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BOSCH Premium Dishwasher Features to Love

August 17, 2018 by Momstart 1 Comment

This is a sponsored blog post by Best Buy, our opinions are our own.

I often get asked by Best Buy to write informational pieces on different products that they sell in their stores. I love doing it because we like to stay up to date on tech, in this instance though, I actually have a BOSCH Premium Dishwasher and can share with you first hand how much I like mine.

Number one reason to love the BOSCH Premium Dishwashers is because they are so quite. They are the quietest dishwasher brand in the U.S. It has 18 sound reducing technologies and an InfoLight that lets you know it is running.

I also love that the dishes come out clean. It’s reliable. I count on it to get my dishes clean and running without a need for repairs. Bosch is the most reliable dishwasher brand with the lowest repair rate according to a leading consumer publication. Also according to a leading consumer publication, Bosch owns 5 of the top 10 drying scores out of 160 tested dishwashers. Condensation drying sets Bosch apart.

It comes with a 3rd rack that adds 30% more loading area, because you can put flat things in that top area. In all honestly, we took out our third rack. But it’s there if you want it and have a sue for it. The Adjustable Rackmatic™ rack provides 9 adjustable positions giving you maximum loading flexibility. There are a variety of designs available to fit in any kitchen.

In Love With Fingerlings Hugs

August 17, 2018 by Momstart 1 Comment

We received a sample from WowWee and we can’t get enough of him, meet, Fingerlings Hugs….

Fingerlings Hugs is the most adorable little monkey out there. Just watch some of the sounds he makes on this video my kids made.

I honestly can’t get over how cute this monkey is. You should get one before they are out of stock. So WowWee has come out with three new toys this month and all of them make adorable sounds. We reviewed the Ferocious Friday with WowWee’s Untamed T-Rex and the Alive Lion which we have two chances for you to win here: Two Chances to Win Alive Lion & Tiger Cubs Giveaway.

Fingerlings® HUGS™ is an adorable stuffed monkey with a lot of spunk. He has long arms and is able to hang from the chandelier as you can see on our video. Fingerlings Hugs likes to be swung by you and makes happy noises when you swing them. You can pet them, put them to sleep and give them kisses. They kiss you back. One of my favorite features of the Fingerlings Hugs is the ability to record your own words and sayings. My son started making it say, “I’m the Monkey King here to take over the world”. And then Fingerlings Hugs says it in his sweet sweet voice and it just makes you laugh out loud.

So the monkey comes in pink and blue. The pink one is named Bella and the blue one is named Boris. They fart, burp, laugh and just love to be loved. They whistle at you when you ignore them. So don’t ignore your Fingerlings Hugs. They retail for 29.99. For more information, check them out here!

“Get ready for tons of fun interactions like never before! Fingerlings HUGS will give you serious smooches and next-level love. Their toots will make you hoot and they’re always game for a tickle fight! Swing them to your heart’s content, or throw them and turn them upside down for different reactions! They’ll respond to everything you do. They’ll even try to imitate you! That’s because when you talk, HUGS talk! Discover all of the fun and wacky ways you can play and get that main squeeze Fingerlings feeling. “

AuCuTee White Noise Machine

August 17, 2018 by Momstart Leave a Comment

We received a sample from AuCuTee.com– a manufacturer for white noise machine sleep.

When my children were babies one of the best things we did was use a white noise machine. These things are amazing at calming down babies and helping them fall asleep.

These kids of mine would love to be bundled and I would put on the white noise and let them go off to sleepy land. So when we received the offer from AuCuTee to review their white noise machine we took the offer. First the kids made an unboxing video and then we tested it out. Then they both told me they were taking it and keeping it. Sigh, the kids still want a white noise machine. I’m actually not even sure why I took it away.

Watch our unboxing video and product discovery:

The company is offering a coupon code: 20% OFF code to buy it from them on Amazon. (20% OFF: 20PAB3ST)

Visit https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07DW4S7CZ to purchase it.

About the AuCuTee White Noise

Classic white noise sound machine, it’s designed to help mask unwanted, uncontrollable, disturbing noises that interfere with your ability to sleep, relax, or concentrate

Works great on my kids.

Featuring with real fan to generate natural and constant airflow soothing sound, playing mode also can be set 30 or 60 minutes automatic turn-off timer if needed

Great to set a timer and then leave in the babies room under the crib.

