Fun With Friends {Bob the Builder and Thomas & Friends DVD review}

All aboard and Let’s build!!! My little guy LOVES his movies! I really have to get creative to divert his attention when he constantly asks to watch movies… since I really try to limit his TV time. However, there are some times he gets lucky and gets to watch… like when I need to make dinner and no amount of “helping with the dishes” works! We were generously sent 2 new DVDs to try out from Lionsgate and HIT to add to our collection. We are big fans of Thomas and Bob and I was so excited to add these to our collection. We were sent “Thomas & Friends: Engine Friends Classic Collection 2 Disc Set and Bob the Builder: Adventures by the Sea.

Thomas & Friends: Engine Friends Classic Collection 2 Disc Set

All aboard for some of the most memorable stories of friendship from the Island of Sodor! Join Thomas and his friends and learn how the Steam Team first came together; how Percy became Thomas’ best friend, and how every engine tries to be Really Useful! The greatest destinations are often those closest to home…as long as you have your Engine Friends.

All aboard to the adventure of imagination! This collection is fantastic, and, if you have a Thomas & Friends fan at your house, is one you won’t want to be without! This is a great collection of classic Thomas & Friends. It is the “old school” animation that I grew up with as a kid. It was very nostalgic watching this great DVD! Took me right back to childhood!! My little guy loved it too! He loves Thomas and this DVD didn’t disappoint. I loved that it is packed with episodes… 2o!!… that will keep “little engineers” entertained for hours! I also really love the wholesome way that each episode teaches about being kind, respectful, brave and the importance of being a good friend!This collection also includes a great bonus section with fun games, a scrapbook and puzzle fun. Run time is 149 minutes. This collection retails for $16.98.

Bob the Builder: Adventures by the Sea

Bob the Builder™ and his machine team “sea” lots of new ways to work together to get jobs done in and around Fixham Harbor in these five exciting stories. Scoop must make a creative seaside rescue to get the lighthouse lens shining again! Scratch realizes that admitting mistakes is the best way to be cool; the team comes to the rescue when Muck’s sandcastle compromises their big job. Scrambler shows that the key to bravery is admitting your fears. Bob and the Can-Do Crew get the job done and find success by the sea with sand, water, sun and friends!

Can we build it?? Yes we can!! We love Bob the Builder at our house! There is always adventure to be had and this DVD didn’t disappoint! In the 5 great episodes, great life lessons are learned, such as the importance of facing fears, correcting mistakes, doing good work and always getting the job done. The awesome team helps each other and always gets the job done, along with making sure everyone is happy in the end! There is also a great Bonus section with 2 music videos!! This DVD is sure to please the “little digger” in your home! Run time is 60 minutes. This DVD retails for $9.98.

Both DVD collections are available where other HIT and Lionsgate media are available!

Audrey May 22, 2012 PRODUCT REVIEWS children, dvd, entertainment, kids, television

Splish Splashin’ in Rainy Day Puddles! {BOGS Boots Review}

Rain Rain Go Away! That’s what most of us are thinking and saying, while my son is thinking the opposite. He is happily splashing around in rain puddles in his new BOGS boots!

We were asked if we would like to review a pair of boots from BOGS and my answer way YES! My son loves boots. He currently was still wearing his buzz lightyear snow boots to play in the rain. His feet were always soaked when he came in. When our new BOGS boots arrived we were both very excited. These boots are fabulous for kids. The first feature that this mom loves is the easy pull on handles. He can throw them on in no time at all and with no help from mom. They feature a very solid sole and the gripping on them is awesome. No slipping in these boots and no wet soggy socks. Waterproof at it’s finest. The rubber is very durable and these boots are sure to last until he out grows them. He loves them and would wear them everyday and everywhere if I would let him. :0)

BOGS has so many fun boots for Men, Women, and Kids! Colorful and Fun for anyone in your family.

BOGS Boots come REAL MOM RECOMMENDED!

You can shop the BOGS Collection online.

Happy Puddle Splashin’!

Hollie May 17, 2012 PRODUCT REVIEWS boots, family shoes, kids, kids boots, kids shoes, shoes

Keepin’ It Clean {Lollibar Review & Giveaway}

One thing that is in my baby-supply-buying near future is a stroller and car seat. Can you believe I am 36 1/2 weeks and don’t have those yet? OOPS! I have shopped though and know just what I want.

One thing I have recently learned though is how important it is to have washable things. I guess I always knew how messy babies and kids are I just never thought about needing a stroller and car seat that are easily cleaned. (I know! I know! You guys are all saying, “Wow! This chick is in for a big surprise.” I am sure I am! ha ha)

Did you know babies like to chew on the bar of a stroller? Did you know kids have germy hands and like to touch the bar of the stroller? That is why it is important to be able to and keep your stroller clean…protect your precious ones!

Lollibar is a removable and washable cover for your baby’s handlebar on their stroller. This makes keeping your kids safe from the nasties, easier! At each end there is a cute little ruffle and a loop. You can attach toys and/or accessories to keep them from falling on the gross ground.

Not only do you keep baby safe from the nasties, you can add some pizzazz to your stroller. Lollibar has some really cute patterns!!

I received the Miles of Tiles Lollibar. It is going to look super cute on that perfect stroller that I have picked out and plan on getting before this baby comes. I can hardly wait to give baby a safe place to chew on and touch. I will just slip it off and clean it regularly and my baby will be cruising in style and safety.

Today, one lucky reader will have the chance to win…

a Lollibar in their choice of pattern! ($28 value)

Want to win? Here is how to enter:

Mandatory 1st Entry:

Go to Lollibar and tell us what pattern you would like if you won.

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

3 entries-Follow RMRV on Pinterest

2 entries- “Like” RMRV on Facebook.

2 entries- “Like” Lollibar on Facebook

3 entries-Subscribe to RMRV emails.

3 entries: Follow RMRV Google+.

2 entries – Follow RMRV on Twitter.

1 entry per day-Tweet this giveaway and leave us your tweet url.

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

10 entries- Purchase a Lollibar

Lollibar is Real Moms recommended!!

You have until May 31st @ 11:59 PM EDT to enter the giveaway. Open to USA only.

Crissa May 17, 2012 PRODUCT REVIEWS WITH GIVEAWAYS Baby, children, kids, strollers

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!!

Erin May 17, 2012 PRODUCT REVIEWS children, Dance Dance Revolultion, DDR, entertainment, Family, kids, toys, Wii

Diggin’ In the Dirt {Cat Preschool Bump & Go Dump Truck review}

Summer is almost here!! While we still are having a few blistery days, I feel that the heat is just right around the corner. We are getting the umbrella ready, I stocked up on 3 different kinds of sunscreens for my little guy, and the sandbox is out, loaded and ready to go! We are ready for summer! We were recently given the opportunity to add to toy collection! Toy State, makers of CAT Preschool machines, generously sent us one of their Bump & Go dump trucks (age 2+) to try out!

My kiddo LOVES trucks! Whenever he hears one go by outside, he points to the door and makes a “roaring noise,” like their engines!! This was the perfect toy for him! It is battery operated, (3 AAA which are included). You push a button on the top off the truck and off it goes. When it bumps into something, it stops, reverses, and heads in the other direction. The dump is fully functional too, so my tot can load up his blocks, or bear, or who ever needs to go for a ride at the moment! It is also GREAT outside in the sand… Hello! It is a CAT machine!!

I am expecting hours of fun loading up sand in the dump, driving across the sand, then dumping! It is great because it can be used inside or out, depending on how adventurous your little one is. And with summer right around the corner, what better addition to the collection than a cool truck that goes, has a mind of its own, but is still safe for little ones! It would also make a great gift if you need something for upcoming birthday parties! We LOVE our CAT Bump & Go! Thanks Toy State! The Bump & Go, as well as the full line of CAT and CAT Preschool toys can be found at retailers including Walmart, Kmart, Target and Toys R Us. I also found them on Amazon too!

