One of our favorite shows is Sofia the First on Disney Junior! See all of our Surprise videos http://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=…

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Disney Junior “Sofia the First” has become a huge hit for young girls (and some boys troo). The Disney Junior “Sofia the First” Sofia and Friends is a set that includes Sofia, Amber, and her bunny friend clover.

Notes-

– Comes with Sofia, Amber, and Clover – it also comes with accessories like a sleeping blindfold and other things that the sisters need for a good night sleep!

– The dolls do work with the Sofia the First Musical Castle

– Does not require batteries

– The dolls do have a hard time standing up – although Clover does not have any issues in standining

Final Verdict – A fun set, but like some of the other Sofia the First toys there are several flaws.

3 1/2 Stars

We hope that Queen Elsa from the Disney movie Frozen will soon make an appearance on Sofia the First. Queen Elsa has become our four year daughter’s favorite disney princess.

This video features Disney Junior Sofia the First. Sofia the First is about a young girl who becomes a princess when her mother marries the king.

TheEngineeringFamily has loads of family friendly content

In this Playlist The Assistant goes on adventure with Scooby Doo, Paw Patrol, Peppa Pig, Disney Frozen, and Doc McStuffins
http://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=…

Everyone loves to see TheEngineeringFamily and The Assisitant open up Surprise Eggs – check out this play list and catch up on any that you may have missed http://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=…

If you like Nickelodeon’s Paw Patrol you will want to check out this Playlist http://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=…

Everyone likes to play with Play Doh – see all of TheEngineeringFamily collection of Play Doh videos http://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=…

Of course we have lots of videos featuring Disney Frozen and Queen Elsa http://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=…​​​.

About Sofia The First
We at The Engineering Family love the Disney Channel’s Sofia The First show! Who wouldn’t? Sofia the First became a princess overnight, and is now learning to adjust to her new surroundings, adapting to big life changes, and gaining all the wisdom of a classic Disney Princess. The Engineering Family is always looking for teaching moments, chances to learn, and opportunities for imaginative play. Thus, our Sofia the First videos focus on highlighting all of that for your Disney junior. Check out Sofia the First toys, like Sofia’s Royal Classroom Playset, and Sofia the First videos like Sofia’s Magical Talking Amulet. If you love the Sofia the First song, than these toy unboxing videos and toy reviews are for you!​​​

Check out the Adventures of The Assistant and Wiggles! It is our animated series featuring the Assistant, her Dog Wiggles, and science experiements! https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLoLQ9unpi4OHbJtfVcfgDIoyZw75FHF-E #Familyfun #Familyfunforeveryone #Theengineeringfamily

We love Princess Ariel from Disney’s “The Little Mermaid”! See all of our Surprise videos http://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLoLQ9unpi4OEEM3rUVjLGa0pUaXQvW3Wd

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If you have a little girl (or possibly a little boy) you already know that Ariel is one of the most popular Disney Princesses. Our daughter’s (who is 4) favorite disney princess is Belle – followed by Cinderella, Merida, Rapunzel, and Ariel (and she will list them in that order!I)The Disney Princess Ariel’s Royal Ship Playset is part ship and part Ariel Grotto. In many ways it reminds us of a Disney Castle playset…. but one that also serves as a boat!

Our daughter really enjoys the Royal Ship. She likes how Ariel (and Eric) can stand at the mast and turn the wheel. However, she prefers turning the playset into Ariel’s grotto. There she sets up the bed, plays with the mirror and vanity, has Ariel go down the slide, and pretends to fee her dinner.

Notes-

– This playset does NOT come with any dolls… Ariel and Eric are sold separately

– The Royal Ship transforms into Ariel’s grotto and come fully equipped with a bed, water slide, table, vanity (with picture/mirror) and dinner.

– Some very small parts are included, so I would not recommend for children under 3

– Comes with a very small Sebastian.

– Not to be used in water – the Royal Ship will not float in water

– Assembly is not hard, but the directions are not very clear.

– This product was provided for an unbiased review

Budget about 10-15 for full assembly

Final Verdict – The Disney Princess Ariel’s Royal Ship Playset may be the perfect gift for any fan of the Little Mermaid. We would prefer if it can with at least one doll, but other than that it will likely bring big smiles.

