Uncle Ben's Whole Grain White Rice!

Eating healthy is not only a challenge for my Daughter but myself as well. Sometimes things that are not as healthy just taste better, have you noticed that? :)

But there are many little changes you can make to your diet to get the healthier option for you and your kids without sacrificing the taste. one simple way to do that is to eat more whole grains. Whole grains are better for you and still taste great, which makes feeding them to my Daughter much less of a challenge, which I really appreciate!

Uncle Ben's Rice is a staple in my household.....we use it in meals with chicken, stir fry, and crock pot meals. And now our favorite white rice comes in Whole Grain! You get the same color, the same texture, the same taste...but with healthier whole grains! It's an easy way to get the extra Fiber into your Family's diet.




With my toddler, if the color of look of the food is different than what she is used to, she will flat out refuse to put it in her mouth. That makes for some FUN dinner times :) I thought it was great that the rice still looks white, because some children (like mine) balk at change or wouldn't want to try brown rice.

I had the chance to try out this rice, and it went along perfectly in many of our Family meals! one night I used some in a chicken bake. I just added chicken breasts, cream of chicken soup, water, and rice to a casserole pan. I baked it in the oven and it came out delicious!

Another way I like to eat this rice is by making my own quick version of fried rice with soy sauce, an egg, peas, and carrots. It's so quick to do, especially since this rice cooks in about 10 minutes.

You can learn more at www.unclebens.com and try the new whole Grain White Rice from your local grocery store.

“I wrote this review while participating in a blog campaign by Mom Central on behalf of Uncle Ben’s and received samples to facilitate my candid review. Mom Central sent me a gift card to thank me for taking the time to participate.”

Spring Cleaning & Easier Allergy Season With Filtrete Filters!

With the warmer months comes sunshine, flowers, growing plants and leaves....and allergies! In my house I am the main person that suffers from allergies. I get them from cat hair, but also outdoor things like pollen and indoor problems like dust.

Did you know there are things you can do to make your home easier on your allergies? There are a few things we have already been doing at my house (like keeping bedding clean from dust mites, cleaning dust off of ceiling fans, etc) but there are so many more great tips you can find at the Filtrete website.

Filtrete is your go to for water filters and air filters, and they have a lot of different styles so that you can find one that fits your families needs perfectly. My personal favorites are the Air Cleaning Filters, we actually purchased one of those styles after having my Daughter. You want the air you breathe to be healthy, especially when children are living in the home too.

There are plenty of tips you can use to keep your own home allergen free. Here are a few from Laura Dellutri, author of the book The Overworked Mom's Stress Free Homekeeping.

• Check Ceiling Fan, high bookshelves, areas that are out of site for dust
• Wipe down windows and walls - microfiber cleaning cloths work well
• encase your mattress and pillows to keep out dust mites
• wash bedding in hot water once a week
• Use a Filtrete Air Filter to capture particles like pollen, smoke, dust mite debris and pet dander
• change filter about every 3 months

You can visit www.filtrete.com to check out their selection of water and air filters for your home and to sign up to receive newsletters with better home living tips.

“I wrote this review while participating in a blog tour campaign by Mom Central on behalf of Filtrete and received a gift card to thank me for taking the time to participate.”

Visit CSN Stores - Over 200 sites to Help You With Every Room In Your House!

With the warmer months upon us, many people are hard at work with Spring cleaning, home renovations, and updating the look of their rooms. Have you checked out CSN Stores recently? The have over 200 sites that provide endless choices for freshening up the look of every room in your house!

Whether you want to update your deck for Summer parties or get your Guest Bathroom in top shape with their beautiful selection of bathroom vanities , you'll find everything you need and more at CSN Stores!

The best thing about this company is that there are stylish options at every price range, and their websites are easy to navigate. In the past I had the opportunity to work with CSN Mirrors and do a review for a play room mirror, and my Daughter still uses that every single day. It has held up so well! And with a new baby on the way, you can bet I will be checking out their CSN Baby Website!

In the upcoming weeks I will again have the opportunity to work with CSN Stores on a Review item that will be perfect for outdoor play! I am looking forward to sharing my experiences with you all!

Dress Up Your Little Princess with Princess Time Toys!

(image from www.princesstimetoys.com)

My three year old is completely in love with all things Princess. She loves the Disney Princesses and loves to pretend to be a Princess herself. She has the best imagination, and often I play along too....she makes me the Prince, LOL!

