General Mills Summer Snacks at Costco (Giveaway!)




Now that summer is here, the kids are with me all the time, and I don't want to be heading out to the grocery store every other day to stock up on snacks. My guys can blow through a six-pack of snacks in a day! Shopping at warehouse clubs like Costco is so convenient because they have large value-pack sizes of all the snacks my kids love. We recently received some great General Mills snacks -- Nature Valley Chewy Trail Mix Bars and Simply Fruit Roll-Ups -- to review, and I'm glad they sent us the stock-it-up size, because we are plowing through them like wildfire. Read on to find out what we thought of these snacks, and how you could win some of your own:


The Basics
Here's some information about a Nature Valley Chewy Trail Mix Bars and Simply Fruit Roll-Ups from General Mills and MyBlogSpark:

Now available at Club Stores, Nature Valley Chewy Trail Mix Bars and Simply Fruit Roll-Ups deliver great value and are perfect to have on hand for last minute day trips and even an afternoon in the backyard. Not only nutritious, but convenient too, the club sized snacks are individually wrapped and ideal for throwing in your purse or travel bag, just in case your little one´s tummy starts to rumble.

* Nature Valley Chewy Trail Mix Bars are a delightful, 100% natural, combination of tastes and textures you´ll love. Now, you can get 25% more of the whole almonds, peanuts, raisins and cranberries in every bar! With no artificial flavors or colors and only 140 calories, Nature Valley Chewy Trail Mix Granola Bars also contain 8g of whole grain per serving.


* Simply Fruit Roll-Ups are a better-for-you treat that kids love! Simply Fruit Roll-Ups are an excellent source of Vitamin C and are available in a convenient variety pack of Strawberry and Wildberry flavors. Every delicious roll is made with 90% real fruit and fruit juice and packs a full serving of fruit. Even more exciting? They´re gluten-free and contain only 50 calories per roll.
Check out your local Club Store today for stock up packages of these delicious snacks and more!


The Bongga
We've been big fans of the Simply Fruit Roll-Ups ever since they first came out, so receiving a big box of them was such a nice surprise! To the kids, it was like The Great Pumpkin had dropped off a huge Halloween Trick-or-Treat loot on our front porch, because they get all the fun of unrolling the fruit and the chewy yumminess of a fruit snack. I never feel guilty about buying these since aren't loaded with refined sugar.

But this is the first time we've ever tasted Nature Valley Chewy Trail Mix Bars, and it was quite a revelation! My daughter asks for it all the time, and even my husband wants me to pack one in his lunch box for as long as they last. They have a great fruity-salty taste, and their chewy texture fools my brain into thinking that I'm eating some kind of decadent, calorie-laden treat -- when in fact they only have 140 calories. I also love that they're individually wrapped, so when my kids ask me for something to eat I can send them to the cupboard to grab a bar all by themselves.


The Blah
A little less nuts and a little more cranberries in the Chewy Trail Mix Bars, please!

The Bottom Line
Simply Fruit Roll-Ups and Nature Valley Chewy Trail Mix Bars make a great, healthy on-the-go snack -- and with these warehouse club-sized packs, it's easy to stock up!


Win a Costco Sunny Day Snacks prize pack
We are thoroughly enjoying all the yummy snacks that General Mills (through My BlogSpark) sent us, and now they are generously offering a second Costco Sunny Day Snacks prize pack to give away! One lucky Bonggamom Finds reader will win the following:

* a stock-up sized package of Nature Valley Chewy Trail Mix Bars (48 ct.).
* a stock-up sized package of Simply Fruit Roll-Ups (42 ct.).
* a $25 Costco gift card.

Required Entry
Leave a comment on this post and tell me which kinds of snack(s) you want to stock up on at Costco this summer. This entry must be completed before extra entries qualify.


Extra Entries
For extra entries, you can do any or all of the following. Please leave a separate comment for each extra entry with a way to verify the entry (i.e. tweet link, blog post link, Facebook id, Twitter id, etc.).

1) Grab my blog button and post it up on your blog (1 entry).

2) Subscribe to Bonggamom Finds updates (1 entry).

3) Write this on the Bonggamom Finds Facebook page (1 entry):
I entered the Sunny Day Snacks giveaway on http://tinyurl.com/2bozxgt

4) Follow Bonggamom Finds on Networked Blogs (1 entry).

5) Follow Bonggamom Finds on Blogger(1 entry).

6) Write this on the Nature Valley Facebook Fan Page (1 entry):

I entered to win a Sunny Day Snacks prize pack on Bonggamom Finds featuring Nature Valley Chewy Trail Mix Bars, Fruit Roll-Ups and a $25 Costco giftcard! You can enter too at http://tinyurl.com/2bozxgt


8) Tweet this daily (1 entry per day, leave a comment with the tweet link for each tweet):

U could win Nature Valley & Fruit Rollup snacks and $25 Costco gc! Enter at @bonggafinds http://tinyurl.com/2bozxgt #giveaway


The Rules
This giveaway ends at midnight PST on July 21, 2010; I will draw a winner at random on July 22 and post the winner's name after the winner confirms acceptance. For additional giveaway rules, click here. Good luck!


Disclosure: I received samples of the products featured in this review as well as a Costco giftcard, courtesy of General Mills through My Blog Spark. I was not paid to review the product or give my opinions. Unless clearly stated, the views and opinions expressed here are my own.
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Bonggamom's Friday Finds -- List your giveaways here!


Bonggamoms Friday Finds

Welcome to Bonggamom's Friday Finds! I'm glad so many of you are finding this to be a useful way to get more traffic to your giveaways. And as a person who loves entering giveaways, I have to admit it's a great, easy way to find out where all the best giveaways are.

So feel free to leave links to your giveaways, everyone. And don't forget to get cracking and enter everyone else's, too!


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Aquafina FlavorSplash Raspberry Giveaway


Raspberry is one of my family's favorite fruits, but since they are pretty expensive I have to keep a tight rein on our raspberry budget throughout the year. The only time I let go is during the summer, when the best, juiciest raspberries are available at a great price. So this week's Aquafina FlavorSplash Mom sample pack turned out to be a berry, berry nice surprise -- Aquafina FlavorSplash in raspberry flavor! It's my third favorite FlavorSplash flavor (after lemon and grape), and I think it's Alfie's favorite. And to celebrate this wonderful flavor, I'm listing down our favorite ways to serve raspberries:

1) Pour out a glass of cold Aquafina FlavorSplash Raspberry water and drop a few chopped raspberries into it. Chill for a couple of minutes. The raspberries intensify the yummy flavor and give it a faint pink hue!

2) Top your ice cream or yogurt with honey and raspberries.

3) Make a spinach salad -- toss baby spinach leaves, caramelized onions, bacon bits (optional but oh-so-yummy-they-shouldn't-be), goat cheese, a splash of vinaigrette dressing and raspberries.

4) Make a raspberry crumble -- just put some raspberries in a baking dish and top with your favorite crumble recipe (a mixture of flour, cold butter, brown sugar and cinnamon). If you can't afford to use only raspberries, make it a mixed-berry crumble. Or use frozen raspberries!

