Tuesday, December 28, 2010

Random Acts of Zhu...

This blog has allowed me to do some pretty fabulous things over the past year.  I have read wonderful books, been introduced to some amazing products and I have gotten to "know" a whole bunch of interesting people I am proud to call my readers.    Over the past month I have been working on something that has been very special and dear to me, made possible by one of the companies I have worked with here on RBM, Ceipa, (the company who makes those furry creatures I love the Zhu Zhu Pets).

I was contacted by Ceipa last month because I had been chosen, along with 99 other bloggers, to participate in their program Random Acts of Zhu.  Random Acts of Zhu is a charitable program created by Cepia that gives Zhu Zhu Pets to 100 bloggers to distribute to those in need in their communities.  Did I mention how many Zhu Zhu Pets yet?  104!! Yes, 1 was sent 104 Zhu Zhu Pets and if you do the math that is 10,400 Zhu Zhu Pets handed out to children in need.  That is absolutely staggering to me and I was blown away by the company's generosity.

When I was faced with the prospect of choosing homes for the Zhu Zhu's it took me quite a while to decide.  On my own, I would never have been able to give in such a big way and I really thought long and hard about how to spread the joy.  After much consideration I decided to spread my Random Acts of Zhu in this way...

Barbara Bush Children's HospitalThe Barbara Bush Children's Hospital (BBCH) at Maine Medical Center provides and sponsors comprehensive, family-centered health care for the children of Maine and northern New England.  This is my local children's hospital and as a parent to three healthy children I am aware of just how lucky I am.  I can only imagine how difficult it would be to have a child in the hospital particularly during the holiday season.  The Barbara Bush Children's Hospital is visited by Santa each Christmas Eve and he was thrilled to give  Zhu-Zhu Pets to all the children on the inpatient unit this year.

The Center for Grieving ChildrenThe Center for Grieving Children's mission is to provide loving support to grieving children, teens, families and the community through peer support, outreach, and education. We honor and encourage the safe expression of grief and loss. We provide a loving community to foster the discovery and development of each child's own resiliency and emotional well-being.  The Zhu Zhu Pets that were donated to The Center for Grieving Children were given to the children in their Tender Loving Care Program.  This program is for children with parents who are facing a serious illness.



The Ronald McDonald House A not-for-profit organization dedicated to providing affordable, safe and supportive temporary home-like housing to families of seriously ill children receiving treatment at nearby hospitals and medical facilities.  The Zhu Zhu's donated at The Ronald McDonald House brought great joy to the children staying at the facility over the holidays.  Being away from home with a very sick family member in the hospital is more stressful on a child than I can possibly imagine.  I was so pleased to be able to help bring the residents a smile or a giggle in the form of a new pet over the holidays.


Family Crisis Services:  An agency working to end domestic violence in Cumberland and Sagadahoc counties which has a shelter for women and children in Portland.  Here is portion of the thank you letter I received from the Director of Services...

This year in particular, our donations are down and we are full at the shelter. When you came forward and expressed your intentions on donations of the Zhu Zhu Pets, you can image how thrilled we were .

The children were delighted at Christmas and we were thrilled to be able to give them this adorable toy.  Thanks so much to you and the wonderful company that enabled all of this to happen.
We are very grateful.    
I can't express how very much it meant to me to be able to take part in this amazing program put on by Cepia.  It was so moving to see the work that the people in these amazing programs do to make lives better for the children in my community.  I am humbled. 
During the holidays when we are with those we love and counting our blessings it is especially important to remember those around us who are not as fortunate as we are....especially those little people who are our futures.  You will notice I have left links to each of the fine programs I chose and I am sure you will see why they made my list.  These programs run 365 days per year and are always in need of donations and volunteers so if you are able please consider giving a little.  In your community or mine, let's start making a difference by helping children in need.  Evey bit, every minute, can help bring a smile to a child and can make an impact that can change a life. Imagine what we can all accomplish! 
Thank you so much to Cepia for choosing this mom to be a part of this amazing program.  It was an absolute honor to participate and I was proud to share Zhu Zhu Pets to the less fortunate children in my community and to help spread some smiles this holiday season.   Here are a few pictures from my Random Acts of Zhu...

A&W scoping out the mountains of Zhu Zhu Pet boxes (those critters make quite a racket even from inside their boxes!)
A staff member from the Barbara Bush Children's Hospital posing with two of the donated Zhu Zhu Pets...
A pile of wrapped Zhu Zhu's heading out to children in my community...


Rescue By Anita Shreve...Review and Giveaway!

I am a big Anita Shreve Fan...Light on Snow, A Wedding In December, you name one and I have read it!  I really enjoy the way she writes as well as her style.  I think she has a real gift and she never fails to draw me in.  When I saw she had a new book coming out, Rescue, I was very excited.

While being excited I was also reasonable and knew that with the holidays coming I would be a slow reader.  My mother-in-law who you all know from her guest reviews, was thrilled to offer her services for this one as she is also a huge Anita Shreve fan....I think she finished this one in a day or two!  Here is a brief synopsis of the book...

Paramedic Pete Webster is worried sick about his daughter, Rowan, a high-school senior whom he has raised single-handedly ever since she was two. Rowan has adopted very untypical behavior, ignoring her studies and drinking heavily. It brings back bad memories of his ex-wife, Sheila. He pulled her from a car wreck while on the job and soon fell madly in love with her both for her beauty and her irreverent sense of humor. When she became pregnant, he married her though he was only 21. They were very happy until Sheila began drinking all day, every day. Now Pete is worried that their daughter believes she is doomed to repeat her mother’s mistakes; he decides to contact Sheila, whom he has not seen or heard from for 16 years. The prolific Shreve brings her customary care to this thoroughly absorbing, perfectly paced domestic drama. Alternating between the life-and-death scenarios Pete encounters on the job and the fraught family tension between father and daughter, Shreve pulls readers right into her story.

