Reading Eggs Review

My son graduates from kindergarten this week. I can't believe how quickly this year has gone by. He has learned so much at his charter school, especially his reading skills, that I hope to maintain it over the summer. I don't want him to get lazy just because he's off for 2 months. So when I was given the opportunity to review Reading Eggs, I jumped at the chance.
Reading Eggs, is an online learn to read program for children 3-13 years of age. It makes learning fun by using interactive games, songs & rewards.
Synopsis:
The Reading Eggs program focuses on a core reading curriculum of phonics and sight words using skills and strategies essential for sustained reading success. It completely supports what children learn at school and will help to improve your child’s results at school.

My son took an assessment test so the site could find his appropriate level. I thought that was great because it instilled the idea that not ever 5 year old is on the same level. Each child is different in their learning stages. Once he was given his level, he quickly began using the site. He was pleased that he knew many of the answers & gained rewards. He was excited to begin a new level & venture to new activities.

I am looking forward to working with my son this summer on reading eggs. I appreciate a site that is safe for him to use on his own especially since he's only 6. I love how the site keeps track of his progress. I'm eager to see how much he continues to learn from using it.
You can purchase a 6 month subscription for a low price of $49.95. I suggest using the FREE trial to see if this is a site for your child. There's no credit card required. Try it now & I'm sure you're going to love it!

Disclosure: I was not compensated for this post. I was given a 3 month trial subscription for my review. All opinions expressed are my own.

Disney Pixar's BRAVE Review

Last night my son & I were given the opportunity to catch a screening of Disney Pixar's newest release BRAVE. We give it two thumbs up! The movie was amazing. It's not a typical Princess finds her Prince story line which is what I enjoyed the most about the movie.
BRAVE is set in Scotland. The story is about a headstrong teenager who wants to create her own destiny and not abide by the laws of the land set by her parents the King & Queen. Princess Merida is not your typical princess looking for Prince Charming. On the other hand, she's quite the opposite of what most Disney films portray. She's determined, BRAVE, argumentative, witty and just your typical teen. She doesn't dream of a married life and taking over the throne. While her parents have other plans for her, there in lies the distress between them. Hoping to change her mother's ideas of finding a suitor for her, Merida meets a witch who bestows a spell for her mother. I won't give away the movie, but its a beautifully written story that all moms can relate too. The idea that we all want the best for our children but that may not necessarily be right for them. We have to stop & listen to what they want and come to a compromise.
BRAVE hits theaters today so beat the heat & head out to an air conditioned theater with the family. This is a movie you don't want to miss!

Disclosure: I was not compensated for this post. I was offered a pair of tickets to the screening. All opinions expressed are my own.

Wordless Wednesday

A is for my Amazing little boy <3

Vitalicious Super Sampler Review & Giveaway

Since I've started my weight loss journey on Weight Watchers, I have had to find alternative ways of still getting my sweets without the excess calories. While I was logging in my points on the Weight Watchers site, I saw an advertisement for Vitalicious muffin tops. Then my mother told me that her co-workers buy them regularly. So I had to try them. I was sent a super sampler of their brownies, and muffin tops in various flavors.

What I instantly love about their individually wrapped packages, is how easy they are to prepare. I pop one in the microwave for 45 seconds and voila! they are done. So tasty!! My favorites are the banana chocolate chip & deep chocolate vita tops. To think that these are only 100 calories. I couldn't believe it. Usually low calorie foods, lose flavor and taste but these don't lack it at all. The portion size is perfect for my weight watchers plan and they are only 2-3 points. They were great for breakfast or for a mid day snack. I even bought some to work to share with my co-workers. They enjoyed them as much as I do.

Here is the Vita breakdown of what you get in each individually wrapped serving:

•  100 calories
• No artificial ingredients
• No preservatives
• Whole grains
• 4g-10g of fiber
• 0g-2.5g of fat
• 3g-5g protein
• 15 vitamins and minerals

I loved these so much that Vitalicious has generously offered to give one lucky reader a chance to win a Super Sampler pack!

Please use the Rafflecopter form to enter. Giveaway ends at 11:59pm 6/26/12.

Disclosure: I received a super sampler pack for review purposes only. All opinions expressed are my own. I received no other compensation for this review.

Happy Fathers Day!

Happy Fathers Day to my amazing husband and father to our son. We are both fortunate to have you in our lives. Andre is such a lucky boy to have you as a role model of what a MAN should be. Thank you for being there for us always. We love you so much. 

Today I remember my own dad & grandfather who left us way too soon. Its been so many years now that both of them have gone, but they are always in my heart. I will never forget them. Wishing you both a blessed Father's day in heaven.

Madagascar 3 Private Screening with Jada Pinkett-Smith

 

My son & I have been eagerly waiting for DreamWorks release of Madagascar 3. So when I was invited to attend a private viewing hosted by The MOMS, Denise Albert and Melissa Gerstein, I felt a little guilty that he couldn't attend. 

