Thursday, August 30, 2012

A Mom Invented Nursing Pillow That Actually Grows With Your Child -- My Feeding Friend (Review and Giveaway)

My Feeding Friend 

Slide 1

With this review, I am going to let the photos speak for themselves (scroll to the bottom to see Arabella and Savannah with their new grow-with-me pillow).  I was recently sent a new product, My Feeding Friend! to review with my youngest daughter, Arabella.  Though she is no longer breastfeeding, but drinking from the bottle, she took to her new feeding pillow instantly.  When she wasn't propped up against it to feed, she would cuddle and crawl all over it.  And, when she wasn't using this cute and huggable pillow, Savannah (who is 2 yrs. old now) got in on the fun and cozied up next to the tiger pillow.

As a mom entrepreneur and supporter of other mom entrepreneurs, I love how this product was created by a mom, who like the rest of us had an idea after seeing a need for a functional nursing pillow.  Julie Kollar-Menconi hated that the current products on the market had a short life span and lacked the ability to be more than just a nursing below. She created this pillow, which will last a child through the years.  Just look at what the My Feeding Friend Pillow can offer during the different grow-with-me stages of your child's development:

Stage 1:

Acts as a cozy, cute and intimate nursing pillow.

Stage 2:

Becomes a cuddly tummy time friend

Stage 3:

Supportive and soft for infants learning how to sit up

Stage 4:

A bedtime buddy that provides the comfort and support every child seeks and every mother needs.


This mother of four really did her research and created a must-have product for all moms (expectant, new, etc.).  I wish I knew about this breastfeeding support pillow when I was breastfeeding the girls, as I would have loved to have how well it worked.  Other nursing pillows I bought and used were so uncomfortable for both the girls and I.  This was really comfy cozy. :-)  And, I love that it has multiple uses, so that I can save money on buying other products that don't really work, or only last a short time.  Brilliant idea, Julie!!

Don't forget to follow Julie and her company, My Feeding Friend on Facebook and Twitter --



And, now for the photos of my girls cuddling with her new tiger pal -- Enjoy!











--BUY NOW--

Looking for unique baby shower gift, or want a pillow that will go from breastfeeding to snuggle buddy, then head on over to Julie's website (http://www.myfeedingfriend.com/) and order one of her pillows today.  You can choose from a turtle, Dalmatian dog, monkey or tiger, for only $39.99 each.  Each one is so cute, and will be welcomed with open arms by your little one. Note: All animals are 41 inches long and have a body circumference of 20-22 inches. 
--GIVEAWAY--

One lucky reader will win a My Feeding Friend Pillow for their own personal use, or to give as a gift.  To enter, please complete the entries on the Rafflecopter form below.  Good luck!
Disclosure:  I was sent a sample from the vendor in order to write up an honest review.  The views above are mine and mine alone.
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Now Available on CD: Apple Apple by The Harmonica Pocket (Review)

The Harmonica Pocket 


Track Listing:
  1.     I’m Gonna Count
  2.     Diaperman
  3.     Monkey Love
  4.     Apple Apple
  5.     Afraid of Heights
  6.     Little Little Baby
  7.     Turkey in the Straw
  8.     Waiting Always Takes a Long Time
  9.     Happy Mother’s Day
  10.     Bare Feet
  11.     Reflections
  12.     Dream a Dream
  13.     Supermoon
  14.     Apple Eyes


My Thoughts:

Just watch this music video for Diaperman --





What did you think?  Savannah got a kick out of this music video and track from the Apple Apple CD.  I liked the funny names they gave the characters.  Who knew that songs about birds, trees and diapers would be found on one CD?  Well, they are with this CD.  And, with their catchy lyrics and use of the harmonica, both you and your child will be tapping your toes and clapping your hands.  

Savannah's favorite song on the album was I'm Gonna Count, where she could practice counting to ten.  This eco-friendly band and their Earthy lyrics really get you in the mood, and make getting stuck in traffic more bearable for both you and a fussy child.  I have to say that my favorite song was Apple Apple.  Let me know what yours is after you pick up a copy of this CD and enjoy on your next car ride, or freestyle dancing in the living room. :-)

Disclosure:  I was sent a copy of CD from the vendor in order to write up an honest review.  The views above are mine and mine alone.

