Disney's Epic Mickey for Wii Launchs in Disney Store Times Square

Today I attended the Disney Epic Mickey launch at the Disney Store in Times Square. Disney gaming fans had the opportunity to be first to purchase the game, meet game designer Warren Spector, celebrity guests and much more.

About: Disney Epic Mickey is an action-adventure Wii game that sends Mickey Mouse on a journey of creativity and discovery. As Mickey, the player is propelled into Wasteland, an alternate world with lands inspired by Disney’s animated films and theme parks, and is given the power to wield paint and paint thinner to dynamically change the world and determine Mickey’s path to becoming an epic hero.

Celebs at the launch were "Dancing with the Stars" winner Jennifer Grey and co-star Kyle Massey. Like other guest I could have met, talked with and probably snagged an interview but I confess I was excited to try out the game. After taking a paparazzi style photo I headed over to the gaming station to play me some Epic Mickey.

For those that are collectors, there's a collector’s edition of the game which includes a five inch collectible Disney Epic Mickey figurine, a DVD with behind-the-scenes footage, a stylized Wii Remote™ faceplate, and a pair of Wii system skins available now at an MSRP of $69.99.

There's also a Epic Mickey Wii secondary controller designed to resemble the magical paintbrush that Mickey wields in the game world, complete with wood-grained texture and soft, safe foam tip.

Also during the event attendee could take a photo with Steamboat Willie, received collectible custom sketch drawings from the video game artists and of course play the game. Since I have no photos with Steamboat Willie or a custom sketch drawing, can you guess what I was doing...gaming it up with Mitch of Gay NYC Dad!

Disney Epic Mickey from Disney Interactive Studios is Rated E for Everyone and is available now at an MSRP of $49.99. Visit www.DisneyEpicMickey.com and www.Facebook.com/DisneyEpicMickey for more information.

Please Note: I received a gift bag that included the Epic Mickey Wii game. No other compensation was received. Views expressed are always 100% my own.

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Good Charlotte Music Video for The Electric Company

Recently The Electric Company wrapped up shooting of the 3rd season of their Emmy Award-wining series which included taping a music video with the band Good Charlotte. I was invited to view the taping and then interview the band. It's not everyday an offer to meet Good Charlotte IN REAL LIFE happens so you know I was here!

I was excited to talk to Good Charlotte and hear about their new and upcoming recording as well as hear their thoughts on fatherhood and how it's changed their lives.

A few minutes after arriving at Sesame Workshop, I was taken into the taping room. There was a huge green screen and people calling out cues all around. In the middle stood Joel and Benji Madden rehearsing their lines and being prepared for the shoot. Then lights, camera, action...they started taping the music video for the The Electric Company episode.

After the taping came a round of interviews from different "media" including the attending "mom bloggers" which included Kim of Mom in the City and Jen of Next Kid Thing and of course myself :)

Nikki: How did the Partnership with The Electric Company happen?

Benji: My niece likes the show. We watch it as a family and I enjoy that's something families can get into. Also other band members have kids so it's something we all know.

Joel: My daughter is a big Sesame Street fan. I wanted to do something she'll be proud of me for.

Nikki: How was taping the music video?

Joel: Fun! Reminds me of being home, playing around with family and having a good time.

After the shoot we meet with some of the The Electric Company cast members and toured the studio a little. Of course I had to say hello to some of my favorite Sesame Street friends.

The Electric Company is a multimedia literacy campaign that not only reaches out to kids on television, but wherever kids are: in the community through outreach initiatives, after-school programs and online. A new season will air next February. The show recently won 5 Emmys including Outstanding Children's Series. Visit The Electric Company at:

website: PBSKIDSGO.org/electriccompany
youtube: The Electric Company YouTube Channel
facebook: The Electric Company on Facebook

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Cyber Monday Offers from Snapfish & HP

Are you looking for great deals for Cyber Monday? Here's two offers from Snapfish and HP Wall Art offers that's sure to please.

Snapfish Cyber Monday:

Visit Snapfish TODAY ONLY to get 30% off and FREE Shipping on any order. Just use Promo Code: SHIPNSAVE by 11:59 p.m. PST on tonight to receive the deal. I'm sure you can find tons of projects you can use 30% off plus free shipping on.

Nick Walls by HP Cyber Monday Mania:

A few day ago I told you about the launch of Nick Walls by HP, a fully customizable and easy-to-install home décor solution featuring popular Nickelodeon themes including Dora the Explorer, SpongeBob SquarePants, iCarly, and more.

If you'd like to order Nick Walls by HP then this deal is for you. You can receive 50% off all Nick Walls by HP orders TODAY ONLY. No promo code needed since discount will automatically be applied to cart.

Not sure about the wall art? You can view a demo of the offering here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_RZT4AA4SOk

Happy Cyber Monday shopping!

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Calgon Bath and Body Care Line of Products

The Calgon brand recently has been redesigned with new packaging that showcases vivid colors, bold imagery and sensual landscapes. Calgon has also extended their specialty bath offerings to include new formulas such as a "2-in-1" Shower Gel and Foaming Bath and an ultra-nourishing Body Cream.

