Book Review - Brood X: A Firsthand Account of the Great Cicada Invasion

About the Book
Seth is laid off from work. His wife Lara just found out they are expecting a baby this summer. Seth plans on documenting the entire pregnancy with his brand new digital camcorder. During an evening home watching television, the news reports that a swarm of cicada (Brood Ten) are expected to overwhelm the entire Northeast. Brood Ten is vicious and ready to invade. During a sweltering summer night, Brood Ten emerges and wreaks havoc with the electric grid, phone and cell service, wi-fi, food and water supply. Civilization as they know it is gone. Seth and Lara are thrown back to the stone age in their own home with trillions of cicada trying to deposit their eggs and breed. Fast paced and filled with tension, Brood Ten is the perfect summer read when you’re sitting outside listening to the cicadas sing.



My Take on the Book
Stillwell was a well written book, so when I found out about this, his first novel, I had to check this out too. While the subject is quite different, the writing is just as strong as in Stillwell. The author does a great job at setting the scene. He uses deep description to transport the reader to the time and place for which he is writing and you can hear, touch, and feel everything around the characters in the book.

I will say that this book does leave you with that tingling down your spine, as it is a horror story and worst of all, there is some truth to what was being shared and you can easily see how this could happen.

You will be n the edge of your seat throughout the book and before you know it, the book will be done and you will be left waiting until the next book comes out from this author.

So get ready to be scared and to see bugs in a whole new light!

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Book Review - Travels with Gannon & Wyatt: Greenland

About the Book
Upon arriving in Greenland, Gannon and Wyatt prepare for the adventure of a lifetime, a dogsled expedition in the Arctic! But before the explorers even crack a whip, they receive a desperate mayday call from an Inuit family that became stranded in the far north after their dogs developed a mysterious illness. Suddenly, Gannon and Wyatt’s expedition to study climate change and Greenlandic culture turns into something far more dangerous, a mission to save lives!

Travels with Gannon & Wyatt: GREENLAND, is the fourth book in the popular adventure series about real-life globetrotting, twin brother adventurers. While on this amazing journey, they confront hungry polar bears, hidden crevasses, and bitter cold as they race north into a ferocious Arctic super-storm, a courageous act that puts even more lives at risk—their own.

Using the first-hand adventures of her twin boys, mom and author Patti Wheeler and co-author Keith Hemstreet developed the fictional adventure series in the tradition of the historic journals kept by explorers such as Lewis and Clark, Dr. David Livingstone, and Captain James Cook. The book series currently includes Botswana (June 2013), Great Bear Rainforest (Oct 2013), Egypt (Jan 2014), and Greenland (Oct 2014) with research taking place for works featuring adventures in Ireland, Hawaii, Mexico, Australia, Iceland and the American West.

The exciting fantasies, loosely based on the boys’ actual encounters, are filled with exotic settings, high stakes adventure, and the magic of nature. Meanwhile, the authors have artfully illustrated the value of education, persistence, and teamwork when pursuing goals or overcoming a challenge. The stories are supported by broadcast quality videos, photos, and Educator’s Resource Guides, all available on the Gannon & Wyatt website.
My Take on the Book
Another great book in the series! My oldest daughter loved the other books in the series and when I told her that a new one was coming she was ecstatic! This book is a great mix of adventure and mystery, and the authors have created a compelling story line with great characters and visual cues that draw you even further into the story itself. We loved reading this together and wanting to see what would happen next. The book is definitely a page turner and we read the book straight through and you will want to also!


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V.ALRT from VSN Mobil is Crucial Connection to Summon Help Anywhere

Personal security and safety are things everyone values, but they’re often taken for granted. VSN Mobil has introduced the V.ALRT, Personal Emergency Alert Device, a small wearable device that works with a smartphone to send out urgent calls and texts at the touch of a small button, summoning help wherever and whenever someone should need it. The V.ALRT is available for purchase at www.VSNMobil.com and Amazon.com for $59.99.



“The ubiquity of cell phones has transformed people’s access to each other. Yet, there are still situations when a cell phone is not within reach, or is inconvenient or impractical to carry in your hand,” explains Matt Gordon, Vice President of Strategic Marketing at VSN Mobil. “It’s at those exact moments – when exercising outside alone, living independently with a medical condition, or sending a child out on a bike ride – when the V.ALRT serves as a useful connection between people and the help they need.”



