Making Friends Monday...

Welcome To Making Friends Monday Blog Hop 2/28/11
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.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></center>

Shaun the Sheep: Spring Shenanigans...Review & Giveaway!

Good News Shaun the Sheep fans!  There is a new Shaun the Sheep out just in time for spring....Shaun the Sheep:  Spring Shena-a-anigans!  A&W really love this silly show.  It is goofy at its' finest with slapstick humor and zany antics from the barnyard.  The boys spend entire episodes laughing.  There is no talking in Shaun the Sheep...just silliness and the kids LOVE IT!  I really like that the episodes are short little snippets so you can pop one episode in and have enough time to unload the dishwasher and slug down a cup of coffee...perfect!  Here is the what you can expect from this latest title...


   DVD SYNOPSIS:

Spring with excitement and jump with joy, because Shaun the Sheep is back for more wild adventures from the Oscar^®-winning creators of Wallace & Gromit. Fun on the farm with Shaun and his barnyard buddies springs to life, from bouncing sheep and a super-sized Timmy to bagpipe buddies and a short-sighted farmer, there’s no limit to the wild things these animals will do. So hop along with Shaun, Bitzer, Shirley, Timmy and those Naughty Pigs next door in some sheep-herding mayhem that’s sure to give you a lift! 

 Episodes include:

• “Spring Lamb” - It’s bath time for a reluctant Timmy. In trying to escape, Timmy gets a spring attached to his tail. It’s up to the flock to catch the bouncing baby sheep and return him to the tub before he destroys the farm.

• “Supersize Timmy” - Timmy accidentally eats a tomato grown with “Miracle-Grow” fertilizer and expands to become the King Kong of sheep. Shaun must keep the giant toddler out of sight while trying to figure out how to return him to normal size.

• “Bagpipe Buddy” - The sheep discover a set of bagpipes on the rubbish dump which they immediately misidentify as a sick emu. They set about trying to nurse it back to health before releasing it back into the wild.

• “Cheetah Cheater” - A wildlife film inspires Pidsley the cat to play a prank on the flock by disguising himself as a leopard. Shaun is convinced there is a huge beast on the loose and concocts a plan to catch it.

• “Lock Out” - While preparing for bed, the Farmer manages to lock himself out of the house and is stuck outside in his pajamas. He decides to spend the night in the barn but his incessant snoring drives the flock mad. Shaun heads up an operation to return him to his bed without waking him up.

• “Draw the Line” - The flock hijack a road line-painting machine and cause chaos while creating giant works of art in the field.

• “Ewe’ve Been Framed” - When Shaun accidentally breaks the farmer’s glasses, he and Bitzer have their work cut out trying to prevent their short-sighted master from having mishaps around the farm.  Things get a little hair-raising for the flock before Shaun manages to replace the smashed up spectacles.

DVD BONUS FEATURES

·        Sheep-Shearing Game

·        Timmy Time Bonus Episode: Timmy’s Plane

·        Timmy’s Tune #2

You really can't miss with Shaun the Sheep if you are looking for great big laughs.  Spring Shena-a-anigans is

no exception and it has been a great addition to our movie collection. "Lock Out" seems to be the crowd favorite because my boys love to watch the antics of the farmer!  You can pick up Shaun the Sheep today on Amazon...

Lionsgate and HIT Entertainment is giving one lucky RBM reader a copy of this fun DVD!  Here is how to enter...

Mandatory Entry: Visit Shaun the Sheeps website and tell me who your child's favorite member of the gang is (or who you think it will be).  You must complete this entry for all extras to be counted.

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

6.  Follow Reviewed By Mom on Twitter = 1 entry
7.  Blog, Tweet or Facebook about this giveaway & let me know where to find it = 1 entry per each (each can be done daily).
8.  Like Shaun the Sheep on Facebook= 1 entry
9.  Enter this giveaway in a giveaway linky and leave a link to where you have done so = 2 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 March 6th.    The lucky winner will be announced by e-mail on March 7th 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 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 other way for this review. The sponsor of this giveaway is responsible for prize fulfillment and shipping the winner(s) their prize.

TCM's 31 Days of Oscar...Giveaway!

Remember my post the other day about TCM's 31 Days of Oscar?  Have you been watching??  I don't know about you but I have been loving this!  I have been able to check out so many fantastic movies.   In case you missed my earlier post (how could you??).  Here is what is happening...

Turner Classic Movies (TCM) is getting trivial with its annual 31 DAYS OF OSCAR^® festival in February.  The 2011 edition of the month-long event will feature more than 340 Academy Award^®-nominated and winning movies, scheduled in trivia-inspired marathons.  In addition, each night will feature a Best Picture Oscar winner at 10 p.m. (ET).

