Nickelodeon's Monkey Quest Review and Giveaway 8/24

I'm sure you have heard of Massive Multi-player Online Role Playing Games or also known as MMORPGs.  These are the things that any die hard gamer knows all about.  My oldest was addicted to a couple of these and for awhile, this was her social life until she got it under wrap.  The cool thing about MMORPGs is if you have family or friends that play, you can all play together and that can be a lot of fun.  Now Nickelodeon has taken a part in the realm of MMORPGs with their new kid game called Monkey Quest.  One of the biggest differences in this MMORPG is that you can control what they can do with their parental controls which is wonderful.  MMORPGs provide an opportunity to chat and interact with others via game play and chat.  Nick has even considered the different modes of chat with standard chat and easy chat to provide parents more control on what their little one can see or type.

Another nice feature of Nick's Monkey Quest is you can choose the membership and since times are tough, there is a free option or a paid option with extra benefits.  It seems Nick has thought of it all with this one!  From July 30th until August 8th, Toys-R-Us is having a special promotion where if you purchase a $25 card, you get a bonus $15 of game play but the card does have to be redeemed by August 8th.  It's really a great deal as you get so many great extras with a paid membership.

I was able to have two levels of players try it out.  First, my eight year old who has played WoW so she wasn't new to gaming.  My four year old is still a novice and they both play other little kiddie games online so they do know how to get around.  They had fun checking out the land of Monkey Quest, being a monkey of course and killing the ugly monsters.  They did have some trouble with the controls and intensity of the levels but I feel with practice, they would learn how to best maneuver as this is how most games are.  If it were too easy, they would lose interest.  I think it's a good game to help them learn more about functions and using different aspects of a computer program.  Overall, they did like it and I feel in time, they will grow to love it.

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The Giveaway

One lucky winner will receive a Monkey Quest prize pack, including a Monkey Quest tote bag, t-shirt and hat along with an insider’s guide to best navigate the land of Ook.

To Enter:

Follow my blog and tell me if you have played an MMORPG or heard of Nick's Monkey Quest.

Bonus Entries:

• Sign up for a Monkey Quest account and leave a comment that you did
• Subscribe to my blog
• Follow me on Twitter
• Like me on Facebook
• Tweet about this giveaway (can be done daily for two entries)
• Blog about this giveaway (can be done once for five entries)
• Add this giveaway to other linky giveaways (can be done up to 10 times for two entries each - please leave URL)

Check out the home page here for EXTRA BONUS entry opportunity!

Giveaway ends 8/24 at midnight (MST) - Winner selected via random.org - US Only Please

*Disclaimer:   I received a complimentary product for the purposes of this review as part of my participation with MomSelect.

RoC® RETINOL CORREXION® Deep Wrinkle Night Cream Review

I took the challenge and I survived!  I did more than survive as my skin feels and looks better.  I tried the RoC® RETINOL CORREXION® Deep Wrinkle Night Cream challenge from my participation with SheSpeaks.  It was a 12 week challenge where I gave up my other product for the sole sue of RoC and I can honestly say that I liked the product.  I didn't care for the fragrance but I liked that it was light weight and didn't require a lot to give me the coverage I wanted.


I have read so many reviews on RoC in that dermatologists recommend it and in other surveys I read, women like RoC so I wanted to try it.  The tubes are simple screw off tops so application is easy.  It goes on smooth and not sticky like my previous anti-aging product did.  


It claims to diminish the appearance of expression lines while leaving the skin smoother and young looking.  I was curious so I stopped using the product and low and behold, they started coming back!  I started using it again needless to say.


Here is a RoC before and after photo:





In case you are wondering, it works by use of a combination of magnesium, zinc and copper that is formulate to work at night.  To see all the ingredients, click here.


Overall, I liked the product and would recommend it for effectiveness, ease of use, price and availability.

Marley & Me: The Puppy Years DVD Giveaway 8/18 (US/Canada) - Winner Closed

Congratulations to ...

Hotsnotty2 said...

Follower, yes I did, loved it!

Hotsnotty2@hotmail.com

August 17, 2011 4:07 AM

An e-mail has been sent and she has 48 hours to respond before a new winner is selected via random.org.  Thanks to all those who entered!

