DK Publishing #liftTHEflap board books for children #holidayGIFTguide #childrensbooks

I was sent these durable, fun, toddler board books from DK Publishing a few weeks back, and they were so cute I wanted to tell you about them. If you see this "Lift the flap" book in stores this Christmas, you should get it. You lift each little flap and it growls, howls and roars at you. Rowan kept laughing at it. He is almost a year old and such a little cutie.

The 1st book is appropriately named Growl! Howl! Animals! can also be bought online now, using the links provided in this post. The arv is $14.99. Under each flap is a light sensor - this book is marked inappropriate for children under 2, so I do supervise young Rowan with it, but do not reccommend you use this book for a child his age,
I let him see it, and put it up on a shelf out of his reach until next year, when he is a bit older.


This charming jungle story is part of the collection of DK's noisy books for preschoolers.


Young children will love hearing animal sounds as they lift the flaps. Growl! Howl! Animals contains lively rhymes to help children discover life in the jungle. With 16 lift the flaps and 5 light-activated sounds, including a baby orangutan, a parrot, and a crocodile splish-splashing, Growl! Howl! Animals combines early learning with preschool play and is ideal for reading aloud with babies and toddlers.

Here are some pictures of the book, but pictures don't do it justice! So cute!
Scroll down to see the pictures and review for Bip, Bop, and Boo Get Ready for School: I'm Ready for School!

Unique artwork by Jason Ratliff #walkingShadow is #rightUPmyalley!

Meet artist Jason Ratliff! One of my faves. His lines include Walking Shadow and Float. Which are pretty self explanatory. I found his artwork featured on Fancy and immediately fell in love with the Superman Print.  What I didn't know is there is also a feminine version of it with Superwoman & a little girl. I wanted to buy it for Rowan so bad. I got it! And It looks fabulous in his room.

You can find his art on Curioos and also on his site: Jason-ratliff.com his artwork averages about 20 for a small print to 200 for GIANT prints, plus you can get them on canvas as well. Not only can you get them on acid free paper and canvas or even just framed, but also on a aluminum and acrylic glass print too. I think his artwork is a perfect gift for a gal like me who can be really hard to shop for! Not only is it detailed and unique but affordable and remarkable. I have had countless comments and compliments on this artwork since I hung it in my house.


Really, we are more of batman people, so I probably should have reviewed the batman artwork instead. Check it out!

I love that all the mosaic prints are original and there is also a TMNT print!!! My print is 28x20 and retails 140 on Curioos. The best part is: you can sign up for their newsletter and get a 10% discount usually. Also try searching the web for other sales and discounts for this artist and sites he uses.

The name of my print is WALKING SHADOW: HERO - the feminine version feat Superwoman is called Walking Shadow: Heroine.
He has another line I'm digging on too called FLOAT. 

I want to thank him SO MUCH for sending us this print. I am eternally grateful and will be purchasing some more of his artwork very soon!  I suggest you do too! Throw Pillows, Laptop skins, Tshirts and iPhone cases featuring his artwork can also be found on Society6. The link is found on his personal webpage top right corner where it says "SHOP". 

Jason Ratliff is from Indianapolis, INDIANA. Designer by trade, artist by heart. He aims to create works that charm. Playful explorations of mixing intricate illustrations of the mundane with smacks of lively bright color that breathe life.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned below for free in hopes that I would review it on my blog. Regardless, all the opinions are mine and I only recommend products or services I use personally.

RageOn's new halloween stuff is BOO-zey!~#goonies Inside

Use my code " locomotion " to save on your order today!

**affiliate links

Just because you might be too old to fully "dress up" for Halloween, doesn't mean you can't dress up in Halloween gear! Not for kids, these Halloween items are too cute!  I love Halloween!  Super excited! I love this site: RageOn!

They even have a legit Goonies mask! And not the cheap knock off masks you see more & more of nowadays. It looks realistic!  Sweet!

Use my code " locomotion " to save on your order today!


This post contains affiliate links, meaning that at no extra cost to you, we get a small percentage of a sale- we use that money to help support our site and our families.  Thank you! 

#pizza #ariel #bobsBurgers #promocode I LOVE this site check out these bad a$$ t-shirts, blankets, underwear and more! Use my coupon code: LOCOMOTION on RageON!~

Affiliate Link


Click any link in this post to find the items screenshot in this post.

