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Dress Up Your Doll for the Holidays! {Giveaway}

December 7, 2011 By 147 Comments

My daughters are surrounded with electronics these days.  Between the iPad, Leapster, Nintendo DS and Wii, my girls have the opportunity to be “plugged in” for both educational and interactive play.  That being said, the majority of their time is actually spent in imaginative play with their wooden kitchen, playsets, dress up costumes and baby dolls.

They love to dress up their dolls for bedtime, dance classes, school and even playdates with each other.  And now that the holidays are upon us (where did the time go?), the dolls must be festively dressed.  If you have a child that loves to dress up her babies, too, you have to check out the selection at Constructive Playthings!

My daughters were excited to receive the Modern Christmas Collection which included three outfits for an 18″ doll.  The set includes candy cane pajama tee shirt, plaid pants, red slippers, headband, sweater, red dress, black shoes, gingerbread tee shirt, skirt, black leggings, brown boots, and an adorable teddy bear!  The outfits were well made and very cute (I love the brown boots!).  While the clothes are made to fit the Today’s Girl Dolls from Constructive Playthings, they did fit my daughters’ standard 18″ dolls (however, the shoes were a very snug fit).  Now, the dolls in my home are festive and ready for the holiday parties!

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The Modern Christmas Collection can be purchased for $44.99, but as a Constructive Mom, you can take 15% off your entire order if you click through my link!

GIVEAWAY

One winner will receive the Modern Christmas Collection from Constructive Playthings!

How to enter:

1. Visit Constructive Playthings and take a look around.  Come back here and tell us what other item a child in your life would love to receive for the Holidays.

Additional entries:

1. Blog about this giveaway and link to The Not-So-Blog (10 extra entries).

2. Follow me (@BridgetteLA) and @ConstructiveMom on Twitter and Tweet this giveaway. Every time you tweet you get an additional entry! Unlimited! (You must have over 50 Twitter followers to qualify for unlimited entries!)

3. Subscribe to my blog.

4. Become a Fan of The Not-So-Blog on Facebook and Constructive Playthings on Facebook.

5. Place my blog banner on your sidebar.

Contest ends at 11:59pm CST on December 28th. Prizes not claimed in 72 hours will be forfeited. Open to U.S. and Canadian Residents only.

This post is the opinion of the Experimental Mommy.  Others may have a differing opinion of the product.  While  sample was received to facilitate this review, all opinions remain 100% mine.
Filed Under: Giveaways Tagged With: , , ,

Play Vet Combo Set from Constructive Playthings: Review and Giveaway

October 11, 2011 By

In 2002, my husband and I welcome our first child, Callie.  She was no regular baby….she had four legs, a tail and adorable big brown eyes.  She was a beagle puppy and we were so happy to be “parents.” Unfortunately, nine years and two human babies later, Callie passed away.  My two daughters miss her very much and are now asking for a new dog, but my husband and I are less than ready to jump into puppy parenthood again.  We want the girls to be old enough to assist in the care of a new puppy, so we are taking this time to teach them all that is involved.

Because my daughters love to pretend play, I thought the Play Vet Combo Set from Constructive Playthings would be a great start!  About the set:

“Just what the “practicing” vet needs: 26 essential items like a stethoscope, electronic beeper, reflex hammer, ear scope, and more. There’s a working 10″ H. Pet Scale and their first 2 patients (an 8″ plush dog and plush cat). Complete with the washable poly/cotton Vet Coat measuring 20″ from neck to hemline by 18 ½” wide. 31 pc. set. Ages 3 yrs. +”

My girls could not have been more excited to start playing Vet.  They took turns being the pet owner and the doctor (amazing, right?) and played for a very long time.  The vet coat fit them both well and even comes with a medical emergency pager which really makes noise.  The two plush animals are well made and quite cute and the Vet Bag fits almost all of the supplies (the scale is too large to fit in the bag).  And boy are there accessories!  From shots to bandages, prescription pad to cat food, this set has everything for your budding veterinarian.  Great to add to the holiday list!

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DISCOUNT

The Vet Pet Set sells for $67.99, but by clicking my Constructive Mom button below, you will receive 15% off making the toy just $57.89.
Constructive Playthings Parent / Family

GIVEAWAY

One reader will win the Play Vet Combo Set from Constructive Playthings (ARV $68)!

