Friday, October 30, 2009

Decorate your home with PartyLite (review & BIG GIVEAWAY)

Have you heard of PartyLite? PartyLite has such fun, stylish, and decorative products for your home, or to give as gifts. I have so much fun looking through their products, and finding things for my "wish list." I have hosted a PartyLite party in my home years ago, I think over 10 years ago. It is really fun to host a party, because not only is it a great excuse to have friends over and see great candle products, you get to earn free product, too! PartyLite recently sent me a few of their products for review, and I was impressed! I ordered the Couture Hearthside Candle Holder. This set is a great display on our fireplace, and it is made to last through a few seasons. This set has magnetic pieces that are interchangeable. Each side has a panel that you can switch from three designs: Pumpkin, Couture, and Snow Flakes. Winters in MN last a LONG time, so I know that we will display the Snow Flake one mostly. I like that this set is fitting with most decor and is of quality design. The Courture Hearthside Candle holder is made with black metal, and stands about a foot tall and about 2 foot long. I have set my candle holder on our table as a center piece, as well. This set would look great on a mantle or on an entry way table, as well. The Courture Hearthside Candle holder will display 5 pillar or ball candles. I received 5 pillar candles to display in the Hearthside Candle holder. I love that you can mix up the candle selection for your Courture Hearthside Candle holder. This set is $139.95 (with two sets of panels) and $89.95 (for one set of panels). Candles sold separately and vary in price range.
PartyLite started in the early 1900's by Mabel Baker, a school teacher. She crafted her own candles from Bayberries, and worked toward making her hobby into a business. The company, PartyLite Gifts, Inc. started with just three people. PartyLite developed into a company where women could sell the products individually, making this business one of personal relationships.
"Today, PartyLite Consultants number over 68,000 around the world. And what began as a single line of bayberry candles has expanded to an extensive selection of top-quality home fragrances and accents with 100 or more new products each year."
I am very happy with my new Hearthside Candle holder from PartyLite. I had also received a few tea light candles and a Tea Light Candle holder. PartyLite has so many options to chose from to bring a great ambiance to your home.

Would you like to have a chance to win the Courture Heartside Candle Holder ~ PLUS, 5 Pillar Candles? The scents of the candles will be in Mulberry and Frosted Pine (to celebrate the upcoming holidays). Thanks to PartyLite for sponsoring this great contest!
To enter, leave a comment about something you found on the PartyLite website, or leave a comment about a PartyLite party you had (if you ever hosted one). For a second entry, Become a Fan of PartyLite on Facebook.
This giveaway is open to residents of the USA (bloggers/non-bloggers), and will end on November 12th, 2009. You can come back once each day throughout the contest and enter again by just leaving a friendly comment relevant to the contest, but you MUST do the first entry. **For extra chances you can: blog this contest, add my button to your site, subscribe to my blog, twitter this contest, and/or visit everyday and add another friendly comment. Lots of chances to win! Don't forget to put the extra comments for the "extra" work. Good luck!**

This review was sponsored by PartyLite. They have supplied me with a free product to keep for my personal opinion and option to share with my readers. I was not compensated for my time or written review. They have offered to sponsor a giveaway for a prize for my readers.

Happy Days & Nights Diapers from Fisher Price (Review & Givaway)