5) Eat them straight out of the container. No fuss, no frills, just wonderful tangy sweetness of fresh, ripe summer raspberries.

Enjoy!



Win an Aquafina Prize Pack
One lucky Bonggamom Finds readers will win an Aquafina prize pack consisting of:

* 2 tubes of Aquafina FlavorSplash Hydrating Lip Balm in Raspberry flavor
* 1 coupon good for a Free 6-pack of Aquafina FlavorSplash


Required Entry
Leave a comment on this post with another suggestion for enjoying raspberries -- if you can't think of any, tell us which of my suggestions you would love to try. This entry must be completed before extra entries qualify.


Extra Entries
For extra entries, you can do any or all of the following. Please leave a separate comment for each extra entry with a way to verify the entry (i.e. tweet link, blog post link, Facebook id, Twitter id, etc.).

1) Grab my blog button and post it up on your blog (1 entry).

2) Subscribe to Bonggamom Finds updates (1 entry).

3) Become a fan of Bonggamom Finds on Facebook (1 entry).

4) Follow Bonggamom Finds on Networked Blogs (1 entry).

5) Follow Bonggamom Finds on Blogger(1 entry).

6) Write this on the Aquafina Facebook Fan Page wall (1 entry):

Rasberry Rocks! I entered to win Raspberry-flavored Aquafina FlavorSplash lip balm and a 6-pack of Aquafina FlavorSplash on Bonggamom Finds. You can enter too at http://tinyurl.com/2weagpy


7) Follow Bonggamom Finds on Twitter and tweet this daily (1 entry per day, leave a comment with the tweet link for each tweet):

Win an Aquafina FlavorSplash gift pack from @momcentral and @bonggafinds http://tinyurl.com/2weagpy #giveaway


The Rules
This giveaway ends at midnight PST on July 8, 2010; I will draw a winner at random on July 9 and post the winner's name after the winner confirms acceptance. For additional giveaway rules, click here. Good luck!

Disclosure: I am a participant in a Mom Central campaign for Aquafina FlavorSplash and have received various FlavorSplash samples to facilitate my participation. Mom Central will send me a gift card at the end of the program. The views and opinions expressed here are my own.
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How do *you* unwind in the summer?



It's week 2 of the Water Your Body series of posts on BlogHer, hosted by yours truly, and it's a (pun definitely intended) hot topic for stressed-out moms! Summer is supposed to be a laid-back, relaxing time of the year, but staying on top of summer camps, preparing for swim lessons and herding everyone off on day trips can be as stressful as a school day.

Here are some things I do to relax:
Listen to classical music
Go shopping at the mall
Watch a movie
Go on a picnic dinner with my family

Read my post on BlogHer for more details
-- and don't forget, if you leave a comment on the post and share how you unwind in the summer, you'll be entered to win $1000!
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Shrek Forever After game for Nintendo DS


It's kind of sad that the Shrek franchise has reached the final chapter with Shrek Forever After, but the good news is that you can always watch it on DVD, and Shrek fans can always bring Shrek to life in the Shrek Forever After games for Nintendo DS, Wii and other platforms. Activision kindly sent us a copy of Shrek Forever After to play and review on our Nintendo DS, and here's what we thought:


The Basics
Shrek Forever After is inspired by the fourth and final Shrek film. In this game, players can become 1 of 4 characters -- Shrek, Fiona, Donkey or Puss -- and team up with friends to solve some fun and challenging puzzles to defeat the bad guy, Rumpelstiltskin. When not in multiplayer mode, a single player can switch between any of the 4 characters. We reviewed the game for Nintendo DS, but the game is also available on the Xbox 360, Wii, and PS3.

Here's a description of the game from Activision:
Gamers will take on the role of Shrek, Fiona, Donkey or Puss In Boots to out-smart, out-fight and out-play the devious Rumpelstiltskin and his army of bad guys. Gamers will team up by using their characters’ unique skills and special abilities to progress through the game’s fun and challenging puzzles. Throughout the adventure, gamers can use the Magic Mirror to travel between Shrek’s normal world and his alternate reality for double the fun. Each world features secret areas that can be unlocked as players gain new moves and abilities keeping them coming back for more. The action reaches all new heights in the final showdown where the team goes head-to-head with Rumpelstilstikin to help Shrek save his friends and restore his world.


The Bottom Line
My kids love playing this game! I love the fact that they can actually collaborate on a single game instead of competing with each other to see who's the best.


The Blah
I thought the graphics would be better than they are, but my kids don't seem to think it's a big deal.


The Bottom Line
Shrek Forever After for Nintendo DS is a lot of fun for young Shrek fans!


And speaking of fun, I'm giving away a Shrek Forever After game for the Sony PS3, as well as a $50 Sony PlayStation Network gift card! Be sure to enter (click here to get to my giveaway post!)



Disclosure: I received a product sample, but was not paid to review the product or give my opinions. Unless clearly stated, the views and opinions expressed here are my own.
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PSP Summer Family Fun Giveaway


I'm thrilled to have been selected by Sony Corporate Entertainment America to participate in their PSP Summer Family Fun blogger program! They have generously provided my family with a PSP-3000 and some games to load on it so we can try the PSP out and make it a part of our summer. Over the next six weeks I'll be sharing thoughts, photos and videos about how the PSP is helping to fill all the "Are-We-There-Yet" time that's sure to crop up on our summer travels to England and France. It's going to be more of a blog-u-mentary rather than a product review, so I'll be posting over on my personal blog, Finding Bonggamom. Don't worry, I'll be posting a traditional review here on this review blog, so you'll also get to find out what my family likes and doesn't like about the PSP.

To celebrate the launch of this program, Sony has also generously provided a $50 PlayStation giftcard to give away to one lucky Bonggamom Finds reader! One winner will receive a $50 PlayStation Network gift card, good for any purchase on the PlayStation Network -- games, add-on packs, full-length movies, TV shows and more for the PS3 and PSP systems.



There's more prizey fun -- I also happen to have an extra PS3 game to give away! One more lucky Bonggamom Finds reader will win a copy of the "Shrek Forever After" videogame for the PS3 system.





Required Entry
Leave a comment on this post and share one situation where you would love to have a PSP on hand for you or your kids. This entry must be completed before any extra entries will count.


Extra Entries
For extra entries, you can do any or all of the following. Please leave a separate comment on this post for each extra entry, with a way to verify the entry (i.e. tweet link, blog post link, blog comment link, Facebook id, Twitter id, etc.).

1) Follow Bonggamom Finds on Blogger(1 entry).

