Crazy Aaron's Thinking Putty Review Party

Let's be honest. I really didn't know what Crazy Aaron's was about until this party. I knew of their products from previous Tryazon party opportunities. But I thought, who wants to have a bunch of kids playing with slime in their house?? I'm too much of a neat freak for that kind of thing. We aren't the type to play with dough toys unless Mommy puts down a plastic tablecloth first. So let me introduce you to something that showed me there is more to Crazy Aaron's than that.

*Disclaimer: I was sent these products in exchange for hosting a party with friends and sharing them. I was not otherwise paid or endorsed. All opinions shared are my or from my guests.*

First off, what is Crazy Aaron's? 

So glad you asked! Crazy Aaron started his business of innovative toys in 1998. The product lines they release are non-toxic and made with high quality ingredients, right here in the USA!  I won't get into too many details, but I'll say that his growth and making the products here in the United States has meant that he doesn't have to worry about any future disruptions to supply chains. So gifting with his toys is a great idea. But if you want to know more, there is plenty to learn HERE. 

Crazy Aaron's are not just slime, or even putty, as I knew it. I grew up with the cheap putty from the Dollar Tree (back when everything was still $1!). And the first time I tried out slime, I was grossed out. 

But Crazy Aaron's has surpassed what I knew of those two things. The slime is slick, wet-feeling even. But it doesn't stick like others. So it comes across as cleaner. Now, I have a sensory issue when it comes to how things feel. Slime and I can't ever get along. Ever. But I can say that I honestly do believe this kind is the best one I have ever had dealings with. It was quite popular at the party too! They come with charms you can mix in as well. Though, my girls were more excited about some of those charms becoming doll sized snack items than they were about mixing it into the slime. At the beginning, it would leave some residue behind when I opened the package for the kids.

I think one of the most popular items on the tables were the SCENTsory Putty's. Smooth and comforting to handle, they also had really good scents. My daughter fell in love with the Banana Split one while her friend loved the Popsicle version. They really do smell as they say they will. No residue from this one! And then the packaging even has things to do in them. Activities and such!  

The second item that was highly popular (even with Moms) was the cloud Slime Charmers. Sounds too much like an oxymoron, but it is amazing! No slimy feels on this one. It sorta reminded me of a dough product, but it is softer and airy. When you stretch it out... Well, I don't know how to describe that feeling exactly. It was just highly enjoyable. My son had the Sushi one and has decided to keep it as just his only, which is unusual for him. 

The thinking putty can be rolled into a ball and even bounce! It isn't sticky. It isn't slimy. No mess. I love that the mini tins can actually fit into these little bag clips you can get from Crazy Aaron's. 

So many options! These little ones with the charms have been so popular. What do you think? What was the favorite one in your opinion? Let me know in the comments below!

Hasbro Transformers Set and How They Stack Up to a True Fan!

I was recently sent a toy from Hasbro to do a review on. It was a Collectors Edition Transformers set, of all things. Something I'm not very knowledgeable on. But that was okay. Because I had a Fan up my sleeve! Well, not literally. Geez, guys. It is just an expression! Still with me? Good! Let me share the thoughts of the true fan with you. 

*Disclaimer: I was sent this toy set in exchange for writing and sharing my review. I was not otherwise paid or endorsed. All opinions are either mine or my friends.*

This was the set I received. Pretty neat, huh? Sonic is our pal. And a lover of Transformers. So I trust him to know how well they will hold up to the movies or shows they are from. 

This is how they looked after being 'transformed'. One thing I agreed with him on was having the built-in display in the packaging. Nice touch, Hasbro! Let's get in closer, and then I will share the video review he did as he unboxed them.

So much detail! But you really want to see them before, I'm sure. So let me show you. And yes, I laughed and enjoyed this as much as I'm sure you will. Let me know your thoughts in the comments, though. Do they spark your interest?  

Hosting a Fun in Motion Party!

I love hearing about new toys. Especially unusual toys. Or toys that teach creativity. Yeah, I'm a huge kid at heart! So I jumped at the chance to host a party for Fun in Motion Toys. These German-engineered toys inspire kids (and kids at heart, like me) to come up with new and fascinating shapes. The images on the Sashibo cubes change depending on the pattern you create too. But I'm getting ahead of myself, so let's dive in!

*Disclaimer: I was sent a party pack in exchange for sharing them with others. All opinions are that of myself or my guests. I was not otherwise paid or endorsed.*

So first off...

