Favorite Children's Book Becomes Movie: Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day

One of my favorite children's book is coming to the big screen. I remember Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day from my childhood. We had a copy of the book at home that got read often. There were also many teachers at school who had it in their classrooms, and I remember it being read often. A few years ago I bought a copy of this book for my own son. It was fun to share not only a piece of my childhood but a great story with him. Now I'm happy to see it's being made into a movie. It will be interesting to see how it turns out.

 

DISNEY’S

“ALEXANDER AND THE TERRIBLE, HORRIBLE, NO GOOD, VERY BAD DAY” BEGINS PRODUCTION

 

Film to Shoot Entirely in Los Angeles Area; Hits Theaters October 10, 2014

 

BURBANK, Calif.  — Disney has kicked off production on “Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day,” the first live-action film adaptation of Judith Viorst’s 1972 illustrated children’s classic. The film, directed by Independent Spirit Award-winner Miguel Arteta (“The Good Girl,” “Cedar Rapids,” “Youth in Revolt”) from a screenplay by Rob Lieber, is a 21 Laps Entertainment/Jim Henson Company production. Shooting in the Los Angeles area, with locations in the cities of Pasadena and Arcadia, the San Fernando Valley and Melody Ranch in Newhall, the film hits theaters nationwide on October 10, 2014.

 

Steve Carell (“The Way, Way Back,” “Little Miss Sunshine,” the forthcoming “Foxcatcher”) and Jennifer Garner (“Dallas Buyers Club, “The Odd Life of Timothy Green,” “Juno”) star as Alexander’s upbeat parents. The veteran performers are joined in the film by a trio of young talents that includes 16-year-old Dylan Minnette (“Lost,” the upcoming “Prisoners”) as Alexander’s older brother, Anthony; 15-year-old Kerris Dorsey (TV’s “Ray Donovan,” “Moneyball”) as sister Emily; and 12-year-old Australian native Ed Oxenbould (Oz TV’s “Puberty Blues”), who makes his big-screen feature debut as the film’s title character, Alexander.

 

Emmy® winner (and Golden Globe® nominee) Megan Mullally (“Will & Grace”) also joins the cast, along with Jennifer Coolidge (“American Pie,” “Legally Blonde,” TV’s “2 Broke Girls”) and Bella Thorne (“Shake It Up!”).

 

The film is produced by Shawn Levy (“Night at the Museum,” “Date Night,” “Real Steel”), Emmy® nominee and CEO of the Jim Henson Company Lisa Henson, and 21 Laps Entertainment President Dan Levine (“The Internship,” “Along Came Polly,” “Freedom Writers”). It’s executive produced by industry veteran Philip Steuer (“Saving Mr. Banks,” “Oz The Great and Powerful,” “The Chronicles of Narnia” trilogy) and Jason Lust (“Whip It,” “The Waiting Game”). 

 

Disney’s “Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day” follows the exploits of 11-year-old Alexander as he experiences the most terrible and horrible day  of his young life—a day that begins with gum stuck in his hair, followed by one calamity after another. But when Alexander tells his upbeat family about the misadventures of his disastrous day, he finds little sympathy and begins to wonder if bad things only happen to him. He soon learns that he’s not alone when his brother, sister, mom and dad all find themselves living through their own terrible, horrible, no good, very bad day. Anyone who says there is no such thing as a bad day just hasn't had one.

 

Director Arteta’s key filmmaking team includes cinematographer Terry Stacey (“50/50,” “Salmon Fishing in the Yemen”), two-time Oscar®-nominated production designer Michael Corenblith (“The Blind Side,” “Saving Mr. Banks,” HBO’s “Game Change”), and two artists with whom he has previously collaborated: Oscar-nominated film editor Pam Martin (“The Fighter,” “Little Miss Sunshine,” “Youth in Revolt”) and veteran costume designer Nancy Steiner (“Little Miss Sunshine,” “Lost in Translation,” “The Good Girl,” “Youth in Revolt”).

