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Product Review “Cracker Barrel: LED Village with Animated Tree”

I think it is official that Cracker Barrel is my official favorite store for Christmas decorations. I walked into the store while going for breakfast recently and came out with a list of outstanding products that became must-owns for our house. The LED Village with Animated Tree is easily the most impressive of the bunch. I love any Christmas decoration that is animated and plays music. This one does both and is just amazing to watch. Let’s just say I have a lot of jealous family members ever since we added this to our collection.

Official Product Description: Bring wonder and joy to your home with our 12.75″ LED Christmas Village with Animated Tree. Santa greets a youngster on the streets below a magnificent, animated Christmas tree, while smatterings of snow create the perfect touches to this beautiful Christmas scene. This tabletop Christmas decoration is an excellent addition to any Christmas village collection, and makes a great gift for anyone who loves the Christmas season.

This decoration is quite large and definitely stands as a solid centerpiece for your collection. The lights are beautiful and very bright. The tree in the middle is lit and also spins. There is a lot going on here when this bad boy is plugged in and I found myself just staring at how beautiful it is. The music is my favorite and it extremely clear and nice and loud (but not too loud). This also comes with an AC adapter in order to power it up. I love this village and this will get a great spot on our shelf this Christmas season and many more to come after that.

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Filed Under: Toys Tagged With: animated, barrel, cracker, led, product, review, ...

Product Review “Cracker Barrel: LED Christmas Tree with Music”

I am a very big fan of Christmas and the wife and I go all out with decorations etc. It is rare but when you see a decoration in a store and just know that you need it. Well we were in The Cracker Barrel store a few weeks ago and they are all decked out for the holiday season already. We came across the LED Christmas Tree with Music and stopped dead in our tracks. This became our must own decoration for the year.

Official Product Description: When you decorate for Christmas this year, make sure to include our 18.5″ LED Christmas Tree with Music. Santa has never looked cozier, seated in his favorite chair and telling stories in front of a warm fire. This cute and festive tabletop accent is the perfect addition to your holiday decorations.

The tree itself is a nice size and looks absolutely amazing. The detail is fantastic. The colors are so vibrant and the music sounds amazing. I love that fact that it comes with an AC adapter as well to plug in also with the option of batteries as well. This is going to have a nice prominent place in our house this year. If you are looking for a very sharp addition to your collection, I recommend this.

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Filed Under: Toys Tagged With: barrel, christmas, cracker, led, music, product, ...

Product Review “Cracker Barrel: Rock O Rama Jukebox”

I remember going to the diner with my family and fighting over who gets to pick the songs on the jukebox. I used to discover tons of great music that way growing up. Today’s kids probably have no idea what a jukebox even is, so I am excited that Cracker Barrel is bringing the jukebox back for my favorite holiday of the year. “Rock O Rama Jukebox” brings the nostalgic back as it delivers the classic holiday records and lights up with LED lights. This jukebox is decorated with green and red and really brings the holiday spirit. This is definitely going to be a favorite decoration for many holidays to come. There are 18 hits by some of music’s greatest artists included here with some of my all-time favorite holiday songs.

Here is the complete tracklist: Brenda Lee “Frost the Snowman”, Smokey Robinson “Deck the Halls”, Harry Simeone Choir “Carol of the Bells”, The Supremes “Little Drummer Boy”, Bing Crosby & The Andrew Sisters “Jingle Bells”, Brenda Lee “This Time of the Year”, Eartha Kitt “Santa Baby”, The Jackson 5 “Up on the Rooftop”, The Supremes “Joy to the World”, Judy Garland “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas”, Bobby Helms “Jingle Bell Rock”, The Temptations “Silent Night”, The Ronettes “I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus”, Louis Armstrong “Winter Wonderland”, Gene Autry “Here Comes Santa Claus”, Perry Como & The Fontane Sisters “It’s Beginning to Look Alot Like Christmas”, Bing Crobsy & The Andrew Sisters “12 Days of Christmas”, Bing Crosby & Carol Richards “Silver Bells”.

The audio quality of the songs are very impressive. These tracks literally transported me back to my childhood and right into the holiday mood. There are audio controls right on the front as well, so it is easy to change a song and change the volume. My only issue was that there are three C batteries required for this and obviously aren’t included. I would have loved them to include the option for an AC adapter as well. Still though, this is a wonderful product and is going to set front and center on your mantle this season. This would also make a great gift but ask quick because I do not see this being on the shelves very long.

