Busy Mom Reviews

The Rocketfish Twister Laser Mouse is a low profile laser mouse that's easy to carry in any laptop bag. It's about the size of a deck of cards, and, it goes from being flat and portable, to a traditional mouse shape with a simple twist.

It connects easily through Windows plug and play technology, and, also comes with software you can install to configure the buttons to your specifications. It installed easily, and, was simple to figure out.

I'm not terribly picky about mouse buttons, so, the four were plenty for me.

Other features:

-2.4GHz wireless optical mouse with four buttons
-Supports Windows 98, 2000, ME, XP and Vista; Mac compatible; USB connection
-Requires 2 AAA batteries (included); also includes power save function
-Connects via a small USB receiver that fits inside the mouse

It's precise, was easily detected by my computer, lightweight, and, even comes with a nifty foam case to protect it when you're on the go.

The only con, like many reviews have identified, is that it's low profile isn't as ergonomic as it could be, I'm used to a more curved, palm-shaped mouse.

But, it's still a great choice for a portable, wireless mouse, and, I really like it.

It retails for $44.99 at Best Buy.

Metamucil Powder has a new Berry Burst flavor.

Did you know it's also a good way to help lower your cholesterol?

Metamucil Berry Burst is easily mixed into 8 oz. of water, and, it tastes good, not at all gritty or medicine-y.

Metamucil also makes clear mixing fiber supplement, called Fiber-Sure.

It can be mixed with a liquid, or, added to your favorite foods to add fiber. There are even recipes on the site that you can use for cooking and baking.

Like the Berry Burst, it mixes easily, and, didn't have a gritty texture, or, a medicine-y taste.

Though it's usually best to get fiber through healthy foods, Fiber-Sure is a great way to add some extra fiber needed to follow weight control plans such as Weight Watchers.

Get a free sample here.

Try both of these soon, and, you'll see that Metamucil is about much more than what you were thinking when you read the title of the review.

Bounty Select-a-Size paper towels are the same quicker picker upper" towels you know, and love, but, now they're perforated into smaller sizes so you can get just the size you need for smaller messes.

Bounty is also sponsoring the One Sheet Challenge, where you can win a $30,000 kitchen makeover by:

* Step 1: Put one sheet of new best-ever Bounty to the test on a tough household mess.

* Step 2: Share the dirty details—the more descriptive, the better. Then, tell us how one sheet cleaned up when put through the wringer.

* Step 3: Be one of the first 50,000 to submit a story, and you'll receive a $1-off coupon for new and improved Bounty.

See official rules, and, hurry, entries must be received by 12:00 PM (noon) (EST) on 6/30/07.

Sweetleaf Baby is a new bath and Body Collection from Thymes, a manufacturer of bath and body, home care, and, home fragrances.

I received a sample of the Baby Wash and Shampoo and the Instant Hand Cleaner, both packaged in a lovely wooden, slide top box.

The Thymes company prides itself on attention to detail, and, wonderful fragrances, and, these products are no exception.

The Sweetleaf Baby Collection is a calming blend of lavender, chamomile, and, honey that is dermatologist tested, and, formulated for sensitive skin. The Baby Wash and Shampoo is tear free.

Both of the products I tried smell wonderful, and, indeed the Baby Wash and Shampoo was tear free and gentle. My youngest has very sensitive skin, and, it didn't irritate it all.

Incidentally, the labels on the products are very pretty, and, would look nice out on the shelf in the nursery.

Other products in the line include lotion, bar soap, diaper balm, blanket wash, and, nursery mist.

Any of them would make a great baby shower gift, or, a treat for your baby.

Check these and all the other products at Thymes.com.

Have you heard about the Busy Body Book Personal and Family Organizers?

The Busy Body Book's Weekly GRID format will keep anyone's busy schedule organized. There are 5 columns that allow you to schedule 5 family members or activities all on the same page.

I received the sturdy polka dot patterned one for review, along with the 7 Column Weekly Fridge Grid Pad, which I love, because all of our scheduling begins on the fridge. The pad has plenty of room to write on it, and, has secure magnets.

The Busy Body Book also feature monthly planners, months at a glance, removable shopping lists, and, plenty of room for notes.

There are several cover designs to choose from, and, they are available in an August to August (school year) format, or, a traditional January-December format.

These planners would be good for a student, for tracking exercise, for work, or, for a busy parent.

The Busy Body Book Personal and Family Organizer is $16.95 plus shipping, and, the Fridge Pad is $11.95 plus shipping.

Just in time for Father's Day, The Rolling Stones and Best Buy are joining forces to release, The Biggest Bang, a four-DVD set featuring seven hours of content including two full length concerts, two behind-the-scenes documentaries and classic favorites such as, “Honky Tonk Women,” “Sympathy for the Devil,” and “Satisfaction.”

The Biggest Bang offers fans an all access pass including a behind-the-scenes look from the Rolling Stones’ recent tour, A Bigger Bang – the biggest selling concert tour of all time.

Additionally, the DVD set features full length concerts from the Rolling Stones historic show on Rio de Janeiro’s famed Copacabana Beach, which was attended by two million concert goers, and a concert in Austin, Texas - a highlight of the U.S. tour.

The Biggest Bang is loaded with rare songs and music. It includes duets with artists including Dave Matthews, Bonnie Raitt and Eddie Vedder. There are also never-released tracks including “Get Up, Stand Up” and “Mr. Pitiful,” from a 2005 performance in Toronto.

The Biggest Bang features over 55 songs (heh, I thought all the songs were "over 55". Kidding,) and footage from around the world, including concerts in Argentina, Japan and China.

The Biggest Bang will be available starting June 12 for $29.99 exclusively at all Best Buy stores in the United States and at online at BestBuy.com.

