Real Moms Real Views

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.

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

Don’t Forget to Point Your Toe {Angelina Ballerina: Ultimate Dance Collection DVD}

If you have a little ballerina in your house, this is the DVD for you!  Mia loves her tutu and tights and insists on wearing them which she watches (and dances along with) Angelina Ballerina: Ultimate Dance Collection.  This is a 3 DVD set that is full of princess perfect dancing shows.

Angelina Ballerina: Pop Star Girls

Get ready to get your groove on because it’s showtime with Angelina and the Pop Star Girls! While all the dancers learn to work together, Angelina realizes she loves hip-hop, rock bands, fiddles and more! Move and groove along with Angelina as she directs a hip-hop musical and discovers she was born to be a star. The whole family will be star-struck with delight as Angelina steps it up in her best performance yet!

 Angelina Ballerina: Shining Star Trophy

Angelina shines brighter than ever in this exciting movie adventure! Ms. Mimi announces that there’s going to be a big talent show at Camembert Academy– and the winner will walk away with a Shining Star Trophy. When Angelina goes out of her way to help her friends find their special talents, she has little time to work on her own routine. With celebrity guest judge Perry Parmesan deciding the winner, every minute of practice counts. When the curtain rises, who will take center stage and win the Shining Star Trophy? Watch as Angelina follows her heart to be a true shining star!

Angelina Ballerina: Dancing On Ice

Some sparkling performances are coming to Camembert Academy on the ice and on the dance floor! Angelina, Aliceand all of their Mouseling friends know the importance of practice for the big show. But when Angelina’s skates go missing, will she find them in time for her ice skating solo? And will AZ ever learn how to do the “Cheese Roll” like his Granddad taught him? With help from her friends and some creativity, Angelina discovers the magic of working together in this very special treat!

This is a must see DVD if your little one likes to spin and twirl.  It is a great deal to get all 3 DVDs for less then $20!  I love that all of the episodes have a little bit of lesson they teach.  In fact, Mia quoted one to me the other day…who knew they were actually getting something out of it :)   This DVD quickly became a favorite at our house…and the neighbors house, too.  The little neighbor girls is always asking if Mia can come over and bring her dancing movie…wouldn’t be easier just to borrow the movie? ;) Real Mom and the little neighbor girl approved!

To Neverland! {Peter Pan: Disney Classics App Review}

To Neverland!

My kiddos are both obsessed with Peter Pan! We have the movies, the book and Ava and Hollis are always wanting to read, watch or play Peter Pan! I joke that Ava is a little Peter Pan herself, as she tells me at least once a day that she doesn’t want to get old. She wants to have her birthday {5} and then stay that way forever! She is too funny! We were thrilled to get the Peter Pan Disney Classics App and the kids have been loving playing it!

Relive the magical story of the classic film Peter Pan in this book app featuring beautiful illustrations, word-for-word narration, music, and interactive surprises.

With hope and trust and a pinch of pixie dust, readers will join Wendy, John, and Michael on their adventures with Peter Pan and Tinker Bell, the Lost Boys, Captain Hook and his swashbuckling crew of pirates. Includes coloring pages, puzzles, music and memory games, and so much more!

I have to say, Peter Pan: Disney Classics App has quickly become a favorite of my two kids! It is a great app with loads of possibilities! Kids can read the story of Peter Pan, paint pictures, complete puzzles, play a memory matching game, participate in a fun musical instrument activity and enjoy every minute in Neverland! There are fun tap/interactive surprises throughout the story and the kids love finding new ones each time they read through! Ava really loves the musical instrument activity; where she can make music with a reed instrument and sound just like Peter Pan. She loves impressing friends and family with her Neverland musical stylings! Both the kids are enjoying this new app and play it every chance they get!

HIGHLIGHTED FEATURES:

• Multiple reading modes—Read to Me, Read by Myself
• Coloring pages
• Interactive puzzles
• Leveled memory matching game
• Musical instrument activity
• Tap-and-play interactivity throughout
• Professional narration and sound effects

The app is available for $3.99 in the iTunes store and is made for iPad, iPhone, & iPod Touch

Peter Pan: Disney Classics App is Real Mom Recommended!

