Transformers Bumblebee Costume

Transformers is one of our favorite series/movie and one of our favorite characters is Bumblebee. Brandon already has a few Transformers action figures. One day, I asked Brandon if he wants to pretend to be his favorite Transformers character. He answered me with a loud "yah" and smiled. I was given the opportunity to let Brandon try on the Boys Transformers Bumblebee Deluxe Costume from WholesaleCostumeClub.com. The online store offers a wide selection of both kids and adult-sized costumes at a great low club price.





The Boys Transformers Bumblebee Costume set came with a yellow and black jumpsuit with character mask, arm piece, and 3-D plastic chest plate (though the website description says foam chest plate). The plastic accessories had good quality and I was amazes with the details on them, where it gave a nice realistic painted 3D effect. The material of the jumpsuit felt a bit thin. The suit looked a little bit tight on Brandon, but the length was perfect. I took off Brandon's outer shirt and it fitted okay. Here's a tip: It is always better to get one or two sizes bigger than your actual child's size/age.






Little Brandon liked wearing the mask. He made a few poses in front of the mirror. It was cute. I mostly liked the details on the costume and was happy that Brandon had fun wearing it. Superhero fun is always great for many different types of imaginative play. Your son will be more than meets the eye in this Transformers Bumblee costume. This comfortable, safe costume is great for either Halloween or dress up play. There are many other boys costumes that are perfect for Brandon.






Disclosure: I received the Boys Transformers Bumblebee Costume from WholesaleCostumeClub at no charge in exchange for a review of my opinion. The opinions expressed are my own personal and honest thoughts. No other compensation was given.

Pampers Gifts to Grow Codes (December 2010)

Sorry for the late post. Got some big points to share here! Some of the codes may expire end of the year. Hurry and enter them before they expire. Please comment and let me know you used them and I will continue collecting the codes for next month's list. Thanks!



WELCOMEMEMBERS5 (5 points)
CONGRATS2NEWMOM (10 points)
NEWWIPESPACKAGE (10 points)
GTGWELCOME10PTS (10 points)
DECFACEBOOK2010 (10 points)




And here is a couple codes for the HUGGIES Rewards:
BJRJL-BZZLF-BDPGB (1 point)
BJSGM-LKKKQ-ZKPGB (5 points)
BJZGG-LWFGR-PGPGB (5 points)
BKCFK-GXPRM-KLPGB (5 points)

Hexbugs - Creepy Crawly Micro Robotic Creatures

This definitely makes a great stocking stuffer for the kids this holiday season. I was given the opportunity to review the Hexbug Original and Hexbug Nano to show you how fun and entertaining this can be for your kids (or adults).






HEXBUG Original
The Hexbug Original looks somewhat like a beetle with six legs. It will change direction in reaction to physical obstacles in its path. It will also change direction in raction to loud sounds. You can control where it scurries through a hand clap, loud noise or table slap. The robotic bug will travel forward until it hits an obstacle or hears a loud noise. It will then backup in a half circle and then move forward in a different direction.

Brandon showed it my parents one time when we went over and my mom thought it looked disgusting. She's afraid of bugs, especially beetles (same with me).



There are available in 5 distinct shapes and colors.


HEXBUG Nano
HEXBUG Nanos are the small battery operated robotic "bugs" and behaves like a real bug. They are almost like the original Hexbug, but smaller and is made of rubber with a dozen legs. The Nano moves by vibration. Even when it's flipped upside down, it can turn back over on its own. They are creepy and cute at the same time. Some kids, especially boys, seem to enjoy playing with this toy. Brandon enjoys touching the adults with the creepy feel of the vibration.




These are available in variety of colors in a tube packaging.


The HEXBUGs will entertain kids for hours with its life-like skittering behavior that brings fun and excitement to robotics and technology.





Some of the most notable awards received:
Parent Tested Parent Approved Media Award 2010
Parents' Choice Awards 2010
Dr. Toy's Best Children’s Vacation Products Award Program 2010
Toy Man Top 10 Award,
Oppenheim Toy Portfolio Toy of the Year Award 
National Parenting Center Seal Of Approval Holiday
Toy Tips Trusted Mark of Excellence



Disclosure: I received the HEXBUG Original and HEXBUG Nano at no charge in exchange for a review of my opinion. Thanks to Cohn & Wolfe and Innovation First Trading, Inc. The opinions expressed are my own personal and honest thoughts. No other compensation was given.

