Toy Manufacturers Unveil Newest Products at Toy Fair 2012

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The American International Toy Fair, an annual gathering of toy manufacturers, took place in New York City earlier this month to unveil 2012’s newest toys. Manufacturers showcased thousands of toys at the event, many which are sure to make it onto kids’ wish lists this year.

Though all the big toy makers were there (Disney, Mattel, Hasbro etc.), the toy fair also included hundreds of smaller, often lesser known companies who also make great toys. The items listed below highlight varied manufacturers at the Toy Fair.

Barbecue Party

Barbecue Party game
Photo: Asmodee

Asmodee, the European leader in the distribution of board games and collectible cards known for hit games Jungle Speed and Dixit, introduces Barbecue Party for preschoolers.  

Barbecue Party encourages kids to utilize motor and action-reaction skills by having them load up the grill with all kinds of foods. Kids use cards to identify foods to take on an off the grill. They must be careful not to jiggle the grill or else it will “pop” off.

The game can be played in only 15 minutes, thus short enough to keep the attention of little ones. Made for 2 or more players, the game includes 16 plastic food pieces, 18 cards, & 1 pair of tongs/pliers

For more information, please visit www.asmodee.com. SRP $19.99, Ages 4+, Available June 2012

Floppets

Floppets
Photo: Maria Adcock

Floppets was invented by Ilyse Brainin, a reading teacher and mom from Chicago who had a vision to make cool, fun, tiny pets that kids could wear and go.

Ilyse’s motivation when creating Floppets came when she noticed her students liked to write stories about their pets. Ilyse aspired to come up with a product that would engage students’ imagination while bringing together academic and social aspects, and as such, Floppets was born. Zydeco Studios produces and distributes Floppets.

Kids can attach Floppets to their fingers, sunglasses, flip flops, backpacks, or anywhere else. Parents will love the affordable price.

The original Floppets line has a large variety of designs, and this Spring, Floppets will debut a licensed line called “The Guild” and “Labou.” The Guild is based on characters in the web series with the same name created and written by Felicia Day.  Labou is a film about three kids who get lost in the Louisiana bayou in search of lost treasure.

For more information, please visit www.floppets.com. SRP $2.95, Ages 4-11, Available Spring 2012

FyrWyrkz

FyrWyrkz - the safe and fun way to
light up the sky for kids.
Photo: Maria Adcock

From the makers of the popular toy FyrFlyz comes the new FyrWyrkz line from i-Star Entertainment. FyrWyrkz are safe, powderless fireworks created for kids ages 6+. FyrWyrkz produces bright lights and realistic sounds when launched into the sky. Each toy uses LED technology to ensure long-lasting fun.

The FyrWyrkz line includes several products including the FyrWyrkz Roman Candle which includes fyr-balls that rhythmically launch into the air with explosive sounds just like real Roman Candle blasts. 

There are no real fires or matches involved, just lots of lights and sound effects. The fyr-balls leave a trail of lights as they fall back down to the ground. The fyr-balls are reusable, providing great value for parents!

FyrWyrkz Roman Candle SRP $19.99, Ages 6+, Available Spring 2012

FyrWyrkz does not have a website yet, but to view its related FyrFlyz product, please visit www.fyrflyz.com.  

National Geographic Expedition Shoe Lights
Photo: Uncle Milton

National Geographic Outdoor Explorer Series & Nat Geo WILD
The respected National Geographic brand brings to kids an Outdoor Explorer Series and Nat Geo WILD via manufacturer Uncle Milton. These product lines promote learning about science and nature through fun products.

National Geographic Expedition Shoe Lights transform kids into little explorers. Kids just snap on the unique dual-mode show lights and off they go to discover wonders in the dark. Features 2 light-up modes: night-view and pathfinder. Explorer Activity Guide included. SRP $19.99, Ages 5+, Available now at major toy retailers.

Nat Geo Wild Anteater Bug Vac
Photo: Uncle Milton

Nat Geo Wild Anteater Bug Vac combines creativity with science. The snout of the baby anteater acts as a vacuum to collect the toy insects and bugs. Kids can then observe their findings in the anteater’s removable belly chamber. SRP $29.99, Ages 5+, Available Fall 2012.

In addition to the National Geographic Outdoor Explorer Series and Nat Geo WILD, Uncle Milton makes John Deere-inspired toy lines, the light-up Earth In My Room and Fireworks Lightshow, Star Wars Science Line, Genuine Ant Farm Brand, Jim Henson's DINOSAUR TRAIN™ and more.

For additional details, please visit www.unclemilton.com.

Glow-in-the-dark fun with Wonder Glow.
Photo: Maria Adcock

Wonderworld
Wonderworld is a manufacturer of toys made of wood which is a safer alternative to those made of possible toxin-emitting plastics. The environmentally-friendly company uses replenishable materials such as rubberwood, tree sap, and leaf pigments to create its toys. Wonderworld's Tree Plus Program plants 2 trees for every one that is used in production of its products. 

