Back on September 9th, I decided to embark on a fitness journey by joining the  “Total Mom Challenge”  were I would try and lose the extra pounds I gained three years ago from having my son by eating healthy and working out on the Total Gym XLS.  The unique campaign put together by Shasta from Blog Friendly PR and Total Gym lasted for 8 weeks and it was one of the most exciting plus rewarding opportunities I have ever been given!  I was competing against 9  fantastic moms who each had different goals, plans, and reasons for joining the campaign. You can view their past weekly progress and ending results at blogfriendlypr.com.

About The Total Gym XLS

The Total Gym XLS is an ultimate fat busting machine that gives you a thorough workout in the privacy of your own home on every major muscle group in your body.  I LOVE IT!  It helps you strengthen and sculpt  your body using a single glide board and attachments by making you lift a percentage of your body weight against gravity and offers OVER 80 different exercises.  The Total Gym gives resistance training, cardio training and stretching – everything your body needs on just ONE machine.  PLUS, it’s  perfect for busy moms who don’t have tons of time to dedicate to an exercise routine, because you get a complete workout in just 10-20 minutes a day. OH and the best part–IT”S EASY TO USE!

I WON!

I’m very excited to be able to say I was able to lose 9 pounds and a total of 10 inches off my body during the course of the campaign!  I’m still using the Total Gym XLS and have managed to lose an additional 3 pounds, since my last progress report. YEAH!   What does all this mean to you?  Well it means I get to help a lucky reader get on the road to fitness this upcoming year with a new TOTAL GYM XLS!  I’m hoping the individual who wins this wonderful machine can achieve the results they have been dreaming about and unable to do prior to owning the Total Gym.  You can have a terrific family, money, and a perfect job, but if you don’t have your health plus strength you can’t enjoy it right? LETS DO THIS!

Buy it!

Save 50% off  the retail price of The Total Gym XLS and purchase it for only $974!  Not sure if it’s right for you?  Test it out and get the 30 day trail for $1!

ENTER TO WIN A TOTAL GYM XLS ($1948.00 Value)!

To enter the giveaway please leave me a comment sharing your dream fitness goal.  If you already own a Total Gym,  enter for someone who needs one too and let me know who you would like to give the machine to if your chosen as the winner.

EXTRA ENTRIES

1. Read any other review (WITHOUT A GIVEAWAY) and leave me a comment there.  Then come back here letting me know which review you did. Make sure you leave five separate comments  (example: Left a comment at review extra entry 1, Left a comment at review extra entry 2, Left a comment at review extra entry 3, ect.).   This is worth 10 extra entries

2. Mention the giveaway on your own blog linking back to this post  and  TOTAL GYM.  Leave an additional comment with a link to where you blogged about the giveaway. This is worth 5 extra entries.  Make sure you leave five separate comments. (example blogged extra entry #1, blogged extra entry #2, blogged extra entry #3, ect…)

3.Place my button on your blog and then leave an additional comment with a link to the page where you put the button. If you already have my button leave a comment letting me know you already have it.

4. Follow my blog and leave me an additional comment. ( There is a little widget on my sidebar that shows my followers. Just click follow). If you already follow leave me a comment letting me know you already do.

5. Follow ahappyhippymom and Total Gym on Twitter and tweet about the giveaway. Please make sure you leave the link where you tweeted in your comment. TO INCREASE YOUR CHANCE OF WINNING I AM ALLOWING 1 TWEETS PER PERSON DAILY.  USE THE RETWEET BUTTON AT THE BOTTOM OF THIS POST FOR EASY ENTRY.

6. Subscribe to my feed and leave a comment. If you already subscribe leave a comment telling me you are already a subscriber.

7. Like Total Gym on Facebook.  This is worth 2 extra entries.

8. Like ahappyhippymom on Facebook. Worth 2 extra entries

9. Enter any of my other ACTIVE giveaways.  Leave a separate comment for each one entered.

A winner will be chosen at random via Random.org. Upon notification the winner has 72 hours to send me their contact information.  Information will be forwarded to sponsor for prize fulfillment.

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Total Gym Total Mom Challenge-Total Gym XLS Giveaway! is a post from: A Happy Hippy Mom

L’Occitane is a global, natural and organic ingredient-based cosmetics and well-being products company offering luxury skincare products in over 80 countries through over 1,500 retail locations.  The extensive line includes skin care, fragrances, bath and body products, makeup, men’s products, hair care, soaps, and a magnificent home collection.  Upholding the utmost respect for people and the environment, L’Occitane looks to nature to find the ingredients that will go into its formulas by exploring the principles of phytotherapy (treatment through plants) and aromatherapy (treatment through scents).  Their products are inspired by the Mediterranean art de vivre and feature ingredients like Immortelle, Almond Apple, Red Rice, Organic Olive, and Shea.

I’ve been a L’Occitane customer for years!  When I want to pamper my body and soothe away the day’s stress L’Occitane products are on the top of my list.  I absolutely love their French soaps, body scrubs, bath salts and shower gels.  My favorite L’Occitane  product  is the Lavender Shea Butter Soap!  It smells incredible and leaves my skin feeling silky smooth.  I tried a sample of it once that came in an Oprah Winfrey tote bag and have been hooked on it ever since.  The soap is fantastic!

I also like the company’s  core values ( (“authenticity, simplicity, sensory pleasure and respect for people and the planet”) and their approach to protect the environment by limiting excess outer packaging, using eco-refills and water-based inks.  PLUS, L’Occitane is a member of PETA and has chosen not to test their products on animals. They have never used products of animal origin, with the exception of beehive products (honey, royal jelly, propolis) and were among the first to indicate this commitment in writing on their products.  Completely animal friendly!

L’Occitane Hand Indulgences Giveaway ($25.00 Value)!

“Give hands a dose of warmth and comfort this winter” with L’Occitane Hand Indulgences!  One lucky reader will win a “Hand Indulgences” set that includes Shea Hand Cream 1 oz., Shea Vanilla Hand Cream 1 oz., and Winter Rose Hand Cream 1 oz.  To enter the giveaway check out the L’Occitane website and leave me a comment sharing which product you would like to try the most.

EXTRA ENTRIES

1. Read any other review (WITHOUT A GIVEAWAY) and leave me a comment there.  Then come back here letting me know which review you did. Make sure you leave ten separate comments  (example: Left a comment at review extra entry 1, Left a comment at review extra entry 2, Left a comment at review extra entry 3, ect.).   This is worth 10 extra entries

2. Mention the giveaway on your own blog linking back to this post  and L’Occitane.  Leave an additional comment with a link to where you blogged about the giveaway. This is worth 5 extra entries.  Make sure you leave five separate comments. (example blogged extra entry #1, blogged extra entry #2, blogged extra entry #3, ect…)

3.Place my button on your blog and then leave an additional comment with a link to the page where you put the button. If you already have my button leave a comment letting me know you already have it.

4. Follow my blog and leave me an additional comment. ( There is a little widget on my sidebar that shows my followers. Just click follow). If you already follow leave me a comment letting me know you already do.

5. Follow ahappyhippymom on Twitter and tweet about the giveaway. Please make sure you leave the link where you tweeted in your comment. TO INCREASE YOUR CHANCE OF WINNING I AM ALLOWING 1 TWEETS PER PERSON DAILY.  USE THE RETWEET BUTTON AT THE BOTTOM OF THIS POST FOR EASY ENTRY.

6. Subscribe to my feed and leave a comment. If you already subscribe leave a comment telling me you are already a subscriber.

7. Like L’Occitane on Facebook.  This is worth 2 extra entries.

8. Like ahappyhippymom on Facebook. Worth 2 extra entries

9. Enter any of my other ACTIVE giveaways.  Leave a separate comment for each one entered.

A winner will be chosen at random via Random.org. Upon notification the winner has 72 hours to send me their contact information.  Information will be forwarded to sponsor for prize fulfillment.

Open to U.S. residents   18+

The contest ends Dec. 30th ,  11:59 PM eastern

“FTC – I received compensation for posting this Giveaway. However, my opinions are of my own”

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L’Occitane Hand Indulgences Giveaway! is a post from: A Happy Hippy Mom

I was reading through the Hickory Farms Giveaway comments (yes, I read every one of them) and was impressed by all the great holiday traditions plus fabulous ideas shared.  Then I come across a comment from a reader who wrote “One year I was stunned to see that there were as many adult presents as kid presents. And this is all for people who don’t want or need anything, complain about having to do Christmas shopping, nag me for ideas about what to get everyone else, and one particular person who thinks quantity is more important that quality, so she buys out the Dollar Store and gives us all of that.” Hmmm…this sounds very familiar.  I think I might know the gift giving offender!  The problem is some people become overwhelmed and  lose sight of what is truly important during the holidays and just want to get the task out of the way .  Have you ever heard the ever popular saying ” it’s the thought that counts?”

I’ve compiled a list of what I believe is proper gift giving etiquette to live by.  I follow these rules to try and stay off the holiday schmuck list and wish other friends plus family members would too.  It might just seem like a gift, but the action of “giving” leaves a lasting impression to set the upcoming year.  The list is simple common sense, yet  there is always one special person who commits the ultimate gift giving crime and  becomes the talk for years to come. PLEASE don’t be that person!

1. Quantity Is NOT Quality. I would rather receive one quality gift worth remembering than 20 thoughtless Dollar Store items. NOTHING is wrong with stuff from the Dollar Store, BUT over doing it just looks junkie.

2. Regifting -THE ULTIMATE OFFENDER! So you want to get rid of the nasty tie or scarf your slightly deranged relative gave you and decide to regift it.  If you don’t like it what makes you think someone else is going too?  Your better off donating it to a thrift store.  The biggest problem with regifting is people tend to hold onto items for too long and then forget who gave it to them.  Then they end up regifting to the same person who originally gave the present in the first place and become the ULTIMATE GIFT OFFENDER.

If you do decide to regift make sure it’s outside your circle of friends and family.  You don’t want to have your Auntie Betsy seeing the scarf she gave you wrapped around your cousin’s neck.  Hurt feelings are sure to follow.

3. Don’t Buy Cubic Zirconia And Try Passing It As Real Diamonds. Men…. I beg you NOT to do this!  You will always be found out and it can be a catastrophic embarrassment for you and  possible relationship wrecker.  Women are smart and we can tell the difference of genuine diamonds compared to cubic zirconia. A simple transparency test will tell us if your trying to pass off a phony baloney. Stay within your means and dazzle us with your thoughtfulness instead of your make believe checkbook.

4. Remove The Clearance Sticker! I love being frugal and will shop for good deals.  Who doesn’t?  Although, it’s smart to remove the clearance sticker from the bottom of the gift you found on the bargain rack.  Being thrifty is clever, but looking cheap is tacky!

5. It’s A Gift Not A Gold Bar.  Wrapping a gift with packing tape like its a gold bar from Fort Knox is nonsense.  There is no reason to go overboard with tape and make the person opening the gift sweat bullets!  A few pieces go a long way. OH…and if you use tissue paper…please don’t use the whole package on one gift with a box of tape. YUCK!

6. Leave The Edibles To the Professionals.  I LOVE receiving yummy Christmas cookies as a gift.  HOWEVER, if your cookies come out of the oven resembling hockey pucks they are better left for the ice.  If you can’t bake please leave the edibles to the professional cookie makers.  Stomachaches are not on most peoples holiday wish lists!

7. Don’t Be A Downer. I really want to stress this rule, because there is someone I know that finds the holiday season the perfect opportunity to include a major downer note with EVER gift they give.  If you have had a hard year and life has given you a dozen lemons don’t pass on the sourness to your loved ones.  Leave it for another day and lets be thankful for what we do have this season.

8. Gifts Better Left In The Bedroom.  Ummm…I’ll try to keep this rated PG as possible.  PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE leave the sexual gifts ONLY for your significant other.  Grandma might be frisky, but its very inappropriate to surprise her with something from the porn store.  Don’t go down in history for being the freaky relative who shocked Grandma in 2010 and gave her a heart attack.

9. Give Gender Appropriate Gifts.  I think this rule is pretty self explanatory.  Most likely your nephew Jimmy doesn’t want a doll for Christmas.  A nice new Hot Wheels car or Mattel truck would be a better fit for him.

10. Toys For Children. Clothes Are Better Left In The Closet.  Avoid the disappointing looks from children on your shopping list by giving them a toy instead of clothes.  A child would much rather unwrap a shiny new toy to play with than a hand knitted sweater.  It might have taken you days to knit it with lots of love intended, but kids look forward to Christmas all year long to get that one hot toy they have seen advertised on TV for months.

Remember this fun quick poem written by my daughter to keep you off the holiday gift giving schmuck list for 2010.

