A Parent in Silver Spring Reviews

New Stuff I Love

jessica.mcfadden@gmail.com (JessicaAPISS) — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 15:15:00 +0000

Not only am I vehicle for companies to give free products away to you guys, I'm also sometimes a giveaway winner on other websites myself. (Wait, that sounded suspiciously like those old Hair Club for Men commercials.) Here are some reviews for stuff I've won or received for free.

Hana Mini Flat Iron
Sometime after my 30th birthday I started getting hangovers after more than two adult bevvies, realized that having a professional waxer on speed dial was essential and learned that it was no longer possible to simply roll out of bed and have my hair look acceptable. (Aging...I so love it!)

But who has time to painstakingly blowout or flat iron their hair every freaking day? I received the answer to the look-cute-in-no-time quandry when I received the fabulous Hana Mini Flat Iron for review. This professional ceramic straightening iron is only 5 inches long when collapsed for storage or travel - but it extends to 8 inches - the length of a standard hair straightener. Its 5/8 barrel is perfect for smoothing out sections of hair for a fast, polished look. No time for a shower? Already blowdried your 'do yesterday but slept weird on one side? Here's your quick fix. And if you travel a lot, you'll love the heat proof travel case and compact, collapsable size.

Hana Shine Shield Serum
The generous Hana peeps also sent me the Hana Shine Shield serum to protect my hair when heat styling. But I'm using a drop of this lightweight smoother even on days I air dry. It's the perfect consistency for making flyaways and split ends obey, or tucking stray pieces into a bun or pony. And though I have fine, light hair that can easily look greasy, this stuff is super lightweight. And it really makes my straightened hair look Pantene commercial shiny. I've used other clear serums from Redken, Rusk, etc. over the years, but sincerely, this Hana Shine Serum is my fave so far. Although the $18.99 price tag looks high, the bottle's a whopping 2 oz. so it will last for-eva. My bottle's still full to the top and I started using daily in July.

Microsoft Wireless Mobile Mouse
This summer on a fabulous Tech Savvy Mama giveaway, I was the proud winner of this fabulous mouse...in the color of my choice. I chose green, and my husband was so green with envy of this wireless mouse's super sensitivity to the slightest movements that he bought one for himself too. As a longtime desktop PC user with large hands for a girl, I really need a full size mouse, even when using a laptop. All I have to do is plug in the USB port to whatever computer I'm using and the mouse immediately works - there's no software to install. At only $20-22 on Amazon (dependent on what color you choose), I'll be picking up lots of these for siblings and teenage nieces and nephews this Christmas.

Mabel's Labels
Thanks again to Tech Savvy Mama's naming me as the buddy she wishes had attended BlogHer with her (awww, sniff sniff) in the Mabel's Labels Wish You Were Here contest (check out her adorable video entry), Mabel's Labels sent my kids a fabulous School Pack of personalized labels. And seriously, they are GENIUS. These special labels stick to fabric inside clothing, on the outside of Sippies and water bottles, and after dozens of washings since September, the labels have not disintegrated one iota. The text is so much clearer than even the neatest printing with a permanent marker.

I especially love the Tag-Mates that have guaranteed that Charlie and Eve don't come home with other kids' sweatshirts from school or lose their jackets to the anonymous lost and found pile. Although I was so fortunate to receive these for free courtesy of Tech Savvy Mama and Mabel's Labels, as soon as they're gone I will be purchasing another order for a School Pack and am now a total groupie. (I'm also going to suggest our school implement a Mabel's Labels Fundraiser, so that we earn cash for every order the parents place.)

As stated above, I either won these items in an online giveaway or received free review product. I did not receive any additional compensation.

New Website With Listing of Kid-Friendly New York Hotels

jessica.mcfadden@gmail.com (JessicaAPISS) — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 04:51:00 +0000

Dreaming of taking your kids north to see the Rockettes, hit the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, ice skate at Rockefeller Center or other Big Apple winter activities that are so much fun, who cares if they're huge clichés?

A new hotel review site, Oyster Hotel Reviews, has a great listing of the Best Kid-Friendly Hotels in New York City.

Oyster states that if you're looking for a hotel near Central Park, the Natural History Museum and other historic jaunts on the Upper West Side, The Buckingham is a safe bet. The rooms are touted as actually bigger than broom closets (in a town where even a fancy business trip can garner you a hotel single so small you can touch both walls,) so you'll be able to accommodate kid gear. If you snag a suite with fold-out couches and a full kitchen, invite Grandma and Grandpa along for the ride and you'll have on-site babysitting when you and your guy want to hit the town at night. Cost: about $283 per night.

In Midtown and near the Theatre District, Oyster has the 411 on the Affinia Fifty's Jet Set Kids package. With this promotion, each child in your party receives a backpack stocked with a Frommer’s NYC guide book for kids, a deck of 52 city adventure cards, their very own child's digital camera and a New York scrapbook to store their memories of the trip. (Jet Set Kids package available through 2009.) The hotel lobby also has a “Fun-For-Family” chest packed with board games, family DVD’s, arts and craft kits and bedtime stories that you can borrow during your stay. Cost: about $305 per night.

I'll see you on the Chinatown bus!

