Category Archives: Uncategorized

ThinkFun Games Helping Victims of Hurricane Sandy and 25% off Coupon Code!!!

In the wake of last week’s storm, our thoughts are with the families who have lost so much.
To bring some smiles to those who so desperately need them, ThinkFun is supporting the Toy Bank with a Buy One – Give One donation initiative – and we’d love your help!

Through midnight tomorrow (11/9), for every game purchased, they will donate a new game to support families affected by the hurricane.

This also happens to be an ideal time for early holiday shopping, as ThinkFun is offering an additional 25% off all online orders with code HOLIDAY2012


Leave a Comment

Filed under Uncategorized

Reading Eggs, Learn To Read Program For Ages 3-12, Free 2 Week Trial!!!

Learning to read is an important skill for all children.  Reading Eggs wanted to make it an enjoyable experience for children as well. Children love working and playing on the computer and the Reading Eggs program is all about bringing out the best in each child.

Reading Eggs is a reading program that was developed by a group of highly experienced teachers, educational writers, animators and web developers.  With a focus on core reading curriculum, skills and strategies that are essential for reading success; Reading Eggs is suitable for children ages 3-12 years.  Reading Eggs was launched in the United States and Canada in 2011 and has more than 500,000 subscribers and presented more than 15 million lessons in North America.
 
Special Offer
Receive a FREE TWO WEEK TRIAL OFFER.  Register now for a free two-week trial offer of Reading Eggs with no credit card required.  Click HERE!

Leave a Comment

Filed under Uncategorized

“Beaches” on Blu-ray Disc Review & Giveaway!!!

For the First Time on Blu-ray, Get This Classic Comedic Drama
Starring Better Midler and Barbara Hershey!

 

Just Debuted on Blu-ray November 6, 2012
With New Digital Restoration

I recently received Beaches on Blu-Ray for review and it instantly brought back so many memories and emotions.  I had not seen this movie in years and yet so many scenes came flooding back.  This movie is so filled with raw emotion about friendship between two women starting in childhood and lasting through the years even though there are struggles, bumps and fighting along the way.  The tear jerker end makes this a true chick flick for sure and will resonate with you for a lifetime as I can attest to.

Synopsis:                                 

A privileged rich debutante and a cynical struggling entertainer share a turbulent, but strong childhood friendship over the years.

Cast:  

Bette Midler (The First Wives Club, Divine Madness) as CC Bloom

Barbara Hershey (Black Swan, Hannah and Her Sisters) as Hillary Whitney Essex

Director: Garry Marshall (The Princess Diaries, Pretty Woman)

Screen Writer: Mary Agnes Donoghue (Veronica Guerin, White Oleander)

Bonus Features:                      

“Wind Beneath My Wings” Music Video

Segment from “AFI’s 1000 Years…100 Songs” with Bette Midler

Barbara Hershey screen test

Blooper Reel

“Mayim Bialik Remembers”

 

Would you like to win your own Beaches Blu-Ray Combo Pack?  One lucky Mommy Ramblings reader will win a Beaches Blu-Ray Pack.  Open to US residents.
 
Beaches on Blu-Ray Disc Giveaway on Mommy Ramblings Rules:
Please enter the giveaway using the Rafflecopter widget below.  Good Luck!!!

7 Comments

Filed under Uncategorized

Julie France Body Shapers Review and Giveaway!!!

As the holidays are fast approaching you probably want to look your best in your clothes as you attend the festivities of the season.  Whether you are a new mom with some toning to do or just had a few too many of the holiday goodies that are so freely flowing during this season; Julie France Body Shapers can provide a solution.

Julie France Body Shapers are constructed using a breathable, moisture-wicking microfiber that remains invisible under any outfit. Seamless and lightweight, these body shapers work with the body’s muscular structure to apply the appropriate amount of compression on each major muscle group. Engineered using innovate, three-dimensional technology to form zone-specific contouring panels, Julie France Body Shapers camouflage imperfections and shapes the body without creating lines or bulges.

