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Fisher Price

Fun in the Sun… with $500 in Fisher-Price Toys!

June 23, 2016 By Lena 13 Comments

Popping in today to tell you about an AH-MAZING summer contest from Fisher-Price!

Three (3!) Canadians will be treated to a Fisher-Price prize bundle valued at $500 each. Included: everything you need for an entire season of summer fun! (I’m looking at you, Jeep Wrangler!)
201606-SummerSweepsClick here to enter the sweepstakes. I really hope one (or all) of my readers nab this awesome prize. After you enter, don’t forget to check out the Fisher-Price Playtime Guide to find the best toys for any age. I have it bookmarked for all my gifting needs… and okay, to engage in a little nostalgia. How I loved being a Fisher-Price mom! Good luck all – contest ends July 3, 2016.

Filed Under: Family Tagged With: #FPSummerSweeps, Fisher Price, learning toys

When Spring Gives You Ice Storms…

March 24, 2016 By Lena

… You curl up into a ball and cry. Sure, I thought I was incredibly cool, posting just a few days ago how I had survived March Break.

“Get out of my house!” I said.
“Go back to school!” I said.
“I finally have freedom!”…. I thought.

And then, thanks to a little ice storm, the kids are home again. Just before the Easter weekend. Which means a FIVE-day weekend, less than a week after March Break.

I haven’t survived at all.

Today? Today I’ve got nothing for you. Today I will be making breakfast and lunch for the little ones, rescheduling one meeting and two conference calls, and counting to five before I snap. Today is a day for decorating Easter Eggs and watching Disney movies in pajamas.

So, here’s a smorgasbord of a few things I’ve been working on. Wishing you a joyous Easter!

1. EASTER GIVEAWAY! Hop to it Canadians – Enter to win 1 of 3 $1,000 Mattel Easter Baskets!
EasterSweeps_FacebookThe sweepstakes ends on April 1, 2016, at 11:59 p.m. ET, so you’ve still got time to enter! Good luck – what a special treat for a lucky child (or children) in your life! …

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Filed Under: Lifestyle Tagged With: cerave, easter weekend, Fisher Price, H&R Block, snow day

Dance to the Beat with Fisher-Price Dance & Move BeatBo!

October 9, 2015 By Lena

NOTE: The following giveaway is open to Canadians only.

We’re a family of dancers. My husband, bless his heart, will be 40 this year… but he moves like a 24-year old, especially at corporate events.

(I’ll wait while you click this link to an Instagram video from earlier this year.)

Did you spot Ryder busting a move? He was *slightly* overshadowed by his father’s theatrics. And of course, you all know that Reid has been in dance for years… and there’s been more than one reference on this blog of me grooving on a speaker in my clubbing days. Yeah, we like to move it to the beat!

Does your child like to boogie? Introducing Fisher-Price Bright Beats Dance & Move BeatBo, an adorable animatronic pal that encourages baby to get up and move – and helps teach baby, too!

pTRUCA1-20920855dtThe toy includes 3 modes that “grow” with baby:

In Dance ‘n Move Mode, BeatBo’s shaking hips, nodding head and lively music encourage baby to move around. Think of it as a mini concert, just for baby!

Next, Learning & Games Mode helps teach baby ABCs, colors, counting and more, and even features the “Freeze Dance” – far and wide one of the most entertaining games for little ones.

Finally, the Customized Sing-Along Mode lets mom or baby record a phrase, and – I’m not even kidding – BeatBo will remix it into his favorite song. Isn’t that just awesome?

(See BeatBo in action here.)

Now, we know that babies learn through play. In fact, as children play with toys, with one another, and with adults, they acquire and improve the skills necessary for formal learning in later stages of their lives. BeatBo’s fun music and motions encourage baby to move, shake and dance along, helping to exercise gross motor skills. The colorful lights, dancing motions, music, lights and variety of textures all help stimulate baby’s senses of sight, hearing and touch. And by pressing BeatBo’s tummy or feet, baby’s discovering that their actions make fun things happen – a great introduction to cause and effect. …

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Filed Under: Family Tagged With: dance & move beatbo, Fisher Price, learning toys

Need a Moment? Don’t Worry, Fisher-Price has you Covered.

