12/22/14: Maya Group Cool Holiday Toys

Next up in my Holiday Gift Guide is great gifts for boys and girls from the Maya Group.  We have reviewed their toys in the past and have always enjoyed them.  Orbeez are a personal favorite of mine and the kids.  First off is the Xploderz Mayhem.

Xploderz Mayhem is part of the Xploderz FireStorm Series and can fire 120 rounds of ammo in 60 seconds!  Despite the fact that it is cold in New England we were able to find a way to play with it by using it out our backdoor to our deck.

  Xploderz use a similar H2 Grow technology that Orbeez do.  What I like about it is that it comes with created ammo.  The Xploderz ammo takes 4 hours to grow and when your son is looking on as you open this toy you don't want to have to tell him he has to wait 4 hours to use it.  Big props to the Maya Group for providing this ammo already ready to go.

 You hold back the handle and crank the crank for the shooting to begin.

 It was really easy to put together and even Lauren got in on the fun.

 It also comes with 2,000 rounds of ammo which will last quite a long time. With a velocity of 100 feet per second, it is 50 percent faster than any foam blaster.  You can reload ammo really quickly.

So much fun!

The secret behind the Ammo Technology is a polymer and water-based system that creates an ammo strong enough to fire huge distances and yet soft enough to disintegrate on impact. Since the Ammo is 99.9% water, it is completely safe. The Ammo consists of super absorbent polymers that can absorb more than 150 times their volume in water. The water is absorbed into the spaces between the molecules.

We did test this out as my son shot me with it and it did not hurt.

 Here it is as packaged.  It retails for $39.99.

Next up is the Make Your Case set.  Lauren got right to work without even asking me for help.  The only thing I had to assist with was pushing down to get the mold to start.

This set allows you to create a case for either an Samsung Galaxy S3/S4, iPod touch, iPhone 4 or iPhone 5.  It has silicone to make two molds.  Here is Lauren working on the mold.  After you push this through it takes 2 hours to set.  Then you can decorate your case however you want.  It comes with design paper, gem stickers, letters, and even 4 additional pre-made cases.  It lets kids show off their personal style.

Here you can see the iPhone 5 case molded.  Now we wait two hours for it to complete.

Here it is as packaged.  So far I think it is pretty easy to use and fun for kids.  It retails for $24.99.

Here are two other refill sets.  We received the Decor Tape and Spin Art.  This allows kids to make even more creations.  They make it easy to switch out designs also as you can just switch out the paper you have decorated.  Each of these sets come with 4 cases to decorate.

Last but not least is the Orbeez Body Spa.  Not only is this an inflatable comfortable chair but it also vibrates and comes with 6000 Orbeez.  

It does require a pump which is not included to inflate it so make sure you have one available.  

What great products from the Maya Group!

Like them on Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/pages/Xploderz/176830562333158

https://www.facebook.com/makeyourcases

https://www.facebook.com/Orbeez

Disclosure:  I received all of these products for review purposes.  No other compensation was received and all opinions are my own.

12/18/14: Fun Toys from Nickelodeon

Nickelodeon has some awesome holiday gifts with your favorite Nickelodeon characters.  We received three sets and they are next up in my holiday gift guide.  First up is the Krusty Krab Attack by Mega Bloks SpongeBob SquarePants.  We love SpongeBob, in fact my husband was watching SpongeBob before we even had kids.  

The Evil Plankton is at it again and trying to steal the Krabby Patty recipe yet again in the Krusty Krab Attack by Mega Bloks SpongeBob SquarePants.  Kids get to build the Krusty Krab.  Here is Evan with all 407 pieces.

 

He had no problem following the directions to build.

I love that it is interactive.  Once you build it there are manual patty launchers and robot minions.

Kids can build an adventure in Bikini Bottom with all of their favorites including Mr. Krabs, Squidward, Plankton and of course SpongeBob.

The kids loved building it and playing with it afterwards.

This set features: Buildable Krusy Krab that opens up for interior play Dish launcher, manual patty launcher and collapsing sign SpongeBob, Plankton, Mr. Krabs, and Squidward micro action figures Two buildable evil robot minions.  Plus you can combine with other Mega Bloks SpongeBob SquarePants playsets to build your own wacky world of fun in Bikini Bottom.

They loved it.

This set retails for $29.99.

