so in love

I've never given a photo canvas much thought, until recently.

I was asked to do a review for EasyCanvasPrints.com.  The ordering process was as was as 1, 2, 3...literally!
1, you select your canvas size, 2, you select your picture, and don't worry about your picture having poor quality, because they tell you if your image has poor. medium or good quality, then you pick your border image, and 3 you basically add it to your cart.  SO.EASY!

I received my canvas very quickly in the mail and was very impressed with the quality.  The colors are so bright and the picture is beautiful.  I have the perfect place on my mantel over my fireplace to hang my gorgeous picture, but now my problem is that I want to redo everything on my mantel.  You know to update my living room {grin}.  Everything must change and revolve around my new canvas!

I don't have a picture of my new canvas just yet, but I'll give you a sneek peek of my picture

Check out Easycanvasprints.com now, they are offering 25% off all canvas and FREE standard shipping! 

Mickey's Great Outdoors

We were first introduced to the Mickey Mote last December, and ever since then Ben has been in love! This time around we watched Mickey's Great Outdoors.  Ben loves how he gets to choose the color or the shape on his own.

Disney’s Mickey Mote works with any Disney Preschool DVD that includes the Discovery Mode™ feature – an interactive “Watch & Play” feature on the DVD. All parents have to do is program the remote control - there’s an easy and quick set-up guide in each DVD - and select the Discovery Mode feature on the menu screen. Within minutes, kids will be easily able to respond to questions about scenes they just watched by pressing one of four color-coded buttons on the device -- a yellow star, green circle, orange triangle or blue square – to click in their responses. Discovery Mode features include two levels of play, which provides more challenging questions as the child grows. To date, there are more than 13 Disney Preschool DVD titles for parents to choose from that can be used with the remote control.


Mickey's Great Outdoors is all about camping, fishing and all the fun things to do outdoors.  This DVD arrived just in time since we are heading "Up North" Memorial weekend for a camping trip with my Husbands entire family.  We got to show Ben what camping would be like and how much fun we can have outside.

Mickey Mouse Clubhouse: Mickey’s Great Outdoors was released on DVD May 24th. The Mickey Mote Play Set includes DVD + Digital Copy + Mickey Mote and is available for $29.99 U.S. / $35.99 Canada. The 2-Disc Combo Pack includes DVD + Digital Copy and retails for $19.99 U.S. / $24.99 Canada.

Sharpays Fabulous Adventure

A couple of weeks ago I received Sharpay's Fabulous Adventure in the mail.  I thought it would be a fun movie for Hannah to watch, since she LOVED all the High School Musical movies..and who wouldn't with all the fun music and characters. 

This movie is a spin off of the Sharpay character played by Ashley Tisdale.  Sharpay has never lacked self-confidence, so when a Broadway casting agent sees her perform with her dog Boi and offers to set up an audition in New York, Sharpay assumes she'll immediately succeed as a Broadway star. Her father is skeptical, but Sharpay quickly arranges for a penthouse in New York, sets up an appointment to audition, and convinces her father to give her a month to follow her dreams and achieve success. New York has some surprises in store for the aspiring young actress, starting with a no-pets policy that lands Sharpay and her dog out on the street on their very first day in town.

This movie is sweet, funny and just the right amount of pink.  Hannah has watched this movie at least 3 times this week and says that it never get old.   This movie is a great movie for teenagers, particularly, one with the acting bug.   

CSN Stores

I have shopped CSN stores in the past and have always been happy.  With 200+ stores to browse through they have something to offer everyone.  One thing I have never thought about buying online was a wooden swing set, but they have that too and more!  

Soon I will be reviewing a great product which I received from CSN stores so check back, but you don't have to wait for me, check out there site and see for yourself.

Mickey Mote

 We are a TV family..and no I'm not going to apologize for it.  I know we should limit the kids on the hours of TV they watch, but in all honesty, the kids do it all by themselves.  The kids get so excited when a new movie shows up in the mail for them to watch.  One of the best reactions to a movie was with Mickey Mouse Clubhouse: Mickey's Number Roundup and Handy Manny: Big Construction Job.  These 2 movies came with a "Mickey Mote".  What is a Micky Mote?  Its a small handheld device that has colorful shapes on it, and it allows your child to interact with the DVD.  FUN!

