"Howard B. Wigglebottom Learns About Sportsmanship: Winning Isn't Everything" Book

I received this product to review. All opinions are 100% mine.

The product: Howard B. Wigglebottom is an ornery, little bunny. He's always getting in some sort of trouble. But even ornery little kids can learn to behave better with the help of friends. See what lesson Howard will learn this time in Howard B. Wigglebottom Learns About Sportsmanship: Winning Isn't Everything.

The ten picture books in our award winning, educator endorsed series tackle important life lessons for 3-8 year olds like listening, bullying, sportsmanship, anger management, feeling good about themselves, moderation, truth, divorce, peer pressure, belonging, generosity, sportsmanship and attention. You can check out the animated versions at http://www.wedolisten.org. Click on animated books, lessons/posters and songs.

The We Do Listen Foundation is a group of writers, artists, designers, educators, therapists, parents, caregivers and teachers who share a vision of a kinder world with more harmony and peace and a better life for everyone to enjoy.

What we thought: We already have a few Howard B. Wigglebottom books in our house. As a parent and educator, I love the message that these books have. They put the main character in a practical situation that children will understand. And it is great that it teaches children about how to handle real life situations.

Here is what my 7 year old son, Zachariah, thinks:

Where to buy: You can purchase the Howard B. Wigglebottom Learns About Sportsmanship: Winning Isn't Everything from their website or on Amazon. The hardcover books retail for $15 in the U.S. and Canada. Now you can find Howard B. Wigglebottom books on Apple for $1.99.

How to connect: The website for Howard B. Wigglebottom is a great resource for parents and children alike.




*Disclaimer: I received this product for review. All opinions are my own.*

"To Love and Cherish" by Tracie Peterson and Judith Miller

I received this product to review. All opinions are 100% mine.

 
The product: To Love and Cherish by Tracie Peterson and Judith Miller

When a devastating hurricane hits Bridal Veil Island, Melinda Colson gives up her position as a lady’s maid in Cleveland and makes her way back to the island—man—she loves. But the destruction on Bridal Veil is extensive. With every available person needed to help with cleanup and repairs, Evan is even busier than before—and it seems marriage is the last thing on his mind. Has she given her heart to the wrong man? And when Melinda overhears a vicious plot against President McKinley, who is scheduled to visit the island, is Evan the one she should turn to?


What I thought: Tracie Peterson is one of my favorite authors. I have read so many of her books. And many of her books are historical fiction (also Christian/romance). She has written several series with Judith Miller, and I enjoy her too. Together they make a pretty great duo and have some fantastic books.

To Love and Cherish is the second book in a 3 part series. I somehow missed the first book, but I was able to jump right into this one. It takes place on an exclusive island along the Atlantic coast where the rich go to play. From class division to natural disasters there are so many interesting things happening. You will enjoy watching the story of Melinda and Evan unfold. They both have things in their past that they are dealing with and learning from. But most of all they have love for each other and God.

Where to buy: To Love and Cherish by Tracie Peterson and Judith Miller is available in stores and online now.

Clorox Smart Tube Technology

I received this product to review. All opinions are 100% mine.

Keeping a clean home is just a part of life. Whether you like to clean or not, it's necessary... unless you're one of those fortunate few who can afford a maid to do it for you. (Don't I wish!) Since I am responsible for cleaning our house, I have to find cleaning products that work well and don't cost a fortune either. The new Clorox Smart Tube Technology is a big help with time & energy. No more waste at the bottom of your cleaning supplies, it's good to the last drop. If there is something I like as much as saving money, it's not wasting things.


The product: We've all experienced it: the frustration of not being able to access the remaining liquid at the bottom of spray bottles. From tilting the bottle in different directions, to transferring leftover liquid to another bottle, we often take extreme measures to get to the remaining liquid.

To eliminate this spray bottle frustration, Clorox has introduced a new innovation called SMART TUBE® TECHNOLOGY just in time to help you tackle your spring cleaning. It’s a built-in tube that reaches all the way to the bottom of the bottle, giving you:

o   Satisfaction of being able to spray every drop.

o   Freedom from frustrating workarounds to get to the last bit of product.

o   Enjoyment of a more premium spray experience with a new, more durable trigger* that provides better coverage and control and a smoother pull that makes it easier to dispense with less effort.

SMART TUBE® TECHNOLOGY is now available nationwide in Clorox spray bottles, including Clorox® Clean Up®, Tilex® and Formula 409® products. Just look for the yellow stripe on the side of the bottle!  For more about SMART TUBE® TECHNOLOGY and to see a video on the bottle transformation, visit www.sprayeverydrop.com.

What I thought: The new Clorox Smart Tube Technology is available in 4 different varieties- 409 All-Purpose Cleaner, Clorox Clean-up Cleaner & Bleach, Tilex Mold & Mildew, and Clorox Green Works All-Purpose Cleaner. I wish my store would have had the Green Works, because that would have been my preference. Since they did not, I picked out the Cleaner & Bleach and the 409- All-Purpose Cleaner in fresh lemon.

