Usually I get pitched dozens of items a day, many of them say we have a kickstarter going – usually I just stop reading there but there was something different in the way Lightup talked about what they’re doing. It also helped that they’ve successfully proven in a prior kickstarter that kids can play and learn with their system.
I received a Lightup edison kit to review the interactive building and the idea would my 6.5 year old play with it. I’m happy to report not only did he get it but he loved building circuits and having an ipad app to help guide him when he was getting a little stuck.
Their new Lightup Faraday kit kickstarter has already gotten underway with some a great deal of success. Named after the famed English Scientist Michael Faraday, who discovered electromagnetic induction, as you can imagine this kit brings drag and drop coding to tablets and allows kids to program their own circuit completely wirelessly.
There are some great backer rewards in this package and if you have any desire to help your kid get their first taste of coding or electronics this is a great present.
When I was contacted to work on a sponsored post with Dole to talk about their Pineapple juice it took me less then a second to say yes. Why? I grew up on Dole Pineapple Juice – I typically have ordered it at many a weekend brunch.
As a kid I can remember making my own ice pops made of the giant cans of Dole Pineapple juice. As an adult it became the perfect mixer to many a fun night. Either way once the sun is shining I’m usually replacing OJ with Pineapple juice as my go to morning drink.
Whats in that amazing can of Dole Pineapple juice?
100% juice
Not from concentrate
Excellent source of vitamin C
Good source of vitamins A&E
Naturally gluten free
BPA free packaging
Non GMO
Dole Canned Pineapple Juice can be found in the shelf-stable juice aisle of grocery and super-center stores nationwide. It’s available in both a 46oz can or 6oz 6-pack of cans.
Of course I’ve got a great way for you to save money with this $1.00 off coupon for any 46oz or 6oz 6-pack of DOLE Canned Pineapple Juice. http://bit.ly/1G803wX
Now those that like interesting in cooking I have a great treat for you to cook up…
In a large bowl, whisk together first seven ingredients. Add cole slaw and spaghetti. Toss well and sprinkle with peanuts.
Visit dole.com/sunshine to learn more about DOLE Canned Pineapple Juice’s Year of Sunshine, and enjoy bright ideas on mixing tasty tropical cocktails, marinades and other delicious menu items.
For me I would eat this a light lunch and par it with some Dole pineapple chunks, cause whats better then ice cold pineapple chunks on these very hot spring days.
So you waited… and waited… to the point that its actually mother’s day and you dont have a gift (well I can safety safe 40% of men dont have cards before noon on mother’s day).
So here are some awesome last minute gift ideas…
iRobot Roomba a small robot that vacuums up after the kids is rarely on sale this weekend its a great deal for 15% off. The promotion is title #Sorry4TheMess… they have been giving a few of them away on twitter of the last couple of days (sorry that promotion ended a few days ago and this sale ends on Mother’s Day). Why its a good gift cause one of most mom’s pet peeves is having to pick up every little cheerio, now you can just let the roomba pick those up.
4Moms was featured on Ellen’s TV Show for mother’s day and in honor of that (weird its not just a mothers day promotion) they offering 20% off their easy to open Breeze Playard and their mamaroo seat. I highly recommend the Breeze Playard. These are great for any expecting / soon to be mom or a mom of a new born that needs.
Setting up a family photography session is another gift that could easily be purchased last minute… Suzanne Cohen Photography does get a few calls and emails looking for that gift certificate to be generated same day. Here’s why I love the photography idea, cause the kids get older and bigger and getting that family portrait done by a professional – so everyone is in the shot and is also in focus. Bonus points if you combo the photography booking with a hair (like dry bar) and makeup session appointment.
Spa Week is offering $100 cards for $80 so thats a 20% savings. Why is this a great gift – cause you dont have to worry about the type massage or facial she wanted… but you know you’re getting her a spa treatment – combo that with a day off coupon along with a night out with friends coupon and you should be out of the dog house. Really break out the kids crayons and design some fun coupons to go along with the gift certificate.
Williams-Sonoma is running a great sale on cookware for mother’s day… ranging from 10-35% off some pieces. Why is this a good gift idea – cause she’ll never buy the fancy cookware on her own. Add to that private cooking classes (or go as couple for some fun date nights & bonding time)… I’d create a book of dish washer coupons to go along with it.
