Smart Train Kids STEM Toy Review + Giveaway

Toys

MBE partnered with Intelino for this review and giveaway and this post contains affiliate links

2020 Year of The Smart Toy Train

For decades, kids have been enchanted with trains large and small. As a Baby Boomer I know trains sure did fascinate me as I recall the book The Engine That Could which my parents read to me and the elaborate Lionel electric model train table village my Daddy built in our basement for our family and friends to enjoy. Then when I became a mother, we raised our foursome with the help of Thomas the Tank Engine as well as visits to children's museums dedicated to the history and fun of real and toy trains, and a family vacation train trip via the Alaska Railroad from Anchorage to Denali National Park.

Photo Cred Balazs Busznyak

The Classic Toy Train Reinvented for Modern Kids

Fast forward to 2020. There's a new, ultra modern futuristic smart train speeding down the tracks, approaching the station and pulling into the hearts and homes of boys and girls just in time for the holiday shopping season. Meet the Intelino J1 Smart Train, the classic train toy retooled for a new generation, which has been selling abroad for a year and is now also available across North America in the US and Canada. 

A special thank you to my nephew and niece's darling children for test driving the Intelino J1 Smart Train Starter Set they received from the brand, sharing with you our loyal readers how much fun they're having with this intellectually stimulating toy and what a great holiday gift idea other kids will likely appreciate.

Rooted in the nostalgia and traditional toy train playing experience of yesteryear, the Intelino Smart Train incorporates the latest robotics technology. Even better, it is expandable and designed to grow with your child as their fine motor abilities and STEM skills emerge and develop.

 

For a child as young as a 3-year old, thanks to the simplicity of the train's design, no technical ability is required. As a child's first train set, a preschooler can enjoy screen free amusement with a modular train track that is easy for little ones to click together to assemble, ready for hours of train playing fun. 

To make things even more exciting, little ones can even snap on different color tiles to the track which impact the way the train moves. Out of the box, the engine comes with 17 snap-based actions built-in to the train. So even without the app, the smart engine's color sensors are continuously scanning the track while the train is in motion, responding to each of seven tile colors with different actions. An added plus for the younger set is that the Intelino train included in the starter set is compatible with the ability to run (with a few limitations) on most major brand wooden tracks made by BRIO, IKEA and others.

Expanding Kids Minds As They Grow

Later, when paired with the free app that's included, older boys and girls are able to interact with the toy on a more complex and sophisticated level. Elevating the train's functionality to new heights using a smartphone or mobile device, the Intelino Smart Train grows with kids, expanding into a smart train featuring advanced robotics which will engage new STEM skills as youngsters grow, learn, control and interact with the train.

"First we went through the instructions together, learning about how everything works," the kids' mom recalls. "Then my six-year old easily assembled the track on his own in about 15 minutes while I downloaded the app onto a smartphone. The next thing I knew, my son and his younger sister, who is in kindergarten, were off to the races having a blast together, saying things like 'Oh my gosh, Mom, look at that train go and Vroom and off we go!'

"As a parent I like that the Intelino Smart Train is not only educational and helps to build STEM skills, it is also small, compact, making it simple for kids to put together and take apart for storage. Best played with on a wood, laminate or other smooth surface floor, the train, tracks and app are all easy enough for boys and girls as young as 5 or 6 years old to use without any adult involvement. This is a fun activity to keep my kids occupied for an hour or two while I'm preparing dinner, especially on hectic school nights."

How Intelino Works With the App

The smart engine is powered by a 32-bit ARM microcontroller via Bluetooth wireless connectivity, while the MCU controls the train’s sensors, running its software algorithms and communicating with external devices. It also enables firmware updates and user programmability features. But don't let all that technical jargon about robotics scare you because the Intelino train "brain" is hardwired to offer a host of really fun features which older kids can easily tap into and leverage.  

In addition to a multi-function button to turn the engine ON and OFF and start and stop it, kids will appreciate all capabilities they can control such as traveling speed, sound and light effects. For example, the built-in speaker makes it possible to change the sound of the train from a city express train, to and police transporter and more. 