2) Leave a comment on this post and tell me which game(s) you would like to download from the PlayStation Store (1 entry per day)

3) Leave a relevant comment on any of my PSP Summer Family Fun posts on my personal blog, Finding Bonggamom (1 entry per day)

4) Leave a relevant comment on any of my PSP Summer Family Fun posts on this review blog, Bonggamom Finds (1 entry per day)

5) Write this on the Bonggamom Finds Facebook wall (1 entry):

I entered the PSP Summer Family Fun giveaway! http://tinyurl.com/255e6r9 #pspfamilyfun

6) Write this on Playstation's Facebook Page wall (1 entry). Note, you can also write it as a comment on one of Playstation's FB posts:

I entered the PSP Summer Family Fun giveaway on Bonggamom Finds! You can enter too at http://tinyurl.com/255e6r9 #pspfamilyfun

7) Tweet this (1 entry per day, leave a comment with the tweet link for each tweet):

How are U using your @PlayStation PSP to have fun this summer? Join the conversation w/ @bonggamom http://tinyurl.com/255e6r9 #pspfamilyfun

8) Follow Bonggamom Finds on Twitter and tweet this daily (1 entry per day, leave a comment with the tweet link for each tweet):

Enter to win a "Shrek Forever After" videogame for PS3 @PlayStation on @bonggafinds http://tinyurl.com/255e6r9 #pspfamilyfun

9) Follow Playstation on Twitter and tweet this daily (1 entry per day, leave a comment with the tweet link for each tweet):

Enter to win a $50 @PlayStation Network gift certificate on @bonggafinds http://tinyurl.com/255e6r9 #pspfamilyfun

10) Leave a link to this giveaway (http://tinyurl.com/255e6r9) on any giveaway linky, sweepstakes blog or sweepstakes forum (1 entry each time you leave a link, pls. leave a comment here and paste the URL of the post you left the link on).




The Rules
This giveaway ends at midnight PST on July 20, 2010; I will draw the winners at random on July 21 (I will draw the $50 Playstation Network giftcard winner first, then draw PS3 videogame winner second). One prize per person. I will post the winners' names in the comments section after they confirm acceptance. For additional giveaway rules, click here. Good luck!

Disclosure: To facilitate my participation in this program, I received a "Summer Fun" kit which included a Sony Playstation Portable (PSP-3000) , an assortment of content (games and videos) for the PSP, as well as a journal and videocamera to capture our summer adventures. Sony also provided the PlayStation Network giftcard as a giveaway prize. I have not been paid or required to review the product or give my opinions. The views and opinions expressed here are my own.

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VTech MobiGo Review and Giveaway



VTech's latest teaching tool, the MobiGo Touch Learning System, has just come out at Toys R Us -- and for those of you wondering whether to get it for your child, I'm giving you a sneak peek right here! I was so excited when VTech invited me to review the MobiGo at this early stage -- keep reading below to see what we thought, and enter to win one of your own!


The Basics
MobiGo Touch Learning System is VTech's latest educational product for ages 3 to 8 years. It's available exclusively at Toys R Us and online. The unit costs $59.99 and games are sold separately for $19.99. We encourage you to let your readers know where they can get the MobiGo for their kids, too – Here's a description of the product from VTech:

Young learners mimic Mom and Dad with their very own touch-screen learning system. Major fun meets classic school skills to create the perfect edu-gaming experience.

- Touch-screen: MobiGo’s touch-screen technology adds a modern twist to electronic learning games, so kids learn while mimicking the way parents use touch-screen devices.

- Educational games: From fishing, coloring book pages, drawing and playing instruments, kids can discover a wide variety of fun and engaging learning games.

- Learning skills: MobiGo teaches a wide range of skills including math, vocabulary, spelling, logic and categorization. The slide open QWERTY keyboard introduces older kids to text typing skills.

- Portable: Handheld robust gaming console makes learning fun on the go for little hands and is equipped with headphone and AC adapter jacks.


The Bongga
Here are the things I love best about the MobiGo:

* This is the coolest-looking device for young kids ever! I love the sleek, sophisticated look, the QWERTY keyboard and the way you flip and twist the screen to open it up. You know how toddlers always ditch the colorful plastic keys in favor of your real-life car keys? I don't think you'll have a problem with the The MobiGo. It looks enough like a big-kid device for younger kids to use it without losing cool points from their friends. Yet it's still little-kid friendly -- for example, they can use the touch screen if they can't quite manipulate the arrow keys or the QWERTY keyboard, and it's rimmed in sturdy plastic to break the inevitable fall or scratch.



* My son Jammy said the touch screen was the best part, and I think he's on to something. The MobiGo's touch screen is awesome, really sensitive so younger kids don't have to keep punching the screen. I really wish this had been around when my kids were toddlers and kept getting frustrated when they played games on the computer and couldn't work the mouse!

* Based on the appearance of the device and the games, I would buy a MobiGo for kids ages 3 or 4 -- but the great thing is, this device will grow with your child and last a long time. The game cartridge that comes included with the MobiGo (the Touch & Learn Game Pack) has a variety of games that at first seem geared towards younger kids (i.e. the graphics are simple and bright, and the skills taught are very basic like lines and shapes and letters and numbers), but we quickly learned that even kids in the older age range (i.e. 6-7 years) will be challenged.

Case in point: Jammy selected the Difficult level in the "Space Challenge" numbers game, and although the game started easy (i.e. 1+2, 5+0), within a couple of minutes problems like 9+4 and 6+7 were flying across the screen. He had to capture the spaceship with the correct answer on it by tapping it on the touchscreen, so he was entertained and engaged while practicing his addition facts. Way to go, MobiGo!

The Blah
Here are a couple of things that could be improved:

* There is no preloaded content on the MobiGo. Turn the device on, and you will get a message on the screen asking you to insert a cartridge. Yes, one game cartridge does come included, and if you connect your MobiGo to an internet-enabled computer you will be able to head to the MobiGo website to download new MobiGo games (I haven't yet figured out how to do this), but game cartridges get lost or forgotten or broken, and kids like to be off and running from the start!

* Each MobiGo unit can only store one named account. For a family with multiple kids (3 in my case), that's kind of a bummer since they can't track their progress individually or earn their own badges for playing games.

* We can't find the pause button anywhere!

* The MobiGo requires 4 -- yes, four! -- AA batteries so I can see we're going to have to budget for more of those supersized club warehouse battery packs. And even though the age range is 3-8, there's really only 1 game title (Ben 10) out of the 11 initially available that would be of interest to older boys (i.e. age 6-8), and none for older girls.


The Bottom Line
With a Vtech MobiGo, your young child will finally leave your smart phone alone because now he's got his very own tech tool to entertain him. It's a sound investment that should last for a couple of years of fun and learning.


Win a Vtech MobiGo
One lucky Bonggamom Finds winner will receive their very own MobiGo from Vtech!


Required Entry
Leave a comment on this post and tell me where and when your little one would use the MobiGo. This entry must be completed before extra entries qualify.


Extra Entries
For extra entries, you can do any or all of the following. Please leave a separate comment for each extra entry with a way to verify the entry (i.e. tweet link, blog post link, Facebook id, Twitter id, etc.).

1) Grab my blog button and post it up on your blog (1 entry).

2) Subscribe to Bonggamom Finds updates (1 entry).

3) Follow Bonggamom Finds on Networked Blogs (1 entry).

4) Follow Bonggamom Finds on Blogger(1 entry).

