Category: Reviews

Elmo’s Monster Maker App Review

elmos monster maker app

CJ loves Elmo. When I got the opportunity to try a new app called Elmo’s Monster Maker I couldn’t pass it up.

Description - Elmo wants you to make a monster friend! It’s easy! Choose a monster body and touch its face to give it eyes, nose and a hat—there are lots and lots and lots to choose from. When you’re done, Elmo will dance and play with your monster! This is going to be so much fun!

I thought it was cute, he loved it. When you open the app Elmo tells you how to play the game. This isn’t really a game, per se, it’s just a fun thing to play with if you’re an Elmo fan. Everything is done with the tap of a finger. In the beginning Elmo instructs the player to choose one of five monsters to make, or finish/decorate. You then see your monster. Your monster needs eyes and a nose, and a hat if you choose. Tap the area where the nose goes and a nose appears. Tap again and it’s a different nose. Keep tapping, there’s a few of them. The same applies for eyes and hats. Once you’ve completed your monster you can either watch it dance to one of four songs or take a picture that goes into your library. CJ had a lot of fun playing with this one. I thought it was cute. The only thing I don’t like is that when you press the camera button all you see is a bright light. I actually thought that since my iPod has no camera that I wasn’t getting monster pictures. It wasn’t until I checked the photo library that I found all of the monster pictures. All in all it’s a fun app that your monster lover will love.

Buy Elmo’s Monster Maker on iTunes.

elmos monste rmaker app faces

This app was provided to me as a member of the Game Review Network for the sole purpose of product testing and review. This review has not been compensated in any other way and is based on the views and opinions of my family and/or self. Please note that the opinions reflected in this post have not been influenced by the sponsor in any way.

Mar 17, 2010 | 1 comment | View Post

Lego The Adventures Of Clutch Powers DVD Review - With Giveaway

lego adventures of clutch powers dvd cover

Lego The Adventures Of Clutch Powers

Available on DVD and digital download on February 23, 2010
Rating: NR (Not Rated)
Studio: Universal Studios
Run Time: 82 minutes
Official site http://www.curiousgeorge.com/

Synopsis - For the first time ever, see the creative world of LEGO® come to life in the all-new feature-length DVD movie. Meet Clutch Powers, the best builder and explorer in the LEGO®universe as he heads off on his most dangerous mission yet. Join Clutch and his team of LEGO®experts as their adventure leads them from LEGO® City to the Space Police prison planet to the medieval world of Ashlar where they must help the rightful heir to the King’s throne find the courage to regain the kingdom from the evil wizard Mallock the Malign. Their brick-building skills will be put to the ultimate test as they face off against Mallock’s skeleton army. Get ready for an action-packed adventure like nothing you have ever seen before, The Adventures of Clutch Powers!

CJ liked the graphics a lot. I found the story to be part Indiana Jones and part Star Wars. I loved the bits of humor that were incorporated into the storyline. “Let me get your legs. I’m not half the man I used to be.” “She brings extra hair.” I loved when one character chastised another for not following the directions when a piece was left over after building a structure. Despite the fact that they were “bad guys” I really thought the skeleton Lego characters looked cool. It was really neat to see so many of the Lego pieces I’ve seen over many years used in the film, as everything in the film was made of Legos.

DVD TRAILER

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WIN IT!

ONE winner will receive their own copy of the Lego The Adventures Of Clutch Powers DVD.

HOW TO ENTER. (MANDATORY)

To enter leave a comment on this post telling me who you’d use this prize for if you won.

BONUS ENTRIES

1 - Subscribe to my newsletter. (sidebar)
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1 - Tweet this giveaway.
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1 - Friend me using Google FriendConnect. (bottom right of page)
1 - Blog about this giveaway, including a link here.
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1 - Visit Game Review Network and leave a comment on any post there. Then return here and leave a comment on this post telling me one thing you read or learned there. (That’s two comments you need to leave for this bonus entry, one there and one here.) Unlimited entries for this method of entry.
1 - Visit HereAndThere.US (my Mom) and leave a comment on any post (except a giveaway post) there. Then return here and leave a comment on this post telling me one thing you read or learned on my Mom’s blog. (That’s two comments you need to leave for this bonus entry, one there and one here.) Unlimited entries for this method of entry.

Leave an additional comment for each entry you qualify for. You must have completed the first entry according to the instructions to be eligible for any bonus entries.

THE SMALL PRINT.

US addresses only please. This contest will end on Sunday 03/21/10 at 11:59 pm est. If you’ve entered any of my giveaways before then you know that only comments containing all of the requested information will be eligible for entry. The winner must contact me to confirm they wish to receive the prize within two days of my email notifying them they’ve won. Good luck to everyone!

