Friday, June 30, 2017

Say Goodbye to Tough Stains Like Grass, Sweat and Grape Juice This Summer with the Help of BIZ (Review)

Disclosure:  I was provided with complimentary product from Biz to help facilitate a review.  All views shared are mine and mine alone.



Yay!, summer is here.  How are you enjoying the warmer weather and having the kids home from school? After a long cold winter, I have been counting down the days until summer arrived. But, I forgot that with summer comes more laundry and kids wanting you to plan out and entertain them 24/7.  Yeah, fun times, especially when you have two or more kids, all of which have different likes and they never can seem to agree on what they want to do or where to go.  Thankfully for the most part, my girls are up for trying new things, as long they together doing it.  So, I have been signing them up for themed week dance camps, and they are trying new sports like soccer and martial arts.  Because they are in so many different activities this summer, I am finding that they need to change a few times a day, into different uniforms, leotards, etc. And, don't get me started on swim suits and play clothes.  I didn't realize just how many clothes the girls had until they started changing into different outfits throughout the day, and their dirty clothes ended up in my laundry room, overflowing the basket of clothes to wash.  This is not what I pictured when I was dreaming about summer fun.  It is like I have babies all over again and am finding myself doing 1-2 loads of laundry a day. At least the view from the laundry room looks inviting. :-)

When it comes to all the summer clothes piling up in my laundry room, I am taking this all in stride, and enjoying the challenges of getting stained clothes clean. I make a game out of it.  The dirtier and more stained the outfit, the better, I say. :-)  Yep, you read that right, I am all about the girls having so much fun that they get their clothes dirty...and stinky from sweaty.  When I go into the laundry room, I survey the clothes and begin to spot treat them with BIZ®.  You may recall me sharing a post back in March when I announced I was chosen to be a BIZ® Ambassador for 2017. With this brand ambassadorship comes free product samples of their line of stain and odor removing products, and opportunities to host giveaways for my readers.  Back in March I was sent a case of BIZ® which I thought would have lasted a year or longer, but am finding that I am reaching for it for every load of laundry that I do.  


Even if there are no stains on the outfit, I still use BIZ® as it does an amazing job of removing odor (especially from my husband's work out clothes) and keeps the girls' clothing looking bright and clean looking without any fading of color.   I use BIZ® along with my go to free and clear laundry detergent and helps boost the power of this detergent up to 80%.

What is BIZ®?:


"BIZ® was the first enzyme based pre-soak and color-safe bleach that moms have trusted to remove stains from the family's laundry for more than 40 years. First invented in 1968 by Procter & Gamble researcher Charles McCarty, Biz was introduced nationally as a "pre-soak" or "color-safe bleach" and later re-positioned as a "detergent booster." In 1994 Biz, like many P&G brands, was re-released in an "ultra" formula (making it highly concentrated so that less of the product would be needed to achieve the same cleaning results)."


Why Biz is Better...


Different stains require different ingredients to eliminate them. Science shows that there is no one single ingredient that cleans everything well. So why doesn't every brand put all of these ingredients in? Probably because it costs more to do that. But BIZ® didn't cut any corners... Biz has more stain fighters than other brands. That's why it works better."


Ingredient_Chart

When it comes to laundry time in your house, what is the hardest stain to get out of your family's clothes?  


  • Grass
  • Dirt
  • Sweat
  • Gravy
  • Spaghetti Sauce
  • Coffee
  • Juice
  • Sauces
  • Blood
  • Lipstick
  • Dressing
  • Baby Food
  • Greasy Foods
  • Condiments
If you said "yes" to any or all of these types of stains, then you need to pick up a bottle of BIZ® and have it front and center in your laundry room, as this odor and stain remover will work wonders for you. I know, as I have been using it to remove blood stains from youngest daughter's clothes and bedding as she sneezes so hard with her allergies or picks her nose to get the crusty stuff out, that she causes at least one nosebleed  a day.  My other daughter is all about playing in the dirt and grass, that she comes in throughout the day to change out of grass stained and muddy clothes into another light colored outfit.  It is never ending in our house with fighting stains. But, I just look at it like they are enjoying themselves and having so much fun.  


