Start Right and Start Smart with a Wholesome Breakfast Including Kellogg’s Cereals!!!

I was recently picked to take part in the “Start Simple, Start Right” blog tour by Mom Central for  Kellogg’s.  I will admit we are no strangers to Kellogg’s cereals and buy them regularly.  When I see a box of Kellogg’s Corn Flakes I immediately think of my grandfather who lived healthy and sharp as a tack until he passed away at the age of 101 and a half!  Every morning he started his day with a big bowl of Kellogg’s Corn Flakes and a banana.  He did switch to Kellogg’s Bran Flakes when he was about 97.   Growing up I ate Kellogg’s cereals all the time with Raisin Bran and Rice Krispies some of my favorites.  As a mom, I feel good about my kids starting their day with a bowl of Kellogg’s cereal as part of their breakfast.

For the promotion we received Kellogg’s Corn Flakes, All Bran, Rice Krispies,  Gluten Free Rice Krispies and Raisin Bran.  My five-year old wanted to try the gluten-free Rice Krispies and did not seem to notice any difference.  My three-year old stuck with one of his favorites, Raisin Bran.  My husband had Raisin Bran but likes the All Bran too and my favorites are Corn Flakes with fresh fruit and Raisin Bran.  I like that I can count on Kellogg’s to use simple, wholesome ingredients in their cereals and as a mom that is so important to me.  To watch a series of Seed To Spoon Videos Go HERE!  You can also visit them on Facebook.

 

Listening for the “Snap, Crackle and Pop!”

 

“I participated in a campaign on behalf of Mom Central Consulting for Kellogg’s. I received sample products to facilitate my review as well as a promotional item as a thank-you for participating.”


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“The Chicken Problem” by Jennifer Oxley and Billy Aronson Review & Giveaway!!!

I don’t know who is more excited to get children’s review books in the mail; me or the kids.  We just can’t wait to all sit together and read it and as much as I love my Kindle app on my iPad I still love to read a “real” book to my children.  We recently received The Chicken Problem and we read it through 2 times right in a row it was so good.  It is about a little girl named Peg who likes to solve problems and she also loves pie.  One day her Cat and a pig from the farm set out to have a pie picnic in the sun.  Everything was perfect; Peg had a piece of pie just her size, Cat had a piece of pie just his size and Pig had a piece of pie just his size.   There was just one problem there was a little piece of pie that had no one next to Cat.  Peg didn’t like that so Cat went and brought back a tiny little chick from the chicken coop to have a piece of pie with them.  Everything would have been perfect but Cat left the door to the chicken coop open and now there were 100 chickens dancing, doing flips, doing the chicken dance and just making Peg freak out.  So Cat comes to the rescue again and finds the perfect way to get them all back and for them to finally have their pie picnic with just one tiny chick.  If you are looking for a great book to share with your little ones, The Chicken Problem by Jennifer Oxley and Bily Aronson will not disappoint.

Synopsis:

 Full of humor, refreshingly original characters, and math problems that young readers will be clamoring to help solve, The Chicken Problem is an ideal addition to the home or classroom. Left-brained Peg and her right-brained pal, Cat, are enjoying a picnic on the farm with Pig. However, when someone leaves the chicken coop open and the chicks run-a-muck, it’s up to Peg and Cat to use their math skills to help solve their poultry predicament.
About the Authors:

BILLY ARONSON’S plays have been produced frequently by Ensemble Studio Theatre and published in five volumes of Best American Short Plays. His writing for the musical theater includes the original concept and additional lyrics for Rent, and the book for the Theatreworks USA musical Click Clack Moo. His TV writing includes scripts for MTV’sBeavis & Butt-head, Cartoon Network’s Courage the Cowardly Dog, Sesame Workshop’s Bert and Ernie’s Great Adventures, and Nickelodeon’s The Wonder Pets!, for which he was head writer and won an Emmy Award. He is presently working with artist Jennifer Oxley to turn Peg and Cat into a television show. Billy lives in Brooklyn with his wife Lisa Vogel and their offspring, Jake and Anna.

