Disney's Cars 2 giveaway

Woo-hoo! Start up your engines, Lightning McQueen fans, because Cars 2 is racing into movie theaters in Disney Digital 3D and IMAX 3D on June 24th. We've been eagerly awaiting this movie ever since we saw the first trailers. Even Jammy, who isn't the biggest fan of movie theaters, wants to go see this movie.

Kids will love seeing all their favorite characters again, like McQueen and Mater. Grown-ups will love the references to present-day pop-culture phenomenons (can you say "American Idle"? How about "Dancing with the Cars"? Hilarious!). Sadly, the great Paul Newman is no longer with us, but I'm sure Michael Caine is going to do a great job as McQueen & Mater's new mentor, Finn McMissile.

This is going to be one crazy ride....


Win a Cars 2 Prize Pack
To celebrate the upcoming release of Cars 2, Disney is offering one lucky Bonggamom Finds readers a Cars 2 Prize Pack! Each of the 3 winners will receive:

* 1 Cars 2 t-shirt in winner's choice of youth style and size (subject to availability, see choices at the bottom of this post)
* 1 Cars 2 set of 3 bumper stickers
* 2 Cars 2 temporary tattoo sheets
* 1 Cars 2 puzzle



Required Entry
Leave a comment on this post and tell me your favorite Cars 2 character. This entry must be completed for extra entries to apply.


Extra Entries
For extra entries, you can do any or all of the following. Please leave a separate comment for each extra entry with a way to verify the entry (i.e. tweet link, blog post link, Facebook id, Twitter id, etc.).

1) Grab my blog button and post it up on your blog (1 entry).

2) Subscribe to Bonggamom Finds updates (1 entry).

3) Write this on the Bonggamom Finds Facebook page (1 entry):

I entered the Cars 2 giveaway! http://ow.ly/5hK4Q

4) Follow Bonggamom Finds on Networked Blogs (1 entry).

5) Follow Bonggamom Finds on Blogger(1 entry).

6) Follow @bonggafinds and tweet this, up to once per day (1 entry per day, leave a comment with the tweet link for each tweet):

Enter to win a Cars2 tshirt from @Disneypixar and @bonggafinds http://ow.ly/5hK4Q #giveaways




The Rules
This giveaway ends at 11:59PM PST on July 1, 2010; I will draw a winner at random on July 2 and post the winner's name after the winner confirms acceptance. The winner will be asked to choose 1 shirt from the following styles and sizes: Youth S, Youth M, Youth L, Youth XL.

However, if the winner's choice is not available, Disney reserves the right to select the closest available alternative. US addresses only. For additional giveaway rules, click here. Good luck!

Disclosure: I did not receive a sample or monetary compensation for this post. The views and opinions expressed here are my own.

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You Can Do a Graphic Novel Review and Giveaway

With so many movies based on comic book heroes coming out this summer (Green Lantern, X-Men, Captain America), there's going to be a surge of interest in comic books as kids want to find out more about the characters they enjoyed on the big screen. That means lots of young adults are going to be inspired to write their own comic books and graphic novels. But where to start? Comic book artist Barbara Slate's new book, You Can Do A Graphic Novel, is a great primer for kids looking for some instruction. I was offered a review copy of the book, and gladly accepted, knowing I have the perfect test audience: The Pea, who loves to doodle and draw and set her artwork to a story. Keep reading to find out what she and I think of the book (and enter to win one of your own!)....


The Basics
About the book:

Barbara Slate, graphic novelist and author of You Can Do a Graphic Novel guides readers through the same process she learned in her early days working for Marvel and DC Comics-a process she has simplified for the classes she teaches and for the syndicated column she writes.

The book teaches readers how to:

· Be creative in a way that works for you.
· Find your own artistic style!
· Create characters that get people's attention ... and hold it!
· Develop a great plotline and write believable dialogue.
· Lay out pages to keep the story moving forward.
· Keep those creative juices flowing when you get stuck.

The Bongga
I think this is a great book for young would-be graphic artists! It's simple and clear, easy to read and easy to follow.

My daughter is really following through on Barbara's advice to create a "bible" for each of her characters. She's enjoying the process of developing her characters and thinking about what they like to do and how they think. She also loves drawing her characters in different moods!

I love how Barbara makes my daughter stop and think and plan the whole process step-by-step, even down to visualizing page layouts, instead of just rushing in . And call me sexist, but I love that this book was written by a woman who has succeeded big-time in the comic book world -- she's such a great inspiration and role model for The Pea.


The Blah
I know there's probably some copyright issue, but I really would have loved to see some of her Marvel and DC Comic artwork in this book. I don't know whether her name is easily recognizeable among teens (other than die-hard comic book fans, maybe), so seeing some of her professional work might really inspire young readers and convince them she knows what she's talking about.

The Bottom Line
This book is perfect for instructing -- and inspiring -- young graphic artists who are just starting out and don't know how to begin.


Win a copy of You Can Do A Graphic Novel
One lucky Bonggamom Finds reader will win a copy of Barbara Slate's You Can Do A Graphic Novel.


Required Entry
Leave a comment on this post and tell me your favorite cartoon character. This entry must be completed before extra entries qualify.


Extra Entries
For extra entries, you can do any or all of the following. Please leave a separate comment for each extra entry with a way to verify the entry (i.e. tweet link, blog post link, Facebook id, Twitter id, etc.).


1) Subscribe to Bonggamom Finds updates (1 entry).

2) Follow Bonggamom Finds on Networked Blogs (1 entry).

3) Follow Bonggamom Finds on Blogger(1 entry).

4) Write this on the Bonggamom Finds Facebook page (1 entry):
I entered the Graphic Novel giveaway! http://tinyurl.com/bonggaprizes

5) Follow Bonggamom Finds on Twitter and tweet this, up to once per day (1 entry per day, leave a comment with the tweet link for each tweet):
You could win a graphic novel instruction book by Marvel & DC comics artist Barbara Slate! Enter at @bonggafinds http://tinyurl.com/bonggaprizes #giveaways




The Rules
This giveaway ends at 11:59PM PST on July 5, 2011; I will draw a winner at random on July 6 and post the winner's name after the winner confirms acceptance. Continental US residents only. For additional giveaway rules, click here. Good luck!

Disclosure: I received a review copy to facilitate the writing of this post, but have not been paid to review the product or give my opinions. Book information is provided by the publisher and is indicated in italics. The views and opinions expressed here are my own.

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My first long-haul flight

I took my first international flight when I was six years old. Nowadays, infants and toddlers fly everywhere from Atlanta to Antarctica, but back in the seventies, and living in the Philipines, it was a pretty big deal. My parents took my sister and I for a month-long visit to the United States, and just a few days before we left, my sister and I went down with a bad case of the flu. But even that couldn't dampen my excitement. What are fever and chills and nausea compared to your first long-haul flight on a Boeing 747? Everything was a source of delight: the enormous cabin, the plug-in headphones, the pillows and blankets, the airline food (even though I couldn't eat any of it).

