Review of Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs on DVD!

We are a movie family... we love them! Since getting snowed in a few days ago, we were really anxious to watch something new, and we couldn't have had a better movie to fill that need! Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs doesn't come out on DVD until the 5th of January, but we got to see it early. Here's what we loved:

• The film shows characters facing hardship (the main character eludes to the fact that he lost his mother, the father is obviously struggling silently, and the whole town doesn't treat the main character very well.) At the same time, it highlights compassion and caring through the actions of many of the people in the film. (Even a Mr. T-like cop shows a sweet side towards his son.)
• The consequences of greed are very glaring. As more and more townspeople ask for their choice of food to fall from the sky, they become wasteful, ungrateful, and in some cases -- very fat!
• Family relationships are honored above all else. I found this film to be very touching... hopeful, even. The most strained of relationships have a chance for redemption. It's never too late to make things right with those you love!

Funny, exciting, and super witty, this is going to be an all-time fave at our house. Appropriate for just about all ages (some scenes might be a teensy bit scary for little ones -- if whole chickens and ratbirds are frightening), this teaches a good lesson and is a relaxing way to unwind with the whole family!

You can see the first 6 comical minutes here: http://kids.yahoo.com/movies/videos/video/17060307

Look for it on January 5th!

Review of Felicity Floo Visits the Zoo

Yuck. The flu is about the nastiest thing I can think of (or experience). But with kids licking, drooling, and sharing all kinds of things (including germs) in a typical play day, it's bound to spread this season.

Felicity Floo Visits the Zoo by E.S. Redmond is a touching, funny, and practical book that teaches kids the basics of hygiene in a way that they are bound to remember. With comical illustrations and a likable (but grimy) main kid character that transfers the germs from one poor zoo animal to the next, kids can't help but learn how the flu is really spread.

My kids laughed ... a lot.. at this story. And while they had to have a bit of a follow up chat about how the animals could have easily been one of us (or a pregnant Mommy), they soon understood how important it was to wash up and keep your nasty stuff to themselves.

Know a kid who likes to use their sleeve (or heaven forbid the end of the couch) for their goobers? Get them this book. It's a winner!

Pick up your copy for less than $15 at sellers like Amazon and for $15.99 at your local book store. (Published by Candlewick.)

*Review copy received for this review. Post contains an affiliate link.

Christmas Tree Topper and Toy Dart Gun Recall

Christmas Tree Toppers Recalled By Precious Moments Due to Fire Hazard

Toy Dart Gun Set Recalled Due to Death

Stay Safe!

IKEA Recalls LEOPARD Highchairs Due to Fall and Choking Hazards

These chairs were sold at IKEA. Please see the full CPSC recall details for all the information.


Stay Safe!

I *Heart* FedEx...

I'm declaring my undying love for FedEx as part of a blog tour, BUT... I have to state that I've loved FedEx for a very long time, and they continue to be my shipper of choice for all my personal and business shipments.

Why?

Well, they are just that reliable. If I ever need anything tracked, their online tracking system is super-efficient, updated in a timely manner, and alerts me to any delays immediately. I also really like our delivery driver (he brings treats for my puppy AND my goat!) FedEx is also an average of 10% more affordable than their competitor... The FedEx Office Print and Ship store is amazing, giving busy families a better way to purchase and send customizeable gifts in one stop!

If you're stuck in a jam and need something shipped ASAP, I suggest you don't mess around. FedEx is my go-to company for anything important! Learn more about all their shipping services at www.fedex.com


“I wrote this review while participating in a blog tour campaign by Mom Central on behalf of FedEx and received a gift card to thank me for taking the time to participate.”

Win a Comfort Select Breast Pump from Evenflo!

For moms who are breastfeeding their new little ones, time away from baby might seem impossible. This season, nursing moms have an unexpected, holiday helper: the Evenflo Comfort Select Performance™ Breast Pump. Designed to be easy to use, lightweight, comfortable and compact, the Comfort Select Performance™ is designed for occasional pumping, This occasional use pump gives moms the flexibility to enjoy much-needed “me time” while ensuring their baby is all set while Mom is out.

We have one of these neat pumps to give away to a nursing Mom! To learn more about this product, visit the Evenflo website at www.evenflo.com

Wanna Win? Simply leave a comment with your best nursing tip. If you don't have one, just tell us why you want to win this prize! You have until December 31st at 11:59 pm CST to get your entries in, and you can enter every day! (Just comment as directed for your first entry, and for each entry after that, type "Today's Entry!")