Fisher Price recently launched a new line~ Happy Days & Happy Nights Diapers! I got to try these new diapers, and I opted to try the Happy Nights for Madelyn. I thought the diapers were comparable to our current brand diapers. Madelyn has sensitive skin, and I always get leery about trying a new diaper with her. I am happy to see that she did not have any allergic reaction with using the Fisher Price Happy Nights.
I was impressed with the capacity of the Happy Nights. Madelyn is a big soaker, and wearing the Happy Nights, it held quite a bit in comparison to other brands.
Fisher Price Diapers have two diapers: Happy Days (for babies busy and active play times) and Happy Nights (for extra protection for longer time frames). I like that their are two options for what your baby has on. You could also put a Happy Nights when you may be traveling, for extra protection, too.
Fisher Price Happy Days & Happy Nights diapers can be found at Babies "R" Us and Toys "R" Us. The cost of the Happy Days are between $9.99-$21.00 and Happy Nights are $5.99. You also have the option to buy a box of a combination of Happy Days & Happy Nights. I was impressed with these diapers and I recommend them.
Would you like to win a pack of these diapers for yourself?? Fisher Price is sponsoring a giveaway for my readers! To enter, leave a comment about which one you would like to win (Happy Days or Happy Nights) and what size you need. Check out Fisher Price for size/weight selections to be sure you get the right size. There is also a coupon for $2.00 off that you can download.
This giveaway is open to residents of the USA (bloggers/non-bloggers), and will end on November 12th, 2009. You can come back once each day throughout the contest and enter again by just leaving a friendly comment relevant to the contest, but you MUST do the first entry. **For extra chances you can: blog this contest, add my button to your site, subscribe to my blog, twitter this contest, and/or visit everyday and add another friendly comment. Lots of chances to win! Don't forget to put the extra comments for the "extra" work. Good luck!**
This review was sponsored by Fisher Price. They have supplied me with a free product to keep for my personal opinion and option to share with my readers. I was not compensated for my time or written review. They have offered to sponsor a giveaway for a prize for my readers.

Thursday, October 29, 2009

Cyberbullying Month at Build-A-Bear Workshop

One thing that really gets me upset is cyberbullying. Kids should not be bullied online or offline. I don't like that kids (or adults) are threatened online.
Cyberbullying is the use of digital technology as a weapon by one minor to hurt another minor and it is a growing problem. The Build-A-Bear Workshop online safety program is geared toward children and parents and has been developed in association with leading cyber safety expert Parry Aftab, executive director and founder of WiredSafety.org, the world's largest cyber safety group that aims to increase online safety awareness by providing families with resources and guidelines.
Build-A-Bear Workshop wants to be part of the solution to stop cyberbullying and to help ensure that its online virtual world, buildabearville.com, is as safe as it can be.


The Build-A-Bear Workshop company-wide Stop Cyberbullying program is comprised of several elements:
· Safety tips for kids (such as Stop, Block and Tell), as well as resources and recommendations for parents are provided online at Build-A-Bearville.
· WiredSafety Pledge -- Citizens of buildabearville.com can take the pledge and receive a virtual safety sash for their avatars.
· During October, Build-A-Bearville is featuring a meter in Town Square that counts the number of “citizens” that click on the Safety Pledge. When the meter is full, all citizens of the virtual world receive a unique Stop, Block and Tell move for their avatars.

**Go check out Build-A-Bear Workshop, and help fight against cyberbullying!

Keep Going Journals (review & giveaway)

October is a month in the pink....Breast Cancer Awareness. I have a few people very close to me who have gone through Breast Cancer, and survived! My aunt, who had Breast Cancer a few years ago, is currently fighting Lung Cancer. Cancer is such a horrible disease, and so many people deal with cancer of different forms. I just had Melanoma removed from my ear in May.
Energizer is teaming with the Susan G. Komen foundation to raise money for the Cure with the Keep Going Journals. The 80-page journal features inspirational quotes, a pink ribbon bookmark, convenient calendar and magnetic closure. For every journal redeemed, Energizer will donate $1 to Susan G. Komen for the Cure. You can get your journals by mailing in three proofs of purchase from select Energizer batteries. For more information on getting a Keep Going journal, go to www.energizer.com/komen.
In addition to the journals, Energizer will be donating $1 to Susan G. Komen for the Cure for every new Facebook Fan, up to $10,000. Your readers can become a fan of the Energizer Bunny at www.facebook.com/energizerbunny.
I think this journal is super, and I fully intend on giving my copy to my aunt. I think it is a great place for her to journal her thoughts, struggles, victories, prayer requests, and more. Plus, I really think that the uplifting quotes will be encouraging!
Do you want to win one of these journals for yourself, or someone you know? Energizer has sent me an extra copy to giveaway to one of my readers! This giveaway is open to residents of the USA (bloggers/non-bloggers), and will end on November 6th, 2009. To enter, just leave a comment about this contest. You can come back once each day throughout the contest and enter again by just leaving a friendly comment relevant to the contest.**For extra chances you can: blog this contest, add my button to your site, subscribe to my blog, twitter this contest, and/or visit everyday and add another friendly comment. Lots of chances to win! Don't forget to put the extra comments for the "extra" work. Good luck!**

This review was sponsored by Energizer. They have supplied me with a free product to keep for my personal opinion and option to share with my readers. I was not compensated for my time or written review. They have offered to sponsor a giveaway for a prize for my readers.