JENNIFER OXLEY was born in Hollywood, California, and made her first film at the age of seven. She’s the recipient of an Emmy Award for her role as director on Nick Jr.’s Little Bill. Most recently she created the look and animation style for the award-winning television series The Wonder Pets! Jennifer has directed over 15 short films that have been screened at festivals around the world. Her most recent film, The Music Box was just acquired by the Museum of Modern Art for their permanent children’s film collection. Jennifer lives and works in New York City as an independent filmmaker and artist. She’s currently creating a television series with writer Billy Aronson for PBS Kids.

The Giveaway:
Random House is sponsoring a giveaway on Mommy Ramblings.  One lucky blog reader will win their own copy of The Chicken Problem.  Thank you Random House for this entertaining giveaway on Mommy Ramblings.  Open to US residents.
The Chicken Problem by Jennifer Oxley and Billy Aronson Giveaway on Mommy Ramblings Rules:
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Hoover Max Extract® 60 Pressure Pro™ Carpet Deep Cleaner Review!!!

As we get closer to the Holidays you will probably be getting your house in order and ready for family and friends to gather.  If you have any carpet or area rugs it is likely they will need a cleaning before you entertain.  I want to share a product that I think will help you with that.

I was selected to participate in the Hoover eCommerce program sponsored by Mom Central.  We received a Hoover MaxExtract 60 carpet cleaner.  We already have and love our Hoover All Terrain MaxExtract so we knew we were in for another great product.  The unit is easy to set up and run right out of the box.  I don’t use chemical cleaners, so I like that my Hoovers have a compartment where I can mix my own cleaning solution.  I use 1 cap of Sol-U-Mel and 2 caps of Tough & Tender and it works so well and does not leave that smell for weeks that other carpet shampoos do.

I do wish that it had the spin scrub attachment my All Terrain does but I believe you can buy it and I think I can just attach the one form the All Terrain on this machine when I need the spin brush feature.  There is an upholstery car/stair attachment but it does not have the spin brush.  It still works well and the first time I used the attachment was to clean something my five-year old spilled on his new white pillow top mattress.  It worked like a charm and left the mattress like new.  It works well on carpet and is easy to fill and empty the separate clean and dirty water containers.  If you are looking for an affordable carpet cleaner that will let you clean carpet, upholstery, stairs, your car carpet and more, then take a look at the Hoover MaxExtract 60.

 

This MaxExtract® deep cleaner is designed to thoroughly clean carpets and rugs.  This easy-to-use machine removes water, dirt and grime with pressurized cleaning, and has heated drying for a fast dry time. Features a double chamber nozzle to power wash surfaces with even suction across a wide path, while the automatic detergent system provides the right ratio of detergent and water for the best cleaning results. Patented Hoover® SpinScrub® brushes gently loosen dirt and clean all sides of carpet and upholstery fibers, with an adjustable speed control for various floor surfaces, including a Spill Pick-Up mode so you don’t scrub in spills.

 

Features:

  • MaxExtract® DualV® Nozzle Technology – we’re pulling up a lot of dirty water so your floors dry fast and you’ll be back to living on those deep-cleaned floors quickly.
  • Pressurized Edge-to-Edge Cleaning – a wall of pressurized water that loosens and lifts stubborn stains with constant and relentless spray.
  • SpinScrub® 60 – counter-rotating brushes engineered to surround carpet fibers, removing dirt at every angle. It’s like treating your carpet to a deep, massaging salon shampoo.
  • Heated Cleaning – powerful motor with forced heated air to help speed dry time.
  • Auto Conversion Tools – conveniently positioned where they should be – right at your fingertips.
  • SmartTanks™ System – separate tanks for clean and dirty water, so you can easily fill, empty and rinse each tank individually!

Includes:

  • 16 oz Bottle of 2X CleanPlus™ Carpet Cleaner & Deodorizer
  • 9′ Clear Active Hose
  • Upholstery Tool

 

 


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Elizabeth Mitchell, “Blue Clouds” Traditional Folk and Classic Rock For Kids CD Review & Giveaway!!!

