Tek Nek Rockin’ Rider Legacy

Ages 9 months – 5 years
Retail Price: $84.99

My 12 month old already has 2 ponies – one with wheels and the Tek Nek Rockin’ Rider Brown Pony, but when I saw the Tek Nek Rockin’ Rider Legacy, I knew Calen would LOVE it!

I’ve seen spring loaded ponies around, but paid very little attention to them as he is still so young…  until I noticed the safety seat on the Rockin’ Rider Legacy.  Perfect!

The Rockin’ Rider Legacy has a great list of details and features, is very versatile and grows with your child.  This is one present under the tree that won’t be outgrown come next Christmas – which can’t be said for most of the other ones the boys will get!

 Details From Tek Nek:

Rockin’ Rider Legacy starts out as an adorable toddler rocker, and converts into a Spring Horse when your little rider is ready. The great part is, no tools are necessary to switch between the stages. Simply pull apart the base, flip upside-down, and reassemble to ride Rockin’ Rider Legacy in Spring Horse style! The removable safety seat means he’s safe for toddlers as young as 9 months and little riders up to 5 years. Rockin’ Rider Legacy is soft and cuddly with a plush body preferred by moms and kids alike! Plus, your child will be delighted to find that he talks and sings to them, with a moving mouth and motion-activated galloping sounds! Includes plush horse, detailed saddle and removable safety seat, easy grip handles, 2-position stirrups and wide sturdy base. Mom and Dad will also appreciate the parental volume controls and the on/off switch for the sound effects!

Features & Additional Details:

No tools required to switch between rocker and spring horse stage

Legacy talks and sings with an adorable moving mouth

8 Delightful talking phrases and sound effects

Soft, premium plush

Motion-activated galloping sounds

2-position adjustable stirrups

Removable safety seat

Detailed saddle

Wide, sturdy base

Parental volume control with on/off switch

Easy-grip handles

Saddle Height (rocker): 15″

Saddle Height (spring horse): 19″

Assembled dimensions: 32″ L x 21″ W x 29″H

Age: 9 months – 3 years

Batteries: 3 AA included

Weight Limit: 65 lbs

For more information on the Rockin’ Rider Legacy and other Tek Nek products, visit the Tek Nek Toys website or their Facebook page.

The Rockin’ Rider Legacy is available on Amazon.com and at other online and brick & mortar retailers.

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Product provided.  Thoughts and opinions are 100% those of Sweet Posh Baby.

Disney’s The Lion King Diamond Edition: Blu-Ray + DVD Combo

Release Date: October 4, 2011

Available at Amazon and other retailers

MSRP:

 4-Disc Blu-ray Combo Pack: $49.99 U.S./ $56.99 Canada
— “The Lion King” = Blu-ray 3D + Blu-ray 2D + DVD + Digital Copy™
2-Disc Blu-ray Combo Pack: $39.99 U.S./$46.99 Canada
—  “The Lion King” = Blu-ray 2D + DVD
8-Disc Trilogy: $100.00 U.S./ $115.00 Canada
— “The Lion King” = Blu-ray 3D + Blu-ray 2D + DVD + Digital Copy
— “The Lion King 1 1Ž2” = Blu-ray 2D + DVD
—  “The Lion King II: Simba’s Pride” = Blu-ray 2D + DVD

My Thoughts:

The Lion King is one of my all-time favorite Disney films and I am so excited that it has been re-released on Blu-Ray,  I love the many intertwining story lines – Simba throughout his life and his experiences and all that he learns; the sweet love story of Simba and Nala; the strong and wise Mufasa and that even after he is gone, he still plays a major role in Simba’s life; and who can resist Pumba & Timone?

