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The X-Files Collector’s Set

xfiles giveaway

Calling all Agent Mulder and Agent Scully fans to The X-Files Collector’s Set Giveaway!!!!  It’s just a couple weeks until the premiere reboot of the X-Files and to get into the mood I’ve teamed up with some of the web’s most influential bloggers to host an epic giveaway!

I recall watching this show when I was younger – I wouldn’t miss an episode! I plan to binge watch as much as I can to remember small details and then tune in to the premiere of the new season (1/24/2016)! I was so excited when I heard about it and grow more and more excited the closer we get to it!

What are we giving away?  I am glad you asked, one lucky winner will be chosen to receive ONE X-Files Complete Collector’s Set [Blu-Ray] Valued at over $399 USD.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_1SmJUBT5q0&feature=youtu.be

We are super excited to launch this giveaway, but before you enter there’s a few things you should know:
  • Fake accounts will be disqualified
  • You must do each entry to be considered a valid participant
  • Giveaway is valid in US and Canada only
  • Must be 18 years to enter
The X-Files Collector’s Set Giveaway runs from 12:01 AM CST 01/05/2016 to 11:59 PM CST on 01/25/2016. That’s right, we will be announcing the winner of The X-Files Collector’s Set Giveaway right after Day 2 of the Season Premiere! Use the giveaway tool below to enter.  Winner will be notified within 24 hours of the giveaway ending and will have 48 hours to respond via mail. If response is not received by the deadline, prize will be forfeited and another winner will be chosen.
xfiles collectors set
Giveaway Alert
Enter to win this X-Files Collector’s Set using the Gleam form below. Be sure to check out my other giveaways while you are here. Good luck everyone!
Disclaimer: There will only be ONE winner for this giveaway and the Winner is subject to eligibility verification. Giveaway open to US Residents 18+. Prizes MUST be shipped to a valid US or Canada address. NO P O Boxes will be accepted.

Make Your Child’s Drawing Come To Life With Budsies

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Disclosure: Mama Smith’s Review Blog received this item in exchange for her honest review. All opinions expressed are 100% hers.

Budsies

If your kids are anything like mine, they often create the most amazing drawings! There are so many things that my girls have drawn that I would love to see come to life – and they would too! When I heard about Budsies, I sat my oldest (4 years old) down and asked her if there were any of her drawings that she would like to be made in to a stuffed animal. After digging through an entire book of her drawings (yes, I am one of those moms that saves pretty much everything my girls do), she settled on her “mermaid carrying a bag of candy” drawing. She told me that she would be very happy to have mermaid sleep in bed with her and play with her.

Budsies was so easy to use! I simply uploaded a photo that my daughter drew and included a brief description (that she had blue arms and green hands and was holding a bag of candy). I know that some drawings might be hard to figure out without a little bit of help. I was updated often so I knew what stage our Budsies doll was in – concept, selecting fabrics, snip and sew, quality control, etc. I loved how up to date they kept me and that I could let my daughter know just how close her mermaid was to coming home!  Another thing I love about Budsies is that they include a print out of the photo you sent them in the box with your finished product. That way you can remember exactly what you sent in – and your kids can remember their drawing. When my daughter opened hers up she yelled “That is just what I wanted!” and hugged her mermaid tight. Her Budsies has been with her everywhere she goes since it has arrived and she cannot wait to take her to show and tell at her new school.

Budsies Budsies Budsies Budsies

Overall, the process took about a month and a half, but that is because of the attention to detail that they put into their work – and the fact that they are handmade! I could not be more pleased with my experience, in fact, I plan to have my 3 year old draw something up to be brought to life soon since she has been begging me to get one made for her too. Budsies makes a great gift for any occasion – or just for fun! I can pretty much guarantee that your child will be so proud of what they created – they will want to show it off to all of their friends and family!

Create your own Budsies here! (and get 20% off!)

Connect with Budsies on Social Media:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/budsies
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/budsies/

YouTube & Minecraft Superstar Stampy Cat’s First Book is Here!

Disclosure: Mama Smith’s Review Blog received this item in exchange for her honest review. All opinions expressed are 100% hers.

Stampys Lovely Book

I hope I am not the only one who loves Stampy! If you do not know who he is, check out his YouTube channel ASAP! He is an adorable Minecraft cat and he gets in to everything. His take on life is quite hilarious and I just know you will laugh until you cry while watching his antics – I know I have! When I heard that he was going to come out with a book, well, I was super excited! I was thrilled when I got to check it out earlier than most people – and my daughters and I have a blast browsing it. It is filled with comic strips, puzzles, games, and more! If you love Stampy, I encourage you to pick one up today – you will not regret it!