The Clorox Cleaner & Bleach is great for the bathroom. That's where I'm worried about germs spreading, so this will keep it clean and safe from germs around my family. And the 409 All-Purpose is perfect in the kitchen. I especially like the lemon fresh scent. It cleans and nicely polishes my counters and stove top. I can use it throughout the day to keep things nice and clean.

So far I have not used up a whole bottle to test the smart tube feature. It seems like the bottle is designed well, though. The sprayer on it works nicely. I'm excited that I won't have to tilt the bottle just so to try and gt those last drops now. And I can use it all with no waste. That's a biggie for me.

Where to buy: The new Clorox Smart Tube products are available in stores everywhere. You can find out where to buy near you on their website.

How to connect: Learn more about this new product and other Clorox products at http://www.clorox.com/products/smart-tube-technology/.

*Disclosure: I received information about SMART TUBE TECHNOLOGY and a coupon from Clorox.

For more information about the March 2013 Federal Trade Commission (FTC) “..com Disclosure Guidelines,” click here:http://www.ftc.gov/os/2013/03/130312dotcomdisclosures.pdf*

Escape From Planet Earth Blu-ray & DVD #Giveaway

Disclaimer: I received this product for review. All opinions are my own.

The product:

ANCHOR BAY ENTERTAINMENT and THE WEINSTEIN COMPANY PRESENT ESCAPE FROM PLANET EARTH ON BLU-RAY™ AND DVD

ESCAPE FROM PLANET EARTH starring Jessica Alba, Sarah Jessica Parker, William Shatner, Rob Corddry, Brendan Fraser, George Lopez, Craig Robinson, Sofía Vergara and Jane Lynch blasts off June 4, 2013!

BEVERLY HILLS, CA – Anchor Bay Entertainment and The Weinstein Company announced today the Blu-ray™ and DVD release of the family film ESCAPE FROM PLANET EARTH.

This fantastic, comedy- adventure crosses all galaxies to entertain the entire family with an all-star vocal cast including Jessica Alba, Sarah Jessica Parker, William Shatner, George Lopez, Craig Robinson, Sofía Vergara, Jane Lynch, Steve Zahn, Chris Parnell, Brendan Fraser, Rob Corddry and Ricky Gervais.

In ESCAPE FROM PLANET EARTH, Planet Baab’s most celebrated space traveler, Scorch Supernova (voiced by Brendan Fraser), is a global hero whose interplanetary exploits are televised for the enjoyment of his ardent fans. With the help of his brainy brother Gary (Rob Corddry), head BASA Mission Control, Scorch has become a legend, winning the love of beautiful television reporter Gabby Babblebrock (Sofía Vergara) and the devotion of Gary’s hero-worshipping son Kip (Jonathan Morgan Heit).

When BASA’s no-nonsense chief, Lena (Jessica Alba), intercepts a distress signal from the Dark Planet, a notoriously dangerous world in the far reaches of the universe, Scorch jumps at the chance to attempt the once-in-a-lifetime rescue mission. But Gary tries to discourage his bother from making the trip, knowing that no intergalactic explorer has ever returned from the faraway world (also known as Earth). Scorch realizes too late that he has been lured into a deadly ambush set by the power-crazed paramilitary leader General Shanker (William Shatner). When the trap snaps shut, imprisoning Scorch and some of the most brilliant minds in the universe, Gary rushes to their aid. What he discovers is a plot of interplanetary proportions that only his brains and Scorch’s brawn can stop.

The film is directed by Cal Brunker from a screenplay by Brunker and Bob Barlen based on a story by Tony Leech and Cory Edwards. The film is produced by Catherine Winder, Luke Carroll and Brian Inerfeld. Executive producers are Bob Weinstein, Harvey Weinstein, Radenko Milakovic, Marvin Peart and Tony Leech.

The film’s upbeat soundtrack includes music from Delta Rae, Owl City and Cody Simpson as well as original music composed by Aaron Zigman.

A GUIDE TO THE CHARACTERS OF ESCAPE FROM PLANET EARTH

Gary Supernova (Rob Corddry) – A Mission Control whiz kid at BASA, Gary has always been overshadowed by his younger brother Scorch. But without Gary’s loyalty and genius-level intelligence, the pumped up daredevil would have been Gnarlach food long ago.

Scorch Supernova (Brendan Fraser) – A hot-dogging astronaut celebrated for his outrageous and heroic exploits, Scorch is a global hero on the planet Baab, where his adventures are must-see television for his fans on the BNN network.

General Shanker (William Shatner) – Shanker appears to be a loyal military man, but in reality he is a ruthless megalomaniac bent on destroying all intelligent life in the Universe.

Kira Supernova (Sarah Jessica Parker) – Gary’s loyal and loving wife, Kira spent 15 years as a test pilot for BASA before devoting herself fulltime to Gary and their adorable son Kipper. But make no mistake: “Just ‘cause a chick has kids doesn't mean she can’t still dish it out.”

