gadgets – Page 21 – The Next Kid Thing

Party On with Perfect Piggies

September 20, 2010September 20, 2010 by Jen Rabulan-Bertram

It’s a sunny Monday in our part of the world; what a great start to another week. This week marks the kid’s last week as a two-year old, and so in the week leading up to his birthday, I will be spotlighting his favorite things à la Oprah. Unlike Oprah, I won’t be giving away a bazillion and one things to all NKT readers, but I will be hosting some exciting giveaways and downloads—fun toys and goodies that have made our lives a little sunnier.

One of the kid’s favorite authors, Sandra Boynton recently released a fun new book, Perfect Piggies. If you love Boynton’s books as much as we do, then I’m sure you’re familiar with classics like Moo, Baa, La La La and Barnyard Dance. Many of her books have a sing-song appeal that’s catchy and memorable, just like this instant classic.

“We are all perfect piggies and we know what we need. It’s really very simple, very simple indeed: a troughful of food, a place in the sun, and a little bit of comfort when the day is done.”

Perfect Piggies, a simple celebration of being unique, echoes the same, fun rhythm and rhyme that Boynton on Board books are well known for, but better yet, this one has a downloadable song that goes along with it.

The Perfect Piggies song is sung in a cappella, and has a sweet swing to it. It’s catchy enough to induce some toe-tapping, finger-snapping and definitely kid-dancing. The song reminds me so much of one of my favorite groups, Straight No Chaser, an a cappella group that’s been known to make people laugh and swoon with their fabulous performances. And no doubt, the Perfect Piggies song and book make us swoon just as much, if not more.

Want to check out the song for your crew? Download the Perfect Piggies song for free here. Oooh, and there’s more, since we’re in party mode, have your own Perfect Piggies themed party, too! Download some activity and craft sheets, a party poster and even the song sheet, and throw yourselves a party that’s perfect for all piggies and kids alike.

Perfect Piggies is published by Workman Publishing and retails for $6.95. The song can be downloaded for free online, and the book is available in bookstores now.

Star Wars: Clone Wars Season 3 Premieres Tonight

September 17, 2010September 17, 2010 by Jen Rabulan-Bertram

The third season of the Star Wars: The Clone Wars is set to premiere tonight on the Cartoon Network. Be sure to catch the premiere tonight to catch the latest adventures.

starwarsclonewars3 — Jedi Master Shaak Ti surveys the troops in ”Clone Cadets,” an all-new episode of STAR WARS: THE CLONE WARS premiering at 9:00 p.m. ET/PT Friday, September 17 on Cartoon Network.

The war wears on, and the Republic is pushed to its breaking point. Support for the Jedi Knights and their noble cause comes in the form of valiant clone troopers – steadfast defenders of peace and justice, even as the Jedi falter and the mighty Republic begins to crumble. Joined by familiar faces and confronted with deadly new threats, these everyman heroes lead the charge into a transformative new season of Clone Wars adventures – where alliances will be tested, truths will be questioned and galaxy-changing secrets will be uncovered to shake the very foundations of the Star Wars universe.

In light of the Clone Wars’ premiere, there’s been a variety of Star Wars-related events and launches, which I’ll be sure to share about soon.

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British Baby Brand Mamas & Papas Arrives Stateside

August 18, 2010August 18, 2010 by Jen Rabulan-Bertram

Beloved British baby brand, Mamas & Papas, has officially landed stateside. Mamas & Pappas, which is synonymous with a simple, yet modern aesthetic, launched a line of strollers, lightweight strollers, travel accessories and toys online and at select Babies ‘R’ Us and Toys ‘R’ Us this week.

The lineup of Mamas & Papas products that are now available in the U.S. include:

The Urbo, Sola and Luna-Mix (below) comprise M&P’s travel system compatible strollers that are now available in the U.S. Both the Urbo and Sola come with or without bassinets. The Urbo is more reminiscent of a pram, whereas the Solas has a sleek, modern silhouette. The Luna-Mix is a three-wheeled stroller that has a compact fold and can be coupled with complementary or contrasting accessories.

