Wednesday, July 27, 2016

Christian, Thriller, Mystery, Suspense Movie Entitled Awakened Hear No Evil



Newspaper reporter Jacob Harker (Rob Boltin) loses his job, forcing he and his wife, Haley (Gwendolyn Edwards), to move into a small rental house owned by Webster Cain (Michael Monks). In the process of moving in, Jacob discovers a discarded audio recording of 60's blues singer Carol James (Hannah Hughes). Captivated by the voice on the recording, Jacob conducts an investigation into Carol James' life and death.

Through his pursuit, Jacob becomes haunted by an evil spirit. While the spirit seductively persuades Jacob, drawing him deeper and deeper into its own malicious plot, the spirit attacks and terrorizes Haley, creating both fear and distrust in the Harker's home. Haley sees her husband turning into someone less recognizable each day.



The 411:

When Jake and Haley move into a rental after he loses his job they appear to be a normal couple who definitely love and respect each other. When Jake finds an old audio reel containing a beautiful voice singing he feels emotional and wonders who this voice belongs to. He plays the reel for the man he is renting from and finds out that the voice is that of a Blue's singer from the 60's, Carol James who has since died. So taken by her voice Jacob decides to investigate what happened to her.

Jacob's obsession with Carol is changing who he is and if that isn't enough he is being haunted. Who is haunting him? Is it Carol. Haley has her own issues only she is being attacked by something she can't see.   The movie is definitely different from any other Christian movie I have seen but it wasn't terrible.

I will never understand why couples keep so much from each other in movies like this. I think  if they just shared what is happening things would be fine!

There is scripture quoted but that is as Christian as it gets.

It was an interesting movie!



Disclaimer: I received a complimentary product for my honest opinion. My reviews are 100% honest and true based on my personal opinion not on a company’s description or request. No monetary compensation was offered or received.




My Family's Dinner Choice Is Super Easy On My Busy Nights #GotADiscount




Pizza, Italian for “Life Force,” * is an important part of our lives. Shareable, delectable, beautiful — pizza has it all.  This pizza has a preservative-free, naturally rising crust that gives you 21 grams of whole grains per serving but still has that awesome Freschetta® taste you experienced before. The Freschetta® Artisan is crafted with 100% real cheese, a three tomato sauce and is available in Four Cheese, Margherita, Chicken & Fire Roasted Veggies and Pepperoni.

 
My son will eat pizza every night if I let him. He loves it and I am not surprised. My husband has told me that from 7-17 he lived on Pizza only it wasn't anything like Freschetta it was a cardboard, frozen pizza that I have never served my son nor will I ever type the word. In fact buying it when we first moved in together was down right embarrassing. I am hardly embarrassed to buy my son Freschetta pizza.  As an Italian mom I love cooking for my family however my kids love this stuff!  In fact, I love it! It looks and smells homemade and this is coming from someone who grew up with the smells of my Great-Grandma's pizza wafting through the house whenever we visited.



Every Artisan pizza is crafted with:
  • 51% multigrain crust
  • A unique blend of 3 whole grains — 21 grams per serving
  • Freschetta®’s special three tomato sauce
  • 100% real cheese
  • A wonderfully textured, naturally rising, preservative-free crust that has a sweeter taste
While we are partial to Freschetta Pepperoni and Four Cheese I cannot wait to try the Chicken and Fire Roasted Veggies.

FYI this is the only type of frozen pizza my daughter will eat. She likes the "spices they put in their sauce". I can't tell you that they are adding anything different but I think it is because she can see the oregano on top.

Disclaimer: I received a coupon for Freschetta and a pizza cutter as part of a BzzAgent.

Monday, July 25, 2016

Our Fun Filled Week Included, Pools, Lakes, Boat Trips and Parks

What a great day we had on the lake. My friend Madelaine, my kids and I met for breakfast last week. Afterward she treated us to a ride on her pontoon boat. My son's second time on a boat, my daughter bragging that it was her third and I were so excited and happily boarded.

She took us around the lake and then docked us at a place called The Cove. The kids got out and swam with the ducks while Mad and I caught up.

It was paradise and the best part was to watch my kids play as if they were friends. No fighting after weeks of being on summer vacation. Ahhhhh it was a beautiful day. Afterwards to keep up the fun I took them to the park. We ended up having to leave 40 minutes later due to the heat but it was a really great end to our day outdoors and unplugged






Thursday, July 21, 2016

Sizzling Summer Lips!



 I love make-up and and all kinds but especially eyes and lips. You can get away with not doing everything else as long as your lips and eyes are done!

 
Hard Candy is a name brand I have come to know and love. Besides the fun names on their make-up they are really affordable (approx $6.00)!