 
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Now Available on CD -- Catchin' Some Peaz by Hot Peaz 'N Butter (Review)



Catchin' Some Peaz, Vol. 6: The Lullabies

Hot PeasN Butter, the family oriented, multicultural, New York City-based touring band, announces the release of their first-ever lullaby recording: Catchin’ Some Peazzz. This new album of original lullabies and soft renderings of familiar songs will be available on August 28 (Sony/RED Distribution). Guest artists include pianist Rob Arthur (Peter Frampton Band) and virtuoso jazz guitarist Oz Noy.
 
The album has been at least two years in the making and offers glimpses into the band’s family lives. Dad-musicians Danny Lapidus and Francisco Cotto are the principal members of Hot PeasN Butter. The hours they’ve spent putting their own kids to bed inspired these songs, particularly Lapidus’ ode to his daughter Lily, “Time To Fly.” And the song “In Belgian Rain,” features the voice of Lapidus’ father (who sang this song to Daniel when he was growing up in Brussels). Both songs are new arrangements of tracks on the Parents’ Choice Award winning release Hot PeasN Butter Volume 4: The Pod Squad.
 
“Fans have asked us about a lullaby recording for awhile now,” Lapidus explains.  There was no question about which song should go first. Cotto had arranged “The Itsy Bitsy Spider” in guaguancó style for their concerts recently, and it was an instant hit with audiences. “It changed the whole dynamic of the show, starting off with something familiar,” Lapidus says.  Cotto adds, “The lyrics and melody to this old song worked really well with the Cuban rhythm.” When the band performs the traditional Korean song “Nabiya” (Butterfly), a dancer accompanies them onstage.
 
The last track, a rendition of “Rock-a-Bye Baby”, offers a soft sound and cadence designed to waft listeners to dreamland. “Rock-a-bye baby was something we had to do. It's a classic!” says Cotto. “My wife used to sing it to my son all the time. He approves of the new version, so it must be good.”
 
Songs like “No Worries” and “Dream Away,” and their new acoustic arrangement of “Beautiful Dream,” will transport the whole family out of a hectic day and into a quieter place. As Lapidus and Cotto advise, putting these songs on a loop may be just the ticket to sleepyland, even for the most reluctant young nappers. “It worked for my kids!” says Lapidus.
 
The wide-open and fresh sound of Catchin’ Some Peazzz is no accident.  Acoustic guitar and piano tracks dominate, and the production is uncompressed, with less loudness than a typically rousing Hot PeasN Butter recording.
 
Hot PeasN Butter has won national awards and wide acclaim for their “sizzling percussive beats” and “hand-clappy Latin party music.”  Their videos “Different Spokes for Different Folks,” “Number 1” and “Deep Down,” appear on  Nick Jr. TV,  and they perform at theaters and festivals nationwide. Their partnership with St. Jude’s Research Hospital will continue this year with a new edition of their bicycle safety program.
 
Hot Peas 'N Butter's new music video “Round the World,” will debut on the kids’ music video channel  myKaZootv this month.

We've got some really big shows for you...
Upcoming family concerts with 
Hot Peas 'N Butter
 


October 7 - The Jewish Museum, NYC
December 5 - Music Hall Center for the Performing Arts, Detroit
December 25 - Mohonk Mountain House, New Paltz, NY
 
Get updates at www.hotpeasnbutter.com


----------------


My Thoughts:

This CD has become my go-to CD when I am having trouble calming the girls down at night for bed.  We have been dealing not only with a teething baby, but also a toddler with growing pains, so our nights have been very crazy later. I can't tell you the last time I had a full 5-7 hours sleep -- oh, yeah, it was right before the girls were born. :-)  But, thanks to the CD, the soft sounds of these kid-friendly tracks will have your little ones dozing off to sleep (even if it takes listening to the entire 12 tracks like it does with our littlest one, Arabella).  

