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The Banana Splits
Everything old is new again. The other day, I was watching a fall fashion show on TV and they said that bell bottoms are back. All I know is that some things that make a comeback are good, but others are most certainly not, stirrup pants for example.
Along with the trends in fashion, there’s another group of things seeing a resurgence. Any parent can walk through the toy stores now and see tons of toys that are similar to when we were growing up.
Now there’s a musical group to bring it all back as well. If you weren’t around in the 60’s, you won’t remember them. I wasn’t either so it’s all new to me and it will be to your kids too. "The Banana Splits" are a costumed rock band that sing catchy songs, tell silly jokes and have an all-around good time.
Starting September 1st, "The Banana Splits" will make their debut on The Cartoon Network with brand new comedy shorts featured Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. All of their songs and comedy shorts are kid friendly and parent approved.
My girls spent some time on the site and the music is the type that gets stuck in your head. Because it’s not super annoying kid music, but more reminiscent of a day gone by, it’s something that both parents and kids can enjoy. There are also games that can be played, such as the coaster game where you choose your character and maneuver through a roller coaster ride with help from some computer keys.
If your child is a jokester, they’ll enjoy phoning in their favorite jokes that could get picked for the site. There are also secret codes to decode and a fan mail section where kids can pose a question and see it answered in a Fan Mail Video. If your kids are super into the "Splits," they can join the free club with a printable membership certificate and no other requirements.
The only negative about the site is that it is very busy. While you’re listening to one song, the website music is playing in the background and that was a little too much overstimulation for me. I’m sure there’s probably a way to turn the website music off, but I couldn’t figure it out. The button on the top didn’t seem to work, at least not for me. While a little annoying to me, Big I didn’t seem to mind at all. She’s one who likes constant noise. But don’t take her word; go check it out for yourself.
Overall, "The Banana Splits" offer a friendly and fun kid alternative that will be a welcome addition to The Cartoon Network and to your home computer.
BBM gives "The Banana Splits". . .
Snacktivate
I would like to be able to tell you that I made each and every one of the recipes on the Snacktivate website and that they were all easy to make and fabulous to eat. But we moved this week, and so I’ve only managed to drool all over my computer while reading the recipes with plans to make everything, probably all at once, very soon, once I am able to find things like measuring cups for example.
The Snacktivate website is courtesy of Kellogg’s and it is fantastic. I’m not one of those artistic types who knows how to make macaroni and cheese look like an Eiffel Tower while my kids scream with glee, but if there’s one place where you can learn these types of skills, it’s here.
If you’d like to make butterfly quesadillas, funny bunnies (which practically make me drown in drool, yummy), or flower box muffins, it’s all there for you.
Many of these recipes are made with simple cereals like Corn Flakes and Kelloggs’s Frosted Mini-Wheats, like the Sassy Sunpops which sound almost too good to be true. There’s also great nutrition information available to make you feel really good about serving up these delicious looking and sounding snacks.
The best part about the site is that there are Snacktivate ideas for just about every season and many different occasions. And if you have a budding chef in the family like I do, you won’t want to miss the easy kid-friendly recipes either.
If you’re looking for some healthy recipes your kids will get excited about, you won’t want to miss the Snacktivate website and all it has to offer.
For the ease of use and the the sheer yummy goodness, BBM gives the Snacktivate website:
Groomsmen
Sometimes I feel like I got married in the dark ages. There were no fancy websites to help you, at least none that I know of, and nothing could be done via the internet. Planning a wedding from four hours away was not always pleasant. These days, brides and grooms have some really nice help in the form of websites that give them ideas, inspiration and previously unheard of help. Groomsmen is just the site to help with all the little details.
If you’re looking for gifts for your groomsmen, you’ll want to visit the Groomsmen Gift area of the site. From cuff links to handy tools, to cigars to shaving kits, you’ll find everything you need to let your groomsmen know you’re glad they stood up beside you. You can also find bridesmaid gifts in the form of vases, lockets and compacts. It’s not just for the adults either. The kids gifts you can find for those special little ring bearers and flower girls are adorable and not your typical Groomsmen Gift. From harmonica’s and yo-yo’s to adorable train banks, your little wedding party participants won’t be left out.
Not just for gifts, Groomsmen offers helpful tips for everything from having the perfect wedding ceremony to giving the ideal toast, to creating a honeymoon full of lasting memories. And it’s not just for the men in the wedding either. Helpful tips abound for both the groom and his lucky bride.
For the abundance of information and being somewhat of a one-stop shop for gifts and wedding advice, BBM gives Groomsmen:
Mongo Tickets
While browsing the internet for Steelers tickets for Mr. BBM (Shh! Don’t tell him!), I came across a ticketing site that has just about everything. Mongo Tickets offers a user-friendly site with ticketing possibilities for everything from the New England Patriots Tickets (Boo! Hiss!) to Chicago Cubs Tickets and everything in between.
Sports, concert and theater tickets are readily available at a variety of prices. In fact, there’s almost too much to choose from once you pick your date and know what you want! And that’s just the problem. Want to go to the US Open in NY? There are a variety of tickets available. Want to see the most loved hated team in the NFL? There are Dallas Cowboys Tickets available. Whether you are interested in getting down and dirty in the nosebleed section or want something right up front, Mongo Tickets has what you are looking for with a seat for everyone and a price that can fit anyone’s budget.
Mongo Tickets also stands behind its ticket sales. If an event is canceled and not rescheduled, you can expect a 100% refund. They also guarantee their tickets or your money back, so there’s no risk.
Whether you are looking for the hottest kid ticket this year, The Jonas Brothers, or want to lock up some NFL seats for the fall, Mongo Tickets will not disappoint.
For the ease in use, easily accessible seating charts, and a variety of options to fit any budget, BBM gives Mongo Tickets. . .
Childhood is Calling
Rice Krispies have their own website and it’s not just about that tiny little cereal that everyone loves. Childhood is Calling features recipes of all kinds and cooking suggestions to make kitchen time a peaceful and fun time with your kids, games to play with your little ones, and the history of the cereal. For those who love nostalgia, try viewing what the box looked like the year you were born. I’m not telling the year I was born; I’ll just say that the box looks a whole lot different now.
The website offers helpful age-appropriate suggestions for cooking abilities such as the types of activities that a 2-3 year old should be able to accomplish in the kitchen. I was sort of disappointed to find out that "make your own lunch" isn’t on that list. It does help to have realistic expectations though which will definitely make kitchen time more fun.
For die hard Rice Krispies treats fans, there are recipes for the treats that feature different varieties to try and fall in love with. Want some decorating ideas appropriate for the season? You won’t want to miss the cut outs that the site provides.
If you’re just looking to have a little fun with your little one (or kill some time at work), don’t miss the games, where you can try to hurl Cocoa Krispies across a grassy patch and into a bowl. It gets sort of addicting, kind of like Rice Krispie treats.
There’s also a coupon to save you $1 off the new variety of Rice Krispies cereal. You can go directly to that coupon here. Samples of it are on their way so I’ll be sure to let you know what I think when they arrive.
Until then, go throw some cocoa krispies. . .
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