 

“Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day,” published in 1972, was written by Judith Viorst and illustrated by Ray Cruz. The endearing, enduring classic (with more than 2 million copies in print) became an ALA Notable Children’s Book while also winning a George G. Stone Center Recognition of Merit, a Georgia Children’s Book Award, and distinction as a Reading Rainbow book. Viorst followed this book (inspired by her own three sons’ childhoods—Alexander, Anthony and Nicholas) with two sequels: “Alexander, Who Used to be Rich Last Sunday” (1978) and “Alexander, Who's Not (Do You Hear Me? I Mean It!) Going to Move” (1995). The 1972 original was first adapted to the small screen as a half-hour HBO animated musical in 1990 before Viorst collaborated with composers Charles Strouse (music) and Shelley Markham (musical score) for a 1998 stage musical at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C.

Waiting for Morning by Margaret Brownley

Disclaimer: I received this book to review from BookSneeze. All opinions are my own.

I have always enjoyed historical fiction. I find that there are many great books out there right now in this category. I don't mind, because I have enjoyed all the ones I read. I find that with historical fiction most authors tie factual events, times, places into the story. I learn things from the factual events and locations that deal with a certain time in history. The stories about love and friendship are a nice way to enjoy the story too. Waiting for Morning by Margaret Brownley is a story of a determined woman, trying to help her family, but love appears where she least expects it.

The product:
Waiting for Morning by Margaret Brownley
The Brides of Last Chance Ranch, #2

Molly Hatfield comes to Arizona Territory seeking stability and security. But living in Cactus Patch provides her with more than she ever dreamed.

There is nothing Molly wouldn’t do for her teenaged brother, Donny. Blaming herself for the accident that left him wheelchair bound, Molly has dedicated her life to his care. But in 1896, gainful employment for a woman is hard to come by. So when Molly learns that an eccentric rancher in Cactus Patch, Arizona, is looking for an heiress—someone to take over management of the ranch in exchange for future ownership—she jumps at the chance to provide a real home for her brother.

However, Molly didn’t bank on meeting Dr. Caleb Fairbanks, the town’s charming unmarried doctor. Caleb has a way with Molly that makes her nervous. But it’s how he is with her brother that really alarms her. Caleb sees past the wheelchair and genuinely likes Donny, but Molly fears he’s putting unrealistic ideas into her brother’s head. Falling in love with Caleb would threaten everything she’s worked for, even her brother’s future happiness. But it could be the very reason God brought her to Last Chance Ranch.

What I thought: This book is the second in a series by Margaret Brownley called The Brides of Last Chance Ranch. I reviewed the first in the series Dawn Comes Early. It was a great book. This is another good one that you will enjoy as well. Molly heads to Last Chance Ranch with a goal in mind. She wants to provide for her family. This seems like just the place to do it, but the local doctor starts making her question her feelings. Read along to find out if love is in the air for these two.

Where to buy: This is available in stores and online.

FRAAS Mystical Waters Scarves

Scarves as accessories have been on the fashion scene for a while. I can see why, though. They are versatile and easy to wear with anything. You can find heavier-weight ones for colder weather, and light-weight is perfect for warm temperatures. You can get a beautiful scarf to match any outfit.

The product: The rising interest in chic, year-round accessories and fashion layering is evident everywhere. Fashion-savvy women have discovered the versatility of scarves as an accessory and are collecting them each season to accent their wardrobes and individualize their personal style. FRAAS is on target with an exciting new range for Spring-Summer 2013, which focuses on three stories.

Mystical Coast incorporates an opulent, iridescent, natural composite for prints and deluxe, yet gentle detailing. East Meets West presents modernity meeting tradition. Jungle Fever is a lively, hot summer story encompassing the plant life of the jungle and the vivid creatures that occupy it. Lightweights in cotton, modal, silk, viscose chiffon, acrylic, tropical weight wool and blends flow beautifully in solid, ombre, floral, fruit, stripe, plaid, dotted, splatter-paint, animal, sea and abstract patterns. Some are textured via crinkling, embroidering and puckering effects, others are classic, and several are sheer and gauzy. Infinity silhouettes continue and are clearly understood by consumers because they are so easy to wear. There are several options that are unisex so that everyone can own a FRAAS scarf this season. FRAAS is also on the mark with their color trends in which the season's prettiest neutral/soft, mid-tone, ad bright palette options are represented within the range.

