Beethoven's Wig: Sing Along Piano Classics Review and Giveaway

What or Who is Beethovens's Wig?

Beethoven once said, "If my music had words it'd be a lot more popular." His wish has come true, but he had to wait 200 years for the other half of his team. Modern day “co-writer” Richard Perlmutter, lyricist and lead singer with four-time GRAMMY® nominee Beethoven’s Wig, has, in the Beethoven’s Wig series of recordings, added witty and insightful lyrics to instrumental selections by Beethoven (and Bach, Mozart, et al.) that have zipped the works of the longhairs to the tops of the charts and created a charming, fresh, and memorable introduction to some of the world’s greatest music.

A number of years ago, Richard Perlmutter was toying with the idea of creating lyrics set to masterpieces of classical music when one day, while humming Beethoven’s Fifth Symphony, the phrase “Beethoven’s Wig is very big” popped into his head. "It really resonated with my objectives because the words fit perfectly with the first eight notes of the symphony,” recalls Perlmutter. “Besides, the wig is sort of like a mascot for classical music." After dressing up the entire first movement with lyrics that are charged with “laugh out loud” humor that tickles funny bones of all ages, he turned to works of Mozart, Tchaikovsky, Haydn and other musical heavyweights. Eventually, his muse led him to a studio where he created a groundbreaking recording, backed up by full symphony orchestra and four opera singers.

Richard Perlmutter’s first album, Beethoven's Wig: Sing Along Symphonies, was released in 2002. Within a week of its debut, Perlmutter was featured on NPR’s All Things Considered, followed by an appearance on NBC’s Today Show. The album shot to the top of Amazon’s Bestseller List, holding the #1 position on both the Amazon classical and children's music sales charts for four months. Over the next year, Beethoven's Wig received 15 national awards including a GRAMMY nomination for Best Musical Album for Children.

When Perlmutter followed up in 2004 with Beethoven's Wig 2 (featuring an additional assortment of classical masterpieces fitted with his brainy lyrics), the two albums simultaneously took over the #1 and #2 spots on Amazon's Bestseller List. The overwhelming success of these two albums created a demand for live performances, and Beethoven’s Wig soon began to appear throughout the country in their own sold out shows and as featured guest performers with symphony orchestras and other ensembles. Meanwhile, Perlmutter received his second GRAMMY nomination for Beethoven’s Wig 2. Subsequent releases Beethoven's Wig 3 (2006) and Beethoven's Wig 4 (2008) also garnered GRAMMY nominations.

To date, the Beethoven's Wig series has broken all records with an astounding 46 national awards. Hailed as opening the door to "serious music" in a way that's fun, Beethoven's Wig is now the most honored musical group in family entertainment.

What is Sing Along Classics?

The fifth Beethoven’s Wig album, Beethoven’s Wig: Sing Along Piano Classics — in which the Wig turns from symphonic to piano music — will be released September 27. Beethoven’s Wig: Sing Along Piano Classics adds the Beethoven’s Wig spin to giants of the keyboard: Chopin, Mozart, Beethoven, Brahms, Schumann, Debussy, and Mussorgsky, as well as sprucing up works by modern composers Stravinsky, Schoenberg, and Henry Cowell with lyrics that are simultaneously thoughtful and highly amusing. Scott Joplin’s ragtime classic “The Entertainer” becomes the setting for a hilarious narrative about a piano that got stuck in the door and contains some of the funniest rhymes in music history. Perlmutter also makes sure not to overlook the most egalitarian piano composition of all, “Chopsticks.” Realizing that even the most erudite musical historians are a bit hazy about the origins of this ubiquitous two-finger keyboard classic, he comments ruefully, “‘Chopsticks’ is actually titled ‘The Celebrated Chop Waltz’ and was written by a sixteen-year-old English girl named Euphemia Allen who seemed to favor the pseudonym Arthur de Lulli. My lyrics begin: ‘My little chicken is peck, peck, peck, pecking. Whatever she's pecking she's wreck, wreck, wreck wrecking.’ In one part of the song I get to cluck like a chicken, backed up by some of the finest professional opera singers around singing ‘peck, peck, peck, pecking’ with exemplary operatic vocal production.”