[Tweet “I am learning all about @stampylongnose & his new book thanks to @MarvelGoddess24! #StampyCat #Minecraft”]

stampy

About the Book
Introducing the one and only official book about YouTube sensation Stampy—by Stampy himself! From the worlds of Minecraft and Halo to Disney Infinity and Skylanders, Stampy’s lovely world grows more fun every day. That’s why Stampy’s Lovely Book is full of games, activities, hilarious jokes, and exclusive info about Stampy’s friends. There’s a Stampy cake bake (of course!), a comic strip, silly challenges to try with your friends, and much more. If you’re one of Stampy’s 6.5 million fans, then you NEED this book!

STAMPY’S LOVELY BOOK captures the essence of Stampy’s fun personality and contagious enthusiasm. It allows readers to join Stampy on his adventures—including games, activities, tips, jokes and exclusive info about Stampy and his friends. Stampy Cat is consistently praised for his incredible reach and impact online, with Entertainment Weekly calling him “The Mister Rogers of ‘Minecraft’” and a “hero to children”; and Forbes declaring “Stampy is molding the minds of ‘Generation Blockhead’”.

Joseph Garrett aka Stampy Cat is a YouTube sensation averages over 47 million views a month. His videos have more hits than the likes of Katy Perry and One Direction and his Stampylonghead YouTube channel was in the top 10 most viewed channels worldwide in 2014. Stampy Cat has been making videos since 2006 and is well known for his Minecraft content. He is also the co-creator, with Maker Studios, of the Wonder Quest YouTube channel featuring three original series attracting 35 million views in less than two months, and was featured in the original series “Meet Me At The Reck” alongside Jack Black and Andrew W.K. Stampy has been featured in The Guardian, BBC News, The Independent, Entertainment Weekly, Variety, Forbes and, among many others, was coined “The Mister Rogers of Minecreaft” by EW.

Connect with Stampy Cat on Social Media:
Twitter: https://twitter.com/stampylongnose
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Stampylongnose
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/stampylonghead
Purchase STAMPY’S LOVELY BOOK here.

Giveaway Alert

Enter to win a copy of Stampy’s Lovely Book using the Gleam form below. Be sure to check out my other giveaways while you are here and GOOD LUCK!

Stampy’s Lovely Book

Happy Zoo Year’s Eve! New Zootopia Trailer

Untitled

It is the last day of the year guys – wow, did 2015 fly by or what? There were so many amazing movie and guess what? Plenty more amazing ones are coming out in 2016! One of those is Zootopia – and I want you to celebrate Zoo Year’s Eve tonight with the brand new trailer for ZOOTOPIA featuring the all-new original song “Try Everything,” written by singer-songwriter Sia and songwriting duo Stargate, and performed by Grammy-winning international superstar Shakira. It is incredible and the single will be available everywhere 1/8/16. Revered worldwide by herds of fans, Shakira voices Zootopia’s biggest pop star Gazelle who is a socially conscious celebrity with equal parts talent and heart. I for one, cannot wait to see her in this movie, she is going to be great!

WOW, right? I cannot wait for this film – and my young daughters can’t either! Even my husband is itching to see it! With a stellar voice cast, we just know it will be a hit! It looks HILARIOUS! And don’t forget to download your Zootopia New Year’s Eve Party Animal Pack to help celebrate tonight! I have ours all ready to go and the girls cannot wait to countdown the end of the year!

Zootopia Party Animal New Years Eve Party Pack

Download Here ———————>  Zootopia Party Animal New Years Eve Party Pack

About Zootopia
The modern mammal metropolis of Zootopia is a city like no other. Comprised of habitat neighborhoods like ritzy Sahara Square and frigid Tundratown, it’s a melting pot where animals from every environment live together—a place where no matter what you are, from the biggest elephant to the smallest shrew, you can be anything. But when optimistic Officer Judy Hopps (voice of Ginnifer Goodwin) arrives, she discovers that being the first bunny on a police force of big, tough animals isn’t so easy. Determined to prove herself, she jumps at the opportunity to crack a case, even if it means partnering with a fast-talking, scam-artist fox, Nick Wilde (voice of Jason Bateman), to solve the mystery. Walt Disney Animation Studios’ “Zootopia,” a comedy-adventure directed by Byron Howard (“Tangled,” “Bolt”) and Rich Moore (“Wreck-It Ralph,” “The Simpsons”) and co-directed by Jared Bush (“Penn Zero: Part-Time Hero”), opens in theaters on March 4, 2016.

zootopia

Like Zootopia on Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/DisneyZootopia
Follow @DisneyAnimation on Twitter – https://twitter.com/disneyanimation
Follow @DisneyAnimation on Instagram – https://twitter.com/disneyanimation
Follow Disney Animation on Tumblr – http://disneyanimation.tumblr.com/
Go see Zootopia in theaters March 4, 2016! 