Giveaway Contest Winners List (Dec 15 - Dec 24)

Sorry for the delay everybody. I was away on vacation and have been very busy. Yep, the Christmas holiday is the most busiest time of year. Hope you all had a great Christmas. I will post some more of little Brandon's activities soon.

Here are the winners of my giveaways. Are you a winner? Read on for winners for the giveaways that ended between December 15, 2010 and December 24, 2010.

Winner has been selected and announced for the Linacare $10 Gift Certificate Giveaway that ended December 15, 2010.

Congratulations to.....

xmd5 (#17) with the comment:

http://twitter.com/xmd5/status/6937227196112896 #2
Monday, November 22, 2010 9:10:00 PM

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Winner has been selected and announced for the Pocoyo World Premium Membership Giveaway that ended December 16, 2010.

Congratulations to.....

Jessica (#9) with the comment:

pocoyo facebook fan
jessica tang
Thursday, November 18, 2010 9:51:00 AM

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A new winner has been RE-DRAWN. Please be sure to respond ASAP.

Winner has been selected and announced for the Life Without Plastic Cereal Bowls Review & Giveaway that ended December 17, 2010.

Congratulations to.....

Blake Kaplan (#140) with the comment:

I liked your FB page
blakekap1@aol.com
Saturday, December 18, 2010 11:21:00 AM

Shiela (#59) with the comment:
I like The Art of Jennie Yuen on FB
shielaroz2002(at)yahoo(dot)com
Sunday, November 21, 2010 5:44:00 AM

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Winner has been selected and announced for the 120 Sing Along Songs & Activity Set Review & Giveaway that ended December 22, 2010.

Congratulations to.....

Heavensent1 (#62) with the comment:

Like you on FB *Jennifer C.*
Tuesday, December 21, 2010 8:36:00 PM

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Winner has been selected and announced for the Indestructibles Books Giveaway from Workman Publishing that ended December 24, 2010.

Congratulations to.....


Maple Leaf Mommy (#48) with the comment:

I follow Workman Publishing on Twitter
Sunday, December 19, 2010 7:25:00 AM

I have sent you all an email. You have 48 hours to respond. Thanks everyone for participating in my giveaway contests. Check out my other current giveaways.

Time for an Upgrade: TV Stand with Storage Cabinets

It's time for new furniture. Oh, how I hate looking around for furniture. Little Brandon's Disney movies collection is growing. Now we need to browse for a new multimedia storage cabinet to put in the playroom. Our TV stand is super old and is actually falling apart. I almost forgot that one of the back wheel is breaking through the wood. It's currently being supported by another wooden board for now. There are many different styles & designs for the TV stands so looking for the perfect one isn't easy.

Here's a couple of snapshots of our old furniture in Brandon's playroom.


There's a reason why I put toys and boxes near the shelves (and the TV): to keep Brandon from climbing into there and grabbing the DVDs and other things. I need a closed or covered storage cabinet.

I came upon Wayfair.com (formerly CSNstores.com), an online website of over 200 stores and shopped around. They have a great selection of products. I found a couple of the TV stands with storage cabinets that I really liked, but I still can't decide which one I like more. Which one do you like? Send me a comment and I'll see which has the most votes.



 

The closed cabinets would be perfect to keep the DVDs and video games from dust. It would also help keep Brandon from taking the DVDs out from the open and prevent breaking or scratching them.

Next, to look for a flat screen TV to go with the stand (when I can afford it).

Brandon's First Dental Check-up

It was Brandon's actual first dental check up. I had my appointment also on the same day to have my teeth checked and cleaned. Brandon was very cooperative and he was patient while getting his teeth polished. Daddy was there with him while I was in the other room just beside his. For being a good boy, the dentist gave Brandon a toy and a new toothbrush.

Here are a few photos that daddy took on his mobile phone. Brandon was asked to wear protective glasses during the treatment.

Holiday Gift Idea: Green Toys Tool Set

Baby Brandon's Adventures
Holiday Gift Guide presents...
Tool Set by Green Toys


These toys are simply made out of recycled products. Play tool sets and building blocks can be made out of recycled plastic products like old milk jugs. Green Toys has made a huge effort by going green and providing us and our children more eco-friendly products. I really like this idea a lot because we are making a difference to our environment by recycling. All Green Toys are 100% made in the USA.


