All New CD: The Dirty Socks Come Clean

Disclosure: Grandma Bonnie's Closet has not been compensated for the following product review. I received a product sample for review purposes. All opinions expressed are my own. 
The Dirty Sock Funtime Band has a new CD, "The Dirty Socks Come Clean". I am very excited to have the opportunity to review this awesome children's music CD. After listening to this music with my grandchildren I would call it a family music CD. The melody and lyrics in this selection of music is perfect for children of all ages. That includes grandma, grandpa, moms, dads, aunts and uncles alike.
I am crazy about this music CD. I just love the fresh clean music that my grandchildren can relate to and enjoy. When I listen I can understand each and every word. As you know that is a big deal to me.

My grandchildren like all the tracks on this CD but, there are three songs on this CD that I really like. Track #2 Garbage Bugs, track #4 National Hiccup Day and track #17 Start of the End are simply fun listening to and dancing along with. 

Track #1 "The Dirty Socks Come Clean was probably my grandchildrens all time favorite. Track #15 Kitty Kat Yeah came in second. 

I would recommend this CD to any parent or grandparent that wants their child exposed to good clean fun music. I think The Dirty Socks Come Clean CD would make a nice stocking stuffer for Christmas. 

Follow Dirty Socks Funtime Band on Facebook and Twitter.

Temporary Safety Tattoos

Disclosure: Grandma Bonnie's Closet has not been compensated for the following product review. I received a product sample for review purposes. All opinions expressed are my own. 

Do you ever worry your child/grandchild will wander off in a park, store or crowd?
In the next few weeks two of my grandsons are flying overseas to visit their other grandparents. My daughter and I have expressed concern on the boys safety while traveling. What if one of the boys gets separated from mom or dad by accident. I know they will be vigilant but accidents do happen.
Parents have a couple options when traveling with young children. You could put a note in their pocket with a phone number or other important information. But will the note be found on the child? The note could get lost. They could label the child's jacket or clothing. But jackets can be taken off. You really need the information clear, visible and easy to be found. That is where SafetyTat comes to the rescue.
SafetyTat is a temporary tattoo that can be put on a child's arm. The original SafetyTats are printed with a phone number that can be contacted if the child becomes lost.

The first thing that caught my attention was the banner on their site, "The Tat That Brings Kids Back!"  I am amazed that this was not thought of when my kids were small. The tats are sweat-proof, waterproof and are applied with water. They last from one to five days. Although it is recommended to reapply each day.
My daughter applied a tat to my grandson Pooh Bear. We had him wear the tattoo through out the day. I could have posted the photo of a freshly applied tattoo but I am betting you are more interested in seeing the SafetyTat after a day of normal wear and tear. After a play date at the park and play at home, the tattoo was put through the toddlers full battery of tests.

This photo is after a full day of wearing the SafetyTat.

I blanked out the number for privacy reasons. The tattoo stood up nicely to all the tests a toddler could put it through. It passed with flying colors. The cute giraffe and the phone number is still in great shape and easily to identify and be read.  The tattoos come in all sorts of designs that children will love to wear. There is also available a write on tat that you can write your own information on.

I think these would be great to place on a child for Halloween. If your child is trick-or-treating why not keep them safe with a SafetyTat.
Would you like to order SafetyTats for your child? SafetyTat has provided an exclusive discount to Grandma Bonnie's Closet's Readers. Take advantage and purchase SafetyTats for your child/grandchild.

For 10% off an order of $15 or more use the Coupon Code: GrandmaBonniesCloset (this code is case sensitive) 
You might also like to connect with SafetyTat on Facebook.

"The Best Day Ever" Music CD Review

Disclosure: Grandma Bonnie's Closet has not been compensated for the following product review. I received a product sample for review purposes only.

I am so excited to have the pleasure of reviewing "The Best Day Ever" music CD for children.
My first impressions were that this is not ordinary children's music. This music creates an energetic mood that children of all ages will love. I was bouncing around just like a child while I listened to this CD. The mood and energy created by this music got me up and swinging with my grandson.

A very interesting and at the top of my favorites on this CD is the track, Silly Sandy Shark"s Swinging Summer Surf Song. This song brought back some fond memories of some swinging surfing tunes I am very sentimental about. 
Another of my favorite tracks is, Wake Up (It's Time to Go to Bed). I love the rhythm of this song. It is very addictive. I found myself toe tapping several times while listening to this track. I am fairly certain this will become my youngest grandsons favorite tune. 
The cutest track on this CD is Dah Day. It is the sweetest babbling baby you ever want to listen to. 

The Best Day Ever! Track List

Poor Mother Goose

Fly(A Caterpillar's Tale)

A Little Green

Riverside

Wonderful Day

Silly Sand Shark's Swinging Summer Surf Song

Friend

Wake Up(it's Time to Go to Bed)

School Days

Another Bedtime Story

Superhero

Dah Day

I know how much my grandsons are enjoying "The Best Day Ever". I do believe they will be listening to this CD for years to come. 

