A Laurie Berkner Christmas

I recently had the opportunity to review the latest album from recording artist Laurie Berkner.  The following is my review for Washington Family Magazine.  Be sure to visit their website for all of the latest product reviews, as well as a helpful article by Rich Anton of Blue Waters Vacations on holiday travel for families.  Click HERE to read his article.  Be sure to pick up this great CD of seasonal tunes for the trip!

USA Today calls her “The undisputed queen of kindie rock”. Parenting Magazine calls her “The pied piper of preschool”, and Time Magazine labels her as “A kind of sippy-cup Sheryl Crow”. The award-winning recording artist, Laurie Berkner, has just released her first ever Christmas album from the Two Tomatoes Records/Razor & Tie recording label. On this album, she is accompanied her band mates, Susie Lampert, Adam Bernstein and Bob Golden on keyboards, bass and percussion. Respected recording artists Brady Rymer and Elizabeth Mitchell also join in on this album, which was released October 30, 2012.




The track listing for this CD includes a total of 15 tracks with popular tunes like “Jingle Bells”, “Little Drummer Boy”, “Frosty the Snowman” and “Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer”, among others. Her rendition of “Silent Night”, featuring Elizabeth Mitchell, is a peaceful and beautiful lullaby as enjoyable to listen to for the parents as it is for the children. The addition of “Children Go Where I Send Thee”, featuring Brady Rymer, is upbeat and a fresh addition that doesn’t disappoint. She also includes a song for those celebrating Hanukkah, “Candle Chase”. Three original songs are recording on this album by the highly acclaimed artist. These are “Santa’s Coming To My House”, “Candy Cane Jane” and “Christmas Lights”. The music video for “Candy Cane Jane” has been uploaded to YouTube by the Laurie Berkner Band. With a tune so catchy and graphics so sugary cute, your little one will request you play it over and over!



To learn more, you can find The Laurie Berkner Band on Facebook, and well as check out the website at http://twotomatoes.shop.musictoday.com/ The CD retails on this site for $15. The digital download is available for $9.99 from the website or itunes. You can also find this CD at Wal-Mart for just under $12.

The Latest MOM Reviews!

If you're still struggling with last minute Christmas gifts (like I am), check out the latest MOM reviews I did for Washington Family Magazine.  If you have a music lover, the Kidz Bop 22 CD is going to be a great choice for you.  If you have artsy/craftsy children (like I do), then you might be disappointed if you fork out the big bucks for the latest from Crayola.  We were able to review two recently released products and we weren't huge fans.  Of course, my opinion is just that...my opinion. You may have these/want these/love these...different strokes, right?

Read the full reviews below:

Kidz Bop 22

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Crayola Digital Light Designer and Marker Airbrush

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And watch for my future reviews to come on the latest Laurie Berkner Christmas CD and some great crafty items from Wikki Stix!

I also recently ran across two new fave consignments shops.  I have also have been a fan of "dumpster diving".  Only...not in real dumpsters, but more in the form of tag sales, Goodwill stores and such.  So when I found the lovely combo of consignment stores that happen to be online AND have apps for my iphone...my life just filled with a little more happy.  Check these out, they may make your life a little more happy too!

For children's consignments, check out THREDUP.  By following that link, we both get $10 to shop with!  I've shopped and consigned here and I'm loving it.  Prices paid out to me were fair, special offers constantly pop up offering free shipping and free "clean out" bags and I've been pleased with their referral program. Their customer service is also great. Let me know what you think!

And if you want to venture into the world of consignment for adult designer duds, check out the latest app I personally added to my phone, POSHMARK.

Don't be afraid of a deal, folks!  In the past year, I've tightened the financial belt and starting thrifting much more.  In doing so, I've adopted a new motto, which is..."thou shalt never pay full price evuh again!"  It's very freeing, especially when you walk out getting many more compliments in that $15 coat you just bought than you ever did in that full price jacket that cost you hundreds!

TGIF and Happy Shopping, everyone!

DIY Jewelry Kit

Jewelry you can make yourself!  Kind of....with help from Prarie Creations.  A great gift idea just in time for your holiday shopping. 

Check out the review here http://www.washingtonfamily.com/page/Jewelry-Kit

Hey Good Lookin'

...Whatever you got cookin', Wolfgang can help!  Here's a recent Mom Review I did for Washington family Magazine regarding Wolfgang Puck Pasta Sauces - now available in your grocer's aisles to help you out with dinner tonight!!

http://www.washingtonfamily.com/page/Wolfgang-Puck-Cooking-Sauces

Pretty Penny

If you have girls, you need this book. Adorable Pretty Penny is the star character in my latest book review for the Washington Family Magazine.  Check it out HERE.  I hope you and your daughters enjoy it as much as we did!

BOOK REVIEW!

 Art Is Every Day: Activities for the Home, Park, Museum, and City by Eileen S. Prince,

Another review for Washington Family Magazine but this time I wasn't so nice.  I'm nothing if not honest, and this time I feel like my honesty makes me sound like a meanie.  But, so it is.  I was not a fan of this book at all.  I wanted to be.  I wanted to like it, really I did.  But no, it was a snoozer.  Sorry!  Check out the full review here...

Art Is Every Day Doesn’t Make the Grade

I'm Published!

Check it out!!!  I'm published!  Who knew...

Recently, a friend approached me about writing product reviews for a local family magazine.  I'm a sucker for surveys, new products, giving my opinions, and I never turn down a freebie.  I was in!  My first review was on a game, WANGLE.  After my family and I had a chance to play, here's what I had to say about it.

"WANGLE YOUR WAY TO SOME FUN" GAME REVIEW

 (for Washington Family Magazine, featured on washingtonfamily.com)

I also have book and gourmet food reviews in the works and will be sharing those reviews soon.  In the meantime, be sure to check out washingtonfamily.com and sign up for the e-newsletter.  If you're in the area, there's plenty of useful info there for Washington families who want to be "in the know"!  Also be sure to "like" Washington Family Magazine on facebook!