Green Toys Save Energy
How much? On average, every pound of recycled milk jugs used in the making of Green Toys:

- Saves energy equal to 3,000 AAA batteries.
- Saves enough electricity to power a TV set for 3 whole weeks.
- Saves enough electricity to keep a laptop computer running for a month.





I was given the opportunity to review the Green Toys Tool Set. Thanks to Stortz & Associates who is Canada's leading importer and distributor of Eco Friendly Toys. The package comes in a recyclable cardboard cover and plastic netting to keep the tools together. What I like is the excellent quality of the plastic material. It was durable and nicely detailed (just like the real tools). It is also a great learning toy because the tools had names that tell what type of tool it is.

No job is too big for the world's most environmentally friendly tool kit! This awesome 15 piece set includes a tool box, phillips screwdriver, flat screwdriver, hammer, saw, wrench, pliers, 2 two-hole connectors, 2 nails, 2 bolts, and 2 nuts. The Green Toys Tool Kit turns work into Good Green Fun!




WHERE TO BUY?
Green Toys are available for purchase through various retailers across the country. Click here for a list of retailers near you.



THE GIVEAWAY
One (1) lucky reader will have a chance to win a Green Toys Tool Set (as above). Canada only. Chosen winner will be selected via Random.org. Winner will have 48 hours to respond to claim their prize. Make sure you leave your email so I can contact you.

This is a mandatory entry:
1) Visit www.stortz.ca and tell me in the comments below what other brands do they carry.

For Additional Optional Entries (Post in a separate comment for each additional entry):

2) Follow me on Google Friend Connect (2 entries)
3) Follow me on one of my other 2 blogs via Google Friend Connect - listed below followers on the sidebar (1 entry each)
4) Follow me on Twitter @jennieyuen (1 entry)
5) Follow both GreenToys AND Stortz & Associates on Twitter @Greentoysinc & @StortzandAssoc (1 entry)
6) LIKE my Facebook Page at Jen's Reviews and Giveaways (3 entries)
7) LIKE Stortz & Associates on Facebook (3 entries)
8) LIKE Green Toys on Facebook (3 entries)
9) Post about this giveaway on your blog with the URL in the comment. (3 entries)
10) Tweet about this giveaway by tweeting the following. (3 entries):  
Holiday Gift Idea: @greentoysinc @StortzandAssoc GreenToys Tool Set Toy review & #giveaway (Canada Only) @jennieyuen http://bit.ly/fA7pBH
 

Contest is open to Canada Only. Contest closes January 21, 2011 11:59pm (PST).



Disclosure: I received the Green Toy Tool Set at no charge in exchange for a review of my opinion. Thanks to Stortz & Associates and Green Toys. The opinions expressed are my own personal and honest thoughts. No other compensation was given.

Book Review & Giveaway: More Bears!

Baby Brandon's Adventures
Holiday Gift Guide presents...
More Bears!
(A fun storybook for any child!)




Once upon a time there was a story. It was a lovely story with absolutely NO BEARS in it—not a SINGLE BEAR anywhere.

Then one day...MORE BEARS!

KENN NESBITT is possibly the funniest and most sought-after children's poet writing today. His works have been in dozens of school textbooks around the world, as well as national television programs, and numerous children's magazines.  When he's not writing, podcasting, updating his website (poetry4kids.com), or visiting schools sharing his wacky brand of humor with kids across America, Kenn can be found cuddling his collection of stuffed bears. He seriously cannot get enough of bears. Or chickens.

TROY CUMMINGS has been drawing goofy animals pretty much nonstop since kindergarten. His illustrations have appeared in newspapers, in magazines, on websites, on frozen fish stick packages, and in hospital waiting rooms. He hibernates in Greencastle, Indiana, with his wife and cubs.







I think this picture book is funny and entertaining. Even little Brandon enjoyed it. He would laugh when he sees more bears and even yells out "More Bears!" and starts counting them on the page. I really enjoy Kenn Nesbitt's stories. He surely knows how to get children entertained and wanting more.

The story is about an author who is in the process of writing his book and that it does not contain any bears at all. While he was working away, he hears someone shouting "MORE BEARS!" He got very annoyed and decided to put in only one bear, but he hears it again, "More Bears!" It would not stop and more bears are added until the pages were full of bears; so full that he wanted them off the page. Finally in the end, there were no more bears. What a cute story.


