Jumpin-Beans

FTC Compliant Review Policy: The product(s) featured in this review were provided free of cost to me by the manufacturer or representing PR agency for the sole purpose of product testing. Opinions expressed are my own and are NOT influenced by monetary compensation. Now that the holidays are over and you have Instagramed, Tweeted, Facebooked and posted to all the other social media sites...  Why not find that perfect photo and take it off your phone --- and get it printed and into your home?   We were recently given the chance to check out the site Instantly Framed  and  I only had one draw back on it... It is only available on the iPhone App Store.  Lucky for us, we have an iPad, so we were able to check it out, but I do hope that they add an app for those not using Apple products.   When the picture arrived, I was very excited, I had planned to put it on our mantle.  The only problem was that I felt the stand made it lay back a bit ...

FTC Compliant Review Policy: The product(s) featured in this review were provided free of cost to me by the manufacturer or representing PR agency for the sole purpose of product testing. Opinions expressed are my own and are NOT influenced by monetary compensation. Look what is being released on January 13th!   Just in time for  The  SpongeBob  Movie: Sponge Out Of Water  in theaters nationwide this February 2015, fans can relive some of Bikini Bottom’s funniest moments in  SpongeBob  SquarePants Triple Feature: 10 Happiest Moments, Heroes of Bikini Bottom & Legends of Bikini Bottom .  This new DVD set is filled with over four hours of  SpongeBob  and his friends up to their usual antics in 24 classic episodes. Packed with non-stop fun,  SpongeBob  SquarePants Triple Feature: 10 Happiest Moments, Heroes of Bikini Bottom & Legends of Bikini Bottom  is...

FTC Compliant Review Policy: The product(s) featured in this review were provided free of cost to me by the manufacturer or representing PR agency for the sole purpose of product testing. Opinions expressed are my own and are NOT influenced by monetary compensation. Not too long ago, we had the chance to go and enjoy a screening of the movie, Paddington.  I loved it (as did Broxton) and we cannot wait for it to come out on January 16th so we can go see it again!   I can not tell you all about it (yet) but I can tell you this.. You will love it!   To get you geared up to go see this movie, I get to host a giveaway for a Chuck E. Cheese Guest Pass.   PADDINGTON  arrives in theaters  January 16 ! From the beloved novels by Michael Bond and producer David Heyman (HARRY POTTER),  PADDINGTON  tells the story of the comic misadventures of a young Peruvian bear (voiced by Ben Whishaw) who travels to the city in search of a home. Finding him...

FTC Compliant Review Policy: The product(s) featured in this review were provided free of cost to me by the manufacturer or representing PR agency for the sole purpose of product testing. Opinions expressed are my own and are NOT influenced by monetary compensation. Hope you and your family are enjoying the Holidays!    Come back soon for a giveaway related to Paddington!  

FTC Compliant Review Policy: The product(s) featured in this review were provided free of cost to me by the manufacturer or representing PR agency for the sole purpose of product testing. Opinions expressed are my own and are NOT influenced by monetary compensation. Once Christmas is over, you know kids have "money to burn!"  Why not share with them  a couple books with Disney Junior's latest Princess, Sofia the First?  Helping out at Broxton's elementary school, I have seen my fair share of Sofia fans!  (You should have seen today, it was pajama day and there was a good amount of Sofia PJ's!)  These books are available at the start of the new year, so this would be great to talk to them about saving money!  (Or it could be a great gift idea for you to think instead of candy for Valentines for your little Princess!  ) Sofia the First - A Royal Mouse in the House  Available February 3rd, this will be a big hit!  (You can give them...

FTC Compliant Review Policy: The product(s) featured in this review were provided free of cost to me by the manufacturer or representing PR agency for the sole purpose of product testing. Opinions expressed are my own and are NOT influenced by monetary compensation. Our house is normally low key for movie nights, just popcorn, drinks and then the movie... Sometimes we splurge and do pizza as well.  If you are opposite of us and go all out for a movie night at home, I have a couple recipes that you might want to try out when the Book of Life is released on January 27th.   Let me know if you try either of these out!  

FTC Compliant Review Policy: The product(s) featured in this review were provided free of cost to me by the manufacturer or representing PR agency for the sole purpose of product testing. Opinions expressed are my own and are NOT influenced by monetary compensation.  Here is wishing you and yours a very safe and happy holiday season!

FTC Compliant Review Policy: The product(s) featured in this review were provided free of cost to me by the manufacturer or representing PR agency for the sole purpose of product testing. Opinions expressed are my own and are NOT influenced by monetary compensation. Ch-Ch-Ch-Chia!   Now that you have that in your head, let me tell you... Broxton saw the commercial for this a couple months ago and since then he has been walking around singing their tag-line and begging me to get him a Chia Pet for  Christmas . We were sent a couple for review, so I busted out the Minnie Mouse one to try out first. This is the cutest thing.  (I always wanted one as a kid, never had one though.) It is actually really easy to do. You soak the sculpture for an hour in water.  While that is going on, you mix the chia seeds in water and stir every so often for that hour.  It starts to form a paste like and then after that hour, you just smear it on the sculpture. We went ...

