Eggo Bake Shop Twists

Eggo Bake shop Twists definitely bring new meaning to "Leggo my Eggo". When I fist picked them up, it was the middle of the day. That did not stop my girls from wanting to try them. So we had them after lunch, as sort of a snack. My girls devoured them. And asked for more.

They currently come in two flavors- apple and strawberry. And while we didn't eat them in the way they were made, they would definitely make a quick and tasty breakfast. In just 20 seconds in the microwave (for one, as per the box), you have a tasty fruit-filled treat. A quick word of caution though, make sure you let them cool for a few minutes. The inside gets hot. And if breakfast isn't your style, use them as a sweet after dinner treat. They tasted similar to turnovers for a sweet snack.

My seven year old's first comment (after looking at the box) was "thanks Mom, you brought me some protein (they had 3 grams per serving)." She's on a protein kick and tends to read the labels on everything.

The only downside is that there are very few in a box. They come four to a package, and are a bit on the smaller side. We each had 1 of each flavor with my girls asking for more. So if your an adult, you could easily eat a whole box for breakfast. Or if you have kids, easily go through 2 boxes in one sitting. The upside is, they are fairly inexpensive, depending on where you shop. My first stop to get them was at a local grocery store and they were $3.60 a box (I didn't buy them there as this store tend to err on expensive side). I picked them up at Target for $2.04 a box (another grocery store had them for $3.00).

So if your looking for a quick, sweet breakfast, you should definitely try them. We recommend the apple.

This post was made possible through the women at Mom Central.

Milkshake Winners

Winners have been picked by random.org and are in the process of being notified.

CD/DVD : Danielle
Concert Tickets : Rachael

Congratulations to the winners.

Milkshake

Music, it's food for the soul. When we become parents, we start out by introducing our kids to classical artists, such as Mozart and Beethoven. As they get older, they discover the Wiggles, Raffi and other various children's artists. Music, that will, eventually drive any sane person insane. But as parents, we continue to play the same music, over and over. Some of use buy overpriced concert tickets to take our kids too. Concerts that they won't remember when they are a bit older.

For us, we tried to throw some other genre's into the mix. Nestled in between our Wiggles and Raffi CD's are various other children's mixes, some folk, some rock, some country and some reggae. But nonetheless, we are always on the lookout to add to our music library. So I couldn't wait to review Milkshake's newest DVD, Screen Play, as well as one of their CD's.

So we got the CD and DVD in the mail and I looked at it and thought "wow, the packaging is busy" and "they're on PBS, so it's probably nothing spectacular". Then I popped in the DVD and was very pleasantly surprised. While they appear in wacky outfits - they are catering to kids. And since their outfits are nothing different then what you'd find my two younger girls wearing (even some of their dress up outfits were pictured on kids on the package), they must know what their doing. Their songs are all about things kids can relate to, however they definitely have a rock sound. The guitar and drum beats sound similar to some that Einey jams along to on Guitar Hero. In the car, I put in the CD and the girls keep asking for me to play it over and over. We've only listened to it a few times, but already they have their favorite songs. The songs themselves, are pretty catchy, the girls love walking around singing "miiiLLLKK- SHAKE" and "it's a rainy, rainy day".

I like it because I have no problem listening to it over and over without fearing that my head will explode. And I don't have to worry about my four year old singing songs of sex and drugs and death. I'd much rather her learn to love music of all origins in an age-appropriate manner. I am very glad to have been introduced to Milkshake and love having more music to add to our library. I would highly recommend picking up a CD when you get a chance.

And as a super sweet treat, they sent me an addition DVD and CD to give away. All you have to do it join their Facebook fan page and then leave a comment back here. The winner will be drawn Wednesday February 25th at 12:00 pm EST. I need an email or blog link to be able to contact the winner.

Even sweeter? I also am offering a four pack of concert tickets for their live concert, March 28th in Foxboro, MA. This offer is open to local residents (MA, RI and CT) only. Again, you can win by becoming a fan of Milkshake and then leave a comment back here by noon EST, Wednesday February 25th. In addition, take a few minutes and look around. Tell me what your favorite song is!