Letting her dress up as her favorite Princess is a wonderful way to take her play to the next level and really let her imagination soar. Not to mention, she looks so pretty and feels pretty too! Princess Time Toys has the best selection of all things Princess, including dresses, furniture, and toys!

My Daughter was beyond thrilled when she opened up her treasures from Princess Time Toys. First she saw a Cinderella dress, just her size! It was a soft velvety material and had the prettiest extra detailing. There were ruffled cap sleeves, silver trim, and a pretty rose trim. When reading about this dress online, it was described as a Medieval Princess style...which is a great way to describe it! In fact, I can bet that she will be wearing this our State's Renascence Festival in the Fall :)

We had previously bought a cheap Cinderella dress (a skirt and top) that literally tore in the back a week after having it. Just by looking at this dress I can tell it is well made, and I know it will last until my Daughter outgrows it. In fact, she wears it about every other day and it hasn't had any tears at all! The dress also came with a matching headband and necklace!



Next we found a smaller version of the same Cinderella dress...perfect for her doll! She has an American Girl Doll that she adores and that looks just like her. This was the perfect combination because they could both dress up together and be Princesses! How magical!

Princess Time Toys carries doll sized clothing that fits American Girl and Itty Bitty baby Dolls (and most other 18 inch dolls!). My daughter actually has a a soft version of an American Doll...part of the Twin Collection. And it fits her perfectly! What's better is that these doll outfits are cheaper than American Girl doll clothing. Our doll outfit was about $15.99 when most at American Girl cost closer to $25.00.



Princess Time Toys offers their customers different convenient choices when it comes to purchasing dresses. They sell individual dresses that will make them feel just like their favorite Princess (like Belle, Cinderella, Ariel, Jasmine, etc) or other costumes like Fairies, and adorable pirates, witch, etc. Most dresses can be found in different styles at different prices, so you can find one that fits your budget perfectly!

You can also purchase different sets of dresses to fill up your child's play trunk! Play dates at your house will be the hit of the neighborhood if you have these dresses for the little girls to play with!

This set of 7 dresses and accessories is gorgeous! It would make a wonderful Birthday gift! My daughter would have hours....no...days of fun playing with these!

(photo from www.princesstimetoys.com)

You can learn more by visiting the Princess Time Toys Website or Blog! Also you can find the owner, Connie, on her personal blog at http://www.miscfinds4u.com

Stay up to date with news and specials by Following Princess Time Toys on Twitter!

Disclaimer: I received complimentary dresses in exchange for an honest review. No other payments were made for this post. All opinions and experiences are 100% honest & my own - different people may have different experiences with company and/or product.

Thanks to Princess Time Toys for a magical & imaginative play experience for my little girl!

No Frizz Restyling Spray - Must Have For Moms!

As a Mom to a toddler, I don't have much time to spend on getting myself ready for the day. and when I do spend the time to wash, dry, and straighten my hair.....by the next day it's completely flat and the look needs to be completely recreated. And that I do not have time for.



Living Proof came to my rescue by creating their No Frizz Restyling Spray. This easy to use and leave in spray will:

• Detangle hair
• Add Shine
• Reduce Static
• Condition
• Uses Humidity Blocker PolyfluoroEster

It also helps to restyle your hair with light conditioning and hold. So instead of having to take all of that time to do your hair routine every single day, this spray will prolong the life of your hair and style between washes!

No Frizz Restyling Spray is a lightweight and quick-drying formula, allowing hair to once again become manageable, soft and freshened....without being weighed down!

MY THOUGHTS:

When I learned about this product, I knew it would be perfect for me and my lifestyle. Like I mentioned, I don't have a lot of time to spend on my hair every single day. I like to stretch my washes to save time and also to keep my hair from drying out. I have been getting plenty of use out of the No Frizz Restyling Spray as a way to freshen up my hair between washing & styling.

I simply spray the product onto my dry hair until lightly damp, then I use a blow dryer to dry it...using my hands to restyle & smooth my hair as I go. You can also let it air dry, or use it to scrunch your hair and reshape your curls! It left my hair shiny and soft, and has been a lifesaver on these days where the last thing I want to worry about is my hair.

I think this would be a great product for Moms who are rushed in the morning too, getting all of their kids ready but not having much time for themselves. After sleeping on hair, it can need a little help, and this product is just the thing your hair needs!

