Mothers day Gift Guide: HP 8″ WI-FI Display Digital Frame5/8

March 30, 2010April 4, 2010 - brandy3 581 Comments

Product Description:The HP 8” Smart Wi-Fi Display is a full-featured wireless digital picture frame that lets you quickly and easily access digital content on the frame, on the Internet or on a home server or PC. It lets you enjoy and share photos from online photo sharing sites, access popular social networking sites, listen to Internet radio and receive information such as headline news and weather forecasts.

Features:

Digital frame functions-digital picture frame lets you browse through your photo collection online or offline. You can share and receive pictures directly to your frame from family and friends. You can also view slide shows of your favorite pictures or video, while listening to your favorite music.

Wireless Connectivity:

Lets you connect to your home internet and your home network
Lets you view your photo collection or stream video and music from your home media server or PC.

Online Photo Sharing Sites and Social Website Access:

Enjoy and share photo albums from your favorite photo sharing sites such as Snapfish, Photobucket, Flickr and more.
Enjoy and share photo albums from your favorite social networking sites such as Facebook, MySpace, and Twitter.
Get notified real-time when friends and family update their albums or new photos are available.

Internet Gadget and Internet radio support:

Get up-to date headline news, weather forecasts,sports, business, entertainment news etc.
At the touch of a finger listen to your favorite programs available through preset internet radio stations and podcasts.

Customizable user interface-easy one time setup on a PC allows you to pick and choose exactly what service to receive and how the user interface looks from various skins/backgrounds. You can also create your own play lists for photos, video and music from your collection.

MMS Photos: Receive photos taken with a cellular phone directly to the frame via MMS.

PictBridge Support-print your favorite photos on a PictBridge-compatible printer directly from your Smart Display-without a PC.

Parental Control-gives you full control on the Smart Display to make sure only age appropriate content is accessible.

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ETs4dwtMfPQ]

****This Frame is so cool, you can get photos from the internet via Facebook, MySpace, email and more. It plays music while your photos are displaying. It is very simple to use and set up. my kids were so in shock and just stared at it , they asked if it was a tv. I’m a little disappointed that it doesn’t have my favorite radio station, but I can choose stations from any state. I love this frame, its so fun and it makes my guests stop and think.

Retail:$159.99 at HP

I have a Hp Wifi Frame to giveaway to one lucky reader

To enter tell me your favorite feature of this frame?

Extra entries:

subscribe to my feed-10 entries

Blog about this-7 entries

Follow me on twitter-4 entries

Tweet this giveaway-2 entries( can be done daily)

Leave a comment on any non-giveaway post-1 entry

Contest closes 5/8/2010

Disclosure: I did not receive any compensation for this review, a product was provided from HP who is also providing the giveaway.

Mothers Day Gift Guide: OXO Products Review and GiveawayCLOSED

March 29, 2010May 10, 2010 - brandy3 79 Comments

Product Description:Staples and OXO have teamed up to bring you an exciting line of office products. From advanced stapler technology to a new take on push pins, the collection was created for one simple reason — to make everyday work tasks easier, more efficient and more pleasant.

Through the OXO design philosophy of Universal Design, each product was created to be convenient and easy to use for everyone. It’s where advanced function meets comfortable usage.

I received the one hole puncher, retractable blue ballpoint pens, and push pin dispenser with push pins

The one hole punch has such a comfortable grip and is so convienant to use. I have a three hole punch but it becomes so inconvienant when I only need one whole in a paper, Plus it gets jamed all the time. It punches through 6 pieces of paper, the tray captures the paper and it’s very convienant to dump.

The retractable ballpoint pens come in the color blue. The top of the pen twists for the ink to be released. I really like these pens, most ballpoint pens the ink usually leaks for bleeds. These write very finely and are very comfortable to grasp. The pens can also be refilled, plus when the tip is exposed the pen will not clip, to avoid ink stains.

The push pins are very hold as they have a flat edge instead of round. The push pin dispenser has a magnet in it so ot grabs the pins when the lid is lifted. it’s a great way to store your pins or as I call them tacs. We have a announcement board on our wall, where we hang our calender, bills , and important papers. We usually just have the push pins on the board, but our kids have been knocking them down, so the dispenser is a great way to keep them hidden yet still reachable.

You can find these great products at www.staples.com

Retail:One hole punch-$7.99, ballpoint pens-$6.99, push pin dispenser-$4.99, 24 ct. push pins-$3.99

I have all three of these products to giveaway to one lucky Mom this Mother day

To enter visit Staples and tell me another OXO product you like?

Extra entries:

Subscribe to my feed-10 entries

Blog about this-8 entries

Follow me on twitter-5 entries

Tweet this giveaway-2 entries (can be done daily)

leave a comment on any non giveaway post-1 entry

Contest closes 5/9/10

April Showers Bring Batman Powers Rain Gear

March 27, 2010March 29, 2010 - brandy3 2 Comments

Product description:Warner Bros. Consumer Products and Washington Shoe Company are unleashing the ultimate Bat-gadget this rainy season with a rain collection inspired by Batman. Boys can bring their Batman powers to the streets with a hooded rain slicker with removable cape, Batman boots, and a matching Batman Umbrella.