4 1/2 Stars

TheEngineeringFamily has loads of family friendly content

In this Playlist The Assistant goes on adventure with Scooby Doo, Paw Patrol, Peppa Pig, Disney Frozen, and Doc McStuffins

Everyone loves to see TheEngineeringFamily and The Assisitant open up Surprise Eggs – check out this play list and catch up on any that you may have missed http://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLoLQ9unpi4OEEM3rUVjLGa0pUaXQvW3Wd

If you like Nickelodeon’s Paw Patrol you will want to check out this Playlist http://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLoLQ9unpi4OGPJu4ljZxLNfdoR6ODDu2n

Everyone likes to play with Play Doh – see all of TheEngineeringFamily collection of Play Doh videos http://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLoLQ9unpi4OH9jNiMLh7rjiCDCVIImHa_

Of course we have lots of videos featuring Disney Frozen and Queen Elsa http://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLoLQ9unpi4OFf4j5478bn41R8iywz8OMB

Check out the Adventures of The Assistant and Wiggles! It is our animated series featuring the Assistant, her Dog Wiggles, and science experiements! https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLoLQ9unpi4OHbJtfVcfgDIoyZw75FHF-E #Familyfun #Familyfunforeveryone #Theengineeringfamily

Last year I purchased the single serving Jelly Belly Electric Ice Shaver, and our family enjoyed it. Recently, we found the Jelly Belly Electric DUAL Ice Shave on clearance. We decided to splurge and purchase our second ice shaver. We are very pleased with the purchase, because not only does it halve the time required to make two snow cones it is also a much better machine.

Notes-

– Makes one or two snow cones (shaved ices) at once

– Comes with two syrup pumps that attach to the side of the machine

– Simply dump ice cubes into the top of the ice shaver, put the top on the unit and then twist… and presto shaved ice is spit out the bottom.

– You will want to remove the top and empty the ice out of the machine. Otherwise you will have a dripping watery mess.

– Does not come with any syrup

– Only 4 or 5 snow cups (and straws) are included

– It is pretty loud to operate.. my dog and cat do not appreciate how loud it is to make shaved ice.

Final verdict – Our family is a big fan of the jelly Belly Electric Ice Shaver – it allows us to quickly make two snow cones at once. Recommended

5 Stars

Check out the Adventures of The Assistant and Wiggles! It is our animated series featuring the Assistant, her Dog Wiggles, and science experiements! https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLoLQ9unpi4OHbJtfVcfgDIoyZw75FHF-E #Familyfun #Familyfunforeveryone #Theengineeringfamily

I have been using Jabra bluetooth headsets for several years. The first one that I used, the Jabra Clipper, is still among my favorite bluetooth devices. It had/has a minor design flaw (it is hard to actually *clip* it to anything), but it is a great product. The Jabra Play takes all of the features of the Jabra Clipper and (mostly) improves upon them.

The Jabra Play is a nice combination of bluetooth ease, sound performance, and hands free calling. My biggest complaint (and the reason for 4 stars instead of 5) is that the cable on the earbuds is too short.

Notes-

Bluetooth Unit

– Easy to pair with bluetooth devices

– Works as hand free calling device

– Charge lasts several hours

– Has volume controls on the unit – including the ability to play/pause and to answer calls.

– You can use with any earbuds or headphones

– The clip is not very firm and becomes loose pretty easily. This is not much of a negative, because the alternative to the clip coming loose is that the earbuds would fall out of your ears.

Included Earbuds

– Unlike the Jabra Clipper the earbuds that come standard with the Jabra sound pretty good. While I have heard better sounding earbuds – they are pretty good.

– The earbuds are very comfortable – they feel very soft in your ear, which allows (me) to wear them for extended periods without worrying about them hurting.

– They do a pretty good of noise isolation. I was able to listen to my favorite sports call in show (with ease) while on a riding lawn mower.

– As mentioned the cable on the earbuds is too short – I wish it was 3″-6″ longer. When I clip the Jabra Sport to my belt loop the cable on the earbuds becomes taught – eventually causing the Bluetooth Unit to come loose.

Final Verdict- The Jabra Play is a easy to use bluetooth hands free device. I wish that the earbud cables was a little longer, but other than that it is a very solid device.

4 Stars

I received this product for reviewing purposes

Check out the Adventures of The Assistant and Wiggles! It is our animated series featuring the Assistant, her Dog Wiggles, and science experiements! https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLoLQ9unpi4OHbJtfVcfgDIoyZw75FHF-E #Familyfun #Familyfunforeveryone #Theengineeringfamily

We love Play-Doh! See all of our Surprise videos http://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLoLQ9unpi4OEEM3rUVjLGa0pUaXQvW3Wd

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I have reviewed several Play Doh toys over the last several months, and the Play Doh Perfect Twist Ice Cream Playset is one of the most elaborate. It allows children (and parents too) to create and run their own ice cream shop. My daughter is 3 years old and she loves to play with ice cream (not quite as much as actually eating it). The Play Doh Perfect Twist is a fun playset, but clean-up is a bit of a pain.