Wonder Glow Blocks - Imagine creating a play city out of blocks that actually glow in the dark! Wonderworld has created a 30 piece glow-in-the-dark block set featuring 11 different shapes and colors. Kids can use their imaginations to create structures that that under normal light will be one color, then just flick the switch and the blocks change to a different color for in-the-dark play.

SRP $25.00, Ages 2+, Available Spring 2012

Zebra Bench
Photo: Wonderworld

Zebra Long Bench - Add a whimsical touch to any child’s room with this wooden Zebra Long Bench, a new item from the collection of Wonder Kids Furniture by Wonderworld. Made using environmentally-friendly rubberwood, the Zebra Long Bench is finished in black and white stripes with two smiley-faced Zebras. Bench is wide enough to fit multiple kids.

SRP $89.00, Ages 3+, Available Spring 2012

For more information, please visit www.wonderworldtoys.com .

Disclosure: Author was did not receive compensation or gifts for this post. All opinions expressed are solely those of the author.

Time4Learning Online Education Program Review

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Toddlers love mimicking parents, especially when it comes to technology. My 2 year old is no exception. When I’m on the computer, she wants to sit on my lap and press the buttons on the keyboard.

When Time4Learning approached me to review its online education program, I was initially hesitant because my daughter was so young. At the same time I was intrigued because I’m always interested in any tools to enhance my daughter’s education.

As long as kids can click a mouse, they can use the program. My daughter did not know how to use a mouse, but I knew I could help and teach her. As such, I agreed to trial and review Time4Learning for 30 days.

What is Time4Learning?

Time4Learning provides an online home education program that seamlessly weaves learning within fun educational games for kids Pre-K through Grade 8. It can be used for homeschooling or as a supplement for afterschool or summer break learning.

The animated lessons interact and engage with students in topics ranging from language arts/English, math, science, social studies, and learn-to-read programs. The program also provides printable worksheets and tracking of progression for parents.

My Experience

We trialed Time4Learning’s most primary program, Pre-K Level 1. My daughter enjoyed learning the basics such as letters, numbers, and colors as well as topics such as the seasons, syllables, and more. The animated characters and lessons held her attention. I liked that we could skip around to different topics and go at our own pace.

For my 2 year old, many of the lessons or games were too advanced so instead I used these as an opportunity to explain what she was seeing. I did have to click the mouse for her as ours has many buttons on it and she kept accidentally activating them.

I liked the variety of lessons, the convenience, and ability to track progress. Though my daughter was a bit too young to fully utilize the program, I do see the potential and have heard many good things about Time4Learning from other moms. My daughter asked to do Time4Learning every day, so the program definitely did a great job at making learning fun for kids.

Things to Know
Time4Learning allows parents to demo lessons on its website as well as experience a trial period. The program provides a 100% satisfaction guarantee. If you have a child with math and reading skills at different grade levels, just mention this in the online registration process and the program can adjust to your child’s needs.

If parents like what they see, they can continue accessing Time4Learning for $19.95 per month. Time4learning gives parents a 14 day money-back guarantee to make sure the program works for their families.

For more information: Please visit www.Time4Learning.com to view lesson demos and more.

Disclosure: Author did not receive compensation for this post. Author did utilize a 30-day trial period for the purpose of reviewing the program. All opinions expressed are solely those of the author.

7 Traveling Tips for Families from Professional Organizer Barbara Reich

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Traveling with family doesn't need to be chaotic.
Photo: Maria Adcock

Whether it is winter break, spring break, summertime or the holidays, families travel. Some of the biggest challenges include how to best prepare for the trip and how to stay organized while away.

Barbara Reich, a professional organizer who works with everyone from top executives to busy moms, makes the chaos manageable. She offers 7 tips for families to help make traveling more enjoyable and less stressful.

1.      For airline travel, employ “the rule of fractions”. If there are four people in your family, pack a fourth of each person’s clothing in each piece of luggage.  If luggage is lost or stolen, everyone will have enough to wear until it’s found. 

2.      Consider traveling with pop-up laundry hampers for your whites and colors.  Your hotel room will look much neater, and at the end of the vacation, pack the dirty laundry and fold up the hampers. 

3.      Remember that all family members, even babies, need passports for travel outside the US.  Make copies of your passports and important documents, and keep them separate from the originals.

4.      Put a piece of hotel stationery in your children’s pockets.  Even older children and older travelers may forget where they’re staying if they get lost, particularly in a foreign country.

5.      For longer trips, ship toiletries to your destination one week in advance through an online drugstore such as drugstore.com.  If you order enough, you may even qualify for free shipping.  You’d be surprised how much sunblock, diapers, and shampoo can weigh.

6.      Bring a jump rope.  You can always find a corner of the airport to let your child get rid of excess energy before boarding the plane.  And, you can use it to exercise if you can’t get to a gym.

7.      Don’t be the only one not taking advantage of the “2 for 1 special”.  Do your research ahead of time.  Often there are coupons and discounts available for popular attractions and venues that can be found through a simple online search.

For more information: Barbara Reich is a professional organizer based in New York, NY. To find out more about her services, please visit www.resourcefulconsultants.com or www.facebook.com/ResourcefulConsultants

Disclosure: Tips were provided courtesy of Barbara Reich’s company. Author did not receive compensation for this post.

Hasbro Debuts Exciting New Toys for Girls

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On Sesame Street with Elmo.
Photo: Maria Adcock

Hasbro is often known more for its toys for boys like Marvel, Transformers, Nerf, and Star Wars. However, they also have a comprehensive line of new toys for girls. Hasbro unveiled its 2012 new toys at the American International Toy Fair this month in New York City. 

I previewed hundreds of Hasbro's newest products at the Hasbro Showroom, and was impressed with its innovative and creative toys. Though I would love to mention all of them, I've chosen to highlight Hasbro’s female-targeted brands which are sure to bring lots of joy to little girls everywhere.

Photo: Maria Adcock

BABY ALIVE BABY WANNA WALK DOLL

(Ages 3 & up/Approx. Retail Price $54.99/ Available: Fall 12)

Infants and toddlers love watching other babies even though they themselves are about the same age, too. Mesmerize little ones with the Baby Alive Baby Wanna Walk doll which actually walks in a style similar to how babies move when they are first learning to walk. The adorable doll speaks more than 40 interactive sounds and phrases, and even tells mommy, “I wanna walk” or asks her to “hold my hands, please!” Sensors in the doll recognize when she’s walking with her mommy or all by herself, and she may blurt out “Look at me, I’m walking!” If the doll takes a tumble, she may ask mommy for help.  Includes four “AA” temporary batteries.  Four “AA” replacement batteries required. Available at most major toy retailers nationwide and on HasbroToyShop.com.

Photo: Maria Adcock

FURREAL FRIENDS BABY BUTTERSCOTCH, MY MAGICAL SHOW PONY

(Ages 4 years & up/Approx. Retail Price: $119.99/Available: Fall 12)

Every little girl dreams of owning a pet pony, and now her dreams can come true with the Baby Butterscotch, My Magical Show Pony. This plush electronic pet acts like a real pony via animated facial expressions, lifelike pony sounds, and responsive gestures. For example, the pony will move her head, blink her eyes, move her ears, and let out a whinny to show excitement. The pony will actually nuzzle back when cuddled, snore as she drifts off to sleep, and nibble on a treat when she’s hungry. Baby Butterscotch pet comes complete with her carrot treat and brush. Includes four “C” demo batteries. Four “C” replacement batteries required. Available at most major toy retailers nationwide and on HasbroToyShop.com.

Photo: Maria Adcock

LITTLEST PET SHOP SING-A-SONG PETS

(Ages 4 & up/Approx. Retail Price $9.99/Available: Fall 2012)

Kids love miniature collectibles, and girls can now collect more with the Littlest Pet Shop Sing-A-Song Pets. True to their name, they sing and their mouths actually move as they carry a tune. Pets available include a dog that barks, a cat that meows, and an owl that hoots in fun and quirky singing tones. Each sold separately. These pets are part of the Littlest Pet Shop Teensies, a line that features over 100 collectibles. Requires two “AAA” batteries, included. Available at most major toy retailers nationwide and on HasbroToyShop.com.

Photo courtesy of Hasbro

MASHLY IN LOVE MR. AND MRS. 60TH ANNIVERSARY EDITION

(Ages 2 years & up/Approx. Retail Price: $14.99/Available: Spring 2012)

Classic Mr. and Mrs. Potato Head renew their vows for their 60^th anniversary, and little girls can reenact their wedding. The happy spud couple can hold hands to show off their rings. The limited edition 22 piece set includes Mr. and Mrs. Potato Head and lots of accessories: top hat and tux, holding hands, veil, wedding head band, and more. Available at most major toy retailers nationwide and on HasbroToyShop.com.

Photo: Maria Adcock

MY LITTLE PONY FRIENDSHIP EXPRESS TRAIN

(Ages 3 & up/Approx. Retail Price $22.99/Available: Spring 12)

In support of the animated series MY LITTLE PONY FRIENDSHIP IS MAGIC on The Hub network, Hasbro has introduced new My Little Pony toys. One highlight is the My Little Pony Friendship Express Train - finally there is a train set for girls! The “magically” motorized engine car comes with a conductor’s seat for Pinkie Pie. The train can change its course by simply clicking together the seven lavender tracks in different configurations. Train set includes PINKIE PIE pony figure, 7-piece track, motorized engine, railroad cart and sticker labels. Requires two "AA" batteries, not included. Available at most major toy retailers nationwide and on HasbroToyShop.com.

Photo: Maria Adcock

PLAY-DOH PRETTIEST PRINCESS CASTLE Playset

(Ages 3 years & up/Approx. Retail Price: $19.99/Available: Fall 12)

Fun Play-Doh and enchanting Disney Princesses – what a dream combo! The new Play-Doh Prettiest Princess Castle Playset features doors that double as a dress mold so princesses like Aurora, Belle and Cinderella can wear Play-Doh dresses. Rapunzel perches in her tower and her hair can grow using Play-Doh. Includes six 2-ounce cans and three of those are sparkle Play-Doh. Also comes with a prince book mold. Available at most major toy retailers nationwide and on HasbroToyShop.com.