June 4, 2015 By Lena

Oh, those Fisher-Price Mommy Moments.

From the moment your baby cries for the very first time… to the moment he takes his first step. And, every little thing in between. These are the moments we’ll always remember; the ones we’ll come back to again and again, reliving them as if they were happening before our very eyes. Those smiles. Those giggles. Those perfect memories, frozen in time.

And sometimes, the moments are as simple as sneaking in a shower, a second cup of coffee, or a long overdue phone call to a friend.

Need a moment? Don’t worry, Fisher-Price has you covered.
FPMommyMoments Graphic v2Fisher-Price, the world’s most trusted brand in toys, is there to support today’s parents with toys that are geared to each and every stage of your child’s growth, including all those milestone moments. Their wide range of innovative baby gear and fun and engaging toys are all designed to help today’s busy mom make the most of her time together with baby.

Today, I’d like to invite you to follow along as we share our #FPMommyMoments at our Twitter Party on Thursday, June 11th at 8pm EDT. Simply follow @thesocialcommon and @Listen2Lena and share your moment by answering the questions, remembering to add the #FPMommyMoments hashtag. To thank you for joining us, we’ll be giving away eight (8) prizes of Fisher-Price’s most sought-after gear, including a GRAND PRIZE valued at $750!

RSVP below for a chance to win, and we’ll see you on Thursday night! …

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Filed Under: Contests Tagged With: #fpmommymoments, Fisher Price, Twitter Party

Fisher-Price Moms Top 10

March 25, 2015 By Lena

Note: The following giveaway is open to Canadians only.

I’ve often heard that it’s better to have a “difficult” baby the first time ’round. The colicky, demanding, trouble-making type. And the rationale behind this? Subsequent babies will be a cakewalk, because you’ve already experienced the worst.

In theory, this sounds reasonable.

Reality? I had one of those difficult first-time babies, and let me tell you, I did not feel reassured. I felt exhausted, defeated, moody, irrational, and exhausted. (Did I say exhausted twice?)

Often, all I hoped for was a mommy moment. A chance to brush my hair or brew a cup of coffee. A few minutes to sit down and catch up on email, or finally finish the book I started while I was pregnant. And from time to time, I longed to have a shower longer than 6 minutes.

(I won’t lie. Now that my kids are older, I take 25 minute showers, because I can.)

So, I improvised. I purchased toys and baby gear from the most trusted toy brand in the world, Fisher-Price, and boy, did I ever use them. I used a Jumperoo when I needed a moment to freshen up; I let my son play with the Rock-a-Stack while I made dinner. And just before nighttime, during that crucial moment of slumber, I allowed the sweet melodies of the Fisher-Price Ocean Wonders Aquarium soothe my baby to sleep.
DSC_0627For me, it’s a Top 10 Pick.

Earlier this year, I was asked by Fisher-Price to select my favourite products in the baby toy and gear categories. And when my list was set, I was amazed to see how closely it mirrored the selections on Fisher-Price Mom’s Top 10. The website showcases moms’ favourite toys and baby gear – the products that baby loves, parents’ trust, and most importantly, allow mom a chance to sneak in that #fpmommymoment. …

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Filed Under: Family Tagged With: #FPMomsTop10, Fisher Price, Ocean Wonders Aquarium

What’s Your Top 10? Join us for the #FPMomsTop10 Twitter Party!

March 1, 2015 By Lena

Mommy Moments. Fisher-Price has been helping them happen for a long time.

The 3:00am moments…. the “Guess I’ll shower tomorrow” moments… the more food on the floor than in the bowl moments… and especially the moments you’ll never, ever forget. These are the moments that have inspired the Fisher-Price Mom’s Top 10. Here, you’ll find a collection of Fisher-Price baby toys and gear that have been the “go-to’s” for moms for years, and new favourites that are sure to become instant classics, and inspire many moments to come.
FPMomsTop10 GraphicSo, which toys and gear made the Top 10? Find out at the #FPMomsTop10 Twitter Party! In addition to introducing the the top toys and sharing details about what make them great, we’ll also dish on those #fpmommymoments, and look forward to hearing yours!