The product(s) featured in this review was provided free of cost to me for the sole purpose of product testing and review. This review has not been monetarily compensated and is based on the views and opinions of my family and/or self. Please note that the opinions reflected in this post have not been influenced by the sponsor in any way.

Mar 14, 2010 | 31 comments | View Post

Curious George 2 Follow That Monkey DVD Review - With Giveaway

curious george 2 follow that monkey dvd cover

Curious George 2 Follow That Monkey DVD

Available on DVD on March 2, 2010
Rating: G (General Audience)
Studio: Universal Studios
Run Time: 81 minutes

Press Release - Universal City, California (January 12, 2010) – Buckle up for an unforgettable experience when Curious George and his friends embark on a hilarious madcap cross country adventure in Curious George 2: Follow That Monkey, an all-new feature-length animated film available only on DVD on March 2, 2010 from Universal Studios Home Entertainment. Filled with the delightful antics, gentle humor and heartfelt emotion that have captivated the hearts of families around the world, Curious George 2: Follow That Monkey includes a menagerie of entertaining bonus features: Two never-before-seen shows from the all-new TV season on PBS that does not air until Fall 2010, a brand new interactive game, an exclusive music video and more. Curious George 2: Follow That Monkey is priced at $19.95 SRP.

As an added savings value to consumers for a limited time, a $5 grocery cash check card mail-in offer will be included in DVD copies of Curious George 2: Follow That Monkey and the purchase of the DVD includes an instant $3 savings towards any Curious George catalog, TV or DVD title purchased in tandem.

In this sidesplittingly funny and heartwarming sequel to the hit 2006 animated feature, George sets out on a coast-to-coast journey to reunite Kayla, a homesick elephant, with her family. Curious George 2: Follow That Monkey features all-star voice talent including Tim Curry (“The Adventures of Jimmy Neutron: Boy Genius,” Home Alone 2: Lost in New York), Jamie Kennedy (Kickin’ It Old School, Malibu’s Most Wanted), Matt Lauer (“Today Show”), Frank Welker (“Curious George” TV series, “Futurama,”) and comedy legend Jerry Lewis, plus music from legendary songwriter Brian Wilson of the Beach Boys.

Bonus Features

Two Never Before Seen Bonus Shows from the all-new TV season! See the premiere episode 6 months before it airs!
Curious George’s Cross Country Caper Game – It’s more fun than a barrel of you-know-what when George and Kayla go on the run with security specialist Marcus Wolfe hot on their trail! Exciting puzzles lead the way from New York to California so Kayla can visit her brother and sister. But be careful—a wrong answer could bring the Wolfe right to their door!
Hold On, Here We Go – Exclusive Music Video
Coloring Pages and Wallpapers

We had a lot of fun watching this movie. CJ seemed to enjoy the colorful characters. RB and I also enjoyed it, it got us to talking about our memories of Curious George.We enjoyed George’s persistence in his desire to help his friend Kayla see her family. The coloring is bright and clear. This fun movie helped bring home that friendship and family are important and with hope and determination even the hardest things are possible.

WATCH THE TRAILER

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WIN IT!

ONE winner will receive a Curious George prize pack including this DVD, CD soundtrack, and book.

HOW TO ENTER. (MANDATORY)

To enter leave a comment on this post telling me something you remember about Curious George or something your child likes about Curious George.

BONUS ENTRIES

Leave an additional comment for each entry you qualify for. You must have completed the first entry according to the instructions to be eligible for any bonus entries.

THE SMALL PRINT.

Mar 14, 2010 | 58 comments | View Post

PBS Kids Caillou: Caillou Pretends To Be DVD Review

caillou caillou pretends to be dvd cover

Caillou: Caillou Pretends To Be

Available on DVD on Marc h 16, 2010
Number of discs: 1
Studio: PBS (DIRECT)
Run Time: 100 minutes
SRP $14.99
Available on most retail location where DVDs are sold

Contains episodes including:

Caillou the Patient
Caillou the Police Officer
Grandpa’s Friend
Captain Caillou
The Loudest Noise
Caillou’s First Wedding
Caillou the Road Builder
Caillou’s Building Adventure
House in the Sky
Magnet Madness
Caillou the Dinosaur Hunter
Caillou the Astronaut

CJ never moved from the couch while this DVD was playing. I like Caillou because it entertains while educating. Each episode is colorful and written at a child’s level while having an underlying point or lesson. This DVD reminds us that in a child’s mind anything is possible.