Good for all hair types! This product could save you tons of time, and keep you looking great!

BUY IT:

No Frizz Restyling Spray is available at www.livingproof.com for approx $24.

disclaimer: I received a free product in exchange for my hinest review. no monetary payments were given for this post. all opinions are my own and different people may have different experiences with product/company.

If You Need Me, I'll Be In The Bathroom....Throwing Up

First I wanted to say a HUGE thank you to everyone that left a sweet comment for me! I appreciate all of the kind words, it means a lot to me!

Since the happy post has been written, I feel I can vent just a teeny tiny bit right now. I promise it won't be everyday, and you won't see much negativity here or anything. It's just that I am so, so, so sick and I just need to get it out a little :)

I knew this was coming. I prayed it wouldn't, but I pretty much expected nothing less from me. When I was pregnant with my Daughter, I had 24 hour a day morning sickness. I lost 6 pounds my 1st trimester, and would vomit at least 4 times a day, everyday. Unfortunately I was still going to an OB that was awful and she didn't give me much to help.

That whole "eat saltine crackers, small frequent meals, ginger tea, blah blah blah" thing did NOT work for my body. Some people just have a higher sensitivity to hormones I believe, and those little fixes may work for occasional nausea, but mine was so severe I would cry in the bathroom everyday after work, so sick and so nauseous.

Finally, I brought my Husband to an OB appt with me for support, and I told her how miserable I still was. This was my 12th or 13th week of pregnancy, so it should have been getting better. but I was throwing up just as much as day 1, and it wasn't healthy for me. Even emotionally, I was done. She suggested I try a 1/2 a Unisom pill at night. Of course, I was hesitant to take a pill, but by that time I was also desperate for help.

So I took it. And it was a freakin miracle pill for me. I could eat & function again. I still had my days, of course, but the non stop vomiting stopped. I tried many times to stop during my pregnancy, but everytime I skipped the pill at night, the next day I would vomit just like I was 6 weeks along again. I took them pretty much until I delivered.


This pregnancy feels exactly the same.

Ladies, from the second I wake up until the second I fall asleep, I am fighting a feeling that eats away at my throat. I am throwing up 6-7 times a day. Before meals, after meals. Food doesn't help. I've tried the Ginger Tea, Sea Bands, Preggie Pops....nothing helps. Not even for an hour. I have lost a pound this week, so I can only imagine how bad it will get as the weeks go on. My poor Daughter is watching entirely too much TV this week, because I cannot do anything. If I am not in the bathroom throwing up, I am sitting on the couch as still as possible - trying not to throw up.

So today, I caved. I called my Midwife (BTW I switched to a Midwife after that last OB appt, best thing I ever did!) and asked her about taking Unisom again this time around. She said it was safe for pregnancy, safe for the first trimester, and that they often would prescribe it to women that had extreme morning sickness.

I don't want to take them yet. I don't like taking medicine in my 1st trimester. But I feel so desperate. I mean I cry pretty much everyday from this nausea, I can't escape it. No matter what I do, it's always weighing me down. Always.

So tonight I am picking up some pills. I may or may not take them yet, but I just don't know how much longer I can take it. Right now I am only keeping dinner down, because I eat & then go to sleep so I don't throw it up. And knowing my history & my body, I am not sure it will go away anytime soon.

So those are my current struggles. And why I have not been blogging as much lately too. As you can imagine, I have cut things down to what NEEDS to be done...including housework, LOL!


How did you cope with morning sickness? Did anyone else have to take any medicine to get by? I'd love to hear your experiences!

Wordless Wednesday: Soon a Family of Four...

Yup, I am pregnant!

We have wanted to add to our Family for awhile now, and we are so thrilled about our good news.

My Daughter is going to make the BEST Big Sister :)

I Am An Aquafina FlavorSplash Mom!

I am very excited to let you know that thanks to Mom Central, I have been chosen as a Aquafina FlavorSplash Mom! This program really caught my attention because I have been working since the beginning of the year on fitness, losing weight, and getting healthy. Water plays a huge role in weight loss and the overall health of your body. Personally, I have always struggled in taking in enough water everyday.

The solution for me? Flavored water! something about the plain taste of regular water makes me feel like drinking it is forced. I don't enjoy it, and have a hard time finishing more than a glass a day. But if my water has a delicious flavor, like those available from Aquafina, getting my daily water intake is no problem at all!




