CELEBRATE the HOLIDAYS with SCOOBY-DOO! 13 SPOOKY TALES - HOLIDAY CHILLS and THRILLS dvd review

Jinkies! It may be the holiday season but there are several mysteries that need solving! Scooby-Doo and the gang however, still manage to have plenty of fun in Scooby-Doo! 13 Spooky Tales: Holiday Chills and Thrills. It’s non-stop chills and thrills as the gang sets out to solve 13 suspenseful mysteries on this holiday-inspired compilation.

In the all-new Scooby-Doo! Haunted Holidays, Scooby and gang face a chilly and frightful holiday season when they try to solve the mystery of a sinister snowman, which has come alive in a downtown area and appears intent on destroying an old and revered toy store. The gang sets out to help kids in a children’s home as they put on a Christmas pageant in The Nutcracker Scoob. In There’s No Creature Like Snow Creature, Scooby and the Mystery Inc. team travel all the way to a Tibetan mountain resort that’s being terrorized by a mysterious snow creature. In Toy Scary Boo, Scooby and his friends encounter living toys that have taken over a store. These and many other exciting mysteries await Scooby-Doo fans in this not-to-be-missed collection!

Scooby-Doo! 13 Spooky Tales: Holiday Chills and Thrills Featured Mysteries:

Disc 1:

• Scooby-Doo! Haunted Holidays
• A Scooby-Doo! Christmas
• Tenderbigfoot
• Snow Job Too Small
• The Nutcracker Scoob, Part I
• The Nutcracker Scoob, Part II
• A Scary Night With a Snow Beast Fright

Disc 2:

• Scooby-Doo Meets Laurel & Hardy AKA The Ghost of Bigfoot
• There’s No Creature Like Snow Creature
• Rocky Mountain Yiiiii
• That’s Snow Ghost
• Whatta Shocking Ghost
• Toy Scary Boo

MY THOUGHTS

 

I have to say I was super excited about this latest dvd of Scooby-Doo.  Partly because there is a new Holiday episode of Scooby-Doo but mainly because this dvd collection has some episodes from the older Scooby to the newer ones my kids have seen.  Recently we had a Scooby-Doo marathon and of course we had to include this dvd set in it.

 

My kids loved watching the older Scooby episodes and of course I did too.  It was great to enjoy the classic and the new with them.  Not to mention they loved Scrappy-Doo and his puppy power!  The dvd is over 4 hours long so we had tons of good Scooby entertainment.  The dvd set is packed with tons of laugh out loud scenes for the whole family to enjoy.

 

The dvd is available where dvds are sold and at online retailers like Amazon.com for $ 13.86 right now.  So grab a copy today and sit down with some popcorn and your family and enjoy!

 

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

 

PITCH PERFECT on dvd just in TIME for CHRISTMAS

GET PITCH SLAPPED JUST IN TIME FOR THE HOLIDAYS

PITCH PERFECT

“ONE OF THE YEAR’S BIGGEST AND BEST SURPRISES”– DREW TAYLOR, MOVIEFONE

AVAILABLE DECEMBER 18, 2012 ON BLU-RAY^™ COMBO PACK WITH DVD, DIGITAL COPY AND ULTRAVIOLET^™ FROM UNIVERSAL STUDIOS HOME ENTERTAINMENT

Beca (Anna Kendrick) arrives at her new college to find herself not right for any clique but somehow muscled into one she never would have picked on her own: alongside mean girls, sweet girls and weird girls whose only thing in common is how good they sound when they sing together in this hilarious laugh out-loud comedy, Pitch Perfect. The outrageous and irreverently fun Pitch Perfect, packed with deleted and extended scenes, line-o-ramas, music videos and more, will be available on Blu-ray^™ Combo Pack, DVD, On Demand and Digital Download on December 18, 2012 from Universal Studios Home Entertainment.

When Beca leads this acoustic singing group out of their traditional arrangements and perfect harmonies into all-new mashups, they fight to climb their way to the top of college music competitions. This could wind up either the coolest thing they’ll ever do or the most insane, and it will probably be a little of both. The Pitch Perfect ensemble includes Anna Kendrick (Twilight, Up in the Air), Anna Camp (The Help), Brittany Snow (Hairspray) and Rebel Wilson (Bridesmaids, Bachelorette).

Pitch Perfect is “completely hilarious and completely original” – Dean Richards, WGN-TV-WGN America, and is the must-own movie that you’ll want to watch over and over again, just in time for the holidays!

The Blu-ray^™ Combo Pack allows consumers to view Pitch Perfect anytime, anywhere on the platform of their choice. It includes a Blu-ray^™ disc, a DVD, a Digital Copy and UltraViolet^™ for the ultimate, complete viewing experience.

• Blu-ray^™ disc unleashes the power of your HDTV and is the best way to watch movies at home, featuring perfect hi-def picture and hi-def sound.
• DVD offers the flexibility and convenience of playing movies in more places, both at home and away.
• Digital Copy provides consumers with a choice of formats from a variety of partners, including options to watch on iPhone^®, Android^™, computers and more.
• UltraViolet^™ is a revolutionary new way for consumers to collect their movies and TV shows in the cloud. UltraViolet^™ lets consumers instantly stream and download to tablets, smartphones, computers and TVs. Now available in both the United States and Canada.

