BossyPants by Tina Fey - Is funny!

Bossypants
by Tina Fey

Before Liz Lemon, before "Weekend Update," before "Sarah Palin," Tina Fey was just a young girl with a dream: a recurring stress dream that she was being chased through a local airport by her middle-school gym teacher. She also had a dream that one day she would be a comedian on TV.She has seen both these dreams come true.At last, Tina Fey's story can be told. From her youthful days as a vicious nerd to her tour of duty on Saturday Night Live; from her passionately halfhearted pursuit of physical beauty to her life as a mother eating things off the floor; from her one-sided college romance to her nearly fatal honeymoon -- from the beginning of this paragraph to this final sentence.Tina Fey reveals all, and proves what we've all suspected: you're no one until someone calls you bossy.(Includes Special, Never-Before-Solicited Opinions on Breastfeeding, Princesses, Photoshop, the Electoral Process, and Italian Rum Cake!)

What I Can Tell You: I love Tina! I love comedy! I love reading! I love laughing while reading. For me, this book wasn't as funny as I had hoped.

While I appreciated the memior I was surprised when I didn't feel it was candid enough. Maybe that was a conscious effort. There was a trauma as a child that she explains but doesn't elaborate one. Fine! I don't think she needs to give us the details, they are hers but I felt that she was approached to write a book and agreed but didn't really want to. There is humor, jokes, her interpretation on motherhood,womanhood, woman in the work place, and so on but I don't feel I learned anymore about her than what we already know. 

I did love her chapters on photoshots and photoshop. Hysterical!

She is smart and funny, a good writer but as far as memiors go, this just didn't do it for me.  Still a Tina fan and have read way more good reviews for this book, people love it which is why I call myself the Amateur reviewer. What the heck do I know?

Disclosure: I received a complimentry copy of this book from Hachette Book Group for my honest opinion.

Sky Watch - Beautiful Spring Sky

Life Update

Wow...the past couple of weeks have been so overwhelming. So much happening and so little time.

As most of you know, I took on a Social Media Support position for my girlfriend's company Babybindle. She was one of the Huggies MomInspired Moms and her product is awesome.

If you are the mother of an infant, you need one of these. The SeatPak attaches to your infant car seat carrier, carriage or shopping cart. No more diaper bag strap, weighing you down or hurting your back. Now your arms are available to hold the most important thing. Your baby!



It is available in brown and black.

Like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter so you can follow our tweets and information, play along with us on the question of the day and try to guess our What The Heck Is It? picture.

Hope to see you soon.

Alphabe-Thursday - B

Wow, I can't believe it is Thursday already. This week flew by. Here is my submission for almighty B.

My daughter 2 days ago, before allergies have taken over her eyes. At the moment, she does not look like this. Her eyes are swollen and the whites of her eyes are red!

This years Easter Baskets. I couldn't get my daughter to sit still for a second and this was before the sugar rush!

Wordless Wednesday - The Tulips Have Opened

Wordless Wednesday

Ruby Tuesday - Veggie Rainbow

Want to get kids and adults to eat their veggies while surrounded by Easter goodies? Create a veggie rainbow.

One of the moms last week in Goddess' class decided on a veggie rainbow for our Easter bash. There was so many sweets she decided to balance it with a healthy platter. Since she couldn't think of a blue veggie, she went with Blue Chips! Such a cute idea, I just had to snap a picture.

Head over to Mary's Ruby Tuesday for some more red photos or to play along.

OXY Clinical Acne Solutions Pack Giveaway

Oxy has been around for 30 years and oddly enough, I remember the commercials starring Phoebe Cates. Wow that was ages ago. Look at Oxy now. It's all grown up.

As someone who suffered with the occassional acne as a teenager and now hormonal acne associated with menstruation and stress, I was thrilled to check out the new, modern, mature Oxy Clinical Pack. The OXY® Clinical product is the perfect way to try the entire line of OXY® Clinical products. This convenient pack provides a 2-3 week supply of our most advanced OXY® products to date. It's the perfect way to get on the road to clearer, healthier skin.

NEW! OXY® Clinical:
The over-the-counter acne medication clinically shown to provide prescription-level results* without a dermatologist. Even if you've tried other products that haven't worked for you in the past, OXY® Clinical could be the solution you're looking for. It's the breakthrough to end breakouts.

I tried the product out for the first time last Wednesday. What I can tell you is that my skin doesn't feel dry. Usually with acne products my skin gets dry and ends up creating more blemishes because oil increases to balance out the dryness.

Oxy has some tips for acne suffers:

• Give it time. There's no doubt that you can see fast improvement with OXY skin care products, but they work best when used over time.

• Stick with it. Many people wrongly believe that a product worked for them "at first" but then "stopped working." Frequently this occurs because once blemishes start to clear up, people aren't as diligent about maintaining their skin

care routines. OXY has products designed to treat, heal and help prevent acne. So you can use them to fight breakouts and to maintain clear skin too.