I was sent two types of toys. These first things come as a cube. Each cube uses magnets and unfolds into shapes from your own designing. They are the Sashibo. There are so many different patterns to choose from! And each one has other colors and patterns within.

My husband spent about half an hour or more trying to combine all the 3 cubes I had left into one shape. That was AFTER he had figured out how to combine two of them. 

Next up are the Hypertiles! These are something like plastic mesh tiles that have been slightly twisted and are connectable with little clamp-like pieces. But based on how you connect them, you can create all kinds of shapes and movements with them. For you math nerds out there, think hyperbolic paraboloids. Geometry and I aren't friends, so I shall stick with twisted squares for a descriptive word here. 

How did the party go?

To be honest - it kinda didn't. The week I was supposed to have the party, we had quite the emergency situation pop up. It took a good chunk of my time and mental focus for a few days and then suddenly, Saturday was on me and I had no party to start! So... I had to be unconventional. I had to introduce people in random ways to the appealing toys I was sent. 

 We visited our good friend Sonic at his store to share a couple Sashibo cubes. His little girl is nuts for things like this, so I was really hoping she would have fun with it. 

Next, we invited our friends over to play. The kids were able to show off the skills they have learned with the Sashibo, as well as show how to connect and build with the Hypertiles. It was a laughter-filled time!

Who would these appeal to?

For kids - anyone! The Sashibo are puzzle-like. They are magnetic. They are colorful. And they are meant for lasting play that can span hours! I've had kids begging to have their turn next and when someone else wants to try, I hear things like "Just one more shape".  The Sashibo were definitely more interesting to the kids I had interacting, than the Hypertiles.

For adults - anyone! The Sashibo appeals greatly to ADHD people who will definitely love these. It is like a fidget cube. Only, I think they are more fun. I've watched grown men absentmindedly just talk while spinning and reshaping these in their hands!  

They do have an app that can walk you through making and creating with these toys! Just search for Fun In Motion Toys in your app store. If you are interested in finding some for yourself, they are available on their website HERE or on AMAZON. And if you want to get a 20% discount on your total order, you can use the following code on their toy website: TRY20. 

I hope you enjoyed seeing the fun! I'll be back with more later.

Creating Doorables Shadowbox Displays

Watching My Froggy Stuff on YouTube can be so dangerous! Toya comes up with some crazy cool ideas. One of her most recent ones that has my attention was creating shadow bow displays for her Disney Doorables collection. While I have a grand total of just 2 so far, I would like to get others one day as they make great dolls for the dolls. And they are cute. My first one was an Ariel that I think we got from Five Below. But then we found out that Walmart has them at the checkout lanes for $1.98 each.  A single figure comes in that pack. This is how I got the Honey Lemon from Big Hero 6. She is too cute! And I decided to go through my odds and ends to make her a shadow box display. 

I had this box without a lid that came from packaging. I decided to use it as my first trial. And I'm pretty happy with the results! I painted the outside to be like a bronze frame. On the inside I tried to create a city scene. I painted the 2 sides to look like buildings. Don't laugh, I'm no good with drawing or painting.

The inner top was a sky. I just smeared blue and pink paints to try my best to copy sort of a cloud look. Though I think the blue ate the pink up.

The bottom was where I wanted a sidewalk with the rocks from a craft kit my daughter didn't need as rubble from the battle! 

In the background, I printed a city scene from the movie. I think the end product was just right! It is aDoorable *pun totally intended*. And if I get future Doorables, I plan to make others. For now, this was a much quicker craft to put together. See you next time!

Introducing P.Lushes Pets Gem Star Collection!

What girl doesn't love a plush, or two... or several? But what if they could match our outfits? What if there were new ones to create a collection of? What if they came in the various birthstones variety? Would that be something that interested you? If you said yes, then I want you to follow along as I share our fun party that we hosted through Tryazon, showcasing P.Lushes Pets! 

*Disclaimer: I was sent this party pack through my affiliation with Tryazon, in exchange for hosting a party. I was not otherwise paid or endorsed. All opinions are my own or that of my guests.*

P.Lushes are so adorable! The first time I had heard of them was when I applied to host a party with Tryazon. Cute little bundles that can match your outfit with chic designs. Some are even special editions to imitate a specific designers style. They are the only fashion-inspired plush collectibles.

They are put out by Spin Master. That name should be pretty familiar to you if you have been reading my reviews for a while now. They make all kinds of toys and games that my family has loved. 

