Wednesday, October 31, 2012

Just a Halloween Reminder:

Our Pumpkins ~ Halloween 2012
I did not write this, but it needs to be shared, so I figured I would:

Tonight a lot of creatures will visit your door. Be open minded.

The child who is grabbing more than one piece of candy might have poor fine motor skills.

The child who takes forever to pick out one piece of candy might have motor planning issues.

The child who does not say “trick or treat” or “thank you” might be painfully shy, non-verbal, or selectively mute.

If you cannot understand their words, they may struggle with developmental speech.

The child who looks disappointed when he sees your bowl might have an allergy.

The child who isn’t wearing a costume at all or criticizes your decorations might have sensory processing disorder or autism.

Be kind, be patient, smile, pretend you understand. It’s everyone’s Halloween.

And if you live in an area that might have been affected by Sandy..

Please remember that Children do not understand the devastation that Sandy has created. Remember that today is still Halloween for them. If a child should come trick-or-treating at your door, please put your own frustrations aside. They are children and still innocent, embrace them. They might be looking for something fun to get their minds off of all of the horrible events that Sandy brought with her.

Most importantly, be safe!
Happy Halloween everybody!

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Moshi Monsters: Moshlings Theme Park

The much-anticipated all-new Nintendo 3DS and Nintendo DS videogame from Mind Candy and Activision, is now available at major retailers nationwide – just in time for the holidays!
 



The game comes hot on the heels of the record breaking debut game, Moshi Monsters: Moshling Zoo. Based on the worldwide phenomenon Moshi Monsters, and building on the ever-growing popularity of the Moshlings characters, Moshi Monsters: Moshlings Theme Park takes fans on an exciting journey into a new Moshi universe.

The game invites players to explore wondrous locations as they work to rebuild the legendary Moshlings Theme Park. Fans can uncover secret codes online at MoshiMonsters.com, which will unlock special areas and content on both Nintendo 3DS and Nintendo DS systems.

By achieving high scores in the DS game kids can also unlock exclusive content online at MoshiMonsters.com. Users of the Nintendo 3DS can interact with other Nintendo 3DS players via the StreetPass feature and play cool games to bring the Moshlings to life in a whole new dimension.

Moshi Monsters: Moshlings Theme Park marks the first time fans can interact with beloved characters via 3D technology. Jam-packed with exclusive content, Moshi Monsters: Moshlings Theme Park also introduces fans, for the very first time, to “Furnando”, a brand-new Moshling character. He is just one of 60 Moshling characters that take part in this thrilling journey to get the theme park back on track!

 In addition, every new Nintendo DS and Nintendo 3DS game comes with a free week-long membership to MoshiMonsters.com and a redeemable code so users also can interact with their new Moshling on the Moshi website. Moshi Monsters is an interactive social online world for kids aged 6-12 years, combining adoptable virtual pet monsters with online gameplay.

With engaging puzzles, stories, and exciting missions, the Moshi Monsters world is an ever-growing success story with books, magazines and toys to name just a few of the available monster offerings. Moshi Monsters: Moshlings Theme Park is now available at retailers across the country, including Toys ‘R’ Us, Best Buy, Target, Walmart and Gamespot (approx. $29.99). For further information about the game you can visit www.MoshlingsThemePark.com.

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Tuesday, October 23, 2012

Famous Footwear Friends + Family Coupon!


Run- don't walk (hah!) to your nearest Famous Footwear and take advantage of this fabulous deal!

FAMOUS FOOTWEAR FRIENDS + FAMILY EVERY SHOE, NO EXCLUSIONS! Victory is Yours! Use FALLFF2012 or print your coupon to shop in-store, from Wednesday, 10/24/12 through Sunday, 10/28/12.

As soon as I opened this deal in my email this morning, I knew I needed to share it with you. I love that I have a Famous Footwear right up the road from me.. my husband doesn't like it that much, but I do! Abbie needs new shoes already, so I might use this coupon on something for her. These kids grow so quickly, it seems like I can't keep up with them!

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Monday, October 22, 2012

Personalized Christmas Stockings -Only $7.99

I just opened my inbox, and this awesome offer was waiting for me, and I knew I had to share it with you all!! What a great price!

Watch your children’s eyes widen with excitement after seeing their name on their own red plush Vistaprint stocking hanging from your mantel.