The V.ALRT is an ergonomically designed device that can be carried discreetly in a pocket or a bag, worn on the wrist with the included band or around the neck as a pendant. Using a multi-axis accelerometer and Bluetooth® SMART (Bluetooth 4.0 LE) technology in association with a software application from VSN Mobil, the V.ALRT initiates calls and text messages from a smartphone. With the push of a button, the V.ALRT connects with the smartphone to send personalized text messages and makes phone calls to three pre-selected contacts. The customizable text message will indicate that help is needed and also provide location information using the GPS feature on the smartphone (when available). The V.ALRT application can also be set to Fall Detect Mode to automatically notify your preselected contacts should a fall be detected.

The V.ALRT provides up to a year of use before needing to replace the battery. The V.ALRT’s companion app is available for both iOS and AndroidTM phones and is fully customizable, yet simple to set up.

“The V.ALRT is simple and versatile. Almost anyone can use it. Soon, it will become a vital tool in keeping people connected to their kids, aging or ailing parents, or anyone in need of help during unexpected times of trouble,” adds Gordon.

The V.ALRT is the first product introduced by VSN Mobil, a company founded by accomplished executives from Motorola, Samsung, Blackberry, Foxconn, General Dynamics and Pininfarina, among others. VSN Mobil designs and manufactures consumer electronics that meet the needs of everyday life and are unique in their durability, affordability and design.

Active and Secure – When running, hiking or riding a bike, as with a number of other outdoor activities, holding a smartphone is awkward and can lead to pricey repairs if dropped. Yet, active people who exercise alone want the ability to quickly signal for help if they become injured or feel their personal well being is threatened. The V.ALRT is a “go-to” device that can be carried in a pocket, worn around the neck or wrist, or attached to a keychain. Its fall detection feature can also send an alert in a critical situation.

Connecting Families – With the V.ALRT, children can enjoy their independence while parents maintain their piece of mind. Drop the V.ALRT in a backpack or a pocket, or clip it on a helmet and kids have a hotline to home at the touch of a button. All in an unobtrusive way that won’t make him or her the odd kid out.

Homebound No More – Since the V.ALRT is paired to a smartphone, and not dependent on a landline or other hardware, the V.ALRT can help people with medical conditions stay connected wherever they have their smartphone. In the yard, at the grocery store, and at home as well, if help is needed the V.ALRT will connect with the smartphone to send the programmed notifications when the button is pushed. When a fall has occurred and the button cannot be activated, the V.ALRT fall detection feature generates calls and texts to summon help. Slightly bigger than a quarter, the V.ALRT is discreet and lightweight to wear, and can even be worn in the shower.



Specifications for the V.ALRT button:

• Size: 32 mm diameter, 10 mm thick 
• Weight: 8 grams 
• Environment: Waterproof (up to 1 meter for 30 minutes) 
• Battery: Comes with a replaceable CR2032 battery that is commonly available and lasts up to one year depending on use. 
• Range: Bluetooth 4.0 technology allows for a range of up to 75 feet indoors and up to 300 feet outdoors between the V.ALRT and the smartphone 
• Accessories: pendant and watch band Specifications for the V.ALRT software application: 
• The V.ALRT application is available on iTunes for iPhone®4s/IOS 7 or newer releases and in Google Play for AndroidTM 4.3 or newer releases 

To pair the V.ALRT, the smartphone must have Bluetooth ® SMART (Bluetooth 4.0 LE) wireless technology.


My Take on the V.ALRT
Being someone who is now starting to have to take care of aging parents, let alone a parent, this device is awesome! I am at times worried when I know that they are alone, and worries for my own oldest daughter when she goes out on her bike. The nice thing with this is that you can easily take it anywhere. The device is so small which means it can be worn or concealed without people knowing.

I tried out the device a few times and found that it was accurate and sent the message that I wanted it to send without a problem. The thing that I have to say that I like the most is that I have peace of mind knowing that I will get notified if there is a problem and I can act quickly in that manner.

Though I only have one of these devices, I have already been thinking about getting a few more, and with no monthly fee, this is a great safety device to have for all of my family members!

If you would like one or more of these for your family you can get one for 20% off by using VSN20 and it can be used at the store at VANMobil.com

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An Electric Bike? Pedego Electric Bikes Deliver!

