Max & Ruby: Rainy Day Play Review and Giveaway

Max & Ruby: Rainy Day Play Review and Giveaway

Join Max and Ruby for a rainy day adventure in the all-new DVD, Max & Ruby: Rainy Day Play! [Amazon] Created by Nickelodeon Home Entertainment and distributed by Paramount Home Entertainment, Max & Ruby: Rainy Day Play! was released on April 12, 2011, and sold for the suggested retail price of $16.99.

 

Nickelodeon’s Max & Ruby is a top-rated animated series based on the children’s books by Rosemary Wells. Each episode centers on bunny siblings Max, a determined three-year-old 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.

 

Max & Ruby: Rainy Day Play! Episode Synopses:

Ruby Writes a Story / Max’s Dominos / Grandma’s Attic

Ruby Writes a Story

Ruby needs quiet while she tries to write a story, but Max wants to play cowboy.  Fortunately, he helps Ruby come up with the perfect idea for her story.

Max’s Dominos

Ruby and Louise want to earn their hospitality badge by hosting a Bunny Scout Meeting.  Meanwhile, Max and Morris are busy exploring the domino effect with a variety of toys culminating in a terrific welcome for Bunny Scouts.

 

Grandma’s Attic

Max & Ruby explore in Grandma’s attic.  While Ruby is delighted to try on old clothes, Max finds an old chest that Grandma says nobody ever goes into.  When he finds the key, they both get a surprise.


Bunny Cakes / Bunny Party / Bunny Money

Bunny Cakes

Ruby wants to surprise Grandma with an angel cake with raspberry fluff icing for her birthday.  However, Max wants to make Grandma an earthworm cake with red-hot marshmallow squirters.  After a few mishaps in the kitchen and a few trips to the grocery store, Grandma gets both!

Bunny Party

Ruby is preparing a surprise birthday party for Grandma and she invited all her dollies as guests.  Meanwhile, Max thinks that some of his toy friends should also be at the party.  It’s not long before Ruby discovers that there are too many guests and not enough chairs.

 

Bunny Money

Ruby has saved just enough money to buy Grandma a music box with skating ballerinas on top for her birthday.  She soon finds however that shopping with Max costs more than she planned.


Ruby’s Safari / Max’s Mud Bath / Max’s Lost Lizard

Ruby’s Safari

Ruby and Louise have to fill out the last page of their Bunny Scout Scrapbook.  They decide to have a safari in the backyard to get a picture of a special creature.  However, Maxkeeps leading them astray with his animal toys.  In the end, his red rubber elephant attracts a hummingbird and the girls get their photo.

Max’s Mud Bath

Ruby and Louise set up there beauty shop again and want to give Max an all-natural treatment with crushed up fruits and veggies.  However, Max thinks the treatment looks quite tasty and would rather play in the mud.

 

Max’s Lost Lizard

Ruby and Louise are making a terrarium for the Bunny Scout chameleon, and Max is very interested in the “lizard!” When the chameleon escapes, Max is the only one who sees through its camouflage.  Thankfully, Max manages to help get it safely back in the girls’ finished terrarium.


Ruby’s Rainbow / Home Tweet Home / Max’s Mudpie

Ruby’s Rainbow

Ruby wants to paint a perfect rainbow for Grandma but she can’t remember the colors or the order they go in.  When Max says “Backyard,” Ruby says he can’t go outside because it’s raining.  However when she finally follows him outside, she sees there’s a rainbow in the backyard.

Home Tweet Home

Ruby and Louise build a birdhouse. Max says “Hungry” so Ruby gets him a peanut butter sandwich, berries and sunflower seeds.  When the birds don’t come near the birdhouse,Max uses the treats to attract the birds.

 

Max’s Mudpie

Max keeps trying to make a mudpie but Ruby wants him to stay clean because Grandma is coming over and she’s got something very special.  In the end, Max gets himself andRuby mucky.  It turns out that Grandma’s surprise is a double chocolate fudge treat she calls “Mudpie!”

 

What makes this awesome is the simple fact its 98 minutes long – if you just hit play and prey you’re child will watch it end to end… you may just may successfully nap.  Having just seen the live show of Max and Ruby I’ve come away with a new appreciation of how the relationship and dynamic of the older sister and younger brother might be a great tool for families to use on younger kids, this certainly isnt aged for anyone over the age of 5 but once again its still a good buy for the amount of content on this dvd alone.