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Filed Under: Toys Tagged With: barrel, cracker, jukebox, product, rama, review, ...

Product Review “Cracker Barrel: Snowman Wood Sleigh Wall”

I am sure you are thinking that how much can I saw about a wooden sleigh, right? Well, what I can do is tell a story. When my wife set eyes on this sleigh, she literally said “Wow, I love it”. When you get a response like that you know that you certainly have something special. The craftsmanship of this product is high quality. I love the detail and the design. The colors are so vibrant. There is even nice touches like fake snow and glitter throughout. This is going to have a prominent place on my wall this Holiday season.

Official Product Description: Hang our charming Snowman Wood Sleigh Wall decor anywhere in your home for an instant splash of holiday spirit and Christmas cheer! This 17 x 6 Cracker Barrel exclusive features fun, collage-style painted snowman art, bright red color and a dusting of artificial snow for the perfect winter touch. This indoor wall decoration is sure to create a jolly look all season long!

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Filed Under: Toys Tagged With: barrel, cracker, product, review, sleigh, snowman, ...

CD Review “Jeff Bridges & The Abiders: Live”

Jeff Bridges & The Abiders
“Live”
Label: Mailboat Records
Release Date: September 30, 2014
Produced/Mixed by: Chris Pelonis
Tracks: 14

Our Score: 3 out of 5 stars

When I saw Jeff Bridges rock out in “Crazy Heart”, I feel in love with his voice and his style of folk music. When he released his self titled album back in 2011, I couldn’t stop listening and honestly, still haven’t today. When I saw that Jeff and his band was touring. The live album was record this past summer at the Red Rock Casino in Las Vegas, NV. I was hoping this album was going to be as great as Jeff’s self-titled album but I was left wanting more.

This album includes live recordings of songs from Bridges’ debut album “Be Here Soon” and self-titled album on Blue Note Records, as well as original music from the film “Crazy Heart”. There are also his take on classics like The Byrds’ “So You Want to Be a Rock and Roll Star”, Townes Van Zandt’s “To Live Is to Fly,” and Creedence Clearwater Revival’s “Lookin’ Out My Back Door.” Also included is a new track by songwriter friend, John Goodwin, called “Exception to the Rule.”

The band, Jeff Bridges & The Abiders, consists of Jeff Bridges on vocals, guitar, keyboards, Chris Pelonis on guitar, keyboards, vocals, Bill Flores on pedal steel, guitar, Randy Tico on upright, electric bass, and Tom Lackner on drums, percussion. I heard that Jeff’s daughter Jessie Bridges, who has an amazing voice as well, and that was recorded on the album as well.

The album it is called “Live” and I was hoping for a live recording of a concert but instead we get here a collection of live songs instead. I thought that the transition between the tracks felt really choppy and didn’t flow well. Plus I do love the song “Blue Car” but it is not really a great kick off track. “What a Little Bit of Love Can Do” is easily the most energy on the album with “Fallin’ & Flyin'” is a close second.

I have never seen him and his band live but I heard great things. I hope that he eventually makes it over to the Florida area…if anyone is reading this, PLEASE MAKE THIS HAPPEN! Even though, I wasn’t a huge fan of these live tracks, I am sure that the vibe and live performance of a complete show is much better than this, so if you can get a chance see him live, I would recommend it.

Track Listing:
1. Blue Car
2. I Don’t Know
3. What a Little Bit of Love Can Do
4. Maybe I Missed the Point
5. Exception to the Rule
6. She Lay Her Whip Down
7. Lookin’ Out My Back Door
8. What a Little Bit of Love Can Do
9. Van Gogh In Hollywood
10. To Live Is to Fly
11. Fallin’ & Flyin’
12. Never Let Go
13. So You Want to Be a Rock ‘n’ Roll Star
14. Somebody Else

Product Review “Dyson DC65 Animal Complete Upright Vacuum Cleaner”

We recently reviewing the Dyson DC59 Cordless Vacuum Cleaner and it was quite the vacuum cleaner but after a few months of using it, I have noticed that it isn’t the best with carpets. I wanted to test out another Dyson product that would would have a little more power to it on carpeted floor. The DC65 Animal Complete is named to be include the strongest suction of any vacuum. So I wanted to try the best. Wow, it was not lying either, this is literally the best vacuum that I have ever used.

