Urban Suburban Mommy

Category Archives: Mommy Approved

At the barber shop

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I really want the boys to start caring about their appearance. At 8 and 6, they’re no longer babies, and I want them to start developing certain habits – like checking that their clothes are clean and neat, keeping their hats in good shape, taking baths or showers after sports – and going to the barber shop to get their hair cut properly.
He loves coming back from the barber

He loves coming back from the barber

The haircuts are actually a big thing in our house. I love their hair to grow long and shaggy, but my husband likes their hair high and tight, like his own. He goes so far as to pick the boys up at school on his days off and take them for haircuts, because when I’m around I always find a reason not to let them cut their long blond shag.

Seriously – my husband goes without my consent. I guess they’re his boys too. And I haven’t lost it on him yet. He tortures me by texting me pictures mid-cut.

Lloyd Christmas, Dumb and Dumber (played by Jim Carrey)

Lloyd Christmas, Dumb and Dumber (played by Jim Carrey)

But the problem was, he was taking them to cheapie mall shops. It was hit and miss. My 8 year old had ‘Dumb & Dumber’ bangs, a la Lloyd Christmas, just in time for picture day.

So I started insisting that if he’s going to get their hair cut, he has to use a proper barber. Luckily, we have The Hastings Barber Shop at the corner. It’s a cool shop with real barbers who know how to give a good cut and a shave. While the boys may have to wait another couple of years for the shave, they do a mean Harvard clip and a great tapered shag.

My husband, who has a great love for shaving his own head and wearing facial hair, is being won over by the barber shop experience. I mean, if I love the pampering of going to the salon, why shouldn’t they get the barber shop experience.

And now that he’s barbering, I think I’ve found the perfect Father’s Day treat for him. I stumbled across Truefitt & Hill. This established British line is available in a few shops, locally and around the world, and is really a virtual haberdashery. I can’t decide exactly what I want, but I have a thing for those manly smells, leather, cigar smoke and scotch, intermingling in a musky aftershave that lingers in the air as if to say, “Your man was just here.”

I see him with a straight razor, because they’re just a great piece of paraphernalia of manhood. The clippers may be okay for his head, but I think a clean and careful razor is a wonderful piece to own.

And the boys need some pomade for shine and hold without being overly chemical laden

And I’m kind of thinking he might need this gift set. (I lie. It’s for me. I can’t get enough of their scents.)

Lots of great products, I love the rediscovery of the barbershop and the the things that go along with it. Can’t wait for my guys to enjoy these.

Food. The answer is food.

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Know what the hardest part of parenthood seems to be for me?

Food.

It’s an ongoing frustration for me. There’s breakfast. There’s lunch. And then, before you know it, there’s dinner. And it’s not like it ends there. Noooo. They want snacks and desserts and on top of it all, you have to shop for it all, make sure it’s all coordinated, fresh, nutritious and delicious.

Right?

Well, that’s how it feels for me, anyways. I work full time. I find getting good, hot nutritious dinners on the table – meals the kids will eat – is a constant battle. It wasn’t quite as hard when I had just one babe, but once the second arrived I realized that I just might not be the master of the meal that I always thought I would be.

The best thing happened when I brought my second little one home – a friend sent a week of meals to me as a baby gift.

GoodFood delivery!

GoodFood delivery arrives in organized pre-measured packages sealed in a freezer type box.

It was the best gift ever. She lives 2,500 miles away and somehow discovered an amazing local chef (who, coincidentally, and unbeknownst to her, was also a good friend of mine) who provides meal delivery and uses only fresh, whole ingredients.

Dishes arrived in reusable containers with instructions for how to reheat, what to pair, possible combinations and a few little treats.

The week of meals probably saved my family from starvation.

Prepping a GoodFood meal

Prepping a GoodFood meal – Roast Pork & Crunchy Apple Salad with Braised Endive in Mustard Sauce

Don’t underestimate the power of food. And if you’re just not able to make it, there’s no shame in finding someone who can. There’s a reason why meal delivery services are cropping up – they’re an awesome alternative to restaurant delivery. Can’t eat pizza every night (sometimes I’m not sure why!) so having access to someone who can prep meals and bring them over is a beautiful thing.