We also received some Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles toys including the Lego Turtle Sub which includes 4 minifigures with weapons and accessories: Donatello Leonardo, 2 Kraang, plus a Leatherhead figure.  The Turtle Sub features a detachable top shell, opening cockpit, control panels, shooter, flapping fins, periscope, weapons, armory storage, exercise bike and an opening hatch to remove the mini sub.  Mini Kraang sub features a flick missile shooter, computer dashboard, power cell and translucent elements Weapons include 2 swords, 2 harpoons and a staff.  It retails for $59.99.

Last but not least is the Carrera Go Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles X-Loop Race Set.  This set has scale 1:43 racers, a track, 2 speed controller, lap counter, and lots of fun!  My son loves racing so this is so much fun for him.

Nickelodeon has some awesome toys this holiday season!

Disclosure:  I received these toys for review purposes.  No other compensation was received and all opinions are my own.

12/8/14: Disney Infinity 2.0 Fun With Marvel Super Heroes

We our a Disney family.  We love the Disney Parks, Disney toys , Disney on Ice and of course Disney Video Games.  The kids were very excited to receive the Disney Infinity: Marvel Super Heroes 2.0 Starter Pack as we enjoyed the original Disney Infinity so much.  This is my next item on your "must have" Holiday List.

We received the PlayStation 3 version Starter Set which includes Thor, Iron Man and Black Widow plus 2 Game disks.  There are many more Marvel Super Heroes in the collection.   I love that there are options to own Disney Infinity 2.0.  If you have Disney Infinity you can download the 2.0 Toy Box Digital Download for $29.99.  You are able to use your existing base and figures.  Evan got right in to game play.

The nice thing about the 2.0 version is that all of the characters and power disks you already have from the first version is compatible with 2.0.  This is good news for us as we have a ton of them.

I love the Sorcerer Mickey Mouse.  My son's favorite are Cars and my daughter's favorites are Anna and Elsa of course.

Plus the all-new Toy Box mode that makes it easier for players to create and share their one-of-a-kind levels and mini-games with family and friends. Toys that you have unlocked in the Disney Infinity Toy Box will be unlocked in the 2.0 version.

The graphics are amazing and the interaction is so cool.  Evan likes that you can fly around.

It is a nice mix of characters and may appeal to an older child demographic.  My son likes it, but my daughter still prefers the core Disney characters.  I have already purchased Stitch for her as I know she will love him as he is her favorite character.

Evan and my husband have definitely played it the most.  I personally love the Toy Box most as you can just create on your own.

Here you can see the set as packaged.  I am sure it will be high on your child's holiday wish list.

Infinite Possibilities, Infinite Fun!

Disney Infinity: Marvel Super Heroes works on Xbox One, Xbox 360 games and entertainment system from Microsoft, the PlayStation®3 system, the PlayStation®4 system, Wii U™ system, Wii™ system, Nintendo 3DS™ hand-held system, on smart devices including tablets and mobile phones; and on PC.  The Starter Pack: is $74.99.  A Play Set Pack: $34.99 and Figures: $12.99.

This game is going to be a Hot Gift this holiday season and one you will want to buy early along with Play Sets and Figures.

Find them online:  www.disney.com/infinity 

YouTube:  www.youtube.com/disneyinfinity

Join the Disney Infinity Facebook community: Facebook.com/disneyinfinity

Google+: https://plus.google.com/+DisneyInfinity

Twitter: @disneyinfinity

Instagram: instagram.com/disneyinfinity

Disclosure:  I received this Starter Pack and Cars Play Set for review purposes.  No other compensation was received and all opinions are my own.

12/8/14: Linden Square Shop, Sip & Stroll

I was extremely lucky to go to Linden Square Wellesley last week for a Shop, Sip and Stroll event to check out the hot holiday gifts they have.  I must admit I had never been there before and was so excited to find this gem.  There are so many shops and dining options.  The full list is here but I will go over some highlights of where I visited.  You can also check out Linden Square's Gift Guide.

We started off at Roosters which is a beautiful barbershop and gives men the option to make an appointment or walk in.  They also have a father and son hair cut option. 

I loved the atmosphere and the barbers and stylists are top notch.  In fact the barber we met got to shave Dr. Phil's mustache off!  He had it for 38 years and he trusted this barber to remove it. 

Then we headed off to a salon for the ladies, Salon Maleah for some holiday party hairstyles.  It was a beautiful and friendly salon welcoming the whole family.  They have wonderful hairstylists there that have been stylists for years.

