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.

"Howard B. Wigglebottom Learns About Sportsmanship: Winning Isn't Everything" Book

I received this product to review. All opinions are 100% mine.

The product: Howard B. Wigglebottom is an ornery, little bunny. He's always getting in some sort of trouble. But even ornery little kids can learn to behave better with the help of friends. See what lesson Howard will learn this time in Howard B. Wigglebottom Learns About Sportsmanship: Winning Isn't Everything.

The ten picture books in our award winning, educator endorsed series tackle important life lessons for 3-8 year olds like listening, bullying, sportsmanship, anger management, feeling good about themselves, moderation, truth, divorce, peer pressure, belonging, generosity, sportsmanship and attention. You can check out the animated versions at http://www.wedolisten.org. Click on animated books, lessons/posters and songs.

The We Do Listen Foundation is a group of writers, artists, designers, educators, therapists, parents, caregivers and teachers who share a vision of a kinder world with more harmony and peace and a better life for everyone to enjoy.

What we thought: We already have a few Howard B. Wigglebottom books in our house. As a parent and educator, I love the message that these books have. They put the main character in a practical situation that children will understand. And it is great that it teaches children about how to handle real life situations.

Here is what my 7 year old son, Zachariah, thinks:

Where to buy: You can purchase the Howard B. Wigglebottom Learns About Sportsmanship: Winning Isn't Everything from their website or on Amazon. The hardcover books retail for $15 in the U.S. and Canada. Now you can find Howard B. Wigglebottom books on Apple for $1.99.

How to connect: The website for Howard B. Wigglebottom is a great resource for parents and children alike.




*Disclaimer: I received this product for review. All opinions are my own.*

"To Love and Cherish" by Tracie Peterson and Judith Miller

I received this product to review. All opinions are 100% mine.

 
The product: To Love and Cherish by Tracie Peterson and Judith Miller

When a devastating hurricane hits Bridal Veil Island, Melinda Colson gives up her position as a lady’s maid in Cleveland and makes her way back to the island—man—she loves. But the destruction on Bridal Veil is extensive. With every available person needed to help with cleanup and repairs, Evan is even busier than before—and it seems marriage is the last thing on his mind. Has she given her heart to the wrong man? And when Melinda overhears a vicious plot against President McKinley, who is scheduled to visit the island, is Evan the one she should turn to?


What I thought: Tracie Peterson is one of my favorite authors. I have read so many of her books. And many of her books are historical fiction (also Christian/romance). She has written several series with Judith Miller, and I enjoy her too. Together they make a pretty great duo and have some fantastic books.

To Love and Cherish is the second book in a 3 part series. I somehow missed the first book, but I was able to jump right into this one. It takes place on an exclusive island along the Atlantic coast where the rich go to play. From class division to natural disasters there are so many interesting things happening. You will enjoy watching the story of Melinda and Evan unfold. They both have things in their past that they are dealing with and learning from. But most of all they have love for each other and God.

Where to buy: To Love and Cherish by Tracie Peterson and Judith Miller is available in stores and online now.

Clorox Smart Tube Technology

I received this product to review. All opinions are 100% mine.

Keeping a clean home is just a part of life. Whether you like to clean or not, it's necessary... unless you're one of those fortunate few who can afford a maid to do it for you. (Don't I wish!) Since I am responsible for cleaning our house, I have to find cleaning products that work well and don't cost a fortune either. The new Clorox Smart Tube Technology is a big help with time & energy. No more waste at the bottom of your cleaning supplies, it's good to the last drop. If there is something I like as much as saving money, it's not wasting things.


The product: We've all experienced it: the frustration of not being able to access the remaining liquid at the bottom of spray bottles. From tilting the bottle in different directions, to transferring leftover liquid to another bottle, we often take extreme measures to get to the remaining liquid.

To eliminate this spray bottle frustration, Clorox has introduced a new innovation called SMART TUBE® TECHNOLOGY just in time to help you tackle your spring cleaning. It’s a built-in tube that reaches all the way to the bottom of the bottle, giving you:

o   Satisfaction of being able to spray every drop.

o   Freedom from frustrating workarounds to get to the last bit of product.

o   Enjoyment of a more premium spray experience with a new, more durable trigger* that provides better coverage and control and a smoother pull that makes it easier to dispense with less effort.

