The First Easter Rabbit: Deluxe Edition and Bugs Bunny’s Easter Funnies

CELEBRATE SPRINGTIME WITH WARNER HOME VIDEO’S EASTER CLASSICS THE FIRST EASTER RABBIT AND BUGS BUNNY’S EASTER FUNNIES
RELEASED ON DVD FOR THE FIRST TIME

From the studio: Consumers will hop on over to their favorite retailer when Warner Home Video (WHV) releases classic Easter specials The First Easter Rabbit: Deluxe Edition and Bugs Bunny’s Easter Funnies on DVD for the first time.

“We think both The First Easter Rabbit: Deluxe Edition and Bugs Bunny’s Easter Funnies capture the essence of the Easter holiday with heart-touching and funny stories that members of the entire family can enjoy together,” said Amit Desai, WHV Vice President of Family, Animation & Partner Brand Marketing. He added, “Easter is a time for families to gather together and share in holiday traditions. For very many families, those traditions include watching favorite holiday specials that evoke the spirit of the season. Both The First Easter Bunny and Bugs Bunny’s Easter Funnies are on their way to becoming timeless holiday classics that will entertain generations of viewers to come.”

The First Easter Rabbit
Price: $14.98
Actors: Burl Ives, Robert Morse, Stan Freberg, Paul Frees, Don Messick
Directors: Arthur Rankin Jr., Jules Bass
Writers: Julian P. Gardner
Producers: Arthur Rankin Jr., Jules Bass
Language: English (Dolby Digital 1.0)
Subtitles: English, French
Number of discs: 1
Rating: NR (Not Rated)
Studio: Warner Home Video
DVD Release Date: February 16, 2010
Run Time: 25 minutes

Narrated by Academy Award winner Burl Ives, The First Easter Rabbit is the tuneful and vibrant, Rankin/Bass holiday classic that tells the story of the origin of the first Easter Bunny.

Stuffy is a plush rabbit given to a young girl as a Christmas gift. He is brought to life by a fairy, to serve as the symbol of Easter and is sent to Easter Valley, an enchanted place near the North Pole where it’s always spring. In Easter Valley, Stuffy hopes to bring the first-ever basket of Easter goodies to its children. Stuffy’s plans however, are thwarted when a cold-hearted ice creature named Zero refuses to allow the spread of happiness throughout the valley. Zero threatens to freeze Easter Valley, so that it becomes just like the North Pole. It’s up to Stuffy to stop Zero from unleashing his cold-hearted plan.

The First Easter Rabbit: Deluxe Edition will be offered in a fully re-mastered format and will include an all-new interactive puzzle game. The DVD’s packaging will feature beautiful, rainbow foil embossing.

Bugs Bunny's Easter Funnies (1977)
List Price: $14.98
Actors: Mel Blanc
Language: English
Number of discs: 1
Rating: NR (Not Rated)
Studio: Warner Home Video
DVD Release Date: February 16, 2010
Run Time: 50 minutes

From plush bunnies to “wascally wabbits,” Bugs Bunny’s Easter Funnies is the animated Easter special that features a star-studded lineup of all-time favorite Looney Tunes characters including Bugs Bunny, Sylvester, Granny, Pepe Le Pew, Foghorn Leghorn, Yosemite Sam and Daffy Duck.

In Bugs Bunny’s Easter Funnies, Granny tries to recruit a substitute for the Easter Bunny when he falls ill. Someone has to help deliver Easter baskets and so Bugs Bunny and his pals all volunteer. Each character auditions for Granny. Which Looney Tunes character makes the best Easter Bunny? Viewers will be surprised! Portions of legendary Looney Tunes cartoon shorts are cleverly mixed into the plot of this delightful special including Birds Anonymous, For Scent-imental Reasons, Knighty Knight Bugs, Sahara Hare, Robin Hood Daffy, Rabbit of Seville, Hillbilly Hare and Tweety’s Circus.

Aside from the special, the DVD will also include a bonus short titled His Hare Raising Tale and three menu-based puzzle games.

My take: Where exactly did the first two months of 2010 go and can I have them back?? I can't believe it's Lent already, with Easter just around the corner. And with Easter approaching, I would bet many of you are the Easter Bunny is looking for non-candy items for those Easter baskets. Both of these Easter themed movies would fit that bill nicely. "The First Easter Rabbit" was our favorite of the two - because some of the same characters and voices from our beloved "Frosty the Snowman" are in this movie too! Of course, you can't go wrong with a Burl Ives narrated, Rankin Bass production - fans of the original Christmas Rankin Bass shows will fall in love with "The First Easter Rabbit" too - we did! Stuffy is just as beloved as Frosty is in our house now! Of course, "Bugs Bunny's Easter Funnies" is no slouch in the entertainment department either - if you love Bugs Bunny and his capers, you'll love this film. It appears to be a bunch of classic clips tied together for the Easter themed story and we all had fun laughing our way through it. Both DVDs would be perfect for Easter gifts this season (you know, should the Easter Bunny be reading this post).

About Warner Bros. Animation: Warner Bros. Animation has been producing award-winning original animation since 1930, when it released its first cartoon, "Sinkin’ in the Bathtub." Since then, Warner Bros. Animation's characters have set the standard for innovative, quality animation. Producing for network and cable television, online, home entertainment and feature films both domestically and internationally, Warner Bros. Animation is highly respected for its creative and technical excellence, as well as maintaining the studio's rich cartoon heritage. Warner Bros. Animation also oversees the creative use of, and production of animated programming based on classic animated characters from the Hanna-Barbera and DC Comics libraries. Warner Bros. Animation is one of the most honored animation studios in history, garnering a grand total of six Academy Awards®, 35 Emmy® Awards, the George Foster Peabody Award, an Environmental Media Award, a Parents' Choice Award, a Humanitas Award, two Prism Awards and 20 Annie Awards (honoring excellence in animation).

About Warner Home Video: With operations in 90 international territories, Warner Home Video, a Warner Bros. Entertainment Company, a division of the Warner Bros. Home Entertainment Group, commands the largest distribution infrastructure in the global video marketplace. Warner Home Video's film library is the largest of any studio, offering top quality new and vintage titles from the repertoires of Warner Bros. Pictures, Turner Entertainment, Castle Rock Entertainment, HBO Home Video and New Line Home Entertainment.

About Warner Bros. Home Entertainment Group: Warner Bros. Home Entertainment Group brings together Warner Bros. Entertainment's home video, digital distribution, interactive entertainment/videogames, direct-to-DVD production, technical operations and anti-piracy businesses in order to maximize current and next-generation distribution scenarios. WBHEG is responsible for the global distribution of content through DVD, electronic sell-through and VOD, and delivery of theatrical content to wireless and online channels, and is also a significant worldwide publisher for both internal and third party videogame titles.

This post was written for Warner Home Video who provided the DVDs for review. I was not compensated in any way except for the complimentary DVDs.

