HEXBUG Nano Review

I first heard about the HEXBUG Nano through MomSelect. I dislike most creepy crawlies, but these are really neat! The HEXBUG Nano is a robotic toy that acts like a bug. They vibrate to move on rubbery legs and use a single AG13/LR44 battery. They can flip themselves over and back again. They come in 3 sets (Newton Motion, Newton Orbit and Newton Gravity) that each come in 5 collectible colors. You can also purchase Habitat Sets that the HEXBUG Nano's can travel on. Each set comes with 2 extremely rare HEXBUG Nano mutations that all the kids will be envious of. On the Battle Bridge Habitat Set you can also battle two bugs together in the arena until one falls off. You can collect them all and play games online with a code that comes with the bugs.

We received the HEXBUG Nano Party Pack which included: 30 HEXBUG Nano test tubes (enough for my children and all of our guests to keep 3 of their own), 1 HEXBUG Nano Habitat Set in retail package (contains two extremely rare Nano mutations, four easy connect curved pieces, three easy connect straight pieces, and three easy connect hexagon pieces), 1 HEXBUG Nano Bridge Battle Habitat Set in retail package (comes with 29 easy connect pieces and two rare HEXBUG Nanos), 1 Spiral Ramp (5 orange track pieces that snap together to form a spiral), 1 extra Battle Bridge piece, 30 Standoffs, 20 Straight Bridges, 30 Curved Bridges and 12 Hex Cells!

We really enjoy watching these go through their mazes. The Habitat Sets are simple to set up which is a big plus. My boys love setting them up in all different kinds of configurations. They can use their imaginations to create new and distinct variations of the mazes so the bugs can go through totally different ways. Although for $8 a bug it gets a bit expensive and you do go through the batteries fast. I think the concept for the bugs took a lot of engineering to produce them and this is possibly why they cost so much.

We also made some of the recipes they suggested we make for the party. All were a hit especially the Caterpillar Kabobs which were gone in a matter of minutes. Here are some of them in case you want to try them out too:

Scary Spider (Veggies and Dip)
Ingredients:
One round loaf Pumpernickel bread
Veggies for dipping: celery sticks, carrot sticks, cucumber slices, green/red pepper slices, broccoli, etc.

Directions:
Hollow out a pumpernickel loaf and fill it with veggie dip of your choice or "Grasshopper Dip". Create "legs" using 8 large celery sticks stuck into each side of the bread. Using 2 toothpicks attach half a green pepper as a head. Place 2 cherry tomatoes on the top of the toothpicks for eyes. Surround with the rest of the veggies for dipping.

Grasshopper Dip
Ingredients:
2 ripe avocados
2 tbsp. lemon juice
1 ripe tomato
garlic salt
onion salt
ground black pepper

Directions:
Slice each of the avocados in half lengthwise and remove the pits. Scoop the inside of the avocados into a small bowl. Add lemon juice and blend. Sprinkle garlic salt, onion salt and black pepper to taste. Carefully mix in one chopped tomato. Serve immediately.

Snail Shells (roll up pinwheel sandwiches), Beetle Juice (green juice made up of lemonade, ginger-ale, ice and green food coloring...we put gummy bugs in it), Caterpillar Kabobs (melon balls threaded on skewers...toothpicks and blue berries make the antennae), Ants on a Log and Worms and Dirt dessert.

We played some fun games that were included with the party too and when the party was over we sent the guests home with their HEXBUG Nano and my kids had fun a little while longer to play with the sets.

Here you can watch them in action:


DISCLOSURE/DISCLAIMER: Thanks to MomSelect and BSM Media and Innovation First Labs, Inc. for giving me information about the HEXBUG Nano and for providing me a Party Pack for free to test and review. My thoughts are mine and my family's own opinion and have not been altered by anyone else. I did not receive any other compensation for doing this review.

Precious Moments Baby Boutique Review and Giveaway

I received this item free to facilitate this review. Affiliate links may be in this posting. Thanks for supporting my blog.

