Category: goodies

NKT Cyber Monday Top Picks

by Jen Rabulan-Bertram

I hope everyone had a very Happy Thanksgiving!  I took an unexpected, but much needed hiatus to focus on our family and home, but it’s always great to get back into the swing of things.

Now that the turkey and leftovers are a fond memory, it’s time to start wrapping all of those Black Friday finds.  What? You didn’t make it out on Black Friday? You, too, can score great deals today, just like many of us crazies did in the wee hours of Black Friday.  And in some cases, the deals are comparable or even better, considering you don’t have to wake up at 3am to deal with crowds.

There are tons and tons of deals all over the web all day today, toys included, but here are NKT’s top Cyber Monday Picks:

  • DisneyStore.com has a great sale for Cyber Monday.  You can save up to 25% Extra + Free Shipping, and if you buy more, you can save more.  Take an extra 25% off $125+ orders, 20% off $100+ orders, 15% off $75+ orders or 10% off $50+ orders on Cyber Monday. Plus get free shipping on all orders with coupon code CYBER. These cool Toy Story 3 bookends, which weren’t on sale on Black Friday, are currently on my list for the kid’s playroom.  Not really a toy, but a unique, but functional way to fulfill a want for Toy Story fans.
  • Macys.com has one of the best big department Cyber Monday deals. For today only, they’re offering free shipping for purchases over $75.  Use the code CYBER
    Only caveat? As with all major sales, you have to act quick. My pick for a great Macy’s pick, is this boy’s 4-n-1 Jacket System from Hawke & Co. for just $35. I bought a similar jacket for a bargain at Marshall’s, but this online steal is a great deal. As of 11am, this jacket was still available.

 

  • Barnes and Noble has quite a selection of DVDs for super cheap right now. These oldies but goodies would make perfect stocking stuffers. Horton Hears a Who and an older version of Green Lantern for under $5
  • Game Stop has a lineup of games on sale for Cyber Monday, but my pick is Just Dance.  Of course, you can’t forget the ubiquitous video games. A big, big trend for this holiday season are the awesome dance games, which are perfect for family gifts.  At just $30, this highly-rated dance game is sure to pick a hot gift for the entire dancing crew.
  • Think Geek is, hands down, one of our family’s favorite novelty shops. These guys have a penchant for curating the most interesting geeky gadgets and gift. Who wouldn’t appreciate plush bacon or wifi detecting hats?  They’re offering free shipping to contiguous 48 states w/ the code, CYBERMONDAY10 or -$10 on $30+ orders w/ CYBERMONDAY10.
  • Amazon is expected to be one of the powerhouse online retailers for Cyber Monday. They’re offering all kinds of great deals, but the Crayola Glow Explosion for $15.98 is my top pick.

Beyond toys and media, the kids need clothes, too, right?

  • JanieandJack.com is offering 20% off until midnight.  Sweater dresses and leggings for the girlies.  Need I say more?
  • With 50% off of everything in-store, I scored big time on Black Friday at the Gap for, ahem, myself.  But, for Cyber Monday Gap has 10% off  the code CYBER10 and free shipping for purchases over $50.  My top picks are this animal print coat and this sparkly scalloped dress for baby girls are both half off.  Add that 10% off and free shipping for over $50, you can’t go wrong at Baby Gap.
  • Those sweater dresses and leggings need boots, too!  Piperlime is also offering 20% off for Cyber Monday.  Check out thse adorable purple boots.  I need a pair for me!  For 20% off at Piperlime, be sure to enter Lucky20
  • 77Kids, as I’ve said before, is my new g0-to retailer for boys clothes.  I dress my guy in classic clothes with an edge, and 77Kids certainly fits that style.  77Kids and their sister stores, ae.com, aerie.com, are offering 20% off with Discount Code 45838295
    Quality, but affordable snowboots for the boy have been on my must-buy list for the kid, so I’m hoping to scoop these Sorel boots today to take advantage of the Cyber Monday deals at 77Kids.  Whether you live in the city or country and you get a good amount of snow, good snowboots are something I highly recommend in investing.  Cold, frozen feet + kids are a soggy mix.
    And while you’re there, be sure to design your own snowflake for childrens’ hospitals. 
  • The teens on my list are usually the hardest to shop for these days. Aside from video games, electronics and money, what else do they ask for? Tough one, right?
    The teens in our family have their specific likes and wants, but for the most part, they all love music. Maybe Hot Topic isn’t a store for everyone, but you can’t beat the deal they have on music tees. Get two music tees for just $50. For today only, they’re offering free shipping on orders $50 or more. I’m loving this Rush tee for girls and Willie is always timeless.  Discounts for music tees and free shipping are automatically applied to the shopping cart.

Happy Shopping, everyone!

 

Gabbing with Gabba

by Jen Rabulan-Bertram

Slowly but surely, I’m owning up to the freelance writer part of my bio—at least I’m trying.  Besides NKT, I’ve been writing, interviewing and pitching stories every chance I get.  If we’re friends on Facebook or Twitter, you may have seen my work appearing in a few places, with New York Family as a recent example.  I’m super excited about an upcoming article that’s slated to appear in a few weeks on a major parenting website.

