gadgets – Page 7 – The Next Kid Thing

Highlights of the 2015 Toyota Camry

October 15, 2014October 16, 2014 by Jen Rabulan-Bertram

Because cars and technology are paramount purchases in most of our homes, many car companies have been reaching out to parent bloggers and including us in their media outreach. As such, I’m currently in Ponte Vedra for Toyota’s press preview for the 2015 Camry, Sienna and Yaris. Dubbed the Toyota Family Reunion, this press preview has involved a lot of test driving and presentations with company executives, including the marketing team, engineering team and the other brains behind the evolution of some these vehicles.

I will have much more information to share, but I wanted to unveil this quick Q & A I did with Camry’s Chief Engineer, Monte Kaehr. So, if there’s anything you need to know about the Camry, Toyota’s top-selling vehicle, Kaehr is your guy. Lucky me, I had the chance to shoot a candid, off the cuff video, where I asked Mr. Kaehr to highlight just some of Camry’s latest developments. And since many of you are like me, tech-minded, yet cautious consumers, I asked Mr. Kaehr to cover some of the latest security developments.

As mentioned, I’ll have more to share soon, but for now, check out what Monte Kaehr has to say about the 2015 Toyota Camry:

Review: Mega Bloks Super Megaforce Sky Ship Showdown

September 22, 2014 by Jen Rabulan-Bertram

Last month, our friends at Saban sent us a Super Mega package in honor of the new episodes of Power Rangers Super Megaforce, which airs on Saturdays at noon on Nickelodeon.

We had the chance to check out the brand new Super Megaforce Sky Ship Showdownfrom Mega Bloks. This brand new 306-piece set includes a buildable Red Ranger Sky Ship Zord and features a working launcher. In the set, you can also build Damara’s evil ship, and get the Red Ranger and Damaras micro action figures into the mix. It currently retails for $19.99 at Toys ‘R Us, Amazon and Kohl’s.

It took us a few hours after school to finish up the Super Megaforce Sky Ship Showdown. For my 6 year old, it took a lot of patience and time to focus on completing the project. There’s always that awesome sense of accomplishment every time we finish a construction project. Biggie had a great time working on the Super Megaforce Sky Ship Showdown.

We also loved checking out the Power Rangers Super Megaforce Red Ranger Key and the San Diego Comic-Con exclusive Mighty Morphin Green Ranger Translucent Key from Bandai.

The keys activate special features in other Super Megaforce toys such as the Deluxe Legendary Morpher, Battle Gear and all the items in the Zord Builder Collection. And I love this feature: when you use your smart phone’s camera, you can scan any Ranger Key with the free Power Rangers Scanner App and morph yourself into any Legendary Ranger onscreen. So cool.

With the Ranger Keys anyone can enter the Power Rangers “Unlock the Power” instant win game and sweepstakes. Be sure to download the Power Rangers Scanner app for a chance to win coupons and toy prize packs now through December 31, 2014.

Full disclosure: a sample was provided to facilitate this review. I am a Saban Brandbassador and was provided with products to share the latest updates on Saban Brands. As always, all opinions are my own.

Jenkinson’s Boardwalk Set for Boo at the Beach October 18-19 and 25-26

September 18, 2014 by Jen Rabulan-Bertram

With the crispness in the air, there’s no doubt that Fall is here. With the cooler temps, comes some of my favorite activities of the year: sweater weather, apple-picking, pumpkin everything and Halloween. As a kid, I loved heading to the beach in the fall months because it was the time for locals to take back our beach. There’s nothing quite like being at the beach in the fall. It’s like a whole different creature!

Good news for those in NJ: Boo at the Beach is back! Starting next month, Jenkinson’s will be decked out for Halloween-themed weekends. On October 18-19 and 25-26 from noon-4pm, head to Jenkinson’s Boardwalk to enjoy Trick or Treating, face painting, arts and crafts to celebrate the Halloween festivities at the beach. For more information about Jenkinson’s Boardwalk and their events, be sure to check them out online.

Happy Play-Doh Day + 3 Fun Play-Doh YouTube Channels

September 16, 2014September 16, 2014 by Jen Rabulan-Bertram

Today marks National Play-Doh day, and with its close timing to back to school season, the iconic dough compound from Hasbro sculpted six schools and students from classic movies and tv shows. From Cher’s plaid back to school outfit from “Clueless” to the Burn Book from “Mean Girls,” to Rydell High’s infamous T-Birds and Pink Ladies, to Mike and Sulley from Monsters University to the lockers from Saved by the Bell and to two memorable scenes from Ferris Bueller’s Day Off, Play-Doh captured the essence of these classic shows.