I have been getting ready for the new baby and going through baby clothes, toys, etc. that I had packed away for when the little one arrives. I had given all my girl baby clothes and a bassinet to my neighbor and church friend before her baby girl was born because Teela had grown out of it all. My friend actually was the one that had given me the bassinet to use while Teela was still small. Well, she gave it all back to me! So we are having fun doing this back and forth hand-me-down swap...I just deep down hope that I am having a girl because I don't have any baby boy clothes at all and another girl would even things out again. Although, a baby, whatever the gender, that is healthy and stays healthy would be wonderful!

I have recently fallen in love with some of the lovely baby items on the Precious Moments Baby Boutique website. I love Precious Moments not only because they are a Christian based company, but because of their wonderful illustrations and products. I love the keepsake albums, Nature's Babies Luxury Plush Blanket and Precious Moments Small Hands Bible. My daughter, Teela, actually has a Prayer Pal Bunny we received as a gift when she was a baby. She loves to give hugs to it. When she squeezes the very soft bunny it says the child's prayer in a childlike voice and in a version I like so much better than the old one I had remembered as a child.

Anyway, I am getting slightly off topic here so let me get back to the review. We just recently got the chance to review another cuddly plush toy from the Precious Moments Baby Boutique line for free. Teela loves it when I open my mail especially packages because she never knows what to expect and a lot of the time the item is for her. Well, when I opened the package from MomSelect and Precious Moments she immediately was right there anticipating what treasure it might be. I pulled out this very cute and very cuddly plush hippo crib toy and started laughing because Teela's eyes grew wide and she outstretched her arms. I had to explain to her as I was cutting off the tags that this hippo was actually for the new baby. Teela finally accepted my words and with that she snatched it from my hands, made it kiss my belly, and told me she was going to put it in the baby's bed. I thought it was very cute.

Teela adores the hippo and I am sure my new baby will also. It is so soft and cuddly. It has the endearing teardrop eyes that the Precious Moments are known for. I told Teela she could model with it for my blog and she got really excited. After she was done modeling with it she promptly placed the hippo back in the bassinet for baby.

WIN IT:
Amy at MomSelect has has generously offered another Precious Moments Baby Boutique blue plush hippo crib toy to one of my readers to win.

Mandatory:
1. Go to the Precious Moments Baby Boutique website and tell me by commenting on this post what other item you would love to have.

Additional entries:
1. Subscribe to my blog by feedburner or by email and let me know which way. (2 extra entries each)

2. Fan/Like me on facebook and write something on my wall. (1 extra entry)

3. Blog about this giveaway on your blog and provide me with the link. Make sure you have the link to this post and Precious Moments Baby Boutique in your blog entry or it won't count. (2 extra entries)

4. Grab My Button (see sidebar to the left) AND/OR Put My Blog URL in Your Blogroll - Leave Your Link. (1 extra entry)

5. Technorati my blog and let me know your link. (1 extra entry)

6. Fave me on Momfaves. (2 extra entries)

7. List this giveaway on any giveaway listing website or blog giveaway linky and tell me where you listed it. (2 extra entries)

8. Post this on your Facebook wall, Kirtsy, and/or StumbleUpon. (2 extra entries for each)

9. Comment on one of my regular (not giveaway) posts. (1 extra entry per post you comment on)

10. Follow me on Twitter. (1 extra entry)

11. Tweet this: @finamoon: @preciousmoment WIN Precious Moments Plush Hippo #giveaway http://bit.ly/99qOyP (Daily Extras are Available)

12. Fan/Like Precious Moments on Facebook. (1 extra entry)

13. Follow Precious Moments on Twitter. (1 extra entry)

Make sure you leave me your email in all posts so that I can contact you. If you subscribed, blogged about this, listed it, commented on another post, or faved me on Momfaves leave 2 entries saying you did. This contest ends on Friday September 24, 2010 at midnight (GMT-08:00) Pacific Time (US & Canada). This Giveaway is open to all 18 years and over in the U.S. Only!!

DISCLOSURE/DISCLAIMER: Thanks to MomSelect and BSM Media and Precious Moments. for giving me information about the Precious Moments Baby Boutique and for providing me with a crib toy for free to test and review. This giveaway is also provided free from MomSelect and BSM Media and Precious Moments. My thoughts are mine and my family's own opinion and have not been altered by anyone else. I did not receive any other compensation for doing this review.