Here is my well read mother-in-law, Teri's (AKA "The Queen Bee") take on Shreve's latest...


I pick up an Anita Shreve novel and I know two things 1) it will be good 2) I will read it cover to cover in a day or two. Rescue was no exception. The story of a good man and a mixed up girl, who fall in love , get married and  have a baby all in the matter of months. Sheila Arsenault has been drinking and running away from an abusive, already married cop. She ended up in Vermont, wrapped around a tree. Peter Webster is the EMT who rescues her and falls in love, instantly.  He is hoping it is for a lifetime, she hopes it will change her life. The downward spiral of Sheila, drinking and neglecting the new baby, and avoiding of the truth by Peter is how the reader gets tangled up in the lives of these two characters. Another car wreck forces both of them to make a break that lasts 18 years, until their daughter starts a downward spiral and Peter seeks help from Sheila. Author Shreve has a knack for making her readers get involved in her characters lives and totally vested in the outcome of their story. I enjoyed this book, as I have many of Shreve’s before it. You will enjoy it, too !!

Sounds like The Queen Bee give it a big thumbs up!!  Now, since my she read this book in a flash I have had the opportunity to nearly finish Rescue as well and I am in complete agreement....love this book!  Pick up a copy today on Amazon...



Thanks to Hachette Book Group one lucky RBM reader will win a copy of Rescue By Anita Shreve.  Be prepared to lose yourself in this great book!  Here is how to enter...

Mandatory Entry:  Visit Anita Shreve's website and tell me something you learned about this fabulous author or one of her other books.  You must complete this entry for all others to count.

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
9.  Follow the guest reviewer, Queen Bee's blog= 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 January 6th.    The lucky winner will be announced by e-mail on January  7th and will have 48 hours to respond before another winner is chosen .  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 Secrets Of People Who Never Get Sick....Review & Giveaway

I know right now we are all in midst of holiday wonderfulness but, along with Santa, winter also brings colds.  We can't really escape it can we?  Maybe we can!  I just finished a brand new book called The Secrets of People Who Never Get Sick by Gene Stone and it is brimming with tips from healthy people around the world.  So, maybe, just maybe we can bring some of these tips into our own lives and have not only a healthier cold and flu season but a healthier life as well.


Written by Gene Stone, a bestselling health-savvy journalist who’s investigated, firsthand, virtually every form of regimen, diagnostic test, therapy, and fad, The Secrets of People Who Never Get Sick, a fascinating and original book of science, tells the stories of 25 people who each possess a different secret of excellent health—and shows how we can all use these insights to change our lives for the better.

The stories make it personal; then comes the science, the authority (with experts’ conflicting opinions on if and how it really works), and the nuts and bolts—how to bring each secret into your own life. From probiotics to veganism to a daily dose of garlic, from yoga to cold showers, it’s an invaluable list: 25 secrets to health, and how to make each work for you. 

Like everyone, I want to lead the healthiest life possible so I was really excited to dive into this book.  I found it to be very well written and I was so engrossed that I stayed up extra late three nights in a row to finish it!  Just so you know this says a lot as I am typically out like a light right after the kiddos at 8:00!  What I really loved about the book were the personal stories.  This book is not simply a book of "do this then do that" with a bunch of dry medical facts. The Secrets of People Who Never Get Sick gives you real life examples about what works for an individual, their regime, plus the scientific backing on why their way of life may work.

There are some things I already do (sometimes) which I was happy to see like doing Yoga.  There were some things I could easily see fitting into my life now or sometime in the future like running and taking brewers yeast.  There were a few that I personally could probably not implement like eating dirt (yikes!!) and taking cold showers but if it would have kept me from getting this Norovirus I am just getting over maybe I should have given it a try!!

I really enjoyed reading this book. I found it to be very interesting and informative and think it makes for a great read.  Pick one up today on Amazon...



Workman Publishing is giving one lucky RBM reader a copy of The People Who Never Get Sick by Gene Stone. Here is how to enter...

Mandatory Entry:  What is your secret to staying healthy?  Leave a comment below telling me about it.  You must complete this entry for all others to count.

For Extra Entries:
1.  Follow this blog= 1 entry
2.  Like Reviewed By Mom on Facebook =1 entry
3. Like Workman Publishing on Facebook = 1 entry
4.  Enter one of my other giveaways &let me know you have done so = 1 entry per giveaway entered.
5.  Follow Workman Publishing 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

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 January 8th.    The lucky winner will be announced by e-mail on January 9th and will have 48 hours to respond before another winner is draw. Good Luck!

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post and I was provided with the above mentioned book products 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.

Monday, December 27, 2010

Where's Mom??

Hello Readers!  I hope you all had a wonderful holiday.  As you can see I have been a bit quiet over the past several days. Between the holidays, a very, very bad stomach bug that hit me and all three kiddos I have barely had time or energy to blink.  On top of all that fun we are getting a blizzard today too!  This is about all the excitement I can handle for now thank you very much.  In any case, I am on the mend as are the kids so stay tuned for lots of fun reviews and giveaways.  I have tons of things in the pipeline that I am just itching to share with you....as soon as the excitement dies down over here.  Be well!

Making Friends Monday...

Welcome To Making Friends Monday Blog Hop 12/20
This Blog Hop is hosted by Living on Love and Cents,  The Thrifty Things,  Reviewed By Mom , and  Coupons are Great.

