Review: Disney Publishing... It's A Small World

Disney Publishing Worldwide, the world’s largest publisher of children’s books and magazines, is dominating the App Store charts with six new children’s titles in the Books, Entertainment, and Education categories. Entering the New Year as a leading publisher of children’s book apps, Disney Publishing has garnered more than 7 million App Store downloads to-date with apps including:


 "Beauty and the Beast: Storybook Deluxe" – Rated 5-stars by Common Sense Media, this app - newly released in 3-D - allows children to experience a tale as old as time in storybook form. Complete with games, movie clips, puzzles, coloring pages, and sing-along songs from the film, kids will find a surprise on every page. Hear the story read aloud, record your own narration, or explore at your own pace. (MSRP $6.99)

“Don’t Let the Pigeon Run This App!” – Rated as one of the “Best Apps in 2011” by iTunes, this app features the creative work of three-time Caldecott Honoree Mo Willems, who brings the Pigeon to the digital screen with this original, feature-rich, animated app. The app lets users create your own Pigeon stories and is fully animated with hilarious shake-and-play technology and customized voice integration. (MSRP $6.99)

"It's A Small World" – Recommended by Consumer Reports, this app gives families a chance to experience the “It’s A Small World” ride, song, and lyrics in an inspiring new way. Taking readers on a world-class adventure, the app is packed with whimsical interactivity, beautiful artwork by illustrator Joey Chou, and unforgettable music. Featuring the original Sherman Brothers’ song lyrics, this simple, poetic story encourages kids to meet new people, explore new places, and discover that it’s a small world, after all. (MSRP $3.99)

“Pooh’s Birthday Surprise” – Rated 5-stars by Common Sense Media, this storybook app features Winnie the Pooh illustrations and exciting tap-and-play animation designed to help children acquire and reinforce early literacy and pre-math concepts. As children read along with the word-by-word narration, they are invited to join in the birthday party planning with their favorite friends in the Hundred-Acre Wood. (MSRP $4.99)

"Toy Story Showtime!" – Rated as one of “15 Fantastic iPad Apps for Kids” by Apple Gazette, this storybook app is designed to help children explore essential early reading concepts. Kids are invited to join Buzz Lightyear as he sets out to impress Jessie the Cowgirl in the talent show. As Buzz tries his luck at everything from comedy to juggling, emerging readers discover new vocabulary words in the context of a rich, interactive storytelling experience. (MSRP $4.99)

I was given the opportunity to try one of these apps by Disney Publishing. I chose "It's a Small World". Although I do not personally have little ones, the children that I babysit enjoyed this app. They range in age from 2-4 and this, IMHO, is the perfect age group for this particular app.

As expected from Disney, the graphics are great. The application is colorful and a little interactive. My kids enjoyed tapping around to see what they would find. Their favorite was the areas that they could set off fireworks and pop balloons. Plus my kids have learned to say "Hello" in several different languages. Of course, you have to help them. I tell them the language and let them listen to the pronunciation. My 4 year old already knows how to say Hello in French, Hawaiian, Italian and Swahili. So cute.

My only gripe is that the sing-along does not include the full lyrics. Although, it does continue on in verse form throughout the rest of the app. I also expected more along the lines of learning about different countries and cultures.

All in all, it's a cute application. I love Disney and this is a nice addition to my Disney Apps folder.Again, it is primarily for kids between 2-4. Children 5 and up ( or even an older 4) might find it bit boring. This is simply a short storybook poem with a bit of interactivity thrown in. But the kids were entertained with it for a short while.  It's not really an app that will hold their attention for a long period of time. They do love the song plus I have shown them video of the ride as well. They are now pestering their parents to take them to Disney World. You're Welcome!

All Disney Publishing apps are available from the App Store on the iPad, iPhone, and iPod Touch or at www.itunes.com/appstore.


For more information, visit http://disneybookapps.com and www.facebook.com/DisneyReads, or follow @DisneyReads on Twitter.


This post was written for Family Review Network & Disney Publishing who provided the complimentary product for review in exchange for my honest opinion.

Halo Purely for Pets

This review is a bit difficult to write since technically, I am not the actual reviewer. I'm not quite into eating pet food. So, let me introduce you to Kassie.

She is an almost 2 year old Yorkshire Terrier and she has been a Halo Pet since she moved in with us at the age of 4 months. She loves her food & I love that what I am feeding her is good for her.

Holistic Nutrition Made with Only the Best Real Food Ingredients.
I feed her both the Halo Spot's Stew Dry & Canned Food Recipes.  The dry recipe comes in 3 varieties. Chicken, Lamb & Salmon. I alternate between the lamb & the chicken. The salmon gives her fish breath which isn't very pleasant. The canned recipe comes in the same varieties but also has a beef option. Again, I feed her all but the salmon. I know that salmon is rich in Omega 3 and all, but dang, her breath smells nasty!

