Thousands of tractors, combines and other vehicles descended on Des Moines for the weekend, though most were only a few inches long.
Small farm toys have large following
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Graves Spoons Rootbeer Tapir (1.12)
Bwana Spoons is busy cleaning up the mess left by the new Rootbeer Tapirs (w/glitter)which drop this Friday (1.12) @ the usual spot. While we’re not sure they will look exactly like the progress shot shown from his flickr (maybe minus the blanket?), the new Tapirs are sure to be...
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Rotobox x Kuso SDCC 2013 Revolver Girl 6ix Possibilities
Kuso is showing art for several editions of Rotobox’s Revolver Girl 6ix, one of which will apparently be produced and released as an SDCC ‘13 exclusive. I’m digging the blue/gray ‘Project Diva’ edition as the successor to the debut Barenaked design which was released at last year’s comic-con.
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VA Forum relaunched!
The once glorious Vinyl Abuse Forum has risen from the ashes after it was taken out back and put down. This time however, it's a fresh start and we hope to return the forum to it's once illustrious state
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'Generic' by Night Piper
"I wanted to share this character that I've designed on October 2012. He is called Generic. He is a futuristic and powerful unknown being. When he is calm he remains off, but when he thinks it's necessary he's power-core releases all it's energy and ignites. In this stage you can see electric currents running through all his channels.
The idea is to animate it on 3d for a personal website. But![]()
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Custom Toy Roundup (Jan 6)
Shown above are a pair of TANK GIRL MUNNY custom commissions from Melodreama (one of them is "Jet Girl", I think), while below is a swell selection of recent customs from Troy Martin (my fav of which is the 'Despicable Me' MINION from a Dudebox figure = nicely done!)
Custom-Fonzo Peeks from Martin Hsu (above-left), Andrew Bell (above-right) & Grimsheep (below), completed for the upcoming ![]()
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Custom-Feature: Wanderer Samuraibot by Ken Lee
From Ken Lee comes a custom figure made from a 3A Toy "Finger Gang" character. Dubbed WANDERER SAMURAIBOT, you can see more of this dark-hued wandering ronin-looking character here. I'm not a huge fan of the robot-head figure, but used here in this incarnation, reminded me of the straw-woven hats seen and worn by mysterious assassins in classic samuari films (and even Chinese martial arts flicks![]()
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The Reveal of JeAA R.A.D.C.O.M. IRON MISSIONARY for Thailand Toy Expo 2013
John Eugene Atendido Avila's IRON MISSIONARY 1/6 figure sees an unveil, and news of it being slated for a display debut at the coming Thailand Toy Expo via JP Toys (previously teased HERE. This 1/1 edition piece will be showcased alongside original box art and printed artwork, but is NOT FOR SALE. See more images here and on the JeAA-Facebook. Intrigued by the name, and "Robinson-Crusoe" styling![]()
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Healthy Eating with Kids in the New Year!
Parents tell us they are always looking for new healthy cooking ideas and different foods for their kids lunches. Toy TIps has been taking note and watching for new ingredients and products that come our way that we think kids should try. Then, we test them with kids. We start with 30 taste testers and do a triple taste test which means kids taste it 3x. Experience shows that when they don't like it on the first try, it does not always mean they don't like it at all. We also have found kids always LOVE new things only if they think they can get another bite! Hence, our triple taste test so we can get honest evaluations, positive and negative feedback from the testers and most important watch to see if that they will eat it again.
After our review, Toy Tips found 10 new items we feel are worth giving a try.
1. Zoes Kitchen. http://zoeskitchen.com/Home.aspx
This mediterranean spice mix was used for marinating chicken, ribs, burgers and popcorn. We are not exactly sure what spices are in it, but the mix is fresh and was well received by finicky eaters. It has a little spice to it but the heat wears down in the slow cooker. Our testers especially liked it with chicken. We don't know Zoe but think she did a great job mixing this spice.
