Posted inEntertainment Giveaways Reviews

VeggieTales Robin Good DVD Giveaway (3/25)

You all know how much we enjoy VeggieTales around here.  It should come as no surprise to you that we agreed to review the latest from this imagewonderfully fun line of movies.

Robin Good and His Not-So-Merry Men released on March 3. Let me tell you, if you enjoyed the story of Robin Hood growing up, you are going to enjoy this show!

About the show:
There’s no hurt too big for God! Robin Good sets out to fundraise from the rich and give to the poor in Bethlingham.  But then the greedy Prince starts stealing hams from the townspeople.  Donations are down, and Robin’s band of Not-So-Merry Men abandon him to start robbing.  Robin is hurt.  Can he overcome his hurt and show his friends what’s right?  Can he help restore hope to the townspeople?

I appreciate that VeggieTales tackled a lesson in handling hurt.  It is not an easy lesson to teach our kids, but a necessary one. Check out this cool Robin Good guide for Handling Hurt…

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My kid’s really enjoyed the latest installment of VeggieTales.  As always, the animation is fantastic, colors are vibrant, and the movie is filled with good silly fun.  Also featuring a short video “Lenny and His Lost Birthday.”  The short video is HILARIOUS!  You can watch it on the DVD and also here: http://www.veggietales.com/robingood

VeggieTales partners with World Vision to encourage families to sponsor a child.  Just like Robin Good, you, too, can show someone that there’s no hurt too big for God and help them experience God’s love by providing necessities like clean water, nutritious food, healthcare, and education. Visit http://www.veggietales.com/worldvision

VeggieTales DVD’s are available on the official VeggieTales site, at retailers nationwide, and on Amazon.

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And now, one lucky TBC reader will receive a VeggieTales movie of their own…

Posted inEntertainment Giveaways Reviews

Fairy Dancing DVD Review plus Giveaway (3/21)

Fairy DancingWhen I received the opportunity to review Fairy Dancing, the latest DVD from The Fairies, I was intrigued.  My kids both enjoy dancing, so I thought it might be fun.

About Fairy Dancing… “From jazz to tap, tango to rock ‘n roll, bootskooting to ballet, the fairies discover so many different kinds of fan-fairy-tastic songs and dances. Featuring all of the Fairyland friends dancing, Fairy Dancing is full of beauty and friendship and a sprinkling of glitter and magic!  It is priced at $6.99 suggested retail. Available at a retailer near you or www.NCircleEntertainment.com and on Amazon.

When the Fairy Dancing DVD arrived, I took it out to show the kids.  Mister walked away, saying, “That one’s for Sister.”

I asked him why he thought that, and he said, “Mom, it’s all pink and gots fairies.  That’s girl stuff.”

I couldn’t help but laugh, and then explained to him that while the DVD was geared toward girls, he could still enjoy watching it, just like Sister enjoyed watching some of his “boy stuff.”  I also told him that he could get some exercise by dancing with The Fairies and duplicating their moves.

When I mentioned exercise, he agreed to give the DVD a try. He loves to exercise.  He was soon boot scooted right off the floor, though.  Literally.

Sister whirled and twirled, and cut up some rug with The Fairies.  And if you look closely, at the second photo, you can see Mister peering over the edge of the couch to watch her.  It was quite comical, to see her spinning and trying to duplicate the steps.  I would be lying if I said I didn’t laugh when she fell over after one too many spins.

Oh, her outfit?  Didn’t you know that all cowgirl ballerinas wear boots with their tutu’s?

Since we received The Fairies- Fairy Dancing DVD, Sister has been a regular little dance star.  She absolutely adores the DVD, and will actually wear her tutu and leotard now.  I couldn’t get her to keep it on before she saw the little fairies with theirs on.  Now I have a hard time peeling her out of it so I can keep it laundered.  She’s even worn it to the grocery store, with a pair of jeans to cover her legs.

NCircle would like to send one lucky TBC reader a Fairy Dancing DVD for their own little ballerina.

Posted inGiveaways Reviews Toys

Power Capes Giveaway (3-16)

Custom Superhero Capes

We’ve spent some time recently talking about heroes.  Because I firmly believe we all have hero potential, I teach Mister and Sister that they, too, can be someone’s hero.  I’ve explained that heroes help others, teach others, and sometimes even rescue others.  I’ve taught them that being a hero means that you put someone else’s feelings, needs, or safety before your own.  I’ve taught them that being a hero is fun, and superhero capes are optional.

Of course, Mister liked the option of a hero cape, so I accepted an opportunity to review a kids cape from Power Capes.  Mister was very specific about the cape he wanted.  He wanted a red cape with gold lightning.  I knew that he would think his superhero ensemble was incomplete without the facemask, so I ordered one of those, too.  All Power Capes superhero capes are made by hand in the USA of 100% satin.

Mister was pleased as punch when his hero cape came in.

He was not, however, pleased when Sister spilled Mommy’s coffee on his precious cape.  You would have thought the end of the world was announced, and his ability to save it was washed away.

Of course, I grabbed the cape and threw it in the laundry.  AFTER I read the washing instructions (gentle wash, line dry, iron on the inside).  After I washed it, I hung it over the heater vent in the kitchen to dry.  I was pleased that the coffee came out, and he was pleased that his ability to save the world was restored.

