2011 June — MomStart

Field of Vision Video Camera

June 7, 2011 By Momstart 880 Comments

Have you ever seen the footage from the old Charlie Chaplin Movie where people speculate that the person in the background of the movie is a time traveler with a cell phone. It’s really creepy footage of someone walking behind the action and they look like they are talking on something up to their ear. The camera caught it….

That’s what Field of Vision reminds me of except it’s not creepy at all.

Through mysterious footage captured on an old malfunctioning video camera, Sinclair High School’s star quarterback, Tyler McFarland, learns that some of his teammates have been bullying Cory Walker, a troubled new transfer student. Aware that sharing this information with the coach might get his friends kicked off the team and ultimately cost the school the state championship, Tyler must choose what’s more important: winning or doing what’s right. As these events unfold, the camera also reveals more surprising footage to Tyler’s kid sister Lucy, as she learns that Cory has a secret past, unknown even to him. Now Lucy must convince her mom (Faith Ford, Murphy Brown) and family that the camera’s revealing insight is not a product of her imagination as she enlists their help to find the answers Cory so desperately needs.

The newest installment from Procter & Gamble and Walmart’s Family Movie night initiative is bringing quality entertainment back to the television. Field of Vision is a teenage football movie safe for the whole family keeping out the locker room scenes and the focus of the movie is on Cory Walker and his needs and not all of the teenage angst that usually goes along with football movies.

Be sure to watch Field of Vision on Saturday June 11th at 8/7c on NBC

This giveaway has ended. Congratulations to Tina M.

Filed Under: giveaway Tagged With: Family movie night, Field of Vision, giveaway, P&G, Procter and Gamble, Video camera, Walmart

Wordless Wednesday Painting While Mom is Away

June 7, 2011 By Momstart 35 Comments

Filed Under: personal, Wordless Wednesday Tagged With: Wordless Wednesday

Summer Reading with iVillage PBS and Scholastic “Raising Readers”

June 7, 2011 By Momstart Leave a Comment

Kids are out for Summer and I’ve been getting press releases saying “don’t let your kids brain turn to mush” “kids play to many video games” “3D is safe” “3D is not safe” “kids no longer use their imagination”, ok so some of those are paraphrased, but seriously, what will we do with our kids all summer long? Of course we’ll send them outside as much as we can, but we need to have activities for them inside too and one of the best ways to keep their minds active and stimulated over the summer is to get them reading.

Now, at our current state, 3 year old Miles and 4 year old Zoe love to look at books and pretend to read. They love to sit and listen to me read. Miles has the attention span of a 3 year old boy, but that’s about what I expect for him. So, what if you’re kids aren’t into books? What should you do?

PBS KIDS is teaming up with iVillage to keep kids excited about reading. Starting yesterday, June 6th running all summer long you can join the iVillage PBS KIDS Summer Reading Community Challenge. PBS KIDS and iVillage would love for your family and friends to join the summer reading mission. The 6-week program to help children discover the joys of reading is free to Sign up. When you sign up at iVillage you will receive:

A daily email with fun activities to build reading skills
Tricks and advice from your Challenge coach

Challenge Coach, Angela Santomero, Creator, Executive Producer and Head Writer of SUPER WHY!, will provide daily reading activity assignments, answer parent questions and offer advice throughout the online event.

Great book suggestions for kids of all ages
Tips from other parents taking the challenge
A chance to win daily prizes

PBS KIDS will also offer other summer literacy resources on-air and online, with themed weeks airing on PBS KIDS, as well as online tips and resources for parents to use with their children this summer.

And for even more tips ideas and book suggestions don’t forget about Scholastic, they’re in on this special program too. At Scholastic’s website kids can log into their account and log their reading minutes and enter sweepstakes. When they reach the weekly goal they will have the opportunity to win digital prizes and help to set a new world reading record for the summer of 2011. We had the opportunity to host a small reading party. We shared books, tips and all of the events going on with PBS, iVillage and Scholastic.

My husband and I have been discussing a weekly trip to the library too. Our local library has story time for different age groups every morning, and also has an age appropriate computer station for the kids to explore. Libraries usually have summer reading programs and suggestions for parents to get their kids reading too. Be sure to get your children reading this summer.

Disclosure: We received samples to share with our friends for a Summer “Raising Readers” party.

Filed Under: Announcement Tagged With: iVillage, PBS, scholastic, Summer Reading

When it Rains It Pours, Literally

June 6, 2011 By Momstart 13 Comments

Yesterday started off as a really great day. The weather was beautiful, I enjoyed the company of other bloggers, had my hair and make up done, came home, started whipping out posts for the blog and all the sudden I hear my husband say, “we have a problem”. He seemed so calm for what I was about to find in our garage, so I was really surprised.

