Vintage Inspired Swimwear for Children By Chichanella Bella

I am pleased to introduce to you the adorable Vintage Inspired Swimwear for children by Chichanella Bella. I was fortunate to have won one of their adorable swim suits for my daughter, Kira. 

Chichanella Bella designs are influenced by the styles worn in the 1920′s through the 1970′s. They give your baby and/or child a nostalgic feel with the fun ruffles, hand rolled rosettes, polka dots, stripes, and matching bonnets. The swimsuits are made with UPF 50+ rated fabrics and are Made in the U.S.A.

I let Kira choose her new suit. The last time we looked at the site, she was focused on the PINK swimsuits, but she surprised me and picked Candy Dots (in turquoise).

Candy Dots is a one piece suit with square neckline and bloomer style bottoms. I love the finishing touches of ruffles around the neckline and legs, plus ruffled belt and bow. This swimsuit is adorable alone...but pair with the matching bonnet for a super cute look! The hat has a 3 ruffle brim & large bow (and it is too cute for words... just look at the photo below).

I'm so glad she decided to try a different color! Turquoise (blue) is so flattering on her milky white skin... and WOW do her eyes look vibrantly BRIGHT BLUE with this swimsuit.

The suit and bonnet are well made and fit perfectly. I ordered Kira a size 4 (she will turn 4 in June) and it fits her like a glove. It will fit all summer long. As a mom, I am thrilled to have so much of her skin covered with UPF 50+ fabric! Kira seems super comfortable in her new suit. It's easy to run around in and play.

How would you like to win one of the following silhouettes: Licorice Twist, Sunkissed Sweetheart, or Beachside Beauty?

Use the Rafflecopter entry form below to enter. This giveaway is open to US residents, 18+.

Transformers: Beast Hunters #Giveaway

TRANSFORMERS: BEAST HUNTERS In 2013 the TRANSFORMERS brand is getting a monstrous makeover! Based on the third season of the Emmy Award-winning animated series TRANSFORMERS PRIME, TRANSFORMERS PRIME BEAST HUNTERS finds the AUTOBOTS facing off against both the DECEPTICONS and an unprecedented new foe: the dragon-like PREDACONS, led by the spectacular PREDAKING character! Hasbro’s 2013 TRANSFORMERS PRIME product line will be based on the new BEAST HUNTERS story and will feature many of the new PREDACON characters as well as new designs of favorite characters like OPTIMUS PRIME, BUMBLEBEE and more.

Do you remember watching Transformers as a kid? I know I did! My husband too! And now our son is a huge fan of the new series. Logan was thrilled to receive his new Optimus Prime BEAST HUNTERS! Optimus Prime is one of his favorite Transformers!

Daddy was home to help Logan "transform" his new Transformer from truck to Autobot, back to truck. It's a little tricky the first time, but thank goodness for instructions! Once Logan knows how to do the transforming, he will learn quickly and Optimus Prime will be transforming often!

Transformers...More Than Meets The Eye!

TRANSFORMERS PRIME BEAST HUNTERS VOYAGER CLASS ~ Optimus Prime (Autobot) comes with:

• ionic pulse launchers
• launchers attach to both modes (truck mode and autobot)
• LUS the Star Saber is included! 

These new toys are available in mass merchandise retailers nationwide. They cost approximately $19.99 and are intended for children ages 5 and up.

Buy one today... make sure to print off this coupon:  $3.00 off any one TRANSFORMERS BEAST HUNTERS Toy

One lucky reader will receive a TRANSFORMERS PRIME BEAST HUNTERS VOYAGER CLASS.

This giveaway is open to U.S. residents, 18+. Please use the Rafflecopter form below to enter.

