Thursday, July 30, 2015

Far From The Madding Crowd Blu-ray & Digital Copy #GIVEAWAY #MaddingCrowdInsiders

Synopsis

Far From the Madding Crowd
Carey Mulligan stars as a headstrong Victorian beauty in this sweeping romantic drama, based on the literary classic by Thomas Hardy. Mulligan plays Bathsheba Everdene, an independent woman who attracts three different suitors: a sheep farmer (Matthias Schoenaerts); a dashing soldier (Tom Sturridge); and a prosperous, older bachelor (Michael Sheen). This timeless story of Bathsheba’s passions explores the nature of relationships, love and resilience.


The Official Trailer


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Disclaimer: I will receive a complimentary product for my honest opinion. No monetary compensation was offered.

Strawberry Shortcake Berry Tales DVD & Digital Giveaway Ends 8/15 #BerryTales

Synopsis
Strawberry Shortcake: Berry Tales
The spotlight shines on the importance of being true to yourself in Strawberry Shortcake: Berry Tales.  Join Plum in “Snowberry and the Seven Berrykins” as she learns to believe in herself when putting on a small and simple play for a young audience.  In “Berryella and Prince Berry Charming,” Huck agrees to be in a production, but then quickly realizes that he’d be happier behind the scenes.  Strawberry, Lemon and Raspberry star as three princesses on a quest to rule a kingdom in “The Littlest Berrykin,” and realize that they can never succeed without kindness and generosity.  With berry important lessons, it’s curtain up on good times and friendship!
Strawberry Shortcake: Berry Tales,The spotlight shines on the importance of being true to yourself in Strawberry Shortcake: Berry Tales.  Join Plum in “Snowberry and the Seven Berrykins” as she learns to believe in herself when putting on a small and simple play for a young audience.  In “Berryella and Prince Berry Charming,” Huck agrees to be in a production, but then quickly realizes that he’d be happier behind the scenes.  


 Strawberry, Lemon and Raspberry star as three princesses on a quest to rule a kingdom in “The Littlest Berrykin,” and realize that they can never succeed without kindness and generosity.  With berry important lessons, it’s curtain up on good times and friendship! Strawberry Shortcake Berry Tales comes to DVD on August 11th.
- See more at: http://www.susansdisneyfamily.com/2015/07/strawberry-shortcake-berry-tales-comes.html#sthash.ONstlunJ.dpuf

Strawberry Shortcake: Berry Tales,The spotlight shines on the importance of being true to yourself in Strawberry Shortcake: Berry Tales.  Join Plum in “Snowberry and the Seven Berrykins” as she learns to believe in herself when putting on a small and simple play for a young audience.  In “Berryella and Prince Berry Charming,” Huck agrees to be in a production, but then quickly realizes that he’d be happier behind the scenes.  


 Strawberry, Lemon and Raspberry star as three princesses on a quest to rule a kingdom in “The Littlest Berrykin,” and realize that they can never succeed without kindness and generosity.  With berry important lessons, it’s curtain up on good times and friendship! Strawberry Shortcake Berry Tales comes to DVD on August 11th.
- See more at: http://www.susansdisneyfamily.com/2015/07/strawberry-shortcake-berry-tales-comes.html#sthash.ONstlunJ.dpuf
Strawberry Shortcake: Berry Tales,The spotlight shines on the importance of being true to yourself in Strawberry Shortcake: Berry Tales.  Join Plum in “Snowberry and the Seven Berrykins” as she learns to believe in herself when putting on a small and simple play for a young audience.  In “Berryella and Prince Berry Charming,” Huck agrees to be in a production, but then quickly realizes that he’d be happier behind the scenes.  


 Strawberry, Lemon and Raspberry star as three princesses on a quest to rule a kingdom in “The Littlest Berrykin,” and realize that they can never succeed without kindness and generosity.  With berry important lessons, it’s curtain up on good times and friendship! Strawberry Shortcake Berry Tales comes to DVD on August 11th.
- See more at: http://www.susansdisneyfamily.com/2015/07/strawberry-shortcake-berry-tales-comes.html#sthash.ONstlunJ.dpuf
Strawberry Shortcake: Berry Tales,The spotlight shines on the importance of being true to yourself in Strawberry Shortcake: Berry Tales.  Join Plum in “Snowberry and the Seven Berrykins” as she learns to believe in herself when putting on a small and simple play for a young audience.  In “Berryella and Prince Berry Charming,” Huck agrees to be in a production, but then quickly realizes that he’d be happier behind the scenes.  


