Barbie A Perfect Christmas DVD {Review and Giveaway}

The weather here in New Orleans has finally gotten colder (we even had to wear a jacket today!), so it is getting easier to find my Christmas spirit!  Last weekend, we started shopping for gifts, putting up our holiday decorations, unpacking our winter clothes and breaking out the Christmas music and DVDs.

While our favorites are Rudolph and Emmet Otter’s Jug-Band Christmas (anybody remember that one?), we are excited to add “Barbie: A Perfect Christmas” DVD to our collection.  Because I have two daughters, we are no strangers to Barbie and all of her accessories, so my girls couldn’t wait to see her come to life in this Christmas movie.  About the DVD:

The all-new DVD, “Barbie: A Perfect Christmas” stars Barbie and her three sisters – Skipper, Stacy and Chelsea, whose holiday vacation turns into an unexpected adventure filled with new friends and magical experiences. In the end, the sisters learn a heartwarming lesson that the joy of being together is what really makes A Perfect Christmas! Released November 8th at all major retailers.”

We received the DVD today and my daughters could not wait one more second to watch the movie, so we decided to have a Wednesday night movie before bedtime.  The DVD has a runtime of 1 hour and 14 minutes, so I was a bit concerned that it wouldn’t hold the attention of my 3 year old.  I was wrong.  Very wrong. Both of my girls (ages 3 and 6) loved the storyline and the music.  Their favorite parts included the “raindogs” and the snowball fight between Barbie and her sisters!

As a Mom, I liked that the movie showed the importance of family at Christmas and downplayed the idea of receiving material items.  Barbie’s two youngest sisters remind me a LOT of my two daughters….they tease each other just like the movie.  I was glad to see scenes where the sisters learn to get along and love one another.

As a blogger, it was fun to watch because one of Barbie’s sisters, Skipper, is a blogger, too!  It was funny to see Barbie and Skipper talking about podcasts and websites.  That’s a far cry from the Barbie of my day!

Overall, both my daughters and I enjoyed the movie!  I would definitely recommend it as a gift or stocking stuffer this Christmas for girls who love Barbie and friends.  In fact, you can even purchase the Barbie and Sister dolls from the movie exclusively at Target ($49.99)!

GIVEAWAY

One reader will receive the “Barbie A Perfect Christmas” DVD (ARV $14.95)!

How to Enter:

1. Tell me your favorite Barbie memory!

Additional entries:

1. Blog about this giveaway and link to The Not-So-Blog (10 extra entries).

2. Follow me (@BridgetteLA) on Twitter and Tweet this giveaway. Every time you tweet you get an additional entry! Limited to 10 a day, please. (You must have over 50 Twitter followers to qualify for unlimited entries!)

3. Subscribe to my blog.

4. Become a Fan of The Not-So-Blog on Facebook.

5. Place my blog button on your sidebar.

Contest ends at 11:59pm CST on December 14th. Prizes not claimed in 72 hours will be forfeited. Open to U.S. Residents only.

This is a sponsored post on behalf of One2One Network. I was provided with the Barbie “A Perfect Christmas” DVD. All opinions are my own.

Mickey Mouse Clubhouse: Space Adventure {Giveaway}

There are so many cartoons on television now that we don’t approve of for your young children in my house.  The new movie from Mickey Mouse Clubhouse is called Space Adventure and is perfect for the entire family.   Your favorite Disney characters, Mickey, Minnie, Goofy, Pluto, Donald and Daisy set out on an adventure through the planets to find a hidden treasure.  

Mickey Mouse Clubhouse: Space Adventure is educational while still being fun to watch.   The characters meet up with several additional friends that help Mickey’s crew fine the treasure stars.  Our favorite thing about the movie was the songs, my son loves to sing and dance around the house and enjoyed dancing with his favorite characters. He also enjoyed counting as all of the treasurer stars started to appear.

The DVD includes a never before seen episode entitled “Goofy’s Thinking Cap,”  which will thrill all the little ones in your house.  The second DVD in the combo is a Digital Copy of the film which allows you to watch Mickey and friends anywhere on our computer or portable device.  Blast off with Mickey and friends for over 70 minutes of a space adventure. 

