Sarah Lyn Gay

I LOVE toys, seriously! My Mom has been using me as a toy tester for several years now for different articles she wrote or even TV segments...and this is one I REALLY wanted to like, but it came up a little short. Sadly, Our Chocolate Pen, Comes Up Empty. Kids BELONG in the kitchen so they can be taught math and science on the sly -- fractions with measuring and chemistry in baking. Toys that work with this are usually right up my STEM alley...and just listen to some of the descriptions: The push-button design makes it easy for kids to play with the chocolate and the molds mean anyone can make Pinterest-worthy shapes and treats. Um. Just no... We DID read the Chocolate Pen directions, and followed them. The chocolate was a tad hard to prepare: you could easily melt it in a glass of warm water but it was hard to snap the clamps on the bags once the tip was inserted. (Totally an adult job). The push-button design does not react quickly...if you STOP, some chocolate … [Read more...]

Happy Birthday Kidz Bop! This is the big "birthday" celebration for music any mom can feel comfortable with their kids listening to. Ever since I was a kid I've been a lover of music. From classical to country to rock and even jazz, there is almost nothing that I won't listen to. Whether I'm in the car with my family or at home completing my daily household chores, some of my most peaceful moments have been while listening to music. This is a love that I've managed to pass down to my daughter and something that we can share in together; I love being able to share the same tastes and in some cases, the same favorite artists as well. When it comes to music, it almost goes without saying that I can't let my daughter listen to everything I like due to the natural of lyrics these days but with the help of Kidz Bop, the limits I have to set are few and far between thanks to their kid friendly versions of the latest hits. Since arriving on the music scene in 2001, Kidz Bop has been … [Read more...]

I love testing toys - and love great STEM ones even more. Working with Spin Master, we came up with 15 Reasons We Love the G15. Founded in 1994 by childhood friends Ronnen Harary and Anton Rabie, after their graduation from The University of Western Ontario, Spin Master started out by manufacturing a product under the name of Earth Buddy; a nylon head of sawdust that was covered in grass seeds which grew to emulate hair. Joined by classmate Ben Varadi, who attended the University of Western Ontario's Richard Ivy School of Business, their success led them to a small facility in downtown Toronto. This bout of success would serve as the springboard for Spin Masters entry into the toy business. Over the past two decades Spin Master has achieved significant growth in the toy business, going from a one product business to a leading global, diversified, multi-platform and highly innovative children's entertainment company. When I was offered the chance to review several of their … [Read more...]