Dad of Divas' Reviews: February 2011

Monday, February 28, 2011

‘Me-First’ Society Has People Choosing Dogs Over Kids

Are more people adopting an older dog because they don’t have the time, nor patience, to train a puppy – let alone have children? Flexcin International, which operates the FlexPet Shelter Program to assist the adoption of older dogs, believes this trend is accelerating. Even George Clooney’s girlfriend Elisabetta Canalis said recently she doesn’t feel the need to have children because she’s happy with dogs instead.

In an online survey, Flexcin asked approximately 1,250 pet owners nationwide between the ages of 21-30 and roughly 61 percent said they would rather adopt an older dog instead of a brand new puppy. The majority of these respondents (89%) said their reason was that they felt they didn’t have the time, nor the patience, to house-train a new puppy because of working multiple jobs, or other time challenges to their lives. More than half (54%) also said they are choosing to have dogs instead of children because they’re not sure they can handle the larger needs of a child.

“While we’re not saying their decisions are right or wrong, it’s clear that the stresses of working multiple jobs and a more ‘me-first’ society are impacting how people view puppies and children,” said Tamer Elsafy, CEO and founder of Flexcin International. “Ten years ago the opposite trend was taking place where people always opted for the puppies instead of more senior dogs with less energy serving a companion role.”

FlexPet is a natural supplement given to pets – mostly older dogs – to relieve joint discomfort and joint degeneration. The FlexPet Shelter Program helps animal rescue shelters around the country nurse older dogs back to health so they have a better chance at adoption. Dogs with joint discomfort display a lower level of energy, making it harder to attract the attention of an adopting family. The program also enables shelters to keep dogs happy and healthy long after adoption, while also serving as a fund-raising source. Interested shelters can learn more at FlexPet4Shelters.com.

About Flexcin International, Inc.

Flexcin International, Inc. is a manufacturer and marketer of leading natural supplements that promote optimal joint health. Along with its FlexPet line of pet joint supplements, Flexcin products are the only degenerative joint relief supplements with the patented CM8 ingredient, clinically proven to stimulate joint fluid lubrication, strengthen cartilage and increase mobility. For more information visit http://flexcin.com, http://flexpet.com or call (800) 505-0575

All opinions expressed in this review are my own and not influenced in any way by the company.  Any product claim, statistic, quote or other representation about a product or service should be verified with the manufacturer or provider. Please refer to this site's Disclaimer  for more information. I have been compensated or given a product free of charge, but that does not impact my views or opinions.
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Ben and Holly's Website Relaunch

Join in all the fun and activities at Ben and Holly’s new website: www.littlekingdom.co.uk where you can play games, watch clips and much more!

Sign up to Ben & Holly’s Fanbase today and your child could WIN a visit from Ben & Holly to their nursery!

PLUS- there are 10 Ben & Holly goody bags to give away, which include a variety of wonderful Ben & Holly goodies. Once you’ve registered you will receive unique offers, applications, newsletters, competitions, birthday cards and other exciting brand updates!


All opinions expressed in this review are my own and not influenced in any way by the company.  Any product claim, statistic, quote or other representation about a product or service should be verified with the manufacturer or provider. Please refer to this site's Disclaimer  for more information. I have been compensated or given a product free of charge, but that does not impact my views or opinions.
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Mickey Mouse Clubhouse: Mickey's Great Outdoors on DVD 5/24!

On May 24th, Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment will release Mickey Mouse Clubhouse: Mickey's Great Outdoors on DVD! 





For the first time with Digital Copy, this Mickey Mouse Clubhouse DVD is ready for the summer fun and on-the-go adventure!  Available on May 24th, Mickey Mouse and his famous pals (Minnie, Donald, Pluto, Goofy and Daisy) join efforts to inspire preschoolers around the country to enjoy the outdoors by camping, fishing and exploring nature in Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment’s latest DVD release, Mickey Mouse Clubhouse: Mickey’s Great Outdoors.  
Clubhouse: Mickey’s Great Outdoors
 
As a great value for parents and a fun, portable play set for kids, Disney has packaged Mickey Mouse Clubhouse: Mickey’s Great Outdoors to include a DVD, a Digital Copy and a Mickey Mote –making this the ultimate Play Set. The Mickey Mote (a child-friendly handheld remote control) provides hours of interactive fun that allows kids to engage with their favorite Mickey Mouse Clubhouse characters while watching Mickey’s Great Outdoors.  And the Digital Copy allows parents to download all the episodes onto a secondary device for easy, portable on-the-go access. 

