Take-Out by Marina Games

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We recently got to try out the game Take-Out by Marina Games.  I have always liked dice games, and my son loves numbers and dice.  I thought this would be a great family game, and I was right!  We had fun playing this as a family from 7 years old, teens, and myself. 



The logo is right on.  Take-Out is a numbered dice game that is for 2 or more players and is suggested for age 8 and up.  My son is 7 and actually caught on to the game very easily.  He watched my stepdaughter and I play one game, and then he quickly wanted to join in.  I helped him with the first round, but he was able to pretty much figure out how to play after that.  It really is fast to learn.

It is also a great way for young players to practice their math skills.  They practice counting, addition, or number combinations.  This is something my son is doing in math right now.  They do a lot of number combinations to equal the number that they are working on.  So this game is perfect for his learning right now.  Its also something that does not require tons of time, so you can play a game or two and they do not lose interest quickly.  You can also add on as many players as you would like for a fun game, that I think would be great for a classroom, family, or a fun get together. 

It is easy to learn for guests coming over for a game night, and it is fun to play with many ages! It does have some strategy type skills too, to make it more interesting for the older players.  Having "free" spots, and how the scoring works makes you think about your combinations.  I would definitely recommend Take-Out.  It would be a great gift for the holidays and the small size is great for travelling, or great for a stocking stuffer.

Disclosure:  I received this game free to review.  These are my personal opinions.

Carmex Healing Lotion and Carmex Healing Cream review and giveaway

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For 75 years Carmex has provided us with healing lip balms.  Did you know that they now also carry a line of healing skin care?  You can now get Carmex Healing Lotion and Carmex Healing Cream.

The Carmex Healing Lotion has rich healing ingrediants, including Aloe and Vitamin E to moisturize your skin.  The lotion goes on smooth and leaves your skin feeling soft.  While it says it has a non-greasy feel, I personally feel it feels a little greasy.  It feels like it obsorbs into my skin, but still has a little bit of a soft greasy feel left after.  I actually like this as some lotions I feel absorb so much that you do not even notice you have anything on after.  My husband thinks it leaves my skin nice and smooth to the touch. 

For the drier areas you can try the Carmex Healing Cream.  The Healing Cream is more concentrated than the lotion, so you can use less and penetrates better for rougher, dryer areas.   I also think it absorbs into your skin a bit more than the lotion.  I think they feel almost the same.  I like the lotion more for my hands, and the cream more for elbows, knees and feet.  I like the scent of the lotion more than the cream.  They both have the "carmex" mediciney scent, which goes away after time.  The Cream I think is a bit stronger at first.  They both smell like powder to me, but I think I like the aloe scent in the lotion the best. 

Chicken Soup for the Soul ~ Devotional Stories for Tough Times (giveaway)

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101 Daily Devotions to Inspire and Support You in Times of Need

Struggles test us all, but readers will find counsel and reassurance in these devotional stories of faith, strength, and prayer. This collection is filled with stories that show God's presence during times of trouble — from illness, addictions, job loss, grief, and much more — providing a boost and reminder of God's ever-present love. Readers will find encouragement, solace, and hope in these personal stories and prayers.

Happy's Christmas Coloring Contest

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Well it is almost Thanksgiving, which means we can then move on to that special holiday Christmas.  Everyone starts decorating and gets into the Christmas spirit.  Our family is checking out some Christmas stories.  We will be reading Happy's Christmas Gift soon and sharing it here.  For now I wanted to share with you something else. 

Happy Tales Publishing is having a Happy Kids Christmas coloring contest! To get the information and print out coloring pages for your kids please visit  http://www.happytalespublishing.com/contest.html.  Download the pictures under your country name and have your kids color them and send them in to the Pittsburgh address listed...before the December 10th deadline.  There are prizes for various age groups!

Follow Happy Tales Publishing on facebook for more information and for upcoming book releases. 
Be on the look out here for an upcoming review and giveaway of Happy's Christmas Gift!

Hallmarks Interactive Stories are going to be for all my kids this year

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Last year Kennedy got Jingle The Husky Pup interactive storybook and plush for Christmas.  It has been a family favorite.  We love getting Jingle out all year round to hear him sing.  He is adorable.  I highly recommend him for any youngsters!  I am going to get his new book for Kennedys stocking this year.  This year there are four others that I am looking at getting too.  I think I may get each of the kids one for Christmas, and save one for Kennedy for her birthday.

