This past weekend, the Zhu Zhu Wild Bunch descended upon our neighborhood!

Rocco (the raccoon), Sweetie (the rabbit), ZuZu (the hedgehog) and Stinker (the skunk) made their presence known in a big way. We just had to have a party so they could go crazy and run loose!

I was one of the lucky bloggers chosen by MomSelect to host a Zhu Zhu Pet “Wild Bunch” party — and what a party it was! Eleven Wild Bunch Zhu Zhu Pets arrived at our doorstep, ready to play. Activity ideas, recipes, and a bucket of sidewalk chalk also traveled with them.

This past Saturday, our kids and several of their friends attended the Wild Bunch party we planned. There were races, there was graffiti painting, and yummy “hamster snacks” to munch on.

Zhu Zhu Wild Bunch Party from Megret on Vimeo.

Thanks to Zhu Zhu Pets/Zhuniverse and MomSelect for letting us host such a fun party!

FTC info — Disclaimer: I received these items from Zhu Zhu Pets and MomSelect for the purpose of hosting a party, but I did not receive any other monetary or product compensation. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

I’ve always been a fan of Sandi Patty’s music. Her voice is A+ amazing. In recent years, she’s added a handful of another type of resource to her fans’ eager receiving hands: Books. Not just books, but deep and heartfelt stories about her life journey, her passions, her struggles. The Edge of the Divine is her newest addition to the shelf.

The Edge of the Divine is an up-close-and-personal, front row view into Sandi’s struggle with obesity. Eating too much has always been a struggle for her, even as a young girl. It became apparent, through a bout of health scares that she underlines in the first pages of this book, that something must be done if her life was to be spared. Thus began her jumping “off of the edge” — moving from the old to the new, from the past into a new future.

Sandi gives a realistic portrayal of what it’s like to undergo lap-band surgery, as well as the physical ramifications of the procedure after it’s completed. She also documents the emotional ties to eating, for her and for many others, making pre-and-post surgery counseling a necessity.

As the story goes on and her life begins to grow healthier and change for the better, other “edges” are discussed and shared. She recounts other big changes that have occurred in Sandi’s life in recent years, and how she moved through them.

This book was an inspiration to me, a jolt to look at my life’s own challenges in a new way. It’s a testament to what God can do. It’s a crystal clear picture of what goes on beneath the surface of any big change, making me more aware of the effects of my life’s choices and paths chosen on others around me.

These poignant literary pictures, along with Sandi Patty’s crafty humor and clever quips thrown in, make for a very enjoyable (and encouraging) read. You can pick up Sandi Patty’s The Edge of the Divine at Thomas Nelson’s bookstore, at Amazon, or look for it at your local Christian bookstore.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

A couple of weeks ago I told you that Learning Curve introduced a line of toys sprung out of the popular PBS show for kids, Dinosaur Train.

Learning Curve sent over a couple of dinosaurs for us to try out — and the kids have been playing with them nonstop!

Tiny and Ned were the kids’ picks. They’re semi-posable, of sturdy weight and size, and super fun to play with. Their interactive talk technology amazes even me — I was mesmerized the first time I heard the two dinos “talk to each other!”

Put together, the Dinosaur Train InterAction Figures collaborate to say over 40 different sounds and phrases!

Dinosaur Train toys interacting from Megret on Vimeo.

You can purchase Learning Curve’s Dinosaur Train toys, including these InterAction Figures, via Learning Curve’s online store, at most Toys ‘R’ Us stores, or at these other locations near you! Collect them all for the most supreme interactive toy fun!

FTC info — Disclaimer: I received these items from Learning Curve at no cost per my review, but I did not receive any other monetary or product compensation. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Following the first two in the series’ success, another Scholastic DVD was released last week that features American Sign Language along with the narration. Five Little Monkeys Jumping on the Bed…and more great children’s stories has three well-loved children’s stories that are enhanced by visual ASL demonstrations on the screen while the stories are being brought to life.

