Jolly Mom

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!

Do you want to know what kids think? I mean, what they really think about their everyday life? Want to know what activities kids are most enjoying during family time? What are their dreams and expectations for the future? What they aspire to do as adults, what they think the world will be like, and what new technologies will affect their lives? These are the questions that Highlights Magazine is asking kids in their 2nd Annual State of the Kid Report.

For example, the “2nd Annual Highlights State of the Kid” survey reveals that allowance has declined drastically from 10 years ago. The 2010 State of the Kid from Highlights magazine showed the most common allowance range for ten-year-olds was $3 to $ 5 (40.8 percent). In addition, more than 90 percent said they had to earn their allowance, indicating parents are teaching kids the value of money.

The average allowance for a 10-year-old boy in 1990 was $8.50 a week, according to a Rand Youth Poll. Average allowance for a boy at 10 in 1999 was up to $16.90 a week (http://www.usatoday.com/life/lds001.htm).

The survey results, in their entirety, were recently released on August 17 at a press conference in D.C. To download the report, click HERE.

The fire fighting Dalmatian isn’t the only working dog in town – there are many other types of heroic doggies, from the Seeing Eye dog to the St. Bernard Mountain Rescue ranger. In Marmaduke, the Great Dane tries to so save his friend from drowning, just like Newfoundlands do with people in real life.

Leaping out of the doghouse and onto the big screen, the hilarious hijinks of the good-natured Great Dane Marmaduke barks its way onto Blu-ray Disc/DVD Combo Pack and DVD Single Disc August 31.

An all-star cast of voice talents, including Owen Wilson (Marley & Me), George Lopez (“The George Lopez Show”), Kiefer Sutherland (“24”), and Fergie (The Black Eyed Peas) lend their voices to the dog-out-of-water tale about what happens when the lovable oversized pooch is unleashed in an idyllic seaside town. When Marmaduke (Wilson) moves to a new neighborhood with his family, the super-sized teenage dog soon discovers he just doesn’t fit in—literally! Marmaduke can’t help being a one-dog wrecking crew, causing fur-flying chaos wherever he roams. But, with the help of his friend, Carlos the Cat (Lopez), Marmaduke may just get out of the doghouse, fall in love, and surf off into the sunset.

Just in time for some end of summer fun, Marmaduke Blu-ray Combo Pack (a two-disc set of Blu-ray and DVD versions of the film) comes packed with laugh-out-loud special features including more surf dog fun in Cowabarka!, canine casting, the Marmaduke Mayhem gag reel, deleted scenes, and more. The Marmaduke standard DVD will also include deleted scenes and featurettes.

Now, take a look at some well known pet professions and pick up Marmaduke out on Blu-ray Disc and DVD August 31st!

Border Collies – Border Collies are often used for herding sheep and other livestock on farms because of their natural pack instinct. They take direction well even from a distance which makes them ideal for working. They will also protect their charges from predators like wolves and coyotes.

St. Bernards – St. Bernards have a long history serving as rescue dogs, especially in the mountains. They are known for their size and strength which helps them rescue people who have been trapped. St. Bernards are comfortable in the cold and have a keen sense of direction so it is no wonder they were often used in avalanche territory.

Newfoundlands – These dogs are also often used for rescue but are more suitable for doing so in the water. Newfoundlands are excellent swimmers because of their webbed feet and their water-resistant coats make them likely lifeguards. This makes them particularly common aboard lifeguard boats and out at sea.

Dalmatians – Dalmatians are often associated with and were used in iconic imagery of the firehouse. They were originally engaged by firemen to clear the path for fire trucks that were pulled by horses because of the congenial nature of both animals. Even though horses are no longer employed the canines have stuck around to guard the house and the firemen.

Bloodhounds – As their name might suggest, these dogs have an excellent sense of smell, not just for blood. While in the past this skill may have been used for hunting, bloodhounds are often used as tracking and search dogs for missing people, drugs, etc.

Beagles – These intelligent dogs may be small but don’t let their size mislead you. Because people aren’t automatically wary of them, beagles can be used in places like airports and train stations as detection dogs. Their sense of smell is excellent for uncovering drugs, explosives and other forms of contraband.

German Shepherds – German shepherds are loyal and smart and can be trained to do a number of tasks. They often serve as guard or enforcement dogs for the police. So even though their size can intimidate this can be useful for cops and the military that need to instill fear in suspects.