I would love to get Copper the Bear for Kennedy.  I think the stories just really fit her and he is so adorable.  I think she would really also love Bugsby the monster...he is so funny that I think she would get a kick out of him.

I would love to get Abigail the bunny for Lauren...it is such a cute girly one, perfect for a little girl celebrating her first birthday...hmm maybe she will have to get this for her bday, and then could get the other books for Christmas.

Zach loves playing with Jingle too...so I think he would really like Watson the Racoon.  He seems a little more grown up and would be a good fit.

So anyone looking for ideas for my kids...I am planning on getting the stuffed animals, but could use the extra books...hint hint!

Right now I am entering some giveaways for these...and while I have been thinking of blogging about Jingle, I can get a couple extra entries by posting which I like over at Empowering Mommy!  Hoping to win some of these for some help with gift giving this year!  Other giveaways for these are over at MommyPR, Sweeps4 Bloggers, The Life of Riley and Bryce too, and Shibley Smiles.

If anyone wants to enter for me...feel free...or if you see any other giveaways please let me know.  Thanks!

Help your children learn lessons with a great book series featuring Howard B. Wigglebottom (giveaway)

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We recently have been checking out the We Do Listen Not Profit Foundation website. It has free animated books, songs, posters and non-violent games. The nine Howard B. Wigglebottom books in the series tackle important life lessons that young children are dealing with today like feeling good about themselves, listening, bullying, anger management, moderation, truth, divorce, peer pressure, belonging, generosity, sportsmanship and attention.

I love all the animated books.  They are very cute and entertaining, but really help your children with many social lessons.  These animated books, also come as hardcopy books.  Each of these also come with handy discussion topics to cover with your children.  I also feel they would be great within the school systems.  The schools here have "peer sensitivity" sessions, where when they have a child with special needs they talk to them ahead of time to let them know ways to help. 

Speak Now for Kids Twitter party 2pm EST today

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I sit right now with my daughter at Children's Hospital.  Our family has medicaid...one due to her disability and the rest of us have a difficult time finding insurance due to conditions and private insurance is either denied or extremely expensive.  We fortunately to qualify for state insurance...and would have a very difficult time with out it, especially our three children that use it the most.

Wednesday, November 16, 2011
2:00 p.m. ET

N.A.C.H. is hosting a Twitter party to kick off the re-launch of the Speak Now for Kids Campaign. Moderated by Resourceful Mommy Blogger Amy Lupold Bair, you are invited to discuss your concerns about threats to Medicaid and funding for pediatric residency training. Use #dontcutkids to join the conversation. Participants will have a chance to win one of five $50 Wal-mart gift cards.

Children’s health care programs are at risk as threats to Medicaid funding continue to grow and the Children’s Hospitals Graduate Medical Education (CHGME) program has been allowed to expire by the U.S. Senate. It is critically important for members of Congress to hear the voices of the children’s hospital community, including employees, and the families and children who directly benefit from the care they receive in your hospital. As you know, these issues are real and immediate—without your help, every child’s access to quality health care is at risk

Visit Speak Now for Kids for more information and ways to get involved.

Other ways you can get involved:

You can print this flier http://bit.ly/vCpuqL so that kids can have a voice. Readers can download the flier for their child to color and send to their member of Congress.

Send a direct message to a member of Congress (They're on Twitter! http://bit.ly/sJyUuo)

Key deadlines:

-Nov. 16^th: Twitter chat with @SpeakNowforKids

-Nov. 23^rd: Super Committee deadline for deficit reduction recommendation

-Dec. 15^th: Deadline to turn colored flier in to Member of Congress

FarmRich Snacks

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MMM I just tried out the FarmRich Mini Philly Cheese Steaks!  They were so yummy!  I few nights back I made dinner and really did not like what I made.  The dog got lucky that night.  Me....I decided to head for something easy instead of remaking a whole dinner again.  So I threw some FarmRich Mini Philly Cheese Steaks in the oven.  They cooked up so well and tasted delicious!

They are a great finger food that make a great snack or even a dinner.  The white american cheese is creamy and tastes great.  The crusts are soft, yet flaky.  What I love the most is the real onions with the tender steak.  I have had other philly steak items, and I think the cooked onions in these philly cheese steaks really make them stand out. 