Julie France Body Shapers is committed to offering women shapewear garments that not only help them look their best, but also feel their best at all times. A woman’s best accessory is her smile, but her best foundation garment will always be a Julie France Body Shaper!

I was recently sent a Léger High Waist Boxer Shaper and a Regular High Waist Boxer Shaper for review.  The Léger Collection of body shapers is ultralight made from softer, finer yarns and offers powerful graduated compression technology that offers maximum breathability and comfort.  The Léger High Waist Boxer Shaper is comfortable, seamless and is designed to not cause any ugly bulging.  This shaper slims waist, tummy, lower back, hips and thighs as well as lifts and defines the buttocks.  I like this shaper because it is so lightweight and comfortable, yet it works so well to give us that slim silhouette we want under our clothing especially form-fitting clothing.  The fabric keeps you cool as it breathes and lets you stay comfortable all day.  It also provides good back support which is great if you have any back problems.

The Regular Julie France Body Shapers are seamless microfiber made of superior quality, lightweight, resilient stretch materials designed to work specifically with the body’s muscular structure.  This shaper has a cotton gusset and provides slimming support that slenderizes, shapes, smooths and camouflage flaws.  It has removable straps that you can attach to your bra.  This shaper is great for helping you look your best in your clothing.  This is a very supportive garment that will give you maximum control and support and still be comfortable to wear through the day.

Julie France is sponsoring a giveaway on Mommy Ramblings.  One lucky blog reader will win their choice of either the Léger or Regular High Waist Boxer Shaper (subject to size and availability).  Thank you Julie France for the review body shapers and for sponsoring this great giveaway on Mommy Ramblings!!!  Open to US residents.  

Julie France Body Shaper Giveaway on Mommy Ramblings Rules:

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

Continue reading


14 Comments

Filed under Uncategorized

Hartford York, DPC Authentic Wool Beret Review!!!

The beret is a hat that I have always been partial to and I think is very flattering on most women, even those who do not feel like they are “hat people.”  My daughter has always worn them even as a very little girl as part of her winter outerwear.  Recently, I was asked to review a DPC Authentic Wool Beret from Hartford York.  My daughter wanted it in black and it is just beautiful quality and so authentic.  The beret is available for only $25 and in 12 gorgeous colors!  If you are looking for a great hat that will have you receiving tons of compliments, try the DPC Authentic Wool Beret from Hartford York.


Leave a Comment

Filed under Uncategorized

All Aboard! The Polar Express as the Saratoga & North Creek Railway rolls out of the station bound for the “North Pole!

 

All Aboard! The Polar Express comes to life this holiday season as the Saratoga & North Creek Railway rolls out of the station bound for the “North Pole!” Come early and climb aboard with your family to cozy-up and enjoy our festively decorated vintage train cars. Dancing chefs deliver hot chocolate and a cookie to each guest to savor while music from the Polar Express movie plays en route to the North Pole. Make sure to have your tickets handy, because your conductor will be by shortly to punch each child’s ticket. Before arriving at the North Pole, the iconic book, The Polar Express is read as your Chef turns the pages to share the beautiful illustrations in the original book.

With the station far away, The Polar Express magically arrives at the outskirts of Santa’s North Pole village, where Santa Claus himself and his elves joyously welcome the train! As you stay comfortably settled and warm in your seat, Santa and his helper elf board the train! During the return trip, Santa will greet each child with his signature holiday spirit and the first gift of Christmas: a bell cut from his sleigh. It is said that only children and those who still believe can actually hear the bell ring. Join in the singing as your Chef or Conductor lead Christmas caroling on the 30-minute return trip. For those wanting the magic to last or to do a little Christmas shopping, visit our gift shop in the station for special Polar Express gifts and merchandise. Oh, one last thing, children are encouraged to wear their PJ’s; adults who still believe have been known to wear them, too! So, are you coming? All Aboard!

All Aboard the Polar Express is coming to the Saratoga & North Creek Railway, visit https://www.sncrr.com/the-polar-express.html or call 877-726-7245 to climb aboard.