Disney On Ice: Dare to Dream is Fun for the Whole Family!

Disclosure: Mama Smith received tickets to Disney on Ice in exchange for this post and future posts. All opinions expressed are 100% her own.

Disney On Ice presents Dare to Dream Presented by Stonyfield YoKids Organic Yogurt

Disney on Ice

We have taken the girls to several Disney on Ice shows before – and I grew up going to them every year – but nothing compares to the one that we saw last night – Dare to Dream. I have a sore throat this morning from screaming and cheering so much. I must admit, after seeing Frozen on Ice last year, I did not know how Feld Entertainment could top themselves, Frozen on Ice is an amazing show. But wow – the air performances in the Tangled part of the Dare to Dream show were just incredible. Flynn and Rapunzel are two wildly talented ice skaters, and I really enjoyed watching them. My husband, who is rarely impressed by the ice skating skills of these actors, kept nodding his head and clapping as they performed their tricks. When I saw “Rapunzel’s hair” come down, I thought they would do one or two aerial tricks but they just kept coming – and each one was more impressive than the last.

Disney On Ice   Disney On Ice

My 4 year old is Rapunzel’s biggest fan. Her 3rd birthday was Tangled themed and when we took her to the Bippity Boppity Boutique at Disney World, she chose to be made over like Rapunzel. When we went to the show last night, she just had to wear her Rapunzel dress (which is getting a little bit small for her now) and she was on edge waiting for Rapunzel to come out. The first part was a song from Princess and the Frog – one small complaint I have is that is all you really see of Tiana except for when all the princes and princesses come out at the end. I love Tiana and would love to see more of her – here’s hoping this means she will get a much larger part in a future show! Snow White and Cinderella were great, and they are classics so it is always fun to see them. The magic mirror and trees chasing Snow White were some of my favorite costumes and props in the entire show. And my girls loved when Snow White asked the audience if she should take a bite of her apple (they screamed NO! as loud as they could). Cinderella running off at midnight was when they chose to do the intermission and it was perfect timing. One thing I thought was pretty cool was that the grand duke pretended to try the glass slipper on some of the audience members!

Disney On Ice   Disney On Ice   Disney On Ice   Disney On Ice

Both of my girls enjoyed the entire show – but when the Tangled part started, they both leaned forward and focused in. The looks on their faces alone had me tearing up. My 4 year old’s eyes were bugging out of her head and she had a huge smile on the whole time. She kept waving frantically at Rapunzel and Flynn every time they came to our side of the venue. The acting was great – the mannerisms, the facial expressions – those two were truly Rapunzel and Flynn in our minds! And of course, we loved singing along to all of our favorite songs from the film! At the end – lots of “visiting couples” come out including Aladdin & Jasmine, Belle and Adam, Ariel & Eric, even Mulan & Li Shang! They all looked great dressed in white and gold to celebrate Rapunzel & Flynn!

   Disney On Ice  Disney On Ice  Disney On Ice

About the show
Disney On Ice presents Dare to Dream Presented by Stonyfield YoKids Organic Yogurt is bringing Disney’s princess stories and most beloved fairy tales to the ice in a sensational live production coming to Syracuse! This ice spectacular featuring scenes from Tangled, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, Cinderella, and The Princess and the Frog, visits Syracuse from Dec. 30 to Jan. 3 for eight performances at The Oncenter War Memorial Arena. Tickets are on sale now at the Oncenter Box Office or through Ticketmaster.

https://www.instagram.com/p/_8ALCgvvkW/

 

Laugh at Disney’s hilarious hair-raising escapade, Tangled, as Rapunzel; her unlikely companion, Flynn; and Maximus, the captain of the guard’s determined horse, embark on an uproarious journey that takes adventure to new lengths! Travel to the enchanted forest with Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs as Snow White escapes from the Evil Queen in her search for her one true love. Watch as fanciful dreams become reality as Cinderella meets her Prince Charming, with a glass slipper fit for an unforgettable fantasy come true. And boogie to the beat of the bayou in a magical, musical journey that celebrates the story of The Princess and the Frog with Princess Tiana and Prince Naveen. All your favorite princesses take to the ice in a spectacular finale at the ultimate Disney Princess event of a lifetime! Experience the beauty, sparkle and spirit when Disney On Ice presents Dare to Dream Presented by Stonyfield YoKids Organic Yogurt comes to Syracuse!