Retails range from $28 to about $130 (silk blend). There is no other fashion accessory that makes such a strong fashion statement for this affordability and has so many flexible wearing options. Several styles can be folded as head wraps, waist wraps, sarongs, and depending on the style, even a halter top. Others do double duty and can be used as a shawl for coo; nights, air conditioning, travel and, again, the creation of a chic fashion accessory statement. Easy to wear, simple to drape or tie, this line makes great sense for a self or gift purchase. Style 623949 which is appropriately named, Mystical Waters, is a very beautiful, oversized printed style that measures 40x72 inches. Therefore, it is a versatile look that can be worn as a wrap or scarf. It retails for $48 and is available in vibrant combinations, including turquoise and coral options. It works with day or evening looks and is on target with its flattering palette and popular viscose yarn.

"Developing exceptional, well-timed, attractive products has always been a priority for us as FRAAS," says Aimee Zucchetti, Brand and Sales Manager for the company. "We hope we can help consumers renew their attire with energizing, affordable looks so that everyone has the opportunity to accessorize like a fashionista!" Ken Krieger, the VP of Sales for the company agrees and adds, "Whenever a woman wants to add a finishing touch and zest to her look -- she can reach for one of our FRAAS styles and be confident that it will produce the perfect result. It is astounding what a difference a scarf can make to the total look."

About FRAAS: Scarf producer V. Fraas (corporate owner of the FRAAS brand) celebrates more than 130 years in business. Ever since its foundation in 1880 by Valentin Fraas, the world leader for mufflers and shawls has thrived and advanced under the control of his descendants -- as remarkable feat in this transitory world. But V. Fraas has more to celebrate than mere longevity: it is a forward looking company that continues to expand at a quick pace, and it is continuously implementing new ideas and concepts. From its bases in New York, Paris, London, Wustenselbitz, Toronto and Shanghai, V. Fraas' design teams travel to major shows and forecasting seminars throughout the globe to identify new trends and develop products that are perfectly attuned to fashion and customer demand. The company's research team, meanwhile, works unceasingly to develop and discover new yarn, fabric and methods of manufacturing products that are of truly outstanding quality. Truly internationally oriented, the company boasts sales subsidiaries and satellite offices in New York, Toronto, London, Paris, Berlin, Denmark, Italy, India, Hong Kong, Shanghai and Tokyo. Products are distributed worldwide via department and specialty stores as well as online retails.


What I thought: I received the Mystical Waters FRAAS scarf in pink. It is really pretty. It looks like the one pictured above. It was just long enough for me to gather and tie it in a knot to wear around my neck. It was a great summer accessory. It was light-weight and was useful to keep the sun off me. These are great scarves that are well-made and will hold up over time.

Where to buy: You can purchase this or other FRAAS scarves directly from the company by calling 212-575-0191. Select styles are also available at fraas.com and amazon.com.

Scooby-Doo! Stage Fright DVD + Blu-ray Combo

My 7 year old son, Zachariah, loves Scooby Doo. He has been a fan since years. Any time that he can find it on TV, he's most likely watching it. We have quite a few Scooby videos and he never gets tired of him.

