A Kung Zhu Pets Birthday Party

“Introducing the hottest new line from Cepia evolving from of Zhu Zhu Pets…Kung Zhu Pets! These warrior hamsters are far from being the cute and cuddly Zhu Zhu Pets that everyone fell in love with. But make no mistake, these ultra cool, tough pets will be a sure competition to the original Zhu Zhu Pets! With eight original characters split into two battling groups called Special Forces and Ninja Warriors, Kung Zhu Pet owners will have the thrill of training each character to transform fighting, battling warriors. While these Kung Zhu hamsters may start of as "cute" and "mild-mannered" once they are sent into their main training grounds, smart chip technology will actually allow you to hear a distinct personality transformation of fighting ninja and warriors.”-Kung Zhu Website

Kung-Zhu-Pets-Battle-Arena

“Once transformed, you can arrange ultimate battles between your Special Forces and Ninja Warriors Kung Zhu Pets! The Special Forces Kung Zhu army includes Stonewall, Sergeant Serge, Rock’O and Rivet. These tough hamsters will evolve into Special Force Warriors after training in either the Alpha or Bravo training grounds with different weapons, armors and defense technology. In the meantime, your Ninja Warriors including Yama, Azer, Drayko and Thorn, will transform into rough fighters after training in their Samurai and Ninja grounds using their own weapons and armors. Each of these Ninjas has a hieroglyph or Dragon symbol on its bright and colorful fur while the Special forces have either a star or comet army sign. Collect them all for your very own Kung Zhu Battle!"-Kung Zhu Website

This month we were selected to host a Kung Zhu Pets Birthday Party! It was perfect timing as there is a boy turning 11 who is a huge Kung Zhu fan! He was beyond thrilled when he heard that he would be having this super fun party!

We were sent a special Birthday Party Package that included a Kung Zhu Battle Arena as well as Kung Zhu pets for each child attending the party. But that wasn’t all. Each child also got a Kung Zhu Armor Set as well.

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The Kung Zhu Pets were a huge hit! The kids loved them and had a blast playing with them. They battled their hamsters against each other and had a good time playing with all the Kung Zhu Battle Hamsters.

These were such a hit I heard from a few of the parent’s that their child came home begging to get a battle arena and some more Kung Zhu Battle Hamsters!

These Kung Zhu Pets made this birthday party a hit! I recommend having a Kung Zhu or Zhu Zhu Pet Birthday party (or any kind of party) with your kids!

*I received a Kung Zhu Birthday Party Package through Mom Select for this birthday party.

Heidi November 30, 2010 boy, child, review, toy

The Willow Store Sprout Change Cloth Diapers Review and Giveaway [CLOSED]

“Sprout Change is the only reversible diaper on the market. We completely re-invented the diaper to be more convenient for you and your budget.

Unlike other One-Size diapers that don’t fit small newborns, Sprout Change fits perfectly, and now getting that perfect fit is even easier with our new Sprout Change v2 Shells!”

My cloth diaper addiction has a new fix- The Willow Store Sprout Change Cloth Diapers! I love this that it’s a reversible diaper- have you ever heard of that? I hadn’t, but I love it! One of the things I love most about cloth diapers is how adorable they look on my little babies bottoms, and I love that I can switch up colors. Sprout Change Diapers are one-size, which in my opinion is the only way to go. It saves so much money! The diaper fits 5 to 40 pounds, so it’s definitely a super affordable option. This diaper is unique in that there aren’t a ton of snaps all over the place- you change the size by adjusting the elastic. Super easy! The inserts are great as well. You just lay them in the diaper, so there aren’t any snaps or pockets to stuff. I was a little skeptical at first, but I have never had a leak and I love being able to re-use the shell! I definitely would recommend The Willow Store Sprout Change Cloth Diapers to all my cloth diaper addicts out there!

Things that are Brag Worthy:

The Sprout Change Diaper is the only reversible diaper on the market
So many fantastic color options to choose from
One-size, Custom fit
Fits 5-40 lbs
Easy size adjustments
Innovative snap closures, anyone can figure out
Breathable Shell keeps baby rash free
Unbeatable leakproof protection
Seamless gussets for mess-free cleanups
Affordable: Fits your lifestyle and your budget
Fewer Shells means less cost for you, without compromising on quality
Unique Reversible Shell has two colors in one
Prefer side closing or front closing diapers (like disposables)? You get both!
Soft fabrics touch baby, not plastic

Visit www.thewillowstore.com and check out their Sprout Change Cloth Diaper, as well as other fantastic products!

The Willow Store Sprout Change Diaper gets Bragging Rights!

The Willow Store is generously giving away a Sprout Change Diaper Shell/Super Saver Organic Insert Set in the winner’s choice of shell colors to one lucky reader!

How to enter: Leave comments below with your qualifying entries. Leave a Separate comment for each entry telling us which you qualify for.

MANDATORY 1st entry- Visit The Willow Store and let us know another product you would love to try!

1st Mandatory Entry must be completed before you can qualify for additional entries. All extra entries who don’t do the mandatory entry will be deleted.

2 entries- “Like” The Willow Store on Facebook
2 entries- Subscribe to The Willow Store’s Newsletter
10 entries- Make a purchase from The Willow Store
1 entry- Follow The Willow Store’s Blog via Google Friend Connect
2 entries- Grab The Bragging Mommy button and put it on your blog. Leave a link.
1 entry for each- Follow The Bragging Mommy via Google Friend Connect, Facebook, Twitter, subscribe to emails, subscribe in reader.
2 entries- Blog about this giveaway. Leave a link.
1 entry per day- Follow The Willow Store on Twitter & Tweet this giveaway using @TheWillowStore & @braggingmommy. You can use this:

#Win a Sprout Change Cloth Diaper #giveaway from @TheWillowStore & @braggingmommy! http://tinyurl.com/3a87tus {ends 12.14}

GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED

You can enter this giveaway until December 14 @10:00 am MST. The winner will then be chosen at random, verified and contacted via email. The winner will have 48 hours to email us back and claim the prize, if prize is not claimed within 48 hours a new winner will be chosen. By entering this giveaway you agree to The Bragging Mommy Full Disclosure. You must be over the age of 18 and live in the Contiguous US to enter.

*I received a Willow Store Diaper for the purpose of this review

Joanna November 30, 2010 Cloth Diapers, eco-friendly, giveaway, review

Monkey Music: The Videos with Meredith Levande DVD Review and Giveaway [CLOSED]

I have always been a huge lover of music, especially when Leah came along. I used to have to walk around the house while singing to get her to sleep and sometimes for her to stop crying. So as Leah grew up I was so excited when she had a HUGE love for music and for dancing!

Monkey Music: The Videos with Meredith Levande was a huge hit with Leah! She got up off the couch and started dancing and singing right away. I love that this video is age appropriate and has songs for the little kids to get down and boogie to. This is such a great way to get kids exercising and moving their body! They will no doubt get up and start singing right along with the DVD or CD.

“Even before its official release, Monkey Monkey Music: The Videos with Meredith Levande has been scoring kudos, winning

both a 2010 NAPPA Honors Award and endorsement from Kids First: The Coalition for Quality Children’s Media. Four of the DVD’s episodes were broadcast as music videos this summer on Comcast’s Kidz Bop Preschool on Demand channel.

A collection of fifteen delightfully bright-eyed videos, Monkey Monkey Music: The Videos with Meredith Levande is based on songs from Meredith’s first album, Monkey Monkey Music with Meredith LeVande. The DVD inspires kids to “get up off the sofa,” dance, and sing along to an array of fun, rockin’, energizing tunes that encourage movement and imagination. From jumping high, to exploring New York’s Chinatown, to flying around the country, Meredith LeVande’s upbeat, educational music comes to life through a highly creative blending of live action videos and colorful animation.” This is such a great children’s music DVD and can be purchased as a CD too!

Monkey Monkey Music: The Videos with Meredith Levande will be released on December 1.

Things that are Bragworthy:

Great Songs your kids can get up and dance to!
Age appropriate Music
Perfect for a Stocking Stuffer
Great CD for Car rides too!

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Please visit www.monkeymonkeymusic.com to see where and how you can purchase!

Monkey Music: The Videos with Meredith Levande DVD gets Bragging Rights!

One lucky reader will win a Monkey Music: The Videos with Meredith Levande DVD of their very own!

How to enter: Leave comments below with your qualifying entries. Leave a Separate comment for each entry telling us which you qualify for.

MANDATORY 1st entry- Visit Monkey Monkey Music and let us know something you learned.

1st Mandatory Entry must be completed before you can qualify for additional entries. All extra entries who don’t do the mandatory entry will be deleted.

10 entries- Make a purchase from Monkey Monkey Music
2 entries- Grab The Bragging Mommy button and put it on your blog. Leave a link.
1 entry for each- Follow The Bragging Mommy via Google Friend Connect, subscribe to emails, subscribe in reader.
1 entry- “Like” The Bragging Mommy on Facebook
1 entry- Follow The Bragging Mommy on Twitter
5 entries- Blog about this giveaway. Leave a link

GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED

*I received the Monkey Music DVD and CD for my review.

