Mother’s Day Pillsbury® Ready to Bake! ™ Shape® Cookies...R&G!

Are we all getting excited for Mother's Day??  I hope people are planning some special things for all you moms!  In our home, the kids usually work with their Dad to make me a special card and/or presents and they always make me something yummy to eat!   This year, I know my kiddos will be turning to tried and true favorite form Pillsbury!

For years, we have been enjoying Pillsbury Ready to Back Shape Cookies.  These fun, yummy and easy cookies are a hit with all their holiday themes.  This year Pillbury is honoring Moms with their Ready to Bake Shape Cookies with Mickey Mouse and a special "I Love Mom" message.  How cute!  We have already sampled these cookies and they are delicious and so fun to make as a family!  Save big by clicking HERE to save $1.10 off of one packaged!


I am so pleased to tell you that one lucky RBM reader will win a Pillsbury Ready to Bake Shape Cookies Prize Pack which includes the following....

A VIP coupon to purchase a package of Pillsbury Ready to Bake! Shape Cookies

Cookie Jar

Cookie Spatula

Oven Mitt

Thanks so much to the sponsor and here is how to enter...
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General Mills Cereal Curvy Straw Prize Pack...R&G!

We are all big cereal eaters in our home and General Mills makes some of our very favorite types.  Right now General Mills is doing something so fun in specially marked boxes of Big G cereals...they are including a Curvy Straw!  General Mills knows parents are always trying to be sure our kiddos are getting enough milk in their diets and a super fun way to make sure this happens is by using a Curvy Straw to to slurp down the rest of that cereal milk.  Fun, right??

Curvy Strwas are collectable and connecatable and children of all ages can enjoy matching and building big colorful straws while they work toward stonger bones in muscles through increased calcium intake!  You can collect all 6 different colored straws which feature feature different Big G Ceral characters (participating cereals include Cinnamon Toast Crunch, Lucky Charms, Cocoa Puffs and more!).  You can snag a coupon for $1.25 off 2 boxes of Big G Cereals by clicking HERE.

To celebrate Big G's commitment to helping kids stay healthy, Reviewed by Mom is giving one lucky reader a Curvy Straw Prize Pack which includes the following....

1 box of a participating Big G cereal

1 Curvy Straw

1 ‘spilt’ milk bowl

2 glow cups

2 tangle toys

Thanks so much to the sponsor and here is how to enter....

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The Minefields by by Steven C. Eisner...Book Tour and R&G!

Welcome to the Reviewed by Mom stop on The Minefields by Steven C. Eisner Book Tour!  In case you are new to the tour here is a brief synopsis to get you up to speed....

Situated smack between the cigarette-and-martini days of Mad Men and the nihilism of House of Lies, Eisner paints a classic roman a clef in stinging detail. Protagonist Sam Spiegel is the Golden Boy with the New York business world at his feet when he is called home to Philadelphia just as he has begun to make his mark. His father, Holocaust survivor Harry Spiegel, is ailing and it’s with reservations that Sam takes on the challenge to grow his father’s firm, Spiegel Communications, into national prominence. The complex themes of the father-and-son relationship, like those found in the works of Chaim Potok and Mario Puzo, are brought vividly to life as Sam and Harry battle over the future of the family legacy

Here is the excerpt I am lucky enough to share....

Occasionally, my father opened his eyes to see if my mother had arrived— which she had, along with my brother—and perhaps he also opened them to discern if he was, indeed, still alive. I kissed his forehead again and now made room for Mikey and Mom to hold his hand.

I was lucky enough to get my hands on an advance copy of the book and I let my mother in law, The Queen Bee have first dibs.  Here is what she had to say...

Sam Spiegel was an entrepreneur from his teens. He and his friend Ben had a little music business and hired themselves out at bar mitzvahs. A popular kid at school, everyone knew he would be a success. And he was. Sam was at the top of his game in his advertising career in New York, getting ready to marry Amy, the "right" girl. Then his dad asked him to move back home and work on the family ad company, The Spiegel Agency, and bring it back to the top. Sam had always wanted to work with his dad, so off he went, bringing a not to happy Amy along with him. Most of the story focuses on Sam's relationship to his dad, his brother , his wife and his friends. It is a major struggle to get now Spiegel Communications back on it's feet. His dad, is from the old school, afraid to take risks with money, and Sam is a risk taker, it takes money to make money attitude.

Author Eisner really gets into his characters and the "dog eat dog" world of advertising. The length that some of these characters go to undermine the Spiegel business is almost unbelievable. But Eisner makes it quite believable.

Sam Spiegel not only had to resurrect a tired, worn family business, he ends up restructuring his own life, in spite of all the set backs.

I can recommend this book whether you are an avid fan of Mad Men or not. I think Steve Eisner did a great job allowing us a glimpse into the advertising world, as well as family business issues and friendships.

To read tomorrow's excerpt visit and to read past pieces click HERE. I am so pleased to tell you that one lucky RBM reader will win a copy of Steven C. Eisner's The Minefield!  Thanks so much to the sponsor and here is how to enter...

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Bloom by Kelle Hampton...R&G!

I have a tremendous book to tell you about today...Bloom by Kelle Hampton.  This book chronicles the author's amazing journey to find joy when life is at its' most unexpected.  Here is the scoop as well as a video (grab those tissues)!

Love me. Love me. I'm not what you expected, but oh, please love me.

That was the most defining moment of my life. That was the beginning of my story.

From the outside looking in, Kelle Hampton had the perfect life: a beautiful two-year-old daughter, a loving husband, a thriving photography career, and great friends. When she learned she was pregnant with her second child, she and her husband, Brett, were ecstatic. Her pregnancy went smoothly and the ultrasounds showed a beautiful, healthy, high-kicking baby girl.

But when her new daughter was placed in her arms in the delivery room, Kelle knew instantly that something was wrong. Nella looked different than her two-year-old sister, Lainey, had at birth. As she watched friends and family celebrate with champagne toasts and endless photographs, a terrified Kelle was certain that Nella had Down syndrome—a fear her pediatrician soon confirmed. Yet gradually Kelle's fear and pain were vanquished by joy, as she embraced the realization that she had been chosen to experience an extraordinary and special gift.

With lyrical prose and gorgeous full-color photography, Bloom takes readers on a wondrous journey through Nella's first year of life—a gripping, hilarious, and intensely poignant trip of transformation in which a mother learns that perfection comes in all different shapes. It is a story about embracing life and really living it, of being fearless and accepting difference, of going beyond constricting definitions of beauty, and of the awesome power of perspective. As Kelle writes, "There is us. Our Family. We will embrace this beauty and make something of it. We will hold our precious gift and know that we are lucky."


