BBMReview

Cranergy

I'm not generally a huge fan of cranberries and I'm not a juice girl either.  But when I heard that Ocean Spray's newest creation involved cranberries mixed with raspberries, less sugar, and green tea extract?  I was definitely going to give it a try.

Ocean Spray Cranergy is the new and healthy drink to give you energy to get through busy days.  Sweetened with Splenda, it's also lower in sugar (great for those of us who generally avoid juices because they are too sugary).  They also infuse it with B vitamins for extra go power and wrap it all up into a delightful drink. 

I was given both flavors to sample, and drank them before I went to my physical therapy appointments in the late afternoon when I usually feel like I'm dragging.  It's definitely not a drink that gives you the instant go power of a cup of coffee (Coffee though, usually also gives me the shakes if I drink too much).  But I did enjoy the drink very much and certainly got through PT just fine. 

Cranergy Cranberry Lift is your basic cranberry juice, with the exception of the B vitamins and green tea extract.  It tastes like cranberry juice does, but didn't seem to be as bitter as other juices I've had in the past. 

Cranergy Raspberry and Cranberry Lift is nothing short of awesome.  I can tell you this because I actually went out and bought some at the store today.  The raspberry flavor is so good and so refreshingly smooth in this drink that it has become an instant favorite for me.  I like it so much that I'll probably tell the rest of my family it's horrible, just so I can have it all to myself.

If you would like to learn more about Cranergy, click the link above.  If you would like to learn more about the health benefits of cranberries, go here.  But whatever you do, get yourself some Cranergy.

For the fact that it has earned a spot in my refrigerator, BBM gives Cranergy drinks. . . 

Childhood is Calling

Rice Krispies have their own website and it's not just about that tiny little cereal that everyone loves.  Childhood is Calling features recipes of all kinds and cooking suggestions to make kitchen time a peaceful and fun time with your kids, games to play with your little ones, and the history of the cereal.  For those who love nostalgia, try viewing what the box looked like the year you were born.  I'm not telling the year I was born; I'll just say that the box looks a whole lot different now. 

The website offers helpful age-appropriate suggestions for cooking abilities such as the types of activities that a 2-3 year old should be able to accomplish in the kitchen.  I was sort of disappointed to find out that "make your own lunch" isn't on that list.  It does help to have realistic expectations though which will definitely make kitchen time more fun.

For die hard Rice Krispies treats fans, there are recipes for the treats that feature different varieties to try and fall in love with.  Want some decorating ideas appropriate for the season?  You won't want to miss the cut outs that the site provides.

If you're just looking to have a little fun with your little one (or kill some time at work), don't miss the games, where you can try to hurl Cocoa Krispies across a grassy patch and into a bowl.  It gets sort of addicting, kind of like Rice Krispie treats. 

There's also a coupon to save you $1 off the new variety of Rice Krispies cereal.  You can go directly to that coupon here.  Samples of it are on their way so I'll be sure to let you know what I think when they arrive. 

Until then, go throw some cocoa krispies. . .   

Ocean Spray Cranergy

When you think of Ocean Spray, do you think of the commercial where those two farmer-type guys are standing in cranberry fields exercising?  It's a commercial that really irritates my husband.  It doesn't bother me so much and since I'm a fan of Ocean Spray, I say whatever.  Regardless, when I opened up a package recently that held Ocean Spray Cranergy, I couldn't help think about those two guys in the cranberry field. 

While I don't think those guys are all that hip, Ocean Spray has a new drink out that is very hip, Cranergy Energy Juice Drink.  I'm a sucker for packaging, and this bottle looks refreshing, hip and very enticing.  It would draw my attention in a cooler at a store.

Let me tell you up front that I am not a sugar-substitute kind of girl.  I think the more natural the food, the better.  But I understand that no sugar means less calories, and that's a big deal.  The first taste you take tastes a bit odd with a slight after-taste.  I think this is the Splenda and since I have not experienced Splenda, I cannot verify this.  After the first few tastes, though, this drink grows on you.  It has a refreshing flavor that tastes "cool." I tried the Raspberry Cranberry Lift.  I love cranberries and raspberries, so the two together was great!  Your other choice is Cranberry Lift.  I imagine both would make a great summer morning drink. 

The really great part of Cranergy is that it gives you a natural energy boost.  With green tea extract and B-vitamins, you get a natural jolt of energy without all the sugar.  I drank one this morning before  a very busy and stressful day-I will say that I felt good all day.  I didn't have that mid-afternoon crash I normally do.

