Tag Archives: review

September 13, 2012 · 12:31 am

A Mary Blair Treasury of Golden Books Review & Giveaway!!!

If you are a loyal Mommy Rambling’s reader you probably know how big books are in our house. I was thrilled to receive the Mary Blair Treasury of Golden Books for review recently. Fans of illustrator Mary Blair will cherish this never-before-published treasury of her Golden Books, which includes material that hasn’t been in print in decades. I Can Fly is here in its unabridged glory, as are Baby’s House, The Up and Down Book, and The Golden Book of Little Verses. Many of the finest pages from The New Golden Song Book are included, to round out this gorgeous collection. All of the original artwork has been digitally reproduced, and has never looked more breathtaking! Academy Award-winning animator John Canemaker—author of The Art and Flair of Mary Blair—wrote the foreword for this highly anticipated book honoring one of the most beloved illustrators of our time.

This is such a special book and the illustrations are just gorgeous. I love Golden Books and so do my kids and these treasurys are so wonderful because you have all of them in one place and it is such a collectible book to have. This makes a great book for bedtime and you can read one or two every night. This treasury is great when you are traveling because you can pack one book with lots of stories for little ones.

Random House is sponsoring a giveaway on Mommy Ramblings. One lucky blog reader will win A Mary Blair Treasury of Golden Books. Thank you Random House for the review book and for sponsoring this awesome giveaway on Mommy Ramblings!!! Open to US residents.

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September 11, 2012 · 10:42 pm

Sukey Molloy’s, “I Am Sleepy!” Lullaby CD Review & Giveaway!!!

Cozy music, stories and poetry for bedtime …

SUKEY MOLLOY’S

I AM SLEEPY!

FOURTH IN AWARD-WINNING SERIES
OF CHILDREN’S ALBUMS
TO BE RELEASED IN OCTOBER

“You’ll feel nothing but happy listening to Sukey Molloy’s latest CD … each song is tender and lovingly crafted … Sukey is undeniably today’s Mr. Rogers.” – Celebrity Parents Magazine

With NAPPA, Children’s Music Web, Preferred Choice, Creative Child, and Mom’s Choice Awards proudly in hand, independent children’s musician Sukey Molloy brings her focus to family bedtime listening with the October 16 release of her fourth CD, I Am Sleepy! with Sukey Molloy (PlayMove&Sing, Inc., $12.99, run time 43 minutes, for all ages).

Featuring songs, stories, lullabies, and poetry created just for drifting off to sleep, the album is imbued with the magic of the gentle, personal style that has become Sukey Molloy’s calling card. A companion to Sukey Molloy’s 2012 album, I Am Happy! with Sukey Molloy, I Am Sleepy! draws children of all ages – and even adults – into a safe and trusting relationship as they settle into slumber. Sukey Molloy explains, “I wanted to give parents a recording that they could use to help create a peaceful, soothing, beautiful atmosphere that would nourish a sense of comfort and joy for a wide age range – toddler, preschooler, or a mother with a newborn infant.” I Am Sleepy! blends traditional (and not often heard) lullabies, original songs that Sukey composed especially for nighttime listening, and stories and poetry she created with the intention of bringing a sense of both security and mystery at bedtime. The album weaves its way through a calming, quiet, yet always engaging and sometimes playful nighttime “under the stars” tapestry imbued with the sounds of crickets, owls, and lambs. Sukey’s gentle storytelling and vocals are complemented by the contributions of her classically trained musician friends on harp, recorder, violin, dulcimer, guitar, bass, and piano

While Sukey Molloy’s lyrics and melodies express a sweet, childlike nuance, she doesn’t compromise when it comes to musical integrity and production values. Joining Sukey as co-producer of I Am Sleepy! isGrammy-winner Larry Alexander, who has served in this capacity for all four of Sukey’s CDs. Larry brings to this new release his work with some of the biggest stars in the music business, including Diana Ross (six albums), Bruce Springsteen, Willie Nelson, Bon Jovi, and David Bowie, to name but a few.

