TFH Family Favorite Finds

Celtic Woman: Believe CD and Live Concert DVD Giveaway

I was first introduced to Celtic Woman two years ago when I reviewed their then newly released album Songs From the Heart and was blown away by their amazing talent.

Celtic Woman is an all-female singing group featuring vocalists Chloë Agnew, Lisa Kelly, Lisa Lambe and Celtic violinist Máiréad Nesbitt..  They perform classic Irish songs (“Green Grow the Rushes") contemporary favorites (“Bridge Over Troubled Water") and inspirational songs (“Ave Maria”) with their signature Celtic Woman twist.

Their new live concert special "Believe" was filmed for the first time in America at two sold-out nights at The Fox Theatre in Atlanta, GA this past September.

My girls and I were very excited to receive a copy of their new CD/DVD and "Believe" is a truly beautiful addition to our ever-growing appreciation of all things Celtic.

Want one?

Classical Music Meets Classical Rock: David Garret Rock Symphonies Review & CD Giveaway

COMMENTS ARE CLOSED: So happy to be able to share this with Tawnda (#1) please check your email for further instructions.

I had the pleasure of listening to German-born (not to mention, uber-handsome) musician David Garrett play live while attending the Bloganthropy Awards dinner held during BlogHer '10 in New York City and remember thinking to myself:

"Man, that boy can play a violin!!!"

Seriously, I love listening to classical music (especially, while I'm attempting to cook dinner) much to the disdain of my children (especially, the teenagers) until...

"Hey, I know THAT song!!!"

It was David's version of "Walk This Way by Aerosmith," aaaand, the words weren't even out of my mouth...

"Ohhhh, he is SO cute,who IS he?!?"

Yes, David Garrett is very cute AND talented.

I was excited to receive a copy of David Garrett's Rock Symphonies CD from my friends at Team Mom and was reminded, once again, what happens when classical music meets classical rock and if, you know, they had a baby.

Want to see?

Netflix Now Available on Nintendo Wii: Complimentary 3 Month Nextflix Membership

[CONGRATULATIONS:  LORI A. (COMMENT #21) PLEASE CHECK YOUR EMAIL FOR FURTHER INSTRUCTIONS!!!]

It's no secret, we love our Wii and I personally have enjoyed working with Nintendo in bringing families (like mine) up to date on the latest and greatest stuff in video gaming.

Why?

In our house, Family Game and Movie Nights are one of the few times we get to spend, doing something we ALL like, together.

Have you heard about the cool new Netflix streaming feature available on the Nintendo Wii system?

Celtic Woman: Songs from the Heart Review & Giveaway

[COMMENTS CLOSED: CONGRATULATIONS, MATT -- COMMENT #22 -- PLEASE CHECK YOUR EMAIL FOR FURTHER INSTRUCTIONS!!!]

I was watching PBS, while in the middle of a self-proclaimed "mommy needs a time out" (last year, I think) when I fell in love with Celtic Woman (figuratively speaking, of course) a 5 member Irish female ensemble, all of whom are extremely talented and awfully gosh-darned pretty, too, DAMMIT!

Then again, I'm a sucker for string instruments and a good set of pipes, not to mention, the modern movement that's recently hit Celtic music -- don't even get me started on the gorgeous that is Celtic Thunder -- so, when Child's Play Communications approached me about their latest Music Mom project (of which, I am also a proud member) I was more than happy to give Celtic Woman: Sounds of the Heart a listen and take them up on an offer to share some Celtic love, with you, too!

Wanna see?

Sharing Redbox Top Ten Family Rentals & 10 Free Rental Codes!

[FINISHED: CONGRATULATIONS, SANDRA (COMMENT #50) LOOKING FORWARD TO SHARING WITH YOU, PLEASE CHECK YOUR EMAIL FOR FURTHER INSTRUCTIONS!!!]

Last month, I personally professed my undying love for renting movies from Redbox. 

Why?

Their pretty little red kiosks are conveniently located at our local Shoprite, Walgreens and Stop and Shop stores.  There are NO membership fees and, since we only pay $1.00 per movie (per day) vending our Friday Night Game and Movie Night dvds is totally budget-friendly.

TGIF! 

My friends at Redbox have offered to help celebrate family fun night with us, by sharing this week's Top Ten Family Rentals and are ALSO sending me 10 (ten) free rental code cards to share!

[drum roll]

Night at the Museum: Battle of the Smithsonian on DVD

[CONGRATULATIONS:  WE'RE SHARING WITH KRISTIE (#21) JENNETTE (#110) KAREN M (#11) PAT (#32) AND VICKIE COUTURIER (#35) PLEASE CHECK YOUR EMAIL FOR FURTHER INSTRUCTIONS!!!]

I've got a confession to make.  Okay, so, I've been crushing on Ben Stiller since, well, forever.  There's just something about the characters he plays; average, every day guys who get mixed up in some really weird situations. 

No matter the movie, I empathize with his character's dorkiness (being a professional dork, my ownself) as he attempts to create some sense of order, out of total chaos (trust me, I know) that makes me think, you know, the man is NOTacting.