I think Ocean Spray has provided yet another quality product.  This hip, new energy drink is sure to be a favorite for those on the go. Check out their website for lots of great information on Cranergy!   I give it a

Norton 360

Every year, I update my Norton Security system because there are lots of nasty "issues" out there on the Internet.  This year, I was given an opportunity to update and upgrade courtesy of Norton (Thank you!) with their new Norton 360 Version 2.0. 

This version boasts "All-In-One-Security" and even does automatic backing up, which I could clearly use since I've (gasp) never done that before in my life.  Beyond Norton AntiVirus and Norton Internet Security, Norton 360 protects files from computer disasters by backing up your files online.  You basically get an online storage compartment for all your photos, music and files and the "storage unit" is as large as you need it to be.  If you're not one for backing things up on a regular basis, you can set a schedule so that Norton does it for you during times when your computer is idle. 

Additional features include giving your computer a tune-up to fix problems that slow down your computer.  It also helps to remove internet clutter and temporary files. 

Every other time I have installed a Norton program, I ended up needing to call up customer service.  Norton was kind enough to provide me with VIP customer service, but I didn't need it.  The uploading was done in about 15 minutes flat and the virus scan that followed was also much speedier than the Norton of last year. 

Some of my favorite things about Norton 360?  Norton keeps your identity safe and stores personal information for you.  You can create "cards" with your mailing information and even credit card information that Norton keeps safe from hackers.  Simply plug in your password and your info is automatically filled out.  It saves a lot of time for an internet shopper.

It's also useful for commenting on blogs.  You can create a separate card for your blogger identity and now all those url and email demands are taken care of courtesy of Norton.  Norton 360 also saves your log-in information for sites that you wish.  Once again, not everyone who has access to your computer has access to this information.  You can password protect it so that one password and click opens up the world of less typing and time-wasting without sacrificing privacy. 

The only negative about Norton 360 is that it will occasionally fill in information that I don't want.  For example, it will sometimes plug in my personal email address instead of my blogging email address in comment forms.  I'm sure this is more a human glitch than a Norton one though and I plan on figuring it out soon. 

Norton 360 retails for $79.99 in stores and can also be purchased online.

For the ease of use and a ton of great functions, BBM gives Norton 360. . .

Frosted Flakes Gold

So, there we sat one night a couple of weeks ago.  We had just finished a very balanced dinner, one which even my son sat down and ate.  (This is highly unusual.)  Our mail was sitting on the table, so I started sorting it.  My son spied a package.  Always assuming everything is his, he asked that we open it.  Inside was a box of cereal.  Not just any box of cereal, but a box of cereal he had never seen before, never tasted before, and it had a big, cool looking tiger on it.  He immediately said to me, "Mama, that cereal looks greeeeeeeat!"  (Ahem, sorry, I couldn't resist.)  Even though we had just eaten a lot of food for dinner, we decided to try this breakfast food. 

Flash forward to a half-hour later...half the box was gone.  Gone!  How crazy is that?  Our dessert that night was cereal, a brand new cereal from Kellogg's called Frosted Flakes Gold.  This is one yummy cereal.  I do try to stay away from overly sugar-y cereals for my son, but this one has just the right sweet flavor.  A hint of honey goes well with the crunchy whole grains.  It boasts long-lasting energy...I can't say that I was able to prove that, but the flavor alone is enough to buy this one. 

Since the folks at Kellogg's sent me this box, I've already purchased one of my one, and have it on my grocery list again.  I'm loving this cereal!  Check out their website for more info on this cereal, especially the recipes they have for Frosted Flakes cereal.  I can't wait to try Tony the Tiger Cookies.  They sound fabulous.  Now I can actually have cereal for dessert without looking like a weirdo.  I give this a

Norton 360

There is peace of mind in knowing that you are being diligent about your health.  Every year (more when he was little), we take my son for his annual check-up.  Just hearing the doctor tell us that he is a healthy young boy gives us comfort.  You want for your family to be healthy and happy.

The same should be true for our computers...we should take care of them preventively.   We want them to work smoothly, quickly, and with ease.  We want the peace of mind in knowing that someone is looking out for our security and that our information is protected.  Ladies and Gentleman...meet Norton 360 All in One Security  version 2.0. 