Gift Giving Poem

Through out the Christmas season

We give without reason

Some gifts rise to the top

And others fall with a flop

Quality over quantity is the proper way to gift

Not to go to the dollar store and buying what ever you can lift

Make a gift special by giving it from your heart

Not giving one that requires an extra part

Wrapping paper that’s fun and bright

Is always nice but don’t wrap too tight

Its oh so sweet when your love gives jewelry

But please make sure its real and not just tomfoolery

Cookies and succulent treats are full love

But if you can’t cook don’t go over the above

If given a gift from long ago, not knowing from were it came

Make sure not to gift it to the person that gave you the same

Those that give the present are giving

Those that receive it aren’t forgiving

To stay safe from Christmas troubles and family duels

Simply follow these gift giving rules

by Kylie J

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Gift Giving Etiquette 101 is a post from: A Happy Hippy Mom

The Sorcerer’s Apprentice, produced by Jerry Bruckheimer and directed by Jon Turteltaub, takes you on a fun family adventure that is loaded with spectacular special effects,action packed thrills,  plus delightful performances from Nicolas Cage and Jay Baruchel.  The story begins in Britain 740 AD with the war between sorcerers when the fate of mankind rested with the powerful Merlin.  He taught his secrets to three trusted apprentices,  Balthazer (Nicolas Cage),   Veronica (Monica Bellucci),  and Horvath (Alfred Molina).

One of the apprentices betrayed Merlin and as a result the might sorcerer  fell to the hands of his most deadly enemy -Morgana le Fay.  Morgana gained sorcery’s most  dangerous spell known as “The Rising” that gave her the power to raise a wicked army of the dead and enslave mankind.  Trying to stop Morgana, Veronica sacrificed herself by drawing Morgana’s soul into her own body. However, Morgana began to kill her from the inside.  To save Veronica’s life and capture Morgana, Balthazer trapped them both in a container called the Grimhold.  Over time Balthazer fought many evil sorcerers who tried to free Morgana, trapping  each of them layer by layer in the inescapable prison.  He eventually caught Horvath as well.

As Merlin lay dying,  he gave Balthazer his magical dragon ring, saying it would guide him to the child who would one day become Merlin’s successor, the Prime Merlinean who would be able to defeat Morgana once and for all.  This lead Balthazer on a quest for centuries to find the Prime Merlinean which eventually directed him to New York City where he found his apprentice,  a young boy named David.  David accidentally breaks the doll holding Horvath. While battling for possession of the Grimhold, Balthazar and Horvath are trapped in a vase with a ten-year lock.  David being scared runs out of the building where he is humiliated  in front of his teacher and classmates, due to it looking like he peed his pants which were wet from a vase that broke in his lap.  He told them about the battle, but because there was no evidence they believed he was crazy and made the whole story up.

10 years later in the year 2010, the vase broke letting Balthazer and Horvath out.  Horvath searching for the Grimhold finds David who is now a physics student at New York University and in love with Becky, a girl from his youth.  When David can’t tell Horvath where the Grimhold is he unleashes a pack of wolves to kill him.  Balthazer comes to the rescue saving David who reluctantly agrees to help him find the Grimhold, learn magic, become his apprentice, and to stop Morgana from destroying the world.

The movie reminds me of a clever twist of Harry Potter and National Treasure!   My whole family loved this film!  My favorite part was the scene from Fantasia’s “The Sorcerer’s Apprentice” were  enchanted brooms unleash mass chaos and cause a flood.  Seeing this on blu-ray was a visual treat!  The Sorcerer’s Apprentice is the perfect movie to add to your Disney library this holiday season.

About The Movie

A fun, modern-day adventure follows Dave (JAY BARUCHEL), just an average college student, or so itappears, until the sorcerer Balthazar Blake (NICOLAS CAGE) recruits him as his reluctant protégé and gives him a crash course in the art and science of magic. As he prepares for a battle against the forces of darkness in modern-day Manhattan, Dave finds it is going to take all of the courage he can muster to survive his training, save the city and get the girl as he becomes THE SORCERER’S APPRENTICE.

Bonus Features: Go behind the scenes and on location to learn all about the making of The

Sorcerer’s Apprentice

Blu-Ray:

* Magic In The City

* The Science Of Sorcery

* Making Magic Real

* The Fashionable Drake Stone

* The Grimhold: An Evil Work Of Art

* The Encantus

* Wolves & Puppies

* The World’s Coolest Car

* 5 Deleted Scenes

* Outtakes

* And more!

DVD / iTunes:

o The Making Of The Sorcerer’s Apprentice (DVD only)

* Deleted Scene: Balthazar Recruits Dave

Genre: Comedy Adventure

Rating: PG

U.S. Release Date: November 30, 2010

Suggested Retail Price:

3-Disc Combo Pack (Blu-ray + DVD + Digital Copy) — $44.99 U.S./$51.99 Canada

2-Disc Combo Pack (Blu-ray + DVD) — $39.99 U.S./$44.99 Canada

1-Disc DVD — $29.99 U.S/ $35.99 Canada

Activities

Download a free crossword puzzle to test your knowledge of famous magicians and sorcerers, try out the experiments to see exactly what kinds of reactions chemistry can show us, and test yours eyes against the illusions of magic!

AN INTERVIEW WITH NICOLAS CAGE FOR THE SORCERER’S APPRENTICE

How did you get involved with The Sorcerer’s Apprentice?

The Sorcerer’s Apprentice began with my desire to play a magician in a movie. I played a magician of sorts in a movie called Next, which is when I became fascinated with ancient mythologies and philosophies from England. I loved the subject, so I had a conversation with Todd Garner – the producer of Next – and I said to him, “Boy, I’d really like to play a sorcerer from the times of King Arthur.” The very next day he said to me, “Nic, I’ve got it. Why don’t we create a movie around the sorcerer’s apprentice from the Fantasia movie?” It was perfect.

How important was it to transform your look for your role in The Sorcerer’s Apprentice?

Actors often change their looks for roles and I’m certainly part of that school of thought. In fact, I want to transform myself every time I get a new role. I’ll wear wigs, I’ll wear nosepieces, I’ll wear green contact lenses… I’ll do whatever I need to do to create a character. That’s what acting’s all about. That’s the fun of it.

How would you describe the look of your character, Balthazar Blake?

Jerry Bruckheimer says that Balthazar has the look of an ancient rock star, and I have to agree with him. He has a cool style that harkens back to the 500s or the 600s, which is where he came from. Merlin was his teacher, so it was appropriate.

How did it feel to play a sorcerer?

This is the role I’ve been waiting to do my whole life. When I was a kid, I used to love pretending to be a superhero. I was always playing around and shooting energy out of my hands. In that respect, I’ve been rehearsing for this role for years because Balthazar certainly shoots plasma out of his hands in The Sorcerer’s Apprentice.

How much of the movie is based on the sorcerer’s apprentice scenes of the Disney classic, Fantasia?

There are elements of the animation in the movie, but we fleshed out the idea into a two-hour action adventure. We have expanded the idea to present a thrilling magical world to audiences and I’m especially happy because it’s a family movie. I liked the idea of entertaining a family without having to rely on murder and guns. We’ve kept it very positive.

Why did you want to make it a family movie?

I wanted to create a movie that excited both children and parents because I am a big fan of family movies. When you’re playing supernatural characters in movies like Ghost Rider, Next or The Sorcerer’s Apprentice there is an infinite number of possibilities that you can do with the character, but I wanted this to have comedy and humor – and I wanted it to connect with big audiences. Do you remember the first time you saw The Wizard Of Oz? Did you feel enchanted and magical? We wanted people to have those feelings at the end of our movie. That was our goal.

How did Jerry Bruckheimer and Jon Turteltaub get involved with the project?

I talked the movie over with different writers and then we pitched the idea to Jerry Bruckheimer and Disney – and they loved it. I’d just finished National Treasure II with the director Jon Turteltaub and I thought he’d be perfect for the new movie. He likes to keep things in the fun zone and he keeps things comical, but he’s also edgy, so it was a good mix. He was the perfect man for the job.

What does it mean to you to be associated with Disney?

It’s an honor and I feel greatly privileged to work with Disney. I grew up watching Walt Disney’s movies and I love what he stands for. I love the entertainment that comes out of the studio and this movie is a dream come true for me, which is in the spirit of Disney. It has been a magical experience.

What was it like to work with Jay Baruchel, the actor who plays the sorcerer’s apprentice in the film?

Jay is great. He’s hilarious and he’s a really physical comedian when he wants to be, but he’s also got a little bit of a demon in him. He’s a little mischievous and there’s a playful dark side in him. He was a joy to work with on The Sorcerer’s Apprentice.

Are you a fan of magic and wizards?

I definitely went through my magic phase when I was younger. I think all little boys do at some point. Everyone gets fascinated with magic tricks. I certainly did. I used to go to the Hollywood House Of Magic, which is where I bought a magic trick called ‘Gloripy’. It was a little handkerchief that had a ghost in it. The ghost would move the handkerchief around on its own – and it was really good. I could stun my friends with it. You feel very powerful when you have a magic trick up your sleeve. I used to love it.

When was the last time you performed a magic trick?

Balthazar is a wonderful sorcerer in The Sorcerer’s Apprentice, but it’s been a while since I used the Gloripy trick. I also had another trick called The Rising Deck Of Cards, too. I could point towards a deck of cards and pick a card – and the card of my choice would rise up. That was also a lot of fun to play with.

Do you know any magical secrets?

Let me tell you something: Never give away your magical secrets. I worked on a movie in New Orleans where I used The Rising Deck Of Cards trick on a friend of mine. He kept asking me, “How are you doing that?” And I could tell he was getting a little nervous because he thought something weird was going on. That’s when I made the world’s worst mistake: I gave away the secret of my trick. He just threw the cards away after that and I lost all the power. Never give away your secrets.

When was the last time you were an apprentice?

The last time I was an apprentice was on a movie called Season Of The Witch. I had to learn how to ride horses for that movie and a young woman named Camilla was my instructor. She did a wonderful job. I’d not been on a horse before, so I was a little nervous – but I learned to love it, which was exciting. I definitely felt like an apprentice there.

What do you think is magical in our world today?

Any painting is a work of magic. Any book is a work of magic. Any science experiment is a work of magic. Any speech that moves people is a work of magic. When you think about magic, it’s not all hocus-pocus. It’s all about imagination and will power and positivity.

Do you remember the first time you realized you wanted to act?

I knew I wanted to be an actor when I was about six years old. I was trying to figure out how to get inside the television set because I was fascinated by it. My father built a little castle out of plywood in our back yard and I would go in there for hours making up stories and characters.

What characters did you make up?

I would pretend to be anything from a knight to a superhero to an astronaut. In fact, that castle was where I learned to act.

Do you have any advice for youngsters who want to follow in your footsteps and act?

Keep the child in you alive because it’s your imagination that will connect you to audiences. Your imagination is your best tool to be an actor. Don’t let people try to diminish it or make you feel bad for having an imagination. Use it whenever you can. I would urge children to play as much as they can and use their imagination as much as possible. It will really help you as an actor. Follow your instincts, work hard and you’ll go far.

WALT DISNEY STUDIO HOME ENTERTAINMENT’S THE SORCERER’S APPRENTICE ON DVD AND BLU-RAY NOVEMBER 30TH

SAVE $10 Off Coupon!

Save $10 when you purchase “The Sorcerer’s Apprentice” on 3-disc combo pack!

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Disney’s The Sorcerer’s Apprentice Blu-ray Review, Coupon, Activities, & More! is a post from: A Happy Hippy Mom

Courtesy of Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment, I have been given the opportunity to give one reader a FANTASIA/FANTASIA 2000 on Blu-ray & DVD combo pack!  To enter the giveaway please leave me a comment sharing your favorite Disney movie.

EXTRA ENTRIES

1. Read my  FANTASIA/FANTASIA 2000 review and leave me a comment there.  Then come back here letting me know you did. Make sure you leave ten separate comments  (example: Left a comment at review extra entry 1, Left a comment at review extra entry 2, Left a comment at review extra entry 3, ect.).   This is worth 10 extra entries.

2.Mention the giveaway on your own blog linking back to this post.  Leave an additional comment with a link to where you blogged about the giveaway. This is worth 5 extra entries.  Make sure you leave five separate comments. (example blogged extra entry #1, blogged extra entry #2, blogged extra entry #3, ect…)

3. Follow my blog and leave me an additional comment. ( There is a little widget on my sidebar that shows my followers. Just click follow). If you already follow leave me a comment letting me know you already do. (3 extra entries)

4. Enter any of my current giveaways and let me know you did here. (3 extra entries)

5. Follow @ahappyhippymom on Twitter and tweet about the giveaway. Please make sure you leave the link where you tweeted in your comment. YOU CAN TWEET ONCE PER DAY TO INCREASE YOUR CHANCES OF WINNING.  USE THE RETWEET BUTTON AT THE BOTTOM OF THIS POST FOR EASY ENTRY.

