Monday, February 27, 2012

Review: Blackout Games

I'm the kind of person that you could find sitting on the porch (if I had one), rocking in a rocking chair (if I had one), and doing puzzle books (which I have tons of!!) I really enjoy problem solving, so when I heard about a puzzle book that also had to do with poetry and putting your mind to work, I was totally up for the challenge.


They are called the Blackout Series and come in a variety of genres including:

  • Fairy Tales
  • Adventure Tales
  • Classic Lit
  • Shakespeare
  • Horror
  • Romance

Think outside the puzzle with these books! Combining the simplicity of word search with the creativity of magnetic poetry, these clever books dares you to black out words and phrases and transform classic pieces of literature into outrageous, poetic, or truly bizarre messages.


I received the Romance and Horror Blackout Games to review and I had a lot of fun transforming the pages with my little black sharpie.


Here's one of the pages I transformed... (I'm not good at these at all!!!)
I was supposed to create a message using words that begin with the letters A, B, and C.

From this:
In this particular morning he awoke pretty early. Becoming aware of the smell of fresh-baked bread, he sat up a little in bed and saw his wife, who had a special partiality for coffee, in the act of taking some fresh-baked bread out of the oven... For the sake of propriety, Ivan Jakovlevitch drew a coat over his shirt, sat down at the table, shook out some salt for himself, prepared two onions, assumed a serious expression, and began to cut the bread. After he had cut the loaf in two halves, he looked, and to his great astonishment saw something whitish sticking in it. He carefully poked round it with his knife, and felt it with his finger. "Quite firmly fixed!" he murmured in his beard. "What can it be?" He put in his finger, and drew out - a nose!

To This:
After becoming awoke and aware and baked bread and coffee, began at carefully cut baked bread and cut beard. A bed and a coat can be assumed a act a bread.

I told you. I'm really bad at this.... 
Maybe you can do better than me. Enter below for your chance to win either a Romance Blackout Games or a Horror Blackout Games Puzzle/Poetry book.

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Sunday, February 26, 2012

The Sitter - Coming to DVD March 20th




The Sitter comes to DVD & Blu-Ray March 20th!


This movie is gonna be funny, I just know it.



Do You Give Blood?

Twentiet Century Fox Home Entertainment and America's Blood Centers Team Up to Support National Blood Drive

To celebrate the Blu-ray 3D, Blu-ray and DVD release of the epic film IMMORTALS on March 6th, Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment and America’s Blood Centers are organizing blood drives at 30 select universities across the country starting this week and continuing through March 9th.

Students and participants will experience Director Tarsem Singh’s visually stunning film, pick up exclusive IMMORTALS premium items, while donating blood at their local college campus. 

Inspired by the sacrifice that Theseus made of himself to save mankind, the IMMORTALS blood drive event will help support the work of America’s Blood Centers to fulfill their mission to help those who are in need as well as encourage others to give.

 Written by Charles Parlapanides and Vlas Parlapanides and Directed by visionary filmmaker Tarsem Singh (The Cell, The Fall), the IMMORTALS Blu-ray is packed with must-see bonus features including an alternate beginning, two alternate endings, deleted scenes and an amazing graphic novel, creating the ultimate fan viewing experience.

Dates / Participating University & Colleges

  • Feb. 21 – University of Delaware
  • Feb. 21 - Feb. 22 – Mesa Community College 
  • Feb. 21 - Feb. 22 – University of San Diego
  • Feb. 21 - Feb. 23 – Cal Poly SLO - Poly Canyon Village
  • Feb. 21 - Feb. 24 – University of Central Florida
  • Feb. 21, Mar. 2, Mar. 5 – University of Washington 
  • Feb. 21, Feb. 27, Mar. 7 – University at Buffalo 
  • Feb. 22 – Salisbury University
  • Feb. 22 - Feb. 23 – University of Oregon
  • Feb. 22 – Feb. 24 – Arizona State University 
  • Feb. 23 – Beloit College
  • Feb. 27 - Feb. 28 – Billings & Rocky Mountain College
  • Feb. 27 - Feb. 29 – Del Mar College
  • Feb. 27 - Mar. 1 – University of Miami
  • Feb. 28 – San Diego State University
  • Feb. 28 – Mansfield University of Pennsylvania
  • Feb. 28 - Feb. 29 – Louisiana State University
  • Feb. 28 - Feb. 29 – University of Wyoming in Laramie 
  • Feb. 29 – Century College
  • Mar. 1 – Case Western Reserve University 
  • Mar. 1 – University of Minnesota Bailey Hall
  • Mar. 1 – University of the Pacific 
  • Mar. 5 – Montana State University
  • Mar. 5 - Mar. 8 – Miami Dade College-Kendall Campus
  • Mar. 6 - University of Florida
  • Mar. 6 - Mar. 8 – Northwestern State University
  • Mar. 7 – University of Minnesota Middlebrook Hall
For full details regarding these blood drives and participating center information, including images and campus drive updates, please visit the Fox Connect Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/FoxConnect.