Dare to Dream Disney on Ice

Tickets for Disney On Ice presents Dare to Dream Presented by Stonyfield YoKids Organic Yogurt range from $15 to $65, depending on the performance, and are available at the Oncenter Box Office, 760 S. State St., or through Ticketmaster by visiting www.ticketmaster.com or by calling 315-435-2121. For group rates and information, call 866-248-8740.

Remaining Show Times:
Dec. 31, 2015: 12 p.m.
Jan. 1, 2016: 2 p.m.
Jan. 2, 2016: 11 a.m., 3 and 7 p.m.
Jan. 3, 2016: 1 and 5 p.m.

If you are local to the area and able to make it – do yourself a favor and go! If you are a Disney fan, or even just an ice skating fan, you will really appreciate this show. It truly is one for all ages in my opinion. And if you are not in the Syracuse area, check out when this show might be heading your way here!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_CsVQqLEIto

Connect with Disney on Ice on Social Media:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DisneyOnIce
Twitter: https://twitter.com/DisneyOnIce
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/disneyonice/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/Disneyonice

The Nightmare Before Christmas Cuckoo Clock

Disclosure: Mama Smith’s Review Blog received this item in exchange for her honest review. All opinions expressed are 100% hers.

Nightmare Before Christmas Clock

I am a huge fan of The Nightmare Before Christmas. It is one of my favorite movies and I am sure to watch it every Halloween and Christmas (and OK at least 25 more times throughout the year!). When Hammacher Schlemmer asked me to choose something from their website to include in my gift guide, I knew right away what it was going to be. Yes, they have many amazing things on their website – just about everything would make the perfect gift for someone – but The Nightmare Before Christmas Cuckoo Clock was something that I knew I just had to have for my new office wall.

Nightmare Before Christmas Clock

Nightmare Before Christmas Clock

As soon as it arrived and I opened it up, I was floored. It is gorgeous – I was so pleased with it. It was packaged really well and even though it had to be forwarded from my old address and the box had been banged around quite a bit (not Hammacher Shlemmer’s fault at all) – the only noticeable damage was that the cat’s tail was broken off (which was easily fixed with a small dab of super glue). Any fan of the movie would be thrilled to have this in their home. I just love it! The volume is adjustable, which is great if you have kids in the house or are easily woken up. On the top of every hour, a few strains from “This Is Halloween” play and Zero pops our of the window at the top. The clock itself is very well made and the detail is impeccable. This is something that I will truly cherish for many years to come.

Nightmare Before Christmas Clock         Nightmare Before Christmas Clock     Nightmare Before Christmas Clock

About the Clock
This is the whimsical wall clock inspired by Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas, complete with beloved characters Jack Skellington and the ghost-dog Zero. Capturing the distinctive animated style of the 1993 film, the handcrafted clock recreates Halloweentown and its residents in lovingly creepy detail, from the town’s iconic Spiral Hill silhouetted on the pendulum to the haunted pumpkin patch, which lights up at the flip of a switch. As in the film, action centers around a cobwebby town hall, which is topped by a ghoulish green clock with off-kilter digits and a spiderweb background. Precise quartz movement accurately counts down until Halloween, Christmas, and the other days of the year. Instead of chimes, the hour is marked with the spooky strains of the movie’s hit song, “This Is Halloween.”

Shop Hammacher Schlemmer here.

Gifts for Home

Zootopia Holiday Themed Coloring Pages & Activity Sheets

zootopia

Since the moment I heard about Zootopia, I knew it was a movie that I would be taking my daughters to see. I was lucky enough to get the inside scoop and see some great clips (like the Sloth clip you can check out in the preview below) before others when I attended the D23 Expo and that just solidified my thoughts. When I took my daughters to go see a movie in the theater recently, there was a preview for Zootopia and after seeing that on the big screen, it has been all they will talk about. They cannot wait to go, and I promised them, when it comes out in early March 2016, we will be there. I personally cannot wait to go myself – I just know it will be a hit!

To help celebrate the holidays (can you believe it is the end of the year already? 2015 flew by!), I wanted to share with you some super fun Zootopia holiday themed activity sheets. From “zoo-flakes” to gift tags – to a New Years Eve Party Animal Party Pack –  your kids (and you!) will have a blast with these Zootopia themed activities. Enjoy and Happy Holidays!