Synopsis of Disney’s The Lion King:

An unforgettable story, breathtaking animation, beloved characters and award-winning music sets thestage for “The Lion King”, a Disney classic that follows the adventures of Simba, the feisty lion cub who “just can’t wait to be king.” But his envious Uncle Scar has plans for his own ascent to the throne, and he forces Simba’s exile from the kingdom. Alone and adrift, Simba soon joins the escapades of a hilarious meerkat named Timon and his warmhearted warthog pal, Pumbaa. Adopting their carefree lifestyle of “Hakuna Matata,” Simba ignores his real responsibilities until he realizes his destiny and returns to the Pride Lands to claim his place in the “Circle of Life.” The all-star vocal talents—including Matthew Broderick, Nathan Lane, Whoopi Goldberg, James Earl Jones, Jeremy Irons, Ernie Sabella, Jonathan Taylor Thomas, Robert Guillaume, Cheech Marin and Moira Kelly—rip-roaring comedy and uplifting messages of courage, loyalty and hope make this a timeless tale for all ages. Produced by Don Hahn and directed by Roger Allers and Rob Minkoff from a script by Irene Mecchi, Jonathan Roberts and Linda Woolverton, “The Lion King” is rated G by the MPAA.

Product provided by WDSHE.  All thoughts & opinions are 100% those of Sweet Posh Baby.

Bob Books: Kindergarten Sight Words

Author: Lynn Maslen Kertell
Pictures by: Sue Hendra

 Released: July 2010
Publisher: Cartwheel Books
Set of 10 books & 30 sight word cards

BUY IT: Bob Books: Kindergarten Sight Words

 Bob Books: First Grade Sight Words

Author: Lynn Maslen Kertell
Pictures by: Sue Hendra

Released: July 2010
Publisher: Cartwheel Books
Set of 10 books & 30 sight word cards

BUY IT: Bob Books: 1st Grade Sight Words

These Bob Books are small in size, but are huge in helping kids learn to read!  Each book introduces three sight words and uses them repetitively throughout the 12 page story.   Sight word cards are included for each of the 30 sight words introduced in each set.  Parents and schools have been using Bob Books for decades to help children learn to read and it is easy to see why.  Simple drawings and simple concepts lets the child focus on the words, which increase with each page (adding in a new character on each of the first few pages until all three are part of the story) and repeating the three sight words and three lettered character names throughout the book.

My son has just started Kindergarten, is learning sight words, and taking those first steps toward reading a book completely on his own.  I have always loved to read and I want to pass that love of reading down to him.  As he is taking those first, small steps, I am glad that Bob Books will be part of his learning to read experience!

Books provided.  All thoughts and opinions are 100% those of Sweet Posh Baby.

Sweet Land Of Liberty

Author: Callista Gingrich
Illustrator: Susan Arciero

Released: Sept 26, 2011
Publisher: Regnery Publishing
Hardcover, 28 pages

Buy it: Sweet Land Of Liberty

Join Ellis The Elephant as he discovers what makes America the land of the free and the home of the brave in Sweet Land of Liberty!

I struggled with how to start a dialogue with my son about America, government, and all things related.  He’s 5 now and I’ve thought of this often over the past year or so.  I worked with him at home during his “preschool” year, though I wouldn’t go as far as to say we homeschooled.  In that time, I never found just the right way to introduce the topic in any depth.

He started Kindergarten this year and fresh into the school year, they celebrated Constitution Day.  The following week was Celebrate Freedom Week.  I was very happy that he was almost effortlessly getting a foundation of knowledge about America, learning about the Statue of Liberty, the White House, the Flag, and more.

Sweet Land Of Liberty, a story about Ellis the Elephant and his quest to find out how America became the land of the free, is exactly what I needed – though it wasn’t written at the time!

The book opens with Ellis the Elephant in the Library, all set to begin a wonderful reading experience that would start with the First Thanksgiving.  Through his adventure, he also learned about the first colonies and the Boston Tea Party, the signing of the Declaration of Independence, George Washington and the American Revolution, Abraham Lincoln, pioneers, great American inventions, Ellis Island, soldiers that keep us free, landing on the Moon, Americans volunteering, and American’s birthday!

It is a great book, rhyming America’s history all the way through, geared for ages 4-8.