Much of my work on NKT has provided for a myriad of cool opportunities, which includes interviewing kid-centric personalities and celebrities.  My latest interview was with Christian Jacobs, the co-creator of Yo Gabba Gabba and frontman of The Aquabats.  Jacobs dished about his favorite NYC spots and quelled my curiosity about Foofa’s inspiration.  (Do any of you guys remember The Barbapapas?)

As originally seen on NewYorkFamily.com:

Gabbing With Gabba

Christian Jacobs, co-creator of the wildly popular and music-centric kid’s show, Yo Gabba Gabba, is also one of the guys behind the masked rock band, The Aquabats. The Aquabats recently released the three-song digital EP, Radio Down! which features guest vocals from hip hop legend Biz Markie. Comprised of MC Bat Commander (vocals), Crash McLarson (bass), Jimmy The Robot (keyboards / saxophone), Ricky Fitness (drums), Eagle “Bones” Falconhawk (guitar), The Aquabats have been entertaining audiences—young and old—for 16 years with their witty and eclectic sets.

Christian Jacobs aka MC Bat Commander dishes about their costumes, “Pool Party,” and his favorite NYC spots to bring the kids.

Click after the jump for the complete Q&A.

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White House to Bring Salad Bars to 5,000 Schools

by Jen Rabulan-Bertram

According to Grist.org, the White House is expecting to announce an initiative that will bring salad bars to 5,000 public schools nationwide.  Underscoring Mrs. Obama’s LetsMove.org campaign for making healthier choices, this salad bar concept is sure to mix things up.

salad bar

 

One potential obstacle to the program is the refusal of many school districts to install salad bars for food-safety reasons and because of cumbersome USDA rules governing the federally subsidized school lunch program that feeds some 31 million U.S. school children every day.

With cost, food-safety and the way some kids are conditioned to feel about veggies, I have no doubt the salad bar concept in schools will bring as much criticism as it will bring praise.  I loved reading that Whole Foods partnered with a coalition that teamed with the produce industry to raise  $1.4 million from customers to establish a grant program that would place salad bars in qualifying schools.

One important statistic I found while researching this topic: according to a UCLA study done in 2007, elementary schools can significantly increase the frequency of fruit and vegetable consumption among low-income students by providing a lunch salad bar.

Now, that’s food for thought.

I appreciate the idea to bring more salads to kids, but can it be executed in a way that works all around?  Again, the actual announcement isn’t expected until Monday, but I’ll be watching for the official news.

Thinking Outside the Business Box with PictureIt Postage

by Jen Rabulan-Bertram

When I left my full-time job as an editor two years ago, I did it with the intention of building a freelance writing career to hone my passion.  It was a big step emotionally and financially, but professionally as well.  Most of my freelance ventures are hinged upon my blogging and social media efforts.  For me, like many of my blogging colleagues, it started out with a name that we’re continuing to build a brand around.  For some, it’s more orchestrated than others.  For others, it’s evolved much more organically.

For those who treat their blogs as a business, making connections, building relationships and carving out our own niches seems to be the name of the game in this blogging realm.  Most days, I have no idea what I’m doing; and like writer’s block, it can plague me for a while, and then, I’m inspired by those around me.  Like any small business, it’s all about figuring out what works, and doing it well.

When my friends at The Motherhood asked me to check out PictureIt Postage for business, the timing was so impeccable. Not only have I been plotting out my family’s holiday cards, but I’ve also been brainstorming my business holiday cards.

In the several years that I’ve been blogging so far, this year has most certainly been my most productive.  In the grand scheme of things, it might not mean much, but for me, I couldn’t be happier.  And most of that can be attributed to my blogging friends who have helped or collaborated with me along the way, but also for the pr pros, company executives who have helped me make my job come to fruition.

Picture 13

 

So what does this have to do with postage you’re wondering?  A lot, actually.  Like many bloggers and editors, I get packages and mail every day; however, it’s rare when I actually get “real” business correspondence.  I’m not talking about a printed information sheet that comes with a product sample.  I’m talking about a genuine, hand-written note from a company.  I’ve always been one for handwritten and personalized correspondence, and this holiday season is no exception.  Who doesn’t love receiving hand written, personalized note in their pile of bills and junk mail?

PictureIt Postage is a cool way to personalize postage: perfect for families seeking a fun way to mail letters, cards and packages, it’s also a great way to mail business letters, cards and other mailings.  I can’t think of a better way to say thank you or send holiday greetings to colleagues and completing the package with a branded logo or a fun graphic to complete the package. I actually have something fun in mind for a few holiday business mailings (I won’t ruin the surprise here, though.)


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‘Tangled’ to Unravel at Theaters on November 24

by Jen Rabulan-Bertram

In more movie news, maybe you’ve heard about another Disney flick that’s slated to hit screens in just a few weeks?  Y’know, the one that’s touting hair-raising adventures and quite literally, a lot of hair?  As in, 70 feet of golden hair.