• Make your skin care a priority. Too often we are too busy to take time for ourselves. We forget to wash our faces before going to bed. Or we skip a treatment because we're rushing out the door. Make the commitment and find the time to stick to a simple skin care routine. Our skin is worth the effort.

Get a coupon for $1.50 here.

The Giveaway:  One winner will receive an OXY® Clinical pack to try out for themselves.

To Win:

Mandatory Entry.  If this is not followed, none of your extra entries will count. Leave me a comment letting me know which Oxy Product you want to try by Midnight, May 9, 2011

For Extra Entries:
*Blog about this giveaway and leave me the link for (5 extra entries) (each entry must be separate).
*Subscribe to my newsletter/email (3 entries) (each entry must be separate)
*Like Oxy Skin Care on Facebook
*Follow Oxy Skin Care on Twitter

*Follow my blog (2 entries) (each entry must be separate)

*Follow me on Networked Blogs (2 entries)
*Tweet ((leave your link) (3 entries)
*Join My BlogFrog Community
*Share this post on Facebook by using the button below.
*Enter another giveaway on my blog and let me know which one.
*Comment on a non-giveaway post and tell me which one (up to 10 comments).
*Become a fan of Maria's Space on Facebook (Not my personal Facebook) and post a message that you entered with a link to the giveaway on your Facebook page and leave a link to the message in the entry form (3 Entries).
*Add me to your blog roll and leave the link (3 Entries)
*Add my main button to your side bar

<br /> <br/><a href="http://reesspace.blogspot.com" target="_blank" title="Maria's Space"><img alt="ReesSpace" src="http://i445.photobucket.com/albums/qq179/ct315185/MSbuttonV3.png"/></a><br />

*Open to US only.

Disclosure: I am hosting this giveaway for Oxy Clinical
who provided the review copy and the giveaway copy. 

I received no monetary compensation.

Mellow Yellow Monday - Gifts of Love

Another thoughtful gift of love from My Beautiful Daughter! It's just a pine cone and a button, but I love that she thinks of us so often.

Blue Monday -

My little Easter decoration! We have millions of Easter stuffed animals but not much else as far as Easter decorations go. This is one of the three we have.

The Canary List by Sigmund Brouwer

Title Description
Protected by the dark of night, Jaimie Piper runs. But is anywhere safe when Evil is hunting you?
 
She’s just a twelve year-old girl, bumped around between foster homes and relegated to school classes for challenged kids, those lagging in their test scores or with behavioral issues. But her real problem is that she can sense something the other kids can’t—something dark. Something compelling her to run for her life.
 
All Crockett Grey wants is to mark the anniversary of his daughter’s death alone.
 
But when his student Jaimie comes to him, terrified, her need for protection collides with his grief, and a tangled web of bizarre events sends them both spiraling toward destruction.

Crockett’s one hope of getting his life back is to uncover the mysterious secrets of Jaimie’s past and her strange gift. It isn’t long before his discoveries lead him to a darker conspiracy, secrets guarded by the highest seat of power in the world—the Vatican.

What I Can Tell You:  

From the beginning pages, I felt this was going to be a great book. The thought of a teacher spending every year drinking to forget the death of his own daughter is horrible. Then to have a girl (his student) show up, while his mourning is in full affect disturbing. Why is she here? She is running from something evil. An evil, she knows is trying to get her. Being a good teacher and gets "Nana" his next door neighbor to take care of her so they help her and he can sober up. When they try to bring her home, their is a barricade on her street because there has been a fire. Crockett takes her home and she stays at his neighbors. The next morning she is knocking trying to get in because he has to "hide her".  

He is taken in for questioning and it is assumed that he has taken advantage of a young girl. Suddenly there are complaints from other students on his record and Nana is missing. The story follows the same path as some Dan Brown's DeVinci Code and Angels and Demons where Vatican conspiracy theories take over and the story of "the people" gets lost.  

If you loved Angels and Demons and stories about good vs evil, you will love this book!

"I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review" for my honest opinion.

HexBug Nano Makes An Appearance at Our Easter Egg Hunt - HOUSE PARTY!

We have had one of the most fun Spring vacations ever. This is my third Easter Egg Hunt in 4 years and I love throwing them. Having my kids friends and their moms come over for some Easter activities and treats makes my heart sing so when Mom Select was looking for Host Bloggers for the Easter Hex Bugs, I jumped at the chance.

If you're like most Moms, chances are you had some creepy, crawly friends in your home this holiday season! No, we're not talking about your usual brand of pests or bugs. This was one critter who was welcome underneath the Christmas tree- the HEXBUG Nano (check out my first Hexbug review here)!

HEXBUG Nano bugs were the hit of the holiday season and now they are back, with a seasonal twist! Everyone's favorite micro robotic bug now comes packaged in a cute Easter egg and comes fully decked out with a pair

We started the party with an Easter egg hunt that included the 11 Hex Bugs.

The Goddess Look Mom, I got a Hex Egg!

The kids loved the egg hunt and headed indoors to sort through the eggs. Whomever had the most Hex Bug Eggs won a prize but they were only allowed to keep 1 so there was some swapping as each kid picked his favorite.

