Jolly Mom: Recipes | Crafts | Atlanta Mom Blogger | Brand Ambassador | Product Reviews

I have announced winners for the following giveaways {click on the links to see who won}:

Musicolor
$25 Gift Certificate to The Tots
PUR Pitcher
$5 Dinner Mom Cookbook



Congratulations to all of the winners! As always, all of the winners have been emailed and have 48 hours to contact me to claim their prize.

All moms know how tough it can be to get kids to eat their veggies. One day, they love veggies. The next day, they turn their noses at the thought of eating something healthy. Any help that I can get in getting Lucas to eat more fruits and veggies is very welcome by me so when I heard about the new Apple & Eve Fruitables, I knew that we had to try them.

Fruitables are not your typical juice box. They have a combined serving of fruits and vegetables in each box, contain 1/3 less sugar than regular brands, and have between 40 and 70 calories. They also provide 100% of daily-recommended vitamin C, are a good source of antioxidants vitamin A and vitamin E, and contain no added sugar or high-fructose corn syrup. The bonus is that they taste good too. So good that kids do not realize that they are getting an entire combined serving of fruits and veggies. Lucas loves these! Fruitables are pretty much perfect. The only thing that I would like to see is an organic option too, which I am sure that Apple & Eve has thought of since they already make organic juices and even the #1 selling organic juice box in the United States.

Want It: Fruitables can be purchased at grocery stores across the country. For more information, please visit AppleandEve.com.



The featured product{s} in this post were provided to me free of charge by the manufacturer or pr company representing the company. All opinions expressed in this review are my own and not influenced in any way by anyone. Please refer to this site's Terms of Use for more information.

Thank you to Lori from Moms by Heart for compiling the best deals at CVS this week! For the full list, please make sure you stop by Moms By Heart!

Colgate Max Fresh 4.6-6oz or 2-in-1 Kids toothpaste $2.99
-$2 ECB
-$1 from January ALL YOU magazine - Max Fresh
-$.50 from 1/31 SS - either
Final Price: as low as FREE

Nature Made Vitamins & Supplements B1G1 free
-$1-$3 from 1/31 SS
-if you have Nature Made vitamins at home, stop over HERE and join the Wellness Rewards program. You may have enough products in your medicine cabinet to get you a $5 printable coupon!

Valentine M&Ms 9.9-12.6 oz 2/$5 (Sun-Tues only)
-$1/2 from 1/10 RP
Final Price: 2/$4

Windex Multi Surface 2/$5 $2.50 each
-$1 from 1/10 SS
-$5 SC Johnson rebate on three (purchase deadline 6/30/10)
Final Price: $.50 overage on three

Clorox Wipes 35-ct 2/$5
-B2G1 free printable HERE
Final Price: 3/$5 or $1.67 each

Scrubbing Bubbles 16-oz 2/$5
-$1 from 1/10 SS
-$5 SC Johnson rebate on three (purchase deadline 6/30/10)
Final Price: $.50 overage on three

Finish Electrasol tabs $3.99
-$2.50 from 1/3 SS (valid Sunday 1/31 only)
Final Price: $1.49

Honey Nut Cheerios single serving $1
-$1 printable HERE or HERE
Final Price: FREE

Unilever ECB Deal: Spend $10 (before coupons) get $3 ECB
Skippy Peanut Butter or Ragu Pasta Sauce 3/$5
-$.60 from 1/31 RP
Final Price: $1.07

Lipton Tea 2/$5
-$.60 from 1/31 RP
Final Price: $1.90

Hellmann's Mayo B1G1 free
--$.75 printable HERE (IE) or HERE (FF) or $.60 from 1/31 RP, use two

Scenario:
(6) peanut butter and/or pasta sauce = $10
-$3.60 coupons
-$3 ECB
Final Price: 6/$3.40 or $.57 each

Kellogg's Raisin Bran cereal $2
-$1.50/2 printable HERE
Final Price: $1.25

Hershey Kisses 2/$6
-$1/2 from February ALL YOU magazine
Final Price: $2 each

Hershey Singles 3/$2
-B1G1 free from 1/10 SS - buy milk choc or dk choc and get a dk choc free
Final Price: $.33 each

iTunes Gift Card $50
-$10 ECB
Final Price: $40!

Lumene Skin Care: spend $20 get $5 ECB
-$2-$5 printables HERE
Final Price: cheap or free!