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Play-Doh on YouTube

We can’t leave all the fun up to Play-Doh on National Play-Doh Day! In case you didn’t already know, the kids love watching kids play on YouTube. This is a thing, people. Some of the highest trafficked channels on YT are toy and play-based! One of the reasons I know this is because my 3 year old Godson is a huge fan of watching Play-Doh on YouTube. When YouTube was created, I bet they never even considered this would become a thing!

And in honor of National Play-Doh Day, here’s a trio of channels that have captivated audiences young and old…all in the name of Play-Doh!

Surprise Eggs unboxing toys

These videos give a thorough visual tour of the toys. What I found about these Play-Doh fan channels is that they rarely have a “face” to them. And, I guess that doesn’t really matter for the kids who just watch for entertainment, rather than research. As a blogger, I personally appreciate the faces behind the content, but that’s me.

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Kid Toys TV

This is another unboxing channel that focuses on the product, rather than details of the toy. This unboxing of Frosting Fun Bakery Playset which was originally published in August and has about 240, 000 views and counting. What’s unique about these videos is that there’s no commentary, just playing and unboxing. The musak gets repetitive, but it’s still cute.

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DisneyCollector

Perhaps the rockstar of the the Play-Doh YouTube sector, DisneyCollector has garnered billions of viewers on her channel that overviews toys. Billions! This video of the Mega Factory Play-Doh playset has a staggering 25 million views.

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The voice behind Disney Collector is, quite simply a mystery. Many of her video analyze and unbox new toys, including Play-Doh sets. According to Adweek, she has over 3 Billion views. She’s been mentioned by BuzzFeed, New York Times, AdWeek and now NKT 😉 After watching some of her videos, I get the allure. Her voice and video content are equally mesmerizing.

Review: Disney Boys’ Book of Fun and Boy Stuff-Paper Planes

August 15, 2014 by Jen Rabulan-Bertram

In between road trips and time at the beach, we’ve been reading quite a bit this summer. My soon-to-be first grader absolutely enjoys reading everything in sight, so it’s been quite fitting to be a part of Parragon’s Book Buddies program.

Last month’s Book Buddy titles included Disney Boys’ Book of Fun and Boy Stuff- Paper Planes. Both books were perfect for my six year old to bring along on our road trip to Va to my high school reunion. The books kept him entertained for most of the seven hour trip. He loved flipping through the different planes and learning how to perfect his craft.

Disney Boys’ Book of Fun is a beautiful hardcover book filled with colorful pages of beloved boy-centric characters. From Mickey and pals to Lightning McQueen to Buzz, this deluxe activity book is geared to boys who appreciate reading, doing mazes, drawing and doing puzzles.

Each page is a different activity that keeps kids engaged and unplugged. My son, who has recently discovered the joy of comic books, loves the different comic-style pages included in the book. I love how comics teach kids the importance of story sequence, something that’s of importance for young, eager readers. Another feature that I absolutely loved is the different games that can be played just like a board game. Again, so perfect for traveling or simply unplugging at home.

Boy Stuff-Paper Planes is yet another relevant title for my young reader. This book helps kids to make cool paper airplanes with simplified templates. This kit includes a book with instructions on how to fold 25 different airplanes, a pad of pre-printed templates and a variety of stickers to decorate the planes. The planes range from standard rockets to Birds of Prey to Robots—you name it, this book covers it. My son loved how practically everything is included for handcrafting a fleet of super cool paper planes. The only thing we were missing were scissors for several of the templates. This kit is absolutely perfect for any kit who appreciates the art of making and flying paper planes.

Full disclosure: These books were provided to facilitate this review. As always, all opinions on NKT are my own. Affiliate links are included above.

Review: Little Kids TMNT Splash Out Ball

July 23, 2014July 23, 2014 by Jen Rabulan-Bertram

During the summer, we can’t get enough of outdoor play. Some days, we’re outside and in the water from the minute we wake up to the minute we go to bed.

Splash OUt Ball

On that end, outdoor toys get much play time. We love sports, bubbles, biking and truly, anything that has to do with water. I loved learning that Little Kids’ has a fun selection of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle toys, but I was immediately drawn to their cool water toy, the Splash Out Ball.

Just as it sounds, the Splash Out Ball is a ball that can be used with water play. Just fill the ball with water, either manually or by submerging, and then close the cap. Toss the ball back and forth, like you would in a game of hot potato. When time runs out, someone gets splashed when the chamber pops open.

The Splash Out Ball is so easy and perfect for the pool or beach. It’s like playing with a water balloon without the mess of balloon remnants. A caveat of this game is that it can be hard for the younger ones to fill so that it’s full enough to pop open…and of course, when it pops open too early and all over you!