6. Subscribe to my feed and leave a comment. If you already subscribe leave a comment telling me you are already a subscriber.

One winner will be chosen at random via Random.org.   Info will be forwarded to sponsor.

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FANTASIA/FANTASIA 2000 On Blu-ray Giveaway! is a post from: A Happy Hippy Mom

I’m sure most of you know I’m an extreme coffee enthusiast,  but you probably not aware I’m also a ch0colate junkie!  In the morning nothing goes better with my cup of coffee than a little bit of chocolate heavenly bliss.  I like to eat chocolate mainly for the flavor, although it also has some potential advantages.  Chocolate has been linked to many health benefits including lowering blood pressure, help preventing formation of artery plaques and improving blood flow.  Not to mention dark chocolate is an antioxidant,  so a smidgen of the good stuff not only tastes incredible… it’s good for you too!

Q.Bel, a new premium chocolate candy bar company, sent me  samples of their all-natural chocolate wafer bars and wafer rolls. The chocolate wafer bars are made from layers of unsweetened crisp wafers with filling, covered with delicious Belgian chocolate.  The chocolate wafer rolls are made from rolled wafers, lightly filled with peanut butter or chocolate crème and wrapped with yummy chocolate.  Both are just scrumptiously out of this world and made with  real chocolate and all natural ingredients.  The candy bars contain no artificial colors, flavors, hydrogenated oils nor preservatives and are low in calories.  Oh, and if your worried about high-fructose corn syrup—they are also  free from that stuff!  All you get is natural crispy creamy chewy goodness!

The Product Line

Q.bel Chocolate Wafer Bars:

Crispy Rice Dark Chocolate

Crispy Rice Milk Chocolate

Peanut Butter Milk Chocolate

Double Dark 70% Chocolate (vegan)

Mint Dark Chocolate

Q.bel Chocolate Wafer Rolls:

Dark Chocolate

Milk Chocolate

Peanut Butter Milk Chocolate

My Favorites!

It would be difficult to choose just one, but I would say the Peanut Butter Milk Chocolate Wafer Rolls are my favorite.  The peanut butter is very intense and it has a distinct flavor combination.  The Peanut Butter Milk Chocolate Wafer Bars are fantastic too ( like all the varieties), although the peanut butter is mild compared to the wafer roll candy bar.

My next choice would be the Mint Dark Chocolate Wafer Bar. OH WOW this candy bar was mouthwatering delicious!  Mint filling sandwiched between three crispy and fresh tasting wafers with an outer dark chocolate coating…it was lip smacking fabilicious!

My son thinks all the Q.Bel Chocolate Candy Bars taste equally as good and wants them all!  I plan on stuffing a few bars in his stocking this year for an extra delightful treat. He LOVES them!

BUY IT!

Q.bel is available nationwide in all Whole Foods Markets and many specialty stores and retails for $1.29-$1.59.

About Q.bel

Since January 2009, Nyack, NY-based Q.bel Foods has been making healthy indulgences for consumers looking to satisfy their chocolate craving without all the high-fructose corn syrup, preservatives, artificial colors, flavors and hydrogenated oils found in most mass produced candy. The company’s mantra, printed on every package, is: “Be True. Be Honest. Be Good.”, and is Q.bel’s commitment to making the world’s best tasting, all-natural chocolate candy bars. Learn more at www.QbelFoods.com.

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Q.bel Chocolate – Natural Crispy Creamy Chewy Goodness! is a post from: A Happy Hippy Mom

I have a dirty confession to make.  I kill vacuum cleaners.  Yes,  it’s true!  I can murder a perfectly good quality vacuum in no time.  Smoking the belts, clogging the nozzle, burning up the motor and agitator seems to be my forte.  It’s not that I’m hard and careless on the vacuum, but it just can’t keep up with the constant crumb dropping toddler, dirt tracking teenager, and fur exploding pets.  PLUS, I have multiple surfaces the vacuum has to be able to clean such as high pile shag, super plush wall to wall carpet, wool orientals, hardwood floors, ceramic tile, carpet on the stairs, linoleum, various throw rugs, and upholstery.  I’ve not had one vacuum be able to successfully remove the dirt from all these surfaces and last.

Recently I was approached by Sears and asked if I would be interested in reviewing the Kenmore Progressive Glide 30100.  My initial response was…O BOY they have no idea what they are getting into, because I’m really going to put it to the ultimate dirt picking up TEST!  Then I thought how much I hated my current vacuum,  which is a heavy beast,  and agreed to try the lightweight machine.  I’ve been using it DAILY for approximately two weeks and this is what I’ve learned about the vacuum.

Kenmore Progressive Glide Features

Lightweight Design

The Kenmore Progressive Glide is lightweight (12.6 lbs) and is easy to pick up and carry from room to room.  Being the vacuum is under 13lbs makes it easy to carry it up and down the stairs and move around your home without straining.

Swivel + Steering System

The vacuum contains a Swivel + steering system which allows you to effortlessly glide around corners, obstacles and furniture!  This feature helps to easily maneuver the vacuum and clean your home fast without nicking the furniture.

Convenience

The On/Off/Bare Floor controls are integrated right within the handle! There is no fussing to switch between surfaces, because all the controls are at your finger tips.  The Optimum Carpet and Bare Floor Cleaning 2 motor system lets you easily switch of the agitator via the controls in the handle to clean bare floors without scattering the dirt all over.

There are 4 pile height settings on the vacuum and you can change them by pressing the “Height Adjust Pedal” on the rear of the nozzle.  Suggested settings are:

HI- Shag, deep pile, or scatter rugs

MED – Medium to deep pile.

LO- Low to medium pile.

XLO- Most carpets, bare floors, and delicate carpets that require agitator to be turned off.

Hepa Filter

Contains a Hepa Filter and a Micron dust bag to leave cleaner air by trapping allergens.

Smart Sensors

Features a COOL dirt sensor!  The optical dirt sensor detects particles as they pass through the vacuum cleaner.  While your vacuuming, the red indicator light will come on and stay on when it senses a high concentration of particles. Once you have picked up all those particles you can’t see, the indicator light will turn green.

Belt Overload Protector

The Kenmore Progressive Glide comes equipped with a belt overload protector.  This helps protect against motor damage if the agitator jams.  If the agitator slows down or stops, the belt overload protector shuts off the agitator motor.  To correct the problem shut off and unplug the vacuum, remove the clog, then press the “Belt Reest Button.”

Stylish Design and Uses Less Energy

The vacuum has a sleek stylish modern feel and is a beautiful blueberry color.  You can leave it out without worrying about it being an eyesore!

It contains recyclable plastic, uses 100% recyclable packaging, and uses 17% less energy than a 12 amp vacuum.

WHAT I LIKE!

The Kenmore Progressive Glide Upright Swivel Vacuum may be lightweight, but it’s  powerful!  My toddler is always playing down on the floors and it’s imperative the areas are CLEAN!  The vacuum’s two part motor system gives deep cleaning and allows for ultimate suction on bare surfaces.  Additionally, I love the smart sensors which detects those tiny particles I can’t see in my high pile rugs and alerts me that the carpet still has more dirt to be sucked up.

Another wonderful feature is the “Belt Overload Protector!”  If you have ever burnt a belt you will know the disgusting smell that fills the room and how long it takes to fully dissipate.  The rubber can also produce a black smudge on your expensive rug which is almost impossible to remove.   The “Belt Overload Protector” stops this from happening and also saves you time and money from having to keep replacing the belts.

The vacuums Swivel+ steering system is awesome!  I can maneuver around my home picking up dirt, fur, and other gross things FAST!  It immensely cuts the time down on the task which can be spent doing something more thrilling.

I LOVE the ability of switching between surfaces with a simple click on the handle.  I have area rugs on wood floors and I can thoroughly clean one surface and move to another almost instantaneously.

QUICK DEMO

My hubby wanted to do a quick demo of the Kenmore Progressive Glide!  Unfortunately, the sound isn’t the greatest because you can’t hear him over the vacuum.  However, I think he did a pretty good job showing off the features anyways.  This is his first vlog and I’m so proud of him!  Check it out!

WHAT I WOULD CHANGE

The vacuum has NO ATTACHMENTS!  Yes I said NOOOOOO attachments!  Sigh…this is my main pet peeve about this vacuum.  I have pets who love to sleep on my furniture and leave their signature of fur behind. As much as I love my fur babies,  I can’t stand the fur on my furniture.  I need a vacuum with a good upholstery attachment to suck this stuff up.  PLUS, I have carpet on my stairs which is a high traffic area and needs to be cleaned daily.  Even though the vacuum is lightweight it still is to difficult to pick it up and vacuum every step with ease. I have to have tools to get all my surface areas clean!

Bags are another dislike of mine, because they are costly!  I like being able to just dump out the dirt and go.  I prefer canister bagless vacuums with a washable filter over the cleaners that constantly need their bags plus filters replaced.

Other than those two things, I wouldn’t change anything!

A GOOD FIT

I would recommend this vacuum to the elderly or  individuals looking for a lightweight vacuum.  This is a perfect cleaning machine for college students who are living in dorm rooms and have a limited amount of space.

NOT SUITABLE FOR…

If you have children and pets you might find this vacuum not suitable to do all your cleaning tasks.  With no attachments offered,  it can only pick up dirt on level floor surfaces and your upholstery plus stairs would need to be cleaned with something else.

WILL UPDATE IN TWO MONTHS

Keep watching for my update in approximately two months on how well the Kenmore Progressive Glide Upright Swivel Vacuum stood up to my dirty floors.  Will I murder this vacuum like I do all the rest?  I’ll be back to give you the truth!

BUY IT

The Kenmore Progressive Glide 30100 can be purchased at Sears for $299.99!

Follow Sears Online:

twitter: http://twitter.com/SearsBlueCrewHA
Facebook: http://facebook.com/SearsBlueApplianceCrew
YouTube: http://youtube.com/BlueApplianceCrew

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Kenmore Progressive Glide Upright Swivel Vacuum Review is a post from: A Happy Hippy Mom

I enjoy shopping for gifts, yet there always happens to be a couple of family members and friends  on my holiday shopping list that seem impossible to buy for and purchasing the right item to surprise them on Christmas day is like going on a treasure hunt without knowing what your looking to find.  It’s frustrating and time consuming,  which is the last thing I need when I’m scrambling to be at holiday school concerts, Christmas parties, and social gatherings.  Not to mention the distress I have to go through by taking my rambunctious toddler into high-end stores and fearing he is going to break something expensive.  AND you know the rules—–If you break it, you buy it!  Thank goodness  for  NOVICA , where I can quickly shop online in the privacy of my own home and have access to thousands of unique gifts.

NOVICA, in association with National Geographic, unites you with more than 2,000 extraordinary master artists around the world.  You can let you fingers do the traveling to places afar and dazzle your family members with hand crafted gifts from places like Africa, India, Bali,  and Java.  With over 30,000 exquisite works of art including fair trade corporate gifts, green gifts, jewelry, home decor, and other fine collectibles just a click away—–there is something for everyone!   Furthermore, the NOVICA website is easy to navigate to help make  holiday shopping effortless.  Example, under the “Gift Finder” tab you can narrow products down by targeted price ranges and specific gifts suitable for “him” or “her.”  This diminishes the time needed to find that perfect something for the person on your list.

A while back ago I had the opportunity to shop at NOVICA and purchased a gorgeous “Lucky Koi” men’s sterling silver cocktail ring for my husband.  The ring was designed by Henry Anthony Sanny who was born in Jakarta and moved to Bali in 2002 where he has since established his own workshop.  Henry’s fine detail in crafting men’s jewelry is influenced by his Indonesian surroundings, as well as by his admiration of Japanese artistry.  I LOVE his work and think he is extraordinarily talented.  I was happy to discover him through NOVICA and be able to purchase a ring from his collection.  When the ring arrived it came in a beautiful jewelry box along with an artisan story card and a handwritten note.  I thought this added such a delightful personal touch to know who actually made the gift.  My husband has worn the ring ever since the first day I gave it to him and loves it.

Recently I was contacted again by NOVICA and given a complimentary gift certificate code to go shopping and share my experience with all of you.  I’ve been having so much fun browsing through the one-of-a-kind items!  I’m thinking about purchasing this citrine and carnelian choker.

Isn’t it fabulous?  I’ve NEVER seen anything quite like it!  The “Fire Flower” choker was created by an artisan named Busarin Hutawarakorn.  She says most of her patterns display butterflies, dragonflies, flowers and other images that put people and nature back together.  Absolutely GORGEOUS!  You can view additional items by Busarin here.

I was going to wait to post my review until after I received the item I decided upon.  However, I wanted one of you to be able to  shop  at NOVICA during the holidays and experience all the wonderful gifts the website has to offer!  It truly is one of the most exceptional places I have ever had the pleasure of shopping at!