Hollywood High {Victorious Season 2 Review}

My kids love to watch Nickelodeon.  It has been a staple in our house for a long time.  One of their favorite shows is Victorious.  They think it is such a funny show!  They love that the kids go to a school where they sing, dance and act.  It makes the show a little different then the rest of the other shows out there.   This DVD is a 2 disk collection of the 12 episodes from season 2.

Disc 1: Beck Falls for Tori

Helen Back Again

Locked Up (TV Movie)

Tori Gets Stuck

Tori Tortures Teacher

Jade Gets Crushed
Disc 2: Who Did it to Trina?

Beggin’ on Your Knees

Ice Cream for Ke$ha

Prom Wrecker

Terror on Cupcake Street

Blooptorious

If you are in need of a few good laughs…cheesy, but good….Victorious is a good choice.  Hailee said the DVD was funny, no hilarious…minus the bad words.  I reassured her that there wasn’t any bad words in it.  She apparently considers “dog backwards” to be a bad enough word that it bothered her.  So, heads up moms, they say Oh my Go* in this show.  Enjoy!  Real Mom Approved!

Let Them Get Wet…and Look Cute Doing It! {Kidsswimwear.com Review and Giveaway}

“That one!” “Oh! Look at that one!” “That is SO cute!” is all I heard out of Hailee as we looked at all of the darling swimming suits on kidsswimear.com

She was given the opportunity to pick and tryout one of their darling swimming suits.  The problem was that she had a hard time picking just one!  Since she is 10…and she thinks she is so grown up, she didn’t want something too little girl, but wanted something fun and cute.  She opted to the FRANKIE & DAISY Graphic Design Charcoal and Pink Halter Swimsuit Corky and CompanyThis suit is SO cute!!  The number one thing I was happy to see was that the entire thing is lined.  She is getting to the age that she needs the lining, but a lot of little girls suits are not fully lines.  The fabric is super good quality, no cheap material here.  I was also quite impressed with the attention to detail.  The entire top is ruffled fabric and it has three fabric roses across the middle.  It fit perfectly and has a tie back halter so if she grows an inch or two over the summer.  I was relieved to see that it wasn’t too revealing.  The legs were just right, the top was just right…not too much skin anywhere.  Hailee was thrilled with her pick, and my other two girls were jealous!

This isn’t the only to-die-for cute suit…every one of them is just as cute!  There is a ruffle two tank that looks like a one piece, but has the convenience of a bikini.  Still covering that tummy, these are great for those who desire a little more coverage.  The bikinis are super cute!  I love a toddlers tummy poking out of these things!  This zebra one is my favorite!  If you have a little modest one who doesn’t want their tummy showing at all, then a one piece is the way to go.  besides the one one that Hailee picked, there are many

more darling styles.  And if you have one that burns a little too easy or just just want a little more coverage, then pick one of their darling rash guard sets.

All of the suits are bright and fun!  I absolutely love all of the extra details on everyone of these suits.  They all have multiple, coordinating fabrics and accented by ruffles and/or flowers.

Are you thinking your little princess would look darling in one of their many darling suits?

You can WIN a $75 Gift Certificate !

Mandatory 1st Entry- Visit Kidsswimwear.com then come back and tell us your favorite swimming suit and what made you fall in love with it.

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

2 entries- “Like” RMRV on facebook

3 entries-Subscribe to RMRV emails.

2 entries- Follow RMRV on Twitter

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

#Enter to win a $75 gift certificate for Kids  Swim Wear

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

3 entries- Add RMRV on Google +

You have until April 24th @ 11:59 PM EDT to enter the giveaway. All giveaways are open to USA only.

