The Ultimate Life


Available On Blu-ray™ & DVD December 10th
This touching story of hope and family values is the follow-up to the heartwarming film and best-seller The Ultimate Gift. After receiving life-changing gifts from his grandfather, Jason Stevens finds himself in need of guidance once again. Jason’s billion dollar foundation is being challenged in a courtroom battle, which complicates his relationship with his soul mate. When it looks like he may lose it all, he finds his grandfather’s journal. With everything he loves hanging in the balance, he embarks on a journey into the past through the journal to learn what it means to live...The Ultimate Life.

Special Features
The Heart of the Ultimate Life
Official Movie Trailer
Interviews with cast members Abigale Mavity, Ali Hillis, Bill Cobbs, David Mann, Drew Waters, Logan Bartholomew, Austin James, Peter Fonda, executive producer Rick Eldridge and author Jim Stovall
Deleted Scenes
"One Life" Music Video
Behind the Scene Featurettes

MY REVIEW:

I absolutely love this movie.  I think it is a wonderfully told story about a man who loses sight of what's really important in life until it's on the brink of being too late.  I'm sure their are times in everyone's life that they believe that money, fame, fortune, and the like are what is really important but that simply is not true.  As Scrooge learned in a Christmas Carol, again on the brink of disaster, money is not what it's about, being "the richest man in the cemetery" is just not what the goal of life should be.  It's about loving one another, sharing our joyous triumphs and our terrible downfalls, the short comings of life that allow us to appreciate those glorious little things that do go well for us.  It's hard to see from all angles but really money is not the thing we should be fighting to have an abundance of.

Our family is not what you would call "well off" but when it comes to being rich we most definitely are, just not monetarily, and I'm perfectly alright with that.  We have all the best things I could ever imagine having, three healthy girls and one healthy boy, my husband and I, although we're aging daily, we are healthy as well.  I couldn't think of anything greater.  I do admit that at times when we're struggling most, I do feel like we're failing our children by being unable to give them all the hottest toys and clothe them with all the latest fashions, provide them with all the hottest electronics... etc etc.  But as a great friend pointed out to me one day, my children do not show signs of missing out on anything, they are all happy and appreciative of what they have, of course they likely wish they had all the cool things their friends brag about having but you know what, they have what's important and what matters.  They are gaining skills and morals, things that video games can't teach, things that will follow them through life.

I truly felt terrible for the family in this movie, to be put through the life they were so their dad could be rich, could enjoy the glory of having the biggest oil field, the most money, sure it's great to be resourceful and it's great to have money but is the cost really worth the reward?  I truly do not think so.  I would much rather be "poor" and have a close knit, loving family than be rich and have the family the gentleman in this movie has.  He ended up raising a bunch of spoiled rich brats.  If they were my children... have you ever said that in regards to some misbehaving child you see in a store, the restaurant, or any where else?  Of course you have, we all think we could "straighten them out", just like my daddy says about my children, because he forgets what it's like to have young ones.  But the four children on this show all needed a father figure around and they didn't get it.  It really struck a nerve with me when the dad missed Christmas to close a big sale, well he was buying, but either way, it was still bad.  I couldn't believe it, although I don't know why I couldn't considering greed, money and power seem to control the world.  I heard something the other day (don't ask me where because I forget but if you know feel free to comment on this so that I will remember where it came from)  They say money is the route of all evil but it's really the love of money that is.  And that's true.  It's not the money, had this man been satisfied with just getting by, or even when he got to the point of being rich... things could have turned out differently but he wasn't, he always wanted more money, he wanted to be worth millions, great ambition, but what about the wife he left home, alone, sad and lonely, I bet she spent much time thinking about the love they once shared.  They loved each other so dearly, so genuinely, so true.  And they struggled in the beginning, he didn't come from much, and that's why he vowed to make millions, he didn't want his family to struggle and suffer the way he had as a young child, the way his parents had.  That is great but unfortunately he went from one extreme to the next.  And the values he passed on to three of his four children were the wrong ones.  Does his Grandson learn the real importance of life before he loses his own love?  Grab a copy today and find out for yourself.  I can't give all the good stuff away.

I really enjoyed this movie.  Although it made me very angry to watch money take over and allow a close, loving family to drift apart, it also made me happy when the man finally realized what was important and what really matters.  Sometimes it just takes an accident, an act of God for people to realize what is really important in life.  As I always say to my children, they are young so they should save now to make life easier when they are older but really, they can't take it with them when they go so they might as well enjoy it while they can.

If you're the type of movie watcher that I am and you enjoy movies that take you back in time, to a simpler place, this would likely interest you.  I think it's a great movie, it may even be worthy of a few tears... not the type you have from a real tear jerker of a movie, but the bitter sweet, happy one minute, angry the next, kind of tears.

It's a great movie, I really like it.