On a Pedego Electric Bike, Dads can…

• Be a kid again. The bikes are super fun! Pedego’s tagline says, "Hello, Fun!" and their big grins will prove it true.
• Enjoy great “Pedal or not” choices. Dads can pedal their Pedego electric bikes just like a regular bike, or they can give it a little twist of the throttle and ride! Pedego’s powerful, whisper-quiet motor will carry riders to new adventures thrilling all the way, flattening hills and making headwinds a breeze.
• Be technically advanced. Pedego Electric Bikes are built on solid bicycle technology with exceptional design and engineering and reliable parts and components. From the Shimano gears to triple-coated durable finishes, Pedego electric bikes are among the best available in the bike world. 
• Have fun getting fit. Electric bikes are a great way to get fit. Riding a Pedego bike helps riders lose weight and stay fit. Riders can pedal all they want and then give it a little electric zip when needed. Pedego electric bikes are also great for riders who’ve had surgery or have a chronic illness and need help riding up hills and through headwinds.
• Discover new vistas. From cityscapes on bike paths to mountain passes and sandy beaches, Pedego has the electric bike that will take dads to new heights. Pedego's City Commuter’s sleek styling lets dads commute in style. On Pedego's Comfort Cruiser, dads will sail along anywhere he would ride a pedal bike but with more power and a bigger smile.For dads with the wilder side, Pedego's Trail Tracker conquers mountains and even sand.
• Commute to work. Pedego's City Commuter helps dads go green -- no more gas! Just plug it in and enjoy more smiles per mile. Depending on the model, there's up to a 40-mile radius, plus riders can carry a spare battery for even more miles.

Shop here: http://www.pedegoelectricbikes.com/shop/ or visit a local dealer.

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DVD Review - Transformers Animated: The Complete Series

About the Series
Trapped on Earth, far from home and living in disguise, the brave Autobots must protect the ancient, all-powerful AllSpark from getting into the hands of the malevolent Decepticons. As if their task weren’t difficult enough, the team (led by the honor-bound Optimus Prime and including Bulkhead, Prowl, Ratchet and Bumblebee) must also protect Earth from its own nefarious super villains! Can this mere maintenance team live up to the highest standard of what it truly means to be Autobots?

Finally, you can own the complete Transformers Animated series, including the never-before-released third season, right here in one exciting collection!



My Take on the Series
This was one of the Transformer series' that I failed to watch as it was not in a time when I could easily watch it, so I was excited to be able watch it and catch up/ The animation on this series was a bit different than in other series, but it was just as much fun to watch! I loved the storyline and ploy and I can easily see after watching this that any transformers fan would love to see this too. All-in-all this gives hours of watching fun and you WILL want to come back for more!


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Book Review - The Best Homemade Kids' Lunches on the Planet

About the Book

We all know healthy lunches are vital to keeping kids sharp and at their best all day long, yet recent studies have shown that many school-bought lunches are falling short on nutrition. Homemade lunches are a great way to nourish children with pure and wholesome ingredients while giving parents the peace of mind that comes with knowing what has gone into every bite their little ones take.

THE BEST HOMEMADE KIDS’ LUNCHES ON THE PLANET [Fair Winds Press, July 2014, $24.99 US/$27.99 CAN] by author Laura Fuentes is the perfect counter-top companion for parents who are simply too busy to generate limitless recipes and lunch ideas on their own. This guide contains simple and approachable recipes designed to suit every age and every stage, allowing parents to:

• Bring variety back into your lunch box routine with easy to prepare meals
• Use fresh ingredients to add a variety of foods to their child’s diet
• Prep kids’ lunches well in advance
• Make proper kid-sized portions based on the child’s age and needs

Packed with more than 200 recipes, parents will not be at a loss for inspiration with recipes including:

• Ricotta and Jam Pancake Sandwiches
• Cheddar and Pear Quesadillas
• Meatball Dippers
• Homemade Ramen
• Creamy Avocado Pasta
• Blueberry Lemon Smoothies
• Strawberry Shortcake Kebobs

With THE BEST HOMEMADE KIDS’ LUNCHES ON THE PLANET the struggle to feed children nutritious lunches every day is over. Featuring more “real-food” recipe after recipe and great how-to-stay-prepared advice readers will find enough meal, snack, and treat ideas to keep kids looking forward to lunch the whole year through. Lunch shouldn’t be complicated and with this handy cookbook it’ll be nothing short of fun!