Dual built-in USB charging ports with DC 5V/1A, it can be connected to charge your phones/tablets or other devices at night

Real Fan Inside

First and foremost, this fan noise machine is by far the most customize white noise machine on the market.

While most simply loop repetitive audio tracks, the AuCuTee Fan Noise Machine uses a dual-speed asymmetrical fan to actually create soothing noise.

The resulting sound is one of rushing air that is soft and pleasant to listen to.

It sounds like a cross between a fan and the comforting “shushing” noise parents make,it is also a simple, no-frills sound, but it is great for masking outside noises that keep you up at night.
Customize Your Sound

Better yet, This noise machine with fan built-in has two speeds (slow and high) of “rushing air”.

The adjustable case can be twisted to adjust the tone. It is great that you can fine-tune the exact sound that comes out.

The movable panels do not move a huge amount, but with the tiniest adjustment, you can change the sound considerably.

What the best is that there is just one button, with three settings: off, and two different speeds.

The adjustable center portion of the device also utilizes a series of slanted vents, which can be shifted to allow more or less air to move through them.

This increase or decrease in airflow allows you to choose from an arrange of volumes and tones.
Simply the Best

The all-natural sound of the AuCuTee Classic is noise-reducing, sleep-inducing magic.
Easy to Use

Just plug it in and flip the switch to choose your volume; “high” speed is to make fan sound loud enough. “low”speed is for quiet environment.

The AuCuTee real fan sounds is simply effective, with no complicated interface. It’s everything you need and nothing you don’t.
Package included

1 X Fan White Noise Machine

Sugar Free Keto Chocolate: ChocZero

August 16, 2018 by Momstart Leave a Comment

We received samples.

ChocZero KETO BARK is this new found to us, chocolate that is sugar free and Keto friendly. It’s full of fiber and just amazing. We received two different flavors and I love both of them. I love the dark chocolate flavor (Dark Chocolate with Sea Salt) more but I do love both of them (Milk Chocolate). I even shared them with family and noticed how quickly they ate them as well. SO So good. I’m going to have to go out and get some more for myself now that they showed me how amazing it is.

ChocZero uses a zero-calorie, low carb natural plant called monk fruit to create delectable chocolate that’s low carb and sugar-free. Don’t settle while eating healthy!

ChocZero is a gluten free, soy free, and sugar alcohol-free company. They are also Kosher certified.

The ChocZero team consists of people who have friends and family living with diabetes and a sugar-free lifestyle. This motivated them to create a product that minimizes an aftertaste while providing a decadent treat!

I also just found out about ChocZero’s delectable Honest Syrups.

These sugar-free and alcohol-free syrups are perfect for topping a warm beverage, drizzled over ice cream or even pairing with morning pancakes and waffles.

With flavors blueberry, strawberry, chocolate, maple, and more – there’s a flavor for every occasion!

I think these products would make a great gift basket for any occasion. With fall coming up, putting together the syrups and the chocolates in a basket would make a great gift to take to someone’s house for any party. Probably would make a great teachers gift as well. Just something you might want to think about.

Fancy Nancy Toy Giveaway

August 16, 2018 by Momstart Leave a Comment

A little over a month ago we visited Disney Animation Studios and found out they they now own Fancy Nancy and are making the most adorable tv series. You can check out our Disney Junior’s Fancy Nancy interview.

Then we also have a preview of the entire toy line. Here is the New Fancy Nancy Toy Line #FancyNancyEvent.

TO give you guys even more fun we decided to partner up with

Life She Has to bring you a FUN giveaway! In honor of Fancy Nancy on Disney Jr, we are giving away a prize pack of Fancy Nancy toys, courtesy of Jakks Pacific. All toys can be found at Target!

Six-year-old Nancy is excited to experience what the world has to offer and to celebrate the differences that make everyone unique. Fancy Nancy airs on Disney Jr (check your local listings for times)

Enter below – Ends 8/31 US 18+ Only

a Rafflecopter giveaway
*thanks to Jakks Pacific for sending products in order to facilitate this post!

Our Back To School Shopping Haul at Justice

August 16, 2018 by Momstart 1 Comment

This is sponsored by Justice

Zoe and I attended the Justice Pep Rally this past weekend to get excited about heading back-to-school this fall! The Pep Rally was a blast, with activities like decorating signs and pennants so Zoe could show her creative side! She even ended up putting stickers all over me and her grandmother! We did some shopping and picked up the latest styles and accessories for back-to-school.

