Thinking I need to get some EMT training

·        I CanNOT stop shaking. On my way to work today, I stopped to assist at a bad car accident that had just happened!  I saw a young man struggling to get out from under his truck.  Today is his 21st bday. He rolled his truck and his left ankle was pinned. Male witnesses picked up truck and I pulled him free (landed on my ASS! – just found a pine needle in my pants!) then directed everyone else what to do (like I knew what I was doing! HA!).  Had one guy get his registration from the truck.  Another get a towel for his head.  Another to look in the truck for a cell phone.  Another witness kept his feet elevated.  Talked to him, asked him his name, the president’s name, his mama’s name, made him stay awake and look at me.  Told him “you will be ok John – this guy on your left is a paramedic (one of the witnesses who was a retired paramedic and was checking out the injuries) and I am the wife of an EMT and daughter of a nurse (I bask in their reflected glory!)”  I even told a cop to go get a blanket “This man is going in shock (he started to shake) – get a blanket from your cruiser!”  I kept asking him questions – he had no seatbelt on, had turned around to see what was moving around in the back of the truck – and he was thrown and the truck landed on his leg. Officers asked me if I smelt alcohol and I said “no – nothing like that – it looks like distracted driving.”  Luckily, ambulance was there quickly – we were close to my husband's old squad actually – they washed to blood off me and I went to work (tax season waits for noONE!).  Of course, delayed shock, I cried my eyes out and called my husband, then my mama first!

Bobby Long: A Winter Tale (A Giveaway)

A Winter Tale

From Team Mom: We are turning up the musical heat this winter with the much anticipated debut album from British singer-songwriter-guitarist, Bobby Long, called A Winter Tale (ATO Records).
His name might sound a wee bit familiar as he is best-known as the songwriter behind the song "Let Me Sign" which was sung by Robert Pattinson and featured in the movie Twilight. Bobby creates memorable songs with hauntingly poetic lyrics, and rest assured he will be creating quite the buzz in 2011.

Bobby Long believes in making up for lost time. The young British singer-songwriter didn’t even start to play guitar until he was 17, but from then on he’s been creating memorable songs inhabited by hauntingly poetic lyrics. With model good looks and an engaging smile, he is a formidable presence even before he begins to sing. And when he does sing, it's with a heart-wrenching soulfulness that crushes any chance for apathy. It's a voice that simply demands attention. Now armed with an enviable repertoire of material and a legion of loyal fans cultivated through non-stop touring, this force of nature will be impossible to ignore.


But recognition has actually been hard-won. Born in Wigan near Manchester in Northern England, Bobby Long grew up from age four in a small town in Wessex, "Thomas Hardy country." At 18, he moved to London to attend university, graduating with a degree in sound and media for film. He quickly established himself on the local open mic circuit, finding his voice and beginning to develop songs characterized by catchy melodies paired with elusive, imaginative lyrics. In London he met a circle of fellow musicians, among them Marcus Foster, with whom he wrote a song called “Let Me Sign,” and soon-to-be megastar Robert Pattinson, who would sing it in the 2008 blockbuster film Twilight.


He cites Bob Dylan's career, as well as his songwriting, as a major influence. He also lists Richie Havens, Neil Young, Tim Buckley and Leonard Cohen as influences, along with more modern troubadours like Elliott Smith and Conor Oberst. A love of American roots music shines through his songs, evident on the album in the intense minor-key folk of "Penance Fire Blues," the two-step groove of "Two Years Old" and the old-timey waltz "Being a Mockingbird" with its banjo and pedal steel accents. And Bobby is no dilettante when it comes to traditional sounds-his university thesis was on the social impact of American folk music.


"In London there's a big folk scene happening," he says. "It resonates with a lot of young people now.” Yet lurking in his background is a broader musical sensibility that encompasses the guitar-tinged blues of Mississippi John Hurt, the knowing song craft of the Beatles and the Kinks, and even flashes of the angry heat of another band he admires greatly, Black Sabbath.


Above all, it's the honesty and aching vulnerability in his intricate songs (not to mention his shy demeanor on stage) that endears Long to burgeoning audiences on both sides of the Atlantic. “He breathes a labyrinth of imagery that is so fragile and heartrending"it’s impossible to let go” declared one writer, and as another one put it, "If music is truly a form of self-expression, then British singer-songwriter Bobby Long apparently cannot tell a lie."


A WINTER TALE merges band power with acoustic rawness, featuring Nona Hendryx (LaBelle) on backing vocals on "Penance Fire Blues," B. J. Cole (Elton John, Sting) on pedal steel, Icelandic singer Lay Low on several tracks, and other top-drawer musicians. And by way of continued extensive touring in North America, he will be bringing A WINTER TALE and what has been called his "tapestry of tales" to the ever-growing audiences seduced by his compelling voice, musicianship and charm.

My take:  If I had to pick one word to describe Bobby Long's voice, it would be "hypnotic."  Listening to his CD, I found myself lost in the music - time truly flew past.  And I've been trying desperately to think of how to describe his style of music to you but little success - he doesn't really have a contemporary on the musical scene that I can think of.  He's independent to be sure, but with the deep-felt lyrical style of a 60's folk singer (in my humble opinion).  Really, Bobby Long cannot be button-holed into any one particular genre and that's all right with me.  His accompanying singer Nona Hendryx provides perfect harmony for these lovely tunes - I swear "Who Have You Been Loving" has been stuck in my head for days now and that's really OK!  I really enjoyed the whole CD and look forward to hearing more from Bobby Long as his career progresses.  Thanks Team Mom! (Read below on how YOU can win your own copy of this amazing CD).

