joovy :: tricycoo

Here we go again! I'm going to tell you about another FABULOUS product from Joovy!! It's the Tricycoo! (If you want to read the others I have posted about Joovy products you can see my reviews on the Ergo Caboose, the CocoonX2 and the ScooterX2).

Joovy recently came out with a fantastic new ride-on toy. It the Tricycoo. We received a pink one to use for review purposes and from the moment my girls saw it (both of them), they loved it! My 5 year old wanted to ride it right away. We let her, and she fit, but the size is more appropriate for our 2 year old. Adalynn, our 2-year old isn't quite big enough to touch the pedals yet but she LOVES walking it along or riding on it when we push her. There is a removable handle for situations like this. Right now we have it attached, but when she is older and able to pedal on her own, it will be removed.

We actually took this Tricycoo to the trails near our house the other day. It was easy to push her around in and she loved every second. And, so many people asked what I had my daughter in. It is adorable!

Here are some of the features on the Tricycoo:

• The handle in the back is removable. But while attached, you control the direction of the Tricycoo. When it is attached, it overrides what the child can do. The parent controls it all.
  
• There is a footrest that Adalynn rest her feet on now, but when she can pedal on her own this can be removed.
• There is a "basket" behind that can fit a lot of things. The girls originally packed it full of their baby dolls, but when we went for a walk, we put in our waters and keys to the truck.
• Last but not least, THE BELL! She loves it. And all the Tricycoo's come with it!
  

Joovy Tricycoo :: $99.99

*I received product to facilitate this review and promotion. The opinions expressed are my own.*

orb :: set your music free!

Lately we've been having a few music dilemmas here at our house.  There were multiple issues, but basically I needed to find a way to play our digital music library back in my girls' toy room without investing a couple hundred dollars into equipment or having monthly subscription charges for a service. After some searching I found the solution and it's called the Orb Music Player! YAY!!!

The Orb Music Player is the niftiest little device ever!  You just set up the software with your computer and plug in the Orb to run music from your computer to your stereo speakers or radio via Wi-Fi.  I can now listen to all our digital music on iTunes as well as online radio stations, like Pandora (or Sirius Satellite Radio if we had it) right in our house and I don't have to be attached to my computer!

For our girls to listen in their play room I've set up the Orb remote on my computer desktop so I can control what they're listening to while I work.  The great thing about using the Orb Music Player to do this is that I can choose different music for myself to listen to at the same time on my computer without interfering!  You can also set up the Orb remote on your smartphone and control the music from there as well.

The Orb Music Player is about 3 inches in diameter and is very small and compact.  To use it you need to be able to plug it in for power and have a stereo or radio with audio cable hookups (red/white).  We have even used our Orb Music Player to play music on our TV for family dance parties in the living room.  If you want more details about how the Orb Music Player works exactly you can find them here, along with details on using multiple Orb Music adaptors in your home (BRILLIANT!!!).

Orb Music Player :: $79

*I was provided with the Orb Music Player shown above in order to conduct this review using personal experience.  The opinions provided are my own.*

scare me not :: knockout ned {giveaway}

I just love the fun colors and funny faces these plush monsters have.  They are cute!  I asked my son which one he wanted hoping I was able to review one for SIMPLE and he wanted Knockout Ned.  Sure enough Scare Me Not was awesome enough to send me one of these for him. He was so excited.

step2 :: extreme coaster

My kids are thrill seekers. They love to have fun. And they LOVE to be outside! As a mom, I love having safe AND fun toys for my girls to play with. After learning more about Step2 at Toy Fair in New York, I have now had the opportunity to research them further with their Sand & Water Fun Farm (click HERE for previous review) and now their Extreme Coaster.


Thrill-seeking children, rejoice! Step2® has redesigned the classic Up & Down Roller Coaster to bring roller coaster fun to a wider age range. The Extreme Coaster features rugged double-wall construction and wide built-in steps for stability. Made in USA.

