Cooking from A to Zest: DVD review & GIVEAWAY ($59.99 value)

I am not very skilled in the kitchen. I can make meals, follow recipes, and sometimes (but seldom) I can get creative with a dish I make. I wish I could learn how to make amazing meals, desserts, etc. and I always thought it would be fun to take a cooking coarse. I just got a super DVD set to review called: Cooking from A to Zest and it is a great set of DVD's to learn from and get educated! My husband and I are watching these together, and we are learning so much! I love all the helpful hints, suggestions and ideas that Kierstin Buchner, host on the DVD's, share with the viewer.
Product description:
Cooking is more than just following a recipe. It's being able to confidently walk into a kitchen, assess what's there and whip up something delightful and delicious. With that in mind, Cooking From A to Zest is like having your own private in-home instructor teaching you a foundation of techniques and skills. Watch it like a class, learning as you go, or use the main menu to jump directly to the technique or recipe you want. From how to dice an onion like a pro to roasting the perfect chicken to gaining helpful insight from experts at markets and restaurants, host Kierstin Buchner shares tips for both the beginning and more experienced cook. VOLUME 1 - BUILDING YOUR KITCHEN: Cooking starts with kitchen essentials - such as efficient knife skills, selecting your equipment and stocking your kitchen with staple ingredients. VOLUME 2 - STOCKS, SOUPS, & SAUCES: Learn the building blocks of delicious stocks and broths, unveil the secret to cream soups and purees, then finish with with five key Foundation sauces. VOLUME 3 - SALADS, VEGETABLES, POTATOES, PASTA, GRAINS & LEGUMES: Learn to prepare salad dressings with ease, saute, blanch, and grill your way to flavorsome vegetables, and cook the perfect rice and pasta - every time! VOLUME 4 - EGGS, MEAT, POULTRY & FISH: Discover six classic ways to prepare eggs, then move on to a variety of mouth-watering methods for meat and poultry, including brining, braising and stewing.

The first DVD was highly informative. Volume 1: Building your kitchen, went over the essentials that most kitchen shows don't explain. I thought the first DVD was very helpful!
Building your kitchen starts you off with the basic necessities your kitchen needs. It went over the different kinds of knifes, how to sharpen them, and what they are designed to cut. Kierstin described the pots and pans you should have in your kitchen and what the pots and pans purpose is designed for. I thought it was very helpful and useful information. Also included in Volume 1 is the staple ingredients you should stock in your kitchen for basic recipes.

The other three DVD's went over meal planning and proper meal preparations. I did not know that putting oil into my boiling water was not the correct way to boil pasta! So helpful, and great ideas in these DVD's!
I learned a lot about spices and herbs, and how to use them in meals...and which spice/herb went with what type of food. Kierstin shared how to cut and store the herbs, as well.
I am excited to prepare some home made soups and salad dressings, from the helpful ideas of these DVD's. I like how Kierstin goes through the steps individually and is very thorough in her instructions and guidance. I highly recommend these DVD's and I am so thankful that I have these for a reference. I think they would make a great house warming gift, wedding gift, or college graduation/high school graduation gift. Really, I think anyone who enjoys food would benefit from Cooking from A to Zest! (SRP $59.99 plus tax)

***Enter to Win!!***
This contest is open to bloggers and non-bloggers of the United States, and the contest is open until midnight October 31st, 2010. To enter, comment here about what some of your favorite ingredients are, or your favorite recipe. You could also leave a comment about what you have found helpful for working with food, or in the kitchen. Winner will receive the Cooking from A to Zest DVD collection set (4 DVD's). I will notify winner, and if after 3 days the winner does not respond, I will pick a new winner.

**For extra chances you can: blog this contest, add my button to your site, subscribe to my blog, twitter and/or become a fan on facebook, and/or visit everyday and add another friendly comment about something you found helpful for cooking. You can comment on other blog posts of mine for extra credit, too, just let me know in another comment the link to your comment. Lots of chances to win! Don't forget to put the extra comments for the "extra" work. Good luck!**

This review was provided from Cooking from A to Zest.com. They have provided me with DVD's to review and information to share with my readers. I am sponsored to offer a giveaway for my readers through this review (same DVD set for one winner). I was given the product for my personal opinion and option to share with my readers. I was not compensated for my time or written review.

Rock ‘N Learn! : Phonics DVD's 1 &2 (Review & giveaway)

I am home schooling my Kindergartner and my Pre-school aged children this year. It can be a challenge home schooling when 3 of the kids are ages 5 and under. I was very thankful to review for Rock 'N Learn! I really like the DVD's that they sent me. Teaching phonics, sounds of letters, spelling, etc. can be a challenge ~ and a big job! Rock 'N Learn has put together great DVD's that teaches these concepts so great! I was very impressed with these videos.

Rock 'N Learn starts off with teaching the vowels: a,e,i, o, u and sometimes y. Learning the vowels, consonants, and other parts of speech are taught in the Rock 'N Learn DVD's by fun, and catchy worded songs. My kids had a great time dancing and singing along to the songs. (All the while they are learning). The video also has sounding out words, and with this, the video shows the letter, the word, the mouth movements, and a picture. I really like how Rock 'N Learn put this together. Kids get a visual of the letter, picture and word (for the visual learner)
and they can watch how the mouth forms the word, which can help kids work on their pronunciation. Some kids really learn well by watching the mouth move with the words/sounds/letters. Check out this video clip of my kids watching the Rock N' Learn video:


I know that these videos will be very helpful with teaching phonics, and introducing reading to my kids. I think these videos are very educational and very helpful. I recommend these videos!
Rock 'N Learn Phonics (volume 1) has short sounds, consonants, blends & diagraphs, word families, silent e, and read-along stories. The DVD is approximately 70 minutes long. You can also visit free-phonics-worksheets.com for printable resources to go with the phonics programs from Rock N' Learn, as well.
Rock 'N Learn Phonics (volume 2) has long vowels, vowel combinations, syllables, ending sounds, silent consonants, and read-along stories.

The Rock 'N Learn videos are so great for a resource to teach your kids the basics to letters, sounds, and reading readiness. The DVD's have catchy songs and my kids love them.

Check out Rock 'N Learn's Facebook page.

***ENTER TO WIN***
This contest is open to bloggers and non-bloggers of the United States & Canada, and the contest is open until midnight October 23rd, 2010. To enter, go to the Rock 'n Learn website and check out what they have to offer. Comment here about what you found out and sounded interesting to you.

**For extra chances you can: blog this contest, add my button to your site, subscribe to my blog, twitter and/or become a fan on facebook, and/or visit everyday and add another friendly comment about something you found helpful for teaching phonics/reading to your kids. Lots of chances to win! Don't forget to put the extra comments for the "extra" work. Good luck!**

This review was provided from Rock 'N Learn. They have provided me with 2 Phonics DVD's to review and information to share with my readers. I am sponsored to offer a giveaway for my readers through this review (same 2 DVD's for one winner). I was given the product for my personal opinion and option to share with my readers. I was not compensated for my time or written review.

Thomas & Friends: Greatest Stories (DVD Review)

All new Thomas & Friends two disc special edition DVD set is brought to you from Lionsgate and HIT Entertainment: Greatest Stories. This two disc DVD set is a compilation of some of the greatest episodes, including some stories from the book series, and the first introductions of Thomas' favorite friends, James, Percy and more!

Here is a list of the episodes:
*Thomas gets tricked
*Edward helps out
*Diesel's devious deed
*Percy's ghost trick
*Thomas, Percy & the Dragon
*Trust Thomas
*Henry & the elephant
*Cranky Bugs
*Snow Engine
*Thomas saves the day
*Edward the Great
*James gets a new coat
*Thomas to the rescue
*Thomas and the Birthday Mail
*Sir Handel in charge
*Skarloey storms through
*Duncun does it all

The Greatest Stories has some great special features, including:
-"Create your own Thomas Story" DVD-Rom: a game where you can be part of the story! You can customize this game with your child's name and favorite things into the story and make into their very own Thomas story (printable).
-Coloring pages and wallpaper.
-"How did Thomas meet his friends?" trivia game: guess Thomas' best friend from the clues given.
-Thomas saves the day enhanced read-a-long
-Four Music Videos: Thomas Anthem, It's great to be an engine, James the splendid engine, and Never, Never give up
-Storybook adventure game: (5 different games) Broken Tracks, Quarry Game, Brendham Docks, and Troublesome trucks.
-Four Sing-along Karaoke videos: Sir Topham Hatt, Percy's Seaside trip, He is a really useful engine, and Harold the helicopter.

This a great, special edition, two dvd set. My kids love watching Thomas, and all the other Sodor Friends. My kids like to see how Thomas is helpful, or makes good decisions. I think Thomas stories are great because kids can see from the choices that the engines makes affect others, and how making good decisions is important. Thomas & Friends: The Greatest Stories has so many stories about friendship, adventure and fun.

**The first episode of Thomas & Friends features the voice talent of George Carlin, Ringo Starr, Alec Baldwin and Michael Brandon as narrators.

You can get your Thomas & Friends DVD: The Greatest Stories in stores now, and online at places like Amazon.com . This Special Edition Two-Disc DVD set came out June 1, 2010.

This review was provided from Lionsgate and HIT Entertainment. They have provided me with a free DVD to review and information to share with my readers. I was given the product for my personal opinion and option to share with my readers. I was not compensated for my time or written review.

On-the-Go DVD Packs for Thomas & Friends and Barney

Going on a weekend trip, vacation, or spending time at Grandma's house? Kids can pack their On-the-Go DVD pack for a special treat. Each On-the-Go pack has three DVD's. Barney's On-the-Go pack consists of these three dvd's: Red, Yellow and Blue, Barney's Colorful World! Live!, and Happy Mad Silly Sad.

Red, Yellow and Blue!
Sing and dance through a color-filled day of learning as Barney and his friends search for red, yellow and blue objects in a celebrations of primary colors. With Barney, this celebration of colors is primarily fun!
Running time: Approximately 30 minutes

Barney's Colorful World! Live!
Barney has your ticket to adventure as he brings the magic of his colorful stage show to your very own living room! Join the purple dino-star and his friends on a magical, musical trip around our colorful world! *Special features: learn about the people, places and animals in Barney's colorful world! Adventure, read-along, 22 Super-dee-duper songs
Running time: Approximately 69 minutes

Happy Mad Silly Sad
Love makes Barney's world go 'round, and the huggable dinosaur encourages his friends to understand all about emotions, manners, sharing and caring. It's always a happy day of fun and learning when you spend it with Barney and his friends! *Special features: Baby Bop's Make-A-Mask Game, What's Different? game, Barney's Heart Maze Game, read-along
Running time: approximate 45 minutes
Thomas & Friends On-the-Go pack
consists of these three dvd's: Trust Thomas, Hooray For Thomas, and Thomas, Percy & the Dragon.

Trust Thomas
Take a journey to the magical Island of Sodor, where fun and adventure lie around every bend, Watch Toby as he trades in his branch line for a tightrope, and help the engines replant Henry's favorite forest after a devastating storm. Join your friend Thomas on what he says will be a fun and exciting trip - an like the title says, you can always "Trust Thomas."
*Special features: Character Gallery, Sing-Along, Bonus DVD Game: "Sir Topham Hatt's Word fun.
Running time: approximate 40 minutes.

Hooray For Thomas
You're invited to a celebration on the Island of Sodor! Watch as Thomas wins a medal for saving the day, children get a fun ride on the tracks, Edward rescues a brass band, and more! Let the celebration begin!
*Special Features: Character Gallery, Read-Along, Sing-Along Bonus DVD games
Running Time Approximate: 35 minutes

Thomas, Percy & The Dragon
On the Island of Sodor even the bravest of engines have exciting challenges. Take Percy - he said that he's ready for anything! Help Tomas use the carnival Chinese Dragon to give Percy his greatest challenge yet. Hop aboard for the next journey through the magical Island of Sodor!
*Special Features: Character Gallery, Read-Along, Sing-Along, Bonus DVD Game "Paint My Color."
Approximate running time: 37 minutes

This review was provided from Lionsgate and HIT Entertainment. They have provided me with a free DVD to review and information to share with my readers. I was given the product for my personal opinion and option to share with my readers. I was not compensated for my time or written review.

A great DVD/Music for your little ones...provided from Sara Hickman

I just love the DVD that I got to review of Big Bird, Little Bird, by Sara Hickman. She is a very talented singer and songwriter. Her voice is very soothing, and her songs are fun. Watching this DVD with my kids is fun because we talk about how important and special they are to me. Sara's songs talk about what wonderful children we have in the words of her songs. Her DVD is perfect to put in after supper time when you are settling your kids down for the night. The animations in the Big Bird, Little Bird DVD are simplistic and easy for small children to follow. The flowers, clouds, and trees dance and sway to the music and singing.

"Big Bird, Little Bird" features 13 soothing songs for children ages newborn to five. The songs explain what a family tree is, what the goop in your eye is, and all things bright and beautiful in a musical and visual art setting.
The songs included on the DVD are “It’s Alright (acapella), “A Slice of Heaven,” “Goop’s In It,” “Big Bird, Little Bird,” “Lily,” “This Heart,” “You Are My Sunshine,” “The Family Tree (You and Me),” “All Things Bright and Beautiful,” “We Are Each Other’s Angels” and “It’s Alright.”(with strings attached).

The DVD also includes 15 short parenting tips – hosted by Hickman, a certified parenting instructor – offering ideas on what to expect as they enter the glorious challenge that is their newborn’s life. Tips include “Nursing,” “First Hello,” “Introduce Your Baby,” “Being Polite,” “Being on the Same Level,” “No-No to Pacifiers,” “G.E.M.s,” “Feeling Frustrated,” “Early to Bed, Early to Rise,” Consistency is Key,” “It’s a Whole Other World,” “Going to the Store,” “Family Ritual” and “Rap Up."

I recommend this DVD to your family! We enjoy it, and think that Sara Hickman created a great DVD for families with small children. Check out Sara's site HERE.

Just for your information:
Sara Hickman~Recent Role: Kristen on Barney and Friends

Born: 1-15-1986

Birthplace: Arlington, Texas, USA

Birth Name: Sara Hickman

I received this DVD for reviewing purposes from Lionsgate and HIT Entertainment. I was not compensated for my time or written review. They have provided me with the DVD's and information to share with my readers. The opinions in this post are of my own, and do not reflect the companies or DVD.

New Release DVD's from Lionsgate and HIT Entertainment! May 18th!!

Lionsgate and Hit Entertainment just came out with two new DVD's today! My kids really enjoy these shows, and I am happy to share them with you. It can be a challenge to find good shows for our kids to watch.

"Being A Friend"
Being a friend is more than just knowing people, but it is more about responsibility and how rewarding it is to have friends & be a friend. Join in the fun with some of the gang: Barney, Bob the Builder, Fireman Sam, and Thomas & Friends as they enter a series of delightful adventures just released today on DVD from Lionsgate and HIT Entertainment. $14.95 SRP (available in stores or online)
DVD SYNOPSIS
Thomas' friend Emily learns that being kind is more important than appearances, Bob the Builder helps Lofty accept help to save the Banana Tree for the new Botanical Garden, Barney and his friends make a new friend feel welcome when she moves into the neighborhood and no friend will be left behind with Fireman Sam, in Being A Friend. Join the whole crew and find out what it means to be forever friends with these four episodes:
Thomas & Friends - "Emily and the Garbage"
Bob the Builder - "Lofty's Banana Tree"
Barney - "Making A Move"
Fireman Sam - "Norm's Invisible Friend"
DVD SPECIAL FEATURES
Bonus Episode: All new CGI Angelina Ballerina - "Angelina's Dance Partner" - Angelina finds a creative way to work with a new dance partner.

This DVD is geared toward ages 2-5 years old.
Feature Running Time: 59 minutes



"Barney: Let's Play Outside" -perfect for this time of year!
It's a super dee-duper day in the sun playing ball, skipping rope, going on a camp out and just enjoying the warm weather when Barney™: Let's Play Outside springs onto DVD May 18, 2010 from Lionsgate and HIT Entertainment. Featuring never-before-seen content and fun adventures, this fully-loaded DVD will bring smiles to little faces everywhere and encourage young kids to go play outside.
Trusted by moms and adored by children, Barney displays sharing, caring, imagining, dancing and learning on television, online and through live events, home entertainment and publishing. The Emmy award-winning series, Barney & Friends is one of the top-rated preschool shows today, airing on PBS KIDS® and PBS KIDS SproutSM.
DVD SYNOPSIS
Join everyone's favorite purple dinosaur and his playground friends as they branch out under the sun and stars to fill each day with outdoor fun adventures in Barney: Let's Play Outside. Whether it's imagining shapes in the clouds, eating ice cream, fishing, singing songs around a campfire or catching lightning bugs, Barney, Baby Bop, BJ and the rest of the gang celebrate the warm weather and let their imaginations soar!
DVD SPECIAL FEATURES
Which Bug Lives Here? Matching Game
This DVD is geared toward ages 1-5 years old.
Feature Running Time: 54 minutes
$14.98 SRP (you can purchase this in stores now, or online)

Check out all the other Lionsgate and HIT Entertainment DVD's!

I received these two DVD's for reviewing purposes from Lionsgate and HIT Entertainment. I was not compensated for my time or written review. They have provided me with the DVD's and information to share with my readers.

John Deere Earth Mover Action: DVD

Since Caleb is really getting into all the big trucks, diggers, dozers, and other really "awesome" machines (as Caleb says)....I love that John Deere has their own DVD video out!
TM Books & Video releases the all-new John Deere Earth Mover Action rumbling onto DVD April 13, 2010. This 40-minute tribute to big-machines – excavators, front-end loaders, graders, scrapers, and backhoes, includes a fascinating look at John Deere’s newest – the fast, powerful, four-track 764 Dozer.

My son was just thrilled to watch this DVD and he just couldn't get enough of the big machinery moving all that dirt, and snow. Caleb was amazed that the big machines could do what they do (and frankly, I was quite amazed with this DVD, too).

John Deere big machines work hard in interesting places like: a grader plowing snow in the Rockies, excavators digging dirt and loading big articulated dump trucks, dozers climbing hills and pushing dirt, front-end loaders moving big rocks in a quarry, and more! This is a great DVD for those kids that love to see action in large machines! The powerful, big-time earth-mover action that will thrill and delight young and old alike. The viewer will learn interesting facts about these mighty vehicles and play the “Let’s Pretend” game where young viewers imagine being the operator of an earth-moving machine.

Stop-action segments feature die-cast toys and articulated super heroes mining candy at the Big Rock Candy Mountain Quarry. Sing-along to all-new toe tapping tunes by award-winning singer/songwriter James Coffey. Kids will learn, laugh, and want more.

John Deere Earth Mover Action, recommended for ages three and older, is now available for a suggested retail price of $14.95. To order, call toll free 1-800-892-2822 or visit TMBV.com.

About TM Books & Video
Since October 2005, TM has produced 12 titles for John Deere and has sold over 600,000 DVDs. TM is licensed by Caterpillar, John Deere, Boeing, Lionel and Chicago’s Museum of Science & Industry to produce educational and entertaining family shows. TM specials have appeared on network TV, PBS, and cable stations around the country. Their flagship series, I Love Toy Trains, has sold nearly 3,000,000 copies, the most ever for an independently produced children’s show. Sales have been fueled by rave reviews in the national media (USA Today, People Magazine, Disney’s Wondertime Magazine, New York Magazine, LA Times, Chicago Tribune, Washington Post, Amazon.com, and the Library Journal), the recommendations of librarians, and enthusiastic word-of-mouth. Awards include the prestigious Parents’ Choice and the Parenting Magazine award for excellence.


This review was provided from TMBV.com. They have provided me with a free DVD to review and information to share with my readers. I was given the product for my personal opinion and option to share with my readers. I was not compensated for my time or written review.

Thomas & Friends: Thomas & The Runaway Kite

Hang on tight for a high-flying ride with Thomas & Friends in the all-new Thomas & the Runaway Kite flying, which came out on DVD March 2, 2010 from Lionsgate and HIT Entertainment. There are jobs to be done, visitors to meet and friends to greet in this never-before-seen DVD featuring full CG animation and individual voices for all the engines. All-new content available only on the DVD features live-action host Driver Perkins, who has to rely on a naughty parrot to save the day.

Teaching timeless life lessons such as discovery, friendship and cooperation, the Thomas & Friends animated series invites children to enter a world of imagination through the tracks of a train and the words of a story.

DVD SYNOPSIS
There’s a kite on the loose and Thomas must catch it before the wind blows it from Sodor. With Gordon, Charlie and Toby by his side, Thomas learns that a helping hand keeps him right on track when it comes to rescuing kites, saving a swarm of bees, and preventing railway disasters from taking flight! Hop on board for a high-flying ride with Thomas & Friends™ in these all-new, never-before-seen train adventures!

Episodes include:
· “Thomas & the Runaway Kite”
· “Buzzy Bees”
· “Toby’s New Whistle”
· “The Biggest Present of All”

DVD SPECIAL FEATURES
· “How Many Shapes Do You See” Game
· “Find What Doesn’t Belong” Game

Genre: Children/Family/Ages 2-5
Closed Captioned: English Closed Captioned
The feature running time is 46 minutes.

This review was provided from Lionsgate and HIT Entertainment. They have provided me with a free DVD to review and information to share with my readers. I was given the product for my personal opinion and option to share with my readers. I was not compensated for my time or written review.

Here Comes Peter Cottontail: MOVIE Review & Giveaway!!

In celebration of Easter weekend, I would like to highlight a classic movie: Here comes Peter Cottontail! This is a classic spring time movie starring the famous bunny, Peter. This is a fun movie about who is going to be the best bunny chosen to deliver the Easter eggs to everyone. Peter Cottontail is highly recommended by the retiring chief bunny, but Irontail, his archrival, would like to have a challenge. Irontail proproses to have a race to see who can deliver the most eggs. Setting Peter up for failure, Irontail gives the morning rooster something to make wake up time delayed~ or not at all. This bad scheme keeps Peter sleeping and Irontail gets out to deliver the eggs. Irontail doesn't have much luck with people accepting his eggs, but he does get one egg delivered. With Peter oversleeping and missing his opportunity to prove himself, what will happen next?

My kids and I enjoyed this movie classic and we recommend it for your family. This DVD is remastered in High-Definition for better viewing. The DVD includes fun songs, including "Peter Cottontail." Voices by all-time favorite TV personalities: Vincent Price, Casey Kasem, and Danny Kaye.

SRP: $9.93
iTunes: $7.99

WIN IT!

You have the opportunity to win Here Comes Peter Cottontail from Classic Media! This contest is open to those in the United States and will end on April 12th, 2010 at midnight. To enter, leave a comment sharing how your family celebrates Easter (if you don't celebrate, share what you like to do in the spring).

**For extra chances you can: blog this contest, add my button to your site, subscribe to my blog, twitter and/or become a fan on facebook, and/or visit everyday and add another friendly comment about another children's book you enjoy with your kids. Lots of chances to win! Don't forget to put the extra comments for the "extra" work. Good luck!**

This post was written for Family Review Network as part of a program for Classic Media, who supplied the Body Wash and Soap for review. I was not compensated for my time or written review.

Bob The Builder: Heavy Duty Diggers DVD

My son loves construction sites and the BIG machines, and lately he has been just fasinated with watching them. He was thrilled when we got the all-new CG animated series starring Bob the Builder and his can-do crew builds its foundation on DVD in Bob the Builder: Heavy Duty Diggers (March 23, 2010)from Lionsgate and HIT Entertainment. See Bob, Muck, Scoop, Digger, Wendy, Roley and the rest of the machine team in nuts and bolts action with a fresh new animated look. It’s time to get busy fixing and building as Bob and his friends show that teamwork, positive thinking and problem-solving will equip future builders with the right Can-Do attitude to tackle any project!

DVD SYNOPSIS
See Bob the Builder and the Can-Do Crew like never before through the power of CG animation! Bob and the team are hard at work in their new location in Harbor Town where Lofty leads the construction of a new ocean pier and transforms an old shack into a surf school; Scratch, the newest addition to the Top Team, is digging his way into all sorts of adventures with Scoop at the museum; and Scrambler attempts to build a tree house at the school by himself. Grab your hard hat and get ready to find out why the fun is in getting it done!

Episodes Include:
· Scratch’s Hidden Treasures
· Scrambler’s Best Idea
· High Tide for Lofty
· Scoop the Artist
· Lofty and the Monster

We recommend this DVD and my son just loves watching this DVD! I think that the Bob the Builder DVD's are educational as well as entertaining.

You can purchase this DVD online from Lionsgate, or other retailers, and also found in your local retail stores.

This review was provided from Lionsgate and HIT Entertainment. They have provided me with a free DVD to review and information to share with my readers. I was given the product for my personal opinion and option to share with my readers. I was not compensated for my time or written review.

Sing and Learn Spanish with the all new DVD's from Master Communications!

More and more kids are learning a second language early on in their childhood. I think it is superthat children's DVD's are coming out introducing language learning in fun ways. I recently got a DVD to review from Master Communications called Sing and Learn.

Sing and Learn is an engaging and effective tool, whether teaching a second language – in this case, Spanish – or preserving it as a native language at home. Developed by Agnes Chavez, a language expert, teacher and producer of Spanish DVDs, the DVDs have been proven to teach Spanish to children the fun and easy way. Children are constantly exposed to multicultural rhythms from around the world and Sing and Learn capitalizes on that, bringing Salsa, Cumbia, and Ranchera music to life in these videos while showing youngsters engaged in fun, everyday activities.

I thought that this DVD was well put together, and my kids really enjoyed the music! I think kids learn quickly when music is apart of the lesson. I really liked that the Sing and Learn DVD included a PDF of a Teacher’s Guide filled with suggested lessons plans, vocabulary lists, song lyrics (in English and Spanish), and a list of even more resources.

In Sing and Learn Spanish, children learn about Los Animales (Animals); Del Jardín (From the Garden); Mi Casa (My House); ¿Qué Hacen? (What Do They Do?); ¿Qué Tiene tu Cuerpo? (What Does Your Body Have?); ¿Qué Buscas? (What Are You Looking For?); ¿Adónde Vas? (Where Are You Going?); and ¿Cuál Es? (Which is it?).

In Sing and Learn More Spanish, lessons include Recuerdan (Remember); ¿Cómo es tu Familia? (What is Your Family Like?); ¿Para qué ir a la Escuela? (Why Do We Go to School?); ¿Te Gusta la Naturaleza? (Do You Like Nature?); ¿Cómo Anda la Gente? (How Do People Get Around?); ¿Qué Quieres Ser? (What Do You Want to Be?); ¿ Quieres ir a la Ciudad? (Do You Want to Go to the City?); and Aprendimos (We Learned).

In Sing and Learn English, chapters include Animals, From the Garden, My House, What Do They Do? What Does Your Body Have?, What Are You Looking For?, Where Are You Going? Which is it? Toe-tapping music accompanies each segment and exposes little ears to different kinds of musical styles. Young learners can use Sing and Learn English to brush up on early reading skills.

Sing and Learn titles are appropriate for children ages three and older and have running times of approximately 27 minutes each. Each educational version in the series sells for $29.95, which includes PPR. For more information or to order DVDs, call 1-800-765-5885 or visit Master-comm.com.

This review was provided from Master Communications, Inc. They have provided me with a free DVD to review and information to share with my readers. I was given the product for my personal opinion and option to share with my readers. I was not compensated for my time or written review.

Perfect for Spring: Barney's Egg-cellent Adventures DVD

It’s magical make-believe time with everyone’s favorite purple dinosaur, Barney, and his friends when Barney: Egg-Cellent Adventures springs onto DVD March 2, 2010 from Lionsgate and HIT Entertainment. Available for the first-time ever on DVD, it’s the perfect addition to any Easter basket! Trusted by moms and adored by children, Barney displays sharing, caring, imagining, dancing and learning on television, online and through live events, home entertainment and publishing. The Emmy award-winning series, Barney & Friends is one of the top-rated preschool shows today, airing on PBS KIDS and PBS KIDS SproutSM.

DVD SYNOPSIS
Your search for tee-riffic fun with Barney & Friends is over! Baskets full of egg-citement abound when Mother Goose, a nest full of eggs, and a mysterious, carrot-eating visitor bring super-Dino adventures to the whole family. Hop along for the super-dee-duper adventures with Barney and his friends!

Episodes include:
“Rabbits”
“Mother Goose”
“Ducks and Fish”

DVD SPECIAL FEATURES
“Barney’s Easter Egg Hunt”
“Gumdrops Matching Game”

Our review: My kids love Barney, and I think that Barney episodes are great! I love this DVD: Barney's Egg-cellent Adventures, because it is a full aray of colors. Spring time is in the air, and Barney and his friends have fun with Mother Goose and fun spring-time animals. We recommend this DVD for your family!

This review was provided from Lionsgate and HIT Entertainment. They have provided me with a free DVD to review and information to share with my readers. I was given the product for my personal opinion and option to share with my readers. I was not compensated for my time or written review.

Shaun the Sheep: A Wooly Good Time (Review & Giveaway)

Shaun the Sheep is baAAAAAaaa-ck with more great episodes. Shaun and the rest of the barnyard sheep keep our family in giggles. The new Shaun the Sheep: A Whooly Good Time, just came out on February 16th, 2010 from Lionsgate and HIT Entertainment. Our family was really excited to see what Shaun and the rest of the barnyard sheep would be up to this time!
The kids and the adults in our house laughed when "The Farmer's Niece" came for a visit in the. She looks just like the Farmer, and she is a little trouble maker. She gets her way, or she will holler. Shaun finally gets an idea that will make the little girl happy which turns out to be a hilarious disaster.

Shaun and the Sheep sure have a blast with the Farmer's clothes line and his laundry in the "Wash Day" episode. After making a mess of the clothes, the sheep decide to "clean" the clothes. Sheep+wash machine+ bottle of detergent = trouble!
Poor Bitzer, the farmer's dog, is left feeling miserable in "Tooth Fairy" and he will do just about anything to get relief. Shaun and a few other sheep try to help him out with several funny and wacky attempts, only to take a trip to the vet for removal.
We totally love Shaun the Sheep DVD's and highly recommend them to you and your family!

Synopis:
A little pinch of zaniness and a big dash of fun is the perfect recipe for laughter as Shaun the Sheep and his barnyard buddies Bitzer, Shirley, Timmy and friends get into more wacky shenanigans in Shaun the Sheep: A Woolly Good Time. The laughs keep rising as the creators of the Academy Award- winning Wallace & Gromit are on a roll, dough-ling out more sheep herding mayhem by the baker’s dozen.

Episodes include:
“Washday” – When the Farmer leaves, the sheep have loads of fun playing with his newly washed clothes hung out to dry. Quick! How to clean up the dirty garments before he returns?
“Tooth Fairy” – Bitzer gets a terrible toothache and Shaun takes the job as dentist hoping to help his friend and remove the painful tooth. But after several creative and hilarious attempts at extraction it’s off to the vet for success! But will the Tooth Fairy still visit Bitzer?
“The Farmer’s Niece” – The Farmer’s naughty niece comes for a visit and Bitzer and the fearless flock have to put up with her silly antics.
“Snore-Worn Shaun” – What can Shaun do to stop Shirley’s snoring? Nothing works so he and the flock decide to get her out of the barn with hilarious results!
“Helping Hound” – Farmer and Bitzer are fed up with the naughty sheep and hope a robotic dog will keep them in line. But there’s mayhem in the meadow when he turns out to be stricter than Bitzer!
“Big Top Timmy” – The sheep awake to find Timmy gone! The search is on and he’s found at a nearby circus. Can Shaun and the fearless flock rescue him and return to the barn before the Farmer finds out?

DVD SPECIAL FEATURES
· Sing-Along with Shaun
· The Mini-Making of Shaun

An international hit, Shaun the Sheep recently won an International Emmy Award for Children & Young People. Five minute shorts of the series also currently air in the U.S. on the Disney Channel. Fans can only find full length episodes on the DVDs.

Enter to win!
HIT Entertainment and Lionsgate have offered to sponsor a giveaway for my readers!
This contest is open to bloggers and non-bloggers of the United States. Contest is open until March 18, 2010. To enter, leave a comment about Shaun the Sheep.
**For extra chances you can: blog this contest, add my button to your site, subscribe to my blog, twitter and/or become a fan on facebook, and/or visit everyday and add another friendly comment about another family friendly DVD from HIT Entertainment or Lionsgate. Lots of chances to win! Don't forget to put the extra comments for the "extra" work. Good luck!**
This review was provided from Lionsgate and HIT Entertainment. They have provided me with a free product to review and information to share with my readers. I was given the product for my personal opinion and option to share with my readers. I was not compensated for my time or written review.

Colors are FUN!!

Spring is on the way, and kids can learn about the colors with Barney, Thomas, Bob the Builder, Fireman Sam, Kipper and friends on the all new DVD released from Lionsgate and HIT Entertainment: Colors are FUN! (February 9, 2010).

This DVD was really fun for my kids, and they love learning about colors. I think that these DVD's promote and teach great things to preschoolers, and they are entertaining to watch, as well.

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION
Your child’s DVD library is about to get even more vibrant! Colors Are Fun!, a plucky palette of stories featuring preschool favorites Barney, Thomas & Friends, Bob the Builder, Fireman Sam, Fifi and the Flowertots and Kipper. Each “colorful” episode features fun adventures and timeless tales of helping others, friendship and imagination.

DVD SYNOPSIS
A colorful adventure awaits! You’ll be painted from head to toe in delight when you join your favorite pre-school friends in these exciting adventures. Come along with Barney and find out how bright the sunshine is when colors dance in the air, join Bob the Builder as he discovers rich cave paintings, and collect colorful items for a magic show with Thomas. These adventures will show you the true colors of friendship and fun!

Episodes include:
Barney – “Colors”
Bob the Builder – “Scrambler and the Colorful Cave”
Thomas & Friends – “Smoke and Mirrors”
Fireman Sam – “Seeing Red”
Kipper – “Rainbow Puddle”


DVD SPECIAL FEATURES
· Bonus Episode: Fifi and the Flowertots – “Blueberry Surprise”

Available in stores and online now: Lionsgate & Amazon for a SRP pf $14.98.

This review was provided from Lionsgate and HIT Entertainment. They have provided me with a free product to review and information to share with my readers. I was given the product for my personal opinion and option to share with my readers. I was not compensated for my time or written review.

Lets Grow: Lend a Helping Hand

When people work together so much more can be done! Kids will learn these things with the help of Barney, Bob the Builder, Fireman Sam, Thomas and more. HIT Entertainment and Lionsgate came out with a DVD about helping others: Let's Grow: Lend a Helping Hand, January, 12, 2010.

Product Description:
Meet Kelly and Chica, the hosts of TV’s THE SUNNY SIDE UP SHOW on the 24-hour preschool channel, Sprout. Join them as they host this special collection of delightful adventures featuring your favorite friends, Barney, Bob the Builder, Thomas & Friends, Fireman Sam and Angelina Ballerina as they discover how quickly things can go from squeaky clean to terribly messy. Throughout all the stories and with Kelly and Chica’s help, your children will learn that when friends work together, any job can be fun!

Episodes:
Barney: "Litterbot"
Bob the Builder: "Clean as a Whistle Bristle"
Thomas & Friends: "Dirty Work"
Fireman Sam" "Mother's Helper"
Angelina Ballerina: "The Ballerina Rag Doll"

Available now in stores and online: Lionsgate & Amazon for a SRP of $14.98.

This review was provided from Lionsgate and HIT Entertainment. They have provided me with a free product to review and information to share with my readers. I was given the product for my personal opinion and option to share with my readers. I was not compensated for my time or written review.

Bob The Builder: The Best Of Bob the Builder

Bob the Builder and his gang are out in a new DVD released from Lionsgate and HIT Entertainment with 10 episodes!! My kids really enjoy Bob the Builder and his crew, and this is one of their new favorite DVD's because it has so many hours of building fun adventures!

Bob the Builder: Best of Bob hammers onto DVD January 12, 2010. Join Bob, Roley, Dizzy, Muck, Scoop and the rest of the Can-Do Crew in this great DVD. Ready to tackle any project, Bob the Builder and his machine team demonstrate teamwork, positive thinking and the importance of getting the job done right. Can they build it? YES THEY CAN!

DVD SYNOPSIS
It’s Bob at his best, along with Roley, Dizzy, Muck, Scoop and the entire Can-Do Crew! Enjoy 10 great episodes celebrating 10 years of building. Episodes:
Lofty to the Rescue
Mucky Muck
The House That Lofty Built
Dizzy Goes Camping
Bob’s Big Idea
Roley’s Flat Garden
Bob’s Big Plan
Two Scoops
Off Road Scrambler
When Bob Became A Builder

DVD SPECIAL FEATURES
“On-Site: Trains” – A 30 minute never before seen feature – Join Bob and his Can-Do Crew for some full steam action as Bob’s world meets the real world in “On Site: Trains.” With Mr. Bentley’s birthday approaching, Mrs. Bentley asks Bob and the team to repair his model train set as a surprise. With footage from real-life railroad construction sites, the team learns the three important stages of the build: setting the foundation, laying the tracks and cleaning up. From recycling old rail ties, to welding the new tracks to creating a railroad crossing where cars and people can cross the tracks safely, there’s no job too big for the team to handle together. It’s all in a day’s work when you go On Site!

“Building a New Bob: Ready! Steady! Build!” CGI Sizzler
“Bob’s Machine Mix-Up Puzzle” DVD-ROM Game
“If You Were on Bob’s Team” Game

Find Bob The Builder: The Best of Bob in stores and online: : Lionsgate.com & Amazon.com. SRP: $14.98.

This review was provided from Lionsgate and HIT Entertainment. They have provided me with a free product to review and information to share with my readers. I was given the product for my personal opinion and option to share with my readers. I was not compensated for my time or written review.

Just released today from HIT Entertainment and Lionsgate: Thomas and Barney!

Thomas the tank engine has great shows for kids to learn about friendship, cooperation, manners, and more. My kids and I really enjoy the new animated series of Thomas videos. The new one that came out today is "Splish, Splash, Splosh." In this new DVD there is a new host: Driver Perkins, and he is found only on the DVD's. Driver Perkins helps out Sir Topham Hatt, the train engineers and all of Sodor's engines. My kids get a kick out of him because he makes things fun. He really draws kid's attention and makes the new interactive learning a blast. We got to see him make a cake that resembles Thomas~ that is fun!
In Splish, Splash, Splosh a new engine is introduced: Charlie!
DVD SYNOPSIS
Even when it’s wet outside you can still have plenty of fun, especially when you share your adventures with Thomas & Friends! Grab your galoshes and join the team as they prepare for rainy day visits and sudsy spills, and then get unstuck from a snowy situation in this collection of stories from the Island of Sodor.
The DVD includes the following episodes:
o Playtime
o Splish Splash Splosh
o Slippy Sodor
o Snow Tracks
DVD SPECIAL FEATURES
All-new interactive games:
o Lift and Load Crane Game
o Counting with Thomas Game

Again, Thomas has made a hit in our homes, and this DVD is highly recommended.

Barney has been a long time example of how to share, be a friend, to use your imagination and using your manners. My kids love Barney's fun songs (with teachable words) and the fun dancing that Barney and his friends display. The Emmy award-winning series, Barney & Friends is one of the top-rated preschool shows today, airing on PBS KIDS and PBS KIDS Sprout.
Barney's new DVD from HIT Entertainment and Lionsgate just released today: "Please & Thank You."
DVD SYNOPSIS
When Baby Bop forgets to say “please” and “thank you,” Barney realizes it’s time for a lesson on how magic words can make other people feel good inside. As Baby Bop daydreams about a world without good manners she realizes that being polite is not only important but it’s easy to do after all. The DVD features 19 favorite Barney songs including, “Please & Thank You,” “Being Together,” “Clean Up” and more.
My kids really enjoyed this DVD, and I think manners are such a great thing to install into our children at a young age. I think Barney does a great job encouraging children to use their manners.
Episodes include:
· Magic Words
· Tea-riffic Manners
· Caring Hearts

DVD SPECIAL FEATURES
· Baby Bop’s Tea Party Games:
o “Cakes, Cups and Colors” Interactive Game
o “Alphabet Cookies” Interactive Game

My kids and I recommend this great Barney DVD: Please and Thank You!

Both of these DVD's were released today and can be found in your local retail stores or online at Lionsgate.com or Amazon.com.

This review was provided from Lionsgate and HIT Entertainment. They have provided me with a free product to review and information to share with my readers. I was given the product for my personal opinion and option to share with my readers. I was not compensated for my time or written review.

Munchkin Math

Counting money can be so fun for kids, and sometimes it can be tricky for them to learn the different coins, monetary values, and how to make change. Munchkin Math DVD's are a great way to introduce your child(ren) to counting money. I was sent a Counting Money! DVD from Munchkin Math to review, and my kids enjoyed the interactive DVD. The video has kids in it, and whenever kids are in videos, it draws my kid's attention. Wendy Miller, creator of Munchkin Math, is the hostess on this DVD. Wendy teaches catchy phrases, songs, and hand movements to help kids retain the information about dollars and cents. Counting Money! covers the value of each coin and math concepts. One of the fun things kids get to do in the DVD is build the "Money Worm" with counting the money. Munchkin Math DVD's use auditory, visual and kinesthetic styles to help children learn and hopefully retain what they learn. I thought this DVD was simplistic, and geared more toward young children. This may be a great home school product to use, with teaching/introducing money.
Munchkin Math has other DVD titles, too: Telling Time & Shapes. SRP$19.99.

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

Art House Volume 1: Basic Shapes and Animals (review and 2 for giveaway)

My kids love art, drawing, and being creative. Being a home schooling family, I love coming across products, videos, and other things that will bring my kids into the "educational realm" and encourage them to grow.
I was sent the DVD: Art House volume 1: Basic Shapes and Animals to review and I thought this DVD was super!
The DVD is hosted by Teacher Emily and her Art House gang. Emily teaches how easy it is to draw fish, monkeys, birds, dogs, and more. The animation of the animals is great, and the music and colors used in this DVD is wonderful! My kids loved watching the animals, and then watching Emily draw them. My kids were fascinated with the DVD. The animation is by Brad Abelson (The Simpsons), and the music is from the award-winning composer Peter Scaturro.
There will be future titles in the series that will be released in 2010 (vol. 2: Start your Engines, vol. 3: On the Farm, and vol. 4: Under the Sea).
This DVD comes complete with printable coloring book pages, which are great to give kids to encourage them to be artistic.
Recommended for ages 3 and up, Art House Volume 1: Basic Shapes and Animals is available at InTheArtHouse.com and www.amazon.com.
Endorsed by KIDS FIRST!, the initial title in the series Volume 1: Basic Shapes and Animals is available now for a suggested retail price of $17.99.

Win : Art House Volume 1: Basic Shapes and Animals (2 winners)
You have the opportunity to enter to win Art House Volume 1: Basic Shapes and Animals! I have 2 extra copies to giveaway. This contest is open to bloggers and non-bloggers of the United States. Contest is open until December 7th, 2009.
To enter, leave a comment about something you like to do with your kids for art.**For extra chances you can: blog this contest, add my button to your site, subscribe to my blog, twitter and/or become a fan on facebook, 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 In The Art House. They have supplied me with a DVD to sample for review and information to share with my readers. I was given the product for my personal opinion and option to share with my readers. I was not compensated for my time or written review. I am sponsored by the company to offer a giveaway for my readers, as well.

Barney: We Love our Family

One of the best places to be is in a family. In a family you belong, and can be loved. Barney and his friends talk all about love and family in the new release from Lionsgate and HIT Entertainment: Barney: We Love Our Family (November 17, 2009).

Product Description:
Discover the joys and laughter that moms, grandparents and cousins can bring in this collection full of unforgettable moments of warmth and togetherness the whole family will cherish.

Bonus Features:
"Dino Dress-Up" Game
"Welcome, Cousin Riff" Featurette

My kids and I really enjoyed this DVD because there is a precious new baby. Barney and his friends enjoy singing to the baby and talking about taking care of the family and being in a family. We love how Barney and his friends talk about the importance of the members of a family: Moms, Dads, Grandparents, etc.

Check out this new DVD! You can purchase your Barney: We Love our Family DVD in stores or online: Amazon & Lionsgate for a SRP $14.98.

This review was provided from Lionsgate and HIT Entertainment. They have provided me with a free product to review and information to share with my readers. I was given the product for my personal opinion and option to share with my readers. I was not compensated for my time or written review.