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Friday, November 30, 2012

Kroger

**This event has passed, but Kroger is a great place to shop every day. Plus they do specials like this often.**


Attention Kroger shoppers! Grab a cart (or two!) and head to your local Kroger Co. Family of Stores for the Kroger Buy 5 - Save $5 Event! From October 14th through October 24th purchase 5 participating General Mills products, and receive a coupon for $5 off your next shopping order* (coupon printed at checkout)!

The product: At your local Kroger store look for some of your favorite participating General Mills products like Cheerios, Lucky Charms, Cinnamon Toast Crunch, Pillsbury Toaster Strudel, Betty Crocker Cake and Brownie Mixes, Hamburger Helper, Totino's Party Pizza, Yoplait** and many more! Promotion varies in different locations so please be sure to check your local Kroger Co. Family of Stores*** for specific deals and offers which include: Kroger, Ralphs, King Scoopers, City Market, Dillons, Smith's, Fry's, QFC, Baker's, Owen's, Jay C Food Stores, Hilander, Gerbes, Fred Meyer, Pay Less Supermarkets and Scott's Food & Pharmacy. Don't let the savings pass you by! Fill up your cart and save with the General Mills products you love at Kroger Buy 5 - Save $5 Event!

*Products must be purchased during one shopping visit. To view a list of participating products see your store for details. The $5 coupon offer off your next shopping trip offer expires 1 week from the print date, with the coupon prints ending October 24th. Any offers printed on October 24th will expire on October 31st.
**Yoplait items vary by state.
***Excludes Food 4 Less

What I thought: Sorry that I wasn't able to share this great offer with you earlier, but I still appreciate the sales and things that Kroger runs all of the time. We don't have a Kroger store in my town, but there are some in neighboring towns. I enjoy when I get to go and get my groceries there. They have lots of great products for my whole family, and they often run great sales that saves me money. Plus when you pair their sales with coupons and you end up with some great deals.

How to connect: Learn more about Kroger and see upcoming sales at http://bit.ly/Kroger5. You can also find them on Facebook and Twitter too. Plus check out General Mills to see which products you can find at Kroger.



*Disclosure: The gift card, information, and additional sample have been provided byKroger and General Mills through MyBlogSpark.*

Betty Crocker Shake-N-Pour Dessert Mixes


The sweet smell of mouth-watering desserts baking in the oven is now just a shake away! New Betty Crocker Shake-N-Pour Dessert Mixes let you get to the fun faster and with less mess.

The product: Betty Crocker Shake-N-Pour Dessert Mixes come in several varieties including delicious Chocolate Brownie, Confetti Cupcake, and Chocolate Cupcake. The are now available in the baking aisle at your local grocers.

These mixes are so easy (and fun) to make that even your kids will want to get in on the action. Simply add water to the dessert mix  shake, and pour into your favorite baking pan. In a matter of minutes you and your family can enjoy that same taste you love, in a fraction of time. Fun is just a shake away!



What we thought: These new shake and pour mixes really are fun. My son enjoyed helping me out in the kitchen making them. You can see in my photo above how easy it really is to make a pan of brownies. You pour the water right into the container, shake it up good, then pour it into your pan. Bake, cut and enjoy. The brownies and cupcakes were good. I found the brownies to be lacking in consistency a bit, but the cupcakes were perfect.

Where to buy: You can find the Betty Crocker Shake-N-Pour Dessert Mixes in your local grocery store.

How to connect: Get more from Betty Crocker at http://bit.ly/BCSNP. They are on Facebook and Twitter too.



*Disclosure: The product, gift pack, information, and additional sample have been provided by Betty Crocker through MyBlogSpark.*

Crayola and General Mills at Target


The product: At Target stores you can find the General Mills and Crayola products that you need to keep your family going. You can keep your school day routine going with school supplies from Crayola and General Mills breakfast favorites.

Get even more help with your school day needs by checking out Grocery Savy for recipes, and coupons on your favorite products.



What we thought: We got the chance to try out a box of Cheerios, Crayola dry erase crayons and a Target gift card. Cheerios are a great way to start any day. A bowl of cereal is quick and easy. Plus with a little milk on top, you can get a boost to keep going until lunchtime.

My son has enjoyed the dry erase crayons to draw over and over on a little white board. I think these are a great alternative to markers. Less mess, so younger kids can enjoy them too. And they are available at Target, which my whole family always enjoys shopping at. I just wish we had one closer.

Where to buy: You can fine General Mills and Crayola products in stores everywhere, especially at Target.

How to connect: In addition to the websites I've already mentioned, you can check out Crayola and all their great products too. They make a great holiday gift for the little ones too.



*Disclosure:  The product, gift pack, information, and additional sample have been provided by Crayola, Target, and General Mills through MyBlogSpark.*

Pillsbury Artisan Pizza Crust with Whole Grain


Looking for a way to get creative in the kitchen? New Pillsbury Artisan Pizza Crust with Whole Grain is the perfect canvas for a culinary masterpiece, of should we say master-pizza! Just add your favorite ingredients and enjoy a hot, fresh meal in minutes. Whether your family loves pepperoni, veggies, or the works, the possibilities are endless with New Pillsbury Artisan Pizza Crust with Whole Grain.

The product: New from Pillsbury is the Pillsbury Artisan Pizza Crust with Whole Grain. With 16 grams of whole grain per serving, this is a pizza crust the whole family will love. It is now available in the refrigerated section of your local grocery store.

Quick, convenient, and completely customization new Pillsbury Artisan Pizza Crust with Whole Grain will help you add some pizzazz to your homemade pizza along with the healthy benefits of whole grain!



What I thought: I was happy to see this new product from Pillsbury. My local grocery stores carry it. It's good to have a Whole Grain alternative when I'm using pizza crust for a recipe or to make pizza. It's very easy to roll this out, top with sauce, veggies, meats, cheese, whatever you choose, then bake in the oven. A quick easy, healthier pizza night for the whole family.

