The Watermelon Festival

As you may or may not know, I might be a hick from the sticks.  I live in a rural area, so every summer the even smaller towns hold festivals honoring a fruit or vegetable of sorts.  There's the grape festival, sweet corn festival and watermelon festival- I'm sure there's more, but I can't think of them right now.

Anyway, I'm told that the watermelon festival is hands down the only one worth attending.  I recall going in high school and having fun.  But, having a fun hater for a husband, I haven't been in years.  Well, now that A is four, I can have lots more fun with her.  So, I resolved to take her to the watermelon festival.  I learned that I am apparently an old fart when it comes to rides and my daughter is a thrill seeker.  I also learned never to trust a carnie because some of them seem to have a God-complex.

So, we went.  The first 10 minutes ended with watching a verbal fight ensue between some trashy people who released some f-bombs and biznatches in front of not only their children, but about 30 other children in the vicinity.  Oh, the classy people that walk amongst us! 

So, my daughter was all excited about the rides.  I was not so much excited, because for some reason, I am a wuss when it comes to my life flashing before my eyes.  Well, the first ride she wanted to go on was this whirly thing that spun you up, down and around.  I seriously about tossed my cookies.  I was so disappointed in myself.  Of course, I wasn't gonna be THAT mom that barfed all over an amusement ride, so I held it in.

Well, as the night progressed we ran into some friends.  One of whom was more than willing to take A on that ship ride that swings like a pendulum.  There I was, watching in amazement as my four year old went on ride after ride after ride while I stood in awe of her braveness.  After some rides, we ate the required free watermelon, checked out the games and ridiculously priced food.  Then, it was getting near time to go.  I had purchased tickets in lieu of the $15 arm-bands that let you ride as many rides as you wanted all night.  A and a friend's daughter Z decided they wanted to go on "Moby Dick."  This ride is too horror-evoking to explain.  All of the adults looked around at each other to see who was going to volunteer to take the kidlets on the ride... and silence... and finger pointing... and silence.  So, finally I say that I will do it because guilt at the idea of these kids not getting to ride this last ride was more overwhelming than my fear and potential nausea.

This ride was a whopping 5 tickets a person and I only had 8.  So, an acquaintance happened by and offered me her bracelet.  I figured I could rig it up on my wrist somehow, so right in front of this carnie game woman who looked like she was ridiculed in high school for being an uber-dike and an ugly one to boot, glared at us as if we were plotting to steal the Hope Diamond.  So I get in line with A and Z and we wait our turn.  Well, said carnie woman comes trotting (or should I say manly striding) over to the man operating the ride.  She tries to be all nonchalant, but I know her type... she's a narc... a big ole narcy narc narc face.  So, I say to my friends, "20 bucks says she just ratted me out to that dude."  I have one of my friends go snag me 2 more tickets and I give up on the recycled bracelet idea.

We go to get on the ride and the man nicely takes my tickets.  I can barely bring myself to relay what happened next.  I clung to dear life to my harness.  I closed my eyes as tight as humanly possible.  It was death coming for me.  It was a nightmare.  I didn't scream, cause once again, I didn't wanna be THAT mom.  But, some random 8 year old sitting next to me yelled, "Open your eyes you're an adult!!"  If I weren't on that ride...

And it ended.  With most of my body still in tact, I walked slowly over to my friends.  It was over... I was alive.  And here's the kicker...  while I was on the ride, the dude operating it called over ole' beefcake Yolanda and laughingly told her that I paid with tickets.  AHA!!!  Take that, Nazi!  And go back to your loserville Loser McLosenstein corner... eat it... with a spoon.... *dancing*  I showed the carnie who had the college degree... woot, woot...

And now I'm  THAT mom... the judgmental one who makes fun of carnie folk... *sigh*

5 Simple Steps to Keeping Your Child's Mouth Clean

Did you know that each year, more than 51 million school hours are lost as a result of problems related to tooth decay, the most common chronic childhood disease in America? In fact, tooth decay affects approximately half of all second graders and nearly 80 percent of 17-year-olds. That’s why Trident® has partnered with Smiles Across America® to help underprivileged children get the dental care they need.