This review of the new website Oyster Hotel Reviews is a TravelingMom dedicated post. I have been compensated for writing this piece.

GIVEAWAY: Where the Wild Things Are & More Stories By Sendak DVDs

jessica.mcfadden@gmail.com (JessicaAPISS) — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 00:50:00 +0000

No offense to the genius of Spike Jonze, but my kids more heartily enjoyed watching Maurice Sendak’s beloved classic story "Where the Wild Things Are" and five more stories animated in Sendak's own hand than the much-hyped feature film this weekend.

The DVD they adore and want to watch over and over is Where the Wild Things Are...and 5 More Stories by Maurice Sendak from Scholastic Storybook Treasures. And I have 3 more copies for give away to you guys!

Each story on the disc has an enhanced read-along function which highlights the words as they are read. My early reader Charlie loved reading along with his favorite tales.

Do you remember watching film strips or television specials as a kid in the '70s and '80s of Sendak's stories, with the books sung by Carole King? Her musical compositions to Sendak's words are included in the DVD along with the Sendak tales“Pierre,” “One Was Johnny,” “Alligators All Around,” “Chicken Soup with Rice,” and “In the Night Kitchen.” Also included are special Where the Wild Things stickers (2 pages, so my kids didn't even have to share) and a behind-the-scenes interview with Sendak himself on the special features.

This DVD is part of the Scholastic Storybook Treasures line of DVDs that animate and bring to life kids' favorite classic tales.

Want to win one of three copies of the Sendak DVD for your kid (and admit it - yourself)? Just leave a comment below and you'll be entered for the random drawing in one week. Tweet about this contest for an extra entry with something like "@jessicaAPISS is holding wild rumpus of a giveaway Sendak DVDs: http://bit.ly/apisswildrumpus."

Note: My kids and I received a free review copy.

GIVEAWAYS: Great Games for Young and Old

jessica.mcfadden@gmail.com (JessicaAPISS) — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 18:00:00 +0000

Silly Socks Game $19.95
One of the favorite games of my three year old is the Silly Socks Game. Kids try and find socks with patterns and colors that match exactly, and I'm thinking these skills of of recognizing the differences between pink and purple polka dots will help her in determining the differences in letters that look similar too, such as "b" and "d." But mainly, this game turns laundry into laughs, because if you pull a pair of underpants out of the "washing machine" draw pile, players lose a turn! Since there's no reading required, we've even played this game with toddlers that have come over and they too have a blast sorting and matching.

Rummikub Large Numbers Edition $24.45
My grandpa's turning 93 this week, and his sight isn't what it used to be. (In fact, he's only got one working eye.) But that doesn't stop him from loving a good game! Although I grew up playing gin rummy with him, his hand coordination also makes holding and picking up playing cards difficult. That's why I'm giving him this Rummikub Large Number Edition game for his birthday this year. He'll have a blast playing with his grandkids this Thanksgiving and beating their pants off, but he'll still be able to easily see and move the extra large tiles. And at less than $25, it's a reasonable gift that still feels special.

Rummikub for Kids - Rummikub Start Right $10.99
After watching their great-grandpa and all the adult relatives play Rummikub, my kids want to get in on the act! They have no idea they're learning important sorting and categorization skills by playing the kids' version of the game. Kids group their tiles by colors, numbers and shapes and develop logical reasoning...and have hours of fun. Game experts, this one is currently reigning supreme in our house, with both my three year old and almost six year old begging to play with us every night!

Thanks to Pressman Toys, I have one of each of these games to give away to you guys! Leave a comment with the game you'd most like to receive and the three winners will be randomly drawn next week. Mention on Twitter "@jessicaAPISS is giving away cool board games: http://bit.ly/apissgreatgames" and you'll get a second entry in the drawing!

Note: My kids and I received free review copies of these 3 games.

GIVEAWAY: Holiday Season DVD Gift Sets With Thomas, Barney and Bob!

jessica.mcfadden@gmail.com (JessicaAPISS) — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 17:41:00 +0000

Are Ralphie and Rudolph already wearing thin, and there's still Halloween decorations up?

Need some new holiday special movies in your house?

Check out these three DVD combo packs - each pack has THREE DVDs with your kid's favorite Lionsgate/HIT Entertainment characters:

Thomas & Friends: Sodor Friends Holiday Collection
"There’s fun around every turn in these joyful wintertime adventures! Catch the holiday spirit as Thomas & Friends prepare for the grand opening of the Toy Workshop. Laugh and play along as Percy tries to fool his friends into believing he’s Jack Frost. And hold on tight for some of Thomas’ most thrilling races, rescues and runaways in this heartwarming holiday collection." - Amazon Product Description

Barney Tee-riffic Holiday Collection
"Bundle up with your best friend Barney™ for this special collection of wintertime favorites! Take a musical journey to the North Pole with Barney, BJ™, and Baby Bop™ in "Night Before Christmas." Sing along to your favorite Barney tunes in the fun-filled game show, "Can You Sing that Song?” And join Barney, Bob the Builder™, Thomas & Friends™ and more for the magic of "Winter Wonderland” in this tee- riffic holiday gift set!" - Amazon Product Description

Bob the Buil der Building Crew Holiday Collection
"Just in time for the holidays, discover why "the fun is in getting it done” in these action-packed, fun-filled adventures! Join Bob and the Can- Do Crew as they rescue their friend from a winter storm in "Bob’s White Christmas.” Then it’s time to build a log cabin and smooth the ice rink for the Winter Games. And finally, come along as Bob and Scoop hunt for buried treasure – and make some amazing discoveries – in this one-of-a-kind collection that's the perfect holiday treat for Bob the Builder fans."- Amazon Product Description

Leave a comment and one winner will be randomly drawn to win one of these 3 DVD packs of her choice! Winner drawn in one week.

