GENEVIEVE GOINGS GREAT INDOORS

Genevieve Goings has made a name for herself on the children's music scene through her "Choo Choo Soul" performances on the Disney Junior cable channel. The GRAMMY-nominated artist is now debuting her first collection of recordings with the new children's music label 8 Pound Gorilla Records titled GREAT INDOORS being released on February 5, 2021. The same bubbly energy she is loved for on Disney Junior is contained within her GREAT INDOORS selection of original tunes which showcase the kids music with soul that Goings in known for.

Inspired by her single "Shadow Puppets" we have a Geek Daddy challenge for a chance to win a free digital download of GREAT INDOORS. For a chance to win create a shadow puppet then share a picture of it on Twitter tagging @Geekdad248 & @ChooChooGirl with the hashtag #shadowpuppetchallenge. Submit your entries before Feb 1, 2021 to be eligible for this prize. Have some fun and show us your shadow puppets. I'm geeked to see your entries!

For those of you who aren't artistically inclined to participate in the photo contest, I also have a few more digital downloads to giveaway. Just complete the Rafflecopter entries below by 11:59 pm ET on February 2, 2021 for a chance to win a digital download of Genevieve Goings' GREAT INDOORS. Must be a United States or Canadian resident over 18 years old to participate. Good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Songs among the GREAT INDOORS collection of tunes include "Grateful" a cheerful anthem towards making the best of sheltering in place, "Candy" a fun 80's inspired dance track, "Shadow Puppets" which sparks creativity and "Summer All Year Long" (featuring Samantha Smith) inspiring kids to create their own tropical setting when they are stuck inside, and “Bed Time” to help kids wind down and relax into dreamland. GREAT INDOORS brings the urban/pop sensibilities the musician is known for that both existing fans and new listeners are sure to love. 

For more information about this artist head over to her Facebook page where she has a fairly active presence.

TUNES WITH TIM

Chicago-based children's musicians Tunes with Tim has just released a brand new kindie rock album and it has already been awarded a 2021 National Parenting Products Award. Kindie rock is a style of children's music that  merges the adult sensibilities of a musician with themes focused towards children. These songs are meant to be educational as well as entertaining for young audiences while also carrying a tune that adult listeners can appreciate. Tim Bredrup (aka Tunes with Tim) has been blending pop/rock/jazz/hip-hop since 2013 in energetic kids concerts.

After a tumultuous 2020, Tim wants to share with families some great tunes to get 2021 off to an upbeat start. So the new Tunes with Tim album, WE'RE ALL HUMAN, is available on bandcamp.com for whatever you can afford to pay. Whether it is tossing a penny or an Andrew Jackson a a tip into Tunes with Tim's virtual guitar case you can name your own price to purchase a download of this digital album through bandcamp. There is no minimum price because Tim knows money is tight for many families right now and he wants to inspire as many kids as possible with his tunes right now.

In collaboration with Bredrup, WE'RE ALL HUMAN was produced/engineered/mixed by Grammy-nominated Jamie Candiloro (R.E.M., The Eagles, Ryan Adams, Willie Nelson) and mastered by Grammy-winning Scott Hull (Sting, Steely Dan, Dave Matthews, John Mayer). Inspired by his own family, Tim's tunes in WE'RE ALL HUMAN are aimed at creating a refreshing music listening experience the whole family can enjoy together. Some great kid-friendly tunes parents can feel comfortable letting their children rock out to!

If you have young kids at home, WE'RE ALL HUMAN is a fun way for them to exhaust some energy while singing and dancing along to tunes that teach them music basics including rhythm, melody and harmony. Tunes with Tim gets a Geek Daddy nod of approval for providing jump around tunes that get children thinking while they bounce around to the music. Plus this dad blogger appreciates the spirit of togetherness instilled both through the lyrics of these tunes as well as the artist's name your own price download policy in this time where there is so much public anx among one another. 

Check out WE'RE ALL HUMAN from Tunes with Tim via Bandcamp.com. 

THE CASAGRANDES DVD GIVEAWAY

Ronnie Anne is an independent, skateboard loving 11-year-old who moved to the big city with her mom and brother to live with their extended family, the Casagrandes. Her new life promises to be an adventure, now that she’s living under one roof with her grandparents, aunt, uncle, cousins, and a sass-talking parrot. As if that weren’t enough excitement, her bedroom is directly below the bedroom of her best friend, Sid. And on the ground floor is the family run market (the Mercado), which is a gathering place for all their quirky neighbors. 

While her brother Bobby helps run the Mercado with their gossip-loving Abuelo, Ronnie Anne and Sid explore the city, making fun new friendships along the way. She’s also getting to know everyone in her bustling multigenerational Mexican-American family. Her new life is full of new discoveries, love, laughter and plenty of food!

Get to know the familia of the Emmy-award winning Nickelodeon animated tv series by watching the complete first season on DVD. The Casagrandes: The Complete First Season can be added to your home entertainment video library on February 2, 2021 when this collection of episodes is released on DVD. You can pick up The Casagrandes: The Complete First Season at Best Buy. If you get it through a Geek Daddy affiliate link this dad blogger will receive a small commission at no additional expense to your purchase. Thanks for your support!