And the lavatories... don't get me started on those. I remember hitting the lavatories many, many times during that flight -- not to use them, just to stand in them. I was fascinated at how everything could fit into such a small space. I stood inside the lavatories, locked the door and pretended I was in an airline commercial, showing the audience how cool the toilet flushing sounded!

In retrospect, I probably should have played pretend less, and rested more -- because when we finally arrived in New York, I was feeling sick as a dog. So sick, in fact, that my sister and I had to stay in our teeny Manhattan apartment for a whole week before we felt well enough to see the sights. I lost a whole week of the Big Apple that time -- but in the years to come, I more than made up for it.

I will never forget how that first international flight sparked my excitement for flying and kindled my passion for travel. Even now, countless flights later, I still feel a thrill of excitement when I board a plane, knowing I'm traveling to another country. My kids feel the same way, and I'm so happy I've passed down my love of traveling to them.

About JetSetVacations
JetSetVacations.com guarantees the lowest rates to Mexico, the Caribbean, and Costa Rica and specializes in helping families travel on a budget. They are a travel wholesaler with 15 years of experience that can serve all of your travel booking needs whether you’re looking for a family adventure, quick weekend away, or romantic trip for two. Every booking provides you with white glove service which includes a vacation concierge to assist you with your needs while you are on vacation.


Join the JetSetVacations.com Twitter Party
This Wednesday, you can enter to win a $1,000 vacation credit and more by participating in the JetSetVacations.com Twitter Party from 8:00 to 9:00 p.m. EST.

Disclosure: This post is part of a sponsored campaign with JetSetVacations and Global Influence and I have been compensated for my participation. The views and opinions expressed here are my own.

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Bonggamom's Friday Finds -- List Your Giveaways Here

Welcome to Bonggamom's Friday Finds! I'm glad so many of you are finding this to be a useful way to get more traffic to your giveaways. And as a person who loves entering giveaways, I have to admit it's a great, easy way to find out where all the best giveaways are.

So feel free to leave links to your giveaways, everyone. And don't forget to get cracking and enter everyone else's, too!

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Free Father's Day Cards from Company Kids (and a giveaway for you!)

When it comes to Father's Day greetings, the best card your child can give his dad is the homemade kind. For Father's Day this year, Company Kids has just released some fun and FREE downloadable cards for kids to download and decorate. There are two styles to choose from, and all kids need to do is download, print, and color to create fun cards for Dad.



I like how these cards have a cute, basic design to get kids started, but leave lots of room for them to put their own personality into the cards. There's even a little message in the cards so your tiniest tots don't have to do any writing; a scribble or a handprint (and a kiss on the cheek) is all that's needed for Dad to know what they're trying to say. You can download the cards on the Company Kids Facebook page.



Win a Company Kids Backpack
To celebrate Father's Day, Company Kids is giving away a cute, funky Daisy Child Backpack to one lucky Bonggamom Finds reader!




Required Entry
Post this on the Company Kids Facebook page, filling in the blank with your favorite item from Company Kids:

I wish my kids had a _______________ from Company Kids!

Then leave a comment here with the link to your post. You can find and copy the link to your Facebook wall post by right-clicking on the timestamp of the post (i.e. "2 hours ago" or "June 3 at 8:55pm"), then selecting "Copy link location". This entry must be completed before extra entries qualify.


Extra Entries
For extra entries, you can do any or all of the following. Please leave a separate comment for each extra entry with a way to verify the entry (i.e. tweet link, blog post link, Facebook id, Twitter id, etc.).


1) Follow Bonggamom Finds on Networked Blogs (1 entry).

2) Follow Bonggamom Finds on Blogger(1 entry).

3) Write this on the Company Facebook page (1 entry):
I entered the Company Kids giveaway on Bonggamom Finds! Enter by 6/30 for a chance to win a Company Kids Daisy backpack http://ow.ly/5hKek #giveaways

4) Write this on the Bonggamom Finds Facebook page (1 entry):
I entered the Company Kids giveaway! http://ow.ly/5hKek

5) Follow Bonggamom Finds on Twitter and tweet this, up to once per day (1 entry per day, leave a comment with the tweet link for each tweet):
You could win a Daisy child backpack from @companykids ! Enter at @bonggafinds http://ow.ly/5hKek #giveaways




The Rules
This giveaway ends at 11:59PM PST on June 30, 2011; I will draw a winner at random on July 1 and post the winner's name after the winner confirms acceptance. Continental US residents only. For additional giveaway rules, click here. Good luck!


Disclosure: I will be receiving a Company Kids backpack as a thank-you for posting this information. The views and opinions expressed here are my own.

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Announcing the winners of the Company Store Kids' Design Contest

Last March, I blogged about the Company Store Kids' Design contest. Kids from all over the country submitted designs, and fans on the Company Store Facebook page voted for the winner. I'm happy to announce that three winners have been chosen:


Sweet Dreams, Peace and Underwater Dreams will each be transformed into a limited-edition comforter that will be available later in the year. The Company Store will also create and donate 1,000 comforters in each winning design and donate them to homeless children across the US. They've already donated tens of thousands more comforters through their Buy One, Give One Comforter Donation Program.

What a wonderful way to inspire kids across the country to exercise their creativity and help their community! Congratulations to the winning artists!




...... and speaking of The Company Store, I'll be hosting a great giveaway very soon, featuring Company Kids! Stay tuned......


About The Company Store
The Company Store, known for its comfort, design and value since 1911, offers top quality, down comforters and pillows, sheets, towels, and home accessories. The best-selling, American-made LaCrosse Comforter offers unique craftsmanship ensuring the ultimate in sleeping comfort, a lifetime guarantee and is available in a full palette of fashion colors. Other top collections include wrinkle-free bedding, fashion quilts, and a bamboo collection that features sheets, towels, blankets and loungewear. The Company Store offers extensive monogramming, and other custom services in their LaCrosse, Wisconsin factory. The Company Store sells its merchandise through catalogs and the internet at www.thecompanystore.com.

Disclosure: I will be receiving a token present from The Company Store as a thank-you for posting this information. The views and opinions expressed here are my own.

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Get Sun Certified with Banana Boat (review and giveaway)

With all the rain and clouds we've been experiencing in Northern California lately, it's difficult to believe that summer is actually here -- but make no mistake, that sun is hot and your whole family needs to protect their skin each and every day. We take sun safety very seriously in this household, especially in hot weather when we're outside so often, and so much skin is exposed. Not that the sun's rays aren't dangerous in the fall and winter, of course, so when we do go outdoors during those times of the year, we still make sure we have sunscreen on our faces and necks, and we wear long sleeves and pants (cotton material has an SPF of about 8, and we're not really outdoors as much).

Knowing stuff like that is important. I think everyone should educate themselves about sun safety as much as they can -- and this summer, Banana Boat is here to help with their Sun 101 education campaign. You can go to their website at www.bananaboat.com to see sun care tips, sun safety tips, SPF tutorials, FAQs and more. Their Facebook page also has a quiz on the basics of sun protection; if you take the quiz, they'll even donate $1 to the Skin Cancer Foundation (more info about that below).