– Comes with two small cans of standard Play Doh (Blue and Green) and three cans of Play Doh Plus (White, Green, and Pink) – I would have preferred that it came with larger cans of Play Dow.

– While you can make swirly and twist ice cream – it is impossible to separate once it has been twisted together. This means that you will fly through Play Doh unless your children want to make lots of *rainbow* ice cream.

Final Verdict – The Play Doh Perfect Twist Ice Cream Playset is fun, but it does have a few drawbacks. I wish it came with larger cans of Play Doh and it is a pain to clean up after, but all kids love playing with ice cream.

TheEngineeringFamily has loads of family friendly content

In this Playlist The Assistant goes on adventure with Scooby Doo, Paw Patrol, Peppa Pig, Disney Frozen, and Doc McStuffins

Everyone loves to see TheEngineeringFamily and The Assisitant open up Surprise Eggs – check out this play list and catch up on any that you may have missed http://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLoLQ9unpi4OEEM3rUVjLGa0pUaXQvW3Wd

If you like Nickelodeon’s Paw Patrol you will want to check out this Playlist http://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLoLQ9unpi4OGPJu4ljZxLNfdoR6ODDu2n

Everyone likes to play with Play Doh – see all of TheEngineeringFamily collection of Play Doh videos http://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLoLQ9unpi4OH9jNiMLh7rjiCDCVIImHa_

Of course we have lots of videos featuring Disney Frozen and Queen Elsa http://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLoLQ9unpi4OFf4j5478bn41R8iywz8OMB

Check out the Adventures of The Assistant and Wiggles! It is our animated series featuring the Assistant, her Dog Wiggles, and science experiements! https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLoLQ9unpi4OHbJtfVcfgDIoyZw75FHF-E #Familyfun #Familyfunforeveryone #Theengineeringfamily

Lately, I have had the opportunity to evaluate several external power banks. I have also reviewed several small wireless N routers that can be used for travel. However, I have never reviewed a product quite like the EASYACC Wi-Stor. It combines a beefy power bank (8800mAh), with a router, AND it has the capability for file sharing across platforms…including iPhones and iPads.

That is not to say that the EASYACC Wi-Stor has completely unlimited capabilities. In a perfect world you could store dozens of movies, thousands of songs, and millions of pictures on an external drive that you could stream to your iPad. While it will work for pictures I have not been able to stream in other types of media to my iPad. This may limit your movie watching ability, but it still is a powerful tool -especially for business. This is a device that will allow you to arrange all of your PDF and Word files onto a disc that can be accessed remotely but multiple parties. POs, invoices, and other documents can be easily filed and pulled up when needed.

Notes –

– Features a 8800mAh power bank. This is enough capacity to fully charge an iPad 2 or charge an iPhone 3-4times. It also gives the EASYACC Wi-stor the ability to work as a file server and router without the need of an external power supply. Make sure that you push (and hold) the power button for 3 seconds before trying to charge any device.

– Wireless A/G/N supported router. Having a small wireless router is helpful when you travel. You never know when you are going to come across a hotel room that only has free LAN through ethernet cables. With a small router you can broadcast your own wireless signal. Also, the fact that it can be run off of the power bank means that you can use it as a router in the event of a power outages.

– The file sharing requires a SD card, external hard drive, or USB jump drive none-of-which are included.

– File sharing is not quite perfect – it works great for pdf, word, and jpg – but I have not been able to transfer a movie from an SD card back to my iPad. Also, I have been unable to transfer anything from my iPad back to the SD card on the EASYACC. I am attributing this mostly to the restrictiveness of Apple and less as a deficiency on the part of EASYACC.

– Remember to change the security settings – if you re going to store PO’s and invoices using the default username and password will likely leave your files vulnerable.

– Requires that you download the free version of FTPManager – the app is a bit clumsy, and the directions for setting up the router through FTPManager are not exactly correct, but a little common sense will walk you through the set-up

– Charges through a 5V 1A USB port – I wish that you had the option to plug it into a 110V wall outlet, but I guess this allows it to more of a global device.

– Size – it is a bit on the heavy side and it is about 30% larger than a deck of cards, in fact it is roughly the size of an iPhone, but weighs about 20% more

– Does not come with a case.

