Elmo’s World: Penguins and Animal Friends DVD Review

April 13, 2011 By Leave a Comment

The Furry Red Monster had a new DVD released on March 1, 2011, and my kids love it.

There is animal fun for everyone on Elmo’s World: Penguins and Animal Friends, the newest DVD in the  “Elmo’s World” series of DVDs. This entertaining DVD follows along as Elmo learns about how his animal friends live in different environments. Elmo learns what it is like to live like a horse, finds fun and fascinating facts about frogs, and gets chilly with his penguin friends. 

As you all know, Mister is my typical Elmo fan.  But it is Sister that asks to watch this DVD.  Sister loves anything that has to do with horses, and this DVD is no exception. 

 Elmo's World Penguins and Friends

I love that my kids are excited about learning about different animals and what makes them unique.  They’ve enjoyed watching how the animals move, eat, and live in this DVD, and they have loads of fun pretending to move like different animals. 

I would certainly recommend this DVD to any parent of preschoolers, as well as any of the Elmo’s World DVD’s.

Sesame Street, which is now in its 41st season, is the longest-running program in children’s television. The series has received more Emmy awards than any other show in television history (130), as well as a Lifetime Achievement Emmy Award honoring the 40th year.

About Sesame Workshop

Sesame Workshop is the nonprofit educational organization that revolutionized children’s television programming with the landmark Sesame Street.  The Workshop produces local Sesame Street programs, seen in over 140 countries, and other acclaimed shows to help bridge the literacy gap including The Electric Company and Pinky Dinky Doo.  Beyond television, the Workshop produces content for multiple media platforms on a wide range of issues including literacy, health and military deployment. Initiatives meet specific needs to help young children and families develop critical skills, acquire healthy habits and build emotional strength to prepare them for lifelong learning.  Learn more at www.sesameworkshop.org.

About Warner Home Video

With operations in 90 international territories, Warner Home Video, a Warner Bros. Entertainment Company, a division of the Warner Bros. Home Entertainment Group, commands the largest distribution infrastructure in the global video marketplace. Warner Home Video’s film library is the largest of any studio, offering top quality new and vintage titles from the repertoires of Warner Bros. Pictures, Turner Entertainment, Castle Rock Entertainment, HBO Video and New Line Home Entertainment.                              

About Warner Bros. Home Entertainment Group

Warner Bros. Home Entertainment Group brings together Warner Bros. Entertainment’s home video, digital distribution, interactive entertainment/videogames, direct-to-DVD production, technical operations and anti-piracy businesses in order to maximize current and next-generation distribution scenarios. WBHEG is responsible for the global distribution of content through DVD, electronic sell-through and VOD, and delivery of theatrical content to wireless and online channels, and is also a significant worldwide publisher for both internal and third party videogame titles.

What is your favorite Elmo DVD?

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Compact Car Conspiracy- Snap Out of It

February 4, 2011 By 3 Comments

Have you been hypnotized by compact car manufacturers?

Mass Deprogramming

Have you ever been in a compact car that claims to have leg room?  My first car was a compact car.  It looked like a pregnant roller skate.  And had NO leg room.  At 5’4.5 inches, I felt squinched.  I was a victim of the Compact Car Conspiracy.

Even though that car had little leg room, and even less inspiration, I felt like I had made a great purchase, like I had gotten the best bang for my buck.  Yes, I was hypnotized.   We’ve all been hypnotized into believing that compact cars are the best bang for our buck.  Hyundai is determined to conduct Mass Deprogramming of unprecedented scale.  Hyundai wants consumers to snap out of it!

When will the Mass Deprogramming take place?   Well, during the Super Bowl, of course.

I confess, I am not a huge football fan.  I occasionally catch a game, if MY team is playing.  Otherwise, I couldn’t care less when (or where) that oblong pigskin is flying.  But, I love Super Bowl.  Of course, my affection for Super Bowl Sunday has little to do with quarterbacks and a lot to do with the commercials.  I am that girl that will get up and go to the bathroom when the quarterback pulls a Hail Mary play with seven seconds on the clock and little chance of changing the numbers on the scoreboard.

