Blog POP! A Very LaLaLoopsy Holiday Giveaway

I received the following product samples in hopes we'd share our genuine enthusiasm here on the blog. All photos and opinions are copyright Momma Told Me Blog 2014.

Momma Told Me: When you learn how to vacuum right I'll let you learn how to bake.

I don't know about you, but next to the Weenie Whistle and the game of LIFE, owning an Easy Bake Oven was always one of my childhood ambitions. The only thing better than pretending to be an adult was getting to enjoy really sweet treats as a result of that pretending. But I was more of a tomboy, and all of my friends were boys, growing up, so I never quite got that pink and shiny Easy Bake. Instead I got Creepy Crawler and Dr. Dread style products and molded bendable Power Rangers on our patio with my bestie. So, you better believe, when I saw one at a garage sale in college, I bought it without hesitation, life-long dream fulfilled. And you know what? It was just as magical as I'd imagined.

Now you can relive that child-like wonder with your son or daughter thanks to the new LaLaLoopsy Baking Oven sold at Walmart, Toys R' Us, Amazon, and other fine retailers nationwide. Not only is this rag doll themed over incredibly adorable, but it has a pink overload, which really tickled my inner LaLaLoopsy. The oven itself comes with everything needed to make 1 cake and 6 Sugar Cookies (just add water.) On the back of the unit are some very big, bold, and easy to read safety warnings I especially appreciated; though you are essentially 'baking' with a light bulb it does get hot and this is still an appliance. Always be sure to monitor children when in use.

The only thing that wasn't thought of were small, pink matching?, mixing bowls. The designers of this LaLaLoopsy Baking Oven even created a pull out knob to hang the measuring spoons on when not in use. The fake burners and front knobs have no other function than to add to the adorable design, so it's important to note the unit will begin heating as soon as it is plugged in. I was happy to note the extra thick, extra long, spatula keep small hands far away from the openings of the oven at each end, though we did run into a few issues with it pushing the pan too far towards the opposite side. I suggest using a 'spotter' to watch how deep the pan goes in initially.

The measuring spoons were a bit of a frustration, and an instance where the designers may have gone a little too far in trying to be adorable. Instead of using physical measurements (like Sabrina, 12, is already accustomed to) they use terms like 'Pinch' and 'Sprinkle' so children and parents really need to watch the water measurements or an entire packet can easily be ruined. Don't worry, refills are always sold for $6-$7 at your local Walmart or similar store. We did, however enjoy that these refill packs came with everything needed to make and decorate a complete cake. While most cake packs were designed for 2 singles or one 2 layer cake, we ruined the first pant with the measurement error, so ours came out solo.

I'm equally sad to report that we tried two packages of sugar cookies (3 batches) and had no sucess with baking them as molded, or outside molds (round.) Every single batch overcooked- it seems timing is crucial when dealing with such small product under such direct heat. No fear, baker Sabrina had a blast the entire time, and would not let me touch a single thing! She also wanted me to inform you that the LaLaLoopsy Strawberry Cake is "quite delicious!"

If you're not quite ready to tackle a miniature oven in your home this holiday, consider the newest LaLaLoopsy collectible craze; Tinies. Tinies come in packs of 3 and 10 and currently have over 100 to collect across 3 unique series. These 1" little characters feature the LaLaLoopsy girls and their pets in various outfits and themes that are all equally adorable. Much like the Polly Pocket of my childhood you can also buy companion carrying cases that double as play sets and houses, for on the go. Because of their affordable price point these would especially go nicely in stockings, or taped to seasonal gifts.

LaLaLoopsy is a big hit in our home because it melds several age ranges of young girls interests. While the cartoon is geared towards younger girls, the wide range of dolls and Tinies really hit the tween market with the adorable and trendy characters. Personally, I love LaLaLoopsy because the dolls are cute but not borderline 'mature' like some more edgy lines of young girls toys. This is one brand I can see Sabrina playing with her step sister with with no problems!

What Daughter Says: Growing up and being 'just like Mom' can be fun. Encourage development and create memories with role playing toys.

One Momma Told Me reader will win a LaLaLoopsy Tinies Bundle and LaLaLoopsy Girls Doll! Enter below and click the banner above to be taken to the official event Giveaway LINKY!

Of Mermaids And Maidens- A Day At The Lake

Momma Told Me: Magic is everywhere.

We try to stay active in the Summer; holidays and vacations can be a crazy time for our family. This year Sabrina (11) decided to spend 6 weeks up in Oregon visiting her grandmother and (11 year old) Uncle. As it turns out we swapped her 14 year old (uncle) and step siblings for an even more full house than usual. And, with her mom due to pop any day, we've been trying to soak up as much Summer sun, with as little Summer activity as possible. When it was suggested that we pack up the family and head down to the lake for an afternoon of fishing some of us were more excited than others.

While Kiara, 9, is just as good a tomboy as the best of them, she prefers more imaginative play than the strategic thrills of casting a worm into a body of water and playing tag with a fish. And we weren't about to spoil the younger ones' good times and tell them their tiny poles could barely reach past the shallow shores. There was a bit of a fuss in the beginning, but we made the tough it out for a few hours before we allowed them to wander and roam the wonders the sand and water had to offer.

While Noah, 4, was attached to daddy's hip asking 'Whatcha doin?' every few minutes, Kiara's eyes began to get a little glossy as she asked questions like 'Do you think a mermaid lives here?' and 'Can I catch an octopus?' Naturally, being the awesome Auntie I am, I was prepared to reward the morning of good behavior fishing with a special reward that answered just those questions. For the nautically curious, or simply bath-time obsessed, the LaLaLoopsy Pearly Seafoam Bubbly Mermaid doll was the perfect solution. Hailing from the adorable realm of button eyed dolls this oh-so-girly toy came equipped with specially formulated bubble soap and a companion octopus squirter.

As it turns out this was the perfect toy to have on the shore, ready for full submersion, and sudsy adventures. Pouring the spouted bubble solution into the pockets of hair, and squeezing the abdomen (okay this freaked me out a little) resulted in a playful foam crown of bubbles. The giggles and smiles were infectious as Kiara shaped her hair and blew away the bubbled time after time. The octopus proved a little more temperamental; and a good lesson in patience and experimentation as we figured out the best way to fill it with water.

The drive home from the lake was a bit of a journey as we navigated dunes, then the highway; but our backseat was filled with excitement for the coming bath time and new friend Pearly Seafoam.  The LaLaLoopsy range of characters hail from their own cartoon and feature a collection of playsets and dolls that all include companion pets. Catch the show on NickJr, and the adorable toys in stores online at Amazon.com and nationwide at a Walmart or Toys R' Us near you!

What Daughter Says: Encourage imaginative play with good behavior and make magic happen anywhere.