Take a moment to view our 2009 Holiday Showcase Line Up - Enjoy!

Sunday – November 22, 2009

**COMING SOON**

Sunday – November 23, 2009

**COMING SOON**

Sunday – November 24, 2009

**COMING SOON**

Sunday – November 25, 2009

**COMING SOON**

Sunday – November 26, 2009

**COMING SOON**

Sunday – November 27, 2009

**COMING SOON**

Sunday – November 28, 2009

**COMING SOON**

Sunday – November 29, 2009

• Letters from Santa at Birthday Box

• HIT Entertaiment Mega DVD Giveaway “Thomas, Bob and Barney”

• Crayon Town

• Sing A Long Sunday – Alvin & the Chipmunks

• Autoblox – Create Your Style

• Fun to Play…But Don’t Eat! Paperonis by Spin Master!!

• PixO’s for Christmas….by Spin Master

• Liv World Dolls by Spin Master

Review Opportunities provided by the above companies and/or their affiliates.

Opinions are strictly those of the Blog Owner

A Letter from Santa

What better way to end the Holiday Showcase then to remind you that Christmas is a time for miracles and magic.  Yes, there is magic in the Christmas Spirit. I believe, wholeheartedly, that children need to have a little fantasy this time of year.

It’s okay for them to dream of gumdrops and sleigh bells. To write wish lists and wish upon stars.  Which is why my final Holiday Showcase review belongs to Birthday in a Box’s “Letter from Santa”.

There are three different variations to choose from: Santa,  Reindeer Games and the Three Wise Men. I chose the Three Wise Men letter for the twins to receive and I want to thank Birthday in a Box for offering a religious based option. It was great to see that they realized that for many individuals this is also a spiritual holiday.

The letter arrived in a big red envelope addressed to both the girls…when they saw their names on the envelopes they begged for daddy and I to open it immediately. The letter was read throughout the day and they took turns carrying it in their little pockets and purses as we went about our weekend chores and errands. They told strangers, family and friends alike that they were on Santa’s nice list.  I heard them giggle and whisper to each other trying to figure out what in the world he would make for them (because, as you know…he doesn’t buy the toys…he makes all of them! Gotta love it).  You can read samples of each letter at the Birthday in a Box website to determine which letter is best for you and your little one.

Immediately they were discussing what to leave for Santa and Rudolph to eat on Christmas eve. The letter is sitting proudly on our living room mantle as a reminder that Christmas is coming closer each day. They are in anticipation of the evening and I couldn’t be more grateful to Birthday in a Box for the review opportunity and for the opportunity to extend my little girls’ fantasies of a big man, with a red nose, a red suit and a belly that jiggles like jelly bringing presents for them as they sleep.

They grow out of childhood all too fast….I like the idea of extending it just a bit more.

Send your child a personalized letter from Santa and let them know they are on Santa’s “nice” list this year! The text of each letter is personalized with your child’s name and location, and delivered in a bright red envelope addressed to your child.

Included as a special gift are two festive holiday ornaments for your child to color and cut out, and a recipe for Santa’s favorite cookies!

Pre-punched ornaments have a crayon-friendly coating and include silver elastic loops for hanging.

• Surprise and delight your children this Christmas by sending them personalized Letters From Santa
  
• 3 styles to choose from!
  
• Each Santa Letter can be customized with a child’s name and hometown.
• Please Note: To guarantee delivery before Christmas, all orders for Letters From Santa must be placed by Tuesday, December 15, 2009.
• Santa Letters will begin to be mailed on November 30, 2009.
  
• Santa Letters are only $5.99!
  

Review Opportunity Provided by Birthday in a Box

*Information obtained from Birthday in a Box’ press release and/or website

A Bonanza of DVDs!

Thomas and Friends

Barney

Bob the Builder

Thomas “Holiday Express”

I thought I would save the best for last! This is it folks. The Holiday Showcase is over. I hope you enjoyed it as much as I did.  All of the items presented were the best of the best, in my book and I can only wish that it has helped you in your holiday shopping.