Smithsonian Folkways Will Release Elizabeth Mitchell’s 

Blue Clouds

Traditional Folk and Classic Rock… for Kids

Available October 23rd

Washington, DC, fall 2012 – Over the course of six beautiful albums in nearly 15 years, Elizabeth Mitchell has invited listeners to join her, husband Daniel Littleton, their daughter Storey, and other friends and relatives to become part of an extended musical family. On Blue Clouds (out October 23), she raises her special kind of family-centric music to new heights by bringing clarity and beauty to a surprising range of songs. Breathing contemporary heart into traditional folk songs, and transforming classic rock songs by David Bowie, Jimi Hendrix, Van Morrison, and others into folk songs, Mitchell continues to grow that family of listeners with each album and concert. And while the family has grown, with well over 100,000 of her records bringing comfort and joy, Blue Clouds still makes Mitchell’s audience feel like they are part of a small picnic jam session.

The recordings on Blue Clouds are illuminated by elegant and simple arrangements, with acoustic guitars, harmoniums, banjos, pianos, fiddles, glockenspiels, and gentle drums and bass creating a soulful atmosphere forMitchell’s clear and loving voice. The songs range from new compositions (“Rollin’ Baby,” “Arm in Arm”) to traditional tunes (“Hop Up, My Ladies,” “Froggie Went a-Courtin’”), to several unexpected covers. Mitchell looks to her childhood memories of 1970s radio on road trips in the family station wagon, and the resulting versions of “Kooks” by David Bowie, “May This Be Love” by Jimi Hendrix, “Blue Sky” by The Allman Brothers Band, “Everyone” by Van Morrison, and “I Wish You Well” by Bill Withers display Mitchell’s care in presenting popular material in a family music context.

On an album full of moving performances, perhaps the most beautiful is “Circle of the Sun,” recorded in honor of Storey’s cousin, Destry, who tragically died at just four years old. “Blue Clouds,” the title track, was written by Daniel Littleton as a lullaby for Storey when she was only three and is a fitting way to close this loving collection.

Mitchell is also a founding member of the veteran indie rock band Ida and is one of Smithsonian Folkways’ best-selling artists alongside Woody Guthrie, Pete Seeger, and Ella Jenkins. Her previous Smithsonian Folkways releases are Little Seed: Songs for Children by Woody Guthrie (2012), Sunny Day(2010), and You Are My Little Bird (2006). Starting with the album You Are My Flower, recorded in 1998 in a single afternoon as a gift for friends and family, Mitchell has developed into an accomplished artist with a devoted fan base and critical acclaim.

Mommy Ramblings Thoughts:

I was thrilled to review this CD.  My kids are a little different than most being children; with a guitarist father who is passionate about Jimi Hendrix, Eric Clapton, The Allman Brothers and more, they are the few kids that go to preschool singing Foxy Lady, Me and Baby Brother, and Smoke on the Water.  Beyond that we are a very musical family and they are constantly gathered around my husband as he plays the guitar every day.  I was anxious to hear how Elizabeth Mitchell arranged the Hendrix, Bowie and Allman Brother’s songs.  I was very pleased as was my husband with the whole CD and the kids liked it to.  I really liked the Arm in Arm track which is an octopus love song that is too cute with kids vocals that make it endearing.  Kooks is rather funny and this Bowie song is arranged very nicely. Hendrix’s May This Be Love is absolutely marvelous and The Allman Brother’s Blue Sky is arranged perfectly for kids.  You will not be disappointed in this CD.  You can listen to 3 Tracks HERE.

The Giveaway:

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

Elizabeth Mitchell, “Blue Clouds” Traditional Folk and Classic Rock For Kids CD Giveaway on Mommy Ramblings Rules:

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Candle Warmers, Jack O’Lantern Illumination Fragrance Warmer Review & Giveaway!!!