My Take on the Book
We tend to seem to pack the same lunches day in and out and not only can I tell that this is a bit boring for the girls, I know it is a bit boring for me too. This book is a game changer! The book is completely filed from beginning to end with tips, strategies, recipes and more and I am VERY impressed with the breadth and depth of the book itself. The book capitalizes on the fact that the book if filled with healthy alternatives for lunch that can easily be put together to turn people's eyes around the lunch table at school. I even got some great ideas for my own lunch. I did not have all of the things that the book called for, but the stores around me definitely did! I am looking forward to using this more and more as the days go on and we get back into the school year.


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DVD Review - A Super-Dee-Duper Day!

About the Movie
When Barney takes his friends on a dino-sized adventure, everyone has a Super-Dee-Duper Day! After Ben's brand-new, remote- controlled helicopter breaks and the fun stops, Barney encourages everyone to use their imaginations to remember the lesson they learned during their super Sports Day in the park. Ben sees that sometimes the most rewarding activities are the most simple. From playing ball and hopscotch to riding bikes, playing basketball and much more, Barney, BJ, Baby Bop and Riff show how the power of friendship makes everything fun!


My Take on the Movie
Another fun Barney movie, with some great messages about friendship, teamwork and more. I am always a bit amazed at how long this series has run, but I will say that for me it has to be the messages and the fun-loving characters that make the most difference and bring people coming back for more! All-in-all this was a fun movie with great music and characters and is definitely one that will keep your kids entertained and humming tunes for long past the movie's end!


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Juggle Bubbles Make Bubbles Even More Fun!

The Juggle Bubble kit includes a bubble blower, bubble tray, unique bubble solution and a pair of magic gloves to juggle and pass each bubble. Simple to use, the activity kit requires you to dip wide end of the Bubble Blower into the special solution, blow into the blower to create the bubble and then toss the bubble around or let it bounce off of your or your child’s hands with the Juggle Bubbles magic gloves. The bubble solution will provide hours of entertainment for your children, inside or out.


Juggle Bubbles can be purchased for $10.00 plus shipping and handling and are available at www.jugglebubbles.com.

My Take on This
I am always a bit iffy when it comes to as seen on television products as I never know whether they work or not. With that in mind I was pleased to be able to try this product out with my girls and they were stoked to be able to try it themselves to see if they could make monster bubbles (bigger than the baseball size recommended bubbles). I can say that the girls had a lot of fun with this after they got the hang with it. It did take a little bit of time for them to get used to the idea of blowing the bubble and then waiting ten seconds before trying to flick it off. As they got better, they started playing with each other, bouncing the bubbles back and forth and even trying to make double bubbles. They ended up playing with this for about an hour, which is always a great sign for the overall play factor of the product itself.


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Book Review - Geronimo Stilton Spacemice: You're Mine, Captain!

About the Book
Geronimo Stilton meets outer space in this cosmically fun spin-off series!

Meet Geronimo Stiltonix:
He is a spacemouse -- the Geronimo Stilton of a parallel universe! He is captain of the spaceship MouseStar 1. While flying through the cosmos he visits distant planets and meets crazy aliens. His adventures are out of this world!

YOU'RE MINE, CAPTAIN!
The MouseStar 1 is contacted by strange aliens whose ship has broken down! Geronimo Stiltonix is happy to help them out, and even accompanies them to their home planet Flurkon. But during his visit, the alien queen becomes enchanted by Geronimo -- and wants to marry him! Will he be forced to stay on Flurkon forever?


My Take on the Book
This was a fun spin off from the original series. My daughter and I read it together and this book really brought out some good laughs as well as some smiles on our faces. The characters in this book were a ton of fun and you even get to meet some aliens, which was even better in my daughters' eyes. All-in-all, if you are a fan of Geronimo Stilton and you have never read this series, you should. If you have read the spacemice series in the past, this adds to the fun which you read about in the first book!


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Book Review - Disney Princess Sleeping Beauty Read-Along Storybook and CD

About the Book
Relive the classic animated tale of Walt Disney's Sleeping Beauty! Follow along as Aurora grows up with the good fairies, meets the prince of her dreams, and overcomes Maleficent's evil curse. Real character voices and lively sound effects add to the magic in this enchanting storybook-and-CD set.



My Take on the Book
I remember years ago books often had cassettes so the child could read along and listen to the words on a tape recorder. Well, in our digital age, the recording of words and sound effects are now on a CD for the child to enjoy. Disney has done an excellent job publishing a well loved story with beautiful illustrations and text that follows not only the illustrations but the story line of this popular movie. The CD is an excellent accompaniment and your child will enjoy listening to it even it they can read some or all of the text.

