, so it's great for a quick game after dinner. And I have already noticed that my daughter's counting skills are stronger after playing this a few times. She asks to play... so I know it's a winner!

Holiday Gift Guide - My Little Pony: A Very Minty Christmas

Available Now on DVD

The “Here Comes Christmas Candy Cane” is an important part of Ponyville — it’s the beacon that shows jolly old Santa Claus the way to the town as he makes his holiday rounds each year. But when Minty accidentally breaks it, uh-oh! It looks like Ponyville is destined to have a bleak holiday season. Minty is determined to do anything to save Christmas for her Pony friends while they, in turn, band together to try and cheer up their despondent friend. Together, they all discover that Christmas can come anyway, wrapped in the love of good friends and the oversized heart of one little clumsy, minty-green Pony!

The My Little Pony brand has been beloved for three decades, and is now more popular than ever. My Little Pony: A Very Minty Christmas is a gift everypony will love!

Bonus Feature:
Sing-Alongs

My Thoughts:
My entire family loves the holiday season! Once November hits we are in the spirit and enjoying everything about this wonderful time of year. One of our favorite things to do is catch up on all our holiday shows and movies. This year my daughter was thrilled to add this DVD to her collection.

We have already watched this Christmas DVD several times and we are all loving it. My daughter loves her pretty pony friends while my husband and I love the message portrayed about the true spirit of Christmas and the celebration of friendship.

All too often we get caught up in the gift giving craze. And it's very easy for our kids to pick up on that and get lost in the hoop-la too. This fun holiday movie is a great way to remind our kids that there is more to the holiday season than gifts. I would highly recommend checking out this DVD this holiday season!

My Little Pony - Friendship Is Magic: A Pony For Every Season

Coming to DVD November 19, 2013

Los Angeles, CA – Soon the season will change and another year will come to a close, but the ponies from Ponyville know friendship is important all year long! My Little Pony – Friendship Is Magic: A Pony For Every Season is coming to DVD November 19 from Shout! Factory Kids in collaboration with Hasbro Studios. The set includes 6 episodes of the hit TV show and a Sing-Along as a bonus feature.

There’s a Pony for every season and an episode for every Pony in this fantastic collection of My Little Pony: Friendship Is Magic. That’s right! Each member of the Mane 6 – Twilight Sparkle, Rarity, Fluttershy, Rainbow Dash, Apple Jack and Pinkie Pie – gets her very own opportunity to shine with six episodes guaranteed to have you laughing and singing as you discover the magic of friendship!

Through Winter, Spring, Summer and Fall, My Little Pony – Friendship Is Magic: A Pony For Every Season is sure to entertain us all!

The My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic series is currently airing on The HUB TV Network.

Bonus Features:
Sing-Along

My Thoughts:
My daughter adores these lovable ponies and this is the perfect DVD to have on hand. We watch My Little Pony on the HUB network, but sometimes she will ask to watch it when it's not on and now we have any easy solution. We just pop this DVD in and she can pick which of her favorite ponies she wants to visit with that day.

This is a show I enjoy sharing with my daughter because of the wonderful, positive messages that are portrayed by the ponies. Friendship is an ongoing theme, but it's how the ponies handle differences and issues that kids also face. Every time the ponies come out as friends and work through their problems. They learn that friendship is the most important thing and to always be there for each other.

Each episode on this DVD is different and fun. My daughter loves to sing and dance along with these colorful ponies! I would definitely recommend you check them out. And this is the perfect DVD as you will get to know each of the ponies and their different personalities in these 6 fabulous episodes.

* I received a copy of this DVD for review purposed. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own and have not been influenced in any way.

Planes - Coming to Blu-ray Combo Pack November 19th!

Coming to Blu-ray Combo Pack

November 19th!