Just in time to kick off the summer, Mickey Mouse Clubhouse: Mickey’s Great Outdoors features four episodes from the “Mickey Mouse Clubhouse” TV show plus one all-new, never-before-seen “Mickey’s Fish Story” episode and comes packaged as a special DVD Play Set (DVD + Digital Copy + Mickey Mote) that will retail nationwide for the suggested price of $29.99 U.S. / $35.99 Canada. 
MICKEY’S GREAT OUTDOOR EPISODE LIST: 
All-New, Never-Before-Seen Bonus Episode:
Mickey’s Fish Story - Daisy wants to find a fishy-friend for her goldfish Goldy – and we help her find other goldfish in the Jungle where we’re aided by the mysterious conga drummin’ Jungle-Pete!  Boom-boom-bap-boom!   

 Episodes From “Mickey Mouse Clubhouse” TV Show: 

Mickey’s Camp Out - Today Mickey and his friends are going to earn Clubhouse 
“Camp Out Badges” by completing two tasks - setting up camp and fishing for Gummy 
Fish.  Everyone’s planning to camp with a “Tent Buddy”, but Donald decides to camp 
by himself – and he soon learns that camping with friends is much more fun than 
camping by yourself. 

Mickey and Minnie’s Jungle Safari - Minnie is determined to snap a photo of the rare Hula Hibiscus that only blooms once a year.  So the sensational gang go off on a jungle safari and explore new territory to find this legendary flower.   

Daisy in the Sky - On Balloon Day, Daisy grabs a large batch of balloons and gets literally carried away along with Minnie and Pluto, who couldn’t hold her down. Mickey, Donald and Goofy kick into high gear to save their friends: they use a Giant Candy Cane (to rescue Pluto), a Party Horn (to warn animals out of the way), a Piggy Bank (to weigh down one side of an elevator so that Mickey can reach the top of the lighthouse), and a Toy Hammer (to fix the Ferris wheel). 

Daisy’s Grasshopper - Daisy has a new pet grasshopper named Wilbur, but the playful 
hoppin’ fella hops away – and we help all our Clubhouse friends hop after him and find 
him before the end of the day.  Boing-boing! 

ABOUT DISNEY’S MICKEY MOTE: 
Disney’s Mickey Mote works with any Disney Preschool DVD that includes the Discovery Mode 
feature – an interactive “Watch & Play” feature on the DVD.  All parents have to do is program the remote control - there’s an easy and quick set-up guide in each DVD - and select the Discovery Mode feature on the menu screen.  Within minutes, kids will be easily able to respond to questions about scenes they just watched by pressing one of four color-coded buttons on the device -- a yellow star, green circle, orange triangle or blue square – to click in their responses.  Discovery Mode features include two levels of play, which provides more challenging questions as the child grows.  

To date, there are more than 13 Disney Preschool DVD titles for parents to choose from that can be used with the remote control. 

Product Specifications: 

STREET DATE:  May 24, 2011 
Direct Prebook:  March 29, 2011 
Distributor Prebook:  April 12, 2011 
Suggested Retail Price: Mickey Mote Play Set includes DVD + Digital Copy + Mickey Mote = 
$29.99 U.S. / $35.99 Canada 
2-Disc Combo Pack includes DVD + Digital Copy = $19.99 U.S. / $24.99 
Canada 
Rated:    TV-Y 
    *Bonus materials not rated 
Run Time:   Approximately 120 minutes 
Aspect Ratio: Full screen (1:33:1) 
Sound: Dolby Digital Sound 
Languages: English, Spanish, French

All opinions expressed in this review are my own and not influenced in any way by the company.  Any product claim, statistic, quote or other representation about a product or service should be verified with the manufacturer or provider. Please refer to this site's Disclaimer  for more information. I have been compensated or given a product free of charge, but that does not impact my views or opinions.
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Dreamworks Theatricals Live The Dream Fly-Away Sweepstakes Opportunity

DreamWorks Theatricals invites you to enter their LIVE THE DREAM FLY-AWAY SWEEPSTAKES by March 3. Three winners and three guests of each will be taken on an all-expense paid trip to either LA or NYC where they will have the opportunity to get inside all the madcap madness and fun of either Madagascar Live!,  Shrek the Musical, or, yes -- the world premiere of Kung Fu Panda 2.

