My daughter and I had the pleasure of sampling the personalized products available from Portable North Pole, and I must say I am quite impressed.  Our personalized package included a personalized Premium Video From Santa,  personalized Phone Call From Santa, and Interactive Letter package.

While my daughter was napping I ordered her personalized video from Santa.  We received a premium video and download, but there is also a free video option.  The process was very quick, and I had the video personalized in about 5 minutes. I provided her name, Elliana, and was given different pronunciation options to ensure Santa and his elves pronounced it the correct way.  Then I got to personalize the video with facts about Elliana and photos of her, our home, and some of her favorite things.

Featured in the personalized video: a photo of the child in Santa’s book.

When Elliana awoke from her nap I surprised her with the video which arrived in my inbox in a matter of minutes after creating it.  She loved it and has asked multiple times to “talk to Santa” again.  When she watches it Santa reminds her to be good and listen to her parents so she’ll stay on the good list.  In the video Santa looked through his periscope and showed her an image of our home, a photo I uploaded.  She asks us every night if Santa can see her being good through his magical periscope.

We chose to save the phone call from Santa for Christmas Eve, but I took the opportunity to preview the phone call options online.  When ordering a phone call a link to Santa’s Call Console is emailed to the email account you choose.  When you’re ready for your child to receive the phone call you simply click the link in the email to load the console, choose a call scenario, and enter your phone number.  Santa will then call your child with the message you chose.  I previewed a “live from the sleigh” Christmas Eve message that we will choose on Christmas Eve.  Santa will remind Elliana that he’s on his way to deliver presents, and he’ll be at her house soon!

Last but not least we received a personalized Interactive Letter from Santa.  Not only is the letter personalized with info about Elliana, but it also includes an interactive feature.  The child visits a special web link on a computer equipped with a webcam.  They hold the special symbol on the letter in front of the web cam and receive a North Pole experience, a video message from Santa.

Overall I am very pleased with all of the Portable North Pole products we received.  I’m interested in many of the other products like the personalized holiday ringtones and personalized gift products.  Elliana really enjoyed everything, and I can’t wait to continue with personalized products from Portable North Pole for years to come!

Disclosure: This product was received by Team Mom for review purposes. All opinions are my own.

-Written by Jenn Shusterman, mother of a 3 year old daughter with baby #2 on the way. Read her family blog Everyday Randomness.

Did it make you laugh too? I love the way that Sears got creative with their advertising. And it makes me think about airports and mishaps that happened during the holidays. At the time, they can be awful. Looking back on them; though, hopefully we can laugh. That’s what happened to me, my husband, my daughter, Sammi and my mother two years ago.

We were off to visit my daughter and son-in-law who live in Kansas for the holidays. We’re in Florida so driving was out of the question. I took care of our flight arrangements and counted down the days until we were going to be with them.

Finally the day of our flight came. It was early in the morning and the check-in line was full. It wasn’t even open – no employees behind the counter. Our flight was scheduled soon and it was the same for others. Tempers were flaring. Finally agents arrived to take our luggage and get our boarding passes.

It was a bit like a stampede. Soon we were on our first flight and settled in, excited again to be all together for Christmas Eve, Christmas and a few days after. The next flight was much smoother. And the drive to my daughter’s house was quick.

When we arrived, there were hugs and kisses all around and the eating began. My son-in-law showed us to our guest rooms and I began to unpack. We had brought all kinds of cold weather clothing and even a few gifts.

It was time to take my dose of medicine. Where was it? I had packed a bag to carry on that held all of it (and there’s a lot) along with some food. My family is always concerned about food! Everyone searched the house and the car. We called the airport and the airline. I had left the luggage in that long line back in Tampa. To this day I don’t know how a bomb squad wasn’t sent in. My poor husband had to call to get emergency refills of my prescriptions and go out to get them.

The best part….I had the carry on all along at my daughter’s house. The one with the food was left at the airport.

My husband held back his temper, but boy was he mad! I was so embarrassed. Now, it’s one of those stories our family talks about and laughs over.

This is a sponsored post. I’m a Sears Blogger, though all opinions are my own.

The American Specialty Toy Retailing Association’s (ASTRA) 3rd annual Neighborhood Toy Store Day is coming up on Saturday, November 10, 2012, and many stores will be participating in this event with lots of activities, discounts, entertainment, etc, to kick off the holiday shopping season. To find out more about the event or find a participating toy store near you visit the ASTRA’s new website for the event, yourneighborhoodtoystore.org. You can also find out more via their Facebook page or by following @TheWoohooFactor on Twitter!