Sweet Land of Liberty was provided by the publisher to help facilitate this review.  All thoughts & opinions are 100% those of Sweet Posh Baby.

The Essential Guide To Baby’s First Year

Book Release Date: April 2011
SRP: $16.95
Erika Landau, M.D and Abigail Brenner, M.D.
Alpha Books (member of Penguin Books USA)
Buy The Essential Guide To Baby’s First Year

A baby’s first year, fromt he moment of birth to the first birthday, is exciting, wonderful and sometimes confusing for both a baby & parents.  With so many firsts in those 12 months, there are many questions.  The Essential Guide To Baby’s First Year addresses the issues and concerns that ar emost important to first-time parents.

Narnia: The Voyage Of The Dawn Trader

Release Daate: April 8, 2011
SRP: Blu-Ray for the suggested retail price of $39.99 U.S. / $49.99 Canada and on DVD for the suggested retail price of $29.98 U.S. / $43.48 Canada
20th Century Fox
Buy Narnia: The Voyage Of The Dawn Trader

Precocious siblings Lucy (Georgie Henley, The Chronicles of Narnia series) and Edmund Pevensie (Skandar Heynes, The Chronicles of Narnia series), along with their cousin Eustace (Will Poulter, Son of Rambow), are swallowed into a painting and transported back to Narnia. They join King Caspian (Ben Barnes, Dorian Gray) and a noble mouse named Reepicheep in a quest to rescue noble lords who had been lost fighting evil on another island. Aboard the magnificent ship The Dawn Treader, the courageous voyagers travel to mysterious islands, confront mystical creatures, and reunite with the Great Lion Aslan on a mission that tests their characters to determine the fate of Narnia itself!

Academy Award®-nominee Liam Neeson (Schindler’s List) is featured as the voice of Aslan the Lion, Simon Pegg (Mission Impossible III) as the voice of Reepicheep the Mouse, and Academy Award®-winner Tilda Swinton (Michael Clayton) appears in a cameo as Jadis the White Witch.

Thomas & Friends PlayDate Pack

Release Date: April 5, 2011
SRP: $19.98 DVD
HIT Entertainment / Lionsgate
Buy Thomas & Friends PlayDate Pack

Start your engines and chuff along to the ultimate playdate! Thomas and all his railway friends welcome you aboard for three exciting DVDs.  Adventure is full steam ahead as the engines attend Sodor’s Winter Festival, race along with a new jet engine, visit the construction site of the new school, track down a possible monster and much more! Includes the following DVDs: Thomas and The Really Brave Engine, Thomas and the Jet Engine, and On-Site With Thomas.

Bonus Features: 4 sing along songs, bonus DVD game :Fun With Numbers:, Thomas character gallery, 7 Bonus DVD games, 2 read alongs, 2 DVD-Rom games

Dinosaur Train: Pteranodon Family World Tour Adventure

Release Date: March 15, 2011
SRP: $14.99 DVD
PBS Kids / Paramount
Buy Dinosaur Train: Pteranodon Family World Tour Adventure

Get on board the Dinosaur Train with Buddy, a Tyrannosaurus R  ex, and his adoptive family of Pteranodons as they embark on a roaring, exploring world tour adventure to discover a variety of dinosaurs inhabiting the globe as they journey to Asia, Europe and Africa.  From the world-renowned Jim Henson Company, PBS KIDS and Paramount Home Entertainment, the DINOSAUR TRAIN: PTERANODON FAMILY WORLD TOUR ADVENTURE DVD includes eight exciting edu-tainment adventures, interactive games, coloring pages, a dinosaur reference guide and parent information. Boasting incredible CGI animation and an average monthly viewership of 11.9 million, the “Dinosaur Train” is a Parents’ Choice recommended PBS KIDS TV series and is one of the top ten shows for kids 2 to 5.