Zootopia Character Ornaments

Download Here ——> Zootopia Character Ornaments

Zootopia Holiday Gift Tags

Download Here ——> Zootopia Holiday Gift Tags

Zootopia Judy Hopps Zoo-flake

Download Here ——> Zootopia Judy Hopps Zoo-flake

Zootopia Nick Wilde Zoo-flake

Download Here ——> Zootopia Nick Wilde Zoo-flake

Zootopia Yax Zoo-flake

Download Here ——> Zootopia Yax Zoo-flake

Zootopia Flash Zoo-flake

Download Here ——> Zootopia Flash Zoo-flake

Zootopia Party Animal New Years Eve Party Pack

Download Here ——> Zootopia Party Animal New Years Eve Party Pack

About Zootopia
The modern mammal metropolis of Zootopia is a city like no other. Comprised of habitat neighborhoods like ritzy Sahara Square and frigid Tundratown, it’s a melting pot where animals from every environment live together—a place where no matter what you are, from the biggest elephant to the smallest shrew, you can be anything. But when optimistic Officer Judy Hopps (voice of Ginnifer Goodwin) arrives, she discovers that being the first bunny on a police force of big, tough animals isn’t so easy. Determined to prove herself, she jumps at the opportunity to crack a case, even if it means partnering with a fast-talking, scam-artist fox, Nick Wilde (voice of Jason Bateman), to solve the mystery. Walt Disney Animation Studios’ “Zootopia,” a comedy-adventure directed by Byron Howard (“Tangled,” “Bolt”) and Rich Moore (“Wreck-It Ralph,” “The Simpsons”) and co-directed by Jared Bush (“Penn Zero: Part-Time Hero”), opens in theaters on March 4, 2016.

Like Zootopia on Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/DisneyZootopia
Follow @DisneyAnimation on Twitter – https://twitter.com/disneyanimation
Follow @DisneyAnimation on Instagram – https://twitter.com/disneyanimation
Follow Disney Animation on Tumblr – http://disneyanimation.tumblr.com/
Go see Zootopia in theaters March 4, 2016! 

Star Wars: The Force Awakens Crushes Box Office Opening Weekend

HOLLYWOOD, CA - DECEMBER 14: (L-R) Director J.J. Abrams, producer Kathleen Kennedy, chairman, The Walt Disney Studios, Alan Horn and president, The Walt Disney Studios, Alan Bergman speak onstage during the World Premiere of ?Star Wars: The Force Awakens? at the Dolby, El Capitan, and TCL Theatres on December 14, 2015 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images for Disney) *** Local Caption *** J.J. Abrams;Kathleen Kennedy;Alan Horn;Alan Bergman

The Walt Disney Studios announced today that STAR WARS: THE FORCE AWAKENS has set a new all-time domestic debut record with an estimated $238M. With a five-day international debut of $279M, the film has taken in $517M globally.

“Our sole focus has been creating a film that delivers that one-of-a-kind Star Wars experience, and director J.J. Abrams, Lucasfilm President Kathleen Kennedy, and the Lucasfilm team have outdone themselves,” said Alan Horn, Chairman, The Walt Disney Studios. “To all of the fans around the world who not only came out in Force to make this such an exciting and astronomical debut but who treated this film as their own and helped preserve the experience for their fellow fans by not spoiling it – thank you, we do.”

En route to this galactic launch, the film has smashed several all-time domestic box office records, including:

  • Biggest Thursday preview gross with $57M.
  • Biggest Friday and biggest single-day gross with $120.5M.
  • First film ever to post a single day over $100M.
  • Fastest film to $100M and $200M.
  • Biggest December debut (nearly 3 times previous record of $84.6M).
  • Biggest IMAX Thursday night preview ($5.7M), single-day ($14M, Friday), and weekend ($30.1M).
  • Highest theater average for a wide release ($57,568).

STAR WARS: THE FORCE AWAKENS debuted day-and-date internationally in nearly every market (except Greece and India, which open Dec. 24, and China, which opens Jan. 9) and set records in many. Highlights:

  • Biggest opening weekend of all time in UK (4-day), Australia, Russia, Germany, Sweden, Norway, Finland, Austria, Poland (3-day), Denmark (5-day), Romania, Hungary, Bulgaria, Croatia, Ukraine, Iceland, Serbia, New Zealand. Second biggest opening weekend in France, Belgium, Israel, Chile.
  • Biggest IMAX global debut of $48M.