Audrey May 15, 2012 PRODUCT REVIEWS children, kids, toys

Making Heathy Yummy! {Alternavites Review}

I take a multi vitamin every morning. It is AWFULL!! I am not sure if because it reminds me of the prenatals that I threw up over and over while I was pregnant or if it is the smell that gets me, but I gag on it every single morning when I take it. Why can’t they be coated in chocolate?!

AlternaVites is a kids vitamin, not coated in chocolate, but as close to candy as you can get. This pixi stick style vitamin is just what the doctor ordered! My kids were ASKING for their vitamins! We aren’t very good at making our kids take vitamins, only for the fact that I have bought more then one brand and my kids couldn’t choke down. That is why I was so impressed with AlternaVites. I had to give the vitamins a try for myself…just to make sure they weren’t hideous!

“AlternaVites-

Melts in your mouth
Comes in 2 awesome flavors – strawberry bubblegum & raspberry cotton candy
One packet per day
Has 0 grams of sugar
Free of aspartame and high fructose corn syrup
Contains no artificial sweeteners, colors, flavors or preservatives
Has no animal products or by-products
Does not contain egg, milk, peanut, tree nuts, wheat, soy, fish or shellfish*
Certified kosher pareve

alternaVites Kids’ crystal powder makes it one of the most versatile vitamin products on the market. Specially designed to fit easily into the way your family lives today, alternaVites Kids can be taken in so many ways. Our favorite way is to simply sprinkle alternaVites Kids slowly onto the tongue, where it melts quickly. However, you can also mix it into yogurts, puddings or smoothies, sprinkle it on top of fruit, lick it off a spoon – or be creative! The options are endless.

What’s more? You can rest assured you’re giving your children a high quality, potent multi loaded with the nutrients they need and without the additives they don’t. Now there are no more reasons to give your children chalky chewables or gummies that are high in sugar, low in nutrients and can stick to their teeth. Now there are no more excuses not to take vitamins with alternaVites Kids!”

No sugar, yummy, and healthy?! Seems a little too good to be true, huh? Be sure to give these a try! Real Mom Approved!

Erin May 11, 2012 PRODUCT REVIEWS health, kids, vitamins

Learning Together {Because Your Mommy Loves You review & giveaway}

There is nothing like the love between a mother and her son. As a mother of a son, I can personally attest to it… although I’m pretty sure it’s probably similar for daughters too! My little guy and I love reading together. I’ve been reading to him since he was only a couple months old, and I’m very happy that he has a great love for books, even at only 19 months. I do my very best to always stop what I’m doing when he brings me a book to read, and of course there are plenty of stories before bed too!

We were recently generously given the opportunity to add to our collection with a new title from Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, “Becuase your Mommy loves you.” This is a new companion book to “Because Your Daddy Loves You”.

When a little boy and his mom go camping, mini-disasters abound, and there are
lots of opportunities for Mom to step in and fix everything. But instead, with a loving
touch, this mommy shows her child ways to do things for himself, going far to encourage
her child’s independence. And there is still plenty of opportunity for snuggling
under the stars.
This warm and humorous testament to all the loving things a supportive mom does
each day is every bit as heartwarming as its predecessor and is sure to become a favorite
for families everywhere.

This is the sweetest little book! I loved the simple story line, so even youngsters like my little guy understand it! The adventures the little boy gets into are just what any little boy might encounter in the woods, so it would be a great addition for someone who loves being outside. Also, going into summer and camping season, what better way to teach your children about being independent than with a great book about hiking and camping adventures?! The illustrations are so clever too! They really bring the story to life and are funny too! There’s even a picture where, after the mommy helps her son make the perfect mashmallow roasting stick, hers breaks and falls off into the fire!! I am so looking forward to when my little guy can actually understand the adventures the book tells about, so that we can go on our own hiking and camping trip and be like the boy and his mommy! This is a great book from a great author and illustrator. Andrew Clements is the author of many best-selling books, among them the middle grade novel Frindle. He lives in Westborough, Massachusetts, and can be found at www.andrewclements.com. R. W. Alley is the illustrator of many beloved picture books, including the Paddington Bear series. He lives in Barrington, Rhode Island. Visit him at www.rwalley.com. Thanks Houghton Mifflin Harcourt! “Because Your Mommy Loves You” can be found where other Houghton Mifflin Harcourt titles are available!

