Bambi - Out of the Vault for a Limited Time!

I was SO excited to open the mail and find the brand new Bambi in an envelope! This was a classic when I was little, and I'm excited to share this treasure with my girls!

The Walt Disney Studios proudly announces the addition of BAMBI to its coveted, cutting-edge Blu-ray™ Diamond Collection line-up of Disney’s greatest animated-classics. Released from the Disney vault for a limited time only, BAMBI Diamond Edition features the loveable and adorable wide-eyed fawn and his forest friends in Blu-ray high-definition...The Diamond Edition debut of BAMBI, Walt’s fifth full-length animated classic, is an endearing tale about a young prince of the forest who learns valuable life-lessons about friendship, love, and the miracle of life. The movie is a must-own coming-of-age story that Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment has especially packaged with families in mind - providing the ultimate, interactive hi-def home entertainment experience with a newly enhanced digital restoration, enhanced picture and sound, games, activities and more.

I had a chance to share with you all a fun craft idea too for all of you out there who LOVE to draw...or for those of you who want to impress your little ones. Click on either Bambi or Thumper and you can Learn How to Draw them!

Here is a clip for you...ADORABLE:

If you haven't seen Bambi before, here is a summary for you:
As morning light breaks across the meadow, a young deer named Bambi is born and hailed as ‘Prince of the Forest.’ Soon Bambi emerges from the thicket on wobbly legs, much to the delight of his new friends, Thumper, the playful rabbit, and Flower, the bashful yet lovable skunk. But the fun of nibbling on fresh blossoms and frolicking through the woods is only the beginning. Exploring his new world, and guided by the wisdom of Friend Owl,Bambi learns valuable life lessons with every adventure – experiencing the power of friendship, family, and love along the away.

GET YOUR OWN! This DVD is being released tomorrow, 3/1/11. You can pick up a copy of Bambi on Blu-ray & DVD where you currently buy your DVD's or you can find a copy HERE and have it shipped right to you!

Don't forget to check out the special promotion shown above.If you are a Disney Movie Rewards Member, they are currently offering a $10 off coupon for the purchase of Bambi Diamond Edition Combo Pack. A great deal! The coupon above EXPIRES March 8th, 2011.

*I was provided with a copy of Bambi free of charge in order to give my unbiased opinion and to conduct this review. What was written above is my opinion!*

Dora, Dora, Dora THE Explorer...dances!

Dora! Oh we love her. AND, now she has a new release featuring DANCE! Lili has been in dance a couple years now, so dance is super on the top of our list. Here is a little about this new release, which is for sale exclusively at your local Target stores NOW:

Dora is getting ready for her big dance show in Dora the Explorer: Dora’s Ballet Adventures, a compilation containing four of Dora’s dancing episodes. Help Dora as she moves and grooves to her way to Dance School to find her ballet slippers before her recital begins. Later, Dora and Boots lead a musical parade, have a fun-filled fiesta and celebrate Boots’ birthday!

You can see a very short clip if you click HERE. You will be directed to the Nickelodeon website and then you have to choose the Dora's Ballet Adventure.

What a great addition to any Easter basket you may be putting together. What little princess wouldn't want a Dancing Dora DVD!

GET YOUR OWN! You can get your own copy of this DVD now. It was released on 2/20/11. You can get a copy at your closest Target Store, which is where it is exclusively being sold.

*I was provided with a copy of Dora's Ballet Adventures free of charge in order to give my unbiased opinion and to conduct this review. What was written above is my opinion!*

Brothers and Sisters on DVD!

This DVD is pretty neat! I wasn't exactly sure what to expect and then we put it in, both the girls and I. We sat there and watched it together. I think it is SO cute! And it is PERFECT for our family situation right now. The reason I think it is so perfect is because it's all about being big brothers and big sisters. And how perfect is that for our family since we are expecting Baby #3.

Nickelodeon just released on February 8, 2011, Sisters and Brothers.

Sisters and brothers can sometimes bring conflict, but it’s the resolution and positive relationships that make them the best friends in the world. This February, see how your Nickelodeon favorites deal with their siblings with Dora the Explorer, Go, Diego, Go!, Blue’s Clues, Wonder Pets!, and Ni Hao, Kai-lan – all together on one DVD.