 

Although the temperature was unseasonably warm today in the northeast; it’s still fall.  Time for pumpkins, apple cider,  pumpkin pie, crisp apples, jumping in leaves, and celebrating all the scents that go with this harvest time of year.  I was recently sent a Candle Warmers Illumination Fragrance Warmer in the Jack O’Lantern design with 2 packs of fall scented wax cubes.  I love Candle Warmer’s products and know the great quality.  This warmer is so cute and so festive for fall.  My little kids love the jolly little Jack O’Lantern and it is safe because there is no open flame.  The bulb inside can be turned on and off with the handy switch right on the cord.  Simply take one of the fragrant wax cubes and put it in the top and turn the light on.  The heat of the light melts the wax and send the apple and spice or pumpkin and spice scents wafting around your home.  The scents are very realistic and will have everyone looking for what you are baking.  Candle Warmers has so many great styles of flameless products and you can get lost in their catalog.

Candle Warmers is sponsoring a giveaway on Mommy Ramblings.  One lucky blog reader will win a Jack O’ Lantern Illumination Fragrance Warmer.  Thank you Candle Warmers for the review product and for sponsoring this great giveaway on Mommy Ramblings!!!  Open to US residents.

Candle Warmers Jack O’Lantern Illumination Fragrance Warmer Giveaway on Mommy Ramblings Rules:

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Eurotard Children’s Dancewear Review and Giveaway!!

Recently, I  had the opportunity to review a  Olivia camisole leotard, footed tights and sheer pull on skirt from Eurotard with my niece. She was excited to be a ballerina, and found it super comfortable, it allows flexibility without discomfort! The material of the Eurotard is 90/10 cotton spandex, it is smooth and snug and is thicker than I would have expected it to be, so not at all see through.  The tights are good and stretchy, easy to put on. The sheer skirt fluttered and waved delightfully when she would spin. The entire outfit is adorable, my niece looked like she was ready to go off to ballet class.

Eurotard has the finest attire for dance, fitness, gymnastics, ballet, even belly dancing, and a great deal more!  It is definitely worth it to check them out if you are looking for any type of dancewear, I was overwhelmed by the sheer volume of products on their site! Eurotard also specializes in creating custom uniforms for performances and special events, a few of their clients and events include the Miami Dolphins, the Seattle Seahawks, the Georgia Games, the Atlanta Para-Olympics and the Sugar and Gator bowls! With their record, you know you will be getting finely made apparel!

Eurotard is sponsoring a giveaway on Mommy Ramblings! One lucky blog reader will win a dancewear set like the one I reviewed which consists of: The Olivia Leotard, which comes in XS, S, I, and M, and the Footed Tights which come in sizes XS, S/M, and L/XL, and Pull on Skirt which comes in XS, S, M, L and XL!! Thank you Eurotard for providing this beautiful review outfit and for sponsoring this wonderful giveaway!!! Open to US residents.

Eurotard Children’s Dancewear Giveaway on Mommy Ramblings Rules:

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Zutano Newborn, Baby and Toddler Clothes Review & $75 Gift Card Giveaway!!!

Zutano has the cutest clothing for newborns, babies and toddlers in sizes up to 4T.  I was recently sent a selection of Zutano toddler clothing to review.  We received the Chocolate Toddler Cozie Hoodie, Pool Multi Stripe Toddler Pants and Raccoon Screen Long Sleeve Toddler T-Shirt. I was surprised to see the Chocolate Toddler Cozie Hoodie and I mean pleasantly surprised.  We did a review for Zutano about a year ago and we were sent the chocolate pants that match that jacket with some other pieces.  I immediately went to my son’s closet because his older brother who originally wore them last year has outgrown them so now they are his.  I plucked them out and could not believe they still looked brand new even compared to the brand new jacket.  That says a lot about the quality and wear.  So I decided to include them in the review because it speaks volumes to the quality and longevity of the brand.

The clothes are so comfortable and my son loves that the pants have pockets because pockets are very important when you are three.  The clothing is something that washes well, that he can play in and go to preschool in and still look great, the chocolate pants are proof of that.

Chocolate Toddler Cozie Hoodie

The Zutano Cozie hoodie for toddler is a classic item that you will reach for day after day as an extra layer for your toddler girl or boy. Made from our extra soft sherpa fleece, this hoodie is great for layering over tees on fall days or wearing under winter jackets when the temperature plummets. Featured here in chocolate. 80/20 cotton/poly. Imported.