Justice is the perfect one-stop-shop for your mini fashionista’s needs for school! Justice has new backpacks, lunch boxes, accessories, and clothes for an amazing first day outfit sure to impress.

Another reason we love shopping at Justice is because of all the ways you can save big! One way is by joining their monthly rewards program, where your daughter receives a gift on her birthday as well as monthly coupons!

Also, they have great deals like:

$50 off when you spent $150
$25 off when you spent $100
$10 off when you spent $50

During the Pep Rally, gift cards were given away for even more savings! Zoe’s grandmother and I each won one, adding more fun to back-to-school shopping options.

She lives in Justice’s clothing lines!

During checkout, we received a $25 coupon, which works like cash, to use in September for even more Justice styles! That means we’ll be back soon for more shopping fun!

Zoe created a shopping haul video if you want to see some of the fun things that are currently new in the store! To see the rest of the latest fashions, check out our photos below the video:

I love this maroon color:

In the video and some photos below, you can see this blue shirt that Zoe picked out. It’s another great color Justice has in their stores this year.

Also, don’t forget to download the Justice app on iTunes

HERE where you can shop on the go for the latest styles, make wish lists, get exclusive content, and more!

Two Chances to Win Alive Lion & Tiger Cubs Giveaway

August 14, 2018 by Momstart 9 Comments

We received the most adorable Lion Cub from WowWee so we could write this review and give one away to you guys so stay tuned for our giveaway, and we also have a second chance to win from our friend Life She Has. Her daughter also recieved the Wowwee Alive Tiger Cub (gifted to her from Wowwee) and was SO excited to start snuggling and playing!

We loved the Alive Tiger so much that we made a video of the little guy. SO check out all these fun sounds the Alive Tiger makes and according to the box this wasn’t all of them.

The Alive Lion Cub is so cute and so adorable it was hard to part with. We did share it though and gave it to one of our cousins. She quickly fell in love with it as well. She was cuddling with it a great deal.

Alive Lion & Tiger Cubs (Ages 3+; $29.99) make for the perfect childhood companion 24/7, turning all-day play into night-time cuddles. Equipped with blinking eyes, an animated mouth, and baby animal babbles that sound when you pet its head or cradle it in your arms, your cub will come to life before your eyes and create a realistic playtime experience like no other! These precious playmates are a Walmart exclusive in the U.S. and Canada

I really think this guy would be an excellent toy for kids this year for Christmas. This will for sure be in our Holiday Gift Guide. I really am impressed with WowWee as a toy brand and the toys they came out with this year. This might be a toy I would get for others because it makes just the right amount of sounds. It’s not annoying it all, it adorable!!

There are so many ways to play with these interactive plush pets! They respond to your touch with blinking eyes & a mouth that opens and closes. They make adorable baby animal sounds when you stroke their heads. They know when you are cradling them in your arms and you can rock them to sleep.

Wowwee Alive comes in both Tiger Cub and Lion Cub and is available exclusively at Walmart for $34.97. You can WIN one with me!

Enter To Win:

giveaway one ends 8/30/2018. Winner will have either the Tiger Cub or the Lion Cub sent based on availability from the sponsor.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Giveaway Two is our giveaway here at MomStart:

To Enter tell us which cub you hope for in the comments

Extra Entries use the rafflecopter

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Bring Home Avengers: Infinity War Today

August 14, 2018 by Momstart 1 Comment

Today is the day you can bring home a copy of Avengers: Infinity War to enjoy with the whole family. My husband loves going to the theater to see the movies, but what he loves even more is setting up his surround sound to his liking, turning on the closed captions and then taking it all in without the noise of others we enjoy the movie even more.

We loved watching Avengers: Infinity War in the theaters and I can’t wait to watch it again at home, once I get home again. We have been traveling like crazy. I wish I had brought our copy on vacation with us, because I’m really sick today and it would be nice to take a break from the pool and the ocean and sit and enjoy all of the extra features this disc has to offer.

Check it out:

Avengers: Infinity War Extras

The 4K Cinematic Universe Edition’s never-before-seen bonus material grants behind-the-scenes access to MCU members and features the memorable moments when characters first meet, the rationale behind some unexpected on-screen pair-ups, and a funny Super Hero gag reel. Featurettes explore the frighteningly powerful Thanos and two action-packed attempts to prevent his collection of all six Infinity Stones: the struggle on Titan and the massive battle in Wakanda. Deleted scenes and filmmaker commentary reveal even more on-set secrets from Marvel Studios’ monumental undertaking.