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 SPOTLIGHT/ GUEST HOST OF THE WEEK
This Week's Spotlight is Skye from Real Mom Reviews. She is #5 on this week's linky. Stop by and tell her hello! Here are some things she wanted to share.
My name is Skye! I am owner of Real Mom Reviews, and am just that! A real mom reviewing items so I can pass the awesome products I love on to all my friends and family, and let them know which I would avoid!
I am a stay at home mom to my huge group of kids! Six in total, and one due in March!
You can read all about me here, and see some of my reviews here!
Would you like to be our spotlight? Follow these rules and leave a comment! We will randomly choose one blog to be spotlighted! Then you will be added to our linky!  
Will it be you?
1. Follow the Making Friends Monday Hosts publicly(Listed as # 1-4) We WILL follow you Back!  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. Grab our linky code to for even more followers!
3. Start hopping and remember following back is appreciated!


If you have any giveaways ending THIS WEEK go link up HERE. Take a minute to enter some too!

Wednesday, December 22, 2010

Dinosaur Train: Dinosaurs in the Snow

By now you all know how I feel about the PBS show Dinosaur Train....LOVE IT!  This adorable educational show ranks amongst my favorite shows that A&W watch these days.  There is a new episode of Dinosaur Train our now (hooray!) and PBS is also airing some fun wintry episodes as well.  Read on...

An all new episode of the hit CG-animated preschool series, DINOSAUR TRAIN™, is scheduled to premiere December 6 on PBS KIDS®, where the series ranks in the top 5 children’s programs among kids ages 2 to 5.*

In “Big Stomping Dinosaur Feet; “Hornucopia,Daphne, a Daspletosaurus shows Buddy how to make stomping a fun dance instead of a temper tantrum. At the Big Pond, Tank introduces the Pteranodon family to his friend, Stacie Styracosaurus, a fellow Ceratopsian with a crown of elaborate horns on her head.          

Encore presentations of “Dinosaurs in the Snow;” “Cretaceous Conifers” will broadcast on December 8, 12, 20, and 24 (check local listings). The episode is also one of eight fun and educational adventures available on the DINOSAURS IN THE SNOW DVD from PBS KIDS and Paramount Home Entertainment, in which Buddy travels to the North Pole, explores nocturnal animals, becomes a detective, celebrates his birthday and more! The DVD also features an interactive game, coloring pages, a dinosaur reference guide and parent information. SRP: $14.99.


In DINOSAUR TRAIN, young viewers join Buddy and his adoptive family of Pteranodons on whimsical adventures through prehistoric jungles, swamps, volcanoes and oceans as they unearth basic concepts in natural science, natural history and paleontology. The Dinosaur Train is a colorful locomotive, customized to accommodate all kinds of dinosaurs, and it has the ability to visit the Triassic, Jurassic and Cretaceous worlds, while the Train’s Conductor, a knowledgeable Troodon, provides passengers with fascinating facts along the way.






A&W just love this show and this DVD did not disappoint.  Dinosaurs, Trains and Snow equal great big thumbs up all around this time of year!  Dinosaurs in the Snow is jut perfect for the little ones on your list.  Pick up a copy today on Amazon or at other major retailers.  Also be sure to check out www.pbs.com to find out when you and the kiddos can enjoy this fabulous show.   Happy Viewing!

Tuesday, December 21, 2010

Hasbro Action Figures for Boys Review...

I know some of you are last minute shoppers like me.  Sure, I have the bulk of my things done but I will be running out for "one last thing" between now and Friday about 10 times!  If you are still looking for a little something for the boys on your list be sure to check out the Action Figures Hasbro has to offer.   With action figures from two huge boy favorites, Transformers and Star Wars, you just can't miss.

TRANSFORMERS POWER CORE COMBINERS 2-PACKThis boy’s toy will let your son feel like he’s part of the wildly popular Transformers story!  This 2-pack includes one Scout scale Transformers figure, which features both a robot and vehicle mode, and one Mini-Con scale figure with four modes – robot, robot weapon, vehicle weapon and Power-up Armor.  At only $9.99, this affordable combo will make both mother and son happy.
STAR WARS ACTION FIGURES WITH GALACTIC BATTLE GAMEWith the new STAR WARS ACTION FIGURES WITH GALACTIC BATTLE GAME, fans can battle their friends in head-to-head action and test the powers of their favorite characters. With interactive game-play, these toys are fun for newer fans, as well as long-time collectors.

Hasbro graciously sent both of the above toys for me to road test with A&W.  Even though my boys are on the younger side for these toys at 4 they LOVED them.  I am pretty sure boys are simply born loving all things Star Wars and Transformers as A&W have never seen any of the movies yet are still mesmerized by the characters!  These action figures were loads of fun for them and sparked plenty of imaginative  play.  Unless you have a child who still pops things in his/her mouth these toys are completely appropriate for ages four and up.  They are also completely appropriate for the men in your life who still love these characters from their childhood.  In fact, you just might want to buy a few of these so your husbands AND your kids can play together.





Visit Hasbro to purchase or to find a local retailer.  These would make great last minute gifts or stocking stuffers.  Happy Shopping!

*Disclosure: I was provided with the above mentioned toys for purpose of review.  I was not compensated for my review in any way and the feedback given is my own and has not been edited by anyone.

Monday, December 20, 2010

The Toymaker's Christmas Review & Giveaway...

Christmas is just a few days away and if you are looking for something fun to do with the kids be sure and pick up The Toymaker's Christmas:  Paper Toys You Can Make Yourself by Marilyn Scott-Waters.  This book is a treasure, filled with beautiful paper crafts you can create with your child.  The real bonus?  No supplies are required...everything you need is included right in the book!

The Toymaker spreads Christmas joy with 11 paper toys to pop out, fold, glue together, and play with! With their beautiful, antique style, these toys are sure to enchant both children and adults. Leave St. Nick his milk and cookies in “Santa's Treat Box.” Decorate the Christmas tree with the four lovely “Little Angels.” Create a magical “Winter Wonderland,” complete with moving parts-like an ice skating penguin. And no Christmas would be complete without a handsome paper “Nutcracker,” with arms and a jaw that move. 





