Monsters University Final Trailer

Opens June 21, 2013 |  1 hr 42 min | G

Mike Wazowski and James P. Sullivan are an inseparable pair, but that wasn’t always the case. From the moment these two mismatched monsters met they couldn’t stand each other. “Monsters University” unlocks the door to how Mike and Sulley overcame their differences and became the best of friends.

Cast: Billy Crystal, John Goodman, Steve Buscemi, Helen Mirren, Alfred Molina, Dave Foley, Joel Murray
Director: Dan Scanlon
Genres: Animated, Family


Whether monster or human, there is nothing like opening an acceptance letter from your favorite university. Congratulations to the incoming class of 2013!

Like Monsters University on Facebook: 

https://www.facebook.com/PixarMonstersUniversity

Follow Disney/Pixar on Twitter:

 http://www.twitter.com/DisneyPixar

Official Site: http://disney.com/MonstersU

Disclosure: I did not receive any products nor was paid for this promotion. Any expressed opinions are my own and personal thoughts. No other compensation was given.

New Toys in Kinder Surprise Pink + a Contest

With spring in full swing and summer fast-approaching, Kinder Canada is very excited to introduce the new eggs - the Kinder Surprise Pink - with over 30 playful toys and a little bit better. Check out the new Toy Gallery on Facebook section that Kinder Canada have added. You can browse the new collection and vote for your favorite.

I was really surprised and "egg-cited" when I received the pack of new Kinder Eggs. I got a funny reaction from little Brandon. He was like "What? It's for girls?" We were both looking at the box and saw some of the toys available for both the boys and girls. We got a "fuzzy tummy" animal to add to his collection.




And to celebrate the launch of Kinder Surprise Pink, Kinder Canada will be hosting an exclusive Facebook Contest starting May 29th, 2013 for three weeks. You can participate by simply becoming a fan of Kinder Canada and telling them what makes your child so unique. Winner receives one of three $250 VISA gift cards! Remember, deadline to enter the contest is June 19th.


Every child is unique in their own way. So what makes my child, Brandon, so unique? Well, I'd say he loves sharing things with others and caring about them. He also has his own way of telling his feelings through his drawings.  A few weeks ago, Brandon accidentally swung his toy into my eye. I ended up being taken to the emergency at the hospital because it was really serious and very painful that I cried. It shocked me when the doctor told me the surface layer on my eyeball got ripped. I was in pain and couldn't see for nearly a week!  Brandon was sad of course and he drew me a picture himself and mommy crying. It's his way of saying that he is really sorry. It was really thoughtful of him.

Picture on the left shows both of us with sad faces crying and Brandon hugs me with lots of love and that he's sorry. The crossed out heart tells me he is heartbroken. Picture on the right is me couldn't drive home with an injured right eye (and tears) while Brandon is in the back seat.




Disclosure: I’m part of the Kinder® Mom program and I receive compensation as part of my affiliation with this group. The opinions on this blog are my own.

Build-A-Bear Workshop Gift Card Giveaway

Welcome to the Build-A-Bear Worshop GC Giveaway!

Hosted By Simply Southern Couponers

Sponsored By Build-A-Bear Workshop

Build-A-Bear Workshop, Inc.

is the only global company that offers and interactive make-your-own entertainment experience. There are more than 400 Build-A-Bear Workshops worldwide and company owned stores including the U.S., Canada, Puerto Rico, Ireland and the United Kingdom and also franchise stores in Mexico, South America, Middle East, Asia, Africa and Australia. Build-A-Bear Workshop was founded in St. Louis in 1997 and is the leader in interactive retail.

Do you have a child or children who love Build-A-Bear furry friends? Do they just have one favorite or many? How would you like a chance to win a $25 Bear Buck$ Gift Card to Build-A-Bear Workshop?

I'm sure many of you have visited the Build-A-Bear Workshop with your children. If you've never made one, here's your chance to win a gift card to spend. Check out Build-A-Bear Workshop review on Simply Southern Couponers.

