Little Tikes Christmas in July Sale Toddler Summer Toys

Toys

Image provided by Little Tikes

This post contains affiliate links

Mommy Blog Expert -- loyal readers know -- loves holding Little Tikes giveaways for products such as the darling Little Tikes 2-in-1 Flower Cart and Wheel Barrow that we gave away as well as reviewed earlier this spring on this blog.

Though my own 4 kids are now 14 and 15 (triplets, plus one more born within a year), they once enjoyed the Little Tikes Cozy Coupe, the company's very first product which is still very popular today.

We have also owned as well as purchased many other toys for gifts for other little ones from their line because this is a brand that evokes sturdy quality and fun that is also reasonably priced.

One of my toddling triplets just loved the Little Tikes Barn we had

Vintage family photo, MommyBlogExpert.com

So, when Little Tikes told me today about their upcoming special Christmas in July sales event, I had to write a post about it to share with my readers.  From June 30 through July 31 they have put about 150 items on sale.  Starting Thursday, there are some spectacular buys on kids items that you will appreciate knowing about if you have a little one to buy for.   

Check it out yourself  by visiting www.LittleTikes.com and typing in the phrase "Christmas in July" and you'll see the great deals to be had. 

BONUS Savings for MommyBlogExpert's Readers - June 30 - July 6 Only

It gets even better.  Just for the holiday weekend, Little Tikes is giving all their loyal customers (including this blog's readership) an extra 5% off including sale items. Just use the code: BANG at checkout to redeem the 5% savings (this excludes shipping and taxes), however many products come with Everyday Free Shipping.

 

FTC Disclosure:  This post contains affiliate links so if you make a purchase I'm able to receive a small commission at no extra cost to you.  See complete FTC Disclosure information that appears at the bottom of MommyBlogExpert's main page and at the bottom of every MBE post.

From the EvenFlo Savvy Parenting Video Series: Relishing the Little Moments

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Whether it's one at a time or four, parenting babies is never easy
With 4 kids born w/in a year, someone was always crying at our house

Vintage family photo, MommyBlogExpert.com

NEW EvenFlo Giveaway to be Announced Next Week!

As a mom of four, all born within a year including triplets, I once had four babies in diapers at the same time so my perspective is worth sharing with expectant young couples today.  Beginning in the last few months before my multiples were born, I remember both my obstetrician and perinatologist repeatedly telling me that I should enjoy it now because once those babies were born, my life would be forever changed.  

At the time, I hadn't a clue about what they were saying.  Hubbie and I soon found out how right those wise doctors and friends of ours who already had children were -- though -- when our babies arrived in triplicate.  

We were in a chronic state of semi-consciousness during that first year, for sure.  It's a good thing we took lots of Kodak moment photos of our children like the one below, because those first 12 months were a bit on the foggy side, to say the least.

Even when we just had our oldest son, Mom & Dad were always worn out

Vintage family photo, MommyBlogExpert.com

My kids are now 14 and 15 respectively -- born long before YouTube was even invented.  Definitely, today's parents and parents-to-be have a real advantage over the way we survived becoming a family back then.  So, my sage advice to the next generation of parents is that you should really take tap into all the resources that are now available for free, online.  A really good example is the inspiring and humorous YouTube shorts such as this one from the EvenFlo Savvy Parenting Video Series.  

If you are pregnant now or already have a baby, take a peek at this cute YouTube.  It'll make you smile and help you appreciate each other and your new and growing family a whole lot more.  Then come back to this post and leave a comment about the feelings this evokes in you.

About Evenflo

In addition to the very popular ExerSaucer line, Evenflo® helps solve life's little challenges through its expertly designed and tested range of feeding, carseat, gear, home safety and soft carrier products.  To view the complete collection of Evenflo products as well as a wide range of helpful advice resources on choosing a car seat and other safety topics, visit www.evenflo.com

Don't Miss Our Upcoming EvenFlo Giveaway!!!!
Be sure to subscribe to this blog now, so that you'll be the first to know when details about the EvenFlo giveaway are posted.  You'll be able to submit entries daily to win a prize package that every new parent will love, so you don't want to miss a single day of the contest period. 

