Tuesday, August 31, 2010

Book Review: Great Parents, Lousy Lovers

by Dr. Gary Smalley and Ted Cunningham


List Price:
17.99 
ISBN:
978-1-4143-3588-9 
Trim Size:
5 1/2 x 8 1/4 
Binding:
Hardcover 
Release:
September 2010 

Great Parents, Lousy Lovers is a challenging guide for couples to begin re-investing in their marriage and not just their children. The greatest gift parents can give their children is a mother and father who love each other deeply, because a great marriage is the single most important parenting tool.
My Review:
Great Parents, Lousy Lovers address one of the biggest challenges facing parents today, making time for each other.  This is also probably one of the least discussed problems in parenting.  It's easy to get caught up in caring for the children and not have any time or energy left for you or your spouse.

Relationship experts Dr. Gary Smalley and Ted Cunningham take on this pitfall for families in their book Great Parents, Lousy Lovers.  They offer sound, practical advice on how to keep the spark of romance alive while maintaining a happy, healthy home.

I truly enjoyed this book.  It is as entertaining as it is informative.  The date suggestions and "study" questions at the end of each chapter are excellent.  There are also video podcasts and an "Add your voice" message board to share your thoughts on the chapters.  I would recommend reading this with your spouse as a bible study.   To get the most out of the book it needs to be read together.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Tyndale House Publishers as part of their book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”   

Home Alone

Jarrod and Julian off to first day of school
School started today and for the first time in months I find myself home alone.  My mother-in-law has my 4 yr old since I have an appointment this afternoon and my husband is off helping his dad.  So far this morning I've been able to get a ton of work done but without the usual interruptions I've forgotten to give myself a break.  Not that I'm complaining.  I need to make more time for myself so I don't feel so overwhelmed all the time.

Great Giveaway: 5 Coupon Inserts plus Bonus Coupons! Ends 9/01


I am giving away 5 coupon inserts. I have more than I can possibly get to so I thought I would share them with one o you lucky readers!  Because of the time sensitive nature, this giveaway will only run 3 days, ending at 11:59 pm PDT on 09/01.






The 5 coupon inserts are all different:
  1. Smart Source 08/08/10
  2. Red Plum 08/08/10
  3. Box Tops/ General Mills Insert 08/08/10
  4. Smart Source 08/15/10
  5. Red Plum 08/15/10






The bonus coupons I believe are from various inserts.  There are approximately 15 additional pages of coupons.






Mandatory Entry
Follow me on Google Friend Connect (left side bar) and leave me a comment letting me know you do.  Be sure to include your email if it is not public in your profile.  This must be done first for all other entries to count.



Extra Entries:

  • “Like” Hot Mom Tips on Facebook (left side bar) – 1 extra entry
  • Follow Hot Mom Tips on Networked Blogs (left side bar) – 1 extra entry
  • Follow Hot Mom Tips on Twitter  – 1 extra entry
  • Tweet about this giveaway and leave link to tweet. (click on time under tweet)  – 1 extra entry (can be done daily)
  • Blog about this giveaway and leave a link to post – 5 extra entries (must include link to Bronzed Envy and giveaway)
  • Grab my NEW button and add it to your blog. Leave a link to your blog – 3 extra entries
  • Grab my Blogtoberfest button and add it to your blog.  Leave a link to your blog - 5 extra entries
  • Share giveaway on Facebook, Digg, Stumble Upon, etc.  Leave link and/or username – 1 extra entry each (must be verifiable)
  • Add Hot Mom Tips to your blog roll, leave link to your blog – 2 extra entries
  • Vote for me on Top Mommy Blogs - 2 extra entries 
  • Vote up this giveaway on Prizey
  •  
  • Enter any other giveaway on Hot Mom Tips and leave comment that you did so. – 1 extra entry each

Monday, August 30, 2010

Making Friends Monday and Other Monday Blog Hops

Here are some of the great blog hops and giveaway linky's for Today.  Don't forget to leave a comment on each new blog you follow so they can follow you back!














