Educational Toys From Melissa & Doug

July 4, 2019 By Anne

Melissa & Doug is a well-known toy manufacturing company that specialise in the production of wooden toys. They are also very popular because of the range of educational toys they boast as well.

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Educational toys are absolutely crucial when a child is growing up. They are the only way to make learning fun and thus they tend to be the most effective method of getting your child to sit down and learn about new things. This article will reveal some of the top educational toys that Melissa & Doug have available.

Melissa & Doug Wooden Animal Nesting Blocks

There is something about toy blocks which seem to provide young children with endless hours of entertainment. These toy blocks are great in particular because they feature exciting images of a whole host of different animals. The set includes animals from all of the four different animal habitats and thus it aids children’s learning regarding the animal kingdom. The animals you can expect to see in this set range from anything to a little sea horse to a massive elephant.

Melissa & Doug Abacus

For those of you who are unaware an abacus is what is also known as a counting frame. Essentially it is a frame which features rows of wires. Each wire has beads which can be slide across it. This one is beautifully crafted and built out of solid wood. It features ten wires all of which contain colourful beads. The beads used are in five different colours; yellow, green, orange, red and blue. This toy is great for helping with maths and calculation. You can head to cazoommaths.com/us for further maths help. But it is also advantageous for the likes of colour recognition and becoming aware of patterns as well.

Melissa & Doug Alphabet Art

This wooden puzzle board is one of the best toys available in stores to help children learn the alphabet. The wooden board features cut out letters. Each letter features a pattern or an image on it which will help the child in question guess what letter it is, for instance ‘I’ features an image of an ice cream.

Melissa & Doug Classic Farm Sound Puzzle

This toy is another way to educate children regarding different animals, in particular farm animals. This wooden board features nine animals which can be taken out as pieces of the puzzle. When the piece of the puzzle is correctly fitted into the right slot the correct animal sound will then begin to play. This is a great way of combining fun and learning.

Melissa & Doug Complete the Picture Pad

A picture pad is one of those toys which are very basic yet extremely effective. Colouring in helps children to unleash their creative side and it also helps them with regards to concentration. This picture pad in particular features twelve different scenes and four copies of each scenes for children to colour in and create their own little masterpiece.

Anne

I'm a mother of 2 who likes to get involved in too much! Besides writing here I started a non-profit, I'm on the PTO board, very active in my community and volunteer in the school. I enjoy music, reading, cooking, traveling and spending time with my family. We just adopted our 3rd cat and love them all!

Why You Should Make a Second Wedding Day Your Idea of ‘Special’

July 1, 2019 By Anne

The formality of a traditional ceremony isn’t for everyone, we know – particularly when you’ve done all of that before. If, like many other people, you’re planning wedding number two, it could be time to put your needs and preferences first.

And do something different….

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A wedding just for the two of you

One option you might want to consider is to get married alone – well,not alone exactly; obviously there would be two of you! This is a great idea if arrangements for your two families are just too complicated, for example – and you can always have a big party afterwards.

Why not choose a really unusual venue, if you plan to do this; a beach or even a forest for example – yes that is possible. Or you could combine your wedding with a holiday to a special location you’ve visited together before.

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Whatever you choose, if it’s just the two of you who’ll be at the event, take the opportunity to pick a location you love.

If, however, the idea of a tiny wedding doesn’t appeal to you, or circumstances make that feel inappropriate, there are lots of other ideas to think about. You could opt for a more traditional celebration, and include all of your relatives – or choose to do something completely different.

A themed family wedding

If you both have young children, and you’re coming together as one family, perhaps you could go completely the opposite way to intimate and exclusive? There are some great ideas out there for really fun themed family weddings that would be an ideal choice – in that case.

Maybe you could think about films, or characters, your kids love as a theme for your event – to help really bring everyone together, One failsafe idea for children, and pretty much everyone to be honest, is a Disney based theme.

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You could just combine elements into your clothing or decor, go completely ‘full on’ – or even hold your event at a Disney theme park. Yes, that’s possible too.

Hire musicians to make your event really special

If you choose to have an intimate event you could consider hiring musicians to serenade you with your favourite songs as you take your vows or enjoy your wedding meal.

Or, if you go for a fun, family celebration you could hire a band to play your favourite music – and to fit your theme. Here are two ideal options, whether you choose to do your own thing, or have a big celebration with all of your loved ones.

Some final thoughts on your special day

When you get married for the second time, we think it’s the moment to think about your own needs – ahead of any conventions. So we hope this post has provided a few quick thoughts about how to make your next wedding day your idea of ‘special’.

Anne

Your Child will have a blast this Summer on the Globber Primo 3-Wheel Scooter!

June 30, 2019 By Marijean

Check out the fun Globber Primo 3-Wheel Scooter!