Here are some of the ways that Banana Boat is working to let families enjoy a safe and happy summer in the sun:

New Banana Boat products for 2011
Here's an overview of Banana Boat's new sun care products for 2011:

Tear Free, Sting Free – the #1 line of Tear Free Sunscreens, Banana Boat® Kids & Baby, adds a clinically proven “Sting Free” claim to its products.

SPF 110 UltraMist® Sunscreen Continuous Clear Sprays – Continuous Spray sunscreens with SPF 110, the highest protection available in a continuous spray.

Family Size Sunscreen – 12 oz. Family Size Pump bottle. Available in Banana Boat® Sport Performance® SPF 50 Sunscreen Lotion and Banana Boat® Kids Tear Free Sting Free SPF 50 Sunscreen Lotion.

I received a bottle of the Kids Tear-Free Sting-Free UltraMist Sunscreen Continuous Lotion Spray (SPF 50) and a bottle of the Ultra Defense UltraMist Sunscreen Continuous Clear Spray (SPF 110) to try out. I love the new Ultra Defense UltraMist Sunscreen because it's a continuous clear spray, so it's so easy to cover my kids in sunscreen. I don't even have to get my hands all icky and sticky. Just make sure you're in an outdoor area when you spray this stuff on, because you don't want it getting in your eyes or lungs. The smell of alcohol is quite powerful, and you need a couple of minutes for it to dissipate.

The smell of the Kids Tear-Free Sting-Free Lotion UltraMist is much, much better. It's a mild, gentle scent -- the bottle says it is fragrance free, but whatever combination of ingredients it has does emit a scent that reminds me of a warm day at the beach. Maybe it's because we always have Banana Boat lotion on at the beach! The tear-free, sting-free formulation is great, too. The only thing is, I'm not a fan of lotion sprays -- what's the point of the spray if you have to rub it in anyway?

So what I really want is the ease and convenience of the no-rub Clear Ultramist, with the great scent of the Kids' Lotion Ultramist. Which probably means that the right product for me is the Kids' Ultramist Sunscreen Continuous Clear Spray (SPF 110)!

In any case, whatever Banana Boat product you decide is right for you, it's good to know that Banana Boat products have been recommended by the Skin Cancer Foundation -- so you know it has been tested, evaluated and judged to be safe and effective. (you can view the full list of suncare products that have earned the Skin Cancer Foundation's Seal of Recommendation here).


Help Banana Boat raise $101,000 for The Skin Cancer Foundation
This sun season, Banana Boat® sun care is setting out to raise $101,000 for The Skin Cancer Foundation by “sun certifying” 101,000 Americans. As part of the brand’s Sun 101 education campaign, Banana Boat® is helping to teach Americans about the basics of sun protection. Readers can get sun certified on http://www.facebook.com/BananaBoatBrand, by taking a short “Sun Certification” quiz. They will receive a “Sun Certified” badge to display on their own Facebook wall and trigger a $1 donation to support The Skin Cancer Foundation’s sun education initiatives, for a total donation of up to $101,000.


Join Banana Boat's 101 Days of Summer Promo
From May 27 till September 4, Banana Boat is giving out summer goodies on their Facebook page. Daily prizes include Banana Boat® sun care products, Visa gift cards, gas gift cards, iTunes gift cards and other summer fun surprises. Enter at www.facebook.com/BananaBoatBrand.


Win a Banana Boat Summer Fun Pack
One lucky Bonggamom Finds reader will win a Banana Boat Summer Fun prize pack, which includes:

A canvas tote bag
A water bottle
A bottle of Banana Boat Kids Tear-Free Sting-Free UltraMist Sunscreen Continuous Lotion Spray SPF 50
A bottle of Banana Boat Ultra Defense UltraMist Sunscreen Continuous Clear Spray SPF 110

(ARV: $30.98)

Required Entry
Leave a comment on this post and tell me how you and your family plan to stay safe in the sun this summer. This entry must be completed before extra entries qualify.


Extra Entries
For extra entries, you can do any or all of the following. Please leave a separate comment for each extra entry with a way to verify the entry (i.e. tweet link, blog post link, Facebook id, Twitter id, etc.).


1) Follow Bonggamom Finds on Networked Blogs (1 entry).

2) Follow Bonggamom Finds on Blogger(1 entry).

3) Write this on the Banana Boat Facebook page (1 entry):
I entered the Banana Boat giveaway on Bonggamom Finds! Enter by 6/30 for a chance to win a tote bag with Banana Boat products http://ow.ly/5hKoU

4) Write this on the Bonggamom Finds Facebook page (1 entry):
I entered the Banana Boat giveaway! http://ow.ly/5hKoU

5) Follow Bonggamom Finds on Twitter and tweet this, up to once per day (1 entry per day, leave a comment with the tweet link for each tweet):
You could win a @bananaboat_ Summer Fun prize pack! Enter at @bonggafinds http://ow.ly/5hKoU #giveaways

6) Follow Banana Boat on Twitter and tweet this, up to once per day (1 entry per day, leave a comment with the tweet link for each tweet):
RT @bonggafinds Help @bananaboat_ raise $101k for The Skin Cancer Foundation by taking their Sun Certification quiz http://on.fb.me/iplxOJ

7) Get Sun Certified on Banana Boat's Facebook page (1 entry).



The Rules
This giveaway ends at 11:59PM PST on June 30, 2011; I will draw a winner at random on July 1 and post the winner's name after the winner confirms acceptance. Continental US residents only. For additional giveaway rules, click here. Good luck!

Energizer Personal Care provided review samples and is providing the prize pack for this promotion at no cost to me. This promotion is not being administered or sponsored in any way by Energizer Personal Care or its affiliates, but solely by Bongga Mom. Any questions or comments regarding this promotion must be sent to me at Bongga Mom and not to Energizer Personal Care. Product and program information have been provided by Energizer Personal Care. The views and opinions expressed here are my own.

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Emails from my parents that I love.... and hate

Thank you to Yahoo! Mail for sponsoring this post about staying connected. I was selected for this sponsorship by the Clever Girls Collective, which endorses Blog With Integrity, as I do.

Email has become the primary way I communicate with my parents. I'm not much for talking on the phone, and my parents (being the most frugal people on earth) are more than happy to write long, detailed emails about how their lives are going, while keeping our phone conversations short and sweet. They've even figured out how to access their Yahoo! Mail accounts, so my mom's secretary doesn't have to print out each and every email for them to read. I love reading about all that is going on -- all the local news that may not make it to the internet (or that I don't have time to find), my dad's take on the news, all the latest family gossip, my mom's moral lessons regarding said gossip.



