09
Mar

New Putumayo Kids Acoustic Dreamland CD *Giveaway*

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All time CBK favorite Putumayo Kids newest release, Acoustic Dreamland, includes tracks from some of our favorite artists such as Elizabeth Mitchell  in “Blue Sky” as well as songs originally recorded by the Allman Brothers, James Taylor, Wilco and Mary Chapin Carpenter, among others. We absolutely love “Here with Me” by Frances England. Listen to sample tracks of Acoustic Dreamland and check out the other Putumayo Kids Dreamland series CDs below in our Amazon affiliate links.

Using the iPod player in our room, we uploaded the songs and choose one to play after story time each night. Frankly I wish we added bedtime lullabies to our nighttime routine earlier. Like other Putumayo songs, these are easy on the ears for parents as well as kids which is the reason they consistently rank among our Top Picks.

Disclosure: A sample product was provided for review purposes; all opinions are 100% ours. Read our full disclaimer and frequently asked questions.

Cool Giveaway: Enter to win a copy of Putumayo Kids Acoustic Dreamland after subscribing to CBK via RSS or email by commenting on this post. You must be a subscriber to win. For extra entries (separate comments for each):

Check out even more entry possibilities if you’re really determined to win. Read the contest rules and prize claim information. Expires 3/23/10.


Filed Under: Baby Picks, Giveaways Galore, Picks & Tips, Toddler & Preschooler, Top Picks · Tagged With: ,
18
Feb

Newest *Top Pick* Pandora Internet Radio

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I must credit a colleague of mine for today’s tip. Though an avid iPhone user, Pandora radio was a foreign app to me. Since downloading it, however, Pandora become my favorite way to listen to music. Internet radio for desktop, iPhone, iPad and more, Pandora allows users to create up to 100 “stations” based on a song or artist you love. It will magically find those plus other similar songs and artists. The “magic” of Pandora and it’s origin as the Music Genome Project is explained on their site:

Together we set out to capture the essence of music at the most fundamental level. We ended up assembling literally hundreds of musical attributes or “genes” into a very large Music Genome….Since we started back in 2000, we’ve carefully listened to the songs of tens of thousands of different artists – ranging from popular to obscure – and analyzed the musical qualities of each song one attribute at a time.

Free and accessible from your desktop, mobile devices and other electronic devices, the best feature of Pandora is its’ ability to “find” new artists similar to those you already know and love. I discovered some of the music I listen to most frequently via Pandora: Jack Johnson, Lenka, Matt White, KT Tunstall are just come of the artists I’ve found. Other features such as artist biographies, bookmarking abilities and a “like” or “unlike” button for each song make Pandora Radio one of our greatest picks of all time.

Thank you Matt.

Also fantastic for the kids, here are a few of our favorites:

  • Toddler Radio: Meant for kids 4 and under, this station is educational and fun! A variety of toddler-friendly themes and music genres are explored. Look for Sesame Street, Disney, & The Wiggles among others.
  • Lullabye: Meant for kids 5 and under, this station is designed to prepare your tyke for a nap or bedtime (or any time you want to bring the energy level down a notch). It’s full of mellow sounds and sweet lullabies.
  • Radio for Kids: Meant for kids 7 and under, this station is fun, educational, and not too baby-ish. For kids who are moving on up from Toddler Radio. Many musical genres are included here, and due to the variety and quality of songs, it’s enjoyable for kids and adults!

Cool Tip: Be sure to subscribe to Cool Baby Kid via RSS or email and follow on Twitter and Facebook for more cool picks and tips.

Filed Under: Adults Only, Big Kids Corner, Picks & Tips, Toddler & Preschooler, Top Picks · Tagged With:
25
Oct

Name Your Tune: Personalized Music CD {$5 Coupon}

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I have an affinity for personalization, especially when it comes to gifts for babies and kids. Our latest cool find has also been featured in celebrity magazines and by celebrities which makes Name Your Tune a Cool Baby Kid As Seen In pick. Personalized CDs allow your child to hear they name over 80 times in favorite songs such as “If Your Happy And You Know It” and “Wheels On the Bus.” The new Volume 2 adds more titles in case your first volume has worn out its welcome. “Five Little Monkeys” and “ABCs and 123s” in Name Your Tune 2 are likely as much fun as the original. When we first played the songs I had to stress my kids’ names as we sang since neither is accustomed to hearing themselves featured in music. Once they caught on…forget about it! My two year old asks to “Play Me” meaning his own name and claps like crazy every time he hears his name.

Name Your Tune features other personalized products (blankets, books and more) which makes it a perfect pit stop for birthday party or family gift shopping for kids. Be sure to stay in the loop by following Name Your Tune on  Twitter and on Facebook.