BONUS FEATURES:

· Deleted and Extended Scenes

· Meanwhile… Find out what other characters are up to in these alternative scenes.

· Line-O-Rama: Actors showcase their improvisational skills in this collection of funny one-liners from the set.

· Starships, The Pitch Perfect Music Video

· Backstage at Barden: Profiles & interviews with characters Benji and Bumper.

· On The Set: Burrito Drive By!: Behind-the-scenes footage with Fat Amy.

· A Look Inside: Catch a glimpse of this ensemble cast, the characters and the actors’ thoughts behind them, with this first-look into the movie.

· Feature Commentary With Director Jason Moore and Producers Elizabeth Banks and Max Handelman

· Feature Commentary with Producer Paul Brooks

· Blu-ray^™ exclusives include even more Meanwhile… Featurettes and an additional Line-O-Rama.

DRAGONS : RIDERS OF BERK dvd review

Buckle up for more high-flying action and fire-breathing fun with this thrilling debut of the animated TV series based on the Academy Award-nominated hit movie How To Train Your Dragon! The epic story of Hiccup, Toothless, and his fearless friends continues with 4 explosive episodes filled with all-new adventures and exciting, never-before-seen dragons.

MY THOUGHTS

My family and I have not seen any of the Cartoon Network episodes of Dragons : Riders of Berk but my children loved the How To Train Your Dragon! movie so I was sure they would love this dvd.  I was completely right.  My kids loved the episodes of the show and laughed so much.  My daughters quickly picked out the 2 girl characters and claimed who they were and which dragon was theirs.  I have to say I was really entertained with the dvd as well. 

The dvd is almost an hour and a half, which is great length to keep the kiddos interested.  Also since it is episodes, you can opt to watch one or more at a time.  This is a great feature for a quick bedtime watch.  The dvd has been watched several times since we received and I am sure it will be watched several more times.

The dvd is available where dvds are sold and also at online retailers like Amazon.com for $ 9.99.  So be sure to grab a copy today.  It will make a great stocking stuffer for your little dragon lover!

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

 

2012 HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE - MAKE YOUR OWN PRINCESS PAPER PURSES from KLUTZ review

Here is a gift idea for every Princess lover on your list especially if she loves arts & crafts!

Make three themed purses inspired by fairy tales’ most fashionable heroines: Belle, Ariel, and Cinderella. Customize with glittery jewels, enchanting Disney Princess cameo stickers, and more, then fill with the included ready-to-cut-out royal accessories. It’s everything young princesses need for endless imaginative play.

Comes with: : 3 sturdy cardstock purses, Disney Princess cameo stickers, jewels, sequins, pom-poms, satin cord, glue, 2 sheets of cut-out accessories

MY THOUGHTS

My oldest daughter is a huge fan of the Disney Princess.  My youngest daughter likes them too but nowhere near as much as my oldest.  Both my daughters love to do arts & crafts so I know they would love to do this.  I am saving this for a day during their upcoming Christmas break for all three of us to create our own Princess Purse.  I love to spend time with all my kids doing arts & crafts so this will be one great afternoon. 

This set will be perfect for any little Princess on your Christmas list and will definitely let them show their creative side too.  Of course another great feature is after they create their purses, they can play dress up and pretend to be their favorite princess!  Or they can simply just carry the purse to go shopping with mom or dad.

The Princess Paper Purses kit is available online at KLUTZ for $ 16.99.  So be sure to pick up one today for every little Princess on your list!

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

2012 HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE - DISNEY BUZZ LIGHTYEAR FOAM GLIDERS by KLUTZ review

The next gift idea is for the little kid who loves planes / gliders or Toy Story or both!

Disney®Buzz Lightyear Foam Gliders comes with easy-to-punchout pieces for five different flyers. The Klutz-clear steps are so simple that even preschool-age Toy Story fans can assemble the gliders themselves. The final step is sliding one of the included Zoomers™ on your glider's nose. These colorful plastic caps provide perfect counterbalance for maximum flight time. And, when they do eventually touch down, the sturdy foam construction ensures that these gliders will have happy landings - whether in the living room or backyard.

Comes with: 5-punch-out foam gliders, 5 Zoomers™ nosecaps, more than 50 Toy Story stickers, 5 punch-out display stands, a table Zurg target game.

MY THOUGHTS

My nephew is a huge fan of Toy Story so when I was sent the Buzz Lightyear Foam Gliders from KLUTZ; I knew it would be perfect for him.  My nephew loves to play outside too so the foam gliders would be perfect for him on a sunny day!  Also they would be great inside for rainy days as well.

The foam they are made of looks pretty durable and my nephew will definitely test that out for me!  I am sure these planes will get tons of use from him and his dad!  Also I am sure my nephew will love to practice hitting the targets that comes with the gliders.  Another great thing is the foam gliders look very simple to put together so I am sure my nephew could assemble them together.  Of course putting on the nosecaps might be a little tricky. 