GoodFood - heating it all up

GoodFood – heating it all up

GoodFood, a local meal delivery company, recently gave us a sampler care package. With a 4 year old and a 6 month old, Suburban Mom Michelle, gave it a try. It was tasty, and even better, it was easy!  The meals only took about 35 minutes to make and the service provided inspiration to get creative and healthy in the kitchen. Suburban Mommy Michelle says: My absolute favorite dish was the Lebanese-Style Meatballs over Bulgur and Crispy Green Beans. I am still dreaming about them.

It’s not a new idea, and we can’t be the only ones finding meals a huge effort, the likes of supper prep and meal services are cropping up all over. From Supperworks – where you go in, make meals as a group and have a week’s worth of decent dinner from a night’s efforts, to Chef’s Plate, feeding your family for you is a thriving industry! You can say pshaw to your mama’s slowcooker, these have made it even easier!

Grocery delivery. Food boxes. Meat packs. It’s all about getting you fed with some flavour and nutrition. And they do it with style, making you feel good about it too!

And if you’d like to save $25 and give GoodFood a try, use this link for your first order: makegoodfood.ca/urbansuburbanmommy.

GoodFood simmering on the stove

GoodFood simmering on the stove – Pork and Bean Stew with Winter Squash and Chopped Kale

 

Mommy approved: Netflix

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Before anyone even gets started, I want to say that yes, I limit screen time.

Well, I try.

Hell, some days I let the TV babysit. It’s not often, but a mama’s gotta do what a mama’s gotta do, so don’t judge. It’s survival parenting.

We gave up cable a few years ago. It was over $100 a month, and I’m not a big TV watcher. My husband works late and we don’t put the TV on until after kids are asleep – if at all – and we would watch the shows we’d PVR’d. It was Hell’s Kitchen or Survivor, but rarely live TV.

So we cut the cable, bought an antenna and signed up for Netflix. Best decision ever.

netflix

The antenna gives us a number of local channels so we get news and local public broadcasting as well as some sports events and current programming, but it’s Netflix that we go to most.

The best part about Netflix is NO COMMERCIALS. I’m not opposed to commercials in general, but kids aren’t equipped to consume commercials.

With cable TV kids start asking for every piece of advertising thrown at them – and I can’t control what they consume with commercials cropping up for any and everything being hawked these days.

The worst was when my son told me he had the solution for me wanting to lose weight, he’d seen this lady, Jenny Craig, who promised results.

Not cool. So very not cool.

They wanted sugar cereal and crazy toys and didn’t understand why everyone didn’t get a new car every day. Cable TV most definitely has some flaws in the advertising to kids…

With Netflix, no commercials. I control what they watch. I can save endings for later, pause, rewind and rewatch. They can watch an entire series – and do. I can tell them how many shows they’re allowed in a day and in a week. They can budget their TV watching. They can watch on a tablet, a TV, an iPhone or a computer, so in a pinch I can throw on a show anywhere we are and they can continue watching it.

There is some comfort in the TV doing a bit of babysitting for me because with Netflix, at least I’m in control and can customize what they watch – and what they don’t.

Before I had kids I thought I’d be the last one to let them watch TV. But I do. And I’m okay with that.

#Survival Parenting for the win!

Dressing boys can be fun – with celeb stylist Alissia Marciano

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Who says boys are no fun to dress?!
bow tie

Les Gamins G&R bow tie

Being a woman and a mom, I’ve always incorporated boyish elements into my code of dress.  So when I became a mother to two boys, it was a thrill for me to be able to create cool boy looks and drape them on my lovable, little monkeys.

It can be challenging to find stylish duds for little men. I do find that there is a lack of good options when i walk into independent kids clothing boutiques.

For high street stores like Zara Kids, they do have quite a good array of options when it comes to basics – ie: your skinny black jean, lowered crotch jeans and nice thin cotton t-shirts.   But when it comes to unique pieces to layer, it can seem like you have to search high and low before finding that perfect piece.  Here are a few designers and pointers that will make your fashion hunt a lot easier.