After all, children and adults alike are sure to love having this memorable holiday keepsake every holiday season. Christmas stockings are easy to customize, fun to show off, and always add the perfect personal element to gift giving.

 Simply choose a name and font to begin creating a holiday gift that you’ll enjoy for years to come – and that’s as unique as you.

And for only $7.99 plus FREE shipping, now you can shop once and deliver cheer to everyone on your holiday list. Just one of the many reasons to shop at Vistaprint this season.

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Healthy Schools, Healthy Minds $25 Publix GC Giveaway! Ends 10/29


 

Publix and Produce for Kids are teaming up to host the second annual Healthy Schools, Healthy Minds campaign. Now through October 24th, local shoppers can contribute to this cause and support your local schools by adding produce to their Publix shopping lists. During the campaign, participating fresh fruit and vegetable suppliers will make a donation based on consumption of their fresh produce items to DonorsChoose.org, which will support local classroom projects.

Shoppers can be on the lookout for the Produce for Kids display unit, featuring characters from popular Sprout shows, LazyTown™ and Noodle and Doodle, in the produce section of their local Publix store. The more items shoppers add to their shopping lists, the more local classrooms will benefit!

Also, Produce for Kids just launched a fun and exciting contest on Pinterest. Be sure to check it out here!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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Wednesday, October 17, 2012

Playing For Keeps: Romantic Comedy Coming this Holiday Season

Gerard Butler and Jessica Biel, stars of the upcoming romantic comedy PLAYING FOR KEEPS take you behind the scenes and talk about what matters most in the new NCM trailer:



Featuring an all star cast including Uma Thurman, Catherine Zeta-Jones, Judy Greer and Dennis Quaid, PLAYING FOR KEEPS, opens nationwide December 7th. Can't wait till then to see the film? Text PFK to 63278 to get your Gerard Butler fix with exclusive content and to take the PLAYING FOR KEEPS quiz!

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Tuesday, October 16, 2012

New Winner Chosen:

Congrats, Dana, winner of the DarkShadows DVD Blue Ray Combo!

Check your email for more information on how to claim your prize!

Do you know someone who's expecting? We have some great pregnancy product reviews and giveaways scheduled for later this month! Can't wait to share it with you!

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#Unreal Peanut Lover Facebook Fan Giveaway!

So I decided to step out of the box a little, and see who can see my posts on facebook since they've re-done them again.

Turns out, not many people can see them at all.

I'm not thrilled, but I figured I would share the giveaway here with you all!

This last weekend we had some friends and neighbors over to experience Unreal candy.

Basically, it's candy that you love, made without the junk the other guys put in it. It does taste a little different, but it's still amazing. I'm giving one lucky reader their chance to win this peanutty pair- peanut butter cups and candy coated chocolates with peanuts. To enter just leave a comment at THIS FACEBOOK pic. Don't forget to share it with your friends!

Oh- almost forgot to add- the giveaway will close on Friday night at 11:59pm EST. Any comments after that time will not count towards winning. :)

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Monday, October 15, 2012

Ballet Beautiful: Total Body Workout

Mary Helen Bowers, Natalie Portman’s trainer for her Academy Award-winning role in Black Swan and former New York City Ballet dancer, is sharing her ballet-inspired exercises through the Lionsgate Home Entertainment release of Ballet Beautiful: Total Body Workout on DVD, Digital Download and On Demand.

This overall routine will help sculpt sleek and strong legs, arms, butt, abs and upper body to get a tight, toned and elegant physique. Workouts include Bridge Series, Abs, Inner Thigh, Outer Thigh, Arms and Standing that focus on trouble areas while increasing flexibility and improving posture. This targeted mat work will help create a graceful dancer’s body in no time! In addition to the six complete exercises, the Ballet Beautiful: Total Body Workout DVD includes custom workout and music-only options and will be available on September 4 for the suggested retail price of $14.98.

  • Bridge Series: A challenging series of bridge exercises that sculpt and tone the muscles on the inside and back of the legs, butt, inner thighs, hips and abs
  • Abs: A targeted abdominal workout that strengthens your center of balance and sculpts a lean waist 
  • Inner Thigh: Focused exercises that strengthen and tone the inner thighs, key to sculpting a ballerina's long, powerful legs 
  • Outer Thigh: A challenging workout for the outside of the hip and thigh. These exercises tighten and tone the outside of the hip, lengthening the line of the legs 
  • Arms: Upper body and arm exercises that quickly sculpt and tone your arms, shoulders and back and improve posture without any weights or equipment 
  • Standing: Dance inspired standing exercises with cardio elements
Ballet Beautiful founder Mary Helen Bowers is an accomplished ballerina and visionary fitness expert, a leader in the global trend of ballet-inspired fitness. Her signature Ballet Beautiful Method uses customized, low-impact cardio and toning exercises to sculpt a strong, graceful physique and beautiful posture. She has been sought out by A-list actresses, celebrities and supermodels around the world including Kirsten Dunst, Helena Christensen, Liv Tyler, Maggie Gyllenhaal, Jaime King and Zooey Deschanel. She opened her first studio in New York City’s Soho neighborhood in May of 2011. Mary Helen’s new book, Ballet Beautiful, just launched in June of 2012. In addition, she has a global online training program and has sold thousands of videos in over 50 countries worldwide.

With the season premiere of TV shows like Bunheads, ballet is back in the forefront of athletic abilities, and personal fitness routines.  Add this one to your workout routine, and you'll be sure to feel the burn the moment it starts. My daughter, who's only six, just recently started taking ballet classes, and loves to watch me, and "workout" with me. It's easy to follow along with, and works muscles I haven't seen or felt in a really long time. You can purchase this title from Amazon, Walmart, or anywhere that DVD's are sold. I love the fact that it's available On-Demand, and Digital Download.

Special thanks to the PR company representing Ballet Beautiful for allowing us to review this title.






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Denise Austin: Shrink Belly Fat

Flatten your belly and tone a slim, sexy waistline with the DVD and Digital Download release of Lionsgate Home Entertainment’s Denise Austin: Shrink Belly Fat. All three 15-minute, belly fat-burning workouts use different methods to strategically target the core by working every midsection muscle from all possible angles. Just released early September, Denise Austin: Shrink Belly Fat is fun and fresh and will zap stubborn belly fat to reveal a tighter, trimmer tummy. Stick with it and you can have leaner abs in no time!

Cardio Abs (15 minutes): Blast belly fat and burn mega calories with ab-sculpting circuits like heart-pounding squat-jacks that get you off the floor to tone the core.

Athletic Abs (15 minutes): Banish the bulge with challenging total-body moves like walking planks and sidearm holds that combine strength and coordination to tighten your tummy.

Classic Abs (15 minutes): Firm your middle with fine-tuned favorites that isolate the upper and lower abs, the obliques and the back for a complete core makeover.

 An innovator in fitness, Denise Austin is spokeswoman for Skechers Shape-Ups, and has sold more than 25 million workout units (DVD and VHS). She has a new book launching November of 2012. She also has a Denise Austin branded Smart Health watch launching fall 2012. Denise is a monthly columnist for Woman’s Day magazine and endorses Idaho Potatoes and Nature Made.

I remember my mom working out to Denise Austin when I was younger, and inherited most of her fitness videos after having my first son. I lost a bunch of weight with her program, and passed my videos along to a friend after she had her baby.

Here I go again, on my road to weight loss after a baby, and I've recently started with this new DVD. Only a couple of sessions into it, I remember what I love about Denise Austin. Her program is easy to follow, the workouts are quick, and in mom-language, that means it can fit into any busy schedule.

So far so good, but I have to give it some time to really see if it's working. I will be sure to keep you updated!

Special thanks to our friends at Lionsgate for allowing us to review this DVD.

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Sunday, October 14, 2012

Mega Bloks Lil Princess Party

Mega Bloks has a brand new line of toys geared specifically for girls. Mega Bloks Lil Princess introduces a construction set in pastel pink, blue, orange and green that's enticing for preschool and young girls alike. With names like Princess Dewdrop and Sunray, girls will find themselves in a world of royal make-believe. Also available is a three-story Enchanted Castle, a Twinkling Castle, and a Magic Carriage.


My oldest is a boy, so Abbie often "gets stuck" playing with all of his toys. She's adopted a lot of his likes, and that's perfectly fine for us. Of the many things she enjoys, she LOVES to build. Recently, other toys originally geared for boys have come out with new girl-inspired lines, and while awesome, they're still just a little too detailed or advanced for Abbie. Not only that, she got so frustrated when all of the little pieces from the play set that she got her last birthday seemed to disappear. I find she gravitates to the Mega Bloks while her brother creates with tinier blocks.

I have nothing against primary colored toys- in fact I usually love that they can be gender neutral, and encourages both boys and girls to create open-mindedly. I must say though, that I love that Mega Bloks has come out with the new Lil Princess line of building blocks and pretend play items. I love that girls can build on the castle grounds, encouraging imaginative play beyond their wildest dreams. The chunky pieces don't get lost easily, and the girls that came over to experience them ranged from a year old to age six, and ALL of them enjoyed the play sets, "ponies" (they're really unicorns), and princesses. They tried to build fortresses (many have older brothers), and Abbie even ran to get some of Alex's robots- who tried to terrorize the Princess Land.


Overall, the girls had a blast, and the mama's enjoyed receiving a great coupon for coming to our Lil Princess Playdate. They enjoyed eating pink cupcakes, and coloring in princess crowns.

About the products:

The 3-Story Enchanted Castle comes with a sheet of stickers so your Lil Princess can decorate the castle however she fancies. (We kept the stickers hidden for the purpose of the party, because we didn't want any tears or arguments.) There's a spinning platform for the princess and her pony to twirl around on, and the girls loved the fact that all of the doors could open and close.

The Princess' tiara pops up when she's standing at the overpass, the girls thought that was "cool!"
and the sparkly tops of the towers were "pretty".  There are different ways that the girls could build up on the castle, making it the perfect palace, every time.

Princess Starlight (pink), and Princess Sunray (orange) are also pictured above. They come with their ponies, (who have removable wings), and a few blocks to add onto your play set with.

The girls did not play with the Magic Carriage, but we used it as a raffle for the moms who came to join us. It was just for the moms, so the girls didn't get upset. The mommy that won decided she's going to keep it for a holiday gift for her Lil Princess, and went out and got a playset to join it.


The Magic Carriage is adorable! One pony pulls it, and when the princess has reached her destination, it can be taken apart and the cutest gazebo can be built with its parts.

Tons of sparkles are all over this carriage's components, making it a great addition for this play set.

Part of me wishes it sat a little higher, allowing more of the building pieces and/or accessories to be stored in there.

It's a great size for any child 1-5, and a great way for them to experience Mega Bloks.

Keep in mind, although Abbie is 6, this was still appropriate for her. She loved the way she could manipulate the playset, and didn't get frustrated as easily as she does with other toys geared for 6+.

If you're looking for a great gift for your Lil Princess, add this one to the list, because I'm sure this line will be amongst the hot sellers this November and December.

Special thanks to our friends at Mega Bloks for allowing us to host a MommyParties Party through MomSelect, and for providing us and our guests with toys to review and enjoy.

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Thursday, October 11, 2012

International Delight Iced Coffee -Summer time? ANY Time!

Living in Florida, it's basically summer all year long. Some people love it, some people want it, but I can assure you, (as a native New Yorker and coffee-holic) sometimes it's just too hot!

I used to love waking up and sitting on my porch on an early October morning sipping my coffee, watching the cardinals fly from tree to tree. The cool crisp breeze...

Nope. Since 2004, I wake up, drink my coffee in my 73 degree house (thank God for AC!) and sweat. Until one day, where I decided it was an ingenious idea to brew some coffee, put it in the old spouted fridge container, and instead of the kids over-dosing with multi-colored punch, I could enjoy a nice cup of sweet, creamy, strong, iced coffee any time I wanted to.

Doesn't that look yummy??
 So my morning routine was basically the same, only instead of sweating through a hot cup o' joe, I was cooler and more refreshed. Until the kids messed with the spout and iced coffee got everywhere.


There had to be a better way.

Then I got an email from International Delight, sharing their Iced Coffee with me. Wait. Hold on. WHAT?! Where the heck have I been hiding that I never knew that there was delicious Iced Coffee waiting for me, in a resealable half gallon carton at the grocery store?! In multiple flavors, too- and since JANUARY. Seriously, I almost hit the ground.

Not only did I run to my nearest store to go snag some for myself, I told all of my girlfriends about it, too!

We meet once every week/week and a half for a breakfast day, so we had a International Delight Iced Coffee breakfast party with home-made waffles, fluffy scrambled eggs, and nice, cold glasses of creamy iced coffee!!


Here's what my friends had to say:



So, for hosting an International Delights Iced Coffee party on National Coffee Day (Sept. 29th), they sent me some great coupons, the cute signs in the photos above, the party mantra [Relax- Drink Iced Coffee] framed, and a party banner. I'm an Iced Coffee Brand Ambassador, too. I don't mind being a brand ambassador for this product, because it's something that everyone truly loved! The house favorite was Mocha, and Vanilla came in a close second. Their facebook page says a new flavor should be showing up in a refrigerator section near you, very, very soon- Caramel Macchiato. Holy Yum.

So I have to share some spec's with you- International Delights is available in three flavors right now: Original, Mocha, and Vanilla, but more flavors are sure to hit shelves soon. (And when that happens, you may hear a squeal of joy!)

Like what you see? Visit International Delight on Facebook so you can score hot coupons, and stay up to date on all of the latest and greatest news on their flavored creamers, or the deliciousness-known-as their Iced Coffee products.

I wrote this review while participating in an In Home Party campaign by Mom Central Consulting on behalf of International Delight and received product samples to facilitate my party and review, and a promotional item to thank me for participating.



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Saturday, October 6, 2012

Catch "Partners" New Comedy on CBS-Monday!

The series follows two lifelong BFFs. Louis (Michael Urie) and Joe (David Krumholtz) are now 30-something partners at an architectural firm and are a true odd couple.

Louis and Joe's endearing and sometimes overbearing 'bromance' only complicates the other relationships in their lives—especially with Joe's fiancé Ali (Sophia Bush), and Louis' beau Wyatt (Brandon Routh).

Partners is based on its co-creators, David Kohan and Max Mutchnik, the Emmy Award winning duo behind Will & Grace, who also happen to be real-life best friends.

 Although, I personally have not seen this show (we're currently trying to live without cable), I've heard that it's like Will & Grace and Friends made a baby.  If that kind of comedy is for you, you might want to check out Partners, and catch up on episodes.

Still not sure if it's your cup of tea? Click here to see a sneak peek of Monday's episode on CBS. (Video may not be suitable for small ears, and/or appropriate for work. Use your own discretion.)

Are you a total fan? Join the LIVE Twitter party this Monday night, and be eligible to win great prizes and share in the fun!

By sharing this information with my audience, I'm automatically entered to win a gift card. 
This does not affect my opinion in my post.




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Wednesday, October 3, 2012

Johnny Depp in Dark Shadows DVD/Blu-Ray Combo Giveaway Ends 10/15


Just in time for Halloween, we're giving away a copy of Dark Shadows, featuring Johnny Depp. Just released yesterday, this film will make a great addition to your collection. My cousin, (horror film extraordinaire) had this to say about it:

The first words that come to mind when I hear "Dark Shadows" is: vampires, werewolves, and ghosts, Oh My! Director Tim Burton has definitely put a new twist on a TV cult classic. It's an adventure that requires an open mind and a ticklish funny bone. Johnny Depp takes Barnabus Collins to new heights; between seeking love advice from hippies, and battling modern times, to reuniting with his long lost love, Dark Shadows is quite the adventure.

With this heavy hitting all star cast, it's a movie not to pass up... especially when a cameo from Alice Cooper is involved!!
 *                                        *                                        *

 Catch your copy anywhere that sells DVD/Blu-Ray combos, or enter to win one here!!

While you're visiting, have some Dark Shadows fun by taking a quiz, testing your trivia knowledge, and by reading your 'horror scope'.  If you enjoy it, don't forget to share it with your friends!


Here's how to enter: 
Tell me what you scored on the quiz above! Click the enter button on the RaffleCopter form below. Click on any of the other ways to earn extra bonus entries!

ALL Entries will be verified, so please be honest.


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Monday, October 1, 2012

It's a Buddy Holiday!

Now until the end of the year, you can take advantage of this fabulous sale on Buddy's! These cuddly characters look great under the tree, and come with their own carry-along box, internet activity code, and scent pack! Priced at $25, on sale for Buy One, Get One FREE, these Buddy's won't last very long!

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