This vacuum cleaner has a self-adjusting cleaner head and re-engineered brushbar that dig deeper into carpets to remove more dust and dirt than the average vacuum, while still kicking ass on hard floors. The DC65 uses remodeled Radial Root Cyclone technology and uses the latest Ball technology and comes with a Tangle-free turbine tool to remove hair from carpets and has extra tools engineered for pet hair and ground-in dirt.

Why is this Radial Root Cyclone technology important in a vacuum? Well, it is pretty cool if you look into it since it uses the airflows to help remove more dirt, dust and allergens from the home. Both myself and I have pretty nasty allergies and most of our house is carpeted, so it is important for us to have a good way to clean. This vacuum also comes with a reconfigured brush bar that includes 25% more power and drives bristles deeper into carpets removing more dirt.

I have never used a upright vacuum before with Ball technology and it definitely makes things a lot easier. When it says ball, it actually means a ball. This sits on a ball that pivots on a dime allowing you to steer with a turn of the wrist. Like all Dyson’s they are hygienic and quick and easy to empty as well. The two brushes included here are a multi-angle and a stiff bristle brush.

The Dyson DC65 Animal Complete also comes with Zorb carpet maintenance powder and a Dyson tool bag to hold all accessories. Never before has cleaning been so easy. I swear if you aren’t using a Dyson product you are not cleaning as efficiently as you could be. I can’t wait to see what they have planned with the upcoming Dyson 360 Eye! Stay tuned to Media Mikes as we will be covering it first hand!

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Filed Under: Appliances Tagged With: animal, cleaner, complete, dc65, dyson, product, ...

Book Review “DC Comics: A Visual History”

Author: by Daniel Wallace
Hardcover: 376 pages
Publisher: DK ADULT
Release Date: September 29, 2014

Our Score: 5 out of 5 stars

DC Comics is becoming much more relevant recently following the success of Marvels. Especially with the bunch of new films announced by DC including “Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice”, fans are going to be looking for history of these characters in preparation for the films. This updated and expanded edition of “DC Comics: A Visual History” is a must have for any comic fan. It includes 16 new pages to cover 2010-2014 and an amazing new slipcase design along with two NEW prints packed inside. This has everything any fan would want to find out. It is detailed as hell and jam-packed with amazing information.

Official Premise: Trace DC’s fascinating story: the company’s beginnings as National Allied Publications in the 1934, and its subsequent change to Detective Comics, Inc. in 1937. The book details all the major DC publishing landmarks and more, displayed clearly, month by month. Highlighting the debuts of iconic super heroes like Superman and Batman, the geniuses that invented them, and the real-life events, like the Vietnam War, the atom bomb, and the Space Race, that shaped the atmosphere of the times, DC Comics: A Visual History follows the characters’ foray into the real world through TV series and blockbuster movies.

There is a solid foreword from former president of DC Comics (2002-2009), Paul Levitz. I have to admit, even though I have been a huge Batman and Superman fan since I was a kid, I have never been too big on the rest of the universe that was surrounding them. After reading this book, I understand that it is quite massive and really exciting to see what is set to come in the future. DK did an amazing job on this release, it is a literally a marvel (no pun intended) to look at and is so detailed, colorful and there is not an inch wasted throughout as it is filled with amazing images and facts.

Book Review “Batman: A Visual History”

Author: Matt Forbeck
Hardcover: 352 pages
Publisher: DK ADULT
Release Date: September 29, 2014

Our Score: 5 out of 5 stars

Wow! When they say that this is the “definitive guide to the world of the Dark Knight”, they are not exaggerating. “Batman: A Visual History” is easily one of the best books that I have received in recent years along with the DK released “DC Comics: A Visual History”. This book follows Batman from his first appearance in 1939 right through today, which is it’s 75th anniversary. The book also includes two original prints! If you are a Batman fan, this is the ultimate book for any fan, young or old.

Official Premise: “Batman: A Visual History” follows the DC Comics hero from his 1939 origin as a vigilante created by Bob Kane to his present status as a worldwide cultural icon. The book features Batman’s greatest stories and charts the careers of the Super Heroes and super-villains associated with the Dark Knight, including Robin, the Justice League, the Joker, and Catwoman.

I literally just stared at this book when I received it. It is absolutely stunning. It is also large as hell. It comes in this beautiful slipcase with specially commissioned artwork by a top DC Comics artist. I have been a Batman film since I was about 6 years old when Tim Burton’s “Batman” hit theaters. This book is just perfect. I do not think words can honestly do it justice. When you open the book is jam-packed with so much information and there is not a inch of space wasted on any page. Cannot recommend anymore!

