Thursday, July 28, 2011

Make Your Own Face Paint

Here is a fun activity to entertain kids, especially at parties.  Make your own face paint and the possibilities are endless!  It is easy to apply and easy to take off.

Duration: 10 minutes

Materials Needed:
  • 1 part cornstarch
  • 1/2 part water
  • 1/2 part cold cream
  • food coloring
1. Mix all the ingredients together and apply with cotton swabs.

2. Have fun!


Monday, July 25, 2011

Paper Jamz Pro Series Microphone by WowWee Review and Giveaway (Closed)

Here is a little tidbit about me... I used to be a elementary music teacher.  I love anything musical or music related.  That being said, people automatically assume that I can sing.  Well, my husband will tell you differently.  Voice was not my major, although I love to sing and happily do so regardless!




When I heard about Paper Jamz new Pro Series Microphones, I had to find out more about it.  This could make me the singer I always wished I could be!  If you remember, Paper Jamz are the makers of the popular paper-thin but pro-level musical instruments and electronics.  The Pro Series Microphones use real-time, cutting-edge technology called Perfect Pitch™ , which allows kids (and adults!) of all ages to sing with rock star-quality vocals.

I have been having a blast with the new Pro Series Microphone.  This is a real mic that you can use to sing your favorite songs.  The brains behind the microphone is the 4x2 inch box that acts as both an amplifier and tuner.  It uses pitch detection to transform the quality of your voice  in real time as you sing, with five different modes: Solo/Duet, Auto Harmony, Auto Vibrato, Chorus, and Auto.  Here's a breakdown:

  1. Solo/Duet Mode: Sing with the artist or become the artist by turning the original vocal track ON or OFF
  2. Auto Harmony: Doubles or triples singer’s voice and shifts pitch to create perfect harmonies
  3. Auto Vibrato: Adds perfect intonation and pitch variation
  4. Chorus: Multiplies singer’s vocals to add depth
  5. Auto: Recreate original sound of song with real-time effects
The Pro Series Microphone also has voice effects.  This is where the real fun begins!  Below are listed the 5 effects you can play around with.
  1. Perfect Pitch: Corrects your pitch so you’re automatically in tune
  2. Chorus: Multiplies your voice to add depth
  3. Auto Vibrato: Adds dramatic effect to your voice
  4. Melody Match: Tunes your voice so you always sing a perfect melody
  5. Auto Harmony: Sound like part of a perfectly harmonized duo
I loved the perfect pitch feature.  It works to correct your voice and makes it sound like you think it does while singing in the shower.  The auto vibrato is great too.  It gives you voice a funky vibrato that is just plain fun to hear.

Included in the Paper Jamz Pro Series Microphone is 2 built-in songs to help you get started.  You can easily add songs from your own musical library by using the Paper Jamz Pro app.  Most songs can be downloaded to your instrument, but only those that are "Certified Compatible" take full advantage of your instrument’s play-along functionalities.  The mic can be connected to your computer so you can easily drag and drop songs to and from iTunes.

The Pro Microphone comes in 3 colors: pink, neutral, and grey, and retails for $29.99.   It is recommended for ages 8 and up.  The mic will be available starting in July at Walmart stores. The product will also be available at Target this summer.

Want to win a Paper Jamz Pro Series Microphone of your very own?  Fill out the form below and enter to win!

 The Giveaway will run from 12:00pm on 7/25/11 to 12:00pm on 8/1/11.  U.S. entrants only, please.

Congratulations to Katherine R, winner of the Paper Jamz Giveaway.  The winner will have 48 hours to provide thier shipping address or another winner will be chosen.