Making Friends Monday

Welcome To Making Friends Monday Blog Hop 1/31/11
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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The Book of Potentially Catastrophic Science...Review & Giveaway

One of my four year olds wants to be a scientist.  He actually asked Santa to bring him a "potions kit" for Christmas which, of course, Santa left under the tree.  There is nothing quite like seeing your little four year old in a white lab coat mixing potions in beakers.  When my friends at Workman Publishing told me about their new book, The Book of Potentially Catastrophic Science:  50 Experiments For Daring Young Scientists by Sean Connolly I jumped at the chance to check it out.  I knew "A" would be ecstatic to get his hands on this one.


It’s never been more important to engage a child's scientific curiosity, and Sean Connolly knows just how to do it—with lively, hands-on, seemingly "dangerous" experiments that pop, ooze, crash, and teach! Now, the author of The Book of Totally Irresponsible Science, takes it one step further: He leads kids through the history of science, and then creates amazing yet simple experiments that demonstrate key scientific principles.


By letting kids stand on the shoulders of Aristotle, Newton, Einstein, the Wright brothers, Marie Curie, Darwin, Watson and Crick, and more, The Book of Potentially Catastrophic Science is an uncommonly engaging guide to science, and the great stories of the men and women behind the science.



Let's just say "A" was not a bit disappointed by this book.  While he is far younger than the suggested ages of grades 5-8 he was absolutely mesmerized by the fun experiments included in the book.  He was also interested in the stories included as well.  As a parent, I really felt like the "whys" were the best part of the book.  Sure, doing the experiments is great fun but teaching the children the science behind them is even better if you ask me.  For instance, most of us have probably heard of the creating sparks in the dark with your teeth and wint-o-green lifesavers candy trick but did you know this is a result of an energy collision that creates lightning in your mouth?  Me neither but now I do...and so does my son which is why I am a super fan of this book.

This treasure of a book is filled with experiments for you to do with your child as well as interesting stories about how things work and the talented men and women who discovered the theories.  Let's here is for a celebration of scientists past, present and future!  Pick up a copy today for your budding scientist today and get ready for some fun for the whole family...




I am thrilled to tell you that Workman Publishing is spreading the science love and giving TWO Reviewed By Mom readers copies of The Book of Potentially Catastrophic Science.  Thank you Workman Publishing for the great giveaway and for fostering the minds of young scientists!  Here is how to enter...

Mandatory Entry:  What was your take on science as a kid?  Why do you think that was?  I was not such a fan and I think it was because I was never presented with it in a fun way such as with experiments.  I think I have been having as much fun as my four year olds doing this hands on stuff!  Leave a comment below telling me your take.  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 (each may be done once daily)= 1 entry per each

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 February 8th.    The lucky winner will be announced by e-mail on February 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 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.

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ecandy Kindle Case...Review

I love reading.  I love books, books and more books.  I also love my Kindle.  My Kindle allows me to have more books on hand for those times when I just can't cart a bunch of books around easily.  The Kindle also allows me, a complete technological newbie to feel like a true techy.  I pull out my Kindle and I feel instantly transformed into some hipster (who cares that I don't know how to text and my cell phone is practically a bag phone!).  What I don't love about the Kindle is leaving it "naked".   My little gadget needs some protection before I toss it in the diaper bag/purse/glove compartment.  Enter ecandy Kindle Cases to make my cool new toy even cooler!

The ecandy Kindle case is made of 100% cotton and keeps your investment (those Kindles are pricey!) protected from damage.  I really love how the case is hand washable as well because, let's face it, life with kids (and without!) is messy.   I actually had a bit of a small coffee incident with my case (can't blame the kiddos for that one!) and I was able to wash it and it is as good as new.  Now, for how the case works...it actually zips into itself.  Cool, right?  I am sure I am not going to be able to eloquently explain this so here is the description from the ecandy website...

The ecandy® Case features a sturdy, truly reversible zipper expressly designed to zip close in two directions. This thoughtful detail means you don’t have to struggle with an ordinary zipper because the ecandy® Case is actually made to zip back onto itself and out of your way when you’re reading. When not in use, the ecandy® Kindle Case zips up into a stylishly discreet device you can take anywhere. Once you slip your Kindle into the four-point anchoring corners of the ecandy® Kindle Case, headphone, USB and charger ports are fully accessible so you’ll never have to take your Kindle out and risk damaging it. Other superior details include protective foam layers, front and back, and luxurious faux suede lining for a soft hand to cushion your Kindle and help guard against daily wear. ecandy® Kindle Case features the first stylish 100% cotton outer shell that’s fully hand washable. And, thanks to the convenient outer pocket you’ll never misplace your Kindle’s charger, USB cord or headset again. 

Isn't that clever?  Not only are you fully protecting your investment but you are doing it in style with fun prints.  I am also a HUGE fan of the outer pocket.  I am forever losing things and this pocket allows me to keep my charger and book light handy.  I not only feel like a techy these days but I an organized one at that.  A miracle!