{ GIVEAWAY }

ONE (1) lucky winner will receive a $25 Bear Buck$ Gift Card to Build-A-Bear Workshop!   Contest is open to US only, 18+. Contest ends June 13th, 2013 at 11:59pm EST. Winner will have 48 hours to respond to claim their prize (or another winner will be chosen). Good Luck!   
  
{Please wait while Rafflecopter entry form loads...}

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Disclosure: I received no compensation for this promotion. My opinions are my own and may differ from those of other consumers. "Brandon's Adventures" Blog is not responsible for sponsor prize shipment. This giveaway is not associated with, affiliated with, endorsed by, sponsored by, or connected to Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, or any other social media platform in any way.

Real Kids Shades Giveaway

Welcome to the Real Kids Shades Giveaway

Hosted by Pea of Sweetness

Thanks for joining us in this event. The sun is out and best to protect your kid's eyes by providing them sunglasses that are comfortable to wear and look cool at the same time.

As parents, CEO, David Scheinberg, and VP of Product Development, Lisa Medora, established MFS Eyewear after recognizing the tremendous gap in available eye protection in today’s consumer markets. Unlike most competitive brands, David and Lisa devised a company with a corporate mission focused exclusively on the design and development of reliable yet fun eye wear for children.

Real Kids Shades is currently working closely with Prevent Blindness America to educate the public on the importance of protecting children’s eyes. By advocating sun safety through their Safe Eyes Everyday program, Real Kids Shades helps parents provide serious sun protection for babies, toddlers, and kids up to age 12. All Real Kids Shades provide comfort, durability, and safety. Their rigorous product testing program assures all Real Kids Shades are CPSIA Compliant, CE Certified, and FDA Approved to provide 100% UVA and UVB protection.

Head over to Pea of Sweetness where Emilee had the chance to review Real Kids Shades for two age groups for her three kids.

For More: Visit the Real Kids Shades Website, connect with them on Facebook and follow them on Twitter and Pinterest.

{ GIVEAWAY }

ONE (1) lucky winner will receive a pair of Real Kids Shades in their choice of style, size, and color!   Contest is open to US  and Canada, 18+. Contest ends June 12th, 2013 at 11:00pm CST. Winner will have 48 hours to respond to claim their prize (or another winner will be chosen). Good Luck!   
  
{Please wait while entry form loads...}

Entry-Form

Disclosure: I received no compensation for this promotion. My opinions are my own and may differ from those of other consumers. "Brandon's Adventures" Blog is not responsible for sponsor prize shipment. This giveaway is not associated with, affiliated with, endorsed by, sponsored by, or connected to Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, or any other social media platform in any way.

Disney's PLANES New Trailer Just Released

A second trailer for Disney's PLANES had just been released.  Little Brandon is excited to see it! Disney's Planes are coming to theatres on Aug. 9, 2013.

Check out the 2nd trailer for Disney's PLANES



Visit the website:http://www.disney.com/planes
Like Disney’s PLANES on Facebook:http://www.facebook.com/disneyplanes
Follow Disney's PLANES El Chupacabra on Twitter:http://www.twitter.com/PlanesElChu
Follow Disney on Twitter:http://www.twitter.com/DisneyPictures


Disclosure: I did not receive any products nor was paid for this promotion. Any expressed opinions are my own and personal thoughts. No other compensation was given.

Recess Monkey Video Debuts on Babyology

The brand Recess Monkey video, "Fish Sticks," receives its world premiere on Babyology

Grab your scuba gear, and get ready to ship out when kindie music icon Recess Monkey takes to the sea with their ninth album, Deep Sea Diver, set for release on June 18.

Amidst an abundance of oceanic adventures, Recess Monkey's submarine passengers will be transported to a deep-in-the-sea music venue known as the Coral Club, where a drum-playing fish ("Fish Sticks") plays every kind of drum pattern imaginable on his underwater drum set.

Fans can preview the aquatic action today, when Recess Monkey's "Fish Sticks" video debuts on Babyology.com.au.

Conceived as "the Recess Monkey-est Recess Monkey album ever," Deep Sea Diver is filled with a boatload of the band's over-the-top, super zany, high-energy songs that deliver lots of synth, funk, and everything in between.