 Strawberry, Lemon and Raspberry star as three princesses on a quest to rule a kingdom in “The Littlest Berrykin,” and realize that they can never succeed without kindness and generosity.  With berry important lessons, it’s curtain up on good times and friendship! Strawberry Shortcake Berry Tales comes to DVD on August 11th.
- See more at: http://www.susansdisneyfamily.com/2015/07/strawberry-shortcake-berry-tales-comes.html#sthash.ONstlunJ.dpuf


Strawberry Shortcake: Berry Tales,The spotlight shines on the importance of being true to yourself in Strawberry Shortcake: Berry Tales.  Join Plum in “Snowberry and the Seven Berrykins” as she learns to believe in herself when putting on a small and simple play for a young audience.  In “Berryella and Prince Berry Charming,” Huck agrees to be in a production, but then quickly realizes that he’d be happier behind the scenes. 

Strawberry, Lemon and Raspberry star as three princesses on a quest to rule a kingdom in “The Littlest Berrykin,” and realize that they can never succeed without kindness and generosity.  With berry important lessons, it’s curtain up on good times and friendship! Strawberry Shortcake Berry Tales comes to DVD on August 11th.

While you wait for the DVD, be sure to print out this coloring sheet for the Strawberry fan in your life.
 I can't wait to see Berry Tales. The Strawberry Shortcake movies are fun animation and the characters are all sweet, helpful and adorable.

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Disclaimer: I will receive a complimentary product for my honest opinion.

The HP Pavilion Convertible Is Perfect For Back To School! - Great Price TOO At Only $479.99



The HP Pavilion is easy to start up. I followed the quick start paper and was connected to the internet and running 15 minutes after taking it out of the box.


This is a perfect size computer. Whether staying home or taking to go this convertible touch screen is remarkable. The computer screen is a little over 13 inches about the size of a tablet. The convertible movement of this computer makes using it for gaming, viewing and reading completely customizable.



This laptop works in 4 different modes:
  • Tent
  • Stand
  • Notebook
  • Tablet
The laptop weighs only over 3.71 lbs and has a humungous hard drive (500GB) and a 6 hour battery. Perfect for on the go.



There are multiple input ports:
  • 2 USB 3.1
  • 1 USB 2.0
  • 1 HDMI
  • 1 RJ-45
  • 1 Headphone/Mic
  • 1 Multi-Format SD Media Card Reader

The webcam is front facing and we use it in tent mode for Skype. It is a HP TrueVision HD Webcam

This fully loaded computer has Windows 8.1 and the customizable home screen means you are getting the computer that is perfect for YOU!

The software included is:
  • Microsoft Games
  • McAfee LiveSafe™
  • Dropbox
  • Solitaire
  • Mahjong
  • Netflix
  • Mysyms
  • TripAdvisor
  • Fresh Paint (WE LOVE THIS)
  • CyberLink PhotoDirector
  • CyberLink PowerDirector
  • CyberLink Power Media Player
  • CyberLink YouCam
  • CyberLink PowerBackup 7-zip
  • Foxit Phantom Express
  • Expess for HP
  • Evernote Premium
  • Windows 8
To Purchase:

Vudu Makes Family Night Easy.





Get started with VUDU by creating a free account. Once your account is set up, you'll be able to buy, rent, rate, and explore all the great movies and TV shows VUDU

With VUDU You can browse, rent, own and watch on your Android phone, tablet,
Mac/PC, Xbox One, Xbox 360 with LIVE Gold Membership, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 3, Roku, Chromecast, VUDU-enabled TV or even Blu-ray player.

HOME available now for download or streaming.

Wednesday, July 29, 2015

Latex Free Bands For Exercise Anywhere



These professional-grade stretch bands by LIV Active are a great way to workout.  They come in three different colors which are all in different degrees of strength depending on what you need.

All three come in a travel bag which also includes a door anchor.

Once I took it out of the box it was inside a plastic shrinkwrap bag.


On the back you can see what each color represents.


There are many different exercises to do with these resistance bands. It is a perfect way to get some exercise in no matter where you are.

These are easy to take with you anywhere.

To Purchase:


Disclaimer: I received a deep discount on this product for my honest opinion.

Get Back Support and Better Posture With The Ziraki #BACKBRACE



This lower back support from Ziraki is fully adjustable. Back problems is something that has bothered me my whole life with a spinal injury when I was 12 and then 5 abdominal surgeries that have weakened my core. I need constant support on my lower back and after my last abdominal surgery have taken to wear many different support belt.

What I like most about this lumbar support belt is that me and my husband can wear this belt for different reason.  His is muscular. He works out a lot and sometimes ends up really hurting his back with weight lifting. He has worn the belt two days in a row and says the extra support is very helpful. He feels completely secured in his posture which he says lessens any back pain when he is lifting.