For this party, we were sent the latest in the craze - Gem Stars. These celebrate birthday months. As soon as my daughters heard we were chosen, they wanted to plan out the details. My oldest decided a banner needed to be made. 

The guest list included new friends we made!  

Once I knew we were chosen, I set about planning. I found these great VIP ticket printables for the invitations. We invited other homeschool friends from our church. 

Originally, I had thought a night party with a movie would work best. But with my husbands schedule change, I decided on a day time get-together. Light snacks, and a photo booth, would be all I planned for the party. Why so little? I have learned that when you get kids together, they are less interested in scheduled activities and more desirous of free play! So that is what I gave them.  

I made cupcakes for our party that had unicorn and panda chocolates on top. The kids LOVED them!  

What are the thoughts my guests had?

Eleni Key, the lion, was a very popular favorite. The fact that there were so many different animals included in these plush characters was something the parents thought was great. It isn't your standard kitties, dogs, and bears! They really appreciated that things get shaken up with more variety. 

They were confused, as I had been, by the change in the birthstones. Any of us older than 25, remember June being pearl. And December being aquamarine. Little changes in which stone represents which month had us older parents wondering why. But we decided to just think they were cute despite the months they represented.

Where can you find yours? 

Amazon has them. 

 So does Gund. 

   And let us not forget to include Claire's. 

Prices vary as does the selections still available. One parent at the party was delighted to find Ella Lphante, the adorable elephant. So check around between them to find the ones you want at the prices you are looking for.  

Better yet, here is a discount code for you! Use code: PLUSHES for a 25% discount for P.Lushes only on Gund.com valid from 4/10-5/10/2023. 

 What collections are there so far? 

If you like collecting adorable things, there are multiple sets out so far. You have seen the Gem Stars. These are for birth months. Rosie Ross was my favorite! But there are also the Jet Setters.  Lin LeBleu is so chic. Before that, we have the Secret Garden collection. The Anna Dolce Puppy was the one I had wanted from that set. There are also the Runway Series.

These are my girls' and I favorite ones! Which ones were your favorite? And what do you think of the collection as a whole? I'd love to hear from you, so leave me a comment below!

Geek Art Takes the Nerdom to Whole New Levels with BasToy Photo

You know how much I love my miniatures. How I love taking pictures of my dolls and minis anywhere and everywhere. I'm not alone in this endeavor. However, my photos can't hold a candle to a toy photographer that I have known for many years now. Alx Basurto (nope, didn't misspell his amazing name!), has been building quite the reputation for his toy photography skills.

He created BasToy Photo to capture toys in fun ways after starting his blog (which I also enjoyed reading). I've enjoyed following his Instagram account as his skills in art are truly envy-worthy. Some of the best have been of Dr. Who figures and Link from Legend of Zelda. Would you believe this photo is not artwork, but a toy that was creatively caught on camera?

But he doesn't stop there!

He is now launching a new product line that I, for one, am excited to see! I only recently learned about something called acrylic photos. And today, I'm also sharing that there are holographic photos. Alx has taken his pictures and made them available to purchase on his website. You can choose between the 3 options: acrylic, holographic, and regular prints. He shows them off in this latest video of his. 

One more thing...

Okay, you know I'm stickler about proper spelling. And even more so when it concerns my favorite characters. So just in case you are like me, I need to tell you that Alx is very much a cool nerd like us. He deliberately misspelled some of the names on the website due to copyright and trademark rules. I had to be reminded, as my indignation left my legal reasoning in the dust. I don't want any of you to fall into that and think this guy isn't on the up and up with geekery and nerdom! 

Prices start at $20. As he explained in his video, all types come in 2 sizes; 13x19 or 18x24. These are great sizes if you are a poster person like me. I have posters of all kinds about the house walls. Some are harder than others to get frames for. So I appreciate this sizing that he offers. The holographic is amazing! I think seeing it on the Joker was perfection. I asked him about hanging the acrylic though. See, I love to hang things up and show them off. Especially now that we are in our own home. With the acrylic, you just need command strips. Which we tend to keep on hand anyhow. You could frame them if you want. But as he mentioned, they come with that naturally 'wet' look as it is. So it is great bonus to me. However much I liked the Joker holographic, I'm getting one of the acrylics (for now). I have chosen the Mikasa print. She is a my all-time hero in the Attack on Titan series. But I think we might have to go back and get others later down the road... *hint hint* in case the husband is reading this.