The Mickey Mote works with any Disney Preschool DVD that includes Discovery Mode(tm), the interactive "Watch & Play" feature on the DVD!  All parents have to do is program the remote control - there's an easy and quick set-up guide in each DVD- and select the Discovery Mode feature on the menu screen.  Within minutes, kids will be easily responding to questions, throughout the story, about scenes they just watched (such as "What color is Goofy's hat?") by pressing one of four color-coded buttons on the device -- a yellow star, green circle, orange triangle or blue square - to click in their responses.  Discovery Mode features include two levels of play, which provides more challenging questions as the child grows.

Alanna and Ben really got a kick out of being able to help Mickey along and really feel like they were apart of the show.  I even caught Hannah (whose 10) wanting a turn for herself.  {grin}

The Mickey Mote can be used with all the following titles:
*   Mickey Mouse Clubhouse: Road Rally

*   Mickey Mouse Clubhouse: Mickey's Adventures in Wonderland

*   Mickey Mouse Clubhouse: Mickey's Choo Choo

*   Mickey Mouse Clubhouse: Minnie's Bow-Tique

*   Handy Manny: Manny's Motorcycle Adventure

*   Handy Manny: Manny's Big Race

*   Little Einsteins: Fire Truck Blast Off

*   My Friends Tigger & Pooh: Super Duper Super Sleuths

*   My Friends Tigger & Pooh: Bedtime With Pooh

 

Setting up the Mickey Mote was very easy as well.  And this is coming from someone who is very technically challenged. {grin} 

 This would be a great Birthday or Christmas gift and its great for all ages.  The Mickey Mote allows the kids hours of fun and learning, while sitting in front of the TV.  Now why would I limit learning?  {grin}

Madeline's Christmas and Other Wintery Tales

I know we just got done with Halloween, but its never to early to think about Christmas.  And what better way to bring in the holiday season that with the lovable Madeline.

On October 19, 2010, Shout! Factory will release Madeline’s Christmas & Other Wintery Tales.  The DVD contains five animated episodes, all making their DVD debut: Madeline's Winter Vacation, Madeline and Santa, Madeline at the North Pole, Madeline and the Ice Skates and Madeline's Holiday with Mr. Grump. 

When we got this movie in the mail, Alanna was so excited.  She LOVES the character Madeline and all the fun adventures she goes on.  


Madeline's Christmas and Other Wintery Tales is a fun DVD to have in your house and keep the kids entertained or to watch as a family.  Theres always a new adventure or exploring right around the corner.  This DVD would make any little boy or girl happy to have to help bring the Christmas spirit alive this season. 

A Tale as Old as Time

Beauty and the Beast are one of those classic movies that you never forget.  I have been watching this movie since I was little and being able to share it with my kids always bring as smile to my face.

The first thing I noticed when watching the movie was that the color was amazing.  The restoration of the color was so sharp and bright.

Alanna loves all the signing and the bright animation.  Ben loves the beast and the fun characters.

Once a week the kids and I will sit down after dinner for a movie night.  Pillows and blankets are brought out, popcorn is popped.  We all find spots on the floor next to each other.  The day I received Beauty and the Beast all 3 kids agreed on a movie the 1st time.  Its a fun filled movie to cherish no matter what age you are.  Even my husband snuggled on the floor for movie night.  Its a classic Disney film that will go on for many years.

Tinker Bell and the Great Fairy Rescue

                                                               

I was really excited when I was asked to review the new Tinker Bell movie, Tinker Bell and the Great Fairy Rescue. The day we received it Ben and Alanna were going crazy.  Yes, I said Ben, because this movie entertains for boy and girls.  We have probably watched this movie 3 times a day for the last 2 weeks if not more :)

Tink and the rest of the fairy crew are back and this time it is summer, and time for fairy camp.  Poor Tink doesn't have anything to tinker with or fix, and lets her curiosity get the best of her when she checks out the human house nearby.  When she gets captured by a fairy loving little girl, its up to the rest of the fairies to help rescue Tinker Bell. 

We have watched the other Tinker Bell movies in the past and this one is by far my favorite.  Its cute to see Tink and the other fairies interact with humans and in the end fixing the things that are broken. 

This movie will be released to stores on September 21, 2010...The movie will make a great addition to your Disney collection and also make any girl or boy happy. 

