Kidz Bop Review - Kidz Bop 30 and Kidz Bop Christmas Wish List

Kidz Bop- what is it?  In case you are not familiar, Kidz Bop, per their website, is kid friendly versions of today's biggest pop music hits.  Kidz Bop releases four major numbered albums each year. Kidz Bop kids sing on the Kidz Bop albums. And, for five consecutive years (2010-2014), Billboard Magazine has named Kidz Bop kids the "#1 Kids' Artist in the U.S.

Kidz Bop has been a huge hit in our house over the last year. When I realized that Mason and Amanda were both paying more attention to the music played in the car, I decided it was time to introduce them to Kidz Bop.  I knew that the music and lyrics were kid friendly and questionable lyrics would be replaced with more appropriate language.

Kidz Bop 30 is just the latest installment of the popular Kidz Bop line of music. Some tracks on Kidz Bop 30 include Bad Blood, Hey Mamma, Fight Song, Cheerleader, Photograph, and Worth It, just to name a few. My kids have been dancing all around the house every night since receiving the CD.  Like the previous editions, this is a sure hit!

In addition to the newest Kidz Bop CD, Kidz Bop has also released a new holiday CD, Kidz Bop Christmas Wish List.  Included on Kidz Bop Christmas Wish List is 14 classic holiday songs, including Santa Claus is Coming to Town, All I Want for Christmas is You, Jingle Bell Rock, Must Be Santa, Up On The Housetop and so much more.  I was especially excited about this one since I am one of those people who can't wait to start listening to holiday music.  I get it, not everyone is into that...but, what I love is that holiday music is appropriate for my kids to listen to. I never have to worry about offensive lyrics or questionable content.  Kidz Bop would take care of those worries anyway.  I love listening to kids singing. My kids love listening to kids singing. There is a connection that can't be matched. 

Another cool item we got to check out was Arm & Hammer's Tooth Tunes toothbrush.  This is a great idea!  All you have to do is press a button and start brushing after the beep.  The music will play for two minutes and you are done!  I really do like this toothbrush.  It has the quality that Arm & Hammer provides and the fun that kids want.  We have used apps while brushing, but they always seem to crash or not work properly.  This inevitably leads to tears, which is the last thing I need at bedtime.  I will be getting Amanda a Tooth Tunes Jr. toothbrush so she can join in the fun.

Kidz Bop is recommended for kids ages 5-12.  The MSRP is around $13.99 for the CD.  You can get it at the Kidz Bop Shop, iTunes, Amazon, and Google Play. 

Visit Kidz Bop's website for more information on other available CD's and music.


Thanks to Kidz Bop for providing the sample above to facilitate this review.  All opinions are 100% mine.

FREE Holiday Printables!!! (Christmas, Hanukkah, and Kwanzaa)

They are back!  Here are some free printables for the kids to get them revvvvvved up for the holidays!  On these links, you will find Christmas/Hanukkah/Kwanzaa Word Search Puzzles, Coloring Pages, Dot-to-Dot, Mazes, Word Searches and more!

CHRISTMAS

Click HERE for coloring printables from Parents.com

Click HERE for printables and worksheets from Education.com

Click HERE for coloring printables, word searches, cards, and more from Michaels.com

Click HERE for coloring printables, dot-to-dot, mazes and more from PrintActivities.com

Click HERE for coloring pages, word searches, mazes and clip art from Kaboose.com

Click HERE for coloring printables on About.com

Click HERE for Nativity printables on About.com

Click HERE for the 12 Days of Christmas printables on About.com

Click HERE for printables from HP Creative Studio for Home

HANUKKAH

Click HERE for coloring pages from Printables4kids.com

Click HERE for worksheets and printables from Education.com

Click HERE for coloring pages from Kaboose.com

Click HERE for word puzzles from Kaboose.com

Click HERE for printables from TheTeachersCorner.net

Click HERE for printables from HP Creative Studio for Home

KWANZAA

Click HERE for coloring printables from Kaboose.com

Click HERE for word searches and crosswords from Kaboose.com

Click HERE for word search and crossword puzzles from Activityvillage.com

Click HERE for worksheets, word search puzzles, coloring pages and more from Apples4theteacher.com