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Filed Under: Book Reviews Tagged With: batman, book, history, review, visual

Book Review “Disney Princess: Perfect Princess Christmas”

Age Range: 3 – 5 years
Grade Level: Preschool – Kindergarten
Series: Disney Princess
Hardcover: 96 pages
Publisher: Disney Press
Release Date: September 9, 2014

Our Score: 3 out of 5 stars

“Disney Princess: Perfect Princess Christmas” features four Christmas-themed stories with our favorite Disney princess: Ariel, Aurora, Cinderella, Tiana. I am surprised but my daughter, who is two, was not terribly blown away with this. She loves Ariel and Tiana but still didn’t really latch on to this one. The stories are cute and certainly get you into the Christmas spirit. The illustrations are colorful and looks great. The book also comes with a free download of the Royal Christmas app for iPhone and iPad. Maybe we’ll try again next year and see if anything changes. I am sure others will love this book though.

Official Premise: Now little girls can celebrate the holidays with the Disney Princesses! From crackling fires and snowy sleigh rides to beachside gatherings and New Orleans feasts, each princess does Christmas her own way. These four Christmas-themed stories star Ariel, Aurora, Cinderella, Tiana, and their family and friends as they deck their castle halls. With gorgeous illustrations on every page, plus a foil-stamped jacket, this 96-page storybook is sure to be an instant classic.

Book Review “Disney Christmas Storybook Collection”

Age Range: 3 – 5 years
Grade Level: Preschool – Kindergarten
Series: Storybook Collection
Hardcover: 304 pages
Publisher: Disney Press
Release Date: September 9, 2014

If you are a fan of the “Storybook Collection”, this is a third edition of this series. The holidays are just around the corner and what better way to spend it then with your favorite Disney and Pixar characters. This updated edition includes brand new Christmas-themed stories including new films like “Frozen”, “Wreck-It Ralph”, and “Tangled”. These films just so happen to be three of my daughters favorites. Also included is Cars, Monsters Inc and a Mickey Mouse story.

“Disney Christmas Storybook Collection” features 18 stories focusing on the magic of Christmas. The book is just so colorful and really well done. It is over 300 pages and a nice sturdy hardcover. The illustrations are beautiful and the stories are a lot of fun. I noticed a repeat with the “Frozen” stories from previous releases but my daughter doesn’t realized and still loves all of them. This has become a must read in our household and will continue through the holiday season.

Book Review “Disney’s A Merry Christmas Cookbook”

Age Range: 6 – 8 years
Grade Level: 1 – 3
Hardcover: 64 pages
Publisher: Disney Press
Release Date: September 16, 2014

Our Score: 5 out of 5 stars

First of all, words cannot express how much I love this book. I show my wife this book and we literally sat and read through each page of this book with our daughter. We ended up dog earring every single page of this book since each of the recipes are absolutely amazing. Whenever you get a cookbook, there are always a bunch of rrecipesthat you say “Ewww, this not for me”. Well I hope you do not read this book hungry because every single one listed here are outstanding (trust me we have already tried almost every one!). The book also has pull out recipes to give to your friends and family.

Official Premise: Treat your taste buds to a feast of traditional holiday delights! With simple step-by-step instructions, helpful cooking tips, color photographs, and charming character art, this book is the perfect way for parents and children to make holiday magic in the kitchen! A rating system lets kids know how difficult the recipes are, and cooking tips are sprinkled throughout.

Firstly, this is a Christmas cookbook, which is a major draw for our family because we simply love the holidays. Throw in our favorite Disney and Pixar characters and it just sweetens the deal. I love that these rrecipesare not difficult either. They are fun and very easy. Plus they are just plain cute like Olaf English Muffin Pizzas. My daughter is obsessed with the Sugar Rush Popcorn Gumdrop Garland from “Wreck it Ralph” and if you love “Frozen”, they have Anna’s Frozen Ice Candy! I cannot recommend this anymore…and I have already purchased numerous copies as gifts.

Book Review “Happy Holidays! From the Avengers”

Age Range: 6 – 8 years
Grade Level: 1 – 3
Series: Marvel: Avengers
Hardcover: 48 pages
Publisher: Marvel Press
Release Date: September 16, 2014

Our Score: 4 out of 5 stars

Having a daughter, I have to try and cross her over from Princesses as much as I can while keeping the balance. She is already big on Star Wars, which is a score for daddy. So next to tackle is superheros. “Happy Holidays! From the Avengers” is a great way to start because my daughter loves the Holiday season and these characters are animated very well in this book to welcome a younger audience.