Microfinance Website

Novica has impacted the lives of thousands of artisans by connecting them to customers around the world.

Now, on our 10th anniversary, we want to continue helping artisans expand their businesses by providing access to microcredit.

For many years, Novica artisans have asked us if we could help them get loans so they could expand. We tried everything. We connected them with financial institutions. We introduced them to local banks. We even introduced them to microfinance institutions. But, unfortunately, most artisans could not obtain loans, and when they did, the interest rates were very high.

In the Novica spirit, we cut out all the financial middlemen and took the matter into our own hands!

We’re launching the first-ever microfinance website where customers can purchase products and lend money directly to artisans.

And with no middlemen involved in the process, our Artisan Loans will carry 0% interest.

Yes – artisans will not be charged any interest. This revolutionary concept is possible only because Novica has offices in developing nations working directly with artisans and fulfilling customer orders. Now, our offices will also serve as disbursement centers for Artisan Loans, providing artisans access to the credit that they need to grow. We’re very excited about this effort.

GIVEAWAY!

Courtesy of NOVICA, one reader will win a $75 gift certificate code to go shopping and buy anything their heart desires!  To enter the giveaway, please take a look under the “Corporate Gifts” section and  leave me a comment sharing your favorite corporate gift.

EXTRA ENTRIES

1. Read any other review (WITHOUT A GIVEAWAY) and leave me a comment there.  Then come back here letting me know which review you did. Make sure you leave ten separate comments  (example: Left a comment at review extra entry 1, Left a comment at review extra entry 2, Left a comment at review extra entry 3, ect.).   This is worth 10 extra entries

2. Mention the giveaway on your own blog linking back to this post  and  NOVICA.  Leave an additional comment with a link to where you blogged about the giveaway. This is worth 5 extra entries.  Make sure you leave five separate comments. (example blogged extra entry #1, blogged extra entry #2, blogged extra entry #3, ect…)

3.Place my button on your blog and then leave an additional comment with a link to the page where you put the button. If you already have my button leave a comment letting me know you already have it.

4. Follow my blog and leave me an additional comment. ( There is a little widget on my sidebar that shows my followers. Just click follow). If you already follow leave me a comment letting me know you already do.

5. Follow ahappyhippymom and NOVICA on Twitter and tweet about the giveaway. Please make sure you leave the link where you tweeted in your comment. TO INCREASE YOUR CHANCE OF WINNING I AM ALLOWING 1 TWEETS PER PERSON DAILY.  USE THE RETWEET BUTTON AT THE BOTTOM OF THIS POST FOR EASY ENTRY.

6. Subscribe to my feed and leave a comment. If you already subscribe leave a comment telling me you are already a subscriber.

7. Like NOVICA on Facebook.  This is worth 2 extra entries.

8. Like ahappyhippymom on Facebook. Worth 2 extra entries

9. Enter any of my other ACTIVE giveaways.  Leave a separate comment for each one entered.

A winner will be chosen at random via Random.org. Upon notification the winner has 72 hours to send me their contact information.  Information will be forwarded to sponsor for prize fulfillment.

Open to residents WORLDWIDE  18+

The contest ends Dec. 11th ,  11:59 PM eastern

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Check out my Holiday Gift Guide for more great gift giving ideas!

NOVICA – Unique Gifts For Everyone On Your Holiday List Review & $75 GC Giveaway! is a post from: A Happy Hippy Mom

Snow dreamingly drifts by the window, as  family and friends nestle around the fireplace to exchange gifts.    Everyone watches and wonders what will be opened next while the wrapping paper is slowly peeled away to reveal a beautiful box of Hickory Farms containing savory sausages and cheeses.   The present becomes the focal point and is eagerly opened to share the rich and delicious foods among the guests.  This has been the happy scene of many past Christmases all over the world for nearly 60 years. The company  has been bringing joy to families and part of holiday traditions everywhere with their signature products in beautifully packaged boxes and baskets since 1951.  The gourmet goodies have been a delight in my childhood and home for as long as I can remember and I enjoy receiving and giving the classic Hickory Farm gifts every year.

Signature Collection

Hickory Farms is more dedicated than ever to providing the highest quality products that enrich your celebrations and has made gift-giving even easier this year, by featuring five signature gift boxes, using eco-conscious packaging, ranging from $16 to $100.  The signature offerings  includes:

Beef Hickory Sampler Gift Box ($16)

The perfect sampler for those on a budget!  This gift box allows you to share Hickory Farms’ signature flavors including Beef Summer Sausage, smoked cheese, spread, crackers, and mustard.

- 5 oz. Beef Summer Sausage
- 4 oz. Smoked Cheddar Blend
- 2 oz. Italian Herb & Cheese Spread
- 2.25 oz. Sweet Hot Mustard
- .5 oz. Cracked Wheat Crackers

Beef & Turkey Hearty Hickory Gift Box ($34)

With something for everyone, this robust gift box offers full size portions of two of Hickory Farms’ most popular Summer Sausages-Beef and Turkey! Enjoy mustards that perfectly complement the flavors-Sweet Hot Mustard for beef, and Cranberry Mustard for turkey along with a selection of fine cheeses too!

- 10 oz. Beef Summer Sausage
- 10 oz. Turkey Summer Sausage
- 10 oz. Smoked Cheddar Blend
- 10 oz. Jalape&ntildeo & Cheddar Blend
- 2.25 oz. Sweet Hot Mustard
- 2.5 oz. Cranberry Mustard

Party Planner Gift Box ($40) Supports Share Our Strength’s No Kid Hungry Campaign!

The Hickory Farms Party Planner is a delicious gift that will bring friends and family closer together!. Lucky recipients will enjoy savory treats like Signature Summer Sausage, Original Cheese Ball, mustards, crackers, and more!

More importantly, you’ll be joining the Share Our Strength, the leading non-profit organization working to end childhood hunger in America.  This holiday, Hickory Farms will donate $5 to their No Kid Hungry Campaign for every Party Planner you order. Additionally, you can also join in the fight by choosing to donate $1 with every purchase you make.  These small but very important contributions add up and help provide funding for summer meal programs, emergency food assistance, nutrition education, and long -term solutions for families in need.  Visit nokidhungry.org to learn more.

Maximum donation of $500,000, offer valid thru 1/31/2011.

- 7 oz. Beef Summer Sausage
- 5 oz. Italian Recipe Beef Summer Sausage
- 5 oz. Turkey Summer Sausage
- 6 oz. Original Cheese Ball
- 4 oz. Smoked Cheddar Blend
- 4 oz. Mission Jack Blend
- 4 oz. Creamy Swiss Blend
- 4 oz. Big Barn Cheddar®
- 2.5 oz. Cranberry Mustard
- 2.25 oz. Sweet Hot Mustard
- 1.5 oz. Sesame, Caraway & Sea Salt Crackers

Home For The Holidays Gift Box ($50) Free shipping to APO/FPO military addresses.

This is the perfect gift to let those far away know just how much you miss them.  Spread a little love and savory goodness to friends and loved ones serving over seas by sending this delightful gift box.  Give the gift of the “taste of home” with the Hickory Farms Home For The Holidays gift box which  includes Signature Beef as well as Italian Recipe Summer Sausage, an array of 4 cheeses, Sweet Hot and Honey Pineapple Mustards, and savory crackers.

To honor men and woman serving in our armed forces, Hickory Farms is offering free shipping on some of their most popular assortments  found  under the “Military Gifts” category of the website to any APO/FPO military address around the globe.

- 2 – 10 oz. Our Signature Beef Summer Sausages
-10 oz. Italian Recipe Beef Summer Sausage
- 8 oz. Big Barn Cheddar®
- 7 oz. Cheddar & Havarti Blend
- 4 oz. Three Cheese & Onion Wedge
- 4 oz. Smooth N Sharp Wedge
- 2.25 oz. Sweet Hot Mustards
- 2.5 oz. Honey Pineapple Mustard
- 2 – .5 oz. Cracked Wheat Crackers

The Perfect Picnic Gift Basket ($100)

This holiday season, Hickory Farms joins with the Peterboro Basket Company to create a line of unique gifts featuring some of Peterboro’s finest and beautiful handcrafted baskets.  The Perfect Picnic Gift Basket comes with everything!  The lucky person who opens it will find it filled with Hickory Farms Summer Sausage, creamy cheeses, crackers and mustards.  Even the sweet tooth will be satisfied with confectionery treats- Melt Away Mints and Famously Thin Peanut Brittle!

- 10 oz. Beef Summer Sausage
- 7 oz. Turkey Summer Sausage
- 7 oz. Beef & Pork Summer Sausage
- 4 oz. Mission Jack Blend
- 4 oz. Creamy Swiss Blend
- 6 oz. Famously Thin Peanut Brittle
- 12 oz. Mini Melt Away Mints
- 5 oz. Flat Bread Crackers
- 2.25 oz. Sweet Hot Mustard
- 2.5 oz. Honey Pineapple Mustard
- Keepsake Peterboro Basket

Review

Hickory Farms, through Mom Central, selected me as a brand ambassador for the Hickory Farms Blog Tour and I was sent a Perfect Picnic Gift Basket and a Home for the Holidays Gift Box to enjoy and share with my family.  When I opened up the boxes and began viewing all the delicious contents I felt Christmas had come to my home a bit early and was thrilled with the fine selection of gourmet meats and cheeses.  I plan on serving them at my family gatherings on Thanksgiving and Christmas Eve as we watch festive movies, tell stories, and build memories together.  That is if I can keep my hubby from digging into the goodies while I’m not looking!

Furthermore, the packaging was superb!  Hickory Farms uses eco-friendly, sustainable materials to make their gift boxes that can be reused for cards, photos, keepsakes, various craft ideas,  or to store ornaments in.  The paper grass surrounding the gourmet foods can be used for packing future gifts, Easter Grass, or even as mulch for your garden!  Nothing goes to waste!

Once all the contents have been used from the gorgeous Peterboro’s Picnic Basket, I plan on turning the basket into a spectacular centerpiece for my dining room table by filling it with a bouquet of dried flowers.  The basket is beautifully handcrafted and a wonderful addition to any home decor!

WIN IT

Hickory Farms has generously offered to give one reader a Home For The Holidays Gift Box ($50)!  To enter the giveaway please leave me a comment sharing your own holiday gift-giving traditions OR a favorite item from Hickory Farms you look forward to every year.  My favorite  happens  to be the Garden Medley Cheese Ball and can’t wait to purchase and serve the tasty treat during the holiday season!

EXTRA ENTRIES

1. Read any other review (WITHOUT A GIVEAWAY) and leave me a comment there.  Then come back here letting me know which review you did. Make sure you leave ten separate comments  (example: Left a comment at review extra entry 1, Left a comment at review extra entry 2, Left a comment at review extra entry 3, ect.).   This is worth 10 extra entries

2. Mention the giveaway on your own blog linking back to this post  and  Hickory Farms.  Leave an additional comment with a link to where you blogged about the giveaway. This is worth 5 extra entries.  Make sure you leave five separate comments. (example blogged extra entry #1, blogged extra entry #2, blogged extra entry #3, ect…)

3.Place my button on your blog and then leave an additional comment with a link to the page where you put the button. If you already have my button leave a comment letting me know you already have it.

4. Follow my blog and leave me an additional comment. ( There is a little widget on my sidebar that shows my followers. Just click follow). If you already follow leave me a comment letting me know you already do.

5. Follow ahappyhippymom and Hickory Farms on Twitter and tweet about the giveaway. Please make sure you leave the link where you tweeted in your comment. TO INCREASE YOUR CHANCE OF WINNING I AM ALLOWING 1 TWEETS PER PERSON DAILY.  USE THE RETWEET BUTTON AT THE BOTTOM OF THIS POST FOR EASY ENTRY.

6. Subscribe to my feed and leave a comment. If you already subscribe leave a comment telling me you are already a subscriber.

7. Like Hickory Farms on Facebook.  This is worth 2 extra entries.

8. Like ahappyhippymom on Facebook. Worth 2 extra entries

9. Enter any of my other ACTIVE giveaways.  Leave a separate comment for each one entered.

A winner will be chosen at random via Random.org. Upon notification the winner has 24 hours to send me their contact information.  Information will be forwarded to sponsor for prize fulfillment.

Open to US residents  18+

The contest ends Dec. 11th ,  11:59 PM eastern

“I wrote this review while participating in a blog tour by Mom Central Consulting on behalf of Hickory Farms and received two signature gift boxes from Hickory Farms to thank me for taking the time to participate.”

Check out my Holiday Gift Guide for other great gift giving ideas and giveaways!