The Multi-Screen Edition includes a Blu-ray and a Digital Copy of the film, giving viewers the flexibility to watch the film on different devices. Those with 4K Ultra HD capability may opt for a 4K Cinematic Universe Edition, which includes a 4K Ultra HD disc, a Blu-ray, and a Digital Copy.

And for those who wish to catch up on their MCU history, select retailers are also offering bundled packaging as well as individual Digital and Physical releases of “Marvel’s The Avengers” and “Avengers: Age of Ultron.”

BONUS MATERIAL (may vary by retailer):

Blu-ray & Digital:

· Strange Alchemy (5:08)– Share the thrill of characters from across the MCU meeting for the first time—and discover why some were teamed up together.

· The Mad Titan (6:34) – Explore the MCU’s biggest, baddest villain, his trail of influence through the stories, and the existential threat he represents.

· Beyond the Battle: Titan (9:36) – Dive into the climactic struggle on Thanos’ ruined world, including the epic stunts and VFX, to uncover the source of its power.

· Beyond the Battle: Wakanda (10:58) – Go behind the scenes to find out how the filmmakers pulled off the most massive and challenging battle Marvel had ever attempted.

· Deleted and Extended Scenes (10:07)

· Happy Knows Best (1:23) – Tony and Pepper spar over the details of their upcoming wedding—until a hassled Happy Hogan pulls up with an urgent request.

· Hunt for the Mind Stone (1:24) – On a darkened street, Wanda Maximoff and the wounded Vision attempt to hide from Thanos’ brutal allies.

· The Guardians Get Their Groove Back (3:20) – As Peter Quill and Drax quarrel over their failed mission to Knowhere, Mantis interrupts with news.

· A Father’s Choice (4:00) – Thanos confronts Gamora with a vision from her past—and with lying to him about the Soul Stone.

· Gag Reel (2:05)– Watch your favorite Super Heroes make super gaffes in this lighthearted collection of on-set antics.

· Audio Commentary (approx. 149 min.) by Anthony and Joe Russo, Christopher Markus and Stephen McFeely

Digital Exclusive:

· A Directors’ Roundtable (approx. 32 min.) – Eight amazing directors reflect on how their movies contribute to the Marvel Cinematic Universe’s larger storytelling adventure.

What The Director of Christopher Robin Has To Say

August 10, 2018 by Momstart Leave a Comment

Christopher Robin is a must see movie for all ages. This movie has heart and humor and excellent writing. Christopher Robin has a direction that we all should go with an excellent message or two about life and family. We could say it’s full of “Pooh-isms” and we could also say that it’s because of a fantastic director, Marc Forster. We sat down with Marc Forster and talked a lot about Christopher Robin.

One of the first things we wanted to know is why did he make Christopher Robin? Marc Forster is known for movies that are much more adult like World War Z. So his daughter looked at him while on an airplane watching a Pooh cartoon and says why can’t you make a movie for kids once? He then said to her jokingly, “Why don’t I do Pooh?” then he said three years later, he made Pooh.

The cast aligned the way he wanted. He said that he and Ewan have worked together before and that they have been friends every since…..

“We have been looking to do something together, comedically and dramatically, He’s so good, but the one thing is there’s something about him, he’s so likeable and so lovely. You want to just connect with him and you want him that his heart opens again and he becomes playful and he reconnects with his family. And so you really root for him and it was really crucial to have an actor who has that sort of ability because otherwise, you suddenly don’t connect with him or don’t want to root for him because he said okay, rather not connect with your family again. The movie for me ultimately is about love. His red sweater is sort of like this metaphor for love. I always felt like it’s about the heart.”

Marc talked about how much research went into creating Christopher Robin. He said for the time period, people did start going on vacations in England. He also talked about other symbols in the movie because the red color that symbolized love.

“I like metaphors in general. I wanted the film to end suddenly with him, Ewan, with his sweater too short. It’s like the film is too short as well. I just thought it was funny. For instance, the daughter leaves the drawing for him and when she finds the drawing, said I didn’t realize you could draw as well and then he hits the table and then the honey falls down, it’s sort of like, the honey obviously is supposed to then wake up Pooh. Because the idea was that when he actually sees the drawings, that’s sort of when they come back in is consciousness and that’s sort of like when the animals sort of come alive again, in a sense.”

He was also asked about what messages he wanted everyone to take from the film. If you remember Ewan said that he doesn’t like to say because he feels the viewers should be moved in different ways and make that choice for themselves.

