It’s Game On for Kai Lan

by Jen Rabulan-Bertram

This holiday season, Ni Hao, Kai-lan will take on a new adventure as she joins the ranks as one of the latest video games for preschoolers. Available for the Wii, Nintendo DS and PlayStation2, like the popular Nickelodeon show, the Ni Hao, Kai-lan video game by 2K Play will infuse learning the Chinese language and culture, with a bit of action and adventure.

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I’m so excited about Kai Lan, simply because she’s a non-princess Asian cartoon character that our family identifies with–you know, because we tickle the sun and sing with tigers on a daily basis.  Hooray for Ni Hao, Kai Lan becoming such a hit.

Hot Wheels Battle Force 5 to hit full force

by Jen Rabulan-Bertram

Mattel announced several products to go along with the launch of the new series, Hot Wheels Battle Force 5, set to debut in August on the Cartoon Network.  The CGI-animated, Battle Force 5 is said to feature a team of drivers in super fast, super cool vehicles who must work together to save the Earth.

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The Hot Wheels Battle Force 5 line features a full range of toys including battle vehicles and figures, a vehicle assortment, a trackset and vehicle assortment two-packs with a DVD containing the first episode of the show. The full Hot Wheels Battle Force 5 line will be at stores in October 2009.  Activision Publishing will release a Hot Wheels Battle Force 5 videogame to Wii and Nintendo DS platforms this November.  Also be on the lookout for a litany of Hot Wheels Battle Force licensed products for boys including clothes, footwear, role play toys, graphic novels, skateboards, bikes dvds, watches and more.

Grow old(er) with me

by Jen Rabulan-Bertram

Speaking of great design…while we were in the City over the weekend, we, of course, had to stop at our favorite baby store.  It’s such a fave, that the cashiers told hubs they recognized me and even remembered what furniture we bought 2 years ago.  But I digress…The store had several new displays and promotional materials, but one in particular caught my eye—the Oeuf classic crib to toddler bed.

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I love the clean lines and modern look of the Oeuf, which means egg in French, as well the sustainability of its grow-with-you function.  The crib, which can accommodate the optional changing station, comes in white sides with either a natural or walnut stained base. The birch base and environmentally friendly eco-friendly MDF are made of recovered wood fibers and non-toxic white water-based finish.  Many cribs out on the market come with the option to convert to a toddler bed, but not too many look as sleek as this. This is what I’d call a good egg!

Barbie hearts Jonathan Adler

by Jen Rabulan-Bertram

Nope, he’s not her new boyfriend, but more like a business associate.  Ok, so this isn’t for kids, but it does include many mamas’ beloved gal pals.  Barbie, the style icon who is celebrating her 50th year, is teaming up with one of my favorite interior designers, Jonathan Adler.  Adler, who is well known for his happy chic style, is bringing Barbie’s dreamhouse to life for grownups.

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That’s right, ladies.  If hot pink is your thing, “Barbie Loves Jonathan Adler” line of décor pieces, including pottery, pillows and more will be available this September.

How Zoo you like me now?

by Jen Rabulan-Bertram

Over the weekend, I spotted the super cute Zoo Packs by Skip Hop while we were at the Time Out New York Kids Fest.  This wasn’t the first time I eyed the animal-themed kiddie backpacks; I actually fell in love with them even before they came out!

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The Zoo Packs, which are now available, are the most recent addition to Skip Hop’s burgeoning line of great kid’s gear.  The BPA-Free, Phthalate-free and PVC Free kiddie backpacks come in dog, mouse and penguin themes and are roomy, yet small enough to accommodate the kiddie contingent.  At only $20, the Zoo Packs are functional, practical and Zoo cute.

Proper mess means a proper pig

by Jen Rabulan-Bertram

I’ve been enjoying the tweets I’ve been receiving about BookExpo America that’s taking place right now in NYC.  I wanted to attend one of the children’s book and authors events, but since I couldn’t attend, instead, I thought I’d share one of the many books that we enjoy– Little Oink by By Amy Krouse Rosenthal and illustrated by Jen Corace.

