SmartMax My First Safari Animals Review & Giveaway

      Kids naturally like animals, especially large animals like giraffes, lions and hippos. SmartMax is using these beautiful beasts to attract toddlers to the magic of magnetism. SmartMax, are the makers of colorful magnetic construction toys for young children and they have now introduced two big game building toys. My First Safari ($19.99) and My First Animal Train ($29.99) are perfect for the youngest members in the house to safely explore magnetic play.  I received the SmartMax My First Safari for Madilyn to try.  

     The SmartMax My First Safari is for ages 1 and up.  Toddlers are awed when they discover the crocodile, lion, elephant, giraffe, hippo, and rhino.  Each animal is made up of 2 parts and a magnet to hold their body together in the middle.  They are chunky making it easier for toddlers to grasp them.  They are made from soft material and can easily click on the SmartMax bars (magnets).  The set comes with 18 colorful pieces. Toddlers can make 6 different animals.  Creative kids can mix and match parts and create fun crazy animals.  These are great for hand-eye coordination, logical thinking, color recognition, and creativity are all things children can work on while using these.  

     When we received this set I opened it up and Madilyn was immediately attracted to them.  She was excited to play with the animals.  My boys loved them too and jumped in to play with her.  Although she was not big on sharing her few found treasure.  Madilyn just turned 18 months and she is able to hold them, put them together, and pull them apart.  She does well with her hand-eye coordination. Madi likes to click them together and pull them apart.  Once she has an animal she will pretend they are walking around and make silly noises.  I love watching her play with these and use her imagination.  She also likes to put multiple bars together.  These have been a great addition to Madilyn's toy box.  Madi loves to pull them out and play.  

     I like how easy they are for Madi to use on her own and they invoke some imagination.  Plus they are fun for my boys to play with her when they want to join.  And I love that they are compatible with all SmartMax Sets.  So as Madilyn gets older we can add other sets to expand her exploring.  These sets would also make great gifts.  

Win it:  One (1) Arizona Mama reader will win their choice of My First Safari Animals or My First Animal Train. 

Enter in the Giveaway  Tools form below! This giveaway will be open until 6/30  at 11:59PM (MST).  Open to US

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Thank you to SmartMax for providing the above mentioned products for review and giveaway. 

 I was provided the above mentioned products in order to provide a review. I was not compensated in any way. All thoughts and opinions are my own and not influenced. disclosure

Dad's Free at Sea Life Aquarium on Father's Day

     If you are still looking for something to do on Father's Day here is a great option!!  Take dad and the kids for a day at Sea Life Arizona.  This is a great place to explore and spend time with dad.  Check out all the great sea life in this large indoor aquarium.  And even better is that dads get in free!!

     This Father’s Day, forgo the tie in favor of something the whole family can enjoy: a visit to SEA LIFE Arizona, and for Dad, it’s completely free (with purchase of a child ticket). The aquarium is giving families a great indoor opportunity to get up close and personal with sea turtles, sharks, starfish and countless other creatures from the deep. Visitors can also try their hand at the brand-new, nearly $1 million interactive Colorado River Exhibit, which takes guests on a hands-on tour of one of the region’s most critical waterways while introducing them to the fish and other aquatic creatures that call it home.

What: Free Admittance for Fathers Sunday, June 18

Where: SEA LIFE Arizona - 5000 S Arizona Mills Cir #145, Tempe, AZ 85282

When: All Day Father’s Day – Sunday, June 18, 2017

Starpath Dolls With Personalized Story Books

   Starpath Dolls are a collection of four dolls.  The dolls are multicultural and are featured in customizable chapter books.  These books complement the dolls.  These dolls are recommended for girls 5-9 years old.  With these dolls and books they can escape into a magical world.  The books are centered on shared adventures between two girl companions.  The books are easily personalized with details from the child's life online.  The books are available in paperback or in e-book format and instantly downloaded onto any electronic device.

  

     Everyone needs a best friend for companionship, acceptance, and love.  These dolls can provide a girl with someone to talk to and share new experiences with.  It can be as simple as exploring the woods or streets near home, riding the school bus, or imagining adventures in exotic places like India or fairy tale kingdoms.

     The dolls are 18 inches.  There are 4 dolls to chose from, Morning Star, Shining Star, Wishing Star, and Wandering Star.  Each dolls is multi culturally different with unique features.  A child can pick a doll that is culturally the same as her or different, what every she chooses.  There are 2 books that you can choose to customize, "A Fairy Tale Gone Wrong." or "Tiger Magic."