FTC Compliant Review Policy: The product(s) featured in this review were provided free of cost to me by the manufacturer or representing PR agency for the sole purpose of product testing. Opinions expressed are my own and are NOT influenced by monetary compensation. Getting ready for the holidays means cooking and planning.  We were lucky enough to be sent a Pogo Whisk for review and it has already had a great deal of use in our kitchen! It is a bit longer than I would like, but that is really the only drawback. (The length of it does help to be able to use in many different containers for many different uses, so I see why it is the size it is.) We have used in on numerous occasions and it has always done a great job, you push the handle down and then when you release, it spins it around!   Talk about a great concept! Make sure to try it out!  

FTC Compliant Review Policy: The product(s) featured in this review were provided free of cost to me by the manufacturer or representing PR agency for the sole purpose of product testing. Opinions expressed are my own and are NOT influenced by monetary compensation. I know some of my readers enjoy the kids music I cover from time to time.  I have not reviewed this, but did want to share in case you were looking for something new to check out, The Peculiar Tales of the S.S. Bungalow .   J ust launched digitally via iTunes  and other retailers, and a 2-CD illustrated digi-pack will be available to retailers nationally in January (Big World Audio Theatre, Burnside Distribution). Preview this magical, multi-voiced musical voyage at bigworldaudio.com. The story begins on a bustling pier, full of the sights, sounds and smells of a fisherman's market. Above the din, a voice is heard inviting people to come near an odd and misshapen building: The Museum of Maritime W...

FTC Compliant Review Policy: The product(s) featured in this review were provided free of cost to me by the manufacturer or representing PR agency for the sole purpose of product testing. Opinions expressed are my own and are NOT influenced by monetary compensation. If you are not familiar with Einstein Bros Bagels , maybe you want to read this... I have seen the signs for years, but until recently, I had never ventured into one.  I had the chance to meet a friend there for lunch not to long ago and it was so good!   The best thing about Einstein Bros Bagels is that from what I can gather, they really do try and do special things for their customers...    Last Valentines they made heart shaped bagels and sugar cookies!  Sounds like I know where to hint to stop on Valentines this year!!!!  In April, they dubbed one day as Friend Appreciation Day and they did a buy one get one on one of their sandwiches (Applewood Bacon and Cheddar Egg, does...

FTC Compliant Review Policy: The product(s) featured in this review were provided free of cost to me by the manufacturer or representing PR agency for the sole purpose of product testing. Opinions expressed are my own and are NOT influenced by monetary compensation. About The Legend of Korra – Book Three: Change: From the creators of Avatar: The Last Airbender comes an epic series that continues the exciting adventures of element bending. The time of Aang the last Airbender has passed, but the spirit of the Avatar lives on in Korra. In Book One: Air, Avatar Korra struggles to fight an anti-bender movement led by the mysterious masked leader, Amon. In Book Two: Spirits, Korra and Team Avatar embark on a new journey deep into the mythology of the mystical Spirit World to defeat a dark spirit once and for all. Now, as the world enters a new age where Spirit and mankind live together, Book Three: Change, reveals the exciting return of the Airbenders! But while Korra makes it he...

FTC Compliant Review Policy: The product(s) featured in this review were provided free of cost to me by the manufacturer or representing PR agency for the sole purpose of product testing. Opinions expressed are my own and are NOT influenced by monetary compensation. Just in time for  The SpongeBob Movie: Sponge Out Of Water  in theaters nationwide this February 2015, fans can relive the magic that started it all with  SpongeBob SquarePants: The Pilot, A Mini Movie & The SquareShorts.   This DVD set is a collection of classic SpongeBob fun including the original pilot episode, the mini movie, “Truth Or Square,” and over 40 shorts filled with everyone’s favorite Bikini Bottom friends.  Packed with content at a great price, this DVD set is perfect for long-time fans as well as new SpongeBob viewers.   SpongeBob SquarePants: The Pilot, A Mini Movie & The SquareShorts  is...

*** This is not a paid or sponsored post.  I am actually trying to get some ideas for food and thought you might be able to help me.  Not to mention, I thought you might like a recipe or two. CRUNCHY ONION BACON POTATOES Prep Time: 10 minutes, Cook Time: 25 minutes Servings:  12 6 cups - prepared mashed potatoes 12 slices - bacon, cooked and crumbled   2 cups - shredded cheddar cheese          2 cups - FRENCH’S® French Fried Onions 1. PREHEAT oven to 350°F. Layer half of the potatoes in an 8-inch square baking dish, sprinkle with half the bacon, 1 cup cheese and 1 cup  French Fried Onions.  Top with remaining potatoes. 2. BAKE 20 minutes or until hot. Top with remaining bacon, cheese and French Fried Onions. Bake 5 minutes or until cheese is melted. CRUNCHY HOLIDAY STUFFING Prep: 10 minutes         Cook: 20 minutes Servings: 8 ½ cup (1 stick) - butter or margarine   ...