SMART TUBE® TECHNOLOGY is now available nationwide in Clorox spray bottles, including Clorox® Clean Up®, Tilex® and Formula 409® products. Just look for the yellow stripe on the side of the bottle!  For more about SMART TUBE® TECHNOLOGY and to see a video on the bottle transformation, visit www.sprayeverydrop.com.

What I thought: The new Clorox Smart Tube Technology is available in 4 different varieties- 409 All-Purpose Cleaner, Clorox Clean-up Cleaner & Bleach, Tilex Mold & Mildew, and Clorox Green Works All-Purpose Cleaner. I wish my store would have had the Green Works, because that would have been my preference. Since they did not, I picked out the Cleaner & Bleach and the 409- All-Purpose Cleaner in fresh lemon.

The Clorox Cleaner & Bleach is great for the bathroom. That's where I'm worried about germs spreading, so this will keep it clean and safe from germs around my family. And the 409 All-Purpose is perfect in the kitchen. I especially like the lemon fresh scent. It cleans and nicely polishes my counters and stove top. I can use it throughout the day to keep things nice and clean.

So far I have not used up a whole bottle to test the smart tube feature. It seems like the bottle is designed well, though. The sprayer on it works nicely. I'm excited that I won't have to tilt the bottle just so to try and gt those last drops now. And I can use it all with no waste. That's a biggie for me.

Where to buy: The new Clorox Smart Tube products are available in stores everywhere. You can find out where to buy near you on their website.

How to connect: Learn more about this new product and other Clorox products at http://www.clorox.com/products/smart-tube-technology/.

*Disclosure: I received information about SMART TUBE TECHNOLOGY and a coupon from Clorox.

For more information about the March 2013 Federal Trade Commission (FTC) “..com Disclosure Guidelines,” click here:http://www.ftc.gov/os/2013/03/130312dotcomdisclosures.pdf*

Escape From Planet Earth Blu-ray & DVD #Giveaway

Disclaimer: I received this product for review. All opinions are my own.

The product:

ANCHOR BAY ENTERTAINMENT and THE WEINSTEIN COMPANY PRESENT ESCAPE FROM PLANET EARTH ON BLU-RAY™ AND DVD

ESCAPE FROM PLANET EARTH starring Jessica Alba, Sarah Jessica Parker, William Shatner, Rob Corddry, Brendan Fraser, George Lopez, Craig Robinson, Sofía Vergara and Jane Lynch blasts off June 4, 2013!

BEVERLY HILLS, CA – Anchor Bay Entertainment and The Weinstein Company announced today the Blu-ray™ and DVD release of the family film ESCAPE FROM PLANET EARTH.

This fantastic, comedy- adventure crosses all galaxies to entertain the entire family with an all-star vocal cast including Jessica Alba, Sarah Jessica Parker, William Shatner, George Lopez, Craig Robinson, Sofía Vergara, Jane Lynch, Steve Zahn, Chris Parnell, Brendan Fraser, Rob Corddry and Ricky Gervais.

In ESCAPE FROM PLANET EARTH, Planet Baab’s most celebrated space traveler, Scorch Supernova (voiced by Brendan Fraser), is a global hero whose interplanetary exploits are televised for the enjoyment of his ardent fans. With the help of his brainy brother Gary (Rob Corddry), head BASA Mission Control, Scorch has become a legend, winning the love of beautiful television reporter Gabby Babblebrock (Sofía Vergara) and the devotion of Gary’s hero-worshipping son Kip (Jonathan Morgan Heit).

When BASA’s no-nonsense chief, Lena (Jessica Alba), intercepts a distress signal from the Dark Planet, a notoriously dangerous world in the far reaches of the universe, Scorch jumps at the chance to attempt the once-in-a-lifetime rescue mission. But Gary tries to discourage his bother from making the trip, knowing that no intergalactic explorer has ever returned from the faraway world (also known as Earth). Scorch realizes too late that he has been lured into a deadly ambush set by the power-crazed paramilitary leader General Shanker (William Shatner). When the trap snaps shut, imprisoning Scorch and some of the most brilliant minds in the universe, Gary rushes to their aid. What he discovers is a plot of interplanetary proportions that only his brains and Scorch’s brawn can stop.

