Mommy Ramblings

February 23, 2013 · 12:57 pm

Epson, MegaPlex MG-850HD Easy Home Theater 3LCD Projector Review!!!

My husband was on cloud 9 when I told him that we were getting a MegaPlex MG-850HD Easy Home Theater 3LCD Projector from Epson to review. Normally when review products come into the house, they are carefully put to the side for me to get to, but not this package. My husband wasted no time in unboxing and setting it up, which was super easy. He hooked up our Blu-ray player to it and in no time our living room was transformed into our new media room. This projector works so well and the picture quality is just like being at the movies. My little ones are in Heaven and this has helped so much with times this winter when we were down with the flu or snowed in, to make days a little brighter. Right now we have it projecting on a solid white wall and it still looks great, we are going to be purchasing a nice screen so that it will give the room a true media feel.

We cannot wait to use the projector to show outdoor movies in the summer, we are already planning on getting an outdoor screen, movie theater type popcorn maker and having movie night with friends and family. We use this projector daily and because I review so many movies, it is so handy. The kids recently watched Wreck It Ralph on it and thought it was awesome. The sound is great and it’s an awesome machine and we are so pleased. We can also hook up our Roku player to it and project tons of movies, TV shows, music and more from all the top sources, including Netflix, Hulu Plus, Amazon Instant Video, Disney and Pandora. Now we can go to the movies with our kids any time we want, not have to worry about someone sitting in front of them or be charged a small fortune for popcorn and soda. We love using this for family nights together and like I said cannot wait to share big movie nights outdoors in the summer. If you are looking for a great projector to create a media room in your home this projector is perfect.

Delivering 2800 lumens of color brightness (color light output)¹ and 2800 lumens of white brightness (white light output)¹, the MegaPlex 850HD easy home theater uses 3LCD, 3-chip technology for brilliant images with true-to-life color. Ultra bright, HD performance lets you project vibrant, colorful images for big-screen movie nights, pool parties, camp outs and more. Share your favorite content anywhere in ways you never imagined. The MegaPlex 850HD super sizes HD movies, games, TV shows, sporting events, family slide shows and more. Connect your Apple® or Android^TM smartphone, tablet, gaming console, PC or other device². Or, place your Apple device in the built-in dock³. Just connect and project — on a sheet, a wall, the garage door or a big screen — wherever. MegaPlex even features built-in stereo speakers for lifelike sound. Use your device’s touchscreen or the projector remote control to easily access various functions. From your living room to your backyard block party, now it’s easier than ever to take fun home entertainment anywhere.

Up to 3x Brighter Colors with Epson*
Brilliant image quality requires high color brightness. Epson 3LCD projectors have up to 3x Brighter Colors than leading competitive projectors.* Delivering 2800 lumens of color brightness¹ and 2800 lumens of white brightness¹, the MegaPlex 850HD uses 3LCD, 3-chip technology for brilliant images with true-to-life color.

Model: V11H444020
Projection System: 3LCD, 3-chip technology
Native Resolution: HD 720p
Color Brightness: 2800 lumens¹
White Brightness: 2800 lumens¹
View Specifications

Product Guides & Additional Information:

Why is color brightness important? (PDF)
MegaPlex MG-850HD Product Brochure (PDF)

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February 22, 2013 · 8:48 pm

Zarbee’s All Natural Cough Syrup Review & Giveaway!!!

I have to say this year has been horrendous for the flu, coughs, cold, sinus infections and more. I don’t remember a time when everyone was hit so hard. Whatever it is this year, it’s causing a hacking cough and laryngitis As a parent I hate hearing my kids cough, but I also do not want to pump them full of drugs or chemicals. Zarbee’s offers a great solution for parents like me. Their all natural children’s cough syrup soothes coughs without drugs, dyes or gluten and has immune boosters. Zarbee’s is great for the whole family and they make cough syrup that is safe and effective for infants 2 months and up, their children’s formula is made for kids 12 months and up and their adult formula is for ages 12 and up. The natural syrups help coughs, irritated throats, dry coughing, hoarseness and offer immune system support. So if you are looking for something to help everyone in your family pick up some of Zarbee’s All Natural Cough Syrups so that you all can feel well fast.

