Monthly Archives: December 2011

December 23, 2011 · 11:08 pm

My Memories, Digital Scrapbooking Software Review, Giveaway & Discount Code!!!

I know a lot of you are into digital scrapbooking so I think you will be very interested in this new review and giveaway. I was asked by My Memories if we would be interested in doing a review and giveaway of their award-winning digital scrapbook software that is extremely easy and fun to use. My Memories Suite is rated #1 by Amazon and Top Ten Reviews. Using this software, anyone can create digital scrapbooks, photobooks, cards, calenders and other gifts without having to buy expensive and complicated software programs.

MyMemories Suite v3 software is a complete digital scrapbooking solution that provides a comprehensive powerful set of creative tools no other scrapbook software can offer. With its intuitive workspace and enhanced time-saving features, this application is perfect for a beginner to create a complete album in minutes, or to empower the design pro to build a scrapbook album masterpiece.

Making a Scrapbook

MyMemories Suite will help you create your beautiful pages from scratch or build an entire album using one of the many professionally designed scrapbook templates provided within the scrapbook software. A large collection of papers and embellishments are also included and available at your fingertips to help you make each page uniquely your own.

If this were any other scrapbooking software, you might be finished. But with My Memories Suite, the real power-and fun-of this software is just beginning. There are so many ways to save and share your memories, you will wonder how you ever got along without it.

After downloading the software, I had a long look at all the features. It is very user-friendly and I like that they have a good selection of templates to use if you want to get started fast. I especially like the Building Blocks template for school memories. I can’t wait to use it to document Ethan’s first year of preschool. Anyway, I quickly toyed around and made this page below. I could do a lot more but tomorrow is not only Christmas Eve it is my baby boy’s birthday so I do not have a lot of time. The point is you can make something really nice and export it as a jpg and put it in a blog or send it to someone. You can print a page and frame it or make a whole book. There are lots of embellishments and word art you can add, the possibilities are endless.

I have a special promo code that will give you $10.00 off the low price of the software. All you need to do is put this coupon code in STMMMS98795 when checking out and you will get the discount. See you can still get a great gift for yourself or someone else.

My Memories is also sponsoring a giveaway on Mommy Ramblings and one lucky blog reader will win a free download of the software. Thank you My Memories for my free software and for sponsoring such a creative giveaway on Mommy Ramblings!!! Open to US and Canadian Residents.

My Memories, Digital Scrapbooking Software Giveaway on Mommy Ramblings Rules!!!

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December 22, 2011 · 1:45 pm

Zarbee’s All-Natural Nighttime Cough & Sleep Drink Review & Giveaway!!!

Well, we are in cold and flu season. Parents like myself with young children are concerned about over the counter medications. There have been lots of warnings about children being over medicated and medicines being removed from store shelves. We don’t want our children to be miserable, but we don’t want to give them medicines that are too strong or not safe. I was thrilled when I was asked if I wanted to do a review for Zarbee’s All-Natural Nighttime Cough & Sleep Drink. This natural grape flavor comfort drink soothes coughs and sore throats and promotes healthy sleep so your child can get the rest their body needs to get well. Thsi remedy is safe and effective for children 2 years and up.

Pediatrician Zak Zarbock created this safe, effective and natural remedy to help his young patients when he was unable to offer them any relief. Dr. Zarbock’s research led him to the amazing benefits of honey with its natural cough suppressing and immune boosting power. Made with a unique blend of antioxidant-rich dark honeys and fortified with Vitamin C and Zinc, Zarbee’s Nighttime Cough and Sleep Drink is a proven safe solution to naturally soothe your child’s cough. This all-natural formula is gluten, dye and preservative free. Safe and natural it contains no drugs or alcohol. Just add 1 packet of Zarbee’s Nighttime Cough and Sleep Drink to 2 ounces of warm water, stir and give to your child prior to sleep.

As a mom I am so glad there are natural and safe remedies available to soothe my child’s cough and sore throat to help them get a good night of sleep. Zarbee’s is sponsoring a giveaway on Mommy Ramblings. One lucky reader will win a box of 6 packets of Zarbee’s All-Natural Nighttime Cough & Sleep Drink. Thank you Zarbee’s for the review product and for sponsoring this great giveaway on Mommy Ramblings!!! Open to US Residents.