How to Follow, Search for, or Contact BasToy

Alx has created many ways for you to follow him. He genuinely does want to hear from fans as well as prospective clients. So don't hesitate to reach out! He is up for commissions and for doing collaborative works.

Facebook

Instagram

Twitter 

YouTube

Website 

Shhh something special is happening!

I also want to let you in on a secret... ready for it? Here goes...

He's giving you, my readers, a discount! How does 10% off your order sound? So, here is what I need you to do. I need you to watch for another blog post that is coming up soon. I will be receiving and reviewing one of his amazing photos. I'll post all about it. And I need a favor. I need all your friends to read these posts. To like, share, and follow this guy. He has worked hard to make something unique and fun. I think it would be a shame for it to stay in the shadows, don't you? In exchange, here is the information you need for your amazing deal. 

The code is NERDUNI10. You get 10% off your purchase. It is good up until August 31st (so don't wait too long!). 

Let me know your thoughts in the comments below.

Creativity Blooms With Cool Maker By Spin Master

Spin Master might as well be a household name for us. We love so many of their toys and games! I have posted previous reviews on some of them. But now we got some more of their Cool Maker line that was really awesome. 

*Disclaimer: I was sent these products in exchange for hosting a party and sharing my own personal review. I was not otherwise paid or endorsed. All opinions are strictly my own.*

Cool Maker aren't your typical girls toys. They are for creativity-boosting play. For learning and designing in fun ways. I was sent these two for a fun online party I did. My daughter demonstrated their uses for our guests while I explained the features. 

Stitching creations!

Style 'N Stitch Fashion Studio was definitely our favorite. My daughter has been learning to sew by hand, but some things are easier to do on a machine. Like her doll clothes creations. As her Mom, however, I worry about needles and fingers being in close proximity on my clumsy girl. With this device, that isn't an issue at all. The needle is safely hidden in the cartridge. There are so many features to love besides that though. There is the fact that it runs automatically. All my girl has to do is line the material up under the guide line and it starts to stitch.

The guide line shows her exactly where her sewing will be. There is a drawer for her to keep the needle threader, which just helps her to adjust the string if it comes out of place. In the drawer, there is also a stamper. With a touch of water, she can add decals to her creations that came with it. There are 2 clamps to hold the material in place for her and help her to maintain that straight stitch. Oh yes, there is a pre-printed cloth inside this kit of hers. It has patterns on it and instructions in the manual that allow her to make things like a hair tie, purse or plushie. I find this is a great addition to teach her about patterns and how they work. Almost forgot a couple more things. The machine has an on/off switch as well as a cutting switch to help if the thread catches. There is a pause switch in case she needs to turn the material and can't keep up while it is running. Should the material get stuck, which has happened, there is a knob on the side that allows her to release it manually. 

While there are a lot of good things about this device, we have noticed there are some cons. I would highly suggest reading the manual as thoroughly as you can. We have learned a lot through it. Like how to get material unstuck - something it has done several times. I'm still trying to understand the threading as it keeps stitching on one side only, meaning that once she stops, the seam just comes apart. On a normal machine, that happens because the bobbin isn't connecting or threaded correctly. I'm hoping we will figure it out though as she really wants to be able to use this machine to make more things. Even I want to use it! 

Braiding and Beading come next

That wasn't all they sent. We also received the KumiKreator Bead & Braider.

This one took a little more practice to get used to. If you don't follow the directions, you find it jams. And heaven forbid your 5 year old think it funny to grab it while the older sibling is trying to turn it... That was a tricky time that required my engineer husband to step in and save the day.

But if you do it right, and it isn't so hard to do that, you can create beautiful necklaces and bracelets.

The spools look like we can even refill them. It has beads you can add to make them more stylish. My older daughter loves it. As her Nana pointed out, they make great gifts she can give away for Christmas (something she loves doing). 

Where to find them

If you want to get your own (Christmas is only 145 days away, just so you know), you can find the KumiKreator at Walmart, Target, and Amazon. The Style 'N Stitch is available at Target. I've also seen other versions on Walmart and Amazon for the sewing machine. You can get more refills too. 

What did you think? Which one strikes your fancy more? I'd love to hear about it in the comments below!

Cool Maker Salon Party from Spin Master Toys Make for an Awesome Night!

I love Spin Master! Have I said that yet? Even if I have, I'm saying it again. I love checking out their latest and greatest. This time, I was able to work with them through Tryazon to host a Cool Maker Salon party. 