It also features over two hours of educational entertainment for preschoolers, as well as Team Umizoomi music videos.

If you are expecting or have little ones round your house, this would be a great DVD to add to your collection. It covers SO many of the favorite shows that are currently on Nickelodeon. Not only is it great for them, but it is kind of reassuring to see that your kids can be learning about how to treat their brothers and sisters in a nice way. It's nice to have someone other than ME doing that! ;) When I say "someone else", I am merely talking about the DVD! LOL!

GET YOUR OWN! You can get your own copy of this DVD now. You can get a copy at your local store where you currently buy your DVD's or you can get a copy HERE and have it shipped to your house!

*I was provided with a copy of Sisters & Brothers free of charge in order to give my unbiased opinion and to conduct this review. What was written above is my opinion!*

Minnie's Masquerade!

We just LOVE anything Mickey or Minnie in our house. Since visiting Disney in Florida when Lili was 3.5 years old, she has a special thing for these two. When I heard that Disney was coming out with another new DVD that featured MINNIE, I knew Lili would be pumped! This is just in time for Valentine's Day for your little Mickey and especially Minnie fans!

Starring Disney’s Fab Five -- Minnie, Mickey, Donald, Goofy and Daisy – viewers are taken on a new adventure as they dress-up in their favorite costumes for Minnie's Masquerade Ball.

Parents and their preschoolers are invited to join in the ultimate masquerade party with Minnie, Mickey and pals in a fun-filled collection of Mickey Mouse Clubhouse latest episodes that celebrate themes of friendship, teamwork, sharing and problem solving. This latest release features four playful Minnie-themed adventures previously seen on the Mickey Mouse Clubhouse TV show, a never-before-seen episode, and a free paper mask with festive embellishments that kids can personalize. And as a special option for consumers, Disney has packaged a version of the DVD to include the exclusive Mickey Mote – a child-friendly handheld remote control, shaped like Mickey ears, that takes children’s viewing experience to a whole new level of play. The DVD + Mickey Mote Play Set is the ultimate value for moms and equally fun and engaging for kids!

Here is a clip of the newest release:

And here is a clip for you keeping in mind Valentine's Day right around the corner:

GET YOUR OWN! This DVD is being released tomorrow, 2/8/11. You can pick up a copy of Minnie's Masquerade on Blu-ray & DVD where you currently buy your DVD's or you can find a copy HERE and have it shipped right to you!

Don't forget to check out the special promotion shown above. This coupon will get you $5 off the Mickey Mote and DVD Play set! Just click HERE or on the picture if you have a Disney Rewards account. The coupon above EXPIRES February 14th, 2011.

*I was provided with a copy of Minnie's Masquerade free of charge in order to give my unbiased opinion and to conduct this review. What was written above is my opinion!*

Tom and Jerry are BACK!

I'm not sure who was more excited, either Mike or Lili, to receive one of our newest DVD's in the mail, Tom & Jerry: Fur Flying Adventures. After opening the DVD, Mike put it in the DVD player and proceeded to tell Lili how this was his favorite cartoon when he was a kid. After he was done talking about it, Lili and Mike sat together and watched the whole DVD...*aww*. Adalynn quickly came in to join in on the action and they all sat and laughed together watching these classic cartoons.

Everyone’s favorite animated cat and mouse are back in Tom and Jerry: Fur Flying Adventures, a new DVD collection from Warner Home Video (WHV) that features 14 rip-roaring cartoon shorts that will entertain both kids and adults.

Let the comedic mayhem begin! The tussling twosome consisting of Tom, the perturbed cat and Jerry, the mischievous mouse are at it again on Tom and Jerry: Fur Flying Adventures. The DVD includes fourteen hilarious and wacky cartoons, many of which were directed by legendary duo, William Hanna and Joseph Barbera. Kids and adults can join Tom, Jerry and many of their favorite pals, including Quacker the adorable duckling, Tuffy the mouse, Spike the Bulldog and his son, Tyke and others in this must-own collection.

GET YOUR OWN! Tomorrow is the day that this new DVD will be released, 2/8/11. You can pick up a copy where you currently buy your DVD's or you can find a copy HERE and have it shipped right to you!