Labrador Retrievers – Labs are athletic and usually friendly creatures which make them great for working as guide dogs. They have are a known to be intelligent and mature at a young age so they can trained to assist the visually and hearing impaired.

How to Enter:
1. Leave me a comment telling me what is your favorite type of dog breed.

Extra Entries:
2. Blog about the giveaway and link to 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 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. Like Jolly Mom on Facebook. Leave me a comment letting me know that you did and include your 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.

Babies, one of the most talked about movies of the year will be available for purchase starting tomorrow, August 29th exclusively at Target. Plus, it is already available for rent on Video On Demand! I don't know about you, but I cannot wait to see this movie! Not only does it look adorable...I mean...it's babies...but it is also such an interesting movie. Seeing babies from all around the world...growing up in their cultures. It's just fascinating.

Just in case you've never heard of the movie Babies. Here's a synopsis for you:

Babies travels the globe following 4 children from vastly different corners of the world in their first year of life, featuring babies from Namibia, Japan, Mongolia and the U.S. The documentary is a life-affirming and universal celebration of the innocence and magic of babies, proving that that if you surround a baby with love it doesn’t matter what culture you’re from or what child-rearing practices you follow.

Another must-see movie that came out last week is $5 a Day. I'd never heard of this movie before I was offered a chance to review it, which is surprising since it has an awesome cast. It stars Sharon Stone, Amanda Peet, Peter Coyote, Christopher Walken, and Dean Cain. Awesome, huh?!

Synopsis: Nat (Christopher Walken, Oscar® winner, The Deer Hunter) is an eccentric conman – a hustler content with a life of schemes and underhanded deals. He lacks one thing: a reconciliation with his son, Flynn (Alessandro Nivola, Jurassic Park III), who has ceased trusting his father long ago. But Nat’s time is growing short: he has been diagnosed with a terminal illness. True to form, Nat cons Flynn into joining him in a cross country journey to an experimental medical facility. Short on money, but not on imagination, the two realize that to reach their destination they can spend no more than $5 A Day. They come up with increasingly ridiculous schemes to keep within their budget - but there is a distance of emotion as well as miles to cover. Are they on the path towards a father-son reunion?

Christopher Walken is true to form in $5 a Day. He is superb. Funny. Poignant. Amazing, as always. Both Mike and I really enjoyed $5 a Day. It was funny and touching...a feel good movie. I highly recommend it!

Available wherever DVDs are sold and at Amazon.com $19.99for the DVD and $21.99 for the Blu-ray, the film is available via digital download.

And, for the kids {and parents too}--Tom and Jerry are back in an original movie called Tom and Jerry Meet Sherlock Holmes! This is such a cute movie and it is the perfect movie for the entire family to enjoy together! Parents will love seeing their favorite childhood duo--Tom and Jerry--and kids will fall in love with the dynamic duo as well!

SYNOPSIS: Tom and Jerry set out on one of their biggest adventures yet when they visit London to help solve a series of jewelry heists that leave Scotland Yard completely befuddled and a beautiful singer named Red framed for the crimes. However, it’s going to take one of history’s greatest fictional detectives, Sherlock Holmes along with his loyal assistant Dr. Watson, to find the real thief.

The renowned crime-fighting team is joined by another world-famous duo, the lovable, ever-squabbling Tom and Jerry. Little do they know that finding clues and cracking the case will be elementary compared to keeping the peace between the raucous cat and mouse as they scamper, scurry, scoot and speed along the streets, alleys and rooftops in the name of justice.

Tom and Jerry’s favorite pals, including Tuffy the mouse, Butch the dog, Droopy and others, round out the motley crew of characters and possible suspects in this brilliant fusion of classic detection and energetic animation.

DVD bonus material includes How to Draw Tom and Jerry – Your favorite cat and mouse made easy through a Professional Illustrator’s step-by-step instructions.

Available wherever DVDs are sold and at Amazon.com for $14.99.

How To Enter:
1. Leave me a comment letting me know what you love the most about babies and children in general.
Extra Entries (leave separate comments for each):

2. Blog about the giveaway and link to 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 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. Like Jolly Mom on Facebook. Leave me a comment letting me know that you did and include your 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.

