Thursday, February 28, 2013

Bebe Au Lait Throw Blanket Giveaway


Does your little one love comfy, cozy, cuddly blankies? I know my little man does! We still use our baby blankets as often as possible. They are so soft!

Welcome to the Bebe Au Lait Throw Blanket Giveaway!




Hosted & Sponsored by: Mommys Craft Obsession

A big thank you to my lovely co-hosts:



Happy entering everyone! What a great Easter Gift

Enter to win a Bebe Au Lait Throw Blanket in "Waves Boy"! 
Please note, this blanket is not monogrammed.

Photo Credits: Bebe Au Lait

February 28th-March 5th

Enter to win using the Rafflecopter Below!



The Giveaway will close late on the evening of March 5th. The winner will be chosen at random through Rafflecopter which uses Random.org. The winner will be emailed and announced on the Rafflecopter.. The winner will have their prize sent to them by Mommys Craft Obsession. All entries will be verified and must be done in their entirety for the selected person to be chosen as the winner. Winner has 48 hours after being notified to respond to the email and redeem their prize. If winner does not respond within 48 hours they will forfeit their prize and a new winner will be chosen. Must be 18 years and older. Participating Bloggers are not responsible for the prize shipment. US Residents Only.


Baby Geniuses And The Mystery Of The Crown Jewels DVD - REVIEW & GIVEAWAY

Photobucket

The Baby Squad is back...and this time they're Europe-bound! When the Queen of England's crown jewels mysteriously go missing, there's only one toddler team for the job! Using their stealth abilities and a range of high-tech gadgets to uncover important clues, the height-challenged heroes soon realize they've found their thief when the same toddler, Big Baby, appears wherever they go! It's up to the Baby Squad to track down the crown jewels and return them to the Queen before Big Baby makes even more big trouble! Starring Jon Voight (NATIONAL TREASURE FRANCHISE, TRANSFORMERS) and Skyler Shaye (BABY GENIUSES FRANCHISE, BRATZ). 


The 411 by Maria: 

When I put the movie in this weekend, the kids both groaned saying they didn't want to watch a movie about babies. Well, as much as they refused to watch in the beginning they both enjoyed it. I on the other hand found it torture but really the movie wasn't made for me.

The kids both laughed at the silliness of the babies and how crazy the adults in the movie are.  The babies are adorable but the terrible CG graphics made me cringe.

Goddess loved that the babies got to travel around the world. She stood in front of the TV the whole time, we had to keep telling her to sit down.

Handsome thought the babies were funny. We had a play date this week and the kids all wanted to watch it. So, point is this. I found it torture and the kids loved it. There you have it.

The kids are in luck because they are currently working on 2 more Baby Genius Movies already in post production. Woot! Woot!

Enter for your chance to win a Baby Geniuses And The Mystery Of The Crown Jewels on DVD by entering the Rafflecopter by March 17th.

a Rafflecopter giveaway
 

Disclaimer:

I received a complimentary copy of this DVD for my honest opinion.

The Incredible Burt Wonderstone, In Theaters Friday, March 15

Superstar magicians Burt Wonderstone (Steve Carell) and Anton Marvelton (Steve Buscemi) have ruled the Las Vegas Strip for years, raking in millions with illusions as big as Burt's growing ego. But lately the duo's greatest deception is their public friendship, while secretly they've grown to loathe each other. 

Facing cutthroat competition from guerilla street magician Steve Gray (Jim Carrey), whose cult following surges with each outrageous stunt, even their show is starting to look stale. But there's still a chance Burt and Anton can save the act—both onstage and off—if only Burt can get back in touch with what made him love magic in the first place. 

"The Incredible Burt Wonderstone" stars Steve Carell and Steve Buscemi as long-reigning headliners and one-time best friends Burt and Anton, and Olivia Wilde as their glamorous magic assistant, Jane. Alan Arkin stars as old-school illusionist Rance Holloway; James Gandolfini as casino mogul Doug Munny; and Jim Carrey as the team's number one rival, Steve Gray.

The film was directed by Emmy Award winner Don Scardino (TV's "30 Rock"), from a screenplay by Jonathan Goldstein & John Francis Daley ("Horrible Bosses") and story by Chad Kultgen & Tyler Mitchell and Jonathan Goldstein & John Francis Daley. It was produced by Chris Bender, Steve Carell, Jake Weiner and Tyler Mitchell. Diana Pokorny, Charlie Hartsock, Vance DeGeneres, J.C. Spink, Richard Brener, Walter Hamada and Dave Neustadter served as executive producers.