Recess Monkey presents insanely catchy, up-tempo songs for the whole family. No play on words is too much of a stretch, and no rhyme schemes are out of bounds for the group's genre-bending set of clever ditties that NPR described as "inventive, brilliant, multilayered." Lauded by People, Time, and NPR for their pitch-perfect understanding of what gets kids excited, Recess Monkey is known for prolific album output, high-energy live shows, and laugh-out-loud funny lyrics that capture the essence of being young.

Recess Monkey's Deep Sea Diver Tour - Highlights, Summer 2013

June 15 - FREE Deep Sea Diver release party, Naval Undersea Museum, Keyport, WA
July 15 - Madison Square Park, "Madison Square Kids" concert, NYC
July 17 - Sirius/XM's Kids Place Live Rumpus Room Concert, Washington, DC
July 17 & 18 - Wolf Trap Theatre in the Woods, Vienna, VA
July 20 - The ArtsCenter, Carrboro, NC
Aug 10 & 11 - The Getty Center, Los Angeles, CA
Aug. 12 - Edward Kenley Centennial Amphitheater, Layton, UT
Sept. 21 & 22 - Life is Good Festival, Canton, MA

Disclosure: I received no compensation for this promotion. I was given info and streaming links at no charge from the PR Firm / Company. My opinions are my own and may differ from those of other consumers.

15 Songs Every Kid Should Know (and will Love!)

Classic children's songs with a multicultural twist!

Award-winning children's musician and certified music therapist Jeffrey Friedberg has invited some of today's best performers of Cajun, bluegrass, rockabilly, jazz, Irish, roots, African, Cuban, soul, funk, and folk music to join him in putting together a collection of songs that every child should know. 15 Songs Every Kid Should Know (and will Love!), the first in a projected series of "15 Songs" recordings from Friedberg's Bossy Frog Productions, is set for release on August 6.

The fifteen classic children's songs on 15 Songs Every Kid Should Know (and will Love!) form a body of work that seeks to preserve our heterogeneous culture, like an old-time potluck where people come together to show off their distinctive gifts and to relish the contributions of others.

Explains Jeffrey Friedberg, "I wanted to explore the rich treasury of classic children's songs -- those gems that make up our cultural DNA -- but in a way that reflects our multicultural society, with Cuban rhythms, African drumming, Irish fiddling, and Cajun accordion playing, along with jazz, rockabilly, bluegrass, rock, folk, funk and soul styles."

Among the more than 40 musicians who are heard on 15 Songs Every Kid Should Know (and will Love!) are Jon Pousette-Dart (Pousette-Dart Band), jazz trumpet virtuoso Steven Bernstein (best known for his work in The Lounge Lizards, Spanish Fly, and the Millennial Territory Orchestra), renowned Cuban percussionist Mayra Casales, and award-winning children's musicians The Bossy Frog Band.

15 Songs Every Kid Should Know (and will Love!) takes off with the deep-rooted, soulful quality and compelling rhythmic energy of Adam Falcon's rendition of "5 Green & Speckled Frogs." The durable American standard, "Shoo Fly," gets a load of Cajun spice from The Upsouth Twisters, courtesy of some authentic harmonica and squeezebox accordion playing. Other highlights include the classic country string band authenticity The Bossy Frog Band imparts to "Skip to My Lou" and "She'll Be Coming 'Round the Mountain" and a Cuban-Styled "Old McDonald" featuring Mayra Casales (considered to be one of the most gifted and versatile percussionists of her generation).


The 15 Songs Every Kid Should Know (and will Love!) website contains a wealth of resources, including guitar lesson videos, song lyrics and chords, music videos from the album's recording sessions, activity suggestions, and background information about each song that will inspire children, teachers, and families to make music a central part of their lives.

 Check out the 15 Songs Every Kid Should Know (and will Love!) website at 

http://15SongsEveryKidShouldKnow.com

15 Songs Every Kid Should Know (and will Love!) on Facebook: 

https://facebook.com/15SongsEveryKidShouldKnow

Disclosure: I received no compensation for this promotion. I was given info and streaming links at no charge from the PR Firm / Company. My opinions are my own and may differ from those of other consumers.