Leave a Comment

Filed under Uncategorized

Shabby Apple $50 Gift Card Giveaway!!!

As soon as Halloween is  over it feels like Thanksgiving is so fast on our heels and Christmas and New Year’s are following right behind.  It has me feeling that my long list of things to do before the holidays is not going to all get done.  With all the preparation and festivities, you may be looking for some clothing options for parties, family pictures or entertaining.  If you have not heard of Shabby Apple, I would be happy to introduce you. Shabby Apple creates women’s clothing that is artful in design and crafted with a vintage-style flare.  Each piece is designed to flatter a woman’s figure and maintain her mystery. Shabby Apple is women-owned and operated and donates to help other women start businesses of their own.

Are you looking for a dress?   At Shabby Apple you can browse through retro dresses, vintage dresses, shirtdresses, lace dresses, maxi dresses and casual dresses.  Maybe you would like to try a skirt and a blouse and they have jewelry and accessories to pull it all together.  Shabby Apple has not forgotten the ladies in waiting with their maternity line and it certainly has the little ones covered with their children’s line.

Shabby Apple is sponsoring a giveaway on Mommy Ramblings.  One lucky blog reader will win a $50 Gift Card to Shabby Apple.  Thanks Shabby Apple for this wonderful giveaway on Mommy Ramblings!!!  Open to US residents.

Shabby Apple $50 Gift Card Giveaway on Mommy Ramblings Rules:

This is going to be an old-school giveaway without Rafflecopter.  Remember to leave a separate comment for each entry or you will not get credit for them.  Good Luck!!!

Mandatory Entry–Visit Shabby Apple and pick a favorite item and let us know what it is and why in a comment on this blog post.  If this entry is not completed all other entries will be deleted.

Extra Entries:

Like Shabby Apple on Facebook and leave me a comment here that you did with your Facebook name.

Tweet about the giveaway — #shabbyapplegiveaway Shabby Apple $50 Gift Card Giveaway!!! – Mommy Ramblings http://www.mommyramblings.org/2012/11/05/shabby-apple-50-gift-card-giveaway/

Leave the url of you tweet in a comment.  This can only be done once.

Post about this giveaway on your blog and leave the url to the post in a comment so we can verify.

Giveaway ends at 12 am November 24th!!!


51 Comments

Filed under Uncategorized

This Chick Bakes Sampler Box Review & Giveaway!!!

Shortly before  Hurricane Sandy hit I received a very pretty box in the mail from This Chick Bakes.  Inside was a sampler assortment of small batch gourmet treats.  I can’t tell you how I looked forward to these when we were without power due to the storm.  That little delectable sweet treat gave me a sweet tooth fix that was especially needed during such a high stress time.  My absolute favorite was the Peanut Butter Blast Cup.  It was so good and just pure bliss.  There was such a great variety of tastes in this box; Green Tea and Lemon ,Orange White Chocolate, Fudge Brownie, Raisin Coconut Chocolate Oat, Peanut Butter Blast and Ginger Molasses.

Their products are made from the finest ingredients they can find. There are no Trans-fats, High fructose corn syrup (HFCS), artificial flavors or preservatives in any of their products. They use fresh ground peanut butter, Callibaut & guittard chocolates, organic teas, and pure extracts.  If you are looking for a sweet gift for someone this holiday season, you should check out the many assortments you can get from This Chick Bakes, or you could build them a custom box of treats.  Mommy Ramblings is putting this sweet gift idea on our 2012 Holiday Gift Guide.

This Chick Bakes is sponsoring a giveaway on Mommy Ramblings.  One lucky blog reader will win a sampler box as I did.  Thank you to This Chick Bakes for the review box of treats and for sponsoring this very sweet giveaway on Mommy Ramblings!!!  Open to US residents.

This Chick Bakes Sampler Box Giveaway on Mommy Ramblings Rules:

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

Continue reading


29 Comments

Filed under Uncategorized

Storybook Treasures, My First Collection Volume 4 Featuring Robot Zot, 3 DVD Collection Review & Giveaway!!!

