Disney Frozen II Anna Autumn Swirling Adventure doll

As you may know, the new movie featuring Anna and her sister Elsa - Frozen II - has been in theater for a bit now.   And when a new movie from Disney comes out you can be certain that numerous toys will also appear on the shelves at your favorite store. 

So it is not surprising that this Christmas season new dolls based on Frozen II are available.   I have the opportunity to present you one such doll today - Anna Autumn Swirling Adventure doll.

I haven't seen the movie as of yet.   But apparently in Frozen II, Anna's unwavering optimism and perseverance is tested.  She must learn to stand strong even when it feels impossible, and do the next right thing.

This beautiful doll wears an outfit that is black and purple complete with a removable skirt, belt and cape.   If you lift the arms of the doll you will see that the outfit illuminate with a swirling leaf pattern that is absolutely stunning.  I simply love the yellow and red colors moving on the dress. (Why didn't we get that kind of fancy dresses for our dolls when I was younger?)  Her sister Elsa's doll has something similar on her dress where a pattern of snowflakes lights up. (Doll sold separately.)

 

These fun dolls will definitively bring joy to kids as they play with sister duo twinkling together as they journey to new adventures.

The Disney Frozen II  Swirling Adventure Fashion Dolls are available for purchase at your favorite retails store, even on Amazon (Canada and US).

Anna
   

Elsa
   

Disclaimer: Thanks to Hasbro Canada for sending me the above mentioned product for review purposes . I was not monetarily compensated for this review. Please note that the review was not influenced by the Sponsor in any way. All opinions expressed here are only my own.

Introducing the new Remote Control D-O Star Wars The Rise of Skywalker

This December a new movie from the Star Wars franchise is coming out - Star Wars The Rise of Skywalker.  If you are like us, you are looking forward to this new Star Wars movie.   And when a new movie of a beloved franchise comes out we all know what it means when it comes to toys - new products bearing the franchise name.

The coming of Star Wars The Rise of Skywalker will also introduce a new droid called D-O.  Thought we do not know much yet about this little droid, we know that he was built by Babu Frik out of spare parts.  He also befriend the Resistance droid BB-8 at some point after the Battle of Crait. 
Coming this Christmas season, your child (or maybe any Star Wars fan in your life) can own his/her own D-O remote control droid.

It will roll forward and backward, performs fun 360-degree spins, and makes expressive droid sounds.  You can control it with the remote control.   D-O can also bobbles its head in any direction - back, front, and side-to-side.

 If you also possess the remote control BB-8 already both of these little droids can go on a wide range of adventures together.

Again this toy is geared for children ages 5 and up.  It can also be interesting for any Star Wars fan in your life. 

The Star Wars D-O Remote Control is available at your favorite store, even on Amazon (Canada and US).

 

BB-8 Remote Control

Disclaimer: Thanks to Hasbro Canada for sending me the above mentioned product for review purposes . I was not monetarily compensated for this review. Please note that the review was not influenced by the Sponsor in any way. All opinions expressed here are only my own.

Monopoly Voice Banking

Move over old Monopoly games, here comes a new version this Christmas season - Monopoly Voice Banking -  which allow you to control the game with the power of your voice.
In this electronic version of the game, Mr. Monopoly is the Banker and manages player's money via his top hat. The Monopoly Voice Banking game features lights and sounds, and comes with an interactive Mr. Monopoly banking unit in the form of a top hat. 

This iconic Monopoly top hat is voice activated and the personality of Mr. Monopoly shines as he handles the transactions.  He keeps tabs on player's money and properties so there's no cash or cards to think about. (I suspect that many will like the fact that a banker is not necessary for this particular version of a classic game!)  You simply have to talk to Mr. Monopoly (aka the top hat) and he will respond to you.

For example, press the token's button and say, "Buy St. James Place."   Mr. Monopoly will track the transaction and keeping the game moving.  With the Monopoly Voice game, players will travel more rapidly around the board aiming to be the person ending with the most money and the highest property value in order to win.

The game also got a revamped gameboard with darker colors than the original Monopoly.   I tend to like the darker background as well as the brighter colors on it as it give a more electronic feeling to the game.

Apparently this version of Monopoly will allow to play the game faster as you simply have to speak your decision to Mr. Monopoly and he will manage everything.  This allows you build your properties sets and get the houses and hotels up faster.

The box includes the Top Hat banking unit (including top and brim), the gameboard, four tokens, twenty-two title deed cards, one Get Out of Jail Free card, four reference cards, sixteen houses, sixteen hotels, two dice, and a game guide.

The game was designed for ages 8 and up and will allow 2 to 4 players.  Note that demo batteries are included in the game but you will need to replace them with 3 AA batteries.

The Monopoly Voice Banking game is available at your favorite store, even on amazon (Canada and US).

   

Disclaimer: Thanks to Hasbro Canada for sending me the above mentioned product for review purposes . I was not monetarily compensated for this review. Please note that the review was not influenced by the Sponsor in any way. All opinions expressed here are only my own.

Gotham Complete Series Blu-Ray

Today I am presenting you a new Blu-Ray set that could find numerous fans of Batman drooling this Christmas season.   Presenting Gotham the Complete Series which is now available everywhere.