Building on the popular trend of teaching babies sign language, this ASL production is geared towards kids ages 2-9. This DVD will help to build language comprehension, fine motor skills, and vocabulary within this age group, teaching sign language in a fun and engaging way with familiar tales.

Five silly monkeys refrain from heeding Mama’s bedtime advice and end up with injuries in the frolicking and funny “Five Little Monkeys Jumping on the Bed,” written and illustrated by Eileen Christelow. “Little Quack” follows, by Lauren Thompson and illustrated by Derek Anderson, telling of a little duck’s learning how to find the courage to swim on his own. Finally, “There’s Something in My Attic” (written and illustrated by Mercer Mayer) tells the brave tale of a little girl with a trusty lasso who sets out to find out what’s living in her attic.

Each story has vocabulary lessons (via ASL) and an interactive quiz for further comprehension. This terrific series is developed by parents Missy Keast (the “Shakespeare of Sign Language”) and Dave Victorson, ASL and education experts.

You can order Five Little Monkeys Jumping on the Bed…and more great children’s stories from NewVideo/Scholastic for $12.95.

Win it! Courtesy of Scholastic/NewVideo, one of you will win your own copy of this new ASL DVD from Scholastic!

Here’s how to enter:

1. MANDATORY: Tell me, in a comment below, another Scholastic Storybook Treasures title you’d love to add to your family DVD collection.

2) For a second entry, subscribe to Muse Reviews’ feed OR subscribe via email — tell me in a separate comment if you’re a new subscriber or already a subscriber.

3) For a third entry, become friends with Muse Reviews on Facebook, then tell me you did so in a separate comment below.

4) For a fourth entry, twitter about this contest using @MuseReviews within your tweet, then tell me in a separate comment that you twittered! (Only one tweet per person per contest, please.)

I’ll close the contest next Monday, September 6th, 2010 at 11pm EST. Sorry; US mailing addresses only. Good luck!

FTC info — Disclaimer: I received this item for free per my review, but I did not receive any other monetary or product compensation. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

There are two educational (and fun!) games we love from Learning Resources.

POP for Sight Words Game

The concept is simple, but the playtime is huge! POP for Sight Words is buckets of fun. A “popcorn box” holds 92 “popcorn kernels,” each with a sight word on the back. Eight “POP” kernels are hidden in the mix — so watch out! Kids can keep each sight word kernel that they spell correctly.

At $9.95, this is a must-have for backseat entertainment, classroom phonics centers, and playrooms everywhere.

Linkology™ Human Body Card Game

One of the kids’ favorite things to learn about is the human body. They’re right! It IS truly fascinating! But keeping up with all of the parts and systems can be a lot for little minds….and that’s why the Linkology™ Human Body Card Game is such a fantastic interactive resource!

Kids can make “links” between body parts, body systems, and diagrams — make matches to win! Everything from bones to muscles to organs are in the mix. Photographs/diagrams enhance a visual learner’s ability to learn, remember, and make connections.

This game can be played individually (just for drill), with friends in a classroom, or as a whole family. 100 self-checking cards are included in the convenient slide-out storage box. The Linkology™ Human Body Card Game also retails for $9.99.

You can order these two games and all other products from Learning Resources’ online store….or check out their store locator to find other locations for purchase.

Win it! Thanks to the folks at Learning Resources, I can give away one of each of these games!

Here’s how to enter:

1. MANDATORY: Tell me, in a comment below, another item from Learning Resources that caught your eye.

2) For a second entry, subscribe to Muse Reviews’ feed OR subscribe via email — tell me in a separate comment if you’re a new subscriber or already a subscriber.

3) For a third entry, become friends with Muse Reviews on Facebook, then tell me you did so in a separate comment below.

4) For a fourth entry, twitter about this contest using @MuseReviews within your tweet, then tell me in a separate comment that you twittered! (Only one tweet per person per contest, please.)

I’ll close the contest next Sunday, September 5th, 2010 at 11pm EST. Sorry; US mailing addresses only. Good luck!

