Real Moms Real Views

On the Move! {Moveboxer.com}

In the almost 12 years that I have been married, we have moved a total of 4 times.  In my opinion, that is about 4 times too many!!  I love the idea of a new house, redecorating, getting new furniture…you know all of the things that go with moving.  But I hate, HATE the packing, loading and moving the boxes part of moving.   Not that I am planning a move anytime soon, but  have found the site that I will use if/when I do move.  Moveboxer is an amazing site that takes a lot of the pain out of moving.  All you have to do is fill in a few blanks and you get 3 quotes from reputable movers (so you have no worries about the company).  Think it sounds too good to be true….even better, it’s FREE!

“Moveboxer gives people an instant ballpark estimate for their move, lets them compare mover reviews, and gives them a list of up to three reputable movers to contact them. Moveboxer features a moving resource center that answers many questions for customers about staying organized, moving breakables, and preparing children for upcoming moves. Moveboxer is proud to work with only the most reputable moving companies to connect them with their users. Once someone has chosen a mover, they can connect with partner site Lockboxer, which helps them sell, donate, and inventory their things for the move. Moveboxer helps people compare moving companies, look for moving services, get a move quote, and helps them with cross country, interstate moves.”

All of this moving talk has made me think about a few of our moves.  When we moved to California from Utah, I was pregnant with Hailee.  I drove the 10 hours alone while I followed Josh in the U Haul.  On the move back home, it was the same story, this time the move included a 6 month old baby.  There were hours of straight crying.  I would love to have my whole family in the car with me as we move.  I would love to be able to take a little extra time in the move to actually enjoy it instead of worrying about where I was going to park everything I own.  My next big dread/fear in moving would be that we filled the biggest U Haul last time we moved.  We now have 3 more children, who all have their own rooms with their own beds, dressers, and closets full of clothes.  I would love to be able to tell someone how many rooms we have and they could tell us what we need and how much it would cost!

Another one of my favorite things about the Moveboxer site is, there is a whole section of moving tips.   There are tips from moving breakables, things to know before moving, and staying organized while moving.  But they also have tips for picking a new school for your kids, a moving check list, and tips for having a successful yard sale before the big move.  You heard right, Moveboxer has everything you need all in one site…minus the duct tape!  Moveboxer is Real Mom Approved!!

 

 

Gonna Make You Sweat! {Dance Dance Revolution II}

About 11 years ago, my hubby and I were at a “fun center” in California.  While waiting to play mini golf, we got our first peek at the hot new game Dance Dance Revolution.  There was a 30 something man shaking it like nobody’s business.  He was completely drenched in  sweat…enough so that he had brought his own towel with him.  Standing behind the sweaty man dancing was a line of people waiting to play.  11 years later….a few things change.  We weren’t in California, we were in my basement.  It wasn’t a sweaty man dancing, it was my 10 year old daughter…no, she didn’t have her sweat drenched towel with her.  One thing that was the same was that there was a line.  My kids and neighbor kids lined up in the basement to take their turn shaking it down on Dance Dance Revolution II for the Wii.

The game is super easy to set up.  Pop the game in the Wii and plug the dance mat in a wha-la!  Ready to dance!  The game was perfect for all of my children…Mia (my 4 year old) struggled a little bit.  The easy mode is really easy….easy enough that even I could do it.  The hard is exactly that, VERY hard.  The amount of steps you are supposed to do and all at the same time?!  I would be that crazy, sweaty, thirty something if I even attempted that!  The graphics are great, the characters are fun but the music is the best!  Some of my favorites are Whip Your Hair, Just the Way You Are, and you can’t leave out The Spice Girls.  My girls loved that Selena Gomez and Justin Beber were on there, too.  There are over 80 fun songs to dance to!!