Yo Gabba Gabba! LIVE! Get The Sillies Out! Review

I was very fortunate to score some tickets to the Yo Gabba Gabba! LIVE! Get The Sillies Out!  I was also excited because we also got to go the the Gabba Party afterward! We got to the venue - Theatre of the Clouds in the Rose Garden Amphitheatre with enough time to grab something to eat and head to our seats. Unfortunately I dropped my burger. And knocked a 7 year old down. whoops. Yes, that's how my evening started, but thankfully that was the worst of it and DJ Lance Rock and the Gabbas made up for that with their super-fun show. On a side note - double check what kinds of food services your venue has. If you are planning to eat there be prepared to fork out some cash, nothing is cheap :)   So, sitting in our seats. My son Dylan and daughter Riley -both will be 3 in April - weren't sure what to make of it all. Sure, they have been to concerts in the park, at the zoo, and the movies, but they have never been to a live show quite like this. They saw the Yo Gabba Gabba graphic lighting up the stage and got super excited. We got to our seats about 15 minutes early and I think Dylan thought that was it - we were there to look at the cartoon image on the stage. He looked at me and quietly said "mommy, I want to go home", not realizing what was in store for us. I told him to wait a few more minutes... The lights dimmed and all of the sudden there he was on the giant screen - DJ Lance Rock!! Dylan and Riley looked like they were going to explode with excitement! Playing the theme song as each character was introduced got them singing, clapping, and dancing. The show continued on with highly recognizable songs, like "Party in My Tummy", "I Like Bugs", and "Let's Dance". The show was broken up into two segments - each about 1/2 hour long, which is perfect for young children. I could see my kids starting to get a little tired towards the end of the first segment so the 20 minute intermission was just what they needed to recharge. During the intermission I ran into fellow blogger Crystal at Eccentric Eclectic Woman - she was sitting just down from us in the same row!       The second segment brought my personal favorite - BIZ MARKIE!! He's not at every show, so we felt super happy to see him perform! All of the parents around us seemed to really enjoy it. He played for about 15 minutes and was AWESOME... His beat boxing skills are pretty darn amazing..   After a couple of other songs it was time to say goodbye ("So long, see ya later, iiiiit waaaas fuuuuuun").. Dylan started crying. A lot. I thought he was tired, but he was SAD. He didn't want to see Yo Gabba Gabba end. So I told him I had another surprise for him...

Gabba Party Package

Yo Gabba Gabba! LIVE! Get The Sillies Out! offers an added bonus - The Gabba Party Package!!

• One (1) AWESOME ticket in the first 15 rows of the theatre.
• One (1) pass to "Get the Sillies Out", a super fun party with the Gabba Gang in an exclusive room featuring music, dancing and healthy snacks.
• Hassle free merchandise shopping in the "Get the Sillies Out" party room.
• Take a photo with one or more of your favorite Gabba characters.Brobee, Foofa, Muno, Plex and Toodee will be waiting for you in their lands!
• On site Yo Gabba Gabba! VIP host and Party Patrol to make sure your experience is... AWESOME!!

When I saw Dylan crying because he didn't want it to end, I told him I had another surprise for him. I put our VIP bracelets on and we along with Riley and dad headed downstairs to the Gabba Party. We walked in and there they were - the Gabbas!! Of course they wanted to run up and meet each one, but we waited our turn. They both thanked each character for a wonderful show and there were plenty of hugs.

Then after the Gabbas left there was an anouncement - Biz Markie was coming out to see the fans! I think I was more excited to hear that than my kids! Biz was so sweet - all of the kids gathered around and he picked them up one by one, gave high fives and hugs, and seemed to truly enjoy it all. I mentioned to him that he shares a birthday with the twins - April 8th! He was super cool - it was awesome to see such an icon from my generation right there in front of me.

