Momma Findings

Nintendo DS Game Review: IMAGINE ZooKeeper

mommafindings@gmail.com (Sara) — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 14:29:00 +0000

We have discovered a NEW Mom and Daughter activity that has quickly turned into our favorite pastime and that's playing our Nintendo DS together. My daughter isn't your "typical" gamer, however, she DOES love playing video games that fit her personality.

What exactly is that? Well she loves to go shopping, play with Mom's make-up, use her imagination, draw, design, and the list goes on and on. Well, there is one line of games, developed by Ubisoft, that embraces young girls JUST like my Abby girl.

IMAGINE games feature easy-to-follow story lines, fun mini-games, and the ability to share rewards and items with friends. Plus, Imagine video games encourage creativity through character customization and player-created designs!

One of the first games we discovered for the Nintendo DS is IMAGINE Zookeeper:

About the game:

With Imagine Zookeeper, young girls can take care of animal inhabitants in their very own wildlife preserve! Explore the grounds and take inventory of the different species, care for injured animals, and protect the preserve from poachers and pollution!

Features:

Run a Wildlife Reserve- Players can build their own animal preserve while caring for its inhabitants and lead visitors on a fun tour of the park.

Exploration and Knowledge- Explore the preserve and inventory the different species as their individual needs. Girls can even take photographs to document the growth of baby animals!

Rescue- Rescue injured animals and nurse them back to health at the preserve headquarters.

Preserve the Territory- Prevent poachers from entering the preserve and learn to fight pollution to keep the park safe for all animals in Imagine Zookeeper.

What we liked:

• Storyline: My daughter isn't a strong reader, being in Kindergarten, so I sat with her and we read and experienced the storyline of Emily who goes to work on an Wildlife reservation. It's awesome to put a fictional character into the game bringing it to real life with my daughter.

• Mini-Games: I stand by the popularity of mini-games. Children are constantly "on-the-go" and easily distracted. It's awesome that my daughter can play a mini-game, advance further, then put it away to play outside or finish her homework. It keeps them from spending ridiculous amounts of time "gaming".

• Personalization: With each animal your discover and care for, you are able to bring them back to safety, feed them, build a pen for them, AND name them. It's been fun coming up with the perfect name for each of our animal pets. We now have Stripes the Zebra, Sky the Giraffe, and Leon the Lion. You can also personalize your own buildings by choosing the design and color, perfect for those budding architects!

• Skill Level: There is so many missions to accomplish and with each one they get get a little harder. We love this, because our skills are being developed constantly preventing boredom with the game.

• Pet-Ownership: This one is hard to explain, however, we aren't able to have pets in our home, so my daughter has actually developed an affection as owner of each one. I mean, you've taken care of them, fed them, named them so it's only reasonable that they would be yours. It's a great relationship she can enjoy without doing the hard stuff like... *cough cough* cleaning poop with a real pet.

• Excitement: My daughter's excitement increased as she "approached" different wild animals such as the lion or the giraffe in this mini-game:

Using your stylus you can't go too fast or too slow or you'll scare them away. Approach an animal perfectly and you WIN. Not only that, but you're able to pet them! That's the fun part of it all. You have to figure out how and where they like to be pet and you'll earn their acceptance (with hearts of course).

• Automatic Game Save: During different points throughout, your game is automatically saved, which is an awesome feature for us since little brother is constantly interrupting!

Momma Improvements:

• Reading: IMAGINE Zookeeper has an AWESOME storyline, however, there is a LOT of reading involved. It's a perfect option to play with your daughter if her reading level isn't advanced enough. My daughter just turned six in Kindergarten so it's hard to play the game without me to help her read through the captions. A perfect option would be voices that help each character to speak, as opposed or in addition to the captions.

Buy It

IMAGINE Zookeeper can be purchased at the suggested retail prices of $29.99 at Amazon.com or stores such as Target, Toys R Us, and Wal-mart. For more information about the game visit Ubisoft's Parents Corner.

Extend your gaming experience by visiting the all NEW Ubiworld, created just for your IMAGINE, PETZ, and STYLE LAB games.

Thanks to Ubisoft, my daughter and I have thoroughly enjoyed a gaming experience like no other just in time for her birthday last month. Check it out:

Abby opening her IMAGINE Zookeeper DS game!

Momma Findings is working closely with the Ubisoft brand to bring you the LATEST in games both online and off (Ubiworld) through reviews, announcements, giveaways, and MORE! You don't want to miss the events unfolding here for the upcoming Holiday Season!

Mommas....

What are your favorite Mom and Daughter activities?
Do you guys play video games?
If so, which ones do you like?

This post made possible by Ubisoft, who sent us IMAGINE Zookeeper and a Nintendo DSI. Opinions here are solely my own and have not been wavered by the products I received or compensated in any other way.

Make-Ahead Meals for Busy Moms Cookbook Review

mommafindings@gmail.com (Sara) — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 16:32:00 +0000

I'm a busy Mom. With three children, my life is a constant go-go-go. Anything to help me breath during the day is a friend of mine. So, when Jane Doiron asked if I wanted to check out her new Cookbook Make Ahead Meals For Busy Moms, I was eager to jump at the chance.

About the Cookbook:

Jane's goal was to seek out main dish, family-favorite recipes that could be make ahead meals without sacrificing the food’s taste and texture by freezing. After years of home-testing recipes, Jane has compiled this must-have cookbook with specific make-ahead directions. In addition, Jane includes her best recipes for clever side dishes, flavorful appetizers and luscious desserts. Imagine opening your freezer to pick out a family-favorite appetizer, main dish, or dessert, and all you have to do is thaw and heat it!

Make Ahead Meals are:

• Simple to prepare.
• Simple to assemble ahead of schedule.
• Simple to freeze ahead.
• Simple for the whole family to enjoy.

When I received the cookbook, I immediately displayed it in my kitchen for inspiration. You know on the days you're feeling overwhelmed, exhausted, and fit to quit? Yeah, on THOSE days I look over at easy recipes to help me out:

What We Liked:

• Helpful Hints: For someone who doesn't usually "Cook Ahead" or freeze meals, I needed a little direction on how to do it, what to pack it in, etc. Jane's helpful hints give you suggestions on what containers to use, what info to include (directions, date, oven temp), tips for cooking and preparing.

• Categories: Each section is divided in Easy-to-Find categories such as: Appetizers, Breakfast & Brunch (my favorite), Dessert, Main Dishes, Side Dishes, and Soup.

• Easy Step-By-Step Instructions: With each recipes Jane includes what to do a day ahead, how to cook it, and how to freeze it.

• Index: Looking for a particular recipe? Flip to the index and it tells you the exact page to find it on.

• Measurement Equivalents: I'm really unfamiliar with different measurements when it comes to cooking. Jane helps you by converting each from U.S. to Metric along with Weight Conversions.

• Taste: I tried out the Chicken Cannelloni and my family just devoured it!

Momma Improvements

• Kid Options: My children love to cook and Jane has awesome recipes families can cook together, however, I suggest, as a Momma Improvement to have a section dedicated to younger children with fun recipes on children classics. When THEY want to cook they can flip directly to that section, prepare the day before, and after school cook it up!

Honestly, there was really NOTHING I didn't like about this book. Last night, I passed out on my pillow at 8:45pm from exhaustion. Make Ahead Meals for Busy Moms can help me balance time in the kitchen and time to cherish with my children.

So Mommas, after making the Chicken Cannelloni, I'd like to know what recipes/meals do you usually cook ahead? This is all so new to me so inquiring minds want to know!

Buy It

Make Ahead Meals for Busy Moms retails for 12.95 plus shipping and handling. For more information or to make a purchase head over to: www.makeaheadmealsforbusymoms.com.

This post made possible by Jane Doiron, who provided me with the Make Ahead Meals for Busy Moms cookbook of my own. Opinions here are solely my own and have not been wavered or compensated by the products I received.

BlackBerry Visor Mount Speakerphone Review

mommafindings@gmail.com (Sara) — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 19:36:00 +0000

With two Elementary age children, I'm constantly on the go. It's great that we have a wonderful bus driver to bring my children to and from school, however, some days we have to battle the car lane. Some days we're driving THROUGH school zones around town, keeping us from using our cell phones in a school zone.

That's right, On September 1, 2009, a new Texas law went into effect prohibiting the use of a wireless device within a reduced-speed school zone. Cellular phones may be used while the vehicle is stopped in a school zone or with a hands-free device. I'm glad that wireless devices CAN be used to make emergency calls to police, fire, and emergency medical services. I'm not too keen on racking up a $200 fine should I have to make an emergency phone call while in a School Zone, if you know what I mean?

Thanks to BlackBerry, I don't have to worry about hefty fines or cutting my phone call short in a School Zone. I've discovered the new BlackBerry Visor Mount Speakerphone to work with my BlackBerry Storm, keeping me safe and a law abiding Momma.

This device is a hands-free Bluetooth® speakerphone. You can enjoy your BlackBerry smartphone on the road by simply clipping it to your visor and turning it on.

Features

-Music ready: listen to the music on your smartphone through your car's stereo system.

-Works with GPS Mapping Apps: get to where you need to be with turn-by-turn directions.

-Voice Activated Dialing: Hands free calling keeps your hands on the wheel and your eyes on the road.

-Slim Design: Conveniently mounts on your car’s visor and stays out of your way.

-Battery Charge: Up to 13hrs talk time. Use your BlackBerry car charger to charge the device.

-Compatibility: Is compatible with most BlackBerry devices and other BlueTooth enabled phones.

I've got to say, without shame, that I usually don't ever drive and talk on the phone at the same time, not because I'm one of those "Safety First Freaks", but mainly because I simply can't do it. I'll be the FIRST one to tell you I can NOT drive and talk on the phone at the same time. There is noticeable distraction with the phone, kids screaming, traffic coming, that it's a no brainer to just NOT do it.

I tested my BlackBerry Visor Mount Speakerphone while on a trip to Memphis, TN with my husband. We set it up without effort at all. I mean, if you've set up BlueTooth on your phone, you can set this up. It works just like it. In fact, he set it up on HIS phone (not a BlackBerry) first and then tested it with mine. Easy set up for both!

My FAVORITE part of this hands-free device, is that it is voice activated! I can simply push a button on the speakerphone, say, "Call Brian" and VOILA! Of course, I needed to make sure I was saying the correct name because it won't call Brian if I'm saying, "Call Hubby." "Call Sweetie." "Call Love Bug".

I'm all about saving so, the fact that you can use your BlackBerry charger to charge the device is really great! It keeps it simple and I don't have to juggle two different car charges in my over flowing SUV. I mean, I have ENOUGH Hot-Wheels and diapers to mess with in there! I simply clip this to my visor and it's out of site and out of mind until I have to make a call that is.

Another fun feature we enjoyed is being able to play our music from the phone to the car. I have LOADS of my favorite tunes on my phone, even music my children like. So, it's awesome that I can play those with a touch of a button, keeping them happy and entertained until we reach our destination.

