Category Archives: Uncategorized

August 20, 2012 · 1:02 am

Scholastic,The Magic School Bus:The Complete Series Review & Giveaway!!!

Get Out There and Explore with The Magic School Bus DVDs

Relaunching This September 2012

On September 7, Scholastic Media and New Video, the distributors of the award-winning Scholastic Storybook Treasures series are partnering to release the perennially popular series in several configurations featuring all new packaging and never-before-released content.


I recently received The Magic School Bus: The Complete Series for review.  This boxed set of DVDs brings together all 52 episodes of the program–including 30 which are available for purchase for the first time on 8 DVDs.  Featuring a striking 3D lenticular cover with new artwork that makes the vibrant characters leap off the page and that will encourage kids to ask the question, “How did they make that?”  The collectible thin pack set also includes a guide for kids with teasers, trivia and experiments, plus a parent’s guide with lessons and learning options.  This interactive guide creates wholesome  and healthy entertainment  for the entire family.On September 7, Scholastic Media and New Video, the distributors of the award-winning Scholastic Storybook Treasures series are partnering to release the perennially popular series in several configurations featuring all new packaging and never-before-released content.

My older kids loved the Magic School Bus and so did their teachers.  I remember an assignment my daughter’s science class had one year to create their own Magic School Bus book on a particular concept.  That was great fun and a wonderful learning experience.  I can’t wait for my yongest children to experience this educational and entertaining series.

Also new to the line – and just in time for Back to School activities — will be two special 3-pack configurations, which will each include more than four hours of THE MAGIC SCHOOL BUS adventures!  Join Ms. Frizzle to explore everything from the smallest cell to the largest galaxy in the universe with THE MAGIC SCHOOL BUS: BLAST OFF! FROM SEA TO SPACE and THE MAGIC SCHOOL BUS: FIELD TRIP FUN AND GAMES.  Both, priced to add to every home library at $24.95srp, feature 12 episodes, some releasing for the first time.

Finally, released day-and-date will be four THE MAGIC SCHOOL BUS singles ($12.95srp ea.), each featuring 90 minutes of science fun with Ms. Frizzle and her students:

 

  • The Human Body – Science topics include digestion and body mechanics.
  • Super Star Power – Science topics include stars and cells.
  • Takes a Dive – Science topics include coral reefs and tidal zones.
  • Takes Flight – Science topics include weather and flying.

 

Poised to deliver fun and learning in a whole new way with the massive THE MAGIC SCHOOL BUS: THE COMPLETE SERIES, two new DVD sets and four single titles, excitement will soon be rolling into the marketplace on the heels of an enormous 25th Anniversary push for the brand.

 

The only question?  Where will the Bus take you?

 

The Magic School Bus® books, published by Scholastic, have been capturing children’s imaginations since they first book rolled onto shelves in 1986.  Since then, the acclaimed series has sold over 60 million books and spawned a successful animated TV series, which premiered in 1994, with support from The National Science Foundation. Now the longest-running science series to air on television, the star-studded program features the voices of Lily Tomlin, Wynonna Judd, Dolly Parton, Tony Randall and Malcolm-Jamal Warner.  Along with the adventurous and energetic Ms. Frizzle and her pet lizard, Liz, the entire class – along with the audience –invites students to explore volcanoes, the inside of the human body and much, much more!

Win The Magic School Bus: The Complete Series DVDs:

Scholastic Media and New Video are sponsoring a giveaway on Mommy Ramblings.  One lucky blog reader will win their own set of The Magic School Bus: The Complete Series ($79.99 value).  Than you Scholastic Media and New Video for sponsoring this great adventure of a giveaway on Mommy Ramblings!!!  Open to US residents.

Scholastic Media, The Magic School Bus: The Complete Series ($79.99 value) Giveaway on Mommy Ramblings Rules:

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August 18, 2012 · 1:20 am

Reading Horizons,Intensive Phonics Instructor Materials Kit Review & Giveaway!!!

Who remembers the old public service announcement about reading, that said “Reading is Fundamental.”  Can anyone argue with that? Reading is the foundation of learning. I was thrilled to be contacted by Reading Horizons to review their Intensive Phonics Instructor Materials kit.  This kit is designed for ages 4 to 9 so it was perfect for my 5-year-old and my 3-year-old could benefit too. The materials are great and make it so easy for parents to teach children all of the skills they need to read.  I like the way the materials like the worksheets in the spiral bound book can easily be photocopied so they can be used multiple times and by more than one child, keeping the original untouched in the book.  The charts and cards can be easily laminated so they are durable and hold up through multiple children.  The fundamental phonics skills make it easy for kids to learn and feed off their confidence that will have them reading the books that come with the kit and everything else.  This kit is also great for homeschooling, beginning readers, struggling reader and children with dyslexia.

