Yo Gabba Gabba Winner!!

Sorry it is late. We have had two events at work, one last Friday and one tomorrow which means I have been crazy busy. To add to it the girls are home this week because we owe daycare and my husband started his new job which is 4 - midnight! Not sure how it is going to work next week and onward but this week since the girls are home I am at work by 7 and take 2 hours of vacation, skip lunch and leave by 1. Of course I NEVER leave on time!!! Today Little J decided that 40 minutes was enough of a nap and at 7:00pm she is still awake. She was up around 7 this morning. Of course Mommy is so ready for both girls to go to bed so I can relax and go to bed early. I have to be at work tomorrow at 6:00am for the event. I am counting the hours until Wednesday!..

Ok enough about me... on to the winner. Chosen by random.org
The winner is # 5 (Sorry for the lack of picture, but my computer is acting weird)

Heather said...


My favorite is Tootie!

Heather K.

mysticbutterfly37 at yahoo.com


Congratulations and THANK YOU all for reading and entering!!


Winner has been notified by e-mail and has 48 hours to respond or another winner will be chosen.

My Purple Toes - Book Review

Big J and I were sent the children's board book, My Purple Toes, for ages one to five thanks to Family Review Network. One of Big J's all time favorite people is her father and it is hard to find books for kids where the father is the main character.  Big J and I loved that there was a frog hidden on each page which made it more interactive. The story line itself was also very funny and we were asked to read it every night for a week. This story also provides a fun learning lesson when Big J was asked over and over to count all of dad's funny purple toes. My Purple Toes will stay in the family collection for a long time.

The author, Blair Hahn was inspired by an invitation from his teenage daughter to join her for a pedicure. After seeing other fathers join their daughters at the nail salon, she thought it would be a grand experience for the two to share.


To her surprise, dad accepted her invitation and not only joined her at the salon, but he seemed to enjoy the experience too. At the end of the pedicure, dad noticed his daughter was getting her nails painted a bright pink shade. He teasingly asked, "What about me?" Everyone in the salon giggled and decided to call his bluff! It wasn't long before dad was getting his toes painted a vibrant shade of purple, and daughter and dad marched out of the salon showing off their newly painted toes.

As a result, dad was inspired by this experience and the subsequent reactions from passersby. He also found a lesson in the experience that he wanted to share, which inspired his first book, "My Purple Toes."  The book features cheerful, imaginative illustrations by artist Tate Nation on its board-style book, offering durability ideal for young children.

The part that makes this so great for my two girls is that I can totally see their father doing the same thing. He is the type of dad that would let the girls paint his nails, let Big J paint his face and pretend to be a monster and dance like crazy in public! Reading this book to Big J reminded me of one of the main reasons why I love my husband and why he is a great day. The lesson taught my their father's silliness and "My Purple Toes" is something I hope by my J's take to heart, The Importance of Acceptance, Enjoying Life and Being Yourself!.

 
"My Purple Toes" donates a significant portion of its proceeds to benefit children in the United States and around the world through nonprofit, Soles4Souls, which collects and distributes shoes at no cost to people in need.
 
Want to Buy a Copy for Your Kids?
"My Purple Toes" can be purchased online for $10.99.

This post was written for Family Review Network & My Purple Toes who provided the complimentary product in exchange for my honest review. All opinions expressed our 100% mine and honest.

6 Weeks Left!!!

This will be my mantra for the next 6 weeks:
6 Weeks
Only 6 Short weeks

That is how many weeks I have left before I finish my classes for my Master's Degree! I can feel the break already, the ability read when I want, relax when I want, BLOG when I want!!!! I have been so busy at work and then school that when I finally have a moment of peace the last thing I want to do is type on a computer! Yet I miss it so much! I want to keep my readers and continue to create relationships with other bloggers!

I also feel like I took on too many review/giveaways in the last month or so,  not how I wanted my blog to be. There is just some great stuff out there that I so want to share with my readers! I have had to pull back though and be even more selective then I have been. I am actually getting ready to post a new one on a book call The Purple Toes! Today we also received Squinkies, which are these adorable little toys that Big J is already in love with. Ok enough for now, off to review The Purple Toes.