The creative filmmaking team included director of photography Matthew Clark (TV's "30 Rock"), production designer Keith Cunningham ("Ocean's Eleven," "Star Trek"), editor Lee Haxall ("Crazy, Stupid, Love.") and costume designer Dayna Pink ("Crazy, Stupid, Love."). The music was composed by Lyle Workman.

David Copperfield, the world's most successful magician, served as a special consultant and also appears in the film, as himself.

"The Incredible Burt Wonderstone" is a New Line Cinema presentation of a Benderspink/Carousel Production, and will be distributed by Warner Bros. Pictures, a Warner Bros. Entertainment Company.
This film is rated PG-13 by the MPAA for "sexual content, dangerous stunts,
a drug-related incident and language."
theincredibleburtwonderstone.com

Polly Pocket's Are Great Toys For Summer Fun!


Photobucket

Goddess and I as Amazon Vine Reviewers received Polly Pockets Polly Pocket Zip 'N Splash Playset. We love the price! Plus it was so much fun. Any time kids can add water to their toys, they think it is the best!

Everyday is an adventure with Polly and friends
Zipline connects multiple levels of play for high-flying fun
Polly activates her animal friends as she ziplines to the pool
Polly doll's hair changes colors as she goes under the waterfall

The set includes: Polly doll, monkey, puppy and two tropical drink plus the pool zip line for hours of fun.

Check our way too long video below

Disclaimer: We received a complimentary product for our honest opinion.

Shabby Apple For The Retro Woman In You $50.00 Giveaway


Shabby Apple is a vintage-inspired boutique featuring adorable, stunning, full of style clothing for women. 

If you like the look of feminine clothing you saw in those black and white photos from your mom or grandmom, you will love this.  These clothes are made to flatter the shape of a female's body while being fun and flirty. 

I literally spent an hour on their website because not only did I love looking at the clothing, but the photos are adorable too.




Stunning! Dress. I could so see my grandmother wearing this back in the day
I love this dress. It is adorable.
Look how cute this is!?
Shabby Apple have an amazing collection of vintage styled bathing suits, shoes, accesssories, and more beside their stunning clothes.

Thanks to Shabby Apple my readers have been gifted with a coupon code to be used before March 27, 2013.  Please use mariasspace10off to receive 10% off and pass it on to your friends or share on your social media sites so they can benefit too.

Shabby Apple's generosity doesn't end there either, they are offering one of Maria's Space readers a chance to win a $50.00 gift card to be used on their website.  If you love Shabby Apple as much as I do, enter the Rafflecopter below before March 15th. Sorry this is a US giveaway only!

  a Rafflecopter giveaway  

Disclaimer: No monetary compensation was received to host this giveaway!

Tuesday, February 26, 2013

Do You Love Reality Shows? New One Coming Soon!




NATIONAL CASTING!!!!!
I LOVE MY GROSS GUY!

Are you a woman with a dirty little secret? Is your boyfriend/fiancé/husband a dirty obnoxious filthy slob?  Do these words fail to even describe the magnitude of overall grossness your man exhibits? Most importantly - do you love him anyway?
Secret or not, a major cable network is looking for men who are messy, sloppy, filthy, or just plain gross and the women who love them. We're looking for big personalities who aren't afraid to share their true habits with the world (biting their toenails, eating out of dumpsters, fear of bathing, etc). Whatever it is, we want to hear from you!
If you think this sounds like you - and for more information - please send your name, contact information, current photos, a description of your relationship, and why you think you'd be perfect for this show to: unconditionallovecasting@gmail.com.
We look forward to hearing your story!

The Bible Premieres On The History Channel Next Month + A Walmart Card Giveaway



The Bible Series premiering on History Channel March 3rd 2013 Sundays at 8PM!

From Executive Producers Roma Downey and Mark Burnett comes The Bible — an epic 10-part miniseries retelling stories from the Scriptures for a whole new generation. Breathtaking in scope and scale, The Bible features powerful performances, exotic locales and dazzling visual effects that breathe spectacular life into the dramatic tales of faith and courage from Genesis through Revelation. This historic television event is sure to entertain and inspire the whole family! Where will YOU be 3.3.13? 


a Rafflecopter giveaway  

Disclaimer: No monetary compensation was received to host this giveaway!

