Ansel & Clair: Paul Revere's Ride

One of the kids' favorite apps is Ansel & Clair’s Adventures in Africa. Roo and Jasper reviewed it back in summer 2011 and they still enjoy playing it, which in terms of apps is pretty darned impressive. In terms of educational apps, it's nearly unheard of!

I was excited to hear that a a new title has recently been added to the series: Ansel & Clair: Paul Revere's Ride. Jasper, in particular, has an unusual affinity for the Revolutionary War and is obsessed with the "Shot Heard 'Round The World" from the America Rocks series. This seemed like it would be an obvious hit with him.

This app is very, very interactive with plenty of animation, trivia, maps, minigames and even the ability to type your own notes into the Travel Log. (Jasper does not read or write much yet but Roo really liked that; her class did Lewis & Clark journals so she enjoys the historical documentation process.) Period music and licensed museum artwork add to the immersive learning experience.

At $4.99, Ansel & Clair: Paul Revere's Ride is a great investment in your kids' history education AND amusement. You'll all be reciting The Midnight Ride of Paul Revere before you know it…


In accordance to the FTC Guidelines and WOMMA Code of Ethics, I am disclosing that I received a complimentary download code to facilitate this review. As usual, though, all thoughts are my own.

Cypher Kids i3D Interactive Cards

My kids both love the iPad. At 8 and 5, they are both way better at using it than I am and can kick my butt at most games. They love interactive books and learning apps. They love YouTube and making their own videos, although I am pretty thankful that they have not yet figured out how to upload anything. Jasper has actually broken my iPad twice, something that makes me a bit of a zealot about buying the Apple Care insurance. It's worth it for the peace of mind if you have kids. 

I'm especially impressed with how Jasper navigates the iPad because he does not read yet. It's amazing how much he absorbs intuitively. It's a great tool for early childhood literacy, aside from being a lot of fun.

Cypher Kids Club makes apps and integrated flashcards that use augmented reality to engage and excite young learners. Their apps are downloadable for free on the App Store and the flashcards are available at selected Target stores, just in time for the holiday season. Black Friday, anyone?

There are three sets available thus far: Letters, Numbers and Wild Animal Adventures. They can all be found in the iPad accessories section at Target. They retail for $29.99 each. 

I am massively indecisive, so I got all three sets. They contain between 18 and 26 sturdy 4" x 6" flashcards with the subject matter on one side and a QR code on the flipside. You use your iPhone or iPad to scan the code and unlock the augmented reality content. 

The Letters and Numbers sets feature two robot characters, Digi and Beebot, who cheerfully banter about proper pronunciation, differences between upper and lower case, counting, etc. If the voices on kids' shows annoy you, these probably will too, although it's super cool to see them fluttering around in three dimensions against your house. I also liked that the camera "snapshot" function is embedded into the app itself, unlike on the Wild Animal Adventures set, where you have to switch between explore and snapshot mode when you scan your QR code. That makes it a little harder for younger kids to be able to play with themselves.

The animation on the Cypher Wild Animal Adventure set is pretty awesome. The animals really come to life and it's a lot of fun to play with moving your device to scale the critters against things in your home. For example, the octopus floating alongside Fonzie the cat above and the frog leaping out of Jasper's mouth below.

Jasper thought mom should have a tiger coming out of her mouth. Not sure why.

We tried all the apps on both the iPhone and the iPad. The latter was MUCH more impressive because the larger format gave you the opportunity to really see the graphics and play with the augmented reality scaling and 3D aspect. One note- if you use a folio-style case on your iPad, you will probably want to remove it so you don't have to deal with a dangling flap while you move the device around.

Overall, Cypher Kids Club i3D Interactive Cards are a fun way to incorporate learning into gameplay. I'm interested to see what they'll come up with next. To keep up on company news, follow Cypher Kids Club on Twitter and like Cypher Kids Club on Facebook. 

To see my whole shopping expedition, check out my Google+ photo album.

In accordance to the FTC Guidelines and the WOMMA Code of Ethics, I am disclosing that I am a member of the Collective Bias™ Social Fabric® Community.  This content has been compensated as part of a social shopper insights study for Collective Bias™ and Cypher Kids Club. #CypherKidsClub #CBias #SocialFabric. As usual, all opinions are my own.

