Kids Foot Locker Play It Loud

Kids Foot Locker has kicked off another great round of giveaways on their site, just in time for the holidays! Go & enter now for your chance to win!

 Our holiday season is officially underway! Our PLAY IT LOUD Sweepstakes is up at facebook.com/kidsfootlocker through Dec. 17. With four new holiday color combinations, the Chuck Taylor All Star Crayola Converse PC Strap is available in Infant, Preschool, and Grade School sizes ($42-$52) only at Kids Foot Locker and kidsfootlocker.com. You can enter for a chance to win
the entire collection, a $500 Kids Foot Locker gift card and awesome Crayola products. And if you enter your Kids Foot Locker VIP number, you can double your chances of winning. Signing up as a VIP is free -kidsfootlocker.com/vip.

Disclosure: I was not compensated for this post.

Skylanders Giants Starter Pack WII #GIVEAWAY

My son & I are huge fans of Skylanders Spryo's Adventure. We have about every Skylander figure. Its the one video game that he constantly plays & enjoys. Recently when I attended the Activision Family Game Summit, Skylanders Giants was on the must have list for family gaming. I knew this was going to be a must have for the holidays.

Skylanders Giants™ builds upon the breakthrough fundamentals of the Skylanders Spyro’s Adventure™—merging the physical and virtual realms with an innovative line of cross-platform toys with “brains,” which players everywhere can magically bring to life in the world of Skylands.
Using the mystical Portal of Power®, players once again lead a team of heroic Skylanders in an all new adventure to save their world. Portal Masters will journey through new areas of Skylands, encountering new enemies, solving fun puzzles, overcoming different hazards and obstacles, and finding a variety of collectable rewards and treasure.
Skylanders Giants introduces sixteen new characters to build on the magic of Skylanders Spyro’s Adventure, including super-sized Giants with powers to match, as well as the new LightCore™ Skylanders that light-up in the game and in the real-world as players’ transport them to Skylands using the Portal of Power that builds on the magic of the toys. Additionally, the game features new Hero Challenges, more Battle Mode gameplay, and advanced integration across console, handheld, mobile and Skylanders Universe^.

KEY FEATURES:

• Giants: More than twice the size of regular Skylanders, the Giants use their colossal scale and power to battle enemies, solve unique puzzles, and interact in the game world like never before!
  

• LightCore Skylanders: Amplifying the real-world magic of bringing toys to life, Skylanders Giants introduces the LightCore Skylanders that light-up in the game world and in the real world as players’ transport them into Skylands using the Portal of Power. LightCore Skylanders feature additional in-game benefits, and require no batteries!
  

• Brand New Skylanders: New Skylanders join the adventure in Skylanders Giants each equipped with their own unique personality, powers, and abilities that kids are sure to love!
  

• Series 2 Skylanders: Fan-favorite Skylanders from Skylanders Spyro’s Adventure return in an all new way in Skylanders Giants! Each Series 2 Skylander features an all new “Wow Pow” upgrade power, as well as the choice of more than one upgrade path! Fans can even play with their Series 2 Skylanders in Skylanders Spyro’s Adventure!
  

• Forward Compatibility: All of the beloved characters from Skylanders Spyro’s Adventure are 100% compatible with Skylanders Giants, each of their abilities and upgrades intact. Skylanders Spyro’s Adventure characters can even increase their level cap from Level 10 to Level 15 in Skylanders Giants!
  

• Wider Worlds: Portal Masters will see all new arenas and additional gameplay options in Battle Mode for exciting head-to-head play, as well as enhanced Elemental Zones, new Hero Challenges, and other features that encourage players to collect and level-up every character. Skylanders Giants also features closer integration with Skylanders Universe - the large online world that allows Portal Masters everywhere to greatly expand their Skylanders experience.
  

Publisher: Activision Publishing, Inc.

