Reviews

Family Movie Reviews | Barbie in A Mermaid Tale 2

by Alissa on March 18, 2012

Family Movie Reviews | Barbie in A Mermaid Tale 2

family movie reviews

Family movie reviews: Barbie in A Mermaid Tale 2

Surf’s up for Barbie, when she returns in Barbie in A Mermaid Tale 2 as Merliah, the fun and fashionable surf champion from Malibu who’s secretly a mermaid princess. Merliah and her friends make a splash when she heads to Australia for a major surf competition. The adventure starts when the evil mermaid Eris escapes from her whirlpool with plans to take over the throne of Oceana. Merliah and her sea friends dive in to stop her, saving the day down under. In this new adventure, Merliah learns that anything is possible when you stay true to yourself.

Is Barbie in A Mermaid Tale 2 appropriate for kids?

Yes, Barbie in A Mermaid Tale 2 is geared toward ages 3 and up.

Eris, the evil mermaid, is very clearly the “bad” mermaid in the film, but not so scary that my kids would be afraid to watch.

the review

I’ll start out by saying… the last time I saw anything Barbie at my house was back when I was young myself, so I wasn’t sure what to expect. That said, I was pleasantly surprised!

I was pleased with all the wonderful messages that the movie offered for kids. One overarching theme is the importance of being true to yourself, no matter what. While competing in a surf competition, Merliah is approached by a well-known surf gear company and asked to become their spokesperson. She’s excited for the great opportunity, but is asked to give up or turn her back on things that are important to her.

Other messages include doing what’s right (even if it’s a little risky) and working together to get a job done. I also like that the two main characters (Merliah and Kylie) started out as rivals, but quickly dug past that to become friends and to get along.

If your kids are Barbie fans, they’re sure to enjoy Barbie in A Mermaid Tale 2!

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Educational Games | Farmers Market Color Sorting Set {review and giveaway}

by Alissa on March 15, 2012

Educational Games | Farmers Market Color Sorting Set

educational games

the review

We recently had the opportunity to review the Farmers Market Color Sorting Set from Learning Resources.

It’s quickly become one of our new favorite educational games.

We’ve particularly enjoyed this set, because my daughter’s old enough now to really play along. Even better when we happen upon educational games that the whole family can play together!

educational games

Playing one of her new favorites in educational games

My daughter, 2, was particularly interested in sorting colors. She has most of her colors down, though she still stumbles on a few.

While we played, for instance, the red fruits and veggies were never red. Always pink. (To be fair, she does find a way to work in her favorite color to just about every conversation!) This will be a great way to keep reinforcing her colors.

educational games

My son went through the color sorting activity as a natural first activity. Since he’s well-versed on his colors at this point, he quickly moved to an activity he had even more fun with: setting up the farmer’s market. It’s not often that educational games can also be used for open-ended imaginative play. Perfect!

We took turns being the farmer and the customer. All our goods were separated by color and we’d take trips to the farmer’s market with our trusty reusable shopping bag. We’d request particular fruits or veggies, shake hands and be on our way.

educational games

This was a perfect opportunity for me to introduce some new, unfamiliar fruits and veggies to him. Eggplant, for instance, isn’t a regular at our house.

Maybe this is one step toward getting him to explore new options in his diet. First step: play nutrition-based educational games. Next step: Try every veggie ever offered! ;)

The first step worked so far, that’s for sure. In fact, we played farmer’s market ALL afternoon – no exaggeration!

educational games

One happy farmer!

I can’t stress enough how much I love when we find educational games and toys that truly engage each of our kids on such different levels.

educational games

I love how well-made and well-designed each piece is in the set. The individual pieces are made of a very high-quality plastic that’s both realistic-looking and durable.

Everything fits nicely into the original box – great for clean-up time and for keeping everything together!

Without question, this is one of our very favorite educational games from Learning Resources. With the number of ways we can play with this set, it’ll be a standard in our house for the next few years. And I have no doubt that the high quality set will hold up to regular use.

Follow Learning Resources on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube for all the latest educational games!

What we loved:

• Multi-use.
• Educational games and open-ended, imaginative play all in one.
• High-quality, softer plastic pieces.
• Wide age range (both 2- and 4.5-year-old loved it!)
• Easy to store.

the giveaway

WIN IT: One very lucky reader will win a Farmers Market Color Sorting Set, thanks to Learning Resources!