Lincoln: Discover The Story iPad App

Steven Spielberg's long-awaited biopic Lincoln arrives in theaters this Friday, November 16th. Go behind the scenes of the movie with this exclusive interactive app “Lincoln: Discover the Story,” now available as a free download for iPad users. See how a crucial time in America's history was recreated and brought to the screen with beautiful photos, art, interviews, music and more.

Website and Mobile site: thelincolnmovie.com
Facebook.com/Lincolnmovie
Twitter @Lincolnmovie

Shopping with your Smartphone - eBay Mobile

I've been an eBay member since 1997. It's hard to imagine but I received a congratulatory email from them recently on our 15th anniversary. In a way, eBay was my gateway drug to online shopping. I keep multiple searches on hand and buy most of the kids' and my own clothes there. I've only had two iffy experiences in all that time and both were down to shifty sellers and were resolved via PayPal. It would be an understatement to say that I'm a fan.

Now that mobile technology has become an integral part of online shopping, eBay keeps pushing the envelope with their app offerings. The main eBay mobile app provides an on-the-go shopping portal as well as allowing you to snap pictures to post items for sale wherever you are. If you're a procrastinating seller like me, this is invaluable because it saves so much time with uploading photos and editing and writing descriptions. 

The RedLaser app is fantastic to use wherever you shop to scan barcodes, QR codes, UPC codes and more to find the best deals on eBay, online or in your local area. I also really like using RedLaser to scan items that I already have at home and need to restock, so I can find the lowest prices.


If you're a gearhead, the eBay Motors app will be your best friend. Keep track of the parts you're looking for by opening your own Garage: just enter your VIN numbers from your cars or motorcycles and you can customize searches to your own needs. You can even keep a Dream Vehicle search if you're looking for the one that got away.

My personal favorite is the eBay Fashion app. You can search designer trends and find similar styles for a bargain on eBay, peruse weekly Style Story features, or use the eBay Image Swatch to snap photos of your inspirations and match them to listings on eBay. Or feed your fashion obsession with the limited-time sales in the Fashion Vault. Love!!!

RSVP for the #eBayMobile twitter party October 2nd, 12-2 PST. $300 in eBay gift cards are up for grabs! See you there…

What's your favorite thing to shop for on eBay?

In accordance to the FTC Guidelines and the WOMMA Code of Ethics, I am disclosing that this campaign was brought to you by Splash Creative Media on behalf of eBay Mobile. I was compensated for researching and writing this post. All opinions, however, are my own. I love eBay. 

Dinner and a Movie with Marvel Avengers and MarketSide Pizza

I didn't get to see Marvel's The Avengers in theaters (grandma and grandpa took the kids without me!) so I was anxious for it to be released on DVD. When I was asked to treat my family to dinner and a movie featuring the Walmart Exclusive Marvel Avengers Blu-Ray/DVD and Graphic Novel combo pack and MarketSide Pizza, I didn't hesitate. Pizza and comic books are kind of a no-brainer for me.

We love comic books in this household. And superheroes. Just between you and me, I've always been more partial to the Marvel universe than that other realm. The Marvel superheroes always have more humanistic flaws that I can relate to. They sort of teeter on the brink between superhero and supervillain. Well, you can see how I'd like that…

Anyway, back to shopping. I decided to go to Walmart while the kids were in school because it's Halloween season and I don't like arguing over candy and costumes. Especially while I'm trying to concentrate on serious business. Like, for example, using the augmented reality Avengers app Super Hero AR to enhance my shopping with Avenger-y goodness– another Walmart exclusive.

Using the app on your mobile device, you can scan special Avengers displays throughout Walmart and unlock a "Which Avenger are You?" quiz as well as interactive animations and sounds. Kind of cool! This big display lets YOU interact with the Avengers. 

Point your mobile device at it, using the Super Hero AR app, and be surrounded by the Avengers!