I Am Sleepy! opens with the crystal clear vocal tones of Sukey Molloy, a cappella, singing elegantly simple melodic lines with lyrics that are crafted to instill a natural understanding of poetry, music, and rhythm in the child. Track two, “Hush My Little One,” begins with the delicate instrumental sounds of guitar, dulcimer, and bass and lyrics reminding parents that every moment with their little ones is precious. The next song, “Evening’s Coming,” helps children think of the darkness as their gentle friend. A pleasant contrast is achieved with the recitation of “Quiet Night Poem,” which is set against a nocturnal background of crickets and owls. The beautiful sound of solo violin becomes a significant musical voice in “Night is Falling.” To listen to the simple, yet meaningful, organization of the poetry and music in I Am Sleepy! gives children and adults alike a sense of security. Like Robert Schuman and Claude Debussy who created significant musical portraits of the nursery, Sukey Molloy brings a sense of highly artistic aesthetics based on an elegant balance of contrast and unity into the lives of children and parents.

Sukey Molloy’s award-winning body of work includes the CDs Circle Songs! with Sukey Molloy (2005; Children’s Music Web Award, Parent to Parent Adding Wisdom Award), I Like to Sing! with Sukey Molloy (2007; NAPPA Honors Award), and I Am Happy! with Sukey Molloy (2012; Creative Child CD of the Year Award, Mom’s Choice Gold Award, Preferred Choice Award), and two Sukey’s Circle! DVDs (2009 and 2010; NAPPA Honors Award, Mom’s Choice Gold Award, Preferred Choice Award, NAPPA Rising Star Commendation). I Am Sleepy! with Sukey Molloy will be available online at www.sukeymolloy.com, amazon.com, and cdbaby.com.

I AM SLEEPY! TRACK LIST:
The Moon Shines Down
Hush My Little One
Evening’s Coming
Quiet Night Poem
Twilight Song
The Story of Twinkle Little Star
Night is Falling
Early in the Evening
Sleep So Gently
Shadows Dance Upon My Wall
Scottish Folk Song
The Story of Little Lamb
Little Lamb’s Song
Wind Through My Window
Sleep Now and Rest
Russian Lullaby
All the World is Sleeping

Check out Sukey Molloy’s website HERE to browse or preorder the CD.

We received the I Am Sleepy! CD for review and it is perfect for settling down little ones after a busy day. Put it on for you little ones when you want to transition them into quiet play in preparation for bedtime. The soothing music will have them relaxed and ready for slumber and even have a relaxing and calming effect on parents. If you are looking for some great quiet time or bedtime music, check out I Am Sleepy! which is available for preorder now.

Waldmania PR is sponsoring a giveaway on Mommy Ramblings. One lucky blog reader will win their own Sukey Molloy, I Am Sleepy! CD. Thank you Waldmania PR for the review CD and for sponsoring this great giveaway on Mommy Ramblings!!! Open to US residents.

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September 10, 2012 · 12:06 am

Random House, Day by Day by Susan Gal Review & Giveaway!!!

Susan Gal offers a heartwarming tale of old-fashioned goodness. The industrious pigs of Day by Day build a home, plant a garden, help their neighbors, and then gather in a harvest grown with hard work and kindness.

The language is sweet and simple: Day by day, the seasons turn. Shoulder to shoulder, pigs gather the harvest. Hand in hand, pigs give thanks, then cheek to cheek, they dance. The artwork is bright and full of the merry antics of a happy family and a tight-knit community. And these pigs are flat out adorable!
This delightful story celebrates family and community, caring and sharing.

We received this book for review from Random House and it is really a very heartwarming books that shows these jolly pigs as they motor to a new area and build a life there. Watch as the pigs build their new homes, plant gardens, all join in on the big harvest and celebrate and give thanksgiving. It has lovely illustrations and is a short book that is long on the value of family and friends.

Random House is sponsoring a giveaway on Mommy Ramblings. One lucky blog reader will win their own copy of Day by Day by Susan Gal. Thank you Random House for the review book and for sponsoring this great giveaway on Mommy Ramblings!!! Open to US residents.