I also have one of these DVD sets to giveaway courtesy of Paramount Home Entertainment. For a chance to win it just complete the Rafflecopter entries below before 11:59 pm ET on February 1, 2021. Must be a United States resident over 18 years old to participate in this promotion. Good luck! 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

SALIVA COVID TESTS

Need to get tested for Covid-19 and would prefer not to have a swab jammed up your nasal cavity? A reliable saliva-based test is now available for Metro Detroit residents. This COVID saliva test is available at the Birmingham Royal Oak Medical Group located adjacent to the Meijer in the City of Royal Oak. There is no charge for the test as it is covered under the Cares Act for those with or without insurance. However, an office visit is needed to order the test.

“We are offering this brand new COVID test by appointment only and same day appointments are available,” says Dr. Mumtaz George. “We’re asking people who have even the slightest doubt to protect themselves and those around them by calling our office to schedule this new non-intrusive COVID test. Due to high demand, we’re expecting a large amount of calls. If we do not answer the phone right away, please leave a message and our scheduler will return the call promptly.”

The test is simple to do and alleviates the discomfort of the nasal swab test. All one needs to do is make an appointment and provide a saliva sample, which can be done in the comfort of one’s own vehicle in the clinic’s parking lot. The new saliva test is over 99% accurate and the results can be found on the online portal in 24 to 48 hours. For more information call 248/288-9500 or visit birminghamroyaloakmedical.com. 

Clinic hours are Monday-Friday 9 am to 5 pm, Saturday 10 am to 3 pm, and Sunday Noon to 3 pm. This is just down the street from my house so if I need a Covid test this is how I'll get it done for sure. Wasn't looking forward to possibly having one of those swab sticks jammed up my nose. This seems like a way more convenient and comfortable way to get it done.

ESCAPE TO SALVATORFEST

After 2020 we could all use a nice getaway. While there is still a ways to go before travel becomes common place again, Paulaner USA is hosting a great sweepstakes for a trip in 2022 to attend one of the world's best brew fests in Munich, Germany. Enter to win a VIP vacation to attend the famed Salvatorfest bier festival!

During the Middle Ages, monks in Munich's monasteries had to fast for 40 days during Lent but while restricted from consuming food they were allowed to indulge in beer. The monks crafted a beverage called ‘Flüssiges Brot’(liquid bread) that was rich in nutrients and calories along with the added bonus of being alcoholic. The first monks known for brewing these beers, the Paulaners, named their batches 'Salvator.'

Eventually drinking these starkbiers (strong beers) expanded beyond the walls of the monasteries into the city of Munich and throughout Bavaria. Enjoying Salvator became a Lenten tradition that evolved into a local starkbier festival that has taken place for generations. The brewery started by monks in the 1600s is now the largest in Munich and has transformed to a family-owned business which exports a portfolio of beers to more than 70 countries. As time has passed and the brewery has evolved, Paulaner still remembers how it started by hosting Salvatorfest during Lent.

If you would like to Escape to Salvatorfest, CLICK HERE to submit an entry in the Paulaner USA sweepstakes. One lucky winner will win a trip to Munich, with special VIP accommodations and privileges courtesy of Paulaner USA. Additional prizes are available in this Escape to Salvatorfest promo as well. So get your entries in before March 15, 2021! I sure would be thrilled to win this sweepstakes myself and wish everyone good luck in the chance to win this awesome trip.

MYRTLE BEACH MEGA SALE

One of my family's best vacations has to be hands down the road trip we took to Myrtle Beach, South Carolina in 2019. We had a wonderful stay at the Crown Reef Resort, one of 14 oceanfront resorts owned by Vacation Myrtle Beach properties. In fact, my wife just the other day brought up the idea of us heading back to Myrtle Beach for a beach vacation sometime soon. The whole family had a great experience the last time we were there!

The pandemic has hurt travel destinations and if you are interested in taking a vacation in 2021 now is the time to get some great travel deals. From January 13 - 15, Vacation Myrtle Beach is having a MEGA SALE where you can get up to 45% off the normal price of a beach vacation at one of their oceanfront resorts. Because of availability there are no black out dates and they are providing a flexible cancellation policy due to the pandemic. This is a great deal you won't want to miss out on!

Go to vacationmyrtlebeach.com for more information. From the great experience my family had staying at a Vacation Myrtle Beach resort, they've absolutely earned a Geek Daddy nod of approval. Don't wait because these deals are only guaranteed for 3 days! Get your vacation on in 2021 with a trip to Myrtle Beach, South Carolina.

AUGMENTED REALITY BABY YODA

As I was getting ready to call it a night on Christmas Eve, a commotion by our home's fireplace caught my attention. Could it be Santa coming down the chimney?! Nope ... it was Baby Yoda!

With the kids in bed for the night, Baby Yoda from The Mandalorian television show on Disney+ stopped by to be Santa's helper for the night in putting holiday gifts under our Christmas tree. Baby Yoda visited our house courtesy of augmented reality through the Google app. Download this free app for Apple and Android devices to have Baby Yoda stop by your place too!

Open this search engine app and look up "Baby Yoda", "Grogu", "The Child," or "The Mandalorian." Then select the "View in 3D" option that appears to see this pop culture sensation on your screen standing in your surroundings via your smart phone's camera. You can then take selfies with Grogu, videos of the lil creature exploring the landscape around you, or stage pictures of Baby Yoda doing fun things like checking out the presents under your Christmas tree. 

I was geeked to play around with Baby Yoda via the Google app. While the interactions are limited to The Child moving its head around and vocalizing some of the sounds Grogu expresses on The Mandalorian it was still fun to see a life-like version of the character that we could take pictures and video with around our house.