Zarbee’s is sponsoring a giveaway on Mommy Ramblings and one lucky winner will win Zarbee’s Children’s Nighttime Syrup and Daytime Grape Cough Syrup. Thanks Zarbee’s for the review products and for sponsoring this great giveaway on Mommy Ramblings!!! Open to US residents!

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February 20, 2013 · 8:46 pm

Monsters, Inc. Blu-ray 3D Ultimate Collector’s Edition 5-Disc Combo Pack Review & Giveaway!!!

On February 19th, one of Disney•Pixar’s most beloved and visually imaginative feature films MONSTERS, INC arrived for the first time on Blu-ray 3D in the “Ultimate Collector’s Edition” 5-Disc Combo Pack! Laugh out loud bonus features include Toy Story Toons: “Partysaurus Rex” short, a “Monsters University” Sneak Peek and much more!

“Monsters, Inc.,” one of Disney•Pixar’s most beloved and visually imaginative feature films, arrives for the first time on Blu-ray 3D in the “Ultimate Collector’s Edition” 5-Disc Combo Pack on February 19, 2013.

In addition to hours of delightful bonus features, the “Monsters, Inc.” Blu-ray 3D

“Ultimate Collector’s Edition” features a sneak peek at the upcoming all-new Disney•Pixar release “Monsters University.”

The now-classic Academy Award®-winning animated comedy adventure “Monsters, Inc.” is set in Monstropolis, a thriving company town where monsters of all shapes and sizes reside. Lovable Sulley (voiced by John Goodman) and his wise cracking best friend Mike Wazowski (voiced by Billy Crystal) are the top scare team at Monsters, Inc., the largest scream-processing factory. The main power source in the monster world is the collected screams of human children—and at Monsters, Inc., an elite team of scarers is responsible for gathering those precious natural resources.

Believed by monsters to be toxic, children are strictly forbidden from entering Monstropolis. But when a little girl named Boo (voiced by Mary Gibbs) accidentally follows Sulley back into his world, he finds his career in jeopardy and his life in utter chaos. Assisted by Mike, the two pals plot to rectify the mistake and return Boo to her home. When the trio encounters an unexpected series of complications, they become embroiled in a cover-up catapulting them into a mystery beyond their wildest dreams.

Directed by Oscar®-winner Pete Docter (“Up”) and produced by Oscar nominee Darla K. Anderson (“Toy Story 3”), “Monsters, Inc.” features a screenplay by Andrew Stanton and Daniel Gerson and music by Randy Newman.

Cast:

John Goodman as the voice of James P. Sullivan “Sulley”

Billy Crystal as the voice of Mike Wazowski

Mary Gibbs as the voice of Boo

Steve Buscemi as the voice of Randall Boggs

James Coburn as the voice of Henry J. Waternoose

Jennifer Tilly as the voice of Celia

Bob Peterson as the voice of Roz

John Ratzenberger as the voice of The Abominable Snowman

Frank Oz as the singing voice of Fungus

Blu-ray Contents: Disney Enhanced HD Picture and Sound

“Monsters University” Sneak Peek

Toy Story Toons: “Partysaurus Rex”

“For The Birds” Short

“Mike’s New Car” Short

Filmmakers Round Table

Audio Commentary

Roz’s 100 Door Challenge Game

Pixar Fun Factory Tower

Banished Concepts

Rating: “G” in the U.S. and Canada

Bonus material is not rated

Feature Run Time: Approx. 92 minutes

My little munchkins were so happy to see this arrive. They love Disney Pixar movies and this was a favorite of my older three, we have the DVD so we were happy to view this favorite in 3D Blu-Ray. This movie did not disappoint and the new technology makes it even better than we remember. The voices of Billy Crystal and John Goodman are so great for the characters and as Billy would say, “Sure blame the little guy with one eye!” If you loved this movie when it first debuted you will love the new format and technology. Hurry and get a combo pack before they disappear!

