Friday, December 2, 2011
Quest for Zhu - a Giveaway
Giveaway
Courtesy of MomSelect and ZhuZhu Pets, I am able to offer to one A Busy Mom of Two reader, a copy of the ZhuZhu Pets Quest for Zhu movie on DVD.
Thursday, July 29, 2010
Lindsay Brin's Shed 5 Fast

The Shed 5 Fast workout is a total body workout that combines toning and cardio (kickboxing) in one workout. This "interval training is the most efficient way to burn calories." The DVD comes with two workouts, one that is a weight loss challenge and one that is an interval burn. Within each workout, there are two women in addition to Lindsay Brin. One is doing a beginner level and the other is doing an advanced level of the exercises, while Lindsay Brin leads and shows the intermediate levels. This is nice for those that are at different levels and can see how to approach each exercise at their level. Also, as you progress, you can move from one level to the next by following a different woman through the workout.
When I received the DVD, I was excited to try it and substituted it for my regular workout the next day.
In completing the first day of each workout, I was reminded of why I struggle with aerobics, step aerobics and many other DVDs. I am not very coordinated. I struggle with trying to watch and do the workout at the same time. I am challenged by the transitions required to go from one move to the next. I seem to fall behind and then am trying to watch to catch up. I spent time watching and then trying to do the workout, finding myself a few steps behind and then getting frustrated. The good news is that with these workouts, as with aerobics, step aerobics, and other DVDs, if I continue to do it - I do get the hang of it. I guess I'm memorizing the workout, allowing myself to transition more easily between moves and get better coordinated at completing the moves.
My experience is that the DVDs were providing me with a decent workout. They weren't as strenuous as other DVDs that I have been doing, but they get my heart rate up into the zone and I did some serious sweating during the workout. I didn't feel it much in my muscles the next day, but that could just be because I have been working out daily during the week for almost a full year now and I don't feel every workout from my regular routine as much as I used to.
I like that Lindsay Brin is a real person and she shares based on her own experiences. She has a website at Twitter or reach out to her on FREE meal plan, which can help you shed those last pounds even faster.
She was kind enough to offer a 20% off coupon for my readers:

Moms Into Fitness also just launched a 60 Day Slimdown program for moms that want to commit to 5 days a week, complete with Fitness Tracker, 3-phase Meal Plan and workout calendar. Get your body back with Moms Into Fitness DVDs! Learn how to fire your core from the inside-out to create a flat stomach again.

Title: Lindsay Brin Shed 5 Fast
Price: $15.99
Put out by: Moms Into Fitness
You can watch a trailer here:
No compensation was received for this post. I did receive a complimentary copy of Lindsay Brin's Shed 5 Fast, so that I could try it and share my experience.
Monday, February 15, 2010
In the Land of Odds

Product/Book Name: In the Land of Odds, DVD
Auto-B-Good is a five time Emmy Award winning series that can be seen on public television and all around the world. The series is based on the adventures of 9 vehicles, each with their own unique personality, who live in the City of Auto. Each episode is centered around a different Character Development Trait, such as honesty, respect, caring, fairness and many more.
There are currently six DVD’s available (Seasons one and two). Each DVD has four episodes on it.
Ages: 3-10
Price: $7.99
Put out by: Rising Star Studios
Auto-B-Good Site
I had never heard of the Land of Odds before I was contacted about reviewing it. It intrigued me though, my kids are both fans of the movie Cars, so I figured that they would both enjoy a cartoon that featured cars as characters and I liked the idea that each episode centers around one character development trait.
When the DVD first arrived, the kids were a little hesitant to watch it. After the first viewing, which consisted of only two episodes, I was a little bit disappointed that the kids weren't very excited about the show. But, I persevered and had them watch the DVD a second time. That was a good thing, this time, my son found more interest in the show and started talking about what he liked in the episodes. My daughter wasn't that enthused, but watched because her brother was watching. She is only 3 though, which is the bottom age for their recommended viewing, and in general, with the exception of Imagination Movers (most of the time), has a tendency to wander away from whatever show is on. (She has more important 3 year old things to do - which is fine by me, no need to sit there just watching TV)
I think the premise was a great one. I think that the quirky characters and the stories told certainly expressed the lesson at hand without making it feel like a lesson and in the short period of an episode. I like that there are 5 big cars (I was thinking "teenager" cars), 2 little cars and 2 older and wise cars, I think that the age range of the cars makes it easier to relate to. I also find the theme song sort of catchy (I find a lot of tunes to be catchy, as I frequently find myself singing along with even commercial jingles).
I am considering getting some additional discs for the kids to check out. I also noticed that there are some Auto-B-Good books available, which might be a great way to reinforce the lessons taught in the show.
You can preview one episode "Cooler Heads Prevail" on the YouTube link above and check it out for yourself or you can purchase a copy here.
Become a fan of Auto-B-Good on Facebook or follow Auto-B-Good on Twitter
There was no compensation made for this post. I did receive a complimentary DVD from Rising Star Studios to share with my family for the purposes of providing my review. This was made possible through MamaBzz.
Sunday, October 11, 2009
Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs - Diamond Edition Combo Pack
As soon as the movie arrived earlier this week, I made a 'date' with my daughter to watch Snow White this weekend. She was excited. We have been reading Snow White in our big Princess book and this was the first Princess movie that we sat down to watch. What fun!
I really like that the BluRay disc also includes a standard DVD. We only have a BluRay player in our basement. The car and the family room both only play DVDs. Of course, we wanted to experience the full impact, so we headed down to the media room to watch the movie this morning, where we could enjoy the improved picture quality and 7.1 Surround sound featured on the BluRay.
When we put the BluRay in, the Magic Mirror on the Wall, that is part of the menu, addressed us with a 'Good Morning' greeting and commented on it being our first time there. I thought that was kind of cool. The movie looked great. We chose to watch the original 4:3 ratio, rather than a special feature they offer called Disney View, which features the art of Toby Bluth in place of the black sidebars.
My daughter asked a lot of questions during the movie, she is 2 after all. From the get go, she wanted to know where the dwarfs were and then when we got to the part of the movie they were in, she kept asking about those 'boys'. All-in-all, it was a great experience. We explored a few of the extra features, including BD Live. There are also many other features that we have yet to explore on both the DVD and the BluRay version as well as on the bonus material BluRay disc, including games and activities, commentary, 'Snow White Returns', Karaoke sing-along and more.
If you already own Snow White on DVD, you can go here to get a $10 coupon when you upgrade to the Diamond Edition. This deal is only good until October 20th.
There also was a coupon available here to save $10 . This coupon, when I printed it last week expired on 10/10, so I'm not certain if it is still available or not - but you can give the link a try. Many stores have it on sale this week. In addition, there is a rebate available when you purchase Snow White and Hefty plates, bowls or bags.
Alternatively, you can use coupon code SNOWHITE at Amazon.com and save $10, getting it for $9.95. I've not been able to find anything that indicates how long this code is good for, but it is worth a try.
I did not receive any compensation for this post, but did receive an advanced copy of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs - Diamond Edition from One2One and Disney.