You can pick up your own ecandy Kindle Case right on Amazon for just $29.95...


You can also stay up to date by checking out the ecandy website and following them on Facebook.  A great big thank you to the people of ecandy for making this Mom feel like the cool kid!

Disclosure:  I was provided with an ecandy Kindle Case for purpose of review.  The opinions expressed are my own and have not been edited by anyone.

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Happy Papertoy Monsters Day!! Review & Giveaway...

Today is the big day...it is Papertoy Monsters Day!!  Workman Publishing has declared today Papertoy Monsters Day in celebration of the fabulous book, Papertoy Monsters: Make Your Very Own Amazing Papertoys by Brian Castleforte.  I just got my hands on this book and it is already a big hit with A&W.

A breakthrough paper-folding book for kids—paper airplanes meet Origami meets Pokemon. Papertoys, the Internet phenomenon that’s hot among graphic designers and illustrators around the world, now comes to kids in the coolest new book. Created and curated by Brian Castleforte, a graphic designer and papertoy pioneer who rounded up 25 of the hottest papertoy designers from around the world (Indonesia, Japan, Australia, Italy, Croatia, Chile, even Jackson, Tennessee), Papertoy Monsters offers 50 fiendishly original die-cut designs that are ready to pop out, fold, and glue. The book interleaves card stock with paper stock for a unique craft package; the graphics are colorful and hip, combining the edginess of anime with the goofy fun of Uglydolls and other collectibles. Plus each character comes with its own back-story.

The recommended age for this book is 9 and up but my 4 year olds LOVE this.   Of course I am doing most of the creating (as I am a kid at heart this is fine by me!) but they adore the monsters they are creating.  The instructions are very straightforward and easy to follow and the characters you can create are absolutely delightful.  What the boys and I really love are the fun stories that go along with each characters which include their origins and special abilities.  A favorite right now?  Abagon from the French Polynesia who can fire breath and who is a master at the barbeque!


Papertoy Monsters are sure to please adults and children alike.  This book makes a perfect rainy or snowy day activity.  You can pick up your copy today on Amazon...





In celebration of Papertoy Monsters Day, Workman Publishing has some fun things you can do with the kiddos...



Make a Valentine's Papertoy Monster (free and ready to print and create!)
Watch a Papertoy Monster Video

Workman Publishing is giving one RBM reader a copy of Papertoy Monsters!  Here is how to enter...

Mandatory Entry:  Tell me something about the little monster you are trying to win this for.  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 Papertoy Monsters 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 Papertoy Monsters 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 (each can be done once daily)  = 1 entry per each

8.  Write a review of RBM on Alexa and let me know you have done so  = 3 entries 

9.  Comment on one of my non giveaway posts and let me know you have done so = 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 February 3rd.    The lucky winner will be announced by e-mail on February 4th and will have 48 hours to respond before another winner is chosen.  Good Luck!

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

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PupLight Review...

It is the time of year when darkness falls early.  To be honest, that is one of the reasons why winter is not my favorite season.  Well, that and the fact that it is currently 10 degrees (yes, literally 10 degrees) outside right now.  While I now trade after dinner walks with the kids with rousing Wii bowling competitions, if you have a dog you can't really nix those after dinner walks.  PupLight will make those trips easier and safer for you.  Read on...

PupLight is lighting the way for dog-lovers everywhere.   The powerful LED flashlight fits on your dog’s collar and is perfect for those evening walks. Not only are you and your dog safer, because you can be seen easily in the dark, but you’ll find it faster to do those nightly “doggy doo” clean up chores.  What’s more, you can locate your dog even off leash, because PupLight Illuminates 200 feet forward and 70 feet on either side.  

Other benefits of Puplight:

·         Makes you and your dog visible to traffic at night

·         Walkers with unfriendly dogs see you coming and move away avoiding unwanted confrontation

·         Frightens away wild animals – skunks, possums and coyotes

·         Helps many dogs with failing vision to see better

·         Lights your path so you can see a potential hazard to you or your dog

We no longer have a dog ourselves but my little doggy niece, Lola is an apartment dweller so I knew she needed her very own PupLight.  I couldn't have my little Lola out there unprotected!  Well, the PupLight worked like a charm.  The PupLight easily attached to her collar (it is adjustable for the best fit) and she did not even seemed bothered by which assured me it was 100% comfortable (if it was not she definitely would have made it known!).  It lit up the area around her and my brother-in-law giving them added visibility and safety.  In my opinion, this is a must for all dog owners. 

You can pick up a PupLight from their website for just $19.95

Disclosure:  I was given a PupLight for purpose of review.  No compensation was provided for this review and I have given my own, unedited opinions.

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CSN Stores Giveaway...

As you all already know, I am a big fan of CSN.  This website has pretty much everything a person could ever want and then some!  From a laptop messenger bag, to toys, to shoes to new sheets, CSN has it all.  Not only is the selection great but the customer service is fabulous as well. I have recently purchase a vacuum and a mixer from CSN and the customer service has been both quick and friendly.  I also love the one stop shopping aspect.  As a busy mom I don't have the time to go to 10 different stores (even for online shopping) so this is important to me.  If you are on the market for anything and I mean anything CSN more than likely has it so be sure to visit them first!