I love that I can wear the belt under my shirt and because it is thin can be easily hidden. Honestly I don't know if the magnets help. I have read some reviews about the belt burning others.  I am not sure about that but my husband and I have not had any burning in the past two days although we are wearing it over under shirts and tank tops. It holds it's shape better than other belts I have used in the past.

This belt can be completely adjusted for each individuals needs. I like mine support tight. Just pull up on the side pieces, pull to tighten and secure again. 

I like the support of the belt and feel like it improves my posture which also helps my back.

To Purchase:



Disclaimer: I received a deep discounted product for my honest opinion. No monetary compensation was offered or received

Monday, July 27, 2015

New Music From Natalie Imbruglia

I have been a long time fan of Natalie Imbruglia since Torn. It was one of my favorite karaoke songs for years and if I ventured into a karaoke bar again, I would still see if it was on the list.

Grammy nominee, songwriter, actor and model, Natalie Imbruglia hasn't had an album out since 2009. Male is a collection of classic and contemporary songs that have all been performed by men. Hmmm...interesting.

The lead track, Instant Crush, was originally recorded by the electro-pop Grammy winners Daft Punk. The lyrics and tempo didn't do anything for me until I listened the second time. It definitely grew on me.

Now I thought about what I wanna say
But I never really know where to go
So I chained myself to a friend
'Cause I know it unlocks like a door



Cannonball was originally done by Damien Rice and I really like his version. Natalie does a great job with this. Her voice and the piano perfectly compliment each other.  It's a pretty song and very catchy.

Stones taught me to fly
Love, it taught me to lie
Life, it taught me to die
So it's not hard to fall
When you float like a cannonball


I love The Summer (originally done by Josh Pyke) by Natalie. Her version was much happier then the original.  The words are pretty and made me think of my Summers at the Jersey Shore.

But every year it gets a little bit harder
To get back to the feeling of when we were fifteen
And we could jump in the river upstream
And let the current carry us to the beginning where
The river met the sea again
And all our days were a sun-drenched haze
While the salt spray crusted on the window panes


Death Cab by Cuties I Will Follow You Into The Dark is a beautiful song about undying, unconditional love, trusting and the willingness to follow the person you love not matter where life takes you. Into the unknown! Natalie's version is breathy and beautiful. These words are perfect for her sweet voice.

If Heaven and Hell decide that they both are satisfied
Illuminate the no's on their vacancy signs
If there's no one beside you when your soul embarks
Then I'll follow you into the dark



Goodbye in his Eye is a heartbreaking song about knowing when the one you love no longer loves you. The lyrics below are from the originators; the Zac Brown Band.  This was probably one of my favorites on the album. Her voice is gorgeous on this.

I could tell that it was over
When her lips met mine
It was an emptiness in her voice
Hesitation when she smiled
She didn't have to say a word
It was just so plain to see
She had found what she'd been looking for
And I knew it wasn't me


The Cure's Friday I'm In Love is one of the most well known song on the album. It is done with a ton of clapping, and in rockabilly style. Very interesting. I don't love it!

Naked As We Came done by wonderfully by Iron and Wine is a really quick song with just two versus. I love the words of two people who know they will be together until death do they part.

She says "wake up, it's no use pretending"
I'll keep stealing, breathing her.
Birds are leaving over autumn's ending
One of us will die inside these arms
Eyes wide open, naked as we came
One will spread our ashes 'round the yard
She says "If I leave before you, darling
Don't you waste me in the ground"
I lay smiling like our sleeping children
One of us will die inside these arms
Eyes wide open, naked as we came
One will spread our ashes round the yard


Let My Love Open The Door by Pete Townsend also has a lot of clapping. I'm not a big fan of clapping I guess that is why I mention it. It's a spiritual song about loving and allowing love in.

I have the only key to your heart
I can stop you falling apart
Try today, you'll find this way
Come on and give me a chance to say


Neil Young's Only Love Can Break A Heart is updated and pretty by Natalie with heavy bass. I loved it

I have the only key to your heart
I can stop you falling apart
Try today, you'll find this way
Come on and give me a chance to say


I Melt With You is one of my favorite songs. The Modern English version is a little faster but this was nicely done.  Ummmm there was more clapping on this one but I did love this version.