FlavorSplash is the perfect alternative to drinking soda, tea, or another sugary drink you or your kids may enjoy. It has ZERO calories and ZERO fat! If you are watching your weight, you won't have to worry about adding calories with this yummy drink! And with the Summer months ahead, it is more important than ever to stay hydrated in the warm sun. With so many delicious flavors to choose from, finding a flavor your family loves should be easy!

The first flavor I got to try was the Wild Berry...and it was so refreshing! I loved that the taste was not too sweet, it did not taste sugary. It was just light and pleasant! Berries remind me of Summer, so this was the perfect flavor to kick off the start of warmer weather!

Over the next few weeks I will be trying more samples of Aquafina FlavorSplash water to try out for myself. I will be blogging about my experiences and my thoughts on each flavor too!

COUPON OFFER: Here is a $1 Off Coupon for any Aquafina FlavorSplash 6 Pack!

And later this week, check back for a fun Aquafina FlavorSplash Giveaway!

“I am a participant in a Mom Central campaign for Aquafina FlavorSplash and have received various FlavorSplash
samples to facilitate my participation. Mom Central will sen me a gift card at the end of the program.”

5 Fun Family Vacation Activities Your Kids Will Love!

Vacations don't have to be expensive, over the top, or far away for your kids to have a blast! In fact, since having my Daughter, all of our vacations have been in driving distance and completely affordable. And we've loved every minute of it! Here are a few more ideas, and be sure to visit TwitterMoms for even more posts & ideas!

1. Visit Family! Last Summer we drove to Chicago to visit my Sister in Law, Brother in Law, and our niece & nephew. Having Family in another state is a great excuse to take a road trip somewhere new! Once you get there, you get the added bonus of knowing someone familiar with he city, and your kids will love playing with their relatives too!
2. Water Parks! since this is MN, weather can be unpredictable. For those days when the rain comes, despite our outdoor plans, we have a few indoor water parks that are huge and provide a whole day of fun & entertainment!
3. PLAN Your Day! When you do travel to a new state, use the internet to find out what there is to do in that town. If you plan your days out in advance, you'll save time and your kids will be less crabby. Trust me, it will keep you sane!
   
4. If you are driving or flying, remember to pack snacks & activities! When we drove to Chicago, I was completely prepared and brought a whole stack of new toys & activities for my Daughter...that were all new to her! The dollar store is a great place to find these things. If she started to get bored, I'd pull out something new! CD's also work great, if you can handle princesses on repeat, LOL!
5. Find an Activity Perfect For Your Child - You know them best! What do they like to do? My Daughter has really taking a liking to horses, and is so brave while riding them! The next time we have an outing, I'd love to take her to a ranch! Personalizing your vacation will keep your kids interested and give them life long memories too!

“I wrote this blog post while participating in the Williamsburg Tourism and TwitterMoms blogging program for a chance to get a $50 gift card. For more information on how you can participate, click here.”

Stella Is A Star: Children's Book Review & Giveaway!

This book could not have arrived at a better time. My Daughter was having a particularly crabby day, and after a long evening out with family, we arrived home to see an envelope at our door. When we got inside, we opened it up and I was excited to see the children's book 'Stella Is A Star' As you can imagine, after a crabby day my Daughter was completely ready to fight going to bed. But when I showed her this book, she became excited and we quickly got her into her pajamas so that we cold read it together before bed.

ABOUT THE BOOK:

'Stella Is A Star' is written by Bernadette Peters and is illustrated with paintings by Liz Murphy. These are the talented ladies behind the New York Times Best Selling book 'Broadway Barks'

The story is about a Stella, a dog that decides to dress up as a dancing ballerina pig to hide who she really is...a dog that nobody seems to like. During her journey Stella discovers important life lessons, such as accepting who you really are, following your dreams, and believing in yourself.

OUR THOUGHTS:

Both my Daughter and I absolutely adored this book! It held my Daughter's interest until the very end, which is not an easy thing for a longer book like this one. She was excited to see that in the end, Stella showed everyone who she really was and that they loved her even more because of it. The ballet dancing is a fun theme for any little girl to read about too. The best thing about this book as a Parent is the positive message it sends to Children....believing in yourself and knowing that being different is okay, and is actually good thing. That you don't have to change who you are for people to like you...once they get to know you, they will love you for who you really are inside!