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Hickory Farms-A Holiday Tradition Review & Giveaway! is a post from: A Happy Hippy Mom

I have a special treat for all you fashion divas and frugal fashion-conscious women who LOVE to accessorize to complete your outfit, but don’t necessarily want to pay hundreds of dollars to get the stylish appearance your craving.   A woman is never fully dressed unless she is properly accessorized.  Accessorizing is more than just  adding a beautiful scarf, earrings, or necklace to accentuate your sense of style.  To be perfectly accessorized you need to be able to carry everything you need with you throughout the day…meaning a PURSE.  However, we all know handbags can cost a pretty penny and to finish every outfit in your wardrobe with a  new purse would be way to expensive. Well ladies I have a surprise for you.  A woman named Catherine Brehm has found the solution to the costly dilemma.  Catherine created Reverse-A-Purse, a beautiful purse that lets you create three different looks with one new purse by simply reversing or removing the decorative cover!

How it works

You select your purse style, choose your favorite reversible covers, flip the cover and change your look. The great thing is you can do all this without having to move the contents of your purse to another bag.  This versatility makes these purses the perfect choice for the busy mom on the go.  Reverse-A-Purse makes it easy to go from classroom to boardroom and from running errands to a night on the town in just a few simple steps!

What I love about  Reverse-A-Purse is additional covers can be purchased for even more versatility!  The company introduces new covers each season so your purse will always be at the height of fashion.  Reverse-A-Purse bags are perfect for today’s fashion-minded, cost-conscious moms who want to stay in style without spending a fortune.

Quick Reverse A Purse Overlook Video

The Collection

There is currently six different types of purses including

The Club

A smaller bag with a convertible strap

Contemporary

A wide base and tapered top available in wrap or traditional.

Urban

Sporty bag with an adjustable strap making it easy to covert from purse to hipster.  Available in wrap or traditional style.

Luxe

A roomy and stylish shoulder bag. Available in wrap or traditional style.

Tote

A big bag perfect for the traveler or on-the-go mom.

The Swing Clutch

Swing Clutch bags come standard with a quilted reversible flap that’s black on one side and brown on the other.

My Thoughts

When I was approached to review the Reverse A Purse I was elated.  The thought of a single purse being able to reflect a bunch of different styles without having to empty  the contents out to change it was extremely appealing to me.  Not to mention, the option of getting several trendy looks by just having to purchase covers is frugal and smart!

After looking at the Reverse A Purse collection I decided upon the Luxe wrap purse with the “Diva” cover ($25.95).  The “Diva” is a sassy combination of classy cheetah and daring faux leather snake skin. The flippable cover  would be perfect for complementing a black dress or a pair of my favorite jeans.

The Luxe purse retails only for $39.95 and is GORGEOUS.  Ladies…the quality and design of this purse for the price is superb!   It measures 10” high, 16” wide, 25” straps, 4 interior pockets (one zippered).  I LOVE it!  The Luxe looks fabulous on its own too and is roomy enough to hold all my important stuff  including my camera which never leaves my side.

For approximately $62 you get a purse and cover giving three different looks.  PLUS, the company introduces new covers each season so your purse will always be in vogue and as you keep  updating your wardrobe all you need to do is purchase new covers to maximize your style!  It’s “the look you’ll flip for!”

Buy It Now and SAVE

The Reverse A Purse is an ideal gift for the fashion diva on your holiday shopping list.  Purchase now through 12/31/10 and save 20% off your order by applying code AHM03 at checkout.

WIN IT

Courtesy of Reverse-A-Purse, one reader will receive a Luxe purse and 1 reversible cover for 3 looks.  To enter the giveaway take  a look at the collection of purse styles plus covers and leave me a comment letting me know which is your favorite.

EXTRA ENTRIES

1. Read any other review (WITHOUT A GIVEAWAY) and leave me a comment there.  Then come back here letting me know which review you did. Make sure you leave ten separate comments  (example: Left a comment at review extra entry 1, Left a comment at review extra entry 2, Left a comment at review extra entry 3, ect.).   This is worth 10 extra entries.

2. Mention the giveaway on your own blog linking back to this post and Reverse-A-Purse.  Leave an additional comment with a link to where you blogged about the giveaway. This is worth 5 extra entries.  Make sure you leave five separate comments. (example blogged extra entry #1, blogged extra entry #2, blogged extra entry #3, ect…)

3. Follow my blog and leave me an additional comment. ( There is a little widget on my sidebar that shows my followers. Just click follow). If you already follow leave me a comment letting me know you already do. (3 extra entries)

4. Enter any other giveaway and let me know you did here. (3 extra entries)

5. Follow @ahappyhippymom and Reverse-A-Purse on Twitter and tweet about the giveaway. Please make sure you leave the link where you tweeted in your comment. YOU CAN TWEET ONCE PER DAY TO INCREASE YOUR CHANCES OF WINNING.  USE THE RETWEET BUTTON AT THE BOTTOM OF THIS POST FOR EASY ENTRY.

6. Subscribe to my feed and leave a comment. If you already subscribe leave a comment telling me you are already a subscriber.

7. Like Reverse-A-Purse on Facebook. (3 extra entries)

8. Like A Happy Hippy Mom on Facebook. (3 extra entries)

One  winner will be chosen at random via Random.org.   Info will be forwarded to sponsor.

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Reverse-A-Purse “The Look You’ll Flip For” Review & Giveaway! is a post from: A Happy Hippy Mom

Have you seen the new Baby Bunch Winter Bunch Bouquet?  Oh WOW is it ever gorgeous!  The festive bouquet is filled with snowy white garments designed to keep your little princess or prince toasty and warm during the cold weather season.  The Winter Bunch includes one white bib, one white long sleeve one-piece, one white hat, one pair of white mitts, one white long sleeve romper suit, and two pairs of white socks, all gathered together to look like beautiful flower buds.  It’s just simply stunning!  All the clothing is made of super-soft snowy white 100% cotton and generously sized for babies 0-6 months, or up to 16 lbs.  Surrounding the clothing buds are red and green fabric and wooden rosebuds accented with green fabric leaves which give the bouquet a wonderful Christmassy look and can later be used for keepsakes.

If your planning on giving the Winter Bunch as a Christmas gift, save your wrapping paper, because it is already comes carefully wrapped in tissue and placed in a  decorative seasonal floral box with a crystal clear presentation lid.  The bouquet makes a spectacular unique gift for a new mom this holiday and a wonderful alternative to flowers.

Buy It

The Baby Bunch Winter Bunch can be purchased for $59.95 and can be personalized with a message at no extra charge!

WIN IT!

One reader will receive a Winter Bunch courtesy of Baby Bunch.  To enter the giveaway check out the Baby Bunch products and leave me a comment sharing which is your favorite.

ENTRIES

1. Read any other review (WITHOUT A GIVEAWAY) and leave me a comment there.  Then come back here letting me know which review you did. Make sure you leave ten separate comments  (example: Left a comment at review extra entry 1, Left a comment at review extra entry 2, Left a comment at review extra entry 3, ect.).   This is worth 10 extra entries

2. Mention the giveaway on your own blog linking back to this post  and  Baby Bunch.  Leave an additional comment with a link to where you blogged about the giveaway. This is worth 5 extra entries.  Make sure you leave five separate comments. (example blogged extra entry #1, blogged extra entry #2, blogged extra entry #3, ect…)

3.Place my button on your blog and then leave an additional comment with a link to the page where you put the button. If you already have my button leave a comment letting me know you already have it.

4. Follow my blog and leave me an additional comment. ( There is a little widget on my sidebar that shows my followers. Just click follow). If you already follow leave me a comment letting me know you already do.

5. Follow ahappyhippymom and Baby Bunch on Twitter and tweet about the giveaway. Please make sure you leave the link where you tweeted in your comment. TO INCREASE YOUR CHANCE OF WINNING I AM ALLOWING 1 TWEETS PER PERSON DAILY.  USE THE RETWEET BUTTON AT THE BOTTOM OF THIS POST FOR EASY ENTRY.

6. Subscribe to my feed and leave a comment. If you already subscribe leave a comment telling me you are already a subscriber.

7. Like Baby Bunch on Facebook.  This is worth 2 extra entries.

8. Like ahappyhippymom on Facebook. Worth 2 extra entries

9. Enter any of my other ACTIVE giveaways.  Leave a separate comment for each one entered.

A winner will be chosen at random via Random.org. Upon notification the winner has 72 hours to send me their contact information.  Information will be forwarded to sponsor for prize fulfillment.

Open to US  and Canadian residents  18+

The contest ends Dec. 7th ,  11:59 PM eastern

Check out my Holiday Gift Guide for other wonderful gift ideas!

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Baby Bunch Winter Bunch Giveaway! is a post from: A Happy Hippy Mom

Are you looking for quality soft baby clothes at an affordable price?  Macy’s First Impressions is a collection of classic clothing for newborns and infants that features sweet, traditional designs, fine fabrics and time-honored details for an INCREDIBLE value.

Macy’s First Impressions comes in two beautiful collections:

Satin Hanger Collection

Sweet, traditional outfits with their own signature satin hanger

Range of colors with ruffles, trims and added accessories

Available in sizes 0-24 months

Giftable items that are perfect for showers, holiday presents and special occasions

Sold in stores and online, prices vary from $26 and up

Everyday Value Collection

Essentials for every baby

Three and four piece sets for girls and boys include a coverall, pants and hat

Available in sizes for preemies, 0-3 months, 3-6 months and 6-9 months

Variety of colors and patterns for girls, boys and gender neutral

Outfits are machine washable and 100 percent cotton

Sold in stores and online as an everyday value, prices vary from $8.98 and up

Macy’s recently sent me samples from the First Impressions Fall collection  including a boys “Satin Hanger Collection”  argyle sweater set,  “Everyday Value Collection” 4 piece “Mommys Little Monster “layette set, and an adorable cuddly plush monkey. Oh my goodness,  the clothes are GORGEOUS and super soft!  Your little darling will be so comfortable and cozy wearing these clothes and dressed to impress!

The Argyle Sweater Set

The 2-piece set includes a cozy knit sweater and soft pants with a satin hanger.  The sweater  has a v-neck, colorful argyle knit in front, long sleeves, banded cuffs and hem. The pants contain an elastic waistband, two front pockets with button and contrast color stitching on pockets, non-functional zipper fly, and two side pockets.   The set would be ideal for wearing at upcoming holiday gatherings or perfect for picture taking.

4 Piece “Mommys Little Monster”  Layette Set

The 4 piece set consists of

Bib: adorable applique and embroidery on front with snap buttons on back

Bodysuits: lap shoulder, short sleeves,and snap seats on bottom

Pants: elastic waist band, solid print, and cuff on bottom of legs with all-over print.

Coverall: long sleeves, faux rap on right side with 5 snap buttons, and CUTE footies.

Plush Monkey

The silky soft and too cute for words monkey has sewn in eyes plus nose, made of all new material polyester fibers and polyethylene pellets.  This little guy is snuggly and ready for cuddling!

WIN IT!

Three readers will receive a First Impressions gift set courtesy of Macy’s. Each set includes one outfit from the Satin Hanger Collection (18 months), one layette set (6-9 months) and one plush animal.  Winners can specify if they would prefer a girl or boy gift set. The gift set is valued at $50.  To enter the giveaway check out Macy’s First Impressions collection and leave me a comment with which outfit is your favorite.

EXTRA ENTRIES

1. Read any other review and leave me a comment there.  Then come back here letting me know which review you did. Make sure you leave ten separate comments  (example: Left a comment at review extra entry 1, Left a comment at review extra entry 2, Left a comment at review extra entry 3, ect.).   This is worth 10 extra entries.

2. Mention the giveaway on your own blog linking back to this post.  Leave an additional comment with a link to where you blogged about the giveaway. This is worth 5 extra entries.  Make sure you leave five separate comments. (example blogged extra entry #1, blogged extra entry #2, blogged extra entry #3, ect…)

3. Follow my blog and leave me an additional comment. ( There is a little widget on my sidebar that shows my followers. Just click follow). If you already follow leave me a comment letting me know you already do. (3 extra entries)

4. Enter any other giveaway and let me know you did here. (3 extra entries)

5. Follow @ahappyhippymom on Twitter and tweet about the giveaway. Please make sure you leave the link where you tweeted in your comment. YOU CAN TWEET ONCE PER DAY TO INCREASE YOUR CHANCES OF WINNING.  USE THE RETWEET BUTTON AT THE BOTTOM OF THIS POST FOR EASY ENTRY.

6. Subscribe to my feed and leave a comment. If you already subscribe leave a comment telling me you are already a subscriber.

THREE winners will be chosen at random via Random.org.   Info will be forwarded to sponsor.