The details are below or you can get more to www.dreamworksanimation.com/theatricals for entries.  Rules and regulations about the sweepstakes are available at the link.
                                                                
Hurry – the sweepstakes ends March 3rd

Three lucky grand prize winners will win one of these three packages:

MADAGASCAR LIVE AND ON THE LOOSE IN NEW YORK CITY
- Trip for 4 to New York City
- VIP tickets to see MADAGASCAR LIVE! at Radio City Music Hall from April 15-25, 2011
- A chance to meet Alex and friends backstage
- A goody bag full of fun Madagascar merchandise

SHREK THE MUSICAL IN HOLLYWOOD
- Trip for 4 to Los Angeles
- VIP tickets to see SHREK THE MUSICAL at the Pantages Theatre in July, 2011
- A chance to meet Shrek and the fairytale gang backstage
- A good bag full of great Shrek prizes
- A tour of the DreamWorks Animation campus

THE HOLLYWOOD PREMIER OF KUNG FU PANDA 2
- Trip for 4 to Los Angeles
- Tickets to the KUNG FU PANDA 2 premier this Summer
- A goody bag full of fun DreamWorks merchandise

All opinions expressed in this review are my own and not influenced in any way by the company.  Any product claim, statistic, quote or other representation about a product or service should be verified with the manufacturer or provider. Please refer to this site's Disclaimer  for more information. I have been compensated or given a product free of charge, but that does not impact my views or opinions.
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Looney Tunes: New and Improved Facebook page!

Looney Tunes launched an all new and improved Looney Tunes Facebook page for all you fans!  Stay connected with your favorite classic 1933 American animated cartoon characters such as Bugs Bunny, Daffy Duck, Porky Pig, Elmer Fudd, Sylvester, Tweety, Taz, Wile E. Coyote and Road Runner, Foghorn Leghorn, Yosemite Sam, Pepé Le Pew, Speedy Gonzales, and many others! 

In addition, earlier this year, Looney Tunes celebrated a special Looney Tunes YouTube channel to showcase some of the best moments from these animated classics along with a Looney Tunes Twitter page!  Now all you fans can interact with Looney Tunes trivia, games, and fun facts, and stay up-to-date with all Looney Tunes news.  Please share the Looney Tunes Facebook, YouTube and Twitter pages with your readers on Dad of Divas

Looney Tunes on Facebook:

Looney Tunes on YouTube:

Follow Looney Tunes on Twitter:
www.twitter.com/_looneytunes


All opinions expressed in this review are my own and not influenced in any way by the company.  Any product claim, statistic, quote or other representation about a product or service should be verified with the manufacturer or provider. Please refer to this site's Disclaimer  for more information. I have been compensated or given a product free of charge, but that does not impact my views or opinions.
 
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Bambi On Blu-ray Tomorrow!

Bonus Clip- Establishing Important Characters


Bonus Clip- Voices of Thumper and Faline


Bonus Clip- Music of Bambi



All opinions expressed in this review are my own and not influenced in any way by the company.  Any product claim, statistic, quote or other representation about a product or service should be verified with the manufacturer or provider. Please refer to this site's Disclaimer  for more information. I have been compensated or given a product free of charge, but that does not impact my views or opinions.
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Sunday, February 27, 2011

Book Review - My Name is Not Alexander



About the Book
Jennifer Fosberry’s new book follows a young boy on an imaginary trip through history as he pretends to be some of the innovative men who influenced and shaped our world.

Just how big can a little kid dream?

Ask Alexander, as he takes a wild ride and discovers the sky’s the limit!

Through Alexander’s imaginative journey, he discovers how great men become heroes:
  • The roughest rider can be surprisingly gentle (Theodore Roosevelt)
  • A strong leader is also the most peaceful (Chief Joseph)
  • Being brave about what makes you different will not only help you break records, but inspire others (Jackie Robinson)
  • A curious mind can lead to new discoveries (Thomas Edison)
  • Being creative and trying new things can motivate others (Fred Astaire)
  • And sometimes our biggest hero is closest to home (Daddy)

A back of the book “Men Who Changed the World” section features short bios of the famous men Alexander pretends to be.

My Take on the Book
Just like her previous book, My Name is Not Isabella, this book is an amazing book that encourages a child to dream and be more than they can be. I love how the author allows children to read this and learn about others who have come before them and who have done great things with their life.

I loved how in this book the boy in the end his biggest hero is his father. It was a nice sentiment for the end of the book and one that I know hits home for the messages that we hope that our children will see and experience within their lives.

Not only does this book share a beautiful message, but it also is full of amazing imagery. Mike Litwin does a wonderful job at capturing the dreams of this boy and making them live in real life.

Full of beautiful pictures, a story that you will be proud to share with your children, this book is a treasure and one that I know that you will end up reading it over and over!


All opinions expressed in this review are my own and not influenced in any way by the company.  Any product claim, statistic, quote or other representation about a product or service should be verified with the manufacturer or provider. Please refer to this site's Disclaimer  for more information. I have been compensated or given a product free of charge, but that does not impact my views or opinions.
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"Madeline On The Town" out March 8!!!!