"Outlasting" the kids

With 3 busy kids, I am always reminding them to wash there hands before they eat and after the bathroom.  Playing outside all day is another dirty hand reminder. 

We have used hand sanitizer in the past but it always dries out the kids sensitive skin and we have to apply it constantly, which in the long run cost more money. 

When I was asked if I wanted to try "Outlast" the long acting hand sanitizer I was very excited.  We used it at the park after playing and after using the bathrooms.  We used it on our road trips when using the rest areas..I was very confident that the kids were getting clean hands and having moisture on their skin.  The kids love the cooling sensation they get when they put on the sanitizer and it leaves no sticky feeling.  Another thing I was impressed with with Outlast was that is lasted up to 6 hours.  Thats almost as much energy as my kids in one trip to the park, or one day of playing outside.  Which means I actually found a product that could outlast the kids, LOL..

I was also lucky enough to receive a clipa, the instant handbag hanger.  I currently have all my purses in a giant bag on my closet floor.  I looped this around my closet and it was very neat...All my purses just hung from the clipa. 

water fun!

We have a pool.  Its not a very big pool, but its not small either.  Its about 2-21/2 feet deep and big enough for me to lay down and not touch the sides.  When Ben is in the pool, the water comes to about his chest.  I don't like Ben being in the pool without me, because he could easily lose his footing and fall over and not be able to get back up...With that being said, I don't always have time to get on my bathing suit and sit in the pool. 
I have always wanted something for Ben and Alanna to play with, so if  I have yard work to do, or just not in the mood to go swimming.  I was given the opportunity to do a review from CSN stores
 through one of there 200+ online stores I choose Toys and Games online.com. 


The online store is very easy to use.  I narrowed down my search by ages, brand, and even price.  I was able to find a really neat water table for the kids for ages 2-6 which covers Alanna and Ben...I ordered on a week day and by the weekend it was already here.  The instructions to put together were very easy to follow and in less than 5 minutes the kids were already playing in the water, while I sat in the shade watching.

Alanna and her friend played with the boat, car and water spouts for over an hour.  I heard giggles and water splashing...Once Ben woke up from his nap he ran right to the water and started playing..His favorite was the car that was included and vroom vroom was his favorite sound. 


*I received the water table free for this review, however all opinions are true, and I have worked with CSN stores in the past and they are fast ans very friendly.

Avatar

I just have to start by saying this movie blew my mind away.  I also must admit that in the beginning I had no desire to see this movie.

Then one day I was watching TV and the preview for the movie came on.  The graphics were amazing, and the story caught my attention.

When I was offered a chance to watch the movie and do a review I jumped on it.

I sat down with Hannah one day during the little kids nap time and started watching it.  Half way through the movie Alanna woke up and started watching the movie too.

Both girls and myself were caught up in the characters and the adventures.

I loved the plot.  The 2 main characters work so well together and it gives a good message.  The girls liked it for the graphics and the fun new animals that were introduced. 

Avatar is already in stores, but if you haven't seen it yet, I highly advise you to run to the store to check it out.  The movie grabs you from the very beginning to the end.  Its my new favorite movie.

Chris and I sat down the other night to watch it again.  And yes just like me he was not looking forward to the movie.  Then it started and I could tell he loved it. I tried to ask him a question during the movie and he gave me that look.  The look that says I am watching this awesome movie, talk to me later, haha!

Meet Taj the Tiger

A couple of weeks ago I gave a clue to a really fun review I was doing and now the suspense is over.

When I was asked to do a review for Baby Cribs, I originally had Alanna is mind.  I let her pick what she thought would be fun, and when the box arrived, it was Alanna that ripped it open. 

Alanna LOVES her Zoobie Pet, but so does her brother.  What is a Zoobie Pet?  Its a stuffed animal, blanket and pillow in one.  Alanna choose Taj the Tiger.  At first he is a stuffed animal that you can play with and snuggle with.  The fur is super soft, and perfect for Ben to cuddle with after his bath while watching some TV before bed. 

I love that the blanket zips into the pouch.  It makes it easy to fold and put away.  The blanket is big enough for Alanna to be covered from head to toe, Ben likes the blanket because it is super soft and fun to cuddle with.  