Giveaways are subject to complete site rules. (Be sure to give us a way to reach you if you win, and remember that we will never use your email or contact info for anything other than to send your prize.) Good luck, and be sure to check out all of our other giveaways!

Win a Signed Michael Strahan Football from Vaseline MEN!

OK, guys.. this one's for you!

In celebration of the new year, and the new line of totally-for-men product from Vaseline, we are giving one lucky reader their very own football, signed by Michael Strahan! Here are the details of this new product (details of the giveaway to follow.)

This killer lotion (designed for the face AND body) won't leave your man smelling like flowers. With all the features of a super skin-softener, but made to be more light-weight and quick absorbent, they are perfect for all skin types, and can fortify men's skin and can make it more resilient. (It's perfect defense against the elements.)

Vaseline MEN lotions are light-weight and quick-absorbing formulas designed to fortify men’s skin to make it resilient. They are perfect for busy dads who don’t want to spend a lot of time grooming and ideal for everyday use on all skin types. The line includes:

• Vaseline MEN Fast Absorbing Body and Face Lotion which absorbs in less than 15 seconds
• Vaseline MEN Extra Strength Body and Face lotion, ideal for healing severely dry skin

In addition to our giveaway below, you can also win even bigger prizes at the "Train with the Pros" sweepstakes, sponsored by Vaseline. Prizes include a trip to L.A. to visit the new ESPN studio, a training session with a trainer to the pros, and a signed item from Michael Strahan.. plus other prizes! To enter, just visit www.strongerskin.com

Wanna win? To be entered to win our autographed football giveaway, just leave comment here with why you want to win. (It's that easy!) You have until December 31st at 11:59 pm CST to get your entries in, and you can enter every day! (Just comment as directed for your first entry, and for each entry after that, type "Today's Entry!")

Giveaways are subject to complete site rules. (Be sure to give us a way to reach you if you win, and remember that we will never use your email or contact info for anything other than to send your prize.) Good luck, and be sure to check out all of our other giveaways!

Kitchen Sinks that Dazzle!

We know how hard it is to get your home's kitchen looking "just" like you want it. That's why this source for undermount kitchen sinks caught my attention! With stainless steel sinks made of heavy 16 gauge stainless steel, I'm confident they will shine for years to come. (And can you say, "Same Day Shipping?") That's a home improvement time-saver I really like! Check out their smart divide sink collection for even more efficiency with your next remodel.

*This is a sponsored post that contains my own personal opinions.

Freebies for You!

Check out these great free offers before the weekend!

• Get a free 7-day trial to Bally Fitness!
• Free sample of Pampers Extra Protection Diapers.
• Free sample of Benefiber Orange.
• Join Vocalpoint to get surprising gifts from P&G and other leading companies.

Review of Munckin Math: Counting Money on DVD

I can remember my little sister struggling to learn her money math when we were kids. With the size and shape of common coins changing more recently, I find it even more difficult to teach my own kids these same concepts. ("Yes, son, there really are that many quarter designs!")

Since my children are admittedly influenced by TV media, we use videos a lot in our homeschool curriculum. When we recently got to try out Munchkin Math: Counting Money on DVD, I was surprised at how interactive and not-at-all annoying this video was. Did it pass our entertainment test? Yes! Did my kids actually get anything out of it? Yes!

Whether you're looking to "raise your child's math I.Q." as mentioned on the website, or you just need an alternative way to get them to pay attention to math, these videos are a great idea. The hostess is friendly, the animations vivid, and the principles sound. With repeated exposure to this DVD, even my youngest kids (ages 2 and 4), were retaining basic money facts! (My 11 year old claimed to have learned a few things, too!)

By visiting the Munchkin Math website, you can preview the videos to get a better idea if they are right for you. (Other titles include "Telling Time" and "Shapes")

*I wrote this review while participating in a blog campaign by Mom Central on behalf of Munchkin Math and received a sample DVD to facilitate my candid review. Mom Central sent me a gift card to thank me for taking the time to participate.

Review of Playskool Blocksters!

Playskool has always been about more than play. What do I mean? I know for a fact that they know all about the educational and developmental benefits of play, and how a well-constructed, simple toy can bring about more than just fun -- it can encourage growth on so many levels! Since we homeschool, I am super-confident in my kids' ability to learn from their daily play, and open-ended toys are our favorite.