Hey, I may not be a huge fan, but I do know that a Hail Mary is a desperate move when the quarterback launches the pigskin without a target in mind, usually used during the last half of the game.   I also know that the rule that a  player cannot remove his helmet on the field unless it is to adjust his equipment is affectionately called the Emmitt Smith Rule, because he had a habit of taking off his helmet every time he scored a touchdown.

Anyway, back to the commercials.

After seeing sheep driving, I am really looking forward to seeing Super Bowl commercials.  Hyundai will have at least two, and will show America that they have reset the bar in compact sedan design with the all-new Elantra.

What do you think about the compact car conspiracy theory?  Check out what my pal, Jeanine, had to say at I Could Use a Deal.

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Sid the Science Kid- Weather Kid Sid Review

August 12, 2010 By

imageWe’ve spent quite a bit of time outdoors lately, taking advantage of the sunshine and enjoying summer activities.  Recently, we visited our local community pool, and it was a lot of fun (I posted a couple of the photos in my Wordless Wednesday here).  The community pool is awesome.  There is a lazy river, a wade pool for the kids, a large shallow pool with slides and climbing toys, as well as an Olympic sized diving pool.   We were there for several hours, and truly had a lot of fun.

But, some days it is just plain too hot to go outdoors.  Like the last two days.  With heat indices over 100, we have had to stay holed up in the house.  Since Mister and I are unable to sweat, those days are coming faster and closer together.

Since we are stuck indoors, we have been playing and watching a lot of movies.

We have several DVD’s that are current hits in our home.  One of Mister’s favorite movies to watch right now is Sid the Science Kid: Weather Kid Sid. Mister understands being stuck indoors, so he can relate to Sid not being happy when rain threatens to squash his play date outside.  Sid learns all about different weather patterns and how it affects our world.  At school, Sid studies the sun and how it lights up our world.  At home, Sid’s family visits relatives where it s really chilly. Brrrr! It s cold in here… Sid hits the science lab to discover that wind, rain and sun can be fascinating and fun!

Sid the Science kid is absolutely adorable.  And I love the way this DVD explains things about the weather that I am not sure how to explain.

Mister really enjoys watching the experiments in the science lab, and has duplicated the blowing of the boat on water many times.  Always with a giggle of glee and a “Look Mommy, it works.”  It is really neat to see how Mister has picked up on certain things from the DVD.  Like noticing the wind and telling me that it is blowing.  Or telling me that it has “cooled off outside” when I’ve told him that he can’t go outside to play because of the heat.

I really appreciate that the DVD explains the importance of sunscreen, also.  Mister has long HATED the whole sunscreen application process.  But, after seeing Weather Kid Sid, and his daddy’s sunburn from where the sunscreen wore off, he hasn’t been as resistant to applying sunscreen.

Do you have a toddler that wants to know everything about everything, like Sid? Like my Mister?  Then this movie is for you!

Sid the Science Kid: Weather Kid Sid is available on Amazon.

SID THE SCIENCE KID™ returns with new episodes October 4, on PBS KIDS®. Following four Emmy nominations and multiple prestigious awards, (most recently the CINE Golden Eagle Award), the curriculum-based series from The Jim Henson Company and KCET/Los Angeles is back with all-new adventures and investigations.  So be sure to check them out.  I know we will.

FTC Compliant Disclosure- The marketing team for the Jim Henson Company graciously provided me with the aforementioned product(s) to facilitate my review. No other compensation was received. All opinions are 100% my own and are based upon my experience. Your experience may differ.

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Amy Grant- Somewhere Down the Road Review plus Giveaway

July 15, 2010 By

I have long been a fan of Amy Grant.  Her music has always hit a chord in me, and somehow resonated deep within.  Her music has such an honest tenor to it.  Amy Grant has won six Grammy’s, numerous Dove Awards, has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, and has received many other noteworthy accolades.  She truly is an American music icon.  And yet, somehow, she remains so grounded and appealing.  Maybe it’s her down to earth attitude, or the fact that she has faced so many trials, but for some reason, I’ve always felt like she is so relatable.

My all time favorite song by Amy is El Shaddai.  The song had long been a favorite of mine, so when she lent her amazing vocals to it, it just made my heart smile.