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Movie Review - What Richard Did

About the Movie
Jack Reynor (Transformers: Age of Extinction) and Róisín Murphy star alongside Sam Keeley (The Other Side of Sleep, Misfits), and Lars Mikkelsen (The Killing) in this striking portrait adapted from Kevin Powers’ award-winning book Bad Day in Blackrock. The world is bright and everything seems possible for Richard Karlsen (Reynor), the golden boy of his privileged set of Dublin teens, until he does something that destroys it all and shatters the lives of the people closest to him.



My Take on the Movie
This was not a movie I knew much about nor had I heard much about this movie either. After watching this I came to find that the movie had a great mix of acting, plot, drama, action, everything that I look for in a movie. There is some great suspense that draws you in and some of the jealousy leads to events that are way above and beyond what I would have expected. While the movie does have some slower moments, it was a great independent movie that makes you re-evaluate what you see as important and makes you internally consider what you would do in the same situation.


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Book Post - Keeping Fit from A to Z

About the Book
Bilingual (Eng./Sp.) alphabet picture book for ages 3 and up, designed to inspire children to stay active and healthy while, at the same time, introducing them to new vocabulary in two languages. Features 200+ colorful photographs with descriptive text of a variety of physical activities, sports, children’s games and problem-solving classroom exercises, as well as a health benefits glossary for adults. Back cover summary + review: Whether it’s jumping with joy on a trampoline, flying kites on a breezy day, racing with friends in sleeping bags, rafting down rapids with family, or practicing karate kicks in class, exercise is key to one’s health and wellbeing. This bilingual alphabet picture book for ages 3 and up with more than 150 captivating photographs, games and fun facts in English and Spanish about the benefits of exercise, introduces children - and their parents - to the vast array of physical activities in the world today, and to the importance of being active.



My Take on the Book
This is a very imaginative alphabet book for children concerning fitness. it is written in English and Spanish. Each page contains photographs of children performing various physical activities.

Here is an example of one of the pages. Let's take page B. Children on this page are playing basketball and baseball, bodyboarding, building a snowman, bucea (snorkeling), sale en barco de vela (sailing), and boxing.

In the back of the book are resources for parents of indoor games, a "did you know" section of facts about physical exercise, and a list of other inside and outdoor activities.

Reading this book with your children will provide opportunities to discuss the many physical activities available to them. So encourage your child to turn off the electronic games and gadgets and get fit by playing outdoors.



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Book Review - Disney Junior Storybook Collection

About the Book
Sail the Never Sea with Jake and the crew, diagnose toys with Doc in her backyard clinic, experience royal fun with Sofia, practice your best roar with Henry Hugglemonster, visit Minnie's Bow-tique, and join the Clubhouse's gang all in one book! This beautifully illustrated storybook collection includes gilded pages, over 250 full-color illustrations, and 18 stories featuring your favorite Disney Junior characters and shows: Jake and the Never Land Pirates, Doc McStuffins, Sofia the First, Minnie's Bow-Toons, and Mickey Mouse Clubhouse.


My Take on the Book
If your young child enjoys watching the Disney shows shown on Disney Junior, I believe this large book of 18 different stories will make an excellent book to add to your home library. You child will see colorful illustrations of the well known characters and the text is full of details and conversation just like the television shows.

The stories in this book include ones about: Sophia the First, Jake and the Never Land Pirates, Mickey Mouse Clubhouse, Doc McStuffins,Henry Higglemonster, and Minnie Mouse.

I believe you and your child will enjoy hours of reading enjoyment using this anthology of Disney stories.

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Book Review - Minnie Hocus Bow-cus!

About the Book
Minnie is launching her new "Bows are Magical" fashion line and hires Penguini the Magnificent to put on a spectacular magic show. But when Penguini realizes he forgot his lucky bow tie at home, he rushes off to find it, leaving the magic show without a magician! Millie and Melody rehearsed with Penguini, but will they be able to remember all the tricks of the trade and save the day? Find out in this hilarious Level 1 reader!


My Take on the Book
The reading level for this book is appropriate for children in pre-k to first grade. The sentence structure is simple and the illustrations are large and colorful.

Minnie and her helpers, Melody and Millie, stand in for Penguini, the magician , at a magic show. He had to leave to find his magic bow tie. As the girls try to perform magic tricks some funny things occur and Penguini must save the day and the audience. It is a delightful story your young child will enjoy.



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