Where to buy: You will find this new product in your local grocery store.

How to connect: Learn more about this product and other great things from Pillsbury at http://bit.ly/PilAPC. You can also find them on Facebook and Twitter.



*Disclosure:  The product, gift pack, information, and additional sample have been provided by Pillsbury through MyBlogSpark.*

Sam's Club Bonus Box Tops for Education


The product: Now that kids are in school, this year Sam's Club is providing more opportunities to earn cash for your school than ever before. Not only can you collect Box Tops for Education on your favorite General Mills products, but you can also check out other opportunities which are available exclusively to Sam's Club members!

What I thought: We collect Box Tops for Zachariah's school. It always feels good when we find them on our favorite products that we already buy anyway. Now that we can find a lot of our products at Sam's Club, it's great. I can get what I need and support my son's school, even in this little way. Go to your local Sam's Club and see what products you buy that have Box Tops on them. If you don't save them for your child's school, ask around. I'm sure you have a neighbor, friend, niece or nephew that will collect them from you.

Where to buy: Act now to see all of the Box Tops opportunities that Sam's Club has to offer. To find a Sam's Club near you visit www.samsclub.com/clublocator. For all full list of Bonus Box Tops items, visit  www.samsclub.com/boxtops.

How to connect: Learn more about Sam's Club at http://bit.ly/SamsClub12. And you can find them on Facebook and Twitter too. Learn more about Box Tops for Education at http://bit.ly/SamsBTFE12.



*Disclosure:  The gift card, information, and additional sample have been provided bySam´s Club and General Mills through MyBlogSpark.*

Fiber One Nutty Clusters & Almonds


Ready to go nuts over fiber? Introducing the newest flavor in the Fiber One cereal line-up, Fiber One Nutty Clusters & Almonds! With the perfect combination of crunch and sweetness, this new cereal is a great (and tasty!) way to help get fiber you need.

The product: Fiber One Nutty Clusters & Almonds cereal contains 11 grams of fiber (43% of the Daily Value), 23 grams of whole grain (at least 48 recommended daily), and 180 calories per serving. It's chock full of delicious crunchy nut clusters, real sliced almonds and whole grain flakes.

In a nutshell, Fiber One Nutty Clusters & Almonds is a great-tasting and wholesome breakfast cereal that you can feel good about. Tasting is believing, so try this delicious cereal for yourself. Does Nutty Clusters & Almonds cereal change how you think about fiber? 9 out of 10 Americans don't get enough fiber in their diet.* Do you have trouble meeting the Recommended Daily Value of 25 grams per day of fiber? How will Fiber One Nutty Clusters & Almonds help you reach this goal?

*International Food Information Council



What I thought: The Fiber One Nutty Clusters & Almonds cereal is very tasty. I like the flavors with the crunch of the nutty clusters and the great flavor and texture of the almonds in it too. Not only did I enjoy this cereal, but the rest of my family did too. I think this is a great choice for my son over other sugary cereals he could choose.

Not only is this cereal yummy, but the fiber benefits are great. I know I'm one of those people who probably don't get the full recommended amount in my diet. Especially now during my pregnancy, I need to make sure I'm getting plenty. And this cereal is any easy way to start my day off right.

Where to buy: You can find Fiber One Nutty Clusters & Almonds in your local grocery store.

How to connect: Learn more about this cereal and other things from Fiber One on their website. You can also catch them on Facebook.



*Disclosure:  The product, gift pack, information, and additional sample have all been provided by General Mills through MyBlogSpark.*

Grandoe Smartdogs Uplift Women's Thong Slipper




The product:
Smartdogs Comfort Slippers by Grandoe introduces the Synergy line of antibacterial slippers for Summer 2012. Synergy comfort footwear is inspired by a holistic approach to living. The unique footwear combines flexibility and support while utilize the chakra channels for energy that flows within the body.

Uplift Women's Thong Slipper is colorful and stylish with neo mesh to keep feet cool and comfortable while the antibacterial properties keep them clean. The exclusive patented four zone honeycomb foot bed is designed to absorb shock as you walk. The gel padded heel gives you extra comfort indoor or out. The Uplift Thong comes in four colors with coordinating chakras such as strength red, love pink, compassion green and creativity blue. They retail at department and specialty stores for $45 and are available in women's size 6-10.

Both useful and stylish, these versatile footwear styles, can be worn year-round.

About the Grandoe Corporation:
From modest beginnings as a leather glove manufacturer more than 100 years ago to its expansion into the footwear business, Grandoe has earned a well-respected reputation as a leading producer of innovative and high quality products that enhance people's comfort. Now under the ownership and direction of the fourth and fifth generations of its founding family, Grandoe boasts numerous patented and patent pending comfort technologies in its footwear and glove businesses. It's well known brands include Smartdogs and Hush Puppies in slippers and Grandoe, Cire by Grandoe, and Stick It in gloves and accessories.

What I thought: I've been wearing these slippers for a while now. I get so many compliments when other people see them. They are small and easily fit in a suitcase for overnight stays at hotels or relatives. I got stopped in an elevator once, because two women were admiring my slippers on the way to breakfast. Too funny! That tells you how cute they really are.

These shoes are really comfortable too. I like that I have a nice, soft slipper to walk on at home without all the warmth that most slippers have. They are great to use in the summer especially, or even the rest of the year when slippers make your feet too hot.

Although my mom said she could wear these outdoors, I would not. The only reason is I don't think they have enough padding/support on the bottom to wear outside. I keep mine as house slippers. But they are great ones that I highly recommend. These are one of the best new products I've had in a while! And they'd be a great Christmas gift for that special lady in your life.

Where to buy: You can find these in various stores and online.