Pizza slice bedding

Trust NO b!tch

@rafflecopter: 4 movies to add under your tree! #HolidayGiftGuide #DespicableMe2 & #theLittleMermaid 2 disc set! + #giveaway for #MickeyMouseClubhouse HOLIDAYS '13

  You guys know I review all kinds of movies. Usually kids movies, because my kids are obsessed with great movies! I recently reviewed Monsters University, and recommended it for a gift, and I have a few more to share with you!

New releases rock, and my kids get really excited about them!  Here are a few that my kids really liked!
BUT, before we even get started on that. Our first movie we want to tell you about, has it's MINIONS bus visiting cities (possibly even near you!) Check out the list below to see!

In celebration of Despicable Me 2 coming to Blu-ray and DVD on December 10th, Universal Studios Home Entertainment is letting loose Minion Mobiles in Los Angeles, New York, Chicago and Philadelphia! 

Don't live in these cities? No worries as there are other fun initiatives happening around the country. Check back to this page to see what is happening in your area: http://despicableme.com/events

The Minion Mobiles will be distributing fun Despicable Me 2 prizes and other surprises including a Minion Island Vacation to Hawaii!

Looks out for the trucks in these cities:

• LA – three weeks (Starting in just a few days on 11/25)
• NYC – three weeks (Starting Week of 11/25)
• CHI - 2 weeks (Starting Week of 12/2)
• PHI - 2 weeks (Starting Week of 12/2)
• **************************

#1 Favorite so far! - DESPICABLE ME 2

So if you don't know what the minions are, they are from Despicable Me 2, which hit theaters earlier this year! Although we didn't get the chance to see it in theater's it made a great rainy day movie! The fabulous folks at ClickComm sent me this BluRay combo pack feature and my kids have been watching it non-stop since. I think it would make a perfect stocking stuffer! Pre-Order it NOW on Amazon for only $23.96 with free shipping!   We have absolutely loved Steve Carrell and his adorable little orphans/daughters! "It's so fluffy I'm gonna die!" This movie nor this Blu-Ray DO NOT disappoint!

• Three All-New Mini-Movies Starring the Minions—Introduced by Gru
- Puppy
- Panic in the Mailroom
- Training Wheels

#werthersCaramel NEW: Werther’s Original Caramel Popcorn #movieNight #werthersPopcornParty! #spon

I love the new Werther's Popcorn and so do all of my friends who attended this party I had the last week of October for MommyParties.

NEW: Werther’s Original Caramel Popcorn

Perfectly popped corn wrapped with rich and creamy Werther’s Original Caramel. The Caramel Popcorn for Caramel Lovers!


They sent us a TON (note: 12 LRG bags) that I handed out with coupons to my friends and their kids who attended the party!


They also sent us the movie Soul Surfer to watch while we munch. Though this review is not of the movie, the movie was good, but the popcorn was even better.

The kit they shipped us came complete with invites, and recipe cards with recipe suggestions.

Although, I thought it would be MUCH better to come up with our own Werther's Caramel Popcorn recipe and this is what we came up with!!

WERTHER'S POPCORN TRAIL MIX!

Oh so easy to make, it can consist of any ingredients your little heart can dream up, although here are the delights we added into ours.

First I got colored ziplock sandwich baggies, but you can use Paper Bags (and decorate them, which is what we almost did!) and lay out your assortment of treats in different bowls with spoons.

We used:

NEW Werther's Caramel Popcorn

Marshmallows

M & M's (we used Pretzel, Peanut, Peanut Butter and Plain)

Gummies

Honey Roasted Peanuts

After the kids and we few moms got our perfect Werther's popcorn trail mix made (some sans Marshmallows, which surprisingly, wait- some kids don't like mini marshmallows... ??? What they hey!?) we all settled in to watch the movie. 

 After the first movie, we decided to ALSO watch another, a review sent to me called  Monsters University. Which we also loved. When all was said and done, all the bowls were cleaned out, all the sample bags of popcorn given out, and some very big (and satisfied) munched out tummies.

All in all, I learned of a new DELICIOUS snack: duh.. the WERTHER'S CARAMEL POPCORN, and I even made a new friend that day: Linette.

