My kid rocks out to a guitar with no strings – Paper Jamz Giveaway

My kid rocks out to a guitar with no strings – Paper Jamz Giveaway

I’ve always loved the simple fact that my sons loves music.  Its something about a toddler and music that just go together like peanut butter and jelly. For the last few months its been all about pianos because the keys are way safer then string guitars.

Enter the modern age guitar by paper jam – this thing rocks! With a great senors that play cords and songs.  It really is paper thin and I must admit although its marketed as a kids toy – I’ve totally found myself playing it again and again. The sound volume is great and clear, which isnt always the case with kids toys.  The art on the guitar is awesome and the response from the senors is magical.

Really one of the biggest concerns with little kids and guitars is that’ll they slice their finger if they hit the string in a certain way, but there is no strings here.  This would make an amazing gift for any kid that is even the slightest musically inclined. While I was demoing the guitar they also make a drum and a amp. I’m sure the quality that is in the guitar is also in the drums and amp.

Each instrument comes with a set list of songs and they’re coming out in series so they’ll be a factor of collectible on top of the fact you’ll want some different songs. I’m totally down with my kid learning to love classic rock, as I’m sure my wife would love him to learn country music (dont forget she’s from Texas). My set list was Born to be wild, Mississippi Queen, and Smoke on the water all songs that I truly love!

Here is the commercial that will be airing on TV (if you haven’t already seen it!) but then again it just came out, so maybe you haven’t!

How to win it… Contest ends 11:59pm EST. July 29, 2010.

You must comment telling us what your favorite guitar song is, please include some method for us to contact you in the comment (twitter or email)

You get 1 extra entry for following us on twitter – twitter.com/dadarocks

You get 1 extra entry for following PaperJamz on twitter – twitter.com/PaperJamz

You get 1 extra entry for tweeting about this contest (you can do this daily). Must contain the following information:

@PaperJamz @dadarocks – http://bit.ly/9dV3tZ and you must also comment with the link to your twitter message.

Example: I want to win the awesome guitar from @PaperJamz & @dadarocks – http://bit.ly/9dV3tZ

You get 1 extra entry for becoming a Fan on facebook – facebook.com/dadarocks you must comment that you’re a fan

You get 1 extra entry for becoming a Fan of Paper Jamz on facebook – http://www.facebook.com/pages/Paper-Jamz/104699312897287?ref=ts you must comment that you’re a fan

You get 1 extra entry for subscribing to our Feedburner digest mailing (right side subscribe by email) – you must also comment that you’ve subscribed

You get 1 extra entry for becoming a friend on Google Connect (right side below facebook box) – you must also comment that you’ve become a friend

You will have 48 hours to reply before we pick another winner!

Disclaimer: WowWee/Paper Jamz is providing the stroller as the prize for the raffle.

Kari’s Key Lime Pie Recipe

Kari’s Key Lime Pie Recipe

While in Texas a couple of weeks ago my sister in law Kari broke out dessert that she cooked which was this amazing Key Lime Pie (YUM and DROOL just thinking about it) after a few people on facebook commented on a post asking for the recipe (or more like begging and pleading)  I would like to share an amazing and super easy to make Key Lime Pie recipe (THANKS KARI!)

here it is:

1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk
3 egg yolks
1/2 c. Lime juice
1/2 c. Heavy whipping cream
Zest from one lime
1 9-inch Graham cracker crust

Combine milk, egg yolks, lime juice, whipping cream, and lime zest.

Blend until smooth.

Pour filling into pie crust and bake 15 min at 350 degrees.

Let stand 10 minutes at room temperature, then refrigerate.

Top with whipped cream (if that’s you’re thing).


And Enjoy! 🙂 it’ll make those hot summer nights melt away!

Its time to street surf with the Whiplash

Its time to street surf with the Whiplash

Summer is in full bloom in NYC as the weather has been in the high 90’s for a solid week plus now (thankfully it seems a little cooler at mid 80’s). Since Dada Rocks is about getting out and playing with kids (before I melt in this hot NYC weather)… Its time to break out the stuff for the older kids… Introducing the Whiplash , Its the Waveboard and a scooter mixed into one awesome new outdoor toy (sure if you have enough room like say Google Headquarters you can use it inside).