Why should you shop locally? It’s always better to shop at local stores such as your own neighborhood toy stores because money spent in these types of stores means a great return in funds to your own community. Smaller locally owned toy stores also usually carry toys you can’t find in the big box stores. These toys are normally a higher quality product, educational, or specialty type toys, and from my own experience I know my own child prefers the higher quality toys that will last much longer.

You say you can find toys in local specialty stores that can’t be found in the big box stores, but what kinds of toys can you find?  Whether you’re looking for educational, active play, role play, or game play toys for any age there are lots of choices available.  Here are just a few of ASTRA’s Best Toys for Kids for 2012 toys that can be found in participating local neighborhood toy stores.  I was surprised at how affordable these toys are, and how outstanding the quality is!

One Best Toys for Kids 2012 award winner is the Feed The Woozle game by Peaceable Kingdom.

With a suggested retail price of $19.99 Feed The Woozle is a game designed for children 3-6.  The goal of the game is to “feed the Woozle” without dropping the food on the floor.  Kids place the “food” chips on the large spoon and make their way to the Woozle to feed him.  Younger children attempt to walk across the room without dropping the food.  As the children grow the game becomes harder by adding fun tasks like skipping, jumping, and hopping.  Because the game is a cooperative game there are no winners or losers.  Everyone plays together to keep the Woozle fed while building skills such as body awareness, balance, and gross motor skills.

A winner of ASTRA’s Best Toys for Kids 2012 award in the Pretend/Doll Play category is Puppet-on-a-Stick by Educational Insides.

These puppets are too cute, and my daughter fell in love with them the minute they came out of the box.  With an oversized head, large handle that’s easy for small hands to grip, and moveable mouth the puppets are easy to use and cute as can be.  They are very well constructed and will last for years to come.  The quality well exceeds my expectations for a toy with a suggested retail price of $9.99. The Puppet-on-a-stick set includes 3 puppets that promotes creative play.

If you’re child is into Role Play games check out Astra’s Best Toys for Kids 2012 award winner, Kidoozie Deluxe Build-A-Road with Elevator by International Playthings.

Lastly let’s take a look at ASTRA’s Best Toys for Kids 2012 award winner in the Active Play category, ogoSport RAQ by OgoSport.

The Ogo Sport RAQ is an outdoor game that combines racquet play and disc play creating many games in one.  This quickly became a family favorite, and we’ve spent a lot of family time outside playing with the Ogo Sport RAQ.  The two racquets are made of an elastic mesh net.  There is also a flux ball with moveable tail parts.  The racquets can be used as flying discs or to throw and catch the flux ball.  We’ve nicknamed them handheld trampolines because boy do they cause the fall to bounce!

These are just a few great choices that can be found at your local neighborhood toy store.  When shopping for toys this holiday season why not support your local economy by shopping at your local toy store where you can purchase great unique products like these?

- Written by Jenn Shusterman of Everyday Randomness

This review was written in response to a toy package received from ASTRA.  My honest opinion was given based on my own experiences with the products.

The goal of the game is to decorate your home and land by earning acorns, which is the currency in Tail Towns Friends. You earn acorns by finishing goals, helping out friends and making business deals.

Goals start out easy and get a bit harder as you go along, but you can ask for help from friends and grow fruits and vegetables in your garden to sell.

Tail Towns Friends Figurines help too. You can either buy a virtual one or a real hand painted one. They come with secret codes that unlock information about your character – “Secret Diary Goals” – and earn you a unique virtual item.

The boxed figurines are collectibles in a series of 12 (Series 1). I received the female fox named Night on the Town…ready for fun.  She’s a fox that loves to go out when the sun goes down and find all the fun places around town.  Some others include a Chef, a Baker, a Soccer Player, and a Birthday Boy and so on.

This game will provide countless hours of fun as you explore new lands and meet new friends along your journey.  While I played the online version of the game my little girls were able to use their imagination and play their own game with the figurine.

We can’t wait until we can add more to our collection! The figurines are ready for sale in specific areas. Just check for the closest location.

Stay up to date with Tail Towns Friends on Twitter and take a look at gardens, outdoor décor, and beautiful flowers and more on Tail Towns own Pinterest page.

-Written by Leanne Palma, mother of 8 and chicken wrangler.

I received a Tail Towns Figurine for review through Child’s Play Communications. All opinions are my own.

We watched Almost Naked Animals Volume 1 DVD, It’s My Party, which consisted of 6 episodes. The DVD also featured some bonus items such as Music Videos from the series, a Welcome segment of the Banana Cabana and Howie’s Stunt School! The full run time of the video is approximately 70 minutes long and is geared for children ages 6-11.

CafePress and 9 Story Entertainment has also partnered together to launch a new online store that will feature T-shirts, notebooks and so much more!  On September 25^, 2012, the DVD, the new online store and The Almost Naked “Online Super Game” will be available.  Almost Naked Animals third season is coming this Fall on Cartoon Network. This series is one of the top-ranked animated shows on Cartoon Network.