2. Trader Joe's Speculoos Crunchy Cookie Butter. http://traderjoes.com/fearless-flyer/article.asp?article_id=561
It's not a secret that last year when we discovered Cookie Butter at Trader Joe's that Toy Tips was a HUGE Fan! It's basically cookies in a jar with the consistency of peanut butter ( the package says it could contain traces of tree nuts, milk and eggs) but there are no nuts listed as an ingredient. This spread is about 90 calories for 1 TBSP but those 90 calories taste great spread on an apple. And, how fun is it to have an apple tasting day and try different kinds of apples for an after school snack or birthday treat in the classroom?
3. Freekeh http://www.freekeh-foods.com/
My personal story with this: This roasted green wheat has now replaced rice in my house! At first, I was reserved that my own kids would turn their noses. Instead, the Savory Herb combo of Rosemary Sage and whole grains has because a much asked for side dish. It's super easy to make (like rice) but it has a nutty, herb flavor with a texture that just feels healthy in your mouth. Paired with burgers instead of fries, this was a hit. Other testers were reluctant at first but overall, I think it worth a try. There are other flavors and it may take some getting used to but grains (for kids that are not allergic) are great staple for a healthy diet.
4. I heart Keenwah. http://www.iheartkeenwah.com/
This (almond) quinoa cluster is a great little snack for school backpacks. It's gluten free and made with organic quinoa, almonds, tapioca and cane syrup, honey, almond oil and salt. All natural ingredients rolled into one cute little healthy snack bite. The package is easy to open for little hands and about 9 little squares are packed inside. Much better than sugary gummy treats. There are a variety of flavors but the almond one was the most popular with our testers.
5. Barbara's Cookie Pies. http://www.barbarascookiepies.com/
A Pie and a cookie all in one. Or one big giant cookie.. I guess it depends on how you look at this. The butter crust is rich and flavorful with no trans fats. These can store frozen for up to one year but we could not wait that long to test it out. The whole cookie pie was gone by the end of the taste test! We tasted the Peppermint Bark Cookie Pie and it was a perfect choice during our holiday testing time but it's also great for any nostalgic reason to taste peppermint and chocolate together.
6. Horizon Organic Chocolate Milk. http://www.horizondairy.com/products/milk/lowfat-chocolate-milk-box/?gclid=CLjun5qYzrQCFeJ9OgodOBcAmg
These little cartons on non-refrigerated milk never caught my eye in the grocery store before but after I read the package and learned that the milk is perfectly safe on the shelf and then refrigerated before drinking, that did catch my eye. It is super easy to put these in a lunchbox and have on hand for kids after soccer practice. It's USDA organic and chocolate! You can't go wrong with that combination.
7. Buddy Fruits Superfruit. Raspberry Cranberry. http://www.buddyfruits.com/raspberry_cranberry.php
This all natural gluten free squeezy pack of apple, banana, cranberry and raspberry goodness is an alternative to traditional applesauce. Kids love to squeeze it and eat it right out of the package. That makes it fun. Because it is all natural and only 80 calories, that makes it a great snack or pick me up to pack for after school sports practices.
Probably the tastiest oatmeal cookie a child with nut allergies can have! This company was founded by dads with kids who had nut allergies but could not find a cookie that tasted good. So, like entrepreneurs do, they invented one! Sometimes it is hard to find a treat to bring to school because of allergies in the classroom. This is a perfect solution. Even our teacher testers asked for seconds....and we served it with the Horizon Organic Chocolate Milk.
9. Power Rangers Samurai Berry Power Blast Juice Box. http://www.genesistoday.com/products/berry-power-blast
This juice box has added vitamins in it. Some testers noticed. Others didn't because the Power Ranger on the package reminded them what was inside may give them superpowers. I'm the first to admit that I rarely ever buy licensed food because to me it's purely marketing, but when the product is good, the product is good. I like the fact that the juice is all natural with Goji Superfruit Blend and Omega 3 DHA. It feels good as a mom to know your child is drinking juice enriched with vitamins that instead of sugar-laden juice at snack time.
Now, we can't forget mom and dad and we know the best ideas are things for on the go (to avoid fast food and unecessary trips to the gas station deli). However, for these, I think you need to have your own triple taste test. Adult tastebuds are not like kids.
For health conscious parents, we reviewed the Quest Bar, the Rckland Organics Greek Yogurt Bars and Brestfeeding Moms tried the Milkmakers Latation Cookie. All tested well for flavor, taste and texture but when it comes to health and your body, we think it's best for an adult to decide what is best for personal taste. However, all three made our list.