WIN YOUR OWN: Just received (on 2/28/11) a copy of this in the mail today for a giveaway - so one lucky reader will get this! Two ways you can enter this giveaway:

• Invite your friends to be part of SIMPLE on Facebook, and leave a comment with how many you invited.
• Publicly follow SIMPLE via Google Friend Connect - you can do that by scrolling down on our home page and it will be on the left hand side.
• Tweet this giveaway: Head on over to @simplereviews to win a Tom & Jerry: Fur Flying Adventures DVD: http://tinyurl.com/4tsfa5p #giveaway #win #contest Please RT
  

Winner will be randomly chosen on 3/11/11.

*I was provided with a copy of Tom & Jerry: Fur Flying Adventures free of charge in order to give my unbiased opinion and to conduct this review. What was written above is my opinion!*

Lucky Diaz and The Family Jam Band

We have a new kids CD here at our house.  It's only 5 songs long, but I'll gladly listen to it on repeat for over an hour.

Even when the kids aren't around.

WHAT?!?  Yeah, I was totally stunned when I caught myself doing that for the first time.  I mean, I forgot I was listening to a children's CD, how often does that happen?

With kid friendly lyrics and fun upbeat music you should definitely check out Lucky Diaz and The Family Jam Band.  Once you hear them you'll totally understand.

Here's my sum up of how great this CD is: This Old Man.  Even though the lyrics are the same ones you learned in kindergarten the fantastically updated beat made it feel like a new song. This is the best remake version of a traditional kids song that I have ever heard and I'm glad to introduce my girls to this version first.  (Maybe we could start a petition for Lucky Diaz and The Family Jam Band to work their magic with "Wheels on the Bus" too?)

My favorite song though is Explorer.  Every time it comes on I find myself tapping my toes and singing along.  In fact, I've added it to my grown up playlists making Explorer the first, and only, children's song to enter into my 'mommy time.'

Need some more convincing just how great the Luckiest Adventure album by Lucky Diaz and The Family Jam Band is?  Check out the Customer Reviews left for them on iTunes.  I have a strong suspicion that I'm not the only one expectantly waiting for another album to be released... (hint hint)

GET YOUR OWN: You can buy the entire Luckiest Adventure album by Lucky Diaz and The Family Jam Band for only $4.95 from iTunes.  How great of a deal is that?

 *I was provided with the Luckiest Adventure album in order to conduct this review. The opinions provided really are my own.

The Chihuahua's are Back!

When I first heard that there was a new Beverly Hills Chihuahua coming out, I knew I had to look into it more. My girls just love *anything* dog! Not surprised, because Mike and I love dogs too!

AY CHIHUAHUA…THE FAMILY JUST GOT BIGGER! AMERICA’S FAVORITE LITTLE CHIHUAHUA’S ARE BACK FOR AN ALL-NEW DOGGIE-PACKED ADVENTURE!

Beverly Hills Chihuahua 2 was released February 1, 2011. It's a winner just like first Beverly Hills Chihuahua. I thought the acting was a little better in the first one, but my kids sure couldn't tell the difference and I didn't think it was that bad. I sat all the way through it after all :)

From the creators of Beverly Hills Chihuahua, everybody’s favorite talking Chihuahuas are back in a comedy that’s a pack of outrageous fun for the whole family. Puppy mayhem turns the lives of newlywed Chihuahua parents, Papi and Chloe, upside down when their playful puppies present one challenge after another. But, when their human owners find themselves in trouble, the tiny pups will stop at nothing to save them—because in good times and hard times, the family always sticks together. Papi, Chloe and the puppies embark on a heroic adventure, proving once again that big heroes come in small packages.

Here is a preview if you haven't seen it yet:

Lili just loves during the "runway show" when all the dogs were doing their tricks...she kept yelling at me to come in and see what they were doing. Also, we love ALL the puppies in it! We are a big dog family and my girls love anything that has dogs! They were laughing every time the puppies were "acting" up!

I will admit, I was a little disappointed to see that the main characters from the first one were not in this one, but the new characters just as a fantastic job. In reality though, the kids still loved it. It didn't matter who the "humans" were anyways, they LOVED all the antics the dogs were doing!