App Review: News-O-Matic Daily for Kids By Press4Kids

Making sense of the current tragedies around the world from the Boston marathon bombings, to the Oklahoma City Tornadoes to the recent terrorist attack in London can be quite a challenge for adults, let alone children. As parents know, children process these things differently. They may be asking difficult questions and parents may need suggestions to help discuss what happened and address their concerns. Since directing them to the New York Times to read about it or any other news source is not an option, Press4Kids developed News-O-Matic.


News-O-Matic is an interactive DAILY newspaper for kids! It's a great educational news app that covers breaking news, sports, science and much more in an accessible and kid-friendly way. The app is free to download.

Targeted to kids ages 7-10, News-O-Matic is a weekday newspaper application which includes five daily news stories, detailed images, videos, illustrations, maps, timelines and games. P4K’s objective is to inspire a generation of children to become habitual news readers and well-informed global citizens.

News-O-Matic gives children the opportunity to explore the latest current events through the app, while also giving them a voice to express their views. Children can interact with the Editor-in-Chief by rating stories, drawing pictures, asking questions or expressing opinions about current topics in the “News Room” section of the app.

Created by a skilled team (including child experts, designers and entrepreneurs), News-O-Matic aims to transform the news experience for children in a safe, interactive environment while encouraging them to become knowledgeable, productive members of society.


Here are some tips from Dr. Phyllis Ohr, Child Psychologist for Press4Kids, on how parents can address news issues with children and what children can do to feel better:

1. When the event does not personally affect the child, reassure them that everything is okay with the people they love and that nothing has changed for them.

2. Be sure to stress to children that if they do have questions to ask parents, teachers as well as friends. Other children having the same feelings may be comforting.

3. Begin by giving the child a brief synopsis of what happened by using age appropriate language. Ask if there is something they want to know more about or if they need something explained further. If so, stick to pointedly answering their question or clarifying. Do not add on or digress.

4. Do not assume the news will make children feel a certain way. Ask if they know how they feel, but stress that kids feel all different ways when they hear important news and sometimes do not know how they feel or do not feel anything which is okay. However, if children are affected by it, it is their own feeling. Reassure children that no matter what they are feeling, their feelings are okay.

5. If they are upset but don't want to talk, suggest a fun activity for distraction or help them use calming skills like playing, drawing a picture or writing a story. These activities help release any upset feelings and make children feel better.

Dr. Ohr is available to discuss these tips in further detail, as well as address any additional questions on how to talk to your children.

Disclosure: I will be receiving perks in exchange of my review in this post from the PR Firm / Company. My opinions are my own and may differ from those of other consumers.

Wonderlab by Toys“R”Us: New Learning Concept Store Opens in North Vancouver

Toys"R"Us invites families to experience the ‘wonder’ at the grand opening festivities

On June 1, Toys"R"Us Canada will open its first learning concept store in the country called Wonderlab by Toys“R”Us. Opening in North Vancouver, Wonderlab is a new brand for Toys"R"Us. The store is dedicated to learning - all of the products sold promote discovery, creativity, exploration and role play.

Toys"R"Us invites families to take part in the grand opening festivities complete with face painting, clowns, pictures with Clifford the Dog and Thomas the Train, product demonstrations and activities. The first 200 families who "wonder" in will receive a Wonderlab savings card and drawstring backpack.

Join us at 9:30 a.m. for the Ribbon cutting ceremony at 1331 Marine Drive in North Vancouver, BC!


“As the toy authority, Toys“R”Us knows that moms love products that teach and entertain their children,” said Liz MacDonald, vice president, marketing, Toys“R”Us, Canada. “The philosophy behind Wonderlab by Toys“R”Us is that playing is the most important part of learning and when kids play they aren’t afraid to experiment and try new things. We want to foster kids’ imaginations by giving them a place to start learning that discovery and exploration happen through play.”