Tell about your own baby experience, now.  When did you finally see the light as a new parent? What kind of advice do you have for new moms and dads to savor those special times?  Please share your memories as a comment  below.

FTC Disclosure:  I did not receive any payment or other compensation associated with this particular post.  See complete FTC Disclosure information that appears at the bottom of MommyBlogExpert's main page and at the bottom of every individual post on this blog, including this one.

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows-Part 2 Behind the Scenes CNN Tour w/ Larry King on July 10

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Movies

Larry King & Daniel Radcliffe on set of upcoming CNN Harry Potter Special

Image provided by CNN

Days before the last of the Harry Potter feature film series Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows - Part 2 is released in theaters worldwide, kids and adults will be treated to a unique one-hour special that includes never seen footage from the days leading up to the premiere.  A Larry King Special - Harry Potter: The Final Chapter is scheduled to air July 10 at 8 and 11 pm EST on CNN International.

The film, largely expected to be the movie to see this summer, concludes the most successful multiple film enterprise of all time.  Based on the best-selling seven book series by J.K. Rowling, the movies to date collectively have raked in $6 billion in ticket sales over the course of 10 years.

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows- Part 2 Official Movie Trailer from Warner Bros.

According to CNN, King has the first advance interviews with Harry Potter's leading cast members including Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson, Rupert Grint, Tom Felton, Helena Bonham Carter, and Robbie Coltrane.  This show will also provide watchers with a behind the scenes view including the making of the final movie through the eyes of the special effects team.

Those who watch the special will also get to see an extended preview clip of the never before scene film that will be shown only on the CNN program.  In addition, says CNN, "James and Oliver Phelps, who play the Weasley twins, take viewers on a tour of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter at the Universal Orlando Resort in Florida and interact with fans on the eve of the final Harry Potter movie."

Larry King of CNN Poses With Actual Wardrobe & Props from the Movie

Image Provided by CNN

Wendy Walker is executive producer of CNN's Larry King Specials including A Larry King Special - Harry Potter: The Final Chapter 

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows - Part 2, directed by David Yates, opens around the globe on July 15.  The film is distributed by Warner Bros. Pictures, A Warner Bros. Entertainment Company.  CNN Worldwide, a global news and information source, is a division of Turner Broadcasting System, Inc., a Time Warner Company.  

FTC Disclosure:  I did not receive any payment or other compensation associated with this post.  See complete FTC Disclosure information that appears at the bottom of MommyBlogExpert's main page and at the bottom of every individual post on this blog, including this one.

Dwell on Design Expo this Weekend Succeeds At Reaching Out to Families

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Family Home Lifestyle

Kid-size Furnishings and Toys to Try Out
iPhone Photo by Janis Brett Elspas, Mommyblogexpert.com

The annual Dwell on Design exhibition opened today at the Los Angeles Convention Center for a three-day run.  For sure, those that attend are in for a real feast of the eyes as some truly ultra modern design ideas from a range of large brands and local boutique businesses are on display. 

As I walked the floor I saw solutions for just about every room of the home represented.  From bathroom to kitchen to family and living rooms, to baby and kid-friendly toy rooms and bedrooms.  The show literally extends out into the backyard, too, with a variety of options for the patio and outdoor living.  

Something for Little Fido, Too
iPhone Photo by Janis Brett Elspas, MommyBlogExpert.com

From technology to art to functional appliances and fixtures for the home, if you like futuristic lifestyle aesthetics you'll love this event.  There are even a few animal habitats such as high tech chicken coops with real chickens inside and several rather extraordinary beds for pet dogs and cats for you to see.  Most vendors are taking orders from designers and do it your selfers and some have product on site for cash and carrying home.

Modern Family is a special area just for kids that's new this year that was curated by InHabitots.  This ties in with Dwell's July/August issue focusing on family-friendly design that goes on newsstands on June 28th.  
This Bike is Actually a Human-Powered, Working Spin Art Maker
iPhone Photo by Janis Brett Elspas, MommyBlogExpert.com

While parents look at the furnishings available for kids' rooms, the little ones have fun child-size furniture, blocks, and computers to keep them busy.  There's also some performance Heart Beat art and a bike-powered spin art booth to enhance your family's visit to the show.