The Disney Buzz Lightyear Foam Gliders are the perfect gift for any little boy especially if they love paper airplanes.  You can order the set online at the KLUTZ website for $ 16.99.  So be sure to grab one today for the airplane or glider lover on your list.

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

 

2012 HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE - NENUCO LET'S PLAY SCHOOL DOLL SET review

This next gift idea is for all those little girls who love to play school and have a big imagination!

You are the best Mommy looking after your baby; feeding, bathing, dressing, putting her to sleep, taking her for a walk... providing lots of tender loving care! Being a mother, a teacher, a doctor, a cook……Nenuco provides aspirational role playing that all little girls will love and enjoy. Nenuco by Famosa.

Ring the bell and class time begins! Teach Science, Math and more! The set includes an adorable toddler girl doll in fashionable school outfit, desk, lesson board, lesson plans, teacher glasses, stickers, marker and more! 16.5" doll. Easy storage and portable. A great gift set!

Nenuco offers education play value that is so rewarding.
With Nenuco, you are the star. You can be the Mommy, a doctor, a hair stylist, a big sister, a Teacher and so much more! Nenuco allows children to model what they learn every day and to act it out in their own fun way. Children let your imagination run wild and build creative skills they will use throughout their lifetime. Nenuco promotes interaction between child & doll for hours of fun creative play, day and night. A full day of activities!
Nenuco Let’s Play School features so many activities to have a full day planned out for your students. From lesson plans, to snack time, to potty breaks and nap time…you can plan your day…your way. Have fun teaching your students and being the best Teacher.  What's In The Box?
Includes 16.5" Nenuco Toddler Doll in cute outfit, Desk, Lesson Board, Lesson Plans, Teacher Glasses, Stickers, Marker and more!

MY THOUGHTS

I have 2 daughters who love to play school all the time.  Sometimes it can be an argument as to who is the teacher and who is the student.  Also there is an argument on what to teach.  Now imagine my excitement when I saw the Nenuco Let's Play School doll set.  It is perfect for my daughters!  Now they can take turns being teacher and have an assortment of school studies to cover.  Of course I will have to worry about them arguing over who will be teacher first! 

I was so impressed by the assortment of items that come with the set.  I loved the cute little desk for the doll ( student ) to use.  I also love how all the supplies can store neatly in the lesson board.  This makes for easy and quick clean up.  Also I love all the great teacher items that come with it like the skeleton diagram. 

I know my daughters will be so excited to get to play with this set together and with their other dolls.  I can not wait to see them playing school together and I know they will spend hours doing so.  This set is sure to create hours of imaginitive play and entertainment.  I am sure every little girl on your Christmas list would love this doll set.  The set is available online at Amazon.com for $ 39.99 which is a great deal in my opinion when you see all the great things that come with it. 

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

SCOOBY-DOO! MYSTERY INCORPORATED : SEASON 2 PART 1 : DANGER IN THE DEEP dvd set review

In Scooby-Doo! Mystery Incorporated Season 2 Part 1: Danger in the Deep, the gang returns to their hometown, Crystal Cove, to solve a series of baffling mysteries. First on the agenda is the elusive Crybaby Clown, who tortures the Cove’s inhabitants and evades Scooby-Doo and the gang’s every attempt to capture him. Velma travels to Russia and comes face-to-face with legendary witch, Baba Yaga. A creature named Dreamweaver begins to haunt people’s dreams. Crystal Cove is attacked by a menacing beast known as the Hodag of Horror. It’s a season filled with engaging mysteries and dramatic developments that’s not to be missed!

Scooby-Doo! Mystery Incorporated centers on Fred, Daphne, Velma, Shaggy and Scooby-Doo, who solve mysteries in the spooky town of Crystal Cove , a sleepy coastal village that boasts a long history of ghostly sightings, werewolves and glowing deep sea divers. Because of all the paranormal activity, Crystal Cove has become a tourist hotspot that capitalizes on its haunted reputation — and the gang's meddling is therefore not appreciated by the people of Crystal Cove.

FEATURED EPISODES:

1. The Night the Clown Cried
2. House of the Nightmare Witch
3. The Night the Clown Cried II: Tears of Doom!
4. Web of the Dreamweaver!
5. The Hodag of Horror
6. Art of Darkness
7. The Gathering Gloom
8. The Night of the Haunted Mountain
9. Grim Judgement
10. Night Terrors
11. The Midnight Zone
12. Scarebear
13. Wrath of the Krampus

MY THOUGHTS

 

As part of my kids' Thanksgiving Break, we decided to have a Scooby Doo marathon ( which is easy in our household! ).  Luckily for us we received the latest dvd set released featuring the Cartoon Network show - Scooby-Doo! Mystery Incorporated so it became our first installment of the marathon with almost 5 hours of Scooby-Doo goodness!

 

Now my whole family loves Scooby-Doo so we were all excited to start watching the episodes.  One thing I love about these episodes is that they all feature a mystery like all Scooby-Doo shows but there is also an ongoing bigger mystery that connects all the episodes.  This feature really draws you into the show.  Okay I have to admit I was eagerly awaiting the outcome to the bigger mystery and after watching the five hours wanted to watch more to see what happens next.

The dvd is available now where dvds are sold and online at retailers like Amazon.com for $ 14.99.  So grab a copy today for the Scooby Doo fan in your life.  It would make a great Christmas gift or birthday or a just cause gift. 

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

 

THANKSGIVING BLESSINGS and QUICK UPDATE

First I wanted to say I hope everyone had a blessed Thanksgiving!  I had a wonderful day with my family and hope everyone else was as fortunate! 

Next I hope anyone who was like me and shopped on Black Friday got lucky and scored some great deals and got a lot of names crossed off their shopping lists.  I did grab a few items but missed getting some of the deals I wanted the most.  But I am geared up and ready for Cyber Monday!  Fingers crossed I can grab some hot deals and I wish you all the same luck too.

Finally I wanted to let you all know about the last couple of days.  I took off Thanksgiving Day to celebrate with my family.  Then did some store shopping on Black Friday and started getting sick that evening.  I have felt achy and just downright flu like since then and basically took it easy and plenty of fluids. I am doing better today and will be back in full swing and have some giveaways coming this week so keep your eyes peeled for them!

2012 HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE - COIN BLASTER ARCADE by KLUTZ review

This gift idea is for anyone who loves a good challenge !

Few things are as satisfying as the THONK! of hitting a target. With Coin Blaster Arcade, even novice sharpshooters can flick coins with surprising speed and accuracy using the included “coin blasters” — the world’s first coin-operated, finger-powered mini-cannons, only from Klutz. The book is full of awesome tabletop target games including Hot Shot Hoops, Break the Bank, Skee Coin, and Penny Putt Golf. Ten different games test your coin blasting mastery and let you dominate the kitchen table.

Comes with: 2 coin blasters, a ramp

MY THOUGHTS

My son can sometimes be a challenge to find a present for.  Usually he wants video games and well, I do get him some but I like to mix it up and find something more challenging.  So when I was lucky enough to receive one to review, I knew it would be perfect for my son. 

First he likes to figure out things which makes this perfect since you have to decide your best move to score.   Another great thing about this is that it comes with several games like the one shown below...

This is just one of several games included allowing hours of fun.  Another great factor about Coin Blaster is you can play with friends and family to see who has the best score.  It is sure to give hours and hours of fun and would make a great addition to holiday get togethers for the kiddos and adults too.

Also the games are great for boys and girls of all ages and have something for everyone.  I can not wait to give it to my son and have a Family Game Night around it.  It is sure to provide fun and laughs for our whole family.

So be sure to grab your own today for a gift or to add to the entertainment for any upcoming parties you have planned.  The Coin Blaster Arcade book is available at bookstores and online retailers like KLUTZ.com for $19.99. You can also get gift wrapping too on their website for just $3.95.  That makes it a simple gift ready to go if you need to ship a gift!

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

2012 HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE - HOTEL TRANSYLVANIA DS game review

Here is another hot video game for kids this Season...

Hotel Transylvania: where monsters and their families can live it up, free to be the monsters that they are with no humans around to bother them. Dracula's beloved daughter Mavis is turning 118 and Dracula has invited a few of his closest friends: Frankenstein and his wife, the Mummy, the Invisible Man, and the Werewolf family to Hotel Transylvania to celebrate her special day. Catering to these monsters is a delight for Dracula, but everything could change for the overprotective father when one ordinary guy stumbles through the hotel and takes a shine to Mavis. Play through a wide variety of spooky locations, solving tons of puzzles and battling tough bosses in this side-scrolling, action-packed adventure!

MY THOUGHTS

I have three kids who love to play video games and who also have been excited about the Hotel Transylvania movie.  So of course when I heard about the DS game based on the movie, I knew it would be a hot game this season in our household. 

One of the great things about this game is that both my son and daughters can enjoy this game since it is not geared towards boys or girls.  I also like the different puzzles they have to solve while playing the game.

The DS game is available now where games are sold and also at online retailers like Amazon.com for $ 19.99 .  So if you got a kiddo who is waiting for the Hotel Transylvania movie to come to dvd, why not grab them a copy of the game or better yet save them both for Christmas!

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

FREE CARD FROM TREAT.COM - MONDAY & TUESDAY ONLY!

Your holiday checklist just got shorter. Create and send a totally personalized greeting card from Treat for FREE. Whether saying thanks for Thanksgiving, wishing a best friend a holiday birthday, or simply sharing the holiday cheer with a just because card, Treat lets you create a one-of-a-kind card that is sure to impress.

 

Just for Today and Tomorrow ( Monday 11/19 and Tuesday 11/20), Treat is offering a free card. All you have to do is use the promo code - TREATBLOGR.

 

* I will receive products in exchange for this post.  As always, all opinions are completely honest and completely my own.

2012 HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE - HEARTS 4 HEARTS DELL doll review

This next gift is perfect for any little girl who loves dolls ...

