A couple nights ago my kids and I went to see the Smurfs 2. While we were waiting for the movie to start I asked my daughter when did the movie come out. She said it would be out on July 31… It was then that I realized we were at a preview screening of the movie. If felt a little special after that even though I’ve been to pre-screenings before.

The lowdown is that we got to see the 3-D version, had our choice of seats, and all thought it was a very good movie. The popocorn and drinks were overpriced but that’s par for the course at a big chain movie theater I guess.

I really didn’t have high expectations for the movie. Though I grew up during the original Smurfs television show run, I didn’t get into it. But I settled in to watch because the tickets were free and I am kinda partial to free stuff.

Though my expectations were kind of low I was pleasantly surprised at how good the storyline was! Smurfette goes rogue and becomes a deviant? She becomes naughty? How could that be? But it does happen like you see in the trailer below.

Smurfs Movie 2 Trailer

There were laugh-out-loud parts and situations that would touch your heart. Family and belonging is a key theme not to be missed. Sticking together no matter how tough things get and changing for the benefit of others are all prevalent in the movie.

Gargamel is still a character you love to hate with his antics. Always trying to capture and rule the Smurfs. Overall I’m sure you will feel very comfortable taking your kids to see this movie and pleasantly surprise with the themes running through the movie.

A Word About Movie Critics Reviewing Kid’s Films

I’ve seen some pretty negative reviews about the movie by so-called movie critics. I’m always at a loss about how they even get to review a kid’s movie. They are not kids and but they do act like spoiled brats when it comes to rating a made-for-kids movie. Most complain about how the movie is made, the “lame lines, and such. But overall kids enjoy the movie and it’s not for a full-grown movie critic with adult experiences (i.e. bitterness because they had a crappy childhood).

When it comes to kids movies I ignore the critics because they are never the voice of reason or experience. They no longer see life through a child’s eyes and most don’t even have kids of their own. So if you are relying on the critics to tell you whether you should go see this movie or not, I say forget about them and in this case listen to your kids. (Stepping off my soapbox now)

I usually don’t like 3-D movies but Sony does a great job on this one. The special effects and the animation makes you feel like you are a part of the movie.

I highly recommend going to see the Smurfs 2. They did not disappoint Rich Single Momma at all!

Sometimes it’s a struggle to keep my son’s teeth healthy because he’s at that age where TV and video games are more important than brushing, Arrgghhh! It’s a pain and I had saying things more than once so I have to devise bribes and punishments or just that good old-fashioned “Momma stare” to get him to get in there and handle his business… *sigh.

None of likes visiting the Dentist and for a long time I didn’t have health or dental insurance so I had to do what I had to do to keep our mouths healthy. Fortunately, we are blessed with pretty healthy teeth but I know that to keep them healthy we have to brush and floss regularly.

Forming the habit early is important so that means encouraging brushing and flossing as well as changing our toothbrushes every quarter. I’m a baking soda and peroxide gal so I incorporate that into my routine. I’ve recently learned about oil pulling to maintain healthy teeth and gums but that’s another post. The point is I’ve learned to save on dental cost and keep my family’s FABsmiile for less.

The American Dental Association says that ultimate dental care beings with flossing your teeth daily and changing your toothbrush every three months. FlossAndBrush.com is the first system in the world that actually helps keep families accountable for daily flossing and changing their toothbrush every three months. More information can be found here: http://bit.ly/19cNlzQ.

Mommy Brain Takes Over

One of the problems with keeping a healthy smile is remembering to buy new toothbrushes. Those things can get kind of disgusting and if you have a child like I do that seems to gnaw on them it is even worse. A good solution would to have toothbrushes and floss dropped at your door every three months, right? Who doesn’t love home delivery on basic necessities? I’m raising my hand over here. I’m a busy, working mom so I need all the help I can get. Fortunately, there is a service for that called FlossandBrush.com. They deliver toothbrushes and floss for about $1 per person every three months.

Trying Out Floss and Brush Service

I was able to try out the Floss and Brush service this month. A package was delivered to my door that contained new toothbrushes, floss, and a tube of teeth whitener. Everything was securely contained in their packaging or shrink wrap. I’m impressed with the set-up so far and can see myself using the service if nothing for the convenience of not having to remember to go to the store and buy new toothbrushes. One thing I which they included is toothpaste. Of course not everyone uses the same kind but 2-3 options would be nice.

