#BlogBash11 Spotlight 5- Melissa & Doug

Come visit our featured Blog Bash 2011 Feature Sponsor. Feel free to shop from their site/ store and follow them through the social media links provided below to get ready in advance for the Main Giveaway.


I am not shy to profess my love for Melissa & Doug products and I know based on the excited interest on all my Melissa & Doug features you nod your head in agreement!

If you've been visiting the Melissa & Doug site you would notice a fairly new segment of toys have been added under the Sunny Patch Outdoor Lifestyle banner and at great timing too....summer!


The Buzz:

The Sunny Patch Outdoor Lifestyle brand has been thoughtfully designed to encourage kids and families to find new and enjoyable ways of exploring their world together, while bringing a spirit of playfulness to everyday activities. Products include fun toys for bubble play, sand play, gardening and something the grown ups will also love....croquet!

The colorfully designed Happy Giddy Croquet Set comes with 6 wickets, 4 mallets, 4 balls and a goal stake. The mallets are light weight and easy for a child to hold and swing without a struggle.



E.B. Mommy's Report:

The first time we took out the set was at a BBQ with friends. Bunny girl and the adults had a great time taking their fair share of swings. It was an evening filled with laughs as the grown ups struggled to get the balls through the wickets while Bunny girl had a field day changing the rules and moving the little buggy wickets to "help" her best friend's ball go through!



We're yet to master the game but we have the whole summer to get it right way down till the last wicket!

Note: This game is recommended for children aged 6 and older but I'd say a 5 year old will enjoy the game just as much.


Love on the Sponsor-

- Follow Melissa & Doug on Twitter

- Like Melissa & Doug on Facebook

- Join the Melissa & Doug Toy Club

- Follow the Melissa & Doug blog


Win it:

One reader will have the opportunity to win
a Melissa & Doug Happy Giddy Croquet Set (49.99 US$ value)
during Blog Bash 2011 on Energizer Bunny's Mommy Reports.


** THIS GIVEAWAY WILL GO LIVE HERE AT 11 PM CST, WEDNESDAY, JUNE 22 & WILL STAY OPEN TILL 10.59 PM CST, SUNDAY, JUNE 26, 2011. **





** EBMR Disclaimer: I was sent the featured product for review purposes only. This review has not been monetarily compensated and is based on the views and opinions of my family and/or self. Please note that the opinions reflected in this post have not been influenced by the sponsor in any way.**

Labels: BB 2011 Spotlight, happy giddy, melissa and doug, More giveaways, Reviews / Giveaways

posted by Marina@EBMR @ 10:19 AM 1 Comments

CLOSED: Gummy Lump Carries Royalty! (+50$ Gift Certificate Giveaway)....Sure Call It a Royal Celebration Giveaway!

* Click here to view the name(s) of the winner(s)*

You may think we're crazy but yes, my family DID wake up at early this morning to watch the Royal Wedding broadcast live!
My alarm went off at 4am CST and in clockwork precision Bunny girl jumped out of bed, Hubby followed and Bunny Boo sprung up not wanting to miss out on whatever crazy fun our family might have planned at that unearthly hour!

Why did I do it? To be honest I've loved the British Royals ever since I was a young girl. My parents had us enrolled in a British school and we worshiped in the local Anglican church that proudly hosted Prince Charles and Princess Anne on two separate occasions.
(My sister has the photographs to prove it. Please don't ask me to scan them in a post because I was a dumpling of a high school student with the most hideous hairstyle and still shudder to see what I looked like then!)

Considering all that, would I miss the wedding of the century?
Not a chance!!

Bunny girl insisted on watching the live broadcast with us thrilled to learn that there really are real life Princes and Princesses. After the beautiful bride and dapper groom (the now Duchess and Duke of Cambridge!) rode into Buckingham Palace my poor excited Princess crashed back into bed to catch up on sleep before preschool started but I'm glad she got to witness a historic wedding take place.

So yes, I could not let this wonderful day slip away without letting you in on a HUGE secret!


The Buzz:

We all know Gummy Lump as one of the best online toy stores for children. Their creative and educational toy selections have been used by parents as "must-buys" while shopping for their kids.
Gummy Lump is fondly also known as the store for all things Melissa and Doug but that's not all!
Here's the scoop....

They even carry Royalty!

WHAT?

That's right!!

