24
Apr

How Alter Ego Affected My Enchilada Dinner {Giveaway}

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True stoy. I was on my way back from North Carolina planning a blog conference, Reviewer’s Retreat, sitting in a Mexican restaurant at the airport when my waitress made a bit of a scene. I didn’t necessarily mind except that my food had just come out, and nothing stands in the way of me and an enchilada.

“How cool is that phone cover color?”" she asked.
“Neat, right?” I answered as the smell of Mexican wafted through the air.
I qualified, “It actually glows in the dark.”
“No WAY!” the waitress replied, leaving for the moment.
As I lifted the fork I was surprised to see her right back at the table with a friend.
“Look at that phone cover…it GLOWS in the dark!” she told her.

Alter Ego in Glow Lime (my color)

And on the conversation went with both ladies until I had supplied the brand name (M-Edge), phone cover details (Alter Ego), website (medgestore.com) and evidence that it did indeed glow as one young woman held it up into her cupped “dark-inducing” hands. I’m used to the commotion an M-Edge cover creates and am considering getting a seperate business card to hand out (after I work out a deal with the company of course) since EVERY time we go out to eat and bring the iPad for the kids someone asks where we got our SuperShell iPad cover.

I’m no marketing pro and have only been blogging since 2007, but I’m pretty sure a good strategy for M-Edge might be to give parents the Alter Ego, SuperShell and other top sellers for families (and cool kids) and ask them go out to dinner. 

On a totally different and unrelated topic, I plan to get my mother an M-Edge Design Your Own e-reader cover with a picture of the grandkids in case you’re looking for a fun Mom’s Day gift.

Cool Giveaway

Enter to win an M-Edge Alter Ego in your choice of colors by commenting on this post. For extra entries:

Determined to win? Check out even more entry possibilities. Contest ends 4/25/12.

A sample product was provided for review purposes; all opinions are 100% our own.

Filed Under: Adults Only, Featured, Top Picks · Tagged With: , ,
18
Apr

New Top Pick: Bigjigs Wooden Playsets & Railway *Contest*

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With two preschoolers and a review blog since 2007, that I’ve tested and spotlighted a nunber of toys is a bit of an understatement. Every once in a while something blows me away and stands out from the crowd. Such as the case with the Bigjigs King Arthur’s Castle playset (pictured). We put it together quickly; the process was fairly simple with the exception of one piece which still hanging out with the knights, horses and Merlin included with the set.

Explaining the castle to a friend, I said simply, “It’s just made really well.” Obvious quality construction and materials, the wooden playset, like other Bigjigs products such as their wooden puzzles and Bigjigs Rail train set, will withstand busy fingers and hard play from our preschoolers. No cheap plastic here!

I always like a “shop by age” feature when looking for gifts since I may be looking outside my kids age ranges or have a hard time remembering exatly what they were into at a certain stage. For a special gift or maybe one from a grandparet, the Rail Name Collection offers personalized letter rails to spell a child’s name or evena  ”Happy Birthday” message. This personalized collection and the wooden playsets like our or the cottage, barn, glacier or others are my top Bigjigs picks.

 

 

Cool Tip

Enter to win a Bigjigs Fairytale Train set on their Facebook page! Be sure to follow them on Twitter and Pinterest as well to stay up to date.

Product samples were provided for review purposes; all opinions are 100% my own.

Filed Under: Editor's Picks, Toddler & Preschooler, Top Picks · Tagged With: , ,
17
Apr

Toy Craze Prediction: Pinypon {plus coupon}

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Our friends across the pond are familiar with Pinypon, and now American girls will be delighted with a world that includes mermaids, travellers and sweethearts. Mini dolls (this is a great starter set) who swap clothes and accessories invite endless possibilities. I like how easily they snap on and off, making it simple to mix and match. My five year old daughter loves mini-toys and bright, colorful Pinypons were an instant hit. The Caravan is as adorable as it gets. Opening up to a swimming pool complete with surf board, lounge chair and more, it also comes with a Pinypon girl and pet making a perfect gift since the line is fairly new in the US. Total immersion into the world on Pinypon can be accomplished with a visit to their website which includes games, puzzles and printables like the one pictured here. 

Pinyponm is available at Toys R’ Us exclusivly both in stories and online. Keep up with the world of Pinypon by following them on the following social medis sites:

Cool Tip

Use one of two current Pinypon coupons like the one below or buy two get one free.

Sample products were provided for review purposes; all opinions are 100% my own.

Filed Under: Featured, Picks & Tips, Toddler & Preschooler, Top Picks · Tagged With: , , , , , , ,
09
Apr

American Girl Crafts For Girls Ages 8-12

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Making the most of the last day of Easter vacation, we enjoyed delving into an American Gift craft, specifically the Painted Memory Box. The line includes Sew & Shares, Historical Character Kits, and 2012 Girl of the Year products. Crafts specifically designed for girls ages 8-12, our Memory Box, though fun to create and well-made, don’t look exactly like the picture since my daughter is a pre-schooler and a bit under the recommended age.

Easy to read instructions were included along with the necessary materials to create the memory box. Of course, the American Girl name and logo with Josephina on the cover made it a “special craft” for our day at home. An American Girl family, my daughter has both Ruthie and a Bitty Twin. We also tested out Kit’s Fabric Flower Kit making a headband which was much easier than I anticipated, not being the crafty type myself. Check out the entire line of American Girl Crafts Kits and Gifts or, for a fun birthday party theme, the party products which include make your own invites and more.

Whether your family falls into the American Girl or crafty categories, or none of the above and are looks to find fun activities for girls ages 8-12 (or even a bit younger in my opinion), American Girl crafts are highly recommended earning a Cool Baby Kid *Top Pick* designation.