 

How to win it… Contest ends 11:59pm EST. June 1st, 2011.
2 Lucky people will win the Max & Ruby DVD! Tell us your favorite character on Max and Ruby is and please include some method for us to contact you in the comment (twitter or email).

You get 1 extra entry for tweeting about this contest (you can do this daily). Must contain the following information: @NickelodeonDVD @dadarocks – http://dad.tc/lAUJr1 and you must also comment with the link to your twitter message.

Example: I want to win the #MaxAndRuby DVD from @dadarocks & @NickelodeonDVD – http://dad.tc/lAUJr1

You get 1 extra entry for following us on twitter – twitter.com/dadarocks

You get 1 extra entry for following @NickelodeonDVD on twitter –twitter.com/NickelodeonDVD

You get 1 extra entry for becoming a FAN on facebook –facebook.com/DaDaRocks you must comment that you’re a fan

You will have 24 hours to reply before we pick another winner!

Disclaimer: NickelodeonDVD provided the DVD for this raffle

Green Works Housecleaning Giveaway

Green Works Housecleaning Giveaway

The Mother’s Day madness has come and gone, but do you think one day is enough?  I propose an idea – celebrating moms for not a day, but everyday.  Check out this giveaway from Green Works that gives you the chance to reward your sweetie with a much needed break.

Green Works a line of naturally derived cleaning products from the makers of Clorox, is offering the chance to win a break from the back-breaking scrubbing, vacuuming and dusting with $400 worth of free housecleaning services.  You’ll also receive brand new products, including new Green Works Oxi Stain Remover and Chlorine-Free Bleach.

Simply watch any of HGTV’s handyman Carter Oosterhouse’s Green It Yourself Webisodes, and let me know what tip was your favorite.

How to win free housecleaning service… Contest ends 11:59pm EST. May 18th, 2011.

  • Watch any of HGTV’s handyman Carter Oosterhouse’s Green It Yourself Webisodes, and comment with the tip was your favorite and please include some method for us to contact you in the comment (twitter or email).
  • You get 1 extra entry for following @dadarocks on twitter –www.twitter.com/dadarocks You must comment that you’re a follower.
  • You get 1 extra entry for following @greenworks on twitter – www.twitter.com/GreenWorks You must comment that you’re a follower.
  • You get 1 extra entry for tweeting about this contest (you can do this daily). Must contain the following information: @greenworks @dadarocks – http://dad.tc/kSCiM0  and you must also comment with the link to your tweet.

Example: Free housecleaning on @GreenWorks? Yes, please. Every Day is #mothersday thanks @dadarocks – http://dad.tc/kSCiM0

  • You get 1 extra entry for becoming our FAN on facebook – www.facebook.com/dadarocks You must comment that you’re a fan.
  • You get 1 extra entry for becoming their FAN on facebook – http://www.facebook.com/greenworks (and leave a note saying that www.dadarocks.com sent you) You must comment that you’re a fan.

You will have 12 hours to reply before we pick another winner!
Disclaimer: Thanks to Green Works for providing the prize for this giveaway.

 

Even if you don’t win the grand prize, everyone can enjoy $1 off Green Works products by downloading a coupon here http://www.facebook.com/greenworks?sk=app_207647819269750

2K Play’s Carnival Games: Monkey See, Monkey Do – Exclusively on Kinect for Xbox 360 Review and Giveaway

2K Play’s Carnival Games: Monkey See, Monkey Do – Exclusively on Kinect for Xbox 360 Review and Giveaway

When a Wily Wizard, Mischievous Monkey and Boastful Barker fit prominently into your family game night, it can only mean 2K Play’s Carnival Games: Monkey See, Monkey Do [amazon] is now available in North America exclusively on Kinect for Xbox 360. The latest in gaming technology allows players to actually speak to the Wizard to learn their future, challenge the Monkey to a “Cotton Eye Joe” dance-off and contemplate the Barker’s generous offer to swim in the Shark Tank. The game is out now.

