One of my goals lately is to try to be more eco-friendly. Recycle what can be recycled. Use less. Rinse. Repeat. But with 3 kids, sometimes it can be hard. However, I do have them trained with soda cans, school papers and boxes. While trying to to instill how recycling helps the environment, I guess I never really thought about what actually happens once the recycling truck takes away our containers and recycled goods. (I am just thankful they are gone and I am teaching my kids their part in helping to be more eco-friendly.)
Enter Preserve and Recycline, an innovative, green home products company, which closes the recycling cycle.
The Preserve line takes recycled BPA and phthalate-free plastic, including yogurt cups, and re-recycles them into stylish, affordable, and eco-friendly toothbrushes. And when it’s time to get new toothbrushes for the family, you can print out a pre-paid postage label from Recycline’s website, send the used toothbrushes back to them and the plastic will live on as a deck, picnic table, or boardwalk. (How cool is that?!) The line also includes Preserve Jr. toothbrushes for kids, with animal colors and shapes, making it easy for us to get an early start when it comes to promoting eco-friendly habits. (Because we all know that healthy habits have everything to do with how cute your toothbrush and/or products are. At least according to my 7 year old daughter.)
When I was sent a Recycline Preserve Toothbrush, I was eager to try it. I am very picky about my toothbrushes. Truth is, I love it. The bonus? It will be recycled when I am finished using it. (After 3 months- or strep throat- according to my dentist.)
Also known as “the toothbrush made from yogurt cups,” the Preserve Toothbrush was designed by dentists and engineers to be an innovation in both oral care and eco-friendliness.
The dentist-recommended 45° curved handle and soft bristles guarantee a thorough and even cleaning of your teeth. Available in seven vivid colors, the handle is made from recycled plastic, including Stonyfield Farm® yogurt cups, meaning that fewer natural resources are used to get your teeth sparkling. Combine that with the Preserve’s stylish design and reusable travel case and you’re not only living green, you’re living happy.
When it is time to replace your toothbrush (dentists recommend switching it every three months) send the toothbrush and case back to Preserve using our postage-paid label to be re-processed into plastic lumber for picnic tables, boardwalks and decks.
Features:
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Handle is made from 100% recycled plastic, including Stonyfield Farm® yogurt cups
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Curved, easy to grip handle makes it easy to reach every part of your teeth and gums
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Soft, virgin nylon bristles placed in a tri-level configuration with softer outer rows to protect your gums and tooth enamel
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Available in Medium, Soft, and Ultrasoft
Interested? (Yes, you are as a matter of fact.) Preserve toothbrushes are available at Target stores nationwide for only $2.04 and I have coupons for you! Just go to this site and get your own Recycline Preserve toothbrush coupon and try this bad boy out. Your teeth will thank you. So will the environment.
If you are interested in how all of this works, check out this really informative (and cool!) video on how they do it all. Education is key to clean teeth. Or not. But the video is interesting on Recycline and how it came about and what it is all about.
I am a security freak. Just ask my family. When it comes to locks, we rival Fort Knox. The only problem with that is when I have to hand out keys to kids, neighbors etc. I just don’t like doing that! I want to know who has access and when. Throughout the course of a week, my house needs to be accessed by more than just my husband and myself. I have to consider my kids and in case of emergency, my friends. Sometimes even babysitters or family. It is just not in me to make that many keys. In comes Schlage Locks.
Schlage Locks has recently developed an ingenious solution to this problem by creating an electronic keypad lock and deadbolt for our homes. (Finally! A company that gets me.) They keypad allows access via a fou-digit code that can be customized so members of your family and friends can all access your home using different codes. You know that means? My kids can come up with their own code that they won’t forget! That is a bonus in my book. You have no idea how many times I get the phone call asking what the code is for the security system or the garage etc. This way, each person has their own personalized code. Simplicity (and yet safety) at its finest! Each lock comes with the ability for up to 19 different codes. And– this is where my paranoia is put at ease–you can disable a code whenever you want to. So, say you have to give your code to Uncle Earl when he comes to visit but you certainly do not want him to come over whenever he wants to so you just disable his code when he leaves and it no longer works. Uncle Earl is locked out. (Sorry Uncle Earl!)
