Review: Thomas & Friends™ TrackMaster™ Boat and Sea Set

27 July 2019 - Vern @ 4yo

I cut down on product reviews a lot.
Main reason is that I just don't have the time to blog about it. #stilllotsofbacklogblogposts
But then I was pretty happy when the agency representative of Thomas & Friends™ in Malaysia contacted me to do a review.
Why? Because all 3 kids of mine are big fans of Thomas & Friends™!


FIRST IMPRESSIONS AND PRODUCT

I received the Thomas & Friends™ Trackmaster™ Boat & Sea Set sometime in a big and sturdy brown box.

Upon opening it, the whole box set was inside.
I'm glad they used the brown box to cushion it during delivery so the whole original box was in pristine condition.

 

This is the front and back of how the Thomas & Friends™ Trackmaster™ Boat & Sea Set looks like.
The front has clear images and words of the name of the set.
It also states that it is a motirized action set.

Behind it shows the already assembled set, together with a kid, so parents can roughly gauge the size of the set.

 

The highlight of the set, which is Thomas the Tank Engine and the rolling boat is strapped firmly on the corner of the set so the kid kinda get to have a peek on what it is. 

As my 3+yo Vern was turning 4yo soon on the 14th July, I kept the set hidden and only gave it to him on his birthday as his birthday present. :)
This is him with his 4 birthday presents together with his Thomas & Friends™ Trackmaster™ Boat & Sea Set!

FIXING AND TRYING OUT THE SET

As I mentioned, all my 3 kids are fans of Thomas & Friends™ and so all 3 were also excited to help their brother to fix the set.

I like how everytime we fix a Thomas & Friends™ railway set, my kids get to learn a lot from it.

They would read the instructions together and try to fix it up together.

  

Watch how the big brother Shern let his small brother Vern to help to fix the tracks.

And look at how all three of them were grinning happily when they managed to get it right!

And this is how the whole thing looks like when it is all done.

The star of the set, Thomas the Tank Engine on the Rolling Boat.

WHAT DO WE THINK ABOUT IT?

First let me tell you all what is this set all about.

This Boat and Sea set is a unique concept launched by Fisher-Price based on this new sea theme. 

This set consists of a motorized Thomas the Tank Engine, a Rolling Boat, "Water Tracks" to be used by the boat, and the usual railway tracks and two docks.

What I like is that the Rolling Boat is powered to sail from one dock to the next dock. And like how the original ship sails in the ocean, this Rolling Boat also runs on the to and fro concept. 

During play, my kids experience how Thomas the Tank Engine will move from its railway tracks on land onto the floor of the ship and help the Rolling Boat to power to sail across the oceans to different places.

Look at the short clip on how it works. 

Love how happy Vern was and how in awe he was with it!

After awhile, Shern and Khye who is 10yo and almost 7yo got bored with it. They only got excited while helping to fix the set.

So I guess this set is more suitable for younger kids from probably 3-6+yo.

But Vern on the other hand was fixated with it for quite some time. 

He did not get bored watching the train goes round and round.

I guess he did not get bored because he had a play in it as he needs to transfer the Rolling Boat from one dock to the other.

But me on the other hand prefers to buy my kids non-motorized toys. Because I want them to roll the trains on the tracks themselves to improve their motor skills and to let their imagination runs wild while making up stories as they play.

But maybe because I don't buy them motorized toys, Vern is very fascinated with it and was exclaiming "wahhhh...whoah...as he watches the train goes round the tracks and onto the boat and the water tracks! :)

See how Vern is still playing with all his Thomas & Friends™ sets!

He already has the Thomas & Friends™ Take-n-Play Tidmouth Shet Set, the Take-n-Play Sodor Search and Rescue Centre, the Take-n-Play Rescue From Misty Island Set passed me down from his brothers.

And now he has the TrackMaster™ Boat and Sea Set to add on to his Thomas & Friends™ sets!