Wonderlab by Toys"R"Us contains a wide range of learning products including preschool activites, infant development, crafts, books, electronic and phonics-based learning aids, role play, construction and science. Brands sold in the store will include Lego, Crayola, Leap Frog, Vtech, Playmobil, Play-Doh, Learning Resources, Melissa & Doug, Creativity for Kids and many more.

“North Vancouver is the perfect spot for our Wonderlab by Toys“R”Us store,” said MacDonald, “We have wanted to open a toy store in this family-friendly neighbourhood for some time, and the size of this retail space was ideal for our first learning concept store.”

Dezign with a Z Kids Wall Decal Giveaway

Welcome to Dezign with a Z Kids Wall Decal Giveaway!

Hosted by Hot Fun Stuffs

Sponsored by Dezign with a Z

I am excited to have teamed up with the host and several awesome bloggers to bring you this great giveaway! If you've been thinking about decorating your little one's room, check out the lovely designs available.

Dezign With a Z wall decals develops appealing Vinyl Wall Art Decals based on designs by young creative and talented Designers from Europe and the US.

Wall Decals are the most stylish home decorative products right now. Easy to apply, easy to remove , Wall Decals are a very modern and creative way to decorate your walls and give new looks to a room in just a few minutes… a total re-wallution for your home!

On the Design With a Z wall decals website you can browse a large selection of contemporary slick Wall Decals for your home and office decorating needs. You can also learn useful tips on how and where to use your Wall Decal.

READ HOT FUN STUFFS’ FULL REVIEW HERE

{ GIVEAWAY }

ONE (1) lucky winner will receive a choice of kids wall decal worth $30!   Contest is open to US only, 18+. Contest ends June 3rd, 2013 at 11:59pm EST. Winner will have 48 hours to respond to claim their prize (or another winner will be chosen). Good Luck!   
  
{Please wait while entry form loads...}

Entry-Form

Disclosure: I received no compensation for this promotion. My opinions are my own and may differ from those of other consumers. "Brandon's Adventures" Blog is not responsible for sponsor prize shipment. This giveaway is not associated with, affiliated with, endorsed by, sponsored by, or connected to Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, or any other social media platform in any way.

Blogger Opp: Summer Fun Event

Blogger Opp: Summer Fun Event Giveaway Event

Attention bloggers:  This is a free blogger event hosted by Iowa Mom. Link is free when you post about the giveaway on your blog and a thank-you for participating in the event.

PARTICIPATION DETAILS

* Prizes: There will be 5 winners!

Prizes include Skywalker Bounce-N-Learn Trampoline, Intex 10' x 30' Metal Frame Swimming Pool, Glenmeadow 6-Piece Folding Patio Dining Set with Umbrella, Flexible Flyer Swing Free Metal Swing Set and 20' Huffy Rock It Boys’ Bike.

* Event dates: June 10th - June 24th, 2013

* Eligibility: Contest is open to US only

* FREE link (Twitter or Pinterest only) on entry form with announcement post (or pay $5 waiver fee if not posting announcement).

* No more than 1 blog per person allowed

* Optional additional links are $3 each

* Daily Votes are $5 each

* Page Host Spots available for $10 each

* Event Co-Hosts are available for $30 (includes backlink on all blogs participating in the event, up to 4 links on the rafflecopter, comment/enter OR single comment and a follow/like page to be hosted on their blog)

* Agree to post the giveaway HTML on the date the event begins and promote at least 3x a week

* Referral prize: $25 Amazon E-Code or Paypal Cash

* Please feel free to mention Jennie Yuen from "Brandon's Adventures" Blog referred you! Thanks much!

~ SIGN UP HERE ~

Monsters University: New Video Clip

Monsters University - It All Began Here

Mike Wazowski's (voice of Billy Crystal) lifelong dreams of becoming a Scarer are derailed during his first semester at Monsters University when he crosses paths with hotshot James P. Sullivan, "Sulley" (voice of John Goodman), and their out-of-control competitive spirit gets them both kicked out of the University's elite Scare Program.





Disclosure: I did not receive any products nor was paid for this promotion. Any expressed opinions are my own and personal thoughts. No other compensation was given.