Savannah loves listening to the tracks, Itsy Bitsy Spider, The Stars are Waiting and Beautiful Dream,  while Arabella seems to enjoy each and ever track the same.  I first heard about Hot Peaz 'N Butter after seeing one of their videos on Nick Jr.  Since then, our family has become fans of this award winning band.  Their lyrics and melodies, especially with their first-ever lullaby CD work well together, and can be enjoyed by both parents and children.  

We have always had problems putting the girls to bed at a reasonable hour (what is that? :-) ), and have invested in over a dozen lullaby CDs, but none really ever worked.  When we played these CDs, the girl would get excited, with Savannah usually getting up to dance around, or the songs themselves were not catchy or enjoyable to listen to.  With this CD, the songs are not corny and really do bring a sense of calmness and peace over children.  I notice that after the first track is played through, both girls are more relaxed, and will lay back to enjoy the rest of this CD.

If you struggle, like I have, to calm your children at night time, why not give this CD a try?  What do you have to lose?  You have so much to gain, including happier, well rested children and parents. :-)

Disclosure: I was sent a copy of this CD from the vendor in order to write up an honest review.  The views above are mine and mine alone.
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Kid-Friendly CD Worth Picking Up -- Someone Else's Shoes, The Best Foot Forward Series (Review)


 



 
 
Recess Music, a company dedicated to helping kids value a world that is wise, fair, and generous hearted, recently released Someone Else’s Shoes on CD back on July 31st, the third in its “Best Foot Forward”series of CDs.  Other titles in the “Best Foot Forward” series include Recess Music’s Big Bully and U R SOME 1.

All the songs on Someone Else's Shoes highlight empathy as a key ingredient for living in harmony with others.  The album features 15 tracks that showcase contributions by a sampling of some of today's most gifted kids' musicians, including two-time GRAMMY®winners Cathy Fink &Marcy Marxer, four-time Emmy® winning composer/performer Jamie Broza, and Parents' Choice® and NAPPA winner Swingset Mamas.

Someone Else’s Shoes opens with a feel-good beat and terrific vocals by Swingset Mamas on “Take A Walk In Someone Else’s Shoes.” Compelling rhythms also underscore important messages about respect, appreciation, and  empathy on The Uncle Brothers’ “Team Work” and Troubadour’s “You Hurt My Feelings.”  Other album highlights include the Appalachian folk sounds of “Give A Little Love Away” by Cathy Fink & Marcy Marxer,  Cliff Tetle’s retro vocal stylings on “Everyone Can See A Different Me,” and Jamie Broza’s exceptionally sweet ballad, “Be Nice To Old People.” Kids are sure to enjoy the rhymes on The Hill Brothers’ “There’s No Place For Bullies In Our School,” Jamie Barnett’s guitar picking on “Being With You,” the hand-clapping, happy beat underpinning The Happy Crowd’s “Say Something Nice About Someone,” the sheer musical variety within Jim Papoulis’ “Feel The World Dancing,” and Cosima’s “What A Difference,” featuring blues harp and vocals that have more than a hint of Emmylou Harris.  Rounding out Someone Else’s Shoes are offerings from Kelsey Friday & The Rest of the Week, Mike Soloway, Dan Dan Doodlebug, and Mr. KimWebster.
 
Recess Music’s “Best Foot Forward” series could be thought of as the musical component to a hip, up-to-date, and entirely relevant “course in manners” that reinforces a profound subtext, which points to how to survive life together and encourages kids to conduct their lives on an elevated plane.  Almost all children really want to have friends and be good playmates, but to achieve these objectives they must learn key social structures and conventions, such as how to say, “I know how you feel” or how to live by the rule of “no put-downs” toward others. Recess Music’s founder/producer Nancy Doan explains that she decided to focus on social empathy with Someone Else’s Shoes because, “When children learn to ‘walk in someone else’s shoes,’ they become better people, more understanding, more helpful to those who are in distress, and better able to celebrate other people’s triumphs, as well as their own.”  Nancy hopes that the Recess Music “Best Foot Forward” trilogy of Big Bully, U R SOME 1, and Someone Else’s Shoes will help to encourage discussion among parents, children, and educators about caring, understanding, social justice, and global peace, as well as the particular challenges caused by the unfortunate presence of intimidation and bullying behavior on our social landscape.