ESRB Rating: E10+ for Mild Cartoon Violence

 ^{I can't wait for Andre to open this up on Christmas so we can play! I haven't been this excited about a game since Pacman.} 

^{I hope to make one of my readers just as excited! I have a WII Skylanders Giants Starter Pack to giveaway!}

The pack includes:

-video game

-portal of power

-3 Skylanders figures

-character poster

-trading cards

-sticker sheets with secret codes

ARV $74.99

Disclosure: I was not compensated for this post. All opinions expressed are 100% my own. Winner will be notified via email & has 48 hours to respond or another winner will be chosen. Prize will be shipped to a valid US address. Giveaway ends 12/8/12 11:59pm US only

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Activision Family Game Summit

I recently attended Activision's Family Game Summit. It was an event that showcased the holiday video games that would bring families together. I was excited to hear about it since many of the games are on my son's wish list.
The event was hosted by 80's TV actress, mom & author Soleil Moon Frye. There was also a panel of expertise women. They were Nicole Armstrong, Activision Marketing Director, Patricia Vance, President of the ESRB and Suzanne Kantra of Techlicious Blog.

Each women spoke of how gaming in the 21st century can be beneficial for your children. Who would've thought that? They also spoke about the ESRB ratings & the mobile apps which are helpful when purchasing a game for your child.
We were given sneak peeks at SkyLanders Giants, Wreck It Ralph, Wipeout 3 and Angry Birds Trilogy to name a few. We were even able to have fun & play for awhile! I couldn't wait to play these games with my boyz.

In the end we were able to have Soleil Moon Frye personally autograph her book, Happy Chaos. What a great treat to meet Punky Brewster in the flesh! I was star struck!

You can check out all the games we previewed at Activision Family Game Summit site.

Disclosure: I was not compensated for this post. I received a gift bag. All opinions are 100% my own.

Zumba Core Challenge Week 3

Ok I'm going to say it. I totally bombed this 3rd week of the challenge. Thanksgiving was last week. How could I think about working out when I just ate all this marvelous food. It was very difficult to keep up with the challenge this time. I did do it a few days before but I totally slacked after the holiday. I feel extremely guilty about it too. Its funny because this is the time of year when gym memberships start skyrocketing.

Outcome
Total failure

Divine Chocolate Cheesecake Muffins & A Giveaway #DivineInNYC

Chocolate is my weakness. If there was an AA group for it, I would be a member for life. Now that the holidays are here, its even worse. It's everywhere! I was excited when I was asked to review Divine Chocolate, a pioneering Fair Trade brand. Its is the only Fair Trade chocolate brand that is 45% owned by its farmers. While Fairtrade ensures farmers receive a better deal for their cocoa and additional income to invest in their community, company ownership gives farmers a share of Divine’s profits and a stronger voice in the cocoa industry. When the package arrived, I was more than thrilled!

Since I'm not great in the kitchen, I decided to try something simple because I was eager to use one of these amazing bittersweet chocolate baking bars. My son loves chocolate as well so I figured making some chocolate cheesecake muffins would be best for us to try & work together on. It was a bit of task since our mixer wasn't cooperating with us so I had to opt to use the blender. The cheesecake mix looked so pretty.

My little helper prepared the muffin pans with liners while I manually whipped the remaining ingredients in a bowl. Whew who knew baking was so much work!

I have to say they didn't come out too bad. I'm sure I missed something but the chocolate tasted so good! We even licked the bowl.

Here's the recipe for you to enjoy! (Recipe by www.pillsburybaking.com was inspiration)
Ingredients
1/2 cup sugar
2 (3oz) packages cream cheese softened
1 large egg
1 5.3oz Divine bittersweet baking bar
2 1/2 cups flour
1 2/3 cups sugar
1/4 Divine baking cocoa
1 1/4 cups water
1/2 cup vegetable oil
2 tablespoons vinegar
2 teaspoons baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Heat oven to 350 F. Line 24 medium muffin cups with paper baking cups. Beat 1/2 cup sugar and cream cheese in large bowl until smooth. Beat in egg until smooth. Stir in chocolate; set aside.
Beat remaining ingredients in large bowl on high speed 3 minutes. Reserve 1 1/2 cups batter.
Fill each muffin cup 1/3 full. Spoon 1 tablespoon cream cheese mixture onto batter in each cup. Top each cup with reserved batter.
Bake 30 -35 minutes or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool. Store in Refrigerator.