Lovable Labels Review/Giveaway & a Mention About Tim Horton Children's Foundation

This year, Lovable Labels has teamed up with the Tim Horton Children's Foundation in support of their upcoming Camp Day on Wednesday June 5th, 2013. Lovable Labels will be giving back 20% of all sales purchased through a unique link to the Tim Horton Children's Foundation.

You may know about all the great things the Tim Horton Children's Foundation does to help kids in need. One of their most recognized accomplishments is giving thousands of children all across Canada the opportunity to go to camp for the summer. You can help by spreading the word on how you can help this great cause.

To learn more about how Lovable Labels and the Tim Horton Children's Foundation is working together, check out the following link: http://www.lovablelabels.ca/StaticPage.aspx?id=50

I was given the opportunity to review the Ultimate Camp Pack labels from LovableLabels and we chose the Hoo Am I design with the cute owl.



Keep your kids' things out of the lost and found bin with the Ultimate Camp Pack! It's fast and easy to label backpacks, water bottles, clothing, shoes, toiletries and so much more!

The pack includes:
15 Sticker Labels
40 Slimline Labels
12 Shoe Labels
72 Press n' Stick Clothing DOTS™
2 Mini-Metal Tag (two 4” silver ball chain included)
12 Square Labels

I love the "Press n' Stick" clothing DOTS. No iron is required. It's machine washable and is dryer safe! It's better to stick on the lining or the wash instruction tags. We have used these on Brandon's jackets. It's very useful at school (especially for the teachers) to know who the jacket belongs to. 

WHERE TO BUY: http://www.thcf.lovablelabels.ca If you don't remember the special link, you can put "Tim Horton Children's Foundation" in the Agent/Fundraiser box when placing your order.

{ GIVEAWAY }

Are you ready to win your own set of Ultimate Camp Pack Labels from LovableLabels?

One (1) lucky winner will receive a personalized Ultimate Camp Pack of their choice!  Contest is open to US & Canada, 18+. Contest ends June 27th, 2013 at 11:59pm EST. Winner will have 48 hours to respond to claim their prize (or another winner will be chosen). Good Luck!      
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a Rafflecopter giveaway




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

Move & Cuddle: The Happy Healthy Baby Series of Board Books for Babies

The Happy Healthy Baby series of board books celebrates the discoveries babies make each day—of how they can move, reach, play, eat, cuddle, and rest. The board books feature black-and-white photographs of babies mixed in with brightly colored illustrations to portray the moments and moods of baby’s day. The text uses rhythm and rhyme to hold baby’s attention. “Giggle, wiggle, head to toe. Tap and clap and rock and roll!” There are also brief tips for adults at the back, tied to the topic of each book and focusing on developmental milestones during the first two years of life.

The books in the Happy Healthy Baby series are written by children’s author Elizabeth Verdick and Free Spirit’s editorial director Marjorie Lisovskis, who have collaborated on a number of titles as author and editor, and as coauthors of the award-winning book How to Take the Grrrr Out of Anger.

“The way infants grow and develop is just amazing!” says Lisovskis. “I wanted to celebrate that by offering kid-friendly support to the very youngest of children. I thought parents and care providers would love to share books that help babies learn, right from the start, that their world has routines, patterns, and joyful experiences and that they can feel strong, confident, and positive about themselves and all they can do.”


The first two books in the series, Move and Cuddle, are now available. Move shows babies in motion to celebrate all the joyful ways babies propel themselves and interact with the world. “Push, baby, push! Look how strong you are. Climb, baby, climb! You are going far.” Cuddle depicts the many loving connections that come from touch, with images of babies snuggling up to blankets, stuffed animals, pets, and people. “Rock, baby, rock. Tender as can be. Snuggle, baby, snuggle. Rest your head on me.”

Move and Cuddle are also available for purchase on Amazon.com.

Four more books are planned for the series: Reach and Eat, releasing September 2013, and Play and Rest, available Spring 2014.






Disclosure: I received a complimentary copy of the mentioned book from the PR Firm/Publisher in exchange of my honest review in this post. My opinions are my own and may differ from those of other consumers.