What a great way to see quality movies and to prepare for the upcoming Oscars! Check out this interactive schedule to see what is in store...



I am so excited to tell you that TCM is giving TWO lucky RBM readers a copy of an amazing past Oscar winner....Doctor Zhivago (a 1965 winner!).  This is a great, classic movie to add to your collection.  Thanks TCM!!  Here is how to enter..

Mandatory Entry:  Leave a comment below answering the following trivia question:  Who played Dr. Zhivago on this 1965 epic film based on the novel "Doctor Zhivago" by Boris Pasternak?

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 TCM on Facebook=1 entry

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

5.  Enter this giveaway in a giveaway linky and let me know where = 1 entry per additional linky

6.  Follow TCM 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 (for Twitter use this tag...#31daysofoscar).

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 March 3rd.    The lucky winner will be announced by e-mail on March 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 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.

Action Pack 4 DVD Set...Review & Giveaway!

On February 1st Lionsgate and HIT Entertainment released a wonderful 4 DVD set called Action Packed.  This is the ultimate gift for the little boys in your life!!  A&W went bananas over this one!  Check out what is included (for under $20!!!!)...

DVDs included:

Thomas & Friends: Steamies vs. Diesels: On the Island of Sodor, two kinds of engines help keep Sir Topham Hatt’s railway running smoothly – Steamies and Diesels. But is the Island big enough for both? It’s not always easy for these engines to put aside their differences and work together. Will Thomas come to their aid when they need this Really Useful Steamie’s help? Get on board with the Steamies and the Diesels and see how they finally learn that, from brake pipe to buffer, all engines are more alike than not.

Bonus Features: “Steamie Stumpers” Trivia Game • “Sodor Sounds” • “Steamie or Diesel?” DVD Game • “Friend Facts” • Songs & More • Web Fun

Thomas & Friends: Track Stars: The Island of Sodor is always bustling with trainloads of work to be done, and keeping it all on track are the engine heroes! Can Thomas slow down? Will Emily deliver her passengers? Has Percy made a big mistake? Is anyone as bright as James? Find out as Sodor’s track stars ride the rails to adventure!

Bonus Features: Read-Along • Sing-Along • “Sodor Activity Depot” DVD-ROM • Character Gallery • HIT Extras • “James’ Colors of Sodor” • “Thomas’ A-Mazing Adventure”

Bob the Builder: Heavy Duty Diggers: Bob and the team are hard at work in their new location in Harbor Town where Lofty leads the construction of a new ocean pier and transforms an old shack into a surf school. Scratch is digging his way into all sorts of adventures with Scoop at the museum, and Scrambler attempts to build a tree house at the school by himself. So grab your hard hat and get ready to find out why the fun is in getting it done!

Bonus Feature: “Ready, Steady, Build!” Music Video

Fireman Sam: Help Is Here: Join Fireman Sam and his friends as they make courageous rescues throughout the town of Pontypandy. Fireman Sam saves the supermarket on Fire Prevention Day, helps the rescue dogs find missing people, shares important safety tips, and makes a daring helicopter rescue in the midst of a forest fire. Fireman Sam is here to help you learn about fire safety, teamwork and having fun with your friends

All four of these DVD's were a big hit with my boys.  Thomas, Bob and Sam all in the same gift pack??  Sign us up!  The favorite was Fireman Sam because firemen are where it is at our house these days.  We have watched that one over and over (and over and over!) again.  These three characters are some of the boys favorites and Thomas, Bob the Builder and Fireman Sam are shows that I feel good about letting them watch.  There is plenty of action for them but also included are healthy doses of teamwork, sharing and friendship...a perfect balance!  Did I mention this retails for just $19.98??  This would make an excellent birthday gift or Easter basket addition.  Pick one up for the boys on your list today!

One lucky RBM reader will win their own Action Pack 4 DVD Set thanks to Lionsgate and HIT Entertainment.  Here is how to enter...

Mandatory Entry: Leave a comment below telling me which DVD you think the child in our life would enjoy the most from this 4 DVD set.  You must complete this entry for any others to be counted.

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 March 3rd.    The lucky winner will be announced by e-mail on March 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 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.

Making Friends Monday...