How to Enter:

1. Tell me another product your child would love from Constructive Playthings!

Additional entries:

1. Blog about this giveaway and link to The Not-So-Blog (10 extra entries).

2. Follow me (@BridgetteLA) and @ConstructiveMom on Twitter and Tweet this giveaway. Every time you tweet you get an additional entry! Limited to 10 a day, please. (You must have over 50 Twitter followers to qualify for unlimited entries!)

3. Subscribe to my blog.

4. Become a Fan of The Not-So-Blog and Constructive Playthings on Facebook.

5. Place my blog button on your sidebar.

Contest ends at 11:59pm CST on November 1st. Prizes not claimed in 72 hours will be forfeited. Open to U.S. Residents only.

This post is the opinion of the Experimental Mommy. Others may have a differing opinion of the product. While a sample was received to facilitate this review, all opinions remain 100% honest.
Filed Under: Giveaways Tagged With: , , ,

Get Creative with Constructive Playthings {Giveaway}

August 1, 2011 By

Is it really August?  Where has the Summer gone?  Looking back on the past two months, we have been insanely active!  Two vacations, a few week long camps for girls, many family parties and several backyard barbeques have kept us quite busy.  So, as the Summer winds down, I am looking for less physical and more creative activities for the kids.

As a Constructive Mom, I get the honor of trying out some of the toys with my girls.  This month, I decided to try both the Smart Lab Fashion Studio and Illustory Make a Book Kit.  I knew both toys would bring out the creative side of my girls, and best of all….we could play them together….in the air conditioning!

The Smart Lab Fashion Studio was perfect for my 6 year old fashionista!  The 9″ light table, acetate paper, colored pencils and clothes to trace allowed her to create her very own designer fashion line.  She had a blast creating formal outfits, swimwear and even some silly combinations.  At just $19.99, this toy would make a great gift for one of her first grade friends.

Illustory Make a Book Kit was another creative outlet that even let my six year old practice her spelling and handwriting.  As a beginning reader, we have been working with her over the summer to keep her skills sharp and this project was a great culmination.  The kit comes with ten markers, heavy paper and detailed instructions on how your child can become an author and an illustrator of their very own book.  It helps your child plan our the setting, characters and plot of their story.  My daughter first created the cover of her book and decided to title it, “Silly.”  The book she created was funny and she wrote the entire plot all by herself.  In the next few days, we will mail the papers in the postage paid envelope and receive our professionally bound book in just 4 weeks.  This would make a great holiday gift for a Grandparent to proudly display on their coffee table!

My daughter loved both toys from Constructive Playthings! My youngest (age 3) was a bit too young for the kits, but with the help of her older sister, was able to join in some of the fun.

COUPON ALERT!

One of the best parts of being a Constructive Mom is that I can give you 15% off your total order!  Simply click on the CP Toys button on my right sidebar or this link to receive the discount!

GIVEAWAY

One winner will receive both the Smart Lab Fashion Studio and the Illustory make a Book Kit (ARV $40)!

How to Enter:

1. Take a look at all the great toys at Constructive Playthings and tell me another one your child would love to have! Remember, by clicking on this link, you receive 15% off your total order!

Additional entries:

1. Blog about this giveaway and link to The Not-So-Blog and CP Toys (10 extra entries).

2. Follow me (@BridgetteLA) and @ConstructiveMom on Twitter and Tweet this giveaway. Every time you tweet you get an additional entry! Limited to 10 a day, please. (You must have over 50 Twitter followers to qualify for unlimited entries!)

3. Subscribe to my blog.

4. Become a Fan of The Not-So-Blog and Constructive Playthings on Facebook.

5. Place my blog button on your sidebar.

Contest ends at 11:59pm CST on August 23rd.  Prizes not claimed in 72 hours will be forfeited. Open to U.S. and Canadian Residents only.

This post is the opinion of The Experimental Mommy.  While a sample product was received to faciltate this review, all opinions remain 100% mine.
Filed Under: Giveaways Tagged With: , ,

WINNERS!

July 26, 2011 By 3 Comments

Congrats to all the recent winners here at Experimental Mommy!  Some great prizes this go ’round!  Don’t forget to enter all of my current giveaways and be on the lookout for some great ones coming up soon!  Thanks to all who entered!

Anthony’s Pasta:  Wanda

WhoNu? Cookies: Michelle C. and Barbara M.

