Friday, September 28, 2012

TECHNICAL DIFFICULTIES.....NO!!!!!

So I am sure some of you have noticed yet another absence from me ( or at least I hope I was missed ;( ...) .  Well, this absence was completely out of my hands.  It was Technical Difficulties!!!!

It all started Saturday evening when our DSL started cutting in and out.  We have had this problem before a couple times - once when our modem went out, but usually cause our modem gets a little hot.  Usually we can just unplug it and let it cool off and then we are good to go again.  SO I assumed my modem had gotten too hot so I unplugged it and let it cool off.  Then I plugged it back in and the trouble began.  Our modem kept trying to connect but never would turn the DSL light to green.  It just kept flickering so that meant no internet for our house.

Now I immediately assumed it was a bad modem again.  I mean it acted just like our last one that the tech guy said was bad.  So since I had not had this modem for even  a year now, it was luckily still under warranty.  They quickly overnighted me a new one after I placed a phonecall to them.  So I was sure the problem was solved.  Boy was I wrong!!!!

I got the modem installed and it was doing the same thing.  I called my provider again and they decided after running tests on my line that they should send a tech out to look at my outside line first.  I agreed but I asked them to call before they got to my house so I could let them in the backyard where our outside box is.  Now the reason I asked for the call ahead is simple... we have our dogs fenced in our backyard so they can not get out.  The lady assured me they would not go in the backyard without us there.  YEAH RIGHT!!!!

The next day I come home from work to find my dog sitting in my driveway.  The tech had went in our backyard and let her out.  Not to mention he left the gate ajar and even moved things around that were not in his way to check the line.  Now I might not have gotten as upset if they had called me or if it was okay for dogs to run loose in our area but that is not the case.  Animal Control can pick up any animal that is not on leash or fenced in and then it costs the owner a fee.  I understand all this and that is why we go through great lengths to keep ours up. Also we have a neighbor up the road who calls Animal Control on loose animals all the time so I quickly got her put up.

I tried to calm myself by saying eveything was okay and now my internet should be fixed.  Boy was I wrong again!  It was now even worse.  It was no longer cutting in and out.  It just was not doing anything now.  So once again I talk to my provider who informs the guy fixed an outside line and according to him, it was working great.  I told her it was worse.  She informs me the next step is to send out another tech this time to check inside which is not covered in my maintanence so it would cost me $99 plus parts.  I told her that was ok and she was going to see if she could get the fee waivered and would call me back.  As of tonight, I still have not heard from her again.  Luckily for me, my fiancee fixed it.  We actually found a broken line that was coming from the box and fixed it.  Now I have my internet again - Thanks to my fiancee!

Now with all that said, get ready for me to play catch up with my reviews and all!

Saturday, September 22, 2012

BEVERLY HILLS CHIHUAHUA 3 : VIVA LA FIESTA dvd review and giveaway


Papi is back, and he's ready to party! From the studio that brought you Beverly Hills Chihuahua-you're invited to the ultimate celebration of friendship and family: Beverly Hills Chihuahua 3: Viva La Fiesta! Join Papi (voiced by George Lopez) and his two- and four-legged family as they move into a posh Beverly Hills hotel, complete with a luxurious doggy spa. But there's trouble in puppy paradise when Rosa, the littlest member of the pack, feels smaller and less special than ever. Now it's up to Papi to help Rosa find - and celebrate - her inner strength, which turns out to be bigger than she ever dreamed. Overflowing with laughter, love, and excitement, this is tail-wagging fun for the whole family!
 
 
MY THOUGHTS
 
MY family was so excited to hear that there was going to be another movie in the Beverly Hills Chihuahua series.  They absolutely loved the first 2 so I knew they would love the latest one.  Of course it features all the puppies which my kids loved.  In fact they spent the first few minutes, trying to figure who was which puppy!  My whole family laughed several times during the movie.  I think one of our favorite parts of the movie is the scenes when they are picking the band for the party.  In fact it feature to groups that were based off of actually performers we love. 