In this all new adventure, Marley is back and you can hear him speak for the first time arriving on Blu-ray and DVD on August 16th exclusively at Walmart, Sam's Club and online at Walmart.  If you watched Marley & Me, you know all about this lovable puppy's adventure.  The upcoming Blu-ray and DVD are full of bonus materials to go behind the scenes.  I'm sure this will be a hit with my little ones since they love movies with dogs and when they talk, it offers them a whole new experience of fun and laughter.

 

Check out my other post on Doggies Professions here.

____________________________

The Giveaway:


One lucky reader will win their own copy of Marley & Me:  The Puppy Years DVD


To Enter: 


Follow my blog and let me know if you watched the first Marley & Me.

Extra Entries:

• Like me Facebook
• Follow me on Twitter
• Subscribe to my blog
• Tweet about this giveaway (can be done daily for two entries)
• Blog about this giveaway (can be done once for five entries)
• Post this giveaway on another contest linky (can be done up to 10 times for two entries each)

Giveaway ends 8/18 at midnight (MST) - Winner will be selected via random.org

US and Canada Only Please

*Disclaimer:  I was provided a chance to giveaway this product in exchange for the post.

Costume Discounters Asian Princess Costume Review

My little ones love to play dress up and even before it becomes Halloween, they have many ideas as to who they will be when that little pumpkin in the sky comes around.  My oldest is grown and not as interested in Halloween other than for her baby so now I have my petite four year old and eight year old to shop for.  When the opportunity rose for a complimentary costume at CostumeDiscounters.com, I jumped and I had to order one in addition because I can't have one happy without the other, right?  My four year old picked the Asian Princess Costume for Toddler since she's so tiny, I luck out as I get to buy toddler Halloween costumes unlike my eight year old.

I bet you are wondering what my eight year old chose?  She wanted to be Padme from Star Wars.  In the past, I have had trouble with costumes stating they were one size but were too small upon receipt.  Not with the costumes at Costume Discounters.  Both costumes fit as I expected and ordered as nothing is more disappointing then to go to the trouble of ordering only to have to return it.  I prefer online shopping because all the costume stores locally are either swamped making shopping miserable or they are all out of the good costumes.  Having an entire store at my disposal is wonderful! The shipping was even lightening speed which made my children EXTREMELY happy as they were all over the packages when they arrived.

One thing I also noticed about these costumes were the quality.  I remember ordering costumes and purchasing them in-person only to find cheap, thin material poorly assembled.  These costumes will withhold over time which is also a bonus since they love to role play and I can pass them on.  I really liked both costumes but I have to say that the Asian Princess was my favorite.  It's so cute and pretty and the fit is perfect on Danielle.  The hair accessory tops it off and she'll be able to play many times over.  They both were glowing with their new costumes so they are the ultimate testimony to beloved costumes.

I, as a parent, recommend the costumes from CostumeDiscounters.com due to the quality, selection, accuracy of the products, speed of shipping, return policy and customer service.



*Disclaimer:  I did receive a complimentary product for the purposes of this review.  I also purchased a product.  My opinions are of my own.

Duckle Dance Sweepstakes Presented by Capezio & Wisharoo Park AND Cool Giveaway 8/21 - Winner Closed

Congratulations to ...

tamiv said...

Voted Today! #5

geauxtami@yahoo.com

August 17, 2011 9:55 PM

An e-mail has been sent and Tamiv has 48 hours to respond before a new winner is selected via random.org.  Thanks to all those who entered!

I know all kids love to dance and although some may be shy, they love to get up and shake their booties!  Have you heard of the Duckle Dance?  Now you can have a chance to show off your little one's abilities in the Duckle Dance Sweepstakes Presented by Capezio and Wisharoo Park!  All you have to do is video your preschool children doing the Duckle Dance, enter via downloading to your Facebook or YouTube accounts for a chance to win one of twenty Capezio and Wisharoo Prize packages or one of five $500 Dance Scholarships!  