Low Entry Giveaways Linky

This linky is for low entry (under 200 entries) giveaways only.  Please format your link in this manner: Giveaway Name - Current Entries - Date Ending.  i. e.  Stepping Stones Together - 25 Entries - 8/29

This is a recurring linky that will run Monday through Sunday.

Be sure to leave a comment after posting your giveaway

This Week's Winner 8/30

Congratulations Cakeblast!  This weeks winner of the Stepping Stones Together Giveaway!  We have a lot more great giveaways in the works starting this week so check back daily!

Friday, August 27, 2010

Follow Friday Blog Hops

Here are some really great Blog Hops for the weekend. Be sure to leave a comment on every blog you visit so they can follow you back!

My Wee View



Photobucket

blog button1

Let's Just Give It Away

Great Giveaway: Stepping Stones Together ends 8/29



The Stepping Stones Together Program (from the website)
Stepping Stones Together is a personalized beginning reading program consisting of:
  • A choice of 30 high interest themed stories from our beginning reading library, which is comprised of 3 difficulty levels.
  • Over 100 reading comprehension questions designed to build your child’s reading comprehension skills, along with thinking, reading fluency, speaking and writing abilities. (early reading benefits)
  • A daily writing program linked to your child’s daily reading to extend your child’s reading and writing abilities.
  • Extension games that encourage your child to use their newly acquired reading skills as well as explore the benefits and joys connected with being a reader.
  • A personalized behavior incentive chart for each series of stories to motivate your child to record their daily progress.
  • A personalized certificate acknowledging their achievement after completing a leveled series every 10 days. Each reading series is comprised of 5 stories at a given level read twice. E-alerts to keep you on target with the program, which are directly linked to your personalized profile.
  • Access to Blogs and Newsletters to provide you with current reading research tidbits and best practice tips to parents of new readers.


Review

I was given guest access to the program and books in order to review Stepping Stones Together and I've got to tell you I am really impressed.  My son loves the books and he's really starting to read.  He has fun coloring the pages and he's starting to recognize several of the sight words.  The stories are short enough that they keep his attention and the follow up questions are great.  From the first day he started picking things up, he likes the stories and topics.  The incentive chart is really great, Jordan loves putting on stickers for each book he reads, it's a great motivational tool.  I definitely recommend this program for children struggling or learning to read.


Buy It
You can purchase a membership to Stepping Stones Together for $19.99 for 60 days, but you’ll actually get 90 days at that price, or you can purchase a whole year for $39.99.


Win It!!
One lucky reader will receive one free year of Stepping Stones Together.  Giveaway ends 11:59 pm Pacific on 8/29

Mandatory Entry
This must be done first for other entries to count.  Visit Stepping Stones Together and take a look around.  Then come back here and leave me a comment with something you learned.

Extra Entries:
  • Follow Stepping Stones Together on Twitter – 1 extra entry
  • “Like” Stepping Stones Together on Facebook – 1 extra entry
  • Follow Hot Mom Tips on Google Friend Connect (left side bar) – 1 extra entry
  • “Like” Hot Mom Tips on Facebook (left side bar) – 1 extra entry
  • Follow Hot Mom Tips on Networked Blogs (left side bar) – 1 extra entry
  • Follow Hot Mom Tips on Twitter  – 1 extra entry
  • Tweet about this giveaway and leave link to tweet. (click on time under tweet)  – 1 extra entry (can be done daily)
  • Blog about this giveaway and leave a link to post – 5 extra entries (must include link to Bronzed Envy and giveaway)
  • Grab my NEW button and add it to your blog. Leave a link to your blog – 3 extra entries
  • Share giveaway on Facebook, Digg, Stumble Upon, etc.  Leave link and/or username – 1 extra entry each (must be verifiable)
  • Add Hot Mom Tips to your blog roll, leave link to your blog – 2 extra entries
  • Vote for me on Top Mommy Blogs - 2 extra entries 
  • Vote up this giveaway on Prizey
  •  
  • Enter any other giveaway on Hot Mom Tips and leave comment that you did so. – 1 extra entry each
  • Enter Zoodles Premium Membership Giveaway - 5 extra entries
  • Enter Alice Langehennig's Quiet Praise CD Giveaway - 5 extra entries

(Disclosure: I received a guest membership, free of charge, from Stepping Stones Together, for the purposes of this review.)

