Always a fan of fun, free apps, the kid and I are quite excited about PBS Kids’ recently launched Photo Factory App.
With the PBS Kids’ Photo Factory App, kids can customize their photos with various PBS characters and then email, save or share so the whole world can check out their creations. Kids can choose characters from Arthur, Caillou, Clifford, Curious George, Dinosaur Train, Dragon Tales, Fetch! With Ruff Ruffman, Sesame Street, Sid the Science Kid (my favorite!), Super Why! and Wordgirl to accent their photos; the choices are endless, really!
What I love about this app, other than it being free, is that it’s so user and kid friendly. The graphics are fun, the pictures are colorful and it’s yet another way to keep my guy entertained on bus and train rides. Oh, and we have even more ways to customize pictures to assign to my contacts in my phone! Who wouldn’t smile at a picture of Grandpa adorned with a little Clifford?
PBS, you guys think of everything, don’t you?
The PBS Photo Factory App is available absolutely free to download in the app store. For more info. on all PBS apps, check out their mobile site.
Happy St. Patrick’s Day, everyone! On this day best known for leprechauns, luck of the Irish and green beer, celebrating with kids often includes a lot of creativity.
One of my favorite family magazines,Disney’s FamilyFun, features a great range of ideas for St. Patrick’s Day crafts and goodies, which are perfect for kids of all ages. In particular, I eyed a couple of ideas that would be great for dessert on the luckiest day of the year!
If you know me, you must know I love cupcakes. So of course, I have to share about the Taste a Rainbow Cupcakes, just one of the fun St. Patrick’s Day themed recipes that’s featured in FamilyFun. The Taste a Rainbow Cupcakes make a colorful dessert idea. All it takes is cake mix, some food coloring, a few bowls to separate the colors and a little patience to pour and layer each color into the cupcake pan, and voila, you have your Taste a Rainbow Cupcakes.
And if cupcakes aren’t your speed, there are many more St. Patrick’s Day-themed recipes to choose from, including St. Patrick’s Pot of Gold, which is lemon-flavored Jello served in limes, or rather, emerald pots. Again, it just takes a little more effort cutting and preparing, but this pot of gold is a festive way to celebrate with the wee leprechauns!
If you guys do any St. Patrick’s Day recipes with the kids, please share them! I love to hear all the green, gold and Irish ideas. Also, be sure to check out FamilyFun for recipes and craft ideas that are fun all year long.
In an effort to help launch Crayola’s latest innovation, Glow Explosion, The Crayola Glowtrotters (a.k.a. Harlem Globetrotters) took to the floor at MaST Community Charter School and played the first-ever glow-in-the-dark basketball game.
From glowing basketballs to nets to rims to children’s drawings, the Globetrotter’s game gave kids a front row see to glow-in-the-dark creativity.
Crayola’s new Glow Explosion can create drawings that glow like glow sticks in the dark, as well as create lights. Kids use the Glow Markers to create their drawings on special paper. Then, use the Glow Activator to supercharge the art. The drawings can then glow in the dark for up to 4 hours. Glow Explosion is non-toxic and is recommended for ages 6 and up.
I loved the idea behind the glow-in-the-dark basketball game to launch this cool new product; I can only imagine how much laughter filled that gymnasium! I’m such a fan of Crayola, that I can’t wait to learn more about Glow Explosion. As always, as soon as I find out more, including release dates, I’ll be sure to share!
A few weeks ago, I doted on the cuteness of the teeny tiny trend at Toy Fair, but I left out one tiny toy in specific, simply because I think it deserves its own post. Zibits might be small in size, but they’re big enough to warrant their own post for being so cute.
At just 2-inches, Zibits from Senario, the new remote controlled miniature robots, might be small in size, but are big on fun.
Check out the size of this Zibit in comparison to the Blackberry:
I had the chance to meet with Mike Nakamura, the founder and CEO Senario to learn more about Zibits firsthand. After talking to Mike, I learned that there’s already been a lot interest in Zibits from kids (and adults) of all ages.
Chuggington fans, be sure to hop onboard for Disney Channel’s Chuggington marathon this Sunday, March 14. The marathon begins at 6 a.m. and runs until 10:30. They’re calling for rain all weekend, so I can’t think of a better way to spend a rainy Sunday.