Briann November 30, 2010 baby, dvd, family, giveaway, music, review

Saving $ This Holiday Season

The Holiday Shopping season is officially upon us. I am always on the search for Printable Coupons that are going to help me save money, especially this time of year. MySavings.com is a great place to find fabulous coupons and deals that will help you save! They have deals for your favorite stores, restaurants, and products. They even have Free Samples! I don’t know anyone who doesn’t like free stuff! Be sure to check out MySavings.com as your shopping this Holiday Season.

*This post is sponsored by MySavings.com.

Heidi November 30, 2010 coupons

Minted Christmas Cards Review

I love receiving cards from family & friends each holiday season. It’s fun to see pictures of everybody and hear how they are doing! Since we moved away from most of our family a few years ago, I make sure to send a Christmas card to everyone so they can stay updated (and mostly so grandparents can see pictures of the grandkids). In the past, I have designed my own cards and I always enjoyed doing it. But this year, with 3 kids, I just don’t have the time to make my own.

This year I ordered my Christmas cards from Minted.com! They have a huge selection of really stylish cards. Whether you like one photo, a few photos, or no photos at all, they have something for everyone!

It’s easy to order from Minted.com.

I simply chose my favorite design, uploaded my pictures, and personalized my wording. I got to choose between three different premium papers and like a lot of their cards, I chose between 3 color schemes.

“At Minted, we love the idea that our products will find their way into your most personal celebrations, and we don’t take that honor lightly. That’s why we only use fine paper stock, rich inks, and crisp printing methods. We guess you could say that quality is an obsession for us. We stand behind our products with a 100% satisfaction guarantee.”

Minted is very flexible too! Their professional graphic designers will happily make minor edits to the placement of design elements and typography. If you want a more complicated edit, they will do that as well for a small fee.

Not only can you get the traditional flat photo cards that are so popular, you can also get cards that tell the story of your year. They are called Yearline holiday cards & I think they are such a cute way to let people know what you’ve been up to.

Or tell the story of your year with the Mini photo books from Minted. These include 3-6 pictures and are so adorable. Choose from several different designs and make it your own! I have to say these are the cutest, most original cards I have seen.

I received my cards from Minted and LOVE them! Not only do they look adorable, but I love the paper that they are printed on. I usually print my Christmas cards on photo paper, but I’m not sure I can go back to that. They are high quality and everything is perfect! I can’t wait to send them out to our family & friends!

Things that are Brag Worthy:

Several designs to choose from
A professional graphic designer will create a personalized proof for approval before printing
Something for everyone
Choose between Flat cards or folded cards
Envelopes are included

Minted Christmas Cards get Bragging Rights!!

Don’t need holiday cards? What about holiday party invitations? Minted has everything you need.

Whatever you choose from www.Minted.com, I am sure you will be impressed!

*I received Christmas cards from Minted for the purpose of my review.

Kim November 30, 2010 cards, christmas, holiday, review

Happy Thanksgiving!

We hope you all have a wonderful yummy day!

Heidi November 25, 2010 Uncategorized

{Brag Worthy Christmas} Epson Stylus Printer Review and Giveaway [CLOSED]

“The Epson Stylus NX625 delivers superior performance and versatility to busy families and students at an affordable price. With built-in Wi-Fi n, the latest wireless standard, multiple users can conveniently share one printer. The feature-rich all-in-one also prints from mobile devices including the Apple iPhone, offers automatic two-sided printing, and boasts a 2.5-inch color LCD and built-in memory card slots for PC-free printing. With world-fast print speeds, the Epson Stylus NX625 quickly produces high-quality documents, photos, recipes, creative projects, and more, making everyday printing simple and amazing.”

I was so excited when my Epson Stylus Printer arrived. Now I can print off larger pictures from home! That’s not all, because I can print copy and scan on this printer. I have so many photos of me as a child (before the digital age) and I have been scanning them all in and printing copies using the Stylus. I am very impressed with the quality that comes through. Even though they are scanned in, the pictures look great. I love how easy it is to use and I love that their is a screen so I can see exactly what I am printing. I can make changes to images before I print, like correcting color and removing red eye. I love that I don’t have to be connected to a computer to use this printer, I can simply connect wirelessly, plug in my camera or insert a memory card. Even better, I can print images straight from my phone! Isn’t that awesome??!! I think so. Another great feature is the individual color cartridges. You only have to replace the color that is out rather than all colors. I love the Epson Stylus Printer!! This makes a fabulous Christmas gift!

Brag Worthy Features:

- Share one all-in-one at home — print wirelessly from multiple PCs, now with Wi-Fi CERTIFIED
- World’s fastest all-in-one — print web pages and documents at speeds of 15 ISO ppm (black), 7.2 ISO ppm (color)¹, based on the ISO standard
- Save paper — automatic two-sided printing can save up to 50% of your paper supply at speeds of 7.6 ISO ppm (black), 4.6 ISO ppm (color), based on the ISO standard
- Reload paper less often — large paper tray holds up to 150 sheets of plain paper
- PC-free photo printing — it’s easy with the built-in 2.5″ LCD and built in memory card slots
- Vibrant photos in no time — print a 4″ x 6″ photo in as fast as 20 sec¹
- Superior image enhancement tools — automatically correct poorly exposed photos and easily remove red eye
- High quality scanning — up to 2400 dpi
- Truly touchable photos and documents — get worry-free handling with instant-dry inks
- Save money — Extra High-capacity Black and color ink cartridges available
- Standard ink set included — includes one 125 Black ink cartridge and three 125 color ink cartridges
- Extra high-capacity ink cartridges available — save about 35%
- Quickly print from your mobile device — print photos, office documents and more, see www.epson.com/mobileprinting for details

You can purchase the Epson Stylus Printer at www.epson.com.

Epson Stylus Printer gets Bragging Rights!

Epson is generously giving away an Epson Stylus Printer to one lucky Bragging Mommy Reader!

How to enter: Leave comments below with your qualifying entries. Leave a Separate comment for each entry telling us which you qualify for.

MANDATORY 1st entry- Visit Epson and tell us another product they make that you would like to have.

1st Mandatory Entry must be completed before you can qualify for additional entries. All extra entries who don’t do the mandatory entry will be deleted.

1 entry- Tell us your favorite feature of the Epson Stylus Printer.
4 entries- Grab The Bragging Mommy button and put it on your blog. Leave a link.
2 entries for each- Follow The Bragging Mommy via Google Friend Connect, subscribe to RSS feed.
1 entry- Tell us why you would like to win this printer.
5 entries- Subscribe to The Bragging Mommy Emails.
1 entry- “Like” The Bragging Mommy on Facebook
1 entry- Follow The Bragging Mommy on Twitter
10 entries- Blog about this giveaway linking to this post. Leave a link.
1 entry per day- Tweet this giveaway using @braggingmommy. You can use this:

#Win an Epson Stylus Printer from @braggingmommy! / http://tinyurl.com/2a9jkng /{ends 12/7}

GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED

You can enter this giveaway until December 7 @10:00 am MST. The winner will then be chosen at random, verified and contacted via email. The winner will have 48 hours to email us back and claim the prize, if prize is not claimed within 48 hours a new winner will be chosen. By entering this giveaway you agree to The Bragging Mommy Full Disclosure. You must be over the age of 18 and live in the Contiguous US to enter.

*I received the Stylus Printer from Epson for my review.

Heidi November 23, 2010 christmas, dad, electronics, giveaway, mommy, review

{Brag Worthy Christmas} Gifted Imaginations Rainbow Rollers Review and $25 GC Giveaway [CLOSED]

I received the Rainbow Rollers from Gifted Imaginations. It actually just arrived today. We immediately got it out of the box and bug has been playing with it for 45 minutes straight! Wow! It says a lot about a toy when it can keep a 3 year old occupied. This toy has wooden cars that are included. Your child sends the cars down the ramp and they either flip over and continue down or they fly off. This is a very cute toy I highly recommend it!

I love all that Gifted Imaginations has to offer. They have such great quality toys and games. Like Alex Toys, blocks, dolls and dollhouses, games and so much more!!

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Things that are Brag Worthy:

Such a great selection of toys and children’s items available.
They have quality toys that are made to last.
You can also check out Joanna’s Review of Gifted Imaginations.
You will find wonderful gifts for the kids on your Christmas List this year!

Head over to www.giftedimaginations.com to see all they have to offer!

Right now you can get 25% off! Use Code: LoveIt at checkout. (exp 12/1/10)

Gifted Imaginations gets Bragging Rights!

Gifted Imaginations is generously giving away a $25 Gift Certificate to one lucky Bragging Mommy Reader!

How to enter: Leave comments below with your qualifying entries. Leave a Separate comment for each entry telling us which you qualify for.

MANDATORY 1st entry- Visit Gifted Imaginations and let us know what you would spend your gift certificate on!

1st Mandatory Entry must be completed before you can qualify for additional entries. All extra entries who don’t do the mandatory entry will be deleted.