The coolness factor on this awesome hardware is that once you get your skill level up you never need to touch your feet to the ground like their waveboard you can use your body/legs to keep the scooter continually moving. We’ve been playing with the unit in Arizona and its been a blast for the kids ranging in ages from 7-15… While our 15 year old had a little trouble footing the board due to his size (he’s a giant!) the other 3 kids had no problem and quickly got to a level were they didnt need to touch the ground.

I’m going to put this out there that a child should always wear some type of protective head gear (and maybe wrist guards) to protect themselves. While thats not shown in the picture above. this is more of a do as I say not as I do type warning!

If you’d like to get your own you can purchase one from Amazon [Link] and other major retail locations. Here is a quick promo video showing off the whiplash.

The Whiplash website is loaded with great videos that make it easier for kids to see what they need to know to get their skill level up [Link] you’ll learn to drift, cut and self propel.

How to win it… Contest ends 11:59pm EST. July 26, 2010.

You must comment telling us your favorite feature of the whiplash scooter, please include some method for us to contact you in the comment (twitter or email)

You get 1 extra entry for following us on twitter – twitter.com/dadarocks

You get 1 extra entry for following whiplash scooter on twitter – twitter.com/whiplashscooter

You get 1 extra entry for tweeting about this contest (you can do this daily). Must contain the following information:

@whiplashscooter @dadarocks – http://bit.ly/d20bmV and you must also comment with the link to your twitter message.

Example: I want to win the @whiplashscooter from @dadarocks – http://bit.ly/d20bmV

You get 1 extra entry for becoming a Fan on facebook – facebook.com/dadarocks you must comment that you’re a fan

You get 1 extra entry for becoming a Fan of Whiplash on facebook – facebook.com/WhiplashScooter you must comment that you’re a fan

You get 1 extra entry for subscribing to our Feedburner digest mailing (right side subscribe by email) – you must also comment that you’ve subscribed

You get 1 extra entry for becoming a friend on Google Connect (right side below facebook box) – you must also comment that you’ve become a friend

You will have 48 hours to reply before we pick another winner!

Disclaimer: Street Surfing, LLC is providing the whiplash as the prize for the raffle.

NYC AND BABY-T ROARS FOR A WORLD RECORD AT MSG

NYC AND BABY-T ROARS FOR A WORLD RECORD AT MSG

NYC AND BABY-T ROARS FOR A WORLD RECORD AT MSG

Meet the live baby Tyrannosaurs Rex from ‘Walking with Dinosaurs – The Arena Spectacular’ on Wednesday, July 14 from 11am-11:30am and participate in breaking a Guinness World Record for ‘Loudest Dinosaur Roar’ by an outdoor crowd



What: NYC ‘DINO’ FANS ATTEMPT WORLD RECORD FOR ‘LOUDEST DINOSAUR ROAR’

Calling all NYC dinosaur fans to join the baby Tyrannosaurus Rex from ‘WALKING WITH DINOSAURS – The Arena Spectacular to attempt to break a world record for ‘loudest dinosaur roar’ by an outdoor crowd.  As a special incentive, the first 50 people who arrive to participate will receive a free ticket to an upcoming WWD show!

WALKING WITH DINOSAURS – The Arena Spectacular is a theatrical production, based on the award-winning BBC Television series, that follows the journey of 17 roaring, snarling “live” awe-inspiring dinosaurs when they first walked on earth 200 million years ago.

The show returns to Madison Square Garden arena, July 21-25 with 12 performances only!  Tickets are on sale now by calling 866.858.0008, online at www.thegarden.com/dinos or in-person at the Madison Square Garden Box Office.  For groups, please call 212.465.6080


Who:  7-FT ‘LIVE’ BABY TYRANNOSAURS REX from WALKING WITH DINOSAURS

GREG-T from Elvis Duran and The Morning Show, Z100

Mathew Rimmer, spokesperson from WALKING WITH DINOSAURS

An official ADJUDICATOR from the GUINNESS WORLD RECORD to ‘judge’ the roar

ALL NYC DINOSAUR FANS to ‘ROAR’ and break record

Over 500 Kids from the GARDEN OF DREAMS FOUNDATION, a non-profit charity that works with all areas of Madison Square Garden to ‘make dreams come true for kids in crisis’

When: Wednesday, JULY 14, 2010

  • PARTICIPANT CHECK-IN: 10:50AM
  • Event BEGINS: 11am

Where: OUTSIDE MADISON SQUARE GARDEN ON THE PLAZA (7th Ave b/w 33RD &31ST)

*event to take place rain or shine*

For more information visit www.thegarden.com/dinos or www.GreatDinoRoar.com

Toddlers on a plane – a great sequel to snakes on a plane

Toddlers on a plane – a great sequel to snakes on a plane

What do I do with a purple cartoon backpack?!