About the Movie
The DVD contains six animated episodes, all making their DVD debut: Madeline and the Wedding, Madeline on Stage, Madeline and the Fashion Show, Madeline at the Ballet, Madeline at the Costume Party, and Madeline’s Birthday at the Zoo.

Put on your best shoes and let the adventures begin! A must-have for Madeline fans and DVD collectors, Madeline’s On The Town will retail for $12.99.

Inspired by the beloved classic books that introduced us to a dozen delightful girls who live in an old house in Paris covered with vines, Madeline’s On The Town is full of spirited fun and it is perfect for the whole family!



My Take on the DVDMy girls love Madeline and this DVD is chock-full of great episodes. I put in this DVD and my kids were hooked. I watched along and was impressed to see the continued good underlying messages that I have seen in past episodes as well. Madeline on Stage was definitely our favorite. With my eldest being destined for acting, this movie intrigued her and I have to say it was interesting watching her with this episode. 

This overall set is one that I would highly recommend for all parents for all Madeline fans!


All opinions expressed in this review are my own and not influenced in any way by the company.  Any product claim, statistic, quote or other representation about a product or service should be verified with the manufacturer or provider. Please refer to this site's Disclaimer  for more information. I have been compensated or given a product free of charge, but that does not impact my views or opinions.

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Orville Redenbacher's "Best Movie" Screening Campaign


More check-ins at Walmart Supercenter #4540
Powered by Whrrl

If these Popup Popcorn Bowls look great, you should go and try it for yourself. For a limited time here is a $1.00 off coupon for you! It's from WalMart.com and the link is here: http://instoresnow.walmart.com/enhancedrendercontent_ektid96106.aspx

Book Review - Curiosities of the Civil War

About the Book
Instead of offering another look at the most significant military and political events, Curiosities of the Civil War focuses on relatively unknown and obscure aspects of the war.

It is estimated that 623,000 soldiers died during the Civil War. If the June 1865 surrender of Kirby-Smith’s forces is taken as the last hurrah of the Confederacy, then the war lasted almost fifty months. Fighting took place on each of the war’s approximately 1,396 days from 1861 to 1865; as tabulated by Frederick H. Dyer, 10,455 military “events” took place during the war. Millions of men and thousands of encounters produced a multitude of extraordinary things.

Numerous chapters in Curiosities of the Civil War focus upon events or emphases that have been neglected—maybe because they’re hard to locate. It is all but impossible to find more than an occasional reference to banishment or deportation, and major multi-volume works seldom include an index entry dealing with “hostages.” Subjects such as “atrocities” and “appraisals by contemporaries,” to say nothing of “Lincoln’s appearance,” are not found in standard Civil War encyclopedias and dictionaries.

Even seasoned readers are likely to discover much that is new and fresh here. Whether you’re a lifelong enthusiast or just beginning to get acquainted with the Civil War, you’ll find a trove of conversation-starters here.

My Take on the Book
If you are a history buff and you like learning amazing tibits of knowledge that you would have never known before, then this book is made for you! The author does an amazing job at finding the hidden stories of the civil war and making them come alive. Most of his stories are about regular individuals doing irregular things, many times because of the circumstance that they were placed in due to the war itself.

The book was huge, spanning over 500 pages, and most stories are quite short so you can easily get through them with .in a short period of time. With this in mind, though having the shorter stores were nice I did like the longer ones a bit better because of the amount of details that were shared in these.

The book was shared in a wonderful hardback that is definitely one that will last for many years! This book is definitely the perfect gift for the Civil War buff!

I was provided with a free copy of this book by BookSneeze in exchange for my honest review!

All opinions expressed in this review are my own and not influenced in any way by the company.  Any product claim, statistic, quote or other representation about a product or service should be verified with the manufacturer or provider. Please refer to this site's Disclaimer  for more information. I have been compensated or given a product free of charge, but that does not impact my views or opinions.


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Book Review - The ROTH Revolution: Pay Taxes Once and Never Again

About the Book
Millions of IRA and retirement plan owners have a feeling there is something they should be doing with their money but they don’t know what to do. They are also afraid of future tax increases and want to protect themselves. There are thousands of books trying to tell you how to invest your money. "The Roth Revolution", however, offers proven strategies regarding Roth IRA conversions and other complementary strategies to help readers preserve and accumulate and pass on wealth by drastically reducing their taxes. "The Roth Revolution" provides a thorough and clear explanation, as well as a step-by-step guide on what IRA and retirement plan owners should do to maximize their retirement and estate plan.