Disney * Pixar is sponsoring a giveaway on Mommy Ramblings. One lucky blog reader will win a Monsters, Inc. Blu-ray 3D Ultimate Collector’s Edition 5-Disc Combo Pack! Thank you Disney * Pixar for the review combo pack and for sponsoring this Monster of a giveaway on Mommy Ramblings!!! Open to US and Canadian residents.

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February 19, 2013 · 6:18 pm

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“Snow Rabbit, Spring Rabbit: A Book of Changing Seasons” Review & Giveaway!!!

I am excited for Spring, Winter has its time but I look so forward to Spring! I just shared a delightful little board book with my preschooler that tells about Winter turning to Spring. Snow Rabbit, Spring Rabbit: A Book of Changing Seasons explains that when it’s Winter different animals do different things, the geese take flight for somewhere warmer, some animals move to warmer waters, others spend the winter hibernating while squirrels gather extra food. All through the book Rabbit is there observing how other animals survive but when the snow melts and the grass gets green again we all know that Spring has sprung, especially Rabbit!

As with Il Sung Na’s previous books, Snow Rabbit, Spring Rabbit is filled with rich illustrations, charming animals, and a simple, lyrical text—all wrapped up in a gorgeous package. It’s a gentle introduction to the ideas of adaptation, hibernation, and migration, and an exhuberant celebration of changing seasons.

Random House is sponsoring a giveaway on Mommy Ramblings. One lucky blog reader will win their own Snow Rabbit, Spring Rabbit: A Book of Changing Seasons Board Book! Thanks Random House for the review book and for sponsoring this great giveaway on Mommy Ramblings!!! Open to US residents.

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February 18, 2013 · 11:03 pm

The Complete Idiot’s Guide To: 200-300-400 Calorie Meals Review and Giveaway!!!

We are nearing the end of February and if you made New Year’s resolutions to lose weight or eat healthy, how are you doing? Are you sticking to your plan or have you already slipped into old habits? If you are finding it hard to find options to trim the fat from your plate and your waistline, you will be interested in this review. The Complete Idiot’s Guide To: 200-300-400 Calorie Meals has terrific meal plans and recipes that help you stick to your calorie and weight-loss goals.

Starting with Nutrition 101 and how to set yourself up for success, this book then lays out two-week meal plans for 1300, 1550 or 1800 calories a day. Then you will be turning pages through oodles of healthy low-calorie recipes for Unbeatable Breakfasts. So many great recipes for Eggstraordinary Eggs like Eggs Florentine, Mushroom Frittata, Hearty Canadian Breakfast, and Huevos Rancheros Wraps to name a few. Next, they take you to the griddle for more breakfast recipes like Strawberry-Stuffed French Toast, Waffle Ham Sandwiches and Blueberry Pancakes. Great Grains keeps the breakfast section going with recipes for Steel Cut Oatmeal, Quinoa Porridge and Apple Cider Muffins. Think breakfast is over yet? Not a chance, there are recipes for Lazy Weekend Breakfasts and one of my favorites, Drink It All In has so many delicious smoothie recipes like Peanut Butter Cup Smoothie, Tropical Smoothie, Protein Power Smoothie and Raspberry Cocoa Surprise Smoothie.

Lunchtime! Luscious Lunches starts off with Satisfying Soups like Chicken Ginger Soup, Roasted Squash Soup with Sage, Barley Soup and Vegetable Rice Soup. Salads galore follows next with Old-Fashioned Chicken Salad, Red Cabbage Slaw, Cranberry and Walnut Chicken Salad and Green Bean and Fennel Salad among others. Sandwiches like Marinated Portobello Mushroom Burgers, Open-Faced Italian Sandwiches, Philly Cheese Steak Sandwiches and Pulled Chicken Sandwiches are followed by wraps like California Turkey Wraps, Italian Beef Wraps and Black Bean Hummus and Roasted Red Pepper Wraps.