The review was sponsored by An Island Life;

I am proud to be part of Kailani's review team:

Canterwood Crest: Take the Reins (giveaway)

TAKE THE REINS
Canterwood Crest (#1)
January 27, 2009
Aladdin MIX
Simon & Schuster
Middle grade (9-13 years old)

From the publisher: Who says teammates have to be friends? When Sasha Silver and her horse, Charm, arrive on the campus of the elite Canterwood Crest Academy, Sasha knows that she's in trouble. She's not exactly welcomed with open arms. One group of girls in particular is used to being the best, the brightest, and the prettiest on the team, and when Sasha shows her skills in the arena, the girls' claws come out. Sasha is determined to prove that she belongs at Canterwood. Will she rise to the occasion and make the advanced riding team by the end of her first semester? Or will the pressure send Sasha packing?

My take: So apparently, I'm not really turning 39 years old next week; I'm still a tween. How else can you explain my fascination with and enjoyment of all this Simon & Schuster Young Adult Fiction lately? Canterwood Crest: Take the Reins is no different - I loved this book! I think I read it in 2 hours - did not want to put it down until I was done. Granted, I've never been to an equestrian boarding school but I could relate to Sasha's feeling of being an outsider and being bullied at school - I think most of us can. I like how Sasha kept her own sense of self about her and refused to lower herself to the level of the bullies. Anywho, I know where this leaves me now....must get copies of books 2 - 12 of Canterwood Crest somehow....

The giveaway: FIVE lucky winners will win their own copy of Canterwood Crest: Take the Reins, courtesy of Simon & Schuster Children’s Publishing! In addition, I'll pick TWO more winners to get the uncollected copies of Wish Stealers!! [US ADDRESSES ONLY PLEASE]

To win: Leave a comment here telling me the name another Simon and Schuster book that looks like a good read to you. Be sure to leave your email address with your comment if you are not a blogger or your email is not easily found on your blog. This giveaway is open until 11:59 p.m., EST, Thursday, March 4, 2010 (MY BIRTHDAY and the gifts go to YOU!). Good Luck!

Bonus entries: Get up to 6 extra entries for a total of 7 entries (please leave a separate comment for each extra entry):

• Blog about this giveaway (don't forget to leave the link in your comment)
• Twitter, Stumble or Digg this giveaway
• Subscribe to my blog via RSS or Email (see top left sidebar)
• Add my blog to your blogroll or my button to your sidebar (leave your website address for verification)
• On Technorati - click on this link, then on Fan or Fav (or use the green link on the top left sidebar)
• Follow me on Blogger (see top left sidebar)

This review was sponsored by the Simon & Schuster Children’s Publishing who provided the books for review and giveaway. I was not compensated in any way except for the complimentary book.

Banquet says "Thanks a Million"

From Mom Central: For over 50 years and crossing several generations, Banquet has created home-style frozen dinner meals for those hectic days when things have been completely crazy – when the answer to the question of "What's for dinner, mom!?" is "I have no idea!" For those times, my first response as a Mom is to look in the freezer and figure out what we can heat up and make fast! Either that or it's expensive take-out, which costs more money, time, or energy than I have left.

For nights like these, it helps to have some great rescue meals on hand, like Banquet frozen entrées. Dinner that the whole family will enjoy is on the table in minutes. Banquet offers more than enough single-serve dinner varieties so each family member is covered – whether you have kids who are picky eaters and only like Macaroni & Cheese or Chicken Fingers, or adults who prefer more sophisticated options like Chicken Pasta Marinara, Sweet and Sour Chicken or Creamy Pasta Carbonara.

As a way of saying "Thanks a Million" to their loyal customers over all these years, Banquet is giving away more than $1 million worth of redeemable cash prizes this February through April. Beginning February 8, look for Banquet frozen dinner meals with the "Thanks a Million" logo on the box. Each of these specially-marked packages will contain a special game piece, either one of over 16,000 redeemable cash prizes worth anywhere from $10 to $100,000, or a Banquet coupon. What's better than that? A quick dinner on the table in minutes and a chance to find the equivalent of the "Willy Wonka" golden ticket!

My take: It's tax season and for me, that means I'm eating a lot of frozen dinners at work. So when Mom Central and Banquet offered to provide me with a few of them, I jumped right on it. I used the three coupons they sent me to get three individual meals (valued at $1 a piece). Specifically, I picked up the Chicken Fingers Meal (breaded chicken patties, macaroni & cheese and a fudge brownie - 480 calories, 21 g. of fat); the Chicken Fried Beef Steak Meal (country style gravy and chicken friend beef patty fritter w/ mashed potatoes and corn - 380 calories, 17 g fat) and the Pepperoni Pizza Meal (reduced fat pepperoni pizza and chocolate pudding - 350 calories, 13 g fat). Now, these have more calories and way more fat than I'm used to having in a frozen meal but we've had the Family Crock Pot dinners before too and loved them so I wanted to see how the individual meals stacked up too. As you might expect from Banquet, they were quite good. The only complaint I had was in how these were packaged - as someone who doesn't like her different foods to touch, I wasn't thrilled that the different foods were not neatly in their compartments - for instance, the brownie mix was all mixed up in the chicken in one meal so when I heated it, I had brownie encased chicken sticks. I might also add I didn't win the $10,000 either so would that be considered a complaint too? LOL. I'll just have to try again!

This review was sponsored by
Mom Central

(which means: “I wrote this review while participating in a blog campaign by Mom Central on behalf of Banquet and received a sample to facilitate my candid review (I received 3 coupons for free Banquet meals which I redeemed for 3 frozen meals that were priced at $1.00 each at my grocery store). Mom Central also sent me a gift card to thank me for taking the time to participate.” )

Children's Books from Phenix & Phenix Publishing

From the publisher:

"Feeding Penny Pig” – In Jeannine Fox’s “Feeding Penny Pig” (Mimi’s Funhouse LLC, November 2009), Laney’s grandmother Mimi gives her a very special piggy bank named Penny Pig for her birthday. Every day, Laney must do chores for her parents to earn money to feed the very hungry Penny. Because Laney loves Penny so much, she begins to love working around the house to keep her happy and full. The friendship between them teaches Laney responsibility and the value of earning and saving money (List Price: $14.95; Reading level: Ages 9-12; Hardcover: 32 pages; Publisher: Mimi's Funhouse LLC (November 22, 2009); Language: English)

“How Lil’ Eddie Learns to Read” – In her new children’s book, “How Lil’ Eddie Learns to Read” (Synergy Books, February 2010), Rima H. Corral introduces readers to a little boy named Eddie who receives a book on his third birthday. Inspired by this gift, Eddie decides he wants to learn to read. The book follows Lil’ Eddie and his family as they help him learn to read through books, games and a neighborhood reading club. Corral also includes “Help for Parents” sections scattered throughout the pages. She hopes this book will encourage parents to help their kids learn reading skills before entering kindergarten (List Price: $18.95; Reading level: Ages 9-12; Hardcover: 48 pages; Publisher: Synergy Books (February 2, 2010); Language: English)