* * * * *

“The covered surface hugs the board but keeps in the sky,

A childhood glimpse that keeps you warm but hangs you to dry,

The shameful dream the shameful face that pulls on your heart,

Those brittle winds will keep the dawn from you at the start,

So bring me choirs to ease me on my way,

Bring me screams of organs for the day,

Bring me choirs to brighten all the gales,

Bring me screams of organs and the wails,

Of winter tales.”

--from “A Winter Tale” by Bobby Long

Song Listing:

1. A Winter Tale 5:58
2. Who Have You Been Loving 4:03
3. The Bounty Of Mary Jane 4:48
4. In The Frost 3:50
5. Sick Man Blues 4:02
6. Penance Fire Blues 3:53
7. A Passing Tale 3:46
8. Dead And Done 4:02
9. Being A Mockingbird 3:38
10. Two Years Old 5:41
11. A Stranger Song 5:55

BONUS:  Bobby Long on Tour!

The giveaway: One lucky winner will receive a copy of A Winter Tale by Bobby Long (US Address only please)! 

To win: Leave a comment here telling me the name of  one of the cities Bobby is going to be playing in on his current tour (could be near you or not).  Be sure to leave your email address with your comment if you are not a blogger or your email is not easily found on your blog. This giveaway is open until 11:59 p.m., EST, Thursday, March 3, 2011.  Good Luck!

Bonus entries: Get up to 8 extra entries for a total of 9 entries (please leave a separate comment for each extra entry):

• "Like" Bobby Long on Facebook and leave a comment on his wall that includes "CPA Mom sent me" (leave a comment here with your FB name-first name only is fine)
• Follow Bobby Long on Twitter (leave a comment here with your twitter id)
• Blog about this giveaway (don't forget to leave the link in your comment here)
• Twitter, Stumble or Digg this giveaway
• Subscribe to my blog via RSS or Email (see top left sidebar)
• Add my blog to your blogroll or my button to your sidebar (leave your website address for verification)
• On Technorati - click on this link, then on Fan or Fav (or use the green link on the top left sidebar)
• Follow me on Blogger (see top left sidebar) 

This post was written for Team Mom and ATO Records who provided the CD for review and giveaway. I was not compensated in any way except for the complimentary CD.

I am proud to be a member of Team Mom's "Music Moms" who sponsored this review.

Mickey Mouse Clubhouse: Minnie's Masquerade

Mickey Mouse Clubhouse: Minnie's Masquerade

COME JOIN MINNIE, MICKEY AND PALS IN AN ADVENTURE THAT CELEBRATES THEMES OF FRIENDSHIP, TEAMWORK, SHARING, PROBLEM SOLVING AND DRESSING-UP

Format: Animated, Color, Dolby, Dubbed, DVD, Full Screen, Subtitled, NTSC

Language: English

Subtitles: English, French

Number of discs: 1

Rated: G (General Audience)

Studio: Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment

DVD Release Date: February 8, 2011

Run Time: 120 minutes

Suggested Retail Price: Single Disc DVD + Mickey Mote = $29.99 U.S. / $35.99 Canada;

Single Disc DVD = $19.99 U.S. / $24.99 Canada

From the studio: Parents and their preschoolers are invited to join in the ultimate masquerade party with Minnie, Mickey and pals in a fun-filled collection of Mickey Mouse Clubhouse latest episodes that celebrate themes of friendship, teamwork, sharing and problem solving. This latest release features four playful Minnie-themed adventures previously seen on the Mickey Mouse Clubhouse TV show, a never-before-seen episode, and a free paper mask with festive embellishments that kids can personalize.

And as a special option for consumers, Disney has packaged a version of the DVD to include the exclusive Mickey Mote – a child-friendly handheld remote control, shaped like Mickey ears, that takes children’s viewing experience to a whole new level of play. The DVD + Mickey Mote Play Set is the ultimate value for moms and equally fun and engaging for kids! The Mickey Mote uses infrared wireless technology and may not be compatible with all devices.

Mickey Mouse Clubhouse: Minnie’s Masquerade starring Disney’s Fab Five -- Minnie, Mickey, Donald,Goofy and Daisy – takes viewers on an all new adventure as they dress-up in their favorite costumes for Minnie’s Masquerade Ball. In this episode, Minnie needs some help getting everything ready for her party including making royal crowns for their costumes, searching for Sir Goofalot’s lost shoe, stringing up paper lanterns and much, much more. At the ball, Professor Von Drake hosts the great Clubhouse Costume Show and gives out prize ribbons to all the friends who have dressed up in some funny and fancy costumes. All it takes is a heaping helping of imagination…and the right Mouseketools.


About Disney’s Exclusive Mickey Mote: Disney’s Mickey Mote works with any Disney Preschool DVD that includes the Discovery Mode™ feature – an interactive “Watch & Play” feature on the DVD. All parents have to do is program the remote control - there’s an easy and quick set-up guide in each DVD- and select the Discovery Mode feature on the menu screen. Within minutes, kids will be easily responding to questions, throughout the story, about scenes they just watched by pressing one of four color-coded buttons on the device -- a yellow star, green circle, orange triangle or blue square – to click in their responses. Discovery Mode features include two levels of play, which provides more challenging questions as the child grows.