Barney PlayDate Pack

Release Date: April 5, 2011
SRP:  $19.98 DVD
HIT Entertainment, Lionsgate
Buy Barney PlayDate Pack

Ready, Set, Play!  It’s a party on the playground with everyone’s favorite purple pal Barney in the all-new, 3 disc gift set Barney PlayDate Pack.  Come along for some tee-rific fun as Barney and his friends build their own airplane for a tropical island adventure, put on a musical game show, and visit Barney at home.  It’s the ultimate playdate for all! This set includes the following DVDs: Let’s Pretend With Barney, Can You Sing That Song, Come On Over To Barney’s House.

Bonus Features: Barney’s Jukebox, Barney’s “Loop De Loop” counting game, 2 read alongs, Barney’s game show:”Can You Sing That Song”, behind the scenes with the dinos and the cast, Barney’s gumdrop games, Barney’s bonus episode “Who’s Your Neighbor”, music video “The Barney Boogie”, bonus episode “Bob The Builder: Muck Gets Stuck”, DVD-Rom fun.

Spanish For Kids: Las Estaciones (The Seasons)

Release Date: April 26, 2011
SRP: $19.99 DVD
Whistlefritz
Buy Spanish For Kids: Las Estaciones (The Seasons)

Winter, Spring, Summer, or Fall, there’s no better time for kids to learn Spanish.  And, it’s never been easier thanks to the SPanish For Kids DVD series and its latest release, Las Estaciones (The Seasons).  Spanish For Kids features Fritzi, a loveable, aniated mouse who interacts with live-action adults and children to help teach Spanish.  In Las Estaciones (The Seasons), Fritzi wants to celebrate his birthday, which comes in the fall.  With the help of his friend Maria, young viewers learn about the many joys associated with all four seasons, from sledding and snoball fights in winter, to trick-or-treating in autumn.  It;s a year round celebration for young viewers to enjoy with Fritzi and all his Whistlefritz friends!

The Garfield Show: Private-Eye Ventures

Release Date: April 12, 2011
SRP: $14.93 DVD
Vivendi Entertainment
Buy The Garfield Show: Private-Eye Ventures

Follow the clues and get ready for fun-filled adventures with The Garfield Show: Private-Eye Ventures. You’ll be on the case with Jon, Odie and your favorite orange feline as he meanders from one caper to the next, investigating talking lasagna, undercover kitties, time travel and the most important mystery of all: what’s for dinner?

Captain Planet And The Planeteers: Season One

Release Date: April 19, 2011
SRP: $29.93 – 4 DVD Box Set
Shout Factory / Time Warner
Buy Captain Planet And The Planeteers: Season One

Poissed to attract an audience of kids, as well as the parents and educators who grew up with the television series in the 1990s, each episode of Captain Planet and the Planeteers finds the Planeteers on a new quest. Featuring all 26 action-packed episodes and a wealth of bonus content, this collectible 4 DVD box set

I Love Toy Trains – All Aboard!

Release Date: February 28, 2011
SRP: $9.99 DVD
TM Books & Video
Buy I Love Toy Trains – All Aboard!

A new, exciting I Love Toy Trains show for a new generation!  More spectacular special effects than ever seen in a train video before – flying saucers, UFOs, jet airplanes, jet trains, aliens, ghosts and goblins, and your favorite candies being loaded and unloaded on Lionel accessories at the Big Rock Candy Mountain.  See the world’s largest G-scale, outdoor layout, a giant Lego layout, plus six new songs by singer/songwrite, James Coffey.

Pirate Blast For Nintendo Wii

Release Date: February 15 2011
SRP: $29.99
Zoo Entertainment
Buy Pirate Blast For Nintendo Wii

In Pirate Blast, players are on a mission to defeat Captain Greasebeard and the evil robotic Henchbots that are determined to take over Vile Isle. Gamers test their buccaneer wits as they brave through eight challenging levels based in various environments, including villages, jungles, pirate coves and pirate ships. Each level features new villains to defeat as swashbuckling  adventurers work their way towards a final battle against Greasebeard himself.  Players can also discover bonus rooms and collect stolen booty, such as health  kits and special keys, to replenish health and aid them in their quest.