One of my favorite ways to spend quality time with Lucas is by doing a quiet activity together. Whether it's a craft, a preschool aged project or playing a board game--it's always fun and relaxing to spend that time with one another--focused on the activity and on each other. That's why I have fallen in love with a company called Peaceable Kingdom Press. They sell the cutest original games, stickers, and craft kits for kids. From mermaids and dinosaurs, princesses and pirates--Peaceable Kingdom Press offers something for every child.

Peaceable Kingdom Press sent me four products to try out and they have all been a hit!

We received the Race Car Sticker Pack, which comes with 100+ reusable stickers and two scenes {a racetrack and garage}.

The cool thing about this sticker pack and ALL Peaceable Kingdom Sticker Packs is that the stickers are actually reusable cling stickers. These are activity kits that can and will be used over and over again. Lucas just loves this sticker pack! We actually took it with us on our cruise vacation recently--that's how much he loves it. Plus, it is a perfect travel toy--or even to have on hand anytime you need to keep a preschooler engaged like at a restaurant. It even comes packaged in a handy little tote!

The Sticker Kits come in a ton of various themes and are priced at only $9.99!

Lucas loves to play memory games and all these construction so I knew he would love the Construction Zone Match Up Game & Puzzle! This set comes with 24 extremely durable and large game pieces. One one side of the cards are illustrations of various construction vehicles--dump trucks, bulldozers, etc. The other side of the card is actually a puzzle piece so it is really two activities in one! Youngest players can play by matching the cards face up and of course older kids can play the traditional {and always fun} memory concentration game with the cards facing down. When your done playing match or memory, turn the cards over and try to figure out the puzzle!

These also come in a variety of themes and are priced at $14.99.

Peaceable Kingdom Press is also known for their original board games for kids--several have even won awards. They sent us the Milk & Cookies Spin & Go Board Game and it has been a hit with Lucas since the day it arrived. He literally wants to play this game all.the.time. This is a great board game for preschoolers because it doesn't require any reading skills so they are able to play along.

Includes:

* 48 tiles
* 1 game board
* 1 spinner
* 4 cookie jar markers

How to Play:
To start, players open the board and lay out the tiles in any random way, leaving the center space open. Players each choose a cookie jar marker and place it in the center of the board. Spin the spinner, move your marker and collect a tile. Get a milk carton, go again! Collect and replace tiles until one player wins! For a more challenging game, set up the board the same way, only each player chooses 1 or 2 types of cookies to collect. It’s a more complex version for kids 6+ who are ready for a bit of a challenge and don’t mind if their cookie crumbles!

Not only is this just a cute game...I mean who doesn't love milk and cookies...but it is also educational. It teaches kids about counting, colors, strategic thinking, and a lot more.

Peaceable Kingdom Press also sells craft kits--we got to try out the Glow-in-the-Dark Light Switch Covers. This kit comes with 3 covers that fit standard single light switch plates, 48 glow-in-the-dark stickers, and double-stick adhesive tape. Basically, kids decorate the switch plate covers with the adorable stickers and then attach the covers to switch plates around the house. This is such a cute and rewarding little craft perfect for both younger and older kids! Priced at only $4.99, these kits are also a true bargain!

Peaceable Kingdom Press has truly become one of my new favorite companies. Not only do they offer games and activity kits that encourage kids to be imaginative, but they are also educational and affordable. Plus, Peaceable Kingdom Press puts so much thought into every aspect of their products--down to sturdy storage boxes their products come in. They truly think of everything.

How to Enter:
1. Visit Peaceable Kingdom Press and leave me a comment telling me which is your favorite item {besides the ones that I reviewed}.
Extra Entries:
2. Blog about the giveaway and link to www.pkpress.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 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. Like Jolly Mom on Facebook. Leave me a comment letting me know that you did and include your Facebook name.
8. Like Peaceable Kingdom Press on Facebook. Leave me a comment letting me know that you did and include your 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.

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!

Making your child's baby food just got a whole lot easier with Infantino's new line of mealtime products called Make It Easy.


This is really a system designed to take the guesswork out of making your own baby food. There are seven products in the line plus a cookbook called Starting Solids, written by worldwide culinary expert and bestselling author, Annabel Karmel.