The Force is strong with critics and audiences, whose enthusiastic reactions have powered a 95% Rotten Tomatoes score and an excellent A CinemaScore, with an A+ among women and younger audiences, for STAR WARS: THE FORCE AWAKENS.

I went on Friday night and I must say – WOW! You won’t find any spoilers here, but I think new fans and old fans will equally love this film. Take the whole family too, as the violence is minimum. It is something that the whole family will enjoy. We plan to catch our 4 year old up on the previous films and take her to see this one in the next couple of weeks. She has been begging me to, and already loves BB-8 and Rey (she was her for Halloween!). Rey is definitely a positive female role model as well. I strongly recommend going to see Star Wars: The Force Awakens – you will not regret it!

About Star Wars: The Force Awakens:
Lucasfilm and visionary director J.J. Abrams join forces to take you back again to a galaxy far, far away as Star Wars returns to the big screen with Star Wars: The Force Awakens. The film stars Harrison Ford, Mark Hamill, Carrie Fisher, Adam Driver, Daisy Ridley, John Boyega, Oscar Isaac, Lupita Nyong’o, Andy Serkis, Domhnall Gleeson, Anthony Daniels, Peter Mayhew and Max Von Sydow. Kathleen Kennedy, J.J. Abrams and Bryan Burk are producing with Tommy Harper and Jason McGatlin serving as executive producers. The screenplay is by Lawrence Kasdan & J.J. Abrams and Michael Arndt.

Like STAR WARS on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/StarWars
Follow STAR WARS on Twitter: https://twitter.com/starwars
Follow STAR WARS on Instagram: https://instagram.com/starwars/
Follow STAR WARS on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/starwars
Visit the official STAR WARS: THE FORCE AWAKENS website: http://www.starwars.com/the-force-awakens/

Hit Holiday Gifts from Hasbro

Disclosure: Mama Smith’s Review Blog received this item in exchange for her honest review. All opinions expressed are 100% hers.

hasbro

Hasbro is a name that I can trust when it comes to gaming, kid’s toys, and even TV programming. My girls love all things Hasbro – and I must say that I do too. Just check out this list of incredible Hasbro products that would be perfect to put under the tree this holiday season. If you are looking for something you and your kids will enjoy – look no further!

Playmation   Playmation

Playmation
Playmation is the next step in the evolution of play, where “digital gets physical and imagination becomes real”. This system uses smart technology in their wearables for kids and empowers their imaginations, as they become the hero or heroine of stories from Disney, Marvel and Star Wars. Playmation Marvel’s Avengers is the first in a series of new franchise-based systems in development, which uses familiar technologies including wearables, wireless technology, motion sensors and more, but applies them in ways that are completely new, to create an experience that’s never been possible before. The Repulsor Gear connects with the Power Activators and Smart Figures to take you on a variety of adventures through locations around the Marvel Universe. Playmation is purposely not tethered to an Internet connection so players can run around and explore each adventure from anywhere they want – a bedroom, living room or yard. There is also an AvengersNet app where you can register your Avenger Gear to see progress, explore additional locations and characters, and get access to new missions. Playmation Marvel’s Avengers just hit shelves. Star Wars and Disney Frozen systems are currently in development for 2016 and 2017, respectively. Each will use a range of technologies to create a system based on the different ways that kids play and experience their favorite stories and characters from that franchise.

I absolutely LOVE playing this! My 4 year old has really gotten into it as well. We have spent countless hours battling Ultron’s army, joining forces with the Avengers, and even sparring! I am a huge Marvel Fan Girl as most of you know, so this is one of my favorite products – hands down! This would be the perfect holiday gift for just about anyone. I love that it gets kids up and moving – and is gaming without a screen. Everyone needs exercise and you get it while having a ton of fun with Disney’s Playmation! You can read my full review here.

Purchase Playmation here.

pie face

Pie Face
The exciting Pie Face game is filled with fun and suspense, and somebody’s bound to get splatted! Just put some delicious whipped cream from home or the wet sponge on the “hand” of this hilarious game unit and start turning the handles. It could go off at any time, so keep your fingers crossed and hope you’re not the one who gets a splat in the face! You score a point for every time you turn the handle without getting pie-faced, and the one who scores 25 points wins. Take some risks and hope for the best in this hilarious Pie Face game!

My daughters have been begging for this game since they saw it on TV for the first time. Every time the commercial comes on, they jump up and down shouting “I want that!!” – so imagine how excited they were when they came home from school one day and there it was, sitting on the counter with a ca of whipped cream! This game has been so much fun! And from a parent standpoint – not nearly as messy as I expected. So worth it though seeing my girls laugh and scream as they play. This is a great family game and I highly recommend it!