Trident wanted to know what steps my family uses to keep our children's smiles bright and white.  Smiles are extremely important in our family.  My husband and I both had braces, so we know what it's like to be uncomfortable with your smile.  We want our kids to smile all the time without having to worry.  Here are some simple things that we do:

1) Brush twice a day.
Nick thinks it's most important to brush in the morning and I think it's most important at night, so we each make sure the children brush both times.

2) Lend a hand.
My kids are in the "do it myself" stage, which means they want to brush their teeth all by themselves as well.  I keep a watchful eye and if it seems like they aren't getting all their teeth, I will lend a hand and make sure they know how to get them all.

3) Keep sweet consumption to a minimum.
Kids don't need all that sugar anyway, but especially their teeth don't need it. We might give one sugary treat a day, if that.  Juice is 100% and is third in line after milk and water.

4) NO SODA.
This is an absolute.  Our kids do not get soda.  Not only does is serve no nutritional purpose, but it is not good for their teeth.

5) Lead by example.
I always brush my teeth with the kids when they do it so that they see mommy brushing as well.  I rarely drink soda and drink tons of water.  This way my kids will hopefully mimic my healthy choices.

Simple, right?  But these tips can save you lots of money and good oral hygiene in the future.  What about you, do you have any tips on keeping your kids' teeth sparkling?





“I wrote this blog post while participating in the TwitterMoms and Trident blogging program, making me eligible to get a $25 gift card. For more information on how you can participate, click here.”

Infantino EcoSash Wrap & Tie Baby Carrier Review

I know I've told this story before, but seeing as how I'm reviewing a baby carrier, it only makes sense to rehash.  Picture it, Sicily, 1952... or my house, 2008.  It was springtime and I wanted to smell the fresh air as it breezed through my house.  Unfortunately, I did not have a screen door.  Well, I had purchased one, it just hadn't been put up.  Reason being?  Well, although he has many great qualities, handyman is not one of Nick's highlights.  In fact, he tends to break things more than fix them.  So, I asked my father-in-law and my own dad (the master carpenter) for help, hoping one of them would jump to my aid... well, jump they didn't.  And I am an impatient person!

So, I took my then two year old and my then 5ish month old outside with me while I put the door up myself.  And in order to properly contain my infant, I used a baby carrier to strap him to my chest.  It was a Godsend!  I was able to put up the door and we were able to feel the gentle breeze roll in.  None of this would have been possible without my handy dandy baby carrier.  That was an Infantino, but since then, Infantino has come out with newer and better models! 

The model I  chose to review is the Infantino EcoSash Wrap & Tie. 

3-in-1 design: face-in,
face-out and back carrier
suited for 8-35 lbs (3.6-15.9 kgs)

Buckle-free: just wrap, tie and go!
Natural bucket seat.
Easily adjusts for a perfect fit.
Wide & comfortable padded straps.
Super soft and breathable.

And believe me, those buckles are a pain in my caboose!  And the comfort of this style not only is great for your baby's sensitive little body, but also saves poor mom (or dad) from getting stabbed by plastic!

To learn more about Infantino and their products, visit:

• Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Infantino/125340400811871?ref=search
• YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/user/InfantinoMomsRule
• Twitter: http://twitter.com/infantino 

 

• Check out the Infantino Facebook page (http://www.facebook.com/pages/Infantino/125340400811871?ref=search) and blog (http://infantinoblog.com/) to enter for your chance to win one of five bouncers. The giveaway will be live through 9/1/10.

Babies R Us will offer $10-off the EcoSash and Balance carriers from August 11-September 21st.

“I am a participant in a Mom Central campaign for Infantino and have received various Infantino products as part of my participation.”

Dora the Explorer: Dora's Big Birthday Adventure Winner

Congratulations to

kngmckellar

for winning this Dora DVD.  Thanks to everyone who entered and be sure to check out my current giveaways going!

A's First Day of Preschool

So yesterday was A's first day of preschool.  She had her backpack ready and it was filled with the required school supplies.  She was excited and so was I.  One down, one to go!  Now I am only counting down the days until L is in school.  It was cute because the teacher gave us this sweet note about wiping away our tears and putting our feet up.  I said to my mom, "why would people cry?"  She informed me that people DO cry and she used to stand in the hall with a box of kleenex to offer people.  Well, not me!  I want my kids to be independent because no one likes leeches.  HAHA!