Photo: Maria Adcock

COME ‘N PLAY COOKIE MONSTER KITCHEN CAFE

(Ages 18 months-4 years/Approx. Retail Price: $59.99/Available: Fall 12)

Hasbro’s Playskool has introduced a lineup of Sesame Street products with favorite characters such as Super Grover 2.0, Abby Cadabby, Elmo and Bert and Ernie. One highlight of the new line is the Come ‘N Play Cookie Monster Kitchen Café where Cookie Monster comes to life as kids “cook” in its interactive kitchen. Slide the window and Elmo and Abby Cadabby will sing with Cookie Monster. Kids can even “feed” Elmo and Abby Cadabby cookies which will disappear and then magically reappear in the oven. The playset comes with fun cooking sounds so kids can really imagine making a special meal.  Playset includes six “food” pieces, spatula, frying pan and an alphabetical menu. Includes two “AA” temporary batteries. Two “AA” replacement batteries required.  Available at most major toy retailers nationwide and on HasbroToyShop.com. 

Disclosure: I did not receive compensation for this post. All opinions expressed are solely my own.

Winner Announced for the CandiCheeks Giveaway

Pin It One lucky reader has won any item of her choice on CandiCheeks.com through the CandiCheeks Kids Accessories Giveaway.

Congratulations to Patricia Egbert who won by following us on Twitter.

Winner was chosen via Random.org. I will contact the winner via email and winner must respond within 48 hours or a new winner will be picked.

Congratulations, and thank you to everyone who entered!

Giveaway for 10 Retro Kids DVDs, Discount Code for TVFlashbacks.com - CLOSED

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A sampling of the many retro kids DVDs available
through Mill Creek Entertainment's TVFlashbacks.com.
Images: TVFlashbacks.com

Remember growing up with these cartoons: Archie’s Weird Mysteries, Where On Earth is Carmen Sandiego, Sherlock Holmes, Jayce and the Wheeled Warriors, He-Man and the Masters of the Universe, Gadget Boy’s Adventures in History (Inspector Gadget’s spin-off series), and GI Joe?

These “old school” (dare I say vintage?) titles and more are available through Mill Creek Entertainment’s website TVFlashbacks.com which provides kids hours of pleasure and brain-stimulating mysteries to solve from brands popular in the '80s and '90s.

The engaging lineup of collections, many available for the first time on DVD, is available at bargain prices starting at just $7.99.

25% DISCOUNT CODE

Bicultural Mama readers can save an additional 25% off the already low-priced DVDs by visiting this page and using the discount code TVFBKIDS25.

HOW TO ENTER THE GIVEAWAY
For readers wishing to enter the giveaway, please complete the Rafflecopter entry form below. The winner will receive a Set of 10 DVDs which includes various volumes within these titles:  

• The Best of Archie’s Weird Mysteries
• The Best of C.O.P.S.
• The Best of Where On Earth is Carmen Sandiego
•  Gadget Boy’s Adventures in History 
• Heathcliff, iKnow Letters, Animals & Sounds
• Jayce & The Wheeled Warriors
• Sherlock Holmes in the 22nd Century.

The Giveaway ends at 12:01 am on March 7, 2012. All information submitted for the winning entry will be verified.

Winner Announced for Philadelphia International Flower Show Giveaway

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The Philadelphia International Flower Show is coming up soon! One lucky reader has won a Family Four-Pack of Tickets to the Philadelphia International Flower Show to be used anytime March 4-11, 2012, at the Pennsylvania Convention Center.

Congratulations to Melissa Selznick Resnick who won through her entry to “Like” Bicultural Mama’s Facebook page.

Winner was chosen via Random.org. I will contact the winner via email and winner must respond within 48 hours or a new winner will be picked.

Congratulations, and thank you to everyone who entered!

David Arquette and Sharon Osbourne Highlight New Disney Junior Toy Line and 24-Hour Channel

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Maria Wen Adcock (@BiculturalMama) with
Minnie Mouse and David Arquette
Photo: Maria Wen Adcock

At a toy and entertainment industry event earlier this week in New York City, special guests Sharon Osbourne and David Arquette joined Mickey and Minnie Mouse to promote Disney Junior’s new toy line and 24-hour channel for kids ages 2-7 years. Disney Junior, an offshoot of the Disney Channel, airs March 23.

Sharon voices Mama Hook and David voices Skully on the Disney Junior show Jake and the Never Land Pirates. Guests watched snippets from the primetime special Jake and the Never Land Pirates: Peter Pan Returns where Peter Pan made his first-ever appearance on the series.

Sharon Osbourne posing with mom bloggers
and Minnie Mouse
Photo: Maria Wen Adcock

Sharon and David participated in a roundtable with a small group of mom bloggers for a Q&A session. They spoke about how they enjoyed the characters they played in Jake and the Neverland Pirates. David, a father of one, and Sharon, and grandmother-to-be, could relate to moms about wanting to find entertaining shows for preschoolers like those found on Disney Junior.

Guests viewed a new line of over 130 toys inspired by four series on Disney Junior: Jake and the Never Land Pirates, Mickey Mouse Clubhouse, Minnie's Bow-Toons, and new series Doc McStuffins.