Pool Multi Stripe Toddler Pant

Our tie waist pant for toddler boys has an extra comfy style with wide legs and lots of room for movement. Featured here in our happy pool multi stripe. 100% Interlock cotton

Raccoon Toddler Long Sleeve Screen Tee

This crisp apple tee has an adorable raccoon that pairs perfectly with our Chocolate Multi Stripe. A great, durable tee for your busy toddler; the long sleeves make it a good choice for cooler weather. 100% Interlock cotton.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


Zutano is sponsoring a giveaway on Mommy Ramblings.  One lucky blog reader will win a $75 Gift Card to Zutano.com.  Thank you Zutano for the review clothing and for sponsoring this awesome giveaway on Mommy Ramblings!!!  Open to US residents.

Zutano Baby and Toddler Clothing $75 Gift Card Giveaway on Mommy Ramblings Rules:

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Surf Sweets Organically-Sweetened Gummy Candies and Jelly Beans Review and Giveaway

As we approach Halloween, you are probably going to be flooded with candy very soon.  This is no better time to share Surf Sweets with you.  Surf Sweets makes organically sweetened gummy candies and jelly beans that are drenched in fresh fruit flavor.  Surf Sweets contain no artificial colors or sweeteners and are delicious for kids and adults.  The candies are made with organic fruit juice and sweeteners, they are gluten-free, have 100% of your daily allowance of vitamin C,  are free of corn sweeteners and GMOs and made in a nut free facility.

I received an assortment of Surf Sweet products.  My three year old saw the spooky spiders and they were almost gone when I noticed he had found them.  Needless to say they are fun and delicious.  The sour candies are not as incredibly sour as some of the other brands so good news for those that find those too sour.  The fruity bears, sour gummy worms, and spooky spiders were some favorites here but all were delicious.

 Surf Sweets is sponsoring a giveaway on Mommy Ramblings.  One lucky blog reader will win 4 boxes of multi pack Surf Sweets treats!!!  Than you Surf Sweets for the review assortment and for sponsoring this sweet giveaway on Mommy Ramblings!!!

Surf Sweets Organically Sweetened Gummy Candy Giveaway on Mommy Ramblings Rules:

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FRAAS Fairisle Infinity Style Scarf Review!!!


FRAAS DEBUTS A CONTEMPORARY INFINITY SILHOUETTE FOR FALL:
WITH FOUR SMART COLOR WAY OPTIONS, IT IS AN IDEAL ACCESSORY AND WARDROBE ENHANCER FOR A SELF OR GIFT PURCHASE

Scarfs and wraps are so popular especially in fall and winter.  FRAAS has a luxurious line up of versatile options in their Fall 2012 collection.  More than 100 new FRAAS brand styles are debuting in the upcoming season–many in multiple color way options. Three on-target and very elegant palettes and themes are apparent–Woodland Guardians, Mineral Explosion, and Decadent Traveler. Neutrals, jewel tones and accent pop colors provide savvy consumers with the right styling and best shades to work with existing and new wardrobes.

I was recently sent the Fairisle Infinity scarf for review.  This soft, lightweight scarf is great to transition season to season and is made of acrylic, nylon and a little wool.  I like that it is the perfect weight for any climate and that it loops so easy with no tying required.  There are so many ways to wear it and it works well with outerwear, sweaters, blouses, dresses or as an accent accessory.  It comes in great colors like navy/turquoise, camel/ivory, rose/petal, and black/grey.  I received the scarf in camel/ivory and it is such a great color that goes with so many things.  This scarf retails in most stores for about $40.

“Our goal at FRAAS is to give consumers great choices of unique, exciting products at affordable price points,” says Aimee Zucchetti, the company’s’ Brand and Sales Manager. “This new style—which is part of a far larger collection that includes an extremely comprehensive choice of scarves and wraps in many materials, sizes and shapes— allows consumers to renew their wardrobes and accessorize like fashionistas without spending a fortune!”