Mar 14, 2010 | 1 comment | View Post

PBS Kids Martha Speaks: Martha Says It With Flowers DVD Review

martha speaks martha says it with flowers dvd cover

Martha Speaks: Martha Says It With Flowers

Studio: PBS (DIRECT)
DVD Release Date: March 9, 2010
Run Time: 100 minutes
SRP $14.99
Not rated

Press release - HOLLYWOOD, CA – Children will have fun while they discover new words from a dog who loves to talk when MARTHA SPEAKS™ Martha Says It With Flowers debuts on DVD March 9, 2010 from PBS KIDS and Paramount Home Entertainment. Based on the successful children’s book series by Susan Meddaugh, and produced by WGBH Boston and Studio B Productions, MARTHA SPEAKS™ follows the adventures of a beloved family dog who develops the power of speech after eating some alphabet soup. Each entertaining episode is designed to help kids learn up to 20 new words and increase their oral vocabulary as they enjoy the escapades of the outspoken, honest and confident Martha and her family and friends.

Martha Speaks: Martha Says it with Flowers DVD includes these episodes:

Raiders of the Lost Art
Martha Says It with Flowers
Martha Gets Spooked
Martha Changes Her Luck
Martha Sings
TD Makes the Band
There Goes the Neighborhood
Ice Scream

Bonus features

Coloring Pages
Parents’ Information

I’d never seen the show Martha Speaks before. Despite being full of vivid watercolor animations, this show is a bit old for CJ although he did like watching the “puppy!” for a while. Martha is a dog that has the ability to speak. I can imagine where a child would think a dog could speak because their alphabet soup got lost on the way to their stomach, which is what the lyrics in the theme song tell us. I like the way that the character of Martha interacts with other characters as well as appears on her own. I also like that at the end of the episode there is a segment helping young viewers understand the meaning of the new words they’ve learned.

Mar 14, 2010 | 1 comment | View Post

PBS Kids Super Why Peter Rabbit And Other Fairytale Adventures

super why peter rabbit and other fairy tale adventures dvd cover

Super Why!: Peter Rabbit and Other Fairytale Adventures

Available on DVD on March 2, 2010
Studio Name: Paramount Home Entertainment
Rating: TV-Y
Run Time (in minutes): 100 minutes

Description - The first superhero series that helps children ages 3-6 learn to read through interactive storybook adventures returns with four new-to-DVD adventures. From Out of the Blue Enterprises, PBS KIDS and Paramount Home Entertainment, Super Why! Peter Rabbit & Other Fairytale Adventures includes fun new interpretations of the classic stories Peter Rabbit, Tom Thumb, Goldilocks and the Three Bears and Rapunzel. Join Super Why and his super friends as they practice spelling, use the power to read and investigate rhyming words in order to change the outcome of the story and save the day! The “Super Why!” television series has received the 2008-2009 Parents’ Choice Silver Honor Award and was nominated for an Emmy® for Outstanding Preschool Children’s Series. The DVD also includes interactive games, music videos, Resources for Parents and coloring pages for even more entertainment.

I’d never seen this show before. Super Why is a children’s show that incorporates the alphabet, spelling, words and reading. The characters include Alpha Pig with alphabet power, princess Presto with spelling power, Wonder Red with word power and Super Why with the power to read. Oh and there’s one more character - Super YOU (yes you) with power to help. I like the way the show involves the viewers by asking them to help, by looking for things. In a way I was reminded of Blue’s Clues, one of CJ’s all time favorite shows. Each time the viewers find a super letter it is entered into a computer, a la the notebook from Blue’s Clues. The colorful episodes are interesting to children while also being educational.

Mar 14, 2010 | 0 comments | View Post

Aquafresh Iso-Active Toothpaste Review

aquafresh isoactive toothpaste

For the past several weeks I’ve been using a new toothpaste, AquaFresh Iso-Active Whitening Toothpaste.

Product description

Aquafresh Iso-Active Whitening doesn’t look like an ordinary toothpaste, and it doesn’t act like one, either! Given that 40 percent of your tooth surface is hidden between your teeth, getting your mouth healthy and clean can be a challenge. But Iso-Active’s revolutionary gel activates the moment you start brushing, transforming into a micro-fine foam. This active foam penetrates hard-to-reach places around your mouth, protecting between your teeth and giving you a whole-mouth clean.

Breakthrough gel transforms into an active foam
Penetrates hard-to-reach places to protect between teeth
33% better whitening*
Provides Aquafresh Triple Protection for healthy gums**, strong teeth, and fresh breath

My Thoughts

I am loving this toothpaste. The taste is minty clean. I like minty toothpaste, it makes me confident my breath doesn’t smell bad. The toothpaste isn’t as thick as a paste or gel. Once you’re brushing the toothpaste foams up. The packaging is awesome, no tubes to squeeze and flatten. The only thing about the packaging is that I don’t know how much toothpaste is left in there, which would not be good if I ran out and didn’t have any more on hand. It’d be neat if they could make the pump with a window so you know how much is left inside.