The product: 

PHANTOMS TRY TO STEAL THE SHOW IN

SCOOBY-DOO! STAGE FRIGHT

THE MUST-HAVE ORIGINAL NEW ANIMATED FILM

FROM WARNER HOME BROS. HOME ENTERTAINMENT

AVAILABLE ON BLU-RAY® WITH ULTRAVIOLET^TM AND DVD

AUGUST 20, 2013

Release Features Bonus Scooby-Doo! Episodes

BURBANK, CA (May 8, 2013) – It’s a show-stopping performance you won’t want to miss on Scooby-Doo! Stage Fright, the all-new animated feature-length movie making its big debut on Blu-ray™ and DVD, August 20, 2013 from Warner Bros. Home Entertainment (WBHE) and produced by Warner Bros. Animation. Join the Scooby and the Mystery Inc. gang as they try to raise the curtain on a ghostly mystery that’s haunting a creepy opera house, which happens to be the home of a popular, hit TV talent show. Scooby-Doo! Stage Fright will be sold in a Blu-ray combo pack (including the Blu-ray, standard DVD and UltraViolet™ editions of the film), which retails for $24.98 SRP and on standard DVD, which retails for $19.98 SRP (DVD).

It’s an exciting trip to Chicago for Scooby, Shaggy and the Mystery Inc. crew when two of their own, songwriting duo Fred and Daphne, are finalists in the hit TV show, Talent Star. Not to be left out, Scooby and Shaggy have a secret act in the works, which they are betting will take the contest by storm.  Unluckily for everyone, the competition is frightful — the show is broadcast from an opera house with a history of horrors and a particularly vengeful phantom that has cursed the show’s production. From costume changin’ chases to creepy clues, the show must go on.  With a natural talent like Scooby-Doo on the case, you can be sure that the laughs, thrills and hijinks are always first place!

“We are constantly challenged to find fresh and exciting new adventures for Scooby and the gang. Scooby-Doo! Stage Fright, with its TV Talent Show setting, really delivers on a spookily fun tale that appeals to Scooby-Doo fans young and old,” said Mary Ellen Thomas, Vice President Family & Animation Marketing and Partner Brands. She added, “We think fans will have a lot of fun with this new title. It has something for everyone…perfect for a family movie night.”

The Blu-ray™ combo pack will include UltraViolet which allows consumers to download and instantly stream the standard definition theatrical version of the film to a wide range of devices, including computers and compatible tablets, smartphones, game consoles, Internet-connected TVs and Blu-ray players.*

Bonus Episodes:

• Don’t Fool with a Phantom
• Never Ape an Ape Man

UltraViolet

*UltraViolet allows you to collect, watch and share movies and TV shows in a whole new way.  Available with the purchase of specially marked Blu-ray discs, DVDs and Digital Downloads, UltraViolet lets you create a digital collection of movies and TV shows.  Services such as Flixster and VUDU allow you to instantly stream and download UltraViolet content across a wide range of devices including computers and compatible tablets, smartphones, game consoles, Internet-connected TVs and Blu-ray players.  Restrictions and limitations apply.  Go to ultraviolet.flixster.com/info for details.  Learn about VUDU compatible devices at vudu.com.

The Credits

About Warner Bros. Animation

Warner Bros. Animation (WBA) is one of the leading producers of animation in the entertainment industry, with an innovative and talent-rich roster boasting some of the most accomplished writers, producers and artists working today. The studio is on the cutting edge of animation technology and has both CG and traditionally animated projects in current production and development. For TV, WBA produces series such as The Looney Tunes Show, MAD, Teen Titans Go! and the forthcoming Beware The Batman and The Tom and Jerry Show for Cartoon Network. WBA also produces series and additional original content — including animated shorts — for Cartoon Network’s multiplatform branded DC Nation programming block. In addition to TV programming, WBA produces theatrically released CG cartoon shorts featuring iconic Looney Tunes characters, rendered in stereoscopic 3D. WBA also creates the highly successful series of DC Universe Original Animated Movies for DVD. Producing for multiple platforms including TV, digital and home entertainment both domestically and internationally, WBA is highly respected for its creative and technical excellence, as well as for maintaining the Studio’s rich cartoon heritage. It is also the home of the iconic animated characters from the DC Comics, Hanna-Barbera, MGM and Looney Tunes libraries. One of the most-honored animation studios in history, WBA has been honored with six Academy Awards®, 35 Emmy® Awards, the George Foster Peabody Award, an Environmental Media Award, a Parents’ Choice Award, the HUMANITAS Prize, two Prism Awards and 20 Annie Awards (honoring excellence in animation).