Lifeproof phone case (it would be a rockstar gift if you added a new phone into the mix too)… but lifeproof are these tough as hell phone cases that can survive in water, snow, dirt, and drops. Truly give your phone 9 lives. Many of the last model of phones are on sale for Mother’s Day. Why is this a good gift – cause how many phone has a parent lost to a bathtub or toilet (I lost one to the latter) and if I had a case like this it wouldnt have been a problem.
All of these sales start to run out by 11:59PM EST on 5/10/15… so hurry up and place that order while the sale is going on.
Last Saturday, comic book shops across the country celebrated Free Comic Book Day with signings, special appearances, sales, and of course, free comics! We got to be a part of the awesome festivities, and even picked up a few of the 50 different titles that were offered. In case you missed the announcement (or just want to check off which ones you got), here’s a look at the list of comics that were available:
I watched the trailers and thought here’s another movie with all the funny parts in the trailer – I couldnt have been more wrong…. The movie was sooo witty and well written (if that was all scripted otherwise it was amazing ad-libbing). I laughed from the start to the finish of the movie, and even while the credits were rolling they had the bloopers on the side too.
Here’s a bit about the plot… An uptight and by-the-book cop (Reese Witherspoon) tries to protect the sexy and outgoing widow (Sofía Vergara) of a drug boss as they race through Texas pursued by crooked cops and murderous gunmen.
I would love to now see Sofia and Reese play in a updated Honeymooners cause they played off of each other so well. I also had the chance to meet Sofia Vergara in person before the screening of the movie.
On Thursday April 30, TTPM held its annual Spring Showcase, putting the best and the brightest of this summer’s toy scene on display with an event that included one-on-one time with representatives from top toy companies, as well as a special press conference. In the conference, we got a look at some of TTPM’s best picks for their various imprints, including Outdoor Toys, Movie Toys, the newly-added Pet Products, and more!
Below, you can take a look at some of the best toys that were on display at this year’s TTPM Spring Showcase, along with our take on them.
Movie Toys
This summer, major movie hits like Avengers: Age of Ultron, Minions, and Jurassic World are sure to dominate the box office, so it’s no surprise that the toys based off of them will be a hit with kids as well! TTPM’s top three movie toys for summer 2015 cover all the bases, from roleplay to interactive robotics, and of course good old action figures. Check out the gallery above to see Minions Tumblin’ Stuart, Avengers Age of Ultron Iron Man Arc FX armor, and Jurassic World Indominus Rex!
Outdoor Toys
Nothing’s more emblematic of summer as a kid than playing outside with your friends and family, having fun in the sun both on the block and on the beach. It’s with this in mind that TTPM celebrates the best outdoor toys every year, and this year’s top three look incredible! Check out the gallery above for a look at the Razor Jr. Mini Mod, Super Soaker Flood Fire (which attaches to a garden hose for constant water-gun refilling!), and RoseArt’s Shake n’ Roll Chalk Paint!
Breakout Hits
Finally, TTPM’s “Breakout Hits” category highlights the toys that are expected to really shine over the summer (And beyond!) This year’s top three Breakout Hits feature tons of fun across the board– with tech, outdoor play, and plush making the cut. Check out the gallery above to see VTech’s Kidizoom Action Cam, Sick Bricks by Spin Master, and Just Play’s line of Sheriff Callie plush!
The TTPM Spring Showcase always offers excellent insight into the best and brightest of what’s coming up in kids’ toys and games– if you’re looking for what will be hot this summer (other than the weather!) these toys are surely the best bet!
On May 12th, you can join Strawberry Shortcake and some new furry friends in “Berry Best in Show,” a new DVD featuring delightful “tails” about being yourself and encouraging others to do the same. During his road trip to find homes for his orphan puppies, Huckleberry Pie and his four-legged crew get stranded in Berry Bitty City. Luckily, Strawberry and her berry best pals decide to help out with the strays in “A Boy and His Dogs.” Blueberry Muffin and Huck become “Partners in Crime” when they try to write a mystery story together…with surprising results. And the fur is sure to fly when the girls try to help Huck start a dog shelter in “The Mystery of the Disappearing Dog Show.” It’s a howling good time with sweet doggy delights for everyone!
And now you can win our very own copy of “Strawberry Shortcake: Berry Best in Show”!
How to win it… Contest ends 9:30am EST. May 15th, 2015.
