I’ll admit, I haven’t been consistent, but I’m making more of an effort. With a 6 month old and a 2 ½ year old, it’s not always easy to get to the gym.

Workout DVDs are a great option for home and the shorter they are with an effective total body workout, the better.

Thanks to Mommy B, I had the opportunity to try 28 Day Boot Camp with SparkPeople’s Coach Nicole.

SparkPeople.com is a free online resource that allows you to plan meals and track nutrition, find recipes, watch exercise videos, and much more. Coach Nicole, a certified personal trainer and exercise instructor, is an editor and fitness expert at SparkPeople.com.

Coach Nicole has a calm, straight forward approach to cueing you for each move and motivating you to stick with it. I know from personal experience that’s how she really is – I took some spinning classes that she instructed.

What I like most about Coach Nicole and the two ladies who are in the 28 Day Boot Camp video is that they are real. They look fit and healthy and you can relate more easily to them than the super fit, extremely thin women that often appear in exercise DVDs.

The DVD includes Coach Nicole’s 28 Day Plan which outlines how many minutes and the intensity in which you should work out along with the type of exercise (cardio, cardio-sculpt, tone and burn, and total body challenge). You simply go to the calendar and the appropriate day and play the workout from the calendar.

Or you can mix and match the workouts how you like. The DVD is set up so you can choose each of the segments individually for a 12-, 20- or 30-minute workout as well as a warm up and cool down. Check out a few clips from the SparkPeople – 28 Day Boot Camp video:

28 Day Boot Camp is one that can work for anyone. Coach Nicole and the two trainers in the video show you the moves at three different levels – beginner, intermediate and advanced. You can modify the moves to continue challenging yourself as you become more fit (or to make yourself work harder if you’re already in great shape). The only equipment needed are hand weights and a mat.

The background music is almost monotonous and doesn’t interfere with your ability to follow the DVD. I almost wish it was a bit more energetic to encourage me to keep moving. Also, there’s a clock on each segment that tells you how much time you have left. I have a love/hate relationship with counters like that – it’s nice to know how much longer you have but it can also be distracting.

Most of the moves seem fairly uncomplicated and include the usual suspects – squats, crunches, side steps, kettle-inspired moves, etc. Be careful not to overexert yourself though – there is one move that involves positioning your legs to the side and turning into the move. That particular move caused me to aggravate my lower back which resulted in pain for several days (disclaimer – I tend to have lower back pain issues that flare up here and there). Just listen to your body and choose the appropriate effort level.

Also included with the DVD are eight recipes (baked lemon rice, blueberry flaxseed muffins, and miso vegetable soup among others), tips to burn more fat and seated ab exercises (you can sneak a little exercise in while you’re working or watching TV).

Overall, I enjoyed the video and plan to include it in my rotation of home exercise DVDs. It’s a little lighter on cardio than some other videos I’ve tried, such as Jillian Michaels, but it has a great combination of cardio and sculpting moves. It also seemed that the instructors “rushed” through some of the moves and I found it difficult to keep up with their pace at times.

Regardless of which workout I selected, I found myself lightly sweating and experiencing that little bit of muscle soreness the next day that lets you know you worked hard, but didn’t overexert yourself.

You can find 28 Day Boot Camp ($16.99 list price) at Target and other retailers as well as Amazon. Visit SparkPeople.com here: http://www.sparkpeople.com to get a $3 coupon to purchase the DVD at Target.

After a 13+ years PR/communications career, Jamie K. recently took on her most challenging job yet – as a fulltime CFO (chief family officer). Currently, she lives in Alabama with her husband, an officer in the Air Force, and her toddler son and infant daughter. She’s a big fan of deal sites, attempts to be eco-friendly, and struggles daily with the great balancing act of being a super mom.

Although products were provided for this review, the opinions expressed are my own and were not influenced in any way.

When I was offered the opportunity to watch, review, and give away this 5 DVD holiday collection of some of our favorite shows from NCircle, it was right up our alley.