     When I saw these adorable Starpath Dolls I knew I wanted one for Madilyn.  Technically she is not in the age range for these dolls, but I was able get one for her and try it out myself with the boys.  The boys helped me look and we decided to get the doll that is most like Madilyn.  We picked Star Shine since she has brown hair, brown eyes, and has a cute little skirt outfit.  Madilyn loves her skirts.  For the personalized chapter book I chose A Fairy Tale Gone Wrong.  As I did the personalizing there were so many details to add in the book.  You can use real information or make it your own way.  As I put in the information it asked for a brother's name, but only 1.  Madilyn has 2 brothers and I didn't want to upset them that only 1 of them was in the book for her, but then it asked for the name of a prince.  So Evan  is in the book as her brother and Jayden is her prince.  I am having some trouble with the book.  I think mostly on my end.  It won't download for me, but it says I am missing something on my computer.  I tried 2 computers, but 1 is my work computer which I shouldn't be using, but I wanted to see i it was just my computer, but similar issue with missing something. I will keep trying, but for now we are very happy with this doll.

     Since she is not technically for Madilyn's age I wanted to save it for her as she gets old enough, but I will have to sneak it away as she already loves her.  She wants to carry her everywhere, sit with her, and even tries to dance with her.  These dolls are very well made.  The clothing is adorable and also well made.  Her legs bend so she can sit.  Her hair is soft.  These really are adorable dolls.  I know Madilyn will have a friend in her doll as she grows up with her.  These would make a great gift for any girl.  I think my 7 year old nieces would love these too!

Thank you to Starpath Dolls for providing the above mentioned product for review. 

 I was provided the above mentioned products in order to provide a review. I was not compensated in any way. All thoughts and opinions are my own and not influenced. disclosure

Dad's Free at LegoLand Discovery Center on Father's Day

Are you looking for something fun to do with the kids on Father's Day??  Take dad and the kids to Legoland Discovery Center.  Dad's love Legos too!!  All day Sunday, June 18, LEGOLAND® Discovery Center Arizona is letting fathers in free of charge (with purchase of a child ticket), giving families a chance to check out the ultimate LEGO® playground inside Arizona Mills Mall and its near-endless lineup of opportunities for building, riding and playing at a deep discount!

What: Free Admittance for Fathers Sunday, June 18

Where: LEGOLAND® Discovery Center Arizona - 5000 S Arizona Mills Cir #135, Tempe, AZ 85282

When: All Day Father’s Day – Sunday, June 18, 2017

World Oceans Day at Sea Life Arizona June 8th, 2017 Plus Discount Admission

SEA LIFE Arizona celebrates the world and its oceans every time it opens its doors, but the aquarium inside Arizona Mills Mall is upping the ante Thursday, June 8, alongside the rest of the
planet in honor of World Oceans Day.

World Oceans Day aims to identify and raise awareness about the biggest threats facing today’s largest bodies of water, and the team at SEA LIFE Arizona has an array of family-friendly, conservation-centric events in store for the day-long celebration. This year’s World Oceans Day theme is “Our Oceans, Our Future,” and guests can anticipate an assortment of sea-themed games, educational efforts and entertainment opportunities that focus on preserving the ocean and ensuring a safe, healthy environment for under-sea inhabitants.

Additionally, to help keep harmful plastics out of the world’s oceans, SEA LIFE Arizona is offering $5 off the price of admission to anyone who arrives with a plastic bag (one $5 discount per customer). Ahead of the special event, attendees can vote for their favorite aquatic creatures of the deep, and then they can watch them come to life in SEA LIFE’s expansive ocean tank on the big day. To vote for a favorite sea creature, click here.

What: World Oceans Day Celebration at SEA LIFE Arizona

Where: SEA LIFE Arizona - 5000 S Arizona Mills Cir #145, Tempe, AZ 85282

When: All Day (10 a.m. – 6:30 p.m.) Thursday, June 8, 2017

COOP Sports Summer Fun Games Review

     It is summer time and school is out.  Now is the time to figure out how to keep the kids busy and active.  So many kids want to sit on the couch and play video games, I know my boys do.  So getting them up and moving is sometimes a chore.  COOP Sports has some great fun products to help get the kids active this summer.  I was able to get a few fun products to try out.

     The first item I received was the 8" playground ball.  This ball features reactive light technology that emits light bursts anytime it is touched, bounced, thrown, or kicked.  It has bright LED lights inside.  It has a textured shield that covers the ball.  It makes it easier to grip and throw.  My boys love playing with the ball.  They use it for playing 4 square, catch, and even a little basketball.  

