Dad of Divas' Reviews

Tuesday, October 25, 2011

Pooh Arrives on Blu Today!

A Whole Lot More Than Just 'Stuffed With Fluff!'

Today, Disney releases WINNIE THE POOH on Blu-ray and DVD! In celebration, we offer you How-to-Draw Tigger & Pooh video tutorials and printable step-by-step instructions, a discount offer for purchase, film & bonus clips!

http://www.disneymovierewards.go.com/promotions/special-offers/poohcoupon

Drawing your favorite characters from the Hundred Acre Wood is made easy! Just embed these video tutorials by famed Disney animators Andreas Deja & Mark Henn for instructions on how to bring the famous faces of Winnie and Tigger to life on the page!

How-to-Draw Tigger Video

How-to-Draw Pooh Video

If you prefer a step-by-step breakdown for the above character art, see below:

Trailer

Tigger, Pooh and the Red Balloon

Relying on Piglet

Setting a Trap

The Real Hundred Acre Wood

Animator Burny Mattison

Ballad of Nessie

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

Monday, October 24, 2011

Win a trip to Walt Disney World or ABC Set Visit!

ABC.com is giving you a chance to win a trip for 4 to L.A. to visit the set of an ABC show, to Walt Disney World or Disneyland Resort so make sure to enter now! In their weekly drawing, you could also win a $150 gift certificate for the ABC store and score lots of other fun stuff from your favorite shows! Please see below for link and details. It would be great if you could please share the exciting sweepstakes with your readers encouraging them to enter to win great prizes!

Enter Clean Sweepstakes: http://abc.go.com/site/on-set-with-clorox/sweepstakes

Win one of four grand prizes that include:

1. 1. Trip for up to 4 to Los Angeles to visit the set of an ABC show

2. 2. Trip for up to 4 to the Walt Disney World® Resort

3. 3. Trip for up to 4 to the Disneyland® Resort

4. 4. Maytag washer and dryer

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.

Introducing New Myachi Battle Paddles and the Myachi Battle Paddle Kickstarter Project

About the Product

The Myachi Battle Paddle

Pricing: $20 (2 Paddles and 1 Myachi handsack)

Over the many years of teaching Myachi to the world, the company has learned a few things:

#1. Little kids have little hands
#2. A larger surface area makes it easier to catch a Myachi

With this knowledge in mind, the company decided to create the ultimate Myachi addition: the Myachi Battle Paddle!! Combining the design of a lacrosse stick head and the functionality of a baseball glove, the Battle Paddles are worn on the back of your hands and allow players to catch a Myachi thrown from far distances as well as successfully perform difficult tricks. Now, players can compete harder, faster, and longer!

Myachi has always helped keep kids active, and now with the new Battle Paddles, Myachi Maniax everywhere will find even more and exciting ways to keep active, stay healthy and most importantly have fun.

Available in 4 awesome color combinations and fitting virtually every player 5 years old and up, the unique ambidextrous design allows for the Paddle to be worn on both hands. Now you can land more difficult tricks or compete with your friends playing any of the numerous Myachi Battle Paddle games, such as Myachi Football, Myachi Lacrosse, Myachi Pong, Myachi Golf, and many others.

Myachi Battle Paddle Kickstarter Project

http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/760241060/myachi-battle-paddle-project

To "kickstart" the Battle Paddle launch, Myachi is running a special offer and campaign on www.Kickstarter.com, a really cool social network site designed to help companies fund development and launch new products.

To get in on the ground floor and be one of the first to get the all new Battle Paddles, here's what you should do:

Click this link: http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/760241060/myachi-battle-paddle-project
Watch our Battle Paddle video, and see the rewards on the right side of the page listing what you will receive for pledging your support. This special introductory offer is only available for the next 30 days and ends on November 2nd, so check it out now before it's too late!
Contribute at least $10 and continue to be a part of Myachi History with your very own "I supported the Myachi Battle Paddle Project" Limited Edition Myachi, as well as the coolest, most amazing new product to hit the market since the Myachi itself: the Myachi Battle Paddles!