Thanks to Playskool's More Than Play campaign, I've gotten to know all about the stages of development that are on target for my own kids. I was also lucky enough to review a very unique and high-quality toy called Blocksters!

This neat toy, called the Blocksters Block Spot, was designed for ages 12 months and up (although my almost 3 year old love this toy!) It features chunky block "animals" in various shapes and sizes, full of color and featuring various activities. By visiting the More Than Play website, I learned that it encourages so many skills: Fine Motor Skills, Pincer Grip, Spatial Awareness, Problem Solving, Conceptual Thinking, and more!

Proof that kids aren't just playing... they're growing!

Check out this neat video of Blocksters. Could you see your child learning from a toy like this?

*Sample was received for this review.

Timberland Recalls Children's Boots

The insoles in pairs of the Classic Scuffproof Boots contain excessive levels of lead. Please see the full details at the CPSC website.

Stay Safe!

The Ultimate Party Meatball!

There are few party foods I like more during the holidays than meatballs. I love making my own from scratch a few weeks before Christmas and freezing them for easy party preparation down the road. There are so many recipes I like (including those with mushroom soup gravy and my Grandma's Sweet and Sour recipe.) There is one sure-fire way to make everyone drool at your next party, however, and that's the Ultimate Party Meatball recipe!

To learn more about this great recipe, (which includes just the meatballs, Ocean Spray® Jellied Cranberry Sauce, and Heinz® Chili Sauce as the main ingredients), visit http://ultimatepartymeatballs.com and click on the recipe link.

If you're not as ambitious as me (and I have those days), you can use pre-made meatballs from your grocer's freezer. They are the next best thing to fast-food, and with the recipes provided on the website, you'll have everyone stopping at your dish during the party. I love this recipe, and even my 11-year-old daughter can make it with ease!

Don't forget to check out the Ultimate Party Sweepstakes at the site, too! You can win $3,000 in gift cards or one of 20 slow-cookers! Giveaway ends on Feb. 15th, 2010.

*I wrote this review while participating in a blog tour campaign by Mom Central on behalf of Heinz and Ocean Spray and received the ingredients necessary to facilitate my review. In addition, Mom Central sent me a gift card to thank me for taking the time to participate.

Nestle Family Holiday Giveaway!

My husband made me a shopping list the other day -- one that would result in a fairly large grocery bill and all the makings for a week of holiday baking and gift giving! While it is certainly frugal to make your own fudge, cookies, and gingerbread, we understand and it can also be a little burdensome to buy all that stuff at the last minute! We are pleased to help you out with a fantastic Nestle Family Holiday Giveaway...

While there is only one kind of chocolate chip I use to make cookies at my house (Toll House, of course!) I know that you each have your own ways to use them in your own holiday recipes. We want to hear about your favorite things to bake up fresh during the holidays, and if you tell us, you might win a nice prize from Nestle!


One lucky winner will receive free product coupons for Toll House chocolate chips and cookie dough, Carnation Evaporated Milk, Carnation Breakfast Essentials, Stouffer's, Juicy Juice, and Boost Kid Essentials. We're also throwing in some sweets from Wonka and Raisinets, as well as a beautiful 4x6 silver photo frame and a nifty recipe guide.

Wanna Win? Just comment on this post with the name of your favorite holiday recipe! We'll pick one lucky winner to receive the prize pack mentioned above (valued at $40). You have until December 24th at 11:59 pm CST to get your entries in, and you can enter every day! (Just comment as directed for your first entry, and for each entry after that, type "Today's Entry!")

Giveaways are subject to complete site rules. (Be sure to give us a way to reach you if you win, and remember that we will never use your email or contact info for anything other than to send your prize.) Good luck, and be sure to check out all of our other giveaways!

There is also another fantastic giveaway going on at the Nestle website! You can enter this Holiday Memories Photo contest for a chance to win a $500 gift card, as well as other prizes. Check it out!

*A similar Prize pack was received for participation in this promotion.

Stuff Your Stocking With Fun Holiday Prizes from Coke!

Our family loves the Coke commercials this time of year, and I am especially loving the nostalgic Mr. Claus that's adorning some of the packaging I've seen in stores. With Coke in the Christmas spirit, it should come as no surprise that they want to stuff your stockings with some fun stuff!