Momma Improvements

-Stereo Reception: I found that, while driving, it's hard to keep your radio reception in sync with your Speakerphone. This makes it hard to actually use this device with the speakers of your car, however, I'm happy with using the device alone. You can hear music and phone calls clearly from the speaker on the device.

All in all, this is a perfect way to stay safe while driving and I would recommend this to other parents searching for a way to stay off that cell phone while in School Zones.

Buy It

To learn more or make a purchase head over to ShopBlackBerry.com. The BlackBerry Visor Mount Speakerphone sells for the suggested retail price of $99.99. An investment definitely worth taking to secure your safety on the road.

This post made possible by BlackBerry, who provided us with a Visor Mount Speakerphone of our own. Opinions here are solely my own and have not been wavered or compensated by the products I received.

Electronic Medicine Safe "MedSafe" Review

mommafindings@gmail.com (Sara) — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 23:16:00 +0000

After experiencing the H1N1 Flu Virus, my kitchen counter was over run with Medications. Everything from Children's Acetaminophen to Mucinex, these helped us through a week full of fever, coughs, and runny noses. After the recovery, however, it turned from helpful to dangerous.

My children, ages 7 and under, are old enough that they are apt to grabbing these Meds out of curiosity. Especially susceptible is my 2-year-old son who happens to love the taste of Gummy Vitamins.

What's a Mom to do? Well, we use our Medicine Cabinet in the bathroom, but I also have a safe place to store them in my kitchen cabinets. It still seems necessary to take one more precautionary step to keeping my children safe. The MedSafe, an electronic medicine safe, can help.

About:

In an effort to help parents keep their meds safely secured and their children out of harm’s way, Michael Rebando, a Long Island locksmith of two decades developed an electronic lock-box called MedSafe. Fitting easily into most existing medicine cabinets and holding up to 15 bottles of prescription medicine, the state-of-the-art lock-box features 19,500 changeable combinations and is the perfect tool in keeping potentially harmful meds out of the hands of children. The MedSafe can be easily affixed to the inside of any medicine cabinet with four self-tapping screws included with each unit, and can also be stored in a dresser drawer, kitchen cabinet or closet shelf.

According to a recent report by the CDC, each year in the United States more than 71,000 children age 18 and younger are seen in emergency rooms for unintentional overdoses of prescription and over-the-counter drugs. It also reported that about 1 out of every 180 two-year-olds visits an emergency department for a medication overdose each year.

I'm in shock here folks, 1 out of every 180 2-year-olds is affected by accidental medication overdose. I HAVE a 2-year-old, a very CURIOUS 2-year-old. As a Mother, there is nothing scarier than the potential of overdose. I looked at my kitchen counter, left from the flu, and I knew something needed to change. Meds needed to be locked up and MedSafe could help me to just that.

Let me show you how this "Medicine Lockbox" works:

It looks easy enough, right? It really is! Simply place your Medications into the safe, set your password, and close it up.

What we liked:

Durability: It's made of impact resistant polymer with a state of the art digital lock, so there are no keys for kids to find. It STAYS locked!

Capacity: Holds up to 15 prescription bottles

Easy Installation: It comes with 4 screws to install to a place of your liking or you can simply place it in your kitchen cabinet or dresser, making it easy to take when traveling.

Lock Out Feature: After five incorrect tries, the box locks out for 5 minutes.

Privacy: Now visitors looking in your medicine cabinet won't see what meds you're taking.

Password Combinations: There are 19,500 Changeable Combinations that allow you to easily change and remember your personal password.

Charitable Contribution: A portion of each unit sold will support teen prescription drug abuse awareness programs through non-profits such as D.A.R.E.

The MedSafe, overall, has plenty of positive features that help Mommas, like me, keep their young children safe from medication overdose. Although, we find this product to be exceptional, there are a few Momma Improvements I'd like to point out.

Momma Improvements

Tones: These tones indicate if you've correctly or incorrectly entered the combination, but honestly? They didn't help me. Short beeps, three consecutive beeps, one long beep... it just gets confusing for the user.

Opening the door: The MedSafe comes with a spring loaded door that is supposed to open when the correct password is entered, however, I didn't experience a "spring like" opening. In fact, I had to press the open button really hard in order to open the box.

Inside the box: As I mentioned in my video, there are two compartments that are very short. You can fit your "short" bottles in there, such as prescription drugs, however bigger bottles like cough syrup, known to be abused by teenagers, don't fit as the bottles are too tall.

Malfunction Risk: As with any electronic device, the risk of malfunction always exists. The manufacturer recommends an emergency supply of life saving medication be stored in a separate location. What if you don't have an extra set of meds and it's difficult to get these? I wonder if there could possibly be a "key" function for emergencies such as this?

I've spoken with my 6 and 7-year-old's about the danger of taking medication without Mommy giving it to them and without my consent. My 2-year-old? Well, he doesn't understand, so this is an awesome way to keep him safe and relieve the temptation of my other children wanting to take a few extra vitamins, drink that yummy grape flavored syrup, or see what "Mommy's Medicine" looks like.

Buy It

MedSafe can be purchased "For A Limited Time Only" at the price of $39.95 plus $9.95 Shipping and Handling(Regularly $59.95). Visit www.helpsaveourkids.com to learn more or make a purchase.

This post made possible by MedSafe, who provided us with one MedSafe of our own. Opinions here are solely my own and have not been wavered or compensated by the products I received.

Weil Baby Drinking Cups Review

mommafindings@gmail.com (Sara) — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 12:00:00 +0000

You guys know how important Sippy Cups are to me, right? I mean, there is nothing more aggravating than having my toddler's cup leak into the diaper bag, purse, or, better yet, all over the car seat.

I'm almost positive we've tried every drinking cup out there from the Nuby Flip-It Sports Sipper to the First Years Insulated Sipper with my 2 year old son. So, when we discovered the Weil Baby Drinking cup, I was most intrigued to see how it would work out for us.

About Weil Baby Products:

Weil Baby bottles and sippy cups feature the breakthrough AirWave one-piece venting system, which helps eliminate air bubbles ingested by babies and toddlers, reducing the risk of colic, gas and spit-up. The containers are made of both glass and Tritan, a remarkable clear material that contains no bisphenol A, commonly known as BPA, which may disrupt normal estrogenic activity. Extensive laboratory testing has shown that Tritan is completely EA-free, making the Weil Baby line ultra safe.

We had the opportunity to try the Weil Baby Tritan™ Drinking Cup and felt at ease knowing it is BPA free and sturdy as a rock! These are so uniquely designed to withstand even MY toddler's "Rough and Tumble" ways. It's no surprise because Weil Baby products are made, right here, in the USA. They meet a very high standard of quality, making products that meet control standards with lot-number traceability. Very rare!

What my son loves about the cups are the bright colors and the easy to hold handles. Toddlers are so rough and "fly by the seat of your pants" kinda children and need something to grab onto with their little hands. Weil Baby makes it easy for them to keep hold of their cup! I also love that they come with lids/tops. I cringe at the thought of leaving my son's cup in the diaper bag or purse. There is no telling what germs lie beneath and I feel secure knowing it's protected.

What we liked:

-Durable
-Easy Handle Grips
-BPA Free (yeah!)
-Bright/Fun Colors
-Comes with Lid
-Made in the USA

Momma Improvements:

-Price: We're a one income family of five. It's really hard for me to budget in $9.99+tax for one sippy cup. Understanding the quality of the product, makes me understand that it's worth the money for families on a bigger budget than my own.

-Soft Spout: This helps toddler transition from the bottle to the cup easily, however, since we are passed this stage it became a problem. You see, you have to hold your mouth a certain way (almost baby bottle like) to drink from the Tritan Cup. It was almost like pushing him BACK into baby-hood instead of transitioning him into toddlerhood. My 2-year-old has already mastered the sippy cup with a hard spout and does pretty well with regular cups.

All in all, a great line of products at Weil Baby. The Tritan cup wasn't perfect for our stage of toddlerhood, however, I can see it being perfect for younger children (12mo - 24 mo). Plus, Momma Findings is a BIG supporter of Made in the USA companies such as Label Daddy and now Weil Baby. What a perfect pair because we all understand the importance of labeling our sippy cups, especially if your child has allergies.

Buy It

Weil Baby Tritan Cups can be purchased at select Babies R Us stores and online at WeilBaby.com for the suggested retail price of $9.99. As budget savvy as I am, I've GOTTA let you guys know that you can print a $5.00 off a $15.00 purchase coupon when you visit the official Weil Baby website.

This post made possible by Weil Baby products who provided us with two Tritan Drinking Cups. Opinions here are solely my own and have not been wavered or compensated by the products I received.

Nescafe Taster's Choice Single-Serve Coffee Packets Review

mommafindings@gmail.com (Sara) — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 19:38:00 +0000

If you know me well, you know how I love me some coffee. My children know that as soon as I wake up it's Coffee Time. Before questions are asked, before I help them find their homework, or feed them breakfast, Momma has GOT to have her coffee.

I discovered a unique coffee blend for all you coffee lovers. Now, this is a little different, you might be hesitant, but it's an instant coffee. Simply mix with hot water, and VOILA!

Before I let you guys in on how I, personally, liked these coffee packets, I'm going to let you in on some fun facts about coffee:

Fact: The average U.S. adult drinks 3.4 cups of coffee a day, or about 26 gallons of coffee a year.

Fact: Coffee is the most popular drink worldwide with over 400 billion cups consumed each year.

Fact: The average cup of coffee is $4.00 at a local coffee-house. At three times a week, that's more than $500 annually!

Fact: People who buy coffee primarily at drive through windows on their way to work will spend as much as 45 hours a year waiting in line.

I don't know about you guys, but I don't want to waste my life away waiting in line for a cup of coffee. Imagine how much time (and gas) you could save by making a gourmet cup of coffee at home!

I was asked to try Nescafe Taster's Choice five Gourmet Flavors: Hazelnut, Vanilla, Original, Decaffeinated, and 100% Colombian. The ultimate question being:

What flavor are you today?

Hmmm.... Which flavor shall I choose?

Good question! Today, its rainy, gloomy, and a little cool outside. Coffee is right up my alley and nothing is more comforting than snuggling on the cough with a quilt, a good book, and a hot cup of Hazelnut flavored coffee.

Yup, I said it. Hazelnut is my favorite, mainly for the sheer fact that it is so smooth and the Hazelnut taste isn't overbearing. It gives that perfect hint that makes me feel all warm inside. Now, the Vanilla flavor came in close second because I love my sweetness!

As I mentioned before, I'm a lover of coffee. I like to smell the coffee brewing in the pot, I love to smell it when I open the bag. To be honest? I wasn't sure I would get the full effect by using a single packet of instant coffee. Something about pouring hot water INTO the blend that struck me as .... well nontraditional.

Is that okay?

DEFINITELY!

The taste isn't any more different than if it was brewed out of the pot. With some of the flavors, like the Colombian, you can still enjoy the aroma of brewed coffee in your cup. What I like, is how simple it is. I mean, all you have to do is pick your flavor, pour a hot cup of water, and stir. Well, if you're like me I gotta add in some creamer. It's so simple, convenient, and there aren't messy coffee filters and grounds to deal with.