My Take on the Book
As a person who does not always know what to do with his money, I can say that this book was straight-forward and easy to understand. I found this book to be a great resource for both the expert as well as newcomer to ROTHs. What I liked most within the book were the examples help within the book. As a non-expert, the examples were easy to understand and could be shared vastly with others to increase their own financial savvy.

Not that I a ready for retirement anytime soon, which is another reason that I along with many of my colleagues may be wanting to look for ways to save money, and ROTH IRas' are one way to consider =, as this book explains well.

Overall, this book was a quick and easy read and one that I would share with all!

All opinions expressed in this review are my own and not influenced in any way by the company.  Any product claim, statistic, quote or other representation about a product or service should be verified with the manufacturer or provider. Please refer to this site's Disclaimer  for more information. I have been compensated or given a product free of charge, but that does not impact my views or opinions.
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Friday, February 25, 2011

Bambi Diamond Edition- $10 Off Coupon

In celebration of Bambi coming to Blu-ray next Tuesday we have a few more clips and a coupon to share with you!


Disney Movie Rewards currently has a $10 off coupon for the Bambi Diamond Edition Combo Pack!
http://www.disneymovierewards.go.com/promotions/special-offers/bambi-coupon?cmp=dmov_dmr_blg_lptw_bambilptw

Film Clip-That's Why They Call Me Thumper


Film Clip-Bambi Meets Faline


Film Clip- Bambi on Ice


All opinions expressed in this review are my own and not influenced in any way by the company.  Any product claim, statistic, quote or other representation about a product or service should be verified with the manufacturer or provider. Please refer to this site's Disclaimer  for more information. I have been compensated or given a product free of charge, but that does not impact my views or opinions.
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Book Review: The Entrepreneur Equation: Evaluating the Realities, Risks, and Rewards of Having Your Own Business

About the Book
The big idea: For girls, Barbie has been a good role model, showing them that attractive females can be astronauts, diplomats, and doctors. But when Ken launched his aggressive social media campaign to get Barbie to take him back by Valentine's Day (she did) after their 7-year breakup, Barbie's work-life balance seems to have slipped out of kilter.

Business advisor and author Carol Roth says it's time for Barbie to get serious about her career again. Roth says Barbie, like many young professional gals, has been successful working for others. But she's also occasionally worked for herself and been entrepreneurial, as an aerobics instructor, veterinarian, wedding stylist, photographer, pediatrician, and makeup artist, to name a few.

Roth coaches many entrepreneurial women who are hesitant to explore business ownership. Some of their reasons include fear of failure, lack of assertiveness, and inexperience with money matters. She says when girls are young, it's a great time for parents to mentor them in basic entrepreneurial skills.

Roth shares 7 ways to mentor a future businesswoman, and can discuss:
  • Why fewer girls than boys go into business
  • Top qualities female businesswomen need to succeed
  • How to prepare your girl for success -- in business and in life

Carol Roth (www.carolroth.com) has been helping businesses grow for over 15 years, ranging from solopreneurs to multinational corporations. A popular media personality on Fox News, MSNBC, and WGN-TV Chicago, among others, she is author of a new book, The Entrepreneur Equation: Evaluating the Realities, Risks, and Rewards of Having Your Own Business (BenBella, March 22, 2011). Because she aims to be a role model for girls and young women, she created the Carol Roth special edition doll -- sporting a smart black dress, leather computer bag, and hot-pink heels -- to show girls it's okay to be beautiful, successful, and powerful when they grow up. Carol Roth is on the cover of February's Doll's Magazine (http://www.dollsmagazine.com/.)

My Take on the Book
The Entrepreneur Equation is a book that works to help readers find ways to both save money as well as find the ways to help them succeed and achieve the dreams that they have for themselves.

Seeing that I have met Carol in the past, reading what is in this book is paramount to what she shares in real life as well. Through straight-forward conversations and tactics, Carol shares her own experiences as well as so many resources that allow beginner to expert to move beyond goals and dreams and moving to  reality.

What I liked about this book was that it went beyond simply the surface and sets people straight on a number of the myths that surround the American Dream.

What I like about Roth in this book and in person is that you know where you stand with her due to her ultimate honesty. This book does a great job at helping people understand the steps that they need to take to be able to start a business. Her honesty on this and other issues is brutal at times, but this is what will make you want to read more as it makes you do some hard thinking. Roth truly is trying to make people really look hard at whether they have what it takes to start a business as not everyone does, and though this book will dissuade some from taking that step, that is ok and exactly what Roth is trying to do as she wants the strongest to survive and thrive.

All opinions expressed in this review are my own and not influenced in any way by the company.  Any product claim, statistic, quote or other representation about a product or service should be verified with the manufacturer or provider. Please refer to this site's Disclaimer  for more information. I have been compensated or given a product free of charge, but that does not impact my views or opinions.
 
