YO GABBA GABBA Cool Tricks Contest...

Have I told you lately that I am really, really excited to be going to see YO GABBA GABBA with the kids next month??  Well, I am super excited and I think it is going to be so much fun.  So much fun in fact that I want you all to be able to come too!  YO GABBA GABBA has just launched a Cool Tricks Contest that gives you the chance to win all kinds of great  prizes including tickets to an upcoming show near you.  Read on...

YO GABBA GABBA! LAUNCHES COOL TRICKS CONTEST

KIA MOTORS PRESENTS YO GABBA GABBA! LIVE!: THERE’S A PARTY IN MY CITY!

GRAND PRIZE WINNER TO RECEIVE 5 DAY ALL-EXPENSE PAID FAMILY VACATION

 

YO GABBA GABBA! announces the launch of the Cool Tricks contest which provides an opportunity for fans across North America to show-off their unique talents. Gabba fans are invited to upload a :30-:60 second video demonstrating their Cool Trick to win the opportunity to receive a VIP Family 4 Pack and have their winning video played during intermission at the KIA Motors Presents YO GABBA GABBA! LIVE!: THERE’S A PARTY IN MY CITY! show closest to their hometown. All participants are also automatically entered into a sweepstakes where one lucky fan will receive a five night trip for four to the Caribbean or Mexico.


In addition, each winner will also receive $100 worth of organic baby food, toddler, and lunchbox snacks and two “Party In My Lunchbox” Yo Gabba Gabba! Live! concert t-shirts from Revolution Foods and Plum Organics. Grand prize includes roundtrip air, Junior Suite accommodations, and all meals to a choice of Palladium Hotels & Resorts.

To enter the contest, participants must upload their video to Facebook at http://facebook.yogabbagabbalive.com. Winners are determined by public vote in each tour market. So be sure to get all your friends and family to vote for you!

Cool Tricks begins on Wednesday, August 18 at 10AM EST and winners will be notified and announced prior to the show date in each local market. The entry period for the grand prize sweepstakes will end on Sunday, Dec 12. See official rules at http://facebook.yogabbagabbalive.com.

Cool Tricks is a popular segment on the television series where children and adults show off their special talent or skill (gymnastics, cup stacking, breakdance move, etc.). Celebrities such as Tony Hawk performing a skateboard move and Rhys Darby doing the robot have appeared on Cool Tricks.

How fun is this contest??  I am still trying to figure out what my cool trick is so I can send it in!  Be sure to visit http://www.yogabbagabbalive.com/ to find out where the nearest show is so you can be in on the fun too! 

Skin MD Natural Review & Giveaway...

I have very dry skin.  In the summer time it seems to get worse for me and putting on drying sunscreens only aggravates the situation further.  I was very excited when I was sent Skin MD Natural's Shielding Lotion SPF 15 to try out.    Here is a bit about this sunscreen from the Skin MD website...

Skin MD Natural + SPF 15 is a sunscreen that gently cares for your skin while protecting it from excessive sun radiation. Skin MD Natural + SPF 15 is far more effective in the treatment and protection of dry skin than mere moisturizing lotions or protective creams.


It is promptly absorbed without the heavy "sunscreen" smell, it's free of many of the potentially harmful chemicals in other sunscreen products, and doesn't leave the slightest hint of greasy, oily residue.

Skin MD Natural + SPF 15 has a proven UVA protection factor of 5+ (over 5 times greater than the skin's own protection) while the UVB protection is 15+. SPF 15 filters 92% of the UVB rays and delays the onset of sunburn by up to 150 minutes.

Making Skin MD Natural a daily part of your skin care routine will help protect against sunburn and the signs of premature aging, wrinkles, age spots, and sagging skin. Active sunscreens combined with nourishing Aloe Vera, Vitamin E, Arnica, Comfrey, Chamomile, and Yarrow keep skin silky smooth and hydrated.

This all sounded perfect but would it stand up to my testing?  It sure did!  Right away I loved how it did not have an overpowering smell or a greasy feeling at all.  The sunscreen was absorbed right away and my skin felt silky smooth.  I have been wearing the sunscreen during the sunniest days of summer and have yet to get a sunburn. I have also noticed that some of my very dry spots have cleared right up! So, for me, the Shielding Lotion not only protected me from the sun but also made my skin look better!  Super...a sunscreen that improves your skin too!

Skin MD Natural Shielding Lotion retails for $18 per bottle.  This is on the pricier side but I think it is completely reasonable given it serves not only as an excellent sunscreen but also as a great dry skin lotion.  You can purchase your own bottle here.


Skin MD Natural is giving one Reviewed By Mom reader their very own bottle of their SPF Shielding Lotion!  Here is how to enter...

Mandatory Entry: Visit Skin MD Naturals and tell me something you learned about their company.  You must complete this entry for all others to be counted.

For Extra Entries:

1.  Follow this blog= 1 entry

2.  Like Reviewed By Mom on Facebook =1 entry

3.  Like Skin MD Natural  on Facebook= 1 entry

4.  Enter one of my other giveaways & let me know you have done so = 1 entry per other giveaway entered.

5.  Follow Skin MD Natural on Twitter= 1 entry

6.  Follow Reviewed By Mom on Twitter = 1 entry

7.  Blog, Tweet or Facebook about this giveaway & let me know where to find it = 1 entry

8.  Put my button on your blog or web page and leave a link so I can find it = 1 entry

Please leave a separate comment for each entry and be sure to include your e-mail.  Contest is open to US & Canadian residents and will end on September 8th.    The lucky winner will be announced by e-mail on September 9th and also here on Reviewed By Mom.  Good Luck!