• FlossAndBrush.com offers four packages:

• Adult Floss and Brush Package ($1.00 per month per family member):
  • Made in America
  • Micro Tip
  • Compact Soft
  • Dome Trim Bristle Design
  • Micro Feathered Bristles
  • Interdental Bristle Design
  • Floss is made in America, Mint, Waxed, 60 yd, Shred Resistant, and Clinically Proven

• Youth Floss and Brush Package ($1.00 per month per family member):
  • Made in America
  • Micro Tip
  • Compact Soft
  • Dome Trim Bristle Design
  • Micro Feathered Bristles
  • Interdental Bristle Design
  • Floss is made in America, Mint, Waxed, 60 yd, Shred Resistant, and Clinically Proven

• Kids Floss and Brush Package ($1.00 per month per family member):
  • Made in America
  • Micro Tip
  • Compact Soft
  • Dome Trim Bristle Design
  • Micro Feathered Bristles
  • Interdental Bristle Design
  • Floss is made in America, Mint, Waxed, 60 yd, Shred Resistant, and Clinically Proven

• Adult Brush and Whitening Gel Package ($2.00 per month per family member):
  • All the perks of the adult brush
  • Gel made in America
  • Same high-quality sold in dental offices
  • Uses carbamide peroxide
  • Fast results
  • Gel contains potassium nitrate, which helps eliminate sensitivity

* Only $1.00 shipping per person. Orders of three of more brushes ship for free.

FABsmile Giveaway

Are you interested in trying out the service? Well you have a chance now because I’m giving away one free annual membership.

The giveaway is valued at $107 and includes the following:

· 1 Free Annual FAB Membership (every three months, a new toothbrush and 3 month supply of flows will arrive at your winner’s doorstep)

· 1 Free Annual FAB + White4Life Memberships (this includes not only a toothbrush and floss every three months but each shipment will also include FAB’s professional grade whitening to be used in custom whitening trays)

To enter please use the Rafflecopter form and follow the guidelines below:

1. Visit FAB’s Pinterest page (http://bit.ly/19dHBUa) and repin an image from any one of the “Smile Boards” that makes you smile. Include a description in your pin that explains why it makes you smile. Include the #FABsmile hashtag in the pin. OR, pin your own image to Pinterest of something that makes you smile. Be sure to include the description along with the #FABsmile hashtag.

OR, post a photo to Instagram and describe why that photo makes you #FABsmile. Include the #FABsmile hashtag in your Instagram update. Come back to this post and share the link to the pin/Instagram photo in order to enter for a chance to win.

2. Sign up for FlossAndBrush.com’s mailing list: http://bit.ly/17Tjoof.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Disclaimer: I received this product to evaluate and review from Brush and Smile in partnership with MomitForward.com

If you saw my review of the GIV mobile phone service plan you know that I think it’s a wonderful way to give back and get phone service from one of the most trusted cell phone companies in the world, T-Mobile. Now you get to try it yourself with this new giveaway

One of my readers has the chance to win a new Google Nexus 4 (8GB) phone as well as 3 months of “Unlimited Everything” service from GIV Mobile worth $449.99! GIV Mobile is an innovative no-contract cell phone service that donates 8% of a customer’s monthly bill to charity. The service utilizes the 4G network of T-Mobile USA, Inc., allowing users to have fast and reliable connections from nearly anywhere in the U.S.

To enter to win you must:

• Tweet your answers to the following question and use the hashtag #GIV8 #GIVMobile #WirelessForACause #SaveMoneySaveTheWorld:
  • What causes are important to you?

• Follow RichSingleMomma on Twitter
• Leave a comment below about why it’s important to you to give to charity

For additional entries you can:

• Like the RichSinglemomma Facebook Page (if you haven’t already)

The last day to enter is July 31, 2012 at 12am.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

One of the things I love about blogging is getting the chance to see what others are talking about. I could spend hours reading about the lives of moms, artists, fashionistas, and DIYers (Do it yourselfers).

Lately I’ve been looking at mom bloggers who have been fortunate enough to test out cars. I plan to do that someday soon, but I wanted to see what kind of cars they have driven and what they think about them. So here are a few mom bloggers who have test driven and written car reviews about the fabulous models they received. Who knows, maybe you will see your next car among them.

The Mommy Talk Show Drives and Talks Kia

My friend Joyce Brewer over at the MommyTalkShow.com test drove severa Kia cars. She tested the Rio, Soul, and Sorento and because she is a vlogger (video blogger) she has a video for each review so you can see it in action. Each time her son AJ was quite upset to have to let them go. I don’t blame him because my son had the same reaction when I drove the Sorento for a week while my car got repaired from an accident. That new car feeling get’s ‘em every time.