I am excited to tell you that CSN is giving one lucky RBM reader a $45 promotional code to use in any of their stores!!  Thanks CSN!  Here is how to enter...

Mandatory Entry: Visit CSN and tell me what you would likely spend your $45 on if you won.  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. Enter this giveaway into another giveaway linky on another blog or website. Then leave me the link to where you posted in the comments.  =1 entry

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

5.  Follow CSN Stores 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 (each can be done once daily)  = 1 entry per each

8.  Write a review of RBM on Alexa and let me know you have done so  = 3 entries 

9.  Comment on one of my non giveaway posts = 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 February 6th.    The lucky winner will be announced by e-mail on February 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.

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Making Friends Monday...

Welcome To Making Friends Monday Blog Hop 1/10/11
This Blog Hop is hosted by Living on Love and Cents, The Thrifty Things, Reviewed By Mom , and Coupons are Great.

<a href="http://www.livingonloveandcents.com/" mce_href="http://www.livingonloveandcents.com/"><img border="0" src="http://i406.photobucket.com/albums/pp142/happygirlivy/untitled-3-1.jpg" mce_src="http://i406.photobucket.com/albums/pp142/happygirlivy/untitled-3-1.jpg" /></a>

Thanks so much for stopping by Reviewed By Mom!  Please be sure to check out my current giveaways while you are here...

I See The Sun In Nepal

The Crabby Cook Cookbook

Mighty Machines

Yogi's Great Escape

Thomas & Friends Lion of Sodor

Fireman Sam:  Ready for Action

North American Bear Prize Pack

Also please by sure to visit Mom's Giveaway Mondays where you will find lots of giveaways from some other great blogs as well as a place to list your own.

Thanks again for stopping by and  please come back often for lots of fun reviews and great giveaways!

SPOTLIGHT/ GUEST HOST OF THE WEEK

This week's spotlight is The Knit Wit by Shair. This blog is #5 on the linky this week. Stop by and tell her hello! Here are some things she wanted to share.

I am the Mother of 3 young boys: 4, 2, and 10 months, and the wife to a wonderful, helpful, awesome hubby! I love to knit, sew, and blog. My oldest son has a speech delay that we are working on, and started school this year. My 2nd son refuses to potty train, but wants to go to school. The 3rd one is learning new things every day! This year I have decided to focus my energies on working on my blog and etsy shop, so that I can hopefully generate an income from home, as I am a SAHM, for the last 2 1/2 years. I love it very much! I enjoy promoting other people’s blogs, giveaways, and products. I also have a lot of giveaways, and am so excited to be hosting a huge Mother’s Day event, where we are trying to get as many bloggers involved as possible!

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!

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I SeeThe Sun In Nepal...Review & Giveaway!

I have a lovely book to tell you about today....I See The Sun In Nepal by Dedie King and Illustrated by Judith Inglese. This book takes you and your child on a journey of day to day life in Nepal. On your journey you will find many things that are different but at the core, life on the other side of the world is not so different when it comes to things like family and friends.

In I See the Sun in Nepal, readers follow a young girl as she spends the day in her village. After waking, she has a breakfast of chiura and tea made by her Ama. Following her chores, she goes to school and has a some time with her friends before going home to do more chores before supper. Then it is time for bed. The text is shown in both English and Nepalese.

I really enjoyed sharing this book with A&W. While they are definitely on the younger side of the recommended age (4-8), I really felt as if they got a better understanding of the larger world from reading I See The Sun In Nepal. The book has certainly sparked some interesting (and important!) conversations. Yes, the girl in the book plays with her friends like you do but her chores include picking oranges with her father and gathering eggs.  My boys are intrigued by the different names for family members used and by the look of the Nepalese language in print.  I enjoyed the glossary at the end of the book as well as some extra information village life in Nepal.

A&W asked me to show them Nepal on the map and this book really got the dialogue flowing about different cultures.  I really liked how the author pointed out both similarities and differences...perfect.  The illustrations were beautifully done as well, with drawings mixed in with photography.  So creative.  I am so excited too that this is part of series which already includes I See The Sun In China.  I See The Sun In Afghanistan is slated for a spring release and I can't wait to read it to A&W.  Let's hear it for teaching our children that, although the details of our lives may vary, deep down we are all the same.  Bravo to the I See The Sun Series!  Pick up your copy today...


One RBM reader will win a copy of I See The Sun In Nepal.  Here is how to enter...

Mandatory Entry: What country would you like to see the next book from "I See The Sun" series focus on?  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 Satya House 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 The Satya House 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 (each can be done once daily)  = 1 entry per each

8.  Write a review of RBM on Alexa and let me know you have done so  = 3 entries

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 February 2nd.    The lucky winner will be announced by e-mail on February 3rd and will have 48 hours to respond before another winner is chosen.  Good Luck!