The rules: Open to U.S. residents only. Giveaway runs through March 30. Winner will be chosen with Random.org and notified by e-mail. Winner has 48 hours to respond before a new winner is chosen. Good luck!


a Rafflecopter giveaway

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Disclosure: I was not compensated for this review. I received a product to facilitate my review. As always, all thoughts and opinions are my own.

Looking for more educational games and toys?

Here are more reviews of our favorite toys and educational games!

Tagged as: Educational games, Giveaways, review

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*LOCAL* Mirror Mirror screening {giveaway}

by Alissa on March 15, 2012

OK, Philly readers! I have another movie giveaway for you!

I have 5 (FIVE) 4-packs of tickets to an advance screening of Mirror Mirror, starring Julia Roberts, Nathan Lane, Lily Collins and Armie Hammer, which opens in theaters nationwide on March 30.

The screening is Thursday, March 22 at 7 p.m. at the UA King of Prussia. These tickets are GUARANTEED. If you win, your name will be on the guest list, but you must arrive no later than 6:45 p.m., otherwise your seats will be released.

Synopsis:

One of the most beloved stories of all time is coming to life in the motion picture event, Mirror Mirror.  A fresh and funny retelling of the Snow White legend, Mirror Mirror features breakout star Lily Collins (The Blind Side) as Snow White, a princess in exile, and Oscar®-winner Julia Roberts as the evil Queen who ruthlessly rules her captured kingdom. Seven courageous rebel dwarfs join forces with Snow White as she fights to reclaim her birthright and win her Prince in this magical adventure comedy filled with jealousy, romance and betrayal that will capture the hearts and imaginations of audiences the world over.  The film also stars Armie Hammer (The Social Network) as the Prince and Nathan Lane (The Birdcage) as the hapless and bungling servant to the Queen.

To enter to win tickets

Mandatory entry:

Just leave a comment below sharing your favorite fairy tale!

Earn up to five additional entries. Just leave a comment for each!

1. Follow Mirror Mirror on Twitter.

2. Follow Fun Finds for Families on Twitter.

3. Subscribe by e-mail to Fun Finds for Families (see sidebar).

4. Follow Fun Finds for Families on Pinterest.

5. Make us part of your circles at Google +.

The rules: Winners will be chosen with Random.org and will be notified by e-mail. Good luck!

Want even more chances to win? 
Girlymama is giving away tickets as well!

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Fairy Hobmother Pays a Visit

by Alissa on March 6, 2012

I received a pretty fun e-mail the other day - the Fairy Hobmother from Appliances Online reached out and said how appreciated my blog is.

Well, that was just nice to hear!

And because every good Fairy Hobmother visit deserves a wish granted, I received a gift card to Amazon to make one of my wishes come true! Nice!

I’m thinking of pre-ordering The Muppets with mine. What would you buy if you were “ordered” to spend a little something on yourself?

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Kid Movie Reviews: The Lorax

by Alissa on March 5, 2012

Kid-friendly movie review: The Lorax

The Lorax, based on the book of the same name by Dr. Seuss, tells the story of a boy, who lives in Thneedville, where trees are a thing of the past, long-forgotten by everyone. Long-forgotten by everyone, that is, except one girl. She’s heard the story of truffula trees that are real — and she dreams of one day seeing one herself.

The young boy sets out to find out the story of truffula trees, how they disappeared and most importantly, how he find one and bring one back for this girl. With the help of his grandma (who also happens to remember these truffula trees), he ventures out of Thneedville, through barren lands and tracks down the Once-ler — the very man responsible for the loss of the truffula trees. There he learns the real truth behind what happened to the trees – including, of course, the Lorax, who speaks for the trees.

I actually had never read The Lorax before seeing this movie. I did know that the movie had an environmental message, but that was about the extent of it. The messages contained in the movie are ones that I think can spark lots of great discussions with the kids: Save the trees. Think about how others are impacted by your decisions.

Is The Lorax appropriate for kids?

The Lorax is absolutely appropriate for kids – even the youngest movie fans. This was my daughter’s second movie (she’s two). There weren’t any questionable scenes — and even though the movie was a full hour and a half, it contained just the right amount of action and story-building to keep the kids interested. Both kids were able to sit well throughout the entire movie. It happens rarely, but this is another movie that I can say the entire family could attend and enjoy together.