Dear Chrissy Drives the Chevy Malibu Eco

In my search I came across Chrissy’s Chevy Malibu car review over at DearChrissy.com. It caught my eye because the car is a beautiful red, which is one of my favorite colors and it’s the first car my parents bought when I was a little girl. It brought back memories for me but it goes without saying that the 2013 Chevy Malibu is more fuel efficient and has better handling.

That Mom Blog Reviews the Ford Escape Titanium

Karen over at ThatMomBlog.com reviewed the Ford Escape Titanium during a week long Florida vacation. Her family drove 21 hours from Canada to Florida in this lovely vehicle. She describes the experience beautifully from the busy mom perspective. I appreciate how she shared things she didn’t like so much about the car in her review. The reality is there is no perfect car but the awesomeness usually overrides the suckiness….

The Mommy Blog Expert Tests the 2012 Toyota FJ Cruiser

My, my, my what a car! I’m partial to SUVs so this is a review I really enjoyed reading. Janis writes a very thorough review about her and her family’s experience driving the Toyota FJ Cruiser around the streets of LA, California. The space, the handling, the size is fabulous and is a looker for me. When I’m ready to buy a new car I will definitely look at this one. I think it’s spacious enough for my long-legged kids. Trust me, as your kids get older this will be important to you. I’m not a mini-van mom so this vehicle is right down my alley.

Babyrazzi Tests the 2014 Subaru Forester

Entertainment mom blogger Vera Sweeney shared her review of the 2014 Subaru Forester on her Babyrazzi blog. Apparently this little baby is not just for the active set but for families as well. She says, “I couldn’t help but be impressed with the car’s ability to maneuver through some of the most difficult terrains. And if a car can do that and avoid hiccups at the same time, then it can definitely manage I-95 traffic at its worst…” That sounds like a car I wouldn’t mind driving around for family and fun.

Mom Luck Reviews the 2013 Chevy Traverse Crossover SUV

Would you believe this 2013 Chevy Traverse is an 8-seater SUV? I couldn’t believe it either but I found out it’s a crossover vehicle…sort of a cross between a van and an SUV. No matter, because Mellisa got to test drive it and really enjoyed the experience. She highlights the On-Drive system that helped her navigate through her 4-hour trip to Dallas, TX. It comes with two separate DVD players which is perfect for kids who want to watch different things on a trip. That’s the way to have a quiet drive that will take long hours.

Mamalicous Maria Drove the 2011 Honda Pilot

Who ever heard of ordering a new car online? Well the folks at Carvana.com is leading the way by letting consumers pick and outfit the car of their dreams online. They then deliver the car and keys to your door for an unforgettable car-buying experience. Speaking of experiences, a fellow Georgia Mom blogger, Maria Smith tested out the Carvana.com experience as well as the Honda Pilot test drive experience to Orlando, FL. You can read all about her experience with the car buying process at her blog.

Other Mom-Tested Car Reviews

Dallas Single Mom – A Review 2013 Mazda 3i Grand Touring

Oakland County Moms –  Reviews 2013 Ford Flex

A Parent in America – The 2013 Ford Escape Review

Sippy Cup Mom – A review of the 2012 Toyota Sequoia

Jax Mom Blogs – 2013 Toyota Highlander Review

Charlene Chronicles – Her 2013 Toyota Rav-4 Adventures from A to G

Mom’s Favorite Stuff – Electric car review of the 2013 Chevy Volt

The Denver Housewife – Review of the sporty 2013 Hyundai Elantra GT

Everything Mom and Baby – A 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport SUV review

Real Mom Reviews – Testing out the 2013 Lexus LS460 to review

Prissy Reviews – Review of the 2013 Lexus RX350 F Sport SUV

The Mom Reviews – A 2013 Mitsubishi Outlander Review

Mom Start – A look and review of the 2014 Nissan Versa Note

Better in Bulk – The 2013 Mazda CX-9 Review (such a lovely car!)

So there you have it. The mom bloggers have spoken about the cars they’ve test driven and their experiences. There are many more out there so I encourage you to search out the ones who have reviewed cars you are considering. It’s great to get the perspective of another mom because, let’s face it, a man’s car review is much different than a woman’s.

I hope you enjoyed this roundup of car reviews from mom bloggers. Have you purchased a car based off a review you read online? Where are some of the places you visit to get car reviews? Share your answers in the comments below.