ECB Deal: Spend $15 (before coupons), get $5 ECB
Irish Spring Body Wash $3
-$.50 from 1/31 SS
Final Price: $2.50

Softsoap Body Wash $3
-$1 from 1/31 SS
Final Price: $2

Softsoap Ensembles refills $3
-$1 from November Reinventing Beauty magazine or printable HERE
Final Price: $2

Irish Spring Bar Soap 3-pk $2
-$.50/2 from 1/31 SS
Final Price: $1.75 each wyb two

Speed Stick 2/$5.50
-$1 from November Reinventing Beauty magazine or $.50 from 1/31 SS
Final Price: as low as 2/$3.50

Scenario:
(5) Softsoap body wash or Ensembles refills = $15
-$5 coupons
-$5 ECB
Final Price: 5/$5 or $1 each

Revlon Photo Ready foundation or powder $9.99
-$5 ECB
-$1 from 1/17 SS
Final Price: $3.99

Revlon Color Burst Lipstick $6.99
-$3 ECB
-$1 from 1/17 SS
Final Price: $2.99

Suave Body Wash $1.99
-$.50 from 1/31 RP or printable HERE
Final Price: $1.49

Huggies ECB Deal: spend $20 (before coupons) get $5 ECB
-$2 printable (no longer available) or $3/2 from 1/17 SS - diapers
-$2 printable HERE or from 1/17 SS - Pull ups
-$.50 from 1/17 SS
-$1 uPromise deposit - diapers
-$.50 uPromise deposite - wipes

Scenario:
(2) diapers = $20
-$4 coupons
-$5 RR
Final Price: 2/$11 plus uPromise deposits!

Select Polident, Poligrip or Biotene products from $4.49
-$4 ECB on two
-$1 from 1/3 RP, use two - Polident
Final Price: as low as $1.49 each

Bioluxe shampoo or conditioner B1G1 free
-TRY ME FREE rebate attached to some products YMMV
Final Price: two for FREE

Viologie or Fruitopia hair care 2/$5
-$2 from November Reinventing Beauty magazine
Final Price: $.50

Select Nature's Bounty products B1G1 free
-$3 ECB wyb two
-$1-$3 from 1/24 RP
Final Price: cheap!

ECB Deal: Spend $25 Get $10 ECB
Secret or Old Spice Deodorant 2/$5
-$1/2 from 12/27 PG - Old Spice
-$.25 from 12/27 PG - Secret
Final Price: as low as $2

Pantene $5.99
-$3/2 from 12/27 PG (valid Sunday 1/31 only)
Final Price: $4.49

Herbal Essences $5.99
-$1 from 12/27 PG (valid Sunday 1/31 only)
Final Price: $4.99

Head & Shoulders $5.99
-$2/2 from 12/27 PG (valid Sunday 1/31 only)
Final Price: $4.99 each wyb two

Bounty Paper Towels $5.79
-$.25 from 12/27 PG (valid Sunday 1/31 only)
-$2 uPromise deposit
Final Price: $3.54

Coke 12-pk 12-oz 3/$11 or 2L 4/$5
-any printables earned thru mycokerewards

Scenario:
(4) Pantene = $23.96
(1) Secret = $2.50
=$26.46
-$6.25 coupons
-$10 ECB
Final Price: all 5 for $10.21

Scenario:
(6) 12-pks Coke = $22
(3) 2L Coke = $3.75
=$25.75
-$10 ECB
Final Price: all 9 for $15.75

Dove Men Care body & face wash $5.49
-$5.49 ECB (limit 2 - wahoo!)
-$1.25 from 1/31 RP or $1 printable HERE
Final Price: $1-$1.25 overage

When Mike and I decided that we were ready for a dog, we researched and researched. Actually, I researched. A lot. For years, I wanted a German Shephard, but then through my research I discovered that they shed a lot and I didn't want to have to deal with the hair. In the end, we decided on a labrador retriever. Family friendly?  Check. Smart? Check. Light shedders? Check. Or so I thought. Someone online lied to me because Aries--my beautiful chocolate lab sheds. A lot. A LOT. Her hair gets into and onto everything. I have to clean constantly to just keep it at bay. I also shave Aries during the warmer months and at the beginning of each season. Basically, all of this means TIME. Time cleaning. Time shaving her. Time time time. I want it back and I can honestly say that the FURminator has given me some of my time back.

The truth is that I have been hearing about the FURminator since before I started blogging. It always intrigued me, but I kind of thought it was a "gadget". When I was contacted about reviewing it, I had to say yes so that I could finally put it to the test. I have to tell you that I firmly believe that every dog and cat owner should have one of these! It works.