For the better part of the last two weeks we’ve been traveling at some point or another. Its been pretty clear that worst part of traveling as a family is getting in long plane rides. There is limited ways around this, you could drug your kids (I think most of us wish that was cool but its usually not!), have a short enough flight were it feels like a car ride – like a hopper flight from NYC to Rochester, you can pack up a sweet to go back for a kiddo with games, books and TV/DVDs in our case it was an iPad loaded with dozens of his favorite shows.  Still that wasnt enough to stop the dreaded Toddler on the Plane… I honestly felt for the kids in front of us – thankfully their father had the foresight to place his two teenage sons where he was supposed to be siting (I really was holding in the laughter at the scene where he explained to them why he needed to sit with their sister).  In the end I’m sure those kids where saying lines that only Samuel L Jackson could truly pull off.

So if there is a movie producer out there looking for sequel to Airplane with some spicy Samuel L Jackson lines give me a call 😛 cause seriously don’t we all love that screaming baby on a plane (just sucks when its your kid who’s doing the screaming).

On the bright side for those who think we do a lot of traveling Marc is about to turn 2 in August which means we need to purchase a seat for him to fly with us…  I highly doubt we’ll be doing as much traveling with him when he costs us another 300-400 dollars to get some place. I’ll apologize now to all grandmothers and great grandmothers and great grandfathers because this will limit our traveling plans (ALOT).

Traveling with a baby or toddler is rough as we had to fly with a car seat, a stroller, and a bag full of diapers/wipes/milk bottles and dozens of other things you NEED to have… add the extra clothes that need to be split between the two check bags and now we’re also pushing bag weight limits. This really reminds me of all those National Lampoons Vacation movies or maybe the home alone where they wake up late for the flight and need to rush out of their home forgetting one thing or another (child). Really its how it is – STRESS to a different level between needing to take your child’s shoes off at security or have them test the milk it really could make one snap – add a screaming toddler for long periods of time maybe that’s why MamaDrinks and DadsGoneFishing could be such popular sites or topics.

Win a Micralite FastFold Superlite from Scandinavian Child

Win a Micralite FastFold Superlite from Scandinavian Child

The Micralite FastFold Superlite [Link] has all of the features of a full-size stroller but functions as an umbrella stroller. Weighing in at only 14 pounds, the FastFold Superlite is a compact and ergonomic stroller that is easily maneuvered using only one hand. The sliding seat reclines for baby’s comfort or sits upright so your child can enjoy the views.

Available in a range of vibrant contemporary colors, the FastFold Superlite features an ingenious single-handed folding action and stands alone when folded. Recognized for its ability to cover all terrains, the Superlite’s rear pneumatic tires soak up the bumps and ensure the passenger a comfortable ride. The swiveling front wheels give excellent control in the street and allow precise maneuverability in tight spots.

We got to use this a little bit with our kiddo we loved it… The ability to have a stroller that is this light but yet have this much power was wonderful. We didn’t have any stability issues and our kiddo is a mover. It would be a great summer stroller as the entire seat is mesh netting, so there will be consent air flow.

Features [Link to Demo Videos]:

  • Patented, easy-folding design
  • Stands upright when folded
  • One-handed steering and precise maneuverability
  • Lightweight – only 14 pounds (6.4 kg)
  • Two position breathable mesh, reclining seat
  • Includes air pump for rear wheels
  • 5 Point Safety Harness
  • Robust 12″ all terrain removable pneumatic rear wheels
  • Lockable 6″ front swivel wheels
  • Easy-grip adjustable handles
  • Available accessories include Multi-Position Handles, Rider, Maxi-Cosi & Graco Carseat Adaptors, Seat Liners, Travel Bag and Rain Cover (all sold separately)
  • JPMA Safety Certified
  • Five Year Manufacturer’s Warranty with product registration
  • Colors: Red, Yellow, Blue, Grey and Black

Love it? you can order it on Amazon.com [Link] or on Scandinavian Child’s Website [Link]

How to win it… Contest ends 11:59pm EST. July 19, 2010.