This is a must-attend for Southern California families who will be (or are thinking about) remodeling their existing homes or will be building from the ground up. 

I look forward to returning again to this celebration of the modern lifestyle on Sunday.  Watch for future posts as I showcase some of my favorite family-friendly products and the companies behind them that I meet and learn about at this event.

FTC Disclosure:  MommyBlogExpert attended Dwell on Design today as a credentialed member of the media, however I did not receive any payment or other compensation associated with this post.  See complete FTC Disclosure information that appears at the bottom of MommyBlogExpert's main page and at the bottom of every individual post on this blog, including this one.    

Barely There No Slip Fit Bra by Hanes - Lingerie Review

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Intimate Fashion Review

I just love being a mommy blogger.  One of the best things of all that I truly appreciate is that I’ve had many opportunities to try and review big brands as well as boutique products that are either new on market and/or uniquely practical items that I may never have known about otherwise.

Such is the case with the Barely There No Slip Fit Bra that I received via a great mommy blogger’s social and professional network that I'm very active in called Mom Bloggers Club.

Barely There No Slip Fit Bra Website Screen Shot
iPhone Photo by Janis Brett Elspas, MommyBlogExpert.com

Over the years I’ve probably worn just about every major bra brand on the planet, but never found all things that I wished for in a single intimate garment.  Either the bra looked great, but the fit was poor or the bra felt wonderful but was a real fashion atrocity.  That is, until I tried on the Barely There No Slip Fit Bra for the first time that I received from Hanesbrands.

I’m a tag reader when it comes to shopping for clothes, whether in-store or online, so when this arrived in the mail I couldn’t find a tag sewn into the bra to check for how it should be washed and I sort of panicked.  Lo and behold, after a little sleuthing, I quickly learned on the product’s website that these bras are tagless on purpose: for comfort.  That makes a lot of sense, considering bras (along with panties and bathing suits) are among the few things girls and women wear directly against our bodies.

Barely There Care Tag is  Embedded into the Bra's Strap
iPhone Photo by Janis Brett Elspas, MommyBlogExpert.com

This may not be your  traditional tag but the Barely There bra I tried for this post actually had something a whole lot better – the brand had ingeniously printed the care instructions and universal symbols directly on the fabric back of the bra closure.

So you can rest assured that this bra not only has instructions that are actually built in to the garment with information about the fabric content, it is also easy to take care of: simply machine wash in warm water with like colors and line dry.  In fact, really pay attention to that last point which the manufacturer strongly recommends – line dry – because if you don’t, you could damage the elastic, causing this bra to lose its shape prematurely.

Now that I’ve been wearing this for about two months I’ve had enough of an opportunity to really test drive it.  I’ve worn it for all kinds of activities in all kinds of climates indoors and outside.  I’ve also washed it several times a week over during that time.

For sure, I now know first-hand why this style is called Barely There No Slip Fit, because that’s exactly what this bra feels like when you wear it.  First, one can easily forget that you are even wearing this, thanks to this garment’s brilliant styling and fabric composition that make it so form-fitting.  Second, to prevent any slippage this bra has tiny soft ridges under the straps in the shoulder area that you can barely feel with your finger tips yet you won’t notice them when you’re wearing this -- and guess what?  Just think of the prospects.  If you wear this you may never have to deal with slipping shoulder straps again.

Barely There No Slip Fit Bra in Taupe Worn by one of the Brand's Official Models
Image by Barely There Hanesbrands

Fit and function are equally important to us girls and women, right?  The Barely There designers have that covered, too, providing a special form that you can fill out on the website to make it easy to select the right bra. 

The Barely There No Slip Fit Bra is available in your choice of Underwire or Wirefree styles.  The Underwire type comes in sizes: 34-40 A, 34-40 B, 34-40 C, 34-40 D while the Wirefree style is available in sizes: 34-38 A, 34-40 B, 34-40 C, 34-38 D.

