Amira Mor's Belly Dancing Fitness DVDs

If you've been reading my blog these days you'll know that I'm making an effort to incorporate more exercise into my weekly routine, and one strategy for doing that was to do more dancing. I've started taking Zumba classes, and just that one weekly class has gotten my dancing juices rolling. I'm already thinking about other dance classes I'd love to take -- tap, jazz, hip-hop, even belly dancing and pole dancing! Due to time and finance constraints, I probably won't be taking more than one (or at the most, two) dance classes at any point in time.

Fortunately, there's a wealth of dance and fitness DVDs out there that you can buy and try at home. They're so inexpensive compared to signing up for a class, you can work out and learn in your own home, and you can alternate DVDs so you never get bored! If you're a self-motivated kind of person, dance and fitness DVDs are a great option.

I actually received a couple of belly dancing DVDs to review late last year, but I wanted to wait until I was sure that these DVD's would actually be good enough to become a part of my regular fitness routine before I gave them the thumbs-up. It was definitely worth the wait, because I've been working out to one of them fairly regularly (i.e. I'm trying to work out to a fitness DVD 1-2 times per week, and I've been using the Belly Dancing DVD 2-4 times per month), and I think they're great!


The Basics
I received Vol. 2 (Belly Dance for Fitness) and Vol. 4 (Belly Dance for a Total Body Workout) of Amira Mor's Belly Dance DVD series. Amira Mor is a reknowned belly dancer (we actually got one of her Behind the Veil DVDs a couple of years ago because we wanted to show the kids how beautiful belly dancing) who has the #1 belly dancing DVD series on Amazon.

Here are some brief descriptions of the titles I received:

Belly Dance for Fitness
This DVD is the ABC s of belly dance, aimed at using the art of the dance for a well-rounded fitness program. Amira Mor and the Jewels of the Nile bring the energy of a live class into the privacy of your home. Amira breaks down the sensual movements of belly dance to the most basic and easy to understand instructions. You will be guided through step-by-step of body isolations, the fundamental building blocks to the beauty of belly dance. Amira shares with you the tips and secrets that make belly dance the perfect combination of feminine sensuality and fitness. Amira Mor is an internationally renowned belly dancer, choreographer, producer, and certified fitness instructor as well as the director of the Jewels of the Desert Dance Company.


Belly Dance for a Total Body Workout
NO MORE SUFFERING WITH BORING EXERCISE! Amira brings her classroom into your home with 20 students from ages 6 to 66. Amira and her students guide you through her innovative, state of the art, fat burning and body toning workout for every part of your body. This DVD is for you if you want to lose weight, flatten your belly, firm your butt, hips and thighs, sculpt a curvy body, increase your energy level, build stamina, improve muscle strength, balance your emotional stability, look and feel younger. You will definitely have "Mor" fun and success with this total body workout.


The Bongga
Here's what I love about the DVDs (note: I'm going to focus on Vol. 4: Belly Dance for a Total Body Workout, because it's the one I regularly do. Vol. 2: Belly Dance for Fitness is also great, but it's more appropriate for people who are having difficulty with the belly dance movements)

* The people in the workout are Real People, not perky, toned models who you know you'll never ever look like, even if you shimmied from here to eternity. Don't worry, you still have the gorgeous body of Amira and some of the younger dancers to inspire you -- but the point is, there are also other women of all shapes and sizes. There's even a little girl of about 8 or 9! Having all these students there makes you feel like the workout is not too out of reach; if they can do it, so can you.

* Both DVDs give you a great workout! You might think belly dancing looks easy -- for the first five minutes. The rest of the time you'll be doing some killer isolations that really work your arms, core muscles and legs. The first time I did the workout, my arms felt like they were going to fall off! And I still can't go down as low as Amira and her students do when they do hip rolls with bent knees. Doing the movements when the tempo speeds up is really challenging, and that's what keeps me interested and engaged. I can definitely feel my muscles toning up, and combined with my Zumba workout I'll soon be ready to rock the dance clubs! Okay, maybe not, but I'm more in tune with my body, and that makes me happy.


The Blah
Here's what I think could be improved:

* The quality of the Vol. 4 DVD leaves a lot to be desired. While Belly Dance for Fitness was filmed on a simple set with beautiful middle eastern-inspired backdrop, with scarves and drapes, Belly Dance for a Total Body Workout is set in a gym classroom. You can even see people sweating it out on the treadmills and stair climbers through the glass windows! It's totally distracting and it looks like they couldn't be bothered to pay for a proper set.

* I personally found the video easy to follow, but I've seen reviews that complain the movements are too advanced. Maybe it's because of my dance background. If you're having trouble , I'd recommend starting with Vol. 2, Belly Dance for Fitness. In that video, Amira takes it much slower and goes into more detail for each movement. Also, if you have a full-length mirror, you might want to set it up beside your TV, so you can see your own body and try to match your movements to Amira's.


The Bottom Line
Amira Mor's Belly Dance DVD's are a fun and effective addition to your DVD workout repertoire!

Disclosure: I received a product sample to facilitate my review. I was not paid to review the product or give my opinions. 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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PediaCare Cold and Fever products review and giveaway

It's no fun watching your child suffer through a cold or fever. I'm not one of those parents who will keep a child home at the first sign of a sniffle, but when they have a bad cold or the flu, I can't stand to see them wheezing and coughing through the night, or so feverish during the day that they don't even want to play. At times like those I'd cut off my right hand to ease their misery, but fortunately I don't have to -- because I can help them be more comfortable with over-the-counter medications like the PediaCare line of children's products.

The Basics
I was sent samples of PediaCare's Children's Fever Reducer/Pain Reliever and Children's Fever Reducer/Multi Symptom Cold, both with acetaminophen. They are some of the latest products in PediaCare's line of products -- with and without acetaminophen -- for children and infants. They sell for about $6.99 for a 4 oz. bottle, and are available at drugstores, supermarkets and retailers nationwide.

Here's more information about PediaCare:
Statistics show that preschool-aged children have around nine colds per year, kindergartners can have 12 colds per year and adolescents have about seven colds per year (cold season runs from September through March/April).

This could potentially mean a lot of days off from school or missed days from work for mom and dad! We can’t keep the kids home every time they have a runny or stuffy nose with an occasional cough but the question most of us are faced with is what products are safe and effective for our children; helping to keep them comfortable while they fight the cold.