If you’d like to try Aquafresh Iso-Active be sure to snag the printable $1 Aquafresh Iso-Active coupon.

I received this sample as a member of SheSpeaks.

Mar 13, 2010 | 1 comment | View Post

The Freezer In Our New Frigidaire Professional Refrigerator

Well, we’ve had our new Frigidaire 22.6 Cu. Ft. Counter-Depth Professional Refrigerator for a little over a month now and are absolutely loving it. One of the things we love the most is the 8.50 cubic foot freeezer. As I mentioned in my last post, our new freezer was not quite as deep as our last fridge, an old side by side. With the new model being a good six inches or so smaller depthwise I expected was to lose space. We didn’t. Both RB and I agree that the new unit seems bigger, despite the fact that we know it’s not.

Don’t get me wrong, the new model is by no means small, measuring in at 35-5/8″ wide x 69-3/8″ high x 26-7/8″ deep. What makes it seem bigger is the way the interior is set up. In our old freezer there were just three shelves and we could never find anything.

Take a look.

fridge freezer full

There’s even a space up top, above the ice maker, for a couple of light items. We’ve found this area to be great for keeping breakfast items at the ready, since we’re very pressed for time in the morning.

fridge freezer full 1

The freezer has two glass shelves up top. What’s great about these is that they’re glass so not only can you see the items on them but the bright lighting from the top of the freezer shines through. These features have been a HUGE time saver. Even the storage on the door is friendly, the wire bins tilt open so you can move items in and out of them quickly and easily.

fridge freezer full 2

The Frigidaire Professional makes great use of the space it’s got. Rather than just shelves it has three pull out baskets. Now, rather than emptying out part of the freezer all I need to do to find out what’s in there is pull out a basket.

fridge freezer full 3

fridge freezer full 4

“I wrote this review while participating in a Test Drive Campaign by Mom Central on behalf of Frigidaire and received a Frigidaire Refrigerator to facilitate my review.”

Mar 11, 2010 | 3 comments | View Post

The Delivery And Installation Of Our Frigidaire Refrigerator

Before leaving for Florida I received a phone call that my Frigidaire was in and they wanted to install it. I hadn’t been expecting it for a couple of weeks more so I was shocked. After doing the scheduling dance that working folks and service people do we got things squared away. With only days left before leaving our new Frigidaire Professional Refrigerator was delivered and installed.

This is the fridge we were replacing. It was about fifteen years old. (Evident by the spots you can see where I had magnets and never cleaned under. Magnets are evil.) This fridge stuck out past the counter a good six to eight inches.

old fridge

I should have thought to have Dad take pictures of the old freezer full. My bad. It was really full and we always had a hard time finding things in there.

So on the morning of installation my Dad waited at my house, with me calling him every ten minutes to see if the new fridge had arrived. Finally it did, after only three phone calls.

fridge truck

fridge dolly

The guys took the old fridge out and installed the new one. (With me on the phone with my Dad almost the whole time.) We knew the sizing was going to be close. We had less than 1/4 inch left width wise, so we just made it.

fridge installing

There were two teams. One brought the fridge and one set it up. Once everything was installed and working the guys went on their way. Leaving my Dad to deal with my phone calls while I watched the clock at work inch forward. Also leaving me at work, daydreaming what my new Frigidaire 22.6 Cu. Ft. Counter-Depth Professional Refrigerator was like.

When I got home and saw the fridge I actually started to cry. And I hugged it. Then I proceeded to check it out and admire it. It is beautiful. The first thing I noticed was depth of the fridge. I knew that the new fridge was counter depth but I really wasn’t prepared for how much nicer it looked not sticking out from the counter six or more inches. It seemed to make the kitchen look a bit bigger.

fridge installed

My old fridge had a water dispenser so I wasn’t prepared for this water dispenser to impress me. It did! The fridge dispenses filtered water! And filtered ice cubes! Clearly the folks at Frigidaire were familiar with some folks concerns with the local water supply when they made this model.The water comes out pretty quickly in a cold and quiet stream.

The difference in the depth had gotten me to thinking. Surely if I’d lost that many inches (let’s say six deep by twenty six across) then I must have lost space inside the freezer. What do you think? Stay tuned, I’ll tell you on Tuesday.

If you’d like to know what the other Test Drive Moms thought follow us all on Twitter, with the hashtag #FrigidaireMoms.

Thanks to Mom Central and Frigidaire I will be receiving

“I wrote this review while participating in a Test Drive Campaign by Mom Central on behalf of Frigidaire and received a Frigidaire Refrigerator to facilitate my review.”