The Mickey Mote can be used with any Disney Preschool DVD that includes the Discovery Mode feature. To date there are more than 11 titles that can be used with the remote control, just take a look at the back of the package to make sure.

My take: As much as I like ALL the Mickey Mouse characters, I must express a special fondness for Minnie Mouse.  And as a mom, I like her even more now because in movies such as these, I find her to be a a good strong role model for my daughter.  In Mickey Mouse Clubhouse: Minnie's Masquerade with Mickey Mote you get five entire episodes where Minnie is the star.  And as with all Mickey Mouse episodes, these are interactive - encouraging your kids to get involved with solving the "problems" as a team with all the Mickey characters and each other.  We LOVE the Mickey Mote too - in my opinion, it increases the life of these DVDs for us - my 6 year old is still able to be actively involved with the shows without getting bored.  A sweet bonus with this DVD is the play mask that is included - my daughter loves to put it on and pretend to be at the masquerade party with Minnie and the gang.  All and all, a must have for your Mickey Mouse Clubhouse DVD collection!

Minnie's Crown

Princess Minnie

The giveaway:   One lucky winner will win his/her very own copy of the Mickey Mouse Clubhouse: Minnie's Masquerade!

To win: Leave me a comment telling me another Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment DVD that looks good to you.  Be sure to leave your email address with your comment if you are not a blogger or your email is not easily found on your blog. This giveaway is open until 11:59 p.m., EST, Wednesday, March 2, 2011. Good Luck!

Bonus entries: Get up to 7 extra entries for a total of 8 entries (please leave a separate comment for each extra entry):

• Blog about this giveaway (don't forget to leave the link in your comment)
• Share this giveaway on any of your Social Networking sites (like Twitter or Facebook) and come back here with a link to your post/tweet
• Follow me on Twitter (leave a comment with your twitter id)
• Subscribe to my blog via RSS or Email (see top left sidebar)
• Add my blog to your blogroll or my button to your sidebar (leave your website address for verification)
• On Technorati - click on this link, then on Fan or Fav (or use the green link on the top left sidebar)
• Follow me on Blogger (see top left sidebar)

About Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment:  Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment, a recognized leader in the home entertainment industry, is the marketing, sales and distribution company for Walt Disney, Touchstone, Hollywood Pictures, Miramax and Buena Vista product, which includes DVD, Blu-ray Disc(tm) and electronic distribution. Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment is a division of Disney Enterprises, Inc.

About The Walt Disney Studios: For more than 85 years, The Walt Disney Studios has been the foundation on which The Walt Disney Company (DIS: NYSE) was built. Today, the Studio brings quality movies, music and stage plays to consumers throughout the world. Feature films are released under four banners: Walt Disney Pictures, which includes Walt Disney Animation Studios and Pixar Animation Studios, Disneynature, Touchstone Pictures and Marvel. Through the Home Entertainment division, innovative distribution methods provide access to creative content across multiple platforms. Original music and motion picture soundtracks are produced under Walt Disney Records and Hollywood Records, while Disney Theatrical Group produces and licenses live events, including Broadway theatrical productions, Disney on Ice and Disney LIVE! For more information, please visit www.disney.com.

This post was written for Click Communications who provided the movie for review. I was not compensated in any way except for the complimentary DVD.

Beverly Hills Chihuahua 2 (giveaway)

AY CHIHUAHUA…THE FAMILY JUST GOT BIGGER! AMERICA’S FAVORITE LITTLE CHIHUAHUA’S ARE BACK FOR AN ALL-NEW DOGGIE-PACKED ADVENTURE IN

Available on Blu-ray™ Combo Pack and DVD – February 1, 2011
Number of discs: 1
Rated: G (General Audience)
Studio: Walt Disney Studios
Run Time: 84 minutes

From the studio: Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment (WDSHE) proudly announces the return of the greatest Chihuahuas to walk on all fours in Beverly Hills Chihuahua 2! Chloe and Papi are back in an all new, ¡Ay yay yay! fun-filled adventure—and their family just got bigger. Meet their rambunctious, mischievous and hilarious litter on February 1, 2011 when Beverly Hills Chihuahua 2 comes out on a Blu-ray™ combo pack (include Blu-ray and DVD of the movie), 1-disc DVD.


From the creators of Beverly Hills Chihuahua, everybody’s favorite talking Chihuahuas are back in a comedy that’s a pack of outrageous fun for the whole family. Puppy mayhem turns the lives of newlywed Chihuahua parents, Papi and Chloe, upside down when their playful puppies present one challenge after another. But, when their human owners find themselves in trouble, the tiny pups will stop at nothing to save them—because in good times and hard times, the family always sticks together. Papi, Chloe and the puppies embark on a heroic adventure, proving once again that big heroes come in small packages.


Featuring an all-star cast, including George Lopez (voice of Papi), and complete with a litter of bonus features, this heartwarming tale of the meaning of family, friendship and loyalty is a special breed of fun—times five.


The Beverly Hills Chihuahua 2 Blu-ray™ Combo Pack has a U.S. suggested retail price of $39.99 and the 1-Disc DVD set has a U.S. suggested retail price of $29.99. Additionally, the Digital Download/Electronic –Sell Through (EST) has a U.S. suggested retail price of $19.50.

My take:  I asked to review Beverly Hills Chihuahua 2, not because we had seen the 1st movie (we still haven't seen it) but because my 6 year old loves all dog movies (witness her repeated viewing of all the Buddies movies).  And let me tell you, I'm relieved to be able to say that you don't need to have seen the first movie to enjoy the second - the movies stand alone.  Which is to say, my daughter loved it so much, it has taken its place on her roster of "must-see" movies.  Which is ok with me - it's a fun movie with a moral tucked in nicely with the story line (family, loyalty, love); after all, it wouldn't be Disney without a lesson, right?  It's not limited to the younger set either - the first time she watched it, my daughter was joined by her 8 year old brother.  They watched it together and from the other room, I could hear their belly laughs pretty much the entire movie.  A hit out of the park for them both.  The extras are decent - the "faux paws" bloopers reel was our favorite.  All and all, a nice direct-to-DVD movie from Disney, perfect for family movie night. 

Bonus Features:

DVD
French and Spanish Tracks and Subtitles
Sneak Peek at Sharpay’s Fabulous Adventure
Learn How To Take Your Favorite Movies On The Go
Dylan and Cole Sprouse: Blu-ray™ Is Suite!
Bonus Music Video: “This is My Paradise” By Bridgit Mendler
Blooper Faux Paws

BLU-RAY
1.78:1/ Enhanced for 16x9
French and Spanish Tracks
Sneak Peek at Sharpay’s Fabulous Adventure
Learn How To Take Your Favorite Movies On The Go
Dylan and Cole Sprouse: Blu-ray™ Is Suite!
Bonus Music Video: “This is My Paradise” By Bridgit Mendler
Blooper Faux Paws
Beverly Hills Chihuahua Challenge – interactive game show led by Papi

Film Credits:
Voice Talent
George Lopez as Papi
Odette Yustman as Chloe
Zachary Gordon as Papi Jr.
Emily Osment as Ali, Pep, Lala and Rose
Bridgit Mendler as Appoline
Miguel Ferrer as Delgado

Human Characters
Marcus Coloma as Sam Cortez
Erin Cahill as Rachel Ashe
Susan Blakely as Aunt Viv
Lupe Ontiveros as Mr. and Mrs. Cortez
Elaine Hendrix as Colleen Mansfield (Appoline’s Owner)

Beverly Hills Chihuahua 2-Sneak Peak

Film Clip- Puppy Tower

Challenge Intro

The giveaway:   One lucky winner will win his/her very own copy of the Beverly Hills Chihuahua 2!

To win: Leave me a comment telling me another Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment DVD that looks good to you.  Be sure to leave your email address with your comment if you are not a blogger or your email is not easily found on your blog. This giveaway is open until 11:59 p.m., EST, Monday, February 21, 2011. Good Luck!

Bonus entries: Get up to 7 extra entries for a total of 8 entries (please leave a separate comment for each extra entry):

• Blog about this giveaway (don't forget to leave the link in your comment)
• Share this giveaway on any of your Social Networking sites (like Twitter or Facebook) and come back here with a link to your post/tweet
• Follow me on Twitter (leave a comment with your twitter id)
• Subscribe to my blog via RSS or Email (see top left sidebar)
• Add my blog to your blogroll or my button to your sidebar (leave your website address for verification)
• On Technorati - click on this link, then on Fan or Fav (or use the green link on the top left sidebar)
• Follow me on Blogger (see top left sidebar)

About Disney Combo Packs (Blu-ray + DVD in a single package): To provide consumers with unprecedented quality, value and portability of their favorite Disney classics, in 2008 WDSHE pioneered the Combo Pack – a Blu-ray Disc plus a DVD in a single package. Current Disney Animated Classic titles available as Combo Packs include Sleeping Beauty, Pinocchio and Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs.

About Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment: Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment, a recognized leader in the home entertainment industry, is the marketing, sales and distribution company for Walt Disney, Touchstone, Hollywood Pictures, Miramax and Buena Vista product, which includes DVD, Blu-ray Disc™ and electronic distribution. Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment is a division of The Walt Disney Studios.

This post was written for Click Communications who provided the DVDs for review and giveaway. I was not compensated in any way except for the complimentary DVD.

 

Shabbat Shaboom (giveaway)

MAMA DONI’S BACK WITH A “CHALLAH-DAY” ALBUM!

ROLL UP THE RUG AND MAKE SOME ROOM for SHABBAT SHABOOM!

From the PR Firm: The inimitable Mama Doni brings her special brand of “funky music with a Jewish twist” to a new “Challah-Day” album, with the March 22 release of Shabbat Shaboom (Mama Doni Productions, $15, run time 42 minutes, all ages).

Doni Zasloff Thomas, aka Mama Doni, is the lead singer/songwriter in The Mama Doni Band. Doni’s “wacky, Jewish indie-rock band for kids” won the Simcha Award for Inspiring Joy Through Music in competition with more than 100 bands from 15 different countries at the 2008 International Jewish Music Festival in Amsterdam. Quirky, zany, offbeat, and unpredictable, The Mama Doni Band expands the horizons of traditional Jewish music with a contagious and unexpected blend of reggae, rock, disco, Latin, klezmer and “Jewgrass” – all woven together with a hip Jewish sensibility.

The original songs and stories on Shabbat Shaboom transport listeners to a place where the album’s warmly sincere pop-rock title track happily melds with a Gloria Estefan-meets-Fiddler on the Roof conga line tune, "Challah-Day,” where the reggae-influenced “Mazel Tov” meets a disco ditty, “Sabbath Queen.” Shabbat Shaboom touches on such aspects as lighting candles, being with family (mishpocha), celebrating bat mitzvahs, and even the “workout” that Mama Doni mischievously terms "synagoguersizing."


