April, 2012 | MomStart

WWJD II: The Woodcarver on DVD

April 30, 2012 By Momstart 24 Comments

By Summer:

All moral DVDs have a purpose that is usually evident from the beginning, which usually turns a lot of people off. I wish many could see past the blatant message in order to receive that message as well as a desire to understand the message. WWDJ (a.k.a. What Would Jesus Do) II is about three stories: a divorcing couple, a troubled teenager, and a healing widower who also lost his parents and his own son too soon. WWJD II is about their interwoven lives with needs and how each becomes met when they trust in God to handle their lives with not just words, but with action.

WWJD II stars John Ratzenberger who is most popular for his role as Cliff Clavin in Cheers, and for all his roles in EVERY Pixar movie (the only voice to appear in every single film): in all the Toy Story movies he’s the voice of Hamm, A Bug’s Life as P.T. Flea, Finding Nemo as the School of Moon Fish, The Incredibles as Underminer, in the Cars movies as Mack, Ratatouille as Mustafa, WALL-E as John, Up as Construction Foreman Tom, and Monsters, Inc. as The Abominable Snowman as well as the upcoming Monsters University also as The Abominable Snowman (2013), and Brave as a Scottish Soldier (to be released this summer). No one else in the film is as notable as John Ratzebberger, but it’s not about the actors. It all leads back to the message of this film.

All-in-all I have to say that I did like the movie. I’ve seen worse over the top writing and acting in moral movie. It’s not just about the message; it’s about “will people watch it”, and I think people will if they give it a chance (i.e – add it to their Netflix cue and pass on the word if they like it). The best thing is, this movie has no bad language, no sex, no drugs, and no man to man violence though in the very beginning the teen does get in trouble for vandalizing the church building. But as you can imagine this is what drives the whole movie and how these lives come together.

My Mom Start Review Grade for the WWJD II: The Woodcarver DVD: B-

This is a great DVD for family movie night and to share with tweens and teens. This would be a great junior youth group or youth group movie.

About Summer:

Summer is very active in 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 while cooking up a storm.

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Filed Under: Movie review, Summer Tagged With: Cheers, christian movie, John Ratzebberger, Pixar, Summer, wood carver, woodcarver on DVD, WWJD

Pictures from Closing Night of Tribeca Film Festival With First Responders & Marvel’s The Avengers #theavengersevent

April 30, 2012 By Momstart 29 Comments

Something in the movie Marvel’s The Avengers that you can’t see until Friday was how they actually honored the First Responders of our country in the movie. They were on the scene and they looked heroic while they helped people as The Avengers fought the guys that were impossible for them to defeat. One thing I can show you is how first responders our nations heroes were honored at the Red Carpet event I attended Saturday. During the closing night of the Tribeca Film Festival in New York the First responders had the red carpet treatment. They were given free tickets to the film festival, they were on the carpet with the stars. They were taking their pictures with them and truly honored in a special way. When Robert Downy Junior was introducing the movie he asked all of the first responders and military to stand, then everyone in the room stood to give them a much deserved big warm round of applause. I was honored to be apart of watching everyday heroes having a very special night.

Here is the Pictures from Closing Night of Tribeca Film Festival With First Responders & Marvel’s The Avengers…

Thor: Chris Hemsworth

The Incredible Hulk: Mark Ruffalo

Agent Phil Coulson Clark Gregg

Loki: Tom Hiddleston

Iron Man: Robert Downey Jr.

Maria Hill: Cobie Smulders

Thanks to Disney for the photos, travel and expenses

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Filed Under: Movie review Tagged With: Chris Hemsworth, Clark Gregg, Cobie Smulders, First Responders, Marvel's The Avengers, movie, Movie review, Robert Downey Jr. Mark Ruffalo, The Avengers, Tom Hiddleston, Tribeca Film

Photography: A Flowering Crocodile

April 30, 2012 By Momstart 31 Comments

This photo was taken by Global Resort Homes a great home rental place to stay while on vacation in Kissimmee. If you want to see more photos like this one follow Global Resort Homes on Facebook. You can also follow Kissimmee CVB on facebook or just book a stay and see for yourself.

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Filed Under: photos Tagged With: Global Resort Homes, photography

Stress Awareness Month – DE-Stress with Carex

April 29, 2012 By Momstart 18 Comments

By: Ashley

Did you know that April is Stress Awareness Month? If you’re like me, you might not have even known there was such a thing! Well there is! And here I am telling you to be aware of your stress. This month has been FULL of stress for me. In in the process of moving cross country, helping my sister with her wedding, an doing all of the other million things that any moms do. That has left me more than a little aware of my stress… and the aches and pains that go along with it? UGH! That’s where Carex comes in. They have a complete line of products to help you ease the aches and pains that come with too much stress.