5) Write this on the Bonggamom Finds Facebook page (1 entry):
I entered the VTech MobiGo giveaway on Bonggamom Finds! You can enter too at http://tinyurl.com/26kw47t

6) Write this on the VTech Facebook Fan Page (1 entry):

I entered to win a VTech MobiGo on Bonggamom Finds! You can enter too at http://tinyurl.com/26kw47t


8) Follow @VTechToys on Twitter and tweet this daily (1 entry per day, leave a comment with the tweet link for each tweet):

You could win the new MobiGo learning device from @VTechToys! Enter now on @bonggafinds http://tinyurl.com/26kw47t #giveaway


The Rules
US Addresses only. This giveaway ends at midnight PST on July 15, 2010; I will draw a winner at random on July 16 and post the winner's name after the winner confirms acceptance. For additional giveaway rules, click here. Good luck!

Disclosure: I received a MobiGo by VTech for this review, but was not paid to review the product or give my opinions. Product facts were provided by VTech; the views and opinions expressed here are my own.
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The Art of Summer Sweepstakes from Stacy's Pita Chips




Starting today, Stacy’s® Pita Chips is sponsoring “The Art of Summer Sweepstakes” where fans can share their favorite healthy summer Stacy’s snack ideas on Stacy’s Pita Chips Facebook page. Entries received are eligible to win a fun summer prize package worth almost $800 and a year’s supply of Stacy’s snacks. We received a complimentary sample of Stacy's Pita Chips from One2One Network and let me tell you, a year's supply of these would be heaven! Yum, yum, yum!

How to enter
Share your favorite healthy summer Stacy’s® snack on the Stacys Pita Chips Facebook page! Submissions will be accepted as a photo of the snack, a photo of you and/or friends enjoying your snack, a written description, or a written recipe. Limit one entry per person and/or email address per day, until 11:59:59 p.m. CT on June 23.

Here's what I posted on Stacy's Pita Chips Facebook page. Simple, but sweet... I mean salty: Stacy's Pita Chips with herbed cream cheese. Awesome.


What you could win
· One winner will receive a one-year supply of Stacy’s® coupons (52 coupons total) each good for one (1) 8-ounce bag of Stacy's snacks up to $3.99 each; and a prize basket.

· Grand Prize Basket may include items such as, but not limited to: Candles, serving ware, plates, glasses, kabob set, picnic basket and/or a camcorder. Approximate Retail Value: $769.48.


Disclosure: I received a sample from One2One Network. By posting this information I am eligible to win a gift card from the One2One Network. The views and opinions expressed here are my own.
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Bakugan Battle Trainers game for Nintendo DS


My boys are seriously into Bakugan (if you don't believe me, check out my post on their 6th birthday party), so as soon as they knew that a Bakugan Battle Brawlers game for the Nintendo DS existed they began pestering me for it. So it was a happy coincidence that Activision invited me to review their newest Nintendo DS Bakugan game, the Bakugan Battle Trainer. Here's what we thought of it:


The Basics
Bakugan Battle Trainer was released in Spring 2010. It is Activision's second Bakugan title and builds on the wildly successful Bakugan phenomenon. The game takes players through training exercises; the more training they have their electronic Bakugan undergo, the greater the G-power they obtain. As higher level play ensues, they get to do battle against some evil battle brawlers who have captured other Bakugan and hold them hostage.


Here's a description of the game from Activision:
In Bakugan Battle Trainer, aspiring Bakugan trainers will find out first hand what happens before and after the brawls. Players will master the secrets of training their Bakugan while choosing how to improve their skills and abilities with an in-depth training mode that helps their Bakugan excel at all aspects of battling. Ultimately, players will send their rigorously trained creatures into battle with a mission to free their imprisoned brethren from the enemy's hold. Beyond this ingenious style of play, the classic elements of Bakugan are in place -- collect up to 30 creatures, intense battle action, and the ability to improve your rant by defeating opponents.


The Bongga
3Po and Jammy love the Bakugan toys, but since they've only just started reading, they have never really gotten into the Bakugan brawls. So they really like Bakugan Battle Trainers since it's not focused on the battles -- you can have a fun time taking your Bakugan through the training exercises that occur between battles.

The training facility consists of gathering tokens, mini-games, quizzes, and an assortment of other actions that can be carried out such as bouncing and petting your Bakugan. It's a lot more low-key and much more my boys' style.


The Blah
Since this is the second Bakugan game, I was hoping there would be some multi-player functions (i.e. two kids each with a Bakugan Battle Trainers game on their Nintendo DS would be able to battle each other over a WiFi connection).


The Bottom Line
Bakugan Battle Trainers is a great game for young Bakugan fans because it takes the classic Bakugan strategy game to a whole new dimension!

Disclosure: I received a product sample, but was not paid to review the product or give my opinions. Unless clearly stated, the views and opinions expressed here are my own.
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World Cup 2010 Gift Guide


Finally! After 4 years, the world's biggest sports event is beginning today! The 2010 World Cup football tournament (yes, I said football, not soccer because it's only soccer in the US, it's football everywhere else, and this is a World Cup) starts today in South Africa, and I have a feeling there are going to be a lot of people calling in sick to work in the next 4 weeks.

I've always liked football, but I never truly got into it until I married Alfie, who was born in a country where people live and die with every kick and save. My kids have no choice in the matter: they've grown up with their dad watching 2 or more matches every week! But during the World Cup, football fever truly grips the world, and everyone gets on that wild, wonderful ride! It's so much fun, even when you're halfway around the world, and if you want to get in on the fun there are so many ways to do it, from watching matches on TV to reading books to your kids to kicking a ball around in the park.

Here are some great products that will help you and your family enjoy and appreciate the Beautiful Game and fuel your World Cup Craze:


This new children's picture book from Candlewick Press is a wonderful story to read to your children. The story is about a poor young South African and his friends, playing in the dirt with their most prized possession: a brand-new, federation-size soccer ball. They fantasize about being football champions, but they need to become real-life heroes when a group of bullies comes to steal their ball. It's a wonderful book that clearly shows the passion that people all over the world have for the Beautiful Game, but it's also a heartwarming tale of courage and friendship.




This is a book for the very youngest football fans! Goal! It's a simple and funny story about Biggie Bear, who has never played football in his life and finds being cajoled into joining a team because they need someone big and strong to win the game. Once they're out on the field, Biggie realizes it takes more than size to win a football game. 3Po and Jammy loved this book because it's easy enough for them to read all by themselves, and they giggled all the way to the surprising and amusing (but happy) ending. As the publisher says, Kids of all sizes (and soccer abilities) will get a kick out of this humorous tale of high expectations -- and the rewards of being yourself.

The World Cup isn't just about football; it's about sports and competition and doing your best and teamwork and working hard to achieve your goals. Even if your child hates football, or is already passionate about another sport, they can be inspired by the teams and players fighting to win the World Cup. Winning Words by author/illustrator Charles R. Smith Jr. is a book that can inspire kids in any sport to keep trying and do their best. It's a collection of sports stories about kids with challenges to overcome -- from saving a disastrous football season to sharing the glory on the girls’ soccer field, from a solo punch in karate to thrilling teamwork on the basketball court. I loved the stories because they're told from the point of view of a child playing the sport (which makes it more interesting and real to kids reading the book) these riveting stories and inspirational quotes capture a striving for personal best -- and the exhilaration of mastering your fears.
With their fast-paced narration and dynamic, dramatic photos, these stories are guaranteed to pump up confidence, no matter your sport of choice.