With that said.. I want to give a HUGE shout out and thanks to Andrea Blain PR for the last great Holiday Showcase giveaway!!

Let’s take a look at the great familly friendly DVDs that were sent for the IE Twins and I to review.

Thomas and Friends – Sodor Friends Holiday Collection

Now, if you aren’t famililar with Thomas and Friends…Sodor is the island on which they live. All the trains live and work together on the island of Sodor.

The set contains three DVDs:

• Thomas and the Toy Workshop
• THomas’ Snowy Surprise
• Races, Rescues and Runaways (and other Thomas’ adventures)

There’s fun around every turn in these joyful wintertime adventures! Catch the holiday spirit as Thomas & Friends prepare for the grand opening of the Toy Workshop. Laugh and play along as Percy tries to fool his friends into believing he’s Jack Frost. And hold on tight for some of Thomas’ most thrilling races, rescues and runaways in this heartwarming holiday collection.

Set runs approximately 112 minutes.

Thomas and Friends – Holiday Express

All aboard for snowmen, Christmas trees and festive train rides! When you ride the rails with your jolly friends, you never know what to expect. Enjoy exciting adventures filled with lucky trucks, Christmas puddings, surprise parties and much, much more. Join Henry, Emily, Percy, and Thomas for trainloads of fun in the HOLIDAY EXPRESS!.

Set runs approximately 48 minutes.

Just released on November 3rd so be one of the first to enjoy and experience this Classic Story Time Collection DVD.  For additional fun to share with your little one…visit the Thomas the Train website or download this fun color page Thomas Holiday Express.

Barney – Tee-riffic Holiday Collection

Everyone has to love Barney. His peaceful, friendly and kind disposition instantly attracts little kids to his character. With songs, friends and antics your child will be mesmerized through all three DVDs.

The set contains three DVDs:

• Winter Wonderland
• Can You Sing that Song?
• Night Before Christmas The Movie
  

Set runs approximately 177 minutes.

If your child(ren) can’t get enough of Barney, take some time to visit the Barney Website. You will video clips, games, activities and music. You can even join the newsletter while you are there so you won’t miss anything about Barney, Baby Bop and B.J.

Bob The Builder – Building Crew Holiday Collection

Bob the Builder…the ultimate craftsman…will lead your child through fun and entertaining Holiday adventures with his new set.

The set contains three DVDs:

• Digging for Treasure
  
• Snowed Under – The Bobblesberg Winter Games
  
• Bob’s White Christmas
  

Set runs approximately 127 minutes.

Can’t get enough of Bob the Builder? Grab your little one and head on over to the Bob the Builder website where you can learn about new projects, games and activities that you can do together.

With 10 Different DVDs…can you say we had a BLAST!

I feel like Bob, Thomas and Barney have now become very intimate friends. I probably know more about them and their friends, communities and families then I do my own, lol…but seeing my girls react, interact and enjoy each of these DVDs was well worth every moment.

The great thing as a parent…I know that the characters of Bob, Thomas and Barney have good morals and values that are passed on to my girls as they watch the show.

If you are particular on what your child(ren) watch…I would encourage you to pick up these videos as they are kid and parent pleasing.

To Enter:

1. Follow IE Mommy on Twitter and tweet RT – Enter & Win HIT Entertainment MEGA DVD Giveaway @iemommy  http://www.theiemommy.com/2009/11/29/DVDS
   
2. Join the IE Mommy Mailing List
3. Fan the IE Mommy on Facebook
   

   Contest Ends – December 5th!

Open to the U.S. Only

Review Opportunity Provided by HIT Entertainment, Barney, Thomas & Friends, Bob the Builder and Andrea Blain PR

Crayon Town

What child does not love Crayolas and coloring? I have yet to meet one. My twins especially…they love to color. Skylar has been coloring between the lines since she was two. They are like little mad-men when you hand them a box of crayons.