I was sent the FURminator deShedding Solution and the FURminator Deluxe Collection DeShedding Tool with FURejector to review. The deShedding Solution is supposed to help release the undercoat and loose hair.

It is enriched with oatmeal, vitamins, and aloe vera to help strengthen hair shafts and is hypoallergenic. It has a very clean and fresh scent and leaves Aries smelling great. While I don't think it is a must have product, it definitely is nice to have around. The real star though is the FURminator Deluxe Collection DeShedding Tool with FURejector!

Product Description:

* Grooming brush reduces shedding up to 90%
* Easy to use push-button fur ejector
* Quickly & easily removes undercoat & loose hair
* For long- and short-haired dogs & cats
* Available in small, medium or large

Basically, the FURminator is super easy to use. Just brush your dog {or cat} with it and watch as the loose hair comes out! What's cool about the Deluxe Collection is that it has the FURejector so all you do is push the button to "eject" all of the fur out of the FURminator to clean it! It is EASY and CONVENIENT to use. And, best of all---it works! I have noticed considerably less shedding going on at my house and that makes me one happy fur baby momma!


Want It: The FURminator Deluxe Collection deShedding Tool with FURejector can be purchased at various retailers across the country and starts at $42.99.


How To Enter:
1. Head over to FURminator and tell me which type and size of FURminator you would like to own.
Extra Entries (leave separate comments for each):

2. Blog about the giveaway and link to www.furminator.com and www.jollymom.com and leave the link to your post in the comment.
3. Subscribe to Jolly Mom by reader or email or follow on Blogger
4. One Extra Entry Per Day: Follow FURminator AND Jolly Mom on Twitter and Tweet about the giveaway. Make sure to leave your Tweet url in your comment.
5. Add the Jolly Mom button to your sidebar
6. Stumble this post (the post, not the site)
7. Become a FURminator Fan on Facebook and write on their wall letting them know that Jolly Mom sent you. Leave me a comment letting me know that you did and include you Facebook name.





The featured product{s} in this post were provided to me free of charge by the manufacturer or pr company representing the company. All opinions expressed in this review are my own and not influenced in any way by anyone. Please refer to this site's Terms of Use for more information.

Thank you to Lori from Moms by Heart for sharing her Big Fat Freebies List with us! For the full list, please make sure to visit Moms by Heart and tune in every Friday for a new list of FREEbies!

FREEBIES & SAMPLES
-Free sample Gel Care Scar Treatment HERE.
-Earn points for scanning UPC codes of items you purchase at the store if you qualify HERE.
-Free sample Dr. Hess Udder Ointment HERE (not for cows!).
-Free sample Tena HERE - view all Walmart freebies HERE.
-Free Moisture Enhancing Socks with purchase from Kerasol HERE.
-Free sample Prilosec heartburn relief HERE.
-Free trial pair Acuvue Moist HERE.
-Free sample Spongebob Cream of Wheat HERE.
-Choose your free sample from Kashi HERE.
-Back Again! Free sample of Barbara's Bakery Organic Cereal HERE.
-Efile your federal taxes FREE with TurboTax.
-Register to get a free 20pk Nicorette starter kit HERE. Freebies from Nicoderm HERE.
-Free Breakfast & Brunch recipe booklet from Gooseberry Patch HERE.
-Don't forget to get your free Uniball pen - 10,000 given away daily starting at noon CST.
-Free dried plum sample with code: ADSUPER over HERE.

FREEBIES AROUND TOWN
-Free bagel & schmear at Einstein Bros Bagels HERE.
-Free Love Rocks scented tattoo at Victoria's Secret - details HERE.
-Mark your calendars for free pancakes at Ihop 2/23. Details HERE.
-Earn free movie tickets for joining rewards programs for AMC and/or REGAL CINEMA
-Purchase a wood frame at Michaels and decorate it for free this Saturday - details HERE.
-$15 in free stuff from the Limited with THIS coupon.
-Free Aveda Caribbean Therapy body cream with THIS coupon.
-Free supply of Bare Escentuals Mineral foundation HERE.
-Free 8x10 portrait from Target with no sitting fee HERE.
-Free sample of Kind snacks at Starbucks on 2/5. Details HERE.
-Free Valentine Card Workshop at Pottery Barn 2/6-2/7 HERE.

