Disney's "The Pirate Fairy" Available on Blu-ray Combo Pack on April 1st

From the world of "Peter Pan" comes "The Pirate Fairy," a swashbuckling new adventure about Zarina (voice of Christina Hendricks), a smart and ambitious dust-keeper fairy who’s captivated by Blue Pixie Dust and its endless possibilities. When Zarina’s wild ideas get her into trouble, she flees Pixie Hollow and joins forces with the scheming pirates of Skull Rock, who make her captain of their ship. Tinker Bell (voice of Mae Whitman) and her friends must embark on an epic adventure to find Zarina, and together they go sword-to-sword with the band of pirates led by a cabin boy named James (voice of Tom Hiddleston), who’ll soon be known as Captain Hook himself. With laughter, heart, magic and thrills, "The Pirate Fairy" sets sail April 1, 2014.




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

Bari Koral Family Rock Band: The Apple Tree & The Honey Bee

One of the most popular kids'/family recording artists on the scene today, Bari Koral, takes an adventurous leap forward with the Bari Koral Family Rock Band's fourth album, The Apple Tree & The Honey Bee, set for release in May.

Over the past seven years, Bari Koral has established herself not only as a beloved performer but also as a leading force in the "yoga for kids" movement. Bari's catchy, pop-friendly tunes and interactive live shows featuring a creative blend of music and movement have gained her legions of fans, while many of her songs are also widely used in kids' yoga classes and preschool classrooms. As a kids' yoga expert, Bari lectures nationally on the subject. Watch for Bari as host of the world's first yoga-based, movement-and-music TV show for kids, coming soon on the Veria Living Network.

For The Apple Tree & The Honey Bee, Bari decided a musical stretch was in order, so she brought her band to Nashville to record the album under the guiding hand of legendary producer Brad Jones.

Brad Jones, described by music journalist Rick Clark as "one of the most self-directed and disciplined guys I know in music," has worked with everyone from Matthew Sweet, Jill Sobule, Marshall Crenshaw and Ron Sexsmith to Justin Townes Earle, Yo La Tengo, Over the Rhine, Chuck Prophet, and Josh Rouse. Jones produced Josh Rouse's highly lauded Nashville and 1972.

The Apple Tree & The Honey Bee leads off with "Dancing Bear," a rocking, good-times tune with a great dance beat, which features Bari Koral "trading fours" with Dred Scott's excellent bass guitar work. Bari wrote "Big Truck" à la Johnny Cash, and Dan Cohen's twangy guitars combine with Bari's impressive country vocals to give the song an authentic "on the road" feel. Shifting gears with 18-wheel precision, Bari turns the corner on the next song, "Birthday," a poppy anthem of love and security. Other highlights include the New Orleans flavor of "Roller Coaster," spiced with vocal "whees" that are sure to delight, and the humorous, two-beat "Back to the Farm," which is guaranteed to get kids moving.

WHERE TO BUY: The Apple Tree & The Honey Bee will be available at amazon.com, iTunes, Barnes & Noble, and at independent retail outlet throughout the country.

BARI KORAL FAMILY ROCK BAND IN PERFORMANCE

Highlights - Spring/Summer 2014

May 2 New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, New Orleans

May 16 The Glitter Bar at Laughing Lotus Yoga Studio, NYC

June 21 Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art, Amherst, MA

July 17 Madison Square Kids Series, NYC

July 30 Newport Festival Family Concert, Newport, RI

Sept. 21 Monterey Jazz Festival, Monterey, CA

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.

Children's Educational Fitness Program {Review & Giveaway}

It's finally Spring, but still a little chilly outside. When it's cold, many of us try to stay indoors to keep warm. But you know, it is also important that your kids get enough exercise and stay active. Outdoor activities are best for keeping kids active and the sunshine gives them the vitamin D they need. When it's a rainy day or cold outside, there are ways to get active indoors as well.

I was recently introduced to Adventure to Fitness, an award-winning & trusted educational fitness program. Once you have a membership with them, you can access the exercise videos from the website at any time.


ABOUT THE COMPANY

Adventure to Fitness (AtoF) is an educational fitness program for kids, reaching 10 million children around the world. Through engaging videos, interactive games, tips from physicians,informative blog posts and recipes, AtoF’s at-home fitness program offers a 360-degree solution to health and wellness education. Used and trusted by over 100,000 teachers, AtoF was developed with input from leading educational, medical and parenting experts.