He also announced that I am a Super Mom.

All that, for a cape!

I am convinced that inside every person is a hero, and that it is up to each person to let his or her hero shine.

How about you?

Power Capes would like to give one lucky That Bald Chick reader a kids power cape, to help their little hero shine.

Posted inBooks Reviews

The Adventures of Jimmy and Charlie (3/8)

My children suffer from an apparent hereditary malady… They are insatiable bibliophiles. 

The Adventures of Jimmy and Charlie

It’s a good thing the treatment for said malady is pretty simple… more books.

I recently received The Adventures of Jimmy and Charlie, by Rodney Mack, for review and added it to my arsenal against  childhood boredom. 

About The Adventures of Jimmy and Charlie… “Jimmy and Charlie used to be orphaned cats with no place to call home. Until one day when the brothers find a home on a farm! The Adventures of Jimmy and Charlie is a collection of three short stories of excitement and adventure following the two cats as they explore their new world and make lifelong friends. This is the perfect book for young readers to learn, along with Jimmy and Charlie, important lessons about God’s faithfulness, his good purpose, and the importance of obeying your parents.”

The Adventures of Jimmy and CharlieMister and Sister both really enjoyed reading about Jimmy and Charlie, albeit Sister is more the animal lover and enjoyed the stories more.  The stories are told from Jimmy’s point of view, and induced lots of questions.  Like, “what’s an opossum?”  and  “why do dogs have to protect cows from coyotes?” and “why do cats chase frogs?” and “why can’t I hear cats talking?”  and “what does adventure mean?”

I had to chuckle at the names of the neighbors cats, Smith and Wesson.  I also appreciated that the book pointed out the importance of obedience, as well as reinforcing that God loves us.   

The Adventures of Jimmy and Charlie is available in print and digital format from Amazon.

 

Posted inGiveaways

$200 Paypal Giveaway- US and Canada

What would you do with an extra $200?  Me?  I’ve had my eye on a new camera lens for my DSLR for a while now, but haven’t been able to buy it yet.  Yes.  I think I would get a new camera lens.

If you’re like me, though, you don’t just have an extra $200 laying around.  That could change, though.  I am teaming up with nine fellow bloggers to offer a Facebook Follow contest. Wanna know who’s sponsoring, besides me?  These lovely ladies…

Kimberly from
Alison from Being Alison
Marianna from Marianna
Jodi from Mommy Moment
Amy from Pixie Deals
Toni from Just Stop Screaming
Andrea from MoodyMamaSays
Cindy from The Mom Maven
Lee from My Sentiment ExactLee

Contest entry requires that you like a Facebook page.  Like one, or like them all.  Each one is worth an entry in the contest.  At the end of the contest, one lucky person will have $200 deposited into your Paypal.  To participate, you need both Facebook and Paypal. There is also an optional daily tweet entry.  Good luck!

paypal giveaway

Posted inFamily Giveaways Lifestyle

Emergency Go Bag Giveaway

As we are getting ready in St. Louis for Old Man Winter, I was intrigued to see the new Readiness Challenge—an online emergency simulation that forces users to make quick decisions at every turn—developed by New York’s Office of Emergency Management (OEM).   The Readiness Challenge also guides users to the My Meeting Place Facebook application and other OEM resources to help users get started on their emergency plans.  What a cool tool and app!  NYC also publishes the order in which the city will plow the streets here to help New Yorker’s prepare for potential snowfall.  Now THAT is beneficial!  If I knew what order our streets would be plowed in, I would be able to plan our day accordingly to maximize our safety!

IMG_9426As I went through the Readiness Challenge, I thought I would double check our Emergency Go Bag to make sure it has all of the essentials.  Glad I did, because I realized that it doesn’t have the small broom or matches in it.  Adding those to my shopping list.  You may recall that in my Winter Storm Preparedness post I mentioned that we are in the midst of making our Emergency Preparedness Plans.  It wouldn’t be good to be stuck out in inclement weather without matches, right?

The NYC OEM wants to help you get ready for Winter, too, with an Emergency Go Bag of your own.

While the NYC OEM is sponsoring this giveaway, they (and I) know that it pays to be ready wherever you live!  They (and I) want to encourage you to establish an emergency preparedness plan, obtain an emergency preparedness kit, and stay informed about potential inclement conditions in your area.

So, do you have an Emergency Go Bag?  Need ideas on what to put in one?

A winter emergency go bag should include the following items (IMHO):

  • a first aid kit
  • windshield wipers
  • small broom (like a hand broom)
  • flashlight
  • batteries
  • blanket
  • spare radio
  • water
  • jumper cables
  • flares
  • matches
  • nonperishable food, such as granola bars
  • hats, gloves, and extra socks (to fit those most likely to be in your vehicle if stranded)
  • a fluorescent distress flag
  • hand and foot warmers
  • facial tissue

Also consider keeping a small shovel and container of sand or rock salt.  I typically keep a container of biodegradable kitty litter in the van during the winter, because it gives enough traction in slick spots (for the tires) without causing damage to pavement or driveway.