Awards:
T.O.Y. (Toy of the Year) Awards, Family Fun Magazine

OMGoodness do my girls LOVE this!!! They just do it over and over and over. And it's great because they can do it "most of the time" completely on their own.

I was reading the reviews on Step2's site and I wanted to address just a couple things.

• One complaint was the setup. While it was a little intimidating, if you follow the directions and are able to get help from someone else, setup is fine. However, my husband was able to set this up on his own without the need for assistance.
  
• The second thing that they have a complaint about was the "unsafe features". While yes this is a tall toy and has capabilities of the child going fairly fast, I believe that if you are there watching your child and being hands on with them, the opportunity to have an accident drastically diminishes. Simply my two cents. :)
  
• Yes it is heavy, but once you set it up, find a spot that you won't have to move it. We don't have this luxury, so each time the girls want to play on it, we simply move it out into the driveway. No biggie really.

You must be thinking to yourself - "I can't believe she has her 2-year old on this!" Just to clarify, Step2 does specify ages 3 and up, however my little one is quite confident with herself and we are closely there watching. Yes, I should have her helmet on, but of course I forgot when I was taking this video. For extra protection for your little one's noggin', just put on a helmet if you are worried.

Stay tuned to Step2 via Facebook and Twitter. You will be the first to hear about their new products as well as great deals! While you are at their site, be sure to look at their Current Specials Section, where you will find sale and clearance items as well as free shipping opportunities!

One last thing I wanted to note:
Step2 will be featured in a special two-part episode of Designing Spaces’ Miracle Makeovers To Remember series. Step2’s donation to the Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital will help turn an ordinary children’s hospital playroom into a fun and loving environment. The Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital offers cancer treatments, brain surgeries, heart transplants and many other rigorous procedures for kids of all ages. At this hospital, no one is refused treatment and everyone is treated equally so it’s about time these children received a gift for their courage!

The first episode was aired on Lifetime Television June 17th, but you can still catch the episode on June 24th at 7:30 a.m. ET and PT.

Extreme Coaster :: $249.99 (Save $10 now via Step2's site) - Shipping is extremely reasonable via Step2 as well - Just sayin'! :)

*I was sent the extreme coaster to conduct this review using personal experience. The opinions expressed are my own.*

toytoy :: cardboard armchair

Simple. Eco-friendly. Reasonably priced. Playful. Colorful. Portable. Lightweight. FUN!

When I first saw the ToyToy armchair design I immediately started thinking of all the places my son would have fun sitting in it. Part of the beauty of this simple product is how versatile it can be in the ever evolving life of a child.

Created by two parents who wanted products that would help build the world instead of taking away from it, ToyToy products help families consume less and use materials in a smarter way. The ToyToy armchair is constructed out of one piece of cardboard. It comes in a flat package (incredibly portable) that you can quickly assemble anywhere. With solid attention to design engineering this piece cardboard transforms into a very functional and fun chair. From a parent's perspective it's a little bit awesome.

• My son and I are able to transport this chair anywhere (it is incredibly lightweight)


• I don't have to worry about my son tumbling off the chair or scratching the floor as he pushes it around -- the design is child-friendly and very forgiving


• Creativity is inspired through the design -- I have watched my son climb on it, use it as a table, hide things in the cubby hole, push it around like a car, store his stuffed friends on it and flip through countless books while sitting atop this very cool chair
  


• It is at a price that any parent can love -- children work hard to tear things apart, but at this price that idea doesn't induce fear

Again, there are so many great ways to use this chair and places to sit in it. And think of what a great gift this could make -- it comes in transport friendly packaging (gift when visiting friends or relatives with kids), it is at a very reasonable price point (all those neighborhood birthday parties), it can be stored easily just about anywhere for occasional use (grandparents homes).

You can visit ToyToy over on Facebook as well!

