"Leap into Gaming" with LeapFrog LeapTV

I received free products in order to host the LeapFrog sponsored MommyParty. The opinions expressed here are my own. #LeapTV #MommyParties

Oregon is known for it's wet weather, dark Winters and annual feelings of cabin fever have already started to appear. It is hard to keep kids, young kids especially, moving and active during the darker, colder months. So our LeapFrog LeapTV was a welcome addition to a rainy weekend and we even had friends over to share the fun!

If you have ever tried using a gaming system with young children, it can be a challenge, especially to find something where they can understand the instructions (often written) and can stay engaged at their learning level.

So what is LeapTV?

Take a game that is focused on kids, with sports, characters and activities that kids enjoy, give it an easy to use controller and then mix in basic learning lessons in a fun way. While my Kindergarten age daughter played the dance game, she also worked on forming compound words, and picking out the "striped fruit" on the screen or the "longest fruit".

My favorite part is the kids can be active while learning and playing interactive games! Targeted for kids ages 3-8, there are currently 9 cartridge games to choose from and 100+ games and videos available by year-end.

Our LeapTV system came with a console, motion-sensing camera so the players can see them selves on the screen, a transforming controller, power adapter, HDMI cable and a camera mount so the camera could be placed on top of our TV.

We were also sent 2 games to try; LeapFrog Sports and LeapFrog Dance & Learn.

Set up was easy. In fact, my husband was thrilled that most of the account set-up could be done on his smart phone. We didn't have to do any awkward typing with the controller or have to find a computer to finish set-up. The easy-to-follow instructions had us go from box to playing in just a few minutes.

The transforming controller can go from a classic hand-held controller for easy button reach and finger toggle to a pointer with both ends stretched out.

Even better, for the dance games, only body movement is necessary, so younger kids can push buttons and select fruit without having to worry about selecting the correct button.

Another feature I loved was that beginning readers were given verbal cues and help, so no one at our party was left out. This is exactly the type of gaming program I have searched for for years. True story, my oldest has always wanted to play on family game nights, but when he was younger it was frustrating that there wasn't an age appropriate system. Luckily, now there is!

One aspect the kids really enjoyed was being able to watch themselves on the screen. Our only issue was for a larger party kids behind the camera had to remain still or they could could interfere with some of the actions. We ended up placing our small chairs around the sides of the room so our guests could take turns in the fun.

From soaring around and flapping their wings...

...to creating compound words for real things...

"The sun did not shine.

It was too wet to play.

So we sat in the house

All that cold, cold, wet day."

- Dr. Seuss

...well, until these Oregonians got their LeapTV and made the most of their blustery day!

Check out a video of some of the fun. LeapFrog LeapTV

You can pick up your own #LeapTV in time for Christmas, along with various games. Look for them wherever other LeapFrog products are sold. 

We Sparkled at our Creativity for Kids Party (#FaberCastellParty!)

In our group of friends there are several of us who were pregnant at the same time. When our babies were born we had "play dates" mostly so all the parents could talk, compare notes and share funny stories about our newborns.

But the babies quickly grew up and started running around. Parties became harder to have and we were all so busy. There was a lot of crying, melt-downs and other mishaps. So, I was thrilled to have some friends over for our very first craft party courtesy of Creativity for Kids.

Finally with children old enough to sit and create, the Moms were also able to get our crafting time in.

I was sent several fabulous kits filled with everything needed to create fashion headbands, bracelets, pop-up books and glitter adorned boxes or cards.

This kit was for making bracelets. It included everything from the scissors, tape, craft glue to ribbons, string and bling. Since we had several guests over I grabbed a few more pairs of scissors and glue. But basically the party was ready without much set-up.

The thing we quickly realized was even the Moms were having fun with these projects. The younger children needed help but everyone, boys and girls, was excited to create and design their own items. The boys created crowns and even decorated headbands and bracelets to give away as gifts to family.

I wish these kits had been available when I was younger and going to slumber parties. They would have been perfect to keep a group of young girls busy with fashion shows and giggling for an entire night.

The kits vary in suggested age from 5 and up or age 7 and up, but we had even younger children helping out with supervision. I wouldn't mind ordering another headband kit to put together myself. It was a lot of fun and a great way to relax.

With help my daughter created this bracelet and treasure box and couldn't have been more excited to show them off. I look forward to making more of these Farber-Castell's Creativity for Kids kits with her in the future.