In the past, many years and computers ago (okay, it was my first computer, a laptop, and it was only 11 years ago...) I had Norton software.  I loved it.  Somehow, over time, the laptop was too old and got put away and we moved on to other computers.  We had other security programs at times, and at other times, we had none.  (GASP!)  Lately, we had installed a free security program.  And it droves me crazy.  It slowed the computer down considerably and I don't have patience!

Since I have put the Norton 360 2.0 version on my computer, I have to admit, I feel pretty proud of myself.  I'm taking preventive action to keep my computer safe and healthy.  I see the task bar on my computer and see prompts coming up and I feel like someone has my computer's back.  My favorite feature so far?  I can back up my files online.  So, when the inevitable happens, and my computer crashing, my important files are safe.  A couple of years ago, my computer did crash and if it weren't for a wonderful techie guy at my husband's company, all of my son's pictures from birth on would have been lost.  The thought of that makes me sick.  Now, I know my photos are safely backed up online with Norton. 

Now there's a ton of technical stuff it does, but I don't really understand how it works and it makes my head hurt a little.  What I do know is that the software is incredibly easy and fast to install.  My computer is running faster than it has in a long while and it has this whole Identity Safe feature which securely stores your personal information allowing you to control how this info is shared with Web sites.  And lastly, they have lots of folks there to help you out if you're having problems. 

Truly it is about peace of mind.  The Internet can be a scary place, but my computer has Mr. Norton on his side.  Watch out all you crazy Internet thingies that hurt computers!!  I give this product a

"That Baby" CD and DVD

It is no secret that I don't like much when it comes to music for children.  It's all a bit too cheesey and annoying, although I do occassionally like that crazy guy with the weird hair on Disney channel.  That's for another post though.  I've found something else that I actually like. "That Baby CD" and "That Baby DVD" are pretty cool. 

 

By taking acoustic versions of songs made popular by Fleetwood Mac, Joni Mitchell and even 10,000 Maniacs, "That Baby CD" is entertainment that both kids and parents can get used to having on replay.  My personal favorite is "Brass in Pocket" previously made awesome by The Pretenders.  Even though this version is a bit toned down with an acoustic feel, a Pretenders fan can almost hear the gritty voice and excitement of the original, even if only in your head. 

The DVD made my girls get up and dance and unlike many kid videos, this one kept their attention and made them want to move!  The video for "Brass in Pocket" was adorable and fun for all of us, although my daughters are convinced they can bust a move just as well as the featured kids.  Are there any casting calls for future DVD's I should know about?   

If you'd like to hear samples of the songs, you can go the website here and take a listen.  The CD can be purchased for $14.95; the DVD is $24.95.  Or, you can buy the two in a bundle for $34.90.  The suggested age for these products is 0-5, but my seven year old thought it was pretty great too.  Considering I'm a-hem years old, a disliker of most music for children, and I liked it?  Well, you probably want to go and check it out.  Also, lucky readers of this review need only enter the coupon code "MotherTalk" when purchasing to receive 20% off!  Plus, anyone using this coupon will automatically be entered to win a brand new IPOD-Nano.  Great music and something to play it on.

The creator of these products is OyBaby and you can find out more about this company and their products here.

For being music that kids and parents can enjoy, BBM gives "That Baby". . .

Dirty Little Secrets

When I was pregnant with my son, I always dreamed of the mom I would soon be.  I would be perfectly put together.  I would bake whole-grain cookies and serve balanced meals that we would all eat together at the table after saying grace.  I would do crafts and build cool forts with blankets.  I would be patient.  I would only buy gender-neutral, educational toys.  Then, I had my son.  And all those ideas, they flew out the window with my sanity.  Being a parent, more often than not, is just a daily game of survival-and often, I would easily get voted off this island.

Dirty Little Secrets from Otherwise Perfect Moms is a book to revel in our imperfections.  Mothers tend to "withhold the truth" from other mothers, as if revealing our imperfections somehow makes us a failure.  Instead, we bottle it up and act like everything is perfect and balanced.  In this new book, Trisha Ashworth and Amy Nobile (also authors of I Was a Really Good Mom Before I Had Kids) got moms to reveal their deepest, darkest secrets of motherhood.  At times, I giggled.  Sometimes, my mouth dropped in horror.  Other times, I found myself nodding in agreement.  All the time, I was taken with how honest these mothers were being. 

The hardest part of motherhood for me is the constant feeling that other mothers are better mothers than I am.  Dirty Little Secrets makes me feel that I am not alone.  I have this book already packed up to send to a friend who is a new mother.  It'll be a "Welcome to the World of Guilt and Incompetent Feelings" "Happy New Baby!" gift.   