**I received this movie free in exchange for an honest written review of my opinion!!**

Jewelry In Candles


  I am so happy that I was able to review this product.  Jewelry in Candles are extremely lovely candles, with beautiful scents, and surprisingly nice jewelry.  I was very surprised.  I mean, you get this wonderful scented candle, I choose Watermelon because I love the smell of watermelons and this candle did not disappoint.  It smelled wonderfully like watermelon and surprisingly, my ring was near the top.  When I first lit the candle I was moaning and complaining to my husband that I had to wait so long to get the ring, I thought it was closer to the bottom but it wasn't.  As you can see in the fourth photo.  I was so thrilled that the ring was visible and able to be pulled out during the second lighting.
  As you can see in the third photo the ring is actually very nice.  I was very surprised, I didn't expect it to be so nice.  And even if it wasn't I would definitely get another one of these candles for the simple fact that they smell so wonderful.  I love everything about it.  The smell makes me think of summer time and the ring is just an absolutely wonderful addition to the total package.

  If you want to buy something nice for a women in your life I would suggest this, I think it would be wonderfully received, I know I wouldn't mind getting one.... a good way to "ring" in the New Year.  Do you get it? See what I did there?  Valentine's Day is coming soon, what lady do you know wouldn't like a little Candle Bling???

  The lady who offered me this review is Christina Hamdan, she is a sales rep for the company, to order these beautiful candles go to her website and take a look around. You won't be sorry.  P.S. They have earrings and necklaces too!!

I just couldn't wait, the new website is live now.


After a lot of thought and deliberation, I have decided to publish Our Krazy Kountry Family ahead of schedule.  I have taken the last couple of weeks to move all of my posts from the last 2.5 years from Silkki's Reviews and My Krazy Kountry Life over to the new website, as well as moving Rozie Reviews and Iris' Really Interesting Stuff over.  I found that making the new website live now made more sense than waiting until the New Year, otherwise I would be continuing to post everything twice, and that's a lot more work than I wanted to do.  I have had a good run here but it was time for a change.

I'm sure there are bound to be some formatting flaws that I missed when I was transferring everything over but to my knowledge there isn't... if you notice anything please bring it to my attention.

I am very proud of the new website, as you will be able to see the Tire Swing Tree and our first snow fall of the year was my inspiration for the background.  I absolutely love that photo, it really makes me think of home when I see it.  Although the website is "New" I have been able to keep all of my old work.  My Krazy Kountry Life, Silkki's Reviews, Rozie's Reviews and Iris' Really Interesting Stuff will be shut down shortly and all domains will be forwarded to Our Krazy Kountry Family.  Everything in one place just seemed logical.  When the girls are old enough they will be able to choose whether they want to stay on our family site or if they want to move back to their own with their domains, that choice will be theirs when the time comes.

Anyway, I'm off, this will be the last post I make here.  I will continue to transfer all other fan pages to link to the new website which will likely still take awhile but I think it'll be worth it.  Thanks for staying with me these past few years, I hope you continue to be a fan at the new website.  I promise, nothing else has changed, I'm still me, still telling it like I see it.

Have a great one everyone, MERRY CHRISTMAS AND HAPPY NEW YEAR!!
~Silkki~

It's officially live....woohooo....


After a lot of thought and deliberation, I have decided to publish Our Krazy Kountry Family ahead of schedule.  I have taken the last couple of weeks to move all of my posts from the last 2.5 years from Silkki's Reviews and My Krazy Kountry Life over to the new website, as well as moving Rozie Reviews and Iris' Really Interesting Stuff over.  I found that making the new website live now made more sense than waiting until the New Year, otherwise I would be continuing to post everything twice, and that's a lot more work than I wanted to do.  I have had a good run here but it was time for a change.

I'm sure there are bound to be some formatting flaws that I missed when I was transferring everything over but to my knowledge there isn't... if you notice anything please bring it to my attention.

I am very proud of the new website, as you will be able to see the Tire Swing Tree and our first snow fall of the year was my inspiration for the background.  I absolutely love that photo, it really makes me think of home when I see it.  Although the website is "New" I have been able to keep all of my old work.  My Krazy Kountry Life, Silkki's Reviews, Rozie's Reviews and Iris' Really Interesting Stuff will be shut down shortly and all domains will be forwarded to Our Krazy Kountry Family.  Everything in one place just seemed logical.  When the girls are old enough they will be able to choose whether they want to stay on our family site or if they want to move back to their own with their domains, that choice will be theirs when the time comes.

Anyway, I'm off, this will be the last post I make here.  I will continue to transfer all other fan pages to link to the new website which will likely still take awhile but I think it'll be worth it.  Thanks for staying with me these past few years, I hope you continue to be a fan at the new website.  I promise, nothing else has changed, I'm still me, still telling it like I see it.