ToyToy Cardboard Armchair : $14.99

A SIMPLE COUPON:

The ToyToy chair is already reasonably priced at $14.99, but today through June 30th, 2011 you can save an additional 25% off! At such a great deal you might want to consider getting one in each color -- and don't forget those gifts. Just make sure to use the coupon code: SIMPLE at checkout.

*I was provided the chair shown above to conduct this review using personal experience. The opinions expressed are my own*

ybike :: original and pewi

Adalynn loves this little yBike original! She zooms right along on it! See for yourself:

A few weeks back she was afraid to go on this bike at all. Now it's actually her first pick when we go outside to play. She feel so very cool on it - and very proud! :)

Start your research over on the yBike website too - they give so much information. One thing that I found out to be VERY cool on there about the yBike original was this:

Studies conducted at the University of Stellenbosch in South Africa showed that children who used YBike over a 2 week period showed up to 700% improvement in some cases in various tests of their balance and co-ordination skills. Incredible!

Apart from a really cool and appealing design YBike has been very cleverly engineered to help with a child’s overall Motor Skills / Balance Skill development. It has just enough stability and at the same time instability that will teach children from 2 – 4 years old to learn balance...

If used enough there is a good chance that your child can progress to a normal bicycle at the age of 3 or 4 without having to use training wheels / stabilizers.

We are true believers of this! We have first hand experience. Our Lili, who is now 5, didn't use training wheels at all when she was learning. She went straight from a very generic glider bike to her two-wheeled bike. And I believe that is SOLELY from being able to have the confidence and know the difference of whether or not she was going down or just losing her balance. Wish we had a yBike for her then!! :)

With the help of this yBike original, my husband says our 2-year old will be riding a two-wheeler by the end of the summer. We shall see... :)

Now, when we are inside playing, Adalylnn jumps on her "guy". She calls the little yBike pewi "guy". Pretty funny! If you use your imagination and look at the front handlebars of this ride on, you too will see a "guy"! :)

This ride on toy is not like others. There is so much mobility on this it's pretty fun to watch! It goes front and back and side to side with much ease. Adalynn just goes flying through our kitchen and living room with a squeal the whole time and a big smile on her face! Don't take my word for it, just watch this, they do a MUCH better job explaining that I would do:

yBike original :: $79.99
yBike pewi :: $59.99

Stay tuned to yBike too because they are launching a Trike this year too! And be sure to follow them on Facebook to be the first to hear about new products and special promotions!

*I was provided with a ybike original as well as a ybike pewi in order to conduct this review using personal experience. The opinions expressed are my own!*

ajj cornhole :: your one stop cornhole shop

It's that time of year. Time to get out of the house!! Time to enjoy the beautiful weather. Well, for some of you that is year round. But unfortunately for those of us in Michigan, we have to jump for joy with the 4 months of nice weather we get blessed with!

When the weather gets nice, we get outside...all the time! We now have a new activity to do with our family! And not only does our family enjoy this, when we have family and friends over, this is one of the first games we have been grabbing!

AJJ Cornhole makes a superior product. Great time is taken from what I can tell and the quality is spot on! They don't only offer Cornhole sets - there is more. You can check it out by clicking HERE.

If you're looking for great cornhole sets and accessories at affordable prices then you've come to the right place! All of our cornhole sets are hand-made at our warehouse in Cincinnati (the city that cornhole originated from) and are shipped to your door in days.

And don't forget, get this ordered in time for a fantastic Father's Day gift! Read below how you can get 20% off just by mentioning simple at checkout! This is something fun that dad can do outside with the kiddos - or you can make a family affair out of it too!

Not only is their site great for purchasing - but you can find out what Cornhole is as well as rules, and more!

Stay up to date with AJJ Cornhole on their Facebook page!

Striped Cornhole Set with bags :: $134.99

A SIMPLE DEAL:
AJJ Cornhole has extended a special coupon code for SIMPLE readers when purchasing a striped cornhole set with bags. At checkout, mention "simple" and you will get 20% off! Great deal!! Plus, their striped sets are already on sale right now too!