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Little Oink is a cute story about a pig who loves to clean.  His parents, however, insist that “in order to be a proper pig, he has to learn to how make a proper mess.”  As a creative type who often had a ‘pigstye’ of my own to clean, I appreciate this role reversal and  and all around lovable book.

Check out the trailer for the book, too! Read More

So many cute dresses, so little time

by Jen Rabulan-Bertram

A few moms that I know have complained how their girls have so many cute dresses, but not enough chances to wear before they grow out of them.  The Baby Sports Dress by Agoo Apparel remedies this dilemma.  It’s made of stretch fabric that touts 50+ UV Protection, which makes it appropriate for playtime and everyday wear.  The dress, which comes in various colors and sizes ranging from 0-12 months, is made of fabrics that use bamboo and recycled fleece, making it sustainable and eco-friendly.
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I love that this dress is stain-resistant and is specifically designed for active babies, especially those who are just learning to crawl and toddle.  The Baby Sports Dress by Agoo Apparel is functional, sustainable and pretty darn cute.   Want to complete the ensemble? If you order a Baby Sports Dress, top or tank, you get a free pair of special edition LegHuggers!  It doesn’t get any cuter than that.

Juicebox Software releases Animal Memory App

by Jen Rabulan-Bertram

Juicebox Software has recently released the app, Animal Memory.  The app does what its name implies:  it’s a memory game involving animal images, as well as music and sound effects.  This colorful app is targeted to kids ages 2-5 and encourages memory and fine motor skill development.  Parents can choose three levels: Easy (4 cards), Medium (8 cards) or Hard (16 cards). The images are organized into three categories: Farm, Jungle, Ocean and Insect.

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At only $1.99, Animal Memory sounds like an app to check out.  On our frequent roadtrips, we do all we can to keep the kid entertained for 6-7 hours at a time.  Our latest roadtrip, there was a lot of interactive play on the laptop and iPod, which included several educational apps featuring animals.  After all that repitition of the same apps and animal sounds, I’m looking forward to downloading this one to add more variety—and to keep us entertained (and sane) on roadtrips.

Etsy find: Pirate Ship Playset

by Jen Rabulan-Bertram

Always on the lookout for great wooden toys, I found this amazing Pirate Ship Playset by Happy Squash Toys on Etsy.  From just the photos, you truly get a feel for the craftsmanship and attention to detail.  I don’t even think there’s a wooden pirate ship out on the market as cool and green as this.

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The pirate ship is made from poplar wood and painted with non-toxic paints and finishes.  It features wheels hidden underneath to allow it to glide across any smooth surface. The 4 pirates are removable and the cargo hatch opens to hide their treasure. The ship features an embroidered sail and cherry inlay windows. The pirate ship playset retails for $65 and can be purchased directly from Happy Squash Toy’s Etsy shop.

And if pirate ships aren’t your thing, check out this flower power car!

Hyland’s Introduces New Version of Teething Gel

by Jen Rabulan-Bertram

Hyland’s now produces its all-natural Teething Gel in a paraben-free formula. The teething gel, which is endorsed by pediatrician, Dr. Jim Sears, helps by providing temporary relief for symptoms due to teething.

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Parabens are described as a chemical used as a preservative in cosmetics, deodorants, food. It’s a chemical that has been shown to mimic the hormone estrogen. Over this past year or so of teething, I’ve sworn by Hyland’s gel and teething tablets.  It’s great to hear that it’s now paraben-free.

Hyland’s Teething Gel doesn’t include benzocaine, sugar, dyes, coloring agents, parabens or artificial flavoring, which makes it a natural alternative to other teething gels. The new tubes of Teething Gel contains 50% more gel than previously and will be sold at the same price. Hyland’s Teething Gel is now available in 0.5-ounce tubes in natural food stores but will launch in chain drug and mass market stores later this summer.

Be sure to check out Hyland’s site to get a $1 off coupon and to enter the Before and Happy After Hyland’s video contest.