Moving forward using all my breath
Making love to you was never second best
I saw the world thrashing all around your face
Never really knowing it was always mesh and lace


Tom Petty's The Waiting is a great song. I loved this song. The banjo, harmonica and guitar were fun.  I love all the layers of music. I was worried about clapping but thankfully didn't hear any. Thankfully.
Oh baby, don't it feel like heaven right now
Don't it feel like something from a dream
Yeah, I've never known nothing quite like this
Don't it feel like tonight might never be again


Finally, The Wind by Cat Stevens has pretty guitar and Natalie's voice is stunning on this.

I listen to my words
But they fall far below
I let my music take me where
My heart wants to go


All in all I think it is a great album. Love the cover of the tattooed arm circling her pretty face.  Love how this woman made songs done by men feel soft, beautiful and light.

To Purchase (pre-order):



Disclaimer: I received digital link for my honest opinion. No monetary compensation was offered

Find Out What Happened To The Youngest Dollanganger In Secret Brother #VCAndrews




SECRET BROTHER (Pocket Books; May 26, 2015; $7.99), a new novel from V.C. Andrews® tying in to her seminal Flowers in the Attic, reinvigorated the franchise when Lifetime TV aired the first two of four new movies based on the Flowers series in 2014.

Following the events of the two Christopher’s Diary books (Nov 2014, Feb 2015), we have learned that Cory Dollanganger did not in fact die in Flowers in the Attic, as has long been believed. This is his story of survival and amnesia, as told by the new “sister” he gets with his new “family.”

The 411:

I have been sitting on this book for a few months and finally got a chance to read it. I loved every single page. 

In this version we find what really happened to Cory Dollanganger after he was taken from the attic.

While Clara Sue's brother Willie was dying, someone had dropped a little boy off at the hospital. He was poisoned and just left there. He has no family and doesn't remember anything. While Clara tries to come to grips that her beloved little brother is gone, her Grandpa has decided to take over the care of this little unknown who has no one.

What a fantastic read. While I read other reviews who had a problem with the fact that the story focuses on Clara and not the story of the Dollanganger's I loved the fact that they are not re-writing a story written by a beloved author. Having Cory or Count Piro as a secondary character is perfect. This book stands on it's own for those who have never read any of the Flower in the Attic Books/Dollanganger series. 

It is a story about a girl with deep loss and the many lessons she learns about herself and the people around her. It is a coming of age story that I can't wait to pass over to my niece to read.

To Purchase:

 

Disclaimer: I received a complimentary book for my honest opinion. No monetary compensation was offered or received.

It's A Beautiful Morning, Let Some Fresh Air In With A #magneticscreendoor



The past three weeks I wake at 4:30 a.m. with my husband's alarm. It is at this time I open the doors and air out the house. Having central air on all day for weeks is great but there is nothing like some fresh air once in a while.

Usually I open the front door and the screen door and this create a cross draft until around 10 a.m. where the house starts reaching temps of 79 and I quickly close it all and turn the air back on.

Over the past two weeks I have also opened my kitchen door thanks to the magnetic screen door by Zume. I have seen them for forever and always wondered how it worked.  We don't have a screen door on the kitchen so I hate when it gets opened. We live in the woods which means loads of flying bugs.

The screen came in and I was waiting for my husband to put it up. After three days I decided let me give this a try. So happy I did. The screen has velcro strips in various locations. It also comes with a bag of velcro strips. The directions call for you to attach velcro to the ones already on there with the tape side sticking out.

Laying the screen on my kitchen floor, Goddess and I took a few and started placing them around the screen.

The I grabbed a step stool, got to the door and started placing and peeling the strips off the tape which allows the screen to hang from my door frame. It was so easy. The screen also comes with a box of black thumb tacks which I also added to enforce at the top.

We took our first step through waiting to see if the screen will automatically close behind us and it does. We were shocked. The hardest part is to enter the screen you do need to open it with your fingers. I guess I could head butt it and see if it separates to allow me through but I wouldn't want it to fall down eventually. So right now we are taking our fingers and separating the magnetic opening.

Nothing like fresh air and knowing the screen is keeping out bugs!

I love it.


To Purchase:

Disclaimer: I received a complimentary product for my honest opinion

Handsome's New Desk Gets Organized

Well this was not the plan. I received this stunning, luxurious looking organizer set was supposed to be my new tissue holder and I was going to use the matching organizer to house all the combs, and extras on the bathroom counter! However, this week Handsome got a desk in his room for his new laptop (review coming soon) and snatched them for himself.


I love the look of it because it looks like money but it is quite affordable.


The base is bamboo and the top has a brown leather look to it.


The style and look would look great with any decor. It also can look very masculine or feminine depending on where you place it.


The bottom of the tissue holder which I didn't grab a photo of has four little wood feet colored in a bronze.