Recess Music’s Wild Child was featured in USA Today as one of kids’ music superstar Laurie Berkner’s  “Eight Greats for 2011.” Scholastic Parent & Child highlighted Wild Child in its November 2011 issue and includes La Bella Stella in its June 2012 issue. Parents Magazine featured Wild Child and Big Bully in its January 2012 iPad/Tablet edition and La Bella Stella in its April 2012 iPad/Tablet edition.  Recess Music’s Ocean Motion received both a Parents’ Choice® Award and a NAPPA Rising Star honor in 2011, and Big Bully and Wild Child likewise wonParents’ Choice® Awards.  Big Bully was also honored by WXPN’s Kathy O’Connell in MetroKids magazine as one of the “Top Ten Family CDs of 2011” and was one of only six albums included in a DailyCandy Kids “Best Kids Music of 2011” feature, which praised Big Bully as “uplifting folk-pop performed by an all-star cast.”

Someone Else's Shoes will be available online at www.recessmusic.com, amazon.com and its international affiliates, iTunes, and brick and mortar retailers throughout the U.S.


CD Details: SOMEONE ELSE'S SHOESFor ages 4 - 11.
Label: Big Round Records
SRP: $12.99
Run time: 46 minutes.




My Thoughts:

This summer we have had a blast listening to the assortment of kid-friendly CDs I was sent to review.  From hip hop to rock, to folk and bluegrass, the music genres ran the gamut. Who knew that there were so many great kid-friendly companies out there putting out amazing music.  With  Someone Else's Shoes, which has 15 tracks, taps today's most gifted kids' musicians like two-time Grammy winners Cathy Fink and Marcy Marxer, along with four-time Emmy Winning composer/performer Jamie Broza, to offer a CD that highlights "empathy as a key ingredient for living in harmony with others."  

With feel good, toe tapping tunes, both parents and children will not want to stop listening to the CD.  Now that I have two daughters, I hope that as they grow, they learn to respect each other, as well as lean on each other for support.  Many of these catchy tracks deal with team work, respect, empathy and appreciation -- all traits I hope to instill in them, which makes this the perfect CD to listen to as a family.  Even though my daughters' can't understand or appreciate the lyrics of these songs, I know that when they get older they will.

Don't ask me to choice a favorite song, as they were all great, and provided a positive message.  I did, however, find myself clapping along to Say Something Nice About Someone and Feel the World Dancing.  This CD about empathy is worth picking up and sharing with your children, as it will encourage discussion among parents, children and educators about caring, understanding, social justice and global peace, along with bullying and respecting your elders.  What a way to share the love music with teachings of empathy all on one CD.  Someone Else's Shoes has done just that, and pulled it off beautifully.

Disclosure:  I was sent a copy of this CD from the vendor in order to write up an honest review.  The views above are mine and mine alone.
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Now Available on CD -- Little Seed by Elizabeth Mitchell (Review)

Little Seed: Songs for Children By Woody Guthrie 


In Little Seed, Elizabeth Mitchell embraces the gentle genius of America's musical bard Woody Guthrie, reminding us of how the loving bonds between parent and child endure and are strengthened through song. Moved by Guthrie's simple yet profound songs created for his daughter, and his ability to inhabit both the perspective of a loving, protective parent and the voice of a freewheeling child, Mitchell makes them her own, joined by family and friends to offer us a re-imagined rendition of classic favorites.
 
 
My Thoughts:
 
Even though this CD was geared towards children, I found myself enjoying it even when the girls were not in the car.  The songs, which were originally written and performed by Woody Guthrie, really are ones to be treasures, especially the song This Land is Your Land.  I remember my mother introducing my brothers and I to Woody Guthrie and other folk geniuses as a child, when she would play cassettes for us at bedtime.  There was something about Woody's voice that pulled you and made you want to listen to his music.  Now, as children we didn't know the difference between folk, bluegrass, pop, etc. but found the rhythms and sound to be fun and engaging.  And, at bedtime every night, my mother would sing Who's My Pretty Baby to me.  So, when I saw this was included on the CD, I couldn't wait to listen to it with my daughters, and then begin singing it to them at bedtime.

