Category Archives: Uncategorized

November 3, 2012 · 8:39 pm

Marvel Heroes, Little Golden Book Favorites Review & Giveaway!!!

I have told you before how much my little guys are into the Marvel Super Heroes.  You never know who you might meet at our house.  Just yesterday in a delayed trick or treating escapade brought to you courtesy of Hurricane Sandy; you would have found 2 completely decked out Thors in tow.  Other days you will find Hulk at the kitchen table and Captain America off on an adventure and Spider-Man and Iron Man are soon to make their debut as the mood and adventures change.  They love books too so you can imagine that when they saw this collection of Little Golden Book Favorites of the Marvel Heroes they were excited.  Marvel Heroes, Little Golden Book Favorites contains The Amazing Spider-Man, The Mighty Avengers and The Invincible Iron Man in this hardcover book.  This book is a $12 value but available for only $6.99!  

Random House is sponsoring a giveaway on Mommy Ramblings.  One lucky blog reader will win their own hardcover copy of Marvel Heroes, Little Golden Book Favorites.  Thank you Random House for the review book and for sponsoring this super giveaway on Mommy Ramblings!!!  Open to US residents.

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· 1:34 am

Laurent Doll,18″ Doll Bunk Bed Review and Giveaway!!!

My nieces just love playing with their dolls, and what makes dolls more fun? Furniture! So you can imagine how thrilled I was when I was asked to review a Laurent Doll bunk bed! I was so excited, I didn’t want to wait for my husband to get home from work to help me put it together. After making sure everything was there, locating my screwdriver, and with the help of my big, strapping assistant (my 5-year-old son) I was ready to assemble it. The instructions were simple and easy to follow, even for me! The whole thing only took about fifteen minutes, and I had no problems.   The bed is gorgeous, with fancy headboards and footboards and a built-in ladder. The construction feels solid and skillfully crafted. The finish is polished white which will go with pretty much any décor. It even came with little pillows and mattresses that fit perfectly on the beds. I also received the pink stripe bunk bed linen set featuring a sweet pink and white striped design on the pillowcases and blankets, and crisp white sheets for the mattresses. The bedding really gives the bed a finished look and can encourage little girls to make their own beds after they learn how to make their doll beds!

My nieces had a delightful time playing sleepover with their dolls. They had them climbing the ladder to get to the top bunk, and tucked them in with the cozy blankets over and over! I can see this bed being used every day, my nieces tucking in their dolls every night at bedtime. It is sturdy and should last a lifetime with light use. This bed measuring at 22” x 23” x 12” was big enough for my niece’s 18 inch doll, still fit my other niece’s smaller doll, and my 15 inch cabbage patch doll without looking silly. So this bed is virtually a one size fits all!

 

Mommy Ramblings loves this bunk bed so much we are adding it to our 2012 Holiday Gift Guide because it will make the perfect gift for that special little girl on your list this season!!!

Laurent Doll is sponsoring a giveaway on Mommy Ramblings!!! One lucky blog reader will win a bunk bed like the one reviewed! Thank you Laurent Doll for this gorgeous review bed and for sponsoring this fantastic giveaway!!!  Open to US residents.

Laurent Doll Bunk Bed for 18″ Dolls Giveaway on Mommy Ramblings Rules:

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November 2, 2012 · 2:07 am

Chuggington, “Icy Escapades” DVD Review & Giveaway!!!

My three-year old could not get this in the DVD player fast enough when he saw me open it from that day’s mail.  He loves Chuggington along with my five-year old.  We have been without power thanks to Hurricane Sandy so we are thankful we have a generator that lets us run our main appliances, lights and of course TV and DVD player.  He watched this DVD through 2 straight times and at least once a day since then.  This DVD is a collection of winter adventures as the crew takes to the tracks as snow and ice blanket Chuggington!  Wilson, Koko and Brewster save the day when the rails become frozen to keep the town moving.  Lots of chilly adventures for these Chuggers and trainees who need a little rescuing.  These great episodes model great lessons like teamwork and problem solving while showing there is snow-place like Chuggington!

Anchor Bay is sponsoring a giveaway on Mommy Ramblings.  One luck blog reader will win the Chuggington, “Icy Escapades” DVD.  Thank you Anchor Bay for the review DVD and for sponsoring this great giveaway on Mommy Ramblings!!!  Open to US residents.

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October 29, 2012 · 12:26 pm

EPSON Expression Home XP-400 Small-in-One™ All-in-One Printer Review!!!