Delicious Dinners is next and Poultry Perfection will give you great recipes for Jerk Chicken, Chicken Picatta, Coconut-Curried Chicken, Chicken Cacciatore and Turkey Cutlets with Apple Compote. Succulent Beef Dishes features Broiled Steak and Mushrooms, Smoky Stuffed Peppers, Hearty Sloppy Joes and Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry. Under the Sea Suppers is full of great Seafood dishes like Crispy Baked Cod, Cajun Tilapia, Pineapple Ginger Salmon, Grilled Haddock with Lemon-Infused Couscous and Teriyaki Salmon with Spinach and Soba. Vegetarian Delights features Grilled Summer Vegetables, Caponata, Vegetarian Spring Rolls, Vietnamese Fried Rice, Black Bean and Corn Cakes and Italian-Style Mac and Cheese. Warming Soups, Stews and Chillies is full of warm you up favorites like Roasted Tomato Soup, Texas Chili, Goulash and Split Pea and Smoked Turkey Soup. Tantalizing Slow Cooker Meals with recipes for Layered Beef Stew, Chipotle Chicken and Roasted Beef and Peppers rounds out the dinner section.

Sassy Snacks is up next with Savory Bites like Classic Hummus, Spicy Sweet Potato Chips, Bruschetta Carprese and Spinach-Stuffed Mushrooms. Mini Meals has recipes for Loaded Potatoes, Steamed Artichoke with Aioli and Carmelized Onion Pizza while Grab and Go Snacks has recipes for Granola Bars, Cape Cod Trail Mix and Pumpkin-Spiced Popcorn. Sweet Nothings offers recipes for Caramel and Chocolate Fondue, Angel Food Cake Trifle, Peach Shortcake and Apple Crisp. Last but not least you need something to wash that all down with so Thirst Quenchers gives you options like Ginger Spritzer, Lemonade and Cherry Fizzy.

The Coplete Idiots Guide is sponsoring a giveaway on Mommy Ramblings. One lucky blog reader will win their own copy of The Complete Idiot’s Guide To: 200-300-400 Calorie Meals. Thanks to The Complete Idiots Guide for the review book and for sponsoring this great giveaway on Mommy Ramblings!!! Open to US residents.

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February 17, 2013 · 7:36 pm

Liberty Sport, Rec Specs Protective Sports Eyewear Review & Giveaway!!!

You only have one pair of eyes, right? You should do all you can to protect them. T-ball, Baseball and Softball are going to be underway before we know it. You may have already had sign ups in your area. Even in T-ball a ball to the eye can cause damage to developing eyes, so I was thrilled recently when contacted by Liberty Sport to see if I would like to review their Rec Specs Protective Sports Eyewear. With two little ones set to play T-ball this spring, these protective glasses make a lot of sense. When we received them we were very impressed with the quality, you can see these are going to last and protect our sons’ eyes.

They fit both boys extremely well with the adjustable strap and will not fall or slip even during intense motion. My five-year old who is obsessed with getting glasses even though he does not need them insisted on wearing them after the picture so that speaks volumes for comfort. If you child does have glasses or contacts they can get these with prescription lenses. We were sent 2 pairs of the MAXX 20 BASEBALL and they work for T-ball, Baseball, Softball, Handball, Paddleball, Racquetball, Soccer, Squash and Tennis. The glasses come with a great zipper hard case that makes keeping them handy and safe a breeze. Get your kids ready for whatever sports they are involved in and keep those precious peepers safe and sound with Liberty Sport!

Meets or exceeds ASTM F803 impact resistance standards for several sports.
*Meets or exceeds the ASTM F803.03 standard for baseball for children 8 years old and younger at speeds of 40 MPH and below.
Major League Baseball inspired team colors (Team Colors are representative of MLB colors and are not an exact match).
Patented (#6,890,073B) eyerim assembly allows for a wide range of prescription lens power.
Sizing allows for youth fitting.
Temples and bridge have soft inside padding for comfort and fit.

Comes with semi-rigid case & adjustable strap.