Note: My daughter received the Barney 3 pack.

GIVEAWAY: Tinker Bell and the Lost Treasure DVD & BluRay Combo Pack

jessica.mcfadden@gmail.com (JessicaAPISS) — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 17:20:00 +0000

I have 5 DVD & BluRay combo packs of the new Tinker Bell movie, Tinker Bell and the Lost Treasure!

The latest installment in the new, much-loved by little girls Tinkerbell and her faerie friends franchise was just released to DVD & Blu-Ray in time for it to reach Santa's workshop. But thanks to the Walt Disney Home Entertainment folks, your child may have it under the tree from you for free!

Leave a comment below to be entered for your faerie fix. I'll randomly draw the five winners in one week!

PS I did not receive a free copy in exchange for this giveaway. This one? Pure love for you guys!

GIVEAWAY: ArtHouse DVD - Kids Draw Along With the Show for Interactive Fun

jessica.mcfadden@gmail.com (JessicaAPISS) — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 12:10:00 +0000

I love it when my kids can have an interactive, educational experience with the television...that does not involve video games! And the new DVD Art House Volume I: Basic Shapes and Animals sure fits the bill.

Kids grab their own paper and pencils/crayons and with a teacher leading them, reinforce their knowledge of shapes and fine motor skills in drawing. Then they use those shapes to draw fun animals! Amidst the tutorials are cute music videos with snazzy melodies and facts about the animals they've just drawn.

My three year old really loved it. She improved her drawing of shapes and learned new ways to produce the images that she envisions in her head on paper. My almost-six year old who loves to draw was game and had fun on a rainy afternoon drawing along...and then he took what he learned back to his boy-lair of a room to make the animals look tougher and more threatening. The producers of the show recommend it for kids 2 and up.

Leave a comment to win a free copy! I'll randomly draw the winner in one week.

Note: My kids received a free review copy to check out.

GIVEAWAY: The Strawberry Shortcake Movie - Sky's the Limit

jessica.mcfadden@gmail.com (JessicaAPISS) — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 23:49:00 +0000

UPDATE: The winner of the DVD is Rosa!

The Strawberry Shortcake Movie - Sky's the Limit is sure different than the show I remember watching as a kid in the '80s...and I think it's an improvement.

The big hype on this DVD is that it unveils Strawberry Shortcake and her friends' makeovers. Some websites were aghast at this Bratz-ization of the little girl icon of sweetness. I thought the updated look of the computer animation and drawing of the fruity girls was duly sweet, kid-friendly and contemporary. Much like the new Tinker Bell fairy gang, the Berry Gang girls are a diverse rainbow of skin and outfit colors. They're simply more watchable than the outdated Holly Hobbie-looking bonneted kids circa 1982.

Also, instead of short Smurfs-like episodes, this is a 69 minute feature. And instead of saying "berry" inanely and incessantly (again, much like the Smurfs' use of "smurfy'), the Berry Gang has real conversations and friendships and there's an actual plot about saving the water supply of Berry City. Now, I have to admit I didn't pay that much attention. But the target audience - my very discriminating 3 year old daughter - really enjoyed this show.

The Fox Home entertainment promoters kindly gave us our copy to review and keep, and they're also giving away a free one for one of you guys. Leave a comment below if you'd like to be entered and I'll randomly draw the winner in 1 week.

The Strawberry Shortcake Movie - Sky's the Limit DVD
$13.99 and eligible on Amazon for free super saver shipping

Giveaway: Romance Novel Hardcover - Once in a Blue Moon by Eileen Goudge

jessica.mcfadden@gmail.com (JessicaAPISS) — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 13:27:00 +0000

UPDATE: The winners are Delora and Andie!

I read a romance novel about once in a blue moon. So when the offer to review Once in a Blue Moon by Eileen Goudge was sent around by the One2One network to review and I thought, sure, I'll check it out.

I couldn't get into it. I read the first chapter, saw the potential for love and heartache and family drama and a movie deal...and then I moved on. It's very Danielle Steele-y, which I understand in the publishing world is very high praise.

I think you have to love the genre, and since my soul is basically covered in pink polka dots, you'd think I'd be all about the bodice-rippers. But by some genetic fluke, when I sit on an airplane or beach I tend to grab something with star fleets or guns on the cover.

So dear Eileen Goudge, it's not you, it's me. You're a bestselling author of Woman in Red and have been praised by Luanne Rice and other masters in the romance world. I am no good judge of good lovin'.

Readers who like a good romance, or have a family member who does, leave a comment below. I have two brand-spanking new hardcover copies of Once in a Blue Moon for you, one will be mailed by the publisher and one of you guys will get my barely-cracked copy. I'll randomly draw the winners in one week.