YO GABBA GABBA! LAUNCHES COOL TRICKS CONTEST

YO GABBA GABBA! LAUNCHES COOL TRICKS CONTEST


WINNERS TO RECEIVE VIP FAMILY 4-PACK AND THEIR COOL TRICK FEATURED AT
KIA MOTORS PRESENTS YO GABBA GABBA! LIVE!: THERE’S A PARTY IN MY CITY!
GRAND PRIZE WINNER TO RECEIVE 5 DAY ALL-EXPENSE PAID FAMILY VACATION

Miami, FL -- (August 18, 2010) Hello friends! YO GABBA GABBA! announces the launch of the Cool Tricks contest which provides an opportunity for fans across North America to show-off their unique talents. Gabba fans are invited to upload a :30-:60 second video demonstrating their Cool Trick to win the opportunity to receive a VIP Family 4 Pack and have their winning video played during intermission at the KIA Motors Presents YO GABBA GABBA! LIVE!: THERE’S A PARTY IN MY CITY! show closest to their hometown. All participants are also automatically entered into a sweepstakes where one lucky fan will receive a five night trip for four to the Caribbean or Mexico.

In addition, each winner will also receive $100 worth of organic baby food, toddler, and lunchbox snacks and two “Party In My Lunchbox” Yo Gabba Gabba! Live! concert t-shirts from Revolution Foods and Plum Organics. Grand prize includes roundtrip air, Junior Suite accommodations, and all meals to a choice of Palladium Hotels & Resorts.

To enter the contest, participants must upload their video to Facebook at facebook.yogabbagabbalive.com Winners are determined by public vote in each tour market. So be sure to get all your friends and family to vote for you!

Cool Tricks begins on Wednesday, August 18 at 10AM EST and winners will be notified and announced prior to the show date in each local market. The entry period for the grand prize sweepstakes will end on Sunday, Dec 12. See official rules at facebook.yogabbagabbalive.com.

Cool Tricks is a popular segment on the television series where children and adults show off their special talent or skill (gymnastics, cup stacking, breakdance move, etc.). Celebrities such as Tony Hawk performing a skateboard move and Rhys Darby doing the robot have appeared on Cool Tricks.

The I Hate to Cook Book - Updated and Revised - Win a copy

"Some women, it is said like to cook.
This book is not for them.
This book is for those of us who hate to , who have learned, through hard experience, that some activities become no less painful through repetition: childbearing, paying taxes, cooking. This book is for those of us who want to fold our big dishwater hands around a dry Martini instead of a wet flounder, come the end of a long day." ` The I Hate To Cook Book by Peg Bracken.

That is me.... ok not the Martini part, although I do like a good drink every now and then, but the I hate to cook part and no matter how much I practice (which is not often at all) I still hate it. If it was not for my husband I would live on cereal and boxed/bagged easy cook foods. Of course this would be very hard with Big J and Little J so thankfully I have my husband to cook for me!

Don't get me wrong... I can cook.... with a recipe.... I just do not like too. Why should I when my husband can look in the freezer, fridge, cupboards and whip up something with little thought and be happy??? However I have been feeling bad that he bears the brunt does all the cooking, so I thought this book would be a great read for me. (Not to mention that I have a love for kitchen gadgets, including cook books. Weird I know for a woman who Hates to cook. I think of it as I needed something to offer to hook the man who LOVES to cook! Smart I know)

With recipes such as Sweep Steak, Italian Tuna, Sunday Chicken and Muffinburger you are sure to find something to please everyone. The book is also broken into sections with real titles and what we would really call them:
-30 Day-by-Day Entrees or the Rock Pile
-The Leftover -or Every Family Needs a Dog
-Vegetables, Salads, Salad Dressings or This Side of Beriberi
-Spuds and Other Starches or Ballast is a Girl's Best Friend
-Potluck Suppers or How to Bring the Water for the Lemonade
-Company's Coming or Your Back's to the Wall
-Luncheon for the Girls or Wait Till You Taste Maybelle's Peanut Butter Aspic
-Canapes and Heartburn Specials or Who Started This Business? (My favorite)
-Desserts or People are Too Fat Anyway
-Little Kid's Parties or They Only Come for the Balloons
-Last-Minute Suppers or This is the Story of Your Life (who couldn't use that?)
-Household Hints or What to do When Your Churn Paddle Sticks
- Good Cookmanship or How to Talk a Good Fight
- Equivilantrs, Et Cetera or Dreary Details That You Certainly Have no Intention of Remembering.