Introducing, the PediaCare® line of products – with and without acetaminophen -- for children and infants – which address most sick-child situations: cough, cold, allergy, flu, congestion, fever and pain. Product offerings, in kid-pleasing flavors, match the formulations of the recent recall of children’s Tylenol products. In particular, PediaCare Infant and Children’s fever and pain reducers are a great solution for moms wanting a branded acetaminophen alternative

The Bongga
I have bought PediaCare cold and fever products with acetaminophen for my daughter ever since she was a baby. I love that PediaCare has so many different formulations, so you can choose the right product for your child's age and symptoms -- even when my daughter was a baby, PediaCare had a product safe for her to use! I'm still on the fence about whether cold medicines actually help reduce the sniffles, but over-the-counter children's medicines for pain and fever definitely do work, and PediaCare Infants and Children's Fever Reducers have certainly done a lot to ease my kid's fevers and pains throughout the years.

If you're unsure about which over the counter medicines to purchase, you can go to the PediaCare website to check your child's symptoms and match them with the right PediaCare product. They even have a free iPhone app you can download to help you choose the best product for your child. It's not a diagnostic tool, but it has lots of information to help you with your decision. And once you've bought the product, it's so helpful to have the dosing instructions clearly labeled according to age and weight.


The Blah
Unfortunately, two of my kids have been advised by our pediatrician to avoid acetaminophen and aspirin due to an inherited condition, so ibuprofen is my pain/fever reliever of choice for them. PediaCare is a brand that I know and trust, so I'd love it if they also have children's cold and fever products with ibuprofen.

The Bottom Line
You can trust PediaCare's line of products to help alleviate most common symptoms thatyour sick kids suffers from -- so he can get back on his feet.


Win a set of cold and fever products from PediaCare
One lucky Bonggamom Finds reader will receive:

	* 1 bottle of PediaCare® Children's Fever Reducer/Pain Reliever (cherry or grape flavor; ages 2-11)
	* 1 bottle of PediaCare® Children's Fever Reducer Plus Multi-Symptom Cold (ages 6-11; okay for ages 4 & 5 with dosage directed by pediatrician)

Required Entry
Leave a comment on this post and share a tip on how to keep your child comfortable when he or she is suffering from a bad cold. 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 PediaCare 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):
Win a set of PediaCare children's cold & fever products from @bonggafinds http://tinyurl.com/bonggaprizes #giveaways

6) Join any of the other open giveaways on Bonggamom Finds (1 entry for each giveaway joined).




The Rules
This giveaway ends at 11:59PM PST on March 2, 2011; I will draw a winner at random on March 3 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 product sample, but was not paid to review the product or give my opinions. Product information is provided by the featured company/product and is clearly indicated in italics. The views and opinions expressed here are my own.

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Pedia-Lax Fiber Gummies Review and Giveaway

Bran muffins, beans and brown rice are hardly the quintessential foods of childhood, but maybe they should be. I was recently informed by Pedia-Lax that research has shown 90% of kids don’t get the recommended about of fiber in their daily diets. In fact, did you know a four-year-old child should consume 25 grams of fiber daily, while an 11-year-old boy needs at least 31 grams? That's a lot of bran muffins!

I do try to give my kids lots of high-fiber foods like whole-wheat bread, oatmeal, fruits and veggies, as well as yogurt with active cultures to keep them regular, but constipation seems to run in the family so it's always a challenge. We have a children's laxative powder from our pediatrician but I think fiber from natural foods is best, so we haven't really used it too often. Still, I think that taking a fiber supplement to fill in the gaps is not a bad idea, especially when it's as easy to give to my kids as Pedia-Lax Fiber Gummies. Keep reading to see what we thought of the sample that Pedia-Lax gave us (and to enter to win a bottle of your own!):



The Basics
Pedia-Lax Fiber Gummies are a chewable fiber supplement for kids ages 2-11. They are sugar, calorie and gluten free, and can be taken daily. They cost about $7.99 for a bottle of 60 gummies and are available online, at Walmart, CVS, Target and Walgreens, and other supermarkets and retailers nationwide.

Here's more information about Pedia-Lax Fiber Gummies:
While food options are the best, Pedia-Lax Fiber Gummies, a tasty, daily fiber supplement that helps kids ages 2-11 stay regular and maintain better digestive health*, are a great way to supplement the fiber found in fruits, vegetables and other fiber-rich foods. A recent recipient of the PTPA Seal of Approval, the dentist-approved, sugar, calorie and gluten-free fiber gummies are a great way to help bridge the gap between the American Academy of Pediatrics recommendations and the actual amount of fiber a child consumes each day. One daily serving of three Pedia-Lax Fiber Gummies provides 6 grams of fiber, the amount of fiber equivalent to 21 spears of asparagus!


The Bongga
Here's why I like Fiber Gummies: they have as much fiber as 21 spears of asparagus, 2 boiled potatoes with skins on, or a cup of corn. I can barely get 21 spears of asparagus into my own body, let alone my kids' bodies! So it's nice to know that even if they don't get enough fiber in the foods they eat, their daily dose of Fiber Gummies will make up the difference.

Here's why my kids like Fiber Gummies: They look, chew and taste great. Period. So I have less than zero problems getting them to take this fiber supplement (which is more than I could say if it had come in the form of, say, some disgusting powder that you mix into their juice. As far as they are concerned, these are like candy. They look like candy (Fiber Gummies score big, big originality points for coming in cute penguin shapes and unusal colors like pink and purple), they have that satisfying gummy chew, and they taste like candy. They ask for one every day, and I'm sure they'd gobble the whole bottle down if it didn't have that crucial child-safe top.


The Blah
I wish the gummies also had some other nutrients in it so my kids wouldn't have to take a separate multivitamin. They don't care, of course: the more gummies they get, the happier they are, but it would be a lot more convenient to give them fiber, vitamins and minerals in a single chew!

The Bottom Line
Pedi-Lax Fiber Gummies are a great way to ensure kids get all the fiber they need.



Join the Keep Kids Moving Sweepstakes


Now through March 27, 2011, you can visit www.fibergummies.com to enter the Pedia-Lax® Fiber Gummies “Keep Kids Moving” sweepstakes for a chance to win one of four prize packages, including a grand prize that includes the Endless Fun 11-in-1 Inflatable Bounce House and Waterslide and Xbox 360 Kinect Bundle or Playstation Move Bundle and a $100 Walmart gift card to buy age appropriate games. You can find more details and official rules at the Pedia-Lax Fiber Gummies Web site.



Win a bottle of Fiber Gummies
One lucky Bonggamom Finds reader will receive a bottle of Fiber Gummies daily kids' fiber supplement from Pedia-Lax.


Required Entry
Leave a comment on this post and share a tip on how to get more fiber into your kids' diet. 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 Fiber Gummies giveaway! http://tinyurl.com/bonggaprizes

5) Write this on the Fiber Gummies Facebook page wall (1 entry):
I entered the Fiber Gummies giveaway on Bonggamom Finds! http://tinyurl.com/bonggaprizes

6) 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):
Win a bottle of Pedia-Lax Fiber Gummies from @fibergummies @bonggafinds http://tinyurl.com/bonggaprizes #giveaways

7) Follow Fiber Gummies 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 Join the @fibergummies Keep Kids Moving sweepstakes! Enter by 3/27/11 www.fibergummies.com

8) Join any of the other open giveaways on Bonggamom Finds (1 entry for each giveaway joined).




The Rules
This giveaway ends at 11:59PM PST on March 2, 2011; I will draw a winner at random on March 3 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 product sample, but was not paid to review the product or give my opinions. Product information is provided by the featured company/product and is clearly indicated in italics. The views and opinions expressed here are my own.

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Be Yummie for Valentine's Day!

Happy Valentine's Day to all you lovers out there! I knew this Valentine's Day was shaping up to be a good one when I was invited to try out Yummie Tummie's Sexy Camie Tank and Pantie set. It was such a nice V-Day surprise, both for me and for Alfie!

I own several Yummie Tummie tops, and this camie has that same shaping, slimming, hold-me-in effect -- so it's great to wear underneath your little black dress to smooth out all the lumps and bumps. And should the dress happen to slip off sometime later, you don't have to go through any of the "What if I look fat / Gotta suck my tummy in / Is this too skanky?" agony. If you're self-conscious or shy, this is the set for you. It's sexy and romantic without being too revealing; in fact it's modest enough that I think posting the photos below won't strip my blog of its family-friendly rating!



It may be shapewear, but this certainly isn't your grandma's girdle! There's lace at the top and bottom of the camisole, and all over the matching pantie, so when you wear the set together, it almost looks like a one-piece teddie. The deep red color is beautiful, and wearing it makes me want to sing that song from West Side Story: I Feel Pretty! And I love how it makes my So-Not-A-Supermodel-Body look halfway decent:



I think I would have preferred the pantie to be cut a little bit lower in the hips -- but then it would lose its tummy-tucking powers, so that's a tradeoff that has to be made. Just make sure you wear it with the Yummie Tummie Camie Tank, or if your partner is into pinup girls, go for a merlot-colored vintage cone bra :) In any case, it's a beautiful lingerie set that would make any woman feel special. If you're not wearing one for Valentine's Day, you can still order it online and get free shipping today with the code FREESHIPFEB14 -- think of it as a last-minute present that will make every day Valentine's Day.

Happy Valentine's Day, everyone -- no matter what your shape or size, have a Yummie Day!



Here's more information about Yummie Tummie's Camie Tank:
Make your move in our sexy and slimming Camie Tank that you can wear all day long and into your night. Perfect under a summer blouse, especially if it peeks out! Shapewear has never been so sexy and you won’t be able to wait to Show if Off! Chest & Sweep stretch lace 84% nylon and 16% estaine with 3/8" satin adjustable straps. Midsection panel 82% polyester and 18% spandex and regular length.

And here's more information about the Camie Pantie:
The Camie Pantie is a sexy power panty! This All over lace, brief style bottom has an inside layer of power mesh that will slim and smooth you…yet is as comfortable as it is sexy! Lace 84% nylon and 16% spandex, lining 77% nylon and 23% spandex, crotch lining 100% cotton

Disclosure: I received a product sample, but was not paid to review the product or give my opinions. Product information is provided by the featured company/product and is clearly indicated as such. The views and opinions expressed here are my own.

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Bonggamom's Friday Finds -- List your Giveaways Here

This is it, dear readers, Valentine's Day Weekend! I hope you have a great pink, puffy, chocolate-laden weekend with your loved ones. And thanks for sparing a moment to stop by Bonggamom's Friday Finds to leave links to your giveaways. Don't forget to get cracking and enter everyone else's, too!

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The Bar Method Pregnancy DVD giveaway

I think ballet dancers have some of the most beautiful bodies in the world -- they are lean and strong, graceful and elegant. And there's nothing quite like a ballet-based workout, which is why I think The Bar Method gets such rave reviews, from Hollywood celebrities to PTA moms. This body-sculpting workout utilizes a ballet bar fitness technique and draws from the principles of isometrics, dance conditioning, interval training, and physical therapy.

I haven't tried any of their classes, but after doing a bit of research, I'm intrigued. They have a studio near my home so I might try a class out! If The Bar Method doesn't have a studio near you, don't worry -- they also sell exercise DVDs, including one for expectant moms. It sounds like a great way to keep fit during pregnancy and get back into shape afterwards!


Win a copy of The Bar Method Pregnancy DVD and a Bar Method Onesie
One lucky Bonggamom Finds reader will win a copy of their new Pregnancy Workout DVD and a Bar Method white cotton baby onesie.
Master teacher Lee Potter in her third trimester with twins adds her own special wit and playfulness to the Bar Method’s pre-natal workout, a long-standing and popular class at its flagship studio in San Francisco. Lee leads you through this 45-minute long series of gentle, safe and challenging moves, including free-weight work, thigh exercises, standing seat-work, and abdominal strengthening exercises performed while propped up on pillows. Lee’s fellow performers are Hannah Blue, co-owner of the Downtown San Francisco studio and Lauren Dunning, a teacher at the Downtown San Francisco studio, both appearing in this DVD in their second trimester. As Lee puts it, this DVD “will help you feel strong during your pregnancy, will assist you in delivering your baby, and will snap you right back into shape.” Retail: $20.00


Required Entry
Leave a comment on this post and share how you kept fit and healthy during your pregnancy, or how you plan to, if you're pregnant. If you've never been pregnant and want to win it for a friend, tell me why you think The Bar Method would be a great way to keep fit during pregnancy. 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 Bar Method 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):
Win a Bar Method pregnancy DVD + Bar Method onesie on @bonggafinds http://tinyurl.com/bonggaprizes #giveaways

6) Join any open giveaway on Bonggamom Finds (1 entry for each giveaway you join)


The Rules
This giveaway ends at 11:59PM PST on February 28, 2011; I will draw a winner at random on March 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 did not receive a sample or monetary compensation for this post. Thanks to KMRPR and The Bar Method for providing the giveaway prize. Product information is provided by KMRPR and is clearly indicated in italics. The views and opinions expressed here are my own.

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Gnomeo & Juliet opens Feb. 11

I've been blogging quite a bit about Valentine's Day recently: what to get, what not to get, what to do, what to eat. Here's another suggestion -- celebrate the holiday by watching the greatest love story of all time, Romeo & Juliet.

No, not the Shakespeare play. Or should I say Gnome, not the Shakespeare play. I'm talking about Disney's latest animated 3D flick, Gnomeo and Juliet. It has all the romantic tension and heartache of the original, with none of the tragedy and 100% more laughs, plus cute porcelain bunnies thrown in for good measure. Yes, I know the tragic ending is what makes Romeo & Juliet such a powerful love story, but come on, this is a family movie -- seeing garden gnomes smashed to bits is all the tragedy that most 4-year-olds need to see. In short, it's just like a chocolate-coated marshmallow heart -- sweet and light and yummy fun for all ages -- but with none of the calories (unless you splurge on an extra-large popcorn).