Click HERE for coloring pages, a word search puzzle and a crossword puzzles from acbteach.com

Click HERE for printables from HP Creative Studio for Home

Christmas Crack

Each Christmas I like to try a new recipe.  It can be a cookie,cake, cookie bar, drink...I'm not particular.  This year, I tried a Christmas Crack recipe.  Christmas Crack is a delicious dessert that won rave reviews at each party this holiday season.  Not only was it delicious, it is so easy to make.  With ingredients I am sure that you already have handy, this is a quick dessert to bring to parties or wrap up and gift to friends, teachers, or neighbors!!

Ingredients:

• 1 cup of butter
• 3/4 cup brown sugar
• 1 sleeve of Saltine Crackers or Graham Crackers
• 1 bag of chocolate chips (I used milk chocolate)
• Toppings such as pretzels or M&M’s

Directions:

1. Preheat your oven to 400 degrees.
2. Line a shallow roasting pan with foil that has been sprayed with Pam or a similar cooking spray.
3. Lay out the crackers in a single layer in the bottom of the pan.
4. Bring the 1 cup of butter and 3/4 cup brown sugar to a boil in a pan. Keep stirring the mixture constantly until it is well blended.  Once it is blended let it boil for 5 minutes while stirring.  
5. When the toffee is done, it will pull away from the edge of the pan easily.  You can then pour the toffee over the top of the crackers and spread it out.  It sets quickly, so try to spread it as much as you can. 
6. Immediately place the covered crackers in the oven for 5-6 minutes.
7. After this time, pull out the crackers and let them cool for about 5 minutes.
8. After it has cooled for 5 minutes sprinkle the top with the chocolate chips.  They will start to melt but if they don’t melt fast enough, just place the pan back in the oven for a minute or two.  When the chips are soft, spread the chocolate around with a spatula.  Smooth it out across the top to make it look pretty!
9. At this step, I decided to add some crushed pretzels and M&M's on top of the melted chocolate.  I have also heard of adding nuts or crushed peppermint candy on top.  The choice is yours!
10. Now you are pretty much done!  Let the pan set for 4-5 hours. If you are in a rush like I usually am, you can put the pan in the freezer for about 30-40 minutes.
11. When the chocolate is set turn the pan over, let the crackers turned candy fall out and break into pieces.
12. ENJOY and share only if you want!!!!!!

Hello Kitty Large Posable Doll

It's almost one week to Christmas.  If you are still looking for a great present for the 4 and up aged crowd, you can look no further.  Blip Toys now makes a large Hello Kitty doll that is poseable, dressable and has removable fashions.  Sound cool?  It definitely is!

Blip Toys was kind enough to send the Hello Kitty Princess Doll for review.  This doll is perfect for my little princess who loves all things sparkles and ruffles. I have always loved Hello Kitty from the time I was a little girl and now I have the opportunity to share this love with my daughter. 

This Hello Kitty Princess Doll comes complete with her own tiara and adorable ruffled dress.  I love that this large doll is a good size for smaller hands and the perfect size for a younger child to play with.  This doll is made of a durable, heavier plastic that will endure hours of playing.  The doll is movable and can sit, stand, turn her head or be placed in other poses. 

 

Not to worry, if your little one is not into playing princess.  There are 4 Hello Kitty Large Poseable dolls to choose from: a Princess, Pop Star, Dancer and Best Friend.  You will find that each doll also comes with their own, distinctive outfit and accessories like a scooter or a bed to complete the fun!

These dolls are recommended for ages 4 and up and the MSRP is $24.99.  You can pick one up at your local Target or online at Target.com.


Thanks to Blip Toys for providing the sample above to facilitate this review.  All opinions are 100% mine.

Snow Ice Cream

It finally happened! SNOW! I stumbled across this recipe on Frugal Upstate. Plus, it's a nice treat after all the hard work you put in while shoveling.