“I’m Up in a Tree” - Told in a lyrical rhyming style, Mark Alden Johnson’s “I’m Up in a Tree” (Bridgeway Books, January 2010) follows a little boy who climbs a tree for fun, only to realize he is scared to get down. As he sits high in the branches, various creatures that live in the tree approach him and advise him on how to get his feet back on the ground. Birds tell him to fly out of the tree, bees suggest he jump from the branch and a cat proposes he climb down. It is up to the little boy to decide if he should heed their advice, or trust his instincts and wait for his dad to help him. “I’m Up in a Tree” is a fun way to teach kids early to resist peer pressure and make their own choices. (List Price: $14.95; Reading level: Ages 4-8; Hardcover: 32 pages; Publisher: Bridgeway Books (January 19, 2010); Language: English)

My take: We love to read in our house - my husband and I read at least two books a day to our 5 and 7 year old and now that our 7 year old son is reading himself, he loves to read to us too. So I'm always on the look out for new children's books to share with them (I must confess, we've never taken them to the library because we own so many books at home - they each have overflowing bookshelves in their rooms and we have another one downstairs just for their books - you can never have too many books!). Our favorite of the three books above is “I’m Up in a Tree” because of the rhyming style of the book. As a mom, I liked the subtle message of being true to oneself and resisting "peer pressure" (even if those "peers" are animals in this case) and my kids just liked the story of a boy stuck in a tree and the animals all talking to him! Receiving the next book ("Feeding Penny Pig”) when we did, turned out to be very timely. We just starting giving the kids an allowance a few weeks ago and they both have their own banks (our daughter actually has a pig bank too). I love how this book reinforces the lessons of saving and earning money that we are teaching at home while the kiddos liked the idea of a talking piggy bank! The last book,“How Lil’ Eddie Learns to Read," was not very enthusiatically received by my kiddos - and I don't blame them a bit. As a story book, it fails quite a bit. The story line is weak as it's main emphasis is on passing out hints and suggestions for teaching your child to read. So as a resource for parents, I found this to be quite helpful, just don't pick it up as a storybook for your children.

About the authors:

JEANNINE FOX, or “Mimi” as her granddaughters call her, is a Certified Financial Planner® and Certified Public Accountant. She has been practicing financial planning in the Houston area since 1981. Fox is the branch manager of The Planning Team in Houston and a branch manager and investment advisor representative of NEXT Financial Group, Inc. She has a Bachelor of Science degree in business from the University of Alabama and an MBA with concentrations in finance and accounting from the University of Houston. Fox has also been a featured guest on a variety of radio and television shows, and a contributor for The Money Paper, Southwest Airline’s Spirit magazine, Financial Planner magazine, Senior Spirit and USA Today. She currently lives in Magnolia, Texas, where she enjoys spending time with her family.

RIMA H. CORRAL is a beloved entertainer, as well as creator and producer of the Houston PBS children’s television program, Rima, Fuego and the Children, which airs nationwide. With degrees in music and general education, Rima has more than twenty-five years of experience as an early childhood educator. This is her first children’s book.

MARK ALDEN JOHNSON has been a writer at heart since a very young age. Even as a kid, he would invent imaginative stories and proudly present them to his parents – and anyone else he could find. Johnson started writing children’s stories just for his kids and their friends when they were young, but after he published his first book, Little Fish Lou (Outskirts Press), he knew writing was a passion he wanted to pursue. A native of northern Nevada, Johnson attended West Nevada College, where he took a wide variety of courses. Currently, he works for a local utility company in Dayton, Nev., where he lives with his wife and three kids.

This post was written for Phenix & Phenix Publishing who provided the three books for review. I was not compensated in any way except for the complimentary books.

The review was sponsored by An Island Life;

I am proud to be part of Kailani's review team:

Celtic Woman: Songs from the Heart (giveaway)

NEW CELTIC WOMAN ALBUM SONGS FROM THE HEART DEBUTS AT #9 ON BILLBOARD TOP 200 CHARTS; LIVE DVD DEBUTS #1 ON BILLBOARD TOP DVD CHART!

THE IRISH MUSIC PHENOMENON WILL KICK OFF “SONGS FROM THE HEART” U.S. TOUR THIS FEBRUARY

“One of the most wildly popular singing groups on the planet” – The Cincinnati Examiner

From Team Mom: Multi-platinum selling group, Celtic Woman, has scored their second Top 10 album debut on the Billboard Top 200 landing at #9 with Songs from the Heart. The album is also the group’s fifth release to debut at #1 on the Billboard World Music Chart. In addition, the companion live concert DVD debuts at #1 on the Billboard Top Music DVD Chart. The group will embark on a nationwide 75+ city brand-new tour beginning February 9th in Roanoke, VA and include two nights at Radio City Music Hall on February 26th and 27th. With success on both the Billboard Top 200 and World Music charts, Celtic Woman transcends the Irish music and classical crossover genres carving out a place in adult contemporary music with their signature style.

The new CD features studio recorded versions of songs performed during their 5th PBS TV Special “Songs from the Heart- Live at Powerscourt House & Gardens.” The TV special can be enjoyed on the companion live DVD - Songs from the Heart- Live. Beautifully capturing the pure essence of Celtic Woman, this new musical experience showcases the celestial sounds of vocalists Lisa Kelly, Chloë Agnew, Lynn Hilary and Alex Sharpe along with the dynamic inventiveness of Celtic Violinist Máiréad Nesbitt. The Songs from the Heart CD and DVD include contemporary hits like Mariah Carey’s “When You Believe” and Billy Joel’s “Goodnight My Angel” as well as the Irish classics “Galway Bay” and “My Lagan Love”. Fans can also purchase the Songs from the Heart Deluxe Experience Edition CD which includes an 18-month desktop calendar, heart charm keepsake and VIP access to a virtual Celtic Woman online community.

As a unique all-female ensemble, Celtic Woman continues to have mainstream success without the aid of traditional sales drivers such as radio or video airplay. No other all-female ensemble of this particular adult contemporary genre can claim 5 million albums sold, two top 10 album debuts on the Billboard Top 200, 3 gold and platinum albums, 4 Top 5 Releases on the Billboard Top Video chart and a million concert tickets sold. They have succeeded by connecting directly to fans via their Public Television specials, their frequent touring and then having those fans share the experience with friends and loved ones.

Celtic Woman recently performed at the National Christmas Tree Lighting in Washington D.C. joining entertainers like Sheryl Crow, Common, Jordin Sparks and Ray LaMontagne. As a testament to the group’s ability to cross musical and cultural boundaries, the group was invited to perform on ABC’s Dancing With The Stars singing for 23 million viewers while their PBS TV specials have dominated the broadcast airwaves over the past five years.