 

Watch them Glide! {Mini Glider review & giveaway}

My little guy loves to be outside. He would live outside if I let him… and he’s only 18 months right now. When he gets older, I have no doubt he is going to love being outside even more because he will be able to do ALL kinds of cool things! One thing I am super excited about for him is bike riding. I remember as a kid that was probably my favorite thing to do! I remember learning how to ride too. I remember the falls I took while learning to balance and the fear of crashing as I couldn’t stop fast enough. That is one thing I am NOT excited for my little guy to experience. But, there is a solution to all of that! A balance bike!! Balance Bikes 4 Kids motto is “just say NO to training wheels.”  They believe that the balance bike is the best way to teach your child to ride a bike because it puts the focus on the most important skill first…balance! I was generously sent a mini glider to try out for my little munchkin.

The Mini Glider from Glide Bikes is a quality balance bike built for safety and fun. It’s a popular choice for parents seeking a balance bike that can accomodate very young riders because its very light (8 lbs) and has a seat that lowers to 12″. In addition to its light weight and low seat, the bike includes turn limiters, padded handlebars and stem and other safety features not seen in similar balance bikes in the same price range.

The perfect bike for kids age 2 – 5, the Mini Glider from Glide Bike weighs in at under 8 lbs making it easy to maneuver for even the youngest of riders. On the Mini Glider, your child is guaranteed to develop the motor skills and confidence to easily transition to a traditional pedal bike. The only thing that might slow that transition down is their love of the Mini Glider and the freedom it offers to roam on road and off. Unlike heavy pedal bikes, the Mini Glider is so easy to ride on grass or up hills that kids cherish it like a favored toy even after they’ve learned to ride their pedal bike.

This blue Mini Glider offers incredible stability and balance even at speeds of less than 2 mph thanks to a design that mimics the geometry of a downhill mountain bike. The 65 degree tilt of the seat puts the riders weight over the back tire, improving balance even at very low speeds.

Glide Bike’s Mini Glider has a seat that lowers down to 12″, allowing kids as young as two to firmly plant their feet on the ground and “walk” the bike as they start to learn. This activity is far more productive than pedaling around on a tricycle that does nothing to promote the mastery of balance. The Mini Glider lets kids explore their ability to balance in a way that’s safer than a bike with training wheels because they always feel in control and never have to worry that the bike will wobble or flip. Your basic pedal bike sits too high off the ground, weighs too much and complicates the learning process. For many kids, that means learning to ride a bike is more about fear than fun and that’s no good. Skip the training wheels and let your little rider experience the freedom of a balance bike.

The Mini Glider balance bike from Glide Bike offers your child a fun way to learn how to ride a bike puts the emphasis on balance and steering first.

My little guy probably won’t be ready for this bike for at least a couple more months, (I’m hoping by the end of summer!), but I am so impressed by the ideas and safety that goes into these bikes! If you don’t know how they work, just take a look at this cool video that shows a balance bike in action! This balance bike is REAL Mom Recommended and I’m so excited for my little guy to take his first ride! Balance bikes are available online!

 

Today Balance Bikes 4 Kids is generously giving away Mini Glider

in your color choice!

 

Want to win?  Here’s how:

Mandatory 1st Entry- Visit Balance bikes 4 kids 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” balance bikes 4 kids on facebook.

2 entries- “Like” RMRV on facebook

3 entries-Subscribe to RMRV emails.

3 entries-Follow balance bikes 4 kids 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 mini glider at @agiveawaydaily

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

3 entries- Add RMRV on Google +

 

You have until April 20th @ 11:59 PM EDT to enter the giveaway. All giveaways are open to USA only.

Heard You Coming! {Kool Rider Review}

Every kid’s (and most adults) head turns when they hear a noisy motorcycle coming down the street.  We all look and secretly wish we were sitting on the back of that “bike” hanging on for dear life while the wind blows in our hair.  Well, besides the big bucks, the dangers the come with the Harley, and the leather…we have the next best thing!  The Kool Rider is the coolest bike accessory EVER!!!

