Family Movie Night Giveaway: The Dog Who Saved The Holidays

The Dog Who Saved The Holiday:

It's a sun-soaked holiday season for the Bannister family as they travel to Southern California to stay with Aunt Barbara (Shelley Long), who surprises them with a new puppy named Eve (voiced by Peyton List). Everyone is smitten with Eve -- except for the Bannister's dog, Zeus (voiced by Joey Lawrence), who sees what a mischievous animal she is when no one else is around. After deciding to run away, Zeus sees Ted and Stewey, two thrifty thieves, trying to break into the family home while the Bannisters are at church. It's up to Zeus and his newest sister Eve to join together to save the holidays for their family!

The 411 by Maria:

This is my first time meeting Zeus and the Bannister Family but the movie stands on it's own. In this installment Zeus has some competition with a new puppy name Eve in the Bannister Family.  Eve is adorable and constantly one upping Zeus to be top dog in her new family but Zeus being well "the Father of Gods and Men" will always save the day.

I  loved this movie for so many reasons. Well, first there is the fact that the dogs are ssooooo cute! Next is that the story is sweet, funny and heartfelt. Exactly what I want in a holiday movie. Next, are all the familiar faces or voices. Joey Lawrence as Zeus. Shelley Long as Aunt Barbara and Michael Gross from Family Ties and Dean Cain. What a wonderful surprise!

Great Holiday movie for all ages with the adorable, funny dogs and the faces from our childhood past, adults will get into this too!

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Holiday Family Movie Night Giveaway - Chilly Christmas DVD

Eleven-year-old Bobby Cole and his dog Chilly are best friends, living happily in their Southern California beach house. But when Bobby's father Patrick (C. Thomas Howell), a single parent and police detective, accepts a job in New York City, they must find Chilly a new home. In an attempt to show his dad that Chilly can be a city dog, Bobby and his friends teach Chilly the indoor way of life. But Bobby's dad is not convinced, and it's not until Christmas Eve when corrupt dog thief Mr. Quarterman (Tom Arnold) breaks into the family home, that Chilly and Bobby can put their new training to the test! Can they band together to save Christmas -- and Chilly's future with the family?

The 411 by Maria:

What a great idea for a holiday movie. This one takes place on the beach of Southern California and stars C. Thomas Howell (Pony Boy from The Outsiders) as a Patrick a single dad raising his son Bobby. Man, C. Thomas Howell has grown up.

Bobby gets a puppy for Christmas and names him Chilly Christmas. Chilly provides some funny, adorable scenes especially when when he is wet.

When Patrick is offered a job in New York City he explains to Bobby that Chilly is not a city dog and they must find a home for him.

Great movie which even brought Handsome (my 9 year old) out of his game room to watch after passing by and noticing it. Getting him to give up precious game time is almost impossible so to have him sit with us for the whole movie tells me this is one everyone in the family will love!

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Disclaimer: I received a complimentry DVD for my honest opinion. The sponsor will be providing the giveaway.

Holiday Movie Giveaway - Elf Man

Elf Man

Synopsis:
An Elf is left behind by Santa to help rescue the Harper family from a lousy Christmas. The Elf and the family get more than they bargained for, as the kids help the Elf discover his special powers and true identity as a budding superhero.

My kids and I love holiday movies. We do family movie night at least two times a week but the kids have their own TV's which means that sometimes they watch their own movie, in their own room. During the holiday's we tend to spend more time together watching holiday movies at least once a night.  Last night we watched Elf-Man by Archor Bay Entertainment.

The 411:

Elf-Man is an OK made movie with no Oscar Worthy performance and some really cheesy acting and line delivery but what it DOES have is heart and is funny enough that kids will enjoy it.

Don't call this elf a leprechaun or a troll he gets pretty upset. Elf-Man gets left behind by Santa when a little girls wishes that a family heirloom toy elf would make her family happy again. Elf-Man may not have been the perfect Elf to help out a little girl mourning her mom but Santa knew what he was doing.

Elf-Man needed a change and the Harper family needed some help!

My favorite character had to be Marty Terry as Gramma. Gramma is sweet, old and makes nasty old fruitcake that the kids end up hiding and eventually using it to save the day. It is Marty's sweet granny voice that made me love this movie and allowed me to get past the head nodding that everyone else did to relay silent agreement.

My kids thought it was very funny and that is all that matters to me.

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Progresso Recipe Starters Gift Pack Giveaway

Have you seen these Progresso Recipe Starters?

They are pretty sweet and with life going 100 miles an hour these days, we can get all the help we can to make a meal for our family.

There are five sauces to choose from all inspired by classical French cooking, including Béchamel, Velouté, Tomato, Espagnole and Hollandaise. 