The train-centric, CGI-animated show that premiered in the U.S. in January has been quite a hit. Just from the reactions I’ve seen on Facebook and Twitter, I know many of you are big fans of the show, just like us. I wrote a detailed post a few months ago about my first impression of the show. So, in case you haven’t seen Chuggington, be sure to check out my post for a preview and a quick review. I’m happy to report that the kid can not only pronounce “Chuggington,” but he asks to watch it often.
So, in case you’ve missed an episode or two, you’ll be able to catch up on Koko, Brewster and Wilson’s adventures with the nine back-to-back episodes of Chuggington scheduled to air on the Disney Channel this Sunday.
The dust, or rather, the snow may be settling now that the Olympics are over. And while a handful of Olympians are making the rounds touting their medals, one Olympian is speaking about what she’s learned.
When Lindsey Jacobellis is mentioned, some people may remember her as the snowboarder from the 2006 Olympics who fell on her second to last jump when attempting a method grab, scoring a silver instead of the expected gold. But, trust me, there’s more to know about Jacobellis. Much more.
Armed with even more fervor for the 2010 Winter Olympics, unfortunately, Jacobellis left Vancouver without medaling in the Women’s Snowboard Cross. This Olympics might not have been the “redemption” that many were anticipating, but “Lucky Lindsey” is holding her head up high. Why shouldn’t she?
Afterall, at just 24, Lindsey is one of the most well known, not to mention, one of the most decorated female athletes in her sport. In addition to the silver she earned at the ’06 Olympics, she has a gold from the ’09 Winter X Games to show for success.
On not medaling in Vancouver: “It’s definitely not the end of the world for me. It’s unfortunate that the rest of the world only sees this race and the one four years ago. I guess I don’t have a great track record with the general public,” Jacobellis was quoted in the LA Times.
You win some, you lose some, kids. And between us, it’s time to dispel the negativity. It’s true, we don’t always get what we want—hey wait, isn’t that what we teach our kids?
And yes, that includes winning Olympic gold.
I had the the unique opportunity to speak candidly with Lindsey the other week, where we discussed what’s next, her influences and what she thought about those snowboarding pants.
source: Getty Images
NKT: I know they’re apples and oranges, but can you compare and describe your experience in the X Games to that of the Olympics?
LJ: In the X Games, my family was able to be up close, which wasn’t really the case for the Olympics. When I’m competing, I’m in such a zone anyway, it’s hard to tell the difference.
NKT: As one of the most recognized names in snowboarding whom do you consider as a role model in your sport?
LJ: I’d have to say Shaun Palmer. I grew up admiring him since he paved the way for snowboarders, so it was such an honor to be on the same team.
NKT: After your second appearance, what is your biggest takeaway from this experience.
LJ: I approach all competition the same, so I try hard to not to walk away upset, even if the outcome isn’t how I wanted. I don’t give up easily, so I’ll take this experience and will grow from it.
NKT: I write typically for kid-centric sites, including my own, and it’s a well known fact that many tweens and teens look up to you. What would your advice/insight be for your most impressionable fans about not giving up?
LJ: If you’re in love with something and it makes you happy, pursue it, even if you don’t always get the outcome that you want. Do something you want! I continue to snowboard because I love it. How I do at a competition doesn’t define me; it’s how much I love the sport itself. It’s not so much as about winning. To me, it’s all about pursuing my passion and absorbing it all.
NKT: I asked many of my Facebook friends to chime in on questions, and everyone wants to know about the pants the snowboarders wore during the Olympics. You care to share your thoughts on them? The pants the snowboarders wore during the Olympics were by the popular snowboarding brand, Burton. In case you’re not familiar, the pants looked like distressed jeans, but were made of Gore-Tex. The overall look offset the preppiness of the plaid jackets.
LJ: When I first saw the design, I was a bit surprised. And then when I saw them in person, I thought they were awesome. It looked like we were racing in jeans, when really we weren’t; they’re really cool snowboarding pants, though. I thought they reflected the vibe and culture of snowboarding.
NKT: You might not have had a storybook ending to your second Olympic appearance. In light of that, can you think of a storybook or cartoon character that you can associate your experiences with?
Lindsey saved this question for last because she paused to ask her mom, whom she said would have a better recollection. I thought this was so endearing and indicative of how close she is with her family!
LJ: I’d have to say that I can relate to Dr. Seuss. His characters are all quirky, the stories are funky, yet so deep. I love how in many stories, they endure trials and tribulation and have a great message. There’s a Dr. Seuss story that I loved about a yakk, it was all about moving on!