If you have a dirty little secret of your own to share, head on over the book club at Mother Talk.  Share your dirty little secret by May 1, 2008 and you might just win a $25 Amazon gift certificate or a free copy of the book.

For a refreshing and honest look at motherhood and for reminding me that even if I get voted off of this island, I am  not alone, I give this a

A Plumm Summer

There are many review opportunities that find their way into my email inbox each week; we don't take them all.  But when the opportunity to review a family film that will be premiering this coming weekend showed up, I knew I had to jump at it.  "A Plumm Summer" ("With one leap, a boy becomes a man, a brother becomes a friend, and a frog becomes a legend") is the type of film you can watch with your entire family, which is just what we did. 

Tonight, we piled into the living room and watched the film together.  It was the first non-animated movie in a while that Mr. BBM and I have watched with our kids: Big I, age 7 and Lil C, age 2.  "A Plumm Summer" is an independent film and hopes to find a home in the hearts of families across the country, starting April 25th, 26th, and 27th in Birmingham, Alabama.

The film features William Baldwin ("Mick Plumm") and Henry Winkler ("Happy Herb") who has called the movie "the little family film that could."  The film also features some adorable kids; the smallest one, Owen Pearse, reminiscent of the little Jerry Maguire kid.  He's just as adorable and maybe even a bit more funny.  Told from the perspective of an adult looking back on a summer during his childhood, the film centers around the disappearance of a Superstar Puppet named Froggy Doo, and follows the adventure of these kids (played by Chris J. Kelly, Pearse, and Morgan Flynn) and their families. 

The film starts out great and the ending is sweet too.  There are some slow moments in the middle with the necessary (and just a bit of unnecessary drama), but that didn't seem to bother the girls one bit.  The little boy in the movie, "Rocky," provided great entertainment for the girls.  The always-one-step-behind FBI agents provide some good entertainment for the adults. 

It's not new or earth shattering, but it is a very nice film with a family-friendly story.  If I had to compare it to something I'd say there were moments that remind you of "A Christmas Story" set in the summer. With 1968 as its place in time, it can't help but be endearing.

The film has Dove Foundation's Family Seal of Approval, was selected as this year's Heartland Family Movie Event, was SRO at the Cinemagic Children's Film Festival in Belfast, sold out at the Santa Barbara International Film Festival, won the Audience Vote for Best Family Film in Austin and the Audience Vote for Best Picture at the International Family Film Festival last month.

If you live in the Birmingham area and are looking for something fun to do this weekend, take your family to see "A Plumm Summer."  Your kids will enjoy the movie and you'll love that there's a movie you can finally watch together.

If you don't live in Birmingham, but do live in other big premiere cities like Los Angeles or Chicago, keep an eye out.  "A Plumm Summer" could be coming to a theatre near you very soon!

Because there is finally a nice movie you can watch with your entire family, BBM gives "A Plumm Summer". . . 

Special K Bliss Bars

Okay, I admit it. I'm a sucker for breakfast bars.  While I'd much rather sit with a hot cup of coffee, a plate of eggs and bacon, and the morning paper, but life just isn't that luxurious for me.  If I'm not working, I'm running out the door at 6:00 AM after a few hours of sleep.  If I am home, I'm racing around getting breakfast for everyone else and hopefully trying to sneak in a shower.  So, breakfast bars are my best friend most mornings.  Special K has just made the breakfast bar experience a bit more blissful!

Recently, Kellogg's has come out with some great new products.  Special K Bliss bars rank up among my favorites.  Bliss bars are only 90 calories (woohoo!!!) and dipped in chocolate-really, do I have to tell you more to get you interested?  Add to the chocolate an exciting fruit flavor and your tongue is doing the happy dance!  They have two flavors...Chocolatey Dipped Raspberry and Chocolatey Dipped Orange.  While I always prefer raspberry to orange, my husband prefers the orange to the raspberry.  That works for me-I was given one box of each flavor so we each have our own box! 

I think what I like the most about these Special K Bliss bars is that they feel sinful, but they're not.  They kept me full for far more hours than most breakfast bars and the flavor really is good.  It's made from multigrain cereal and it really tastes like you are munching on a bowl full of raspberries or orange slices. 

You can get lots of great info on their website, http://www.specialk.com.  Thanks to the great people for the awesome tote bag which will join us on our trips to the pool this summer!

For the great taste and low calorie count, I give this a