     The second item I received was the 9" Football.  It also features the reactive light technology.  So when the ball is thrown, caught, or kicked it will show bursts of light. The micro-prism core refracts light while openings in the outer shield carve the light.  It creates a very cool light effect and allows for an interactive experience for the players.  The sculpted shield adds texture and makes it easier to grip and  throw as well as catch. This is another item my boys love.  It has been great to play in the early evening.  Its great because it is cooler than the day time and with the light up feature the boys can see the ball. 

     The third and final item I received was the Hydro Spring Hoop. This is a floating net for playing  basketball in the pool.  The net easily springs open and closes down with an inner spring the the base of the basket.  The fabric cover helps to add durability to the inflation chambers as well as give it some color. It also included a textured grip non-slip inflatable basketball. It also comes with a carry/storage bag.  Unfortunately we have not been able to use this yet, but I can't wait until we can.  Evan broke his arm the same week we received this and could not go swimming because he can't get his cast wet.  He just got the cast off so we will be using this very soon. The  Hydro Spring Hoops is not part of the reactorz products so it does not light up.  

     COOP Sports has so many great products to get the kids up and moving.  The LED Lights in the reactor balls are powered by batteries that are included, but not replaceable.  I do like that the reactorz products can be used at night since sometimes it is to hot during the day that the evening is the best time to get our and move.  If your  looking for something to do this Memorial Day weekend check out COOP Sports. I think the Hydro Spring Hoops would be great for a pool party or the Reactorz football for an evening game with family and friends.  

Thank you to COOP Sports for providing the above mentioned products for review. 

 I was provided the above mentioned products in order to provide a review. I was not compensated in any way. All thoughts and opinions are my own and not influenced. disclosure

Kids Go Free at Sea Life

     I have great news!!  Sea Life is offering Kids Go Free for the rest of the month of May! My kids love visiting this place.  We could spend all day there.  Get  your tickets now and enjoy the fun Colorado River Adventure.

Legoland Discovery Center Arizona

     We went to Legoland Discovery Center this weekend and had so much fun!  We are looking forward to lots of fun this summer here.  It gets so hot here in Arizona so finding a fun place for the kids to get their energy our and use their creative imaginations while in air conditioning is really important.

Hallmark Baby Pink Flamingo Sun Dress #LoveHallmark

     Hallmark is a great store for celebrations and memories.  They have a variety of great gift options.  And now they have some sweet baby clothing  too.  They recently came out with a very cute summer line of clothing for baby and toddler.  I received the Pink Flamingo Sun Dress for Madilyn.

     Madilyn loves dresses, well clothes in general, but dresses are her tops.  She will always pick the dress over anything else in her drawer.  So I was excited for her to get a new one.  This is a simple pullover sun dress.  It is made with 100% cotton and is lightweight.  It is tank top style.  It is a white background with a pink flamingo standing on the front.  It is made with ink-based dyes to resist bleach fading.  The material is very soft and comfortable.  It comes in sizes from 3-6 months up to 4-5 years.  It can also be personalized with babies name.

     Madilyn is my tiny girl and wears from 9 to 12 months (she is 17 months).  So I received the dress in 6-12 months size. The first time putting the dress on it fit well.  Although Madi is on the small side she is tall and skinny.  So the dress is a little on the short side and requires some little bloomers or shorts under it. I probably should have gotten the 12-18 month size, but its ok.  Madi doesn't care, she loves it.  When she put it on she strutted around so happy.  The dress is adorable.  Even with it a little short it fits perfectly in shoulders, arms, and body.

      Of course Madilyn went to play outside and got dirty.  She loves her girly dresses, but won't let it stop her from jumping into play with her brothers.  She got the dress all dirty.  Unfortunately it is now stained.  I do wish it was a color instead of the white background.  It now has a stain down the front from playing outside. But unfortunately this has happened to a few of her outfits since she jumps right in with her brothers.

     Hallmark Baby has many adorable outfits for girls and boys.  If you are looking for a special outfit or a nice baby gift check out Hallmark Baby.

Thank you to Hallmark for the review!! 

 I was provided the above mentioned products in order to provide a review. I was not compensated in any way. All thoughts and opinions are my own and not influenced. disclosure

Colorado River Adventure at Sea Life Arizona

     

     SEA LIFE Aquarium is gearing up to open their new Colorado River Adventure on May 19^th..  The Colorado River Adventure is a twisting and turning interactive tributary that follows the Southwestern landmark from its roots in the Rocky Mountains all the way down to the Sea of Cortez. The large-scale water play table offers an abundance of hands-on features, and guests can pump, twist and turn water while learning about conservation and how land-locked cities, such as Phoenix, affect the world’s rivers and oceans.