Purchase Pie Face here.

nerf rebelle nerf rebelle

Nerf Rebelle CODEBREAKER Crossbow Blaster
Take aim for undercover missions and secrets with the Codebreaker Crossbow Blaster! With this powerful crossbow, you can rapid-fire 8 darts without reloading with the 8-dart rotating drum. You can hit targets up to 75 feet (22 meters) away, or send secrets in plain sight with the Message Dart and decoder. Feel the rush of real crossbow action as you load the darts in the drum and pull the trigger to let each one fly! The crossbow locks with a secret passcode that only you can know, so only you can fire it. You’ll be the most stylish super-spy on the battlefield with the Codebreaker Crossbow!

My 4 year old has been asking for a Nerf Rebelle for quite some time. She has many older cousins who hunt and have their own bow and arrows and she wants to join in the fun. I was shocked by how well she did shooting her first time. She has great aim. And of course she has fun chasing her sister around the house and shooting at her – sigh, kids! I will have to get my 3 year old one so she can fire back!

Purchase the Nerf Rebelle Codebreaker Crossbow Blaster here.

transformers transformers

Transformers Robots in Disguise Mini-Con Figures
Get a dynamic duo of Mini-Con fighters with these awesome Autobot Drift and Jetstorm figures! Your Jetstorm figure is a small but mighty fighter who converts in 1 step from covert mode to warrior mode with a terrifying sword attack. But his Autobot Drift buddy is a Mini-Con Deployer who can launch Jetstorm into battle whether he’s in robot mode or sports car mode! With these Autobot fighters working together, Decepticons don’t stand a chance!

My daughters love Transformers. We have been watching the TV show for a while and they love the toys. My husband has some of his old ones from when he was young and so they have taken to them very quickly. These Mini-Con fighters are the perfect size to stuff in a Tranformers fan’s stocking this year! They are super fun and great for kids of all ages (I know even my husband would love some!).

Purchase Transformers Robots in Disguise Mini- Con Figures here.

Gifts for Kids    Gifts for Family

6 Ubisoft Video Games That Every Gamer Needs

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Disclosure: Mama Smith’s Review Blog received this item in exchange for her honest review. All opinions expressed are 100% hers.

Ubisoft Games

As most of you know by now, I am a huge gamer. I love every aspect of it. I enjoy buckling down, putting on some headphones, and taking some “mommy time” to immerse myself in another world. I also enjoy getting the whole family together and playing fun and lighthearted video games. We own a Wii U, Nintendo 3DS, Xbox 360, and PS4 – so clearly we love a wide variety of games. Ubisoft has been one of my favorite gaming companies for quite some time now. No matter what type of gamer you are (hardcore, fun loving, family, or single player), you can never go wrong with an Ubisoft game! Here are a few that I recommend – and be sure to watch for future FanGirl Friday posts where I will get in to more detailed reviews of my favorites.

 

assassins creed

Assassin’s Creed Syndicate
I have been a big fan of the Assassin’s Creed games since they came out. They are one of my favorite types of games. I have yet to open this one up and play it, but I plan to take many of my husband’s holiday vacation days, and spend them playing this game while he watches the girls – don’t judge! It is one of that games that you just can’t put down and I am preparing for that.

Game Synopsis: London, 1868. The Industrial Revolution unleashes an incredible age of invention, transforming the lives of millions with technologies once thought impossible. Opportunities created during this period have people rushing to London to engage in this new world, a world no longer controlled by kings, emperors, politicians, or religion, but by a new common denominator: money.  Not everyone is able to enjoy the benefits of this boom, however. Despite fueling the engine of the British Empire, workers’ lives are little more than legalized slavery while the top few percent profit from their labor. Living poor and dying young, the lower class unite in protest as a new kind of family, gangs, who turn to a life in the underworld in their struggle to survive. A struggle, until watchful Assassins come to their side and re-ignite an age-old conflict involving London’s leaders that will echo throughout modern history, from the underground up. Purchase here. Available for PS4 and Xbox One.

rainbow 6 seige

Rainbow 6 Siege
My husband has been waiting for this game since he heard it was coming out. He loves the Rainbow 6 series. Seriously, he will be MIA for days when a new one comes out. I really enjoy playing this series as well. It is a lot of fun for older gamers (not young kids) and one of my favorite “shooter” type games. I love all of the options you have in this game, and as I play it more, I will be sure to get a fuller review up for you! But for now, I highly recommend it!