Another bonus to this book is that it comes with a CD! That is one of the things that interested me in this book, because I know how much my Daughter likes to listen to the story being told and hearing a little song about the characters too! This CD includes the author reading the book out loud, and also singing a song that is written at the end of the book. It's a very soothing song and my Daughter loves to listen to it...it won't be long before she is singing along!





You can find 'Stella Is A Star' on Amazon for approx $12. That's a great price for this 40 page Hardcover book & CD Combo!

Recommended ages are 4-8 (my Daughter is 3 and loved it too!)




One reader will win a 'Stella Is A Star' Hardcover Book/CD Combo!




Please tell me the name of a book your Child (or Niece, Nephew, Grandchild, etc) is loving right now!

EXTRA ENTRIES: Please leave an extra comment for every extra entry you complete.

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Giveaway is open to US Residents only. Contest will end on June 1, 2010 at 10pm CST. Winner will be chosen via random.org and will be announced on Ladybug Soup & emailed directly. Winner has 72 hours to reply to that email or a new winner will be chosen.

Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book/cd in exchange for my honest review. All opinions given are my own and 100% honest. Different people may have different experiences with product(s).

My (Not) Wordless Wednesday on A Thursday, Because I Barely Know What Day It Is

That title should explain my life right now, right?

I have seriously been MIA lately. I have been super tired lately, and been having some bad headaches so that keeps me off the computer. And completely unmotivated to do anything. I have basically been getting by on the bare minimum...in blogging, housework.... hair styling. You get the idea.

This week my headaches have lessened, although I do feel slightly sick to my stomach. My Daughter is also getting over a fever, she has been sick the last 2 days. Luckily when she woke up this morning she was fever free and full of energy! Thank Goodness, I hate seeing her so miserable.

So with me feeling a little more human-like, and my Daughter doing better too, I am getting back into the swing of things.

I thought I would share a picture of what we did this past weekend. We went to a little farm/fair event and played games, went on a hayride, saw lots of baby animals, and my Daughter got to ride on a pony, which is pretty much her favorite thing to do!









This was the coolest rooster ever. Or is it a hen? No clue. I fail in farm animals I guess! My Husband wasn't sure if he should pet him or not, but then we saw a little girl do it & that made him brave enough, LOL! He/She was very gentle and so pretty! He just wanders around the Farm being social, what a nice life!

This weekend we have more fun planned...including garage sales which I love! I love getting things for barely any money, and it's a great time to pick up outdoor toys for the Summer. Some of my daughter's favorite Little People Play lands have come from garage sales, so hopefully this year we'll have the same luck!

Anyone have fun plans this weekend?

5 Winners to Announce!

Creativity For Kids Coloring & ARTivity Book, Crayons, & Colored Pencils Winner

Comment #20...April V

Congrats!!




The Ocean Between Us - 3 Winners

Book & $25 VISA Gift Card Winner is:

#45 lar1975

2 Book Winners are:

#137 DEBIJOT
#14 Christine

Congrats!!

PeaceLoveMom Tee Shirt Winner

#8...degood

Congrats!!


All winners have been emailed and have 72 hours to reply to claim their prize.

Ten Tips For Being Fashionable On A Budget!

I still love fashion, even though I don't have a lot of extra money to spend on it. There are some ways to stretch the money you do have for clothes & makeup though! Be sure to check out Twitter Moms for more ideas!

1. Shop the Clearance Section
2. Shop after the season has ended for deep discounts on clothes you can wear next year!
3. Shop at Thrift Stores and Outlet Stores1 You'll often find name brand items at a fraction of the cost. At a thrift store, look for classic items you can pair with the clothes you already own.
   
4. Stick to Pieces that can work with clothes you already own. A great scarf is fun, but if it doesn't match with anything you own, chances are you'll never wear it.
5. Use Coupons! I have scored some great deals this way, especially from Old Navy and Aeropostale.
   
6. Subscribe to Fashion Blogs! You will even find some that are designed for women on budgets, and I bet they would have some great ideas for you every week! They often update you with sales too.
   
7. Shop for makeup at Drug Stores! Many people are getting free or cheap makeup by pairing a sale at Walgreens or CVS with a coupon. The makeup there is just as good as what you will find at a department store, in my opinion.
8. Borrow from a Friend or Family member! My sister is SO much more fashionable than me, and has borrowed me plenty of great outfits over the years. She is a lifesaver!
9. Bring along a friend to get an opinion on an outfit. Husbands don't count, LOL! i buy things that I like in the store, then I get home and it is so not me. getting a second opinion would have prevented those purchases.
10. Save receipts! If it doesn't fit right, return it. If the cut or style doe snot suit you, return it. Sometimes when you are under pressure to get what you need & get out of the store ( maybe because of a screaming toddler?) we buy things that may not be a perfect match. Take it back & get something else.