What Did We Think?

This CD makes me think of a little boy who is forced to sit through a long "boring" piano concert. To keep himself entertained, he sits quietly in his seat, imagining the silliest of stories.  When you listen to this CD, you'll hear the beautiful piano classics in the background, paired with this boy's silly stories and you'll find yourself smiling! I sure did! Maggie is still a little young to understand all of the words to these songs, but I know as she gets older she'll love listenning to them. My favorite song is "Poor Uncle Joe." Poor Uncle Joe has a car that won't go and this song tells you all about it! I think this is a great CD that will introduce your children to beautiful classical music, while also keeping them very entertained! I also love that the 2nd half of this CD contains the piano classics with no lyrics. It's lovely to listen to!

Buy It!

You can purchase this CD (available 9/29/11) and the other 4 CD's from Beethoven's Wig at their website, http://beethovenswig.com/. You can also find them at Amazon.com.

Win It!

On of my readers is going to win their own copy of this cd. Use the easy entry form below to enter. Good luck!

EllieAnna Purse Co. Giveaway

Founded in 2009 in Lewiston, Maine, the EllieAnna Purse Co. offers custom, handmade fabric handbags, wallets, pouches, key fobs and other accessories as well as sea glass jewelry. All products are designed and created by Sarah Legare of Lewiston. EllieAnna Purse Co. is a home-based business and was named after Legare’s daughters, Ellie and Anna. For more information, please visit http://www.ellieannapurses.com./

The EllieAnna Purse Co. was recently invited to have their product, the mini list-taker, included in the official gift bags to be handed out at the News and Documentary Emmy ®Awards in New York City on Sept. 26. EllieAnna Purse Co. will provide 800 mini list-takers to be handed out to awards night attendees.

The News and Documentary Emmy® Awards is a major national broadcast journalism competition. It promotes journalistic excellence by awarding the coveted Emmy® to the very best news reports and documentary films aired on national television or streamed over the Internet each year. When the EllieAnna Purse Co. was asked to feature an item in the gift bags, Legare decided on sending the mini list-takers (which have a 3” x 5” note pad, a spot for a pen and a separate pocket) because she thought they would make the perfect gift for news and documentary professionals.

Sarah thinks these mini list-takers would also make a great gift for moms all over! That's why she's decided to give one away to one of my readers! The winner gets to choose any fabric from her in stock fabrics. For your chance at winning one of these Emmy-worthy WAHM creations, please use the entry form below. Good luck!

Cluck and Learn Barn from Bright Starts Review and Giveaway

Maggie's eyes lit up when I pulled the Cluck and Learn Barn from the box! I'm sure she thought it was her birthday again or Christmas! Then, she carried the box all over the house while I searched high and low for my camera.  Once I finally had camera in hand we sat down and opened the box up together to let the fun begin!

The Cluck and Learn Barn™ brings animal learning and ball drop surprise together to spark laugh out loud fun! Toddler can drop balls into the chicken to activate fun barnyard sounds, and to see which barn door they’ll pop out of! Pressing the buttons teaches animal names and sounds while ball dropping fosters counting and playing all at the same time!

Features:
 · 2 ways to play: 

1. Silly Sounds Mode: Drop balls into the top of the chicken to activate silly animal sounds. Balls will activate more silly sounds as they roll out of 2 different openings in the barn.
2. Learning Mode: Press the 3 light up buttons to learn animals sounds and names. Learn counting skills as balls drop through the barn. Open and close barn doors for funny barnyard sounds and to learn opposites


· Clucking chicken will encourage toddlers to play again.

Additional features:

· Includes 2 AA batteries
· Includes 4 character balls
· Balls can be stored inside the barn

One of the things I noticed and loved right off the bat was that the batteries were already installed and ready to go. When Maggie gets a new toy, she doesn't have much patience to wait for me to install batteries, especially when its one of those toys I have to break the screwdriver out for! She was able to start playing immediately!  And play she did!  She carried the Cluck and Learn barn from room to room. Wherever she went, so did this toy! She had a lot of fun dropping the balls in the top and watching them fall out through the different doors.