And, I use the extra time in the laundry room as quiet "me time" as no one else wants to be holed up in the little laundry room on a nice hot summer summer.  So, it is a win-win for everyone. :-)

With summer in full swing and the holiday weekend upon us, why not make a point to pick up a bottle of BIZ® when you get your last minute cookout supplies at the market today or tomorrow.  And, once you give BIZ® a try and see how great it works at removing tough stains and odors, you will see why I and so many other active family's can't live without this stain and odor eliminator.  



To learn more about BIZ® including which retailers sell the BIZ® product line (including an on-the-go spot pen, liquid booster, powder and liquid) visit http://bizstainfighter.com/ today.



I am loving being a BIZ ambassador for 2017 and can't wait to sample some of their other products and share my thoughts and first-hand experience using these products on my family's clothes with you all. And, be on the lookout for giveaways for BIZ products in the future. :-) In the meantime, make sure you stay connected with Biz on their social channels for news, special offers, giveaways and more...




Biz Official WEBSITE
Biz on FACEBOOK
Biz on TWITTER
Biz on PINTEREST
Biz on INSTAGRAM


Disclosure:  I was provided with complimentary product from Biz to help facilitate a review.  All views shared are mine and mine alone.
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More DISH News: DISH Launches EVOLVE, Transforms In-Room Hotel TV


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EVOLVE from DISH transforms in-room hotel entertainment; combines streaming apps, linear television and casting into seamless, easy-to-manage solution
  • 4K-capable "set-back" box powered by Android TV
  • Property Management Solution (PMS) integration offers UI personalization, guest security 
  • Works with SMARTBOX, DISH’s all-in-one commercial property television solution


"DISH is transforming the hotel industry’s ability to provide guests with premium in-room television entertainment. Today at HITEC Toronto, DISH unveiled EVOLVE®, a 4K-capable Android TVTM set-back box that seamlessly integrates streaming apps, live linear programming and casting into one customizable solution. EVOLVE offers guests a more intuitive way to engage with content from their mobile devices using their room’s TV.

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“Today’s guest is used to a TV experience at home that combines their favorite streaming apps with linear, high-definition programming,” said Alistair Chatwin, director of DISH Business. “With EVOLVE and SMARTBOX, all hotel operators can now deliver the intuitive and streamlined entertainment that guests have come to expect at home, while reducing costs, increasing performance and saving space across their properties.”

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Powered by SMARTBOX, DISH’s revolutionary headend video distribution platform for commercial applications, EVOLVE is designed to work with any hotel wiring scenario, as well as existing or upgraded infrastructures. It supports video delivery over QAM or IP, and internet connectivity over DOCSIS, Ethernet or Wi-Fi (2.4/5GHz).

EVOLVE Features

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  • Google Play Store – An Android TV-based platform, EVOLVE gives guests access to thousands of Android TV applications from the Google Play Store, including music, movies and games.
  • Chromecast built-in – Cast content from apps like Sling TV and YouTube, as well as music, photos and videos, from mobile devices to hotel room TVs without ever having to enter credentials.
  • Advanced program guide – With an interactive program guide featuring genre filters and 23 hours of future programming data, EVOLVE improves the way guests discover, navigate and watch live TV in their hotel rooms.
  • Channel preview – When in the program guide, hover over any title to view a pop-up window that displays live video from the channel. This allows guests to view exactly what’s on before selecting.
  • Configuration tool – Customize EVOLVE’s UI with branding, welcome channels and pre-loaded apps.
  • PMS integration – Provide guests with personalized messages on the home screen and automatically clear their personal information from EVOLVE as they check out.
  • Bluetooth LE with audio support – Watch TV with Bluetooth headsets to eliminate disruptions when multiple people are staying in the same room.
  • 4K capability – EVOLVE will continue providing guests with a premium television viewing experience as hotels deliver more 4K offerings.

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To learn more, visit www.dish.com/evolve."

About DISH
DISH Network Corp. (NASDAQ:DISH), through its subsidiaries, provides approximately 13.528 million pay-TV subscribers, as of March 31, 2017, with the highest-quality programming and technology with the most choices at the best value. DISH offers a high definition line-up with more than 200 national HD channels, the most international channels and award-winning HD and DVR technology. DISH Network Corporation is a Fortune 200 company. Visit www.dish.com.

