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Wednesday, February 24, 2010

>“Let’s Grow: Lend A Helping Hand” DVD Review

>Being a part of Sprout's Band of Bloggers, they sent me a copy of “Let’s Grow: Lend A Helping Hand” DVD to review. Sprout is an awesome children's channel, so I was very excited to receive this DVD. The “Let’s Grow: Lend A Helping Hand” DVD features your favorite characters from Sprout in different scenarios in which they help.


The DVD features Sunnyside up hosts Kelly and Chicca along with short videos of Barney the Dinosaur, Bob the Builder, Thomas the Tank Engine, Angelina Ballerina, and Fireman Sam all trying to help others in some way. Kelly and Chicca encourage kids to help by giving them different ideas of ways to help others. At the end of each episode Kelly and Chicca award the character with a Good Egg Award for lending a helping hand.


As a parent, I thought that the DVD was absolutely adorable and the theme was great. Children should learn the importance of helping others at a young age. It is important for them to see how positive it is and how much of a difference they can make. I think that it is very important to teach them this at a very young age.



As a child, Samantha (2 yo) loved the DVD. She has asked to watch it again numerous times. She enjoys helping others. She will attempt to do dishes, and clean up. She will always ask "You need help?" Even though she is so young, I think she realizes that it is important to lend a helping hand.




>Update On My Mission To Get Rid of The Toddler Bed

>Thanks for the comments that were left. I thought about things and what you guys said.
Last night I went home and our mission is not accomplished yet, however I feel we are definitely a step closer.

What I did:

I took the Mattress off and moved the bed into a corner laying on its side. Then I put some music on and danced with Samantha. I told her that being we don't have the little bed taking up so much space we have more room to dance and have fun. She seemed very okay with it. This morning when she woke up she wanted to put on music and dance.

Now it is just a matter of getting the bed out the door. Baby steps...

Tuesday, February 23, 2010

>I Need Some Advice

>Okay, so about 2 weeks ago we decided to get Samantha a twin size bed, she had a toddler bed. It has definitely improved her sleeping. She does not get up as much in the middle of the night. Also, we are trying to get her into a bedtime routine, before I would lay with her on the couch and let her fall asleep on me. Now I read her a book in her twin bed and play classical lullaby music. We have only been doing it two nights so I know it may take a little longer to get used to the whole bedtime thing, but here is the problem:
She does not want to give up her toddler bed.

She doesn't sleep in it or even sit in it anymore. I told her "how about we give the bed to another little girl that has no bed?" She told me "all little girls have beds."

I don't know if I should just get rid of it one day when she is not home or what?

Does anyone have any advice on how I can get Samantha, 2 1/2 to give up her toddler bed?

Monday, February 22, 2010

>Win Tickets To The NY International Children's Film Festival

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There are a couple bloggers hosting an awesome giveaway for New Yorkers sponsored by Wat-aah. They are giving away 2 Tickets to The NY International Children's Film Festival. My husband and daughter would absolutely love this experience, so I have my fingers crossed that we win it. But if we don't I hope someone who will appreciate it just as much does.

Mommy PR - Click Here to Enter



The contest ends February 25, 2010 @ 11.59 pm.

>Pregnancy & Life

>So I am now 25 weeks pregnant. Pregnancy is very scary, and exciting at the same time. I am getting huge, I have to post a picture of my belly. This weekend was very exciting. We bought the crib, which we have to pick up next Saturday, along with the mattress, mobile and the bouncer. We have a small apartment so Samantha and the new baby will be sharing a room. It is exciting to complete it. I cannot wait to pick up the crib on Saturday. Exciting!
So for the last week I have been using Starfall.com to teach Samantha sign language. I have been using the website for a long time with Samantha for teaching her the alphabet. I love the website. SO, I don't know sign language, I am learning it with her. This morning we went through the letters, and I always get stuck on F. So she say "Mommy, this F", and shows me how to sign F. It was amazing!! They absorb so much. I was in absolute wow over it. I just thought I would share that. Samantha is only 2 1/2 now. It is amazing what they pick up.