Wednesday, August 25, 2010

Wednesday Blog Hops

There's a bunch of great blog hops today. Head on over to the host blogs to join, just click the buttons! Make sure you leave a comment on each blog you follow so they can follow you back. Also don't forget to thank the hosts!


Blogging Hints Catch a Wave Wednesday















Facebook Like-You-Back Button




















Tuesday, August 24, 2010

Product Review: Supermarket Smarty


I was recently given the chance to review the Supermarket Smarty and I must tell you I love it!  Supermarket Smarty is a reusable shopping list with all of your most purchased items preloaded, you just put a mark next to the things you need.  Along with the shopping list a meal planner, nutritional facts and magnifying lens are included.  There's also a coupon pocket to stick the coupons you'll be using.

This product is really great! It makes making a grocery list a breeze.  I am so forgetful I usually forget things but with the Supermarket Smarty you just check off what you need.  I keep mine in my backpack for when I make an unscheduled stop at the store or remember something I need while I'm out.  This has been a real time and sanity saver.



I give the Supermarket Smarty very high marks!  You can get one for yourself at http://www.supermarketsmarty.com/ for only $9.99!  Make sure to connect with Supermarket Smarty on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube.

Monday, August 23, 2010

Winner!

We have a winner for the Quiet Praise CD and Devotional giveaway: SalanderServant!

Congrats SalanderServant!

Friday, August 20, 2010

CLOSED! Great Giveaway: Quiet Praise: A Haven of Rest CD and Devotional by Alice Langehennig! Ends 8/22

Need a break from this hectic life?Quiet Praise CD Cover

Need to relax and just meditate on God's goodness?

Quiet Praise will encourage you to "Be still and know"!

Everyone's favorite!
 Inspirational piano CD for relaxation and quiet meditation. Now with devotional guide.
Length: 30 mins
Only $12.00 plus s/h
This is one of my favorite CDs.  It is beautiful and relaxing.  When you put it on you can’t help but sit down, take a deep breath and just relax.  Every time I listen to it I feel a wave of peace wash over me.  I contacted Alice about doing this giveaway because I wanted to share it with you and luckily she thought it was a great idea. 

Buy It!

Head on over to Alice Langehennig's product page and view her other CDs, note cards and books.  Elizabeth Lauren Ministries: The Music Ministry of Alice Langehennig.
She also has a great weekly bible study series called The Message and The Music.  Each weeks current lesson can be viewed here.  Past lessons are available for download here.  You can also subscribe to receive The Message and The Music by email either on her website or by emailing Alice directly at alice@alicelangehennig.com.

Win It!

Alice Langehennig has generously offered one Hot Mom Tips reader a copy of her Quiet Praise CD and Devotional Guide.

Mandatory Entry

Head on over to AliceLangehennig.com and leave me a comment telling me one other item you’d like to have.  You must do the FIRST or all other entries will be disqualified.

Extra Entries

Submit a separate comment for each extra entry (5 extra entries – leave 5 comments)
  • Follow Alice, @elministries, on twitter. – 1 extra entry
  • Subscribe to The Message and The Music (Right side bar or email Alice directly alice@alicelangehennig.com) – 1 extra entry
  • Make a purchase from AliceLangehennig.com – 10 extra entries
  • Follow Hot Mom Tips on Google Friend Connect (left side bar) – 1 extra entry
  • “Like” Hot Mom Tips on Facebook (left side bar) – 1 extra entry
  • Follow Hot Mom Tips on Networked Blogs (left side bar) – 1 extra entry
  • Follow Hot Mom Tips on Twitter  – 1 extra entry
  • Tweet about this giveaway and leave link to tweet. (click on time under tweet)  – 1 extra entry (can be done daily)
  • Blog about this giveaway and leave a link to post – 5 extra entries (must include link to AliceLangehennig.com and giveaway)
  • Grab my button and add it to your blog. Leave a link to your blog – 3 extra entries
  • Share giveaway on Facebook, Digg, Stumble Upon, etc.  Leave link and/or username – 1 extra entry each (must be verifiable)
  • Add Hot Mom Tips to your blog roll, leave link to your blog – 2 extra entries
  • Vote for me on Top Mommy Blogs - 2 extra entries 
  • Vote up this giveaway on Prizey
  •  
  • Enter any other giveaway on Hot Mom Tips and leave comment that you did so. – 1 extra entry each
  • Enter Zoodles Premium Membership Giveaway - 5 extra entries