Q & A with TV Star Melissa Joan Hart


Here is our exclusive interview with Melissa Joan Hart star of  Melissa and Joey, Sabrina the Teenage Witch and Clarissa Explains It All

Q: What exactly is Yowza!!?

A: Yowza!! is a mobile coupon app that tells you where the best steals and deals are wherever you happen to be. Yowza!! coupons are all digital, which means it’s great for the environment and extremely convenient. With Yowza!!, busy moms and dads no longer need to waste time clipping coupons. I couldn’t shop without it.

Q: How did you hear about Yowza!!?

A: I got a call from fellow actor Greg Grunberg. He told me he started this company after he had a really frustrating experience where he forgot a coupon at home and just wished he could find all of his favorite coupons on his phone! When I heard about it, I was like “YES!!!” That would be so great…

Q: What is your involvement with Yowa!!?

A: I’m a part owner and huge ambassador. I am spreading the word everywhere I can about Yowza!! and why every mom should be using it and looking at what’s on there every day.

Q: Why did you get involved with Yowza!!?

A: As a mom of 3 kids, I know how crazy life is…especially when also balancing a career, etc. I don’t care who you are…who doesn’t want to save money? I want to make a difference and believe that Yowza!! can really help so many families and business owners. Not to mention, we are green. So I got involved because I felt I coud really help get the word out and make a difference while helping moms like me save some serious money.

Q: What excites you about Yowza!!? Who is using Yowza!!?

A: I love the fact that Yowza!! is listening to its users and adding new retailers all the time. In fact, they just launched Carters & OshKosh B’gosh on the app. You can see information on store wide sales and then from 2/14-2/20, you can save 25% on your in store purchases at all OshKosh B’gosh stores. From 2/21-2/24, you can save 20% at all Carter’s stores! I know I will be shopping there!

Q: Anything else?

A: Yes, download Yowza!! now to your Iphone or Android device. Seriously, you will not regret it. It’s free and will save you a ton of cash. Visit www.getyowza.com for more info…and, if you have any stores you want to see, let us know on the site!

Using Movies to Discuss Difficult Family Topics





Using Movies to Discuss Difficult Family Topics
Touro University Worldwide Takes a Look at This Year’s Oscar Nominees

With the Oscars just around the corner, Americans are rushing to see the films that critics have been raving about for months. Some of our families in the Touro University Worldwide (TUW) Marriage & Family Therapy Department reviewed a few of this year's Oscar Nominees and the family lessons that can be learned from their plots. If you and your family watch movies, choosing to include movies like these that deal with challenging subjects can be a good way to discuss these tough topics.

1)     Dealing with Parenting – “Brave” is the favorite for winning best animated film, but it is also a favorite for understanding the conflicts that arise between parents and children. The strong-willed Merida defies her mother as she hopes to change the future her parents have planned for her. Ultimately, both mother and daughter learn that parenting is about compromise, which is a lesson that both children and adults can take to heart.

2)     Dealing with Mental Illness – Mental illness is often a taboo subject; families do not discuss it and prefer avoidance over acceptance. Movies such as “Silver Linings Playbook” have brought the realities of depression and mental illness into the spotlight. Families need to be open about mental illness with their children so that they can understand that it is an illness and it is ok to ask for help. Movies are good starting points for talking about difficult topics, and “Silver Linings Playbook” fits the bill.

3)     Learning about Societal Struggles – “Les Misérables” was revolutionary when Victor Hugo first published the acclaimed novel in 1862, and many of the struggles and lessons learned by its characters are still relevant today.  Talking to your children about poverty and racism can be difficult topics to introduce, and sometimes looking at how far the world has come is a good starting point. Using historical movies like “Les Misérables” can teach your children lessons such as the importance of service to society, intellectual pursuit, and the giving back to the underserved, all principals that TUW is built upon.

4)     Learning about Loss – “Amour” is the favorite for winning the Oscar for Best Foreign Language Film, but the topics the film focuses on such as elderly relations and loss are not foreign. Talking about loss is a difficult subject to broach at any age, which is why it is important to watch movies that showcase the pain of loss and show family members how individuals deal with this agony.