Shabbat Shaboom marks the first Mama Doni CD to showcase the entire Mama Doni Band. Says Doni, “Shabbat Shaboom is really an evolution for us. It’s a little less shticky than my previous CDs. Don’t get me wrong, it’s still fun! But this album has a slightly different vibe. It’s more sophisticated musically than my earlier work, a bit more soulful, you might say.”

The raison d'être of Mama Doni’s presentation goes deeper than surface “shtick.” What’s important to Doni is the idea of giving children their own current and positive musical voice. Doni lays out her mission: “I want to share with kids of all ages and backgrounds the humor and richness that effervesces throughout Yiddish language and Jewish culture. Through my music I hope that they can access the joy in this culture in a new way and have a rockin‘ good time in the process!”

My take:  A long time ago, in a far away land, I worked at a Jewish Federation.  I worked there as the controller and employee benefits coordinator for 5 years.  During that time, I developed a real appreciation and respect for the Jewish faith.  In fact, I remembering telling "my" rabbi (he sat with me and helped me through my late husband's funeral), that if it wasn't for that "small" fact of Jews not believing Jesus is the Messiah, I'd convert! LOL.  Anyway, the point is, I developed a great respect and love for Judaism due to my time at the Federation; in fact, 2 of my 7 tattoos are written in Hebrew.  So it is no surprise that I loved this CD, Shabbat Shaboom (Shabbat means "Sabbath").  Forget the kids, this CD is a hit with ME (just kidding, they loved rockin' out to it too!).  While this music is fun for everyone, I can imagine how cool it would be for a young Jewish child - with songs like "Challah-Day," "Fahklempt" and "Mazel Tov" - Mama Doni celebrates all aspects of Jewish life in rockin' style (I have to say, I laughed out loud at "Synagogersize" because as a Roman Catholic, I've always referred to parts of our Mass as "Catholic Calisthenics").  Just a fun, fun CD, no matter your religion.  ★★★★★

Bonus: Check out below to see if Mama Doni and the band will be coming to YOUR neck of the woods - I'm going to their concert in May when they come here (SQUEE!) and I'll review their performance then back here on the blog. 

MAMA DONI and THE MAMA DONI BAND in Performance: Highlights – Winter/Spring 2011

January 16 Morristown Jewish Center Morristown, NJ
February 6 JCC of Greater Washington Rockville, MD
February 20 Congregation Emanu El Houston, TX
March 5 Congregation Beth Or Maple Glen, PA
March 6 Young Limmud Philly/Gershman YMHA Philadelphia, PA
March 20 Museum of Jewish Heritage New York, NY
April 3 Congregation Keneseth Israel Elkins Park, PA
April 22 Friedberg JCC/Mid-Island YJCC Oceanside, NY
May 10 Weinstein JCC Richmond, VA
May 11 Simon JCC Virginia Beach, VA

For more information visit: http://mamadoni.com/

The giveaway:  WIN IT BEFORE YOU CAN BUY IT!  One lucky winner will win his/her very own copy of the Shabbat Shaboom!

To win: Leave me a comment telling me the name of one of the other band members.  Be sure to leave your email address with your comment if you are not a blogger or your email is not easily found on your blog. This giveaway is open until 11:59 p.m., EST, Thursday, February 17, 2011. Good Luck!

Bonus entries: Get up to 9 extra entries for a total of 10 entries (please leave a separate comment for each extra entry):

• "Like" Waldmania PR on Facebook and leave a comment there that "CPA MOM sent me"
• "Like" The Mama Doni Band on Facebook  and leave a comment there that "CPA MOM sent me"
• Blog about this giveaway (don't forget to leave the link in your comment)
• Share this giveaway on any of your Social Networking sites (like Twitter or Facebook) and come back here with a link to your post/tweet
• Follow me on Twitter (leave a comment with your twitter id)
• Subscribe to my blog via RSS or Email (see top left sidebar)
• Add my blog to your blogroll or my button to your sidebar (leave your website address for verification)
• On Technorati - click on this link, then on Fan or Fav (or use the green link on the top left sidebar)
• Follow me on Blogger (see top left sidebar)

This review was sponsored by Waldmania! PR who provided the CD for review and giveaway. I was not compensated in any way except for the complimentary CD.

Felicity: An American Girl Adventure Deluxe Edition

WARNER HOME VIDEO CELEBRATES AMERICAN GIRL’S 25TH ANNIVERSARYWITH THE RELEASE OF

FELICITY: AN AMERICAN GIRL ADVENTURE DELUXE EDITION  

AVAILABLE FEBRUARY 15, 2011

Actors: Kevin Zegers, Marcia Gay Harden, John Schneider and Shailene Woodley

Language: English

Subtitles: English, French, Spanish

Number of discs: 2

Rated: NR (Not Rated)

Studio: Warner Home Video

DVD Release Date: February 15, 2011

Run Time: 83 minutes

From the studio: In celebration of American Girl’s 25th anniversary, Warner Home Video (WHV) will release the full-length live-action movie, Felicity: An American Girl Adventure in a collectible, new deluxe edition. The film focuses on Felicity Merriman, a spirited and independent 10-year-old who lives in Williamsburg, Virginia around the time of the American Revolution. Felicity: An American Girl Adventure Deluxe Edition will be available in stores February 15, 2011 and will retail for $19.97 SRP. It will also be available for digital download.

