Discovering Art 11/24/2010

Filed under: Baby Einstein — admin @ 10:50 am

Old Crayons - ED000203_5

Did you know that one of our favorite artists, Van Gogh, played a game of peek-a-boo with all of us by hiding a mystery painting named “Wild Vegetation,” under his famous piece “The Ravine”? Discovery really is everywhere! The Washington Post has the story. 

We find that sharing your favorite works of art with your baby is a great way to bring something that you love into your everyday life together.  Until your little one is old enough to create his own masterpieces, you can introduce him to art and color with Baby Einstein’s World of Colors Discovery Kit. We find it’s also fun to play games together and wanted to share some of our favorite art and color-inspired activities. 

Found Colors
Take a journey outdoors with your little one.  Pick a color to explore and as you walk, point out that color everywhere you see it. You’ll get to see if baby has preferences for certain hues.

The Artist in Training
Although babies are too young for most art projects, you can help your little one until he’s old enough for finger painting and play-dough sculptures. Unroll a large sheet of paper on the floor and sit on it with baby directly in front of you, so that he can’t grab the paper.  Grip his little hand securely around a crayon and lead it around the paper to make various shapes, taking care not to let baby put it in his mouth. 

Shout it Out
Gather a bunch of brightly colored scarves or fabric scraps in a variety of hues. Hide them behind your back and as you pull one out to show baby, shout out the color. This is especially fun if older siblings get involved as well.

Once your toddler is old enough, make sure to spend time together creating new art whenever you can. And when you are putting his first masterpiece on your fridge, you will realize that you have a new favorite artist right at home :)

It’s amazing to look at a canvas, photo or rock and realize that through art the possibilities of expression are endless.  Have fun with it, let your little guy get messy and get involved! We hope your little budding artist enjoys experiencing the world of color around him.

 

The Baby Einstein Discovery Kit Scavenger Hunt Starts Now! 11/22/2010

Filed under: Baby Einstein — admin @ 3:08 pm

Baby Einstein Discovery Kit Scavenger Hunt

 We’re just one day away from unveiling the new Baby Einstein Discovery Kits and can hardly contain our excitement! We’ve come up with a fun way to celebrate and give you a chance to win a Discovery Kit set for you and your little one to enjoy together! Here’s how you can enter to win our Discovery Kit Scavenger Hunt:

  • Search the official Baby Einstein YouTube, Twitter, and blog pages to find four words hidden in the backgrounds.
  • Once you’ve found the words, put them together in the correct order to complete the Mystery Phrase.
  • Email the Mystery Phrase to us at behunt@altaresources.com to enter between today, November 22nd to Monday, November 29th at 11:59 PM PST. Be sure to include your full name and contact email address.

10 winners who correctly solve the Mystery Phrase will be chosen at random. Time is running out, so start sleuthing today!

Official Rules: 