It was a perfect snack for a perfect Mommy Party on a perfect afternoon. Really!!  It was a good day!

And do yourself a favor: if you happen to see this in stores, grab a bag, it's not your typical caramel popcorn treat, since it has the oh-so-delicious WERTHER'S caramel on it, it tastes so much better than you are probably used to caramel popcorn tasting. Simply addictive, so BE careful; consume with caution!  Good night y'all! Thanks for reading Locomotion of Expressions.



Facebook.com/WerthersOriginalUS
Facebook.com/MommyParties
Facebook.com/LocomotionOFexpressions
 www.CaramelShoppe.com

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.” The opinions expressed in this post are entirely my own. Your experience with the product may differ from mine. The sponsor is responsible for prize fulfillment and will be shipping the winner(s) their prize(s). For more information read my rules/disclosure policy.

#monstersUniversity Review of the new 3 Disc BluRay set of DVDS, coming out on DVD Oct 29! @monstersU #ad

Product Details
Actors: Billy Crystal, John Goodman, Steve Buscemi, Helen Mirren, Peter Sohn
Directors: Dan Scanlon
Writers: Dan Scanlon, Daniel Gerson, Robert L. Baird
Producers: Andrew Stanton, John Lasseter, Kori Rae, Lee Unkrich
Format: AC-3, Animated, Collector's Edition, Color, Dolby, Dubbed, NTSC, Subtitled, Widescreen, Multiple Formats
Language: English (Dolby Digital 2.0), English (DTS-HD High Res Audio), French (Dolby Digital 5.1), Spanish (Dolby Digital 5.1)
Subtitles: French, Spanish, English
Dubbed: French, Spanish
Region: Region A/1 (Read more about DVD/Blu-ray formats.)
Aspect Ratio: 1.78:1
Number of discs: 3
Rated: G (General Audience)
Studio: Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment
DVD Release Date: October 29, 2013
Run Time: 104 minutes



My Review of this movie!

It's amazing how realistic the animation on Pixar films has become. I swear even movies with actual people in them weren't as realistic as cartoons can be today!

The movie starts out good, grabs you by the seat and takes you on a fun, fast paced story that shows you how Mike and Sully actually met and became friends.

This movie was sad, but leave it to Disney to get right to the bottom of your heart and tug on your heartstrings. My kids were completely captivated while watching this movie. I remember hearing it was coming out over a year ago- and being so SO excited. Monsters Inc is one of my favorite "non-princess" Disney films. Even though it is Pixar, it is also DISNEY-Pixar now.
Or maybe it was always. I have a throbbing headache that is about to turn into a migraine.
Somebody call a doctor- a nurse.. heck anybody!
I always thought, wow if they did a sequel to that movie- it would be awesome! SO naturally- I jumped at the chance to review this BlockBuster BluRay set for the girls.

Mike Wazowski and James P. Sullivan are an inseparable pair, but that wasn’t always the case. From the moment these two mismatched monsters met they couldn't stand each other. Disney’s “Monsters University” unlocks the door to how Mike and Sulley overcame their differences and became the best of friends.

One of the early concept drawings of an early Mike in college was dated 2008, which goes to show you just how long this Monsters Inc prequel has actually been in development. It’s kind of amazing that we only learned that it would be a prequel story-line earlier this year. To give you an idea of the timeline, Ratatouille was just completed when they began concept work for this film — it was that long ago.

I also heard that Pixar toured actual college campuses to prepare for the story and animation for this movie! Little facts like that are so neat, ot to mention impressive that much work goes into a movie. It's the little details, things you would never think. But it makes sense.

Mom and Dad will love hearing familiar voices of John Goodman, Billy Crystal and Steve Buscemi! My kids kept talking about the movie for days, giggling at parts of it at breakfast the next day over waffles!

In college you meet many different interesting and sometimes strange characters, and MU is no different. There are all sorts of monsters; frat monsters, nerd monsters and goth monsters, as well as an assortment of Monster professors.

Facts about movie found on:"Slashfilm.com"



Well that concludes my review of this 3 disc set, BluRay, Standard Def, and Digital Copy of Monsters University by Disney Pixar, and if you can't tell.. we totally loved it!