They were dying to open their eggs but I wanted to prolong their agony because that is the kind of host I am so I made them play a game for more prizes (as if this was hard on them. Ask kids if they want more prizes and they will always say YES).

We played some rounds of freeze dance. If they moved when the music stop they were removed from the group. Whoever was standing won a prize.

Can you tell who the winners were almost every time?

We had the adults sit and the kids move to the side so we could play a couple rounds of Caterpillar Crawl. The kids in groups of two, got down on their bellies and had to push the egg with their nose to the finish line. Whomever made it there first, got a prize (thank you Dollar Store).

Our two most competitive boys were at it again!

Most of my house parties I only do one or two activities but this time because of the amount of people who showed up (everyone!) we stayed very structured. Thank goodness Mom Select gave me a ton of activities to choose from. Dizzy Bunny had the kids spinning and hoping then putting their Hex Bugs on a Hex Bug Spiral Starter Set while a mom timed them to see whose Hex Bug made it to the bottom first. This was a hit. The kids love the Starter kit and so did the moms because of the size. "Nice and compact"! They also colored cute little baskets to take their Hex Bugs home in. The moms loved this too!

What I learned: A play date with one or two kids plus mine can be a free for all more than that and structured activities is the way to go.

The day ended with no too much clean up needed and no Tylenol. SCORE!!!

All the Moms love the Hex Bugs and most were at my first party! They have all purchased Hex Bugs since the party for their kids and other children. I love being able to introduce my friends to the latest, greatest products for kids. After a so much activity, today was spent resting up for Easter tomorrow. Thank goodness the gray, cold day made me feel less guilty for not taking the kids anywhere.

There is still time to get out and get a Easter Hex bug for your child's basket. Enjoy!!!

Disclaimer: I received a complimentary party kit from Hex Bug through Mom Select for this review and house party.

Winner Announcements, Did you win?

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The Winners of the The Sweetest Thing:

Random Integer Generator

Here are your random numbers:

31 - DebiJackson
77 - LeWalk
19 - Jackie

Timestamp: 2011-04-23 02:15:12 UTC

The Winner of the Dinosaur Train Giveaway is:

Random Integer Generator

Here are your random numbers:

42 - Jakiesmom

Timestamp: 2011-04-23 02:22:56 UTC


The Winner of Gulliver's Travels is:

Random Integer Generator

Here are your random numbers:

83 - Angels

Timestamp: 2011-04-23 02:25:52 UTC


Thank you to everyone who entered.  I am forwarding an email to the winners, who have 48 hours to respond before another winner is selected. If you do not get an email, please contact me directly.

The Night Night Book - Perfect Before Bed Time Book

As a parent one of my favorite times of the day is night time. I love the calmness that surrounds the close of the day. The kids are bath, in PJs that make them look so much smaller than they did during the day and everyone is calmer, quieter and ready to buckle down for the night.

Book Lover Parents long for their children to have the same kind of love. We will read rounds and rounds of the same book, drop everything to read or listen to them and "only one" quickly turns into two or three before bed. 

I can never have enough books for my kids so when the opportunity to review The Night Night Book came up, I jumped at the opportunity. 

The ideal way to wrap up a day with your child, The Night Night Book is an adorable bedtime story that helps kids and parents bid farewell to the day, settle in for the night, and rest up for a new tomorrow.

Bestselling author Marianne Richmond, continuing in the vein of her other books such as If I Could Keep You Little (my review here), creates vibrant, eye-catching art and beautiful verses in The Night Night Book (Sourcebooks; ISBN: 978-1-9340-8290-4; BB $7.95; May 2011). This tender, evocative picture book brings the entire family together as the perfect story before bed.

What I Can Tell You:

Both of my children loved this book. My Handsome read it to all of us first. Than I read it to Goddess four times. On the fifth time I asked her to read it to me and she did a good job thanks to each page consisting of one or two sentences and most had some of her sight words on in. This will be a great first time reading confidence builder for Kindergartners. After the first two pages, they already know that Night, Night will be coming up and they can work on the rest.  If my kids were babies I would read this to them every night. Also, the size is perfect and as a board book the pages will not get ruined with little, wet baby hands. 

Handsome (7): I just like it!

Goddess (6): I love the pictures and when they say "night, night".

To order: 

About the Author:
Marianne Richmond turned a personal tragedy into a motivational vehicle, becoming an award-winning author and selling over a million books in the process. Her career was launched by accident; she was diagnosed with a brain tumor (thankfully benign), the cause of numerous epileptic seizures through her childhood. During her five-week recovery period, Marianne created hand-painted thank you cards for her many well-wishers. With Jim’s, her new boyfriend, and friend’s encouragement, she decided to launch her own greeting card business, Marianne Richmond Studios, Inc.

As distribution for her cards increased, she decided to try her hand at writing a book, honoring her biggest fan, her now-husband Jim, with The Gift of an Angel. Beginning with her first book in 1997, Gift of An Angel, writer and artist Marianne has touched the lives of millions over the past decade through her line of greeting cards and gift books. Since then she has become a recognized creator of numerous books that celebrate milestones in life, memorable journeys, and relationships.