 

The game is super fun for both adults and kids, the hands free controller aspect is amazing (still one of my favorite features of kinect. The games are really good for parties as well as casual afternoon game play with a few kids.  I think the game line up is terrific and even the way they break the menus up to be in sections of the carnival really lend itself to the game.  If you have kids that love carnivals or games that are physical puzzles or eye/hand movement type games then this will be right up their alley.  I think this game is great for ages 4-11 but there is a ton of game play value for older kids and adults (as I love playing the game too).

 

Carnival Games: Monkey See, Monkey Do features five theme-park alleyways – from Coaster Corner to Whirligig Way – housing twenty colorful midway games and attractions. Players of all ages can compete against friends and family as they go for the Knockout Punch against a heavy bag that fights back, twist their body in Crash Test Dummy, leap into a space-age journey in Rocket to Mars, catch coins while roller-coasting down Gold Rush Mountain and much more.

 

“We built Carnival Games: Monkey See, Monkey Do from the ground up to take full advantage of the one-of-a-kind technology in Kinect for Xbox 360,” said Steve Lux, vice president for business development for 2K Play. “From the character-based voice recognition capabilities to the virtual reality effect you feel from playing a game of Granny Shot, the game has no equal in the world of family entertainment.”

 

Developed by 2K’s Cat Daddy Games, the studio behind the successful Carnival Games franchise that has sold more than 7 million units worldwide, Carnival Games: Monkey See, Monkey Do also features midway classics that are completely re-imagined to be controller-free for Kinect for Xbox 360, including Alley Ball, Strength Test, Court King and Wheel of Chance. All manner of interactive prizes and surprises await players, such as animated pet dragons, robot cowboys and flying bears.

 

The immersive experience is enhanced as gamers challenge each other playing as their Xbox Avatars. In addition, tickets can be redeemed to acquire a wide variety of outfits, including Ninja, Swashbuckler, Viking and Wild West costumes. A special Carnival Games’ avatar collection will be available on the Xbox LIVE Marketplace for the Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft featuring a stylish array of Barker accessories, and the game will be enhanced with downloadable content in the future.

 

As no family game night is complete without snacks, Carnival Games: Monkey See, Monkey Do includes a coupon for a free package of Jolly Time popcorn, redeemable at retailers throughout North America, and a recipe for Monkey Barker Popcorn Pops. The game is being supported by a marketing campaign that includes television advertising on major networks and national programs such as “American Idol” and “Dancing with the Stars.”

 

For more information on Carnival Games: Monkey See, Monkey Do please go to www.2kgames.com/2kplay or visit us at facebook.com/carnivalgames and twitter.com/2KPlay. This game has been rated E for Everyone by the ESRB. 2K Play is a division of 2K, a publishing label of Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc.

 

How to win it… Contest ends 11:59pm EST.  April 30th, 2011.

You must comment telling us who your favorite game at the carnival, please include some method for us to contact you in the comment (twitter or email)

You get 1 extra entry for following us on twitter – twitter.com/dadarocks

You get 1 extra entry for following 2kPlay on twitter – twitter.com/2kPlay

You get 1 extra entry for tweeting about this contest (you can do this daily). Must contain the following information:

#newcarnivalgames @2kPlay @dadarocks – http://dad.tc/dOmjUV and you must also comment with the link to your twitter message.

Example: I want to win the #carnivalgames for #kinect for #xbox360 from @2kPlay Thanks to @dadarocks – http://dad.tc/dOmjUV

You get 1 extra entry for becoming a Fan on facebook – facebook.com/dadarocks you must comment that you’re a fan (and leave a little note on the wall)

You get 1 extra entry for becoming a Fan on of NewCarnivalGames on facebook –facebook.com/CarnivalGames you must comment that you’re a fan (and leave a little note on the wall that DaDRocks.com sent you)

You get 1 extra entry for subscribing to our Feedburner digest mailing (right side subscribe by email) – you must also comment that you’ve subscribed

You get 1 extra entry for becoming a friend on Google Connect (right side below facebook box) – you must also comment that you’ve become a friend

You will have 24 hours to reply before we pick another winner!

Disclaimer: Thanks to 2K Play for the prizes for this raffle.