Of course, Fisher-Price Twitter Parties are known for having amazing prizes. We’ll give away one of each of the #FPMomsTop10 baby toys and gear, and one lucky winner will walk away with ALL TEN!…

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Filed Under: Contests Tagged With: #FPMomsTop10, baby gear, baby toys, Fisher Price, Twitter Party

Make the Time to Play

February 3, 2015 By Lena

I spent about 20 minutes this morning looking for an old Facebook post from 2009. It was over a year after I had my first child, and shortly before I would become pregnant with my second. In the status update, I bemoaned my son’s ability to monopolize all my time.

“Is it too much to ask to have 5 minutes to myself? Mommy, play with me. Mommy, watch me. Mommy, give me. Mommy, pick me up. Mommy, I’m hungry. Argh!!! I love my kid but I need to find just 5 more minutes in the day! Signed, a woman who spends more time playing with cars than making meals.”

Today, that little boy is almost 7 years old. He wakes, clothes and washes himself. He comes home from school and finds his own snack. And when I hover… when I ask if he needs anything… he says, “No. I’m okay.”

And it’s in these moments, when a I look upon the independent, strong-willed and eccentric little man before me, I’m so happy I made the time to play.

For today, and forevermore, I will cherish the moments we got down on all fours and pushed cars across the floor. When he’s busy with homework, I’ll think about the nights we were busy building blocks. When he leaves home, I’ll recall our play home, and how he’d never leave without blowing me a kiss goodbye.

Do you make the time to play?

Fisher-Price is a company that has earned my trust, support, and unconditional endorsement. All of my “play time” memories are firmly attached to their toys, and I know that in years to come, I’ll fondly reminisce about those moments of interaction, love and bonding between mother and child. …

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Filed Under: Family Tagged With: #FPMakeTimetoPlay, baby gear, childhood toys, Fisher Price

What Are Your #WishesforBaby?

January 7, 2015 By Lena

Whether we vocalize them, internalize them… shout them from the rooftops or quietly share with loved ones… we all have our wishes for baby.

To be healthy. To be happy. To be loved. To be cherished.

To have all ten fingers and toes.

What are your #WishesforBaby? Created in just 24 hours, Fisher-Price’s “Wishes for Baby” short film captures the hopes and dreams of new parents around the world. The film, directed by documentarian Patrick Creadon, is himself a father of three, and features some of the first children born in 2015.

“Parents are universally connected by the same wish for our children, built upon the same foundation of love. It transcends what we think divides us,” Creadon says.

Makes you feel warm and fuzzy, doesn’t it? We welcome you to continue the conversation with us at the #WishesforBaby Twitter Party. Join us on Monday, January 12th at 8:00pm EST as we share our wishes for our children this year. …

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Filed Under: Contests Tagged With: #WishesforBaby, baby gear, baby toys, Fisher Price

Bucket List, Check: Turning My Home into a Toy Showroom

December 11, 2014 By Lena

It’s not every day that I am afforded the opportunity to turn my home into a baby toy and gear showroom, so when I am… oh yeah, I go for it.
fpshowroomThis past weekend, joined by blogger friends from all over Ontario (some travelling in from London, St. Mary’s and even Ottawa), in addition to local moms of babies and toddlers, we celebrated the season with good wine, good food and of course, good cheer.

And, great toys, courtesy of Fisher-Price.

In fact, you could say that we were privy to the hottest toys of 2014! If you have a baby or toddler to shop for this Christmas, scrutinize the photos on this post – because, trust me, they’re the only shopping list you’ll need this season.
fpshowroomThe evening started (even before the festivities began) with the team at Spider Marketing Solutions putting together the toys for the showroom. It’s not exactly how I normally kick off my holiday parties, but hey, I’m not going to say no to a living room filled with the most sought-after baby gear. …

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Filed Under: Family Tagged With: #fpshowroom, 2014 top toys, baby gear, Fisher Price

My Home is a Showroom.

December 5, 2014 By Lena

Or rather, it will be – after Fisher-Price works their magic.

