"The Grand Scream of Things" by Andy Z CD Review...

"Award winning independent kids’ musician Andy Z will celebrate this Halloween season with the release of his fifth studio CD, The Grand Scream of Things, a musical Halloween audio play created especially for kids in their “tweens.”  (a2z Productions, $14.99, run time 66 minutes, for ages 8 - 12, release date October 9, 2012).
 

This Halloween fantasy begins with young Andy Z emerging from a dream state where he has been exhorted to “Find the Witch.”   Very much in the mode of an “old time radio show” with musical interludes, Andy’s day is a series of surreal adventures, which are mysteriously under the spell of his romantic interest, Pleadia, a teenage alien.  The Grand Scream of Things is like Fibber Magee and Molly meets Sponge Bob on a Halloween Day packed with more stream of consciousness adventure than even James Joyce could “conjure up.”
 

Driven by Andy Z’s quest to introduce a new art form to the landscape of entertainment for the 8 to 12 year old set, The Grand Scream of Things gives kids a chance to use their imaginations to create their own visual images for this hip bit of aural theater that incorporates a mixed bag of pop musical styles.

Produced by Grammy® nominee Tor Hyams, The Grand Scream of Things features ten Andy Z originals that range in style from Brit and American punk to hip-hop and even Big Band swing.  Listeners will hear echoes of Green Day, The Ramones, Jimmy Eat World, Jack Johnson, John Mayer, and ‘70s funk band Brick.  (Andy’s song, “Pumpkin Patch,” which has been featured on NBC’s Today Show in multiple Halloween segments, is heard here in a Brit punk version titled “Punkin Patch.”)"

What we thought:  This is a really fun CD to get kiddos in the spirit of Halloween.  The songs and skits are fun without being too scary, which makes them great for school-age kids.  We love Andy Z and he definitely doesn't disappoint on "The Grand Scream of Things" :)  ABCD Diaries gives this CD an A+!

Please visit http://thegrandscreamofthings.com for more info!

Disclosure:  ABCD Diaries was given a copy of this CD for review purposes only. We were in no other way compensated. The opinions expressed in this post are ours and ours alone.

Applegate Organic Meats Review and Giveaway...

Thanks to MomsMeet and Applegate, we recently had the chance to sample some delicious organic and natural meats and cheese.

 We prefer our deli meats and cheeses to be natural and organic because, in our opinion, they just taste better.  Applegate naturals have that taste that is true to meat...they don't taste over processed or fake, they just taste like good, lean meat!  Of course, we tried the bacon and man was it good!  The turkey breast was fantastic as well, and the cheese was a big hit too:)  Our entire family enjoyed the Applegate products we reviewed.

Applegate has such a large variety of products to choose from and they would be great to serve at your quickly approaching holiday get-togethers.  Wouldn't it be great knowing you were feeding your guests a natural, organic meat and cheese tray that actually tasted great!? 

You can find out more about Applegate products at:

www.applegate.com

www.facebook.com/applegatefarms

www.youtube.com/ApplegateFarms

www.Twitter.com/Applegate

ask.applegate.com/applegate

Little Miss Muffin Review...

"Little Miss Muffin and all of her friends are ready to Pop n’ Flip into your hearts! Hiding snugly inside her own muffin cup, pull Little Miss Muffin’s top, pop the muffin n’flip inside to see your very own Little Miss Muffin doll! Dressed in adorable aprons ready for baking fun, Little Miss Muffins are soft and cuddly with cheerful faces. Sure to delight children ages 3 and up."

 

"There are ten Little Miss Muffin dolls, each with their own scent: Miss Chip, Blueberry, Pumpkin, Cherry, Plum, Sugar, Cinnamon, Vanilla and Coconut.  Little Miss Muffin is available in two sizes, 9 inch and a jumbo 19 inch size.  They are available for purchase currently at Toys “R” US stores, ToysRUs.com, Walmart stores, and coming soon to Target stores. 

 You can see the entire Little Miss Muffin doll line on ToysRUs.com."

What we thought:  6-year-old A has really enjoyed playing with her Little Miss Muffin doll!  She loves that the doll actually smells like blueberries:)  She can easily be changed from doll to muffin and makes a great friend.  The doll is super cute and would be a fantastic gift for any doll-loving kiddo.  ABCD Diaries gives Little Miss Muffin an A+!

Disclosure:  ABCD Diaries was given a sample for review purposes only. We were in no other way compensated. The opinions expressed in this post are ours and ours alone. 

Songs in the Shade of the Olive Tree Review...

The Secret Mountain Presents the latest in its acclaimed series of international music storybooks:

 

Songs in the Shade of the

Olive Tree

Lullabies and Nursery Rhymes from the Maghreb

 

Colorfully illustrated hardbound story book includes a CD

"The entrancing music of North Africa is featured in a new book-CD for children from The Secret Mountain: Songs in the Shade of the Olive Tree: Lullabies and Nursery Rhymes from the Maghreb. This is the latest release in a series of international titles featuring soothing songs and rhymes performed by singers from various cultures. Produced in Paris under the direction of Hafida Favret, Magdeleine Lerasle and Paul Mindy, the book draws children into a musical journey across North Africa, from the Sahara Desert through the Atlas Mountains to the Mediterranean Sea. In these story-songs about everyday life, children learn about things important for survival in a harsh environment. The rhymes and lullabies refer to the importance of rain, the communal aspects of meals and the consequences of inappropriate behavior.  

The storybook features lyrics to each song reprinted in the original Arabic and translated into English, followed by notes on the origin and cultural context of each song. Full-color illustrations by Algerian-born artist Nathalie Novi provide a vivid context for each piece.