You must comment telling us your favorite Strawberry Shortcake character. Please include some method for us to contact you in the comment (twitter or email).
You get 1 extra entry for following @DadaRocks on twitter – twitter.com/dadarocks you must comment back here that you’re now following.
You get 1 extra entry for becoming a Fan on facebook – facebook.com/dadarocks you must comment back here that you’re a fan (and leave a little note on the wall).
You will have 24 hours to reply before we pick another winner!
Disney Interactive today announced that the Star Warsuniverse will join Disney, Disney•Pixar and Marvel in Disney Infinity 3.0 Edition – the latest installment of the best-selling “hybrid toy / video game” of 2014. The Disney Infinity 3.0 Edition Starter Pack will be available this fall at a suggested retail price of $64.99, and Disney Infinity 3.0 Edition promises to deliver kids and families with a wider breadth of content and variety of gameplay than ever offered from Disney Infinity, including:
Three Star Wars Play Sets, oneset in the timeline of Episodes I-III, the second set during the original trilogy, Episodes IV-VI, and the third available this winter based on Star Wars : The Force Awakens
AdditionalPlay Sets offering distinct gameplay and environments, including a Disney•Pixar Play Set based on the upcoming film Inside Out,and a Marvel Play Set featuring Hulkbuster Iron Man, Ultron, and other Marvel characters
A fully enhanced Toy Box with two new multiplayer Toy Box Expansion Games, Toy Box Speedway (kart racing)andToy Box Takeover (action-adventure)
More figures of fan-favorite characters from across The Walt Disney Company, like Mickey and Minnie, Sam Flynn and Quorra from Tron: Legacy, Mulan and Olaf, among many others
Each of the Star Wars Play Sets offers distinct experiences, with varied gameplay, environments and characters. The Star Wars™: Twilight of the Republic Play Set takes place in the height of the Jedi’s powers, where players will use the Force™ and Lightsabers™ in epic battles and master their combat skills alongside Ahsoka Tano, Anakin Skywalker, Obi-Wan Kenobi, Yoda and Darth Maul. The Star Wars™: Rise Against the Empire Play Set will take players on galaxy-spanning missions with Luke Skywalker, Princess Leia Organa, Han Solo, Chewbacca and Darth Vader, piloting X-wing fighters or the Millennium Falcon to fight stormtroopers, or exploring and partaking in land-based missions on planets like Tatooine, Hoth, and Endor. Additionally, fans will have the unique opportunity to play with all of the Star Wars characters in all of the Star Wars Play Sets.
“Star Wars is a cross-generational franchise, and Disney Infinity 3.0 Edition creates an incredible opportunity for families and fans to relive their favorite Star Wars moments,” said John Blackburn, Senior Vice President and General Manager of Disney Infinity. “With the addition of Star Wars, Inside Out and new Disney and Marvel characters, Disney Infinity 3.0 Edition will be the most ambitious and diverse offering yet and also the most accessible, with a lower suggested retail price for this year’s Starter Pack.”
Disney Infinity 3.0Edition will also introduce an all-new, 3-D Toy Box Hub that will make it easier for players to choose from a wider selection of gameplay experiences – including platform, racing, and farming simulation games. Two new multiplayer Toy Box Expansion Games will bring action-adventure gameplay in Toy Box Takeover and kart racing in Toy Box Speedway, where kids and families can play with popular Disney, Disney•Pixar, Marvel and Star Wars characters together in a structured setting.
Disney Infinity 3.0 Edition is being developed by Avalanche Software in partnership with Ninja Theory, Sumo Digital, Studio Gobo and United Front Games, and will be available for the PlayStation®4 and PlayStation®3 computer entertainment systems, Xbox One, the all-in-one games and entertainment system and Xbox 360 games and entertainment system from Microsoft, the Wii U™ system from Nintendo, PC and iOS and Android devices.
The Disney Infinity 3.0 Edition Starter Pack will include the Disney Infinity 3.0 Edition Base and video game software, the Star Wars: Twilight of the Republic Play Set, Ahsoka Tano and Anakin Skywalker character figures, and a web code card that unlocks content for PC and mobile devices. Other Disney Infinity 3.0 Edition Play Sets, figures, and Toy Box Expansion Games will be sold separately.