They carry ROYALTY!!!


....Melissa & Doug's Royalty Puppets!

((CHESHIRE CAT GRIN!!))

I'm sorry! (Snicker!) Considering how today finds me caught up in all things "ROYAL", I just could not hold myself back on that one!


But Honestly, Jokes Aside....

We've always associated imaginative play with pretend play toys and tend to forget how valuable the power of hand puppets really is. I teach children between the ages of 3-5 in our church Missionettes class every Wednesday and I've found that I'm able to get the little ones hooked onto every word I say when a hand puppet decides to join me for the class.


Hand puppets are also a great way to trigger off a child's creative juices and get them flowing. Bunny girl adores hand puppets and just by using these four puppets alone she put on a Resurrection Day Show for us this past weekend.


(She used the King for Jesus, the Queen for Mary Magdalene, the Knight for Peter and the Princess for the Angel on the tomb)


Great for Special Needs:

When I ordered this set I thought I'd use this for my class till my sister, who is a Speech Therapist, asked if she could have them for her therapy sessions. She has been looking out for quality kids puppets and after listening to me rave about how they animatedly remind me of a Muppets show, she knew her search for the right therapy aids was over.


She plans to build on her collection with more puppets and a puppet theater and considering these are Melissa & Doug, these will durably withstand hours of use and considerable handling by the kids too.



So while we are sad that we will say goodbye to our Royal Highnesses soon, we're just thrilled that we had the honor of being in Royal company especially on a symbolic day as this!
((Wink!))


Gummy Lump-icious Links:

• Toy Sales & Specials
• Award Winning Toys
• Toys Under $10
• Special Needs Toys

Buy it:

You can buy the Royalty Puppets Set for a reduced price of 63.99 US$ (Original Price: 79.99 US$)


Win it:

One reader will have the opportunity to win a 50 US$ Gummy Lump Gift Certificate that may be used towards ANYTHING on their site.

Note: Any household that has won a giveaway from GummyLump.com in the past 90 days is not eligible for this giveaway. Should an ineligible entrant be chosen as the winner, all rights to the prize will be considered forfeited and a new winner will be chosen


Here's how you can win it:

1. Mandatory entry (without this, all other entries will be disqualified)-

Visit the Gummy Lump website and tell me what you would love to buy.


2. Love on the Sponsor-

- Follow Gummy Lump on Twitter

- Like Gummy Lump on Facebook

- Follow the Gummy Lump blog

- Sign up for the Gummy Lump newsletter

- Become a Gummy Lump affiliate

- Follow me on Twitter and tweet once daily...

RT @ebmommy #Win a 50$ Gift Certificate from @GummyLump at EBMR's #Educational & #Creative #Toys #Giveaway http://bit.ly/lUkAk8 (5/28)



3. Seven additional entries: (1 entry each)-

- Follow my blog via Google Friend Connect

- "Like" me on Facebook.

- Follow me on Networked Blogs

- Follow my feed via RSS

- Subscribe via email to receive EBMR's blog updates

-Snag my Blog button

-Blog about this giveaway (leave a comment with a link to your blog post


* Please ensure your Blogger Profile holds your email address. If it's set to private or your email address does not show, please add the same in your comments*


This giveaway is open to US Residents only, 18 years and above. 1 winner will be chosen with the random.org generator on May 28, 2011 at 10 pm Central time.

** EBMR Disclaimer: Gummy Lump sent me the featured product for review purposes only. This post has not been monetarily compensated and is based on the views and opinions of my family and/or self. Please note that the opinions reflected in this post have not been influenced by the sponsor in any way.**

Labels: Gummy Lump, melissa and doug, More giveaways, puppets, Reviews / Giveaways, royalty

posted by Marina@EBMR @ 4:36 PM 578 Comments

CLOSED: Melissa and Doug Deluxe Wooden Railway Set (Toot! Toot! Giveaway Too!)

* Click here to view the name(s) of the winner(s)*

20 years of bringing quality wooden toys to the market...a niche created, mastered and celebrated by the one and only Melissa & Doug. As a Mommy I can say that the Melissa & Doug brand has been one brand I can close my eyes and recommend to parents of children of any age.

Our family provides residence to several Melissa & Doug toys and I am yet to find fault with any of them. I have also noticed that Bunny girl's preschool buddies' parents also think highly of their toys as they always feature in the little ones' birthday registry lists!