Light weight strollers that offer a convenient carrying strap, perfect for urbanites trekking on public transit, as well as parents who seek a swift option for strolling. Each stroller varies in features ranging from basic to reclining seat to extra cushion for comfort. Trip, Trek, Tour (below), Cruise and Voyage

High chairs that don’t compromise style, safety or flexibility, the Loop Highchair boasts a high-lacquer white shine and bright green seat pad accessories and the Go Eat Highchair is a black and white chair that features convenient fold-up capabilities.

Many babies and their parents rely on bouncers for the first few months to soothe and play. Mamas & Papas offers the Magic Astro (below), Apollo and Ripple bouncers that feature music, toys and plenty of cushion to cradle any sweet babe. With its MP3 compatibility, the Magic Astro sounds like both gear and a gadget that would’ve landed a spot on my must-have baby list.

And because babies just can’t have enough cool toys when on the go: Mamas & Papas offers Made with…Love Activity Spiral, Travel Charm and The Jumbles Collection, which look like such sweet, fun play things. These guys would make great shower gifts, carrier and stroller toys. I’m doting on the Are We There Yet Charm Toy (below.)

Mamas & Papas product pricing varies by product description ranging from the Urbo stroller at $499 all the way to the travel toys at $9.99. Mamas & Papas products are available exclusively at select Babies ‘R’ Us stores. An expanded selection of Mamas & Papas gear and accessories will also be available at Toys”R”Us Times Square, Babies”R”Us Union Square and FAO Schwartz Fifth Avenue in NYC, as well as online at Babiesrus.com/MamasandPapas.

TempleTouch: Convenient and Non-Invasive Thermometer

August 11, 2010 by Jen Rabulan-Bertram

We all probably have an arsenal of medicine, homeopathic remedies and gadgets in our medicine cabinet to help ease our little ones’ illnesses. One gadget, however, I’ve found that’s always either hit or miss: the thermometer.

Because my husband works in the health and beauty sector, as I’ve mentioned, I often get a chance to sample some of the latest products, and that includes a slew of lackluster thermometers. They either take too long, are inaccurate or inconvenient to use for a small child. Sadly, I have yet to find a thermometer that’s affordable and also works well.

While visiting the MomSelect Swag Suite, I visited the Temple Touch table, and like the cynic I am, I was reluctant to try it. Afterall, after trying at least 15 or so mediocre thermometers, how could this one be different?

NKT Does BlogHer in NYC

August 9, 2010August 9, 2010 by Jen Rabulan-Bertram

I just spent four unforgettable days taking in the events and sessions surrounding the 2010 BlogHer conference that was held in NYC. And guys, I had the time of my life.

I connected with so many fabulous people, many of whom do what I “do,” but in a different niche, in a different area… I’ve been truly inspired by so many women, in a myriad of ways.

: Jen wishing Dora a happy birthday at the Nick Jr. booth at BlogHer

One of the many takeaways from BlogHer 2010 was a renewed perspective of the relationships I have with brands. Afterall, without brands and relationships, The Next Kid Thing wouldn’t be the blog that it is.

At the BlogHer sessions, at private events, in the expo or at parties, I met some of the many pr reps I’ve worked with over the years. And in some cases, I hugged and caught up with other pr reps and company reps that I already know and love. You all know who you are. And to the people who approached me and introduced yourselves, thank you. If you’re in the business of connecting with people, it just goes to show you how important an updated profile pic is on Twitter. Read More

MoMA Adds Hoberman Sphere to its Collection

July 29, 2010July 29, 2010 by Jen Rabulan-Bertram

Since I’m on the topic of innovative design, let’s talk about spheres, specifically, the Hoberman Sphere.

You probably know it as that colorful expanding and collapsing circular ball-like toy, but did you know that the Hoberman Sphere was originally a sculpture and the product version has been used as props for marching bands, devices for physical therapy, aids for breathing exercises, and to illustrate organizational and motivational business principles?

In fact, an original Hoberman Sphere was installed in 1992 (and re-installed in 2007) as the central exhibit in the Liberty Science Center’s atrium, which happens to be one of our favorite local museums. Being greeted by the amazing 700-lb sphere at the LSC, is perhaps one of the kid’s most memorable aspects of the Jersey City facility. I love that he associated this sphere with the LSC atrium, before he associated it with a toy. Of course, now he just wants that giant sphere for his playroom!