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

Neosporin Essentials

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of NEOSPORIN® ESSENTIALS™ for SocialSpark. All opinions are 100% mine.

Do you have dry, irritated, itchy skin? Do you also get a visible rash? You might have eczema. Eczema is a skin condition that fits this description and is a chronic inflammatory skin condition. People with eczema have skin that has a deficiency in the external layer and it allows moisture to escape. The result is dry skin that can be easily irritated.

I am fortunate not to have eczema, but is a big problem for a lot of people. Eczema affects around 35 million Americans. This translates to 1-3% of adults and 10-20% of children. You can see it starts young...70% start in children under 5 years old and 60% of infants affected by eczema will continue to be plagued by it in adulthood.

How do you know you have eczema? The first sign of eczema is dry, itchy, red, inflamed skin. For children you'll often seen it affect their face, around the eyes, and inside of the elbows and backs of knees. In adults the neck, elbows and backs of the knees are the most common places for it to appear. It can be triggered by irritant like soaps and fragrances, wool, rough textures, cold and dry weather, and heat and sweating.

In fall seasonal allergies can trigger eczema flares. You can talk to your doctor about using medication, like antihistamines, to help. A regular skincare routine with bathing and moisturizing will help, in addition to topical medications as needed. With winter approaching the dry, cold weather outside and warm inside affects this too. Keep your skin warm and protected outdoors. Use moisturizer to protect your skin from wind, and consider taking a vitamin D supplement. A humidifier and regular bathing, moisturizing routine will help too.

NEOSPORIN® ESSENTIALS™ is recommended by doctors area a useful over-the-counter antibiotic ointment to help with eczema. They make a line of skin care products designed just for that- Daily Moisturizing Cream, Daily Body Was and Anti-Itch Cream. Each of these products was developed with eczema in mind. They are fragrance and antibiotic from, plus gentle enough for the whole family. Be sure to check out the NEOSPORIN® ESSENTIALS™ website for more information about these products. And you'll want to try them for you and your family's skin care needs.

Visit Sponsor's Site

Wednesday, November 28, 2012

22 Weeks Pregnant

I can't believe that I'm 22 weeks (almost 23 weeks) pregnant! Time is flying. I am enjoying this pregnancy, even though I've had more woes that last time. There is no denying, however, that this baby BOY is growing and growing well.


Tuesday, November 27, 2012

REACH® Total Care + Whitening Toothbrush


Your smile is the first thing that most people will notice about you. Keeping it white and bright can be a big job. Mostly it's about finding the right tools to help you keep a healthy smile. There are a lot of products on the market, but Reach is making it a little easier with a few new products.

The product:

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REACH® Total Care + Whitening Toothbrush
Suggested Retail Price : $3.99 ‐ $4.99

  • Purposefully designed to whiten teeth and remove stains
  • The only toothbrush delivering whitening power with MICRAWHITENING™ Calcium Carbonate bristles
  • Unique touchpoint grip for advanced control
  • Slim, precision grip handle
  • Available at drug and food retailers nationwide

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REACH® Total Care + Whitening Floss
Suggested Retail Price: $2.99 ‐ $3.59

  • Purposefully designed for superior plaque removal and whitening
  • The only floss with MICRO-GROOVES™ technology
  • Shred-resistant, flexible floss slides easily and advanced soft filament makes it easy on gums
  • Flexible floss provides a comfortable grip
  • Available at food, drug and mass retailers nationwide



What I thought: I had the chance to use the REACH Total Care + Whitening Toothbrush and Floss. While I can't say that I'm noticed a big difference in the whiteness of my teeth, I do really like both of these products. The toothbrush is a great shape and makes getting to all my teeth very easy. I really like the floss. It is smooth and flexible and easily fits between all my teeth. My favorite part is that it's wider than more floss, which seems to get my teeth cleaner. These are both great products that I use everyday. I know you'll like them too.

Where to buy: You can find the REACH Total Care + Whitening Toothbrush and Floss in stores and online too.



*Disclaimer: I received these products to review. All opinions are my own.*

Worlds Together "Ethiopia" DVD



In school our children learn about our country. They also begin to learn about other countries around the world. I think it's a great way to introduce our children to real world things. And this company knows how to do it for children to understand and enjoy.

The product: Worlds Together series takes you to countries that are fascinating yet not on the top of the list of usual travel destinations  This documentary introduces their culture, history, food, geography and people. The new Worlds Together series includes: East Africa, Ethiopia, and West Africa.

Ethiopia provides a ground level view of a lightly visited part of the world. Visit the cities of Harar, Addis Ababa. See the 800 year old Christian churches of Lalibela, some carved into volcanic rock. See the wonderful diversity of the people of Ethiopia as they go about their lives. This is a glimpse in time of a people just shaking off the slumber of isolation, about to join the world.

What I thought: This DVD really makes learning about Ethiopia fun for children. They get to see a place where many people have never been and hear about how life there is. I love that this DVD helps incorporate new ways of learning into children's lives. It's a great resource to have at home and a good addition to any school library. (Now I'm really interested in seeing the West Africa DVD, since my husband has been there several times.)

Where to buy: You can purchase the Worlds Together Ethiopia DVD online.



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

Sunday, November 25, 2012

Nelly and Caesar DVDs



From Organa Kids animated stories from France are brought to life in the new DVD series: Nelly and Caesar.