We took both kids (ages 4.5 and 2) on opening day last week. We would even splurge on seeing it again in theaters, too (though it helps that my daughter’s young enough to see it for free!)

As always, I’m excited to use the movie as a springboard for learning more with the kids. Not only will we read The Lorax in book version, but we’ll be talking lots about recycling and being responsible with our natural resources (i.e. replacing what we take).

The Synopsis

From the creators of Despicable Me and the imagination of Dr. Seuss comes the 3D-CG feature Dr. Seuss’ The Lorax, an adaptation of the classic tale of a forest creature who shares the enduring power of hope. The animated adventure follows the journey of a 12-year-old as he searches for the one thing that will enable him to win the affection of the girl of his dreams. To find it he must discover the story of the Lorax, the grumpy yet charming creature who fights to protect his world.

Danny DeVito will lend his vocal talents to the iconic title character of the Lorax, while Ed Helms will voice the enigmatic Once-ler. Also bringing their talents to the film are global superstars Zac Efron as Ted, the idealistic youth who searches for the Lorax, and Taylor Swift as Audrey, the girl of Ted’s dreams. Rob Riggle will play financial king O’Hare, and beloved actress Betty White will portray Ted’s wise Grammy Norma.

Dr. Seuss’ The Lorax is the third feature created by Universal Pictures and Illumination Entertainment (Despicable Me, Hop).

The Trailer

How about you? Do you plan to take the kids to see The Lorax in the theaters?

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Hugo: Age-Appropriate Movie Review

by Alissa on March 2, 2012

If you’re a fan of movies, you have to check out Hugo, which was just released on DVD this Tuesday!

Kid-friendly movie review: Hugo

Hugo is based on the book The Invention of Hugo Cabret by Brian Selznick. A young boy is orphaned in 1930s Paris. His (drunken) uncle takes him in and teaches him the trade of clock maintenance in a train station. And then leaves the boy completely on his own. Living hidden in the train station, the boy works to try to solve a mystery involving his late father and an automaton. Along the way, he meets some interesting characters.

What’s an automaton, you ask?

Take a look at this video demonstration from the Maillardet Automaton at The Franklin Institute, right here in Philadelphia. It just so happens to be the inspiration for Selznick’s book!

 

One of the themes the movie offered was especially important: Everyone has a purpose in life. The movie is heavily machine-oriented and Hugo, at one point, makes the observation that machines don’t come with extra parts. He likens this to people, too… that the world is one big machine, which means there are no extra parts. Everyone has a purpose in life — and we each just need to figure out what our role is.

Is Hugo appropriate for kids?

Absolutely.

Hugo is definitely family-friendly. Rated PG for “mild/thematic material, some action/peril and smoking.”

The ideal age for kids on this one probably skews a bit older than my preschooler and toddler, though. While there’s not anything that I’d be particularly uncomfortable with them seeing in it, it may be a little over their heads. I’m guessing their older cousins would definitely enjoy it. My husband and I both loved it.

Hugo is a movie for movie fans. It really is a tribute to movies and film. My husband and I saw it this weekend in 3D to kick off our annual Best Picture Showcase. It was the perfect start to an Oscar movie marathon.

Disclosure: I received a DVD to facilitate my review, but as always, all thoughts and opinions are my own.

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Ohanarama.com: Fun, family-friendly online games

by Alissa on March 1, 2012

the review

If you’re looking for a free, safe place for your kids to play online, Ohanarama.com is a fantastic option!

Geared toward ages 5 through 12, Ohanarama offers a variety of educational games and ways for family members (both near and far) to connect with each other through game play.

It’s all free to join and to play.

As you play the games at Ohanarama, you earn tokens and Neuros. You can then use those tokens and Neuros to send gifts to family members or you can redeem them for “real world” prizes, including gift cards and more.

Set-up is incredibly easy. You can log in through Facebook or join with an e-mail address.

There are a ton of games to choose from, including electronic versions of board games that you may already be familiar with (like Zingo!).

I especially love the interactivity that’s available between family members. They even have a video chat capability so that you can schedule a play date with your family members! Kids can challenge their grandma to a game of Zingo! Or next time Mom or Dad have to go on a business trip, they can play a quick game with their kids before dinner.

