ROBIN'S TOY RECOMMENDATION: LOOPZ(tm) FROM MATTEL

Every now 'n then, a particularly cool new toy or game comes to my attention, and I'd like to share it with you.  The latest is LOOPZ(tm).

It's a really original new electronic, interactive game from Mattel, and my 7 year old son is loving it.  I must admit, I'm intrigued as well.

LOOPZ(tm) is "The Memory Game that gets you Moving!"

Combining music, memory and motion, LOOPZ(tm) challenges your rhythm and reflexes, as you try to repeat its changing patterns of light and music.  You can make your own music, match the lights, keep a song going, etc.  There are many fun and creative possibilities.

Accommodating up to 4 players and with 7 different game modes, LOOPZ(tm) is fun for both kids and adults!  Each time you play, it can be an entirely different experience.  You can make LOOPZ(tm) your own.

Kids can tell their friends, and launch a LOOPZ(tm) band!  (No lessons required.)

For a little taste of what LOOPZ(tm) can do, check out the LOOPZ(tm) Band. Five guys got together to produce one-of-a-kind songs using nothing but the LOOPZ(tm) music and memory game.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MXI85o5iNn8

For more info on LOOPZ(tm), visit http://www.playloopz.com/.

Follow the game -- http://www.twitter.com/playloopz

It retails for $29.99 and is suitable for children ages 7+. 



Note: Thanks to Mattel for providing a sample of the game and for the July giveaway of three games on http://www.motherhoodlater.com/.

The Dora Deception -- by Jamie Levine

“Dora yogurt! I want my Dora yogurt!” my daughter screamed in the kitchen as my mother unpacked the groceries she and Jayda had just bought while I was working.

“Huh? You bought her Dora yogurt?!” I barked at my mom. Jayda certainly gets her share of treats, but my mom knows I try hard to make sure that most of Jayda’s food is healthy. She also knows that Jayda loves Greek yogurt. It’s full of protein, low in sugar and fat, and when I mix fresh fruit in it for her, she devours it. Who needs processed, sugar-filled yogurt? Not us!

My mom explained that Jayda had seen a Dora yogurt drink at the store and wanted it. So, as with all the other “unnecessary” items my daughter had begged for while they shopped, my mom put it in the cart and then snuck it back onto a shelf before they checked out. She hadn’t bought it. However, Jayda, who seemed to have forgotten about all the other missing purchases, couldn’t forget Dora. It was “Dora yogurt! I want it!” all night long.

The next day, I went to the supermarket and took a look at my daughter’s new obsession. As I’d suspected, the yogurt drink had practically no protein, and was packed with sugar. But the container was appealing—pink, covered with pictures of adorable Dora, and even featured a “star counting” game. And the six-pack was on sale! So…what was a responsible, loving mom to do?

I bought the Dora yogurt drinks. Then, I ran home and pulled out my blender. Tossed a container of 2% Greek yogurt in there—and some fresh mango. Then, some organic 1% milk, and a pinch of cinnamon. I thought about adding a little honey, but this mango was so sweet, it wasn’t necessary. When I was satisfied with my concoction, I opened up all of the Dora yogurts I had just purchased—and dumped them down the drain. Finally, I refilled the containers with “my” yogurt drink and sealed them all back up. Presto! Healthy, protein-filled “Dora” yogurt drinks. And you know what? My kid loves them!

Now, if they only sold Dora frozen broccoli!