DVD Review - The Penniless Princess

About the DVD 
Big Idea Entertainment is proud to release their newest DVD VeggieTales®: The Penniless Princess – God’s Little Girl, available at Christian retail stores August 11th and everywhere August 14th, 2012. In this Veggie-version of the children’s book A Little Princess, by Frances Hodgson Burnett, Larry the Cucumber stars as Captain Crew and helps to teach an important lesson about knowing your own true worth to his young daughter, Sarah, even if only through his spirit.

Sweet Sarah has everything a little girl could want. But when life takes a turn and she goes from riches to rags, will she realize that her true worth lies not in what she has, but what she has in her heart?

Find out in this inspiring new story from VeggieTales® that reminds kids it’s who they are inside that really counts. This inspiring tale is sure to warm the hearts of children everywhere!

 

Official The Penniless Princess – God’s Little Girl, DVD pre-order link: http://store.veggietales.com/penniless-princess-pre-order-offers.html 

VeggieTales® on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/veggietales


My Take on the DVD
This was another great Veggietales DVD! The messages that this DVD contains is so important to share with all kids today, as it provides a message of love, acceptance and hope as well as a message about the true worth of each one of us. Outside of this there are some great songs and bonus features on the DVD. As a parent I always know that if I let my kids watch this series, they will come out better than when they started and the messages that all of the series contains opens the whole family up for great overall conversations as well (which is always a plus)!


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.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------
New to the Divadom or to Dad of Divas Reviews?
Please Subscribe to my RSS Feed! Subscribe in a reader
Questions?Drop me a line at dadofdivas@gmail.com

70 Year-Old Cancer Patient Running Marathons

Don Wright, who lives in the greater Minneapolis area, is planning to run marathons in all 50 states.  He is running despite the fact that he has had cancer for more than eight years.  And despite the fact that he is 70 years old.

“Here I am living with cancer, and my biggest complaint is runner’s knee!”

Don began running marathons eight years ago, just as he was diagnosed with myeloma, and as of July 2011, he has run 54 marathons in 36 states.  As Don races toward the New York City Marathon and beyond under his “E-Race Cancer” banner, he is running on behalf of the charity Team Continuum to raise funds and help pay essential cost-of-living bills for cancer patients (www.teamcotinuum.net).

Don is also running with the support of the Tackle Cancer Foundation in Dallas, to honor the memory of its founder, former NFL linebacker Elijah Alexander, who passed away from multiple myeloma.  (www.tacklecancerfoundation.org).

Don’s cancer, myeloma, also called multiple myeloma, is a blood cancer that affects cells in the bone marrow and can damage bone.  It cannot yet be cured.  With new drugs and new treatments, it can be managed long term.  Don is on an investigational new drug that may represent an even newer generation of treatment options for patients.

“I’m running with cancer, not from cancer—because living with myeloma is a marathon, not a sprint!” says Don.  “I’m lucky—I take just a pill a day, so I am free to literally run around the country instead of being tied to a doctors’ office for traditional chemotherapy treatments, and I don’t have to deal with the side effects those treatments could bring.”

Don has never looked back since he began running marathons shortly after he was diagnosed with myeloma.  In just eight years, Don has run over 1,400 miles. Don hopes his determination to complete marathons in all 50 states will inspire others living with cancer.

DON’S UPCOMING MARATHONS:

• Sept. 18 - Erie, PA
• Oct. 1 - Bristol, NH
• Oct. 2 - Portland, ME
• Oct. 15 - Hartford, CT
• Oct. 30 - Washington, DC
• Nov. 6 - New York City Marathon

Don’s winter schedule includes Seattle, Delaware and a special race in San Diego. More information will follow.

IMPORTANT LINKS:

Twitter http://twitter.com/eRaceCancer

Facebook www.facebook.com/eRaceCancer - Sponsors have agreed to make a donation to Team Continuum for each “like” the page gets.

Don’s running blog http://minnesotadon.blogspot.com/

Don’s myeloma blog http://myelomahope.blogspot.com/

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.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------
New to the Divadom or to Dad of Divas Reviews?
Please Subscribe to my RSS Feed! Subscribe in a reader
Questions?Drop me a line at dadofdivas@gmail.com

Gatorade Moms: Heroic Moms Supporting Their Children When They Need It Most

Gatorade has teamed up with mothers from all walks of life to create Gatorade Moms, a place where moms can go to exchange stories and share tips with other mothers who train just as hard as their athletes. Gatorade Moms (http://www.gatorade.com/moms/home.aspx) is a great resource for watching inspiring success stories, reading up on nutrition for athletes and ideas about how to be a supportive champion for an aspiring star.