Kids are all about Scooters these days! With so many brands and types available, how do you know which one if the best for your toddler/preschool aged child? I had the opportunity to check out the new Globber Primo 3-Wheel Scooter, and I will let you know why this one has my vote!

About the Primo Scooter:

The Globber Primo 3-Wheel is the perfect scooter that’ll grow with your child. With a modifiable design, low deck for stability, and adjustable handlebars, your little one will be scooting along in no time!

Offering a range of patented innovations without compromising on style or functionality, the Primo 3-Wheel is guaranteed to deliver ultimate value for money!

Make sure to check out the patented secure Direction Button Lock which keeps the scooter moving in a straight line to help your child learn balance and gain confidence while riding! Reinforced body supports up to 50kg. Available in colors: Red, Dark Blue, Pink, Green, and Light Blue.

MSRP: $99.99

Age: 2-6 years

Available: Toys “R” Us, Canadian Tire, Indigo, Mastermind, Amazon

This scooter is perfect for a child that is around the ages of 2-6. You can even push to age 7 since my 7-year old son fits on it well. I love 3-wheel scooters because getting the act of balancing is easier on this type of scooter. Plus, very little chance of falling while learning to use it. It also teaches your child to lean on the side they wish to turn. This scooter comes in a variety of colors for any girl or boy! I was sent a red scooter to review, and I love the bright color of it.

One really cool feature of this scooter is that it has a Direction Button Lock. You can use this lock so the scooter stays straight so your child can learn to balance easier. It also has easy adjustable handle bars so this is the perfect scooter to grow with your child, and will last many years.

The scooter is made very well, it is not flimsy or cheap feeling. It is very solid. This scooter also has a heel brake that is very easy for the child to use and to stop the scooter.

There are so many pros to this scooter. The ones that make this scooter an A+ for me is the sturdiness of the scooter, ease of use for the child, direction button lock and adjustable handle bars. I love that it can grow with the child and be used for many years. Check out this fun scooter today!!

*I received this Scooter in exchange for this review. All thoughts are my own.

Marijean

My name is MJ. I have two wonderful children and work part time as well as volunteer at my children's school.

DESCENDANTS 3 OUT ON DVD AUGUST 6TH

June 26, 2019 By Marijean

Disney Studios Home Entertainment Presents

DESCENDANTS 3 OUT ON DVD AUGUST 6TH!

This highly anticipated Disney Channel Original Movie continues the contemporary saga of good versus evil as the teenage daughters and sons of Disney’s most infamous villains – – Mal, Evie, Carlos and Jay (also known as the villain kids or VKs) — return to the Isle of the Lost to recruit a new batch of villainous offspring to join them at Auradon Prep. The all-star cast returns in the exciting third installment of the Descendants Series! Out on Disney DVD August 6^th!

The All-Star Cast Returns in the Exciting Third Installment of the Descendants Series!

DESCENDANTS 3
Available on Disney DVD August 6th

Featuring Never-Before-Seen Bonus Material Including a Blooper Reel, Deleted Scenes
and Under The Sea: A Descendants Short Story!

Synopsis: This highly anticipated Disney Channel Original Movie continues the contemporary saga of good versus evil as the teenage daughters and sons of Disney’s most infamous villains – – Mal, Evie, Carlos and Jay (also known as the villain kids or VKs) — return to the Isle of the Lost to recruit a new batch of villainous offspring to join them at Auradon Prep. When a barrier breach jeopardizes the safety of Auradon during their departure off the Isle, Mal resolves to permanently close the barrier, fearing that nemeses Uma and Hades will wreak vengeance on the kingdom. Despite her decision, an unfathomable dark force threatens the people of Auradon, and it’s up to Mal and the VKs to save everyone in their most epic battle yet.

Cast: Dove Cameron as Mal, Cameron Boyce as Carlos, Sofia Carson as Evie, Booboo Stewart as Jay; Mitchell Hope as Ben; Sarah Jeffery as Audrey; Jadah Marie as Celia; with Cheyenne Jackson as Hades; and China Anne McClain as Uma.

Director: Kenny Ortega (“High School Musical” franchise)

Exec Producers: Kenny Ortega, Wendy Japhet (“The Italian Job”), Josann McGibbon (“Runaway Bride”) & Sara Parriott (“Runaway Bride”), Susan Cartsonis (“Freaky Friday”)
Music Composer: David Lawrence
Choreographers: Jamal Sims and Kenny OrtegaRelease Date: August 6, 2019
Release Format: DVD
Bonus Features: Blooper Reel
Deleted Scenes
Under The Sea: A Descendants Short Story

Ratings: TV-Y (US); G (Canada)
Aspect Ratio: 1.78:1 Widescreen (Enhanced for 16×9 Televisions)
Audio: English 5.1 Dolby; Spanish and French Dolby Digital
Subtitles: English SDH, French & Spanish

ABOUT THE WALT DISNEY STUDIOS:
For over 90 years, The Walt Disney Studios has been the foundation on which The Walt Disney Company was built. Today, the Studio brings quality movies, music and stage plays to consumers throughout the world. Feature films are released under the following banners: Disney, including Walt Disney Animation Studios and Pixar Animation Studios; Disneynature; Marvel Studios; Lucasfilm; and Touchstone Pictures, the banner under which live-action films from DreamWorks Studios are distributed. The Disney Music Group encompasses the Walt Disney Records and Hollywood Records labels, as well as Disney Music Publishing. The Disney Theatrical Group produces and licenses live events, including Disney on Broadway, Disney On Ice and Disney Live!.