ROBOTS, TOYS AND A CURIOUS GARDEN FILL THE

SMALL SCREEN IN THE FOURTH VOLUME OF THE

AWARD-WINNING “MY FIRST COLLECTION” DVD SERIES

 

MY FIRST COLLECTION VOL. 4 is an engaging collection of stories certain to foster creativity and learning in toddlers.  Children ages 2 and up will rhyme along with RobotZot!, learn the value of appreciation in Too Many Toys, and be inspired to take small steps that can make big changes in the world with The Curious Garden. Together, the three DVDs feature 12 engaging stories with narration by Zach Braff and others.

 ROBOT ZOT!…AND MORE RHYMING STORIES

Also includes: This is the House that Jack Built, Trashy Town and Stars! Stars! Stars!

TOO MANY TOYS…AND MORE STORIES ABOUT PROBLEM SOLVING

Also includes: I Lost My Bear, Wallace’s List and Inch by Inch.

 THE CURIOUS GARDEN…AND MORE STORIES ABOUT NATURE

Also includes: The Lion and the Mouse, Fletcher and the Falling Leaves and Planting a Rainbow

DVD FEATURES

 

  • Bonus Author interviews: with Too Many Toys Author/Illustrator and Robot Zot!Illustrator David Shannon; The Curious Garden Author/Illustrator Peter Brown; and The Lion and the Mouse Author/Illustrator Jerry Pinkney;
  • Read-Along function on all stories.

Aside from being part of the MY FIRST COLLECTION VOLUME 4 set, each of the single DVDs will also be available individually for $12.95 srp. For more information on this title or any other Scholastic Storybook Treasures release, visit www.newkideo.com.  Also, visit New Kideo, the online home for the DVD line, at their Facebook page.

 

We were thrilled to be able to review this great collection.  My kids love Storybook Treasure’s DVDs and these were no exception.  The first one we watched was Too Many Toys and they just loved it.  These problem solving stories are perfect for my kids and their favorite was; I Lost My Bear.  Robot Zot provided a lot of entertainment with rhyming stories that are very appropriate to skills they are learning to read.  The Curious Garden is full of nature stories and a favorite on their was the classic tale of The Lion and the Mouse.  You really can’t go wrong with this collection.  Mommy Ramblings thinks it is such a great selection that we are putting it on our 2012 Holiday Gift Guide!

New Kideo is sponsoring a giveaway on Mommy Ramblings.  One lucky blog reader will win their own My First Collection Volume 4 Featuring Robot Zot, 3 DVD Collection.  Thank you New Kideo for the review collection and for sponsoring this great giveaway on Mommy Ramblings!!!  Open to US residents.

Storybook Treasures, My First Collection Volume 4 Featuring Robot Zot, 3 DVD Collection Giveaway on Mommy Ramblings Rules:

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

  Continue reading


13 Comments

Filed under Uncategorized

Disney,”Secret of the Wings” on Blu-ray Combo Pack, DVD and Digital Download Available Now!!!

 

WALT DISNEY PICTURES ANNOUNCES

A SPECTACULAR ALL-NEW TINKER BELL DISNEY FAIRIES MOVIE

Description: TKB_0606_MTSecretWing#4D532

Journey with Tinker Bell and her fairy friends to the mysterious Winter Woods in Secret of the Wings on Blu-ray™ Combo Pack, DVD and Digital Download. Curiosity and adventure lead Tink to an amazing discovery and reveal a magical secret that could change her world forever!

Featuring a stunning voice cast including Anjelica Huston, Timothy Dalton, Lucy Liu, Raven-Symoné, Megan Hilty, Pamela Adlon, Matt Lanter, Debby Ryan and Mae Whitman and Introducing the sparkling new winter fairy, PERIWINKLE voiced by Lucy Hale

For Tinker Bell and the other warm season fairies, the Winter Woods remains a mysterious and forbidden place.  “Secret of the Wings” takes audiences on an amazing journey of discovery with Tink, into this forbidden world where she discovers a magical secret that changes her life forever.