Then, the man of the hour - DJ Lance Rock! He was last to come out, but well worth the wait. He swept Riley up and gave her a little spin, we took some pictures, then Dylan got a spin from him. They gave high-fives and hugs, and before we knew it, our turn was up. At the show we did get a few souvenirs - two Beanie Gabbas and a Yo Gabba Gabba Boom Box Theater. The prices I noted were $15 for the small beanies, $25 for kid's t-shirts, and the Boom Box Theater was $35. Sure, you can find these things cheaper online, but to me buying at the actual show just enhances the experience. Dylan played with the Boom Box the whole way home and relived what he just saw. Riley quickly fell asleep in her car seat clutching and snuggling her Foofa and Brobee beanies. For me, getting the toys at the show will make this memory even bigger as they get older. Can you imagine going to Disneyland and not getting mouse ears? I can picture them at 20 years old saying 'remember when mom and dad took us to see Yo Gabba Gabba? That was so much fun!". Who knows? They may even keep those little toys forever... Here's a list of the upcoming shows! I highly recommend taking your little ones!

TUE 03.05.13	San Jose Civic	San Jose, CA	Purchase
THU 03.07.13	William Saroyan Theatre	Fresno, CA	Purchase
FRI 03.08.13	The Arlington Theatre	Santa Barbara, CA	Purchase
SAT 03.09.13	San Diego Civic Theatre	San Diego, CA	Purchase
SUN 03.10.13	Comerica Theater	Phoenix, AZ	Purchase
MON 03.11.13	The Plaza Theatre	El Paso, TX	Purchase
WED 03.13.13	Wagner Noël Performing Arts Center	Midland, TX	Sold Out
THU 03.14.13	Bayou Music Center	Houston, TX	Sold Out
FRI 03.15.13	Music Hall at Fair Park	Dallas, TX	Purchase
SAT 03.16.13	Majestic Theatre	San Antonio, TX	Sold Out
SUN 03.17.13	Bass Concert Hall	Austin, TX	Purchase
MON 03.18.13	Mahalia Jackson Theater for the Performing Arts	New Orleans, LA	Purchase
WED 03.20.13	Bob Carr Performing Arts Centre	Orlando, FL	Purchase
THU 03.21.13	Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall	Sarasota, FL	Purchase
FRI 03.22.13	St. Augustine Amphitheater	St. Augustine, FL	Purchase
SAT 03.23.13	Broward Center for the Performing Arts	Ft Lauderdale, FL	Purchase
SUN 03.24.13	Broward Center for the Performing Arts	Ft Lauderdale, FL

 

While I received tickets to Yo Gabba Gabba! LIVE! Get the Sillies Out! to facilitate this review, all opinions expressed are my own! this has been cross-posted on my sister site, Mommy Wants Freebies

Review - Mulan/Mulan2 Blu-ray Combo Pack

Mulan/Mulan II Blu-ray/DVD 3 Disc Special Edition is out March 12! PREORDER HERE

Did you know that Mulan was released 15 years ago? Where did the time go? Sure I was in my early 20's when it was released, but being the Disney fan I am I still saw it in the theater - and I had it on VHS (yes. VHS!)

Well times have changed and on March 12 you can get the Mulan/Mulan II Blu-ray/DVD 3 Disc Special Edition!

Mulan (based on a Chinese folk tale) follows the story of a young girl - a tomboy - with a dedication to her family. She makes the ultimate sacrifice to her loving father by posing as a young man so that she will go into the Imperial Army in order to save her father. She finds her own courage through her actions and the assurance of Mushu the dragon - her disgraced family guardian who accompanies her on her journey (along with a lucky cricket).

In Mulan II she is engaged to Shang, her former captain in the Imperial Army. The couple are given a secret mission - to escort three princesses to Mongolia to marry 3 princes in an effort to have an alliance between China and Qui Gong. Mushu discovers that if Mulan and Shang get married, his role as guardian would be gone, so he tries to separate them.

I have to say I LOVE both films. I have seen Mulan many times but this was my first time watching Mulan II. And although I kinda missed Eddie Murphy as Mushu (he is not the voice in Mulan II), I am happy about the addition of voice actress April Winchell, whom I have admired for a long time. Ming-Na reprises her role as Mulan, and she is perfect. Christina Aguilera sings the main song Reflection and it's, well,  perfection!