**** This outfit is so darn cute and it couldn’t have come at a better time, it’s pouring rain and will for the next week. The rain jacket has attached cape, and the boots both feature Batman characters. The umbrella is very easy to open and there is no middle lock for fingers to get pinched. All my kids were excited to see this outfit. They all tried it on and loved it. My son immediately wanted to go play in the rain.

Retail:$102.95 for the whole collection, available at Nordstrom nationwide and select speciality stores.

Disclosure: I did not receive compensation for this post, Products were provided to me through my partnership with Team Mom and Warner Bros Consumer Products.

Smartshield Self Tanner with SPF 15 Review

March 25, 2010March 25, 2010 - brandy3 2 Comments

Product description: This eco-friendly self-tanning product uses DHA, instead of dyes or stains to cause the body to produce melanin and create a natural, safe tan. The oil-free formula contains Vitamins A, C and E and Aloe Vera. It blocks both UVB and UVA rays that cause premature aging with Avobenzone.

Other benefits:

Fast absorbing
Contains vitamins A, C and E plus aloe vera
Smells great

****First let me say I was sent this product without my knowledge. It came in the mail and now I feel obligated. This self tanner you put on and then lay in the sun for a natural looking tan. It does smell good, and is not greasy, which is a plus. Does it give you a natural looking tan, i don’t know, it’s not really the weather for wearing shorts or a swimsuit. I put it on my leg without being in the sun and there was no color change. I like sunscreen that has more than 30 SPF, just so I know I am safe.

Retail:$12.99 at www.smartshield.com

Disclosure: I did not receive compensation for this post a product was provided to me.

Fantastic Mr. Fox Review

March 23, 2010April 5, 2010 - brandy3

Product Description: Mr. Fox plots the greatest heist ever in the animal kingdom.

Synopsis: Based on the beloved best-selling book by Roald Dahl (Charlie and the Chocolate Factory), Fantastic Mr. Fox is family fun at its finest. Anderson employs a colorful supporting cast to bring his eccentric characters to life including Bill Murray (Lost In Translation), Owen Wilson (Marley & Me) and Willem Dafoe (Spiderman triology). Packed with behind-the-scenes bonus features, including a special inside look at how stop-motion animation really works and much more.

Bonus features:

From script to screen
Still life, puppet animation
A beginner’s guide to Whack Bat

*****Fantastic Mr. Fox is funny and has a lot of child humor, but I do not think it is for young children. My ids did not really understand it. Still animation is wierd, it looked like a stuffed animal talking. Overall I thought the movie was okay, funny but wierd. It was very interesting to see how much time and effort goes into Still animation.

Release date: March 23, 2010

Retail: $29.99 for dvd and 39.99 for Blu-ray combo pack

Running time: 87 minutes

My rating:6

Disclosure: I did not receive any compensation, a special screening copy was offered to me by 20th Century Fox for my review.

iCarly iFight Shelby Marx DVD Review & giveaway4/4

March 23, 2010April 4, 2010 - brandy3 92 Comments

Product description: “Join Carly Sam Spencer and Freddie as they help Carly prepare for the scariest fight of her life in the iFight Shelby Marx TV Special the most watched iCarly special to date along with the iDate a Bad Boy TV Special and more all in one dvd.

Episodes:

iFight Shelby Marx-Shelby Marx, the greatest female fighter challenges Carly to an exhibition match!
iLook Alike-Carly Sam and Freddie find look alike to trick spencer, so they can sneak out to a mixed martial arts fight.
iDate A Bad Boy-Carly dates a new guy with a bad rep. and finds out a shocking secret.
iCarly AwardsCarly Sam and Freddie honor the top 10 videos sent into iCarly.com over the past year.

Special features:

Behind the scene extras
Pilot episode of Big Time Rush

*****My kids love iCarly, they think it is so funny. We’ve seen each movie and episode a bunch of times. Shelby Marx gets tricked by Neville a little boy with a crush on Carly, so she wants to really fight Carly. They show her the truth and everything goes good with the fight. iLook Alike they use three teens who they think look like them to trick Spencer and go to a MMA fight, things go bad and Spencer ends up getting knocked out by a MMA fighter. Date a bad boy was funny, Carly hates a guy then they end up dating. She thinks she has herself a real bad boy, but then finds out he collects pee wee babies. the awards show was another one that was not really that funny. iCarly has an award ceremony and Spencer made one giant trophy instead of 10 little ones. so he rushes to get them done while the awards are being handed out. My kids have watched this movie at least 20 times since we received it. they really like it!

Retail:$16.99

Release date:March 30, 2010

Running time:139 minutes

Disclosure: I did not receive compensation for this post. I received a product from Nickelodeon who is also providing the giveaway.