Lauren gives the Almost Naked Animals DVD thumbs up for laughs! Visit AlmostNakedAnimals.com for more information and to play the “Online Super Game”.

-Written by Leanne Palma, mother of 8 and chicken wrangler.

Disclosure: DVD, T-shirt, journal, and a tote bag received from Team Mom. All opinions are 100% honest. Affiliate links were used in this post.

I had a Raggedy Ann doll when I was a little girl and this was always my favorite doll!  I took her everywhere.  I wish I had my own to pass down, but Aurora came to the rescue! The remake of the classic Raggedy Ann is even better, but still has the same features such as the well-known vintage clothing, the adorable smile and that huggable feeling.

I am thrilled that my girls will get a chance to experience how wonderful these little dolls are. Raggedy Ann is delicately handmade which makes her even extra special! She has a great big smile and the reddest yarn hair.  When we took her out of the box that was all my girls would talk about: how red her hair was and how she is going to be a playmate for years to come!

Instead of video games, dolls that talk, and electronic toys, Raggedy Ann teaches children to use their imagination. Girls will want to treat her as a friend or a baby, cuddle with her, and love on her.

Where to Buy:

Purchase online at Aurora’s online store, just look for Raggedy Ann, Raggedy Andy and Raggedy Ann Fancy Pants dolls. You can also purchase them at retail stores. The 8″, 12″ 16″ and 25″ classic Raggedy Ann or Raggedy Andy rag dolls are: $10, $15, $25 and $35 and The Fancy Pals style — Raggedy Ann Butterfly or Red Ribbon — are 7″ and $17 each. There are also holiday styles joining the line later this year and they are The Raggedy Ann “Chilly Chic” and “Santa’s Helper” and Raggedy Andy “Chilly Chic” and “Santa” are 16 inches and will run about $27.

Discount:

FREE Shipping on orders over $50 until August 31st, 2012. Use promo code: YooHoo12

Aurora World Online:

Find Aurora World online at Facebook, or on YouTube.

Giveaway

Win your choice of 1) Raggedy Ann or Raggedy Andy doll or one (1) of the Fancy Pals. Please enter using the Rafflecopter Entry form:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

RAGGEDY ANN and RAGGEDY ANDY are trademarks of Hasbro and are used with permission. (C) 2012 Hasbro. All Rights Reserved. RAGGEDY ANN AND RAGGEDY ANDY were created by Johnny Gruelle.

A Raggedy Ann doll was provided for review. All opinions are my own.

-Written by Leanne Palma, mother of 8 and chicken wrangler.

We were able to review the new Dream to Be a Ballerina from the 2012 WaterBabies Collection from Playmates Toys. This was the perfect doll for my 4 year old daughter, Leah who always “dreams to be” a Ballerina someday.  The Ballerina comes dressed in the cutest little pink tutu and pink headband and hair bow to match.  It has become one of my girls favorite bath toys as well a toy they can snuggle and treat as If they have a real baby. They all love how it comes to life after adding warm water to it and how they can nurture them and bond with them for hours.

My daughters push her around in a stroller, take her in the bath and play dance with her.  Waterbabies are for children 3 and up.  They are very easy to use because it comes with instructions and an easy fill funnel to fill the doll with warm water to give it its “life-like” feel.

I highly recommend the Waterbabies not only for their unique features, but also for the great price of $10.99 (SRP).  Great entertainment and a great value are always high on my list!

Win one of two WaterBabies Dolls by using the Rafflecopter Entry Form:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

-Written by Leanne Palma, mother of 8 and chicken wrangler.

One WaterBabies doll was given for this review. All opinion are the reviewer’s own.

Very interested in their Redbox Movies

The Movies (all from Phase 4 Films):

Kiara the Brave is about a Princess whose quest is to get her father back on the throne.  She must fight all kinds of evil to accomplish this task so it takes children on a magical ride throughout Dreamzone.  It is a fun and adventurous movie. This movie is Rated PG and runs for 80 minutes.

Space Dogs is a quirky movie that sends two dogs into space.  This is based on a true story from the 1960’s.  The two dogs become the most famous canines due to their out of this world adventure.  This movie is rated G and is 88 minutes long.

Donkey X is about a true story of brave donkey who joins the legendary Don Quixote on his quest to battle the Half Moon Knight.  Together they experience many dangerous adventures and hurdles what seems to be the most difficult of obstacles!  This movie is rated PG and runs for 90 minutes.