This movie is a great pick for Family Movie Night.  All you need is some fun activites and recipes to go with.  So just click below and enjoy!
 
Download Beverly Hills Chihuahua 3 Activities!
 

Now the movie is available now where dvds are sold and the blu-ray and dvd combo featuring digital copy is available online too at Amazon.com for $ 24.96.  So be sure to grab a copy today.  But wait I have so Great News!!!!  I am also giving a copy away to one lucky reader!  So be sure to enter the Rafflecopter form below for your chance...

* I received the above mentioned product solely for review purposes.  The above mentioned opinions are completely honest and completely my own.

STRAWBERRY SHORTCAKE : JAMMIN WITH CHERRY JAM dvd review


The glow of friendship shines brighter than the spotlight when Strawberry and her pals meet superstar Cherry Jam! Get ready for a rockin' good time as the girls face stage fright, work to impress a talent scout and consider moving to Berry Big City. Along the way, they learn that fame and fortune can be fun, but there's nothing more important than friendship.


MY THOUGHTS

My daughters love Strawberry Shortcake and music so imagine their excitement when the latest Strawberry Shortcake movie featured both.  My daughters have watched this movie several times like they do with all their Shortcake movies.  They loved the "jammin" in the movie.

Now I always love the Strawberry Shortcake movies too .  They always have a great lesson in them plus they are not too short and not too long.  This movie is 46 minutes long so it is just the right length for my girls.  Plus it is the perfect length for a bedtime movie! 

The movie is available now where dvds are sold and online at Amazon.com for $ 9.99.  It would be a perfect addition to any little girl's movie collection.  Also it would make a great stocking stuffer with the Holidays approaching quickly.  So be sure to grab a copy today!

* I received the above mentioned product solely for review purposes.  The above mentioned opinions are completely honest and completely my own.

Friday, September 21, 2012

ALMOST NAKED ANIMALS dvd review


 On September 25, 2012 Volume 1 of Almost Naked Animals, Cartoon Network’s top-rated animated series for kids aged 6-11, will be available on DVD.

In addition to the DVD release:
· The Almost Naked Animals “Online Super Game” will also launch on September 25th.
· CafĂ© Press has partnered with 9 Story Entertainment to launch a new online store on September 25th, featuring Almost Naked Animals t-shirts, notebooks and more.

Based on the quirky designs of Noah Z. Jones, (creator of Fish Hooks), Almost Naked Animals features an ensemble cast of underwear-clad animals, led by Howie, the fun-loving, hospitality challenged canine manager of the beachfront hotel, Banana Cabana.




Welcome to the Banana Cabana! Led by Howie, the fun-loving, hospitality-challenged canine manager, the Banana Cabana is a beachfront resort hotel, and home to mayhem, destruction and all around fun! Keeping everything running smoothly at a busy hotel is a tough job but it helps when you have friends! It's never a dull moment at the Banana Cabana whether it's getting the hotel ready for the biggest party of the year to Howie attempting to do everybody's jobs to see who deserves to win Employee of the Month to Poodle kidnapping Duck for thinking he possesses psychic powers! So join the gang and have a blast in the Banana Cabana!

MY THOUGHTS

First I have to say I chuckle every time I say the name of this show and so do my kids.  I mean how can you not laugh at Almost Naked Animals!  My kids and I were so excited to get the opportunity to receive an advanced copy of the dvd and some great swag too ( shown below ).


I love the tote bag and am excited to use it next summer to take out outings with the family.  My kids were fighting over the cute shirt.  I also got a notebook featuring the animals that I have put up in case the kids need it for school this year or maybe next year. 

Now the dvd has become a huge hit with all 3 of my kids.  My daughters love watching it before bed and you can always hear them laughing loudly from their room.  I enjoy the show too and find it really funny also. It is definitely a great addition to every family's dvd collection.

The dvd will be available next Tuesday, but you can preorder it on Amazon.com for $6.99.  You can not beat that price so grab up a copy today.  This dvd would make a great stocking stuffer idea with the holidays fast approaching!

* I received the above products solely for review purposes.  The above mentioned opinions are completely honest and completely my own.