You must comment telling us your favorite feature of the Micralite Fastfold Superlite, please include some method for us to contact you in the comment (twitter or email)

You get 1 extra entry for following us on twitter – twitter.com/dadarocks

You get 1 extra entry for following Scandinavian Child on twitter – twitter.com/ScanChild

You get 1 extra entry for tweeting about this contest (you can do this daily). Must contain the following information:

#MicraliteFastfoldSuperlite @ScanChild @dadarocks – http://bit.ly/abt7Xh and you must also comment with the link to your twitter message.

Example: I want to win the #MicraliteFastfoldSuperlite from @ScanChild & @dadarocks – http://bit.ly/abt7Xh

You get 1 extra entry for becoming a Fan on facebook – facebook.com/dadarocks you must comment that you’re a fan

You get 1 extra entry for becoming a Fan of Scandinavian Child on facebook – facebook.com/scandinavianchild you must comment that you’re a fan

You get 1 extra entry for subscribing to our Feedburner digest mailing (right side subscribe by email) – you must also comment that you’ve subscribed

You get 1 extra entry for becoming a friend on Google Connect (right side below facebook box) – you must also comment that you’ve become a friend

You will have 48 hours to reply before we pick another winner!

Disclaimer: Scandinavian Child is providing the stroller as the prize for the raffle.

Happy 4th of July

Happy 4th of July

While enjoying the family BBQs please be safe – remember to keep the kids away from the open flames. Dont let the tweens play with fireworks. On the family memories note – dress the kids up in red, white and blue and capture memories.  In the end you’ll never have them at this age again and it is a special day that we all celebrate the great history of our country.


ps. the picture here is of my sister and myself circa 1980’s – sorry Heather had to post it 🙂

When kids are around its time to clean green

When kids are around its time to clean green

One thing that we’ve made progress on in this world is going green. It’s the buzz terms of the last five years. You’ve heard it from Oprah to the nightly news and unless you’ve got a kid or a pet most likely you’re still cleaning your house/apartment with harsh stuff – and believe sometimes that’s the only thing that will get the job done – but nowadays there is other options…. We’ve been using a combo of bother Dapple and Seven Generation products in our home since Kiddo was born.

A little while ago during Spring Cleaning my wife was stressed with childcare, work, and everything else she does and we decided to call in the heavy hitters at Keep Your Home Clean [Link] – they’ve like the green clean crew.  Between the website, facebook page, and twitter feeds they’re not only selling a service (which by the way is great) but they’re also putting out there resources and tips of how to bring green cleaning into your own home.

Living in the city is awesome for many things but finding quality help sometimes is tough.  Marzena the owner of Keep Your Home Clean and I were introduced on twitter and we had been having a dialog about what we do around the house to keep it clean and really it was about kid friendly clean.  I know my wife had put some efforts into being kid friendly but I wasnt sure just how much until we had the Keep Your Home Clean team come in and do a once over before a visit from my mother in law. The team cleaned house literally – it was spotless and well worth the money. We’ve used the service since that first time as well.

Comfort that Marc was able to play right away after a room was done instead of waiting for fumes or other things to clear out was so great (since we have very little room for him to play in normally its hard to stay out of rooms). Because we really thought the job they did was fantastic I’m offering one lucky MANHATTAN resident a chance to win an 8 hour blog with Keep your home clean.

How to win it… Contest ends 11:59pm EST. July 18, 2010.

You must comment telling us your favorite tip for cleaning green, please include some method for us to contact you in the comment (twitter or email)

You get 1 extra entry for following us on twitter – twitter.com/dada_rocks

You get 1 extra entry for following KYHC on twitter – twitter.com/MarzenZiembicka

You get 1 extra entry for tweeting about this contest (you can do this daily). Must contain the following information:

#greenclean @marzenziembicka @dada_rocks – http://bit.ly/aePopA  and you must also comment with the link to your twitter message.