Days have gone by now and this toy has proven to be a toy that still gets played with on a daily basis. Maggie loves to push the buttons and listen to the fun music and animal sounds. You can even move the chicken on top from side to side. Of course, as the lucky person who gets to clean up every night, I love that all four balls can be stored easily inside the barn.

The Cluck and Learn Barn is part of Bright Starts brand new "Having a Ball" collection.  Each toy in this collection will surprise and delight them as balls pop, roll and wobble triggering lights, music and funny sounds.

Buy It!

You can purchase the Cluck and Learn Barn from ToysRUs for $24.99.

Win It!

One of my readers is going to win their own Cluck and Learn Barn! Just fill out the easy entry form below. Good luck!





*This is not a paid posting. Thanks to the company for the complimentary review and giveaway items.*

$25 Walmart Gift Card from The Printable Cottage

Could you use a $25 Walmart Gift Card? Well, then you're in luck because The Printable Cottage wants to give one away to one of my readers!

What's the Printable Cottage you ask? Well, I'm so happy you asked! The Printable Cottage was founded in 2011 to create a central location for DIY Printable Parties, Projects and Decor. The Printable Cottage teams up with graphic designers all over the world to bring you the most unique DIY printables you can find. You can check them out at http://www.thelettercottage.com/!

For your chance at winning the $25 Walmart Gift Card, all you need to do is "like" The Printable Cottage on Facebook, (click here!) let them know you're hoping to win the Thrifty Nifty Mommy giveaway, then use the form below to let me know you've done so. That's it! Good Luck!

Make sure while you're there, you check out the details on how you can win a $100 Target gift card for referring your friends! They are giving one away when they reach 1000 fans! You get one entry for every new fan you send them!

Making Silly Faces by In the Nick of Time Review and Giveaway

Who is In the Nick of Time? 

Nick Deysher records and performs as In the Nick of Time. Nick Deysher has released four previous In The Nick of Time albums, One Man Band (2001), In The Nick of Time (2003), Coconut Groove (2007), and the Parents’ Choice® Gold Award winning People, Places & Things (2009). Nick lives in Miami’s Coconut Grove neighborhood with his wife, Tracey (who sings on his albums), and dog, Lucy (who barks on his albums).

Noted for eclectic recordings that feature a smooth blend of rock, pop, disco, reggae, rap, jazz and funk, Nick Deysher and In The Nick of Time draw on a lush expanse of musical influences from the ‘60s, ‘70s, ‘80s, and beyond. Explains Nick, “I grew up listening to kids’ music by Bill Harley, Barry Louis Polisar and, of course, the Sesame Street records. I’m always amazed by how many of those songs I remember! My mom had all the Beatles albums on vinyl, and I sort of felt like they were uncles I never met. I try to pay homage to my influences on each of my CDs. Careful listeners will hear hints of Bob Marley, Johnny Cash, Paul Simon, Bob Dylan, The Ramones and many others (even Snoop Dogg).”

Nick Deysher is inspired not only by the music he’s heard and loved through the years, but also by day-to-day interactions with the kids he’s taught. He explains, “Making children’s music has been a natural thing for me because it’s a lot like teaching, and I’ve been teaching -- as a camp counselor, babysitter, music instructor, preschool teacher -- since I was a kid myself. Also, I’ve never really reached a point where I forgot what it was like to be 3 or 8 or 15.” In fact, Nick’s remarkable ability to connect with young children has earned him the affectionate nickname “The Toddler Whisperer.” After completing his undergraduate education as a jazz composition major at Bates College in Lewiston, Maine, Nick took a break to teach preschool, where his popularity soared because he made learning fun by incorporating his musical abilities into every lesson and activity. Nick went on to earn a master’s degree in Media Writing and Studio Music Production from the University of Florida’s prestigious Frost School of Music. The Academy of Television Arts and Sciences honored Nick in 2006 for his contribution to children’s music by presenting him with the prestigious Fred Rogers Memorial Scholarship.