Welcome To Making Friends Monday Blog Hop 2/21/11
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.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></center>

SPOTLIGHT/ GUEST HOST OF THE WEEK

This week's spotlight is Veronica from The Chickenista . This blog is #5 on the linky this week. Stop by and tell her hello! Here are a few things she wanted to share.
I'm Wifie to the luckiest man on earth {ha ha ha }, a Mama to 4 maniacs, I mean kiddos, 3 boys and our little princess, {who if you've seen her you tube videos, or read my Mama blog, is more diva than princess.}, and I'm a confirmed 'drama queen'. Seriously, I blog all about my panic and anxiety disorder over at my personal blog. :) I don't leave anywhere without my "chill pills". I love blogging. {I have 3 blogs so I must right?!} It's brought soo many wonderful people into my life. Reviewing is just another way to hear myself talk. Seriously though, I do love trying new things and then sharing it. I've done that way before I had a blog. When I find something that helps my day out, I want to share it with other Mamas, so their day is better. Like I say on my blog, "If I can find me a product that can save me 15 minutes, to me that's a nap. If I can save $15, that's a pizza and I can take the night off!" Because isn't that really what all us Mamas want...naps! I love anything artsy fartsy. If I have no clue how do something, I obsess about it until I get it. That's me in a nutshell :)
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!

get the InLinkz code

TCM's 31 Days of Oscar...Upcoming Giveaway!

If you are anything like me you are probably getting excited to watch the Oscars.  In preparation Turner Class Movies is hosting the 31 Days of Oscar.  Read on...

Turner Classic Movies (TCM) is getting trivial with its annual 31 DAYS OF OSCAR^® festival in February.  The 2011 edition of the month-long event will feature more than 340 Academy Award^®-nominated and winning movies, scheduled in trivia-inspired marathons.  In addition, each night will feature a Best Picture Oscar winner at 10 p.m. (ET).

TCM host Robert Osborne, who is also the official biographer of the Academy Awards and the Academy’s red carpet greeter, will host 31 DAYS OF OSCAR, which will mark its 17^th year on Turner Classic Movies.  The 2011 edition will feature several high-profile films making their debuts on TCM, including three Best Picture winners: Cavalcade (1933), Amadeus (1984) and Forrest Gump (1994).  The month also includes the TCM debuts of the blockbusters Pretty Woman (1990) and Thelma & Louise (1991), as well as outstanding dramas like Hugh Hudson’s Greystoke: The Legend of Tarzan, Lord of the Apes (1984), Hector Babenco’s Kiss of the Spider Woman (1985), Spike Lee’s Do the Right Thing (1989) and Michael Mann’s Ali (2001).

Several excellent actress showcases are planned for TCM for the first time, including Janet Gaynor in Street Angel (1928), Ingrid Bergman in Joan of Arc (1948) and The Inn of the Sixth Happiness (1958), Marilyn Monroe in Bus Stop (1956), Julie Andrews in Star! (1968) and Cathy Burns in Last Summer  Also, such international classics as Hiroshi Teshigahara’s Woman in the Dunes (1964), Constantine Costa-Gavras’ Z (1969), Jean-Charles Tacchella’s Cousin, Cousine (1975), Jean-Paul Rappeneau’s Cyrano de Bergerac (1990) and Krzysztof Kieslowski’s Three Colors: Red (1994) will come to TCM for the first time. (1969).

Among the month’s many interesting marathons are a collection of films starring Jack Nicholson, the most nominated performer of all time; four films that received nominations in all four acting categories; an entire day featuring all ten Best Picture nominees for Hollywood’s Golden Year, 1939, including Gone with the Wind and The Wizard of Oz; a day of romantic comedies on Valentine’s Day; a night of Oscar firsts; a slate of films that earned Best Director nominations but failed to earn Best Picture nods; and a night of films that earned participants posthumous nominations.

The Academy Awards for outstanding film achievements of 2010 will be presented live on Sunday, Feb. 27, 2011, at the Kodak Theatre at Hollywood & Highland Center^® and televised live by the ABC Television Network.  The Oscar presentation also will be televised live in more than 200 countries worldwide.

Isn't this great??  I have already been tuning in.  Turner Classic Movies is sponsoring a giveaway this coming Thursday on Reviewed By Mom so be sure to check back then because 2 readers will win a copy of a very popular Oscar winning film!!  Any guesses?

Sid's Sing Along...Review & Giveaway!

I know I have mentioned that "A" is a big science buff.  At just four years old he has decided (with 100% certainty!) that he is going to be a scientist.  He is pretty much obsessed with all things science and I am all for that especially since I struggled (ahem...A LOT!) with this particular subject.  A very popular television show in our house these days is Sid the Science Kid.  Sid is that cute kid from PBS who loves science.  The show features episodes helping kids foster a love of science and discovery.  I love it, the kids love it and I was so excited when I was contacted by NCircle to review a new release, Sid's Sing Along.  Here's the scoop...

Sid wonders what he could possibly do on his day off from school.  But when all of his friends come over for a play date, they quickly put their science minds together and decide to put on a show in the backyard!  They each take turns rocking out as they sing their favorite science songs for a very appreciative audience of Mom, Dad, and Zeke!