Have a great one everyone, MERRY CHRISTMAS AND HAPPY NEW YEAR!!
~Silkki~

Causora


About:
At Causora their mission is to help raise more funds for charities by rewarding donors with free vouchers from their network of socially conscious merchants. When people donate to causes like the American Red Cross, Boys and Girls Clubs, and Habitat for Humanity through Causora, they get $20 in thank you rewards for these merchants' products and services for every $20 they donate.

A NOTE FROM ME:
  I think this is a great idea, you donate to a worthy cause, and there are many to choose from on Causora, then you get rewarded for that!?  Personally, I don't feel a reward is necessary, I like to give to charities just for the warm and fuzzy's it gives me.  There are many people I know who would rethink their donation after stumbling upon this website.  Above you will find a donation widget that you can get started with, The Cause of the Month is the Red Cross: Typhoon relief efforts.

Marvel Comics & Wizard World Announce Exclusive Comic Book Program for 2014

Marvel Comics & Wizard World Announce Exclusive Comic Book Program for 2014 Beginning with Groundbreaking 'Miracleman' Exclusive Variant Interlocking Covers By Neal Adams

Marvel Will Offer Exclusive Books At All 16 Wizard World Shows In 2014 Beginning With 'Miracleman #1' At Portland Comic Con, January 24-26, 'Miracleman #2' At New Orleans Comic Con, February 7-9; VIP Attendees Receive Free Color Version; B&W Limited Edition Available For Purchase
NEW YORK, December 17, 2013 – Marvel Comics and Wizard World, Inc. (OTCBB: WIZD) today announced a program by which VIP attendees at each of the 16 scheduled 2014 Wizard World Comic Con pop culture conventions will receive exclusive variant covers of the best Marvel titles, beginning with Miracleman #1 at Portland Comic Con(January 24-26) and Miracleman #2 at New Orleans Comic Con (Feb. 7-9). The first two limited-edition books, with covers illustrated by comics legend and Eisner Award Hall of Famer Neal Adams, feature interlocking covers, and will be available in both color and black & white sketch editions.

The colored version of Miracleman #1 will be limited to 3,000 copies and provided free at registration to all Wizard World VIP attendees, including any celebrity VIP packages. The Black & White sketch version is limited to just 2,500 copies and will be available for sale at the Wizard World Store on the convention floor. Quantities per purchase may be limited.

Adams is scheduled to be on site at each event to sign copies (autograph fees may apply). Leading professional comic grader CGC will also be on hand to accept books for grading and Signature Series.

“We are incredibly excited to work with Marvel on these limited variant covers,” said Wizard World CEO John Macaluso.  “Our fans will now have the opportunity to collect the hottest monthly Marvel titles drawn by attending artists at Wizard World shows. This is a huge benefit for all attendees.”

“As Wizard World adds shows across America, Marvel is pleased to be a part of their continued expansion,” said Marvel Entertainment SVP of Sales and Publishing David Gabriel. “We’re giving each cover the all-star treatment. With the biggest creators and the best characters on-board, we want each attendee’s Wizard World experience to be as special as possible.”

Wizard World Comic Con events bring together thousands of fans of all ages to celebrate the best in pop-fi, pop culture, movies, graphic novels, comics, toys, video gaming, television, sci-fi, gaming, original art, collectibles, contests and more.  A first-class lineup of topical programming takes place at each event, with celebrity Q&A's, comics-themed sessions, costume contest, movie screenings, evening parties and more.  Sunday is also Kids Day, with an array of activities and programming specially designed for the younger Wizard World fans.

Wizard World Comic Con is also the place for cosplay, with fans young and old showing off their best costumes throughout the event.  Fans dressed as every imaginable character – and some never before dreamed –  will roam the convention floor, often stopping by the Show Stage, the ideal place to see and be seen.

About Wizard World:
Wizard World, Inc. (OTCBB: WIZD) produces Comic Cons and pop culture conventions across North America that celebrate graphic novels, comic books, movies, TV shows, gaming, technology, toys and social networking. The events often feature celebrities from movies and TV, artists and writers, and events such as premieres, gaming tournaments, panels, and costume contests.

About Marvel Entertainment, LLC
Marvel Entertainment, LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of The Walt Disney Company, is one of the world’s most prominent character-based entertainment companies, built on a proven library of more than 8,000 characters featured in a variety of media over seventy years. Marvel utilizes its character franchises in entertainment, licensing and publishing.