These are convienent to carry in your purse, diaper bag, or weekend trips! The Holiday's are coming so don't rule out Taster's Choice for your gift giving needs.

Momma Improvement

I've gotta say there is one Momma Improvement I have to mention. The Original flavor took longer to blend than all the others. Not sure the difference in texture or substance that made it this way for me, but it eventually blended fine after a few minutes. All the other flavors blend instantly!

Buy It

Nescafe Taster's Choice Single-Serve Packets are available in the coffee section of supermarkets nationwide for the suggested retail price of $3.49 for a 22 count box. Very Affordable!

For more information head over to TastersChoice.com.

This post made possible by Nescafe Taster's Choice who provided us with a Coffee Break Kit. Opinions here are solely my own and have not been wavered or compensated by the products I received.

Momma Findings Has H1N1 Flu Virus

mommafindings@gmail.com (Sara) — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 21:40:00 +0000

Yup.

We're THAT family.

The family who has H1N1.

It's actually really tolerable after the first day or so. For tips on how we're handling it head over to My Sippy Cup Runneth Over.

That being said, Momma Findings updates, reviews, and giveaways will be on hold for a few days, possibly an entire week as we get through this. But you guys know me, now I'm on a mission to find all the products that help families, like mine, get through such a virus.

I'm talking Meds, Remedies, Fun Games (to keep kids busy in bed), Recipes, etc. I'm also not ruling out products to help in disinfecting your home afterwards. Any product that fights the flu virus, we want to know about. Be on the lookout for our reviews of these products as soon as we recover.

Until then, keep those hands washed, surfaces cleaned, and coughing in your arm instead of your hands.

My Little Pony: Twinkle Wish Adventure DVD Review & Giveaway

mommafindings@gmail.com (Sara) — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 13:00:00 +0000

Yesterday, I told you guys how much I enjoyed playing Hungry, Hungry, Hippo when I was a young girl. Today, more childhood memories creep into my brain with My Little Pony.

There is something magical and dreamy about these sweet Ponies, don't you think? Now you can share that magic with your family with their New DVD My Little Pony: Twinkle Wish Adventure.

About the Movie:

All the ponies can’t wait for the Winter Wishes festival where the Wishing Star grants each pony one special wish. But when the Wishing Star disappears, they go on a journey to find it. But will they make it back in time for the festival? Join Pinkie Pie and all her pony friends on their journey as they discover that friendship can make wishes come true!

Features:

-New animated short "Elefun and Friends"
-The "Waiting for the Winter Wishes Festival" prequel
-Six Sing-Along Songs

-My Little Pony Theme Song
-The Thing-A-Ma-Do Song
-Dreams Do Come True
-Somewhere Super new
-That's What Makes a Friend
-A Wonderful Winter Song
-Four Fun Activities

-Coloring Sheet
-Pony Note to Santa
-How to Make a Snowman
-Cut-Out Pony Ornaments

Thanks to Hasbro and SHOUT! Factory, we received a copy of our own Twinkle Wish Adventure! It's really amazing seeing your OWN daughter fall in love with My Little Pony as you did as a little girl.

"Mom! They are SO beautiful!"

I must admit, the movie portrayed those ponies in the same light as I saw them as a child: Colorful, Animated, Fun-Loving, Sweet, and Magical! My 2-year-old son even sat to see what all the "Girly Fun" was all about!

One thing I appreciate is the classic animation of the movie. It's perfect the way it is and really brings out the fact that My Little Pony has been around for years bringing girls, of all ages, smiles time and time again.

Winter and Christmas are right around the corner, why not print out My Little Pony coloring sheets, invite some friends over, and curl up on the couch with Hot Chocolate and some giggle time!?

This post made possible by Hasbro and SHOUT! Factory, who provided us with a copy of My Little Pony: Twinkle Wish Adventure. Opinions here are solely my own and have not been wavered or compensated.

Buy It

My Little Pony: Twinkle Wish Adventure hits stores today, October 13th, at stores such as Target and Toys R Us, for the suggested retail price of $14.99. Be on the lookout for a special coupon attached to help you save money on additional Pony purchases.

WIN IT!

I wouldn't brag about how awesome this DVD is, without giving all of you out there a chance to win it, would I?! Hasbro and SHOUT!Factory have given me an extra copy to giveaway to one lucky Momma Findings reader!

How to Enter:

Required Entry

Share a special memory you have with your favorite childhood toy. Lately, my memories have stirred up with Hungry, Hungry Hippo, Snow White, and now My Little Pony. What's yours?

Extra Entry Options

- 3 Extra Entries Blog about how you and your daughter spend quality time together. Do you guys watch movies like Twinkle Wish Adventure?? Link back to this post and MyLittlePony.com.

- Sign up to be an email subscriber right there on the right side

- Follow Momma Findings and My Sippy Cup Runneth Over (my personal blog)

- Follow me on Twitter (@Sarann) and send out a Tweet linking to this contest

- Follow Momma Findings on Facebook

- Add the Momma Findings button to your blog/site sidebar

Contest starts today October 14th - October 24th Midnight Central Time and open to US residents only. Leave each entry in separate comments. You don't have to be a blogger to enter, but please leave a valid email address for contact purposes.

CONTEST HAS NOW ENDED

Congrats Gracie! Please check your inbox on how to claim your prize!

Elefun and Friends: Scatterpillar Scramble & Giraffalaff Limbo Review and Giveaway

mommafindings@gmail.com (Sara) — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 22:26:00 +0000

We like to have fun at our house.

When I say fun, I mean we play games, we have dance-offs, and we laugh a LOT. My family of five, is always looking to try new games whether that be on the Wii, Nintendo DS, or a good ole' fashion board game.

When I was introduced to the latest additions to the Elefun & Friends collection from Hasbro, I flipped! Right away, I knew my kids, ages 7, 5, and 2 would have a GIRAFFALAFF LIMBO blast being silly on game night.

About the Games

Giraffalaff Limbo

The crazy new game of "how low can you go?" Spin the dial to try one of the 6 limbo styles: classic limbo, crab walk, crawl, giraffe walk, bend forward or backward. The game´s built-in sound will play an encouraging song as preschoolers try not to bump into Giraffalaff. If he´s knocked over, he´ll roll on the floor in laughter. The player that passes under Giraffalaff at the lowest level wins.

Scatterpillar Scramble

Kids will do their best to balance marbles in the hands of one very wiggly caterpillar. Kids will have fun dancing along to the music with Scatterpillar in this fast-paced marble game. The first player to securely place all 8 marbles in Scatterpillar´s hands wins. SCATTERPILLAR SCRAMBLE was named the 2009 Preschool Game of the Year by Creative Child Magazine.

Since I was a young girl, Hungry Hungry Hippo has been a favorite game of mine. There's something about gobbling up those marbles that makes my little heart race! Thanks to My Blog Spark, we had the chance to try out Scatterpillar Scramble and Giraffalaff Limbo!

Right away we had a blast with Giraffalaff Limbo. It reminds me a lot of Chicken Limbo, which we also own. Of course, if you have competitive children, like I do, get ready for fits of frustration when the knock the Giraffalaff. What we really liked about this game, as opposed to Chicken Limbo is the fact that the game makers have taken this to a WHOLE other level. Instead of simply "limbo-ing" underneath you have 6 different "styles" to choose from. Our favorite is the crab walk. I mean, you can't help but laugh when you're trying to walk like a crab! This game definitely brought out the laughter and silliness in us, even my toddler. I love games that everyone can play even the youngest in the group.

Scatterpillar Scramble topped the night off. I told you those little marbles gets my heart racing! Well, it did the same with my daughter as her anxious voice wondered if she could balance as well as her brother.

This game took longer than Giraffalaff Limbo, however, it was good to "slow down" after all that crab walking. This is wonderful to develop hand-eye coordination while having fun. As a Momma tip, use the inside arms of the caterpillar for younger children. My daughter had a hard time with the outside arms. Definitely one to pull out at game night, according to my 7-year-old-son.

Momma Improvements

Although, we had a blast playing these games as a family, I have a few Momma Improvements to point out.

Choking Hazard- I'm all about having fun, but small marbles, in Scatterpillar Scramble, pose a choking hazard for young children. For my family, it's not a problem because my children are not allowed to take games out of the game closet without first asking me. I always make a point to play along with them, however, my fear is my toddler could grab up a marble and mistake it as candy. Keep a watchful eye if you have younger children and small pets.

Pace of the Game- Scatterpillar Scramble is a fairly fast paced game. Now, for my 7 year old that's what makes it fun, but my 5-year-old had a harder time keeping up which led to lots of frustration. Made for a good discussion about what good sportsmanship is and how patience is always key for games such as this. Practice makes perfect.

All in all, we loved getting our silly side out for the night and would definitely recommend these games, especially since Christmas is RIGHT around the corner.

But the fun doesn´t stop with the games! My Blog Spark, informed me that kids can also experience the fantasy world of Elefun & Friends online by visiting www.elefunandfriends.com and entering the special code that can be found inside each Elefun & Friends game box. Once the code is entered, kids can access The Tangled Tale, an Elefun & Friends animated short. This entertaining tale features Elefun on an adventure to untangle a kite string, which ultimately leads him to the true meaning of friendship. The Elefun & Friends online experience also lets kids play games and sing along to songs like "Friends´ til the End" and "Follow that String" that help remind children of the importance of fun and play!

This post made possible by My Blog Spark and Hasbro who provided us with Scatterpillar Scramble and Giraffalaff Limbo. My opinion is solely my own and has not been wavered or compensated.

Buy It

Giraffalaff Limbo retails for $29.99. Scatterpillar Scramble retails for $19.99. Both can be purchased online at the Hasbro Toy Store, Amazon.com, or your local Toy Store.

Click HERE to download a printable coupon for $4 off any Elefun & Friends game! This valuable coupon offer is valid until December 31, but it´s only available for download through October 31, so be sure to encourage your readers to print theirs off today!

WIN IT!

One lucky Momma Findings reader will win an Elefun and Friends Gift pack with the following:

- Scatterpillar Scramble
- Giraffalaff Limbo

How to Enter:

Required Entry

Share a silly, active playtime together moment you've experienced with your family.

Extra Entry Options

- 3 Extra Entries Blog about what kind of games you guys play on Game Night in your house. Link back to this post.

- Sign up to be an email subscriber right there on the right side

- Follow Momma Findings and My Sippy Cup Runneth Over (my personal blog)

- Follow me on Twitter (@Sarann) and send out a Tweet linking to this contest

- Follow Momma Findings on Facebook

- Add the Momma Findings button to your blog/site sidebar

Contest starts today October 13th - October 23rd Midnight Central Time and open to US residents only. Leave each entry in separate comments. You don't have to be a blogger to enter, but please leave a valid email address for contact purposes.

Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs Diamond Edition Review

mommafindings@gmail.com (Sara) — Sun, 11 Oct 2009 14:53:00 +0000

I have a few Disney favorites that I just love watching: Beauty and the Beast, The Little Mermaid, and my ALL time favorite, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs.

The excitement has hit our house as I remembered the younger days of wanting to be a Princess and the present day, where I'm a mother TO a Princess. In fact, that same Princess turns 6 years old on Monday and I'm trying to remember where the days have gone. To celebrate her Birthday Weekend and the release of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs Diamond Edition (Two-Disc Blue Ray/DVD Combo), we curled up in front of the couch to watch a Disney Classic.

What is the Diamond Edition?

Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs: Diamond Edition includes a Blu-ray disc and a DVD in one package! You can enjoy the incredible high definition experience of Blu-ray at home, and use the DVD in the kids' room, in the car, or on your computer. Disney Blu-ray Combo Packs are the perfect way to start your Blu-ray collection!

Not only will you get the classic tale of Snow White in this 2-disc special, it comes with plenty of extras:

•First time ever in High Definition 7.1 sound

•All new music video!

•Disneyview - Expanded viewing experience

•Disney Family Plan – games for everyone to enjoy

•Backstage Disney – go behind the scenes of this legendary tale

•Classic Bonus features include Dopey’s Wild Mine Ride Game, Karaoke Sing A Long, and so much more

What is Disney Blu-Ray?

The revolutionary new Diamond Edition provides the highest-level viewing experience, unprecedented value, quality, and versatility with the exceptional picture and sound of Blu-ray and the extended utility of DVD. Upgrading to Blu-ray offers you technology on more scratch resistant and kid-proof discs and Blu-ray players play both Blu-ray discs and your favorite DVDs.

Fun Fact

-Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs has been unavailable in any form, since 2001. And now, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs Blu-ray becomes the ultimate home entertainment experience with state-of-the-art picture restoration and a pristine 7.1 Digital Theater System Hi-Def Surround Sound.

Wow! I didn't know that Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs has been unavailable since 2001! I think I took it for granted because we still have a VCR that we use for our kids viewing. When we wanted to watch Snow White we popped in the old school VHS.

While we watched, I could tell, right away, how pristine the picture was. It really POPS out and is comparable to Newer Disney movies. Not only that, but you receive the DVD and the Blu-Ray Disc. I can't tell you how many times we take a movie in the car, while traveling, and we forget it, lose it, or scratch it. It's nice to know that we can have our own Blu-Ray copy at home for instances such as this.

We had a blast at all the fun extras! My daughters favorite game? The Jewel Jumble! In this interactive game, you put jewels from the Dwarfs mine in order to win. Who knew you could have so much fun on Movie night?!

Do you guys REALLY want to know my favorite part about this combo pack?! Seeing my toddler, 2-years-old, experience the magic of "Classic Disney". He's never seen this movie and, by the end of the day, he was singing, "Hi Ho! Hi Ho! It's off to work I go!"

Now, THAT'S Magic!

Buy It

Purchase your Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs Diamond Edition where DVDS are sold for a suggested retail price of $39.99, but I've got the scoop! Amazon.com is now selling it for only $19.99! You know how I like great deals!!

If you already own Snow White on VHS or DVD, like we do, click here to grab a $10 off coupon for the new Diamond Edition Combo Pack! Offer is only good until October 20, but starting this fall Disney will introduce their Blu-ray Upgrade program so you will be able to upgrade other Disney titles in your library too!

For more information, check out all that Disney Blu-ray offers to enhance your family's entertainment and the official Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs Diamond Edition website.

This post made possible by the One2One Network who provided us with a copy of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs Diamond Edition. My opinion is solely my own and has not been wavered or compensated.

Michael Bublé Crazy Love Review & Giveaway

mommafindings@gmail.com (Sara) — Fri, 09 Oct 2009 15:16:00 +0000

I absolutely love Michael Bublé and thrilled that his new album, Crazy Love! released today, October 9th. You guys remember my review of his DVD at Madison Square Garden, right?!

This new album features two original songs along with an original take on 11 standards from various eras. The first single, Haven't Met You Yet was co-written by Bublé and additional tunes on the album include Cry Me a River, You're Nobody Till Somebody Loves You, and Georgia On My Mind. The really cool part is the title song is a cover of the Van Morrison gem Crazy Love.

Album Tracklisting:

1. Cry Me A River
2. All Of Me
3. Georgia On My Mind
4. Crazy Love
5. Haven't Met You Yet
6. All I Do Is Dream Of You
7. Hold On
8. Heartache Tonight
9. You're Nobody Till Somebody Loves You
10. Baby (You've Got What It Takes)
11. At This Moment
12. Stardust
13. Whatever It Takes (bonus track)

Thanks to the One2One Network, I got the chance to take a listen, before it hit stores! Crazy Love took me into a relaxing state of mind, then with an instant, a smile streaked across my face as I heard him sing, "Georgia On My Mind". I just love Ray Charles and I absolutely adored his version of a classic. His voice is so passionate! My Momma moments are very rare, but when they come I can arm myself with bubble bath, candles, and Michael Bublé's Crazy Love.

Buy It

You can purchase your own version of Crazy Love at Amazon.com. Suggested retail price is 18.98, however, Amazon has it for 9.99, SWEET! Learn more at the Official Michael Bublé Website.

WIN IT!

As part of the One2One Network, I've got a copy of Crazy Love for one lucky Momma Findings reader.

How to Enter:

Required Entry

Tell me, in the comment section, what kind of music you listen to when you relax.

Extra Entry Options

- 3 Extra Entries Blog about your relaxation time and how you incorporate music into your home. Link back to this post.

- Sign up to be an email subscriber right there on the right side

- Follow Momma Findings and My Sippy Cup Runneth Over (my personal blog)

- Follow me on Twitter (@Sarann) and send out a Tweet linking to this contest

- Follow Momma Findings on Facebook

- Add the Momma Findings button to your blog/site sidebar

Contest starts today October 9th - October 21st Midnight Central Time and open to US residents only. Leave each entry in separate comments. You don't have to be a blogger to enter, but please leave a valid email address for contact purposes.

Battle Your Way to the "Top" with Battle Strikers Review & Giveaway

mommafindings@gmail.com (Sara) — Thu, 08 Oct 2009 07:00:00 +0000

Lately, my 7-year-old son is all about the "Fighting Moves". He'll do a Karate Kick in the air, form his hands into blades, and "Hi Yah!" with his voice so serious like. He's learning about the world around him, discovering ways to act tough, but, most importantly, having fun while he does it.

We, as parents, take this opportunity to teach him about competition. Whether playing a game or running a race, there is a sense of pride in competing against other people. With this, comes self confidence, perseverance, and a strong sense of accomplishment.

There is one HOT Toy hitting shelves that does just that:

Battle Strikers Tournament Set

About the game:

Tournament Set is the ultimate Battle Strikers battling playset...experience the turbo power of next generation battling tops with Battle Strikers Turbo Tops by MagNext. Say goodbye to spinning tops of the past and make way for Battle Strikers, the ultimate kid-controlled spinning top battling system!

The Controllers give you precise fingertip control, and fit both left and right hands. Power up your Battle Strikers Turbo Launchers, load them up with Turbine and Mauler Strikers, launching them onto the arena for fast and furious battles! Accelerate your Strikers at 6300 RPM and feel the magnetic power as you use your Controllers to command the battle. (3 AA batteries required)

Included:

* 2 motorized Turbo Launchers

* 2 Magnetic Controllers

* Exclusive Turbine and Mauler Strikers with themed medallion and unique components design

* Battle arena

My friends at MegaBrands, gave Momma Findings and exclusive look at the Hottest Toy for boys this year. Check it out:

I'll refrain from posting a picture of ALL the Reload Strikers they ACTUALLY sent us, due to me not wanting to create feelings of jealousy (just kidding).

Battle Strikers takes on a Classic Toy, "The Top", and recreates it into a magnetic showdown! My son absolutely went bonkers at the thought of "battling" Daddy with magnetic tops. Being we're a little on the Geeky Science side, it was right up our alley as we discussed how our fingertips are able to control each top and the best way to, ultimately, defeat our component.

Even Momma, "A GIRL" (as my son puts it), had a great time launching my top, battling to the finish! My striker of choice?

Skullor

He didn't fair too well, against my son's Eagle Strike, but I definitely had fun playing. That's one thing I love about Battle Strikers, you can build and customize your own unique top!

As the one that ends up cleaning after Game Night, I appreciate the fact that there isn't much left over. Once the tops are assembled you really have nothing to worry about except gathering the arena, controllers, and tops and saving it for the next night of battle. SWEET!

Momma Improvements

I have a few things I, personally, have issues with. My 7-year-old son found nothing he DIDN'T like about this toy, but you know us Mommas, always on the safe side.

Choking Hazard- With each top comes small pieces of plastic and/or metal balls. This poses an issue with me around young children, like my 2-year-old. He can easily put this in his mouth which creates a choking hazard. Of course, we fix this problem by merely building the tops together, making sure all pieces are accounted for, and our little one is safe. Keep a good eye until each top is built or when/if it comes a part.

Assembly- I mentioned above I like that there really is no set-up or take down to this game. The arena is fully built, however, the tops are not. We love the ability to create a unique, one of a kind, top, but it was a little difficult to get all the pieces to fit in the first time around. Once we built 2 or 3 we got the hang of it pretty well and couldn't wait to open another box to rebuild.

The men in my life, Dad and Son, have gone absolutely crazy over this
spinning top battle system, with added caution around younger children, this is definitely one of the top toys for the 2009 Christmas season!

Buy It

Battle Strikers Tournament Set can be purchased at Target or Amazon.com for a suggested retail price of $39.99. Reload Strikers can be purchased separately for $4.99.

WIN IT!

Thanks to MegaBrands, two lucky Momma Findings readers will one (1)One Battle Strikers package which will include:

-Battle Strikers Tournament Set
-Addition Strikers

How to Enter:

Required Entry

Tell me, in the comment section, what you think of this new twist on the classic toy top. What do you like most about it?

Extra Entry Options

- 3 Extra Entries Blog about your children's favorite toys and what their wish list looks like this year. Link back to this post.

- Sign up to be an email subscriber right there on the right side

- Follow Momma Findings and My Sippy Cup Runneth Over (my personal blog)

- Follow me on Twitter (@Sarann) and send out a Tweet linking to this contest

- Follow Momma Findings on Facebook

- Add the Momma Findings button to your blog/site sidebar

Contest starts today October 8th - October 19th Midnight Central Time and open to US residents only. Leave each entry in separate comments. You don't have to be a blogger to enter, but please leave a valid email address for contact purposes.

**Editorial Correction** I mentioned each striker had a magnetic ball, but learned it's a metal ball, not magnetic at all. Each striker has various tips that are either metal or plastic.

NEW Febreze Home Collection Review & Giveaway

mommafindings@gmail.com (Sara) — Wed, 07 Oct 2009 05:00:00 +0000

I have three small children ages 7 and under.