The world of Cars takes flight in Planes, Disney's high-flying animated comedy revved up with action and adventure.  Join Dusty, a crop duster with sky-high dreams and a once-in-a-lifetime chance to take on the world's fastest flyers in the greatest air race ever. Dusty has a huge heart but two big problems...he's not exactly built for speed, plus he's afraid of heights.  His courage is put to the ultimate test as this unlikely hero aims higher than he ever imagined. With a little help from his friends, Dusty finds the courage to be more than he was built for—and the inspiration to soar.

My Thoughts:
I imagine this movie will be on the wish lists of lots of boys and girls this holiday season. My daughter has been talking about wanting to see if since it was out in theatres. So I was really excited to surprise her with a family movie night featuring this fabulous film!

Trying to compare "Planes" with "Cars" wouldn't be fair, as this movie is chock full of all new characters and a different kind of high flying fun. Dusty is the clear star of the show. He is just lovable with his genuine personality and little quirks (umm... a plane afraid of heights? Kind of adorable). And he manages to surround himself with the most loyal group of friends a plane could ask for.

Ripslinger and his crew are definitely the "villains" in this Disney movie. They are not shy about their feelings about Dusty trying his hand at their game. And they are prepared to take pretty much any measure in order to keep him, in what they think, is his place.

The movie is full of high flying adventure and fun. In true Disney style, the graphics are top notch. At times you can literally feel like you are flying right along with these guys. But perhaps what I love most about this movie is the same thing that Disney has done over and over again.... this is a movie that kids and parents can both enjoy. My husband and I were laughing at the jokes that went over the kids heads, my dad was commenting on all the different kinds of planes, my daughter was excited because there were some girls in it (Dottie was her favorite) and my son was just excited with all the action. It was a hit for family movie night!

*I received a copy of this movie for review purposes. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own and have not been influenced in any way. 

Mamma Mia Celebrates 5,000 Performances!

Yesterday my family was fortunate enough to be a part of something really special. We were invited to attend the 5,000th performance of Mamma Mia at the Broadhurst Theatre on Broadway! What a fantastic show and an awesome reason to celebrate.

Mamma Mia has always been a special show to me. Years ago I was studying abroad in London and they took us to a show. Mamma Mia was that show. It was fun and fabulous. My girl friends and I left the theatre singing and laughing and imagining that we would be like Donna, Rosie, and Tanya.... the best of silly friends years later!

Coming back to see the show on Broadway was very exciting for me. But it was even more exciting for the rest of my family who had not yet seen it. The most excited was my daughter. She just happens to be a "Dancing Queen" so I knew she would be loving the music, the costumes, and the whole upbeat experience.

The show was simply amazing. We laughed, we cried, and we cheered. The cast looked like they were having the best time. The music was fantastic... from the upbeat and sometimes silly  songs like Take a Chance on me and Does Your Mother Know.... to the tear jerkers like Slipping Through My Fingers. Each song was magical as you felt all the emotions the characters were portraying.

After the show we headed over to the famous Sardi's for a reception filled with food, drinks, stars from the show and creator/producer Judy Craymer. Oh... and a cake... from the Cake Boss. It was a fantastic experience for us all!

My daughter even got her picture taken with a bunch of the stars. 

Donna was one of her favorites!

If you have the chance to check out a Broadway show I would highly recommend Mamma Mia. It's one of the 10 longest running Broadway shows for a reason! Don't miss it!

Winnie The Pooh: A Very Merry Pooh Year

Available NOW on Blu-ray and DVD 

Get ready to ring in the season with a full-length adventure straight from the heart of the Hundred Acre Wood!  Join Pooh, Tigger, Eeyore, Roo and the whole gang in Winnie The Pooh: A Very Merry Pooh Year – now on Blu-ray™ and Digital Copy for the very first time. Newly re-mastered in digital high definition, this sparkling holiday classic is an inspiring celebration of friendship.

It’s the most wonderful time of the year, but Rabbit will only discover the true spirit of the season after his pals make misguided New Year’s resolutions to change – with hilarious and heartfelt results! Featuring beloved characters, delightful songs and fun-filled bonus goodies, this special “Gift of Friendship Edition” is sure to become a shared family tradition for generations to come!