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Thursday, February 24, 2011

Product Review - Kiddie Catch-All

About the Product
Kiddie Catch-All™ is the perfect accessory for your car, truck or minivan! Fill it with books, toys, games, snacks, sippie cups...whatever your child wants is now right at their fingertips with the Kiddie Catch-All™.  Never worry about picking things off the floor while driving again! And no more taking your eyes off the road! Keep your car organized, your family safe and your children occupied with the Kiddie Catch-All



The Perfect Accessory For Your Car, Truck or Minivan
My Take on the Product
Some as seen on TV items that I have tried in the past were not worth the money that I put into the product, but this one definitely was. When I received this product I was happy to find that it fit nicely over the side of our car seat for our youngest. I know that for us as parents, we are always dealing with things falling on the floor of our minivan as we are going on trips (Sound familiar?). If J-Mom and I are both in the van we can handle this as it happens, but if we are alone with the kids, we either have to stop the car, or let the consequences fall where they may.

What was nice about this new product was that it allowed us to start the trip with everything right there in the basket. This doesn't mean that they will remain there for the entire trip, but there is a much higher chance of success!

All-in-all, I was impressed with the simplicity and practicality of the design, as it is definitely something that was developed with the parent in mind.

If you no longer want to lose those pesky items, try the Kiddie Catch-All!

Right now for a limited time you can purchase the Kiddie Catch-All as Buy One Get One. From what I have learned, this offer will only continue until they get ready to release these in retail stores, so act soon!

This post was written for Family Review Network & Kiddie Catch-All who provided the complimentary product for review in exchange for my honest opinions.

All opinions expressed in this review are my own and not influenced in any way by the company.  Any product claim, statistic, quote or other representation about a product or service should be verified with the manufacturer or provider. Please refer to this site's Disclaimer  for more information. I have been compensated or given a product free of charge, but that does not impact my views or opinions.
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Wednesday, February 23, 2011

Book Review - Dream Big Little Pig

About the BookFigure skating superstar Kristi Yamaguchi is an Olympic athlete, artist, wife, mother, and philanthropist. In March 2011, she will add children’s picture book author to her accomplishments with the publication of Dream Big, Little Pig! (ISBN: 9781402252754; Sourcebooks Jabberwocky; MARCH 2011; $16.99 U.S.; Juvenile Fiction/Picture Book; Hardcover)

Poppy the Pig has big dreams—lots of them! But following her dreams isn’t always easy, and whenever Poppy thinks it might be time to give up, her family reminds her to “Dream Big!” While on a “pig’s day out,” she has so much fun ice skating that she doesn’t even notice those around her who think pigs can’t skate…and without even knowing it, she achieves her dream while doing something she loves! In this funny and inspiring tale that’s perfect for family read-alouds, Poppy realizes she can succeed at anything as long as she believes in herself and has fun doing it!

Kristi Yamaguchi is an Olympic gold medalist and world champion who knows about dreaming big. The motto “Always Dream” serves as Kristi’s personal inspiration, as well as the name of her charitable foundation for children. This philosophy has contributed to Kristi’s success on and off the ice, and she aspires to instill it in the hearts of children.

Following her figure skating victories at the 1992 Winter Olympics and World Championships, Kristi embarked on a successful professional career that went nonstop for more than a decade.

This past year, Kristi Yamaguchi’s Friends and Family TV special aired on NBC for the fourth straight year, and she became the first woman to claim the trophy on ABC’s Dancing with the Stars. One of her lasting legacies will be her Always Dream Foundation, which was founded in 1996 and has been an active fundraiser and supporter of children’s charities in the San Francisco Bay Area, sponsoring, among other events, annual Christmas toy drives.

For more information, visit http://www.alwaysdream.org/

My Take on the Book This book was a gem and one that I would recommend highly to anyone with kids. It is a story of determination as well as one that shows kids to achieve their dreams even when they are discouraged. I loved the fact that the main character keeps trying new things until she finds something where she simply excels. I read this to my girls tonight for the first time and they were transfixed! I know that this book will definitely be one that I will keep around in the future! Finally, one of the best things is that the author embodies the determination that you see in this main character, so it was nice to be able to share her true story as it related to the character in the story itself!


All opinions expressed in this review are my own and not influenced in any way by the company.  Any product claim, statistic, quote or other representation about a product or service should be verified with the manufacturer or provider. Please refer to this site's Disclaimer  for more information. I have been compensated or given a product free of charge, but that does not impact my views or opinions.

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Ten Tips to Prevent the "Silent Killer" Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

Carbon monoxide poisoning is a very real household danger. If you want more tips about safety and poison prevention at home, text TIPS to 69866.

