New Year, New Awards!

Well, it has been a great 1st year here at Lille Punkin'! We have reached some amazing milestones, including a a growing readership and some super sponsors! Next month (and year) you can look forward to us awarding several companies and products with our exclusive awards, even more exciting giveaways, and more product review categories.

Here's a sneak peek at what we will be reviewing next:

Cute Like Me, SnapTV, SparkSprite, and books including: Table For Eight and 10 Principles for Spiritual Parenting.

Have a product you would like us to review? Read our guidelines for submission HERE.

Thanks for making 2007 the best ever!

Review of Girlz Connect LocketPal

Bandai has captured the heart of my little girl with their latest line of products for tween girls -- Girlz Connect! After being presented to my 9-year-old, the LocketPal has never left her side! Designed for girls ages 5 and up, the LocketPal is a plastic locket/planner/game console that is light on the wallet and heavy on the charm.

Equipped with a small stylus (an extra is stored in the body of the locket), the LocketPal features games like Tic-Tac-Toe and Hangman, as well as drills for math and spelling. (She has been devouring the times tables quizzes.) To keep things girly, they have included a sensor for testing the user's mood; Just place your fingertip on the sensor pad, and LocketPal will tell you one of over a dozen generic but fun sayings, such as, "You need to relax."

A calendar and phone book will help keep girls organized and connected. (Just watch how many times a day they will try to set the timer.) I was impressed with all the different functions this little gadget performed! The entire mirrored locket is no bigger than a small wallet, and it clips onto backpacks or purses with ease.

Available at online retailers and Amazon for under $15! For more info on the entire Girlz Connect line, visit Bandai's website!

Tot Tower Blocks Recalled by eeBoo Corp.; Children’s Toy Can Pose Choking Hazard

WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with the firm named below, today announced a voluntary recall of the following consumer product. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed.

Name of Product: Tot Tower toy blocks

Units: About 170,000

Importer: eeBoo Corp., of New York, N.Y.

Hazard: The plastic covering on the toy blocks can detach, posing a choking hazard to children.

Incidents/Injuries: The firm has received two reports of the plastic covering detaching from the blocks and being mouthed by young children. No injuries have been reported.

Description: The recalled Tot Tower blocks are sold in sets of 10 blocks ranging from 6 x 6 inches to 1.5 x 1.5 inches. The cardboard blocks are covered in a plastic laminate film. The blocks have various images and themes including Things I Know New; Garden Fairies; Hardware Store; Around the Land; Read-To-Me; Animal Sounds; Animal Alphabet; ABC; and Nursery Friends. “Tot Towers” and “eeBoo Corporation” are printed on the product's packaging.

Sold at: Specialty and gift shops nationwide from January 2003 through September 2007 for about $20.

Manufactured in: China

Remedy: Consumers should immediately take the recalled toy away from children, and return it to the place of purchase for a full refund, or contact eeBoo Corp. directly to receive a replacement toy.

Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact eeBoo Corp. at (800) 791-5619 between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, or visit the firm’s Web site at www.eeboo.com

Gap Outlet Recalls Boys’ Jackets; Drawstring at Waist Poses Entrapment Hazard

WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with the firm named below, today announced a voluntary recall of the following consumer product. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed.

Name of Product: “Warmest Jacket” Boys’ Jackets

Units: About 16,200

Retailer: Gap Outlet, operated by Gap Inc., of San Francisco, Calif.

Hazard: The jackets have a waist drawstring with a toggle that could become snagged or caught in small spaces or doorways, which can pose an entrapment hazard to children. In February 1996, CPSC issued guidelines (pdf) to help prevent children from getting entangled at the waist by drawstrings in upper garments, such as jackets and sweatshirts.

Incidents/Injuries: None reported.

Description: The jackets are hooded, zip in front, and have a drawstring at the waist. They were sold in navy and gray in multiple children’s sizes. “Gap Outlet” is printed on a label at the neck. Style number 513573 is printed on a white label sewn behind the size and product care label near the neckline.

Sold exclusively at: Gap Outlet stores nationwide from September 2007 through December 2007 for about $50.

Manufactured in: Indonesia

Remedy: Consumers should stop wearing the jacket immediately and return it to any Gap Outlet store for a full refund. Consumers who return the jacket before April 30, 2008, will also receive a $5 appreciation card. Consumers choosing to keep the jacket should immediately remove the drawstring to eliminate the hazard.

Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact the company toll-free at (888) 747-3704 between 9 a.m. and 9 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, Saturday 12 p.m. through 7 p.m. ET, and Sunday 12 p.m. through 6 p.m., or visit the firm’s Web site at www.gapinc.com

Featured Merchant: myShape.com

I have been the same size almost all my adult life. I have not, however, been the same shape. Pregnancies, illness, holidays, and career changes have all played games with my figure. Some days left me with more curves than others, but I never quit desiring to look my best!

myShape.com is a new way to shop for clothing. An online retailer with brains and beauty, myShape allows you to customize your profile to find the perfect wardrobe to flatter your body type. With several different personalities for the casual dresser, fun holiday dresses for that special occasion, and romantic pieces for flirty weekends, the right look for you is available!

After filling out my profile, I needed to take measurements of my hips, shoulders, bust, weight, etc. Then I was asked a few style questions regarding my seasonal palette, brands I love the most, and how I normally choose to dress. I was then shown pieces that really matched my personality! There wasn't an item in my profile that wouldn't look cute on me!

Are you looking to find something guaranteed to fit and flatter your body type? Visit myShape to create your own Personal Shop, and be entered to win a $1000 shopping spree or pearl accessories -- now until January 15th!

(SAVINGS ALERT: Receive $25 off your first purchase of $50 or more and receive free shipping when you order from your Personal Shop! Use code FM1PURCH at checkout.)

Review of Tamagotchi Connection v4.5

Tamagotchi isn't new, but that doesn't mean it isn't fun! The clever little pet for kids ages 8 and up has some new tricks up its sleeve!

The new Tamagotchi 4.5 has everything you've come to love about the pet, plus potential for so much more! Pick a dream job, and using new games, you can mentor your pet to become a florist, teacher, firefighter, or 12 other cool jobs. Earn gotchi points and prizes from exotic places like Africa and Japan, or just relax at home with one of over 20 fun games.

There are 12 styles to choose from for both boys and girls. All games come with a battery to get started right away! Addictive for kids and adults, we loved our Tamagotchi! Learn more about the world of Tamagotchi at their website, where you can view the commercial, play games, or download wallpaper, games and ringtones for your cellphone! Tamagotchi Connection 4.5 is available from online retailers everywhere!

Wanna win one? Just comment here on your favorite character (see them all here) from the new game for a chance to win! We will accept entries until midnight CST on December 31st! Read our rules, and good luck!

CONGRATULATIONS to Ellinghouse! You have been contacted on how to claim your prize. Thanks to everyone who participated!

Super Magnet Toys Recalled by MTC Due to Aspiration and Intestinal Hazards

WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with the firm named below, today announced a voluntary recall of the following consumer product. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed.

Name of Product: Super Magnets

Units: About 2,800

Importer: Man’s Trading Company, of Brisbane, Calif.

Hazard: The magnet attached to the bottom of a small toy panda can detach. If swallowed or aspirated by young children, the magnets can attract each other internally and cause intestinal perforations or blockages, which can be fatal.

Incidents/Injuries: None reported.

Description: The ½-inch toys are shaped and painted to resemble panda bears. A small magnet is attached to the bottom of the toy. “Super Magnets” and the MTC logo are printed on the front of the packaging. The magnet toys are sold eight to a package.

Sold at: Dollar and gift stores nationwide from September 2005 through November 2007 for about $1.

Manufactured in: China

Remedy: Consumers should take the recalled toy away from children immediately and return them to the store where purchased for a full refund.

Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact MTC at (800) 388-7228 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. PT Monday through Friday. Consumers can also e-mail the firm at mtcmans@aol.com

Teething Rings Recalled by Empire Silver Due to Choking Hazard

WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with the firm named below, today announced a voluntary recall of the following consumer product. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed.

Name of Product: Sterling Silver Teething Rings

Units: About 1,000

Manufacturer: Empire Silver Company, of Brooklyn, N.Y.

Hazard: The silver ball that holds the ring in place can separate and release the beads inside. This poses a choking and aspiration hazard to infants.

Incidents/Injuries: None reported.

Description: The recalled sterling silver teething rings were sold in three styles: single ring with ball, single ring with heart and ball, and three rings with ball. The hollow ring has small beads inside that make a rattling sound and a ball soldered between the rings.

Sold at: Independent jewelry, gift, specialty and department stores nationwide during November 2007 for between $50 and $120.

Manufactured in: United States

Remedy: Consumers should immediately take the teething rings from infants and return them to the store where purchased for a full refund or replacement.

Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact Empire Silver Company at (800) 255-9475 between 8:30 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, or visit the company’s Web site at www.empiresilver.com

Girls’ Hooded Sweatshirts Recalled by Liberty Apparel Due to Strangulation Hazard

WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with the firm named below, today announced a voluntary recall of the following consumer product. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed.

Name of Product: Jewel brand girls’ hooded sweatshirts

Units: About 12,000

Distributor: Liberty Apparel Co. Inc., of New York, N.Y.

Hazard: The garments have a drawstring through the hood, which can pose a strangulation hazard to children. In February 1996, CPSC issued guidelines (pdf) to help prevent children from strangling or getting entangled on the neck and waist by drawstrings in upper garments, such as jackets and sweatshirts.

Incidents/Injuries: None reported.

Description: The Jewel brand girls’ zippered hoodie sweatshirts have various designs on the front, and were sold in two styles: the “Big Heart” zip-up long sleeve hoodie sweatshirts (style #J2173k/sk) in black, light pink and purple colors, and the “Small Stars” long sleeve hoodie jacket sweatshirts (style #J2174k/sk) in green, khaki, navy and orange colors. Both styles were sold in small, medium, large, extra-large sizes.

Sold at: Marshalls and other specialty children’s clothing retailers nationwide from August 2007 through November 2007 for about $10.

Manufactured in: India

Remedy: Consumers should immediately remove the drawstrings to eliminate the hazard or return the sweatshirts to either the place of purchase or Liberty Apparel for a full refund.

Consumer Contact: For additional information, call Liberty Apparel Co. collect at (212) 768-3030 between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. ET Monday through Friday.

Note: CPSC was notified about these garments by the Wisconsin Department of Consumer Protection.

Review of Calico Critters Play Park

With so many new tech toys and products forcing little ones to grow up so quickly, it is a relief to see that there are still innocent play sets for kids. The Calico Critters sets are a great example of this!

Made by International Playthings, the tiny toys from Cloverleaf Corners are adorable and sweet. The babies are endearing, especially in their very own Baby Play Park! The puppy twin boy and kitty twin girl can have fun sliding down the slide, climbing the ladder, swinging in a little basket swing, picking apples (8 are included), or just floating above the world in their hot air balloon ride! Each fuzzy Critter wears a tiny little cloth outfit and the baby girl even comes with a removable flower headband!

I was reminded of being a little girl again when we tried out the Baby Play Park -- Simple memories of playing for hours with playsets just like this one. Tiny fun for kids ages 3 and up (although I would recommend looking carefully at all the pieces before deciding what age it works for in your family), little girls and boys alike will enjoy caring for and playing with these little animal babies!

The Baby Play Park is just one of many sets and accessories for the Calico Critters to enjoy. For more information, visit the International Playthings website. Available for sale through the website or at Amazon.com!

AAFES Recalls “Soldier Bear” Toys Due to Violation of Lead Paint Standard

WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with the firm named below, today announced a voluntary recall of the following consumer product. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed.

Name of Product: Soldier Bear Toys

Units: About 11,400

Importer/Retailer: AAFES (Army & Air Force Exchange Service), of Dallas, TX

Manufacturer: First Learning Company Ltd, of Hong Kong (wooden toys)

Manufacturer: Toy World Group Co. Ltd. of Hong Kong (military vehicle toy play set)

Hazard: The surface paint on the toys contains excessive levels of lead, violating the federal lead paint standard.

Incidents/Injuries: None reported.

Description: This recall involves the following wooden toys and a plastic military vehicle toy playset. The style number, UPC codes and “Soldier Bear” logo are printed on the toy’s packaging.

Toy Description
Wooden Pull-Along Learning Blocks Wagon (alphabet blocks in a wooden wagon)
Time Teacher (magnetic shapes & clock in pull cart)
Wooden Riding Horse
Vehicle Playset (blue military vehicle with action figures

Sold at: AAFES stores worldwide from August 2006 through October 2007 for between $5 and $20.

Manufactured in: China

Remedy: Consumers should immediately take the recalled toys away from children and return them to the nearest AAFES store for a full refund.

Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact AAFES at (800) 866-3605 anytime, or visit the firm’s Web site at www.AAFES.com

Review of Destruct 3 Game by Uncle Skunkle

Remember our friends over at Uncle Skunkle? Well they've got a game that is sure to delight and excite! If you've got a thing for knocking things down, then you'll get a kick out of Destruct 3!