Reviewed byMom contributor Robin got first dibs on this book and here is what she had to say...

 I loved this book!Bloom is an amazing memoir told by Kelle Hampton. She pulls you right into her inner circle of friends. You feel like you are in the delivery room with Kelle as she gives birth to her much wished for second daughter. You feel Kelle's pain and sorrow at the unexpected outcome of her delivery. Kelle takes you along on her journey of firsts.You cry right along with her on this bumpy trip.She shows you that it is okay not to be the perfect Mom giving the perfect reaction.I highly reccommend this book.

Before I handed this book over to Robin I read bits and pieces and was touched by Hamptons obvious love for her family as well as her honesty.  The pictures included are absolutley breathtaking.  This book would make a wonderful Mother's Day gift.  Pick up your copy today on Amazon....
I am delighted to tell you that the publsiher, Harper Collins is giving one lucky RBM reader a copy of Bloom by Kelle Hamptom! Thanks so much to the sponsor and good luck! Click "read more" to use the Rafflecopter entry form.
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Alexander, Spy Catcher by Diane Stormer...R&G!

Are you looking for a new read for your child this summer?  Check out Alexander, Spy Catcher by Diane Stormer.  Here is the scoop...

A seemingly normal October turns into an exciting and terrifying adventure for Alexander and his brother, Ben, when they discover that their uncle Charlie may be in danger because of a secret government project he is working on. The boys notice strange happenings around their family's home; for example, why is there a clandestine protected Wi-Fi network on their forest covered property? When Alexander and Ben suspect that their uncle is being spied upon, they agree to warn him about what they've discovered. But on the same night that they tell him about their findings, he disappears without a trace. Now, it's up to Alexander, Ben, and their family to solve the mystery about what happened to their uncle and bring him home safely. But although they are determined to rescue Charlie, they don't realize the dangers that lie ahead for them on their journey.

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My newest writer and contributor, Colleen had this to say about Alexander, Spy Catcher...

When I first read the back of the book I was excited to start reading Alexander, Spy Catcher. What caught my attention was "A seemingly normal October turns into an exciting and terrifying adventure for Alexander and his brother, Ben, when they discover that their uncle Charlie may be in danger because of a secret government project he is working on." I love a good adventure and this book seemed right up my alley. I was also excited to read it and turn it over to my son, 7, and get his thoughts.

I started the book one night in bed and it was a little slow to get started for me. I didn’t get sucked in as quickly as I like so I set it aside for another night. Night two I picked the book up again and never put it down. I got pulled into the world of Alexander as he tried to figure out what was going on near his family’s home. There was suspense, action and a wholesome conclusion. I gave the book two thumbs up.

I handed the book to my son Aiden and he was just as excited as I was after reading the back of the book. He immediately loved the character list and glossary and declared those to be very helpful features in a book. Aiden read the book cover to cover in one night. He’s a voracious reader and this book did not disappoint. Aiden loved the suspense and adventure and said the book was just the right length.

If you have a young reader, I would say 7-12, in your home who loves adventure and suspense check out Alexander, Spy Catcher by Diane Stormer.

Sounds like a hit!  If you want to help keep your child interested in reading over the summer this one is the ticket!  Pick up your copy today on Amazon...

I am so happy to tell you that the publisher is giving one lucky RBM reader a copy of Alexander, Spy Catcher! Thanks so much to the sponsor and here is how to enter...
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Celebrating Earth Day with Frozen Planet ...R&G!

Happy Belated Earth Day All!  Did you do anything special at your house to celebrate?  It was rainy here so our plan to pick up trash in the neighborhood was foiled (we will do another day because, remember, EVERYday is Earth Day!).  We did do something special though....the family and I had a Planet Earth Earth Day Party!  To celebrate the release of the absolutely phenomenal DVD, Planet Earth the family and I were treated to some special Earth Day fun!

We started off with a pizza party and then Little R donned a penguin hat to get the party started.  Actually, Little R has been wearing this on most days since it arrived!

We  hunkered down in the living room to enjoy some penguin, whale and polar bear cookies and lots of popcorn and we popped in the first DVD.  All I can say is WOW!!!  Have you heard of Frozen Planet?  It is absolutely breathtaking.  Here is the scoop in case you are not familiar....

Overview

Following the Discovery Channel premiere in North America on March 18, 2012 and just in time for Earth Day, this astonishing and breathtaking seven part series is narrated by the legendary Sir David Attenborough, hailed by The Telegraph as “the father of natural history television.” Join Emmy® Award winning Executive Producer Alastair Fothergill and the team behind the groundbreaking series Planet Earth as they take you on the ultimate adventure into a breathtaking landscape. This is the Poles as you have never seen them, and may never see them again.

A BBC/Discovery Channel co-production four years in the making, Frozen Planet is ambitious and epic in scale and provides the ultimate portrait of our earth’s Polar Regions, capturing the power of natural elements and the fragile, jaw-dropping beauty of scenery unlike anywhere else in the world. This landmark high definition series brings to the screen the frozen wilderness of the polar region for what could be the last time before they change forever.

Featuring the incredible wildlife cinematography that made Planet Earth a worldwide success, Frozen Planet has taken new technology to the most extreme and remote parts of our planet capturing groundbreaking imagery above and below the ice.

Encounter spectacles that few of us will ever witness first hand. Go deep under the sea-ice into a magical world of giants, plunge into the heart of an erupting polar volcano and fly to the South Pole across the Antarctic icecap – the largest concentration of ice on earth – retracing the steps of the great Polar explorers.

Get closer than ever before to the lives of our best loved and most charismatic animal characters – polar bears, penguins, wolves and orcas, and witness the most extraordinary examples of survival against the odds that can be found anywhere on our planet.

I can't say enough about Frozen Planet the entire family was riveted by the sheer beauty of the world we live in.  My son "W" kept saying "Is this real?" and "Did this really happen?".  It honestly looks too beautiful to possibly be real. The kids delighted in the antics of the penguins and were mesmerized by the massive whales.  There was a bit with wolves and a bison that was a little tough for W (the other 2 were fine) to watch (not at all gory but the bison was taken down by the wolves) but it just gave us the opportunity to talk about nature in it's true form.

The entire collection of Frozen Planet continued to mesmerize not only my husband and me but the kids too.  The picture quality was flat out amazing and learning about this part of the world and the creatures who inhabit it was fascinating.  Frozen Planet is MUST SEE for the entire family.  You can purchase Frozen Planet now by clicking HERE.  DEAL ALERT:  Reviewed by Mom readers get 10% off their order until May 30th by entering FP312! You can also click HERE to enter to win a 6 Day Manitoba adventure to see the polar bears (a trip of a lifetime!!).