“The Dance Dance Revolution II Bundle Wii offers endless enjoyment for kids with its amazing user interface. The Kids Dance Video game. DDR II is back and better than ever with this incredible follow-up to the game that ruled parties. This popular Dance Game with Game mat features newly added music, moves and modes that guarantee to get your feet dancing. The latest version of this multiplayer dance game features 80 top chartbusters. This game includes a workout mode which displays your stats and fitness routine. This game can be personalized to suit your preferences. The full master tracks included in the multiplayer dance game offers a complete workout routine. The all new dance characters and easy operation make this game a must have for the young and young at heart.

Dance Dance Revolution II Wii Bundle:
  • Features over 80 songs including today’s hottest pop hits.
  • Includes full master tracks for a complete workout
  • Allows a single player to play on two mat controllers Check out our classic Workout
  • Added all-new dance characters
  • Compatible with your Mii’s”

Click here to see a sneak peek Dance Dance Revolution.

Not only was it a super fun night to spend with my kids, but it kept them up and moving.  We didn’t sit in front of the TV for hours playing games, we stood in front of it increasing our heart rate and getting some great exercise.  This is a fantastic game to get you up and moving!  Real Mom and Family Approved!!

 

May’s Menu at Souplantation/Sweet Tomatoes {Great American Road Trip}

We just LOVE Sweet Tomatoes. It’s the perfect place to take the whole family and enjoy a healthier meal than fast food.

This month they are featuring the Great American Road Trip and some yummy choices.

Check out May’s Menu:

May 1-6                                                                                                       

• Sonoma Spinach Salad with Honey Dijon Vinaigrette

• Chesapeake Corn Chowder                                                     

• Santa Fe Black Bean Chili                                                       

• Pennsylvania Peanut Butter & Chocolate Chip Muffins

May 9-13

• Monterey Blue Salad with Peanuts

• U.S. Senate Bean & Ham Soup

• Texas Longhorn Beef Chili

• Key Largo Key Lime & Coconut Muffins

May 16-20                                                                                                

• California Cobb Salad with Bacon                         

• El Paso Lime & Chicken Chili                         

• Yankee Clipper Clam Chowder                       

• Georgia Peach Poppy Seed Muffins

May 23-29    

  • Ragin’ Cajun Salad with Chicken

• Buffalo Chicken Soup

• Big Chunk Chicken Noodle Soup

  • French Quarter Praline Muffins                         

 

Plus, during Cinco de Mayo weekend (May 4-6), the restaurants will be featuring Albondigas Locas soup, and over Memorial Day weekend (May 25-28), they’ll feature Red Velvet Lava Cake!

Plus you can snag a 99 cent kids meal by printing the activity sheet below:

Take the family tonight and Enjoy!

Chuggington: Wilson & The Ice Cream Fair on DVD May 15th! {Giveaway}

My little guy had the opportunity to check out Chuggington: Wilson & The Ice Cream Fair on DVD first hand this week!  With excitement we popped it in and settled in for a fun adventure with Wilson the “Red Train” as my son calls him.  He joined Wilson as he headed to the ice cream fair, helps create a new flavor of ice cream, and helps prevent an ice cream meltdown on the hottest day of the year.  My little chugger loved this episode and yours will too!  I love Chuggington because it always has valuable lessons taught within the episodes. From problem solving to overcoming fears, it comes REAL MOM RECOMMENDED!

Boy oh Boy Chuggers…

Chuggington: Wilson & The Ice Cream Fair hits shelves on May 15th

and we have the opportunity to giveaway one to a lucky RMRV readers little chugger!

Here’s how to enter to win it:

{Mandatory entry}

Tell us your little chuggers favorite train featured on the hit Disney show Chuggington?

Once the mandatory entry is complete, you can gain additional entries from the following:

5 entries-Add RMRV to Google+

2 entries- “Like” RMRV on Facebook.

3 entries- Subscribe to RMRV emails.

2 entries- Follow RMRV on Twitter.

Unlimited entries per day- Tweet this giveaway!

5 entries- Blog about this entry and leave us the link.

You have until May 15th @ 11:59 PM EDT to enter the giveaway. All giveaways are open to USA only.