Movie Review: The Rebound

Now Available on DVD & Blu-Ray

The Rebound

Catherine Zeta-Jones stars as a fortyish mother of two who must start her life over when her husband wants a divorce. She moves to New York City with her two children and hires a nanny (Justin Bartha), but eventually the younger man proves to be a genuine romantic possibility for the lonely divorcee.

I don't know why this film is only just now coming out in the United States. That's an awfully long time between production and DVD release date... Anyways, I thought this was a cute movie. Definitely a chick flick to watch by yourself or make your significant other suffer through, but you can expect a few laughs throughout. 
My favorite part was when they were at the martial arts studio and Catherine Zeta-Jones went off on Justin Bartha, thinking about her ex-husband. That was super funny. I can see myself saying some of the things she said. 
Read my full review here





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Saturday, February 25, 2012

Review: For The Love of God by Lawrence W. Gold, M.D.

*Synposis taken from here*
An incidental and shocking discovery of a cave with tiny unmarked graves shatters the peace of Exton, a small town in upstate N.Y. More horrifying is the forensic analysis that reveals that these young children died needlessly as the result of neglect and abuse at the hands of a religious fundamentalist cult that disavows medical care.

The sheriff, an investigative reporter, the local coroner and two forensic experts from Albany develop the case. When the county DA, a fundamentalist Christian, resists vigorous prosecution, the Governor of New York intervenes and appoints Rosemary and Calvin Brandt to represent the State and speak for the dead children.

These controversial attorneys and former fundamentalists have devoted their lives to the protection of children. Evangelicals, through their political action groups, come to the defense of the Cult and the parents of the dead children, setting the stage for the final courtroom clash between freedom of religion and the State's responsibility to protect innocent children.

I found myself being appalled at times during this book. Not because of the author's writing but because of  what it was about. In the words of the author, "This is a very important and neglected subject", and I totally agree. 


I used to be in a church that relies on healing from God for all things, and I'm not saying that it doesn't happen. I've seen it happen, but I also know that God doesn't want you to just sit there and watch your children and loved ones die. He gave the knowledge to doctors for a reason and it is just ignorant to think otherwise. 


I found myself actually getting a little pissed off (excuse my french) at these so called "spiritual people." Some might not think of it this way, but if a child dies from a illness that can easily be cured, due to negligence from parents or whoever else, they need to be tried for murder and found guilty.


As far as the book, I was a little worried in the beginning that I would get confused because the chapters kept jumping between characters, but I found myself enthralled in the story and did not get confused once. 


EVERY ONE SHOULD READ THIS BOOK!

If you believe that prayer for the sick to the exclusion of medical care is a thing of the past, think again. Each year children in the United States suffer horribly and die from injuries or medical conditions readily treated by physicians and hospitals. Do a literature search on faith healing or go to the website of "Children's Healthcare Is A Legal Duty, Inc." (www.childrenshealthcare.org) and you'll see a litany of horrors as a small segment of mostly fundamentalists allow their minor children to die from diabetes, pneumonia, asthma, and many other conditions all readily responsive to standard medical care.

Disclaimer from the author:
For The Love of God deals with the faith healing and its deadly consequences.
Although the novel deals with distinct religious minority/cult practices, I hope that readers recongnize the distinction between beneficial and harmful religious practices.
I've aimed the dramatization at those practices, the individuals who enable them, and those who condone them. These groups are the ones who should read For the Love of God, but it's unlikely that they will.