I am thrilled to tell you that BBC America is giving TWO lucky RBM readers a DVD copy of Frozen Planet!  Thanks so much to BBC America and here is how to enter....
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What To Expect When You're Expecting...Due May 18th!

I am SO excited to see the upcoming What to Expect When You're Expecting!  It hits theaters on May 18th and I will be there for sure.  Here is a taste of what you can expect from the film....

SYNOPSIS:

Inspired by the perennial New York Times bestseller of the same name, WHAT TO EXPECT WHEN YOU’RE EXPECTING is a hilarious and heartfelt big screen comedy about five couples whose intertwined lives are turned upside down by the challenges of impending parenthood.

Over the moon about starting a family, TV fitness guru Jules and dance show star Evan find that their high-octane celebrity lives don’t stand a chance against the surprise demands of pregnancy. Baby-crazy author and advocate Wendy gets a taste of her own militant mommy advice when pregnancy hormones ravage her body; while Wendy’s husband, Gary, struggles not to be outdone by his competitive alpha-Dad, who’s expecting twins with his much younger trophy wife, Skyler. Photographer Holly is prepared to travel the globe to adopt a child, but her husband Alex isn’t so sure, and tries to quiet his panic by attending a “dudes” support group, where new fathers get to tell it like it really is. And rival food truck chefs Rosie and Marco’s surprise hook-up results in an unexpected quandary: what to do when your first child comes before your first date?

A kaleidoscopic comedy as universal as it is unpredictable, WHAT TO EXPECT WHEN YOU’RE EXPECTING finds humor and uplift in all the unexpected trials and triumphs of welcoming a child into the world. The film stars Cameron Diaz, Jennifer Lopez, Elizabeth Banks, Chace Crawford, Brooklyn Decker, Anna Kendrick, Matthew Morrison, Dennis Quaid, Chris Rock, Rodrigo Santoro, Ben Falcone and Joe Manganiello.

Sounds great doesn't it??  Make sure to catch it when it hits theaters next month!

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Little Critter Collection #1 from Oceanhouse Media...Available Now!

The Mercer Mayer Little Critter books are absolute favorites in our home.  When I received the opportunity to review a new App from Oceanhouse Media featuring our favorite books I was delighted. Little Critter Collection 1 is a huge favorite with not only the kids but from me as well.  Here is the scoop on this must-have app...

Little Critter Collection #1 features 10 popular Little Critter stories that lovingly address all the major issues of growing up. Children will easily identify with Little Critter's adventures as he maneuvers through childhood one day at a time.

• All By Myself Little Critter doesn't always do everything perfectly, but he always does the best he can.
• I Just Forgot On rainy days he remembers his raincoat but forgets his boots. At home he takes a bath but forgets to use soap. Poor Little Critter!
• I Was So Mad He wanted to keep frogs in the tub but his mom said he couldn't. He wanted to paint the house but his Grandpa said no. Little Critter was SO mad.
• Just Me and My Mom Little Critter enjoys a special day in the city with his mother. He means well, but gets himself in trouble all along the way.
• Me Too! Little Sister tags along wherever he goes. Whether he's playing football with friends or hiding in his secret tree house, she always finds him. "Me too!," she says.
• The New Potty This light-hearted story of common potty training frustrations encourages children to keep trying, just as Little Sister does.
• Just Grandma and Me Little Critter becomes a good helper when he and grandma decide to spend a day at the beach!
• Just for You Sweet Little Critter wants to do something special for his mom, but he's a little too little and a lot too silly to get anything quite right.
• The New Baby At first, getting along with the new baby seemed like an impossible task, but soon enough Little Critter learns how to be a good big brother.
• When I Get Bigger Little Critter day dreams about all the exciting things he'll do when he gets bigger like having a paper route and staying up late watching movies.

New features only available in this interactive omBook include professional narration, background audio and enlarged artwork for each scene. To promote reading in young children, individual words are highlighted as the story is read and words zoom up when pictures are touched. By combining the original text and artwork of author Mercer Mayer with features that entertain and promote reading, this omBook appeals to readers of all ages.

Three ways to read this omBook:

• * "Read to Me" — listen to the narrated story with words highlighted as they are read
• * "Read it Myself" — read the book in its traditional form
• * "Auto Play" — plays like a movie, automatically reading and turning pages. Great for younger children!

Additional Features:

• * Picture / Word association — words zoom up and are spoken when pictures are touched
• * Find the creature mini-game
• * Individual words highlight and are read aloud when tapped
• * Professional audio narration
• * Custom background audio for each scene
• * Pages pan & zoom to accentuate the beautiful, original art of Mercer Mayer
• * This 'Universal App' is optimized for Retina displays and the iPad
• * 10 omBooks in one! Conveniently switch between stories from the main menu

I simply can't say enough how wonderful I think this app is!  My 5 1/2 year olds LOVE to use it on their own.   I think it helps them with their reading skills by helping them to associate words with the pictures and the sounds.  My daughter (2) and I enjoy reading along together.  She particularly loves The New Potty because we are in the thick of potty training.  If you are looking for a fun, educational and interactive app for your children this is the one to get!  It is a big favorite in our house and a great way to enjoy Mercer Mayer.  You can purchase the app by clicking here for just $11.99.

*Disclosure:  I was provided with the above mentiond app for purpose of review.  The opinions expressed are 100% my own. Pin It

Pear Tree Greetings...Thank You Cards Giveaway!

Can you believe that graduation days are just around the corner?  I sure can't but, sure enough, it will here before we know it.  This year be prepared with graduation announcements and graduation invitations from Pear Tree Greetings.  They have a huge selection of fun and stylish invitations and announcements just perfect for graduation day.  Not only can you choose from tons of styles but you can customize with school colors and choose photo placement! The cards are on heavy stock and are made of 100% recycled paper.  Here are a few of my favorites from the graduation collection...

Great, right?  Right now you can save big on invites and announcements like these by entering “BBGRAD12″ for 12% off $49 on all graduation products!  This offer expires on May 1st so hurry over to www.peartreegreeings.com to order! Pear Tree Greetings also has a fun contest going on now.  Send along a graduation photo and a something you wish you had known on graduation day and  you could win $1000 for your grad!  For more information and to enter, click here.

To celebrate the great selection of graduation cards, Pear Tree Greetings is giving one lucky Reviewed by Mom reader 24 Thank You Cards (from any category!).  Thanks so much to the sponsor, Pear Tree Greetings and here is how to enter...
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The Healthy Back Bag by Ameribag...Giveaway!

If you are like me, you are always on the hunt for the perfect bag.  Our needs my change as our lives do.  A big bag for when you are a new mom, something a little smaller for when they get a little older and then when they are school aged maybe even a little smaller again. A few things remain the same though...we all want a comfortable and functional bag that is stylish.  The Ameribag Healthy Back Bag is just the ticket!  Here is the scoop...

The Healthy Back Bag® tote is a unique bag designed with your comfort in mind. Its ergonomic shape contours to the curves of your body, making it the most comfortable bag you'll ever carry. By hanging asymmetrically, weight is distributed along the entire length of your back instead of on one pressure point on your shoulder, reducing apparent stress of the neck, back and shoulders. Its trademarked shape and patented design have improved the comfort of millions of people worldwide while giving them a stylish alternative to large, bulky shoulder bags.

The bag also redefines organization. Multiple interior and exterior pockets provide the perfect place for all your belongings. Our signature easy-see silver lining helps you locate items quickly while features such as a handy key hook and non-slip adjustable shoulder strap add to its functionality, making it a natural choice for anyone on the go.

The Healthy Back Bag comes in several sizes, oodles of patterns and colors and they even have released the HB2 (Healthy Back Baby Bag) which I will be reviewing next month.  You can purchase the entire Ameribag line by clicking HERE.  In celebration of my upcoming review, I am delighted to be hosting a Healthy Back Bag giveaway featuring the The Classic Healthy Back Bag in size small (17" x 9" x 6") Crimson Distressed Nylon!  Here are the specifics on the prize....

Outside Features: Non-slip, adjustable shoulder strap Double zip main compartment for easy access Sporty metal zipper pulls with rubber inserts Gusset pocket Velcro® pocket 2 additional pockets

Inside Features: 5-6 interior pockets Signature easy-see silver lining Handy key hook D-ring for Baglett or other accessories

This bag is durable, stylish and has a spot for everything! I have it here at the house and, after seeing it, I might just order one in this size for myself!  Thanks so much to Ameribag for hosting this giveaway and stay tuned for my take on the Healthy Back Baby Bag review coming soon!  To enter the giveaway, click "read more" below and use the Rafflecopter form.  Good luck!

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I See the Sun in Russia...R&G!

I have had the pleasure of sharing a wonderful series with you all over the past year or so.  The "I See the Sun" books give children an inside glimpse of what life is like in other parts of the world.  The latest, I See the Sun in Russia is available now and is a super addition to the growing series by Dedie King & Judith Inglese.  Here is the scoop...

Through the eyes of a child, I See the Sun in Russia is the story of a day in the life of Anton, a young boy growing up in St. Petersburg, Russia. Anton loves to play the violin and he and his family hope that one day he will play in an orchestra. On this day his class takes a field trip to the Hermitage Palace, but there's still time for violin lessons and playing soccer in the hall of his apartment building before supper. A country overview and glossary is included for parents and teachers who want to go beyond the story and talk more about Russia and why it is important. In English and Russian. For ages 5 and up. This is the fourth book in the I See the Sun series.

Colleen a new Reviewed by Mom writer had this to say about I See the Sun in Russia...

Are you interested in exposing your child to everyday life in other countries? This is the book for you. This book follows young Anton through a day in his life in Saint Petersburg, Russia. The great thing about this book is that you learn a few new words along the way. Anton’s family speaks of it’s dacha, a small cabin they have to vacation in and Anton sees the babushkas, or grandmothers, on their way home at the end of the day with groceries for dinner. There is a glossary at the end of the book to help you along the way as well. The book also features the text in both English and Russian! This was great fun for my kids to get to see. The illustrations match the text well and are a great blend of photographs and drawings. I see this as more of a book we would check out of the library to peruse rather than own in our home library but was definitely a fun read!

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Thanks so much to Colleen for her review and stay tuned for more reviews from her coming up soon!  You can pick up I See the Sun in Russia as well as the other great titles from this series on Amazon...

I am so happy to tell you that one lucky RBM reader will win a copy of I See the Sun in Russia!  Thanks so much to the sponsor and here is how to enter...
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A Prayer for Owen Meany by John Irving....R&G!

The Queen Bee just finished up another great read (aren't we lucky here at RBM to have such great books to feed our bookworm tendencies??)....A Prayer for Owen Meany by John Irving.  Here is a synopsis....


I am doomed to remember a boy with a wrecked voice—not because of his voice, or because he was the smallest person I ever knew, or even because he was the instrument of my mother's death, but because he is the reason I believe in God; I am a Christian because of Owen Meany.

In the summer of 1953, two eleven-year-old boys—best friends—are playing in a Little League baseball game in Gravesend, New Hampshire. One of the boys hits a foul ball that kills the other boy's mother. The boy who hits the ball doesn't believe in accidents; Owen Meany believes he is God's instrument. What happens to Owen after that 1953 foul ball is extraordinary.

And here is what The Queen Bee had to say about it...

I will start by saying John irving is one of my favorite writers. I think I have read everything he has written and I anxiously await his next novel. His stories are so intricate, his characters so memorable and yet I am not sure I can find the words to review the book.

Owen Meany comes from a family who owns a granite quarry in Gravesend, New Hampshire.He is a very small in stature, a midget and has a voice that pierces ears drums. (In the book, Irving choose to use all caps when Owen speaks. You can almost hear him yourself) In school , the kids get a kick out of hanging Owen by the back of his pants in coat closets, they pass him back in forth in class like a doll. But they would never hurt him, he is like their pet. His best friend is John Wheelwright. John is from a very prominent lumber family. John's grandmother , the matriarch, looks down on the Meany's. Lumber is so much higher on the esteem chain then granite. John was born out of wedlock, to a beautiful mother with a beautiful singing voice. She is such a a lovely woman that no one in town thinks it scandalous at all. She has kept the truth of his father a secret from John, and he expects that someday, she will tell him. Someday never comes as she is hit on the head by a baseball during one of John's games. The ball hit by none other than Owen Meany.

Owen & John remain very good friends and the basis of the book is about that friendship.

Irving writes about the most bizarre relationships. Read any one of his books and you will be sucked right up in the weird & wonderful world of Irving's characters.

I highly recommend this book and any other book John Irving has written. Many of Irving 's novels have been made into movies. But please, do yourself a big favor, read the book first.

Wow!  This is definitely a must read according to The well read Queen Bee!  Pick up your copy today on Amazon...

I am so pleased to tell you that the publisher, Harper Collins is giving one lucky RBM reader a copy of A Prayer for Owen Meany by John Irving!  Thanks so much to the sponsor and here is how to enter...
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Arranged by Catherine McKenzie...R&G!

At the end of January I shared a review of a book I just loved....Spin by Catherine McKenzie.  In my review (read it here)I blamed the author for my complete neglect of dishes and laundry.  Sorry Ms. McKenzie but I am going to have to play the blame game with you once again.  Arranged (out May 5th) grabbed me just as Spin did and last weekend I spent every free minute furiously flipping to see what would happen next.  Here is the scoop on why I have a bigger than usual mountain of laundry...

