Category Archives: Uncategorized

March 4, 2013 · 11:55 pm

SodaStream Home Seltzer and Soda Maker Review & Giveaway!!!

We don’t drink soda very much at all, but we do drink flavored seltzer all the time. A few things that bother me is all the plastic being wasted on individual bottles of seltzer, then the lugging them back and forth, being charged a deposit that we never redeem as we just recycle them and knowing my water is much healthier than wherever they are getting theirs. The SodaStream is a great way to reduce your carbon footprint and is great for making your family lots of healthy carbonated drinks as well as soda. For instance you can add a little fruit juice to seltzer water you make with the soda stream and have refreshing juice spritzers. The SodaStream is super easy to use right out of the box. You just insert the CO2 cylinder, then wash the soda bottles and fill them with cold water and screw onto the SodaStream. A few pushes for carbonation and add the flavor of your choice and you are all set.

They have natural essence for flavored seltzer in orange, lemon-lime and raspberry. I added a little orange essence and poured it over ice and it was delicious and my kids thought so too. Also, if we have someone stopping by that does want a soda, I can make them some with the concentrate and have it fresh without having to keep big bottles on hand. It is great for parties where you want a variety of flavors to be available for guests. If you are looking for a way to save plastic, time, energy and use your own water to make carbonated beverages, you should check out the SodaStream. The SodaStream is available in so many retail stores now like Macy’s Kohls, Wal Mart, Target, Costco and more. Just exchange the CO2 cylinder when it is empty at any retailer for a full cylinder as well as shop for supplies. I love the sleek styling of the SodaStream Genesis and it goes great in my kitchen not taking up much room at all. Whatever your taste and your needs you are bound to find the right SodaStream for you!

SodaStream is sponsoring a giveaway on Mommy Ramblings. One lucky blog reader will win a Fountain Jet Seltzer Starter Kit! Thank you SodaStream for the review Genesis Soda Maker and Supplies and for sponsoring this bubbling giveaway on Mommy Ramblings!!! Open to US residents.

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March 2, 2013 · 1:21 am

A Little Lair, Fairy, Elf & Gnome Door and Book Set Review and Giveaway!!!

We have a couple Elf on the Shelf elves which I like much more for the fact that they remind me of the knee hugger elves my mom had from Japan. They were always my favorite Christmas decoration. If you are looking for a way to have the wonder of little creatures prancing about your home while you sleep, you will like the Fairy, Elf and Gnome Door and Book Set from A Little Lair.

When I brought this Door & Book Set out and told my kids that this little door would signal to all elves, fairies and gnomes that our house was a safe place, my five-year old immediately asked if that included the tooth fairy. He is very into the tooth fairy and is waiting to lose his first tooth. He used to get terribly upset when we told him his baby teeth would begin to get loose and then fall out because he felt that was horrible. He would tell us that his teeth would not fall out because he is going to the dentist and brushing his teeth. Ever since he started school this year and he has seen several classmates with missing teeth who relay stories of the tooth fairy, his whole mindset has changed. So the idea of having a door that would invite the tooth fairy in, really appealed to him. He liked the idea so much, that when we were thinking about where to put our door, he so generously offered his room. The little doors come in three colors and I just love our red door. The book tells children the whole story and gets them excited about their new little house guests. If you are looking for a super cute way to share the magical world of imagination with your child, this set is perfect. Now I am off to find the perfect spot for our door, who knows, the tooth fairy could be stopping by tonight just to check the accommodations. Hmmm, probably should tidy up some then too!

A Little Lair is sponsoring a giveaway on Mommy Ramblings. One lucky blog reader will win their own Fairy, Elf & Gnome Door and Book Set in color of their choice. Thank you to A Little Lair for the review gift set and for sponsoring this magical gift set on Mommy Ramblings!!! Open to US residents.

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February 28, 2013 · 11:25 pm

Howard B. Wigglebottom Learns About Courage Book Review & Giveaway!!!

My kids and I love the Howard B. Wigglebottom books. I think the reason they make such an impression on kids is because of the great illustrations and that what happens in the books are things they can relate to. I remember when we read Howard B. Wigglebottom Learns About Sportsmanship, my kids were in awe at the soccer dad who was taken off the field for yelling. The books are something we really look forward to and they are well requested in our home.