“I wrote this blog post while participating in the TwitterMoms and Gap Outlet blogging program to be eligible to win a $20 gift card. For more information on how you can participate, click here.”



Gap Twitter DiscountExclusive Gap Outlet and Banana Republic Factory Store Savings

Make your Vacation or Staycation More Affordable, and Still So Much Fun!

With the warmer months approaching, many Parents are looking for affordable ways to entrain their families this Summer.

We are planning our own little mini getaway this Summer, to a city in our state that we visit almost every year. It's only a coupe of hours away, which makes it an easy car ride and we are able to do it in a weekend which is great for those that have to work.

Twitter Moms are sharing a few of their ideas on making vacations more affordable this year. Here are a few ways you could enjoy a staycation with your Family too!

1. Be a Tourist in your Hometown! You can visit local museums, art galleries, go to a play or theater. Living near Minneapolis, there are a ton of historical places I have never visited. That would be a great way to spend an day together!
   
2. Take a Road Trip! Flying can get pricey, especially when you add a few kids and both parents. you might want to check out places to visit in the next state over...driving should be cheaper than flying!
3. Go Camping! Most people have their own tents & sleeping bags already, so this could potentially be a very affordable vacation. You could grill out for dinner, toast marshmallows, and tell stories by the campfire.
4. Bring your own food! This tip alone can save you a significant amount of money. Pack snacks for the car ride, bring breakfasts that can be eaten on the go.
   
5. If you are staying in a hotel, check if they have a room with a Kitchen! You can save money by making your own meals at your hotel instead of eating out at an expensive restaurant
6. Go Fishing! My Husband loves to fish, and this would be a great way for us all to spend time together. Plus it can be SO exciting for a Child to feel a tug on the end of his line! Great Family memories. And in my state, kids can fish without a license if they are with an adult, so that cuts down on costs too.
7. If you are visiting a water park or amusement park, check their website to see if they offer coupons you can print.
8. Plan your vacation with another Family member or group of close friends, that way you can split the costs! Just make sure you all get along, LOL!
   
9. Visit a Beach! These places are almost always free (never seen one that you had to pay to visit!) and you can bring your Child's outdoor toys along for free entertainment.
10. Take a Scenic Drive! we have some amazing views in northern MN around Lake Superior. It;s the next best thing to an Ocean for us :) you can even plan out stops along the way, visiting local shops and local diners. Your kids will love the adventure!
    

Don't forget to bring your camera to capture all of the sights along the way and plenty of pictures of your kids having a blast! They will love to look at them after they get home to remember the fun time they had!

“I wrote this blog post while participating in the Toyota Sienna and TwitterMoms blogging program for a chance to get a $30 gift card. For more information on how you can participate, click here.”

Happy Mother's Day!

Happy Mother's Day to all of the Mommies out there!! I hope everyone has a special day with the ones they love...you deserve it!

I will be getting in some family time with my own Mom today, and hopefully will have to do as little as possible around the house today :) Really I'd just love a nap later, LOL!

Have fun!

How I Decorated Our My Little Pony Party With The Help Of Celebrate Express!

My daughter's party was a HUGE success.

Thanks to birthday party decorations from Celebrate Express, we turned our ordinary living room & dining room into a My Little Pony Paradise! When my Daughter woke up Sunday morning, she was so surprised and excited to see everything we had done!

Celebrate Express has 3 different websites all designed to help you with you party planning needs. They have Birthday Express, Costume Express, and 1st Wishes. For my daughter's birthday party, I looked through Birthday Express to get an idea of which theme we wanted to do this year. Birthday Express has tons of different party themes...from your Child's favorite tv & movie characters to personalized plates & napkins! We quickly decided on a My Little Pony Theme (my daughter's favorite toy!) and I was excited to see the large selection of My Little Pony Party Supplies they had available on their website.

I found My Little Pony Plates & Napkins, Mylar Balloons, Party Hats, Tablecloths, and a My Little Pony centerpiece that allowed us to really set our theme at our house. each of these items was brightly colored & printed with adorable My Little Pony characters that were familiar to my little girl.