My take: Celtic Woman, a 5 member Irish female ensemble, features Lisa Kelly, Chloe Agnew, Lynn Hilary and Alex Sharpe (with violinist Máiréad Nesbitt). They are "known for putting a modern twist on the Celtic Sound." I've got the original Celtic Woman CD at home and I've just about worn it out. Thank goodness Team Mom sent me their latest, "Songs From the Heart." Let me tell you, I love every song on this CD - I've listened to it every day since I received it. Their lovely rendition of Sting's "Fields of Gold" brings to mind Eva Cassidy's version of the song (another favorite musician of mine). "Níl Sé'n Lá" was my favorite - an upbeat "classic" Irish tune that keeps my toes tapping (the instrumental "The Coast Of Galiçia" is also such a tune that put me in mind of the Irish music played during the scene in Titanic when Rose and Jack are dancing below in steerage). "Amazing Grace" moves me to tears (anything with bagpipes has that effect on me) and their cover of Billy Joel's "Goodnight My Angel" may be better than his (sorry Billy!). If you are Irish or just wish you were, be sure to get your own copy of "Songs from the Heart" and go see them in concert!

SONGS FROM THE HEART 2010 TOUR
2/23 Erie, PA Warner Theatre
2/24 Wilkes Barre, PA Wachovia Arena
2/26 New York, NY Radio City Music Hall
2/27 New York, NY Radio City Music Hall
2/28 Manchester, NH Verizon Wireless Arena
3/2 Reading, PA Sovereign Center
3/3 Schenectady, NY Proctors Theatre
3 /4 Schenectady, NY Proctors Theatre
3/6 Wallingford, CT Chevrolet Theatre / 2 shows
3/9 Providence, RI Providence PAC
3/10 Providence, RI Providence PAC
3/12 Boston, MA The Wang Theater
3/13 Boston, MA The Wang Theater
3/14 Boston, MA The Wang Theater
3/16 Hershey, PA GIANT Center
3/17 Fairfax, VA Patriots Center
3/19 Pittsburgh, PA Mellon Arena
3/20 Cleveland, OH State Theatre
3/21 South Bend, IN Morris PAC
3/23 Madison, WI Alliant Energy Center
3/24 St. Paul, MN Xcel Energy Center
3/25 Milwaukee, WI Milwaukee Theater
3/27 Indianapolis, IN Murat Theatre
3/28 Cincinnati, OH Arnoff Center / 2 shows
3/30 St. Louis, MO Fabulous Fox Theatre
3/31 St. Louis, MO Fabulous Fox Theatre
4/1 Ft. Wayne, IN Embassy Theatre
4/2 Louisville, KY Palace Theatre
4/3 Louisville, KY Palace Theatre
4/6 Grand Rapids, MI Van Andel Arena
4/7 Detroit, MI Fox Theater
4/9 Rosemont, IL Rosemont Theatre
4/10 Rosemont, IL Rosemont Theatre
4/11 Peoria, IL Peoria Civic Center
4/13 Knoxville, TN Civic Auditorium
4/14 Birmingham, AL BJCC
4/16 Pensacola, FL Pensacola Civic Center
4/17 Jacksonville, FL Moran Theatre
4/18 St. Petersburg, FL Mahaffey Theater
4/20 West Palm Beach, FL Kravis Center
4/21 West Palm Beach, FL Kravis Center
4/22 Orlando, FL Amway Arena
4/23 Tallahassee, FL Leon County Civic Center
4/24 Baton Rouge, LA Baton Rouge River Center
4/26 Memphis, TN Orpheum Theater
4/27 Memphis, TN Orpheum Theater
4/28 Little Rock, AR Robinson Center
4/30 Houston, TX Toyota Center
5/1 Grand Prairie, TX Nokia Theatre
5/2 San Antonio, TX Majestic Theater
5/5 Tempe, AZ Gammage Auditorium
5/6 Los Angeles, CA Gibson Amphitheater
5/7 San Diego, CA Civic Theatre
5/8 Ontario, CA CB Bank Arena
5/9 Sacramento, CA Memorial Auditorium
5/11 Seattle, WA Paramount Theater
5/12 Seattle, WA Paramount Theater
5/13 Seattle, WA Paramount Theater
5/15 Vancouver, BC General Motors Place
5/17 Edmonton, AB Rexall Place
5/18 Calgary, AB Stampede Corral
5/20 Spokane, WA INB Performing Arts Center
5/21 Boise, ID Morrison Center
5/22 Salt Lake City, UT Energy Solutions Arena

The giveaway: I have one Celtic Woman Songs from the Heart Deluxe Experience CD (includes an 18-month desktop calendar, heart charm keepsake and VIP access to a virtual Celtic Woman community) to giveaway to one lucky winner (Open to U.S. residents only please)!

To win: Leave me a comment here telling me what the name of one of the two members of Celtic Woman who were involved with the Disney movie, Tinkerbell and the Lost Treasure (HINT: read near the end of the page). Be sure to leave your email address with your comment if you are not a blogger or your email is not easily found on your blog. This giveaway is open until 11:59 p.m., EST, Monday, March 1, 2010. Good Luck!

Bonus: Get up to 7 extra entries for a total of 8 entries (please leave a separate comment for each extra entry):

• Follow Celtic Woman on Twitter
• Blog about this giveaway (don't forget to leave the link in your comment)
• Twitter, Stumble or Digg this giveaway
• Subscribe to my blog via RSS or Email (see top left sidebar)
• Add my blog to your blogroll or my button to your sidebar (leave your website address for verification)
• On Technorati - click on this link, then on Fan or Fav (or use the green link on the top left sidebar)
• Follow me on Blogger (see top left sidebar)

This post was written for EMI Music who provided the CD for review and giveaway (I received the regular CD, not the Deluxe addition that is being given away). I was not compensated in any way except for the complimentary CD.

I am proud to be a member of Team Mom's "Music Moms" who sponsored this review.

Mickey Mouse Clubhouse: Minnie's Bow-Tique

On Tuesday February 9th Walt Disney Studios released MICKEY MOUSE CLUBHOUSE: MINNIE’S BOW-TIQUE on DVD! This new release features four Minnie-themed stories including a never-before-seen episode and a fun Minnie magnet bow frame. ‘Minnie’s Pajama Party,’ and ‘Minnie’s Bee Story,’ include Disney’s Adventure Mode – an interactive game using the remote control with multiple play levels.

Mickey Mouse Clubhouse: Minnie's Bow-Tique
U.S. $19.99 (SRP), Canada $24.99 (SRP)
Language: English
Rated: TVY
Number of discs: 1
Studio: Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment
DVD Release Date: February 9, 2010
Run Time: 96 minutes

From the studio: For the first time ever, Minnie Mouse will star in Mickey Mouse Clubhouse: Minnie’s Bow-tique when it comes to Disney DVD on February 9, 2010. This new release features four Minnie-themed stories including a never-before-seen episode and a fun Minnie magnet bow frame. Two episodes, ‘Minnie’s Pajama Party,’ and ‘Minnie’s Bee Story,’ include Disney’s Adventure Mode – an interactive game using the remote control with multiple play levels.