HALO Bars:  Alicia

Bailey’s: Jessie and Christina

Constructive Playthings:  Michelle R.

Dreft: Shayna

SONIC:  Ellen

Pampers $300 Giveaway:  Natalie

Anamalz: Anne

Filed Under: Giveaway Winners Tagged With: , , , , , , , , ,

WINNERS

May 21, 2011 By 4 Comments

Congrats to the winners of the recent giveaways here at Experimental Mommy!  You will all be emailed shortly.  Please take a look at my winner’s policy to ensure you claim your prize correctly.  Thanks for supporting the blog!

Constructive Playthings Laundry Day:  Judy B.

Me and My Feet: Michelle C

Jimmy Dean D-Lights: Twila K.

Green Town Toys: trixx

Dove VisibleCare: Cathy W

Switch to Silk: Jessie C.

Outback steakhouse: Just Coupons

Modern Light: kittycardero

Nancy August: Laura D.

CONGRATS!

Filed Under: Giveaway Winners Tagged With: , , , , ,

Constructive Playthings Laundry Day Play: Can Laundry be Fun?

March 23, 2011 By

I think the best gift I have ever gotten my two daughters is the wooden play kitchen.  They have played with the kitchen and the accessories for countless hours promoting both creativity and imagination.  It is incredibly cute to see the girls mimic my actions and I fear that they are becoming better cooks than I!  So when I had the opportunity to add to the kitchen with Laundry Day Play from Constructive Playthings, I knew they would love it!

About Laundry Day Play from the website:

“Grown-up work is child’s play with this 8-pc. pretend laundry set. The simulated washing action in the front loader, steam-like sound effects in the iron and 19″ H. x 24″ L ironing board add realism to the fun. All are in sturdy plastic.”

Laundry Day PlayWhen the items arrived, I went to work to assemble the toys.  I was thrilled to see that none of the piece required tools (except placing batteries in the washing machine).  I was able to complete assembly of all items in about 15 minutes…..piece of cake!  Finally, I was able to set it up near the play kitchen and the girls were off to work.  They quickly grabbed doll clothes (and even some of their own clothes) and threw them in the washing machine.  The door really opens and closes and turning the dial “starts” the machine.  The girls loved that the graphic on the front really turns and looks like the machine really works!  I have to admit that I was a bit jealous that my girls have a front loader and I am stuck with my archaic machine!

When my girls deemed the clothes finished, they removed them from the washer and began putting the finishing touches on the outfits by ironing them.  The iron makes real steam noises when pressed!  Finally, my youngest took to hanging the freshly pressed clothes.  So cute!

This item can be purchased for just $59.99, but by clicking on my Constructive Playthings sidebar ad (not an affiliate link), you will receive 15% off!  Totally worth it!!

GIVEAWAY

One winner will receive the Laundry Day Play by Constructive Playthings!

How to Enter:

1. Visit Constructive Playthings and take a look around.  Come back here and tell us what other item a child in your life would love to receive. Remember that by clicking my button you receive a 15% discount off your entire order.

Additional entries:

1. Blog about this giveaway and link to The Not-So-Blog and Constructive Playthings (10 extra entries).

2. Follow me (@BridgetteLA) and @ConstructiveMom on Twitter and Tweet this giveaway. Every time you tweet you get an additional entry. Limit tweets to 10 a day, please.  (You must have over 50 Twitter followers to qualify for unlimited entries!)

3. Subscribe to my blog.

4. Become a Fan of The Not-So-Blog and Constructive Playthings on Facebook.

5. Place my blog button on your sidebar.

Contest ends at 11:59pm CST on April 13th. Prizes not claimed in 72 hours will be forfeited. Open to U.S. and Canadian Residents only.

This review is the opinion of  The Experimental Mommy. Others may have a different experience with the product. A complimentary product was received to facilitate this review.  All opinions remain 100% honest.
Filed Under: Giveaways Tagged With: , , ,

WINNERS

January 28, 2011 By Leave a Comment

Are you ready?  Do you feel lucky?  Here are the latest winners from Experimental Mommy:

Mama Wants Her Body Back:  Shawna

Blu-ray Player from Redbox:  Ty

Constructive Playthings Cottage:  mframe

PEEPS: Linda L.

Sucre Macaroons: Carol G.