Take home the heart of America’s mountains with our Dell doll. Like all Hearts For Hearts Girls dolls, Dell stands 14 inches high and has a poseable, smooth vinyl body, and high-quality rooted hair for hours of doll play. Her eyes are a deep teal-blue and her gleaming hair is a true brunette brown. A sprinkle of freckles crosses her nose and cheeks.

Dell comes dressed in a summery floral top of corals and pinks, and frayed jean cut-offs of real denim.

Accessories include:

• Camouflage baseball cap
• Suede choker with enamel-like butterfly pendant
• Bright bangle bracelets
• Silvery flower dangle earrings
• Slip-on polka-dot distressed tennis shoes
• Doll-sized hair comb with hair elastic
• Girl-sized H4HG power bracelet
• Beautiful mini storybook about Dell’s life

MY THOUGHTS

As a mom of two daughters, dolls are a very common thing in our household as to be expected.  I am always excited when my girls and I can review a high quality doll which is exactly what the Hearts 4 Hearts dolls are.  Now Dell is anxiously awaiting Christmas so she can be unwrapped by my oldest daughter.  I was also lucky enough to receive a change of clothes for Dell as well ( We received the Logo Tee and leggings set.) 

The doll is very well designed and crafted.  Plus the features of the doll are beautiful!  I know my daughter is going to be so excited to see her and play with her.  I am literally excited to see her face when she opens it.

Also another great factor about Hearts 4 Hearts is their work.  Read below to learn more about their work...

It’s an undeniable fact that girls in many countries struggle against a lack of education, medical care, decent housing, and clean water and food. But when these basic needs are met, those girls achieve amazing things for themselves and their families. Sometimes, all they need is a little help.

The Hearts For Hearts Girls™ mission is to empower girls to become agents of change in their communities, their countries, and around the world. We want to change the world one heart at a time, and you can be a part of that dream!

It all starts with our dolls. Right now, there are six Hearts For Hearts Girls dolls: Lilian (Belarus), Rahel (Ethiopia), Nahji (India), Tipi (Laos), Consuelo (Mexico), and Dell (United States). Each of them has an important story to tell about life in her country, inspired by real girls who are strong, smart, courageous, and determined to rise above challenging circumstances.

When you buy a doll, Hearts For Hearts Girls donates part of the purchase price through our charitable partner, World Vision, to programs that support girls in that country. Whether it’s malaria nets in Africa, schoolbooks in Asia, or food supplies in the US, these programs help girls to thrive and succeed.

I have to say it makes you want to purchase these beautiful dolls even more when you realize that you are helping little girls out in the real world.  I highly recommend these dolls for every little girl on your Christmas list that loves dolls.  The dolls are available on the Hearts 4 Hearts website and you can also purchase the additional outfits as well.  The dolls are $27.99 and the outfits are $ 12.99 each.  So make a little girl's Christmas by getting her one of this beautiful dolls!

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

2012 HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE - THE WATCH dvd review

This dvd is a perfect gift idea for anyone who loves some raunchy comedy like maybe one of the guys on your list.

There's trouble brewing in peaceful Glenview, Ohio. That's why four civic-minded citizens, armed with flashlights, walkie-talkies and spiffy new jackets, have teamed up to safeguard their community. But the guys find more than they bargained for when they uncover an alien plot to destroy Earth, and now these bumbling heroes are Glenview's only chance to save the neighborhood - and the world - from annihilation!

MY THOUGHTS

I am a huge fan of Vince Vaughn and when I heard he was going to be in a movie with Ben Stiller and Jonah Hill, I was sold.  Now when I started watching it, I was not sure what to expect except of course a barrell of laughs.  I was definitely right about the laughs.  They were so many, but I do have to warn that this is not a family movie.  This is definitely a "No Kids" kind of movie since alot of the humor is not suitable for them. 

 All in all I think the four guys in the Watch had very funny chemistry which made the movie.  One of my favorite scenes from the movie is when they find a piece of an alien product and discover what it actually does.  SO it you like adult comedy and such, then this movie will be great for you.

The dvd is available now where dvds are sold and online at retailers like Amazon.com for $ 16.99.  So grab a copy today .

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

GET INTO THE HOLIDAY SPIRIT with ARTHUR CHRISTMAS dvd review

Arthur Christmas reveals the incredible, never-before seen answer to every child's question: 'So how does Santa deliver all those presents in one night?' The answer: Santa's exhilarating, ultra-high-tech operation hidden beneath the North Pole. But at the center of the film is a story about a family in a state of comic dysfunction and an unlikely hero, Arthur, with an urgent mission that must be completed before Christmas morning dawns.

MY THOUGHTS

I always love a good Christmas movie and was excited when I saw the first previews of Arthur Christmas.  It is a movie, my whole family has been waiting to see.  I have to say when we finally saw it, we were not disappointed.  My whole family loved it.

This movie has quickly become one of my Holiday favorites.  My whole family were laughing constantly and enjoyed this movie a lot.  I have to say I loved Grandsanta and his pet reindeer ( my daughter wants a pet reindeer now! LOL)  Besides the great characters and comedy, the truly best part of this movie is the story of how Santa delivers the packages to everyone in one night.  My daughters loved it and it was priceless to see them get so excited about solving the mystery. 