Creamy Parmesan Basil: This creamy, full-bodied and indulgent sauce that was inspired by alfredo and creamy pesto sauces can be used to make dishes such as Crispy Garlic-Parmesan Chicken, Creamy Chicken Alfredo, Basil Chicken Ravioli Carbonara and Basil Chicken Thai Noodle

Creamy Roasted Garlic with Chicken Stock: With caramelized, roasted chicken broth, garlic and a touch of cream, this stock is perfect for dishes such as Creamy Lemon Chicken, Chicken Pot Pie and Chicken Enchiladas

Fire Roasted Tomato: A medium-thick tomato sauce, accompanied by flavors of roasted, caramelized tomatoes, oregano and bell peppers, which can be used as a great way to begin creating Pulled Chicken Sandwiches, Easy Weeknight Chicken Parmesan, Cheese-stuffed Mini Meat Loaves and Mole Tacos

Creamy Portabella Mushroom: Creamy and highly indulgent, this smooth sauce is rich with sautéed Portabella mushrooms, giving you any easy way to start delicious dishes like Easy Weeknight Beef Stroganoff, Steak and Mushroom Sandwich and Tetrazzini

Creamy Three Cheese: Rich and creamy with a blend of yellow and white cheeses, and a savory background of chicken stock, onion, garlic and cracked pepper, this is a great way to satisfy cheese lovers with Easy Weeknight Bacon Mac & Cheese, Twice-Baked Potato Pizza and Cheesy Egg Breakfast Tacos

We used the Creamy Three Cheese to poor over our left over turkey. After two days of Thanksgiving leftovers we needed a change. It was delish and I wish I had a photo of it for you.



Progresso created 100 recipes around this line of Recipe Starters and I am looking forward to trying most of them.

Look for Progresso Recipe Starters in the soup aisle!

Get a coupon for $.50 off Progresso Recipe Starters

To receive a gift pack like the one I received enter the Rafflecopter below

Progresso Recipe Starter Gift Pack:

• A set of 6 kitchen tools (FYI I am in love with these utensils)
• Progresso Recipe Starter recipe book of 5 recipe ideas
• Can Progresso Recipe Starter (Creamy Three Cheese)
• Can Progresso Recipe Starter (Parmesan Basil)

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Disclosure: The information, products and Progresso gift pack were provided by Progresso through MyBlogSpark.

Yoplait Frozen Yogurt Gift Pack Giveaway

Attention Yogurt lovers everywhere, it´s time to celebrate! Now the goodness you´ve come to expect from Yoplait Yogurt is available in the frozen aisle. We´ve taken popular, natural yogurt flavors, and transformed them into Yoplait Original and Greek Frozen Yogurt Pints and Bars. That´s four more ways to enjoy the low-fat taste and rewarding benefits of Yoplait yogurt.

The 411 by Maria

Were you aware that Yoplait has expanded into Frozen Yogurt? I wasn't until now.  We received a coupon to try Yoplait Original or Greek Frozen Yogurt Pints and Bars. We were going to get the bars but were dying to use our new purple bowls (thanks Yoplait and My Blog Spark!) So we chose a Greek Honey Carmel.  Can you say so delicious that I didn't even get my camera out. We enjoy food way too much here. 

My next investment will be on the Frozen Yogurt Carmel Honey Bars because they look delicious.

If you are going to give them ice cream, why not frozen  yogurt? It is amazing how much like ice cream this is. My kids never knew the difference. 

We are loving our purple bowls too. Perfect for Yoplait Frozen Yogurt. Keeps everything nice and cold!

Enter for your chance to win a prize pack like the one I received.

 

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Disclosure: The information, products and Yoplait gift pack were provided by Yoplait through MyBlogSpark.

Keep Food Fresh Longer With The Green Refrigerator Machine by Ozonator

The Green Refrigerator Machine by Ozonator™, like the fabled Justice League, has a mission to stop the billions of dollars of annual food waste by arming Fresh Food Heroes and Families with the Green Refrigerator Machine. The Green Refrigerator Machine (GRM) is an eco-friendly, award-winning and inexpensive refrigerator update that uses patented ozone technology to keep food fresher longer, preventing waste, and extending healthy life of refrigerated foods. Even though the Green Refrigerator Machine by Ozonator™ cannot control the initial cost of fresh fruits and vegetables, they strive to share the message of their solution that keeps the cost of eating this lifestyle much more affordable.

The 411:  

Disclaimer: I received a oomplimentry product through a Mom Select Campaign.

Vampire Story for The Ages! The Return of Aris by Devin Morgan

 
The 411 by Maria:
I love a good vampire story, romance and mystery. Carlos is sent to Sarah by his Parole Officer Colleen who believes he is a smart, articulate young man who needs guidance and help.

Sarah starts hypnosis with Carlos where he speak of a past life involving Alexander the Great and becoming a vampire after his murder. 

Sarah is convinced his subconscious is the answer to his problems while her uncertainty keeps her guessing. 

I love everything about Sarah and Carlos, this is an interesting take on a vampire story and I cannot wait for part 2. Wonderfully written with you needing more of sexy Carlos.

Chicken Soup for the Soul: The Gift of Christmas: A Special Collection of Joyful Holiday Stories GIVEAWAY

Chicken Soup for the Soul: The Gift of Christmas: A Special Collection of Joyful Holiday Stories 

 This extra long collection of 121 Christmas stories will warm readers’ hearts and spread the wonder of the holiday season with its tales of love, joy, and awe. A great holiday gift.