Win a 3 month supply of Huggies Diapers and tips on how to keep up with your little movers

Win a 3 month supply of Huggies Diapers and tips on how to keep up with your little movers

One of the things you get really quickly when you have a baby is just how much work goes into taking care of them – you also never know just how many diapers you’ll go through in a given day.  Let me tell you – its A LOT! Here’s Laila Ali’s tips for how to keep up with your little ones.

10 Tips to Keep Up with Little Movers: By Laila Ali

1. Get moving! Finding time to hit the gym isn’t always easy with a baby at home, so find ways to incorporate aerobic activity into your day. Walk to the library or supermarket whenever possible, and be sure to get your toddler out of his or her stroller so they can walk some of the way, too. If walking to your destination isn’t an option, park the car far from entrances or take the stairs instead of the elevator!

2. Surround yourself with support: From sharing parenting advice to all those special “firsts” in your baby’s life, connecting with other parents is a great way to surround yourself with needed support. Huggies® Brand is helping Parents all over the country come together by teaming up with Meetup, the world’s largest online network of local groups, to host 60 “Keep-Up Meetups” from January – March. “Keep-Up Kits” will be given away to help Meetup Parents keep up with their Little Mover!

3. Laugh! From spit-up to the spilled milk, don’t be afraid to laugh off the silly situations. Laughter really is the best medicine – relieving stress, and burning extra calories! Remember, parenting is never perfect so next time you find yourself in the middle of that messy diaper change don’t let yourself stress – instead let out a loud laugh!

4. Accept a Helping Hand! For a first time Parent, it’s hard to realize you really can’t do it all. Keeping up with your Little Mover all day can be exhausting! When feeling overwhelmed and ready to pull out your hair, it is ok to admit to yourself that you really could use that extra helping hand. Accept your family’s or friend’s offer to come over and keep your Little One entertained for a couple of hours. Don’t second guess this decision, be grateful and accept the favor because you deserve it (and others relish the time with your little bundle of joy)!

5. Don’t Forget to Sleep! Between the late night feedings and round the clock diaper duty, it may seem impossible to get more than a couple hours of shut-eye. To keep from feeling like you are going to fall asleep while at the stroller wheel, try to fit in a nap during the day while your baby snoozes and for the working Parent, ensure you head to bed as soon as possible once the little ones are tucked snuggly in their beds. Teaming up with your partner and switching off middle-of-the-night feedings and diaper changes can also save you from exhaustion!

6. Take up a hobby: Setting aside time to work on something you enjoy can help clear your mind and leave you feeling refreshed and rejuvenated. Don’t be afraid to try out different hobbies until you find the one that fits your schedule and interests. If your hobby is one that can include your Little One, do it this can make for some very special bonding time!

7. Stay Organized: Organization is key to keeping stress to a minimum! From making sure the diaper bag is prepared prior to that long car ride or day at the playground, staying organized and scheduling your day can help you stay calm, cool and collected.

8. Reward yourself: Parents deserve rewards for all that they do on days other than Mother’s Day and Father’s Day. What’s even better is getting kickbacks on items they already purchase – like diapers! This season, enjoy a winning code in every pack of Huggies® Little Movers diapers to cash in for prizes like Starbucks gift cards and iPods! Submit each on-pack code online at Huggies.com to win.

9. Take a break! Be committed to taking regular breaks away from your children. It’s easy to brush off the importance of “me time” but it’s a must to keep you at your best – whether it’s taking a walk, reading a book or going for a drive, “me time” cannot be underestimated!

10. Remember to Treasure those “Aww-Inspired” Moments: Last but certainly NOT least, remember to sit back and enjoy the ride of a lifetime – parenthood! From sharing photos of your Little One rocking Huggies® Little Movers diapers on the Huggies Facebook page, to connecting with other parents on the Huggies Twitter page, remember to treasure each parenting moment!

If you’re looking for some huggies coupons check this link.  If you’re looking for more energy – sorry we’re looking for that too and if you have a baby – just wait for them to become toddlers.

 

How to win it… Contest ends 11:59pm EST. April 14th, 2011.
Leave a comment below with what size huggies your child wears and please include some method for us to contact you in the comment (twitter or email).
You get 1 extra entry for tweeting about this contest (you can do this daily). Must contain the following information: @huggies @dadarocks – http://dad.tc/g3JmL6  and you must also comment with the link to your tweet.