WHERE TO BUY? The book is available for purchase directly from Sourcebooks online store or on Amazon.com.



THE GIVEAWAY
Two (2) lucky readers will have a chance to win a copy of the above mentioned book. Chosen winners will be selected via Random.org. Winners will have 48 hours to respond to claim their prize. Make sure you leave your email so I can contact you.

This is a mandatory entry:
1) Visit Kenn's website at http://www.poetry4kids.com and tell me in the comment below what other children's book is your favorite or that interests you.


For Additional Optional Entries (Post in a separate comment for each additional entry.):

2) Follow me on Google Friend Connect (2 entries)
3) Follow me on one of my other 2 blogs via Google Friend Connect - listed below followers on the sidebar (1 entry each)
4) Follow me on Twitter @jennieyuen (1 entry)
5) Follow Sourcebooks on Twitter @Sourcebooks (1 entry)
6) LIKE my Facebook Page at Jen's Reviews and Giveaways (3 entries)
7) LIKE my OTHER Facebook Page at The Art of Jennie Yuen (3 entries)
8) Post about this giveaway on your blog with the URL in the comment. (3 entries)
9) Tweet about this giveaway by tweeting the following (3 entries):  
Win a copy of Kenn Nesbitt's children's book "More Bears!" from @Sourcebooks. 2 Winners! Review & #giveaway @jennieyuen http://bit.ly/fwTjNj
 

Contest is open to Canada and US residents. Contest closes January 20, 2011 11:59pm (PST).


Disclosure: I received a copy of the book from Sourcebooks at no charge in exchange for a review of my opinion. The opinions expressed are my own personal and honest thoughts. No other compensation was given.

Giveaway Contest Winners List (Nov 30 - Dec 12)

OMG, finally! I've been sick all week! Time to announce the winners of my giveaways. Are you a winner? Read on for winners for the giveaways that ended between November 30, 2010 and December 12, 2010.

Winner has been selected and announced for the Patti Teel's The Christmas Dream Music CD Review Giveaway that ended November 30, 2010.

Congratulations to.....

Christine (#5) with the comment:

Liked your FB page #1 - Christine Davis
Saturday, October 30, 2010 10:11:00 PM

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Three (3) winners have been selected and announced for the Baby Orajel SmartDose Review & Giveaway that ended November 30, 2010.

Congratulations to.....

Erika (#55) with the comment:

Tweet - http://twitter.com/Erika105/status/2523918900396033
#1
Wednesday, November 10, 2010 4:52:00 PM

Congratulations to.....

Tiffany Christie (#77) with the comment:

I "like" on facebook - tiffypixie - Tiffypoot @ (aol.com)
Saturday, November 13, 2010 1:06:00 PM

Congratulations to.....

Bethany (#60) with the comment:

Follow you on twitter
@bethanyg153
b*********3@gmail.com
Thursday, November 11, 2010 3:37:00 PM

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Winner has been selected and announced for the Eebee's Adventures Children's Book Review & Giveaway that ended December 2, 2010.

Congratulations to.....

Nell (#52) with the comment:

I follow on GFC! #2
oldsockfarm {att} gmail {dott} com
Wednesday, December 01, 2010 3:49:00 PM

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Winner has been selected and announced for the BabyBaby Skin Care Review & $25 GC Giveaway that ended December 7, 2010.

Congratulations to.....

Tina (#34) with the comment:

I would get a complete skin care pack,.
Monday, November 22, 2010 8:52:00 AM

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Winner has been selected and announced for the Mark-My-Time Digital Bookmark Review & Giveaway that ended December 10, 2010.

Congratulations to.....

babygirl92699 (#7) with the comment:

I "like" The Art of Jennie Yuen on facebook
babygirl92699 @ yahoo.com
Friday, November 12, 2010 12:08:00 PM

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Winner has been selected and announced for the Dave Ramsey's Kids Books Boxed Set Review & Giveaway that ended December 12, 2010.

Congratulations to.....

Michelle (#50) with the comment:

my 3 year old girl would get this :)
Tuesday, November 23, 2010 2:46:00 PM

I have sent you all an email. You have 48 hours to respond. Thanks everyone for participating in my giveaway contests. Check out my other current giveaways.