Wizard World 2014 Schedule
January 24-26 – Wizard World Portland Comic Con
February 7-9 – Wizard World New Orleans Comic Con
March 7-9 – Wizard World Sacramento Comic Con
March 28-30 – Wizard World Louisville Comic Con
April 4-6 – Wizard World St. Louis Comic Con
May 2-4 – Wizard World Minneapolis Comic Con
May 30-June 1 – Wizard World Atlanta Comic Con
June 19-22 – Wizard World Philadelphia Comic Con
August 1-3 – Wizard World San Antonio Comic Con
August 21-24 – Wizard World Chicago Comic Con
September 12-14 – Wizard World Richmond Comic Con
September 26-28 – Wizard World Nashville Comic Con
October 2-4 – Wizard World Austin Comic Con
October 31-November 2 – Wizard World Ohio Comic Con
November 7-9 – Wizard World Tulsa Comic Con
November 21-23 – Wizard World Reno Comic Con

The Ultimate Life Giveaway


Available On Blu-ray™ & DVD December 10th

This touching story of hope and family values is the follow-up to the heartwarming film and best-seller The Ultimate Gift. After receiving life-changing gifts from his grandfather, Jason Stevens finds himself in need of guidance once again. Jason’s billion dollar foundation is being challenged in a courtroom battle, which complicates his relationship with his soul mate. When it looks like he may lose it all, he finds his grandfather’s journal. With everything he loves hanging in the balance, he embarks on a journey into the past through the journal to learn what it means to live...The Ultimate Life.

Forgiveness: Overcoming the Impossible


Book Description
Whether giving or receiving, forgiveness is the key toward true healing and blessing.

God says there are no limits to forgiveness toward others or ourselves. And when Matthew West set out on a journey asking people to share their true life stories, Renée shared about how she chose to forgive the drunk driver who hit and killed her daughter.

This remarkable story and others like it bring peace and healing to the one needing and the ones giving forgiveness. Fifty powerful stories share forgiveness through divorce, betrayal, addiction, abandonment, death, and more. Each story ties into the promises of God’s faithfulness and healing, and ends with the story of God’s ultimate forgiveness through the message of salvation.

MY REVIEW:


Have you ever been angry with someone?  I know someone, sadly she's my mother in law, and she is the queen of holding grudges and not allowing forgiveness to escape her, even if the person does something, unknowingly or unintentionally, she will hold onto that anger and frustration and she will never forgive.  It is true, hard to believe that someone could live so full of anger but it happens.  I think I may have to send her this book for Christmas this year.  You see we do not talk to her anymore, it's been almost seven years since she decided her anger was going to win over her love for her son.  She has only seen my youngest daughter twice, it is kind of sad.  But I personally have forgiven her.  I would like to live a happy, fulfilled life and I don't think that can be done with negativity and anger in your life.

I think this book is a fantastic read.  Pick it up read it as you so chose, it's a fantastic life motivator.  I think everyone will learn something from this book, might see things in a different light and best of all, learn to adapt forgiveness into their lives.  Knowledge is power, understanding is key.  Sometimes it's hard to forgive people who've "done us wrong" but we need to realize that by holding onto that we are doing more harm to ourselves than good.  I think this would be a fantastic book for anyone to read.  Even if you don't think you need it, I think it would be a great motivator for anyone.

I review for BookSneeze®Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze.com® book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Christmas Parade Angels