It would have looked beautiful in my bathroom but I completely understand why he loves it so on his desk it will stay.

Disclaimer: I received a discounted product for my honest opinion. 

You Are Not Alone


Sometimes I wonder why do you allow yourself to get hurt almost daily? Sometimes the people you never expected to hurt you can cut you like you've never been cut before and sometimes you let them do it over and over and over.

I say "you let them" because we all have the power to make the necessary changes that will make our lives better. Maybe not immediately but in the long run your heart will mend. It will. You know it will. You also know what needs to be done.

The world is not black and white. There are so many shades and you can only do what you can do. There are days we all can push our deep, dark, scary, sad, or whatever feelings aside. They are there but not on the surface. We can feel them pushing, trying to get to the surface but for whatever reason we are able to keep it restrained. Other days the pain is so close to the surface that nothing you do will stop it from spilling over. I am having one of those mornings.

Having a support system is key but this time I don't have one. I don't have one because I chose to not share this hurt. I choose to keep it boxed, this one cannot be shared, not right now. This pain is still so raw even after almost two years. The kind of pain that keeps you from moving forward in life and I know it is keeping me. It is stopping me from being happy, living, loving and enjoying.

If you are hurting, please know you are not alone. There are so many who hurt daily, cry daily, try daily. Putting on a smile for my family and making sure they are happy, living, loving and enjoying life is what is important to me. My pain will go away, IT will. I know it will. I know there are things I will have to do to make that happen. Things that will break MY heart. BUT until then, I know I am not alone. Sometimes it feels that way. Sometimes I know that I have me and I AM love, I live, sometimes, I am happy and sometimes I enjoy. I pray to make those sometimes change to an "all the time" but until then.....I am and that will have to be enough.


Saturday, July 25, 2015

Adorable Dinosaur Beauty Pagent Story For Ages 2-6



It's time for the Miss Dinosaur pageant and the girls are ready! Patty Saurus puts on her best dress. Stef O'Saurus covers her scales with jewels. Teri Dactyl practices flying and Sarah Topps practices hula hooping on all of her horns. But there's one dinosaur who doesn't need to prepare because . . .
Tina Rex always wins! She's a fierce competitor and her brilliant smile scares away the other girls. But is it really fun to win when you've chased away all of your friends? Tina's not so sure.
This hilarious mash-up of dinosaurs and beauty pageants will delight readers young and old. And Tina Rex might just teach little ones a gentle lesson along the way.

The 411:

With Jurassic World in the theaters, now is the perfect time to grab a copy of Tiara Saurus Rex by Brianna Caplan Sayres.

The fully colorful pages show Tina, Patty, Stef, Sarah, Maya Teri, all vying to be crowned the next Miss Dinosaur.  Everyone is so sure that Tina has this in the bag and take off, all but Maya who gracefully shares the crown with Tina because like everyone said throughout the book, Tina had to win.

Perfect book with fun pages for girls and boys. Sweet lesson too, no need for jealousy, just because you think someone is better than you, doesn't mean they are. You may just get a friend AND in this case a crown out of the deal too.

Loved the colorful pics AND nice story to read out loud.

To Purchase:



Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy for my honest opinion.

Freddy and Mrs. Goodwich - A Review



In Hansel and Gretel, a witch kidnaps two abandoned children and plans to eat them. In Freddy and Mrs Goodwich, another witch’s stomach grumbles, but this one wants only for the young child to teach her how to make his delicious pancakes.

The 411 by Maria and Goddess:

We loved this book. 

In this book Mrs. Goodwich loves Freddy's pancakes so much that she takes him with her to her house so he can teach how how to make them too!

Hansel and Gretel is a scary tale for kids in fact, it scared me so much as a child I have a feel of something touching my ears at night because my book shows the witch leaning over Hansel and it looks like she is touching his ear. So now at 48 I need to keep my ears covered at night. Why did people think these nursery rhymes were OK for kids?

Anyway...Freddy gets the OK from his mom to fly with Mrs. Goodwich. We never do see a Mr. but we have to assume she is married due to the Mrs. 

While at her tiny egg colored home Freddy finds out why Mrs. Goodwich never can make pancakes as good as he does. With some minor training and some soap and water, Mrs. Goodwich can now make pancakes almost as good as Freddy.

This is a much cuter, funnier book than Hansel and Gretel and now I am craving pancakes.  

Author: Adena Travors mother used to tell her the story of a boy named Freddy who made wonderful pancakes. Adena's granddaughter is the illustrator.

For more information visit: http://www.bookstore.xlibris.com


To Purchase:

Disclaimer: I received a complimentary book for my honest opinion. No monetary compensation was offered.