Night at the Museum: Battle of the Smithsonian is being released onto DVD on December 1st (Holy Hannah Montana, December is NOT that far away, you know?) so, it's time to get your dork on.

[sound of crickets chirping]

Want one?

Sesame Street: 40 Years of Sunny Days DVD and Commemorative Book Set

[COMMENTS ARE CLOSED:  CONGRATULATIONS SUSAN (#63) ANITA YANCEY (#60) AND AMANDA (#57) PLEASE CHECK YOUR EMAILS FOR FURTHER INSTRUCTIONS!!!]

Sesame Street is turning 40 in November -- Download 40 Years Coloring Sheet!

WOW!  Has it been 40 years, already?  It's hard enough to believe that my oldest daughter is turning 16 (someone, hold me, please!) I mean, it feels like only yesterday, I can still remember her sitting in front of the television, in her Barbie pajamas (don't ask!) eating a bowl of cereal and watching her favorite cartoon, Little Bear.

[sniff]

My middle girl couldn't get enough of Pooh Bear, my son was all about the Power Rangers and my youngest daughter, well, Dora the Explorer was okay -- especially, since she pronounced it, "Do-wuh the Explo-wuh!" -- but, I still cannot seem to wrap my head around the Doodle Bops, who I did NOT link to, only because they've got some really, REALLY LOUD music on their website and, well, mommy's ears are tired.

[shiver]

However, I am proud to admit that all 4 of my children are PBS Kids (me, too) as, I believe there are many benefits to watching good quality television programs -- especially, for families who perhaps lack access to educational resources we take for granted.

My twin brother and I learned to speak English watching children's television shows like, Sesame Street and The Electric Company (My parents immigrated from Hungary during the 1956 Revolution) in fact, these programs were the closest to a preschool education we had, for a lot of kids, too!

Sesame Street is turning 40 (or, celebrating the 10th anniversary of their 29th birthday) with the debut of SESAME STREET: 40 YEARS OF SUNNY DAYS, a two-disc DVD set being released on November 10th from Vivendi Entertainment and Sesame Workshop, the non-profit educational organization behind Sesame Street.

Bedtime Tips For Parents & Our Exclusive Telephone Interview With Elmo

[THIS GIVEAWAY IS CLOSED:  WE HAVE OUR WINNERS - CONGRATULATIONS CINDY (#40) COURTNEY (#46) AND REGGIEMANN (#39) CHECK YOUR EMAIL FOR FURTHER INSTRUCTIONS!!!]

Sesame Street is turning 40! Since 1969, children and adults alike have flocked to the place where multiethnic, multigenerational, and even multispecies residents coexist in harmony.

Raising 4 kids and killer dust bunnies for the last 15 years, I feel it safe to say that our family has dealt with our fair share of bedtime issues.

Lately, my youngest (she's 8) insists that she canNOT sleep in her "big new bed" without her big sister, Holly.

Forget the chance of getting any sleep, on our upcoming vacation, during the myriad of festivities and fireworks, on the 4th of July, right?

Guess what?  It's bedtime on Sesame Street, too.  Aaaand, like my personal in-house muppets, Elmo doesn’t want to go to sleep yet, he wants to play.

We're very excited to have partnered with Sesame Workshop in helping to promote "healthy bedtime habits" and bringing you an exclusive interview with a long-time This Full House favorite bedtime friend, Elmo.

Learning With Super Why and How, Good or Bad, I'm Just a PBS Kid at Heart!

 

Seated left to right are Sandra Sheppard (Director of Children's and Educational Programming, THIRTEEN and Executive Producer of Cyberchase, Franny's Feet and Angelina Ballerina-The Next Steps, coming to PBS Kids in the Fall of 2009) ~  Lesli Rotenberg (Senior Vice President, Children's Media, PBS)  ~ Angela C. Santomero (Creator, Executive Producer and Head Writer of SUPER WHY!)

Last week, I had the pleasure of being invited to PBS headquarters at WNET.ORG, New York City's flagship public TV station, and (along with some of my favorite NYC and New Jersey Mom Bloggers) got a behind-the-scenes look at one of PBS KIDS most popular shows for preschoolers - SUPER WHY!

Why?

These very smart (yet, totally approachable) panel of women creators, producers and writers were speaking about the creation and use of educational media for children.  In turn, PBS KIDS is hosting a series of discussions nationwide with bloggers from Silicon Valley Moms on the role media plays in the lives of their families.

Especially, since parents (like me) have heard (and seen) just about everything BAD there is about children watching television.

Good and bad.

I, for one, wanted to learn more about the process that goes into creating children's programming at PBS KIDS and perhaps finally make peace with the fact that...YES!...I allowed my children to watch television.  A lot of it.  Yep, I'm one of those parents who believe in the benefits of good quality television programs (like the ones the kids and I watched growing up on PBS KIDS) especially, for families who perhaps lack access to educational resources we take for granted.