Feb 28, 2010 | 4 comments | View Post

Real Kids Shades Review - With Giveaway

realkidsshades and mfs logos

Long ago I came to the conclusion that seasonal merchandising means you cannot get what you need when you most need it. Example. You find you need to replace your winter pajamas or slippers in February and can’t because they’re no longer on sale. That’s right folks. Summer items are starting to appear in local stores now. That’s ridiculous! One of the items you see all of the time in the summer but not so much during the winter is sunglasses.

According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO), sunglasses are not just for sunny summer days, but are also needed during the winter season when reflections from snow, water, sand or pavement can intensify UV rays to extremely high levels. The AAO also tells us that most parents (82%) encourage their children to use sunscreen when outdoors in the sunlight to protect the skin, but only 32% protect the vulnerable eyes of their infants, toddlers and children with sunglasses. That’s a scary thought when you consider that children’s eyes are at increased risk for permanent damage from sunlight until they are at least 10 years old, because their eyes are highly sensitive and still developing. Furthermore, 90% of total lifetime damage from the sun’s harmful rays occurs by age 18.

I never really gave childrens sunglasses much thought other than that it was cute. Of course I thought they were cute – they’ve got cute little licensed characters on them. You’ve seen the ones I mean in the department stores. I have bought CJ 3 or 4 pair and they just didn’t fit right and never stayed on. Shortly before our recent trip to Disney, I started contemplating what I was going to do for CJ’s eyes as there has been known to be some sunshine in Florida. I didn’t see any children’s sunglasses in the department stores. That didn’t surprise me, as I couldn’t find slippers or pajamas either. Fortunately, the folks at Real Kids Shades sent us some sunglasses and asked us to share our thoughts.

Real Kids Shades offers a line of durable and stylish sunglasses for infants and children to age 12. Real Kids Shades offer 100% UV protection and are measured by the strictest American, European and Australian governing bodies. Real Kids Shades are approved by the Melanoma International Foundation and meets with the sunglass recommendations of Prevent Blindness America. These kids sunglasses are Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act (CPSIA) compliant, CE Certified and FDA Approved for protecting children’s eyes against dangerous exposure to UV-A and UV-B rays. They are lead-free and made of impact-resistant, shatterproof polycarbonate frames and lenses. A wide range of styles and colors are available, including sports styles. Some of these styles can be fitted with prescription lenses.

real kids glasses case

I was very impressed with the Real Kids Shades. In the past when CJ has worn sunglasses they have always fallen off. CJ is small and I wondered how well these would work. As it turns out, they work great! They’re very stylish looking and I love the adjustable band that kept them on his head. He didn’t seem to mind wearing them at all, probably because they actually fit. And these glasses actually covered his eyes, unlike any of the ones we’d bought previously.

cj glasses hat

cj real kids shades 1

cj real kids shades 2

The frames are all stylish looking without looking too young or too old. I find the price quite reasonable considering the fact that they provide the protection my son’s eyes need and because they on. (No need to buy more if these stay on.)

Suggested retail prices for Real Kids Shades range from $14.99 to $19.99. For more information and store location, visit www.realkidshades.com.

WIN IT!

ONE winner will receive a pair of Real Kids Shades.

HOW TO ENTER. (MANDATORY)

To enter visit the Real Kids Shades website and then leave a comment on this post telling me which style of Real Kids Shades you like the most and what your favorite color in that style is.

BONUS ENTRIES

1 - Subscribe to my newsletter. (sidebar)
1 - Subscribe to my RSS feed. (sidebar)
1 - Follow me on Twitter AND leave your Twitter name here. (sidebar)
1 - Tweet this giveaway.
1 - Friend me on Facebook - http://www.facebook.com/valmg
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1 - Friend me using Google FriendConnect. (bottom right of page)
1 - Blog about this giveaway, including a link here.
1 - Place my button on your blog. (bottom of page)
1 - Visit Game Review Network and leave a comment on any post (except a giveaway post) there. Then return here and leave a comment on this post telling me one thing you read or learned there. (That’s two comments you need to leave for this bonus entry, one there and one here.) Unlimited entries for this method of entry.
1 - Visit HereAndThere.US (my Mom) and leave a comment on any post (except a giveaway post) there. Then return here and leave a comment on this post telling me one thing you read or learned on my Mom’s blog. (That’s two comments you need to leave for this bonus entry, one there and one here.) Unlimited entries for this method of entry.

Leave an additional comment for each entry you qualify for. You must have completed the first entry according to the instructions to be eligible for any bonus entries.

THE SMALL PRINT.