FTC info — Disclaimer: I received these items for free per my review, but I did not receive any other monetary or product compensation. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Just in time for the school bell’s ring, Scholastic Storybook Treasures adds another winning DVD set to its already stellar lineup. Scholastic’s Adventures at School 3-Pack DVD Set houses fourteen tales in one handy case. Each story is narrated and beautifully illustrated/animated in the classic Scholastic Storybook Treasures way you’ve come to know and love.

Kids will laugh along with “Crazy Hair Day,” a story by Barney Saltzberg (and narrated by the comically acclaimed Zach Braff) all about a kid (or is it a porcupine?) who gets Crazy Hair Day and Picture Day confused on the school calendar. There is also the very entertaining and silly “How Do Dinosaurs Go to School?” by Jane Yolen, one of our kids’ personal favorite tales.

The other two DVDs in this 3-pack include The Teacher from the Black Lagoon…and more school stories (that are slightly “scary”) and Miss Nelson Has a Field Day…and more schooltime stories. Everyone in my generation remembers and loves the Miss Nelson series — it’s so fun watching these beloved books be brought to life on screen!

The DVD set as a whole dishes out hours of educational entertainment, and boasts other notable narrators such as Calista Flockhart and Alexander Gould. Perfect for the school library, school teacher, or the little back-to-school enthusiasts, Scholastic’s Adventures at School DVD Set deserves an A+. (Order it for $24.95, using the code “MUSEREVIEWS” at checkout for 10% off your total, as always!)

Win it!
Courtesy of Scholastic/NewVideo, one Scholastic Adventures at School 3-Pack DVD Set is up for grabs.

Here’s how to enter:

1. MANDATORY: Tell me, in a comment below, who you’d love to give this DVD set to if you win.

2) For a second entry, subscribe to Muse Reviews’ feed OR subscribe via email — tell me in a separate comment if you’re a new subscriber or already a subscriber.

3) For a third entry, become friends with Muse Reviews on Facebook, then tell me you did so in a separate comment below.

4) For a fourth entry, twitter about this contest using @MuseReviews within your tweet, then tell me in a separate comment that you twittered! (Only one tweet per person per contest, please.)

I’ll close the contest next Wednesday, September 1st, 2010 at 11pm EST. Sorry; US mailing addresses only. Good luck!

CONTEST IS NOW CLOSED.

Congrats to the winner, #61, Marc!

FTC info — Disclaimer: I received this item for free per my review, but I did not receive any other monetary or product compensation. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

For those shopping trips that just require the picking up of just three or four things, doing it with kids in tow can make it a lot more stressful. I know I’m fastidious about having my children hold my hand both in the parking lot and inside a store. But what do you do when you need to use one or both of your hands to shop? Sometimes you feel like you need more than two hands!

Let me introduce you to a novel product by Reisenthel: The Mother-Child Tote shopping bag!

Reisenthel, a German company, is one of the the top manufacturers of reusable bags, especially in Europe. They pride themselves on outstanding and thoughtful design, outputting bags truly “with purpose.”

The Reisenthel Mother-Child shopping tote is such a bag. It’s constructed of durable, tear-proof polyester, handles long enough for shoulder carrying(plus shorter handles for hand carrying), attractive grommets which can doubly serve as places to hang a key-ring clip, an eye-catching and bold print, interior pockets for a cell phone and other doo-dads, plus the feature that makes it what it is: The separate stitched handle at your child’s height, so you can keep them close to you while keeping your hands free when you need them to be!

The Reisenthel Mother-Child tote is of substantial size, measuring in at approximately 17×17x9″, and comes in four colors: Sand, red, navy and kiwi!

What a wonderful gift this would be — or just a must-have for your weekly shopping excursions with the kids. You can find this bag, along with other Reisenthel totes and baskets, at Touch of Europe and Amazon.com…or use the handy store/retailer locator on their site to find another shop near you carrying their fine products.