I have a pretty decent history with muscle tension and headaches, so when the stress level goes up, the muscle tension and headaches go up too. I was lucky enough to have my Carex stress care package ready and waiting. In the midst of the boxes, trash, piled up stuff, and utter chaos, I took a little break with my Bed Buddy®: Plush ThermaTherapy® All-Over Comfort Pack. I’ve had a similar product in the past and love them both! It was just what I needed. Taking a minute to just breathe was perfect at such a crazy time.

I also have a Bed Buddy®: Hot/Cold Pack and a Thera-Med®: Sinus Headache Cold Pack. The Hot/Cold Pack is super easy to use. I love the size, shape, and handles on the ends. It makes placing the pack super easy, something I’ve had trouble with using other ice packs. I honestly have to say that I haven’t used the Sinus Cold Pack yet, but can imagine it will come in handy soon. Even if only for the puffy bags building up under my eyes!

I’ve heard that too much stress can be extremely harmful to the body. I know that April is almost over, but really take some time to examine your life and become aware of how much stress you’re dealing with on a regular basis. Breathe…. slowly… and deeply. Just take a minute… and breathe.

About Ashley: Ashley is a mom, wife, sister, daughter, friend, and former teacher working to navigate through the mysterious world of Mommyia. Read more about her adventures at www.Momicles.com and follow her@Momicles2010 .

A product was provided for this review. No compensation was received for this post. All opinions expressed are my own.

Check out the 2012 Holiday Gift Guide

Filed Under: review Tagged With: Bed Buddy®: Plush ThermaTherapy® All-Over Comfort Pack, carex, stress care package

Food Photography: The Avengers The Incredible Hulk Cookies #TheAvengersEvent

April 29, 2012 By Momstart 17 Comments

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Filed Under: photos Tagged With: cookies, movie, photos, The Avengers, The Incredible Hulk

ThinkFun Roll & Play Toddler Learning and Parent Fun

April 29, 2012 By Momstart 17 Comments

Roll & Play, the first game ever designed for toddlers by ThinkFun. Have you heard of ThinkFun? I used to sell some of their products when I worked at a boutique. That was ages ago now that I think of it but I’m familiar with their games like Rush Hour, Zingo and a host of other games that are "addictively fun and sharpen your mind." They thought it was time toddlers got in on the action!

Meet Roll & Play

Roll & Play launched at the Toy Fair, where it was ranked one of the "Top 10" out of 100,000+ games and toys, and hand-selected as evidence of the "Little Learners" trend in toys this year. It was also the only toddler product featured on The View’s "Best of Toy Fair" segment. It’s a loving and joyful first-game experience, Roll & Play bonds child and parent amid laughter and hugs. It offers endless learning opportunities – building confidence, language skills and image/word recognition through creative exploration.

How do you play:

Roll the cube and pick a matching card.

Then together you’ll act out activities

such as “Play pat-a-cake” (Actions),
“Bark like a dog” (Animal sounds) or
“Give 1 hug” (Counting).

It’s a fun way to teach your toddler new concepts and get them thinking outside of the box.

With a range of activities carefully selected to support different phases of toddler development, Roll & Play provides hours of entertainment, building language skills and image/word recognition through creative exploration. Roll & Play gently introduces the basics of game play – taking turns and following rules – without the pressure of competition. Roll & Play draws out natural behaviors that toddlers already want to express, and the game can be easily adapted to fit a child’s abilities and interests.

We received samples that we are going to donate for this review.

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Filed Under: review Tagged With: review, roll & play, thinkfun

Girl In Progress Prize Pack #GirlInProgress

April 28, 2012 By Momstart 288 Comments

New Movie Alert:

GIRL IN PROGRESS will be in theaters starting May 11th.

ABOUT THE FILM
Grace (Eva Mendes) is a single mom. She is too busy juggling work, bills, and the very married Dr. Harford (Matthew Modine), to give her daughter, Ansiedad (Cierra Ramirez) the attention she desperately needs. When Ansiedad’s English teacher, Ms. Armstrong (Patricia Arquette), introduces her students to classic coming-of-age stories, Ansiedad is inspired to skip adolescence and jump-start her life without mom. While Grace becomes preoccupied with the increasing affections of her co-worker (Eugenio Derbez), Ansiedad enlists the help of her loyal friend, Tavita (Raini Rodriguez), to plot her shortcut to "adulthood". But as her misguided plan unravels, Ansiedad and Grace must learn that sometimes growing-up means acting your age.

Do you think you’re going to see it?

We have some fun movie swag today for inspiration

Milani Cosmetic Bundle including eye shadow, lip gloss and nail polish.
Jordana (geared for teens and tweens) Cosmetic Bundle including eye shadow, lip gloss and nail polish.
Pantene Restore Beautiful Lengths shampoo and conditioner

Official Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/GIRLINPROGRESSmovie
Official Trailer: http://youtu.be/mfhlBjUIPss

This giveaway has ended. Congratulations to the winner, Christina F.

All rules can be found under giveaway rules.

