1stopmom's Holiday Gift Guide

Moxie Girlz for DS

admin — Sat, 24 Dec 2011 07:48:24 +0000

Based on the popular Moxie Girlz™ brand of fashon dolls, Moxie Girlz for DS is a fun-filled imagination video game featuring activities that capture the positive Moxie Girlz messages that focus on building confidence, courage and creativity

My youngest daughter Kayla is a big fan of Moxie Girlz. She loves everything from their hair to their clothes. When she found out she would be able to review this game, she was all smiles! As soon as it came in the mail, she was checking it out. Right away she was busy creating her own Moxie Girlz. This game offers a lot of options that helped Kayla customize her Moxie Girlz. It took her a little time because it had to be perfect. Kayla was able to choose from different hairstyles and more.

Kayla had so much fun getting her Moxie Girlz dressed up with clothes and accessories and hair styled for a photo shoot. Another part of the game lets her become a magazine editor. It was so cute because Kayla had to design a magazine and deliver them to subscribers. It reminded me of a game I used to play when I was younger.

As a parent I like that Moxie Girlz encourages girls to not be afraid to be different, that is what makes them special. The Moxie Girlz for DS is not a quick game to complete and just toss aside. Between all the different clothes, make up, hair and accessories, the game play is limitless.

Buy It!

Get a copy of Moxie Girlz for $16.00 at Amazon.com.

Spongebob’s Surf and Skate Roadtrip {DS and Xbox}

admin — Sun, 13 Nov 2011 09:27:45 +0000

SpongeBob SquarePants is setting his sights on the nearest beach in his latest video game adventure, SpongeBob’s Surf & Skate Roadtrip.

With Nintendo DS, players will surf and skate across more than 100 maps and even carve up 10 righteous snowboarding levels that are unlockable upon completion. Those hoping to prove their skills can choose from five challenging victory conditions – Combo Mayhem, Untouchable, Score, Win the Race and Collectible modes. The Nintendo DS version also features two-player multi-play with single- and multi-card gaming.

Available on Kinect(TM) for Xbox 360^(R), SpongeBob’s Surf & Skate Roadtrip will be the very first game with which players can use the Kinect technology to experience skateboarding and surfing right in their living rooms.

In this brand new road trip adventure, SpongeBob and friends find themselves taking to the waves on surfboards and tearing up all the gnarliest skateboarding turf with their wildest moves and tricks.

SpongeBob Surf & Skate Roadtrip features both single- and two-player options for boarders to perfect their awesome skills. In single-player mode, SpongeBob and Patrick set out on a crazy roadtrip adventure, engaging players in arcade-style story-driven gameplay. In two-player mode, boarding skills are put to the test with simultaneous head-to-head split-screen action.

Buy It!

You can find Spongebob’s Surf and Skate RoadTrip on Amazon.com. The DS version is $26.49 and the Xbox 360 version is $48.99.

Disney Prep and Landing DVD

admin — Sun, 13 Nov 2011 07:24:42 +0000

Prep & Landing is an adorable holiday story about a high-tech team of elves who ensure homes around the world are properly prepared for their visit from Santa. After working for a tireless 227 years, an elf named Wayne (voiced by Dave Foley) is upset when he doesn’t receive an expected promotion. Instead he is partnered with an idealistic rookie elf named Lanny (voiced by Derek Richardson) to execute a special Christmas Eve mission. While on their journey, Wayne and Lanny encounter unexpected challenges that push them to their limits and ultimately threaten Christmas for children around the world. But in the end, these two elves work together to guide Santa through a raging snowstorm in order to save Christmas.

On November 22nd, Disney will be releasing Prep and Landing on DVD. It first debuted in 2009 as ABC TV’s first animated television special produced by Walt Disney Animation Studios.

Prep and Landing features the voice talents of DaveFoley (Disney●Pixar’s A Bug’s Life, Toy Story 2, Cars) as Wayne, Derek Richardson (TV’s “Men in Trees”) as Lanny, Sarah Chalke (TV’s “Scrubs” and “Roseanne”) as Magee, Mason Vale Cotton (TV’s “Desperate Housewives”) as Timmy Terwelp, David DeLuise (Disney Channel’s “Wizards of Waverley Place”) as Dancer, Peter Jacobson (TV’s “House M.D.,” Transformers) as Waterkotte, Lino DiSalvo (Disney’s Bolt) as Gristletoe Joe, William Morgan Sheppard (Transformers, The Prestige) as The Big Guy, Nathan Greno (Disney’s Bolt, Meet The Robinsons) as Dasher, Hayes MacArthur (Life As We Know It, She’s Out Of My League) as Thrasher and Kasha Kropinski (Fame, Big Fish) as Miss Holly.

Buy It!
You can get a copy of Prep and Landing on DVD from Amazon.com for $13.49.

The Littlest Angel DVD

admin — Sun, 13 Nov 2011 02:59:56 +0000

The Littlest Angel tells the story of a young boy who arrives in heaven before his time. Home-sick and lonely, he will travel back to earth, with his friendly pup Halo, to retrieve a most selfless and precious gift for The Baby Jesus.It’s a modern twist on the timeless tale of an Angel that discovers the greatest gifts in life are faith, friendship and doing the right thing.

On November 15th, Anchor Bay Entertainment will be releasing The Littlest Angel on DVD. I have heard this story before when I was younger. This sounds like a great family movie for the holiday season. It is based on the classic book by Charles Tazewell.

Buy It!
You can get a copy of The Littlest Angel DVD at Amazon.com for $11.99

Guinness Book World Records 2012

admin — Wed, 09 Nov 2011 23:05:39 +0000

The 55-year history of Guinness World Records began with a single question, the type that has been repeated millions of times at dinner parties, pubs, classrooms and work places across the globe. During a shooting party in County Wexford, Ireland, in 1951, Sir Hugh Beaver – then Managing Director of the Guinness Brewery – asked a simple question: what was Europe’s fastest game bird? Despite a heated argument and an exhaustive search within the host’s reference library the answer could not be found. Sir Hugh realized that similar questions were going unanswered all around the world, and that a definitive book containing superlative facts and answers would be of great use to the general public. With the help of the London-based fact-finding twins Norris and Ross McWhirter, he set about bringing this definitive collection of superlative facts to reality. On 27 August 1955, the first edition of “The Guinness Book of Records” was bound and, by Christmas that year, became Britain’s number one bestseller.

The Guinness Book World Records is something that will make a great gift for kids of all ages. The kids and I love to sit together and look through the 2010 edition. We missed getting the one from last year, but I have added the new Guinness Book World Records 2012 to my Christmas list.

The newest record chronicling edition of the best-selling book is chock full of quite literally the biggest stories of the year covering everything in the world of superlatives and bubbling over with more than 4,000 new and updated records and over 900 colorful photographs!

This year’s edition includes the most amazing record breaking human bodies from around the planet, and celebrates beauty from every end of the spectrum.

Photo Credit: Chris Granger/Guinness World Records

Aevin Dugas (USA) is the proud owner of the Guinness World Record-breaking “Largest Afro.” When measured in New Orleans, USA, on October 4, 2010, it had a circumference of 4 ft 4 in. She trims her afro two or three times a year, and uses up to five conditioners at once when she washes it.

For the first time in over a decade, Guinness World Records reveals a brand new record holder for one of its most iconic record feats – “Longest Fingernails.” Las Vegas-based singer “The Dutchess,” is the newest creative keratin curator to take her place amongst other record-holders with nails that measure over 19 feet combined! Moving from tips to top of the head, Aevin Dugas boasts the “Largest Afro” ever recorded registering a circumference over 4 feet! Rolf Buchholz has put a different spin on the term ‘holy man’ – the world’s “Most Pierced Man,” has over 453 piercings!

Buy It!

You can get a hardcover copy of the Guinness Book World Records 2012 at Amazon for $16.28. On November 29, 2011, the Kindle edition will be release for $9.99.

Connect with Guinness Book World Records on Facebook and Twitter.

Backyard Safari Outfitters Expedition One

admin — Mon, 07 Nov 2011 10:30:04 +0000

Children can now get up-close and personal with nature right in their backyard or nearby park. Backyard Safari Outfitters gears up young explorers with all the essential field gear they could possibly need for scoping out local “wildlife”.