GIVEAWAY

One winner will receive the Mickey Mouse Clubhouse: Space Adventure DVD!

How to Enter:

1. Tell me Mickey Mouse Clubhouse character your child loves the most!

Additional entries:

1. Blog about this giveaway and link to The Not-So-Blog (10 extra entries).

2. Follow me (@BridgetteLA) on Twitter and Tweet this giveaway. Every time you tweet you get an additional entry! Limited to 10 a day, please. (You must have over 50 Twitter followers to qualify for unlimited entries!)

3. Subscribe to my blog.

4. Become a Fan of The Not-So-Blog on Facebook.

5. Place my blog button on your sidebar.

Contest ends at 11:59pm CST on December 14th. Prizes not claimed in 72 hours will be forfeited. Open to U.S. Residents only.

This post is the opinion of Beth of the Experimental Mommy.  Others may have a differing opinion of the product.  While a sample was received to facilitate this review, all opinions remain 100% honest.

 

Walt Disney Pictures Releases "Winnie the Pooh" on DVD/Blu-ray! {Giveaway}

Ever since I was a little girl I remember watching Winnie the Pooh.  Even as I got older I still loved Winnie the Pooh and all of his friends and am now passing it down to my children.  We love the “Hundred Acre Woods”  so much that our nursery is decorated with all the characters! My son fell in love with all the gang before he could even walk.   Our entire family was thrilled when we learned a new movie was coming out.

Walt Disney Pictures released “Winnie the Pooh” on DVD/Blu-ray combo pack on October 25, 2011.   The movie is full of energy with so many cute songs to sing along with, my favorite was at the very beginning “A very important thing to do.”  I love the fact that the movie is funny for all ages, my husband laughed the most out of anyone.    I have to say Pooh is my favorite in this particular movie especially when he pictures everything he sees is honey.

The DVD/Blu-ray also has some wonderful bonus features. They include deleted scenes, bonus shorts, the history of Winnie the Pooh, sing alongs and How to plan the perfect Winnie the Pooh nursery. If you love Winnie the Pooh as much as I do, check out the interactive widget below:

You will find all things Winnie from cooking recipes to interactive games and a fun personality quiz, too!  I am thrilled to be like Tigger, my favorite Disney character for as long as I can remember.  On the widget you can also take a sneak peak at the movie and take part in many more activities for the entire family.

Want to purchase Winnie the Pooh DVD/Blu-ray Combo Pack?  I found it on Amazon for just $24.99!

GIVEAWAY

One winner will receive the Winnie the Pooh DVD/Blu-ray Combo Pack!

How to Enter:

1. Take the personality quiz in the widget above.  Which character are you?

Additional entries:

1. Blog about this giveaway and link to The Not-So-Blog (10 extra entries).

2. Follow me (@BridgetteLA) on Twitter and Tweet this giveaway. Every time you tweet you get an additional entry! Limited to 10 a day, please. (You must have over 50 Twitter followers to qualify for unlimited entries!)

3. Subscribe to my blog.

4. Become a Fan of The Not-So-Blog and Winnie the Pooh on Facebook.

5. Place my blog button on your sidebar.

Contest ends at 11:59pm CST on November 3rd. Prizes not claimed in 72 hours will be forfeited. Open to U.S. Residents only.

This post is the opinion Beth of the Experimental Mommy.  Others may have a differing opinion of the product.  While a sample was received to facilitate this review, all opinions remain 100% honest.

Dumbo 70th Anniversary Edition DVD: Review

Part of the fun of Disney is the timelessness of the tales and characters.  Be it princesses, witches, fairy godmothers or a pride of lions, Disney has the capacity to span generations.  It has been so much fun to share the movies I watched as a little girl with my own daughters today.  One of those movies?  Dumbo!