Two lucky readers will each win one (1) copy of the book. Open to US and Canada. Giveaway ends 9/11

Mandatory Entry:  Tell me if you like to cook and why or why not?
Please make sure your e-mail is visible.

Extra Entries: (Leave one comment per entry)

• Like I Hate to Cook Book on Facebook.
• Follow me on Google Friend Connect
• Tweet about this Giveaway (Leave a link to your profile - 1 entry per day)
• "Win The I Hate to Cook Book @bigjandlittlej 2 winners - ends 9/11" http://bit.ly/cKDumS

Winner has 48 hours to respond to e-mail or another winner will be chosen. Winner will be chosen with random.org. We received a copy of The I Hate to Cook Book. All opinions are 100% honest and my own.

Red Day Again

Yes Big J did it again and got another RED day on Friday! This time she got mad and spit on one of her friends. SO GROSS! As well as the usual not listening the being disruptive at nap time.  If you missed my previous post about Red Days you can read it Here.   The director pulled me aside when I got to school and said that Jillian cried and was very apologetic because she knew that if she did not get a Green day then we were not going to the party on Saturday. Now I had to do some fast thinking because I really wanted to go. A co-worker had traveled to get married and this was there celebration in Charlotte. So I struck a deal, Big J had to behave the rest of the night Friday and all morning Saturday. (She also lost movie night, which is the usual punishment as well) I figured I would have to cave and let her go even though she was bad, but imagine my surprise when she was on her best behavior Friday night and all day Saturday!! Success and Mommy did not have to let anything slide!

Next up convincing her to clean her room before Nana comes on Thursday! Right!!

Red Days

Big J's school gives out Green, Yellow and Red days depending on how well the child behaves. This week started out good with a Green day on Monday, but then Tuesday came and Tuesday was a Yellow day. I could handle that, it is always for not listening and being disruptive during nap time which is typically the only reason she gets in trouble. Well then Wednesday happened and that was a RED day! This time for painting two of her friends and then refusing to stop when asked by the teacher. There was also some trouble (basically noise) during nap time and not listening again.

So Wednesday night and Thursday during drop off I had the "we need to get a Green day" discussion. See in our house two Red days, 2 Yellow days and 1 Red day or 3 Yellow days means that Big J (and everyone else in the house) loses the privilege of lounging on the living room floor and partaking in a movie, popcorn and candy on Friday night.

Thursday Pickup

I was dreading the walk down the hall

Was she Green, Yellow or Red today?

I did not have to wait long because I soon as I stepped in the door her friends ratted her out.
"Jillian's Mom, Jillian had a Red day!"

Darn... no movie night for us.... Sometimes is sucks punishing your kids!

So Thursday's Red day was again not listening, disturbing circle time, getting a time out and announcing to her teacher that she does not care if she gets Red days. Now what? Well there is only one more thing I can take away from her. So if there is a Red or Yellow day today our plans of attending a friends Wedding Celebration Party are ruined! How does this happen? How does teaching my 4 year old to behave and listen end up in a situation where my plans are ruined and I will be stuck home (ok stuck sounds bad, but I want to PARTY!) with the kids?

Now I am dreading pick up time and I know that they hallway will seem three times as long.

What do I do if there is a Red or Yellow check on that paper? If I back down and let her go am I teaching her that she can get away with it? Why oh why did I say that she could not go if she did not get a Green day? I know why because I was a wits end and it was the only good thing I could take away from her.

A little information from the past. The month before Little J was born we faced a month of Red and Yellow days. I think she received 1 Green day a week and that is all. We were at a loss on what to do. We were including her in the baby process and spending a ton of time with her, but still nothing. We were very lucky that once Little J was born the Red and Yellow days stopped. Until Now.........

I will keep you posted. Feel free to share any of your trouble stories!

Rock 'N Learn's Phonics Volume 1 Review & Giveaway

With Kindergarten looming in the near future (ok really we still have a year but Big J is growing so fast!) I am always looking for fun ways to help Big J learn new things and be prepared when she has to go to "big" school. Rock 'N Learn has just the products for a girl who loves to sing and dance.