How can you go exploring with a compass? Backyard Safari Outfitters has a 3-in-1 Compass tool, called the Expedition One. It is attached to a self-winding, retractable carabiner which helps to make sure it is always within easy reach. With a push of a button, the spring loaded lid reveals a field compass which helps any adventurer know where they are headed. The compass tool has a high visibility LED signal light that allows you to flash a secret morse cold message. There is also a flip-out magnifying lens helps with close-up study in the field.

The kit comes with a Pop-Up Field Guide with instructions for completing six special missions in the field. There is also a collectible Expedition One iron-on patch that will look great on the Backyard Safari Cargo Vest.

Buy It!

Get an Expedition One, 3-in-1 Compass Tool at Amazon.com for $12.11 (ages 5 up)

Connect:

Become a fan on Facebook, follower on Twitter and subscribe to the Backyard Safari YouTube channel.

Free Product was provided for inclusion.

Tonka XT Ricochet Tricksters RC

admin — Sun, 06 Nov 2011 19:38:53 +0000

Tonka XT Ricochet Tricksters are new R/C stunt vehicles from Hasbro that let your child create, compete, and all around have a ball. With the Tonka XT line, Tonka is growing with your child, offering toys for children who have outgrown the sandbox and who want an interactive, challenging way to compete with friends and show off their skills.

As a mother of a son and aunt to a few nephews, I know firsthand how boys like be rough and tough with their toys. We are a family of remote control cars, from the youngest to the oldest. They are fun to race and drive around. Tonka has a new remote controlled stunt vehicle, the Tonka XT Ricochet Tricketer.

The Tonka XT are double side stunt vehicles. There are are three different kinds: Rampage Flip, “Buzzsaw Spin and the Zig-Zag Jolt. Each one comes special built in stunt. To make the trick happen all you have to do is press the “Trick Trigger” on the remote the control. We had the chance to try out the Rampage Flip. It is royal blue on one side and black on the other. It is made for kids 6 years of age +. Everyone had fun playing with it. The oversized wheels makes it easy to do stunts with the Rampage Flip. We ran it into the walls and it flipped right over so the fun did not have to stop. My son and his cousin enjoyed making ramps and tunnels out of books propped up, boxes and blankets. The Rampage Flip has driven off just about every table in our house. Playing with a car that you are allowed to run into things and drive down the stairs is irresistible for kids of all ages.

The Tonka XT Ricochet Trickster comes with a 3.6V rechargeable battery. The remote control needs 5 double A batteries. You have to charge your trickster for 20-30 minutes to get 15-30 minutes of play time. While tempted to take it outside to really try some stunts, the Tonka XT Ricochet Trickster is made to use indoors. I think it would be much easier if the controller had rechargeable batteries too, we ran through our fairly quickly.

After trying out the Rampage Flip my kids want to get the other two so they can really have some stunt racing fun.

Buy It!

You can grab a Tonka XT Ricochet Trickster at Walmart for $19.99 online.

Connect:

Visit the Hasbro website to find out more information on the Tonka XT.

As a BzzAgent I received product samples from BzzAgent in order to share what I think.

Scandle Body Massage Candle

admin — Sun, 06 Nov 2011 18:15:26 +0000

Scandle® LLC, believes that nature provides us with its own healing and restorative properties and have harnessed the power of nature through their high-quality products. They are committed to providing customers with high-grade, spa quality, skin care products that are made with the industry’s most natural ingredients – no petroleums or mineral oils, 100% Vegan, drug-free, & cruelty-free

When you look around my home you easily see that I have a love for candles. I like to light candles that match my mood through their scents. Lavender has to be my favorite, it is so relaxing and calming.

The Original Scandle Body Candle is a fragrant candle infused with body safe fragrances. The Scandle can be used for a relaxing massage, manicures or pedicures or as an everyday moisturizer. As a fan of products that are multi-purpose, three uses in one is a big plus.

I live in Wisconsin where it gets really cold during the winter. My skin can get very dry. The idea of moisturizing my skin on those chilly morning is very appealing. I had the opportunity of trying a Scandle Body Massage Candle in Love Spell in a travel tin.

The travel tin is very easy to use. I trimmed the wick and lit it. You are supposed to let it burn until it melts to the edge of the canister, for me it took a little of 30 minutes. After I blew out the flame, I dipped my finger in the oil and rubbed it over my skin. The candle burns at 2 degrees above body temperature. It makes your skin so soft. The softness lasts for quite a long time too. Love Spell is made with mandarin orange, bergamot,tangerine, fresh peaches, strawberries, raspberries, & white musk. It is very pleasant and not overwhelming. I did not have to use a lot of the oil, a little went a long way.