I’m going to file this one under “Outrageously Awesome Things That Happen”. And tomorrow, I’ll just happen to open up my home to bloggers across the GTA as we celebrates the holidays with a Fisher-Price Showroom. It’ll be a night of drinks, dinner and merriment – and, a demo of Fisher-Price’s hottest toys for Holiday 2014!
fpshowroomFollow the hashtag #fpshowroom to join the fun. You’ll find posts from your favourite bloggers, a few drool-worthy design and foodie ideas (hey, it’s my house and it’s being catered, after all) and of course, the only shopping list you’ll need to grab the best toys for wee ones!

And now… I’m off to clean my house! Argh!! I’m expecting @SassyModernMom, @Kidsumers, @Candace_Dx, @InrDream, @GrowingYourBaby, @FabFrugalMama, @MayahoodBlog, @SandyEl, @TeacherMomofTwo, @Mom2Michael and more… so yeah, pressure’s on to clear the clutter!

(Side note, can anyone take my kids for the next 24 hours? They’re pretty much undoing my cleaning efforts in real time. Kind of like a chocolate-filled hurricane.)

Filed Under: Family Tagged With: #fpshowroom, Fisher Price, Holiday Toys 2014

Gift Giving 2014: Mattel Holiday Toys

November 29, 2014 By Lena

The gift giving season is upon us! And chances are, you have a very special boy or girl (or many boys and girls!) on your holiday shopping list. So let’s do this.

Quickly now! Do you have a child? Children? If you answered “yes”, the rest of this post will simply be a refresher course in holiday gifting.

However, if…

a) you’re an aunty, uncle, godparent, friend
b) you don’t have children yourself
c) are wondering how the heck to shop for children this Christmas…

Read on, friends, read on.

I’ll be blunt: there are two types of child-free gift givers. Those who get it: folks that ask parents for gifting advice, look for suitably aged toys and clothing, and remember the correct spelling of the child’s name on the gift tag. (Or, give cash. With 00’s.)

And those that don’t.

For those gift givers that sorely need a little push in the right direction – or busy moms who are looking to make holiday shopping simple – I present to you: Mattel Holiday Toys.

No matter what their age or interests, you’ll find Mattel toys on every child’s wish list. Put imagination and endless possibilities under the tree this holiday season with the hottest toys from Mattel! You’ll even be presented with a list of stores where the toy is available for purchase, making your shopping experience a piece of cake. (I told you I’d make it simple for you! You’re welcome.)

My picks? Well, you’ll just have to check out my recent segment on Global News at Noon in Toronto!

Fisher-Price Laugh & Learn Smart Stages Chair: Smart Stages technology is an exciting new way to change learning content as babies grow. This chair features 50+ songs, tunes and phrases and lets you select the stage that’s best for your child’s development. …

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Filed Under: Family Tagged With: #MattelHoliday, 2014 top toys, Fisher Price, Mattel Holiday Toys

Toys? Oh, We’ve Got Toys!

November 14, 2014 By Lena

Holiday shopping for wee ones *used* to be easy. You picked up a pink or blue outfit, grabbed whatever toy was on sale, et voila! Gifting = done.

But now… now there are whole aisles dedicated to baby toys. And really, how does one choose? They’re all so darn cute! But wouldn’t it be great if someone just told you about the hot toys for Holiday 2014? You know, took the guesswork out of selecting which one to buy, and pointed you in the direction of the toys that are on every parent’s wish list?

Ladies and gents: I’d like to cordially invite you to the Fisher-Price #fpwishlist Twitter Party. Join us on Wednesday, November 19th at 8:00pm EST as we share the hottest toys of the season!
FP_EVITE_BKG_wishlist_2 (2)In addition to a fun-filled chat, we’re also very much in the holiday spirit… a very generous holiday spirit… as we’ll be giving away TWENTY-FOUR (24) Fisher-Price toys! That’s four winners every ten minutes… so get ready for a fast-paced party! …

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Filed Under: Contests Tagged With: #fpwishlist, Fisher Price, holiday toys, Twitter Party

Smart Stages: Toys for Every Stage

November 3, 2014 By Lena

NOTE: The following giveaway is open to Canadians only.