No more keeping up with keys, worrying about sending kids to school with keys they may lose or wondering what does this key go to?
For me, it gives me peace of mind knowing that my kids can get into their home if for some reason I am not there and they are the only ones who can use that code to enter. It definitely gives me reassurance that the house and more importantly, my kids, are safe.
After a recent MomCentral survey of over 1,299 people in the MomCentral community about home safety and locks. The responses were nothing short of amazing. A few stats came to light:
80% of Mom respondents reported that stories of local crimes encourage them to rethink their current locks.
70% of Moms have given keys to people who are not members of the household and when asked to consider how many non-residents have keys to their homes,
86% reported feeling at least moderately concerned.
84% of Moms have experienced a child, babysitter, or housekeeper entering a designated “off-limits” area in the home, sometimes with serious consequences.
Almost half (48%) of survey Moms said they would like to leave a spare key hidden outside of the house but don’t feel comfortable doing so.
84% of respondents reported that house members have been locked out of their home at least a couple times per year
And finally, a little plug: 98% of Moms would consider purchasing a Schlage Electronic Keypad Lock for an exterior door!
I have mine and I love it. It is safe, secure and looks good. Which really? That does make a difference. They were even featured on the show Designing Spaces. (That ups your street cred right there if you have one!) Just the look of it is says, “Stay out! I am a secure home!”
See how pretty it is. And how safe it looks. To me, it says Stay Out. I am planning on putting one on my office door and NOT sharing the code. That should help me get my work finished in a more timely manner. I hope.
Seriously? If home security is important to you, please look into these locks. They are as secure as they come. If I did the “how many stars would you give it” kind of rating system, this would by far get 5 stars. Instead–and better in my opinion–it gives me and my family peace of mind. And that is worth everything.
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This review was brought to you courtesy of a partnership with Mom Central.
I must admit, when it comes to new Nintendo DS games, I usually fight my kids to play them first. (Truth be told, I usually lose that fight and have to go second.) The new game for Nintendo DS, Go Pets, Vacation Island was no exception. So as my daughter ripped into it and started, I watched eagerly over her shoulder for my turn to play.
GoPets is based on the online PC game GoPets. It brings the most advanced virtual pets created on the Internet to the most popular hand held entertainment system.
It is both a social network for kids and a cirtual univers, where pets created by each child feel like they are really alive- they have likes and dislikes when it comes to food (just like kids!). In addition you can watch you pet travel in real time between players all over the world!
My daughter loved creating her pets and naming them and treating them as real pets. (That I don’t have to clean up after. Bonus!)
It is also a great learning experience! Kids can win “shells” for performing acts of kindness to their pet or the pet of one of their buddies, allowing them to learn the value of good deeds. And in today’s world, that is a great quality for all of us to have!
The pets in the gam, either a dog or a cat, can be chosen randomly or matched to your child based on their interests. The pets names and appearanc, however, is completely up to your child. As your child amkes his way around the island, caring for his pets and meeting friends, he or she can trade purple shells he earns for different toys and pet suppoles. Your child can also interact with other characters and compete in mini games. Kids can also befriend new islanders, exchange gifts, and even unlocknew places to visit, all while increasing their ranking and the goal of acquiring the title of BIG KAHUNA, the most influential resident of Vacation Island.
Truth be told, I don’t know who had more fun with it, my daughter or me. All I do know for sure is that is it GAME ON in my house to see who can become the Big Kahuna first. My bet is on her, but my hope is with me.
This is a great game for kids as well as adults. It teaches children how to make friends online safely (which is a huge deal for me!) and they can add up to 250 players to their buddy list. I am not sure what it says that she has more friends that I do, but we both have made friends.
I highly recommend this game for anyone who enjoys their DS and virtual pets.
Other features that are a blast to enjoy:
Customize and dress up your dog, cat, or pony in cute, funky outfits
Collect over 700 world decorations, pet accessories, and food items
Build a buddy list of up to 250 friends to exchange messages and gifts with
Send your pet traveling when you’re not using your Nintendo DS, introducting you to more friends
Create and send graphical IKU messages to other characters and players
Play fun mini-games to earn bonus collectibles
Chat and play with your friends in party mode
Now, I am off to buy my own copy. I can’t have HER become the Big Kahuna first, now can I?