We enjoyed eating the rest of the bars. My favorite was the Milk Chocolate with Toffee & Sea Salt. What a great combo! 

To purchase Divine Chocolate please check out their site.

Divine Chocolate has been generous to offer a wonderful basket of heavenly goodies to 3 BoyzRuleOurWorld readers! Giveaway open to US only. Giveaway ends 11/30/12 11:59pm. Winners will be notified by email and must respond within 48 hours. Divine Chocolate is responsible for delivery of prize.

Elf The Broadway Musical

One of my favorite holiday movies is Will Farrell in Elf. I have seen it so many times that it never gets old. I have been dying to see it on Broadway but every time it's playing I never seem to have time to catch it. This year I was determined. So I was excited when I was given the opportunity to review it this season. I took Andre and my niece with her son as well. It was a great date night in the city.
Synopsis
ELF is the hilarious tale of Buddy, a young orphan who mistakenly crawls into Santa’s bag of gifts and is transported to the North Pole. Buddy is raised unaware that he is actually a human, until his enormous size and poor toy-making abilities cause him to face the truth. With Santa’s permission, Buddy embarks on a journey to New York City to find his birth father and discover his true identity. Faced with the harsh reality that his father is on the naughty list and his step-brother doesn’t even believe in Santa, Buddy is determined to win over his new family and help New York remember the true meaning of Christmas.

The musical was entertaining. We laughed & sang. Of course they couldn't put in the entire movie on Broadway but they did capture the essential scenes. The boyz enjoyed it. Andre has been singing "Its the story of Buddy The Elf" since that night. This is a holiday must if you're looking to take in a night on Broadway. The entire family will definitely enjoy it.
Elf The Musical is playing at the Al Hirschfeld Theater until January 6,2013. Wayne Knight of Seinfeld is currently playing Santa! For dates,& ticket information please click here.

Disclosure: I was not compensated for this post. I was given tickets to facilitate this review. All opinions expressed are 100% my own.

Related articles

• NY1 Theater Review: "Elf"

Kids Foot Locker Kicks Off Awesome Week!

Kids Foot Locker has been a staple in my household for as long as I can remember. My son's feet grow so quickly that I find myself replacing his footwear every couple of months. Luckily Kids Foot Locker has the latest in fashion for clothes & shoes! I can always grab Andre a really fly tee to match up with his sneakers. With his favorite NBA players on many of the items, it makes shopping fun & easy!

Kids Foot Locker is kicking off the holiday season with the Awesomely Awesome Week of Awesome Gear that is also Awesome! Beginning Monday November 19 through Cyber Monday  You buy something awesome then you get a chance to spin the wheel to win one of many awesome prizes!

Our starting line-up of Awesome holiday items will include the newest Kobe and Jordan Retro IV sneakers with the coolest apparel to match, the holiday collection of Converse Crayola Chuck Taylor All Star sneakers and tons of great stocking stuffers like Nike Elite socks, infant gift sets and KFL
Holiday gift cards. After you make your purchase, you can win awesome prizes from NickToons, New Era, Reebok, adidas, Converse, Nike and the NBA!
Our Kids Foot Locker VIPs can spin just because so be sure to sign up: www.kidsfootlocker.com/vip

For more information on the Awesome Wheel, click here:
http://www.kidsfootlocker.com/promotion/promoId:5004152/awesomewheel/?SID=9029&cm_mmc=kidsfootlocker-_-awesomeweek-_-wheel-_-ofawesome

Kids Foot Locker has generously offered 2 BoyzRuleOurWorld readers a chance to win a Kids Foot Locker gift pack!

Two readers will each win a

-$25 Kids Foot Locker gift card

-pack of Crayola Fabric Markers
-one New Era snap back bracelet

Disclosure: I was not compensated for this post. I was given a Kids Foot Locker gift pack. All opinions expressed are 100% my own.