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September 9, 2012 · 1:42 pm

RabbitAir, Minus A2 Ultra Quiet HEPA Air Purifier Review!!!

A few months ago I was contacted by RabbitAir to see if I would be interested in reviewing their RabbitAir , Minus A2 Ultra Quiet HEPA Air Purifier. I was thrilled and quickly agreed and was sent the Cherry Blossom design. The Minus A2 is the only air purifier designed to either stand alone or be mounted on the wall. Floor stand is included with unit and can be easily removed for wall-mount. With a 5 years warranty on parts and labor and 24/7 technical support, the MinusA2 is one of the highest quality air purifiers you can find. Craftsmanship is carefully monitored in every step of the manufacturing process, with all major components, including the motor, filters, and air quality sensors manufactured in Korea. You can customize your MinusA2 air purifier by choosing from a variety of custom filters that will benefit you most. You have the choice of Germ Defense, Pet Allergy, Toxin Absorber or Odor Remover. The MinusA2 SPA-700A air purifier will filter all of the air in a room up to 700 sq. ft. (or 815 sq. ft. for the SPA-780A) twice in an hour on the turbo setting. The heart of this air purifier is the Brushless Direct Current Motor, an innovative motor with inverter control that offers 5 different speeds of operation. When operating at low speed, the air purifier’s motor barely makes a sound. Energy Star Certified. Inexpensive to operate. Only consumes 7 Watts at silent speed.

Airflow Diagram

Inlet: Indoor air is drawn through the filters 360 degrees around the front panel.
Outlet: Clean air is expelled from the back of the unit in an upward direction towards the room.

Technical Data

Weight: 19.4 lbs.

Power Cord Length: 9.33 ft.

Effective Coverage Area:
Normal Residential Use (2 air changes per hour):
SPA-700A : 700 sq. ft.
SPA-780A : 815 sq. ft.
Allergy Sufferer (4 air changes per hour):
SPA-700A : 350 sq. ft.
SPA-780A : 408 sq. ft.

Power Consumption:

SPA-700A : 7 to 47 watts
SPA-780A : 7 to 61 watts
Noise Level:
SPA-700A : 20.8 to 45.6 dBA
SPA-780A : 25.6 to 51.3 dBA

CADR:
Pollen Dust Smoke
SPA-700A: 201 200 193
SPA-780A: 208 200 193

Annual Filter Cost:
$37.50 (12hr/day operation)
$75.00 (24hr/day operation)

Warranty: 5 Years

Support: 24/7 Technical Support

Power Requirements: 120V AC 60 Hz

This Air Purifier was so user-friendly and easy to set up. It had a quick start guide and all the filters were individually wrapped with a “Hello” sticker explaining exactly what they were and how to place them back when unwrapped. That was really all that had to be done. The unit is sleek and does not take much room at all. It is a huge difference compared to the bulky room size air purifiers we used to have. Our home is large so this purifier is great that it can cover a very large square foot room, very quickly. It is quiet and very attractive and not an eyesore. It has been working great and I know our air is cleaner and that makes me happy for my family. I like that it is fully customizable with the filters to suit whatever needs you have and that it is energy-efficient. If you are looking for a high quality, sleek, supreme performance air filter, then you need to take a look at the RabbitAir Minus A2!!! You can Like RabbitAir on Facebook and keep up on the latest news on their products.

Metamophic Toys, Everythingland Mailbox & Eco-Art U-Stick’ems Kit Review and Giveaway!!!

I had the opportunity to review some very creative toys from Metamorphic Toys. I received the Everythingland Mailbox & Eco-Art U-Stick’ems Kit to review. The Eco-Art U-Stick’ems are stickers that kids color and decorate and then make a non-toxic glue for. The mailbox is easily assembled and can be painted, colored, or use the Stick’ems to decorate. The possibilities for decorating and finishing your mailbox are endless. Use it at a birthday party for a craft activity or a rainy day project for the kids, decorate it with your kids to hold your christmas cards, or make your child their own personal mailbox they can put outside the door to their room. Whatever, your kids are sure to have a great time with both of these creative and fun toys.