How do I gnome know this? Because last weekend I had the opportunity to attend an advanced screening of Gnomeo & Juliet. I took my favorite girlfriend, The Pea, with me, and judging by the amount of sobs, giggles and guffaws, the movie had the perfect mix of hilarious and touching moments for kids. I myself confess to more than a few lumps in my throat -- I even caught myself clasping my hands together and thinking Awwwwwww.... during the scene where Gnomeo and Juliet meet and fall in love. I'm sure I had an idiotic grin on my face; I just hope the official-looking movie critic beside me (complete with pad and pencil, furiously scribbling away) didn't notice.


I thoroughly enjoyed this movie. The animation is amazing -- they captured all the smudges, stains, chips and scratches you'd see on any lawn ornament. The characters even made little clinking sounds when they moved! The movie is sprinkled with lots of clever gnome, lawn and gardening puns ("Let's kick some grass!"), references to the original Shakespeare play ("What's in a gnome?"), references to other Shakespeare plays ("Out, damned spot!"), even Disney references ("In the Tiki Tiki Tiki Tiki Tiki Room...") -- watching out for them will keep you entertained throughout. And if you're a fan of British cinema you'll be delighted to hear the voices of these famous actors:

* James McAvoy (Atonement) as Gnomeo

* Emily Blunt (The Devil Wears Prada) as Juliet

* Jason Statham (from Lock, Stock & Two Smoking Barrels and Transpotter) as Tybalt

* Maggie Smith (from A Room With a View, The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie, Harry Potter and oh-my-god-a-lifetime-of-amazing-performances) as Lady Bluebury

* Michael Caine (from Alfie, The Cider House Rules, and ditto-what-I-said-for-Maggie-Smith) as Lord Redbrick

* Patrick Stewart (from Star Trek, X-Men and pretty much everything to do with the Royal Shakespeare Company) as William Shakespeare

* Ashley Jensen (from Extras and Ugly Betty) as Nanette

* Matt Lucas (from Little Britain) as Benny (Based on original character Benvolio)

* Stephen Merchant (from Extras and The Ricky Gervais show) as Paris

* Ozzy Osbourne (no starring movie roles that I know of, but you may have heard of him) as Fawn


(Funny thing about Ozzy Osbourne and Michael Caine, it didn't matter that you saw a fawn and a garden gnome onscreen, you knew they were Ozzy and Michael right away!)

Oh, and if you have somewhere to rush off to after the movie ends, you don't have to worry that you'll miss one of those funny epilogue scenes that sometimes appear after the last credit rolls -- because you won't. We stayed till the lights came back on and I have to say we were a bit disappointed, although the swirling 3D graphics did keep us mesmerized till the end. So if you're wondering: To See, or Gnot to See? The answer is simple: Take everyone you gnome to Gnomeo & Juliet!


To whet your appetite even more, here's a video with some little-gnome, I mean little known gnome facts:

Disclosure: I was invited to an advance screening of the movie by Disney. No compensation was received for this post. The views and opinions expressed here are my own.

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Fun Valentine's Facts (and a Walmart giftcard giveaway!)

from The Motherhood, Jennifer and Kitty ONeil


While doing research for my Worst Valentine's Day Gifts post on BlogHer, I came across some interesting V-Day statistics:

* Greeting cards top the list of ways people celebrate Valentine's Day (65% of US households), followed by a date night (44%), candy (38%) and flowers (32%).

* There are 120 single men (i.e., never married, widowed or divorced) in their 20's for every 100 single women of the same age.

* There are 33 single men (i.e., never married, widowed or divorced) age 65 or older for every 100 single women of the same age.

* 2.2 million marriages take place in the United States annually. That's over 6,000 a day!



Here are some more fun Valentine's facts sent to me by The Motherboard, a new digital network where women and moms can share great ideas, information, advice and inspiration:


* A Motherboard poll of moms shows that most, 66%, view Valentine’s Day as a fun excuse to eat chocolate, but don’t get upset if their partner comes home empty-handed. Other moms, 17%, absolutely love the holiday and still others, 17%, think it’s way too commercial.

* Topping mothers’ Valentine’s Day list is jewelry, trips, time alone with their husband, spa/beauty packages and gift cards – and of course, flowers and candy!

* Valentine’s Day is primarily romantic for 40%, but it’s also a fun family day, since 28% of moms think the holiday means doing something special for the kids.

* Chocolate is a welcome Valentine’s Day indulgence and moms have lots of strategies for finding the “good” pieces in the box: 24% take a small bite, but put it back if they don’t like it, 21% break the candies in half, 20% like not knowing, 9% poke a hole in the bottom of the chocolate, and the rest have other techniques like reading the liner or guessing based on shape


The Motherboard also shared with me some of the ways moms are making Valentine’s Day “sweet” this year:

* Bake Valentine-themed cookies or cupcakes together
* Decorate adorable and heartfelt cards for loved ones with the kids
* Prepare a dinner featuring each family member’s most “loved” dish

Of course, if you're at a loss, you can always drop by your local Walmart for inspiration. Walmart even has a special section on their website for Valentine's "treats" of all kinds - from candy and jewelry to digital cameras and unique personalized gifts. Check out Walmart's Valentine's section here.

So how are you celebrating Valentine's Day? Share your story with us, and you could win a $25 Walmart gift card!


Win a $25 Walmart Gift Card

To celebrate Valentine's Day, Walmart is offering a $25 dollar gift card to one lucky Bonggamom Finds reader

Required Entry
Leave a comment on this post and share how you plan to celebrate Valentine's Day (if you are entering this giveaway after Valentine's Day, share what you did on Valentine'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 Walmart gift card giveaway! http://ow.ly/3TvsT

5) Write on The Motherboard Facebook page --tell them Bonggamom sent you, and share how you plan to celebrate Valentine's Day (1 entry):

6) Follow The Motherboard (@TheMotherboard1) on Twitter and tweet this, up to once per day (1 entry per day, leave a comment with the tweet link for each tweet):
Win a $25 Walmart gift card from @TheMotherboard1 and @bonggafinds http://ow.ly/3TvsT #giveaways

7) Join any of the open giveaways on Bonggamom Finds (1 entry per giveaway joined)



The Rules
This giveaway ends at 11:59PM PST on February 28, 2011; I will draw a winner at random on March 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 did not receive a sample or monetary compensation for this post. Thanks to The Motherboard, Walmart and Grand Communications for providing the giveaway prize. The views and opinions expressed here are my own.

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The Popcorn Factory commemorative SuperBowl XLV tin

How about those Packers? We had so much fun last Sunday watching the Superbowl and pigging out on the yummy food I prepared for our Superbowl Sunday party!

Seven-layer dip, served with tortilla chips
Baked spinach-artichoke dip, served with carrots, celery and pita wedges
Pulled pork sandwiches
Coleslaw
Make-your-own brownie sundaes

It was quite a feast, but The Pea did have one complaint: she wanted popcorn on the menu! I told her we could have popcorn next year -- and since The Popcorn Factory kindly offered to send us their limited edition 3 Gallon Green Bay Packers® Commemorative 3-Way Popcorn Tin, we already have somewhere to put it.


Here's more information about this product:
This 3 Gallon Green Bay Packers® Commemorative 3-Way Popcorn Tin* is the perfect way to celebrate the Packers victory in Super Bowl XLV®! Proclaiming their status as Super Bowl XLV® Champions and proudly displaying their team symbol on one side and the player roster on the other side, every Green Bay Packers® fan will want one. Filled with 3 fabulous flavors of popcorn: Cheesey Cheddar, real buttery Butter, and sweet crunchy Caramel, this will surely score big!

I know from experience that The Popcorn Factory's popcorn is awesome, so it will disappear in a flash, but the tin will be yours forever, to store your game day ticket stubs in or whatever you want. The Popcorn Factory even gave me several suggestions for ways to use your tin until your next Superbowl party rolls around:

1. Fill tin with ice and for a roomy ice bucket or beverage cooler
2. Put lid on tin and use as small seats for a “kids table”
3. Stuff your tin with plenty of napkins, paper towels and wet naps for messes created from the standard Super Bowl snacks like buffalo wings and dips.
4. Pick up a colorful bouquet and place in water-filled tin for a sweet center-piece
5. Offer festive tins as a party favor for your guests



The Green Bay Packers® Commemorative Tin will be available to ship the week of Feb. 16. Quantities are limited, so get it while you can!

Disclosure: The Popcorn Factory is sending me a complimentary Superbowl XLV popcorn tin.. Product information was taken from the Popcorn Factory website. The views and opinions expressed here are my own.

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Lights, Camera, Pocoyo -- win a Pocoyo DVD set!

For such an unassuming little fellow, Pocoyo certainly gets around. His award-winning preschool television series is broadcast in the US, UK, Spain, Ireland, Australia and many other countries. He's a social media maven and blogger extraordinaire, with a Facebook page, a Twitter account, a YouTube channel and a blog. And now he's going to Hollywood and he's walking the Red Carpet!

Here's more information:
Hollywood’s big night for celebration is right around the corner--The 83rd Annual Academy Awards® on February 27, 2011! Everyone is excited to watch the movie stars walk the red carpet and receive their awards for great performances! And, Pocoyo, who has himself won many awards around the globe, has a special surprise to share to celebrate the event!

Pocoyo will be starring in his very own advertisements starting this week throughout the month of February on the premiere entertainment channel, E! Entertainment Television! And, if you watch E!’s Pre-Awards Show on the night of February 27th, you will no doubt see Pocoyo doing what he does best, playing and having fun with his friends!


Celebrate the awards with Pocoyo by downloading the awards ballot for the big night to share with family and friends. Don’t forget to tune-in to E! Entertainment Television to see your favorite little boy enjoy the spotlight!


Win a Pocoyo DVD set
One lucky Bonggamom Finds reader will receive a DVD set consisting of the following titles:



* In “Meet Pocoyo!,” Pocoyo and friends explore the world around them. In seven hilarious stories, Pocoyo enjoys making music, blowing bubbles, solving puzzles and even watching an egg hatch.

* In “Super Pocoyo,” Pocoyo explores, discovers, encounters, laughs, questions and celebrates. Join Pocoyo and his friends Duck, Elly, Loula and Sleepy Bird as they play hide and seek, fly an airplane and go on a camping adventure!

* In “Fun & Dance,” whether he is playing with a beach ball or thumping on the drums, the charming Pocoyo loves to have fu with his pals, Pato, Loul and Sleepy Bird. From skipping rope to building textiles, adorable Pocoyo spends his days discovering new things in seven engaging stories.


Required Entry
Leave a comment on this post and share which nominee you think will win the Oscar award for Best Picture. 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 Pocoyo giveaway! http://tinyurl.com/bonggaprizes

5) Write this on the Pocoyo Facebook page wall (1 entry):
I entered the Pocoyo giveaway on Bonggamom Finds! http://tinyurl.com/bonggaprizes

6) Follow Pocoyo (@pocoyo_us) on Twitter and tweet this, up to once per day (1 entry per day, leave a comment with the tweet link for each tweet):
Win a Pocoyo DVD set from @pocoyo_us and @bonggafinds http://tinyurl.com/bonggaprizes #giveaways

7) Join any of the open giveaways on Bonggamom Finds (1 entry per giveaway joined)




The Rules
This giveaway ends at 11:59PM PST on February 28, 2011; I will draw a winner at random on March 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 did not receive a sample or monetary compensation for this post. Product information is provided by the featured company/product and is clearly indicated as such. The views and opinions expressed here are my own.

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Target Gift Card giveaway

A couple of weeks ago I came up with a 5-day workout schedule that I think I can stick with for the rest of the year and beyond. The only problem, of course, is that I don't have enough workout gear for all 5 days, so I have to keep the washer and dryer running several times a week to make sure I don't have to reuse any of my sweaty gear. I detest laundry, but ewwwwwww...... So I was really happy when P&G sent me some coupons for Tide Plus Febreze Sport detergent, along with coupons for Febreze Fabric Refresher and C9 by Champion sports apparel! The Tide will be great for all the extra laundry I have to do, the Febreze will be great for spraying my workout bag and shoes, and I just might treat myself to a new workout top from C9 by Champion!

If you're committed to making good on your workout resolutions, Target and P&G can help you save money and keep you smelling sweet:

* From February 6 through March 16, Target guests can find in-store coupons on specially-marked Tide Plus Febreze Freshness Sport, Febreze Extreme SPORT Odor Eliminator and C9 by Champion, Target's exclusive active wear line.

* Target-exclusive coupons for Tide Plus Febreze Freshness Sport and Febreze SPORT Extreme Odor Eliminator will be featured in newspapers nationwide on Sunday, February 13.

* Another coupon available at check-out with purchase, offering $4 off the combined purchase of C9 clothing and Tide Plus Febreze Freshness Sport.

In total, these promos can save you up to $10.75!


Win a Target gift card and Target coupons
To help your fitness routine stay on track, P&G would like to send TWO lucky Bonggamom Finds readers the following prize pack:

* Coupons ($4.50 in total savings) for Tide Plus Febreze Freshness Sport, Febreze SPORT Extreme Odor Eliminator and C9 active wear (redeemable at Target stores nationwide)

* Tide samples

* a $10 Target gift card.


Required Entry
Leave a comment on this post and share your fitness goals for this year. 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 Target giftcard giveaway! http://ow.ly/3SEW7

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):
Win a $10 Target giftcard + Target coupons for Tide, Febreze & C9 on @bonggafinds http://ow.ly/3SEW7 #giveaways 2 Winners!

6) Join any open giveaway on Bonggamom Finds (1 entry for each giveaway you join)


The Rules
This giveaway ends at 11:59PM PST on February 27, 2011; I will draw a winner at random on February 28 and post the winner's name after the winner confirms acceptance. Continental US residents only. For additional giveaway rules, click here. Good luck!

Disclosure: Thanks to P&G for providing the samples, coupons and gift card to me, as well as the samples, coupons and gift cards being offered as a giveaway. No other compensation was received for this post. The views and opinions expressed here are my own.

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Take the 29-Day Eat Right America Challenge!

I started 2011 with quite a few fitness goals. Get back into running. Walk the kids home from school at least twice a week. Improve my flexibility. Take a dance class. I'm proud to say that I haven't slacked off on any of those goals in January, and I don't feel any urge to quit.

However, I do have to admit that better nutrition has been conspicuously absent from my 2011 Resolutions. We do have an ongoing resolution to reduce the amount of meat in our diet, and that is going well, but otherwise I haven't done much to eat better. Maybe it's because I've grown too attached to Sprinkles cupcakes and Cold Stone Creamery. Maybe I'm afraid I'll fail.

And then an invitation from Whole Foods to join the 28-Day Eat Right America Challenge landed on my lap. It's all part of their Health Starts Here™ initiative, which offers products, education, practical tools and wellness resources to promote a healthy lifestyle (I'll share more about Health Starts Here™ in a future post).

Here's an overview of how the Eat Right America program works:
The Eat Right America 28-day Challenge encourages participants to take a 28-day pledge to the five cornerstones of healthy eating:

1) A large salad every day
2) At least a half-cup serving of beans/legumes in soup, salad or a dish once daily
3) At least 3 fresh fruits a day
4) At least one ounce of raw nuts and seeds a day
5) At least one large (double-size) serving of steamed green vegetables daily

As an added form of support, Whole Foods Market shoppers are eligible to receive a free online Nutrition Prescription membership, which is an individualized nutritional assessment that offers guidance for a personalized healthy eating plan to achieve optimal health through Eat Right America. The personalized tool includes:

· Nutrient analysis
· Health risk evaluation
· Daily eating plan
· 30-days of step-by-step email support

Challenge participants will receive a daily email for 28 Days with four themes to follow to becoming a Nutritarian (one who eats lots of nutritious foods!):

· Day 1 to Day 7: Start the process of adding health-promoting foods to your way of eating.
· Day 8 to Day 14: Moderate you intake of certain foods (e.g. meat, eggs) and switch to healthier options.
· Day 15 to Day 21: Challenge conventional myths you may have been told such as benefits of milk, olive oil, snacking, meat protein, etc.
· Day 22 to Day 28: Overcome cravings and adopt the eating plan that has been specifically designed for you.





I'm thinking this could be the perfect way to jumpstart my journey to eating healthier food. Of course, I'm nervous -- give up sugar and oil? Even natural sugar like honey, or good oil, like olive oil? Even though they are pretty flexible eaters, I'm not sure I can get my kids or husband completely on board. And I can tell you now, there's no way I'm going to give up dairy products like eggs and cheese. But despite the difficulties, there are some great things about this Challenge that make me believe I might actually be able to complete it:

It has sensible goals
Many of the components of the Eat Right Challenge are things that we as a family are trying to do anyway. For over a year now, we've been replacing the meat in our diet with beans and tofu. My kids already love fruit. Alfie already eats a handful of raw walnuts every single night. We just have to up our game a bit.


You're not restricting portions or calories
The Eat Right America challenge is not a calorie driven program, it's all about eating nutrient-dense foods. They don't care whether you eat a bucketload of kale or a bushel of strawberries (hey, it counts towards those 3 servings of fresh fruit, right?). It's certainly not a conventional diet -- what diet would tell you to eat a handful of nuts every day?


You're focusing on foods you DO want to eat, not on foods you DON'T want to eat
If a diet bans a food altogether, I'm more likely to crave it, and pig out on it when I finally do give in to the cravings. Instead, this program asks you to pledge to do certain things -- and I'm betting that after I've checked off my list of good foods to eat, I won't have space in my stomach for the bad stuff. By the way, calling it a "Challenge" is a stroke of genius because it becomes irresistible to competitive people like me!


It's just 28 days
I like the thought that there's an end in sight. One month, that's all. The time will fly, and you know it. Heck, it takes me one month just to put away my Christmas decor! But the body is an amazing thing, and it can adapt to anything, even in just 28 days. That's 28 days your body is eating right and building its nutrient stores. And I'm hoping that 28 days just might be enough for my body to kick some bad habits and start some new ones, so when it all "ends", I'll find that I can keep going.


The Eat Right America program normally costs $19.95 for 60 days access, but Whole Foods is offering the program FREE for 28 days if you sign up by March 30! You can get a special promo code from your local Whole Foods store, or just go to www.eatrightamericachallenge.com to get a coupon code.


So what do you think? Care to join me?

Disclosure: Whole Foods provided me with the items on their Health Starts Here pantry basics list, as well as an assortment of fruits and vegetables, to get me started with the program. No other form of compensation was given for this post. Any future posts about these programs are neither requested, compensated, nor expected by Whole Foods. Program information is provided by Whole Foods and is clearly indicated in italics. The views and opinions expressed here are my own.

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Playskool Explore n’ Grow Musical Gear Center Giveaway

It has been quite a while since my boys looked like this:
But I still remember how much they loved rolling balls down tracks. The movement, the anticipation, finding the ball, everything about it fascinated them. If only Playskool had come up with their Explore n’ Grow Musical Gear Center a few years sooner! I received this toy from Litzky PR to review, and I'm positive they would have loved the combination of rolling balls, spinning gears and music. Playskool is one of my favorite toy brands for little kids, and I can't think any stage in my kids' lives that did not have a myriad of Playskool toys involved.


The Basics
Here's a brief description of the Playskool Explore n’ Grow Musical Gear Center:
Whirling, twirling, musical fun is on the way with this exciting MUSICAL GEAR CENTER set! Your little one can push this button to activate the music and motion that will keep both his eyes and ears engaged. As he drops the ball onto the track, he'll watch with delight as it falls down the tube and then spins at the bottom. He'll love spinning the gears on the side to turn the friendly face around and around -- and when he gets older, you can remove the gears so he can stack them and take his fun to "new heights"! The active play, twirling fun and happy music just goes on and on! Set includes activity center base, ball arch, two balls, five gears and instructions.