About Warner Bros. Home Entertainment, Inc.

Warner Bros. Home Entertainment (WBHE) brings together Warner Bros. Entertainment's home video, digital distribution, interactive entertainment, technical operations and anti-piracy businesses in order to maximize current and next-generation distribution scenarios. An industry leader since its inception, WBHE oversees the global distribution of content through packaged goods (Blu-ray Disc™ and DVD) and digital media in the form of electronic sell-through and video-on-demand via cable, satellite, online and mobile channels, and is a significant developer and publisher for console and online video game titles worldwide. WBHE distributes its product through third party retail partners and licensees, as well as directly to consumers through WBShop.com.

For more information on this and other titles distributed by Warner Bros. Home Entertainment, visit www.whvdirect.com.

*Limited Time Offer.  Restrictions and Limitations apply.  Does not include iTunes Digital Copy file.  Go to ultraviolet.flixster.com/info for details.

What we thought: Zachariah enjoyed this new DVD/Blu-ray combo. This Scooby Doo video is a new, feature-length movie. That means we've never seen it before. That made it great to see some new Scooby Doo material. Of course as always there was not just Scooby, but the whole Mystery Inc gang along to solve the mystery at the opera house. This movie is now added to our list of keeps and must-watched. I know your family will love it just as much as we did.

Where to buy: Scooby-Doo! Stage Fright just hit stores last week. You can also find it online.

The Kia Hamsters are Back! Plus an iTunes Gift Card #Giveaway

Disclaimer: Content and/or other value provided by our partner, Kia Motors. All opinions are my own.

Do you remember the infamous Kia hamsters from the commercials? So fun! Well, they are back again and even better than ever, just like the new 2014 Soul!

Now the Kia hamsters have transformed themselves. They are lean, mean, head-turning machines, and they are just the ones to introduce the new, sleek 2014 Kia Soul! The hamsters hit the gym to "Applause" by Lady Gaga. Check out the video and see their new look & the newest Kia too.

Content and/or other value provided by our partner, Kia Motors

This is the 2014 Soul! shown here. It is expected in fall 2013.

I think this commercial is pretty cute. Those are some dedicated hamsters. Treadmills, swimming laps and all that other hard work leads the hamsters to their new lean physiques. What do you think? What did you enjoy most about this video?

For a chance to win a $25 iTunes gift card, you can tell me just that. Watch the video and enter in the Rafflecopter form below. Good luck!

 a Rafflecopter giveaway

Brew Over Ice #Giveaway

Disclaimer: I received these products for review. All opinions are my own.

It's still summertime. The weather this year hasn't acted like that too much here in Ohio. But it's still the summer season. It's sunny out and fun to be outdoors. Part of being outside in the summer, though, is keeping cool. A great way to keep cool is with a refreshing iced beverage. Now you can use your Keurig brewer to have a nice iced drink to enjoy.

The product: If you have a Keurig brewer, perhaps you've already heard of (or even tried) the new Brew Over Ice products. They are K-Cups that you brew over a glass of ice for a cool refreshing drink. It's a great change for summertime. You can still get your coffee fix without having a hot drink on those sweltering days. Or maybe you're an iced tea lover. The Brew Over Ice tea varieties will be perfect for you. You can get even more use out of your Keurig now.

You will find many varieties of Brew Over Ice including Snapple Teas, Green Mountain & The Original Donut Shop coffee, Vitamin Burst, Green Mountain Naturals, and Celestial Seasonings. There are different kids of each.

It's so simple to do. You already have a Keurig if you're interested in these, so you know how to operate one. Now you're Keurig can do more. It can Brew Over Ice too.

Here's how it's done: Step 1- Fill a 16-oz. cup to the top with ice and place a Brew Over Ice K-Cup pack into your brewer. Step 2- Press the 6-oz. or 8-oz. button for optimal flavor. Step 3- Stir and enjoy!

That's it. It's so simple and easy to enjoy great cold beverages now too. It opens up many more possibilities with your Keurig brewer. Everyone in the family will want to try it out now.