Example: I want to win a 3 month supply of @huggies from @dadarocks – http://dad.tc/g3JmL6

You get 1 extra entry for following @dadarocks on twitter –www.twitter.com/dadarocks You must comment that you’re a follower.
You get 1 extra entry for following @Huggies on twitter – www.twitter.com/huggies You must comment that you’re a follower.

You get 1 extra entry for becoming our FAN on facebook – www.facebook.com/dadarocks You must comment that you’re a fan.

You get 1 extra entry for becoming their FAN on facebook –www.facebook.com/huggies (and leave a note saying that www.dadarocks.com sent you) You must comment that you’re a fan.

You will have 24 hours to reply before we pick another winner!
Disclaimer: Thanks to Huggies for providing the 3 months supply of coupons for which the winner will purchase the diapers in the size they need.

iCarly: Season 2, Volume 3 DVD set Giveaway

iCarly: Season 2, Volume 3 DVD set Giveaway

Get ready for the biggest iCarly set ever – 15 iCarly episodes and two hour-long TV movies are coming to DVD with iCarly: Season 2, Volume 3 [Amazon]!  The 2010 Nickelodeon Kids’ Choice Awards winner for “Favorite TV Show” closes its second season with a set that features the first-ever iCarly Awards, delves into Sam’s pageant girl days and includes the ratings record-setting episode that everyone is still talking about, “iSaved Your Life.”  Nickelodeon’s groundbreaking hit live-action series stars Miranda Cosgrove as Carly, the host of an incredibly popular teen web show.  Created by Nickelodeon Home Entertainment, and distributed by Paramount Home Entertainment, iCarly: Season 2, Volume 3 comes out on DVD April 5, 2011 for the suggested retail price of $19.99.


iCarly: Season 2, Volume 3 Episode Synopses:


Disc 1

iTwins

Freddie tries to prove that Melanie, Sam’s twin sister, is just Sam in disguise. Also, Carly tutors Spencer’s nemesis Chuck, who Spencer is convinced is evil.


iSpeed Date

Sam announces a “Take Carly to the Dance” contest for an upcoming Girls’ Choice dance. Due to the large turnout, Carly, Sam and Freddie hold a speed-dating session to meet all the potential dates. Meanwhile, Spencer follows a bizarre workout regimen from a new application on his Pear Phone.


iCarly Awards

Carly, Sam and Freddie host the iCarly Awards for the best fan-generated content, and they honor the winners live on the web show. Spencer enlists European swimsuit models to help make the award statuettes.


iHave My Principals

When Carly, Sam and Freddie accidentally get Principal Franklin fired, Miss Briggs and Mr. Howard take control of the school – enforcing harsh rules and a dress code. In addition, Spencer hires an old rodeo star to teach him how to ride a mechanical bull.


iFind Lewbert’s Lost Love

When the gang discovers that Lewbert used to be a happy young man engaged to a beautiful woman, they set out to reunite the lost lovers. Meanwhile, Spencer joins the building watch in order to catch a thief.


iMove Out

Fed up with his Mom treating him like a baby, Freddie decides to move out into his own place. Also, the gang starts a successful pet photography business and ends up feuding with a rival pet photo studio.


Disc 2

iQuit iCarly (hour-long TV movie)

The iCarly gang invites two up-and-coming wacky web comedians, Fleck and Dave, to be guests on their show.  When Carly and Sam learn that the guys are entering a web contest for a cash prize, they volunteer to help create an awesome video.  Unfortunately, Fleck and Dave have a big blowout, which results in Carly and Sam taking sides and putting their own friendship to the test.  Their rift makes it increasingly difficult for them to continue doing the web show, leaving Freddie and the rest of their fans to wonder if this is the end of iCarly.  Meanwhile, Spencer’s obsession to win a boat pays off and he finds himself the owner of a new speedboat.  However, without a place to dock his prize, Spencer is left to captain the boat in the parking lot, much to the dismay of one of his neighbors, who plays for his college’s baseball team – the Pirates.