 

Tuesday, September 18, 2012

VOLUME 10 OF FAMILY GUY IS COMING TO DVD THIS SEPTEMBER 25TH

 
Get ready Family Guy fans cause another volume is hitting stores on September 25th!
 

Get more Big Bang for your buck when you bring home this hilarious collection of 14 Family Guy episodes, in which Peter needs a new kidney, Lois becomes a boxing champ, Chris finds a new hobby, and Brian and Stewie unravel the space-time continuum in an effort to save the universe. Travel to a new cosmos of comedy with FAMILY GUY!
 
Check out a clip featuring Peter making BAD decisions!  View at your own discretion, please.
 
 
 
Bonus Features:
Disc 1:
  • Deleted Scenes
  • Select Scene Animatic for Baby, You Knock Me Out
  • Behind the Music for Road to the North Pole
  • Audio Commentary on Halloween On Spooner Street
  • Audio Commentary on Brian Writes A Bestseller
  • Audio Commentary on Road to the North Pole
  • Audio Commentary on New Kidney in Town
Disc 2:
  • Deleted Scenes
  • Select Scene Animatic for Trading Places - Spitball Cow
  • Select Scene Animatic for Trading Places - Carter
  • Select Scene Animatic for German Guy
  • Audio Commentary on Trading Places
  • German Guy Fight Sequence
Disc 3:
  • Deleted Scenes
  • Adam West Star Ceremony
  • Audio Commentary on The Big Bang Theory

Thursday, September 13, 2012

My Apologies!

I am sure some of you have noticed my absence recently.  Well, I feel bad for this and wanted to share with you all why I have been absent.  I recently went back to work at a part time job since all the kiddos are now in school.  Now I have not worked outside my house since my oldest daughter has been born basically.  I did work from home for several  years but I could choose my hours.  To say that trying to fit everything in has been a challenge is an understatement.

I am finally starting to work out everything...I think!  Also in the midst of all this, there has been a death in our families.  It has been a very big whirlwind the past few days and I needed to be there for my family.  Now while being there for my family, I have not touched my computer in over 3 days. 

I am currently trying to catch up on my emails, blog, and just everything it feels like.  Now if you have emailed me, please be patient as I am answering them all as soon as I can .  If you have emailed me, you should have a reply by the end of this weekend.  Thank you for your understanding and I hope and pray that the calm is coming and I can get things caught up and back on track.  Also please keep my family in your prayers!  We can use all the prayers we can get!

RUBBERMAID LUNCHBLOX review


Rubbermaid LunchBlox™ makes packing lunch easier than ever. These modular containers snap together in multiple configurations to efficiently use the space in your lunch box or bag. Containers are perfectly portioned for your favorite lunch foods with handy measurements on the sides of each container. Your lunch stays chilled with snap in Blue Ice™. Individual containers are sold separately from kits so you can configure a different way everyday.

  • Containers stack compactly to stay organized
  • Blue Ice™ keeps your lunch cool on the go
  • Secure lid seal
  • BPA-free
  • Microwave, Dishwasher, and Freezer Safe
  • Sandwich container holds regular and specialty bread
  • Sandwich Kit includes 2 Snack Containers, 1 Side Container, 1 Sandwich Container and 1 Medium Blue Ice

MY THOUGHTS

I have a very picky eater in my little girl who started Kindergarten this year so I am usually fixing her lunch every day.  I always disliked using plastic bags to store her food in it but had trouble getting all the containers to fit in the lunch box.  Which is the main reason I was so excited about the NEW Rubbermaid LunchBlox kit, it all stacks on top of each other nice and neat.

I simply love how it fits together so nicely and I really like the fact that the containers can fit right on the Blue Ice.  The Blue Ice really helps keep the perishable food cold when needed.  But the really great thing is that it can keep more than one container cold at the same time.  I love this feature!  I also love the fact that when the containers are not in use, they can stack up nicely and take up less room.