Similarly, LED feedback lights on the train engine illuminate via color LEDs -- customized by the user by programming within the app -- which varies as the train starts, stops, moves forward or backward, or goes slower or faster traveling up to 3.3 feet (100 centimeters) per second. It even has a mileage odometer which tracks and records how far the train has traveled.

Additional cool features include the electro-magnetic wagon coupler in the rear of the engine which can also be controlled via color senor inputs or through the app, dropping off the attached wagon on demand. The included Lithium Polymer battery delivers 100+ minutes of continuous play time and is rechargeable via a micro-USB port.

 

The Intelino J1 Smart Train Starter Set

The fun begins as soon as the box is opened. Inside, kids will discover an unboxing experience like none other as they check out what's inside each of the nested boxes. 

What's Included

• Smart Train Engine and a Wagon
• 20-piece Train Tracks Set
• 40 Color Snaps Controlling Train Actions
• Sheet of Decals to Customize Train Cars
• USB Charging Cable
• Quick-Start Guide

As you've seen by the images throughout this post, my 5-year old grand niece and 6-year old grand nephew gave this train set a thorough test drive, ultimately giving the Intelino Smart Train Starter Set a thumbs up kids seal of approval. Their mom and dad also agree and they look forward to many hours of family fun together watching their kids playing together while increasing their STEM skill smarts through interacting with this innovative train set.

Today Show Names Intelino to Hottest Kids Holiday Tech Gift Picks  

According to https://t.co/QI0YNHeDFf, intelino smart train is one of the hottest gadgets and tech gifts for kids 2020https://t.co/hxQl6CL7L7

— intelino (@intelino) November 6, 2020

With such a popular kids tech toy now available in the US and Canada, we could not be more excited to be announcing that thanks to the brand we are hosting an Intelino Smart Train Starter Set Giveaway exclusively for MBE's audience. Read on to learn how to enter for your chance to win this fun and educational kid- and family-friendly prize valued at approximately $100 USD/$130 CAD.

GIVEAWAY

Intelino Smart Train

Kids STEM Toy 

US + Canada Residents Eligible to Win

MBE Giveaway

on Instagram

Thanks to Intelino, ONE (1) lucky MBE giveaway participant will win the sparkling Intelino Smart Train Starter Set (Approx value $100 USD/$130 CAD). To enter this giveaway Mommy Blog Expert is hosting, visit this MBE Instagram post. Contest is open to BOTH USA and CANADA residents and qualifying winner will be selected at random. Hurry, this giveaway ends December 1, 2020 at 11:59pm EST. Intelino is providing the prize and is responsible for delivery to winner.

Good Luck to Everyone Who Enters to Win!

More About Intelino

Sold internationally since 2019, the Intelino Smart Train is sturdy and built to last, engaging and challenging kids' brains as they grow, expanding into learning reasoning and coding when used with the app. The Intelino J1 Smart Train Starter Set, as well as add-on accessories including the Intelino Track Extension Pack  and Intelino Wooden Track Adapter Kit, are currently available for purchase separately.

Plans to expand product offerings and availability both online and in-store are expected to be announced soon. Founded by Dr. Armen Kroyan, PhD, an inventor and electrical engineer, California-based Intelino is a consumer robotics company focused on developing and bringing new smart educational toys to the current generation growing up today who are the future scientists and engineers of tomorrow. 

Learn more about the Intelino Smart Train on the brand's website, plus stay up on all the latest Intelino news by following them on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube. 

DISCLOSURE: We participate in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program that allows our site to earn compensation for including referral links within our posts to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.

Paw Patrol Kids Movie Fire Truck Gift Set

Movies 

MBE partnered with Paramount for this campaign and this post contains affiliate links.

PAW Patrol: PUP-tastic 8-DVD Fire Truck 

Hey kids: Do you hear that siren? It sounds like there's a big red fire truck coming to town! And we've got some exciting related news for you fans of the children's entertainment series PAW Patrol. There's something new, fun and exciting you can look forward to and that you'll want to add to your holiday wish list this season. 

That's right. As of November 10, the new family-friendly PAW Patrol: PUP-tastic! 8-DVD Collection Limited Edition Marshall's Fire Truck ($55.99) from Paramount Home Entertainment and Nickelodeon Home Entertainment comes roaring into every town in America, gift boxed and ready to give. This also would be a good gift idea as a starter movie collection for little boys and girls who are fans in training to introduce them to the kindly animated PAW Patrol crew. 