Cost Plus World Market Opens in Livingston, NJ

July 10, 2014July 10, 2014 by Jen Rabulan-Bertram

The day has finally arrived: New Jersey just got a little more stylish and a bit more delicious—and it has absolutely nothing to do with a RHoNJ or a Jersey Shore “star.”

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North Jersey is shining a bit brighter today with a store grand opening of a beloved home furnishing retail chain. The grand opening of Cost Plus World Market in Livingston, NJ marks the first store in the Northeast for the chain that got its start on the west coast. With 259 stores, World Market is well known for their collection of bold and eclectic home decor, as well as their gourmet and international food selection.

Our family took a spin around the Livingston location several weeks ago during the store’s soft opening for employees and others. Having heard the praises of Cost Plus World Market’s statement pieces, my expectations were quite high.

As soon as we walked in, we were greeted by several employees who were anxious to help us and show off the new store. I was too distracted by all the beautiful, shiny kitchen gadgets to have a conversation with anyone, never mind see straight.

On the eternal hunt for a statement chair for our living room, I was enamored by the selection of the upholstered chairs up front. I still see that turquoise chair in my dreams; it was love at first sight.

From gorgeous window treatments to sleek dining tables to quirky cooking accouterments to copious flavors of cookie spreads: Cost Plus World Market is a foodie and design enthusiast’s dream store. I could walk around for hours just checking out all the unique accessories and extensive gourmet food section, alone.

After my first in-person visit, World Market truly exceeded my expectations. I’ve perused the website many times over the years, but the brick and mortar experience didn’t disappoint. There’s much to be said of the vivid colors and gorgeous displays throughout the store. In terms of the customer service, I had a question about a flavored olive oil, and one of the employees who worked in a different department directed me to the exact location where I could find what I was looking for.

As with everything, there’s always a caveat. While I love that the first Northeast location is in North Jersey, I’m curious as to why Livingston was the chosen town. I would certainly shop World Market more often if it was closer to one of my favorite high traffic malls in my personal shopping circuit. But that’s just my opinion!

On the coupon front, be sure to join the World Market Explorer program, which gives you access to rewards and coupons! And speaking of coupons, of course there are printable coupons available online.

As a kid product blogger, though, I absolutely loved the retro toys and gadget section in the middle of the store. This section had all the nostalgic toys from our youth, including a pretty sweet Little Golden Books display. My kid personally loved the candy, oh and that cushy papasan chair, too!

And since it’s the store’s grand opening TODAY, they have quite a few fun events to celebrate. Per Cost Plus World Market:

The first 100 shoppers through the door on Thursday, July 10 will receive a $10 Cost Plus World Market gift card. The store opens at 9:00am today. From Thursday, July 10 through Sunday, July 13, 2014, the first 100 customers will receive a free reusable World Market tote bag and will be able to enjoy live entertainment, food and beverage sampling and more.

To help celebrate the grand opening, World Market welcomes Jonathan and Drew Scott, hosts of HGTV’s “Property Brothers,” to the store on Saturday, July 12 from 1:00 – 3:00 pm. The first 200 shoppers to bring five non-perishable food items to donate to the Community Food Bank of New Jersey will have a chance to meet Jonathan and Drew and receive a signed photo.

Full disclosure: this is NOT a sponsored post. I was not individually compensated in any way. However, because of my family’s affiliation with the parent company and my love for BBB, my thoughts are pretty biased, though my enthusiasm is truly genuine.

Beachin’ it with Paul Frank Summer Essentials

July 7, 2014 by Jen Rabulan-Bertram

Lazy summer days simply don’t exist in our house. Since we live in an active lake community and an active town in general, we typically find ourselves trotting from one fun event to another. Most of our summer mornings are spent at our lake’s “beach,” so we are in beach mode for almost the entire summer.

For us, “beach mode” entails snacks and meals on the go or packaged to eat on the beach. We also always have our beach essentials packed into our beach bag and wagon. Beach essentials include staples for the kids such as sunscreen, towels, beach toys and, of course, snacks!

On that end, our June Saban Brand-bassador box included some super cool Paul Frank beach staples to supplement our ample supply. I love that our Paul Frank pride is on display with the Skurvy Beach Towel, Reusable Snack Pack and Tumblers.

The Skurvy Beach Towel is a big, cozy towel that’s both suitable for guys and girls. It has polka dots, complemented by the signature Paul Frank Skurvy. Both of my guys love warming up in this towel after a swim or simply laying out on it under the sun. This towel can be found on Amazon.com for $17.00.