All figures and Power Discs from the 1.0 and 2.0 editions of Disney Infinity will be compatible with Disney Infinity 3.0 Edition in the enhanced Toy Box and, for the first time, Power Discs will be sold in labeled franchise-specific packs of four. Additional Disney, Disney•Pixar, Marvel and Star Wars figures and Play Sets will be announced in the coming months.
You’ll soon see my gift guide for Mother’s day… its always a challenge to figure out what to get your wife (mother of your kids), your mom (mother of you), or maybe even your sister or sister-in-law (I’m sure by now you remember how that matters).
While its always the thought that counts on gifts with holidays like mother’s day – I think two things… 1) create a memory – do something that your family will remember. Take pictures or make videos while doing it. and 2) if you’re giving a gift I prefer something thats useful.
Thanks to the great people at Logitech we’re giving away this awesome urban handbag (its more like a backpack) filled with really cool tech gear.
How to win it… Contest ends 9:30am EST. May 6th, 2015.
You must comment telling us who your connect bag would go to? please include some method for us to contact you in the comment (twitter or email)
You get 1 extra entry for following @DadaRocks on twitter – twitter.com/dadarocks you must comment back here that you’re now following
You get 1 extra entry for becoming a Fan on facebook – facebook.com/dadarocks you must comment back here that you’re a fan (and leave a little note on the wall)
You will have 6 hours to reply before we pick another winner!
Disclosure: DaDaRocks received a complementary connect bag. No other compensation was received. Contest limited to USA. Must be 18+ years old to enter to win.
Marvels Avengers: Age of Ultron hits theaters today, and what better way to celebrate the return of “Earth’s Mightiest Heroes” to the silver screen than with some coloring pages of the film’s stars! Your kids will love coloring in their favorite superheroes like Iron Man, Black Widow, and Captain America, and the best part is, you can print out these pages for free using the image links below!
Marvel Studios presents “Avengers: Age of Ultron,” the epic follow-up to the biggest Super Hero movie of all time. When Tony Stark tries to jumpstart a dormant peacekeeping program, things go awry and Earth’s Mightiest Heroes, including Iron Man, Captain America, Thor, The Incredible Hulk, Black Widow and Hawkeye, are put to the ultimate test as the fate of the planet hangs in the balance. As the villainous Ultron emerges, it is up to The Avengers to stop him from enacting his terrible plans, and soon uneasy alliances and unexpected action pave the way for an epic and unique global adventure.
Marvel’s “Avengers: Age of Ultron” stars Robert Downey Jr., who returns as Iron Man, along with Chris Hemsworth as Thor, Mark Ruffalo as Hulk and Chris Evans as Captain America. Together with Scarlett Johansson as Black Widow and Jeremy Renner as Hawkeye, and with the additional support of Don Cheadle as James Rhodes/War Machine, Cobie Smulders as Agent Maria Hill, Stellan Skarsgård as Erik Selvig and Samuel L. Jackson as Nick Fury, the team must reassemble to defeat James Spader as Ultron, a terrifying technological villain hell-bent on human extinction. Along the way, they confront two mysterious and powerful newcomers, Pietro Maximoff, played by Aaron Taylor-Johnson, and Wanda Maximoff, played by Elizabeth Olsen and meet an old friend in a new form when Paul Bettany becomes Vision.
Written and directed by Joss Whedon and produced by Kevin Feige, p.g.a., Marvel’s “Avengers: Age of Ultron” is based on the ever-popular Marvel comic book series “The Avengers,” first published in 1963. Get set for an action-packed thrill ride when The Avengers return in Marvel’s “Avengers: Age of Ultron”– in theaters now!
When I was contacted to work on a sponsored post with Dole to talk about their Pineapple juice it took me less then a second to say yes. Why? I grew up on Dole Pineapple Juice – I typically have ordered it at many a weekend brunch.
Here’s a bit about the plot… An uptight and by-the-book cop (Reese Witherspoon) tries to protect the sexy and outgoing widow (Sofía Vergara) of a drug boss as they race through Texas pursued by crooked cops and murderous gunmen.
Disney Interactive today announced that the Star Wars universe will join Disney, Disney•Pixar and Marvel in 
More figures of fan-favorite characters from across The Walt Disney Company, like Mickey and Minnie, Sam Flynn and Quorra from Tron: Legacy, Mulan and Olaf, among many others
Thanks to the great people at Logitech we’re giving away this awesome urban handbag (its more like a backpack) filled with really cool tech gear.