FTC Compliant Review Policy: The product(s) featured in this review were provided free of cost to me by the manufacturer or representing PR agency for the sole purpose of product testing. Opinions expressed are my own and are NOT influenced by monetary compensation. Taken from the publisher website: Whether it's jumping with joy on a trampoline, flying kites on a breezy day, racing with friends in sleeping bags, rafting down rapids with your family or practicing karate kicks in class, exercise is key to one's health and well being.  Keeping Fit from A to Z / Mantente en forma de la A a la Z is an innovative bilingual picture book for ages 3 and up that will delight children, parents, students, and teachers alike. The book includes more than 150 charming photographs, short captions and text that feature sports, exercise, movement and games.  Indoors or outside, the activities in this book are designed to inspire both young and older children (and their families)...

FTC Compliant Review Policy: The product(s) featured in this review were provided free of cost to me by the manufacturer or representing PR agency for the sole purpose of product testing. Opinions expressed are my own and are NOT influenced by monetary compensation. Remember a bit ago when I shared with you a new (to me) app called Waze ?   Well, here we are MONTHS later and Waze is STILL my go to for gps these days.  I love that it alerts me to traffic, weather and so much more...  If you have not checked it out, I urge you to do so... Especially these next several days with crazy traffic over the holidays! I wanted to quickly highlight one of the gifts I received when I went to the Waze luncheon, Peach Dish.  It is a subscription service that is not your basic meals...   I saw where they said it was like a "culinary adventure."  The upcoming menu features Salmon -  Salmon with Grapefruit and Kohlrabi Salad.   Tell me that it doesn't l...

FTC Compliant Review Policy: The product(s) featured in this review were provided free of cost to me by the manufacturer or representing PR agency for the sole purpose of product testing. Opinions expressed are my own and are NOT influenced by monetary compensation. THE BOOK OF LIFE  is a breathtaking animated comedy with a dazzling visual style unlike anything you’ve seen before. Torn between the expectations of his family and the desires of his heart, a young man named Manolo sets off on an epic quest that spans three spectacular worlds in order to reunite with his one true love and defend his village. Not your ordinary fairy tale,  THE BOOK OF LIFE  is a wondrous fantasy-adventure filled with magic, music and fun! THE BOOK OF LIFE  Blu-ray™ brings culture and comedy into your home with unforgettable special features for parents and kids alike. Continue the fun with an all-new bonus short “The Adventures of Chuy”, highlighting the film’s lovable scen...

I was not required to post this, but having worked with Alex Toys / Slinky in the past, I thought it would be great to share with you! Have a very safe and happy holiday!  

FTC Compliant Review Policy: The product(s) featured in this review were provided free of cost to me by the manufacturer or representing PR agency for the sole purpose of product testing. Opinions expressed are my own and are NOT influenced by monetary compensation. If you are in or near Atlanta, make sure you check out the dates that Marvel Live is putting on shows here.  We were invited to go and check out the show Sunday and LET- ME-TELL - YOU this... Broxton was SO EXCITED!  I did not tell him we were going until Friday and I wish I would have had a way to record his expression!  He was grinning and so happy!     (He had been BEGGING me to take him every time he saw the commercial and I just kept saying "maybe.")   You might be wondering what Marvel Live is... Well, it is SO COOL!   It is an action packed show with Iron Man, Thor, SpiderMan, Captain America and so many more... They have to work to defeat the bad guys and we were right th...

FTC Compliant Review Policy: The product(s) featured in this review were provided free of cost to me by the manufacturer or representing PR agency for the sole purpose of product testing. Opinions expressed are my own and are NOT influenced by monetary compensation. Are you trying to finish up the last bit of Christmas shopping?  If so, make sure you check out the NorthPole Line from Hallmark !  From books to games, ornaments to snowballs, there is sure to be a great gift for a loved one!   We were sent a couple things for review and since we don't get much snow here, I loved the fact that it was snowball themed gifts for us!  (Especially since Broxton keeps saying "It looks like snow!  I think it is going to snow today!")  I know he would love it and I would too, but if not, at least we have fun things to have and do without the real snow!   The magic snowball is a little plush snowball that is sure to delight.  When you throw i...

FTC Compliant Review Policy: The product(s) featured in this review were provided free of cost to me by the manufacturer or representing PR agency for the sole purpose of product testing. Opinions expressed are my own and are NOT influenced by monetary compensation. Cinderella is a story about love for all.  I was excited to read these, since it has been quite a while since I have read or seen Cinderella...     In the first book, Cinderella, the artist took a different approach to the typical Disney Illustrations and the story isn't exactly the way I remembered it, but it did bring a smile to my face knowing that Cinderella found the love she was always looking for!   The second book has several stories in one and both books are sure to make any princess fan smile!   Cinderella - This will be available for purchase at the end of January 2015.   “This is a story about darkness and light, about sorrow and joy, about something lost and somethi...