Monthly Archives: September 2013

Richard Scarry’s Best Little Board Book Ever Review & Giveaway!!!

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If  you are looking for an adorable little board book that is sturdy and with lots of concpts, then you have to check  out Richard Scarry’s Best Little Board Book Ever!

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Concepts like colors and simple words have never been easier and more fun than when presented by Richard Scarry. Here are two classic board books, THE COLOR BOOK and EARLY WORDS, available for the first time together in one volume.

Frannie the bunny shows you all the important words to identify what’s in your room, your bathroom, your closet, the kitchen, and the playground. Then Mr. Paint Pig introduces eight colors that brighten the world.

Originally published in 1976, these two bestselling board books sold a combined 500,000 copies. Now, bound together for the first time, this is the must-have title that’s just the right level for young minds and just the right size for small hands hands.

Random House is sponsoring a giveaway on Mommy Ramblings!  One lucky blog reader will win their own Richard Scarry’s Best Little Board Book Ever!  Thank you Random House for the review book and for sponsoring this great giveaway on Mommy Ramblings!!!  Open to US residents.

Richard Scarry’s Best Little Board Book Ever Giveaway on Mommy Ramblings Rules:

Please enter the giveaway using the Rafflecopter widget below.  Good Luck!!!

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Keka, Design Your Own Ipad, Phone and Kindle Case Review & Giveaway!!! Exclusive 20% Off Discount Code

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I love photography and I’m always looking for great ways to display favorite shots.  Keka offers protection for your iPad, smart phone or Kindle with a fabulous case you design yourself.  I designed my iPad 2 case with lots of favorite family photos.  It was so neat to see when it arrived and my husband and I nearly had to arm wrestle for it because once he saw it, he wanted it!  The case is so easy to put the iPad into, it just snaps securely in and still allows full use of all the features like the camera and the cover wakes your iPad every time you open it.  Best of all no one will have a case like yours and what a beautiful gift idea for moms, dads and grandparents!

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 Special 20% Discount Code For Mommy Ramblings’ Readers:  20MOMB

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 Keka is sponsoring a giveaway on Mommy Ramblings.  One lucky blog winner will win their choice of case (subject to availability).  Thank you Keka for the review case and for sponsoring this awesome giveaway on Mommy Ramblings!!!  Open to US residents.

Keka Case for iPad, Phone or Kindle Giveaway on Mommy Ramblings Rules:

Please enter the giveaway using the Rafflecopter widget below.  Good Luck!!!

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Disney, “The Many Adventures Of Winnie The Pooh” Blu-Ray Combo Pack Review & Giveaway!!!

One of my all time favorite Disney features is on Blu-Ray Combo Pack!!!  The Many Adventures of Winnie The Pooh Combo Pack even has a free kite inside!  Wholesome, fun, loving characters that have been around for generations and appeal to all ages are waiting for you.  Timeless Winnie The Pooh and his rumbly tumbly are as endearing as ever!!!

Disney Proudly Celebrates the “Winnie The Pooh” Movie that Started it All!

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The Walt Disney Studios proudly celebrates the heartwarming animated classic that started it all – “The Many Adventures of Winnie The Pooh.” Available NOW for the first time on Blu-ray™ and HD Digital with a variety of bonus features, a whole new generation will fall in love with Pooh and his friends from the Hundred Acre Wood.

Whether we’re young or forever young at heart, the Hundred Acre Wood calls to that place in each of us that still believes in magic. Share all the fun, whimsy and wonder of The Many Adventures Of Winnie The Pooh in this amazing original Disney classic – now digitally restored and remastered in high definition to thrill a whole new generation!

Once again reuniting audiences with Pooh, Tigger, Rabbit, Piglet, Owl, Kanga, Roo and last, but certainly not least, Eeyore (who has lost his tail), “The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh” Blu-ray Combo Pack release has been sweetened to include a robust list of extras including a groundbreaking Disney Intermission activity, the beloved theatrical short “A Day for Eeyore,” five all-new “Mini Adventures of Winnie the Pooh” short films, and….an exclusive free in-pack kite.