Subscribe to DISH email alerts: http://about.dish.com/alerts

Follow @DISHNews on Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/DISHNews
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Thursday, June 22, 2017

DISH News: Multi-room Music Now Available on DISH’s Hopper DVR -- Set Up Instructions in Post




"DISH today launched DISH Music, a mobile app powered by DTS Play-Fi technology that gives customers the ability to sync music throughout their home using one central control. This new feature uses TV audio systems connected to Hopper 2 or Hopper 3 DVRs, as well as DTS Play-Fi-enabled speakers, to play music from personal libraries on mobile devices and popular streaming services, like Amazon Music, iHeartRadio, Pandora and TIDAL.


“It can be both difficult and expensive to achieve synchronized and high-quality whole-home audio,” said Niraj Desai, DISH vice president of product management. “DISH Music is a great whole-home sound solution designed to meet the needs of our customers, as it works with existing audio equipment and is available at no additional cost.”

DISH Music turns DISH’s Hopper DVRs and connected Joeys into music streaming zones controllable from Android or iOS smartphones and tablets. Using the app, customers can choose to sync the same music across rooms, or play different content in each zone. Televisions will display the metadata for the music being played, such as the artists, song name and music service.

Additionally, DISH Music can wirelessly pair with DTS Play-Fi-enabled speakers connected to the same wireless network. DTS Play-Fi boasts the largest ecosystem of whole-home wireless partners, including Aerix, Anthem, Arcam, Definitive Technology, Klipsch, MartinLogan, McIntosh, Paradigm, Phorus, Polk Audio, Rotel, Sonus Faber, Thiel Audio and Wren, with products from Elite, Integra, Pioneer, Onkyo, Soundcast, SVS Sound and more forthcoming.

Music services available with DISH Music currently include Amazon Music, iHeartRadio, Napster, Pandora, SiriusXM and TIDAL. Users must have accounts to access content from these services, when required. DISH Music will also play from personal libraries on mobile devices and is compatible with DLNA media servers.

The DISH Music app is available for download today in the Apple App Store, Google Play Store and Amazon app marketplace.

How to Set Up DISH Music:

DISH Music can also wirelessly pair with DTS Play-Fi-enabled speakers connected to the same wireless network as your Hopper. You can find a full list of DTS Play-Fi-enabled speakers compatible with DISH Music here .
  1. Download the DISH Music app from the Apple App Store, Google Play Store and Amazon app marketplace.
  2. Select which Hopper or Joey you’d like to use.
  3. Choose your music source preference. (Examples: Amazon Music, iHeartRadio, Pandora, your personal library, etc.)
  4. You’re all set! The “Now Playing” screen gives you the album art and complete control of your music.
Click here  for more information on the DISH Music app, and follow @DISHNews to stay up-to date on our latest announcements."
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About DISH:

DISH Network Corp. (NASDAQ:DISH), through its subsidiaries, provides approximately 13.528 million pay-TV subscribers, as of March 31, 2017, with the highest-quality programming and technology with the most choices at the best value. DISH offers a high definition line-up with more than 200 national HD channels, the most international channels and award-winning HD and DVR technology. DISH Network Corporation is a Fortune 200 company. 

Visit www.dish.com
Subscribe to DISH email alerts: http://about.dish.com/alerts 
Follow @DISHNews on Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/DISHNews


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Introduce Your Little Ones to the Beatles and their Music with the Fun Netflix Original Series, Beat Bugs! (Review) #ad

Disclosure:  As a Beat Bugs Dream Team member, I will be provided with promotional product in exchange for sharing about this Netflix animated series. All views shared are mine and mine alone.








I was so excited when I received an email last month asking me to join the new Beat Bugs Dream Team, as my girls and I have been hooked on his Netflix Original Series for a few months now, ever since we stumbled upon it when looking for a show to watch.  I don't know about you, but I love all the original series that Netflix puts out for both kids and adults.  They are really engaging and entertaining...and, Beat Bugs in no exception.  If you are a fan of the Beatles and their music then you will you love this series.  