The Wiggles, “It’s Always Christmas With You!,” includes a mix of 14 original new tunes and seasonal favorites. It’s the first holiday DVD in seven years from the beloved platinum-selling band from Down Under, and it features celebrity guests including ‘N Sync’s Joey Fatone, who sings a sweet rendition of “O Holy Night.” We love it because it introduces children to the diverse ways different cultures celebrate the holidays and The Wiggles are always good, clean, fun.

“The Cat in the Hat Knows A Lot About That: Told From the Cold” DVD has four episodes from the popular PBS Kids series. Actor-comedian Martin Short is the voice of The Cat in the Hat, and I love his characters in movies. The four episodes on this learning-and-fun-filled DVD are: Snowman’s Land, Flight of the Penguin, A Long Winter’s Nap and Reindeer Games. The girls really liked the episode on the penguin named Percy and learn how to waddle like a penguin and love to sing along to the easy songs.

My favorite DVD is “WordWorld: New Happy Holiday WordFriends”. The show is an Emmy Award-winning PBS Kids series for obvious reasons. This DVD features three holiday-themed episodes: The Christmas Star, A Christmas Present for Dog, and Duck’s Family Reunion – plus a bonus music video, Dancing Dog. I love how the characters demonstrate that it is better to give than receive. Great messages to be had in this DVD for sure.

The DVD that Miss A requests the most is: “Chloe’s Closet: Winter Wonderland”. The DVD features four episodes: On Frozen Pond, Best in Snow, Getting to Snow You, and Icing Escapades. Miss A loves that the girls turn into snow princesses and make snowflakes and also one of the episodes features Chloe ice skating, pretty nice since we don’t get much of the white stuff here in Charlotte, North Carolina.

Lastly, “The Fairies: Christmas Wishes in Fairyland” is a DVD where Fairyland is transformed into a magical Christmas setting. Tiny tots will sing and dance along to their favorite Christmas carols {and some of mine too} and learn new songs as they celebrate the joys of the season with the beautiful fairies, Harmony and Rhapsody! I love that my girls can learn traditional Christmas carols through this DVD.

Overall we are pleased and love every one of these DVDs and think they are great for the Christmas/Winter-y weather season and I highly recommend them for long trips or even short moments of fun for your kiddos. They would even be great for a holiday movie viewing party since there are no scary parts, no questionable moments, and some good messages for our kiddos.

NCircle is provide a prize of FIVE DVDs (one of each title) to a MommyB Knows Best reader!!

Head over to NCircle’s website here: http://www.ncircleentertainment.com/default.aspx and tell me which is your favorite title. If you don’t use the prize pack for yourself consider giving it as a gift for the holiday season.

1. Follow MommyBKnowsBest on Twitter

2. Tweet- using @mommybknowsbest and #NCircle linking back to this giveaway. (up to 5 tweets a day)

Not an entry because MommyB Knows Best follows Facebook TOS, but we’d love it if you’d go check out NCircle here: on Facebook

Giveaway ends December 15th @12:00 am. The winner will be chosen at random, verified, emailed, and announced in a Winner’s post. The winner has 48 hours to respond to the email from MommyB to claim the prize, if the prize is not claimed within 48 hours a new winner will be chosen at random. You must be a US resident and 18 years or older to enter.

I received a copy of the above DVDs to watch and give my opinion on. I received no monetary compensation for this post and all words and thoughts are my own. Yours may vary.

Although I couldn’t actually remember the full story I knew as soon as I started watching I would be reminded of the plot. I watched with my 4 year-old and 1.5 year-old and we are very cautious of movies because our oldest is very sensitive to material that could be perceived as “scary”.

For Miss A and Baby C the movie was appropriate. I was amazed at the quality of animation in The Gruffalo DVD. Seriously, from the little details to the perspective of the movie I was very impressed.

The story itself was a great one, and I won’t give everything away, but the storyline goes a little something like this: The mouse in all his tiny-ness, does his best not to get eaten by creatures of the forest. He makes up the existence of the Gruffalo {at least he thinks he makes it up}, but mouse’s creativity leads him to the one and only Gruffalo himself.