Marijean

My name is MJ. I have two wonderful children and work part time as well as volunteer at my children's school.

MARVEL STUDIOS “AVENGERS: ENDGAME” RELEASES ON DIGITAL JULY 30 AND ON BLU-RAY™ AUG. 13

June 26, 2019 By Marijean

MARVEL STUDIOS
“AVENGERS: ENDGAME”
RELEASES ON DIGITAL JULY 30 AND ON BLU-RAY™ AUG. 13

Marvel Studios’ “Avengers: Endgame,” the climactic conclusion to an unprecedented, 11-year cinematic journey in which the Avengers take one final stand against Thanos, delivered the biggest opening weekend in history and is currently one of the highest-grossing films of all time. On July 30, Avengers fans around the world are invited to assemble once more for the in-home release of “Avengers: Endgame” on Digital in HD, 4K Ultra HD™ and Movies Anywhere, followed by a physical release on 4K Ultra HD, Blu-ray™, DVD and On-Demand beginning Aug. 13.
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MARVEL STUDIOS’ CLIMACTIC CONCLUSION TO 22 FILMS AND ONE OF THE TOP FILMS OF ALL TIME

MARVEL STUDIOS
“AVENGERS: ENDGAME”
RELEASES ON DIGITAL JULY 30 AND ON BLU-RAY™ AUG. 13

Extras celebrate Stan Lee, Iron Man, Captain America, Black Widow, Thor, the women of Marvel, the Russo brothers, deleted scenes and gags — and early Digital viewers receive an exclusive Steve and Peggy featurette

Fans who bring home “Avengers: Endgame” will gain hours of additional screen time with their favorite cast members and filmmakers who have shaped the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). Bonus features include a tribute to the great Stan Lee; the tale of Robert Downey Jr.’s casting as Iron Man; the evolution of Captain America; Black Widow’s dramatic story arc; directors Anthony and Joe Russo’s experience at the helm of both “Avengers: Infinity War” and “Avengers: Endgame”; the making of an epic battle scene with the women of the MCU; the creation of Bro Thor; deleted scenes; a gag reel and more.

The must-own, final chapter of the 22-film MCU series, “Avengers: Endgame,” will be packaged several ways to ensure fans get the most out of their in-home entertainment experience. Viewers can bring home the film two weeks early on Digital 4K Ultra HD, HD and SD and gain access to an exclusive extra highlighting the love story of Steve Rogers (Captain America) and Peggy Carter. A physical copy of “Avengers: Endgame” is available as a 4K Cinematic Universe Edition (4K Ultra HD, Blu-ray, and Digital Code), a Multi-Screen Edition (Blu-ray and Digital Code) and a single DVD. Fans who wish to revisit all four films in the Avengers franchise may opt for a Digital bundle, which includes “Marvel’s The Avengers,” “Avengers: Age of Ultron,” “Avengers: Infinity War” and “Avengers: Endgame.”
BONUS MATERIAL (may vary by retailer):
Digital Exclusive:

Steve and Peggy: One Last Dance – Explore Captain America and Peggy Carter’s bond, forged in moments from previous films that lead to a momentous choice in “Avengers: Endgame.”

Blu-ray & Digital:

Remembering Stan Lee – Filmmakers and cast honor the great Stan Lee in a fond look back at his MCU movie cameos.
Setting The Tone: Casting Robert Downey Jr. – Hear the tale of how Robert Downey Jr. was cast as Tony Stark in the original “Iron Man” — and launched the MCU.
A Man Out of Time: Creating Captain America – Trace the evolution of Captain America with those who helped shape the look, feel and character of this compelling hero.
Black Widow: Whatever It Takes – Follow Black Widow’s journey both within and outside the Avengers, including the challenges she faced and overcame along the way.
The Russo Brothers: Journey to Endgame – See how Anthony and Joe Russo met the challenge of helming two of the biggest films in cinematic history … back-to-back!
The Women of the MCU – MCU women share what it was like to join forces for the first time in an epic battle scene — and be part of such a historic ensemble.
Bro Thor – His appearance has changed but his heroism remains! Go behind the scenes to see how Bro Thor was created.
Six Deleted Scenes – “Goji Berries,” “Bombs on Board,” “Suckiest Army in the Galaxy,” “You Used to Frickin’ Live Here,” “Tony and Howard” and “Avengers Take a Knee.”
Gag Reel – Laugh along with the cast in this epic collection of flubs, goofs and gaffes from set.
Visionary Intro – Intro by directors Joe and Anthony Russo.
Audio Commentary – Audio commentary by directors Anthony and Joe Russo, and writers Christopher Markus and Stephen McFeely.