The suggested age range for this book is 9-12 but really this book is appropriate for any age.  The very young can create with an adult and even adults alone will enjoy these festive Christmas crafts that double as decorations.  The boys and I have had a blast creating these fun crafts and we will be saving them once this year is over to use again next year!  The quality of the paper is fantastic making the crafts durable enough to withstand a little "rough housing" that goes along with crafting with little ones.  Go out and grab this book today and spend the last few days of Christmas with the little ones you love, creating something beautiful.


One lucky RBM reader will win a copy of The Toymaker's Christmas:  Paper Toys You Can Make Yourself.  Here is how to enter...

Mandatory Entry:  What is your favorite holiday craft to do (with or without the kids). You must complete this entry for all others to count.

For Extra Entries:
1.  Follow this blog= 1 entry
2.  Like Reviewed By Mom on Facebook =1 entry
3. Comment on one of my non-giveaway posts and let me know you have done so = 1 entry
4.  Enter one of my other giveaways &let me know you have done so = 1 entry per giveaway entered.
5.  Follow Sterling 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 and let me know where to 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 December 26th.    The lucky winner will be announced by e-mail on December 27th.  Winners will have 48 hours to respond before another winner is draw. Good Luck!

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post and I was provided with the above mentioned book 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.

Sunday, December 19, 2010

Making Friends Monday...

Welcome To Making Friends Monday Blog Hop 12/20
This Blog Hop is hosted by Living on Love and Cents,  The Thrifty Things,  Reviewed By Mom , and  Coupons are Great.

BLOG TITLE




 SPOTLIGHT/ GUEST HOST OF THE WEEK
This Week's Spotlight is Chubby Cheeks Thinks. Kim at Chubby Cheeks Thinks is wonderful! And her blog is awesome! She is #5 on this week's linky. Stop by and tell her hello! She wanted to share this with you...
Hi! My name is Kim and I am a stay at home wife to Kyle and mom to Riley and Emma! One day I hope to be a work at home mom but I have been procrastinating so we'll see one day! I am the proud owner of the super cute (yea....I'm in love with my layout) blog "Chubby Cheeks Thinks"! I love hosting reviews and giveaways as well as blogging about my life in general! I also love entering (and winning) giveaways even though I never have much time to anymore! I'm pretty boring...seriously! If we were all friends in real life you would have to drag me out of my house! LOL I'm a homebody! I think that stems from all the work it takes to drag 2 children under 3 out of the house. I am also addicted to my laptop since is contains all of my "cyber friends"! I hope you'll all stop over and visit me! I have my Monday Madness Giveaway Linky up so you'll find tons of giveaways and you can enter yours! If you're a new follower make sure you leave a comment and I'll be sure to return the follow! Thanks, ladies, for hosting this hop! :)
Would you like to be our spotlight? Follow these rules and leave a comment! We will randomly choose one blog to be spotlighted! Then you will be added to our linky!  
Will it be you?
1. Follow the Making Friends Monday Hosts publicly(Listed as # 1-4) We WILL follow you Back!  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. Grab our linky code to for even more followers!
3. Start hopping and remember following back is appreciated!


If you have any giveaways ending THIS WEEK go link up HERE. Take a minute to enter some too!

Saturday, December 18, 2010

Portable North Pole...

Last night I came across the cutest holiday website.....Portable North Pole.  I you have children who BELIEVE in your lives you must visit this site.  On the site you can tell Santa's elves all about your child with specifics such as name, eye color, favorites, what they have been working on (playing nicely, listening to parents etc...) and if they have been nice, kind of nice or naughty this year.  Santa then sends your child a completely specific message via e-mail....it is adorable!!  You can even include a picture of your child (which is shown in their "file) as well as two pictures of them throughout the year at special events (birthday, vacation etc...).   Even cooler is that you can include what your child has asked for and upload a picture of that...so much fun!

I was blown away by each of the messages from Santa and I can't wait to show them to the kids tonight.  There was even a shorter version for the under three set so I could make one just for Baby R.

If you have kiddos be sure to check out this site...it is amazing and FREE!!

You can visit Portable North Pole here.  Enjoy!  If you do check it out and make a video for your children let me know how they liked it.  Love those Santa stories...

Friday, December 17, 2010

Bananagrams, PairsInPears & Appletters Review & Giveaway....

Still hunting for holiday gifts?  I have something fun, unique and great for just about everyone on your list...something from the Bananagrams Family! I am sure you have seen Bananagrams around...it is that hot word game that comes in a darling banana pouch!  I am a huge word game fan so I was thrilled when I had the chance to try out the Bananagrams game as well as some new books based on the game (10 Minute Bananagrams, Bananagrams for Kids and More Bananagrams).

First off here is a synopsis of what Bananagrams is all about...

Ages 7 & up. In this unique word game, players use tiles to create words crossword-style. The first player to use all their tiles is the winner. With multiple ways to play, this game is perfect for beginning spellers, as well as more advanced players. No pencil, paper, or board required. 

I just love this game!!  It is so much fun and completely addictive.  You can play a game in a few minutes and it is also completely portable!  When the kids get a little older this is definitely coming with us for waits at restaurants and appointments!  For now my husband and I can enjoy this fun  word game that is like Scrabble only better.  I like that there is no board....so much of Scrabble is dependent on those mega point squares (no fair!!) and there in none of that here.  A+ game!!

The Bananagram books are also a lot of fun.  I have taken to keeping them in my car for those times when the kids fall asleep in the car and I have a few quiet minutes to myself.  I whip out my Banangram books and put my mind to the test.  These puzzles are fun AND challenging.  The 10-Minute Banangrams is what I am traveling with now and these puzzles are broken up into half bananas (easier puzzles)and whole bananas (more challenging).  There is also an included answer key that I really, really try not to cheat with!!