Kung Zhu Pets Review

Kung Zhu Pets is the hottest new toy line from Cepia, the creater of the cute furry toy hamsters called the Zhu Zhu Pets. The Kung Zhu Pets are toys that are targeted towards boys and are 8 warrior hamsters that are separated into two groups, the special forces and the ninja warriors. These hamsters are trained through special training grounds that have obstacle courses. The hamsters have smart chip technology that allows the hamsters to remember and upgrade themselves once they have trained. Once transformed into ultimate battling machines to have their hand fighting opponents in the Battle Arena. Their armor also comes with a "Tablet of Zhu". Swipe the hamsters on the back of the "Tablets of Zhu" to power up the armor! Each set of Battle Armor also has its own unique action sounds!

The Special Forces of the Delta Forces Tribe Kung Zhu army includes Stonewall, Rock'O, Rivet and Sergeant Serge. These tough hamsters will evolve into Special Force Warriors after training in either the Alpha or Bravo training grounds with different weapons, armors and defense technology. In the meantime, the Ninja Warriors including Drayko and Yama from the good Dragon Clan and Azer and Thorn from the evil Skull Tribe, will transform into rough fighters after training in their Samurai and Ninja grounds using their own weapons and armors. Each of these Ninjas has a skull or dragon symbol on their fur while the Special Forces have either a star or comet army sign. You can get to know each hamster by clicking on their bio. Collect them all for your very own Kung Zhu Battle!

We received the Kung Zhu Pets Party Pack which included: 11 Kung Zhu hamsters with 11 sets of Battle Armor(most to give away to the guests), Kung Zhu Play Sets and Accessories (which included: Giant Battle Arena, Special Forces HQ, Training Ground - Alpha, Training Ground - Bravo, Combat Bridge, Missile Attack Tower, Ninja Dojo Base, Ninja Training Ground, Samurai Training Ground, Ninja Snake Pit, Dragon Alley U-Turn, Wheel of Fire, Dragon Hammer, Rhino Tank, Buzzsaw Tank, Spider Skull Tank, and Scorpion Tank. We didn't get the: Mission Control, Ambush Alley U-Turn, KZ-18 Fighter Jet and the Garages... but it does say on the box that they are constantly improving and updating their products so colors and contents may vary from those shown on the packaging.) themed games and activities, and easy-to-make recipes. My boys were even more excited to open these than the Zhu Zhu Pets! We set a date for our Kung Zhu Pets in-home party and everyone had a blast playing with the toys.

We also made all the recipes they suggested we make for the party. All were a hit especially the Kickin' Kung Fu Kabobs which were gone in a matter of minutes. Here they all are in case you want to try them out too:

Sgt. Serge’s Swamp Punch
Ingredients:
2 cups Boiling water
1 large Package lime-flavor Jell-O
2 cups orange juice
1 liter bottle seltzer
1 pint Orange sherbet; slightly softened
Optional: Thinly sliced Oranges and Limes

Directions:
Stir boiling water into Jell-O in large bowl until completely dissolved (approx. 2 min). Stir in orange juice. Cool to room temperature. Just before serving, pour into punch bowl. Add cold seltzer and ice cubes. Place scoops of sherbet and fruit slices in punch.

For an extra swampy treat, freeze raisins in your ice cubes. True Kung Fu warriors won’t mind a bug or two!

Kickin’ Kung Fu Kabobs
These fun little kabobs are so colorful, it will be hard for your pals to pass up…and they’re healthy too! Great for up and coming Kung Fu Warriors!
Ingredients:
1 lb. Brick cheddar cheese (cut in ½ inch slices)
Honeydew Melon (remove seeds and rind)
Strawberries (washed and hulled)
10-12 wooden skewers

Directions:
Using a 2 inch star-shaped cookie cutter, cut cheese and melon shapes. Alternating 2 cheese pieces and 1 melon piece on each skewer and place whole strawberries on ends. Serve with cottage cheese or yogurt dip – yum, yum!