I am now ready to try some of FarmRich's other snack items.  They have a bunch of different types from mini quesadillas, mini bacon cheeseburgers, to many types of cheese sticks.

disclosure:  I received a free FarmRich product coupon to try these out.  These are my personal opinions.

It's Hot Wings night...grab the Franks Red Hot

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It's Monday night and football is on.  That means one thing in our house..........Hot Wings!  We only make our hot wings with one brand of sauce, Frank's RedHot!  We love this stuff.  Did you know that there is now a Frank's RedHot Thick sauce?

While I like the original best for wings, Frank's RedHot Thick sauce is great for a spreadable topping.  You get the same great flavor as the orginal, yet it is a thicker consistency.  It comes out of the bottle more of the consistency of ketchup.  So it is great to add to sandwiches, like a buffalo chicken sandwich or wrap.  I am a fan of just dipping celery in hot sauce...so the Frank's RedHot Thick sauce is perfect for this!  If you haven't tried it yet you really should.  You can check it out at http://www.franksredhot.com/products/thick-cayenne-pepper-sauce  for some great recipes and tips to make your own.  I am gonna use it next to try and make a buffalo chicken pizza....MMM sounds yummy!  I think it is even great on macaroni and cheese!

disclosure:  I received a free bottle for review.  These are my personal opinion.

#mamavation monday

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Well another week has gone by and I really have not done anything about losing weight :(

This weekend my stepdaughters moved in with us again...This time it will most likely be for a much longer time than just the summer.  This will probably be a good thing for my weight.  I will be busier, having to run them to and from school.  On top of that my workout buddy will be here every night.  My stepdaughter Corie loves to use the Wii with me.  So I told her this morning that she can come to me every evening and tell me to get off my butt and get going....So she is planning on doing that. 

So that is where I am at.  Going to add more veggies and fruits in my diet and get moving more.  I think de-stressing is another thing I need to look at too.  So seeing I like to use my Wii I am going to check out a game called Deepak Chopra's Leela.  This game is supposed to combine relaxation and meditation with the wii motion technology to instill a sense of balance and harmony to every day life.  Will have to let you know next week how it works.  Stress has been playing a large roll in my over eating lately.  I just have felt overly tired and stressed...So have spent more time watching tv and emotional eating.    I am also going to check out a CD called Me Time, Positive Day-Peaceful Night by Suzanne Jessee.  Seeing I am feeling tired already and it is only 8:30am ...I am off to check out the positive day cd!

Disclosure:  I have received the Me Time, and the Deepak Chopra's Leela game for free to review.

Thomas and Friends makes for a very merry Christmas!

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My son's Christmas wish list is getting filled up with Thomas and Friends things.  He gets very excited whenever he sees more and more Thomas and Friends.  We were checking out the Hit Entertainment Christmas Guide that has a large selection of items that would be great this Christmas....from trains under the tree, to gifts of DVDs, and even some trains and books to stuff the stockings with!


There are so many Thomas and Friends items just to get you in the Christmas spirit!  Zach would really love the Thomas & Friends TrackMaster Thomas’ Holiday Ride.

Age: 3+

SRP: $99.99
Thomas is spreading holiday cheer! This new deluxe TrackMaster™ set captures the wonder of the holidays as Thomas rides around a beautifully detailed, snow-covered track featuring a winter wonderland of motorized destinations, lights, music and holiday decorations. As Thomas chugs down the track, stop him at the ice-rink to see ice skaters spin and the lights illuminate. Send him by the station where he'll trigger Sir Topham Hatt dressed as Santa to pop-out, the Christmas tree to light and “Jingle Bells” to play. As Thomas continues past the school and over to the toy shop, he'll power the toy sign to light up and spin. The set includes a motorized Thomas engine, two cargo cars, a holiday caboose, two pieces of holiday cargo, white "snow-covered" track, four destinations, and motorized action including lights, sounds and spinning features – all perfect to set up around the Christmas tree. Set requires 9 AA batteries, not included.

Zach loves trains under the tree and would really love seeing this set.  He has been asking for lots of different trains lately, and really loves the diesels!  A new DVD on his wish list is Day of the Diesels.