The extras

Blu-ray

  • NEW! Disney Intermission – Press “pause” during the movie and find out what happens!  The narrator invites younger viewers to play along with the Hundred Acre Wood friends in a variety of engaging activities.

  • NEW! Pooh Play-Along – In this bonus feature, the narrator invites viewers to play along with Pooh and his friends.

  • NEW! 5 “Mini Adventures of Winnie the Pooh” Shorts: “If I Wasn’t So Small,” “Piglet’s Drawings,” “The Expedition,” “Geniuses” & “The Honey Song”

  • LEGACY  “A Day for Eeyore” – Classic Animated Short

  • LEGACY  “The Story Behind the Masterpiece” – Making of Featurette

  • LEGACY  “The Winnie the Pooh Theme Song” – Performed by Carly Simon

DVD

  • NEW! Mini Adventures of Winnie the Pooh Short – “Geniuses”

  • LEGACY  “The Winnie the Pooh Theme Song” – Performed by Carly Simon

Digital

Digital owners receive all of the same bonus features as the Blu-ray except for Disney Intermission

Disney is sponsoring a giveaway on Mommy Ramblings.  One lucky blog reader will win The Many Adventures of Winnie The Pooh on Blu-Ray Combo Pack!!!  Thank you Disney for the review combo pack and for sponsoring this Tiggeriffic Giveaway on Mommy Ramblings.  Open to US residents.

Disney, The Many Adventures Of Winnie The Pooh Blu-Ray Combo Pack Giveaway on Mommy Ramblings Rules:

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Richard Scarry, Mr. Paint Pig’s ABC’s Review & Giveaway!!!

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Do you have a preschooler learning their alphabet?  I do and a great fun book to reinforce or teach alphabet letters with is Richard Scarry, Mr Paint Pig’s ABC’s!  This sturdy large board book is perfect to take anywhere since it can stand up to lots of use from little hands.  The flaps lift to reveal the continuation of a scene for each letter and kids have a great time opening the flap to find out what happens next.

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When kids want to learn concepts, there’s no better place to start than with a flap book.

And an alphabet extravaganza by Richard Scarry makes it a surefire winner.

With all of the fun, detail-oriented illustrations that have made Richard Scarry a global phenomenon, learning the ABC’s is just a secondary benefit to the fun of the oversized flaps and silly doings as Mr. Paint Pig paints everything in sight.

Random House is sponsoring a giveaway on Mommy Ramblings.  One lucky blog reader will win their own Richard Scarry’s Mr. Paint Pig’s ABC’s.  Thank you Random House for the review copy and for sponsoring this great giveaway on Mommy Ramblings!!!  Open to US residents.

Richard Scarry’s Mr. Paint Pig’s ABC’s Giveaway on Mommy Ramblings Rules:

Please enter the giveaway using the Rafflecopter widget below.  Good Luck!!!

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“Despicable Me” Review and “Despicable Me 2” Available for Pre-Order Now!!!

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Recently we were sent Despicable Me on Blu-ray Combo Pack.  We had never seen the movie so we were excited to watch it as a family.  Right from the start it was a hit.  Gru, a super-villian with the voice talent of Steve Carell sets out ona a giant caper to steal the moon.   He does this to upstate his villain rival Vector (Jason Segel).  The cast includes his mother (Julie Andrews) who is less than devoted and loving to her son, the crazy Dr. Nefario (Russell Brand) and little capsule shapped yellow Minions who are the little Oompa Loompas of the lab.  Great songs like Sweet Home Alabama make this movie great for adults to watch alongside their kids and they will enjoy it just as much! Despicable Me 2 premiered in theaters this summer!  Did you get a chance to see it?  We thank the good people at Connect Your Home for providing the Blu-ray for our review!  You can pre-order the sequel Despicable Me 2 on Blu-ray Combo Pack at Amazon.com.