Wednesday, August 18, 2010

Book Review: Day by Day Armageddon Beyond Exile by J. L. Bourne



J. L. Bourne






Description




The first book of Day by Day Armageddon took us deep into the mind of a military officer and survivor as he made a New Year's resolution to start keeping a journal. The man kept his resolution and brought to us the fall of humanity, day by day. We see the man transition from the life that you and I live to the prospect of fighting for his very survival against the overwhelming hordes of the dead. We see him bleed, we see him make mistakes, we witness him evolve. The highly anticipated sequel to the bestselling underground cult classic, Day by Day Armageddon begins where the first novel left off.

BEGIN INTERCEPT
Armies of undead have risen up across the U.S. and around the globe;there is no safe haven from the diseased corpses hungering for human flesh. But in the heat of a Texas wasteland, a small band of survivors attempt to counter the millions closing in around them.
INTERCEPT COMPLETE

Day by day, the handwritten journal entries of one man caught in a worldwide cataclysm capture the desperation--and the will to survive--as he joins forces with a handful of refugees to battle soulless enemies both human and inhuman from inside an abandoned strategic missile facility.

But in the world of the undead, is mere survival enough?

Review
 This is a sequel to J. L. Bourne's Day by Day Armageddon.  From my understanding it picks up right where the first book leaves off.  I didn't read the first book but I now intend to after reading the sequel.  The journal style of the book makes it read quickly, keeps my ADHD mind interested.  If you like Zombie thrillers this is a really great book even without having read the first book.

I won this book in a giveaway from the blog Readaholic.  Head on over and check out their other great giveaways: http://bridget3420.blogspot.com/ 

Book Review: Jan's Story by Barry Peterson

by Barry Peterson

Product Details

  • Paperback: 206 pages
  • Publisher: Behler Publications (June 15, 2010)
  • Language: English
  • ISBN-10: 1933016442
  • ISBN-13: 978-1933016443
  • Product Dimensions: 8.6 x 5.6 x 0.6 inches 


Imagine hearing these words: "She has Alzheimer's."
Now imagine that "she" is vibrant, active, loving, healthy … and just 55.

Acclaimed CBS News reporter Barry Petersen, writes about hearing the unimaginable: what it meant, what it still means, what he did--and didn't do--and how this beautiful love story needs to be read by the thousands of families who have already heard that same devastating diagnosis… EARLY ONSET ALZHEIMER'S.
Jan's Story is a full, rich story of two people--and thousands like them--for whom "forever"suddenly and terrifyingly has an expiration date.
Barry Petersen is a long-time, award-winning TV journalist who has covered wars, the devastating Asian tsunami, the historic confrontation at Tiananmen Square, the unspeakable deaths in Rwanda, and so much more…but was not even slightly prepared for what happened to his darling wife, Jan.

Review:
Jan's Story is as much a love story as it is a chronicle of the progression of Alzheimer's.  This was one of the hardest books for me to read, not because it's difficult to read but because it just rips at your heart.  Reading about Jan and Barry's life together before The Disease and the slow destruction of that life with its progression is gut-wrenching.  Jan's Story reminds us to cherish each day and not take even the small moments we have with loved ones for granted.  I highly recommend this book to anyone whether you know someone effected by Alzheimer's or not. Chances are one day you will either know someone close to you who will have to go through it or you may even fall victim yourself or become a caregiver. 