The Kool Rider is the greatest Bicycle accessory ever invented. The concept of putting baseball cards and playing cards in your bicycle spokes has been around since the early 1930′s.  Fast forward to 2011 and you get 2 best friends Howard and Troy who have known each other since childhood, and for the last 2 years, have worked to invent, create and master the greatest bicycle accessory ever. Unlike the baseball card novelty of creating a motor like sound with paper playing cards on the rear of the bicycle, the Kool Rider, with the help of DuPont who created this High Performance Polymer, and while placing the Kool Rider on the  front fork of your bicycle, gives you an actual Motorcycle type sound that we have all aspired to achieve. In salute to all of us who have attempted to create a motor like sound from our bicycle using such items as baseball cards, playing cards, balloons, plastic water bottles, aluminum cans, popsicle sticks, etc., THE KOOL RIDER is here!!!

Kool Rider is super cool and sent us 2 of these awesome accessories.  Mia immediately claimed one, and the other one automatically went to Austin, since the only boy in the family should have the “motorcycle” bike. I was immediately impressed with the thick, heavy quality of the plastic.  I was nervous to see if this thing was going to work.  I didn’t want to put it on my little girls bike, have it get stuck in the spokes, and throw her off.  Didn’t happen!!  First thing, pick the sticker to decorate the Kool Rider. (You get 3 stickers with it) Next, wrap the sticky Velcro around the fork of the front tire. Last, pull the Kool Rider open and clip onto the fork. That’s it! It was all I could do it take my 30 seconds to install, and Mia was off and riding. When she goes slow, it is just kind of a tick, tick. But once you have some speed, this is full on Harley coming! I had to do a double take to make sure that loud motorcycle noise was really coming from the little pink bike with training wheels hauling down the street. As soon as Austin got home, we repeated the whole process. Austin has been glued to his bike since. Both kids LOVE the Kool Rider and the neighbors are always asking if they can take a turn on our bikes.  We all loved the cards in our tires when we were little, upgrade to the Kool Rider and let your kid be the Koolest on the block!  Real Mom and Neighborhood Kid Approved!

Make sure you go to the Kool Rider website and check out the video…gives you a great idea of how fun this really is!!

Waves of heroic fun! {Fireman Sam: Rescue on the Water DVD Review}

Firemen, Police Officers, Paramedics; They are all on the same level as super heroes around our house! Both of my kids love them and get so excited when they see a speeding police car lights a’blazing or a fire truck with it’s siren blaring! They know that these men and women are so brave and off to help people in need. I knew Fireman Sam: Rescue on the Water would be perfect for them!

On land, in water and everywhere in between, you can always count on Fireman Sam to save the day … and bring the fun along, too!  Join Fireman Sam, his courageous fire brigade and the citizens of Pontypandy for all new seafaring adventure in Fireman Sam: Rescue on the Water, coming to DVD, Digital Download and On Demand April 3, 2012 from Lionsgate and HIT Entertainment.  It’s ready, set, rescue in six thrilling episodes filled with Sam’s trademark lessons in safety, loyalty, leadership, cooperation and friendship.

Sound the alarm! Fireman Sam and his heroic team are always prepared for rescues. Whether it’s a flood in Pontypandy, dangerous shifting tides or trouble at sea for Norman and James, there’s no challenge too big for Fireman Sam! Join the squad and save the day with this collection of daring seaworthy rescues.

My Kids were thrilled when their copy of Fireman Sam: Rescue on the Water arrived! They insisted on watching it immediately and watched the entire DVD. It is packed with six exciting episodes that held my children’s attention and kept them entertained! The next few days were full of Fireman Sam fun; watching the DVD, playing pretend that they were Fireman Sam saving the day, and singing the Fireman Sam song! They have truly enjoyed this DVD and I love that each episode has a good character lesson woven in! I think it’s safe to say there are two new Fireman Sam fans in my house!

Episodes include:

  • Stranded
  • The One That Got Away
  • Pirates of Pontypandy
  • Norman’s Ark
  • Sailor Steele
  • Dinosaur Hunt
  • Bonus Episode: Alarm on the Beach

Pick up your own copy of Fireman Sam: Rescue on the Water online or at your local retailer!

