I love love love Christmas time. Maybe it is because I am a big kid and adore being able to shop for the little ones and then help them try out their new toys. I love sitting back and getting to read new books, color pictures, and the decorating is always a blast! Of course being the wonderful person that I am, I thought it would be nice of me to share some of the great companies and products out there that I find for the Holiday season. Some will be products I am sent to review, some will be products we come across and I think would make a great addition. Not only will you find gift ideas, but you will find Holiday recipes, decorating ideas, craft projects, and any other fun holiday stuff I am let in on! If you know of a great product, craft, recipe, or decorating tip please let me know by emailing me at fivemonkiesreview@gmail.com (please include Gift Guide in the subject line).
Showing posts with label teens. Show all posts
Showing posts with label teens. Show all posts
Sunday, November 21, 2010
Affordable Scarves
You know before I moved to the North, I always thought scarves were pretty, but we didn't have a use for them in Florida. It never really got cold enough to warrant scarves. But since moving up here, I have indulged in my new found love of scarves. Well, I wouldn't say new found. When we lived in Alaska, I had like 25 scarves. LOL Now I only have like 6. But I am still finding new ones. It helps, maybe Donnie wouldn't agree, to have a site like Affordable Scarves to be able to find really pretty, useful scarves on.
One great thing about a scarf is that you can really show your personality with a great scarf. If you are wild at heart, take a peek at their animal print scarves. If you are a gardener, or shopping for one, then try the floral scarves. Me personally, I love the infinity scarves!
With rock bottom prices on amazingly sturdy products, you will be a repeat customer again and again. Kinda like me. There are a couple that I am eyeballing to wrap from Santa to myself. I did receive a gorgeous scarf to review from Affordable Scarves. It is a really long wrap style scarf called the Lyn Floral Wrap. I received it in black. The girls are trying to steal it from me constantly. The reason I choose a wrap instead of a regular scarf was because I wanted something that I could sit at the computer at, and be comfy and warm at the same time. It is so pretty that I have even worn it outside of the house. LOL It has a cute ruffled edge, and a barely noticeable rose pattern on it. The fabric is so soft that you will want to stay curled up in it. When I was sick last weekend, I did just that. I was running a fever so I wrapped up in my wrap, and then curled up in bed with more covers. The cost for this gorgeous wrap is only $42.46. If that is more than you want to spend, don't worry! Products at Affordable Scarves start at less than $20!
I can't close this without mentioning the Scarves.net site that is associated with Affordable Scarves. It is a site dedicated to showing you all the different ways to tie a scarf! So if you are a newbie or want to learn a new trick or two, then be sure to check out Scarves.net. You can follow Affordable Scarves on Twitter, or Like on Facebook, to keep up with sales, new styles, and contests for you to win. And for even more fun, check out the Affordable Scarves blog!
disclosure: I have a material connection because I received a gift or sample of a product for consideration in preparing to write this content. I was/am not expected to return this item or gift after my review period.
Tuesday, November 9, 2010
Lego Universe
"Adventure awaits in endless worlds of creative LEGO® fun where you can safely build, play and connect online. Build your custom LEGO Universe minifigure and join the Nexus Force, an elite team of heroes united to defeat the Maelstrom, a dark menace trying to destroy imagination!
Battle dark creatures, chat with friends and build custom LEGO creations like pets, rockets andrace cars ! The best players gain leader board fame and collect the coolest LEGO loot.
Within LEGO Universe, players will safely create, build, quest and socialize together. This entirely new online world will be the place for LEGO enthusiasts of any age to form their own fun adventures!"
We were sent a copy of the new Lego Universe game and I have to tell you, it is a BLAST! Braden has been playing this nonstop now for a week. Once he figured it out, he was hooked. Kenzie (even though she is all girlie here lately) has a love for Lego's and she likes this game as well. While she still prefers her Sims 3, she is playing Lego Universe a couple of times a week.
This game is pretty cool. When you purchase the game disc you get one month of access to the online world. After that you have to purchase additional access. You can purchase it in 1, 6, and 12 months at a time. This is the only area with the game that I have issues. You can only play it online. We haven't been able to play it offline, so I am assuming and going off what the website says, that unless you have internet access add continue to purchase the subscriptions then you can't play. The initial cost of the game is $39.99. Subscription prices are $9.99 to $89.99. Which is kinda suckish.