Like, American-born kids, who started school not being able to read, write, or speak a word of English, like me.

Review and Giveaway: Il Divo - The Promise CD/DVD and Christmas Collection

[This giveaway has ended:   Thank you SO MUCH for visiting with us - WE HAVE A WINNER - Congratulations, Ilissa!!!]

A few years ago -- way before product reviewers and SEO's surfed the Internets -- I wrote a blog post about a terrific new man group I was listening to at the time and, well, I'd link to it, if I could.  But, soon after, I changed blogging platforms and lost about 2 years worth of blog posts.

Because, I roll like that.

After taking a one year hiatus -- I mean, who couldn't use a little time off? -- they're baaaack and Il Divo is sounding and...ahem...looking better than EVUH!

Holiday Picks & Giveaways 2008 - Day 5

[This giveaway has ended: Thank you for visiting our Holiday Open House - WE HAVE OUR WINNERS - congratulations, Heather C, Leah and Julie Donahue!!!]

Welcome to Day 5 of our Holiday Picks & Giveaways 2008 (November 24 - December 1) sponsored by some of the most awesomely generous brands I know, who have graciously agreed to provide some really cool stuff for Her, Him, the Grandparents...okay, isn't it time we ALL put the WIN back into the winter holidays and made re-gifting a rule?!?

Seriously, I've got some really great stuff to share with you.

Our kick-off giveaway drew over 170 entries -- Holy Craps! -- what a great way to celebrate the beginning of Thanksgiving week!

Raising 4 kids (we'll have two teenagers in the house, this year) my husband, Garth (not his real name) and I are trying (really hard) to remember to take back the holidays and keep it as stress free as...well...you know, we've got a little something for everyone and giving away some pretty cool stuff, too:

Day 1 - For the Outdoors:  Lands' End Collection of Warm Fuzzies

Day 2 - For Him: Man Spa Gift Package from Sothys Paris - Because, He's Worth It...too!

Day 3 - For the Home:  Deck the Halls, Clean the Floors and Green Gift Giving

Day 4 - For the Grandparents:  Gift of the Christmas Cookie

Day 5 - For the Whole Family:  Black Friday Night at the Movies...um...Night!

Day 6 - For the Kitchen:  Pillsbury Home is Calling Gift Basket

Day 7 - For the Toy Box:  The Discovery Store

Day 8 - Gifts that Give Back:  Save the Oceans, Adopt a Creature!

My picks, product features and blog posts, as always, are advertorial free.  No one is paying me, to talk about their product.  It's just some really nice stuff that I thought you guys would like, too.

Let's get started, okay?

This Full House Giveaway #24: Review of Scooby Doo and the Goblin King - Own it on DVD!

[This giveaway has ended:  WE HAVE OUR WINNERS - Congratulations, Miss Blondie and Janet F!!!]

Released on DVD September 23, 2008!

There's a new Scooby-Doo original movie in town and - since, we are already BIG fans and always appreciate finding a reason to heat up another bag of popcorn - we recently received a copy and were excited to spend a spooky night on the couch, huddled under a toasty warm blanket, together.

I mean, isn't that what Halloween is all about?

This Full House Giveaway #15: Travel Adventures of Lilly P. Badilly

[This giveaway has ended - THANK YOU! - we have a WINNER!]

The Travel Adventures of Lilly P. Badilly:  Embark upon a Musical Journey to the Rainforest of Cost Rica.

My parents were born in Hungary -- they immigrated to New Jersey in 1956 -- and my twin brother and I were very lucky to have traveled and visited with many of our European relatives, growing up.

My children, not so much.

Although, I truly DO believe it would be a wonderful adventure, traveling abroad with 4 children isn't very cost efficient for our family at the moment.  For now, I'm thankful for television shows like Rick Steves' Europe, or Globe Trekker and the new children's book, "The Travel Adventures of Lilly P. Badilly," that we recently had the privilege of reviewing.

They allow us to visit exotic new places in the comfort of our own living room and we didn't even need a passport!

Hip Hop Harry: Got a good beat and it's easy to dance, too!

As children of the 80's - okay, so I was a teenager, allrightalready - my twin brother and went clubbing together and rocked out in our tres trendy baggie pants, sporting bi-level haircuts and blindingly white high top sneakers; the most humorous characteristics of the decade, really.

My children find that, and thought of their mother ever being hip, laughable.

Unlike their momma, they can dance.

No, really, my husband and I don't have any idea where they get their rhythm from and you won't believe what I caught them doing on the couch, yesterday!?!?

Zula Patrol Explore Space: No safety helmet required.

Last month, I participated in the PBN blog blast featuring The Zula Patrol -  a show on PBS promoting science education among 4-8 year olds - and it gave me an opportunity to talk about how my husband, Garth (not his real name) and I were bringing science back for our kids.

I said then, that this was a children's television program that I could see becoming a new house favorite.

But, could my computer savvy six-year-old sit through 57 minutes of uninterrupted space exploration...without having to use her hands...or, a safety helmet?