Age: 2-5

SRP: $19.98 (DVD) or $24.98 (Blu-Ray + DVD Combo Pack)The Steamies and the Diesels face off in this action-packed movie adventure,  

Thomas & Friends: Day of the Diesels. There’s a fire on Sodor and two new firefighting engines – Flynn and Belle – arrive to help Thomas and Percy save the day! When Thomas starts spending all of his time with Sodor’s newest heroes, Percy is drawn to the Dieselworks, where he is made to feel special by the master of mischief himself, Diesel 10! But Percy doesn’t know that he is part of Diesel 10’s master plan to take over the Steamworks. The Steam Team rallies for sure-fire excitement in this all-new movie from Thomas & Friends!

DVD bonus features include: “Fiery Flynn To The Rescue” Game; “Day of the Diesels”Karaoke Song; “Hear the Engines Coming” Karaoke Song; and “Steamies and Diesels –Learn How They Work!” Video

He got to check that out early this year....as we got this title to review.  Zach loves it!  We had to watch it twice the first day, and then again the next day.  He gets his talking Diesel, and Diesel 10 out to play along!  I love letting Zach watch Thomas.  No matter what the movie is they always cover social situations and dealing with emotions.  Day of the Diesels is a little bit darker than some of the other Thomas movies.  I think my son loves that Diesel 10 seems a bit tougher than the traditional steamies that you see in many movies.  This movie covers a lot about friendships and being special. 


I also got to check out Thomas Saves Christmas Coloring & Activity Book. 

Age: 4-8

SRP $4.99
Will a terrible blizzard ruin Sodor's Christmas festivities this year? Not if Thomas the Tank Engine and his plow have anything to say about it! Thomas fans will love all the holiday fun and icy adventures in this coloring and activity book that features over 30 glittery stickers!

Zach hasn't been able to check this book out yet....I am saving this one for his stocking.  I think he will love getting this a bit early for Saint Nick's Day.  I love that it is not just a coloring book, but it is a storybook that they get to color the pages of.  He can even practice his reading.  He loves getting train books from the library, so I am sure he will love reading this one.  Then he can color and do the activities that go along with it.  There is the bonus of having glittery stickers also!  I can't wait to see him with this coloring book.  I am sure it will be a hit!


To get into the Christmas spirit we can even check out a couple Thomas and Friends Christmas DVDs.

Disclosure:  I received Day of the Diesels, and Thomas Saves Christmas coloring book for free to review. These are my personal opinions.

Salute to our troops on Veterans Day

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Stanley Home Products~ The Original Degreaser to All Purpose Creme

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I was familiar with the Stanley name from way back...but never realized the line of products they carry.  I thought they were pretty much just items that were for your home.  I did not know they carried a large line of personal care products also!

Recently I got to try out a couple Stanley Home Products...one for my home, and one for myself!

I first tried their new Degreaser Concentrate ; four times more concentrated than leading cleaners, it powers out tough grease build-up and stains wherever they’re found. Since you use less, you save more, for better results! It is safe for septic systems, biodegradable, and phosphate-free. 

This is great for using on many items that grease builds up.  I love using it to wash out my stainless steel sink after doing dishes.  My sink with the garbage disposal ends up getting a ring of grease around it after I run the garbage disposal.  Stanley Degreaser works great to wash off that ring.  It also worked great to use on my stove.  I have a gas stove that gets build up on the covers and grates.  Stanley Degreaser works great for cleaning everything! 


You can use it in so many ways...indoors and outdoors!  I mentioned a couple for the kitchen, but you can also use it in the bathroom and laundry. 

• Clean ceramic tile with solution of 1 tbsp. Degreaser mixed with 1 gallon of warm water.
• Boost your laundry detergent by adding 2 oz. of Degreaser to your wash.
• Spot clean stains from carpet using Degreaser.

Or use it outdoors.  Stanley Degreaser will come in handy when summer rolls back around to use to clean up the pool, deck and boat.  You can also use it other ways outdoors.

• Soak BBQ utensils in solution of 1 tbsp. per gallon of hot water.
• Vinyl tents can be cleaned with 2 oz. of Degreaser per gallon of water.  Scrub, rinse and air dry.
• Use Degreaser to clean vinyl interior of vehicles.
• Use full strength to clean up motor oil spills.

There are so many more....50 at least that come with the Stanley Degreaser.  You may even want to use it to wash up if your children get into your Stanley All Purpose Creme.