My Take on the Product
This was a great new product. I had never heard of this, but my eldest (who is much more coordinated than I, decided to pick this up and try it out for herself. It took her a little bit to get the hang of it, but when she did she had a blast. Then of course she wanted dad to try it out and I did, and lo and behold, I, of course was not even close to as graceful as my daughter, but at least I gave it my all. I can definitely see how this can be both fun and great exercise for the person playing. Being a proponent of exercise for all, I love the idea of this product and can see so many kids having a blast with this product altogether! Well built and a ton of fun, this product is one you will want for your own home!

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.

Mr. Daddy has Halloween tips!

“MR. DADDY” SHARES SAFETY TIPS FOR HALLOWEEN

Halloweenis almost here and kids are getting excited to put on their costumes to go Trick-Or-Treating. To them it’s all fun and games. Little do they know, it can be an unsafe time for them and their friends. As parenting expert“Mr. Daddy,” a.k.a. Robert Nickell, puts it, “…certain seasons and holidays tend to bring out the crazies, Halloween being one….”

Being a father to six kids over 20-years,“Mr. Daddy” certainly has had his share of Halloween experiences and is sharing some advice with fellow parents to ensure everyone has a safe and fun Halloween:

Trick or Treat:I think most people would agree; getting free candy is amongst the more enjoyable things in life, and your child will probably want to try their hand at the fun. In order to stay safe this Halloween, trick or treat with your child during the earlier evening hours. Walk from door to door with them allowing them to partake in the trick or treating experience while knowing they are safe and out of harm’s way. If you have older children, you can drive them to different neighborhoods that you know are safe and hang out while they visit the homes in the neighborhood. Give them a meeting place, a time and a cell phone. Lay out the ground rules ahead of time so you and your child can stay safe while having fun.

Party-in: While scavenging through neighborhoods filling pillowcases with candy is a more appealing Halloween tradition, it can be just as fun to have a party at home, which is what my wife, kids and I have done for the past several years. Everyone dresses up, you decorate your house to look like a haunted mansion, and you invite other close friends and family to come enjoy in the festivities. With your own bowls of candy dispersed throughout the house, you and your kids can indulge their Fall sweet tooth in a fun and safe environment.

Out and aBOOut:Generally, many towns and cities have festivals and activities for this season. You should check around your town to see if there is a pumpkin patch, a corn maze, a wagon ride or a haunted house that you and your child can attend for fun. It will give you all something festive to do without overindulging on too much sugar or making a haunted mess of your house.

Check the Bounty: If your children do go out to collect candy from strangers, make sure you inspect the goods when they get home. Throw away candies that are open or questionable. It’s probably also good not to let your child eat as much candy as he can stomach in one sitting. Teach them self control and responsibility by allowing them to pick out several pieces of candy a day. You can spread the candy out by sending some in his lunch pail and by eating a little yourself, of course!

Good Rules of Zombie-thumb:It’s always important to lay out a few good rules of thumb – or in this case, zombie-thumb – before letting loose. In the case of Halloween, make sure the neighborhoods you’re visiting are safe and well lit. If a house is dark, don’t go up to it, and make sure you select a time and place to meet if you aren’t walking around with your child. Your kids should carry a cell phone and walk with a group. Remind them not to get in anybody’s car or go in anybody’s house.

Nickell is the writer of a weekly parenting blog where he writes on topics such as bonding with your child, and what the father should expect during pregnancy and infancy. He writes from a man’s perspective and keeps dad engaged throughout his children’s lives.

Nickell is also the founder of DaddyScrubs, a line of fashionable hospital attire for the expectant father to wear during labor and delivery. He is the father of five children, and his practiced advice has been heard on TV and radio shows around the country.

These tips may be reprinted when credited to Robert Nickell, a.k.a. “Mr. Daddy,” father of six, founder of Daddyscrubs.com, delivery room duds for dads, and the Daddyscrubs blog where he covers topics about parenting and the latest baby and kids gear, all from a Dad’s perspective.

To learn more about Mr. Daddy or to read additional blogs, visit blog.daddyscrubs.com. Visit DaddyScrubs.com to view apparel and gift items.