Since my PC was not at a convenient place for Little Brandon to watch and follow along the exercise movements, we were able to watch it on my iPad through the website. We could watch the videos anywhere with clear sounds and it was convenient. Brandon enjoyed it and he had a lot of fun. He got exhausted quickly, but I know he burned a lot of energy from all that exercising. There are also activities available online for the adventure episode we complete.

The animation and video effects are great! It's like playing in a video game where you're the like character in it. It's brilliant! And Mr. Marc is quite funny with a lot of enthusiasm. The kids love him.

Check out a sample video below:  

WHAT'S THE COST? There are 2 options for subscription:

• $9.99 a month subscription
• $99.00 one-year subscription

KEY FEATURES OF THE PROGRAMS:

• Interactive Fitness: Short, engaging 30-minute videos encourage kids to get up and move while learning important facts about nutrition, positive habits, and overall health.

• Educational: Each adventure integrates academic material from major subject areas, including math, science, social studies, language arts, and history.

• Expert Tips: Receive weekly tips on children’s health from various child development experts, including physicians, nutrition advisors, cardiologists and other professionals.

• Supplemental Tools: AtoF provides supplemental games and activities to go along with the 30-minute videos to enrich what they’re learning.

• Kid-Friendly Recipes: Check out kid-friendly, healthy recipes to ensure your kids are getting the nutrition they need to stay fit.

{GIVEAWAY}

One (1) lucky reader will receive a free 6-month membership to the children’s educational fitness program (valued at $60 per membership)!  Membership includes full on-demand video access, activities, recipes, health tips, and more. Chosen winner will be selected via Random.org through Rafflecopter and is open to Canadian and US residents (ends April 28th, 2014 at 11:59pm EST). Winner will have 48 hours to respond to claim their prize. Good luck!

{Please wait while Rafflecopter entry form loads...}

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Disclosure: I received a complimentary subscription from the PR Firm/company in exchange for my honest review in this post. Any expressed opinions are my own and personal thoughts. No other compensation was given.

Wordless Wednesday: Trip to Rocky Brook Falls

Spring Break Road Trip to Olympia National Park at Rocky Brook Falls

American Girl Doll Giveaway

Welcome to the American Girl Doll Giveaway!

American Girl characters past and present show girls today that they can do great things if they believe in themselves and each other. From a Native American girl living in the Northwest in 1764 to a contemporary girl whose passions inspire action, the characters in every story illustrate the power of determination, imagination, courage, and hope — the same spirit that inspires modern American girls.

{ GIVEAWAY }

ONE (1) lucky winner will receive an American Girl Doll & Book! Contest is open to US & Canada, 18+. Contest ends April 1st, 2014 at 11:59pm central time. 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: The participating bloggers were not compensated for this post. We are not associated with any of the companies named above. No purchase is necessary to enter. One entrant per household. Void where prohibited by law. The odds of winning are based on the number of entries received. Confirmed Winner(s) (by Random.org) will be contacted by email. Winner(s) have 48 hours to respond before a new winner is chosen. The sponsor(s) will be responsible for product shipment to winner(s) of this giveaway. My blog is not responsible for product shipment/delivery. This event is in no way administered, sponsored, or endorsed by, or associated with, Facebook and/or Twitter, Google, Pinterest. This disclosure is done in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission 10 CFR, Part 255 Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.

Lovable Labels Ultimate Camp Pack Sale & Giveaway

We're already in our Spring Break and little Brandon has 2 weeks off from school. Fun! Now to find some Spring Camps for him to participate in.  Speaking of camp, check out the Lovable Labels promotion on their Camp Pack Labels.


Lovable Labels Ultimate Camp Packs are back for a limited time only. 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!

I had the opportunity to review the camp pack labels in our choice of design. We chose the dinosaur characters for something new and we don't have this set. It's perfect to use for school, camps, and anywhere your child's belongings go with them.


Pack includes over 150 labels: 15 sticker labels, 40 slimline labels, 12 shoe labels, 72 press n' stick clothing DOTS, 12 square labels, and 2 mini metal tags (with 4" silver ball chain).