This kid-friendly CD is really a joy to listen to in the car or in the house, as you dance around the living room with your children (like I do).  As adults listen to the lyrics and you will moved by how profound these fun and playful songs are.  Really a true masterpiece worth picking up and sharing with your family.  And, Elizabeth Mitchell does an amazing job at capturing Woody Guthrie's appeal and does his songs justice.  Hats off to her on this! 


Disclosure:  I was sent a copy of this CD from the vendor in order to write up an honest review. The views above are mine and mine alone.

 
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Now Available on CD -- Huh-uh by Barry G and Dream Jam Kids (Review)

Huh Uh CD 

 
This summer we have spent countless hours in the car either traveling to a destination or just driving around to calm the girls down or put them asleep.  So, I have made a point to stock the glove box with kid-friendly CDs to listen to.  Huh-uh by Barry G and Dream Jam Kids is the third in a family music series from the myKaZoo Music label, and has become one of our favorites. Released earlier this month, this CD which was produced by five-time Grammy Award nominee Rick Chertoff (works with Joan Osborne and Cyndi Lauper), contains 10 original tracks with a folk feel to them.  Each of the tracks were fun and catchy, and even my husband, who is not usually a fan of these types of CDs was tapping his feet and eventually singing along.  Savannah's favorite song on this CD was Just Chillin' as she liked the acoustic harmonies of the song.

This CD was created as a way to join people together. The rhythms and lyrics encourage synchronized performance, creating the shared experience.  We felt this just by playing it in the car with the girls.  With a handful of tracks, Savannah would reach over and grab her little sisters hand, and swing back and forth to the tune.  It was so cute to see both of the getting into the music together, and smiling.  I would definitely recommend this new release for family looking to add another kid-friendly CD to their car's collection of traveling music.

Disclosure:  I was sent a copy of this CD from the vendor in order to write up an honest review.  The views above are mine and mine alone.
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The Soladey J3X: A Unique New Toothbrush with a Built-In Solar Panel (Review)



New Solar Toothbrushes Debut in US to Disintegrate Plaque and Bacteria While Brushing



It looks like any ordinary toothbrush.  The difference is that the Soladey J3X combines revolutionary semiconductor technology with an integrated solar panel to provide natural environmentally-friendly oral care.  Soladey J3X uses less water and virtually no toothpaste to fight plaque – one of the leading causes of tooth decay.

This new patented ionic toothbrush, developed in Japan more than 15 years ago and used widely there, is being reintroduced in the US with the additional of a solar panel built into the handle of the brush.

The toothbrush looks just like any other toothbrush.  It’s how it works that makes it different from any other toothbrush on the market today.  When light strikes the solar panel near the end of the handle, electrons are generated.  These electrons move along the lead wire from the negative pole toward the built-in semiconductor (found at the top of the handle, near the area where the brush head is attached).  When light strikes the wet semiconductor, which is comprised of titanium oxide, electrons are also generated in a process called photocatalytic action.  The plating on the metallic body of the toothbrush is specially processed to help raise the electrical current rate.  The electrons generated at the solar panel and the semiconductor, these electrons move to the inside of the mouth through saliva.  These double electrons then remove the hydrogen ion within dental plaque, allowing the dental plaque to break down.  As a result, dental plaque is easier to remove, brushing is more effective leading to healthier teeth and gums.  The Soladey J3X replaceable brush-heads are available both in various sizes and firmness – from a child sized bristle-head to a tapered bristle that will reach down to the gum line more easily.  There is no need to “over brush” (which can cause bleeding gums and other problems), as most of the work is done by Soladey’s titanium rod, combined with saliva and light.  The bristles will sweep away the plaque effortlessly.  The user has no idea of the process which is occurring during the simple act of brushing one’s teeth!

Soladey takes both a natural and scientific approach to oral care.  As water (saliva) is the main active ingredient during the brushing process, toothpaste is not required.  However, as many individuals prefer to use toothpaste for its refreshing taste, Soladey achieves the same results with only a small amount of paste.