But there are some days when I look at my mom or dad's latest email and suppress a groan. Because my parents are uncommonly fond of forwarding me emails that, to an email and internet-savvy person, can only be classified as spam. Judging by the cc list and the number of times it has been forwarded, these emails have made the rounds -- numerous times -- among my parents' social circle. You know what I'm talking about: the virus warnings (Do not open any email from Bill Gates asking for help with his African AIDS project!!), the scam warnings (Do not leave your drink unattended, someone will spike it and you will wake up in a bathtub without your kidneys!), the chain emails (To save the souls in Iraq, say the Hail Mary five times, then forward this email to five of your closest friends......), and jokes (if I have to hear any more times how women change before and after marriage, I will throw up!).

Sometimes I really want to reply to one of these emails: "Just Don't Open Any Attachments In Emails From People You Don't Know!!" But I don't really have the heart to let my parents know just how irritating these emails are, any more than I would tell them off for reminding their grown daughter to dry her hair before going to bed (it's Filipino urban legend that your eyesight deteriorates if you do this!). After all, they're just looking out for me. So I smile and delete (no way am I going to forward any of them!), and wait eagerly for their next "real" email. Isn't it funny how my email relationship with my parents so closely mirrors our real life relationship? It just shows how much a part of our lives email has become!

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post. The views and opinions expressed here are my own.

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Disney Junior's "Yo Ho Let's Go Summer" starts June 13

Disney is gearing up for summer! I just returned from a press trip to the Disneyland Resort, where they unveiled all the fun things going on in the park for summer, including the new Little Mermaid ride and the revamped Star Tours ride, the new summer parade and more. Over on the Disney Channel, Disney Junior has a fun summer online program featuring the series "Jake and the Never Land Pirates". If your child is too scared of Captain Jack Sparrow and the rest of the Pirates of the Caribbean crew, tune in to Jake and his friends for some kid-friendly pirate fun! Here's what's in store for your kids when they go online to Disney Junior:


Throughout the summer, Disney Junior is inviting kids and their parents to take part in an interactive treasure hunt on-air and online at DisneyJunior.com. Beginning Monday June 13 - Friday August 26, viewers will see gold doubloons popping up during their favorite shows throughout the Disney Junior programming block on Disney Channel. Kids and their parents can then go online at www.DisneyJunior.com/Summer to enter the number of gold doubloons they have seen throughout the week to unlock online treasures including new episode previews, games and activities.

Adding to the fun, you can download gold doubloons for your kids to decorate, then photograph them with their doubloons and upload their pictures to the site. Some viewer images may be used on-air during the Disney Junior programming block.

Disclosure: I did not receive a sample or monetary compensation for this post. Disney Junior sent me a water bottle, beach ball and tote as a thank-you for posting. Program information is provided by Disney Junior and is indicated in italics. The views and opinions expressed here are my own.

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Dinosaur Train Father's Day Giveaway

Father's Day is almost here! This year, skip the burnt toast and raw eggs; the folks at Dinosaur Train have some great suggestions for Father's Day breakfast dishes. They're Dino themed, so young fans of Dinosaur Train will be inspired to make them (and eat them, so make sure there's enough to share!)

· T.rex Footprint Pancakes – with adult help, children shape the batter into the large three-toed feet of a Tyrannosaurus.

· Paleontologist Pancakes – make small pancakes, then stack them up 5 or 6 high (maybe putting apple sauce or sour cream between them), and hiding “fossils” between the layers – the fossils being pieces of strawberry, banana slices, chocolate chips, and so on.

· Stegosaurus Smoothie – a colorful, healthy fruit smoothie made with a blend of yogurt, a frozen banana, and any other fruit you wish. Serve it on a dish with a rim. In the middle of the dish, place a line of triangular fruit pieces – such as pineapple, apples, or cantaloupe. These little fruity triangles will look like the plates on a stegosaurus’ back.

· Triceratops Eggs – scrambled eggs that have “horns” sticking out of them – made of breadsticks.

After breakfast, you can watch the Pteranodon family eating their own breakfast on the Dinosaur Train website, then finish up by playing the Dinosaur Train All Aboard Game. They're available at Amazon.com, Target, Toys R Us and other major retailers.... or you can try your luck and enter to win the game here! Happy Father's Day!



Win a Dinosaur Train All Aboard Game
One lucky Bonggamom Finds reader will win a Dinosaur Train All Aboard Game for Father's Day!

About the game:
Hop on the Dinosaur Train and follow the path through the Triassic, Jurassic and Cretaceous periods. In this game, players will choose a character – Buddy, Tiny, Shiny, Don, Cory, Tank or Mr. Conductor – and try to move the fastest along the tracks. Speed through the three dinosaur eras: Triassic, Jurassic and Cretaceous along the beautiful scenery. Special Stopwatch spaces will help you get closer to the nest, while Dinosaur Crossing spaces will send you back. The first player to reach the nest area in the center of the board wins. (For 2 to 6 players ages 4+; SRP $12.00).


Required Entry
Leave a comment on this post and tell me how you and your family are celebrating Father's Day. This entry must be completed before extra entries qualify.


Extra Entries
For extra entries, you can do any or all of the following. Please leave a separate comment for each extra entry with a way to verify the entry (i.e. tweet link, blog post link, Facebook id, Twitter id, etc.).

1) Subscribe to Bonggamom Finds updates (1 entry).

2) Follow Bonggamom Finds on Networked Blogs (1 entry).

3) Follow Bonggamom Finds on Blogger(1 entry).

4) Write this on the Bonggamom Finds Facebook page (1 entry):
I entered the Dinosaur Train Father's Day giveaway! http://ow.ly/5dcBM

5) Follow Bonggamom Finds on Twitter and tweet this, up to once per day (1 entry per day, leave a comment with the tweet link for each tweet):
Celebrate Fathers Day w/ the Dinosaur Train All Aboard game! Enter to win this cute board game fr @bonggafinds http://ow.ly/5dcBM #giveaways

6) Join any of the open giveaways on Bonggamom Finds (1 entry for every giveaway you've joined).



The Rules
This giveaway ends at 11:59PM PST on June 19, 2011; I will draw a winner at random on June 20 and post the winner's name after the winner confirms acceptance. Continental US residents only. For additional giveaway rules, click here. Good luck!

Disclosure: I did not receive a sample or monetary compensation for this post. Dino breakfast ideas were provided by Dinosaur Train and is indicated in italics. The views and opinions expressed here are my own.

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Diary of a Wimpy Kid 2 DVD Giveaway

Not long now! Diary of a Wimpy Kid 2: Rodrick Rules is coming out on DVD on June 21, and I for one cannot wait to revisit the antics of Greg, Rodrick, Rowley, Manny, and the rest of the crazy characters on Diary of a Wimpy Kid. Here's more information about the upcoming DVD:


Greg Heffley is about to discover that there is something worse than middle school: his own family! Back in middle school after summer vacation, Greg Heffley and his older brother Rodrick must deal with their parents' misguided attempts to have them bond. Based on the 2011 Nickelodeon Kids Choice Award for Best Book Series, the original film cast returns in DIARY OF A WIMPY KID: RODRICK RULES, available on Blu-ray and DVD on June 21st.