I have a husband who's job revolves around chemicals such as gas and oil.

Do I have to tell you how much I count on room sprays, candles, and deodorizers in my home? For this reason, I've always counted on Febreze to help me out on the home front. Can you imagine my excitement when I realized that Febreze has an all NEW Home Collection?!

Thanks to P&G and My Blog Spark, I received this sweet box in the mail this week:

Jaw Dropping.

In this NEW Collection you can choose from Scented Reed Diffusers, Flameless Luminaries, Soy Blend Candles, and Room Sprays all in different scents such as:

-Cranberry Pear (my personal favorite)
-Willow Blossom
-Green Tea Citrus
-Pomegranate Mango

I've, personally, tried every product in the box I received. Right away. My favorite, thus far, HAS to be the Flameless Luminaries. This is a safe alternative to candles, especially around children. You can enjoy the "look" and smell of a flamed candle without risking the kids getting a hold of it and burning themselves. In addition, it's battery operated and turns off by itself after 4 hours, but why would you want to do that? I love keeping it on all day!

The bedroom, in my honest opinion, should always be a place of peace and relaxation. You should walk in your room and, right away, feel you can "recharge" there. I've tried to limit knick knacks, television (especially), and computers in our bedroom. I mentioned above that the Cranberry Pear scent is my favorite in the Febreze Home Collection line of products due to the crisp smell it brings into the room. It's so soothing against the Flameless Luminary which definitely makes it easy for me to rest and retreat.

Not only are the scents amazing, but the look of each product coordinates with each other with a wood base or top (excluding the room spray). The Reed Diffusers look stylish next to family pictures, while the Soy Blend Candles, light up your rooms with a contemporary stylish feel. It also burns very smoothly without leaving lots of soot on the glass or leftover wax on the sides of the holder.

I'm definitely hooked on these products and already making plans to make baskets for of the NEW Febreze Home Collection products for Christmas presents, however, I do have one Momma Improvement.

Momma Improvement

Scent- The smells are amazing, but a little strong. Well, not all of them, but the Green Tea Citrus scent can be overpowering when you first use it with your luminary. I suggest using it in a good sized room with the door open for the first hour. I closed the door and when I returned the whole room seemed overpowered by the scent. I didn't experience this with other scents though or products in the collection.

Buy It

To purchase products in the New Febreze Home Collection line you can head over to your local Wal-mart or look online at Amazon.com.

To learn more about the products visit: Febreze Website

WIN IT!

Thanks to My Blog Spark, one lucky Momma Findings reader will win a $20.00 Gift Card to Walmart to purchase your OWN Febreze Home Collection products!

How to Enter:

Required Entry

Tell me, in the comment section, how you would use Febreze Home Collection products in your home? What room would you "spruce" up and why?

Extra Entry Options

- Blog about how you keep your house smelling good and link back to this post

- Sign up to be an email subscriber right there on the right side

- Follow Momma Findings and My Sippy Cup Runneth Over (my personal blog)

- Follow me on Twitter (@Sarann) and send out a Tweet linking to this contest

- Follow Momma Findings on Facebook

Contest starts today October 7th - October 15th Midnight Central Time and open to US residents only. You don't have to be a blogger to enter, but please leave a valid email address for contact purposes.

Review made possible by:

This product review was based on using complimentary Febreze Home Collection products provided by P&G. P&G does not represent or warrant the accuracy of any statements or product claims made here, nor does it endorse any opinions expressed with this blogsite.

CONTEST HAS NOW ENDED

Congrats Celeste R.!! Please check your inbox on how to claim your prize.

Wateroos Water-Filled Drink Boxes Review

mommafindings@gmail.com (Sara) — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 05:00:00 +0000

Wow.

As I was shopping at my local HEB Grocery Store, I came across, what I thought, was a perfect drink option for my children. Finally, I found water in the convenience of a drink box. Genius!

-No Sugar
-No Sweeteners
-No Artificial Ingredients

Wateroos

This "Water In a Box" comes in a variety of flavors such as: Original Purified Water, Apple, Grape, and Berry. Being that I liked the price, I grabbed them up!

One thing I really liked, first off, was the packaging. It screams fun with cool characters displayed and it didn't take me long to convince my daughter either, who's my "hardcore water drinker". She usually sprinkles a 1/4 packet of the Propel powder packets, to give it JUST a little taste.

Another feature is the fact that it's in a drink box! This is so easy to carry in your purse, take to ball games, and limits any spills from regular cups. I'm all about giving my children healthy options, so the fact that it's not filled with extra sugar and artificial flavoring is perfect.

My husband, who just HAD to try these too, mentioned he likes that it comes in a "Man Box". When I say "Man Box" it's exceptionally bigger than most Juice Boxes with 8 ounces of drink. Really great for those thirsty kids playing outside!

Momma Improvements

As we returned home, my children couldn't wait to get their hands on a "Water Box". As they sipped from the straw, it took about 3 seconds for them to spit it back out................ All three of them.

BUST

Yes, these water filled boxes are great in theory, but I've got one BIG Momma Improvement.

TASTE! When I purchase a drink that reads: Grape, Apple, or Berry, well, I expect it to have a hint of that flavoring. I tasted the two flavors we bought (Berry and Apple) and it tasted like old water with a cardboard aftertaste.

I really try not to be so hard on products we try, however, this particular product really missed the mark. Don't believe me?

A week later, my 3 year old nephew comes over. He BEGS for this "Drink Box" and I explained to him I didn't think he'd like it, but he just gave me those puppy dog eyes and BEGGED. So, I gave in. Three seconds later he drops it on the floor and says, "That's not right. It's not right."

Wateroos is definitely a great, healthy, option for children, however, it doesn't work for my family when my three children (ages 2, 5, and 7) won't drink it. Even my Sister-In-Law came over with the packs of Wateroos she bought asking if we want them.

Wow.

Wanna Try It?

I bought ours at our local HEB Grocery store, 2 Six Packs for $5.00, but you can click here for a store near you.

Daisy Fuentes Pilates Wii Game Review

mommafindings@gmail.com (Sara) — Mon, 05 Oct 2009 14:17:00 +0000

My sister texted me the other day to tell me of a great membership deal at our local Fitness Gym. With three children, it's really difficult for me to justify paying membership for a gym when I don't think I'll have time to actually go. My workout time usually revolves around when the kids are sleeping, which makes games like Daisy Fuentes Pilates a perfect fit for me.

The great folks at Sega, asked me if I'd like to try this new and innovative Wii game and I jumped at the chance!

About the Game:

Whether you're brand new to Pilates or a Pilates enthusiast looking for a new way to keep track of your workout progress, Daisy Fuentes Pilates provides a fun and easy way to combine the core-strengthening intensity of Pilates with the fun of the Wii. With the help of Daisy Fuentes, you can learn basic Pilates exercises, take your workout from Beginner to Advanced and even track your fitness results. Plus, compatibility with the Wii Balance Board adds even more dimension to your workout.

Key Game Features:

* Ten Pilates routines – There are five pre-set routines and five that players can customize. The routines are primarily targeted to those who are new to Pilates, though there is plenty of room for people to progress into more challenging levels.

* Customizable workouts – Once players become familiar with all 10 core-strengthening exercise routines at the Beginner level, they can move up to Intermediate and Advanced routines.

* Players track fitness results – Players will be able to monitor their score and exercise results in five-day increments. They will be rated on the total amount of exercises completed or by how well they performed the individual exercises.

* Health and fitness tips – Daisy Fuentes’ useful exercise and healthy diet tips keep players motivated.

* Select English or Spanish – in-game commentary from Daisy Fuentes.

About Daisy Fuentes Fitness Routines:

The invigorating Daisy Fuentes Pilates experience features 10 fitness routines, including five preset routines and five customizable routines. You will progress from Beginner to Intermediate or Advanced as your Pilates mastery grows, and monitor your score and exercise results over five days to check on how well you've performed and how many exercises you've completed. In addition, a variety of exercise and diet tips from Daisy Fuentes help you maintain healthful behaviors in all aspects of your life.

What did I think?

Well, I'm a big Wii Fit fan so, right away, I'm excited at the thought of exercising while having fun. A few years ago, I was taking a Pilates class regularly and the toning of my body was amazing!

Daisy Fuentes Pilates is the FIRST Pilates game for the Wii console and, right away, there are a few key features I really love. The English and Spanish mode is geared for a variety of bilingual speaking families. I'm Hispanic and a lot of my family are fluent Spanish speakers. This game doesn't limit you with a language barrier, awesome!

The fact that this Pilates Wii Game is compatible with and without the Wii balance board is great. You have lots of exercises to choose from if you do not own a board. This gives you the chance to try the game and once you get some practice in, you can decide whether or not you'd like to take it to the next level by purchasing the balance board.

The ability to customize programs for YOU, with instant feed back takes this game beyond traditional workout DVDS. You can work out at YOUR pace without over doing it. Daisy has an virtual "office" where you can receive diet and exercise tips to better help you on your "Toning Journey".

Daisy Fuentes Pilates take you to another place, literally. You can choose where you want to workout! Travel to the quiet ocean waves of the beach or tranquility of meditation room.

Momma Improvements

There are a few Momma Improvements I'd like to touch on for a moment.

Real-time Feedback- Some instances it wasn't reading my "movements". I adjusted the sensor bar and it did help a bit, however, I couldn't get the "timing" of each exercise very well. As I mentioned before, I'm experienced at Pilates, but not an expert. So, with practice I might be able to get the "timing" down pat.

No rewards- When I say no rewards, I don't mean personal rewards. I mean, you're definitely getting the reward of a good workout and toning of your body, but you don't have any game rewards. With other Wii fitness games, you can "unlock" different games as a reward for working out for an extended period of time or doing particularly well at a certain exercise. This doesn't give you those extra perks.

Daisy's Clothes- I felt like this was unnecessary, but you can go in and change Daisy's workout clothes from pants to shorts or pink to purple. It would be great to incorporate a Mii of my own into the game with my own workout clothes. It's fun to see a virtual replica of yourself.

I'll tell you what though, although I would make a few changes to the game itself, it gave me a good workout! The next morning my abs and leg muscles were sore and as each day progressed I got incredibly stronger and was able to do the exercises better. This is a great way to incorporate Pilates into your workout routine, even if it's just for a few minutes a day.

Buy It

To purchase Daisy Fuentes Pilates head over to Amazon.com. Suggested retail price is 29.95, however, Amazon has marked it down to 17.79!! Great deal!

To learn more about the game check out the tutorial video below and visit the Daisy Fuentes Pilates website.

Easy and Healthy Lunch Solutions with Earthbound Farm

mommafindings@gmail.com (Sara) — Tue, 29 Sep 2009 12:40:00 +0000

I'm a busy Mom.

When I say busy I mean, Mom of a 2nd Grader, Kindergartner, and Toddler. Need I say more? Throw in Elementary morning chaos, toddler storytime, and Cub Scouts and I'm begging for healthy and easy snack options for the family. If I'm not careful, the kids (and myself) will snack on sugary snacks just for the convenience.