A brand new Howard B. Wigglebottom book is out and it is entitled Howard B. Wigglebottom Learns About Courage. If your child has ever had anxiety or been afraid of something new, this is a great book. Howard is in a really bad state and he has become afraid of so many things that he is pretty much just staying in his room and he cannot even imagine being able to go out to the first day of school. He is miserable, and finally through the help of a little bird learning to fly and friends he learns that it is okay to be afraid but if you do what you are afraid of it won’t be so bad. Howard does just that, he faces his fears and does what he needs to do. When the first day of school rolls around Howard is there and very proud of himself for facing his fears.

Wedolisten.org is sponsoring a giveaway on Mommy Ramblings. One lucky blog reader will win their own copy of Howard B. Wigglebottom Learns About Courage. Thank you Wedolisten.org for the review book and for sponsoring this great giveaway on Mommy Ramblings. Open to US residents.

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February 27, 2013 · 12:50 am

Nature’s Sleep Open Toe Terry Slippers w/Memory Foam Review & Giveaway!!!

Nature’s Sleep Open Toe Terry Slippers with memory foam are super soft and cozy. They are perfect for slipping your feet into around the house. They run big, at least they did for me. Walking in them is like walking on a cloud. The visco-elastic memory foam in the bottom of the sole contours and cradles your foot for luxurious comfort and support with each and every step. The warm, soft terry fabric ensures your feet stay cozy all year round. The Nature’s Sleep Slippers come in open and closed toe styles and in assorted colors. Sippers come in sizes small-extra large. The sole is good for indoors or out in case you need to make a quick trip out on your porch or driveway.

High quality Genuine Nature’s Sleep Next Generation Memory Foam
Provides pressure relieving comfort all day long
Naturally conforms to your foot in cool comfort
Distributes weight to reduce pressure points and improve circulation
Ideal for indoor use on multiple surfaces
Attractive style and look
S, M, L, XL
Inner sole 75% cotton/25% polyester; outer sole thermoplastic rubber; lining 100% polyester
Designed in the USA, Made in China
Nature’s Sleep Memory Foam are CertiPUR-US® approved

Nature’s Sleep is sponsoring a giveaway on Mommy Ramblings. One lucky blog reader will win their choice of a pair of Nature’s Sleep Memory Foam Slippers. Thank you to Nature’s Sleep for sponsoring this great giveaway and for the review pair of slippers!!! Open to US residents.

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February 26, 2013 · 5:24 pm

L.C. Premiums, Ltd., Pop Art, Tasty Baker Junior Chef Set Review & Giveaway!!!

The Pop Art Tasty Baker Junior Chef Set includes the 5 mold all-in-one table top appliance that will bake muffins,quick breads, cakes, brownies and pancakes in one compact unit. It can even cook donuts and eggs! Using virtually any liquid batter, and the adjustable thermostat, your food will bake in about one-third the time in the 5 kid friendly molds. Your child will be ready for the big time with his crisp cotton apron, spatula, whisk, mixing spoon and bowl, measuring cups and spoons, oven mitt and egg timer.

It said I could use any mix, so I made a brownie mix according to the box directions. It cooked through and some designs were a little trickier to get out in one piece like the birthday cake with two candles and the train due to skinny parts that sometimes broke off when you were taking them out. The kids loved them anyway but if you are a real perfectionist it could be upsetting. I have not tried the waffles and wonder if certain things release better, I will try waffles next and see. It is cute to make kid size fun treats and would be nice to make for birthday party snacks. The accessories that come with it are kid sized and give kids a chance to join in prep fun. My kids are too young to handle a device like this now, as it gets hot but would be good for older kids who want to help.

L.C. Premiums, Ltd. is sponsoring a giveaway on Mommy Ramblings. One lucky blog reader will win a Pop Art Tasty Baker Junior Chef Set ! Thank you L.C. Premiums, LTD for the review appliance and for sponsoring this great giveaway on Mommy Ramblings!!! Open to US residents.

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February 24, 2013 · 11:26 pm

Hey, Duck! By Carin Bramsen Review & Giveaway!!!

An adorable little duckling is trying to befriend another “duck.” However, he is oblivious to the fact that his potential pal is, in fact, a cat. Though resistant and stubborn at first, the cat soon realizes labels don’t matter in the least—and before you know it, meowing and quacking are one and the same. This is such an adorable book to share with your child that gets across a huge message; friends come in all different shapes, sizes, colors and even species. Being different does not mean that you can’t be friends and it’s delightful to read along as a duckling and a cat find that out. This is a great book to celebrate spring or Easter with that special child in your life. Pick up Hey, Duck! Today!