3 entries- Subscribe to Gifted Imagination’s Newsletter (Bottom left)
2 entries- “Like” Gifted Imaginations on Facebook
2 entries- Follow Gifted Imaginations’ Blog via Google Friend Connect:
2 entries- Grab The Bragging Mommy button and put it on your blog. Leave a link.
1 entry for each- Follow The Bragging Mommy via Google Friend Connect, subscribe to emails, subscribe in reader.
1 entry- “Like” The Bragging Mommy on Facebook
1 entry- Follow The Bragging Mommy on Twitter
2 entries- Blog about this giveaway. Leave a link.
1 entry per day- Follow Gifted Imaginations on Twitter & Tweet this giveaway using @GiftedImagStore & @braggingmommy.

GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED

*I received Rainbow Rollers from Gifted Imaginations for my review.

Heidi November 23, 2010 baby, child, christmas, gift card, giveaway, review, toddler, toy

{Brag Worthy Christmas} Go Go Kidz Travelmate Review and Giveaway [CLOSED]

“Go-Go Babyz makes traveling with toddlers a breeze with the gogo Kidz Travelmate. The gogo Kidz Travelmate is a convenient and safe attachment for a variety of convertible/toddler car seats. Instead of carrying your car seat and child through an airport, they can now be wheeled through a crowd!”

If you have ever traveled with a toddler in the airport then you know how exhausting it can be for everyone involved. Having to carry the car seat and push a stroller is a lot to handle. But it doesn’t have to be anymore. Go Go Babyz has combined the stroller and the car seat into one wonderful and oh so helpful product. The Go Go Kidz Travelmate. It is a car seat stroller so to speak. It is super easy to assemble, it literally only takes a couple minutes. I love how small it is, making it easy to store it when your not using it. I can keep it in my garage and it doesn’t take up very much space. I haven’t been able to travel with my travelmate yet, but I have attached our car seat and tried it out. I am very impressed by how easy it is to attach the car seat. You can attach and release it within seconds! That is very nice considering when you are getting on an airplane you don’t want to have everyone boarding the plane waiting for you. I love that it is all one handed to use. You only need one land to pull it, and even the handle can be adjusted with one hand. It also provides a really smooth ride and is very easy to maneuver. I love the Go Go Kidz Travelmate! It will change the way I travel, I can’t wait to use it on our next flight!

You can see the Car Seat Compatibility to see which car seats work with the Go Go Kidz Travelmate.

Things that are Brag Worthy:

Ideal for traveling.
No more pushing a stroller and carrying a car seat. Just one product gets both done!
New ratcheting, quick-release strap
Easy to attach and remove in just seconds
Lightweight: weighs only 5 lbs
Compact: 5” deep, 17” wide, 28” high
Telescoping handle with four positions
Sturdy, soft 5″ quick release razor wheels for easy removal
Attaches to most car seats
For babies and children up to 50 lbs.
Keeps one hand free
Lays flat in the trunk or backseat of the car
Wide wheels provide stability
With 5 inch, rubber wheels, the gogo Kidz Travelmate provides a smooth ride
Telescopic handle extends from a compact 28″ to 50.5″ for easy handling
Makes a great gift for parents who travel.

Go-Go Babyz is offering a 25% discount on all orders from Friday 11/26 to Monday 11/29. Simply use coupon code“cyber10go” during checkout at gogobabyz.com for 25% off.

Go Go Kidz Travelmate gets Bragging Rights!

Go Go Babyz is generously giving away a Go Go Kidz Travelmate to one lucky reader!

travelmate3

How to enter: Leave comments below with your qualifying entries. Leave a Separate comment for each entry telling us which you qualify for.

MANDATORY 1st entry- Visit GoGo Babyz and tell us another item they have.

1st Mandatory Entry must be completed before you can qualify for additional entries. All extra entries who don’t do the mandatory entry will be deleted.

3 entries- “Like” Go-Go Babyz on Facebook.
3 entries- Follow GoGoBabyz on Twitter.
1 entry- Tell us why you want to win this Travelmate.
5 entries- Grab The Bragging Mommy button and put it on your blog. Leave a link.
1 entry for each- Follow The Bragging Mommy via Google Friend Connect, Facebook, Twitter, subscribe to emails, subscribe in reader.
10 entries- Blog about this giveaway linking to this post and gogobabyz.com. Leave a link.
1 entry per day- Tweet this giveaway including @braggingmommy & @GoGoBabyz

GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED

*I received a Go Go Kidz Travelmate from Go Go Babyz for this review.

Heidi November 23, 2010 baby, child, christmas, giveaway, review, toddler, travel

{Brag Worthy Christmas} Magic Cabin Grow-With-Me Art Easel Review and $50 GC Giveaway [CLOSED]

Art is something that I try to do in my classroom as much as I can. I love to paint but I have been in need of a good easel for my students to use. I was very excited to receive the Magic Cabin Grow-With-Me Easel.

This is a very high quality easel. It is made of very sturdy wood and it is pretty easy to set up. It has plenty of room to place art materials such as paint, chalk, brushes, etc. Great places for storage is something that teachers are always looking for! It keeps things clean! It also folds up pretty easy to put away.

Another thing that made me excited is that there are many different activities except paint that I can do with this easel. On one side it has a chalkboard and on the other side it has a whiteboard. Not only can I do paint but my students can do activities with the chalkboard and the whiteboard. I imagine that if this was set up with kids at home, you could have art activities going on for hours! I am way excited to see all the fun we will have with this in my classroom.

Magic Cabin is also a great place to find all sorts of different fun activities and toys. They have items for imaginative play, games and puzzles, dolls, outside activities, and other children’s toys.

If you are looking for something fun to buy for Christmas that is art related, the Magic Cabin Grow-With-Me Easel is something to really check out.

The Magic Cabin Grow-With-Me Easel gets bragging rights!

Magic Cabin is giving a $50 Gift Certificate to one lucky winner!

How to enter: Leave comments below with your qualifying entries. Leave a Separate comment for each entry telling us which you qualify for.

MANDATORY 1st entry- Visit Magic Cabin and tell us what you will buy with your Gift Certificate if you win.

1st Mandatory Entry must be completed before you can qualify for additional entries. All extra entries who don’t do the mandatory entry will be deleted.

10 entries- Make a purchase from Magic Cabin.
5 entries- Sign up for Magic Cabin Emails.
1 entry- Tell us what you like most about Magic Cabin.
2 entries- Grab The Bragging Mommy button and put it on your blog. Leave a link.
1 entry for each- Follow The Bragging Mommy via Google Friend Connect, Facebook, Twitter, subscribe to emails, subscribe in reader.
3 entries- Blog about this giveaway. Leave a link.
1 entry per day- Tweet this giveaway using @braggingmommy

GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED

**I received a Magic Cabin Grow-With-Me Easel from Magic Cabin for this review.

Nicole November 23, 2010 christmas, educational, entertainment, family, gift card, giveaway, review

Disney’s Tangled in Disney Digital 3D Movie Review~ Opens Tomorrow in Theaters (11/25)

“Walt Disney Pictures presents “Tangled,” one of the most hilarious, hair-raising tales ever told. When the kingdom’s most wanted – and most charming – bandit Flynn Rider (voice of Zachary Levi) hides out in a mysterious tower, he’s taken hostage by Rapunzel (voice of Mandy Moore), a beautiful and feisty tower-bound teen with 70 feet of magical, golden hair. Flynn’s curious captor, who’s looking for her ticket out of the tower where she’s been locked away for years, strikes a deal with the handsome thief and the unlikely duo sets off on an action-packed escapade, complete with a super-cop horse, an over-protective chameleon and a gruff gang of pub thugs. In theaters this holiday season in Disney Digital 3D”, “Tangled” is a story of adventure, heart, humor and hair – lots of hair.”

I am a huge Disney fan and I was thrilled to see Tangled. I was not disappointed! Tangled was fantastic. There were many different things that I loved!

The voice cast was great! Mandy Moore (Rapunzel), Zachary Levi (Flynn Rider), and Donna Murphy (Mother Gothel) must have had fun voicing this film.

You could tell that they were having fun! It was great to hear Donna Murphy as a villain. The villains in Disney movies are normally the characters that I remember the most. In my opinion, a sucky villain equals a bad movie. Disney did great with their villain here. I also loved the love story between Rapunzel and Flynn Rider. I am a romantic at heart and was ‘swooning’ at their cute love story. Fairy Tales are awesome.

The ‘sidekicks’ in this movie Pascal (the chameleon) and Maximus (the horse) are absolutely hilarious! They provided a great amount of comic relief during this movie. Your kids will love them and you will too!

Another thing that I loved was the music. I am a huge Disney geek and was thrilled when I heard Alan Menken, who is the composer of Beauty and the Beast, The Little Mermaid, and many other Disney movies during the ’90′s, was doing the music for this film. I was not disappointed, the music is great. I personally did not think it was his best since I think Beauty and the Beast is the best movie ever but it is still excellent. I recently bought the Tangled Soundtrack and listen to it a lot in my car.