The event was held in Times Square at the Paramount Screening Room. CapriSun Super V and NY Cake Pops were sponsors of the event. We were given delicious samples to try while we waited for the start of the movie. There were many mom bloggers & mom entrepreneurs in the crowd. Some new faces & some that I've come to know. I attended the screening with my friends from Mommy's Mingle & Macaroni Kids East Bronx.

As we entered the screening room, we were each gifted with our own Afro circus wig. We all had fun donning the wigs. Once the movie started, you would never know that there were no children in attendance if you stood outside the room because of the laughter emanating from the moms. The film brought its usual banter between our favorite characters Alex, Marty, Melman, Gloria and the Penguins. There were several new circus animals introduced that added to the hilarity of it all. I have to say this one is my favorite of them all.

While credits were rolling, the beautifully talented Jada Pinkett-Smith entered. She sat with us and answered questions from the crowd. She was very down to earth and humble. I really enjoyed listening to her talk about her kids. She even shed some tears talking about a moment with her son Jaden. I know alot of the moms in the audience empathized with her. She spoke about how "we need to identify for ourselves what we need individually as moms." I felt this was a very important statement that resonated applause from the audience. I know I tend to forget about myself when it comes to my family. I always put them first and don't think twice about it. I shouldn't feel guilty for taking a few hours of the day for myself. We all need it.

I had a great time. I suggest taking the kids, with our without them to see this film. You will have tons of laughs & just a good ole time. Don't forget to make time for yourself!

A big Thank You to The MOMS for another fabulous Mamarazzi event.

Disclosure: I was not compensated for this post. All opinions expressed are my own.

SpiderMan Truck Tour #Giveaway - CLOSED

In anticipation of the summer's biggest blockbuster, The Amazing Spiderman, Sony Pictures Home Entertainment, Walmart Stores, Inc., and Marvel Entertainment have teamed up to present the ultimate Spider-Man experience at Walmart Stores nationwide. 
Grab the family for a fun-filled adventure at your local Walmart store and explore the innovative
“Secrets Unmasked” Truck Tour that turns a parking lot into a playground of interactive features
including:

•  Playstation 3 gaming center with advanced demo of The Amazing Spiderman video game by Activision available in stores June 26th.
• Demonstrations and giveaways of the new Spider-man Bonkazonks toys and The Amazing Spider-man hero FX masks from Hasbro
• HP photo center with free photos to take home
• Sony Electronics screening center
• Temporary tattoo center
• Samples of Spider-man snacks by Kellog's
• Demo of the "Web Slinger" augmented reality app from Smart Talk
• Spidey climbing wall (only at select locations)

*activities vary at locations
  For a full list of locations, check out www.walmart.com/spider-man

I have the Blu-Ray DVD box set of the Spider-man trilogy to give to 2 lucky readers!

Please use the Rafflecopter form below to enter. The 1st entry is mandatory. No other entries will be counted if the 1st one is not done!

Wordless Wednesday

He's excited for the summer!

Memorial Weekend in Portland,Maine

What I absolutely love about holiday weekends are the road trips my boyz & I decide to go on. We usually head down to Philly or up to Boston, but this year I decided we needed to venture to somewhere new. I've heard such wonderful things about Maine so I packed us up & we headed to Portland, Maine voted Best Food Town in America!
We had a great drive up. Our son was well behaved but anxious after an hour into the trip. Of course the redundant question of "Are we there yet?" was interfaced with him counting down the 5 hour trip every second. I nearly had a conniption after the 1st hour. We arrived safely & stayed at the Fairfield Inn Maine Mall. They were super courteous and attentive. Our room was clean & the outdoor pool was refreshing. I would definitely stay there again.
Of course our visit to Maine wouldn't be complete without a visit to Portland Lobster Company. My son is a HUGE lobster fan so he shared one with my husband while I devoured a lobster roll. I have to say the lobster did taste very fresh. They have a lobster shaped beeper as you wait for a table which we thought was the cutest!

 No visit is complete without seeing a lighthouse in Maine. We ventured to the Fort Williams Park, most famous for Portland Head Light. Its Maine's most popular tourist attraction. It was a breath taking view of the coast.

My family & I had a great time. We extended our trip by a day because we were so relaxed, something both my husband & I needed. Our son did get sick with a severe stomach virus which ended to a trip to the ER while out there & when we got back home. Thankfully, he's 100% better now but it was a frightening experience.
If you are planning any road trips this year I would suggest checking out Portland. Besides lobster, we also went to El Rayo Taqueria, which is owned by the same people from Lobster Co. They had delicious Mexican food and a great vibe at their venue. We are definitely going to head back to Maine but next time we're going to head further up to Freeport. I want to check out whale watching and try a lobster boat tour.

Disclosure: I was not compensated for this post. All opinions expressed are my own.