Waiting on the mailman.

Metamophic Toys is sponsoring a giveaway on Mommy Ramblings. One lucky blog reader will win a pack of Everythingland™
Eco-Art U-Stick’ems. Thank you Metamorphic Toys for the review products and for sponsoring this great giveaway on Mommy Ramblings!!! Open to US and Canadian residents.

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· 8:54 pm

My Project and Experience Using Fusion Spray Paint For Plastics!!!

A few years ago on a trip through the Home Depot. I saw about 3 kid’s True Temper wheel barrels on the side of an aisle in the garden center. They were marked $4.99. I found this a little strange since they were very well constructed and upon further inspection saw that they were faded in some spots in the interior and that is why I guess they were reduced in price. Considering a flimsy plastic one can cost more than $4.99, and these were structurally sound, I picked one up and brought it home. Well, it has been going strong for a few years now but the red has faded more all over now and looks tired. It is one of my three-year old’s favorite toys and he likes doing “yard work” with it. So I picked up some green Fusion spray paint as well as some green for metal for the bracket stand. I had yellow at home for the handles and planned to create a John Deere color pattern.

The next day I set out getting the unit disassembled, cleaned the plastic body and then applied the paint. It went on very easy, did not drip and dried very quickly. It does say that it dries in 15 minutes and is dry to the touch in an hour. I applied a second coat and then finished by using the rest of the can to go over the inside where it would get the most wear. I also used the paint on the plastic inside the tire. I sprayed the metal parts with a green spray paint for metal and did the handles in yellow. I reassembled it a few days later and voila, a new John Deere theme wheel barrel ready for more years of fun and a very happy 3-year-old who thinks Mommy is the best!!! Have you used Fusion spray paint? If you have, I would love to hear about your experience and see your projects. Please share with your comments below.

Toe Juice Review and Combo Pack Giveaway!!!

In 1970, Royce Garner, a high school science teacher in Boise, Idaho, produced his first batch of Toe Juice®. His endeavor began when his infant son had flaking, dry, cracked feet. The many lotions and creams were ineffective and messy. So Royce did some research, went to his lab, and came out with a revolutionary new product. Not only did it fix and prevent further complications with his son’s feet, but over the years many friends, family, and acquaintances have benefited from the strength of Royce’s Toe Juice®. Those who benefited from the fast drying liquid, often encouraged Royce to take it public.

DermaVine® is a blend of plant-based extracts that enhance the skin’s natural repairing ability. It contains willow bark, lemon peel, and Cinnamonum extracts.

Toe Juice® w/ DermaVine® is very safe…safe for newborns, the elderly, pregnant and nursing women, diabetics, all ethnicities (does not bleach or lighten skin tone), cancer survivors, chemo-patients…safe for the skin, head to toe!

Best New Product Award Winner

When a great new product that stands out from the rest hits the market Drugstore News and ECRM will choose it to receive the Best New Product award. We are proud to announce Toe Juice® won this award.

I was sent a combo pack of a 4.6 oz and a 1 oz bottle of Toe Juice. Toe Juice contains alcohol and has the smell of an astringent. It can be used to refresh and treat dry cracked skin, athlete’s feet, warts, circulatory irritations, eczema, irritating rashes, ringworm, psoriasis, and jock itch. It has a funny name but from what I have seen and read many people have found big relief in the funny sounding remedy.

Toe Juice is sponsoring a giveaway on Mommy Ramblings. One lucky blog reader will win a combo pack of Toe Juice. Thank you Toe Juice for the review products and for sponsoring this great giveaway on Mommy Ramblings!!! Open to US residents.

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· 1:23 am

HoodiePet Fleece Hoodie Review and Giveaway!!!