"With songs made famous by the Beatles, five friendly, child-like bugs learn big lessons about the world around them, all from the safety of their own backyard. This Emmy Award-winning series features the talents of P!nk, Sia, Eddie Vedder,  James Corden and other big-name stars who cover some of the most popular songs from The Fab Four.    Beat Bugs introduces a whole new generation to the music from the greatest and most influential band in rock history, The Beatles."

When my girls were little, I used to play music from the Beatles to soothe them to sleep.  So, when I first played an episode from this fun animated series, I couldn't help but smile looking at my girls who are 5 and 6 now, and remembering back to when I used to cradle them in my arms and rock them to sleep, singling along to the Beatles. :-)  

Shows like this are a wonderful way to introduce new generations to the iconic Beatles and their music.  Their music will truly live on forever because of shows like this, a they continue to gain new fans after all these years. Both of my girls are fans of their music now because of Beat Bugs, and love to sing along to the songs.  And, when they find a Beatles song they really love, they will watch that episode over and over again, just so that they can sing along.  




While the music is a big part of what makes this animated series a success with both kids and adults, the story lines are also wonderful.  They are easy to follow understand, which is perfect for preschoolers an even those a little younger.  Each and every short episode has a lesson that little ones can pick up on.  




My girls love telling me about what they learned and then this opens the door to talk further about it, so that they can apply the lessons learned to their life for the good.  It is hard to find shows for little ones that truly have substance and are entertaining, so I was excited when we stumbled upon Beat Bugs a while back, and was happy to see the girls get so excited about it and want to watch more and more.  If I let them, they would have binged watched the two seasons that are now available through Netflix.  :-)  But, instead, we are using the summer to enjoy the remaining episodes we haven't watched, as we wait for Beat Bugs toys that will be releasing later this summer (Be sure to stay tuned to my blog to learn more about these toys, which every Beat Bugs fan will want). 




In addition to the upcoming release of Beat Bugs toys, I wanted to also make sure readers are aware of a partnership between Beat Bugs and My Gym this summer. This amazing partnership will activate a musically inspired promotion at hundreds of My Gym locations across the country. In the months of June and July, children who attend classes at My Gym will enjoy Beat Bugs music, games and other fun activities, including coloring sheets and puppet shows.  So, if you have a  little one who is a huge Beat Bugs fan like my girls, and you have a My Gym near you, you will want to head there this month or next to enjoy the classes featuring Beat Bugs musics and more. :-)  We are going to be checking them out for sure.



So, if you are looking for a fun new animated series to watch with your little one now that summer is year and schools are out, why not check out Beat Bugs on Netflix.  Even older kids will enjoy the show as the music is so catchy and will everyone tapping their feet. It really is hard to stay on the couch when you watch this show, as each and every time a Beatles song starts playing you want to get up and dance around as you sing along.  

My girls are big fans of episode which features "Lucy in the sky with diamonds," which is sung by their favorite musician, P!nk.  This song, as well as the theme song "All You Need is Love" have been stuck in my head for days as they keep watching this episode.  I can't wait to hear what Beatles songs will be stuck in your head, or you find yourself singing in shower, after you and your child(ren) watch this fun animated series. :-)

Stay up to date on all things related to Beat Bugs by following their official website -- http://bbugs.net/DreamTeam.  And, you can start watching Beat Bugs by visiting http://neflx.net/DreamTeamBB today, and adding this show to your family's watch list. Enjoy!

FOLLOW BEAT BUGS ON SOCIAL MEDIA:


Disclosure:  As a Beat Bugs Dream Team member, I will be provided with promotional product in exchange for sharing about this Netflix animated series. All views shared are mine and mine alone.
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Saturday, June 17, 2017

Coming to DVD on 6/20 - "Bubbles", A New Teletubbies DVD Featuring 6 New Episodes + Fun Snake Bubbles Activity #ad

Disclosure:  This post is part of a sponsored campaign for Sony Pictures Home Entertainment. I received compensation for my participation, but my review and opinions are my own.