On September 20th, Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment released the 70th Anniversary Edition of the classic DUMBO in a Blu-ray Hi Def and DVD Combo Pack ($39.99).  The combo pack includes bonus features such as deleted scenes, interactive games, audio commentary and behind the scenes details. About DUMBO:

“In celebration of this landmark film’s 70th anniversary, experience the daring adventures of the world’s only flying elephant with a dazzling all-new digital restoration and brilliant Disney Enhanced High Definition Theatre Mix Sound. The inspirational tale of Dumbo, the courageous baby elephant who uses his sensational ears to soar to fame with the help of his clever best friend Timothy Q. Mouse, will thrill and delight audiences of all ages. And now, the award-winning music and empowering messages about friendship and belief In yourself reach new heights in this must-have Blu-ray high-definition presentation of Walt Disney’s classic Dumbo!”

Both of my daughters were mesmerized by the movie.  As the Mom of a 3 year old with a shorter attention span, I was happy that the feature film is only about an hour long.  The picture and audio quality are superb and the fun features (especially the games) were a hit with my 6 year old.  Want to share the magic of Dumbo with your children?  Click on the button below for free printables and activities!

Download Printable Activities!

This post is the opinion of the Experimental Mommy.  Others may have a differing opinion of the product.  While a sample product was received to facilitate this review, all opinions remain 100% mine.

Disney’s Tangled DVD {Giveaway}

When Disney released Tangled in the movie theaters, I decided to take my then two year old to her first movie.  To be honest, I didn’t think she would make it through the whole thing.  Sitting still at that age is a big challenge.  When the movie began, she was captivated and has loved everything “Tangled” since.

On March 29th, Tangled will be released on DVD, Blu-ray combo pack and movie download and I have a feeling that the Easter Bunny may leave it in my daughter’s basket. Navigate the widget below to check out some of the fun features!

GIVEAWAY

Enter to win Disney’s Tangled DVD along with a promotional surprise (Pascal Beanie Baby, Flynn Ryder and Rapunzel T-Shirt or Official Disney Paper Lantern)!

How to Enter:

1. Share your hidden talent in the above widget and leave a comment on this post telling me what it was!

Additional entries:

1. Blog about this giveaway and link to The Not-So-Blog (10 extra entries).

2. Follow me (@BridgetteLA) on Twitter and Tweet this giveaway. Every time you tweet you get an additional entry. Limit tweets to 10 a day, please.  (You must have over 50 Twitter followers to qualify for unlimited entries!)

3. Subscribe to my blog.

4. Become a Fan of The Not-So-Blog on Facebook.

5. Place my blog button on your sidebar.

Contest ends at 11:59pm CST on April 3rd. Prizes not claimed in 72 hours will be forfeited. Open to U.S. Residents only.

This review is the opinion of  The Experimental Mommy. Others may have a different experience with the product. A complimentary product was received to facilitate this review.  All opinions remain 100% honest.

Gotta Love Aunt Pearl: The Reef Blu-ray and DVD Review

How we ever survived the days of no DVD player in the car escapes me.  I hope that doesn’t sound silly, but it’s true.   While I don’t let the kids use it for short trips, it’s become a lifesaver on long ones!  Recently we took a 3- hour car ride for a mini-vacation and I brought along the newly released Blu-Ray and DVD combo of The Reef.

The Reef

The Reef is an animated film by Vivendi Entertainment and stars the vocal talents of Freddie Prinze, Jr., Evan Rachel Wood, Donal Logue, Fran Drescher, John Rhys-Davies, Andy Dick, and Rob Schneider.  With this massive amount of talent behind it, The Reef is sure to be one of your family’s favorites.  The movie is a heart warming and feel-good story that will captivate your children.  Adorable Pi the fish (Freddie Prinze Jr), has to grow up sooner than expected when he looses his parents to an accident with a fishing net.  Helped out by a family of porpoises, he travels with them to the reef where his enormously funny Aunt Pearl (Fran Drescher) lives. Life in The Reef gets much better when Pi meets the girl of his dreams….the beautiful Cordelia (Evan Rachel Wood).  All is well for a bit until his happiness is cut short by Troy’s arrival, a huge Tiger shark, who also  has grand ideas set on winning over Cordelia.