When my boys were young, and when it came to toys, I was only concerned with two things: 1) Finding a quality toy from a reputable brand, and 2) praying that it would hold the boys’ attention for more than a few months. The first point? Easy. If you’ve been reading my blog for, oh, the last six years, you’ll know that I’ve always trusted Fisher-Price. But the second point? Well, that was a little trickier – because even with the most engaging, educational and fun toys, the truth is, babies by nature develop at different rates. And my babies outgrew their toys in hot New York minute.

But what if there was a way a toy could keep up with your child, with learning content that could adapt and grow as your baby grows?

Say hello to Smart Stages™ technology from Fisher-Price, a NEW learning technology for the stages babies grow through.
Smart StagesSmart Stages content can be set by parents to complement a baby’s different stages, offering toys with value and longevity to both parents and child. Imagine – the toy you purchase for your 6-month old can grow with him until he’s 36 months old, and be stimulating, entertaining – and most importantly, educationally relevant – every step of the way. …

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Filed Under: Contests Tagged With: baby toys, Fisher Price, Fisher Price Smart Stages, Laugh & Learn Smart Stages Chair

Fancy Winning Toys for a YEAR? #fpsmartstages

September 18, 2014 By Lena

Picture it: You’ve just purchased a toy for your little one, or a little one you know. It’s cute, it’s colourful, and you’re sure he or she will love it… between the ages of six to twelve months, because according to the manufacturer’s claim, that’s how long it’s appropriate for. After that, you’ll have to buy a new toy, of course. And another. And then another.

Well, that’s great. And I’m sure it’s a great toy too! But what if I told you that you could purchase a universally-loved, quality toy from one of the most trusted toy companies on the planet… and that toy would grow with the child for months and months – or even years?

Introducing Fisher-Price Smart Stages technology, an exciting new way to change learning content as baby grows. Every baby develops at his/her own pace, and Smart Stages gives you the ability to select the stage that’s best for your child. There are a variety of developmentally appropriate songs, phrases and sounds within the three levels of play – just slide the switch or enter baby’s age for automatic level changes.

In a nutshell, that means you can get A LOT more play out of the same toy!

Fisher-Price Laugh & Learn products reward curiosity and encourage experiential learning through play. We know baby develops dramatically in the first two years of life, so Fisher-Price has created the first line of toys that evolves with age-appropriate learning content as your baby grows. The content keeps the baby engaged as he/she develops, and offers longevity of play value to parents!

(Now THAT’s ingenious.)

Want to learn more? Let’s make a play date… we’ll call it, oh, the #fpsmartstages Twitter Party!

FP GraphicIn addition to sharing the latest information on Fisher-Price Smart Stages technology, we’ll have some incredible prizes up for grabs:

2 prizes of a Laugh & Learn Smart Stages Chair + a $50 Visa Gift Card
4 prizes of a Laugh & Learn Smart Stages Toy + a $100 Visa Gift Card
Grand Prize is TOYS FOR A YEAR! (12 of Fisher-Price’s Most Popular Toys!)

RSVP below for your chance to win, and see you on Wednesday night! …

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Filed Under: Contests Tagged With: #fpsmartstages, Fisher Price, Fisher Price Smart Stages, Twitter Party

A Very Special Club

November 30, 2013 By Lena

One month ago, I published the following photo on Instagram:

“I’ve finally joined an exclusive club that I’ve longed to be part of. I’m an Auntie! Welcome to the world sweet baby. You are already so loved.”

It’s true! I’m an Aunt. An aunt to a baby GIRL. You know what that means – I’ve finally been awarded the opportunity to shop for pink everything. My niece is tiny, temperamental and too-cute-for-words. She is perfect.

I’ve often wondered if holding a sweet bundle of joy would kick start my own maternal longings – particularly because as the boys grow, I find myself wanting to keep them as my little babies forever. But alas, my ovaries have drawn a line in the sand and are firmly on the “no way” side; while I enjoy every moment with my niece, I’m happy with my life right now… diaper-free household included.

So, I get to cherish those newborn moments and then hand over the baby when she gets fussy. #Winning!