NO PURCHASE OR PAYMENT NECESSARY TO ENTER OR WIN, NOR WILL A PURCHASE IMPROVE ONE’S CHANCES OF WINNING

1. SPONSOR: The Baby Einstein Company, LLC, 500 South Buena Vista Street, Burbank, CA 91521. ADMINISTRATOR: LBI, 295 Lafayette Street, New York, NY 10012
2. ENTRY: This sweepstakes (“Sweepstakes”) may only be entered by Internet, during the period commencing at 12:01 A.M., November 22 , 2010, and ending at 11:59:59 P.M., November 29, 2010 (“Entry Period”), by finding four (4) words and completing the Baby Einstein mystery phrase (“Mystery Phrase”) as follows: [1] visiting www.baby-einstein.net to obtain instructions for how to play; [2] following the instructions provided and finding four (4) words based on clues provided on any one of the Baby Einstein Twitter, You Tube, Blog pages; and [3] using the four (4) words to complete the Mystery Phrase correctly; and [4] e-mailing the Mystery Phrase to behunt@altaresources.com to complete the entry in the Sweepstakes (“Entry”). Incorrect Mystery Phrases will be automatically disqualified. Normal Internet access and usage charges imposed by your online service will apply. It is your sole responsibility to notify the Sponsor in writing if you change your e-mail account (“Account”). For purposes of these Official Rules (“Rules”), all times and days are Pacific Time.
3. LIMITATIONS: Each Entry for the Sweepstakes must be received during the Entry Period. You may enter this Sweepstakes no more than once per person per Account (regardless of whether one person has more than one Account or more than one person use the same Account). In event of a dispute regarding the identity of the person submitting an Entry, the Entry will be deemed to be submitted by the person in whose name the e-mail Account is registered. . Entries by any method other than set forth above in Section 2 are void. Any use of automated or programmed methods of effecting Entry is prohibited. Open only to persons 18 or older who are legal residents of, and physically located within, the 50 states, D.C., or Canada (excluding Quebec) (collectively, “Territory”) and not employees of Sponsor or Administrator, their parent, subsidiary, affiliate or agency (individually and collectively, “Entities”), nor members of their households or immediate families. Neither the Entities nor any of their officers, directors, shareholders, employees, agents, or representatives (individually and collectively, “Releasees”) are responsible for Entries from persons residing, or physically located, outside the Territory; or Entries that are altered, delayed, deleted, destroyed, forged, fraudulent, improperly accessed, inaccurate, incomplete, interrupted, irregular in any way, late, lost, misrouted, multiple, non-delivered, stolen, tampered with, unauthorized, unintelligible or otherwise not in compliance with these Rules; or for lost, interrupted or unavailable network, server or other connections; miscommunications; failed phone, computer hardware or software or telephone transmissions; technical failures; unauthorized human intervention; traffic congestion; garbled or jumbled transmissions; undeliverable emails resulting from any form of active or passive email filtering; insufficient space in entrant’s email account to receive email; or other errors of any kind, whether due to electronic, human, mechanical, printing, production or technical errors or other causes; even if caused by the negligence of any of the Releasees. Each of such potential Entries will be disqualified and any attempt by a person to use multiple Addresses to register more than once may result in disqualification at Sponsor’s sole discretion. Void where prohibited or restricted by law and subject to all applicable federal, state, provincial, local and municipal laws and regulations.
4. PRIZES: At least ten (10) grand prizes: Each will include one or more Baby Einstein Products (with an approximate total retail value [“ARV”] totaling $50 a prize). Total maximum ARV of all prizes: $800. Limit one prize per person/Account. Prize is not redeemable for cash or transferable. No substitution allowed except, at Sponsor’s sole discretion, a prize of equal or greater value may be substituted. All prizes will be awarded provided a sufficient number of eligible Entries are received and prizes are validly claimed by December 13, 2010, after which no alternate winners will be selected, nor unclaimed prizes awarded.
5. PROCEDURES: Entries for the Sweepstakes will only be accepted during the Entry Period. On or about December 6, 2010 following the Sweepstakes, at random, Administrator will select the potential winner for the Sweepstakes from among all those eligible Entries received for the Sweepstakes. Odds of winning each the Sweepstakes depend on the total number of eligible Entries received for the Sweepstakes.
6. WINNERS: The potential winners of the Sweepstakes will be sent an e-mail by Administrator on behalf of Sponsor within 24 hours after the selection of the winners. In order to be declared a winner, you must meet the eligibility requirements in Section 3. above and respond to Administrator’s e-mail by sending your name, email address, shipping address and phone number to Baby Einstein at the e-mail address provided by Administrator , (subject should be the word(s) provided in Administrator’s e-mail) within 24 hours of the time Administrator sent you the e-mail.. At the sole discretion of the Sponsor, disqualification, forfeiture and the selection of an alternate winner may result from any of the following: [1] potential winner’s failure to respond with the required information to the notification within twenty-four (24) hours after its transmission; [2] the return of any notification or prize as undeliverable; [3] potential winner’s failure to provide Administrator with satisfactory proof of age, identity and residency; [4] potential winner’s failure to validly claim a prize by December 13, 2010 and [5] any other non-compliance with Rules. In the event of a prize forfeiture, the Sponsor may, in its sole discretion, award or not award the forfeited prize to an alternate winner. All prizes for qualified winners will be delivered within three (3) weeks after the date of the drawing. Each Canadian resident who is a potential winner will be required to answer correctly a mathematical skill testing question without assistance of any kind whether mechanical or otherwise to be declared a winner and be eligible to collect a prize. All taxes are solely the responsibility of each winner.
7. PRIVACY POLICY/DATA COLLECTION: Information provided by you for this Sweepstakes is subject to Sponsor’s privacy policy located at http://babyeinstein.com/privacy policy
8. CONDITIONS: By entering this Sweepstakes and/or accepting any prize you may win, you agree, represent and warrant that: [1] you will be bound by the Rules and Sponsor’s decisions, which shall be final in all respects; [2] you irrevocably assign and transfer to Sponsor and its assigns all rights in the Entry; [3] the Entry will not be acknowledged or returned; [4] you release and hold harmless the Releasees from any and all liability for claims, injuries, losses or damages of any kind, including without limitation, death and bodily injury, resulting, in whole or in part, directly or indirectly, from the awarding, delivery, acceptance, use, misuse, possession, loss or misdirection of any prize; participation in this Sweepstakes or any Sweepstakes-related activity or travel or from any interaction with, or downloading of, computer Sweepstakes information; [5] the prizes are awarded “AS IS” and WITHOUT WARRANTY OF ANY KIND, express or implied, (including, without limitation, any implied warranty of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose); [6] winner’s acceptance of any prize constitutes the grant of an unconditional right to Sponsor and assigns to use winner’s name, address (city and state or province only), likeness, prize information, and/or statements about the promotion for any publicity, advertising, and promotional purposes without additional compensation, except where prohibited by law; [7] in the event unauthorized human intervention, Acts of God, acts or regulations of any governmental or supranational authority, war, national emergency, accident, fire, riot, strikes, lockouts, industrial disputes, acts of terrorism, or other matters beyond the Sponsor’s reasonable control, corrupt, prevent, or impair the administration, security, fairness or proper play of this Sweepstakes, so that it cannot be conducted as originally planned, the Sponsor has the right, in its sole discretion, to modify the Rules or to cancel, modify, terminate, or suspend the Sweepstakes, and in such event, to select winners by such method as Sponsor in its sole discretion shall consider equitable; [8] the Releasees are not responsible for typographical or other errors in the offer or administration of this Sweepstakes, including but not limited to: errors in the advertising, Rules, selection and announcement of the winners and distribution of the prizes; [9] the Releasees are not responsible for any inability of any winner to accept or use any prize for any reason and [10) Sponsor has the right to modify prize award procedures at its sole discretion.
9. RULES & WINNERS’ LIST: For list of winners (after December 13, 2010) and/or Rules (before November 29, 2010), send a self-addressed, stamped #10 envelope to: Baby Einstein’s 2010 Discovery Kits Scavenger Hunt, LBI, 295 Lafayette Street, New York, NY 10012, designating Winner or Rules.