Hear ye! Hear ye! I’ve been eyeing the Bluebird card ever since it showed up in my local Walmart. I admit, it was the color the caught my eye. The blue is so soothing and almost one of my favorite colors.

Why am I so geeked to be telling you about this? Well it’s because I get to work with them silly! Yep, I am working with the Bluebird brand to bring you more information and tips on how to maximize this new card.

If you got my FREE 79 Ways to Turbo Charge Your Financial Life ebook you know that controlling your spending is one of the first things I advise you to do.

I’ll be updating you on the various ways I’m using the card from making purchases for Back-to-school and travel expenses to staying up to date on my account information.

I hope you join me on my journey through the land of no-fee card purchases with Bluebird by American Express. It  has all of the premium features that account-holder love, such as deposits by smartphone and mobile bill pay, and no minimum balance, monthly, annual or overdraft fees, purchase protection, roadside assistance, 24/7 customer service, etc.

Registering for My Card

The first step is to register for my card. I went to Bluebird.com and was met with the beautiful blue again. I clicked the Register button and followed the directions.

I registered then received this email that it’s almost complete. I have to click the link in a separate email that will verify my email address then take me to my new account.

Now my account is all set up. The next step is to add money to my account using my regular checking, savings, payroll check, or check image capture on my smartphone. Of course I can’t use the account until I get my permanent card in the mail. I will have to log back into my account to activate it then I’ll be all set to start spending, monitoring, and distributing money in any sub-accounts I’ve set up.

My son is an interesting character sometimes. But I give it to him for loving Bible-based animations. Blame it on me for turning him into a little monster but I’d rather him watch cartoons that have positive  messages and are commercial-free than let him watch anything else. Recently we received the Superbook DVDs in the mail much to his surprise. He was outrageously happy to finally get a box in the mail. He watch the first show right away and of course nothing could distract him. He was pretty much hooked and has decided they are his weekend shows to watch.

Superbook is an Old Favorite

We have a little history with the Superbook series. Superbook was one of my daughters favorite when she was younger. She saw all the old ones and loved and prefers them but my son likes the new series just as well. She is not crazy about the updated version and is very vocal about it. Call it being stuck in your ways or hanging on to the familiar. My son is not so picky because animation is animation and entertainment is entertainment, right.

I just like the fact that they teach great values and keeps my son’s attention. They’ve modernized the story which kids today can relate to. Overall I give the new Superbook series five stars for quality, values, and entertainment.

Getting a Super Semi-serious Review from the Guy Himself

After he watched a few of the DVDs I asked him a few questions about it. You can watch his answers in the video. He acted a little camera shy but the truth comes out.

Superbook is a product of CBN. It is currently available at Christian book stores and online.

The ABC Family stations have played the cartoons as well.

I received a review copy of the Superbook DVD series for review. My opinions are my own.

A few months ago I announced that I had given up regular monthly cell phone plan because I wanted to control my spending. I have been using Straighttalk with success for quite a while. I know how much my cell phone bill will be and get no surprises. How could I ask for anything more?

Well I learned about another phone plan that may offer a little more to it’s customers. Giv Mobile is a prepaid plan similar to other prepaid plans on the market. You can choose a plan for $40 or $50 for unlimited talk, text, and web access. The prices difference is basically how much data you can stream at one time.

The big difference a percentage of your bill goes to charity. Yep! That’s a pretty amazing idea. Even better is you have a choice of three charities to contribute to each month out of a list of many charities. For anyone who has wanted to give back, Giv Mobile may be the solution for you.

I had the chance to work with Giv Mobile to see how the plan works for a month. I’ve had it for about three weeks and so far I think it’s pretty good. The phone service is on the T-mobile network which I’ve used in the past for quite a few years. I haven’t had any problems with coverage or accessing the web. I noticed a slight lag in connectivity a couple times but I learned that with the $40 dollar plan the data stream may not be as fast as the $50 plan. I can live with that and can simply upgrade if I want a better experience.

Overall I like the no-fuss, no-muss plans. I like knowing what I’ll have to pay each month and to have the added bonus of giving to a worthy cause is nothing short of amazing.

If you want to try out Giv mobile visit their website a givmobile.com. You will receive a sim card that can be used in any unlocked cell phone, which makes it a very flexible phone service. You never have to worry about being stuck with a certain carrier because of the phone.

I used the Google Nexus with the Giv Mobile plan when I tried it out. You can see my review of the Nexus in a future post. Will link it here soon.

Have you made the switch to an unlimited prepaid plan yet? What has been your experience? What’s stopping you if you haven’t made the switch?