Christmas is my favorite time of year, in my home, I refer to it as it's own season and to me it is.  There is a certain amount of wonder and awe that goes or comes with such a beautiful time of the year as Christmas is.  Whether it's the excitement of seeing family who live just around the corner but for some reason Christmas is the only time of year you get to see each other.  Or maybe it's the joy of children throughout the month as they wait and anticipate whether or not they have been good enough to have pleased that magical spirit that dwells deep within the hearts of the ones who love them most and they pray, oh do they pray that they get what they have asked the spirit of Santa for.
For my children we don't have a lot of presents under the tree for Christmas, we used to back when we had two steady incomes and fewer children, living expenses weren't so tight, times weren't so tough.  Unfortunately, this is the time of year when the wealthy buy lavish gifts they will only look at once and the poor cry themselves to sleep because they don't get to provide their children with all that their little hearts desire.  I always found it difficult when my oldest was a lot younger, she had a best friend who always seemed to have the latest and greatest toys, games, electronics and we were struggling to have food, she was technologically behind and her friend was technologically advanced (for their age).  Through it all, the ups and the downs, one thing has never changed in my thirteen years of being a mother, and that is that my children are to dig deep down to the bottoms of their hearts and are only allowed to ask Santa for three things.  I have always explained to them that there are many children around the world who don't have much at Christmas, and even on years like this one for us, there are children somewhere who are getting even less.  We have always donated to Toys for Tots, which I think it a great organized event geared to bringing children of low income families some presents at Christmas.  For the past few years my oldest daughter has traded her last request in for a good gesture for someone else.  I am so much more proud of her than she will ever know.  I'm so happy that has sunk in for her and she is willing to "donate" a Santa gift to someone else.  I hope she carries that with her forever, it's a rarity nowadays.  And although she doesn't ask for a third thing some how the magic that began with a man delivering homemade wooden toys to doorsteps long long ago has always seemed to make this house happy with their requests both written and the unspoken desires of the heart.
I am getting completely off topic and I apologize for that, but when it comes to Christmas I seem to get carried away babbling on and on and on.
So, last Saturday I was given one nights notice that my children could participate in the Christmas Parade Float that their school was doing.  I was thrilled, I emailed the vice principal and asked about the float to see if we could be on it and she said yes.  But there was a catch, of course, we had to be angels or shepherds.  The girls all picked angels so I decided I would make four.  I went to the local Walmart in Watertown, NY and I purchased a glue gun in case I couldn't find mine(still not all organized from the move back to the country), glue sticks, six pairs of white gloves, five white tuques, four sets of "oversized" white long johns, or long underwear as my Grandmother-in-law calls them.  She's so cute.  I went to the Dollar Tree and bought a few stains of gold and silver garland, four gold wreaths, and four sheets of bristle board.  I was ready to start work first thing in the morning.
I kept posting photos on Instagram of my process (feel free to follow me).  I started with the gloves, at first I was going to sew the garland on but quickly decided I didn't have the time for that so I put one dab of glue on the glove and attached the one end of the garland.  I then wrapped it around the gloved and glued the other end to the first glue dot.  I added more glue just to make sure there was enough and that it wasn't coming off.  If I had to do it over again I would have put a little dot of glue on the opposite side of the wrist just to make sure.  Remember to leave a little extra so that the garland doesn't get too tight and pull off when trying to fit the glove around the part of your hand that's the biggest.  I would measure that part and leave another inch just to be safe.
Next I moved onto the wings.  First I folded the bristle board in half so that the it was short and wide not long and narrow.  Then I drew one wing, because the board is still folded in half when you cut out the wing you will have two once you unfold it.  So, I cut it out and then hot glued the gold and silver garland on, around the entire outside.  I was actually very happy with how they turned out although my children and I decided they looked a little like teeth.  Still looked great.
 Next was the halo for my little angels.  I had purchased some gold garland wreaths, I totally could have made them on my own but this worked well since I was on borrowed time and didn't have much to spare.  Had I made these I would have just hot glued garland to the toque like I did with the wrists of the gloves.  But alas, I had these perfect halo looking garland wreaths and really the plastic ring frame on them made it stand up perfectly.  For this step I did have the kids wear their toque then I put the garland wreath atop their heads and started hot gluing, lots and lots of hot glue for these babies.  It was fun though.  If you try this at home make sure you let your child know to tell you immediately if they feel their heads are warm.  Luckily my toques were thick and we never had an issue, I likely wouldn't have done it if they were cheapies that are made of barely anything.  
 I affixed the wings to the top of the long johns shirt next.  By now you should have the garland dry and you can attach the wings to the shirt where the fold was.  I put three rows of hot glue and then zig-zagged the glue back and forth from top to bottom then back to the top.  You want to make sure that you are attaching the wings so that if you were to fold them along the same already folded crease they would be "hugging" your child.  Otherwise you will have wings that are trying to close towards the back and they might not stay open very well.  The correct way, your child will be preventing them from folding closed and that's what you want.  I had my children wear their shirts for this part as well, that way the wings were easily seen.
 I didn't do anything to the pants.  Had this been a concert or something for school or church I would have had some garland around their ankles but as it stood they were putting these on over top of their snow pants and I didn't see the point of doing the pants.
 All in all I think they turned out really well for a couple of hours work with only 24 hours notice.  I really like them and the vice principal did too.  She actually complimented them so much that she hinted at a Christmas concert at another school she takes part in and I offered these to her (the classroom only had four children, it seemed pretty perfect).  I was so happy, she actually told me I need to be in charge of the float next year.  I thought that was pretty great too.  Made me happy to hear she loved my costumes so much she wanted me to do the float planning and costumes next year. 
I have tons of great ideas I can't wait to do.  Hope you enjoyed this post.  Feel free to comment and/or share it :)   Have a wonderful day everyone.  Merry Christmas Season

The Seasoning House Giveaway Ends on Dec 27, 2013

The Seasoning House: where young girls are prostituted to the military. An orphaned deaf mute is enslaved to care for them. She moves between the walls and crawlspaces, showing the little kindnesses when she can. When fate brings the men that murdered her family and the reason she ended up in the whore house, a chain of events begins that will end her captivity, free the girls still alive in the house and grant her revenge on the soldiers that destroyed her life.

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This contest is only open to U.S. residents.

The prizes will be sent via the US Postal Service.
Please note that the assets included within this message were delivered to you for promotional purposes. Any actions that you complete with the provided assets are your liability and should comply with both local and international laws.

FilmBook, a movie website, is sponsoring this giveaway.