The specially packaged PAW Patrol: Pup-tastic new release features more than 12 hours of entertaining rescues led by fan favorite pup Marshall and his fire truck. Produced by Spin Master Entertainment, it is the biggest ever PAW Patrol DVD gift set to be offered.

Fan-favorite pup Marshall lends his fire truck to this themed movie gift set, inviting young viewers to join him and the PAW Patrol for over 12 hours of heroic rescues. Adding to the non-stop action and adventure is Robo Dog for the first time starring in his own all-new DVD: PAW Patrol: Robo Dog Rescues! which is only available as a part of this collection.

PAW Patrol: PUP-tastic DVD Collection

• PAW Patrol: Robo Dog Rescues! *

• PAW Patrol: Jungle Rescues

• PAW Patrol: Pups Chase a Mystery

• PAW Patrol: Pups Save Puplantis

• PAW Patrol: Sea Patrol

• PAW Patrol: Summer Rescues

• PAW Patrol: The Great Pirate Rescue!

*Only available in the PAW Patrol: PUP-tastic 8-DVD Box Collection

Not only is this fun, new PAW Patrol release available widely in-store and online, one lucky MBE follower will win the PAW Patrol: PUP-tastic set we're giving away. Read on for details and how to enter the exclusive giveaway we're hosting.

GIVEAWAY

PAW Patrol: PUP-tastic

8-DVD Fire Truck Boxed Collection

MBE Giveaway

on Instagram

Thanks to Paramount Home Entertainment, ONE (1) lucky MBE giveaway participant will win the brand new PAW Patrol: PUP-tastic 8-DVD Collection Limited Edition Marshall's Fire Truck Boxed Collection to enjoy at home. To enter this movie giveaway Mommy Blog Expert is hosting, visit this MBE Instagram post. Contest is open to US residents only and qualifying winner will be selected at random. Hurry, this giveaway ends November 19, 2020 at 11:59pm EST. Paramount Home Entertainment is providing the prize and is responsible for delivery to winner.

PAW Patrol: Pup-tastic Twitter Party

Join a fun live online party to chat about this new release with prizes to win

• Tuesday, November 10 

• From 9 to 10 pm ET

• Hashtag #PAWPATROLPUPTASTICDVDPARTY

• RSVP

About PAW Patrol: PUP-tastic 8-DVD Fire Truck Collection

The new PAW Patrol: PUP-tastic 8-DVD Collection Limited Edition Marshall's Fire Truck Boxed Collection is available at  Amazon.com and elsewhere online and instore. From Paramount Home Entertainment and Nickelodeon Home Entertainment and Produced by Spin Master Entertainment, has a total run time of 12 hours, 46 minutes, carries a suggested retail price of $55.99, and is available nationwide. Learn more about PAW Patrol and follow this popular entertainment enterprise on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

DISCLOSURE: We participate in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program that allows our site to earn compensation for including referral links within our posts to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.

Making Wishes Come True Review + Giveaway

Mindfulness

Wish Making Reinvented

MBE partnered with Wishbeads for this review + giveaway

Every dream realized begins with a wish proving wishes can and really do come true. Making wishes is a part of the human experience, a way of living with eternal optimism and of setting our hopes and dreams in motion.

 

 

Think about it. Who hasn't made an earnest birthday wish before blowing out the candles on your birthday cake? Or made a wish upon seeing a shooting star or set a new goal to work toward while watching a beautiful sunset?

The question then becomes how do you increase the chances of turning that wish or goal into reality. That's why California mom entrepreneur Alexa Fischer created Wishbeads, reinventing the wish making process with affordable, beautiful and meaningful jewelry for women, men, and children along with authoring a how-to companion book called Wish Work.

Make a Wish, Do the Work

Whether you are wishing for a dream career opportunity, looking for a new and lasting relationship, or any other desire, it all starts with having an intention, an end goal in mind. Granted, making a wish is the easy part and is just the beginning of your journey. It also requires focus, dedication and hard work on your part to help bring your heart's dreams to fruition.