Cheer your favorite team on with a World-Cup themed tshirt! Cafe Press has so many World Cup themed shirts that you won't have much trouble picking out a favorite. They have shirts for every country competing in the world cup, and almost as many designs as there are football fans in the world. Okay, not almost as many, but they have tons, from flags to logos to cartoons to mascots to slogans. If you don't like any of the designs you see, you can create your own! The shirts come in so many colors and designs, and you can order other products with your favorite design -- hats, mugs, water bottles, and more. Because when your team does win the World Cup, you gotta be prepared to rush out into the streets in full regalia!

As Alfie will tell you, it's never too early to turn your child into the next Diego Maradona, David Beckham or Ronaldo! Your baby may not be able to walk yet, but he can kick, can't he? Even the youngest children love playing with balls, and they're a great way to develop both fine motor and gross motor skills. This Flexi Ball by Bright Starts makes a great first ball for a baby because it's colorful, it's makes fun noises, and it's easy to grip. And if your baby would rather throw or chew on the ball than kick it? Not to worry, there's plenty of time to infect him with the football bug.

Disclosure: I received a product samples of various items on this gift guide, but was not paid to feature them on this special gift guide. Unless clearly stated, the views and opinions expressed here are my own.
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Bonggamom's Friday Finds -- List your giveaways here!


Bonggamoms Friday Finds

Welcome to Bonggamom's Friday Finds! I'm glad so many of you are finding this to be a useful way to get more traffic to your giveaways. And as a person who loves entering giveaways, I have to admit it's a great, easy way to find out where all the best giveaways are.

So feel free to leave links to your giveaways, everyone. And don't forget to get cracking and enter everyone else's, too!


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Playmobil Wildlife Care Station



Playmobil has been a big part of my kids' playtime for many years (see my various posts referencing Playmobil here and here and here ). We already have a substantial collection of Playmobil -- a knight's castle, a dragon's lair, an ancient Roman ship, a Victorian mansion, a skate park, a pirate's cave, not to mention tons of smaller sets -- but my kids never seem to get sick of Playmobil. As far as Playmobil is concerned, the more the merrier!



So when Playmobil (via Litzky PR) invited us to review one of their new playsets, the Wildlife Care Station, it was like celebrating Christmas in June. Read more of my thoughts on the Wildlife Care Station (and Playmobil in general) below:


The Basics
The Wildlife Care Station is new for 2010. It is part of Playmobil's African Animal World Theme. Here is a description of the product from Playmobil:

Take care of the African animals in the Wild Life Care Station! Includes care station with baby animals, two ranger figures, enclosure and a tons of accessories. Rub the baby giraffe's wound and watch as it disappears!

The two rangers at the Wildlife Care Station have their hands full. The baby zebra needs a bandage and the chimpanzee is up to mischief again, despite its head injury. The wound on the baby giraffe’s leg disappears when rubbed, or healed, so-to-speak. The many realistic details encourage a variety of role play options in this safari setting.


The Bongga

The Wildlife Care Station is the first Playmobil set we've owned with an animal theme, so it was a welcome addition to our collection! It's absolutely adorable, with all kinds of animals and two rangers. My kids lost no time in setting it up and proceeding to give medical attention to each and every one of the animals (I think it appeals to their nurturing instincts). As with all Playmobil sets, the attention to detail is phenomenal -- it comes with tiny laptops, buckets, bandages, lanterns and more accessories for everyday life on the African Savannah.



The set does require assembly, which some people might list as a negative, but it's actually one of the things I like best about it. My kids assembled it all by themselves, following the instructions, and it totally occupied them for two solid hours.

Now, on to Playmobil in general. I could go on and on about how much I love Playmobil toys, but I've managed to condense what I love most about them into three major points:

They are sturdy. My kids tend to be pretty rough with their toys when they engage in imaginative play (lots of racing, battles, car crashes, and ninja training). With Playmobil, they don't have to worry about their vehicles disintegrating like they do when they play with the Lego or Megablok sets they build.

They are versatile. Playmobil has so many different playset themes, yet everything works together. I love seeing my kids combine playsets in one gigantic imagination session. It's not unusual to see them send a mermaid up in a helicopter, put a Roman legionnaire on rollerskates or pit a firefighter against a dragon (that last one actually makes sense!).

Only in the Playmobil world can you find wildlife rangers treating fire-breathing dragons, dragon's lairs next to animal hospitals, and scuba divers riding dragons!

They are long-lasting. Playmobil toys appeal to a wide age range and to both sexes. My kids never get sick of them! My kids have been putting Playmobil on their Christmas and birthday present lists (and receiving them) since they were three years old! They are now 6, 6 and 9, so we've owned Playmobil for 6 years now and they still play with them like they just got their first set yesterday.


The Blah
My only caution would be for parents with children who tend to put things in their mouths -- these toys have very, very small pieces so I would definitely respect the age recommendations. Other than that...... hmmm... Nope. Nada. None. I love Playmobil without reservations and I dare anyone to say anything negative about it!


The Bottom Line
Like all Playmobil playsets, I highly recommend the Wildlife Care Station for its high quality, huge fun factor and excellent value. Your child will enjoy hours and hours of imaginative play for many, many years.

Disclosure: I received a product sample, but was not paid to review the product or give my opinions. Product information is provided by the featured product/company and is clearly indicated. The views and opinions expressed here are my own.
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Enter to win $50 from Yoursphere




As a MomCentral Yoursphere Test Drive Mom I'm so excited to let you know that Yoursphere is giving a little extra incentive to get kids and moms signed up on their secure social networking site! Starting this week, anyone who registers on Yoursphere.com (don't worry, it's free!) using my unique Test Drive Mom code -- YSMC-0045 -- will be entered into a weekly drawing to win a $50 gift card.

Don't forget: sign up with referral code YSMC-0045and you'll be entered to win a $50 gift card!

Disclosure: I wrote this post while participating in the Yoursphere Test Drive program by Mom Central on behalf of Yoursphere. I received a free lifetime Gold membership on Yoursphere.com; I will also be receiving Yoursphere t-shirts, and a $50 American Express gift card to facilitate my review. The views and opinions expressed here are my own.

Note: I am not administering the $50 gift card giveaway.
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Gillette Fusion ProGlide Father's Day Giveaway



Whereas I love to get flowers or breakfast in bed or spa certificates for Mother's Day, Father's Day presents around here tend to be more practical. Since Alfie knows he's not getting a new motorcycle for Father's Day or anything hi-tech, he likes presents like toolkits or gadgets to help around the house or grooming items he uses every day, like aftershave or cologne or shavers (but please, no soap-on-a-rope, he never uses that!).