It's the grand opening of Minnie's Bow-tique, a store jam-packed with every kind of bow and bowtie imaginable. The selections include: the "Glow-Bow", a bow that changes color with every mood; the "Grow-Bow", a bow that grows to tremendous size by just adding water; flying "Butterfly-Bows"; and a "Photo-Bow" that snaps instant pictures. Problems arise when Pete, embarrassed about buying a lady's bow for his favorite aunt, causes a few accidental mishaps in the new store. However, super salesperson Minnie finds the perfect bow for Pete. The Bow-tique's grand opening is a success - and it all ends in a Big Bow Show with the Clubhouse gang modeling the latest fashions under the biggest bow of all, a colorful, sky-high Rain-Bow.

In a never-before-seen episode, Minnie’s Pajama Party Minnie and the girls set up a fun Pajama Party sleepover for the day – but it’s not as easy as it sounds, especially with the addition of Pete and Willie the Giant!

MICKEY MOUSE CLUBHOUSE: MINNIE’S BOW-TIQUE

Minnie’s Bow-tique
Minnie’s Bee Story
Minnie’s Picnic
Minnie’s Pajama Party* (Never-before-seen episode until 4/6/10)

Bonus Features include: 3 Fun Ways To Watch And Play Featuring Interactive Adventure Mode – an interactive game using the remote control with multiple play levels.

My take: Mickey Mouse Clubhouse is often the show of choice in our house lately (we've been watching more on the Disney Channel). And with my daughter home all last week sick, Mickey Mouse Clubhouse: Minnies Bow-Tique was a welcome addition to our DVD collection. And having an entire DVD where Minnie was "the star" was a big hit with my little girl. The Bow-tique episode was fun, especially since she loves hair accessories so much (her own hair is waist length, never cut) but her favorite was the Pajama Party episode (probably because she is just about old enough for sleepovers so she is fascinated by them). She was a bit too much under the weather to want to play the remote control interactive game but since most all of our Mikey Mouse Clubhouse DVDs have the feature, I know it's a fun addition for kids that lends to the feeling of being an actual part of the movie. Fun! If you have any fans of the Mickey Mouse Clubhouse in your house, Minnie's Bow-Tique is a must have for you!

Here are a few clips so you can check it out for yourself:

Minnie’s Picnic


Featurette: Bow-tique Game


Minnie’s Bow-tique


Minnie’s Pajama Party


Minnie’s Bow Story

About the Studio: Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment, a recognized leader in the home entertainment industry, is the marketing, sales and distribution company for Walt Disney, Touchstone, Hollywood Pictures, Miramax and Buena Vista product, which includes DVD, Blu-ray Disc and electronic distribution. Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment is a division of Disney Enterprises, Inc.

This post was written for Click Communications who provided the movie for review. I was not compensated in any way except for the complimentary DVD.

Get Glovd GIVEAWAY

THIS GIVEAWAY IS CLOSED.
CONGRATULATIONS NOREEN!

Remember this review for GetGlovd? The company has decided to add a giveaway to my review!!

The winner can pick their choice from Children's, Women's or Men's sizes:



To win: Visit GetGlovd's website and come back here and leave me a comment telling me something you learned about 100% Mechanically Processed Bamboo (and which size you'd pick if you win). Be sure to leave your email address with your comment if you are not a blogger or your email is not easily found on your blog. This giveaway is open until 11:59 p.m., EST, Thursday, February 25, 2010.

Bonus entries: Get up to 8 extra entries for a total of 9 entries (please leave a separate comment for each extra entry):

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A Little Break

Our 5 year old daughter Tator Tot (the child who spent the last week of 2009 in the hospital) has been struck low by the stomach virus. It's been a rough few days (vomiting blood after being sick for 29 hours) and she is not out of the woods yet. She is dehydrated and we are praying she keeps enough fluids down today in order that we can keep her out of the hospital with an IV again. Her dad and I are alternating taking days off work. Please check back in next week for some pretty cool reviews! Thanks!

See you on the Flip Side

Get Glovd

From the company: GetGlovd is the new alternative to providing an effective defense against germs and bacteria, anywhere you travel. These lightweight gloves, with a luxurious silky feel are fashionably designed in three sizes to comfortably fit and help guard you and your family from contact with flu viruses and harmful bacteria.

You can’t always be near soap and water, and even frequent use of hand sanitizers can cause harmful bacteria to become immune to germ killing active ingredients in your body causing the skin to be more susceptible to spreading germs.



Conventional gloves may provide an invisible breeding ground for germs to linger. However, GetGlovd is designed using 100% mechanically processed, naturally anti-bacterial, anti-microbial bamboo yarn that checks the spread of contagion.

GetGlovd can be purchased for $14.99 for the children’s size, and $19.99 for the men’s and women’s sizes at www.getglovd.com.

My take: Both my kids received a pair of GetGlovd to try out. At first I didn't think they would even fit them - they seem impossibly small like baby gloves. But don't be fooled - they stretch out into a very nice pair of children's gloves that stay snug without being uncomfortable ("it's magic Mama!"). They are hypoallergenic too so they aren't irritating to the skin in the slightest. However, my 5 year old daughter wouldn't wear them - they "aren't pink, Mom!" (note to the company - you may want to expand your color choices for little girls). But my 7 year old wears them every.single.day. And let me tell you, there is a stomach virus going around school. My son is healthy as a horse while my daughter is down for the count. Did the gloves make a difference? I don't know. But I'm willing to bet they had something to do with it. I'm going to pick some up for myself now - comfortable AND antibacterial - win-win in my book. Check it out:

Get Glovd Fact Sheet:

Get Glovd is great because…

• 100% natural, sustainable fabric

• Naturally antimicrobial and antibacterial

• Inhibits the growth of bacteria and fungi that cause odor

• Hypoallergenic for even the most sensitive skin

• Keeps you cooler is summer and warmer in winter

• Breathable, provides excellent comfort through moisture wicking

• Provides UV protection

• Maintains these properties even through multiple washings

• Silky touch

Get Glovd is a better alternative to sand sanitizers because…

• Nearly all off-the-shelf liquid hand sanitizers and wipes are alcohol based. Excessive use of hand sanitizers can aggravate and irritate existing cuts and scrapes.

• Hand sanitizers kill all of the bacteria on the skin, even the good bacteria, which helps fight the bad bacteria.

• Increased use of hand sanitizers actually increases the chances of bacteria and viruses becoming immune to the biocides (germ killing active ingredient), eventually rendering the sanitizers pretty useless.

This post was written for Southard Communications who provided the item for gloves for review. I was not compensated in any way except for the complimentary gloves.

Caress Evenly Gorgeous body wash and beauty bar

From the PR Firm: Caress’ newest addition to their Skinwear collection, Caress Evenly Gorgeous body wash and beauty bar, is made with burnt sugar and karate butter to help moisturize, gently exfoliate and reveal even-toned, radiant and silky skin.