What’s Included?

Set of Little Books

The short stories included in the Little Books are designed to enforce and transfer the skills taught in the Discover Intensive Phonics for Yourself methodology into everyday reading passages.

$29 Retail Value

Instructor Manuals (two volumes)

These two scripted manuals provide parents with all of the information needed to teach the 68 skills taught in the effective Discover Intensive Phonics for Yourself methodology.

$150 Retail Value

Sound Essentials Manual

This manual contains activities and materials to enrich and reinforce the Discover Intensive Phonics for Yourself methodology as taught in the scripted manuals. It is divided into: practice pages, games and activities, and instructional aides.

$75 Retail Value

Reverse Listening Cards

These cards provide a parents with a way to test a student’s ability to read and decode at incremental levels. The cards also provide guided reading and writing activities, help develop independent work and provide word banks for dictation. 616 cards are included.

$49 Retail Value

Poster Pack

42 Sounds, Blends, MCW, 5 Phonetic Skills, 2 Decoding Skills, Vowels

$89 Retail Value

These instructor materials make it easy for parents to teach children all of the skills needed to read words of any length. Works well for homeschooling beginning readers, struggling readers, and children with dyslexia

 

 

Reading Horizons is sponsoring a giveaway on Mommy Ramblings.  One lucky blog reader will win their own Intensive Phonics Instructor Materials Kit ($299).  Thank you to Reading Horizons for the review kit and for sponsoring this awesome giveaway on Mommy Ramblings!!!  Open to US Residents.

Reading Horizons, Intensive Phonics Instructor Materials Kit Giveaway on Mommy Ramblings Rules:

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August 17, 2012 · 2:27 am

VeggieTales,”The Penniless Princess, God’s Little Girl” DVD Review & Giveaway!!!

VeggieTales: The Penniless Princess—God’s Little Girl is the heart-warming story based on the children’s book A Little Princess by Frances Hodgson Burnett. The story, featuring plenty of engaging and fun music fit for families, including the all-new Silly Song “Best Friends Forever” and the featured song “No Matter What,” helps to teach an important lesson about knowing your own true worth and trusting God, no matter what happens in life.

Singer/Songwriter Ronnie Freeman and VeggieTales joined forces to compile a music video titled “Orphan”—a beautiful song that celebrates our “adopted” status as part of God’s family.  The music video shows clips from the new Penniless Princess DVD, and you can watch it here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I5zlRABH9wQ.

Other bonus features on the DVD include a special tour of London with the popular French Peas characters, a hilarious look at the history of the Teddy Bear, a discussion guide for parents, and behind-the-scenes clips.

We received this great new DVD for review and my kids just loved it and I love that there is a wonderful message behind the story that is on a level they can understand.

Big Idea Entertainment is sponsoring a giveaway on Mommy Ramblings.  One lucky blog reader will win their own The Penniless Princess, God’s Little Girl DVD.  Thank you Big Idea Entertainment for the review DVD and for sponsoring that great giveaway on Mommy Ramblings!!!  Open to US residents.

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August 16, 2012 · 11:50 am

Boys And Girls Clubs of America, “Tools For Back To School” Initiative Launch!!!

Well, getting closer to “Back To School” time and some of my friends and business associates’ children have already started school.  That is something I just can’t fathom, starting school in August but due to the climate of where they live, I suppose it is necessary.  Anyway, whether back in school or several weeks of summer vacation left to enjoy, you can’t help notice the signs that it is time to get prepared.  This year our school supply letter and my son’s class assignment came before he even graduated from preschool! I have started picking up supplies here and there because I am always out without the list and try to remember what is on it.  This weekend or next week I will head to the store, list in hand and fill up on what he needs for classroom supplies.  I have been buying back to school clothes before Summer fully started so I am all set there except both little ones, will need new footwear to start the year…on the right foot!

I am excited to share with you that the Boys and Gils Clubs of America (BGCA) has partnered with Disney to launch the Tools for Back to School Initiative.  This initiative features a pop-quiz style game, where supplies are donated to BGCA for every correct answer you score.  I urge you to head on over and play by clicking HERE  and let’s really pull together to get those correct answers which will mean more donated school supplies to the BGCA!!!