Please be sure to note if you are entering for the CD/DVD or the concert tickets or both!

We like Happy Song and We got a Band.

Regal Reptiles Birthday Parties

Last weekend, we had a birthday party for my oldest daughter, who turns seven on Christmas Day. She's not your typically little girly girl, as she prefers sports, video games and all things slimy. Her #1 want for Christmas or her birthday was a turtle. If not a turtle, then frogs. We said no turtles and while we were prepared to get her a kit where you grow your own tadpoles, they can't ship until nighttime temps are above 25 degrees. Living in New England, that's going to be awhile.

Having a December birthday is tough. Tough in finding something to do that won't cost a ton of money and that will equally entertain a group of kids. It was never our intention to actually host any of her school parties at the house, but this year, it was so easy. We hosted a reptile party with Regal Reptiles. Based out of Warwick, RI, it wasn't to far of a drive to have them come to us. Shawn, our presenter, was absolutely amazing!

He started off with showing us a herbivore. Speedy the tortoise was our first visitor. Einey, the birthday girl, go to bring Speedy around to all the kids. After that, Speedy took up residence on the floor. After that, Shawn had Einey as his personal assistant. He asked if anyone knew what a carnivore was. He told us his next reptile was a carnivore and then asked Einey to hold out her hand. (Of course, people are made out of meat). He then handed Einey Boogers the Tree Frog. Of course, the kids got a kick out of that. After Boogers, came a gecko, a legless lizard, snake, scorpion (which made many people flinch), tarantula, bearded dragon, another snake, a python and an alligator. In addition to explaining a little bit about each creature, the children were allowed to touch, and hold (if they wanted to) each animal. Shawn's style of presentation was injected with numerous comic references, which made everyone laugh. Einey, surprised us by showing no fear whatsoever with reaching into cloth bags to pull out whatever creature was inside.

The cost, $150 for an hour (if they come to you) plus travel, was well worth it. According to the website, they bring 20-25 animals. We only saw 12, but it filled up the whole allotted time. We had a total of 21 kids and 15 adults who were willing to watch the presentation. A few opted to stay upstairs for it.

It was, by far, the best party we've ever hosted and one of the best we've ever been to. Everyone seemed to have had a great time. And the birthday girl could not stop smiling. I haven't seen her smile so big in a long, long time.

If your in the eastern CT, RI, eastern MA area, I would highly recommend giving them a call if your looking for something for your next party. They also have an option, where you can visit their facility in Warwick (their website still says Providence, however they moved to a larger facility over the summer. The new directions are linked on their site) as opposed to having them come to you.

(This post was a not a paid review).

Mom Central's 2008 Gift Guide

If you've been online lately, I'm sure you've seen gift guides pop up from many, many different sites. I've looked at a few, but to be honest, they were hard to navigate and I just don't have the time to click on every link listed.

The ladies at Mom Central have just released their 2008 gift guide and I was quickly thrilled with the ease of use. From the instant it opens, you have choices of him, her, baby/toddler, kids, tweens, teens, pets and even giveaways. That's right, giveaways! Starting today, December 3rd and running through December 18th, they are giving something new away each day. You have to have a mom central account, log-in each day and leave a comment to be eligible to win.

The guide is easy once you choose which area suits you best. Once you click on an area, say tweens, it opens up and gives you a list of items. Each item also has a picture, description and link to the product's website. And it's not just name brand items from companies such as Hasbro, Little Tykes or Baby Einstein. There are products from Juku Couture, Olive kids and many, many other companies. Many of the descriptions are also linked right to amazon.com or Toys R Us for easy ordering. Another plus is the items are separated out by price, if your on a budget. There are three separate price ranges for under $50, under $100 and over $100.

So if you can't find that perfect gift for that hard to buy for person in your life, take a trip over to Mom Central and check out their holiday gift guide. It is easy to use and full of many wonderful products!