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Mama’s Family Complete 1st and 2nd Season DVD Giveaway!!! 3 Winners!!!

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THIS MONTH, BRING HOME ONE OF TELEVISION’S

ORIGINAL DYSFUNCTIONAL FAMILIES WITH

TWO LONG-AWAITED SINGLE SEASON DVD RELEASES

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MAMA’S FAMILY: THE COMPLETE FIRST SEASON

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MAMA’S FAMILY: THE COMPLETE SECOND SEASON

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Street Date: September 10, 2013

Move over, Simpsons and Bundys!  Sorry, Bluths and Sopranos!  The honor of “Most Dysfunctional TV Family” goes to the Harper clan from MAMA’S FAMILY, the fan-favorite comedy spun off from the wildly popular “Carol Burnett Show” ongoing sketch “The Family.” Headed by the ornery and formidable matriarch Thelma Mae Crowley Harper, Vicki Lawrence’s indelible and abrasive alter ego, the Harper family puts run-of-the-mill relations to shame.  This September, StarVista Entertainment/ Time Life, in conjunction with Warner Bros. Home Entertainment, invites viewers to bring home this hilarious — and sometimes heartwarming – family comedy of the highest degree with MAMA’S FAMILY: THE COMPLETE FIRST SEASON & MAMA’S FAMILY: THE COMPLETE SECOND SEASON. 

 

These first two complete season DVD releases – never before available to the home entertainment marketplace — feature the rare, original broadcast masters (the “Joe Hamilton” cuts) of the episodes which fans have clamored about for years; they also feature Harvey Korman’s hilarious introductions as Alistair Quince (spoofing Alistair Cooke).  Each DVD set also contains robust bonus features, including the critically acclaimed and never-available on DVD teleplay “Eunice” and more.

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MAMA’S FAMILY: THE COMPLETE FIRST SEASON (1983) – When Vinton Harper (Ken Berry, F-Troop), Mama’s only son, drops by to announce that he and his children have been evicted from their home, it sets into motion family dysfunction of the highest order. Against the wishes of Mama’s roommate – her sister, Fran (Rue McClanahan, The Golden Girls) – Vint moves in, starts a romance with an old high school crush (Dorothy Lyman, All My Children), gets married in episode four, brings the entire clan to a very memorable appearance on ‘Family Feud’ and welcomes several visits from Mama’s high-strung daughter, Eunice (Carol Burnett) and her husband, Ed (in Harvey Korman’s final series appearance). THE COMPLETE SEASON ONE contains 13 episodes across 3 discs, as well as bonus programming sure to please every classic TV aficionado!

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MAMA’S FAMILY: THE COMPLETE SECOND SEASON (1983-1984) – This new collection features 22 episodes in their entirety across 4 DVDs.  SEASON TWO finds the Harper family in rare form, as Mama’s highfalutin’ daughter Ellen receives Raytown’s “Woman of the Year” Award, Mama gets hospitalized after being hit on the noggin with a stewpot (in Carol Burnett’s final series appearance), Mama’s once-vivacious cousin Gert (Imogene Coca) gets her life enriched, Mama attempts learning to drive (much to the family’s chagrin) and decides to run for Mayor of Raytown.  Among bonus extras, this set features the TV movie “Eunice” (1982), a CBS-TV original which was the precursor to the series and takes the Harper family on an unforgettable 23-year journey.

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Additionally, also being released on September 10 will be two “Best of” releases, each priced at $12.95.  MAMA’S FAMILY: SEASON ONE FAVORITES and SEASON TWO FAVORITES both feature the very best episodes from their respective seasons, highlighting the most memorable moments from the Harper family escapades.  MAMA’S FAMILY: THE COMPLETE SERIES, never before released in its entirety, is currently available for pre-order at www.mamasfamilydvds.com for $199.95 and will ship to consumers the week of September 2nd. Also available online in a limited edition run of 500 is the SIGNATURE COLLECTION, which features a set hand-signed by Vicki Lawrence.  Shipped with a Certificate of Authenticity, this unique piece of pop culture memorabilia retails for $299.95.