On top of the fun Bananagrams I checked out there are two brand new games from the Bananagram family...Appletters & PairsinPears.



 APPLETTERS is a domino-like game for ages six and up where players connect letters in lieu of dots.  The game comes in an apple-shaped cloth pouch containing 110 ivory-like tiles.  In addition to the version for a younger audience, the game also includes instructions for more adult play - APPLE TURNOVER™ for an extra challenge and APPLESCORE™ for word lovers who like to keep score.

PAIRSinPEARS  is a word construction game for ages six and up where players race to make pairs of connecting words in matching patterns.  PAIRSinPEARS comes in a pear-shaped cloth pouch, containing four full alphabet sets in four beautiful distinct patterns.  The game provides educational fun for children learning vowels and consonants, alphabetical order, word construction and pattern recognition. 


After becoming a Bananagram addict I can't wait to add PairsinPears and Appletters to my game closet as well.

You can purchase any of these great Bananagram products at major retailers such as Barnes & Noble and Amazon.


I am so excited to tell you that, thanks to Workman Publishing, one lucky RBM reader will win three fabulous games...Bananagrams, Appletters and PairsinPears!  Thank you Workman!!  Here is how to enter.



Mandatory Entry:  Tell me a famous person (actor, politician, musician etc..) you would like to challenge to a game night with Bananagrams, Appletters and PairsinPears!  I would love to meet the First Lady so she would be my game night buddy.   You must complete this entry for all others to count.

For Extra Entries:
1.  Follow this blog= 1 entry
2.  Like Reviewed By Mom on Facebook =1 entry
3. Like Workman Publishing on Facebook = 1 entry
4. Like Bananagrams on Facebook = 1 entry
5.  Enter one of my other giveaways &let me know you have done so = 1 entry per giveaway entered.
6.  Follow Workman Publishing on Twitter = 1 entry
7.  Follow Reviewed By Mom on Twitter = 1 entry
8.  Blog, Tweet or Facebook about this giveaway & let me know where to 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 December 26th    The lucky winner will be announced by e-mail on December 27th and will have 48 hours to respond before another winner is draw. Good Luck!

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post and I was provided with the above mentioned Banangrams products 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.

Thursday, December 16, 2010

Introducing Hairietta Hairison The One The Only Me by Jo Zumbrunnen...Review & Giveaway

I have just finished reading a fantastic new book for children...Introducing Hairietta Hairison, The One The Only Me by Jo Zumbrunnen.  This darling book is all about girl power sends a very powerful message to girls of all ages.
 
First of all, a bit of the behind the story.  The author wrote this story for one of her grand daughters who has Alopecia (a disease that attacks the hair follicles and can cause baldness).  What a lovely gesture!!  The heroine, Hairietta is a spunky girl who we follow from a bald, (she did not care!) brand new baby through early childhood where she grows flowing locks (she did not care!) through adolescence where she begins to lose some strands (still she does not care) up through young adulthood where she is once again bald (she does not care).  I LOVE this carefree message!!  What a great way to tell girls how you look DOES NOT MATTER....just so powerful.  My most favorite line of this book is (after Hairietta once again has no hair) "Today would be busy, she did not want  to be late.  Today had the possibility of being great!" .  How powerful is that message??  How you look does not matter girls...just go out there and be who you are!

I think you can tell I am a big fan of this one.  If we can introduce our girls to a fabulous heroine like Hairietta Hairison maybe we can help them through those tough times of peer pressure.  Way to go Hairietta.

I also wanted to add a bit about the illustrations which are whimsical and provide the perfect face to the heroine.  The person behind these great illustrations is Shawn Zumbrunnen the author's son.  The fact that this book was a family effort makes me love it even more.

You can pick up a copy of Introducing Hairietta Hairson, The One The Only Me here for only $7.95.  Guess what??  For a limited time all orders SHIP FREE and by typing in "livingthescream" at checkout you will receive 20% off!  Please consider buying one of these for all the girls on your list...every girl needs a dose of Hairietta's spectacular attitude!

One Reviewed By Mom reader will win a copy of Introducing Hairietta Hairison, The One The Only Me. Here is how to enter...

Mandatory Entry: Visit Hairietta's website and tell me something you learned either about the book or about the author.  You must complete this entry for all others to count.

For Extra Entries:
1.  Follow this blog= 1 entry
2.  Like Reviewed By Mom on Facebook =1 entry
3. Like Jozy Books on Facebook = 1 entry
4.  Enter one of my other giveaways &let me know you have done so = 1 entry per giveaway entered.
5.  Follow Reviewed By Mom on Twitter = 1 entry
6.  Like Jozy Books on Twitter = 1 entry
7.  Blog, Tweet or Facebook about this giveaway & let me know where to find it = 1 entry
8.  Comment on one of my non giveaway posts and let me know you have done so = 1 entry
9.  Follow Queen Bee's Buzz on GFC  = 1 entry (this is my mother-in-law's new blog where she will be sharing reviews and giveaways...stop by!).

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 December 27th.    The lucky winner will be announced by e-mail on December 28th and will have 48 hours to respond before another winner is draw. Good Luck!

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post and I was provided with the above mentioned  book 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.

Wednesday, December 15, 2010

SWAGG...The Best Gift You Ever Gave


SWAGG is a free mobile app (download here) that lets you shop smarter using your mobile phone. Buy, send or swap SWAGG GIFTS and organize your old school plastic gift cards.

For every download of the app between now and Dec. 31, 2010, SWAGG will donate $1 to Stand Up To Cancer (SU2C) , up to $125,000.

