Little Tikes Kids You Build Playhouse Toy for Ages 4+

Toys

Little Tikes Kids Play Toys

MBE partnered with Little Tikes, Post contains affiliate links

My family has been a huge fan of Little Tikes for more than a decade.  In fact I'd estimate that our four kids, triplets plus one more all born within a year -- now all teens -- played with a wide array of this brand's non-electronic toys for hundreds of hours until they outgrew them. With that kind of history and such a great brand to work with this I couldn't be more pleased that for the past three years this well-known quality toy maker has offered some great products to review and giveaway to Mommy Blog Expert readers. 

Image from LittleTikes.com

Last spring this blog gave away the darling Little Tikes Flower Cart & Wheelbarrow and the year before that it was the classic Little Tikes Coupe. This spring I'm reviewing the Little Tikes TikeStix Fort Building Set (a separate review post will appear shortly). The best news is that I'm giving away the winner's choice of any single product from the Little Tikes TikeStix line to one lucky MBE reader.


Made in the U.S.A., this creative and colorful TikeStix children's fort building set is so versatile and a great pastime for little ones to play with individually or with their siblings or friends. 
Image from LittleTikes.com

Suitable for ages four and up, your child is likely to build with this alone to create his or her own dream hideway. But don't be surprised if your son or daughter asks you to build a fun fort together with a 50 piece set that includes bright colored interlocking pieces, fabric clips and a large piece of fabric. 

There's so much kids can do with this: build a clubhouse, tent, playhouse, even a pretend cabin or summer home. The pieces that come with this can also be used to build a moose, airplanes, a canoe, spider and whatever else their imaginations dream up. New for Spring 2012 the Little Tikes TikeStix Clubhouse is available direct from Little Tikes online for $57.99 and includes free shipping. Other new products in the TikeStix line include the TikeStix Playhouse ($57.99), TikeStix Dog House ($34.99) and the TikeStix Rocket ($34.99) -- all including complimentary shipping.


Little Tikes 
TikeStix Winner's Choice
GIVEAWAY

Image from LittleTikes.com
HOW TO ENTER
Just leave a comment(s) below this post. Contest ends May 1, 2012 at 12 midnite PST and is open to legal residents of the U.S. only. One winner will be selected at random from all entries and notified via email. Prize is winner's choice of either Little Tikes TikeStix Clubhouse, TikeStix Playhouse, TikeStix Dog House or TikeStix Rocket.

Required (Mandatory) Entry
Simply leave a comment below this blogpost saying which of the new TikeStix building sets  you'd like to win. Don't forget to include your email address, Facebook and/or Twitter contact info in the initial comment section so the winner can be contacted.

Optional Extra Entries 
Earn extra entries to win for doing one or more of the easy options listed below. Just be sure to return to MommyBlogExpert (MBE) to leave an additional comment after each individual extra action you do to confirm so we can record all your additional chances to win.


1. Follow MBE on Twitter
2. Like MBE on Facebook
3. Follow Little Tikes on Twitter
4. Like Little Tikes on Facebook

***Bonus Entries***
You can earn even MORE chances to win each time you TWEET the message below, up to 3 times each day. Don't forget to return to leave a comment on this post with the direct link right after every Tweet you do so you'll receive an entry for each of your RTs.

Tweet:
Little Tikes Dream Playhouse Set for Kids 4+ to Build & Play In GIVEAWAY http://tinyurl.com/8xuu9r2 Enter up to 3x/Day, Ends 5/1



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FTC Disclosure: Little Tikes is providing winner's choice of product as described in this post's rules and will be handling prize shipping. Little Tikes provided a TikeStix Clubhouse to facilitate the upcoming review associated with the giveaway. I further disclose that I'm a Little Tikes fan. This blog did not receive any other compensation associated with this post. See complete FTC Disclosure information that appears at the bottom of MommyBlogExpert's main page and at the bottom of every individual post on this blog, including this one.