Chicken Soup for the Soul: The Gift of Christmas will delight readers with its stories about the joy, wonder, and blessings of the holiday season. This special collection is filled with joyful, heartwarming and merry stories about holiday traditions, family, and goodwill that the whole family will enjoy. Most of these stories originally appeared in a limited edition book called Chicken Soup for the Soul: Tales of Christmas.

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Need A Gift Idea? How About One That Lasts For 12 Months?

SPORTS ILLUSTRATED Kids is THE magazine for boys and girls who love sports. It presents sports the way kids want to read about them: with great action photos, easy-to-read stories about star athletes, helpful instructional tips from the pros, and humor, comics, and activities. SI Kids is a great way to encourage kids to read, and it has won highest honors from the Association of Educational Publishers and the Parents' Choice Award.

Special Offer:

Receive an entire year of SI Kids in print and on tablet for only $19.95! You can subscribe HERE.

Need more reasons to give the gift of SI Kids this season?

Reason #1: It’s the perfect stocking stuffer.

Reason #2: It promotes reading for children who are reluctant readers.

Reason #3: Each issue is full of exciting stories, photos and games that are a perfect distraction while traveling.

Reason #4: No gift wrapping – it’s delivered straight to your door.

Reason #5: It’s the gift that keeps on giving the whole year through.

Chicken Soup for the Soul I Can't Believe My Dog Did That!

Chicken Soup for the Soul: I Can’t Believe My Dog Did That! will have readers saying the same thing as they read these 101 humorous and heartwarming stories about these lovable, goofy, and comical canines. Whether funny or serious, or both, this book will make readers laugh and touch their hearts.

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Joy A Movie Review

Joy is a magical reinterpretation of a true story, and is a gift to my sister.   It is the first production for Red Love Film and Foundation of Joy, a nonprofit inspired by my sister Elizabeth, which uses art to raise awareness and funds to the education, wellness, healthcare, and artistic development of children.  Proceeds from the film will benefit Foundation of Joy.   By simply renting the film on Amazon, for 1.99, Foundation of Joy will be able continue its work to create art that helps children.  Art provides a dual nuance in that story telling creates awareness and inspires---and the distribution and presentation of art raises much needed funds.  Our next project is a full length documentary following the lives of a team of children working with NGOs and teachers on the eight global problems the United Nations is tackling-- with the goal to end poverty by 2015.  The documentary is an empowering look at the power of education and support in the lives of the children struggling with poverty, inadequate healthcare and education.  Proceeds from joy rentals will help make this documentary happen.

I began co-producing the film, joy, with my sister Elizabeth Joy, an MBA student at Xavier University, and my sister Sarah after our father passed away.   The story was a family dealing with grief.  We started Red Love Film together to produce the film.   The goal for us and Red Love was to combine profitable feature film-making with support to the non-profit and philanthropic world.  The film was a simply story of a family experiencing the mysterious journey of grief after losing their father.

No one knew how literal and personally this goal would be realized. When we were nearing completion of pre-production, Elizabeth and her twins passed away after 17 weeks of pregnancy.  Devastated, the film almost came to a complete halt, put on a shelf and left to move on to other projects. But encouraged by friends and family to finish the film for Liz, I decided to finish this for her and my family. We started the Foundation of Joy (www.FoundationofJoy.Org), a 501(c)(3) charity in honor of Elizabeth. The Foundation became a co-producer in the film and will benefit as a major investor from the sale of this film.  

The film was shot partially on location at Jungle Jim's--my family's favorite grocery store and a tourist attraction for many.

Foundation of Joy produces and creates art in the effort to educate, increase awareness, and raise money for the health, wellness, education and artistic development of children and women's reproductive healthcare and human rights.  We do this through art:  film, music, literature, and mixed media.  Art spreads joy.  We partner with nonprofits domestically and globally and we are dedicated in our participation in the UN Millennium Development Goals.

And each time someone rents or buys the film, a portion goes back to help the Foundation of Joy accomplish its goals. 

The 411 by Maria:

Joy is a movie about a family of three grown sisters dealing with the anniversary of their father's passing, each  dealing with different challenges in their lives. While I found it hard to follow what was actually going on at times, I appreciated the attempt to show how we all have a story, we all are the stars of our own lives and our own journeys and that family is extremely important..  

Most of the movie takes place in a store called Jungle Jim's which I wish was near me because it looks amazing! The last scenes of the family putting photos together for their sister's wake made me cry. In all honestly, I had no idea what was going on in the beginning. A lady getting a sonogram, the tech says she needs to get a doctor, the woman is at the Jungle Jim's talking to an animated Elvis Impersonator Dog of some kind.  You hear medical machines beeping and she asks if she is crazy...

I enjoy the "strangers" who helped the sisters deal with things. We never know who will enter our lives and just make that light bulb go off for us. We also never know who we will send a life line too. So being a good person and knowing that everyone is dealing with their own issues, is important to remember. 

Not sure how this review turned into an opinion piece on being a kind person but that is why I call myself the amateur movie reviewer.

Peace and JOY!

Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy of this DVD