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post.  The opinions in this post are entirely my own. Your experience may differ from mine. This post has not been reviewed or edited by anyone. I was not compensated in any other way for this review. The sponsor of this giveaway is responsible for prize fulfillment and shipping the winner(s) their prize.

The Juppy Baby Walker Review & Giveaway...

My just turned 10 month old daughter is walking.  It mind blowing really, to see, an itty bitty baby walking about.  Granted, she is not terribly sturdy but she is doing it!  What she is also doing is leading me and  my husband around while we lean over her itty bitty self holding her hands so she can cruise around more quickly.  Can you say aching back??  Enter The Juppy Baby Walker...

The Juppy Baby Walker is an innovative product that allows you to stand upright while helping your child to walk.  I can't count how many parents I have heard complain about back pain due to the stress of constantly leaning over their little ones.  The Juppy Baby Walker eliminates this completely.  Here is what this handy dandy gadget looks like...

Basically, you put your child into the "seat" and they are able to walk around while you hold onto the straps (which are adjustable).   You save your back while your baby has the comfort of knowing you are right there with him or her each and every step of the way.  The Juppy Baby Walker is easily transportable and comes in a pouch that fits right in your diaper bag or purse.  I really love that The Juppy can be machine washed...key with a messy and drooly little one!

When I first put Baby R in The Juppy Baby Walker she treated it like a Johnny Jumper and kept trying to jump around...it was actually very funny.  After a minute or two she got the hang of it and started cruising around like crazy.  I like the security of still having a hold on Baby R while she gets the sense of freedom she craves.  A win-win!  And how cute is she in her Juppy??

You can buy The Juppy Baby Walker here for $24.95 which includes the carrying pouch.  The Juppy comes in pink or blue and, for an additional $6.95 can be personalized...how cute!

The people from The Juppy Baby Walker are giving one lucky Reviewed By Mom reader a Juppy Baby Walker of their own!  Here is how to enter...

Mandatory Entry: Visit The Juppy Website and leave a comment telling me which of the product features appeals to you the most.  You must complete this entry for all extras to count.

For Extra Entries:

1.  Follow this blog= 1 entry

2.  Like Reviewed By Mom on Facebook =1 entry

3.  Like The Juppy Baby Walker on Facebook= 1 entry

4.  Enter one of my other giveaways &let me know you have done so = 1 entry per additional giveaway entered.

5.  Follow The Juppy Baby Walker on Twitter= 1 entry

6.  Follow Reviewed By Mom on Twitter = 1 entry

7.  Blog, Tweet or Facebook about this giveaway & let me know where to find it = 1 entry

8.  Put my button on your blog or web page and leave a link so I can find it = 1 entry

Please leave a separate comment for each entry and be sure to include your e-mail.  Contest is open to US residents and will end on September 8th.    The lucky winner will be announced by e-mail on September 9th and also here on Reviewed By Mom.  Good Luck!

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post.  I was provided with the Juppy Baby Walker or purpose of review.  The opinions in this post are entirely my own. Your experience may differ from mine. This post has not been reviewed or edited by anyone. I was not compensated in any other way for this review. The sponsor of this giveaway is responsible for prize fulfillment and shipping the winner(s) their prize.

Monday, Monday....

Here we are again and, of course, RBM had a very busy weekend! Check out some of the things you can do today...


Giveaways!! I have lots of giveaways going on right now and I wouldn't want you to miss you chance to win any of them so check out the list below and get your entries in now before these end...
AH-CHOO
YO GABBBA GABBA Prize Pack (DVD plus Book!)
Alight Plus Size Shirt
ZHU ZHU Pet
So Easy Baby Food Kit
WordGirl Tricks and Treats DVD
Money Savvy Pig
The Art of Cupcakes
Little Chimp's Big Day
Pop Pals
Angelina Ballerina: Love to Dance DVD
Funky Monkey Snacks

Mom's Giveaway Mondays.  Visit me here to find other giveaways on the Internet (I want me readers to be winners everywhere they go!) and enter any giveaways you may have going on to the link list.

Making Friends Blog Hop.  This is my fifth week co-hosting this fun event.  Check out some other fabulous blogs and if you have one be sure to add yours to the link list...I love checking out new blogs!  Check it out here.

Coupon Codes!  Reviewed By Mom sponsors have offered the following codes for you to use just for being a RBM reader...

Lunchbox Love:  Receive 10% off and free shipping on orders of 4 volumes or more!  Enter code: LBLCMP.
Piggy Paint: (upcoming review and giveaway!) Receive 10% off all purchases and free shipping on orders of $35 or more!  Enter code:  REVIEW10L.
Pear Tree Greetings:  15% off of any baby related purchase!  Enter code:  PEARAUG10.
Babylegs (upcoming review & giveaway!):  Receive 20% off your purchase by entering ReviewMOM at checkout.
Feedback!  Reviewed By Mom is looking for feedback.  What do you love about the blog and what makes you groan every time you see it?  Really.....I want to know!  Is there anything you would like to see more or less of?  You can e-mail me your thoughts and ideas at reviewedbymom@hotmail.com.  Thanks!