Rocko’s Turkey Roll-ups
These turkey roll-ups pack a powerful punch of protein that will benefit all who study the art of battle! Cut them into small 2 inch sections to make them more snack-friendly!

Ingredients:
2 (8-ounce) packages nonfat cream cheese, softened
3 whole green onions, finely chopped
1-ounce package dry nonfat ranch salad dressing mix
6 low-fat flour tortillas
1/2 pound low-fat turkey breast, roast beef, chicken or ham slices
6 whole iceberg lettuce leaves (we used fresh spinach leaves)

Directions:
Combine cream cheese, green onions and ranch mix; blend ingredients until mixed. Divide cream cheese mixture among tortillas, spreading an even layer on each tortilla. Place a lettuce (spinach) leaf on each tortilla and top with 3 or 4 slices turkey breast. Roll tortilla tightly and cut into ½ or thirds and serve immediately or place in plastic wrap and refrigerate up to 2 days.

We played some fun games that were included with the party too. Kung Zhu Pilot Practice which included making paper airplanes and seeing whose plane flew the farthest, Kung Zhu Basic Training which involved a homemade outdoor obstacle course and having the kids run through it and Hot Grenade which is a lot like hot potato.

After it was over we handed out the extra Kung Zhu hamsters and armor and some stayed to play with the playset for a while longer. Some of the hamsters got stuck in the tubes and turned over on their sides, but despite the little quirks in the toys the kids were having a blast and after everyone went home my boys couldn't get enough of the hamsters and their training base camp and fighting grounds. I highly recommend this toy for ages 4 and up (this age limit is also what is stated on the boxes)! Buy them at your local Walmart, ToysRUs, Target or online at eToys or Amazon.com!

DISCLOSURE: Thanks to MomSelect and BSM Media and Cepia LLC. for giving me information about the Kung Zhu Pets and for providing me a Party Pack for free to test and review. My thoughts are mine and my family's own opinion and have not been altered by anyone else. I did not receive any other compensation for doing this review.

Radio Flyer a Symbol of Summer

I hope everyone's 4th of July was spectacular!! We celebrated on the 3rd since the 4th was on a Sunday this year. Since my mom came to visit to watch the kids and the dog while Brian and I was at Lilith Fair on the 2nd she spent an extra day on the 3rd hanging out. I went to Go Fourth! in Longview, Washington with my mom, Jaedan and Teela (Delbin was with his father because he was misbehaving). We had fun watching the cardboard boat races and thought the pirate ship was extravagant even though it sank. I guess they are making them a new tradition now. I bought these neat pillow shams that were made out of recycled sari silk from India. We also bought the pickled garlic we buy almost every year from the Garlic Lady and this year we also bought some stuffed gourmet olives and some of their Marionberry elixir. My mom and I shared a salmon dish and when we got home I found out I won a gift bag full of great goodies (Rosemary & Mint hand and body lotion, bath salts, and bath and shower gel) from Wellness Therapeutic Massage & Bodywork. I had tried the Aroma Land Lemongrass & Sage hand and body lotion at their booth and it was really great smelling! I usually enter and win something every year from somebody's booth it seems, but I think that this was the best I have gotten so far.

July 4th is now over, but celebrations all over America are still in full swing. In my city they started Rainier Days in the Park on July 8th, a celebration they have every year where I live that has vendors, food booths, a carnival with rides, live music, a pancake breakfast, a logging show, a parade, fireworks (rivals Longview, Washington's 4th of July fireworks display), and the Colgate Country Showdown. I love looking at all the vendors and the fireworks are awesome!! We went yesterday and I bought some cute bucket hats and bonnets and an Ariel mermaid dolly for Teela and the new baby at a vendor that is a store with gently-used children's things. I also found some used paperback chapter books at another vendor for my boys to read. Jaedan got his face painted and we all shared some cheese nachos and some soda.