That's where Earthbound Farm organic foods come into play.

With a wide variety of healthy foods such as:

* Organic Apple Slices – These fresh, crunchy apple slices are the perfect size and ready to eat. (5 2oz bags for $3.99)

* Organic Mini-Peeled Carrots snack pack – (10 2oz bags for $2.99)

* Organic Carrot Dippers with Ranch Dressing – This perfect combination will help sneak in that serving of veggies at lunch (3 packs for $2.89)

* Grab & Go Salads: Caesar Salad, Mixed Baby Greens or Baby Spinach Kits ($3.69 a box and includes salad, dressing, topping, fork and the clamshell package can be used as a bowl)

* Organic Raisin snack packs – A sweet treat in a little box (6 1.5oz boxes for $2.99)

My friends at Earthbound Farm were nice enough to let me try some of these snacks. We tried the Carrot Snack Packs and Apple Slices. Can I just tell you how it made me feel, as a parent, to know that I'm feeding my children healthy snacks?

The day we received them my children arrived home from school just famished! When they asked for a snack I opened the fridge and they instantly picked the apples and carrots. The apples were crisp and fresh and the carrots didn't disappoint with their crunchy sweetness.

So, these are definitely healthy, but what I like most about them is how convenient they make it. My toddler doesn't give me a lot of time when he knows we're off to the park or a playdate. So, as he tugs on my arm, I'm going crazy trying to get our "To-Go" bag ready: diapers, wipes, water bottles, and snacks. I was able to throw in the apple slices and it made for a perfect snack after hours playing on the swings.

Momma Improvement

I know most of you guys struggle with buying Organic Foods mainly due to the increased price. These days we're trying to save money where we can, but Earthbound Farm has some really reasonable prices (listed above). Yes, they are a bit more than your regular store brand products, however, their quality is outstanding. If I could put a Momma Improvement on these products, I'd simply have a more competitive price and offer MORE coupons to consumers.

Myra Goodman, author of Food to Live By: The Earthbound Farm Cookbook, was asked if there is a cost difference between organic and conventional foods and she definitely shed some light on how the price is determined:

"Cost differences between organic and conventional foods vary by product and season. Some items, like organic salads, typically have a small cost difference, usually less than 20%. On the other hand, organic meat and dairy products—especially butter and cheese—are generally still expensive when compared to their conventional counterparts."

Buy It

You can buy your Earthbound Farm foods at stores such as Walmart, Super Target, or click here for a retailer near you.

Food to Live By, the essential cookbook for everyone who cares about what they eat, is now available at Amazon.com, the Earthbound online store, or wherever books are sold.

WIN IT!

One lucky Momma Findings reader will win Myra Goodman's Foods to Live By: The Earthbound Cookbook and an Earthbound Farm reusable bag.

How to Enter:

Required Entry

Head over to the Earthbound Farm product page and check out all their healthy food options. Come back here and tell me which you'd most like to try and why.

(1) Extra Entry Options

- Blog about how you keep YOUR family healthy and link back here

- Sign up to be an email subscriber right there on the right side

- Follow Momma Findings and My Sippy Cup Runneth Over (my personal blog)

- Follow me on Twitter (@Sarann) and send out a Tweet linking to this contest

- Follow Momma Findings on Facebook

Contest starts today September 29th - October 6th Midnight Central Time and open to US residents only. You don't have to be a blogger to enter, but please leave a valid email address for contact purposes.

**CONTEST HAS NOW ENDED**

Congrats to Winner: tamben7996

Please check your inbox on how to claim your prize

The Zula Patrol DVD Review

mommafindings@gmail.com (Sara) — Mon, 28 Sep 2009 14:45:00 +0000

We love discovering new Children's Shows at my house. As a parent, I've seen TV bring out humor, personality, and the relaxation with my children. Of course, we limit HOW much we watch, but we never limit how much fun we can have while doing it.

We get up and dance, we laugh till our bellies hurt, and we talk about the lessons we discover throughout each show. So, we were thrilled when we were asked to review:

The Zula Patrol

We're big Saturday morning loungers. There's nothing better than having a relaxing day after a long hard week of early mornings at school. The Zula Patrol will be on our radar being that it airs Saturday mornings on NBC, as part of QUBO.

My second grader is a big Math and Science Buff so this was right up his alley as he learned about interesting Science and Astronomy facts.

About The Zula Patrol DVD:

The Zula Patrol: Moons Mayhemfollows the intrepid team from Zula in six humor-filled stories that begin with a challenge, and end with a resolution, as they explore the fascinating, often volatile world of moons. The episodes include: Moon Struck, Blue Moon, Going Through a Phase, Moons Mayhem, Three Ring Gorga and Me, Myself and Io. It’s non-stop lunar adventure for The Zula Patrol, as they as they rescue a turbulent Venus, who is on a quest to acquire a moon of her own; discover the many moons of Jupiter during Jupiterfest; explore the composition of the surface of Earth’s moon; help save Bula from an awful Were-Mouse curse, and thwart Dark Truder’s nefarious plan to steal all the moons within the solar system.

In The Zula Patrol: Animal Adventures in Space!, the team explores how insects, reptiles, mammals, plants and rocks form and interact with each other. In Larvae or Leave Me(the first episode), Skip the grasshopper can’t find his friend Wriggly the caterpillar – until he discovers, with help from The Zula Patrol, that Wriggly has transformed into a beautiful butterfly! Four additional stories on the DVD are: Egg Hunt, There Goes the Neighborhood, Choosing Sides and Camp Worm. No job is too big for The Zula Patrol, as they search for stolen frog eggs, help restore life to a canyon ecosystem, solve the mystery of the missing honey, and tunnel through dirt with their worm comrades to help the trees grow – and end up thwarting a threatened “alien invasion” from another planet.

You know what we enjoyed most of all, besides learning about Science and Astronomy? The theme song! I guess, it was more me, than my children, but the theme song reminds me of The Jetsons. Do you guys remember that show?

In addition to fun learning from the DVD, cool activities and games await you at www.Zulaworld.com! Check out some of the features you'll find:

- After entering each others’ spaceships with a “secret handshake,” kids can test each others’ skills in a multi-player Tic-Tac-Toe game.

- A multi-player Bumper Ship game will provide all the fun of an amusement park ride deep in outer space!

- Just in time for school, kids will be able to chart their ZulaWorld.com activities in an On-line Journal.

- AND MORE!!!!

Momma Improvements

There IS one thing I want to point out about the DVDS, which is kinda obvious. This show is all about aliens. Now, I can't say how much my 2 year old was not quite receptive at first. He called them monsters, hid behind me, and even asked to turn off..... that is till he realized brother and sister were laughing and enjoying it.

Once he realized they are FRIENDLY aliens, kinda like the monsters of Sesame Street, he felt more comfortable. Now, he actually brings me the DVD to watch!

Also, ZulaWorld.com is geared for older children ages 6-10yrs while the DVDS are geared for younger preschool children. I'll be the first to say when my children were 4 they knew their way around the computer, so it would be great to see age appropriate games to include them as well.

Watch it

You can watch the The Zula Patrol on NBC/QUBO on Saturday mornings or buy your own Zula DVDS at their online store for $12.98 a piece.

WIN IT!

One lucky reader will win their very own set of The Zula Patrol DVDS which include:

-The Zula Patrol: Animal Adventures in Space
-The Zula Patrol: Moons Mayhem

How to Enter:

Required Entry

Tell me, in the comment section, what your Saturday mornings look like? Do you watch Saturday morning television? If so, what do you watch?

(1) Extra Entry Options

- Blog about your Saturday Morning routine and link back to this post

- Sign up to be an email subscriber right there on the right side

- Follow Momma Findings and My Sippy Cup Runneth Over (my personal blog)

- Follow me on Twitter (@Sarann) and send out a Tweet linking to this contest

- Follow Momma Findings on Facebook

Contest starts today September 28th - October 5th Midnight Central Time and open to US residents only. You don't have to be a blogger to enter, but please leave a valid email address for contact purposes.

**CONTEST HAS NOW ENDED**

Congrats to Winner: justicecw

Please check your inbox for instructions on how you claim your prize.

NEW Trident Layers Gum Review

mommafindings@gmail.com (Sara) — Fri, 25 Sep 2009 22:50:00 +0000

Okay, I'll say it. I'm a big "Gum Chewer". In fact, I usually have more than one pack in my purse. My children know, all too well, that they'll always find the newest and tastiest gum just by digging in my over sized purse. They'll just have to push the Pull Ups and Hot Wheels out of the way.

Did you guys know that there's a new gum in town?

Trident Layers

About the Gum:

Trident Layers™ is the biggest innovation for Trident® since 2005, when it launched Trident Splash®! Trident Layers™ is made with real fruit flavor for an unbelievable taste experience! It has three distinct and visible colored layers that make it as great tasting as it is fun to look at.

Trident Layers is:

-Less than 5 calories per piece
-Sugar Free
-The First "Gumwich"
-Comes in: Wild Strawberry & Tangy Citrus and Green Apple & Golden Pineapple

My friends at Trident sent me a few packs to try out and I'm going to tell you something that'll blow your mind. Ready? The UPS guy rang my doorbell. As SOON as I opened the glass door I smelled something fruity... THROUGH THE PACKAGE!

That being said, the smell is irresistible! I got to try both flavors, sharing with both my husband and the neighbors. The response I got from them?

"It's Good."

Me: "But what do you think about it?"

"Well. It's Good."

You can't REALLY describe a piece of gum in too many words except. Good. The really cool part about that, is that's all you HAVE to say. Trident Layers is tasty, kind of addicting (my husband stole my apple pack and carries it in his pocket), and really just fun. I mean, have you ever had a Gum Sandwich before?!

What I've always liked about Trident Gum is the size. Sometimes, I just need to throw a piece in my pocket for later and Trident is small enough to do that, without bulking my pocket. Check out how small each piece is:

I hate to admit it, but my teeth aren't as strong and healthy as they once were. After having three babies, they've taken a toll. So, I was glad that Trident Layers is small and soft for me to chew. My teeth cringe at the thought of chewing into a gums like RainBlo or Bubbalicious.

Trident Layers comes in a sleek package. If I were in a grocery store waiting in the checkout lane, I'd probably pick this one up over a few others. I really like the extra punch that the middle layer provides.

Momma Improvements

Along with all my "Likes" there are a few Momma Improvements I'd like to point out.

-The middle layer is quite sticky. It will stick to the wrapper as you unwrap it. Just a minor mess in my opinion and does nothing to the form of the gum itself.

-The artificial sweetener is definitely apparent in the taste. I, personally, could taste it and it overwhelmed the other flavors such as: Citrus, Apple, Strawberry, etc.

Wanna Buy it?

Look for Trident in your local grocery store and mass merchandisers such as Walmart and Target. Make sure and print your .75 off Trident coupon before you buy!

