V. Smile Motion - Active Learning System from VTech - Review & Giveaway!

If you're looking for a wireless, fun, and educational game for your kids Vtech has it! They have the V. Smile Motion game that's for kids ages 3-7 years old that not only is fun and entertaining but provides tons of educational value!

V.Smile Motion™ Active Learning System Features

• Wireless, motion activated joystick is also for left-handed or right-handed children
• This learning system is 100% compatible with the entire V.Smile Smartridge library
• Use V.Link to track your scores and earn bonus online games
• Comes with Action Mania sampler Smartridge

We received a V. Smile Motion Wireless Learning System to test out. It killed me to open this and not be able to wrap this and put it under the tree! This would make an awesome Christmas Gift this holiday season! Before the fire Johnny had their Original V. Smile Learning System so we had somewhat of an idea of what it was like. What I really liked was that Gavin loves watching his brother play the Wii but gets easily frustrated because he can't figure out their complicated remotes. He also struggles with the games' concepts and they don't usually provide much if any educational value.

The console itself is good size and stores up to six games inside it as well. The lid simply lifts up easily allowing your child to decide which game they want themselves.

The V. Smile Motion comes with the Action Mania Game so you can start playing immediately. All you do is simply push it down to play and if you want to change the game you just pull it out. This game not only helps with learning but with nutrition. They encourage kids to hit healthy foods for extra points and steer clear of junk food.

There are simple on/off buttons that any age group can grasp. They light up as well so you know when you pushed them they work. The on button remains green while in use. If you have V.Smile V.Link you can go on line www.vsmilelink.com. If you own multiple systems of theirs their games are compatible for the V.Smile Cyber Pocket, V.Smile PC Pal, and V.Smile Motion and the V.Link will help them track

The V. Smile Motion comes with one wireless remote but can also be used with the original V.Smile remotes as well. You can purchase an additional remote for $19.99 if you'd like. The remote itself is simple to use and comfortably fits in yours or your childs hands. Yes, I've played it too LOL! There are little arrows near the joy stick part that light up to help your child as well.
You can see here that what makes this remote so nice is that everything is color coded making it very easy for your child to follow directions.
Overall we are very happy with our V. Smile Motion. Gavin caught on to it very quickly. We also received the Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Game to try and out and loved seeing all his favorite characters. This one game had 10 games on it and allows him to play at two different levels to encourage learning.
The only thing I don't like is that you have to buy the AC Adapter separately or go through a million batteries. I'd rather pay the extra $10 and have it included then getting home and realizing I don't have it.

Vtech Kids has offered one J. Leigh Designz reader a V. Smile Motion Consule & Remote!!

How to Enter:

1.) Visit VTech Kids and tell me what OTHER toy not mentioned in this post your child would like!
Mandatory

How to earn additional entries:
2.) Become a follower on my blog (publicly- privately does not count)-leave another comment (or let me know if you already are)
3.) Subscribe to my blog by EMAIL (not feed)
4.) Blog about my giveaway- with a link back to here AND Vtech Kids 2 entries(get one more if you include a photo of the giveaway).
Post YOUR blog entry first and then the comment (please include the link directly to it not to your front page, and make an additional comment then the ones above.)
5.) Add my NEW button to your blog
6.) Follow me on Twitter AND Tweet about this giveaway-
Copy/Paste: "RT Win a V. Smile Motion Wireless Learning System from @VTechToys during #MistletoeMadness #giveaway ends 12.7.09 http://tinyurl.com/yh6gpxb"
~this can be done once daily~
7.) Become a Fan of J. Leigh Designz on Facebook!
8.) Put the STYLE button on your sidebar
9.) Become a Fan of VTech Toys on Facebook
9.) Follow VTech Toys on Twitter
10.). Enter Dee's VTech Toys Giveaway

-EFFECTIVE IMMEDIATELY-
You must have your email in your comment or in your profile in order to win.

(Make sure to check out all my other giveaways!
Check the side bar to the right for list!)

That's many chances to win a V. Smile motion from vtech!!

Contest ends Dec 7th at 11:59pm!

www.vtechkids.com

***USA Only***

J. Leigh Designz Review Policy: I was provided with the featured item(s) at no cost by the manufacturer and/or its PR agency in order to test the products abilities and give my own personal opinions on it. The opinions I have given are mine and may differ from others but it was not influenced in any manner by monetary means.

Hatley Nature - Aliens Kids Back Pack & Lunch Tote - Review & Giveaway!

Hatley is a family owned business that has quality items for the entire family.

I often check out about me pages on companies. It sometimes can tell you a lot about a company. When I went to Hatley's About Us page I loved it!