 When Felicity meets Penny, a beautiful copper-colored mare, she knows with all her heart that she must free Penny from her cruel owner. Felicity desperately wishes for that same sureness of heart about the rumors of revolution swirling through Williamsburg. Felicity’s father believes that the colonies should be free from England’s rule, but her beloved grandfather and her best friend Elizabeth both support the king. With fiercely conflicting loyalties dividing the colonists, something as simple as a cup of tea could divide Felicity from her best friend forever. As Christmas time draws near, Felicity struggles to hold her family and friends close, and to find ways for love and friendship to rise above the growing conflict.

Felicity: An American Girl Adventure stars Academy Award®-winning actress Marcia Gay Harden (Pollock, Mystic River) as Mrs. Merriman, John Schneider (Smallville) as Mr. Merriman and Shailene Woodley (The Secret Life of the American Teenager) as Felicity Merriman.

 “Felicity: An American Girl Adventure is a heartwarming, inspirational film that tells a beautiful story set during Colonial times,” said Amit Desai, WHV Vice President of Family, Animation and Partner Brands Marketing. He added, “Felicity is a bright, courageous and endearing character that young girls, and viewers of all ages will enjoy. We are delighted to release this wonderful family film in a new deluxe edition.”

American Girl ranks as one of the top 25 consumer catalogues in the country. Since 1986, 18 million American Girl dolls and 132 million American Girl books have been sold. American Girl’s experiential retail stores have welcomed over 33 million visitors to date.

My take:  We live just about 45 minutes from Colonial Williamsburg but don't get to visit it nearly as much as we'd like to.  You see, both my husband and I are history buffs so visiting a living, breathing history museum like Colonial Williamsburg is right up our alley.  We both want to pass this love of history on to our children as well and what better way to show how history can be fascinating and relevant and fun than such an experience (not to mention, I LOVE their homemade gingerbread there. Moving on....)  Like the last American Girl DVD we reviewed, we all loved this movie.  You will too - a movie that you know is safe for your child's viewing - what's not to love?  Also, besides giving a good history lesson as to life in the colonies during revolutionary times, the movie also can give rise to a discussion with older children about Loyalists vs. Patriots and drawing parallels with the current divisionist political climate we find ourselves in (Democrats vs. Republicans).  Education AND entertainment? Sign me up.  Another great American Girls DVD to have in your collection. 

Special Features on the DVD include:

• All-new release! Women in Williamsburg – Felicity: An American Girl – An insider’s tour of Felicity’s world of Colonial Williamsburg, filmed in cooperation with The Colonial Williamsburg Foundation.
• All About Felicity, An American Girl 
• On Set with Felicity – Exclusive behind-the-scenes footage and interviews with Shailene Woodley (Felicity).  
• Felicity’s Williamsburg: Co-Stars Shailene Woodley and Katie Henney guide you through Felicity’s hometown, now a living-history museum you can visit today.

About American Girl: American Girl Brands, LLC, is a wholly owned subsidiary of Mattel, Inc. (NASDAQ: MAT, www.mattel.com), the world’s leading toy company. Since American Girl’s inception in 1986, the company has devoted its entire business to celebrating the potential of girls ages 3 to 12. American Girl encourages girls to dream, to grow, to aspire, to create, and to imagine through a wide range of engaging and insightful books, age-appropriate and educational dolls and accessories, and unforgettable experiences. In meeting its mission with a vigilant eye toward quality and service, American Girl has earned the loyal following of millions of girls and the praise and trust of parents and educators. To learn more about American Girl or to request a free catalogue, call 1-800-845-0005 or visit www.americangirl.com.

About Warner Home Video: With operations in 90 international territories, Warner Home Video, a Warner Bros. Entertainment Company, a division of the Warner Bros. Home Entertainment Group, commands the largest distribution infrastructure in the global video marketplace. Warner Home Video's film library is the largest of any studio, offering top quality new and vintage titles from the repertoires of Warner Bros. Pictures, Turner Entertainment, Castle Rock Entertainment, HBO Home Video and New Line Home Entertainment.

About Warner Bros. Home Entertainment Group: Warner Bros. Home Entertainment Group brings together Warner Bros. Entertainment's home video, digital distribution, interactive entertainment/videogames, direct-to-DVD production, technical operations and anti-piracy businesses in order to maximize current and next-generation distribution scenarios. WBHEG is responsible for the global distribution of content through DVD, electronic sell-through and VOD, and delivery of theatrical content to wireless and online channels, and is also a significant worldwide publisher for both internal and third party videogame titles.

For more information on this and other titles distributed by Warner Home Video, visit www.whvdirect.com.

This review was sponsored by The Lippin Group PR who provided the DVD for review. I was not compensated in any way except for the complimentary DVD.

What's New with ZipBin® (giveaway)

From the company:  ZipBin® brand playmates zip up to form storage boxes, bins and backpacks. Kids love them because of the fun and parents love them because of the clean-up and storage they provide. 


New year resolutions and clean-up after the holidays puts moms everywhere on the lookout for ways to store and organize all those new toys! Our ZipBin® products are the perfect solution for storing toys and all the pieces that come with them. ZipBin storage products from Neat-Oh! help moms everywhere - Keep it Together!