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

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The Crabby Cook Cookbook...Review & Giveaway

I know I have shared with you all that I don't really LOVE to cook.  Even if I had more time on my hands I probably would not spend to spend those minute cooking (definitely not).  I do, however, realize that part of raising children requires you to do more than pour milk into cereal...at least some of the time.  When I had the opportunity to review The Crabby Cook Cookbook by Jessica Harper I was thrilled.  The title alone was enough for me to like it.  This was surely NOT going to be on of those overly complicated cookbooks destined to make me feel inadequate.

You may already know Jessica Harper. She is an award-winning actress-her movies include Pennies from Heaven, Stardust Memories, My Favorite Year, and Minority Report-and she is also a children's book author.  OK...if this woman can find time to cook so can I!  When I opened the book to read I was pleasantly surprised to find more than just recipes.  There are, of course, recipes (this IS a cookbook) but there is also a whole bunch of hilarious advice and snippets from Harper's life.  I was in stitches laughing over tales of her serving Richard Gere an "appalling" pot pie and about Oliver her "counter surfing" dog! 

In addition to the funny stories which make Jessica Harper completely relateable there are also recipes....135 of them.  The author touts them as "almost-effortless" and, hallelujah, they mostly are!  I promise that within the pages of this book you will find something delicious and EASY for everyone in your family. 

The Crabby Cook is about how to change your food-i-tude—no more garnish guilt, for example, and why “sort of homemade” is just as good as homemade (ie, knowing when to go all out with Pain-in-the-Ass Minestrone and when to settle for the almost-as-tasty Lazy-Ass Minestrone). It’s how to identify those Miracle Foods—the stuff that everyone loves, like Gobble-It-Up Turkey Chili and Tony’s Rigatoni. And even a whole survival guide—despite her HAS (hostess anxiety syndrome!!)—to entertaining, including drinks, Whore’s Doorves, Dip One and Dip Two, and My Big Fat Greek Platter.

Some of my favorite recipes?  What's Your Hurry Turkey, Killer Pumpkin Pancakes, My Favorite Chicken and Diana's Oatmeal Cookies.  From breakfast to dinner and everything in between Jessica Harper has you covered. Even if you LOVE to cook (will you invite me over??) you will still have fun with this book and find a bunch of recipes that will soon become favorites.  Pick up a copy for yourself and all the crabby cooks you know today...


Workman Publishing is giving on RBM reader a copy of The Crabby Cook Cookbook!  Here is how to enter...

Mandatory Entry:  OK....let's dish!  Leave a comment below telling me what makes YOU crabby about cooking.  For me the list is kind of long but at the top would be the timing factor.  Is there a special home economics class for this that I missed??  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 The Crabby Cook 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 The Crabby Cook 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 (each can be done once daily)  = 1 entry per each

8.  Write a review of RBM on Alexa and let me know you have done so  = 3 entries

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 31st.    The lucky winner will be announced by e-mail on February 1st and will have 48 hours to respond before another winner is chosen.  Good Luck!

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

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Thomas & Friends: Lion of Sodor....Review & Giveaway

Good news for all you Thomas fans (what parent is NOT a Thomas fan??)!  There is a new Thomas offering from Lionsgate and HIT Entertainment.  Read on...

Cinders & ashes!  Get ready for the big day as the Lion of Sodor visits Thomas and his engine friends in the all-new CG animated Thomas & Friends^™: The Lion of Sodor coming to DVD, Digital Download and On Demand December 7, 2010 from Lionsgate and HIT Entertainment. Hop on board as Thomas learns how to be a Really Useful Engine in these four episodes from the all-new CG animated TV series. Host Driver Perkins, who can ONLY be seen on DVD, engages children with interactive dialogue and extra fun!

Teaching timeless life lessons such as discovery, friendship and cooperation, the Thomas & Friends animated series invites children to enter a world of imagination through the tracks of a train and the words of a story. 

DVD SYNOPSIS

Join Thomas as he roars down the tracks with the most special delivery yet, The Lion of Sodor.  Thomas’ special delivery is not what he thinks it is - a real lion.  When the other trains try to tell him that it’s actually a statue, he is too excited to listen. Join Thomas as he learns the importance of listening to others in this lionhearted collection of tales from the tracks. 

Episodes include:

·                                         “Lion of Sodor”

·                                         “Thomas and the Pigs”

·                                         “Time for a Story”

·                                         “Hiro Helps Out”

Oh, how I love the message in this one....LISTENING!  This is a biggie in our house right now so I actually pull the Thomas card on them now as a reminder.  Thanks Thomas!!  Like all Thomas offerings, the episodes are full of positive messages along with enough adventure to keep your children interested.  Thomas & Friends really is quality television for children.  My guys always enjoy Thomas and his escapades and  Lion of Sodor is no exception!  Pick up your copy today...


Lionsgate and HIT Entertainment are giving one lucky RBM reader a copy of Thomas & Friends: Lion of Sodor!  Here is how to enter...

Mandatory Entry: Visit Thomas & Friends and tell me who is your child's favorite character.