Some days it feels my life is lived online. At least a majority of my work is online. What is not online is on my computer. From the freelance articles I write, to rough drafts of my book to photos and videos of my family. I have my life saved of my hard drive. So, what would happen if I was “robbed” of my online life? I would be devastated. Just as my home has a burglar alarm, I know how important it is for my computer to have the equivalent.
Enter Norton 360 Version 2.0.
It is an all-in-one security solution that helps comsumers feel safe and secure when conducting daily computing activities. Norton 360 combines Symantec’s leading security and tuneup technologies with Identiity Protection and automated Backup technologies to help guard against online fraud and protect personal data. From securing against online threats, such as viruses, spyware and hackers to protecting irreplaceable files, photos, and music.
Some key features:
Defends your PC against a broad range of threats from drive-by downloads being stopped before hitting your computer to multi-levels of protection and a smart firewall
Safeguards against online identity theft: One way is by allowing customers to control how their personal information is shared with Web sites
Protects important files from loss: More ootions for backup destinations, knowledge your files were backedup and easily adding files for backup.
Keeps your PC tuned up for peak performance: Includes registry file cleanup, automatic shut down, diagnostic reports and Firefox compatability with its Internet cleanup.
Provides a hassle-free user experience
Protects against the latest online threats
One-click access to expert support right from your Norton 360 product
1 year protection for up to 3 PCs
So what does all of that mean to you and me? It means you can chill out and relax knowing that your computer is safe. That your life online and on your computer is being protected with Norton 360 Version 2.0. Trust me when I say that I am very paranoid when it comes to online security. Norton gives me peace of mind.
In the interest in full disclosure, I was given the opportunity to review this product for myself courtesy of Mom Central.
I have to admit that I have been overwhelmed lately with books to review. Being a fan of Christie Mellor, author of The Three-Martini Playdate, I was more than willing to review her newest book Were You Raised by Wolves?: Clues to the Mysteries of Adulthood
I have to admit up front that when I read on the back “A Hilarious Guide to the Rules of Adulthood” threw me off a bit. Is there a practical guide to adulthood? I think it is mostly trial and error. Having been in this world of adults for a couple of decades, I came into the book with a skeptical attitude. But I will admit there were some great things in this book. I honestly thought that this would be a book that I would skim, try to say something nice about and pass along. However, even if you think you know everything you need to know about being an adult and all things adult, you can learn a thing or two.
This book is very humorous and is written with such a smart, witty tone that it is entertaining for anyone to read. I think this book would make a great gift for anyone graduating from high school and heading off to college or leaving college for “the real world” but otherwise I am not sure who would get the most use out of it. It is a good read, but not one that most women my age would need.
That being said, I really did learn a lot of things from this handbook to adult living. I mean, who knew that dinner parties can be more than just having friends over for beer and pizza? And cocktail glasses? There are different types beyond a mason jar! AND my kitchen is not just a place to store my sweaters in the oven, but I can cook meals in there. I say these things jokingly but this books comes at issues all adults should be familiar with and know. I did enjoy it. And I did learn. In spite of myself.
With the tone of a casual friend giving you step by step directions on how to do the most basic of daily activities (cleaning your toilet and boiling an egg) to more challenging adult activities (throwing a dinner party and having the correct cocktail glasses), she covers all a person can and should know as an adult.
If your parents did it all for you and you are lost, this is the book for you. If you need a few hints, tips and advice from a well meaning friend on how to be a self-sufficient adult, this is the book for you. It’s all about embracing your adulthood and doing it with confidence.
Now anyone who knows me knows that I am far from being a Rookie Mom. With teens and a 7 year old, my rookie days left me about the same time crows feet showed up. However, that did not stop me from thoroughly enjoying this book. The Rookie Mom’s Handbook: 250 Activities to Do with (and Without!) Your Baby is a great resource for Moms– especially for the first time moms. I remember how many times I looked at my new child and thought, “NOW what do I do with you?” The authors, Heather Gibbs Flett and Whitney Moss are both moms and have both been there and done that. (Where were you 15 years ago, ladies?)
I did love reading this book and checking out their website, Rookie Moms. With over 250 activities in the book alone, no new mom will be left with that puzzled look of bewilderment and feelings of “what now?”