We were treated to some tips from stylists on hot, easy hair styles for holiday get togethers.  One was the hair twist which is easy to do and looks beautiful.  They also taught us that put the crinkled part of the bobby pin down in your hair for it to stay in longer!  Who knew I was doing it wrong all these years?

Next we headed to Magic Beans to check out some hot holiday toys.  Wow what a selection, I will only highlight a few.  As you enter there was a whole holiday table which had some great items.

We then moved on to some toys for my kids age group including Goldie Blox which I love for the budding woman engineer, and wrecking ball and other building toys for kids.  There were tons of Lego sets, science sets, and so much more for everyone on your list.

We got to feel Sands Alive.  This stuff is amazing and does not dry out!  Plus it is bacteria resistant and 100% organic.  Play with it again and again. 

We also got to see some great cooperative games from Peaceable Kingdom.

I absolutely love these MBTA trains!!!  There was a huge selection of trains.

Plus my favorite being an engineer was all the science kits!  They are great.  What is better than learning and having fun?

Then we headed to Kenzie and Tiny Hanger which are connected.  Kenzie is an awesome store for tweens, kids and mom.  It is that perfect balance as little girls are growing up.  When we were there they had this super cute donut setup with real donuts on the white stand.

The clothes there are beautiful!

Can you spot the #LindenSquareElf?

I love this dress and it would look great on Lauren.

They also have beautiful accessories and a lovely assortment of fancy dresses for girls.

We then went in to Tiny Hanger and they have the most adorable clothes and accessories for little ones. 

These bibs almost made me want to have another baby.  Notice I say almost, I was reminded after I left that two kids is enough for me.

They had a lovely assortment of treats for the Sip and Stroll.  These were made by one of the ladies working there.  What talent!

There were cute little toys there too.

I see you again #LindenSquareElf.

We didn't stop there.  Remember it is the holiday season, you need to keep shopping.  Next up was Bonsoir which has luxury linens from Italy, France and the US.  

We even got a napkin folding lesson to learn how to make our holiday table look fantastic.

It was lovely there.

There were beautiful bath items also.

Then it was on to Sara Campbell for lovely holiday fashions.  They had amazing clothes.

We got to see the Magic Dress which works for any body type and is perfect for those holiday gatherings.

We also got to see some wonderful shawls that can be worn many different ways and are perfect to dress up any outfit.

We learned that fringe is in this season.

I love this piece, and yes it is as soft as it looks.

Lovely scarves.

Their collection was so elegant and beautiful.

They had lovely accessories also.

Next we went to the Tobey Grey Boutique.  They are known for their denim and will do denim fittings to make sure you have the perfect pair of jeans.

I loved this lovely layering option.  This vest was so soft.

They also have dresses.

One of their hottest sellers has been their sweaters.  They are lovely.

Who doesn't love accessories?  We went to Ceri Boutique to see some cool accessories.  They had some beautiful jewelry.

I love these little purses.

They also have some gorgeous clothes.

I love these scarves.  They are digitally printed with images from artists.

Who doesn't need some relaxation at the holidays or after the holidays?  I know most people do.  We got to check out the Bella Santé Spa.  This is one of their three locations.  As expected their biggest seller at the holidays are their gift certificates.

It is a beautiful spa and they have so many services.  I have gone to their spa in Lexington and love it.  It is a great place to find some relaxation.  I have always had a wonderful experience there.

We then got to try out The Cottage for lunch.  The food was awesome.  Here are the nachos.  They were amazing.  All of the food was really good.

I had the Chicken and Goat Cheese Salad and it was fantastic.

Unleashed by Petco also stopped by and brought us some treats for our furry friends.  Our dog Fred was very happy.  Last but not least we got to go to Impulse by Adamas Fine Jewelry.  I mean really you can never go wrong with jewelry.  Hint hint John if you are reading.

There were some amazing pieces there.

We were lucky enough to pick out a Sisco+Berlutti bracelet.  There is a great selection and most are under $100.

I hope this helps give you some ideas for your holiday shopping.

Find Linden Square Wellesley online:

http://www.shoplindensquare.com/

https://www.facebook.com/LindenSquareWellesley

Twitter:  @LindenSqWell

Disclosure:  I received a tour of Linden Square along with a gift bag and lunch.  No other compensation was received and all opinions are my own.