For Extra Entries:

1.  Follow this blog= 1 entry

2.  Like Reviewed By Mom on Facebook =1 entry

3.  Like Thomas & Friends on Facebook =1 entry

4.  Like HIT Entertainment 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 HIT Entertainment 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 (each can be done once daily)  = 1 entry per each

9.  Write a review of RBM on Alexa and let me know you have done so  = 3 entries

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 30th.    The lucky winner will be announced by e-mail on January 31st and will have 48 hours to respond before another winner is chosen.  Good Luck!

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

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Yogi's Great Escape...Review & Giveaway

Spring is here and Yogi and Boo Boo wake up from hibernation only to find that some major changes have taken place while they slept the winter away. Jellystone Park is closing down! No more Jellystone Park means no more tourists, and that means no more picnic baskets to pilfer! Yogi, Boo Boo and their new friends, the bear cub triplets, take off in Yogi’s homemade getaway mobile – the Supercar – in search of a new home. All the while Ranger Smith, bounty hunter Trapper and his hound dog Yapper are hot on their tails! Some familiar cartoon faces make an appearance on this cross-country trip filled with fun, friends and famous American landmarks!

I grew up watching Yogi Bear.  Yogi and his little buddy, Boo-Boo were favorite characters of mine and I loved to watch the show.  I was so excited to have the opportunity to share Yogi's Great Escape with A&W this past weekend courtesy of Warner Bros.  I wondered though, would they love Yogi as much as I do or would he be too "old school" for my guys?  I popped in the DVD, snuggled up with my own two buddies and got ready for their reactions.

Well, let me tell you, Yogi did not disappoint me OR my boys.  All three of us were laughing the movie the whole way through.  I felt like a kid again giggling alongside A&W watching Yogi's crazy antics (will that crazy bear EVER tire of picnic baskets??).   I could feel the excitement of A&W as they worried about whether Jellystone Park would be saved.  They also relished the "bad guy" moments of Yogi's lookalike.  This is one we will watch over and over.  I love classic cartoons and it is so much fun to share a bit of my childhood with my own children.  Take a trip down memory lane with the kiddos (or without!!) and pick up a copy of Yogi's Great Escape here.

Warner Bros is giving one lucky RBM winner a copy of Yogi's Great Escape!  Here is how to enter...

Mandatory Entry:  You and your family are headed to Jellystone Park....what will Yogi find in your picnic basket?  Leave a comment telling me what Yogi and Boo Boo will be snacking on courtesy of your family.  You must complete this entry for any extras to be counted.

For Extra Entries:

1.  Follow this blog= 1 entry

2.  Like Reviewed By Mom on Facebook =1 entry
3. Like Yogi Bear 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.  Follow Warner Bros  on Twitter = 1 entry

7.  Blog, Tweet or Facebook about this giveaway & let me know where to find it (can be done once per day)= 1 entry per each

8. Write a review of my blog on Alexa and let me know you have done so = 3 entries

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 30th  The lucky winner will be announced by e-mail on January 31st 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 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 way for this review. The sponsor of this giveaway is responsible for prize fulfillment and shipping the winner(s) their prize.

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Mighty Machines Power Pack...Review & Giveaway

Like most children, my boys are entranced by trucks and machines...basically anything that is big, loud and moves!  They love it when I take the roundabout way to pre-school so we can pass the fire station and I am fairly sure the garbage man thinks we are stalkers.  Yes, my boys like to see big machines in action and when I discovered the series, Mighty Machines I became a Mama Superstar!

Mighty Machines is a series about machines and how they work.  This may sound dry but, let me tell you, with dialogue from the actual machines, it makes for super interesting television for young viewers.  My boys love this series and have learned so much about everything from garbage trucks to construction vehicles.  When NCircle Entertainment sent me Mighty Machines:  Power Pack to review I though A&W were going to fall over with excitement.  This four disc set includes the following Mighty Machine discs...

Diggers & Dozers:  Check out these three earth moving episodes: At the Construction Site, At the Demolition Site and At the Rock Quarry children will learn about building, blasting and crushing! It's all in a day's work for front-end loaders, diggers and dozers! Huge shovels dig foundations, a towering crane builds a skyscraper, dynamite sends a smokestack crumbling to the ground and a colossal crusher grinds up rock. So, grab your hard hat, and let's get rollin'!


Lights & Ladders:  In three city slick episodes: At the Fire House, At the Garbage Dump, and In the City children will learn that it takes a lot of work to keep a city running, but with these tough machines on the job, everything runs smoothly. Explore a real fire truck and see how it works. Find out where the garbage goes, and watch enormous tractors roll it into place. Follow street sweepers and tall tree trimmers as they keep the city clean and green.
 
Boats To The Rescue:  In three wave runnin' episodes: To the Rescue, Making Waves, and In the Harbor it's all hands on deck for an ocean adventure! The harbor is bustling with seafaring heroes of all types and sizes. Patrol the harbor with the police boat as he greets all his sea mates. Join Skipper and visit the enormous naval ships, ferry boats and cargo vessels that call the port home. Recover a "man overboard" with Sambro, the Coast Guard lifeboat, who performs daring rescues on the stormy sea! Zip up your life jacket and sail into fun!