Zarbee’s All-Natural Nighttime Cough & Sleep Drink Giveaway on Mommy Ramblings Rules:

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December 21, 2011 · 2:03 pm

PlaSmart, Perplexus Original Giveaway!!!

Mommy Ramblings recently reviewed PlaSmart’s Original Perplexus and had a giveaway. Well, I have some great news! PlaSmart contacted me and asked me if we would be interested in doing another giveaway for the Original Perplexus. Why? Perplexus Original has been nominated as Educational Toy of Year by the Toy Industry Association. This is like the “Oscars” for the toy industry AND it is a consumer vote. Mommy Ramblings loves the Perplexus and would really like to see them win this honor. So I ask you all to cast a vote for the Original Perplexus.

Email-Signature

Vote for Perplexus as Educational Toy of the Year @http://www.toyawards.org/iMIS15/toyaward/custom/EducationalToy.aspx

The voting takes a few steps:

1. Go to http://www.toyawards.org/iMIS15/toyaward/custom/EducationalToy.aspx

2. Select Perplexus

3. Click Submit My Vote at the bottom

4. Register your information to complete your vote.

Voting ends January 10, 2012.

To thank you for taking your time to vote, PlaSmart is sponsoring a giveaway on Mommy Ramblings. One lucky blog reader will win The Original Perplexus!!! Open to US and Canadian Residents. Thanks PlaSmart for giving Mommy Rambling’s readers this chance to win this super fun game!!!

PlaSmart, Original Perplexus Giveaway on Mommy Ramblings Rules:

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· 12:02 am

The Ultimate Green Store, Organic Bum Genius Diaper Review and $25 Gift Certificate Giveaway!!!

The Ultimate Green Store is a provider of a huge collection of many of the finest environmentally friendly products on the market! They have a wide variety of organic, earth friendly and “green” products, with everything from bedding for the whole family, pet products, bath and beauty, and even furniture! They even have a gift registry for weddings, baby showers or any other special event! The Ultimate Green Store looks like it has something for everyone! You will find beautiful, cool, fun products made by eco-conscious companies!

I recently had the opportunity to work with The Ultimate Green Store when I agreed to review an organic Bum Genius One Size Diaper from them! I had never tried this popular, award winning diaper before, so I was excited to see what the hype was about! One thing I learned soon enough, was that washing it several times before use is less of a suggestion, and more of an important direction! I had only washed the diaper three times, and was wondering why it kept leaking! I re-read the directions to find that I had not washed it enough! After washing it the directed amount of times, I cannot say enough about this diaper! The color of the waterproof outter fabric of my Bum Genius diaper is called Clementine a sweet orange color, the inner material is like a really soft t-shirt material, and what is more comfortable than your favorite t shirt? The soaker is attached to the diaper only on the ends, so it makes it an All-In-One diaper but it allows it to dry faster because the soaker bulk has air flow unlike normal AIOs! So you get the convenience of an AIO without the long drying time! It has great absorbency, and of course, no leaks! This 100% organic Bum Genius diaper is trim, fit great and is very good quality!

The Ultimate Green Store is sponsoring a giveaway on Mommy Ramblings! One lucky blog reader will win a $25 gift certificate for anything on the entire website! Thank you to The Ultimate Green Store for this fantastic review diaper and gift certificate giveaway!!! Open to US residents.

The Ultimate Green Store $25 Gift Certificate Giveaway on Mommy Ramblings Rules:

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December 20, 2011 · 1:18 am

One of The Top Creative Toys For Kids of All Ages

Kaleidagraph

I recently had the opportunity to review the Kaleidograph Pattern Design Toy. The deceptively simple, die-cut cards of the Kaleidograph™ can be arranged in over 350 million designs. Based upon geometry in nature — the symmetries of crystals and flowers — the Kaleidograph upholds the tradition of the original, Froebel Kindergarten system that is known to have influenced Frank Lloyd Wright, Buckminster Fuller, Piet Mondrian, and design education at the Bauhaus. Richly personal and environmentally friendly, the Kaleidograph is a toy for all ages. It fosters creativity, rewards with surprise, and brings out the designer in everyone. Made in the USA, the Kaleidograph carries on a tradition of fascinating geometric design toys dating back to the early 19th century.