Official Premise: It was supposed to be the most wonderful time of the year, but after battling monsters and villains, the mighty Avengers just weren’t in the holiday spirit. Not even gifts form the Wasp could make their day merry. But who was that dashing through the snow? Could he save the Avengers and their holiday season?

The book also includes a read-along CD with none other narrating it than the voice of Stan Lee! This may not do anything for the younger kids but it is sure to grab the parents attention and get points in their book. It will also allow parents to share the information about Stan Lee to future get the younger kids involved in the history of the creator and the characters. Great book for younger kids, looks to enjoy the holidays with their favorite superheros.

Book Review “Doc McStuffins: A Very McStuffins Christmas”

Age Range: 3 – 5 years
Grade Level: Preschool – Kindergarten
Series: Doc Mcstuffins
Paperback: 24 pages
Publisher: Disney Press
Release Date: September 16, 2014

Our Score: 5 out of 5 stars

Like the also recently released “Minnie’s Winter Bow Show”, “Doc McStuffins: A Very McStuffins Christmas” is a wonderful story about Christmas with the lovable gang of the Disney Junior hit series. This book is a favorite for my two year old, who loves pointing out all the characters like Santa and his toys. I love that Doc McStuffins is celebrating Christmas in the series since we celebrate the holiday and my daughter is a huge fan of that time of the year. Plus the book also comes with 50 special sparkly stickers!

Christmas Eve is full of surprises at the McStuffins house! When the toys sneak downstairs to leave Doc’s present under the tree, they find Tobias, one of Santa’s elves, delivering toys. But Tobias accidentally drops Donny’s robot toy and breaks it! Doc and the gang head out on a magical rescue mission to the North Pole to visit Santa’s workshop and fix the toy before Christmas morning.

Book Review “Disney Minnie: Minnie’s Winter Bow Show”

Age Range: 3 – 5 years
Grade Level: Preschool – Kindergarten
Paperback: 24 pages
Publisher: Disney Press
Release Date: September 16, 2014

Our Score: 5 out of 5 stars

It is getting to be that time of the year! Fall is already here and we are entering the Holiday season. My two year old daughter loves nothing more than Minnie Mouse and especially Minnie’s Bowtique on Disney Junior. “Minnie’s Winter Bow Show” is the latest book in the series and is based on a movie event airing on Disney Junior this Winter (or on DVD November 4th). This is already going to be an instant classic in your house. The book is so incredible colorful and come stocked with 70 special sparkly stickers!

Official Premise: Minnie’s Winter Bow Show is quickly approaching-Minnie needs to make preparations, but she also needs to keep an eye on her two rambunctious nieces, Millie and Melody. One morning, the twins are playing in the glove balloon when it suddenly flies off with Minnie in tow! The balloon takes them on a wild winter wonderland adventure all the way to the Clubhouse North Pole! Will Minnie be able to make it back to her Bow-tique in time for her Winter Bow Show?

Book Review “Disney Sofia the First: A Gift from Sofia”

Age Range: 3 – 6 years
Grade Level: Preschool – 1
Series: Sofia the First
Board book: 16 pages
Publisher: Reader’s Digest
Release Date: September 30, 2014

Our Score: 5 out of 5 stars

“Sofia the First” is easily one of my daughters favorite shows. She is two years old and has been watching this show forever. Mix that with our favorite holiday season and you have an instant winner. “A Gift from Sofia” is a great story about Sofia getting ready to celebrate her first Wassailia in Enchancia. Talk about a colorful book, this book will easily make you smile and get into the holiday spirit real quick.

My daughter is currently potty training and this book sits right next to your potty and it is read every time she goes into the bathroom. She loves it. There are also three press-out glittery ornaments–a heart, a star, and a wreath featuring characters from Sofia the First! These were first to come out the minute she finished the book the first time. This is a must own for sure if you enjoy the holidays and “Sofia the First”.

Tag: review

Product Review “Cracker Barrel: LED Village with Animated Tree”

Product Review “Cracker Barrel: LED Christmas Tree with Music”

Product Review “Cracker Barrel: Rock O Rama Jukebox”

Product Review “Cracker Barrel: Snowman Wood Sleigh Wall”

CD Review “Jeff Bridges & The Abiders: Live”

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