Paranoia Giveaway Ends Dec 27, 2013

Nicholas Wyatt (Gary Oldman) and Jock Goddard (Harrison Ford) are the two most powerful tech billionaires in the world. Wyatt hires a Adam Cassidy (Liam Hemsworth), an entry level employee, to spy on his old mentor, Goddard, to find out what he's working on.

Cassidy becomes trapped in the middle of the twists and turns of their life-and-death game of corporate espionage. By the time he realizes his life is in danger, he is in far too deep and knows far too much for them to let him walk away.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

This contest is only open to U.S. residents.

The prizes will be sent via the US Postal Service.
Please note that the assets included within this message were delivered to you for promotional purposes. Any actions that you complete with the provided assets are your liability and should comply with both local and international laws.

FilmBook, a movie website, is sponsoring this giveaway.

Percy Jackson: Sea of Monsters GIVEAWAY

EXPERIENCE THE MOST HEROIC ADVENTURE
OF THE HOLIDAY SEASON
 
Join the Quest of a Lifetime, Packed with an 
All-New Motion Comic and Collectible Cards, on 3D Blu-ray 
Deluxe Edition December 17 and Digital HD™ December 3

Synopsis
The magical, mythical adventures of teenager Percy Jackson — son of the Greek god Poseidon — continue in this heroic, action-packed thrill ride!  Out to prove he’s not just a “one-quest wonder,” Percy and his demigod friends embark on an epic, cross-country journey into the treacherous Sea of Monsters, where they battle terrifying creatures, an army of zombies, and the ultimate evil. With time running out, Percy must find and bring home the fabled Golden Fleece, which has the power to save his world...and save us all!

I don't know about all of you, but I'm so excited to see this movie, I have been waiting since the last one.  I love Percy Jackson, Greek mythology is a love interest of mine.  All the beautiful Gods and Goddesses.  The gowns, the power, the friendships and the feuds.  What's not to love?  My four children are all named after some Greek Goddesses and a God.  Sort of on purpose.

Use the Rafflecopter below to enter this giveaway, I am a Clarisse, the last question was a toss up but either way you look at it I either got a 7 or a 9 both of which gave me Clarisse.  Good luck in the giveaway everyone, and please remember that all entries will be verified.
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The Nut Job in Theaters January 17th, 2014

Let's get cracking.

Heading to the theater to see 'The Hobbit' this weekend? Then you're sure to see the latest trailer for THE NUT JOB! This brand new trailer follows in the footsteps of 'The Hobbit,' showing our hero, Surly the Squirrel (voiced by Will Arnett), embarking on a dangerous journey to restore Liberty Park's food for the winter. Facing treacherous foes, Surly and his unruly band of animals must successfully heist Maury's Nut Store to feed the park. This nutty adventure is one you won't want to miss!

The Single Moms Club in Theaters March 14, 2014

THE SINGLE MOMS CLUB follows the lives of Hillary, May, Jan, Esperanza, and Lytia, played by a cast of talented and funny actresses. Brought to life by The Best Man Holiday's Nia Long, Shameless' Amy Smart, Bridesmaids' and ABC's The Goldbergs Wendi McLendon-Covey, Colombian actress Zulay Henao, and Cocoa Brown from For Better or Worse, this film is sure keep you smiling. Check out the trailer and image below featuring some of the beautiful #SingleMomsClub ladies, and join in on this celebration of fun and friendship!
TYLER PERRY'S THE SINGLE MOMS CLUB
Official Hashtag #SingleMomsClub

Earth to Echo in Theaters April 25, 2014

Get ready to embark on an exciting and mysterious adventure – check out the teaser trailer and poster for Relativity's upcoming film, Earth to Echo.  When a group of young friends begin to receive bizarre encrypted messages on their cellphones, they embark on an incredible adventure to discover the meaning behind these communications. Soon enough, they realize that the messages they are receiving are from a mysterious being from another world -  one who desperately needs their help.


After a construction project begins digging in their neighborhood, best friends Tuck, Munch and Alex inexplicably begin to receive strange, encoded messages on their cell phones. Convinced something bigger is going on, they go to their parents and the authorities. When everyone around them refuses to take the messages seriously, the three embark on a secret adventure to crack the code and follow it to its source. But taking matters into their own hands gets the trio in way over their heads when they discover a mysterious being from another world who desperately needs their help. The epic, suspenseful and exciting journey that follows will change all of their lives forever. 

Rio 2 in Theaters April 11, 2014

~~I am totally EXCITED to see this movie~~

It's on in the Amazon!

Grab your kids and prepare yourself for a wild ride, because our favorite characters from RIO are back and they're crazier than ever! Check out the brand new TRAILER for 20th Century Fox's upcoming animated comedy RIO 2—opening in theaters everywhere on April 11, 2014! If you loved the first film, you and your family will surely get a kick out of watching Blu, Jewel and their three kids navigate the wilds of the Amazon as they encounter a  whole new slew of quirky characters. As Blu tries to fit in, he goes beak-to-beak with the vengeful Nigel, and meets the most fearsome adversary of all – his father-in-law. 