What is Making Silly Faces?

Making Silly Faces in the fifth studio CD from In the Nick of Time, to be released on September 6. Celebrating the sounds of popular music from the ‘70s to the present day, Making Silly Faces opens with “The Sun Is Up (And So Am I),” a classic rock tune in the style of bands like The Rolling Stones, and then shifts easily to the funky hip-hop sounds of the album’s title track. From there, the music keeps on coming in a deluge of creativity, ranging from Latin mambo rhythms on “I Tried It ... I Liked It” to the Stevie Wonder-inspired “High Five Hive” to a ‘70s disco tune (“Dancing Pants”) that’s sure to get parents and kids on the floor doing their best John Travolta moves. “In The Nick of Time” picks up the sound of melodic rock groups like U2 and Coldplay, while the pop/dance “Slumber Party” is reminiscent of Pink, Lady Gaga and Rhianna. “Punk Rocks” is a driving, punk rock song about – well -- rocks! There’s even a salute to Led Zeppelin.

Says Nick Deysher, “When I started recording Making Silly Faces I wanted to create an album that spoke to the kid in me who remembers hearing this kind of music growing up. The themes relate directly to my childhood (making silly faces, picky eating, patience). Lyrically, I was writing to the little kid who loved to joke around but hated to try new things. Musically, I was borrowing bits and pieces of my favorite songs and groups.”

What We Thought of the CD:

Fun, fun, fun! My favorite song is "Slumber Party." It definitely has a Lady Gaga feel to it. You just want to get up and dance when you hear it!  I also really liked the song, "I Tried It...I Liked It!" This song is about a child who doesn't want to try odd foods, but then discovers after giving them a shot that they are GOOD! I was always such a picky eater and now that I've gotten older and have opened up to trying new things, I realize what I was missing out on!
We really found this CD to be a joy to listen to! Maggie and I both give it 2 thumbs up!

Buy This CD

This CD releases on September 6th! Visit In the Nick of Time for details on ordering your own CD (click here!).

Win It!

One lucky Thrifty Nifty Mommy fan will win their own copy of this CD! Just use the easy entry form below for your chance to win!



*This is not a paid posting. Thanks to the company for the complimentary review and giveaway items.*

Laurie Berkner Band Party Day DVD Winner!

Congratulations to Lisa Holcomb you've won today! You supplied your shipping info already, so I've forwarded it on to the company and you should have your prize soon. Enjoy!

Chai-brary Sweepstakes

I just finished entering the "Your Very Own Chai-brary" Sweepstakes from Oregon Chai!! Oregon Chai’s new Facebook sweepstakes, Chai-brary, has just been brewed. It highlights reading and enjoying chai as the ideal Me Time moment.

One lucky entry will receive $1,000 to buy whatever is needed to make their reading more enjoyable. We’re also giving 1,000 runners up a $5 Amazon gift card, and all entrants will receive $1 toward any Oregon Chai product just for entering. Click here to enter!

I've said it before, I'll say it again, I LOVE my Oregon Chai! I'm addicted and can not start my day without it. It is SO much better than coffee!!


*This post is sponsored by Oregon Chai*

Kitchen Counter Cooking School Giveaway

THE KITCHEN COUNTER COOKING SCHOOL is essentially “What Not to Wear” meets Michael Pollan. Inspired by a supermarket encounter with a woman loading up on processed foods, Le Cordon Blue graduate, and author of The Sharper Your Knife the Less You Cry, Kathleen Flinn decided to use her recent culinary training to help a group of nine culinary novitiates find their inner cook. These students invited Flinn into their kitchens where she took inventory of each person’s refrigerator, cabinets and eating habits. After kitchen “makeovers” and a series of basic lessons where they learned to wield knives, trust their taste and improve their food choices, the women found a common missing ingredient—confidence. In this new book, Flinn follows these women’s journeys and includes practical, healthy tips to boost readers’ culinary confidence, strategies to get the most from their grocery dollar and simple recipes to get readers cooking.