BGCA has also partnered with jcpenney – and in August you can join jcp cares and round up your purchase at the register to benefit BGCA. For details on this promotion click HERE.  Let’s all round up our purchases and help the BGCA!!!

BGCA offers different educational content and tip sheets for parents to download and utilize. These sheets are great resources and you can find them on the left hand side of the BGCA site under the ‘Get Ready’ header, click HERE to get there!!!

 

“I wrote this review while participating in a blog tour by Mom Central Consulting on behalf of Boys and Girls Club. I received a promotional item to thank me for taking the time to participate.”


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August 15, 2012 · 8:05 pm

D-Link MovieNight Plus Review & Giveaway!!!

Make every night a MovieNite.  Stream the latest movies, shows, and music right to your TV, on-demand and at your fingertips with MovieNite Plus (DSM-312).

MovieNite Plus provides you with compelling options from the biggest names in entertainment. Stream your favorite movies and shows from Netflix and YouTube in full 1080p HD video quality. Why wait for the other guys? Rent movies the same day they are released on DVD with VUDU. Connect to today’s hottest artists and discover new favorites with Pandora. And thanks to the easy setup, you’ll be watching, listening, and enjoying in minutes. So go on: reclaim your right to entertainment. Experience the power of possibility with MovieNite Plus and make every night a MovieNite.

We received a D-Link MovieNight Plus for review.  My husband was able to easily hook it up and soon was streaming monster trucks for the little boys to watch.  Everything operated smoothly and there were no bumps or glitches.  If you are looking for an alternative way to watch movies you will want to check out D-Link MovieNight and you can stream your favorite movies and shows in high quality HD.

Set Up So Easy, You’ll Be Watching in Minutes
Set up your D-Link MovieNiteTM Plus (DSM-312) in just three easy steps: plug MovieNite Plus into your TV and power outlet, use the simple onscreen menus to select your content, and sit back and enjoy the show as your favorite movies, shows and music are streamed directly to your TV.
Enjoy a Home Theater Experience in Stunning 1080p Quality
Who says you need to go out to go to the movies? The nearly unlimited movie options from Netflix, Hulu, VUDU, and CinemaNow make MovieNite Plus an attractive solution to costly movie tickets and rental chains. Achieve the same high-quality theater experience with HD movies in 1080p all on your big screen TV.
Instant Access to the Latest Movies, Shows, and Music, All on Your TV
Transform your living room into the ultimate home theater, as MovieNite Plus delivers the latest content from Netflix, Hulu Plus, VUDU, YouTube, Pandora and more. Avoid the hassle of expensive tickets and late fees – experience the freedom of unlimited entertainment from the comfort of your couch with MovieNite Plus.
D-Link is sponsoring a giveaway on Mommy Ramblings.  One lucky blog reader will win their own D-Link MovieNight Plus.  Thank you D-Link for the review unit and for sponsoring this awesome giveaway on Mommy Ramblings!!!  Open to US residents.
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· 2:20 pm

dotmine Family Time Planner Review & Giveaway!!! “Back To School” Series 2012

Featured Post in Mommy Rambling’s “Back To School” Series 2012

As a wife, mom of 5 children, business owner, blog editor, staff writer and manager, I have a lot to schedule in my day to keep my life running as smooth as possible.  I am very tech oriented and have digital calendars with appointments, deadlines, events and more noted, so that I do not miss anything.  However, I know there are still many people out there that like a less plugged in version of a planner.  I was sent the Family Time planner from dotmine to review.  As school is back in session for various parts of the country and still weeks away in other areas, we thought this is a great product to feature in our “Back To School” series of posts.  This is a large planner and has plenty of room to schedule out all the activities, appointments, meetings, and fun family time that needs to be accounted for.

The answer to the question of how to organize the lives of a busy family (or the life of anyone with recurring activities!). This planner was developed with input from moms and will help you keep it all together. Your friends – and even some strangers – will eye this planner with envy.

Size: 8.5 x 11 inches
17-month planners, August-December
Fashionable cover designs printed on durable plastic
Monthly and weekly planning pages on crisp white paper
Inspirational and humorous quotes each week
Perforated margins for “tear-out” lists, & note pages make errands a breeze!
Plastic coil, spiral bound, back pocket holds papers in place
Unique master schedule / planning guides
Fun colorful reminder stickers

About dotmine:

Corporate careers, two families … a dot

It all started with a simple “dot” back in 2000 and a commitment to reclaim our lives, while helping you do the same.