Teletubbies

I was so excited when asked to participate in this fun Teletubbies campaign as I knew my youngest daughter, Bella, would be over the moon excited to help me review the upcoming "Bubbles" DVD release, and to come up with a fun bubbles activity to do to help celebrate "20 Years of Big Hugs".  Yes, you read that right...20 years.  I can't believe the Teletubbies have been around that long.  But, then again, I do recall watching the show when I used to babysit my neighbors' children while in college, and then when my daughter stumbled upon the show on television.  Bella became an instant fan of the Teletubbies and asked me to get past DVDs and books for her...well, she actually asked Santa, who then enlisted the help of me to help find all things Teletubbies this past Christmas. :-)

I couldn't wait to tell Bella that she would be getting an advanced copy of the "Bubbles" DVD, which hits store shelves on June 20th, and I had a fun little surprise for her, too...the folks at Sony Pictures Home Entertainment were also sending along a cute 6 inch plush and two other previously released Teletubbies DVD for her. As you can imagine, when Bella found out about this review opportunity she was so excited.  She started talking about her favorite Teletubbies character, Po, and how she hoped to receive this plush character, which she did! :-)






And, as far as the bubble activity, the girls said they wanted to do the recycled water bottle snake bubbler...the name they gave an easy bubble maker we made last year using an empty water bottle (bottom cut off) and an old sock (finally a use for all those lonely socks missing their pair).  I thought this would be a perfect activity as it could be done both indoors and out, and with rain expected after a mini heat wave, indoor bubble fun sounded like a great idea yesterday. :-)

Before I share all about this new DVD release, including Bella's review of it, I wanted to show off photos and a video of the girls demonstrating their snake bubble maker, in case you wanted a fun and easy bubble activity to do with your child as you both wait for the upcoming Teletubbies "Bubbles" DVD release on June 20th.  And, like I said, this bubbles activity is fun for indoor or outdoor play, and requires only 3 things -- all of which you probably have an abundance of. 
  


Supplies Needed:

1 Empty water or soda bottle
1 Sock (those lonely socks missing their pair work best for this activity)
Bubble solution (bought or homemade) or even dish soap and water (I find this solution works better for longer snake bubbles)
*Optional: Food coloring

Instructions:

1.  Start by peeling the label off the bottle and washing it out well.  Then, take a sharp knife or scissors and off the bottom of the bottle (about 1/4).



2.  Slide the sock over this new opening (you will be using the mouth part of the bottle to blow the bubbles through the sock).




3.  Pour your bubble solution into a small plate or tray, and have your child soak the bottom of the bottle that is covered with the sock into the solution so it is dampened well.



4.  Now the fun part....blow through the bottle and watch your bubble snake come to life.  If you are doing indoors, be sure to have a large tray (those dollar store aluminum trays work best and can be thrown out or washed and reused again for more bubble fun).  **Be sure that your child does not inhale the bubble solution, as they will likely drink a little bubble solution.  My 6.5 year old found this out the hard way, and gagged a bit, until the bubble taste went away with lots of water and a freeze pop.





5. Optional:  Add drops of food coloring to the bottom of the sock and then dip in bubble solution and blow.  You get a cool colored snake effect.  










See, I told you this was a fun and easy bubble activity to do with your child, and one they will ask to do time and again.  So, as your little Teletubbies fan eagerly awaits the upcoming release of the new "Bubbles" DVD on June 20th, why not surprise them with a little bubble fun in advance, including making their own bubble snakes. :-)  I can't to wait to see pictures and videos of your bubble fun.

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And, now on to the DVD, which were sent a couple of days ago to watch in advance and share our thoughts on.  We ended up watching this DVD, which is about 80 minutes in length as part of our Friday Night Family Movie Night, complete with Tubby Custard (AKA rice pudding in our house).  Even though Savannah is not a big fan of the show like she was a couple years ago, she still will sit and watch episodes, especially new ones, with Bella, and they like to chit chat throughout each episode about the Teletubbies characters and the story line.  This DVD viewing was no exception. :-)

After the girls watched the 6 new fun-filled episodes, I asked the hard question..."What did you think?  Bella's eyes got big and she had a huge grin on her face.  She quickly chimed in, it was 'bubblerific" -- her words. :-)  She loved the episodes and said it was hard to choose a favorite.  But, she did say that she and Savannah had fun dancing along to "Head, Shoulders, Knees and Toes - come on, you know you love this classic song and love to get up and dance along with your child to it. :-)