Marianne currently lives in Minneapolis, MN with her even-keeled husband, Jim, their four kids, and their senior citizen Border Collie, Clay Find out more at her website www.mariannerichmond.com

Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy of the book for my honest opinion from Sourcebooks.

Gogo Crazy Bones Make My Kids and Friends SOOOO Happy - Home Party

We had the BEST day yesterday. We spent Wednesday preparing and getting excited about our Spring Break-Break Up The Week Party. Our schools had too many snow days so the kids only have a three day spring break. Three days off means, a quick week and what better way to schedule play dates with all our friends than to invite them all over for a sponsored bash!

Gogo Crazy Bones are these small colorful, characters that come in 100s of shapes and colors, each with their own distinct look and power. There are 80 different Gogos in five different colors some of which are rarer than others. You look for the stamp on the back which tells you its an original Gogo with fantastic bounce, design and personality! You can find Series 1 – The Originals, in stores now. Series 2 – The Evolution Series, will hit stores near you in May 2011 and Series 3 – Gogo’s Explorer Series will arrive in August 2011!

We had 15 kids and 10 moms over for the most organized party I have ever thrown. I had an agenda, itinerary and was literally waiting at the end for people to just show up.

When I tell you Gogo took care of me for this party...I mean really took care of me. I had 13 books sticker books to hand out and I think each kid walked away with 13 Gogos each!

The kids came in. I gave them 15 minutes to get acquainted and run around. The moms and the babies took turns holding each others kids and everyone was smiling and happy. I sat back and watched so happy to know that all my friends are now friends.


I asked the kids to sit on the floor and started handing out books. Once they opened them.

Here I am telling the kids about the books and the Gogos. I love that my son is the only one paying attention.

Then I proceed to tell them about the Gogos inside and asked if any of them had ever heard of them. Before this campaign, my kids and I  had never heard of them. Two little boys ages 6 and 7 both have two of them at home.  We spent some time talking about the stickers and the books. Each Gogo comes with a sticker which you can put on that particular Gogo in the book. The moms were all impressed and asked if they could find these in the stores now. I told them us and more would be coming out throughout the year.

Next I asked if anyone wanted more Gogos, everyone raised their hands. We played 3 rounds of Freeze Dance and whomever had the craziest freeze won a prize (thank you Gogo!). Next we talked about collecting and trading. There was one trade.

Next we played another 3 rounds of Freeze Dance were I gave out even more Gogos. The boys won each time with one of them even kicking himself in the shoulder in his freeze dance.

Next we played a basket game where I set up a huge empty container for the kids to toss their Gogos in. Whomever got the most in won another package of Gogos!

My kids Gogo Crazy Bones!

The kids were beyond excited and love that they can carry their Gogos in their pockets. They loved the fact that there are so many different Gogos and I overheard four talking about starting a collection. The moms love that they are small.

News Break to My Friends: In May pick up the Silver Tin with painting Gogos.

If one picture can sum up how crazy we are for Gogo Crazy Bones, this would be the one!

Disclaimer: We received all products and information from Gogo Crazy Bones through Child's Play Party.

Sniper Reloaded Movie Review

Sniper Reloaded:
Sony Pictures Home Entertainment invites action fans to step into the line of fire as SNIPER: RELOADED debuts on Blu-ray and DVD this April 26, 2011. Billy Zane (Sniper) reprises his role as Richard Miller, from the original Sniper film, for this explosively entertaining new chapter.

Brandon Beckett, on a deadly mission to stop a mysterious sniper targeting innocent civilians. Co-starring rising star Chad Michael Collins as Brandon Beckett, along with action stalwart Richard Sammel (Casino Royale, Inglourious Basterds), SNIPER: RELOADED offers next generation thrills and a kill-or-be-killed intensity Sniper fans won't want to miss.

While working with the UN Forces in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Marine Sgt. Brandon Beckett (Chad Michael Collins), son of renowned sniper Thomas Beckett, receives orders to rescue a European farmer trapped in the middle of hostile rebel territory. When he and his men arrive at the farm, a mysterious sniper ambushes them, wounding Beckett and killing everyone else. With the help of his father’s former protégé, sniper instructor Richard Miller (Billy Zane), Beckett must learn to think like a sniper to track down the assassin before the sniper returns to finish the job.

What I Can Tell You: I have never seen Sniper from 1993 starring Tom Berenger but my husband had. He originally thought this was that movie until we sat down to watch and he wondered were Billy Zane was. Billy doesn't show up until almost 40 minutes in.

Ok, so here is what I know. Berenger played a Marine sniper Thomas Beckett. In this movie Chad Michael Collins plays Brandon Beckett, the son of Thomas Beckett who is following in his fathers foot steps although there was some obvious "daddy anger issues" and he is not yet a sniper. (added note: Check out Chad Michael's blog for an interesting diary of the making of this movie.)