The product:
Newest title in a series of children's animate stories, Nelly and Caesar, charming tales from France launches in two volumes. Based on a successful book collection sold internationally, it sets itself apart with its graphic look and a unique 2D-3D treatment. The series stars Nelly, a mouse, Caesar, a frog, and their friends: Fred the beaver, Mina the squirrel, and Leo the hedgehog. Stories deal with simple issues and concepts introduce through the daily life adventures of Nelly and Caesar and their friends. IN each episode, Nelly & Caesar invite the audience to join them in a game inspired by the story. This "Learn through play" approach gives children something positive to imitate and to respond to, exploring nature, feelings, senses and friendship. It draws upon the success of the Nelly & Caesar education franchise, as seen on TV. 
Nelly and Caesar Volume 1 includes the episodes: Stumped for real, The Quarrel, The Treasure Hunt, A Bit of Peace and Quiet, Things that go Snap in the Night, Leo's surprise, The Surprise Picnic, The Search for a Lost Robot, The Farm Game, Kid's Nap, Shall We Dance, The Sunflowers, Fun for Three. Volume 2 includes The Garage Sale, Nelly Says!, Hide-and-Seek, The Sand Castle, Packed and Ready for Fun, SOS Operation Tomato Rescue, Stage Fright, Nelly and Caesar's Big Concert, Butterfly Wishes!, Promises, Promises..., Caesar's Boat, Happy Lending, Lucky Charm. 
Organa was established in 1995 with the mission of introducing American families to stores, characters and cultures from around the world through multicultural stories with universal themes. OrganaKids, a subsidiary of Organa LLC, is a company dedicated to promoting multiculturalism, original storytelling, and interactivity. Inspiring kids to have an awareness of the world as a whole (while being delightfully entertained), OrganaKids is creating products that balance technology and real-world experiences. The company's most recently released "Scavenger Traveler" app for the iPhone encourages kids of any age to explore their environment while traveling or at home, bridging that gap between real world experiences and the digital, without taking parents out of the equation. Other DVD releases include "Stores from East of the Moon," based on witty stories by Monty Python's Terry Jones; "Move with Me" series of Yoga DVDs for kids; "Dougie in Disguise" from Spain, and "The Adventures of Mouse & Mole" from the United Kingdom. On CD-ROM is the fascinating "Croatian Tales" based upon the book "Croatian Tales of Long Ago" animated by an international team of animators, illustrators, musicians, programmers, and actors. Midwest Book Review says of Organa's series: "A wonderful, family-friendly set for both home viewing and children's libraries." 
Nelly and Caesar is recommended for children ages 2-5, available for $19.95 per volume. 

What we thought: I like finding new videos like this. They are culturally stimulating for young children. It's great for them to learn about other areas and countries and see how things work there. And the videos are well made and fun for young children to view. I'm always looking for new things to expose my young child to that is age appropriate and these DVDs fit that well.

Where to buy: The new title Nelly and Caesar Volume 1 and Nelly and Caesar Volume 2 are available from Organa.com and through Amazon.

How to connect: You can learn more about these titles and more from Organa Kids at organa.com.



*Disclaimer: I received these products for review. All opinions are my own.*

Bob the Builder: The Ultimate Can-Do Crew Collection & Fireman Sam: Heroic Rescue Adventures DVDs

Two of your preschool fan favorites Bob the Builder and Fireman Sam in  Bob the Builder: The Ultimate Can-Do Crew Collection and Fireman Sam: Heroic Rescue Adventures are both on DVD, Digital Download and On Demand from Lionsgate and HIT Entertainment. Bob and his Can-Do Crew never back down from a challenge and are ready to lay down new foundations to teach young building enthusiasts that the Fun is in Getting It Done! And it's ready-set-rescue with Fireman Sam, Station Officer Steele and his team of junior firefighters Elvis, Penny and Trevor as they teach the residents of Pontypandy and young viewers all about safety, responsibility and good citizenship.

The product:
Bob the Builder: The Ultimate Can-Do Crew Collection DVD - Hold on to your hardhats as the machine team shows what hard work and teamwork are all about in this Ultimate Can-Do Crew Collection featuring 10 amazing episodes! See how it all began with Bob and the team working together on a big job, overcoming troubles at every turn! Then it's Lofty to the rescue when Dizzy gets into a sticky situation. Roley must smooth things over when mishaps cause bumps in the road and Muck surprises everyone with some creative problem solving. Join the crew for fun and adventure in Bob's biggest building collection ever!

Episodes include:

  • "Pilchard in a Pickle"
  • "Wendy's Busy Day"
  • "Bob's Barn Raising"
  • "Wendy's Tennis Court"
  • "One Shot Wendy"
  • "Dizzy the Sheepdog"
  • "Mr. Bentley - Dogsitter"
  • "Travis's Busy Day"
  • "Muck's Surprise"
  • "Trix and the Bug"
DVD Bonus Features:
  • If You Were on Bob's Team Game
  • Lofty the Painter Game
Fireman Sam: Heroic Rescue Adventures DVD - Fireman Sam and his fearless crew are reporting for duty! The courageous team of heroes next door shows off their cool demeanor in a variety of hot situations! Whether it's Norman stuck in a fiery tower or deep in a wishing well, Mike or Penny dangling in a perilous situation or Sarah stranded on the cliffs, Fireman Same is ready to rescue! Join the squad and get ready to race, run, jump, climb and rappel to save the day!

Episodes include:
  • "Towering Inferno"
  • "Seeing Red"
  • "Pontypandy Extreme"
  • "Elvis Sings the Blues"
  • "Fireworks for Mandy"
  • "Double Trouble"
VOD Special Features:
  • Bonus episode: "Alarm on the Beach"
What we thought: Bob the Builder was the first television show my son ever watched. He was hooked from the start. It was only natural since he was completely into tractors, bulldozers, scoops and construction work. Bob and Fireman Sam are both really good role models for children. They teach all about community and helping others, which is really important to learn from a young age. I know children 2-5 years old will enjoy both of these DVDs as much as we did.

Where to buy: You can get the Bob the Builder: The Ultimate Can-Do Crew Collection DVD and the Fireman Sam: Heroic Rescue Adventures DVD in stores and online now.