The lids also fit perfectly and stay secure even when a little girl is throwing her lunch box around.  This is a life saver since I do not have to worry anymore with spills and leaks.  Also I love the variety in shapes of the containers.  The sandwich container is the perfect size for her ham and cheese and the little snack ones are great for her grapes and apple slices. 

Another great thing is that the LunchBlox is also great for adults who take a lunch to work or even for moms of little ones on the go for snacks for them.  Rubbermaid Lunchblox is great for everyone and is a must have for lunch carriers of all ages.   You can purchase the set on their website for the low price of just $12.99.  So be sure to grab a couple just in time for the beginning of school.

 * I received the above mentioned product solely for review purposes.  The above mentioned opinions are completely honest and completely my own.

Saturday, September 8, 2012

R.L. STINE'S THE HAUNTING HOUR : THE SERIES VOLUME 1 AND 2 dvd review

This Fall, get ready for a hauntingly good time with the acclaimed television anthology series based on and inspired by the master of children’s horror, R.L. Stine. On September 4, 2012, Shout! Factory, in collaboration with The Hub TV Network, will unleash the highly anticipated R.L. Stine’s The Haunting Hour: The Series – Volume 1 and Volume 2 on home entertainment shelves nationwide, just in time to jump-start this year’s Halloween season! R.L. Stine’s The Haunting Hour: The Series – Volume 1 DVD boasts the first five spine-tingling episodes from the first season and special bonus content. More thrills and goose bumps continue in Volume 2 DVD with five more ghoulish episodes and new bonus features.



 
Delivering suspense, nervous giggles and captivating spooky family adventures, R.L. Stine’s The Haunting Hour: The Series – Volume 1 and Volume 2 DVDs feature some of young Hollywood’s biggest names as guest stars, including Bailee Madison (Brothers, Just Go With It), Connor Price (The Dead Zone, Will & Dewitt) and Grayson Russell (Diary of a Wimpy Kid and Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Rodrick Rules) to help coax you into keeping the nightlight burning bright. A must-have for loyal fans of the author, kids, and collectors, each DVD title is priced to own separately at the suggested retail price of $14.97.


 
 
 
 
 
 
 
“R.L. Stine’s The Haunting Hour: The Series” currently airs on Saturdays at 5 and 5:30 p.m. (ET) on The Hub TV Network, a television destination for kids and their families. The popular children’s anthology series recently received seven 2012 Daytime Emmy® Award nominations from the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences.

 

 
R.L. Stine’s The Haunting Hour: The Series – Volume 1 DVD

EPISODES:

Really You – Part 1

Really You – Part 2

The Dead Body

A Creature Was Stirring

Nightmare Inn

DVD Bonus Content:

Original Promos

Behind The Screams of select episodes



R.L. Stine’s The Haunting Hour: The Series – Volume 2 DVD

EPISODES

The Red Dress

Ghostly Stare

The Walls

Game Over

Alien Candy

DVD Bonus Content:

Original Promos

Behind the Screams of select episodes

 
MY THOUGHTS
 
I was a huge fan of R.L. Stine whan I was growing up and was excited when my son started liking him too.  He was excited to hear that the Hub features a show around R.L. Stine's work.  MY son really likes the shows and as someone who likes scary movies and shows, I enjoyed the show as well.  Now I will say some kids might not enjoy the show so you may want to screen it before you share it with them.
 
Of course if they love Stine's books then they will love The Haunting Hour.  I recommend this for any Stine fan or anyone who likes a little scare which is great for kids and adults alike.  The dvds are already available and would make great entertainment for Halloween which is fast approaching.  You can get them where dvds are sold and online at Amazon.com for $12.99 for wach volume.
 
So be sure to grab both volumes today and share them at any Hallloween kids parties you have planned.
 
*I received the above mentioned products solely for review purposes.  The above mentioned opinion is completely honest and completely my own.

Tuesday, September 4, 2012

SPORTS ILLUSTRATED KIDS is naming "SPORTSPARENT of the YEAR"

I am sure everyone of us knows an awesome SportsParent who goes above and beyond for their kids and teammates.  Well, now Sports Illustrated Kids is going to recognize SportsParents and also name "SportsParent of the Year."