The ZipBin® Story: Could messiness be the mother of invention? ZipBin® storage originated when my inventive 10-year-old son, Max, and I put our heads together for some true "out-of-the-box" problem solving. Like many boys, Max loves plastic building blocks. And he likes to dump them on the floor-CRASHHH!! Of course, I loved to see Max play, but I groaned when I heard that loud mess of blocks spilling everywhere. Neither Max nor I liked cleaning up all those little pieces.

Inspired by our problem, we thought creatively about how to solve it until... what if Max's toy bin unzipped to a play mat and zipped back up, capturing his toys? That would take the work out of having fun. It would be neat! And that's the name we chose for the company - Neat-Oh!® - that would introduce ZipBin® storage to the world...

My take: I first heard about these awesome storage bins back in November.  So I was all over this opportunity to take a first look at one of their new products - the ZipBin® PlayPacks - of the 5 available models, we received the Dollhouse one to check out:

Description (Includes Doll Toy):

Got to bring toys everywhere? Keep your fantasy kingdom with you at all times with the ZipBin® Princess Bring-Along BackPack™! The castle walls invite you inside by unzipping into a beautiful courtyard. Unzip the BackPack to find a two story doll house with a slide that leads into a swimming pool! It’s the perfect way for a princess to travel with space for more! When it’s time for your kingdom to move, the castle zips up, capturing the toys inside for easy clean up! This play set includes 1 beautiful 4" doll.

•Colorful, durable, wipe-clean surfaces
•Sturdy, heavy-duty zippers
•Meets child safety standards
•Dimensions:
Backpack: 9 X 3.5 X 11.5 inches
Open: 15.5 X 9.5 inches

Well, let me tell you, that bag came RIGHT OUT of the package and onto my daughter's back.  She was that excited about it.  And why not?  It's her favorite color (pink), includes a beautiful doll AND has storage space to carry more dolls wherever she goes - perfect for travel to the Grandparents' houses if you ask me.  Which, you are reading here, so you pretty much are asking me.  Anyway, the only drawback on this particular backpack is that the zipper is a bit tough for little ones to get started as the "doors" to the castle are as flexible as a coat or something like that but after a few tries, my 6 year old is a pro.  She loves to unzip it and play with her Dora dolls and such on the "water slide" inside then zip it all up and put it away.  Easy clean up too (important to her with the house rule of "clean up your room every night or any toys left out go in time out for three days).  We love ZipBins - my 8 year old can't wait for the Lego®Star Wars™ ZipBin® ones to be released - and I might have to get the TIE one for myself!

New Products coming for 2011: 

• Real Relics
• Star Wars LEGO
• Barbie
• Bring Along Backpacks (reviewed above)

The giveaway: One lucky winner will win his/her very own ZipBin!

To win: Visit this page, then come back here and leave a comment here telling me which ZipBin is your favorite.  Be sure to leave your email address with your comment if you are not a blogger or your email is not easily found on your blog. This giveaway is open until 11:59 p.m., EST, Friday, February 18, 2011. Good Luck!

Bonus entries: Get up to 9 extra entries for a total of 10 entries (please leave a separate comment for each extra entry):

•  Follow "Neat-Oh!" on Twitter (leave a comment here with your twitter id)
• "Like" Zip Bin Products on Facebook (leave a comment here with your Facebook name)
• Blog about this giveaway (don't forget to leave the link in your comment)
• Twitter, Stumble or Digg this giveaway (leave a comment with a link)
• Follow me on Twitter (leave a comment with your twitter id)
• Subscribe to my blog via RSS or Email (see top left sidebar)
• Add my blog to your blogroll or my button to your sidebar (leave your website address for verification)
• On Technorati - click on this link, then on Fan or Fav (or use the green link on the top left sidebar)
• Follow me on Blogger (see top left sidebar)

This review was sponsored by Neat-Oh! who provided the ZipBins for review and giveaway. I was not compensated in any way except for the complimentary ZipBin.

What a SUPER weekend I had

Thanks to Old Spice, I took a little trip this weekend with my husband:

I WANT A DOG! (music review and giveaway)

FOUR-TIME EMMY-WINNING COMPOSER/PERFORMER JAMIE BROZA’S NEW KIDS’ CD:

I WANT A DOG!

FEATURING ISRAELI SUPERSTAR DAVID BROZA

From the PR Firm: Broza is back! Four-time Emmy-winning composer/performer Jamie Broza announces the March 15 release of his first new children’s album in five years, I Want a Dog! (Good Mood Records, $12.99, for ages 3 – 7, run time 41 minutes). The Latin-infused album features a guest appearance by Jamie’s cousin, Israeli superstar David Broza.


Although I Want a Dog! opens with some fine canine rhythmic banter on its title track, don’t expect 41 minutes of strictly dog talk. Get set for more surprises than you ever thought possible on one disc. For many of the songs on I Want a Dog! Jamie Broza has brilliantly called upon the sophisticated stylings of Brazilian bossa nova, which experienced a tidal wave of popularity in the 1960s but often flies under the radar of today’s young families. Those who are hip to the sounds of Antonio Carlos Jobim will appreciate the narrative potential of bossa nova’s way of spinning out a gently undulating conversational melody spiced with a gently syncopated rhythmic lilt. This is music that never gets in the way of the lyrics, creating the ultimate story-song setting. And what lyrics Broza has created! Listening to I Want a Dog! is almost like listening to the sound track of a hysterically zany home movie -- a document of off-the-wall family fun creatively imbued with terrific comedic timing and brainy humor.


I Want a Dog! follows Jamie Broza’s critically acclaimed children’s albums Bad Mood Mom (and other Good-Mood Songs), winner of the Parents’ Choice® Gold Award and named by Parents’ Choice as one of the top 25 children’s CDs in the last 25 years, and My Daddy is Scratchy, winner of the NAPPA Gold Award. The Pittsburgh Tribune-Review praised Broza’s music as “definitely kids’ listening fare…. Broza gives each song its own personality, using funk grooves, drum programming or show-tune jazz to keep the songs moving.” Parenting enthused, “Jazzy vocals and amusing stories create musical theater about family life.” Barnes and Noble’s editorial reviewer declared My Daddy is Scratchy to be “one of the best kids' albums of 2005 – or any year, for that matter” and continued, “My Daddy Is Scratchy brims with wit, wisdom, and a musical style that runs the gamut from Broadway to Steely Dan.”


In the five years since the release of My Daddy is Scratchy, Jamie Broza's alter ego, Jamie Lawrence, has been busy writing music for HBO documentaries, indie films, and the Tony Awards and watching his little kids turn into teenagers. He also collaborated with Stan and Jan Berenstain on two musicals based on the Berenstain Bears. Praised by The New York Times for his “superb jazz and funk-tinged orchestrations,” Jamie’s credentials include producing the music score for the indie film The Ballad of Jack and Rose starring Daniel Day Lewis; composing the theme song of As The World Turns; and scoring special segments for The Tony Awards and The Kennedy Center Honors. He has written the scores for numerous documentary and feature films for CBS, NBC, PBS, HBO, and the Discovery Channel. Jamie has worked with such luminaries as Burt Bacharach, Ray Charles, Placido Domingo, Aretha Franklin, Herbie Hancock, Quincy Jones, Carly Simon, Nathan Lane, Jessye Norman, and Smokey Robinson.


Jamie credits his family’s rescue dog, Dusty, adopted from North Shore Animal League America, as his muse for I Want a Dog! In gratitude, Jamie will donate 20 percent of the profits from this album to North Shore Animal League America, and he hopes that this CD will encourage others to adopt rescue animals.

I Want a Dog! will be available at online at www.goodmoodrecords.com, amazon.com, BigKidsVideo.com and CdBaby.com, as well as at independent children’s retailers.

WANT A DOG! SONG LIST:  I Like Dogs, I Want a Dog!, Waters of March, Turn That Phone Off, Three Blind Mice, Guatemala, New School, Difficult Friends, Birthday Parties Always End in Tears, The No Game, My Work is Never Done, Lost Cat, Where’s Charlie?, Monster Voice, Trick or Treat, Choo Choo Train, Sisters.


My take:  Honestly, the headline "Broza is back!" on the press release didn't do anything for me. Why? Because I've never heard of Mr. Broza before this CD.  My loss.  Seriously.  All those years lost in the abyss known as Wiggles children's music and we could have been listening to Bad Mood Mom or My Dad is Scratchy (which might have been more appropriate anyway, *ahem*).  So anyway, we recently received this CD and popped it in the car player for our trip to school.  What a delightful set of music!  Seriously - it was fun to listen to for me AND for the kiddos.  "New School" was a really good one for us as our kids will be going to a new school next year and I look for every opportunity to talk about it with them.  "Turn That Phone Off" is directed at moms and dads who are on their phones way too much (guilty as charged? I'll NEVER tell).  Of course, the title song was a hit with my dog loving daughter!  The songs are interspersed with dialogue between Mr. Broza and some children (his?) which makes for a fun CD.  Very good CD over all and one I won't mind listening too again!

Excerpts from interview with Jamie Broza (and his "muse" dog Dusty):

Where were you born?
Jamie: Manhattan, in a mid-town hospital
Dusty:  Tennessee, in a back-alley

Favorite Yoga Pose?
Jamie:  Downward-facing dog
Dusty:  Upward-facing belly (scratch me please!)

Least favorite activity?
Jamie:  Shampooing Dusty.
Dusty:  Taking a Bath.

What do you hope to accomplish with this CD?
Jamie:  That people will adopt more rescue animals.
Dusty:  That I'll get more treats! (And that people will adopt more rescue animals!)
The giveaway:  WIN IT BEFORE YOU CAN BUY IT!  One lucky winner will win his/her very own copy of the I Want a Dog!

To win: Leave me a comment telling me the name of another artist besides Mr. Broza from Good Mood Records (hint GO TO THAT LINK).  Be sure to leave your email address with your comment if you are not a blogger or your email is not easily found on your blog. This giveaway is open until 11:59 p.m., EST, Tuesday, February 8, 2010. Good Luck!

Bonus entries: Get up to 8 extra entries for a total of 9 entries (please leave a separate comment for each extra entry):

• "Like" Waldmania PR on Facebook and leave a comment there that "CPA MOM sent me"
• Blog about this giveaway (don't forget to leave the link in your comment)
• Share this giveaway on any of your Social Networking sites (like Twitter or Facebook) and come back here with a link to your post/tweet
• Follow me on Twitter (leave a comment with your twitter id)
• Subscribe to my blog via RSS or Email (see top left sidebar)
• Add my blog to your blogroll or my button to your sidebar (leave your website address for verification)
• On Technorati - click on this link, then on Fan or Fav (or use the green link on the top left sidebar)
• Follow me on Blogger (see top left sidebar)

This review was sponsored by Waldmania! PR who provided the CD for review and giveaway. I was not compensated in any way except for the complimentary CD.