A new report of 3,000 U.S. moms reveals that although most (76 percent) agree it's just as important for mothers to take care of themselves as their families, nearly eight in ten moms don't do enough.

One of the biggest things falling by the wayside is her sense of feeling and looking beautiful.

A whopping 84 percent admit they've let their appearance slide since becoming a mom and that taking care of their appearance has become more of a wish than a reality.

So, can motherhood and womanhood co-exist?

Suave asked some bloggers (including me!) to share tips on motherhood. Go check them out!

The fourth annual Junie B. Jones Stupid Smelly Bus Tour is a national tour that brings everyone's favorite first grader, June B. Jones to life through a live theatrical performance.

Junie, and, her faithful bus driver, Mr. Woo (not this one) are traveling around the country in a bright pink "Stupid Smelly" school bus until mid- July.

The events are free, and, are recommended for children ages 5 and up.

Make plans now to see Junie if she's coming to your town!

Jamie Whitfield is a working mom right in the middle of Park Avenue society.

Though she married into the money and prestige, she is really a Mid-Western girl at heart who is trying to deal with her 9 year old son who needs a male role model because her high powered, self-absorbed workaholic, attorney husband is gone all the time.

Her own job as a television producer is busier than ever, so, when she sees Peter Bailey, a 29 year old who has a gift for working with children, she hires him to be the "manny", to care for and be a father figure to her son, Dylan.

Peter is young, good looking, and, down to earth, and, quickly connects with Dylan while seeing straight through the Park Avenue pretenses, and, reminding Jamie, that despite her protests to the contrary, that she's not "one of them".

Find out what happens when they become attracted to each other, and, he reminds Jamie of the important things in life, and, her marriage and family.

The Manny, by Holly Petersen, is a great look with vivid detail at the ways of New York's Upper East Side society, and, raising children in the midst of conspicuous consumption.

It's an engaging read, with humor, heartbreak, and, suspense, I really liked it.

The Manny will be released on June 19th, reserve one now for your summer vacation, or, for heading to the pool.

You can thank me later!

Bridge to Terabithia is now on DVD!

Walt Disney Home Entertainment has released the faithful adaptation of Katherine Paterson’s Newbery Award-winning novel, Bridge to Terabithia, a heartwarming tale of kids who stumble upon the fantasy kingdom Terabithia, where they face the challenges of childhood and learn that friendship is life’s one true reward.

The fantasy-filled family drama stars AnnaSophia Robb (Charlie & the Chocolate Factory, The Reaping), Josh Hutcherson (RV, Zathura), Zoey Deschanel (Elf, Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy) and Robert Patrick (We Are Marshall, ‘The Unit’ and of course, T2).

My kids love this, even Busy Boy, who's not a voracious reader loved the book, and, has watched this one several times.

Be warned, though, there are a couple of parts that might be too much for sensitive kids.

The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh (The Friendship Edition) is out on DVD.

It collects the digitally remastered three classics that started the Pooh tradition with his freinds: “Honey Tree, “Blustery Day” (1969 Best Animated Short Film Academy Award® winner), and, Tigger’s first on-screen appearance in “Winnie the Pooh with Tigger, Too.”

There's also bonus material, both new and old for Winnie the Pooh fans of all ages.

The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh (The Friendship Edition) is $29.99 and runs 74 minutes.

See a clip here!

The Febreze Candle combines a classic method of scenting the home with the odor-eliminating technology of Febreze and has a unique odor-eliminating core, leaving behind the Febreze scent while getting rid of odors.

Available in July, 2007, it will come in five scents:

-Meadows & Rain
-Spring & Renewal
-Linen & Sky
-Vanilla & Refresh
-Apple Spice & Delight

I was sent the Apple Spice & Delight for review, and, I'm not all that wild about candles, most of them smell funny to me, or, they are too strong. But, I'm really liking this one

It's a large size, and, comes in a clear glass votive holder, and, has up to 30 hours burn time.

It was easy to light, and, I'm almost embarrassed to tell you how we tried it out.

There's a terrible smell in the kitchen, we think something may have died under the house, but, we can't figure out where it is. The smell crops up now and again, and, we had guests coming, so, we lit the candle, and, it really helped without being too overpowering.

You can definitely smell it, but, it creates a warm atmosphere that will be especially welcome in the fall weather.

The suggested retail price is $6.99-$7.99

NEW! Be sure to visit Miley Maniac.com!

Hannah Montana-Pop Star Profile was released on DVD by Walt Disney Home Entertainment this week!

Miley Cyrus even did a free concert in Los Angeles to celebrate, check out the pictures here.

We love Hannah Montana around here, and, were excited to get the DVD.

This four-episode story arc is the latest collection to release on DVD from the incredibly popular Disney Channel original series.

It also has bonus features: The Real Miley Cyrus, and, "Nobody’s Perfect" a concert performance of one of Hannah’s new songs, from the upcoming second season of the hit series.

See a clip here, and, get yours today for the Disney Channel and Hannah Montana fan in your life!

High School Musical, The Concert - Extreme Access Pass is now available on DVD!

The cast of High School Musical (minus Zac Efron) embarked on a North American tour in 2006-2007 to promote High School Musical, and, High School Musical 2 coming in August, 2007 (squee!).

It's not a stage version of the musical, but, they perform their musical numbers, and, the dancing that made them famous.

High School Musical: The Concert Extreme Access Pass DVD features multi-talented young stars (in alphabetical order)—Corbin Bleu (“Chad”), Monique Coleman (“Taylor”), Lucas Grabeel (“Ryan”), Vanessa Hudgens (“Gabriella”), and Ashley Tisdale (“Sharpay”) joined by the Emmy Award-nominated singer/songwriter Drew Seeley, who co-wrote the hit "Get'cha Head in the Game".