So, there you have it.  Just a taste of what you will find here on Reviewed by Mom this fine Monday.  Have a great day and don't forget to check back often for upcoming reviews and giveaways.  I have a big list of exciting products just waiting to be posted.  Stay tuned!

Making Friends Monday...

<center><a href="http://www.livingonloveandcents.blogspot.com/"><img border="0" src="http://i406.photobucket.com/albums/pp142/happygirlivy/untitled-3-1.jpg" /></a></center>
Welcome to Making Friends Monday Blog Hop, hosted by Living on Love and Cents,  The Thrifty Things,  Reviewed By Mom , and  Coupons are Great.
  

SPOTLIGHT OF THE WEEK
Each week we will randomly pick a Spotlight Blog of the Week! To be choosen you must follow the rules and have our button somewhere on your blog. (We have to be able to find it!)

The rules are super simple but VERY important!

1. Follow the Making Friends Monday  Hosts (Listed as # 1-4) They WILL follow you Back! You MUST LEAVE A COMMENT so we can follow you back!

2. Grab our Making Friends Monday button and include it in a post on your blog.
3. Link up to THAT post.
4. Start hopping and remember following back is appreciated!

Help spread the word and get more followers:
-Put the same linky list code on your blog and you'll have the exact same list!
- Your blog visitors can add their blog to your list and it will show up on all lists!


**Don't forget to follow the rules so you have a chance to be the "Spotlight Blog of the Week"!
If you have any giveaways ending THIS WEEK go link up HERE. Take a minute to enter some too!  Reviewed By Mom has a BUNCH Of new giveaways plus some ending soon.  Don't miss your chance to win!

So Easy Baby Food Kit Review & Giveaway...

As I have mentioned before, I, for the most part, try and make all of Baby R's baby food.  For our family it has been a cost effective choice (we also did this when the twins were babies) as well as one we thought was the most nutritious.  This time around I have been armed with something I did not have with A&W....the So Easy Baby Food Kit by Fresh Baby.  This gem has has now added "easy" to why I prefer to make my own baby food.

The So Easy Baby Food Kit has truly made the whole baby food making adventure easier.  Included in this handy kit are...

-Cookbook

-2 Freezer Trays

-How to DVD

-Nutrition Tip Card

I wish I'd had this kit when the boys were babies too.  I am a particular fan of the cookbook.  I have other resources I have used but this book really does a fantastic job of breaking it all down.  There are sections on tools of the trade and how to introduce solid foods as well as a wealth of nutritional information.  There is even a really cute section to record all your baby's first meals!  My favorite part though, is how the break down every single food.  For instance, for Peaches, it tells you exactly how to prepare it, when to introduce it, as well as variations (spices to add) and foods to combine it with.  I just love this part and feel it helps to expand your baby's palate even from a very young age. 

The freezer trays are a breeze to use.  They are very similar to ice cube trays but contain a cover to protect the food.  The how to DVD is helpful as well and a great starting point to making your own baby food.  The nutrition tip card is laminated (brilliant!) and can be kept out so you can access it readily for quick nutritional information, tips and more.

Making your own baby food does take commitment but using a system like the So Easy Baby Food Kit makes it so much easier to do.  I highly recommend this kit to anyone with a baby on the way and I think this would make an excellent shower gift.  Making your own baby food will save you money, give your child the very healthiest of foods and, quite frankly, it is fun to do!  Click here to buy your very own So Easy Baby Food Kit.

Fresh Baby is giving one Reviewed By Mom reader a So Easy Baby Food Kit of their own...thanks Fresh Baby!  Here is how to enter...

Mandatory Entry: Visit Fresh Baby Website and leave a comment with something you learned about this great company.  You must complete this entry for all extras to count.

For Extra Entries:

1.  Follow this blog= 1 entry

2.  Like Reviewed By Mom on Facebook =1 entry

3.  Like Fresh Baby on Facebook= 1 entry

4.  Enter one of my other giveaways &let me know you have done so = 1 entry per additional giveaway entered.

5.  Follow Fresh Baby on Twitter= 1 entry

6.  Follow Reviewed By Mom on Twitter = 1 entry

7.  Blog, Tweet or Facebook about this giveaway & let me know where to find it = 1 entry

8.  Put my button on your blog or web page and leave a link so I can find it = 1 entry

Please leave a separate comment for each entry and be sure to include your e-mail.  Contest is open to US residents and will end on September 8th.    The lucky winner will be announced by e-mail on September 9th and also here on Reviewed By Mom.  Good Luck!

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post.  I was provided with the So Easy Baby Food Kit for purpose of review.  The opinions in this post are entirely my own. Your experience may differ from mine. This post has not been reviewed or edited by anyone. I was not compensated in any other way for this review. The sponsor of this giveaway is responsible for prize fulfillment and shipping the winner(s) their prize.

Zhu Zhu Pets....The Wild Bunch!

Last week there was some serious fun at our weekly playgroup courtesy of the newest members of the Zhu Zhu family....The Wild Bunch!  The Wild Bunch arrived at our house and there was some major excitement from A&W...

A&W had only seen Zhu Zhu pets a handful of times before and never had they had a pet of their very own...this was a big day!  They scoped out the newest members of the Zhu Zhu family:  Rocco the Raccoon, Sweetie the Pink Bunny, ZuZu the Hedgehog and Stinker the Skunk.  It was really tough for the them to choose which pet to make their own...they were all so cute!  Finally, A chose Rocco and W chose ZuZu.  Baby R even got in on the action...she was so excited she tried to eat her way right into a box...