Random House is sponsoring a giveaway on Mommy Ramblings. One lucky blog reader will win their own copy of Hey, Duck! Thank you to Random House for the review book and for sponsoring this great giveaway on Mommy Ramblings!!! Open to US residents.

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February 23, 2013 · 12:57 pm

Epson, MegaPlex MG-850HD Easy Home Theater 3LCD Projector Review!!!

My husband was on cloud 9 when I told him that we were getting a MegaPlex MG-850HD Easy Home Theater 3LCD Projector from Epson to review. Normally when review products come into the house, they are carefully put to the side for me to get to, but not this package. My husband wasted no time in unboxing and setting it up, which was super easy. He hooked up our Blu-ray player to it and in no time our living room was transformed into our new media room. This projector works so well and the picture quality is just like being at the movies. My little ones are in Heaven and this has helped so much with times this winter when we were down with the flu or snowed in, to make days a little brighter. Right now we have it projecting on a solid white wall and it still looks great, we are going to be purchasing a nice screen so that it will give the room a true media feel.

We cannot wait to use the projector to show outdoor movies in the summer, we are already planning on getting an outdoor screen, movie theater type popcorn maker and having movie night with friends and family. We use this projector daily and because I review so many movies, it is so handy. The kids recently watched Wreck It Ralph on it and thought it was awesome. The sound is great and it’s an awesome machine and we are so pleased. We can also hook up our Roku player to it and project tons of movies, TV shows, music and more from all the top sources, including Netflix, Hulu Plus, Amazon Instant Video, Disney and Pandora. Now we can go to the movies with our kids any time we want, not have to worry about someone sitting in front of them or be charged a small fortune for popcorn and soda. We love using this for family nights together and like I said cannot wait to share big movie nights outdoors in the summer. If you are looking for a great projector to create a media room in your home this projector is perfect.

Delivering 2800 lumens of color brightness (color light output)¹ and 2800 lumens of white brightness (white light output)¹, the MegaPlex 850HD easy home theater uses 3LCD, 3-chip technology for brilliant images with true-to-life color. Ultra bright, HD performance lets you project vibrant, colorful images for big-screen movie nights, pool parties, camp outs and more. Share your favorite content anywhere in ways you never imagined. The MegaPlex 850HD super sizes HD movies, games, TV shows, sporting events, family slide shows and more. Connect your Apple® or Android^TM smartphone, tablet, gaming console, PC or other device². Or, place your Apple device in the built-in dock³. Just connect and project — on a sheet, a wall, the garage door or a big screen — wherever. MegaPlex even features built-in stereo speakers for lifelike sound. Use your device’s touchscreen or the projector remote control to easily access various functions. From your living room to your backyard block party, now it’s easier than ever to take fun home entertainment anywhere.

Up to 3x Brighter Colors with Epson*
Brilliant image quality requires high color brightness. Epson 3LCD projectors have up to 3x Brighter Colors than leading competitive projectors.* Delivering 2800 lumens of color brightness¹ and 2800 lumens of white brightness¹, the MegaPlex 850HD uses 3LCD, 3-chip technology for brilliant images with true-to-life color.

Model: V11H444020
Projection System: 3LCD, 3-chip technology
Native Resolution: HD 720p
Color Brightness: 2800 lumens¹
White Brightness: 2800 lumens¹
View Specifications

Product Guides & Additional Information:

Why is color brightness important? (PDF)
MegaPlex MG-850HD Product Brochure (PDF)

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February 22, 2013 · 8:48 pm

Zarbee’s All Natural Cough Syrup Review & Giveaway!!!

I have to say this year has been horrendous for the flu, coughs, cold, sinus infections and more. I don’t remember a time when everyone was hit so hard. Whatever it is this year, it’s causing a hacking cough and laryngitis As a parent I hate hearing my kids cough, but I also do not want to pump them full of drugs or chemicals. Zarbee’s offers a great solution for parents like me. Their all natural children’s cough syrup soothes coughs without drugs, dyes or gluten and has immune boosters. Zarbee’s is great for the whole family and they make cough syrup that is safe and effective for infants 2 months and up, their children’s formula is made for kids 12 months and up and their adult formula is for ages 12 and up. The natural syrups help coughs, irritated throats, dry coughing, hoarseness and offer immune system support. So if you are looking for something to help everyone in your family pick up some of Zarbee’s All Natural Cough Syrups so that you all can feel well fast.