How to connect: Learn more and play fun games at www.bobthebuilder.com or www.firemansamonline.com. And you will find both Bob the Builder and Fireman Sam on Facebook.



*Disclaimer: I received these products for review. All opinions are my own.*

Timmy Time: Happy Birthday Timmy DVD



Make a wish! Preschool favorite Timmy, the lamb with a penchant for mischief and merriment, is celebrating a birthday and you're invited to the party in Timmy Time: Happy Birthday Timmy, available on DVD from Lionsgate and HIT Entertainment. Full of slapstick humor and not a single line of dialogue, Timmy Time follows a day in the life of barnyard preschoolers. With diverse animal characters, along with a rich and colorful nursery school backdrop, Timmy and his friends learn life lessons that every preschooler needs to know. Put on your party hat, grab a slice of cake and join the festivities in the whimsical new release!

The product:
Timmy Time: Happy Birthday Timmy DVD - It's a Happy Birthday BAAA-sh with Timmy and his friends! Timmy cooks up a sweet solution after he almost spoils his party by eating the entire cake; Timmy and Finlay find out they can always count on each other to share toys! Yabba shows Timmy he's a model pal; Timmy's new pet seems to be the life of the party and Otus helps Timmy reach new heights. Don't be sheepish - join in the fun and celebration with Timmy and his friends!

Episodes:
  • "Timmy's Birthday"
  • "Count on Timmy"
  • "Timmy's New Friend"
  • "Timmy's Pet Problem"
  • "Timmy Learns to Fly"
DVD Bonus Features:
  • Timmy Time Sing-Along
  • Shaun the Sheep "Timmy in a Tizzy" Episode
What we thought: My son enjoys Timmy Time. Ever since he was introduced through Shaun the Sheep he's enjoyed the slap-stick, silent comedies. While Timmy Time is more for the preschool crowd, parents don't mind turning it on. It's silent, so when you're annoyed with other video's songs and such, this one will offer some peace and quiet...except maybe your children's laughter. Great for children ages 2-5 years old.

Where to buy: The Timmy Time: Happy Birthday Timmy DVD is available in stores and online now.

How to connect: You can learn more about Timmy and his friends on his website, plus there are games and activities that your kids will enjoy- www.timmytime.tv. And you can check out what else Timmy is up to on Facebook.



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

Awesome Adventures: Races, Chases & Fun DVD


On your mark ...get set... go for fast and furious entertainment in Awesome Adventures: Races, Chase & Fun, racing onto DVD, Digital Download and On Demand from Lionsgate and HIT Entertainment. Zoom into action-packed fun with six rip-roaring adventures featuring preschool favorites Thomas & Friends, Fireman Sam and Bob the Builder. Always driving home lessons in friendship, loyalty, responsibility and teamwork, this trio takes the checkered flag every time!

The product:
Awesome Adventures: Races, Chases & Fun DVD - Racing engines, run-away go-carts, and monster chases lead to thrills, spills and rescues! Thomas and Hiro discover there's no need for speed when trying to be a Really Useful Engine: Fireman Sam is rescue-ready when Norman and James forget to put safety first; Bob the Builder's Machine Team keep their eyes open to big adventure and big fun, putting the TEAM in teamwork and getting the job done. Get set and go with your favorite, fast friends in these six exciting adventures!

DVD Episodes:
  • Thomas & Friends - "Play Time"
  • Thomas & Friends - "Hiro Helps Out"
  • Fireman Sam - "Floating Cart"
  • Fireman Sam - "When Fools Rush In"
  • Bob the Builder - "Roley's Rovers"
  • Bob the Builder - "Lofty and the Monster"
What we thought: Not only is this a great video with a great theme, but it's filled with all the great characters that my son loves too. Racing and chasing is something that preschoolers know all about, and I'm sure they will enjoy this DVD over and over again.

Where to buy: You can find the Awesome Adventures: Races, Chases & Fun DVD in stores and online now.

How to connect: Learn more about each character in this DVD at www.hitentertainment.com.



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

Angelina Ballerina DVDs


Strike a delightful chord with your little dancer in these Angelina Ballerina movies. They are available on DVD, Digital Download and On Demand now from Lionsgate and HIT Entertainment. Step up and have a great time with Angelina, Gracie, Alice and all their friends as they get their groove on!

The product:
Angelina Ballerina: Musical Moves DVD - Move to the music with Angelina Ballerina and her friends as they explore the wonderful world of dance! Gracie loses herself to some disco grooves while Alice discovers the power of confidence through jazz! AZ hip-hops to a happy-birthday beat and Ms. Mimi takes her students on a modern dance journey. Angelina shows that friendship - like dance - is special, and best built one step at a time!

Episodes:

  • "Angelina and the Disco Dance Craze"
  • "Angelina and the Tummy Butterflies"
  • "Angelina and the Magician"
  • "Angelina and Ms. Mimi's Dance"
  • "Angelina, AZ and Cheezy Z"
DVD Bonus Features:
  • A Dance A Day Dance Club
Angelina Ballerina: Dreams Do Come True DVD - It's a dream come true! When Angelina Ballerina wins the Mouseland Heralds's 'Big Dreams Do Come True' competition and a place in the Metroquefort Ballet Junior Dance Company, she must make a  big decision: Will she leap at the opportunity to become a prima ballerina or shine on at Camembert Academy with the support of her friends and family. Join Angelina as she discovers what matters most to any young mouseling in this heartwarming dancing and singing, must-see musical movie spectacular!

DVD Bonus Features:

  • Sing & Dance with Angelina Game
What I thought: Some might think that Angelina Ballerina is a great movie/show for little girls. It is, that's true. But little boys like Angelina too. My son enjoys the movies. I've mentioned before that he likes to sing and dance. Dancing is what Angelina does best, so he has no problems dancing around the room with Angelina. I do know that my friend's little girl enjoys Angelina too. She's pink and girly and loves ballet, so Angelina Ballerina is perfect for her too. Preschoolers, boys and girls, will enjoy these movies all the same.

