Giveaway Winners List (Jan 13 - Jan 21)

Hi Everyone! I'm sure you are all eager to find out who the winners are for the giveaways. It's tough to catch up when it's just me watching my running toddler 24/7. Here are the winners of my giveaways that ended between January 13, 2011 and January 21, 2011 for giveaways on the following: Gaddy Nipper Crayons, "If I Could Keep You Little" Children's Book, and Green Toys Tool Set.

Winner has been selected and announced for the Gaddy Nipper Crayons Review & Giveaway that ended January 13, 2011.

Congratulations to.....

Rebecca O (#41) with the comment:

I like your FB page: Bekki Orr
bekki1820cb at gmail dot com
3
Monday, December 20, 2010 3:08:00 PM

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Winner has been selected and announced for the "If I Could Keep You Little" Book Review & Giveaway that ended January 15, 2011.

Congratulations to.....

Carole Spring (#37) with the comment:

tweet: http://twitter.com/#!/cspring31971/status/17108854693175296
blondie_31971(at)yahoo(dot)com
entry #2
Monday, December 20, 2010 10:49:00 PM

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Winner has been selected and announced for the Green Toys Tool Set Giveaway that ended January 21, 2011.

Congratulations to.....


lclazar029 (#112) with the comment:

"like" Jen's Reviews and Giveaways on FB (#2)-FB:Lanie Lazarte
Wednesday, January 19, 2011 1:24:00 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.

Review & Giveaway: Educational iPhone iPad Apps for kids by SwagSoft

Katakune Animated Cartoon Series for Preschoolers

Katakune has been known as an Award-winning 3D animated cartoon Series for Preschoolers. Already broadcasted in TV stations around the world, Swag Soft has now licensed Katakune to be distributed as one of the best iPhone applications for kids.


The style of animation and look is unique and is designed to help children stay focused and learn the good values Katakune shows impart. Educational and entertaining, Katakune shows children simple ways to deal with complex concepts of social responsibility, friendship, life skills and values.





I was given the opportunity to review the app (episodes 1-5) with little Brandon. When I first heard about the Katakune cartoon series, I thought this would be great for Brandon to watch and learn what is happening in the short stories. Brandon sat on the bed and watched and he seemed to be into it. The cartoons are very adorable. Who couldn't resist these cute characters?  The app also contains beautifully rendered wallpapers from the episodes and trivia about the characters from each episode. I hope to collect the rest of the episodes and watch them all. There are a total of 35 episodes.

Sing With Olive
 

Created by Emmy award-winning animation studio, Peach Blossom Media, and featuring the writers of Dora the Explorer and Mickey Mouse Clubhouse, this interactive and musical series is designed to introduce preschoolers to English vocabulary in an exciting and captivating way. Using music, movement and challenging puzzles, Olive and her friends explore the world of nursery rhymes and fix the language-related problems they encounter.








The animations containing music and movement had little Brandon singing along. It gets his attention and he actually learned to sing the songs. I find that this is more entertaining than the usual videos we watch. The app contains 8 nursery rhymes to sing and dance along to and also includes the entire set of alphabet flash cards based on the adorable characters.








ABOUT SWAGSOFT LLP

Swagsoft LLP (based in Singapore) was created by Aldric Cheng, one of the founders of MediaFreaks Pte Ltd and Ngo Chee Yong, a veteran games programer. Animations like Katakune and Sedo Dog were originally developed in MediaFreaks and later converted into apps.  I'd like to give props to the developers for creating these adorable, fun and educational animations for the kids.



{THE GIVEAWAY}
SwagSoft is generously providing FIVE (5) of my lucky readers a chance to win one of their best kids apps of their choice. 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 the website at http://www.swagsoft.com and tell me which is your favorite app.

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 SwagSoft on Twitter @swagsoft (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) LIKE my Swagsoft 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):  
#Win one of best educational kids iPhone iPad apps by @swagsoft for 5 lucky winners! Review & #giveaway @jennieyuen http://bit.ly/f9qvPA
 

Contest is open worldwide. Ends February 28, 2011 11:59pm (PST).