What is Gotham? Well Gotham is a crime drama television series based on characters from DC Comics and appearing in the Batman franchise.  Essentially, you will follow Bruce Wayne when he was a teenager and how he slowly became the cape crusader that we all know.   Also in this series, you will see James Gordon and numerous villains like Penguin, Riddler, Carwoman, Poison Ivy, Scarecrow, Mr. Freeze, Hugo Strange, Solomon Grundy, Ra's al Ghul, Nyssa al Ghul, Bane and The Joker.

Keep in mind that this television series is more viewed like a prequel series based on Batman. What I mean by this is that you will visualize the process on how Bruce Wayne became the Batman, how James Gordon becomes an ally to Batman as well as how the villains became who they are in the comics.

Each Blu-Ray box contains the episodes of the season as well as special features.  Let me highlight the special features for each season of Gotham:

• First Season: 22 episodes, Gotham Invented, Gotham: Designing the Fiction, The Game of Cobblepot, Gotham: The Legend Rebord, DC Comics Night at Comic-Con 2014 - Presenting Gotham, The Flash, Constantine and Arrow, Character Profiles, Gag Reel, and Unaired Scenes plus a digital copy code.
• Second Season: 22 episodes, ALFRED: Batman's Greatest Ally, Gotham by Noir Light, Cold-Hearted: The Tale of Victor Fries, Character Profiles, Gotham: 2015 Comic-Con Panel and more plus a digital copy code.
• Third Season: 22 episodes, The Dark Within the Dark: The Court of Owls, Madness Rising: The New Villains of Gotham, Ben McKenzie Directional Debut, Gotham: 2016 Comic-Con Panel, Deleted Scenes plus a digital copy code.
• Fourth Season: 22 episodes, Solomon Grundy: Born on a Monday, The Sirens Take Gotham, The Best of DC TV's Comic-Con Panels San Diego 2017, Deleted Scenes plus a digital copy code.
• Fifth Season: 12 episodes, Villains: Modes of Persuasion - In-dept exploration of your favorite DC Super-Villains, Gotham S5:Best Moments in NY Comic Con 2018, Gotham: A Modern Mythology, Gotham's Last Stand, Unaired Scene.

Personally, I always found this television series to be darker than what I am used to.   Mind you the Batman movies/comics are always a bit more darker than other DC superheroes movies/comics so I suppose it makes sense to have a darker mood for the television series as well.   However, my husband who has been a big fan of Batman for years now has enjoyed the series while it was available online.  Unfortunately, he was not able to watch the fifth season as of yet because he could not access the series anymore.  So he was quite pleased when I received this blu-ray set because now he will be able to watch the final season of one of his favorite shows.

Gotham: The Complete Series is now available in Blu-Ray or DVD formats at your favorite store, even on amazon (Canada and US). It would make a perfect gift to any fan of Batman in your life.

Blu-Ray

    

 DVD

    
Disclaimer: I have received this Gotham The Complete Series in Blu-Ray format from Warner Bros, Home Entertainment and Falkowitz PR.  I was not monetarily compensated for this review.  Please note that the review was not influenced by the Sponsor in any way. All opinions expressed here are only my own.

Power Blox

I recently had the opportunity to review a new STEAM product geared for kids.   STEAM stands for any education item on the market that will promote science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics. 

Presenting the E-Blox.  E-blox are not ordinary building blocks at all since they can bring the creations to life in some way.  Let me explain.  These E-blox consists of tin-plated blocks that connect to a battery block which power the electrical component blocks.   Essentially an electronic circuitry is integrate into the construction you do but because of how these blocks are made off there is no wires to bundle and hide. 

I have received the Power Blox Standard Set which contains 45 pieces in the box.  This set allows you to lit up the your creations with a unique power block.

This set is geared for children 8 and up.   You will need a 9 volt battery which will be inserted in the power block before you can have lights.  It contains 10 LED lights which will dazzle your creation as you build them.  And apparently you can also connect to your existing building bricks to create endless possibilities and develop more creativity.   The Power Blox are a great way to stimulate the creativity and imagination as well as encourage the development of a scientific brain.

Finally a convenient storage case is included in the box.  It also has a studded top lid which allow your child to build on it.  This storage case and it's special lid makes it ideal for trips whether by car or by air.   This will keep your child entertained when going on long car rides or travelling out of the country.

There are more Power Blox products available on their website.  They also have another line called Circuit Blox which offers new possibilities and experiments to be made.  You can purchase their products from their online store.  Note that all prices are in US money.

Disclaimer:  I have received the Power Blox Standard Set from KidStuff PR and E-Blox.  I was not monetarily compensated for this review.  Please note that the review was not influenced by the Sponsor in any way.  All opinions expressed here are only my own.

Big Bang Theory Limited Edition Complete Series

Every year during the Christmas season, you always see numerous DVD sets of favorite television shows on the shelves of the stores.

This year you will be able to get a popular television show which lasted over 12 seasons.   Presenting the Big Bang Theory - The Complete Series - Limited Edition Blu-Ray Disc set which will be a delightful item to get for the fan in your life.