Once the boys made their choices (sorry Baby R, no Zhu Zhu's for babies!) we decided to free our new pets to see just how wild this bunch was and totally mayhem ensued!  Rocco and ZuZu ran wild throughout the house much to the pure delight of my boys.  This mischievous bunch was a hit!  Now it was time to head to play group for a Wild Bunch Party!

What do you get when you combine The Wild Bunch and a pack of pre-schoolers?  Fun, craziness and yes, some wildness!  The kids had a great time racing their respective Zhu Zhu pets and chasing them around the yard. 

After a couple of hours kids and Zhu Zhu's were exhausted from playing.  Even The Wild Bunch needs a break sometimes...

My boys are now huge Zhu Zhu pet fans and so am I.  These furry little guys are hard to resist even if they are on the "wild side".  Rocco and ZuZu have been constant companions to A&W ever since they left their boxes....they even sleep with them.  These are just the kind of pet this mom can give a big thumbs up to!  Pick up your own member of the wild bunch here (Amazon has the whole Wild Bunch listed at just $35.99!)...

One lucky Reviewed By Mom reader is going to win their very own Zhu Zhu pet hamster! Here is how to enter...

Mandatory Entry: Visit the Zhu Zhu Pet Website and check out the hamster bios.  Leave a comment telling me which pet you think the child in your life would enjoy the most.  You must complete this entry for all extras to count.

For Extra Entries:

1.  Follow this blog= 1 entry

2.  Like Reviewed By Mom on Facebook =1 entry

3.  Like Zhu Zhu Pets on Facebook= 1 entry

4.  Enter one of my other giveaways & let me know you have done so = 1 entry per additional giveaway entered.

5.  Follow Zhuniverse on Twitter= 1 entry

6.  Follow Reviewed By Mom on Twitter = 1 entry

7.  Blog, Tweet or Facebook about this giveaway & let me know where to find it = 1 entry

8.  Put my button on your blog or web page and leave a link so I can find it = 1 entry

Please leave a separate comment for each entry and be sure to include your e-mail.  Contest is open to US residents and will end on September 8th.    The lucky winner will be announced by e-mail on September 9th and also here on Reviewed By Mom.  Good Luck!

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post.  I was provided with a party package from Mom Select.  The opinions in this post are entirely my own. Your experience may differ from mine. This post has not been reviewed or edited by anyone. I was not compensated in any other way for this review. The sponsor of this giveaway is responsible for prize fulfillment and shipping the winner(s) their prize.

Ah-Choo Review & Giveaway...

I know we are all still enjoying the last bits of summer and I do hate to be a buzz kill but what happens after summer?  Yes, yes, the kiddos get back to school.  What about after that?   COLD SEASON!  Yup, once our little angels hit the books they also start sharing the germ love with all their friends thus bringing home colds.  I know that even with my kids home with me I have still had my share of colds...no fun!  I was thrilled when Hachette Book Group sent me the book Ah-Choo by Jennifer Ackerman.  Jennifer Ackerman shares everything you ever wanted to know about the common cold.  Here is more....

Some colds are like mice, timid and annoying; others like dragons, accompanied by body aches and deep misery. In AH-CHOO!, Jennifer Ackerman explains what, exactly, a cold is, how it works, and whether it's really possible to "fight one off." Scientists call this the Golden Age of the Common Cold because Americans suffer up to a billion colds each year, resulting in 40 million days of missed work and school and 100 million doctor visits. They've also learned over the past decade much more about what cold viruses are, what they do to the human body, and how symptoms can be addressed. In this ode to the odious cold, Ackerman sifts through the chatter about treatments-what works, what doesn't, and what can't hurt. She dispels myths, such as susceptibility to colds reflects a weakened immune system. And she tracks current research, including work at the University of Virginia at Charlottesville, a world-renowned center of cold research studies, where the search for a cure continues.

I found this book to be extremely interesting and, hopefully, handy when the first cold of the year strikes.  For example, did you know empathy can actually shorten a colds length by an entire day!  Try and remember that the next time your significant other is acting like a child when he/she has a cold!  Arm yourself with Ah-Choo before cold season strikes...



Thanks to Hachette Books, 3 (yes, 3!) Reviewed By Mom readers will win a copy of Ah-Choo!  Here is how to enter...
Mandatory Entry: I want stories!  Tell me your worst cold horror story or share with me your favorite way to spend a sick day or favorite home remedies.  I want to hear it all!

For Extra Entries:

1.  Follow this blog= 1 entry

2.  Like Reviewed By Mom on Facebook =1 entry

3.  Like Hachette Book Group on Facebook= 1 entry

4.  Enter one of my other giveaways & let me know you have done so = 1 entry per other giveaway entered.

5.  Follow Hachette Books on Twitter= 1 entry

6.  Follow Reviewed By Mom on Twitter = 1 entry

7.  Blog, Tweet or Facebook about this giveaway & let me know where to find it = 1 entry

8.  Put my button on your blog or web page and leave a link so I can find it = 1 entry

Please leave a separate comment for each entry and be sure to include your e-mail.  Contest is open to US & Canadian residents and will end on September 6th.    The lucky winner will be announced by e-mail on September 7th and also here on Reviewed By Mom.  Good Luck!