"Growing up in the small town of Hatley, the Oldland boys loved running naked through the woods. But the day came when Chris, Nick and Jeremy had to leave Hatley and enter the real world where public nudity just wasn't understood. To be accepted the boys combined their love for nature with comfortable clothing, and the Hatley line was born!Our mission is to help "get clothes to nature" - to get any closer you'd have to be naked!"

If you are on the search for great quality Christmas gifts that won't break the bank this holiday season you need to check out Hatley Nature's Under $20 Section. There are tons of amazing items you can get! PLUS, they offer FREE SHIPPING for all order over $65.

We were sent a lunch tote and backpack for Gavin to test out from the awesome Aliens Collection. We absolutely LOVE them. We also have our eye on the super cute Aliens Kids Rain Coat. They are very well made and durable. They can easily be spot cleaned or machine washed. This is great because kids can really do some damage to this as they are used on a daily basis.

The lunch tote is average size and has the same great fabric that the backpack does. It has an adjustable velcro straps to hold any size thermos and a net pocket for snacks. This is incredibly easy to clean as the lovely daycare that watches Gavin for 4 hours a week took his left over mac & cheese and put it back in without attaching the cover. I was so upset thinking first use and its already ruined. I didn't even have to machine wash it. I simply used the kitchen sponge. The net pocket now also holds a note telling them to attach lids LOL!

As you can see below this child's backpack fits Gavin perfectly. I probably should have taken the photo after I adjusted the straps to him as it is adjustable and it now sits on him properly. I really like this bag as it separates everything nicely for us. In the large pocket is his folder that is required for school. Backpacks are required to be large enough to fit a folder. At first I was nervous getting a backpack from the internet because you can't really tell if they will fit. What's great about this one is that it is large enough to fit the folder but not too big for him! Inside the large part is also the lunch tote you see above. This also holds spare clothes. Since he's still only 3 accidents can occasionally happen so the school requires an extra change of clothing. Most backpacks only have one area that opens up, this one has a second area. In the front pocket area it has multiple holding areas where I can easily store a to go package of sanitizer wipes and a snack. It has a spot that could also nicely hold a school ID and library card. The pocket is deep so if needed you could pack it full of stuff.
I have no doubt that this bag will not only last through the rest of his preschool years but get him off to a good start at grade school as well! Plus, when these great backpacks are only $29.99 That's a huge savings since I have had to purchase Johnny a new one each year because his $20 bags couldn't last!

Hatley Nature has offered one J. Leigh Designz reader a Kids Back Pack and Lunch Tote for your little one!

How to Enter:

1.) Visit Hatley Nature and tell me what your favorite item is from their site!
Mandatory

How to earn additional entries:
2.) Become a follower on my blog (publicly- privately does not count)-leave another comment (or let me know if you already are)
3.) Subscribe to my blog by EMAIL (not feed)
4.) Blog about my giveaway- with a link back to here AND Hatley Nature 2 entries(get one more if you include a photo of the giveaway).
Post YOUR blog entry first and then the comment (please include the link directly to it not to your front page, and make an additional comment then the ones above.)
5.) Add my NEW button to your blog
6.) Follow me on Twitter AND Tweet about this giveaway-
Copy/Paste: "RT Win a Kids Backpack & Lunch Tote from Hatley Nature during #MistletoeMadness #giveaway ends 12.7.09 http://tinyurl.com/create.php"
~this can be done once daily~
7.) Become a Fan of J. Leigh Designz on Facebook!
8). Enter Dee's Athletic Tote Giveaway

-EFFECTIVE IMMEDIATELY-
You must have your email in your comment or in your profile in order to win.

(Make sure to check out all my other giveaways!
Check the side bar to the right for list!)

That's many chances to win a great backpack and lunch tote!!

Contest ends Dec 7th at 11:59pm!

www.hatleystore.com

***USA Only***

J. Leigh Designz Review Policy: I was provided with the featured item(s) at no cost by the manufacturer and/or its PR agency in order to test the products abilities and give my own personal opinions on it. The opinions I have given are mine and may differ from others but it was not influenced in any manner by monetary means.

We're Going Some Where BEARY Special Today! Holly and Hal Moose Here We Come!

Today the boys and I will be packing it up into the Jeep and heading out of Western Ma. We were invited by the beary special Build-A-Bear Team to go down and make the newest arrivals to the vast selection of animal friends you and your children can make!

Meet Holly & Hal Moose:

After we're done making our newest members of the family we get to head over to the theatre's for a private screening of the *NEW* Movie called 'Holly and Hal Moose: Our Uplifting Christmas Adventure'. The boys are extremely excited!

You too can watch this movie from the comfort of your home just by tuning into ABC Family Tuesday November 24, 2009 at 7pm EST/PST time!