The first mom to share her story in the Gatorade Moms series is Stephanie Hamm (See above or below link), mother of Gold Medalist and soccer legend Mia Hamm. Watch Stephanie’s story here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ev8QjqD8Vek


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.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
New to the Divadom or to Dad of Divas Reviews?
Please Subscribe to my RSS Feed! Subscribe in a reader
Questions?Drop me a line at dadofdivas@gmail.com

Book Review - Angel on My Handlebars

About the Book 
67 year old beauty queen bicycles across the US to raise money for music scholarship

 

 She may seem “old” by young people’s standards and even considered “mature” by others, but she isn’t over the hill by any means. And now turning 72, she’s a remarkable model of what a person can aim at and achieve for all of us.

 Patricia Starr, a Santa Barbara, CA and Wahoo, NE trombone teacher, a concert pianist and a former beauty queen, amazed everyone when at the age of 67 she decided to do the unthinkable and bicycle across America to raise money for a music scholarship. This past year, at age 71, she pedaled 1,400 miles to Atlantic City, New Jersey, to represent the State of Nebraska in the Ms. Senior America pageant.

 This beautiful remarkable woman shares her story and experiences in her new book, Angel on My Handlebars.

 In 50 days this untrained woman in short shorts and Hanes Pantyhose rode a bicycle with a fuzzy seat cover 3,622 miles. All odds were certainly against her, and some seasoned cyclists scoffed at what they thought was a frivolous attempt to com­plete this noteworthy journey.

Start in Astoria OregonStart in Astoria Oregon

Many of the days during the ride stretched between 100-120 miles. The excitement swung from angel experiences to heartbreak to excruciating pain.

Riding up the Columbia Gorge

Patricia had to overcome many obstacles along the way – ominous electrical storms, rain, heat, wind, fatigue, hunger, a broken toe, screaming muscles, a nasty crash, panic at be­ing lost and alone, sharing the interstate with 18-wheelers, a bear scare and her follow-up van being stolen.

   Day 15 Jackson Wyoming

 Day 30 Sioux falls, South Dakota

Angel on My Handlebars is an adventure story about the survival of the human spirit. Through this book, Patricia and her husband want to inspire others to never give up. Whatever your dream happens to be, go for it!

 Day 50 Arrival in Portsmouth, New Hampshire

She never gave up. Her strong desire, along with a husband willing to do anything to help his wife succeed and endure the rigors of the road, allowed her to accomplish this feat to raise funds for a music scholarship at Santa Barbara City College.

Angel on My Handlebars

By Patricia Starr

US $19.95

ISBN: 978-0-9795444-8-4

Published December 2009

Published by Summerland Publishing

 Available in bookstores nationwide and online. 

 For more information visit www.angelonmyhandlebars.com

My Take on the Book 

Persistence, persistence, persistence. This book makes me think of the childrens book Little Train That Could. Patricia is an amazing woman that is an inspiration to anyone. I mean, how many 67 year old individuals would take a 3,622 mile bike journey across the United States, I don't know that I know many, and on top of this, the list of other accomplishments that she has done in her life made me start thinking of my own accomplishments. From being a concert pianist and trombone teacher to winning the Mrs. Senior California and Mrs. Senior Nebraska beauty pageants, she is living her life the way that she wants to and inspiting others as she does.

If you are looking for a book that will inspire you to be and do more with your life, I would encourage you to check out this book. You can find it on Amazon!  

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 Terms of Use  for more information. I have been compensated or given a product free of charge, but that does not impact my views or opinions.

Music is Key to Summer Enrichment - The Ocarina can help!