This book is a stirring, practical and humorous book that shows how boosting your self-confidence in the kitchen can make your entire life easier, cheaper, healthier and more fun. It has the potential, along with programs like First Lady Michelle Obama’s “Let’s Move Campaign”, to really change America ’s relationship with food and positively affect the obesity rates in the US . THE KITCHEN COUNTER COOKING SCHOOL offers practical lessons and easy recipes that can be enjoyed by cooks of a variety of skill levels.

One of my readers is going to win a copy of this brand new book! Please note that it will not be released unitl October 3rd, therefore the winner's copy will be mailed October 3rd.




*This is not a paid posting..*

Bizzie B Cookies Review

There's no quicker way to my heart than by sending me sweets! I love my sweets--in fact, I normally have some beside my bed in case I get hungry at night. I know, it's horrible!

Bizzie B Cookies is a new business that sells homemade cookies on Etsy.  Here's a little bit about the owner of Bizzie B Cookies:

I'm Liz, a mother of 4 wonderful kiddos, and a devoted wife of a soldier. I prefer to work out of the home so I can be home to help my babies and husband when needed and still bring in some income. I plan to start out with cookies, and soon add candies, brownies, spiced nuts and cookie bars.

Liz sent me 3 types of cookies to try out: Peanut Butter (my husband's request), Chocolate Madness (obviously my #1 choice) and Pumpkin Surprise (this one made me think of fall so I wanted to try it.)  They were all SO good! Yum, we gobbled them up in one day!

(Two of the many failed picture attempts as my daughter moved in for the steal)

Actually, when the box came and I saw who it was from I got ready to tear it open and then realized that I couldn't do that unless I had my camera in hand. My daughter was there and I knew the minute she saw the cookies she (and I!) would want them. When I opened the box I think my daughter could smell them--she WANTED them! She waited ever so NOT patiently while mommy took a few pictures. I had to keep retaking them because her head or hand got in the way as she tried to grab them and run! After I finally got a decent shot, she and I sat on the floor together and enjoyed a pumpkin surprise cookie. I fell in love instantly! I think that was actually my favorite of the 3 cookies! When we finished our cookies, my daughter immediately asked for mom. It was almost dinner time though, so I made her wait for more until after dinner!

(Trying to wait patiently)

All of these cookies were SO good though and I'd recommend her to any of my friends! She does a fabulous job! Much better than I do when I make cookies!! You can purchase her cookies through her Etsy store for $15 for 2 dozen.

(She can't take her happy eyes off of them!)

Liz also has a giveaway going on on her Facebook page right now! Whoever refers the most fans while she works towards 150 fans will get some free cookies! SO, what are you waiting for? Head over, "like" her page, and then invite your friends! Click her to go to her Facebook page, and here for her Etsy Shop!

Happy eating!

P.S. For those planning their Christmas presents for me, yes--this would make a good stocking stuffer!

*This is not a paid posting. Thanks to the company for the complimentary review items.*

Fanciu Cashmere Cardigan Giveaway

Have you ever though, "gosh, I'd love to have a stunning outfit to get my child's pictures taken in, but they cost SO much and will only be worn once?" Well, now there's a solution to your problem! Check out http://www.fanciu.com/! Fanciu offers an exclusive collection of designer children's special occasion clothing for sale and for rent. All of their garments are as good as new... only less expensive!

To celebrate their grand opening, they'd like to offer a giveaway to my readers! One lucky fan will win a gorgeous creme cashmere cardigan. The suggested retail price for this cardigan is $221!! Winner chooses size 2T-12!

For your chance at winning, please fill out the easy entry form below. Good luck!

Oh Sew Green Winner

Jan Messali, you are the lucky winner! You already supplied your address, so I'll get them mailed off to you ASAP. Enjoy your new bibs!!

Hippeez Fitted Diaper Winner!