Anyway, since I think she was the cutest one there, I thought I'd share a picture or two from A's first day.

Go Diego, Go!: Diego's Ultimate Rescue League DVD Review & Giveaway!!!

Both my kids have long loved Diego. Unfortunately, it fails to win their loyalty if Dora is an option. I love Diego because it teaches them Spanish AND teaches them about animals. I love animals and find it pretty interesting to learn about these diverse creatures and where they live. Plus, at the end of each episode is a "review" where the children are asked to remember certain details about the animals they have just learned about. I think it's excellent and gladly let my children watch it!

In Diego's Ultimate Rescue League you get to enjoy three new-to-dvd episodes! 

Go, Diego, Go!: Diego’s Ultimate Rescue League Episode Synopses:

Diego’s International Rescue League

Diego has assembled an elite team of world rescuers to endure a challenging test that will earn them their World Rescuers’ patch.  Diego’s team includes Juma – the African desert expert, Shanti – the Indian forest expert, Burgin – an expert diver and surfer from Borneo, Yang – a panda rescuer who can climb up the tallest and most treacherous mountains of China, and team captain Diego – who’s rescued animals from every corner of the globe – even the frozen tundra of Antarctica! The team assembles on Rescue Island, where they must race against the clock in their Rescue-Flyer to identify and return five mystery animal eggs to their respective habitats before time runs out.

Ocean Animal Rescuer

Bottlenose wants to become an ocean animal rescuer just like Diego and Baby Humpback Whale. Bottlenose must swim fast and rescue the baby sea turtles from a giant wave that could devastate the population. Then Diego, Baby Humpback, and Bottlenose must work together to rescue the ocean animals from a dangerous oil-spill before it gets too close to their natural habitats.

Diego Rescues Prince Vicuña

Prince Vicuña embarked on an extensive exploration and has yet to return to his parents, the King and Queen, who long for their lost son.  Diego and Messenger Vicuña are quick to develop a plan of action.  Diego and Messenger Vicuña run into some trouble as they realize the Prince is over the mountain, near Puma Pass.  Diego decides to use a special climbing hook and rope to climb up the mountain toward Puma Pass to rescue the Prince.  After a successful rescue, we take the Prince back to Vicuña Valley, and reunite him with his joyful parents.

Family Time Factor: One of the few cartoons I can tolerate watching with the kids or having on in the background. I think it is best enjoyed by boys or girls from birth to 10.

MOTR Grade: A

Go Diego, Go!: Diego's Ultimate Rescue League is available on DVD August 31!!!

GIVEAWAY DETAILS:

Nickelodeon and its reps are nice enough to provide one copy for giveaway!!  This contest will end September 7 at noon and is open to US residents only.

To enter:

1) Let me know your favorite Go Diego, Go! character and why.

2) Post a link to this giveaway on twitter and use @nickelodeonDVD in the tweet.  Then post link to tweet below.  (one entry per day allowed doing this)

3) Email this giveaway to a friend and cc me with hamsterkitten@hotmail.com (one email entry allowed per day)


Good luck!!!

Veggie Tales DVD Winner!

The winner of this Veggie Tales DVD is:

Tara

Congratulations to her and please check out my other giveaways.  Thanks to everyone who entered.

Nickelodeon Favorites: Happy Halloween DVD Review

I just love when Nickelodeon comes out with these compilation DVDs.  This way my kids feel as though they are actually watching the cartoons as they would be shown on TV in the mornings.  The line up is fantastic and there is not one show on it that my kids don't like!

Now, add this to the fact that holiday DVDs are favorites around my house.  It gets the kids excited for the next holidays.  Okay, so it gets me excited about them too.  I'm dying for October!! 





Happy Halloween contains the following episodes:

Dora the Explorer - Boo!

It’s Halloween, and Dora and Boots are out trick-or-treating when a cute Little Monster surprises them.  Dora and Boots must embark on a spooky journey to help Little Monster hurry home before the arrow on the big clock strikes 12 – and in time for a Halloween party!