This Christmas, in continuance of our 30 Day Giving Challenge, we agreed we'd bless on a little boy with this awesome Melissa and Doug Deluxe Wooden Railway Set.


What a dream come true!

Now keep in mind this is no flimsy, put together railway set. you're talking about Melissa & Doug quality here. This is a durable wooden railway set that is a little expensive but remember, you will be receiving a product of sound quality standards that will remain an investment that will last a good number of years.

This Deluxe Wooden Railway Set holds over 130 pieces of Chugga Chugga Choo Choo fun for children of a suggested age of 3 years and older.


Pieces include

• A Roundhouse engine shed
• Dozens of straight and curved tracks
• Magnetic tipped cranes
• A suspension bridge
• Multi-piece trains
• Trees and traffic signs
• A Trestle bridge and
• A Roundtable too!

What's great is the set is easy to assemble and the trains are a good size for even little hands. You can even get imaginative and create new track designs with your little Engineer.

Take my word on this, this is one set your little one won't get bored with!
(And I'm sure Dad will have just as much fun with this....which means Mommy, you will have more time on hand to get those other odds and ends done, or just sit back with a book and a nice mug of tea!)


Buy it:

You can buy a Melissa and Doug Deluxe Wooden Railway Set for 119 US$.
Order by December 21 midnight and you will have this express delivered (+9.99 US$ shipping) to you on Christmas Eve!

If you're looking for a bargain, buy it off Amazon.com for 74.99 US$ or CSN Stores for 82.25 US$. (Shipping is free)


Win it:

One reader will have the opportunity to win a Melissa and Doug Deluxe Wooden Railway Set!



Here's how you can win it:

1. Mandatory entry (without this, all other entries will be disqualified)-

Look through the Melissa & Doug site and tell me another product you'd buy for a special little somebody!


2. Love on the Sponsor-

- Follow Melissa & Doug on Twitter

- Like Melissa & Doug on Facebook

- Join the Melissa & Doug Toy Club

- Follow the Melissa & Doug blog

- Follow me on Twitter and tweet once daily...

RT @ebmommy Win a @MelissaAndDoug Deluxe #Wood @Railway Set at EBMR's (1/1) http://bit.ly/dU2PFz #giveaway #preschool #trains #toy



3. Seven additional entries: (1 entry each)-

- Follow my blog via Google Friend Connect

- "Like" me on Facebook.

- Follow me on Networked Blogs

- Follow my feed via RSS

- Subscribe via email to receive EBMR's blog updates

-Snag my Blog button

-Blog about this giveaway (leave a comment with a link to your blog post)


* Please ensure your Blogger Profile holds your email address. If it's set to private or your email address does not show, please add the same in your comments*


This giveaway is open to US Residents only, 18 years and above. 1 winner will be chosen with the random.org generator on January 1, 2011 at 10 pm Central time.




** EBMR Disclaimer: Melissa & Doug sent me this Train Set for review purposes only. This post has not been monetarily compensated and is based on the views and opinions of my family and/or self. Please note that the opinions reflected in this post have not been influenced by the sponsor in any way.**

Labels: melissa and doug, More giveaways, Railway set, Reviews / Giveaways, wooden toys

posted by Marina@EBMR @ 4:44 PM 832 Comments

CLOSED: A Gummy Lump Christmas Pick (+ Christmas Carnival Giveaway #5)

This post is a 'Christmas Carnival' feature...The Carnival of Giveaways (or should I say Christmas prezzies?) on Energizer Bunny's Mommy Reports from November 1- December 5 2010.


* Click here to view the name(s) of the winner(s)*

This Christmas if you're shopping around for wooden toys, think Gummy Lump.
Gummy Lump has one of the best collection of sturdy Melissa & Doug toys that have quality written all over them!
(If you keep checking their site, you will find some money saving deals and great sales.)

I was fortunate to find this Natural Wooden Puzzle Storage Case with 6 Melissa & Doug Peg Puzzles before it got sold out.



I love that this comes pre-packaged and would make a great gift for a 2-3 year old. I just wish I'd found this when Bunny girl was younger. Such a compact and neat way to keep all the puzzles (and pieces) together in one place!

This would also make a great 'GIVE' to your child's preschool, daycare or even Church's childcare center.