Ultra-Moisturizing Bath Beads
Enriched with soothing Aloe and healing Vitamin E, its Skin-Silkening® formula leaves your skin soft and smooth. Fragrances: Lavender Vanilla, English Garden, Ocean Fragrances: Lavender. SMSRP: $2.39 - $3.79

Bubbly Bath Fizzy Set
The Bath Fizzy dissolves into a sparkling escape with a natural sea sponge renewing your skin as you scrub. Fragrances: Morning Glory & English Garden. SMSRP: $2.99 Size: 30oz

Foaming Bubble Bath
This long-lasting, ultra-bubbly formula with healing Aloe and Vitamin E leaves your skin softer, smoother and cleansed. Fragrances: Morning Glory, English Garden, Ocean Breeze & Powder Fresh. SMSRP: $3.99

Rejuvenating Epsom Salts
Our therapeutic Epsom salts contains fragrant oils that helps relieve tense muscles, sooth minor aches, improve circulation and detoxify skin. Fragrances: Morning Glory, Lavender Vanilla, Eucalyptus Mint & Hawaiian Ginger. SMSRP: $4.99

Relaxing Mineral Salts
Enriched with minerals and essential oils, the sensual formula softens skin, eases tension and promotes well being. Fragrances: Morning Glory, English Garden, Hawaiian Ginger Ginger & Ocean Breeze. SMSRP: $3.99

Refreshing Body Mists
Long-lasting fragrance to leave skin lightly scented and refreshed. Fragrances: Morning Glory, Hawaiian Ginger, Tahitian Orchid, Perfect Bliss, Tropical Dream, Cotton Candy, Vanilla Swirl,
Marshmallow, Passion Fruit & Hibiscus, Paradise Flower & Brazil Nut, and Moon Petal Musk. SMSRP: $2.49 - $6.79

Moisturizing Shower Gel & Foam Bath
A unique 2-in-1 new formula is infused with Vitamin E, Aloe, and Shea Butter. Fragrances: Morning Glory, Hawaiian Ginger, Tahitian Orchid, Perfect Bliss, Tropical Dream, & Moon Petal Musk. SMSRP: $4.79

Nourishing Body Cream
An ultra-nourishing formula with Vitamin E, A and Aloe delivers longer-lasting moisturization. Fragrances: Morning Glory, Hawaiian Ginger, Tahitian Orchid, Cotton Candy, Vanilla Swirl, Marshmallow, & Moon Petal Musk. SMSRP: $4.79

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"12 Days, 12 Ways to FEED" Gift Guide

FEED Projects announced its “12 Days, 12 Ways to FEED” initiative that gives everyone a unique gift guide to giving for the Holiday season. From bags that provide Rwandan children school meals for an entire year, to teddy bears that provide invaluable nutrients to toddlers in need, each FEED gift goes beyond the wrapping paper and truly opens the box of opportunity by closing the door on world hunger.

FEED has also partnered with the GAP, Forever 21 and Lord & Taylor to offer exclusive products to consumers during this great initiative. Check out Feedprojects.com in order to see all of the amazing gifts!

Day 1 (11/29)- FEED Kenya Collection- Kenya bag, Masai scarf, Kikoy Scarves
Day 2 (11/30)- FEED Bears
Day 3 (12/1) - FEED Custom bags
Day 4 (12/2) - FEED 2 Guatemala bracelets @ Forever21

Day 5 (12/3)- FEED T-shirts
Day 6 (12/4)- FEED Health Backpacks
Day 7 (12/5)- FEED Stocking Stuffers- FEED 5 Bracelets, FEED 10 pouches
Day 8 (12/6)- FEED USA bags on Gap.com

Day 9 (12/7)- FEED Peace Bags
Day 10 (12/8)- FEED Guatemala Bags on Lord&Taylor.com
Day 11 (12/9)- FEED Classics- FEED 1, 2 and 100 bags
Day 12 (12/10)- FEED 10 Bag

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Lionel Trains Holiday 2010 Products

Lionel's wide varieties of train sets are great for both the little kids and the little kids at heart.

Far ages 2.5 and up there is the Lionel Little Lines ($59.99). This starter train set comes with a snap together track and a simple remote controller for forward and reverse movement making it easy for little hands to operate. Authentic train sounds and details make it a classic Lionel product.

One of Lionel's many licensed train sets is the Thomas and Friends ($199.99) train set and it is the perfect gift. This exciting TV character themed train set comes with forward, neutral and reverse controls, interchangeable faces for the train, over 10 different track section pieces and an electronic whistle.

The Polar Express movie was a favorite of kids of all ages and now Lionel brings the train to life with The Polar Express Deluxe Playset ($89.99). A four-car train with amazing Polar Express details traveling across a snow covered track making a journey that replicates the one from the movie and book. With curves and ramps and chuffing train sounds, this complete playset is sure to delight the entire family.

There is a kid inside all of us and for the grown ups in the family there is the Pennsylvania Flyer ($229.99), Lionel's signature train. This starter set features forward, reverse and neutral controls, realistic air whistle, operational headlights, puffing smoke unit, traction tires and classic oval track.