Highlights under each series include:

Jake and the Never Land Pirates— In 2011, Jake and the Never Land Pirates ranked as the #1 cable TV series for boys age 2-5. The new toy line releases in June and will include plush, role play, and accessories from Just Play and action-oriented play sets and figures from Fisher Price.

• Jake's Pirate Ship (MSRP $44.99, national retailers, June 2012) – This fun pirate ship brings the animated series to life. The ship rocks and rolls as kids push it along a surface. Skully perches on the lookout as pirate-themed phrases and songs add extra fun. Kids can even shoot water out of the cannon or concoct a surprise croc attack.

Jake's Pirate Ship - Available June 2012
Photo: Disney Consumer Products

Mickey Mouse Clubhouse — A classic made for a new generation, Mickey Mouse Clubhouse rated as last year's #1 preschool telecast for kids ages 2-5.  Fisher Price has created a new line featuring fun and interactive play sets, figures, and vehicles inspired by the upcoming Mickey Mouse Clubhouse special this fall called Mickey and Donald Have a Farm. They have also designed a dancing Mickey who has some smooth moves.

• Mickey's Farm Play Set (MSRP $44.99, national retailers, Aug. 2012) — Old McDonald is not the only one with a farm! Mickey’s Farm Play Set Kids features realistic animal sounds and fun farm music. Kids can play with character figures and animals on the play set complete with a silo and windmill.

Mickey's Farm Playset - Available August 2012
Photo: Disney Consumer Products

• Master Moves Mickey (MSRP $69.99, national retailers, Aug. 2012)—Remember last year’s Christmas hot toy Rock Star Mickey? Now a new dancing Mickey is available to show off hip break-dance moves and even does a handstand. The interactive Master Moves Mickey features original music tracks with funky beats.

Master Moves Mickey - Available August 2012
Photo: Disney Consumer Products

Minnie's Bow-Toons —Minnie has her turn to shine with Minnie’s Bow-Toons, a series of shorts featuring Minnie and Daisy Duck running Minnie's Bow-Tique specialty shop. The series highlights friendship, fashion and travel. The new line of Minnie Mouse toys includes kitchen and fashion-themed role play from Just Play and dolls and accessories from Fisher Price.

• Minnie's Kitchen (MSRP $74.99, national retailers, Aug. 2012) – This pink multi-level play set includes Minnie's voice and realistic kitchen sounds. The kitchen features multiple 'flipping' functions such as a sink that flips to a hidden cutting board and a dish rack that flips to a hidden blender. Girls can flip a Minnie-shaped pancake in the frying pan and flip through a recipe book for mealtime ideas.

Minnie's Kitchen
Available August 2012
Photo: Disney Consumer Products

Doc McStuffins – This new series launches next month and features six-year-old Doc McStuffins who communicates with and heals stuffed animals and toys out of her backyard playhouse clinic. A unique aspect of Doc McStuffins is that unlike many animated characters today, this one is African-American. A range of corresponding toys from Just Play includes many doctor-related toys.

• "Time for Your Check Up" Doc Doll (MSRP $34.99, national retailers, Aug. 2012) – The Doc McStuffins doll comes to life by speaking more than 10 phrases. She can bring her friend Lambie to life by just using her stethoscope which activates with lights and sounds. Kids can sing along to the 'check-up' song with Doc.

"Time for Your Checkup" Doc Doll
Available Holidays 2012
Photo: Disney Consumer Products

For more information about Disney Junior, please visit disney.go.com/disneyjunior.

Disclosure: Author did not receive compensation for this post. Author did attend the industry event in New York City to preview Disney Junior’s newest ventures. All opinions expressed are solely those of the author.

Is the Jeremy Lin Fortune Cookie Graphic Racist?

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After the Knicks seventh win in a row last night, Madison Square Gardens flashed an image of the head of Knicks guard Jeremy Lin in between a broken fortune cookie with the message, “The Knicks’ Good Fortune.”

Critiques on Twitter have voiced concern that the graphic walks the fine line of racism or that it’s accidental racism.

Others are rolling their eyes saying that people are trying to be too politically correct, and the image was not racist.

Jeremy Lin is the first American-born player of Chinese or Taiwanese descent to play in the NBA.

While the Asian-American community is happy to have one of its own recognized as a top NBA player, showing Lin with a fortune cookie is a stereotype. Fortune cookies are not even served in China. Why? Because Americans invented it in the late 1890’s.

MSG’s “Good Fortune” message has good intentions, but the execution could have been better.

What happens if the next superstar is Latino? Will his face be tucked into a taco shell with the Taco Bell slogan, “Think Outside the Bun?” If the next breakout athlete is Black, will that player’s head be in a bucket of fried chicken?

Past famous athletes have been Latino, Black, and White, and none of these scenarios have happened. When athletes are lauded in team graphics, only talent – not race – have been featured.

First and foremost, Jeremy Lin is a gifted basketball player…who just happens to be Asian-American.

Join the conversation - What do you think... Is the graphic racist? Just tacky? Or okay as is?