If the World Were a Village (DVD review)

Do you want to watch a video that really puts things into perspective, and helps you realize how
fortunate you really are? My kids and I had the privilege to review "If the World Were a Village," and we were amazed, and saddened by different statistics. This DVD is about populations, and if the world was just 100 people...these are what the categories/numbers would be for each lifestyle, religion, fed, animals, etc.
Being a home educator, I was highly impressed with this DVD. It is made for children, and really helps them see the world more simplified. Here are some of the statistics that we got from the video:
If the world were a village of 100 people:
32 would be Christian, 1 of 13 would be Hindu, 12 follow folk religions, 6 follow Buddah, 1 is Jewish and 15 don't practice anything. Money is an important thing. If the funds were divided equally, people would live comfortably. However, 60 people make middle wages, most people do what they can to make ends meet, and the poorest make barely enough to survive! 24 of 100 people always have enough to eat, 16 go hungry sometimes, and 34 people are always hungry! That is just sad and devastating. This video makes us (our family) want to go help people. I think that is what the goal of this video is...to encourage people to help one another and help take care of each other. My kids were shown that life in other parts of the world is very different from their own. I think this video was made very well, and I recommend it for families, especially those who home educate, or are educators.
If the World Were a Village was released on September 8th from Master Communications, Inc.
The DVD is approximately 25 minutes and is available in English, Spanish or French for $29.95 each, which includes PPR. A disc containing all three languages is also available for $59.95, which includes PPR. To order call 1-800-765-5885 or visit www.master-comm.com.
You can also purchase this video or a book version at Amazon.com.
This review was sponsored by Master-Comm.com. They have supplied me with a free DVD to keep for my personal opinion and option to share with my readers. I was not compensated for my time or written review.

Tuesday, October 27, 2009

MythBusters Science Kits~ Great for home school experiments!

As a child, and even as an adult, I love hands-on projects. Ones that get you so involved you can't help but learn~ and retain it! Being a home schooling mom, I really enjoy finding or being introduced to new, fun and exciting programs that help my kids learn and enjoy doing it! I was sent the Elmer's all-new MythBusters Weird World of Water kit to review!

We have watched the show of MythBusters on the Discovery Channel, when we had cable, and we enjoyed the crazy, bizarre, interesting...etc. stunts/experiments/etc., that Jamie and Adam, the two hosts, perform. Very entertaining, and educational.
Nathaniel had a great time "experimenting" with the MythBusters Weird World of Water Kit! The kit came with all the items necessary to complete the experiments. Included in the kit was: 2 soda bottles with lids, 3 pieces of Balsa wood, clear cylinder, clear straw, clear tube, fin holder, funnel, 15 beads, glitter, nose cone, pipette, food coloring, stopper assembly, vortex connector, and an activity guide book.
Nathaniel loved the "hurricane effect" when he shook up the bottles to create a funnel (tornado). Madelyn (little sister) really thought it was neat, too. I really like the MythBusters kits, especially with home schooling. I think these are great kits to really engage the student, and help them learn by doing hands-on experiments. Kids can write down their studies, and their conclusions. The kids can get a cause and effect with these experiments.
Nathaniel likes the Weird World of Water kit, too. Here are the experiments you can do with this kit: myth of the pantry projectile (do this one outdoors), myth of the deadly vortex, and myth of the man who could walk on water. I like that there is room in the activity guide for kids to write their notes and conclusions down.
For ages 8 and up, the Weird World of Water science activity kit is available nationwide at Toys "R" Us, Target and Walmart. The SRP is $19.99. This great product has just received the FamilyFun Magazine 2009 T.O.Y. award, too!

This review was sponsored by Team Mom and Elmers.com. They have supplied me with a free product to keep for my personal opinion and option to share with my readers. I was not compensated for my time or written review.

Wednesday, October 21, 2009

Family Fall photos (with updates)

I cannot believe that my baby is already 9 months old! Seriously, time just flies by so quickly! Cole is an amazing little boy. He is very busy, too! At 9 months, he is crawling (like speed crawling), all over the floors & up the stairs. He loves to pull himself up and walk all around furniture. One of his favorite "hiding" spots is under the kitchen table.

Cole has just recently realized that the doors in the kitchen open up, and he loves to open and shut them over and over. He really enjoys hanging out where ever we are.
Cole loves to pet our dog, and he does the sign for dog. I am not sure if he realizes he is signing, or not, but it is still cute. Cole loves to eat table food, and we are loving our Food Mill to grind up his food. He loves snacking on Cheerios and cheese, and pears are one of his favorite fruits.
Cole loves to be held, cuddled, kissed and snuggled. He is still nursing, but lately he has been experimenting the chew-motion with his two new bottom teeth. Momma isn't very fond of that. So, he had better stop while he is ahead, and wants to keep a good thing (a.k.a. nursing), or we will have to find an alternative.
Cole tries his best to keep up with the other three kids. He is quick, and I don't think it will be long before he is running right along with them. He is a very happy baby, and I just am overwhelmed with love for him. Happy 9 month to you, Cole!
Woo hoo~ check out the photo of Madelyn smiling! It can be challenging getting a photo of her with her genuine smile. Many times she is posing her cheesy grin, or has a mellow look.

I love this photo! She is my princess....and I am just filled to the rim in love with my little dolly!
Caleb is getting so tall. He is such a handsome little guy! He is doing pre-school home school this year. We do what we can. I am reading a lot to the kids, and we are learning how to use the scissors right now. Caleb loves to cut things out. He does very well on his colors, shapes, what is different/same, and his counting. He loves pre-school. I am just so loving my sweet, comical, and caring Caleb!
Here is an inside family photo of our family. I am so thankful for my husband and children.
Here are my four beautiful children. Getting a photo of multiple children can be a challenge. I love this one, because of Madelyn's sweet pose. What a little honey!

Here are Nathaniel's (home school) yearly photos for fifth grade. He is such a handsome guy!
I can't believe he is going to be 11 years old this week! I can't believe I have been a mom that long either! He is so precious, and I am so blessed to be chosen for his mom. Nathaniel you are such a great son! You are the twinkle in my eye, and you bring so much joy to me. I love that you are so generous, thoughtful, giving, and loving. You are intuitive, and usually know when I would love a hug, need a kind word, and more. Thank you for being such a great son, and for being who you are! I thank my God for you! Nathaniel~ means gift from God, and that is exactly what you are!
Happy eleventh birthday Nathaniel! I am so proud of you~
Here are some more photos of the kids:




Cole was giving his "funny face," were he gets really excited and makes a surprise look. It is way adorable!
Here is another snap shot of his funny face. I think it is too cute!
Here is an outside family photo. I still am amazed how our family has grown and changed in the five (plus) years that I have been married. I am so beyond blessed with a wonderful, caring, and loving husband...four beautiful, healthy, fun-loving children, and a lake-home roof over our head. God is good~ all the time. I take my blessings for granted too often, and I owe God all the credit for all I have. Thank you Jesus!
I am currently cancer-free, and I am so thankful for that! Home school is going. I am struggling some, but I know that we will get through it. If you have any suggestions, or helpful ideas...shoot me an e-mail, or leave a comment. We have been busy getting the outdoors ready for winter. Terry has been getting a ton of wood cut, and will be splitting/stacking it for next winter. We had to buy a new furnace this year (unfortunately $$-wise) but we needed it. Work has been a bit on the slower side for Terry, but we are thankful for a job with benefits.

I want to thank my wonderful mother-in-law for taking all of these photos! You are the best mom-in-law ever! I am so thankful for you, and for raising such a great man! I love you!

I will try to keep up with the posting, but things get so busy around here. I don't get much time to get on the computer as I would like. I hope all of you are well, and that the Lord is blessing you.

Snazzy Baby it's time to eat! (review and giveaway)


Doesn't it frustrate you when you go to a restaurant and they are out of high chairs, or the high chairs they have available are not really "functional"? You know, the straps are broken, the clip is all bend out of whack, the wood is chipping, or you just can't fathom putting your precious child in there? Well, I am happy to introduce to you a great product for your baby/toddler. This is a product from Snazzy Baby.
Here is the Snazzy Baby:
Isn't my baby Cole adorable? He is in his new Travel Chair. This is a great new product for your baby's feeding times, or times to be at the table with you. I love that this is a to-go, all in one, small kit that you can fit in your diaper bag. You will always be ready if you keep this handy Travel Chair in your bag.
The Snazzy Baby's My Baby's Own Deluxe Travel chair is designed very well. There is one (adjustable) strap that fits across the back of the travel chair, that goes around the chair your baby will sit on. Also, there are two adjustable shoulder straps, and an adjustable strap on each side of baby's side. The bottom of the travel chair, where your baby's bum is, there is a rubber pad to help prevent slipping. That is ingenious! I love that the straps are adjustable, and I can use this travel chair for other seats, too, like a shopping cart. I know I would feel more secure if Cole is a bit more snug fitting in the cart, wearing the travel chair around him!
Thanks to Snazzy Baby, I have a traveling chair that I can put Cole in, so he can be at the table with us! I highly recommend this as a product to have for moms with children (sitting infants-holding up to 37 pounds). Click this link to see a product demonstration.
My Baby’s Own Travel Chair has a SRP of $34.99.

Here is a little bit about the founders of Snazzy Baby:
The company began with a mom-invented set of knee pads. Snazzy Baby was created by Australian mom Cyndy Mundy who needed to protect her tot’s tender knees after another day of crawling on the carpet. The award-winning company has impressed online and brick and mortar retailers with snug, soft, 4 layer cushioned oval knee pads made of neoprene and secured with velcro straps and ensuring a comfortable fit. iParenting Media Awards have praised each one of their products as they’ve come to market.
For more information on all of Snazzy Baby’s safety products, visit their new U.S. website at http://www.snazzybaby.us/.

You can enter to win a Snazzy Baby product! Thanks to the generous sponsor from Snazzy baby, my readers can enter to win either the Snazzy baby Knee pads or the Deluxe Travel Chair! This giveaway is open to residents of the USA (bloggers/non-bloggers), and will end on November 6th, 2009. To enter, just leave a comment about a time where the Travel Chair would have come in handy, or how your child could use the knee pads. Please let me know which one you would like to win. You can come back once each day throughout the contest and enter again by just leaving a friendly comment relevant to the contest.**For extra chances you can: blog this contest, add my button to your site, subscribe to my blog, twitter this contest, and/or visit everyday and add another friendly comment. Lots of chances to win! Don't forget to put the extra comments for the "extra" work. Good luck!**
This review was sponsored by Snazzy Baby. They have supplied me with a free product to keep for my personal opinion and option to share with my readers. I was not compensated for my time or written review. They have offered to sponsor a giveaway for a prize for my readers.

Tuesday, October 20, 2009

The Sound of Sleigh Bells (book review & giveaway)

I have had the privilege to read another one of Cindy Woodsmall's books, and I could not put it down. I just love Cindy's books, and I find myself really enjoying my hobby of reading again. I got the book: The Sound of Sleigh Bells, and it is a great book! Cindy does such a great job with drawing the reader right into the character's lives. The Sound of Sleigh Bells is a story of Beth Hertzler, who is a young girl who is haunted by the death of her fiancé. She carries the weight and guilt of how he died, and keeps it secret. Beth works alongside her beloved Aunt Lizzy in their dry goods store. She is a go-between for Amish craftsmen and Englischers who want to sell the Plain people’s wares. Out on one of her business trips she discovers a large, intricately carved scene of Amish children playing in the snow, and she is so captivated by the carving. She desperately wants to find this artist and encourage the carver to sell their work in her store.
She doesn’t know if her bishop will approve of the gorgeous carving , because it may be a sign of idolatry.
Beth's family and aunt Lizzy would love to see Beth return to her wonderful, loving self. Still after a year, she still wears black (a sign of mourning). Lizzy sees how the carvings affect the very heart of Beth, and stirs her. Lizzy is encouraged at how Beth lights up when she talks about the wood carving. So, on a mission to get the "old" Beth back, Lizzy travels to meet the carver. Finding Jonah, the artist, Lizzy comes up with a plan. Will her plan work like she wishes, a plan to reintroduce her niece to love work/life and love, or will it turn her hurting niece more away? Will Jonah be able to offer Beth the sleigh ride she’s always dreamed of and a second chance at real love–or just more heartbreak?
Author Bio:
Cindy Woodsmall is the author of When the Heart Cries, When the Morning Comes, and The New York Times Best-Seller When the Soul Mends. Her ability to authentically capture the heart of her characters comes from her real-life connections with Amish Mennonite and Old Order Amish families. A mother of three sons and two daughters-in-law, Cindy lives in Georgia with her husband of thirty-one years.

You can find this book online at Amazon or Randomhouse.

Enter to win a copy of this great book! This giveaway is open to residents of the USA (bloggers/non-bloggers), and will end on October 30th, 2009. To enter, just leave a comment about something you have always wanted to do~ maybe even since childhood. You can come back once each day throughout the contest and enter again by just leaving a friendly comment relevant to the contest.**For extra chances you can: blog this contest, add my button to your site, subscribe to my blog, twitter this contest, and/or visit everyday and add another friendly comment. Lots of chances to win! Don't forget to put the extra comments for the "extra" work. Good luck!**
This review was sponsored by Multnomah Books, a division of Random House. They have supplied me with a book to review and keep for my personal opinion and option to share with my readers. I was not compensated for my time or written review. I was sent an extra copy to giveaway as a prize for my readers.

Fisher Price toys makes great toys~ think Christmas list

I am a big fan of Fisher Price products, and I remember investing many hours of my childhood playing with Fisher Price products. I am happy that my kids get to play with Fisher Price, as well. We were recently sent a few of the newer Fisher Price products to try out, and my kids really have a great time with these.
The Laugh & Learn Learning farm creates lots of giggles, and my kids are enjoying learning at the same time. This farm is a two sided barn that displays many options for kids to engage in. My kids love the Egg drop from the Chicken to her basket. The eggs are big enough for little hands, and fun for them to do something over and over (with a reaction in sound from the chicken or the barn). Plus, kids have a "garden" to tend to, pick the veggies, and sort the shapes.
Cole loves all the things that flip (like this story book and the light switch), open up (like the barn door and cow's mouth), spin (the pig's belly and the radio) lights up and plays music (several locations on the barn). There are several songs, like the ABC's, and different options for children to follow lead with learning sorting, counting, animals, and more.
Laugh & Learn Learning farm is geared toward ages 6-36 months, but my 4 1/2 year old loves it, too. I think this is a great toy, and there isn't too many pieces to clean up.
My kids give this Fisher Price toy two thumbs up! SRP$80.00

Another great Fisher Price toy is the Go Baby Go Stride Rite Lion! This toy is multi-purpose and is geared toward ages 9-36 months.
Madelyn (age 2 1/2) loves riding the lion. He is adorable, has soft (felt) hair, and his nose lights up playing music and giving a Roar! Kids can grab onto his ears for handles, and to steady themselves. This riding toy is designed very well, and it is very stable.
Not only is the Go Baby Go Stride Rite Lion a riding toy, it can be made to be a walker. I love this lion, and my kids are having lots of fun riding and walking with him!
Cole can walk behind this lion, but he chose to walk on his knees for the photos.
SRP $40.00, and requires 3 AA batteries. We give this Fisher Price toy two thumbs up, as well.
**This review was sponsored by Fisher Price. They have supplied me with products to review and keep for my personal opinion and option to share with my readers. I was not compensated for my time or written review.**

For a limited time you can get $20 off a $100 purchase of Laugh & Learn™ & Go Baby Go!™ toys. Hurry, supplies are limited! Click here to get your coupon! I highly recommend these products for your family, or for a gift for a friend/relative. Print your coupon and take it to the retail store of your choice. Coupon is valid for in-store purchases only, not for use online. Offer only valid in the U.S., or in U.S. Exchanges overseas.
This is a limited time offer, and Fisher Price is only giving away a limited number of coupons, so get your coupon now!








A great family game: Rummino (a review)

Our family loves games, and we were excited to try the new game from Marina Games titled: Rummino! Rummino is a fun family game full of strategy! I had such a great time playing this game! I think it is a great mix between the classic Rummy game, and Domino's. The game is
designed for 2-6 players, and for ages 8 and up. I think that the age they have is appropriate, because children need to know the runs/sets and how you lay the tiles. There are five different colored tiles: pink, green, blue, black, and red. The object of the game is to get through all the tiles, and be the first one to get rid of all your tiles in your hand. Of coarse you want to end up with the highest score, too. The tiles have 9's, Jacks, Queens, Kings and Aces on them. There are five different suits on the tiles. Each player starts out with 7 tiles, and the person who has three of the same suit (highest) goes first. Scoring is a point per tile played, but you can score points either horizontally or vertically. It is possible to get over 20 points in one turn, and if you can use all your tiles, you get a Rummino (scoring an additional 20 points). This game is super fun, and I am happy to have it in our collection of games. You can find this game at the Marina Games website. You can purchase this game at Amazon for $19.99.
This review was sponsored by Marina Games and Family Review Network. They have supplied me with a game to review and keep for my personal opinion and option to share with my readers. I was not compensated for my time or written review.

Friday, October 16, 2009

Halloween fun with Wow! Wow! Wubbzy~

My kids love Wow! Wow! Wubbzy and his friends, Widget, Walden and Daisy. I like that the Wow! Wow! Wubbzy episodes are positive, and encourage friends to work things out together. I had the opportunity to review the new Wubbzy goes Boo! DVD from Anchor Bay Entertainment. This all new episode packed DVD (70 minutes in length) was released on September 8th. This is a fun DVD to bring in the fall season.
Here is a summary of the DVD:
Wubbzy and his friends are back and ready for Halloween in this Wubbzy Goes Boo DVD. Watch as Wubbzy, Widget and Walden clean up a crazy mess with Moo Moo's magic wand, try to collect the very last leaf of autumn, pick the perfect pumpkin, and create the spookiest Halloween costume of all. There's singing, dancing, trick-or-treating and kickity-kick ball too.
Here is a trailer of the DVD to check out:


If your kids love to color, Click here to download a picture of Wow! Wow! Wubbzy.

You can find this release in stores or online at Amazon.com for a SRP of $16.98.
Again, Wubbzy brings fun and entertainment to kids with spreading positive messages. I recommend this DVD for your family.

This review was sponsored by Anchor Entertainment. They have supplied me with a DVD to review and keep for my personal opinion and option to share with my readers. I was not compensated for my time or written review.

CSN stores has a lot to offer

I just got a bunk bed this summer for our kids, because space is limited, and bunk beds are fun for kids. I was checking out the many options for bunk beds on the CSN website, and one that I think is really fun is the Doll House loft bed! What a fun bed for a little girl!! I also thought that the Full low loft bunk bed looks great! I think my kids would play in their room all day if I had one of these bunk beds in their rooms!

I am going to be doing a review for CSN stores coming up. Looking over their toy line, I had a hard time choosing an item to review. I requested a 48 piece Microscope because I think it would be great to use this with home schooling, and Nathaniel has wanted one. I think he will be thrilled to experiment with it. I think that the microscope is reasonably priced, too. I hope that the quality is great! I am anxious to try it out with Nathaniel.

Check out CSN stores, because they have everything from furniture to school/office supply.

Make time for change with Frigidaire and Jennifer Garner!


Time seems to be so minimal, especially being a busy mom of 4, home schooling, and just maintaining the home life. I really wish I had more hours in my day, and even time to just play more with the kids, or sit and do an activity I enjoy.
I am sure many of you have heard about, or experienced first-hand, the time-saving power of Frigidaire's incredible new appliance line. I know that I would love to review some of Frigidaire's appliances. Now the brand is taking their commitment to mothers one step forward by partnering with an admired and philanthropic celebrity mom- Jennifer Garner. Not only is Jennifer a huge fan of the time-saving features of the new Frigidaire appliance line, but she's teaming up with the brand to launch an incredible campaign for an important cause. Jennifer and Frigidaire are proud to kick off the "Make Time for CHANGE" campaign to support Save the Children's U.S. Programs, dedicated to making a difference for the smallest and most vulnerable Americans - children. Frigidaire's new line of appliances, the largest launch in the brand's history, is designed with time-saving features for busy moms. Everyone who believes in the power of Moms is encouraged to pledge to make change for children~November 1st - the day all of us change the clocks and get an extra hour - think about making a CHANGE for children. Everyone who goes to Frigidaire.com and raises their hand with a pledge to make time for a child, Frigidaire will donate $1 to support the CHANGE program and Save the Children's work to help children in need in the U.S. And in addition to that fuzzy feeling you get from doing something good, everyone who pledges their time will be entered for a chance to win a new Frigidaire Professional double wall oven! I know my kitchen (and my family) would be absolutely tickled pink with a new double wall oven!
Those in the market for top-notch new appliances should also know that, for every new Frigidaire Professional double wall oven sold, Frigidaire will donate $100 to Save the Children's U.S Programs as part of their $250,000 commitment to this worthy cause.
So, show your support to make time for children by making a pledge a day~ you will be entered to win a Frigidaire Professional wall oven!

Monday, October 12, 2009

Heigh- HO!! I'm thinking...it's time for a give-away~(Snow White DVD/Blu-Ray combo gift pack w/plush)

I love Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs! I think Dopey is the cutest dwarf, and Grumpy is a hoot. Snow White is a pure classic from Disney, and now Disney has just released a two-disc Snow White Diamond Edition combo pack (DVD and Blu-ray discs) October 6th! I have a DVD player, but it is nearing the end of it's days. I am thinking that a Blu-ray disc player would be a great upgrade! The Blu-ray discs and players offer so much:
Up to 6x better quality than DVD
7.1 Surround Sound
Immersive activity with games and special features
Kid proof-more scratch resistant

Plays both Blu-ray and DVD discs
Blu-ray also plays on Sony Playstation 3 players

I think it was great that Disney is offering the Diamond Edition combo pack because it meets many people's needs and home entertainment options. I am a member of One2One Network, and I was selected to participate in a review opportunity to review this new Diamond Edition Combo pack. I was thrilled, to say the least. My kids and I enjoyed watching the classic movie remastered. The Diamond Edition Snow White Blu-ray Combo pack features:
Picture & Sound
First time ever in high definition 7.1 sound
Disney view – expanded viewing experience
All-new Music Video
Disney Family Play
What Do You See? - Decipher the scrambled image
Mirror, Mirror on the Wall – Which princess are you most like?
Jewel Jumble – test your matching skills
Backstage Disney
Snow White Returns – Newly discovered storyboards. Was Walt planning a sequel?
Hyperion Studios – Explore Walt’s original studio
The One That Started It All – See how Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs forever changed the world of movies
Classic Bonus Features
Dopey’s Wild Mine Ride Game
“Heigh-Ho” Karaoke Sing-along
Disney through the decades
I know that this Snow White Diamond Edition Combo pack will be loved by many (especially in my home) and will be a hit with so many out there! My kids had a great time seeing the movie, playing the games, hearing the commentaries/back ground history, and singing along with the dwarfs. I am sure your family will love this new remastered diamond edition of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs!
Guess what? YOU, my special readers, have the opportunity to enter to win this great DVD/Blu-ray combo pack from Disney!! Yes, you can win this 2-disc set, AND...you will also receive the Seven Dwarf plush set (retail value $79.99). Thank you Disney, and One2One Network for this great prize giveaway! (This would be a great prize to win for a Christmas gift)~
To enter to win a copy of this Diamond Edition/Combo Pack & plush set from Disney...
This giveaway is open to residents of the USA (bloggers/non-bloggers), and will end on October 30th, 2009. Leave a comment about a favorite Disney movie of yours, or your children. You can comment about Snow White, too~You can come back once each day throughout the contest and enter again by just leaving a friendly comment relevant to the contest.**For extra chances you can: blog this contest, add my button to your site, subscribe to my blog, twitter this contest, DIGG this, Fave this and/or add to del.licio.us. Lots of chances to win! Don't forget to put the extra comments for the "extra" work. Good luck!**

This review was sponsored by Disney and One2One Network. They have supplied me with a DVD/Blu-ray movie to review and keep for my personal opinion and option to share with my readers. I was not compensated for my time or written review. I am able to host a giveaway for a Snow White movie and plush set for my readers as a part of this review.