What we thought: My husband has been using the Brew Over Ice cups for a little while now. He likes the iced teas, like Celestial Seasonings Half & Half (smooth black tea and natural lemonade). It's easy just to make one drink at a time when you need it.

We received a package with a few Brew Over Ice drinks to try out here. I really liked the Donut House Collection Sweet & Creamy iced coffee. I'm not a big coffee drinker but with a little sweetness I'm more likely to enjoy it. I didn't know what I'd think of this, but honestly it was really good. It had just the right amount of sweetness and was creamy too. My son took a little sip and claimed it was "yummy".

The other variety I'm looking forward to trying is the Vitamin Burst Acai Berry Iced Fruit Brew. I imagine it will taste like a vitamin/juice drink. It sounds sweet and refreshing. There are so many other varieties that we are looking forward to trying as well.

Be sure to check out the "Brew Over Ice Sweepstakes" going on now at http://game.brewoverice.com!

Where to buy: You can find these Brew Over Ice products on store shelves all over. Be sure to visit www.brewoverice.com/coolwaytobrew to download a $2 off product coupon for your next purchase.

Prize: One of you will win a prize pack (as shown above) container a fun Brew Over Ice light-up ice bucket, to-go cup with straws, 4 coasters, and 3 samples of Brew Over Ice K-cups.

Giveaway: This giveaway is open now until 12:01am EST on 9/6/13. It is open to US residents only. Please enter in the Rafflecopter form below. Good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

“Chicken Soup for the Soul” Becomes Movie

ALCON ENTERTAINMENT PRESCRIBING “CHICKEN SOUP FOR THE SOUL”

Warner Bros. based Alcon Entertainment Developing The Iconic Brand, 

Chicken Soup for the Soul, as a Major Theatrical Feature 

With The Kerner Entertainment Company

LOS ANGELES, CA., AUGUST 8, 2013—Alcon Entertainment (“The Blind Side,” “Dolphin Tale,” “P.S. I Love You”) has acquired film and television rights to the famed Chicken Soup for the Soul brand from Chicken Soup for the Soul Publishing, LLC, as was announced by Alcon cofounders and co-CEOs Broderick Johnson and Andrew Kosove.

Alcon is set to finance and produce a major feature film that shares the brand’s name, “Chicken Soup for the Soul.” The film will be produced by The Kerner Entertainment Company and its principal Jordan Kerner (“The Smurfs 1&2”, “Charlotte’s Web,” “George of the Jungle,” “Fried Green Tomatoes,” and many others) along with Johnson and Kosove.

Writer Brandon Camp (“Love Happens”) will write the screenplay, which is inspired by a variety of characters and stories from the “Chicken Soup for the Soul” series. Warner Bros will release via Alcon’s output deal.

The film will be Executive Produced by Ben Haber (“The Smurfs,” “Across the Universe”), Bill Rouhana and Tim Rouhana (“The Path of Most Resistance”) with Kate Moulene set as coproducer.

Stated Kosove and Johnson: “We’re thrilled to partner with ‘Chicken Soup for the Soul,’ the world renowned brand that has become synonymous with inspiration and life improvement and has touched hundreds of millions of readers through the power of storytelling. The ‘Chicken Soup for the Soul’ series lends itself perfectly to a fictional narrative that will inspire, entertain and intrigue.”

Kerner added: “I have so much respect for the brand Bill Rouhana has built and continues to build and accelerate at Chicken Soup for the Soul. It is based on inspiration from true life stories, an inspiration which is much needed in the world today, as well as a set of beliefs that I hold near and dear.”

Originally created by Jack Canfield and Mark Victor Hansen in 1993, Chicken Soup for the Soul has evolved into a worldwide multi-channel brand now stewarded by publisher Amy Newmark and expanded by veteran CEO Bill Rouhana.