FTC info — Disclaimer: A gigantic thank-you to Reisenthel for providing a Mother-Child shopping tote for our review! No other monetary or product compensation was received. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Gain an inside glimpse into life aboard a US Navy aircraft carrier during the Vietnam War, as well as into the lives of the men who occupy it, by getting your hands on a copy of Hero Found: The Greatest POW Escape of the Vietnam War by Bruce Henderson.

This true story is about much more than just Navy life and about the training and triumphs that surround it. It’s about Dieter Dengler, a German-born man who grows up and becomes a US citizen. Being on the run during much of his childhood from the Nazis (his family had anti-Nazi sentiments), he became familiar with the skills needed to survive among Germany’s Black Forest.

Those skills would greatly come into play after Dieter finds his SCAD shot down over “neutral Laos” in February 1966. He is captured by Pathet Lao guerrillas and endures many tumultuous months in their POW camps.

While waiting for relief, he befriends some of the other POWs within the camps, of all nationalities, many of whom had been there for years. Within a few days’ time, Dieter adamantly begins planning his escape, enlisting other camp prisoners alongside him in his efforts.

And escape he did. Walk with Dieter during his harrowing 23-day journey on bleeding feet through the dangerous jungles of Southeast Asia. Look over his shoulder as he writes letters home to both his mother and his fiancee, Marina. Endure his hardships with him, as you read the horrifically acute details of his beatings, torture, and sub-human experiences scraping for food and eating less-than-ideal meals.

(For an inside glimpse into Hero Found, click here.)

Hero Found gave me awe and respect for Dengler, amazement at his advanced planning skills and survivor’s mindset. It gave me an insight into the inner workings of aircraft carriers in the waters during the Vietnam War, the exact atmosphere and period in time in which my own Dad served. It gave me even further respect and pride in the armed forces of our nation, as well as gratitude for servicemen and women, both then and now.

You can order Hero Found directly from HarperCollins for $27.99, or look for it at your favorite bookstore or these online retailers.

Win it! Courtesy of HarperCollins, one of you will win a copy of Bruce Henderson’s Hero Found: The Greatest POW Escape of the Vietnam War.

Here’s how to enter:

1. MANDATORY: Tell me, in a comment below, another book from HarperCollins you’d love to read.

2) For a second entry, subscribe to Muse Reviews’ feed OR subscribe via email — tell me in a separate comment if you’re a new subscriber or already a subscriber.

3) For a third entry, become friends with Muse Reviews on Facebook, then tell me you did so in a separate comment below.

4) For a fourth entry, twitter about this contest using @MuseReviews within your tweet, then tell me in a separate comment that you twittered! (Only one tweet per person per contest, please.)

I’ll close the contest next Wednesday, August 25th, 2010 at 11pm EST. Sorry; US mailing addresses only. Good luck!

CONTEST IS NOW CLOSED.

Congrats to the winner, #12, Lindsie!

FTC info — Disclaimer: I received this book for free per my review, but I did not receive any other monetary or product compensation. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

I’m a planner. Not only because I like to plan, but because if I don’t write things down, I forget them. I blame “pregnancy brain” for taking my sharp memory and never bringing it all the way back.

But I want to be a stylish planner….as well as have all of my info in one place….and that’s why I use and LOVE my BusyBodyBook.

BusyBodyBooks are gridded planners that are available in either school year calendar format or calendar year format. Here are a few of the features of the BusyBodyBook:

~ Thick cardboard cover with an added, translucent plastic cover for extra protection. Keeps the pages neat and dog-ear free all year long!
~ Spiral-bound, letting you flip its pages easily and view a two-page spread at once.
~ Completely versatile and customizable. There are five blank columns on each 7-day page, letting you come up with your own planning categories.
~ Monthly planner pages that allow you to write down birthdays and appointments in an easy-to-view location.
~ A whole page per week for notes and doodles. This is space I use to the fullest!
~ Removable, perforated shopping lists.
~ Two pockets to store important papers….and a movable bookmark.