Their coloring styles are being refined quite a bit as they are closing in on age 7….so they were delighted to try out the Crayon Town review set we were sent from Wild Planet.

Crayon Town is a fun way to entice your child’s creativity and enjoyment in creating their own little world. Choose any of the offered play sets, color, construct and play away.

Like all coloring projects the girls participate in…I say the sky’s the limit! You want the sun green? Make the sun green! You’d like the house to have polka dots? Then polka dots it is.

Isn’t that the enjoyment of imagination? I ‘d like to think so. Now add to the mix an opportunity of 3D play and you definitely have a hit for the Holiday season.

Crayon Town play sets start at only $9.99 and are perfect for children 3 and up. A young three year old may need a bit of help putting the structures together but not much.  Enjoy the simplicities of childhood…create your own town with Crayon Town!

• Crayon Town activity sets combine coloring, construction and creative play.
• Color different scenes and pop-up structures, then turn worn or broken crayons into animals, trees, street signs and other props in your 3-D town.
• Designed for kids ages 3 and up
• Crayon Town sets are new for this Fall/Holiday season
• Neighborhood, Airport and Horse Ranch themes for $9.99 – $14.99
  
• Larger Zoo and Construction Site themes for $19.99 – $26.99.
  
• Free coloring mat refills are available online at http://www.crayon-town.com, further extending the value of each set.

Review Opportunity Provided by Crayon Town and Wild Planet

*Information obtained from Crayon Town and Wild Planet’s  press release and/or website

Remember the original “Alvin & the Chipmunks”?

They were a favorite of mine growing. I thought I’d offer some old-time cheer as we are nearing the end of our 1st IE Mommy – Holiday Showcase.

Enjoy!!!

**Warning: Intro a bit long but worth it!

“Christmas Don’t Be Late”

All right you Chipmunks! Ready to sing your song?
-I’ll say we are!
-Yeah!
-Let’s sing it now!
Okay, Simon?
-Okay!
Okay, Theodore?
-Okay!
Okay, Alvin? Alvin? ALVIN!
-OKAY!!!)

Christmas, Christmas time is near
Time for toys and time for cheer
We’ve been good, but we can’t last
Hurry Christmas, hurry fast
Want a plane that loops the loop
Me, I want a hula hoop
We can hardly stand the wait
Please Christmas, don’t be late.

Okay fellas get ready
That was very good, Simon.
-Naturally.
Very good Theodore.
-Ahhh.
Ah, Alvin, you were a little flat, watch it.
Ah, Alvin. Alvin. ALVIN!
-OKAY.

Want a plane that loops the loop
I still want a hula hoop
We can hardly stand the wait
Please Christmas, don’t be late.
We can hardly stand the wait
Please Christmas, don’t be late.

Very good, boys
-Lets sing it again! Yeah, lets sing it again!
No, That’s enough, lets not overdo it
-What do you mean overdo it?
-We want to sing it again!
Now wait a minute, boys
-Why can’t we sing it again?
-[chipmunk chatter]
Alvin, cut that out..Theodore, just a minute.
Simon will you cut that out? Boys…

Automoblox

There is something magical about a little boy and his cars. It is the same concept with a little girl and their baby dolls. It is instinctive. It is a toy they crave and have to have.

C9p Sports

But!

Every now and then a toy crosses barriers and allows a child to explore and live outside of the box that the world puts them in.

Automoblox is one of those dynamic toys. I absolutely adore this toy. The girls fell in love and have not left them alone since we opened the boxes. We received the C9p Sports car and the X9 Utility car. Automoblox was not created solely for boys but for “children”. With the concept that *all children should experience beneficial play with activities that provide limitless joy, imagination and creativity!

X9 Sport Utility

We are not referring to genders but children. I can not applaud that concept enough. I want  my girls to understand they can be anything they want to be when they grow up.  I loved following my dad around as a little girl when he tinkered with the cars. In doing so I picked up a thing a or two about vehicles. My girls are the same way and Automoblox encourages that independence and knowledge.