My Thoughts:
I am so excited! My son is a HUGE Winnie The Pooh fan! My daughter kind of skipped over Winnie The Pooh and fell in love with all of the princesses. But I was (and still am!) a Pooh fan, so seeing my son get super excited when he sees Pooh on the screen delights me!

When my copy of Winnie The Pooh: A Very Merry Pooh Year arrived I was so anxious to pop it in the Blu-ray player. I had never seen this movie and I was also anxious to see how my son liked it. He was mesmerized through the entire thing... and so was my daughter!

The lovable crew from the Hundred Acre Woods are the perfect pals to illustrate important life lessons. I'm sure Rabbit has some true fans, but I have always seen her as rather cranky. Of course she has some redeeming qualities, but I wasn't too surprised to see her wanting her friends to "change." This isn't the first time she has requested the Tigger stop bouncing. But that's one of the most wonderful things about Tigger! Learning that she loves her friends for who they are is a touching and important lesson. We all have things that "bug" us about our friends and family. But those qualities are all part of what makes them who they are!

This movie is filled with so much happiness and joy. From fun music, to silly old friends, to portraying the holiday spirit in friendship and thoughtfulness. This is a wonderful movie to share this holiday season. There are also some really cool BONUS features that really had my daughter up and excited! This was a hit with ALL the members of my family and will be watched over and over this holiday season!

* I received a copy of this Blu-ray to facilitate my honest review. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own and have not been influenced in any way.

30th Anniversary Special Edition: Mickey's Christmas Carol

Available NOW on Blu-ray and DVD

Ring in the holidays with a new 30th Anniversary Special Edition of Mickey’s Christmas Carol. Disney’s timeless tale sparkles like never before on Blu-ray and Digital Copy, with fully-restored classic holiday shorts, plus all-new bonus features!

Make the season merry as Mickey, Goofy, Donald and all their pals star in a heartwarming retelling of Dickens’ unforgettable holiday tale. Ebenezer Scrooge (Scrooge McDuck) is far too greedy to understand that Christmas is a time for kindness and generosity. But with the guidance of some wise ghosts (Goofy and Jiminy Cricket) and a bunch of newfound friends, Scrooge learns to embrace the spirit of the season. Share this wonderful holiday treat with the whole family!




My Thoughts:
This movie has been around for just about as long as I have and has been a family favorite for just as long. We love to watch holiday movies all season long as a family and this always makes the list.

The classic tale of Ebenezer Scrooge is brought to a whole new life with the famous Disney characters. Scrooge McDuck is obviously the perfect choice to depict the money hungry Scrooge. Mickey depicts the lovable Bob Cratchit with his lovely wife (Minnie) and sweet children.

This is a "must see" family holiday movie. We all get caught up in the hustle and bustle of the holidays... as we can often see traits of Mr. Scrooge in ourselves. This movie is the perfect way to talk to children about what the holiday season is all about. Money.... or gifts... will not a holiday make. But the love of family and friends... and simply being together... will make for the Merriest Christmas of all!

I would highly recommend you check this out this holiday season. And with it being the 30th Anniversary Edition, there's no better time to add it to your collection!

*I received a copy of this Blu-ray to facilitate an honest review. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own and have not been influenced in any way.

HOT Holiday Toys

Have you started your Holiday shopping yet? The Holidays gave taken on a whole new meaning for me syince having kids. I am so caught up in the joy and excitement that I have been shopping all year. And this year I get to shop for two kiddos and that just doubles the fun!

Fisher Price is a brand that my family loves and trust. Everywhere you look in my house you will see their products. I even still have some Fisher Price toys from when I was a kid! Talk about built to last. It's that quality that has made me a loyal customer to this brand. I have yet to be disappointed when purchasing their toys. So I turned to Fisher Price this year to look for some of the hottest toys and must haves for my shopping list.

