The Smurfs Dance Party Wii Review + Redbox Code Giveaway!

Oh my gosh! What a fun game! We went grocery shopping yesterday, and decided to check out our local Redbox, and saw that The Smurfs Dance Party for Wii was available. The kids were super excited to try it out, and we ended up playing it all day!!

My kids haven't seen the movie yet, but they want to- but they loved dancing with all of the characters. I laughed harder than I have in months to "Mr. Smurftastic" a clean rendition of Shaggy's Mr. Boombastic, and loved Smurfette dancing to Katy Perry's pop hit, "One of the Boys".

My only complaint was that it took the kids a little longer to get the moves right than it did when they play the Just Dance games, but I have a feeling it has to do with the avatar being a weird blue Smurf blown up on the large living room TV. Also, since we only rented it I didn't have time to figure out what the Smurfberries were for, or if the game actually keeps record of high scores like JD. I'm sure that with the instruction book those issues would be cleared up in no time. Even without instructions, this game is easy to just pop in and play.

Whether you're a fan of the Smurfs or the dance-type games, definitely give this game a try. Great for a family fun night!! The best part is that since it's offered on Redbox, you can try it out and see how much the kids love it BEFORE you buy it, if you prefer.

Because I loved it so much, I have several exclusive Redbox Codes (or more..) that I'm going to giveaway to my Facebook Fans. If you don't "Like" us yet, be sure you do, and tell your friends. To enter, just leave me a comment on our wall! Visit 4BabyAndMom on Facebook now to enter!!

At least one code per day will be given away! Ends 9/1

Nintendo Wii, Redbox, and Facebook.com is in no way related to this giveaway, and cannot be held reliable for anything related to this giveaway or to 4BabyAndMom.com.

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Mattel Fijit Friends are Super Fun! *Review*

Recently, we were given the opportunity to ask several of our girl friends over to have a super fun girly glamor get-together to introduce them to the brand new Fijit Friends from Mattel.

Your child will find a new friend in an interactive, electronic toy that can talk, dance, and laugh along with them. This new generation children's toy not only entertains but can actually engage and interact with our kids on a whole new level. Fijit Friends have colorful and soft skin that enable lifelike movements and they can perform fun dance moves, recognize spoken emotions and react appropriately, joining in on the fun or telling a joke when you are sad. Fijit Friends come in four different color variations, each with a unique personality.

So we invited our girlfriends to come over for cupcakes, nail painting, and dress up, and with the horrible weather, were rained out. We didn't let that discourage us, so we rescheduled it for a few weekends later, and before I knew it the house was full of a bunch of 5-9 year old girls.

We were sent two adorable Fijit Friends, Sage and Willa, some great party favors, headbands and a camera to record some fun moments of our par-tay! The kids loved both of the characters, and the fact that they interacted with each of them, telling jokes that made them roar with laughter, but the part they loved the most was that it danced, just like them to their favorite beats! The mommies thought that it was super cute when the kids told their new friends, "goodnight", and the little Fijit Friend leaned over, yawned and started snoring!

The kids played with the Fijit Friends for quite awhile, and many of the moms insisted that this toy will definitely become one of the MUST HAVE toys for the 2011 holiday season... I think they're right! This toy is geared for girls about 6-9, but I will tell you the few brothers that were dragged along with their sisters confiscated the green Fijit Friend (Sage) and were caught playing in the room with it after their laughter exploded from a joke Sage shared with them. The boys thought the lights on the Fijit Friends face and belly was super cool. Most of the kids liked the silicone skin, only one thought it felt weird, but all of the feedback we got was great.

The Fijit Friends retail for approximately $49.99 each. They come in four different colors- blue, green, pink, and purple, all with different names. Although they come with batteries, but I would advise you to buy extra ones because the factory batteries died very quickly. Even now that the party is over, my little lady plays with it almost every day- and often has to hide her from her brother!!

To learn more about Fijit Friends, please visit there website here. Be sure to interact with them, read their bios and play the game while you're there!

We cannot thank our friends at Mattel and Mom Central Consulting for allowing us to participate in this awesome campaign. "I wrote this review while participating in a campaign by Mom Central Consulting on behalf of Mattel Fijit Friends and received coupons and a promotional item to thank me for taking the time to participate.”

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Fallen Off the Face of the Earth- One Mothers Journey...

If I had a novel written about me this year, that would be its title.

The first year I started my blog, I had people tell me, "If you make it through the first year, you've made it through half the battle." I made it through the first year fine. This second year was difficult.

As you all know, I'm a mom, and so is Marissa. Sometimes life just has a way of happening.. sometimes it has a way of just exploding.. sometimes it just keeps on ticking. If you've read 4BabyAndMom for any length of time, you know that my world revolves around my kids. You may also recall that it's been a very difficult experience with my son in school. Last school year was hell. I spent the entire year fighting tooth and nail against the administrators, teachers, and most of the faculty and staff. My son was bullied, ended up in fist fights, learned how to be extremely disrespectful, and for the longest time, I did not see the light at the end of the tunnel.

The good news is- it's over. No, I did not decide to homeschool (sorry to disappoint all of you who recommended it), but we did switch Alex to a school that will be able to meet his needs completely.  Finally, after I submitted in an official letter to the school and district (other written requests I was told was not "official") Alex was given a full psychoeducational assessment. The end result said that he's got Asperger's Syndrome. Finally- we had a diagnosis, we had something to grab a hold of, something besides the standard "gifted" crutch they had used to explain away all of the signs and symptoms we suspected.

The school my son is in now seems wonderful, like an answer to our prayers. I'm hoping and praying now that it just continues the way it's going, and keeps getting better. He's in a Gifted/ASD setting now, and I'm sure you all will have to endure with me a little bit as the bumpy road we've been on smooths out again completely. My son, who "hates to color and write", completed his first project this week, (a dodecahedron), and colored, drew and wrote on all twelve panels! Not only did he complete it and enjoy it, but he completed it early!

My little lady, Miss Abbigaile, has started kindergarten. She's in a different school than Alex, but she seems to love it. It was semi-traumatic for me, because of the experience that my son had with that school, but through many coffee counseling sessions with my dearest and best friends, I came to realize that she is a different child, and that she will do well, and her experience will be much different than my sons. For that I am grateful, because this week, I've watched her get more excited about school with each day that passes.

It's been four very long years fighting with our school district, and although I'm still cautiously optimistic about this school year, the fact is that I am still optimistic about it. I cannot wait to see how the children learn and grow as the year progresses, and I cannot wait to jump back into the swing of things here.

Oh, and an update on Marissa- she graduated from the community college in May this year, and just started her first semester in USF. She's going to make an amazing teacher. Her two squirts have kept her very busy over the summer. Her oldest started MIDDLE SCHOOL this week, and she's been dealing with it much better than we all anticipated. She still plans on writing articles and reviews to help me when life gets crazy, but if it wasn't for her constant compassion and empathy, and her faith in you- our readers, I cannot say if 4BabyAndMom would have made it through the summer.

She took the time to remind me why I started this blog, why I love what I do, and why I love building the professional relationships and friendships with my sponsors and my readers.

So that's basically it- in a nutshell. Why I'm in this nutshell, well, that's another story entirely. BUT- keep hanging on, I have some fun things planned for this upcoming holiday season, I have some great reviews that should be posted this week, and I have some great giveaways in store too.

I hope you all had a fabulous summer, and wish you and the kiddos the best back-to-school season ever! Oh, and just cause they're cute- here's a pic of my kiddos on their first day of school, 2011:

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SUPER Fall Sea World Deal!! Stay-cation or Getaway this Fall

Looking to get away this fall? Orlando is sure to be one of the most popular destinations. And SeaWorld Orlando tops the list of great getaway options, offering incredible savings, amazing new shows and thrilling rides.

For getaways now through December 25, visitors can Book two nights at a SeaWorld partner hotel, and get a third night FREE*. Plus, guests also enjoy the added benefit of SeaWorld’s All-Day Dining Deal included FREE with each paid admission.



It’s already SeaWorld’s best getaway value…but stay at any of the “Official Hotels of SeaWorld”, and you also receive the following exclusive benefits:

• Complimentary Quick Queue, front-of-the-line access to SeaWorld’s amazing thrill rides
• Complimentary transportation to SeaWorld, Aquatica, Discovery Cove and Universal Orlando
• Eat all day for free at select SeaWorld restaurants with each park admission

Exclusive benefits are available from the hotel’s guest service desk – staffed by knowledgeable representatives from Expedia Local Expert. For more information, including a list of participating hotels, and to book a getaway, go to SeaWorldGetaways.com or call 1-(888) 800-5447.

*This free night offer is available for a limited time, and not valid after December 25, 2011. Minimum of 2 SeaWorld tickets required as part of your hotel package.


New at SeaWorld Orlando
“One Ocean” is an all-new killer whale show, connecting guests to the sea with a new level of energy, excitement and vibrancy as it educates and inspires them to make a difference in this world. One Ocean features SeaWorld’s majestic killer whales as ambassadors of the sea, and the ocean as the center of our natural world. The show connects guests with these remarkable animals and immerses the audience in the vivid colors and sensations of the underwater world. At the core of the show is the unifying message that both animals and humans are part of one world, with one ocean, and its future is in our hands to cherish and protect.

And for the fall, SeaWorld features two amazing events -- Halloween Spooktacular and Christmas at SeaWorld -- that will leave you and your kids with treasured memories. During SeaWorld's Halloween Spooktacular, children and adults alike will be immersed in an underwater "fantasea" with trick-or-treating and dancing with sea fairies and pumpkin fish. New this year, kids can become a part of SeaWorld history and decorate an 80-foot-long, sea-themed coloring wall. SeaWorld’s Halloween Spooktacular takes place from 12 – 8 p.m. during weekends in October (1-2, 8-9, 15-16, 22-23 and 28-30) and is included in park admission.

Christmas at SeaWorld invites guests to experience the joys of Christmas with The Sea of Trees -- 75 massive trees, each sparkling, lighted and choreographed to classic holiday tunes. Plus, enjoy returning favorites – The Polar Express Experience, Winter Wonderland on ice and Shamu Christmas Miracles – sure to inspire traditions for years to come. Holiday events take place select nights November 25 through December 11, and nightly from December 16 through December 31, 2011.

New at Discovery Cove
The Grand Reef takes a day at Discovery Cove – an all-inclusive tropical retreat in the heart of Orlando where guests swim with dolphins, hand-feed exotic birds in a free-flight aviary and relax on pristine beaches - to another level. The all-new saltwater reef is filled with thousands of tropical fish in shallow and deeper waters leaving guests to explore where they feel most comfortable. Snorkeling takes place among canyons inspired by reefs from around the world and guarantees sights of amazing exotic sea life ranging from spotted eagle rays and zebra sharks to lionfish and eels. For the daring, SeaVenture is an innovative, underwater walking tour where guests – wearing dive helmets – will feel right at home under the sea, getting up close to sharks and lionfish (safely behind glass), velvety rays and even star fish or sea urchins.

For additional park information, visit SeaWorld.com. To book a getaway, go to SeaWorldGetaways.com or call 1-(888) 800-5447.

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Walgreens 7 Days of Deals- 50% off photo books

Run, don't walk your fingers to Walgreens website right now to take advantage of this super HOT deal!! Right now you can save 50% off of an 8.5x11 custom cover photo book. Everyday, (starting yesterday) they are offering a new and exciting discount, including photo calendars and more!!

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Backyard Safari Outfitters Perfect for Exploration! *Review*

This summer we were given the opportunity to review some new products from Backyard Safari Outfitters. Last year, my son and my nephew were introduced to Backyard Safari products and they were super excited to receive a ginormous box packed with hiking and nature stuff. The gear from Backyard Safari really helps to transform any backyard into a world of its own.

Our box of new stuff came with a Base Camp Shelter, Camouflage, Bird Watcher’s Field Kit and Hiking Stick. The kids loved playing with the bug magnifier and bird watching stuff, but the shelter and camouflage were definitely "super cool". The boys made it their fort, then their club- boys only, of course- and then eventually after we left, my niece was allowed to join her brother for a photo opp.

Since then, I was told that my nephew has explored every corner of their property, examined every bug, leaf, stick and rock, and has even allowed his sister and brother to play along on his adventures. I love the fact that Backyard Safari allows children to use their imaginations, yet encourages them to learn more about the world around them.

Mikey really does love his new Backyard Safari gear, and loved seeing the patches on the products this time around. He had them in his pocket for awhile, but he's pretty certain his little brother hid them.

We can't wait to see if he convinces his mommy to sew them on his vest, since his sister is a Brownie, he thinks it's pretty cool.

Backyard Safari products can be found online as well as at stores such as Toys R Us and Target.

Special thanks to our friends at Team Mom and Backyard Safari for allowing us to review this product line and for making summer that much cooler!

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Back to School SALE at Old Navy

What's better than this for back to school clothes? Although I know it's not *really* a Back-to-School sale, it is a phenomenal one!

Amazing! Great time to stock up now! I hit up Old Navy the end of last week and got clothes on sale for as low as $4! Check out OldNavy.com to find a store that's close to you!

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Who is Simon Miller? August 6 #FamilyMovieNight Review

If you asked me and the family what types of movies we generally like, it's "ACTION", "SPY MOVIES", and movies that make you think. We love James Bond, Cars 2, and the hubster and I love other movies or TV shows along the same genre.

When given the opportunity to screen the new P&G and Walmart Family Film, WHO IS SIMON MILLER? we were super excited. We knew after watching the first two family film night presentations, that every movie seems to keep getting better and better, so we were all eager to watch this new one. Here's the movie trailer:




It looks great, doesn't it?! The premiere of Who Is Simon Miller? is on Saturday, August 6 on NBC at 8pm ET/7pm CT, so make sure you plan for it this weekend. The best part is that this movie isn't "scary" for younger kids, and yet it's good enough to even keep the teen boys interested. There's just enough of a balance between action and drama, so again, another home run from the production team at P&G and Walmart for a wholesome family movie.

Ok, so the con's of this movie review.... the mom in this flick becomes a supermom out of nowhere. One minute she's a cooking freak who only seems to think straight when she cooks or obsesses over her family eating healthy, and the next she's elbowing bad guys in a stair well to make a grand getaway. I mean, I'm not sure if I was put into a few of those situations if I would be able to respond the way she does, and have it perfectly fall into place. Also the son is somewhat of a computer geek/genius, and although they hint about it, tease him about it, and he cracks several things the average Joe isn't supposed to know how to crack, it was a little bit of a stretch. 

All in all, the story line was really good, the characters were well played, with a great twist, and it was great seeing another family unit working together no matter what came their way. From snipers, to disappearance, to flying all over the world, this movie has something for everyone.

So pop your popcorn, tell the kids to meet you on the couch, and  figure out WHO IS SIMON MILLER? !! Don't forget its premiere is this Saturday on NBC at 8pm EST. Like the idea of wholesome family flicks? LIKE Family Movie Night on Facebook so you never miss an update or upcoming movie night!



I wrote this review while participating in a campaign by Mom Central Consulting on behalf of P&G and received a promotional item to thank me for taking the time to participate. 

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