*I was provided with a striped cornhole set to conduct this review using personal experience. The opinions expressed are my own.*

KinderBike :: major coupon code!!!

So I am sure you remember the KinderBike review. How could you not? It was super awesome, I must say so myself! :)

(You can read the full review if you don't know what I am talking about.)

Keep reading below to see what KinderBike has offered SIMPLE readers. Pretty fantastic!


A SIMPLE DEAL:
Just because you all are SO awesome and the activity that was received for the KinderBike giveaway, the awesome folks over at KinderBike decided to offer a coupon code to all that didn't win. Shhh, don't tell! It's explicitly for you all! FYI - they never do this! :)

The promo code is simple71 - all in lower case letters - and this will get you $30 off at KinderBikeUSA and is effective 6/6/11-7/1/11. Enter the promo code at checkout! How awesome is that!!!

*This coupon was run in conjunction with the bike I received for my previous post with KinderBike! This post is simply for the great deal!*

ballpark classics :: our field. your dreams.

For all you baseball fanatics out there, here is YOUR game!! And it comes from Ballpark Classics! I have reviewed this game previously here on SIMPLE, but today I have a deal for you!!

With Father's Day right around the corner, I couldn't think of a better game for you all to look at! We have this game and could play it endlessly! And don't just take my opinion for it, this game was at the Nickelodeon Kids' Choice Awards and SO many famous people as well as many others loved the game. I followed Ballpark Classics on twitter that week so I could see who all was playing the game. :)

So don't delay. Here is a coupon code for you to get this game for 15% off! Deals like this don't come around often for Ballpark Classics, so if you have been thinking about it since the last time I reviewed it, now's your chance!

A SIMPLE DISCOUNT:
15% off all games using coupon code: simple11 at checkout
Limit 3 per customer.
Code is case-sensitive.

peace toys :: hugg-a-planet

This is one of the best toys I have ever seen -- and I promise you I wouldn't say that about just any toy. While I think toys are great fun and definitely a wonderful part of childhood, rarely do I come across one that I think will really have an important impact on my child's development. I am super pleased to introduce you to Peace Toys, a toy company offering amazing educational and organic toys. And I have fallen in love specifically with Hugg-A-Planet.

Hugg-A-Planet is essentially a globe pillow. While this sounds super simple, it's kind of brilliant. The moment I opened the package and pulled out the globe my son tackled it to the ground and began hugging it (to prove this please see my camera phone picture... this toy is suitably named). Hugg-A-Planet offers multiple forms and sizes of planets from Earth to Mars and even the moon! Each planet is accurately marked, allowing children to start learning and identifying geography from an early age. Colorful, soft, light weight...fun -- Hugg-A-Planet toys meet kid criteria and go above and beyond to deliver a great level of learning as well.

I love the idea that my son can get a sense of the world from a young age. We are a traveling family and being able to point out our destinations in respect to their placement in the world is pretty fun. While a typical globe is great for older kids, Hugg-A-Planet is a toy you can introduce from day one. This is a toy that can grow with your child.

And just to up the cool factor of this toy -- it's been to outer space. Yep, check the picture below for proof. What kid wouldn't want the toy that astronauts played with on a spaceship!

Peace Toys :: $22.95 :: Hugg-A-Planet Earth

*I was provided with Hugg-A-Planet Earth, Mars and the moon along with a Foundling Rabbit to conduct this review using personal experience. The opinions expressed are my own.*

meeshma kids :: oilcloth smock {giveaway}

My son has recently given serious consideration to arts and crafts. Finger painting with yogurt, making grandpa pictures and just scribbling for fun seem to make my kid really happy. But the moment I first saw my little one grip crayon I realized some serious thought needed to be paid to safeguarding my home and our clothing against impending destruction by art supplies.

