"Make a Discovery: Songs for Kids" Album Review

I am pleased to tell you of a new children's album that is completely free to download!  It is called "Make a Discovery: Songs for Kids" by Marcie.  It includes all of the following original tracks:

All pertinent information including a download link can be found here.

As a singer/songwriter, Marcie has  made a name for herself in the dance music scene with Top 10 releases worldwide. With a degree in psychology, Marcie has spent a decade working as a nanny, camp counselor, tutor, and children’s musical choreographer. Marcie is currently pursuing a master’s in elementary education.

 Make A Discovery (Songs for kids) is Marcie’s full length album geared for healthy child development. The album was initially funded through Kickstarter, and as thanks to fans all around the world, the complete album (20 songs) is offeredfree for all! Picture ebook included.

All music on the album is pleasant-sounding and easy to understand.  Children will love being able to hear songs that teach them about topics they know, understand, to which they can relate.  I love the fact that there is a nice piano background with these songs, and there is nothing inappropriate about them.  My daughter is too old for these songs, but these would be perfect for preschool, kindergarten, and early elementary.  I can certainly see the influence of the music education degree--since I myself am a music educator myself.  

So don't delay!  Download today!

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

Melissa Green "Sing Loud" CD Review

Have you ever heard of Melissa Green?  I will admit that until I was asked to review her CD "Sing Loud," I was not aware of her talent.

Melissa Green first began singing with the students worked at her nursery school back in 2003.  She truly enjoyed the kids, and the school encouraged her to learn to play the guitar. Before long, she became the music and movement specialist. As her students continued to encourage her, she wrote music.  She began working with her friend/producer. Bruce Lawrence, and that is how her recording career  began.  She now lives in L.A., and she continues to teach private music classes.  She also tours the country.  She has a cat named Cozmo, and her favorite foods are pizza, cookies, and milk.  She would rather hang out in the kitchen than just about anywhere else.

I absolutely loved her CD!  I realize that it is written to appeal to kids, but I actually found myself enjoying it as well.  I think its strength is that it has a beat and is still kid-appropriate.  I can't tell you how many times I turn on the radio, and I am almost ashamed for my daughter to hear the music that is playing.  This is one of those "safe" CD's.  This is her fourth CD, and my favorite song is track #10 we got the beat.  This song features Brooke Shields (I kind of remember her when I was growing up).  The reason I enjoyed this song (yes, it will sound cheesy) is that I recognized it from one of the Target Back-to-School ads!  So I connected with the song (even though the words were different).

This is one of those CD's that I think the family can enjoy together.  It doesn't sound like "baby music."  The songs are upbeat and sound pleasing to the ear.  I  would recommend it to everyone!

In addition to checking out Melissa Green Music, be sure to follow her on facebook and twitter.

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Mom Blog Society. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers

This Day in History August 17, 1982

Image Source:  http://www.flickr.com/photos/rdenubila/4797493847/

I was not aware of today's feature, but maybe you were.  On this date in 1982, the first ever CD was pressed in Hanover, Germany.  This was truly a monumental date, I would say.  Up to this point, we had record album and cassette tapes.  Both had their own shortfalls.  But a CD was almost flawless, and it could hold a lot more music.

So are you curious what the first music was on that CD?  No, it was not pop music, country, or rock.  It was
Richard Strauss’s Eine Alpensinfonie by the Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra conducted by Herbert von Karajan.  Yes, it was "classical" music.  Recording companies were resistant to the idea at first, but this particular conductor was very supportive of this new technology.  Of course, it did not take long for CD's to take off.  And now a CD player is as much a necessity as a TV or a DVD player.  

For more information, please check out:
http://famousdaily.com/history/germany-compact-disk-public-first.html
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Compact_Disc

Rockford's Rock Opera Website Review

A couple of months ago, I discovered a fantastic educational website for children.  And since I am a music teacher, I knew right away that I wanted to review this website.  It sounded exactly what I wished I could have had when I was an elementary music teacher.

The site is Rockford's Rock Opera.  It is subtitled "The Creatures Have a Secret."  I am enthralled by it!  It has an interactive portion of the site where students age 11 and under (and possibly even older--it depends on the child) can play the story, read along, read the songs/lyrics, and so much more.  I think what intrigues me even more is that it has an ecological message.  "Being Green" is all the rage now, and I am thrilled that the site uses music and so much more to get the idea of responsible living across.

As a music teacher, I thoroughly enjoyed the educational area.  There are lesson plans that cover each area of the story and opera.  They are perfect for cross-curricular teaching.  There are lessons for music, reading, art, science, and so much more.  I only wish I had a class right now so I could teach these fantastic lessons!

This site is free to a certain point, and after that, one has to become a member.  If I were a full-time teacher, i think I would investigate more of the paid areas.  I love pre-made lesson plans and interactive sites like this.  Not only does it inspire the students when a teacher brings technology like this into the classroom, but it is ideal for "filler" time.  There are always those students who finish early, and this is the ideal thing to keep those students on task and under control.  And for making up absences?  Fantastically easy!