Disclosure: I received a code to redeem for the above Apple iTunes Apps at no charge in exchange for a review of my opinion. Thanks to Media Freaks and SwagSoft. The opinions expressed are my own personal and honest thoughts. No other compensation was given.

Cheerios First Foods Blog Tour & Giveaway (Closed)

Do you remember the first time your child finally figured out how to get that Cheerio from the tray to their mouth all on their own? What a big milestone for both baby and Mom – your little one is growing up. It’s a moment we celebrate and cherish.

When you recall the first finger food you gave to your child, I’m sure you automatically think of Cheerios. It’s not surprising given that Cheerios has been a cereal that Moms have trusted for over 50 years! Those nutritious whole grain ”O’s” are ideal for your little one’s tiny fingers and they’re the perfect snack to take with you when you’re out and about. It’s also not surprising to most that 4 out of 5 pediatricians recommend Cheerios for their infant or toddler patients.




Introducing the Cheerios First Foods Section on babycenter.ca.

This is a great resource site. Even during my pregnancy, I often visit BabyCenter.ca for tips for everything. Being a first time mom, I had so many questions and had learned so much through the information that was available online. For Brandon's first foods, they were rice cereal and mostly purees.

The Cheerios First Foods section on babycenter.ca has launched! It features expert information on how and when to introduce certain foods, tips for picky eaters, answers to common first foods questions and lots of other useful information. The section also features wonderful First Foods tools (menu plans, etc.) that can help make life easier for busy moms. All this is being brought to you by two companies trusted by Canadian Moms: Cheerios and Baby Center!





Cheerios is my all-time favorite cereal. When little Brandon started eating solids and harder texture foods, they were Cheerios and rice crackers. I never leave the house without it, especially during our road trips. It tastes great, it's healthy, it's fun to eat, and easy to clean up if a mess happens. Now that little Brandon is older, I let him eat his cheerios with milk. I'd give him a cup of milk and bowl of Cheerios and he'd just put his Cheerios in his milk if he wanted to.





{THE GIVEAWAY}
One (1) lucky reader will have a chance to win a Cheerios Prize Pack ($50 value!) Prize Pack includes a Cheerios On-the-go Tot Container, Cheerios playbook, Box of Cheerios, Bowl and utensil set and a $30 Cash Card. 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 the First Foods section on babycenter.ca and tell me your feedback in the comment.

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) LIKE my Facebook Page at Jen's Reviews and Giveaways (3 entries)
6) LIKE my OTHER Facebook Page at The Art of Jennie Yuen (3 entries)
7) Post about this giveaway on your blog with the URL in the comment. (3 entries)
8) Tweet about this giveaway by tweeting the following. (3 entries):  
Enter to #win a Cheerios Prize Pack ($50 value) CAN residents; ends Feb 14. Review & #giveaway @jennieyuen http://bit.ly/hAxsHk
 

Contest is open to Canadian residents only. Ends February 14, 2011 11:59pm (PST).



Disclosure: I am participating in the Cheerios First Foods program by Mom Central on behalf of General Mills. I received a gift card as a thank you for my participation. The opinions expressed are my own personal and honest thoughts. No other compensation was given.

The Flightless Goose Story Book Review

The Flightless Goose is a wonderful children's story book written by Eric R. Goodman and illustrated by Nataliya A. Goodman. It is a story about a goose named Gilbert, who loves to get involve with many activities like running, swimming, flying, and playing with his other geese friends. Due to Gilbert's accident, he was unable to fly south for the winter with the rest of his friends. He ended up left behind in the cold snowy weather.


Flightless Goose is a story based around a real goose which lived on a lake in Columbus, Ohio. Due to some unfortunate circumstances, the goose was unable to fly south for the winter with the other geese. Eric and Nataliya Goodman, after witnessing the incident, named the goose Gilbert, and envisioned a beautiful tale that would delight children, while subtly teaching them lessons about self worth, tolerance, and friendship.




A read-along CD was also included with the book. It was a nice bonus. When I am not able to read the story to Brandon, he could listen to the story from the CD. The sound effects really made the story interesting for him. Brandon loves storytime. I read it to him as his bedtime story.



WHERE TO BUY?
The book is available for purchase at Writer's Lair Books or on Amazon.com

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

Ten Hats: A Counting Book

Ten Hats: A Counting Book, which is written by Carolyn Mott Ford and illustrated by Jack Gordon.