This afternoon, we spent an afternoon with family at Grandma’s. And of course, we all waited for the star of the show to arrive!  She was treated to a comfortable, portable place to stretch out thanks to the Fisher-Price Special Edition Rock ‘n Play Portable Bassinet. With a flat elevated sleeping surface and rocking motion to help soothe baby to sleep, it’s a great addition to your baby gear.

And with two doting older cousins, it’s no wonder our tiny angel feels safe and secure. Sweet dreams, little one!

I receive special perks as a part of my affiliation as a Fisher-Price Play Ambassador with Mom Central Canada.
The opinions in this blog are my own.

Filed Under: Family Tagged With: #FisherPriceMoms, Fisher Price, Special Edition Rock 'n Play Portable Bassinet, toy review

OVERprotective

September 29, 2013 By Lena

Before we had baby, we decorated his crib with the most beautiful bedding set.
After we had baby, we were told that crib bumper pads were a suffocation hazard, and removed them immediately.

We swaddled baby tightly to keep him warm and comfortable.
When he developed heat rash, we never swaddled him again.

We hovered over baby when he sneezed one winter morning.
When the sneeze turned into a cold, we rushed him to the doctor.
When the cold sprouted a high fever, we rushed him to the hospital.

We read books about What to Expect while baby grew and developed.
We learned to expect the unexpected and threw the books away.

Before we had baby, we thought we’d be the coolest parents on the block.
After we had baby, we became the most neurotic.

We turned to Dr. Google when baby was sleeping.
When we couldn’t find an answer, we continued to Google while we should have been sleeping.

We bought the #1 Pediatrician recommended products without hesitation.
When we were told those products contained dangerous chemicals, we threw them all out.
We then spent a small fortune on certified organic everything.

Before we had baby, we thought we had it all figured out.
After we had baby, we figured we were wrong. Very wrong.

Of course, the above all pertained to our first baby. Yes, we were worrywarts. We were extreme. We were first time parents. We were OVERprotective.

Our second? I’m pretty sure he raised himself. And yet somehow, they both turned out right as rain.

Were you OVERprotective with your first? Do you remember some of the crazy lengths you went to?

 

I receive perks as a part of my affiliation with the Fisher-Price Ambassador program with Mom Central Canada.
The opinions in this blog are my own.

Filed Under: Family Tagged With: #FisherPriceMoms, Fisher Price, OVER...Moments, OVERjoyed Campaign

Top Toys for Tots: Put Baby in Control of the Fun!

September 29, 2013 By Lena

File this one under: Stuff I wish I had when my little guys were wee ones.

Ryder had a *small* obsession with the television remote. And when I say small, I mean that we’d often find it curled up with him in his crib. We honestly didn’t understand the fascination until we chatted with other parents who similarly noted the same affliction in their own babies.

Learn to sit. Learn to crawl. Grab the remote. Oh happy days.

To show you just how much we “drank the Kool Aid” (so to speak), for Christmas 2009 Ryder received his very own remote control. Seriously. It was a Best Buy special at $8.99 for a universal remote. BEST present ever.

However, I suppose if I really think about it, it makes perfect sense. It’s a handheld object with colourful buttons. Daddy and mommy reach for it multiple times per day, and when no one’s looking, it’s the perfect teething toy. The thing is – I actually needed my remote to perform a function, and when it’s drool-encased – or moonlighting as a sleep aid – it’s no good to anyone.

Enter the Fisher-Price Laugh & Learn Click ‘n Learn Remote. Finally! I’ve seen toy telephones, toy computers and toy tablets. And now, introducing baby’s very own remote, with realistic styling, buttons to press, lively songs and light-up learning fun! Baby can click away to learn about numbers, opposites, colours, greetings and first words, and sing along to four songs, too.

Develop & Learn:

Light-up musical rewards
• Fun responses help baby understand cause & effect

Realistic styling
• Like a real remote control—inspiring early role play!

Lots of buttons to press
• Promotes development of fine motor skills

“Turn on the smiles and playtime joy with the Fisher-Price Laugh & Learn Click ‘n Learn Remote! Volume control and “channel surfing” are a big part of the role play experience, inspired by the Click n’ Learn Remote’s realistic styling.