I am holding a giveaway on my blog for 1 copy as well as a twitter giveaway for 1 copy.

required entry: Tweet: “Enter to win a copy of “iCarly: iFight Shelby Marx” by following @NickelodeonDVD and RT this message.

The Madeline Movie: Lost In Paris Review

March 22, 2010 - brandy3

Product Description:When a long-lost uncle from Vienna pays a visit. Madeline’s dreams of a family life seem fulfilled, until she finds herself in the middle of an unfortunate scheme. Madeline must then must call upon all of her courage and cleverness to foil an evil plot to take her from the only family she’d ever known.

****I have watched Madeline movies and read the books. This movie was a bit different from what I’m use to seeing. It was a little dark/evil, if that makes sense. My older daughter loved it, while my 2,3 yr old stop watching when the Uncle came into the picture. overall it was a good movie.

Retail:$14.99

Release date: April 13, 2010

Running time: 90 minutes long

My rating:7

Disclosure: I did not receive any compensation for this review. A product was provided from the company.

Alvin and the Chipmunks The Squeakuel DVD Review & Giveaway4/4

March 18, 2010April 4, 2010 - brandy3 306 Comments

Product Description: When a concert mishap lands Dave in the hospital, the Chipmunks take a break from superstardom and enroll in school to fit in with kids their age. But they soon face some stiff competition when they meet the Chipettes — a beautiful, talented trio of chipmunks discovered by Ian, the boys’ evil ex-manager!

****My kids loved this movie! It didn’t seem as funny as the first one, but it was still really good. The boys start school after Dave gets hurt and all the girls love them. The boys get jealous and start playing tricks on them including giving Simon a swirly. The Chipettes meet with Ian and then faceoff with the Chipmunks in a Singing competition. Alvin never shows up so the Chipettes win. They come together at the end and become one big family! My daughters loved when the Chipettes sand Single Ladies. My favorite part was when Ian comes out and pretends to be the Chipettes with puppets, so funny.

Retail:$29.98 also on Blu-ray for $39.99

Running time: 89 minutes

Release date:March 30, 2010

My rating:9

I have 5 copies to giveaway

To enter tell me who your favorite chipmunk is?

extra entries:

Subscribe to my feed-7 entries

blog about this-6 entries

leave a comment on any non giveaway post-5 entries

follow me on twitter-4 entries

tweet about this giveaway-2 entries (can be done daily)

Contest closes-4/4/10

Disclosure: I did not receive any compensation for this review. I received review copy from the 20th Century Fox who is also providing the giveaway.

Disney’s Princess and the Frog Blu-ray Combo pack Review

March 15, 2010 - brandy3 1 Comment

Product Description: Disney celebrates a modern-day classic from the directors of The Little Mermaid and Aladdin. Discover what really happened after the princess kissed the frog in an inspired twist on the world’s most famous kiss. This hilarious adventure leaps off the screen with stunning animation, irresistible music and an unforgettable cast of characters. Enter Princess Tiana’s world of talking frogs, singing alligators and lovesick fireflies as she embarks on an incredible journey through the mystical bayous of Louisiana. Spurred on by a little bit of courage and a great big dream, these new friends come to realize what’s truly important in life…love, family and friendship.

Bonus features:

Deleted scenes
Audio commentary
Music video by Ne-Yo “Never Knew I Needed
Princess Portraits game

Bonus features on Blu-ray disc

Backstage Disney
The Return to Hand Drawn Animation
The Disney Legacy
Disney’s New Princess
The Princess and The Animator
Conjuring the Villan
A Return to the Animated Musical
Bringing Life to Animation with an Introduction by John Musker and Ron Clements
Deleted scenes
Art Galleries

*****The Princess and The Frog is a lot different than any other Disney Princess movie, Not just the fact that this is the first African-American Princess. The setting for the movie is based on real life, no big castle on a hill in the middle of nowhere. My kids actually were a little scared watching this movie. The villain is really portrayed as evil and scary. It has a lot of adventure and ia a great movie for kids over the age of 4 or 5.

Retail: Blu-ray combo pack $44.99

Release date: March 16, 2010

Running Time: 97 minutes

My rating:8

Disclosure:I did not receive compensation for this post. I did receive a product from Disney PR for review purposes.

Prima Princessa Presents Swan Lake DVD review

March 11, 2010March 11, 2010 - brandy3

Product Description: Put your dancing shoes on, and enjoy the show! Prima Princessa features the world-renowned Paris Opera Ballet performing excerpts from Swan Lake, narrated by the adorable Prima Princessa, herself! Between acts Prima Princessa guides you through ballet steps performed by School of American Ballet students so you can become a Prima Princessa ballerina too!

****My daughters were really excited about this movie as they want to be dancers/ballerinas. Watching The Paris Ballet perform Swan Lake was exciting, but the student excerpts were a little fast and confusing. My girls couldn’t keep up with the dvd, which was a little upsetting. It was fun to watch though, and made my daughters even more interested in ballet.

Retail:$6.99

Release date: March 2, 2010

Running time: 40 minutes long