From now until December 31st, they will be giving away (two) Xbox 360 systems a day and (two) Guitar Hero 5 or DJ Hero games every hour on their My Coke Rewards site!


That's a lot of prizes! By entering the codes found on multipacks of Coke up to 2 times a day, you can get in the running for these great instant-win goodies! (Registration at the site is required, but it's quick and painless -- we promise!)

In addition to the 50 games that Coke is giving away EACH DAY on their site, they've given us a copy of Guitar Hero 5 for Xbox 360 for one our own lucky readers to win. We also have a runner-up prize of some cool Coke holiday swag (t-shirts and plush Coca-Cola bottles) for another winner.

Wanna Win? Just comment on this post with how you rock out the holiday season. (Do you sing carols by the fire? Play a mean version of Jingle Bell Rock?) You have until December 17th at 11:59 pm CST to get your entries in, and you can enter every day! (Just comment as directed for your first entry, and for each entry after that, type "Today's Entry!")

Giveaways are subject to complete site rules. (Be sure to give us a way to reach you if you win, and remember that we will never use your email or contact info for anything other than to send your prize.) Good luck, and be sure to check out all of our other giveaways!

More Recalls!

Click on the link for each recall to get the full details:

Sylvania PalPodzzz Portable Nightlights recalled due to shock hazard

Super Rigs Toy Trucks recalled due to violation of lead paint standard

Little Miss Matched Children's Pajamas recalled due to violation of flammability standard

Stay Safe!

Monday the Bullfrog Plush Book Recalled Due to Choking Hazard

These books from Simon & Schuster are being recalled, because the little eyes can detach and pose a choking hazard (no injuries have been reported.) See the full details at the CPSC website.

Review of New Glade Candles Holiday Collection

I'm going to be honest with you... my house hasn't smelled very "fresh" in a while. With a new puppy, four kids, and many of us battling colds and flus, it's been stale and closed off at our house. I open a window when I can, and try to keep everything clean. Still... it's nice when I find something that brings a little extra freshness to the air in my home!

The Glade Candles Holiday Collection is the perfect solution to musty home odors. They light up and produce pleasant aromas instantly (no need to wait 10 minutes for a candle to warm up.) They come in festive patterns and provide a feeling of holiday fun for every room in your home.

The Apple Tin Oil Candle was our favorite, as it filled my home with a naturally-sweet smelling apple scent (like baking pie) and came in a reusable candle tin. This would make a great stocking stuffer! It's only $3.49, and you can buy a pack of 4 oil candle refills for the same price! It's a gift that gives and gives and gives.....


You can see the entire holiday collection at Glade's website www.glade.com/holiday


Wanna win? We have one amazing gift basket to give away, compliments of Glade! The winner will get the following:

• Two Glade Candles from the Holiday Collection, in Apple Cinnamon and Bayberry Spice
• Bellagio® Gourmet Cocoa Chocolate Truffle, a true liquid chocolate bar
• Home Classics® Fleece Throw
• Mineral Bath Soak Stress and Tension by The Village Company, made from natural lemon oil, rosemary, and eucalyptus,
• A Holiday favorite, The Polar Express DVD
• Woven Strap Small Shelf Tote, great for both stylish display and storage of accessories

To be entered to win, just comment on this post with your favorite holiday scent. You have until December 15th at 11:59 pm CST to get your entries in, and you can enter every day! (Just comment as directed for your first entry, and for each entry after that, type "Today's Entry!")

Giveaways are subject to complete site rules. (Be sure to give us a way to reach you if you win, and remember that we will never use your email or contact info for anything other than to send your prize.) Good luck, and be sure to check out all of our other giveaways!

*Sample was received for this review.

Need Help with Your Holiday Shopping? Check out the TIA!

Sometimes we hear conflicting reports about what toys are good and which ones should be avoided. We spend many hours testing and reviewing toys to give you a better idea of what will work for your family, but what about those that we don't have a chance to review?

We recommend that you go to the toy experts -- the Toy Industry Association (TIA). They have just launched two very helpful websites for consumers, and you should really check them out!

ToyInfo.org gives you the bare necessities in toy shopping. Whether you're looking for safety facts or downloadable play guides, they've got you covered. They'll share recall information and even have a neat discussion board to help get consumers talking! It's a truly one-stop resource for anyone who cares about kids to get the scoop on what toys are right for their family.