Anne Blythe has a great life: a good job, close friends, and a potential book deal for her first novel. When it comes to finding someone to share her life with, however, she just can't seem to get it right. When her latest relationship implodes, and her best friend announces she's engaged, Anne impulsively calls what she thinks is a dating service—only to discover that it's actually an exclusive, and pricey, arranged marriage service. Anne initially rejects the idea, but the more she learns about the service, the more she thinks: Why not? After all, arranged marriages are the norm for millions of women around the world; maybe it could work for her.


A few months later, Anne is traveling to a Mexican resort, where, over the course of a weekend, she meets and then marries Jack. And initially, everything seems to be working out. . . .

First of all, can we talk about the main characters name??  Anne Blythe!  Did you all read Anne of Green Gables?  Well, the main character's mother sure did (hence her name and that of her brother Gilbert!).  In any case, I was sucked right in. The story line was quirky but that did not stop me from becoming completely invested in the characters and their happiness.  I wanted a happy ending.  I wanted the fairy tale just like Anne did.  I won't give it away but I will say that this book is THE summer read.  Pack it on vacation or in your beach bag and lose yourself.  Also, if you have not read Spin yet bring that one too.  You can send me a post card to thank me.  I will sign off with this one last accolade for this read....when I was nearing the end of the book I was getting a bit down because it was almost over.  In Spin McKenzie had given a sneak peek of Arranged at the end so I hopefully flipped to the end of Arranged where I was delighted to see there would be a new book coming in September.  This was the ONLY reason I was OK with being nearly finished with Arranged.  I know in September, Catherine McKenzie will have me being neglectful once again!  Pre-order your copy today on Amazon...
I am so pleased to tell you that the publisher, Harper Collins is giving one lucky RBM reader a copy of Arranged! Thanks so much to the sponsor and good luck! To enter click "read more" and use the Rafflecopter form.
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HALO Safe Sleep Crib Set...Available Now!

You all know I am a big fan of the HALO line of products.  From my very days as a mom to right now as the mom to three "bigger" children I still trust HALO.  I am sure you all know HALO because they make those "can't live without" sleep sacks as well as some adorable and safe pajamas for little ones.  Now HALO has taken it a step further and created a bedding set that I think is pure genius.  Check out the HALO SleepSack Crib Set....

FINALLY a company has created a crib set that has everything a nursery needs WITHOUT those dangerous bumpers! Why, oh, why do they still sell those bumpers. I like to call my bumpers a very expensive space hog. I never used them (of course not!) but I keep thinking I will do something crafty with them (I likely never will!) so they eat up a bunch of space in a spare closet. Not so smart. Here is some information on HALO's new crib sets and why they are a far safer alternative....

With the American Academy of Pediatrics now saying “no” to crib bumpers, HALO Innovations has introduced its own Safe Sleep Crib Set^TM designed to create an attractive and safe sleep environment for babies.

The five-piece HALO Safe Sleep Crib Set consists of a HALO SleepSack wearable blanket, SleepSack Swaddle, both in 100% cotton; two coordinating crib sheets in soft cotton jersey; and a matching crib skirt.

“Too often parents ‘overdress’ the crib with quilt and bumpers, both of which can pose a breathing threat for baby,” comments Bill Schmid, founder of Halo Innovations. “The Halo SleepSack and SleepSack Swaddle are the only things a baby needs in the crib to stay warm and sleeping safely, and the soft jersey sheet provides a snug fit on the mattress.

Thank you HALO!  I think all parents should buy one of these sets. They have everything you need for your nursery and nothing you don't.  HALO sent me the "Caroline" set to check out and it is beautiful....

It is so pretty and the quality is fantastic.  Right now you can pick up this set on Amazon for just $71.87 (20% off an already great deal!).  You can't go wrong with the HALO Safe Sleep Crib Set.  It is safe, made of great quality, affordable and comes in a variety of adorable styles to suit you decor.  Click HERE to see the other styles available on Amazon.

To learn more about HALO  visit then on Facebook, Pinterest and Twitter.

*I was provided with the above mentioned product for purpose of review.  The views expressed are 100% my own and I received no monetary compensation for my time.

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This Will Make You Smarter by Mr. John Brockman....R&G!

Looking for a fascinating new read?  Check out This Will Make You Smarter by Mr. John Brockman.  Here is the scoop...

Featuring a foreword by David Brooks, This Will Make You Smarter presents brilliant—but accessible—ideas to expand every mind. What scientific concept would improve everybody’s cognitive toolkit? This is the question John Brockman, publisher of Edge.org, posed to the world’s most influential thinkers. Their visionary answers flow from the frontiers of psychology, philosophy, economics, physics, sociology, and more. Surprising and enlightening, these insights will revolutionize the way you think about yourself and the world. Daniel Kahneman on the “focusing illusion” • Jonah Lehrer on controlling attention • Richard Dawkins on experimentation • Aubrey De Grey on conquering our fear of the unknown • Martin Seligman on the ingredients of well-being • Nicholas Carr on managing “cognitive load” • Steven Pinker on win-win negotiating • Daniel C. Dennett on benefiting from cycles • Jaron Lanier on resisting delusion • Frank Wilczek on the brain’s hidden layers • Clay Shirky on the “80/20 rule” • Daniel Goleman on understanding our connection to the natural world • V. S. Ramachandran on paradigm shifts • Matt Ridley on tapping collective intelligence • John McWhorter on path dependence • Lisa Randall on effective theorizing • Brian Eno on “ecological vision” • Richard Thaler on rooting out false concepts • J. Craig Venter on the multiple possible origins of life • Helen Fisher on temperament • Sam Harris on the flow of thought • Lawrence Krauss on living with uncertainty The well read Queen Bee had this to say about the book... Each year, the Edge Foundation poses a question to the world's scientists; people that lead the world in various fields. The answers get edited and then printed and bound as a book. A very interesting book I might add. When I first chose to read this book, I wondered if I would understand the question , let alone the answers. I think that scientists talk amongst themselves and are understood, but talking to a layman is another thing completely! The questions for 2011 was: What scientific concept would improve everybody's cognitive toolkit? (So I understood this as a concept that would improve our powers of reasoning) The thing I liked about this book was that you didn't have to jump in and read uninterrupted the many different answers. Each answer is given it's own chapter and title, each is a short essay. Some answers will be useful in your everyday life, some may be useful with something you are struggling with but all will provoke thought. Isn't that what a good book does? I found some insight into fear/risk with two essays on uncertainty. Another essay , "Each of us is ordinary, yet one of a kind" by Samuel Barondes is particularly interesting. By being ordinary, we find compassion for others. By being one a kind, we find creativity and pride. So, I can easily recommend this book, it will definitely make you smarter. This Will Make You Smarter is available now and you can pick it up on Amazon for just $10.53 (a 34% savings!)....