For my son it was an easy choice. From the moment I saw the commercials for the Crawl Around Car I knew that was number one on my list. His favorite thing to do is open and close things. So this will be a way better option then the current opening and closing of the baby gate! I happened to run into this toy on display in my local Walmart and had a blast exploring all of the things for a baby to do with this toy. My son will love turning that steering wheel, moving the shifter, and sorting the shapes. It's going to be a hit!

·         Laugh & Learn™ Crawl Around™ Car

o   The Laugh & Learn Crawl Around Car puts babies in the driver seat of a fun-filled learning vehicle just their size. The interactive lights and sounds dashboard will take baby on fun learning adventures. ARP: $59.99 Ages: 6-36 months

For my daughter things are getting a little harder. She's at the age where she has clear interests and makes her own wish list. Fortunately, two of the things I had my eye on for her made it to her wish list when she was going through the toy book!

·         Disney Princess Klip Klop Stable by Little People

o   The Little People Disney Princess Klip Klop Stable brings the horses of the Disney Princesses to life. Watch as you place Rapunzel and Maximus on the ramps and they magically "klip klop" down to their next destination. ARP: $39.99 Ages: 1 ½ - 5 years

·         Barbie® Dreamhouse®

o   Barbie® doll’s newly renovated, three-story Dreamhouse® will debut as girls’ new luxury toy home. Every girl’s dream, the new house features six fab rooms and luxe details that any doll will appreciate, including pink “stainless steel” appliances, and not one — but two elevators! ARP: $184.99 Age: 3+

Honestly, I am loving this age with my daughter! She is into imaginary play and is so creative. She comes up with fun story lines for her Barbies and Princess's.... so I know that either of these will facilitate hours of creative play. And they are toys I would totally get down on the floor and play with her!

This is just a sampling of the amazing toy selections for boys and girls this Holiday season from Fisher Price. If you are looking for hot toys that are high quality and priced right... check them out. And you can find Fisher Price at pretty much every major retailer. Happy Shopping!

Save While You Shop with DOLE, in Support of Believe in Heroes

DOLE to Support Veterans through Wounded Warrior Project Believe in Heroes Campaign

Dole Packaged Foods joins other leading CPG brands and retailers 

to show appreciation for military service members

LOS ANGELES – September 19, 2013 – Dole Packaged Foods has joined forces with Wounded Warrior Project (WWP), a nonprofit organization whose mission is to honor and empower Wounded Warriors, to support injured service members through the Wounded Warrior Project® Believe in Heroes® campaign. Kicking off on September 11 and running through Veterans Day, November 11, Believe in Heroes calls on Americans to show their support and appreciation for our service members and the newest generation of veterans in a simple everyday way — grocery shopping.

“We are honored to work with Wounded Warrior Project by participating in Believe in Heroes,” said Julie Pierrat, Business Manager, Dole Canned Fruit. “Our servicemen and women, and their families, make extreme sacrifices to preserve our freedom and protect our country, and we are proud to show our appreciation by providing Dole consumers with the opportunity to help Wounded Warriors — simply by grocery shopping.”

As part of its participation, Dole will offer consumers a high-value coupon for $1.00 off any DOLE Canned Fruit that will be available in a special, free-standing insert which will be circulated to 53 million households nationwide in newspapers Sunday, November 3. The coupon will be available for download online through the end of November at wwpbelieve.org.

Believe in Heroes was created to support WWP and make a positive impact on our country’s service members and the new generation of veterans that have made significant sacrifices to protect and defend the United States.

The campaign has grown substantially over the past three years. Beginning humbly with the support of more than a dozen well-known brands and one regional grocery retailer, the program raised approximately $200,000 in 2010. In 2012, the program included more than 55 top national brands and 90 grocery retailers, raising $5.7 million for WWP. The goal of the 2013 campaign is to exceed the amount raised in 2012 for critical programs provided by WWP. To learn more about the Believe in Heroes campaign, visit www.wwpbelieve.org.

My Thoughts:
What a great reason to support Dole, a company my family has come to trust for high quality foods.  We all have to grocery shop... so why not take part in something amazing. I know I will be! Click HERE for the Believe in Heroes application on the DOLE Facebook page.