STL Ocarina is offering two summer enrichment packages:

The Art of Ocarina for Young Children: This method book is specially designed for children and those of who are young at heart. Through ten step-by-step lessons, you can learn how to read music and how to play songs on your six-hole ocarina. No prior musical knowledge is required. A demonstration CD is included so you can play along with us! This book also includes: 10 Step-by-step lessons; Colorful fingering chart; Over 30 well known songs; Tips on how to practice each song; and a free 6-hole plastic ocarina. SRP: $30 Available at http://stlocarina.com/method3.html

The Art of Ocarina for Older Kids (ages 10+): This method book is designed to help older children learn to play the ocarina. No prior musical knowledge is required. In addition to presenting various rhythms and the fingerings for the notes, our lessons provide instruction on how to read standard musical notation on the ocarina. The repertoire chapter includes 12 famous songs with detailed information on how to practice each song. A demonstration CD of all the songs in the book is provided to help you learn to play beautifully. This method book includes: 12 Step-by-Step lessons; How to play each note; Tips on how to practice; Breathing techniques; How to play various rhythms; How to play in different keys; Scales and exercises for daily practice; Over 50 well known songs; and a demonstration CD. Also included in this custom package is a 12-hole Plastic Tenor Ocarina in C Major. SRP: $39. Available at http://www.stlocarina.com

History of The Ocarina
The ocarina is an ancient instrument. The first known ocarina-like instrument appear about 12000 years ago. The ocarina’s origins can be traced back to many different cultures. In South and Central America, the Mayans, Aztecs, and Incas all developed and performed on clay ocarinas which were often shaped like birds or animals. Ocarinas shaped like birds and animals could also be found in India as early as 5000 BC. China had its own form of ocarina called a Xun which was more rounded and egg-like in shape.

Early History - 16th - 19th Centuries
The ocarina eventually made its way to Europe. In 1527, Cortes sent a group of Aztec dancers and musicians back to Emperor Charles V to perform at the royal court. The performance was well received and the Aztecs were sent to perform at various exhibitions throughout Europe. According to legend, a baker in Rome saw such a performance and was so impressed with the ocarina that he decided to make his own. (Bakers at that time often would make small pottery objects in their ovens to use up the leftover ashes.) It was nicknamed “ocarina” meaning “little goose.” It soon became a novelty item, but with its limited number of notes, it was little more than a toy. This all changed in the late 19th century when Guiseppe Donati, a young baker and musician, invented the submarine/sweet potato shaped ocarina which included accurate pitch and an extended range of notes. The ocarina could now be used for western art music. Various sizes were made which enabled ocarina players to form ensembles. One such ocarina ensemble is the famed Gruppo Ocarinistico Budriese which is still actively performing today.

20th Century
During the first and second World Wars, servicemen often were provided with a pocket-sized ocarina to boost moral. As a result, the ocarina gained popularity in America as well as in Europe. However, due to rising interest in the recorder, the ocarina soon became unknown to the general public. With the release of the popular video game “The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time” in the 1990s, the ocarina has reached a new level of popularity in America and Europe. The ocarina has also gained recognition in Asia, particularly in Japan, thanks to the efforts of ocarina master Sojiro. He has released several recordings and continues to perform internationally.


What does an Ocarina Sound Like


My Take On The Ocarina

Growing up, I was very musical in nature, I played Trumpet as well as was a vocal singer, so I read music and know how to play musical instruments. Ocarina gave me the opportunity with this review to try out two (a 6 hole & 12 hole Ocarina) of their Ocarina's along with the Beginners Guide to the Ocarina and the Beginners Guide to the Ocarina For Kids.

I found each of the ocarinas to be very different from one another in terms of how they sounded and how you played them. The hardest part that I found in playing one of these ocarinas was learning the different note finger positions and being able to move my fingers in the right places at the right time. The guides though help the beginner to take a step-by-step approach to learning the finger positions to make you start sounding like a pro in no time. I decided to give these ocarina's (the 6 hole at first) to Diva-J to start working with her on learning the instrument. If you know Diva-J, you know she is not the most patient, so I expected her to simply start blowing all over the place and not take direction. Surprisingly, I was impressed to see that she did do that at first, but then I sat down and talked to her and slowly she took to the direction step-by-step. So I am hopeful that through the summer we can work on this and practice and see what happens, maybe she will become as good as the woman you year above someday.

Overall, I would say that if you are looking for a unique musical instrument or if you want your children to experience and appreciate an instrument that has been around for a very long time, take a look at purchasing an Ocarina for yourself.

If you are looking to purchase an Ocarina, you can find a myriad of different types of ocarinas at: http://stlocarina.com/

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 Terms of Use  for more information. I have been compensated or given a product free of charge, but that does not impact my views or opinions.