Example: I want to win the #greenclean from @marzenziembicka & @dada_rocks – http://bit.ly/aePopA

You get 1 extra entry for becoming a Fan on facebook – facebook.com/dada_rocks you must comment that you’re a fan

You get 1 extra entry for becoming a Fan of KYHC on facebook – http://www.facebook.com/pages/New-York-NY/Cleaning-Service-NYC/123343911022694?ref=ts&__a=59 you must comment that you’re a fan

You get 1 extra entry for subscribing to our Feedburner digest mailing (right side subscribe by email) – you must also comment that you’ve subscribed

You get 1 extra entry for becoming a friend on Google Connect (right side below facebook box) – you must also comment that you’ve become a friend

You will have 48 hours to reply before we pick another winner!

Disclaimer: Keep Your House Clean is providing the prize for the raffle.

Walking With Dinosaurs – Father’s Day Special: Buy 1 Ticket, Get 1 FREE!

Walking With Dinosaurs – Father’s Day Special: Buy 1 Ticket, Get 1 FREE!

Walking With Dinosaurs
The Arena Spectacular
Madison Square Garden • July 21 – 25

SAVE 50% on Tickets with this LIMITED-TIME Father’s Day Offer!

Celebrate your Dad, Husband, Grandfather, Brother, or Uncle with a special Father’s Day discount to the educational & entertaining Walking With Dinosaurs: The Arena Spectacular.

Click here to purchase your tickets today and be sure to use code BOGO1. Limited time offer–get your tickets before they’re extinct! Hurry, this offer expires Sunday, June 20 at 10PM.

Internationally renowned designers have worked with scientists to create 17 life-size dinosaurs, including the terror of the ancient terrain, Tyrannosaurus-rex! Be amazed and thrilled as the greatest creatures ever to walk the earth return before your eyes. Walking With Dinosaurs is a dazzling arena spectacle of unprecedented size and quality set to captivate young and old alike.

Time to take the kiddo to a ball game – Win a pair of tickets to Sunday’s Mets vs Yankees Game!

Time to take the kiddo to a ball game – Win a pair of tickets to Sunday’s Mets vs Yankees Game!

Father’s day is rolling up and I was doing this BBQ thing but seems thats not happening well good thing in New York City there is always something to do… so this Father’s day will be the first time we’re taking kiddo to the ball game!

It’ll be a great family outing on top of wifey, kiddo and I, we’ll be adding papa (my father).  This will be the first time for any of us to the new Yankees Stadium, it’ll be the first ball game for the kiddo and I couldnt be more excited.

I’m pretty pumped to be able to offer this next part… Win 2 tickets to the game!This is going to be a very short contest and will require you to be sitting next to us at the game (I’ll apologize now for kiddo tossing anything at you [just be glad your not the person sitting in front of kiddo]) on top of the tickets you’ll also get a Father/Kid sized Yankees Jersey. Overall how could this not be the best father’s day ever… if you dont have a lil kid and want to take a big one thats fine too – when it cames to baseball we’re all kids at heart.

How to win it… Contest ends 08:59am EST. June 19, 2010.

You must comment telling us your favorite baseball player (playing today), please include some method for us to contact you in the comment (twitter or email)

You get 1 extra entry for following us on twitter – twitter.com/dada_rocks

You get 1 extra entry for tweeting about this contest (you can do this daily). Must contain the following information:

#Mets_vs_Yankees @dada_rocks – http://bit.ly/aePopA  and you must also comment with the link to your twitter message.

Example: I want to win the #Mets_vs_Yankees tickets from @dada_rocks – http://bit.ly/aePopA

You get 1 extra entry for becoming a Fan on facebook – facebook.com/dada_rocks you must comment that you’re a fan


You get 1 extra entry for subscribing to our Feedburner digest mailing (right side subscribe by email) – you must also comment that you’ve subscribed

You get 1 extra entry for becoming a friend on Google Connect (right side below facebook box) – you must also comment that you’ve become a friend

You will have 6 hours to reply before we pick another winner! Once again you will be sitting next to DaDa Rocks! and you will have to meet me to get the tickets on Saturday at some point in NYC.

Disclaimer: Pampers is providing the prize for the raffle.