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Zumba Fitness Core Challenge Week 2

Well it was my 2nd week doing the Zumba Fitness Core challenge. I will admit that it has been difficult to motivate myself to do it. I'm not used to working out. I still feel awkward doing some moves. I realize I'm so uncoordinated.
I really enjoy the Latin music. It makes me feel like I'm at a club. Even though I don't understand the lyrics the rhythm gets you! It keeps you moving.

I'm hoping after a few months of doing this my abs will get to look like the models in the video. What I do like about this game version is the new calorie tracking. The game keeps track of calories burned, overall rank and a technique score.

Outcome
I have found myself getting a little more limber and not so stiff. Definitely have been feeling sore in my back & ab areas, which I guess its a good thing. I'm waking up those unused muscles! Now its going to be a challenge with Thanksgiving this week. I have to keep focused.

The Heart of Christmas DVD Review & #Giveaway

I was given an opportunity to preview a new DVD release The Heart of Christmas. I was intrigued by it because it is inspired by a true story of a young boy Dax who is diagnosed with a rare form of leukemia at 13 months old. I woke up early one morning before my boyz, so I decided to watch it. Little did I know, I would be in tears within an hour into the film.

Synopsis

The Heart of Christmas tells the story of Austin and Julie Locke, who are devastated to learn that their young son, Dax, has been diagnosed with cancer. With courage, determination and faith, they decide to give Dax one last Christmas – even if it has to be in October. When the community sees the holiday decorations and learns the heartbreaking truth, what happens next is a miraculous outpouring of care and support. The Heart of Christmas will touch your heart and bring home the spirit of the holidays.

This movie was heart breaking. I could never imagine what it would feel like to have a child stricken with cancer. I also appreciated the story line of Candace Cameron-Bure. She is a working mother who is so engrossed into her business that she neglects her home life with her husband and children. It takes a chance meeting of some kind neighbors decorating Dax's home with Christmas ornaments on Halloween that changes her life. She realizes there are bigger things to worry about & we need to relish every moment now that we have with our loved ones.

You can find more information on this amazing little boy you can visit the Dax Locke Foundation.

One lucky reader will win their own DVD copy of The Heart of Christmas

Disclosure: I was not compensated for this post. I was offered a screener copy. All opinions expressed are 100% my own.

Operation Christmas Child #OCCGiving

After experiencing Hurricane Sandy a few weeks ago, it definitely has made me more appreciative of what my family & I have. I have been explaining to my son what it means to give back now especially during the holidays and how we need to be grateful.
We are taking part in Operation Christmas Child. Operation Christmas Child is a non-profit organization that has been working since 1993 to bring shoe boxes of gifts to children in need all over the world. National Collection week started November 12 and ends on the 19th.  Their goal this year is to surpass 100 million boxes since their inception so they are asking for help from anyone who can. It's very simple to make one little kid very happy this season.

How To Pack a Shoe Box

• Use an empty shoe box (standard size, please) or a small plastic container. You can wrap the box (lid separately), but wrapping is not required. Most importantly, pray for the child who will receive your gift.

• Determine whether your gift will be for a boy or a girl, and the child’s age category: 2-4, 5-9, or 10-14. Print out the appropriate boy/girl label by downloading the artwork to the right. Mark the correct age category on the label, and tape the label to the top of your box.

• Fill the box with a variety of gifts that will bring delight to a child. Use the gift ideas provided on the bottom of this page.

• Please donate $7 or more for each shoe box you prepare to help cover shipping and other project costs. You can give online by using our “Follow Your Box Donation” option, or you can write a check to Samaritan’s Purse (note “OCC” on memo line) and place it in an envelope on top of the gift items inside your box. If you or your family are preparing more than one shoe box, please make one combined donation.

• Place a rubber band around each closed shoe box and drop it off at the collection center nearest you during our collection week, November 12-19, 2012.

For locations and hours of collection visit our Drop-Off Locations page where you can find the nearest place to take your shoe box by entering your ZIP Code or you can call 1-800-353-5949.