The film is directed by Cal Brunker from a screenplay by Brunker and Bob Barlen based on a story by Tony Leech and Cory Edwards. The film is produced by Catherine Winder, Luke Carroll and Brian Inerfeld. Executive producers are Bob Weinstein, Harvey Weinstein, Radenko Milakovic, Marvin Peart and Tony Leech.

The film’s upbeat soundtrack includes music from Delta Rae, Owl City and Cody Simpson as well as original music composed by Aaron Zigman.

A GUIDE TO THE CHARACTERS OF ESCAPE FROM PLANET EARTH

Gary Supernova (Rob Corddry) – A Mission Control whiz kid at BASA, Gary has always been overshadowed by his younger brother Scorch. But without Gary’s loyalty and genius-level intelligence, the pumped up daredevil would have been Gnarlach food long ago.

Scorch Supernova (Brendan Fraser) – A hot-dogging astronaut celebrated for his outrageous and heroic exploits, Scorch is a global hero on the planet Baab, where his adventures are must-see television for his fans on the BNN network.

General Shanker (William Shatner) – Shanker appears to be a loyal military man, but in reality he is a ruthless megalomaniac bent on destroying all intelligent life in the Universe.

Kira Supernova (Sarah Jessica Parker) – Gary’s loyal and loving wife, Kira spent 15 years as a test pilot for BASA before devoting herself fulltime to Gary and their adorable son Kipper. But make no mistake: “Just ‘cause a chick has kids doesn't mean she can’t still dish it out.”

Kipper “Kip” Supernova (Jonathan Morgan Heit) – Gary and Kira’s plucky nine-year-old pride and joy, Kipper idolizes his intrepid Uncle Scorch, but learns that his dad’s brain and his uncle’s brawn are an unbeatable combination.

Gabby Babblebrock (Sofía Vergara) – When the hot and spicy anchor for BNN News is not avidly pursuing a breaking story for the network, she finds time for canoodling with her best beau, Scorch.

Lena (Jessica Alba) – Gary’s boss Lena is beautiful, highly intelligent, hard-driving—and extremely duplicitous. Her ambition is unbridled, but her fatal weakness for a guy in an Elvis wig could be the end of Baab.

“Finally, a family movie that your entire family can enjoy together.”

~ The Dove Foundation

“For its fun and good messages, the Parents Television Council is proud to award Escape From Planet Earth with the seal of approval™”

~ Parents Television Council

ESCAPE FROM PLANET EARTH heads to retail on June 4, 2013 for an SRP of $39.99 for the Blu-ray™ Combo Pack with UltraViolet™ and $29.98 for the DVD.

The ESCAPE FROM PLANET EARTH Blu-ray™ Combo Pack with UltraViolet™ and DVD include exclusive special features such as commentary with director Cal Brunker, The Making of Escape From Planet Earth, Alternate Takes and Deleted Scenes and Music Featurettes from Delta Rae, Owl City and Cody Simpson.

ESCAPE FROM PLANET EARTH BLU-RAY™ Combo Pack

(Blu-ray™ + DVD + Digital Copy + UltraViolet™)

Street date:                   June 4, 2013

Catalog #:                    ZBD24749ORN

UPC:                            01313247499180

Run time:                     89 Minutes

Rating:                         PG

SRP:                            $39.99

Format:                       Widescreen

Audio:                         5.1 DTSHD-MA

ESCAPE FROM PLANET EARTH DVD

Street date:                  June 4, 2013

Catalog #:                   WC24745     

UPC:                           01313247459580

Run time:                    89 Minutes

Rating:                        PG

SRP:                            $29.98

Format:                       Widescreen

Audio:                         Dolby Digital 5.1 

What we thought: My son was so excited when we received this movie. We missed it in theaters and apparently it's one that has caught his eye.