NKT: What’s next for you?
LJ: I’m off to Colorado, then to Europe for the World Cup Tour and then Vermont. I’ll stay busy with traveling, snowboarding and catching up with friends and family!
NKT: And because you’re the DayQuil/NyQuil spokesperson, other than those remedies, what are your go-to remedies when you’re feeling under the weather.
LJ: I love going the natural route, so I tend to turn to the Neti-Pot when my sinuses are acting up. But other than that, I’m all about NyQuil.
The Olympics might be over, but keep an eye out for Lindsey. Expect her to blaze more trails, figuratively and literally, in the years to come!
Full Disclosure: I served as a brand ambassador for Vicks in the fall when I covered World Pneumonia Day, thus I have an ongoing relationship with P&G. I happily interviewed Lindsey Jacobellis, a P&G spokesperson, for coverage on NKT. I was not compensated in any way.
Tennis, anyone? Ubisoft has released Racquet Sports, a new Wii video game that includes tennis, ping pong, badminton, squash and beach tennis.
Targeted for the entire family, Racquet Sports can be played with up to four players, bringing the backhands and lightning-fast serves to our living rooms.
The graphics in this game are reminiscent of most Wii based games: colorful, quirky, yet realistic. The characters aren’t Miis, but the big cartoonish characters are diverse and can be customized. Racquet Sports can also be played with Ubisoft’s Motion-Tracking camera, which is available separately.
The game that’s familiar with many families, Wii Sports, already has its own arrangement of racquet sports, but I think Ubisoft’s new game adds a even more dimension to these family favorites. Beach Tennis and squash, in particular, are the racquet sports I like seeing on this new game. Also, the racquet extension that’s available for the Wii controllers (I’ve seen them at Costco) make this game a little more fun.
The other weekend, before the game’s official debut, we had the chance to check out the game being demo’ed by none other than the reigning French Open Champ, Svetlana Kuznetsova, and the reigning US Open champ, Kim Clijsters, in a Match Before the Match at Madison Square Garden. At the event, the tennis stars debuted Fila’s Spring 2010 Center Court Collection while they battled it out for the title of Racquet Sports champ. In the fun-spirited match, Kim defeated Svetlana, and added another title to her resume–Wii Racquet Sports champ!
On the heels of a successful live tour, Yo Gabba Gabba season three premieres today, March 8 at 10:30 on Nickelodeon. In Yo Gabba Gabba fashion, premiere week will feature a host of familiar faces such as Sarah Silverman, Weird Al Yankovic, Black Kids, Jack McBrayer, Paul Scheer, Weezer, Anthony Bourdain, Of Montreal, Mos Def, Devo, The Aquabats, Mark Mothersbaugh and Biz Markie. Famous dad, Travis Barker of Blink 182 fame will rock out a special remix for the premiere today.
Not sure if you’ve noticed the badge I’ve posted over there –>
In case you’re wondering, tomorrow, I will be taking a break from the baby and kid product blogging (I’ll catch up one day…) and will be attending a luncheon to hear more about Phyllis Rabinowitz’s work and the R Baby Foundation, for which the badge is posted. With R Baby Foundation’s mission in mind, tomorrow’s event is geared to help grow the foundation’s support base to improve the quality of pediatric emergency care.
As parents, it’s up to us to be the littlest people’s advocates, and with foundations like R Baby, more funding and awareness of pediatric emergency care are brought to the forefront.
In addition to hearing about R Baby Foundations, there will be a candid round table conversation with inspiring Momprenuers, including a few ladies whom I’ve had the chance to work with in the past.
Because this event is all about spreading awareness about R Baby Foundation’s efforts, I’d love for you to join us too! Don’t think you can’t participate in this inspiring event just because it takes place in NYC. Thanks to technology and the innovation of webcasting, all of YOU can join us.
With this as one of the coldest winters on record, naturally, parents have been doing what they can to keep babes big and small warm all winter long.
But did you know that infants who are overdressed or covered in heavy blankets or many blankets are at higher risk for SIDS? Contrary to our instincts to layer heavy blankets on ourselves, it is advised that babies to be dressed lightly to avoid overheating. The CJ Foundation, a national nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting the special needs of the SIDS community through funding SIDS research, support services and public awareness programs, recommends the use of wearable blankets and sleep-sacks in place of blankets to keep infants warm while sleeping.