US addresses only please. This contest will end on Saturday 03/13/10 at 11:59 pm est. If you’ve entered any of my giveaways before then you know that only comments containing all of the requested information will be eligible for entry. The winner must contact me to confirm they wish to receive the prize within two days of my email notifying them they’ve won. Good luck to everyone!

THIS GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED.

Feb 28, 2010 | 37 comments | View Post

Custom Twitter Necklaces By Survival Of The Hippest

You know those nameplate necklaces that became popular back in the 80s and 90s? They’re still going strong and one company has given them an update, tying them into the popular social media platform we all know as Twitter. Survival Of the Hippest, a New York City based company, is currently offering their Social St@tus collection which includes handmade custom made necklaces with your Twitter handle or your favorite hash tag. Necklaces are available in 925 sterling silver, 10k and 14k gold, with pricing starting at $49.95. Additional options and upgrades are available including longer chains and diamonds. Along with the necklaces they also offer keychains, bracelets, anklets, pins and tie clips.

The folks at Survival Of The Hippest offered me a special discount and I bought myself one. We’re sort of broke so I chose the sterling silver with a 20 inch chain. As far as the necklace goes I can say that they did a beautiful job and I love it. The only suggestions I have actually pertain to the actual ordering. I think it would be helpful to mention any font choices available. I also think it would be great if they offered a few more chain options. I am a large person and find that thin, dainty chains don’t suit me, they tend to get lost. I would have preferred a slightly thicker and longer chain. I wore it to the Disney Social Media Moms Celebration and received many compliments on the piece.

These custom Twitter necklaces would make a great gift, for yourself or your favorite Twitter addict. You can find Survival Of The Hippest at http://survivalofthehippest.com, or on Twitter @TheHippest.

Feb 24, 2010 | 4 comments | View Post

Bonefish Grill Restaurant Review

bonefish grill logo

Just before Christmas I was invited to visit our local Bonefish Grill for dinner. I’d never been to one of their restaurants, of which there are more than 150 nationwide. The Bonefish Grill is mainly a seafood restaurant but does offer a few chicken, beef and pork meals. The meals range from quick and casual handheld items to delicacies to enjoy sitting down in a relaxed atmosphere.

At the point of our visit they were in the midst of a really cool campaign - the Give, Get and Win Sweepstakes. During that sweepstakes Bonefish was offering a $20 bonus gift card when you purchased $100 in gift cards, along with a chance to win a grand prize of $5,000 in cash and $5,000 to give to a local charity of their choice from select charitable organizations. Bonefish Grill employees nationwide all volunteered a day of service to a local charity during the holiday season as well, in an effort to give back to their communities.

bonefish salad

bonefish corn crab chowder

We had a very enjoyable dinner. Jerry our server was very nice. The warm, fresh bread was a big hit and our table went through three baskets of it. Salads were served. RB had corn chowder with lump crab and thought that it was one of the best soups he’d ever had.

bonefish bacon wrapped scallops

For appetizers, which are made fresh daily, we got Bang Bang Shrimp, which is a “tender, crispy shrimp tossed in a creamy, spicy sauce” and Bacon Wrapped Atlantic Sea Scallops, which are “tender & crispy and topped with chutney and served with mango salsa”.

bonefish filet mignon

bonefish sirloin steak

bonefish lobster thermidor

Next up were the entrees. I was impressed to see that Bonefish offers some gluten-free selections on the adult menu. I would have liked to see one or two gluten-free selection on the children’s menu, as CJ can’t have gluten but at 10 years old in no way requires an adult size meal. TJ had a filet mignon that was trimmed beautifully. Mom had lobster thermidor with maui maui and Dad has the sirloin steak. RB had the sea scallops and shrimp, which he said were outstanding. My favorite item was the garlic mashed potatoes, which were creamy and smooth and just melted in my mouth. My parents ordered creme brulee - chocolate for Mom and vanilla for Dad. I took a spoonful of both and really enjoyed the vanilla. Portions were quite reasonable. Service was good but not excellent, something I attributed to the holiday season. This was later confirmed by the manager Holly when she stopped by our table to apologize for any delays we’d experienced. We enjoyed the food and company tremendously and will return in the future.

Currently Bonefish is having a contest on Facebook. To celebrate this season of healthy resolutions they’re giving ten winners a dinner for two at Bonefish Grill. To enter all you need to do is visit the Bonefish Grill Facebook page and check their status for the current question, then leave a comment on the wall with your answer. Winners will be announced throughout the month with the final winner being announced on 02/01/10.

You can also follow Bonefish Grill on Twitter.

The Bonefish Grill would make a great place to go on a date night or with family or friends. It’s also a great gift idea as they do offer gift cards.