This pattern set is so much fun. It literally is great for all ages. If I have it out, whoever walks in must play around with it and it is quite addicting. It is so fun to see the different patterns everyone creates and how they get to that pattern. Some are meticulous and calculating and other throw caution to the wind and just have fun. It is simple yet expansive, ever-changing in its diversity, brilliant and beautiful, and mirrors nature’s own strategies of creation.

Explore symmetry and color combinations. See how small adjustments produce dramatic changes. The deceptively simple Kaleidograph can be arranged into millions of designs by combining and rotating the variety of die-cut cards. Each set also includes a full-color, two-sided insert with 68 example designs to challenge and inspire.

Over 350 million combinations
Full-color double-sided poster of designs included with both the Crystal and Flora sets
Made in USA from sturdy, non-toxic paperboard
About the size of a thick CD case — 4-3/4″ x 4-3/4″ x 3/8″
Package serves as both sleeve for storage and frame for display
For ages 3 to adult — a toy and a design tool

If you are looking for an original, fun and creative gift for the kids this holiday season, then take a look at Kaleidograph Pattern Design Toy, it will really delight most anyone. Mommy Ramblings is adding it to our Holiday Gift Guide.

Kaleidograph Pattern Design Toy Giveaway on Mommy Ramblings Rules:

Sorry this giveaway is over but check out our great giveaways going on right now HERE!

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Tagged as Creative, Holiday Gift Guide, Imagination, Kaleidograph Pattern Design Toy, Mommy Ramblings, Top Creative Toy

· 12:19 am

Ringley ZooLey Turtle Teether Review & 15% Off Discount Code!!!

I recently had the opportunity to review a ZooLey Turtle Teether from Ringley Natural. One of the great things about this teether is that the teething ring is made out of untreated maple wood. It is hard and smooth, so you have no fear of splinters, or harmful chemicals. Just pure, honest-to-goodness, wood! The adorable 100% organic cotton terry cloth turtle rattles and makes a fun little companion for baby. The ring is detachable from the turtle by a hook and loop strap for easy cleaning. Other cute styles available are an elephant, monkey, sun, ball, and different styles of plain cloth, made without any harmful dyes or chemicals! The terry cloth can be used dry, or wet, offering another versatile way to comfort your teething baby.

My baby loves sucking on wash cloths, so when I found out the terry cloth turtle could get wet, I knew he would love it. He also seemed to be soothed by the gentle rattle in the turtle, he likes to shake it about. The wooden ring is an ingenious idea, allowing baby to get the relief from teething, on an all natural product. ! It is a charming, simple teether that I am glad to have around for my baby’s teething comfort! Ringley is offering a discount to Mommy Rambling’s readers, just use the code “15offnow” at checkout for 15% off your order on www.ringley.ca!

Mommy Ramblings thinks these ZooLey Teethers would make a great stocking stuffer for any baby going through the teething process! So we are adding it to Mommy Ramblings 2011 Holiday Gift Guide!

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December 19, 2011 · 12:51 am

“The Help” in the Blu-ray DVD Combo Pack Review!!!

I was so excited when I was recently told I was being sent The Help in the Blu-ray DVD Combo pack. I really wanted to see this when it was in theaters but it is very hard for my husband and I to get to the movies with our little ones. I have heard so much great buzz about this movie I could not wait to watch it.

The #1 New York Times bestseller by Kathryn Stockett comes to vivid life through the powerful performances of a phenomenal ensemble cast. The Help is an inspirational, courageous and empowering story about very different, extraordinary women in the 1960s South who build an unlikely friendship around a secret writing project — one that breaks society‟s rules and puts them all at risk. Filled with poignancy,humor and hope — and complete with compelling, never-before-seen bonus features — The Help is a timeless, universal and triumphant story about the ability to create change.