The Marriage and Family Therapy Program at Touro University Worldwide presents an extraordinary opportunity for interested individuals to become actively involved in an expanding and promising area of study. The need for Marriage and Family Therapists is growing as an integral and important part of our nation’s health and mental health care delivery system. So watch the movies, learn the lessons, and then become part of the TUW community that teaches these lessons every day.

Interested students should visit http://www.tuw.edu/ or call 888-586-5193 to learn how they can apply today.

###

About Touro University Worldwide:
Touro University Worldwide is a non-profit organization established by philanthropic visionaries who are committed to developing a passionate, connected learning community that can help students achieve their individual academic goals. Students at Touro University Worldwide are committed to social justice, intellectual pursuit, and professional development. This philosophy is derived from the Judaic foundation on which the University was originally founded and a value system that welcomes all cultures and backgrounds.

About the Touro College and University System
Touro is a system of non-profit institutions of higher and professional education. Touro College was chartered in 1970 primarily to enrich the Jewish heritage, and to serve the larger American and global community. Approximately 19,000 students are currently enrolled in its various schools and divisions. Touro College has branch campuses, locations and instructional sites in the New York area, as well as branch campuses and programs in Berlin, Jerusalem, Moscow, Paris and Florida. Touro University California and its Nevada branch campus, as well as Touro University Worldwide and New York Medical College are separately accredited institutions within the Touro College and University System. For further information on Touro College, please go to: http://www.touro.edu/media/.

Strawberry Shortcake Berry Friends Forever DVD Giveaway

I love Strawberry Shortcake for many reasons but the one I love most is how sweet she is to her friends. She has wonderful manners and never lets anything get to her.  She is always the voice of reason and remains calm and balanced which is why I love watching her movies with my 7 year old daughter. 

Teaching good manners is hard but with Strawberry Shortcake's help, it's a piece of cake!

Strawberry Shortcake’s Berry Best Manners for Kids Guide
Strawberry Shortcake: Berry Friends Forever on DVD March 5

When the very formal Berry Bitty Buggy Derby is revived, the girls are unfamiliar with the traditional behavior for the event. Blueberry starts off as the resident expert, but eventually gets so obsessed with manners she does more harm than good. In the end, the girls work together and learn the true meaning of being BFF's or Berry Friends Forever.

This feature will highlight some of the “berry” best manners that Strawberry and Blueberry would approve of! Your kids will learn how to be on their "berry" best behavior everyday with this fun guide!

Keep Your Elbows Off the Table


While the origin of this table manner is still up for debate, it’s “berry” polite to keep your elbows off the table while eating! Resting your elbows on the table while you eat makes you prone to accidental spills and other mishaps, while remembering to keep your elbows off the table ensures that food, utensils, and drinks remain on the table and out of your lap!

Always Use Your “Inside Voice”



It’s easy to get excited when talking about something you love and are excited about, or when having fun with your berry best friends, but it’s important to always use your “inside voice.” If you’re invited to a formal event like the Berry Bitty Buggy Derby like Strawberry and her pals are, you’d have to do your best to not yell to show your excitement!

Always Use “Please” and “Thank you”


Always remember to say, “please” before asking for something, and “thank you” when someone does something to help you. Using “please” and “thank you” isn’t just a way to be polite when asking for something, but it’s also a nice way to decline someone’s offer. Let’s say a friend offers you a snack at their house, but you’re allergic to the food – what do you say? “No, thank you!”

Knock Before Entering




If someone has the door to their bedroom, the bathroom, etc. closed, you should always knock and ask for permission to come in before entering. In general, people shut doors when they don’t want company, so if you want to be on your “berry” best behavior, you should always knock!

Chew With Your Mouth Closed




No matter how yummy your food is, always remember that those you’re eating with don’t want to see your chewed food hanging out of your mouth! Even though everyone enjoys tasty food, it’s important to chew food with your mouth closed so that you don’t accidentally gross out your dining companions. Chewing with your mouth closed also helps you keep from dropping chewed food on your clothes and the table. Another “berry” good tip: don’t talk with your mouth full of food either – it’s considered polite to finish chewing and then speak! 
Enter the Rafflecopter below by March 13th at Midnight.
US ONLY PLEASE!
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Disclaimer: No monetary compensation was received to host this giveaway