Choose from white, black, or soft taupe in either the Unwire or Wirefree No Slip Fit bra.  These retail for $33 and can be found in the lingerie section department stores such as Macy’s, Kohl's, and JC Penny as well as may be purchased online.

I only have a few comments about ways my overall experience with the Barely There No Slip Fit Bra would have been even better. For example, when I line dried this indoors overnight it took more than 10 hours to dry out completely because of the fabric so it was still damp when I put it on in the morning to go to a mommy blogging event today. Second, the No Slip Bra only is available in three shades and I really wish that these were available in some colors and prints too like some of the other bras the brand carries.

Barely There Display Wall at a Macys Store in Los Angeles

iPhone Photo by Janis Brett Elspas, MommyBlogExpert.com

The No Slip style bra is only one of the line’s products that are available.  Other Barely There items, based on the same principles of beauty, comfort, and function, include additional styles of bras plus panties and shapewear that are all ruffle, wrinkle, crinkle, line, tag and seam free.  For sure, the Barely There No Slip Fit beats having to wear a bra made of duck tape, LOL!

Check out the site BarelyThere.com to read more about this innovative product line.


Would love to hear from readers who try any products from the Barely There collection so feel free to leave a comment and share your own experiences.

FTC Disclosure:  I received the Barely There No Slip Fit Bra from Hanesbrands via Mom Bloggers Club to facilitate this review.  MommyBlogExpert did not receive any payment or other compensation associated with this post.  See complete FTC Disclosure information that appears at the bottom of MommyBlogExpert's main page and at the bottom of every individual post on this blog, including this one.   

The Wiggles Big Birthday Kids Concert Tour

Family Concert, Giveaway

The Wiggles Birthday North American Tour Has Begun

Kids love The Wiggles and once parents see them performing you'll understand why. Read on to learn about The Wiggles Big Birthday Tour.

The Wiggles Big Birthday! Concert Tour Celebration

Sam (Yellow), Murray (Red), Jeff (Purple) and Anthony (Blue)

MBE partnered with The Wiggles for this post

My kids are teens now (triplets plus one more all born within a year) but when they were all toddlers they just loved The Wiggles. 

Not only did they watch this nattily dressed and talented group of wholesome singer-dancers on TV but we also owned many of their videos, CDs, DVDs, and assorted licensed merchandise.

The group's official website says it concisely, "The Wiggles is an Australian success story that cuts across all demographics and has now  spread across the world stage."

So, I was really excited when I was approached about giving away a family pack of tickets to see and hear the internationally famed The Wiggles live and in concert.  Though my own children never had the opportunity to see them perform in person when they were young,  I know I'll be so happy for the family who wins this great prize package.

As if that isn't exciting enough, we're also giving away a wonderful assortment of 4 additional prizes so that even more kids and their parents will be excited about The Wiggles Big Birthday! celebration this July.

More Info/Buy tickets for The Wiggles performance at The Palace Below

The Wiggles 
GIVEAWAY

5 Winners - Enter Up to 3 Times Daily

Ends 7/22/11 

Grand Prize

FOUR Tickets to The Wiggles Concert

July 29, 2011 at The Palace, Auburn Hills, MI 

 Other The Wiggles Prizes Up for Grabs*

• Sing a Song of Wiggles CD (Runner Up Prize - 1 Winner)
• Dorothy the Dinosaur Book & Costume Tail (Runner Up Prize - 1 Winner)
• Wiggles Light Wand (Runner Up Prize - 1 Winner)
• The Wiggles Water Bottle (Runner Up Prize - Winner)
• The Wiggles T-shirt (Runner Up Prize - 1 Winner)

*Prizes may differ slightly, depending on availability

How to Enter

Leave one or more comments below this post.   Contest ends July 22, 2011 at 12 midnite PST and is open to legal residents of the U.S. only.

For the Required (Mandatory) Entry

Simply leave a comment below this blogpost with your email address, Facebook or Twitter contact info so we may contact the winner.   In the event that you are one of the winners, MommyBlogExpert will contact you for your shipping address. 