SYNOPSIS:
It’s a jungle out there for Blu, Jewel and their three kids in RIO 2, after they’re hurtled from that magical city to the wilds of the Amazon. As Blu tries to fit in, he goes beak-to-beak with the vengeful Nigel, and meets the most fearsome adversary of all – his father-in-law.  All our favorite RIO characters are back, and they’re joined by Oscar® nominee Andy Garcia, Grammy® winner Bruno Mars, Tony® winner Kristin Chenoweth and Oscar/Emmy®/Tony winner Rita Moreno.  RIO 2 also features new Brazilian artists and original music by Janelle Monae and Wondaland.

Ariel's Adventure Continues

The Little Mermaid II: Return to the Sea
All of your favorite characters from The Little Mermaid continue their adventures in this enchanting sequel to one of the most celebrated animated films of all time.  Even though her parents tell her merpeople and Atlantica are just “old fish tales,” Ariel’s daughter, Melody, dreams of being part of that magical world. In an unforgettable story that will take your breath away, all the good creatures on the land and under the sea must join forces to show Melody that both her worlds can live in perfect harmony.

The Little Mermaid: Ariel’s Beginning
One of Disney’s most beloved characters reveals the extraordinary events that led up to her transformation into a princess!  Long before Ariel walked on land and into Prince Eric’s heart, she was one of seven beloved daughters of powerful King Triton. But times were troubled in the underwater kingdom – and music was banned! In this magical adventure, Ariel, her fun-loving sisters, and her loyal friends Sebastian and Flounder strive to bring music and friendship back to Atlantica. Featuring breathtaking animation – and some thrilling surprises – The Little Mermaid: Ariel’s Beginning is an enchanting tale you’ll share with your family again and again!

MY REVIEW:
  In my home we love The Little Mermaid.  I blame my husband, he has something for redheads, even the fishy kind apparently.  We received The Little Mermaid awhile back and the kids instantly loved it, they would sing the songs and dance around playing while it was on.  Who knew, an interactive movie!!  When we were offered the chance to review Ariel's Adventure Continues I just knew we had to.  The kids get a look into Ariel's life before coming human, what made her father such a grumpy pants and why she wanted to run away so badly.  They also get to see Melody and her journey to the sea that Ariel tried so desperately to keep her from.  When it's in your blood there is no stopping you, you always find a way.

  Ariel's youth became difficult with the passing of her mother and then King Triton became a very strict and angry man, he lost the love of his life and didn't know how to cope with it.  He made some anger-filled judgments that changed the lives of the world deep under the surface of the sea.  There was nothing fun to be done any more and his beautiful daughters were suffering even more.  Ariel is how I picture my children, when you tell them not to do something they will find a way to get around what you say and you'll never find out (luckily this has yet to happen but I envision it in their teen years, after all they have all been fantastic leading up to today, it will come back on us I'm sure).  My children learned a valuable lesson watching The Little Mermaid: Ariel’s Beginning; they learned not to make rash decisions when you're feeling hurt or angry, take time to calm down and reevaluate the situation and then make any decisions that need to be made.  I'm a good example, whenever my husband and I argue I tend to take myself out of the situation, retire to my room and craft or review, blog, anything that will help me figure out what to do next, two hours later I emerge and we settle things.  Sometimes you just need that time to put things into perspective.  Luckily for me we rarely argue :)  Yeah me!!

  There are equally important lessons to be learned in The Little Mermaid II: Return to the Sea.  Like, don't lie, it's kind of a big deal.  It's a grey area for sure but I completely believe that omitting the truth is just the same as telling an outright lie.  When you explain things to others you make yourself vulnerable for reactions that you may not be in favor of but really, wouldn't you rather tell your daughter that she's a mermaid then hid it from her and have some sea witch tell her when she's older?  Personally, I would rather know that sort of thing from my mom.

  I really like both of these movies, my children enjoyed both of these movies and now that this review is done I think I'm going to go have a Mermaid-a-thon with Little Miss B.  Have fun everyone, go out and get a copy of this movie so you can enjoy a magical, musical time too.

 ~~I received the movie mentioned above for free for my written review of my honest opinion. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers~~

Energems


Product Description
Bite-sized, energy supplement in the form of a hard coated gem made with real milk chocolate, B Vitamins, caffeine and a proprietary energy blend.
Enhance memory, focus and concentration. There are 3 servings (9 gems) per box. A single serving  (3 gems) has the caffeine equivalent of a cup of coffee. Each gem has only 15 calories and less than 1 gram of fat.  Energems’ unique delivery system allows consumers to conveniently and discretely consume the appropriate amount of energy as needed, when needed.