 

Wishbeads Make a Wish Bracelets

Inspiration for the Wishbeads logo comes from the stylized Japanese kanji for "wish granted" and if you turn it to the side, it's also the sign of "woman" as well as is quite similar to the Egyptian ankh which is considered the staff of life.  

The unique brand's mantra helps you discover and harness your own positive potential and energy, guiding you through the process of manifesting your wishes, goals and desires from visualizing it to writing it down on the included wish paper to inserting your handwritten wish into the jewelry's small cannister.  Then you wear the bracelet or necklace with your secret wish safely tucked inside wherever you go as a constant reminder of the dream you are actively working toward. 

Intentional Jewelry Rich in Meaning

Wishbeads includes a huge selection of handmade recycled glass bead as well as natural stone bead bracelets and necklaces. Among the brand's lines to choose from are the African Recycled Glass, Shine Collection, Intention Collection, Kids Collection, and one-of-a-kind Bling by Billie who is Alexa's very creative mom. From polished lapis lazuli (associated with tranquility) to matte amethyst (known for its connection to the mind) to matte rose quartz (the love stone), to beads crafted from recycled glass each piece in the collection is rich in beauty and special meaning.

Wishbeads African Recycled Glass Bead Bracelet in Rose

The African Recycled Glass collection, which currently comes in nine different colored beads, is especially noteworthy. Like the others in this eco-friendly recycled line, the Rose Recycled Glass Bracelet ($58) I received is created with beads handmade by members of the Krobo Tribe in Ghana, Africa. 

To hand craft these beads, native artisans use a centuries-old technique to form each bead individually by compressing the glass into a dry grain. Then, the grain is heated and poured into porcelain molds and the stem of the cassava leaf is added to each one to form the bead's hole. The final heating burns the stem away and fuses the glass together producing vibrant colors and beautifully irregular bead shapes that are then used to create one-of-a-kind wearable jewelry art pieces.

Wishbeads Kids Rainbow Bracelet

The Wishbeads Kids Collection includes six happy and colorful choices including my personal favorite, the Rainbow Bracelet style, which you see pictured here. So, a fun idea for moms or dads might be to pair a Wishbeads bracelet for you along with one of the children's styles for your son or daughter,  so you both can make wishes together.

Each of the brand's bracelets is gift boxed (except for children's styles) and all include hand strung glass or stone beads and clasp; solid brass cylinder with screw cap, and five wish papers. Necklaces are similarly boxed and packaged. Women's bracelets ($48-$58) vary in length between 18.5cm-19cm while Men's bracelets ($48) are slightly larger in size and Kids' bracelets ($30) are a bit smaller to fit tiny wrists. Necklaces ($58) are adjustable with a chain length of 31".

Wishbeads Bracelet with Wishwork Book

Wishwork Book

If jewelry isn't your thing, you can still work on your wishes in a tangible way, benefiting from the wisdom of the journal style paperback book Wishwork: A 21 Day Journey by Alexa Fischer ($14.99) which is available separately. 

Through a new prompt every day in this book, you'll read a short inspirational passage and take one small action daily over 21 days. The author guides you through a gentle step-by-step personal journey which starts with identifying and committing to your #1 wish and then motivating you and helping you work toward realizing your dream.

 The Wishbeads Paper Bracelet Kit

Also offered is a DIY jewelry making set suitable for tweens, teens and grownups, The Wishbeads Paper Bracelet Kit, sold individually ($40) and in bundles of 5 Kits ($125) or 10 Kits ($225) is perfect for groups, retreats, and special gatherings. 

Each boxed crafting set comes with everything needed to create Wishbeads paper bead bracelet including writing paper, red pen, scissors, glue, elastic, drying sticks, signature bead, and a writing journal with a 21-day guide.

Alexa with Wishbeads DIY Paper Beads Bracelet Kit

"Whether it's big or small, easy or difficult, you have the power to make it happen," explains Alexa. "As you go through the wish making process with my book Wishwork and/or with your chosen Wishbeads jewelry piece, you'll feel optimism grow as you take real, actionable steps toward bringing you closer to making your wish come true. Write, wear and witness the power of wish manifestation and enjoy each day of your personal growth journey."