VALENTINES DAY PRINTABLES
-Print THESE Valentines for school card exchanges. Or THESE...or how 'bout THESE!
-Free CUTE printable Valentine jokes - perfect for the kiddo's lunchbox HERE.
-Free digital Valentine cards customized with your photos from Smilebox HERE.
-Free printable Valentine coupons for kids and adults HERE and HERE.
-Free Valentine's Day treat boxes HERE.
-More printable Valentine stuff HERE
-Free printable vintage kids valentine cards HERE and HERE
-Free vintage Valentine paper dolls HERE and HERE
-Craft ideas for kids HERE and HERE

One of the annoying daily hassles of being a mom to a toddler are the sippy cups. You'd think cleaning a cup would be easy, but that is not so when it's a child's cup. There are valves and straws and caps and all sorts of stuff that has to be cleaned. And, if you don't clean it well? Gross. You get black, moldy gunk that no mom wants her child to ingest. I have been using a mixture of vinegar, baking soda, and water to clean Lucas' sippy cups. I soak the parts and then I attack them with itty bitty wire brushes that came with Lucas' bottles. The only problem is that those brushes are too small so they don't clean very well. That's why I was really thankful to try out the new Sippy Straw Cleaner made especially for those pesky sippies! The Sippy Straw Cleaner is a one-of-a-kind straw brush cleaner that is BPA FREE and universally fits all major sippy cup brands.


I have to say that the Sippy Straw Cleaner works GREAT! It fits perfectly into all of Lucas' sippy cup parts and gets them CLEAN. The package comes with two brushes--one with a handle and one without--to tackle every type of sippy cup. Priced at only $3.98 per pack, the Sippy Straw Cleaner is super affordable and truly something that every mom should own.


Want It: Buy it at StrawCleaner.com.






The featured product{s} in this post were provided to me free of charge by the manufacturer or pr company representing the company. All opinions expressed in this review are my own and not influenced in any way by anyone. Please refer to this site's Terms of Use for more information.

As you guys probably know from reading my blog this past week--Lucas is potty training! He is pretty much daytime potty trained now and we couldn't have done it without the help of potty training children's books and dvds. A couple of book that I LOVE and highly recommend are Pirate Potty and Princess Potty by Scholastic.


About Pirate Potty and Princess Potty:
Both books provide a helpful, step-by-step story that introduces girls & boys to the concept of toilet training. Pirate Potty is a pirate-themed, toilet-training book that is fit for the little swashbuckler in your life! Includes a pirate’s hat and reward stickers! Princess Potty follows the same theme…a toilet-training book that is fit for the Royal Highness in your life! This book includes tiara and reward stickers!

Scholastic sent us both books to review and they are seriously cute! Lucas loves the Pirate Potty and especially the little pirate hat and stickers that come inside the book. I personally love that these books are different than the usual potty books--they are more modern and appeal to kids by providing characters that boys and girls love--pirates and princesses! Not to mention that they are funny without being offensive {a fine line that can be easily crossed in my opinion}. Oh and another thing about the books that I love are the pages--they aren't board books, but the pages are thick, glossy, and extremely durable.

Want It: Both Pirate Potty and Princess Potty retail for only $5.99 each.





The featured product{s} in this post were provided to me free of charge by the manufacturer or pr company representing the company. All opinions expressed in this review are my own and not influenced in any way by anyone. Please refer to this site's Terms of Use for more information.

Starting tomorrow, January 29th, you can visit Pampers.com to receive free 3 pack sample of Pampers new diaper-Cruisers with Dry Max! Plus, If this sample includes a Team USA diaper (they will be randomly inserted in select sample packs), their baby will win a year's supply of Pampers Cruisers Diapers with Dry Max. I'm sure these will go fast so mark your calendars and make sure that you visit Pampers.com early!

About Dry Max Diapers by Pampers {from the press release}:
Pampers Swaddlers and Cruisers with Dry Max are the brand’s new high performance diapers and the biggest innovation for the Pampers brand in the last 25 years. Pampers Diapers invented the Dry Max technology and applied it to the current Swaddlers and Cruisers core, which allows the diaper to be thinner than before. This game-changing diaper – Pampers’ driest ever – helps lock wetness in for up to 12 hours and its less bulky design helps give flexibility and comfort – perfect for all of babies’ play. The new diaper design also helps families reduce their impact on the environment by containing 10 percent less material weight. In fact, if current North American Pampers Swaddlers and Cruisers users switched to the new Pampers Cruisers Diapers with Dry Max diaper, they could together throw away the weight of 1 billion less diapers every three years (based on 08/09 volume for Swaddlers/Cruisers).