“Whenever a woman wants to add a finishing touch to her outfit and add zest to her entire look—she can reach for one of our FRAAS styles and be 100% confident that it will produce the right effect. It is amazing what a difference a scarf can make,” says Ken Krieger, the VP of Sales for the innovative international manufacturer of woven and knit scarves, stoles, ruanas, wraps, capes and related accessories.

About FRAAS: Scarf producer V. Fraas (corporate owner of the FRAAS brand) celebrates more than 130 years in business. Ever since its foundation in 1880 by Valentin Fraas, the world leader for mufflers and shawls has thrived and advanced under the control of his descendants—a remarkable feat in this transitory world. But V. Fraas has more to celebrate than mere longevity and persistence: it is a forward looking company that continues to expand at a rapid pace, and it is constantly implementing new ideas and concepts. From its bases in New York, Paris, London, Wüstenselbitz, Toronto and Shanghai, V. Fraas’ design teams travel to major shows and forecasting seminars throughout the globe to identify new trends and develop products that are perfectly attuned to fashion and customer demand. The 130-year old company’s research team, meanwhile, works unceasingly to develop and discover new yarns, fabric and methods of manufacturing products that are of truly outstanding quality. Truly internationally oriented, the company boasts sales subsidiaries and satellite offices in New York, Toronto, London, Paris, Berlin, Denmark, Italy, India, Hong Kong, Shanghai and Tokyo.  Products are distributed worldwide via department and specialty stores as well as online retailers.

You can find FRAAS At Specialty Stores throughout the country and they may be ordered directly from the company by calling  212-575-0191.  Select styles are also available at fraas.com and amazon.com.


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VeggieTales: The League of Incredible Vegetables Review and Giveaway!!!

Where Does A Hero Go For Help?

 

The first-ever VeggieTales superhero title, VeggieTales: The League of Incredible Vegetables, will be available October 16! The title helps teach a lifelong lesson in handling fear, one of the most requested subject topics by VeggieTales fans and families, and includes a brand-new League theme song and music video by Grammy-nominated and Dove Award-winning group, Newsboys.

VeggieTales: The League of Incredible Vegetables is the fourth title in a series of DVD releases that stars the popular “LarryBoy” character. The DVD also introduces four new superheroes played by beloved VeggieTales characters Bob the Tomato, Petunia Rhubarb, Junior Asparagus and Mr. Lunt, all with hilarious superhero abilities. In addition to engaging bonus features, the DVD contains fun music fit for families, and an all-new Silly Song, “Supper Hero.”

 

DVD Synopsis

It was a bright and sunny day in Bumblyburg until Dr. Flurry came to town. This chillin’ villain wants to freeze the entire city in fear! This job is too big for LarryBoy to handle alone, so he turns to “The League of Incredible Vegetables” for help! Thingamabob (Bob the Tomato), S-Cape (Mr. Lunt), Vogue (Petunia Rhubarb) and Ricochet (Junior Asparagus) are up for the task, but find that their own fears could land them in Dr. Flurry’s deep freeze!  Will they remember to turn to the One who is bigger than all their fears before the whole town ends up on ice?  Find out in this heroic new VeggieTales episode with a lesson in handling fear!

My boys are super into superheroes so this was a welcome DVD to review.  They like VeggieTales and this movie has a wonderful message.  It helps them learn that we have someone much bigger and in control we can rely on.  The Newsboys video and theme song is really a special treat as well.  If you are looking for a DVD that your kids will love and will reinforce the beliefs and values that we hope to instill in our children, you should check out this video when it is released on the 16th of October.

Want to win this DVD?  Big Idea Entertainment  is sponsoring a giveaway on Mommy Ramblings.  One lucky blog reader will win their own copy of VeggieTales: The League of Incredible Vegetables!  Than you Big Idea Entertainment for the review DVD and for sponsoring  this super giveaway on Mommy Ramblings!!!  Open to US residents.
 
VeggieTales: The League of Incredible Vegetables Giveaway on Mommy Ramblings Rules:
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