 

The accompanying CD features 30 songs from Algeria, Morocco and Tunisia, hauntingly performed by women, men and children from each culture. The music is a mix of ancient and modern styles recorded with indigenous acoustic instruments."

What we thought:  This line of books/CDs is a great way to introduce children and adults alike to the music and language of different countries.  This particular book and CD are absolutely beautiful!  The illustrations are colorful and really well-done.  They give us a gorgeous look of life in the Maghreb.  We had a great time listening to the CD which is overflowing with some really neat music and lyrics.  ABCD Diaries gives Songs in the Shade of the Olive Tree an A+! 

Disclosure:  ABCD Diaries was given a sample for review purposes only. We were in no other way compensated. The opinions expressed in this post are ours and ours alone. 

Ozokidz CD Review...

Ozomatli Presents OzoKidz

New CD Available on Tuesday, September 25

"Ozomatli Presents OzoKidz is in stores now, and the band can't wait for everyone to hear it. Now, your kids may get into the act of creating art inspired by these new songs.

Folks who purchase the new OzoKidz CD at participating independent record stores will receive a FREE OzoKidz chalk box which contains a link to the bonus track, "Vamos a Cantar."

Kids (and parents ) everywhere are invited to enter the
OzoKidz Chalk Art Contest!

Entry Details:

 All you have to do is recreate the Ozokidz album cover art on your driveway or sidewalk. OR for the bonus prize, create a visual representation of the bonus track "Vamos A Cantar," using the Ozokidz chalk. Send us photos of your artwork and we'll pick the best ones. Winners will receive an OzoKidz prize pack!

Send photos to ozofans@gmail.com

When sending photos, entrants must include the Ozokidz chalk box in the photo. For a list of record stores participating in the chalk box giveaway, please visit: http://www.recordstoreday.com 

Please call your local store ahead to confirm they have the items."

For more information and updates, visit www.ozomatli.com/ozokids.

What we thought:  We reviewed this CD and it was fabulous!  The CD features several different music styles that really got the kiddos moving:)  Ozomatli is a Grammy winning, multicultural, polyrhythmic band based in Los Angeles and their music is full of high-energy fun!  What a great way to get the kids up and moving while introducing them to many different kinds of music and lyrics!  ABCD Diaries gives Ozokidz an A+!

 
Disclosure:  ABCD Diaries was given a sample for review purposes only. We were in no other way compensated. The opinions expressed in this post are ours and ours alone. 

Peppa Pig Toys Review...

Who loves Peppa Pig?  We do!  Check out a few of  the newest items in the Peppa Pig line up:

Sip 'N Oink Tea Set:

Classroom Playset with Ms. Gazelle:

The Peppa Pig line also includes plush, Here is Plush George:

And books!  This one is perfect for the holidays:

And of course, a DVD full of some of the most popular episodes:

Both A and D are HUGE Peppa and George fans, so they were thrilled to get to review these items!  The Peppa Pig line includes a variety of toys, books, DVDs and more that would make fantastic gifts for the pig lover in your life:)  The kiddos play with the tea set and plush George all the time and even though Christmas is still a ways out, we have read "Peppa Pig and the Lost Christmas List" several times:)  The DVD is in the regular rotation as well...and with the rain we've recently been getting we've been doing some "jumping in muddy puddles" of our own:)  ABCD Diaries gives Peppa Pig toys, books and DVDs an A+! 

Disclosure:  ABCD Diaries was given samples for review purposes only. We were in no other way compensated. The opinions expressed in this post are ours and ours alone. 

Fraas Infinity Scarf Review...

FRAAS DEBUTS A CONTEMPORARY INFINITY SILHOUETTE FOR FALL:
WITH FOUR SMART COLOR WAY OPTIONS, IT IS AN IDEAL ACCESSORY AND WARDROBE ENHANCER FOR A SELF OR GIFT PURCHASE

"The rising interest in the scarf and wrap/stole category is evident everywhere, as witnessed by looking around at fashion-savvy women. And no collection is more on-target than the luxurious line up of versatile options from FRAAS in their Fall 2012 collection.
          More than 100 new FRAAS brand styles are debuting in the upcoming season--many in multiple color way options. Three on-target and very elegant palettes and themes are apparent--Woodland Guardians, Mineral Explosion, and Decadent Traveler. Neutrals, jewel tones and accent pop colors provide savvy consumers with the right styling and best shades to work with existing and new wardrobes.
          Take Style 060542, the Fairisle Infinity, for example-- which is comprised of acrylic, nylon and a bit of wool. It is soft and extremely lightweight which makes it a great item for transitioning from season to season. It is also ideal for travel and almost any location and climate. It loops easily and requires no tying which is one of the genius things about an infinity scarf. Not only will it dress up and function with outerwear, it will look great with a sweater, dress or blouse, and as an accent accessory. Colors include navy/turquoise, camel/ivory, rose/petal, and black/grey. This particular item retails in most stores for abut $40."
          
                                                        

What we thought:  This gorgeous scarf is super lightweight which makes it the perfect addition to your accessory wardrobe year round!  It really is a beautiful piece that adds a lot of texture and style to any outfit.   I absolutely love to neutral colors of the camel/ivory scarf, but they also come in bold combo colors like navy /turquoise and rose/petal for a true pop of color.  I just know this will be in my regular rotation this fall and winter!  ABCD Diaries gives the Fraas Infinity Scarf an A+!

Disclosure:  ABCD Diaries was given a sample for review purposes only. We were in no other way compensated. The opinions expressed in this post are ours and ours alone.