To celebrate the upcoming Vancouver 2010 Olympic Winter Games, Pampers Diapers has partnered with Team USA to introduce new Pampers Swaddlers and Cruisers Diapers with Dry Max and created specially-branded Team USA diapers with the Dry Max technology. The babies of Team USA athletes will be equipped with the new Pampers Cruisers Diapers with Dry Max as they head to Vancouver. Although these limited-edition Team USA diapers will not be for sale, parents all across the country can buy Pampers Swaddlers and Cruisers Diapers with Dry Max for their best players in the world in March.

I was recently introduced to a really cute six book preschool series called--The Adventure of Meno by award winning author and illustrator Tony DiTerlizzi and his wife Angela that follows the very lovable modern space elf--Meno and his friends. I received the first two books in the series to review and I have to tell you that these books are so cute and hysterical! The books are bright and cheerfully illustrated, which kids will love! Complete with Meno Speak {his alien language} and humor, kids will also be giggling out loud when they hear about moo-juice {milk} and sunshine snacks {breakfast}. In some ways, I think these books are actually more for the actual parents because of the humor. I mean, in Book 2--Wet Friend, there's even a David Hasselhoff joke LOL. So while I don't think these books have much educational value, I do think they would make a fun gift for a child whose parents have a quirky sense of humor or for the parent that doesn't go for the typical children's products. They are really just a lot of fun and should produce quite a few laughs for both parents and children.

About the first two books in the series:
In book one, Big Fun!, tots and their lucky parents join Meno and his best friend Yamagoo, and find out what Meno thinks is the biggest fun of all!

In Meno’s second adventure, Wet Friend!, Meno and Yamagoo decide they want a “friend trio” and, thanks to their wish-granting friend Wishi, get some out-of-the-ordinary choices along the way.

About the Authors {from the press release}:
Award-winning author and illustrator, Tony DiTerlizzi, has been creating books with Simon & Schuster for over a decade. From his fanciful picture books like, Jimmy Zangwow’s Out-of-this-World Moon Pie Adventure, G is for One Gzonk! and The Spider & The Fly (2003 Caldecott Honor), to young chapter books like the New York Times best-seller, Kenny and The Dragon, Tony always imbues his stories with a rich imagination. His middle-grade series, The Spiderwick Chronicles (co-created with Holly Black), has sold millions of copies and has been adapted into a feature film. Tony grew up in South Florida, and lives in Amherst, Massachusetts with his wife, Angela, and their daughter. Visit Tony at www.diterlizzi.com.

Angela DiTerlizzi is an up-and-coming author within Simon & Schuster Children’s Publishing. In addition, to the Adventure of Meno series, Angela's picture book Say What? comes out from Beach Lane Books in Spring 2011. She lives with Tony and their daughter in Amherst, MA.

Want It: Buy the books at Borders.com for $9.99.




The featured product{s} in this post were provided to me free of charge by the manufacturer or pr company representing the company. All opinions expressed in this review are my own and not influenced in any way by anyone. Please refer to this site's Terms of Use for more information.

Link up your giveaways!

Please make sure to link directly to the giveaway and list the name of the giveaway along with the expiration date. Don't forget to stop by Go Graham Go to link up over there as well!

In this economy, I am always looking for ways to save money and one way I do that is by cutting Lucas' hair myself. Kids' haircuts are expensive and they add up considering they need a trim every few weeks or so! The only problem is that I am definitely not a "pro" and as he has gotten older, his haircuts have gotten harder for me to pull off. When Lucas was a baby, his hair was so fine that cutting his hair was really a few snips and that was it. Now, he has so much more hair and I feel like it needs a "style" or something. That's why I was more than excited when I got the opportunity to try out the Philips Norelco Kids Clipper!

The Philips Norelco Kids Clipper is designed with both moms and kids in mind. They are very quiet so kids don't get scared of the sound. Plus, they have some great safety features like rounded tips that protect the skin from scratches and cuts. The clipper is also a very compact and lightweight design and made especially for women's hands. My favorite feature--by far--is that they are cordless. This is a must when it comes to cutting a child's hair because it means you can cut their hair anywhere--in their favorite chair watching their favorite show, in the kitchen, bathroom--wherever. Not to mention the maneuverability it gives you while cutting your child's hair--you have access to all 360 degrees around your child's head. The clipper has a powerful Lithium Ion battery that charges in 8 hours and delivers enough power for over 3 haircuts (45 minutes of running time). Even if the battery is drained, the clipper can still be used corded.