Have a Monster Bash With Wow! Wow! Wubbzy! GIVEAWAY

mommafindings@gmail.com (Sara) — Fri, 25 Sep 2009 18:00:00 +0000

Halloween has always been one of my favorite Holidays. My children love all that comes with it, apple bobbing, pumpkin patches, and trick-or-treating. We don't usually go the scary route with movies, bloody costumes, or haunted houses, but we do love us some Halloween fun with our favorite characters on Nick, Disney, and PBS. One in particular has been playing over and over in our DVD player:

Trick or Treat! It's a Wubbzy Monster Bash!

New DVD Arrives in Stores September 8th

About the DVD:

Wow! Wow! Everybody! Grab your kookiest costume and head on down to Wuzzleburg for some ghoulish fun in the all-new 70 minute Halloween DVD Wow! Wow! Wubbzy!: Wubbzy Goes Boo! On September 8, watch as Wubbzy, Widget and Walden clean up a crazy mess with Moo Moo’s magic wand, learn how not to be afraid of monsters, use the Monster Masher 300, pick the perfect pumpkin, and create the spookiest Halloween costume of all.

Featuring amazing glitter o-card packaging and available for the suggested retail price of $16.98, Wubbzy Goes Boo! includes singing, dancing, trick or treating and kickity-kick ball, plus plenty of positive values like creativity, patience and responsibility. It’s all here in the Emmy winning Nick Jr./NOGGIN hit that’s so much fun it’s scary!

Wubbzy has also been honored by Dr. Toy’s Top 10 DVD’s, iParenting Media Awards, The Dove Foundation® and NAPPA (National Association of Parenting Publications Awards).

Wow! Wow! Wubbzy! Wubbzy Goes Boo! features six great episodes:

Wubbzy’s Magical Mess Up- When Moo Moo the Magician asks Wubbzy to watch his magical wand, Wubbzy loses control and soon monkeys, elephants and kickity-kick balls are running wild! When he returns, establishing order, Wubbzy promises to practice more before he tries any more magic.

Tea for Three- Wubbzy decides to throw a tea party, but he doesn’t know how. Widget builds a tea-party machine, the Tea Time 3000, to make sandwiches and tea, but it malfunctions and does everything wrong. They’re afraid the Tea Party was a disaster, but Wubbzy has been having a great time, and that’s what a tea party is all about!

Monster Madness- Wubbzy gets scared by a TV show and starts seeing monsters everywhere! Widget builds a Monster Masher to take care of any monsters, but soon she starts seeing monsters too! They rush to Walden’s house and Walden takes out his flashlight to show them that all the monsters they saw were just ordinary objects in the dark.

The Last Leaf- Walden is collecting leaves, and he’s waiting patiently for the last leaf to fall off the Old Figgity-Fig Tree. Wubbzy and Widget would rather play in the leaf pile. When they return, they find Walden fast asleep! And here comes that last leaf! As the wind takes it away, Wubbzy and Widget are left to chase the errant leaf all over Wuzzleburg.

The Ghost of Wuzzleburg- It’s the Halloween party at the Wubb Club, and Wubbzy builds his own scary costume out of junk and scares the party guests. While he’s hiding, he notices a ghost sheet floating all by itself. It’s a real ghost! Then the sheet falls off and we see that it was only Birdy-Bird. Birdy-Bird wins for Scariest Costume, and Wubbzy wins – for Most Scared Person!

March of the Pumpkins- Wubbzy wants to find the biggest pumpkin, so he can be named Pumpkin King. But Walden and Widget warn him, look out for the real Pumpkin King! Before Wubbzy can get a pumpkin, the Pumpkin King catches them. Luckily he turns out to be a great guy, and he gives Wubbzy and Daizy a ride back to the Festival just in time for the Big March!

DVD extras on the new release include coloring and activity sheets and Sneak Peaks. We were lucky enough to receive a free copy to review before it hit stores and my children have watched it so much, I can probably tell you every word. We printed out a few of the coloring and activity sheets which has given them loads of stuff to do alongside watching the DVD.

Buy It

Available for the suggested retail price of $16.98, you can find yours at stores such as Target or online at Amazon.

WIN IT!

Two lucky readers will win their very own Wubbzy Goes Boo! DVD.

How to Enter:

Required Entry

Tell me, in the comment section, what kind of Halloween fun you guys have. Parties? Movies? What are you looking forward to the most this Halloween?

(1) Extra Entry Options

- Blog about this Giveaway by linking back to this post

- Sign up to be an email subscriber right there on the right side

- Follow Momma Findings and the Label Daddy Blog (A company blog I help run) on Google/Blogger

- Add the Momma Findings button to your blog sidebar

- Follow me on Twitter (Sarann) and send out a Tweet linking to this contest

- Add me to your Technorati Favs list

- Follow Momma Findings on Facebook

Contest starts today September 25th - October 3rd Midnight Central Time and open to US residents only. You don't have to be a blogger to enter, but please leave a valid email address for contact purposes.

CONTEST HAS NOW ENDED- Winners: Congrats! Sew it Up Julie and Ms Coffee! Please check your inbox to claim your prize.

Looney Tunes Helps Kids Eat Right

mommafindings@gmail.com (Sara) — Thu, 24 Sep 2009 16:49:00 +0000

For the last few months, my children and I have gone over, just about everything, that is "acceptable" for their lunchboxes:

What they'll eat
What they WON'T eat
What is easy to open
What makes a mess
What gets mushy before lunch time, ETC.

I've gotten tons of feedback from the perfect resource... my children. So, when Team Mom contacted me to review the new Warner Bros.' Looney Tunes food line from Safeway, I was all for it! Check out some of the cool drinks and food you'll find in this exclusive Safeway line:

This product line feature more than 60 items across 18 categories including breakfast foods, produce, portable meals, dairy, snacks, beverages, and frozen entrees. The Eating Right Kids line has been formulated to standards based on the most recent dietary recommendations and regulations from several federal and state agencies. In addition to partnering with Safeway for Eating Right Kids, Warner Bros. Consumer Products has taken the extra step of clearing retail shelves of the majority of foods featuring Looney Tunes that do not meet a "better-for-you" standard.

Did You Know? Eating Right Kids is an offshoot of Safeway's Eating Right line for adults. This is really cool, because they've recognized that it's important to have the convenience as well as the nutrition when it comes to children. This initiative was highlighted by the Federal Trade Commission for its ability to have a positive impact on childhood obesity.

We, personally, tried the fruit cups, Apple Juice, Chewy Bars, and the pasta, all of which my 2 year old loved. The microwavable pasta comes in a really large container which was split with my 5 year old. This is a plus for me... two meals for the price of one! Also, with so many options from Waffles to frozen food, your children won't get bored with the same thing over and over again.

So, what do your kids like to have packed in THEIR lunchbox? Some of our favorites are:

Baby Carrots with Ranch Dressing
Apples with Caramel Dipping Sauce
Lunchables
Hot Dogs
Left Over Pizza
Apple Sauce
Frozen GoGurt
Trail Mix (without the nuts)

I'm a Mom who wants the kids to look forward to their lunch box food, but at the same time stay on the line of healthy nutrition. Warner Bros. Looney Tunes line of Eating Right Kids helps families do just that.

Buy It

You can purchase your own Looney Tunes Eating Right Kids products at Safeway stores throughout US and Canada.

Dan Zanes New DVD Debuts Today!

mommafindings@gmail.com (Sara) — Wed, 23 Sep 2009 18:33:00 +0000

There is one thing about my house that my children have grown to love and that's music. From Christian, Country, Pop, and Children's music, we absolutely adore our time jamming out to tunes while cooking and playing.

This week I'm especially excited about the new Dan Zanes DVD, which debuts today, September 22nd, in stores.

About the DVD:

The Fine Friends Are Here! is Zanes and Friends’ first DVD in over four years. The DVD showcases what the band’s trademark rollicking concerts are all about and allows kids and fans alike to participate in the wildly popular and regularly sold out experience. This concert performance of the band’s favorite songs was shot on location at The Jalopy Theatre in Red Hook, Brooklyn this past winter and features well-known songs from across the Zanes and Friends catalog including “Let’s Shake,” “Wabash Cannonball,” “El Canario” and “Catch That Train!,” among others. Two special guests join the band at the show: spoken word artist Caridad de la Luz a.k.a. La Bruja raps on “The Welcome Table” and is featured in the video for “Pollito Chicken” while break dancer David Alan a.k.a. Cyclone appears on “Jump Up” and “Walking the Dog.” The DVD also contains three new music videos for the songs “Wonder Wheel,” “Pollito Chicken” and “Night Owl.”

Dan Zanes and Friends’ The Fine Friends Are Here Track List:

Let’s Shake
Fine Friends
Wabash Cannonball
Water For the Elephants
Jump Up (with David Alan a.k.a. Cyclone)
Cape Cod Girls
El Canario
The Welcome Table (with Caridad de la Luz a.k.a. La Bruja)
Thrift Shop
Monkey’s Wedding
Catch That Train
Colas
Walking the Dog (with David Alan a.k.a. Cyclone)

Music Videos:
Wonder Wheel
Pollito Chicken (with Caridad de la Luz a.k.a. La Bruja)
Night Owl

I was lucky enough to check out this new DVD before it hit stores. My toddler and I got our snacks and "dancing shoes" ready just last weekend. With all the cool songs to listen to, my 2 year old wanted to hear Pollito Chicken over and over again. I guess, since he hear Spanish from his Grandparents he thought it was really really cool. This will definitely be a rainy day must at our house!

Buy it

To make a purchase go to visit DanZanes.com. DVD retails for 15.00 plus shipping and handling.

WIN IT!

Two lucky readers will win their very own Dan Zanes DVD!

How to Enter:

Required Entry

Tell me, in the comment section, what you listen to with your children. Rock? Pop? Children's Artists?

(1) Extra Entry Options

- Blog about this Giveaway by linking back to this post

- Sign up to be an email subscriber right there on the right side

- Follow Momma Findings and the Label Daddy Blog (A company blog I help run) on Google/Blogger

- Add the Momma Findings button to your blog sidebar

- Follow me on Twitter (Sarann) and send out a Tweet linking to this contest

- Add me to your Technorati Favs list

- Follow Momma Findings on Facebook

Contest starts today September 23th - October 1st Midnight Central Time and open to US residents only. You don't have to be a blogger to enter, but please leave a valid email address for contact purposes.

**CONTEST HAS NOW ENDED**

Congrats to winners:

-Jessica P
-Audrey Lang

Please check your inbox for how to claim your prize.

Family Fun with Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey

mommafindings@gmail.com (Sara) — Sun, 13 Sep 2009 19:53:00 +0000

Warm and sunny days will soon be far behind us soon since the 2009-2010 school year started. Before I know it the leaves will be changing color and the cool crisp air will blow in, just in time for those Friday Night High School Football games.

Now that we've moved back to Texas from Tennessee, we're on the lookout for fun, family friendly outings.

Thanks to Mom Central, I've found the perfect option for families of all ages! Feld Entertainment's Ringling Bros and Barnum & Bailey® live performances provide edge-of-your-seat entertainment for the young and young at heart. Also, Feld Entertainment has created savings offers available by using customer codes for the Mom Central community. These offers enable us to create lifetime memories experiencing the excitement of Ringling Bros. with our families!

While each touring edition of Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey is different, all feature amazing Asian elephants, fascinating tigers, family fun and so many thrills that you will be on the edge of your seat all night!

To enhance your night at the circus, you get two experiences in one. The All Access Pre-Show begins an hour before show time, live on the circus floor. The Pre-Show provides the opportunity for kids to interact with performers, try on costumes, and get up close and personal at The Greatest Show On Earth.

Last year, I helped Mom Central spread the word about Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey, however, we have YET to attend an event due to the location of our home. This year, we live near Houston and is definitely on our list for a fun family adventure!

Mom Central is excited to extend the following special family offers should your plans include Ringling Bros. & Barnum and Bailey; look for the box marked "MC Promotion" when purchasing tickets:

Offer #1: Get 4 tickets for just $44 by entering the code "MOM" at select ticketing channels. Offer good on all weekday performances, which includes all weekday evening and Friday matinee performances; minimum purchase of 4 tickets required; additional tickets above 4 can be purchased at $11 each.

Offer #2: All weekend performance tickets will be $4 off the original price.

Offer #3: Get the best Circus Celebrity, Front Row and VIP seats available – We have reserved seats in these sections just for you! Enter the code MOM. No discounts available on these sections.

* Not valid on Circus CelebritySM, Front Row or VIP seats and may not be combined with other offers including special Opening Night pricing. Other fees may apply.

The above offers are good in the following cities:

Denver: September 30 – October 11, 2009
Boston: October 14-18, 2009
St. Louis: October 15-18, 2009
Cleveland: October 21-26, 2009
Rosemont/Chicago: November 5 – 29, 2009 *available for purchase on Sept. 8. 2009
Auburn Hills: November 18-22, 2009
Charlotte: January 27-31, 2010 *available for purchase on Sept. 12, 2009
Atlanta: February 12-21, 2010 *available for purchase on Sept. 12, 2009
Cincinnati: March 10-14, 2010 *available for purchase on Sept. 21, 2009
Dayton: April 29 – May 2, 2010 *available for purchase on Sept. 21, 2009

Shows coming this fall & winter:

Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey® Presents Over The Top: An all-new live entertainment extravaganza featuring the ultimate tug of war between Ringmaster Chuck Wagner and clown eccentric Tom Dougherty over a magical top hat that controls the circus.

Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey® Presents ZING ZANG ZOOM®: Through the mystery of magic and the mastery of skill, audiences will be spellbound as Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey® Presents ZING ZANG ZOOM®, a thrill-filled, mind-blowing circus spectacular where family fun is no illusion.

To learn more about Ringling Bros and Barnum & Bailey shows touring the country this year and to find shows in your area, visit the Ringling site. And don't forget to use the special discount code when purchasing tickets online!

I wrote this review while participating in a blog campaign by Mom Central on behalf of Feld Entertainment. Mom Central sent me a gift card to thank me for taking the time to participate.

Green Lunch Packing with ReUsies

mommafindings@gmail.com (Sara) — Fri, 11 Sep 2009 00:11:00 +0000

With two little ones in Elementary this year, packing lunch is a daily chore. When they aren't buying, I'm packing. With sandwiches, snacks, veggies, and fruit, we go though a lot of ziploc bags.

I discovered a way to keep your cost low and help the environment all at the same time!

ReUsies

ReUsies, are a reusable alternative to plastic sandwich and snack bags. Each bag comes in different sizes and designs. Our favorite designs are the Flower Chain design and the Baseball themed bag.

If you think about it, a typical lunch box contains at least three plastic bags. That's close to 1,000 bags per year, PER PERSON! I got a little "schooling" from the Moms who invented ReUsies on how this impacts the environment and how WE can help:

Impact

-Plastic bags make up over 10% of debris found on US Coastlines.

-Every plastic bag we use will be around for centuries, long after our children outgrow their lunchboxes.

-Each plastic bag takes over 1,000 years to break down. Plastic bags do not biodegrade, they photodegrade whereby over time they breakdown into smaller, more toxic petropolymers.

-Less than 1% of plastic bags are recycled. It costs more to recycle a plastic bag than to produce a new one.

Solution

-By taxing plastic bags with a “plastax” many countries and some US cities are reducing consumption. Ireland has decreased their reliance on plastic bags by 90% after imposing these new taxes!

-Purchasing alternatives to plastic bags. Each ReUsies™ has the potential to eliminate hundreds of plastic bags.

Our friends at ReUsies, were kind enough to send over two bags for my family to review. We received both the snack and sandwich sized bags and were immediately impressed with how these are made. They are very lightweight, colorful, and SO easy to clean! ReUsies are 100% cotton lined with leak-resistant nylon and are secured with velcro closures.

I love how much room your sandwhich and/or snacks have. The ReUsie Sandwich bag can hold a typical "grown up" sandwich or large bagel. When I packed my daughter's lunch, her sandwich slid right in and closed securely. In addition, my kids were ecstatic that the bags are so easy to open too! There's nothing like a hungry child in the cafeteria struggling to open their lunch!

Momma Improvements

There is one Momma Improvement I'd like to mention:

Closure: Although the velcro DOES keep each bag close securely, there is no seal to keep from air seeping in. Although this isn't a big deal to me, my husband thought it would take some getting used to knowing food was not air sealed in.

On that note, I absolutely love the whole concept of ReUsies. The kids love all the fun colors, you save money, and help the environment all at the same time. That is TOTALLY cool in my book!

Buy It

You can purchase your own ReUsies bag by visiting: www.reusies.com. Prices vary from $6.75 for snack size and $8.75 for sandwich size. Through September 30th, join in on their Back to School special by using coupon code SCHOOL for free shipping!

Snuggle Time with Bear Hugs and Little Monkeys GIVEAWAY

mommafindings@gmail.com (Sara) — Wed, 09 Sep 2009 05:05:00 +0000

There is nothing better than snuggling under the sheets with a good book and a sweet child. My children absolutely love story time and my toddler quickly learned how comforting and fun it can be, all at the same time.

In April, we let all of you know about the release of the New Sandra Magsamen book Welcome, Little One. Well, today we want to let you know about two new books in her line of Messages of the Heart.

My Little Monkey & Little Bear Hugs are the newest additions to Sandra Magsamen's award winning Snuggle-Me Stories series.

Featuring a small fleece blanket with an attached plush monkey and teddy bear, babies and loved ones will love to read and play along with the sweet rhyming story, which delivers heartfelt sentiments of love. With playful words and illustrations, these titles are sure to become a favorite for cozy shared lap time reading.

My family was lucky enough to receive these two titles and without me even opening the package, I knew my toddler would be thrilled. He walks and travels with Sandra's Welcome Little One Book and that, in itself, is a challenge because of the size and weight of it. He tucks it in between his arms as if it was a football!

My Little Monkey and Little Bear Hugs are absolutely adorable and come with a small soft token your little one can carry around. If he's anything like my toddler it'll come in handy during travel time. What I really liked about these particular books are the size. They are small enough for little hands to read in the car seat or carry around in their tiny backpacks.

Along with the size, I also dig the price! Retailing for $8.99 you can't go wrong with these hardback books. They come with a matching plush toys and they are built to last trips and even the wear & tear a toddler can bring!

A little about the author

Sandra Magsamen is an artist, mom, author of Living Artfully and creator of the Messages From the Heart brand. She designs gifts and ideas that encourage us to live with heart. Sandra Magsamen lives artfully with her family in the Maryland town in which she grew up. Please visit her online at www.sandramagsamen.com.

Buy it

To make a purchase go to Amazon.com. Books retail for $8.99 + shipping and handling.

WIN IT!

Two lucky readers will win one book set that includes the following:

My Little Monkey Book
Little Bear Hugs Book

How to Enter:
Required Entry

Tell me in the comment section how you make story time special in your home. Do you have a special book you like to reader? Or a special spot?

(1) Extra Entry Options

- Blog about this Giveaway by linking back to this post

- Sign up to be an email subscriber right there on the right side

- Follow Momma Findings and the Label Daddy Blog (A company blog I help run) on Google/Blogger

- Add the Momma Findings button to your blog sidebar

- Follow me on Twitter (Sarann) and send out a Tweet linking to this contest

- Add me to your Technorati Favs list

- Follow Momma Findings on Facebook

Contest starts today September 9th - September 23rd Midnight Central Time and open to US residents only. You don't have to be a blogger to enter, but please leave a valid email address for contact purposes.

*CONTEST HAS NOW CLOSED*

Congrats to winners:

-Laura (lewales)

-Mail 4 Rosey

Please check your inbox on how to claim your prize

PBS Kids Speaks Dog with Martha Speaks

mommafindings@gmail.com (Sara) — Tue, 08 Sep 2009 15:49:00 +0000

The 2009-2010 School year has begun and, this year, I've sent two of my children to the joys of the hallways. What does that mean for me at home? Well, it means quality time with the Toddler.

My 2-year-old will have Momma all to himself where we can do some fun cooking, craft time, walks around the park, and relax time to our favorite shows! With all of their educational TV shows, we are BIG fans of PBS Kids.

On Monday, September 14 (check local listings), the hit animated PBS Kids series, Martha Speaks, premieres its second season with “Martha’s Chair,” an episode that puts a value on “décor by dog” and has kids learning appraiser-worthy words, including antique, donate, and valuable.

Here's a sneak peek inside the episode:

In “Martha’s Chair”, Martha’s well-meaning family celebrates her birthday by replacing her favorite napping chair with a brand-spanking-new dog bed, and now Martha can’t sleep! Helen (Martha’s human companion) and her friends finally locate the chair at neighbor Mrs. Demson’s house, but Mrs. Demson has spotted a valuable look-alike while watching ANTIQUES ROADSHOW and hopes to make a fortune with her bargain purchase (don’t we all?). Is it too late for Martha’s chair? ROADSHOW appraiser Noel Barrett lends his likeness to the episode.

Lucky for us, our friends at PBS sent us a screener of the this episode. We enjoyed some relaxation time over the Labor Day weekend laughing and eating popcorn.

Martha Speaks on PBS Kids is based on the books by best-selling children’s author Susan Meddaugh about a family dog that develops the gift of human speech after eating alphabet soup (the letters go up to brain instead of down to her belly). The mission of the animated children’s series is to encourage and increase children’s oral vocabulary. Author/illustrator Meddaugh was inspired to write about her family’s dog Martha (yes, there was a real Martha!) when her young son wondered aloud over lunch — a bowl of alphabet soup — what would happen if Martha ate the soup, too. Would she speak? Meddaugh decided she would, and the Martha character was born! Isn't that so cool?! A REAL Martha?!

Click here to learn more about this working mom’s inspiring story. Also, don't forget to visit http://pbskids.org/martha/ to check out fun games, print outs, and video clips of the show!

We are definitely keeping this cool dog on our watch list, but what about you guys? What are YOUR favorite shows?