Today Houghton Mifflin Harcourt is VERY generously giving

away a copy of Because Your Mommy Loves You AND Because

Your Daddy Loves

You to 2 Lucky Winners!!!!

Want to win? Here’s how:

Mandatory 1st Entry- Visit Houghton Mifflin Harcourt then come back and tell us your favorite item or something you learned from their website.

Once the mandatory entries are completed you can gain additional entries from the following:

4 entries-“Like” HMH on facebook.

2 entries- “Like” RMRV on facebook

3 entries-Subscribe to RMRV emails.

3 entries-Follow HMH on Twitter.

2 entries- Follow RMRV on Twitter

1 entry per day-Tweet the following and leave us your tweet link:

#Enter to win a HMH book at @agiveawaydaily

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

3 entries- Add RMRV on Google +

You have until May 25th @ 11:59 PM EDT to enter the giveaway. All giveaways are open to USA only.

Audrey May 11, 2012 PRODUCT REVIEWS WITH GIVEAWAYS books, children, entertainment, giveaway link up, kids, learning tools

Splashing Good Time { Bubbble Guppies review}

I have to admit I try to limit the amount of TV my little munchkin watches… who out there agrees? While we do have a small, and growing collection of favorites, I do my best to limit his time with the “tube”. Now, I will admit sometimes, like when I HAVE to make dinner, for example, when no other distractions or toys will get his attention, I do turn on something for him to enjoy. We recently were generously given the opportunity to add to our collection with a fun, new DVD from Paramount Home Media starring Nickelodeon’s Bubble Guppies! Bubble Guppies is Nickelodeon’s top -rated pre-school series, and this is the first ever DVD! I had never heard of them before, but was super excited to see what it all about. The DVD we received has 3 awesome episodes on it.

The first one is also a double- length feature. It is Bubble Puppies Fin-Tastic Fairy Tale!

“Once upon a time, Molly and Gil went up a hill to fetch a pail of water. But when a mean Witch, played by Wanda Sykes, turns Bubble Puppy into a frog, Molly and Gil enlist the help of some famous fairytale friends to undo her mean green spell. They better work fast or else no one in the Enchanted Forest will live happily ever after!”

The next one is was Bubble Puppy

“Gil wants to adopt a puppy after seeing one he really likes at the adoption center, but the Bubble Guppies have to learn how to take care of a pet before he can bring it home.”

The last one was Bubble Bites

“Ms. Pinkytoe, a friendly crab, gives Gil a few Bubble Bites to feed to Bubble Puppy. Bubble Puppy wants more food so the guppies head to the supermarket. They discover there is one box of Bubble Bites left and both Gil and Ms. Pinkytoe want it, so they must compete in a Bubble Bites biathlon. Will Gil get more Bubble Bites to feed Bubble Puppy? Or will Ms. Pinkytoe get them for her dog, Bud?”
All of the episodes were super cute and fun! Who doesn’t love a good story about courage, strength teamwork and doing what’s right? There are also some great bonus features including a “Create your Own Bubble Guppy” game. 2 karaoke music videos, and a juke box song selection.

This is a great addition to our collection and I’m sure you will find it great to yours, especially if your kiddos already love the series! The DVD run time is approx. 88 minutes and retails for $16.99. It can be found where other children’s media is available! Happy splashing!

Audrey May 2, 2012 PRODUCT REVIEWS dvd, entertainment, kids, movies, television

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!

Erin April 30, 2012 PRODUCT REVIEWS children, dvd, Family, kids, television, Tom and Jerry

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!!

Erin April 27, 2012 PRODUCT REVIEWS children, disney, DIY, eco-friendly, Family, Greenhouse, home, kids, learning tools

RECOMMENDED