The Make It Easy System includes the following products:

Stackable Food Pots – These stackable food pots are perfect for storing fresh baby food. The pots clip together for easy storage and are see-through so you can tell what food is inside. 6 months+


Steam Release Micro Dish- This Micro-cook dish ensures healthy cooking for babies. Cooking food in a microwave is a healthy way of cooking as it helps to retain all the nutrients. The lid has an easy valve system to let the steam out of the container. There is also less waste as the bowl is an ideal size for a baby food portion. 6 months +


Mash & Serve Bowl – The Food Masher & Bowl is great for use at home or out and about. For instant baby food, simply mash banana, avocado, peach or pear on its own or with a little breast milk or formula. It’s perfect for making individual portions for baby. 6 months +.


Double Decker Mealbox – This Lunch Box makes it easy to store baby purees & finger foods. The double layer storage box ensures that food doesn’t get squashed and with a spoon & fork included, it’s easy to feed your baby when you are out and about. 9 months +.


Freeze Tray – This large Food Cube Tray works to store small portions of your baby’s food. By preparing food in batches and freezing it in the food cube tray, you need only cook once or twice a week. Ideal for weaning. 6 months+.


Fresh Food Mill - This Food Mill is ideal for making smooth purees for young babies as it gets rid of tough fibers, which are difficult to digest, in foods like dried apricots and sweet corn. 6 months +.


Fill & Freeze Puree Pops – Sucking on something cold will help soothe sore gums when baby is teething. These ice lolly molds are ideal for making fresh fruit lollies from pureed fresh fruit and pure fruit juice. 9 months +.


Of course, all of the products are BPA FREE and safe! I know that making your own baby food can seem like an arduous task, but it really can be simple if you have the right tools. The Make It Easy line is really ingenious because it does exactly that by giving you everything that you need to start making your own baby food and it truly simplifies the entire process. Plus, the products are super cute too--they are modern and come in a variety of fun colors--love them! This would make a fabulous gift for a new mom too!

Buy It: Find the Make It Easy system exclusively at Babies R Us starting this month.

How to Enter:
1. Visit Infantino.com and leave me a comment telling me what other product you'd like to try out or share your best baby feeding tips and tricks.

Extra Entries:
2. Blog about the giveaway and link to www.infantino.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 Infantino 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. Like Jolly Mom on Facebook. Leave me a comment letting me know that you did and include your Facebook name.
8. Like Infantino on Facebook. Leave me a comment letting me know that you did and include your 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.

Back-to-school season is officially upon us! By now, pretty much all children across the country have started school and I know many parents are still trying to get their kids outfitted for the school year. Shopping the sales is a must! Fortunately, Nautica is having a huge back-to-school sale right now! Buy one get on 50% off when you buy two items from the same style category! This is a great deal especially considering that Nautica is known for quality. Their clothing lasts and lasts, which is exactly what you need in kids' clothing.

Nautica would love to offer one lucky Jolly Mom reader the chance to dress their kid with some serious pizzazz by offering one reader the chance to win one full children’s outfit from Nautica.com (valued at up to $100)!

How to Enter:
1. Visit Nautica.com and let me know which children's outfit you would get if you won this giveaway. Remember, the total must be right UNDER $100.
Extra Entries:
2. Blog about the giveaway and link to www.nautica.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 Nautica 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. Like Jolly Mom on Facebook. Leave me a comment letting me know that you did and include your Facebook name.
8. Like Nautica on Facebook. Leave me a comment letting me know that you did and include your Facebook name.




The prize was provided by Nautica, but Nautica is not a sponsor, administrator, or involved in any other way with this giveaway. All opinions expressed in the post are my own and not those of Nautica. Please refer to this site's Terms of Use for more information.

As the end of Summer gets closer, it is imperative that we continue to keep our skin a priority. Skin health is important YEAR ROUND and that is really the message behind the Eucerin Skin FIRST movement that I am so proud to be a part of. Eucerin has provided some excellent info this month that I hope will encourage all of us to take care of ourselves!

Late summer highlights an important theme in the Skin FIRST movement; the dichotomy of risks and benefits of the sun’s warming rays. Though it provides us with vitamin D and a healthy outwards appearance, the sun’s rays can also inflict damage over both the short-term as well as over the course of our lifetime. Although sunburns and sunstroke are the most evident signs of over-exposure to the sun, we also have to be aware of the cumulative effects of sun exposure over the course of our lifetimes. In fact, up to 80 percent of our lifetime sun exposure is reached by the age of 20. But as we get older, we have a naturally decreasing ability to repair the damage caused by sun exposure. We have to take additional steps to properly maintain our skin as it becomes increasingly easier for it to burn, wrinkle and develop cancers.