Last month I received a lip plumping serum from Hard Candy and was so excited to try it. I have tried them in the past always liked them but this time what I loved most was that while Hard Candy has the fruit extracts that add to the plumpness this didn't try out my lip line and it didn't burn. There is that menthol feel but nothing like I have experienced in the past with others.


The shade I have is called Lion Tamer. I like it as it is really glossy, adds volume and has great color. Almost like a nude with a touch of shimmer

More about Hard Candy Plumping Serum:

·  An outrageously shiny lip gloss that is formulated with Hard Candy’s exclusive lip plumping serum
·  Quickly minimizes the appearance of fine lines while fruit extracts add hydration and volume to the lips
·  Available in a range of sheer and full color shades including It Girl, Girl Next Door, Swan Lake, Cake Walk, Nude Beach, Crush on You, Lion Tamer, Gallery Girl, Pinky Swear, Magic Mauve, String Bikini and Show Stopper
The Hard Candy Plumping Serum is available at Walmart and Walmart.com 


So That Is What A Moth's Eye and A Decomposing Fly Looks Like

This USB/Android Cord Microscope is amazing. The cord is a 2-in-1 USB or Droid cord due to the fact it transforms with a flip (see the video).



The box comes with a QR Code for PC or Android Phones. We simply downloaded the software that was in the booklet that comes with the microscope. At first it doesn't look like anything is downloading because it simply turns on your computer camera. But when you look at your apps you can see it is downloading. Once downloaded you can see what you are viewing with the microscope right on your computer. You can take pictures or video. It is really amazing how much 200X magnification is.

The magnifier can come off the base or keep it in the base which is completely adjustable and lockable. It also comes with 4 tip attachments.

The LED light can be adjusted with a knob on the wire.

The camera is also waterproof.

Amazing price point!

Picture 1 - Nickle (look at that blue? We did not see it with our naked eye, What is that PlayDoh?)


Picture 2 - Dead Fly's leg - YUCK!


Picture 3 - Strand of my daughter's hair and multiple strands. Oh look a split end!

 
Picture 5 - Dead moth's eye. GROSS!


Picture 6 - Decomposing ant body is just so narly!


To Purchase:


Disclaimer: I received a discounted product for my honest opinion. My reviews are 100% honest and true based on my personal opinion not on a company’s description or request. No monetary compensation was offered or received.

Wednesday, July 20, 2016

Elena of Avalor Soundtrack #GIVEAWAY

Have you heard about Disney Channel's new series Elena of Avalor about a teenager who reluctantly rules over the land of Avalor as a crown princess until she is old enough to be Queen.


 Elena of Avalor premieres this Friday, July 22 (7:00-8:00 p.m.) and I am thrilled to offer my readers a soundtrack giveaway.  The EP features 7 songs. 

Elena of Avalor track listing:
  1. "Elena of Avalor"
  2. "Ready to Rule"
  3. "Festival of Love"
  4. "Sister Time"
  5. "The Magic Within You"
  6. "My Time" (Bonus Track)
  7. "My Time" (Instrumental)

The theme song is performed by Gaby Morena with the Anthem "My Time" performed by Aimee Carrero.

I love the CD soundtrack it has a party vibe and the songs are upbeat and have a tango feel to me. They make you want to dance.

Our favorites were Elena, Festival of Love and Sister Time (sister, sister, sister time!). There are only 7 songs on the CD which would be shocking for a Disney soundtrack. Wonder if there will be more or perhaps these are just the original songs. Whatever the case maybe, I love soundtracks that I can play in my truck that are kid friendly. 


We can't wait to watch it!

To stay on top of all the newest information follow Facebook.com/disneymusic and on Twitter Twitter.com/disneymusic.



Disclaimer: I received a complimentary product for my honest opinion. My reviews are 100% honest and true based on my personal opinion not on a company’s description or request. No monetary compensation was offered or received.

The Butterfly Who Wouldn't Leave

My daughter received clothes for a review from Kidpik last month so we headed outside for a photoshoot. We we down to the last piece which was a dress when she spotted a butterfly. She put her finger next to it on the grass and it hopped on. We think it was a new hatchling because it spent about 25-30 minutes walking on her until she finally placed it on our bridge and walked away. I really need to play with these shots in editing but I love them so much. It was a beautiful moment!

The kiss good-bye

ABC Wednesday

EATING OUT TIPS FOR AUTISM FAMILIES: FROM MCDONALD’S TO WHITE TABLE CLOTH RESTAURANTS, MANNERS ARE A MUST



 

By Marguerite Elisofon author MY PICTURE PERFECT FAMILY: What Happens When One Twin has Autism. Founder “Ask an Autism Mom”offering Consulting Services for Families with Children on The Spectrum.  Blogger for The Never-Empty Nest  on parenting young adults and disability related issues. Mother of twins Samantha and Matthew.