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Macy’s First Impressions Fall Collection Review & Giveaway! is a post from: A Happy Hippy Mom

I have a thing for coffee!  Do you?  Every morning the FIRST thing I reach for after stumbling out of bed is a cup of coffee.  My family knows I’m rather worthless until I have had my coffee and  it’s best to wait  at least 10 minutes after the cup is completely empty before attempting to speak to me.  Having a great tasting cup of coffee is important and I need it as quickly as possible to get my day going.  NESCAFÉ Dolce Gusto recently launched a line of stylish machines that serve single-cup coffeehouse caliber coffee made of premium 100% Arabica beans, dispensing a quality cup of Espresso, Cappuccino, Latte Macchiato and Lungo (traditional cup of coffee) in under a minute!  In addition to their 100% Arabica hot and cold coffees, NESCAFÉ machines can also brew peach iced tea and hot chocolate too!  Now how cool is that!

The sleek machines look more like robots than coffee makers and come in four different styles which include the Piccolo, Creativa, Melody 2 and Circolo.  Each machine carries  an individual style and personality!  Check it out!

What makes the NESCAFE Dolce Gusto single-cup coffee machines different?

Besides the obvious ultra modern and compact design, the NESCAFE  machines deliver a  professional 15-bars of pressure compared to most competitors offering zero to two bars.  The result is a delicious cup of frothy coffee in the convenience of your own home just like you would expect to receive from a premium coffee house.  Additionally, the exclusive KRUPS Thermoblock technology heats the water fresh every time eliminating the stale taste you find in standard coffee machines and provides a greater heating capacity producing a more even temperature,  giving you a quick superb beverage.  BUT what really sets the NESCAFE Dolce Gusto machines at the top is the unique capability of letting you decide the strength of your coffee.  Unlike other single serve brewing systems which decide how much water should be added, the NESCAFE Dolce Gusto coffee makers feature a patented “Custom Control Lever”  giving you complete determination of the beverage’s strength and texture .

Flavor Capsules

NESCAFE Dolce Gusto machines use flavor capsules. The coffee that is used in the capsules is made of premium 100% Arabica pure coffee beans and the milk capsules contain sweetened, hormone-free whole milk.  Varieties available include:

House Blend / Caffè Americano

Caffè Lungo

Caffè Lungo Decaf

Espresso

Cappuccino (w/ milk capsule)

Latte Macchiato (w/ milk capsule)

Chococino (w/ milk capsule)

Mocha (w/ creamer capsule)

Cappuccino Ice (w/ milk capsule)

Nestea Peach Iced Tea

Vanilla Latte Macchiato (w/ milk capsule)

Dark Roast / Caffè Grande Intenso

Cappuccino Skinny (w/ milk capsule)

The capsules retail for $8.99 for 16 beverages.   For those varieties utilizing a milk capsule, the box will contain half milk and half coffee capsules giving you 8 beverage servings instead of the 16.

The Test Drive

Mom Central recently selected me to participate in the “NESCAFÉ Dolce Gusto Test Drive”  campaign and sent  a Circolo machine  for me to try out.  When I opened the box to take a peek at the coffee maker my first reaction was OH WOW this thing looks AWESOME!  Before receiving the Circolo,  I was using another single cup brewer that I thought was amazing and couldn’t live without.  NOW I feel the same way about the NESCAFÉ Dolce Gusto Circolo!  I have been using it for about two weeks and LOVE IT!  Honestly, if you enjoy a frothy cup of latte or cappuccino like you get at Starbucks, the Circolo can nearly duplicate the same results in your own home.  NO JOKING!

Overlook of the Circolo

How To Use It

The NESCAFE Dolce Gusto Circolo may look complex, but it’s very simple to use.  Depending upon the beverage your making ( like the latte or  cappuccino) you will need to select both a coffee and milk capsule.  The coffee capsules are darker in color and the milk capsules are white.  The company also recommends when making latte or  cappuccino that you use the milk capsule first then the coffee capsule to keep the foam white which gives the beverage a more authentic look.

Next you fill the machine with water,  turn on the machine and wait for the light to turn green (it only takes about a minute).  Then pull out the capsule holder and drop the pod into the tray.  Push the locking handle down to pierce the capsule and lock it into place.

To start brewing shift the lever over to the “hot” (red) or “cold” (blue) position. Don’t walk away from the machine and leave it unattended, because it will not stop automatically.  Once you have the desired amount of coffee in your cup move the lever back to the off position and discard the used capsule.

If your using a milk capsule just repeat the steps above.

Now your ready to enjoy your delicious beverage.  Even if your not using a milk capsule your coffee will have a nice layer of froth. YUM!

My Favorite Flavor Cup

I have tried almost all the flavors available within the two weeks of testing the Circolo.  I don’t think I can choose just one flavor as my favorite, because each one has it’s own delicious uniqueness.  However the Nestea Peach  Tea was incredible!  I used hot water instead of the cold to make the tea and it was so soothing.  The aroma and sweet taste of peaches left a lasting impression.

I fixed my daughter the hot cocoa and the first time I made it she said it was too weak and tasted watery.  Then a few days after,  I made her another cup using less water, topped it with some whipped cream and a drizzle of chocolate sauce.  She LOVED it!

Being that I’m controlling how much water is being used, I had to experiment with the flavors to get my desired strength.  Now I can just look at my cup and know how far to fill it.  There is a guide on the NESCAFE Dolce Gusto website giving directions of the recommended water to be used for each flavor, but I go by what I think tastes the best.

Why I Like A Single Serve Machine

Using a single serve machine creates less waste!  I don’t necessarily want to drink a whole pot of coffee on my own and by brewing one cup at a time I tend to drink less. PLUS, I like a variety of flavors and the single serve machines give me the option to mix it up!  AND each cup of coffee comes out tasting fresh in under a minute.

What I Would Change

The capsules can become an expensive habit and there is no option of not using them,  since the machine is designed specifically for the flavor cups.  Furthermore, the capsules are made of plastic and aren’t exactly eco-friendly neither.  They can pile up!

BUY IT!

The NESCAFE Dolce Gusto Circolo can be purchased online for $149.99 and makes the perfect gift idea for the coffee lover on your list!

“I wrote this review while participating in a test drive campaign by Mom Central Consulting on behalf of NESCAFÉ Dolce Gusto and received a coffee machine to facilitate my review.”

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NESCAFE Dolce Gusto Circolo Test Drive! is a post from: A Happy Hippy Mom

Debuting on Blu‐ray hi‐def and DVD on November 23, 2010

Synopsis:

“In the movie, when Santa and his new best friend, Paws, discover that the boys and girls of the world have lost the spirit of the season, they take a trip to New York City. But after Santa loses his memory, it’s up to Paws, a faithful orphan named Quinn (America’s Got Talent’s Kaitlyn Maher), her new friend Will (The Game Plan’s Madison Pettis) and a wonderful group of magical talking dogs to save St. Nick and show the world what Christmas is really all about. Do you believe in Santa Paws? Experiencing this sure‐to‐be holiday classic, full of fun, adventure and a carrying the timeless messages of the holidays, with surely delight the entire family!”

Read my review here.

Trailer

Santa Paws – “Deck the Halls” 90-Sec Music Video

BUY IT

WIN IT (Two winners)!

Courtesy of Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment,   two A Happy Hippy Mom readers will win their very own copy of  “THE SEARCH FOR SANTA PAWS”  Blu-ray + DVD Combo Pack!  To enter the giveaway leave me a comment sharing the name of your favorite Christmas song.

EXTRA ENTRIES

1. Read my SEARCH FOR SANTA PAWS review and leave me a comment there.  Then come back here letting me know you did. Make sure you leave ten separate comments  (example: Left a comment at review extra entry 1, Left a comment at review extra entry 2, Left a comment at review extra entry 3, ect.).   This is worth 10 extra entries.

2.Mention the giveaway on your own blog linking back to this post.  Leave an additional comment with a link to where you blogged about the giveaway. This is worth 5 extra entries.  Make sure you leave five separate comments. (example blogged extra entry #1, blogged extra entry #2, blogged extra entry #3, ect…)

3. Follow my blog and leave me an additional comment. ( There is a little widget on my sidebar that shows my followers. Just click follow). If you already follow leave me a comment letting me know you already do. (3 extra entries)

4. Enter the Disney Mickey Mote Giveaway and let me know you did here. (3 extra entries)

5. Follow @ahappyhippymom on Twitter and tweet about the giveaway. Please make sure you leave the link where you tweeted in your comment. YOU CAN TWEET ONCE PER DAY TO INCREASE YOUR CHANCES OF WINNING.  USE THE RETWEET BUTTON AT THE BOTTOM OF THIS POST FOR EASY ENTRY.

6. Subscribe to my feed and leave a comment. If you already subscribe leave a comment telling me you are already a subscriber.

Two winners will be chosen at random via Random.org.   Info will be forwarded to sponsor.

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Check out my Holiday Gift Guide for other HOT gift ideas and giveaways!

THE SEARCH FOR SANTA PAWS on Blu-ray & DVD Giveaway! is a post from: A Happy Hippy Mom

Disney/Pixar Cars Toons Frightening McMean,  just weighing in under $20,  is ready to deck the halls!  Inspired by the new Cars Toon animated short, Monster Truck Mater, “Frightening McMean” comes equipped with raised chassis, oversized monster truck wheels and a cool custom paint job.  Recommended for kids ages 4 and up, little hands will love pushing him around and listening to phrases straight from the Toon!  When kids touch the hood of the car it activates authentic sayings such as “You can drive but can’t hide,” Heres an oil pan slam,” and more!

My son is a huge fan of Cars Toon and he got a kick out of pushing on Frightening McMean’s hood to hear the car’s many phrases.  The  large monster wheels made the fun toy easy to maneuver over his small matchbox cars,  as his imagination stretched,  making believe he was crushing them.  Too cute!  This is a HOT toy for the boy on your Christmas list!  And priced under $20, how can you go wrong?

The only thing I would change about Cars Toons Frightening McMean is that the stickers decals should be replaced with actual paint.  The sticky adhesive of the decals can easily be worn away with multiple playings causing the “custom paint job” to become damaged.

Frightening McMean takes 3 AG13 (LR44) button cell batteries which are included.

BUY IT!

Disney/Pixar Cars Toons Frightening McMean can be purchased at the Mattel shop , Amazon.com, and various toy retailers for $19.99!

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Check out my Holiday Gift Guide for more great gift giving ideas!

Disney/Pixar Cars Toons Frightening McMean Review-Hot Toy Under $20! is a post from: A Happy Hippy Mom

Take a good look at Matchbox Stinky The Garbage Truck by Mattel!  The newest addition to the “Big Rig Buddies”  assortment is going to be one of the HOT toys topping the Christmas wish lists of children this year.  Why?  Because Stinky is not your average run-of-the-mill toy garbage truck.  The highly sought after interactive buddy has a larger than life personality and provides hours of playful entertainment.  The attitude plus garbage truck , recommended for kids aged 3 and up, is likely to sell out quickly around Christmas.  Here is why.

This lovable and interactive garbage truck has trash talking capabilities of over 90 entertaining phrases and sounds!  At the touch of a button and depending upon his mood,  Stinky talks, tells jokes,  exercises, sings, and gobbles up garbage.  He is definitely not shy about letting you know when he is hungry and yells out “FEED ME.”  The grille of his cap drops down and functions as a mouth in which you can feed him Matchbox cars or other small toys that can later be dumped out the back.   He even knows when he is being loaded up and belts out “More!  More!  Give me more!”

Just like a real garbage truck, this robotic toy can be “Stinky” and  features gas sounds.  He sometimes belches when he is fed something or makes obnoxious farting noises after being tickled.  Why kids find this to be amusing, I’ll never know, but they LOVE IT and will squeal with laughter!

Getting this big green garbage eating machine to react is as easy as pressing  or pulling his smoke stack, touching his belly button, or opening the rear door.  Additionally, pushing him forward or pulling him backward in his vehicle position activates lights and sounds.  When pushed along,  his big white head will turn side side to side and he’ll blink his bright headlights. However, Stinky is no dummy and when he is being ignored for too long will fall asleep and snore.

My two rough and tough boys (hubby & son) got down on the floor together and played with Stinky.  They had fun getting him to belt out tunes, giving him high fives, loading and dumping, and pushing the garbage truck around.  For the price tag of $59.99 (amazon.com has it for $49.00) there is tons of fun to be made with this interactive buddy and kids big or small will not get bored easily.  Stinky takes 4 “C” alkaline batteries (included), but can be switched off to be played with manually.  This is nice, because if the batteries run out and you can’t immediately make it to the store to purchase more the garbage truck can still be played with.

Matchbox Stinky The Garbage Truck also comes with a Matchbox Big Rig Buddies DVD.  The DVD includes two exciting episodes featuring Stinky, a young boy named Felix, and the rest of the Big Rig Crew.  It’s fun to pop in the DVD and let kids play with Stinky as they watch the “Big Rig Crew” take on challenges and fun adventures that teach the lessons of teamwork, friendship, and heroism.

BUY IT

To avoid the sad eyes form your kiddo on Christmas day,  get Stinky now before he is sold out!  Stinky normally retails for $59.99, but can be purchased at Amazon.com for $49.00!

Check out my Holiday Gift Guide for more fabulous gift giving ideas!

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Matchbox Stinky The Garbage Truck Review – Interactive Buddy With Attitude Plus! is a post from: A Happy Hippy Mom

Music plays an important part in my everyday life.  No matter if I’m in the car, cooking in the kitchen, working outdoors, striving to get the last few hard minutes in during my workout on my treadmill or Total Gym, I’m grooving along to tunes.  Sometimes I will even listen to music while doing my shopping!  Why?  Because music motivates and stimulates me to move faster, dulls the pain during my workout,  regulates my mood, and at times when I need it the most—soothes me!  Music has an AMAZING power over my mind plus body and I couldn’t live without it.  Even though music on the go  is a daily essential,  I don’t necessarily want to spend hundreds of dollars on a portable gadget and music subscription.  The great news is—–I don’t have too!  With the SanDisk’s Sansa Fuze+ MP3 player and slotRadio card, I can get premium entertainment without the high cost that usually accompanies  it.

About SanDisk’s Sansa Fuze+ MP3 player

The Sansa Fuze+ MP3 portable digital audio/video player packs a high performance punch at a low cost.  You get all the bells and whistles you would want and expect out of an MP3 player for a price tag of under $100!  The Sansa Fuze+ MP3 player is equipped with a large and vibrant 2.4” color screen great for watching videos and viewing photos, a digital FM tuner to listen to your favorite stations,  plus a built-in microphone for voice or FM radio broadcasts recordings. Additionally, the players has  a microSDHC card slot which allows you to expand your memory up to 40GB!   Here is more information about the Sansa Fuze+ MP3 player features.

Features

• Vibrant 2.4” QVGA LCD screen (320×240) for brilliant views of your videos, photos, and album art.
• Capacitive touch control pad provides easy navigation through the bright graphical user interface menus.
• Supports the following music file formats: MP3, WMA, secure WMA, FLAC, AAC/M4A (DRM-free iTunes® music files), WAV, and OGG-Vorbis. In addition, the device supports Audible and audiobook formats.
• Displays embedded album art and other song metadata.
• Native video file support of H.264, MPEG4, and WMV file types (320 x 240). Additional file formats including 3gp/3gpp2, ASF, AVI, DAT, DivX(ver 6.0), DVR-MS, MOV, MP4, MPEG 1, MPEG 2, MJPEG, FLV, and Flip® file formats can be added to the player easily using the optional free downloadable Sansa Media Converter (SMC) software available via the Sansa Updater. See www.sandisk.com/smc for more information. This application can also be used to optimize viewing of native file types on the Sansa Fuze+ screen (i.e., aspect ratios, frame rate, bit rate, and resolution).
• Native photo file support of JPG and BMP file formats. Additional file formats including TIFF, GIF, PCX, TGA, and PNG can be added to the player easily using the optional free downloadable Sansa Media Converter software available via the Sansa Updater. See www.sandisk.com/smc for more information. This application can also be used to optimize viewing of native file type on the Sansa Fuze+ screen (i.e.,
aspect ratios and resolution).
• Includes an integrated FM radio for listening to and recording of live-broadcast FM radio stations with up to 40 pre-set channels. Enables pausing of FM radio broadcasts during recording, for instance to filter out commercials or other unwanted portions of a broadcast.
• Supports voice recording function with a built-in microphone.
• microSD/microSDHC card slot supports additional higher capacities, up to 40GB* of total device content including internal memory (e.g., 8GB player with a 32GB card).
• Allows users to read data directly from the card on the player (in the supported music, photo, and video formats detailed above) which are stored on a microSD/microSDHC card in the card slot (card not included).
• Rechargeable battery lasts up to 24 hours of audio playback or 5 hours of video playback

Colors and GB Sizes

SanDisk offers the Sansa Fuze+ MP3 player in five fashionable colors including purple, red, white, blue, and black.  Additionally the device is available in three different capacities: 4 GB, 8 GB, and 16 GB.  It also has a has a microSDHC card slot allowing you to expand your storage possibilities up to approximately 40 GB of total data storage capacity which is approximately equal to 10,000 songs!

Taking A Closer Look At The Sansa Fuze+ MP3 Player

SanDisk’s Sansa Fuze+ MP3 player has a sleek industrial design with “invisible” capacitive touch control and highly intuitive graphical user interface.  Unlike most MP3 players which use a traditional “home”  screen, the Sansa Fuze+ interface is organized similar to a film strip or digital book shelf with the various features listed horizontally.

To navigate through the 8 features (music,videos,photos, radio, podcasts, voice,card, settings) you simply swipe the touch pad left-to-right to select the desired feature or or by swiping top-to-bottom within features.  You can also navigate by lightly tapping the end points of the markings on the device.  When you want to make a selection tap the center of the cross markings.  The interface takes getting use to, especially if your accustomed to a flywheel and vertical scrolling menus.  However, once you play with  the sensitivity navigation will be a breeze.

Transfering music files, photos, and videos from your computer to your Sansa Fuze+ player

Sansa Fuze+ player comes with an open file platform enabling you three ways to load content: transfer your own files using a computer; obtain music files from one of the supported media subscription services such as Rhapsody or eMusic, or side-load content to the Sansa Fuze+ player using a microSD/microSDHC memory card or slotRadio card which are sold separately.

slotRadio Cards

SanDisk slotRadio cards consist of premium pre-loaded playlists of music containing 1000 songs!   The cards are a way to beat the hassles of downloads, generating playlists, and expensive music subscriptions.  These cards provide commercial free music from the leading music labels, and enable skipping of songs you do not want to listen to.  They are a great way to keep costs down and avoid having to manage your own content.  SlotRadio cards can be purchased for just $39.99 !  That is a whopping savings compared to purchasing songs individually which usually run 99 cents a piece!  Do the math!  Buying 1000 songs at 99 cents would be $990!  You would be saving a total of $950.01!  The cards are a GREAT value and turn your MP3 player into a personal jukebox.

The current slotRadio cards that can be found at SanDisk.com are…

VH1-Classic – 1000 Songs
R&B / Hip-Hop – 1,000 Songs
DailyMix – 1,000 Songs
Classical – 60 Hours
Motown – 500 Songs ($29.99)
Country – 1,000 Songs
Health & Fitness – 1,000 Songs
Card – Christmas – 500 Songs ($29.99)
Oldies – 1,000 Songs
Rock – 1,000 Songs
80s & 90s – 1,000 Songs
Latin – 500 Songs

What comes in the box?

Thinking about purchasing a SanDisk’s Sansa Fuze+ MP3 player for the holidays , but want to know what comes in the box first?  Here is what you will receive.

Sansa Fuze+ MP3 player

micro-USB charge/transfer cable for connecting to a computer

Earphones

Quick Start Guide

eMusic free trial offer insert (Americas only)

Rhapsody free trial offer insert, including software CD (Americas only)

My Thoughts

SanDisk through Mom Central sent me a 4GB  red Sansa Fuze+ MP3 player and VH1 SlotRadio Card to try.  The MP3 player combined with the slotRadio card preloaded with the 1000 VH1 songs was a superlative duo!  The Sansa Fuze+ is a slick compact music machine offering the best features for the fraction of the cost of other gadgets that have half the playback capabilities and the VH1 SlotRadio Card contained songs from favorite artists like Elton John, Janet Jackson, The Rolling Stones, Pat Benatar, Aerosmith, and more!   The card featured Classic Rock, Classic Pop, 80s, 90s, One hit Wonders, Workout, and Chillout playlists!  I grooved along with songs I haven’t heard in YEARS!

To be honest I haven’t tried downloading music yet, so I can’t comment on the ease of transferring the content to the MP3 player.  However, the software platform looks fairly simple to figure out.

Here is a few reasons I like the SanDisk’s Sansa Fuze+ MP3 player and some things I would change.

LIKES

1. The Sansa Fuze+ MP3 4GB player only costs $79.99 and offers more features than my iPod Nano.

2. Sound quality is excellent.

3. Contains a voice recorder great for students looking to record lectures or  notes.

4. The large and vibrant 2.4” color screen is awesome!

5. Perfect tween/teen friendly device!  The slotRadio cards provide quality music for a set price without having to buy and download songs which can become expensive.  Plus, you won’t have to worry if your kiddo is illegally downloading songs off the internet.

6. LOVE the FM radio! I was able to tune into my favorite stations.

7. Sansa Fuze+ MP3 is lightweight and comes in 5 fantastic colors.

8. No need to backup your music if your only using the slotRadio cards.  I have lost $100s of dollars before  by forgetting to backup my purchased songs from iTunes and having to format my PC.

I Would Change

1. The earphones are rather generic and too large for my ears.

2. The slotRadio card doesn’t allow you to scroll through the list of songs available.  There is 1000 songs, but it’s a guessing game to find the song you want.  You have to skip through EACH song.

3. The touch pad can be difficult to control compared to a flywheel.

BUY IT!

The SanDisk’s Sansa Fuze+ MP3 player and slotRadio cards make an awesome holiday gift for the music lover on your shopping list!  With  a price tag under $100, its a pocketbook saver too!  Get it now for only $79.99!

Check out my Holiday Gift Guide for other HOT gift ideas!

“I wrote this review while participating in a blog tour campaign by Mom Central Consulting on behalf of SanDisk and received the SanDisk Sansa Fuze+ and VH1 slotRadio Card to facilitate my review.”

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SanDisk’s Sansa Fuze+ MP3 player and VH1 SlotRadio Card Review-High Performance With A Low Cost! is a post from: A Happy Hippy Mom

I can not believe I’m actually posting my final results to the Total Gym Total Mom Challenge today!  The time just went by so fast!  This had to be one of my favorite products I have had the pleasure of using in the two years of writing reviews.  WHY?  Mainly because it works the way it exactly should and I have seen some positive results with my confidence, strength level, shape of body, and I LOST A TOTAL OF NINE POUNDS! YEAH! I honestly wish this competition would have continued for 12 weeks instead of the 8, because 90 days is when I believe I would have seen an enormous change in the way I look.   I still plan on continuing to use the Total Gym XLS for 5 to 6 days a week and will update you with my progress even though the competition is officially over.

I’m not sure who has won the competition, but the winner is going to be notified on FRIDAY!!!!   Keep watching all the girls who participated in the challenge, who ever is deemed the Total Gym Total Mom Challenge Champion gets to give away a Total Gym XLS on their website!  YES!  I don’t want you to miss your chance at winning such a fantastic prize!

Final Weigh In

Time for the final weigh in of the competition!  I lost a total of 10 inches and 9 pounds in 7 weeks!  Not bad! PLUS,  I lowered my BMI by1.59 points.

Before and After Pictures!

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Total Gym Total Mom Challenge – FINAL Results! is a post from: A Happy Hippy Mom

Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment debuts its first Blu-ray 3D release with Academy Award- winning director Robert Zemeckis’ (Best Director, Forrest Gump in 1994) unique interpretation of Charles Dickens’ beloved tale, A Christmas Carol, starring Jim Carrey (Yes Man, Horton Hears a Who, Bruce Almighty) as multiple characters including the miserly Ebenezer Scrooge and the Ghosts of Christmases Past, Present and Yet to Come. Rounding out the stellar cast are Gary Oldman (Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix), Collin Firth (Love Actually, The Accidental Husband, Bridget Jones: The Edge of Reason), Bob Hoskins (Who Framed Roger Rabbit) and Robin Wright (State of Play and Forrest Gump).

Disney’s A Christmas Carol is available in Disney Blu-ray 3D on an exclusive 4-Disc Blu-ray Combo Pack (Blu-ray 3D Disc, Blu-ray Disc, DVD and Digital Copy).

Also available on 1-Disc Blu-ray and 1-Disc DVD

Bonus Features:

BLU-RAY 3D Disc includes an exclusive 3D bonus feature, plus all the Blu-ray and DVD features:

• Mr. Scrooge’s Wild Ride – In this 3D bonus feature, director Zemeckis and the cast explain how 3D made the Dickens novella come to life. The feature explores how 3D technology brought a whole new dimension to the story, from the Ghost of Christmas Past whisking Scrooge through time, to the look and feel of the characters in 19th Century London.

BLU-RAY features include all of the DVD features plus:

• Behind The Carol: The Full Motion Capture Experience – A feature length picture-in-picture viewing mode takes the audience behind the scenes of motion capture filmmaking.

• Countdown to Christmas Interactive Calendar – 25 days of holiday surprises extend the holiday cheer, as viewers come back to discover what each door holds.

• Deleted Scenes – Six deleted scenes on the Blu-ray Disc.