Where to buy: You can find Angelina Ballerina: Musical Moves DVD and Angelina Ballerina: Dreams Do Come True DVD in stores and online now.

How to connect: Learn more about Angelina Ballerina and her dance crew on their website www.angelinaballerina.com. And you can see what else she's up to on Facebook.


*Disclaimer: I received these products for review. All opinions are my own.*

Barney DVDs


Oh Barney! You know that one. That big, purple, lovable, imaginative dinosaur that kids just love. Barney has been around for quite a while, and he's still making preschool children happy. He's teaching them letters, numbers, nursery rhymes, singing and dancing along.

The product:
Barney: Planes, Trains & Cars DVD - Beep beep! Toot toot! Make way for Barney and friends as they embark on fantastic adventures to places near and far. Using planes, trains, cars, boats and their imaginations, Barney engineers fun with songs and stories about exciting places. He shares important safety tips with kids such as buckling seatbelts and more. Join Barney for some Tee-riffic transportation exploration!

Episodes Include:

  • "On the Road Again"
  • "Airplanes"
  • "The Magic Caboose"
  • "Way to Go"
DVD Bonus Features:
  • Barney's Color Train Read-Along
  • Barney's Loop De Loop Counting Game
VOD/Digital Bonus Feature:
  • "Glad To Be Me" Bonus Feature
Barney: All About Opposites DVD - There's nonstop fun as Barney and his friends go and learn all about opposites  Everyone helps Baby Bop understand concepts like up & down, in & out and high & low. Hey Diddle Diddle, the kids see that they can be big or little, but it's what's inside that counts! Then join in as Barney and his friends have a cool time on a hot day in a pretend winter-summer wonderland learning about hot and cold! There's always Tee-rrific teaching and fun when big dinos and small friends are around!

Episodes Include:

  • "Stop! Go!"
  • "A Little Big Day"
  • "It's Hot! It's Cold!
DVD Bonus Features:
  • "Let's Learn About Opposites" Game
Barney: Most Loveable Moments DVD 2-Disc DVD Set - Join the most loveable, huggable T-Rex in 10 Tee-rific tales filled with imagination, music and learning! Barney shows what it means to be a friends. why it's important to keep promises and how to find creative ways to work together. Follow your heart and join Barney and his friends in a stu-u-pendous collection of stories and songs the whole family will love!

Episodes Include:

  • "Once Up A Fairy Tale"
  • "The Reluctant Dragon"
  • "The Princess and the Frog"
  • "Bonjour, Barney!"
  • "Little Red Rockin' Hood"
  • "Beethoven's Hear!"
  • "It's Showtime!"
  • "Counting"
  • "Days of the Week"
  • "Squares, Squares Everywhere"
DVD Special Features:
  • "Barney's Book of Hugs" Book
  • "BJ's Batting Cage Counting" Game
  • "What's That Sound?" Game
  • Sing-A-Long: "If You're Happy and You Know It"
  • "Build A Sandcastle" Game
  • Read-A-Long Book: "Barney and Baby Bop's Band"
  • "Dino Dress-Up" Game
What we thought: Barney is a character I've known a long time. And I mean, a loooooong time. I remember my little sisters watching it on PBS every afternoon. I think I was just a little old for it at that time, but I did enjoy watching it with them from time to time. Now I am pleased to introduce my own children to Barney. My son, Zachariah, has been a fan since he was little. He's always like music and dancing, so the Barney videos are perfect for him. Even though he's outgrowing it a little now, I know this new baby will enjoy Barney someday too. It's a good wholesome show that I know is safe to show preschool children in my life.

Where to buy: You can find the Barney: Planes, Trains & Cars DVDBarney: All About Opposites DVD, and Barney: Most Loveable Moments DVDs in stores and online now.

How to connect: You can learn more about Barney, plus find fun activities and games for your children at www.barney.com. And you can follow him on Facebook too.



*Disclaimer: I received these products to review. All opinions are my own.*

Thomas & Friends DVDs



Having a little boy (and now having another one), I have learned all about trains, tractors and cars over the years. I'm sure that is not going to stop anytime soon for me. When it comes to trains, there is no other that compares to Thomas & Friends. My son has enjoyed watching Thomas DVDs since he was about 2 or 3. These days they don't see as much use in our house, but I know it's only a matter of time before they come out again for the next little boy.

The product:
Thomas & Friends: Engine Friends is a 2 disc DVD set. All aboard for some of the most memorable stories of friendship from the Island of Sodor! Join Thomas and his friends and learn how the Steam Team first came together; how Percy because Thomas' best friend, and how every engine tried to be  Really Useful! The greatest destinations are often those closest to home...as long as you have your Engine Friends.

Episodes include:

  • "Thomas and Bertie's Great Race"
  • "Trouble in the Shed"
  • "Saved from Scrap"
  • "A New Friend for Thomas"
  • "Granpuff"
  • "Sleeping Beauty"
  • "Make Someone Happy"
  • "A Bad Day for Harold"
  • "Twin Trouble"
  • "Edward the Really Useful Engine"
  • "Rusty Saves the Day"
  • "Emily's New Coaches"
  • "Thomas and the Rainbow"
  • "Thomas and the New Engine"
  • "Thomas and the Statue"
  • "Follow that Flour"
  • "Toby's Afternoon Off"
  • "Edward Strikes Out"
  • "Hide and Peep"
  • "Emily and the Garbage"

Bonus Features:
  • Sir Topham Hatt's Scrapbook
  • Picture Puzzle Fun
  • Who Am I? Trivia Game
  • Gordon's Memory Game
  • Which Island Picture is Different?
Thomas & Friends: Schoolhouse Delivery DVD - School's in session and there are important lessons to be learned on the Island of Sodor. Diesel gets a hero's welcome when he makes a Really Useful delivery to the schoolhouse. Percy gets a lesson in responsibility after he runs into trouble trying to be like the bigger engines! Henry gets trained in how to handle health and safety emergencies; while Hiro teaches Thomas about his happy homeland. Join the Steam Team for a bright journey to the Head of the Class!