I'll have my camera in hand all day and I'll be back to post all about it! In the mean time here's some great info I found on the movie!

From Build-A-Bear:

"Meet Hal - the free spirited dreamer determined to fly with Santa’s reindeer, and Holly - the level-headed inventor, always there helping her brother on his latest adventure.

Will this sibling duo be able to work together to save Christmas and their friendship in time for Santa to make his famous flight? Find out in the first Build-A-Bear Workshop^® furry friend-inspired story. Also experience their adventures online at buildabearville.com^™."

BFC Ink Doll - Best Friends Club Ink. Stick Together, Friends Forever - Review & Giveaway!

Are your girls looking for new dolls that not only have style but have a story too? You need to check out BFC Ink Dolls aka The Best Friends Club Ink Dolls!
These dolls all have names: Kaitlin, Addison, Calista, Aliesha, and Noelle.
They each have their own story on who they are and what they like! Have twin girls? They would love Noelle and Aliesha as they to are twin sisters! These dolls are not only hip, fashionable, and crazy cute but they are CRAZY priced! All these dolls are quality made and come with a handful of items related to each dolls character. Not like other dolls that break the bank. You can afford to purchase ALL these dolls for price of one of their dolls and an extra outfit!

These BFC Ink Dolls may be new but they are already making waves in the awards category!
Disney's Family Fun just named them one of 2009 Best Toy of the Year!
Here's what they had to say about these awesome dolls:

"Our testers were first drawn to the 18-inch-tall, articulated BFC (Best Friends Club) dolls because of their looks. But when they saw the plethora of extras -- two fashionable outfits, a version of the classic cootie catcher game, and a journal that includes fun questionnaires -- they became friends forever. Three different dolls available."

Not only are these dolls available in the 18" size but they are regular 11" as well!
They come at an amazingly affordable price and comes with so many great accessories! Of course each doll still comes with a membership card making each little girl a true BFC Ink Member!

We received the 18" Addison Doll to review. I love how not only do get this fabulous doll but you get all her things with her. She comes with a second complete outfit, a backpack type purse, an official members card, a journal for you to fill out (complete with lock & key!), and a classic cootie catcher game! You'll also receive a code giving you additional BFC Ink Privileges online! Addison herself is 18" tall she has long brown hair that can be played with and styled. I wish she came with a brush. She comes in a removable outfit, shoes, and earrings! All of her limbs can move adding to more fun during play. Her knees can bend as well, elbows cannot.

Who is Addison?
She is Addison Jackson! She is tall, with long stylish hair. She is an atheletic skater. She lives at home with her Mom and Dad, and her boring brothers Josh and Jake! I am the Events Coordinator when it comes to her BFF's BFC Inc Club! She arranges all the sleepovers, club ceremonies, parties, and anything else fun!

She is a very quality made doll. I cannot believe that this doll and ALL of her accessories are only $29.00 It just doesn't seem possible!
You can find all of these dolls at both Walmart and Target!

BFC Ink Dolls has offered one J. Leigh Designz reader a BFC Ink Doll of their Choice!!

How to Enter:

1.) Visit BFC Ink and tell me what doll you like best and why!
Mandatory

How to earn additional entries:
2.) Become a follower on my blog (publicly- privately does not count)-leave another comment (or let me know if you already are)
3.) Subscribe to my blog by EMAIL (not feed)
4.) Blog about my giveaway- with a link back to here AND BFC Ink 2 entries(get one more if you include a photo of the giveaway).
Post YOUR blog entry first and then the comment (please include the link directly to it not to your front page, and make an additional comment then the ones above.)
5.) Add my NEW button to your blog
6.) Follow me on Twitter AND Tweet about this giveaway-
Copy/Paste: "RT Win a BFC Ink Doll of your choice from @BFCInk during #MistletoeMadness #giveaway ends 12.7.09 http://tinyurl.com/yf8nh93"
~this can be done once daily~
7.) Become a Fan of J. Leigh Designz on Facebook!
8.) Put the STYLE button on your sidebar
9.) Become a Fan of BFC Ink on Facebook
9.) Follow BFC Ink on Twitter
10.). Enter Dee's BFC Ink Doll Giveaway

-EFFECTIVE IMMEDIATELY-
You must have your email in your comment or in your profile in order to win.

(Make sure to check out all my other giveaways!
Check the side bar to the right for list!)

That's many chances to win a BFC Ink Doll of your choice!!

Contest ends Dec 7th at 11:59pm!

http://bfcink.com

***USA Only***

J. Leigh Designz Review Policy: I was provided with the featured item(s) at no cost by the manufacturer and/or its PR agency in order to test the products abilities and give my own personal opinions on it. The opinions I have given are mine and may differ from others but it was not influenced in any manner by monetary means.