Enjoy!

Snow Ice Cream

Ingredients:

• 6 C of very clean snow
• 1/2 C Sugar
• 1 C Milk
• 1 tsp Vanilla

Directions:

• Put the snow in your biggest bowl.
• Sprinkle sugar over the top of the snow.
• Add milk & vanilla and then gently stir until the snow squishes down to about 1/4 of the volume you started with.

Once everything seems fully combined, dish into bowls and enjoy immediately!

Kid Friendly Pumpkin Pie

So my kids are not super picky eaters, but they do present their challenges from time to time.  I wanted to have adessert this Thanksgiving that I thought everyone might enjoy.  Now what is Thanksgiving with out pumpkin pie?  How about Ice Cream Pumpkin Pie?  I think I found a winner!

Ingredients

• 18 graham cracker boards

• 1/2 cup  (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted

• 2 tablespoons  cinnamon sugar

• 1 pint  chocolate chip ice cream, softened

• 1 pint  vanilla ice cream, softened

• 1 cup  solid pack pumpkin

• Chocolate curls for garnish, optional

 

Directions:

1. Heat oven to 350 degrees F.
2. In food processor, pulse graham crackers to form fine crumbs. Add butter and 1 tablespoon of the sugar; pulse to moisten crumbs. Press into bottom and up sides of a 9-inch deep-dish pie plate.
3. Bake at 350 degrees F for 10 minutes. Remove to a rack; cool completely.
4. Spread the softened chocolate chip ice cream over the bottom of the cooled crust. Freeze until hardened, about 3 hours.
5. In a medium-size bowl, mix together the vanilla ice cream, pumpkin and remaining tablespoon of cinnamon sugar. Spread over the top of the frozen chocolate chip layer. Freeze 3 hours or overnight.
6. To serve, garnish with chocolate curls if desired. If frozen overnight, let stand at room temperature for 15 minutes before serving. Makes 8 servings.

 

Check this recipe out and find more on Parents.com

 

 

Layered Salted Caramel Bars

 

I am looking to add some new dessert ideas to my holiday lineup this year.  I will be starting with this one.  Maybe for breakfast?  Sure...why not!

Layered Salted Caramel Bars

Pillsbury® Crescent Recipe Creations® refrigerated seamless dough sheets are the base for these breakfast bars that incorporate all your favorite caramel roll flavors.

    

prep time 15 min                    

total time 60 min

servings 12                    

 

Ingredients

• 1/3  cup butter, melted
• 1/2  cup packed brown sugar
• 1     tablespoon corn syrup
• 1/2  teaspoon salt
• 1/2  cup chopped pecans (optional)
• 1/2  cup granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
• 3 cans (8 oz each) Pillsbury® Crescent Recipe Creations® refrigerated seamless dough sheet 
• 1/4 cup butter, melted                

 

Steps

1. Heat oven to 350°F. In small bowl, mix 1/3 cup melted butter, the brown sugar, corn syrup and salt. Spread evenly in ungreased 13x9-inch pan. Sprinkle with pecans.                         
2. In small bowl, mix granulated sugar and cinnamon. Unroll one of the dough sheets. Press into 13x9-inch rectangle. Place in pan. Brush with some of the 1/4 cup melted butter, and sprinkle with some of the cinnamon sugar. Repeat with remaining dough sheets, butter and cinnamon sugar, ending with cinnamon sugar.
3. Cover with foil. Bake 20 minutes. Remove foil; bake 25 to 30 minutes longer or until deep golden brown. Immediately turn pan upside down onto heatproof tray or serving plate. Let stand 1 minute so caramel will drizzle over rolls; remove pan. Cut into 4 rows by 3 rows.                     

Expert Tips

**If you can't find Pillsbury® Crescent Recipe Creations® refrigerated seamless dough sheets, you can substitute Pillsbury® refrigerated crescent dinner rolls. Just be sure to firmly press perforations to seal.

**These bars are best served straight from the oven while the caramel is still warm.

For more great recipes like this one, go to Pillsbury.com!!!