Episodes include:
  • "Diesel's Special Delivery"
  • "Being Percy"
  • "Henry's Health and Safety"
  • "Happy Hiro"
DVD Bonus Features:
  • "The Mighty Magnet!" Game
  • "Guess Who?" Puzzles
What we thought: The Thomas DVDs are always enjoyable for us. In Thomas & Friends: Engine Friends DVD set I like that there is a variety of episodes with many of the Sodor characters. You don't have to get tired of the same ones over and over. And Thomas & Friends: Schoolhouse Delivery is great for the preschool group, especially when they have older siblings who are at school each day. It's always good when real life and your favorite characters line up. I recommend these DVDs for boys and girls ages 2-5.

Where to buy: You can find Thomas& Friends: Engine Friends DVD set and Thomas & Friends Schoolhouse Delivery DVD in stores and online now.



*Disclaimer: I received these products for review. All opinions are my own.*

Someone Else's Shoes "The Best Foot Forward" Children's Music CD


The product: The new Someone Else's Shoes: The Best Foot Forward Series CD features two-time GRAMMY winners Cathy Fink and Marcy Marxer and four-time Emmy winner Jamie Broza, plus many others. What a great start for a children's music CD.

Here's a little more about this CD:
RECESS MUSIC HELPS KIDS TAKE A WALK IN'SOMEONE ELSE'S SHOES'

A NEW “BEST FOOT FORWARD” CD
 
Any album that encourages children to be wise, fair, and generous hearted is a welcomed addition, and U R SOME 1 does so with style, high production values and quality music that respects the intelligence and good musical taste of both children and their parents.”   2012 Parents' Choice® Award review of Recess Music’s U R SOME 1 
“These 15 songs are perfect to use when starting discussions about bullies.  They promote self-esteem and polite actions, often offering positive and constructive choices to deal with the problem … a first choice for parents and educators to use when dealing with the issue of bullies and bullying.”  School Library Journal Starred Review of Recess Music’s Big Bully 

ST. PAUL, MN (May 18, 2012)  Recess Music, a company dedicated to helping kids value a world that is wise, fair, and generous hearted, looks forward to the July 31 release of Someone Else’s Shoes, the third in its “Best Foot Forward”series of CDs.  Other titles in the “Best Foot Forward” series include Recess Music’s Big Bully and U R SOME 1. All the songs on Someone Else's Shoes highlight empathy as a key ingredient for living in harmony with others.  The album features 15 tracks that showcase contributions by a sampling of some of today's most gifted kids' musicians, including two-time GRAMMY®winners Cathy Fink &Marcy Marxerfour-time Emmy® winning composer/performer Jamie Broza, andParents' Choice® and NAPPA winner Swingset Mamas. Someone Else’s Shoes opens with a feel-good beat and terrific vocals bySwingset Mamas on “Take A Walk In Someone Else’s Shoes.” Compelling rhythms also underscore important messages about respect, appreciation, and  empathy on The Uncle Brothers’ “Team Work” and Troubadour’s “You Hurt My Feelings.”  Other album highlights include the Appalachian folk sounds of “Give A Little Love Away” by Cathy Fink & Marcy Marxer,  Cliff Tetle’s retro vocal stylings on “Everyone Can See A Different Me,” and Jamie Broza’s exceptionally sweet ballad, “Be Nice To Old People.” Kids are sure to enjoy the rhymes on The Hill Brothers’ “There’s No Place For Bullies In Our School,” Jamie Barnett’s guitar picking on “Being With You,” the hand-clapping, happy beat underpinning The Happy Crowd’s “Say Something Nice About Someone,” the sheer musical variety within Jim Papoulis’ “Feel The World Dancing,” and Cosima’s “What A Difference,” featuring blues harp and vocals that have more than a hint of Emmylou Harris.  Rounding out Someone Else’s Shoes are offerings from Kelsey Friday & The Rest of the Week, Mike Soloway, Dan Dan Doodlebug, and Mr. Kim Webster. 
Recess Music’s “Best Foot Forward” series could be thought of as the musical component to a hip, up-to-date, and entirely relevant “course in manners” that reinforces a profound subtext, which points to how to survive life together and encourages kids to conduct their lives on an elevated plane.  Almost all children really want to have friends and be good playmates, but to achieve these objectives they must learn key social structures and conventions, such as how to say, “I know how you feel” or how to live by the rule of “no put-downs” toward others. Recess Music’s founder/producer Nancy Doan explains that she decided to focus on social empathy with Someone Else’s Shoes because, “When children learn to ‘walk in someone else’s shoes,’ they become better people, more understanding, more helpful to those who are in distress, and better able to celebrate other people’s triumphs, as well as their own.”  Nancy hopes that the Recess Music “Best Foot Forward” trilogy of Big BullyU R SOME 1, and Someone Else’s Shoes will help to encourage discussion among parents, children, and educators about caring, understanding, social justice, and global peace, as well as the particular challenges caused by the unfortunate presence of intimidation and bullying behavior on our social landscape. 
Recess Music’s Wild Child was featured in USA Today as one of kids’ music superstar Laurie Berkner’s  “Eight Greats for 2011.” Scholastic Parent & Child highlighted Wild Child in its November 2011 issue and includes La Bella Stella in its June 2012 issue. Parents Magazine featured Wild Child and Big Bully in its January 2012 iPad/Tablet edition and La Bella Stella in its April 2012 iPad/Tablet edition.  Recess Music’s Ocean Motion received both a Parents’ Choice® Award and a NAPPA Rising Star honor in 2011, and Big Bully and Wild Child likewise won Parents’ Choice® Awards.  Big Bully was also honored by WXPN’s Kathy O’Connell in MetroKids magazine as one of the “Top Ten Family CDs of 2011” and was one of only six albums included in a DailyCandy Kids “Best Kids Music of 2011” feature, which praised Big Bully as “uplifting folk-pop performed by an all-star cast.”
# # #   CD Details: SOMEONE ELSE'S SHOES
For ages 4 - 11. Label: Big Round Records SRP: $12.99 Run time: 46 minutes.