Brandon's troop was ambushed while on a peacekeeping mission by a sniper and he is left as the only survivor. While they prepare for their next mission of finding the sniper assassin. Billy Zane's Character, Richard Miller, who was trained by Thomas Beckett back in the day, returns to aid Brandon on learning how to be a sniper. Brandon is not interested until Richard suddenly appears in Congo much to Brandon's chagrin.

I am not at all familiar with Chad Michael Collins but his face looked very familiar. Maybe that is because he looks like Berenger. I would have liked to see more gunfire and a sex scene that lasted over 3 minutes however for a straight to DVD movie, this wasn't half bad. The best parts of the movie featured Billy Zane who was great in his matter of fact, straight up delivery! If there is another, please bring back Billy!



SNIPER: RELOADED was directed by Claudio Faeh (Hollow Man II) from a story by Ross Helford and John Fasano and a screenplay by John Fasano (upcoming Hostel: Part III, Darkness Falls). It was produced by Faeh and David Wicht (upcoming Dark Tide, The Last House on the Left) with Executive Producers Derek Power and JS Cardone It has a run time of approximately 91 minutes and has been rated R for bloody violence, language and brief sexuality.

To Purchase: Sniper: Reloaded [Blu-ray]

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Disclaimer: I received a complimentary DVD from Sony Pictures for my honest opinion.

THE DEVIL'S DOUBLE Hits Theatres in July 2011

Ever since Mama Mia, I have been a huge Dominic Cooper fan so I am excited to see this movie! I am loving the poster!

The REAL story of the man who was forced to become the double of Saddam Hussein's sadistic son


Plot Outline Bagdad, the playground for the rich and infamous, where anything can be bought - but for a price. This is Uday Hussein’s world and with his depraved lust for debauchery and immorality, he helps himself to whatever turns him on.

When army lieutenant Latif Yahia, is summoned to Saddam’s palace, he is faced with an impossible request - to be Uday’s ‘fiday’ - his body double, or have his family condemned to death.

In a world entrenched in betrayal and corruption knowing who to trust becomes a matter of life or death for Latif, as he battles to escape from his forced existence.

Follow TLC for the Royal Wedding Countdown

TLC is the destination for everything Royal Wedding!



"Say Yes to the Dress: Princess Brides Special": Friday, April 22 at 9pm
From the perfect princess fantasy dress, to the royal wedding-themed dress for the bride who wants to be Queen for a Day, the SAY YES TO THE DRESS consultants take viewers through these fantasy princess dress stories and into the perfect princess mood just in time for the big royal wedding event only days away. Viewers will get a taste of what they love about SAY YES TO THE DRESS and the upcoming Royal Wedding: beautiful dresses and the ultimate princess dress fantasies coming true.

"Charles and Di: Once Upon a Time": Sunday, April 24 at 7pm
Relive the most-watched wedding of the 20 th century. One billion people all glued to the television on July 29, 1981, as Prince Charles married Lady Diana Spencer. This two-hour special takes viewers back
to that very day, replaying the romantic moments some may remember, as well as fascinating, never-seen-before footage. From the quirky to the queenly, poptoid graphics on screen reveal little-known facts and
behind-the-scenes trivia about what made this a fairytale wedding come true.

"Untold Stories of a Royal Bridesmaid" (WT): Sunday, April 24 at 9pm
Thirty years ago, India Hicks was a royal bridesmaid in the wedding of the century when her cousin and godfather, Prince Charles, married Lady Diana. Now, India is revisiting that day with people who were
there and speculating about what the wedding of this century will be like when Prince William marries Kate Middleton.

The hour follows India Hicks - fashion model, television host and world renowned designer - as she takes American viewers on an imperial journey recalling her experiences as a royal bridesmaid to Princess Diana. She visits with friends and acquaintances to hear their personal, untold stories from that momentous day in the summer of 1981; each with unique insights and opinions of what it was like when Diana walked
down the aisle and became a part of the royal family. Through her nique perspective and privileged experience, India Hicks breaks down the basics of what was it like for Diana and what will be like when
Kate Middleton follows in her footsteps, giving the audience an intimate glimpse into a royal wedding.


India and her guests also speculate about what it will be like for Kate Middleton as she marries into the royal family. India's journey is an exclusive, insider view of the dynamics of a royal wedding.

Viewers hear intimate stories and perspectives from those who had close, personal access to the royal family on that historic day in 1981:

DAVID EMANUEL is one half of the team that designed Princess Diana's iconic wedding dress and India hasn't seen him since Diana's wedding. The two reunite outside of his old store in Central London, where they all first met thirty years ago, to share impressions and stories from those private fittings with the future Princess.

GAIL MOSLEY was a nanny to India who took care of her on the morning of the wedding. She spent the final moments with Diana before she left for the church and has never talked about that experience with anyone. Gail shares her experience and impressions of Diana, which contradict the "Shy Di" characterization given to her by the press.

CLEMENTINE HAMBRO was a fellow bridesmaid who has barely talked about that day when she was a flower girl for Diana. India visits with her old friend, reliving their experiences behind-the-scenes of a royal wedding. Clementine and India take a stroll outside the gates of Buckingham Palace to revisit the famous balcony where they stood before thousands of well-wishers thirty years earlier.