My kids loved this movie and laughed out loud at several different scenes.  They loved Aunt Pearl the best and for the next few days were repeating some of the lines in the movie that made them laugh.  It made me smile too, as the 3 hour car trip was a breeze!  I am so glad we have added The Reef to our collection!

The Reef was released on March 8, 2011 and is available at Amazon and in stores near you!

Timmy Time: Timmy Steals the Show {Giveaway}

As my daughters turn 3 and 6, I will admit that it is hard to find appropriate programming that they are both excited to watch.  I generally let them watch one show in the morning before school as they eat breakfast which almost always leads to some discussion about who gets to pick the show.  However, both of my daughters are lovers of “Shaun the Sheep” especially the little baby sheep, Timmy.

Recently, Timmy has grown up and entered preschool.  He no longer has his pacifier, but my daughters get a huge kick out of his antics in the new series, “Timmy Time.”  About the show:

Timmy Time follows the adventures of Timmy, a little lamb with a lot to learn as he enters preschool. Fans of Aardman’s hit children’s series Shaun the Sheep will recognize Timmy as the baby lamb on the farm who is frequently drawn into all kinds of chaotic adventures by the mischievous older sheep. Used to having his way by being “the only lamb in the flock,” Timmy is now heading to preschool to graze on some important life lessons about playing nicely with others, namely his fellow classmates of the furry, feathered and spiky types.

Haven’t seen Timmy Time on television?  No worries!  On February 22nd, Timmy Time: Timmy Steals the Show was released on DVD!  My girls absolutely loved Episode 4 entitled “Timmy Can’t Dance.”  In this episode, Timmy’s class is exploring various dance styles from Hula to line dancing, but Timmy just can’t get into the groove!  Timmy learns that his talent lies in hip hop music and break dancing and wows his friends with his cool moves! 

Check out the trailer:

Totally cute, right?  If your kids a Timmy fans, you can find the DVD available at Amazon for only $10.99!  Or you can win a copy right here at Experimental Mommy!

GIVEAWAY

One winner will receive a copy of the DVD Timmy Time: Timmy Steals the Show!

How to Enter:

1. Check out Timmy Steals the Show and let me know why it peaks your interest!

Additional entries:

1. Blog about this giveaway and link to The Not-So-Blog (10 extra entries).

2. Follow me (@BridgetteLA) on Twitter and Tweet this giveaway. Every time you tweet you get an additional entry! Unlimited! (You must have over 50 Twitter followers to qualify for unlimited entries!)

3. Subscribe to my blog.

4. Become a Fan of The Not-So-Blog on Facebook.

5. Place my blog button on your sidebar.

Contest ends at 11:59pm CST on March 22nd. Prizes not claimed in 72 hours will be forfeited. Open to U.S. Residents only.

This review is the opinion of f The Experimental Mommy. Other may have a different experience with the product. A complimentary product was received to facilitate this review, but all opinions remain 100% mine.

Walt Disney World Studios Releases “Secretariat” on Blu-ray/DVD: Giveaway

On Friday night, we like to have family movie night. We usually let the kids choose a movie while I make some popcorn before we snuggle on the couch. To be honest, it can be hard to find a movie that everyone is interested in watching and is family friendly. I have heard a lot about the movie Secretariat but did not see it in the theater. Since Disney never disappoints, we decided to give it a try this weekend. About the movie:

Disney presents an astonishing true story bursting with hope, heart and courage. Diane Lane and John Malkovich lead a celebrated cast in this inspirational motion picture from the producers of Miracle, Invincible and The Rookie.

Behind every legend, lies an impossible dream. Witness the spectacular journey of an incredible horse named Secretariat and the moving story of his unlikely owner, a housewife who risked everything to make him a champion. Out of the gate with never-before-seen bonus features, Secretariat is hours of pulse- pounding entertainment for the whole family!

Because I do not keep up with horse racing, I was unsure what to expect from this movie.  But, it was so much more than a simple story about a horse.  It was truly inspirational and all of our eyes were glued to the screen at the end.  I don’t want to give away too much about the movie, so check out the trailer below.