iWas A Pageant Girl

Sam reveals to Carly and Freddie that she used to compete in pageants when she was younger. She convinces Carly to compete against her long-time rival at a competition in Seattle. Meanwhile, Spencer convinces Freddie to go on a double date but things get a little too competitive.


iEnrage Gibby

When Gibby discovers Freddie and his girlfriend in a compromising position, he vows revenge and challenges Freddie to a fight. Meanwhile, Spencer’s art career really takes off when the local paper incorrectly reports his death.


iSaved Your Life (extended director’s cut version)

Freddie is injured when he saves Carly from a runaway taco truck.  After Freddie’s daring rescue, Carly starts to see Freddie in a different light.  Sam tries to warn him that Carly’s feelings are based on guilt and not true love; however, Freddie is happy that the girl of his dreams is finally his girlfriend.  Sam is involved in her own risky mission – competing against Spencer in a paintball game called Assassin.  Danger lurks around every corner and only one person can be left standing… paint-free.


iSpace Out

An eccentric billionaire asks the gang to perform the first live web show from outer space. While they undergo tests, a mysterious little girl visits Spencer in his loft.


iFix A Popstar

When Carly, Sam and Freddie agree to make a music video for a pop star who’s trying to make a comeback, they discover that the pop star is out of shape and untalented. Meanwhile, Spencer has trouble dating a woman when he discovers she’s Gibby’s mom.


Disc 3

iWon’t Cancel The Show

Carly and Freddie vow that the web show must go on even when Sam ends up in jail. They try to enlist Spencer’s help at the last minute but he has a date he can’t cancel.


iBelieve in Bigfoot

Bigfoot fever hits Seattle when hikers capture fuzzy footage of a suspicious figure in the woods. After an expert validates the footage on the web show, Carly convinces the gang to take Socko’s RV upstate to join the search for Bigfoot.


iPsycho (hour-long TV movie)

Carly, Sam and Freddie decide to make a slight detour on their way to a web conference to visit a fan of the show on her sixteenth birthday.  When they arrive, they discover that their super fan Nora is lonely and awkward, and no one has shown up for her birthday party.  To make Nora feel better, Carly suggests they do a special iCarly webcast and invite Nora’s classmates to her house.  The plan works, and the party is a huge hit.  So much so, that Nora decides she doesn’t want her new friends to leave and locks them in her father’s recording studio.  Despite their best efforts, Carly, Sam and Freddie are unable to break out of Nora’s basement, so they trick her into sending a secret message to Gibby.  Can Gibby decode the message and save the day?


iBeat The Heat

When a heat wave hits Seattle and the power goes out, Spencer comes to the rescue with a Norwegian air-conditioner and generator. Word quickly spreads throughout the building and the gang suddenly finds the loft filled with uninvited guests.


iBloop

This special episode includes never-before-seen bloopers and outtakes from the entire series’ run with introductions by the cast.


iCarly: Season 2, Volume 3 Fast Facts:

Street Date: April 5, 2011

DVD SRP: $19.99

Catalogue: 850984

DVD Running Time: 462 minutes

DVD Special Features:

  • Pilot Episode of T.U.F.F. Puppy (featuring the voice of iCarly’s Jerry Trainor as Dudley Puppy)
  • Shorts:
    • Meet Guppy
    • Best of Season 2

How to win it… Contest ends 11:59pm EST. April 8th, 2011.
2 Lucky people will win iCarly DVD! Tell us your favorite character on iCarly is and please include some method for us to contact you in the comment (twitter or email).

You get 1 extra entry for tweeting about this contest (you can do this daily). Must contain the following information: @NickelodeonDVD @dadarocks – http://dad.tc/g4g6K1 and you must also comment with the link to your twitter message.

Example: I want to win the #iCarlySeason2Vol3 DVD from @dadarocks & @NickelodeonDVD – http://dad.tc/g4g6K1

You get 1 extra entry for following us on twitter – twitter.com/dadarocks

You get 1 extra entry for following @NickelodeonDVD on twitter –twitter.com/NickelodeonDVD

You get 1 extra entry for becoming a FAN on facebook –facebook.com/DaDaRocks you must comment that you’re a fan

You will have 24 hours to reply before we pick another winner!

Disclaimer: NickelodeonDVD provided the DVD for this raffle