The Bongga
Here's what I like best about this toy:
* The balls and gears that come with the toy fit other EXPLORE N’ GROW Toys, so it's not a catastrophe if you have other toys from the series and lose a ball.

* The parts are chunky enough for little hands, and they don't pose a choking hazard.

* Most important of all, babies really love this toy! I gave it to a friend with an 11-month old, and he starts bouncing up and down whenever the music plays. I swear, if he grows up to become a hip-hop star, I'm taking all the credit.


The Blah
I can't think of anything I don't like -- they even thought of providing a place to nestle the two balls in!

The Bottom Line
Your baby and toddler will love playing with this toy, and you will love watching him!


Win a Playskool Explore n’ Grow Musical Gear Center
One lucky Bonggamom Finds reader will win this adorable activity toy!

Required Entry
Leave a comment on this post and tell me your baby's (or granchild's or godchild's or friend's baby's) favorite toy. 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) 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 Playskool Explore N Grow giveaway! http://tinyurl.com/bonggaprizes

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

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

6) 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):

Win a Playskool Explore n Grow Musical Gear Center on @bonggafinds http://tinyurl.com/bonggaprizes #giveaways


The Rules
This giveaway ends at 11:59PM PST on February 27, 2011; I will draw a winner at random on February 28 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 product sample, but was not paid to review the product or give my opinions. Thanks to Litzky PR for providing the giveaway prize. The views and opinions expressed here are my own.

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Kidz Bop 19

Can you believe it, Kidz Bop is turning 10 this year! Just like The Pea! She'll be tickled pink to know that, because she's a big fan of their music. And it looks like a lot of other kids are, too, because their latest album, Kidz Bop 19, debuted at #1 on the Billboard Children's Chart. Here's a snippet from their press release:

The Billboard Top 200 Album Chart at #2— the 12th KIDZ BOP title to debut in Top 10 since the series launched in 2001. This is the highest charting debut for a KIDZ BOP album since the release of KIDZ BOP 9 in 2006, which also hit #2 on the overall Billboard Chart. Defying current music industry trends, sales of KIDZ BOP albums have grown nearly 40% over the past 24 months, while overall music industry sales are down more than 20%. The brand’s tremendous growth can be attributed to the company’s strategic extension of the franchise beyond traditional music sales, including the launch of its safe social networking site for kids and tweens, KIDZBOP.com, and the KIDZ Star USA Talent Search, America’s biggest national talent search for kids ages 15 and under. 2011 also marks the 10th anniversary of the KIDZ BOP brand, and its latest release kicks off a year-long celebration, which will be supported by the launch of new products, promotions and online initiatives.

KIDZ BOP 19 also debuted at #1 on the Billboard Children’s Chart, where there are currently two other KIDZ BOP albums in the Top 10. The new release follows a chart-topping 2010 where KIDZ BOP 18 was the #1 Kids’ Album of the year (KIDZ BOP 17 was #2) and the KIDZ BOP Kids ranked as the #1 Kids’ Artist of the year, according to Billboard.


We were sent a copy of Kidz Bop 19 to review; here's what we thought of it:

The Basics
Kidz Bop 19 includes 16 of today's biggest chart-topping hits 'sung by kids for kids'. Here's the track list:

1. DJ Got Us Falling In Love
2. Firework
3. Just The Way You Are
4. Dynamite
5. Cooler Than Me
6. Airplanes
7. Club Can't Handle Me
8. Bulletproof
9. Animal
10. Just A Dream
11. Magic
12. Mine
13. Please Don't Go
14. The Time
15. The Only Exception
16. Somebody To Love



The Bongga
Kidz Bop 19 is a bit hit -- my kids are driving me crazy playing it. The Pea dances to it almost every night! When I asked her if she was doing it for exercise, she responded with, "No, mama, I'm doing it for fun." The funny thing is, we already have the original versions of most of the songs on Kidz Bop 19 -- in fact, Firework, Just the Way You Are, Dynamite, Just A Dream and a couple more are some of their favorite songs -- but that doesn't stop them from listening to the Kidz Bop version every chance they get. I think it must be like enjoying different versions of the same song (you know how kids love repetition), so having the original version and the Kidz Bop version seem to complement each other.

The Blah
I've actually grown used to the Kidz Bop kids singing and I don't think it's annoying at all (okay, it's annoying when my kids play the cd four times in a row, but then that applies to any cd!) -- the only Kidz Bop song in #19 I cannot abide is Just The Way You Are. It's not that I'm particularly loyal to Bruno Mars (I actually prefer the Glee cast version), but having a girl sing it is just wrong. I can understand why parents might not like it, but since when did parents and kids ever agree on music?

The Bottom Line
There's a reason why Kidz Bop is the #1 kids music brand in the US -- just buy a copy of Kidz Bop 19 and see your kids' reactions after they listen to it, and you'll find out why.

Disclosure: I received a sample cd to facilitate my review, but was not paid to review the product or give my opinions. Press release was provided by KidzBop and is clearly indicated in italics. The views and opinions expressed here are my own.

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Bonggamom's Friday Finds -- List your Giveaways Here

Attention, all you lovers! It's the Friday before Valentine's Day Weekend and you've got 10 days till V-Day. If you've got any giveaways ending this week, please leave your links here! That way we've all got a chance to score some Valentine presents for our loved ones :) Spread the giveaway love, people, spread the giveaway love..... Thanks, all!

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Dinosaur Train Valentine Giveaway

Every year my kids exchange Valentine cards with the kids in their class, and every year I'm struck by how different each family's approach to Valentine cards is. Some buy their cards from the store, complete with candy or stickers. Some put together a little Valentine's Day goody bag. Some buy cards and attach their own candies (which is what we do). Some are handmade. All are handwritten, and it always makes me sentimental to see their friends' penmanship improve as they grow older.

If your child likes to make his or her Valentines cards but likes the polished look of store-bought cards, these Dinosaur Train Valentine cards are the perfect Valentines Day craft. You can print them out on cardstock paper and have your child cut them out and decorate the back in her or her special style! You can download the Dinosaur Train Valentines here. Happy Valentines Day!


Win a Dinosaur Train Make A Match game
To celebrate Valentine's Day, one lucky Bonggamom Finds winner will receive a Dinosaur Train Make A Match game!


In the Dinosaur Train Make A Match game, Buddy and his friends sharpen children’s memory skills in this special matching game that features a Buddy figure! To begin play, 48 game cards featuring favorite Dinosaurs from Dinosaur Train are shuffled and laid face down in 6 rows of 8 cards each. Players take turns turning over any two cards—so all players can see them—to find a matching pair. The game features “Take Buddy” cards, “Wild Cards” and “Lose a Pair” cards to add to the excitement. Players count their matching card sets at the end and add extra points for the player holding Buddy to determine who wins. The Dinosaur Train Make A Match Game is for 2 to 4 players, ages 3.