At the moment, you can buy the Standard Natural Wood Case separately and buy upto twelve 9" x 12" wooden puzzles to sit in the same

For preschoolers who love 'pretend play', don't forget to check out the fun play food featured on the site.


Now are you all set to do a little Gummy Lump Christmas picking?


Win it:

One reader will have the opportunity to choose one of these super Melissa & Doug Christmas Prezzies. (Each is originally priced at 49.99 US$)





Here's how you can win it:

1. Mandatory entry (without this, all other entries will be disqualified)-

Click on the thumbnail pictures above to visit the individual links to the featured prizes before you leave a comment letting me know which prize you'd like to win.


2. Love on the Sponsor-

-Follow Gummy Lump on Twitter

- Fan/Like Gummy Lump on Facebook

- Follow the Gummy Lump blog

- Follow me on Twitter and tweet once daily...

RT @ebmommy #Win a @GummyLump #Christmas #Melissa&Doug #Toy of choice at EBMR's #Carnival (11/20)http://bit.ly/bxOmEg #giveaway #wooden

3. Eight additional entries: (1 entry each)-

- Follow my blog via Google Friend Connect

- "Like" me on Facebook.

- Follow my feed via RSS

- Subscribe via email to receive EBMR's blog updates

-Snag my Blog button

- Host my Christmas Carnival Giveaway button on your blog

- Tweet or post a message on Facebook about the Christmas Carnival

-Blog about this giveaway (leave a comment with a link to your blog post)


* Please ensure your Blogger Profile holds your email address. If it's set to private or your email address does not show, please add the same in your comments*


This giveaway is open to US Residents only, 18 years and above. 1 winner will be chosen with the random.org generator on November 20 2010 at 10 pm Central time.





** EBMR Disclaimer: Gummy Lump sent me the featured product for review purposes only. This post has not been monetarily compensated and is based on the views and opinions of my family and/or self. Please note that the opinions reflected in this post have not been influenced by the sponsor in any way.**

Labels: Christmas, Christmas Carnival 2010, Gummy Lump, melissa and doug, More giveaways, Reviews / Giveaways, wooden toys

posted by Marina@EBMR @ 11:25 AM 605 Comments

CLOSED: Creativity Rules at Gummy Lump (+BTS Giveaway #1)

This post is a 'Back To School 2010 Carnival' feature on Energizer Bunny's Mommy Reports.
The Carnival runs from August 15-August 28 2010. For a list of all the live giveaways visit 'The BTS 2010 Stop!'

* Click here to view the name(s) of the winner(s)*

I love the preschool Bunny girl goes to as the teachers make learning so much fun. They've created a warm environment that has dug deep into Bunny girl's being and have encouraged her to blossom and grow in areas, gifts and talents that God has blessed her with.

I love seeing her being creative on paper, in art, with her words and thoughts. Creativity is something that has to be nurtured and encouraged and there is one store that I've featured on my blog once earlier (Featured Post), that carries great aids and tools to help do just that.....Gummy Lump.


Gummy Lump has a wonderful collection of toys for kids of all ages. I especially love their huge collection of Melissa & Doug products. I personally think Melissa & Doug have some great educational toys and I was thrilled to learn that my little artist would be receiving this gorgeous, solid wood Melissa & Doug standing floor easel to review.


Now don't be fooled, this is not one of those flimsy easels but this standing floor easel is made of solid wood and yes, heavy!

Assembly was easy as the instructions were straight forward. (If I could set this up anyone can!)


The easel measures 25" x 25" x 45" in dimension and can be adjusted upto three heights, literally allowing your child to grow with it!

It comes with 4 large colorful paper clips, a large paint tray with 4 cup holders


and 2 segment compartments on the sides, a large storage tray, a paper roller holder and a paper cutting edge on top of the easel to tear sheets of paper off the roll.


The easel is tri-functional with a chalkboard on one side,


a dry erase board on the other side and the ability to load paper on the roller and use the dry erase board side to paint.


This is a great product especially if your child is into art (Like my Bunny girl) and though it stands large, it can be folded and stored away when not in use.

Note: This does not come with chalk, dry erase markers or even a small roll of paper, which I personally thought would have been a good idea to include.