GET YOUR OWN! You can pick up a copy now of Beverly Hills Chihuahua 2 on Blu-ray & DVD! You can get your own copy where you currently buy your DVD's or you can find a copy HERE and have it shipped right to you!

*I was provided with a copy of Beverly Hills Chihuahua 2 free of charge in order to give my unbiased opinion and to conduct this review. What was written above is my opinion!*

Secretariat - Best Movie Release in a While!

Words can't express how GREAT a movie this is! It is just fabulous!

We LOVE movies that show someone overcoming an obstacle, my husband and I are big rooters for the underdog and this movie is yet another fabulous example of just that. The fact that it is a true story added even more emotion to the whole movie experience.

Disney presents an astonishing true story bursting with hope, heart and courage. Diane Lane and John Malkovich lead a celebrated cast in this inspirational motion picture from the producers of Miracle, Invincible and The Rookie.

So...after reading that, if you have seen any of the movies that are listed above (Miracle, Invincible and The Rookie), you will know the immense emotion contained in these movies.

Behind every legend lies an impossible dream. Witness the spectacular journey of an incredible horse named Secretariat and the moving story of his unlikely owner, a housewife who risked everything to make him a champion. Out of the gate with never-before-seen bonus features, Secretariat is hours of pulse-pounding entertainment for the whole family! Rated G.

I would not hesitate to have Lili watch this with us, there is not ONE scene that I feel she should not see. It is just an excellent movie.

This is a perfect, safe movie to add to any family movie library. I personally think we all need a copy! So much can be learned from the lessons shown in this movie. From not giving up on your dream, to pushing through all the adversity one may get when chasing the dream.

GET YOUR OWN! You can pick up a copy TODAY of Secretariat on Blu-ray & DVD! You can get your own copy where you currently buy your DVD's or you can find a copy HERE and have it shipped right to you!

Don't forget to check out the special promotion shown above. This coupon will get you $8 off your DVD purchase. Just click on the picture if you have a Disney Rewards account, or click HERE and you will be directed. The coupon above EXPIRES January 31st, 2011.

*I was provided with a copy of Secretariat free of charge in order to give my unbiased opinion and to conduct this review. What was written above is my opinion!*

Light up your hearts with Luminate!

They had me from the opening track!

"We are, we are, innocent! You make us, innocent!"

Tyler, Texas-based pop/rock band Luminate releases its first full-length national debut, Come Home, TODAY. Already receiving widespread acclaim, the band may best be described as passionate, stirring and worshipful as Luminate’s songs express hope and encourage listeners to seek the redemptive purpose of God in their lives.

As I was writing the review, my husband says in the background... "I love this song!" You may have heard this song already too on your radio. This music is just fantastic! I seriously think every track is great. I don't skip any and rock right on through the whole album! :) Here is a little on the making of "Come Home" (the song is playing in the background):

“We were writing the song ‘Come Home’ about a relationship I was in,” says Luminate frontman Sam Hancock, “but the further we went with the song, the more I realized the song was not about her, but about me! I was the one that needed to ‘come home.’ I realized I was avoiding my destiny and the call on my life. I lost the original vision and was pursuing fame. A little bit of recognition and I started building my own empire under the guise that God was using me, when in actuality my light was growing dim. It was then I realized that I had to exchange my broken empire for my part in the Kingdom of God, the kingdom that will never fail.”

The album continues with a set of worshipful, emotion-filled songs that draw from personal journeys of overcoming fear (“Hope Is Rising”), fighting apathy (“Innocent”) and finding hope, peace and purpose in Christ (“New Beginnings”).

GET YOUR OWN!! You can purchase your own copy of this album HERE (entire album or individual songs), or you can find the whole album on Amazon.

WIN YOUR OWN!! TWO lucky SIMPLE readers will each win a copy of their own of the Luminate Album! To enter, click on THIS LINK, come back here and tell me which song you are most excited to hear! (this entry required)

Extra Entries (leave a separate comment for each):

• "Like" Luminate on Facebook (while you are there "like" us too!)
  
• Follow @LuminateBand on Twitter (our name is @simplereviews)
  
• Tweet this giveaway (daily tweets allowed): Enter to win 1 of 2 copies of the newest release from @LuminateBand over at @simplereviews: http://tinyurl.com/4cjh4ow #giveaway Pls RT
  

Winner will be randomly selected and announced February 4, 2011. Good Luck!