Description:
This is a counting book showing the different kinds of hats worn by amusing animal characters doing different jobs. It ends with the hat worn by a kindergarten graduate (a young bunny), with the promise that “you can be anything you want to be!” Can serve as an early reader.



This was a neat and fun book to read with Brandon. The book shows the counting down (backwards) to the number of hats on the rack and the types of hats that people wear in their professions. This is a great learning experience for him through recognition, counting, and even colors. I like the final page of the graduation hat where it gives the idea that the child has completed what he learned and ready for the next level. The book also provides the child a creative imagination and the choices on what they want to be (as a profession) when they grow up. Brandon likes the illustration of the dump truck. He pretends to put on yellow hard hat to wear when he's operating the truck.





Disclosure: I received a copy of the ebook PDF from E&E Publishing in exchange for a review of my opinion. The opinions expressed are my own personal and honest thoughts. No other compensation was given.

Audio Story CDs for Kids by 6 Pence Productions Review & Giveaway (Closed)

The 6 Pence Players is a new company that produces theater CDs by kids for kids and they are also the creators of original audio children's theatre. They invite kids to join them on enchanted listening adventures with The Fairytale Collection and the newly released Princess Reform School.


The Fairytale Collection
5 classic, magical children’s fairytales brought to life and voiced entirely by KIDS aged 5-17!  Songs include:

• Three Billy Goats Gruff 9:32
• Cinderella and Friends 11:08
• The Emperor’s New Clothes 14:53
• The Three Little Pigs Meet the Big Bad Wolves 8:24
• Princess and the Pea 13:02

Princess Reform School
Being born a princess is no guarantee that you know how to behave as one! However, is learning to balance your tiara or to perform the perfect curtsey the limit to the power a princess possesses? Societal expectations, pressures and the role of modern-day females are questioned by a gaggle of familiar, and brand new, fairy-tale princesses. The fantastical backdrop, complete with dragons, toads, and castles, in addition to several uniquely forward-thinking princesses, illustrates the joy and power discovered in a young girl’s self-acceptance.

Little Brandon likes to listen to stories and have me read to him. When we listened to the 6 Pence Player audio CDs, we both really much enjoyed it. It was a new and interesting experience for Brandon as he sat down on his bed with me listening and smiling. It was kind of fun.

I think these really sparks children's imaginations and inspires creativity of the stories and this is really great for them. The voices narrated by the children were amazing and quite talented. These quality audio theatrical adaptations are brought to life through the captivating and engaging voices of children, which allows the young listener to connect to the stories in a direct way as they listen to other children telling the story.

Benefits:
* Perfect for the car, the plane, all types of travel, the classroom, or quiet time at home!
* Educational and entertaining, sparking the imagination while improving auditory skills.
* Makes a great gift!
* Ideal for ages 6-13, but perfect for anyone who loves a good story!
* Created by a Mom – approved by kids!
* Help develop comprehension and auditory skills!

WHERE TO BUY?
You can purchase the CDs directly on their site at http://www.6penceplayers.com or online at: iTunes, CDBaby, or IndieRhythm. Also available at your local retailers listed here.


WIN IT! {THE GIVEAWAY}
One (1) lucky reader will have a chance to win a copy of both The Fairytale Collection and Princess Reform School audio CDs. 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) Simply and tell me in the comment below who you would like to win this for.

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) Sign up for the mailing list with 6 Pence Players (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 it! Audio CDs from 6 Pence Productions: The Fairytale Collection & Reform Princess School. #giveaway @jennieyuen http://bit.ly/hvhZLz
 

Contest is open to US & Canada. Ends February 21, 2011 11:59pm (PST).



Disclosure: I received a the mentioned CDs from 6 Pence Poductions 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.