I would recommend, {as I always do with children’s DVDs}, for parents to watch the video without their children, because as parents we know our children’s tolerance of certain things best. I can understand where some children may be scared by the Gruffalo or other woodland creatures in this movie and want to make sure that you, my readers know that ahead of time.

Overall I think it’s a great movie, based on a classic book and definitely worth purchasing for the holidays or any reason really. I think the message behind the story is one that is valuable and the girls and I will definitely keep this movie in our collection.

I received a review copy of this dvd for the sole purpose of writing this post. The opinions expressed above are my own honest opinions, however yours may vary.

When I brought the mail in – my son immediately gravitated to the fun exterior of the Readeez Volume 3 DVD case. He was all over me asking if that was for him. I explained it was a teaching tool to help him learn to read and even though it was Saturday morning, he gladly gave up watching cartoons (he never does this) to switch to Readeez.

As a mom – you’re always excited to watch your child’s reaction to something new. Even though this particular DVD – Volume 3, was a bit over his level – he loved every bit of it. Jer is a music lover. In fact he informed his dad and me that he wants to be a rockstar. The Readeez DVD was just up his alley. I watched him rock out to the cool tunes and sing along while learning. I was shocked to realize he remembered the math portion later on at dinner. He just randomly blurted out what 4+4 was. Needless to say – I quickly became a fan too.

If you’re a parent who loved Schoolhouse Rock. Get on this! It has a similar feel and the music is super cute without becoming stuck in your head. Your kids can have fun learning without feeling that they have to sit still. Personally – I plan to check out their Pre-K offerings so he can start at his level and move up.

Final verdict from our household of 4…eight enthusiastic thumbs up!

To check out some great video clips, other DVDs and CDs from Readeez or to purchase your own copies head over to the Readeez website here: http://www.readeez.com

Debi Adam is a Charlotte, NC resident and Mom to Jeremy and Jessica. Connect with her on twitter: @debiadam

Debi received a copy of Readeez Volume Three for the purpose of this review. This in no way effects the outcome of this review and all opinions are the honest opinions of Debi.

Although I did not read Dear John the novel, I don’t feel like I was in the dark or should have read the book prior. Dear John the film, in the middle of the story rather than the beginning or the end. I liked the “twist” although it took me a little while to realize it was the middle.

The story is about two young people who meet during spring break, only to fall in love with each other before being separated by war. They make a promise to write letters to each other as a diary of their lives apart.

While in Germany John finds out he is being deployed for a second tour in Afghanistan which puts a strain on the relationship and John and Savannah grow further apart in miles and in matters of the heart. The movie follows this couple through highs and lows and real life situations.

Continuing the story, before John and Savannah have to leave each other, the two make, “a promise to tell each other everything, write it all down, don’t leave anything out.” This promise is a means to continue their relationship and vicariously, be a part of each other’s lives while they’re separated. One memory they share about watching the moon keeps them close no matter where they are in the world. I would love to have seen this bit incorporated into the ending.

I really enjoy the cinematography of how the love letters are delivered. This part of the movie seems so true to life and makes me emotional. From excited, to nervous I felt what John felt when he was waiting for letters to arrive. I really like that about Dear John, I become so enthralled in the movie that I empathize with the characters. I’m not sure if this should be attributed to author Nicholas Sparks or the staff who worked on the film, but regardless it was a success.

In my opinion the ending was horrible in Dear John. It didn’t bother me that its wasn’t a happy ending, rather that there just wasn’t any closure whatsoever. I was left with too many questions and it really annoyed me. I literally said, outloud, “That’s it???” And yes, I did watch the movie alone, but I recommend watching with some good girlfriends to cry with, a huge box of tissues to wipe those tears away, and the ability to overlook your disappointment with the ending.