Hershey’s Cookie Exchange:  CJ

Hannah Montana DVD:  Bridgette B.

Bank of America Gift Card:  Kelly

Record a Story:  Traci S.

Tassimo:  Teegan B.

Bialetti Cookware:  Donna B.

Mrs. Butterworths:  Costana H.

Fresh Produce Clothing:  Cynthia R.

Puppy Pursuit:  Debbie S.

Whomp Charmz:  Karen B.

Tyson Anytizers:  Cheryl22

Prilosec Gift Card:  Jenn

Congrats to all the winners and thanks to everyone for participating!  The winners will receive an email shortly. Please make sure you read the Winner’s Policy before claiming your prize!

Filed Under: Giveaway Winners Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Creativity Abounds with the Constructive Playthings Cottage! {Giveaway}

December 14, 2010 By

My youngest daughter looks up to her older sister.  She no longer wants to play with age appropriate toys and only will entertain playing with her sister’s toys.  Most of the time, this is not a problem, but big sister’s room is graced with an expansive and beautiful doll house which little sister is not allowed to touch.  So, I was thrilled to be able to introduce little sister to the a Constructive Playthings Exclusive, the Country Cottage with Furniture.

To be honest, I didn’t know how it would go.  While the cottage is very nice, it isn’t as intricate as her sister’s, but is MUCH more age appropriate for my almost 3 year old.  When the house arrived, I opened the box and immediately smelled wood.  I love that smell!  This cottage is obviously made of real wood which is a great benefit to longevity of the toy.  Usually, my husband puts together the toys, but I decided to take on the challenge and was pleasantly surprised.  I was able to assemble the entire house in only about 15-20 minutes (I learned that hinges are my nemesis).  All parts were included and undamaged and the instructions were quite clear.  A little about the Cottage from the website:

“Children who love to play house will love this beautiful country cottage. The house with its 18-pc wooden furniture set and accessories, complete with cloth blankets and pillows, will inspire young imaginations everywhere. This 16″ H x 11 7/8″ W x 8 1/4″ D solid wood house on hinges opens and closes for play and easy storage of furniture and accessories.”

cottageWe also received a posable family with the cottage (sold separately) which includes 4 family members.  I strategically placed them in the house and called my daughter in to see what I had done. She was elated to have her very own house and immediately went to play.  The house kept her attention for at least 30 minutes (which is a lot for a 2 year old) while she used her imagination to create real life scenarios in the cottage.

As a Mom, I like that the house is sturdy, easy to assemble and priced right!  If you are looking to do your holiday shopping, the cottage can be purchased for $54.99 (or $46.75 with my 15% discount!).  I like that the house opens on hinges and magnetically closes to keep all the pieces in one spot.  The cottage is also small enough to be stored in the closet and moved around the house for playtime.

If you are not in the market for a doll house, make sure you check out the other great gifts for the holidays available at Constructive Playthings.  And as a Constructive Mom, I can offer you a 15% off discount.  Just click on my link to take advantage of the sale (this is NOT an affiliate link).

GIVEAWAY

Would your child love the Cottage from Constructive Playthings?  You are in luck!  I have one Cottage with Furniture to give away to one reader!

How to enter:

1. Visit Constructive Playthings and take a look around.  Come back here and tell us what other item a child in your life would love to receive for the Holidays. Remember that by clicking this button you receive a 15% discount off your entire order.

Additional entries:

1. Blog about this giveaway and link to The Not-So-Blog (10 extra entries).

2. Follow me (@BridgetteLA) and @ConstructiveMom on Twitter and Tweet this giveaway. Every time you tweet you get an additional entry! Unlimited! (You must have over 50 Twitter followers to qualify for unlimited entries!)

3. Subscribe to my blog.

4. Become a Fan of The Not-So-Blog on Facebook and Constructive Playthings on Facebook.

5. Place my blog banner on your sidebar.

Contest ends at 11:59pm CST on January 4th. Prizes not claimed in 72 hours will be forfeited. Open to U.S. and Canadian Residents only.