If you take our word for it. Buy this movie now! I left links to purchase on Amazon, Walmart & Target!

Amazon: 24.99
Walmart:: 24.99
Target: $29.99


Also, if you are in some need of entertainment for yourself and the kiddies (either/or) Do be sure to check out the Monsters University website by typing into your browser, "   www.MonstersUniversity.com   "
Check out the site, it REALLY looks like a professional collegiate website, legit!
I even took a screenshot just in case y'all didn't believe me!

Underneath that pic, at the VERY bottom of this post, you'll fiind that boring disclosure, but you'll also find links to follow Monsters University on Social Networks, like Twitter and Facebook!

Thanks for reading my review of this movie!
Casey Colette
Mommy Blogger @
Locomotion of Expressions

PS- the ULTIMATE 4 disc set Collectors Edition is not out until the 29th!!! Nor is the DVD set I reviewed. The Ultimate set is just like mine, only has the 3D version of the movie.

Monstersuniversity.com/edu

Twitter - @MonstersU

Facebook.com/PixarMonstersUniversity

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.” The opinions expressed in this post are entirely my own. Your experience with the product may differ from mine. The sponsor is responsible for prize fulfillment and will be shipping the winner(s) their prize(s). For more information read my rules/disclosure policy.

#holidayGIFTguide Nick Jr #Victorious #calendar #TMNT #bathRobe & #doraTHEexplorer outfit

Here are some of the things that Nickelodeon and Nick Jr wanted to send us this holiday season for our Holiday Gift Guide for Locomotion of Expressions!
How thoughtful!

Please check out these pics to see how adorable my daughters are in these items, and find up-to-date prices and links to purchase them for your little loved one this upcoming holiday season too!

They are sure to please! My kids, (as you can see.. clearly LOVE them!)

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Boys Robe

Get comfy in this green robe featuring graphics of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. Even though this robe clearly states it is for BOYS, we do not let that deter us. The one disappointment though is I wanted this robe because her other robe was a "SM" and getting far too little on her. This robe is only an inch longer in the sleeves and hem, meaning I should've ordered the next size up probably. It fits, but it won't fit long and that was kinda the point is to get one I did not have to replace next year. My recommendation, buy robes 2 sizes too big or more to ensure they are comfy and long(er) lasting. I found it on amazon but only in sizes 4 and 6. But it is much less than the Suggested Retail Price of 40 bucks, coming in at only 24, a much better deal. Love me some Amazon.

SRP $40.00

Victorious 2014 Wall Calendar

Spend the year with the cast of Victorious! This 12” w x 11” h, 16-month wall calendar features 13 unique images and a full-size, functional grid ideal for scheduling and planning.

SRP $14.99

Ahh- I tried so hard to hide this from her to give to her at a later time, but it just didn't work. Then I was so mad she found it, that I hid it again and now I don't even know where it is. Here's to hoping I find it at least by November of '14. 

*Sigh!*

It is full retail price on Calendars.com 

Dora the Explorer Toddler Girls Fashion Top & Legging Set

Dance the night away with Dora in this dazzling top and leggings set!  A purple-trimmed graphic top and matching pair of purple leggings completes the perfect outfit for any dancing diva.

Devonny has been begging to wear this outfit since we got it. She opened up the box before I could stop her. She grabbed it this am, (as you can see pictured) in her warm fuzzy footed nightie and said "I wanna put this on, got get your camera!" LOL! So even though it was weather appropriate, I let her wear it, and kept saying "Don't I look pretty?"  Of course she does! DUH!!!!

SRP $30.00 but you can find it on amazon from 14$ to 28$ w Free Super Saver Shipping (on orders over $25!) it depends on what size you buy. The 2T for instance is only 14.99 but the 6X is $28.99)  I also saw it on Ebay!

I want to thank Dio and all the people at Nickelodeon's PR for sending us great items to review for Christmas-time.. or whatever holiday you celebrate this holiday season. Give the gift that keeps on giving, heart felt toys and clothes that the kids NEED and especially love!!!

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.” The opinions expressed in this post are entirely my own. Your experience with the product may differ from mine. The sponsor is responsible for prize fulfillment and will be shipping the winner(s) their prize(s). For more information read my rules/disclosure policy.