Like I said before I did not even realize they carried Personal Care products, but they do.  I got to try out the Essential All Purpose Creme with beeswax, from their Spa Solutions Line.  This is a nice creme to use where ever you have dry skin.  I personally would just use on my body, not my face.  The creme feels nice and works well on dry areas.  It does not feel oily, but it does look oily on my skin.  It left my skin pretty shiny, so that is why I do not use it on my face.  I like it for my hands, elbow, and knees.  A classic formula of beeswax blended with rich emollients and moisturizers to cleanse, moisturize, and protect; the All Purpose Creme helps soothe tired skin and preserve a youthful touch.


If you are interested in checking out all the products Stanley sells you can visit them at http://www.shponline.com

disclosure:  I received these products free from Stanley Home Products.  These are my personal opinions.

Gorton's Any Way You Want It Sweepstakes (giveaway)

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Check out Gorton's on facebook and enter their "Any Way You Want It" Sweepstakes!
This sweepstakes ends December 2, 2011 and here’s  the prizes up for grabs:
- 1 Grand Prize Winner will receive a $5,000 VISA® gift card to spend Any Way You Want It…delivered just in time for the holidays!
- Two runner-up winners will win a $500 VISA® gift card each!
- In addition, Gorton’s will randomly select 800 lucky winners to win a custom Gorton’s dinner plate that will help you and your family remember to eat seafood twice a week.

Wordless Wednesday

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Rough teething night

then after baby woke...dog took her place

Mr Popper's Penguins Activity Sheets

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Just in time for the holidays, enjoy Jim Carrey (A Christmas Carol) in MR. POPPER’S PENGUINS, on Blu-ray, DVD and digital download on December 6th from Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment.  Our family is  hugely anticipating this release!  We saw it in the theater and it was great!  We loved how it was a great film for the whole family!  It will be a great one to come out before Christmas to bring your family closer together.  You will all be laughing watching Mr. Popper, a driven businessman who is clueless when it comes to the important things in life until he inherits six, “adorable” and mischievous penguins.

Come back soon as I will be able to offer a copy of Mr. Popper's Penguins on dvd to one lucky reader!  For now, check out these fun activity sheets:

Copy these and enjoy with your family!

Guava Mitts

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Have an infant and  tired of the baby mitts that just fall off?  All babies need some protection from time to time from scratching themselves.  No matter how often you trim their nails, they end up with those little scratches on their face.  Now there are comfortable baby mitts that actually stay on.  The plus is that they are also stylish and engaging.

Guava Mitts are made to engage your baby's senses. Each pair come with a high contrast design which is reversible to give you two different patterns to engage your baby's senses. The bold patterns are right in view as your baby checks out his/her hands. Research has shown that these high contrast designs are shown to promote infant brain and eye development, especially at the age where your baby is likely to bring his/her hands to their face a lot. So they get scratch protection while engaging their senses.

Guava mitts stay put!  They have soft elastic around the wrist and an adjustable Velcro closure.  This Velcro closure is nice to help they stay tighter and give room for growth.  These would be great for newborns, yet still able to fit older babies.  My daughter is 10 months and she can wear them and they stay on great! I like them now that it is colder outside too.  They are not heavy winter mittens, but they do give some added warmth.  Most baby mittens end up falling off so easily too, that these are great because they really do stay on! I like to put them on my daughter when it is chilly out.  Sometimes we just need these, other times they are nice to have on under the mittens that are connected to her snow suit...that way when the snowsuit mittens fall off she still has some soft warmth to protect her!

While we do not use them as often seeing she is older and using her hands, it is still nice to have them for times when she is rubbing her face a lot.  She is teething and likes chewing on her clothes and rubs her face a lot...so she still ends up scratching herself.  Guava mitts are nice to put on for a while for some comfort.  Guava Mitts are VERY soft!  They are made of a soft cotton and bamboo combination.  So they are not baby friendly, but are earth friendly too! 

Guava Mitts would make great baby gifts.  They come in a selection of colorful patterns and are one size fits all.  They are recommended for newborns to 6 months, but I personally still use that with my 10 month old.  They are sold as individual pairs for $12 or a double pack for $20.  You can check out all the fun styles and purchase them by visiting Guava Kids.

For more information stay in touch with Guava Kids by checking out their blog, facebook and twitter pages.



disclose:  I received a pair of Guava Mitts to review from Guava Kids.  These are my personal opinions.

#mamavation monday

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This weeks blogging carnival is sponsored by Better’n Eggs.  I have never tried these before, but know that a good diet a great way to fight diabetes.  This weeks blogging carnival question is:
How has Type II diabetes affected your life?

I personally do not have diabetes, but if I do not get back into shape and eat better I am likely to in the future.  It has affected my life in that a few years ago my mother really started to push me to lose weight because she was afraid I would end up with diabetes if I didn't.  I actually started thinking that way myself, and started to take control of my eating and exercising.  I have had family members that have had diabetes effect their health.  I did well up until I was pregnant again.  I had lost weight and had thought about eating as something to do because you want energy...so I ate well to give my body nutritious things to fight disease, not cause it.  Then I got pregnant and for some stupid reason just quit it.  Now it is hard getting back to it.  I let my emotions take over and eat to try to fill my emotional downfalls.  I am glad that Leah @bookieboo, founder of Mamavation is working with Better'n Eggs, and reminding us that it is National Diabetes Awareness Month.  It is a good reminder that we need to eat to stay healthy! 

I can't say I really did anything this week in that goal...but I am going to try very hard this week to think about the food I eat.  I want the food to be nutritious, not necessarily yummy.  I know if I start eating better, cutting out the sugar and fat, then I WILL start feeling better.  So I gotta do it!  I have three children that need their mother to be healthy and fit to take care of them...I dont want them to have to take care of me!

disclosure:  This post is sponsored by Better’n Eggs and I’m writing this to be entered into a giveaway hosted by Mamavation – a community dedicated to obesity prevention & weight loss for women

Animal's Five Rules of Cool

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In Disney’s THE MUPPETS (in theatres everywhere this Thanksgiving!) Animal is enrolled in an anger management class. But with help from the Muppets, he has achieved personal & artistic balance. Now, Animal helps you find your inner Animal with ANIMAL’S FIVE RULES OF COOL: A guide to life from Drummer, Rock Icon, Force of Nature and Anger Management Graduate!

·         LIVE LOUD!!!! – Anything worth doing is worth doing at high-decibel. Whether it’s playing drums, singing, expressing your opinion or simply wearing a really loud sports coat, this is a surefire way to make sure the world knows who you are, where you are and in which direction you’re headed. 

·         EAT NOW! – There are those who believe it is important to “stay hungry” in life, to put off rewards and defer gratification. Animal is not one of those. He devours life—literally—which goes a long way towards explaining his mealtime nickname: the Appetite with Legs.

·         FRIENDS! – Good friends watch your back, take care of you and always follow your beat. With his band mates in the Electric Mayhem, Animal has found kindred spirits. (Oh sure, sometimes they yank his chain, but that’s only to make sure he doesn’t miss the tour bus.)

·         ROMANCE! – Animal is not much for subtlety when it comes to finding romance. His idea of flirtatious small talk usually consists of the phrase “WOMAN! WOMAN!” But it works…for him. As for you, may we suggest finding a slightly less assertive approach to finding love.

·         NICE BUNNY! – Everyone needs a sense of security, a quiet space where they can find peace. For Animal, it’s time well spent with his bunny, whose name is “Nice Bunny.” For you, it can be anything from soaking in pond scum (Kermit) to wearing tapioca-filled tap shoes (Gonzo).  Wherever you find it, embrace your bliss. Just don’t squeeze too hard.

To see Animal up close and rockin’, check out http://disney.go.com/muppets/portfolio/animal/videos.html

Heelys ~ Maybe your kids will share with you!

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Need a great way to add in some fitness....get a pair of Heelys.  They aren't just for kids either.  Adults can wear them too and get moving...or "heeling"!  If you have kids with big feet you can even share, like we do.  Here is Zach trying them out.

After seeing my nephew with a pair of Heelys my son really wanted a pair.  I got the chance to review a pair.  I chose to review the HX2 with two wheels to help us as neither of us are much of skaters and have never tried Heelys before. These have two wheels in each to make it easier to balance on the wheels.  I was able to get a size that is actually between our sizes and that both of us can actually use.  I think it will take us both a bit more time to get used to "heeling", but my stepdaughter came over, put them on and was able to go "heeling" like it was nothing.  Zach and I will check out the Heelys Tricktionary some more.  Like they say, it is a sport that takes practice.  I thought they were a good workout for my legs and core just by standing balancing on the wheels. 