It was anything but a happy new year in Los Angeles in January where one woman mourned the loss of her mother and grandmother -- both who died from carbon monoxide given off by a gas oven door they'd left open to stay warm. A week later, 11 students in Vermont were hospitalized for carbon monoxide poisoning that occurred as a result of a faulty furnace. Both incidents were a painful reminder that when it comes to this "silent killer" the public is far from educated on how to prevent deaths from carbon monoxide poisoning.

Carbon monoxide (CO) is a colorless odorless gas undetectable to the human senses, so people may not know that they are being exposed.  Products that are typically involved in CO poisonings include malfunctioning fuel-burning appliances such as furnaces, ranges, water heaters and room heaters; engine-powered equipment such as portable generators; fireplaces; and charcoal that is burned in homes and other enclosed areas.

Symptoms range from headache, fatigue, shortness of breath, nausea, dizziness to confusion, vomiting, loss of muscular coordination and loss of consciousness.

Carbon monoxide poisoning can be of slow or swift onset depending on circumstances. But it is deadly. California Poison Control, in an effort to raise public awareness, has issued the following 10 Tips to Prevent Carbon Monoxide Poisoning. With proper prevention, this "silent killer" can be stopped in its tracks.

1. Have all heating equipment installed properly, and have your home's heating system inspected by a professional prior to turning the heat on when cold weather season begins.

2. Carbon monoxide detectors should be installed in all homes and in apartments.  When a CO detector goes off, assume that a real CO danger is present, and get all people and pets out of the structure immediately.  Do not re-enter until a heating professional, gas company or fire department has declared the area safe from CO.

3. During home renovations, ensure that appliance vents and chimneys are not blocked by tarps or debris. Make sure appliances are in proper working order when renovations are complete.

4. Do not cover the bottom of natural gas or propane ovens with aluminum foil. Doing so blocks the combustion air flow through the appliance and can produce CO.

5. Never use portable fuel-burning camping equipment inside a home, garage, vehicle or tent unless it is specifically designed for use in an enclosed space and provides instructions for safe use in such an area.

6. In climates with snow, make sure that chimneys and vents do not become blocked with snowfall.

7. Never operate a portable generator or any other gasoline engine-powered tool either in or near an enclosed space such as a garage, house, or other building, or outside of an open window.

8. Do not use charcoal or hibachi grills to cook with or for heat indoors under any circumstances.

9. Do not attempt to heat your home by turning on the oven or clothes dryer and leaving the door open.

10. Never let a car engine run inside a closed space such as a garage.  Drive out promptly after starting the car, and turn the car engine off as soon as you drive into an enclosed space. Never have a garage door closed with a running vehicle inside, even for a few seconds.

All opinions expressed in this review are my own and not influenced in any way by the company.  Any product claim, statistic, quote or other representation about a product or service should be verified with the manufacturer or provider. Please refer to this site's Disclaimer  for more information. I have been compensated or given a product free of charge, but that does not impact my views or opinions.
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Madagascar Live Tour Coming to Detroit and 69 other Cities


DreamWorks Theatricals and Broadway Across America have partnered to launch “Madagascar Live,” DreamWorks Theatricals’ first-ever live family touring show. The production is expected to visit over 70 cities across the United States, including a stop at Detroit’s Fox Theatre from Friday, April 29 through Sunday, May 1. The brand new stage show aimed at family audiences stars the cast of popular characters from the beloved Madagascar film series, including Alex the Lion, Marty the Zebra, Melman the Giraffe, Gloria the Hippo and members of the madcap Madagascar crew, King Julien and the crafty Penguins.

Tickets ($15.50, $28.50, $38.50 and VIP $85.50) go on sale Friday, Feb. 25 at 10:00 a.m. and may be purchased at OlympiaEntertainment.com, the Fox Theatre and Joe Louis Arena box offices, Hockeytown Authentics in Troy (without service charge) at all Ticketmaster locations and Ticketmaster.com. To charge tickets by phone, call (800) 745-3000. Groups of 10 or more save, call (313) 471-3099. For additional information, call (313) 471-6611.

Madagascar Live” is sending one lucky family on the trip of a lifetime to see the show at New York City’s legendary Radio City Music Hall. By registering for a “Madagascar Live” passport for a chance to win at www.MADlive.com, the family will win airfare, hotel, a meet and greet with the “Madagascar Live” characters and a VIP backstage tour. Rules and restrictions can be found at www.madlive.com.