(A few things on one of the tables before all of the yummy food was out - wish I had gotten a picture of that too!)

Birthday Express also sells solid colored partyware, so I picked up some Hot Pink Dinner Plates & Napkins too. I loved the hot pink because it was very My Little Pony - everything about them is bright & cheerful!

Birthday Express also has you covered on birthday party activities. They have coloring books, gift packs, games, and all kinds of party favors too. This Coloring Castle was the hit of the party, and my daughter is still playing with it now! It's all made out of cardboard, so that your little guests can color it and decorate it as a fun party activity. I bought some new markers and when the little kids arrived, I let them play in the castle and color it as much as they wanted. It was the perfect filler until al of the guests arrived.

Then after the presents were opened, they took in some of the new Princess dolls and played in the castle! It was the perfect activity and let my Daughter really use her imagination!

The door opens and your Child can go inside the castle! It fit 3 girls very well! So much fun! We are still using this castle daily, and it has gotten VERY decorated. Different colored blocks, pictures of people & flowers, and letters...it's a blank canvas for creativity!

I also found another Pony Party Activity, these Pony Painting Kits were so much fun for the little girls at the party. Each kit comes with 4 white clay ponies, a set of paints, and a paintbrush. You'll need a few extra paint brushes so each kid can have one. (Most of you already have those lying around I am sure - like we did!)

I set them up on a table with a pink poster board taped on it (with pony stickers too!). When they were finished painting, I just ripped off the poster board and the table was clean so they could have their lunch! Very convenient! I also had enough aprons to go around so that they could keep their clothes clean, but you could also put a note on the invitation so the Parents could bring one along too.

The girls really loved painting their ponies. I let them dry while we ate and by the time the party was over, the ponies were completely dry. I put them in bags & the kids could take theirs home.




I loved the selection of party supplies, party ware, favors, activities, and party decorations available at Birthday Express. I definitely recommend checking them out the next time you have a party to throw! Even for Backyard Summer Parties, Grad Parties, and Bridal Showers!! Take a look at their selection, you will be glad you did!

Disclaimer: NO monetary payments were given for this post. I received some party supplies at no costto me in exchange for an honest review. Thank you to Celebrate Express and Mom Bloggers Club for this opportunity.

Avatar! Now on DVD & Blu-ray!

From 20th Century Fox Home Entertainment comes new DVD & Blu-ray Release Avatar.

Avatar was written by James Cameron and is the highest grossing film of all time, taking in over 2.6 Billion dollars worldwide.

"James Cameron takes audiences to a spectacular world beyond imagination, where a reluctant hero embarks on a journey of redemption and discovery as he leads a heroic battle to save a civilization. AVATAR delivers a fully immersive cinematic experience of a new kind, where the revolutionary technology invented to make the film disappears into the emotion of the characters and the epic nature of the story."




And in more Avatar news, this movie became the best selling Blu-ray of all time after being in stores for only 4 days!




If you haven't seen Avatar, I would highly recommend it to you. And I sincerely mean that, this movie was absolutely awesome. It brings together a talented cast of stars such as Sigourney Weaver, Sam Worthington, Zoe Saldana, Stephen Lang, Michelle Rodriguez, and plenty more who all give spectacular and moving performances. Along with the human actors, James Cameron helps you lose yourself in the world of Pandora with characters that feel just as real as the humans do. The special effects are the best ever created, in any movie, hands down. But the best part is that it doesn't seem fake and it doesn't take away from the emotion of the movie. While watching I completely forgot how much of it was created by computers and graphics, and it seemed so real.

My Husband eagerly saw this movie in a 3D theater that was HUGE. He went with a friend because honestly, I wasn't too interested. I thought it was more of an alien thing, and action movies are not my favorite. Of course he loved the movie, and convinced me that I needed to see it to. Watching this DVD was the first time I had ever seen Avatar, and I am so happy that I finally got to see it! Avatar gives you romance, action, a beautiful backdrop, stunning images, and a whole new world that has never been seen in any other movie. It really is just so cool. I loved it, and will definitely make this a movie I watch again & again!

You can buy Avatar on DVD & on a DVD/Blu-ray Combo at your local stores or on Amazon.

Disclaimer: I received a complimentary Avatar DVD to facilitate this review. All opinions are 100% honest & my own and receiving a free product in no way affects the opinions I share. different people may have different experiences/opinions of product.