Cool Tips: Use code FACEBOOK to receive $5.00 off your Name Your Tune order. You can purchase Name the Tune Personalized CD for Kids directly from Cool Baby Kid’s Open Sky shop.

Disclosure: A sample product was provided for review purposes; all opinions are 100% ours. Read our full disclaimer and frequently asked questions and be sure to subscribe to Cool Baby Kid via RSS or email for additional giveaways exclusive discounts and giveaways.

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01
Sep

Paper Jamz: Instant Rockstar Review & Giveaway

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At the Time to Play event last Spring, we were introduced to a unique product that recently our family had the opportunity to try first hand.  Paper Jamz by WowWee turns ordinary kids (and their parents) into an instant rock stars.  Without strings or chords, the lightweight guitar allows users to “strum” their fingers across the board as if they were playing an actual guitar.  For novices, the “Perfect Play” option allows you to strum along perfectly to the music while more adventurous players can actually create the rhythm or actual chords.  ”Karaoke” lets you play along to included songs such as “Hey There Delilah,” our personal favorite.  The kids love to rock out, but try as we might we couldn’t get a video from behind with all their dancing, so check out the commercial…you have to see this in action.

Paper Jamz guitars can entertain just about any age.  And if your family has ever wanted to become its own rock band, check out Paper Jamz Drums, add an amplifier and really rock out while our family hangs out on the Karaoke mode for now.

Cool Giveaway:  Enter to win one a Paper Jamz guitar by visiting their site and choosing your favorite guitar style.  Expires 9/15/10. US Residents Only.

Extra Entries: Follow Cool Baby Kid on Twitter and Facebook for extra entries; leave a separate comment for each. Check out even more entry possibilities if you’re really determined to win and be sure to read the contest rules and prize claim information.

Disclosure: A sample product was provided for review purposes; all opinions are 100% ours. Read our full disclaimer and frequently asked questions and be sure to subscribe to Cool Baby Kid via RSS or email for additional giveaways exclusive discounts and giveaways.

Filed Under: Adults Only, Big Kids Corner, Family Activities, Giveaways Galore, Tween Hangout · Tagged With:
21
May

Justine Dorsey “Colorwheel” CD Review

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As a middle school teacher whose worked with 13 and 14 year olds for over ten years, I understand both the influence pop culture has on this age group and the amount of negative influence that exists to detract this impressionable age from more positive ones influences.  Justine Dorsey’s second CD release, Colorwheel, is a refreshingly clean yet fun mix of pop songs with messages parents can feel comfortable about.  At 14, Justine has already built an impressive resume which includes playing Rob Lowe’s daughter, Sophia McCallister, on the TV Series Brothers & Sisters.  Having also performed live theater in addition to her her music, we feel lucky to have discoverd Colorwheel as her career is sure to explode.  The young teens who listen to songs such as Engligh Rose liked the edginess to her music which she somehow manages while keeping it clean.  I personally enjoyed the jazz influence and have my own favorite songs such as “Someday” and “Not In That Way”.


As parents ourselves, The Double Duty Diva blog network were curious about Justine’s varied background and musical influences and were fortunate to have an opportunity to ask her some questions.  Check out the video interview with Justine Dorsey and download another favorite song of ours, “Shut My Big Mouth,” for free on iTunes or on Justine’s website.  Music for appropriate music for tweens and teens, parents and kids alike can finally agree on at least one music influence; Justine Dorsey is one to watch for sure.


Cool Giveaway: Enter to win a copy of Colorwheel and a necklace from Lilla Rose as bonus for mom by visiting www.justinedorsey.com, downloading “Shut My Big Mouth” and commenting back here with your thoughts.  Receive extra entries by following Justine on Twitter and/or Facebook.  Expires 6/4/10

Disclosure & Extra Entries: A sample product was provided for review purposes and made possible by the Double Duty Diva network; all opinions are 100% ours. Get unlimited contest entries, read our full disclaimer and frequently asked questions. Be sure to subscribe to Cool Baby Kid via RSS or email for winner notification and exclusive discounts and additional giveaways.

Filed Under: Picks & Tips · Tagged With: , , ,
09
Apr

Our New Putumayo Kids Pick: Jazz Playground

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Cool Baby Kid loves Putumayo Kids music so much we’ve created a Putumayo Music category to help readers quickly find our latest and greatest picks from an all-time favorite company. Regular readers are likely sick of hearing about our family dance parties and how Putumayo and Disney songs are the only tunes that get Mom, toddler and preschooler (and sometimes even Dad) boogying to the beat. So rather than repeat the same old accolades, we’ll cut to the chase and highlight our favorite Jazz Playground songs. From bebop and swing to Latin and African jazz, this multicultural CD has enough range for everyone in the family to find a favorite:

  1. Triocéphale • Sur Le Pont d’Avignon – (France)
  2. The Mighty Buzzniks • Agree & Disagree – (Australia)
  3. Lewis Franco & The Missing Cats • Stomp, Stomp – (USA)

These songs make us want to stomp and jump around the room singing ” I like…playing in the mud, and I like looking cute” from “Agree & Disagree,” one of our all-time favorite new songs.
Listen to samples of these or any other Jazz Playground songs and get ready for fun kids music that you’ll find yourself listening to even with the kids aren’t around. And on a side note, we love giving these CDs for birthday gifts for kids of all ages and recently purchased the Caribbean Playground as a gift with 100% of proceeds donated by Putumayo to the Red Cross for relief for Haiti.