Go Diego, Go! - Freddie the Fruit Bat Saves Halloween!

It’s Halloween! Diego, Alicia and Freddie the fruit bat are setting up trick-or-treating booths for all the animals when suddenly they hear a cry for help. Diego uses Click to try and see what animals are in trouble and finds out it’s the llamas! They were bringing goodie bags to the Rescue Center when suddenly a bridge broke.  Amigos, we’ve got to fix the bridge so that the llamas can bring the treats to our party! ¡Al rescate! 

Wonder Pets! - Save the Bat / Save the Acting Donkey
Save the Bat

The Wonder Pets travel to Transylvania to help a Baby Bat who is afraid of the dark.

Save the Acting Donkey

The Wonder Pets head to the Old Globe Theatre in England to help a Shakespearian-actor Donkey who is not prepared for his performance.

Yo Gabba Gabba - Halloween

It’s time for the Yo Gabba gang to dress up in outrageous costumes and take part in gathering their own private stash of candy.  “The Fall Song” celebrates the changing seasons, while the “Halloween Party Song” and “Trick-or-Treat Song” teaches shows kids what happens on Halloween. “Too Much Candy” helps showcase that eating candy in moderation is best.  Come sing along to these great tunes!

Blue's Clues - What is Blue Afraid of?

Blue is scared and we play Blue’s Clues to determine what’s frightening her. As we search for clues, we investigate shadows and conceptualize what objects are making them; decipher extreme close-up photos taken by Mr. Salt and Mrs. Pepper; and label the source of scary sounds within a haunted house!

Ni Hao, Kai-lan – Ni Hao, Halloween

Trick or treat, it’s Halloween!  Kai-lan and her friends dress up to go trick or treating with YeYe. Kai-lan is a dinosaur, Tolee’s a panda, Hoho’s the Monkey King, and Rintoo is his favorite – a dragon! But just when they set out to trick or treat, Rintoo sprains his ankle and realizes that means he can’t go trick or treating. It’s up to you and Kai-lan to make things better for Rintoo, so that he can have an amazing Halloween.

But seriously, when they say that Nick, Jr. is like preschool on TV, they are not kidding.  My kids learn so much from watching these shows that it amazes me!  Each show features different learning skills and techniques.  And now they can get ready for Halloween too!!

Nickelodeon Favorites: Happy Halloween is available on DVD today!!!

iCarly: iSpace Out DVD Review

One of Nickelodeon's breakout hits has been iCarly. It stars Miranda Cosgrove (School of Rock cutie, Drake & Josh regular) as Carly, a girl who becomes a quasi celebrity in Seattle after broadcasting a webshow starring herself and her friend Sam. Carly's friend Freddie is the technology guy for their show.

Carly lives with her older brother Spencer and he is her legal guardian. This leads to the possibility of much more shenanigans and hijinks than when you're under parental supervision.

Each episode has Carly living out her regular life, without letting her fame get to her head. She is an intelligent and honest girl, which makes her a good character for young children to watch.

Another great element of iCarly is the fact that it is very now and current because Carly's show is on the internet. Kids will appreciate that it's not the same old boring storylines that could be transposed into any given decade.

On iCarly: iSpace Out, you get a collection of iCarly episodes that are out of this world! Carly and the crew venture to a training facility to test their space survival abilities. Can they handle being locked in a space pod for 36 hours? On top of this challenge, the iCarly fun continues as Sam decides to reveal a shocking secret, Gibby wants to fight Freddie, Carly and crew hunt for Bigfoot, and so much more.

iCarly: iSpace Out Descriptions:

iSpace Out

An eccentric billionaire asks the iCarly gang to perform the first live web show from outer space and they must go through a series of tests to make sure they’re fit for space travel.  Back at the loft, Spencer is visited by a mysterious little girl.

iWas a Pageant Girl

Sam reveals she used to compete in pageants and convinces Carly to compete against her long-time rival in the Miss Teen Seattle pageant.

iEnrage Gibby

When Gibby discovers Freddie and his girlfriend in a compromising position, he vows revenge and challenges Freddie to a fight.  Meanwhile, Spencer’s art career really takes off when the local paper incorrectly reports his death.

iFix a Popstar

When Carly, Sam and Freddie agree to make a music video for a pop star who’s trying to make a comeback, they discover that the pop star is out of shape and untalented.  Meanwhile, Spencer has trouble dating a woman when he discovers she’s Gibby’s mom.

iWon’t Cancel the Show

When Sam ends up in jail, Carly and Freddie vow that the web show must go on.  They try to enlist Spencer’s help at the last minute, but he has a date he can’t cancel.

iBelieve in Bigfoot

Carly believes Bigfoot exists and convinces her friends to embark on a search to prove it.