Kipper “Kip” Supernova (Jonathan Morgan Heit) – Gary and Kira’s plucky nine-year-old pride and joy, Kipper idolizes his intrepid Uncle Scorch, but learns that his dad’s brain and his uncle’s brawn are an unbeatable combination.

Gabby Babblebrock (Sofía Vergara) – When the hot and spicy anchor for BNN News is not avidly pursuing a breaking story for the network, she finds time for canoodling with her best beau, Scorch.

Lena (Jessica Alba) – Gary’s boss Lena is beautiful, highly intelligent, hard-driving—and extremely duplicitous. Her ambition is unbridled, but her fatal weakness for a guy in an Elvis wig could be the end of Baab.

“Finally, a family movie that your entire family can enjoy together.”

~ The Dove Foundation

“For its fun and good messages, the Parents Television Council is proud to award Escape From Planet Earth with the seal of approval™”

~ Parents Television Council

ESCAPE FROM PLANET EARTH heads to retail on June 4, 2013 for an SRP of $39.99 for the Blu-ray™ Combo Pack with UltraViolet™ and $29.98 for the DVD.

The ESCAPE FROM PLANET EARTH Blu-ray™ Combo Pack with UltraViolet™ and DVD include exclusive special features such as commentary with director Cal Brunker, The Making of Escape From Planet Earth, Alternate Takes and Deleted Scenes and Music Featurettes from Delta Rae, Owl City and Cody Simpson.

ESCAPE FROM PLANET EARTH BLU-RAY™ Combo Pack

(Blu-ray™ + DVD + Digital Copy + UltraViolet™)

Street date:                   June 4, 2013

Catalog #:                    ZBD24749ORN

UPC:                            01313247499180

Run time:                     89 Minutes

Rating:                         PG

SRP:                            $39.99

Format:                       Widescreen

Audio:                         5.1 DTSHD-MA

ESCAPE FROM PLANET EARTH DVD

Street date:                  June 4, 2013

Catalog #:                   WC24745     

UPC:                           01313247459580

Run time:                    89 Minutes

Rating:                        PG

SRP:                            $29.98

Format:                       Widescreen

Audio:                         Dolby Digital 5.1 

What we thought: My son was so excited when we received this movie. We missed it in theaters and apparently it's one that has caught his eye.

There are some great celebrity voices in this movie. I appreciated picking them out. Most kids wouldn't notice, but I think it makes it more fun for the adults when you start recognizing voices.

Overall it is a fun family movie. I enjoy it when there is a good movie like this that the whole family can watch together. Pop some popcorn then relax and enjoy a rainy night in.

Where to buy: The Escape From Planet Earth Blu-ray and DVD are available in stores and online now.

How to Connect: Find out more about this movie at http://www.escapeearthmovie.com/.

Prize: Two of you will win a copy of Escape From Planet Earth Blu-ray/DVD like I did.

Giveaway: This giveaway is open until 12:01am EST on 8/9/13. It is open to US residents only. Please enter in the Rafflecopter form below. Good luck!


a Rafflecopter giveaway

Kidorable Photo Contest

How do you Kidorable? At the park or the zoo, maybe the pool too? Or perhaps just on a rainy day outside.

We love our Kidorable products. My son gets compliments every time he wears something out from them. Now I just need to start getting some things for the baby.

Contest Alert:

One lucky Kidorable fan will win an ensemble of their choice. It's simple. All you have to do is email a picture of your child (or niece, nephew, grandchild, friend...) wearing a Kidorable piece to contest@kidorable.com. Whoever gets the most votes will win.

You can send your entries now through Wednesday, July 26th. The voting will go until August 2nd.

Why wait? Email your picture today!

Click here for details.

Birthday & Comments Fixed

Me and my baby (just turned 3 months!)

Today is my birthday!

I don't usually do much to celebrate. But this year I wanted to do something fun at least. I decided to head out of town for part of the day to eat out (Chick-fil-A! My favorite!) and go shopping (Target! Another favorite!). On a whim I decided to see if my mom and sisters might be able to join me and the boys. They all work outside the home, so it's rare to get them all away on a work day. My mom is able to take the afternoon off, one of my sisters is on vacation this week with no plans, and my other sister should be able to finish work early and meet us for lunch too. I'm excited that we can all get together. It will be a fun little day away. Then I can come home at suppertime and still enjoy time with my husband.

Recently some of you have mentioned problems with commenting here on my blog. It made it difficult to enter giveaways. Those who asked, I said to skip the commenting and just claim that you did it for now. (I hope you still entered!)

I have fixed the problem. I couldn't figure it out before, but I finally took the time to get it worked out. You should be able to leave a comment like before now.

So in honor of my birthday (and the comments working again), it would be fun to see how many comments I can get for my birthday this year. Please leave a little note for me. And as a bonus it will count as an extra entry in the next giveaway you enter here. Have a great day!