Giveaway & Coupon: Snow White Diamond Edition Blu-ray & DVD Combo Pack

jessica.mcfadden@gmail.com (JessicaAPISS) — Sun, 11 Oct 2009 21:46:00 +0000

UPDATE: Congrats! The winners are Carol, Alex, Sharon H., Kevin & Marie.

In honor of Dave and his cheatin' heart, here are the Top 7 Reasons Why Snow White Rocks

1. She wasn't afraid of vermin (in the forest) or strangers (random Prince Charming appearing at the well.)
2. Snow White looked hot in dresses of rags or dubious color combos.
3. She was accepting of little people and kind to the elderly.
4. Despite her royal lineage, girlfriend could cook. She cleaned too.
5. Before Kate Gosselin cared for 8 kids with the help of some nannies, Snow White cared for 7 untidy dudes singlehandedly, minus the network-comped plastic surgery or Hawaiian vacays.
6. Rather than tramping it up in a tavern in the village, she wholesomely waited for her prince to come.
7. She's been re-released on a re-mastered Blu-ray/DVD combo pack with coupons and free copies for mom bloggers to give out to readers.

As I've written before, I'm totally down with the Disney Princesses. I don't think they're an assault on feminism, rather they're strong, awesome women that are great icons for our kids' playthings. (Sure, they were a tad boy crazy, but they basically make me look like a nun so.....)

And since she made her debut in 1937, Snow White was the very first D.P. of the bunch. We own her movie on VHS, but thanks to the One2One Network, my kids and I got the chance to review the new Snow White and the Seven Dwarves Diamond Edition Blu-ray & DVD combo pack that was just released on October 6.

If you're a D.P. groupie household like ours, this flick is a must-have addition to your movie library and it's only available for a limited time. We haven't yet upgraded to Blu-ray (we chose poorly and went with the convert-to-HD DVD player a few years ago, damn, and will replace with Blu-ray when it inevitably breaks), but it's so cool that this combo pack has both versions so you have both options for posterity.

What's also super cool: If you already have a prior version of Snow White on VHS or DVD, click here to get $10 off when you upgrade to the new Diamond Edition combo pack!

Or you can just try your luck - I have 5 copies of the Snow White and the Seven Dwarves Diamond Edition Blu-ray & DVD combo pack to give away to you guys, courtesy of Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment!

Leave a comment with why you or your child dig Snow White, and I'll randomly draw the winners on Monday October 19.

Giveaway: Sonny With a Chance (with Jo from Facts of Life!)

jessica.mcfadden@gmail.com (JessicaAPISS) — Thu, 17 Sep 2009 21:58:00 +0000

UPDATE: The winners are Cristie, Keli, Whitney, Tricia, Olivia F., John, Jordan, Julia, Kelly W. and BSweet.

I've got 10 copies of another Disney series DVD for teens and tweens, Sonny With a Chance: Sonny's Big Break.

Maybe your daughter loves Demi Lovato, another brunette teen queen from the Disney machine. (She's actually a completely watchable and promising comedic actor.) Or maybe your kid likes Megan Fox and you need to find her a squeakier clean role model or star crush - someone who drinks pop with the Jonas brothers, rather than engaging in dark adult antics with David Silver. Or maybe you just like yourself some free stuff and are already planning your Christmas or Hanukkah attack.

You know why I like Sonny With a Chance? Nancy McKeon - Jo from Facts of Life - plays the mom! After all those made for TV and then straight-to-Lifetime soft focus cringefests, Jo's back! I'm a proud owner of this DVD because I just like to see a sister succeed, especially one who drove a motorcycle and Mrs. Garrett crazy, gave Blair a run for her (piles of) money and got to hang out with an unknown George Clooney.

Your kids won't get it, but Jo's presence will help you have fun when watching the Sonny show with your kids.

Oh yeah, plot. Sonny is a good girl from Wisconsin who comes to LA with her mom to star in a teen sketch comedy show, So Random! She tries to navigate the mean girls and vapid hot guys of Hollywood...while charming everyone along the way of course.

Sonny With a Chance - Four Episodes + 1 Bonus Episode on DVD
Cost: $14.99

The Facts of Life - The Complete First & Second Seasons
Cost: $26.49 + FREE shipping

Leave a comment and be entered to win one of 10 copies of Sonny With a Chance! Winners will be drawn in one week.

Giveaway - BusyBodyBook aka Lifesaver of Luddite Moms Everywhere

jessica.mcfadden@gmail.com (JessicaAPISS) — Wed, 16 Sep 2009 16:54:00 +0000

Congrats to randomly-drawn winners Kristin, Sue and Meredith!

Ya, ya, I'm a blogger. I spend way too much time plucking at a keyboard while staring at a screen. But I don't own a smart phone. I rarely text. When I do, I have to go through two letters to get to the one I want and I usually miss it and curse and just call the person.

And I manage my household and professional calendars using a hardcopy planner made of paper. That I write on with a pen.

And this system totally works.

As I reviewed on APISS Reviews last year, my BusyBodyBook totally saved me from a life of forgotten appointments and ruined friendships.

Now I have one system, and it's a good one. The BusyBodyBook has a column for each family member with one week per page and space for each day of that week.