If you aren't familiar with Wisharoo Park, you are missing out as they are full of cute characters and subtle lessons to learn.  The Duckle Dance promotional video features favorite Wisharoo Park characters Ranger Rosey and DanDan and Della Duckle dancing along with real life kids at Wisharoopark.com.  Are you excited yet?  Here is all you need to know:

• Grab your little ones and watch the Duckle Dance on my blog or at http://www.wisharoopark.com/duckledance.  Once your kids have it down or even if they want to create their own version, get ready to record!  It's Lights, Camera and Action to dance your way to a $500 scholarship!
• The Duckle Dance consists of a little bit of ballet and a little bit of tap and a whole bunch of personality!  Your little one can just have some fun as you are delighted in watching their creativity.  There are no rules to the dance so just have fun!
• Once captured on video you can enter your child’s performance in the Duckle Dance Sweepstakes Presented by Capezio and Wisharoo Park for a chance to win the special prizes and/or dance scholarships provided by Capezio and Wisharoo Park.  
• To enter, simply upload the video to your facebook or YouTube account, and then visit www.wisharoopark.com/duckledance where you can submit the facebook or YouTube video link as part of the easy entry process.
• Enter anywhere from now until September 1st.

NOTE:

Wisharoo Park is dedicated to promoting positive self-image and self-esteem in preschool age children. It was originally introduced by airing as a children’s TV series on PBS stations across the country and is now rolling out as a dynamic multimedia program which includes the interactive website WisharooPark.com, DVDs and more! .

Unique among preschool programs, Wisharoo Park is designed to help children age 3 – 6 recognize and appreciate their individuality. With its groundbreaking technology-based curriculum, Wisharoo Park helps children discover and understand their personal strengths and put them on the road to developing greater self-esteem.  The Wisharoopark.com enchanting online community stars a whimsical cast of loveable animated, puppet and human characters who are featured in games, videos, music and more!  Each week exciting new activities and content are added that are sure to keep parents and their kids coming back again and again.

Wisharoo Park is proud to partner with Capezio.  Dedicated to the art of dance since 1887, Capezio revolutionized the dance world with dancewear and footwear products for every dancer from beginner to professional. Capezio operates retail stores carrying the full lines of all Capezio/Ballet Maker Inc. brands in New York City and several major cities nationwide. For more information, visithttp://www.capeziodance.com/.

Full Official Rules for the sweepstakes are posted at www.wisharoopark.com/duckledance

Stay tuned for our own video!

_____________________________

The Giveaway:

One reader will win this wonderful gift pack:

• One Pair Capezio Daisy ballet Shoes.  Retail Value: $18.00
• One Pair Capezio Jr. Tyette Tap Shoes.  Retail Value: $25.00
• One Capezio Logo Drawstring Backpack.  Retail Value: $8.50
• One Limited Edition Do the Duckle Commemorative T-Shirt.  Retail Value:  $12.99
• One Wisharoo Park 2-Disc 13 Episode DVD Set.   Retail Value:  $19.99
• Six Wisharoo Park Wish Star finger puppets.  Retail Vaile: 19.98

To Enter:

Follow my blog and tell me if you will enter a video.

Extra Entries:

• Send a tweet out to all your twitter followers encouraging them to enter the sweepstakes, include the www.wisharoopark.com/duckledance link, and ask all their followers to do the same.
• Post information about the Duckle Dance Sweepstakes Presented by Capezio and Wisharoo Park on your personal and/or blog facebook page, tell their friends to enter, and ask their friends to do the same
• Send out an email to your entire email and/or RSS lists asking all your friends to enter the sweepstakes and include the http://www.wisharoopark.com/duckledance , and ask your friends to do the same
• Send a message to all your followers on Google Connect encouraging all your friends to enter the sweepstakes and include the http://www.wisharoopark.com/duckledance , and ask your friends to do the same
• Visit and like Wisharoo Park's facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/Wisharoopark and post your video of their child doing the Duckle Dance  (also as a bonus if they "like" Wisharoo Park on facebook they can still get three free songs -- a $2.97 value) , and ask their friends to do the same - FIVE entries

Giveaway ends 8/21 at midnight (Mountain Standard Time) - Open to US only please

*Disclosure:  I will receive a product in exchange for this post.

Mamavation Monday

Ohhh nooooooo!  I can hear myself screaming inside as I lost my mamavation to lose weight.  I thought I had tackled the burden of stress eating but I failed.  I had to take my oldest daughter and her baby back to her fiance since we moved from Georgia to Texas.  After spending 23 years together, it was hard.  I am lucky that I have a four and an eight year old at home to keep me busy and my mind off of the sadness but I know it's what is best for her.  Needless to say, when I embarked on my 45+ hour roundtrip drive to Indiana, I failed miserably at eating properly.  I picked up some pounds but nothing that put me back to the end again.  So, I'm back on the saddle and back in ol' El Paso to pick up where I left off.

First step was to get back in the pool and exercise and then I moved my exercise bike into the living room to get some extra time on it for when the girls are fighting and need a constant eye watching them.  Tomorrow is Monday.....Mamavation Monday to be exact so it's Mamavation ME Monday as I'm kicking my butt back into gear.  I have a goal to meet and although it's not until May of 2012, I'm going to get there by being in the best health I can be in.  Dreams lost will be picked up then and I'm going to be ready for i.

I have to take my two to their specialists on Monday and Tuesday but I plan on squeezing the exercising in and eating healthier and for all those that told me I had to do it, I will be adding weights ... yeah!!!

So at the end of the day, I seem to be running a scene from Ground Hog's Day as I keep going back and forth but as long as I keep trying, that is what matters.

Happy Mamavation Monday!

Kroger Cart Buster Savings Event $25 Gift Card Giveaway 8/17 (US) Winner Closed

CONGRATULATIONS TO...

Mari said...

I follow and I do have a rewards card.

runningmatey at hotmail dot com

August 1, 2011 9:17 PM 

An e-mail has been sent and Mari has 48 hours to respond before a new winner has been selected via random.org.  Thanks to all those who entered!

Whenever it gets close to back to school, I equate it to the Kroger Cart Buster Savings Event as that's one of the things I remembered last year.  Beginning July 31st, it's BAAAACK!  Did you hear all the clapping and whistles??  Okay, maybe not but in our economy, anytime we can save a buck, it's worth venturing out for.  Even though many of us are thinking back to school, the Kroger Cart Buster Savings Event is including the beginning of some summer deals.


From July 31st through August 17th, you can save on tons of brands across over 100 different categories from PepsiCo (we're cheering thanks to the Pepsi Refresh Grant process), General Mills (my kids are cheering and you know why), Kimberly Clark and much more.  These big savings will be across the Kroger Family of Stores to include Ralphs, King Scoopers, Dillons, Jay C Food Stores and many others.


Want more savings?  Beginning August 3rd through August 16th, you can also download exclusive offers on ore of your favorite brands to your shopper card by visiting http://bit.ly/cartbustersavings.  Keep checking back on http://bit.ly/cartbustersavings for daily deals and all the details.


*Please be sure to check your local Kroger Co. Family of Stores for participating dates and deals. The Deal of the Day promotion is not valid at: Fred Meyer or Food 4 Less.

The Giveaway:


One lucky reader will win a $25 Kroger Gift Card.


To Enter:


Follow my blog and tell me if you have a Kroger Shopper's card.


Extra Entries:

• Follow Kroger on Twitter
• Like Kroger on Facebook 
• Tweet about this giveaway - can be done daily for two entries
• Blog about this giveaway - five entries - can be done once
• Link this giveaway on another giveaway linky - leave url of linky - can be done up to 10 times for two entries
• Subscribe to my blog - two entries
• Like me on Facebook 
• Follow me on Twitter

Giveaway ends 8/17 at midnight (mountain standard time) - Winner selected via random.org

US only please

Check out the home page here for EXTRA BONUS entry opportunity!


Disclosure: The Kroger gift card, information, and giveaway have been provided by Kroger and General Mills through MyBlogSpark.

Mattel's New Fijit Friends are Way Cool

Have you heard or seen of Mattel's Fijit Friends?  I hadn't until I was chosen to host a party for my daughter's friends and I cannot wait!  They are adorable little robots that interact with your child's voice and music.  You have the choice to play their music or your own and they will show you some dance moves.  Although they take five batteries, it's well worth it as these soft little guys are fun!

Stay tuned for our party!

Party It Up with Adorable Baby Clothing: Elegant & Minnie Mouse Zebra Theme

Having a party or need to find those perfect outfits for a special occasion or pictures?  I buy my formal wear and special occasion clothing through the best place available online.  Not only do I get an unmatched quality but I get individualized customer service with even an e-mail smile.  Adorable Baby Clothing is the place for your children's clothing especially for formal wear.  My closets are full of now heirloom quality clothing that I am passing down through my children and now my grandchild.