While an old t-shirt thrown over your child may seem like a great solution I will raise the red flag for you. No sooner than the ink or paint touches that old shirt and it is already sinking deep into the fibers underneath. But I have found the solution (and it is super cute). Meeshma Kids, another fabulous Etsy designer, creates fantastic oilcloth smocks to not only prevent arts and crafts mishaps, but encourage creative time.




Each smock is lovingly created out of waterproof oilcloth to prevent liquid messes from ruining cute outfits. They go on and off easily with Velcro closures on the back. And the designs couldn't be more adorable. Bright patterns and colors make up each piece stimulating the senses and surely some creativity. I was also impressed with the large pocket on the front of the smock, ready and waiting to hold art supplies or catch a dropped crayon. With both girl and boy designs (the "Executive Collection" is the fun style my son is wearing) there is a perfect smock for each child. And (bonus) each smock comes packaged with a cute cookie cutter :)


I think these smocks are almost a necessity for parents who want to maintain some kind of cleanliness while encouraging creative fun. Keeping a few on hand for fun play dates or picking out a special design for each child in the home is a perfect way to make arts and crafts time even more special. And don't forget all those birthday parties (you know... the hundreds your child seems to be invited to each year) -- what a great gift that the child will love and any parent is sure to appreciate.


meeshma kids :: $20.00 :: oilcloth smock


A SIMPLE COUPON ::
From now until the end of the month SIMPLE readers can get 20% off the total purchase by using the code: SIMPLE when checking out. Have fun shopping at Meeshma Kids!

A WINNER HAS BEEN CHOSEN -- VISIT THE SIMPLE WINNERS SECTION TO SEE IF IT WAS YOU!

A SIMPLE GIVEAWAY! ::

One SIMPLE reader will win a fantastic Meeshma Kids Oilcloth Smock (your choice from the Etsy store). Here is how to enter:

• Visit Meeshma Kids Etsy store and come back here to tell me in a comment which smock you would choose (Required)

Additional entry opportunities:

• "Like" SIMPLE on Facebook (make sure to come back here and let me know)


• Facebook (Daily : Leave a link to your post in our comments) Post a status on your facebook hyper linking SIMPLE and this giveaway
  


• Tweet (Daily : Leave a link to your tweet in our comments) :: #Win a super adorable Meeshma Kids Oilcloth Smock over at @simplereviews: (http://www.simple-momreviews.com/) #giveaway


• Enter your email address in the left sidebar on SIMPLE to sign up for daily emails (make sure to tell us you signed up in our comments)
  


• Publicly follow SIMPLE via Google Friend Connect (make sure to tell us you tell us in our comments)

Winner will be randomly chosen on June 15, 2011. Please reference Giveaway Rules at the top of the page before entering.

*I was provided the smock show above to conduct this review using personal experience. The opinions expressed are my own.*

kinderbike :: a run bike you have to see! {giveaway}

If you have followed SIMPLE for any length of time now, you will know that my family and I LOVE to be outdoors. Anything outdoors. Anything! And biking is a top priority in this house. Our oldest was riding a two wheeler without training wheels by 3 years old - and my husband is hoping for the same with our little Adalynn.

I met KinderBike at Toy Fair this year and started a great relationship there. They are a great company with GREAT, quality products.

We were sent the Laufrad - it's awesome. It was totally simple to put together. Our little 2 year is all over it! She was very hesitant at first because this was the first "real" bike she has been on, but now when she gets on, her little feet just motor along and she has a blast! She is totally building her confidence and I know that by the end of this summer, she will be zooming fast like her big sister with her feet up in the air just gliding along.

"The top-rated run bike for the third consecutive year, the Laufrad is strong and durable, yet extremely lightweight. With a 6061 aluminum frame and alloy components, rear V-brake and industry-best limited lifetime warranty, it's no wonder the Laufrad was rated “The Best” by The New York Times in a recent review of top run bikes."