With more than 25 sing-along songs, tunes and phrases – each controlled by baby – there’s a new lesson with each push of a button. Smiles will fill up the room as baby learns numbers, opposites, colors, greetings and much more. Turn the volume up and down or switch channels to hear a new station and lots of realistic sound effects, too. Baby will love being in control of his very own learning experience!

Pressing a variety of the Click ‘n Learn Remote buttons promotes the development of baby’s fine motor skills. Fun sounds and phrases teach baby colors, numbers, shapes and more! There are light-up musical rewards, too, as pressing buttons for fun responses helps baby understand cause and effect relationships. Learning couldn’t be more fun!”

The BEST part – the Click ‘n Learn Remote retails for just $11.99! So, hours of fun and learning is incredibly affordable too. Put this one on your holiday list as a must-have!

 

I receive perks as a part of my affiliation with the Fisher-Price Ambassador program with Mom Central Canada.
The opinions in this blog are my own.

Filed Under: Family Tagged With: #FisherPriceMoms, Fisher Price, Laugh & Learn Click 'n Learn Remote, toy review

Thomas Live Tour!

June 29, 2013 By Lena

Okay party people, I know many parents out there who’ve spawned Thomas & Friends fanatics, so this one’s for you. (My advice: pawn this one off to a well-meaning grandparent, aunt or uncle.)

The Thomas Live Tour is an interactive, entertaining, musical show that brings Thomas to life and also features Sir Topham Hatt and Driver Sam. The tour will be travelling to various shopping malls, fairs and different events across Canada throughout the year – and just may be rolling into a city near you!

The entire show schedule can be found here. Apart from the Thomas & Friends Personalized and Interactive Thomas E-Story, my boys have just never taken to Thomas; instead, they’ve been obsessed with Disney Cars ever since they could say “Lightning McQueen”. However, I can certainly appreciate the fascination – hey, if I was a little dude, I’d want to play with toy trains too.

As you can see from the poster above, if you’re in Calgary, Belleville, Edmonton, Toronto, London or Lindsay, you’re in luck; the live tour will be visiting your city shortly. This is a great chance to take the kiddos to see their favourite locomotives from the Island of Sodor! I’m a huge fan of live shows; it’s quite an experience to see the characters come to life, and helps foster imagination and creativity. Until then, Thomas lovers, toot toot!

Filed Under: Family Tagged With: #FisherPriceMoms, Fisher Price, Thomas and Friends, Thomas Live Tour

OVERachiever

June 29, 2013 By Lena

In December 2012, Penelope Trunk – an American businesswoman, author, blogger, and famed business advice columnist – wrote an inspirational blog post entitled 15 Things Overachievers Do. Myself, having transitioned from a corporate whiz kid to an entrepreneur in the past five years, was particularly intrigued – wishing to compare my own work ethic and qualities to those of a perceived “overachiever”.

Making lists. Taking drugs. Working for free. Selling out. Within moments of reading through the list, I realized that while Penelope was describing the theoretical habits of overachievers, she was also painting a picture of almost every new mom. Certainly, she hit a nerve with me personally; I identified with the need to overachieve, to strive for the best, to be perfect.

But WHY are new moms, by nature, overachievers? Are we programmed to simply want the best for our baby – or, has social pressure amplified our standards of successful parenting? Is second guessing and a guilty conscience part and parcel with raising a child, or do we bring it on ourselves as a side effect of setting the bar too high?

I’ve decided that 15 Things Overachievers Do can effectively be re-written for new moms.

1. “They use lists. High achievers organize their thinking with lists, they organize their time with lists, and when they want to spur their creativity, the best tool they have is to force themselves out of the comfort of their list.”

Have you ever witnessed a new mom count pees, poops and how long baby sleeps? Yeah, we write lists too. We also make a list of every thing we should be doing when we should be sleeping.

2. “They use pharmaceuticals. Adderall is de rigueur for the high-powered jobs in high-powered cities to the point that there is a shortage of available Adderall.”