TO PURCHASE

Thomas & Friends™ TrackMaster™ Boat and Sea Set can be found in all major malls and Toys 'R' Us nationwide.

For more information, please view www.facebook.com/sea.thomasandfriends 

* Disclosure: I received the Thomas & Friends™ TrackMaster™ Boat and Sea Set mentioned above for review purpose, but no monetary incentive was received. All text and opinions are of my own and represents my honest opinion of the product(s).

Reviews and Giveaway: Down To Earth's Human Nature Products

I know that natural products are good and all, but they usually come with a hefty price tag. So sometimes I need to think twice before purchasing them. But then my friend told me about Down To Earth's Human Nature - natural everyday products at truly affordable prices.

Down To Earth is a very simple company with a very simple goal, that is to have passion for the products they sell. They believe that a high quality product that is good for you, that won't make you or your family sick, and won't make you go broke isn't too much to ask.

So I was so happy when I was given the review opportunity to review some of their products. Jeanette from Down To Earth was so generous and she sent me a whole bag of their Human Nature goodies.

The products sent to me by the generous Jeanette from Down To Earth

1. Bug Shield Lotion

This product fascinates me. I mean, I didn't know that there is a lotion that works as a moisturizer while keeps the bugs away. This insect repellent lotion is easy to apply, non-sticky, smells great of lemongrass and is DEET-free naturally.

However, I feel that it doesn't last too long. It kinda lose its effectiveness after 2-4 hours and you need to reapply. Works well for short kids outdoor activity, but not those long ones unless you are there to reapply for them.
But I normally uses this lotion on my kids before going to bed, because we leave our windows open at night for a little breeze. And so far so good because our place has not many mosquitoes.
My kids sleep soundly at night and it smells great too. So yes, I like this product.


2. Tangerine Kids Shampoo and Body Wash

All Kids Shampoo and Body Wash 2-in-1 always win me over. I love using the same product for their hair and body. Is so much simple than me fumbling for different bottle of shampoo and body wash when my kids are screaming murder when I try to wash their hair!
And when used as a body wash, there is no lather and it works just as well. It doesn't dry Shern's skin as well thanks to the avocado oil and aloe vera content. 
So I just simple love this product, and the fact that it smells so fresh adds points to this product too. Totally score!

3. All Natural Baby Oil

I never thought this would be my favourite product that Jeanette sent me. Before this, I didn't even like using baby oil. I thought baby oil is greasy and yucky, and since I don't massage my baby, I'd never even bothered buying any.

But when Jeanette asked me to try putting a drop or two of this baby oil on Khye's milk rash on his face, I was so surprised to find that it is non-greasy. It somehow glides smoothly on Khye's cheeks and then it absorbs into the skin. And after just 3 days, the milk rash were all gone! Amazing! Now what is left are the scars. Doctors told me the scars won't be permanent though, and I really hope so!

I find that this pure sunflower baby oil not only moisturize, but it heals and nourish the baby. I also applied a little on my finger and then wipe it in Khye's navel/belly button and gently cleaned the black spots there as the oil provides gentle removal of stubborn dirt.

Furthermore, I also applied this baby oil on myself. I applied a few drops on my dehydrated skin on my legs. Usually I don't do that because I find other moisturizer too greasy for me. But I find this baby oil non-greasy after it dried up and it locked in the moisture when I applied it after taking a shower.

This is why I so loved this product. So many good uses. And if you are the type that do massage your baby, you can even use it to massage the baby for some mum and baby bond. Love it so much.


4. Body Butter Cream

As much as I loved the Baby Oil, I'm not so much in favour of these two Body Butter Creams. First of all, they are too luxuriously rich for me. Yes I know that body butter is supposed to be rich, so I think it is me with the problem, and not these creams.
After using them, I find them too greasy and it irks me that whenever my legs touches any part of my furniture or floor, it leaves a slab of grease on it. Eeekkk.
They smell lovely when I flipped open the tube cover. But upon applying them on my legs, they don't smell so nice any more. The after effect smell is just different from when I flipped the tube cover open.