The Help stars Emma Stone as the courageous Eugenia „Skeeter‟ Phelan, who goes against the beliefs of her family and friends to find her own voice. The critically praised, emotional performance of Viola Davis as Aibileen Clark, a woman who secretly dreams of one day having more than she has been given, offers a deep emotional storyline. The breakthrough performance of Octavia Spencer as Minny Jackson, whose sass and tough exterior disguise the pain and fear she faces every day, brings both drama and humor to the film. Bryce Dallas Howard breathes life into the catty Jackson socialite Hilly Holbrook and Jessica Chastain brings charm and humor as Celia Foote, a kind housewife living outside of town who longs to fit in. Sissy Spacek, Allison Janney and Ahna O‟Reilly also provide vivacious performances that round out this all-star female ensemble.

My views: I really enjoyed this movie, it was very eye-opening for me since this movie take place in 1962 and I was not even born yet. Some things in the move were hard to even comprehend, like the maids were not allowed to use the bathrooms in the homes they worked in. Apparently, they were thought to carry some very dangerous diseases that one could catch from a toilet seat. This was preposterous for me on so many levels. First, if they were so vehemently opposed to the maids using their bathrooms because they were diseased but did not mind them cooking their food, caring for their children in every way, and doing just about every household task shows just how out of touch these bigoted women were. Eugenia was a breath of fresh air among these women, she was warm and loving and really wanted to tell their stories. Celia Foote was another woman who did not fit the mold of these southern socialites and the friendship she shared with Minny was heartwarming. Both women helped each other through some hard times. The movie is timeless, universal and triumphant story about the ability to create change.

If you are looking for a great gift for someone on your holiday list, you really can’t go wrong with The Help in the Blu-ray DVD Combo pack. The exclusive features on the Blu-ray and DVD are great consisting of deleted scenes, Mary J. Blige’s Teh Living Proof music video, and much more. Mommy Ramblings likes this movie so much we are adding it to our 2011 Holiday Gift Guide.

Anchor Bay Entertainment, “A Christmas Wedding Tail” DVD Review & Give-Away!!!

Description: Description: A Christmas Wedding Tail with sticker

JINGLE BELLS MEET WEDDING BELLS IN

DEBUT ORIGINAL FAMILY FILM
A CHRISTMAS WEDDING TAIL

All-New DVD from Anchor Bay Entertainment with Star-Studded Pack of Talent – Jennie Garth, Brad Rowe, Tom Arnold and Catherine Hicks –
Brings Home a Howling Good Time this Holiday Season

Featuring Nikki Cox and Jay Mohr as the Voices of Two Love-Struck Canine Companions

Beverly Hills, CA – Every dog has his day…wedding day, that is! It’s puppy love at first sight when Anchor Bay Entertainment unleashes A Christmas Wedding Tail on DVD! Starring wildly popular Jennie Garth and Brad Rowe alongside their cunning canines, the warm and furry, er, fuzzy all-new original family film centers on the challenges and triumphs of love and relationships – of both the two-legged and four-legged variety. Featuring a “top-dog” cast of talent, including Tom Arnold, Catherine Hicks and the voice talent of Jay Mohr as Rusty and Nikki Cox as Cheri, A Christmas Wedding Tail will bring tons of tail-wagging fun to the whole family – just in time for the holiday season! The heartwarming film made its television debut on Hallmark Channel, November 19, 2011.

“It gives us much joy to help bring families together to celebrate the season with our newest DVD release,” said Erin Carter, Executive Director of Brand Marketing for Anchor Bay Entertainment. “From hilarious hijinks and endearing romance to a standout cast of recognizable stars, A Christmas Wedding Tail truly offers something for everyone and is well-poised to become an instant Christmas classic among viewers of all ages.”

A Christmas Wedding Tail (SRP $19.98) is the story of a pair of passionate pooches, Labrador Rusty (voiced by Jay Mohr, “Ghost Whisperer”, “Jerry McGuire”) and Poodle Cheri (voiced by Nikki Cox, “Unhappily Ever After”, “Las Vegas”), who fall head-over-tails in love. The two smitten pups conspire to get their respective owners, Susan (Jennie Garth, “Beverly Hills 90210”, “What I Like About You”, Girl, Positive) and Jake (Brad Rowe, Your Love Never Fails, National Treasure: Book of Secrets, “General Hospital”) to wed. Despite Susan’s and Jake’s compatibility, their new blended family – with five kids! – turns out to be more than Rusty and Cheri had bargained for. Now, the calculating canines must put their poochie powers to the test to keep their family from ending up in the dog house…. A Christmas Wedding Tail proves that a little puppy love can go a long way.