All of us have had some fun wearing Heelys.  It is a good way to get out and move around instead of just walking.  What is so cool too is that you can wear Heelys with either the wheels in or out.  You can wear them as regular footwear when you are out where you can't wheel around, and then simply pop the wheels in when you want to have some fun and go "wheeling".  Great for times when you are in different areas.  I am hoping to get better at wearing these, and can hopefully take them on our bike/walking trail come spring time.  They are nice for narrow or wider feet too.  I like how you can loosen the shoelaces or tighten them and this really helps with fitting.  Many shoes it doesn't make a huge difference but I thought these worked really well for a good fit. 



I am sure some of you have some children, or even your significant other that would love these for Christmas!  Heelys is throwing a Black Friday special!! Between Nov 25-Nov 28, Buy any pair of Heelys, get the second pair for $25. Or buy a Nano, and get a pair of shoes for $25, and get free ground shipping on all orders!  Visit www.heelys.com

Don't get left sitting at home....get up and get "heeling"!  You can also check them out on facebook and twitter.

Disclosure:  I received a free pair of Heelys for review.  These are my personal opinions.

Xia-Xia Pets

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This holiday season I am betting there will be a new craze around some cute little pets....Xia-Xia Pets (pronounced Shah-Shah)!  These cute little toy hermit crabs are colorful and do a fancy dance!  They even have removable shells that can be collected and changed.  The shells even have their own little collectibles inside them.  They are little friends that can ride on their backs and in their shells.  You can even buy additional shells to create a new style, or to trade with friends.

We recently were able to have a Xia-Xia Pet Party, and the Xia-Xia Pets were a hit!  The 5 year old girls seemed to love them the most.  They loved the little playsets that you can get to go with the Xia-Xia pets.  I unfortunately forgot my camera, to get the kids playing all together.  They seemed to like playing with them as a group and by themselves.  While they are not recommended for little ones under 3 years old, we even had an 18 month who seemed to like them.  They liked to watch them dance back and forth. My daughter is disabled so couldnt really play with the playsets, but she liked watching them move around.  Also they are easy to get going, just by tapping their front claws.  I think the 4-5 year olds liked them more because of the cuteness and collectibity.  They liked the different shells.  The Pink and Purple were favorites. 

Meet Bimini (purple) and Turks (purple)

For the party they wanted us to invite girls over, but we had a few boys too.  My son who is 7, a 5 year old and a 4 year old.  They seemed to like them too.  My son doesnt really care too much about girl-boy type toys, so he did not mind the girly colored playsets.  He likes that you can make them move around in the playsets, and likes the different smaller friends that come in the shells.  The 5 year old wanted the blue crab the most, and wasnt really interested in the playsets. 

Meet Tobago (blue) and Trinidad (orange)

They got to check out three Xia-Xia playsets too.  One of the little girls (4 year old) loved the Confetti Cottage playset.  This is an adorable one to keep a couple Crabs in.  They fit best with their shells off.

I think the Copacabana Playset was the favorite for everyone else.  This one gives room for them to move around some and a fun play area. 

The Rio De Trio Village was a fun set too.  This one was best for getting a bunch of the Xia-Xia Pets together and making them dance.  There is lots of room for them to move around.  This is the least feminine set also. 

From a Mom's perspective, they are cute, but need some work.  We had at least 3 of the crabs front claws come off.  One of the girls thought she was going to get into trouble because she thought she broke it.  We were able to put the claws back on, but they seemed to come off easier after that initial time.  Otherwise they are pretty cute.

 I like that they have something that they can collect and share.  The interchangeable shells are cute and the little collectibles inside are adorable.  I think they are pretty much geared toward girls, but if they would make some sporty looking ones, or maybe action hero types...or even just more boyish looking playsets, then they could sell them for the boys some too. 

These fun pets are made by Cepia, that also make the Zhu Zhu pets.  So I am sure they will be a big hit too.  The one thing I did like was that they did not make noise!  While it would be cute to see something with a little samba music to watch them dance too, it is also nice not having any noise.  My son will not play with the cute Zhu Zhu pets because of the noise.  He has sensory issues, and many toys that make noises bother him.  So the Xia Xia pets not making any noise was nice. 

I can see the Xia Xia pets being a hot item for Christmas this year.  They would be cute stocking stuffers!  So be on the lookout for them at stores because they will probably go quick! They are now offered in Toys R Us and Walmart.  You can find more information by visiting http://www.xia-xiapets.com/


Disclosure:  I received the Xia Xia Pets, and Playsets to share with friends as a promotion from Xia Xia Pets and MomSelect.  These are my personal opinions and reflections from the children that played with the products.