Overall the game is quiet good. You have so much to do and creating the characters (you can do up to 4), and the imagination factor in getting to build the worlds is really cool. If you have a kidlet who likes to play MMO's and you are wanting to find something more along their age level, then this is the route to take.
Battle dark creatures, chat with friends and build custom LEGO creations like pets, rockets and
Within LEGO Universe, players will safely create, build, quest and socialize together. This entirely new online world will be the place for LEGO enthusiasts of any age to form their own fun adventures!"
We were sent a copy of the new Lego Universe game and I have to tell you, it is a BLAST! Braden has been playing this nonstop now for a week. Once he figured it out, he was hooked. Kenzie (even though she is all girlie here lately) has a love for Lego's and she likes this game as well. While she still prefers her Sims 3, she is playing Lego Universe a couple of times a week.
This game is pretty cool. When you purchase the game disc you get one month of access to the online world. After that you have to purchase additional access. You can purchase it in 1, 6, and 12 months at a time. This is the only area with the game that I have issues. You can only play it online. We haven't been able to play it offline, so I am assuming and going off what the website says, that unless you have internet access add continue to purchase the subscriptions then you can't play. The initial cost of the game is $39.99. Subscription prices are $9.99 to $89.99. Which is kinda suckish.
Overall the game is quiet good. You have so much to do and creating the characters (you can do up to 4), and the imagination factor in getting to build the worlds is really cool. If you have a kidlet who likes to play MMO's and you are wanting to find something more along their age level, then this is the route to take.
Wednesday, October 27, 2010
Dragonart Evolution
If you have a budding artist in your home then this is one book you will want to put under his tree!
This drawing book contains:
With the rage being towards the mythical the past few years, Dragonart Evolution fits right into the genre and right into any artists heart that likes to try and draw knights and dragons. Braden was so excited to get this book and open it up. While he really isn't old enough to understand all the drawing concepts within the book, he definitely likes looking through the pictures and trying his hand at drawing the simpler dragons. MacKenzie is at a better age to sit down and draw the dragons. Her favorites are the more fairy tale dragons and she likes taking time with the wings. She does tend to get a bit "creative" while drawing the wings.
Did you know that Newsweek did an article called "The Creativity Crisis"? It talks about how kids aren't using their imaginations like they use to. I completely agree. I think kids today are so into video games and television shows that they just don't have the imaginations we had when I was little. I think that is why I prefer books to tv. I can actively engage my mind in what I am reading.

So to get your kids off the couch and having a different kind of fun, pop Dragonart Evolution under the tree this year. And when your artist is done creating, have them upload their designs onto DeviantArt.com and share with millions of other artists!
You can purchase Dragonart Evolution by J. "NeonDragon" Peffer at most of your favorite bookstores, including Amazon. Amazon has it for just under $16.
This drawing book contains:
- 60+ step-by-step demonstrations covering a variety of dragons, including medieval, fairy and sea-dwelling wyrms
- In-depth advice for drawing every part of the beast – eyes, ears, horns, wings, scale patterns, limbs and more
- Extra tips and tricks provided by your dragon guide, Dolosus
With the rage being towards the mythical the past few years, Dragonart Evolution fits right into the genre and right into any artists heart that likes to try and draw knights and dragons. Braden was so excited to get this book and open it up. While he really isn't old enough to understand all the drawing concepts within the book, he definitely likes looking through the pictures and trying his hand at drawing the simpler dragons. MacKenzie is at a better age to sit down and draw the dragons. Her favorites are the more fairy tale dragons and she likes taking time with the wings. She does tend to get a bit "creative" while drawing the wings.
Did you know that Newsweek did an article called "The Creativity Crisis"? It talks about how kids aren't using their imaginations like they use to. I completely agree. I think kids today are so into video games and television shows that they just don't have the imaginations we had when I was little. I think that is why I prefer books to tv. I can actively engage my mind in what I am reading.

So to get your kids off the couch and having a different kind of fun, pop Dragonart Evolution under the tree this year. And when your artist is done creating, have them upload their designs onto DeviantArt.com and share with millions of other artists!