DVD features include:

• Capturing A Christmas Carol – Actress Jacquie Barnbrook hosts a journey through the creative process of Disney’s A Christmas Carol.
• On Set With Sammi – Follow Sammi Hanratty, one of the film’s young stars, as she shares a kid’s eye view of an “anything but average” day on the set.
• Deleted Scenes – Three deleted scenes on the DVD.

TRAILER

Review

Disney’s  “A Christmas Carol”  starring the voice of Jim Carrey as Ebenezer Scrooge (and various other characters) is actually Disney’s third take on the favorite holiday Dickens’ classic with the first being Mickey’s Christmas Carol (1983) and the other, The Muppet Christmas Carol (1992).  Unlike the two previous fluffy versions,  Robert Zemeckis’ adaption of  A Christmas Carol stays extremely faithful to the original story and at times quotes the text in its entirety.  The motion capture CGI technology takes the movie to a different level and puts a frightening spin on the traditional story.  If your looking to get the Christmas spirit scared into you, this will do the trick!

Ebenezer Scrooge is portrayed as you would imagine, a creepy old miser who despises Christmas, miss treats his underpaid employee Bob Cratchit, (voice of Gary Oldman) and exploits mankind for money.    However,  the use of computer-generated imagery displays Scrooge as being vile and meaner than you might expect .  The script also takes on the darker moments like when Ebenezer is reluctant to pay the undertaker for his friend, Jacob Marley’s burial and further goes to take the tuppence from dead Marley’s eyes.  Scrooge stops the undertaker’s assistant before placing the cover of the casket confining Marley forever and removes the coins from his dead partner’s eyes saying “Tuppence is tuppence” which showed just how cold plus heartless of an old geezer he was!

Seven Christmas Eves later,  Scrooge is haunted by Jacob Marley’s ghost (voice of Gary Oldman) who is bound and shackled with the chains he forged in life.  The dreadful apparition warned Scrooge that his chain was as heavy and as long as the one he bared, seven Christmas Eves ago.  “Yours is a ponderous chain,” said Marley.  The scene becomes more intense as Marley’s jaw unhinges and his tongue dangles!  It’s rather gruesome and disturbing, but definitely adds ferociousness to the character.  “I am here to-night to warn you, that you have yet a chance and hope of escaping my fate. A chance and hope of my procuring, Ebenezer.” said  the ghost.   His dead doomed partner then tells Scrooge he will be visited by three spirits—Ghost of Christmas Past, Ghost of Christmas Present, and the Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come.

The Ghost of Christmas Past (voice of Carrey), a small whimsical spirit resembling a lit candle, whisks Scrooge out through the window into the snowy air.  The playful little fire shows visions to Scrooge of his painful past and reminds him how he become such  a miserable greedy person.  Scrooge, neglected by his father,  had spent most of his  childhood Christmases  alone at a boarding school until he was visited and brought back home by his loving sister Fan (voice of Robin Wright), who died as a young woman after giving birth to his nephew Fred (voice of Colin Firth).   Ebenezer,  a young successful businessman,  falls in love and becomes engaged to a woman named Belle.  Belle breaks off the engagement as she realizes Scrooge is more interested and obsessed with accumulating riches than he is with her.  Not being able to take any further disheartening memories, Scrooge  places the cap over the fire spirit and extinguishes it, which sends him flying through the sky over London.  He crashes back at home on his bedroom floor.

The setting of the Ghost of Christmas Present happened to be some of my favorite parts of the film, yet there were a few scary images too.   When Scrooge walks into a room and sees the Ghost of Christmas Past (voice of Carrey) waiting for him, the scenery is glowing with Christmas decorations. It’s absolutely STUNNING!  Not to mention the extraordinary imagery when Scrooge touches the  spirit’s robe and how the sprinkle of the torch dissolves the floor underneath him displaying the city streets. AMAZING!

The Ghost of Christmas Present takes Ebenezer through visions of bitter sweet Christmas events,  showing him his nephew playing and joking at his uncles expense and the view of Bob Cratchit barely being able to provide for his family with the small pay Scrooge gives him.  Scrooge  learns that Tiny Tim (voice of Gary Oldman) will die if the shadows remain unaltered by the Future. “No, no,” said Scrooge. The spirit echoed Scrooges own words “If he be like to die, he had better do it, and decrease the surplus population.”  Scrooge was dismayed and overcome with grief.

Before departing, the Ghost of Christmas Present warns Scrooge to beware of  Ignorance and Want.  This is where I believe parents might want to view the movie before allowing very young children to watch it.  The images are quite SPOOKY and could be disturbing to small kids!   Ignorance and Want are depicted as uncivilized savages and grow up to be wretched individuals.

The ghost then dissolves into a skeleton which is frightening too!

The last spirit to visit Scrooge is the Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come.  I’m not going to spoil the movie by telling anything about what happens during this ghostly visit, because this is where the script becomes truly unique and doesn’t completely follow the novel.  There is an interesting and some what comical twist that happens to Scrooge as he is being chased by what looks to be evil horses.  You have to see it for yourself!!!

Overall, I LOVED this movie and found it to contain stunning imagery and it was different than any other depiction of  “A Christmas Carol”  I have ever seen!   However, I don’t believe it should be  geared toward extremely young children, because it is definitely darker and a little scarier than I expected.

Jim Carrey’s performance is truly marvelous and believable!   I’m placing this on my HOT Holiday Gift Guide list, because I can almost guarantee you have NEVER seen Dickens’ classic retold like this before!  Pick it up November 16 and take it home for the holidays!

Review – Disney’s “A Christmas Carol” Available Nov. 16! is a post from: A Happy Hippy Mom

On November 16th Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment will release the “Mickey Mote!” If your not familiar with a “Mickey Mote,” it’s a one-of-a-kind child-friendly handheld remote control that will take children’s viewing experience to a whole new level by providing an engaging interaction with their favorite Disney characters. Shaped like Mickey ears, the simple to use remote is geared for preschoolers (ages 2-5) and it’s easy to grab size is perfectly designed for little hands. With multiple levels of play, kids are provided with hours of fun as well as challenging adventures. The new “Mickey Mote,” debuting just in time for the holidays, will be packaged with Mickey Mouse Clubhouse: Mickey’s Number Roundup and Handy Manny: Big Construction Job.

How It Works

The Mickey Mote works with any Disney Preschool DVD that includes Discovery Mode, the interactive “Watch & Play” feature on the DVD.  In fact, you may already have some compatible Disney Preschool titles in your DVD library that will work with the remote.  For example, kids can immediately use the remote with any of the following DVDs:

• Mickey Mouse Clubhouse: Road Rally
• Mickey Mouse Clubhouse: Mickey’s Adventures in Wonderland
• Mickey Mouse Clubhouse: Mickey’s Choo Choo
• Mickey Mouse Clubhouse: Minnie’s Bow-Tique
• Handy Manny: Manny’s Motorcycle Adventure
• Handy Manny: Manny’s Big Race
• Little Einsteins: Fire Truck Blast Off
• My Friends Tigger & Pooh: Super Duper Super Sleuths
• My Friends Tigger & Pooh: Bedtime With Pooh

For the remote to function properly all you need to do is program it.  I know some of you may be freaking at the thought of having to program the Mickey Mote, but it’s not difficult to do.  If I can do it you can too!  There is quick instructions on how to set it up in each DVD.  However,  I will show you shortly the steps to take to get it up and running.  After the remote is ready to go, select the Game Time Discovery Mode level that best suits your child on the menu screen located under the “Bonus Features” — Level 1 for easy and Level 2 for more challenging questions.

Next select “Active Play.”

Now your kiddos will be able to respond to questions throughout the story using the cool “Mickey Mote”  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.

My son was playing level 1 and was asked fun questions about colors, shapes, and sizes such as ” Pluto has just found something special in the club house. What is it?”  To answer the question he had to choose the correct answer (sheep) by pressing the green button on the remote.

Every so often throughout the story the question screen would pop up and he would get excited!  I think by being able to interact with the story via the “Mickey Mote” he was apt to pay more attention and had a blast!  He LOVED it!  I also liked the remote, because I felt he was actually learning colors, numbers, animals, and improving his listening skills.

Programming The Remote

To program the remote jump up and down while standing on your head and say the magic words  “Meeska…Mooseka…Mickey Mouse!”  Just joking!!!  Seriously…

Step 1. Use a screwdriver to open the compartment on the back of the Mickey Mote and insert two AAA batteries (not included).

Step2. Place the Mickey Mote and the DVD Remote Control on a flat surface approximately 3 inches apart, with the top-front of the remotes facing each other.

Step 3. Press the “UP” button on the DVD REMOTE 4 times slowly.  After each of your first 3 presses the green light on the “Mickey Mote” will go off and then come back on.  After the fourth press, the green light will flash quickly, then turn off, and come back on.  Cool beans!  You have finished programming the “UP” arrow.

Step 4.  Repeat step 3 for the “DOWN,” “LEFT,” and “RIGHT” buttons in the exact order.

If you programmed all 4 buttons correctly,  the green light on the Mickey Mote will flash quickly and then stay off.

BIG HINT!  I would program the remote BEFORE  introducing it to your preschooler!  My son would grab the “Mickey Mote” before I could finish programming all the buttons and I would have to start over again.  THAT was the hardest part of getting the remote to work!

About Mickey Mouse Clubhouse: Numbers Roundup

Mickey Mouse Clubhouse: Numbers Roundup features more than 100 minutes of content with five exciting, numbers-themed adventures. Mickey Mouse Clubhouse is the #1 program on Playhouse Disney as well as the #1 series with children between the ages of two and five years. Bonus features include a never-before-seen (until 1/1/11) bonus episode as well as the Discovery Mode feature.

Suggested retail price: 1 Disc DVD + Mickey Mote = $29.99 U.S. / $35.99 Canada
1 Disc DVD = $26.99 U.S. / $29.99 Canada

About Handy Manny: Big Construction Job:

Handy Manny: Big Construction Job is a fun-filled, full-length adventure that takes Manny out of Sheet Rock Hills and to a new construction project out of town! Introducing new tools, new songs and a never-before-seen episode, Handy Manny stars Wilmer Valderrama (TV’s “That 70’s Show”) as the voice of Manny. It is a top 5 television series with preschoolers 2-5, and is an Emmy®-nominated show, set in a multicultural, multi-generational community and follows a curriculum that models problem solving and the importance of community.

Suggested retail price: 1 Disc DVD + Mickey Mote = $29.99 U.S. / $35.99 Canada
1 Disc DVD = $26.99 U.S. / $29.99 Canada

BUY IT FOR THE HOLIDAYS!

Mickey Mouse Clubhouse: Numbers Roundup WITH MICKEY MOTE! $23.99!

Handy Manny: Big Construction Job WITH MICKEY MOTE! $24.99!

WIN IT! ($57 Value!)

Brought to you by the courtesy of Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment,  one A Happy Hippy Mom reader is going to win the “Mickey Mote”  including “Mickey Mouse Clubhouse: Mickey’s Number Roundup” and  “Handy Manny: Big Construction Job” DVD!    I want to make this giveaway fun, because Disney is all about having a good time and magical surprises!  To enter the giveaway, leave me a comment quoting ANYTHING from a Disney movie you have seen and leave me the characters name who said it along with the movie it came from.

For example : Mr. Potato Head-Toy Story 2: I’m a married spud, I’m a married spud.

EXTRA ENTRIES!

1.Mention the giveaway on your own blog linking back to this post.  Leave an additional comment with a link to where you blogged about the giveaway. This is worth 10 extra entries.  Make sure you leave ten separate comments. (example blogged extra entry #1, blogged extra entry #2, blogged extra entry #3, ect…)

2.Place my button on your blog and then leave an additional comment with a link to the page where you put the button. If you already have my button leave a comment letting me know you already have it.

3. Follow my blog and leave me an additional comment. ( There is a little widget on my sidebar that shows my followers. Just click follow). If you already follow leave me a comment letting me know you already do.

4. Follow @ahappyhippymom on Twitter and tweet about the giveaway. Please make sure you leave the link where you tweeted in your comment. YOU CAN TWEET ONCE PER DAY TO INCREASE YOUR CHANCES OF WINNING.  USE THE RETWEET BUTTON AT THE BOTTOM OF THIS POST FOR EASY ENTRY.

5. Subscribe to my feed and leave a comment. If you already subscribe leave a comment telling me you are already a subscriber.

6.  Like ahappyhippymom on Facebook. Worth 2 extra entries

7.  Enter any of my other giveaways.  Leave me a comment telling me which giveaway you entered.  The giveaway must be still active in order to gain an extra entry.

8. Comment on any of my NON giveaway posts to gain extra entries. Please leave me an extra comment here for every post you commented on. UNLIMITED!

A winner will be chosen at random via Random.org.   Info will be forwarded to sponsor.

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The All New Mickey Mote – Engaging Interaction For Preschoolers Review & Giveaway! is a post from: A Happy Hippy Mom