The first thing I noticed about this game was it's packaging. Nothing is wasted when it comes to the high-quality wooden games from Uncle Skunkle. Created from sustainable rubber tree wood, the box it comes in is durable and beautiful! (In fact, it is the only game I feel good about setting on top of the TV, an end table, or somewhere else that company may notice, because it is that classy!)

The game's premise is simple but cool: Build a tower, roll for your choice of destruction device (Catapult, Pendulum, or Ramp), and watch the pieces fall! Points for the best demolition can make you the winner!

Keeping the kids from knocking down each other's blocks has always been difficult. This is a very fun way to teach the opposite! Ages 8 and up, the award-winning Destructo 3 is loads of fun for 2-4 players.

Looking for other skillfully crafted games from Uncle Skunkle? Check out all of the "Stinking Fun" items from their website.

Review of Lift-Off Rocket by International Playthings

Here's another quality toy from International Playthings: The Lift-Off Rocket! This is a surprisingly simple toy that encourages some of the best open-ended play I've seen in a while. A very durable rocket ship opens to reveal everything an astronaut (or in this case, two astronauts) would need to take a trip to the moon and back!

Chunky characters include the two astronauts, a cute companion dog, and a very friendly-looking alien. A dune buggy (clever) and space crater help to add to the scenery of distant planets. All pieces are large enough to be safely played with by children as young as 18 months. This rocket play set was just perfect for any avid space explorer, and they went ahead and added lights and sound for even more exciting play!

This is a high-quality toy that has impressed toy reviewers everywhere. We were happy to join the ranks of families that fell in love with this simple rocket that feeds imagination. If you're tired of gimmicky high-tech toys that will be forgotten about next year, or you just want to escape the commericalism of having brand-name cartoon characters on all your kid's toys, check out this super set. Available from International Playthings website for the well-worth-it price of $39.99!

We have our Winners!

Congratulations to all the winners of our Great Holiday Giveaway! The winners have all been notified, so please check your email boxes for an email from us with "Congratulations from Lille Punkin'" in the subject line. If we don't hear back from all the winners this week, we will keep drawing names until all the prizes have been awarded.

A big thank you to ALL of our sponsors for providing such wonderful prizes! You can see a list of all sponsors in the upper right corner of any page on our site. Be sure to give them a visit if you are in need of any last-minute shopping before the holidays....

Thanks again to all who participated! We will be doing more giveaways after the holidays, and one more newsletter giveaway this year.

Review of Mighty World Construction Site

Boys love to build. As long as my young sons were able to make sounds, they were growling at trucks, waving at construction equipment, and putting together large towers from all kinds of unconventional household objects.

The Mighty World Construction Site from International Playthings is what you would come to expect for a small building set -- friendly characters named Joe, John, and Jimmy wear authentic-looking construction gear and sport hands that grip their accompanying tools of the trade. Beyond the normal scope of a kid's building set, however, is an added dimension of fun and learning.

For example, John the Plasterer builds houses the old fashioned way -- with a wheelbarrow, paster, and trowel. (Did you even know what a trowel was?) Jimmy the Builder brought his scaffolding that really joins together for realistic construction sites! Joe the carpenter comes with his own set of realistic tools, including saws and measuring tape.

Pieces are small, so this isn't a set for kids under 4 years of age. Kids that are interested in details and learning through tactile experiences will get a kick out of this building set! I was so impressed with the detail -- a bucket of plaster, cement blocks, and construction cones are just a few of the 30 little accessories included for a day of real construction fun. Oh, and before I forget, this set even comes with a cement mixer!

Available for sale from the International Playthings website for under $20. Visit the Mighty World website for all their fun playsets!

Great Holiday Giveaway Day #5

It's Day #5 of our giveaways, and the last day to win! Today we are offering one Little Laureate DVD/CD valued at $34.95! (You will be receiving My World Adventure!)



Each 30-minute DVD in the series comes with a 60-minute CD of classical pieces performed by the Moscow International Orchestra and a 24-page parent book with tips and tricks to keeping kids engaged in their learning adventures. To see how much we loved sharing this experience with our kids, read our full review HERE.

Wanna be the lucky winner? Just sign up for our monthly newsletter! All new subscribers between now and the end of the giveaway (Friday, December 14th at 11 pm CST) will be entered to win. Your information will never be used or sold for anything other than the monthly newsletter....

All newsletter subscribers are automatically put into a drawing at the end of the month for a super prize pack from various sponsors, so you are entering to win for that too!

Be sure you're signed up for all 5 days of giveaways.....

Review of "Touch My World" DVD by Braincandy

Puppets have always kind of been my thing. Growing up in love with a certain small green frog from my favorite prime-time muppet show, I always wanted the same kind of entertainment for my kids.

Braincandy has come up with a series of DVD's for kids that teach them about the 5 senses. They also use puppets -- But these are not your Mama's puppets! A little sassy, kind of weird, but totally lovable, the Sense Gang will have your little one engaged and learning in ways you probably haven't seen before.

At first I was a little surprised at the approach Braincandy takes towards teaching. It isn't a classroom-type experience, that's for sure! Through what they call "organic" learning, kids view things they are already familiar with (squishy spaghetti and holding hands) and make the connection between tactile experiences and their physical sense of touch.

The music is catchy and contagious (but not insane.) The children are adorable and easy to relate to. The end result is a very effective video for kids to explore. Harry Hand looked a little bit like a strange sea creature to me, but my two toddlers assured me that, "He's cool... not scary.." OK, it's cool with me, too!

Just one of 5 DVD's in the series, "Touch My World" is an award-winning adventure for ages 6 months to 4 years. For more information, please visit www.braincandykids.com! Available for purchase at Amazon.com and other online retailers.

Recalls...

More recalls here. Please take a close look and click on the articles for more information!

Bunk Beds recalled due to strangulation hazard - Read more HERE
Codee recalls princess jewelry due to lead hazard - Read more HERE
Dollar Tree recalls baby and children's toys due to lead hazard - Read more HERE


Infantino recalls infant teethers due to choking hazard - Read more HERE

Great Holiday Giveaway Day #4

It's Day #4 of our giveaways, and and we have a great educational prize to offer! One of you will be getting you very own The Great Word Race game, valued at $25!


An exciting race to the finish, the Great Word Race is the fun way to spell. Get to the end first, and win! For other exciting learning games, see Learning Is an Art's full line! See our review of the Great Word Race HERE!

Wanna be the lucky winner? Just visit Learning Is An Art's website, and comment here with your favorite charity that LiA will donate to from all purchases! You have until the end of the Giveaway week (Friday, December 14th at 11 pm CST) to get your entries in! One entry per person per giveaway, please! Visit our full rules at this post. And don't forget to include a way for us to reach you in the comments!

Be sure you're signed up for all 5 days of giveaways.....

Stokke Announces Recall of Certain Xplory® Strollers Due to Front Wheel Detachment

WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with the firm named below, today announced a voluntary recall of the following consumer product. Consumers should stop using recalled products and unplug the unit immediately unless otherwise instructed.

Name of Product: Xplory® Baby Strollers

Units: About 2,000

Distributor: Stokke LLC, of Kennesaw, Ga.

Hazard: A bolt that attaches each front wheel to the stroller can loosen, causing one of the front wheels to fall off, posing a fall hazard to young children.

Incidents/Injuries: The firm has received 14 reports of one of the front wheels falling off, including one incident where a child received a scratch when she toppled out of the stroller. In addition, there were 244 reports outside of the United States of one of the front wheels falling off.

Description: Only Xplory® baby strollers with serial numbers between 1 and 28,097 and with grey handles are included in the recall. The serial number is located under the foot plate. Strollers with white handles are not included in this recall.

Manufactured in: The recalled front wheels were manufactured in China and the strollers were made in Norway.

Sold through: Stokke distributors, Web site and juvenile product retailers nationwide from September 2003 through December 2006 for about $770.

Remedy: Consumers should stop using the recalled strollers immediately and contact Stokke to arrange for a free replacement of the front wheels. Stokke will contact all known purchasers by e-mail or regular mail. Stokke notified its retailers and posted a recall notice on its Web site in May 2007.

Note: Some consumers have already received a repair to their stroller or are in the process of receiving replacement wheels. These consumers do not need to contact Stokke again.

Consumer Contact: For more information, contact Stokke toll-free at (877) 978-6553 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday or visit the firm’s Web site at www.stokkeusa.com

Review of Dropps Laundry Pacs

We're all familiar with the clunky, over-sized laundry detergent bottles that you can get at your warehouse stores these days. Big families need a way to secure massive amount of soap for all their washing needs. But have you ever thought about the packaging waste that results? How about the muscle it takes to lug all that home? And what are you really paying for?



Dropps has developed a laundry detergent answer. Similar to soap packs for dishwashers, Laundry Dropps are waste-free, hassle-free, and super effective. Each laundry pac dissolves in the wash. No need for measuring cups. No messy leaks around the bottom of your detergent bottle. No build up around the mouth of your washing machine.