DIARY OF A WIMPY KID: RODRICK RULES will be available on single-disc DVD, 2-disc DVD, and 3-disc Blu-ray/DVD/Digital Copy and includes the crazy adventures Greg and his friends has over the summer with hilarious all-new “My Summer Vacation” shorts not seen in theaters. It is available in the U.S. and Canada.

For a more detailed description of the plot, see my previous Diary of a Wimpy Kid post.


Win a DVD copy of Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Rodrick Rules
One lucky Bonggamom Finds reader will win a copy of Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Rodrick Rules.




Required Entry
For your chance of winning a DVD copy of DIARY OF A WIMPY KID: RODRICK RULES to enjoy with your friends this summer, simply leave a comment on this post, answering the following question:

What program does Greg and Rodrick’s Mom instigate?

a) Mom Chores
b) Mom Bucks
c) Mom Hugs

(hint: you can find the answer in my previous Diary of a Wimpy Kid post!)


Extra Entries
For extra entries, you can do any or all of the following. Please leave a separate comment for each extra entry with a way to verify the entry (i.e. tweet link, blog post link, Facebook id, Twitter id, etc.).

1) Subscribe to Bonggamom Finds updates (1 entry).

2) Follow Bonggamom Finds on Networked Blogs (1 entry).

3) Follow Bonggamom Finds on Blogger(1 entry).

4) Write this on the Bonggamom Finds Facebook page (1 entry):
I entered the Diary of a Wimpy Kid 2 giveaway! http://ow.ly/5hKxf

5) Tweet this, up to once per day (1 entry per day, leave a comment with the tweet link for each tweet):
Want to win a DVD copy of Diary of a Wimpy Kid 2? Enter at @bonggafinds http://ow.ly/5hKxf #giveaways

6) Join any of the open giveaways on Bonggamom Finds (1 entry for every giveaway you've joined).


The Rules
This giveaway ends at 11:59PM PST on June 21, 2011; I will draw a winner at random on June 22 and post the winner's name after the winner confirms acceptance. Continental US residents only. For additional giveaway rules, click here. Good luck!


Disclaimer: I did not receive a sample or any other form of compensation for this post. Thanks to Fox Movies and ThinkJam for sponsoring the upcoming DVD giveaway. Product information is provided by the featured company/product and is indicated in italics. The views and opinions expressed here are my own.

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Klutz Fabulous Flowers review and giveaway

I love fresh cut flowers, but I'm horrible at taking care of them. With my chronic absentmindedness, I never seem to get around to changing their water and snipping off wilted leaves, and before I know it that lovely bouquet is droopy and dry. Alfie jokes that plastic flowers are more my style, but plastic flowers are tacky. If I'm going to go fake, I much prefer the bouquets of paper flowers that the kids make for me from time to time. For my birthday last month, Jammy folded me some lovely white irises, and I was really touched. His bouquet stayed up on our dining room table for several weeks before I put them in his art folder.

If only I had known about the new Klutz Fabulous Flowers! Klutz sent me a copy of their Fabulous Flowers kit, and the kids have been busy creating pretty paper blossoms. Suddenly I'm getting all kinds of belated Mother's Day bouquets, and we all couldn't be happier.


The Basics
About Fabulous Flowers

Let your creativity bloom with this book of can’t-go-wrong instructions for life-sized, dimensional, paper blossoms inspired by our favorite flowers: roses, daisies, daffodils, hibiscus, zinnias, cosmos, poppies, and larkspur. Sparkly embellishments, fresh paper colors, whimsical design variations, and a custom shaping tool give these blossoms a twist that’s pure Klutz — and quite possibly, even prettier than the real thing. As always, Klutz has packaged the book with everything you need to get started: 20 pages of ready-to-punch-out paper petals, sparkly flower centers, wrapped wire stems, glue, and of course, the custom winding tool — enough stuff to make bunches of flowers. Ages 8+ $19.99


Can't get enough of Fabulous Flowers? Klutz also sells a refill kit for $12.99:

Make 20 more paper flowers with an extra set of the same supplies that came with Fabulous Flowers: 26 sheets of punch-out flower petals and pieces, a shaping tool, rhinestone flower centers, wire stems, and glue.






The Bongga
Here's what I love most about Fabulous Flowers:

* The instructions are clear and easy to follow, with lots of helpful illustrations:
* The book comes with all the materials you need.

* The flowers are gorgeous! These go way beyond the regular tissue paper flowers that I taught my kids to fold years ago, which are already very pretty. You don't end up with a bunch of generic paper flowers; this book shows you how to make paper roses, zinnias, cosmos, larkspur, daisies and more. Each one is so distinct, and you can really tell what kind of flower each one is. Some of them even have glitter, which my kids love.

* The flowers are made out of sturdy printed cardstock, so they won't wilt or fade away! Check out my post-Mother's Day bouquet:



The Blah
The refill kit is kind of pricey, so my kids photocopied the punch-out flowers. Of course, the photocopy isn't as sturdy because it's just printer paper, as opposed to the nice, thick paper, and they'll have to cut out the petals instead of punching them out -- but it's an acceptable substitute, given the cost of the refill kit.


The Bottom Line
Keep your kids entertained this summer with Klutz Fabulous Flowers. Whether it's for a summer at-home camp, a road trip, a play date, a party craft or the occasional lazy summer afternoon, this book is a fabulous way to let your child's creativity blossom.


Win It!
Two lucky Bonggamom Finds readers will each receive a copy of Fabulous Flowers by Klutz!


Required Entry
To enter, simply visit the Klutz website, then leave a comment on this post and tell me which other Klutz books would catch your child's fancy. This entry must be completed before extra entries qualify.

Extra Entries
For extra entries, you can do any or all of the following. Please leave a separate comment for each extra entry with a way to verify the entry (i.e. tweet link, blog post link, Facebook id, Twitter id, etc.).

1) Sign up to be a Klutz Insider and leave a comment here telling me the email address you used to sign up.

2) Leave a comment on this post and tell me which of the eight different paper blossoms in Fabulous Flowers you would like your child to make for you (1 entry).

3) Subscribe to Bonggamom Finds updates (1 entry).

4) Follow Bonggamom Finds on Networked Blogs (1 entry).

5) Follow Bonggamom Finds on Blogger(1 entry).

6) Write this on the Bonggamom Finds Facebook page (1 entry):
I entered the Klutz Fabulous Flowers giveaway! http://ow.ly/5cEtV

7) Write this on the Klutz Books Facebook page (1 entry):
I entered to win a copy of Klutz Fabulous Flowers on Bonggamom Finds! 2 winners will be chosen on June 22 at http://ow.ly/5cEtV

8) Tweet this, up to once per day (1 entry per day, leave a comment with the tweet link for each tweet):
Two lucky winners will receive a copy of Fabulous Flowers from Klutz! Enter at @bonggafinds http://ow.ly/5cEtV #giveaways

9) Join any of the open giveaways on Bonggamom Finds (1 entry for every giveaway you've joined).