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post.  The opinions in this post are entirely my own. Your experience may differ from mine. This post has not been reviewed or edited by anyone. I was not compensated in any other way for this review. The sponsor of this giveaway is responsible for prize fulfillment and shipping the winner(s) their prize.

WORDGIRL Tricks & Treats Review & Giveaway...

Have you all seen the show on PBS, WordGirl?  It is great...a real, quality program for children.  WordGirl follows the life of Becky Botsford (AKA WordGirl) as she fights crime and promotes vocabulary usage.  Each episodes introduces new vocabulary words in a fun way.   Well, just in time for Halloween, there is a new WordGirl DVD out....WordGirl Tricks & Treats!

The superhero with the super vocabulary, WordGirl, and her sidekick Captain Huggy Face battle quirky ill-mannered, uniformed villains with her super power… knowledge! WORDGIRL: TRICKS & TREATS introduces sixteen new vocabulary words and reinforces their meanings in a variety of fun and interesting ways. The DVD features eight action-packed adventures, interactive games, coloring pages and resources for parents. The “WordGirl” television series has received the 2008 Emmy® Award for Best Writing in Animation, is a recipient of the Television Critics Association Award for Outstanding Achievement in Children’s Programming and a Parents’ Choice Award.

The included episodes are:  Tobey's Tricks & Treats, Becky & the Bard, Lunch Lady Chuck, Class Act, A Vote for Becky, Villain School, Tobey's Masterpiece and Who Wants Candy.

My guys really, really liked this DVD.  Superheroes are the ultimate in cool according to A&W these days which makes WordGirl a hit.  They love to watch the antics of the "villains" in each episode and I love how WordGirl helps to make learning vocabulary words fun.  This fun DVD introduces 16 new words such as eerie, famished and articulate...thanks WordGirl!

You can pick up this just released DVD in time for Halloween viewing here on Amazon...




One lucky Reviewed By Mom reader will be winning their very own copy of WordGirl Tricks & Treats!  Here is how to enter...

Mandatory Entry: Visit WordGirl's Website and tell me which of the characters your child enjoys (or would enjoy) the most. You must complete this entry for all extras to count.

For Extra Entries:

1.  Follow this blog= 1 entry

2.  Like Reviewed By Mom on Facebook =1 entry

3.  Like PBS Parents on Facebook= 1 entry

4.  Enter one of my other giveaways & let me know you have done so = 1 entry

5.  Follow PBS Parents on Twitter= 1 entry

6.  Follow Reviewed By Mom on Twitter = 1 entry

7.  Blog, Tweet or Facebook about this giveaway & let me know where to find it = 1 entry

8.  Put my button on your blog or web page and leave a link so I can find it = 1 entry

Please leave a separate comment for each entry and be sure to include your e-mail.  Contest is open to US residents and will end on September 5th.    The lucky winner will be announced by e-mail on September 6th and also here on Reviewed By Mom.  Good Luck!

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post.  The opinions in this post are entirely my own. Your experience may differ from mine. This post has not been reviewed or edited by anyone. I was not compensated in any other way for this review. The sponsor of this giveaway is responsible for prize fulfillment and shipping the winner(s) their prize.

The Art of Cupcakes by Noga Hitron...Review & Giveaway

I love to bake.  Before the three little ones were born I would bake for every family function I went to...cookies, cupcakes, trifles. You name it, I baked it!  I loved to get creative in the kitchen and enjoyed challenging myself with new recipes. Now that I have 2 little helpers (plus one in training!) I mostly stick to easier fare such as chocolate chip cookies or brownies but I still love to bake and boy, oh boy, do I love a good cookbook about baking.   The Art of Cupcakes By Noga Hitron is my new current favorite book to drool over (literally!).

The Art of Cupcakes walks you through, step by step, in designing the most beautiful cupcakes you have ever laid eyes on.  These cupcakes are absolute show stoppers and will, without question, make you the rock star of any event to which you bring them.   I am not going to lie here, these are not cupcakes you throw together in 5 minutes with a slap of canned frosting.  They are all decorated with fondant.  Fondant is what makes a cupcake look fancy. 

Now, fondant, has always looked a little daunting to me. but Hitron really does a great job giving step by step and easy to follow instructions.  Believe me the extra work you put in will be worth the wow factor.  The Art of Cupcakes is broken up into the following sections...


All in the Family
What a Wedding
In the Garden
A Multitude of Monsters
The Wild Ones
Celebrating Baby
Happy Birthday
Fun in the Sun

In addition to the great designs in each section, there is a full section on the basics (tools, recipes and tips and tricks) and templates for all the designs.  If you have any plans of hosting a bridal or baby shower you really have to have this book.  The wedding and baby sections are my absolute favorite.  The baby booty design is truly a work of art!  I am also really anxious to try out the animals from "The Wild Ones" section.  I think my kiddos would go crazy over those and seriously, wouldn't I be the coolest mom in the world if I whipped them some monkey cupcakes??

You can purchase this book from Amazon here...





I am excited to say Sterling Books is awarding one Reviewed By Mom reader their own copy of The Art of Cupcakes.  Here is how to enter...
Mandatory Entry:  Leave a comment telling me which of the above mentioned sections from The Art of Cupcakes sounds most interesting to you.  This entry must be completed for any extra entries to be counted.