Clever Girls Collective and SWAGG are sending a pair of movie fans to the Sundance Film Festival! Download the SWAGG app and then visit the Ultimate SWAGG Getaway Sweepstakes site to enter to win a trip for two to the Sundance Film Festival. Entry deadline is January 3, 2011, 11:59pm, PST.

The Best Gift I Ever Gave...

Hmm...this is a tough question!  I guess this probably depends on who you ask!  If you ask my four year old twins they might say any of their vast collection of Imaginext or their new bicycles.   If you ask my one year old daughter she would look at you blankly and then say Mama (which is all she can say but I would take to mean she thinks I am a gift!).  My husband would probably tell you he really loves the the watch I gave him several years ago for our anniversary while my mom might say some of the photo books I have made for her featuring the kids.  I do think that if I think outside of the holiday "box" the gift of love and friendship would probably be both the best gift I have ever given as well as the best gift I have ever received.  When it comes down to it, I think all of us value the time and love we get (and give!!) to one another the very most.  This is not to say that I don't appreciate shiny new baubles or a luxurious new sweater but the people in my life, my family and friends are my favorite things.  The material things are simply the icing on the cake of life!  So, Santa if you are listening, this year I will take a big heaping serving of love and friendship...no bow necessary!  If you feel like I have been especially good you can swing by Pandora on the way to my house.  As for what I am giving this year?  Love, friendship and a whole bunch of bells and whistles!  Happy Holidays!


Learn more about the coolest new app that revolutionizes the whole shopping, gifting, and gift card-organizing experience and Download the SWAGG app to your iPhone or Droid. I was selected for this sponsorship by Clever Girls Collective, which endorses Blog With Integrity.

Tuesday, December 14, 2010

You Are What You Eat:: and Other Mealtime Hazards by Serge Bloch...Review & Giveaway

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I have such a witty book to tell you all about today...You Are What You Eat:  and Other Mealtime Hazards by Serge Bloch.  This book is so much fun and will surely spark some interesting conversations...



In this deliciously clever follow-up to Butterflies in My Stomach and Reach for the Stars, our young hero and his loyal dog, Roger, tackle another major aspect of life: eating. Mealtime should be a piece of cake, but this finicky eater eats like a bird. And that drives his mom bananas because he really should have three square meals a day. What will happen when he dines at the home of a friend whose mom is a real health nut? Maybe he'll discover that variety is the spice of life!

Children might find these sayings puzzling at first. But Bloch's witty and wonderful images, which mix whimsical line drawings with photographs of inanimate objects, make everything clear-and will leave readers of all ages pleased as punch.


This book is just so much fun.  A&W were confused about the expressions at first....4 year olds are just so literal!  Expressions like "Use Your Noodle" and "Cool as a Cucumber" are not things you are just born knowing!  Having the opportunity to get some serious chuckles with them as well as explain what this all meant was so much fun.  I am a huge fan of the illustrations as well.  All done in black and white with the exception of the object from the expression (a nut for "health nut" and a salt shaker for "grain of salt") make for some super creative pictures and are very eye catching.


You Are What You Eat is a great read and a fun way to get your children talking!  It is also a fun way to talk about eating a variety of different foods.  As they say, "Variety is the spice of life"!.  Serge Bloch is a very creative author and I can't wait to check out his other offerings.  You can find this one on Amazon...




Sterling Publishing is giving one RBM reader a copy of You Are What You Eat!  Thanks so much Sterling!  Here is how to enter...


Mandatory Entry:  Quick...think of a fun expression that might be confusing for a little one and might spark a funny conversation.  You must complete this entry for all others to count.

For Extra Entries:
1.  Follow this blog= 1 entry
2.  Like Reviewed By Mom on Facebook =1 entry
3. Comment on one of my non-giveaway posts and let me know you have done so = 1 entry
4.  Enter one of my other giveaways &let me know you have done so = 1 entry per giveaway entered.
5.  Follow Sterling 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 and let me know where to 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 December 22nd .    The lucky winner will be announced by e-mail on December 23rd.  Winners will have 48 hours to respond before another winner is draw. Good Luck!

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post and I was provided with the above mentioned book 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.

Jingle Jingle by Nicola Smee...Review & Giveaway

It seems like we have been reading nothing but holiday books these days and I am not complaining about it one bit!  There is something so wonderful about curling up on the couch with your little ones with some books about Christmas to help get everyone in the Christmas spirit.  Ahh....Christmastime!   I love it when we get  a new holiday book and I was excited to get my hands on Jingle Jingle by Nicola Smee (brand new this fall). 

The beloved characters from Clip-Clop are back, and what a ride they’re taking this time! Mr. Horse has invited all the barnyard animals into his sleigh, and Cat, Dog, Pig, and Duck couldn’t be more excited. Soon, they’re holding on tight and dashing through the snow with bells jingle-jingling all the way.  Over the fields they fly—but when they reach the hill, everyone wants to slide down…even the horse, of course. Is there room for them all?  

Like happy Mr. Horse, toddlers will think “THAT WAS SO COOL!” and delight in taking Nicola Smee’s jolly seasonal jaunt again and again.


This book is so much fun to read.  It is a board book which, as you probably remember, I LOVE (no more paper snacking for Baby R!).  I am also a big fan of "sound" books.  You know the ones....the books that have you making funny sounds which make your kids beg for more.  There is lots and lots of "jingle jingle" in this book as well as some plops, whees and more.  This is a fun book just perfect for the holidays and the winter season.  At just over $10 on Amazon, this makes for a great little gift for the little book lover on your list.  Pick up a copy today...






Sterling Publishing is giving one RBM reader a copy of Jingle Jingle!  Thanks so much Sterling!  Here is how to enter...


Mandatory Entry:  Tell me something you have been doing to get ready for the holidays with the kiddos. You must complete this entry for all others to count.