The Rules
This giveaway ends at 11:59PM PST on June 21, 2011; I will draw a winner at random on June 22 and post the winner's name after the winner confirms acceptance. Continental US residents only. For additional giveaway rules, click here. Good luck!

Disclosure: I received a copy of Fabulous Flowers to facilitate my review, but have not been paid to review the product or give my opinions. Product information is provided by Klutz and is indicated in italics. The views and opinions expressed here are my own.

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Bonggamom meets Ariel: Grand Opening of Disney's Little Mermaid ride

photo on Flickr by Lauren Javier

I first found out that a new Little Mermaid attraction was being built at Disney's California Adventure early last year, when we went to Disneyland for spring break. I remember looking at the signs painted on the construction wall and thinking, This? Is going to be Huge.

Fast forward over one year later, and I found myself back at the Disneyland Resort, attending the opening ceremony of The Little Mermaid: Ariel's Undersea Adventure. Instead of construction walls, there now stood a building that vaguely reminded me of the Palace of Fine Arts in San Francisco (the rotunda was originally the entrance to the former “Golden Dreams” attraction), and a stage to one side of it, with a beautiful sea-themed backdrop.


The opening ceremony was a star-studded affair, with Pat Carroll (the voice of Ursula), Sherie Rene Scott (who originated the role of Ursula on Broadway), Alan Menken (the composer), and Jodi Benson (the voice of Ariel). Jodi and Sherie performed on stage, singing Part of Your World and Poor Unfortunate Souls.



Even more special was when Tom Staggs, chairman of Disney Parks, joined Jodi and Sherie in the final musical number to open the ride amid a flurry of confetti and fanfare. My video of the final musical number turned out terrible, so I'm embedding a video taken by the folks at Inside the Magic:



It was a privilege to be able to watch such a special event, but the magic wasn't over yet. After the opening ceremony I joined a group of bloggers for a private audience with the Little Mermaid herself, Jodi Benson! She was so nice and sweet, dishing to us about her favorite song from the movie (Part of Your World), how her kids feel about mommy being Ariel (proud), how she feels when she saw her character in the ride (almost detached, but pleased and happy), and what she tells kids who ask why she isn't a redhead ("Ariel's hair is only red in the water"). I'm a huge Little Mermaid fan (I know all the words to all the songs from watching it hundreds of times when my little sister was a toddler) and I still cry when Ariel and her father embrace at the end of the movie, so meeting Jodi was such a great moment.


I saw so many new and exciting things on my latest Disney trip, I have so split them up into several posts! Stay tuned for my review of Disney's California Adventure's newest ride, The Little Mermaid: Ariel's Undersea Adventure, as well as reviews of the new Star Tours ride, the new Disneyland summer parade, the renovated Disneyland Hotel, and all the newest ways the Disneyland Resort is making this summer the most Soundsational ever.

Disclosure: I received a media invitation to attend the opening of Star Tours and other events. Transportation, lodging and park tickets were provided by Disneyland Resort Public Relations. The views and opinions expressed here are my own.

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Even Darth Vader wants to go to Disneyland: The opening of Star Tours, the Adventures Continue

I just came back from a press trip to the Disneyland Resort, and the highlight of my trip was getting to attend the opening ceremony of the revamped Star Wars attraction. The event was attended by the media (reporters, tv stations, radio stations, travel writers and bloggers), select special guests and Disney employees who had a part in the creation of the ride, as well as Disney Parks chairman Tom Staggs -- and Darth Vader himself.


The ceremony itself was extremely entertaining, featuring a battle between Vader and a mysterious Jedi knight to see which one would win and secure the final spot on the very first Star Tours shuttle. Afterwards, the Jedi knight was revealed to be Tom Staggs, who then said a few words and used his light saber to cut the ceremonial ribbon and open the ride. I felt really lucky to be a part of the event, especially since the ceremony was roped off and the general public had to stand about fifty feet away. For those who missed it, here's a video of the entire performance:




So what do I think of the new Star Tours? After going on the ride twice, all I can say is WOW. It's light years ahead of the old ride! I didn't expect to enjoy myself so much; I suffer from motion sickness, so simulator rides always leave me feeling a bit sick, and I have to admit that Star Tours was no exception, but I enjoyed myself so much that my brief bout of nausea was totally worth it. I have so much to say about this ride that I have to do another post in order to keep this one a manageable length, but I can't leave you all hanging, so here's the shortest summary I can manage:

Just like the original Star Tours, Star Tours: The Adventures Continue is a flight simulator ride that takes you on a wild flight through the deep space of Star Wars , but that's where the similarity ends. Instead of the bumbling pilot droid Rex, you now have C3Po in the cockpit and R2D2 up on top of the shuttle. The old Starspeeder 3000 is now a Starspeeder 1000 (actually the 1000 is the older version, since this ride is set earlier in time than the old one). And with all the advanced technology at their fingertips this time around, they're able to create an experience far better than anything anyone could ever dream of -- anyone, that is, except George Lucas and the Disney Imagineers. Now you experience it all in HD and 3D. There are special effects inside the cabin (lights, smoke), that give an extra degree of reality to all those laser shots and explosions. Best of all, there are alternate story lines, so you'll rarely experience the same ride twice!

To conclude (for now, at least), it was sooo much fun, and I can't wait to take my kids and husband to ride on it.

A couple of hours after the opening ceremony, I had the pleasure of speaking with Tom Fitzgerald, EVP and Senior Creative Executive at Walt Disney Imagineering, and Kathy Rogers, Senior Show Producer at Walt Disney Imagineering. Both Tom and Kathy worked on the revamp of Star Tours, and they shared some delightful bits of trivia about the ride:

* There are 2 possible opening sequences, 3 planet detours, 3 holographic projections and 3 endings -- which means there are a total of 54 possible flight combinations, and 54 different ways to experience the Star Tours ride!

* On any given day, each of the 4 shuttles/ flight simulators are loaded with a number of flight combinations, which they iterate through all day. They are not all running the same sequence at the same time -- so try and get on a different shuttle each time.

* Do you remember that attraction that used to be where Star Tours now stands? It ran from 1967 to 1985, and was called Adventure Thru Inner Space. The attraction had riders moving through the Monsanto Mighty Microscope, "shrinking" to subatomic size (hence the term "inner space"). The Monsanto Mighty Microscope is actually featured in one of the Star Tours scenes; can you find it?

* If you listen carefully, you will hear that your Star Tours flight is Flight Number 1401. 1401 happens to be the address of Walt Disney Imagineering: 1401 Flower Street, Glendale CA.


Fun, huh? Hope you enjoyed that. But not nearly as much as you're going to enjoy the ride. So hop on the next Star speeder to Disneyland and we'll see you in a Galaxy Far, Far Away!

