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


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...


MommyBlogExpert.com

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. 

Mommy Blog Expert is an Amazon Affiliate and receives a small bit of compensation when you make a purchase on Amazon, at no extra cost to you.

FTC Disclosure: MBE partnered with the Judy Moody Not Bummer Summer movie to facilitate coverage. 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.  

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

Family Giveaway



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 Facebook
 
Following Discounts4fun (1 or 2 extra entries)
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

 
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.

Cube Dog Review - A New FREE Downloadable Virtual Pet App for iPhone & iPod Touch



Thank you to Cube Dog for sponsoring this review. For more information about Cube Dog please visit the Facebook page or download it on iTunes.


Family iPhone & iPod Apps



Like other Baby Boomers who can ever forget the Pet Rock craze of the 70s?  Now there's a new trending pet toy of the hi tech variety for 2011 that I think -- if my own kids' experience with this is any indication -- might also be a big hit with the younger generation. 

It's called Cube Dog, a fun, free new family-friendly game that was just released.  With this app, both kids and kid-like adults can easily and quickly design their own unique 3D virtual dog pet.  After you've created your very own little animal, you can take it anywhere to play with you on your mobile device (even to places where regular dogs aren't allowed).

The app includes really cool features like being able to take a snapshot of your virtual pet with the camera on your iPhone and then sharing it with your friends and family via email.  Plus, Cube Dogs can do everything from sit, walk, play chase, and fetch a bone to playing a ball game.

Cube Dog runs on
  • iPhone 3GS
  • iPhone 4
  • iPod Touch 3rd generation
  • iPod Touch 4th generation
** requires iOS 4.0 or higher

The Cube Dog app is a snap to play with.  After we downloaded this no-cost app to my iPhone 3GS, my 14 year-old triplet son was able to create his own new virtual pup in just 10 minutes.


"It's so cute and fun because you can get your doggy to sit like a real pet, " he says.  "Once you set it up with the free body parts they give you,  there are three different extra packs of things you can then buy for 99 cents each as add-ons.  These include additional animations like dog movements and tricks, facial expressions, and fun accessories like dog clothes and toys."


Watch for a fun contest on 
Cube Dog's Facebook page  running June 6-13

Another Cube Dog that my son superimposed with this App
Pictured with our real life dog, Dexter
iPhone Photo by Janis Brett Elspas, MommyBlogExpert.com

Though the Cube Dog app itself doesn't really live and breath, it is a fun and entertaining way for those who can't have an actual pet in real life.  The fact that kids don't have to feed, water, or walk this little guy to keep him happy and healthy is definitely a plus.  Moms and dads will be especially thrilled about this maintenance-free pet puppy, since for once we won't get stuck with scooping the poop like we seem to end up doing in the real world.

Watch this video to learn more


While Cube Dog provided me with the app to review, the opinions I've expressed here are solely my own and represent my honest viewpoint.  Cube Dog, Clever Girls Collective and I promote Blog With Integrity.

FTC Disclosure:  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. 

A Better World Seeks Women With & Without Kids for $50 Sponsored Post Opp - Apply by 6/9/11



Sponsored Blogpost Opportunity

If you're a regular reader of Mommy Blog Expert you may already know that in May I wrote about my early experience with A Better World.  This is a new Facebook-based game that just officially launched a couple of weeks back that's already becoming extremely popular, especially among women and moms. 

Unlike any other I've seen, this game gives you and the other members of its playing community the opportunity to earn virtual prizes when you do acts of kindness, show gratitude, or do other kinds of good in the real world.

As a Brand Ambassador I'm excited to be working with ToonUps, the developer of this game, in search of up to 100 women and mom bloggers to review and write a compensated blogpost about their own takes on A Better World. 

Earn $50 for Writing a Post About This Game
If your blog is selected for this opportunity to publish a post about your experience with A Better World, you will receive a confirmation email on Monday, June 13, 2011 with full details on getting started.  To be eligible, your post will need to go live between Monday, June 20, 2011 and Thursday, June 30, 2011.  ToonUps, creator of the A Better World game, will send a $50 Target Gift Card to each selected blogger that completes all the outlined requirements for this project.

HURRY
Deadline is Thursday, June 9, 2011 to Apply

To be considered, complete THIS FORM now

FTC Disclosure: I disclose that I am an actual playing member of the game mentioned in this post.  I am also a Mom Brand Ambassador for A Better World which was developed by ToonUps.   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.