Here’s what I like most:

• Free. This speaks for itself. All of this high-quality, educational content is totally free.

• Family-friendly. Games are age-appropriate, educational and geared toward ages 5 through 12.

• Earn points as you play and trade in for rewards.

• Educational. The games at Ohanarama are educational. Better yet, some of the games even adjust according to the age of the player. When a child is playing, it’s just the right amount of a challenge to keep them interested and growing. When an adult plays the same game? It gets tougher.

• Allows for long-distance family connections: This is hands-down, my absolute favorite feature of Ohanarama.com. The games are fun, the rewards are nice, but the opportunity to connect with family members (especially those long-distance ones!) is perfect.

• Founded by a Philly mom! I can’t help but love that the site was started by a fellow Philly mom. :)

Ohanarama.com is a great way for kids to explore online game play in a safe and secure environment. My son is already having fun with the games and we can’t wait until his cousins are online to play games with him — from halfway across the country!

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Disclosure: I was compensated for my time in writing this review. As always, all thoughts and opinions are my own. 

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iHealth Digital Scale {review}

by Alissa on March 1, 2012

the review

I recently had the opportunity to review the iHealth digital scale from Best Buy.

Like so many others, it’s my goal this year to get back into a better workout routine. I’d love to lose the last of the baby weight. After all, my baby’s not much of a baby anymore, I’m afraid.

So I was excited to learn that there’s a pretty easy way to keep track of my weight right on my iPhone – with very little input from me. In fact, no extra work at all.

I just need to step on this iHealth scale, with my iPhone in hand and it does all the work for me. Ah, if I could only instruct it to lose the weight for me, too. Maybe that’ll be included in next year’s version. ;)

From the product description:
The iHealth digital scale allows you to maintain your fitness on the go by reading and recording your weight on your iPod touch, iPhone or iPad. Wireless Bluetooth technology allows you to weigh in from anywhere.

Here’s what I’m loving about the iHealth scale

• Quick set-up: It only took about 5 minutes to get all set up: take the scale out of the box, download the (free) app from iTunes, set up a profile, sync the Bluetooth feature and I was ready to step on the scale.

• Anyone can use it: While the convenience of the app and the Bluetooth technology are the biggest selling features here, anyone can use the scale as a regular scale. If they want to start recording their weight as well, the app can handle multiple profiles.

• Quick, convenient tracking: Once I configured my phone, I didn’t have to do anything extra to send my results to my phone. Just opened the app, stepped on the scale and my weight for the day was recorded. It doesn’t get better than that as far as convenience.

• Multiple users: I like that I can keep the info for multiple users, if necessary. My kids, for instance. Now that they’re not visiting the doctor multiple times a year, it might be a good idea to weigh them once a month and keep that info recorded. Why? Could be useful to have an accurate picture of what they currently weigh, especially for medication dosage, etc.

• Sleek: The iHealth scale has a low profile, so it’s easy to tuck it out of the way and store under a dresser or bedside table.

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Disclosure: I have received the reviewed product from Best Buy for free. As always, all thoughts and opinions are my own.

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Philadelphia Flower Show 2012 {giveaway}

by Alissa on February 29, 2012

Last week I had the opportunity to attend a bloggers’ luncheon to hear more about this year’s Philadelphia Flower Show. Unfortunately my son got sick that morning, so we had to miss out on the luncheon.

But I’m incredibly excited for this year’s Flower Show, so I still want to share the info with you! The theme this year is Hawaii: Islands of Aloha.

I’ve actually never been to the Flower Show myself yet. To be fair, I’m not a Philadelphia-native. Of course now that I think about how long I have lived here (6 years), it seems I really have no excuse… why in the world haven’t I visited yet?

From what I’m hearing this is a perfect year to make it my first!

What I’m most excited about is the family-friendly aspect: the Philadelphia Flower Show has teamed with Sprout to create an interactive family lounge. Kids can work on craft projects, put on a puppet show, play with toys.

And if you time things right, they can even meet some of their favorite characters: Super Why and Wonder Red will make an appearance each day.