Disney Baby Debuts Nursery, Apparel, Mealtime and Bathtime Expanded Collections

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Checking out the Disney Baby line of organic plush toys.
Photo: Maria Adcock

DisneyBaby has launched an all-new, expanded collection of products organized around In the Nursery, Dressing Baby, Mealtime and Bathtime.

Disney Baby also recently introduced DisneyBaby.com, an online destination featuring the Disney Baby Magical Moments tool for parents to upload their favorite baby photos and memories. In addition, the new website includes inspirational ideas, mom-tested tips and a comprehensive product showcase.

To celebrate the launch, Disney Baby invited mom bloggers to preview their new products. The event, held at The Palace Hotel in New York City, beautifully displayed highlights from each new product category.

Many of the product lines included gender-neutral themes such as The Lion King and Finding Nemo – great for expecting parents who are keeping baby’s gender a secret and for experienced parents who can reuse gear for a second child of a differing gender.

The collective takeaway was that these products were of high quality, very cute, and super functional.

Lion King Changing Pad Cover - $16.99 at Babies 'R Us
Image: Disney Baby

• In the Nursery – What’s not to love about the safari-themed décor in The Lion King Nursery Collection? It includes everything from a 4-piece crib bedding set, modern canvas wall art, a musical mobile, to an animal print window valance and more.  A favorite includes the Lion King animal print changing pad cover – so stylish!
  
  
  

Long sleeve Disney Cuddly Bodysuit and Pants
$16.99 at Babies 'R Us
Photo: Disney Baby

• Dressing Baby – It’s the little things that matter, and Disney Baby gets it right when it comes to infant bodysuits. Disney Baby’s infant bodysuits are the only ones with a patent-pending design that "grows" with baby; that is, they include a second row of snaps that allows another inch of growth. Many outfits also feature designs with raised embellishments so children can explore with their sense of touch. Another “Wow, why didn’t this exist before” moment includes the “grow with me” cuffs on kids’ pants that extend and provide great added value to parents.
  
  
  

Mickey Mouse Teether - $6.99 at Babies 'R Us
Photo: Disney Baby

•  Mealtime – Disney Baby has partnered with trusted brand Born Free to offer babies bottles, pacifiers, and teethers specifically designed for little mouths. Available in designs featuring Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse and The Lion King, all the products are BPA-free. The teethers in the shape of Mickey’s head are especially adorable.
  
  
  

Finding Nemo Robe - $19.99 at Babies 'R Us
Photo: Disney Baby

• Bathtime – The new bathtime Disney Baby products are so fun and cute that they will put smiles on parents and babies’ faces. The Finding Nemo Bath Collection includes a unique tub with engaging toy bar, a hooded towel featuring Nemo’s face, bath toys and squirtees, and a favorite – the Finding Nemo Robe.

More great Disney Baby collections are planned for release later this year so stay tuned!

Availability:
New styles of the DISNEY CUDDLY BODYSUIT™ are available now at Target, Amazon.com and Babies "R" Us stores. Pants Sets, Sleep and Play, the Lion King Nursery Collection, the Finding Nemo and Minnie Mouse Bath Collections and Disney-themed infant feeding supplies from Born Free are also available now at Babies "R" Us.

For additional information, visit: www.disneybaby.com, www.babiesrus.com, www.amazon.com/disneybaby and www.target.com.

Disclosure: Author did not receive compensation for this post. Author attended the Disney Baby preview and received a gift bag with samples to review. All opinions expressed are solely those of the author.

Roma Downey Launches Faith-Based Learning DVDs for Preschoolers

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Little Angels introduces learning and faith to preschoolers,
a project by Executive Producer Roma Downey.
Image: LittleAngels.com

February 14, 2012 – Roma Downey, acclaimed actress who played an angel on the TV series Touched by an Angel, is launching a faith-based line of animated DVDs, books, CDs, and apps for preschoolers today called Little Angels.

Roma Downey discusses
Little Angels at the
blogger/press event.
Photo: Maria Adcock

The day before the launch, Roma introduced her new line to bloggers and press at The Four Seasons hotel in New York City. As Executive Producer of Little Angels, she stated how she was influenced by her own strong faith. The DVD series teaches practical skills like ABCs, 123s, and identifying animals while incorporating the spiritual, moral, and ethical principles of the Bible.

Little Angels features animated 4-year old preschool twins Alex and Zoe who are blessed to have eight Little Angels watching over them -- these Little Angels "live" on the twins’ bedroom ceiling so they are the first things the kids see when waking up in the morning and the last thing they see before falling asleep at night. The angels come to life when the children need them most to help guide them through challenges.

                                                                 The Little Angels cast:

• Dina the Angel of Learning
• Charmy the Angel of Harmony
• Uriel the Angel of Creativity
• Michael the Archangel (i.e. The Boss Angel)
• Ariel the Guardian Angel
• Hammy the Angel of Logic
• Gabriel the Messenger Angel
• Hayley the Angel of Animals
  
  

Four-year old twins Alex and Zoe with their eight Little Angels.
Image: LittleAngels.com

Roma says she hopes people know that Little Angels is a trustworthy brand. Little Angels is not only meant to be entertaining, but also uplifting and educational. She notes Little Angels can provide parents a gateway to introduce faith to their children. For example, the “Roma’s Little Angels” app, available on iTunes, includes daily prayers voiced by Roma before going to an activity.