 

Family Time Factor: This is not really something older teens would probably enjoy. It's more of a tween thing or perhaps a bit younger. A has started enjoying watching this show and even asks for me to record it.  I will watch it with her from time and find myself chuckling.  It's nice to watch something other than a cartoon!

MOTR Grade: A-

iCarly: iSpace Out is currently available on DVD!!!

The Last Song Blu-Ray Review

*heavy sigh*  Oh, Miley... Miley, Miley, Miley.... oh, Nicholas Sparks.... why?  Why?  Why would you ruin a perfectly good movie by putting someone in it who couldn't act her way out of a paper sack?  Now don't get me wrong, I think Miley is talented.  Just not at acting.  Hannah Montana was a comedy where everyone overacted in order to get laughs.  The Last Song is a serious movie that requires serious acting chops.

The premise of the movie is that Ronnie and her little brother must spend the summer at the beach with their dad (I love Greg Kinnear!)  Ronnie has never forgiven her dad for "walking out on the family" and has become a rebellious teen.  She gave up on the piano and a chance to go to Julliard all to sulk and be a bum.  When she meets a boy, he starts to bring joy to her life and therefore she starts breaking down her tough exterior and gets closer to her father.

Of course being a Nicholas Sparks movie, there are tears, anger, sadness, bad news, fights, all of the things you'd expect.  I of course did not shed a tear, but I'm sure other people will.  It was definitely a good movie, but would have been a million times better without Miley and her horrendous overbite.

Family Time Factor:  suitable for all ages, but small children won't be interested at all.


MOTR Grade: C+

The Last Song is currently available on DVD and Blu-Ray!!!

Blu-Ray Combo pack comes with DVD.

DVD & Blu-Ray Bonus Features:
• Set Tour with Bobby Coleman – In this featurette, we’ll go on a behind-the-scenes guided tour, hosted by Bobby Coleman.  This rambunctious eight-year old will bring his fans along as he does everything from interview Adam Shankman, Miley’s security team, to going on a seashell scavenger hunt. Audiences will have an all access pass to see how a film is made through the eyes of the new up-and-comer and star of The Last Song, Bobby Coleman.
• Making of the Music Video, “When I Look At You“ with Miley Cyrus – Go behind-the-scenes of the music video, “When I Look At You”. It will feature recording studio footage, b-roll from the set, interviews with Miley and crew, clips from the film and music video. Audiences will learn how the film’s motif, southern summer romance, is incorporated into feel and theme of the music video
• Miley Cyrcus Music Video: “When I Look At you”
• Audio Commentary – with Director Julie Anne Robinson and Co-Producer Jennifer Gibgot
BD ONLY
• Alternate Opening Sequence: The Church Fire (with optional commentary by director)
• Deleted Scenes (with optional commentary by director)
o Ronnie at the piano
o Steve & Ronnie at the beach
o Hospital montage
o Vegan cookies
o Juggling on the pier

Interesting Forward of the Day

My mum forwarded this to me.  I thought it was good!  I'm just going to do the first one for today.

 

 

"5 IMPORTANT LESSIONS TO LIVE BY"   

                        1 - First Important Lesson - Cleaning Lady.

 During my second month of college, our professor gave us a pop quiz. I was a conscientious student and had breezed through the questions until I read the last one: 

 "What is the first name of the woman who cleans the school?" 

Surely this was some kind of joke. I had seen the cleaning woman several times. She was tall, dark-haired and in her 50's, but how would I know her name? 

I handed in my paper, leaving the last question blank. Just before class ended, one student asked if the last question would count toward our quiz grade. 