 

Discovering Animals 11/16/2010

Filed under: Baby Einstein — admin @ 11:24 am

Tiger Cubs
Who would think that in 2010 there are still new discoveries to be made in the animal kingdom? But it’s true!  And sometimes these new findings come in adorable packages like the new micro-frog discovered this past summer on Borneo Island.  You can check out the full story at Yahoo!  It’s funny to think that even as adults, our world is open to new things every day. It also reminds us how important exposing ourselves to new discoveries and sharing this spirit with our babies from the beginning really is. Although most of us are not researchers on a far away island, we can start the exploration at home. Check out our simple tips for introducing your baby to new cuddly creatures today.

Mommy says “Moooo”
You can easily begin exploring animals without leaving home with animal flash cards or an animal themed book. Show an animal to your baby, say the name of the animal and give your best animal sound. Remember that your baby loves repetition, so the more moo’ing the better! If they are old enough, encourage your baby to make animal sounds with you. This is a fun activity for you both on the go as well. As long as you keep the images and your playful spirit on hand, you can explore animals anywhere!  

Puppy Love
Introducing your baby to real animals is a great way to explore new textures with your little one. Plan a trip to the pet store. Together, touch the scales of a lizard, cuddly fur of a bunny, bumpy back of a frog and any other new textures that you can find in the store. Explain the new textures to your baby as you are feeling them.  You’ll both be giggling away as you share this new experience with your baby. Who knows — you may leave with a new 4-legged best friend!

Old MacDonald Had a Farm
If your baby has a favorite stuffed animal that you most likely won’t find scampering around in your neighborhood, plan a family trip to visit the zoo, aquarium or a farm. It’ll be a blast for your older kids, too! Find a map in advance so you can make a beeline for the animal that you want to see most. Bring along animal crackers, your baby’s favorite animal flashcards or book so you can bring everything together and really explore the animal kingdom with your little one.

Remember that opening his eyes to new critters now will encourage his curiosity. This was our inspiration for the new Animals All Around Me and Wild Animal Safari animal themed Discovery Kits, designed to begin animal exploration at home. With each new animal discovery at home, at the zoo, anywhere really, you will see your baby light up and know that this time spent together will be just the beginning of many great family explorations!

 

Discovering Music 11/12/2010

Filed under: Baby Einstein, together time — admin @ 2:00 pm

Discovering Music

It’s simply amazing that in this day and age there are new discoveries to be made in music! There are still new melodies being made and classical masterpieces being uncovered. We are big fans of Bach’s classical melodies (as you already know) so we were absolutely fascinated when just 5 years ago an unknown Aria (a solo vocal piece with instrumental accompaniment) was discovered. The excitement around the discovery has been simply astounding and just goes to show what a key part of our lives music really is. Want to read more about this discovery? Check out NPR. We believe that music is one of the greatest gifts that you can give to your baby so we wanted to share a few tips for bringing musical experiences to some everyday activities.

Bubbles and Beats
Bath time can be an unknown feeling for your baby, in the beginning. Make the experience more soothing by playing the same music that she hears at nighttime. This will make bath time a calmer occasion filled with soothing melodies that she will experience rather than a foreign occurrence. As your baby gets older play really fun music that you just have to pop your head along to keep bath time as much fun as play time!

Hippin and Hoppin at Home
Turn laundry time, cooking time or anytime that you need to sit your little girl down into music time! Play upbeat music in the room that you are both in. Playing up-tempo music will keep your baby engaged and bopping along and will quickly become a fun together time tradition for you both. If your baby is old enough give a homemade instrument (you can get some tips here ). Step in and play a bar or two with her while you are working.

Lullaby Time
Bedtime can be the perfect chance for you to create an unbreakable bond with your little one. Rather than just popping on a CD or turning on the mobile, create a routine of mixing soft music with your own soft lullabies! Introducing soft music into your bedtime routine will create a soothing environment for both you and your baby. We have some additional tips here.

If you are looking for a musical discovery helper our new Baby Beethoven and Baby Mozart Discovery Kits are specially designed to be music to your little one’s ears! Remember that sharing music from day one is so simple, but so important to add calmness and routine to your baby’s new experiences. Plus discovering music now will become a beautiful tradition for you and your little one to share for years to come!