Glee Encore

Release Date: April 19, 2011
SRP: $26.98 DVD
Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment
Buy Glee Encore

This newest installment of the Glee releases features a set list of Season One’s most sensational and entertaining musincal numbers from the series back to back so the party never has to end!  Experience all your favorite hit songs by Lady Gaga, Madonna, Journey, and much more.  Glee Encore promises to be an enjoyable crowd pleaser  in addition to also being extremely family friendly – the perfect slumber party companion that moms can pop in the DVD player while also feeling safe in the knowledge that their kids are only watching the music, not the more adult-themed story lines.

Shaun The Sheep: The Big Chase

Release Date: April 19, 2011
SRP: $14.98
Lionsgate and HIT Entertainment
Buy Shaun The Sheep: The Big Chase

Start your engines for fun & laughter with Shaun The Sheep and his barnyard buddies, as they speed off to stir up some mayhem in the meadow.  The Oscar-winning creators of Wallace & Gromit accelerate the laughter with revved up adventures big races and chases, to bikes and boats, and everythingin between.  So buckle up for a wild ride with Shaun, Bitzer, Shirley, thos Naughty Pigs next door and introducing their new pal, Timmy (from Timmy Time on Disney Junior) as fun on the farm shifts into high gear.

Thomas & Friends: The Birthday Express

Release Date: May 17, 2011
SRP: $16.98
Lionsgate and HIT Entertainment
Buy Thomas & Friends: The Birthday Express

Unwrap your favorites episodes with this special Thomas & Friends collection.  Birthdays always come with surprises when your engine friends are part of the celebration.  Percy must safely deliver a beautifully wrapped present, while Thomas encounters a mystery as he takes Sir Topham Hatt to the party.  Full steam ahead for birthday fun!

Barney: I Can Do It!

Release Date: May 17, 2011
SRP: $14.98
Lionsgate and HIT Entertainment 
Buy Barney: I Can Do It

Are you ready for big-kid fun? Join BJ, Claire, and Jade as Barney teaches them that even if your are not big enough to do all the things your friends are doing, there are new friends to met and new games to play right now.  Discover that big sized fun is waiting for you every morning, and every day you grow is loaded with Tee-riffic adventures.

Sweet Dreams

Release Date: May 24, 2011
SRP: $14.98
Lionsgate and HIT Entertainment
Buy Sweet Dreams

Includes episodes from Thomas & Friends, Barney, Bob The Builder, Angelina Ballerina, Timmy Time, Fireman Sam, Kipper, and Roary The Racing Car.

Put on your jammies and snuggle in fo reight sleepytime adventures.  Join Thomas as he lights up the tracks for an evening concert and see how Angelina discovers the importance of a good night’s sleep during her sleepless sleepover.  Then, watch as Barney shows you the magic of of nighttime and Bob The Builder lights up a football field for a nighttime game!  Your favorite friends are waiting to cuddle up for a night of family fun.

ABCmouse.com: The Letter Songs With Lyrics

CD Release Date: April 2011
SRP: $9.99
ABCmouse.com
Buy The Letter Songs With Lyrics on iTunes

ABCmouse.com is an early learning website with engaging educational content for kids betweenthe ages of 2 and 6.  The site offers over 2,000 learning activities– from games and puzzles to books, songs, art lessons – in the subject areas of reading, mathematics, social studies, beginning science, art and music.

As anextension of their global learning initiative, ABCmouse.com has recently released The Letter Songs A to Z, an original album with 26 original tracks featuring each letter of the alphabet.  The album was designed in-house by their  talented production and creative team of writers, composers, musicians, voice-over artists and programmers, who are dedicated to providing children, parents and teachers with the highest-quality educational experience possible.  Reading and developing a child’s oral vocabulary are integral parts of the ABCmouse.com curriculum.  Therefore, they wanted to create this album to help the little ones remember the names and sounds of the letters of the alphabet, as well as to develop vocabulary. Each song includes sound words and rhymes that start with the respective letters which assist in a child’s overall comprehension. In addition, you will find that every letter song is produced and arranged in a different musical style – ranging from folk, pop, big band, country, rock, tango, disco and hip hop – as a way to introduce children to a wide variety of musical genres.