Disclosure & Extra Entries: A sample product was provided for review purposes; all opinions are 100% ours. Get unlimited contest entries, read our full disclaimer and frequently asked questions. Be sure to subscribe to Cool Baby Kid via RSS or email for winner notification and exclusive discounts and additional giveaways.



Smart Tip: Purchase Putumayo Kids Presents: Jazz Playground on Amazon.com


Filed Under: Education Corner, Gift Guides, Top Picks · Tagged With: , , , , ,
30
Mar

Quick Tips Tuesday: $10 Zulily Coupon Plus Cool App & Tunes

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Cool Coupon: We’ve scored a $10 coupon for Zulily, a popular private sale deal a day site for moms, babies and kids. Bookmark it for daily deals and use code “coolbaby10″ for a $10 discount on your favorite deal. Follow them on Twitter too.


Smart Tip: Fisher Price just launched a cool new app to save, organize and share your precious kid’s memories in a neat timeline. Download the new Fisher Price Moments to Share on Facebook.


Cool Pick: Lemonsquare Music for Fun teaches kids things like brushing teeth and eating veggies…definitely worth checking out these cool tunes.

Filed Under: Discounts · Tagged With: , ,
23
Feb

HIT Entertainment Video Roundup: New and Noteworthy

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Does your child love Thomas the Train? Does your child love the water? Well, this is the DVD for you. Join Thomas and friends on some great adventures through puddles, ponds, and even a little splashing game. This DVD has fantastic animation. HIT Entertainment really outdid themselves with the CGI Animation; it feels like you are in the movies. The characters are so realistic. My toddler loved that Thomas looked as though he was taking to him. He loved to meet the new engine, Charlie, and have a sloppy car race with Sir Topham Hat. The Splish, Splash, Splosh Thomas the Train DVD includes great music your children will enjoy, and of course, lessons that make parents proud. Included on this DVD is a game with the Crane and a counting game with Thomas, both educational and enjoyable for your children. The Splish, Splash, Splosh may be one of my favorites yet from the Thomas collection. It gives my son hours of fun, and I have to admit, I did enjoy watching these adventures myself. I recommend to parents who have toddlers and to anyone who know a child that loves Thomas the Train.

If your child is a Bob the Builder fan, the Best of Bob the Builder is a must. This DVD has hours of adventures, never before seen stories, and bonus feature games. Your child will enjoy 10 of the best episodes of “Bob the Builder” over the past 10 years. Bob and all his friends, Roley, Scoop, Lofty and Muck, Dizzy, and more have loads of fun and learn some important lessons along the way. My favorite episode is when Dizzy goes camping. My son loved that one. I think this episode would be great to have your toddler watch or bring along for their first camping trip. If your child is a builder, then “The House that Lofty built” is the episode for them. My son started to take out his blocks and build his own house after that one. I would recommend this DVD to all the “Bob the Builder” fans for hours of enjoyment.
Barney’s Let’s Grow: Lend a Helping Hand is a hit with our travel DVD player. I love how this DVD includes Kelly and Chica from the Sprout network. My toddler really thinks of the comforts of home with these familiar characters. We always take it along for some smooth travel. All your favorites are rolled into one, Barney, Bob the Builder, Thomas & Friends, Fireman Sam, and Angelina Ballerina–which makes this DVD a success with both boys and girls. Let’s Grow: Lend a Helping Hand has your child’s favorite characters going on adventures where they need to help others. With Barney and Baby Bop, your children will learn how important it is to clean up after themselves–LOVE IT!! They will learn about the importance of recycling with Kelly and Chica. They even learn more about correct ways to clean up as well as the importance of working together with Bob the Builder and Friends as they get ready for the Grand Opening–of what you ask–I won’t spoil the surprise. This DVD has more adventures with Thomas the Train, Fireman Sam, and Angelina Ballerina–all with lessons on how important helping others can be.

Written by Debby, Cool Baby Kid contributor

Cool Tip: Purchase Best of Bob the Builder, Thomas the Train Splish, Splash, Splosh and Barney’s Let’s Grow: Lend a Helping Hand on Amazon.com.

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