TIM EWART is a royal correspondent who covered Diana's wedding and will be covering Prince William's and Kate's wedding. He has worked with India before and meets with her at the bottom of St. Paul's Cathedral to talk about the events that he witnessed on that day and also speaks about measures being taken by the royal family to ensure Kate doesn't suffer the same fate as Diana.

LADY PAMELA HICKS is a former bridesmaid to the Queen of England back in 1947 who has remained a confidant of the royal family. India visits with her mother to hear what it was like and to compare royal bridesmaid stories and royal bridesmaid dresses. Lady Pamela also speaks about a few of the last minute mishaps that popped up on the day of Princess Elizabeth's wedding.

DANIELLA ISSA is the designer of the dress that Kate Middleton wore for her engagement announcement. She is also a friend of India's which is why she agreed to meet to talk about Kate Middleton. The two discuss that dress, the engagement experience and how Kate will influence fashion, just as Diana did when she became a Princess.

CAROLINA HERERRA is the fashion icon who spent the night before Diana's wedding at Kensington Palace. India was there the same night and has never spoken to Carolina about it, despite having known her for years. India and Carolina discuss their experiences and also speculate about the influence Kate Middleton will have on the fashion world when she becomes a Princess.

"Royally Astounding: 30 Defining Days of the Monarchy" (WT): Sunday, April 24 at 10pm
Events force change. This compelling documentary holds up a magnifying glass to 30 days in the life of the royal family over the last 30 years. How did the British Monarchy learn from the mistakes made back in 1981 to ensure the mismatch of Charles and Diana would not be repeated in 2011 with William and Kate? We count the 30 key dates, good and bad, that ensured a many-centuries-old institution can "Keep Calm And Carry On".

"Wild About Prince Harry": Monday, April 25 at 10pm
With his brother William about to tie the knot, Prince Harry, at 26, takes over the top spot on the list of the world's most eligible bachelors. "Wild About Prince Harry" asks this question: just how did a teen, so troubled after his mother's death, manage to transform himself into a war hero, a charity campaigner, and a royal pin-up worthy of best man status?

"What the Sell?! Royal Episodes": Tuesday, April 26 at 10pm
The ladies of WHAT THE SELL?! have a jolly ole time in two episodes featuring items of from the United Kingdom, including Princess Diana memorabilia and an unexpected bit of royal lingerie dating back to Queen Victoria.

"Extreme Royal Collections": Wednesday, April 27 at 10pm
Meet the most avid royal collectors in the world! In the UK, squeeze into Margaret's home where, after 30 years of non-stop collecting, she lives proudly surrounded by 10,000 plates, cups, spoons, and figurines in an amazing world of regal clutter. In Australia, rub shoulders with rival collectors Janet and Philip, whose house is just as jam-packed. They regularly throw open their doors to tour bus parties for tea and a tour of their royal bounty. And in the US, get a glimpse of the glamorous world of Pat, a high-end collector whose haul of royal collectables includes some of Princess Diana's dazzling gowns.

"The Making of a Royal Wedding": Thursday, April 28 at 8pm
What does it take to pull off a once in a lifetime event? Join TLC as we see some of the amazing choreography of logistics and details that go into preparing for the wedding of the century. From security to dresses, from maintenance to meals, we'll catch up with the tailors, butlers, chefs, artisans, vendors and even wedding guests as they all get ready for the Big Day.

"Countdown to the Royal Wedding": Thursday, April 28 at 9pm
Royal experts and TLC talent including Clinton Kelly and Randy Fenoli host a round table from NY, the UK and beyond bringing viewers up to speed on everything they need to know for the big day.

TLC's Royal Wedding Coverage: Friday, April 29

Live coverage of the wedding begins at 5am

The rebroadcast of the wedding will air 9am-1pm

(Live wedding coverage and immediate rebroadcast will air live across the country)

**An encore of the wedding will air from 8-10pm on Friday, April 29 and Saturday, April 30. Saturday's encore will feature bonus content including reactions from wedding guests

Kris Kristofferson In Bloodworth Opens May 20th

Starring Kris Kristofferson, Frances Conroy, Dwight Yoakam, Reece Daniel Thompson, W. Earl Brown, Hilarie Burton, Sheila Kelley, Afemo Omilami, Gill Gayle with Val Kilmer and Hilary Duff.

Directed by Shane Dax Taylor

Screenplay by W. Earl Brown based on the novel "Provinces of Night" by William Gay

It's been 40 years since E.F. Bloodworth (Kris Kristofferson) abandoned his loving wife and sons for
a life on the road. Now at the end of the line, Bloodworth reappears, forced to reckon with the stale
aftermath of his departure. With his ex-wife Julia (Frances Conroy) mentally destroyed, his three sons; Warren (Val Kilmer), Boyd (Dwight Yoakam) and Brady (W. Earl Brown) soured by years of anger,
Bloodworth's only solace is a budding relationship with Fleming, the grandson he never knew. But when Fleming meets Raven (Hilary Duff), the woman of his dreams, will Bloodworth's presence force history to repeat itself?