Marvel Studios’ “Avengers: Endgame” stars Robert Downey Jr. as Iron Man, Chris Evans as Captain America, Mark Ruffalo as Bruce Banner, Chris Hemsworth as Thor, Scarlett Johansson as Black Widow, Jeremy Renner as Hawkeye, Brie Larson as Captain Marvel, Paul Rudd as Ant-Man, Don Cheadle as War Machine, Karen Gillan as Nebula, Danai Gurira as Okoye and Bradley Cooper as Rocket with Gwyneth Paltrow as Pepper Potts, Jon Favreau as Happy Hogan, Benedict Wong as Wong and Tessa Thompson as Valkyrie. Josh Brolin returns as the film’s infamous villain, Thanos.

Marvel Cinematic Universe characters restored to the universe in “Avengers: Endgame” include Benedict Cumberbatch as Doctor Strange, Chadwick Boseman as Black Panther, Tom Holland as Spider-Man, Zoe Saldana as Gamora, Evangeline Lilly as The Wasp, Elizabeth Olsen as Scarlet Witch, Anthony Mackie as Falcon, Sebastian Stan as Winter Soldier, Tom Hiddleston as Loki, Pom Klementieff as Mantis, Dave Bautista as Drax, Letitia Wright as Shuri, Angela Bassett as Ramonda, Michael Douglas as Hank Pym, Michelle Pfeiffer as Janet Van Dyne, Cobie Smulders as Maria Hill, Winston Duke as M’Baku, Linda Cardellini as Laura Barton, and Vin Diesel as Groot with Chris Pratt as Star-Lord and Samuel L. Jackson as Nick Fury. Reprising their roles, Rene Russo returns as Frigga, John Slattery as Howard Stark, Tilda Swinton as The Ancient One, Hayley Atwell as Peggy Carter, Natalie Portman as Jane Foster, Marisa Tomei as Aunt May, Taika Waititi as Korg, William Hurt as Secretary of State Thaddeus Ross and Robert Redford as Alexander Pierce.

Marvel Studios’ “Avengers: Endgame” is directed by Emmy Award®–winning directors Anthony and Joe Russo from an original screenplay by Christopher Markus & Stephen McFeely. Kevin Feige produced the film, with Louis D’Esposito, Victoria Alonso, Michael Grillo, Trinh Tran, Jon Favreau, James Gunn and Stan Lee serving as executive producers.

Directors Anthony and Joe Russo’s creative team also includes director of photography Trent Opaloch (“Avengers: Infinity War,” “Captain America: Civil War”); production designer Charles Wood (“Avengers: Infinity War,” “Matrix”); editors Jeffrey Ford, ACE (“Avengers: Infinity War,” “Captain America: Civil War”), and Matthew Schmidt (“Avengers: Infinity War,” “Captain America: The Winter Soldier”); three-time Oscar®–nominated costume designer Judianna Makovsky (“Avengers: Infinity War,” “Captain America: Civil War”); Oscar-nominated visual effects supervisor Dan DeLeeuw (“Avengers: Infinity War,” “Captain America: Civil War”); six-time Oscar nominee, special effects supervisor Dan Sudick (“Avengers: Infinity War,” “Black Panther”); and stunt coordinator Monique Ganderton (“Avengers: Infinity War,” “Atomic Blonde”).

ABOUT MARVEL ENTERTAINMENT:
Marvel Entertainment, LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of The Walt Disney Company, is one of the world’s most prominent character-based entertainment companies, built on a proven library of more than 8,000 characters featured in a variety of media over seventy years. Marvel utilizes its character franchises in entertainment, licensing and publishing. For more information visit marvel.com. ©2019MARVEL

ABOUT THE WALT DISNEY STUDIOS:
For over 90 years, The Walt Disney Studios has been the foundation on which The Walt Disney Company was built. Today, the Studio brings quality movies, music and stage plays to consumers throughout the world. Feature films are released under the following banners: Disney, including Walt Disney Animation Studios and Pixar Animation Studios; Disneynature; Marvel Studios; and Lucasfilm. The Disney Music Group encompasses the Walt Disney Records and Hollywood Records labels, as well as Disney Music Publishing. The Disney Theatrical Group produces and licenses live events, including Disney on Broadway, Disney On Ice and Disney Live!.
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©2019 Marvel