Sports Illustrated Kids is naming a “SportsParent of the Year” and would like to invite everyone the opportunity to enter or nominate an inspirational SportsParent! Modeled after the famed Sportsman and SportsKid of the Year awards, the SportsParent of the Year title will honor a parent who embodies the essence of sportsmanship. After all, we wouldn’t have a Sportsman or SportsKid without the role model who initially set the example. A true SportsParent is dedicated to using sports to support family and community, not scores and trophies. The SportsParent will exemplify qualities that SI Kids aims to impart to children through a shared passion for sports, including fun, dedication, healthy living, and the value of community and team.
 

The “2012 SportsParent of the Year” Grand Prize Winner will receive a $1,000 gift card to support his/her child’s or community team’s sports needs! The winner may also be featured in an upcoming issue of Sports Illustrated Kids magazine and/or on SIKids.com. Deadline for contest entries end 9/24.  So be sure to enter today before the deadline ends!


Also as a special offer, SI Kids is providing their SEPTEMBER tablet issue COMPLETELY FREE! The tablet edition has everything that the print magazine has, but also includes bonus photos and interactive features like games and sports cards that kids will love! Simply download the SI Kids app on iPad or Kindle Fire, and use these credentials to access this latest issue:

Login: freeissue@sikids.com

Password: september2012

Also if you like what you see and want to receive more.  You can subscribe for an entire year of SI Kids in print and on tablet for only $19.95 by heading HERE.


Also do not forget that it’s not too late to nominate any exceptional young athletes for this year’s “SportsKid of the Year” award, sponsored by Goldfish. This award honors a young athlete, ages seven to fifteen, for superior performance on the field, in the classroom and in service to the community. To nominate your athlete go HERE.


About Sports Illustrated Kids

SI 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.
 
* I will receive an SI Kids goody basket and a year subscription to Sports Illustrated Kids in conjunction with sharing this information.  As always any opinions are mine and completely honest.

Monday, September 3, 2012

GO BACK TO SCHOOL this year with PENTEL review


Back to School season is back in full swing and most kids have already started back.  Of course, if you are like my kids they are still bringing home requests for more supplies and will have more supplies needed throughout the year.  Of course pencils and pens are essential to every school year and every student and teacher.  Lucky for us, Pentel has this area covered with an assortment of writing instruments including ENERGEL-X pens.

I received an assortment of pens and pencils ( shown below ).


Now here is a little tid bit of information about me - I love pens and pencils!  When I was in school, I collected them.  I had a ton of pens and pencils in my collection.  Unfortunately since I have been out of school and taking care of the kiddos, my collection has dwindled down.  So I was just as excited as the kids were when I opened up the package from Pentel.  There was an assortment of pens including the new ENERGEL- X.  I was really excited to try it out.  I fell in love with it.  It writes smoothly and does not smear.  Also it is available in several colors including purple, black, blue, green, orange, and red.  It has definitely become my go to pen and I recommend it to everyone!



In the package were also a few mechanical pencils and some erasers.  My son quickly claimed the pencils since my daughters are not allowed to use them yet at school.  My son loves them and I do too.  My son's old elementary teacher found out that he actually writes better with mechanical pencil than a regular one.  SO ever since then, I purchase mechanical pencils for him nad his teachers ( his handwriting is a little hard on the eyes ).  The pencil erasers are made not to tear the paper while using them which is perfect for all my kids especially my daughters who are still learning and perfecting their handwriting.


 
After trying out all the pencils and pens in the package, I have to say every school year should include Pentel products in it.  Since I received the pens, I have decided to restock my pen collection again.  Of course you can bet that there will be tons of Pentel products included in it.  Also my kids will each be carrying some too.
 
Be sure to check out the latest Pentel products and include them in your kids back to school lists this year.
 

 * I received the above mentioned products solely for review purposes.  The above mentioend opinions are completely honest and completely my own.

HAPPY LABOR DAY!



ENJOY THIS HOLIDAY WITH YOUR FRIENDS AND FAMILY, BUT REMEMBER TO BE SAFE!