 

The Crazy Duo is Back At It Again {Tom and Jerry: Around the World DVD Review}

Poor Tom can’t get a break.  You would think he would learn after chasing that crazy Jerry round for the last 72 years (that’s right…Tom and Jerry were created in 1940, who knew?!)  that he isn’t ever going to catch that little rodent.  Oh well!  In this DVD, the dynamic duo share some of their best adventures from around the globe.

“Pack your suitcases and renew those passports! Tom& Jerry: Around the World is your first-class ticket to an entertaining, globe-trekking adventure. An exciting voyage with the popular cat and mouse duo awaits in this 22-cartoon collection consisting of classic theatrical shorts and episodes from Tom& Jerry Tales.

It’s Bon Voyage for Tom and Jerry as they duke it out as competing streets performers in the Big Apple in Way-Off Broadway. Tom chases Jerry through the streets of Naples in Neapolitan Mouse. In Flamenco Fiasco, the dueling duo find themselves in Spain where Tom shows off his fancy footwork as he engages in a very competitive Flamenco dance competition. It’s a trip Down Under in Kangadoofuswhere Jerry takes refuge with a kangaroo mother and her joeys in an effort to ditch Tom.  In Freaky Tiki, it’s “Aloha” for Tom and Jerry as they relax on a Hawaiian beach and find themselves entering an active volcano where they encounter Pele, the goddess of flames. Next it’s off to Tinseltown where Tom conducts a symphony orchestra in Tom & Jerry in the Hollywood Bowl. These and several other captivating adventures are featured on this must-own release.
“It’s a lot of fun to see these two iconic characters out of their typical environment and in new and exciting settings. What is equally exciting is that you get over two hours of international high-jinks and an Ultraviolet digital copy of the whole release” said Mary Ellen Thomas, WHV Executive Marketing Director of Non-Theatrical Franchise. She added, “Tom and Jerry fans of all ages will want to add this title to their DVDlibraries. It’s a collection that’s not to be missed.”
Originally created by William Hanna and Joseph Barbera, Tom and Jerry centers on the never-ending rivalry between Tom the cat and Jerry the mouse. The plots of each short usually center on Tom’s attempts to capture Jerry. Jerry however, is clever and quick on his feet so Tom hardly ever manages to catch him. The original series is notable for having won the Academy Award® for Best Short Subject: Cartoon seven times.”
Featured Shorts:
 
  • Way-Off   Broadway
  • Martian Mice
  • Medieval  Menace
  • Abracadumb
  • The  Million Dollar Cat
  • Din-O-sores
  • Invasion of the Body Slammers
  • I  Dream of Meanie
  • Neapolitan Mouse
  • Kitty Hawked
  • Flamenco Fiasco
  • You’re Lion
  • Kangadoofus
  • Monkey Chow
  • Freaky Tiki
  • Monster Con
  • Royal Cat Nap
  • Spaced Out Cat
  • The Two Mouseketeers
  • Tom and Jerry in the Hollywood Bowl
  • Johann Mouse
  • Treasure Map Scrap

It doesn’t matter how many times my kids watch these two duke it out, they think it is just as funny as the first time  The crazy things this silly cat tries just to get is meal is ridiculous!  Real Mom Approved!

Let it Grow {Miracle-Gro Kids Kit Review}

I love the idea of a garden.  I don’t love all of the time and work that goes into it…I am secretly grateful for that pesky gopher that has been living in my backyard (preventing our garden planting) for the last two years.  So when the opportunity came to have a tiny little garden in my kitchen, we went for it!  Miracle-Gro sent a Disney Mickey Mouse Greenhouse for us to try out our green thumbs on.

“The Disney Mickey Mouse Greenhouse from Miracle-Gro® Kids boasts the iconic shape of the most famous mouse in the world!  Kids will enjoy the fun of growing a bountiful vegetable garden with the Miracle-Gro® Gro-Pod™ system.”

I talked my kids into waiting a day or two after delivery to start the growing…that way Josh could do all of the work and I could take pictures.  The instructions were very easy to follow and before long the kids had Mickey all put together and they were ready to plant the seeds.  The kit came with 3 different kids of seeds, soil, and a planting sticks.  Josh helped dig the holes while the kids very carefully dropped the seeds in the holes.  Mia got to put the labeling sticks in the cups, so we would remember what had been planted in each cup.  She was very impressed with the Mickey and Goofy ones.  With one last drink of water, the lid was placed over the top and the greenhouse was placed in the kitchen window.

About 3 weeks later, we have some baby tomato plants and cucumber plants growing in our cute little terrarium.  We only had to water them once or twice because the moisture collected on the top and would keep the plants moist.  Every morning the kids all take a good peek at their plants and have shown them off to their friends.  They can’t wait to finally have veggies on their plants…we better plan on replanting them before them.

Gardening isn’t just for Grandpa…kids can do it, too.  They were thrilled as Josh taught them about how the green house worked and how the plants were going to grow.  What a wonderful way to teach kids about gardening.  Miracle-Gro also has all kids of other fun kids gardening kits. Real Mom Approved!!

Family Game Night {Star Wars Pod Fighters Review and Bop-It XT Review and Giveaway}

If your kids are anything like mine, they LOVE to have family time.  They like family dinner, movies but most of all…family game night. Ii will admit that it is sometimes hard to get motivated to play games with 4 kids.  Like anything else, once I have gotten over the initial “hassle” of playing, we always have a fun time.  We have a new addition to family game night…Bop-It! XT.  This is such a fun, hand held game.

“It’s time to get moving. Can you keep up? When you turn it on, this totally cool Bop It game calls out commands. It’s up to you to “pull it”, “bop it”, “twist it” — or “flick it”, “spin it”, “shake it”! Can you keep up as the tempo revs?

Play Bop It! XT in party mode or solo — you can even plug in your headphones to keep the game all to yourself. Get it right and you can keep going, but if you get the moves wrong, your turn is up. Think you’ve got what it takes to beat it? Then, start the action!”

I love this game because you can play alone (practice :) ) or you can play with others.  Everyone has their own form, way to hold it, and way to play.  I hold it upside down and backwards and give it a good shake when I hear “shake it.”  This is an easy enough game that my 4 year old can do it, not many times in a row, but it also is a good competition between my and my hubby!  Super fun in a group!!

I feel like I am out of the loop when it comes to boys toys…this just proved my point!  Austin was sent a single pack of Star Wars Fighter Pods.

“Micro heroes, mega battles! Iconic Star Wars characters get a collectible new gaming twist with this awesome FIGHTER PODS pack! Use your pods to knock down as many figures as possible. Spin, launch or roll your pods into battle! When you need extra “power” to prevail, connect your pods together, or place your figures on top or inside of them!”

I had no idea what it was, he opened it and called it by name.  He played with his single character and the “pod” it came in for a few days non stop.  He slept with it in his hand, took it to school and played with it in the car.  It wasn’t long before he was asking if he could trade his Princess Leia with a friend from school.  His friend informed him of all of the other characters available and he came home making requests.  “Can I get the box that is about this big with about 16 people in it and it cost $19.98″  Using his own money, he proudly purchased his big box.  Now we have all kinds of these fun little guys and he STILL loves them.  I wish there was a carrying case for them, though!

Want to Win Your Own Bop-It! XT??

Here is how to enter to win-

Here’s how you can enter to win them!

Mandatory First Entry: Let us know what your favorite family game night game is.

Bonus Entries:
1 Entry: LIKE Hasbro on Facebook
1 Entry: Follow Hasbro on Twitter
1 entry: Follow RMRV by google friends connect
1 entry: Follow RMRV by email subscription or RSS Feed
1 entry per day: Tweet this giveaway!

{You have until April 27th @ 11:59 P.M. to enter this giveaway. This giveaway is only open to the U.S.A}

It’s Time To Play The Music! {The Muppets on Blu-Ray + DVD + Digital Copy}

“Muppet domination continues with a hilarious new movie from Walt Disney Studios. Jason Segel, Academy Award® nominee Amy Adams (Best Performance By An Actress In a Supporting Role, JUNEBUG, 2005, DOUBT, 2008, THE FIGHTER, 2010) and Academy Award winner Chris Cooper (Best Performance By An Actor In A Supporting Role, ADAPTATION, 2002) join everyone’s favorite Muppets and an all-star celebrity cast in a comic adventure for the whole family. While on vacation in Los Angeles, Walter, the world’s biggest Muppet fan, his brother Gary, and friend Mary uncover the diabolical plot of a greedy oil millionaire to destroy the Muppet Theater. Now, the Muppet-loving trio must reunite Kermit, Miss Piggy, Fozzie Bear and their friends to stage the greatest Muppet telethon ever and save their beloved theater. The gang is back together again in a must-own movie full of irresistible music and family fun. Bring home the biggest Muppet adventure ever on Disney Blu-ray™ and DVD!” -Disney

The Gang of Muppets are back and can be in your home today on Blu-Ray + DVD + Digital Copy!!! I remember The Muppets as a kid I loved them. So I was very excited to introduce them for the first time to my little ones.

Boy, was my son excited when this film arrived for us to review!  We popped it in and settled in for a fun movie night. We laughed and laughed and laughed some more! Wocka Wocka. A great family film, one that you definitely want in your home collection!

Follow Walter and his brother as they head to California for a vacation and come to find out that the Muppets will be losing their theatre if that cannot come up with millions of dollars. They then head to Kermit the Frogs house and tell him what is going on.  They then round up all the old Muppet gang and set out to get a Television Station to host their telethon to raise money.  A few hiccups along the way and they are live and raising money! You will have to watch the film to see how it all ends. :)

Our favorite bonus features included the longest blooper reel ever made-which we laughed over and over again to, and of course Disney Intermission.  When you pause the film you are entertained by the Muppets. My son loved this feature and sometimes paused it over and over again to enjoy it! I now find him singing the songs “man or a muppet” and “it’s time to play the music” over and over everyday.

You can pick up The Muppets at your local retailer Now!

Everyday Storage Solutions! {Scout Review}

I was instantly smitten when I stumbled upon the SCOUT website! Offering everything from colorful bags, trendy luggage and clever storage solutions, I spent quite a bit of time taking it all in and making a dreamy SCOUT wishlist! So many beautiful and smart products available all at one place for an affordable price. Definitely got a bookmark before I left!

It all started with the idea of a colorful, durable bag, full of style but not too expensive. There was room in the market for something new. So in 2004, we did our first show in Atlanta, GA with four tote bag styles in four patterns. Today, the line has grown to over four hundred items encompassing, totes, storage containers, insulated items, travel, and flooring.

The personality of the line is about being unpredictable–it’s about finding a comfortable way of living that’s not too serious, but one that makes you feel good about being there.

We believe that when you invite Scout into your life–whether it’s toting or storing your stuff–it becomes a better place. So celebrate your stuff–find a pattern and product that fits the way you want to live. Because once Scout is in your life, you’ll see how it makes sense for the times and the way you want to live.

With Spring Cleaning in full swing around our house, I was thrilled to receive a Bungalow Junque Trunk from SCOUT! The Junque Trunk is a water resistant, collapsible storage bin with handles on the sides perfect for almost anything! It is available in several different color schemes and patterns; we decided on the Ombre Charles pattern. Brightly colored stripes are perfect for Ava’s room, where I knew it was going to be placed. Ava has more stuffed animals than we can count and even after sifting through them and donating a bag full, we still needed more storage. They are her favorite toys and she plays with them constantly so putting them away is not an option. The Bungalow Junque Trunk is perfect. It is a great size, holding lots of her stuffed animals. I love that there is no lid and she can put things in and out no problem by herself! The Bungalow Junque Trunk has been a fabulous addition to Ava’s room, offering a great storage solution to what I know is a common problem in many homes!

scoutbybungalowShort Description:

  • Collapsible for Easy Handling and Storage
  • Reinforced Riveted Handles for Weight Bearing
  • Water Resistant
  • Wipe Clean

Long Description:

Junque Trunk (jahnk trahnk) n.
1. Storage solution for any and all material things. 2. Often found where humans accumulate stuff. 3. Keeps college kids organized.