"Absolutely, " said the professor. "In your careers, you will meet many people.  All are significant.. they deserve your attention and care, even if all you do is smile and say "hello."

I've never forgotten that lesson.. I also learned her name was Dorothy. 


This is completely true!  My husband and I went to the same orthodontist in high school.  He would say the name of one of the assistants and I would have no clue whom he was referring to.  He said, "you don't know any of the assistants names?"  And I didn't.  I guess I didn't think it was important, but he did.  Likewise, the other day I called my vet clinic to make an appointment for my parents' cat.  I didn't recognize the name of the woman who answered the phone, but when I gave her my name she said, "oh hi!" as if she knew who I was.  This is probably true, but I only know the names of the actual doctors.  It makes me feel snooty that I don't take the time to learn the names of everyone in an office, not just those in charge.

Disney Create & U Rock Giveaway!!!

Hey, have you ever heard of Disney?  No?  Well, it's like this kabillion dollar corporation that owns the souls of all children until they turn 16.  Just an FYI, but they are HUGE!  Well, this summer Disney was not about to rest on their laurels and twiddle their thumbs.  They decided to do more big things!

First is Disney Create. Create is an entertainment portal that offers a brand new way to interact with Disney character art and graphics. Logging on to Create enables fans to work with Disney art through great applications that help create and design art work, comic books, music videos and much more. It’s also a great way to express creativity and communicate with other Disney fans.

In July, Disney.com Create is launching an all-new feature called the Group Wall, where thousands of original pieces of art are created around a central them and then added to a larger mosaic.  The first group wall is themed around, what else but Mickey Mouse – the one that started it all.  The Group Wall mosaic is updated in real time so users can watch as new artwork is added, and it features unique tools allowing guests to locate their artwork within the mosaic.

Some of the cool features include:

Apps

Create Apps allow children to design artwork, comic books, music videos, animated pets and more, all using Disney characters and graphics. 

Comic Creator

Craft a comic book using favorite Disney characters.  Guests lay out pages using fun and wacky graphics, text and images to create their own rich narrative.

Digital Painter

Paint like a master artist, right in your browser, using tools, textures, and fun pens.  Create a masterpiece that can be shared for everyone to see!

Animods

Illustrate an animated online pet that can be individually styled and customized.  Guests choose from a number of different animals, each with its own collection of pre-set animations, interactions, and accessories. 

Photo Mashup

Combine photos of favorite Disney stars with hip stickers and cool gear to create personalized images for use on a computer desktop, phone, inside a school locker, or any other fun application guests can dream up.

Music Slideshow

Compose a harmonious mix of images, text, and sound.  Guests create their own music videos using photos of Disney stars, their own text, and a choice of songs from artists such as Demi Lovato and the Jonas Brothers.

Group Wall

An innovative new community gallery called the “Group Wall” will launch on Disney.com Create.  The first Group Wall theme is a “Tribute to Mickey” and will build a dynamic mosaic portrait of Mickey Mouse with user-generated content. 

My Portfolio

Create an online art portfolio on Disney.com to share with friends, filling it with creations from all of the Create activities – digital paintings, comic-books, pets and more.

So get your or your child's creative juices flowing and head over to Disney Create!

U Rock

The popular user-generated content promotion lets fans channel their inner Rock Star, by creating and submitting their own music videos set to songs by Disney favorites like the Jonas Brothers and Allstar Weekend.

By entering U Rock, fans can win chances to meet Disney stars like Jonas Brothers and Demi Lovato on the Camp Rock 2 tour and trips to LA to party with the cast of Phineas and Ferb or Allstar Weekend.

How it Works

Kids can download a :30 song clip from a Disney Music artist to create and upload their own music videos. The videos are posted in a gallery on the U Rock site for viewing. Finalist videos are chosen by Disney.com, and guests vote on the (4) Grand Prize winners for each one of the songs. This year’s U Rock songs and grand prizes include:

·         Camp Rock 2 “It’s On”
Winner will head to Orlando to see Demi Lovato and the Jonas Brothers in the Camp Rock 2 tour. 

·         Phineas and Ferb “Backyard Beach”
Winner will come to Los Angeles to be a voice in an upcoming episode of Phineas and Ferb. 