This is what the authors had to say:
Inspired by the enthusiasm our website readers had for our activity suggestions, we’ve compiled 250 new and favorite activities and organized them by age. We hope our blog readers will give this diaper bag-friendly book to their pregnant non-bloggy friends.
I have every intention of passing this great gem along to a real rookie mom. (Interested? Leave me a comment!) Though this book is intended for the new mom, any mom with a young child would be thrilled to have this. It is an easy to read, fun romp through the daily activities you and your child can do together.
Most importantly, it reminds Moms to take time for yourself. If ever there was the perfect piece of advice for moms of all ages, that is it. Because there is life beyond middle of the night feedings and poopy diapers. I promise!
On March 25th, Paramount Home Entertainment released the critically-acclaimed adaptation of the best-selling novel THE KITE RUNNER on DVD! Directed by Marc Forster (Finding Neverland), this intimate and emotionally poignant tale of friendship, betrayal, and redemption was a critical darling and received an Academy Award® nomination for Best Original Score, as well as Golden Globe® nominations for Best Foreign Language Film and Best Original Score - Motion Picture. So, get your kite, pull the string, and get ready to fly it high as THE KITE RUNNER has arrived on DVD on March 25, 2008!
THE KITE RUNNER is a sweeping and emotional tale of friendship, betrayal and redemption received widespread critical acclaim and an Academy Award® nomination for Best Original Score, as well as Golden Globe® nominations for Best Foreign Language Film and Best Original Score—Motion Picture.Spanning several decades and set against the backdrop of first the Soviet invasion and then the Taliban takeover of Afghanistan, THE KITE RUNNER tells the story of Amir and Hassan, two boys who form an unlikely friendship in Kabul.But Amir’s failure to defend Hassan against a brutal attack leads to crushing guilt and the boys’ ultimate separation.Forced to flee Kabul ahead of Soviet troops, Amir and his father escape to the United States to pursue a new life, but years later the adult Amir is presented with an opportunity to “be good again” and come to the aid of his long lost friend’s son.A life-affirming story of courage and forgiveness, THE KITE RUNNER is a film that powerfully combines gripping suspense with universal themes to transcend time and place and touch the hearts of viewers everywhere.
THE KITE RUNNERDVD features commentary with Marc Forster, author Khaled Hosseini and screenwriter David Benioff, and the featurettes “Words from THE KITE RUNNER” and “Images from THE KITE RUNNER”.
THE KITE RUNNER DVD is presented in widescreen enhanced for 16:9 TVs with Dolby Digital English 5.1 Surround, French 5.1 Surround and Spanish 5.1 Surround and English, French and Spanish subtitles. The DVD includes the following special features:
Commentary with Marc Forster, author Khaled Hosseini and screenwriter David Benioff
Words from THE KITE RUNNER
Images from THE KITE RUNNER
Public Service Announcement with Khaled Hosseini
Theatrical Trailer
When first asked to review this DVD by the lovely ladies at Parent Bloggers Network, I thought about turning them down thinking my daughter was too old for it. (She is 7 years old and it is aimed at children 3-7.) But, knowing that my daughter loves to dance, I went ahead and decided to try it out. It can’t hurt, right? The worst that could happen is she learns some mad dance skillz and rocks da house durning the DVD. I can deal.
Hip Hop Harry gets kids up on their feet and out of their seats for hours of exercise for both mind and body! This DVD features three different stories.
“Fancy Footwork” actually teaches positive competition– as in it is okay to compete and not everyone will win! Unlike the way the world seems to make everything a non-competition, this shows that it is okay to compete when the two young girls- Savannah and Sophina- find themselves on opposite teams in the Hip Hop Central dance contest. (Green and Orange teams. See? Bright colors!)
“I Like To Move!” presents a Fitness Fun Day at Hip Hop Central; Hip Hop Harry has invited a fitness expert to teach kids some fun new exercises, and Scott discovers the joy of composing poems with rhyming words. In “You Can Dance!”, young Katie has been trained in ballet but wants to learn how to dance Hip Hop, so Hip Hop Harry recommends that she take some dance classes at Hip Hop Central - and she learns some new moves step by step!
Bonus features include Hip Hop Harry’s Memory Game and a “Ready, Set Learn!” video.