You can also send your shoe box gift to:
Samaritan’s Purse
Operation Christmas Child
801 Bamboo Road
Boone, NC 28607

Our box is almost complete and we're looking forward to dropping it off this weekend. It's been a great learning experience for my son & I. He's always had a good heart but I know now its expanded a bit because of his generosity and caring for others.

This holiday season build a box with your family to teach kindness, compassion, and generosity.

Operation Christmas Child and influencer marketing platform BlogFrog have teamed up with 200 bloggers like me to spread the word about this great cause. 

BlogFrog will match the first 200 boxes that are built.  Pledge your commitment below to build a box today on Facebook or Twitter!

This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Operation Christmas Child. The opinions expressed are all mine.

Wordless Wednesday

One of our favorite trips this summer #NYCSI

ZUMBA Fitness Core 4 Week Challenge

By now you must have heard of an exercise craze called Zumba, right? You may know someone that does it or maybe you have done it. I've taken a few classes and I have to admit its exhilarating. The high paced, up beat music make for an enthusiastic time! So when I was given the opportunity to take the Zumba Fitness Core 4 Week Challenge on Xbox Kinect, I jumped at the chance!

Game Overview

Get ready to rock your core! Zumba® Fitness Core is the latest release in the best-selling video
game franchise that has sold more than eight million players on the exhilarating Zumba® Fitness
interactive workout. As the only fitness game that targets your core, Zumba® Fitness Core
is specifically designed to deliver the tight and toned abs that women crave. This energizing
dance-fitness party features fresh music and choreography, new dance styles and fitness
features, plus cool new venues and celebrity Zumba® instructors who can help you reach your
personal goals as you dance your way towards that sexy six pack!

Week 1 - November 5-11

So I have to say that I was a bit rusty. I figured since I did Zumba before, I should be almost like a pro! So I went for the high intensity class first. Umm yea no! I am so the amateur! Just because this is a video game, doesn't mean its any less easier than a real class. The music is awesome as expected. There are a few that don't quite get me motivated as much, but I really prefer the Latin songs. My son even tried doing some moves with me but then just monitored my avatar to make sure I was hitting all the moves correctly. It was very intense so I now know to start off on the lower level first. I need to build up my stamina since I am out of shape.
I look forward to the next 3 weeks especially since Thanksgiving will be near the end of it. I will definitely need to Zumba that turkey off my waist! 

Outcome

After a week of doing Zumba, I haven't noticed much change yet pertaining to weight. However I do see myself having more motivation and energy. I'm not as tired as I normally am after working all day. I have been using it in the evening so I may try to switch it to the morning before I head out to work. We'll see if it makes a big difference!

You can follow me along my journey via Twitter using Hastag #ZumbaFitnessCore. If you're using the game too then share your progress with me!

Disclosure: I received a video game to facilitate this review & the 4 week challenge. All opinions expressed are 100% my own.

Disney On Ice Presents Rockin Ever After #GIVEAWAY

Mickey & Minnie Mouse are back with their famous show Disney On Ice. I have been taking my son to these shows since he was 2. He absolutely loves them! I have to say so do I. They are so entertaining & beautifully choreographed. We are never disappointed. Now Disney presents Rockin Ever After with some of their most popular heroines.

In a new twist on fairytale fun, favorite Disney characters compete to be the next superstar in comical segments leading up to the tales of show stopping princesses – Ariel, Rapunzel, Belle, and Merida from Disney•Pixar’s BRAVE in her ice debut!

“The most exciting part of bringing a fearless and independent character like Merida to the ice for the first time is knowing that she has a powerful and inspiring message to deliver about finding the courage to determine one’s own fate,” says Producer Nicole Feld. “We think her story translates well to the ice and will really resonate with today’s audience.”

The show will be passing through New Jersey on the following dates.

Prudential Center November 14-18th

IZOD Center November 20-25th

If you would like to check the schedules for each center please click above.

One lucky reader will win a Family 4 pack of tickets
 Disney On Ice at the IZOD Center 
 any day between November 20-25,2012

Disclosure: Giveaway ends 11/18/12 11:59pm. Must be 18+ and US resident. Winner will be notified via a valid email address. You have 24 hours to respond or a new winner will be selected. BoyzRuleOurWorld is not responsible for delivery of tickets.