Roadways To Runways:  Watch these three fast flyin' episodes: At the Airport, At the Racetrack, and On the Road you'll meet the machines that drive the highways and fly the skyways! Jet off to the airport and go behind the scenes as planes of all sizes prepare for takeoff! See what it takes to transport a race car to the track, and watch the crew get it ready to scream around the track on the big day! Fasten your seatbelts and hit the road with an 18-wheeler as it journeys on a long adventure! Rev up your engines and enjoy the ride!


Oh.  My.  Goodness.  This set is a great, big favorite over here.  Everything you could possibly ever want to know about just about any machine out there presented in a way sure to be a hit with any young child. My boys love every one of these discs and I would be hard pressed to have them pick a favorite.  I think W likes the fire trucks the best and A is a big fan of the boats.  I really love how the kids are learning about real life things they are drawn to.  To be honest, I think the Mighty Machine shows are pretty interesting too!  Now, when we stalk the garbage man each Friday we can show off our vast knowledge about his truck!

You really can't miss with Mighty Machines.  I think these have huge kid appeal and  this Power Pack is a great value at just $14.99 for 4 discs!!!  Snatch up this set today and earn major mommy points....




One lucky Reviewed By Mom reader will win a copy of Mighty Machines:  Power Pack thanks to NCircle!   Here is how to enter...


Mandatory Entry:  Visit NCirlce and check out the other Mighty Machine DVD's available for purchase.  Leave a comment telling me which one you think would appeal to the little one in your life the most.  You must complete this entry for any extras to be counted.

For Extra Entries:

1.  Follow this blog= 1 entry

2.  Like Reviewed By Mom on Facebook =1 entry
3. Like NCircle 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 NCircle on Twitter = 1 entry

7.  Blog, Tweet or Facebook about this giveaway & let me know where to find it (can be done once per day)= 1 entry per each

8.  Comment on one of my non giveaway posts and let me know you have done so = 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 30th  The lucky winner will be announced by e-mail on January 31st 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 DVD's 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 way for this review. The sponsor of this giveaway is responsible for prize fulfillment and shipping the winner(s) their prize.

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Amazon Gift Card Deal Alert!!

I an a HUGE Amazon fan.  From books to toys to my Kindle....Amazon is my go to place.  Today when I opened up my e-mail I had an e-mail from Living Social (fab, fab site which has daily deals!!!) and the deal of the day is a gift card to Amazon.com!  For $10 you can get a $20 Amazon.com gift card!!  Hooray!  To me this means 2 for the price of one new release Kindle books.  Or 4 Scooby Doo movies for A&W for the price of 2.  This list is endless.  Any way you shake it this is a fabulous deal and because it would be selfish to keep this to myself, here is the link....

Amazon Deal!

Happy Shopping!! Pin It

A New Dinosaur Train Episode!

Happy Monday All!  As I have posted before, I think Dinosaur Train is a fabulous show for children.  Educational + Interesting = Happy Kids & Moms!  I wanted to be sure to tell you about a new episode airing today, January 17th.  Here is the scoop...

In the all-new episode, “The Good Mom;” “Diamond Anniversary,” Mrs. Pteranodon meets fellow mom Millie Maiasaura, who is a little too over-protective of her kids. The two moms share some time comparing mothering methods in a play date at the Big Pond.  And, Mr. and Mrs. Pteranodon decide to surprise each other with gifts on their anniversary.
Regarding the first part of this all-new episode, “The Good Mom,” you might be interested to know that Maiasaura, meaning "good mother lizard", was a large duck-billed dinosaur that lived in North America during the Late Cretaceous. There is evidence that Maisaura lived in large nesting colonies and that the parents diligently cared for their young!

Hmm....overprotective mom?  Sounds familiar to me!  I know we will be tuning in for sure!  You can find times for your area here.  Enjoy the show! Pin It

Fireman Sam: Ready for Action...Review & Giveaway

A&W LOVE the show Fireman Sam.  It is an absolute favorite at our house and when they ask for a bit of screen time often it is for an episode of Fireman Sam.  This show is great.  The boys love the characters (especially the naughty Norman Price) and I love the great safety messages it sends.  Here is the lowdown on a new release, Fireman Sam:  Ready for Action, that we were just lucky enough to review...

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

Get ready for a firetruck-load of thrilling, high stakes adventure with everyone’s favorite flame-fighting hero, Fireman Sam^™ and his trusty fire brigade, in the all-new CG animated Fireman Sam: Ready for Action on DVD, Digital Download and On Demand December 28, 2010 from Lionsgate and HIT Entertainment. This action-packed tale helps future firefighters learn the importance of fire safety, avoiding accidents and following directions.  

Preschool favorite Fireman Sam, the only firefighter-themed children’s program, originally launched in the UK, made its U.S. debut on PBS KIDS Sprout^® in October 2006 and continues to air daily. 