Product samples were provided for review purposes; all opinions are 100% our own.

Cool Tip

Always on the lookout for a good deal, we found these American Girl crafts on sale.

 

Filed Under: Cool Picks, Deals, Discounts, Family Activities, Picks & Tips, Top Picks · Tagged With: , ,
21
Mar

Kid-Proof Samsung Rugby Smart Smartphone {Giveaway}

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While I can’t speak as a hardcore techie but instead as someone who loves the new “thing” in electronics, I was blown away by the all new Samsung Rugby Smart from AT&T. My first impression out of the box was that it looked sleek yet rugged all at once. Turning it on, I was impressed by the large, touchscreen display and it’s “Google” friendliness. I’m a Google girl who hasn’t experimented with Android so using the Rugby Smart over the last few weeks was actually quite fun.

The AT&T Rugby Smart stand-out features, however, are what I’m most excited to share with fellow parents. After loosing a smartphone to the toliet (and another to the washer that had nothing to do with my children), the idea of a phone withstanding being sumberged in 1m of water for 30 minutes works for me. Here’s a bit more about the unfortnate innocent that took the life of my smartphone:

 

 

 

Additional Samsung Rugby Smart feautures from the AT&T website:

The Samsung Rugby® Smart is a rugged, dustproof device designed to handle the elements with water resistance (submergible up to 1m for 30 minutes) and built to mil-std 810f  military spec standards**.The Android 2.3 smartphone features a 3.7-inch WVGA Super AMOLED touchscreen display and a 5MP camera with HD video recording. It also supports 4G service, Wi-Fi®, corporate email and the full line of media including location, music and social networking services. From the work site to the camp site and beyond, Rugby Smart fulfills all your smartphone needs with the physical strength to handle whatever life throws at it. 

This roughly transltes to an Android phone that withstands kids, supports 4G and WiFi and has a nice-looking touchscreen able to entertain the children as well mom and dad’s Facebook updates. It took all of five minutes to set up with some cool features such as weather updates and a new screen for different “categories” of apps such as kids or social media. Released March 4th, you can find it at AT&T retail stores and online for $99 with a 2-year contract.

After using for a few weeks, I would absolutely recommend the phone to anyone whose small children handle their phones. While I’d love to offer both pros and cons, I’ve found no negatives thus far with the Rugby Smart. As a loyal AT&T customer since 2005, I’m thrilled to have partnered with them to bring Cool Baby Kid readers this smart pick. And in case I happen to have their attention, I’d like to use this opportunity to ask if more bars may be possible in NEPA on Rt. 307 by Lake Scranton? Other that that, I love AT&T and think their customer service rocks (especially in the Dickson City, PA store).

Cool Giveaway

Enter to win one a Samsung Rugby Smart ($99 value) by telling us a smartphone horror story. Cmon…we know you have one! For extra entries:

Check out even more entry possibilities if you’re really determined to win. Read the prize claim information; we announce winners on Prizey.net. Contest ends 4/4/12.

A sample  was provided for review purposes; all opinions are 100% our own.

Filed Under: Adults Only, Giveaways Galore, Top Picks · Tagged With: ,
21
Mar

Wi-Fi Available in All Walt Disney World Resort Hotels {Free}

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Disney's Port Orleans, Riverside (Photo Credit: disneyworld.disney.go.com)

 

Great news! Complimentary Wi-Fi service is now available in all Walt Disney World Resort hotels inaddition to select common areas such as restaurants and pools. While there’s so much to do at WDW, spending time on the internet in your room won’t likely be high on the priority list. However, to plan the next day, check times or consider additional vacation extras, this will certainely come in handy.

Filed Under: Editor's Picks, Featured, Top Picks · Tagged With: , ,
19
Mar

Pottery Barn Kids: Safari Collection Sale

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Both of our children have Pottery Barn Kids bedrooms, Pottery Barn Kids backpacks and Anywhere Chairs. Their shared bathroom is decorated in the Jordan pattern making us a certifiable Pottery Barn Kids family. I have Google alerts set of for PBK kids’ sales and have been a loyal customer since children came into our lives. If there’s something new and cool at PBK, I’m on it. Especially when there’s also a sale.

Recently we had a chance to check out the Lion Safari Collection backpack and tolietry bag pictured above. Since we’re heading to Walt Disney World, Animal Kingdom Lodge  it was a perfect segway into showing the kids a video of our accomidations. Since my daughter uses her old PBK preschool backpack for her “people” (mini-Disney figurines), the Lion Safari backpack, also on the smaller side, now houses my son’s people as well since he told us, “I want people too.”

Join the club son. So does mom.

As with most PBK items, these can be personalized and, as Cool Baby Kid readers know, I’m a sucker for personalization. Budget concious readers are in luck as the Safari Wall Decals, Safari Animal Bookends and Pillow Shams choosen by esteemed National Geographic and the sleeping bags are all one sale! While you’re shopping sale, their Spring Break Sale also offers 20$ off on towels and backpacks plus accessories. And since I have a Google Alert for PBK backpacks, I can tell you with confidence, when they’re on sale, grab them!

Product samples were provided for review purposes; all opinions are 100% my own.

Cool Tip

Follow Pottery Barn Kids on Facebook and Pinterest for inspiration and ideas.


Filed Under: Toddler & Preschooler, Top Picks · Tagged With: , , , , , , ,
17
Mar

Family & Friends Crazy 8 Sale {25% Off Purchase}

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Cool Tip:

Use code “C8BUDDY” for 25% off your entire Crazy 8 purchase until March 18th. You can see a bit of my shopping cart above. I saved nearly $50 and got both boys and girls Spring and Summer clothes. Woo-hoo!!

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