Disclosure: I received a media invitation to attend the opening of Star Tours and other events. Transportation, lodging and park tickets were provided by Disneyland Resort Public Relations. The views and opinions expressed here are my own.

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Bonggamom's Friday Finds -- List Your Giveaways Here

Welcome to Bonggamom's Friday Finds! I'm glad so many of you are finding this to be a useful way to get more traffic to your giveaways. And as a person who loves entering giveaways, I have to admit it's a great, easy way to find out where all the best giveaways are.

So feel free to leave links to your giveaways, everyone. And don't forget to get cracking and enter everyone else's, too!

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Introducing Logitech's new Color Collection: Review and Giveaway

When it comes to computers and electronics, you pretty much only have three color choices: black, grey or white. Sure, some laptops come in cute colors nowadays, but for unique designs people have to rely on purchasing skins and sticking them on the surface of whatever they want to decorate. It looks like someone was listening to the consumer over at Logitech, because today they unveiled a new line of computer accessories in bright colors and fun designs: the Color Collection.

The Basics
Here are the four products that make up the Logitech Color Collection:

Logitech® HD Webcam.

Smoother. Sharper. Richer. Clearer. Logitech® Fluid Crystal™ Technology: it’s what makes a Logitech webcam better. It’s smoother video, sharper pictures, richer colors and clearer sound in real-world conditions. Your friends and family will see you in lifelike detail with 3-megapixel photos. You can be heard loud and clear thanks to a built-in microphone that reduces background noise.



Logitech® Wireless Keyboard.
The Logitech® Wireless Keyboard K360 is offered in bright, juicy colors and layered designs that allow you to blend your digital life with your personal style. Choose from floral spirals to fingerprint flowers and everything in between while you type comfortably, save space, and express your individuality. It features a three-year battery life and is equipped with six hot keys and 12 programmable F-Keys for instant access to your favorite apps, folders and Web pages. And with Logitech Advanced 2.4 GHz wireless connectivity, you get the reliability of a cord with wireless convenience and freedom.


Logitech® Portable Lapdesk.

Keep cool and comfortable—and use your mouse—everywhere you use your laptop. It protects your legs from laptop heat—and lets you sit naturally—so you can stay cool and comfortable for hours. No table, no problem—a retractable mouse pad means you can use your mouse anywhere. It’s thin and lightweight enough to slip into your laptop bag or sleeve so you can take it with you everywhere




Logitech® Wireless Mouse

The Logitech®Wireless Mouse M325 is offered in bright, juicy colors and layered designs that allow you to blend your digital life with your personal style. Choose from floral spirals to fingerprint flowers and everything in between. Designed for how you use the Web, our newest micro-precise scrolling makes everything you love to do online easier. Its feel-good, contoured shape and textured grips help keep your hand happy—even after long hours. And with up to 18 months of battery life, it virtually eliminates the hassle of changing batteries.

The Bongga
I had the opportunity to review the laptop desk, wireless mouse and wireless keyboard -- and I think they're great! The Blades of Grass design goes perfectly with the kids' laptop (which is grey, with lime green edges), and the kids love having the wireless mouse, because the touchpad on their laptop is overly sensitive. It's a bit smaller than a regular mouse, which is perfect for the kids, fine with me, and somewhat inconvenient for Alfie.

This is the first wireless mouse we've ever owned, and at first I was worried it wouldn't be responsive -- but you can't tell the difference in performance from a wired mouse, and it has the added benefits of portability. You can even use it while sitting on a sofa if you pair it with the Logitech Portable Lapdesk, which has a slide-out mouse pad. The lapdesk is great if you use your laptop on your lap for long periods of time, because it shields your legs from the heat generated by the laptop.

The wireless keyboard has similar characteristics-- somewhat smaller than a full-sized keyboard, as responsive as a wired keyboard, stylish and sleek and fun.

The Blah
The only thing I'm sad about is that the lapdesk does not come in the Blades of Grass design. The Venetial Swirls design is nice, but it would have been great to have all my new Logitech peripherals coordinated, in the same design.

The Bottom Line
Logitech's new Color Collection series of computer and laptop peripherals are unique, stylish, fun, high quality, and affordable. They're a great way to express your personal sense of style!



Win It!
One lucky Bonggamom Finds readers will receive a Color Collection prize pack from Logitech! The prize pack consists of:

1) One wireless mouse in Blades of Grass
2) One wireless keyboard in Blades of Grass
3) One portable lapdesk in Victorian Wallpaper



Required Entry
To enter, simply view the Logitech Color Collection online, then leave a comment on this post and tell me which design is your favorite.

Extra Entries
For extra entries, you can do any or all of the following. Please leave a separate comment for each extra entry with a way to verify the entry (i.e. tweet link, blog post link, Facebook id, Twitter id, etc.).

1) Subscribe to Bonggamom Finds updates (1 entry).

2) Follow Bonggamom Finds on Networked Blogs (1 entry).

3) Follow Bonggamom Finds on Blogger(1 entry).

4) Write this on the Bonggamom Finds Facebook page (1 entry):
I entered the Logitech giveaway! http://ow.ly/58d5n

5) Follow Logitech on Twitter and tweet this, up to once a day (1 entry per tweet):
Enter to win a @Logitech lapdesk, wireless mouse & wireless keyboard fr @bonggafinds http://ow.ly/58d5n #giveaways



The Rules
This giveaway ends at 11:59PM PST on June 22, 2011; I will draw a winner at random on June 23 and post the winner's name after the winner confirms acceptance. Continental US residents only. For additional giveaway rules, click here. Good luck!




Disclosure: I received product samples from Logitech to facilitate my review, but have not been paid to review the product or give my opinions. thanks to Logitech for providing and handling fulfillment of the giveaway prize. Product information is provided by Logitech and is indicated in italics. The views and opinions expressed here are my own.

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Big Momma's: Like Father, Like Son DVD giveaway

Father's Day is coming up soon! And just in time for the big celebration, 20th Century Fox Home Entertainment is releasing the movie Big Momma's: Like Father, Like Son on DVD and Blu-ray on June 14. To celebrate the release, Fox has put together a great Father's Day gift guide -- and is giving away one copy of the DVD!


Big Momma's Father's Day Gift Guide

If you're anxious about what to get your dad for Father's Day which is quickly approaching, fret no longer, as we have some of the best ideas for gifts all right here in one comprehensive list!

Car Wash Kit - Give this along with some homemade coupons for a free car wash in the driveway.

BBQ Tools - These can be used during fun summer gatherings with friends and family.

Sports equipment - Whether your dad could spend all day out on the green, or loves the batting cages, some new athletic gear could be just the thing for active fathers.

Sports apparel - Every dad loves to root for "his" team, and with some new team specific garments, he can really get into the spirit of the game! Tickets to a game in your area would go great with this gift as well.

New wallet - Since most dads carry theirs in their back pocket, wallets endure a lot of wear and tear. Provide your dad with a new one so he can keep all of his belongings safe/

Home Entertainment - Gather some of the best new DVDs together, such as American Dad, Street Kings 2, and of course, Big Momma's House; Like Father Like Son, and combine them all together along with some popcorn to create a fun package for a family movie night on your couch.