There are some great celebrity voices in this movie. I appreciated picking them out. Most kids wouldn't notice, but I think it makes it more fun for the adults when you start recognizing voices.

Overall it is a fun family movie. I enjoy it when there is a good movie like this that the whole family can watch together. Pop some popcorn then relax and enjoy a rainy night in.

Where to buy: The Escape From Planet Earth Blu-ray and DVD are available in stores and online now.

How to Connect: Find out more about this movie at http://www.escapeearthmovie.com/.

Prize: Two of you will win a copy of Escape From Planet Earth Blu-ray/DVD like I did.

Giveaway: This giveaway is open until 12:01am EST on 8/9/13. It is open to US residents only. Please enter in the Rafflecopter form below. Good luck!


a Rafflecopter giveaway

Kidorable Photo Contest

How do you Kidorable? At the park or the zoo, maybe the pool too? Or perhaps just on a rainy day outside.

We love our Kidorable products. My son gets compliments every time he wears something out from them. Now I just need to start getting some things for the baby.

Contest Alert:

One lucky Kidorable fan will win an ensemble of their choice. It's simple. All you have to do is email a picture of your child (or niece, nephew, grandchild, friend...) wearing a Kidorable piece to contest@kidorable.com. Whoever gets the most votes will win.

You can send your entries now through Wednesday, July 26th. The voting will go until August 2nd.

Why wait? Email your picture today!

Click here for details.

Birthday & Comments Fixed

Me and my baby (just turned 3 months!)

Today is my birthday!

I don't usually do much to celebrate. But this year I wanted to do something fun at least. I decided to head out of town for part of the day to eat out (Chick-fil-A! My favorite!) and go shopping (Target! Another favorite!). On a whim I decided to see if my mom and sisters might be able to join me and the boys. They all work outside the home, so it's rare to get them all away on a work day. My mom is able to take the afternoon off, one of my sisters is on vacation this week with no plans, and my other sister should be able to finish work early and meet us for lunch too. I'm excited that we can all get together. It will be a fun little day away. Then I can come home at suppertime and still enjoy time with my husband.

Recently some of you have mentioned problems with commenting here on my blog. It made it difficult to enter giveaways. Those who asked, I said to skip the commenting and just claim that you did it for now. (I hope you still entered!)

I have fixed the problem. I couldn't figure it out before, but I finally took the time to get it worked out. You should be able to leave a comment like before now.

So in honor of my birthday (and the comments working again), it would be fun to see how many comments I can get for my birthday this year. Please leave a little note for me. And as a bonus it will count as an extra entry in the next giveaway you enter here. Have a great day!

Superbook

This post it part of campaign I'm participating in with CBN and MomSelect.

Superbook is a new show that teaches and entertains children with animated bible stories. This summer series will be airing on selected CBS markets and on ABC Family. You won't want to miss it, so check it out this week!

CBS Airings:
     June 15th - Giant Adventure: David and Goliath
     June 22nd - Jonah
     June 29th - Roar! Daniel and the Lions' Den

ABC Airings - 9:30 a.m. EST:
     July 1st - In the Beginning: Adam and Eve
     July 2nd - Let My People For: Moses
     July 3rd - The First Christmas
     July 4th - He Is Risen: the Resurrection of Jesus
     July 5th - Revelation

Find out more at cbn.com/superbook

And you can look forward to my review of the Superbook series review coming up soon.

New Sesame Street Cereal from Post #Giveaway

Disclaimer: I received this product to review. All opinions are my own.

Toddlers are a fun group. Little kids are doing so many new things and are learning so much. It's fun to see all the changes that they go through. What do you think of with toddlers? Learning to eat. Walking. Self feeding. Cute children's shows and cartoons. Now here's a product that toddlers will love. It encourages self feeding and has some of their favorite characters.

The product: Post has launched a new cereal with toddlers in mind. It is Sesame Street Cereal with their favorite characters on the box. And the cereal inside is perfect for little hands. Reach a new milestone with your little ones with a cereal they will love.