For more information on Alzheimer's visit the Alzheimer's Association.

I won this book in a giveaway from Sweeps4Bloggers.  Head on over and check out their other great giveaways: http://sweeps4bloggers.com/

Monday, August 16, 2010

Best Back to School Deals in the NW

While searching for the best deals on back to school products I came across a group of bloggers from the Pacific NW who had teamed up to bring the best deals each week.  Here is the complete list.  Be sure to follow these wonderful bloggers.  Thanks so much for bringing us these great deals!









This Week's Winners!!

 We have winners!  Congrats you 4!

Bronzed Envy Winner -Swtlilchick!



Zoodles Winners - Sassy2, Me 'N My Monkeys, Baalthor


 

Friday, August 13, 2010

Book Review: Patton: The Pursuit of Destiny (The Generals) by Agostino von Hassell

Patton: The Pursuit of Destiny (The Generals)
Agostino von Hassell


The Generals: Patton 
(from the publisher's website)
The Pursuit of Destiny
Printed Case Hardcover
General George Patton was known for carrying pistols with ivory handles and for his intemperate manner, but it’s his outspoken advocacy for tanks that carved his place in history, not only as a military pioneer, but as one of the most colorful and controversial American generals of the twentieth century.
Patton was impulsive, impatient, and would often disregard higher command when he felt his methods or tactics would achieve the desired result. He is remembered for his fierce determination and ability to lead soldiers. Unlike most generals, he wasn’t content to stay behind enemy lines and watch the battle from afar. He developed a system that allowed him to be on the frontlines and maintain communication with his rear command post by means of pigeons and a group of runners.
His uncompromising will and character were the basis of his successful crusade across Western Europe during World War II, forever defining him as one of the most successful field commanders of any war.

Review

Aside from being initially put off by the 16 page introduction dissecting the 1970 film Patton, I truly enjoyed the book.  The introduction was not only unnecessary, the issues raised could and should have been addressed in the main text, but also off putting.  However, once I got to the body of the book it was very interesting and informative.  Although the author tends to gloss over or make excuse for Patton's flaws, he still paints a good picture of Patton, the man.  The book is engaging and a quick read.  I learned a lot about Patton I didn't know.  Unlike many books that focus solely on his World War II exploits this book shows the full tapestry of his life.  I would recommend this book for additional reading on Patton but I would not recommend it as a sole resource.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Tuesday, August 10, 2010

Fabulous Freebies - 8/10

A couple of days left to take advantage of the free full-size product if you get five friends to "like" Melvita USA - email social@melvita.com once you reach the goal! Click here and tell them Angela Livingston sent you

Wal-Mart Freebies

Shout Wipes (4 ct.), $0.97
$2/2 Shout Product, exp. 9-25-10 (SS 08/08/10)
FREE after coupon!

Post-It Notes Super Sticky Singles, $1
$1/1 Post It Printable Coupon
(is legit because it is accessed directly on their site)
FREE after coupon! 

Crest for Kids Toothpaste (2.5 oz.), $0.97
$1/1 Oral B Stages Zooth or Crest Kids Toothpaste, exp. 8-31-10 (P&G 08/01/10)
$0.50 Oral B Stages Zooth or Crest Kids Toothpaste, exp. 8-31-10 (P&G 08/01/10)
As low as FREE after coupon!

Poligrip Denture Care, $1.78
FREE Super Poligrip, exp. 8-15-10 (RP 08/01/10)
FREE after coupon!

BABY ITEM: Sesame Street Tub Color Drops, $0.97
$1/1 Village Company Product printable
FREE after coupon!

WalGreen's Freebies

-Bausch & Lomb Bio True Multi-purpose solution 4 oz. $4.99 (receive $4 RR)
$1 IP q here: BiotrueTM | Coupon | Bausch + Lomb
(free after RR and q)

-Dial NutriSkin body wash 16 oz. $3.99 (receive $3 RR)
$1 IP q here: http://bricks.coupons.com/Start.asp?...=NS&p=48QVdCtD
(free after RR and q)
Other Freebies 



Pledge® Easy-Summer Gift Pack!
First 7,000* to respond will receive a pouch of Pledge® Natural Beauty Wipes and a Pledge™ Fabric Sweeper for Pet Hair.