You know what they say about good things coming in small packages right?  Well, the Epson Expression Home XP-400 Small-In-One, All-in-One Printer is a great example of that.  This compact machine will let you print, scan and copy and is filled with great features.  Insert your memory card and print pictures without using a PC, you can edit them and then print them in high quality.  The control panel is easy to read and the touch panel is so handy.  This unit is also compatible for printing from your iPad or smart phone.  Wireless network will keep your entire family connected to this printer and let everyone print from multiple devices.

 

Setting this printer up is super easy right out of the box.  All you need to do is remove the packaging, insert the ink cartridges and just install the printer on your devices via the CD or Apple AirPrint or Google Cloud Print. If you are looking for a compact printer, scanner and copier that does not have you compromising on features; you should check out the Epson XP-400. This unit makes a great family gift at a great price this holiday season.  Mommy Ramblings is adding it to our 2012 Holiday Gift Guide.  For product videos click HERE.  You can follow Epson on  Twitter.

  • ISO Print Speeds
    One-sided ISO print speeds of 8.7 ISO ppm (black) and 4.5 ISO ppm (color)
  • 2.5" LCD
    Use the 2.5″ LCD to preview, edit and print photos, without turning on your computer.
  • Epson Connect - Print and share from anywhere
    Conveniently print from smartphones, tablets and more; also supports AirPrint and Google Cloud Print
  • Wireless Network Ready
    Print from any room in the house, using a wireless network.
    Print Borderless Photos PC-free
  • Print borderless in multiple sizes directly from a memory card or camera and without the use of a computer.
  • Replace Only the Color You Need
    Four individual ink cartridges are available in different capacities, so you can replace only the color you need.
  • Print photos, PC-free — built-in card slots, intuitive touch panel and large 2.5″ color LCD
  • Small-in-One printer — space-saving design; great performance
  • Wireless printing and scanning — share one printer at home; now with Wi-Fi CERTIFIED™ n1 – connect to your wireless network in seconds
  • Quiet operation — focus on what’s important
  • Easy setup and control — intuitive touch panel gives you everything you need
  • Brilliant results, smart value — individual ink cartridges, available in different sizes to suit your needs
  • Better images automatically — red-eye removal, photo restoration and correction of over / underexposed images
  • Truly touchable photos and documents — instant-dry ink for smudge, fade and water resistant prints
  • EPSON Connect™ — print and share from anywhere – convenient mobile printing from smartphones, tablets and more2; also supports Apple® AirPrint™ and Google Cloud Print™; visit www.epsonconnect.com

Eco Features

  • ENERGY STAR® qualified
  • RoHS compliant
  • Recyclable product1
  • Save paper with manual two-sided printing1
  • Epson America, Inc. is a SmartWaySM Transport Partner1

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· 3:10 am

Boogie Board 8.5 LCD eWriter Review & Giveaway!!!

If you have never heard of or used a Boogie Board LCD eWriter, you really don’t know what you are missing.  They are kind of addictive to say the least and oh so practical.  They save paper, and are just a great little tablet that you write on with the included stylus and with the touch of a button and a quick flash everything is erased and you can start with a clean slate, I mean clean eWriter.  They come in great colors and kids love them, they were recently listed among the top 10 most wanted toys of the year.  They are great for adults or kids, keep one on your desk or in the kitchen to leave each other notes, great by the phone or pop in your purse or diaper bag to keep kids entertained in waiting rooms, restaurants, and when traveling.  My kids love their Boogie Boards.  Mommy Ramblings things the Boogie Board 8.5 LCD eWriter makes a great gift for anyone on your gift list this holiday season and we are adding it to our 2012 Holiday Gift Guide.

  1. Erase your image with the touch of a button – and a friendly flash from the liquid crystal display.
  2. Sealed 3V watch battery never needs replacing.
  3. The Boogie Board LCD eWriter is an ultra 1/8″ thin and is easy to take with you in a purse, scheduler, briefcase or backpack.
  4. The case and LCD are made from durable plastic materials. Safe for school use and all around the house, office and car.
  5. The Boogie Board LCD eWriter’s pressure-sensitive LCD writing surface creates lines of different thickness based on how hard you push – just like paper and pen!
  6. Write or draw with the included stainless steel stylus or any other suitable instrument – even your finger! You’ll never need to search for a pen or pencil again!

Would you like to win a Boogie Board?  If so, you will be happy to learn Improv Electronics is sponsoring a giveaway on Mommy Ramblings.  One lucky blog reader will win a 8.5 LCD Boogie Board eWriter!!!  Thank you to Improv Electronics for the review eWriter and for sponsoring this great giveaway.  Open to US residents.