  1.  Remember not to shy away from fun patterns when dressing boys.  Mix and match and have a blast – after all you’re only a kid once. (I think…)
  2.  Kids can wear boy ties too!  A nice way to dress up a boys look for a special occasion or dinner out is by choosing a bow tie with a playful pattern. I really like skulls on little boys.  Check out the bow ties below.  My favorite label is Les Gamins G&R.  They are available online…get yours while they last!
  3.  Just like for women shoes are also a hot accessories for boys. They add personality to any little ensemble. Vans are definitely my go-to, but check out AKID as well for some great styles.
  4.  HAVE FUN – these petit munchkins won’t always let you style them so take advantage while you can!

 

 

 

Urban Suburban Daddy’s gifts for new dads

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Lets face it mamas, most of the gifts we get are from other mamas. Those guys don’t seem to go all gaga over baby registries – and even when it’s your hubby’s friend, he expects you to to pick something up for their new arrival.

A close friend just had a baby, and we couldn’t be more excited. Even though I’m dying to get my dose of newborn sweetness, I’m not sure when we’ll go over. We’re just not going to descend on their quiet home with the boys in tow. Sean really wanted to get them something and actually discussed it with me! While mamas are all about the list of necessities and the inside scoop on what the new mama needs, my Urban Suburban Daddy wanted to get something cute, sweet and more personal.

Conventional and useful weren’t as relevant.

So without further ado, here’s Urban Suburban Daddy’s baby gift list:

Pick your favourite band, could be The Ramones, Green Day, The Cure, AC DC – a rockstar onesie is the way to go. Sure it will endure the diaper blowouts and spitups like all the rest, but it still says “Yah, we’re good” like no little pink polka dot number could.

Baby’s first piece of art – why not? If it’s not to juvenile, it’s something that can grow with them. And if you pick a great budding artist, who knows? It could actually be the present that keeps on giving if the artist’s career takes off!

Admittedly, mine is a Star Wars fan, so “something Star Wars” tops every gift list. Stuffies aren’t presents that mommies give each other, we’re way too practical for that – but kids do love them, and they need a few so that they can get really attached to one and have it to snuggle. Darth Vader fits the bill perfectly.

 

Of course any self-respecting baby needs a good pair of kicks, and Urban Suburban Daddy was torn between the Van’s and the Jordans. While we know they won’t need them for a long time and will probably outgrow them before they see any milage at all, they’re pretty cute!

While mama might think of something a little more practical in the way of playing music, this really is a cute little number. They come in some great colours and have a jack for connecting your iPod or phone for audio. It’s perfect for DJ Diaper Pants since we know how much they like to stay up ALLLLLLLLL night!

While none of these will likely ever show up on any baby shower registry, sometimes something fun is just what the new parents need. And that’s okay. We like Urban Suburban Daddy’s take on gifts for the new dad, they give us hope that we haven’t entirely lost our edge!

Day dates

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Urban Daddy and I have a thing – we do day dates.

winter walk

I’m a 9-to-5er, while he’s got odd and ever-changing hours because he works in the film industry. We don’t get a lot of evenings together, and when we do, they’re focussed around the kids.

But while they’re in school, and we’re paying for daycare anyways – it’s the perfect time for a date!

Whether it’s just a quick lunch or an afternoon off of work, we do day dates to perfection. He’s actually a very romantic and creative sort of guy, so there’s often something unexpected.

Remember how fun playing hookie was – when you used to skip class and hit the mall – day dates are that kind of fun; ditching the afternoon and just hanging out. It’s nice just to hang.

day dateI think as parents, we forget that we need to be a couple because we’re so focussed on being someone’s mom and dad. But the relationship needs to be nurtured just the same, and day dates are our way!

If you need some inspiration for a day date, here’s some of our favourites:

The pool. Most public pools have adult swim, we pick one with a whirlpool and sauna – and an outdoor one in the summer.

The beach. Grab a big blanket and board games.

Lunch. Either a quick meet-up at the restaurant downstairs from my office, or a picnic basket and big blanket at the park down the street. Short and sweet!

The spa. A couples massage and some tea while wandering around in a robe and taking a steam. It’s relaxing and indulgent.

Shopping. Costco is really, really fun when it’s not completely packed with weekenders and kids that would rather be anywhere else. IKEA too. Even grocery shopping can make for a great day date.