Wednesday, February 17, 2010

>Product Recall: Tiny Love Inc, Wind Chimes

>The TINY LOVE, INC. WIND CHIMES have been recalled due to Puncture and Laceration Hazards.
The Wind Chimes can be pulled apart revealing sharp metal rods.

Immediately stop using these Wind Chimes and contact Tiny Love, Inc. to receive a free replacement in the value of the Wind Chime at: (888) 791-8166 or visit www.tinylove.com

Tuesday, February 16, 2010

>Iron Man: Armored Adventures Volume 2: Review and Giveaway

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First, let me start by saying my husband is a huge geek when it comes to comics. So, when I was offered the opportunity to review Iron Man Armored Adventures Volume 2 he nearly did a double flip.It is a little too violent for Samantha (2 yo), so it took a while before him and I watched the whole DVD together. But he promises to watch it with her when she gets a little older.



Anthony Edward "Tony" Spark AKA Iron Man is a prodigy. He created the armor to escape a kidnapping. After escaping the kidnapping, he decided to use this suite that he created to help protect the world. He is a hero, and everyone loves a hero. Like I said my husband is a geek when it comes to comics, myself, not really. But we both really enjoyed Iron Man Armored Adventures. Sometimes it is nice to show some genuine interest in an interest that he has. Also, I know that my 2 girls are going to grow up watching, reading and loving comics. He has marvel glasses but aside and all his comics to educate them on.



Synopsis:

Jam-packed with six all new high-octane episodes, join the adventures of Tony and his friends as they risk it all facing bigger challenges, more secrets, more showdowns and two new chaotic villains, Living Laser and Madam Masque. Using the latest technology and a little teamwork, it’s up to the teenage prodigy and his ever-evolving, adaptable armor – including the unveil of two brand-new suits – to save the world from evil whenever duty calls.


Episode Guide:

This DVD contains six action filled episodes:

Meltdown, Field Trip, Ancient History 101, Ready, A.I.M., Fire, Masquerade and Seeing Red





In addition, I was given the opportunity to giveaway three DVD's to my readers.



*Contest has ended*




The contest ends March 5, 2010 . Three winners will be chosen using Random.org. The winner

has 72 hours to respond, otherwise another winner will be chosen.



* I was sent a free copy of “Iron Man: Armored Adventures" to review.Based on viewing the movie I wrote this review which contains my thoughts and opinions which are honest and truthful.I did not receive any compensation for this post.*





Monday, February 15, 2010

>A Day in The City: Sesame Street Live, Toys R' Us and Tony Di Napoli

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This was one of the most awesome weekends that we had in a long time. On Friday I picked up tickets for Sesame Street Live that I won from Madison Square garden. I came home from work and told Samantha I had a surprise for her. She said "what is it, what is it?" Then I decided to give her hints. First I put Sesame Street PJ's on her for bed. I told her that was a hint, a clue, that it has something to do with toorrows surprise. She said "what is it? is it sausage?" I guess sausage is all that is really on my 2 year olds mind. lol...

Then, the next morning when we woke up we watched Sesame Street. I told her that was another clue to what we we are doing. Then I dressed her in an elmo shirt. I told her that is another clue. We went to the train and got to the city, and obviopusly had to get her sausage for breakfast. At breakfast we asked her if she is ready for the surprise and she said "yes, is it the movies?"

We got to Madison Square garden and once we got in the room with al the souveniers, food and drinks, I asked her again if she knew what the surprise was. She yelled out "ELMO!!" Gosh, you had to see how her face lit up. The whole show she was dancing in her seat and singing to the songs. The show was absolutely adorable. My husband and I enjoyed just watching her face as each new character and new song came on. The show had beautiful character costumes and sets showing different things that you can be when you grow up. Samantha wants to be sleeping beauty when she grows up. She had such a blast! The pictures didn't come out too well because we weren't sure if you would be allowed to take pictures. So to be safe, we bought a disposable.

We had reservations for Tony Di Napoli's in Times Square at 2. So we had some time. We bought Samantha to Toys R' Us in Times Square to ride on the Ferris Wheel. She wanted the pink barbie car, and unfortunately we got Mr. Potato head. We still had a good time on the ride.