For Additional Chances to Win

Get extra entries for following Mommy Blog Expert and/or The Palace on Twitter and/or Facebook. Remember: Be sure to return to MommyBlogExpert to leave an additional comment after each individual action you do to confirm them so we can record all your extra chances to win.

EXTRA Chances to WIN Include 
Following @MommyBlogExpert (1 or 2 extra entries)

On Twitter

On Facebook
 

Following @ThePalace (1 or 2 extra entries)

On Twitter

On Facebook

In ADDITION to doing any or all of the extra entries above, you can earn one extra entry each time you Tweet the message exactly in the paragraph immediately below (limit 3 separate tweets for 3 extra entries per day). 

The Wiggles Concert GIVEAWAY - Win Tickets + Prizes http://tinyurl.com/3wyk63t #contest #kids #family #summer #concert #music RT 2 #WIN

Don't forget to return to this page and leave a comment on this post with the direct link to right after every Tweet you do so you'll receive an entry for all your RTs.

About The Wiggles
The Australian music group The Wiggles has been a global sensation with kids for 20 years.  Additional information about the 31-city 2011 U.S. Tour is available on The Wiggles site's Tours & Events page.

FTC Disclosure: The Palace of Auburn Hills, MI has provided The Wiggles tickets and all the prizes for this giveaway.  MommyBlogExpert did not receive any payment associated with this post. See complete FTC Disclosure information that appears at the bottom of MommyBlogExpert's main page and at the bottom of every individual post on this blog, including this one.

Wilson La Divine Womens Capri Pant - Comfort & Function for Everything from Tennis to Dog Walks

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Product Review

Image Provided by
Wilson Racquet Sports

When I was invited to participate in several different Wilson Racquet Sports social media projects this spring -- including an apparel review and being tapped for the Wilson Pro Tennis Clinic Team at the SheCon 11 women blogger conference  in Miami --  I couldn't be more stoked.

You see, my first love in life was not a boy in junior high like some other girls my age.  Instead it was tennis, a sport that I've been passionate about (though only playing occasionally in recent years) ever since I first picked up a racquet in 7th grade.  In fact, the first tennis equipment I ever owned were all Wilson products from the late 1960s: the Stan Smith and Chris Evert Racquets and the brand's tennis balls.

The 2011 Wilson Racquet I used at Brickwell Tennis Club, Miami
iPhone Photo by Janis Brett Elspas, MommyBlogExpert.com

Be on the lookout for more about vintage and new Wilson racquets as well as a variety of other Wilson products I've used over the years in future stories on this blog.  This post, though, is a review about the Wilson Racquet Sports line of tennis apparel  -- in particular the Wilson La Divine Capri Pant for women -- that the Chicago, Illinois company sent me in May to wear and write about.

Yes, in case you're curious, I'm one of those relics who once played tennis as a U.S. Lawn & Tennis Association member (the USLTA is today known as the USTA).  From the first time I tried this lady's 2011 capri on, I appreciated not only the comfort it afforded, but also how these made me feel more positively about my 50+ year-old silhouette.   That's not even to mention how functional I found these to be, moving with a range of body motions both on the court and off.  
I love wearing the La Divine Capri for walking little Dexter, too, at home in L.A.
iPhone Photo by son of MommyBlogExpert.com

So far, in addition to playing tennis, I've worn this comfy and sporty Wilson apparel item for dog walking and cycling.  Seeing that these are so potentially versatile, I also hope to try the capri out for yoga and hiking this summer.  And, as a side-mention, I also love to snow ski.  So -- based on the quality of my experience with their tennis wear -- if Wilson were ever to expand into the winter ski pants business, I'd be the first customer in line to buy a pair.

Working on my backhand at the Wilson Pro Tennis Clinic, Miami
Photo by  Cy Dofitas, U.S. Promotions Coordinator, Wilson Racquet Sports

Now, let's get back to tennis as I share a first-hand report of what wearing the La Divine Capri was like while playing tennis at the hosted Wilson Pro Women's Tennis Clinic at Brickwell Tennis Club in Miami.  Before this, I'd always worn completely white on court -- though colors and even black are perfectly d' rigueur these days.  