The Philips Norelco Kids Clipper comes with two guide combs, scissors, cape, pouch, and an awesome How To DVD that shows you how to actually do three different haircuts--buzz cut, long sports cut, and the fade. After watching the DVD, I can honestly say that for the first time I felt confident about cutting Lucas' hair and it actually looking good as well. I am really happy to report that his hair looks great and it kind of looks like it was done by a professional {not at the "pro" level yet LOL}! I also love that the clippers don't come with a bunch of guide combs, but instead has only two integrated guide combs. All you do is slide to the hair length you want and it locks into place. This does mean that you will have to use a little strength to move the guide comb to a different position, but I like that since it ensures that it will stay in place during the cut--which is important. The guide combs adjust to cover all hair lengths up to 1.65 in. I started out using one of the longest until I got the hang of it. That way I could "practice" without Lucas' hair paying for it LOL.

Here's his before and after {sorry for the terrible picture quality}:

For men and adults, you also have to check out the Philips Norelco 180 Clipper, which are designed for you to cut your own hair.

Mike has been using them keep his hair trimmed and neat until his next haircut. This way he can wait longer in between cuts and we can save a little bit of money! Basically, these clippers have a unique 180-degree pivoting cutting unit that allow them to reach your entire head--even the hard to reach areas in the back. Plus, they are ergonomically designed and cordless--the battery lasts for a full hour! Of course, just like the kid's clipper--these can also be used with a cord and don't come with a bunch of loose combs. These have two integrated guide combs that adjust to cover all hair lengths up to 7/8in. Once a length is selected, the guide comb is locked to ensure a clean and even haircut. It also comes with a click-on precision trimmer for finishing up the neckline, sideburns and fine edges.



The featured product{s} in this post were provided to me free of charge by the manufacturer or pr company representing the company. All opinions expressed in this review are my own and not influenced in any way by anyone. Please refer to this site's Terms of Use for more information.

I have been looking forward to February for months now. The circus is coming to town and I cannot wait to take Lucas! Not just any circus either. THE circus. Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey's newest show called ZING ZANG ZOOM has been getting rave reviews as a thrill-filled mind-blowing circus event and it will be in Atlanta starting February 12th {just in time for Valentine's Day}!

Atlanta Show Dates:
Friday February 12: 10:30am, 7:30pm
Saturday February 13: 11:00am, 3:00pm, 7:00pm
Sunday February 14: 11:00am, 3:00pm, 7:00pm
Monday February 15: 12:30pm
Thursday February 18: 7:30pm
Friday February 19: 10:30am, 7:30pm
Saturday February 20: 11:00am, 3:00pm, 7:00pm
Sunday February 21: 12:00pm, 4:00pm

About Zing Zang Zoom:
Be mesmerized when a four-ton elephant disappears before your eyes, and a gravity-inducing nemesis transforms across species into a ferocious tiger. Stand in awe as a dazzling trapeze artist performs a perilous, anatomically unimaginable one-arm speed-spin high atop the arena floor, and two formidable, female human cannonballs are blasted through the air in a daring, awe-inspiring display of bravery. Become electrified as the dangerous double wheel of steel, the gasp-inducing high wire and soaring gigantic swings defy both gravity and logic.

Thanks to Mom Central, I have a great coupon code for you guys! Purchase a 4‐pack of tickets for weekday shows for only $44, or receive $4 off any weekend ticket by logging onto www.ticketmaster.com and entering the coupon code: MOM.

Mom Central is providing my family and I with tickets to Zing Zang Zoom in exchange for my honest review of the show.

I have announced winners for the following giveaways {click on the links to see who won}:

Tom's of Maine Natural Toothpaste: 5 Winners {1/21}
Bottle of Smelly Towel {1/19}
Leap Year Movie Prize Pack {1/18}
Congratulations to all of the winners! As always, all of the winners have been emailed and have 48 hours to contact me to claim their prize.

OK, so for the last few weeks I have been in the potty training trenches. And I survived. I feel like a "real" parent now LOL. There were many moments that I thought, "my child will NEVER get it. He is destined for a lifetime of diapers." I even broke down and cried one day. I made it though. And, so did Mike. More importantly, Lucas made it. He is now pretty much day time potty trained! I thought it would be helpful to share with you guys some of the things that Mike and I did that helped Lucas {and us} through the process--starting with a potty party!

