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Bandwagon with Joanie Leeds & The Nightlights

Disclosure: I received a copy of the new CD by Joanie Leeds & The Nightlights from Waldmania PR to facilitate this review. No other compensation was received and all opinions are my own. As big fans of this talented artist, it was a pleasure to check out the new CD coming out shortly.

JLeeds_Bandwagon_FINAL

Music is a big part of our lives. Both of the boys are really into listening and dancing with songs. NHL plays in advanced band at school and JSL is begging to try an instrument soon. I believe that being exposed to different musicians and genres of music has helped both of my boys with this passion.

Several years ago, we were introduced to singer and song writer Joanie Leeds. We reviewed I’m a Rock Star. Our entire family was dazzled by this CD and it played over and over again. When we looked to see what other items Joanie Leeds had, we were intrigued with Challah, Challah and bought it to listen to on Shabbat. Once again, we were not disappointed. So when I was asked to review the latest CD from Joanie Leeds and the Nightlights, I jumped at the opportunity.

When the CD arrived, I had it waiting in our car to surprise the kids after school. To say that they liked it would be an understatement. The boys are in love with the new songs and argue who gets to hold the case to read the words, look at the photos, and decide which song we begin with. Yes, each morning for the last week, the boys debate on the songs they want to hear. This morning tradition helps the boys to be silly, sing, and forget about their worries for the day.

More about Bandwagon

Bandwagon (Amazon affiliate link) will be released on June 25 and is Joanie Leeds’ fifth CD for kids. The CD will sell for $15.00, but you can also purchase the MP3 version online. The music is geared for children ages 2-9 and runs for 42 minutes.

The songs include: 1) “Are We There Yet?”  2) "Back to School”  3) “Bandwagon”  4) “I Love New York”  5) “UFO”  6) “Family Tree”  7) “Nutritious”  8) “Helmet”  9) “Use Your Words”  10) “Little Cloud”  11) “Falling”  12) “Let’s Go”  13) “Canon Song”  14) “Bed”  15) “Nightlights”

Bandwagon - Joanie Leeds and the Nightlights

Our Thoughts

As mentioned earlier, the kids really adore this new CD from Joanie Leeds & The Nightlights. We have listened the the entire song list countless time in order, and shuffled by request. The song variety keeps everyone in the car happy, including the adults. NHL’s favorite is “Bed” because my little musician likes the way it picks up tempo as the song progresses. JSL constantly asks to hear “Helmet” and “Bed” because he can dance with the one and thinks the other is silly since he does not always want to go to bed.

As the parent, “I Love New York” it great because it makes the sights of New York City come alive. “Use Your Words” really hits home as a parent of a child with Asperger’s. We have used it to talk about standing up for yourself, using words to be an advocate, and not being bullied. I will also note that “Bed” has been a slight earworm for me, but in a fun way. Oh and parody song fans will also love “Nutritious” which is a play off of Stevie Wonder’s “Superstitious” fame.

I am sure we will be gifting this CD and others from Joanie Leeds for birthday presents, baby showers, and beyond because they are great for kids of all ages. A huge thank you to Joanie and company for making a family friendly collection of music.

It's Me

Additional Disclosure: An Amazon Affiliate links is included in this post for the CD mentioned (noted above). I will receive a percentage of money for the sale should you opt to purchase it through that link.

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Chanukah shopping fun – Game Giveaway

Growing up Jewish in a predominantly Christian society can be tough on a child. For most of the fall months into December, most of world is dressed up and ready to celebrate Christmas.

As a child growing up in the 80’s, living in a moderate Jewish community, we had few items to really decorate for Chanukah. There was only a small store in our synagogue with some merchandise in it.  As the years went by, more main stream stores started to carry a few Chanukah items here and there. They would all pretty much have the same few token tchotchkes. Plastic dreidels, cheap looking menorahs and some window clings were available.

In more recent years, people have started businesses online to help keep traditions alive, add modern touches and provide fun for Jewish families. One of these online stores is PopJudaica.com 

Last year, post Chanukah, I found PopJudaica.com. I oogled at numerous items and thought about different family members to purchase things for.

The Plush Menorah would be perfect for the little guy. He would be able to safely light his own menorah along with us.

 Plush Menorah

The Got Latkes? apron would be perfect for almost any of the women (or men – like my hubby) who prepare the tasty traditional Chanukah food. 

Got Latkes Apron

NHL loves to wear his kippahs to Hebrew School. The Kroc Kippah would be a fun way for him to personalize it on his own. 

Kroc Kippah

Of course for my brother, a recreational poker player, the Poker Yarmulke would be a perfect choice. 

Poker Yarmulke

Seriously if you are Jewish, know someone who is, or want to learn more about another religion PopJudaica.com is a wonderful source for goodies galore.

The Giveaway:

The founder of PopJudaica.com has offered my readers the opportunity to win their own No Limit Texas Dreidel Game. This game would be enjoyed by both kids and adults, so it would be fabulous for family game nights. It puts a modern spin on a traditional holiday game for everyone of all religions to enjoy.

No Limit Texas Dreidel Game

Rules for Giveaway:

  • MAIN RULE – Leave a comment telling me three of your favorite items from PopJudaica.com
  • 1 Bonus Entry – Subscribe to my RSS feed (or let me know if you already are) in a separate comment.
  • 1Bonus Entry – Stumble this post and leave your Stumble name in a separate comment.
  • 1 Bonus Entry – Favorite TheAngelForever in Technorati and leave your name there in a separate comment.
  • 1 Bonus Entry – Follow me on Twitter (@TheAngelForever) and tweet once about my giveaway. Leave a link to your comment in a separate comment.
  • 1 Bonus Entry – Add TheAngelForever to your blog roll and leave a separate comment.
  • 3 Bonus Entries – Write a post on your blog linking to my blog about the giveaway. Be sure to leave 3 comments about this to get credit for all of your extra credit. 

My Chanukah shopping fun game giveaway will run through Friday, December 19, with the winner being contacted over the weekend. The winner will be chosen using Random.org and will be notified by e-mail for address information. The winner will have 48 hours to contact me before another winner is chosen. Giveaway is open to U.S. and Canadian residents only and will be shipped from PopJudaica with the hope (no promises) that it will arrive to enjoy during Chanukah.

Have fun and thanks for participating in my Chanukah!

TheAngelForever 

More examples of Chanukah goodies

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