Scandle offers a great variety of candles fragrances:

Lavender
Warm Vanilla Sugar
Hummingbird
Love Spell
Oatmeal, Milk and Honey
Honeysuckle
Sex on the Beach
Green Tea Aloe
Gardenia
Sage and Citrus
Margarita
Fig and Brown Sugar
Silent Night
Holiday Spirit
Calming Blend
Pumpkin Pie Spice
Autumn Harvest
Eucalyptus
Healing Blend
Sensual Blend
Uplifting Blend
Detoxifying Blend

Buy It!

Scandle’s Original Travel Tin can be purchased at A Body Candle for $12.95. You can also check for a retailer near you.

Connect:
Become a fan of Scandle on Facebook and a follower on Twitter. Visit A Body Candle Blog to sign up for their newsletter to save on your first Scandle purchase.

I was provided with the above item from the company or its PR agency for review purposes. Opinions are 100% my own as always.

Monopoly: Electronic Banking Edition

admin — Fri, 04 Nov 2011 01:18:54 +0000

All it takes to become a real estate tycoon is the swipe of a bank card in Monopoly: Electronic Banking Edition. Keep your finances at your fingertips with an electronic banking unit as players buy property, pay bills and collect debts from opponents to become the richest player in the game. And rich just got richer! With updated property values as high as $4 million and paychecks for passing “GO” equaling $2 million, players will become moguls faster than ever as they wheel and deal their way around the board!

Monopoly is one of those classic games that my family really enjoys playing. There is just nothing like pulling it out on “Game Night” with some snacks and playing it together. My kids love to take turns being the banker and I always to try to buy those prime properties, Boardwork and Park Place We have played games for hours, leaving it set up to finish up the next day. That is just how much I love it. The Electronic Banking version sounds like a lot fun, especially with the updated paycheck!

Buy It!

Grab Monopoly: Electronic Banking Edition at Amazon for $29.22. It ships free with super saving shipping.

Connect:

Follow Family Game Night on Twitter and become a fan on Facebook.

Entenmann’s Home Baking App

admin — Thu, 03 Nov 2011 23:44:00 +0000

The ultimate portable baking device, Entenmann’s Home Baking App features easy to follow instructions and simple ingredients, making it easy to create a wide range of recipes inspired by classic Entenmann’s baked goods. Featuring over 140 recipes with accompanying photos, “add to shopping list” ingredients functionality for print and email, a digital timer embedded in each recipe for convenience, and recipe sharing through email, Facebook, and Twitter, the Entenmann’s Home Baking App is as tailored for busy lifestyles as Entenmann’s products themselves.

In September I had the pleasure of checking out Entenmann’s Big Book of Baking. It is the first cookbook from Entenmann’s and I fell in love with it. When I heard there was an Entenmann’s Home Baking App I could not way to try it. I finally have an iPad and I am having a great time discovering new apps.

When I installed the app and the main screen popped up, I had a smile on my face. It is very easy to use. Pictures of the featured treats you can make scroll across the bottom of the screen. You can choose a recipe by touching a image if you like.

When you push the recipe button it takes you to a screen that shows all the different recipe categories.

I am a fan of searching by ingredient when it comes to cooking. I was able to do this with Entenmann’s Home Baking App. I wanted something with strawberries. Ten different recipes came up immediately with pictures. Fruit-Tinis, Strawberry Loaf Cake and Yummy Rummy Fruit Parfait were among the choices.

After I chose a recipe, a three tabbed page came up. The first tab showed a picture of the dish and how many servings there are. Ingredients are on the second tab. Simply check off what you need and you can print a shopping list. The third tab are the directions. As you complete each step, you just touch it and the screen scrolls to the next step. On this tab is also a timer you can set. It even ticks. When the timer goes off, a ding goes off and the screen blinks.

Buy It!

The Entenmann’s Home Baking App retails for $4.99 and is a companion piece to Entenmann’s first ever cookbook, The Entenmann’s Big Book Of Baking.

Connect:

Connect with Entenmann’s on Facebook and on Twitter. And don’t forget about Parragon Books, they are on Twitter too!