DVD SYNOPSIS

Fireman Sam is ready for action in five exciting episodes!  The alarm has sounded and the Pontypandy crew is off to rescue their friends and others in need. From engine sparks and wild fireworks to water rescue and more, you won’t want to miss these adventures with your favorite hero!

Episodes:

• Going Out With A Bang
• Sticky Situation
• Best Foot Forward
• Hot Air
• Alarm on the Beach

On a recent night, the boys and I had a movie night and we snuggled up in my bed with this DVD.  The boys loved it!  The characters are fun and likable (love "Elvis" another firefighter who has sideburns!) and my boys really enjoy the excitement of each episode.  The episodes are only about 10 minutes each and I LOVE shows like this....they are the perfect little snippets of screen time.  Fireman Sam is a huge hit at our house and I would strongly recommend the show and this DVD.  You can pick up Fireman Sam:  Ready for Action on Amazon right now for only $7.99 (bargain!!) so hurry and order one today...


 Lionsgate & HIT Entertainment are giving one lucky RBM reader a copy of Fireman Sam:  Ready For Action!  Here is how to enter...

Mandatory Entry: Visit Fireman Sam and check out all the fun ideas they have for you to do with your children.  Tell me which one you might do with your child.  You must complete this entry for any extras to be counted.
For Extra Entries:

1.  Follow this blog= 1 entry

2.  Like Reviewed By Mom on Facebook =1 entry

3.  Like Fireman Sam on Facebook =1 entry

4.  Like HIT Entertainment 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 HIT Entertainment 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.  Comment on one of my non-giveaway posts and let me know you have done so = 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 27th.    The lucky winner will be announced by e-mail on January 28th and will have 48 hours to respond before another winner is chosen.  Good Luck!

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

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Making Friends Monday...

Welcome To Making Friends Monday Blog Hop 1/17/11
This Blog Hop is hosted by Living on Love and Cents,  The Thrifty Things,  Reviewed By Mom , and  Coupons are Great.


<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>

 SPOTLIGHT/ GUEST HOST OF THE WEEK

This week's spotlight is Slip Stitches and More This blog is #5 on the linky this week. Stop by and tell her hello! Here are some things she wanted to share.

Well, I'm a religious woman who is a sort of jack of all trades. Sewing is my main hobby of interest; however, I also love to crochet, knit, embroider and dibble and dabble in anything else that's crafty. My mother's love and passion for sewing and crafting is something she naturally shared with my siblings and me right from the beginning. So, by age 5 I was crocheting endless chains/tiny circles/rectangles, and knew how to thread and work my mom's old Singer sewing machine. Knitting came along a little later at age 9. I was too "cool" to sew and craft during my teenage years, but by age 20 I got back into it and the next 20 years has been history. I initially opened my blog to share my sewing and crafting journey with others as I travel around the globe with my wonderful hard working supportive husband. I use my blog as a platform to feature and display my crafty works and the crafty works of others as well.

I've learned a lot along the way and continue to learn new things so on my blog you will find a plethora of information such as sewing tips, tutorials, video tutorials, advice, sewing pattern reviews, book reviews, My Etsy shop (SBB1 HANDMADE), tidbits about my life I call "SEWcializing" and whatever else I can continue to share to keep those who stop by enlightened, entertained and motivated. Hope you guys will enjoy what I have to share and I look forward to following all of you.
 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!

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Peace And Plenty by Sarah Ban Breathnach...Review & Giveaway

On top of the sugar hangovers that the holidays bring there are also those pesky credit card bills that show up in January.  Even in the best of times, holiday spending can be a hardship come January and now with times so tough for so many it is even more challenging to get back on our feet.  I think most of the population is feeling the strain of the economy these days which is why, I think, the timing is perfect for a new book by Sarah Ban Breathnach (the author of the wildly popular Simple Abundance)....Peace And Plenty:   Finding Your Path To Financial Security.


"When money is plentiful, this is a man's world. When money is scarce, it is a woman's world." Unearthed in a 1932 Ladies Home Journal, this quote is the call to arms that begins PEACE AND PLENTY, Sarah Ban Breathnach's answer to the world's-- and her own personal-- financial crisis. As only Ban Breathnach can, she culls together this compendium of advice, deeply personal anecdotes, and excerpts from magazines, books, and newspapers-- particularly those of the Great Depression-- to inspire readers who are mired in today's financial difficulties.

Focusing on her own personal path, Sarah Ban Breathnach will relate never-before revealed details about how she fell from the financial top to the bottom. Readers will immediately see how deeply she understands the plight of those trying to maintain a happy and comfortable home, while at the same time not even knowing if they will be able to make the mortgage to keep that home.

Sarah has proved to be the voice of comfort for years to women who are spiritually bankrupt, and now she will reach to those who are financially strapped, showing them how to pull themselves out of their psychic and fiscal crises while providing deep comfort and reassurance throughout.