I am so pleased to tell you that the publisher, Harper Collins is giving one lucky RBM reader a copy of This Will Make You Smarter by John Brockman.  Thanks so much the the sponsor and good luck!  To enter click "read more" and use the Rafflecopter form that follows.
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Guylian Chocolate...R&G!

I have a sweet tooth, particularly for chocolate.  I try not to indulge too much (more than once a day!) but when I do, I want GOOD chocolate.  When I was approached by Guylian Chocolate to try out their products I could not believe my good luck.  It is not everyday somebody wants to send me delicious, gourmet chocolates to enjoy!  Here is the background on the company in case you are unfamiliar...

Guy Foubert was a passionate Belgian Chocolatier making handmade chocolate truffles in
Sint-Niklaas, Belgium. In 1958, Guy and Liliane joined their names, both in marriage
and in their company name creating Chocolaterie Guylian; a small, artisanal
chocolate maker. Today, Guylian crafts the finest authentic Belgian
chocolate truffles, selling them to chocolate lovers in Belgium and in more
than 100 countries across the world.

Guylian “ultra-indulgent” luxurious chocolate seashells are 100% pure, silky smooth, dark and white Belgian Chocolate and are filled with rich, decadent creamy chocolate praline truffle. The original signature truffle recipe is still made in small-batch copper kettles exclusively by Guylian’s Master Chocolatiers in Sint-Niklaas, Belgium. The chocolates are imported from Belgium to ensure wonderful quality, taste and a true chocolate experience.

You can see why my mouth was watering, right?  Guylian sent me over a variety of their chocolates including the Artisan Belgian Truffles.  Oh. My. Goodness.  First of all, these truffles are beautiful with delicate sea shell shapes in a marbled color.  Really lovely.  So lovely that you want to savor eating them rather than shovel them all in at warp speed.  I don't know if this will make any sense but these truffles were so good, so creamy, that it forced me to eat them slowly and really, really savor them.  I am not saying I didn't want to slowly savor the whole box to myself because I did but the quality is so high that you can't help but eat appreciatively!  The creamy, not to rich, filling is simply dreamy.

I also was lucky enough to sample Guylian's No Sugar Added Milk and Dark Chocolate Bars.  My husband I both agree that you would NEVER guess that these were sugar free.  The bars are made using Malitol which is a 100% natural substance. These bars would make and extra special treat for the diabetic in your life (or anyone really!).

Guylian Chocolates are a decadent way to enjoy everyone's favorite indulgence.  If you are thinking about Mother's Day gifts a box of Guylian Truffles would be much appreciated by almost any mom!  To find a location by your for purchase click HERE.

I am thrilled to tell you that Guylian is giving one lucky RBM reader a prize pack containing the following....

One – 22 piece box of Guylian Artisanal Belgian Original Chocolate Truffles

Two - 6 piece Original Chocolate Truffle Box

Four - 2 piece Original Chocolate Truffle Box

Thanks so much to Guylian for sharing their heavenly chocolates with me and for allowing me to share them with you all!  To enter the contest click "read more" and follow the Rafflecopter form.  Good luck!
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Between a Rock and a Hot Place: Why Fifty is the New Fifty by Tracey Jackson...R&G!

My mother-in-law The Queen Bee just finished up a read she really enjoyed, Between a Rock and  Hot Place:  Why Fifty is the New Fifty by Tracey Jackson..  Here is the scoop....

As she approached her fiftieth birthday, Tracey Jackson found herself bombarded by a catchphrase on everyone’s lips: “Fifty is the new thirty.” With a comedy writer’s training and a screenwriter’s eye for detail, Jackson skewers that particular myth with a hilarious, bare-knuckled, and ultimately practical appraisal of what middle age really means today. Jackson not only faces the elephant in the room, she puts it under a (very large) microscope, confronting the truth about death, work, and sex in what the French call the “third age.”

Here is what The Queen Bee had to say about it....

 

Oh, come on, not the new thirty? I am so guilty of saying this. I think I say it so often as to convince myself !! Tracey Jackson tells it like it is and I don't really want to hear it, but I am listening. She is right, though. No matter how great my hair, skin & makeup look for "someone my age", there is no way I could keep up with a thirty year old today. Some days I can't even get out of my own way ! Turning fifty was a life altering experience, as will be turning sixty. Forty didn't bother me in the least. I wasn't ready to change my life back when I was forty. I was just barely ready at fifty proper. Jackson tells us to get ready for the change, but not our mother or grandmother's "change" ! At fifty it is time to change the way we think , more than anything else. Jackson tells us about her experience with hormone replacement, do I or don't I? Eye lifts..what if I end up looking like a cat? Most of it is hilarious , some of it is poignant but mostly it is honest. I whole-heartily recommend this book for woman who are approaching fifty and those of us that have gone beyond. It is time to enjoy life and to have a few laughs. She loved it!  Special thanks to The Queen Bee for her, as always, great reviews.  Be sure to check out her site HERE (it is fantastic!). Pick up your copy of the book today on Amazon... I am so pleased to tell you that the publisher, Harper Collins is giving one lucky RBM reader a copy of Between a Rock and a Hot Place!  Thanks so much to the sponsor and here is how to enter...

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Maggie's Direct & Stonewall Kitchen Mother's Day Promotion...SAVE BIG!

I have such a fantastic deal to tell you about today that I am simply bursting at the seams.  Two of my local favorites, Maggies Direct and Stonewall Kitchen have teamed up to give you a spectacular deal on an awesome gift set just perfect for Mother' Day (or a shower gift, thank you gift, just because gift or for YOU gift!).  Check out this bundle of wonderful...

This is the perfect gift for any blueberry lover! This set comes with blueberry jam and syrup as well as pancake and waffle mix, all made by Stonewall Kitchen. The gift comes in a ceramic blue batter bowl with blueberry motif and a spatula for making pancakes or waffles.


Maine Blueberry Jam -- Just sweet, intensely flavorful wild Maine blueberries, the right amount of sugar and a splash of lemon is what we use in our crafted, top selling Wild Maine Blueberry Jam. Bursting with tiny, hand-raked Maine blueberries to enhance your favorite morning bread. Perfect to spread on pancakes, enjoy an extra special pb&j, or surprise someone with breakfast in bed!


Maine Blueberry Syrup 8.5 oz. - Mix this brightly flavored Blueberry Syrup into your favorite smoothie recipe for great taste and a healthy dose of antioxidants. Delicious served traditionally with pancakes or French toast, Stonewall Kitchen Wild Maine Blueberry Syrup is also great drizzled on top of ice cream or a biscuit topped with fresh berries and whipped cream.