Smitty is about a 13 year old boy named Ben that likes to get into trouble.  His mom is struggling with being a single parent and decides to send Ben to his Grandfather’s farm for the summer.  His grandfather gets him a dog named Jack from an animal shelter in hopes that he will find the true meaning of friendship and responsibility.  This 94 minute movie is a wonderful movie for the whole family and is rated PG.

Rock Stars will be released in August of 2012 and has been nominated for the Robert Award for Best Children and Family Film of 2012.  It is about two earthworms who become the World’s Greatest disco stars because they were sick of being at the bottom of the food chain.  Who knew that without legs and arms that an earthworm could boogie so well!  This film is 78 minutes of the most fun boogie stars of all time! It is Rated PG.

I Heart Shakey is another movie about a dog that teaches some of life’s most valuable lessons.  This is great family movie about loyalty and the importance of families sticking together through the rough times. It runs for 102 minutes and is rated PG.

My Friend Bernard is about a boy named Sam who is quite shy and afraid of everything until he meets a man with a magical pendant.  This pendant has all the answers along with his friend Bernard the Polar Bear. Together they come face to face with monsters but battle them with humor.  This film has not yet been rated and runs 70 minutes and will be released in August of 2012.

Freddy Frogface was released in July of 2012 with a run time of 85 minutes.  It is rated PG.  Victor is a ten year old boy that just wants to perform in the talent show with his dog, Sausage.  Freddy Frogface is the town bully that comes up with a plan to spoil Victor’s shot in the Circus’s talent show.

The House of Cards was incredibly interesting watching all the kids with their ideas on how to make the structure sturdier.  Of course as a homeschool mom, we had to turn it into a science experiment to discover which method of laying the cards created the strongest structure.

The older children gave up quite early on in the task while the littler ones were determined to try and get past the 4 card foundation they had made.  My older son, Adam came up with the idea to use the flannel blanket from the kit to try and make the surface less-slippery. That idea worked well.  The biggest challenge was trying to keep the table from moving but with a curious 20 month old on the loose that was a near impossible task.

Most of the movies above come with downloadable activities, trailers and special features like the Making of the movies and slide shows.  These add so much more to your movie watching activities!

Don’t forget to checkout the Redbox Family Fun contest – every time you choose a movie in the Family Fun category, you can enter your email address for a chance at some great prizes like Round trip airfare tickets for 4 to Toronto for a chance for a walk on role on Nick Jr.’s Dino Dan show, a 4 Day West Coast Princess Cruise for 4 with round trip air fare or a seven day vacation for 4 to the Kennedy Space Station! How awesome is that?!!

-Written by Leanne Palma, mother of 8 and chicken wrangler.

Disclosure: A Family Fun Basket with all of the movies and snacks was provided by Child’s Play Communications. All opinions are my own. This blog uses affiliate links.

• Most Beautiful Dog
• Ugliest Dog
• “Doganista”/Best Dressed Dog
• Dog that Most Resembles its Owner

Inspired by the wildly-popular “World’s Cutest Dog” Boo stuffed dog from GUND, the “Top Dog” Contest offers an amazing Grand Prize! GUND will create a limited edition model of the winner’s dog. The dog will be available in gift and toy stores in 2013. Imagine sharing your adorable dog with others! Second Prize winners (two in each category) will win $250 of GUND products of their choice.

You have until August 5^th to submit your dog photos via the contest tab on GUND’s Facebook page. Winners will be chosen the week of August 20^th and announced the week of August 27^th.

Along with the “Top Dog” Contest on Facebook, GUND will run the “Most Pinteresting Dog” Contest on Pinterest. Consumers will be asked to post their entry on their own pages, “tag” @GUNDMostPinterestingDog and submit the link to GUND at MostPinterestingDog@GUND.com until August 5th. This contest winner will be selected based on the number of times the entry is “liked” on the GUND Pinterest board. The winner will receive a selection of GUND products valued at $250 retail.

Both contests are open to US residents 18 and older. For complete rules, see “Top Dog” Contest and “Most Pinteresting Dog” Contest rules at www.GUND.com. Get your camera out, catch your pup posing and enter today!

Information for this post provided by GUND and Child’s Play Communications. In return for posting this, I will receive a GUND plush.

There are six characters to choose from including the CuddleUppets Yellow Dog who loves to cuddle and hold you tight.  When the kids weren’t sleeping with the CuddleUppets they were playing puppet with everyone they know…the dog, cat and their brother and sisters. Good for ages 6 months – 15 years according to the manufacturer, but I bet older children would love one too.

CuddleUppets make a fun gift and are fun to bring along to camp or to a sleepover. And they are perfect for snuggle time:

Disclosure: I was provided with the Yellow Dog CuddleUppets for review. All opinions are my own. This blog uses affiliate links.

-Written by Leanne Palma, mother of 8 and chicken wrangler.