At the heart of BLOODWORTH is the ageless music of Oscar Winning Producer, T Bone Burnett (Best Original Song, Crazy Heart, 2009), and an original song from country music legend Kris Kristofferson.

Release Date: May 20, 2011

Running time: 105 minutes

Rated R for language, some violence and drug content

Visit the official site:

http://www.bloodworth-movie.com/

PediaCare for Children - Control Allergy's for 24 Hours - Review & Giveaway

As a mom or caregiver, watching a child suffer with allergies can be heartbreaking. In fact, according to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology, approximately 40 percent of children in the United States are affected by seasonal allergies. As common as allergies are, many parents are still confused about which over-the-counter allergy products are safe for their young children. And just in time for allergy season, PediaCare has a new product to decrease the allergy suffering of children.

Allergy Relief Moms Can Rely On
Itchy, runny nose, sneezing, watery eyes and itchy throat – we all know the symptoms that can make our children miserable from allergies. And just in the nick of time as we approach the peak allergy season, PediaCare®, a trusted brand of children’s non-prescription medicines for the past quarter of a century, just introduced new one-dose per day, Children’s PediaCare® 24 Hour Allergy.

As common as allergies are, many parents are still confused about which over-the-counter allergy products are safe for their young children. Specially formulated for children, just one dose of new Children’s PediaCare® 24 Hour Allergy with cetirizine hydrochloride, provides all day relief from indoor and outdoor allergy symptoms. No more worrying about redosing during the day, its dye free and it’s a flavor that kids love – grape!

In addition to the extensive product line offerings, PediaCare® has also developed a new comprehensive website, www.pediacare.com, where parents can find the following:

• Symptom checker/product selector that helps guide parents to select the PediaCare® product that best addresses the symptoms their child is experiencing; also available in a free downloadable iPhone application

• Sick day printable games, puzzles and coloring pages

• Tips for parents on all things pertaining to their child’s health

• PediaCare® product information

New Children’s PediaCare® 24 Hour Allergy is available in a four ounce bottle for $11.99. The entire line of PediaCare products is available at drugstores, supermarkets and other retailers nationwide.

What I Can Tell You: My kids suffer the end of April into May with allergies. They are both allergic to grass and trees feeling it everywhere. Their suffering is heartbreaking and everyone call tell they are suffering. We have used PediCare for the past week and they seem to be tolerating the Spring better than ever.

Print out coupons here

The Giveaway:  One lucky winner will receive bottle of Children’s PediaCare® 24 Hour Allergy.


To Win:

Mandatory Entry. If this is not followed, none of your extra entries will count. Leave me a comment letting me know who you are entering for by Midnight, May 4, 2011

For Extra Entries:
*Blog about this giveaway and leave me the link for (5 extra entries) (each entry must be separate).
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*Open to US only.

Disclosure: I am hosting this giveaway for PediaCare
who provided the review copy and the giveaway copy. 

I received no monetary compensation.

Is Your MP3 Player Begging for New Music? Check Out He Is We - My Forever

He Is We's story is the sort of tale that should begin with “Once upon a time…” In the summer of 2008, Rachel Taylor and Trevor Kelly went to work at Ted Brown Music Tacoma, Washington. Both felt like outcasts and while the other employees sold flutes and guitars, Rachel and Trevor became fast friends, confiding in each other and realizing they both were musically inclined. Their first collaboration was a track called “Such a Beautiful Sound,” written at a friend’s house,” and the transition from music store co-workers to band mates was a natural next step.


The duo’s quirky songwriting began to get attention when they posted “Pardon Me” online. At first the track got five or six plays a day; later it got thousands. So Rachel and Trevor wrote more songs and the musical connection between the two was apparent from the start.

By 2010 it was time for those fans to have more music than a few online songs. He Is We spent much of the year recording the ten tracks for their debut album with several producers. First with Casey Bates (Chiodos, Gatsby’s American Dream) at his Seattle studio, then with Aaron Sprinkle (Anberlin, Eisley) at his. Later the band flew to New York to record some tracks with Dan Romer (Ingrid Michaelson, Jenny Owen Youngs) and laid down a few more with Shep Goodman and Aaron Accetta. Working with so many different producers created what the band feels is a sense of open-minded diversity on the record.

The final album, which was released digitally in November, is a delightfully eclectic collection of acoustic songs that shine with enthusiasm and passion. The album as a whole is lovely and inviting, easily accessible for any listener. The disc evolves that initial meeting in the music store to prancing pop songs that always leave you wanting more. “Making the album turned our little demos into exactly what we were hoping for,” Rachel says. “It made our little babies grow up into beautiful young songs.” This is where you’d expect the story to close with “Happily ever after.” But He Is We is just getting started. As Rachel says, “It’s only going to get better.”

What I Can Tell You:
I have a soft spot for duets! As someone who used to sing into her hair brush as a kid, I loved hearing a guy and girl voice blending together. Rachel and Trevor sound great together and would have loved to hear more of his voice on the CD (check him on track 2)

Forever & Ever - Very teenage feel like Taylor Swift. It was how we feel as teens. Everything is forever! I remember writing that on my notebook about every crush I ever had.