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Pressman's Ipad iPieces Review & Giveaway

Last week, during Hurricane Sandy, my family & I were going a bit stir crazy being stuck indoors for a few days. It was an opportune time for us to just relax and hang out with each other which we don't get too often. My son & I love playing games of all sorts. We have a ton of board games that we never get to play together since technology has ruled the world.
I was thrilled to have been given the chance to review the Ipad iPieces by Pressman Toys. This is a total new way of playing some of your favorite games.
We first tried Air Hockey. Andre enjoys air hockey so I knew this would be ideal for him. The iPieces are perfect size for your hand. At first I was a bit nervous because he would bang on the Ipad while he was trying to slide the puck. I feared he would crack the screen. Eventually, he grasped the idea of sliding the iPiece, and it became a fun time. It is a bit difficult to control the puck but after a few tries you get the gist of how to control the pieces.

Secondly we tried Snakes & Ladders. It's similar to Chutes & Ladders, but with a western edge. You can move forward by climbing up ladders but watch out for the snakes! Land on one of their heads and down you go! It was a fun game but my son hates losing because of course he kept getting a snake.

These are great games to have especially for those nights where it will bring the family together and away from the TV's, texting or cell phones. They are very affordable and make a fun gift for the holiday season. iPieces are available for purchase at Toys“R”Us, Barnes & Noble, K-mart, Radio Shack, Learning Express, and BJ’s Wholesale Club stores nationwide. They also can be purchased at Amazon or ToysRUs. The games retail for $9.99

One lucky reader will win one Ipad iPiece Game of their choice! Winner can choose from the following:

Air Hockey 

Snakes & Ladders

Fishing Game

Pool

Game of Goose

Disclosure: I received 2 games to facilitate my review. All opinions expressed are 100% my own.

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Infiniti Pro by Conair Review & Giveaway

One thing that I hate to do the most is blow dry my hair. My hair is very thick, frizzy and long. It takes way too much time to completely blow it out. and I can never get it completely straight & frizz less. Now that the weather is getting colder, I always have my mother's voice in my ear saying "Blow dry your hair! You're going to catch a cold!".
The Infiniti by Conair has a 1875 Watt Salon performance AC motor. These types of motors are more durable and longer lasting and delivers airflow for up to 50% faster drying time. The ionic technology means up to 75% less frizz. All that I need for this hair!

As a bonus, Conair includes a bottle of One 'n Only Argan oil. You can apply if before drying or after. Either way it leaves your hair with a healthy shine. Since using this dryer, I have noticed that my hair is less frizzy & very sleek. I always gets compliments asking if  I just went to the hair salon.
The Infiniti Pro retails for $39.99

I also received the Conair Retractable Bristle brush. What I love most about this brush is that the bristles retract into the barrel by a push of a button. No more loose hairs that need to be cleaned off. No more of my hair getting tangled in the brush. The brush creates soft waves, fun curls or adds body to the fullness of your style. This is perfect for traveling. The Retractable Bristle brush retails for $12.99

One lucky reader will win a Conair Retractable Bristle Brush

Disclosure: I received the above products to facilitate this review. All opinions are 100% my own.

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Chris Mann "Roads" CD Review

Are you a fan of the hit show The Voice? My son & I enjoy watching & try to catch it every week. The singers are all amazing. When I was given the opportunity to review Chris Mann's debut CD Roads from the One2One Network  I had to jump at the chance.

I remember listening to Chris perform last season for Team Christina. I swore he had the best chance of winning it all. His operatic voice would raise the hairs on my arms. When he sang Josh Groban's "You Raise Me Up" I immediately fell in love.

Chris Mann was born in Wichita, Kansas. He is a classically trained American singer-songwriter. He currently resides in Los Angeles, California. Now Mann is signed to Faircraft/Universal Republic, a new label formed by renowned producer/music executive Ron Fair.  The aptly-titled album represents the culmination of a long and challenging journey for this gifted and dedicated young artist, who’d been pushing forward against what had appeared to be overwhelming odds.