Laufrad :: $119

{ * GIVEAWAY NOW CLOSED - CHECK THE SIMPLE WINNER'S TAB ABOVE TO SEE WHO IT WAS! * }

A SIMPLE GIVEAWAY!

One SIMPLE reader will win their choice of any trainer in stock. The winner may choose from the Laufrad, Mini or E Series in colors red, blue and green. Whatever is available on the US website (which can be accessed HERE). Here is how to enter:

• Which bike looks like it will fit your child's style better, the Laufrad, Mini or E Series? (Required)
• Facebook (Daily : Leave a link to your post in our comments) Post a status on your facebook hyper linking SIMPLE and this giveaway!
  
• Tweet (Daily : Leave a link to your tweet in our comments) :: Do your kids like to ride? Enter the #giveaway on @simplereviews to #win a bike of choice: http://tiny.cc/glayh #contest Please RT!
  
• Sign up for daily emails from SIMPLE
  
• Publicly follow SIMPLE via Google Friend Connect

Winner will be randomly chosen on June 6, 2011. Please reference Giveaway Rules at the top of the page before entering.

*I was provided the Laufrad shown above to conduct this review using personal experience. The opinions expressed are my own.*

tollytots :: baby tangled doll and tangled dvd {giveaway}

If you missed it, we recently had a Facebook Fan Giveaway featuring Tollytots and their Tangled/Rapunzel Toddler doll. This doll is absolutely adorable!

My girls LOVE this movie, and anything Tangled for that matter right now.

Well I have recently had the opportunity to learn more about TollyTots. I didn't realize it, but they actually make a LOT of different things. Click HERE and you will be directed over to their "Products" page and you can see for yourself!

Here is a little more about TollyTots if you haven't heard of them either:
"Tollytots is a vertically integrated, design, marketing, and manufacturing company with special emphasis on the girl's doll and accessory category. Our mission is to create unique and innovative products that combine classic toys with leading edge interactive technology. We want to create a whole new play experience for children and their caregivers. Tollytots has formed strategic licensing relationships with most trusted and recognized brands in the world; Fisher Price, Disney and Graco children's products. We produce an extensive doll and doll accessory line under these leading brands."

Follow TollyTots on Facebook to learn about new promotions they are having as well as new products! They just started on Twitter, but go ahead and follow and you will be the first to hear about things from them there as well!

"Baby" Tangled Doll
Tangled 2-Disc Blu-ray/DVD Combo :: $17.99

{ * GIVEAWAY NOW CLOSED - PLEASE SEE OUR SIMPLE WINNERS TAB TO SEE WHO WON! * }

A SIMPLE GIVEAWAY!

Two winner opportunities!! One SIMPLE reader will win the Tangled DVD listed above and another SIMPLE reader will win the "Baby" Tangled Doll. Here is how to enter:

• Which one do you want? The Tangled DVD or the Baby Tangled Doll? (Required)
• "Like" Tollytots on Facebook
• Facebook (Daily : Leave a link to your post in our comments) Post a status on your facebook hyper linking SIMPLE and Tollytots and this giveaway
  
• Tweet (Daily : Leave a link to your tweet in our comments) :: #Win a @tollytots Baby #Rapunzel Doll or a #Tangled DVD over at @simplereviews: http://tinyurl.com/3q385g9 #giveaway #contest Please RT!
• Enter your email address in the left sidebar on SIMPLE to sign up for daily emails
  
• Publicly follow SIMPLE via Google Friend Connect
• Vote daily for SIMPLE via Top Mommy Blogs (the blinking logo on our home page - just click it)

Winner will be randomly chosen on May 27, 2011. Please reference Giveaway Rules at the top of the page before entering. Good luck!

*I was provided a Toddler Rapunzel Doll as well as a Tangled DVD to conduct this review using personal experience. The opinions expressed are my own.*