It is now a breeze to organize and track all four of our schedules and activities, coordinating everyone side by side. It's easy to see overlapping schedules and doublebooking. I can also easily see those evenings, afternoons and weekends that we actually do not have a commitment and so we can, wonder of all wonders, INITIATE plans with other families!

There's also a front pocket for hard copy invitations, months at a glance, key contact info for important people and numbers, shopping lists and plans for world peace inside.

I love my BusyBodyBook so much that I just purchased my second one. It has changed my life and I credit it with keeping my family and friendships organized and intact. Cost: $17.95

For families with kids that can actually read or parents that want the family week at a glance at eye level 24-7, there's a 7-column wall calendar version for $14.95 and a 7-column fridge grid pad for $11.95

In honor of Rosh Hashanah and the start of a new school year too, the wonderful publisher of the Busy Body Book, Joan Goldner, is giving away THREE brand new copies to three lucky APISS readers. Leave a comment for a chance to win - winners will be randomly drawn in one week!

5 Fall Fashion Essentials

jessica.mcfadden@gmail.com (JessicaAPISS) — Tue, 15 Sep 2009 14:53:00 +0000

I'm not buying much this fall, just these five basics to update my closet:

Black Fitted Tees by American Apparel
There's nothing like a good fitted black cotton tee to look casual and put together at the same time. This one has a flattering scoop neck, a hip-length and short sleeves that cover all the way to the elbows to skim over all body parts. And it costs less than a burrito. $6.75 at Amazon

Classic Chuck Taylor Lows in Bla ck
Yup, I'm a mom that wears tennis shoes all day, and proud of it. But that doesn't mean that I wear high top white Reeboks (with baggy acid washed jeans and a fanny pack.) I stay current and comfy with classic and slightly punk rock black Chuck Taylors. I've checked them out carefully and found that the women's and men's Chucks are exactly alike...the ones in the guys' section are just $5-10 cheaper! $39 at Amazon

Hydraulic Vintage Wash Jeans
I don't know about you, but I wear jeans everywhere – the playground, workish meetings with editors or interviewees, those rare occasions when I go out at night. I love Hydraulics for their bargain basement price and how they lift the booty and slim the bod. $48 at Amazon

GAP Black Double Breasted Blazer
As a weird hybrid of a SAHM/WAHM, I have to look pulled-together sometimes, but pulling on my dated old pinstriped skirt suits is a bit silly. And if I wear a jean jacket with my jeans I turn into what my college girlfriends called "denim woman" - not a great look. So I'll be throwing this blazer over dark jeans and knee-length shift dresses this fall for functions with and without my kids. $98 at GAP

The SAK Silverl ake Convertible Satchel/Hobo
I love a bright leather bag that can hold all my kid gear, phone, camera, notebook, makeup that I apply in the car and anything else I have to lug around. This one by The Sak is super cute and looks like a fancy bag for a relatively reasonable price. $144.99 at Amazon

So here are the clothing items that sum up my basic daily uniform this fall. Maybe these deals will lend you a hand too.

For more fall fashion ideas, go to TwitterMoms to read what other moms are naming as their 5 Fall Essentials, and check out TLC's What Not to Wear's new website - Shop Smart Look Fab!

Giveaway - The Suite Life on Deck: Anchors Away! - 10 copies

jessica.mcfadden@gmail.com (JessicaAPISS) — Sat, 12 Sep 2009 13:54:00 +0000

UPDATE: The winners are Patti, Colleen, Val, Mary, Michelle, Jodi, Alec, Olivia, Sara, Kelly D.

The Suite Life on Deck: Anchors Away! - I've got 10 of these DVDs for giveaway...want one?

If you're not familiar with The Suite Life of Zack and Cody or your kids are starting to watch it but you're baffled by why are these blonde boys always alone, wisecracking and why now they're on a boat (I was at first), here's the Cliff Notes version:

These identical twin boys (except one is a bit plumper, don't ask me which) have a mom who's a lounge singer at a fancy hotel so the boys get to live in the hotel full-time (thus, the SUITE life pun, harhar.) While mom's on stage or working, the boys are alone getting into trouble and driving the hotel manager crazy. To reach the tweeny girl demographic, each episode there's always a storyline about two airheaded but loveable Disney Channel princess chicks at the hotel too.

So, Suite Life's been on forever and Disney had exhausted all variations on the "they threw waterballoons out the window, got in trouble and learned their lesson" story and their Adam's apples were starting to show, so they changed it up. Now mom's singing on a cruise ship (thus the ON DECK.) Everyone at the hotel's along for the ride except the blonde tween queen chick who hit it big in High School Musical: The 10 Year Reunion Danceoff. She's replaced by a less blonde cookie who doesn't have a record deal yet.

This DVD has 6 episodes of the popular series, it's rated G, the boys now like-like girls, and I'm sure there's lots of variations on the "they yelled 'Man Overboard!', got in trouble and learned their lesson" story. Your elementary or middle schoolers will dig it.

Cost: $14.49 on Amazon & eligible for free shipping.

Leave a comment to win one of 10 DVDs I have for giveaway. I'll randomly draw the winners in one week!

