No denying the boys are brothers. One solo shot is NHL in May 2006 (2 1/2 months shy of 3), the other JSL in June 2010 (just 3). The one in the middle was taken of the boys this past weekend.
As the mother of two children, we listen to a lot of kids music in the car. I will be the first to admit, I am a bit lost in the world of adult music. Lee who won American Idol?! Seriously, I stopped watching that when I left teaching and did not have to be up to date with my students on the latest hoopla.
We love music. Whether to have on while riding near and far or to have on while playing, to dance or be silly with it is crucial for kids. My boys are both music critics and definitely have favorites. Listening to the same old CD’s over and over again can drive me a little batty. Lucky for me, I was recently asked to review four new CDs of music for kids. Pay attention because a giveaway will follow!
I’m a Rock Star – Joanie Leeds and the Nightlights
If you have never heard of Joanie Leeds, please kick yourself really hard. . . . I know TechyDad and I did. Joanie Leeds was new to us, but I’m a Rock Star is her fourth CD. Within minutes of putting on her music, we were all singing and laughing along with the catchy, witty and unique mix of songs. In 2008, Joanie won the Parents’ Choice Award for her debut children’s album, City Kid. To follow this up, Joanie created I’m a Rock Star which includes musical genres that range from Indie and classic rock, hip-hop, folk, jazz, R&B to cartoon.
The song list includes: 1) I’m a Rock Star 2) Sunglasses 3) More Cowbell 4) I Wanna Be Green 5) Give Me A Hug 6) Jump, Jump 7)I Like Jazz 8) Popcorn 9) En Espanol 10) It Was The Elf 11) Joanie Says 12) Put a Little Smile on your Face 13) Goodbye, Goodbye
We absolutely loved this CD. The boys would request specific songs and listen to it over and over. Thanks to the variety of songs, fun lyrics and humor, we did not object. NHL (6) said his favorite is every song on the CD. Of course, I think he asks for More Cowbell, It Was The Elf and Joanie Says more than some of the others. JSL (3) seems to be partial to Sunglasses (with his on of course) and Popcorn. Not sure if I could pick a favorite. I will say that I could appreciate the sheet inside for En Espanol. As someone who learned French in school, I had NO clue what Joanie was singing. Luckily, the words and explanation are right in the booklet. Thanks to our love for this, I am going to look into ordering more of Joanie’s CDs including City Kid and Challah, Challah (Jewish songs – will be perfect for my family).
I’m a Rock Star is available on Joanie’s website for $15.00.
The Final Funktier – Recess Monkey
Fasten your seat belts, get your space gear and hold on tight for your adventure with Recess Monkey starting June 15th. Jack Forman, Daron Henry, and Andrew Holloway are three Seattle teachers that together make Recess Monkey. Geeks unite, because this is a fun filled, high energy collection of science inspired songs. While listening, I fulled expected an episode of MythBusters for kids to begin.
As a science teacher, I was extremely intrigued with the song list that includes: 1) Liftoff! 2) Moon Boots 3) Jet pack 4) Science Fair 5) Ukalalien 6) My Brother is a Satellite 7) Beat-Box-a-Robot 8) Sunglasses 9) Space Elevator Music 10) The Galax Sea 11) Booster Seat 12) How Do You Build a Robot? 13) Constellation Conga 14) Black Hole in My Room 15) One Tiny Light
I really enjoyed the fun nature of this CD. It is very different than anything else that I have heard before. It made me think about the days of Bill Nye the Science Guy and putting it to a funky fresh, 2010 sound. As a teacher, I thought Science Fair was a really great song. It had fabulous ideas and expressed what a family has to do when making a project. Oy, I am bracing myself for that – it will be coming soon. Each song has a lesson included in them and with the fast tempo and catchy words will work well with older elementary children and beyond. Another song that really caught my attention was One Tiny Light because it was so different than the rest. It was calming, slow and showed another side of the Recess Monkey. I could see using this as part of a classroom activity in science and beyond.
The Final Funkatier will be available June 15th for $15.00 and is the sixth CD from Recess Monkey.
Tiny Cool – Princess Katie & Racer Steve
Now picture a beautiful princess belting out songs with a unique beat that are accompanied by an amazing race car driver inspired electric guitar player.This may sound like a bizarre combination, but it works perfectly for Princess Katie & Racer Steve. Together this duo creates a unique musical experience for kids of all ages. Their latest CD is filled with modern lyrics, fun music, comedy and has messages for kids about being honest, being yourself, accepting others, and being kind to others. Lots of messages packed into this CD.