We received the Phonics Volume 1 DVD to review and although it said 6 years and up, Big J loved it. (she is 4) She is in love with Doug, the main character and carries around the bookmark we received and calls him her best friend. (it is pretty cute, especially because she keeps asking me what his name is) She even chose it to bring to school for Movie day this week and the other children in her class really enjoyed it as well.

I love that the lessons are set to music which always helped helps me learn better. Big J also seems to learn better when she can sing the lessons. Looks like I will be purchasing some more to help prepare her for Kindergarten next year!

Rock ’N Learn, Inc. began as an idea that would help children learn by putting educational material to music with a current sound—the kind of music that kids enjoy and find motivating. Now with over 50 products, they have sold millions of audio/book and video programs to teachers and parents throughout the United States, Canada, and other countries.


Rock ’N Learn programs help students learn math, phonics, reading, early childhood, social studies, Spanish, test-taking strategies, writing, and science. Their DVDs incorporate cool music with exciting, colorful imagery.

Headquartered in Conroe, Texas, just north of Houston, Rock ’N Learn is owned and operated by its founders, Richard and Brad Caudle. Their primary warehouse is in North Carolina. (THAT IS WHERE WE LIVE!!)

Working as a school psychologist in 1986, Richard saw the need for multi-sensory learning programs using the styles of music that kids love. He consulted his younger brother Brad, an accomplished musician, to record their first program to help kids learn multiplication facts. Strong sales of this recording in the school specialty and book markets led to other programs and the start of a successful company.

Richard and Brad never varied from their number one goal of providing children with programs that would make learning easier as well as fun. Brad’s wife Melissa, a former second-grade teacher, writes material and coordinates educational research for Rock ’N Learn. Richard’s wife, Kathie, manages sales and marketing. (Love that it is a family run business)

Rock ’N Learn programs have received numerous awards such as Dr. Toy, Parents’ Choice, iParenting, National Parenting Publications, Learning Magazine Teachers’ Choice, Early Childhood News, National Parenting Center, and Parent's Guide to Children’s Media. Their programs lead in the areas of quality and customer satisfaction based on surveys of school supply stores.

To Purchase: http://www.rocknlearn.com/index.htm
DVDs available for:

• Preschool & Kindergarten
• Phonics/Reading/Writing
• Math
• Other Languages
• Science & Social Studies
• Test Taking Strategies
• Specials and More

1 (One) Lucky Reader will win their own copy of Rock 'N Learn's Phonics Volume 1. (US or Canada!)

Mandatory Entry: Visit http://www.rocknlearn.com/index.htm and tell me which DVD you would like and who you would give it to. (leave a comment below, be sure to include your e-mail)

Extra Entries: (Leave a comment for each entry)
- Tell me a creative way that you or your child has learned something (2 entries)
- Follow The Trials of Big J & Little J on Google Friend Connect (1 entry)
- Tweet about this giveaway (use the example below or create your own) (1 entry per day - leave your Twitter ID)
       -I am trying to win a copy of Rock 'N Learn's Phonics Volume 1 DVD @bigjandlittej. http://bit.ly/c7Rh4W

Giveaway ends on August 31, 2010.
1 (one) winner will be chosen by random.org. Winner has 48 hours to respond to my e-mail or another winner will be chosen.

We received a copy of Rock 'N Learn's Phonics Volume 1 DVD for review purposes.. All opinions are 100% mine and those of Big J and are 100% honest.

Wobble Over Wednesday

Welcome! Please join us.

Blog Hop 10!!! - Join in the Fun

Thanks for stopping by and joining in on the Blog Hop! I am a working mom (I work outside the home) of two beautiful baby girls. Big J is 4 years old and very independent. Little J is 6 months old and very much in love with Big J who luckily returns the love! I blog (Not as much as I would like) about my life with the J's, their father and my two bonus children. Adding to the mix and crazyness I am 1 1/2 classes away from obtaining my Master's Degree! I also offer reviews and giveaways when something strikes me.

I hope you take some time to look aroung and let me know you stopped by so I can blog hop over to your blog!

Big J and I are going to see Yo Gabba Gabba!