For Extra Entries:

1.  Follow this blog= 1 entry

2.  Like Reviewed By Mom on Facebook =1 entry

3.  Enter one of my other giveaways &let me know you have done so = 1 entry per other giveaway entered

4.  Follow Sterling Books on Twitter= 1 entry

5.  Follow Reviewed By Mom on Twitter = 1 entry

6.  Blog, Tweet or Facebook about this giveaway & let me know where to find it = 1 entry

7.  Put my button on your blog or web page and leave a link so I can find it = 1 entry

Please leave a separate comment for each entry and be sure to include your e-mail.  Contest is open to US residents and will end on September 4th.    The lucky winner will be announced by e-mail on September 5th and also here on Reviewed By Mom.  Good Luck!

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post and I was provided with a copy of The Art of Cupcakes for purpose of review.  The opinions in this post are entirely my own. Your experience may differ from mine. This post has not been reviewed or edited by anyone. I was not compensated in any other way for this review. The sponsor of this giveaway is responsible for prize fulfillment and shipping the winner(s) their prize.

Flashback Friday...Garbage Monsters

Maybe my current giveaway for TerraCycle has made me have garbage on the brain but my Flashback Friday feature this week is Garbage Monsters.  This one is still an old favorite for my twins and I whole heartedly recommend it for all the garbage truck lovers in your life (isn't that all kids under the age of 10??).  Now, I must run as our garbage truck is rumbling down the road and it would not be a Friday if we did not all greet him with waves from the porch (usually in PJ's!).

As I have mentioned in a couple of previous posts (Tonka Go Green Garbage Truck and Michael Recycle Meets Litterbug Doug), my twins are really (really, really, really!) into all things related to garbage and recycling.  I am sure it will not surprise you when I tell you that a favorite, "go-to" DVD in our house is called "Garbage Monsters"!  I am pretty sure I have a couple of budding sanitation workers on my hands.

Garbage Monsters takes your trash loving kiddo on a full tour of what happens to your trash.  It starts from  when it gets picked up from your curb, then to a recycling/sorting facility, a landfill and then a green waste site.  All along the way you see the different types of garbage trucks used to pick up and haul the garbage to and fro, machines used for sorting and shredding and the workers who make it all happen.  My boys find this entire video mesmerizing.  The director tries to throw in a few lessons on shapes (kids do you see the rectangle on this truck?) but it is really unnecessary and a little bit "huh?".  I am happy with this video for what it is without trying to force it into being traditionally educational. 

Garbage Monsters has a 37 minute run time which is a nice little block of quiet time while the kids learn about recycling...not too shabby.  You might find yourself watching too and, if so, I dare you not to get the rocking theme song out of your head!

Money Savvy Pig Review & Giveaway...

In our home we are just starting to talk to A&W about money.  They are nearly 4 and it is time for them to begin to understand the concept of money.  I think it is important for children to understand at an early age that "money doesn't grow on trees".  I also want them to understand that there are choices to be had when it comes to money (saving vs. spending etc).  I realize this may seem like a lofty goal to get across to a couple of not quite 4 year olds but I figured the sooner we began the conversations the better.  I would rather start talking about it now in a positive way than when they are 18 and already in massive credit card debt because we did not teach them about money!

There are a lot of piggy banks out there but none like The Money Savvy Pig by The Money Savvy Generation.  The Money Savvy Generation was created by Susan Beacham to create an easy, engaging and effective way to teach children about handling money responsibly.  The root of this movement is The Money Savvy Pig.  The Money Savvy Pig is not your grandmother's piggy bank!  Take a look at this little guy...

The Money Savvy Pig has 4 different chambers, each with a coin slot to decide where a child should put his or her coins.  There is a spot a spot for saving, donating, spending and investing.  So, each time your child puts money into the piggy bank they decide where it should go.  The money is not just in this random pot that grab from at whim (that is what the spend chamber is for!).   Each of the chambers is emptied through a different foot on the pig so you only empty the chamber you need when you need it.  The Money Savvy Pig comes with goal stickers to help your child visualize what they are saving for.  For instance, there are stickers with bikes and a CD that could be used in the save chamber or a graduation cap to represent college in the investing chamber.  There are also blank stickers so your child can draw/write his or her own goal.

I love this idea and pig on so many levels.  I love that it helps to teach children about money.  Not just the "I want a bike so I will fill this up until I have enough"  part of money but the really important parts.  I want my kids to understand that you can have spending money but there should be long term goals as well.  I also want them to feel compelled to give back to a charity.  I really love that the Money Savvy Pig is interactive.  When you have some coins to put in you talk about the where and the why.  Right from the start you are teaching your child to be open and candid with you about money.  This will only make it easier when money becomes even more of an issue when they get older. 

The Money Savvy Pig is geared toward children aged 4-11 and I think it is a tool you can't afford NOT to have.  Part of raising our children is to give them the tools they need to be adults and financial responsibility is obviously a huge part of that.  I am so glad to have found the Money Savvy Pig.  Talking about money is now a fun thing to do with the boys and I am so glad to have introduced the concept at such a young age.  Sure, investing is a little more than they "get" right now but they can understand saving for something big and having access to their money for something small right now.  The more complex items will come with time.

You can purchase your own Money Savvy Pig here.  They are priced at $16.99 and come in 6 fun colors.  You can also choose a Money Savvy Cow or Football which are in the same format as the pig. 

Money Savvy Generation is giving one Reviewed By Mom reader their very own Money Savvy Pig!  Here is how to enter...