Straight from “The Kingdom” — where a feisty princess who’s inclined to rock out joins a local racecar driver who creates blazing guitar solos when he’s not blazing around the track — Princess Katie & Racer Steve bring their one-of-a-kind combination of drop-dead great singing, sterling musicianship, and sparkling, kid-oriented comedy to their third studio CD, Tiny Cool.
Princess Katie (Katie O’Sullivan) is a strong, self-possessed, modern princess, who wears her gown and tiara as a work outfit, but kicks back in her jeans when work is done. Steve Borne’s real life hobby is racecars, and he’s performed in bands for many years, so the guitar-playing “Racer Steve” is a natural for him.
Included on this CD are: 1) Clelia’s Party 2) Tube Sox 3) Kids Rock! 4) Surf Radio – Skit 5) Sand in My Sandwich 6) Shy 7) The Cartoons – Skit 8) Tiny Cool 9) Honest Kid 10) Stick Around 11) Wing it! – Skit 12) The Rock Bossa 13) Japanese Robot 14) The Unenchanted Forest – Skit
I really connected to the song Shy. The lyrics are powerful. Letting kids know that it is ok to be shy, cautious and everyone will still love you that way. As a shy child, not everyone would let you know it was acceptable. I really liked that the CD focuses on different characteristics that kids have and focus positives on them. Shy along with Honest Kid and others will help parents and teachers to talk with their children about different attributes that children should strive for an know that it is ok to be themselves.
I was also impressed with the interactive nature of Princess Katie & Racer Steve’s website. There were several fun games and other items for kids and parents to check out. Tiny Cool is available to buy for $15.00
Flute Sweet & Tickletoon in Green Golly & Her Golden Flute
Introducing children to classical music can be difficult. Thanks to Flute Sweet & Tickletoon (aka Keith Torgan & Barbara Siesel) this is a lots easier. Their new collaboration takes a twist on the story Rapunzel and puts it to classical music.
Rapunzel may have been horrified to spend her days trapped in that big old tower but not Green Golly – she was delighted! So inspired by all that whizzed past her window she couldn’t help but make music. Herein lies the charm of “Green Golly & Her Golden Flute” – this funny and extraordinarily musical event, featuring the music of Mozart, Mendelssohn, Schubert, Gossec, Elgar, Bizet, Chopin and Copland, introduces children to the art of flute and the magic of classical music.“Green Golly” is also available in a version for flute, narrator and full orchestra.
The first 12 tracks on this CD are the Story of Green Golly and Her Golden Flute as told by Keith Torgan & Barbara Siesel. After this is a collection of classics including Spring Song, Intermezzo Sinfonico, Flight of the Bumblebee, Two Guitars, Habanera, Duo, Gavotte, Minute Waltz and Salut D’Amour.
The fun cast of characters and voices keep your attention. Green Golly is magically played by Barbara Siesel, who also is the musician behind the flute. Keith Torgan is the energetic storyteller and guitar player. They are joined by Jessica Krash on the piano. I really enjoyed how the CD is a story. It combines a fun new play on the traditional Rapunzel story and uses it to introduce listeners to musicians. As the story progresses Green Golly learns about different composers and you hear teasers of famous classical music. Even my three year old son, stopped and yelled "Mama – that Twinkle Twinkle!" Of course, when my older son was listening he wanted to know more. He had heard of some of these composers via Little Einsteins, but was curious about more. Once the story is finished, children can continue to listen to the beautiful arrangement of classical music. It was nice to have on at bedtime and when trying to have quiet play time. It was really nice how the story flowed immediately into this collection of music. This is a CD that will be heading with us into the car. I know the boys will love to hear the story over and over and perhaps the music will help them to play nicely – a girl can dream right?!
Green Golly & Her Golden Flute can be purchased for $14.99 or $9.99 by downloading the album.
Giveaway:
Thanks to Waldmania, a lucky reader will be able to select one of the CDs that I reviewed for yourself.
Rules for Giveaway:
For all bonus entries below, please be sure to leave a separate comment for each extra chance you are allowed.
To enter, please follow the rules above within the comment section. Contest starts today June 1st and ends at 10:59 EST on June 15, 2010. You do not have to be a blogger to enter, but must leave a valid e-mail address for me to contact you for mailing address once the giveaway is over. I will select the winner using random.org and contact you via e-mail. You will have 48 hours to claim the prize. If there is no response, another winner will be selected. Open to U.S. residents only.