Make sure to keep up with the latest news and product information straight from SCOUT by “liking” them on Facebook and following them on Twitter!

SCOUT by Bungalow is Real Mom Recommended!

Hopping Easter Fun! {HOP Blu-Ray + DVD Review & Giveaway}

Released just in time for the Easter Holiday, HOP is sure to delight your little ones if it happens to appear in their Easter Baskets amongst their chocolate bunnies and sweet candy chicks!

From the makers of Despicable Me comes an all-new comedy about candy, chicks and rock n roll! HOP! He was destined to be the Easter Bunny, but all he wanted to do was rock! When teenage E.B. (voiced by Russell Brand) leaves for Hollywood in pursuit of his dream to become a rockstar drummer, he meets Fred (James Marsden), an out-of-work slacker with his own lofty goals. Together the two encounter a series of hilarious mishaps and misadventures and in the end help each other recognize the importance of family.

I was seriously counting down the days until the DVD release of HOP. That may sound absolutely silly, but I was never able to see it in the theatres and have only heard wonderful things about the movie! {You better believe I was green with envy when my mom took ava to see it last year!} When we got our copy, we couldn’t get it in the DVD player fast enough. I don’t know who was more excited, the kids or myself! Okay, I’ll admit it, I WAS! Ha! And I have to say, I love when a movie lives up to my expectations! HOP is a darling story about how through a fun and adventurous chain of events, the first human Easter bunny comes to be! There are strong messages about  friendship, second chances, loyalty, and family; with a lot of humor and adorable characters, of course! Russel Brand is the perfect voice for E.B., so cheeky! I adore James Marsden and Kaley Cuoco; they make a perfect brother sister duo! This movie had the perfect cast and a great storyline! It really is a great Easter movie and has definitely become a favorite around our house this Easter season!

COMBO PACK EXCLUSIVE FEATURES

All-New Mini-Movie!

Digital Copy of Hop (expires 8/27/2012)

Includes UltraViolet™ (download/redeem by 8/27/2012)

Carlos on Carlos: The Premiere According to Carlos

Emotion in Motion: The Dance of Ken Daurio

Post Coup Commentary: Carlos & Phil Tell All

Games: E.B.’s Candy Challenge, Drum Along, Pink Beret Skill Tester

U-Control™ Features: Hop Tweets, Pink Beret Tracker

pocket BLU™: Remote Control, Keyboard, Mobile-to-Go, Video Timeline

BD-Live™: Access The BD-Live™ Center Through Your Internet-Connected Player to Get

Even More Bonus Content, Watch The Latest Trailers, and Share Your Favorite Scenes with Friends!

HOP is available online as well as at your local retailers!

HOP is Real Mom Recommended!

We are giving one Real Mom the chance to win a HOP Easter pack!

HOP Blu-ray Combo Pack (Blu-ray+DVD+Digital Copy)

 HOP Book Meet the Easter Bunny

HOP Book Chicks vs. Bunnies

Here’s how to enter to win:

{Mandatory entry}

If you have seen this movie….tell us your favorite scene? If you haven’t share your Easter plans with us or share your favorite easter basket treat?

Once the mandatory entry is complete, you can gain additional entries from the following:

5 entries-Add RMRV to Google+

2 entries- “Like” RMRV on Facebook.

3 entries- Subscribe to RMRV emails.

2 entries- Follow RMRV on Twitter.

Unlimited entries per day- Tweet this giveaway!

5 entries- Blog about this entry and leave us the link.

You have until April 18th @ 11:59 PM EDT to enter the giveaway. All giveaways are open to USA only.

We love showcasing the best products and companies to our fabulous readers. We are PR friendly and welcome all pitches. Would you like to see your product featured here on Real Moms Real Views through a product review, feature, or giveaway? It's simple, contact us and we will chit chat.

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