Roma's future Little Angels plans include producing materials to teach shapes, colors, and more to preschoolers. She also wants to introduce additional music CDs, storybooks, and toys to the Little Angels line of educational products.

Little Angels teaches preschoolers practical skills while introducing them to faith.
Image: LittleAngels.com

For more information: Please visit www.LittleAngels.com to learn more. Little Angels can be found at Target and Walmart. Little Angels is produced by Roma Downey ("Touched by an Angel") and writer Phil Lollar ("Adventures in Odyssey") from Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment.

Disclosure: Author did not receive compensation for this post. Author attended the Little Angels blogger event and received a gift bag which included product samples to review. All opinions expressed are solely those of the author.

Why Jeremy Lin Will Bring New Family Fans to the NBA

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I don’t follow sports. I never really have, but something changed. A formerly-unknown basketball player for the New York Knicks named Jeremy Lin has caught my attention.

Lin is a breath of fresh air - Listen up NBA, he’s going to bring in a new fan base.

Yes, Lin is the first American-born player of Chinese or Taiwanese descent to play in the NBA, and I noticed this because I also have the same background. It’s rare to see Asian-Americans in pro sports except for figure skating.

Yes, he’s gifted on the court. No one in the NBA’s history has scored as much in his first three starts. Last night he was the David to Kobe Bryant’s Goliath, scoring 38 points, seven assists, four rebounds and two steals in the Knicks’ 92-85 win over the Lakers.

But most of all, Lin is someone that dads and moms can point to and tell their children, “This guy was a regular kid, he got his education, he worked hard, and look where he is today.”

YouTube: The Jeremy Lin Show vs. Los Angeles Lakers

Jeremy Lin is a breath of fresh air to the NBA. He is a groundbreaker and a role model, someone who explodes stereotypes that:

• Talented athletes must forgo an education in order to find success – Lin graduated from college.
• Athletes are dumb jocks – Lin attended Harvard University, a prestigious and rigorous ivy leagues school.
• Asian-American guys aren’t good in sports – Lin proves if you’re talented, race doesn’t matter.
• Pro-athletes are cocky – Lin seems genuinely appreciative that he’s been given a chance to prove himself. The humble Lin jokes that he never knew his name could be so creative (fans have dubbed this phenomenon “Linsanity!”).
  
  

Everyone loves to root for the little guy who makes it big through sheer ability, self-motivation, and hard work. Parents can appreciate the positive message his story brings to kids.

The NBA now has a super star for the right reasons.

Creating an Eco-Friendly Nursery

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Minimize exposure to chemicals with an eco-friendly nursery.
Photo: OrganicBabyGiftBoutique.com

Organic Baby Gift Boutique, a website offering only natural and organic products for babies and toddlers, asked me to write a guest post for its blog. I agreed, as I personally strive to use only natural products whenever possible for my family.

Read on to find out how to set up an eco-friendly nursery, and please visit www.OrganicBabyGiftBoutique.com to view its array of cute products or to set up a baby registry.

Eco-friendly nurseries not only provide babies with safe and non-toxic environments, but also help sustain the earth by minimizing carbon footprints. Infants are particularly susceptible to toxins from baby products that used chemicals during the manufacturing process. When considering an eco-friendly nursery, look for items made of natural and organic materials.

Furniture

For cribs, dressers, bookcases and other furniture, search for products using certified sustainable wood or reclaimed materials. Avoid furniture made with pressed-woods, plywood, particle board, and medium-density fiberboard (MDF) as they often use resins and glues containing high levels of volatile organic compounds (VOC). Though plastic furniture is typically lighter in weight and less expensive than natural or recycled materials, parents should steer clear of these as well. Plastics are made from petroleum which can be toxic and do not easily break down when disposed of.

Mattresses/Pads

Natural and organic toys and decor provide a safe haven.
Photo: OrganicBabyGiftBoutique.com

Avoid mattresses, changing pads, and mattress pads that contain vinyl, PVC, phthalates, latex and polyurethane foam. Regular mattresses are typically treated with fire retardants, a substance banned in children’s clothing during the 1970’s due to harmful and potentially cancer-causing chemicals. Regular exposure to these toxins can accumulate in bodies and alter the endocrine and nervous systems.

Bedding

Since babies spend the majority of their first few months sleeping, it is important to ensure all products are safe that directly contact their delicate skin. Use organic 100% cotton crib sheets, blankets, and other bedding since conventional cotton crops are heavily treated with pesticides. For toddlers and kids using pillows, find those filled with natural stuffing such as untreated wool and organic cotton.

Décor

Many parents prefer wall decals to decorate baby’s room since these products provide stick-and-peel ease and do not damage walls. Make sure decals are made of non-vinyl eco-friendly materials which will be free of PVCs. When decorating beds and shelves with stuffed animals and toys, organic materials are the best option as babies put everything in their mouths. These earth-friendly materials also breakdown much quicker than synthetic materials in landfills.