Buy it:

You can buy a Melissa & Doug standing floor easel on Gummy Lump only for a reduced price of 55.99 US$. (Original Price:69.99 US$)


Win it:

One reader will have the opportunity to win an identical Melissa & Doug standing floor easel


Here's how you can win it:

1. Mandatory entry (without this, all other entries will be disqualified)-

Tell me another Melissa and Doug product on the Gummy Lump site that you'd love to buy.


2. Love on the Sponsor-

-Follow Gummy Lump on Twitter

- Fan/Like Gummy Lump on Facebook

- Follow the Gummy Lump blog

- Follow me on Twitter and tweet once daily...

RT @ebmommy Win a Melissa&Doug art easel at EBMR's(9/4) http://bit.ly/afdCZN #giveaway #win #art #bts #school @gummylump #toys


3. Four additional entries: (1 entry each)-

- Snag the Back To School Carnival button and leave the link to your site on which the same has been displayed.

-Follow my blog via Google Friend Connect, RSS feeds, email updates

- Fan me on Facebook.

-Snag my Blog button

-Blog about this giveaway (leave a comment with a link to your blog post)


* Please ensure your Blogger Profile holds your email address. If it's set to private or your email address does not show, please add the same in your comments*


This giveaway is open to US Residents only, 18 years and above. 1 winner will be chosen with the random.org generator on September 4 2010 at 10 pm Central time.





** EBMR Disclaimer: Gummy Lump sent me the featured product for review purposes only. This review has not been monetarily compensated and is based on the views and opinions of my family and/or self. Please note that the opinions reflected in this post have not been influenced by the sponsor in any way.**

Labels: Back to School Carnival 2010, Gummy Lump, melissa and doug, More giveaways, Reviews / Giveaways

posted by Marina@EBMR @ 6:15 PM 514 Comments

CLOSED: Puzziliciously Gummy Lump (+ Giveaway)

* Click here to view the name(s) of the winner(s)*

It never fails to excite me when I stumble upon a great 'one stop' place where I can find a whole bunch of quality, educational toys and games for kids. I suppose that's why I love Gummy Lump. Not only do they have some award winning toys and games but they carry some of the most reputed brands in the market, from Melissa & Doug, Crocodile Creek and Kidkraft to Kapla, Haba and Guidecraft.

Best of all you have a child's world at your fingertips with the ability to shop for wooden toys, games, furniture, playmats, stuffed animals, ride on toys and more. They have something for every kid around!

As you know I have a Puzzle lover at home, so when I was asked to pick my product of choice for review I opted for a Melissa & Doug 48 piece, over 4 foot long, 'Under the Sea' floor puzzle. (Age suggestion: 3 years +)


but in the end she succeeded in getting the puzzle done all by herself.
Yay!!
( I also think the featured sea creatures on the puzzle were a motivating factor to get the puzzle done as quickly as possible...she absolutely loves the Sea World!!)

Gummy Lump has such a great collection of puzzles for kids in every age group, that are not just award winning but are quality puzzles (that don't have flimsy ends bending) that are also easy on the pocket.


Buy it:

You can buy Melissa & Doug 48 piece, over 4 foot long, 'Under the Sea' floor puzzle.
for a reduced price of 10.39 US$


Win it:

One reader will have the opportunity to win an identical Melissa & Doug 48 piece, over 4 foot long, 'Under the Sea' floor puzzle.



Here's how you can win it:

1. Mandatory entry (without this, all other entries will be disqualified)-

Look around the Gummy Lump site and tell me another product you'd love to buy your child.


Additional entries: (1 entry each)

- 2. Follow me on Twitter and tweet once daily...

RT @ebmommy Win a 48 pc 4 foot long Melissa & Doug puzzle on EBMR's (4/3) http://tinyurl.com/y9p5z89 #giveaway #win #kids #preschoolers

- 3. Fan me on Facebook.

- 4. Snag my Blog button

- 5. Blog about this giveaway (leave a comment with a link to your blog post)


This giveaway is open to US Residents , 18 years and above. 1 winner will be chosen with the random.org generator on April 3 2010 at 10 pm Central time.




** EBMR Disclaimer: Gummy Lump sent us this puzzle for review purposes only. This review has not been monetarily compensated and is based on the views and opinions of my family and/or self. Please note that the opinions reflected in this post have not been influenced by the sponsor in any way.**

Labels: Gummy Lump, melissa and doug, More giveaways, Reviews / Giveaways

posted by Marina@EBMR @ 6:04 AM 197 Comments