Digital Kids Conference April 25-26 Hosts 70+ Tech Brand Speakers: Sony, Angry Birds, Ubisoft & More

Digital Kids
  


Updated 3/28/12

All images in this post by Janis Brett Elspas, MommyBlogExpert.com

The 6th Annual Digital Kids Conference gets underway April 25-26, 2012 at the Pasadena Convention Center in the L.A. area. By the name and the kid photos I've used to illustrate this post you'd think this event was for kids or parents, but keep reading and you'll see this is actually a professional development conference for adults. In fact, this year 70+ speakers will take to the stage to share their expertise, from top producers of kid-related digital content, services, and software to the related industry's infrastructure that supports this burgeoning marketplace.

New Kids iPhone Gadgets from Griffin Technology, CES 2012
The conference of panels, presentations, and interviews exposes the field's professionals in every category to best practices, trends and effective strategies to successfully develop and market products and services to digital kids and youth and by extension to their parents and teachers.

Among the high profile organizations that have presenters participating are the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and U.S. Department of State. Sony Online, Symantec, Norton, National Geographic Animal Jam, Highlights for Children, the NFL, Cartoon Network, Ubisoft, Rovio/Angry Birds, Google, Yahoo! Kids, The NPD Group and many others also will be sharing their expertise and knowledge. Additionally this event features three people I personally admire: Beth Blecherman, TechMamas.com; Stephanie Azzarone, Child's Play Communications; and Larry Magid, CBS News Tech Analyst and children's Internet safety pundit -- all who are tops in their particular niches.

Vintage photo of my now-teen son in the early days of the Internet

According to Digital Kids Conference, this is the largest gathering for professionals serving the constantly connected kids and youth content technology sector. In fact among industry peers it is considered a must-attend event for entertainment and media companies competing in today's digital world.

Focused on digital kids and online and mobile technologies, there are five conference tracks including Safety, Content, Operations, Business and Market Research. Experts will address a wide range of opportunities and challenges intertwined with everything from mobile and tablet apps to social games, virtual worlds, social media, and other niches. During the two-day event attendees will learn how to build, manage and monetize services, products and interactive content.

Like many kids, my triplets started using computers before they reached the age of 2
The Digital Kids Conference takes place Wednesday, April 25 and Thursday, April 26 from 9 am to 5 pm both days. The venue is the Pasadena Convention Center located at 300 E. Green Stree, Pasadena, CA 91101.

Digital Kids is produced by Austin-based Engage Digital. Engage Digital creates and produces technology-focused industry conferences and trade expositions. For more information, a full schedule of speakers and tracks as well as to obtain tickets, visit DigitalKidsCon.com

Today's toddlers are exposed to more content than ever, Dwell on Design 2011
 
What do you think are some of the biggest challenges facing producers of digital kids content today? How are these problems being solved? Please share your expertise as a professional working in the industry or your thoughts on the subject as a parent with kids.

FTC Disclosure:  I will be attending this conference to cover for MommyBlogExpert.com as a credentialed member of the media. However, I did not receive any payment or other compensation associated with this post. See complete FTC Disclosure information that appears at the bottom of MommyBlogExpert's main page and at the bottom of every individual post on this blog, including this one.
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Prius c Hybrid 2012 Car Review - New Member of Toyota Prius Family is Fun & Fuel Efficient

Automotive


In January the newest member of the Prius family, the Prius c from Toyota, made a big splash for its world debut at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit. At the time of that announcement I was just wrapping up a test drive and review of the previous new kid on the block, the Prius v. So at that point I was prejudiced. You see, I'd had such a fabulous long distance test driving experience with the Prius v to the Consumer Electronics Show several months ago that I couldn't imagine that the Prius c would even compare.

Me test driving the New 2012 Prius c Hybrid Car from Toyota

That jaded opinion changed when I had the privilege as an inaugural member of Toyota Women Influencers Network (TWIN) to be one of the first to take the Prius c for an in-city test drive around Torrance, California, the U.S. corporate headquarters of Toyota.

This was a little less than two weeks before the car was even available to consumers at dealers. So it was thrilling to have this kind of insider's opportunity to try various 2012 vehicle models out during the TWIN Camp Toyota hosted for us with the company's product managers and marketing team on hand to personally show us around and answer questions from our social media group of women bloggers.