Wearing this piece of Wilson apparel was particularly remarkable for me -- it's important to point out -- because it was the first time ever that I've worn black for tennis.  It is also a really amazing story, considering that this clinic took place mid day in May and it was quite hot and humid in South Florida.  Even still, I felt really comfortable the entire time we were on the club's clay courts. 
My Wilson Pro Clinic court partner, also wearing the La Divine Capri, Miami
iPhone Photo by Janis Brett Elspas, MommyBlogExpert.com

By digging a bit into the company's literature and looking closely at the tag that came with this capri pant, I learned the reasons why this product's performance lives up to its claims.  For sure, the Wilson capri's sleek design and styling combined with the premium, technologically advanced lightweight and breathable fabric with which they are constructed really did allow for adequate moisture wicking.
La Divine Capri product tag indicating protection against heat, moisture, and bacteria buildup

Photo by Janis Brett Elspas, MommyBlogExpert.com

About the La Divine Capri 
This capri length compression pant, composed of Poly/8% Spandex, features a back mesh yoke and storage pockets for balls.  Designed with a mesh gusset at crotch, they come in black with pool blue contrast color inset detail on sides at hem.  Available in women sizes extra small through extra large. Buy online and in-store nationwide.  List price $35

Close-up of Wilson La Davine Capri Pant w/ pool blue inset stripe at hem

Image provided by Wilson

About Wilson's Women's Spring 2011 Line
The 2011 Wilson women's footwear and apparel line definitely includes white and black, but also darker colors like pool blue and royal purple.   The La Divine collection features the capri pant I reviewed, as well tank, dress, and skirt styles.
Image provided by Wilson

About Wilson Racquet Sports
Wilson Racquet Sports is a division of Chicago-based Wilson Sporting Goods which is owned by Amer Sports.  The company is one of the world's leading manufacturers of technologically advanced sports equipment for a range of categories including: football, basketball, baseball, volleyball, soccer, youth sports, uniforms and apparel, golf, footwear and racquet sports -- including tennis, racquetball, squash, badminton and platform tennis. 

Vintage Wilson Mustang Tennis Racquet
iPhone Photo by Janis Brett Elspas, MommyBlogExpert.com
 
More Blog Posts on Family Tennis Coming Soon!

• How to Get Your Kids Into Tennis
• Vintage Tennis History and Equipment
• Brickwell Tennis Club Clinic & Fall Women's Camp
• Tennis Shoe and Racquet Review 
• My Story: Returning to Regular Tennis Play After Age 50

FTC Disclosure:  I received the capri pant from Wilson to facilitate this review.  In addition, I received the brand's tennis visor for participating in the court action at the Pro Women's Tennis Clinic hosted by Wilson at Brickwell Tennis Club in conjunction with SheCon in Miami.  However, MommyBlogExpert did not receive any payment or other compensation associated with this post.  See complete FTC Disclosure information that appears at the bottom of MommyBlogExpert's main page and at the bottom of every individual post on this blog, including this one.   

Judy Moody Not Bummer Summer Movie Review

Movies

A scene from the movie

MBE partnered with the Judy Moody Movie, Post contains affiliate links

A Film Delivering Antics for Kids, Values for Moms and Dads

Prologue

My 13 year-old girls and I had the thrill of meeting and talking with Judy Moody kids books author Megan McDonald and the kid stars of the movie Judy Moody and the Not Bummer Summer last month during an exclusive interview at the Los Angeles Times Festival of Books.  As a matter of fact, you may enjoy reading about this Judy Moody Movie behind the scenes experience.

My daughters (standing) with author Megan McDonald and the kid stars of the film...

MommyBlogExpert.com

Just over a week ago, prior to the national release on June 10 of the feature film, we were also invited to an advance screening.  This was followed by a Judy Moody movie special promotional event with talent present at The Grove in Los Angeles.

Movie Review

What do a Magic 8 Ball, Venus Flytrap, and mood ring have in common?  All three are family-friendly, old-fashioned amusements children have loved for generations, myself and my own family included.