The Embarrassment

I'm sure many of you moms or dads have their nightmares with their children misbehaving and causing a big embarrassment. And I don't believe that anyone is perfect. My story here that I'm about to discuss is how Brandon really embarrassed be at "school" today and how I have never been so upset and miserable the entire day. Not many people do share about their bad day, but I' m going to tell you anyway. I'm not a perfect parent, but I try my best to discipline Brandon and teach him what is right and what is wrong. I had a very stressful day and believe it or not, I am shedding tears as I am typing this.
​
It all started during clean up time where all the children were asked to put away toys to get ready for circle time and sing songs. Brandon did not do what the teachers asked him to do. Instead, he kept taking out the toys that were put away. The teachers were about to close the shelves and we all waited for Brandon. Brandon would yell NO and whine. Everyone else was sitting down already and waiting while I am standing up trying to convince Brandon to come over to me. When the teacher got the toy out of his hand, he cried and cried so horribly loud that everyone in the room was staring. I was so embarrassed that I felt like I just want to hide or just leave the place. I was also afraid what other parents or grandparents would think about me and how I teach him at home.
​
After singing a couple of songs and rhymes, he finally stopped crying. Brandon is a real big cry baby. He cries or whines at little things -- even just telling him that something is not safe to play with or if another person or child borrows a toy from the pile Brandon is playing with, he would yell and cry. I would tell him calmly what he did wrong or tell him no need to cry.
​
When it was lunch time, everyone goes to wash their hands before we eat. Today, Brandon refused to and struggled when I tried to carry I'm to the washroom. I had to do a quick rinse because he was still whining. I don't want to keep the line waiting. Again, how embarrassing. During lunch, Brandon was eating very well. He always feeds himself really well and I'm proud of him. When finished halfway, he suddenly poured his cup of milk into his lunch meal and then started pouring the mushed meal over his plate of fruits. I was shocked! He's usually good. Really! I have never seen him do that before. I also kept telling that to some of the parents and grandparents because I was afraid what they were thinking.
​
After having lunch at school (class was over), I walked home with Brandon on the stroller. I was still very upset. I told him he was a bad boy and he made me mad. He started listening to me later in the afternoon when I asked him to go lie in his bed for nap time. I was surprised he didn't come back out or whined and the door was still opened. So I went in 15 mins later and found him already sleeping. He never likes nap time (not usually without me napping with him), but this was really great I thought. I had some time to catch up with my work.
​
Soon it was almost time to go to bed. Brandon usually drinks a small cup of milk and eat a cookie before we get easy to brush teeth and go sleep. He got me all ford up and mad again after pouring his cup of milk (which is covered with a lid and has a straw) all over his train table and all over the alphabet mat on the floor in the playroom. I was like NOOO.... Now the table and wood were all damaged. I just had it with him and put him in his room while I cleaned up the big mess.
​
I finally got him to go to bed.... really late! OMG, I do not know what to do anymore. Please share some advice if you have any. Much appreciated. Thanks for reading.

iPad App Review: Kindergarten Pencil-Pal by School Zone Publishing

School Zone

The World's Best Workbooks, Flash Cards & Software

PUBLISHER'S DESCRIPTION:

Prepare your kindergartner for school success using trusted educational content. School Zone Publishing Company has been creating children's educational products for over 30 years.

Why buy multiple apps to get your child a coloring program, a learning game, dot-to-dot puzzles, and educational videos? School Zones Kindergarten learning app has all of that and more!







Your child will touch, listen, laugh, and learn as he or she discovers important skills through play and practice. Pencil-Pal Kindergarten will introduce your kindergartner to a clubhouse full of activiti. Josie Jaguar and the rest of the clubhouse gang will help your child sharpen essential skills in no time. After all, its more fun to practice letter sounds, counting, patterns, and more with friends! As your child follows these loveable friends around the clubhouse, from the movie theater to the art studio, he or she will gain essential early reading and math skills.






MY EXPERIENCE:

Since I got my new iPad, I've been constantly looking for some good educational apps for toddlers that Brandon would like and learn from it. I've tried many free apps (lite version) to see if we both like them before purchasing the full version.  I was a bit disappointed to find many of them were a bit boring or useless to me and some that didn't interest Brandon. I realized that he likes the kind of apps that have animation and interactive games where he can tap or drag objects or books that get him to feel like he's part of the story.

We were given the opportunity to try out School Zone's Kindergarten Pencil-Pal iPad App. What's nice with this one are the animations. Brandon loves the animated, talking animal characters and the colorful scenes. There are short videos that is available in the app and they are quite funny and entertaining. Some of the videos look old and are a bit fuzzy. I wish it had better quality.






