It’s been years since I have taken a Spanish language class. Although back in the day, I was actually semi-fluent. I completely support and appreciate the importance of children learning at least one 2nd language- it is such an amazing skill to have. I hope to teach Lily Bean bits and pieces of Spanish, and the Little Pim series makes it a little easier!
Through a cute and engaging video, the Little Pim Spanish DVD that we watched was very well done. Words are shown on the screen, repeated multiple times, and acted out (mostly by children). Our DVD was Volume 1: Eating and Drinking. Lily Bean and I watched as various meal related scenes played out- with Spanish vocabulary for food, utensils, and other actions appeared on the program.
I was impressed that Lily was fairly interested. She watched for about 5 minutes or so before wandering across the room to fetch some toys. I left the DVD on and found her checking the show out several times. I have a feeling that the older she gets, the more engaged in the DVD she’ll become.
The Little Pim DVD Series comes in ten different languages: Spanish, French, Mandarin Chinese, Hebrew, Italian, Japanese, Russian, Arabic, English and German.
Purchase options include:
- Individual Little Pim DVD in any of the ten languages. Disc one: Eating and Drinking; Disc two: Wake Up Smiling; Disc three: Playtime – $17.95 each
- Little Pim Three-Pak is the three-DVD introduction to more than 180 vocabulary words and phrases in your chosen language – $49.95
- Little Pim Gift Set includes a Little Pim Three-Pak in your chosen language plus an 8-inch velvety soft plush toy of Little Pim, the panda, in a fun, re-usable tote – $59.95
- Little Pim Deluxe Gift Set, available only in Spanish or French, includes the three-disc set, the plush toy, a music CD and flash cards in a fun, re-usable tote – $84.95
Gum! Who doesn’t love gum?? I have always been a chronic gum chewer… that probably started all the way back in high school when gum chewing was seen as a rebellious act that could get you *shudder* demerits. LOL Seriously though, Trident has always found a home in my purse/backpack/diaper bag. I like it because it stays fresh forever and it doesn’t fall apart after chewing for awhile like some other gums do. My favorite flavor was always spearmint!
So of course it was perfect when Trident asked me to try their brand new gum- Trident Layers- for free to see what I thought. I’m not usually one for really fruity gums- that’s more Biker Bob’s department (his eyes lit up like Christmas when I opened this package).
Right off the bat I was impressed with the gum’s presentation. I know that sounds silly- but look how neat this pack looks when it’s opened up! Pretty!
What make this gum unique is that it is made up of three different fruity flavor layers. It comes in Green Apple/Pineapple and Strawberry/Citrus. (My fave was the strawberry and Biker Bob’s was the green apple- perfect, a pack for each of us!)
The best part about this gum, aside from the taste, is that the flavor lasts for a long time. I have a habit of chewing a piece of gum until the very very end (like 2-3 hours). There was
still some flavor left after hours of chewing. Not a ton, but definitely some!
You can even grab a $.75/1 coupon for
Trident Layers Gum HERE!
Definitely consider adding Trident Layers Gum to your stocking stuffer shopping list- it’s sure to be a hit- and gum will never break your bank!
Trident provided me with the products reviewed above free of charge. All opinions expressed in this review are my own, and should not be substituted for your own experience.
Lily Bean LOVES her books! They are some of her very favorite “toys” and she will actually sit for 10-15 minutes at a time “reading” throughout the day- not bad for a 14 month old! Of course, what makes her books even better are when they are picture books with familiar faces inside.
My sister and I were just discussing kids books a few weeks ago. I told her how I had made Lily some photo flashcards and we looked through a couple picture books that we made recently. She commented that she wished there were photo board books for babies to enjoy. I agreed- photo books are great, but they are not meant for little hands. Little hands need chunky, hard to destroy, thick pages that can withstand their exploration.
I couldn’t believe my luck when just a few days after that conversation I received the opportunity to review a “Take Your Pix” photo album. Guess what they are? Photo albums AND board books- in one! Thick, sturdy, and featuring notches on the pages for easy turning, these books are EXACTLY what my sister and I have been searching for!
It’s so easy- you simply print out (or have prints made) the pictures you’d like to include in your book. Photos slide in the tops of the pages- and there is clear plastic protecting them from sticky baby hands. Each album has 20 thick cardboard pages and they are available in several colors: white, blue, pink, and yellow.
We received the yellow album. I spent about 30 minutes printing, cutting, and loading my photos into the book while Biker Bob kept Lily Bean busy with other toys. When it was ready to give to her, I called her name and held it up for her to see. I wish I had the video camera rolling to show her overjoyed response. She marched right over to me, climbed on the couch, and dove right into the book. The next 15 minutes were filled with her current favorite phrase/question, “IS IT????!!!!!!” She wanted us to tell her each and every person in the book (mostly her) and imagine the yelling when she got to the page with her on a pony ride! She came back to the book two more times after dinner before bed. (Here’s a pic full of “IS IT!!!”)
There is no question- this book is an absolute perfect fit for Lily Bean. Priced at just $19.95, you can check out their website at www.boardbookalbums.com.
Lily received her very first Baby Genius DVD for her birthday this year. I honestly cannot say enough good things about it. It captivates her unlike any other show, movie, or CD. She bops around, dances, sings, and even shrieks in excitement when her very favorite songs come on the screen. Many of the songs on that DVD are actually set to the tune of well-known classical music.
When I attended the Time to Play holiday showcase in NYC last month I was thrilled to learn all about the brand new line of toys from Baby Genius.
These toys are available at Walmart stores and you can visit the Baby Genius website for more information.
Old McVinko’s Musical Farm: $25
It’s a farm, it plays music- what more could a kid need? This farm is interactive, colorful, and fun. There is actually a track that the animals sit in. The track then revolves in and out of the barn carrying the animals with it! The farm is easy to pick up and take with you- which will come in handy on our many trips. I love that it comes with several barnyard animals and also features the Baby Genius characters. Lily Bean recognized these characters from her DVD and it just added to the excitement!
Swivel ‘N Sounds Phone: $8
This phone is going to save my poor Blackberry from even more Lily Bean bites. She absolutely loves playing with our phones- no matter how many times we take them away from her, she still manages to find them. This Baby Genius Swivel ‘N Sounds Phone packs so much entertainment in such a little package! The phone makes sounds, plays songs, talks, lights up, AND! It even has a record feature that allows kids to record themselves talking and play it back. Totally fun toy at a FRACTION of the price you would expect to pay!
DJ’s Sing-A-Long Keyboard: $20
Lily Bean will sit for long periods of time at our piano and happily bang away on the keys! This is all fine and good, but it requires someone to sit with her to make sure she doesn’t topple off the bench. This keyboard is such a fun alternative and her face lights up every time she plays with it! Kids can choose their instrument, type of music, and play some songs. There is also a record/play back feature on this toy allowing kids to record their songs and listen to them over and over again.
It’s been years since I have taken a Spanish language class. Although back in the day, I was actually semi-fluent. I completely support and appreciate the importance of children learning at least one 2nd language- it is such an amazing skill to have. I hope to teach Lily Bean bits and pieces of Spanish, and the Little Pim series makes it a little easier!