Congratulations to Krystyl Olson! You're the, I'm sure, proud owner of a custom Hippeez diaper! I'm sending you an email now. You'll have 48 hours to respond to the email to claim your prize. Enjoy!

$25 Target Gift Card Giveaway from The Printable Cottage

Could you use a $25 Target Gift Card? Well, then you're in luck because The Printable Cottage wants to give one away to one of my readers!


What's the Printable Cottage you ask? Well, I'm so happy you asked! The Printable Cottage was founded in 2011 to create a central location for DIY Printable Parties, Projects and Decor. The Printable Cottage teams up with graphic designers all over the world to bring you the most unique DIY printables you can find. You can check them out at www.thelettercottage.com!


For your chance at winning the $25 Target Gift Card, all you need to do is "like" The Printable Cottage on Facebook, (click here!) let them know you're hoping to win the Thrifty Nifty Mommy giveaway, then use the form below to let me know you've done so. That's it! Good Luck!

 Make sure while you're there, you check out the details on how you can win a $100 Target gift card for referring  your friends! They are giving one away when they reach 1000 fans! You get one entry for every new fan you send them!

Momprenuer Fashionista Giveaway!

Who's ready for a momprenuer, fashionista giveaway?! Girlactik Beauty and Raina Belts have teamed up to bring you just that!

What's Girlactik Beauty?

In late 1999, Galit Strugano, a Los Angeles native and founder of girlactik beauty, was working as a Hollywood makeup artist. When the glitter craze ignited, Galit was frustrated by the mess that glitter makeup made while applying it to her many clients. Determined to find a solution, she decided she would develop a sparkle formula that would work effortlessly for her, as well as others, once she saw celebrities walk down the red carpet with a perfect, beauty sparkling look that was flawless - and not to mention glamourous!

Galit's concept was simple. She created "sparkle makeup that actually stayed put." With a budget of $1,800, Galit scoured the Yellow Pages and found a chemist who helped her invent her signature long-lasting base and easy-to-use fine sparkles. With her makeup expertise and an eye for beauty, girlactik was born!

After three years of hard work on product development, and through word-of-mouth, girlactik has become the premier line of sparkle makeup. The line has attracted a huge celebrity base including Britney Spears, Carmen Electra, Alicia Keys, Christina Aguilera, Eve, Julia Roberts, Ali Landry and more.

Galit's passion and dedication to girlactik has enabled her to receive impressive reviews from makeup artists, magazines, major beauty companies, and industry experts. Roseanne Fama, the Vice President of New Product Development for L'Oreal considers girlactik's Star Gloss lipglosses as one of the most "goop-free, goof-proof glosses," as quoted in O magazine.

With Galit's continuing search for sparkle and glam, she is constantly developing and creating diverse products that sparkle and shimmer. Her product line includes: her signature sparkle liner/shadow, shimmering highlighters, eye shadows, and glosses, among others.

Galit Strugano dreams of expanding the company into additional divisions offering sparkle and glam to women of all ages. Galit believes that sparkle makeup is for everyone. From the "subtle shine" to the "glam sparkle" look, anyone can enjoy and have fun with girlactik beauty and receive many compliments. Now how can you go wrong about that!

What are Raina Belts?

Raina Belts is an exclusive luxury line of statement belts with original designs based in Los Angeles, CA. The belts range from vintage-inspired feminine pieces to glamorous fashion-forward statement belts. Designer and founder Raina Zarfaty's creations truly define the term "jewelry for the waist".  Raina Belts are hand-made vintage-inspired belts created from supple leathers and custom hardware.

What can you Win?

Raina Belts wants to give one of my readers this beautiful belt worth $215!:

Girlactik Beauty would like to giveaway a lip gloss and cream blush in your color choice ($34 for both!)

It's so easy to enter to win! Just fill out the easy entry form below!

*This is not a paid posting. Thanks to the companies for the giveaway items.*

Woogie Monster Cloth Diapers Giveaway

 Woogie Monster Cloth Diapers was created with  two ideas in mind:

• Many people choose to cloth diaper to save money, so they should be affordable!
• Its usually harder to get Daddies on board, so they hope to make diapers that appeal to the Dads (but also the moms too!!)