For the first time ever you will get all 12 seasons - a whooping 279 Episodes - including over 12 hours of bonus content and 3 never-before-seen featurettes which are

• The Big Bang Theory: A Retrospective - final reflections from the cast and producers
• All the Stars in the BBT Universe - the cast and crew highlight the many guest stars who have been on the show.
• BBT's Greatest Hits: 12 Years of Comedy in 24 Minutes - a collection of the funniest moments from every blockbuster season.

all packed in a beautiful box.   This box also contains a 32-page episode guide with an introduction from the creator/executive director Chuck Lorre and new behind-the-scenes cast photos.

And that's not all - the lay-flat book which contains all the Blu-Ray discs also features a cast pop-up art. And finally, apparently there is a digital code for every episode as well.

Now, as for the show Big Bang Theory - I have to admit I have never seen it.  However, I have heard from friends who have watched the show that it is very well done and funny too.   So my family is quite excited to have the opportunity to watch the show in a near future.     All we know is that the  show introduce physicists Leonard (Johny Galecki) and Sheldon (Kim Parsons) who navigate the universe and everyday life along Penny (Kaley Cuoco), and fellow scientists Howard (Simon Helberg), Raj (Kunal Nayyar), Amy (Mayim Bialik) and Bernadette (Melissa Rauch), as well as other characters.  I am looking forward to discover The Big Bang Theory with my family.

This Limited Edition Complete Series of the Big Bang Theory is available in DVD or Blu-Ray format at your favorite store, including amazon (Canada and US).

   

Disclaimer: I have received this product from Warner Bros, Home Entertainment and Falkowitz PR.  I was not monetarily compensated for this review.  Please noote that the review was not influenced by the Sponsor in any way. All opinions expressed here are only my own.

Stem Toys to Encourage Coding from TechWillSaveUS

As you might have realized by now Christmas is just around the corner.   So the kids in your life might have already given you a list of things they might want.   Growing up I always got some education product in my gifts.  When I had kids of my own I also made sure that they would get an educational item or two in the midst of their items.

So when I was approached by KidsStuffPR to review products from TechWillSaveUS, I was curious of what they might have.  Turns out that their products are all based on STEM learning and highly so I decided to get the Micro:Master Pack which is geared for children 11 years old and up.

The Micro:MasterPack is composed of the micro:bit as well as the micro:craft, micro:bot, and the mocro:mods kits. Together they introduce creative coding to the child using them and over thirty projects can be made from them.

Let me present you the different components of the set.

Micro:Bit - This is the starter set of the pack.   It encourages kids to code and encourages creativity and invention.   It is very simple to use - start to code on one of the three coding platforms (computer, phones or tablets), upload the code to the micro:bit and voilà...  Simple and quick.   My own daughter who is 11 has made numerous little messages on this item and enjoyed it.   You can write message on it or simply upload an image. 

Micro:Craft - This add-on kit for the Micro:Bit will allow you to create even more things with it via
your crafting skills.  It contains copper tape, crocodile clips, a buzzer, and some cables.  Inside the box you will also find a little notebook to help you design your projects.  On their website, you can find a ton of projects that can be done with this add-on kit.  It allows you to incorporate crafting with coding.   Design your creation, make it, code it and watch it comes to life.

Micro:Mods - This is another add-on kit for the Micro:Bit product.   It contains a casing (to make a watch), some velcro straps, split pins, glue pads, and a LED strip.   One example you can do with this kit would be to program the rainbow colors in your LED strip.   You can then stick this LED strip on yourself or a backpack to be more stylish.

Micro:Bot - Finally, the Micro:Bot is another add-on kit for the Micro:Bit kit.  This will allow your child to build and code three different robots.  This contains 2 servos, 2 wheels, 1 battery pack, 7 jumper wires, 2 wagos, 5 glue pads, and 5 crocodile clips.  You will also need other items that are easily found at home like markers, ball, craft knife, golf club, tape, screwdriver, glue, kitchen foil, paper and a sponge.   You can choose to make a ArtBot, a GolfBot or a RoomBot. 

If you worry about the fact that your child might not be able to code - don't!   The website - microbit.org- possesses numerous tutorials and information that will help him/her to make.   At first I wished that there were more instructions in the boxes but I quickly realized that their website was self-explanatory and easy to use.

My daughter quickly grasp the way to use the website in a matter of minutes.  She has experience a few things with the items we have received.  She still has a lot more that she can do with them and will continue to explore the projects she can do on the website.

With Christmas being just around the corner and time off from school, your kids will probably enjoy doing a bit of fun projects with the products of TeachWillSaveUs.  And without realizing it, your kids will still learn during this holiday season. 

All these products and many more are only available on their website.  They offer a wide variety of coding products for kids ages 4-6, 7-10 and 11+.  The company offers free shipping in the UK and the US.

Disclaimer:  I have received the Micro:MasterPack kit from KidStuff PR and TechWillSaveUS.I was not monetarily compensated for this review.  Please note that the review was not influenced by the Sponsor in any way.  All opinions expressed here are only my own.