Shop online: Lionel Store

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Curél Foot Therapy Cream Sooths Winter Dry Skin

During the winter months skin can becomes dry, flaky and itchy. I make sure to keep the skin on my hands, face and body moisturized with different type of lotions. But one area I tend to forget are my hard working feet, which needs the most soothing. When I saw an offer to review Curél® Foot Therapy Cream I decided it was time to give my feet some overdue pampering.

About: Curél® Foot Therapy Cream is formulated with Shea Butter to deeply moisturize dry skin, healing cracked heels and smoothing tough soles. Urea helps to remove the thickened, callused skin that can develop on dry feet in the cold winter months, while Vitamin E helps reduce dryness and flaking. Coconut Milk, known for its anti-inflammatory benefits, soothes and softens.

My review: They claim in just two nights I should see significantly improvement in the look and feel of my feet. I can honestly say I saw improvement a bit before that. It could be cause I used a generous amount of the Curél® Foot Therapy Cream to give myself a foot massage. Not only was my feet moisturizing but also soothed. After walking about all day the anti-inflammatory benefit really helped my feet.

So if your looking for a perfect stocking stuffer or just a way to pamper your feet and yourself then check out Curél® Foot Therapy Cream. Wishing you happy feet!

Please Note: I received a product sample for review purposes. No other compensation was received. Views expressed are always 100% my own.

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Cirque du Soleil: Wintuk Launches Kids Day During Final Season at MSG

Cirque du Soleil: Wintuk had returned to New York for it's final season at the Theater at Madison Square Garden from Nov 17, 2010 to Jan 2, 2011. The show is playful, musical and burst with the magic of a wonderland. I was excited to be invited to see the show. My son and I had the chance to be one of the first families to enjoy a new feature, the launch of Wintuk Kids Day.

For those not familiar with the shows back-story, Wintuk is an exciting winter adventure about a boy named Jamie quest for snow. The show weaves thrilling acrobatics, breathtaking theatrical effects and memorable songs during the journey to an imaginary land called Wintuk.

Now 1 hour before the 1st show every Sunday, a winter themed fun zone fills the lobby of the The Theater at Madison Square Garden. Ticketholders of all ages can enjoy face painting, decorate winter crafts, see circus performers and more. See the schedule and more info on the website : http://www.cirquedusoleil.com/en/shows/wintuk/kids.aspx

Make sure to do everything before going inside to see the Wintuk show. Once inside and the show starts you won't want to leave. The different scenes are all amazing. There's the Charivari, where bicyclists, skateboarders and inline skaters do the most amazing twists, acrobatic turns and one wheel spins.

In another scene a High Priestess contorts into mind boggling positions while spinning gaint hoops from her arms and feet. Then there's the Juggling, Cyr Wheel, Russian Bars, Giant birds walking the stage and so many other amazement's.

As if all of that isn't enough, when Jamie defeats the Ice Gaints...you gotta see them, they're HUGE...and finally gets his wish for snow...the whole theater is filled with "snowflakes".

My son was speechless to see it snowing inside. He kept trying to catch the snowflakes as they were falling. He was SO happy when he finally caught a few "snowflakes". We really enjoyed the show!

Kids save 30% on all Performances

Wintuk is offering special kids pricing where Cirque fans can save 30% on tickets for kids 12 and under, on front/center orchestra and side orch/center mezz seats, for all performances through January 2, 2011. This is a must see show before it leave New York.

Please Note: I received complimentary tickets to the show for review purposes. I also received a gift bag that included the cute Wintuk hat my son is wearing. No other compensation was received. Views expressed are always 100% my own.

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Lionel Electric Trains Opens Pop-Up Store in New York City

Lionel Electric Trains, the 110 iconic brand, has open a retail pop-up store across the street from Bryant Park. The pop-up store will feature hundreds of different toy trains, accessories and collectibles and will remain open through the end of the year. I was invited to tour the store during a special parenting bloggers morning event. Of course I took along my my son since he's turning into a big fan of trains.

As soon as we step into the Lionel store my son ran over to the train sets set up for the children to enjoy. He quickly made friends with the trains "conductors" who first helped him say hello and goodbye to the train, then showed him how to control the train via remote control.

While my son was playing I took a tour of the store with another "conductor". He explained the different types of train available in store. For this holiday season, a variety of starter sets and add-ons are available to help train lovers start or build their collections.

For ages 2½ years old and up, Lionel will offer Lionel Little Lines, the perfect first train set for kids. For ages four and up, Lionel will offer their iconic Polar Express battery-powered set.

Lionel has also entered into several licensing agreements that have led to the Polar Express, the Hogwart's Express, Thomas the Tank Engine and Amtrak trains. All of these and many more will be available.

After the tour I found my son and another boy playing on the next train set available during the event. They we're having so much fun that I just let them play till it was time for us to go. If you're in the city make sure to stop by the store. There's all sorts of cool train and train related items like books and DVD's that would make a great holiday gift.

Please Note: I received a train set for my son. No other compensation was received. Views expressed are always 100% my own.

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