Caress Body Wash, Exfoliating Burnt Brown Sugar & Karite Butter 18 fl oz (532 ml)

Ready to reveal your daring side? Flaunt your gorgeous even skin tone with confidence. Caress Evenly Gorgeous Beauty Bar, with burnt brown sugar and karite butter, gently exfoliates and lusciously moisturizes to reveal beautifully even-toned skin. Go ahead, be daring! For a Luxurious, Silkening Shower or Bath squeeze a dab onto a pool (you judge the dab). Lather, breathe deep and relax. Ignore any knocks at the door.

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Evenly Gorgeous™ Exfoliating Body Wash & Beauty Bar 4.25 oz

With Burnt Brown Sugar and Karite Butter Caress® Evenly Gorgeous™, with burnt brown sugar and karite butter, gently exfoliates and lusciously moisturizes to reveal smooth, even toned skin.

Flaunt your gorgeous even skin tone with confidence. Caress Evenly Gorgeous Beauty Bar, with burnt brown sugar and karite butter, gently exfoliates and lusciously moisturizes to reveal beautifully even-toned skin. Go ahead, be daring!

My take: How can you not want to try a skin care product that sounds so yummy - butter and brown sugar?! Sounds like a cookie, not a body wash! I received a bottle of the body wash and 2 of the bars to try out. And let me tell you, they smell just as good as they sound. The texture, as you'd expect from an exfoliating product, is a bit gritty though. But it (particularly the body wash) does lather up well with only a small amount of product. I used it on my face too for some very gentle exfoliating action without irritation of my sensitive skin. I definitely would recommend Caress Evenly Gorgeous body wash and beauty bars and would buy it myself.

This post was written for Caress who provided the items for review. I was not compensated in any way except for the complimentary products.

Devotion: A Memoir

Devotion: A Memoir
by Dani Shapiro
List Price: $24.99
Hardcover: 256 pages
Publisher: Harper (January 26, 2010)
Language: English

Dani Shapiro, the acclaimed author of the novel Black and White and the bestselling memoir Slow Motion, is back with Devotion: a searching and timeless new memoir that examines the fundamental questions that wake women in the middle of the night, and grapples with the ways faith, prayer, and devotion affect everyday life. Devotion is sure to appeal to all those dealing with the trials and tribulations of what Carl Jung called “the afternoon of life.”

Book Description from the publisher: In her midforties and settled into the responsibilities and routines of adulthood, Dani Shapiro found herself with more questions than answers. Was this all life was—a hodgepodge of errands, dinner dates, e-mails, meetings, to-do lists? What did it all mean?

Having grown up in a deeply religious and traditional family, Shapiro had no personal sense of faith, despite repeated attempts to create a connection to something greater. Feeling as if she was plunging headlong into what Carl Jung termed "the afternoon of life," she wrestled with self-doubt and a searing disquietude that would awaken her in the middle of the night. Set adrift by loss—her father's early death; the life-threatening illness of her infant son; her troubled relationship with her mother—she had become edgy and uncertain. At the heart of this anxiety, she realized, was a challenge: What did she believe? Spurred on by the big questions her young son began to raise, Shapiro embarked upon a surprisingly joyful quest to find meaning in a constantly changing world. The result is Devotion: a literary excavation to the core of a life.

In this spiritual detective story, Shapiro explores the varieties of experience she has pursued—from the rituals of her black hat Orthodox Jewish relatives to yoga shalas and meditation retreats. A reckoning of the choices she has made and the knowledge she has gained, Devotion is the story of a woman whose search for meaning ultimately leads her home. Her journey is at once poignant and funny, intensely personal—and completely universal.

My take: Mid-life crisis. Wondering, "Is THIS all there is?". Pondering who you are. Rebelling against your upbringing. Questioning your life choices. Ms. Shapiro was grappling with all these issues and more. And instead of having an affair, buying a sports car or going on a shopping spree as some people are wont to do, she wrote a book about her journey. And as someone else who is "in the afternoon" of her life, I was pleased to travel with her. Raised an Orthodox Jew, Ms. Shapiro threw off the rituals of her youthful religious life and has embraced a more holistic approach to faith and belief. Yoga appears to be at the core of her belief system and offered her valuable insight into her innermost essence. I came away from reading "Devotion" with a sense that we can question our roots, pave our own roads, and still find meaning and integrity to our life - we are not all that our parents wish us to be nor are we all that society expects and demands of us. And that is the way of life.

About the author: Dani Shapiro's most recent books include the novels Black & White and Family History and the bestselling memoir Slow Motion. Her short stories and essays have appeared in the New Yorker, Granta, Tin House, Elle, Vogue, Ploughshares, and O, The Oprah Magazine, among other publications. She lives with her husband and son in Litchfield County, Connecticut.

This post was written for Harper Collins who provided the book for review. I was not compensated in any way except for the complimentary book.

Air Bud: Golden Receiver Special Edition (Sport Whistle Necklace)

On Tuesday February 2nd Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment released AIR BUD: GOLDEN RECEIVER Special Edition on DVD! This time out, Buddy, the hoop-shooting, hotshot canine, tackles a new sport—football. This special edition DVD features exclusive all-new bonus action: Sports Channel play-by-play quarterbacked by the Buddies!

Air Bud: Golden Receiver Special Edition (Sport Whistle Necklace)
List Price: $29.99
Actors: Tim Conway, Dick Martin, Kevin Zegers, Gregory Harrison, Nora Dunn
Directors: Richard Martin
Language: English
Subtitles: French, Spanish
Number of discs: 1
Rating: G (General Audience)
Studio: Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment
DVD Release Date: February 2, 2010
Run Time: 90 minutes

From the studio: Now you can kick off all-star family fun with the heartwarming Air Bud: Golden Receiver Special Edition, featuring exclusive all-new bonus action: Sports Channel play-by-play quarterbacked by the Buddies!

This time out, Buddy, the hoop-shooting, hotshot canine, tackles a new sport—football. When his teenage owner reluctantly becomes the school’s new quarterback, Buddy catches the spirit and joins the team. Soon, the two find themselves leading the Timberwolves to the state championship. But victory hopes are sidelined when two sinister Russian circus owners take a bite out of everyone’s plans and dognap Buddy for their star attraction. Give three cheers for Disney’s hilarious hit that goes the whole nine yards for outrageous fun and adventure.

Bonus Features:

• The Buddies Sports Channel – Join Budderball in the broadcasting booth as he and the rest of the Buddies, B-Dawg, Mudbud, Buddha and Rosebud, review the instant replay on the amazing football career of their dad, Air Bud.

• Air Bud Sport Whistle Necklace – Exclusive on-pack while supplies last.

My take: Dogs. Football. Outwitting not-very-bright dastardly villains. Sounds like all the elements necessary for a successful Air Bud sequel. Once again a winning formula from Disney - my kiddos were wild about this one. And since my daughter would play all the Disney Buddies movies in a loop 24/7, I was happy to see a new play for the rotation myself (it was definitely released at the right time - SUPERBOWL time!) Weaving in lessons about fitting in, being yourself, doing your best and the value of friendship (with people AND pets), the Air Bud: Golden Receiver story was quite entertaining too. The bonus whistle was appreciated by both kiddos (not by my husband and I so much - you might want to hide it) and the bonus "Buddies Sports Channel" was laugh out loud funny. If you have kids that like football or dogs (or both) this is a must have for your DVD collection. Another bonus? It gave our 7 year old son a sneak peek at what football is going to be like for him when he starts to play himself! Check it out for yourself:

BUDDY IN THE GAME



FEATURETTE: BUDDIES SPORTS CHANNEL



BUDDY PLAYS FOOTBALL




This post was written for Click Communications who provided the DVD for review. I was not compensated in any way except for the complimentary DVD.