Zarbee’s is sponsoring a giveaway on Mommy Ramblings and one lucky winner will win Zarbee’s Children’s Nighttime Syrup and Daytime Grape Cough Syrup. Thanks Zarbee’s for the review products and for sponsoring this great giveaway on Mommy Ramblings!!! Open to US residents!

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February 20, 2013 · 8:46 pm

Monsters, Inc. Blu-ray 3D Ultimate Collector’s Edition 5-Disc Combo Pack Review & Giveaway!!!

On February 19th, one of Disney•Pixar’s most beloved and visually imaginative feature films MONSTERS, INC arrived for the first time on Blu-ray 3D in the “Ultimate Collector’s Edition” 5-Disc Combo Pack! Laugh out loud bonus features include Toy Story Toons: “Partysaurus Rex” short, a “Monsters University” Sneak Peek and much more!

“Monsters, Inc.,” one of Disney•Pixar’s most beloved and visually imaginative feature films, arrives for the first time on Blu-ray 3D in the “Ultimate Collector’s Edition” 5-Disc Combo Pack on February 19, 2013.

In addition to hours of delightful bonus features, the “Monsters, Inc.” Blu-ray 3D

“Ultimate Collector’s Edition” features a sneak peek at the upcoming all-new Disney•Pixar release “Monsters University.”

The now-classic Academy Award®-winning animated comedy adventure “Monsters, Inc.” is set in Monstropolis, a thriving company town where monsters of all shapes and sizes reside. Lovable Sulley (voiced by John Goodman) and his wise cracking best friend Mike Wazowski (voiced by Billy Crystal) are the top scare team at Monsters, Inc., the largest scream-processing factory. The main power source in the monster world is the collected screams of human children—and at Monsters, Inc., an elite team of scarers is responsible for gathering those precious natural resources.

Believed by monsters to be toxic, children are strictly forbidden from entering Monstropolis. But when a little girl named Boo (voiced by Mary Gibbs) accidentally follows Sulley back into his world, he finds his career in jeopardy and his life in utter chaos. Assisted by Mike, the two pals plot to rectify the mistake and return Boo to her home. When the trio encounters an unexpected series of complications, they become embroiled in a cover-up catapulting them into a mystery beyond their wildest dreams.

Directed by Oscar®-winner Pete Docter (“Up”) and produced by Oscar nominee Darla K. Anderson (“Toy Story 3”), “Monsters, Inc.” features a screenplay by Andrew Stanton and Daniel Gerson and music by Randy Newman.

Cast:

John Goodman as the voice of James P. Sullivan “Sulley”

Billy Crystal as the voice of Mike Wazowski

Mary Gibbs as the voice of Boo

Steve Buscemi as the voice of Randall Boggs

James Coburn as the voice of Henry J. Waternoose

Jennifer Tilly as the voice of Celia

Bob Peterson as the voice of Roz

John Ratzenberger as the voice of The Abominable Snowman

Frank Oz as the singing voice of Fungus

Blu-ray Contents: Disney Enhanced HD Picture and Sound

“Monsters University” Sneak Peek

Toy Story Toons: “Partysaurus Rex”

“For The Birds” Short

“Mike’s New Car” Short

Filmmakers Round Table

Audio Commentary

Roz’s 100 Door Challenge Game

Pixar Fun Factory Tower

Banished Concepts

Rating: “G” in the U.S. and Canada

Bonus material is not rated

Feature Run Time: Approx. 92 minutes

My little munchkins were so happy to see this arrive. They love Disney Pixar movies and this was a favorite of my older three, we have the DVD so we were happy to view this favorite in 3D Blu-Ray. This movie did not disappoint and the new technology makes it even better than we remember. The voices of Billy Crystal and John Goodman are so great for the characters and as Billy would say, “Sure blame the little guy with one eye!” If you loved this movie when it first debuted you will love the new format and technology. Hurry and get a combo pack before they disappear!

Disney * Pixar is sponsoring a giveaway on Mommy Ramblings. One lucky blog reader will win a Monsters, Inc. Blu-ray 3D Ultimate Collector’s Edition 5-Disc Combo Pack! Thank you Disney * Pixar for the review combo pack and for sponsoring this Monster of a giveaway on Mommy Ramblings!!! Open to US and Canadian residents.

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February 19, 2013 · 6:18 pm

The Mommy MD Guides Are All 25% Off!!! Get A Free Gift Too!!!

The Mommy MD Guides website and books feature tips that doctors who are also mothers use for their own families. They’re experts–squared! Their mission is to help moms and moms-to-be lead healthier, happier lives.