The 3D effects were great and I really enjoyed them throughout the movie.

If you are looking for a great, fun, and fantastic movie to see this Thanksgiving with your family you should go see Tangled. Your kids will love it and you will too!

Tangled gets bragging rights!

Tangled opens tomorrow in Disney Digital 3D, Thanksgiving Day (11/25) in theaters and is rated PG for brief mild violence.

For a great range of Disney Princess toys, check out Tesco Direct

*I attended an advance screening of Tangled for this review.

*The bottom link in this post is sponsored.

Nicole November 23, 2010 entertainment, family, movie, review

{Brag Worthy Christmas} Fantasma Toys Anti-Gravity Web Runner Review and Giveaway [CLOSED]

“The first Ever R/C Black Widow spider that can run upside down on ceilings!” “The realistic leg movement makes the experience even creepier!” The story tells that these creatures came from Planet Arachnos after it was destroyed. Since then they live among us crawling in every part of our life. The Web Runner toy runs on floors, walls and even upside down! It is very easy to operate with its rechargeable battery and easy grip remote control that also charges the spider with its 6 AA batteries (Batteries not included). Eyes light up red when powered on. Crawling legs create life-like movements. Glow-in-the-dark fangs.”

Let me just start out by saying that Spiders creep me out. Period. Unfortunately that makes this toy even more appealing to the boys at our house This Fantasma Toys Anit-Gravity Web Runner has become an instant hit around here. Especially for scaring mommy, yikes! This thing moves so realistically it creeps me out, but the boys can’t get enough of it. It is a really fun toy! The best thing about this remote control spider is that it can crawl up walls and walk on the ceiling. Yep you heard me right. Walk up walls and on the ceiling. Take a look at this video to see it in action:

Things that are Brag Worthy:

It can walk up walls and on the ceiling.
Large controls make it easy to control.
Includes a Bonus: Collector’s comic booklet #1 and toxic bite tattoo.
Remote control charges the Spider.
The way it moves is very realistic looking.
Makes the perfect gift this Christmas!

Fantasma Toys Anti-Gravity Web Runner gets Bragging Rights!

Fantasma Toys is generously giving away a A.G. Web Runner to one lucky Bragging Mommy reader!

How to enter: Leave comments below with your qualifying entries. Leave a Separate comment for each entry telling us which you qualify for.

MANDATORY 1st entry- Visit Fantasma Toys and tell us another item they sell that you would like for your kids.

1st Mandatory Entry must be completed before you can qualify for additional entries. All extra entries who don’t do the mandatory entry will be deleted.

10 entries- Make a purchase from Fantasma Toys.
3 entries- Join the Fantasma Magic group on Facebook.
3 entries- Follow FantasmaNYC on Twitter.
1 entry- Tell us what you like most about the Web Runner.
1 entry- Tell us who you will give this Web Runner to if you win.
5 entries- Grab The Bragging Mommy button and put it on your blog. Leave a link.
1 entry for each- Follow The Bragging Mommy via Google Friend Connect, Facebook, Twitter, subscribe to emails, subscribe in reader.
5 entries- Blog about this giveaway linking to this post. Leave a link.
1 entry per day- Tweet this giveaway using @braggingmommy & @fantasmaNYC.

GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED

You can enter this giveaway until December 7th @10:00 am MST. The winner will then be chosen at random, verified and contacted via email. The winner will have 48 hours to email us back and claim the prize, if prize is not claimed within 48 hours a new winner will be chosen. By entering this giveaway you agree to The Bragging Mommy Full Disclosure. You must be over the age of 18 and live in the Contiguous US to enter.

*I received an A.G. Web Runner from Fantasma Toys for this review.

Heidi November 23, 2010 child, christmas, electronics, giveaway, review, toy

{Brag Worthy Christmas} The Search for Santa Paws Available on Blu-ray Combo Pack Today

Here Comes Santa Paws! Here Comes Santa Paws!

“….Experience an instant holiday classic full of fun, adventure, and a timeless message sure to delight the entire family!”

“In the tradition of Disney’s classic holiday tales comes a heartwarming movie about the power of giving and the true meaning of Christmas. Discover how the legendary friendship of Santa Claus and Santa Paws began in the inspiring original film, The Search For Santa Paws.

When Santa and his new best friend, Paws, discover that the boys and girls of the world have lost the spirit of the season, they take a trip to New York City. But after Santa loses his memory, it’s up to Paws, a faithful orphan named Quinn (America’s Got Talent’s Kaitlyn Maher), her new friend Will (The Game Plan’s Madison Pettis) and a wonderful group of magical talking dogs to save St. Nick and show the world what Christmas is really all about.”

This movie has really gotten my girls excited for the holiday season! With talking puppies, a jolly Santa and elves, and brave girls, it’s a lot of fun. My daughters absolutely love that it has singing too!!! They get up and dance with the little orphan girls and have all but memorized the cute songs. We have watched it over and over again, and I don’t think we will be putting it away for a long time!

There is also some fun bonus material that your kids will enjoy. You can listen to a pop-up storybook called The Hucklebuckle Hero and you can even have a sing-a-long! My kids also love the Music Video of ‘Deck the Halls’ by Disney Channels Debby Ryan.

This movie teaches about friendship & love and reminds us to be grateful for what we have!!! Which is definitely something that we should all be reminded of once in a while!

Do you Believe in Santa Paws??

Things that are BRAG WORTHY:

Appropriate for young children
Entertaining for the whole family
Has talking puppies!
Will get you into the holiday spirit
Includes songs that your child will love

Disney’s The Search for Santa Paws gets Bragging rights!!

Disney Movie Rewards is offering $10 off coupon for The Search for Santa Paws Blu-ray + DVD Combo Pack!

Bring the magic of Christmas into your home with The Search for Santa Paws!!! Buy it online and in stores now!

*I received The Search for Santa Paws DVD for the purpose of this review

Kim November 23, 2010 blu-ray, boy, child, christmas, dvd, entertainment, family, girl, movie, review

{Brag Worthy Christmas} CEIVA Digital Picture Frame Review and Giveaway [CLOSED]

I absolutely love to show off pictures of my little lady bug. I think that most of the pictures in our house are of her, since she is so dang cute! So when I was offered the chance to review the CEIVA Connected Digital Photo Frame I got super excited! We are just renting our house right now and so it’s really hard to find spaces on the wall to hang up pictures. I also don’t want to put too many holes in the wall and have to pay for it later.

I love that the CEIVA photo frame fits neatly on top of a table, TV, nook in the wall or anywhere else you want to put it! This is one of the best digital photo frame that I have seen so far. I like that it can hook up to the Internet, wi fi or home phone and you can even transfer photos directly from your phone!

There are also several other options that you can use in order to send pictures to your digital photo frame:

Computer
Email
Facebook
Camera Phone
iPhone app
iPhoto

This is such a great idea for grandparents, military parents or anyone in your family as a Christmas gift! Just load up the pictures onto the photo frame and mail it to your loved ones!

It also has some other great features like a Christmas Countdown, Unlimited photo storage and customization, channel selections

(news, weather, calendar, sports & more) and greeting cards! It is also a great way to get pictures from your family members, all over the world all you have to do is invite them and they can send pictures directly to your frame!

Things that are Bragworthy:

Pictures can be sent from anywhere!
Friends & Family can even send pictures directly to your frame
Unlimited Photo Storage
Perfect Holiday Gift!
Interchangeable Faceplates

Ceiva is having some awesome deals right now too!

CEIVA Pro80 Starter Pack (includes one-year PicturePlan Photo Delivery Service and WiFi adapter)- $119.95
CEIVAshare Starter Pack (includes one-year PicturePlan Photo Delivery Service)- $99.95 (Wifi adapter optional)
We also have free shipping for orders over $99.· Purchase any two frames (not including outlet items) and receive $10 off.
Purchase any three frames (not including outlet items) and receive $20 off.

Ceiva digital photo frames can be purchased at www.ceiva.com

Ceiva digital photo frames get Bragging Rights!

Ceiva is generously giving to One lucky winner a CEIVA Pro 80 digital photo frame with a one-year PicturePlan to one winner!

How to enter: Leave comments below with your qualifying entries. Leave a Separate comment for each entry telling us which you qualify for.

MANDATORY 1st entry- Visit Ceiva and tell us your favorite feature of the digital photo frame.

1st Mandatory Entry must be completed before you can qualify for additional entries. All extra entries who don’t do the mandatory entry will be deleted.

10 entries- Purchase a photo frame from Ceiva.
3 entries- Like Ceiva on Facebook
3 entries- Follow Ceiva on Twitter.
5 entries- Vote for Leah! Like All Things Sweet and Sassy on Facebook, click on Leah’s picture (kitty cat in pink tutu) Thanks! (pls leave the name you vote with)
3 entries- Subscribe to The Bragging Mommy emails.
2 entries- Follow The Bragging Mommy via Google Friend Connect.
2 entries- Grab The Bragging Mommy button and put it on your blog. Leave a link.
1 entry- Tell us who you will give this Booster seat to if you win.
1 entry for each- Follow The Bragging Mommy via: Facebook, Twitter, subscribe in reader.
5 entries- Blog about this giveaway and link to this post. Leave a link to your post.

GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED

You can enter this giveaway until December 6th @10:00 am MST. The winner will then be chosen at random, verified and contacted via email. The winner will have 48 hours to email us back and claim the prize, if prize is not claimed within 48 hours a new winner will be chosen. By entering this giveaway you agree to The Bragging Mommy Full Disclosure. You must be over the age of 18 and live in the Contiguous US to enter.

*I received the Ceiva Digital Picture Frame for my review.

Briann November 22, 2010 family, giveaway, holiday, home, review, technology

{Brag Worthy Christmas} Superstructs Construction Toys Review and Giveaway [CLOSED]

“Long ago, when parents and grandparents were in preschool, they’d sit on the floor, open a box with dozens of toy pieces and construct things – using popular kits like Tinkertoys. Then along came the technology years and a whole generation has tuned in to handheld devices, computer games and toys that required a cord, a battery and chargers. Today’s savvy kids are getting back to toy basics, but with a twist and a pop. Sitting on the floor and building things again is cool, especially when it’s a custom kit, uniquely yours, from Superstructs™.

Award-winning Superstructs by WABA Fun LLC, are the vibrant plastic rod and connector style construction toys that feature safe, durable EVA foam panels that ‘pop’ between the rods and joints. New this year are Superstructs Custom Kits, an easy online system where anyone can design and personalize their own toy building set and make the perfect gift for a young builder. Created entirely in-house, the Custom Kits system is the first of its kind to combine award-winning toy design with user personalization to make the perfect gift. Gift givers can select from over 24,000 possible combinations to give to an inquisitive child.”

Recently I was introduced to Superstructs. I thought “These look like fun”. Boy was that an understatement. I ordered the Custom Kit for bug with 3 different sets: The Forklift, the Dragster, & the Boom Truck Crane. I love that these custom kits come in a box personalized with your child’s name and a message like: Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays Congratulations, Happy Birthday, etc… Having it personalized makes your child feel so special. Once bug’s kit arrived I gave it to him. He was thrilled and immediately said “Mommy, help me build it”. So I did. We sat and built and played for over an hour and the time just flew by. The instructions are very detailed making it really easy to follow and build these creations. Bug has spent many hours building and playing with his construction set creations. I love the imagination that comes into play with these sets. Not only can your child build the item the kit was made for, but they can create anything they can think of! Superstructs are the perfect gift to have under the tree this Christmas!

Things that are Brag Worthy:

These construction sets are so much fun for kids!
Easy to follow building instructions included.
Encourages imaginative play.
Feature safe, durable EVA foam panels that ‘pop’ between the rods and joints.
Custom kits include personalized box with your child’s name.
Perfect Christmas gift for the children on your list!

Right now you can get 40% off of one of the company’s best-selling kits, the BIG Builder, a 126-piece set for ages 4-11, normally $41.95. Use code: coupon code KQPPB5PB at checkout. (The code expires 1/31/2011.)

Superstructs get Bragging Rights!

Superstructs is generously giving one lucky reader a Custom Set ($75 Value)!

How to enter: Leave comments below with your qualifying entries. Leave a Separate comment for each entry telling us which you qualify for.

MANDATORY 1st entry- Visit Superstructs and tell us which items you will add to your custom kit if you win.

1st Mandatory Entry must be completed before you can qualify for additional entries. All extra entries who don’t do the mandatory entry will be deleted.

10 entries- Make a purchase from Superstructs.
3 entries- Follow Superstructs on Twitter.
1 entry- Tell us what you like most about Superstructs.
1 entry- Tell us who you will give this custom kit to if you win.
2 entries- Grab The Bragging Mommy button and put it on your blog. Leave a link.
1 entry for each- Follow The Bragging Mommy via Google Friend Connect, Facebook, Twitter, subscribe to emails, subscribe in reader.
2 entries- Blog about this giveaway. Leave a link.
1 entry per day- Tweet this giveaway using @braggingmommy & @superstructs.

GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED

*I received a Custom Set of Superstructs for my review.

Heidi November 22, 2010 child, christmas, giveaway, review, toy

{Brag Worthy Christmas} Build-A-Bear Workshop Stocking Promotion and $25 GC Giveaway [CLOSED]

bablogo

We have been big fans of Build-A-Bear Workshop for a few years now. It is so fun for your child to be able to make their own friend. From stuffing to placing a heart inside, to washing and brushing, and finally to dressing them up. It is such a fun experience for any child. We went into the Build-A-Bear store to take advantage of the promotion they are having “Get a Free Stocking with a purchase of $30 or more”. Bug chose to make Bumble the Abominable Snow Monster (pictured left). Isn’t he so cute??!! Bug loved the whole experience and had a huge smile on his face the entire time we were in the store. He chose a football outfit (with helmet) for Bumble to wear. It was so much fun experiencing this with bug, we both had a great time.

Hurry into your nearest Build-A-Bear Workshop to get your stocking with purchase as this offer is only valid through November 24.

Build-A-Bear Workshop has such adorable friends to choose from this holiday season. They also have adorable stocking stuffers like these Tiny Clips and Mini Collectifriends. Of course a Build-A-Bear gift card makes a very fun stocking stuffer as well

Build-A-Bear Workshop gets Bragging Rights!

View Full Album

Build-A-Bear is generously giving away a $25 Gift Card to one lucky Bragging Mommy reader!

How to enter: Leave comments below with your qualifying entries. Leave a Separate comment for each entry telling us which you qualify for.

MANDATORY 1st entry- Visit Build-A-Bear Workshop and tell us which furry friend you like most.

1st Mandatory Entry must be completed before you can qualify for additional entries. All extra entries who don’t do the mandatory entry will be deleted.

3 entries- “Like” Buildabear on Facebook.
3 entries- Follow Buildabear on Twitter.
1 entry- Tell us who you will give this gift card to if you win.
5 entries- Grab The Bragging Mommy button and put it on your blog. Leave a link.
1 entry for each- Follow The Bragging Mommy via Google Friend Connect, Facebook, Twitter, subscribe to emails, subscribe in reader.
10 entries- Blog about this giveaway. Leave a link.
1 entry per day- Tweet this giveaway . You can use this:

#Win a @buildabear $25 Gift Card from @braggingmommy! / http://tinyurl.com/2632w2e / {ends 12.6}

GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED

You can enter this giveaway until December 6 @10:00 am MST. The winner will then be chosen at random, verified and contacted via email. The winner will have 48 hours to email us back and claim the prize, if prize is not claimed within 48 hours a new winner will be chosen. By entering this giveaway you agree to The Bragging Mommy Full Disclosure. You must be over the age of 18 and live in the Contiguous US to enter.

*I received a Build-A-Bear gift card for this review.

Heidi November 22, 2010 child, christmas, gift card, gifts, giveaway, review, toddler, toy

{Brag Worthy Christmas} Playskool Wheel Pals Jungle Journey Review and Giveaway [CLOSED]

“Get rolling on an exciting jungle safari with this fun playset and your crocodile and monkey vehicle friends! Set one of your vehicles at the “leafy” corner of this jungle and lift the lift-and-go launcher to send him speeding down his path. Watch the bananas spin as your friend goes past and — watch out! — gasp with glee as he just makes it over the falling bridge and speeds down the “raging” rapids waterfall slide. Rotate the slide to send them careening in all different dire ctions and, when racing time is over for the day, use the easy-carry handle to pick the whole playset right up. What an adventure that was!”

Harrison {and copy-cat baby brother Rue} is so into anything with wheels these days- cars, trucks… and now, animal wheel pals! The adorable monkey & alligator wheel pals that come in the Playskool Wheel Pals Jungle Journey playset are so adorable. I have to confess my boys have yet to play with it- I’m saving it as a Christmas present for them. I did take it out of the box just to check it out, and I think they are going to LOVE it! The spinning banana is too cute- Harrison is going to go “bananas” {Sorry, had to do it.} I also love that there are two other Playskool Wheel Pals playsets, and they call can connect together! What a great idea for multiple presents. I just love the little farm one- I think that might be next up on our list. These preschool toys would make the perfect Christmas gift- it’s affordable, and TONS of fun!

Things that are Brag Worthy:

All the Wheel Pals sets connect together! How fun- collect them all!
Easy to carry handle so you can pick the whole playset up- great for cleaning
Ages 18 months and up
Kids will have tons of fun with this toy
Makes a great Christmas gift for your pre-schooler
The wheel pals are fun to play with on their own!

2010BragWorthyChristmas250x250

Playskool Wheel Pals Jungle Journey gets Bragging Rights!

Playskool is generously giving away a Playskool Wheel Pals Jungle Journey to one lucky reader!

How to enter: Leave comments below with your qualifying entries. Leave a Separate comment for each entry telling us which you qualify for.

MANDATORY 1st entry- Visit Playskool and let us know another toy you think would make a great Christmas gift!

1st Mandatory Entry must be completed before you can qualify for additional entries. All extra entries who don’t do the mandatory entry will be deleted.

3 entries- “Like” Playskool on Facebook
5 entries- Grab The Bragging Mommy button and put it on your blog. Leave a link.
1 entry for each- Follow The Bragging Mommy via Google Friend Connect, Facebook, Twitter, subscribe to emails, subscribe in reader.
10 entries- Blog about this giveaway. Leave a link.
1 entry per day- Tweet this giveaway using @braggingmommy. You can use this:

#Win a Playskool Wheel Pals Jungle Journey Playset #giveaway from @braggingmommy! http://tinyurl.com/33ssq4y {ends 12.6}

GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED

*I received a Playskool Wheel Pals Jungle Journey Set for the purpose of this review

Joanna November 22, 2010 christmas, gifts, giveaway, review, toddler

{Brag Worthy Christmas} NERF N SPORTS NERFOOP Pro Basketball Set Review and Giveaway [CLOSED]

NERF N SPORTS NERFOOP Pro

“Play a game of hoops almost anywhere you want! Hang your durable, high performance NERFOOP backboard, hoop and net on a door or wall and the get your game on with the mini basketball. Now, you can challenge your friends, show off your skill and make those three point shots right in your own room!”

The NERFOOP Pro Basketball set is really a great product. It can be hung on the door or on the wall. Both ways are very easy to install and it comes with easy to follow instructions as well. I like how sturdy it is. It is really a quality basketball hoop, not like some of the flimsy ones out there. This one is made to last for years. This basketball hoop is recommended for Ages 8 and up. But kids of all ages have fun with it! Even 3 year old bug has fun trying to make a basket.

This makes the perfect gift for your tween or teen boy this Christmas!

You can purchase the Nerfoop Pro online and in stores now!

NERFOOP Pro gets Bragging Rights!

One lucky Bragging Mommy reader will win a NERFOOP Pro Basketball Set!

NERF N SPORTS NERFOOP Pro

How to enter: Leave comments below with your qualifying entries. Leave a Separate comment for each entry telling us which you qualify for.

MANDATORY 1st entry- Visit NERF and tell us another item that looks like fun.

1st Mandatory Entry must be completed before you can qualify for additional entries. All extra entries who don’t do the mandatory entry will be deleted.

2 entries- “Like” Nerf on Facebook.
1 entry- Tell us who you will give this to if you win.

2 entries for each- Follow The Bragging Mommy via Google Friend Connect, subscribe to emails, subscribe in reader.
5 entries- Grab The Bragging Mommy button and put it on your blog. Leave a link.
1 entry for each- Like/Follow The Bragging Mommy on Facebook and/or Twitter.
5 entries- Blog about this giveaway and link to Bragging mommy. Leave a link.
1 entry per day- Tweet this giveaway using @braggingmommy. Leave link to tweet.

GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED

*I received a NERFOOP Pro Basketball Set for my review.

Heidi November 22, 2010 Uncategorized

Nutrisystem Update + Tips for Smart Eating This Thanksgiving

So I have been on Nutrisystem for 2 weeks now and so far so good! I am not going to lie to you and say it is easy. As with any diet plan it takes a lot of self control. For me it is a mind struggle. I think “I can’t have this, I can’t have that, I’m starving, etc…” Of course it is all in my head. I have found when I keep myself busy I don’t find myself thinking this as much. Nutrisystem food is actually high in fiber and helps me to feel full. They also have a lemonade and iced tea drink mix that has a lot of fiber that you can drink during the say to help you fell fuller as well. I have lost 4.5 lbs so far and I am so excited! Along with the Nutrisystem program I have been doing the Gillian Michaels 30 day shred DVD. I can already see a difference in my body and I am excited to be on the right track! I am also excited to announce that I will be receiving Fresh/Frozen food from Nutrisystem in the upcoming weeks. I have tried this food before and it is delicious so I know it will help me to stay on track with Nutrisystem.

With Thanksgiving fast approaching I want to share with you some tips from Nutrisystem for eating smart this Holiday.

Holiday Survival Smarts (from Nutrisystem)
Diet-friendly Strategies for The Holiday Season and Beyond

1. Have a plan. Think things through before you get to the actual holiday meals and parties. Maybe your strategy is to take tiny portions of different dishes; that’s okay. If you’re cooking, you might want to have your bottle of water with you in the kitchen, so you’re less tempted to snack. Do what you can to stay away from the appetizer table. Plan to avoid anything that’s not homemade. The point is that if you go in with a plan, you’ll be less likely to get caught off-guard.

2. Stay on track. Holidays are not the time to skip meals in an attempt to “bank” calories. That’s a strategy that can backfire miserably. Instead, eat everything on your meal plan leading up to the holiday event, and make sure you’re drinking all your water. You’ll be less likely to overindulge at the big event.

3. Set a goal. There’s something about holidays that makes people forget what they do the rest of the year. Do you already have weight loss goals set up for November, December and January? If not you can start today. Once you’ve set a short-term goal, decide on a way to reward yourself once the goal has been reached.

4. Drink smart. Face it, overindulging during holiday events—whether it’s an office party, a family gathering or a neighborhood open house—can add a lot of extra calories to your day. In addition, when you’ve had too much to drink, it tends to weaken your previous resolve and derail any strategies and plans you might have had. Besides, you don’t want to end up as that karaoke-singing family member or neighbor everyone will be talking about for the next month.

5. Trim the calories. This tip is especially useful if you happen to be the primary cook for an event. In baked items, replace the fat with an equal amount of applesauce and the sugar with a sugar substitute; substitute a quarter cup of egg substitute for every egg called for in the recipe; replace whole milk with 1% milk and sour cream with yogurt; reduce the amount of nuts called for by half. And don’t forget both veggies and salad.

6. Enlist support. Trying to maintain your Nutrisystem program can be hard at the holidays, but there’s no reason you have to go it alone. Ask for your family’s understanding or even their help, so nobody’s trying to foist “seconds” on you. Nutrisystem counselors can help you strategize, based on your individual circumstances. Or you can go to the Nutrisystem Discussion Boards, where you’ll find people who definitely understand what you’re trying to do. Discuss your concerns; share tips of your own, or join one of the many weight loss challenges. Some of them are specifically geared to the holidays. Introduce yourself well before the event, so you have that support already in place.

7. Keep moving. Instead of just sitting around after dinner, suggest a family walk, or organize a touch-football game. Most people will be grateful for the chance to move around, and it can keep you on-track with your exercise plan.
8. Embrace the spirit. This last tip may just be the most important: You can get so caught up in all the planning and hoopla that you lose the whole meaning of the holiday season—coming together with friends and loved ones. It’s the time that’s really valuable, not the food and drink.

Remember: Quality not Quantity
If you do plan to indulge in some of the traditional Thanksgiving favorites, use these portions as a guideline:
Turkey—3 oz. white meat, no skin (about the size of a deck of cards)
Mashed potatoes—1/3 cup (about the size of half of a baseball)
Gravy—1 Tbsp. (just drizzle it)
Relish made with sugar—1 Tbsp.
Stuffing—2 Tbsp.
Dinner Roll—if not homemade, skip it
Pie—1/12 of a 9” pie

If you would like to join me on my Nutrisystem Journey sign up through this link or call 888-853-4689 to get a special discount!

*I am receiving the Nutrisystem Women’s Plan in exchange for blogging about my honest Nutrisystem experiences. All opinions are my own and my results may differ from others. On the Nutrisystem plan you can expect to lose 2-3 lbs. a week.

Heidi November 22, 2010 Uncategorized

{Brag Worthy Christmas} Hearts 4 Hearts Dolls Review and Giveaway [CLOSED]

Aren’t these Dolls beautiful? I loved them the moment I saw them!!

“Every Hearts for Hearts Girls Doll represents a real girl from a real place around the world. Each has her own story to tell and ideas about how to make life better for her family, community, country, and the world around her.”

Meet Consuelo

“Consuelo is a generous and imaginative ten-year-old from Mexico City. She knows all about food, for her parents own a bakery, and everyone in the family helps out.

But there are many hungry children living on the streets of Mexico City; their yearning faces touch Consuelo’s heart.

With her mother’s help, she makes a little restaurant in the back alley to feed these children-but is surprised when it turns into a challenge.”

I was able to review the Consuelo doll. We have a lot of baby dolls in our house, so I am excited to have a ‘little girl’ doll. She is so cute. Like all Hearts For Hearts Girls dolls, Consuelo stands 14 inches high and has a pose-able, smooth vinyl body, and high-quality rooted hair for hours of doll play. She has bracelets, earrings, and bright clothes that are authentic to her country. The doll also comes with a friendship bracelet & a little storybook about her life.

I love that these dolls have a story behind each one. Isn’t it such a great idea to base them on actual young women trying to make a difference in this world? The Hearts for Hearts Girls are dolls that reflect and teach about different cultures around the world. They were created to deliver an empowering social message to girls of varying ethnic backgrounds. Having one of these dolls in our home reminds me to take the opportunity to teach my children about different cultures. I know they will love to learn about Consuelo and her way of life.

“What if you could change the world just by buying a doll? You can, with Hearts For Hearts Girls™ dolls! Each doll is a girl that wants to make a difference in her life, community, and culture. When you buy a Hearts For Hearts Girls doll, a portion of the purchase price is donated to children’s causes in those countries.”

It’s a great Christmas gift that your daughter will LOVE! And you will both love knowing that a portion of your purchase…..or Santa’s….will go directly to help children from that doll’s country!!

In addition to Consuelo, meet Lilian (Belarus), Dell (United States), Nahji (India), Rahel (Ethiopia) and Tipi (Laos).

Nahji is my second favorite because of the henna on her hand. These dolls all have beautiful details!!! I love that they are all unique….not just the same doll with different color hair & skin. I am so impressed with these dolls!!!

Things that are BRAG WORTHY:

Choose between 6 different dolls
Each doll has her own story to tell
The dolls wear clothing & jewelry authentic to her own country
Get a Friendship bracelet with each doll
Very affordable

Hearts for Hearts Dolls

get BRAGGING RIGHTS!!!

These dolls will be sold only at Chicago-area Target and Toys R Us stores this holiday season. Visit Toys R Us online to buy one for you child!!

Love these dolls???? One lucky reader will win a Hearts for Hearts Doll of their choice!!!

How to enter: Leave comments below with your qualifying entries. Leave a Separate comment for each entry telling us which you qualify for.

MANDATORY 1st entry- Visit www.hearts4heartsgirls.com and let us know your favorite doll and something about her.

1st Mandatory Entry must be completed before you can qualify for additional entries. All extra entries who don’t do the mandatory entry will be deleted.

2 entries- Grab The Bragging Mommy button and put it on your blog. Leave a link.
1 entry for each- Follow The Bragging Mommy via Google Friend Connect, Facebook, Twitter, subscribe to emails, subscribe in reader.
3 entries- Blog about this giveaway and link to Bragging mommy. Leave a link.
1 entry per day- Tweet this giveaway using @braggingmommy. Leave link to tweet.

GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED

*I received a Consuelo doll for the purpose of my review.

Kim November 22, 2010 child, christmas, girl, giveaway, review, toy, tween

{Brag Worthy Christmas} The First Years Compass B570 Pathway Booster Car Seat Review and Giveaway [CLOSED]

“The First Years introduces a belt positioning booster that truly fits your child! Ever worry that the seatbelt is not positioned correctly when you buckle your little one in for the ride? With the new Pathway Booster Seat, those worries should disappear.”-First Years

Since bug is just 3 years old I worried about up-grading him to a booster car seat. That was until I was introduced to the First Years Compass B570 Pathway Booster Car Seat. Once it arrived and I took it out of the box I new I had no reason to worry anymore. It allows you to adjust the shoulder belt path so it fits your child comfortably and securely. The back is self adjusting so it will fit in any backseat no problem. It has lower anchor attachments so when your child isn’t in the car it will stay in place. If you have ever used a booster car seat without this feature you will know how annoying it can be to have that thing moving around. Especially for the person sitting next to it.

“The Pathway headrest has been developed to control your child’s head in the event of a crash. The deep headrest and contoured shape will help contain and control your child’s head on impact. Side-impact testing is standard for all of The First Years’ seats; we side-impact test to Australian standards–the most stringent standards for side-impact testing.”-First Years

Like all First Years Car Seats it has their patented one-hand fold. This makes moving it from one car to another much easier. This makes travel and storage easier as well. It also has 2 cup holders that are removable and dishwasher safe. I love this! So much easier to clean them!

Things that are Brag Worthy:

Color-coded adjustable shoulder belt path for better fit
Color-coded lap belt positioning for a better fit
Latch attachments for secure installation when not in use
Deeper headrest for better head containment
Two removable cup holders for easy cleaning
Self-adjusting seat back for better installation
Six-position adjustable “no gap” back
Taller belt path to accommodate larger children
Patented easy, one-hand fold
Built-in carry handle
Deep side wing protection
Side-impact tested to international standards
Narrow bottom rails for better installation in smaller cars
For use with children 30-100 lbs & 38-57” tall. (3-10 years old)
Weighs 9 lbs.
Makes a great gift for your child or grandchild this Christmas!

The First Years Pathway Booster Car Seat gets Bragging Rights!

How to enter: Leave comments below with your qualifying entries. Leave a Separate comment for each entry telling us which you qualify for.

MANDATORY 1st entry- Visit The First Years and tell us another item they have that you would like.

1st Mandatory Entry must be completed before you can qualify for additional entries. All extra entries who don’t do the mandatory entry will be deleted.

3 entries- Like The First Years Brand on Facebook.
3 entries- Follow The The First Years on Twitter.
1 entry- Post on your Facebook Page about this giveaway.
5 entries- Subscribe to The Bragging Mommy emails.
5 entries- Follow The Bragging Mommy via Google Friend Connect.
2 entries- Grab The Bragging Mommy button and put it on your blog. Leave a link.
1 entry- Tell us who you will give this Booster seat to if you win.
1 entry for each- Follow The Bragging Mommy via: Facebook, Twitter, subscribe in reader.
10 entries- Blog about this giveaway and link to this post. Leave a link to your post.
1 entry per day- Tweet this giveaway. You can use this:

#Win a @thefirstyears Pathway Booster Car Seat over @braggingmommy / http://tinyurl.com/pathwaybooster / (ends 12/3)

GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED

You can enter this giveaway until December 3rd @10:00 am MST. The winner will then be chosen at random, verified and contacted via email. The winner will have 48 hours to email us back and claim the prize, if prize is not claimed within 48 hours a new winner will be chosen. By entering this giveaway you agree to The Bragging Mommy Full Disclosure. You must be over the age of 18 and live in the Contiguous US to enter.

*I received the First Years Pathway Booster Seat for my review.

Heidi November 19, 2010 car seat, child, christmas, giveaway, review, safety, toddler, travel

{Brag Worthy Stocking Stuffers} Stocking Stuffers Prize Pack Giveaway [CLOSED]

I always have so much fun finding items to put in my family member’s stockings. There are so many fun products out there, so I thought I would share my favorites!

For Mommy:

SMM Cosmetics is the perfect choice for moms stocking this Christmas! All moms love makeup (even if we don’t wear it often enough). It helps to enhance our beauty and makes us feel pretty. They have so many beautiful colors and shades available. Something for every mom no matter what her look is. Make mom smile with Southern Magnolia Minerals in her stocking!

smm2

CafePress Personalized Ornaments are a great way to preserve a memory. Mom (or Grandma) will love her new ornaments featuring her little stars, her children (grandchildren). These ornaments are a great way to preserve memories that will be enjoyed year after year. We have a few personalized ornaments from CafePress (with family pics as well as pics of bug). They are my favorite ornaments by far! They also have personalized Christmas stockings! (As well as many other super fun customizable items that could be added to a stocking)

Zippo Candle Lighters. “With 7 stylish designs, the Zippo Candle Lighter creates the ambience essential for a big celebration, a romantic dinner for two or a relaxing bubble bath. Plus, it makes a great holiday, housewarming or wedding gift. The Zippo Candle Lighter is a must-have for the fashionista with special occasions in mind.” I love my Zippo candle lighter. It is so sleek! It even comes in a fabulous case, all ready to give as a gift. This is the perfect thing to put in mom’s stocking this Christmas!

For Daddy:

Executive Gift Shoppe is a great place to get stocking stuffers for Dad. How about an Engraved Business Card Holder or their Flasks for Men. I gave my hubby a flask from Executive Gift Shoppe for his birthday. He likes his flask a lot and was really impressed by the quality of it. Get Dad things he will love and use for his Stocking this year at Executive Gift Shoppe!

The ALL-ETT Wallet is the “Worlds Thinnest Wallet”. This is a great stocking stuffer for Dad or the man in your life. They have many different types of wallets available.

For Baby:

Bright Starts has so many fun toys that are the perfect size for putting in your baby’s stocking this year. And with a great price range starting at just $2.99 to $5.99 you can totally afford to have baby’s stocking chuck full of these fun toys! They are available at Amazon, Toys R Us, and Wal-mart.

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Bottle Snugglers are a must have stocking stuffer for baby this year! This fabulous baby bottle holder helps busy parents by holding baby’s bottle in the perfect position. Allowing you to get other things done. This is perfect for someone like me who works from home. Now I can feed baby and work at the same time. It is also an adorable stuffed animal friend for baby. Be sure to get one of these for your baby’s stocking this Christmas! It is a win win for both of you!

Infantino Teethers are the perfect items for your baby’s stocking. Whether they are teething now or will be Infantino is here to comfort them! The Vibrating Teether is sure to sooth their sore gums. “Gummy textured vibrating teether gently massages gums when baby chomps! Easy to grasp handle makes it easy for little hands.”