SECRETARIAT will be available in stores nationwide on January 25, 2011.  The 2-Disc Blu-ray Combo Pack (Blu-ray + DVD in a single package) will be sold for the suggested price of $39.99 U.S./$44.99 Canada and a 1- Disc DVD for the suggested price of $29.99 U.S./$35.99 Canada.  But, I found it for $23.99 on Amazon.com!

GIVEAWAY

Want to have a movie night of your own?  One winner will receive the Secretariat Blu-ray/DVD Combo pack!

How to Enter (mandatory entry):

1.  Tell me why you want to win Secretariat on Blu-ray/DVD!

Additional entries:

1. Blog about this giveaway and link to The Not-So-Blog (10 extra entries).

2. Follow me (@BridgetteLA) on Twitter and Tweet this giveaway. Every time you tweet you get an additional entry! Unlimited! (You must have over 50 Twitter followers to qualify for unlimited entries!)

3. Subscribe to my blog.

4. Become a Fan of The Not-So-Blog on Facebook.

5. Place my blog banner on your sidebar.

Contest ends at 11:59pm CST on January 28th. Prizes not claimed in 72 hours will be forfeited. Open to U.S. Residents only.

This review is the opinion of the Experimental Mommy.  Others may have a differing opinion of the product.  I received a sample product to facilitate this review, however no monetary compensation was received.  All opinions remain 100% mine.

Hannah Montana Forever: Who is Hannah {DVD Giveaway}

As my daughter gets older, she is starting to move on from her old favorite cartoons (Dora and Dragon Tales) to being…shall we say….obsessed with Hannah Montana.  She has been a HUGE fan for almost 2 years now and just can’t get enough.  We let my daughter choose one 30 minute TV show to watch before bed each night and she ALWAYS chooses Hannah.  In fact, I think I can recite every episode (and I admit that I like the episodes, too).

Hannah Montana ForeverRecently, Hannah Montana removed her infamous blonde wig to reveal her true identity on Jay Leno while we were all glued to the television.  Now, you can relive all of your favorite episodes by watching Hannah Montana: Who Is Hannah Montana. Released on November 2nd, this DVD contains 8 of the most popular episodes including when Hannah takes the stage the first time as Miley Stewart.  About the DVD:

World-famous superstar Hannah Montana has been living a double life as Malibu teen Miley Stewart?! Say what, say what? In the much-anticipated, 1-hour episode from the all-new season, HANNAH MONTANA FOREVER, the whole world will watch as Hannah takes the wig off … for good! This is the must-have series collection that includes all of Hannah’s biggest moments when she takes off the wig and shares her true identity. Hannah has been rocking the world and living the celebrity life, but behind all the glitz and glamour, she’s just a normal teenage girl named Miley Stewart. Things get complicated when she has to keep her true identity from friends, classmates, crushes, paparazzi and millions of fans! Join Miley on a journey of self-discovery in 8 hilarious episodes — including the sensational series pilot! Watch as she confesses her double life to her BFFs Lilly and Oliver, then to Jake, and then to…? You’ll have to watch to find out! Will Hannah finally take center stage as Miley Stewart? It’s the big moment y’all have been waiting for — and you can see it first, only on this DVD! Sweet nibblets!”

This DVD is the perfect stocking stuffer or birthday gift for any Hannah-obsessed girl!  Hannah Montana: Who Is Hannah Montana can be purchased for only $13.99 on Amazon.com!

GIVEAWAY

Do you have a Hannah fan in your home?  Two lucky readers will win one copy of “Hannah Montana:  Who is Hannah Montana!”

How to enter:

1. Tell me which episode of Hannah Montana (any season) is your child’s favorite!

Additional entries:

1. Blog about this giveaway and link to The Not-So-Blog (10 extra entries).

2. Follow me (@BridgetteLA) on Twitter and Tweet this giveaway. Every time you tweet you get an additional entry! Unlimited! (You must have over 50 Twitter followers to qualify for unlimited entries!)