Yes you read that right, Big J and I have tickets to see YO GABBA GABBA! THERE’S A PARTY IN MY CITY! in Charlotte, NC at Ovens Auditorium!! We are so excited.... ok let me be honest I am excited for her because she does not know yet and she will not know until at least October 17th. (the day of the event) Otherwise I will have to hear every single day (more then once)"Are we going today? How many more sleeps? Now?". Ok maybe I will tell her a few days in advance, I really want to tell her now because I know she will be sooooo HAPPY, but it is way to long for her to wait.

Kia Motors America (KMA) caused quite a stir with its first-ever Super Bowl ad, which featured a colorful cast of life-size children’s characters in the 2011 Kia Sorento CUV, including Muno from YO GABBA GABBA!, the award-winning children’s television series and live tour. Building on the momentum and increased brand awareness generated by the 60-second spot, KMA plans to extend its relationship with YO GABBA GABBA!, as the presenting sponsor of the upcoming YO GABBA GABBA! THERE’S A PARTY IN MY CITY! tour. DJ Lance Rock and the cast of YO GABBA GABBA! are heading back on the road to play to enthusiastic fans on a 60-city tour across North America

Champions on the stage and in the community, the Gabba gang will participate in various service projects aimed at building homes and hope in the cities they visit during their four month journey across North America. In addition, $1 from every ticket sold during the 2010 YO GABBA GABBA! LIVE!: THERE’S A PARTY IN MY CITY North American tour will be donated to the Habitat for Humanity local affiliate in each tour city, to further their homebuilding efforts.

The state-of-the-art production features music, singing, dancing and animation. The show is an interactive experience that offers audience members of all ages the opportunity to witness their favorite characters come to life. Joining the characters on stage will be hip-hop legend Biz Markie to teach kids how to beat box with “Biz’s Beat of the Day.” Special guests will join the party on stage for the Super Music Friends Show and Dancey Dance segments.

Want to attend the event in Charlotte? Go Here for tickets.
Not near Charlotte? Visit www.yogabbagabbalive.com to find a show near you!

I have a prize pack to giveaway to 1 (one) lucky reader (US and Canada).  The pack includes: “Yo Gabba Gabba!: Music is Awesome Volume 1” and the DVD “Yo Gabba Gabba! Clubhouse! (Open until August 28th. Winner will be chosen by Random.org and will have 48 hours to respond to my e-mail or another winner will be chosen)

Released in October, 2009, YO GABBA GABBA!: MUSIC IS AWESOME Volume 1 topped kids and overall music charts at iTunes (#1 kids album), Amazon (top 5 kids album) and Target sales, which reached more than 40,000 copies in only 6 months since its release. YO GABBA GABBA!: MUSIC IS AWESOME was picked as one of 2009’s top holiday gifts for toddlers by both PARENTS magazine and the popular Mom web destination MomLogic.com. YO GABBA GABBA!: MUSIC IS AWESOME Volume 2 will be released on iTunes and will be available at Target on August 24th.

The Nickelodeon DVD Yo Gabba Gabba!: Clubhouse released on June 15 and features performances by musical guests Erykah Badu, The Killers, Jimmy Eat World and more. The DVD is also available at Target.

Mandatory Entry:  Please visit Yo Gabba Gabba Live and tell me in a comment below which character you like best and why. (leave a comment below - 1 entry)

Extra Entries:  Leave a comment for each one

• Tweet about this giveaway and leave me the link in your comment below. (1 entry per day)
• Win a Yo Gabba Gabba Prize Pack (CD and DVD) from @bigjandlittlej. http://bit.ly/9BTRwe
• Blog about this giveaway and leave the link. (3 entries - leave a comment for each)
• Follow The Trials of Big J & Little J on Google Friend Connect (1 entry)

For more information:
http://twitter.com/yogabbagabba
http://www.facebook.com/#/pages/Yo-Gabba-Gabba/42220833615?ref=ts
http://www.yogabbagabba.com/
http://www.yogabbagabbalive.com/


We are receiving 2 tickets to see Yo Gabba Gabba Live for promoting the tour and hosting a giveaway. All opinions are 100% mine and those of Big J and are 100% honest.

Brugo Mug WINNER!!

Congratulations # 15

LAURA1877 said...


Like Brugo Mug on Facebook

bwirth1974 at gmail dot com

Laura has been e-mailed and has 48 hours to respond.

Thank you all for entering!