Brandon is learning to recognize letters and especially numbers. The games were a bit challenging for him. I would help him out a little bit. He's almost 2-1/2 years old and he finds some of the preschool games a bit easy -- he usually knows the answers, so the Kindergarten Pencil-Pal app is perfect for his level. I wish the app would include the letter-tracing to teach how to write letters or numbers, but I think there is a separate app for that from School Zone Publishing. The doodle and drawing section is great. Brandon loves to draw and color. I would also show Brandon how to write a letter and he tries to copy what I do, so that works well. Overall, I would rate this app 4 out of 5 stars.






Features:

- Dot-to-dot puzzles
- 12 educational videos
- Drawing & coloring activities
- Jokes & riddles
- Audio prompts & encouragement
- Animated characters
- Delightful music
- Colorful graphics

Skills:
- Beginning letter sounds
- Counting
- Letter and number sequencing
- Pattern-making
- Rhyming
- Greater than and less than






Disclosure: I received a code to redeem for the above Apple iTunes App at no charge in exchange for a review of my opinion. Thanks to Junger-Godfrey PR and School Zone Publishing. The opinions expressed are my own personal and honest thoughts. No other compensation was given.

Lovable Labels Friendship Pack Review & Giveaway (CLOSED)

Baby Brandon's Adventures
Valentine's Day Love & Friendship Gift Guide
presents...


Labels that stick with your kids and their stuff! Lovable Labels is an online company that makes personalized children labels for anything and everything! Laura Porreca is the Owner and President of Lovable Labels. Laura recognized a need in the market for personalized labels that were tough and durable and could stand the test of time and the everyday use that children put them through.

Valentine's Day is just around the corner and what makes the perfect gift for your child and for his/her friends is the friendship pack available from Lovable Labels for only a limited time.



I was given the opportunity to share with you little Brandon's personalized labels and tell you how great the quality is of these labels. Lovable Labels use high quality 3M adhesive with a protective clear layer on top to keep the name and letters from wearing out.  They make these labels durable, waterproof, and even safe enough for dishwashers, laundry, dryer, microwave, and for everyday use. The labels are also very easy to apply. Just peel and place label over the cleaned area. For clothing, apply it on the label of the tag (washing instruction label).


Features:
* Waterproof
* Dishwasher / Microwave safe
* Laundry / Dryer safe
* Sun safe
* Bleach safe
* Sunscreen safe
* Temperature safe

Since Brandon is going to Family Drop-in programs and preschool, the labels are so useful in keeping track of his belongings. I love the vibrant colors. It can be easily matched with anything or I can make have the label easy to see with a contrasting color combination. I am using Brandon's labels on his jacket, shoes, mitts, book bag, and sippy cup.


The Friendship pack labels comes in Bedazzled (for a girl) or Majestic (for a boy). Of course, I have the boyish one for Brandon and we have a girly one (the friendship sampler pack) that I chose for Michelle (Brandon's playmate) as a gift. Michelle is in kindergarten and she's actually my husband's youngest cousin.









WHERE TO BUY?

These colorful and durable labels can be purchased online on the website at http://www.lovablelabels.ca. Also check out the other products and types of labels available. SHARE THE LOVE! Purchase a Friendship Pack (which includes 120 labels) for yourself and a receive a FREE Friendship Sampler Pack (which includes 40 labels) for a special friend! Offer ends February 28th, 2011.





WIN IT! {THE GIVEAWAY}
One (1) lucky reader will have a chance to win their own personalized Lovable Labels Friendship Pack. 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 http://www.lovablelabels.ca and tell me in the comment below what other product is your fave.

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 Lovable Labels on Twitter @mylovablelabels (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) LIKE Lovable Labels 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):  
Win a Friendship pack personalized labels @mylovablelabels. Great Valentine's Day gifts. Review & #giveaway @jennieyuen http://bit.ly/el45ui
 

Contest is open to US & Canada. Contest closes January 31, 2011 11:59pm (PST).



Disclosure: I received a Friendship Pack personalized labels & Friendship Sampler Pack from Lovable Labels 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.