Dropps are not only better for the environment, but they are better for your wallet. While initially a little more expensive than some laundry detergents, you pay only for detergent. You do not pay for cumbersome packaging and added water.

How well do they work? Let me tell you... they are awesome! One pack for small to medium loads, and two packs for jumbo loads (which is the ONLY size we use at our house.) The scent-free and dye-free variety is effective and doesn't aggravate my son's eczema. No enzymes means extra gentle, and they're safe for HE washing machines!

Want to learn more about Dropps? Visit the website for all the news! You can even sign up for a FREE package of Dropps after rebate!

Great Holiday Giveaway Day #3

It's Day #3 of our giveaways, and we've got a big surprise for you today! Two of you will be receiving a Comfy Easy PC with software, valued at $89 each!


Comfy has created a PC for kids! The Comfy Easy PC is perfect for babies and toddlers who want to experience computers and for parents who want their kids to learn about the world around them. With several fun games to choose from, the Comfy Easy PC can grow with your child! See our review of the Comfy Easy PC HERE.

Wanna be one of the lucky winners? Just visit Comfy's website, and comment here with your favorite character from the games. You have until the end of the Giveaway week (Friday, December 14th at 11 pm CST) to get your entries in! One entry per person per giveaway, please! Visit our full rules at this post. And don't forget to include a way for us to reach you in the comments!

Be sure you're signed up for all 5 days of giveaways.....

Review of True Learning Curriculum CD-ROM

Whether your child goes to public school, private school, or is home educated, early childhood learning facilitated by an adult or caregiver can improve their understanding of the basic skills needed to be successful later in life. This is why we love doing worksheets at home! Kids find them fun and entertaining, and I love that it helps them learn basic skills and keeps them busy, too!

The True Learning Early Childhood Curriculum on CD-ROM is a fascinating but simple way to access over 3,000 printable activities for your youngster. Lovable characters introduce math, literacy, thinking, motor skills, art, and world culture concepts through four levels of learning. Kids ages 3-6 (as well as special needs students of all ages) will find the activities encouraging, yet challenging enough to be interesting.

This printable curriculum is different from so many other resources I have tried for a few major reasons:

• The CD interface appears in a browser window for quick viewing of all levels and lessons. Navigation is easy. The layout is visually attractive.

• The preview feature allows you to see the full first page of the activity upon mousing over the worksheet link. You don't have to waste time opening several different worksheets to find just the right one.

• Worksheets are large enough for any child to easily work on. Directions are simple enough to follow, but with enough steps to make the activity engaging.
  

• The True Learning website is more than helpful. A clever resources page gives links to all kinds of free resources for parents and educators.

After trying so many different services offering online worksheet downloads for high annual membership fees, I'm pleased to see this offered for such a low price. Unlike other services I've seen, the worksheets are something I would actually use over and over again, and I'm not pressured to purchase extra features or extend a membership that I may never use. Lille Punkin' gives True-Learning a very high grade!

For more information or to purchase the True-Learning curriculum, visit their website at www.true-learning.com. ( True-Learning will donate 25% of the profits from the sale of their award-winning curriculum to charitable efforts that help kids!)

Great Holiday Giveaway Day #2

It's Day #2 of our giveaways, and things are really starting to get exciting! Today we are offering a fun prize to 10 lucky readers! That's right -- 10 of you will be receiving a wonderful holiday prize pack from List Caddy that will contain 3 List Caddies in red, green, and white (perfect for the holidays!) Each prize is valued at $18!

List Caddy is a super way to stay organized, with one of the most simple but effective list keepers I've seen. Just set it on a counter top, clip it to your shopping cart, or stick it to your fridge to keep your list where you can see it. The handy pencil holder makes sure you can add to it with ease. See our review of List Caddy HERE.

Wanna be one of the lucky winners? Just visit List Caddy's website, and comment here with your favorite creative use. (We welcome creative uses NOT already listed on the website, also!) You have until the end of the Giveaway week (Friday, December 14th at 11 pm CST) to get your entries in! One entry per person per giveaway, please! Visit our full rules at this post. And don't forget to include a way for us to reach you in the comments!

Be sure you're signed up for all 5 days of giveaways.....

Review of Learning Is An Art

It's not too often that I get to review more than a product. Once in a while, I also get to take a look at a company, their line of products, and their vision as a whole. I recently had that opportunity when we reviewed some wonderful products from Learning Is An Art!