A&W loved this show and even Baby R got into it because of all the singing.  The DVD contains 2 episodes one of which is almost entirely singing....love it!  The kids are home from school so the episode takes place at home rather than at school which was a nice switch.  The songs the kids preform are all about science and are fun and catchy and all three kids and I thoroughly enjoyed it.  I especially liked watching the baby boogie away to a song about weather.  The second episode is more of a typical Sid episode at school and the kids enjoyed that one as well (as they do all things Sid!).

You really can't go wrong with Sid the Science Kid and Sid's Sing Along is a hit in our home and I am sure it will be in yours as well.  Now for the part that is going to blow your mind...this DVD is less than $7!!  Now THAT is a bargain!  Sid's Sing Along will be available for purchase on February 22nd (this coming Tuesday) at Toys “R” Us, Walmart, Kmart, Amazon, and also on www.ncircleentertainment.com.

NCircle is giving on lucky Reviewed By Mom reader a copy of Sid's Sing Along.  Here is how to enter...

Mandatory Entry: Visit NCircle's Website and check out the great coloring pages they have available for printing.  Leave a comment telling me which is your favorite. You must complete this entry for all others to count.

For extra entries:
1. Follow this Blog = 1 entry
2. Follow NCircle on Twitter = 1 entry
3. Follow Reviewed By Mom on Twitter = 1 entry
4. Like Reviewed By Mom on Facebook=1 entry
5. Like NCircle on Facebook = 1 entry
6.  Enter one of my other giveaways and let me know you have done so = 1 entry
7.  Tweet, Facebook or blog about this giveaway & let me know where I can find it = 1 entry
8.  Put my button on your blog and let me know where I can find it = 1 entry

Please leave a separate comment for each entry don't forget to leave your email so I can notify you if you win.   This contest is open to residents of US over 18 years old and will close on March 4th at midnight.  The winner will be notified by e-mail on March 5th 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 Sid's Sing Along 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.

Brownie Groundhog and the February Fox...Review & Giveaway

The kids and I have been reading the most darling book over the past couple of weeks and it has been simply perfect for this time of year...Brownie Groundhog and the February Fox by Susan Blackaby.  This book is just what we all need to get us through the long winter.

Happy Groundhog Day! But when Brownie steps outside, there's not even the slightest sign of spring--just her shadow, a frosty field, and a hungry fox who wants to munch her for lunch. Determined not to become a meal, Brownie finds a clever and tasty way to melt the ice and turn Fox into a friend…and make the wait for winter's end a little warmer. 

A&W really do love this book and so do I.  All three of us are, like Brownie, ready for spring to be here so we can relate!  My boys were transfixed by the idea of furry little Brownie being eaten by a naughty fox.  They listened with great anticipation as Brownie found ways to tire out the fox (ice skating anyone??) so the fox would be too tired to eat him.  I loved how Brownie even managed to befriend the fox...genius.  I think it must be the power of hot cocoa and cinnamon toast that won over that naughty fox!  The illustrations, done by Carmen Segovia are very well done as well and bring the characters right to live and manage to depict winter in an appealing way (even to this Northerner who is tired of snow!).

Just a note about the title....while it does talk about Groundhog Day this book is an excellent read for the entire (loooooong) winter season.  Happy Reading.  You can pick up a copy on Amazon today...













I am thrilled to let you know that my friends at Sterling are giving one RBM reader a copy of Brownie Groundhog and the February Fox!  Here is how to enter...


Mandatory Entry: Leave a comment below about  how you and your children beat cabin fever this time of year.  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 one of my other giveaways & let me know you have done so = 1 entry per giveaway entered.

4.  Enter this giveaway in a giveaway linky and let me know where = 1 entry per additional linky

5.  FollowSterling on Twitter = 1 entry

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

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

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 March 3rd.    The lucky winner will be announced by e-mail on March 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.

Happy Birthday To Me!

It just occurred to me that Reviewed By Mom had a birthday on February 6th and I let it pass by without any big shindig.  Boo to me!  Thank you so much readers for making my site so much fun to write and for taking the time to read.  It is a pleasure to share such fun (and sometimes not so fun!!) products with you all.  I thought it would be fun to, in celebration of my 1st birthday, to run my very first RBM post.  We can call it a re-introduction! 

Who Am I?


By definition I am a stay-at-home Mom. Before I became a stay-at-home Mom I figured the job description was fairly simple...take care of the kids. Now that I am living the life of a "SAHM" I have learned that my job description includes, but is not limited to, the following:


chauffeur, chef, house cleaner, stylist, hair dresser, aerobics instructor, singer, photographer, monster police, boo-boo kisser, hazardous materials remover, artist and product tester.