Certainly -- if you or your kids have already read the best-selling Judy Moody series by author Megan McDonald that has sold 14 million copies translated into 23 languages -- you'll immediately recognize these eclectic entertainment devices from different books in that collection, too.

Jaws, the Venus Flytrap's page in the new book Judy Moody Goes to Hollywood...

MommyBlogExpert.com

Even youngsters who haven't read any of the original Judy Moody books probably will want to devour them all.  That is, after they see how the new movie Judy Moody and the Not Bummer Summer -- based on the uber popular series and brought to the big screen for the first time -- weaves this trio of fun props into the dialogue and non-stop antics.  All while telling a perfectly hilarious and funny "what I did last summer vacation" story through a series of silly mishaps as experienced through the eyes of third grader Judy Moody.   

A bit of trivia:  newcomer actress Jordana Beatty, who plays the title role hails from Australia in real-life, was a 12 year-old middle school student when the feature film was shot last year.

Lt to Rt: Camryn Magness, Jordana Beatty, Megan McDonald

Signing autographs for fans at the pre-release event at The Grove, Los Angeles

MommyBlogExpert.com

This movie from Relativity Media also features the singing of Camryn Magness, daughter of husband-wife producer team Gary Magness and Sarah Siegel-Magness.  According to the picture's production notes, the 11 year-old performer is due to release her debut single and first album in a few months. 

The film is set in the fictional town of Frog Neck Lake, Virginia, of all places.  Surprisingly, though, the entire movie was actually shot in Southern California, in South Pasadena, Magic Mountain in Valencia, San Pedro, and the beaches of Oxnard, among other locations in the region.  Nevertheless, Judy Moody's filmmakers pulled off the authentic feel of the story's scripted setting with great finesse considering the small budget of the less than $20 million they had to work with. 

Another piece of trivia worth sharing.  This is truly a family-friendly, home-grown in California project.  That's because according to the movie's director, John Schultz, all elements of the production process -- down to the Los Angeles-based 80-piece orchestra that was hired to record the score's music -- were kept local intentionally.   This made it possible for Schultz, a family man, to remain physically close to his family, including his wife and new baby, during the shooting.  It also allowed the majority of others who worked on this film to remain close to home.

With all these positive family attributes, I wouldn't be a good mother if I didn't at least mention to parents that this movie is rated PG because it includes some mild rude language and humor.  So, in case you were wondering, there is a barfing scene on a roller coaster, a poop picnic sequence, and Judy's pesky little brother (played by Parris Mosteller), collecting dodo for evidence as he hunts for the mythical Big Foot during the film.

There's also a smattering of four letter words used here and there, such as poop, scat, dung, and dodo, with the worst word of all being c-r-a-p.  I can't say more than that though because I wouldn't want to spoil all the fun of the film for you before you see it. 

Though some may find this language and action offensive, a lot of us have been (or will soon be going through) that phase when our kids get the giggles from talking about bodily functions incessantly.  Suffice it to say, I personally don't believe this is a big deal and I think most kids (especially the 7-10 year-old set) will really relate to the array of light potty-related shenanigans.

On a more serious note, parents will likely be pleased with the many old-fashioned values this movie espouses in such an entertaining format.  Here you have Judy, a kid who's friends are leaving town to go to lavish and expensive places like Circus Camp and Bora Bora for their summer vacations.  Judy is disappointed at first, but then her artsy, free-spirited Bohemian Aunt Opal, played by actress Heather Graham, arrives on the scene.

Judy Moody Theme Cupcakes at the Los Angeles launch event...
  

MommyBlogExpert.com

Together with this long-lost relative that she hasn't seen since she was a baby, little brother Stink, and the other unfortunate friend who got stuck staying home, Judy grabs the rhinoceros by the horns -- so to speak -- to cobble together her own really fun summer vacation at home by creating a game that rewards with thrill points.

Reminds me of my own old-fashioned small town upbringing of the 1960s.  Back then, the norm was that kids didn't go away to pricey sleep away summer camps or luxury trips abroad with their parents.  Instead, not unlike Judy Moody, we were left to our own devices to create our own fun relying primarily on simple materials that we'd find in the garage or backyard.