Giveaway - Thomas & Friends: Hero of the Rails, The Movie

jessica.mcfadden@gmail.com (JessicaAPISS) — Tue, 08 Sep 2009 20:30:00 +0000

Congrats to winner Natasha!

Thomas & Friends Hero of the Rails is a movie with the same trains your little ones know and love, but they're brand new and improved. The animation and effects are up to date and the trains actually speak to each other in their own voices, not just George Carlin and Alec Baldwin's!

Here's the movie's plot: Thomas discovers Hiro, an abandoned engine from a faraway land. To keep Hiro from being turned to scrap metal, Thomas rounds up a posse of pals like Gordon, Percy, James and even some new ~~gangbangers~~ engines Victor and Kevin to help Hiro out. Don't worry, they're all very useful engines and no one ends up down by the junkyard.

There's also special features on the DVD like a karaoke music video for your kids to sing along and some interactive trainy games.

Cost: $13.99 on Amazon & eligible for free shipping

Know a kid who's in love with all things choo-choo? Know a parent who's going cuckoo and could use an hour of Thomas as the electric nanny? Leave a comment to win a copy of this DVD!

Giveaway - Barney: Jungle Friends, The Movie (DVD & CD Set)

jessica.mcfadden@gmail.com (JessicaAPISS) — Tue, 08 Sep 2009 20:13:00 +0000

Congrats to winner Kristin D!

Barney, The Movie. These words may strike fear into parents' hearts and joy into toddlers'. Before becoming parents, my husband and I were totally prepared to be anti-Barney. I had lived through my much-younger brother's Barney obsession and blatantly laughed at the earnest, robotic kids on the show.

But then we had our own kids. And Barney was on Sprout. And you know, he's a pretty nice dude. The lessons are all about manners and being kind to one another...and there ain't nothing wrong with that.

So, I give the Barney & Friends™ brand new DVD & CD set Barney™: Jungle Friends two thumbs up. The movie and songs are all about the rainforest with lots of animal fun, not just the usual supsects of Barney, Baby Bop and the yellow one whose name escapes me. The rainforest the dancing dinos and singing smiling kids visit is enchanted, which means the monkeys and other new friends sing and dance too.

There's also special features on the DVD for your older child, like the interactive Safari Match Game, crafts and gardening how-tos. The accompanying CD has all the songs sung on the DVD.

If you have a Barney lover in your family and you've already memorized the entire Barney lexicon, this is the first time new programming has come out with that super-dee-duper purple dinosaur in seven years. That means an entire brand new hour of Barney, never seen before, can be yours. Incredible.

Cost: $9.99 on Amazon & eligible for free shipping

Leave a comment here to be entered in the random drawing for your own copy of this DVD/CD Barney set!

Giveaway - Shaun the Sheep: Little Sheep of Horrors

jessica.mcfadden@gmail.com (JessicaAPISS) — Tue, 08 Sep 2009 00:27:00 +0000

Congrats to Safire of Living in Maryland!

Shaun the Sheep: Little Sheep of Horrors DVD has two things my kids adore

* Halloween themes
* Shaun the Sheep silliness

The conniving sheep from the Wallace & Gromit series have spun off into into own show, and they're even funnier than the original. The flock make mayhem in the barnyard and drive the farmer crazy...and they don't say a word. I love how this series teaches comedic timing to my kids, and gives them the silliness they crave without bathroom humor.

The best episode of the six is "Sheepwalking," in which lead sheep Shaun sleepwalks and of course the rest of the clueless wooly guys follow him. My kids were breathless with laughter.

Cost: $12.49 on Amazon & eligible for free shipping

Leave a comment and I'll draw one winner of the DVD in one week!

Giveaway - HIT Favorites: Trick or Treat Tales

jessica.mcfadden@gmail.com (JessicaAPISS) — Tue, 08 Sep 2009 00:19:00 +0000

Congrats to winner Laura K!

Every day can be Halloween special with this DVD featuring Halloween stories by a ton of preschooler favorites. Bob the Builder, Thomas the Tank Engine, Barney and Friends, Angelina Ballerina, Fireman Sam and Fifi and the Flowertots all get down and ghoulish in HIT Favorites: Trick or Treat Tales.

My son likes anything sort of spooky, so he revisted his old Thomas obsession and enjoyed the Thomas and Friends ghostly adventure. My dancing daughter thought Angelina Ballerina's costume ball episode was lots of fun.

I liked having one hour of Halloween fun on one DVD that can be broken up into small, commercial-free segments to dole out in increments...like trick or treat candy.

Cost: $10.49 on Amazon & eligible for free shipping

Leave a comment and one winner of the DVD will be randomly drawn in one week!

Best Makeup for Moms (or this mom, at least)

jessica.mcfadden@gmail.com (JessicaAPISS) — Mon, 31 Aug 2009 23:25:00 +0000

I wish I could say "I never wear makeup." The truth is, if I'm not wearing even a little bit for any activity other than athletics, that was a decision made purely due to time constraints. In my (wince) mid-thirties, I am finally comfortable admitting that a small amount of tastefully placed makeup product greatly enhances my cuteness factor.

Here are the products that I heartily endorse and personally purchase. No marketing peeps have had any influence at all in these choices and I have not received any free or review products. I've learned to love these items through years of trial and error and credit card bills.