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BONUS FEATURES

  • THE COMPLETE FIRST SEASON – Featurette: Mama’s Family Tree: The Branches (All About Eunice and Ellen); Family History: A Classic “Family” Sketch from ‘The Carol Burnett Show’, featuring Betty White (Show #1012, December 11, 1976)
  • THE COMPLETE SECOND SEASON – Movie: “Eunice” (Original Air Date: March 15, 1982); Featurette: Mama’s Family Tree: The Roots (All About Mama and Fran);Interviews: Vicki Lawrence interviews Mama, Vicki Lawrence interviews Carol Burnett, Betty White

 

ABOUT MAMA’S FAMILY

 

From the first time the wildly-popular sketch “The Family” aired on “The Carol Burnett Show” in 1974, Vicki Lawrence has been followed by a buxom, blue-haired, purse-lipped, 65-year-old widow.  This is, of course, Thelma Mae Crowley Harper, Lawrence’s indelible, abrasive and smart alecky alter ego who would eventually be spun-off into her own delightfully offbeat sitcom “Mama’s Family,” which debuted on NBC on January 22, 1983 and ran for six seasons. Set in the fictional city of Raytown, MAMA’S FAMILY revolves around the eye-opening escapades of the Harper clan, headed by formidable matriarch, Mama Harper, a fiery-tempered no-nonsense woman who does not suffer fools gladly.  In fact, she makes everybody suffer a little with her patented snappy retorts that truly put the “diss” in dysfunction.  Across 130 episodes viewers were treated to family comedy of the highest degree.

 

 StarVista Entertainment/ Time Life is sponsoring a giveaway on Mommy Ramblings.  3 lucky blog readers will win the Complete 1st and 2nd Seasons of Mama’s Family on DVD!  Thank you StarVista and Time Life for sponsoring this family, fun filled giveaway on Mommy Ramblings!!!  Open to US residents.

MAMA’S FAMILY: THE COMPLETE FIRST SEASON & MAMA’S FAMILY: THE COMPLETE SECOND SEASON Giveaway on Mommy Ramblings Rules:

Please enter the giveaway using the Rafflecopter widget below.  Good Luck!!!

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LOVABLE LABELS SPOOKTACULAR SALE!!!

Check out the Spooktacular Weekend Sale going on at Lovable Labels!!!

 

 

 


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Enter Welch’s “Share Your Moments” Photo Contest!!!

“I participated in a campaign on behalf of Mom Central Consulting for Welch’s. I received a promotional item as a thank you for participating.”

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Sometimes  great memories are made over the simplest things.  It doesn’t have to be a trip to Disney or the Grand Canyon but great times can happen anywhere, even around the kitchen table sharing a glass of juice or snack with your child.  We have had so many special times around our table whether it’s myself and an early riser sharing some toast and jam or the whole family enjoying a meal.  Little secrets shared and conversation that just make me sit in awe of life through their eyes.

Welch’s believes in the magic of “kitchen table” moments, and has been helping families enjoy them for generations. In the time it takes to drink a glass of juice or share a sandwich, a special moment can happen. That’s why Welch’s just launched a new movement called “Share what’s good™” It’s all about sharing those special moments that occur each day with family, friends and loved ones – whether it’s at home or on the go. At Sharewhatsgood.com you’ll find a variety of great content from fun family ideas to delicious recipes. You can share photos of your every-day moments and see how others are doing the same.

The “Share what’s good” Photo Contest Details:

As part of the Share what’s good campaign, Welch’s has launched the “Share Your Moments” photo contest! From 9/16to 10/25 upload a photo of your favorite family moment for a chance to win $5,000! While there is only one grand prize, everyone who enters will get a $1.50 coupon for Welch’s 100% Grape Juice – or $2.00 if you share the news. Visit Sharewhatsgood.com to enter.

You can visit Welch’s Facebook Page, Follow Welch’s on Twitter and Instagram!!!