You'll also want to pick up a MarketSide pizza or two, emblazoned with your favorite Avengers. I tried to use the app on the signage above the pizza display but it wouldn't work for me, sadly. Captain America = Pepperoni, Iron Man = Five Cheese, Hulk = Everything. I got cheesy breadsticks, too. Nom nom.

When I got home, I was impressed with how nice the Walmart exclusive Avengers graphic novel is. It's full-sized and full-color, with glossy, thick pages. I was expecting something smaller and more perfunctory but this is the real deal for Avengers fans. Jasper ran off with it, immediately.

We also used the app to check out the AR features on the DVD packaging and pizza box. So cool- you get a whole little Marvel universe to interact with. This is way more impressive in person, I have to tell you. It looks very 3D and you can see it in 360º! Squint at my screen shot and you can see all the Avengers hanging out on top of skyscrapers, as superheroes are wont to do.

The kids love eating in front of the TV, especially all together. The movie is a bit long for younger kids and Roo said there were too many bad words.

Roo also says that Captain America is cute and that daddy likes Black Widow. I concur.

Jasper was ready for bed before the movie was over but he has added the Avengers graphic novel to his bedtime reading queue.

To see my whole shopping/Marvel Avengers Superhero AR app experience, check out my Google + album.

Keep up with all things Avengers by liking Marvel on Facebook and following @Marvel on Twitter.

In accordance to the FTC Guidelines and the WOMMA Code of Ethics, I am disclosing that I am a member of the Collective Bias™ Social Fabric® Community.  This content has been compensated as part of a social shopper insights study for Collective Bias™ and Marvel. #MarvelAvengersWMT #CBias #SocialFabric. As usual, all opinions are my own.

Sons of Anarchy: Season 4 Blu-ray and New App

I'm about the furthest you could possibly get from being a biker babe. In fact, I've only ridden on a motorcycle twice and one of those times I managed to burn my leg on the tailpipe while dismounting. Smooth. I really never expected to love Sons of Anarchy but since I first checked it out, I've been totally hooked. I think Bob and I watched the first two season in a week, a record amount of tv watching for us.

The motorcycle club aspect is gripping, of course, but so is the palpable family drama. And I loooooove Katey Sagal. It's kind of funny to watch SoA when the kids have been watching Futurama non-stop, I have some serious character identity crisis issues. (Actually, I would love to see Dr. Zoidberg join SAMCRO. Total dork fan fiction prompt.) Sons of Anarchy: Season Four is out now, just in time to catch up before Season Five premieres on September 11th.

Sons of Anarchy: Season Four is an interesting one because it focuses on the importance of family- making one, keeping it and protecting it. I guess the show is always about family at its core but this season is especially pertinent because Jax has to think about his two kids and how he and Tara want them to grow up. Which is ostensibly not in the MC, surrounded by guns, porn stars and, now, drugs. I'm on the edge of my seat waiting to see what happens now. Cartel or no cartel? Oregon? 

The new and improved Sons of Anarchy app, now available at the App Store and Google Play allows fans to sync in real time with the show or use the Season 4 Blu-ray Disc to shop for authentic merchandise. In addition, fans can connect over social networks within the app, explore added features including alternate scenes, character bios, production stills, storyboards, show facts and trivia and much more. New features and merchandise will be added weekly as the new season progresses following the broadcast premiere on September 11 on FX at 10PM.

In accordance to the FTC Guidelines and the WOMMA Code of Ethics, I am disclosing that I received a copy of the video to facilitate this review. If you click the links and buy anything, I will earn a few coins. As usual, all opinions are my own.

#Walkabout Motivation: Zombies, Run!

It takes some prodding for me to get up and moving. I was never the little kid who jumped around and ran, so I know that incentivizing my fitness regimen is probably a good thing. I'd like to buy something pretty as a reward but that adds up too quickly and I'm in for the long haul with this new healthy lifestyle business. So, how can I liven up my workout? Music alone isn't going to cut it.

Ladies and gentleman, I introduce to you Zombies, Run! an app to get you running… away from the undead. It's a well-executed and immersive fitness role playing game and it's on half-price sale through Sunday April 8th for $3.99. A meager investment for your health and the fate of humanity, if you think about it.