Speaking of shavers, Gillette's newest razor, the Gillette Fusion ProGlide, is now available in Target stores and other retailers. It would make a great practical Father's Day present from the kids (there you go Alfie, it's practical and it's hi-tech). We received a sample of this new razor to review, and I'm here to report that no, it does NOT have 25 blades -- "just" 5, like older models. But the blades are much thinner than the older models -- so they tug on the skin less. The package also says the Fusion ProGlide has a "reformulated lubrication strip with more lubricants and a touch of mineral oil" , which translates to less irritated skin even if Dad shaves every day.

Win the Gillette Fusion ProGlide Razor
Three lucky Bonggamom Finds winners will each receive a Gillette Fusion ProGlide razor (retail value $9.99) along with valuable coupons for Gillette Fusion ProGlide products (redeemable at Target stores nationwide).



Required Entry
Leave a comment on this post and tell me your favorite Gillette product. This entry must be completed before extra entries qualify.


Extra Entries
For extra entries, you can do any or all of the following. Please leave a separate comment for each extra entry with a way to verify the entry (i.e. tweet link, blog post link, Facebook id, Twitter id, etc.).

1) Follow Bonggamom Finds on Networked Blogs (1 entry).

2) Follow Bonggamom Finds on Blogger(1 entry).

3) Write this on the Gillette Facebook Fan Page wall (1 entry):

I entered the Gillette Father's Day Giveaway on Bonggamom Finds! 3 winners will receive a Gillette Fusion ProGlide and you could be one of them. Enter now at http://ow.ly/1WptF

4) Write this on the Bonggamom Finds Facebook Fan Page wall (1 entry):

I entered to win 1 of 3 Gillette Fusion ProGlides on Bonggamom Finds! You can enter too at http://ow.ly/1WptF

5) Follow @Gillette on Twitter (1 entry).

6) Follow Bonggamom Finds on Twitter and tweet this daily (1 entry per day, leave a comment with the tweet link for each tweet):

Enter to win a @Gillette Fusion #ProGlide (3 winners!) on @bonggafinds http://ow.ly/1WptF
#giveaway


The Rules
US addresses only. This giveaway ends at midnight PST on June 25, 2010; I will draw 3 winners at random on June 26 and post the winners' names after they confirm acceptance. For additional giveaway rules, click here. Good luck!

Disclosure: I received a product sample, but was not paid to review the product or give my opinions. Product information is provided by the featured company/product and is clearly indicated as such. The views and opinions expressed here are my own.
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Win $1,000. Yup, you heard me...



Woohoo, this is my biggest giveaway yet! It's sponsored by BlogHer and Crystal Light, and I'm hosting it on BlogHer. One thousand bucks..... head on over to my $1000 giveaway post and enter. I would love it if a Bonggamom Finds reader won!


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Bonggamom's Father's Day Gift Guide 2010


Father's Day is on June 20. Here are some great gift ideas for the Dad in your life:


If all moms want for Mother's Day is for dad to take the kids and give her some time out, then all dads must want for Father's Day is for mom to stop borrowing his razor to shave her legs! So why not give him a new razor and promise never to use it? Gillette's newest innovation, the ProGlide razor, has just come out and is available at Target Stores and other retailers nationwide. and it benefits from research expertise at the Cincinnati-based makers of Olay skin cream and Pantene shampoo. Don't worry, it doesn't have 25 blades -- "just" 5, like older models -- but the blades tug on the skin less and feature better moisturizing and more comfort. By the way, don't forget to enter my Gillette ProGlide Father's Day giveaway -- 3 winners will receive a Gillette Fusion ProGlide razors (retail value $9.99) along with valuable coupons for Gillette Fusion ProGlide products!



Cafe Press is probably the first and last place you need to go to for a personalized Father's Day gift. They have tons of products that reflect Dad's personality, favorite slogans, interests and hobbies. To help you choose the perfect Father's Day present, Cafe Press even has a special Father's Day section; browse through the selection of Father's Day designs or heer your favorite team on with a World-Cup themed tshirt! Cafe Press has so many World Cup themed shirts that you won't have much trouble picking out a favorite. They have shirts for every country competing in the world cup, and almost as many designs as there are football fans in the world. Okay, not almost as many, but they have tons, from flags to logos to cartoons to mascots to slogans. If you don't like any of the designs you see, you can create your own! The shirts come in so many colors and designs, and you can order other products with your favorite design -- hats, mugs, water bottles, and more. By the way, don't forget to enter my Cafe Press Father's Day giveaway! One lucky winner will receive a Cafe Press ringer tee in the design of their choice.


We all know dads are just big kids at heart. So why not indulge his inner child with a fun RC helicopter? Megatech’s SkyTrooper Radio-Control Military Helicopter is easy to fly and stays in the air a long time, thanks to its lightweight design and high-power Lithium Polymer battery pack. It maneuvers easily so your prize roses or fine china stay safe (hopefully). It's even got an LED searchlight and flashing navigational lights for some nighttime flying!



Outdoorsy dads would love a gadget for those hikes or camping trips. This 7-in-1 adventure tool with LED light is compact and lightweight. It has a compass, digital thermometer, digital clock, safety whistle, signal mirror, a 2x magnifying glass and LED light to help so Dad will always be prepared.





Whatever you give the Dad in your life, make sure he gets a kickass Father's Day Card. Of course the kids have to do the homemade cards, but you're a grownup and unless you're a letterpress artist, you might want to buy one instead. Leave the artistry to the folks at Night Owl Paper Goods -- their handcrafted cards are unique and stylish and oh-so-witty. I love the Happy Fotters Day card they sent me -- it was printed on eco-friendly wood! By the way, don't forget to enter my Night Owl Paper Goods giveaway! One lucky winner will receive an assortment of Night Owl Paper Goods stationery.





Disclosure: I received a product samples of various items on this gift guide, but was not paid to feature them on this special gift guide. Unless clearly stated, the views and opinions expressed here are my own.
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$50 Visa Giftcard Giveaway ending next week!



I just wanted to remind everyone that my latest $50 Visa gift card giveaway from BlogHer is ending next week. There are not too many entries, so your chances of winning are excellent! There will be only 1 more $50 giveaway in this series (starts 6/15 and ends 6/30), so hurry and enter!


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Cafe Press Father's Day Baseball Jersey Giveaway



Fire up the barbecue and grab that baseball mitt, because Father's Day is June 20 -- are you ready?? For Father's Day, online personalized gift site CafePress invited me to select an item from their extensive collection of Father's Day gifts. Keep reading below to find out what I chose -- and enter for a chance to win one of your own!

The Basics
Cafe Press is The place for personalized items. You can find millions of personalized gifts at CafePress – for any topic, interest, or brand! They offer a multitude of styles, colors, sizes and designs for a multitude of products -- mugs, bumper stickers, bags, hats, umbrellas, baby onesies, hoodies, shirts and more. They have a great line of bag styles that include messenger bags, beach bags, gym bags and tote bags. They have so many designs to choose from, and if you can't find a design you want, you can upload your own.

The Bongga
The amount of options you have is really staggering, but CafePress does a great job of narrowing it down for you. Just type a word into the search box and they'll find some great product matches. You can even filter your search by the kind of product (shirts, or umbrellas, or whatever you choose) or by topic (pets, humor, hobbies, etc...). And for Father's Day, Cafe Press has a great Father's Day section to help you select the perfect Father's Day present.