Final Verdict- The EASYACC Wi-Stor is one of the better tablet accessories available to businessmen/women. It allows colleagues to wirelessly share files across platforms. This allows PO’s or other sales related documents to be available, with near limitless capacity. You will need to work through your security settings, but the EASYACC Wi-stor is a great blend of file sharing, portable router, and file server. Recommended

4 1/2 Stars

Please Note – I received this product for reviewing purposes

Check out the Adventures of The Assistant and Wiggles! It is our animated series featuring the Assistant, her Dog Wiggles, and science experiements! https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLoLQ9unpi4OHbJtfVcfgDIoyZw75FHF-E #Familyfun #Familyfunforeveryone #Theengineeringfamily

Let me begin my by saying that I while I am a big of rechargeable products (I even own a Chevy Volt), but it is not because I am an overly Green kinda guy. I simply like the convenience and simplicity of electric powered gadgets. Plug-in and charge – and off you go – there is no worries about the price of gasoline- worries about starting after a winter or any of the minor inconveniences associated with the internal combustion engine.

The Greenworks rechargeable mowers have a few other advantages – they are lightweight, very maneuverable, and quiet to operate. I use the 19 inch mower as an alternative (partial alternative at least) to running a weedwacker/trimmer. Compared to a traditional gas powered mower it is easier to mow around corners, next to my fence, between trees and other tight spots. For that purpose the Greenworks 19 inch – 40 Volt rechargeable mower has worked very well.

Notes –

– The 40Volt batteries provide adequate power – I have noticed that in mulching mode that thick grass (when you are trying to reduce grass height by about 1 1/2 inch) can bog down a bit. Slowing down your mowing speed or using the side discharge helps reduce the problem.

– Battery life of the 40 Vole 4AmpHour battery is pretty good – you can get a solid 20-30 minutes of mowing (off of a full charge) before the battery is dead

– It takes about 2 hours to fully charge the battery

– When storing the battery for Winter it is best to store the battery with 30-60% charge remaining

– Comes with a charging station – my version also came with 2 40 Volt 4Amp Hour batteries – check to find out which and how many batteries yours will come with.

– Has three mowing options – side discharge, mulching, and bagging – although the bag is a little smaller than I would like, but I rarely use since it does reduce the maneuverability of the mower.

– 6 height adjustments – it is very easy to change the height of the cut

– The handle folds down for a more compact storage

– Has a metal mowing deck – some models are plastic

– Uses a red key that plugs in next to the battery – I am not sure why it uses a key, and you would never want to lose it.

– The padding on the handle has already begin to tear around the edge, which is a bit disappointing

Final Verdict – I like the Greenworks 40 Volt Lithium Ion Rechargeable mower it is maneuverable enough to help me mow around the tight spots around my yard. I would prefer if it had a little more power, but so far I am still very pleased with the mower.

4 1/2 Stars

Check out the Adventures of The Assistant and Wiggles! It is our animated series featuring the Assistant, her Dog Wiggles, and science experiements! https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLoLQ9unpi4OHbJtfVcfgDIoyZw75FHF-E #Familyfun #Familyfunforeveryone #Theengineeringfamily

I am a bit of a sucker for bluetooth speakers. My wife teases me because over the last 6 months or so I have reviewed about a dozen. It may be somewhat surprising but I am noticing an gradual improvement in overall sound quality and overall performance even in this short amount – each new speaker seems to be a little bit better than the ones that I tested the previous month. The HMDX Jam Plus certainly fits that mold – as a stand alone speaker it has solid performance (especially for its size) but once it is paired to a second HMX Jam Plus – it really begins to shine.

Notes –

– As mentioned, two HMDX Jam Plus speakers can be paired for true stereo sound. The pairing process is super easy – set one speaker to left, one to right and hold each power button for 5 seconds (while it is off) – once you hear the drum you know that they are paired.

– As both a pair and as a solo speaker the sound volume is impressive – not quite to the Supertooth level, but at this price point I am shocked at the overall volume. At this price point you can buy two HMDX Jam Plus for the price of a moderately priced bluetooth speaker…. the HMDX sounds better than many of these middle-of-road bluetooth speakers (not to be confused with the high-end stereo bluetooth speakers NuForce S3-BT – which are elite).

– The sound quality is better than average – as you would expect for a speaker of this size the bass response is a bit shallow. As a whole the speaker lacks depth and crispness, but when you a second speaker this is largely negated. Again…. at this pricepoint it will be hard to do better.

