Cracker Barrel Butterflies Doll Collection Review

Review By Emily:

When it comes to finding the perfect toy for a little girl, it’s no doubt that dolls are your best bet. But if you’ve walked the doll aisle of any big box store, you can immediately become overwhelmed with the assortment of dolls available. There is a doll that does just about everything these days! Seriously, it’s a doll, why does it need all the fancy, expensive (and usually breakable) bells and whistles? And then there are the batteries…had I known how many batteries I’d be going through when I had my first child, I would have put them at the top of my baby registry! Add the price of batteries to that $30 burping doll and that becomes one pricey toy. I find the simple, classic toys far more valuable in the long run since they help stimulate my child’s imagination and enhance their creativity. Kylie hugging Hannah

Cracker Barrel Old Country Stores hold this same belief and has created a new line of dolls, the Butterflies Doll Collection, which are the latest in interactive toys. Not interactive in a high tech way, but interactive because of all the things can do with them. The Butterflies are rag dolls reminiscent of days gone but with a twist, featuring the interests of modern day kids.

Available November 1 exclusively in over 600 Cracker Barrel Old Country Store locations, these eight different huggable dolls come complete with their own story, a unique outfit and an embroidered butterfly on the heart. There is definitely a doll (or two!) that would be a perfect fit for any little girl:

IsabellaELIZABETH loves helping mom.

MADISON enjoys being a cheerleader

JASMINE loves being a ballerina

ISABELLA believes she is a princess

HANNAH dreams of a slumber party

MARIA loves taking care of horses

GRACE likes feeding farm animals

SAVANNAH enjoys going to school

Cracker Barrel Old Country Stores kindly provided me with two different dolls for my daughters to try out. We received the Isabella and Hannah dolls. When I opened the boxes, the girls squealed about how beautiful they were. I was happy that I didn’t have to unwrap or put together a bunch of accessories. Plus, there are no batteries to install or directions to read before playing. It’s just straight from the box fun! Swapping Doll Clothing

The girls immediately began swapping the clothing, dressing and undressing them for some time. Afterwards, they decided to raid our craft cupboard and make their own jewelry for them. Using pipe cleaners, our dolls became adorned with new necklaces, bracelets, belts and crowns! All the while, I made dinner without the annoying sounds of beeps and whirls and computerized “mama” sounds. My daughters didn’t need me to press any buttons or help them with the settings on their toys. They just enjoyed good old fashioned pretend play with a simple, charming toy.

At bedtime, the girls wanted to sleep with their Butterflies dolls since they are so soft and cuddly. It’s been a week now that they have snuggled with their dolls each night. My oldest has enjoyed reading books to Isabella and my youngest rocks Hannah to sleep. Both dolls have been joining us daily at the breakfast table as well. Caitlyn Doll Jewelry

The dolls are not machine-washable, but just need a hand washing now and then. We have plenty of baby wipes around the house that do the trick for some of the lighter spots. I am truly pleased with the quality material and sewing construction of these dolls. They really are just too cute!

Each doll is priced at an affordable $19.99. Additional clothes and accessories for both dolls a girls age two to six will be available for purchase at all Cracker Barrel Old Country Store locations as well.

For more information on Cracker Barrel Old Country Stores, including their restaurants and unique gifts visit: Cracker Barrel.

This giveaway has ended. Congratulations to the winner, Kristi C.

Disclosure – These products were provided to me free of charge by the manufacturer or representing PR agency for the writing of this review; however, opinions expressed are my own and are NOT influenced by monetary compensation.

All rules can be found under giveaway rules.

About Emily:

Emily is also very active in the local MOMS CLUB. She raises chickens and has 2 shih tzus. Her daughter Caitlyn attends Montessori school and she hates housecleaning, loves wine and enjoys dining out. She would love to find a cure for the depression and anxiety she has dealt with on and off over the past 10 years, just like me. She is an amazing mom and friend.

Misikko Ceramic Flat Iron Review and #giveaway

Misikko-logo-flat-ironMisikko sent me one of their professional flat irons to review. I opened it up and was quite impressed with the quality. In fact after reviewing it, I thought it would make the perfect Christmas present. It is probably the best flat iron I have ever seen.

misikko_2046_1089445

Picture of the Happy Recipient on Christmas Day:

rebekah

About ceramic flat irons:

True ceramic flat irons are difficult to find. Solid ceramic is expensive & easily broken during manufacturing. FHI & Hana are two of the world’s only makers of true ceramic plates. The benefits of real ceramic plates are: superior infrared heat and negative ion output (providing smoother unbroken hair); plate surfaces that won’t chip, peel, or wear; and lifelong superior performance.

What does all that mean? I look at the prices of these professional flat irons and I can hardly understand it, but then I look at the description, the quality, the fact that my hair is going to be straight as a board and not rip in the process, or be burned and over processed in the procedure. I can rest assured that the price is worth the quality. Also, I can be assured that it’s going to last. The product is going to continue to service me and keep up with time as the years go by.

 

About Chi flat iron:

Pink Ribbon Chi 1

  • Professional salon model
  • Moist ceramic heat with ceramic plates and coils
  • Ceramic produces negative ions (ionic) far infrared heat and will maintain even temperature all the time, seal the hair cuticle, repel humidity and lock in hair color.
  • Doesn’t damage or dry hair like traditional copper coils
  • On-Off switch located inside flat iron to prevent accidental shut off
  • Lightweight design
  • Fits in a standard curling iron station
  • Flash quick heating
  • Saves energy – CHI only uses 20-25 watts of electricity
  • Versatile "all in one" ergonomic design: create sleek, straight locks, flips or curls
  • 360 degree swivel cord to prevent tangling

 

About FHI flat iron:

FHI 1" Flat Iron - Platform

  • Adjustable Temperature: 140 to 450 Degrees F
  • Ceramic Plate Size: 90mm x 26mm (3 1/2" x 1")
  • Automatic Sense Recovery System: Quickly recovers heat to the ceramic plates
  • Multi Functional Hair Styling Iron: Straightens, Curls, Flips, and capable of creating many different styles
  • ON/OFF Switch with LED light
  • Heat up time in seconds
  • Efficient and cost effective to operate
  • Swivel power cord: will never tangle
  • Power Consumption only 58 Watts
  • Self adjusting plate system
  • Seals cuticle to lock in moisture and repel humidity with negative ions from Tourmaline
  • Protects color and retards fading
  • Eliminates Frizz
  • Nano Silver, Nano Titanium, and Nano Titanium Oxide technology removes chemicals, bacteria and adds shine!
  • Made in Korea
  • 1 Year manufacturers warranty

 

Enter to win one Hana Elite Flat Iron from Misikko.

To Enter:

Visit misikko and tell me what other product you would love to try, be specific please (required)

Follow misikko on twitter. (3 extra entries)

Extra Entries:

Advertise this giveaway on any giveaway site and tell me where you advertised it. 10 Extra Entries
Follow me on twitter tell me your twitter ID
Blog or facebook about the giveaway include a link to me and to the sponsor for 10 extra entries
Tweet this:

@momstart and @misikko are giving away a professional ceramic flat iron http://bit.ly/5RyqS3

The contest will run until January 11th  11:59 pm Pacific. The winner will be selected by www.random.org. All rules can be found under giveaway rules.