Since I've already given my dad a Cafe Press Filipino-themed shirt, this time around I decided to choose a Father's Day present for Alfie's dad, my father-in-law. What could be more appropriate for Father's Day than a baseball jersey? My father-in-law likes the baseball jersey style of tshirt but since he's English, he doesn't follow any baseball teams. Fortunately, that's not a problem with Cafe Press. They can put practically any design on a baseball jersey, so I chose one that reflects a sport he does follow:

That's the great thing about CafePress -- it's so easy to find the perfect personalized gift.

The Blah
What can I say, the shirt is perfect! The cotton is nice and thick, and it's sized somewhat generously to allow for shrinkage. I know my Alfie's dad is going to love it!

The Bottom Line
With so many styles and designs to choose from at CafePress, you're sure to find a baseball jersey (or any other gift item) that expresses your message and your style. It's the perfect Father's Day present!



Save 30% on 3 or more CafePress men's tees
Save 30% off your total order of 3 or more men's T-shirts on CafePress, excluding shipping charges, gift wrap charges and applicable sales tax. Just enter coupon code 3FORDAD at check out. Promotion ends on June 6, 2010 at 11:59 p.m. (PST).



Win A CafePress Baseball Jersey
One lucky Bonggamom Finds reader will receive CafePress baseball jersey in their choice of design!


Required Entry
Check out all the great baseball jerseys available on CafePress, then come back here and leave a link to your favorite design. Choose carefully, because this is the design we'll be sending you if you win! This entry must be completed before any extra entries count.


Extra Entries
For extra entries, you can do any or all of the following, (you can only do each extra entry once; please leave a separate comment for each extra entry):

1) Grab my blog button and post it up on your blog (1 entry, leave a comment with your blog URL).

2) Subscribe to Bonggamom Finds updates by email (1 entry, leave a comment with your email address).

3) Write this on the CafePress Facebook Fan Page wall (1 entry, leave a comment with your FB id):

What a great Father's Day present -- a baseball jersey from CafePress! I entered to win one at the CafePress Father's Day giveaway on Bonggamom Finds http://ow.ly/1Uoan


4) Write this on the Bonggamom Finds Facebook Fan Page wall (leave a comment with your FB id):

I joined the CafePress Father's Day giveaway on Bonggamom Finds! http://ow.ly/1Uoan

5) Follow Bonggamom Finds on Networked Blogs (1 entry, leave a comment with your FB id).

6) Follow Bonggamom Finds on Blogger(1 entry, leave a comment with your Blogger profile name).

7) Leave a comment on any of my blog posts on Finding Bonggamom (1 entry, leave a comment here with the link to the post that you commented on).

8) Join any of the other giveaways currently running on Bonggamom Finds (1 entry, leave a comment here with the name of the other giveaway you joined).

9) Tweet this up to once a day (leave a comment with a link to your tweet, 1 entry):

Great Father's Day giveaway: win a @cafepress baseball jersey in the design of your choice on @bonggafinds http://ow.ly/1Uoan #giveaway pls RT


Rules
This giveaway ends at midnight PST on June 20, 2010; I will draw a winner at random on June 21 and post the winner's name after the winner confirms acceptance. For additional giveaway rules, click here. Good luck!



Disclosure: I received a product sample, but was not paid to review the product or give my opinions. Unless clearly stated, the views and opinions expressed here are my own.
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Leapster Explorer Review and Giveaway


We are big Leapfrog fans over here in the Bongga household; I've done so many reviews of products from this company that Leapfrog has its own category on Bonggamom Finds! There are a number of reasons for this: their PR group knows and appreciates the mom blogger community, their educational experts host talks that I find truly useful as I go about my quest to help my kids love learning -- but most of all, Leapfrog makes products that my kids love.

Case in point: their newest product, the Leapster Explorer isn't even out in stores yet and it's already a big hit with my kids. We recently received a super-secret extra-advanced sneak peek of the Explorer, courtesy of our friends at Leapfrog. It's their latest and greatest version of the popular Leapster electronic learning toy, and despite all the other great Leapfrog toys we've had over the years -- the Tag Junior, Tag Reader, Leapster2 (and its various predecessors), Didj and Crammer -- my kids all say the Explorer is the best yet! Read on to find out why, and enter to win one of your own!

The Basics
Leapfrog's next-generation Leapster educational toy, the Explorer, offers multiple ways for kids to play and learn. It's a gaming device, an e-book reader, a video player and (with separate accessory) a camera, all in one device.

Check out the screen on the Explorer (center)! It's bigger and brighter than the screens on the Didj (top) and Leapster2 (bottom).


From Leapfrog, here are some of the Explorer's product features:
  • Leapster Explorer offers endless ways to play and learn, so children ages 4 to 9 can discover something new every day!
  • A library of more than 40 games and activities includes cartridge games, downloadable learning apps, a camera/video recorder and more.
  • Children can learn school skills like reading, math, science and geography, plus creativity and life skills like music, health and problem solving.
  • Expand the fun and learning in LeapWorld--a safe, online world of learning games and activities. Children can play unique games that connect their online and on-the-go play and learning.
  • Parents can connect to the online LeapFrog Learning Path to see what their child is playing and learning, and explore ways to expand their child's learning journey.


The Bongga
The Explorer has certainly (pardon the pun) leapfrogged its predecessor, the Leapster2! Check out the Explorer/Leapster2 comparison table on Leapfrog's website -- or take my kids' word for it. My kids say it is soooo much better. Here's why they love it:

1) You can do so much more than just play games on the Explorer. You can also watch videos, read e_Books, and create virtual pets that you can upload to Leapster's online world, LeapWorld. The kids can't wait for the camera accessory to come out so they can use the Explorer to take photos and play around with the photos they take.



2) The screen is bigger and brighter and the graphics are nicer.

3) The Explorer has games that are challenging even at their level. They're especially obsessed with the "Jewel Train" and "Wheel Works" apps because these games test their logical skills (The Pea says "it doesn't feel like a school lesson"), and they can progress to ever-more challenging levels. There are also character-themed games for older kids like Wolverine, the X-Men, Ben10 and the NFL.


As a parent, I love:
* the ability to download Leaplet learning apps (less game cartridges to break or lose!).
* the ability to have 3 separate child accounts (plus 1 guest account) on each Explorer console.
* the ability to customize spelling lists and math levels in games.
* the ability to adjust learning to each child's level.
* the educational focus -- it's fun-based learning.
* at $69.99, the price is right!



The Blah
There is definitely room for improvement, and I'm hoping future versions of the Explorer will address these issues:

1) I'm hoping they come up with more content for older kids, particularly e-Books. My oldest daughter, age 9, is out of the Explorer age range, but even my 6-year-old twins feel like the e-Books right now are a bit babyish -- and they are the ones who could most benefit from the reading practice.

2) I'm not a fan of the chunky design, I prefer something sleeker like the Leapfrog Didj.