Farmhouse Pancake Mix - 16 oz. - Sensory overload may be the best way to describe the aromas and taste of fresh made Stonewall Kitchen Pancakes right in your own kitchen. Make everyone's day and whip up a batch of our best selling Farmhouse Pancake Mix.

Is your mouth watering yet?  It should be because I have tasted ALL of the above products and they are simply delicious.  I always keep a bottle of the Blueberry Syrup on hand and it is a special treat over ice cream (yum!!).   This is absolutely the kind of gift I would like someone to treat me too and I can guaranty it would be a huge Mother's Day gift hit.  I would strongly suggest nabbing one for yourself too because hey, you deserve it!  Are you ready for the blueberry syrup on the pancake??  The price.  You can pick up this gift set for just $49.95 with free shipping  (already a great deal) but here is the best part....when you buy it you will get back $25 in Social Bucks in your account.  That is like getting this gift set for $25 TOTAL COST!!!  For $25 you can look like  a gift giver rock star?  Yes please!

To order this yummy gift set at this rock bottom price CLICK HERE.  Hurry though....this offer ends on May 13th! 

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The Muppets...Out Now!

Have you all seen the newly released, The Muppets?  I have been desperately wanting to watch it with the kids and last night we finally snuggled up to watch.  I can't even begin to tell you how much I enjoyed sharing favorite characters of my youth with the kids.  I was  a HUGE fan of The Muppet Show and the earlier Muppet movies so this was a real treat for me.   I have to say, going in, A&W were a little less excited than I was to watch.  They had only ever watched bits of the early Muppet Show and they were not nearly as captivated with that as I was as a kid.  Crazy, I know!  Here is the scoop on this new release and then I will tell you what we all thought!

Muppet domination continues with a hilarious new movie from Walt Disney Studios. Jason Segel, Academy Award(R) nominee Amy Adams (Best Performance By An Actress In a Supporting Role, Junebug, Doubt, The Fighter) and Academy Award winner Chris Cooper (Best Performance By An Actor In A Supporting Role, Adaptation) join everyone's favorite Muppets and an all-star celebrity cast in a comic adventure for the whole family. While on vacation in Los Angeles, Walter, the world's biggest Muppet fan, his brother Gary, and friend Mary uncover the diabolical plot of a greedy oil millionaire to destroy the Muppet Theater. Now, the Muppet-loving trio must reunite Kermit, Miss Piggy, Fozzie Bear and their friends to stage the greatest Muppet telethon ever and save their beloved theater. The gang is back together again in a must-own movie full of irresistible music and family fun.

Oh.  My.  Goodness.  This movie was FANTASTIC!  Really, really fantastic.  From my perspective, it was a treasure to see all my favorites (Beaker, The Chef, Animal!) back in action and at their very finest.  The gang has always worked together when under pressure (remember The Muppets Take Manhattan??) and under pressure they are!  Can they save the doomed Muppet Theater?  If you are a true Muppet fan you can likely guess how it all turns out but watching them get to the end point is full of laughs and even a few tears on my part. There was a spot when the camera panned over Kermit's old office at the studio and it showed pictures of Kermit with celebrities from the show (Julie Andrews etc...) and it just tugged at my heart.  I remember those days and to think they might fade into existence was more than I could bear...on the show OR in real life!  I don't want to give a lot away because I don't want to ruin it for you who have not seen this yet but when the whole pack of Muppets sings The Rainbow Connection I was singing along and I was flooded with happy memories of these wonderfully quirky puppets.  Keep your eyes peeled for LOTS of celebrity appearances as well...the movie is full of them!

Oh, and A&W who were maybe bigger critics than Statler and Waldorf?  The loved it!  The antics of the Muppets especially Miss Piggy and Animal had them in stitches laughing.  The adored the music (me too!) and at were at the edge of their seats wondering if the Muppets would be able to pull it together to save the studio.  The boys and I have a date this weekend to watch the old Muppet flicks and I can't wait (neither can they!).  Thanks to this movie there is a whole new generation of kids who love the Muppets and THAT makes me happy!

I highly recommend this movie for old fans and new. Even if you do not have a child to watch with, watch it yourself.  It is a great movie filled with lots of wonderful memories. I simply can't recommend it enough! 



*Disclosure: I was provided with a copy of the above mentioned DVD in order to provide a review. The opinions expressed are 100% my own. Pin It

It's Raining Cash Giveaway! Win $550 Here on Reviewed by Mom!

 Oh boy am I excited to tell you about this great $550 (can you believe it??) cash giveaway.  What would YOU do with $550??  It is hard for me to choose but I think it would involve some sort of mini vacation with the family.  Unfortunately, I can't enter my own giveaways but you sure can!  Check out the details below and good luck!

Welcome to the $550 It's Raining Cash Giveaway hosted by Giveaway Promote.   We've joined a fantastic group of bloggers to give away $550 in cash via PayPal to one lucky person. Just complete the tasks below to earn entries into this giveaway. One winner will be chosen at random from all valid entries.   Bloggers, join us in an upcoming giveaway event! Sign up and we'll keep you posted about future group events, like this one, hosted by Giveaway Promote. If you'd also like to hear about all other events currently open for blogger sign-ups, subscribe to Giveaway Promote's weekly group giveaway events and hops newsletter.  

This giveaway is open worldwide. It will end at 11:59pm EST on April 29th, 2012.

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Blockbuster Express & NCircle Entertainment Team Up With Make a Wish! (R&G)

I have something exciting to report from one of my favorite resources for children's entertainment, NCircle Entertainment...

Big news! Blockbuster Express (you know those blue kiosks at gas stations and convenience stores?) is making April kids’ movie month! That means that lots of NCircle titles and other kids’ favorites will be available at Blockbuster Express locations starting April 3 for just $1/night. 

Even better? Blockbuster Express has partnered with the Make-A-Wish Foundation, which grants the wishes of children with life-threatening medical conditions. All month long, part of the proceeds from EVERY rental in April will be donated to Make-A-Wish!

So stop by and pick up a great movie for you, one for the kids, and know that you are helping grant wishes of sick children across the country.

Check out the titles featured this month...

We have actually seen most of these titles and each would be a great family movie night choice!  We received Dino Dan:  Dino Trackers to view from NCircle and it was such a great DVD.  All three of the kids enjoyed following Dino Dan on his adventures and learning about dinosaurs.  I think this is a great addition to the NCirlce & Blockbuster Express line up! 

To find a Blockbuster Express near you or to find out more about this great program click HERE.