I definitely think this is a MUST SEE & MUST HAVE movie for the Holidays.  The dvd is available now for where dvds are sold and online at retailers at Amazon.com for $ 17.96.  So go get a little Christmas - Arthur Christmas!

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

CHRIS MANN " ROADS" cd review

Roads boasts a wildly eclectic assortment of songs, ranging from Willie Nelson’s “Always on My Mind” and Lady Antebellum’s “Need You Now” to “Ave Maria” and Damien Rice’s “The Blowers’ Daughter,” with the latter featuring a special guest appearance from Aguilera.

About “The Blower’s Daughter” and singing with Chris, Aguilera says, “It's a beautiful song and I really respect the way he’s expressing himself on the album. Everything from his tone, to his richness, to his soulfulness comes through loud and clear.”

























Mann co-wrote two songs, “Cuore,” based on Bach’s “Air on a G String,” and the contemporary ballad “Falling.” A widescreen take on Coldplay’s anthem “Viva La Vida”—which sounds like it was written expressly for Mann to sing—provides the album with an ecstatic climax."











MY THOUGHTS

Now I am a huge fan of music and have a wide taste that ranges from country to classic rock to even reggae.  But honestly, opera music has never been in my taste range.  Not because I do not find it beautiful because I do find some of it very beautiful , but because I just never found myself being able to sit and listen to it for hours on hand.  Well, enter the VOICE and Chris Mann to change that for me.  I have to say I was excited to hear his cd and when I did I was not disappointed.  I enjoyed his renditions of some familiar songs and equally enjoyed the other songs.

With that said, I doubt I'll be rushing out to catch the latest opera or even purchasing opera cds, but I have to admit I am definitely more open to the possiblity now and am a huge fan even more of Chris Mann.  I also know that I will be listening to this cd more than once.  It is definitely a great addition to my music collection.

I recommend giving the album a listen before you make a decision about opera.  The album is available now at Amazon.com and on iTunes.  You can also learn more about Chris Mann and his music at his website.  So be sure to grab a copy today and enjoy some great music!

*This is a review post from One2One Network. I was provided with a copy of the album and I am eligible for a prize drawing. All opinions stated are my own.

2012 HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE - ANGRY BIRDS flies onto PS3 with ANGRY BIRDS TRILOGY review

This next gift idea is for all the Angry Bird fans and gamers.

 

The Angry Birds franchise sling-shot into the hearts and minds of players with stunning popularity — a billion people have downloaded, enjoyed and become addicted to the adorable, comical games. For the first time ever, Angry Birds are taking flight and crashing their way onto your console with even more features and addictive gameplay than before.

 

Synopsis

Whether you're playing Angry Birds, Angry Birds Seasons or Angry Birds Rio, it won't take long for you to be hooked on the straightforward yet satisfying gameplay that defines this franchise. There are 19 episodes, each with an exclusive new level that will keep you interested and ready for more. New HD animated cut scenes will get you in the zone as you work your way towards earning new achievements and trophies. Become a bird slinger, banana fanatic or the Grinch and get lost in hours of hilarious fun that keeps you saying, "just one more board."

Key Features:

• Includes Angry Birds, Angry Birds Seasons and Angry Birds Rio for three times the strategic gameplay that everyone loves
  
• Experience one of the world's most popular games as it crashes onto your console for the first time
  
• Fling into classic, comical and addictive gameplay with 19 episodes, each featuring an exclusive new level
  
• Earn new achievements and trophies as you advance through the game
  
• Become a bird slinger, banana fanatic or the Grinch for versatile, addictive gameplay options
  
• Watch the new HD animated cut scenes to get yourself further into the Angry Birds zone

MY THOUGHTS

My kids are all huge Angry Birds fans and well, so am I.  My youngest though is all about the Angry Birds and loves the game.  The problem before with this is 3 kids all fighting over  my phone or tablet.  Also them all trying to huddle around the little screens and one or more getting mad cause they can not see.  Imagine my relief and excitement when I heard my favorite birds where coming to PS3.

SO far we have only used the PS3 controllers with the game and plan to try out the Move with it one weekend ( As soon as I can get them charged!  So many things need charging and so few chargers!)  The gameplay with the regular controllers is simple enough for my youngest to do.  All three kids have had a blast playing the game on the big screen and not having to huddle around my tiny phone screen or tablet.  Of course I did have to set up a playing structure so everyone got a fair turn and taking turns worked out great. 

The Trilogy features 3 of the Angry Birds hits - Angry Birds, Angry Birds Seasons, and Angry Birds RIO.  Of course I really would have loved Angry Birds Space included, but I assume that will be in the next installment ( if there is one).  My kids loved that they had an option of which Angry Birds game they want to play.  So it is a safe bet that this game has quickly became our family favorite and has become just as addictive as the apps.