Official Judy Moody Movie Poster

MommyBlogExpert.com

From the wacky opening of this movie, to the confetti-laden last day of school scene, to the search for Big Foot, to the Old King Kold Ice Cream truck's daily appearances in the neighborhood, there's something everyone -- young and old -- can relate to.  Add to that the comical performances of this relatively unknown cast of mostly young actors, the carefully-orchestrated colorful wardrobes and sets, and all the hilarious scenes you'll see throughout this movie.  

Judy Moody and the Not Bummer Summer movie and book are definitely inspiring ways to jump start a creative staycation adventure, to kick off an unforgettable, thrill-a-delic summer for your kids like none other.

Epilogue

Judy Moody and the Not Bummer Summer has spawned not one but five different books from Candlewick Press related to the film that are now available (with a sixth to be released in July).  Watch future posts on this blog reviewing these great new titles soon!

New Judy Moody Books from Candlewick Press based on the movie...

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When you think of an old-fashioned summer for kids, what kinds of fun ideas does it evoke? What did you do to entertain yourself when you were a child? How about your kids:  What will they be doing this summer?  Please share. 

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Wild Rivers Family Friendly Waterpark Summer GIVEAWAY Spectacular - Ends July 5

Family Giveaway

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Family Fun at Wild Rivers Waterpark

Image Provided by Discounts4Fun

WILD RIVERS

Family Ticket Package
GIVEAWAY
Ends July 5 , 2011

One LUCKY Family 
WINS this Entire Prize Pack

• 4 Tickets to Wild Rivers Waterpark in Irvine, in Southern California
• Total prize valued at almost $140
• No restrictions or black out dates
• Tickets good until end of season 9/25/11

Picture Your Kids Here at Wild Rivers

Image provided by Discounts4fun

HOW TO ENTER

Leave one or more comments below this post.   Contest ends July 5, 2011 at 12 midnite PST and is open to legal residents of the U.S. only.

For the Required (Mandatory) Entry

Simply leave a comment below this blogpost with your email address, Facebook or Twitter contact info so we may contact the winner.   In the event that you are the lucky one, MommyBlogExpert will contact you for your shipping address. 

For Additional Chances to Win

Get extra entries for following MommyBlogExpert and/or Discounts4Fun on Twitter and/or Facebook and for subscribing to this blog.  Remember: Be sure to return to MommyBlogExpert to leave an additional comment after each individual action you do to confirm them so we can record all your extra chances to win.

EXTRA Chances to WIN Include 
Following MommyBlogExpert (1 or 2 extra entries)

On Twitter

On Facebook
 

Following Discounts4fun (1 or 2 extra entries)

On Twitter

On Facebook  


Subscribing to MommyBlogExpert's blog (1 extra entry) - Go to right column to sign up  
  

In ADDITION to doing any or all of the extra entries above, you can earn one extra entry each time you Tweet the message exactly in the paragraph immediately below (limit 3 separate tweets for 3 extra entries per day). 

Wild Rivers FAMILY GIVEAWAY http://tinyurl.com/3z7aar3 @discounts4fun #kids #family #summer #themepark #waterpark RT 2 #WIN

Don't forget to return to leave a comment on this post with the direct link to right after every Tweet you do so you'll receive an entry for all your RTs.

Don't miss special discount code for everyone below to save on a wide range of theme and water parks

 

About Discounts4fun.com

This site offers deals and discounts to some of the hottest theme parks around.  Among these are: Wild Rivers, Knott's Berry Farm, Soak City, LA Galaxy and California's Great Adventure, as well as others including Whale Watching.  Save when ordering tickets online with this SPECIAL DISCOUNT CODE.

FTC Disclosure: Discounts4fun.com has provided the Wild Rivers tickets for this giveaway.  In addition, I will receive Whale Watching tickets for my family in exchange for hosting this contest.  However, MommyBlogExpert did not receive any payment associated with this post. See complete FTC Disclosure information that appears at the bottom of MommyBlogExpert's main page and at the bottom of every individual post on this blog, including this one.