Required Entry
Leave a comment on this post and tell me how you and/or your child plan to celebrate Valentine's Day this year. 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) 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 Dinosaur Train Valentine's Day giveaway! http://tinyurl.com/bonggaprizes

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

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

6) 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):
Win Dinosaur Train Make a Match game on @bonggafinds http://tinyurl.com/bonggaprizes #giveaways


The Rules
This giveaway ends at 11:59PM PST on February 14, 2011; I will draw a winner at random on February 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 the featured company/product and is clearly indicated as such. The views and opinions expressed here are my own.

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Enter the 45th Pillsbury Bake-Off (and a giveaway for you!)

I love cooking contests; Food Network Challenge, Iron Chef and Cupcake Wars are some of my favorite television shows. I'm just in awe of how the contestants perform under pressure, and of course I enjoy looking at their amazing creations. All the Food Network contestants seem to be professionals, but there even amateur cooks can win big at the original original cooking challenge, the Pillsbury Bake-Off. They contest is now on its 45th Bake-Off, and they are now accepting recipe submissions! Just think, that red velvet cake you made for your kids' birthday could win you a million dollars. This is one cooking contest I sure hope will be televised, because I can't wait to watch it and try out all the winning recipes! Here's more information about the 45th Pillsbury Bake-Off: Calling all home cooks! Do you have a million dollar recipe idea? The 45th Pillsbury Bake-Off® Contest is open for entries and one simple recipe idea could help you take home the dough! Pillsbury is looking for original recipes that taste and look delicious, are easy to prepare and that families across America will love to eat. Consumers can submit recipes in one of four recipe categories: * Breakfast & Brunches * Entertaining Appetizers * Dinner Made Easy(TM) * Sweet Treats Entries are being accepted online between now and April 18, 2011, at www.bakeoff.com. One hundred lucky finalists will compete for a chance at the grand prize during the contest finals, which take place March 25-27, 2012 at the Peabody Orlando Hotel in Florida. You´ll also find contest details, including eligible products, prizes and the official rules, on the web site. Win a Pillsbury Bake-Off prize pack One lucky Bonggamom Finds reader will receive a Pillsbury Bake-Off® gift pack that includes a Pillsbury Bake-Off® apron, recipe book and pen. Required Entry Leave a comment on this post and share your favorite Pillsbury Bake-Off® recipe , or which Pillsbury Bake-Off® recipe you'd most like to try. This entry must be completed before any extra entries will count. 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) Follow Bonggamom Finds on Networked Blogs (1 entry). 4) Follow Bonggamom Finds on Blogger(1 entry). 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): Enter to win a Pillsbury bake-off prize pack on @bonggafinds http://www.bonggafinds.com #giveaways #myblogspark 6) Join any of the giveaways currently running on Bonggamom Finds (1 entry for each giveaway you've joined). The Rules This giveaway ends at 11:59PM PST on February 15 , 2011; I will draw a winner at random on February 16 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 prize pack identical to the one being offered as a giveaway. Thanks to MyBlogSpark and Pillsbury for providing both prize packs! Contest information is provided by the Pillsbury and is clearly indicated in italics. The views and opinions expressed here are my own.

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Progresso Soup review and giveaway

I love soup. It's delicious, it's filling, it's nutritious, it's easy to make -- what's not to love? I could eat it every day! My de facto lunch is a can of ready-to-eat soup, which I love because I can have it ready in less than 5 minutes and I can have a different variety of soup every day. I was recently invited by My Blog Spark to review Progresso® soups, here's what I think of them:


The Basics
Here's some information about Progresso® soups:
Progresso® New World Recipes™ – Inspired by Mexican recipes, explore one of the fastest growing ethnic cuisines by giving the Progresso New World Recipes line a try. Made with authentic Mexican ingredients and seasonings, four new Progresso soups will be hitting grocery shelves near you - Chicken Tortilla, Meatball & Rice, Black Bean Jalapeno and Chicken & Vegetable.

Progresso Light - America’s number one Light soup just got better, as all 13 existing Progresso Light varieties are now packed with bigger pieces of white meat chicken, more tender pieces of beef or added vegetables. Need even more to talk about? Progresso Light New England Clam Chowder is the first creamy Light ready-to-serve soup that holds true to the Progresso Light name with just 1 Weight Watchers® POINTS® value per serving!

Progresso Reduced Sodium – With 49 percent of shoppers concerned about high cholesterol1, Progresso understands the importance of soluble fiber and reduced sodium diets. New Reduced Sodium Tomato Parmesan soup is one more tasty option that has a delicious blend of flavors and carries the “May Help Lower Cholesterol”2 benefit. In addition, five additional Reduced Sodium soups also carry the “May Help Lower Cholesterol”2 benefit.

Progresso High Fiber – With 9 out of 10 Americans not getting the recommended Daily Value of fiber, Progresso High Fiber line of soups are packed with 7 grams per serving. Giving you one more thing to talk about, Progresso brand’s first Chili Soup just joined the High Fiber family!


The Bongga
Progresso® is one of my favorite soup brands because they make soups that I would make from scratch but just don't have the time to make it, or I only want a single serving. Besides, I like variety and I want a different soup each time. Their soups taste great -- my favorites are the Progresso Light Beef and Barley soup (just 1 Weight Watchers point!) and their Chicken Tortilla soup -- so being asked to review Progresso was a no-brainer for me. In fact, the soups they sent me -- Chicken Tortilla soup and Clam Chowder -- are actually 2 staples in our pantry already!


The Blah
Not much to complain about -- I even love that they have easy-open cans!


The Bottom Line
I highly recommend Progresso® soups!


Win a Progresso Soup Prize Pack
One lucky Bonggamom Finds reader will receive a Progresso Soup prize pack that includes

* VIP coupons for two cans of Progresso soup
* a spoon rest
* a soup can rack
* a soup mug with matching spoon



Required Entry
Leave a comment on this post and tell me your favorite Progresso Soup variety. 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) 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 Progresso Soup giveaway on Bonggamom Finds! http://tinyurl.com/bonggaprizes

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

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

6) 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):

Win a Progresso Soup prize pack on @bonggafinds http://tinyurl.com/bonggaprizes #giveaways #myblogspark

7) Join any of my open giveaways (1 entry for each giveaway you've joined, leave a separate comment for each)


The Rules
This giveaway ends at 11:59PM PST on February 8, 2011; I will draw a winner at random on February 9 and post the name after he;/she confirms acceptance. Continental US residents only. For additional giveaway rules, click here. Good luck!

Disclosure: I received a prize pack similar to the one being offered as a giveaway. Thanks to Progresso and My Blog Spark for sending it to me, as well as providing the giveaway prize. I was not paid to review the product or give my opinions. Product information is provided by the featured company/product and is clearly indicated as such. The views and opinions expressed here are my own.

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