Marc said,

“I think it’s so important to have hope, joy and really, it’s about love. Pooh is about love and reconnecting with the people you love. We all guilty of that, you know. Everybody works so much today that to find that balance between work and the people you care for. I don’t want to talk for everybody but I think that mainly the generalization is we don’t spend enough time or attention to the people we love. I think why we’re here for is to connect with one another.”

Watching the film really makes me want to go to England again. I think the locations they filmed were so perfect. He talked about the locations a little bit.

We shot lots of in Ashdown Forrest. Literally next to where Milne’s estate is and where the real forest was. Probably ten miles down the road from where we shot was the little river where we built our Pooh bridge. It is connected to the same river the real Pooh bridge is, so it’s all the same woods and neighborhood. We shot a little bit of also Windsor Park and outside Windsor Castle. Where sort of the Queen’s park is. The great thing about that particular forest is that the Queen park is sort of untouched. Every tree that falls down can’t be touched. Everything is just how nature brings it and it’s very wild and looks also very beautiful. I would say fifteen percent there and the rest at Ashtown.

You can see these amazing symbols and locations in Christopher Robin now in theaters.

Please check out our other Winnie The Pooh coverage…

Christopher Robin Movie Review

Ewan McGregor is Christopher Robin

The Christopher Robin Red Carpet & Premiere Experience

I’m Piglet in Winnie The Pooh July 15th 2011

Behind the Movie Disney’s Winnie The Pooh Blu-ray DVD Combo Pack

Winnie The Pooh Soundtrack

From the Honey Colored Carpet: Hot Winnie The Pooh Toys

Disney’s Winnie The Pooh on Blu-ray & DVD October 25th

Winnie the Pooh: Springtime with Roo

Disney’s Winnie The Pooh A Very Merry Pooh Year

Disney’s The Many Adventures of Winnie The Pooh on Blu-ray Combo Pack Giveaway

Disney Consumer Products presents Winnie the Pooh Smackerels Giveaway

Disney Baby Winnie The Pooh Baby Bouncer

Disney’s Winnie The Pooh Book Review

Winnie The Pooh Crafts and Coupons

Amazing Young Actress Bronte Carmichael

August 9, 2018 by Momstart 2 Comments

Disney’s Christopher Robin has a really great cast, from Ewan McGregor playing Christopher Robin to Hayley Atwell playing Evelyn Robin down to Bronte Carmichael playing Madeline Robin. Bronte brought so much to life in her performance on the big screen. She evoked sadness, humor and fun as her relationship with her father played out. You see, Christopher isn’t the father that everyone would expect. He’s a workaholic who never has time for her and it’s her adventure with his childhood friends that change all that.

We are very happy to say that we got to interview Bronte at the Christopher Robin press junket. She was adorable as she answered some of our questions.

Bronte told us how she got the role. She did about three taped auditions and then a screen test with director Marc Forster. She didn’t know that she got the part until her mother surprised her with a stuffed Eeyore. Her mother put him on a bench in their garden with a note saying that he was looking forward to their adventure in the Hundred Acre Wood.

It was the perfect gift for her because she loves stuffies. She plays with them a lot at home and said that acting with them was really easy. She also mentioned how the crew of Christopher Robin filled her trailer with Winnie The Pooh stuffed animals. I’m going to be honest here and say I want one of those stuffies. The Winnie The Pooh stuffed animals are adorable.

Bronte said that Winnie The Pooh is a “Really special character.” She was first introduced to Winnie The Pooh because her parents used to read to her. She also had lots of pop-up books and she listened to audio books. Then someone asked her if she thought she would ever outgrow Winnie The Pooh. She said,

No. I think it should always be a special thing. No one should- Pooh is a very special character. He’s just so simple. He’s not a really baby-ish character………….I quite like the House and Pooh Corner. Because each of the characters in it, they will have a story about them. They all show their personality. You know a bit more about them. You meet Tigger and everything

Bronte told us that one of her favorite Pooh stories is the House and Pooh Corner. She said that she liked how each character will have a story about them. You see each one’s personality and know a bit more about them.

Bronte also talked about what her favorite scenes were to film. She is a big fan of the action sequences. She liked doing her own stunts and cycling, saying that “it was really fun.” Then she said that other children that might want to pursue acting should remember to just be natural. You should just be you and in the moment.

Christopher Robin is now in theaters.