Thanks to the marketing team for Somewhere Down the Road, I had the opportunity to review this newest album from Amy.

SOMEWHERE DOWN THE ROAD

Product Description (courtesy of amygrant.com)

Somewhere Down the Road is a potent collection that takes the listener on a musical journey that reverberates with messages of resiliency, promise and hope. The 12-track set includes four new songs, several previously unreleased gems from her musical vault and a newly recorded version of “Arms of Love.” The new album also serves up four poignant treasures from Grant’s existing songbook, including the powerful title track.

 

There is something for any Amy Grant fan on Somewhere Down The Road from brand new recordings, previously unreleased studio recordings, concert favorites that have never been released, and new versions of classic Amy songs.

Track listing

  • Better Than A Hallelujah
  • Overnight (Featuring Sarah Chapman)
  • Every Road
  • Unafraid
  • Hard Times
  • What Is The Chance Of That
  • Somewhere Down The Road
  • Third World Woman
  • Find What You’re Looking For
  • Come Into My World
  • Arms of Love (2010 Version)
  • Imagine/Sing The Wondrous Love of Jesus (Medley)

    • What I thought…

    True to her amazing musical talent, Amy Grant proved she’s still got the chops with Better Than a Hallelujah, the first single from her new album, Somewhere Down the Road. The title track, Somewhere Down the Road, really strikes a chord with anyone who has ever searched for life’s answers.  Third World Woman is a poignant portrait of one waiting on the Lord’s mercy and us learning to try to walk in someone else’s shoes.  Come Into My World is a challenging ballad about learning to really listen to people, see them for who they are, rather than judging and trying to fix them.  Hard Times serves as a reminder to me of where I have been, and some of the hard times I have faced, while pointing to the hope I have found.

    My favorite song on the album is Better Than A Hallelujah.  The chorus, “We pour out our miseries, God just hears a melody—Beautiful the mess we are, the honest cries, of breaking hearts—Are better than a Hallelujah” serves as a beautiful reminder that the Lord hears our heart.

    Amy also just announced her 12 Days of Christmas Tour, the fifth Christmas tour in which she will share the stage with hubby Vince Gill.

    While her Christmas tour will not be coming to St. Louis, her Pieces of Our Lives Tour will be in St. Louis on October 26, 2010!

    What I would change…

    I wouldn’t change anything about the album.  I could relate to each of the songs and absolutely loved the album.

    How I rate it…

    ladyvdzzine_blogbutton_rateit_5of5

    Lady V dZine gives Amy Grant’s Somewhere Down The Road a heart felt five out of five hearts.

    Where you can buy it…

    You can buy  Somewhere Down the Road on Amazon

     

    Win It… Amy Grant and her marketing team would like to bless one lucky Lady V dZine reader with a copy of Somewhere Down the Road.

    Mandatory Entry: Tell me your favorite Amy Grant song or memory.

    ***Please note- this must be done before any bonus entries will count***

    Bonus Entries:

    1 bonus entry- Visit Amy Grant’s official website and comment back her with one thing you learned.

    1 bonus entry- If you are a fan of Amy Grant’s Facebook Fan Page comment back here and let me know your screen name.

    1 bonus entry-If you follow Amy Grant’s Twitter feed comment back here and let me know your twitter handle.

    1 bonus entry- Follow my blog publicly via Google Friend Connect (see right side bar) and comment with your profile name.

    1 bonus entry- If you are a fan of my page on Facebook,  let me know in the comments for an extra entry  (please leave your screen name) .

    1 bonus entry- If you follow me on Twitter, let me know in the comments for an extra entry (please leave your Twitter profile name).

    1 bonus entry- Tweet this contest, including @ladyvdzine and leave your tweet link (may be done 4x/day, must be at least 30 minutes apart).  You may also include the hashtag #contests or #giveaways if desired.

    1 bonus entry- Follow my blog via Networked Blogs (see right sidebar) and let me know your username.

    1 bonus entry- Subscribe to my blog via e-mail or RSS and leave a comment with the address you signed up for.  To avoid spam bots, please use the yourname[at]emailserver[dot]com format for your address (one bonus entry for each)

    1 bonus entry- For each of my other current giveaways you enter.  Just leave a separate comment for each contest you enter telling me which ones you’ve entered.

    Be sure to visit my Contest Rules and Bonus Entry Options for additi
    onal bonus entry options.

    Be blessed,

    Virginia

    Lady V dZine

    Contest open to the US.  Contest ends at 11:59 p.m. CST on 07/29/2010.  Winner will be selected via random.org.  Winner will be notified by email and will have 72 hours to respond with mailing address.  If no response is received from the winning entrant, a new winner will be selected.

    FTC Compliant Disclosure- I received an Amy Grant Somewhere Down the Road CD in exchange for hosting this giveaway and offering my honest review.   No other compensation was received.  All opinions are 100% my own and are based upon my experience.  Your experience may differ.

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    Family Movie Night on NBC with The Jensen Project plus giveaway

    July 14, 2010 By

    In April, I had the opportunity to review Secrets of the Mountain, the first of Walmart and P&G’s Family Moments initiative.  I was absolutely thrilled that Secrets of the Mountain was watched by over 7.8 million viewers and that it was the 4th most-watched show in America for the week that it aired.  There IS a high level of interest in quality family entertainment, and the numbers proved it.

    WalMart and P&G took notice of those numbers, and are now teaming up again to bring us The Jensen Project, which will air Friday July 16th at 8/7 CST on NBC.

      

    Plot summary: A thrilling and fun science fiction adventure that focuses on the Thompson family who are reintroduced to The Jensen Project – a secret community of geniuses conducting advanced underground research to solve the world’s most difficult problems. The family finds themselves forced into a frantic pursuit to keep a potentially dangerous technology from falling into the wrong hands.

     

    Just as with Secrets of the Mountain, The Jensen Project is intended to be a film for the whole family to enjoy together without Mom having to worry about anything inappropriate flashing across the screen.

    jensenproject

    The movie and soundtrack, produced by Randy Jackson, will be available exclusively at Walmart on July 17th.

    When Walmart and P&G offered me a viewing kit and bonus DVD/CD pack for my honest review of the movie, I was delighted to once again partner with them in bringing a family friendly film to your attention.  The popcorn we received will be enjoyed while we watch the movie, but the really cool light up ball has already been claimed (and enjoyed immensely) by my two year old!  The nifty calculator will come in handy, as well.  Because I am married to a tech geek (love you, honey), Sci-Fi films are usually a hit in our house.  Add the element of an action adventure, and I know I am going to love this movie!

    Win It… Walmart and P&G also want to offer one lucky Lady V dZine reader a DVD/CD combo pack.

    Mandatory Entry: Tell me your favorite snack to enjoy while watching a movie with your family or friends.

    ***Please note- this must be done before any bonus entries will count***

    Bonus Entries:

    1 bonus entry- Follow my blog publicly via Google Friend Connect (see right side bar) and comment with your profile name.

    1 bonus entry- If you are a fan of my page on Facebook,  let me know in the comments for an extra entry in each contest (please leave your screen name) .

    1 bonus entry- If you follow me on Twitter, let me know in the comments for an extra entry in each contest  (please leave your Twitter profile name).

    1 bonus entry- Tweet this contest, including @ladyvdzine and leave your tweet link (may be done 4x per day, must be at least 30 minutes apart).  You may also include the hashtag #contests or #giveaways if desired.

    1 bonus entry- Comment with the name of another family friendly film you have enjoyed watching with your family.  Unlimited entries.

    Have you entered my other current giveaways yet?  You can earn extra entries into this contest by doing so!

    Be sure to visit my Contest Rules and Bonus Entry Options for additional bonus entry options.

    Be blessed,

    Virginia

    Lady V dZine

    Contest open to the US.  Contest ends at 11:59 p.m. CST on 07/28/2010.  Winner will be selected via random.org.  Winner will be notified by email and will have 72 hours to respond with mailing address.  If no response is received from the winning entrant, a new winner will be selected.

    FTC Compliant Disclosure- I received a sneak preview kit and will receive a DVD/CD combo pack from Walmart and P&G in exchange for hosting this giveaway and offering my honest review.   No other compensation was received.  All opinions are 100% my own and are based upon my experience.  Your experience may differ.

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