What I am most happy about is that it uses the term "opera," and makes this genre of music less scary for children.  If you ask just about any school-age child (my daughter included) to tell their thoughts about opera, you will hear all sorts of things.  Some students confuse "opera" and "Oprah."  Others have the concept of opera where "the fat lady" sings a song at the top of her voice.  It was my perception as I grew up as well.

I cannot recommend this fantastic website enough.  In fact, I would say this would be ideal for homeschool as well as public/private schools.  It is appropriate for almost any subject, and I would highly recommend the full area of the site--you will not regret it!

I was given a complimentary subscription to Rock Opera in exchange for my honest review.  I was not financially compensated, and all opinions are 100 percent mine.

Good Luck Giveaway Hop (Ends 3/19) U.S. (closed)

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Mom Blog Society. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

Today may be your lucky day – so hop down and win some of these giveaways! 

This is the Good Luck Giveaway Hop, hosted by MamaNYC! This event will run from March 14-19th. 

We have over 60+ bloggers each giving away some amazing prizes! Be sure to hopdown the list when you are done with this giveaway!

I have a really nice kids and moms package to give away for my prize package.  I have been sent some great items for review, and now I get to give them away to my wonderful readers!

Mo Phillips Monster Suit CD Review
As I like to do, I let my daughter do this review, so here it is:

"I am eight years old, and I would give this CD a rating of 3 1/2.  I gave it this rating because I think it is too silly for kids my age.  It would appeal to kids younger than me, and they would probably really enjoy it.  But I did have a favorite song on the CD--Hot Lava. I liked that song so much because it gave me the following mental picture.  There is a couch, and the carpet is hot lava.  And because of that, you cannot get out of the couch."

This is a truly enjoyable album for your kids, and judging from my daughter's review, I bet you would love it! I am so glad that there are so many kid-friendly CD's out there.

A few weeks ago, I was sent a cute little girl's apron, and my daughter was unable to wear it.  So I am going to add it to this giveaway!

And this goes perfectly with the other book I will be giving away.

I got to review a great kids/moms cookbook called The Mini Books of Grandwiches.  I loved reading through this book.  How many times do you get tired of making the same old sandwiches for your kids?  I know I do.  What I love about this is that there are some great ideas for making lunchtime fun for you and your kids.  And it is actually healthy!  I am not one who is very creative in this area, and I one of my favorite parts is the back of the book that talks about various dips and toppings for sandwiches.  I know that my daughter and I are going to enjoy making these sandwiches.  I have a little artist on my hand, and I can hardly wait to try them out!  It is nice to find that these are easy and attainable recipes.  So be sure to check them out!  The pictures are very inspiring.

And now for the part of the giveaway just for you, Mom!

Fit Moms for Life: How to Have Endless Energy to Outplay your Kids ~ (http://fitmomsforlife.com) chronicles the successes of 31 mothers who used Dustin’s fitness and weight loss program with stellar successes. Armed with personal stories with before and after photos, Dustin takes the reader through the five pillars of fitness: Mindset, Nutrition, Strength Training, Burst Training, and Environment. Ultimately leading to the end goal: Staying Fit for Life.

Mom Blog Society works hard to bring bloggers these wonderful opportunities therefore, all reviews must have the following disclosure at the bottom of their review. Failure to disclose a backlink to Mom Blog Society will forfeit any future opportunities of being selected for campaigns though Mom Blog Society.

Fit Moms for Life is perfect for Mothers (and women in general) who want a fitness program that works. Dustin Maher says:

• Traditional Cardio Doesn’t Lose Fat
• You Can’t Work Out to Compensate for Poor Eating
• See Results 9 Times Faster With Burst Training
• Learn ONE Exercise That Shrinks a Waistline WITHOUT diet changes
• Burn Fat While You Sleep
• A Healthy Environment Equals A More Fit Family

Dustin’s inspiration to help moms comes from his nurturing upbringing and continued close relationship with his own mom. Dustin has helped thousands of women get in amazing shape all over the US and the world. He has been on TV close to 100 times and has been in many magazines, newspapers, radio shows, has over 250 YouTube videos, and over 450 articles and videos on his website. His website Alexa ranking around 300K and he has an email list of 7000K. Dustin is also hosting his own Fit Moms for Life talk radio show at http://webtalkradio.net/shows/fit-moms-for-life. To learn more, please checkout Dustin’s website at www.DustinMaherFit.

I had the privilege of reviewing this book as well, and I was quite impressed with it.  I loved the fact that there was story after story of real moms who lost weight and got into shape the right way.  No quick-fixes or fad diets--just real solutions for real moms.  I enjoyed this book because I am trying to lose that last 10 pounds or so, and I am a mom.  The book is easy to navigate--you are able to find the nutrition area, exercise area, and more.  I loved the exercises--easy to follow and implement.  I didn't agree with everything about eating, but I liked the fact that it recommended having a couple "cheat" meals each week.  I have believed that for a long time, and it really does work.  This is an excellent reference for any mom who want to get in shape, stay in shape, or a combination of both!