·         JONAS “LA Baby (Where Dreams Are Made Of)”
Winner will travel to LA for a tour of some of the local sites featured in JONAS LA and cap it off by meeting Kevin, Joe and Nick. 

·         Allstar Weekend “Dance Forever”
Winner will head to LA where they will be the star in a weekend of fun including a musical jam session with Allstar Weekend and a $1000 shopping spree from Disney Stores. 

In addition to the grand prizes, other prizes will be awarded by Disney.com in the following categories:

·         Awww…some! (Cutest video)

·         Mega Pipes (Best singing)

·         Sweet Groove Alll-Star (Best dancing)

·         Tricked Out (Best graphics)

Timing

·         Upload & Watch Videos:  July 7 – August 23

·         Vote:  August 31 – September 12

·         Winners Announced:  September 16

GIVEAWAY DETAILS: 

In honor of these two awesome activities, Disney and LBI have offered up some neat promo gear as giveaway.  Three winners will win a U Rock CD which features four cool Disney tracks along with retractable earbud headphones.  Contest ends at noon on August 28 and is open to US and Canada residents.

To enter:

Visit either Disney Create or U Rock and leave a comment about something interesting you found on the site that wasn't mentioned in this blog. 

Additional entries: 

1) Tweet a link to this giveaway and include @hamsterkitten and hashtag #disneycreate or #disneyurock  Post link to tweet below. (one tweet allowed per day)

 

.

Conversation with a Deer

I was riding my bike last night when I happened upon a deer standing along the road.  I stopped my bike and decided to have a conversation with the deer.

Me: Hi, Deer!
Deer:....
Me: Hey, there's an apple tree a couple blocks down.  I saw another deer eating there earlier.  Was it you?
Deer: ...
Me:  If it was you then nevermind.  Otherwise, go eat them apples!
Deer: ...
Me:  Well, you stay safe and don't go out in the road!
Deer: ...

And then I rode away.

Veggie Tales: Sweet Pea Beauty- A Girl After God's Own Heart Review & Giveaway ***CLOSED***

As aforementioned, Veggie Tales was one of my daughter's favorite shows a couple years back. In fact, her second birthday cake had a veggie tales picture on it! (Thanks, Dairy Queen!) Now that my son is older, I like to watch him experience Veggie Tales as well. It has catchy songs, witty conversation and cute stories that teach good morals and values.

Sweet Pea Beauty: A Girl After God's Own Heart is a parody of Sleeping Beauty and the moral is about teaching children the true meaning of beauty.  Bonus features include the original new song, “Beautiful for Me,” written and performed by acclaimed Sparrow Records artist Nichole Nordeman, who is “thrilled that VeggieTales is tackling this tough and murky issue for young girls.”  The DVD also includes the short Snoodlerella, and a brand new Silly Song!

Family Time Factor: Tolerable by adults, but probably more enjoyed by children 10 and under. (Although they did used to show Veggie Tales clips at this youth group program at church when I was in high school.)

MOTR Grade: B+

Veggie Tales: Sweet Pea Beauty is now available on DVD!!!

GIVEAWAY DETAILS:


I have one copy of this DVD available for giveaway.  It is open to US and Canada residents and ends at noon (Central) on August 24.


To enter:

1) Let me know your favorite Veggie Tale character and why.

2) Post a link to this giveaway on twitter and use @hamsterkitten in the tweet.  Then post link to tweet below.  (one entry per day allowed doing this)

3) Email this giveaway to a friend and cc me with hamsterkitten@hotmail.com (one email entry allowed per day)


Good luck!!!

Music Monday: Top 10 Favorite Songs of All Time Part 1

Here are the first half of my top 10 favorite songs of all time (no particular order):

"Push"- Matchbox 20



"Far Behind"- Candlebox


"My Immortal"- Evanescence


"November Rain"- Guns N Roses


"Everlong"- Foo Fighters

Wordless Wednesday: Portrait Edition

Sponsored Post

PGmoms - www.classesandcareers.com

We help moms return to school and receive the funding & grants that they deserve! Moms can earn a degree fast!

sponsored like

Cara Piersee's profile on MyLikes