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.

Colman’s Mustard Adds a Fiery Flavor to Traditional Thanksgiving Favorites

While Thanksgiving is a great time to bond with family and friends and give thanks for the fulfillment they bring, food is undoubtedly a favorite part of the holiday for many. Traditional dishes like mashed potatoes, yams, and roasted turkeys fill the air with familiar smells, evoking memories of good laughs and full bellies. However, sometimes the same old flavors can lose their luster. This Thanksgiving, add Colman’s Mustard (www.colmansusa.com) to the menu for a zesty flavor that will liven up any of the traditional dishes.

Colman’s Mustard is a natural way to add extra flavor to any healthy meal. Besides being made from naturally grown, top-quality mustard seeds, Colman’s Mustard is gluten free, preservative free, and contains only 10 calories per teaspoon. With a superior taste and unforgettable heat, Colman’s Mustard is a pantry staple for any discerning cook who wants to cook low-fat, flavorful, exciting, natural meals.

Not to be mistaken for the yellow mustard frequently squirted on hotdogs or hamburgers, Colman’s Mustard is a powerful, versatile ingredient that at-home cooks, as well as restaurant chefs, use to add an extra dimension of irresistible flavor to their meals. Place a dollop on your turkey, add a teaspoon to your favorite salad vinaigrette, or try an exciting twist on classic Thanksgiving mashed potatoes or delicious holiday ham with the following recipes:

Colman’s Sweet Potato and Mustard Mash

Ingredients:

4 large sweet potatoes

220ml double cream

6 level teaspoons of Colman’s Prepared Mustard

Juice of 2 Lemons

Preparation:

Peel the sweet potatoes and cut them into large cubes.
Boil them for 15 minutes in salted water until they are just tender but not soft.
Drain, and transfer to a blender and add the cream. Blend for about 30 seconds until you have a smooth mixture.
Return the potatoes to the pan and stir in the Colman’s Mustard, warm through and add the lemon juice.
Serves 8

(Source: Paul Hartley’s ‘The Colman’s Mustard Cookbook’)

Baked Holiday Ham with Simple Peach Mustard Glaze

A simple, two-ingredient glaze makes this baked ham a snap to prepare and bake.

Ingredients:

1 large ham, ready to cook, about 10 to 12 pounds

1 cup peach preserves or peach jam

2 tablespoons Colman’s Prepared Mustard

Preparation:

Heat oven to 350°.
Place the ham on a rack, fat side up, in a large baking pan or roasting pan. Score the ham lightly all over with a sharp knife. Add 1 1/2 cups of water to the pan and cover tightly with foil.
Bake the ham for about 18 minutes per pound, or to an internal temperature of 148°. Meanwhile, combine the preserves and Colman’s Mustard to make the glaze.
About 20 minutes before the ham is done, brush the ham all over with glaze ingredients.
Serves 8

(Source: About.com)

About Colman’s

Established in 1814, Colman’s of Norwich has been recognized widely as the English mustard in the U.K. Using a unique and zesty blend of brown mustard seeds (Brassica Juncea) and white mustard seeds (Sinapis Alba), Jeremiah Colman created a mustard with a flavorful heat sensation that has become an essential condiment and paramount ingredient in Britain’s favorite recipes, even to the highest royal order. In 1866 Queen Victoria bestowed the ultimate seal of approval - the Royal Warrant – galvanizing Colman’s as the crown jewel of mustards, securing its place in the most discerning kitchens around the world. Sold as prepared mustard and mustard powder, Colman’s provides a pure, fiery and complex condiment for all your recipes and dishes. Complete Your Cooking With Colman’s. Visit Colman’s of Norwich on the web at www.colmansusa.com and follow us on Twitter @colmansmustard1. For recipes, extended history and information please visit www.colmansusa .com. For product samples, press materials, or further information, please contact Leigh-Anne Anderson, Christie Communications, at 805-969-3744, or landerson@christiecomm.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- Polite Trick-or-Treaters