Aloha Friday - Hiding Presents!

If you've never heard of it, it started over on An Island Life.

I ask a question....I answer it....and then you answer it too!
Sound like fun?

___________________________________________

So, for this week's question:

Q: Where do you hide Christmas Gifts?

A: I hide them either in the cellar. Its not finished but since the house is new the cellar is clean and we hardly have anything down there.
Or I stash thing in the bottom cabinets in my craft room. No one realizes they are empty and used for gift hiding LOL!

Dwell Studio - NEW BEAUTIFUL Sparrow Lilac Weekender Bag - Review & Giveaway!

From the moment that I saw the Sparrow Lilac Weekender at Dwell Studios I loved it. Since we have the condo in Fort Myers, FL I know we're going to be traveling a lot more now! My luggage is okay, but lacking style. We have one set and if all four of us go we struggle figuring out who gets what bag. I wanted my own bag and I knew this had to be the one.
My normal luggage doesn't have any ID tags. I'm constantly ripping off the paper ones from the different airlines, How nice not to be searching for a pen at the last moment trying to make sure my bag has all its info on it. Plus, this one is really cute. And its pink! Who doesn't love pink?
I know its weird that I used a paper cutter to show size but I wanted something to physically show how great the size is! I figured with jeans or clothes we are all different. The paper cutter is about 13 inches long and about 6 wide! The exact measurements are 20"w x 11"h x 9"h This bag could easily fit a couple days of clothing for just me and some basic needs without having to lug around anything else. Plus, this coordinating print is waterproof lined. So if something opens it won't ruin the bag and can be easily wipe washed.
On one side there is a huge zipper pocket and also additional side pockets. There are snaps so you can easily adjust the size of the pockets if needed. This is great if you need to pack items like a flat iron, make up, or shoes. Its also great if your traveling with a baby and needs spots for diapers, a baby monitor, or bottles!
The opposite side has an additional long zipper with another waterproof lined pocket. Great for additional paperwork or materials you need to keep separate.
The front of the bag has a snap pocket the length of the bag. This is a great spot for reading materials and fast needed items like boarding passes.
The backside has yet another pocket. This pocket, like all the pockets, is also lined with the coordinating waterproof material. I like pockets like this because its the perfect spot for my cell phone, keys, camera, and flip! Easy to reach at but secured with a zipper!
I also like that this bag offers 2 separate ways to carry it. I can use either the 2 handles or I can attach the shoulder strap for hands free travel! Again-pink!
As you can tell I am absolutely in {love} with this bag! I can't wait to take it on my next trip to Florida! There isn't a feature on this bag that I don't like or that I would change! Plus, this weekender bag is available in THREE other prints!

Dwell Studio has offered one J. Leigh Designz reader a Sparrow Lilac Weekender Bag worth $230.00!

How to Enter:

1.) Visit Dwell Studio and tell me your favorite product of theirs.
Mandatory

How to earn additional entries:
2.) Become a follower on my blog (publicly- privately does not count)-leave another comment (or let me know if you already are)
3.) Subscribe to my blog by EMAIL (not feed)
4.) Blog about my giveaway- with a link back to here AND Dwell Studio 2 entries(get one more if you include a photo of the giveaway).
Post YOUR blog entry first and then the comment (please include the link directly to it not to your front page, and make an additional comment then the ones above.)
5.) Add my NEW button to your blog
6.) Follow me on Twitter AND Tweet about this giveaway-
Copy/Paste: "RT Win a $230.00 Sparrow Lilac Weekender Bag from @DwellStudio during #MistletoeMadness #giveaway ends 12.7.09 http://tinyurl.com/yh4j6ja"
~this can be done once daily~
7.) Become a Fan of J. Leigh Designz on Facebook!
8.) Put the STYLE button on your sidebar
9.) Become a Fan of Dwell Studio on Facebook
9.) Follow Dwell Studio on Twitter
10.). Enter Dee's ENTIRE Crib Set Giveaway

-EFFECTIVE IMMEDIATELY-
You must have your email in your comment or in your profile in order to win.

(Make sure to check out all my other giveaways!
Check the side bar to the right for list!)

That's many chances to win a Sparrow Lilac Weekender Bag!!

Contest ends Dec 7th at 11:59pm!

http://dwellshop.com

***USA Only***

J. Leigh Designz Review Policy: I was provided with the featured item(s) at no cost by the manufacturer and/or its PR agency in order to test the products abilities and give my own personal opinions on it. The opinions I have given are mine and may differ from others but it was not influenced in any manner by monetary means.