Giveaway

Thanks to Wishbeads, MBE is giving away ONE (1) fabulous prize package including winner's choice of one adult and one child's Wishbeads bracelet plus the Wishwork book, total ARV $100+. Read on to find out how to enter for your chance to win this exclusive MBE Jewelry & Book Giveaway.

Wishbeads 

Bracelets & Book

MBE Giveaway

on Instagram

Prize Package includes

• 1 Wishbeads Recycled Glass Adult Bracelet - Winner's Choice

• 1 Wishbeads Kid's Bracelet - Winner's Choice

• 1 Wishwork Paperback Book

To enter the giveaway Mommy Blog Expert is hosting, visit this MBE Instagram post. Contest is open to US residents only with ONE (1) qualifying winner being selected at random. Hurry, this giveaway ends November 18, 2020 at 11:59 pm ET. Wishbeads is providing the prize package and is responsible for delivery to winner. Good Luck to everyone who enters to win this fabulous prize package giveaway!

About Wishbeads

Alexa Fischer, a graduate of Yale School of Drama, founded Wishbeads because she wanted to inspire others to make exciting wishes, take action, and inspire others to make those wishes reality. The company gives back to the community pledging a portion of profits to underwrite the cost of bringing Wishbeads DIY Paper Bracelet kits to teens in need through workshops focused on goal setting, self-confidence, positivity and more.

In addition to running her entrepreneurial business out of her funky bright red 1961 Shasta Airflyte trailer outdoor office, Alexa is a TV/film actress, speaker and public speaking coach. She lives in Santa Monica, California with her husband, two kids, and a white fluffy rescue dog. 

Visit the official Wishbeads site to learn more about all the items available as well as to access Alexa's blog and podcasts to help point you in the right direction to making your wishes come true. In addition to grabbing the free Wishbeads app for iPhone available in iTunes, for more inspiration and motivation, be sure to visit Wishbeads on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and YouTube.

Stylish Comfy Bed Sheet Set Fall Makeover

Home Living

MBE partnered with Therapedic for this collaboration

Autumn Bedroom Refresh 

Fall is definitely here in full force with winter already arriving early in many parts of the country this week. With the days shortening quickly, the nights getting colder, and Daylight Savings ending on the first of next month, this is the perfect season to refresh your bedroom to make it more conducive to not only relaxing, napping, and sleeping but also breakfast in bed.

 

Therapedic Sheet Collection Review

To inspire you to create a cozy and comfortable sleep space of your own, I'm excited to share our experience with the luxurious Therapedic 450 Thread Count Cotton Sateen Bed Sheet Set available now at Bed, Bath & Beyond. The sheet set featured in this review is available in four versatile and trendy colors for fall including the cool Mineral hue (which we received) as well as Blue, Grey, Linen, and White. 

After first-hand use for just a few nights, my new son-in-law and daughter tell me these new sheets are well-made and feel soft and luxurious, like silk or satin -- perfect for getting a good night's rest. As the nights get colder in New York City where this newly wed couple live, they have found that with their bed made up with their new Therapedic sheet set is not only more welcoming for sleeping at night, but also good for naps and reading in bed, too, so they plan to make these their main set of sheets this fall, winter and beyond.

Designed in machine washable wrinkle-resistant 100% cotton with a 450 Thread Count, Therapedic high quality bed sheets are made to last with TheraFIT® technology providing an extra wide elastic band that keeps the bottom fitted sheet snug against mattresses up to 18" deep. 

There's also something different we've never seen before: the fitted sheet includes directional labels (marked head, bottom, and sides) so that bed making is a breeze. Other perks included with this bed linen set are two small buttons at the bottom to keep the oversized stay-tuck top flat sheet in place and a European envelope closure.

The Therapedic King Size sheet set the brand sent us includes a 112"W x 102"L King flat sheet, a 78"W x 80"L King fitted sheet, and two 20"W x 40"L King pillowcases. This Therapedic 450 Thread Sheet Set is available in a variety of other sizes, including Twin/Twin XL, Full, Queen, California King, and Split King. Depending on the size of sheets, one or two pillowcases are included either in Standard/Queen or King-size.