The pound. We got our second cat, the little white fluffy snowshoe my son lovingly named Captain Coconut, on a day date three years ago on my hubby’s birthday. Two weeks ago we narrowly escaped adopting a dog – a half shepherd/half husky girl named Mika. I think one more pound date and we’ll have a new family member.

A movie. Sometimes there’s something really worth seeing on the big screen. Although I hate paying a sitter so I can sit in the dark and not talk to my husband, afternoon movies are a whole different thing. It’s most definitely hiding away and playing hookie!

Errands. Sometimes there’s a lot of running around to do. It’s better in twos – especially because parking downtown is both expensive and annoying, and with a partner in crime, you have someone to stay with the car while you run in, and someone to sing with when a good one comes on the radio.

Wandering. The park. The neighbourhood. The area around my office. It’s not where you go, it’s who you’re with.

Home. The place all to ourselves. ‘Nuff said.

Mommy’s night out

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I have to admit, one of the things I truly miss is sleeping in on a Saturday morning – especially after a late Friday night out. I go out with my friends occasionally – the hubby too, when I can get a sitter, but when I want to go home at a semi-sensible hour I can’t help but feel a bit lame. I can hear my former self laughing at my mom-self.

And my friends are all “But you have a babysitter!”

But damn, 6am comes early, especially when you go to sleep at 2am! And I don’t have a morning babysitter. And when they suggest shots, it makes me leave even earlier. The only thing worse than 4 hours of sleep, is 4 hours of sleep and a hangover.

The truth is, though, mama needs a night out once in a while. It keeps her sane.

Urban Suburban Daddy has his boys nights. They usually involve sports – football, hockey, UFC. It’s mostly sitting around with the guys. The funny thing is – as my Suburban partner in crime pointed out – mommy asks if she can go out, but with daddy, it’s always an announcement. “I’ve got plans, I’m going out.”

My husband encourages me to have a night out. I’ve realized, it’s me that turns it into a question.

But what do you do when you go out?

Drinking isn’t the fun stuff it used to be. Dancing? Not without the drinking. Board games? Movies? Coffee? Tea? Gossip and giggles? I actually went axe throwing a few weeks back with a group of friends and it was insanely fun!

But one can only go axe throwing so often.

Axe throwing is a lot like darts - but bigger. It's actually insanely fun.

Axe throwing is a lot like darts – but bigger. It’s actually insanely fun.

I’d settle for a quiet place to sit and veg out for a few hours.

Now going out with the hubby – same but different. He’s not a big drinker, so no bars. I refuse to pay a babysitter so that we can sit in the dark for two hours and not talk, so no movies. Concerts, shows and sporting events can get extremely expensive, very quickly, so dinner ends up being the big night out.

House parties. That’s my favourite thing to do. I love to get together with friends, far away from all the young, childless people that want to drink and dance the night away without a concern in the world for being woken up by a 5 year old with a bad dream or a 7 year old that wants pancakes at 6 am!

Friday nights used to be a whole different thing.

 

 

Top 5 baby items I couldn’t live without

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The five baby items I couldn’t live without. I’m not talking about the essentials: diapers, crib, stroller, vaginal reconstruction (which apparently is a thing). I’ve compiled a list of the little miracle gifts I didn’t even know I wanted until they came into my life and afforded me the ability to sleep, eat hot (warm) food and use my hands for tasks other than handling poop.

1. Nipple Shields:

If you are breastfeeding, there may come a time when your nipples stop resembling, well…nipples, and start looking like the shrivelled, chewed-up mess that gravity forgot. Both my babies nursed so hard that eventually my family got sick of me begging them to knock me out and picked up several pairs of thin, silicone nipple shields from Babies ‘R’ Us. These clear, vented covers protect sensitive skin while still allowing your babe to feed on demand. Forgo the pain – save it for when they become toddlers. (walmart.ca, toysrus.ca) Paired with an excellent nursing bra, I managed to look a little less National Geographic.

2. Nursing Pillow:

my best friend pillow - things i couldnt live without

My Breast Friend Nursing Pillow can save your back

My first son was a voracious eater. He nursed for hours at a time. There were days (months) where I’d sit on the couch like a Holstein. A nursing pillow can save your back and provide a comfortable resting surface for baby (mine could also accommodate a magazine and a bowl of popcorn.) We used My Brest Friend (amazon.com well.ca) but do your research to see which one is the most comfortable for you.