Prius c comes in edgy colors like Habanero and Summer Rain Metallic
I think what surprised me most about the Prius c was the overall feel of interior space as well as the way the vehicle handled. Power was excellent upon acceleration, too. I really couldn't feel the difference as I drove, speeding up and slowing down, as the car switched automatically between electric and fuel modes.

Owning a hybrid vehicle often means getting priority parking

Experienced  from the driver's seat -- though slightly smaller than the Prius v I'd previously tested -- this was certainly comfortable and adequate. That really says a lot when you consider that I am rather tall and still found that the headroom generous, whether  getting in and out of the car as well or when driving.

Me behind the wheel of a 2012 Prius c at the end of my test drive

Watch this short and sassy clip to see the new Prius c come to LIFE, literally




The Prius c is available in four different models with a variety of amenities among them the sophisticated Entune technology in two of the models. Color choices, depending on the model, include an edgy palette of youthful and fun hues ranging from Absolutely Red, Magnetic Gray Metallic, and Habanero to Classic Silver Metallic, Moonglow, Blue Streak Metallic, and Summer Rain Metallic to elegant classics like Super White and Black Sand Pearl.

Cat Lincoln, Clever Girls Collective, matches perfectly with Prius c in Habanero
In summary, with all that plus a starting price of $18,950 and average mileage the best of any non plug-in hybrid car at 53/46 mpg, there is a whole lot to like about the smallest car in the Prius family.

See Toyota.com for more information about the aesthetic and functional features of the Prius c as well as all the technical specifications of this vehicle and dealers where you can test drive it for yourself.

Watch for another Mommy Blog Expert post shortly explaining what TWIN is and how I got to become associated with Toyota. That post will also give you an idea of the kinds of things our team of women brand influencers learned about and experienced during our camp experience.
Toyota HQ Lobby in Torrance, California

Would love to hear from others who have had a chance to drive the Prius c. Also, you're invited to leave a comment if you have stories about any of the other members of the Prius family that you have driven.  I look forward to hearing all about it.


FTC Disclosure: I am a member of the Toyota Women Influencers Network TWIN community through a program with Clever Girls Collective. As a member of TWIN I was hosted by Toyota for TWIN Camp as well as have had the use of various vehicles during the program.  I did not receive any compensation for writing this post or payment in exchange for participating. The opinions expressed herein are mine, and do not reflect the views of Toyota or any of its brands. See complete FTC Disclosure information that appears at the bottom of MommyBlogExpert's main page and at the bottom of every individual post on this blog, including this one.
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Win a Trip to BarkWorld Pet Blogger Social Media Conference & Expo in Atlanta, Contest Ends April 30

Pet Blogging



All images in this post from BarkWorldExpo.com

Eukanuba Paws In Motion to BarkWorld Sweepstakes

Here's your chance to win an all expense paid trip sponsored by Eukanuba to attend BarkWorld Conference & Expo in Atlanta, October 25-27, 2012 , the only industry-wide educational conference covering the full spectrum of social media and lifestyle discussions for pet lovers in every field. 

BarkWorld is the place where humans, social media & dogs merge
That means that anyone creating content through blogging, social media, gaming, mobile apps, tech start ups or other niches within the pet industry will benefit by attending. As a matter of fact, pet industry companies of virtually every size will have the opportunity to learn and acquire valuable skills to fully tap in to the power of new media. You'll also have the opportunity to interface with major consumer brands such as PetCo, Eukanuba, and Iams, to name just a few of BarkWorld's 2012 sponsors. The best part is this conference is dog-friendly so you don't have you to leave your four-legged friend at home, he can join you for this event.

Enter the Eukanuba Paws In Motion to BarkWorld contest by posting a compelling blog post (or YouTube video) about why you want to go to #BarkWorld 2012 then promote the post within your social media community! 