DVD bonus features include: Deleted Scenes, Outttakes, “A Conversation with Channing Tatum, Amanda Seyfried and Lasse Hallstrom,” “Transforming Charleston,” “Military in Movies: Dear John’s Military Advisors, Mr. Tyree, The Mule, and Benny Dietz,” “The Story of Braeden Reed,” and an alternate ending, (although I’m not really sure it’s any better or worse than the original ending.)

Though the beginning half of the movie is a great portrayal of how amazing new love can be, there are many moments in the latter half of the movie that really bring conflict and sadness, as life will bring any couple. My heart broke several times at the complex relationships that are portrayed and the struggles that the protagonists have to deal with throughout this film. The message I got from this movie is that real love doesn’t die, is hard and may not always have a storybook ending.

Dear John puts a face on autism, cancer, commitment, loss, love, war, and death, all subjects that tug at the viewers heartstrings. As I am reminded by this movie how hard it is to have a loved one in the war, my heart also goes out to all the families that have to live it each day.

Did you watch Dear John? What did you think of the movie?

Read more: http://blogcritics.org/video/article/dvd-review-dear-john/page-2/#ixzz137SyTcTQ

Each “episode” has it’s own lesson, but they all tie together to form one unified message: thinking about others before ourselves. From gift giving, to misunderstandings, and stepping in another’s shoes, the messages in Strawberry Shortcake: The Glimmerberry Ball Movie are a refreshing change from some of the current children’s programming.

In the spirit of the First Frost tradition, Strawberry and her friends choose their secret First Frost gift recipients. One gift in particular ends up circulating through almost everyone in Berry Bitty City only to come back to it’s original gift giver. It’s fun to see the different personalities of the Strawberry Shortcake bunch, how they wrap and deliver the gift to each of their secret giftees. I also like this “episode” because it explains meaningful gift giving and that giving a gift is about thinking about the other person and being selfless.

During decorating the perfect venue for the Glimmerberry Ball, Strawberry Shortcake’s friends encounter what they think to be thieves and set up a plan to trap the scoundrels only to find out it was all a big misunderstanding. Oops! After everything is cleared up, Strawberry and her friends have a rocking Glimmerberry Ball in their beautiful gowns, with great decorations and fun music.

Strawberry Shortcake: The Glimmerberry Ball Movie comes in a bright pink case with a fun mini-movie poster. Special features include a sing-along, read-along storybook and printable coloring pages.

Miss A loved to dance around the room to the fun and poppy music in this video. She repeats sayings from the girls in the movie, and now she wants to collect everything Strawberry Shortcake!

Strawberry Shortcake: The Glimmerberry Ball Movie is one of the few animated shows that I encourage my daughter to watch. I love the values, beautiful animation, and I have to admit I get a little nostalgic watching them myself, as a long time Strawberry Shortcake fan.

On a side note Strawberry Shortcake’s newest version will be coming out as a series on what used to be Discovery Kids but will be called The Hub on October 10, 2010. Along with original Fraggle Rock, Pound Puppies, Transformers, and new versions of G.I. Joe and My Little Pony (and more!) I for one am super excited.

What was your favorite cartoon growing up as a child??
Read more: http://blogcritics.org/video/article/dvd-review-strawberry-shortcake-the-glimmerberry/#ixzz11DiL9Z4t

How to Win: Using the comment form below please leave me a comment letting me know what your favorite kids DVD is. Please be sure to leave me your email address so that I can contact you should you win. After submitting your comment on THIS post you may get additional entries by commenting on any of my other posts on the blog. There are no limits to entries so comment away, please just be sure the comment has to do with the post or it will be deleted as spam.

Giveaway ends September 17th @12:00 am. The winner will be chosen at random, verified, emailed, and announced in a Winner’s post. The winner will have 48 hours to respond to the email from MommyB to claim the prize, if the prize is not claimed within 48 hours a new winner will be chosen at random. You must be a US resident and 18 years or older to enter.

Derek Thompson, a minor league hockey player, is ironically nicknamed “Tooth Fairy” for knocking his opponents’ teeth out. Thompson, frustrated with his inability to play in the major leagues takes his frustrations home with him, becoming quite the dream crusher.

Throughout the movie Thompson takes shots at the littlest of targets, first a grade-school hockey fan, where he goes on to talk about Zambonis, dying, and lowering expectations. He also bursts the dreams of Carly’s daughter by telling her there is no tooth fairy, and so Thompson’s journey to fairyhood begins as he’s sentenced to a week-long sentence as the real life Tooth Fairy.

I felt like there were so many points of conflict in Tooth Fairy involving Thompson — between the new kid on the hockey team, Carly and her children, Tracy the fairy case-worker, Head Fairy, and other lesser characters along the way.

I’m not quite sure they needed to add so much conflict to get their point across that Derek Thompson is a jaded person who doesn’t believe in dreams. After all, he made his girlfriend’s children cry on several occasions and she still went back to him; I’m not sure how true-to-life that would be. I get the point… he’s not a nice person.

Aside from beating the point to death that Thompson’s character needs a breakthrough, this is a wholesome family movie with no cursing, no nudity, and is rightly rated PG. I would recommend this to families with children who do not still believe in the tooth fairy anymore though, unless you want The Rock telling your kids that the tooth fairy doesn’t exist.

My favorite parts in the movie are the snippets of comedy sprinkled throughout. If you’ve ever watched a Dwayne Johnson movie you know he doesn’t take himself too seriously. Aside from Thompson’s hilarious fairy assignment antics, Tracy the case-worker fairy brings some dorky humor and Jerry, the gadget fairy is cheesy but bound to get some laughs from the kids at least with bathroom, pet, and crazy humor. I also enjoyed the ending, which I won’t give away, but love that it’s a happy ending that will make the whole family warm.

I would recommend this as a family-friendly movie. Even though there are a lot of magic and mystical things going on inside Tooth Fairy, this movie has a great message. Sometimes you just have to believe that if you can dream it, you can do it.

Do your children believe in the Toothfairy? How much money do you give for each tooth?

Read more: http://blogcritics.org/video/article/movie-review-tooth-fairy/page-2/#ixzz0yHZvvk3v

Chef, author, reality TV star, entrepreneur, mommy, and now workout buddy, Bethenny Frankel shows that no matter how busy you are you still have time to work out with her Body By Bethenny workout DVD.

Bethenny is joined by celebrity instructor Kristin McGee for this 40-minute yoga program. The purpose of the DVD is to stretch and strengthen your entire body following up with a 10-minute strength-training segment.

My thoughts on the introduction are that it is a sweet personal message from Bethenny; it’s a little scripted, but seems like her personality and own thoughts are behind it. She talks about how the workout is for everyone at every fitness stage, and that being a “Skinnygirl” isn’t about what size you are, it’s about feeling comfortable in your own skin.

Body By Bethenny is approximately 55 minutes, definitely not a quickie workout, but I like how you have choices in the “Workout Options” section of the DVD. You can skip to the five-minute Booty Bonus, or do just the 40 minutes of yoga. I’ve found as a mom even if you do 20 minutes in the morning and find time for the other 40 throughout the day it’s okay, you’re still getting in 60 minutes’ worth of working out. Just make sure you’re getting your heart rate up.

The DVD recommends light hand weights and a mat (in the DVD you use a yoga block as well). If you don’t want to purchase items you can use water bottles (filled with water — or better yet, sand) and a beach towel or blanket. I always encourage people to start their workouts with a low weight and work your way up if it’s easier; that’s much better than starting off with heavy weights and struggling, because you’re not getting as much out of a workout if you’re having to stop because it’s too hard.

Bethenny is her usual humorous self during the entire workout, which I find refreshing because she’s not trying to be someone she’s not and she’s not trying to be a personal trainer. Throughout the DVD Kristin and Bethenny utilize yoga terminology, but don’t fret, there is a great little pop-up on the screen to tell you what “downward dog” is, for example.

Unfortunately, there are no modified versions for some of the moves which would be my only critique. I’m sure you could work your way up, but if you have no exercise background it may be a little difficult to use Body By Bethenny as your first workout video.

If you’re looking for a completely serious workout, this DVD is probably not for you. Bethenny adds her own wisecracks, comments, and “Bethennyisms” during the video, but if you’re looking for a Real Housewives of New York version of a workout that’s more what you’ll get from Body By Bethenny.

Body By Bethenny features a bonus cooking segment, recipe booklet from Bethenny’s Skinnygirl Dish, and bonus workouts — that’s a lot of bonuses!

Right now you can only purchase Body By Bethenny on Amazon.com until August 24, 2010 when it will be available in retail outlets.

What’s your favorite workout?
Read more: http://blogcritics.org/scitech/article/dvd-review-body-by-bethenny/page-2/#ixzz0wRvlMRS2

Miss A wanted to open it and play right away, but I made her save it for a trip, I know mean mommy! The kit is pretty cool, it comes in a big box with a velcro closure and a plastic handle, Miss A loved carrying it all around the house and to the “car”. Two DVDs are included in their own DVD boxes, There Was an Old Lady who Swallowed a Fly and The Wheels on the Bus. A The Wheels on the Bus CD, a Sing-Along Travel Kit Activity Booklet, and a 4 pack of crayons.

I like that the DVDs are a good amount of time, each about 65 minutes plus extras, although I haven’t quite figured out how to play anything but the main movie in our van. The movies feature several stories like, Frog Went A-Courtin’, Giraffes Can’t Dance, Bugs! Bugs! Bugs, and of course their title videos, There Was an Old Lady who Swallowed a Fly and The Wheels on the Bus.As you’re listening from the front seat or watching from the back, with your children you may recognize the voices of Cyndi Lauper, Billy Dee Williams, Rob Reiner and more.  I think Miss A was pretty entertained by the DVDs because they were new stories to her and we also watch a lot of different types of programming so the animation was not something that bothered her. If you have a child however, that only watches the latest cartoons with the best graffics they may complain a little about these discs being a little antiquated. Scholastic suggests this set for ages 2-8.

Since I had Baby C I haven’t been in the car by myself and 99 percent of the time I listen to children’s music or DVDs playing, so I actually liked the CD that came with The Wheels on the Bus Sing-Along Travel Kit. My two favorite songs are, He’s Got the Whole World in His Hands and The Erie Canal. Don’t ask me why I like The Erie Canal, I just do, and this version is a fun upbeat version that A and I danced to around the house, so I know you’ll be bopping in your cars too when this one comes on. Don’t worry about holding it in, have some fun, when you have 8 more hours of driving it’s totally worth being a little silly!

The Activity Booklet has a great front page section with Tips for Traveling with Kids. One tip that I really like is, “Bring a backpack of activities for each child and give out the activities one-by-one so they have something “new” every 30-45 minutes.” Now of course I’d probably change that up to 20-30 minutes for smaller children, and well, Baby C really can’t participate in that activity, but it’s a great idea.

Personally, I think the Activity Booklet is my favorite in the entire kit. It has some fun, “Color Me,” pages, and activities that go along with the CD and DVDs like, “See if you can remember the worlds to the song There Was an Old Lady Who Swallowed a Fly and then circle the pictures of the animals the old lady swallows.” It’s also pretty educational asking your child to pick out colors, match shapes, write numbers, connect the dots. While I love this book I think it may work best for children 3 and up, unless you really don’t care about the activities and just want something to keep the kids busy. Also a great idea for 2 or more siblings so they can help each other and work together on the pages.

Overall we loved this kit and will be using it for more trips to come, but for our own family we’ll probably try to reserve it only for trips so Miss A doesn’t get tired of it like she does with most of her videos. Way to go Scholastic, great pairing of DVDs, CDs, and who could forget, my favorite Activity Booklet. No favoritism here

I found the The Wheels on the Bus Sing-Along Travel Kit at Amazon for about $22 brand new, not bad for everything that it has in it.

What tips or tricks do you have for making a long car ride bearable?