It was raining in our garage! Really, water was dripping from the ceiling of our garage in multiple places. My first thought was something is severely wrong with our air conditioner, because to me it looked like that was where the water was coming from, but there was so much water. Suddenly I hear my husband again, it’s not the A/C honey. It was the kids’ toilet running over, and over and over. Not only was the water running but it was poopy water. So Gross! My husband stopped the onslaught of water and cleanup began, and so did the freaking out.

After going back and forth with my husband we decided to call someone to make sure our house was ok. Good thing we did because the house is far from ok. I mean, water came down from the celling into the garage and because it was soiled water, EVERYTHING has to be replaced. We haven’t even finished discovering how far the water damage goes.

The whole bathroom has to be gutted, the walls have to be cut out up to two feet, the insulation has to go, the A/C has to be turned off until we have confirmation that the contamination did not go into ducts (did I mention it’s been a little warm outside). Both of the kids rooms are losing a wall and carpet. We have fans all throughout the house to help dry everything that got wet.

How are the kids doing throughout all this, well, since they have to sleep in mom and dad’s room they think it’s an on going slumber party. They are having a blast. Me on the other hand, I think I’m going to lose my mind. Why is it that whenever I need to deal with the house, talk to someone on the phone, or take one minute for myself, suddenly the kids slumber party is over and all hell breaks loose between the two of them?

Filed Under: personal Tagged With: house

Mr. Poppers Penguins Fandango Giveaway

June 6, 2011 By Momstart 410 Comments

I’ve never read Mr. Poppers Penguins, but it looks like we’re going to be seeing the Hollywood version of it soon. In theaters June 17! The summer movie season’s first live-action family comedy event stars Jim Carrey, whose chilly relationship with his family heats up after he inherits six adorable, lovable and mischievous penguins.

MR. POPPER’S PENGUINS is a based on the award winning classic children’s book.

Release Date              June 17^thGenre                          Family Comedy
Studio                         20^th Century Fox
Starring                      Jim Carrey, Carla Gugino, and Angela Lansbury
Directed By                 Mark Waters
Produced By               John Davis

After sacrificing everything– friends, family, and even his own happiness for his career, when Thomas Popper (Jim Carrey) inherits a crate that contains six unforgettable penguins, his life is turned upside down.

In the book Mr. Popper is a poor house painter who dreams of traveling to many far places around the world. He is an avid reader, and usually reads magazines about famous people and distant lands. One day, the Popper family tunes in to a radio broadcast by an Admiral Drake, who is exploring Antarctica. The admiral answers a letter from Mr. Popper on-air and promises him a surprise in the mail. The surprise is a penguin and that is where his adventure begins.

Now you get the chance to see the differences for yourself.

Enter to Win:

1 winner

· $25 Fandango Bucks
· Copy of the book (movie tie-in version)

2 other winners

Copy of the book (movie tie-in version)

To Enter:

Just leave a comment telling me what you would do with a bunch of penguins left on your door.

Extra Entries:

Tweet or RT this post and include the link to the post

Win Tickets to See Mr. Poppers Penguins $25 Fandango Bucks #Giveaway @MomStart http://bit.ly/juzMUH

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This giveaway ends June 20th. All rules can be found under giveaway rules.

Prizing courtesy of 20^th Century Fox

Filed Under: giveaway Tagged With: fandango, movie announcement, mr poppers, Mr. Poppers Penguins

Neutrogena’s New Wet Skin Sunblock Spray Video

June 6, 2011 By Momstart 2 Comments

Thanks to Mom Central Consulting on behalf of Neutrogena, we received a sample of four different types of Neutrogena’s New Wet Skin Sunblock. Luckily, the sun finally showed itself in our lovely state of Washington. I was beginning to wonder if it would ever come out this Spring, it’s been such a cold year. Even though the sun wasn’t out full blast, it’s still important to be wearing sunblock everyday. I forget that sometimes. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, up to 80 percent of the sun’s UV rays can pass through clouds on a cloudy day. Which is why my own doctor tells me to lather it on every single day.

Using the Neutrogena Wet Skin spray makes 20 minutes of my life turn into 5. The kids, Miles especially hates having sunscreen put on. He screams, he kicks, he yells, it’s awful. I hate holding the kids down for anything, but as a mom I do what I have to do. Which is why, I really like using the spray sun blocks.

Not only does it make the initial application easier, but reapplication too, even in the middle of playing at the water park. The new Neutrogena Wet Skin Sunblock Sprays for adults and kids are specifically designed to apply and adhere directly to wet skin. Now you can apply sunblock without having to towel off your kids (from sweat or water), making the reapplication process that much easier on mom and kid! Remember it’s very important to reapply throughout the day. The Skin Cancer Foundation states "reapplication of sunscreen is just as important as putting it on in the first place" and advises to "reapply the same amount every two hours."