Mandatory Entry:  Visit Money Savvy Generation and tell me which of the Money Savvy Pigs is your favorite and what money lessons you want to help your child to learn.

For Extra Entries:

1.  Follow this blog= 1 entry

2.  Like Reviewed By Mom on Facebook =1 entry

3.  Like Money Savvy Generation on Facebook = 1 entry

4.  Enter one of my other giveaways & let me know you have done so = 1 entry per other giveaway entered

5.  Follow Money Savvy Generation (Susan Beacham) on Twitter= 1 entry

6.  Follow Reviewed By Mom on Twitter = 1 entry

7.  Visit the Money Savvy Generation Blog and leave a comment on one of their entries = 1 entry

8.  Blog, Tweet or Facebook about this giveaway & let me know where to find it = 1 entry

9.  Put my button on your blog or web page and leave a link so I can find it = 1 entry

Please leave a separate comment for each entry and be sure to include your e-mail.  Contest is open to US residents and will end on September 4th.    The lucky winner will be announced by e-mail on September 4th and also here on Reviewed By Mom.  Good Luck!

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post and I was provided with a Money Savvy Pig for purpose of review.  The opinions in this post are entirely my own. Your experience may differ from mine. This post has not been reviewed or edited by anyone. I was not compensated in any other way for this review. The sponsor of this giveaway is responsible for prize fulfillment and shipping the winner(s) their prize.

The I Hate To Cook Book on Blog Talk Radio...

How many of you love The I Hate To Cook Book??  Well, you know I do as exhibited in my review last month (read it here).  Since the book has been re-released, I have seen it everywhere.  Just the other day I was flipping through People Magazine and it was even in there!  Because this book is so "buzz worthy" I wanted to let you you all know that today you can listen in on BlogTalkRadio as Johanna Bracken, The I Hate to Cook Book's Peg Bracken's daughter, as she is interviewed.  You can even call in or e-mail with you own questions...fun!  If my little darlings nap today at 2 you had better believe I will be listening in.  Here are all the details...

Join us as we interview

Johanna Bracken, daughter of THE I HATE TO COOK BOOK author Peg Bracken

On BlogTalkRadio

Thursday, Aug. 26, 2 PM ET

Publisher: Grand Central Publishing

BlogTalkRadio/HBG Program:

Jo Bracken grew up with possibly one of the wittiest and most practical moms in the 60s, Peg Bracken--who has a book to prove it: THE I HATE TO COOK BOOK. Jo talks about her mom's advice, what the book means to her, and its relevance in today's home and culture.

Johanna Bracken is a retired entrepreneur who devotes considerable time and resources to various charities, including working with incarcerated men and women, supporting primate sanctuaries, and serving on the board of her local chapter of the American Red Cross. She and her husband live in Long Beach, California, with their growing brood of dogs and cats.

Call-in with your questions during show time to participate in the live interview @ (646) 378-0039

Listen-in or chat on the Grand Central Publishing channel on BlogTalkRadio.

If you would like your questions to be read on air by the host or if you would like to give advanced notice of your participation during the live call, email anna.balasi@hbgusa.com.

Enjoy and hope to "see" you all there!

Watch it Wednesday...Angelina Ballerina Love to Dance!

There is a new release from Lionsgate and HIT Entertainment coming out on August 31st and I am so excited to fill you in on it!  Angelina Ballerina:  Love to Dance is the newest offering about that adorable mouse, Angelina and her quest to become a prima ballerina.  Angelina Ballerina has been around for more than 25 years with her well loved books.  In fall of 2009 she was released in CG Animation on PBS Kids and Angelina Ballerina:  Love to Dance is her very first CG Animation DVD!  Here is what you will find with Angelina's soon to be released DVD...

DVD SYNOPSIS

Put on your dancing shoes and get ready to take center stage with Angelina Ballerina! On Angelina’s first day at Camembert Academy she discovers new forms of music and dance, like jazz, tap and hip hop, and meets new friends who have their own unique rhythm. Together with her friends new and old, like best friend Alice and the new Hip-Hop Kid AZ, Angelina realizes that becoming a prima ballerina requires collaboration and compromise, but that doesn’t mean it can’t be fun! Get ready to step, leap and groove as you discover your own love of dance in these fun-filled episodes!

“Angelina’s New School” – Angelina is excited, yet nervous, about her first day of school at Camembert Academy. When she finds her new classmates proficient in other styles of dance, she tries to copy their moves – without success. Angelina soon discovers that when she’s true to her own style of dance – ballet – she excels, and soon understands that everyone is different, and different is good.

“Angelina’s Dance Partner” – Angelina is ecstatic to have the opportunity to dance with her best friend, Alice, at Camembert Academy’s “Dance With a Partner Day.” Angelina likes to choreograph the routine down to the very last detail and Alice is happy to oblige! Unfortunately, when Alice gets the sniffles Angelina must partner with Viki, whose style of improvisation contradicts with Angelina’s style. Angelina learns the importance of collaboration, cooperation and adaptability when working with a partner.


“Angelina’s Oldest Friend” – Angelina loves her new Camembert Academy friends and also loves her old friend Alice. She expects that both sets of friends will love each other too. Unfortunately, their first encounter is not as smooth as Angelina would have liked so the new and old friends work together to find a new way to play so all can have fun.