The last of the above descriptions is what ultimately led me here, to "Reviewed By Mom". Throughout the day I am exposed to a constant barrage of products aimed at Mom's and their children. There are toys, books, videos, equipment and even foods tailored to the needs of babies and children. What is a Mom to do when faced with all these choices? For me it has been lots of trial and error. There are things I love and couldn't have survived without and some things that even seemed to make life harder. My goal, with this website, is to share what worked for me and to warn you about those toys that fell apart in five minutes.


I am certainly NOT claiming to be an expert but, three kids in three years has given me lots of experience in the kiddie product arena. If it says "new" I am drawn to it like a bee to honey often to be disillusioned by that snazzy packaging! Hopefully, I can save you some trouble and help you find some things to make life easier for yourself or the Mom in your life.

Progresso Souper You Debut Review & Giveaway...

I am a soup kind of gal.  I live in the Northeast so maybe it is the cold temperatures but, whatever the reason, nothing beats a hot bowl of soup.  Bonus points are earned if the soup is actually good for you and I just about turn cartwheels if it tastes good too.  The other day I was souper (I couldn't resist!) excited to receive a souper (ok, ok, I will stop) Progresso package from My Blog Spark.  Not only did I receive 5 cans of Progresso's 100 calorie or less soups but also a yoga mat, water bottle, set of aerobic bands, sport headband and two sport wristbands.  Hello healthy!  What a nice (and much needed!) treat.

I do try and eat healthy but I am a girl who tends to fall off the healthy eating wagon regularly.  I feel like Progresso might just help me stick to it this time (at least for a longer stint!).  Their soups are SERIOUSLY delicious.  The Pot Roast one is delicious and I had to keep reminding myself that it had less than 100 calories per serving.  It is really that good.

Progresso has a fun contest going on right now that I wanted to share with you...

Available in 40 delicious flavors with 100 calories or less, Progresso® Soup can help curb your hunger, making it easier for you to stick to your weight management plan all year long. With hearty ingredients like pasta, beans, corn and rice, and flavor-packed vegetables like tomatoes, carrots, and peppers, Progresso Soup varieties with 100 calories or less offer a good source of fiber and a full serving of vegetables.

To help kick off a new outlook on the New Year, Progresso is excited to announce the return of the "Souper You™ Debut" contest! From January 3rd through March 16th, you can visit Progresso on Facebook to enter for the chance to win a full makeover in New York City.

Three grand prize winners will be awarded a trip for two to New York City from May 20th-22nd. The prize includes roundtrip airfare, a two-night stay in an NYC hotel, a full makeover, a guided wardrobe shopping spree with a personal consultation at a New York City department store, and $1,000 in spending money.

To enter, you’ll need to do the following: Once the 10 finalists are announced, you can visit Progresso on Facebook from March 30th through April 13th to vote for your favorite.

Visit the Facebook page to download a coupon for $1.00 off four (4) cans of Progresso Soup and to check out makeover videos provided by MyStyle.com and the Style Network. Be sure to also "Follow" Progresso on Twitter to keep up with the latest news from Progresso.

• Go to Progresso on Facebook to learn more and enter the contest
• Submit your essay (200 characters or less) telling Progresso why you love their soups that contain 100 calories or less, and why you deserve a chance to win a trip to NYC for a full fashion overhaul
• In addition, please submit a photo of yourself that visually reinforces the theme of your essay

Fun, right?  I wish you all luck but I am really hoping for one of those winning slots.  This mom needs a makeover!

To celebrate their Souper You Debut, Progresso is giving on RBM reader a VIP coupon for a free can of Progresso soup, as well as a yoga mat, water bottle, set of aerobic bands, sport headband and two sport wristbands!  Thanks Progresso!

Here is how to enter...

Mandatory Entry:  Check out the Progresso site and leave a comment telling me which soup you would most like to try.  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 Progresso on Facebook=1 entry

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

5.  Enter this giveaway in a giveaway linky and let me know where = 1 entry per additional linky

6.  Follow Progresso 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 March 2nd.    The lucky winner will be announced by e-mail on March 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 products  for purpose of review. The product, prize pack, information, online coupon and giveaway were all provided by Progresso through MyBlogSpark. 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.

Bendaroos...Review & Giveaway!

A&W really love crafting.  Each day I try and fit in a little bit of something creative like painting, coloring with markers or play-doh.  I love to give them new things to help them to get those creative juices flowing.  I especially like it when those things are, ahem, less on the messy side. I like to see my kids happy (of course!!) but I can only face a destroyed play area some many times per day!  When I had the opportunity to test out Bendaroos with the boys I couldn't wait...these looked fun and creative AND mess-free.  Yippee!