I’ve asked my kids doctors about the different kinds of sunblock and the concern of one sunblock over the other, and she told me, the most important thing is to make sure they have sun block on them. PERIOD. I trust my doctor, and I trust Neutrogena. You should do your own research and determine what’s best for your family.

Available in SPF options of 30, 50, 85 and an SPF 70 for kids, the Neutrogena Wet Skin Sunblock sprays will have your entire family covered. Using Neutrogena’s patented Helioplex Technology, in combination with unique waterproof technologies, the Wet Skin product cuts through water, forming a protective barrier on skin and provides superior sun protection from damaging UVA/UVB rays.

Save $2 on all Neutrogena sunscreen products.

I wrote this review while participating in a blog tour campaign by Mom Central Consulting on behalf of Neutrogena and received sunscreen and other Neutrogena products as a thank you for my participation.

Filed Under: review, VLog Tagged With: american academy of Dematology, Neutrogena, Skin Cancer Foundation, Sun Block, sunblock review

McCormick World Flavors Review & Giveaway

June 5, 2011 By Momstart 320 Comments

When it comes to cooking meat and how to flavor it, I’m honestly at a loss. I do the same simple thing every time because I just don’t know how to combine different spices to get an exotic flavor. Oh who am I kidding, I’d settle for a flavor that the whole family would love and eat. Meat is the most challenging ingredient in our house.

McCormick recently sent me a World Flavors kit. The World Flavors kit comes complete with product samples of each new variety (6 total). The World Flavors recipe packs are from the McCormick recipe Inspirations which are premeasured spices and a recipe card needed to create an inspiring meal. The first Recipe Inspirations pack that I used was the Apple and Sage Pork Chops. It was so easy to use and it came out beautifully!

Each spice you need is premeasured and easy to pour.

You don’t have to worry about forgetting a spice because they are all included. The recipe card has directions on how to create an entire dish, but I used the spices and created my own dish as you can see above. Everyone liked it and enjoyed the meat. I was even given the green light to cook it again, which in our house is very rare for meat. Thank you McCormick for creating a product that helps me save time when planning a meal, save time at the grocery store when looking for spices I need, for saving me time when looking in a cookbook, and for saving my time with premeasured ingredients to use.

Enter to Win:

The World Flavors kit with 6 total seasoning packages

To Enter:

Tell me which of the Recipe Inspirations you would most like to try.

Extra Entries:

Tweet or RT this post and include the link to the post

Win 6 Recipe Inspirations from McCormick’s World Flavors @MomStart http://bit.ly/jdlcuQ

This giveaway ends June 20th. All rules can be found under giveaway rules.

Disclosure – A product was provided to me free of charge by the manufacturer or representing PR agency for the writing of this review; however, opinions expressed are my own and are NOT influenced by monetary compensation

Filed Under: giveaway Tagged With: Cooking, McCormick, recipe, spices, World Flavors

Supernatural: The Complete Second Season on Blu-ray

June 5, 2011 By Momstart 1 Comment

Science fiction is and always has been one of my favorite genres to read and watch on TV. I love watching anything and everything that has the slightest bit of the supernatural in it. I love watching vampires, monsters, and things that go bump in the night. Spooky and scary then sign me up. The TV series, Supernatural has always been right up my alley as far as late night entertainment goes.

In Season 2 of Supernatural, the Winchester brothers face a wide assortment of otherworldly creatures including werewolves, shape shifters, ghosts, zombies, vampires and a clown demon. Now thinking back to what actually happened is Season 2 is really hard for me. I’m not even sure if I actually saw all of Season 2. What I remember most is when Sam actually turned evil and his brother Dean has to save him. If you were to come face to face with that monster, what would you do?

If I came up to a monster, I would probably scream my head off and run the other way. I don’t have any super powers so how would I defend myself. I’m not the type of person that’s equipped for monsters, I don’t have the tools to slaughter them with. I think I could handle the fact that they are real but I would have a hard time becoming good friends with them and if it came to them wanting me for supper, not being the guest but being the meal, well, I’d probably be wishing that the Winchester brothers were real too. So they could scare them away.

How would you deal with a monster face to face?

Order your copy of Supernatural: The Complete Second Season on Blu-ray here today

Disclosure: I have been hired by Warner Bros. WBWord division to promote Supernatural: The Complete Second Season on Blu-ray. All opinions of how much I do LOVE the show are my own, thank you very much!

Filed Under: Announcement Tagged With: blu-ray, Season 2, Supernatural, WBWord

Transformers: Beast Wars Season 1 Giveaway

June 5, 2011 By Momstart 169 Comments

I’ve always been a huge fan of transformers. There’s something about having a car that can turn into a robot looking thing that can turn into….anything. When I was a little girl was when transformers were first launched. Hasbro launched the Transformer toy line in 1984 igniting the toy popularity and a cartoon series, that survied until 1987. In the late 1990’s Beast Wars reminded children everywhere what was so much fun about the Transformers.