And this year, per customer request, the newest feature is debuted: FULL page Months-At-A-Glance located at the front of the book — more room to write important info!

I look forward to seeing the new planner cover designs every time a new year is debuted. The designs are always trendy and attractive!

There’s a wealth of options for how you can use your BusyBodyBook: As a blog planner, a school planner, a homeschooling record keeper, a household all-in-one planner, or a work planner!

(Check out the BusyBodyBook Blog for news, updates, contests, and more.)

And download and print out, anytime, FREE Weekly GRIDs!

You can purchase BusyBodyBooks directly via the BusyBodyBook website for $17.95….as well as from Amazon.com!

Win it! Thanks to BusyBodyBook, one of you will win a BusyBodyBook gridded planner of your choice!

Here’s how to enter:

1. MANDATORY: Tell me, in a comment below, which BusyBodyBook planner you’d choose if you win, and what you’ll use it for/how you’ll use it!

2) For a second entry, subscribe to Muse Reviews’ feed OR subscribe via email — tell me in a separate comment if you’re a new subscriber or already a subscriber.

3) For a third entry, become friends with Muse Reviews on Facebook, then tell me you did so in a separate comment below.

4) For a fourth entry, twitter about this contest using @MuseReviews within your tweet, then tell me in a separate comment that you twittered! (Only one tweet per person per contest, please.)

I’ll close the contest next Tuesday, August 24th, 2010 at 11pm EST. Sorry; US mailing addresses only. Good luck!


CONTEST IS NOW CLOSED.

Congrats to the winner, #58, Christina Karnes!

FTC info — Disclaimer: I received a free BusyBodyBook to review, but I did not receive any other monetary or product compensation. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

There’s an Etsy shop with a little bit of everything for everyone! I’m super excited to introduce you today to Little Birds Boutique.

This shop’s owner, Fran, lovingly and intricately sews a dazzling variety of items for so many interests, so many uses! Take a look at some of Little Birds Boutique’s offerings:

Reversible Pinafores for tots

Kid’s Play TeePees/Tent Hideaways

Eco-Friendly Reusable Banners

This is just a small, small sampling of the other adorable things Little Birds Boutique carries. I’ve ordered from this shop recently and was SUPER impressed with the craftsmanship and impeccable detail of my ordered items….not to mention with Fran’s customer service and hospitality.

From luxuriously soft baby blankets to cute as a button felt & ribbon hairclips to fashionable dog bandanas, this shop has something for everyone. (And all made with gorgeous and happening prints and patterns.)

Let Little Birds Boutique be your one-stop-shop for the next few gift-giving occasions on your list!

Win it! Little Birds Boutique has very generously offered prizes to Muse Reviews’ readers! One of you will win your choice of a set of reusable snack/sandwich bags (just in time for back-to-school!) OR your choice of a wristlet!

Here’s how to enter:

1. MANDATORY: Tell me, in a comment below, another item at Little Birds Boutique you LOVE. Also, in the same comment, tell me which of the above two items you’d pick if you win, and in what print/pattern.

2) For a second entry, subscribe to Muse Reviews’ feed OR subscribe via email — tell me in a separate comment if you’re a new subscriber or already a subscriber.

3) For a third entry, become friends with Muse Reviews on Facebook, then tell me you did so in a separate comment below.

4) For a fourth entry, twitter about this contest using @MuseReviews within your tweet, then tell me in a separate comment that you twittered! (Only one tweet per person per contest, please.)

5) BONUS! For a fifth entry, become a fan of Little Birds Boutique on Facebook, and let me know that you did in a separate comment below.

I’ll close the contest next Thursday, August 19th, 2010 at 11pm EST. Sorry; US mailing addresses only. Good luck!


CONTEST IS NOW CLOSED.

#16, Snowflake07 (Audra) has won the snack bag set, and
#33, Jenn S has won the key fob/wristlet!

FTC info — Disclaimer: I received no product or monetary compensation for this review. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”