A gift certificate (which covered a portion of the check) was provided to me for the sole purpose of product testing and review. This review has not been compensated in any other way and is based on the views and opinions of my family and/or self. Please note that the opinions reflected in this post have not been influenced by the sponsor in any way.

bonefish scallops shrimp

Jan 10, 2010 | 19 comments | View Post

HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE - MUST HAVES - Pure Pearls

pure pearls lavender pearl earrings

GIFT IDEA - PURE PEARLS

There’s a saying that every woman should have pearls, in one form or another. When I was 12 and in high school I got a pair of pearl earrings while on a class trip in Florida. I loved those earrings, and have no idea what happened to them. I like good jewelry but only versatile jewelry that can be worn all of the time. I wear a pair of diamond earrings that my husband gave me in one hole in my ears and have been looking for the right pair of earrings to wear in the other, something that would look good with anything. In the midst of my search I received an offer to try a pair of pearl earrings from Pure Pearls.

About Pure Pearls

Pure Elegance. Pure Luxury. Pure Value.

Our philosophy is simple! Pure Pearls offers high quality, fine pearl jewelry at exceptional discount prices. Our team of experts bring to you the top 3% of our exclusive harvests. By sourcing pearls straight from the pearl farms, we cut the middleman and bring incredible wholesale prices to our customers without sacrificing quality. Because our customers are so happy with their purchases, we receive a high percentage of repeat customers and incredible advertising by word-of-mouth.

I received a set of 9-10mm Freshwater Elite lavender pearl earrings. They arrived in a velvet box accompanied by a certificate of GIA appraisal. I was surprised to find that the color of the earrings was almost identical to the color of shown on the website, a light pinkish lavender. The posts are of 14K gold, something important to a girl like me that once had her ears get infected from posts made of cheap metal. They go great with jeans, my work clothes and dress clothes. I have received numerous compliments about them. I love them and wear them every day.

The selection of on the Pure Pearls website is astounding. They offer several types of pearls including Akoya, Tahitian, Freshwater and South Sea. They carry every type of pearl jewelry including necklaces, earrings, pendants, bracelets, cufflinks, clasps and rings. They also offer loose pearls as well as custom strands you can design yourself. The website is easy to navigate. If you don’t know much about pearls (like me) you’ll appreciate the section of pearl information and education. I didn’t know that pearls need moisture, did you? Pricing is clearly marked, along with the retail price you might see the item for elsewhere. I looked at some pearls in the mall for comparison and the Pure Pearls pricing is much lower.

If you’re looking to gift yourself or someone else a little something special, consider pearls. No holiday required.

WIN IT!

ONE winner will receive a Beauti Control travel kit and a set of Avon True Glow body lotion and shower gel.

HOW TO ENTER. (MANDATORY)

To enter visit the Pure Pearls site and then leave me a comment on this post telling me one piece you saw that you like.

BONUS ENTRIES

1 - Subscribe to my newsletter. (at top of sidebar)
1 - Subscribe to my RSS feed. (at top of page)
1 - Follow me on Twitter AND leave your Twitter name here. (at top of page)
1 - Tweet this giveaway.
1 - Friend me on Facebook - http://www.facebook.com/valmg
1 - Fave this blog at Technorati AND leave your Technorati name here.
1 - Blog about this giveaway, including a link here.
1 - Place my button on your blog. (in sidebar)
1 - Visit HereAndThere.US (my Mom) and leave a comment on any post (except a giveaway post) there. Then return here and leave a comment on this post telling me one thing you read or learned on my Mom’s blog. (That’s two comments you need to leave for this bonus entry, one there and one here.) Unlimited entries for this method of entry.

Leave an additional comment for each entry you qualify for. You must have completed the first entry according to the instructions to be eligible for any bonus entries.

THE SMALL PRINT.

US addresses only please. This contest will end on Sunday 01/03/09 at 11:59 pm est. If you’ve entered any of my giveaways before then you know that only comments containing all of the requested information will be eligible for entry. The winner must contact me to confirm they wish to receive the prize within two days of my email notifying them they’ve won. Good luck to everyone!

The product(s) featured in this review was provided free of cost to me for the sole purpose of product testing and review. This review has not been monetarily compensated and is based on the views and opinions of my family and/or self. Please note that the opinions reflected in this post have not been influenced by the sponsor in any way.

THIS GIVEAWAY HAS ENDED.

Dec 28, 2009 | 104 comments | View Post

HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE - MUST HAVES - V Tech VSmile Cyber Pocket

vtech cyber pocket

CJ is 10 but developmentally he’s much younger. It can be very hard to shop for toys for him because usually he’s either got it or it’s just not a good fit for him. One thing he enjoys tremendously is playing video games. His old VSmile has seen much better days. V Tech now makes a newer model, the VSmile Cyber Pocket.