 A magical fairy adventure for the whole family, “Secret of the Wings” features a spectacular voice cast including Academy Award®-Winner Anjelica Huston (TV’s ‘Smash’), Timothy Dalton (TV’s ‘Chuck’, The Living Daylights), Lucy Liu (TV’s ‘Southland’, Charlie’s Angels), Raven-Symoné (TV’s ‘That’s So Raven’), Megan Hilty (TV’s ‘Smash’), Pamela Adlon (TV’s ‘Californication’), Matt Lanter (TV’s ‘90210’), Debby Ryan (TV’s ‘Jesse’) and Mae Whitman (TV’s ‘Parenthood’),and introducing the sparkling new winter fairy, PERIWINKLE, voiced by Lucy Hale(TV’s ‘Pretty Little Liars’).  A DisneyToon Studios production, the film is directed by Peggy Holmes, co-directed by Bobs Gannaway, and produced by Michael Wigert. John Lasseter serves as Executive Producer.

“Secret of the Wings” is Disney’s highly-anticipated all-new movie in the Tinker Bell Disney Fairies film franchise.  These beautifully animated films have ranked at the top of the home entertainment charts every year they have been released.

In addition to the all-new feature film, the spectacular animated release includes a host of exciting bonus features that extend the viewing experience, taking audiences deeper into the magical world of Disney Fairies.  

To celebrate the upcoming release of “Secret of the Wings,” Disney has launched a new destination in Facebook for parents to stay updated on Disney Fairies news as well as receive the best new content and activities that they can share with their children. Audiences can become a fan now by clicking HERE

 For the latest information on “Secret of the Wings,” fans are also encouraged to: Log-on to www.Disney.com/SecretofTheWings  to view film clips, etc…

WINTER ACTIVITY PACK

In Disney’s “Secret of the Wings,” Tinker Bell ventures to the mysterious Winter Woods where she discovers she has a sister, Periwinkle—a sparkling new winter fairy!  

Together they have plenty of fun, as Periwinkle and the other Winter Fairies show Tink all the excitement to be had in wintertime.

If you want to follow in the ‘footprints’ of this adventurous pair and find out how to have your own fun in the snow, look no further. But do remember to wear your mittens!

MAKE A SNOW FAIRY – When the snow on the ground is thick or powdery, lie flat on your back with your arms and legs drawn tightly into your body.Then move your arms in and out as if you are flapping your wings. Do the same with your legs! Stand and admire your work. Does the shape you’ve left behind look a bit like a fairy?

CATCH SNOWFLAKES ON YOUR TONGUE – Have you ever felt snow on your tongue? Wait until the snow is falling heavily, lift your face to the sky and stick out your tongue! The frosty snow will make it tingly!

HOW TO HAVE A SNOWBALL FIGHT! – With a grown-up, scoop up a handful of clean, powdery snow and roll it into a ball no bigger than the size of a tennis ball. Then, once it’s rolled, throw it at your opponent! Remember to only do this with snow that is dusty and powdery, and never aim your snowball at anyone’s head! Make sure you wear mittens or gloves to keep your hands warm!

GO SLEDDING – With a grown-up, find a gentle slope and position your sled heading downhill. Sit down and hold tight. On the count of three push yourself off! You’ll be whizzing and whirring until you reach the bottom. Don’t worry if you haven’t got a sled, you can use a flat sheet of cardboard! 

BUILD A SNOW FAIRY – You may have built a snowman before, but have you ever built a snow fairy? Have a go at making your own winter fairy like Periwinkle. Layer the snow to build the body, and finally add another snowy mound for her head.

With your parents OK  use silver spray paint to decorate her hair. Wait until the sun shines on your new friend and you’ll see how she magically sparkles and shimmers! Don’t forget to add wings you might make from some fallen tree branches and leaves!

 Download Activities!

Download Activities!


Leave a Comment

Filed under Uncategorized