Low Entry Giveaways

Here are some low entry giveaways featured on other sites.



15$ GC to Pink Princess ( Kids wear) 8/10



The Cream Perfume Company 8/15



Coffee Cup Creations 8/16



Sense' Rice Bran Polisher 8/21



Kidorable 8/23


CrazyDog Tshirts Giveaway 8/21





NatureMade SAM-e 8/17


Rock 'N Learn DVDS 8/21 


Piggy Paint Ends 8/29

 


The Pack (YA SciFi)



Dark Sky at Dawn (Historical Fiction Romance)



Private (James Patterson's newest book)

Cottage Rose Candles 8/15 

$15 Gift Card to EcoMom 8/11

Monday, August 9, 2010

CLOSED: Great Giveaway: Bronzed Envy Tan in a Can ends 8/15

Bronzed Envy is a Mobile Airbrush Tanning Service that comes to you. Bronzed Envy provides the best and most convenient Airbrush Tan possible. Only the best products are used to achieve that beach bronzed look in minutes.  Bronzed Envy offer single tans, monthly memberships, package deal and Airbrush Tanning Parties!
BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY
Salon & Spa Owners Mom-Preneurs, Entrepreneurs & Tan-Prepreneurs!  Invest In Yourself !  Start Your Own Airbrush Tanning Business!
Find out more about your business opportunity

Check Out The Do-It-Yourself Home Tan Kit
 

"Tan in a can!"

It's the next best thing to an airbrush tan! It will give you an instant tan/color right away AND also develops into a darker tan over the next few hours! This stuff Rocks and is a best seller!!
Your very own jump start on Healthy looking beautiful skin!!
Bronzed Envy was recently featured on Fox News:
CONNECT: Connect with Bronzed Envy on Facebook, Twitter or on their Blog
SHOP: Shop Bronzed Envy for their “Tan in a Can,” Tan Extender and other skin care products.
WIN IT: Bronzed Envy has been kind enough to offer one of you lucky readers Full-size Can Tan “Tan in a Can”
MANDATORY ENTRY: Visit Bronzed Envy and leave me a comment with something you learned or another product you would love to try.
EXTRA ENTRIES:
  • Follow Bronzed Envy Blog on Google Friend Connect – 1 extra entry
  • Follow Bronzed Envy on Twitter – 1 extra entry
  • “Like” Bronzed Envy on Facebook – 1 extra entry
  • Follow Hot Mom Tips on Google Friend Connect (left side bar) – 1 extra entry
  • “Like” Hot Mom Tips on Facebook (left side bar) – 1 extra entry
  • Follow Hot Mom Tips on Networked Blogs (left side bar) – 1 extra entry
  • Follow Hot Mom Tips on Twitter  – 1 extra entry
  • Tweet about this giveaway and leave link to tweet. (click on time under tweet)  – 1 extra entry (can be done daily)
  • Blog about this giveaway and leave a link to post – 5 extra entries (must include link to Bronzed Envy and giveaway)
  • Grab my button and add it to your blog. Leave a link to your blog – 3 extra entries
  • Share giveaway on Facebook, Digg, Stumble Upon, etc.  Leave link and/or username – 1 extra entry each (must be verifiable)
  • Add Hot Mom Tips to your blog roll, leave link to your blog – 2 extra entries
  • Vote for me on Top Mommy Blogs - 2 extra entries 
  • Vote up this giveaway on Prizey
  •  
  • Enter any other giveaway on Hot Mom Tips and leave comment that you did so. – 1 extra entry each
  • Enter Zoodles Premium Membership Giveaway - 5 extra entries
  • Enter Alice Langehennig's Quiet Praise CD Giveaway - 5 extra entries