If I let her, she could scarf up a whole can of food, so I just mix a spoonful into her dry food in the morning. In the evening, she just gets dry kibble and she's fine with that. BUT, if I try to feed her just dry kibble in the morning, she get's mad and won't eat until I add her spoonful of wet food!  Soooo, spoiled!

When you open up a can, you can see huge chunks of meat and actual vegetables. I also like that I can pronounce most of the ingredients on the label! Yes, it is a bit on the pricier side, but they always have coupons on their website. That, plus buying when it's on sale at Petco is a huge help. Plus my Kassie Poo is worth it!

You can sign up for Halo's newsletter and they'll send you a coupon for 2 free cans of food. That way, you can try it out for FREE! So you have nothing to lose and your pet will thank you.

***The opinions expressed are strictly my own. No payment or compensation was received for this review***

Be Kind to Your Heart

We interrupt your regular program for a quick PSA. February is heart month. I urge you all to take care of your hearts. My personal blog has annual reminders but you can basically get my full story here.

One in three American women die from heart disease, making it the leading killer of women in America. In 2002, heart disease killed more women than breast cancer, lung cancer and strokes combined, according to statistics from the National Heart Lung and Blood institute.

Have a heart. A healthy one. Make a promise to love- and protect- your heart today!



Ironically, February 11th  marks the 10 Year anniversary of when I had my heart attack.  I am so very lucky to still be around to bug the heck out of everyone. So consider yourselves bugged!


Visit Go Red For Women to learn the facts, be aware of the warning signs and get yourself checked out.

Review & Giveaway: Sea-Band

I just recently returned from a Trans-Atlantic crossing on a cruise ship. Generally, I do not suffer from motion sickness on these mega liners but this sailing was very different. I noticed many crew members wearing these bands on their wrists and thought that it must be a fashion statement or a sign of solidarity. I later learned that they were Sea-Band wristbands for relief from motion sickness. They actually sell these on board the ship as well. Early on in the cruise, we met a couple and the wife offered to lend me a pair of Sea-Band wristbands. The verdict? They worked. Although we were walking zig zag or bouncing around, up & down and up & down, I never felt sick. The only problem that I did have was that the bands felt kind of tight on my wrists and I have really thin wrists. About the only part of me that's thin nowadays! But they worked and that made my cruise all the more enjoyable. Plus I didn't have to worry about getting drowsy or not being able to enjoy a froo-froo umbrella drink because it might interfere with motion sickness meds.

Now, thanks to Sea-Band, I have my own pair. I received a pair to try along with Sea-Band Anti-Nausea Ginger Gum. I have not had the opportunity to try the gum but I plan to soon. I will be using my Sea-Band wristbands when I'm forced to sit in the backseat of a car, on a plane, on a boat... just about everywhere that I get motion sickness.







Nausea induced by busy and stressful days, filled with traveling and migraine triggers, are unfortunately hallmarks of the holidays. This year, stop nausea in its tracks with Sea-Band Drug-Free Nausea Relief Wristbands. It doesn’t matter whether you suffer from motion sickness, morning sickness or need nausea relief from a migraine, even chemotherapy treatment or post-surgery; it’s time for you to join the “band wagon” for drug-free nausea relief from Sea-Band!

How Sea-Band Works…
Approved by the FDA, Sea-Band is the leading drug-free remedy for, motion sickness, morning sickness, chemotherapy nausea and post-operative nausea. Most recently, a 2010 study, carried out at a German clinic specializing in migraine and headache therapy, showed that Sea-Band wristbands significantly reduced nausea and vomiting: 83% noticed perceptible reduction and 44% found their symptoms markedly reduced.

Sea-Band works by exerting constant, gentle pressure on a point on the inner wrist known as the Pericardium 6 (P6) acupressure point. It brings effective relief within five minutes of being applied and can be used before or after the onset of nausea. The all-natural, drug-free, latex-free Sea-Band does not cause the side-effects often associated with anti-nausea medication such as drowsiness, disorientation, dry mouth or possible interactions with other drugs. It’s safe for pregnant women, children, and patients taking prescription medications. Packaged in a convenient carry-case, they are washable and reusable, and available a variety of colors in sizes for adults and children.

Click here to watch an informative video about how Sea-Band wristbands work.  In addition, the company also offers Sea-Band Anti-Nausea Ginger Gum, for fast nausea relief with fresh, uplifting flavor. Each piece of the great tasting gum contains 25 mg of ginger oil (equivalent to 8 grams of fresh ginger root).

