Tag Archives: Mommy Ramblings

November 3, 2012 · 10:05 pm

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

ROBOTS, TOYS AND A CURIOUS GARDEN FILL THE

SMALL SCREEN IN THE FOURTH VOLUME OF THE

AWARD-WINNING “MY FIRST COLLECTION” DVD SERIES

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

ROBOT ZOT!…AND MORE RHYMING STORIES

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

TOO MANY TOYS…AND MORE STORIES ABOUT PROBLEM SOLVING

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

THE CURIOUS GARDEN…AND MORE STORIES ABOUT NATURE

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

DVD FEATURES

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

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

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

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

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

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

Continue reading →

13 Comments

Filed under Uncategorized

Tagged as 2012 Holiday Gift Guide, 3 DVD Collection, giveaway, Mommy Ramblings, My First Collection Volume 4 Featuring Robot Zot, review, Scholastic, Storybook Treasures

· 9:16 pm

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

WALT DISNEY PICTURES ANNOUNCES

A SPECTACULAR ALL-NEW TINKER BELL DISNEY FAIRIES MOVIE

Description: TKB_0606_MTSecretWing#4D532

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

WINTER ACTIVITY PACK

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

Marvel Heroes, Little Golden Book Favorites Giveaway on Mommy Ramblings Rules:

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

Continue reading →

18 Comments

Filed under Uncategorized

Tagged as giveaway, Iron Man, Little Golden Book Favorites, Marvel Heroes, Mommy Ramblings, review, Spider-Man, The Avengers

· 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:

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

Continue reading →

38 Comments

Filed under Uncategorized

Tagged as 18" Doll Bunk Bed, 2012 Holiday Gift Guide, giveaway, Laurent Doll, Mommy Ramblings, review

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.

Chuggington, “Icy Escapades” DVD Giveaway on Mommy Ramblings Rules:

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

Continue reading →

20 Comments

Filed under Uncategorized

Tagged as "Icy Escapades" DVD, Chuggington, giveaway, Mommy Ramblings, review

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.

One-sided ISO print speeds of 8.7 ISO ppm (black) and 4.5 ISO ppm (color)
Use the 2.5″ LCD to preview, edit and print photos, without turning on your computer.
Conveniently print from smartphones, tablets and more; also supports AirPrint and Google Cloud Print
Print from any room in the house, using a wireless network.
Print borderless in multiple sizes directly from a memory card or camera and without the use of a computer.
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 SmartWay^SM Transport Partner¹

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.

Erase your image with the touch of a button – and a friendly flash from the liquid crystal display.
Sealed 3V watch battery never needs replacing.
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.
The case and LCD are made from durable plastic materials. Safe for school use and all around the house, office and car.
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!
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:

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

Continue reading →

44 Comments

Filed under Uncategorized

Tagged as 2012 Holiday Gift Guide, Boogie Board 8.5 LCD eWriter, giveaway, Improv Electronics, Mommy Ramblings, review

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.

Quercetti, Skyrail Suspension Rollercoaster with Elevator Giveaway on Mommy Ramblings Rules:

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

Continue reading →

24 Comments

Filed under Uncategorized

Tagged as 2012 Holiday Gift Guide, giveaway, Mommy Ramblings, Quercetti, review, Skyrail Suspension Rollercoaster with Elevator

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:

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

Continue reading →

11 Comments

Filed under Uncategorized

Tagged as 3 Winners, book, Chicken Soup For The Soul: Married Life, giveaway, Mommy Ramblings, review

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.