Check out this new adorable dress that can be personalized:

This would make a perfect first party dress for your little princess.  There are other colors available as well as sizes and matching fancy pants.

I have a post on our Minnie Mouse party we had last summer and when I saw this Minnie Mouse zebra tutu, I only wished it were available for our party.  Check it out:

I love it!  Our theme was pink with a zebra print accent.  You could have your little princess wear the first dress for greeting guests and then change into the tutu dress for some loud crazy fun that your guests will never forget.

You have to top off the outfit with an equally fun birthday hat:

If you are thinking of having a Minnie Mouse party, check out my pictures and you can read the entire post here.

  

 

ReNew’s Young Adult Education Initiative for Digestive Health & $50 GC Giveaway 8/18 (US) - Winner Closed

Congratulations to...

ZESTYWONDERLAND said...

subscriber!

zestywonderland@gmail.com

August 19, 2011 1:51 AM

An e-mail has been sent and she/he has 48 hours to respond before a new winner is selected. Thanks to all those who entered!

A healthy diet is always a good habit to form regardless of age.  It seems that there is only one other group that has a harder time in ensuring good digestive health and that are young adults.  It's so easy to skip over the good foods and head over to the fast food and other junk foods so readily available.  It's common to hear that a good diet full of high fiber, low in processed carbs/sugar and an additional supplement of an all natural probiotic might be a good trio in helping our digestive systems stay up to par.  ReNew Life, The Digestive Care Company, understands that many young adults don't realize how much a good digestive system can help you maintain comfortable bowel movements as well.  This reminded me of my two cousins who both had issues with their bowel movements as young adults and now that I remember how they both ate, I understand why.


Signs and Symptoms of Impaired Digestion:

Gas and bloating [D]

Occasional diarrhea [G]

Occasional constipation [F]

Heartburn and GERD [B]

Indigestion

Irritable bowel (IBS) [E]

Leaky gut

Liver toxicity [A]

Fatigue

Weight gain

Low energy

Dry/oily skin

Headaches/migraines

Allergies

Brain Fog

Yeast overgrowth [C]

There are other areas that can help improve the gut such as taking a dose of an all natural probiotic within two to three hours of taking an antibiotic.  I had no idea but it makes sense given what antibiotics are made to do.  Daily exercise is also key to not only overall health but it aids in a healthy metabolism and digestive system.  My two younger children don't eat as healthy as I like and my youngest has bowel issues where I have to give her a pediatric laxative from time to time.  I need to start giving her a probiotic due to how they help.  In case you are wondering, here is what they are:



Probiotics:

Each of ReNew Life's probiotic supplements are high-potency, multi-billion-count formulas combines clinically proven probiotic strains in fewer capsules to ensure maximum effectiveness.  They also have an advance Enteric-Guard technology to help protect the active probiotics from harsh stomach acid thus transporting them directly to the intestines.  There are many varieties and you can click here to find the one best for you.

If you have any young adults, let them know the importance of a good digestive system.  Just remember that for all of us, we need to take steps to protect our health:

1. Eat a good diet rich in fiber and low in carbs/processed sugars
2. Exercise 
3. Take a probiotic supplement daily and within 2-3 hours post antibiotic ingestion.
4. Having 2-3 bowel movements a day is healthy

As part of my program for a healthier digestive system, I'm going to review, at a later date, ReNew's Diet Start Cleanse.

Until then, all you young adults, learn about keeping that potty humor in the know as it will make you feel better even if the topic may be unpleasant!

_____________________________________

The Giveaway:

One winner will receive a $50 GC to ReNew Life.

To Enter:

Follow my blog and tell me if you are taking any probiotics currently.

Extra Entries:

• Like ReNew Life on Facebook
• Follow ReNew Life on Twitter
• Like me Facebook
• Follow me on Twitter
• Subscribe to my blog
• Tweet about this giveaway (can be done daily for two entries)
• Blog about this giveaway (can be done once for five entries)
• Post this giveaway on another contest linky (can be done up to 10 times for two entries each)

Check out the home page here for EXTRA BONUS entry opportunity!

Giveaway ends 8/18 at midnight (MST) - Winner will be selected via random.org

US Only Please

*Disclaimer:  I received a product to review in exchange for this post and giveaway.