Big deal. I popped Fenugreek and Blessed Thistle 3 times per day for six months in an effort to keep an ample milk supply. I also had a prescription for domperidone on file in case the herbal remedies didn’t do the trick (thankfully, they did).

3. “They let doors shut all the time. Overachievers know their mom was lying when she said they could be anything. So it’s not that big a deal when they see doors shut.”

A night life. A long, hot shower. A private moment on the toilet. A good night’s sleep. An interrupted meal. These are all the doors I have shut. Without my expressed written consent, mind you.

4. “They talk about their weaknesses. Not in a stupid way, like, “I wish I could not be so perfect.” But in a real way, because every strength comes with weaknesses and we’re not good at everything.”

I couldn’t breastfeed my first. I had no idea how to swaddle a newborn. It took me two months to learn how to burp my baby effectively. Oh, I had weaknesses, and I talked about them. And blogged about them.

5. “They work for free. Internships that are (illegally) unpaid, startups that are not (yet) funded, speeches and blog posts that help you do the (unavoidable) work of building your brand.”

If there is one mother in the history of this world who has ever been compensated for raising her children, I need to know who she is so I can shake her hand. Because at last check, every mom works for free.

Now I could go on, but I’m sure you see my point. There is a time in every mom’s life when she feels pressure to overachieve. And to those new moms, I say this: wait about 18 months, or until your next kid comes along. And then, miraculously, a new feeling washes over you…. it’s called, “Been there, done that.” 

 

I am part of the Fisher-Price Play Ambassador program and I receive perks as part of my affiliation.
The opinions on this blog are my own.

Filed Under: Family Tagged With: #FisherPriceMoms, Fisher Price, OVER...Moments, OVERjoyed Campaign

Two Boys, One Toy. Endless Possibilities.

June 2, 2013 By Lena

This is the toy:

Imaginext DC Super Friends The Joker’s Fun House.

This is the toy’s description:

Imagine… a showdown between Batman and The Joker! There are plenty of traps and surprises around every corner of The Joker’s Fun House—Batman better watch out! The giant hammer slams down, the cannon fires, and there’s even a secret jail behind the moving hand! Will Batman end up The Joker’s captive, or will he be able to have it the other way around? Includes The Joker figure and getaway car; Batman figure not included.

Seems simple enough? Agreed. We’ll keep going. This is the toy’s suggested age range:

Age Scale: 3-8 years.

Whoa! Back up a second. THIS is where we need to spend a moment or two. Because if you’re like me, you’ve often wondered how toy manufacturers can attribute a suggested age range that spans five (5) years. I mean, really? Are you honestly telling me that a 3-year-old will love this playset just as much as an 8-year-old? And, that they’d both find amusement and enjoyment… even though they’re eons apart – maturity and skill-wise?

Fisher-Price’s Answer: YES.

So, I decided to test that theory. Of course, I don’t actually have an 8-year-old on hand, but I do have a very meticulous, calculating and curious 5-year-old, who has been playing with toys out of his age range since he was born. In fact, we only had a handful of toys to pass down to Reid, because Ryder has been taking toys apart to understand their underlying mechanisms since he was born.

First, I gave Reid some alone time with the Fun House. Not having been previously exposed to Batman (I think he’s a little young for the violence and mature themes), he immediately identified The Joker as a “Boogeyman” whose “Mouth is dirty. Clean his mouth.”

Then, he proceeded to bang away at the playset; laughing like a maniac when the giant hammer slammed down, speeding the getaway car back and forth, and having a conversation with the toy when its voicebox was activated and The Joker cackled with delight. (It was a struggle to put the toy away after play time as Reid insisted on bringing it to bed with him – a good sign that it was thoroughly enjoyed. Did you spot the “Peek-a-Boo” moment above?)…

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Filed Under: Family Tagged With: #FisherPriceMoms, Fisher Price, Imaginext The Joker's Fun House, toy review

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Lena Almeida

Toronto Blogger, Social Media Strategist for Listen to Lena Inc. Television & Radio Personality, Columnist and Speaker. Family Travel Expert. Star Wars Fanatic. Perfecting the Art of Conversuasion. Read More…

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