Liberty Sport is sponsoring a giveaway on Mommy Ramblings. One lucky blog reader will win their choice of Rec Specs Eyewear (subject to availability). Thank you Liberty Sport for the review pairs and for sponsoring this eye-popping giveaway on Mommy Ramblings!!! Open to US residents.

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· 5:32 pm

Disney’s Peter Pan Diamond Edition Blu-Ray Combo Pack Review!!!

Peter Pan has returned…

Join mischievous Peter Pan, the young boy who refuses to grow up, his hot-tempered pixie pal, Tinker Bell and the Darling children as they soar away to the mysterious Never-Never land where childhood lasts forever in this magical, musical adventure!

Peter Pan: Diamond Edition will be available for a limited time on Blu-ray, DVD and Digital Copy!

My older kids loved Peter Pan, in fact one of my daughter’s favorite songs to sing when she was 2 was “Never Smile at a Crocodile.” I could not wait when we received the Peter Pan Diamond Edition Blu-Ray, DVD and Digital Copy Combo Pack recently. My littlest guy is obsessed with pirates now so this could not have come at a better time. They absolutely love this movie and it is amazing how Disney movies just stand the test of time and delight generation after generation. Be sure and get you Peter Pan Diamond Edition Combo Pack before they fly off to Never Land!

Scholastic Storybook Treasures, “The Red Hen…And More Cooking Stories” DVD Review & Giveaway!!!

THIS FEBRUARY, SCHOLASTIC STORYBOOK TREASURES™ SERVES UP A DELECTABLE BUFFET OF SCRUMPTIOUS STORIES IN AN ALL-NEW DVD!

THE RED HEN…AND MORE COOKING STORIES

Families hungry for something to sink their teeth into will have their appetites sated when Scholastic Storybook Treasures™ releases an all new DVD featuring delectable tales about food with THE RED HEN…AND MORE COOKING STORIES! Highlighted by the eye-popping take on the story of a red hen and her adventures in baking by the Caldecott Award winning father-daughter team of Ed Emberley and Rebecca Emberley, the brand new DVD also features other stories about cooking including “Bread Comes to Life”, a live action film narrated by Lily Tomlin, Jane Yolen’s modern day classic “How Do Dinosaurs Eat Their Food?” and the hilarious tale of pastry run amok in “Arnie the Doughnut”, narrated by Michael McKean.

In the Emberley’s sparkling version of a classic tale, Red Hen finds a recipe for a Simply Splendid Cake and asks her friends the cat, the rat, and the frog to help with the preparations. But it seems as though her friends want no part in the cake until it’s ready to eat. Will they decide to pitch in, or let Red Hen do all of the hard work? Find out in this highly enjoyable adaptation, which is joined by three other classic tales, as well as a Read-Along function which highlights the words as they are spoken, allowing young viewers to follow along with the narrators, who include such celebs as Tomlin (“Desperate Housewives”, “The Magic School Bus”) and McKean (“Homeland”, Spinal Tap, “Laverne and Shirley”).

BONUS FEATURES

· Easy-to-follow recipe for how to bake your own splendid cake!

· Read-Along captioning

Do you ever feel like the Red Hen? I think as moms we feel that way more than once in a while. In this new version of a classic tale you will be able to share with your kids just how it feels to have no one help with the work and only want to enjoy the fun part of eating. Then you can follow the recipe and make your own Splendid Cake where everyone helps in the making and the eating!

Scholastic is sponsoring a giveaway on Mommy Ramblings. One lucky blog reader will win their own THE RED HEN…AND MORE COOKING STORIES DVD. Thank you Scholastic for the review DVD and for sponsoring this great giveaway on Mommy Ramblings!!! Open to US residents.

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February 15, 2013 · 4:33 pm

Strawberry Shortcake Berry Friends Forever Coloring Page!!!

A New Strawberry Shortcake film, Strawberry Shortcake: Berry Friends Forever, is coming to DVD March 5th!!! In anticipation we are pleased to bring you a Strawberry Shortcake Coloring Page. We also want to let you know that we will be having a giveaway for a copy of the new Strawberry Shortcake DVD very soon, so make sure you subscribe so you do not miss it!