For those of you who have not seen Bendaroos they are "amazing, flexible building sticks".   Here is the claim...


Bendaroos Magic Wax Super String are tons of fun, hours of pleasure and kids never get bored because there always more new and fun things to do with Bendaroos! Super durable and easy to use Bendaroos can do just about anything. Create your favorite animal boat or bridge. Transform ordinary items in cool things a space ships or treasure chest. It's endless what your can do with Bendaroos. Decorate a vase a frame or make a picture on the window them just remove it! No glue no stains no mess! Kids love Bendaroos and so will you.

Sign us up!  A,W and I could not wait to give these us a try.  We received the new Sponge Bob pack to try out and one weekday morning before school  we sat down to create.  The kit includes the following...

• 300 Bendaroos® Building Sticks!
• Includes Bendaroos® Fun Guide & Traceable Templates
• Includes Bikini Bottom Playmat


Bendaroos are simply waxy sticks.  The bend easily into shapes and can be straightened out again.  I though A&W would be way into making some of the Sponge Bob characters (I have deemed Sponge Bob naughty in our house which makes him  somehow more appealing...go figure!).  I set about using the directions to make some of the characters and I thought the boys would follow suit but this was not the case.  They started sculpted and building their own creations with the huge variety of colored sticks.  I loved this!  I think if the boys were a little older they would have been more into trying to create the sculptures from the templates (I had fun with this part!!) but when faced with a pile of Bendaroos in fun colors they let their imaginations run wild making fun sculptures and shapes with all their favorite colors.  They particularly loved making shapes on our sliding glass doors and we have quite an art gallery on display right now. 


My verdict?  The kids had so much fun creating with Bendaroos!  While I think they were a little young to follow the templates I think this aspect would be great fun for older children.  As a parent I loved the amount of creativity they allowed the kids, the mess-free aspect (woo-hoo!) as well as the fact that they are reusable.  Bendaroos earn a big thumbs up from me and have earned a reoccurring role in our craft rotation!  You can purchase Bendaroos here.
 


One lucky RBM reader will win a SpongeBob Squarepants Bendaroos Kit!  Here is how to enter...



Mandatory Entry:  Check out the Bendaroos site and leave a comment with another fun product you would like to try.  Next on our list is the Glow in the Dark set!  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 Bendaroos 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 Bendaroos on Twitter = 1 entry

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

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

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 February 26th.    The lucky winner will be announced by e-mail on February 27th 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 Bendaroos kit for purpose of review.  The opinions in this post are entirely my own. Your experience may differ from mine. This post has not been reviewed or edited by anyone. I was not compensated in any other way for this review. The sponsor of this giveaway is responsible for prize fulfillment and shipping the winner(s) their prize.

Making Friends Monday...

Welcome To Making Friends Monday Blog Hop 2/14/11
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.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></center>

SPOTLIGHT/ GUEST HOST OF THE WEEK

This week's spotlight is Crystal from 3 Princes and a Princess 2 . This blog is #5 on the linky this week. Stop by and tell her hello! Here are a few things she wanted to share.
I am Crystal SAHM of four, hence the blog title 3 Princes and a Princess 2. I love to blog about the family and show off pics as most Mom's do. I also love to share with my readers the very best in products from baby gear to tween, adult and even pet supplies. I started blogging a year ago this May after I left my job as a drug store manager and needed to fill some of my free time. I am now an addict! Besides my four "mostly" wonderful children ;) I am a wife of going on eleven years and a proud Mom to a 2 year old boxer and an 8 week old American Bulldog, Boss. Life and blogging can get pretty crazy but I wouldn't trade a thing!
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!

get the InLinkz code

Mickey Mouse Clubhouse: Minnie's Masquerade Review & Coupon

There was a new release this week that I was very excited to share with the kiddos...Mickey Mouse Clubhouse:  Minnie's Masquerade!  A&W and now even Baby R are really into this show and it is one I really enjoy right along with them.  Here is the scoop...

This latest release features four playful Minnie-themed adventures previously seen on the Mickey Mouse Clubhouse TV show, a never-before-seen episode, and a free paper mask with festive embellishments that kids can personalize. And as a special option for consumers, Disney has packaged a version of the DVD to include the exclusive Mickey Mote – a child-friendly handheld remote control, shaped like Mickey ears, that takes children’s viewing experience to a whole new level of play. The DVD + Mickey Mote Play Set is the ultimate value for moms and equally fun and engaging for kids! The Mickey Mote uses infrared wireless technology and may not be compatible with all devices.