Check out the 2012 Holiday Gift Guide

Filed Under: giveaway, Movie review Tagged With: Cierra Ramierez, Eva Mendes, girl in progress, giveaway, Matthew Modine, movie, Patricia Arquette

Energizer Helping Habitat For Humanity Positivenergy

April 28, 2012 By Momstart 148 Comments

For decades Energizer has supported organizations helping to make a positive impact in local communities and around the world, another company after my heart. This spring as part of the Energizer campaign—that’s positivenergy—they’re “building” on that commitment in a new way through a partnership with Habitat for Humanity®. Working with baseball legend and philanthropist Cal Ripken, Jr., Energizer is donating more than $300,000 and 1,000 volunteer hours to Habitat through a multi-city series of volunteer projects to help build new homes and revitalize existing homes for those in need.

Here’s where you can get involved. With the rising cost of utilities, we can all use a little bit of help right? Especially if we have a really hot summer! So, beyond helping Habitat, Energizer is doing something to help us all out. In addition to the series of volunteer projects, you will see the Energizer and Habitat for Humanity partnership coming to the shelves of your favorite stores. Through the Energizer Utility Cash program, you can collect codes from select Energizer battery and lighting products and redeem them online for savings, up to $25 total savings each per person/household/email address, off your own utility bill. You start earning rewards with just two codes and will need 10 codes total to earn the full $25. Or you can help make a positive impact and choose to turn the codes into a donation to Habitat for Humanity®.

Here’s what to do:

To get everyone started collect specially-marked packages of Energizer_® MAX AA batteries.

1. Once you are finished collecting your codes, visit www.nowthatspositivenergy.com/utilities to enter your codes.

2. You must enter your codes all at once.

3. The last day to redeem codes is 3/31/13 at 11:59 p.m. ET.

This giveaway has ended. Congratulations to the winner, Erin E.

Please see the giveaway rules.

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Filed Under: giveaway Tagged With: Energizer, giveaway, Habitat For Humanity

CouponCabin $50 Disney Store Gift Card

April 28, 2012 By Momstart 712 Comments

The most common complaint about coupon sites is that their coupons just don’t work. I’ve often run into that trying to save some extra money and it’s frustrating sometimes I don’t find out until I’m at the checkout page. Coupon Cabin does things differently so you don’t run into that problem. There are plenty of coupon sites out there that let anyone put up any old code and then make you do all the work to tell them whether it actually worked or not. And somehow this is supposed to be “social” and “fun”? Like I said, I just find it frustrating.

They rigorously test our coupons at least three times a week to ensure they work every time. They’re so confident that they are willing to guarantee it! Throughout the site, you’ll find offers marked with a gold star that marks “Guaranteed to Work.” If for some reason one of these coupons doesn’t work, they promise to buy you dinner! They will give you a certificate so you can get dinner on them.

Today, I have a giveaway for you furnished by them. They have special coupons for the Disney Store.

Note: for an even bigger value–I recommend the Free Shipping over $75 coupon at CouponCabin right now.

And Finally, I imagine that you all want to save on gas this summer. Winning is saving right? Go enter the CouponCabin gas giveaway for a chance to win a $1,500 AMEX gas card as well.

“By entering this promotion, each participant agrees to release, indemnify and hold harmless the Sponsor and its parent companies, affiliates and subsidiaries and their respective representatives, officers, directors, shareholders, agents and employees from and against any injuries, losses, damages, claims, actions or liability of any kind resulting from or arising from participation in this promotion.”

This giveaway has ended. Congratulations to the winner, Carol B.

Please see the giveaway rules.

Check out the 2012 Holiday Gift Guide

Filed Under: giveaway Tagged With: coupon site, Couponcabin, deal site, Disney, Disney store, giveaway, savings

Check Out The Albertsons’ Baby & Toddler Aisle

April 28, 2012 By Momstart 487 Comments

Sitting here trying to work just reminds me that I need to go to the grocery store. I’m out of a lot of things and Albertsons is the closest grocery store to my house. We love running in there whenever we need something for dinner and I need vegetables tonight. When the kids were little I would usually get their baby food at Albertsons too. Why? Yes one reason was because it was convenient to get it there. I was already going my grocery shopping and their food was on the list too but also because when they had good deals they had good deals and they often have good deals. April is pretty much over but it was baby month and last month they were full of deals. But have no fear, it’s Albertsons and the sales never end there.

You just have to keep your eyes peeled!!!

To celebrate being a mother and the quality products that Albertsons sells for mothers and their babies they sent me some products. I’d forgotten how many different brands they carried for baby food and skincare products. They sell everything you need to take care of a baby.

They sent me Beech Nut items that have Winnie the Pooh characters on them. And surprisingly almost all of the food they sent was organic or all natural. Albertsons even sent a kit to make your own baby food and things to clean up with too. I love Johnson’s baby wash. Not only can you clean up your baby with these products they also have special tools to clean your bottles, oh and get your bottles and pacifiers there too. Just look at all these products: