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Little Mommy My Very Real Baby Doll Review

little mommy my very real babyI was recently sent a Little Mommy My Very Real Baby Doll , to review with my daughter.  I have to say if you are looking for a big reaction out of your little girl, as she opens her holiday gifts, this is a great gift.  As soon as the boxed doll, came out of the shipping carton, my four year old daughter flew across the room.  She then danced excitedly, opening very real baby dollwhile I wrestled with getting the doll out of the box.  She then proceeded to carry the doll around with her giggling and smiling.

Dolls are toys my daughter is just starting to “get”.  She has autism, so pretend play is a more difficult concept for her to grasp than typically developing children.  I was pleased to see her carry the doll around like a real baby (well, at least most of the time), and even give her a little hug and M’s version of a kiss (more a face smoosh).  The doll really captured her interest, more so than any doll ever has in the past.  I think the high level of interactivity of the doll has a lot to do with it’s success with her.

very real baby doll reviewWhile many “interactive” baby dolls say a few phrases and/or do a few things, and generally shut down pretty quickly, this doll, much like a real baby,  is a constant demander of attention.  She requests food, tickles, help with boo-boos, hugs and clean-ups, often with follow-up phrases, if your child does help her with her requests.  She has a tongue that turns green, when she eats her freezer pop and a red spot that lights up on her knee when she gets a boo-boo.  Her arms also move around appropriately during the activities.

When laid down, or left alone for awhile, she will complain that she is sleepy and ask for her bear.  After a few phrases, she will then shut down until your child picks her up again.  If your child goes to bed with their Little Mommy doll, I would suggest clicking the doll off manually, so it doesn’t start chatting-them-up, if they roll over during the night.

The Little Mommy My Very Real Baby Doll is widely available in the blonde blue eyed version I have reviewed here, but is also available as a brunette with brown eyes on the Mattel website.

Little Mommy My Very Real Baby Doll at Kmart  (Use the online code: JOLLYKM  for an extra $5 off)

Little Mommy My Very Real Baby Doll at Walmart  (low online price, and immediate free site to store at most locations)

California Wine Club Membership: Perfect for the Holidays (plus Discount Code)

california wine club discountI shared my experience with California Wine Club with you a few months back.  I case you forgot, I liked the shipment quite a lot.   They have now gifted me a 3 month membership. So I am going to share with you what came in this month (I am receiving the red/white combo, but they offer 2 white or 2 red, if that is what you prefer). These shipments would be wonderful to have on hand during the holidays, and would of course make a lovely gift [Don't miss the special reader discount below]

This month’s featured winery is Perry Creek Vineyards.  The winery located in fair Play California, specializes in Zinfandel (one of my fave wines), but also produces quality white wines too.

zinman zinfandelTheir signature wine is the Zinfandel called “Zinman”, so I was glad this one was included in my shipment. It is an easy to drink red wine, with nice berry & chocolate flavor.  I could taste the oak aging in it, but it was not at all overpowering.  This is one of those wines that would go with so many different foods.  It can handle a spicy ethnic dinner and go right through to a chocolatey dessert.  Now that’s flexibility!  I am not surprised at all that this wine has won several awards, and was classified as a Best Buy, from Wine Spectator.  I would get this one again.

perry creek chardonnayThe second wine in the shipment was the Perry Creek Chardonnay.  It had a bit of mixed tropical fruit flavor, but I didn’t actually pull out individual fruit flavors on this one.  The alcohol content in this one also tasted more present than in many chardonnays I’ve had.  A good drinkable wine, but not a personal fave.  That is the great thing about a shipment like this though, trying out new wines, so you know what you like.

 The California Wine Club makes tasting wine an easy and enjoyable experience, that you can have right in your own home.  Each moth the club sends 2 bottles from a small California winery, nicely packaged to ensure no broken bottles.   An informative magazine is included with each shipment, which tells you about the producing winery, the family that runs it and information about the wines themselves.  If you have never experienced small estate wines before, you’re sure to be surprised at how distinctive they each are, and knowing about the people that made your wine, adds a little to the enjoyment, as well.

California Wine Club Discount for my Readers

The California Wine Club has generously offered a special trial deal for my readers. Just $13 for the first shipment with no obligation to stay!

If you prefer to do two red or two white wines, rather than one of each no problem.  To take advantage of this deal use the promo code: blommi and follow this link to  The California Wine Club.  You will also get 10% off gifts!

Disclosure: Samples provided for purpose of review.  All opinions are my own.

There is No Excuse Not to Eat Healthy with Hillshire Farm #GrilledEssentials from Sara Lee

hillshire farm logoI have been lucky enough to get a special sneak peak, of the soon to be released, Hillshire Farm Grilled Essentials from Sara Lee.  These precooked individually sealed chicken breasts will be hitting store shelves very soon, and are certainly worth a try.  Each breast has just 120 calories and are ready to eat after just 60 seconds in the microwave.  Perfect for a quick healthy lunch for busy moms and kids.  Great for a work lunch too.  See how easy it is, to put together a nutritious lunch with Grilled Essentials.

Quick Chicken and Spinach Salad, using Hillshire Farm Grilled Essentials

hillshire farm grilled essentialsStart with your choice of Hillshire Farm Grill Essential flavors.  Here I used the Italian Style.  Put the breast in the microwave for approximately 60 seconds.  Place baby spinach, tomatoes or whatever other salad fixins’ you like on your plate.

hillshire farm grilled essentials opening packetWhen the chicken is heated.  Cut open the pouch, and place on salad.  Add a little dressing if you like, but the juice from the chicken can also be used.  Enjoy your one minute meal!

quick chicken and spinach saladI also found the Grilled Essentials to be very handy for use in a variety of recipes.  Over the past week, I have used this chicken in a pasta dish, fried rice, sandwiches and on a homemade pizza.  In each case, using Grilled Essentials cut down on prep and clean-up time for me a great deal.  I especially liked it on the pizza, since the chicken remained nice and moist, rather than drying out.

chicken and onion pizzaI enjoyed all of the varieties, but thought the Garlic & Herb was probably the tastiest straight from the package.  The basic grilled flavor was a good choice for a buffalo style sandwich, and my daughter seemed to like the Lemon Pepper the best.

grilled essentials hillshire farmI was most impressed with the speed of preparation, and quality of the chicken.  I am very fussy, but found the texture pleasing and the meat was very moist and juicy.  This surprised me coming out of a microwave.

Upcoming Twitter Party

There will be a  #GrilledEssentials Twitter Party on Tuesday, August 30, from 9pm – 10pm (EST).  Don’t miss it!

This shop has been compensated as part of a social shopper insights study for Collective Bias.  All opinions presented here are my own.

 

Coffee-mate Natural Bliss: Review and Giveaway

coffee-mate natural bliss

I recently had the opportunity to try out the brand new natural line of creamers from Coffee-mate, called Natural Bliss.  Natural Bliss creamers are all natural with no artificial ingredients, and come in three flavors:

  • Sweet Cream
  • Vanilla
  • Caramel

For this review I picked up one of each flavor and tried them all.  My favorite in coffee was the Vanilla, but I must admit much of these creamers did not end out in coffee.  I did a lot of experimenting with making simple desserts and other beverages.  The results were quite yummy I must say, and the creamers are so rich a little goes a long way.  A big plus was that I didn’t feel bad about my daughter enjoying what I made with the Natural Bliss creamers, since there are no artificial ingredients.  Her favorite concoction that I came up with was the Creamy Dreamy Cantaloupe Orange Freezer Pops.  I have made a few batches of those already.

If you would like to learn more about this new product line from Coffee-mate, check out the  Natural Bliss page.

I wrote this review while participating in a campaign by Mom Central Consulting on behalf of Coffee-mate and received coupons and a promotional item to thank me for taking the time to participate.

Giveaway

One lucky Blommi reader will win a free product coupon, to try out Natural Bliss themselves.

Entry Options (do as many or as few as you like, but make sure to leave a separate comment for each entry)

    • Tell me which of the 3 varieties you would like to try the most.
    • Follow this blog via email or RSS  (One entry each).
    • Follow me through Google Friend Connect (bottom of page)
    • Tweet about this giveaway can be done 3x per day at least 1 hour apart (account must be public and have at least 50 followers).
    • Share or “like” this giveaway on Facebook
    • Follow me on Stumble Upon (leave your user name in comment).
    • For 2 entries! Grab my ad button (available here), or add Blommi.com to your blogroll -> blog must be public with minimum 25 followers. Leave a link where it can be found, in your comment. (remember to leave 2 separate comments)

One winner will be randomly selected from all valid entries, and will have 48 hours to respond to their prize winner email notification. If winner fails to respond, within that time period, a new winner will be drawn. Giveaways hosted on Blommi are sponsored by third parties. Site owner will of course endeavor to see all prizes are fulfilled, but is not responsible for missing or damaged prizes. Contest ends August 24, 2011 at 11:59 pm CT. Open to US residents , age 18+.

Join the Clean Plate Club with Tyson 100% All Natural Chicken Nuggets (Recipe, Review & Giveway)

tyson all natural chicken nuggetsAs many of my readers already know I am very fond of cooking from scratch, and try and avoid feeding my family food with artificial ingredients.  Even as a stay at home mom, I do not always have the time to make everything from scratch, nor do I have the time to clean up the mess involved in that type of cooking.  This is when flavorful ready made foods, which are both natural and nutritious like Tyson’s  100% all natural Chicken Nuggets are perfect.  I love the quick and easy preparation and my family eats these bite sized treats right up.

My daughter is a particularly fussy eater.  Getting her to clean a plate can be challenging.   While she adores the foods many children recoil from, such as fruits and vegetables, it is hard to get enough protein into her.  She snubs most seafood, beans and meats, unless she is in the mood for them.  This is why having Tyson Chicken Nuggets on hand is so helpful to me.  When she is in the mood I want to take full advantage of it.  With Tyson Chicken Nuggets,  I can have crispy chicken for her to munch on in a flash.

creamy chicken and veggie pasta with tyson chicken nuggetsWhen I pick M up from preschool she is ready for lunch pronto!  Tyson 100% All Natural Chicken Nuggets with a side of Creamy Chicken Veggie Pasta can be on the table in less than 15 minutes, and is sure to result in a clean plate.  I have included the pasta recipe below, since it goes well with the nuggets and takes about the same amount of time to cook.

Creamy Chicken Veggie Pasta Recipe

Ingredients:

1 cup chicken broth

1/2 cup low fat milk

4-5 baby carrots (julienned)

1 cup pasta (small fusilli or elbows)

1/2 cup frozen french cut green beans

Directions:

  1. Put all ingredients (except green beans) in sauce pan on high heat.
  2. Stir frequently, when it comes to a boil, add green beans.
  3. Keep stirring, and cook uncovered, until most of the liquid has absorbed or evaporated.
  4. Take off heat.
  5. Serve with Tyson 100% All Natural Chicken Nuggets.
tyson chicken nuggets

As you can see M likes her Tyson Chicken Nugget. She didn't want to put it down...lol

Disclosure: I was given the opportunity to share my experience with Tyson 100% All Natural Chicken Nuggets, as part of a sponsored blogging program.  I  was compensated for my participation. All opinions and recipes presented here are my own.

Giveaway

One lucky Blommi reader will win a $50 Visa Gift Card, so they can stock up on Tyson 100% All Natural Chicken Nuggets and all the sides they like with them.

Entry Options (do as many or as few as you like, but make sure to leave a separate comment for each entry)

    • Share a tip on how you get your children in the “clean plate club”.
    • Follow this blog via email or RSS  (One entry each).
    • Follow me through Google Friend Connect (bottom of page)
    • Follow @TwiMommi on Twitter and tweet about this giveaway can be done 3x per day at least 1 hour apart (account must be public and have at least 50 followers). feel free to use this tweet:  Win a $50 VISA Gift Card from @TwiMommi & Tyson 100% All Natural Chicken Nuggets. Kids #cleanplateclub Giveaway http://su.pr/1NixsQ
    • “Like” Blommi on Facebook
    • Share or “like” this giveaway on Facebook
    • Follow me on Stumble Upon (leave your user name in comment).
    • For 2 entries! Grab my ad button (available here), or add Blommi.com to your blogroll -> blog must be public with minimum 25 followers. Leave a link where it can be found, in your comment. (remember to leave 2 separate comments)
    • For 3 Entries! Blog about this giveaway with a live link back to this post  -> blog must be public with minimum 25 followers. (be sure to leave 3 separate comments)

One winner will be randomly selected from all valid entries, and will have 48 hours to respond to their prize winner email notification. If winner fails to respond, within that time period, a new winner will be drawn. Giveaways hosted on Blommi are sponsored by third parties. Site owner will of course endeavor to see all prizes are fulfilled, but is not responsible for missing or damaged prizes. Contest ends August 31, 2010 at 11:59 pm CT. Open to US residents , age 18+.

Nickelodeon Favorites: Big Box of Play Dates, Vol. 2 ~ Released Today

nickelodeon big box of play dates vol 2

The Nickelodeon Favorites: Big Box of Play Dates, Vol. 2 DVD is being released today!  I was lucky enough to get a preview copy  of this feature packed DVD for review.

If your child loves all the fun shows on Nickelodeon and Nick Jr., then this is a great DVD to have on hand.  As the name indicates it is perfect to bring out during play dates.  With the big selection of Nick shows featured all the kids are sure to find something they love.

My daughter adores Yo Gabba Gabba! and seemed to enjoy those sections the best, but she also likes most of the other shows, as well, and had a good time watching the whole DVD.  The other features programs are Dora the Explorer, Go, Diego, Go!, Blue’s Clues, The Wonder Pets!, Ni Hao, Kai-lan and a Team Umizoomi special feature section.

As I mentioned the release date is today, June 21st.  The DVD set provides a whopping 417 minutes of programming, and has a suggested retail price of $36.99.

Have fun with Dora the Explorer; Go, Diego, Go!; The Wonder Pets!; Blue’s Clues; Yo Gabba Gabba! and Ni Hao, Kai-lan with the new DVD collection, Nickelodeon Favorites: Big Box of Play Dates, Vol. 2. This special box set includes the DVDs We Love Our Friends, Sisters and Brothers and Summer Vacation. Kids will enjoy over seven hours of entertainment with Nickelodeon Favorites: Big Box of Play Dates, Vol. 2. Created by Nickelodeon Home Entertainment and distributed by Paramount Home Entertainment, Nickelodeon Favorites: Big Box of Play Dates, Vol. 2 comes to DVD on June 21, 2011, for the suggested retail price of $36.99.
Nickelodeon Favorites: Big Box of Play Dates, Vol. 2 Synopses:
Nickelodeon Favorites: We Love Our Friends
Dora the Explorer – Best Friends
Boots and Dora are meeting for a picnic to celebrate Best Friends Day. Boots is bringing chocolate, and Dora is bringing yummy strawberries. It’s up to the viewer to help the two best friends meet at Rainbow Rock.
Go, Diego, Go! – Sammy’s Valentine
It’s Valentine’s Day! Little Sammy the Sloth is worried his Valentine to Lulu the Sloth will not reach her on time because he is slow. Diego and Sammy head off on a special trip to deliver the Valentine before the sun goes down.
The Wonder Pets! – Save the Lovebugs! / Save the Skunk Rocker
In “Save the Lovebugs!,” the Wonder Pets travel to the Florida Everglades to reunite a pair of quarreling Lovebugs. In “Save the Skunk Rocker,” the Wonder Pets get a call from a Skunk Rocker who needs to find a band to play with him.
Yo Gabba Gabba – Love
The characters learn about loving different things like flowers, birds, animals and each other.
Blue’s Clues – Love Day
A mystery card floats into Joe’s hands and everyone plays Blue’s Clues to find out whom it’s from.
Ni Hao, Kai-lan – Playtime at Tolee’s
Kai-lan and Rintoo go over to play with Tolee in his tree house. While playing, Rintoo accidently rips his new painting and Tolee doesn’t want to forgive him. Kai-lan shows Tolee why it is important to forgive.
Nickelodeon Favorites: Sisters and Brothers
Dora the Explorer – Big Sister Dora
Dora has some really exciting news that a baby will soon be joining her family.
Go, Diego, Go! – To Babysit a Bobo
The Bobos are on their way to the Spider Monkey Fiesta with their three new baby Bobo sisters. And as the Bobos search for fruit for the party, the restless Bobo sisters speed off into the forest to look for fruit without them.
Blue’s Clues – The Baby’s Here
While waiting for Mr. Salt and Mrs. Pepper to call from the hospital with news that the new baby has arrived, Paprika prepares to be a big sister. Looking at baby books gives everyone a chance to learn about what they were like when they were younger.
The Wonder Pets! –KalamaZoo! / Back to KalamaZoo!
Ming-Ming visits her Aunt Eleanora at the local petting zoo during a school holiday. Eleanora asks Ming-Ming to take care of her toddler cousin, Marvin, for the afternoon. Ming-Ming thinks this will be a “piece-of-cake” but Marvin proves to be quite a spirited little Duck. Ming-Ming finds the patience and compassion to take care of Marvin.
Page 1 of 3
Ni Hao, Kai-lan – Hoho’s Big Flight
On the day of the big lantern festival to celebrate the end of Chinese New Year, YeYe gives Kai-lan some lanterns for her and her friends to decorate. When Hoho’s lantern flies away, he jumps on it and everyone chases to get him down.
Nickelodeon Favorites: Summer Vacation
Dora the Explorer – Baby Crab
Dora and Boots are having a blast at the beach when all of a sudden they hear a call for help. A baby crab has gotten stuck in a net on his way to bring his mother a present.
Go, Diego, Go! – Panchita the Prairie Dog
At the Rescue Ranch, Diego and Alicia find Panchita, a Mexican Prairie Dog who needs to find a nice grassy prairie for her family. Diego and Alicia turn Rescue Pack into a wagon and head out with Panchita and her nine brothers and sisters.
The Wonder Pets! – Save the Hermit Crab / Save the Dolphin
The Wonder Pets take a break from their vacation in Cancun to help a Hermit Crab who has outgrown his shell. Afterwards, the Wonder Pets travel to Hawaii to save a Young Dolphin who has gotten caught in a fisherman’s net.
Blue’s Clues – Blue’s Big Car Trip
Blue’s Clues is hitting the road! Blue puts her booster seat in Carmen, an animated talking car and sets off on a journey. Along the way, they enjoy buckling up, singing songs and using the sights out the window to play interactive games.
Yo Gabba Gabba! – Summer
All the characters in Gabba Land enjoy fun outdoor activities and learn about taking turns.
Ni Hao, Kai-lan – The Hula Duck Dance Party
Kai-lan is going to a party at the Hula’s Ducks’ new island beach house, but when the party games lead to Rintoo having to sit out each time, he starts to cry. Kai-lan, Rintoo and Hoho need help to figure out a new way to play so no one is left out.
Nickelodeon Favorites: Big Box of Play Dates, Vol. 2 Fast Facts:
Street Date: June 21, 2011
Catalogue: 145264
DVD SRP: $36.99
DVD Running Time: Approximately 417 Minutes
Special Features:

Team Umizoomi Music Videos
o
Numbers Everywhere (Nickelodeon Favorites: Sisters and Brothers DVD)
o
Acorn Flower Pattern (Nickelodeon Favorites: Sisters and Brothers DVD)
o
Counting (Nickelodeon Favorites: We Love Our Friends DVD)
o
Celebration (Nickelodeon Favorites: We Love Our Friends DVD)

Disclosure: Media copy provided for purpose of review. All opinions presented here are my own.

Yo Gabba Gabba! : Circus ~ DVD Review

yo gabba gabba circus dvd

Yo Gabba Gabba!: Circus is being released on DVD tomorrow, June 14th.  My daughter and I were lucky enough to get a sneak peek copy, for this review.

This Yo Gabba Gabba DVD is the most enjoyable children’s DVD I can ever remember watching.  Yes, I watched the whole thing with her, and have watched snippets many times as well.  This DVD really is packed with fun.  My daughter LOVES it!  While it is running she either watches mesmerized or giggles, jumps and dances along with the characters.  Parents will enjoy the watching familiar entertainers, such as Weird Al (the ring master), Sarah Silverman and Fred Armisen, join in with all the Yo Gabba Gabba fun.

It is well worth grabbing a copy of this DVD, to be ready for summer rainy days, without school.  If your child likes Brobee, Foofa, Muno and the rest of the Yo Gabba gang, they are sure to enjoy this DVD.

The circus is coming to town with the all-new DVD release, Yo Gabba Gabba: Circus. Muno, Foofa, Brobee, Toodee and Plex star in four awesome episodes including one never-before-seen. Don’t miss the chance to sing and dance under the big top, ride in a hot air balloon, search Gabbaland for treasure and more.  Special guests featured in these episodes include Weird Al Yankovic, Sarah Silverman and Fred Armisen.  Created by Nickelodeon Home Entertainment and distributed by Paramount Home Entertainment, Yo Gabba Gabba: Circus will be released on June 14, 2011, and sold for the suggested retail price of $16.99.

Yo Gabba Gabba: Circus Episode Synopses:

Circus

Muno, Foofa, Brobee, Toodee and Plex help Al the Ringmaster (Weird Al Yankovic) make a circus in Gabba Land!  Brobee learns to be a clown and everyone gets to perform.  The episode also features Sarah Silverman.

Treasure Hunt

Two special guests (Fred Armisen and Charlyne Yi) travel to Gabbaland to search for hidden treasure.  As everyone joins in the search, they all do a special dance in the secret ice cave.

Flying

Brobee and friends go on a hot air balloon ride and meet new friend Sparkles.

Fun

All the Gabba characters learn different ways to have fun, learn to eat healthy portions and how to use their bodies to dance and make music.

Yo Gabba Gabba: Circus Fast Facts:

Street Date: June 14, 2011

Catalogue: 821734

DVD SRP: $16.99

DVD Running Time:  Approximately 95 minutes

Rating: Not Rated

Disclosure: Media copy provided for purpose of review.  All opinions presented here are my own.

yo gabba gabba circus

Tyke Rider: Balance Bikes and Children’s Helmets

Tyke Rider Balance bikeMy daughter recently received an Early Rider balance bike and nutcase helmet from Tyke Rider , for us to review.  Tyke Rider is an online store that specializes in top design balance bikes and children’s helmets, for kids from 2 to 5 yrs old.

M has developmental delays associated with autism, so she has had a great deal of trouble with the motor coordination required to pedal her tricycle.  Although she has had immense difficulty with this, she has good balance overall, so I have been wanting to try a balance bike with her for some time now.  Thus, I was very pleased when Tyke Rider selected us for this review.

Tyke Rider Early Rider balance bikeTyke Rider Early Rider seatearly rider tirestyke Rider design detailIt only took my husband a few minutes to put the bike together.  With no gears and chain to deal with, assembly was a relatively simple process.   The components fit together well, and are nicely constructed.  Not only is this a high quality balance bike, but it is very cool looking too.  Check out the neat flame-work and cushioned seat.  M was certainly excited when it was presented to her, and I would have a hard time imagining any kid not loving it.

little nutty helmet

Our daughter is still getting the hang of her new balance bike, but is slowly making progress with it (that was not happening with the tricycle).  You will notice she is not wearing her helmet in the pics, that is because she does better on the grass, and doesn’t go more than a few steps yet.  We have tried the Little Nutty helmet with her and it is adorable and easy to adjust.  It will be perfect once she gets a bit more adept with her bike.

Tyke Rider Early RiderTyke Rider also carries LikeaBike and 3-in1 Wishbone bikes in addition to the Early Rider we reviewed.  As you can see above they offer Nutcase helmets too, both in the Little Nutty we received, and Nutcase for kids from 5-12 years of age.  We couldn’t be happier with the quality of the merchandise from Tyke Rider, and would highly recommend their online store.

Disclosure: Product sample provided for purpose of review, through the Family Review Network.  All opinions presented here are my own.

The Ugly Duckling Dinosaur

the ugly duckling dinosaur bookThe Ugly Duckling Dinosaur (A Prehistoric Tale) , by Cheryl Bardoe and illustrated by Doug Kennedy, presents a quirky twist on the Ugly Duckling story and is perfect for kids who love dinosaurs, like my daughter.

Mama Duck awaits the hatching of her eggs anxiously, only to be surprised by not just ducklings but a baby T-Rex.  The ducklings all tease him for being ugly, and having scales and teeth rather than feathers and a bill.  The little T-Rex feels like an outcast, and leaves his duck family.  As he travels, everyone runs away from him, bringing his spirits even further down. Finally, he comes across a family of T-Rexes like himself and is invited to the fold with open arms.

Although the storyline is a little different to accommodate  a dinosaur rather than a swan, the lessons of self acceptance and not being judgmental are still there.  It’s a fun story for children with interesting illustrations.

The Ugly Duckling Dinosaur is published by Abrams Books, and is available at most major booksellers.

Disclosure: Press copy provided for purpose of review.  All opinions presented here are my own.