With so many Therapedic bed sheet options to choose from, your fall bedroom makeover can be a reality.

More About Therapedic

Therapedic 450 Thread Count Sheets are available now at Bed, Bath and Beyond. Available in five colors and five sizes, these luxury sheet sets range in price from $49.99 to $79.99 per set. 

Halloween Safety Face Masks Review

Halloween 

MBE partnered with Shield Pals for this review and giveaway

Halloween Safely With New PPE Kids Face Mask Shields

Celebrating Halloween safely, especially if you have children, is shaping up to be a real challenge unlike any other year as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Parents of course, could simply do Halloween at home with your kids this season. But there's a new option to put the fun back into this Halloween which you may not be aware that goes beyond complete social isolation while still following the CDC's health safety recommendations. 

That's why I'd like to introduce moms and dads to the huge array of adorable and functional Halloween face mask shields made in the USA now available from Shield Pals, a Maryland-based personal protective (PPE) retailer.

Shield Pals Masks for Every Kid's Taste

The new line by Shield Pals rolled out this month with 30 unique face shields perfect to complete your Halloween costume. These range from a witches hat face shield with a full brim to a PPE Frankenstein-inspired mask to a pretty princess crown to a Viking helmet face shield and lots of other creative options. 

During the past week the brand introduced a bunch of completely new Shield Pals Halloween mask designs that go beyond the ordinary to the extraordinary reflecting both history and the modern times which we now live in-- like the Pirate Halloween Face Shield pictured at the top of this post and this Judge Ruth Halloween mask.  With so many options for each kid's personality, from Frida Flower Girl to the Lion, Robot, and Pirate styles, your child might have trouble deciding which Shield Pals Face Mask is their favorite and then want to wear it every day, not just for Halloween.

Halloween 2020 for Kids Reimagined

These must-have costume accessories are paving the way to helping to minimize risk of infection while trick-or-treating or attending Halloween parties and other fall events this year. Not only is the selection of options ample, these cool masks are comfortable to wear and affordably priced ranging from $6-$10.

"This is our 2020 vision of Halloween PPE looks like," says Shield Pals Co-founder Chris McCormick. "As parents ourselves, we hope these face shield will help enable safe Trick or Treating this year, for the trick-or-treaters and treat-givers alike."

Giveaway

Thanks to Shield Pals, we're giving away face covering prize packages valued at $170 each to TEN (10) lucky participants. Read on to find out how to enter for your chance to win this MBE Halloween Giveaway.

Shield Pals Face Coverings

10 Winners Get Prize Pack ARV $170

MBE Halloween Giveaway

on Instagram

To enter the giveaway Mommy Blog Expert is hosting, visit this MBE Instagram post. Contest is open to US residents only with TEN (10) qualifying winners being selected at random. Hurry, this giveaway ends October 26, 2020 at 11:59 pm ET. Shield Pals is providing the prize packages and is responsible for delivery to winners. Good Luck to everyone who enters.

Each Prize Package Includes*

• 4 Most popular Shield Pals

• 1 Standard Clear Shield

• 2 Comfort Halos

• 1 Pro Halo

• 2 HDPE Halos (Antimicrobial)

• 2 Face Coverings

• 2 Beekeeper Drapes

*Face coverings and beekeeper shield drapes patterns/colors in prize packages may vary

Important Consumer Note:

Like all other PPE products, Shield Pals are not a guarantee against infection or the transmission of viruses or diseases. For maximal protection, the brand suggests these face masks and coverings be used in addition to practicing COVID-19 CDC recommendations on hand washing and social distancing.

About Shield Pals

Shield Pals, LLC is a Maryland-based manufacturer and retailer of a wide range of personal protective equipment (PPE) for kids and adults including face shields, face coverings and shield drapes. Featured on the TODAY Show and other media outlets here in the U.S., Shield Pals new masks are now available at their flagship retail store at The Mall in Columbia in Columbia, Maryland. Made 100% in the USA, U.S. consumers can also shop the complete collection online. Visit ShieldPals.com site to learn more, see the complete collection, and pick out your kids' favorite Halloween masks. For more PPE costume inspiration, follow Shield Pals on social on Instagram and Facebook.