Tangled, which is poised to be another Disney classic, is set to be released on November 24th, over the Thanksgiving holiday weekend.  Tangled follows the misadventures of Rapunzel, voiced by the dynamic Mandy Moore, and her “prince charming,” or rather, her unsuspecting hostage, Flynn Ryder, who is voiced by Zachary Levi, the handsome geek of NBC’s Chuck (one of my favorite shows.)

 

As an all-around Disney fan, I can’t wait to check Tangled out!  I’m looking forward to seeing the modern-day interpretation of Rapunzel, as I’m sure many of you guys are too!  I will be hitting a screening of the movie next week, so be on the look out for my thoughts and reviews, and maybe a surprise, too.
Speaking of which, Disney is spreading the Tangled excitement with a giveaway!

First Look: the New Muppets Movie

by Jen Rabulan-Bertram

Walt Disney Studios are whetting our appetites with some new Muppets awesomeness.  The studios released this teaser and promotional image for the upcoming Muppets movie, which How I Met Your Mother star, Jason Segel co-wrote and is also the star.

What I love most about this image is the action and emotion that’s going on—all at once.  (They’re Muppets, I know.)  The teaser image is sort of Da Vinci-like with its storytelling, yet so indicative of the creativity and eclecticism of  the Jim Henson Studios. The guy holding the iPhone is my favorite.

The working title of the new Muppets movie is called, “The Greatest Muppet Movie of All Time.”  The way Segal and co-writer, Nick Stoller, made us laugh in Forgetting Sarah Marshall, and with the new Muppets’ movie’s interesting storyline, plus all of the rumored cameos, will this new Muppets Movie live up to its title?

Here’s a cool quote from Stoller that first appeared in an interview elsewhere:

Basically, we’re gonna do an old school Muppet movie, where the Muppets have to put on a show to save the studio. It’s very simple. A big part of the movie is rounding up all the Muppets from around the world, because they’ve all been separated. So it’s collecting them and bringing them together to put on this big show. It should hearken back to Great Muppet Caper and Muppets Take Manhattan and those kinds of Muppet movies. Jason and I are having a lot of fun writing it. We want to get as many cameos and guest stars as possible. Jason will play a human ventriloquist, and his puppet is alive and wants to be a Muppet.

The Muppets are coming to a theater near you, but unfortunately, we’ll have to wait another year..  The beloved Muppets are set to release this new film during the 2011 holiday season.

Credit: Muppetwiki

Meet the Freaky Pets

by Jen Rabulan-Bertram

If you think all plush toys are all cute and cuddly, then you’re partially right.  Combine cute and cranky, then you’ve got this new line of plush pets called Freaky Pets.

At first glance these imaginary creatures are sweet and innocent, then with a quick tuck, the Freaky Pets reveal their cranky alter ego.

Penga from Freaky Pets
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Toy Story 3 Features Hidden Easter Eggs

by Jen Rabulan-Bertram

The highest grossing animated film of all time and one of our family’s favorite movies of the year (and maybe yours too?), Toy Story 3, was released on DVD and Blu-Ray earlier this week.  We, of course, were first in line to grab our copies.

Since picking up our copy of TS3, it’s no surprise that we’ve watched it no less than four times already.  Each time, I’ve found myself searching for even more quirky surprises that I missed before.  Pixar is well known for hiding easter eggs in their films, so I thought I’d repost the link to a great site that shares many of those hidden gems of Woody, Buzz and the gang.

Slash Film did a great job dissecting some of the most important scenes in the film that were chock full of interesting tidbits, many of which reference other Pixar films and characters, with quite a few nods to next year’s Cars 2.  One easter egg that I found interesting was the significance of the number of A113 found in several other Pixar flicks, just like TS3.

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To Infinity and Beyond with Disguise Costumes

by Jen Rabulan-Bertram

With the upcoming release of the Toy Story 3 Blu-Ray and DVD, it’s no doubt that the streets will be filled with a copious amount of trick or treating Jessies, Woodys, and Buzz Lightyears.  As a well-loved franchise for years, Toy Story has captivated kids for years, so it’s really no surprise that they want to be their favorite characters for Halloween.

IMG_1084

Disguise, a division of Jakks Pacific, has a fun lineup of costumes this year, including our Toy Story favorites like Jessie, Woody and Buzz.  Their costumes are affordable and as realistic as store-bought costumes can get.

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Trick or Treat: Yummy Earth Organic Lollipops

by Jen Rabulan-Bertram

It’s Halloween weekend, and we couldn’t be more excited!  Tricks, treats, parties and even more treats!  Since we’re all about eating healthier eats over here on NKT, I thought I’d share my (and the kid’s) personal favorite treat.  

YummyEarth Organic lollipops are a staple in our house, especially as of late with all the potty training rewards being given out.  YummyEarth candies are those special treats that I feel confident in giving the kid from time to time, knowing that they contain natural colors, natural flavors and real fruit extracts.  And who doesn’t love fun flavors like watermelon, lemon, mango, pomegranate and more?  Don’t be mistaken, these are still treats, but when given the choice, YummyEarth lollipops are our go-to treat.  I have the wrappers in my bag to show for it!

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