Baze and His Silly Friends will take your child for a wild ride with their toddler style rock-n-roll. Your toddler will be head bopping and feet stomping along with this musical adventure. If you want to read more about Baze and His Silly Friends stop over and check out  My Silly Friends.com. Hook up with Baze and His Silly Friends on Facebook and Twitter.

Blaze and His Silly Friends are proud supporters of Autism Speaks, and a portion of the band's CD sales goes to help raise autism awareness. 

CD Release date: 10/29/2013

For ages 3-7

Run time: 29 minutes

"The Best Day Ever" will be available at CDBaby.com and iTunes.

Readers, What type of music do you and your children/grandchildren like to listen to?

Grandma Bonnie's Closet received one or more of the products mentioned above for free. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

CD: I Like to Sing!

By: Sukey Molloy

By now everyone who reads my blog regularly knows how much I like music by Sukey Molloy. The CD "I Like to Sing" is no exception. I have found it to be just as entertaining and soothing to my grandchildren as all Sukey's other music.
I am a believer in exposing children to music early in life. It can be used as an important learning tool in the everyday life of a child. Music can also be used to sooth an irritated, ill, unhappy or frightened child. As I have mentioned in the past I like to play music to my grandchildren when we are driving long distances.  My grandchildren can get very cranky on long road trips. Who can blame them? When they are strapped down and can not move easily they get very uncomfortable. We do stop often for short breaks and at least take a hour long break every 3 or 4 hours. But all breaks considered they need soothing music to keep them relaxed and happy for most of our trips. I like to use upbeat music when everyone is awake or needs motivation. Then I use soft and calming music (example: lullabies) for nap time or cranky times.
Why do I like Sukey's music so much? Well, not all children's music is made the same. I need to understand the lyrics that are being played with the music. How many times have you listened to music on the radio and thought you knew the words. Maybe you were singing along with a song and had to find out later that you misunderstood the lyrics! Have you ever listened to a song that you understood only a word or two of the lyrics. Maybe the entire song sounded like mumbo jumbo! I want my children and grandchildren to speak clearly and be understood. If they are listening to music that is not clear how can I expect them to speak clearly.
Sukey Molly's music is great in this respect. The lyrics are clear, easily understood and just out right fun for my grandchildren.

On to the CD. "I Like to Sing!"  Has a collection of 18 lively tracks. This CD actually had my grandchildren bobbing their heads, clapping their hands and singing along to these very interactive songs. My favorite is track 8 "What Kind of Animal." I just love hearing my grandchildren singing along wanting to be monkeys.
From familiar songs like "The Itsy Bitsy Spider, Twinkle Twinkle to interactive songs like Jump Down Turn Around your child/grandchild will be sure to find a favorite song to sing along with.
This CD would definitely make a great stocking stuffer for your young child.
To purchase a CD, DVD or just listen to some of Sukey's music go here.

Disclaimer:

I received the above mentioned CD in exchange for an honest review. 

Sukey's Circle DVD Review

By now everyone knows how much I like Sukey Molloy's music. My grandchildren and I have been fans ever since I reviewed I Am Happy by Sukey Molloy. Any time I play a music CD from Sukey my grand children's eyes light up and they sing along to their favorite songs. I like to play her music on long car rides with the grandchildren. This keeps them happy and relaxed. We all know how hard long car rides can be on little children.
Today I have been given the privilege to review a DVD " Sukey's Circle" volume 1. The episodes on the DVD are These Are My Eyes, Tick Tock, I Like To Move My Body and Tick Tock Gets Dressed. The DVD runs 28 minutes long. I played the DVD for Little Bug and he joined in and tried to sing and move right along with Sukey, Tick Tock and Sunny.
I was able to get a little video clip on the down low because Little Bug does not like to be recorded. The clip might be a little dark but I think it is clear enough that you will see how much he enjoys interacting with Sukey's Circle.

Little Bug asked to watch the DVD repeatedly the first time we played it. I finally had to distract him by offering to let him feed the animals with me. After the third time through I felt it was too much TV time for his age. It sure does show how much he enjoyed the DVD. I know he will ask me to play it often. I can hardly wait to share the DVD with my other grandchildren. We will be traveling to see each of them very soon. I will be sure to come back and up date this post with all their reactions after our trip.

Lets talk a little about the DVD. The first selection on the DVD is These Are My Eyes. Sukey asks the children to point to their eyes, nose mouth and ears. She goes on to identify other body parts with the children. Watching Little Bug singing These Are My Eyes with Sukey makes me want to join in all the fun.
My favorite episode on the DVD is "I like to Move My Body". Teaching children to follow directions, move body parts and enjoy exercising all at the same time. I will be using the DVD as a learning tool for my youngest grandchildren. I really like when learning is so much fun that children do not even realize they are learning.

Any one of Sukey Molloy's music CD's or DVD's would make great stocking stuffers for Christmas. Stop over at http://www.sukeymolloy.com/shop/ and find a perfect gift for that special child in your life.

Stay tuned for my next review: "I Like to Sing" by Sukey Molloy

Disclosure:

I received the above mentioned DVD to review in exchange for an honest opinion.