Boogie Board 8.5 LCD eWriter Giveaway on Mommy Ramblings Rules:

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October 28, 2012 · 1:14 am

Quercetti, Skyrail Suspension Rollercoaster with Elevator Review & Giveaway!!!

I was thrilled to be asked by International Playthings LLC to pick something on their site I would like to review. It was so hard to choose among all the great brands they carry.  I finally decided on the Skyrail Suspension Rollercoaster with Elevator by Quercetti.  I knew my husband would love doing this with the boys because he could use it to help them see and understand the effects of gravity, speed, inertia, centrifugal force and other principles of mechanics and physics.  See my husband is a big math guy and with a masters in mathematical sciences this is the kind of stuff he loves to explain and show the kids.  Since they are so young, this is a wonderful way they can easily absorb it.  I know they are younger than the recommended age but with two math oriented parents our kids are pretty into this kind of stuff already.

It took some time to set up and did take a certain bit of calibrating the cables to make it go just right but that is  the purpose  and it was not long before my five-year old really got the idea of how to adjust the suspension to create the inclines needed to give the balls the speed they needed.  They could just sit and watch it for a long time when it was all together, the elevator the transports the balls from the bottom back to the top so they can complete the track again was a favorite for them.  If you are looking for something that is educational and fun the Quercetti Skyrail Suspension Rollercoaster with Elevator is a great choice.  Mommy Ramblings thinks it is such a great toy that we are adding it to our 2012 Holiday Gift Guide.

Construct a suspension system then send marbles racing around the course. It takes just the right amount of tension to race all the way to the bottom without falling off or rolling back.  As marbles reach the bottom of the coaster, the battery-operated elevator lifts them to the top in an endless stream of gravity-powered excitement Includes 15 feet of track, 4 marbles and a detailed instruction booklet Perfect for demonstrating gravity, speed, inertia, centrifugal force and other principles of mechanics and physics.

International Playthings LLC is sponsoring a giveaway on Mommy Rambling.  One lucky blog reader will win their own Quercetti Skyrail Suspension Rollercoaster with Elevator.  Thank you International Playthings for the review toy and for sponsoring this great giveaway on Mommy Ramblings.  Open to US residents.

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October 27, 2012 · 12:36 am

Chicken Soup For The Soul: Married Life Review and Giveaway!!! 3 Winners!!!

I’m back with a new book from Chicken Soup for the Soul Publishing, Married Life is a wonderful book featuring 101 inspirational stories about fun, family and wedded bliss  You will read stories from couples about how they keep their marriage fresh, how they weather the ups and downs and how they learn to accept each other’s flaws while they value the other’s strengths.  This book is fitting for newlyweds or couples married 50 years or more. If you want to read real stories about things that happen in real marriages this book is perfect.

 

Chicken Soup for the Soul Publishing is sponsoring a giveaway on Mommy Ramblings.  Three lucky blog readers will win Married Life; 101 Inspirational Stories about Fun, Family and Wedded Bliss!!!  Thank you Chicken Soup for the Soul Publishing for the review book and for sponsoring this great giveaway on Mommy Ramblings!!!  Open to US residents.

Chicken Soup for the Soul: Married Life Giveaway on Mommy Ramblings Rules:

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October 25, 2012 · 11:43 pm

Howard B. Wigglebottom Learns It’s OK To Back Away Book Review & Giveaway!!!

Howard B. Wigglebottom books are a favorite of my little ones and I love them too because they teach such valuable lessons in a way children can easily understand.  We were recently asked to pick a Howard B. Wigglebottom book to review.  I was very happy because my kids love the titles we already have. This time I decided to go with Howard B. Wigglebottom Leans It’s OK to Back Away.   This is a book about anger and how kids can understand when they are feeling angry and use different techniques to calm themselves down before they get into big trouble.  Howard learns the hard way that getting angry just gets him in big trouble and makes him miss out on his favorite things.  His friend explains how he can focus that anger into something else like kicking a ball outside until he feels better.  This is great for showing your kids what happens when we can’t control our anger and there is even a study guide in the back of the book for discussion points.  As a parent I appreciate that the Howard B. Wigglebottom books teach key concepts to kids about their behavior without being boring.  So we have added this to our Howard B. Wigglebottom collection and it is already a very well read book in our house.