3214276658_571fd2c26d — photo credit: CateNJ

The Hoberman Sphere, which has been in production as a toy since 1995, is considered iconic for its product design. Aptly, the Museum of Modern Art has added the Hoberman Sphere to its Action! Design Over Time collection. According to MoMA, the exhibition investigates the dimension of time in human-made objects, products and interfaces, with the aim of providing a deeper understanding of contemporary design.

The Hoberman Sphere can be viewed at the MoMA, as well as the Liberty Science Museum, and of course, the toy version can be found at stores such as Target and Amazon.

The MoMA is located at 11 West 53rd St., NY, NY.

The Liberty Science Center is located at 222 Jersey City Blvd., Jersey City, NJ, and is just a short train ride away from NYC.

Imagination Playground Debuts in NYC

July 28, 2010July 28, 2010 by Jen Rabulan-Bertram

Innovative design is all around us, and that often includes our kids’ playthings.

Yesterday, NYC unveiled the long-anticipated Imagination Playground, an innovative Play Space that was designed by architect David Rockwell. The Imagination Playground at Burling Slip in lower Manhattan is the first realization of Rockwell’s site-specific park concepts that can be designed and conditioned for any place or community, and includes a full set of Imagination Playground loose parts and a sculpted landscape, as well as sand and water installations.

According to the Huffington Post, the playground was paid for with $4.5 million from the Lower Manhattan Development Corporation and $3 million from the city’s Department of Environmental Protection.

I’ve been reading a lot of information and preliminary reviews about this playspace that’s being described as “revolutionary.” One bit of information that I loved reading about was how KaBOOM! partnered with Rockwell Group to help distribute Rockwell’s innovative Imagination Playground to communities across the country.

I’m one of the KaBoom Summer Challengers, and, well, I love how the organization has its hands involved in so many prolific movements relating to play.

I fully expect our travels to bring us to the city to check out this playspace for ourselves, but in the meantime, check out all the cool features of the Imagination Playground.

Let Them Eat Cake!

July 16, 2010 by Jen Rabulan-Bertram

Last weekend, I had a fun mini-party that I billed an NKT playdate. It was a super small gathering of some of my friends from back home, some of whom I hadn’t seen since we embarked on our own crazy adventures of parenthood.

At the playdate, I showcased a number of toys and product samples that I’ve received, but haven’t had the chance to write about on NKT. It was a great way of getting the products into my friends’ hands, and getting a different perspective while sharing some cool kid finds. I’ll be sure to write a more thorough post on what I shared and what some of them had to say. Since it was my birthday earlier this week, naturally, I still have cake on the brain!

One of the cool activity sets I featured was the Girl Gourmet Cake Bakery from Jakks Pacific, which came out last fall. The Cake Bakery is one of those fun activity sets that’s quite timely in relation to the ongoing cake craze. With the rise in popularity of cakes from hit shows like our neighborhood favorite, Carlo’s Bakery of The Cake Boss fame to the ever-inspiring Ace of Cakes, cake-making and decorating has never been so sweet.

This set allows kids to create cakes with a little help from Duff of Charm City Cakes, the bakery which is chronicled on the Food Network’s Ace of Cakes. With the Girl Gourmet Cake Bakery, kids can create a mini 2-tiered fondant cakes. Kids just add water to one of the cake flavors, stir and pour into the cake molds, and then place into the container and microwave for 30 seconds. To create one of the fondant mixes, water is added and then can be rolled out onto the non-stick mat. The cakes are then removed from the mold after they cool, which are then ready to be covered with the fondant. The mini cakes can be placed on the decorating turntable and can be fancied up by using the air powered gel decorator gun. Need more embellishments? Add the included candy garnishes! How sweet it is!

NKT Tapped for KaBoom! Summer Challenge

July 1, 2010July 1, 2010 by Jen Rabulan-Bertram

With the kids out of school, I’m sure many parents and caregivers are often in search of what to do next. You can only take so many trips to the mall, pool, beach before it gets too cumbersome. For us, even though my kid is not in school yet, outdoor play is a huge part of our day.