We all had a great time and even our youngest crafter had to show off the headband her Mom created. These kits are great for kids, perfect for Mother-child bonding, and fun for Mom time as well.

So what do you think? Would your kids enjoy a Creativity for Kids kit? Or would you like to try one out for yourself?

*Disclaimer - I received Farber-Castell's Creativity for Kids kits to enjoy at our party as part of MommyParties. All opinions are my own.

The Moshi Monsters Know How to Party! (#BobbleBots)

Have you met the Moshi Monsters Bobble Bots 'Moshlings' yet?

Spin Master (a favorite toy company of ours) and Mind Candy created them... now the toys are vibrating all around town.

We were sent a big party pack to enjoy and share with our friends. These little toys wiggle and bobble their way all around the town you can create out of their play sets. If they seem familiar, it is because they are made by the creators of Hexbugs. We love the way they randomly move about and I was excited to try out these toys as well.

I love how bringing new toys out of their packages really gets kids excited! No explanation necessary. My only concern was how long it took to open the packaging. The kids were pretty impatient.

I was not happy about the noise involved with the Moshi Monsters. We started out playing with them on the hard floor and I would suggest putting these over carpeting to muffle the vibration. The kids loved the movement.

Not only can kids play with the sets and toys, but they can use secret codes found inside the packages to log on to www.moshimonsters.com and play in the online community. Adopt a monster, name it and start playing! My son enjoyed getting online. I rarely let him use the computer, so it was a real treat.

The toys are small enough to fit in a hand and even travel with you. I love all the cute faces and personalities. It is really hard for the kids to keep them on the set. These little Moshlings seem to want to go everywhere!

Connect with  Bobble Bots on Facebook  or

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*Disclaimer - I received a host pack for our Moshi Monsters party made possible by MomSelect and MommyParties. All opinions are my own. Your experiences may vary.

Baby Brezza Sweepstakes - A Year of Fresh Produce!!

I know, I really have babies on the brain right now, don't I?

Well, following the Pregnancy 2.0 Mommy Party, check out the post HERE for all those great products, there are still some big items on my wishlist.

Okay, scratch that. The Baby Brezza One Step Baby Food Maker has been on my wish-list for the past 4 years!!

Here is a quick video explanation if you are not familiar the Baby Brezza.



One step, one machine and you can make fresh, seasonal, customized or organic baby food! As a foodie, I want to do this for my little ones.  Believe me, I had a hand crank baby food mill and my food processor for my babies and this is much easier.

And now that I'm sure you all want to add this to your baby registry, be sure to enter the Baby Brezza Fresh Product Sweepstakes!

Grand Prize is fruit and vegetables for you entire family for the entire year and First Prize is a Baby Brezza. All you have to do to enter is:

• Add the Baby Brezza to your baby registry at places such as: BabyBrezza, BabiesRus or Amazon.com
• Send an email to sweepstakes@babybrezza.com with a link to your registry, name and contact information

Enter from now until December 31st, 2011. Get all the details, sweepstakes rules, etc. at http://www.babybrezza.com/sweepstakes.php

Good luck!

*This blog post makes me eligible for a blogging contest with Baby Brezza and Mommy Parties. All opinions are my own and now monetary compensation was received.

MommyParties sponsored by Pregnancy 2.0 - With Britax, BabyPlus & More!

With new babies comes a bunch of gear needs. When I was pregnant with my first the brands, products and my baby registry was a bit overwhelming! Luckily MommyParties was able to send me a fabulous hosting package to share with our friends and their new babies. Yes, there were babies everywhere!

There were so many great products available for guests to touch, try or take home provided by the companies. I know personally since my son was born products have changed and improved. As we look at adding on to our family it is time to start the great baby gear search again. So this was very timely.

All of the sponsors for this party were very generous with their great products. I was so excited to share them with our friends and try them out for myself. Included were Britax, Baby Plus, Snuggle Buddy and Xlear Inc.

Snuggle Buddy sent two adorable security blanket/toys. One of our little guest was happy to test out his little puppy. The other plush went home with a little girl for her new baby sister.

Chewable, cuddlable and made by Rashti and Rashti, they are an award winning friend for your little one. I love that they have varied textures and contain a rattle for great feedback during play.

Of course the Britax B-Agile Stroller and B-Safe Infant Car Seat were a big hit. Once the boxes arrived it was hard to wait till the party to assemble them.