New Hallmark Kids Collection Really Motivates! Review & Giveaway

About the Cards
This collection was developed keeping in mind that everyone needs to be cheered on– kids included. Whether it’s school, sports or trying to make new friends, the children in our lives are on a journey of growth and self-exploration. Few things are more helpful to kids than the support of a parent or grown-up who believes in them and is there with a few heartfelt words of encouragement.

But sometimes, what kids hear “goes in one ear and out the other,” meaning that kids are often missing out on something they really need: encouraging words. In fact, Hallmark research revealed that the moms they surveyed think they are encouraging their children all the time, but in the moments when their kids most needed encouragement, the kids didn’t feel like it was there.

To help grown-ups better connect with and encourage kids, Hallmark recently introduced the all-new Kids Collection, a line of cards and gifts designed specifically to cheer kids on, cheer them up and make them smile. You can check out some of Hallmark’s Kids Collection at www.hallmark.com/kids. There, you’ll see a sampling of the gifts and cards that are available for grown-ups to share with the kids in their lives.

My Take on the Cards
I loved these cards. Not only were they funny, but they truly were on the kids' level and I know that if I were the recipient of the cards, I would have a smile on my face! I was impressed by the variety of cards available, from basic to cards that can be electronically personalized or that provide you with keepsakes, they all are unique and special and do a great job of cheering and motivating your child to be the best that they can be, no matter what that is.

So if you are looking for a unique way to tell your child how you feel about them, look no further than the new Kids Collection from Hallmark.

Giveaway

How would you like to win these cards for yourself? I will be giving away all 5-6 Hallmark Kids Collection Cards to a lucky reader! All you need to do is let me know why you would have an interest in this product to be considered. The contest will run for one week and will end on April 2, 2010.

Bonus Entries:

Blog about my Giveaway by linking back to this post (1 entries per blog post. Please leave each entry in separate comments with your URL link in order for it to count)

Grab my badge to your sidebar

<a href="http://dadofdivas.blogspot.com/"><img src="http://i281.photobucket.com/albums/kk235/lewisca3/DadofDivasButton1.jpg" /></a>

• Subscribe to this blog either by RSS or email for one entry (top right hand corner, if you already do leave in a separate comment)
• Stumble this post. (leave username in comment per day)
• Digg this post (Leave username in comment)
• Follow me on Twitter (@dadofdivas) (leave username in comment)
• Follow me on Google Connect
• Share this giveaway on Twitter, Facebook or any forum, including the name of the prize and a link to this post. Here I'll make it easier on you, copy and paste this:" @dadofdivas is giving 5-6 Hallmark Kids Collection Cards to 1 reader - http://dadofdivas.blogspot.com/" (Then leave the link to your post. One entry per place per day)
• Bookmark this post in Delicious, Digg, StumbleUpon, or whatever social bookmarking site is your favorite. (Leave comment with the info. One entry per site per day)
• Add me to your Technorati Favs list (one entry, leave username in comment)
• Become a fan of Dad of Divas on Facebook (Leave username in comment)

Make sure you comment separately for each task after the required entry task so you will get credit for each one ~ and leave your e-mail where you can be contacted.

This contest will run until April 2, 2010 at approximately 11:59 pm Eastern.

Winner must be a resident of the U.S or Canada.

Winners are chosen at random, if you want all your chances counted, make sure you leave individual comments, not all of them in one!

Winner has 48 hours to contact me or another name will be chosen.

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 Terms of Use  for more information. I have been compensated or given a product free of charge, but that does not impact my views or opinions.


-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
New to the Divadom?
Please Subscribe to my RSS Feed! Subscribe in a reader
Questions?Drop me a line at dadofdivas@gmail.com

Book Review & Giveaway - Achieve Anything In Just One Year

About The Book

This is a self improvement, motivational and personal development book that is designed to be read on a daily basis. One page a day for one year. Each page starts with an inspirational quote, followed by a discussion of that day's topic, and ends with a task or an assignment for the reader to follow. Achieve Anything in Just One Year equips readers with the tools to:

• Be truly committed. Don't just go through the motions - act like you're making a promise to your company, or to your best friend.
• Be specific. A resolution like "I want to lose weight" is easier to ignore than "I want to lose five pounds by March."
• Set a deadline. A timeframe equals commitment and helps quantify success.
• Avoid overwhelming yourself. You may want to lose weight, quit smoking, achieve moderation with martinis and cut up your credit cards all at once, but let's get real. Focus on a limited set of goals and plan on taking stock mid-year.
• Change one thing at a time. Recognize that change is hard. Wait to achieve one goal before starting on the next.
• Be realistic. Taking charge of a fitness regimen is a realistic goal, while exercising seven days a week may not be. Don't set yourself up for disappointment with lofty goals.