As city dwellers, we relied heavily on our playgrounds for not only playtime, but for our social time and escape from our small space. Most days, we’d travel to the park down the block to play with friends. Other days, when we were looking for a change of scenery, we’d head to the park on the Hudson that overlooked Manhattan. If we were hot and were needing to splash in the water, we’d go to the park that had the fun water features. Whatever we were in the mood for, there was a park that would fit the bill. We were quite fortunate to have so many wonderful play spaces in our little town.

Since we’re in the middle of a move from our beloved urban town out to the NJ suburbs, I knew there would be a lot of changes involved, including how we’d entertain ourselves. Not too long ago, I saw that KaBoom, a national non-profit dedicated to saving play for America’s children, was having a call for Challengers for their Park-A-Day Summer Challenge. Realizing I didn’t know much about our new surroundings combined with our passion for outdoor play, the kid and I were up for the challenge.

Together with eight other parents, I was tapped to be one of the Park-A-Day Summer Challengers. As part of the challenge that begins today, we will be taking our kids to a new park every day this summer, starting July 1. We will be uploading photos and videos over on KaBoom and talking about where the challenge is taking us. Because we’re still in Va. temporarily, I will be starting our challenge down here in my hometown, and will eventually head back up NJ.

As the new kids on the block, I couldn’t think of a better way to transition from the city to the ‘burbs, while getting to know our local play spaces in the process. I will be updating over on KaBoom regularly, and may post a blurb or two here on NKT or on the fanpage.

I know many of you are big on playing outdoors, too, so it’d be great if you could share your thoughts, experiences and adventures over on KaBoom too! There are a variety of other groups to check out, so be sure to check it out.

And just a note, this challenge is purely a volunteer campaign…not that I need any compensation to play with my kid, but I wanted to clarify. Get out and play!

Lego Debuts New Store in Rockefeller Center

June 25, 2010June 25, 2010 by Jen Rabulan-Bertram

Amidst a complex of skyscrapers and shopping, Rockefeller Center, a celebrated NYC landmark serves as a backdrop to 30 Rock, home to NBC, some of the most iconic art deco and architecture, the famed namesake Christmas Tree and now, Legos.

Lego lovers, specifically the Tri-State contingent, rejoice: Lego officially opened another retail location, this time in the heart of Midtown Manhattan in Rockefeller Center. Overlooking the skating rink, taking over the old Brookstone location in Rock Center, the NYC Lego Store location is sure to be a tourist must-see and local resource for stocking up on Lego essentials.

This location features the largest Pick-a-Brick Wall, as well a “big apple” Lego set and I Lego-Heart NYC merchandise, which are exclusive to the NYC store. Overlooking 49th street, the location has a Master Builder Bar, which can double as a space for birthday parties, Lego Club meetings and other events. The midtown location also features a Shop & Ship option where tourists and locals alike can purchase items in-store and have them shipped instead of schlepping them around town and on to trains, planes and buses.

The retail location drenched with sunlight and complemented with views of the hustle and bustle of Rock Center, boasts wall to wall shelves full of the latest and greatest Lego sets, paraphernalia and accessories. Because of the Lego Store’s unique location, Lego commissioned their Lego Masters to recreate architecture, art, mosaics and replicas that mimic Rockefeller Center. Some of the incredible oversized Lego creations on display include a huge Atlas replica, a cityscape of Rock Center and several mini scenes that portray life in NYC.

During my sneak peek of the store the day before it opened, I was in complete awe of the attention to detail that the dioramas and custom Lego models showcased. But it was Atlas overlooking the skating rink and the enormous and intricate Rockefeller Center diorama truly blew me away; I could have stared at the hundreds of different Lego mini people all day. Lego Master Builders have quite an imagination and sense of humor to boot.

Lego, a true classic toy and one of, if not the favorite toy in our house, has outdone themselves yet again! At Toy Fair, with several other bloggers and members of the media, I had the chance to check out their new Lego games (while I’ll talk about later and perhaps give one away.) I’m truly, truly excited about this Lego store not only because it’s in NYC, but because it may just be a contender for a special birthday party/play date/ tourist outing in the future. Take note, family.

Check it

In the NYC area?

Check out Lego’s new store in NYC and help build a giant 16-ft. Big Apple to celebrate the store’s debut. Lego is hosting a free, three-day public build in Rockefeller Center. The build begins on June 29th with New York Yankee, Nick Swisher laying the first brick and ends with the last brick being added at 3pm July 1st.