These are One Size fits most diapers, 8-25lbs.

They're still a new company, but in time they hope to open an online store with a huge selection of fun, unique diapers!

Right now Woogie Monster Cloth Diapers offers diapers in many colors with these fun phrases:

• Daddy's Wingman
• His Royal Hiney
• Her Royal Hiney
• It Ain't Gonna Wipe Itself
• Rootin' Tootin'

Woogie Monster Cloth Diapers would like to give one a my readers a prize pack of THREE diapers! You pick your diapers from their in stock items. Use the easy entry form below to enter. Good luck!

*This is not a paid posting. Thanks to the company for the giveaway prizes.*

National School Supply Winner!

Congratulations to Jordyn Lessenberry! You've just won a Melissa and Doug Sandwich Making Kit from National School Supply! Enjoy your prize!

Wild Child CD Review and Giveaway

What Is It?

Recess Music, a company that strives to awaken kids to the magnificence of our planet through albums of earth-friendly music, released August 16th, Wild Child, the fourth in its award-winning “Celebrate Earth” series of CDs. Singing the praises of Africa fauna, the 14 tracks of Wild Child showcase musical contributions by a sampling of today’s most gifted kids’ musicians, including Jack Grunsky, Anna Moo, and Danny Adlerman.

Notes Recess Music’s founder, Nancy Doan, “Of all the creatures on Earth, the animals of Africa are some of the most threatened in our world. When I think of the children of future generations, I’m struck by how sad it will be if they never have the possibility of seeing an elephant or a tiger or a hippo in its natural habitat. I believe that Mother Nature intended for ALL of Earth's inhabitants to share our green planet with one another.”


Wild Child opens with “Earth Lullaby,” featuring the beautiful voice of Kathy Lowe accompanied by African drums, chorus, electric guitar and bass, and continues with a gospel-tinged celebration of the Serengeti plain by the team of Aaron Glassman and Andrew Spence. Penelope Torribio gently captures the delicate beauty of a fragile environment as she sings “Rainforest By Morning.” Exotic birdcalls at the song’s conclusion create a smooth transition to Jack Grunsky’s relaxed, Caribbean styled “Sunrise In The Jungle.” The African day builds momentum with Ed Jordan and Alan Glass offering delightfully catchy rhymes about “Rita, the Cheetah.” More animal calls announce the South African sounds of Danny Adlerman singing “Africa Calling,” and Anna Moo poses some provocative questions in her exotic, “Mysteries Of The Nile.” The African experience continues with evocative selections by Birdie’s Playhouse, Kimmy Schwimmy, Melita Doostan, Wayne From Maine, and Aaron Burnett. At the album’s close, Cosima offers a taste of authentic African language in “Thula Baba,” with Tish Steinfeld settling listeners down for the evening in “Full Moon Over Africa.”


While experiencing a multi-faceted life as a mother, wife, and minister, Nancy Doan became convinced of the need to make the world a better place through a two-fold approach: sustaining our environment and teaching kindness. Because music held a prominent place in both her own childhood and her experiences as a mother, Nancy developed an appreciation of the power of music as an educational tool. When the onset of systemic lupus erythematosus dictated a career change, she cast about for a way to continue to serve the causes to which she had dedicated her life. This search ultimately led to the creation of Recess Music, a company dedicated to the twin goals of environmental awareness and social empathy.

Fulfilling its declared mission of entertaining, encouraging, and educating children and families about the wonders of our planet, Recess Music has previously released three albums in the “Celebrate Earth” series, beginning with Celebrate Earth in spring 2010. Growing Veggie Soup followed, with songs chosen for their focus on gardening and sustainable farming practices. The music of Ocean Motion, the award-winning third installment of the “Celebrate Earth” music series, is dedicated to the understanding and preservation of the world’s ocean life and its habitats.


Coming next from Recess Music, in fall 2011, will be U R Some 1, the second in the company’s “Best Foot Forward” series of albums dedicated to helping kids value a world that is wise, fair, and generous hearted.