Widely successful across audiences of all ages, the original story will be brought to new life in the 90-minute stage show that will transport audience members from the Central Park Zoo to the wild of Madagascar. In addition to featuring everyone’s favorite characters, “Madagascar Live” takes the audience on an action packed adventure with imaginative set, costume and puppet design, magnificent singing and dancing and the hit song “Move It, Move” for an experience the entire family will enjoy.

“We are thrilled to have assembled such an exceptional crew of artists, storytellers and musicians to capture the adventure and humor of DreamWorks Animation’s Madagascar movies in an inventive live entertainment experience for the whole family,” said Bill Damaschke, President of DreamWorks Theatricals. “We look forward to working alongside the talented team at Broadway Across America to bring the magical setting of Madagascar to life in fun and engaging ways that have never been done before.”

“We are tremendously excited about our new partnership with DreamWorks and look forward to creating an innovative and entertaining new live tour based on its popular Madagascar film series,” added John Gore, CEO, Broadway Across America. “The production’s creative team is top notch, and we look forward to bringing the humor, colorful visual style and heartfelt story of the original film to life on stage for audiences of all ages to enjoy.”

“Madagascar Live” is being directed by Gip Hoppe, director of “Dora the Explorer Live” who has worked with Broadway Across America and Nickelodeon on other family friendly live touring productions including: “Blue’s Clues Live,” “Dora’s Pirate Adventure” and “Go, Diego, Go Live!” Hoppe also wrote and directed the Broadway play “Jackie: An American Life” and is a founding member and co-artistic director of the Wellfleet Harbor Actor’s Theatre.

The show is being written by Kevin Del Aguila, who received a Drama Desk Award nomination as book writer of the Off-Broadway hit “Alter Boyz” and has also written the musical adaptations of the children’s books “Lilly’s Big Day” and “Click, Clack, Moo: Cows That Type.”

Tony Award-winner David Gallo, whose Broadway credits include “Memphis,” “Xanadu,” “The Drowsy Chaperone,” “Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom,” and “Thoroughly Modern Millie,” and whose touring show credits include “Dora The Explorer Live” and “Blue’s Clues Live,” serves as the show’s Scenic Designer.

The show will feature costume design by Tony Award-winning Gregg Barnes, whose Broadway credits include “Legally Blonde,” “Flower Drum Song,” “The Drowsy Chaperone,” “Dirty Rotten Scoundrels” and whose touring show credits include “Disney On Ice – Princess Classics,” “Radio City Music Hall Christmas Spectacular,” “Winnie The Pooh” and Madison Square Garden’s “The Wizard of Oz.”

Joel Someillan and George Noriega are serving as the show’s composers and lyricists. Joel and George have worked with several popular artists including Gloria Estefan, Ricky Martin and Mandy Moore and between them have amassed a collection of gold and platinum records and won multiple Grammys. They have also composed music for Nickelodeon’s “Dora the Explorer” and “Go, Diego, Go” television shows and the “Go, Diego, Go Live!” touring stage show.

For more information and on-sale dates for “Madagascar Live,” visit www.madlive.com.

Find “MADAGASCAR LIVE” on Facebook (www.facebook.com) by visiting:

Madagascar Live 2011 Tour Dates (schedule subject to change)
February 18-20         Durham, NC             Durham Performing Arts Center
February 22-23         Toledo, OH             Stranahan Theater
February 25-27         Columbus, OH                   Palace Theatre
March 1-2                Peoria, IL                Peoria Civic Center
March 4-6                Louisville, KY           Palace Theatre
March 8-9                Kalamazoo, MI                  Miller Auditorium
March 11-13            Des Moines, IA        Civic Center of Greater Des Moines
March 16-20            Chicago, IL              Rosemont Theater
March 22-23            Saginaw, MI            Dow Theatre
March 25-27            Memphis, TN           Orpheum Theater
March 29-30            Indianapolis, IN        Murat Theater
April 1-3                  Minneapolis, MN       Orpheum Theatre
April 8-10                Providence, RI                   Providence Performing Arts Center
April 15-24               New York City, NY    Radio City Music Hall
April 26-27               Knoxville, TN           Tennessee Theatre
April 29 – May 1     Detroit, MI                Fox Theatre
May 3-4                  Appleton, WI           Fox Cities Performing Arts Center
May 6-8                  Wallingford, CT        Oakdale Theatre
May 11-15               Philadelphia, PA        Academy of Music
May 18-22               Washington, DC       Warner Theater
May 25-29               Toronto, ON            Sony Centre



All opinions expressed in this review are my own and not influenced in any way by the company.  Any product claim, statistic, quote or other representation about a product or service should be verified with the manufacturer or provider. Please refer to this site's Disclaimer  for more information. I have been compensated or given a product free of charge, but that does not impact my views or opinions.
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