What we thought: My son enjoys this CD. There are many great upbeat songs on it that he can dance and sing along with. His latest thing is this love to dance. He just picks up the beat and dances along. How fun! You and your children will enjoy this CD as well.

Where to buy:  Someone Else's Shoes CD is available from their website, iTunes, Amazon, and other retailers throughout the US.

How to connect: You can learn more at http://www.recessmusic.com/. They are also on Facebook and Twitter. Make sure you add them there.


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

Snyder of Berlin Potato Chips


Aren't snacks great? I know my family enjoys tasty potato chips, pretzels, and other treats from time to time. Snyder of Berlin has been making yummy snacks for 65 years now! And they are celebrating with a contest that you can enter.

The product: Snyder of Berlin has a snack line including potato chips of all varieties like original, barbecue, salt & vinegar, dill pickle, and more. They also make rippled and wavy potato chips, kettle cooked potato chips, many varieties of pretzels, dips, popcorn, corn snacks, and even  specialty snacks like pork rinds and vegetable chips.

Snyder of Berlin is celebrating their 65th anniversary. Here's a little history on the company:


1920s
The Snyder family starts cooking kettle chips in their home kitchen on Centennial Avenue in Hanover, PA.
1920s
With a growing reputation, chip operations move to a new brick building at the back of the homestead.
1920s
Edward Snyder II and brother-in-law Barb Sterner work nearly around the clock to keep up with demand.
1930s
William Snyder takes over operations from his father as the company moves into its third generation.
1940s
Snyder works with manufacturers in the development of the aluminum foil bag and automated packaging machines.
1940s
Distribution spreads across Pennsylania — from Philadelphia to Pittsburgh.
1944
Jacob Stutzman, a storeowner in Berlin, PA, assists in sourcing chipping potatoes in Cambria and Somerset counties.
September 18, 1945
Stutzman and William Snyder meet with local farmers and business owners to discuss joining together to open a potato chip factory. TheBerlin Brothersvalley Industrial Association of Berlin, PA, is formed.
March 1946
Stock is sold to finance construction of our original 120 x 100 foot building at the East End of town.
October 1946
Sent to learn the chip making operations, Norman Handwerk of Berlin returns from the Hanover plant with surplus machinery that he and his mechanics refurbish for use in the new factory.
February 9, 1947
Operations begin in Berlin with seven employees.
1950
Snyder operations in Hanover and Berlin part ways. The Sterner family assumes ownership of the Berlin operations.
1963
Upon the death of her husband, Edythe Snyder Sterner becomes president. Edythe and Barb's son, Gary Sterner, becomes general manager marking the fourth generation in the family's business.
1960s-1980s
Eleven additions are constructed around the original factory with new offices, manufacturing lines, storage and distribution facilities. The added space and success leads to the introduction of new product lines — including corn chips, corn curls and popcorn.
1965
Continuous roll packaging machines begin the trend toward high speeed automation.
1972
Snyder is acquired as a division of Curtice Burns of Rochester, NY. Its association with the Pro-Fac Cooperative (Producers-Facilities) garners the commitments needed to satisfy market demand; farmers get a guaranteed market for their produce.
1994
Curtice Burns Foods becomes a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Pro-Fac Cooperative.
1997
Curtice Burns changes its name to Agrilink Foods, Inc. to underscore the close relationship between farmers and processors.
1998
With the acquisition of the Birds Eye brand, Agrilink Foods doubles its size. In 2003 Agrilink changes its name to Birds Eye Foods, Inc. building on the prestige of the nationally recognized brand.
2009
Pinnacle Foods Group LLC completes the acquisition of Birds Eye Foods. Pinnacle Foods is a private equity portfolio company of the Blackstone Group.

In celebration of their 65th anniversary Snyder of Berlin is running a fun contest. They have special packaging for their anniversary and best of all a photo contest. From now until December 31, 2012 you can submit your own photos of Snyder of Berlin snacks for the Snyder Snack-Shots contest. Just show how you, your friends or family enjoy these snacks in the spring, summer or fall. The photos can also be of an event or occasion that you've enjoyed the snacks. Or maybe you just enjoy them with lunch or a snack break.

They have many great prizes that you can win:
*One grand prize winner will receive $1,000 in case, new camera, and a year's supply of Snyder's snacks.
*Three runners up will receive $500 in cash, and a year's supply of Snyder's snacks.
*Each month there will be monthly winners who will receive a Snyder of Berlin Party Pack of snacks and also have the chance to be a grand prize or runner-up winner.

It's easy to enter. Just go to http://www.snyderofberlin.com and click on the "Snyder Snack Shots" image to enter. All the contest details can be found there.

What we thought: We got to sample a few varieties of Snyder of Berlin potato chips. My whole family really enjoyed them. They were flavorful and crisp, just what we want in a potato chip. They are great for occasional snacking or fun to bring to parties. With all the holiday celebrations coming up, I'm sure picking up a bag of their snacks will be well received every time.

Where to buy: You can find these in your local grocery stores. Or search on their website for distribution areas or to purchase online.

How to connect: See all about Snyder of Berlin and their wide selection of snacks on their website http://www.snyderofberlin.com. And don't forget to enter their contest while you are there.



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