His CD Roads is classical meets pop. There are no auto tunes found on this CD. The power in his voice resonates as if he was live in front of you. He offers a soothing feeling that relaxes the mind. He plays the piano in the background on some of the songs. He does a great rendition of some popular artists such as Coldplay, Lady Antebellum and Willie Nelson.

Here is a list of the songs on the CD.

1. Roads

2. I Need You Now

3. Cuore

4. The Blower's Daughter

5. My Way

6. Unless You Mean It

7. Always On My Mind

8. On A Night Like This

9. Ave Maria

10. Falling

11. Viva La Vida

If I had to pick my favorite song it would have to be between Falling & Roads.They both are beautifully sung. His voice reminds me of Josh Groban and if you love him then you will ultimately need to buy this album now! You won't be disappointed. It will make a splendid gift for anyone on your Christmas list this season.

Roads hit shelves this Tuesday October 30,2012. It can be purchased at Itunes, or Amazon

Disclosure:  This is a review post from One2One Network. I was provided with a copy of the album and I am eligible for a prize drawing. All opinions stated are my own.

Hotel Transylvania DS/3DS Game Review

My son & I loved the movie Hotel Transylvania. We've seen it 3 times already. Now he gets to enjoy it even more with the release of the Nintendo DS/3DS game.

Game Description:
Count Dracula’s five-stake resort welcomes you! Hotel Transylvania, where monsters and their families can live it up, free to be the monsters that they are with no humans around to bother them. Dracula’s beloved daughter Mavis is turning 118 and Dracula has invited a few of his closest friends: Frankenstein and his wife, the Mummy, the Invisible Man, and the Werewolf family to Hotel Transylvania to celebrate her special day. Catering to these monsters is a delight for Dracula, but everything could change for the overprotective father when one ordinary guy stumbles through the hotel and takes a shine to Mavis.

Andre enjoyed playing the game. He got a little frustrated with it in the beginning since it was new to him. After a few tries, he got the hang of it. I even played & caught myself getting upset that I couldn't beat those zombie bell boys!

Hotel Transylvania is available now for Nintendo DS & 3DS. It retails for $29.99. It is rated E 10+. 

It will make a great gift for this holiday season.

Disclosure: I was given a game for review. All opinions expressed are 100% my own.

Fall Fun at the Queens County Farm

 

This past weekend I planned on taking Andre to do pumpkin picking. I didn't want to travel too far because I didn't know when Hurricane Sandy would show her face. Last year on a school trip we went to the Queens County Farm and we really enjoyed it there. I found out there annual Fall Festival was on Sunday so it made a perfect day trip for us. My mom came along with us for the trip and to hang out with her fave little man.

I was surprised that there wasn't any admission fee which was great. We found parking down a residential block across the street. The weather wasn't perfect and Sandy was looming about, but it made for a perfect fall day. We went to visit the animals & even bought some food to feed. Andre said one of the goats nipped at his finger & was so dramatic about it. My thinking is if there's no blood you're good to go! So keep on moving. LOL Was that cruel to say? He loved feeding the animals except when the cow licked his entire palm. I thought it was pretty hysterical.

There weren't too many pumpkins to choose from. Most were a bit bruised and broken but we were able to find a nice $10 one. Of course Andre needed a break from all the searching.

I think the best part of the day was when Andre got a pony ride. I was thinking about it and it was his first one! He's ridden on the carousel but never a real live pony. I have to mark it in the memory book!

Queens County Farm is open year round. It is owned by the New York City Parks & Recreation Department. Their fresh grown produce is sold at the Union Square Green market. They are located in Floral Park, which is a quick 30 minute car ride from the city. Its a fun day trip to take the kids. They also have an amazing corn maze but with Andre I knew he would freak out by 5 minutes if we couldn't find our way out. So I plan on doing that with him when he's a bit older.

Check out the website for their daily schedule & directions.

Disclosure: I was not compensated for this post. It is all 100% my own opinion.