It’s a hoodie, it’s a cuddly friend, it’s a HoodiePet^™, and it’s on! HoodiePet^™ is both a snuggly fleece hoodie and a plush toy that attaches with Velcro to the front pocket of the hoodie. HoodiePet^™ is not just an item of clothing but also an imaginative puppet that encourages creative play, while offering warmth and comfort.

HoodiePet^™ is designed with your child’s imagination in mind, not only are the pets interchangeable but each pet has it’s own personality and biography helping your child to learn more about the planet’s animal kingdom. Children can trade, collect and play with their favorite HoodiePet^™ puppet friends. HoodiePets^™ are your child’s cool and cuddly friends on the go!

The HoodiePet^™ website is the perfect place for your children to lose themselves in imagination and creativity. The easy-to-navigate site has a place for your child to name their HoodiePets^™, print out adoption certificates and coloring pages for each pet, and learn fun facts about each animal on HoodiePet^™ Island!

I was recently sent a HoodiePet hoodie for review. This is a super warm and snuggly fleece hoodie that has handy thumb holes and cuddly removable animal accent. We chose Screamie the Ape and it really adds an element of fun and style to this hoodie. My son loves it and it will really be great to keep the chill away as the days grow cooler. If you are looking for a fun way to stay toasty this fall, try the HoodiePet.

HoodiePet is sponsoring a giveaway on Mommy Ramblings. One lucky blog reader will win a HoodiePet hoodie!!! Thank you HoodiePet for the review hoodie and for sponsoring this awesome giveaway on Mommy Ramblings!!! Open to US residents!!!

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September 6, 2012 · 2:35 am

Petite Me Children’s Boutique Review and $40 Gift Certificate Giveaway!!!

Petite Me is a full service boutique creating petite fashionistas across the country. Petite Me searches the globe for the most diverse and quality manufactured designs to deliver right to your doorstep. Petite Me is happy to assist with any special requests. I was recently contacted by Petite Me and asked to do a review. I chose the Ben Sherman Boy’s Jean and the Ben Sherman Polo Rugby. They arrived quickly and I was very impressed with the quality. The polo had lots of detail with the plaid accent and contrasting colors make it a great choice for boys that really shows their style, The jeans are well made and the adjustable waist comes in so handy when you have slim kids.

Petite Me is sponsoring a giveaway on Mommy Ramblings. One lucky blog reader will win a $40 gift certificate to Petite Me. Thank you Petite Me for the review outfit and for sponsoring this great giveaway on Mommy Ramblings!!! Open to US residents.

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September 4, 2012 · 3:34 am

Rock N Learn Preschool Ready For School DVD Review and Giveaway!!!

My 3-year-old is now at the age to start thinking about preschool, and my 5-year-old will be starting kindergarten homeschool in a week! So this Rock N Learn Ready for School DVD review arrived at an opportune time! This DVD is full of very easy to follow, fun lessons to teach kids how to tie shoes, get dressed, print their letters, as well as teaching listening skills, counting and much more! My boys love watching this and trying everything out themselves. For my 5-year-old, it was a good refresher of stuff he already knows, and he even learned something new, having never needed to tie his shoes before. My 3-year-old was fascinated by the new things he was learning, and got him thinking about what is in store for him in the years to come. There are quite a few songs to help kids learn the skills they show on the DVD. When I was in high school, my French teacher was adamant about how singing during learning was the best way to teach, and this really shows the truth in that, after watching the movie, the upbeat songs stay in your head and after singing them over and over, you realize that you’ve memorized something new and educational!

Rock ‘N Learn has helped kids learn important skills and boost their grades for 25 years. They have won over 100 national awards, such as Parents’ Choice, Disney’s iParenting, Learning Magazine’s Teachers’ Choice, and Dr. Toy. The music and videos work together to create a multi-sensory experience that gets results. Your child will love interacting with the fun characters, shouting out answers, or singing along and dancing to the music.

Rock N Learn is sponsoring a giveaway on Mommy Ramblings! One fortunate blog reader will win a Ready for School DVD! Thank you Rock N learn for the review DVD and this fantastic giveaway!!! Open to US residents.