Mickey Mouse Clubhouse: Minnie’s Masquerade starring Disney’s Fab Five — Minnie, Mickey, Donald,Goofy and Daisy – takes viewers on an all new adventure as they dress-up in their favorite costumes for Minnie’s Masquerade Ball. In this episode, Minnie needs some help getting everything ready for her party including making royal crowns for their costumes, searching for Sir Goofalot’s lost shoe, stringing up paper lanterns and much, much more. At the ball, Professor Von Drake hosts the great Clubhouse Costume Show and gives out prize ribbons to all the friends who have dressed up in some funny and fancy costumes. All it takes is a heaping helping of imagination…and the right Mouseketools.

We have used the Mickey Mote before and A&W really enjoy it as do I.  I really like that it makes television viewing more interactive and the kids really like how it makes them part of the show.  Using the Mickey Mote also gives the boys some independence which is HUGE these days. It is also, thankfully, easy to use and set up even for someone as technologically challenged as I am!  The Mickey Mote is most definitely on my go-to gift list for birthday parties.

The kids really enjoyed this latest installment from Mickey Mouse Clubhouse.  The theme song as well as the "hot dog" song had us all up and dancing (who can resist it??).  I especially like the fun characters I remember from my childhood who are now favorites with my kiddos.  The episodes featured are tons of fun for boys and girls alike.  This would make a super gift for your favorite Valentine and can be purchased here from Amazon! 

Click HERE  to receive a $5 off coupon to use on your purchase!  Happy viewing....HOT DOG!

Billy Kelly: The Family Garden...Review & Giveaway!

By now I am sure you all know that we are real music lovers in our house.  My husband and I have a very broad spectrum of musical favorites and we try to expose the kids to lots of different types of music.  I am always very excited to share something new with the kids and when Billy Kelly's The Family Garden came my way I couldn't wait for us all to have a listen.

Billy Kelly is a dad who on January 1st of 2009 made a New Year's resolution to record some of the songs he had created over the years for his two daughters.  His first album, Thank You For Joining The Happy Club was born and since then he has been making and preforming music to the delight of children and parents.  The Family Garden is Kelly's third album and was our family's first experience with his music.

Billy Kelly is funny, quirky, goofy and so much fun to listen to.  This is one of those fabulous bits of music created for children that is equally appealing to parents.  Billy Kelly has a great voice and has a big variety of styles from rock to country and the whole CD is just high energy and catchy.  My boys love the song "I'm Thinking of an Animal" which is an interactive song.  I love the super sweet melody of "We Could Be Pen Pals" in which Kelly duets with Lunch Money's Molly Ledford.  There is a hilarious song called "The Invention of the Straw" which is guaranteed to get giggles from the whole family as does his song "It's Close Enough".

When I saw there was a cover of the B52's Rock Lobster I was dubious (I am a big B52's fan and saw them in concert) but Billy Kelly nails it!  The kids and I have been blasting this one all week!  There is something for the whole family on this CD making it ideal for car trips.  I give this one a huge thumbs up and happily recommend it for kids (and parents!) of all ages.  I am already planning on adding Billy Kelly's first two CD's to our collection.  Fun, fun, fun!

The Family Garden will be released on April 15th and you will be able to purchase it on Amazon.com, Cdbaby.com as well as Billy Kelly's website (www.thebillykellyshow.com).  One lucky RBM reader is getting a sneak peek!  One reader will win a copy of Billy Kelly's The Family Garden...you are going to love it!  Here is how to enter...

Mandatory Entry: Visit Billy Kelly's Website and check out the bios on this very talented artist.  Leave a comment telling me something real (or fake!!) that you learned.  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 Billy Kelly 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.  Blog, Tweet or Facebook about this giveaway & let me know where to find it (each can be done once daily)  = 1 entry per each

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

8.  Comment on one of my non giveaway posts = 1 entry 

9.  Put my button on your blog = 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 22nd.    The lucky winner will be announced by e-mail on February 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 the above mentioned CD 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 At The Academy Awards! Giveaway...

I am sure you are all familiar with that sweet faced character, Pocoyo!  We love him at our house and you can find him just about everywhere these days.  He is a popular guy!  Pocoyo is even going to be at the Academy Awards!  Read on...

Hollywood’s big night for celebration is right around the corner--The 83rd Annual Academy Awards® on February 27, 2011!  Everyone is excited to watch the movie stars walk the red carpet and receive their awards for great performances! And, Pocoyo, who has himself won many awards around the globe, has a special surprise to share to celebrate the event!

Pocoyo will be starring in his very own advertisements starting this week throughout the month of February on the premiere entertainment channel, E! Entertainment Television!  And, if you watch E!’s Pre-Awards Show on the night of February 27th, you will no doubt see Pocoyo doing what he does best, playing and having fun with his friends!  