This year there’s also a special character meet-and-greet. That particular event, the Sprout Snack, will cost you extra, but kids can meet Kelly from The Sunny Side Up Show, The Pajanimals and the Berenstain Bears for a snack. Characters will actually join you at your table, so your kids will get an opportunity to talk with them one-on-one. And be sure to bring the camera, so you can photos and an autograph!

And good news for anyone with a significant other who’s interested in stopping to smell the roses, but not as interested in learning about how they’re planted… this year’s Man Cave is sure to be a hit.

Guys and girls are both welcome in the Man Cave. The Flyers and Sixers and NCAA Conference Tournament games will be playing on the ultimate home theater with projection screen and surround sound, complete with theater-style seating. There will also be table games (poker and blackjack) with professional dealers from sponsor SugarHouse Casino and a full bar with wine, beer and Hawaiian-themed cocktails.

All proceeds from the Philadelphia International Flower Show, including tickets and sponsorships, support The Pennsylvania Horticultural Society and its programs, which include City Harvest, providing fresh produce for families in need.

Also download the free Flower Show app to make your visit that much easier to navigate!

If you go:

When:
Sunday, March 4 through Sunday, March 11, 2012

Sun. March 4: 8 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.
Mon-Fri, March 5-9: 10 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.
Sat. March 10: 8 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.
Sun. March 11: 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Where:
Pennsylvania Convention Center, 12th & Arch Streets

Cost:
- Adults, $27
- Students, $20
- Children, $15

* Several special packages available, including the Family Fun Pak ($70), which includes 2 adult and 2 children (ages 2-16), and a FREE one-year family associate PHS membership.

Giveaway:

Would you like to win two tickets to the Flower Show so you can check it out yourself?

This will be a very quick turnaround, since the show starts on Sunday. I’ll end the giveaway on Saturday at 5 p.m. Tickets will be mailed on Monday, March 5, so you won’t be able to use them for opening day (Sun March 4). Good luck!
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Win a set of 1,000 business cards from Day 2 Day Printing {giveaway}

by Alissa on February 23, 2012

In my other life, I’m an editor. (When I’m not blogging. Or being a mom, that is.) I write about early childhood education, and since it’s a small company that I work for, I tend to wear lots of hats.

One of those includes designing their brochures and marketing materials.

So I’m familiar with the search that goes into finding a reliable printing company and always interested in what companies have to offer that is a little bit different, a little unique.

When Day 2 Day Printing contacted me to share what they had to offer in the way of online printing, I was happy to take a look!

And while I haven’t placed an order with them (yet), I’m definitely impressed with their selection. It’s not only business card printing that they offer, by the way. Day 2 Day Printing offers a full range of printed materials, both for the business consumer and for the occasional personal customer, as well.

Every item offers templates to work from, available in several different formats (InDesign, Photoshop, PDF and EPS), so you’re not starting from scratch. That makes your job quicker and easier and helps ensure that the end product will look exactly right.

I’m particularly interested in the bookmarks and the trading cards. Both are such fun (and unique!) ways to get your company name out there – or frankly, just for fun. You can even place order in smaller increments, so they could make a perfect wedding favor*. I would’ve loved personalized trading cards, though. My wheels are totally turning on ways to use those in future marketing!

*I may be a bit biased here. We gave out bookmarks at our wedding way back when. Ha!

Their business card templates offer some unique characteristics as well. You could use one side of the card as a coupon, for instance, so that potential customers can get started quickly. Day 2 Day Printing offers several different customizations to help your business card stand out from the rest: make yours magnetic or a sticker. Or choose a special “leaf” die cut or opt for rounded corners.

Remember, though… those cards don’t need to be all about business. I’ve heard some using them as “mom cards” – to help make connections with fellow moms on the playground. Or you could use them as allergy alert cards for your kids, if they need them. Or a change-of-address card for a recent move. What other uses can you think of?

Be sure to follow Day 2 Day Printing on Facebook, on Twitter and at their printing blog to keep up-to-date on future giveaways and deals!

The giveaway

And best yet…

2 winners will each win the following:
• 1,000 free standard size full color business cards from Day 2 Day Printing

The rules: Must be 18 years or older to enter. Open to U.S. residents only. Giveaway runs through March 9. Winner will be chosen with Random.org and will be notified by e-mail. Winner will have 48 hours to respond before a new winner is chosen. Good luck!

**This giveaway is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by Facebook or Twitter.

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