One Winner will receive
  • A ticket to BarkWorld 2012
  • Roundtrip airfare to conference (w/in continental US)
  • Roundtrip airfare for your pet (w/ in continental US) 
  • Three-night hotel stay at the host hotel, Westin Buckhead (includes room & tax)
  • Roundtrip airport transport in Atlanta, GA 

Two Runner-ups will  each receive: A complimentary full-conference ticket to BarkWorld

FTC Disclosure:  I did not receive any payment or other compensation associated with this post. See complete FTC Disclosure information that appears at the bottom of MommyBlogExpert's main page and at the bottom of every individual post on this blog, including this one.
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Woofstock 90210 Hosts Dogs of Virtually Every Size and Breed for Annual Festival for Canine Lovers

Dogs



The annual Woofstock 90210 dog festival in Beverly Hills last weekend was a sight to behold for dog lovers, their owners, families and especially kids. Lucky my two teen dog-loving daughters, our miniature pinscher Dexter and I were on hand for all the festivities. No where else but at the Westminster Dog Show -- which just took place in New York a few short weeks before -- would you get the chance to see a wider variety of dog breeds ranging in size from the under 5 pound teacup tiny dogs to the giants that looked more the size of ponies than canines.

A Woofstock 90210 Dog in Costume
As a matter of opinion, I think that in many ways the California style annual dog fair was a step above that other world famous canine-centric event.

10 Woofstock 90210 features that set itself apart from Westminster
  • Both AKC breeds and designer mixes as well as a wide assortment of mutts were represented here at this well-attended free event open to the public, proudly leading their human owners around the vendor booths and entertainment areas
  • Dogs of every hair or fur color and style, both natural and not, from hot pink poodles to funky pups sporting punk hairdos to a chihuahua dressed as Santa to at least one doggie wearing eye glasses -- all characters in their own rights, added to the carefree pet-enthusiast atmosphere

Poodle Girl in Playsuit & Hat at Woofstock 90210
  • Families with kids of every age and energy level were actually permitted at all the festivities with dads pulling older kids in wagons while moms pushed the babies in  strollers
  • Every event took place outdoors on the green grass on a sunny Sunday afternoon in one of Beverly Hills' most beautiful and accessible public city parks

    Handsome, well-behaved Boxer at Woofstock 90210

It may be March but this chihuahua is decked out as Santa
  • Mutley Crew K-9 entertained festival goers with flying disk dogs and other stunts you'd never see at a major formal dog show
  • An Old English Sheep Dog Parade followed by a Dogs in Costume Parade with lots more variety led by actress Shari Belafonte and including awards for the Most Owner-Pet Look Alike -- and what else -- the Best BH Bling. jetBlue Airways tickets were also given away to random Pet Parade participants
  • Opportunities for pet owners to talk informally to local veterinarians including Beverly Hills Small Animal Hospital and Rancho Park Veterinary Clinic
  • The chance to bring and donate clean used and new blankets to Operation Blankets for Love for dog adoptions
  • Free swag for dogs including branded pet dishes from State Farm, kibble scoop-clips from jetBlue and John Paul Full Pet Body & Paw Bath Wipes.
  • Tasty treats and dog food samples including some in full size package giveaways courtesy of Blue Buffalo, Natural Balance, Lotus, Fromm Family, Nature's Select and other pet food purveyors were abundant
Uber Cool Woofstock 90210 Swag That Dog Lovers Like Me Truly Appreciate
From the happy looks on all the canine and dog-lover's faces at this year's event, I'd say that a great time was had by all four-legged creatures and their doting humans. Westminster may be the home of Best in Show as well as Best in Class and Best in Breed, but Woofstock 90210 was the place to be for an entertaining old-fashioned family outing at a home-grown West Coast dog festival.

What's the wackiest dog or dog in costume that you've ever seen? Please leave a comment and tell us about it!

FTC Disclosure:  I disclosure that I'm the dog-crazy mommy of a miniature pinscher. My family and I attended this free festival and we received the SWAG and dog product samples pictured. However, I did not receive any payment or other compensation associated with this post. See complete FTC Disclosure information that appears at the bottom of MommyBlogExpert's main page and at the bottom of every individual post on this blog, including this one.


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