About the VSmile Cyber Pocket

Kid-smart video gaming goes anywhere with V.Smile Cyber Pocket – featuring a flip top high resolution screen and easy touch writing pad, V.Smile Cyber Pocket even adjust to both right and left-handed players.

V.Smile Cyber Pocket users can also access a secure website using V.Link to show kids how their game scores stack up as well as provide them with bonus games to reward their progress. It’s easy to use and encourages them to keep up the good work!

Best of all, V.Smile Cyber Pocket toys play all of the Smartridges in the V.Smile Library. So as kids’ skills grow, you can keep supplying them with new challenges.

CJ adjusted to playing with the new VSmile Cyber Pocket quickly. There’s a lot of things I like about this game. It improves eye to hand coordination. It helps both fine and gross motor skills. It encourages concentration. The game skills have educational value while remaining fun and interesting. The game system itself fits well in his hands and isn’t too big or too small, making it the ideal toy for both home and long car rides. It’s great that all of the VSmile cartridges work in it, so games from the other systems like the VMotion can be used. The VSmile Cyber Pocket operates on 4 AA batteries. I have found the battery life to be quite reasonable but for those concerned there is an AC adapter available for about $10. We give this system six thumbs up - 2 from me, 2 from RB and 2 from CJ. The model we received did not have the capability to connect to a television but I believe the current model in stores does. That’s a feature we definitely would enjoy.

The V Tech VSmile Cyber Pocket sells for $49.99. It’s available for purchase online and in stores nationwide.

The product(s) featured in this review was provided free of cost to me for the sole purpose of product testing and review. This review has not been monetarily compensated and is based on the views and opinions of my family and/or self. Please note that the opinions reflected in this post have not been influenced by the sponsor in any way.

Dec 27, 2009 | 1 comment | View Post

HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE - The Guiding Light For Your Mailbox

GIFT IDEA - GUIDING LIGHT FOR YOUR MAILBOX

The ability to find a house is something that is often taken for granted. Does the pizza or Chinese delivery guy need help finding your house? If they do you can bet that the police, fire department or ambulance may have to work to find it as well. Those are some people you don’t want just wandering around looking for you - you want them all to get to you as quickly as possible when you need them. That’s where the Guiding Light for your mailbox comes in.

About the Guiding Light For Your Mailbox

The Guiding Light is a solar-powered sleeve that fits over any standard mailbox and illuminates your house numbers, making it easier for first-responders, friends and family, and delivery people to find your home quickly – especially important when seconds count in an emergency.

I received a Guiding Light for your mailbox. It’s very easy to assemble. The Guiding Light is actually a saddle that fits over any standard sized US mailbox. There is a windowed area on each side where your house numbers go, that area lights up using a solar powered battery once darkness falls.

To get it ready to use first you have to put the numbers in.

guiding light 1

Lift the window.

guiding light where numbers go

There are small peg holes where the numbers rest.

guiding light numbers

Close the window area up and you’re ready to mount on your mailbox.

guiding light ready to attach

After mounting and attaching with the included hardware, remove the little protective tabs from the solar powered battery.

guiding light getting ready for first use

You’re finished.

This is my mailbox during the day.

guiding light attached light

This is my mailbox at night.

guiding light at night

You can actually see the lighted area of the mailbox from four blocks away. You can see the numbers at just about a block away.

The Guiding Light was easy to put together and attach and it looks terrific on the mailbox. More importantly, there is no mistaking the number of my house so there won’t be any delays in people (or food) getting to our house. I think this is a super cool item and I really like it.

The Guiding Light is currently only sold online at www.guidingmailbox.com for $79.95.

WIN IT!

ONE winner will receive their own Guiding Light.

HOW TO ENTER. (MANDATORY)

To enter check out the Guiding Light online and then leave a comment on this post telling me why you’d like to win this OR one time you could have used this.

BONUS ENTRIES

1 - Subscribe to my RSS feed.
1 - Follow me on Twitter AND leave your Twitter name here.
1 - Fave this blog at Technorati AND leave your Technorati name here.
1 - Friend me on Facebook.
1 - Blog about this giveaway, including a link here.
1 - Place my button on your blog.
1 - Place my holiday gift guide button on your blog.

Leave an additional comment for each entry you qualify for. You must have completed the first entry according to the instructions to be eligible for any bonus entries.

THE SMALL PRINT.

US addresses only please. This contest will end on Sunday 12/20/09 at 11:59 pm est. If you’ve entered any of my giveaways before then you know that only comments containing all of the requested information will be eligible for entry. The winner must contact me to confirm they wish to receive the prize within two days of my email notifying them they’ve won. Good luck to everyone!

THIS GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED.

Dec 13, 2009 | 38 comments | View Post