Game Synopsis: Rainbow Six Siege is an intense, new approach to the first-person shooter experience. Choose from a variety of unique Counter-Terrorist Operators and master their abilities as you lead your team through tense, thrilling, and destructive team-based combat. Purchase here. Available for PS4 and Xbox One.

just dance 2016

Just Dance 2016
My girls love to dance so of course, I was really interested in getting this game for them. I figured it was one that they would be able to play by themselves, for the most part, and be really proud of themselves for it. I was shocked by how much fun they have playing this game! They would dance for hours and hours if I let them! As a mom, I am pleased with the song choices as well, so that my young girls can enjoy playing!

Game Synopsis: Introducing Just Dance® 2016 – the newest game from the top-selling franchise – with a brand-new way to play! All you need is your smartphone and the Just Dance Controller App to play Just Dance 2016 on a next-gen console, no extra accessories needed. Bust a move to “Uptown Funk” by Mark Ronson Ft. Bruno Mars and feel the beat in “All About That Bass” by Meghan Trainor – Just Dance 2016 features an amazing tracklist with visuals that are more creative and breathtaking than ever before. Join over 100MM players and dance to your favorite songs – available now! Purchase here. Available for Wii, Wii U, Xbox 360, Xbox One, PS3,  and PS4.

just dance disney party 2

Just Dance Disney Party 2
As I said above, my girls love to dance. They have been taking dance for the past two years and I strongly feel it is something they will continue to do for many years. They are always dancing around the house. And they love Disney, of course (you probably know what a big Disney family we are if you read my blog regularly), so this was a huge hit for them! They have already spent hours dancing along to their favorite songs. My 3 year old is starting to get the hang of it, but I was super impressed by my 4 year old! She has moves!

Game Synopsis: Just Dance and Disney are back together, bringing the greatest dance game for the whole family with music from the hottest Disney Channel shows, in Just Dance: Disney Party 2! Dance like the stars from the most popular Disney Channel shows and movies. With a great selection of family favorite songs, fun dances, and kid-friendly gameplay, children of all ages can dance along with family and friends. Purchase here. Available for Wii, Wii U, Xbox 360, Xbox One, PS3,  and PS4.

family fun pack

Hasbro Family Fun Pack
I love having friends and family over to play games. This is one game that is so much fun – for just the 4 of us – and for when friends come over. We have game nights a lot and we usually pull out the board games, but now we don’t have to! I know that several of my friends who have come over and played this game now plan to get it for themselves. There is nothing like these fun Hasbro games – and getting to play them up on the TV makes it that much more entertaining – plus, no one can cheat (which my 4 year old is very good at doing)!

Game Synopsis: Hasbro Family Fun Pack is a brand-new compilation of endless fun. Family game nights have been reinvented, providing hours of entertainment with four classic titles. With modern twists and exciting new ways to play, your favorite Hasbro games have never been more enjoyable! Games included are: Monopoly Plus, Risk, Trivial Pursuit, and Scrabble. Purchase here. Available for PS4 and Xbox One.

Gravity Falls

Gravity Falls: Legend of the Gnome Gemulets
My family LOVES the show Gravity Falls. It is a show that my daughters get engaged in – and it keeps my husband and I interested because it is an AMAZING story line. We were sad to hear earlier this month that Gravity Falls is indeed, coming to an end. But at least now we can keep it alive with this game. The Nintendo 3DS is a system that my girls enjoy playing with, and they are really good at it. So of course, they wanted to try this game out as soon as they saw it. My husband has been itching for it as well, so he was thrilled to see it arrive. We have spent several nights on the couch, huddled around our 3DS as we play this game. It is great for anyone who is a fan of the show, and honestly, I think even if you know nothing about it!

Game Synopsis: Only YOU can solve the mystery of Gravity Falls, exclusively on Nintendo 3DS! A crisis has engulfed the Gnome kingdom! Playing as Mabel and Dipper, you must help Jeff the gnome retrieve the ancient Gnome Gemulets to restore the forest’s magic! Equipped with enchanted gnome weapons, fight off strange new creatures, defeat monstrous bosses, and solve puzzles in new and mysterious areas of Gravity Falls. Meet characters like Soos, Grunkle Stan, Old Man McGucket, and others along the way in this fun action-packed game for all ages. Purchase here. Available for Nintendo 3Ds.

Connect with Ubisoft on Social Media:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ubisoftus
Twitter: https://twitter.com/Ubisoft
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ubisoft
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCBMvc6jvuTxH6TNo9ThpYjg

gifts for gamers   FanGirl Friday