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Review: Super Born by Keith Kornell

*Synopsis taken from here*
An evolution in the female superhero, Super Born: Seduction of Being is a romantic satire based on a quirky journalist's search for a reluctant Super Woman. She is a single mother with thirty years of normal existence before super powers begin to show themselves and complicate her life. As she searches for her new place in the world, a crowd of "others" search for her as well. Told from both the journalist's and superhero's point of view, Super Born is a flowing unique read.

I had mixed feelings about this book. It seemed like half the time I was laughing at the phrases and thoughts of the characters but the other half of the time I was being bored and letting myself get distracted. 


It seemed to me that there were too many words used to describe the situation and surroundings. I mean I get the reason behind descriptive writing, but at a certain point it gets to be too much. If there are too many words used, I forget what I'm supposed to be imagining to begin with.


But I have to say, I did like some of the ideas from Mr. Kornell. For example a brand name of clothing for women called Ravage Me? I could see that selling... 


The story line itself was just not my cup of tea, but if you are a fan of superheroes to begin with, I would definitely give it a go. 

See what you think for yourself!

Enter below for your chance to win a copy of Super Born by Keith Kornell

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Movie Review: The Phantom of The Opera

Broadway’s longest-running production of all time celebrates a triumphant quarter century on stage with The Phantom of the Opera at the Royal Albert Hall, is now available on Blu-ray – with perfect hi-def picture and perfect hi-def sound- DVD, On Demand and Digital Download!

On October 2, 2011, composer Andrew Lloyd Webber and producer Cameron Mackintosh marked the 25th anniversary of their beloved musical extravaganza, “The Phantom of the Opera,” with a lavishly staged production at London’s legendary Royal Albert Hall that was beamed live via satellite to cinemas across the globe. The Phantom of the Opera at the Royal Albert Hall marks the first time a live performance of the blockbuster musical has been made available for home viewing, making it a must-have anniversary release for fans everywhere.

If someone asked me outright if I was a fan of the Opera, I would say no... But after seeing The Phantom of the Opera at the Royal Albert Hall on Blu-Ray, I'm considering changing my answer. Normally I don't like the deep bass tones and high soprano voices that come with the opera, but after watching the story and being able to understand it (not all operas are in another language I've learned) I felt a little captivated. 
My husband of course, wouldn't give it the time of day, but after experiencing this production on Blu-Ray I can definitely see myself going to a theater to see a live performance. 
I almost felt like I was actually there but with the greatest seat in the house.




Thursday, February 23, 2012

Fit Moms For Life: How to Have Endless Energy to Outplay Your Kids

Discover the 5 secret pillars that, when combined, will result in rapid fat loss, but more importantly lasting fat loss. 

This will be the last fitness book you will ever need.  Fit Moms For Life talks about what it takes to make this a lifestyle and not just another flash in the pan diet and exercise program that you do for a few weeks and stop.

Get to know 31 amazing women who have taken the Fit Mom For Life Challenge and dropped anywhere from 30-100 lbs, and kept the weight off!

Are you ready to…
  • Look 20 years younger?
  • Have a flat stomach again?
  • Take your husband's breath away each time he sees you?
  • Bring sexy back into being a mom?
  • Melt the muffin top?
  • Fit into your skinny jeans and still have room left over?
  • Be a mom that your kids are proud of?


In this book you will discover:
  • One exercise that will make your stomach 2-4 inches smaller within two weeks
  • Why cardio makes you fat and how you can burn 5X9 times more fat than doing boring cardio
  • How to burn fat 24 hours a day
  • How to eat like a linebacker and have a metabolism of a hummingbird
  • How to change your thoughts to produce lasting fat results

Dustin Maher, self-proclaimed “Mama’s Boy” has given his life to serving moms and helping them look and feel their best.  He believes that moms must start putting themselves first in order to be the rock star mom.  He asks the question to mom, “Who is taking care of you?”  To learn more about Dustin Maher visit his website at www.DustinMaher.com and join the Fit Moms For Life Community.