I knew from the moment I first visited their website, that Learning Is An Art (LiA) would be unique. Sure, I was impressed with their line of high-quality educational toys and games for children of all ages. But more than that, I was amazed at their purpose. 100% of all the profits from the sales of their products (after expenses) are given to charity. No, I'm not kidding. World-changing non-profits, such as Big Brothers Big Sisters of America, CARE, and America's Second Harvest, are able to help even more children from the partnership that has been created from LiA's involvement! So not only are you buying a product that will positively change the life of your child, but you can help change the life of a child you don't even know! Here is just a sampling of their unique and positive product line-up:

The Great Word Race: You thought Scrabble was fun? Spelling just got exciting with this race-to-the-finish board game for spellers of all ages. Roll the lettered dice to make words. Use "Letters for Life" cards to build better words. Get to the end first, and you win! (My 9-year-old claims that this game is her favorite after suffering some frustrating losses at other spelling games. Her confidence has been built by this game that allows players of all aptitudes to excel!)
Making Words Snap: Based on the classic games of "Snap" and "Pairs," this clever card set helps players make words from common letter blends. The use of color helps children to recognize beginning and end sounds, and the handy key card lets players check their own work! This is a quick but fun way to spend a little quality time with a child in-between busy activities.
Body Block Book: A hit with my kids, this book is full of activities! Learn about all the different systems of the human body with full-color illustrations on 6-sided blocks, a puzzle, and quiz cards! Our favorite was seeing the little unborn baby on the reproductive system pages. For ages 8 and up. (NOTE: This was a very tasteful book with accurate but modest illustrations. You know when a 9-year-old can enjoy it with a 4-year-old that they have done a great job of putting this together.!)

I can't say enough about how much heart you can find at Learning Is An Art. For the full product line, information on their non-profit partnerships, or to see how you can donate a toy to Toys for Tots through the LiA website, visit www.learningisanart.com!

Great Holiday Giveaway Day #1

It's started! Today we kick off the celebration with not one, but TWO giveaways for you to enter. Here are the details:



Overscheduled? Unorganized? Give the gift of sanity with a Bizzi2Go planner! Full of space to write the important stuff (but small enough to take everywhere), these planners are tops in our book! See our full review HERE.

We are giving one lucky reader their choice of 2008 planner, compliments of the folks at Bizzi2Go (valued at $29.95) Simply leave a comment on this post, stating your favorite color of planner from the Bizzi2Go website!



Today we are also highlighting another prize that will help you stay organized. The Jakoter Health organizer is perfect for keeping tabs on all that oh-so-important medical info! See how much we liked it HERE!

To be in the running for this super prize (valued at $34.95), simply sign up for our RSS feed, and leave a comment here to let us know that you would like to be entered!


You have until the end of the Giveaway week (Friday, December 14th at 11 pm CST) to get your entries in! One entry per person per giveaway, please! Visit our full rules at this post. And don't forget to include a way for us to reach you in the comments!

Review of Cloud 9 Game

Out of the Box is a game company that you may not be familiar with. Most famous for their Apples to Apples board game, they have come out with another great set of games for enthusiasts of all ages!

Cloud 9 is simple, quick, but highly addictive. The goal is simply to fly your hot air balloon as high as it can go, "betting" on whether the dice rolled will match up with the cards in the pilot's hand. (Cards are not complicated - anyone that knows their colors can play.) If they have them, the balloon flies higher, increasing the point potential for everyone aboard. If they don't, the balloon goes crashing down to the ground, and the points drop to zero. You score points by predicting in advance whether the pilot has the cards or not. Jumping out of the balloon at the right time can earn you big points and can win you the game!

This very cool game is fun for players ages 8 and up, and up to 6 people can play. 20 minutes is all you need for a very good time with family and friends! Simple instructions are easy for younger players to learn, but it is engaging enough for adults, too! For more information, or to purchase Cloud 9 for your next holiday gathering, visit Out of the Box's website!

More Recalls Today...

We have learned of several new recalls, many of them involving clothes with drawstrings. Please look through them carefully, and click on the links for the full story.

TKS Drawstring pants recalled by Sears - Read the story HERE
Basic Editon Girls' Clothing recalled by KMart - Read the story HERE
Personal Identity sweaters recalled by Sears - Read the full HERE
RC2 Recalls potty seats due to lead - Read the story HERE
First Years Feeding seats recalled due to fall hazard - Read the story HERE
Boys Hooded drawstring Sweatshirts by Scope recalled - Read the story HERE
Holiday Figurines recalled by Menard's due to lead - Read the story HERE
Starbucks recalls coffee mugs due to burn hazard - Read the story HERE

Review of Automoblox

Finally a product that I had to wrestle away from my husband.