All three of the episodes promote exercise and physical fitness as well as encouraging creativity and social skills.
The DVD was definitely colorful and energetic. Where else where you find a blinged out Teddy Bear who will rock the house with you?
I think my daughter was a bit above the age for this DVD, but she did enjoy it nevertheless.
Outback Steakhouse is celebrating its 20th birthday this month and with that comes the anniversary of the Bloomin’ Onion, Outback’s signature dish and the first item on the menu 20 years ago.
Here are some interesting facts on the Bloomin’ Onion:
Outback has sold more than 133.5 million Bloomin’ Onions.
15 million Bloomin’ Onions are sold each year.
Before it is “bloomed,” each onion is specially grown to be 16 ounces big and 4 ½ inches wide!
The Bloomin Onion remains true to its original recipe: 17 different spices to flavor the onion and an additional 37 spices in the dipping sauce.
In honor of its birthday, Outback has also created a select number of special menu items that are only available through the end of April. For more information and to view the menu items, visit: http://www.outback.com/foodandmenus/featureditems.aspx
Now you know you want a Bloomin’ Onion, don’t you. Come on. Go get one. What better way to celebrate a birthday than to stuff your face with a Bloomin’ Onion? None, I tell ya!
On March 11th, Paramount Home Entertainment released the animated hit from the mind of Jerry Seinfeld BEEMOVIE on DVD! Written, produced, and starring world-famous, hilarious comedian Jerry Seinfeld, BEEMOVIE comes to DVD in A Very Jerry 2-Disc Edition and features a hive-full of buzzzzzzzworthy extra features that will keep the kids (and adults) busy for hours! There are beehind-the-scenes featurettes, commentary by Jerry Seinfeld, “TV Juniors” segments, and whole lot more! With $274 million in worldwide box office and nominations from the Golden Globes®, Annie, and Critics Choice Awards for Best Animated Feature Film, this highly-anticipated DVD is sure to be one of the year’s best! Get our your trusty jar o’ honey, shine up your antennae, and get ready to buzz around the room as BEEMOVIE: A VERY JERRY 2-DISC EDITION now on DVD.
Buzz, Buzz, Buzz, Buzz, Buzz, Buzzzzzzzzzz…………
The BeeMovie DVD presentation includes a hive-full of bonus material that will keep viewers as busy as…well, you know…with hours of beehind-the-scenes features and fun-filled activities.The two-disc special edition DVD offers fans even more – with alternate endings, lost scenes, commentary by Jerry Seinfeld and the filmmakers, the “TV Juniors” segments that aired on NBeeC, Jerry Seinfeld’s in-costume flight over the Cannes Film Festival, an inside look at the cast, a music video, a DreamWorks Animation Video Jukebox, a look at the technology behind the film, the early live-action trailers and much, much more.The DVD will also be available as a single disc.
DreamWorks Animation’sBEEMOVIE Special Edition 2-Disc DVD
For Jerry Seinfeld fans, the BeeMovietwo-disc Special Edition DVD presentation brings home More Jerry and More Barry:
More Jerry (Disc 1)
*Jerry & Filmmaker Commentary
*TV Juniors—Hilarious “behind the scenes” segments with Jerry Seinfeld that aired on NBeeC.
*Live Action Trailers—Early trailers for BeeMovie that only Jerry Seinfeld and his friends—including Chris Rock and Steven Spielberg—could have come up with.
*Alternate Endings—Find out how the film could have ended with special commentary.
*Jerry’s Flight Over Cannes—Jerry’s famous entrance to the world-renowned festival created international buzz.
*Inside The Hive: The Cast of BeeMovie—A close-up look at the all-star cast of voice talent.
*Lost Scenes with Commentary
More Barry (Disc 2)
*“We Got The Bee” Music Video
*DreamWorks Animation Video Jukebox
*Tech of Bee Movie
*Meet Barry B. Benson
*DreamWorks Animation Kids:
oThe Buzz About Bees
oThe Ow! Meter
oThat’s Un-BEE-lievable!
oPollination Practice
oBe A Bee
The BeeMovie single-disc DVD is available in either widescreen or full screen and delivers hours of comedy and fun for viewers of all ages:
Need a weekend Game Plan? Get The Game Plan on DVD
January 29, 2008
The Game Plan, starring Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson was released from Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment on DVD Tuesday, January 22 and is well worth the DVD price to purchase this one. My kids and I enjoyed a great family weekend last weekend as we sat inside (avoiding the cold) and had a pizza and movie night. My kids range in age from 6 to 14 and this was a film that was enjoyable to all of them. Do you know how rare that is? Put this one on your must buy list!
