Girls Gone Gadget

Yesterday, when I wrote about the new Computer Engineer Barbie, I mentioned that there are some exciting new techy toys being debuted at the International Toy Fair in New York City this week.  Here are two from VTech that I am very excited to see hit store shelves this year:

FLiP

The FLiP is VTech’s new animated e-book reader for children.  From the pictures on VTech’s Facebook fan page, the screen resolution looks really good!  Bonus points for that alone! It also appears to already have “books” from some of your (ok, your kids) favorite characters.

(credit: VTech Toy’s Facebook page)

mobiGO

The mobiGO is a handheld finger-touch animated learning system, the first of it’s kind for VTech.  The screen appears to slide out and up to reveal a keyboard underneath and, like the FLiP, incorporates popular characters.

(credit: VTech Toy’s Facebook page)

Both, the FLiP and mobiGO, are said to be available this August but there is no word on price, yet.  I am excited for these two kids gadgets to hit the market because they look like good quality and fun devices.  I can’t wait to get more details about both of these and, hopefully, get a chance to try them out for myself!

For more pictures of these VTech gadgets and the other VTech toys debuting at the International Toy Fair, check out VTech Toy’s Facebook page.

We are officially one month into the New Year…how are those resolutions coming?

The most popular New Year’s resolution is, without a doubt, to get into shame/lose weight.  And yet that is one of the most difficult to keep.  If you’re anything like me, you want to get to the gym but making time to get there is pretty impossible when you have little ones a home.  I’ve actually had people ask me, “So, if you can’t make it to the gym, how are you hoping to lose the weight?”  Well, if I want any chance at losing weight this year, I need to depend on the resources I have right here at home.

Those in-home resources have typically been treadmills & stationary bikes (which I don’t have room for) and workout DVDs (which I’m growing bored of).  I was more than excited when I received the Wii Fit last year at Christmas and have really enjoyed mastering the workouts and activities that came with it.  But, this year, I’m looking for something a little different!

This year Ubisoft has released the latest interactive fitness product for the Wii — Your Shape!

What makes Your Shape different than the other fitness games out there?  Well, Your Shape allows you to create a fitness program personalized to help you achieve your fitness goals.  The game features a camera that detects your movements so that Jenny McCarthy can correct your form right as you exercise.  Wait, did I mention that the game also features Jenny McCarthy?  That’s right, Jenny McCarthy will be your fitness friend and guide as you work your way through Your Shape.  And you know that if it has Jenny McCarthy it’s going to be fun!

The concept and equipment behind this game seems pretty cool.  You can learn more about the game and see how the camera and game work by visiting YourShapeGame.org.  I haven’t had the chance to use this game yet but I’m really interested in picking it up soon!  I do know that moms are out there using Your Shape and loving it!!!  That is why Your Shape is making my list of how I’m going to succeed in losing weight and getting into shape this year!

Here are my 5 New Year’s resolutions for getting healthy and fit in 2010:

1. Get moving — be more active on a day to day basis with my kids!  Dance around the house, get outside and hike through the snow (hopefully the snow will be gone soon though!), nature hikes
2. Become a runner — this Spring I’m hoping to discover the love of running.
3. Put down the soda — opt for water instead of the Dr. Pepper or Coke.
4. Go healthy or Go home — when eating out with my family I need to really look at what I’m choosing to eat.  Do I need to order the french fries?  And I need to remember that it is ok if I don’t finish my plate!  Portion sizes are huge these days and by taking home a ‘doggy-bag’ I not only cut down on how much I’m eating but I have something for lunch the next day!
5. Take advantage of the tech — games like Your Shape are an amazing asset for me getting into shape!  It’s new, it’s fun, it’s actually working me out.  I can do it at home and my girls even have fun doing these fitness games with me!

So, there you have it!  I’ll keep you updated as to when I get Your Shape and what I think of it.  In the mean time, I’d love to hear what you’re doing to keep your resolutions this year.  I’d especially love to hear if you’ve tried Your Shape!  You can leave me a comment here or join the conversation going on at Twitter Moms.

*disclaimer: I did not receive any product or compensation from Nintendo or Ubisoft for this post.

The weather is getting colder. The days are getting shorter. And, since I’m a total wimp when it comes to cold weather, it looks like I’ll be turning my exercise to the indoors.

Two years ago I bought my husband a Nintendo Wii™ for Christmas and last year my parents bought me the accompanying Wii Balance Board™. And that has been the source of my workouts in the cold months this past year. Since having two small kids I just don’t make going to the gym a priority and that Wii™ and Wii Fit™ has been my saving grace.

Recently I had the opportunity to review a new workout game for the Wii™ for 5 Minutes for Mom, a site I often write for. The exercise game? Daisy Fuentes Pilates! I must say, I am a fan of the workout! It has been so nice to switch up my exercise routine with something new and, if you have a Wii™, I think you’ll love it, too!

You can read my review of Daisy Fuentes Pilates for the Wii™ and even enter to win your own copy over at 5 Minutes for Giveaways!

When I first heard the news that Nintendo was dropping the price on the Wii gaming system, I was a little shocked. Just two years ago I remember standing in line three hours before a store even opened in hopes of getting my hands on one of ten consoles they were promising to have in stock that morning. But that was two years ago and, in the gaming world, that’s a long time!

Actually the Wii will be celebrating it’s third (launch) birthday this November. So, with the news of the price drop, I had to wonder if this means the Wii is on it’s way out and Nintendo is going to be releasing something new soon. Since there has been no news of anything new coming on the market, I can only assume that Nintendo is making a great strategic move!

After all, it’s been three years! Nintendo needed something to put the Wii back on the front pages of gaming news for a while. It also seems that Nintendo is taking to heart that consumers are tightening their budgets and gaming systems just aren’t a high priority right now. I think the price drop will have parents considering the Wii this holiday shopping season!

The original $249 price tag has been slashed to $199. And, if you purchase the Wii at Amazon.com before October 3, you’ll receive a $25 Amazon.com Gift Card. That means (until Saturday) the Wii will only cost you $174!!!

As I said, my family owns a Wii and we have really enjoyed it!  We are not die-hard gamers so this has been a perfect system for us.  It is something that everyone from my three year old daughter to my parents can enjoy.  Last year I received the Wii Balance Board for Christmas.  This year I’m excited about the New Super Mario Bros. Wii game!

Super Mario Bros. Wii — Choose to take on the new version of a much loved classic or invite up to three friends to play with you in the multiplayer mode. The multiplayer mode of the game offers a combination of cooperation and competition. Choose to work together or toss your friends in the way of danger.

Releasing November 15, just in time for Christmas wish lists!

So, is the price drop a good move on Nintendo’s part?  I believe it will be.  It can’t hurt!