As if that isn't enough, the geniuses (genii?) behind Zombies, Run! have just published a companion ebook, The Runner’s Guide, 75 pages of helpful hints and commentary that they are offering for FREE as a PDF and a multi-touch iBook. Find out more on the Zombies, Run! blog.

If running for my life doesn't work, I don't know what will, but just to be safe I also joined a gym today. Those zombies should be getting pretty nervous!

In accordance to the FTC Guidelines and the WOMMA Code of Ethics, I am disclosing that no compensation was provided and all opinions are, as usual, my own. I did write about this app because I believe it's a good way to stick to the fitness goals I have as a brand ambassador for the 28 Day #Walkabout campaign but I'm not entirely sure what Dr. Weil's stance on zombies is. I'll have to ask him about that sometime.

  

LetterMpress Virtual Letterpress for iPad

How super cool would this be to play with? Most of us don't have access to our own antique letterpress but LetterMpress would enable typography fans to keep the medium alive. Digital analog, baby! I love it. If you love it, put your money where your mouth is and put some money in the Kickstarter kitty.

Everyday Food for iPad

The March issue of Martha Stewart Everyday Food is out today on iPad and the cover photo is enough to make me salivate. Grilled cheese with tomato soup is one of my all-time favorite meals and I simply did not have the patience to wait for the print version, since it won't be on newsstands until Monday. Let me tell you, the digital magazine has all sorts of bells and whistles, including videos, slide shows, animations, and scrolling recipes but my very favorite function is the ability to email recipes from within the app and also build your own recipe library to keep your "keepers" easy to access. It's as reliable and aspirational as you would expect, with droolworthy photography and elegant design. Mmm. Total eye candy.

The Martha Stewart Everyday Food iPad app is $2.99 on iTunes. (And, yes, I did buy it myself. I'm a big spender!) Read more about it and watch a behind-the-scenes video on the Everyday Food Blog at MarthaStewart.com.

Martha Stewart Living for iPad

I was stuck at the airport in Atlanta for seven hours before my flight was ultimately cancelled on Wednesday night. Yes, it was a gigantic pain in the butt, however it was the day that the new digital issue of Martha Stewart Living was released for iPad, so at least that kept me entertained. If only it could shoot food out, too, it would be perfect…

Check this video out for a sample of the awesomeness.

Disclosure: In accordance to the FTC Guidelines and WOMMA Code of Ethics, I am disclosing that I didn't receive anything in exchange for this post. I just thought you would get a kick out of watching a Martha Stewart craft being assembled to the strains of Warrant's "Cherry Pie." Right?! I should also disclose that I would totally whore myself out for Martha: anytime, anywhere. Just FYI.

Play With My Underwear

Jasper's favorite song of late has been "trick or treat, smell my feet, give me something good to eat" with the bonus verse "if you don't, I don't care, I'll pull down your underwear!" Yeah, he's THAT kid. On the bright side, his obsession with underpants has finally led to the sudden decision to potty train. Seriously, he's been anti-underpants, anti-potty for months now but in a single day, he decided he was done with diapers. Weird kid.

Fittingly, we were asked to review a new app for iPhone and iPad, My Underwear. The bold, colorful illustrations might look familiar, since Todd Parr has produced about a zillion great kids' books.

My Underwear is the app equivalent of a giggle. It's bright and silly, relentlessly cheerful and fun, with four different game options. Jasper immediately went to work finger-painting underpants, with no need for me to explain. It's incredibly intuitive and easy for kids to play by themselves. I also like how it sneaks in the learning stuff, like having kids match undies to critters by color or shapes. Jasper is predictably fond of the game that lets you feed monsters with falling underpants, kind of a preschool laundry basket version of Tetris. The matching game is also chock full of adorableness, including robot among the critters, monsters and ubiquitous underwear.

It should be noted that 6 year old Roo loves playing with My Underwear, too. That does not sound right at all, does it?

Disclosure: In accordance to the FTC Guidelines and WOMMA Code of Ethics, I am disclosing that we received a free download of My Underwear in order to review it. I would pay $2.99 for it in a second, though.