 

 

 


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Kids do judge a book by its cover – 3 great ways to get your little ones loving reading!

Babies and children love to browse through books well before they can read, and if children can explore their books independently, it helps to plant a love of books and reading from right from the crucial early years.

Here are some ideas to get your kids loving reading!

  1.  Have lots of books around the house!

Studies show that more books in the home lead to greater academic achievement in children.   8 out of 10 kids who have books of their own at home are more likely to be above average readers*.  And if you’re a confident reader, you’re more likely to do better at school, and love reading more.  Kids love getting books as gifts and treats.  Give kids the feeling of ownership by putting their books in a special kids bookcase or book box.

*Source National Literacy Trust, Book Ownership Report 2011.

 

  1. Let kids choose their own books

“Let children choose their own books, from an appropriate selection. This helps build a lifelong love of reading.” Building Blocks US Dept Health and Human Services

What’s more, kids do judge books by the cover!  They need to see the front covers of books (and the often beautiful artwork), rather than the books’ spines to decide whether it’s worth picking up or not.

If kids can choose what they read, then they enjoy reading more.  Nerdy Book Club has 5 great reasons to get children to take control over what they read.  Publishing expert Michael Norris also advises parents NOT to equate reading with ‘good’ behaviour!

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  1. Read real (print) books together

Reading together is a brilliant way to end the day, to have a cuddle or while away a train ride, and of course, starts children off on their journey of reading.  Despite the hype about ebooks, most parents still prefer print books for their kids.   Print books give young children a complete sensory experience; touch, smell and feel of the pages as they turn them, and which builds up their love of books and reading.

3 out of 4 parents and kids, plump for print books for bedtime stories*.  Kids get to use all of their senses, and often kids’ books use flaps or pull outs to add to the story (like the surprise ending in Abigail by Catherine Rayner, or the classic Dear Zoo by Rod Campbell.

*Source Reading is Fundamental/Macy’s 2013

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What do you think?  Have you made a reading corner at home?  How do you get your kids browsing?

This is a guest post from Tidy Books who make brilliant bookcases that get kids reading.  To find out more, visit Tidy Books.


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Fall, What Fall?

A little ranting going on this morning and I am calling out all of the people who say that Fall is their most favorite time of the year.  They talk about warm, crisp days filled with apple picking, sipping pumpkin flavored beverages and jumping in piles of crunchy, colorful leaves.  Hayrides, picking pumpkins and just sitting and admiring the changing colors are all on their list of favorite things to do.  That’s all well and good unless you live in upstate New York.  We don’t have Fall most years, in fact the leaves start falling in July.  I can’t tell you how many colored Autumn leaves I find on my lawn all Summer.  In August the nights get cold enough that you put the heat on in the car at night and sweatshirts are required.  

Before even the official start of Autumn we have frost warnings, are using the heat and building roaring fires in our fireplaces.  Sure there are some days when we have a taste of true Autumn but never a season of it.  We seem to move from Summer right to Winter with a short stop at Autumn beginning late August.  My husband laughed when I told him that he needed to finish the new porch railings a few weeks ago because we would never get to  paint and stain if he didn’t because soon the snow would fly.  Let’s just say he’s not laughing now.

Saturday was so cold and windy we cancelled a family photo shoot due to the conditions.  Fall to me is one of the most depressing times of year, not true Fall but our Fall.  Everything dying, the thought of a Winter that lasts to late May (I kid you not it snowed mid May here last year), is not uplifting for me.  I love Spring (again if we had one) and Summer which is entirely too short since it ends mid August.  So far today looks fairly okay outside, so I will enjoy one of the last days of true Autumn even though it’s technically still Summer and better fit that pumpkin latte in quick before the chance passes me by.  That’s what you have to do when you live in the state of 2 seasons, Winter and Summer.

Enjoy some photos of Fall in upstate New York that I took in July (I jest a little). It is beautiful when we get one or two true days of Autumn.  

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