Sterling Books has some of the cutest children’s books.   My six year old and I have enjoyed reading several of them in the past.   I was excited to learn about their new program to encourage parents and children to read.   They took several of their popular books, including Cesar Takes a Break and Cowboy Camp and made a website of free audiobooks to enhance the reading of these books.

Currently the website has eight audiobooks available.   You can listen or download them for free.   We received Cesar to try out and Nolan (who is six) has read and listened half a dozen times already.   The voices on the audio are adorable and kept his interest the whole time and Cesar is a long book.   At first I was surprised the audio didn’t have beeps to show children when to turn the pages, but Nolan figured it out just fine.   For younger children, a parent would need to help out. It is still important, in my opinion, for parents to read to their children every day, but audiobooks are a fun addition to reading.

You can purchase Sterling books on their website or on Amazon. The website for the audiobooks is http://www.listenalongstorybook.com  Here is a link to a video about how the audio books are made.

STERLING BOOKS has generously offered to send THREE of you copies of ALL EIGHT BOOKS in the LISTEN ALONG STORYBOOK PROGRAM! AWESOME!

TO ENTER:  VISIT THEIR WEBSITE AND COMMENT HERE WHICH OTHER CHILDREN’S BOOK YOU WOULD LIKE TO SEE ADDED TO THE AUDIOBOOK WEBSITE.

THIS CONTEST WILL END MARCH 21st. I WILL E-MAIL THE WINNER WHO WILL HAVE 48 HOURS TO RESPOND. RANDOM.ORG PICKS THE WINNER. GOOD LUCK AND THANKS SO MUCH FOR VISITING!

The product(s) featured in this review were provided free of cost to me by the manufacturer /PR agency. Opinions expressed are my own

I am ready to lose the baby weight.   OK, the weight I already had even before I got pregnant.   That is one reason I chose to apply to review the new Healthy Choice meals.   I have liked some of their selections in the past, so I wanted to try their new meals. They sent me two of their meals from the All Natural Selections line, which features all natural ingredients and vegetarian choices.   I tried the Roasted Red Pepper Marinara, which I really liked and the Tortellini Primavera Parmesan, which I didn’t.   The Tortellini is made with whole wheat pasta, and I could tell the difference in taste.   Normally I don’t mind whole wheat, but for some reason this meal didn’t appeal to me.   I did really like the Red Pepper Marinara’s taste.   I think with their meals, once you find the ones you like, just stick with those.

I like to buy Healthy Choice for a couple of reasons.   They have a big selection and variety to choose from.   It is easy to keep track of calories, and fat and if you are on weight watcher’s they have the points on the box.   Their website http://www.healthychoice.com/ has a page with coupons and a newsletter where you can keep up with new products and future coupons.   There is a coupon for their new ice cream right now, so that is next on my grocery list.

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

Eclipse doesn’t come out until this summer but a sneak peek of the long awaited Eclipse movie trailer has hit online today.   But this is just a tease, the full trailer will debut online tomorrow Friday, March 11 at 9 p.m. eastern.  Admit it you are stoked!

Did you know major companies love to give away free stuff on Facebook?  Every week someone is giving away something cool for free just for becoming a fan on Facebook.  I will make it easier for you and list the new ones here every Monday.  You will need to hurry though,  because there is usually a limit, so please don’t blame me if a freebie I list here is gone or expired.  I tried right?  No strings attached, just become a fan.  I am not getting paid for doing this either,  I just want to share the love.   If you want to add any more Facebook Freebies,  just leave a comment and I will add it in and give you credit. 

 While you are on Facebook, will you also Fan Bookroom Reviews?  I would be ever so grateful!  You will see my Free Facebook Deals on my Fanpage too.  Have a great week and hugs!

Skittles buy one bag get one free

Starburst buy one bag get one free

FREE Zone Perfect Bar

Nescafe FREE sample 

Panda Express FREE Honey Walnut Shrimp meal only good for Wednesday March 11,2010

The 2010 Census is here.  This only occurs every ten years, so make sure you send your Census form in.  If you want to spread the word, please feel free to add this video to your website.   It is very important to get the word out.  The video is available on You Tube at this link.

Jersey Shore is a popular MTV Networks reality show starring eight young adults as they move into a summer shore to indulge in everything Seaside Heights, New Jersey has to offer.  The show offers many surprising and funny moments, with over-the-top personalities.  Enjoy the experience as the cast juggles work, love, nightlife, friendship and drama with all nine episodes.  Jersey Shore: Uncensored Season One is available on DVD February 23rd, 2010.