FOUNDATION

Smashbox High Definition Healthy FX Foundation $38 (but lasts forever)

This stuff is super lightweight and doesn't make me look like I'm wearing a thick paste of browny-beige goop. In fact, it makes me look like I'm not wearing a gosh darn thing besides my skin...except my pimples, age spots, undereye circles and red-nosed discolorations have all miraculously vanished. It's an awesome paradox: completely sheer but offers complete coverage. Love love love.

Arbonne f.y.i. Tinted Moisturizer $15

My dear friend Jennifer McGraw introduced me to this ingenious tinted moisturizer from Arbonne that uses all natural, plant-based products. I love how in one squirt it takes care of giving my skin a drink and cleverly covers my imperfections. It's perfect for when I'm in a rush or heading to a super casual what-me-wear-makeup? event.

CONCEALER

Neutrogena Mineral Sheer Concealer Cream + Powder $9.48

I used to pay gosh knows how much for Bobbi Brown concealer cream and powder. Then Neutrogena came out with this copycat stuff that does just as great a job at covering up undereye circles and weird stuff...for a quarter of the price. Since I don't like a super powdery look (too reminiscent of my days as an 8th grade Clean & Clear compact carrier,) the powder that comes with the concealing cream is all I use to control T-zone shine.

BLUSH

Bobbi Brown Blush in Peony $27 (lasts a year at least...unless you seek work as a clown) OK, I may be too cheap to still pony up for Bobbi's concealer, but her blush is worth every penny. The fashion mags say that a clear pink is perfect for all skin tones and that pink is cooler for fall '09 than bronzey shades. And this blush is super-pigmented to last super long. I bought the same Peony blush that's in my makeup bag right now at BlogHer 2008 and there's no hint that it's anywhere close to out - it looks brand new after one year.

EYESHADOW

Almay Intense I-Color Trio $3.49

Three eyeshadow colors - a neutraly taupe, a dark brown or gray for the crease and a third color like bronze or plum for special occasions - all colors chosen to make your personal eye color pop. For $3.49, sign me up. I have two of the sets that are especially for blue eyes, but there's also sets for green and brown-eyed girls too. Great quality makeup and a great deal!

EYELINER

Estee Lauder Artists Eye Pencil in Plum $18.95

So, every penny I saved on the shadow I'm throwing down for the liner, but I swear, this crayony pencil is smear proof and takes about seven years off my eyes. I like the plum color over the brown or black because it looks lighter and more mellow but still defines the peepers.

BROW PENCIL

Maybelline Define-A-Brow Eyebrow Pencil $3.99

It took me ten years to learn that well-groomed eye brows will forgive a multitude of other makeup and getting ready mistakes. With an eyebrow pencil that matches my natural eyebrow color and some concealer, no one has to know how long it's been since I've had them professionally waxed into submission.

MASCARA

LORAC Publicity Stunt Mascara $19
Great name, great mascara. I love how it doesn't clump, doesn't look fake and comes with this cool comb on the end of the wand to make your lashes look even more natural.

LIP STUFF

Trish McEvoy Maxed Out Gloss Kit in Girl Scout $28
Lip gloss and moisturizer are the two things I really can't live without, and having 8 neutral shades at the ready makes me happy. I love and wear every single one of these shades, and each one is more sheer and mellow and easy to pull off than it looks in the picture.

PERFUME

Versace Versense Parfum 1.7 oz for $42.99

It's hard to choose perfume that smells clean and light and unlike a bathroom air freshener. So I walked up to an especially competent looking lady at Saks and told her that I wanted a scent that's fresh and green and smells like newly cut grass. This is what she handed me and I've been smelling non-potty like and pretty ever since.

EYE CREAM

Arbonne NutriMinC® RE9 REpair Corrective Eye Crème $25
Another amazing Arbonne find by my friend and partner-in-crime from frat parties to playdates to room mothering, Jennifer McGraw. Since she turned me on to this stuff, I really believe the fine lines by my eyes are diminished, erasing some of the evil sun damage that came as the special bonus gift with my tan.

FACE WASH

Aveeno Clear Complexion Foaming Cleanser $5.99
My dermatologist recommended this stuff as even better than Cetaphil for acne-prone skin that's dry. God bless her, because I was at my wit's end trying to find something that would control my breakouts but not make my skin feel papery and dried out.

MOISTURIZER

Oil of Olay Beauty Serum for Sensitive Skin $10.34
I can slather my face with this stuff and know that I won't break out. Because I'm at that lucky place in life where I have zits and wrinkles both. Rad.

GIVEAWAY: Max Spaniel, Dinosaur Hunt by David Catrow

jessica.mcfadden@gmail.com (JessicaAPISS) — Tue, 25 Aug 2009 12:48:00 +0000

Congrats to randomly-drawn winners Theresa, Kayla, Barb, Liza & Janie!

Scholastic Books has released a new children's picture book that includes three of the best things in the world, according my children: dogs, dinosaurs and silliness. You see, protagonist and bloodhound Max Spaniel is no ordinary dog, he's a hunter, and his prey of choice is dinosaur bones.

MAX SPANIEL: DINOSAUR HUNTER by David Catrow is a goofy story for family bedtime readalouds and it's sure to grab the attention of beginning readers that need some weird whimsy to get them engaged, or haven't yet graduated to chapter books.