You can purchase Dragonart Evolution by J. "NeonDragon" Peffer at most of your favorite bookstores, including Amazon. Amazon has it for just under $16.
Tuesday, October 12, 2010
Beauty and the Beast Diamond Edition
I will readily admit that my FAVORITE movie is Beauty and the Beast. I always loved how Belle could look past the way Beast looked, and see his heart. I remember seeing the movie many many years ago and falling in love with Disney right then and there. While I loved all the princess movies when I was little, Beauty and the Beast resonated with me. And now at 30 years old I am still enchanted with the dancing tea pot and cups. I could listen to the clock and candlestick bicker all day. And I still gasp when the last petal of the rose falls. I am thrilled that now I have two daughters of my own that I can share the classic tale of Beauty and the Beast with. And with the new Diamond Anniversary addition, I can enjoy it with the girls in a few new ways.
Did you know that Beauty and the Beast is only one of two animated movies ever nominated for an Academy Award? Or how bout the fact that it was the first Disney movie to inspire a Broadway stage play by the same name?
Disney’s most requested film, Beauty and the Beast, arrives for the first time on Blu-ray Hi-Def as the second installment to the company’s new Diamond Collection. The Blu-ray transformation reveals the magic, music and majesty of the film as never before experienced with state-of-the-art picture restoration, pristine 7.1 Digital Surround Sound and hours of additional viewing experiences that include behind the scenes features, deleted scenes, enhanced music tracks, immersive games and more.
I know we will spend a lot of time munching popcorn and watching this movie. You can purchase Beauty and the Beast where ever you like to get your movies at.
This would make one little girl smile a bright smile if she pulled it out of her stocking or unwrapped it from under the tree. I know, cuz I'd be smiling just as wide!
Did you know that Beauty and the Beast is only one of two animated movies ever nominated for an Academy Award? Or how bout the fact that it was the first Disney movie to inspire a Broadway stage play by the same name?
Disney’s most requested film, Beauty and the Beast, arrives for the first time on Blu-ray Hi-Def as the second installment to the company’s new Diamond Collection. The Blu-ray transformation reveals the magic, music and majesty of the film as never before experienced with state-of-the-art picture restoration, pristine 7.1 Digital Surround Sound and hours of additional viewing experiences that include behind the scenes features, deleted scenes, enhanced music tracks, immersive games and more.
I know we will spend a lot of time munching popcorn and watching this movie. You can purchase Beauty and the Beast where ever you like to get your movies at.
This would make one little girl smile a bright smile if she pulled it out of her stocking or unwrapped it from under the tree. I know, cuz I'd be smiling just as wide!
Tuesday, October 5, 2010
Piggy Paint
Sure to brighten any young girls heart to open up a gift basket full of nail polish. LOL Piggy Paint is one of those companies that you just love purchasing from. Not only are you going to get great products that do not contain any nasty chemicls (after all Piggy Paint is as natural as mud!), but you are going to find nail polish with names that make any girl, young or old, smile. Whether you have the more subdued color lover or the far out their bright as the sun color lover, then you will be covered. And even better, this polish is perfectly safe to place on the tiniest fingers without the fears of them sucking the paint off. While I am not saying the paint won't come off, what I am saying is that since the polish is completely natural and doesn't contain any harmful chemicals, then your little toe sucker (my girls preferred to bend themselves in half to suck on their toes instead of their thumbs!) won't have to be rushed to the emergency room.
Now with a whole new polish line called Project Earth designed for that tween in your life that might be a little eco-friendly, Piggy Paint is embarking on a new journey! With colors named things like "Drama" and "The Boyfriend Blues" your tween/teen is sure to love these colors. There is even a glow-in-the-dark color called "Radioactive". This is by far Kenzie's favorite and she has worn it every day since receiving it from Piggy Paint. It does take a couple of coats to really glow, but when it is glowing it is pretty cool.
Nail polish from Piggy Paint starts at $8.99 a bottle and goes up to higher prices for gift sets that include several bottles as well as polish remover.If you spend over $35 on items from the website you will receive free domestic shipping. You can connect with Piggy Paint via Twitter and Facebook to find out about secret sales and discount codes.
Piggy Paint makes great stocking stuffers or a tween/teen spa basket!