Johnson (The Scorpion King) lends his trademark charm and formidable charisma to the role of Joe Kingman, a pro football superstar who unexpectedly finds himself caring for a precocious young girl played by Madison Pettis (“Cory in the House”). With Kyra Sedgwick (“The Closer”) as Joe’s workaholic agent and Rosalyn Sanchez (“Without a Trace”) as the little girl’s football averse dance teacher. High-living Boston Rebels quarterback Joe Kingman (Johnson) finds his world turned upside-down when seven-year-old Peyton Kelly (Pettis) shows up at his door and announces she is his child from a brief early marriage and needs a place to stay while her mother is away on business. For the next month, Joe is suddenly saddled with unfamiliar parental responsibilities like ballet class and homework, while also getting to know his daughter. As he tries to lead his team to a championship season, Joe navigates the rocky shoals between macho man and girly-girl cultures with hilarious and heartwarming results, building to an outcome he never saw coming.
BONUS FEATURES
• DRAFTING THE GAME PLAN
This behind-the-scenes featurette provides hilarious movie-making insights from director Andy Fickman as well as a look at what goes into the making of a successful action sequence. It focuses on the fine art of choreographing a realistic scene, the challenges that the actors and athletes endure and the unexpected injuries that The Rock sustained. Special attention is paid to the scene in which Joe Kingman falls victim to a career-ending hit—a scene that actually left one stuntman nearly unconscious. Plus, eight-year-old Madison Pettis, armed with her own DV camera, documents her personal experiences on the ballet set.
• ESPN’s SportsCenter DVD/Blu-ray™ Exclusive: The King in Search of a Ring
Stuart Scott of ESPN hosts a look at fictional star quarterback Joe Kingman, a man who doesn’t know the meaning of the word “share.” The Rock stays in character for interviews that fill in the blanks in Joe’s back story. The cast and crew contribute their thoughts and deleted scenes serve as “archival footage” in an entertaining “biography” of the athlete.
• ESPN’s SportsCenter: The Rock Learns To Play QB
ESPN’s Sean Salisbury interviews The Rock on how he learned to play quarterback for the movie.
• BLOOPERS WITH MARV ALBERT
Exclusive missed lines, blunders, bloopers, gags and more all set to the familiar narration of sportscaster Marv Albert.
• DELETED SCENES
An extended version of the uproarious ballet scene and much more, including optional intros by director
Andy Fickman.
• PEYTON’S MAKEOVER MADNESS
In a set-top feature, help Peyton “redecorate” Joe Kingman’s apartment with fun virtual arts and crafts.
Plus, exclusively on Blu-ray™:
• CHALK TALK
Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson and director Andy Fickman enliven their unique film commentary by drawing “sports booth” style graphics on the screen to highlight their filmmaking experience.
This truly is a fabulous family movie that you will enjoy! Besides, if the story doesn’t sell you just remember two words: The Rock. Enough said.
Thanks to MomCentral, I had the opportunity to review two Cranium Bloom games for ages 3 and up: Let’s Play Count & Cook Game and Let’s Go to the Zoo Seek & Find Puzzle.
My kids are younger than these games are geared towards, but I think that Cranium makes so wonderfully educational toys and wanted to let you know about these great products.
First up we have “Let’s Play Count & Cook Game.” The object of the game is to collect all the ingredients in the recipe. You use a simple board, a dice and a cook– that is your game piece. In this game everyone works together and therefore it creates a game that is very non-competitive. Seeing as this game is geared towards the preschool set, I love that. Having preschooler start a throw down over a game is not my idea of fun!
In this game, the players count their way around the board as they gather food for the recipes in your cookbook. Add your secret ingredients — then pull the tab for something funny to do! It is a great way to introduce young children to the concept of recipes and cooking. (My idea of putting the fun in cooking at a young age sounds wonderful!) Great for counting skills, working together, pretend play, matching items and working on the ever elusive taking turns concept.