The We Do Listen Foundation is sponsoring a giveaway on Mommy Ramblings.  One lucky blog reader will win their own Howard B. Wigglebottom Hardcover Book.  Thank you to the We Do Listen Foundation for the review book and for sponsoring this great giveaway on Mommy Ramblings!!!  Open to US residents.

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· 1:24 am

Disney Junior, Jake And The Never Land Pirates: “Jake Saves Bucky” 2 Disc DVD Combo Pack Review & Giveaway!!!

 

Are You Ready to Set Sail with Jake and the Never Land Pirates?

 

Yo, Ho, Mateys! Get ready as JAKE AND THE NEVER LAND PIRATES: JAKE SAVES BUCKY recently came sailing home on DVD and Digital Download! This DVD is packed with fun including a Jake and the Never Land Pirate’s blow-up sword and a special bonus feature, Pirate-oke, a karaoke-like feature that allows viewers to sing along to a collection of the songs featured in the episodes

Download Printable Activities!

Synopsis:   Yo ho, let’s go! Set sail with Jake and his crew on a full-length, high-speed adventure on the high seas. According to the Never Land Pirate Code, Jake and his crew must race Bucky against the Jolly Roger and the sneaky Captain Hook. But if Bucky loses, he’ll belong to Hook forever. Of course, Hook uses every trick in the book and wins the race. But,Jake and his crew might have a way to get Bucky back. With the help of Peter Pan, the young pirates embark on an adventure across Never Land that includes getting past a fire-breathing dragon. With your help, Jake’s crew can save Bucky from the devious Captain Hook. In addition, enjoy four more exciting Jake and the Never Land Pirates episodes. Overflowing with music, swashbuckling action and seafaring fun, Jake and the Never Land Pirates: Jake Saves Bucky proves that being a hero comes from teamwork, determination and friendship!

Talent:

       Colin Ford (“We Bought A Zoo,” TV’s “Supernatural”) as voice of Jake

      Madison Pettis (TV’s “Cory in the House,”“The Game Plan”) as voice of Izzy

      Jonathan Morgan Heit (“Bedtime Stories”) as voice of Cubby

      David Arquette (“Scream 4”) as voice of Skully

      Corey Burton (TV’s “Star Wars: The Clone Wars”) as voice of Captain Hook

      Jeff Bennet (TV’s “Johnny Bravo,”) as voice of Mr. Smee

 

Episodes:

1 – Jake and the Never Land Pirates: JakeSaves Bucky (Full-length adventure)

2 – Peter’s Musical Pipes/The Never Night Star

3 – Captain Hook’s Hooks/Mr. Smee’s Pet

4 – Race-Around Rock!/Captain Hook is Missing!

5 – Captain Hook’s Lagoon/Undersea Bucky!

Bonus Features:  Pirate-oke – A karaoke-like feature that allows viewers to sing along to a collection of the songs featured in the episodes.

Win A DVD Combo Pack!!!

Disney is sponsoring a giveaway on Mommy Ramblings.  One lucky winner will win Jake Saves Bucky DVD Combo Pack!  Thank you Disney for the review DVD Combo Pack and for sponsoring this great giveaway on Mommy Ramblings!!!  Open to US residents.

Disney Junior, Jake Saves Bucky DVD Combo Pack Giveaway on Mommy Ramblings Rules:

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October 24, 2012 · 12:42 am

ThinkFun, Zingo Sight Words Game Review & Giveaway!!!

 

My five-year-old just started kindergarten and is learning to read.  We were recently asked to review Zingo Sight Words from ThinkFun Games, and they could not have picked a better game for us.  This is a great game that you play like bingo but with a chip dispenser that you slide forward to reveal 2 sight words.  Every player gets a card, they are two-sided for 2 levels of competition.  My husband and I played with our 3 and 5-year-old and it was a lot of fun.  We could not believe the way our three-year old was jumping into play and recognizing the words.  Our 5-year-old won 3 or 4 games straight in a row.  Zingo Sight Words is a great game for kids learning how to read and it is fun even for the adults playing along.  The kids love taking turns to work the dispenser and everyone had a great time.  Mommy Ramblings thinks this fun and educational game would make a wonderful holiday gift this season so you will find Zingo Sight Words on our 2012 Holiday Gift Guide.

ThinkFun is sponsoring a giveaway on Mommy Ramblings.  One lucky blog reader will win a ThinkFun Zingo Sight Words Game!  Thank you ThinkFun for the review game and for sponsoring this great giveaway on Mommy Ramblings!!!  Open to US residents.

ThinkFun Games, Zingo Sight Words Giveaway on Mommy Ramblings Rules:

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