I wasn't too excited when I got this book, because I thought it was going to be like all the other books, DVDs, and guides that I've tried, and just haven't worked out for me. But then I got to reading and even visited Dustin Maher's website and after seeing the before and after pictures of regular moms like myself, I started getting really excited about it.


The Fit Moms for Life book has real life stories and pictures throughout showing women just like me, who have overcome the obstacles of living healthy and losing weight, which encourages me and makes me think that I can do it too.


If you've been a reader of this blog for very long, then you know that I've lost almost 50 pounds over the last 2 years, and believe me it wasn't easy, but for some reason I've gotten in a stand still now and to be honest have gotten lazy about my weight loss goals.


I think Fit Moms for Life is just the kick in the rear that I've been waiting on. It took me a few weeks to even pick this book up but now I don't want to put it down. It is full of helpful information and resources for me to find what I need to find and do what I need to do. 


In fact, I am going to look for a picture of me right now to use as a Before and hopefully in a month or so, I'll be showing enough results to post both Before & After photos.


Fit Moms for Life is exactly what it says... a LIFE makeover but I know it will help me in my personal makeover I'm hoping to achieve as well. My son deserves more from me and I want to have the energy to play with him just like one of his friends would, before he gets too old and doesn't want me around anymore. =)

I'll keep you updated, but in the meantime you can enter for your chance to transform your life with a copy of
Fit Moms for Life! 



Wednesday, February 22, 2012

Giveaway - Geek Charming 2-Disc Combo Pack

Now Available on DVD

Geek Charming

2-Disc Combo Pack
Includes: 10 episodes of the hit series Shake It Up & 2 Exclusive Charms

ABOUT:
Sarah Hyland (Modern Family) and Matt Prokop (High School Musical 3: Senior Year) team up in this comedy about makeovers that really matter.

After "it" girl Dylan (Hyland) accidentally drops her expensive handbag into the mall fountain, she's surprised when film geek Josh (Prokop) retrieves it for her. After Josh rescues her bag, Dylan jumps at the chance to be the subject of his new documentary. Dylan hopes the film will clinch her campaign for Blossom Queen - she claims that winning is her only life goal! 

Josh, meanwhile, plans to make a hard -hitting expose about popularity; but as he gets to know Dylan, he discovers that her real persona is more interesting than the faux facade she has created. At the last minute, Josh decides his film should introduce this awesome girl to the world, but how will dylan react when she sees it?




I'm a sucker for the Disney Channel Original Movies. Even though I'm 24 years old, I enjoy watching "teen movies" and even some cartoons and animation films. And no... I'm not a sick pervert. I enjoy how they portray life and while sometimes the way the characters live is anything but reality, a lot of times the issues they deal with are exactly what us normal people handle on a daily basis.

Believe it or not, I have learned a few things from these movies and even tried to apply them to my day to day life. 


Enter below for your chance to win a copy of Geek Charming!

Review: Kidz Gear Wired Headphones for Kids

For Christmas, my husband and I decided to get our son an iPod touch since he was always playing with our phones and I was missing countless of my calls and texts from him cancelling or ignoring them...

So Christmas morning we gave the iPod to him already downloaded with his favorite games, apps, and pictures. For the first few days, it was great. We were getting to play with our phones and we hardly ever saw him since he was in his room playing games and downloading new apps.

Then we encountered "the problem" with getting him this as a present. The day we got into the car with it in his hand. Corey and I found ourselves yelling over top of the music and sound effects coming from his games and even though we told him to turn it down, it always somehow found it's way back up to full volume...

I mentioned getting him a pair of earbuds but I knew he wouldn't keep them in his ears and it would have been a waste of money.

Then I heard about Kidz Gear...
Kidz Gear is about delivering a line of products and accessories with adult product features, performance and quality levels, but available at a price-point in-line with products for children.


They sent me a pair of Kidz Gear Wired Headphones for Kids made for iPod, iPhone, and iPad.

Best. Invention. Ever.

My son was so excited because he got to "be like daddy" because Corey uses headphones when he plays the Playstation late at night.
          


The headphones came with a really nice carry bag, so I just have to keep them in my family bag that I carry everywhere and he can quietly play on his phone no matter where we are. Now if I can only keep him from yelling when he tries to talk to me with them on... =)



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