I think this is a must read for any woman trying to get their finances in order.  Peace And Plenty gives sound advice from someone who has been there.  It is a comfort to know that you are not alone and taking advice from someone who has had her own struggles is far easier (in my opinion) than from someone who has never known a minute of financial hardship.  On top of giving sound financial advice the author gives her personal story too making it easier to relate her tips to your own life.  Do yourself a favor this year...pick up a copy of Peace And Plenty and get some great tips on how to have a more financially comfortable future. 




Hachette Book Group is giving THREE lucky RBM readers a copy of Peace And Plenty!  Here is how to enter...

Mandatory Entry:  Leave a comment telling me what you hope to gain from this book.  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 (you may do each once per day) = 1 entry per each

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

9.  Visit the authors website and leave a comment telling me something you learned about her or the book = 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 22nd.    The lucky winner will be announced by e-mail on January 23rd and will have 48 hours to respond before another winner is chosen .  Good Luck!

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post and I was provided with a copy of the above 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.

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North American Bear Company....

I have a fabulous company to tell you about today....North American Bear Co.  Have you heard about them before? Don't be fooled by the name...this is not a company who makes only bears.  Although they do manufacture absolutely adorable teddy bears they also make a wide range of dolls, dress-up items and other playthings.  I am drooling over about 50 things right now!  Before I get into the items I was lucky enough to be able to share with my kiddos here is a little bit about the company...

Nearly 30 years ago, North American Bear Company began as a creative business enterprise of a new mother, Barbara Isenberg, starting a family in New York City in the mid-1970’s. Her desire to find a teddy bear with the nostalgic charm of an antique toy and a contemporary sense of whimsy for her own small son prompted the start of a toy company creating unique, high quality plush bears that would appeal to both children and adults alike.

You all know how I love a Mom and/or Dad company so I was already taken by their start before I got my hands on some of their products.   When their products arrived was when I became 100% smitten with the company!

North American Bear sent me three of their wonderful products and I am happy to be able to give the you scoop on each one...

The Secret Pocket Cape

Satin cape with velcro closure, 4 inside pockets for favorite trinkets (not included), and clear vinyl shield back pocket to display cape insignia or child's own artwork (3 cape inserts included). Fits most children 3+.

This cape is a huge favorite with me.  It is not your average super hero cape...not one bit!  Those secret pockets really set it apart.  Those little pockets allow your super hero, magician, fairy (etc..etc...) to really expand upon their play by offering fun little hidey holes for all their necessities.   I also love the back pocket where your child can make their cape their own and can change it as quickly as their imaginations take them.  This cape was such a hit with me that when I had my first assignment for a local magazine I chose to write about this (read more here). 


Little Princess Angel

Lovably sweet in soft velboa with embroidered facial features, ribbon accent and attached tricot wings. Soft doll is a keepsake first friend for baby.

Baby R is WILD about her Little Princess Angel (we have the brunette but you can also get her in tan or blonde).  This little doll is so incredibly, velvety soft...just dreamy.  Baby R loves to snuggle up with her and carry her around lovingly.   This would make an excellent new baby gift!

 Big Mouth Dinosaur

Innovative design in soft velboa with stomach full of removable prehistoric surprises (caveman, club, dinosaur egg, palm tree) that pull out thru the mouth. Irresistible boy appeal!

This is such a creative toy!  All children love stuffed animals but this stuffed dinosaur is much more than a friend for cuddling.  Because he is packed with all kinds of "goodies" he is the perfect travel companion.   This guy is great for imaginative play and my guys love to snuggle with him as well as make him rule their very own pre-historic worlds!  Big Mouth Dinosaur is made of that same velvety soft material of Baby R's Little Princess Angel and can be MACHINE WASHED (yippeee!!).  This one is a great birthday gift for all the little boys on your list.

I loved each of the three products I tested out from North American Bear Company.  The quality was amazing, the designs incredibly creative and the fun factor was off the charts.  They have been officially added to my list of favorites.  I am already making a list for Easter goodies for the kiddos (check out the Topsy Turvy Dolls...love them!).


I am so excited to tell you that North American Bear Co is giving one lucky RBM reader ALL OF THE ITEMS I RECEIVED!  You will win the Secret Pocket Cape, Big Mouth Dinosaur and Little Princess Angel...a $95 value!  Thank you to North American Bear for their amazing products and for allowing me to share them with you all!   Here is how to enter...


Mandatory Entry:  Visit North American Bear Co. and check out their selection of adorable play things.  Leave a comment telling me which is your favorite.  You must complete this entry for any extras to be counted.

For Extra Entries:

1.  Follow this blog= 1 entry

2.  Like Reviewed By Mom on Facebook =1 entry
3. Like North American Bear Co 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 North American Bear on Twitter = 1 entry

7.  Blog, Tweet or Facebook about this giveaway & let me know where to find it (can tweet or facebook once per day and each counts as one entry) = 1 entry per each per day

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 26th  The lucky winner will be announced by e-mail on January 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 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 way for this review. The sponsor of this giveaway is responsible for prize fulfillment and shipping the winner(s) their prize.

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