*Disclaimer: I was sent these products in exchange for hosting a party and sharing a review. I was not otherwise paid or endorsed. All opinions are strictly my own unless otherwise stated.*

Spin Master makes all kinds of things that you have probably seen down the toy aisles of your local stores or even on Amazon. From RC vehicles to swimming gear to a girls spa night. Wait... what?? Yep, you heard me right. I hosted a spa night for girls using products that come from Spin Master. 

What did we try?

Ever seen the Orbeez Soothing Spa? That squishie ball-filled contraction to give kids a foot massage?

My daughter has wanted to try that ever since she first saw them. And now she finally has! It comes with 2,000 Orbeez that flow through the infinity waterfall to provide a soothing feeling to their feet.

You can get more Orbeez too if you want other colors or need to replace lost ones. And you will need to replace some of the Orbeez after little feet have been in it. We had several break apart. I also had an issue with the device in the prepping department. The little piece you are to put in to keep the Orbeez in the water and out of the waterfall function would not stay in place. I had to try 3 times, before I finally gave up.

I think that might be why there were some broken ones coming out the back filter zone. 

That being said, the girls loved it! They enjoyed the unique sensation of cold, wet-feeling balls rolling over their feet. I think this one was my own daughters favorite part.

Go Glam made for a fun challenge. We learned that the decals will not stick to any other nail polish than what was provided.

After a couple hours, the paint was peeling off the 5 year olds nails. (We forgot to put the top coat on.) Definitely watch the videos before you start using the products. They give you step-by-step instructions as well as troubleshooting helps.

Shimmer Me Body Art was new to me. We love doing temporary tattoos from time to time. This takes that to a whole new level! We had glitter and foil to add.

No wet rag (though we did try it). Not all the stickers worked in leaving behind a tattoo. But with practice, we were able to figure out the nuances of making it more likely to work. This was one of the girls favorite parts to the party! She had a beautiful pink llama all shiny and glitterized. She also had a planet that was cosmically cool with the rainbow foil added.

I was pretty impressed by the foil. Glitter - not so much! You could also add the stick on jewels. Those only stick longer if you follow the directions and wash/dry before applying!

These three products together make for a great party or even a sleepover option. Something fun and girly to do. As a Mom, I like seeing the smiles and hearing the giggles. It was a great time. I even got the adult ladies to try out the products! I like that there are videos on their YouTube channel to show you how each product works and how to troubleshoot any issues you might run into. We used some during the party. 

Where can you find some of your own?

Spin Master products are generally everywhere! Target, Walmart and Amazon are the top three I know of. They also have other kits and toys that add to the glam. So check them out and let me know which product you liked the most!

Miles from Tomorrowland toy review

I love being a House Party blogger. I get to review some fun stuff at times, for free! My most recent one is the Miles from Tomorrowland Tomy toys.

I was going to have a party, but some of the children invited got sick.

So instead I sent them toys to cheer them up in their recovery. I also made them Blodger Blop cupcakes. 

He's a friend of Miles Calisto, the main character in the Disney TV show. 

They had the following to say about the toys: "Eric... age 17 has the galactic miles and says he likes the style of it. The futuristic style drew him to it even though he's a big kid, he wants to play with it.

Qwentin, age 9 has the super stellar miles and likes it because of the colors of the character and the style of the bike.

Ma'Leah, age 8 has Pipp and says he looks like a cool character. It's cool that he can fly.

Za'Riah, age 4 has Loretta. She likes her board and she likes that her arms move and you can play with her."

Tomorrowland is the futuristic place where space exploration takes humans out into our galaxy and provides homes on rocketships or other planets. It promotes the desire for kids to study space and those who travel in it. While learning about the earth is important, I like having my kids learn about why lies beyond our planet. What better way than to have a cartoon family that goes out exploring together? 

I made, or tried to make, fruit rocket kabobs. 

I also made hot dog rockets and space rock meatballs.  

Just something fun for them to chow down on while we had a good time playing with the toys. 

I built a cardboard box rocket

and used old juice bottles to make them a jet pack. 

The toy pack was such a joy to open! So many wonderful things that I got to share. Freely give as you are freely given, right?! 

Before I could even get them out of the packages, my kids were enjoying them... 

Once they came out of the packages, the true fun could begin. These toys are strong, light up, make sounds and add a higher level to their imagination while pretending they are the Calisto family blasting off on a new journey. The Stellosphere (their spaceship, otherwise known as Stella) does have issues opening some compartments and doors. It gets stuck sometimes. But everything else is blastastic! 

So, let's rocket! And explore something new.