Even though there was no shortage of help, the Britax products took no time to assemble. The B-Safe Infant Car Seat was ready to go straight from the box, and the B-Agile Stroller just needed the wheels attached. It took less time to put those on than to get the boxes open.

I love that the stroller holds a child up to 55 lbs. My daughter is two and under 30 lbs. She fits wonderfully so this would be an excellent investment for a newborn.

I was also happy with a nice, long sun shade that covers the baby's head well. When compatible car seats are being used the shade covers them completely.

Of course we also let others try it out. I think this is a product that speaks for itself.

As for the car seat? Well, I think we were all impressed with how slim and short it is. That is a definite bonus if your have multiple children in your car. It is also light weight and the handle is long enough to carry easily. It is a definite upgrade from what I used for my other children.

Britax also sent their Britax Baby Carrier in black along with the seat extender insert. I love baby wearing and was excited to see a trusted name like Britax getting in on a great trend like that.

I was impressed with the washable big over the top, yes the entire carrier is washable, but who wants to wash that regularly? This will cut down on a lot of wear and tear. The bib eliminates the need to tuck a burp cloth in front of the baby if they are forward facing, which I like. This product works from 8-32 lbs.

I was so excited to be sent a Baby Plus Prenatal Education System. I used one during both of my pregnancies. I didn't notice any changes or updates since my model which is fine since I don't have any complaints about mine.

The device fits securely in a waist pouch and has lessons to be used throughout the pregnancy. A pamphlet is included to keep track of your progress with suggestions for the use schedule. I wore it during work with my first pregnancy and made it part of a relaxation break during the day with my second. This new Baby Plus is going to a special someone and I hope she gets as much use out of hers as I did mine.

Also, what is a party without favors? All of the sponsors sent me brochures of their products, there were some great coupons and discount codes and Mommy Parties supplied me with goodie bags, recipes and themed activites.

Xlear Inc. sent samples for all my families to try out. We had Kid's Spry Tooth Gel and Dispensing Pacifier, Saline Nasal Spray as well as Spearmint Spry gum. All their products use Xylitol which is recommended by the American Dental Association.

This Pregnancy 2.0 party from Mommy Parties was a great chance to have some friends over and talk about something we all love, BABIES! ...and the stuff that makes caring for them just a little bit easier.

A big thank you to all the gracious sponsors who make these parties possible. Thanks again to Britax, Baby Plus, Snuggle Buddy and Xlear Inc.

*I was chosen to host this Pregnancy 2.0 Party from Mommy Parties. All opinions are my own and I was not required to post favorable reviews. Your experiences may vary. Products were provided, but I did not receive any monetary compensation to host or post.

We Threw an Oral-B Winnie the Pooh #MommyParties

Our family was really excited to be selected to host an Oral-B party with Winnie the Pooh for MommyParties. Anticipation always builds when we open the box.

Aimed at 4 and under, this was an amazing party package!

It contained the new Winnie the Pooh DVD,
Oral-B Stages 1 & Stage 2 toothbrushes (age 4 month - 24 month as well as age 2-4 brushes)
Oral-B toothpaste
Disney's Daily Renewal Naturals Body Wash
Popcorn
Balloons
Coupons
...and various items to get the party rolling like bags, info and invitations.

This is the first time our family watched the new Winnie the Pooh movie, but several of our guests had already seen it. Well, they all loved it and asked to watch the bonus features as well as the movie over and over again. I guess you could say it was a big hit!

We served warm spiced cider, food, snacks and the kids were happy to sit down and enjoy the movie. I think Winnie the Pooh is as beloved today as it was when I was young.

We also took a break to watch carrot picking on the farm. I think Rabbit would approve!

This party was especially fun because not only did we get the chance to enjoy our favorite character, but Oral-B had several products for our guest to take home with either Winnie the Pooh or other great Disney characters.

The kids were excited to take home a toothbrush...

No matter what the age, it is always a great time to start with good oral hygiene.

Not all of our guests had used Oral-B products before. I was really excited to share the Disney Lavendar body wash. It was both paraben and phthalate free, which is a must for the bath products I use on my children.

We had a lot of fun playing, visiting and everyone went home with something from the party.

A big thank you to Oral-B (Procter & Gamble)  for the great products and Mommy Parties for the fun excuse to throw a party!

You can connect with Oral-B on Facebook for product information and promotions.


*Disclaimer - this party was made possible by Procter & Gamble through Mommy Parties. All opinions are my own and no other compensation was received.