Try having a taste test in your home. It's a fun activity and you just might find your kids will try something you never thought they would. I've been doing this for years and my kids eat some strange things. Just ask the kids at their school. They will tell you you'll find sushi, kumquats, pomengrate seeds and pistachios in their lunchbox.. ..on a regular basis! I think kids will try new foods it you ask them to, at least our testers did!
Marianne
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'Assassin's Creed in Ancient China' by Yuan
Currently doing it's rounds in quite a few if my illustrator-friends on Facebook, is a link to this album, featuring images of "Assassin's Creed", as depicted in Ancient China, ala epic martial arts. Thank goodness for the artist's watermark, I was able to quickly find the originator of these images to "Yuan" aka Chao Yuan Xu and you should see more of his work via his deviantART (where the ![]()
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Mattel Disney Pixar CARS Diecast: Revised Case D Singles
Yes, CASE C is coming first but Case D is revised. Instead of UK Ramone with paint Gun, it’s Paint Shop Ramone (with paint gun).* Releases numbering more than 1 in the case are shown with a number. New releases are shown in red: DJ with Flames, Wingo with Flames, Krate Rainson-Wash (Luggage Truck) & [...]
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Long live the Stompadon!
Good news everyone! I’m back for a little while! Work has been crazy, and the holidays have be
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★=$=★ Manhattan Toy Aqualina Groovy Girl Mermaid
★★★★★ 2013 Deals Manhattan Toy Aqualina Groovy Girl Mermaid. Purchase
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★=$=★ 12 Zoo Animal Treat Boxes [Toy]
★★★★★ 2013 Deals 12 Zoo Animal Treat Boxes [Toy]. Purchase 12 Zoo Anim
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★=$=★ Manhattan Toy Baby Stella Boy by Manhattan Toy
★★★★★ 2013 Deals Manhattan Toy Baby Stella Boy by Manhattan Toy. Purch
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★=$=★ Manhattan Toy Groovy Style Primrose Horse from Manhattan Toy
★★★★★ 2013 Deals Manhattan Toy Groovy Style Primrose Horse from Manhat
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Small farm toys have large following
Thousands of tractors, combines and other vehicles descended on Des Moines for the weekend, though most were only a few inches long.
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set database: LEGO 41011 stephanie's soccer practice
set database: LEGO 41011 stephanie's soccer practice
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set name: stephanie's soccer practice
theme: friends
year: 2013
pieces: 80
prices: us$10
minifig: 1
new friends theme.
image courtesy of Grogall
set number: 41011set name: stephanie's soccer practice
theme: friends
year: 2013
pieces: 80
prices: us$10
minifig: 1
come with a goal, a ball launcher, a cone obstacle course, a water cooler and a bench.
accessories included a ball, a banana and a bone.
also included a puppy.
minidoll included stephanie in white shirt and dark blue highwaters.
great playability.
overall design is great.
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Parents put away toys and introduce them throughout the year
Ewan Drum, 6 sorts through his toys Thursday evening with his mother, Angela, in the basement of their New Haven home. / WENDY TORELLO/TIMES HERALD Ewan Drum, 6, of New Haven, celebrates his birthday in the middle of December before getting even more toys at Christmas every year.
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Mirai Suenaga Press
Looks like the Mirai Suenaga brand is growing in Malaysia - first project was Touch n Go (Malaysia's electronic payment cards) and Culture Japan Night was a collaboration with Penang Global Tourism.
Todays newspaper features Culture Japan Night - which the newspaper called "Cultural Japan Night ^^; They also used the wrong Chinese characters for "Suenaga" they used - "未" instead of "末" - but I've fixed the Search Engine Optimization so that queries redirect to Mirai's page (phew) ^^;
If you are learning Japanese then its a common mistake to get these kanji mixed up just because of the length of the two strokes.
"末" means "end" and "未" means "not yet"
CJ Night Penang was the biggest ever in terms of attendance - was awesome fun! Will upload photos of the event later.
Find out more about the Culture Japan girls >>>
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More Pages to Explore .....