The new DVD also stars Tom Arnold (True Lies, “The Best Damn Sports Show Period”) as Susan’s eccentric head hunter and Catherine Hicks (Your Love Never Fails, Peggy Sue Got Married, “7^th Heaven”) as Susan’s loving mother.

[jwplayer mediaid=”7541″]

We were thrilled to receive this DVD for review because our kids love dogs. This is a delightful movie the whole family can watch together and enjoy. A perfect movie to enjoy cookies and hot chocolate with on a snowy winter night.

I am thrilled to let you know that Anchor Bay Entertainment is sponsoring a giveaway on Mommy Ramblings. One lucky blog reader will win “A Christmas Wedding Tail” on DVD. Thank you Anchor Bay Entertainment for the review DVD and for sponsoring this great giveaway on Mommy Ramblings!!! Open to US residents.

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December 17, 2011 · 4:18 pm

Trikke, Bikee Balance Bike Review!!!

If you are looking for a great balance bike that is lightweight, super easy to assemble, adjustable, quality made, colorful and fun at a great price check out the new Trikke, Bikee Balance Bike. I was thrilled when Trikke asked me to review their new Bikee. My sons love riding balance bikes and when I saw they had a green and blue combination it just sealed the deal. My 4 year old’s favorite color is green so we were all in. It arrived and it truly is so easy to assemble. I think my husband had thought it was going to be a big ordeal as he got the box but was pleasantly surprised minutes later when it was all assembled. The first thing I noticed was how light it was. That is very important because I am usually the one that has to carry it down our steep long driveway and back up when we ride them on the road. This bike is so light my son can easily carry it down himself. We adjusted the seat and Ethan was off and running and coasting on this bike. He loved it so much that even though it was quite chilly out he said he was going to ride it all day. I really like that it has a little foot rest so he can put his feet there when coasting. He took to that right away and even liked to keep one foot there and kick off with the other like a scooter at times. That is a unique feature that I have not seen on other balance bikes. The handlebars have nice big soft grips on them so it feels very secure for little hands. Mommy Ramblings thinks this balance bike is great! We are adding it to our 2011 Holiday Gift Guide because we like it so much.

Bikee is built with a strong, durable and lightweight (only 7 lbs) steel frame. Your child will be able to lift, drag and handle it with ease.The Bikee design and construction are intentionally minimalistic: frame, handlebar, seat, and wheels (with maintenance free tires) – that’s all. Simple, no hassle, no unnecessary parts to get in the way and add weight.The area for the legs are cleared of any obstruction for free and comfortable scooting and longer stride.Handlebar and seat are adjustable in height to maximize the performance and ergonomics, and grow with your child. The frame size fits the average size of children from 2-5 years of age.The assembly is as easy as 1-2-3 and takes less than 10 minutes.The Bikee balance bike was safety tested and approved according to CPSC (frame safety), CPSIA (free of toxic materials) and European Conformity CE standards.

North Star Games, Say Anything Game Review!!!

Have you finished your Christmas shopping? If not and you are looking for a great party game, game for teens, or for adults then I have a great suggestion for you. I was recently sent the Say Anything game to review by North Star Games. Say Anything is a light-hearted game about what you and your friends think. It will get people talking, laughing and having fun in minutes. Enjoy it with three to eight family members or as an hilarious party game with adults. So dig deep into your heart or just come up with something witty – this is your chance to Say Anything!

This game is really fun to play because you never know what anyone is going to say. It will definitely have you laughing out loud. It is very easy to play so you can easily play it with new players without having to explain a lot of complex directions. Say Anything has a ton of random questions that players select to read to the other players. After the question is read the other players write down their answer on their little dry erase boards. The person that read the question secretly decides what answer they like best while everyone else bets on the answer they think the reader will choose. When the person reveals the answer they chose then the scoring begins. It is really fun to see what your friends and family will answer the questions with, you really can learn a lot of things you did not know.

Mommy Ramblings is adding Say Anything to our 2011 Holiday Gift Guide.You can buy this great game at Toys R US, Target, Barnes & Noble, Amazon.com and Meijer and other local and major retailer stores. You can visit North Star Games on Facebook or follow them on Twitter