So it is not that they are not working fine, as they moisturize very well, creating a rich layer to protect my legs against dryness. It is just me who didn't like the rich cream.

However, I've heard that they are well loved for many others who'd tried them, especially those with eczema or dry skin.So I guess you guys need to try them out for yourself!

5. All Natural Baby Lotion

This baby lotion however has my thumbs up. Instead of powder, I used this lotion on both Khye and Shern after shower, and is non-greasy and smells great too. It has a mild baby smell which I like. Just like the Bug Shield Lotion, it is also easy to apply, and I love that it is all natural.

6. Bubbly Gum Kids' Spray Sanitizer

Truthfully, the bubbly gummy smelled a little weird, and a little too overpowering. I would prefer the smell to be a little milder.
However, smells aside, I find this spray especially useful when sometimes I need to spray the tray of the high chair/baby chair at the restaurants, and also on toilet seat covers whenever Shern poos at the public toilet.
I can also foresee that I may find it useful to spray on surfaces or toys that Khye loves to bite on because of lately, everything goes into Khye's mouth the moment he gets his hands on them.
And also I liked that it is natural and safe enough to spray their hands as the aloe vera will protect the young skins.

But what I love most about this product is the convenient pocket size packaging, as it fits into my Storksak Emily Diaper Bag easily. Totally what I am looking for!

7. Pure Strength Men's Facial Wash

 

Finally, a product for hubby to try. According to hubby, he likes the citrus lemon scent, which is very refreshing. And he especially likes the little granules in the wash which is the bamboo granules for an effective scrub.
What I like about it is the size as I can foresee bringing the small packaging facial wash for our frequent domestic trips. 



All in all, I must say I love Down To Earth's Human Nature Products. They are natural and yet affordable.
Click on the links and see the price for yourself, and you will be amazed.

And oh, did I tell you that they also provide FREE SHIPPING when you order 3 products or more.
There is an ongoing promotion (valid until 1 Apr 2013) where if you buy RM60 or more (must include NEW products), you will get 10% OFF THE ENTIRE ORDER except for bundles. All you need is to login with a username and password to enjoy the discount!
You can also follow and like them on Facebook or their website or click here for the most current offers and news.



Giveaway (CLOSED)
I am pleased to announce that Down To Earth is sponsoring a mini package of 3 of my favourite Human Nature products which I'd chosen:
- All Natural Baby Oil
- Tangerine Kids Shampoo and Body Wash, and
- Pure Strength Men's Facial Wash

I chose these 3 products so that there will be a little something for everyone in the family. The facial wash for the daddy, the shampoo and body wash for the kids and the baby oil for everyone in the family. :)

How To Join?

All you need to do is just to leave a comment in this blog post and mention that you wish to enter this giveaway. It is this easy. Please leave a email address for me to contact you.
This giveaway is open to anyone with a West Malaysia mailing address. If you don't have one, maybe you would like to win one for a friend or family?

Giveaway ends on 7th April 2013 11.59pm Malaysian time. The winner will be chosen randomly on 1st April 2013 and will be posted in this post and will be contacted via email. If no reply from the winner within 48 hours, then I will redraw for a new winner.


Winner Announcement
Thank you to all who participated in this giveaway. The winner is Apple Tan. You shd have received an email from me on how to collect the prize.

Due to no reply from the winner after 48 hours, the new winner is Win Lyn. Congratulations.

* Disclosure: I received all the above items for review purpose, but no monetary incentive was received. All text and opinions are of my own and represents my honest opinion of the product(s).

Huggies Dry Pants: Change for Better Convenience

* this is a sponsored post. However, all text and opinions are of my own, except for keypoints provided by Huggies.

I received a cute little red bundle inside the package last week with some free Huggies Dy Pants samples for my review. In it together is a small denim pouch and a cute little Huggues 'no more stuffy bum' pouch. Too cute.