Post Sesame Street Cereal comes in two varieties, A is for Apple and B is for Banana. For your growing child this cereal is made with 2/3 of their daily whole grain serving plus it has only 1 gram of sugar per serving. Cookie Monster and Elmo are featured on the boxes of this cereal. The cereal itself is in the shape of little X's and O's. It makes picking it up easy for little fingers. And it is soft and melts in your mouth for easy and safe consumption for your little ones.

What we thought: On first site, I know my son would have loved these cereals when he was a toddler. Having Elmo & Cookie Monster on the box will thrill any young Sesame Street fan. Not only are the boxes catchy with favorite characters, but the cereal is pretty good. It has a slight hint of the flavor in the little pieces. It reminds me of Cheerios with a hint of apple/banana flavor. The texture is great for little ones. It is a soft cereal that they can easily chew and swallow. I think these cereals are great for any families with young children. They will definitely enjoy trying this. I will be getting some more when Jonah is big enough to try it too.

Where to buy: You can find the new Post Sesame Street Cereal in your local grocery stores now.

Prize: One of you will win one of each box, A is for Apple and B is for Banana, of Post Sesame Street Cereal.

Giveaway: This giveaway is open until 6/28/13 at 12:01am EST. It is open to US residents only. Please enter in the Rafflecopter form below. Good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Kroger June Value

Disclosure: The information and gift pack have been provided by General Mills and Kroger through MyBlogSpark.

Summertime is here. School is out and hungry kids are home. It's time to stock up on your favorite brands from Kroger.

The product: Kroger is a great store to shop at. They always have great deals on your favorite products from the best brands. You can often find great savings on your favorite brands from General Mills like Pillsbury, Totino's, Chex Mix and Yoplait.

What we thought: We don't have a Kroger in town, but often stop to shop in one when we're away from home. There are a few within driving distance in neighboring towns. When there are great deals, I love to make the trip just to shop there. This last time we found one of my husband's favorites, Ale-8-One pop (link not sponsored, just a product we love). We can't get there here, but when we were near Cincinnati last month we were able to get it. He is all stocked up for a while now thanks to Kroger and the $25 gift card I received.

How to connect: You'll find Kroger on Facebook and Twitter.

Prize: One reader will win a $25 Kroger gift card.

Giveaway: This giveaway is open until 12:01am EST on 6/21/13. It is open to US residents only. Please enter in the Rafflecopter form below. Good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Molly Sims - Puts Lavanila Deodorant to the Test

This information is courtesy of Lavanilla. I will be doing a review in an upcoming post, when I receive the product.

Just in time for the summer heat wave, former Sports Illustrated “Swimsuit Issue” model and Las Vegas actress Molly Sims has joined forces with Lavanila to put the 100% Natural Lavanila Healthy Deodorant to the test.

But, what good is a natural deodorant if it doesn’t work? To prove the efficiency of the Healthy Deodorant’s powerful, clinical strength formula, we invite you and handful of your readers to put it to the test with a giveaway. Get your heart rate up, and see for yourself how amazingly fresh The Lavanila Healthy Deodorant keeps you, even when you’re working hard.

About The Healthy Lavanila Deodorant: Traditional deodorants are packed with aluminum, paraben and propylene glycol that can potentially irritate the skin and accumulate in the body. Made with a breakthrough, natural technology that’s highly effective, The Lavanila Healthy Deodorant is 100% natural, chemical-free, and packed with skin beneficial vitamins and essential oils that not only protect against odor, but nourish and condition as well.

This luxurious deodorant is available in an array of scents such as Fresh Vanilla Lemon. Also, many of these scents are available in two sizes: travel-size (perfect for long weekend getaways at ($8) and full-size (at $14).

Life & Review Blogging

I am getting back into the swing of things. Life has finally settled down again. My newborn baby isn't such a newborn as he is an infant now. It's amazing how quickly they grow and change.

Jonah is 2 months old. He's the sweetest little guy. He is eating less frequently, sleeping better and more interactive now. He loves to smile and laugh at us and is a joy in our house.

Now that I'm not always tied down with a baby, I will be able to catch up on blogging. I have the itch to get back to it. We were on vacation last week, so now that we're back I'm ready to get going.

Be on the lookout for more blog posts, product reviews, and of course, great giveaways too. I have some planned to post soon, and you won't want to miss it.