Organic Baby Gift Boutique holds these safety and eco-friendly considerations in mind when determining selections to offer parents. For a comprehensive collection of organic and natural products, please visit www.OrganicBabyGiftBoutique.com.

Disclosure: Author did not receive compensation for this post. All opinions expressed are solely those of the author.

Learning a Second Language: Why It’s Easier for Kids and Understanding the Benefits

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The prime years for language
acquisition is during early childhood.
Photo: LanguageWorkshopforChildren.com

An increasing number of parents are realizing the importance of learning a second language during the early childhood years. The peak ages when children can easily absorb languages start at around 7 months and goes on until when childhood ends. 

What if a child waits until high school to start learning a second language?

Early second language acquisition pioneer Francois Thibaut says, “Your child will learn differently and sound differently. Language generally is stored in the brain's left hemisphere. Pronunciation and grammar, specifically, reside in the Brocas area. Words and phrases we learn before puberty are pronounced differently than words and phrases learned afterwards. Why? Because language learned after puberty is stored in a completely different place in the left hemisphere's Brocas area. That is why many of us will always have charming accents.”

Ms. Robinson provides an example, “Henry Kissinger is a good case in point. He immigrated to this country when he was 13 years old and his brother was 11 years old. The brothers began learning English at the same time. As we all know, Mr. Kissinger is a well-educated and brilliant man. He speaks perfect English grammatically and uses a rich vocabulary. However, because of the age at which he learned English, he will always speak with a heavy accent -- while his brother speaks with no accent!”

In an increasingly global economy, children with second or even third language skills will be at an advantage in terms of job opportunities as adults. Other countries have recognized this, as "All but two countries (Ireland and Scotland) in the European Union mandate the study of a foreign language, which usually begins in primary school (With the exception of Italy and Wales)” (Eurydice 2005). It’s not just English taught as Europeans’ foreign language; Sweden is considering mandating Mandarin Chinese language education in its schools.

Studies show that second languages
improves academic performance.
Photo: LanguageWorkshopforChildren.com

Second Languages Improve Overall Academics
Some Americans believe that kids who learn second languages will suffer in their core academics – a myth that assumes young children will suffer in English because their minds cannot handle more than one language at a time.

Study after study shows that learning additional languages does just the opposite.

• “The power to learn a language is so great in the young child that it doesn’t seem to matter how many languages you seem to throw their way....They can learn as many spoken languages as you can allow them to hear systematically and regularly at the same time. Children just have this capacity. Their brain is ripe to do this…there doesn’t seem to be any detriment to....develop[ing] several languages at the same time” according to Dr. Susan Curtiss, UCLA Linguistics professor. (Curtain & Dahlberg 2004)

• Research indicates that children who are exposed to a foreign language at a young age achieve higher levels of cognitive development at an earlier age. (Bialystok & Hakuta 1994; Fuchsen 1989)

• People who are competent in more than one language consistently outscore monolinguals on tests of verbal and nonverbal intelligence. (Bruck, Lambert, Tucker 1974, Hakuta 1986, Weatherford 1986)

• For older kids, students of foreign languages tend to score higher on standardized tests. Results from the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) show that students who had studied a foreign language for 4 or more years outscored other students on the verbal and math portions of the test (College Board 2003). There are at least 10 other independent studies that collaborate these findings.

Opportunity to Own a Language School
In 1973, Francois Thibaut founded The Language Workshop for Children (LWFC). The Workshop believes that children remembered words that make them happy, and as such classes do not implement a stereotypically dry curriculum. Instead, classes are filled with colorful, stimulating, and engaging action games, stories, songs, and visual aids.

LWFC utilizes talented songwriters, musicians, singers, illustrators, and graphic artists to create specialized in-class and take-home materials. Teachers are trained and certified in the Thibaut Technique (R) enriched immersion play method.

LWFC is offering an opportunity for others to open a child-centered language business.  The Workshop will train moms, teachers, bilingual speakers, and second career builders to open their own branch of the Language Workshop for Children. If a potential owner is not fluent in French, Spanish, Italian or Mandarin, he/she can hire instructors who are.  

Though most people immediately think language schools just teach foreign languages to English students, there is an unfulfilled niche of teaching second languages to non-English speakers – for example, teaching Mandarin Chinese to Spanish speaking children). This is another option that can make a language workshop stand out.

How to Get Started:
The LWFC offers 3 separate Licensee Operator levels to match any budget and business goals, so becoming qualified to offer LWFC classes will take significantly less of an investment than other businesses. Licensee fees start at only $800 per territory. Unlike other business opportunities or franchises, licensees set their own pricing, control their purchasing, and determine their class offerings. Licensees keep 100% of the revenue they earn, and there is no revenue share/royalty fee owed to LWFC. Licensees decide how and when to advertise. They can also create their own website or use the free LWFC template, and link it for free to LWFC's National's site.

For more information, please visit www.LanguageWorkshopforChildren.com or email Licensing@ThibautTechnique.com.

Disclosure: Author did not receive any compensation or gifts for this post. All opinions expressed are solely those of the author.