Even as our largest organ, we sometimes forget that our skin is our first line of defense against infections and diseases. Over time, sun exposure can actually weaken our skin and suppress our immune systems. This leaves our bodies more vulnerable to both skin diseases like cancer as well as viruses that can take advantage of our sun-weakened skin.

Like all aspects of our health though, we can still achieve a balance between the risks and benefits of the sun. We are dedicating this month’s update to ways we can both offset the damaging effects of the sun and enhance skin health – a regular skincare routine can lead to more than just cosmetic benefits.

Balancing Exposure to the Sun
While basking in the sun can feel replenishing and bring us a sense of both mental and physical renewal, the amount of vitamin D our bodies need on a daily basis can absorbed in just the first 15 minutes of our exposure to the sun. Understanding the factors affecting our skin’s reaction to the sun can help us plan our time in the sun.

• FACTOR #1 - SUNLIGHT
o The strength of sunlight is the main factor for the quantity of UV radiation your skin can be exposed to. Latitude, altitude, time of day, season and cloud coverage can all have a dramatic effect on the sun’s impact on our skin. Even reflected sunlight from windows, pavement, water, snow and sand can raise the risk of overexposure.
• FACTOR #2 - SKIN COLOR
o As skin color is determined by the amount of melanin present in the skin, ethnicity can also play a large role in sun exposure. Often a result of a group’s distance from the equator (and its stronger sunlight), darker skins are more resistant to the effects of sunlight than fairer skins. African-Americans, for example, are 20 times less likely to develop melanoma than those with white skin. Conversely, one study found that African-American women aged 15 to 49 have more than 20 times the risk of vitamin D deficiency than Caucasians. Different skin colors will react to UV rays at different speeds. So one should be mindful of her skin’s susceptibilities when considering her exposure time or adding protection.
• FACTOR #3 – SUNSCREEN
o The strength of sunscreen is determined by its Sun Protection Factor (SPF), a number that measures the amount of UV radiation required to sunburn with the sunscreen on, relative to the amount that would burn skin without it. For example, SPF-15 allows about 1/15 (about 6%) of the UV rays that would penetrate the skin without the sunscreen on. SPF-30 would allow 1/30 (about 3%) and so on.

Use August to Renew Our Collective Commitment to Healthy Skin
With the end of summer almost upon us, many of us look for ways to make sure the sense of freedom and relaxation we find outdoors stays with us in the coming months. This makes August an ideal time to look for ways to enrich your whole self, physically and mentally.

Eucerin wants to help you do that. The first step is to take the Skin FIRST pledge. Even if you’ve already taken it, you can do it again and enlist your friends in the Skin FIRST movement by having them take the pledge with you through our new Facebook application. Visit http://facbeook.com/eucerinus today and take the pledge to put the health of your skin FIRST.

As always, we want to help you put the health of your skin first. Thanks for taking the time to read and remember to stay beautiful – inside and out!

Your Friends at Eucerin





How to Enter:
1. Leave me a comment telling me something that you learned from the article above.
Extra Entries:
2. Blog about the giveaway and link to www.eucerinus.com/skinfirst/ 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 Eucerin 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. Like Jolly Mom on Facebook. Leave me a comment letting me know that you did and include your Facebook name.
8. Like Eucerin on Facebook. Leave me a comment letting me know that you did and include your Facebook name.




This post was written by Eucerin. I was not compensated for this post. However, Eucerin provided me with the same gift bag as the giveaway. 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.

AJWright is running some awesome back-to-school deals this weekend!

-Juniors' knit tops & cardigans starting at $9.99
-Juniors' dresses starting at $14.99
-Young Men's screened t-shirts starting at $12.99
-Save up to 70 percent off Young Men's, Juniors', Kids' and Plus Size Denim

Also, AJWright just opened two new stores in the metro Atlanta area last week--in Tucker and Doraville, GA. If you live in the area make sure to check it out--AJWright has amazing deals EVERY DAY OF THE YEAR!


AJWright is also looking for models! The AJWright Model Search Contest will take place on Saturday and Sunday, August 28 and 29.

Atlanta Model Search Details:
-Online Registration for the Atlanta Model Searches will take place August 12 to August 26
-Model Searches will take place on Saturday, August 28 (at the new Doraville store) and Sunday, August 29 (at the new Tucker store)
-Get more information on model searches by clicking HERE.

To learn more about AJWright, make sure to LIKE them on Facebook or visit them online at AJ-Wright.com.

How to Enter:
1. Leave me a comment telling me your best money-saving tips when it comes to fashion.

Extra Entries:
2. Blog about the giveaway and link to www.AJ-Wright.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 AJWright 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  Jolly Mom Fan on Facebook. Leave me a comment letting me know that you did and include your Facebook name.
8. Become and AJWright Fan on Facebook. Leave me a comment letting me know that you did and include your Facebook name.




I was provided a $10 gift card to AJWright so that I could check out the new Summer fashions. 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!

True story. A few weeks ago, Mike and I packed up the car with a huge cooler, beach chairs, towels, cameras, ourselves, and of course--Lucas. We then drove 10-15 minutes over to my parent's house to pick up my two nieces. We were headed to the lake. Or, the beach...at the lake. After driving another 10 minutes--away from our house--towards the lake; we realized that we forgot something important. The Sport-Brella. Funny name for something you don't want to leave home without when you're planning on lounging on a beach in 100 degree Georgia weather! So, what did we do? Turned back around and headed back home to pick it up.

So, what is a Sport-Brella? You know how a beach umbrella is not really stable--they tend to fly off with the ocean breeze. And, those sun tents--they work great, but they are huge and heavy and a pain to lug around. Well, the Sport-Brella is basically the opposite. It is basically an umbrella that combines the best features from a beach umbrella and a weather or sun tent.

The Sport-Brella opens just like an umbrella. It is compact just like an umbrella. However, once open--the Sport-Brella has side flaps that you stake down to the ground. What you have is basically a sun tent like structure, which provides the best in both sun and weather protection. The Sport-Brella comes in two sizes--the original {8 feet wide} and the larger XL {9 feet wide}. Both sizes have a UPF 50+ sun protection rating, side flaps, wind vents, and take seconds to set up. Literally seconds.


I know Summer is winding down and naturally so will trips to the beach and pool. However, sun protection is important year round. Plus, this is perfect for sporting events. Just keep the Sport-Brella in the car and take it out whenever you need protection from the rain or the sun!

Buy the Sport-Brella at select retailers across the country or online for $59.99 {Original} and $69.99 {XL}.

How to Enter:
1. Visit Sport-Brella.com and leave me a comment telling me something you learned about the company or products.
Extra Entries:
2. Blog about the giveaway and link to www.sport-brella.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 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. Like Jolly Mom on Facebook. Leave me a comment letting me know that you did and include your Facebook name.
8. Like Sport-Brella on Facebook. Leave me a comment letting me know that you did and include your 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.

I want to start this Weekend at the Movies by wishing Dora the Explorer a very Happy Birthday! The beloved adventurer is celebrating her 10th birthday! Nickelodeon is honoring Dora's landmark 10th anniversary with the premiere of the hour-long primetime TV movie, "Dora's Big Birthday Adventure" tonight at 8pm (ET/PT) featuring guest stars Rosie Perez, John Leguizamo and Hector Elizondo.

About the Movie: In “Dora’s Big Birthday Adventure,” a twisting wind has blown Dora and Boots into Wizzle World, a land located in the Magic Storybook. Dora and Boots can’t jump out of the Magic Storybook without first taking Dora’s crystal to the Wishing Wizzle (Hector Elizondo) so he can wish them back home in time for Dora’s birthday party with all her family and friends. They set off an adventure to Wishing Mountain, but they better watch out for La Bruja (Rosie Perez) and her Flying Monkeys (John Leguizamo) who don’t like wishes and try to stop Dora and Boots. In order to overcome the obstacles, Dora and Boots reflect back on past adventures to guide them along the way.

Following the TV movie, at 9pm (ET/PT), Nick will premiere the specially commissioned Dora 10th anniversary documentary, a 12-minute tribute to the preschool icon executive-produced by Academy Award®-nominated Brett Morgen. The documentary features Anderson Cooper, Elisabeth Hasselbeck, Rosie Perez, Salma Hayek Pinault, Shakira, Soledad O'Brien, Sherri Shepherd, plus the series creators, media experts and real-life kids.

You can also buy "Dora's Big Birthday Adventure" on DVD for $12.99 at Amazon.com or wherever DVDs are sold.