ToyAwards.org is the fun website that gives you the top toys nominated for 2010 Toy of the Year Awards (TOTY). You'll get a look at what the toy industry experts are loving, and you'll also be able to register to win your choice of one of more than 11 prize packages!

So, to recap:

Learn what's best for your family AND get a chance to win! If that's not holiday cheer, I don't know what is...

*This post was part of a Team Mom blog tour!

Review of Flying Peas Construction Cutlery

Got a picky eater? Think the "airplane game" has lost its appeal? How about a cute set of eating utensils that encourage fun, but promote independence at the same time?

The Construction Cutlery set from Flying Peas is nothing short of adorable. The bulldozer pusher (which replaces using fingers as a way to get peas under control), fork lift fork, and front loader spoon give familiar objects a purpose in helping your child eat by themselves!


Not only are these a fun, effective way to get mealtime done without a fight, they are also super safe! Containing no PVC, Phthlalates, Bisphenol A (BPA), lead or paints, they will give you "peas" of mind. Girls will love the hot pink version, and there is a specially-designed construction plate that can make this set complete!

Totally thrilled with how heavy-duty these were, we couldn't keep our little guy away from them. Kudos to Flying Peas for offering a mealtime solution that's even cuter than our kids!

To see all the items that Flying Peas has to offer (including clothing, books, and gifts), visit their website at www.flyingpeas.com.

Wanna Save? Our readers can use this exclusive coupon code to save BIG! Just plug in coupon code PUNKINFP09 to start saving!

*Sample was received for this review.

Holidays Meals are Cheaper at Walmart (Win a $30 GC!)

It's never to early to stock up on cheap turkeys, and Walmart has made it easier than ever to buy all of your other holiday meal fixings, too! Just look at what they are offering on their affordable holiday meal menu at stores this year. You can buy all this for under $20!

• One 12-pound Grade A turkey*
• Three 11 to 15.5-ounce cans Green Giant vegetables
• Two 14-ounce cans Ocean Spray cranberry sauce
• Three 6-ounce boxes of Stove Top stuffing
• One 5-pound bag of red potatoes
• One 12-count package of Sara Lee dinner rolls
• One 22-ounce pumpkin roll cake

**Limit of 2 turkeys per person. Weights and brands vary by location.

We already took advantage of these sales, stocking up on a few extra items for early next year. My pantry is happy to have so much Stove Top Stuffing and Green Giant vegetables for when things get hectic and I can't get to the store.

To celebrate this awesome way to save, Walmart has given me (2) $30 Walmart Gift Cards to give to a couple of lucky readers!

Wanna Win? Just comment on this post with your favorite holiday dish! You have until December 10th at 11:59 pm CST to get your entries in, and you can enter every day! (Just comment as directed for your first entry, and for each entry after that, type "Today's Entry!")

Giveaways are subject to complete site rules. (Be sure to give us a way to reach you if you win, and remember that we will never use your email or contact info for anything other than to send your prize.) Good luck, and be sure to check out all of our other giveaways!

*A gift card was received for this promotion.

Review of Admiral Road Aardvark Scarves for Kids

There's nothing quite warmer or softer than fleece, and that's why I was taken aback at how comfy the new scarves from Admiral Road were! We were able to try out a few different sizes (they come in Kids and Big Kids) and the fashions were so fun!

Our favorite styles included:


The Cupcake Scarf - This sweet scarf was perfect for a little girl, and featured a yummy pink color, accented with cherry-topped cupcakes! Sized 6" x 50" -- it's designed for ages 3 and up.

Digger Scarf - Who wouldn't love this rough and tough scarf, featuring a front-end loader and striking black and yellow colors? Boys will really "dig" how warm this is! Sized 6" x 50" -- it's designed for ages 3 and up.

Warm and charming, these scarves will heat up the holidays and give kids a fun way to stay snuggled! (No more nagging them to remember their scarves!)

You can see the entire inventory of scarves at the Admiral Road website. They start at $12!

Wanna Win? We are giving away a Kids' Space Scarf and Big Kid's Cherry Scarf to one lucky newsletter subscriber! Just be sure you're signed up via our link on the right-hand side of our website! We'll pick a winner at the end of the month and let you know via email!

Giveaways are subject to complete site rules. (Be sure to give us a way to reach you if you win, and remember that we will never use your email or contact info for anything other than to send your prize.) Good luck, and be sure to check out all of our other giveaways!

*Sample was received for this promotion.