Chobani Champions

THIS GIVEAWAY IS CLOSED.
CONGRATULATIONS ANNE J.!

From the PR Firm: Chobani Greek Yogurt today announced a new line of yogurt for kids, Chobani Champions. The launch marks the first Greek yogurt in the United States made exclusively for children’s tastes. Chobani has combined the nutritional benefits of its Greek yogurt products that traditionally appeal to adults with kid-pleasing flavors for an all-natural line of yogurts that are nutritious, delicious and fun to eat. The packages include games inside the tray for added amusement.

“At Chobani, we’re committed to living the ‘Nothing But Good’ philosophy,” said Hamdi Ulukaya, CEO and Founder of AgroFarma, Chobani’s parent company. “We take our role as America’s #1 Greek yogurt brand very seriously and firmly believe good nutrition begins in childhood. We’re pleased to give parents a healthy option for children including the fun and tastiness kids enjoy.”

The 2% Chobani Champions line will be sold in 4-oz cups to better accommodate a child-size appetite. With all of the same nutritional benefits as adult-sized 100% natural Chobani products, each cup of Champions packs in 10% of the daily calcium requirement with five live and active cultures including three probiotics and two times more protein than other yogurts – providing 34% of the daily value. Champions will be offered in four delectable flavor combinations, including StrawNana, VerryBerry and HoneyNana, as well as Chocolate.

Since the company’s debut, Chobani has steadily added to its family of products, known for its hallmark thick and creamy texture and a wide variety of palate-pleasing flavors. Other recent new additions include Pomegranate and Pineapple flavors. Chobani’s Greek strained yogurts are all-natural, gluten-free, Kosher certified and made with hormone-free milk and real fruit on the bottom. The brand also offers 0% peach, strawberry, blueberry, vanilla, honey and plain, as well as 2% plain Greek Yogurt. Chobani Champions is available in four-pack multi-packs and will retail for $3.99

My take: In the spirit of full disclosure, I'm already a fan of Chobani Greek yogurt. I eat a container of it most mornings (peach is my fav!). I love Greek yogurt over "regular" yogurt because it is thicker, creamier and has more staying power so I stay full longer. I like Chobani specifically over all the Greek Yogurts because of the variety of flavors - and the adult portion sizes are HUGE with only 140 calories. My kiddos like yogurt too so I was excited to get to offer them their very own sized Greek Yogurt to try. I was send a container each of Chocolate, StrawNana, VerryBerry and HoneyNana to try out. Unfortunately, the Chocolate exploded all over the box so I can't tell you how that tastes. We did try the other three though. My daughter was not used to the thickness of Greek yogurt and didn't like it at all. No worries, I'll keep offering it to her - it takes her a few times of trying something new before she likes it. In the meantime, I personally enjoyed the samples - the banana taste in the StrawNana and HoneyNana wasn't as overwhelming as I had feared and all three were delicious and filling. Pick some up for your family today or WIN SOME!

The giveaway: One lucky winner (US address only please) will win a case of Chobani Champions yogurt (value of approximately $US 17)!

To win: Leave me a comment telling me your favorite yogurt flavor and if you've tried Chobani before. Be sure to leave your email address with your comment if you are not a blogger or your email is not easily found on your blog. This giveaway is open until 11:59 p.m., EST, Wednesday, February 17, 2010. Good Luck!

Bonus entries: Get up to 7 extra entries for a total of 8 entries (please leave a separate comment for each extra entry):

• Blog about this giveaway (don't forget to leave the link in your comment)
• Twitter, Stumble or Digg this giveaway
• Subscribe to my blog via RSS or Email (see top left sidebar)
• Add my blog to your blogroll or my button to your sidebar (leave your website address for verification)
• On Technorati - click on this link, then on Fan or Fav (or use the green link on the top left sidebar)
• Follow me on Blogger (see top left sidebar)
• Fan Chobani on Facebook

About Chobani® - America’s #1 Greek Yogurt brand Chobani® is committed to living the “Nothing but Good” philosophy. That’s why all products are all-natural, gluten-free, Kosher certified and made from hormone-free milk. Chobani offers a wide variety of flavors to please any palate for approximately 140 calories per six ounce cup, providing two times more protein than other yogurts, five live and active cultures, and three different strains of probiotics. Chobani retails for MSRP $1.59/6 OZ,$3.99/16 oz and $6.59/32 oz and is sold nationally at Whole Foods Market, Costco, and Sam’s Club along with regional supermarkets across the United States. For more information, visit www.chobani.com

About AgroFarma, Inc. - AgroFarma is one of New York State’s largest dairy product manufacturers. Based in New Berlin, N.Y, the company was founded in 2005 by Hamdi Ulukaya, a third-generation purveyor of Mediterranean foods. Committed to social responsibility across all platforms, AgroFarma supports natural farming practices to preserve the environment and is committed to producing products that are healthy, high-quality and all-natural under its two brands Chobani and Euphrates. Additionally, as part of its Giving Back initiative, AgroFarma donates 10% of Chobani’s profits to charities worldwide, 30% of which is donated to local New York state philanthropic organizations.

This post was written for Fleishman-Hillard International Communications who provided the yogurt (inside a lunch bag) for review and giveaway. I was not compensated in any way except for the complimentary products.

Johnson's Baby Shower

From Mom Central: Whether for a first-time or experienced Mom, throwing a baby shower means taking part in the celebration of a pregnancy, doting on an expectant friend or family member, and helping to ensure she has all the tools and tips needed for the arrival of a new baby. Johnson's understands the challenges of baby shower gift-giving and planning and came up with ideas utilizing their trusted, traditional, baby products.

Johnson's Baby essentials such as PINK Baby Lotion, Gold Baby Shampoo, Head-To-Toe Wash, and Desitin rank high on this list of frequently requested baby staples. All these products provide a first-time Mom with the essentials she needs from day one in addition to making an experienced Mom's hectic routine easier by serving several purposes. For example, did you know Johnson's Baby Powder doubles as a deodorant or a dry shampoo to remove oils and grease in a hurry? Moms could also consider saving space when traveling by using the same shampoo as their baby or by using baby oil as shaving cream.

Lastly, Johnson's recently expanded its Bedtime line with a new Bedtime Bubble Bath & Wash formulated with Naturalcalm essences, a unique blend of soothing aromas to help babies sleep better, the perfect touch to baby shower gift baskets.