Today I went to the Scappoose Farmer's Market, picked up my WIC coupons, and bought some plants for my garden and berries there. Delbin won some markers and a huge lollipop and Jaedan won some strawberries for finding a hidden plastic carrot in one of the various booths. I also had some driving practice on my way back. Then we went to Rainier Days in The Park again because I wanted to get a Strawberry Shortcake dolly I saw at the same vendor I bought the Ariel doll and hats...Teela was thrilled when I got it for her :) Jaedan got his face painted again while we were there. Lastly we looked around at our local Rainier Marina Market and I bought some huge pears that looked yummy for the boys. I just wish I had brought my Radio Flyer wagon along also because Teela got tired on the last leg and I had to carry her. Maybe I will remember to pack it in the van next time!!

Patriotic Celebrations mean families will be celebrating by heading to parks, beaches and backyard barbecues to commemorate the occasion with fireworks, sparklers and other symbols of celebration. Radio Flyer reminds me of summer filled with celebration. Since 1917 Radio Flyer has brought us the famous little red wagons that have become a favorite of American families and children everywhere. Now they have more than a dozen award-winning wagon models and a complete line of tricycles, scooters, and other ride-ons. Radio Flyer is as synonymous with outdoor play as summer itself.

This wagon has all kinds of great uses from pulling your children in, being in a parade, or carrying all the ingredients to a great BBQ or picnic. These great wagons have provided and will still continue to provide hours of enjoyment outdoors and think of the great memories it will bring!

Radio Flyer is celebrating 93 years of smiles and the beginning of summer by launching the World's Largest Wagon Mosaic. Simply capture your families' Radio Flyer moments on camera and go to www.RadioFlyerArt.com to add your photo and help the legacy of the little red wagon live on! I entered the photo above into the mosaic. Find it by going HERE.

Also you can follow Radio Flyer @RadioFlyerSmile on Twitter and fan/like them on Facebook.

DISCLAIMER: Thanks to MomSelect and BSM Media and Radio Flyer for giving me information about the World's Largest Wagon Mosaic. By posting about the World's Largest Wagon Mosaic I have the opportunity to also be entered into a contest to win 1 of 3 versions of Radio Flyer's wagons (the Classic Red Wagon, the All-Terrain Steel & Wood Wagon or the Ultimate Comfort Wagon). My thoughts are mine and my family's own opinion and have not been altered by anyone else. I did not receive any other compensation for doing this review.

B-natal Review and Giveaway

Today I went to my doctor and got an ultrasound done. I got to see the baby for my first time and get the first ultrasound pictures. I am officially 16 weeks into my pregnancy and the baby's due date is October 20, 2010. The baby was being shy so I still do not know what gender the baby is. I bet you didn't know that I am expecting. I didn't divulge this information until now for many reasons. One being I had a miscarriage in August of 2009 and I wanted to make sure this pregnancy was going to be OK. I still hope that it is. I usually have morning sickness throughout my first trimester and a little in my second, which you know can strike at any time of day! I had treated it by sniffing lemons, eating snacks throughout the day...crackers are good, and now I know of another great remedy to use.

Available as a cherry-flavored TheraPop or green apple-flavored lozenge, B-natal products provide "sweet relief from morning sickness" with safe and soothing sugar and vitamin B6, which has been found to provide soothing relief of symptoms. Over 70% of pregnant women experience morning sickness associated with pregnancy. If you are pregnant and experiencing symptoms of morning sickness, B-natal products are probably right for you.

I received a sample of B-natal green apple-flavored lozenges to try. I have enjoyed them very much and they have helped greatly with my morning sickness. I love the green apple taste which makes them more enjoyable.



WIN IT:
Mary at MomSelect has has generously offered a sample of either B-natal TheraPops or lozenges to one of my readers to win.

Mandatory:
1. Go to the B-natal website and tell me by commenting on this post which flavor you would like to try.

Additional entries:
1. Subscribe to my blog by email and let me know. (2 extra entries)

2. Become my fan on facebook and write that you are entering this giveaway on my wall. (1 extra entry)

3. Blog about this giveaway on your blog and provide me with the link. Make sure you have the link to this post and B-natal in your blog entry or it won't count. (2 extra entries)

4. Grab My Button (see sidebar to the left) AND/OR Put My Blog URL in Your Blogroll - Leave Your Link. (1 extra entry)

5. Technorati my blog and let me know your link. (1 extra entry)

6. List this giveaway on any giveaway listing website or blog and tell me where you listed it. (2 extra)

7. Add me on Twitter and Tweet this: @finamoon WIN B-natal TheraPops or lozenges for morning sickness #giveaway http://bit.ly/bSm95j (Daily Extras are Available)

Make sure you leave me your email in all posts so that I can contact you. This contest ends on Friday May 28, 2010 at midnight (GMT-08:00) Pacific Time (US & Canada). This Giveaway is open to U.S. Only!!

DISCLAIMER: Thanks to MomSelect and BSM Media and Everidis Health Sciences for giving me information about the B-natal TheraPops and lozenges and for providing me a sample of B-natal green apple-flavored lozenges for free to try and review and another product sample to give away to one of your readers/followers as part of a customized giveaway. My thoughts are mine and my family's own opinion and have not been altered by anyone else. I did not receive any other compensation for doing this review.

Uprinting 18x24 Poster Print Giveaway

The above picture is a photo taken of my husband and I at our wedding. I had it made into a 18x24 inch high gloss poster print by Uprinting and they did a fabulous job on the Digital Photo Enlargement!!

Because my blog is sponsored by Uprinting they offer gifts for me and giveaways for you! Now they are offering me and one of you a free 18x24 inch Poster Print from OnlinePosterPrinting.com is a division of UPrinting Network and is sponsoring/hosting this giveaway. I am excited to be able to choose another photo to become a poster :)

Showcase your favorite photo, band, or artwork with a poster print! These high quality prints will be a fantastic way to brighten up any wall. Besides Digital Photo Enlargements they can also do Digital Photos on Posters.


WIN IT:
18x24 Poster Print for One (1) Winner
Paper Stock: High Gloss or Semi Gloss
Specifications: 1 Business Day Turnaround

Mandatory:
1. Leave a comment explaining how you would use the Poster Print if you won and what picture you might use. (example: a poster of your favorite travel destination on your wall in your office)

Additional entries:
1. Subscribe to my blog by email and let me know. (2 extra entries)

2. Become my fan on facebook. (1 extra entry)

3. Blog about this giveaway on your blog and provide me with the link. Make sure you have the link to this post and OnlinePosterPrinting.com in your blog entry or it won't count. (2 extra entries)

4. Grab My Button (see sidebar to the left) AND/OR Put My Blog URL in Your Blogroll - Leave Your Link. (1 extra entry)

5. Technorati my blog and let me know your link. (1 extra entry)

6. List this giveaway on any giveaway listing website or blog and tell me where you listed it. (2 extra)

7. Add me on twitter and retweet this: Tweet this: @finamoon: @uprinting WIN 18x24 Poster Print #giveaway http://bit.ly/cqkSvB (Daily Extras are Available)

8. Fan Uprinting on Facebook. (1 extra entry)

9. Follow Uprinting on Twitter. (1 extra entry)

Make sure you leave me your email in all posts so that I can contact you. This contest ends on Friday March 26, 2010 at midnight (GMT-08:00) Pacific Time (US & Canada). This Giveaway is open to U.S. Only and entrants also get FREE UPS Ground Shipping!!

DISCLAIMER: Because my blog is sponsored by Uprinting they offer gifts for me and giveaways for my readers! They are offering me and one of my readers an 18x24 poster print. I am excited to be able to make another 18x24 poster print with something else on it. My thoughts are mine and my family's own opinion and have not been altered by anyone else. I did not receive any other compensation for doing this post.

The New Rainbow Brite Review

80's cartoons, some that we hold dear to our hearts and remember fondly, have one by one been coming back. It has gotta be true that the 80's had the best things because why else would they be bringing back things like: My Little Pony, Strawberry Shortcake, Care Bears and now Rainbow Brite. These endearing cartoons have not only been showing up again, but they have also all been having makeovers. These makeovers have not only been seen here, but Dora the Explorer had one not too long ago to try and keep up with the growing toddlers interest. The new cartoons and merchandise all have similar re-designing characteristics. They have all been through the slenderizer. This is nothing new to the Barbie doll...who has always been slim since her debut in 1959 with her unrealistic proportions...even after the change to her waist around the year 2000. At any rate, we as parents of young children might find this all a little unwelcoming and hope that the media and marketing doesn't make our children grow up anorexic or bulimic. It seems that Hallmark tried re-marketing the 80's look of Rainbow Brite back in 2003-2004, but apparently it didn't do so well....hmmmmm I wonder if that was because most the merchandise was exclusive to Hot Topic stores in 2003 and little kids never really saw them??

But, enough of my thoughts on that. I remember Rainbow Brite when I was a little girl growing up in the 80's. I had the original 10" Rainbow Brite doll that came with her sprite Twink to Velcro to her hand. I also had her horse Starlite that was plastic with yarn hair and felted body and a Color Cottage. My sister had a Color Buggy car and her own Rainbow Brite doll with sprite plus a Lurky plush that my sister and I wished we never received as a gift. I loved playing with Starlite the most because I wished I had my own horse. I still wish I had my own horse or pony! I also thought the Color Cottage was really cool because I could put everything in it and take it with me. Possibly starting my infatuation of fabric zip-up houses that I have today :)

I was sent some information at the beginning of this year that Hallmark was at it again and were going to be releasing Rainbow Brite with a whole new look to the toy line and whole new cartoon adventures coming to DVD. I was also sent a teaser DVD and I have noticed they have changed some things in this new series. Besides her look Rainbow Brite doesn't seem to use her rainbow belt as much anymore...instead she and her friends use wands to ward off lack of color and save the world from evil. The Color Kids seem to also have been narrowed down to only two so far...Moonglow and Tickled Pink, their companion horse friends: Shimmer and Sunriser and their sprites: Nite Sprite and Twilite. Rainbow still has her horse, Starlite, and her puppy, Puppy Brite, but they have renamed her sprite Twink to Twinkle. I guess we shall see what else has been changed and what is still the same. You can go to their website for the new Rainbow Brite and see what you think. It has animated videos, a contemporary theme song, coloring pages, wallpapers, games and more. The DVD I received and watched looks like the new animated shows will have a good message. Even though I believe that the changes in appearance are a bit unwarranted, if the story is still filled with positive messages of courage, kindness, and hope I will be letting my kids watch.

Check out the newest Rainbow Brite toys. I wish I still had my Rainbow Brite doll with sprite, Starlite horse, and Color Cottage to share with my youngest daughter, Teela...she would love them!

DISCLAIMER: Thanks to MomSelect and BSM Media for giving me information about the new Rainbow Brite and for sending me a special Rainbow Brite DVD for free to watch and review. The DVD contains Rainbow Brite games and activities. They sent me a free Pak of ten (10) identical DVDs nine (9) to share with friends and family. My thoughts are mine and my family's own opinion and have not been altered by anyone else. I did not receive any other compensation for doing this review.

Zhu Zhu Pets Review

ABOUT ZHU ZHU PETS:
Zhu Zhu Pets (previously named GoGo Pets) are the newest toy craze and there are so many reasons why. They are cute furry hamsters without the mess, smell, and reoccurring costs (just batteries every now and then).

They currently have 4 hamsters although the pictures on some of the boxes shows a total of 9. Each Zhu Zhu hamster has its own unique personality and whimsical sounds! Chunk is the white one with a sun design on his back. He loves to surf (one of the items our habitrail came with was a surf board). Pipsqueak is the yellow one with the star on her back. She is a little dare devil that is afraid of nothing even though she is sweet and small. Squiggles is the tan one with a squiggle on his back. He is fussy, finicky and loves to explore. He has been there, done that and is still here to tell about it. NumNums is gray with a heart on her back. She loves to eat and has a great sense of smell for those munchies she goes after.