3. Baby Carrier:

ERGObaby, Beco, Baby Bjorn, Moby Wrap, I feel like these are all foreign words for “here darling, let me make your life easier by giving you the gift of two arms again.” My oldest had to be on me All. The. Time. I wore that child for ages before he touched the ground. Needless to say, I was an exhausted knuckle dragger until a family member bought me an ERGObaby carrier. Suddenly, I could cook dinner (carefully), wash dishes and fold laundry (wait, why did I want my arms back again??) (store.ergobaby.com)

4. “Tuffo” Outdoor Blanket:

I know. It’s a blanket. So what, right? Only, it’s waterproof on the bottom. It’s machine washable, crazy durable and wraps up in its own carrying bag. Our Tuffo Outdoor Blanket (tuffo.com) became a staple in our household all year long. Soccer games (less “game” more chasing each other around the field), picnics, wet lawns, poolside, play time, nap time, our Tuffo blanket still goes everywhere with us.

5. Sleepers with zippers:

zipped onesie - 5 things i couldnt live without

Don’t wrestle the baby alligator, just go for the zip

Why, just why would you make a sleeping garment with five million snaps? (I’m looking at you, Baby Gap.) Who has a child that A) holds still and B) sleeps through the night without at least one colossal blowout? Parenting is a big enough test. I am not an engineer and doing up snaps on my baby is like crocodile wrestling, only more dangerous. Old Navy makes them (ca) and sometimes you can get lucky at Carter’s/Osh Kosh (cartersoshkosh.ca) or even Costco. But you have to look for them.

 

alexis-head-shotAlexis Nicols is a marketing specialist, actor and freelance writer. She lives in urban Toronto with her husband and two sons, but is definitely suburban at heart. She regularly dodges the slings and arrows of parenting boys, considers herself a connoisseur of stretchy pants and hopes that the light at the end of the tunnel isn’t a train.

For more musings from a mom who wonders when everything below the neck went National Geographic, visit her blog: stopstopcomehere.ca

The most badass stroller ever made

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I fondly remember the years I lived like a rockstar, and have happily put them behind me. But then a stroller like this comes along and I. Just. Can’t. Help. Myself. The limited edition Bugaboo by Diesel Rock collection.
Limited edition Bugaboo by Diesel Rock Collection - tattoo laser-etched Only The Brave

Limited edition Bugaboo by Diesel Rock Collection – tattoo laser-etched Only The Brave

Now there are a few types of strollers in this world:

1) Umbrella strollers that are light, cheap and kill your back if you’re actually taller than 5’4″

2) Sensible and moderately priced strollers that come in all sorts of baby patterns like pink giraffes and blue teddy bears

3) SUV strollers that can ram through anything – from sand dunes to snowbanks

I’m number 3. I’m the original Bugaboo mama who was so excited to take her stroller for a test drive that my poor cat had to ride around in that bright red Bugaboo Frog for 5 weeks.

Poor cat. But my boy sure loved it, and we went everywhere with that stroller. Living in the city you get to do a lot of walking through the neighbourhood, and the Bugaboo was the perfect ride.

My boy, snug as a Bugaboo in the classic red Bugaboo Frog. I loved this stroller.

My boy, snug as a Bugaboo in the classic red Bugaboo Frog. I loved this stroller.

But that was back in 2008. If I were doing it now, it would have to be this bad boy:

It has studs.

STUDS!

It has a few elements that appeal to that girl that once lived like a rockstar: The backrest has a laser-cut emblem, ever-so-tattoo-like, with Diesel’s slogan “Only The Brave” emblazoned in the black-on-black surface. If that’s not the slogan of parenthood, then I just don’t know what is. The wax-coated fabric gives that wet, leather look (but with all the comfort baby needs on the soft interior!). There’s no simple chrome, the anodized metal chassis is sleek, jet black. The silver buttons pop like the metal on that guy’s biker jacket he tossed so effortlessly into the DJ booth.