Each Automoblox car (there are 14 Original cars) can be take apart and put back together again. You can integrate and mix & match various parts from different cars to create your own unique one-of-a-kind creation.

Dream It, Build It, Drive It!

*Automoblox believes your child is an individual with a unique sense of creativity and design. The creation of something new and unique – born of a child’s imagination – is the idea behind

Mini Hot Rod HR3

Automoblox.

I have always loved cars. I use to play with them with my cousins when I was little. I had a Matchbox collection that any little boy would have been envious of. It is wonderful to see that my girls  have inherited that love but now, thanks to Automoblox, they can express their creativity and individuality all at the same times.

You know some toy companies can really make you say Wow! Way to go Automoblox!

• Free Ground Shipping on orders over $60.00. Use code: ship60
• Click on the T900 truck to view a youtube video of Automoblox
• Click on the X9 Exploded to see how Automoblox mix & match

T900 Truck *NEW*



X9 - Exploded

C9 Sports Car

S9 Sedan

T9 Pickup

To Enter:

1. Join the Automoblox.com newsletter (at the bottom of the main page)
2. Follow Automoblox on Twitter and tweet I follow because of IE Mommy – RT – Enter & Win Automoblox Giveaway @iemommy @AutomobloxVP http://www.theiemommy.com/2009/11/29/auto
3. Fan Automoblox on Facebook
   
4. Join the IE Mommy Mailing List
5. Fan the IE Mommy on Facebook
6. Follow the IE Mommy on Twitter.
7. Tell me vehicle would be your choice.  Think carefully as this will be your choice.
   

   Contest Ends – December 5th!

Open to the U.S. Only

Review Opportunity Provided by Automoblox

*Information obtained from Automoblox press release and/or website

Paperonis

by SPIN MASTER

Paperoni is an all new arts and crafts activity that uses simple rolls of paper to make incredibly creative works of art!

Paperoni Design Studios are mess-free and require no glue or drying time. Simply pick your colored paper rolls, peel to reveal the sticky colour coded 2D or 3D character templates, match the colours with the Paperoni’s and magically create your own original and fun 2D and 3D works of art.

Try letting your imagination run wild using the free form sheets to make your own magical creations! Each kit comes with everything you need to make amazing Paperoni masterpieces right out of the box.

Now who would have thunk it? My girls have been begging for a Paperoni Design Kit since the moment they saw the commercial. In fact, I do believe they may have the UPC codes memorized because they wanted this so bad.  My girls are very creative and love to do arts and crafts but they are also very messy so we don’t do a lot of arts and crafts, lol.  Thanks to Paperonis I don’t have to deal with glue or paints and the twins get to enjoy a fuss free artistic activity!

Paperoni Deluxe Studio

The Paperoni Deluxe Studio comes with colorful paper rolls and design tools to create amazing 2D and 3D masterpieces. Non-battery operated, the Deluxe Studio comes with a cutting tool that lets you pick six different lengths for customized creations. Designed with safety in mind, just place a rod in the studio, turn the dial, press the lever and watch the cut pieces pop out. Also comes with clear templates for freestyle creations and a stand to display your wacky, crazy designs.

Paperoni Deluxe Studio includes:
• 600 pre-cut Paperoni pieces
• 19 Paperoni rods
• One 2D template
• Two 3D template
• One variable cutting studio & tweezers
• Eight sparkling gem accessories
• Foam pieces for eyes, mouth, ears, feet
• One – 4’x4’ clear template for free form play
• Display stand
• One tweezer

• You can find PixO’s at Toy R US, Target and Walmart
• Visit Paperonis.com to create your own unique, one-of-a-kind template or download additional designs for your kits.
  
• Ages: 6 and Up
• Variety Packs start at $4.99
  
• Paper Deluxe Studio retails for: $19.99

Review Opportunity Provided by SpinMaster

*Information obtained from Spin Master press release and/or website