“On the 20th anniversary of our first book, I’m delighted to go back to my roots by adding movies and television to the variety of servings that Chicken Soup for the Soul offers. Our fans and readers trust us as their source for positive and moving stories and they’re hungry for more. It would be a disservice to them not to bring ‘Chicken Soup for the Soul’ to life in film. I know that Alcon, Kerner and Camp are the right partners to make that happen,” said Bill Rouhana CEO of Chicken Soup for the Soul.

Deal was negotiated by Alcon’s COO Scott Parish, and attorneys Scott Edel (Loeb & Loeb) for Alcon, Chuck Scott (Gang Tyre) for Kerner, Peter Dekom forChicken Soup for the Soul and Paradigm agent, Rand Holston, who represents both Kerner and Chicken Soup for the Soul.

ABOUT CHICKEN SOUP FOR THE SOUL Chicken Soup for the Soul Publishing, LLC, publishes the famous “Chicken Soup for the Soul” book series. In 2007, USA Today named “Chicken Soup for the Soul” one of the five most memorable books in the last quarter century. With over 100 million books sold to date in the U.S. and Canada alone, almost 250 titles in print and translations into more than 40 languages, “chicken soup for the soul” is one of the world’s best-known phrases. Today, 20 years after it first began sharing readers’ experiences, Chicken Soup for the Soul continues to provide extraordinary stories through its new books but has also evolved beyond the bookstore. Chicken Soup for the Soul is known for high quality products including wholesome and balanced pet food that recognizes the unique relationship between pets and people and a new line of delicious
nutritious comfort food inspired by the connection between food and feelings. Chicken Soup for the Soul is “always there for you™.” For more information visit www.chickensoup.com

ABOUT ALCON ENTERTAINMENT
Alcon Entertainment co-founders and co-CEO's Andrew Kosove and Broderick Johnson founded the Company in 1997 with financial backing from Frederick W. Smith, the Founder, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of FedEx. Alcon, which is named after a mythological archer and ally of Hercules, has financed, and/or co-financed/produced over 19 films, including “My Dog Skip,” “Dude, Where’s My Car?”, “Insomnia,” “Racing Stripes,” the Academy Award nominated Best Picture “The Blind Side,” which earned Sandra Bullock a Best Actress Oscar; “The Book of Eli,” starring Denzel Washington and Gary Oldman; “Insomnia,” starring Al Pacino, Robin Williams, and Hilary Swank and directed by Chris Nolan; “The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants,” “P.S. I Love You,” starring Hilary Swank, and the box-office success “Dolphin Tale,” a 3-D family film starring Morgan Freeman, Harry Connick Jr., Ashley Judd and Kris Kristofferson.

Alcon’s next film “Prisoners,” is a dramatic film about abduction directed by Denis Villeneuve starring Hugh Jackman, Jake Gyllenhall, Viola Davis, Melissa Leo, Terrance Howard and Paul Dano. It will premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival and be released wide via Alcon’s output deal with Warner Bros. on September 20, 2013. They recently wrapped production on Wally Pfister's directorial debut "Transcendence" starring Johnny Depp, Paul Bettany, Rebecca Hall and Morgan Freeman among others.

Currently, Alcon is working with Ridley Scott and Hampton Fancher on developing a follow up to the iconic science fiction thriller “Blade Runner,” to which they acquired all-inclusive franchise rights. The filmmakers will reveal only that the new story will take place some years after the first film concluded. Scott will direct. Fancher will write.

ABOUT THE KERNER ENTERTAINMENT COMPANY Mr. Kerner most recently produced the live action/CG animation hybrid The Smurfs 2 for Columbia Pictures, which was released earlier this month opening as the #1 film in the worldwide box office. It retained the same cast members as its predecessor, including the addition of Brendan Gleeson, Christina Ricci, JB Smooth, Jimmy Kimmel, Shaquille O’Neal, Sean White, Mario Lopez, and Kevin Lee for this grand adventure in Paris. It was the sequel to The Smurfs, released in 2011, which grossed over $550 Million Worldwide. Neil Patrick Harris, Hank Azaria, Jayma Mays, and Sofia Vergara took live action roles in this adaptation of the classic books by Peyo. Voice talent included Jonathan Winters, Katy Perry, George Lopez, Fred Armisen, Alan Cumming, Anton Yelchin, Jeff Foxworthy, Keenan Thompson, Paul Reubens, Wolfgang Puck, and Jon Oliver. It was directed by Raja Gosnell.