As well as the Silly Chilly Teethers “Set of 3 water-filled teethers soothe irritated, swollen gums for big smiles!” These teethers are sure to make baby a teething baby a little happier this Christmas!

For Kids:

HEXBUGS are sure to be a hit in Stockings this year! There are so many fun micro-robotic creatures to choose from. The Ant, the Crab, the Nano, and more! If you haven’t seen HEXBUGS in action you will have to take my word for it. These are super fun toys that kids go crazy for! Make sure you have a few of these in their stockings!

Colgate Has a great variety of Stocking Stuffers for your kids. Colgate Kids offers toothbrushes and toothpaste featuring your child’s favorite characters like SpongeBob and Dora. They also have Pop Star Toothpaste for your tweens and My first Colgate Products for Babies and Toddlers. Put these fun yet practical items in your child’s stocking this year!

Music For Me and More has so many wonderful Stocking Stuffer options. From books, CD’s and DVD’s, to letters and phone calls. All personalized with your child’s name. I recommend the Sing Along with Mickey Minnie and Goofy CD. We have this CD and bug loves hearing his favorite characters saying and singing his name. I also recommend the Personalized DVD Videos. We have the Dora, Diego & Me DVD and they add your child’s face onto an additional character in the DVD. Bug got so excited when he saw himself on Dora! He requests this DVD on a regular basis. These personalized items are sure to bring a smile to your child’s face this Christmas morning!

Piggy Paint is a great item for your little girls stocking this year! Not only will she love it but it is “Natural As Mud”. It’s Non-toxic, Odorless, & Kid-Friendly. They have so many fun and vibrant colors to choose from and their new line Project Earth Nail Polish appeals to eco-conscious teens and tweens. I have tried this polish and it truly is odorless. It is so nice knowing you are using only the best products for your girls. Be sure to grab some piggy paint for their stockings this year!

Hasbro Action Figures are a must have for boy stockings Christmas morning. If you have a boy I don’t have to tell you how much they love these. And with Super Heroes like Transformers and Spider Man these are sure to be a hit with the boys this year!

Veggie Tales has some very fun products to include as stocking stuffers. DVD’s like the new It’s a Meaningful Life and CD’s like Bob & Larry Sing the 80’s. We have both of these and enjoy them very much. I especially love the messages that Veggie Tales teach to kids. And don’t forget the Veggie Wrist Bands. Kid’s are going crazy for these right now so be sure to pick up a few packs! Also, grab this Veggie Tales $3 off coupon for It’s a Meaningful Life!

bob&larry

Swishlanders. They are a great Stocking Stuffer and the new fun collectable for kids! “So, what exactly is a Sqwishlander, you ask? It’s a squishie little character that lives in Sqwishland– of course! Each Sqwishlander is a 3/4″ rubbery animal in a plastic capsule that can be found in more than 300,000 vending machines around the world. At just 25 to 50 cents per Sqwishlander, starting a collection is easy! It’ll be even easier this November, when new 6,12 and 24 multi-packs of Sqwishlanders will be available at toy stores and other retailers nationwide. Each multi-pack promises a certain number of rare and even ultra rare collectible Sqwishlanders. In addition to collecting the Sqwishlanders, each one comes with a code for access to a new kid-friendly virtual world, www.Sqwishland.com, where kids and adults alike will enjoy playing games and feeding and taking care of their adorable virtual Sqwishlanders.” To purchase these adorable Sqwishlanders find a retail location near you.

The new SpongeBob Legends of Bikini Bottom DVD makes a great addition to a SpongeBob fan’s stocking!

“Gather ‘round for a spine-tingling adventure (if you have a spine, that is) unlike any you’ve ever seen before! Hang on as SpongeBob, Patrick, and the rest of their Bikini Bottom friends dive into SpongeBob’s Legends of Bikini Bottom. You’ll squirm when Patrick and SpongeBob find themselves held prisoner by a backward gang, SpongeBob and pals look for a way out of the Bikini Bottom Triangle, and an evil hag curses the Krusty Krab! Then laugh when Patrick finds he has lots in common with a monster that invades town, join SpongeBob and Patrick on their search for a drain that once destroyed the city, and brace yourself for a volcanic eruption that brings an ancient warrior with dire predictions to Bikini Bottom! Six legends, one swell adventure: Legends of Bikini Bottom.”

Squiggle Doodle Pads from RandomLine make perfect stocking stuffers. These pads encourage your child’s creativity and imagination. They are the perfect size for fitting in a stocking. They are great for entertaining your kids on car trips and while traveling. Not to mention kids love them!

Keller Williams Kids CD “With the October 26, 2010 release of his first-ever album for kids and families – appropriately titled Kids – Keller Williams once again breaks new ground, proving his infectious spirit, quick wit and incredible musicianship speak to music lovers of all ages.” Bug absolutely loves this CD, I highly recommend it be in your child’s stocking, it is such fun children’s music.

It’s Santa Claus Ben Rudnick & Friends is also a very fun Christmas CD for Children. It is so upbeat and fun to dance around to. Fun addition to a stocking and can be added to your holiday music collection afterwards. santaclaus

Books are always a great choice for stocking stuffers. Zooborns is a “showcase of the newest and cutest animal babies from accredited zoos and aquariums around the world. With interesting animal facts and background stories on the featured babies, the book illustrates the connections between zoo births and conservation initiatives in the wild.” We have this book and bug loves it, each page he says “what’s that?” and I tell him and then read the page. Not only is it is educational but it gives us a look at these fascinating animals when they are newborn. Great stocking stuffer this Christmas!

One lucky Bragging Mommy Reader will win this Stocking Stuffers Prize Pack!

(Includes: SMM Cosmetics: Hair & Skin Tonic, Praline Blush, Night Treatment, 3 Perfection Powders, Sun Kiss Bronzer, & Green Corrector. Colgate SpongeBob Battery Powered Toothbrush & Toothpaste. HEXBUG Nano. Personalized Book and CD from Music For Me and More. CafePress Personalized Ornament. Piggy Paint Nail Polish. Zippo Candle Lighter. Bright Starts: Little Squeaker, Spin Around Pals, & Rattle & Shake Barbell. VeggieTales: It’s a Meaningful Life DVD, Bob & Larry Sing the 80’s, Veggie Tales Wrist Bands Multi-color pack, & Veggie Tales Wrist Bands Princess Collection. Pack of more than 24 Sqwishlanders. Squiggle Barnyard Game. Keller Williams Kids CD. It’s Santa Claus CD. Infantino Silly Chilly Teethers.)

How to enter: Leave comments below with your qualifying entries. Leave a Separate comment for each entry telling us which you qualify for.

MANDATORY 1st entry- Tell us which Stocking Stuffer we featured is your favorite and why.

1st Mandatory Entry must be completed before you can qualify for additional entries. All extra entries who don’t do the mandatory entry will be deleted.

1 entry- Friend Southern Magnolia Minerals on Facebook.
1 entry- Subscribe to the SMM Cosmetics Newsletter.
1 entry- Follow SMM Cosmetics on Twitter.
1 entry- Like Infantino on Facebook.
1 entry- Follow Infantino on Twitter.
1 entry- Join the Music For Me and More Club.
1 entry- Like Bottle Snugglers on Facebook.
1 entry- Follow Bottle Snugglers on Twitter.
1 entry- Like Executive Gift Shoppe on Facebook.
1 entry- Follow Gift Shoppe on Twitter.
1 entry- Like VeggieTales on Facebook.
1 entry- Like Keller Williams Kids on Facebook.
1 entry- Like Piggy Paint on Facebook.
1 entry- Subscribe to Piggy Paint’s RSS Feed.
1 entry- Follow Piggy Paint on Twitter.
1 entry- Like HEXBUG on Facebook.
1 entry- Follow Hexbug on Twitter.
1 entry-Like Bright Starts on Facebook.
1 entry-Receive email Updates from Bright Starts (bottom of page)
1 entry-Like CafePress on Facebook.
1 entry-Follow CafePress on Twitter.
1 entry- Like RandomLine on Facebook.
1 entry- Follow RandomLine on Twitter.
1 entry- Like Sqwishland on Facebook.
1 entry- Follow Sqwish on Twitter.
1 entry- Like Zippo on Facebook.
1 entry- Follow Zippo on Twitter.
5 entries- Grab The Bragging Mommy button and put it on your blog. Leave a link.
1 entry for each- Follow The Bragging Mommy via Google Friend Connect, Facebook, Twitter, subscribe to emails, subscribe in reader.
10 entries- Blog about this giveaway linking to this post. Leave a link to your post.

GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED

You can enter this giveaway until December 3 @10:00 am MST. The winner will then be chosen at random, verified and contacted via email. The winner will have 48 hours to email us back and claim the prize, if prize is not claimed within 48 hours a new winner will be chosen. By entering this giveaway you agree to The Bragging Mommy Full Disclosure. You must be over the age of 18 and live in the Contiguous US to enter.

*I received the items featured in this post in exchange for posting about them. Regardless of this compensation, these are the items I feel are fabulous Stocking Stuffers.