To celebrate this wonderful promotion NCircle is giving THREE lucky RBM readers a 5 day rental voucher for Blockbuster Express!  Thanks so much to NCircle and here is how to enter...

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Peep and the Big Wide World...R&G!

I have had the pleasure of sharing two DVD's featuring episodes from an absolutely darling with A,W and Little R.  We have been delighting in the show Peep and the Big Wide World thanks to two new DVD's from PBS, Bringing Spring and Finders Keepers.  This show is just fantastic!  It is funny, charming and full of science lessons for little ones.  Here is the scoop on the 2 DVD's we just can't get enough of here at Reviewed by Mom. 

Finders Keepers...

Set in and around a pond, a bush, and a tin can, follow a newly hatched chicken named Peep, and his friends Chirp and Quack (a robin and a duck), on their daily adventures. They live in a place of great wonder and mystery, a place they are forever eager to explore, a place they call "the big wide world." Celebrate being curious, being adventurous, and, for at least one character, being a duck.

Finders, Keepers - Quack finds a PERFECT slice of bread. Should he listen to his duck wisdom, which is telling him to save it for a rainy day?

Quack Quiets the Universe - Another sleepless night for Quack. Why can't everyone be QUIET and let a poor duck get some rest--!

Chirp Sorts It Out (sort of) - Chirp's interest in collecting soon becomes a full-fledged mania. Time to stage an intervention!

Hear Here - Quack decides to give a concert--"An Afternoon With Quack"--but has trouble finding the proper venue.

The Lurmies are Coming - Quack alerts Peep and Chirp that they must build an elevated path to escape the dreaded lurking Lurmies.

Quack's Square Deal -Chirp is collecting things that are square, so Quack starts a collection of things with "pointy-tops." (Oddly, if you turn them a bit, they look just like Chirp's squares!)

Count Them Out - Okay, so you have a large collection, but no way of knowing how large, exactly. What's a collecting fiend (like Chirp) to do?

Peep Prints - The birds discover you can make prints with berry juice. (Quack discovers that duck prints make EVERYTHING look good.)

Bringing Spring...

Bringing Spring - It's February, which means it's cold and blah and dreary. But things start to cheer up when the birds help a young groundhog find her shadow.

Quack's Pond Party - Quack needs some attention (shocking!), and decides to throw a party to get some. He'll be the entertainment, of course, but what should he serve to eat?

Stick With Me - Peep goes in search of his favorite (lost) dandelion seed, and discovers that the world is full of sticky things.

Tree Feller - Exciting news! Beaver Boy is ready to cut down his first tree! Come one, come all! Don't forget your hard hats!

An Inconvenient Tooth, Part 1 - Beaver Boy needs some wood to gnaw. (He's got growing teeth!) Problem is, he's cutting down too many trees. The solution? Grow some new trees!

An Inconvenient Tooth, Part 2 - Beaver Boy discovers that growing trees is hard. (Not to mention slowwwwww.) Can he find some other way to make his teeth happy?

You Can Count on Bunnies - Five (or maybe it's 30) young bunnies have gotten lost. Can Peep and Quack help them find their bunnysitter?

Falling Feathers - Quack's losing his feathers, but just how many (is too many)?

This show is just a hoot!  First of all, I love the time amount of each episode at just over 10 minutes.  This bit of time is often just enough for me to fold laundry or get dinner going (or maybe even watch along!).  All of the episodes were a big hit in our home with plenty of laughs served up with important science lessons.  For instance, in Bringing Spring the birds help teach about shadows and Groundhog Day and in An Inconvenient Tooth children are introduced to the importance of conservation. 

I am the first to admit that I find science to be a bit, ahem, dry but then again when I was growing up there were no funny feathered friends to help pave the way for a more enjoyable scientific experience.  My children think this show is so much fun and I love that it is teaching them important lessons.  Way to go PBS...we are big fans of Peep and the Big Wide World!  You can pick up both these DVD's and others from the series on the PBS website by clicking HERE.

I am so pleased to tell you that PBS is giving FOUR lucky RBM readers a copy of both Finders, Keepers and Bringing Spring!  Thanks so much to PBS for their generosity and here is how to enter...
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Before the Poison by Peter Robinson...R&G!

Looking for a great, new read?  Be sure to check out Before the Poison by Peter Robinson out now from Harper Collins.  Here is the scoop...

Chris Lowndes built a comfortable career composing scores for films in Hollywood. But after twenty-five years abroad, and still quietly reeling from the death of his beloved wife, he decides to return to the Yorkshire dales of his youth. To ease the move, he buys Kilnsgate House, a rambling old mansion deep in the country.

Although Chris finds Kilnsgate charming, something about the house disturbs him, a vague sensation that the long-empty rooms have been waiting for him—feelings made ever stronger when he learns that the house was the scene of a murder more than fifty years before. The former owner, a prominent doctor named Ernest Arthur Fox, was supposedly poisoned by his beautiful and much younger wife, Grace. Arrested and brought to trial, Grace was found guilty and hanged for the crime.

His curiosity piqued, Chris talks to the locals and searches through archives for information about the case. But the more he discovers, the more convinced he becomes that Grace may have been innocent. Ignoring warnings to leave it alone, he sets out to discover what really happened over half a century ago—a quest that takes him deep into the past and into a web of secrets that lie all too close to the present.

I let my mother-in-law the well read Queen Bee have first dibs on this one and here is what she had to say...

Chris Lowndes, renowned Hollywood movie score composer has lived in Los Angeles for 25 years. After his beloved wife dies, he decides to go back to his roots writing classical music and back to his home in Yorkshire, England. He buys a lovely but isolated estate for himself, site unseen. He will be able to grieve for his wife and write his music in peace. Once he moves in, he senses the house has a past. When he starts to investigate, he hears that the doctor who lived in the house, was poisoned by his young wife, Grace, and that she was hanged after her trial. When he sees a picture Grace, he is reminded of his own wife. Lowndes becomes obsessed with Grace and decides that he will gather all the information he can from locals and written accounts of the trial and after a while he begins to wonder whether Grace was a murderer after all. I have said so many times that I am not a mystery reader, but I seem to keep picking these types of books to read. I thought this book was pretty interesting. I am also not a fan of skipping from present to past to present again, but this was done expertly. I really enjoyed reading about the trial of Grace and also excerpts from her diary when she was a nurse during WW2. Peter Robinson is a well known author, he has written a series of mystery novels about an Inspector named Alan Banks. This is not an edge of your seat story, but I can definitely recommend it ! Sounds like a good one doesn't it??  You can pick this engrossing read up today on Amazon....

Thanks to the publsiher, Harper Collins, one lucky RBM reader will win a copy of Before the Poison.  Thanks so much to the sponsor and here is how to enter...
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