Both the kids love the idea that stuffed animal turns into a blanket and pillow.  They just thought that was the neatest thing,  Taj the Tiger comes in many, many different animal some being a panda, orangutan, cheetah, polar bear, koala, baboon, wildebeast, water buffalo, turkey, caterpillar and much more. I love all the different animals, so unique.  

Ordering from Baby Cribs was super easy and fast too.  I got my order just a few days after the order was placed.  It arrived on my doorstep wrapped up neat.

Taj the Tiger and his friends would be a great thing to take on long car rides.  With 3 kids the van is always packed to the max.  This way each child will have a toy to play with and a pillow or blanket to use on the way.

The Great Mouse Detective, Mystery in the Mist

Alanna is into scary movies lately.  Nothing too scary, but kid scary like Coraline, or The Witches. 

When I was offered the opportunity to watch The Great Mouse Detective, I jumped on it because I knew Alanna would love it.

The story takes place in London in 1897.  The evil Professor Ratigan kidnaps the toymaker.  The toymakers daughter Olivia is left behind, and befriends a Mr Dawson.  Together they seek out Basil of Baker Street.  He is the Sherlock Holmes of all of Mousedom.

When Olivia is taken by Ratigan to persuade her father to preform the evil plan against the Queen of Mousedom, Dawson and Basil must work together to save both the toymaker and his daughter.

After the movie Alanna looked at me and said, "I didn't think they would be able to save her, momma, they did and thats a great movie." 

The movie, The Great Mouse Detective is digitally restored and has special bonus features.
~New "So you think you can Sleuth" Game
~The making of The Great Mouse Detective
~"The World's Greatest Criminal Mind" Sing-Along Song
~Dylan and Cole Sprouse: Blu-ray is Suite!
~Learn how to take your favorite movies on the go.

If you have a suspense seeker or a Sherlock Holmes on your hand, this movie would be great for all ages.

coming soon!

I feel like a little girls jumping up and down wanting to share everything with you, all my awesome readers.

I have been asked to do a really fun review!  I think you're gonna enjoy it.  Check back soon for more information.

In the mean time here is a clue.  Check out Baby Cribs and look around, can you guess what I will be reviewing?

and NO I am not pregnant.  Thats not even funny!

Miley Says Goodbye?

As you all know I have a little Hannah Montana on my hands with Hannah always pretending to be a super star.  Hannah Montana has been a regular in our house for a couple years now.  When I got the opportunity to see the season finale before it came to TV, my little Hannah was super excited.  Following her big sister, Alanna was more than thrilled when she came home from school to see the movie siting on the table waiting to be watched.

The DVD contains all the episodes from the season so if you missed an episode or have a favorite you can catch up or watch it over and over.  I usually sit down with my girls to watch TV together but there were a few episodes I missed so we caught up together. 

The finale episode, Miley is having dreams about Blue Jeans (her horse) talking to her.  She then realizes that she is having these crazy dreams because she is missing Tennessee.  She tells her dad she wants to move back "home".  After letting that decision sink in Miley realizes that she will be leaving many things including her best friend Lily.  Miley is torn with the urge to go home and the urge to stay where she is.  Will she leave Hannah Montana behind?  That I won't tell you, you have to watch the ending to see for yourself.

Hannah Montana is shown on the Disney channel and you can also find the the season 3 finale along with the entire season on the DVD Miley Says Goodbye?  on sale now in stores.

The Princess and the Frog

I was very excited when I got the chance to watch The Princess and the Frog.  I was excited to see the colors and the energy from Mardi Gras and also the fun new characters.

I love how Disney has different story lines for the movies, yet it seems that all the deep down values lead you back to family. 

When the movie arrived in the mail, we had a family movie night complete with blankets on the floor, popcorn and juice.  The bright colors and fun songs kept Ben entertained, and the great story kept the rest of us wanting more.

New characters are introduced from the biggest of the crocodiles in the bayou to the smallest lighting bugs.  The movie has laughter, happiness, sadness and tears.  It also shows that being a good strong person is what matters in the end.
The DVD also contains bonus features, including.
-Deleted Scenes
-Audio Commentary by John Musker and Ron Clements (co-writers and directors) and Peter Del Vecho (producer)
-“Never Knew I Needed”- Music video by Ne-Yo
-Games and Activities

The Blu-ray Combo Pack edition comes with additional bonus features, including:
-Backstage Disney
- Magic In The Bayou: The Making of A Princess
-Bringing Life to Animation with an introduction by John Musker and Ron Clements.
- Conjuring The Villain
-The Princess and the Animator
-Disney’s Newest Princess
-The Return To Hand Drawn Animation
-The Disney Legacy
-Deleted Scenes introduced by the filmmakers
-Art Galleries

The movie was released on March 16 in stores.  This would make a great Easter gift, or just a because gift.