This type of toothbrush is used regularly by millions of Japanese.  They have found that the benefits include:
               
·         Reduction in cavities – Using a Soladey brush can actually reduce bacteria that cause cavities and stop bleeding gums by the natural cleansing action of safe, free electrons emitted from the revolutionary solar conducting rod
·         Teeth feel and look cleaner and whiter as the plaque adhesion to tooth surface is reduced photo-electrically.
·         Toothpaste is not a necessity – Effective plaque removal is possible with or without paste; ordinary light activates the patented semi-conductor rod and cleans teeth non-abrasively
·         Affordable and economical – With sensible care, the handle and rod can last a lifetime, requiring only inexpensive replaceable heads.  The replacement heads continue to provide benefits at a comparable cost of a regular toothbrush. 

Clinical studies from dental colleges in Japan and Canada have shown that toothbrushes with semiconductors have been proven very effective plaque removing tools.  



---

My Thoughts:

I have been using the Soladey J3X for the past couple of weeks, and though I can't tell if it reduced cavity causing bacteria, I can say that my teeth do feel cleaning after brushing with this unique toothbrush.  After undergoing cancer treatment a few years ago for head and neck cancer, I need to pay close attention to my teeth and gums, by brushing daily and using flouride trays at night time.  Because I don't produce enough saliva anymore to help wash away food particles and cavity causing bacteria, I am always looking for ways to keep my clean teeth and cavity free.  

After first reading about this product, I wasn't sure the effectiveness of it.  How could a toothbrush do all that this one claims?  I wondered how much light I needed for the toothbrush to work effectively.  And, how do I know that the solar panel and photosensitive titanium dioxide rod really are present in the toothbrush are work. Even though it says that toothpaste is not needed to clean your teeth, I haven't tried this, as I feel more comfortable using my dry mouth toothpaste with it.

I'll be heading to the dentist next month, and can't wait to see if this toothbrush reduced plaque build, as well as the chances for cavities.  I'll let you know.  But, in the meantime, if you want to give this unique toothbrush a try, you can find it online at Amazon for only $59.00.  This would be good to give someone who is camping, in the military or doesn't like the taste of toothbrush, as it is not needed for a deep clean.

---BUY NOW---

The Soladey J3X solar toothbrush is priced at about $59 and replacement heads are priced at $30.

Soladey J3X is currently available at Amazon.com and the official US distributor is AmbiCom.  The toothbrush will be available in a number of other online drug store sites and stores in the coming months.

Disclosure:  I was sent a sample from the vendor in order to write up an honest review.  The views above are mine and mine alone.





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Now Available on DVD -- You've Got a Friend (Review)



OFFICIAL DOVE APPROVED FILM FOR FAMILIES OF ALL AGES
YOU’VE GOT A FRIEND

 You've Got a Friend 

Endearing Hallmark Channel Original Film About Defeating the Odds Now On DVD From Gaiam Vivendi Entertainment and Sonar Entertainment
 
A young boy has a big dream and will not let life’s circumstances get in his way in the heart-warming film, You’ve Got A Friend arriving for the first time on DVD August 28 from Gaiam Vivendi Entertainment and Sonar Entertainment. Starring John Schneider (“Smallville,” “Hot in Cleveland”), Dylan McLaughlin (“iCarly,” Kicking and Screaming), Chase Ellison (Tooth Fairy, Unstoppable) and Bitty Schram (“Monk,” A League of Their Own) - this story explores the true meaning of family and friendship, and shows that you should never close the door on your dreams. 
 
San Diego native Bobby Graham (McLaughlin) loses his parents to a car accident and is sent to live with his aunt and uncle in Eagle Rock. Determined to follow in his late father’s footsteps he sets out to accomplish his dream of winning the American Soapbox Derby with the help of an unlikely friend, war veteran and town recluse, Jim Klecan (Schneider). Bobby may think that Jim is helping him to win the race, but it is really Jim who needed the help from a friend to bring him back to life. A DOVE Foundation approved film; You’ve Got a Friend DVD is available for the suggested retail price of $14.93.
 
Synopsis:

Bobby Graham is a twelve-year-old boy whose personal problems haven’t gotten in the way of his dream: to win the American Soapbox Derby Championship. With the odds against him, including his school foe and main competition in the race, Bobby is determined to prove himself with a personal best and unbeatable new self-confidence.
 