FEATURES:
- dishwasher safe
- microwave safe
- laundry safe
- waterproof

WHERE TO BUY: The Ultimate Camp Packs are currently on sale and is available at LovableLabels online store. Buy now and save with an early bird price of $39.95 until March 31st, 2014!

BONUS: You can use coupon code JennieYLB1 to receive 10% off your order!


GIVEAWAY

We are also hosting a giveaway for your chance to win your own Ultimate Camp Pack.

One (1) lucky reader will have a chance to win a personalized Lovable Labels Ultimate Camp Pack with choice of design. Chosen winner will be selected via Random.org through Rafflecopter and is open to Canadian and US residents (ends April 18th, 2014 at 11:59pm EST). Winner will have 48 hours to respond to claim their prize. Good luck!

{Please wait while Rafflecopter entry form loads...}

a Rafflecopter giveaway



Don't lose it - Label It!

Disclosure: I received samples at no charge in order to complete my review. Thanks to Lovable Labels. The opinions expressed are my own personal and honest thoughts. No other compensation was given.

Creative Kids Bento Lunchbox Idea: "Pig-Shaped" Custard Bun

Pig-shaped custard filling bun with cut out flower-shaped red & green apples and mini Ritz crackers.



(More here)

New ARTHUR Family Health Website

WGBH and PBS Kids are proud to announce the launch of the ARTHUR Family Health website, which builds on ARTHUR's eighteen-year history of addressing challenging topics and making them understandable for kids.

Featuring Arthur and friends, this robust, new website offers background information, games, videos, and other resources designed to help parents and educators talk to kids about important health issues - from asthma, food allergies and nutrition, to fitness and resilience.

All of the resources on this mobile-friendly website were reviewed by health experts from top medical institutions such as Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston Children's Hospital, and Harvard Medical School.

The goal is to encourage conversation around these topics and to continue to grow this important resource in the years ahead.

	Asthma  Buster knows all about managing asthma. In this section, Buster invites parents and kids to learn more about asthma care, how to stay active, and what triggers to avoid. Kids will love putting their knowledge to the test in the Buster Baxter: Lung Defender game!
	Peanut Allergy Binky has a peanut allergy, so he has to be careful about what he eats and touches. In addition to printable activities and a fun interactive quiz, this section features a travel translator that offers 14 different language translations of "I have a peanut allergy," a useful and potentially life-saving tool when traveling to areas where English is not the native language.
	Nutrition Like many kids, Arthur, D.W., and their friends sometimes struggle to maintain a healthy diet. Here, both kids and adults learn how to make better choices that are both healthy and delicious! In D.W.'s Unicorn Adventure app, kids learn about healthy snacking as they help D.W. save a lost unicorn using the power of rainbow foods! Yum!
	Resilience  Finding the right things to say to children when upsetting events occur at home and in the world around us can be hard for parents and caregivers. Here, adults will learn how they can support kids during challenging times using resources, activities, and videos designed to help kids heal and grow from these experiences. This section features a Draw Your Feelings activity where children better express and manage difficult emotions through artwork.
	Fitness Fitness can be fun, so get up off the couch! This section features the basics of staying fit and inspires both kids and adults to stay active and healthy through games like Dance Club, Groove It, and Workout Time!

 

Little Tikes Bounce House Trampoline Giveaway

Welcome to the Bounce House Trampoline Giveaway!

Hosted by: Mom to Bed by 8

It's time for some big, bouncing fun with the Little Tikes Bounce House Trampoline. This inflatable fun center is soft, safe, and provides hours of trampoline bounce-ability. Perfect for both outdoor and indoor play, this bounce house trampoline helps develop coordination and motor skills in children. You don t have to worry about the safety of your child as it features netted walls to keep him/her from bouncing out. This trampoline will keep children active throughout the day, so don t forget to carry this kids jumping house with you on picnics and other outings.

• Enclosed bounce area lets kids jump around without worry of falling off
• Inflatable walls and netting keep kids from bouncing out of the play area
• Includes 2 repair patches
• Recommended maximum combined weight limit 70 lbs

{ GIVEAWAY }

ONE (1) lucky winner will receive a Little Tikes Bounce House Trampoline! Contest is open to US only, 18+. Contest ends March 19th, 2014 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} 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Disclosure: The participating bloggers were not compensated for this post. We are not associated with any of the companies named above. No purchase is necessary to enter. One entrant per household. Void where prohibited by law. The odds of winning are based on the number of entries received. Confirmed Winner(s) (by Random.org) will be contacted by email. Winner(s) have 48 hours to respond before a new winner is chosen. The sponsor(s) will be responsible for product shipment to winner(s) of this giveaway. My blog is not responsible for product shipment/delivery. This event is in no way administered, sponsored, or endorsed by, or associated with, Facebook and/or Twitter, Google, Pinterest. This disclosure is done in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission 10 CFR, Part 255 Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.