 

1.      Try to make sure your child is not over hungry when going out to eat. Whether waiting on line cafeteria style or seated for fine dining, your child will need to be patient. It always helps if you can play a game. If you’re at a fast food restaurant that’s not so fast, the first game can be deciding which line is best to stand on. Then you can discuss how quickly each line is moving, rooting for your own line and remarking on the progress of others—much like watching a horse race in slow motion. When seated at a fancy restaurant, you can play word games. One favorite in our family was What Doesn’t Belong? A. Fork, B. Knife, C. Plate and D. Spoon. Make sure your child explains the reason for their choice. For older children, use more complex categories (like geography and transportation vehicles). Also encourage them to make up their own multiple choice questions for you. Sometimes it’s fun to discover that there is more than one “correct” answer, depending on the reasons offered.

2.      Making polite requests—saying please and thank you is a MUST and should become automatic. Keep reminding your child in a matter of fact tone until this behavior becomes habit. If your child is anything like mine, she may surprise you by learning quickly in order to avoid being reminded.

3.      If your waiter makes a mistake, it’s important to teach your child not to meltdown in response. When Samantha was young, she hated ice in her soda and would meltdown when waiters brought her ice filled glasses. She even hated ice in her water. It took close to a decade for Samantha to learn how to send back her iced drinks politely, so never give up!

4.      Help your child navigate the menu. If your kid tries to order something you know they won’t like, intervene. Explain why they won’t like it—color, texture, sauce, etc.—encourage them to modify their order (sauce on the side) or suggest other menu choices. Help your child order food they will enjoy in an appropriate portion, without over ordering. If your child doesn’t eat as much as you think they should, don’t turn food into a battleground. Kids will eventually eat when they’re hungry enough. My son once fasted two and a half days in protest for being grounded (while still drinking gallons of Coke). He eventually scarfed down a hamburger and fries (while still grounded).

5.      Seating arrangements with siblings—taking turns. When your child on the spectrum insists on sitting next to Mom and Dad or in the middle, it’s OK if their sibling(s) doesn’t care. But if one or more siblings all want the same seat, they will have to take turns. If possible, discuss turn taking before going out to eat. Also if a family member feels hurt or left out, the child with autism needs to learn how to take the other person’s feelings into account. One way to teach empathy is to role play. Ask your child: “How would YOU feel if …?”

6.      Technology at the table—A lot depends on the age of your child. If your young ASD child is unable to participate in the conversation, it’s OK to let them use a gadget for a while. Negotiate in advance when it’s acceptable to use technology at the table and when it must be put away. Every family will have a different tolerance level. Neurotypical siblings at the table, especially if they’re older, should still be expected to turn off cell phones and iPads and participate in family discussions, acting as role models.
 
7.      Table manners—all children should learn how to use silverware at home and be reasonably adept with utensils before going to a restaurant (unless it’s chicken fingers at McDonalds). At the very least, if Mom or Dad cuts their food, the child should be able to manage a fork.

8.      Going to the rest room alone—a judgment call. Much depends on the developmental level of your child. Only you can assess their ability to navigate the restaurant or remember to wash their hands. If you’re familiar with the restaurant and the bathroom is reasonably close, you might feel comfortable allowing them to go alone. Obviously, in less familiar, more crowded places, you’ll want to make sure your child is accompanied.

9.      Bumping into adult friends—modulating behavior. Teach your child how to be polite and appropriate, saying a brief hello and exchanging pleasantries, without intruding on someone else’s evening.

10.  Dessert—one per customer! Any meltdowns over this issue results in no dessert. A meltdown also probably that means you’re reaching for the check, and everyone leaves without dessert. Once your child understands this routine, they’re likely to cooperate.

Marguerite Elisofon is a New York City writer and the author of My Picture Perfect Family, a memoir about how her family navigated life with a child on the autistic spectrum before the internet and support groups existed. She also blogs about parenting young adults and disability related issues in The Never Empty Nest. Her writing has been featured in a variety of publications, including Time and NY Metro Parents magazine, and her family’s story has been featured by the NY PostFox News, Parents Magazine, and on Jenny McCarthy’s Dirty Sexy Funny radio show. A Vassar graduate, Marguerite was born and raised in New York City, where she still lives with her husband, Howard, in their mostly-empty nest. She is available to speak about a wide variety of issues relating to twins, parenting, and autism.