A serendipitous meeting in a London pub had given us the idea, and phase 2 of our careers was under way. Our corporate days — one of us pitching underwear and the other pitching laundry detergent — were far behind. We had become entrepreneurs, backed by supportive husbands and eventually, seven fabulous children.

Lots of dots and loyal customers

Today, we have more dots and a lot of loyal customers, including those who’ve grown from students to professionals and parents with us.

At dotmine, our philosophy is simple: create fashionable, functional and affordable day planners to help individuals and families organize busy lives. We start with great art … fun, elegant and sometimes funky. Then, we arrange and design the contents of our planners to serve families, students and professionals.

Here for you

Like all great businesses, we continue to evolve, inspired by your comments that even in this high-tech world, you want space to record your life happenings, take notes, and put a pen on a piece of paper to cross things off your-to-do list. While there’s no such thing as a 100% perfect planner, we’re confident you’ll find a dotmine product that makes life good, every day.

Win a Family Time Planner!

dotmine is sponsoring a giveaway on Mommy Ramblings.  One lucky blog reader will win their own Family Time dotmine planner.  Thank you dotmine for my family time planner and for sponsoring this great giveaway on Mommy Ramblings!!!  Open to US residents.

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August 14, 2012 · 11:58 pm

Little Kids, No Spill Bubble Machine Review & Giveaway!!!

Bubbles, who doesn’t remember playing with bubbles as a kid?  Today they are still a favorite of kids of all ages. How about lots and lots of bubbles floating around and being blown faster than we could ever imagine?  What kid wouldn’t love that?  I was recently sent the Little Kids, No Spill Bubble Machine for review.  I am a long time customer of Little Kids and have been a loyal customer since  their no spill bubble tumblers and buckets were the new things to have when the older of my five kids were little.  Talk about standing the test of time, Little Kids is still here and I am still buying their products for my youngest 2 children.

When they saw the bubble machine, I could not unpack it fast enough.  I enlisted my husband to install the batteries and then all that was left to do was to unscrew the cap on the pre-filled bubble solution container bottom and extend the tubes from the top into that opening and screw on tight.  Then all you need is to turn it on and watch the smiles.  The unit operated flawlessly from the first time  we turned it on.  It continued to operate without a problem and the kids had a great time.  I think this will be great to take into my indoor studio to get some great portraits with bubbles making kids of all ages smile.  If you are looking for bubble toys or a super fun no spill bubble machine, look no further than Little Kids.

The No-Spill® Bubble Machine is the ultimate bubble machine for any child or parent! It is sure to please every user!

Press the button and watch as it blows buzzillions of bubbles! The No-Spill® feature allows children to play both indoors and outdoors mess-free! The No-Spill® Bubble Machine also features an “Easy to Carry” handle which is perfect for small hands!

The No-Spill® Bubble Machine comes with 8 oz. of Blastos! Bubbles™ solution. Requires 3 “AAA” batteries, not included.

Little Kids, Inc. is sponsoring a giveaway on Mommy Ramblings.  One lucky blog reader will win a Little Kids No Spill Bubble Maker.  Thank you Little Kids, Inc. for the review toy and for sponsoring this great giveaway on Mommy Ramblings!!!  Open to US residents.
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· 12:58 am

Laundry Tarts, Strip It Review and Detergent Sampler Pack Giveaway!!!

I am so excited about this review today! In my 4 years of cloth diapering, I’ve had stinky problems with my diapers, they had an ammonia smell. I tried everything to get rid of it, from rinsing multiple times in the washer, to rinsing by hand with super hot water in the tub, to stripping with the Dawn dish soap, vinegar and baking soda. I seriously tried everything! But nothing worked, I even quit cloth diapering several times because I was sick of it and couldn’t get them to stop smelling!

So when Laundry Tarts sent me their product, Strip It, a cloth diaper stripping product, I was cautious, but hopeful. Strip it is formulated to strip out all of the odors and residues from excess detergent in your diapers. It can also be used to brighten your clothes and even clean carpet stains!

I followed the simple directions on the package, and soaked my diapers in the Strip It. After rinsing the diapers, they were ready for use. After the first time, there was a noticeable lessening of odors, but it wasn’t quite gone. I’m left wondering if after 2 years of buildup, maybe one treatment of Strip It wasn’t enough for the diapers. I used the product on my diapers again, and my diapers are actually usable, if still a little bit smelly. I think if I keep using it now and then, it will eventually flush out all of the buildup, and I can really start depending on using cloth exclusively!