Revving up your computer

I spend alot of time on my computer. From using it to upload and save my digital pictures, to connecting to friends (through Twitter, blogging, email, Skype and Facebook) to playing games and aimlessly surfing. We use our computer for games and research, to order products and talk to friends far away. If I'm not sitting here at the computer desk, either my husband or my oldest daughter is (and she's only allowed on when we are nearby). The other two still require closer supervision.

Many times, we are simultaneously working on a project in word or excel, looking at PDF's, listening to music, chatting and playing a game. So many, many windows open at one time. Most of the time, to computer runs without any hic-ups.

But like all computer owners, eventually the computer starts to slow down. Things get saved. Memory gets used. It just starts to bog down. And when your used to having high speed internet at your finger tips, any slowdown can be highly frustrating!

The people at Norton's, makers of Norton anti-virus which keeps your computer safe and virus free, have come out with a product called the Norton PC Tune-up. This product is designed to assess and evaluate your computer to figure out where hangups are occurring, to improve the speed and stability of your PC and to ensure protection and security.

So if your computer takes a long time to start up and bogs down when you have multiple programs open, I suggest you check out this product. Even better, I have FOUR free trials to give away. All you have to do is leave a comment here by midnight EST Friday, December 5th with your email address telling me what types of hangups your computers have that bug you the most. Seriously, it's free.

Thanks to the people at MOM Central for bringing this blog tour to me.

You wouldn't let your car miss a tuneup, so why make your computer wait?

Barbie and the Diamond Castle

When the ladies at Mom Central asked for volunteers to review the new Barbie and the Diamond Castle DVD, I jumped at the chance. Moe loves the Barbie DVD's and had been begging for it already. Plus, it would give us something else to rotate into the mix of Barbie Mermaidia, Twelve Dancing Princesses, Swan Lake and Rapunzel. She was very excited and asked everyday "when is Diamond Castle coming?" She was very disappointed when the shipment was delayed.

But the day finally arrived and within moments of it arriving at the door, it was in the DVD player and she was on the couch. The first week we had it, we watched it 625 thousand times. Okay, that might be an exaggeration, but it was watched numerous times. So much, in fact, when Moe and I were snuggling on the couch after lunch, watching it yesterday, Moe was singing all the song's along with the DVD. It was so cute, to hear her sing Connected.

While I initially did not get the girls into watching the Barbie videos, they have come to find a home here. They are fairly easy to take and the girls love them. The plot lines are usually similar, with Barbie as the heroine, but overall, the movies have all be great.

Barbie and the Diamond Castle was no disappointment. The girls were captivated by the singing and the castle at the end. The story is about two friends, Liana and Alexa, who befriend a girl named Melody who is trapped inside an enchanted mirror. To save Melody, they need to find the Diamond Castle and reach the magical instruments, freeing the two muses before Lydia (the third muse, who wanted the Diamond Castle to herself) can stop them. Along the way, the girls find two lost puppies, befriend twin brothers and have their friendship tested by the temptation of a mansion in the middle of nowhere. When offered the gift of the mansion, Alexa chooses to stay and live in comfort, while Liana wants to continue on her quest to save the Diamond Castle. Unknown to them, it was a trick by Lydia to try and tear the girls apart. Without the crystal to help her, Alexa falls under Lydia's power and Liana must choose who to save, her friend or the Diamond Castle. In the end, the girls make up and save the castle. Melody is rewarded for her part and made the third muse.

While I would recommend this movie to my friends, it seems like the lesson it is trying to teach is more geared for older children. My four year old (and even my six year old) certainly don't have the level of friendships that gets tested at the beginning of the movie. While friendship is important and I agree with the message, it seems like my kids were out of range of their target audience. Regardless, they love the movie anyway! The top of their Christmas lists include merchandise from the movie (specifically the horse and carriage) and the new Barbie Christmas DVD. I'm sure if there is a Wii game, that would be a highly coveted item as well!

Overall, the meaning of the movie was clear. Friends may have their differences and may not always agree, but friendship is a very important thing to have.