Brace yourself to relive some of the most epic TRANSFORMERS battles and non-stop action adventures through the 15^th Anniversary release of BEAST WARS. In 1996, TRANSFORMERS fans were introduced to this stunning saga between the heroic MAXIMALS and the evil PREDACONS wherethese powerful TRANSFORMERS disguised themselves as some of the fiercest and most ferocious animals on Earth. In a flash of an instant, these beasts turned into battle-tested robot warriors ready for combat. Created by Hasbro and produced by Mainframe Entertainment, the hugely successful animated series TRANSFORMERS: BEAST WARS ran for three successful television seasons and garnered an Emmy® Award for Outstanding Individual Achievement in Animation.

On June 7, 2011, Shout! Factory, in collaboration with Hasbro, Inc., will unleash the TRANSFORMERS: BEAST WARS Season One 4-DVD set, featuring all 26 visually stunning episodes and exciting bonus features. A must-have for fans and families, this DVD set promises to keep you on the edge of your seat with exciting adventures and is priced to own at $29.93 SRP.

Beast Wars was just a tad bit too scary for our kids to watch. They wanted to watch it but they also said, mommy that’s too scary. So we’re going to be giving this to our reviewer Summer to review. I think she’ll get a chance to sit down with her son and watch some of it. Everything I read about it on Amazon said that it’s EXCELLENT and people are quite excited to see it on DVD like this. I read on Amazon that it’s better than the original series, and since I remember the original series better than this one and how much I liked it, It’s got to be really good.

Tell me what you think!

Enter to Win:

Beast Wars Season 1

To Enter:

Leave me a comment telling me which character from the slide show above that you like the most.

Extra Entries:

Tweet or RT this post and include the link to the post

Win Transformers Beast Wars Season 1 on DVD @MomStart ends 6/20 http://bit.ly/k7Eaif

This giveaway ends June 20th. All rules can be found under giveaway rules.

Filed Under: giveaway Tagged With: Beast Wars, Shout Factory, Transformers

Children’s Book Review: My Dad My Hero By Ethan Long

June 5, 2011 By Momstart 2 Comments

My FAVORITE Father’s Day gifts are ones my children and husband can use together. I’ve bought books in the past for my husband to share with our children. A book is a great gift for both parties, and is usually a surprise for both parties as daddy doesn’t know, and as younger children the kids would forget we purchased the book together (so my 4YO now remembers but my 22MO forgets). On of this year’s gifts is also a book, My Dad, My Hero by Ethan Long.

This is a super cute book about dad not being a super hero, but still being his child’s hero. The pictures depict the dad not being able to do superhero stunts, but he can and does spend time with his child and that is super!

Ethan Long’s art in My Dad, My Hero is dot-art like; bringing a very unique look to this new book. Eathan Long is known for his animations Farm Force and ZeFronk. Farm Force‘s pilot won the Nextoons: 2005 Nicktoons Film Festival Viewer’s Choice Award and is currently in development with Porchlight Entertainment. ZeFronk was one of my 4YO’s favorite Playhouse Disney shorts, which is a kid’s cooking show starring a wiener dog.

You can get your own My Dad, My Hero book by Ethan Long just in time for Father’s Day for only $12.99 or less.

You can find Sourcebooks on their website. To keep up with recent releases, Like Sourebooks on Facebook and track them on Twitter @Sourcebooks.

Other Sourcebooks reviewed by Mom Start include: Rocket Town by Bob Logan, Horrid Henry by Francesca Simon, and Dream Big Little Pig by Kristi Yamaguchi

About Summer:

Summer is the President of our Local MOMS Club chapter, she is the mother of two adorable active boys, and is always thinking of ways to help others. She is a friend, a wife, and always busy as all mommies are. She is very active on Facebook, addicted to Geocaching and very interested in organic and green living.

Filed Under: review, Summer Tagged With: Children's book, My Dad My Hero, Sourcebooks

Field of Vision Video Camera

Wordless Wednesday Painting While Mom is Away

Summer Reading with iVillage PBS and Scholastic “Raising Readers”

When it Rains It Pours, Literally

Mr. Poppers Penguins Fandango Giveaway

Enter to Win:

To Enter:

Extra Entries:

Neutrogena’s New Wet Skin Sunblock Spray Video

McCormick World Flavors Review & Giveaway

Enter to Win:

To Enter:

Extra Entries:

Supernatural: The Complete Second Season on Blu-ray

Transformers: Beast Wars Season 1 Giveaway

Enter to Win:

To Enter:

Extra Entries:

Children’s Book Review: My Dad My Hero By Ethan Long

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