Old Dogs

2 of my favorite actors are John Travolta and Robin Williams.  Finding them in a movie together, I instantly knew that would spell F.U.N.N.Y.

The movie's focus is Robin Williams who is a successful older bachelor who finds out that he is a father to 7 year old twins he has never met.  When their mother played by Kelly Preston has to go to jail for 2 weeks, the kids are left with their "new" dad.

John Travolta who plays the best friend and business partner is not happy when Robin Williams and the kids have to stay with him because Williams lives in a NO CHILDREN community.

I love how this movie shows the father relationship with the kids.  You don't often see a dad trying to complete all the "kids list" of things to do.  Especially when they are in the middle of one of the biggest business deals of their life.  The dad really focuses on the kids and I think thats important to see in our real life day to day busy-ness

Minnie's Bow-Tique

Since our trip to Disney World a couple years ago, Alanna has loved all things Minnie.  She watches Mickey Mouse Club House to see what Minnie is doing and if she is having fun with Mickey Mouse.  With that being said, she was overly excited when I told her about Minnie's Bow-Tique.

When Minnie has her grand opening of her new store, she has something to offer to everyone, well except maybe Pete.  Pete needs a present for his Aunt Mabel and has no idea what to buy for her.  With the help from Alanna, Minnie and friends Pete picks out the most special gift.


This movie is perfect for the little girl in your life.  It also features additional episodes of Minnie's Bee Story, Minnie's Picnic and Minnie's Pajama Party.  Just like the Bow-Tique, there is something for every little girl to enjoy!

Will you be my Valentine?

If you have walked through the stores lately you have seen most if not all the Christmas decorations are gone and they are being replaced with Red, White and Pink..the colors of love according to Valentines Day!

I tend to struggle with Valentine's Day..Do I get the kids something to show my love (something that I do on a daily basis as is), candy is certainly out of the question..there is still Halloween candy sitting in big bowls begging to be thrown out. With 3 kids there are enough stuffed animals to line the entire earth..maybe twice. SO I have this problem of what to get the kids each year. That was until I was offered a review on a movie. The perfect movie for your little Valentine.

Winnie the Pooh, A Valentine for YOU (Special Edition)

Pooh and Friends are back and this time they are sharing the love in the 100 acre woods. There are 3 stories to choose from on the one DVD: "A Valentine for You", "Un-Valentine's Day", and "My Hero"

My favorite was Un-Valentine's Day. Rabbit complains that he had so many Valentine cards from last year that he didn't know what to do with, this year he doesn't want to do anything and wants to cancel Valentine's Day. All the friends agree, but of course it can't be that easy. I love how the movies teach about friendship and love and happiness.

This movie has really gotten Alanna ready for Valentine's Day. She wants to make her own cards this year for all the kids in her class. She has already started collecting her favorite things to glue to each special card.

This movie would be a great gift for your little Valentine, and its on shelves now in stores near you.

Wizards of Waverly Place, The Movie

Hannah loves Wizards of Waverly Place and when Disney decided to come out with a full length movie, she was super excited. Alex, Justin and Max are 3 wizard siblings in training. Their parents take them on an awesome Hawaiian vacation. But when Alex and her mom argue about Alex's limitations while in Hawaii, Alex casts a spell that she wishes her parents never met. As soon as she realizes that her spell worked she regrets it. Its a race against time for Alex and her 2 brothers to reverse the spell before they lose the chance to get things back in order.

I really enjoy Disney films because they are at just the right level for Hannah. I never have to worry if the next scene will be inappropriate or to scary for her. I also enjoy the suspense that the films put you through, wondering if they actually will "win" in the end.

Wizards of Waverly Place, The Movie came out on December 15 and will be a great way to spend all the gift cards we get at Christmas time. And for a limited time the movie will come with a Color-Changing Wishing Stone and Clip.