It’s the stroller you’d take to the night club – except the night club is in your home, and it’s a party of two, maybe three. It’s more of a feeding time than a closing time. But awesome.

This limited edition is part of the Limited edition Bugaboo by Diesel Rock Collection which hit the market on April 1, with all of the matching accessories like footmuff, bassinet and canopy.

 

Our favorite toys when we were growing up

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Toys today can be pretty complex – and expensive.  If you were a product of the 70’s, you know that we had some very cool toys and collectables growing up. Let’s see if you remember or owned some of our faves:

Betty Crocker Easy-Bake Oven

easybake-ad06lf1

Although I never owned an Easy-Bake Oven, I always wanted one! I still dream of making cupcakes by mixing a package together and cooking it with a lightbulb. A childhood friend of mine had one growing up, and I was quite envious of all of her skill and baked goods. Can you tell that I am still bitter?  A 41st birthday coming up, hint hint. This Easy-Bake Oven has been repackaged and upgraded and is available today for our offspring.

Big Wheel

bigwheel1

Damn did I love my Big Wheel with the awesome ribbons dangling from the handles. I felt bad to the bone driving this thing!

Cabbage Patch Kids

cabbage-patch-dolls

I remember my mom stood in line for hours so that I, too, could be the adoptive parent to a Cabbage Patch doll. I had one that looked much like the one on the far right with the brown hair.  Her name was Christine Georgie (I still remember) according to her adoption papers. Apparently, if you still own a Cabbage Patch doll which is still sealed in a the box, you can make some good coin. Collectors will pay top dollar!

Lite Brite

lite-brite

Here is another toy I never owned, but always wanted. This is still such a cool toy.

Hungry Hungry Hippos

Hungry_Hungry_Hippos

What an absolutely neurotic and chaos-causing game – I loved it! I remember hanging out upstairs in my grandmother’s house playing Hungry Hungry Hippos with my cousin and brother. This classic game has also been repackaged and is available for kids today.  Too fun!

Now, besides searching online on ebay or other odd sites, where else can you find some Vintage toys?  I’ve been thinking about getting a couple of those great vintage toys I’ve always wanted – for the kids, of course. Vintage shows are fun and I’ve decided to go to the Toronto Toy Show this coming Sunday (Feb 28, 2016 from 10AM – 4PM at the Toronto Plaza Hotel, 1677 Wilson Avenue). There are a few toys I want to check out, just for nostalgia’s sake, but I will be on the hunt for my Easy-Bake Oven.

Happy birthday to me!

 

 

 

 

 

Why kids love Shimmer and Shine!

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feature shimmer and shine

Ok you even have me singing…Shimmer and Shine….ohhhhh…Genies devine. My 4 year old son absolutely loves this fun, musical and loveable show. In fact, every time we watch an episode my son is ready to sing and dance along with Shimmer and Shine.  The songs are catchy right?

The characters have bold and colorful features that even capture the attention of my 8 month old.  I would definitely say that Shimmer and Shine appeals to a wide age range in terms of audience.  We have had kids over to our house as old as age 7, who have also been engaged by the clever story lines and catchy songs.

shimmer and shine

Shimmer and Shine follows the magical adventures of fraternal twin genies, Shimmer and Shine, who unintentionally create chaos while attempting to grant wishes for their human best friend, Leah.  Shimmer and Shine are often joined by their pets a white Bengal tiger Nahal and adorable monkey Tala.  The genies, Shimmer and Shine remind me of such commotion-causing characters as Amelia Bedelia and Curious George.  Who doesn’t love a good story about comedic mishaps leading to successful resolutions?

Shimmer_and_Shine_Characters_Leah_Zac_Nahal_Tala_Nickelodeon_Nick_Jr._Show

My son is over the moon because Paramount Home Media Distribution recently released Shimmer and Shine on DVD.  You can pick it up at Walmart.  Here is what you can expect when you pick up a copy for your kiddos (besides lots of smiling faces):

Boom Zaharamay, best friends are on the way in these 7 genie-riffic episodes of Shimmer and Shine! When you have two twin genies-in-training and three wishes a day, hillarious magical adventures are never far away!

shimmer and shine video
Our house gives Shimmer and Shine two magical thumbs up!