“Angelina’s Sleepover” – Angelina, Viki and Gracie decide to have a sleepover the night before a rehearsal for the big performance, but they do everything except sleep! The next day they are too tired for the morning rehearsal and have to choose between an afternoon rehearsal or attending the annual Silly Hat Carnival, a fun tradition in Mouseland. Angelina and her friends decide to rehearse and learn that being prepared is the best fun of all!

“Angelina and the Hip Hop Kid” – Angelina is very excited to be directing her very first Hip Hop Show when suddenly her star, AZ, falls and hurts his foot! Who can step into his shoes at the last minute? Marco is the number one choice. However, though he can play Hip Hop music, dancing Hip Hop is another thing. The show is in danger of not going on… unless Angelina can come up with a solution in time!


DVD BONUS FEATURES
· “Angelina Says” Game
· “Get Up and Dance” Music Video
· “I Will Be A Star” Music Video

I was happy to received this DVD for review.  I think Angelina is adorable and my boys enjoy her.  We do not abide those gender "roles" here and my children play or watch what they like whether it be geared toward boys OR girls.  Kids are kids!  Besides, Angelina episodes focus on issues and lessons for all children to learn from (team work, practice etc...).  This DVD was a hit with me, my boys and I am sure someday Baby R will enjoy it too (or  perhaps she will prefer something more "boyish"...who knows!).

You can reserve your copy of Angelina Ballerina:  Love to Dance on Amazon...



One lucky Reviewed By Mom Reader will win their very own copy of Angelina Ballerina:  Love to Dance.  Here is how to enter...

Mandatory Entry: Visit Angelina Ballerina's website and tell me which character is your child's favorite. You must complete this entry for any extras to count.

For Extra Entries:

1.  Follow this blog= 1 entry

2. Like Angelina Ballerina on Facebook=1 entry

3.  Like Reviewed By Mom on Facebook =1 entry

4.  Enter one of my other giveaways & let me know you have done so = 1 entry per other giveaway entered!

5.  Follow HIT Entertainment on Twitter= 1 entry

6.  Follow Reviewed By Mom on Twitter = 1 entry

7.  Blog, Tweet or Facebook about this giveaway & let me know where to find it = 1 entry

8.  Put my button on your blog or website=1 entry

Please leave a separate comment for each entry and be sure to include your e-mail.  Contest is open to US residents and will end on September 2nd.    The lucky winner will be announced by e-mail on September 3rd and also here on Reviewed By Mom.  Good Luck!

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post and I was provided with the Angelina Ballerina Love to Dance DVD for purpose of review.  The opinions in this post are entirely my own. Your experience may differ from mine. This post has not been reviewed or edited by anyone. I was not compensated in any other way for this review. The sponsor of this giveaway is responsible for prize fulfillment and shipping the winner(s) their prize.

Little Chimps Big Day....Review & Giveaway

There is the most charming book being released in a couple of weeks and I wanted to be the first one to tell you
all about it.  Little Chimps Big Day by Lisa Shroeder is a darling story about a day full of adventure for a little chimp on his own (or so he thinks!).

Little Chimps Big Day starts off with the little chimp sitting in a tree when the branch snaps, causing him to tumble on a big adventure.  He plays peek-a-boo with a frog, makes friends with a hippo and snacks on bananas all while wondering "where could Mother be".  A careful look on each of the pages shows glimpses of his attentive mother, there the whole time, keeping a careful eye on her little one while remaining out of sight.  When Little Chimp and his mother are reunited, Little Chimp is proud of his bravery during his day "on his own" but he whispers to his mother "I'm so glad you are here".

I think the book shares what so many children face....the need for independence coupled with the need for security from mom.  Knowing that the Mother Chimp was there all along watching is a great concept for children sending the message that  you can be on your own but know you are not alone.  Love it!  I also love the illustrations done by Lisa McCue.  The chimps are absolutely adorable, the colors nice and vivid, and it is so much fun to search the pictures to see where Mother Chimp is hiding.  This book will quickly become a favorite for your child!  This hardcover book is 24 pages long and recommended for ages 4-8.  Be sure to reserve your copy now on Amazon.com...


I am excited to tell you that Sterling Publishing is giving one Reviewed By Mom reader a copy of Little Chimp's Big Day!  Here is how to enter...

Mandatory Entry:  Leave a comment telling me something you love about reading to the child or children in your life.  This entry must be completed before any extras will be counted.

For Extra Entries:

1.  Follow this blog= 1 entry

2.  Like Reviewed By Mom on Facebook =1 entry

3.  Enter one of my other giveaways & let me know you have done so = 1 entry per other giveaway entered

4.  Follow Sterling Books on Twitter= 1 entry

5.  Follow Reviewed By Mom on Twitter = 1 entry

6.  Follow Lisa Schroeder on Twitter= 1 entry

7.  Blog, Tweet or Facebook about this giveaway & let me know where to find it = 1 entry

8.  Put my button on your blog or web page and leave a link so I can find it = 1 entry

Please leave a separate comment for each entry and be sure to include your e-mail.  Contest is open to US residents and will end on September 2nd.    The lucky winner will be announced by e-mail on September 3rd and also here on Reviewed By Mom.  Good Luck!

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post and I was provided with a copy of Little Chimps Big Day for purpose of review.  The opinions in this post are entirely my own. Your experience may differ from mine. This post has not been reviewed or edited by anyone. I was not compensated in any other way for this review. The sponsor of this giveaway is responsible for prize fulfillment and shipping the winner(s) their prize.