You can get in on the fun with Pocoyo and go here to download Academy Award ballots for the whole family.  Happy viewing and have fun!

In celebration of awards night, Pocoyo is giving one Reviewed By Mom reader a set of three Pocoyo DVD's!  One winner will receive Meet Pocoyo, Super Pocoyo and Fun and Dance!  Here is how to enter...

Mandatory Entry: Leave a comment telling me your plans for the Academy Awards.  I plan to watch them from the comfort of home, likely in sweats, oohing and ahhing over the gowns!  You must complete this entry for all others to count.

For extra entries:
1. Follow this Blog = 1 entry
2. Follow Pocoyo on Twitter = 1 entry
3. Follow Reviewed By Mom on Twitter = 1 entry
4. Like Reviewed By Mom on Facebook=1 entry
5. Like Pocoyo on Facebook = 1 entry
6.  Enter one of my other giveaways and let me know you have done so = 1 entry
7.  Tweet, Facebook or blog about this giveaway & let me know where I can find it (can be done once per day) = 1 entry per each.
8.  Leave a comment on one of my non-giveaway posts = 1 entry

Please leave a separate comment for each entry don't forget to leave your email so I can notify you if you win.   This contest is open to residents of US over 18 years old and will close on February 28th at midnight.  The winner will be notified by e-mail on March 1st 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.

CSN Stores Giveaway!!

As you well know by now I am a big fan of CSN.  CSN Stores has everything you can imagine.  There are so many different things to choose from their over 200 (yes, 200!!) sites.  Looking for outdoor playsets? CSN has them!  Looking for fabulous bags?  Shoes?  Fitness supplies?  Check, check and check!  CSN Stores has you covered for everything on your wish list.

I am a very loyal CSN customer because of their great customer service, amazing selection and reasonable prices.  As far as I am concerned there is no better place to go for 99.9% of your needs!  Visit CSN today and check out their huge selection.  I dare you to leave with an empty cart!

I am excited to tell you that CSN is giving one lucky RBM reader a $50 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 $50 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 20th.    The lucky winner will be announced by e-mail on February 21st 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.

Fun on the Farm....Review & Giveaway!

There is a great new DVD coming out for the kids tomorrow and I am so excited to share it with you....Fun on the Farm!


A fun and educational preschool video for the younger set. You'll learn where food comes from and about the growing season - planting, cultivating, and the harvest in the fall. You'll see tractors and combines and lots of farm animals. Doodle Rooster narrates and is joined by Harvey Horse and Bell, the dairy cow. Play the Cloud Game and try to find animals in the sky. You'll be amazed at how many you will find. 

Visit the Farm in the Zoo at Lincoln Park Zoo, right in the middle of Chicago. You will also go to the John Deere Harvester Works in East Moline, Illinois to see how John Deere makes their combines. All this fun is set to nine new original songs by our favorite singer/songwriter, James Coffey. 

Fun on the Farm is a great mix of educational bits mixed in with fun.  A&W were very interested in the  mechanics about life on the farm and "W" even informed me he was going to be a farmer when he grows up!  "A" really liked hearing about the tractors and different pieces of farm machinery and especially liked the John Deere portion.  Fun on the Farm is very interactive which I really like in children's programming (the songs and games keep them from just zoning out!).  Even Baby R got into the mix, dancing away to the catchy songs.  This one earns a big thumbs up from me and the gang!  Be sure to visit Amazon to get your copy today...




One lucky RBM reader will win a copy of Fun on the Farm!  Here is how to enter...

Mandatory Entry:  Visit TM Books & Video and tell me another one of their great children's DVD's you think your child would enjoy.  I am eying  All About Cowboys for A&W!  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 TM Books & Video 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 TM Books & Video 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 20th.    The lucky winner will be announced by e-mail on February 21st 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.

Making Friends Monday...

Welcome To Making Friends Monday Blog Hop 2/7/11
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>

SPOTLIGHT/ GUEST HOST OF THE WEEK

This week's spotlight is She's Mommafied . This blog is #5 on the linky this week. Stop by and tell her hello!

I'm a 22 year old stay at home mom to a very energetic 8 month old girl, and a long time girlfriend of a firefighter. My blog is a mixed bag of pictures, funny anecdotes, and life experiences including natural birth, PPD, miscarriage, breastfeeding, cloth diapering and also the not-so-crunchy parts of my life such as modeling, partying, clothes and makeup. My posts are my unfiltered chronicles of keeping up the balance between being ME and being a MOM. Great giveaways, too!

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!

get the InLinkz code