*I was provided with the Luminate Album featured above free of charge. The opinions expressed in this review are mine.*

Happy Together!

The newest release from VeggieTales is HERE! It was released on January 22, 2011.

Join Bob, Larry and all your VeggieTales pals for Happy Together - featuring lessons in forgiveness, courage and friendship. Following the success of the highly popular VeggieTales compilations, God Made You Special and Silly Little Thing Called Love, the 80+ minute DVD features three best selling Veggie-Tales Classic stories about:

*Friendship (Sheerluck Holmes and the Golden Ruler)
*Faith (Esther: The Girls Who Became Queen)
*Family (The Grapes of Wrath)
*In addition, there is new content with funny and touching thoughts on the meaning of true happiness voiced by real "Veggie Kids", sharing their perspective as only kids can!
*Last, Three "Happy Songs" from the popular Silly Song series - adding more happy moments to this DVD!Here is a trailer for this great DVD - a favorite over here lately and soon to be at your house as well:

Lili is at such an impressionable age right now, it's really nice to have a nice "go-to" DVD that I KNOW will teach her correct principles for living life.

GET YOUR OWN!! Over at Big Idea you will find SO many things from VeggieTales! They have 3 specials going on now...click HERE and you will be sent to their page to see these specials! You can get the DVD featured above, Happy Together, in one of these deals! Use Coupon Code SHIPHAPPY at checkout to receive FREE SHIPPING on your entire order with purchase of 'Happy Together'! (Valid for shipping addresses in the 48 contiguous United States only.)

Also, you can get FREE USPS Standard shipping for orders over $40! Valid within the continental US. Excludes over-sized packages including rugs. Enter coupon code SHIP2011 at checkout!

WIN YOUR OWN!! TWO lucky SIMPLE readers will each win a Happy Together DVD of your own! To enter, tell me who you want to win this DVD for! (this entry required)

Extra Entries (leave a separate comment for each):

• "Like" VeggieTales on Facebook (while you are there "like" us too!)
  
• Follow @veggietales on Twitter (our name is @simplereviews)
  
• Tweet this giveaway (daily tweets allowed): Enter to win the newest DVD release from @veggietales, "Happy Together" over at @simplereviews: http://tinyurl.com/6anmf5v #giveaway Pls RT
  

Winner will be randomly selected and announced February 4, 2011. Good Luck!

*I was provided with the Happy Together DVD mentioned in this review free of charge. The opinions expressed in this review are mine.*

Yeah, We Like Waffles!

I don't think it is any secret that we really like music around here.  I am constantly looking for fun new CDs for my girls and Parry Gripp's, Do You Like Waffles? is definitely that.

At just over 17 minutes long, Do You Like Waffles? is made up of 24 very short, very catchy,  food-themed tracks.  "The Ballad of Melvin The Magical Hotdog" is the epic story of Melvin The Magical Hotdog and is the longest track on the CD at barely over 1 minute.

I have caught myself singing the title track "Do You Like Waffles?" every time I make waffles lately (and that's pretty often since we just got a new waffle maker).  My three year old made me play "Midnight Snack" over and over until she had it memorized. 

Every time the first song on this CD starts, my three year old starts dancing around and asks "Mom!  Wanna have a dance party?!?"  Of course! :) 

I think this CD is a keeper and if you want a fun, silly CD to enjoy with your kids at home or in the car I highly recommend Parry Gripp's, Do You Like Waffles?

GET YOUR OWN!!! For $10 you can pick up Parry Gripp's, Do You Like Waffles? CD from Oglio Records' online store, iTunes,  and Amazon.  For some extra fun, visit Parry Gripp's webpage to get the "Parry Gripp Song of The Week"!

*I was provided with the Do You Like Waffles? CD free of charge to conduct this review. The opinions provided are my own.

Max & Ruby BunnyTales!

Jump for joy! Max and Ruby are back with a new DVD adventure Max & Ruby: BunnyTales! As usual Max is up to his usual antics but Ruby is there to help maintain order and follow the rules.