Disclosure: This review and giveaway was made possible by Waldmania!. They provided me with the four CDs to facilitate this review. The opinions of this review are mine and I received no other compensation.
Too often we forget why we have this day off and long weekend with family and friends. In the sunshine and fun we get caught up in the moment. Please stop for a while to remember the real reason for Memorial Day.
There is no hero braver than those that serve in our United States military to protect our rights. Far too many pay the ultimate price to defend our country and the rights that we have. To all of those that have served, lost their lives and the brave families behind them . . . .thank you! All of you are the real reason that we celebrate Memorial Day.
About the only time that we have white rice in our house is when we order Chinese food, or have a sick child that needs it. Long ago, we made the switch to brown rice, whole grains and the like. The boys really do not know any better. Of course, they do seem to gobble up the white, sticky rice a bit more than when we have the more grainy and textured brown rice cousin.
Recently, we were asked to try the new Uncle Ben’s Whole Grain White Rice.
With the look, taste and texture of white rice, but packed with whole grains (almost a full day’s worth in one serving), Uncle Ben’s new Whole Grain White Rice provides a healthy alternative to plain sides like pasta or potatoes. The rice comes in a variety of flavors from traditional Long Grain to Chicken, Broccoli Cheddar, Taco Style and Sweet Tomato, so you can mix-up meals and still know that you’re getting whole grains on the table. Plus, with a quick 10-minute prep time, Uncle Ben’s Whole Grain White Rice provides a great solution for the nights when jam-packed schedules leave you scrambling for a quick, healthy option.
Nutritional Claims & Product Benefits
We received our samples of the Uncle Ben’s Whole Grain White Rice just in time for JSL’s third birthday party. One of the dishes that we were making was sweet and sour meatballs (using vegetarian burger substitute). We figured that having rice to put the meatballs and sauce on would be a nice side. Plus, we could see what others thought.
The instructions were easy to follow, it did not take too long to make, and was not overly sticky once prepared. Once in the serving dish, I immediately noticed how long the rice grains really were. It did look slightly different than the sticky white rice we get from time to time. There was not as much visible texture in comparison to the brown rice we get. This could definitely be a good thing when considering kids that are picky eaters. Speaking of picky eaters, even thought JSL was not going to eat the meatballs at his party, he asked to try the rice. As I predicted, he gobbled it up quickly and asked for more. When we ate leftovers the next evening, again he asked for the rice.
When I made my plate, I put a little of the rice down with some of the Sweet and Sour "Meatballs" on top. I really enjoyed the long grains of the rice. It helped to soak up the delicious sauce. The rice was not gritty, like many high fiber/whole grain products can be. My only complaint – I wish Uncle Ben’s was kosher. Since it is not, I can not make it in my kitchen. I will be buying it to make at my parent’s house when we have meals there since it was a nice change from our usual brown rice.
Disclosure: I wrote this review while participating in a blog campaign by Mom Central on behalf of Uncle Ben’s and received samples to facilitate my candid review. Mom Central will be sending me a gift card to thank me for taking the time to participate.
On November 30, 2009, Cora Mae McCormick was born and has become a hero thanks to the devotion of her loving parents. Cora passed away on December 6, 2009 in her mother’s arms from undetected congenital heart disease (CHD) while nursing. Cora never could have known how much her precious life has changed the world, but no doubt she is looking down at her Mommy Kristine smiling proudly. Back in February, Kristine was my first and only guest blogger to date. She wrote a beautiful poem called My angel forever for Congenital Heart Disease awareness week.
Today is Cora’s 6 month birthday. On this day, we celebrate and remember Cora by wearing pink along with Kristine and her family. This beautiful little girl is helping to spread the word about CHD and save other lives in the process. Although I do not own pink summer clothing, I will be thinking about Cora as I knit a special pink item for Kristine. You can read the letter to Cora on her 6 month birthday here.
When I send Kristine some special pink items, I will also be giving her a check. I want to support her non-profit organization and have my own Cora Bracelet. Here is where you can go to get your own Cora bracelets like the one seen below.
Please stop by to visit Cora’s Story to support Kristine and Cora in their quest to get the word out about CHD. Big hugs going out to Kristine for being such a wonderful mother.