I know, I know. LOL. I had heard of potty parties before and scoffed at how silly it all sounded. However, when it came time to potty train Lucas--I remembered the idea and KNEW that Lucas would not only totally go for it, but that he would LOVE it. The week before we were to begin potty training, I started telling Lucas about the big potty party he was going to have the following week. I told him that there would be cake and a few presents to celebrate the fact that he was a "big boy" now and ready to use the potty. It was funny because I would ask him if we was ready to start using the potty and he would answer with a resounding "NO". I was nervous LOL. Anyhow, even though he didn't seem very enthused about the graduation from diapers to the potty, he was VERY excited about a party.

Fast forward to potty training day. I woke up that morning before Lucas was up and set the "party" up. We decorated with balloons, streamers, set the table, and put candles on the cupcakes. Then it was time to wake up the guest of honor! Mike and I woke him up saying "Happy Big Boy Potty Day!" He literally gasped with excitement. We headed downstairs, ready to party! Seriously, guys--I wish that I had a good camera so that I could have gotten a non blurry picture of Lucas when he saw the breakfast room decorated for his party. He was soooooo excited. We asked him if he was ready to stop using diapers and start using the potty like a "big boy" and for the first time--he said "YES".  We lit the candles on the cupcake and sang:

Happy Potty Day to you
Happy Potty Day to you
Happy Potty Day, dear Lucas
Happy Potty Day to you!

After a very "healthy" breakfast of chocolate cupcakes...

...it was time to open a present! We gave Lucas a new pack of Pixar characters underwear since he is a huge fan of Toy Story and CARS. They were a HIT! That was the perfect segue to taking his diaper off and putting on his new underwear. At this point, Lucas was a bit hesitant, but he did it! We also had him throw away ALL of his diapers into the trash can and tell his diapers, "Bye Bye Diapers! No More Diapers!"

The Potty Party really was a huge hit for Lucas and I think it was a fun and positive way to begin the potty training process. Using the potty can be scary for kids--it is the unknown. Something like a potty party helps build excitement and turns using the potty into something to look forward to rather than be scared of.

I have lots of new children's dvds to tell you about this week!

First up is one of Lucas' favorite HIT Entertainment characters--Bob the Builder in the new release--The Best of Bob the Builder.

This dvd is a must for aspiring builders everywhere! With 10 great episodes that feature nearly three hours of nuts and bolts action, kids can revisit their favorite adventures with Bob, Roley, Dizzy, Muck, Scoop and the rest of the Can-Do Crew. What I love about Bob the Builder episodes is that they reinforce good behaviors such as teamwork, positive thinking, the importance of getting the job done right, and a CAN DO attitude. Plus, every time Lucas watches Bob the Builder--he runs to get his toy toolbox and tools, which is seriously adorable LOL. Can they build it? YES THEY CAN!

Episodes:

• Lofty to the Rescue
• Mucky Muck
• The House That Lofty Built
• Dizzy Goes Camping
• Bob’s Big Idea
• Roley’s Flat Garden
• Bob’s Big Plan
• Two Scoops
• Off Road Scrambler
• When Bob Became A Builder

DVD SPECIAL FEATURES

• “On-Site: Trains” – A 30 minute never before seen feature – Join Bob and his Can-Do Crew for some full steam action as Bob’s world meets the real world in “On Site: Trains.” With Mr. Bentley’s birthday approaching, Mrs. Bentley asks Bob and the team to repair his model train set as a surprise. With footage from real-life railroad construction sites, the team learns the three important stages of the build: setting the foundation, laying the tracks and cleaning up. From recycling old rail ties, to welding the new tracks to creating a railroad crossing where cars and people can cross the tracks safely, there’s no job too big for the team to handle together. It’s all in a day’s work when you go On Site!
• “Building a New Bob: Ready! Steady! Build!” CGI Sizzler
• “Bob’s Machine Mix-Up Puzzle” DVD-ROM Game
• “If You Were on Bob’s Team” Game

Buy it at Amazon.com for $13.49.

If there's something every child needs to learn is manners--starting with the basics of please and thank you. The lovable purple dinosaur tackles the importance of being kind and courteous to others in the new dvd release--Barney: Please & Thank You. Trusted by moms and adored by children, Barney displays sharing, caring, imagining, dancing and learning on television, online and through live events, home entertainment and publishing. The Emmy® award-winning series, Barney & Friends is one of the top-rated preschool shows today, airing on PBS KIDS® and PBS KIDS SproutSM.