Use coupon code MONKIES10L to take 10% off your order from Piggy Paint.
Monday, October 4, 2010
Kameleon Jewelry
When you think about a chameleon, you think of an animal that can blend in with whatever situation it comes across. It has the ability to change it's color, change it's look so to speak, and transform into whatever the occasion calls for. As women we could really use that ability with a lot of things. LOL. I know I wish some days that my stove was really a chef in disguise.
Wouldn't it be nice if our jewelry had the ability to change into something different, but be able to retain the same base? Well, guess what! I have found a company who offers just that option. Kameleon Jewelry specializes in interchangeable jewelry pieces.
You can purchase either a necklace, ring, sunglasses, bracelet, and much more as your base. Then you get individual "jewel pops" that pop in and out of the base piece. The JewelPops come in a huge variety of pieces. You can get ones that are more elegant looking all the way to the other end of the spectrum where you have fun pops.
From the website:
JewelPops are available in a rainbow of colors and materials and being the same size, are able to migrate amongst the entire Kameleon Jewelry collection. Some are set with semi-precious stones, Swarovski Crystal, lab Opals or sparkling cubics and sport outrageous names like “Strawberry Shortcake” (Rhodochrosite) and “Midnight at the Oasis” (Blue Sunstone), adding a real element of fun to the Collection.
Kameleon Jewelry resonates with what today’s consumers are seeking – beautiful jewelry that is flexible, versatile and reflects a sense of individualism and style. Investing in Kameleon sterling silver comes with the added value of infinite possibilities tailored for every mood and wardrobe change.
Changing out your JewelPops are easy. You just push gently on the back of the pop to remove it, then gently push on the front to replace it. They have quite a snug fit and you will not have to worry about losing the pieces when you are out. I think that JewelPops would make a great gift for just about anyone. Especially teens who want that individuality most of all. With prices starting at $19.99 for a solid round pendant, and JewelPops costing from $24, you or your gift recipient will be able to have a lot of fun and a lot of "new" jewelry without the expensive price tag! With the simplicity in some of the designs and the ease of use, I would say that this would be a great gift for your tween to your your oldest recipient!
Connect now with Kameleon via Facebook or Twitter.
Monday, September 20, 2010
Whiplash Scooter
Have you seen the really scary skateboards? You know the ones that require actual concentration and actual body movement to keep the momentum going? Well, if you have seen those and thought they looked pretty cool, then you will love the Whiplash Scooter. It is for the more timid. At least a little less timid. As many wipe outs as Kenzie has a day on it, I think I will refrain from even trying. LOL Of course, put an uncoordinated child who is already accident prone on a scooter like the Whiplash and you expect a few wipe-outs. She keeps getting back on it though. Braden absolutely loves the scooter and can work it like a pro. The Whiplash is a self-propelled scooter that requires the rider to not have too do too much other than ride!
The Whiplash features a rear caster wheel, it folds for easy storage and transportation, has Wave Torsion Self propelling technology, an extra wide skate inspired flexing deck, and is really light weight. Oh, and did I mention it holds up to 200 pounds. So feel free to jump on after the kids if you are lighter than that and have the urge.
From the site:
The Whiplash™ is a self-propelling, revolutionary new ride. It is part scooter, part Wave board (caster board) and totally fun. The Whiplash Scooter’s flexing deck and handlebar fuse together to provide riders with a cool, side to side, whip-like ride. Riders can self-propel the scooter so that their feet never touch the ground or ride it like a a traditional scooter.
We got the Whiplash in not to long ago amid some shipping issues. It was so easy to put together and the kids were riding it within 10 minutes of the UPS man dropping it off. Of course it was raining out so they were riding in circles under the carport. But boy as soon as the rain stopped it was wide open. Every day since, it is a battle of who can get outside fastest to get on the Whiplash Scooter. I foresee another being purchased for Christmas. LOL
We are still working on the whole self propelling thing. But luckily you can visit the Whiplash website and learn how to ride it!
The Whiplash Scooter would make an excellent Christmas gift for any kiddo. I would give this to the 5+ age group. If they are tall enough to see over the bar, place their feet across the bar, and have a semi sense of balance then they will love this scooter. It costs $79.99, and can be purchased directly from Whiplash website. You can also find a store near you HERE.
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