The game is set for children age 3 and up. It is geared mainly for preschoolers.
The other game is “Let’s Go to the Zoo Seek & Find Puzzle.” This game works on skills such as Spatial thinking, Counting, Color and letter matching, Fine motor skills and Working together.
Peacocks and polar bears, lemurs and lions. Share in the magic of a day at the zoo with this activity-packed puzzle set.
Piece together the picture. Find the flamingo. Circle something yellow, then hop, hop, hop like a kangaroo.
With sturdy, kid-sized pieces, an erasable pen, and fun activity cards, you’re all set for a new adventure every time you play.
What’s in the box?
Let’s Go to the Zoo Seek & Find Puzzle includes 24 puzzle pieces, 30 cards, and erasable pen.
These are great games for the preschool set. Are you interested in having one? Just leave me a comment and you can win one. Be sure to let me know which game you are interested in receiving and I will contact the winners. There will be one winner per game. Cranium is well known for their educational toys, so this is a great deal.
Personalized Fruit Roll-Ups? Rule the school with these. (WIN!)
Over at Mommy Needs Coffee, I mentioned my chance to order a box of personalized Fruit Roll Ups. How cool is that? Every year I get to stand in the Valentine’s section of a store while my daughter stares at every Valentine card box they have to offer to find just the perfect one. (They never have the perfect one, by the way.) And then we get to find the one that Susie doesn’t have or to avoid that one that Buffy had last year. Or stay away from anything that could someone be misconstrued as from a BOY. NO! Not from a boy!
This year, we are so going to be the hit of the class with these personalized Fruit Roll-Ups.
We logged onto the My Fruit Roll Ups site and started our design. Now, that was fun. There were several design images for Valentine’s day to choose from. While this was a monumental decision for my daughter, it was not as huge as picking out the perfect card (of which none of them were appealing). This was harder because she wanted all of the designs.
We started by choosing the perfect picture for her. Then we added a personalized message. Now, she will have edible cards to give away for Valentine’s Day for her class.
How cool is that?
Do you want to do that, too? Three of my readers will win the chance to win a box of 30 personalized Fruit Roll-Ups. Here is the catch. You have to comment here or on Mommy Needs Coffee and leave me the sweetest Valentine’s messages you’ve sent or received. It can be a non-typical sweet message but one that meant a lot to you. THREE of you will win a chance to order your own box. (Let’s show up the Muffin Mafia!)
BUT there is a FAST time limit. You have to order by February 3rd to get these sent to you in time for Valentine’s Day. If you don’t win but want to order, please go here. If you order before February 2nd, you get a $10 discount. Note: I receive nothing from telling you about this or from giving away three free boxes.
Rowan Atkinson returns to the iconic role that made him an international star in ‘Mr. Bean’s Holiday.’ In his latest misadventure, Mr. Bean–the nearly wordless misfit who seems to be followed by a trail of pratfalls and hijinks–goes on holiday to the French Riviera and becomes ensnared in a European adventure of cinematic proportions. Tired of the dreary, wet London weather, Bean packs up his suitcase and camcorder to head to Cannes for some sun on the beach. Ah…vacation. But his trip doesn’t go as smoothly as he had hoped when the bumbling Bean falls face first into a series of mishaps and fortunate coincidences, far-fetched enough to make his own avant-garde film. Wrongly thought to be both kidnapper and acclaimed filmmaker, he has some serious explaining to do after wreaking havoc across the French countryside and arriving at his vacation spot with a Romanian filmmaker’s precocious son and an aspiring actress in tow. Will Bean be arrested by the gendarmes or end up winning the Palme d’Or? It’s all caught on camera as Atkinson again applies his awkward athleticism to a comedy of errors in “Mr. Bean’s Holiday.”
I will admit to the fact that I did laugh out loud at many of the promotional commercials for Mr. Bean’s Holiday. The kids and I sat down to watch it immediately upon receiving it. In fact, we popped popcorn and made a little party of it. The kids laughed through out the entire movie. I enjoyed it myself. Now, I am not saying I did not have more than one “HUH?” moment, but it is a great Mr. Bean movie.