What We Thought:

The Lion King meets a hippy commune--that's what came to my mind when I first started listening to "Wild Child" with Maggie. I LOVE this CD! The tunes are catchy and fun. Its all about African animals and the music has an Earthy feel to it.  My favorite song is "Elephant in the Congo" which has this fun beat that makes me think of Jamaican music. This song talks about Elephants and how they are being threatened by the shrinking size of the Congo and the sale of their ivory. Even my husband said how much he liked that song!

Maggie, I have learned, loves to have background noise (she must get it from me, I'm the same way!). She normally always asks to have something on the tv. I've had this CD on all morning though and she's been so happy listening to it that she hasn't asked for a movie. She's happily playing right now while I type!

I give this CD 2 thumbs up and know that we'll be listening to it a lot in years to come!

BUY IT!

Wild Child is available online at http://www.recessmusic.com/, amazon.com and its international affiliates, iTunes, and brick and mortar retailers throughout the U.S.

CD Details: Wild Child

• For ages 4 - 12.
• Label: Big Round Records
• SRP: $11.99
• Run time: 47 minutes.

Win It!

One lucky reader will receive their own copy of this CD! Just fill out the easy entry form below!



*I was not paid for this review. Thanks to the company for the complimentary review and giveaway items.*

The Prancing Pony Review and Giveaway

I don't know if I've ever met a little girl who didn't adore horses. All of my nieces love them and even at a year old Maggie started to show a love for them. The second animal sound she learned to make was for a horse! So when I was contacted by The Prancing Pony to do a review for them, I knew Maggie would be happy to review their products!

The Prancing Pony sent us a generous sampling of their products. Here's what came to my door:

The Kenzie Appaloosa, The Spring Fling Sassy Sack, The Sweet Yvonne Unicorn and Lil Giddy Up!

Maggie just giggled with excitement as I pulled the stuffed animals out of the box.  She's really gotten into being girly. She loves putting on my jewelry, shoes, and carrying around purses! Well, the little pony in a purse made by Douglas was an immediate hit! She loves taking the horse out of the purse then putting it back in. She carries it around everywhere! The same can also be said about the sweet little puppy and purse set also from Douglas. It's nice because depending on her outfit, I can "encourage" her to pick the purse and animal set that matches when we go out.

Maggie also received a horse that has a removable blanket (The Kenzie Appaloosa). She really enjoys covering her baby dolls with blankets and so the horse has been a great addition to her toys. It has joined her list of stuffed animals that needs to head up to bed with her every night!

The sweet Yvonne Unicorn stuffed animal Maggie was sent is SO soft! It is made by Mary Meyer and is just ever so precious! She was thrilled to add this to the mix of her animals!

Not only did I get these four items, but there was also a surprise in the box when I opened it. There were a few packs of stickers also tucked into the box! How sweet! The owner of the Prancing Pony always likes to stick in a surprise with her packages! I'm not sure if you can tell from the pictures, but the horse stickers are 3D! Maggie would probably just stick the stickers all over the house right now, so I'm saving them to put in her stocking this Christmas!

The Prancing Pony sells more than just horse stuffed animals. You can find lots of different stuffed animals from pigs, to frogs to bunnies and other goodies like Littlest Petshop Puzzles, animal erasers, sticker books and more! If you have a child that loves animals, you will find a gift for them there!

Besides a store having what I need, there are 2 other things I look for: customer service and prices. You'll find that both of these are fabulous at the Prancing Pony! You'll also find sales and free shipping on orders over $25!

Look to Prancing Pony Horse Toys and Other Animal Toys for all your favorite realistic, top-of-the-line brands like Safari, Schleich, Douglas Cuddle Toys, Mary Meyer, Breyer horse toys and more.

The Prancing Pony would like to send one of my readers their own goodie box, filled with the same sweet 4 stuffed animals we received! If you'd like a chance to win this prize just fill out the easy entry form below.



*This is not a paid posting. Thanks to the company for the complimentary review and giveaway items.*