Filed Under: Giveaways Tagged With: , , , ,

Constructive Playthings Today’s Girl Doll and Kitchen: Review and Giveaway

November 3, 2010 By

hypothesis My girls will find hours of imaginative and creative play with the Today’s Girl doll and kitchen from Constructive Playthings.

materials

One Today’s Girl named Sophie complete with a 15 piece wardrobe, the wooden classic doll kitchen perfect for any 18″ doll, and one extraordinarily excited five year old daughter!  About the products:
doll kitchen“Inspire new recipes for make-believe with this wood kitchen sized just right for any 18″ toy doll. Imagine her “cooking” at the 15″ L. x 8″ W. x 11½” H. stove/sink with see-thru acrylic oven door and turning knobs and faucet or opening the 2-door refrigerator with interior shelving. Comes complete with a 4-pc. pot & pan set and 34 pretend foods.“ Today's Girl Doll“Totally today in attitude and fashion, our 18″ doll offers high-style play at a low affordable price. She has a soft, huggable body with jointed vinyl arms and legs, beautiful brown eyes with realistic eyelashes and rooted hair. With her 15-pc. wardrobe, she’s the ideal dress-up friend.”

results

Both of my daughters absolutely love cooking up special meals in their own wooden kitchen (and LOVE being Mommy’s helper in the REAL kitchen, too!).  Even their dolls have gotten in on the action and helped me stir on occasion, but this usually results in a doll needing a spin in the washing machine.  So, I was thrilled to give my daughters the opportunity to play with an actual doll kitchen from Constructive Playthings.

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I first unpacked Sophie, a Today’s Girl which comes with three adorable outfits, and gave her to my daughter play with while we unpacked and assembled the kitchen.  My husband took the initiative to put together the kitchen which includes a stove/sink combo and separate refrigerator.  It took him about an hour to put it all together, but he commented that the directions were easy to follow and all pieces were included.  Once assembled, I was impressed with the quality!  The entire set is very sturdy and is sure to last us quite a while.

My daughter loved putting the play food in the kitchen and then the fun began!  Sophie, the Today’s Girl, cooked up quite a meal with the pot and pan set which was included.

summary

The Today’s Girl Doll and Wooden Kitchen Set were a huge hit in my home!  My five year old had to be bribed to put it down and go to bed and I have no doubt that she will return to it in the morning.  The Today’s Girl can be purchased for $49.99 and the Classic Kitchen sells for $99.99.  Make sure that Santa puts this in his sleigh!

COUPON CODE

As a Constructive Mom, if you click through my link, you will receive an exclusive reader

discount of 15% off your entire purchase. (this is not an affiliate link)

GIVEAWAY

Do you have kids who love to play kitchen?  One winner will receive one Today’s Girl Doll with 15 piece wardrobe (ARV $49.99) and the Classic Wooden Kitchen Set (ARV $99.99)!!

How to Enter:

1. Visit Constructive Playthings and tell me which Today’s Girl you would choose if you won!

Additional entries:

1. Blog about this giveaway and link to The Not-So-Blog and Constructive Playthings (10 extra entries).

2. Follow me (@BridgetteLA) and @ConstructiveMom on Twitter and Tweet this giveaway. Every time you tweet you get an additional entry! Unlimited! (You must have over 50 Twitter followers to qualify for unlimited entries!)

3. Subscribe to my blog.

4. Become a Fan of The Not-So-Blog on Facebook.

5. Place my blog button on your sidebar.

Contest ends at 11:59pm CST on November 24th. Prizes not claimed in 72 hours will be forfeited. Open to U.S. Residents only.

This review is the opinion of The Experimental Mommy. Other may have a different experience with the product. Thank you to Constructive Playthings for supplying the product for review.
Filed Under: Giveaways Tagged With: , , ,

WINNERS!

August 20, 2010 By 6 Comments

Congrats to this round of winners!  You will all receive an email shortly.  Please see my Winner’s Policy for instructions and guidelines!

Thanks to everyone who entered!

Bordens:  Valancia

Voskos:  Jackie

Hasbro Card Games: Tiffany

Step Stool:  Kara P.

SnuggStuff:  Chris T.

Constructive Playthings Interactive Map:  Debbie S.

Infiniti by Conair:  Nikki D.

Little Looster: Audra

First Impressions: Sara

Good Earth:  Donna B.

My Baby Clothes Boutique: Tara V.

Green Party Goods: A Kruse

Patriotic Pillow Pet:  Jana

Please claim your prize within 72 hours of receiving the email.  Prizes will be foreited after the deadline.
Filed Under: Giveaway Winners Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
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