The story is easy to follow and the situations Mr. Bean finds himself in are hilarious.
Do you want to entertain your family, friends and kids this holiday season? Well, you have come to the right place! I have give aways!Yes, you, too, can own Mr. Bean’s Holiday on DVD! This movie is great for kids and adults alike. The only criteria is that you want to laugh!
How do you win? Just leave me a comment. It is as simple as that. I will randomly draw names next week and the movie will be mailed out next week in time for the holidays. It can be one less thing you have to race to the mall for, fight for and hope to find it.
So, leave me a comment if you are interested and a few lucky winners will walk away with their own copy of Mr. Bean’s Holiday for the holidays!
The Land Before Time: The Wisdom of Friends–Want one?
The Land Before Time: The Wisdom of Friends came out on DVD November, 27, 2007. I have been following this series from the very first one and have watched as each of my children has come to know and love this great, great series of movies. (Truth is, I love them, too!)
The Land Before Time, the beloved billion-dollar franchise that families have long trusted, is back with an all-new exciting adventure featuring the voice talents of two of today’s most recognized and respected stars, Academy Award® winner Cuba Gooding, Jr. and Golden Globe® winner Sandra Oh.The fun begins when Littlefoot, Cera, Spike, Petrie and Ducky are excited to meet two goofy and lovable yellow-bellied Beipiaosauruses, Loofah and Doofah, who have lost their way while traveling to the distant Berry Valley. Loofah and Doofah seem to be too clumsy to find the way back, so Littlefoot and the others decide to help their new friends while sharing important life lessons called Wisdoms along the way. By the time they reach Berry Valley, Littlefoot realizes that even though the Yellow Bellies don’t follow his Wisdoms very well, their silly techniques work just fine.
The Land Before Time: The Wisdom of Friends is filled with fun, laughs, new friends, all new original songs, and is packed with entertaining bonus features for kids. An enchanting tale about the magic of friendship and diversity, this is an adventure to watch again and again.
The DVD includes several cute bonus features:
· Yellow Bellies on the Loose! Collect enough berries so the Yellow Bellies will stay in a group. The Yellow Bellies are out of control. They just can’t seem to follow Littlefoot’s ‘wisdom’ to stay in a group. The only things that seem to gain their attention are their love of berries.
· Yellow Belly Challenge: Help the Yellow Bellies find their way home in this fun interactive game! Loofah, Doofah and Foobie are eager to know what the right wisdom is for each of their dilemmas to help guide them home. Help steer the Yellow Bellies in the right direction all the way back to Berry Valley .
· “The Hidden Canyon ” – An exclusive episode from the hit “Land Before Time” TV series
· Sing-a-longs including the “Yellow Belly Bounce,” “How Do You Know”
· Printable Coloring Pages
Do you want to own your own to give to your child? Guess what! I have a few copies to give away. Yes, I do! Brighten up the day of a child (or yourself if you loves these movies like I do) and win a free copy of Land Before Time: The Wisdom of Friends.
Just leave me a comment and let me know if you want to win your very own copy of this DVD. I will randomly draw names and a few of my lucky readers will win their very own copy. Make a child very happy with their own gift of Land Before Time: The Wisdom of Friends! All winners will be notified early next week and the DVD will be mailed out early in the week.
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Some days it feels my life is lived online. At least a majority of my work is online. What is not online is on my computer. From the freelance articles I write, to rough drafts of my book to photos and videos of my family. I have my life saved of my hard drive. So, what would happen if I was “robbed” of my online life? I would be devastated. Just as my home has a burglar alarm, I know how important it is for my computer to have the equivalent.
is a great resource for Moms– especially for the first time moms. I remember how many times I looked at my new child and thought, “NOW what do I do with you?” The authors, Heather Gibbs Flett and Whitney Moss are both moms and have both been there and done that. (Where were you 15 years ago, ladies?)
The Game Plan, starring Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson was released from Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment on DVD Tuesday, January 22 and is well worth the DVD price to purchase this one. My kids and I enjoyed a great family weekend last weekend as we sat inside (avoiding the cold) and had a pizza and movie night. My kids range in age from 6 to 14 and this was a film that was enjoyable to all of them. Do you know how rare that is? Put this one on your must buy list!