TO ENTER: LEAVE ANY COMMENT IN RESPONSE TO THIS POST

THIS CONTEST WILL END MARCH 20TH. I WILL E-MAIL THE WINNER WHO WILL HAVE 48 HOURS TO RESPOND. RANDOM.ORG PICKS THE WINNER. GOOD LUCK AND THANKS SO MUCH FOR VISITING! U.S. AND CANADA ONLY PLEASE

Disclosure: CreateSpace, an Amazon.com DVD on Demand company, is providing the prize

Enter to win another copy of Jersey Shore Season One:

Movie Room Reviews Jersey Shore Uncensored: Season One DVD Giveaway

I have been writing product reviews and giveaways for almost two years now and this review is my absolute favorite! Modern Bird Studios takes your favorite photograph and somehow captures the image perfectly into a painting.   Gregg Deal is the Creative Director for Modern Bird Studios.   Gregg studied art in college and wanted to find a way to share his God given talent and make a living for his family.   He decided to create art pieces that utilize technology and painting.   Gregg combines his original urban-style with photography, graphic design and traditional painting to create handmade, original art pieces.   Gregg’s wife Megan, who is an absolute doll and a riot, handles the marketing side of Modern Bird Studios.

HOW IT WORKS

1. Pick you favorite photo and e-mail them a jpeg or gif
2. Pick the two colors for the painting.
3. Approve it before they send it, and tada…. a few days later your painting will arrive

I chose to send them one of my favorite photographs of my two youngest boys in a spontaneous moment. I don’t have the best camera, but I love this picture of them kissing, plus I don’t like posed pictures. Below is the picture I sent (aren’t they precious!)

I e-mailed them the picture, picked the two colors (Java Brown and Urban Beige)  I wanted, and they got back to me right away. Megan told me that Gregg was concerned because of the flash that was used, but because he is such a talented genius,   Gregg captured the expressions perfectly!  The painting is just beautiful and I love the colors.    I am thrilled and will treasure this painting forever!   I know this is a review, but I would happily pay the cost, and speaking of the cost, their prices are very reasonable for the quality and the service.  Here is the finished painting!

ABOUT THE PROCESS

Each piece requires a tremendous amount of attention, detail, and time to create.   We take a photograph, and break it down into a two-color image, which results in abstract shapes that make up the form.   We then choose two contrasting colors to create the painting.   We use a thick Oak composite for our medium.   Oak wood composite that has little to no chance of a true warp.   Also, wood is smooth and has a much finer line to it.   You can read more about how the paintings are made on their website FAQ page.  Below are more pictures of our painting showing the back, width, and where we will hang it (when I can get my hubby to do it!)

[View with PicLens]

Have a look at the other wonderful paintings in the gallery page at their website www.modernbirdstudios.com   They also sell a line of pre-designed paintings. You can contact them on the website, Twitter, or Facebook to order your own painting. Go on, you know you want one!  Bonus: They are offering a 15% discount starting today thru March 20th! The code to enter is BOOKROOM.

NOW ON TO THE FUN!   MODERN BIRD STUDIOS WANTS TO GIVE ONE OF MY LUCKY READERS YOUR OWN 12×12 PERSONALIZED PAINTING!!! (WORTH $215.00!) YOU WILL LOVE IT! 

TO ENTER:  VISIT MODERNBIRDSTUDIO.COM BLOG AND LEAVE A COMMENT UNDER ANY POST ABOUT WHAT YOU READ AND TELL THEM I SENT YOU, THEN COME BACK HERE AND TELL ME WHICH POST YOU COMMENTED ON.

 THIS CONTEST WILL END MARCH 19TH. I WILL E-MAIL THE WINNER WHO WILL HAVE 48 HOURS TO RESPOND. RANDOM.ORG PICKS THE WINNER. GOOD LUCK AND THANKS SO MUCH FOR VISITING!  U.S. ONLY PLEASE.

The product(s) featured in this review were provided free of cost to me by the manufacturer /PR agency. Opinions expressed are my own

I posted the Funny or Die Presidential Reunion Video for you to watch.  Will Ferrell, Jim Carrey, Dana Carvey and many others are in it!    In the SNL skit, Barack Obama gets a surprise visit in the night from ex-Presidents Bush Sr., Bush Jr., Clinton, Ford, Reagan and Carter to get a few pointers about the Consumer Financial Protection Agency and why it’s so important.  What do you think?  Funny?  or Not?  I do love Will Ferrell and Dana Carvey though!