We love Max & Ruby! It's one of the favorite shows in our house. We have a couple of the shows DVR'd so we have some on hand all the time.

Nickelodeon’s Max & Ruby is a half-hour animated comedy series based on the children's books by Rosemary Wells. Each episode centers on Max, a determined three-year-old bunny, and his big sister, Ruby, a smart, goal-oriented seven-year-old. The show offers an empowering message for children by showing Max and Ruby playing together and resolving their differences in ways that are respectful and supportive.

On January 11, 2011 Nickelodeon is releasing their newest Max & Ruby DVD. There are a TON of episodes on this DVD. Your little one will love it!

Max and Ruby are putting their spin on some of their favorite fairy tales, including "The Princess and the Pea" and "The Emperor's New Clothes." Here is just one sampling from the DVD. There are four episodes and within each of the episodes there are three "mini" episodes. Take a peek:

The Princess and The Marbles / Emperor Max's New Suit / Max and the Tree Little Bunnies

The Princess and The Marbles
When Max and his marbles interrupt Ruby’s play, she tells Max he needs to be more sensitive to what other bunnies might want. She uses the bunnytale of the “Princess & the Marbles” to help him understand.

Emperor Max's New Suit
Ruby wants Max to try on a new suit in the department store. When Max says “No new suit,”Ruby tells him the bunnytale about Emperor Max’s New Suit to explain why he shouldn’t be so picky about his new clothes.

Max and the Tree Little Bunnies
When Max’s blimp threatens to blow Ruby, Louise and Valerie’s paper dollhouses away, it’s time to tell the bunnytale of the Max & Three Little Bunnies.

GET YOUR OWN! You can get your own tomorrow in stores! It is being released on January 11, 2011. You can get your own copy where you currently buy your DVD's or you can find a copy HERE and have it shipped right to you!

*I was provided with a copy of Max & Ruby: BunnyTales free of charge in order to give my unbiased opinion and to conduct this review. What was written above is my opinion!*

Going to the Doctor is fun with Yo Gabba Gabba!

Isn't it crazy how many kids are afraid of going to the doctor? I think there are many reasons for this, but what can you do? For most people, going to the doctor is part of the process in getting better. This DVD may help alleviate a little tension your kids may be having about going to the doctor.

Is that a sniffle? Have a dose of fun medicine and get ready to dance and sing with the all-new DVD release Yo Gabba Gabba: Let’s Visit the Doctor! Nickelodeon is releasing tomorrow their newest edition to the Yo Gabba Gabba line, Let's Visit the Doctor! If your kids like the Yo Gabba Gabba television show on Nickelodeon, they will love this! It's just like the show, but longer! Perfect for those days when you have to get some things done and need your kids entertained.

Here is a little more about the episodes on this DVD:

Join Muno, Foofa, Brobee, Toodee and Plex for four fun episodes that deal with all-too-common illnesses.

Doctor
Toodee gets sick and needs to rest. The doctor visits and everyone helps Toodee feel better.

Teeth
Muno has a loose tooth and wiggles it until it comes out, then writes a note and the Tooth Fairy brings him a toothbrush. With only one tooth Muno looks strange, but in the end it starts to grow back.

Clean
Everyone learns good clean manners when they play with toys and have to clean them up. Afterwards, they learn to wash their hands and brush their teeth. At the end, they all sing a fun bath time song playing with bath toys.

Car
It’s time to go for a ride in a car! “Keep Trying” familiarizes them with the seat belt and encourages them to buckle up. “Danger” keeps the characters from playing in the road and “Car Ride” teaches them all about the thrill of traveling.

GET YOUR OWN! You can get your own tomorrow in stores! It is being released on January 11, 2011. You can get your own copy where you currently buy your DVD's or you can find a copy HERE and have it shipped right to you!

*I was provided with a copy of You Gabba Gabba: Let's Visit the Doctor! free of charge in order to give my unbiased opinion and to conduct this review. What was written above is my opinion!*

Stay tuned...review coming soon!

Beverly Hills Chihuahua 2: Extra Long Sneak Peek! This releases on February 1, 2011. If you loved Beverly Hills Chihuahua 1, you will love this one too. Looks super cute. A more extensive review will come in the next few weeks!