DVD Basics:
  • Suggested Retail Price $14.93
  • Street Date August 28, 2012
  • Language: English
  • Running Time: 85 minutes
  • Rating: NR


My Thoughts:

I vaguely remember watching this movie when it first aired on the Hallmark Channel back in 2007.  But, it was a treat watching it again, while trying to kick this head cold yesterday.  Like I said in my previous post, I am a fan of Hallmark Movies, and this movie is worth seeing for the first time or again.  Yes, the storyline is predictable, but the whole feel of the movie with have smiling, reaching for a tissue and laughing all in one sitting.  You can't help but feel for Bobby after he loses his parents and has to move in with his aunt and uncle, who are not prepared to be parents.  Not only does he get bullied in school, but his hope to create a soap box and enter it into the derby are frowned upon by his uncle.  With the help of an unexpected friend, Jim, Bobby is able to turn the plans his and he worked on, into a soap box worth racing.

This heartwarming films deals with many themes including family, friendship, perseverance, not giving up on your dreams, and hope.  Yes, it may seem like a lot to take in, but Hallmark Channel films are all like this, and leave you feeling happy. Families can sit down and watch this film, and not have to worry about inappropriate content, which I love.  So, if you are looking for a film that will appeal to all ages, and can be used as a discussion point afterwards, You've Got a Friend, is worth picking up and sharing.


--BUY NOW--

Click here to order from Amazon for only $12.99.



About Sonar Entertainment, Inc.
Sonar Entertainment, Inc. is a leading developer, producer and distributor of award-winning television series, mini-series and movies for the global television marketplace. Sonar owns rights to over 1,000 titles comprising more than 3,500 broadcast hours of programming. The company maintains strategic creative and licensing partnerships with producers and broadcasters throughout the world.

About Gaiam Vivendi Entertainment
Gaiam Vivendi Entertainment, a leading producer, distributor and marketer of entertainment and lifestyle media is a  [subsidiary] of Gaiam, Inc. (Nasdaq: GAIA).  With a diversified distribution network that spans more than 60,000 retail doors as well as an extensive digital platform, Gaiam Vivendi Entertainment dominates the health and fitness category and ranks among the top three providers of non-theatrical programming. With content focused on film, fitness, sports and family programming, Gaiam Vivendi Entertainment provides sales, marketing and distribution services to many of the home entertainment industry's most prestigious brands, including Discovery Communications, Jillian Michaels, NFL Films, National Geographic, Marvel Animation, Shout Factory, Televisa, and World Wrestling Entertainment. For more information about Gaiam Vivendi Entertainment, call 1.800.869.3603. 


 
Disclosure:  I was sent a copy of this DVD from the vendor in order to write up an honest review.  The views above are mine and mine alone.
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Now Available on DVD -- LAKE effects, Starring Jane Seymour (Review)

TWO-TIME GOLDEN GLOBE® AWARD WINNER JANE SEYMOUR STARS IN THE ANCHOR BAY ENTERTAINMENT RELEASE
OF THE HEARTWARMING FILM LAKE EFFECTS ON DVD

 http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51nUwDN7BXL._SL500_AA300_.jpg

Featuring Scottie Thompson, Madeline Zima, Jeff Fahey, Casper Van Dien and Sean Patrick Flannery, Lake Effects

Anchor Bay Films recently released the heartwarming and hilarious family film, Lake Effects, produced by Sara Elizabeth Timmins and directed by Michael J. McKay.  Led by two-time Golden Globe® award winner Jane Seymour (Wedding Crashers, “Dr. Quinn, Medicine Woman”), the film’s talented ensemble cast also features Scottie Thompson (Skyline, Star Trek), Madeline Zima (A Cinderella Story, “Californication”), Jeff Fahey (Silverado, “One Life to Live”), Casper Van Dien (Starship Troopers, Sleepy Hollow), and Sean Patrick Flannery (The Boondock Saints franchise, “The Young and the Restless”). 


Lake Effects also stars Eyal Podell (“24”), Ben Savage (“Boy Meets World”), Richard Moll (“Night Court”), Richard Riehle (Office Space), and Ron Canada (Wedding Crashers)The DVD will include an extended version of the film, which premiered as a Hallmark Movie Channel Original, on May 6.  Shot entirely on location, Lake Effects was inspired by the Smith Mountain Lake Community in Virginia and showcases Smith Mountain Lake’s real venues, businesses and homes, with actual  residents making appearances.

In Lake Effects, Sara (Scottie Thomson) and Lily (Madeline Zima) are two sisters from a small, lakeside town that lead two different lives: Sara, a successful Los Angeles attorney and Lily, a local art teacher who never left home.  But when the father of the two sisters (Jeff Fahey) unexpectedly dies, Sara returns to her childhood home – on the enchanting Smith Mountain Lake – to help settle his estate.  Through the guidance of their father’s spirit, the two women and their mother, Vivian (Jane Seymour), will finally discover what being a family truly means.
Learn more about Lake Effects at: http://www.lakeeffectsthemovie.com/

#  #  #


Lake Effects DVD
Street date:                   August 14, 2012
Pre-book:                     July 18, 2012
Catalog #:                     DV25719
UPC:                            0 1313 25719-9 7
Rating:                          Not Rated
Run Time:                     99 Minutes
SRP:                            $19.98
Format:                         Anamorphic widescreen 1.78:1
Audio:                          Dolby Digital 5.1


My Thoughts:


I wasn't planning on watching this movie until this weekend, but after having a nasty head cold go through our house this, will me being the last to get it, I ended up watching this movie yesterday, while my parents were visiting, and helped to watch the girls.  I have always been a fan of Golden Globe winner, Jane Seymour, especially when she played Dr. Quinn Medicine Woman in the hit television series.

Usually, I watch all the Hallmark movies that air, but missed this one when it aired back in May of this year.  So, when I was sent a copy of the movie to watch, I was excited to see what I had missed.  I have to say my favorite part of the movie, besides the storyline was the beautiful scenes of Smith Mountain Lake in Virginia.




Prior to this film, I had never knew about this place, but would definitely love to vacation here someday.  It looks so peaceful and welcoming, doesn't it?  Even though this film is similar to other storylines that you would expect to see from a Hallmark Channel film --- a parent passes away, leading to one of their children returning home.  In this case Sara, played by Scottie Thompson, returns to Virginia to help settle her father's estate after his passing, only to be confronted by a bitter sister and mother, who haven't gotten over her leaving to pursue her dreams and a new life.  As the film progresses, the girls are visited by their father's spirit, which helps guide them, and eventually bring them together as a family and let them forgive and trust again.

Make sure you have a box of tissues next you as, as this film will definitely pull at your heartstrings. It was good that I was sick, as I already had the tissue box next to me, and when my husband walked in, he couldn't tell I was crying -- just thought I was wiping my nose. :-)
 
In addition to this touching film the DVD also includes the Making Of, deleted scenes, and the film festival laurels, which are worth watching.  And, when my parents went home last night, I sent this DVD with them, so that my mom could watch and enjoy.  I can't wait to see what she thinks amazing about this heartwarming film.  If you are a fan of the Hallmark Channel, Jane Seymour, or like a wholesome family film, then you will love LOVE effects, now available on DVD.


--BUY NOW--

You can pick up a copy of this DVD at Amazon for only 12.15.  Want a copy of this DVD signed by the producer, then click here and order through the official movie website for only $22.00 -- http://www.lakeeffectsthemovie.com/buy-now/.


About Anchor Bay Entertainment
Anchor Bay Entertainment is the home entertainment division of Starz Media, LLC.  It includes the Anchor Bay Films and Manga Entertainment brands. It distributes feature films, children’s entertainment, fitness, TV series, documentaries, anime and other filmed entertainment on Blu-ray™ and DVD formats.  Headquartered in Beverly Hills, CA, Anchor Bay Entertainment has offices in Troy, MI, as well as Canada, the United Kingdom and Australia. Starz Media is an operating unit of Starz, LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Liberty Media Corporation. 

Disclosure:  I was sent a copy of this movie from the vendor in order to write up an honest review.  The views above are mine and mine alone.
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