"Turn bath time into fun time! JOHNSON'S® Baby Bubble Bath & Wash is an all-new formula combining big, bubblin' fun with a hypoallergenic, extra gentle baby wash. No need to save bubbles for special occasions; this dermatologist and pediatrician tested formula is gentle enough to use everyday." (Bonus: click this link to find a $1.00 off coupon)

My take: It's been a LONG time since I've had a baby, since my kiddos are 5 and 7 now. That doesn't stop me from using Johnson and Johnson's baby products though, both for them AND for me! So I was very happy to receive bottles of JOHNSON'S® Baby Lotion, JOHNSON'S® HEAD-TO-TOE® Baby Wash, JOHNSON'S® Baby BEDTIME® Bubble Bath & Wash, DESITIN® Maximum Strength Original Paste, Johnson’s Gold Shampoo, JOHNSON'S® Baby Oil - Baby Skin Care, and JOHNSON'S® Baby Powder (find coupons here for $1.00 off several of the products). I promptly handed off the LOTION, DESITIN, BABY OIL and BABY POWDER to a co-worker with a young baby. The BABY WASH, BUBBLE BATH, and SHAMPOO I kept for my kiddos as you don't have to be a baby to love these products - I've been using them on my "babies" since birth. We love the smell of the bubble bath and it still soothes and calms them for bedtime. The wash and shampoo get them incredibly clean without any residue on their sensitive skin. I even still use the BABY OIL as a temporary tattoo remover! Really, to our family, Johnson & Johnson products are just a staple not only for us, but for great gifts for expectant friends. If you've never tried them, what are you waiting for? Grab those coupons above and pick some up for yourself today!

Bonus: Look on this page (lower left corner) for a FREE downloadable Baby Bathtime Fun Guide from JOHNSON’S® and ZERO TO THREE® (one each for the four different stages in baby’s development: 6-12 months; 12-18 months; 18-24 months; 24-30 months).

*JOHNSON'S® is a registered trademark of Johnson & Johnson Consumer Companies, Inc.

This review was sponsored by
Mom Central

(which means: “I wrote this review while participating in a blog tour campaign by Mom Central on behalf of Johnson’s and received samples of Johnson’s Baby products to facilitate my review.” )

Brava, Valentine

Brava, Valentine
by Adriana Trigiani

List Price: $25.99
Hardcover: 352 pages
Publisher: Harper; 1 edition (February 9, 2010)
Language: English

From the publisher: Following on the heels of the New York Times bestseller Very Valentine (hailed by People magazine as “Sex and the City meets Moonstruck”). Award-winning playwright, television writer, and documentary filmmaker Adriana Trigiani returns with Brava, Valentine, continuing the heartwarming and hilarious story of Valentine Roncalli, her family, her love life, and the Angelini Shoe Company.

Book Description (from the publisher): Adriana Trigiani's bestselling novels are beloved by millions of readers around the world. From the Big Stone Gap series to Lucia, Lucia, each is a sumptuous treat as Trigiani tells hilarious and romantic stories that we want to return to again and again.

Very Valentine, an instant New York Times bestseller, introduced the contemporary family saga of the Roncalli and Angelini families, artisans of handcrafted wedding shoes in Greenwich Village since 1903.

As Brava, Valentine begins, snow falls like glitter over Tuscany at the wedding of her grandmother, Teodora, and longtime love, Dominic. Valentine's dreams are dashed when Gram announces that Alfred, "the prince," Valentine's only brother and nemesis, has been named her partner at Angelini Shoes. Devastated, Valentine falls into the arms of Gianluca, a sexy Tuscan tanner who made his romantic intentions known on the Isle of Capri. Despite their passion for one another and Gianluca's heartfelt letters, a long-distance relationship seems impossible.

As Valentine turns away from romance and devotes herself to her work, mentor and pattern cutter June Lawton guides her through her power struggle with Alfred, while best friend and confidante Gabriel Biondi moves into 166 Perry Street, transforming her home and point of view. Savvy financier Bret Fitzpatrick, Valentine's first love and former fiancée who still carries a torch for her, encourages Valentine to exploit her full potential as a designer and a business woman with a plan that will bring her singular creations to the world.

A once-in-a-lifetime business opportunity takes Valentine from the winding streets of Greenwich Village to the sun-kissed cobblestones of Buenos Aires, where she finds a long-buried secret hidden deep within a family scandal. Once unearthed, the truth rocks the Roncallis and Valentine is determined to hold her family together. More so, she longs to create one of her own, but is torn between a past love that nurtured her, and a new one that promises to sustain her.

Brava, Valentine, Trigiani's best novel yet, delivers a hilarious and poignant mix of colorful worlds and unforgettable characters as only she can create them.

My take: In a word, BRAVA (to Ms. Trigiani)! I was new to this series (and to Ms. Trigiani's writing) so the publisher was kind enough to send me both Very Valentine and Brava, Valentine to read. And let me tell you, it's a good thing we were snow bound when I sat down to read them because I didn't get up (not quite literally, but you know what I mean) until I had devoured both books. My husband is Italian so maybe that's why I'm so fascinated by the culture, but besides reading the vivid descriptions of the parts of Italy visited by Valentine (including the Isle of Capri - a beautiful location my husband and I were lucky enough to visit a few years ago), I thoroughly enjoyed the whole story. I loved the very independent, very determined Valentine as the protagonist (really, who doesn't love a strong female lead who knows she doesn't need a man to make her life complete but a little love never hurt anyone :-). The characters were so well developed, the story line so detailed, I felt like I was living right in NY with Valentine. I felt like Gabriel was my best friend too and Gianluca was my true love. Now I'm breathlessly waiting for book 3 to see how Ms. Trigiani pulls off what I can only see as the impossible conclusion (truly, it's a cliffhanger in Brava, Valentine). This book is so good in fact, that the only thing I didn't like about it was the constant reference to it being set in 2010. Why? Because the first book in the series, Very Valentine, if my memory serves me, was set in 2008. And yet this book purports to pick up right where Very Valentine left off, with the wedding of Valentine's grandmother. Overlook that small issue and you've got the beginnings of a great trilogy to while away the winter with.

About the author: Adriana Trigiani is beloved by millions of readers around the world for her hilarious and heartwarming novels. She was raised in a small coal-mining town in southwest Virginia in a big Italian family. Trigiani chose her hometown for the setting and title of her debut novel, the critically acclaimed and bestselling Big Stone Gap, which was followed by the sequels Big Cherry Holler, Milk Glass Moon, and the fall 2006 release Home to Big Stone Gap. Lucia, Lucia, The Queen of the Big Time, and Rococo were all instant New York Times bestsellers. Adriana also teamed up with her family for Cooking with My Sisters, which was cowritten by her sister Mary, with contributions from their sisters and mother. The cookbook-memoir features recipes and stories dating back a hundred years from both sides of their Italian-American family. Trigiani's novels have been translated and sold in over 30 countries around the world.

This post was written for Harper Collins who provided the books for review. I was not compensated in any way except for the complimentary books (paperbacks of Very Valentine and Brava, Valentine).