Saturday, August 7, 2010

CLOSED: Great Giveaway: 3 3-month premium memberships to Zoodles! Ends 8/15

Zoodes is a award-winning,  free, child friendly browser that is pre-populated with fun and educational games and videos from all over the internet.  The  browser is always free for children to play.  However, if you would like to have more control over your child's experience they do have a premium service.  As a premium subscriber you are able to add additional websites, set time limits block ads and receive weekly emails on your child's progress.
Intro to Zoodles Video
I discovered Zoodles just over a month ago.  My 4 and 7 year old both love it.  They are able to find all the games they like to play in one place as well as discover new ones.  My 10 year old isn't really impressed.  He's really too old for it, besides he prefers MMO's.
I really like the new directory.  It makes finding new games and videos for my kids a breeze.  You can browse by several criteria such as age,subject and character.  My 4 yr old and I have "school" time and I like to use the directory to find new games and videos relating to our "lessons." 
6 year old Games_1277838864672 As Zoodles is relatively new it's not without problems.  Some of the games "crash" and boot you back to the favorites screen.  Those can't be played in the Zoodles browser.  I also had to play around with my sons' ages to get it at the appropriate level for them:  my 4 year old wanted the tabs that sort the games by subject and a character and my 7 yr old wanted the pet available to children 5 and under.  These are both minor issues with easy workarounds.  (To get the pet set your child's age below 5, log into the Zoodle browser to get the pet, then set your child's age back.  S/he will still have the pet even after you change their age back!)
To me the premium version is well worth it.  With a premium membership you are able to block ads, disable printing, set Zoodles_1277839467676time limits, add additional sites and receive weekly reports on your child's activities.  I subscribed as soon as my 2 week trial ended.  I love being able to add more sites when I find them and the weekly email are great. I also like the ability to block ads and printing, thus saving on ink and paper.
I highly recommend Zoodles for any family with children under 10 yrs old.  It gives your children the ability to play safely on the internet while providing you with peace of mind.  You can download the FREE Zoodles browser and get a free 14 day trial of the premium service here.  Give it a try, it's free and your kids will love it!
WIN IT!  Zoodles has been kind enough to offer 3 readers of Hot Mom Tips a 3-month premium membership.
To ENTER: Leave a separate comment for each entry.  Make sure to leave your email in your comment or make it visible in your profile.  If I can’t reach you, you will be disqualified and I will have to draw another winner:
MANDATORY ENTRY: Head on over to Zoodles and take a look around then come back here and leave a comment below with your favorite kids’ site.
EXTRA ENTRIES:
  • “Like” Zoodles on Facebook – 1 extra entry
  • Follow Zoodles on Twitter – 1 extra entry
  • Subscribe to Zoddles Blog RSS Feed – 1 extra entry
  • Follow Hot Mom Tips on Google Friend Connect (left side bar) – 1 extra entry
  • “Like” Hot Mom Tips on Facebook (left side bar) – 1 extra entry
  • Follow Hot Mom Tips on Networked Blogs (left side bar) – 1 extra entry
  • Follow Hot Mom Tips on Twitter  – 1 extra entry
  • Tweet about this giveaway and leave link to tweet. (click on time under tweet)  – 1 extra entry (can be done daily)
  • Blog about this giveaway and leave a link to post – 5 extra entries (must include link to sponsor and giveaway)
  • Grab my button and add it to your blog. Leave a link to your blog – 3 extra entries
  • Share giveaway on Facebook, Digg, Stumble Upon, etc.  Leave link and/or username – 1 extra entry each (must be verifiable)
  • Add Hot Mom Tips to your blog roll, leave link to your blog – 2 extra entries
  • Vote for me on Top Mommy Blogs - 2 extra entries
  • Vote up this giveaway on Prizey
  • Enter any other giveaway on Hot Mom Tips and leave comment that you did so. – 1 extra entry each
  • Enter Alice Langehennig's Quiet Praise CD Giveaway - 5 extra entries 
Giveaway ends August 15, 2010 11:59pm PDT.  Winner will be chosen at random using random.org
Disclosure: I did receive a 6-month subscription in order to review this product.  I did not receive any monetary compensation for this review.  This is 100% my own, true opinion.