It's been great to introduce this Disney classic to my kids too - they of course LOVE Mushu and constantly want to watch him! Of course, I can't blame them! And if Mulan's singing voice sounds familiar, you are right - Lea Solanga also sung as Jasmine in Disney's Aladdin!

• Blu-ray Feature Film + Bonus Mulan Feature Film Mulan II Feature Film - 11 Deleted Scenes - 15 Backstage Disney Featurettes - Journey behind the scenes with the filmmakers and cast - 6 Music Videos featuring Christina Aguilera, Stevie Wonder, 98*, Jackie Chan & more - Audio Commentary - And more!
• DVD Feature Film + BonusMulan Feature Film - 7 Deleted Scenes - 2 Backstage Disney Featurettes - 5 Music Videos featuring Christina Aguilera, Stevie Wonder, 98*, Jackie Chan & more - Audio Commentary - And more!
• DVD Feature Film + BonusMulan II Feature Film - 4 Deleted Scenes - 1 Backstage Disney Featurette - Music Video performed by Atomic Kitten
• DVD Feature Film + BonusMulan Feature Film - 7 Deleted Scenes - 2 Backstage Disney Featurettes - Journey behind the scenes with the filmmakers and cast - 5 Music Videos featuring Christina Aguilera, Stevie Wonder, 98*, Jackie Chan & more - Audio Commentary - And more!

Mulan/Mulan II Blu-ray/DVD 3 Disc Special Edition is out March 12! PREORDER HERE!

Review/Giveaway – Kidz Gear Children’s Headphones Prize Pack! Ends 3/21/13

Introducing the first adult-featured stereo headphones made specifically for kids. Manufactured with the same high quality components as those used in standard adult headphones, the Kidz Gear family of stereo headphones deliver extremely rich sound quality for a variety of audio content - DVDs, MP3s, Game Players, Radio and more. Featuring the proprietary KidzControl™ Volume Limit Technology and a built-in volume control knob, the Kidz Gear Wired Headphones are also the safest headphones available for the little ones. They are a must for children in the car, on the plane or hanging out at home.

The twins - who are running headfirst to their 3rd birthday - have a favorite item. Their tablets. They LOVE them so much, but often play different games or videos and get annoyed by each other's sounds. Plus if I hear the theme to Dora the Explorer one. more. time....

I thought about giving them my earphones to use, but MAN - those things get super loud!! Obviously not for children. I am so glad I stumbled across Kidz Gear, because these seem pretty perfect.

I was sent the Kidz Gear Headphones ($19.99), a carrying bag ($5.99), and a splitter cable ($5.99 or FREE when you order two headphones)

As you can see they are bright and colorful, and come in 5 different colors, so you can give each child their very own! I also love that they have a clip - no dragging cords - and the clip has a volume control.

These headphones have something VERY important to me - volume control. Children have delicate little ear drums that can actually be blown out with loud noises. The noise reduction is about 20% lower than standard headphones. Plus they are super comfortable - the headphones are padded and the head band is a nice resilient plastic so it doesn't squeeze my child's head.

Here's Riley sitting quietly in my big armchair playing a Dora game. She LOVES them :)

I am especially excited to have these for a trip we are taking in a couple of weeks - I will be on a 6 hour flight with the twins. Just me and the kids. I would be freaking out (more) if they didn't have the Kidz Gear headphones, but because they are quiet, help the kids focus on their game, they will therefore help to keep them calm during the 5 hours we will be flying. And as we ALL know - calm children equal calm mom!

You can pick up Kidz Gear Headphones and accessories directly from their site or AMAZON! They retail for just $19.99!

WIN IT!

One lucky reader will WIN a pair of Kidz Gear Headphones along with a carrying bag and splitter cable! Simply follow the entry form below - Ends 3/21/2013!