The idea is to take daily action that creates a ripple effect in your life.

By transforming your life with small steps, you can stay motivated, focused and balanced. Best of all, you will feel happier about pursuing your personal success.

The key to a happier life is contained in the dreams you already have. Your aspirations can create new opportunities, a fresh direction for your life's path. It is possible to unlock them. It's never too late. You have started today by looking at this book.

With his accessible, unique approach using tangible daily steps to reach achievable goals, Jason Harvey can help you succeed by taking small steps to a better you.

Comprehensive and inspiring, Achieve Anything In Just One Year will teach you how to:

• Set goals and stick with them
• Take daily action that creates a ripple effect
• Stay motivated, focused and balanced that
• Feel happier everyday!!!
• Define, pursue and celebrate personal success

Learn to equip yourself with the tools to become your own personal life coach, without relying on outside motivation. You have the power to do anything you desire. The possibilities are within you. It's time to nurture that spark and let it catch fire.

Jason Harvey is a Certified Life Coach and the founder of The Limitless Institute.

My Take on The Book

This book is set up as a book that you will read and work through over a year-long period with a notebook and pen close at hand.  That means that each day of the year you will read and do the activity listed on the page. The page itself not only has an inspirational quote but also a brief discussion of the day's topic and an assignment that must be completed. 

I did not read through all 365 pages of this book, but I did focus on the first month of the year. What I saw in this forst month was is that would definitely allow me to learn and grow over a year-long period.

I liked the fact that the book was straight forward and did not require a long period of focus. Instead, the book allowed the reader to know exactly what they needed to do. I have read a number of self-help books both personally and professionally and one thing that I liked about this book was that it did not  read like a self-help book. You instead feel like you are being encouraged daily. 

If this book sounds like something that you would be interesting to have as a part of your collection, find it over at Amazon!

Giveaway

How would you like to win a copy of this book? I will be giving away 2 copies to a lucky reader! All you need to do is let me know why you would have an interest in this book to be considered. The contest will run for one week and will end on February 20, 2010.

Bonus Entries:

Blog about my Giveaway by linking back to this post (1 entries per blog post. Please leave each entry in separate comments with your URL link in order for it to count)

Grab my badge to your sidebar

<a href="http://dadofdivas.blogspot.com/"><img src="http://i281.photobucket.com/albums/kk235/lewisca3/DadofDivasButton1.jpg" /></a>

• Subscribe to this blog either by RSS or email for one entry (top right hand corner, if you already do leave in a separate comment)
• Stumble this post. (leave username in comment per day)
• Digg this post (Leave username in comment)
• Follow me on Twitter (@dadofdivas) (leave username in comment)
• Follow me on Google Connect
• Share this giveaway on Twitter, Facebook or any forum, including the name of the prize and a link to this post. Here I'll make it easier on you, copy and paste this:" @dadofdivas is giving away 2 Copies of Achieve Anything In Just One Year! - http://dadofdivas.blogspot.com/" (Then leave the link to your post. One entry per place per day)
• Bookmark this post in Delicious, Digg, StumbleUpon, or whatever social bookmarking site is your favorite. (Leave comment with the info. One entry per site per day)
• Add me to your Technorati Favs list (one entry, leave username in comment)
• Become a fan of Dad of Divas on Facebook (Leave username in comment)

Make sure you comment separately for each task after the required entry task so you will get credit for each one ~ and leave your e-mail where you can be contacted.

This contest will run until February 20, 2010 at approximately 11:59 pm Eastern.

Winner must be a resident of the U.S or Canada.

Winners are chosen at random, if you want all your chances counted, make sure you leave individual comments, not all of them in one!

Winner has 48 hours to contact me or another name will be chosen.

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 Terms of Use  for more information. I have been compensated or given a product free of charge, but that does not impact my views or opinions.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
New to the Divadom?
Please Subscribe to my RSS Feed! Subscribe in a reader
Questions?Drop me a line at dadofdivas@gmail.com