DVD SYNOPSIS
When Baby Bop forgets to say “please” and “thank you,” Barney realizes it’s time for a lesson on how magic words can make other people feel good inside. As Baby Bop daydreams about a world without good manners she realizes that being polite is not only important but it’s easy to do after all. The DVD features 19 favorite Barney songs including, “Please & Thank You,” “Being Together,” “Clean Up” and more.

Episodes:

• Magic Words
• Tea-riffic Manners
• Caring Hearts
  

DVD SPECIAL FEATURES
Baby Bop’s Tea Party Games:

• “Cakes, Cups and Colors” Interactive Game
• “Alphabet Cookies” Interactive Game

Buy it at Amazon.com for $12.49.

Another favorite at my house is Go Diego Go. Not only are Diego episodes interactive and fun, but they also teach kids Spanish words and important lessons. Diego's newest dvd--Go Diego Go! Lion Cub Rescue is a big cat adventure! When Diego, Baby Jaguar and Daddy Lion head out to Lion Cub’s party, they discover some little lions in trouble. With Diego and Daddy Lion’s help, we save a Baby Lion stuck on a broken branch, we use our lion claws to rip Cousin Lion out of an animal trap and we find Sister Lion who’s hiding in the tall grass. This adventure, plus three additional episodes, adds up to over an hour and a half of Diego fun!

Episodes:

• Welcome Home, Lion Cub
• Diego’s Ringed Seal Rescue
• Diego Reunites Hippo & Oxpecker
• Diego’s Orangutan Rescue

Buy it for $12.99 at Amazon.com starting January 26th.

This one is for the older kids and even some adults! SpongeBob fans will be very happy to know that he is at it again in SpongeBob SquarePants: Viking-Sized Adventure available on DVD starting January 26th!

Synopsis: Join SpongeBob and his pals as they go on a Viking-Sized Adventure, weather a storm, fill in for super heroes Mermaid Man and Barnacle Boy and meet Mr. Krabs grandpappy the pirate. Guest stars include Dennis Quaid and Ian McShane!

Episodes:

• Dear Vikings
• Ditchin’
• Pineapple Fever
• Chum Caverns
• Grandpappy the Pirate
• Cephalopod Lodge
• Shuffleboarding
• Professor Squidward

DVD Special Features: Animation Art Gallery, including Storyboard Panels & Character Art

Buy it at Amazon.com for $12.99 starting January 26th.

If you or your kids love the live-action series, Fraggle Rock then you have to check out the new to DVD, two disc, 13 episode set--Fraggle Rock: The Complete Animated Series!

I absolutely adore Fraggle Rock--loved it as a kid and love it now as an adult. The animated series ran Saturday mornings on NBC from 1987 to 1988 and was closely modeled after the live-action Fraggle Rock series. While I don't remember watching the animated series as a kid, I loved the DVD I received to review--and best of all--so does Lucas! With over 4.5 hours of content, including all new never before released special features, this set promises to please both avid collectors as well as the live-action Fraggle Rock fans. Fraggle Rock: The Complete Animated Series is packaged in a glossy, embossed O-card and is available for purchase now.

Buy it at Amazon.com for $12.99.

Last and actually my personal favorite dvd new release is the first in Sprout's "Let's Grow" DVD series for preschoolers called, "Let’s Grow: Lend A Helping Hand". There will eventually be a total of six titles in the Let's Grow series and this first one features preschool favorites Barney, Bob the Builder, Thomas & Friends, Fireman Sam and Angelina Ballerina in fun learning adventures about helping others.

Episodes are woven together by live-action segments featuring hosts from Sprout’s original Sunny Side Up Show, along with their puppet friend, Chica the Chicken. The hosts and Chica introduce each story, demonstrate easy-to-make crafts tied to the program’s theme and encourage young viewers to practice what they’ve learned. Each Let’s Grow DVD will include a Parent Resource Guide filled with tips and discussion starters.

What I LOVE about Lend a Helping Hand is that it reinforces concepts preschoolers need help remembering such as cleaning up and cooperation. For example, hosts Kelly and Chica describe what a “helping hand is” and show young viewers how they can be helping hands at home by creating a recycling bin, putting away their clothes, turning off the lights and using kind words to help others feel better. With future titles tackling important areas such as manners, safety, friendship, and more--these dvds should prove to be must haves for kids {and parents}!

Episodes include:

• Thomas & Friends “Dirty Work”
• Barney “Litterbot”
• Bob the Builder “Clean as a Whistle Bristle”
• Fireman Sam “Mother’s Helper”
• Angelina Ballerina “The Ballerina Ragdoll”

Buy it at Amazon.com for $14.98.





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