All About Us - This may be my favorite song on the CD. Very nice sound and catchy chorus. Will be singing this all night! "Lovers dance when they are feeling in love." Nice switch off on the vocals. It's a-a-all about u-u-us...

Everything You Do - Goddess' favorite song. Very chipper with hand clapping. "when you touch me, it's like the very first time!"

And Run - More clapping. "oh ah oh ah oh ah oh...you get the picture. I love the time changes in this song but didn't love it until the third time I listened to it.

Happily Ever After - I am not surprised that this song was the first video. The chorus is catchy the sound very youthful and radio appropriate for Top 40s. 'Oh happilty ever after, wouldn't you know? wouldn't you know? Oh skip to the ending who'd like to know I'd like to know". Ending with fist thrusting adolescent shouting." We all have our story to tell."

Kiss It Better - I love the yodeling! Truly one of the best on the CD!

Prove You Wrong - Reminded me of Avril who I love! Love the music as much as the lyrics.

Blame It On The Rain - Less angsty than Alanis and less gravel than Melissa but the same feel. "Tell me does she look at you the way I do? Try to Understand the words you say and the way you move." See the video here.

Love Life - Catchy and fun, "la, la, la, love life what's that?"

Fall - One of the my favorites on the CD! Nice time changes and vocals. Love the shifty beat!

This is not a flash in the pan. There is real talent here!! Putting the entire CD on my MP3 Player so I can listen in the car.

Catch He is We on tour in these cities.

Follow He Is We on Facebook Follow
He Is We on Twitter
To Purchase: My Forever

Disclosure: I received a complimentry CD from Sneak Attack Media for my honest opinon.

ABC Wednesday - N for Niece

ABC Wednesday

It's a couple of years old but this is one of my favorite pictures of my daughter and my niece. They are the oldest and youngest in the family and I love how comfortable they are in this picture.

Tuesday Takes

Goddess had on her Harley jacket and spent the afternoon riding a Harley scooter on the deck. I stepped out to get a few pictures when she started doing stunts which landed her on her "cutest butt in the world" behind! She's fine folks. Just needed a band-aid on her finger which showed no scratch to me but to her eyes, there was a complete need for coverage.

Midweek Blues

Saw a bunch of pencils with all their color and faces this week, and just smiled. Hopefully they make you smile too!

Pear Tree Is Offering A Pack of Thank You Cards For $1.00

Starting April 20th - April 21st Pear Tree is offering six thank you cards for $1! The featured thank you cards are from their graduation collection, just in time for graduation parties. It is perfect for grads, but the designs are versatile so you can thank people you have been meaning to for the past couple months- your babysitter, a teacher, a co-worker, your walking partner, or even a wonderful blogger.

This is such a great deal, don't forget, head over to Pear Tree on April 20th and get your pack of Thank Yous for $1.00  There are only 5,000 packs!

There Is No Year by Blake Butler

There Is No Year: A Novel

A Novel by Blake Butler

Book Description

A family of three: father, mother, son.
A house that gives them shelter but shapes their nightmares.
An illness that nearly arrested the past, and looms over the future.
A second family—a copy family. Mirror bodies.
Events on the horizon: a hole, a box, a light, a girl.
Holes in houses. Holes in speaking. Holes in flesh.
Memories that deceive and figures that tempt and lure and withdraw.
There Is No Year is the astonishing new novel by Blake Butler.
It is a world of scare, a portrait of return, a fable of survival and the fierce burden of art.

What I Can Tell You:

This was the craziest book ever and I mean that in the nicest way. It was a total, creepy, odd, trippy, journey into the kind of psychological, scary imagery I love in my horror movies. It was like reading a nightmare come to life. There is nothing like this out there.

The complexity of Blake's writing is why I call myself the Amateur Book Reviewer. It would take a semester of sitting with Blake to understand the nuances and details of this story.

The story centers around a family. Mom, Dad and a Son who is recovering from a life threatening illness. When they enter the house there is another family who looks just like they do. They set them outside on the porch and move in. The Chapter have great titles like Room of Hair, The Copy Mother In Particular, Disease Relics, Job (which consists of one paragraph) and more. It is extremely hard to review this book. I would need to read it two more times to fully grasp it, which I don't see it happening for a while due to the volume of pages 401.
 
Example
Chapter, Night: The mother grew, filled up with nothing - cells in cells on cells, a house.
 
You can get two distinct stories based on your perception. We could be watching a family living a horror in a house that is literally eating them up alive, mind, body and soul or we can see a family dealing with the devastating cards life had handed them and how they lose themselves in life.

I love everything about this book, the size, the pages, the blurry photos.

If you are looking for something different, this IS the book for you.

Disclosure: I receive a complimentary copy from Harper Collins for my honest opinion.

Ruby Tuesday - Gifts of Love

Ruby Tuesday

A precious gift from Goddess! I love kids and their innocence. She always gives very special, thoughtful trinkets of love.