About the DVD
Just in time for Father’s Day, BIG MOMMA’S: LIKE FATHER, LIKE SON bounces on the Motherload Edition DVD and Blu-ray combo pack on June 14, 2011. The Motherload Edition Blu-ray combo pack is the ultimate gift, including Blu-ray, DVD and Digital Copy and featuring and all-new extended cut, gag reel and deleted scenes. BIG MOMMA’S: LIKE FATHER, LIKE SON is the third installment in the Big Momma franchise starring Martin Lawrence as Big Momma and FBI agent Malcolm Turner and Brandon T. Jackson as Big Momma’s stepson Trent and grand-niece Charmaine.



After stints as an undercover grandmother and an undercover nanny, FBI agent Malcolm Turner (Martin Lawrence) adds “undercover housemother” to his resume in BIG MOMMA’S: LIKE FATHER, LIKE SON. In this hefty new comedy, Big Momma is hired to go deep undercover as the Headmistress of the Atlanta Girls’ School for the Arts attended by aspiring music student and leading love interest Haley (Jessica Lucas). Proving “like father, like son,” Turner brings along his stepson Trent (Brandon T. Jackson) to double as Big Momma’s grand-niece Charmaine and go undercover as a student in the school with hilarious results. The duo tries in vain to derail attempts by the school’s security guard (Faizon Love) to get control of the debauchery.


Win a Big Momma's: Like Father, Like Son DVD
One lucky Bonggamom Finds winner will receive a "Big Momma's: Like Father, Like Son" DVD

Required Entry
Leave a comment on this post and tell me what you plan to do with/for the special dad in your life for Father's Day. This entry must be completed before extra entries qualify.


Extra Entries
For extra entries, you can do any or all of the following. Please leave a separate comment for each extra entry with a way to verify the entry (i.e. tweet link, blog post link, Facebook id, Twitter id, etc.).



1) Subscribe to Bonggamom Finds updates (1 entry).

2) Follow Bonggamom Finds on Networked Blogs (1 entry).

3) Follow Bonggamom Finds on Blogger(1 entry).

4) Write this on the Bonggamom Finds Facebook page (1 entry):
I entered the Big Momma's giveaway! http://tinyurl.com/bonggaprizes

5) Write this on the Big Mommas Facebook page (1 entry):
I entered to win a DVD copy of Big Momma's: Like Father, Like Son! Enter before 6/14 on Bonggamom Finds http://tinyurl.com/bonggaprizes

6) Tweet this, up to once per day (1 entry per day, leave a comment with the tweet link for each tweet):
Win a "Big Mommas: Like Father Like Son" DVD from @bonggafinds http://tinyurl.com/bonggaprizes #giveaways

7) Join any of the open giveaways on Bonggamom Finds (1 entry for every giveaway you've joined).


The Rules
This giveaway ends at 11:59PM PST on June 14, 2011; I will draw a winner at random on June 15 and post the winner's name after the winner confirms acceptance. Continental US residents only. For additional giveaway rules, click here. Good luck!

Disclosure: I did not receive a sample or monetary compensation for this post. Product information is provided by ThinkJam/Fox Publicity and is indicated in italics. The views and opinions expressed here are my own.

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Some advice for first-time BlogHer attendees

Wow, it's difficult to believe that BlogHer 2011 is only two months away. It's even more difficult to believe that this is going to be my fourth time to attend the BlogHer conference! I remember how nervous I felt when I was at my first conference (San Francisco, 2008). Don't worry, it's perfectly normal; just bear in mind a few key things and you'll be well on your way to learning new things, meeting new friends, forging new relationships, and having the time of your life. For all you blog conference newbies, here's some advice:



* Don't get too hung up on what to wear. For each day you'll be at the conference, bring comfortable clothing and shoes, and a nice outfit to wear to the cocktail parties in the evening. Don't forget a sweater; it can be chilly in those air conditioned conference rooms.

* So you don't have an iPad. Or a netbook. Should you take a laptop to the conference sessions? Honestly, it depends on how detailed of a note-taker you are. Personally, I find that a smart phone or a good old-fashioned notebook is fine for jotting down key ideas, and it's much easier to lug around. Or you could just crib off the tweets people are sending during the sessions.

* Get some business cards; they're a great way to break the ice when meeting people because it's so easy to start the "so what's your blog about" conversation. Cards are a great way to exchange contact info with the bloggers you meet; you'll also want to hand out cards out to the PR reps at the booths. You can have your cards done with any number of companies, but one of the standouts in my opinion is Tiny Prints. They did my current set of business cards, and I could not be happier with them:

Tiny Prints is especially perfect if you don't have a specific design set in stone; they have tons of stylish layouts and graphics, and you can customize your business card with text and photos. Check them out at http://www.tinyprints.com/businesscards.htm.

Bonus!! You could get free Tiny Prints business cards! They are signing up bloggers to do reviews of their business cards. If you'd like to be considered for a Tiny Prints business card review, fill out the form on this page: http://blog.tinyprints.com/tiny-prints-conference-business-card-review-sign-up/

* Best place to meet new people: Not at the cocktail parties (too loud). Not at the sessions (too focused). It's at the breakfast and lunch tables. Just find a open spot at a table, plonk your food down, introduce yourself to your table mates, and pass those business cards around!

* It does seem like bloggers travel in groups, so if you're at the conference alone, you may feel a bit intimidated or left out. Don't. First of all, most bloggers are pretty warm and friendly. I've never seen a blogger been snubbed outright by another blogger (strangers, at least; frenemy bloggers are a different matter altogether). Second, there are other bloggers like you who don't have a blogger BFF; find them and make your own blogger BFF!

* You may hear about all these exclusive parties going on that you aren't invited to, much less even know about. Don't sweat it. Yes, there are guest-list-only parties sponsored by brands and companies, but trust me, there will be more than enough all-are-welcome parties to go to. And no, they're not lame. One word says it all: CheeseBurgHer.

* Be a good hotel guest and remember there are other non-conference attendees staying in the hotel as well. It will go a long way towards maintaining a good reputation for bloggers with the hotel and with the rest of the world. That means keeping the hallway noise to a minimum, confining the pajama parties to the inside of your hotel room, and putting your trash in the garbage bins. It sounds basic, but I've seen what two thousand conference attendees and free booze can do to a hotel!

* Leave lots of room in your suitcase for swag! But if your case is really full to bursting, don't worry, there will probably be a mailing service for you to send your stuff home via parcel post. Just remember to get a box an shipping label early, because there will be a mad rush on the last day and they may even run out of boxes or labels.






Disclosure: I am being compensated for this post in the form of a Tiny Prints business card, courtesy of Tiny Prints and Global Influence. Product information is provided by Tiny Prints and is indicated in italics. The views and opinions expressed here are my own.

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