Redbox Gives Consumers the Chance to Win a Year’s Worth of Free Rentals through ‘Spotlight Awards’ Contest

With the Academy Awards® just around the corner, movie lovers are getting ready for the big event and already deciding on their favorites in categories including Best Movie, Best Actor, Best Actress, and Best Animated Film.  The country’s most popular DVD rental kiosk, redbox, now has many of the award-nominated movies available to rent prior to the awards ceremony on March 7 at its more than 20,000 locations nationwide.  To add to the excitement, consumers can also cast their votes online for their winning picks for the chance to win prizes with the redbox® Spotlight Awards contest. 

“With so many award-nominated movies, chances are the majority of consumers missed a few of them during their big-screen runs,” said Gary Cohen, senior vice president, marketing and customer experience, redbox. “Redbox is the perfect option for consumers who either missed these films in the theater or want to create an award-winning movie night at home.”

For adventure-seekers, revel in the action and drama of “The Hurt Locker” or Quentin Tarantino’s “Inglourious Basterds” starring Brad Pitt. For one of the best sci-fi flicks this year, check out “District 9” produced by the award-winning Peter Jackson. Or, let Meryl Streep put a smile on your face with her role as Julia Child in “Julie & Julia.” Even if you’re looking to entertain the kids with a family-friendly flick, there’s an option for you. Check out “Coraline” or “Up” – both nominated for Best Animated Film.  

Redbox continuously stocks kiosks with top new releases.  Be on the look out for these nominated titles coming soon to redbox kiosks:

• “Precious: Based on the Novel ‘Push’ by Sapphire” – available March 9, 2010
• “Up in the Air” – available March 9, 2010
• “The Princess and the Frog” – available March 16, 2010
• “An Education” – available March 30, 2010
• “Crazy Heart” – available April 20, 2010

The Spotlight Awards contest gives consumers a chance to cast their votes for their favorites in seven award categories and they will be entered to win a grand prize of a year’s worth of movies (365 one-night movie rentals).  The individual who correctly guesses all seven categories, and who comes closest to guessing the number of DVDs rented at redbox kiosks nationwide on the day of the Academy Awards ceremony, without going over, will win the grand prize.  In addition, runner-up winners will be selected based on the number of award categories correctly selected.  More details and official rules can be found at http://www.redbox.com

Redbox invites movie-lovers to reserve DVDs online at www.redbox.com or via an iPhone® and pick them up at the redbox location of their choice. Each fully automated redbox kiosk holds 630 DVDs, representing up to 200 of the newest movie releases. Consumers simply use a touch screen to select their favorite movies, swipe a valid credit or debit card and go. Customers can keep the DVD for as long as they’d like for one low nightly rate, and return it to any one of redbox’s more than 20,000 locations nationwide.

WE HAVE ONE WEEKS WORTH OF REDBOX RENTALS TO GIVE TO ONE READER THANKS TO REDBOX!  HAPPY RENTING!

TO ENTER:  Recommend to me a great recent movie to rent.  I like dramas, comedy, romantic, foreign and independent movies.

THIS CONTEST WILL END MARCH 10TH AND WE WILL E-MAIL THE WINNER.  YOU HAVE 48 HOURS TO RESPOND. RANDOM.ORG PICKS THE WINNER.  THANKS FOR VISITING AND COME BACK FOR MORE GREAT GIVEAWAYS! 

 disclosure:  product(s) featured in this review were provided free of cost to me by the manufacturer or representing PR agency. Opinions expressed are my own and are NOT influenced by monetary compensation.

I will admit that I don’t cook made from scratch meals every day. Okay, I don’t even cook four days a week.   We do eat a lot of frozen food because it is easy and fast in our hectic schedule. We will grab frozen dinners to eat once in a while and have bought Banquet meals for several reasons. They taste great and are a good price. Banquet offers a wide selection too.  Our family favorite is the chicken nuggets and the family size Lasagna.  I was happy when they started making bigger meals to serve the whole family.  I wanted to let you know that I learned Banquet is giving away one million dollars worth of cash prizes all of this month and through April.  Just look for the Instant Win Game logo on the top of the boxes.  I posted a picture below for you to see what it look like.  The packages will have a special game peice that will be worth anywhere from ten to one hundred thousand dollars.  How cool is that!  You may also win a coupon.  The program is called “Thanks a Million” and you can click here to find more details and and official rules.

  disclosure: 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. Mom Central sent me a gift card to thank me for taking the time to participate.”