We had a huge meal at Tony Di'Napoli's. We ordered family style. It was very filling and Samantha kept room for dessert, ice cream. The waiter took a picture cause he thought she was hilarious with what a mess she made with the whip cream and icing. It's hard to see it in the picture, but she really enjoyed her dessert.



We were all absolutely exhausted, Samantha fell right asleep once we got into queens and got in the car. She told everyone how she saw elmo. This weekend was absolutely amazing.

Wednesday, February 10, 2010

>Sleepy Wrap Review and Discount Code

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I was recently given the opportunity to review the Sleepy Wrap. I was sent a sample of the Sleepy Wrap to try out and I absolutely love it. I played around with it a lot and it is vrey comfortable and easy to use.




(This is not a picture of me, I got the picture off of the sleepy wrap website, I will add pictures once my little princess is born)



Some advantages of using a Sleepy Wrap:


- It is great for breast feeding. A hands free system in which your baby can feed and you can still do whatever you need to do. An added bonus is it covers you up pretty well too.



- It is great for bonding with your baby. Check out all the advantages of babywearing here.



- It is a light material which can be used in the summer. It will not make you sweat having an extra piece of cloth on your body



- The Sleepy Wrap is great for going out and running errands. My husband and I were considering getting a double stoller for when the baby is born. When we looked at the ones that are priced within our budget, they a massively huge and heavy. We still need a place for Samantha incase we are out and she naps. With the sleepy wrap we can just put Samantha in the carriage and use the sleepy wrap comfortably for the baby.



- I love there are so multiple ways to wear it. It is easy to use, the directions a easy to follow.



When I go into the hospital to give birth to my baby I plan to bring the Sleepy Wrap along. I remember with Samantha once I gave birth to her it was very difficult breastfeeding. My body was just so weak. I had a cesarian, which is also how I am giving birth this time. My body was just so worn and uncomfortable. I imagine this time it will be easier to breastfeed using the Sleepy Wrap.



10% off Coupon Code

I was also given a discount code for my readers.

Visit www.sleepywrap.com and enter the code FamilyTies to receive 10% off your purchase.

The coupon is valid from 2/13/10 - 3/13/10.



*I did not receive any compensation for this post. I received a sample of the item which I tried out. Based on trying the item, I wrote this review which contains my thoughts and opinions which are honest and truthful.*

Friday, February 5, 2010

>NYC Subway

>O-M-G
I hate hate hate the NYC Subway System. Especially the E train!!!

I need to vent because after my trip to work for the few weeks, I am really annoyed!!!

Everyday I take the train from Queens to work in Manhattan at about 8:00 AM and everyone packs in like sardines. Which now, remind you, it is very visible that I am pregnant (I am 22 weeks now.) No one offers a seat.



From my experience of being pregnant the first time with Samantha, I really do not expect anyone to get up for me. I mean, with Samantha, I was 8 months pregnant with Preeclampsia. I was very pregnant in the summer. It was completely visible that my ankles were so swollen. However, like I said most people don't get up. So I have come to terms with that. There are some nice people but most people just don't care.



I am not sure if it is the MTA service cuts or what it is, but the trains in the morning are dangerously crowded. There is not control of the crowd. Especially at Roosevelt Avenue. Everyone just pushes with extreme force to get on the train.



I wish there was a word stronger than hate to describe my feelings toward the NYC Subway system!

Thursday, February 4, 2010

>Win Tickets To Sesame Street Live - Elmo Grows Up

>5 Minutes For Mom is giving their Readers a chance to win 4 tickets to

Sesame Street Live: When Elmo Grows Up at Madison Square Garden




Also, they are giving away be giving away four tickets to the Big Brothers/Big Sisters organization or the Make a Wish foundation. Which is awesome!



I am very excited about this giveaway because Samantha would absolutely love to go see Elmo and Friends. Oh, and my husband is completely obsessed with Sesame Street. If they had a Sesame Street trivia show, I would totally send him on it.



Check it out, visit www.5minutesformom.com and Click Here to enter.



I got my fingers crossed!

The giveaway ends February 5, 2010