Sea-Band products are available in the U.S. in Walmart, Target, CVS, Rite Aid, Walgreens, as well as in Canada in Overwaitea, IDA, Familiprix, Guardian and other independent drugstores or pharmacies throughout North America or online at drugstore.com and at http://www.sea-band.com/shop.

Suggested retail price is $10.99 per pair in the US , and $12.99 in Canada .

You can also connect with Sea-Band on  Facebook


This post was written for Family Review Network & Sea-Band who provided the complimentary product for review in exchange for my honest opinion.


WIN A Pair of Sea-Band wrist bands and a pack of Anti Nausea Ginger Gum


**Note: You can enter using Facebook OR e-mail**

Review: The Zero Scale

For the last 10 years or so, I have been in constant battle with my weight. I generally get frustrated with the actual weight and just give up. Sometimes I can be dieting for a few days and I don't see much change in the number. So why deprive myself of that piece of cake since I am not losing any weight anyway. I actually may be losing and can't really tell by looking at my scale.

I recently received The ZERO Scale™ to review. I was curious enough to want to try  it. Quite honestly, I wasn't sure how I felt about the concept of not seeing my actual weight. I've been using the scale sporadically since I received it, quite frankly, I'm not actually dieting right now. But immediately after the holidays, I'll really be getting serious about losing the weight. I hope!

But I digress, I really liked this scale. Say you're dieting, and day one you weigh in at 125 lbs. Day 2 of practically starving you're still at 125. Day 3 comes along and the freakin' scale still reads 125. If you're like me, you quit because you do not see any results. BUT, with The ZERO Scale™ on day 2 you might see that you actually lost 8 oz and day 3 you lost an additional 7 oz. But since you didn't actually hit the full 1 lb lost,  on a regular scale the number would remain the same. In reality, you're on track to a healthy 2lbs per week weight loss.

Same goes with weight gain, if you weigh in on The ZERO Scale™ and it reads 2oz gain, you more than likely will just figure that you can pee it out! But if you weighed yourself on a conventional scale and weighed in at 125 and you didn't actually know that your actual weight was 125 & 14 oz, those 2 extra oz would weigh you in at 126 and freak you out! When I say you, I actually mean me!

If you just HAVE to see your actual weight, you can also weigh in on guest mode.

The ZERO Scale™
The original and unique scale designed to help you achieve your fitness goals whether it's to lose, gain, or maintain your weight. The advantage is that you NEVER have to see your weight again! Our scale shows small increments of gain or loss, plus the number of days since your last check and your very first check so it does all the tracking for you!
All you need to see is your "Results without the weight"! As you may have experienced, seeing your weight can derail the best of intentions to get in shape. In the past you might have worked hard on your diet or exercise programs but you still had a big number facing you. Our clients have discovered that when you ONLY see small manageable numbers of gain or loss, it's easier to stay motivated and on-track!

* 4 Users & a guest mode
* 1.3" LCD display
* Fast & Easy set up
* 397 lbs/ 180 kg weight capacity
* Sleek Modern Design
* 12.5"x12.5" platform
* Pounds or Kilograms
* 10 year warranty


The ZERO Scale™ retails for $69.95. Right now on their website their offering the scale for $59.95 PLUS a FREE pedometer. They are also offering my readers an additional 15% discount just enter promo code "Zero".
You can also follow them on Facebook and on the blog Zero Excuses Fitness

This post was written for Family Review Network & The Zero Scale who provided the complimentary product for review in exchange for my honest opinion.

Sea-Band Giveaway Alert

I will be posting a review and a giveaway here on Just For You Reviews for Sea-Band in the near future. But in the meantime, I wanted to let you in on this:

Sea-Band wants you to join “The Band Wagon” and help them hit the 7,500 Facebook fan milestone so they can launch a new giveaway! When they reach 7,500, three fans will have the chance to win a $75 gift card to their choice of Walgreens or CVS (in the U.S. ) or Walmart (in Canada ) along with one pair of Sea-Band Drug Free Nausea Relief Bands and a pack of Sea-Band Anti-Nausea Ginger Gum. Spread the word and recruit others to join the band wagon!

***They have reached 7,500 Likes and the giveaway is live. Run over there, like them and enter for your chance to win!  Ends Soon***

$25 Barnes and Noble GC for $15 (possibly $10)

I just bought today's SaveMore.com deal for Barnes & Noble.
$15 for $25 Barnes & Noble Gift Card: http://svmr.co/jx-5

This deal is almost over, so check it out now. Limited time & Limited Quantities.

P.S. You'll receive $5 for signing up so you'll only pay $10 for $25!!