3. Subscribe to my blog.

4. Become a Fan of The Not-So-Blog on Facebook.

5. Place my blog banner on your sidebar.

Contest ends at 11:59pm CST on December 29th. Prizes not claimed in 72 hours will be forfeited. Open to U.S. Residents only.

This product review is the opinion of the Experimental Mommy. Others may have a different experience. I received a sample product to facilitate this review, but all opinions are 100% mine. This post contains affiliate links.

Mama Wants Her Body Back DVD: Review and Giveaway

From the time I was born until about the age of 25, I was thin.  I never had to watch what I ate mainly because I was a dancer and burned calories like crazy.  I became pregnant with my first daughter at the age of 29 and managed to only gain about 20 pounds (thanks to gestational diabetes, ugh).  However, even though I managed to take the weight off fairly quickly, my body was NOT the dancer’s body to which I was accustomed.  After the birth of my second daughter in 2008, things continued to go downhill.  My metabolism was never the same and my abs continue to be non existent.   Guess what?  This Mama wants her body back!!

Recently, I was introduced to the “Mama Wants Her Body Back!” DVD series and was more than willing to give it a try.  Because I work outside the home, run this blog, and raise two children, I have little time for exercise.  The fact that this series can be done from the comfort of my living room at a schedule that is convenient for me is ideal.  A little about the program:

“Whether you just recently had a baby or have been carrying around extra pregnancy weight for a while, the new Mama Wants Her Body Back™ from mother and fitness instructor Lisa Druxman is your solution.  Lisa’s takes her expertise in pre and post natal fitness to the next level and precision sculpts arms, abs and butts. This fitness program is intended specially for moms and addresses the biological changes to the body that occur throughout pregnancy.

The Mama Wants Her Body Back program includes three 20-minute total body workouts and a bonus DVD of three 10-minute abs workouts. To further help you practice a healthier lifestyle, a program guide and food journal are also included.  The entire package is just $9.99+S&H and available at www.mamawants.com. Lisa Druxman, M.A. has been in the fitness industry for 20 years. She is the creator of Stroller Strides and Fit4Baby and the author of Lean Mommy.”

After my daughters were asleep, I decide to pop in the first ten minute ab workout video because I feel like this is what I need the most work on.  I managed to get through the entire video (ok, I had to stop once, but it was a quick break).  I love the fact that Lisa has assistants who demonstrate the various levels of difficulty so it is easy to modify the exercise to suit your needs.  I was proud that I made it through the session and I didn’t feel very sore….until the next day! HOLY MOLY did my abs burn!  So I knew that the exercises geared towards my lower tummy pooch made a difference!

I have been doing the 20 minute cardio and 10 minute abs for about 2 weeks now. I do not expect to see physical differences so quickly (I will spare you the pictures), but I can tell you that I can complete the exercises easier now than when I started.  I am building endurance and burning calories!  In addition to the DVD, you will also receive instructions on how to tailor the program as well as tips to eat healthy and a journal.

The DVD series can be purchased for $42.97!  Much cheaper than a gym membership!

GIVEAWAY

Are you ready to get your body back?!  One reader will win the entire DVD set reviewed here (ARV $42.97)!

How to enter:

1. Tell me what you hope to accomplish with this video.

Additional entries:

1. Blog about this giveaway and link to The Not-So-Blog (10 extra entries).

2. Follow me (@BridgetteLA) on Twitter and Tweet this giveaway. Every time you tweet you get an additional entry! Unlimited! (You must have over 50 Twitter followers to qualify for unlimited entries!)

3. Subscribe to my blog.

4. Become a Fan of The Not-So-Blog on Facebook.

5. Place my blog banner on your sidebar.

6. Subscribe to my Feed.

Contest ends at 11:59pm CST on December 15th. Prizes not claimed in 72 hours will be forfeited. Open to U.S. Residents only.

This product review is the opinion of the Experimental Mommy. Others may have a different experience. Family Review Network supplied me with a sample for review, but all opinions are 100% mine. I was not compensated for this post.