The Huggies Dry Pants samples are in size M, L & XL. The guideline says M is for 5-10kg so I tried that on baby Khye because he was about 9.2kg last week.

Khye is getting a little more mobile now that he is almost 6 months old. So with this Huggies Dry Pants, even when he refuses to lie down for a diaper change, I can still change for him while he wiggles on his tummy.
"Koyak, Salin & Lepas" (Tear, Change & Release), it is that easy.

This is especially easier and more convenient for me in the future when we go out and Khye refuses to lie down for a change. No more fight and tussle over a diaper change on the go. It will be a change for better convenience with Huggies Dry Pants when we go out.

Before wearing it, I was a little unsure on which is the front/back of the pants. After some googling, I'm happy to say that the feature 'Wear Any Side Snug Fit' allow the pants to be worn any side while having a snug fit. I love this feature. No more fumbling on which is the front/back. Both sides are the same.

As expected size M was a little too fitting when trying to put it on him. But once it's in, it looks snug and fit, not too tight. I let him wear for an hour or so and went to check on him and there were no red marks. It is really snug fit and good. Khye was comfortable in it. It's Soft-Stretch Sides provide comfort and help prevent red marks even when Khye is on the move.

Look at Khye doing stretching and he seems very happy wearing the pants. And it doesn't seem to stop him from his normal routine of lifting his legs high up or even wiggling on his tummy.

And then Khye had a big poo. As Khye is an exclusive breastfed baby, it's mustard colour poo is rather watery which is normal. So I really needed a diaper which doesnt leak. I'm glad to say it's Quick Lock System and Double Leak Barriers really helped to stop leaks, but only on the sides near his thighs, so no leaking there. But because Khye was wearing M, which is a little too small for him, he had some leaks up on the back of his diaper. But totally not Huggies fault because when I wore him the size L, no more leaks up there!

And the quick Tear Away Side Seams made it a breeze to remove the soiled pants.

I also let Khye wore it to sleep. It lasted throughout the night for about 12 hours without any leaks. When I removed the soiled diaper the next morning, it was very full and heavy, but still no leak, which is very good.

So what is the downside of it? The only one I can think of is that Huggies Dry Pants sizes are rather small. Khye is wearing size M for other brands with plenty of space left for growth, but it seems like for Huggies Dry Pants, size L seems to be a better fit for Khye.

But overall Khye is a happy baby with Huggies Dry Pants because it is considered rather breathable for a disposable. So I will certainly consider this brand when we are out and about mainly for its convenience. As I mentioned in my previous post, convenience is the key when we are out and about!

If you are interested, you can request for a Huggies Dry Pants sample at http://www.huggies.com.my/huggies-community/request-a-sample.aspx

You can read more about Huggies Dry Pants on Huggies Facebook page.

Info: http://www.huggies.com.my/huggies-dry-pants.aspx

Huggies Dry Pants: Change For Better Convenience’ Roadshow!

*this is a sponsored post

Hello to all mummies and daddies out there!
Let me give you a shoutout for upcoming "Huggies Dry Pants: Change for Better Convenience" roadshow happening from 25 February 2013 to 3 March 2013 at Mydin USJ!

 
My kids and I have always loved all these roadshows. They usually promises us a good time there, with

live performances, special promotions, giveaways, games, magic tricks and activities to keep us entertained. There is always something for everyone!

And also not to forget that there will be free samples of Huggies Dry Pants and lots of chances to win goodies!

Where: Concourse, Mydin USJ

When: 25 February 2013 (Monday) until 3 March 2013 (Sunday)

Special Announcement: There will be sessions of the Huggies 30 Second Diaper Change Challenge and performances every day at 10.30am, 2.00pm and 8.00pm.

See if your baby can do this wearing this Huggies Dry Pants! I'm sure Khye can't YET though! ;)

The grand finale will be happening on Sunday 3 March 2013 at 8.00pm – 9.00pm! 

You should check it out if you are in KL!