Laundry Tarts, thank you for saving my diapers!! Laundry Tarts main attraction is their all natural laundry detergent that come in 10 yummy dessert inspired, phthalate free scents! It is safe for all types of water, washing machines, fabrics and skin types. They are also cloth diaper safe and hypoallergenic!

 

Laundry Tarts is sponsoring a giveaway on Mommy Ramblings!! One lucky blog reader will win a sampler pack of their all natural Laundry Tarts Detergent! Thank you Laundry Tarts for the review Strip It and for sponsoring this fantastic giveaway! Open to US and Canadian residents.

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August 10, 2012 · 1:19 am

Beach Rays, VroomVroom Grayson Trunks Review and Swimsuit Giveaway!!!

Living on a lake, in the summer my kids live in bathing suits.  We recently had a chance to review a suit from Beach Rays VroomVroom Collection.  I chose the Grayson Trunks and they are just great.  Very colorful and the 5/6 are very generously sized and fit my five year old well because they have a drawstring waist that you can adjust .  He thought they were super comfortable, and I can see the great quality in construction and attention to detail.  If you are looking for great suits for the whole family check out Beach Rays.

GRAYSON

Surf’s up dude! And it always will be in these oh so cool swim trunks with liner in a fun surfboard pattern that any cool toddler is sure to get a kick out of! Made of 100% poly micro fiber, they’re also comfortable and quick-drying too.

Beach Rays is sponsoring a giveaway on Mommy Ramblings. One lucky blog reader will be able to choose a child’s suit from the VroomVroom or RayRay collections (subject to availability).  Thank you Beach Rays for the review trunks and for sponsoring this great giveaway on Mommy Ramblings!!!  Open to US residents.

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August 8, 2012 · 11:22 pm

Elizabeth Mitchell “Little Seed”: Songs for Children by Woody Guthrie Review and Giveaway!!!

 

In “Little Seed,” Elizabeth Mitchell embraces the gentle genius of America’s musical bard, Woody Guthrie. The simple yet profound songs he wrote for his young children remind us of how the loving bonds between parent and child endure and are strengthened through music. Joined by family and friends, Elizabeth Mitchell offers us re-imagined renditions of classic Guthrie favorites. Her thoughtful versions pay tribute to Guthrie’s uncanny ability to inhabit both the perspective of a loving, protective parent and the voice of a freewheeling child. Features eight newly recorded tracks and five previously issued favorites. 13 tracks, 29 minutes, 20-page booklet with photos.

 

The only album of Guthrie’s children’s songs coinciding with the Woody Guthrie Centennial, “Little Seed” pays tribute to the legendary songwriter’s uncanny ability to inhabit both the perspective of a loving, protective parent and the voice of a freewheeling child. The album includes thoughtful versions of children’s songs “Riding in My Car,” “Grassy Grass Grass,” and “Bling Blang.” Mitchell also shares her version of “This Land Is Your Land,” Guthrie’s signature song that many people consider a second national anthem.

As always, Elizabeth is joined on the recording by family (husband Daniel Littleton and daughter Storey) and friends, including Amy Helm, daughter of the late Levon Helm, pillars of the American acoustic music scene Jay Ungar and Molly Mason, and Ruthy Ungar of Mike and Ruthy and formerly of the Mammals.

“Woody Guthrie’s songs for children are a gift to all of us. They are a part of me, part of my family,” says Mitchell. “Thank you, Woody, for giving us this beautiful experience and so many others like it. We can feel this profound musical joy anytime, anywhere, with you in our spirits and your songs in our hearts.”

Acclaimed by Time magazine as one of the “Stars of Kindie Rock,” Mitchell is also a founding member of veteran indie rock band Ida and is one of Smithsonian Folkways’ best-selling artists. ‘Little Seed’ is her third album with the label, following You Are My Little Bird (2006) and Sunny Day (2010), and features eight newly recorded tracks and five previously issued favorites.

We received this CD for review and it is just so great, the songs of Woody Guthrie, who doesn’t relate to them in some way.  “This Land is Your Land” always takes me right back to my first grade class where we would sing in nearly every day.  If you are looking for a selection of quality music for your kids, look no further than Little Seed.

Sugar Mountain PR is sponsoring a giveaway on Mommy Ramblings.  One lucky blog reader will win their own Little Seed CD.  Thank you Sugar Mountain PR for the review CD and for sponsoring this great giveaway on Mommy Ramblings.  Open to US residents.

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