Savannah said she enjoyed the second episode which introduced viewers to the sweet, song and dance loving yellow Teletubby Laa-Laa.  She is a fan of this teletubby, and was happy to see a full episode dedicated to Laa-Laa.  It was nice to see Savannah get into this show like she used to when she was Bella's age.  And, Bella liked having Savannah watch one of her favorite shows for once. :-)

As soon as the DVD ended, Bella was quick to ask to watch it again.  We had another movie set to watch, but after the begged to watch the "Bubbles" episode over, I put this episode back on.  And, I know tomorrow that when the girls wake up, they will be asking to watch this DVD again in its entirety, or will be grabbing when we head out to visit family this holiday weekend. But, I will not mind, as I love seeing the girls get into this show and know the developmental benefits of this hit series, which has been around for 20 years.  Here are just a few of the benefits this show offers little ones....



You can learn more about other developmental benefits by visiting the official Teletubbies website here: http://us.teletubbies.com/about-teletubbies/developmental-benefits/.

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Here is more about the upcoming "Bubbles" DVD release, which releases on June 20th -- so, be sure your pre-order now online, or mark the release date on your calendar so you can head to your favorite local retailer to pick up and welcome in summer with the Teletubbies with your little one(s). 

Featuring the Teletubbies Singing “Heads, Shoulders, Knees and Toes” and a Special Featurette with the Lovable Laa-Laa!



About this upcoming DVD release:

"Families everywhere can get ready to sing, dance and splash with the Teletubbies, when TELETUBBIES: BUBBLES arrives on DVD on June 20th. The six all-new episodes feature Tinky Winky, Dipsy, Laa-Laa and Po as they sing, dance, play and of course, eat Tubby Custard! TELETUBBIES: BUBBLES includes two all-new engaging featurettes: In the first, fans can join the Teletubbies as they sing the classic song, “Heads, Shoulders, Knees and Toes”; in the second, little ones can learn more about Laa-Laa, the sweet, song and dance-loving yellow Teletubby!

Synopsis:
The Tubby Custard Machine is making lots and lots of Tubby Custard bubbles! Join the Teletubbies as they chase and pop bubbles, play with a magical music box and dance the energetic Tubby Phone Dance. Contains six new episodes, including “Bubbles”.

Bonus Features Include:
·         “Heads, Shoulders, Knees and Toes” Song
·         Meet the Characters: Laa-Laa

TELETUBBIES: BUBBLES has a run time of approximately 74 minutes. The collection is not rated. 


Be sure to follow the official Teletubbies website and these social channels to stay up-to-date all things related to this hit television series, including new DVD releases, news, giveaways and more...


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ABOUT SONY PICTURES HOME ENTERTAINMENT
Sony Pictures Home Entertainment (SPHE) is a Sony Pictures Entertainment (SPE) company. Sony Pictures Entertainment (SPE) is a subsidiary of Sony Entertainment Inc., a subsidiary of Tokyo-based Sony Corporation. SPE’s global operations encompass motion picture production, acquisition and distribution; television production, acquisition and distribution; television networks; digital content creation and distribution; operation of studio facilities; and development of new entertainment products, services and technologies. For additional information, go tohttp://www.sonypictures.com.

ABOUT TELETUBBIES

Originally created in 1997, Teletubbies is one of the most successful global children’s brands of all-time. Targeted at young pre-school viewers, it has reached over 1 billion children to date. The original episodes have aired in over 120 territories in 45 different languages.

Debuting on Nick Jr. in May 2016, the new Teletubbies series (60 x 12 min. episodes) stays true to the original series but is designed to captivate today’s digital toddlers with updated elements and visual CGI-enhancements. The characters now have Touch-Screen Tummies and high-tech gadgets like the Tubby Phone smartphone, introducing a contemporary twist for a new generation of pre-schoolers. The multi award-winning Teletubbies encourages young children to watch television creatively, providing a safe and beneficial viewing experience. Teletubbies is produced by DHX Media.www.teletubbies.com



Disclosure:  This post is part of a sponsored campaign for Sony Pictures Home Entertainment. I received compensation for my participation, but my review and opinions are my own.
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