Keep up with all things Fireman Sam by checking in at his website and following him on Facebook!

Fireman Sam: Rescue on the Water DVD is Real Mom Recommended!

The Fairest of Them All {Mirror Mirror Movie Review}

I don’t like to go to a movie knowing much more then a brief synopsis of what the movie is about.  If I know more then that, then I expect things out of the movie…you know, if you heard that it is hilarious then you go and it is funny, but not hilarious and you are let down.  Well, I went to see Mirror Mirror with my family and of course “expected” it to be like Disney’s Snow White.  Well, hate to spoil anyone else expectations of this movie, but there are no swarming/singing animals, no singing into a wishing well, and certainly no Hi Ho-ing.  This isn’t your mama’s Snow White  movie….it’s BETTER!

One of the most beloved stories of all time is coming to life in the motion picture Snow White legend, Mirror Mirror. A fresh and funny retelling of the Snow White legend, Mirror Mirror features breakout star Lily Collins (The Blind Side) as Snow White, a princess in exile, and Oscar®-winner Julia Roberts as the evil Queen who ruthlessly rules her captured kingdom. Seven courageous rebel dwarfs join forces with Snow White as she fights to reclaim her birthright and win her Prince in this magical adventure comedy filled with jealousy, romance, and betrayal that will capture the hearts and imaginations of audiences the world over.  The film also stars Armie Hammer (The Social Network) as the Prince, and Nathan Lane (The Birdcage) as the hapless and bungling servant to the Queen.

With just the tiniest of similarities to the original movie, this is a super fun twist on an old fairy tale.  It was simply magical to watch.  It made us laugh, smile, and put my kids on the edge of their seat.  There is love, magic and sword fights….a little something for everyone.  Julia Roberts, who is one of my faves, is surprisingly evil. She makes a super villain, which you don’t get to see out of her very often.  When I asked Josh what he thought of the movie he said, “It was a great family movie.  The kids loved it, but it was adult enough that I enjoyed it, too.”  For my hubby to like a “kid” movie….now that is success!  I was impressed that there wasn’t a single swear word and not any “questionable material” that I would have been uncomfortable with my kids seeing.  I hate going to a movie and thinking “I hope my kids don’t get that” or worse, repeat that.  No need to worry in this flick, everything is magical and wonderful!

My hubby, kids and I attend the screening and we all left with smiles on our faces.  You are sure to love this movie!  It is a MUST see and Real Mom (and her family…including the hubs) Approved!

Terrific Trio! {Awesome Adventures: Rescue Friends}

Thomas, Sam, and Bob are a terrific trio in the Awesome Adventures: Rescue Friends DVD.  There are 6 fun episodes that your little guy (or little lady who loves adventure) is sure to love. 

An all-new line just for boys is coming to the rescue!  Awesome Adventures features six episodes from your favorite preschool characters Thomas & Friends™, Fireman Sam™, and Bob the Builder™ in Awesome Adventures: Rescue Friendsavailable March 13 on DVD, Digital Download, and On Demand from Lionsgate and HIT Entertainment.  Join your friends for these thrilling episodes as they act with courage, heart and selflessness to help their friends and save the day!

Thomas the Train is an all time favorite with the kids.  He is always good for a trip down the rails that will lead to an adventure.  In the episode “Spencer the Grand,” you get to see one train friend save another from danger. In “Toby’s New Whistle,” one friend helps another.

The next hero is Fireman Sam.  It was a new one to us, and definitely a keeper.  Mia loved seeing Sam be the hero!  There are 2 fab episodes including Off Duty Sam” and “Fireman James.”   One thing I love about the Fireman Sam series is that it helps kids understand fireman are our friends and they work really hard to help others.

Last but not least is, “Can you fix it? Yes I can” ….Bob the Builder.   With two fun episodes of Bob, you get to see him and his friends learn from their mistakes and surprise friends in ”Scratch goes Solo” and ”Whizzy Dizzy”

These three are perfect heros and always have a good lesson to teach our kids.  Real Mom Approved!

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