The Paul Frank Snack Pack is a cool eco-friendly reusable snack pouch. It folds flat, yet opens up to an elongated triangular shape that seals with Velcro. The Snack Pack holds fun snacks like pretzels and popcorn and is perfectly sized for smaller portions. My only wish is that it was bigger! The Snack Pack retails for $6.50 each on Zak.com

The tumbler is a fun cup, perfectly suited for either of my guys. It has Julius on the front, with a convenient rubber bottom. Like the Snack Pack, the tumbler is BPA-free and dishwasher safe, so clean up is easy and convenient.

All of these beach essentials are perfect for on-the-go summer outings or relaxing days at home!

Full disclosure: samples were provided as part of the Saban Brand-Bassador program. As always, all opinions on NKT are my own.

Power Rangers Super Mega Power Rangers Toys

June 26, 2014 by Jen Rabulan-Bertram

My big guy has been into paper airplanes, as well as construction toys as of late, so one of the most recent Saban-Brandbassador boxes we received was quite timely. In our box we found some cool Super Mega Power Ranger toys and some coloring sheets. Needless to say, we enjoyed putting together the Red Ranger Air Glider and Ultimate Legendary Megazord from Mega Bloks.

Super Megaforce Red Ranger Air Glider

The Super Megaforce Red Ranger Air Glider is a simple construction toy that took less than five minutes to construct. After putting together the Red Ranger, we clicked him onto the glider and then practiced launching the glider.

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And here’s a vine of Biggie putting together the Red Ranger Air Glider:

At $4.99, the Super Megaforce Red Ranger Air Glider is a sweet and simple construction toy that’s also suitable for outdoor play.

Ultimate Legendary Megazord

The Ultimate Legendary Megazord is a completely build able Megazord that’s based on the final combination of the Legendary Megazord and the Q-Rex Megazord. This set, aged for five and up, was a great set to build with my big guy. It was a little time consuming, yet well worth the time spent building since we ended up the the Ultimate Legendary Megazord.

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These sets are available at retailers such as Amazon, Toys ‘R Us, and Walmart.

In the Midst of Crazy, Tommee Tippee Streamlines Parenting

June 9, 2014June 9, 2014 by Jen Rabulan-Bertram

My littlest was diagnosed with epilepsy at just four months old. Freshly out of the newborn phase, he was just starting to smile regularly and babble, but he couldn’t roll over on his own.

It was late at night, after a fun and full day, when Littles’ tiny body shook with uncontrollable tremors and convulsions. After his first seizure, many more would follow, and then we spent an unforgettable week in the hospital. Our lives were forever changed two summers ago when Littles was diagnosed with pediatric and generalized epilepsy. But over the course of the two years, we’ve learned to cope, grow and work to overcome these challenges.

With so many factors going against us with our little guy during his infancy stage, I was all about using products and gear that simplified our life. From Tommee Tippee bottles when I couldn’t nurse, to the Digital Video Monitor and sensor: these products made an extremely trivial time much easier. I remember coming home from the hospital after his epilepsy diagnosis.

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Watching your infant almost flatline several times from seizure activity changes everything. I could no longer relax and parenting as I knew it went out the window. Having spent a week with caring nurses and aides who tended to my boy’s every needs 24/7, it was, quite literally, a wake up call for us. My sweet baby had no idea what was going on, but he was happy and content in his crib, untethered and at home. I slept next to his crib, watched every breath, and was even more assured with our Tommee Tippee monitor that sensed inaccurate breathing patterns. For any new parent this device is helpful, but for someone like me, who could no longer sleep out of fear and anxiety, the monitor was a lifesaver. Literally.

I’ve been a fan of TT for a few years now, but I just read that the monitor is no longer sold in the US. I hope this changes because it’s a great monitor!

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Well into toddlerhood, Tommee Tippee still doesn’t disappoint. My boy is stable and healthier, and continues to make strides with thanks to his team of therapists and doctors.

Though picky, he sometimes eats like a beast, especially when it involves yogurt. He’s perfected the yogurt “beard” and has a penchant for sleep-eating. With this typically peculiar toddler eating habits, our TT Easi-Roll bibs are so handy.

After an extremely messy breakfast, lunch or dinner, (and if there isn’t anything worth snacking on in the trap {gross}) I LOVE being able to rinse and then throw these bibs in the dishwasher. That, my friends, is one small way how I tame the crazy in this house.

I could go on and on about how TT makes parenting easier, but you get it: these products just work. They’re well designed for everyday use and they help to streamline the parenting process and all the growing pains that go along with it!

Full disclosure: this is a sponsored post part of the Tommee Mommee blogger initiative, but as always, all opinions, including crazy parenting experiences, are my own. Samples were provided to facilitate reviews.