On Halloween kids may be quick to snatch a piece of candy out of the bowl and dash off to the next house, but Golly Gee-pers! launched a campaign to get trick-or-treaters to give more thanks for the candy. They are offering free download Thank You cards that kids can give to each generous candy giver. http://www.gollygee-pers.blogspot.com/

Golly Gee-pers! are fun cards that teach children proper table manners by incorporating fun games. The funny yet respectful cards depict 14 different table manners accompanied by a thumbs-up or thumbs-down. Kids and adults alike compete for Ready To Dine Out awards by exchanging cards based on the manners being used. The four blank cards allow for each family to personalize their cards too! Bring Golly Gee-pers! to every dining experience with the cotton carrying bag they come in. http://gollygee-pers.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.

With Chevrolet Traverse, Quality Never Takes a Back Seat

Vehicle seats do more than just cradle an occupant. A seat is also a makeshift knee rest, a stepladder, a desk, a tray and sometimes, a bed. A seat has a tough job and should address occasional mayhem with comfort, style and sturdiness.

The seats in the Chevrolet Traverse have been stomped on, crushed, and pressed thousands of times to ensure they stand-up to the rigorous demands customers place on them.

Long before the Traverse was available for sale to the public, GM engineers put the seats of the eight-passenger crossover through an intense series of tests to ensure high quality, maximum comfort and long-term durability.

GM seat validation engineer Mario Zaccagnini and his team used state-of-the-art robotic technology to test the comfort and integrity of the seat cushions, as well as the seat frames and their attachments to the vehicle body. The robots simulate a variety of body types entering, sitting and exiting the vehicle. Programmed to mimic the range of motion of actual customers, the robots are sort of a cyber derriere. The front seats undergo up to 50,000 entry and exit test cycles which represents well beyond ten years of typical customer use.

Rear seats are subjected to testing regiments as well, including the Seat Adjuster Easy Entry Durability Test. GM engineers designed the industry-first Smart Slide® second-row seat so that a 7-year-old child could safely unlock and move the seat out of the way.

“It was mandatory for us to maintain the quality of the mechanism of the seat but at the same time enable passengers, especially younger ones, to easily access the third-row seats”, Zaccagnini said. His team’s validation plan involved sliding the second-row seats fore and aft 15,000 times which equates to more than a lifetime of use and abuse.

Zaccagnini and his colleagues know that Traverse customers frequently kneel on seats to grab packages, groceries and children from other parts of the vehicle. To ensure seats hold up to heavy knee use, the team used a knee-form plunger that simulates a human knee pushing down and applying force on different parts of the seat cushions. This helped engineers assess the long-term integrity of the seat cushion foam, fabric, suspension system and seat warmers. Engineers subjected the seat cushions to well beyond a decade’s worth of knee load exposure – a total of 30,000 robotic test cycles.

Some of these cycles were performed in extreme conditions with temperatures ranging from 5 degrees F to 140 degrees F and humidity of up to 80 percent.

“With a family vehicle, we think creatively about how a seat is going to be used. Knowing that family life means ‘expect the unexpected,’ we go the extra mile to deliver seats that satisfy customer needs in all situations,” said Zaccagnini.

About Chevrolet
Founded in Detroit in 1911, Chevrolet celebrates its centennial as a global automotive brand with annual sales of about 4.25 million vehicles in more than 140 countries. Chevrolet provides consumers with fuel-efficient, safe and reliable vehicles that deliver high quality, expressive design, spirited performance and value. The Chevrolet portfolio includes iconic performance cars such as Corvette and Camaro; dependable, long-lasting pickups and SUVs such as Silverado and Suburban; and award-winning passenger cars and crossovers such as Spark, Cruze, Malibu, Equinox and Traverse. Chevrolet also offers “gas-friendly to gas-free" solutions including Cruze Eco and Volt. Cruze Eco offers 42 mpg highway while Volt offers 35 miles of electric, gasoline-free driving and an additional 344 miles of extended range. Most new Chevrolet models offer OnStar safety, security and convenience technologies including OnStar Hands-Free Calling, Automatic Crash Response and Stolen Vehicle Slowdown. More information regarding Chevrolet models can be found at www.chevrolet.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.