3) I wish the charger came with the basic kit instead of being sold as a separate accessory. The battery life actually seems longer on the Explorer than on the other Leapfrog products, but we still burn through a LOT of AA batteries!!

4) The Explorer we received has its stylus attached to the left side of the console, which is great for left-handed kids, but I'm wondering why they switched sides (the stylus is attached to the right side of the Leapster2 console).

5) The most serious shortcoming of the Explorer is the fact that the old Leapster, L-Max and Leapster2 game cartridges will not work on it. Parents will have to build up a new Explorer game library from scratch, and at $25 per game, it adds up!



The Bottom Line
Move over, Dora -- there's a new Explorer in town! Leapfrog's Leapster Explorer is so much more than a gaming console: it combines educational content, great graphics




Get a free Leaplet App with pre-order
Until July 1, get a free Leaplet app when you pre-order the Leapster Explorer at participating online retailers! Visit Toys R Us, Target, Walmart, Kmart, Best Buy, Sears, Amazon and Leapfrog.com to view specific offer details.



Win a Leapster Explorer
Be one of the first to play with Leapfrog's Leapster Explorer! One lucky Bonggamom Finds winner will receive their very own Leapster Explorer on July 15, the same day that it becomes available for sale online and in stores.

Required Entry
Leave a comment on this post and tell me where and when your little one would use the Leapster Explorer. This entry must be completed before extra entries qualify.


Extra Entries
For extra entries, you can do any or all of the following. Please leave a separate comment for each extra entry with a way to verify the entry (i.e. tweet link, blog post link, Facebook id, Twitter id, etc.).

1) Go to the Leapster Explorer page, then leave a comment here and tell me which Explorer game you would most like to get for your child (1 entry).

2) Leave a link to this giveaway (http://tinyurl.com/279natk) on any giveaway linky, sweepstakes blog or sweepstakes forum (1 entry each time you leave a link, pls. leave a comment here and paste the URL of the post you left the link on).

3) Follow Bonggamom Finds on Networked Blogs (1 entry).

4) Follow Bonggamom Finds on Blogger(1 entry).

5) Write this on the Bonggamom Finds Facebook page (1 entry):
I entered the Leapster Explorer giveaway on Bonggamom Finds! You can enter too at http://tinyurl.com/279natk

6) Write this on the Leapfrog Facebook Fan Page (1 entry):

I entered to win the new Leapster Explorer on Bonggamom Finds! You can enter too at http://tinyurl.com/279natk


8) Follow @leapfrog on Twitter and @bonggafinds on Twitter, and tweet this daily (1 entry per day, leave a comment with the tweet link for each tweet):

You could win the new Leapster Explorer from @Leapfrog! Enter now on @bonggafinds http://tinyurl.com/279natk #giveaway


The Rules
US Addresses only. This giveaway ends at midnight PST on June 25, 2010; I will draw a winner at random on June 26 and post the winner's name after the winner confirms acceptance. For additional giveaway rules, click here. Good luck!

Disclosure: I received a product sample, but was not paid to review the product or give my opinions. Product information is provided by the featured company/product and is clearly indicated as such. The views and opinions expressed here are my own.
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Rhoost Baby Safety Products Review and Giveaway


All parents know that when kids move into their lives, sometimes style has to take a back seat to safety. Take all those baby-safety products. Who wants all that shiny plastic tied onto each and every cabinet in the home? Well, I do, if it means my children are safe from products that might hurt them, and I'm guessing most parents feel the same way.

But now that Rhoost products are here, parents don't have to sacrifice function for style! I've already written about how I wish Rhoost had been around when my kids needed all these baby safety products; now I'm fortunate to have been invited by MomSelect to join their Rhoost product review program. Actually, you're fortunate too, because they are providing one great Rhoost product to give away........


The Basics
I received a sample of the Rhoost Edge OM table edges. Here is a brief description from Rhoost :


Rhoost makes functional and stylish baby-proofing products while preserving the integrity of our environment. Rhoost is committed to using materials that are BPA, lead and phthalate free and all of our products and packaging are 100% recyclable.



The
Rhoost Edge table corner protectors turn sharp edges into furniture fashion statements, keeping your tots safe and your style ntact. Plus, the Edge features a first-of-its-kind strap and lock fastening system.



The Bongga
The Edge Om is a great baby-proofing product, and I wish this had been around when my kids needed them! Installing them on corners and cabinet doors is pretty intuitive and simple, but not so easy that a child could slip them off by himself. I love the matte finish of the rubber; it makes these items much more unintrusive to the eye, and they don't look cheap or tacky.



With Rhoost edges, your table edges go from this:


To this. Waay better, don't you think?



Thanks to their strap and lock system, you don't need to use adhesive to stick them on, and they don't dent or scratch the furniture. And of course, I love that they are BPA free and lead free, because you just know your baby is going to try and put it in his mouth!

The Blah
I wish the Rhoost didn't have the brand name stamped onto the top; it kind of defeats the "stylish" benefit when you've got the word Rhoost instead of a nice, smooth surface.



The Bottom Line
Discerning parents will love Rhoost baby-proofing products because they are stylish, yet functional, safe for their precious babies and safe for the environment.




Win a 4-pack Rhoost Sling Hub
One lucky Bonggamom Finds winner will receive a 4-pack Rhoost Sling Hub courtesy of Rhoost and MomSelect!



The
Rhoost Sling is a chic and simple way to keep cute and curious hands out of cabinets. Innovative design is easy on parents and big on protection.


Required Entry
Leave a comment on this post and tell me which piece of furniture or equipment you desperately need to baby-proof. This entry must be completed before extra entries qualify.


Extra Entries
For extra entries, you can do any or all of the following. Please leave a separate comment for each extra entry with a way to verify the entry (i.e. tweet link, blog post link, Facebook id, Twitter id, etc.).

1) Grab my blog button and post it up on your blog (1 entry).

2) Subscribe to Bonggamom Finds updates (1 entry).

3) Follow Bonggamom Finds on Networked Blogs (1 entry).

4) Follow Bonggamom Finds on Blogger(1 entry).

5) Write this on Bonggamom Finds' Facebook Page wall (1 entry).

I joined the Rhoost baby safety products giveaway on Bonggamom Finds! http://tinyurl.com/2f5vc9q

6) Write this on Rhoost's Facebook Page wall (1 entry):

I entered to win a pack of 4 Rhoost Sling Hubs on Bonggamom Finds! You can enter too at http://tinyurl.com/2f5vc9q


7) Follow Bonggamom Finds on Twitter and tweet this daily (1 entry per day, leave a comment with the tweet link for each tweet):

You could win a pack of 4 Rhoost Sling Hub babyproofing products from @rhoosting! Enter on @bonggafinds http://tinyurl.com/2f5vc9q #giveaway



The Rules
This giveaway ends at midnight PST on June 20, 2010; I will draw a winner at random on June 21 and post the winner's name after the winner confirms acceptance. For additional giveaway rules, click here. Good luck!


Disclosure: I received a sample 4pack of the Rhoost Edge Om courtesy of Rhoost and MomSelect. I was not paid to review the product or give my opinions. Unless clearly stated, the views and opinions expressed here are my own.
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