Kerner previously produced a faithful live action adaptation of the revered E.B. White book Charlotte’s Web for a Holiday 2006 release. It was written by Academy Award®-nominated screenwriter Susannah Grant (Erin Brockovich) and Karey Kirkpatrick (Chicken Run). The late Gary Winick (Letters to Juliette, 13 Going on 30) directed the film. It starred Dakota Fanning as Fern. The animated voice cast included Julia Roberts, Oprah Winfrey, Robert Redford, Kathy Bates, John Cleese, Steve Buscemi, and Thomas Hayden Church.

Aside from The Smurfs 1&2 and Charlotte’s Web, Kerner’s previous films include such titles as Snow Dogs, George of the Jungle 1 and 2, Inspector Gadget 1 and 2, Red Corner, Up Close and Personal, The Mighty Ducks trilogy, When a Man Loves a Woman, Fried Green Tomatoes, The War, and Less than Zero.
Kerner’s next production will be SMURFS 3 in the winter of 2014 and ALF for Columbia Pictures and Sony Pictures Animation and an assortment of projects at various studios.

Bath & Body Works Summer Chill & Pure Paradise Collection

Disclaimer: I received these products for review. All opinions are my own.

Ahh, summertime! It's great for relaxing, swimming and soaking up the sun. You will always want to look good and smell great. We know that can be more of a challenge in the summer, but that's not an issue with Bath & Body Works summer collections. Beat the heat and enjoy.

About the products:

The Summer Chill Collection (as seen above) is the perfect cool-down.  With refreshing scents including exotic fruits and fragrant flowers, these Signature Collection products are sure to melt away the heat with just one touch to the skin.  Available in a Shower Gel ($11.00), Body Lotion ($11.00),Fine Fragrance Mist ($14.00), Shimmer Cooling Mist ($18.00), Travel Body Lotion ($5.00) and Travel Fragrance Mist ($7.00), the below fragrances are ideal for your summer wardrobe:

Coconut Water Chill:  The ultimate summer refresher of coconut water, iced acai berry and watery melon frozen with jasmine petals and Madagascar vanilla.

Citrus Orchid Chill:  An exotic summer quencher of iced blue orchid, lemon granita and watery starfruit frozen with lotus flower and sunny musk.

White Mango Chill: An ice cold summer cooler of white mango, kiwi sorbet and strawberry frost frozen with muguet blossom and blue sugar cane.

The Pure Paradise Collection includes products that give you a sun-drenched look every day no matter what your plans are!  While breathing in the intoxicating guava, cassis, and fresh star fruit notes, feeling bronzed and beautiful is simple:

Beach Glow Body Lotion: The perfect hint of tint and flawless sun-kissed radiance all summer long

Beach Waves Hair Mist: Add incredible volume and tousled texture to hair for a windblown, beach bombshell effect

Beach Bronze Leg Shine: Give skin a radiant glow and sparkling shimmer for flawless, movie star legs

What I thought: I tried a few samples of the summer collections and enjoyed them all. I tried the White Mango Chill shower gel, White Mango Chill mist,  Coconut Water Chill body lotion, Pure Paradise shower gel and Pure Paradise body lotion. They all have a great summery scent that I enjoy. I'm not a big fan of mango, so I wasn't sure what I would think of this scent. I really like it. It has a nice, light, sweet scent that I rather enjoy. It's something that I will definitely use. 

My favorite, though, by far was the Coconut Water Chill lotion. I love coconut and this was a perfectly light coconut scent. I can put the lotion on without feeling like I used too much sunscreen (you know that smell, right?). It was just enough to give the subtle coconut scent that reminds you of summer. I think I have a new favorite.

Where to buy: You can find these summer scents at Bath & Body Works stores and their online shop too.