Want to check it out for yourself? You're in

luck - one grand prize APISS-reading winner will receive an autographed hardcover copy of Max Spaniel: Dinosaur Hunter & a jumbo magnifying glass for your kid's own backyard dino hunts. And four runners-up will receive a new copy of the book too!

Leave a comment below if you'd like to be one of the FIVE wonderful winners, and I'll randomly draw the winners in one week!

GIVEAWAY: Bakugan Back-to-School Supplies Pack

jessica.mcfadden@gmail.com (JessicaAPISS) — Mon, 24 Aug 2009 20:13:00 +0000

Congrats to Athena and her sons, the randomly drawn winners of the school supplies!

At my house, obsession has a name, and it is

BAKUGAN.

These toys/trading card game seems to me a hybrid of baseball cards, Transformers, Pokemon and Dungeons & Dragons, and they have thoroughly enthralled my five year old son.

And I have to admit, the anime styling of the graphics, cartoon and toys is pretty darn cool.

Now imagine marrying this Bakugan obsession with Charlie's other fixation: STARTING KINDERGARTEN.

And you have the ingredients of the best giveaway & review ever in his opinion: Bakugan School Supplies.

Charlie (and I) received a fabulous stationery set of Bakugan-themed folders, No. 2 pencils, pencil sharpeners, erasers and notepads. Charlie loved them all. They're decorated with his favorite characters and symbols. I love that these supplies are tastefully designed (no violent themes) with interesting artwork and that they're getting him even more enthused about "big kid real school" and learning.

And the makers of Bakugan - Jazwares - love you readers even more (as well they should): they're giving away to a lucky APISS-reading family a 12 piece Bakugan Stationery Set to assist with your school supply shopping.

The set includes 1 portfolio, 1 notebook, 1 memo pad, 1 ruler, 1 eraser, 1 pencil pouch, 2 pencils, 1 glue stick, 1 sharpener, 1 Scotch tape dispenser and 1 tape roll. All are printed with Bakugan-branded awesome.

To win, simply leave a comment and I'll randomly draw the winner in one week.

GIVEAWAY: Lunchboxes from Cattiwampus!

jessica.mcfadden@gmail.com (JessicaAPISS) — Sun, 23 Aug 2009 16:47:00 +0000

Congrats to Lauren and Carrie, the randomly drawn winners of the lunch boxes!

You many be ready for your crazy kids to head back to elementary and preschool, but are you ready for the frenzied back-to-school shopping for gear? Awesome online children's store Cattiwampus - operated by local mom and daughter team Wendy and Sharon - would like to give to APISS readers two adorable soft-sided lunchboxes!

These lunchboxes/bags by Crocodile Creek have such great graphic design that you don't see everyday (no offense to the lunchboxes dominating the aisles at CVS) and they're made with the safest of materials (there's no lead, PVC or other weird plastics or chemicals to leech into your kids' PB&J.)

Leave a comment to win either the barnyard or flower lunchbox design for your child, and I'll randomly draw the winners in one week.

And be sure to check out all the crazy cute Cattiwampus Back-to-School gear - loads of stuff is marked down 15-20% off to give you guys a hand with your September schoolkid shopping, and more great stuff is on sale and clearance, too.

Emily Osment (from Hannah Montana) Prizepack Giveaway

jessica.mcfadden@gmail.com (JessicaAPISS) — Fri, 21 Aug 2009 21:19:00 +0000

Congrats to Nadia and her daughter, the randomly drawn winners of the prize pack!

Out of all the giveaways I've offered (or, rather the p.r. peeps that love mom blogs have offered), the Hannah Montana stuff has received some of the most excited responses.

And you know how I love to oblige.

This time Hannah's sidekick on the Disney show, Lilly Truscott - real name Emily Osment - is breaking free from Miley's shadow with her new tweeny pop single, All The Way Up.

You can listen to the song on Emily's website, and if you dig it, purchase it at Rhapsody. My kids like its high-energy drive, and I will confess I've been running to it...it's a good fast workout song and sort of Belinda Carlisle-ish.

And in honor of All The Way Up's release, her label Wind-Up Records is giving away to one APISS reader a cool prizepack that contains

An autographed photo from Emily Osment herself
A fan-tastic t-shirt in your child's size
A tote bag to carry around her loot with pride

Know a kid that would be stoked by this stuff? Then just leave a comment below and I'll draw the winner in one week.

YouTube Fads That You Have Already Seen But Just In Case...

jessica.mcfadden@gmail.com (JessicaAPISS) — Tue, 04 Aug 2009 14:55:00 +0000

Jill & Kevin's Wedding Entrance Dance
my professional ringbearer & flower girl kids love this one

Are You F*cking Kidding Me (The Facebook Song)
this one's for the moms only

DC & Silver Spring featured in Chillin by Wale, with Lady Gaga

jessica.mcfadden@gmail.com (JessicaAPISS) — Tue, 21 Jul 2009 20:41:00 +0000

Because there really are a dearth of mainstream hip hop songs that pay homage to the District. I mean, enough with the street shots of Brooklyn and LA. In this one watch for Ben's Chili Bowl and Georgia Avenue, holla!