Crane Warm Steam Vaporizer Giveaway

Welcome to the Crane Warm Steam Vaporizer Giveaway!

Hosted by: Queen of Savings, I Heart Giveaways, Dividing by Zero, Gone Sweeping & The Parent Spot

Sponsored by: Crane USA

Bacteria-free steam helps provide relief from dry skin, nosebleeds, nasal congestion, sinus irritation and other effects of dry air.  Pure steam vapor also provides relief from cough, cold and flu symptoms. It is perfect for small/medium rooms.

FEATURES:

• Run Time: Up to 24 Hours
• Room Size: Up to 250 sq. Feet
• Relief from cold, cough, and flu symptoms
• Bacteria free steam
• Dishwasher safe

{ GIVEAWAY }

ONE (1) lucky winner will receive a Crane Warm Steam Vaporizer! Contest is open to US only, 18+. Contest ends March 19th, 2014 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.

Samsung Galaxy Tab 3 Giveaway

Welcome to the

Samsung Galaxy Tab 3 Giveaway!

Hosted by NYSavingSpecials

Co-hosted by The Stuff of Success, MOMenvy Blog, Crazy Stepford Wives, DownshiftingPRO - Your Family, Your Home, Your Life, The Neighborhood Moms, Purple Monster Coupons, Simply Sherryl, Capri's Coupons, Barbara's Beat, Writer Wonderland and Charis by Design

Engage and entertain the entire family with the Galaxy Tab 3 10.1 tablet from Samsung. This thin, lightweight Android tablet features a 10.1-inch touch display along with the same familiar interface as other Samsung Galaxy devices, making it easy to use. Use it to quickly browse the web, watch movies, read e-books, or download apps from Google Play.

Features: 

• Android 4.2 Jelly Bean OS, 1.6 GHz Intel Atom Z2560 Processor
• 16 GB Flash Memory, 1 GB RAM Memory
• Store photos, videos, music, and more with up to 64GB of memory available through a microSD slot and 50GB of free Dropbox storage
• Camera: 3MP rear-facing, 1.3MP front-facing
• Pre-loaded with free content including Hulu Plus membership, Google Play credit and Boingo Wi-Fi Access

 

{ GIVEAWAY }

ONE (1) lucky winner will receive a Samsung Galaxy Tab 3 10.1 – 16GB White with one year insurance! Contest is open to US only, 18+. Contest ends March 26th, 2014 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} 

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.

Our First Experience at the Lego Mini Build Event

Brandon got bullied by an 8-year-old boy (a stranger) at the mall while lining up for the Lego mini build event. He budged in front of us. He even grabbed my iPhone that Brandon was playing his games while waiting in line. I asked the boy where his mom was and he said she's sitting on the bench. There were too many people so I had no idea who was who.

When the boy he started bothering Brandon, it annoyed me that I had to confront him. The boy kept tapping his neck and head and Brandon kept brushing him off. Little Brandon was pushed around and I didn't like it. I didn't want to be rude, but it got me to the point where I had to tell him that enough is enough. He talked back to me and even said rude comments to Brandon. He also told the lady in front of us that we budged in. WTF? That lady knew we were there behind her the whole time. I could tell she was already annoyed as well at that boy. I had no idea where that boy's mom was. I wasn't even sure if she saw what happened.

Then it was finally our turn (after an hour of waiting in line) to go in the LEGO store for the free Lego Mini Build. Wow, it was a terrible first time. I didn't expect it would be a super long wait. Brandon had to go pee, but I didn't want to lose myself out of the line as we were next. I did most of the building quickly and left after we finished. I don't think I would go back for the next event. It's not worth our time and our commute (about 40 minute drive for us).

On our drive back home, I told Brandon to stand up for himself if another kid is bothering him, speak up and tell that kid to stop.

Here is the mini tree we built: