Marie Callender's Multi-serve Bakes - Review and Giveaway

I'm a working mom. My husband is a working dad. Between school, daycare, preschool, and our jobs, we're not home a lot during the day which makes getting meals on the table more than just a little challenging some days. We manage to have dinner as a family at least three times a week, but I'll be honest and admit that one of those times is out - usually at a fast food joint. 

So when I heard about the new Marie Callender's bakes, I was not just interested, I was downright intrigued. Good meals that I could microwave and that came with better nutritional stats than our fast food dinners? Sign me up. 

First I sent my husband to the grocery store and he came home with the wrong meals. (Who knew Marie Callender's had so many frozen meal options?) Then I went and surveyed the "bakes" options. The trick, which I did not know when I dispatched my better half, is to look in the family meals section of the freezer aisle, not the single entree section. 

I looked at the options offered by our grocery store - I really wanted to try the three meat and four cheese lasagna, but it was not meant to be. Instead I brought home the Vermont White Cheddar Mac&Cheese. It wouldn't do for a family dinner, but if it meant I could get dinner on the table for the girls in under 10 minutes, it was definitely worth a try. Plus, the box made the Mac&Cheese look both harmless and delicious. 

Tonight, at long last, I finally pulled the package from the freezer and popped it in the microwave. 5 minutes later I was drooling as the smell of melted cheese filled the kitchen. Another 4 minutes later and I was pulling dinner out of the microwave. I added some turkey slices and fruit to their plates and served up dinner. 

I wish I could tell you that both children fell over themselves as they gorged on mac&cheese. Sadly that wasn't the case. At first I thought it was because I've spoiled my kids with homemade mac&cheese (they won't even eat the stuff out of the box any more...), but after tasting it I understood. 

The benign dish pictured on the box had an unexpected kick to it. 

I sat down at the table and grabbed a bowl. The cheese was perfectly cheesy and the red pepper flakes gave the creamy noodles a tasty - somewhat more grown-up - twist. 

My own dinner was cooking so I regretfully put down my fork. The kids won't want this dinner again, but I'm putting it on the shopping list for those nights when my husband is out of town I'm so crazed I don't have time to cook a meal for myself. (He doesn't do so well with cheesy dishes...)

Side note: I'm an avid nutritional content checker and this dish compared admirably with other leading brands of frozen mac&cheese. It even bested them in the protein and vitamin department.

Marie Callender's Multi-serve Bakes Giveaway

Want to try for yourself? You're in luck! I have two sets of Marie Callender's coupons - one free dish and a few discounted dishes - to give away to two lucky readers. 

To enter leave me a comment sharing a quick dinner short-cut that works for you. 

Bonus entries: Tweet or Facebook this giveaway. Please be sure to come back and post the direct link to your tweet or Facebook post.

Giveaway will close at 10pm Tuesday, Dec 7th.

Please note, I was compensated by Marie Callender's and TheMotherhood for this post, but all opinions expressed are mine and mine alone. 

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Petz Fantasy - Moonlight Magic Review

This post is part of a sponsored series from Ubisoft, celebrating "12 Days of Giveaways." See below for how you can enter up to 12 times to win fun and family-friendly video games.

I have a love hate relationship with the Nintendo DS. I love playing with it and hate it when the kids play. It's not that I'm loath to share my toy, it's more that neither child can read so I constantly have to stop what I'm doing to read what it says on the screen.

Since we opened Petz Fantasy, I'm changing my tune. 

First of all, this game is cute. Seriously adorable. The little magic pet makes cute little noises and has a sweet little face. 

Second, this game is manageable for my 5yo. She still needs me to  read some of the messages, but she can sit and play without needing my help every three seconds. Even better, she's actually having fun! She loves taking care of her little beast and is even tackling the more challenging magical realm games with glee. 

As a mom I'm quite impressed with the different skills she's mastering. Even though her hand/eye coordination is quite good, since she's learning to write, extra practice is never a bad thing. To feed her little pet she has to color in his food being sure to stay within the lines (Harder than it sounds!), to console him she has to burst his tears before they explode. And that's just the start. Each level offers up a new challenge and I, like my daughter, can't wait to see what's next!

To Purchase Petz Fantasy:
Visit Toys R Us where you can find it for $29.99.
Visit Amazon.com where you can also find it for $29.99

Want to win your own copy of this game? 
Easy enough!

Leave a comment below telling my why this game sounds perfect for your child.
Get an extra entry by tweeting or promoting this giveaway on Facebook. Please make sure to come back and leave a comment with a link to your tweet or FB post. 


Winner will be drawn at 10:00pm Friday, December 3rd and will be announced Saturday, December 4th. 

This giveaway is now closed! Thank you to everyone who entered and tweeted it out! 
Congratulations to Rhoneygtn, #35, winner of the Petz Fantasy Moonlight Magic game! 

Want more ways to win great games for the whole family? Visit each of these blogs during our 12 Days of Giveaways from now through December 3!

I was selected to participate in this sponsored series by Ubisoft and Clever Girls Collective. I received a video game and compensation for my participation in this program. We believe in Blog With Integrity.

Please visit these participating bloggers for more chances to win games, including Just Dance 2 (Wii), Battle of Giants: Dinosaur Strike (Wii), Petz Fantasy (DS) and Petz Nursery (DS)!
Rookie Moms
motherbumper
DaDa Rocks
Crash Test Mommy
Scraps of My Geek Life
Mommies With Style
The Fairly Odd Mother
All Things Fadra
Mom to the Screaming Masses
Beccarama
Romy Raves

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Insect Lore Buzzerks Review and giveaway - Updated with winner!

I am not a bug lover. To be exact, I'm not a huge fan of anything with wings, bugs don't bother me beyond that. In fact, if I'm honest I find them somewhat fascinating. I often find myself wondering what it would be like to have one day, or one week be a whole lifetime. Then I ponder what it would be like to see the world through a kaleidoscope. 

Thanks to the Insect Lore Buzzerks my girls have been able to experience what it's like to "see" the world like an insect. The insect "goggles" - shaped like a fire and, mantis, and hornet - are a fun way to dress up like an insect. A neat lens inside the masks allow the kids to see the world through the multiple "eyes" of an insect.

C instantly wanted to be a fire-ant, insisting on a full outfit change so she could dress in all red to fully embrace the role. Little L donned the green glasses of the mantis and the two of them crawled around the house all day. It's a nice change from playing princess all day long! Even better, it's led to a lot of fascinating conversations about insects and what life must be like when it only lasts a day or two.

Insect Lore Buzzerks Giveaway

We've been having so much fun with our Buzzerks, we want to share the fun with you!
Insect Lore is giving away two sets of Buzzerks to one lucky winner - one set for your family, one set for your child's class.

To win leave a comment below telling me what your child would love about the Insect Lore Buzzerks or a funny story about bugs. Giveaway will end Monday, Nov 15th and the winner will be announced at 10pm PST.


Congratulations! We have a winner!

Commenter #7 was.... Nicole! Congratulations Nicole! I'll be in touch via email to get your address.
Stay tuned for more exciting Insect Lore giveaways. There's going to be one a month for a whole year!


I'm participating in a long campaign for Insect Lore. I was sent Buzzerks for review and am being compensated for participating in this campaign. However the thoughts contained in this post are mine and mine alone. Stay tuned to see what else we have in store for you!

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Disney Mickey Mote Review

Kid shows are very inventive when it comes to trying to get children to interact with the action. There are varying degrees of questions and comments directed at the child. Some shows carefully build in "wait time" to give the child a chance to react and answer before the show moves on. But until now, there were few if any shows that put an interactive tool directly in the child's hand.

I was really excited to receive and test the new Disney Mickey "Mote." I loved the concept from the get go. Anything that can turn a predominantly passive activity into an active thinking one can't be bad.

First things first though. Before being able to test out the Mickey Mote I had to set it up, which meant I had to find the DVD remote. I located it in the last place I thought to check (The empty packaging for the new TV that was heading to the trash. Thank you Mickey Mote! I would never have searched for it if it weren't for you!) and started the set up.

I set the two remotes head to head on the floor and followed the instructions carefully, pushing the buttons in order. Clearly I've been working too hard because it took me a good three times to get the set-up right. Had I read the instructions exactly as they were written I would have gotten it right the first time. It really wasn't that hard. 

With the remote set up the girls were ready to play. The timing was perfect, Little L was ready to be set up for her nebulizer treatment. I usually sit with her on the couch to read to her as the medicine does it's thing, tonight I sat her in front of the TV and handed her her Mickey Mote.

We're big fans of the Mickey Mouse Clubhouse, so they were delighted to see the familiar opening credits, not to say a new episode they'd never seen.

A few things to note:
The Mickey Mote doesn't come into play during the usual episode. You have to select the bonus material to have access to the interactive portion of the DVD. For a child who's been handed a fun red remote, it can be a bit hard to be patient until playtime starts. Even if you go straight to the interactive section, there's still a bit of wait time before the questions start.

The first level of play was perfect for my 3-year-old. She was able to easily answer the questions, but they made her think. The second level of play was a bit easy for the 5-year-old, though she did enjoy the interactivity.

All in all I'm a fan of the Mickey Mote. I like the fact that it teaches the children to be active observant viewers. I wish the integration of the interactive parts was a bit less choppy and a bit more seamless. But all in all, this is a nice little product that will entertain preschoolers and help them feel like they're part of the action.

I received a copy of the Disney Mickey Mote and an extra DVD for review. I received no other form of compensation. The thoughts and opinions expressed in this post are mine and mine alone.

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Eddie Bauer Yukon Classic Down Jacket - Review

I live in California. Let me start with that. So when my new BFF at Eddie Bauer reached out to me to ask me to review a down jacket, I balked. I usually get by with wearing various sweaters and fleece jackets except for the couple days we spend in Lake Tahoe every Thanksgiving and the week we spend out East with my sister and her family when Christmas rolls around. 

But my new friend convinced me that the Yukon Classic Down Jacket, while being rated for temps all the way down to 0F, wasn't too warm for more chilly California nights. 

I bit and ordered it in red.

Back in college I bought myself a bright pink very puffy down jacket. I loved everything about that jacket except for the fact that my school friends promptly nicknamed me The Raspberry. When I put it on I felt cozy, warm, and just plain comforted. 

My Eddie Bauer Yukon Classic Down Jacket brought back that exact same feeling... without the unpleasant nickname. The fleece lined collar and cuffs are extra soft and the down is warm without being unflatteringly puffy.

It's the middle of October and I've already worn my jacket twice. And no, I haven't been out East or up to Tahoe. It's a light enough jacket to work for the cooler CA temps, but I'll also definitely be packing it when we head to the snow. Like all of my other Eddie Bauer duds (pretty much my entire closet...) I love that it's classy, fashionable, but utterly comfortable and functional. Plus, you know, should I ever be caught out in almost sub-zero degree weather, I'll be warm and toasty. Though I better not, I do live in California for a reason after all, namely because I enjoy not being cold. 

The Yukon Classic retails for $129-139, but right now Eddie Bauer is having their 70th Annual Down Sale and the jacket is $40 off until 11/7. It's an unbeatable deal for a jacket you'll have for years.

Just so you know, I was sent a jacket for review purposes, but I was not compensated in any other way to write this post. All opinions expressed here are mine and mine alone. I adore Eddie Bauer and will happily model for you whatever I'm wearing when we meet. 99% guaranteed it'll be from there.  

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Not too late for Bay Area Disney on Ice Tickets

Disney on Ice opened at HP Pavilion tonight, but it's not too late to get tickets for tomorrow or this weekend!

(Not in the Bay Area? Get the full Disney on Ice show details and tour listings here.

 Disney On Ice presents Mickey and Minnie's Magical Journey
HP Pavilion at San Jose-October 20-24

Special Offer!

WEEKDAY SHOWS-Purchase a 4-pack of tickets for only $44 (not valid for FR/ VIP seating); redemption code: MOM
WEEKEND SHOWS-$5 off tickets to all performances (not valid for FR/ VIP seating);

Use code: MAGIC at http://www.ticketmaster.com/promo/ajyhf0 to get the discount.

There are two shows tomorrow (Matinee and evening) and three shows each day this weekend.

So grab those princess dresses and come on! We've been to two Disney on Ice shows and I've been beyond impressed by how much fun they really are. Even my daughter who swears she'll never go to Disney Land because she's scared of Mickey, adores going to these presentations. Frankly, I always have fun too! Plus, there's truly something special about seeing a sea of little girls in their princess finery!

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Pop on Pals Review

When the package came in the mail I was intrigued and then, I'll admit it, a bit disappointed. When I'd learned about Pop on Pals I'd had great hopes for the product. 

The concept - characters with interchangeable body parts seemed like it might foster great imaginative play and jump start some fun story telling.

When I took the toy out of the box I was dismayed to see that the construction wasn't as sturdy as I would have hoped for a toddler toy and I was a bit sad to see that the Amusement Park kit only contained one little person. I was prepared to watch the girls give it a once over and walk away.

Turns out I was wrong. Over the last few days this toy has been the focus of their play time. They send the roller coaster car speeding down the ramp, take the little girl for a ride in the ferris wheel, and since there is only the one little girl, they add toys from other lines to make the play more fun.

I had thought that changing the little girl's arms around would have been what they found most fun, but the arms have been set aside and they've been mostly focused on imaginative play with the girl. Not a bad thing at all! I can't help but wonder if having another set of people with removable parts might change their focus though.

Pop on Pals Pros:
- Cute, engaging toy.
- Music is tolerable. (We have a lot of toys that play really annoying music. This one I can handle.)
- Affordable - the big amusement park kit runs around $40.
- More fun than I imagined!
- Very cute website poponpals.com where little kids can do a little coloring and everyone can discover the full Pop on Pals line.

Pop on Pals Cons:

- The construction doesn't seem sturdy enough to withstand tough toddler play.
- Need a second set of people to make it really fun.
- Not quite readily available yet, though it's coming soon!

All in all, a fun toy to consider for your bigger and not too rough toddler or preschooler.

Please note, I did receive a Pop on Pals for review, but I was not otherwise compensated for this post. The opinions are mine and mine alone.

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Parent's Night Out deal for Bay Area Peeps

Some nights you just can't get a sitter and you still really need to get out. This weekend the brand new and awesome Juice in the City (Your daily kick in the pants (to go have fun!))  has paired up with Cubes&Crayons to allow you to do just that. 

Drop your pajama clad kids off in the snazzy Mountain View Cubes&Crayons for a few hours of fun and entertainment while you and whoever you chose to be with scamper off to go have some fun on the nearby Castro Street. 

Hurry, the deal ends at the end of the weekend and you're not going to want to miss this 1/2 off offer.

This not the deal for you? Subscribe to the Juice in the City newsletter so you can see all the other deals that will be offered! Not a local? Check it out anyway. New cities coming very soon!

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Vtech Mobigo Review

I have always been skeptical of gaming consoles for kids. They're either too complicated (which leads to crying) or too simplistic (which leads to boredom). I have seen kids (and adults) addicted to the Nintendo DS and Sony's PSP as well as other gaming systems which are great fun, but really fail when it comes to education. Frankly, I thought no one could get the right mix of playability and education into one box. And then we tried the MobiGo by Vtech.

Let me begin by voicing loudly my biggest complaint. We were only provided one MobiGo to review and now my kids (5 and almost 3) fight constantly to play with it. In the last three days the MobiGo has had to go in time out a good five times while they figure out how to take turns.

At first glance the MobiGo seems like all other portable electronic gaming systems. It's got a 4-directional button on the left, a screen in the middle, and a big button on the right. It's got a cartridge on the top. Seen it. Done it. Yawn.

Ok, fine. So I plug in the "Touch & Learn" cartridge and turn on the thing. It wants you to put in your name.  Seen that before too, right? Oh wait the whole screen flips up to reveal a full QWERTY keyboard! (Those who play with a Sidekick or other flip phones know what I'm talking about). OK that's pretty cool, but come on my kids are 5 and 2. Seemed a little excessive for me at first. But I'll get back to that later.

So then I get to select different games to play from the Touch & Learn cartridge. I can immediately tell there are letter games, number games, and other games to try out (actually 6 games in all). I tried to select one with the directional button but it didn't work. I have an iPod Touch, so my instinct was to touch the screen. It worked! The entire screen is touch sensitive! It turns out that (duh) the Touch & Learn cartridge relies heavily on the touch screen.

So the technology is there, but I was still skeptical about playability and educational value. I tried out what I call the "Squirrel game" first. In this game you simply use the touch screen to help a squirrel get nuts. The game directs you to basically connect the dots to move the squirrel. Pretty simple, but very intuitive especially for a 2 or 3 year old. The graphics are fantastic and the squirrel makes a cute noise every time he reaches a nut.

I moved on to the letter game. The goal of this game is to shoot rubber ducks with a water gun. Each duck has a letter on it and you shoot by finding the letter on the QWERTY keyboard. This is great! After about 10 minutes my 5 year old had a pretty good grasp of the location of many of the letters on the QWERTY keyboard. This game was actually both fun and educational. My 5 year old was reviewing her letters and was learning about the QWERTY keyboard all while being sucked into the fun graphics.

I like music so I had to try the music game. I was shocked to realize that this was Rock Band/Guitar Hero for little kids (except instead of Megadeath, you play Oh, Susanna). The guitar (or more aptly ukulele) has only four strings and a little note falls down each string for you to "pluck" it at the right moment. Brilliant! As I played more, the sophistication of the system revealed itself and you can also play piano and drums.

OK the technology is great, the games are fun and educational, but my last concern was would it hold the kids' attention for more than a day. Each game has an "easy" or "difficult" mode. The "Easy" level was easy for my 5 year old on some games (the squirrel game) and adequate on others (like the letter and number games).  If you do well on the easy level, then you're invited to play the difficult level. Frankly, the games are so much fun that both kids are still having a great time and my 5 year old is really learning her keyboard. She's even making distinct progress with her numbers, something we only recently realized she needed to work on.

The system is marked as being good for kids to 3-8-year-olds. The "Touch & Learn" cartridge supplied with the console won't keep the attention of the older kids for long, but VTech is releasing a large array of affordable games ($20 or so)  to go with the console.We only played with the original cartridge which didn't use any of the directional buttons on the console, but we're beyond impressed with the technology and functionality of the system and we can't wait to test out some of the other games.

So, in short, great game console with amazing potential. I love the fact that some of the mini-games are harder than others so that the kids have something easy to fall back on when they get frustrated with the more challenging tasks. The fact that they've still gone back to try the more challenging tasks after speaks volumes. The fact that they haven't stopped playing for the last three days and have made noticeable progress with numbers, letters, and problem solving speaks even higher to the quality of the educational content of this game system.

Pre-purchase the MobiGo at Amazon for $59.99. (Release date is supposed to be June 7th, though the date there says July 1st.)

Or Purchase the MobiGo at ToysRUs now for $59.99 and games for around $20.

Please note, I did receive a MobiGo console from VTech for review (and we get to keep it thank goodness or there would be a mutiny) however the opinions contained in this post are mine and mine alone, except for the parts written by my husband who was so taken with the device that he felt the need to write this review. His opinions are his and his alone too.

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Dance your way to Paris! Just Dance Contest (Deadline looming!)

I miss my home town more than you could imagine, and if I could dance at all I'd be first to participate in this contest. But since I can't dance to save my life, you'll have to go eat some crepes and say hi to my friends for me. 

What am I talking about? Why the Just Dance Talent Search! That's what! 

Oh fine, just read on. 

HOW TO ENTER:

Do you love to Just Dance? Here's YOUR chance to win a trip to Paris to choreograph a dance and to star in the next version of Just Dance!

Grand Prize
         A trip to PARIS! Just Dance will send you and a friend to Paris. (I could be your friend! hint... hint...)
         Become a professional choreographer! Work with the developers of the next version of Just Dance at the Ubisoft studios for 2 days to integrate YOUR moves into the game!
         Star in the game! You will be transformed into a Just Dance character and star as the guest choreographer in the next version of Just Dance!
 

Enter now and YOUR moves could inspire millions...

Here's how to enter
1.     Choose a Song from the list below:
a.     'Proud Mary' by Ike and Tina Turner
b.     'When I Grow Up' by Pussycat Dolls
 

2.     Film yourself dancing to at least 60 seconds of the song
a.     Choreograph an original dance! Dance should be for all skill levels and FUN FUN FUN!!
b.     You must dance solo, there is no group prize.
c.      Be sure to film your entire body, we want to see all your moves!

3.     Upload your video to YouTube and submit your YouTube link via the "Submit Your Video" button here.

4.     Fill in all your information on the registration form found here.

5.     Check back often and get your friends to vote for you! The winner will be announced on Monday, May 24th so make sure to submit your video and get your votes in before then!

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Frap-it-your-way! However-You-Want-It Frappuccinos at Starbucks starting today

Did you know that at Starbucks there are 87,000 ways to create your Latte? If that wasn't enough, starting tomorrow, Tuesday, May 4th, you'll also be able to have 87,000 ways to create your Frappuccino. 

Now, personally, I'm a simple coffee girl. I like drip coffee, hot old cold, maybe with a splash of cream, and a dash of sugar, but even I had a blast designing my own Frappuccino. (For the record I went with White Chocolate, whole milk, decaf, with a Cinnamon Dolce topping. It was yum. And I don't want to know how many calories were in it. Thankyouverymuch.)

The long and short of it is that now you'll essentially be able to have whatever you want blended into a delightful cold frothy drink - from the 100 cal tall Skinny Frap to the please-don't-tell-me cal anything you want in a cup.

Worried you won't find what you like? Not a fan of coffee coffee? No worries. They have you covered. 
Strawberries & Creme,  Vanilla Bean, Chai, Green Tea, Double Chocolaty Chip, Mocha, Toffee Nut, Peppermint, Raspberry, Caramel, Hazelnut, Cinnamon Dolce. And I haven't even covered the toppings! I'll let you discover those for yourself.

But my favorite part in all this? Brand new, state of the art blenders that blend faster, smoother, and way, way quieter.

Good thing the weather is finally warming up. There are quite a few Frappuccinos for you to go try out.


Note: I was not paid to tell you any of this. I did receive a free Frappuccino and a coolio cup to take it home in. I'm just a big fan of the old Starbucks. Especially since they let me sit around all morning and work on my book there. Thus the excitement about the new quiet blenders. See? It all ties in somehow.

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Pierre the Penguin and his Neoprene Suit - Book review

One day, a penguin who had been happy and healthy for years, suddenly started losing his feathers. Instead of regrowing the way African Penguin's feathers usually regrow when they molt, his didn't, leaving him looking like the ugly duckling of the flock. 

Other penguins picked on him as he shivered and found himself unable to swim. 

But don't worry, this story has a very happy ending!

See, Pamela Schaller, biologist at the California Academy of Sciences, Pierre's home, found a way to help poor little Pierre.

She designed a teeny tiny wet suit for the little penguin.

The wet suit allowed Pierre to start swimming again and kept him nice and warm both on land and in the water. The other penguins stopped picking on him and life went back to normal, so much so that his real feathers started to grow again.

Today Pierre is living happily with his mate Honey at the brand new California Academy of Sciences, surrounded by the rest of his friends and family. And thanks to Jean Marzollo and Laura Regan, who were inspired by his plight and wrote a delightful children's book, aptly named Pierre the Penguin, kids around the world will be able to learn all about him and his teeny tiny wetsuit.

We got the book yesterday and C and Little L have already read it multiple times. Today C is even bringing it to school to show her friends and teachers. Pierre's story is a really inspiring tale about being different, about helping those in need, and really about enduring love. I think it will be in a favorite in our library for a long, long time!

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Free Planet Earth Episode on iTunes for Earth Day

We have owned the Planet Earth DVDs for years now, we love watching the incredible footage taken of the most remote places on the planet. It's somehow both incredibly soothing and inspiring to watch the most hidden parts of the world unfold in front of your very eyes.

My favorite parts of the DVDs happen to be the "making off" sections which never fail to blow me away. You know that penguin movie? People filmed that stuff. For months. In the cold. Think of that next time you're unhappy because it's 40F or something near home. Brrr.

 But don't worry, you don't have to take my word for it. In honor of Earth Day you can download your very own episode on iTunes and take the show for a spin.The show will be available for free download from now until April 26th, so hurry!

Funny bird! Love him! (And I hate all birds.)

I hope you fall in love with this series too. Our planet is precious and if it takes shows like Planet Earth, or Blue Planet to make us remember that then so be it! 

Here's a sneak preview! How cute are these two?

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American Baby Photo Contest! Not too late to enter!

Nothing makes me want to grab my camera more than sunshine filtering through leaves while my kids are rolling around playing on the grass. Luckily for me, Spring is just a day away and the sun has shown up right on time!

Unfortunately for me my kids are too old to be entered in The American Baby photo contest. (The photo to the left was taken two summers ago. Oh... my baaabeeee... she has gotten so big since then!)

Yours might not be though!

The deadline for contest entry is March 31. Ages of the kids have to be between three months and 24 months as of the date of entry. The grand prize winner will be featured on the cover of the August issue of American Baby.

Come on. Admit that you've always believed that your baby could be a cover model! This is your big chance to see that dream come true!

Parents can visit the American Baby website to see a list of the most frequently asked questions. One question that always comes up is how are the winners picked, and it’s no secret! It’s one-third the child’s appearance, one-third the child’s personality as reflected in the photo, and one-third the quality of the photo. The best thing parents can do is just upload what they think are the most compelling photos of their little one.  Feel free to check out the official American Baby contest video to learn more.

The great folks at American Baby have a few suggestions for how to capture the perfect shot:

1. Remember how professionals get all those gorgeous shots? They take lots and lots of shots to get that one good one, so take a ton of photos.
2. Photo judges don’t really take to cranky babies, so capture your child in a happy moment – not too posed – so it reflects your baby’s personality.
3. Don’t cover up the beautiful little one – no big hats or towels, just the cute baby will do fine!
4. Simple backgrounds are best. Try to remove clutter so that the focus of the picture is your adorable baby.
5. Often times the best shots are taken spontaneously, so keep your camera handy during this period.

Want some more advice on how to take great pictures of your kids - for the contest and for yourself? Check out this blog post I wrote on the Tiny Prints blog back in November: Tips for taking great pictures of your kids.


What are you waiting for? Go forth and take gorgeous pictures of your babies!

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Mirra - Beauty Product Review

I love shampoo and conditioner. OK, to be honest I love taking showers because it's the only place in my house where I can be alone for a few minutes. But I also truly love shampoo and conditioner. 

I try to exercise restraint, but I'm not very strong willed when it comes to new bath products. Which is why there are probably no fewer than ten bottles of shampoo or conditioner in my shower at this time. 

Knowing that, imagine my excitement when the lovely ladies at the Global Influence Network asked me if I wanted to test a few new beauty products. 

Mirra products are made with natural ingredients like olive oil, aloe leaf juice, cranberry, bamboo, honey, and chicoree root extracts. They've been created with fancy scientific proven technologies that help make these natural products extremely effective.*

Then imagine my sorrow when I discovered that these incredible, sweet smelling, luscious products turned out to be only available at Kroger stores. Last I checked, we don't have any of those in California. So, so sad. 

But you my friends, you who are lucky enough to have one of the Kroger family stores near you, please hurry and go try one of the new Mirra products for yourself. (If you click here you can even download a $5 off Mirra coupon!)

Enough about the pitch. I bet you want to know why you should hurry and get these. 

Well, in short because they smell amazing and they are awesome. I was fortunate enough to be asked to try the shampoo and conditioner (yay!), the body wash, the day face cream, the eye cream, the face soap, and the hair gel. (I know! I'm spoiled!)

Now, I don't actually use hair gel on my frizzy mop, but my darling husband does and was happy to try it out. He found the hold to be much better than his usual Suave stuff without making his hair feel like cardboard. I found the smell to be irresistible and couldn't keep myself away from him. Ahem.

I put the shampoo and conditioner in the shower and used them as soon as possible. My hair is in a terrible place right now and could really use a close encounter with some sharp scissors, but the Mirra shampoo and conditioner did a lovely job anyway. My hair wasn't miraculously sleek and voluminous, but it was clean, healthy looking, and smelled heavenly. Until I get a trim I can't ask much more of any shampoo.

The body wash is just heavenly. I'm not exaggerating when I say it's silky. It comes out of the bottle in shimmery swirls of gold silk. And it actually feels like silk as you lather up. It almost feels too decadent for a daily shower. I've been saving it for special occasions. Though in truth that's actually every day because I can't resist it and because being alone for five minutes is a special occasion, so it totally qualifies. Plus it smells amazing and I can't resist.

Have I mentioned the smells yet? Woodsy, natural, vanilla-y. I can't put my finger on it. I just love how I'm instantly transported back to an undefined place in my childhood. It makes me feel all fuzzy and happy inside. Love it. Awesome way to start the day. Or end it, depending on when I manage to take a shower.

The face cream isn't too thick or greasy and it didn't leave my face looking shiny. In fact, it left it feeling smooth and soft and perfectly hydrated. My only beef with this cream was that it didn't have any SPF in it, which for me is a deal breaker because I am somewhat lazy in the skincare department and yet have to protect my skin form the California sun. I'm toying with using it as a night cream. I think it would do wonders for my thirsty skin. 

The scrubby face cleanser was nothing short of awesome. I love a good deep clean and scrubbies always make me feel like that's exactly what I'm getting. It left my face feeling soft and clean, not stripped and dry. In fact, despite my incredibly dry skin, after using the face soap I never feel the urge to slather on face cream to make everything stop feeling tight. A definite bonus in my book!

I wish I could be honest and say I loved the eye cream, but in truth I haven't tried it yet. It smells lovely, but I honestly have no clue what eye cream does or how to use it, and it kind of scares me a bit. I know. I'm a wuss. I'm sorry.

All in all I'd have to give the Mirra line a big thumbs up and next time I'm in Ohio visiting my sister I'll have to make a point of stopping at Kroger to stock up. In the meantime I'm going to ration out what I have left so I can keep basking in that delectable smell that makes me so darn happy. I'd say it would be awesome if someone could bottle it, but, uh, they have, so I won't. 

*Please don't ask me what, I failed science repeatedly in class. But pretty! And smells good! And makes my skin and hair feel soft and healthy! Do you really need to know more?

Please note: I received the above mentioned products for free so that I could review them. I was in no other way compensated for this review by Global Influence or The Kroger Company. The thoughts and opinions expressed in this post are mine and mine alone.

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The 2010 Census - Children Count Too

This isn't a review. This isn't a giveaway. It's just a public service announcement that you really need to hear. Well, if you're in the US that is...

You know how your school is underfunded? You know how there are never enough playgrounds? Well, you can do your part to help change that. And it won't cost you a dime. 

Every child loves a good game of hide and seek. There are the fun butterflies they get in their tummies when they're waiting to be discovered and the pride they feel when they're able to count to ten and then yelling, "Ready or not, here I come!"

But children who are hidden from the U.S. Census counts (taken only once every 10 years) are not a laughing matter. So, ready or not, here comes 2010 Census ... and you have an important role to play!

Many parents may not realize the importance of accurately reporting the number of children in their family, including newborns. The truth is that the undercount of children means that we do not get a true picture of our nation and our communities do not get their rightful share of public funds.

Why Children Count Too
Children have been undercounted in every census since the first one in 1790. Local communities rely on census information in planning for schools, child care, health and other critical services. Babies need to be counted today, so they can benefit tomorrow from community services.

Census counts are used, in whole or in part, for more than 140 programs that distribute more than $400 billion of federal funds to states and localities, including such child-focused programs as:

• Special Education Grants to states ($10.8 billion)
• Head Start ($6.9 billion)
• State Children's Health Insurance Program ($5.9 billion)
• Foster Care Title IV-E ($4.7 billion)
• Improving Teacher Quality State Grants ($2.9 billion)

Unlike adults, who may bear some responsibility for making sure they are counted in the Census, children are dependent on others to make sure they are included. Yet in 1980, 1990, and 2000, Census Bureau data show children, particularly young children, are one of the groups most likely to be missed in the Census. In fact, in the 2000 Census, there was a net undercount of more than 1 million children under age 10.

Global Influence is working with 2010 Census to help spread this important message for the next week to all of the parents who read our blogs. We need your help to make sure that every child is reported so they can receive the services they will need in the future.

When playing hide and seek your children have the opportunity to be found after ten seconds.

The Census only comes around every ten years. So when you receive your Census form in mid-March, make sure your child (no matter how old) is counted!

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Disney's California Food & Wine Festival Fun

In case you were still in doubt about whether or not Disney could really deliver on grown-up fun, then I have something to share that might just convince you. 

From April 16-May 31 Disney is holding a California Food & Wine Festival with complimentary and Signature events at Disney's California adventure. Tickets for the Signature events are on sale now at www.disneyland.com/foodandwine.

  

If you're a foodie or a wine lover this could just be the ideal way to explore Disneyland. I haven't been to many Disney events, but I can say one thing: Disney knows how to do things right. Their attention to detail virtually guarantees that every event they put on will be spectacular. I have no doubt that this will be no exception. 

Plus, you get to meet some of my favorite Food Network stars. Seriously, if I ever met Robert Irvine or Guy Fieri I would possibly faint. Or drool all over their shoes.

So scroll on down for the full event program and start looking for a foodie friend or two. This is going to be one event you're going to want to share. I for one can't think of a more delicious way to explore Disneyland.

Anyone want to take me? I promise I won't throw myself at Guy or Robert's feet. Honest!

 

The fifth annual Disney’s California Food & Wine Festival celebrates “The Art of Flavor” April 16-May 31, 2010, at the Disneyland Resort.

 

Daily

• Complimentary demonstrations featuring culinary experts and celebrity chefs, including Guy Fieri, Cat Cora and Robert Irvine
• Seminars that feature wine, beer and spirits

(Festival Showplace, Hollywood Pictures Backlot; Sunshine Plaza; Golden Vine Winery and Pacific Wharf areas)

 

Signature Events* (additional fee required)

 

Taste Food-Wine-Life May 29, 7:00–10:00 p.m.

Eat, drink and celebrate in an immersive party for all the senses! Presented in “grand-tasting” style, this event offers delectable creations from Disney chefs, outstanding wines and live entertainment. Theme park admission not required.

 

Festival Wine Walks and Beer Walks  Daily

Enjoy tastings of your favorites, and discover the flavor of new wines and beers as you stroll through Stage 12, at the Festival Showplace.

 

Winemaker Dinners   Fridays: April 23, 30, May 14 and 21

6:30 – 9:00 p.m.

Award-winning wines paired with delectable culinary creations at Steakhouse 55, with Chef Jason Martin

 

New! Brewmaster Dinner Friday May 7

6:00 – 9:00 p.m.

Join experts from Karl Strauss Brewing Company for delicious food paired with beers, at Steakhouse 55.

 

New! Riedel Glass Tasting  Saturdays, April 24, May 28

6:45 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

In this fascinating class led by an expert from Riedel, learn why the glass matters when it comes to wine tasting. Guests at this event will go home with a tasting set of four Riedel Vinum series lead crystal wine glasses.

Sweet Sundays  April 18, May 2, 9, 16, 23 and 30
10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Enjoy Sunday morning buffets featuring elegant dessert items from acclaimed pastry chefs, at the Festival Showplace inside Disney’s California Adventure.

 

Taste Wine Like an Expert Saturdays: May 1, 8, 15 and 22

2:00 – 4:00 p.m.

Entertaining education with Sommelier Joy Cushing of Napa Rose restaurant

 

Napa Rose Cooking School Saturdays: April 17, May 1, 8, 15, and 22

10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

Executive Chef Andrew Sutton of Napa Rose leads guests in preparing a four-course gourmet meal. Guests receive a commemorative chef’s coat, embroidered with the Festival logo.

 

*Additional fee required for signature events. Most events held in Disney’s California Adventure® Park require Theme Park admission which is not included in the price of the event.  For details and ticket information, go to www.disneyland.com/foodandwine

Please note: I was not compensated for this post. I just really, really want to go and I thought you might too.  

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Songs from the Heart - Celtic Woman CD

Back in college I dated a boy with Celtic roots. He introduced me to Celtic music, and, being that I was in love with him at the time, I did what any lovesick girl would do, I immersed myself in the music he loved.

Celtic music back then was not cool. (He wasn't all that cool himself. M would tell you he wasn't cool at all. But eh.) It was haunting and lyrical, but not cool. I pretended it was hip, but, if we're being fair, I had to hunt pretty hard for the CDs that I bought. Then we broke up, I moved to the US, and the CDs were lost somewhere along the way.

I didn't think of them again until I popped in the Celtic Woman, Songs from the Heart CD. Familiar haunting strains poured out of my CD playing, instantly transporting me back. It's not the same music, not by any stretch of the imagination. This CD mixes music you already know and love - Fields of Gold, Amazing Grace - with classic Celtic strains and harmonies. Just beautiful.

This CD has been a hit with everyone at home, something that is definitely rare considering our very different tastes in music. But tonight even my extremely musically picky husband admitted that it was a very pleasant and soothing CD to listen to. The girls were much more easily won over - they're convinced that this is the music to Belle or another Disney Princess movie. I'm just glad that we get to listen to something other than Elmo or Kermit the Frog for once!

There are definite times this CD sounds like it could be a film score, but that doesn't take away from its aesthetically pleasing music. It's not something you're going to get up and dance to, but if you're looking for something soothing and relaxing to listen to, then this CD is definitely for you!

The Celtic Woman group is on tour right now. Visit http://www.celticwoman.com to find show dates and locations.
You can find the album for purchase at Amazon and other music retailers.

Please note: This CD was sent to me by EMI Music to review because I am a member of Music Moms, a group of bloggers who review music. Nevertheless, the thoughts and opinions expressed in this post are mine and mine alone.

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