Guest Post: Happy Helpers

I am delighted to have Becky Jane from Rise Above Your Limits guest posting here on Grandma Bonnie's Closet. I hope you all enjoy her post. Please stop over to her blog and see what a mother of eleven children has to say!

Happy Helpers

Let’s face it…it’s a roller coaster ride when it comes to getting consistent, good help from our kids! 

If you’re the Mother of more than one child, you might have noticed that there are times when one of them is especially helpful, and the others are especially un-helpful.  This has always been a dilemma for me.  

I am always grateful when one of my kids picks up a mess without being told, doesn't argue when asked to do a chore or actually does their chores without being asked.  I’m especially grateful for the kid that is extra cheerful and kind!  *smiling*

HERE’S THE DELIMA…the child that is being extra helpful can see that he/she is doing more work and it isn't fair...HOW do I encourage this child to continue on and yet not feel picked on because of their good deeds?

Right now, my best helper is my 12 year old son.  He seems to be always there and ready to help when everyone else is complaining about helping, and sometimes he gets tired of it.  He likes to help (I know, enjoy it while it lasts), but I don’t want him to feel over-USED while everyone else is playing and having a good time.

Several years ago I came up with a solution...a way of secretly rewarding that special helper child.  In my closet I have a special tote with 'THINGS' in it...things that my kids like such as toys, umbrellas, fun socks, hair stuff (for the girls) etc., and of course $$$ (for the older ones)!  Whenever I see someone repeatedly going the extra mile, I secretly pull them aside and let them pick something out of the tote. 

The only rule I have is they cannot tell the other kids that they got something; it must be kept a secret!  This makes it even more fun for them!  They also understand that their rewards will come at inconsistent times…they can’t ask for a reward or expect to be rewarded every time they are good. (Being good has its own rewards)!

In order not to break-the-bank, I keep my eye out for sales and the dollar store carries some fun items too!  Don’t make it a financial burden, keep the ‘THINGS’ inexpensive yet fun!

This system of secret recognition has worked out quite well for our family.  The child is rewarded and encouraged to keep up the good work!

Being the Mother of 11 children, I hope I’ve learned a few things…

Written by - Becky Jane author of http://RiseAboveYourLimits.blogspot.com/

Color By Numbers Giveaway! Ending 6/26

Color It by Numbers is a computer application for Children ages 4-14.

Check out the giveaway here.

Color It By Numbers Review & Giveaway

Do you ever let your toddler play with your computer? I just cringe every time one of our grandchildren try to play with my computer when I am working on it. It's hard to say no to their sweet innocent plea "Me help Grandma, pleeeeease". How can I say no to such good manners!

I now have the answer to this problem. Color It By Numbers has asked me to review their computer application, which is made for children. My review of the application was fun and interesting. I enjoyed trying out the program for myself. I wanted to make sure the program would be easy for my 4 year old granddaughter to use before playing with the computer.

I found it easy to explain to her how to use the mouse to select a color and to match the color number to the number on the picture. While coloring, if the wrong number is selected the correct color for the selected number jumps forward. I really like this feature as it helps the child work independently. There are many more features to the program that make it great for children to learn numbers while having fun. There are three coloring methods to choose from, color by number, color to make visible, and color it in your favorite color.

Another great feature is that the program is available in English, German, Spanish, Russian and French. My grandson is being raised in a bilingual household, so it's nice to see programs that offer a wider variety of languages.

When checking out Color it by numbers web site you will find three coloring book themes to choose from. 

The themes are Animals, Princesses, and Vehicles. The program works with Mac, Windows and Linux and is for children ages 4-14. 

I have to say the strongest reason to use this program would have to be that it not only teaches numbers, but it is also great at teaching computer skills.

Take a video tour here.

Buy the Color by numbers application here.

Color it by numbers is giving three of my readers a chance to win a free code for the Color by numbers application. There will be one winner for each coloring theme. Animals, Princesses and Vehicles.

CLOSED

So, it's giveaway time! 

*Mandatory Entry*


Follow Grandma Bonnie's Closet on GFC

Visit Color it By Numbers and tell me something you learned that was not mentioned in the my review.

Tell me which coloring theme you would prefer. 

Leave your contact information in your comment.

                                                                     *Extra Entries*

The mandatory entry must be completed first.


Like Color It By Numbers on Facebook.  Leave a comment on there FB page letting them know Grandma Bonnie's Closet sent you.( 2 entries)

Blog about this giveaway and leave a link to your post. ( 2 entries)

Grab my button. Leave a link where I can find the post.(2 entries)

Add this giveaway to a giveaway linky and leave the link in your comment. (2 entries)
Leave a separate comment for each entry.

This giveaway ends at 11:59pm EST on 6/26/11. The winners will be selected by random draw and will have 72 hours to respond to a notification by email before another winner is selected. This giveaway is open to US residents only. Please do not forget your email, if your email is not visible in you profile I will not be able to contact you.

Honest opinions were made in this post. The opinions in this post are mine and have not been influenced by monetary compensation. The product in this review was given to me free of cost by Coloritbynumbers.com