For Extra Entries:
1.  Follow this blog= 1 entry
2.  Like Reviewed By Mom on Facebook =1 entry
3. Comment on one of my non-giveaway posts and let me know you have done so = 1 entry
4.  Enter one of my other giveaways &let me know you have done so = 1 entry per giveaway entered.
5.  Follow Sterling 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 and let me know where to 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 December 22nd .    The lucky winner will be announced by e-mail on December 23rd.  Winners will have 48 hours to respond before another winner is draw. Good Luck!

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post and I was provided with the above mentioned book 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.

Spit That Out!: The Overly Informed Parent's Guide To Raising Children in the Age of Environmental Guilt....Review & Giveaway

Being a parent is tough isn't it?   We want only the very best for our children and now, with piles and piles of information at our fingertips you would think providing the best would be easier than ever.  Not so much.  At all.  Hello information overload!  It seems like there is a daily dose of eat this not that followed by an "uh-oh, don't really eat that eat this".  What's a parent to do?  Start by reading Spit That Out!:  The Overly Informed Parent's Guide to Raising Children in the Age of Environmental Guilt by Paige Wolf.

Have you ever stayed up all night scraping lead paint off the walls (and then realized you've actually made the problem worse)? Googled every toy in the house to make sure they didn't contain high levels of cadmium or lead? Searched every product in the cabinet for the mere mention of a paraben? As a new mother, Paige Wolf has been committed to living an eco-friendly and healthy lifestyle. But with the flood of constantly changing information, it's become an increasingly difficult task. In addition to the age-old daunting task of raising happy, healthy babies, mothers are constantly bombarded with new and contradictory research concerning environmental toxins, long-term product effects, and the far-reaching impact of every product we purchase and decision we make. Spit That Out! answers the questions posed by mothers on the verge of a "green mom nervous breakdown" and turns to experts to present facts, debunk myths, and help parents stay on a reasonable and responsible course without losing their minds. Whether they are cloth-diapering, holistic mamas or moms who still can't give up their designer duds, all modern mothers can relate to the desperation of wanting to do the best for their children - and feeling hopelessly overwhelmed in the process. Spit That Out! feeds an audience of mothers hungry for commiseration, direction, and relief.


Spit That Out! will have you laughing (Wolf had laughing at one of her very first lines describing her own parents "they wanted to rush me to the hospital every time I coughed sure I was choking on a chicken bone even though I am sure no one's ever found a bone in a McNugget"! ).  Spit That Out Will leave you sighing with  relief that you are not alone in your quest to raise happy children under overwhelming circumstances.  Spit That Out will also leave you better informed and better equipped to deal with all of this information overload.

In my opinion, Spit That Out is a must read for all parents and parents to be.  Let Paige Wold help you navigate the world of parenting with guidance on everything from breastfeeding (do you HAVE to do it?  Can you ever take an asprin again??) to television watching and buying green.  Wolf has done the research and will talk you off that parenting cliff with laughs!  Thanks for making this paranoid mama rest a little easier and providing some laughs on the way!

You can pick up a copy of Spit That Out!  on Amazon...








One lucky RBM reader will win of copy of Paige Wolf's Spit That Out!  Here is how to enter...

Mandatory Entry:  Visit Paige Wolf's website and tell me something you learned about this very talented author. You must complete this entry for all others to count.

For Extra Entries:
1.  Follow this blog= 1 entry
2.  Like Reviewed By Mom on Facebook =1 entry
3.  Like Spit That Out! on Facebook = 1 entry
4. Comment on one of my non-giveaway posts and let me know you have done so = 1 entry
5.  Enter one of my other giveaways &let me know you have done so = 1 entry per giveaway entered.
6.  Follow Paige Wolf on Twitter = 1 entry
7.  Follow Reviewed By Mom on Twitter = 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 and let me know where to 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 December 26th .    The lucky winner will be announced by e-mail on December 27th.  Winner will have 48 hours to respond before another winner is draw. Good Luck!

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post and I was provided with the above mentioned book 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.

Pocoyo Water Taxi Review & Pocoyo World Giveaway...

Have you all heard of Pocoyo?  Pocoyo is about a curious little boy and his discovery of the world around him.  Pocoyo is about "learning through laughter".  If you have a young one you have probably seen the TV show I am sure.  It is adorable!
Pocoyo also has a line of toys out and I was lucky enough to be able to be try out the Pocoyo Water Taxi bath toy.   What a super tub toy!   Scuba Pocoyo, fish and Fred the octopus all float in the water and are bright, vibrant toys that spark the imagination (just like the show!).  I like this toy for its' simplicity and the fact that it brings a positive character into play for the kids.   My four year olds and my one year old all enjoy this super cute bath toy!  You can purchase this from Amazon...




While you are there be sure to check out the full line of toys featuring the charming Pocoyo.  There are a bunch of cute ones to choose from including a musical plush I totally have my eye on!

On top of an adorable show and toys, Pocoyo is also the star of an online world.  Here is more about what you and your child can do on Pocoyo World...

What is Pocoyo World?
 An online environment where you can create your own virtual "me" and enjoy games and adventures alongside your favorite characters, forming part of a virtual community where you can make friends and share activities.
 

What can you do at Pocoyoworld?
Learn through laughing is our motto, and naturally we have applied  this to our virtual world. Enjoyable and educational activities that help you familiarize yourself with the world and encourage creativity.  Games that stimulate skills and reflexes and award virtual gifts.  Episodes and melodies are always available to you.  Be yourself inside Pocoyo's universe. In addition, you have a  private area where you can let your imagination run wild, decorate  it, discover new areas and get fabulous prizes by solving the most amusing mysteries. 



Access to Pocoyo World is completely free of charge. After a simple registration process you will be able to enjoy lots of content in a safe environment.