Product & product synopsis’ provided to facilitate this new releases roundup. 

It has been some kind of year.  The first half of 2011 has been a bit different for me.  Our second child, a newborn, was steadily growing and adjusting from a family of one child to a family of two children didn’t quite go as I expected.  I didn’t know it, but I was experiencing PPD among other issues.  I thought I was managing the changes in our household and within my own mind and body, but I’m pretty sure I had myself deceived.  Ironically, just when I thought the fog was lifting, what little energy I had completely plummetted and it felt like everything fell apart.  I’ve blogged a little bit about the process and my thoughts over on Shake The Salt, but I’m mentioning here to explain the delay in choosing a winner for the Virtual Baby Shower. 

The delay is over, though, because….

Drumroll please……

THE WINNER OF THE 2011 SWEET POSH BABY VIRTUAL BABY SHOWER is…

Connie of Peanut Butter and Whine.

{Let me just say I LOVE that blog title!!}

Congratulations, Connie!!

Enjoy the goodies!!!

How stinkin’ cute are these baby flip flops?

I am a little obsessed with baby shoes.  First, they are so tiny they can’t help but be cute – plus there are so many adorable styles now.  I haven’t actually made many baby shoes purchases though because Calen absolutely, positively hates anything on his feet.  No shoes, no socks, nothing.  I can’t really say a whole lot about that because I have to admit he’s like his Mama that way.

Every now and then I try again. I found these baby flip flops and absolutely LOVE the animal and superhero flip flops.  I was seriously gushing just looking at them.  It is Summertime in Florida, so flip flops and sandals are the main footwear here.  Calen would be so very cute in a pair of these!

We are going to have issues when the weather gets cooler and when he finally gets his balance and takes off walking (he’s really trying!).  He is going to want to walk in places outside of the house and shoes would be mighty helpful.  Mommy may win that battle, but not sure how well he will take the adjustment.

I also love the stylish women’s sandals and men’s sandals - lots of styles to choose from and very affordable. Havaianas offers stylish footwear for the entire family – you can even design your own!

Links provided by Havaianas.com.  All thoughts and opinions are 100% my own.

This Combi Strolee Stroller in Lemon (also available in mauve/pink)  is only $49.99 for a limited time – regular retail price is $80! 

Also available:

Combi Jazz Play Yard in Chestnut or Jade $69.99 (reg $120)

Combi Pink All In One Car Walker $74.99 (reg $110)

Combi Kiwi Flare Stroller and Shuttle Car Seat travel system $209 (reg $280)

Combi Strawberry Coccoro Car Seat $169.99 (reg $230)

View all Combi deals – Hurry, the Combi deals end 6/25/11.

Pocoyo Printable Father’s Day Card 

Printable Activities:

Disney’s Cars 2 Connect The Dots 

Disney’s Cars 2 Match The Cars 

Disney’s Cars 2 Mater and Finn Escape Maze 

Recipes:

Disney’s Cars 2 Tow Mater Cookie Treats 

Disney’s Cars 2 Whitewall Tire Cookies 

Fun Projects:

Disney’s Cars 2 Rocker Switch Race Car

Disney’s Cars 2 Soap Box Dragster

Disney’s Cars 2 Tube Racer 

Disney’s Cars 2 Cozy Cone Motel

Disney’s Cars 2 Guido Bookend

Disney’s Cars 2 Lightning Bolt Keychain

Disney’s Cars 2 Lightning McQueen Air Freshener

Disney’s Cars 2 Oil Can Holders – For Coins, Cars, Crayons, Etc

Disney’s Cars 2 Radiator Springs Playset

Disney’s Cars 2 Tippy Cardboard Tractor

Disney’s Cars 2 Tire Track Tees 

Disney’s Cars 2 Toy Gas Pump