All the hamsters have three modes: Pet them (press the button on their heads) to get the hamsters in Loving/Talk Mode then you will hear them squeak, coo, chirp, and chatter. Press the back button for the Explore Mode and watch them scoot, scamper, bump & boogie across the floor or through their hamster habitat. The hamsters will automatically go to Sleep Mode after a certain amount of time depending upon what it is doing. You can also do this manually by pressing on the back button again after it has been engaged.


MY THOUGHTS:
We received the Zhu Zhu Pets Party Pak which included: 11 Zhu Zhu hamsters (most to give away to the guests), a complete hamster "habitrail" (including: giant hamster fun house, surfboard & sleep dome, sk8board and u-turn, hamster wheel & tunnels, hamstermobile & garage, spiral slide & ramp, and adventure ball), themed games and activities, and easy-to-make recipes. My boys were so excited! We set a date for our Zhu Zhu Pets in-home party and since my son Delbin had a birthday in September we combined the two and had the party on the 26th. Delbin invited all of his friends and we had a great turnout.

We also made all the recipes they suggested we make for the party. All were a hit especially the fruit kabobs which were gone in a matter of minutes. Here they all are in case you want to try them out too:

Chunk's Chunky Chicken Salad
Even Chunk, the hamster with attitude, won't pass up this tasty and healthy treat! Serve with wheat bread or crackers for a super-healthy snack.

2 cups cooked chicken, cubed (or 2 cans chicken)
2 tbsp. Mayonnaise
1 tsp. lemon juice
1/2 cup chopped celery
Salt and pepper to taste

In a medium bowl, mix chicken with mayonnaise, lemon juice, and celery. Variations: Add 1 apple or 1 cup halved grapes to spruce up this salad.

NumNum's Yummy Fruit Kabobs
Like NumNum, the hamster who loves to eat, your little ones will love putting together this sweet and healthy treat.

1 cup cubed apples
1 cup grapes
1 cup cubed pineapple
1 cup strawberries
1 cup mini-marshmallows
wooden skewers

Place each ingredient in a small dish and let your child create their own delicious and nutritious kabob. Makes approx. 4 kabobs.

Pipsqueak's Sweet Trail Mix
Pipsqueak, the sweetest of them all, loves dried fruits and nuts, and your kids will love the chocolate treat. Even sweeter when the kids get to help!

3 cups pretzel sticks
1/2 cup peanuts (lightly salted)
1 1/2 cups corn cereal
1/2 cup raisins or dried cranberries
12 oz. white chocolate

In a large bowl, combine pretzels, peanuts, cereal, and dried fruit. In a smaller bowl, melt the white chocolate in the microwave or melt it on the stove top (times vary, see package directions). Slowly pour the melted chocolate over the dry mix and gently stir to coat dry mix. Transfer mix to waxed paper to cool; about 20 minutes. Break mix into bite-sized pieces and enjoy! Makes approx. 10 cups.

We played a sort of a race the hamster game. While the hamsters raced some had to be rescued from getting stuck and also turned over on their side. Some of them had a difficult time getting up the tube to the slide needing an little nudge to get them the rest of the way and one turned its exploring mode off every time it reached a certain point up it. Besides the cute hamster noises they also make mooing and crowing noises of which I did not know why. Then we played a game I used to play at my parties as a child called "Fruit Basket Turnover". The party was a big hit! After it was over we handed out the extra Zhu Zhu hamsters and some stayed to play with the habitrail for a while longer. A word of caution: one girl at our party was playing with her hamster and accidentally got one wheel stuck in her long hair. The hamster wouldn't let go and we ended up having to cut it out. Thank goodness it wasn't a large amount of hair...just a small strand, but I would just be extra careful around anything that could get stuck in the wheels. My youngest, Teela, is 1 and a half and she thought they were funny and was giggling at them go around the maze, but she got a bit scared of their wheels when she decided to try and pick one up while it was still in motion. Despite the little quirks in the toys the kids were having a blast and after everyone went home my boys couldn't get enough of the hamsters and their hamster city. I highly recommend this toy for ages 4 and up (this age limit is also what is stated on the boxes)! Pick them up at your local Walmart, ToysRUs, or online at Amazon.com!



Thanks to MomSelect and BSM Media for this wonderful opportunity!