So, one U.S. winner will win all the prizes listed.  Just be sure to enter on the rafflecopter form below by 9 P.M. Pacific time March 19.  And don't forget to hop on to the other blogs after you are done entering mine!

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Mom Blog Society. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

My Music Challenge 2011--How Did I Do? And Looking to 2012

I was reminded today about the challenge that I created at the beginning of 2011 for myself.  I called it My Music Challenge 2011.  Unfortunately, I didn't meet my goals entirely, but I accomplished some of them.
My goal was to listen to and review 52 CD's.  I think I reviewed 33, from what I can tell.  I invited people to do the challenge with me, but only one person said they would, but they never followed through.l  No problem.  What I did do was listen to more than 5 new CD's.  I probably listened to about 15-20 new CD's.  Not too bad.  I was exposed to a lot of new music.  
One thing I have learned is that forcing myself to listen to a different CD each week is a bad idea!  I like to listen to the radio and to CD's both while I am driving to and from work.  Sometimes it took me longer than I thought to listen to a CD.  I liked the challenge of listening to CD's, and I still have a load I need to listen to.  But I have discovered that putting myself on some kind of timeline like that is really not something I enjoy.
What I would like to do this year is something much simpler.  I plan to still post music reviews on Mondays.  I enjoy doing that.  I plan to get all of my music reviews put on one page of my blog (the one marked "Music" might make sense, don't you think?).  As I  am able to do so, I will listen to CD's and review them here--so watch for that.
Another thing I would like to do on here is occasionally post a video of my singing.  That may sound strange, but I have mentioned in the past that I am a singer--a classically trained singer, as a matter of fact.  I had aspirations at one time to be professional, but that was so long ago, I can hardly remember that.  I used to have a church ministry--I sang in the church choir, directed various choirs, sang solos, etc.  In the past few years, that ministry has waned.  It seems that wherever God puts me now has no choir and virtually no music ministry.  And so many people don't know what to do with my voice.  I guess you either like it or you hate it.
I miss singing for people.  I really do.  So I thought that maybe you guys might occasionally be my audience.  You don't have to like it.  Goodness, you don't have to listen to it at all.  Just humor me.  
I will make a post later on this evening detailing my challenges for this year.  And I will try to get back to updating you on my challenges every Sunday I can.  That seems to work well.  
So no new music challenge this year.  I've learned my lesson!

Music Monday: Slugs & Bugs Under Where? CD Review and Giveaway (ends 12/10) U.S (closed).

My daughter got the supreme honor of reviewing the children's music CD Slugs & Bugs Under Where? 


Randall Goodgame continually tours all around the country with his live show.  For social media purposes, Slugs & Bugs has a you tube channel (includes clips from live shows), parenting blog, facebook , and twitter .  People may be able to relate  Slugs & Bugs with the popular children's music and videos of Veggie Tales, which Randall Goodgame has written songs for.  And of course, the new Slugs & Bugs album titled Slugs & Bugs Under Where?  can be purchased at www.rabbitroom.com and at any Family Christian Store.


My daughter's review:


"When I first got the CD, I totally thought it was going to be about slugs and bugs.  But it was not!  There was only two songs that talked about them! I have gotten to listen to the CD now every night as I drift off to sleep for the past week.  There really is not a theme for the CD in my opinion, but it definitely talks about God and Christianity.  The CD features an adult singing and sometimes children join him.


My favorite songs are as follows:


Lightning Bug--this is the only one that really talks about bugs
Food--it just talks about food, food, food, food (get the idea?)
Mexican Rhapsody--I think this song is mistitled because it is sort of a "rap," and the adult tries to sound Mexican but is not.  
The Wagon--In the middle and end parts of the song, there is a guy who comes on the CD who wants to try out some ideas that are really funny--they crack me up!
Ninja--super fast song, and I don't know the words very well--but it is still fun!
Under Where?--confusion about the two different kinds of "under where" and "underwear"--very funny!
Pajama Drama--the boy in the song is so freaked about not having pajamas in his top drawer and he is going to call his mama and Obama--again, very funny!


There is one song that I don't mind even though it is not my favorite--There's a Hole in My Sock.  It's not a fast song, and I really like fast songs.  But it does have a good rhythm.


I don't know what the song Dizzy is really talking about, so I cannot say I really care for that song.  I'm Adopted is another song I don't really care for (even though I have memorized most of the song!). 


This CD definitely receives a 5-star rating from me!"


Now onto the really exciting part.  The company has agreed to give away a CD to one of my U.S. readers!  This giveaway will end at 9 P.M. Pacific Time on December 10.  What a perfect gift for the child in your life! And this company is awesome.  They got the CD out to me very quickly, and I am sure they will do the same for my winner!  Just place your entries in the rafflectoper form below!