Just by registering you will have access to all Pocoyo World areas, games, activities, and shops, and you will also be able to exchange gifts with your friends.


Premium Club: Users who belong to Pocoyo World’s Premium Club will be able to access lots more content and areas, and get exclusive virtual objects (costumes, vehicles, interactive objects, etc.). In addition, they will receive a monthly report monitoring their activity on Pocoyo World and have the chance to take part in exclusive events and promotions.

What a great way for children to play and to enjoy learning with a favorite character!  Love this!  Visit Pocoyo World today to start playing!

One lucky RBM reader will win a 14 day trial to the Pocoyo World Premium Club....hooray!  You and your child will have so much fun with this I am sure.   Here is how to enter....

Mandatory Entry: Have you and your child ever visited Pocoyo World?  Watched the show together?  You must complete this entry for all others to count.

For Extra Entries:
1.  Follow this blog= 1 entry
2.  Like Reviewed By Mom on Facebook =1 entry
3. Like Pocoyo on Facebook = 1 entry
4.  Enter one of my other giveaways &let me know you have done so = 1 entry per giveaway entered.
5.  Follow Reviewed By Mom on Twitter = 1 entry
6.  Like Pocoyo on Twitter = 1 entry
7.  Blog, Tweet or Facebook about this giveaway & let me know where to find it = 1 entry
8.  Comment on one of my non giveaway posts and let me know you have done so = 1 entry
9.  Follow Queen Bee's Buzz on GFC  = 1 entry (this is my mother-in-law's new blog where she will be sharing reviews and giveaways...stop by!).

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 December 22nd.    The lucky winner will be announced by e-mail on December 23rd and will have 48 hours to respond before another winner is draw. Good Luck!

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post and I was provided with the above mentioned  Pocoyo Water Taxi 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.

Sunday, December 12, 2010

Making Friends Monday...

Welcome To Making Friends Monday Blog Hop 12/13
This Blog Hop is hosted by Living on Love and Cents,  The Thrifty Things,  Reviewed By Mom , and  Coupons are Great.



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SPOTLIGHT OF THE WEEK
This week's Spotlight and Guest Host is Mari http://sprinkle-of-fun.blogspot.com/ .Here are a few things she wanted to share. She is #5 this week's linky.Stop by and tell her hello!


I am Mari mom of 4 amazing boys and a wonderful ameri-bully/pitt. I am a new blogger and try to blog as much as a busy mom can. I am home schooling my boys for now, and we are loving it. I blog about our home educating experiences, educational resources, other mom and children life experiences and now I am venturing into more into the blogging world. I am now doing product reviews and giveaways.
I am president of our local home school group, we are not just any group though., We are a non for profit one, a 503 c group, I am so proud to not just be a member, but president of it lol. Through my blog, I hope to be able to help more parents educate their children at home, or at least supplement if they can't fully educate at home.Thank you for allowing me to be spotlight this week! Please leave a comment so I can go visit your blog and follow back.
Would you like to be our spotlight? Follow these rules and leave a comment! We will randomly choose one blog to be spotlighted! Then you will be added to our linky!  
Will it be you?
1. Follow the Making Friends Monday Hosts publicly(Listed as # 1-4) We WILL follow you Back!  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. Grab our linky code to for even more followers!
3. Start hopping and remember following back is appreciated!
If you have any giveaways ending THIS WEEK go link up HERE. Take a minute to enter some too!

Saturday, December 11, 2010

World's Best Origami Review & Giveaway...

Have I got a fun, new book to share with you...World's Best Origami by Nick Robinson.  This book is just full of the most beautiful and creative ways to change plain, old paper into something magical.   Even for a person new to the art of origami (me! me! me!) this book shows you how to begin this artful hobby.

Remember folding paper into a hand-held fortune teller, paper airplane or secret note square? Whether a fortune teller novice or a seasoned paper-folding expert, the new book World's Best Origami challenges readers with more than 100 of the most unique and best-loved origami patterns ever created.

Professional origami artist, Nick Robinson, guides readers through the process of folding paper. Projects are rated from beginner to advanced and include everything from the traditional swan and poppy box to truly amazing pieces such as a geodetic tower and a jet plane! Each diagram is clearly displayed with easy-to-understand folding instructions for a perfect outcome every time.



The book teaches readers how to:
-          Choose the best paper for the project
-     Make basic folds and perfect creases
-     Follow clear and simple folding instructions for a successful project outcome
-          Gain an understanding  of origami symbols


Now I am not very crafty...I just don't have a knack for that sort of thing but World's Best Origami is set up in a way that is super easy even for a novice like me!  I have stayed away from the more advanced projects as I don't want to frustrate myself right at the start but  I am hoping to work my way up to them.  Let me tell you, origami will blow your kids away.  It is something fun for them to watch and to, eventually, learn how to do and makes for a nice (QUIET) way to spend time together.

World's Best Origami would make a great gift for that hard to buy person on your list and origami would be a great new hobby for the New Year.  You can pick up your own copy (I challenge you to a fold off!) today on Amazon...





One Lucky RBM reader will win a copy of World's Best Origami!  Here is how to enter...

Mandatory Entry:  Have you ever tried origami?  If so, what have you made?   You must complete this entry for all others to count.

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 giveaway entered.
4.  Follow Reviewed By Mom on Twitter = 1 entry
5.  Blog, Tweet or Facebook about this giveaway & let me know where to find it = 1 entry
6.  Comment on one of my non giveaway posts and let me know you have done so = 1 entry
7.  Follow Queen Bee's Buzz on GFC  = 1 entry (this is my mother-in-law's new blog where she will be sharing reviews and giveaways...stop by!).

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 December 20th.    The lucky winner will be announced by e-mail on December 21st and will have 48 hours to respond before another winner is draw. Good Luck!

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post and I was provided with the above mentioned  book 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.