I knew as soon as I opened the box of Automoblox I knew that there was going to be trouble. The C9 Sportscar was something of a dream toy for both my husband and my son. It had everything: Quality construction, easy-to-assemble parts, realistic design, and bright colors!

Here's how it works (really, really works.) A durable wooden sports car has an interchangeable body, front-end, wheels, passengers, and components. You can rebuild the same car over and over, or switch some personality with one of the other 8 cars in the line. There are no instructions, only open-ended play. There are no wrong answers, only the ability to imagine the coolest concept car and make it come to life!

Big kids will love that they really are a designer's dream. (These aren't cars for babies.) Younger tykes (ages 4 and up) will be able to master the pieces with practice, and a feeling of accomplishment will await every build! Boys and girls alike will love Automoblox (check out the pink and purple cars!) Dads will find a reason to hang out with the kids a little longer.

Automoblox come in Originals and their junior versions called Mini's. Either size is big on fun! For more information, visit www.automoblox.com!

Review of Flip n' Flop Adventures

Ok, so it's snowing here, and beachwear is the farthest thing from my mind. But somewhere in the world there is sunshine RIGHT NOW! Families are also gearing up to go on holiday vacations to warm destinations over the next few months.

This would be the perfect time to introduce the quirkiest and cutest pair of flip flops.. ever. Lyons Tales, Inc. has created a summer sandal that is durable, stylish, and teaches a lesson at the same time. Each pair of Flip n' Flop Adventures sandals contains a secret compartment in the heel that contains a book for kids to enjoy with a lesson on compassion and looking at the world while wearing someone else's "shoes!"

When my daughter first glanced at these shoes, she got very excited. (It's not often that she cares much when I review things... so this was big.) "Mom! They are the coolest flip flops! There is a place in there for me to put my money!"

So even after your child has read the story included in each pair of Flip n' Flops, they can remove the book and use the secret compartment for hiding keys, money, notes, or even stickers or jewelry! (Note: Shoes are only to be worn with the compartment safely in the shoe.)

Surprisingly, the shoes are very sturdy and comfortable even with the compartment. They come in 4 hot colors for both boys and girls, and can be worn by sizes 10 - 2.

When kids are done with their books, new ones can be purchased along with replacement compartments, so there is no end to the lessons that can be learned.

Fashion and values, what's cooler than that? Visit www.flipnflops.com for more details!

Review of Little Laureate Development Series

Learning DVD's for little ones are nothing new. Everywhere you look, someone else has developed the video for young children to learn by viewing. While I think these efforts are noble, the videos often leave much to be desired.

Fortunately, that is not the case for this review. Little Laureate has created a series of learning DVD's and CD's that are vastly different from anything I've ever seen before. A visual masterpiece set to audio delights, each video presents learning in a way that seems to leave me taken aback! Their "My World Colors" DVD was 30 minutes of bold pictures and photographs that had movement and life. (These videos are also optimized for HDTV, something you'll appreciate!)

Not only do the videos pair music with art, but they interact with children, as well. Intended for kids aged 18 months and up, they don't attempt to "dumb-down" their viewers. Kids are challenged with questions from the adorable main cartoon-character "Star." I was impressed that my sons answered each and every one of the challenges for each color. They even had the opportunity to learn the color names in 3 different languages! (Spanish, French, and English.) Imagine how impressive it was to hear my 4-year old mimic "morado" (which is Spanish for purple.) Parents will also appreciate that the videos were designed to be shared WITH their children, not as a substitute babysitter.

Each 30-minute DVD in the series also comes with a 60-minute CD of classical pieces performed by the Moscow International Orchestra and a 24-page parent book with tips and tricks to keeping kids engaged in their learning adventures. This series will be available with 3 titles to choose from: My World Gallery, My World Adventures, and My World Colors (discussed above.)

For more information on this truly different learning series, visit www.littlelaureate.com!

(Would you like to try out the HDTV experience for yourself? From now until Dec. 31, you can enter to win a 42-inch plasma TV from Little Laureate! Details are at their website....)

Prize Details!!

We have a bit of news to share regarding the Great Holiday Giveaway! I can't tell you everything, but if you look to the left of our webpage, we have 3 sponsors listed for prizes (with more to be added soon.) Several of you will be getting goodies from Comfyland, List Caddy, and Bizzi2Go Planners!


We will have more news in the coming week, so mark your calendars, the fun starts Dec. 10th!