– Need to be used in isolation of other bluetooth devices or you will get interference in the speakers causing them to sound full of static and muffled. This is not a issue isolated to the HMDX Jam Plus since I have the same problem with the SuperTooth Disco Twin

– The biggest negative is that speaker is prone to scratches – this compounded by the fact they a carrying case is not included. The speaker is small, but if you throw it into your backpack the speaker will get scratched.

– Small – roughly half the size of a can of soda/bear

– Rechargeable batteries – battery life is rated at 4 hours, but expect less when played at higher volumes

Final Verdict – The HMDX Jam Plus is nearly the perfect inexpensive bluetooth speaker. It offers plenty of volume, better than average sound, can be paired wireless – I just wish that it didn’t scratch so easily. Even with that – I still recommend it to anyone who is looking for small stereo bluetooth speakers.

4 Stars

Please note – I received this speaker for reviewing purposes

Check out the Adventures of The Assistant and Wiggles! It is our animated series featuring the Assistant, her Dog Wiggles, and science experiements! https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLoLQ9unpi4OHbJtfVcfgDIoyZw75FHF-E #Familyfun #Familyfunforeveryone #Theengineeringfamily

We love Disney Jr’s “Doc McStuffins” on the Disney Channel. See all of our Surprise videos http://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLoLQ9unpi4OEEM3rUVjLGa0pUaXQvW3Wd

Please Subscribe Here http://www.youtube.com/user/TheEngineeringFamily?sub_confirmation=1

Disney Junior’s Doc McStuffins has quickly become one of the most popular cartoons on television. Doc McStuffins is world’e foremost physician dealing in the troubles of toys… stuffed, powered, or otherwise… we once saw her pump life back into a deflated soccer ball. The show is very entertaining (for our 3 year old), helps remove fear of doctors, and it always teaches a helpful life lesson. What is there not to like?

In the show, once Doc McStuffins has a diagnosis she writes it down in her, “Big Book of Boo Boos” so that she has a record for future reference! Disney has always recognized how to mass market to children (and their parents) – so that have brought us the “Doc McStuffins Big Book of Boo Boos” Activity Set. I’ll admit that we were surprises that the set is essentially a well packaged activity book, three crayons, three packs of stickers, and two ink stamps.

Notes-

– The activity book really is kinda novel – there are instructions for places to stick the stickers…. things to color, and so on.

– We had an issue getting the two ink stamps to work – which is a bit a of a disappointment.

– Our daughter does enjoy the three packs of stickers!

– Includes a red, blue, and purple crayons. The crayons are slightly oversized but otherwise they are nothing special

Final Verdict- The Doc McStuffins Big Book of Boo Boos was fun for our daughter, but at this price point we really did expect a little bit more. If you have a little one that is a fan of Doc McStuffins I would recommend the Doc McStuffins Dress Up PlaySet or the Doc McStuffins Doctor’s Bag – both of which are big winners!

3 Stars

TheEngineeringFamily has loads of family friendly content

In this Playlist The Assistant goes on adventure with Scooby Doo, Paw Patrol, Peppa Pig, Disney Frozen, and Doc McStuffins

Everyone loves to see TheEngineeringFamily and The Assisitant open up Surprise Eggs – check out this play list and catch up on any that you may have missed http://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLoLQ9unpi4OEEM3rUVjLGa0pUaXQvW3Wd

If you like Nickelodeon’s Paw Patrol you will want to check out this Playlist http://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLoLQ9unpi4OGPJu4ljZxLNfdoR6ODDu2n

Everyone likes to play with Play Doh – see all of TheEngineeringFamily collection of Play Doh videos http://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLoLQ9unpi4OH9jNiMLh7rjiCDCVIImHa_

Of course we have lots of videos featuring Disney Frozen and Queen Elsa http://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLoLQ9unpi4OFf4j5478bn41R8iywz8OMB​​​.

About Doc McStuffins
Who doesn’t love seven year old Doc McStuffins? We love this little doctor to be on Disney Jr. Like The Engineering Family, she uses imaginative play to learn life lessons and grow her smarts! Thus it’s no surprise The Engineering Family has toy unboxings and Disney game videos dedicated to the one and only Doc McStuffins. From Doc McStuffins episodes reenacted with Doc McStuffins toys to toy reviews like Doc McStuffins Stuffy’s Check Up Set and the Doc McStuffins Rockin’ Doc Sing Along Boombox, there is something for all your Disney junior. ​​​

Check out the Adventures of The Assistant and Wiggles! It is our animated series featuring the Assistant, her Dog Wiggles, and science experiements! https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLoLQ9unpi4OHbJtfVcfgDIoyZw75FHF-E #Familyfun #Familyfunforeveryone #Theengineeringfamily