The game is available now where games are sold and is available for the PS3, Nintendo 3DS, and XBOX 360.  The game can also be purchased online at Amazon.com for $ 39.94 for the PS3.  SO be sure to grab the Angry Birds fan in your life a copy to bring home to their favorite game console for the Holidays!

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

HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE : VEGGIETALES : THE LEAGUE OF INCREDIBLE VEGETABLES dvd review and giveaway

It was a bright and sunny day in Bumblyburg... until Dr. Flurry came to town. This chillin' villian wants to freeze the entire city... in fear! This job is too big for LarryBoy to handle alone, so he turns to "The League of Incredible Vegetables" for help! Thingamabob (Bob the Tomato), S-Cape (Mr. Lunt), Vogue (Petunia Rhubarb), and Ricochet (Junior Asparagus) are up for the task, but find that their own fears could land them in Dr. Flurry's deep freeze! Will they remember to turn to the One who is bigger than all their fears before the whole town ends up on ice? Find out in this heroic new VeggieTales episode with a lesson in handling fear!

Find out in this heroic new VeggieTales episode with a lesson in handling fear!

Featuring the new theme song and music video from The Newsboys!

Plus The Silly Song: Supper Hero.

MY THOUGHTS

Possibly my favorite character of VeggieTales is Larryboy.  I mean I simply love him and his missions.  He is also probably my son's favorite character and my daughters love him too.  So imagine all our excitement when we heard about a new Super Hero featuring our beloved Larry Boy.  Also some of our other beloved vegetables are also now super heroes. 

Now my family and I loved the League of Incredible Vegetables and have watched it more than once.  In fact, I am sure it has become my kids favorite VeggieTales movie at least for now!  I personally love the message behind it about how to handle fear.  Of course as all VeggieTales movies the message is easy for my kids to pick up which is great! 

Also my kids loved the Silly Song featured on the dvd - Supper Hero!  We all laughed so much at it and we also loved the new theme song by the Newsboys!  My daughters had us watch the extras featuring the music videos several times and would have watched it more if we let them.

This dvd would make a great stocking stuffer and addition to any VeggieTales or movie collection.  The dvd is available where dvds are sold and online at VeggieTales for $ 11.99. SO be sure to grab a copy today and surprise your Larryboy or VeggieTale fan just in time for the Holidays.

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

Now I have some exciting news - A Giveaway!  Just enter the Rafflecopter form below and GOOD LUCK!!!

VEGGIETALES : BOB & LARRY GO COUNTRY cd review

It's time to hoot and holler with Bob, Larry and the whole posse as they round up all-time favorite, top country songs like "Mama's Don't Let Your Babies Grow Up to Be Cowboys," "Jesus Take the Wheel," and "God Bless the USA;" you'll laugh, you'll cry, you'll kick up your boot heels and play it over and over again!

Songs Include:
1. Boondocks
2. Mammas Don't Let Your Babies Grow Up To Be Cowboys
3. 9 to 5
4. I Will Always Love You
5. You're Still The One
6. Achy Breaky Heart
7. God Bless the USA
8. Forever and Ever Amen
9. Jesus Take the Wheel
10. Life is a Highway

MY THOUGHTS

I love VeggieTales and country music  so I was excited to hear about Bob and Larry "going country!"  I have to say I was hurting after hearing this from laughing so much.  Their take on the songs are funny and my kids loved them .  I have to say I enjoyed them and love to pop the cd in for my girls to dance too and for me to get a good laugh at. 

My favorite song has to be God Bless the USA although You're Still the One has a really sweet and amazing story with it.  SO be sure to check it out.  The dvd and songs are available online at iTunes and VeggieTales.com for $8.99.  SO get your COUNTRY on today with VeggieTales!

* I received teh above mentioned product solely for review purposes.  The above mentioned opinion is completely honest and completely my own.

HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE : VEGGIETALES : THE ULTIMATE CHRISTMAS COLLECTION dvd review

It's A Veggie Christmas Marathon! Plug in the tree, light the fire and get ready for the VeggieTales Christmas Extravaganza!


This 2-disc collection includes 6 Holiday Favorites + 25 Favorite Christmas Songs CD

Includes:

• It's a Meaningful Life
• Saint Nicholas: A Story of Joyful Giving
• The Little Drummer Boy
• The Toy that Saved Christmas
• The Star of Christmas
• Christmas Singalong DVD
• + 25 Song CD! Approx. 243 minutes

MY THOUGHTS

As some of you may know, I love VeggieTales and so does my family.  I literally get excited everytime I hear about a NEW VeggieTales movie being released.  So I was super excited to hear about the release of The Ultimate Christmas Collection featuring all the great Christmas movies so far and also 25 terrific songs.  It is a must have for any VeggieTales fan and collector.

My 3 kids were super exicted about having all the Christmas goodness in one package and I am always excited for them to watch VeggieTales.  I mean how great is it to watch a quality movie with a great message that the whole family enjoys.  Also there is a great singalong dvd that my daughters really love.  I mean VeggieTales always have great songs that are silly and all.

I recommend this dvd to help get anyone in the Holiday spirit and who likes good family entertainment.  The dvd set is available now where dvds are sold and online at VeggieTales.com for $ 15.99.  Also right now in honor of Thanksgiving, you can use promo code "Thankful" for 25% off.  So be sure to grab a copy now just in time for the Holidays!

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

E.T. the EXTRA-TERRESTIAL ANNIVERSARY EDITION blu-ray/dvd review

Relive the adventure and magic in one of the most beloved motion pictures of all-time, E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial, from Academy Award-winning director Steven Spielberg. Captivating audiences of all ages, this timeless story follows the unforgettable journey of a lost alien and the 10-year-old boy he befriends. Join Elliot (Henry Thomas), Gertie (Drew Barrymore) and Michael (Robert MacNaughton) as they come together to help E.T. find his way back home. Now digitally remastered with enhanced picture and sound for its 30th Anniversary, E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial is one of the great American films (Leonard Maltin) that forever belongs in the hearts and minds of audiences everywhere.

MY THOUGHTS

I always loved E.T. since the first time I watched it as a kid.  So I was super excited to hear about the Anniversary addition being released bringing the beloved alien to blu-ray.  I was really excited too to share the movie with my kids since I think it is a classic. 

E.T. is a timeless movie that all generations can enjoy and my whole family enjoyed the movie.  My daughters thought E.T. was simply adorable just like I did when I was a little girl.  The movie brought back tons of memories for me and thanks to the rerelease allowed  me to make new ones with my kids.

This dvd is a must have for movie collectors since it is a classic and would make a great gift for a film buff to have.  The set is available now in stores nationwide and online at Amazon.com for $ 19.96.  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.

HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE : JURASSIC JIMMY by WOW review

My next hot gift this season is for the young dinosaur lover on your Christmas list.  The gift is Jurassic Jimmy from WOW.

Travel back in time with Jurassic Jimmy, caveman Stig and their dino friends Bronty and Tricksy. Walk with dinosaurs and unearth ancient adventures with this prehistoric truck and trailer set. Push the truck along and crack open the giant dino egg to reveal the dinosaur inside and have hours of fun with the removable characters that complete this set.

MY THOUGHTS

My son was a huge dinosaur fan when he was younger and he would have simply loved this set.  My cousin's little boy has followed in my son's footsteps and loves dinosaurs too.  So when I received the Jurassic Jimmy set from WOW, I knew he would love it.

I love the fact that it has so many pieces to assure him having a fun and imaginative time.  I really love the fact that it comes with an egg for him to "hatch" himself to find a new dinosaur to play with.  This set is sure to give him hours of great fun and keep him entertained all day.

Jurassic Jimmy is available where WOW toys are sold and online at Amazon.com for $ 28.19.  So be sure to grab one today for the dino lover on your list.

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

HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE : EIFFEL TOWER 3-D PUZZLE review

My next hot gift idea is for puzzle lovers .  It is a 3-D puzzle of the Eiffel Tower from Ravensburger.

3D puzzling taken to a new dimension!   
                 
Built in 1889 and designed by Gustave Eiffel, the Eiffel Tower has become the global symbol of Paris and France. Standing at an impressive 1,063 foot tall, the Eiffel Tower was the world's tallest building for 41 years. Now you can own your very own Eiffel Tower, to build and display for all to admire. Ravensburger - manufacturer of the original puzzleball - have taken puzzling one step further and created this impressive 3D puzzle, shaped like the Eiffel Tower. Using high-quality plastic, each puzzle piece is cut with laser perfection. The unique and flexible hinged pieces create a smooth edge, and add another puzzling dimension. Consisting of 216 puzzle pieces, each is numbered on the back to help you complete the puzzle, and requires no glue to hold together. Measuring an impressive 17.6cm x 17.6cm x 42.5cm when complete, this is the perfect puzzle to display for all to admire. As the tallest building in Paris and the most visited paid monument in the world, millions of people ascend the 1665 steps every year. Whether you buy this 3D puzzle as a gift for a loved one, or as a reminder of a short break in paris, this Ravensburger 3D Eiffel Tower puzzle is sure to bring many happy hours of puzzling.

MY THOUGHTS

I have been a huge puzzle fan since I was little.  I used to do them with my Granny.  I have done small puzzles and large ones and even double sided ones, but had never done a 3-D one yet.  I was really excited to get the opportunity to try my first 3-d puzzle from Ravensburger. 

First the pieces are plastic which is a great feature since I am sure the traditional puzzle pieces would break when bending to fit.  Now you do still need to be careful with the pieces cause over bending can cause breakage.  Another great feature is that the pieces are numbered which makes assembling easier and not frustrating.  Of course some puzzle lovers may not like this feature and it does take away the challenge, but it makes it better for family time with younger puzzlers.

Assembling the puzzle did not take as long as I had thought it would.  It was a quick and painless process to be honest and I can not wait to do my next 3-D puzzle.  Of course taking the puzzle apart does take more effort than assembling it so roll up your sleeves.

The dvd is available where puzzles are sold and online at Amazon.com for $ 18.99 so be sure to grab one today to try your hand out on a 3-D puzzle.

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