Also, be on the lookout for the new My Friends Tigger & Pooh DVD--Bedtime With Pooh. If you've never watched this Playhouse Disney series, you have to! Tigger & Pooh are classics and this series brings the lovable duo into the modern age while still teaching kids valuable lessons. Kids will learn about about staying healthy, getting adequate sleep, building friendships and having fun. These are great lessons to reinforce especially with preschoolers going back to school and needing to get their sleep!

DVD Synopsis: Eeyore wakes up and has no idea how he wound up outside. Lumpy prepares for his first Moon Party but wonders if the moon will come out. Tigger is really sleepy from staying up all night and needs Pooh and the rest of the gang’s help to keep him awake.

Also included in this DVD is a bonus episode from one of Lucas' favorite shows--Handy Manny. Plus, the DVD features Discovery Mode which allows kids three unique ways to watch the DVD and play!

Featured Episodes:

* Pooh’s Double Trouble – The gang is doubly shocked when they start to see twins of themselves in the Wood.
* Eeyore Sleeps On It – The Super Sleuths stay up all night to stop Eeyore from sleep walking.
* Eeyore’s Sad Day – Eeyore’s even sadder than usual and it looks like it’ll take the Super Sleuths to cheer him up – or not.
* Tigger’s Bedtime for Bouncer – After staying up all night, Tigger is too tired to be a very helpful Super Sleuth.
* Once in a Pooh Moon – Lumpy is all set for his first Moon Party…if only the moon would show up!
* Buster’s Bath – The Sleuths have to figure out a way to wash up the pup when Buster refuses to take a bath.

Buy My Friends Tigger & Pooh: Bedtime With Pooh will be available starting August 17th wherever DVDs are sold and at Amazon.com for $14.99.

Also, just in time for back-to-school season is the lovable and quirky Wow Wow Wubbzy: Wubbzy Goes To School! This is a great DVD to help ease children's fears about school and making new friends.

DVD Synopsis: “Wubbzy Goes To School” puts the “cool” in “school” with six charming episodes that will have everyone ready to hit the books. In “Who Needs School?,” Wubbzy is nervous about going off to school for the very first time and decides he can learn all he needs to know on his own. When things don’t work out as expected and Wubbzy has no one to play with, he realizes that maybe school isn’t so bad after all. In another episode, “New Kid On The Block,” Wubbzy learns that meeting and accepting new friends can be a big! big! big! job. When Murphy, a larger-than-life new student, joins the class, Wubbzy finds that good friends can come in all shapes and sizes. Additional episodes include: “Gotta Dance,” “Wubbzy the Star,” “You Gotta Have Art” and “Magic Tricks,” starring Wuzzleburg’s own Moo Moo the Magician! Special features include “Meet Wubbzy’s Schoolmates” photo gallery, coloring and activity sheets and more.

Buy Wubbzy Goes To School wherever DVDs are sold or at Amazon.com for $12.49.



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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.

Mark your calendars--Nanny McPhee Returns to the big screen on August 20th!

Synopsis: In Nanny McPhee Returns, Oscar®-winning actress and screenwriter Emma Thompson returns to the role of the magical nanny who appears when she’s needed the most and wanted the least in the next chapter of the hilarious and heartwarming fable that has enchanted children around the world.

In the latest installment, Nanny McPhee appears at the door of a harried young mother, Mrs. Isabel Green (Maggie Gyllenhaal), who is trying to run the family farm while her husband is away at war. But once she’s arrived, Nanny McPhee discovers that Mrs. Green’s children are fighting a war of their own against two spoiled city cousins who have just moved in and refuse to leave.

Relying on everything from a flying motorcycle and a statue that comes to life to a tree-climbing piglet and a baby elephant who turns up in the oddest places, Nanny McPhee uses her magic to teach her mischievous charges five new lessons.

Movie Details:
Release Date: August 20, 2010
Genre: Family Comedy
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/nannymcpheereturns
YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/nannymcpheereturns
Starring: Emma Thompson, Maggie Gyllenhaal, Rhys Ifans and Maggie Smith
Screenplay By: Emma Thompson
Directed By: Susanna White
Produced By: Lindsay Doran, Tim Bevan, Eric Fellner




I was not compensated in any way for this post. All opinions expressed in this post are my own and not influenced in any way by anyone. Please refer to this site's Terms of Use for more information.

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