MY REVIEW:

I don't usually take anything like these, but I thought I would go out on a limb and give them a try.  Lately I have been feeling very drained of energy and thought a little boost of something might help.  Unfortunately, these did not agree with my tummy at all and they made me feel very sick.  The after taste was not pleasing either, I don't know if it was the "energy blend" that made them taste that why but whatever it was I didn't like it.  So, in a way I'm kind of happy they made me feel unwell.

My husband is finishing them off and finds they can help with the energy but agrees with me that the flavors leave something to be desired.  He had the peanut butter flavored one and I had the mint at the same time, instantly I said, maybe the peanut butter would have been better.  His head turned, if he were a dog his ears would have been perked with excitement, he said "there's peanut butter" with a chuckle I had told him that was what he had, he was quite surprised and he didn't think that it was peanut butter flavored at all.

I was definitely hoping for a better result to these, I could have definitely use the energy some days but I guess it's just not in the cards for me.  Don't let my results discourage you from trying these, if you're one of those people who takes energy drinks etc then these may not have the effect that they did on me.  Who knows you may even enjoy the flavor and the after taste.  My body is not accustomed to things like this and I think it was just telling me that it's not for me.

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

Monster Madness Online

NOM NOM GAMES ANNOUNCES THE IMMINENT INVASION OF MONSTER MADNESS ONLINE
From The Creator of ‘Dungeon Defenders’ Arises a New Adventure Featuring Seamless Cross-Platform Gameplay in F2P Action RPG Shooter

Gainesville, FL – December 12, 2013 – Nom Nom Games, a newly formed indie subsidiary of Trendy Entertainment, today unveiled its first studio project, Monster Madness Online. Developed by the masterminds behind Dungeon Defenders, this new F2P Action RPG Shooter set in the Monster Madness universe sees the return of four high school slackers who demonstrate exceptional monster-bashing skills.

Developed for cross-platform gameplay across PC, Mac, Android, Linux and iOS, Monster Madness Online is also optimized for Web Browsers and is the first game to utilize "asm.js" technology pioneered by Mozilla where the game's code is optimized for Javascript to run directly in the Web Browser without any plugin or signup requirement.

The full game release is slated for May 2014, but players can jump into the fray now - December 19, 2013 to help test the cross-platform service technology via the pre-alpha, multiplayer PvP at Monster Madness (Windows, Mac, Linux, Android, and Web Browser only).

The citizens of Suburbia City were caught totally unprepared for the Martian invasion! Harnessing the mystical power of Monster Tokens, evil extraterrestrials sucked all of the town’s adult inhabitants into the Void, paving the way for the Invasion’s second phase, a new Monster onslaught intended to weaken the Earth’s remaining defenses. What these atrocious aliens didn’t reckon on, however, was the Monster Tokens’ inability to affect anyone under 18.

Saved from another hellish day at High School (“Go Wildcats!”), our four heroes — Zack Fowler (the Nerd), Andy Gomez (the Skater dude), Jennifer Sweeney (the Cheerleader), and Carrie Rosenberg (the Goth) — are ready to take back their town from the interlopers. It’s time to team up, gear out, craft some weapons, and get hunting!

Monster Madness Online provides a frictionless online browser gaming experience by being the first game to utilize Mozilla’s "asm.js" where the game’s code is optimized for Javascript compiler to run directly in the Web Browser without any plugin or signup requirement. This is made possible by cutting edge Mozilla-pioneered technologies that combine to make the browser a high-end gaming platform, extending the reach of Monster Madness Online to hundreds of millions of players regardless of operating system.

Read more about the experience developing with this exceptional technology in Nom Nom Games’ director Jeremy Stieglitz’s blog post HERE.

For in-depth information visit Monster Madness Online, ‘Like’ the game on Facebook, and follow the development team @MonMadOnline.

Week Four of The Yoplait Snack Swap December 12th

**This is a Sponsored Post: I have been compensated with product, payment, or both, for this post.  This post may contain paid links.  Rest assured that the opinions expressed in this post are completely my own.  I only recommend products or services that I use personally and believe would be good for my readers**

In my house we love yogurt, if you were a follower of mine on Instagram you would have see my snack the yesterday, it was a whole tub of some Yoplait Yogurt, I definitely got my dairy intake for the day.

 #SwapOne!

Here is a coupon for 60¢ off three cups any variety of Yoplait so you can start your own fun, healthy Snack Swap

**This is a Sponsored Post: I have been compensated with product, payment, or both, for this post.  This post may contain paid links.  Rest assured that the opinions expressed in this post are completely my own.  I only recommend products or services that I use personally and believe would be good for my readers**

Cane Expressions - Keep Moving, In Style


Product Description:
Our fabric cane covers come in a variety of colors and designs.  They slip over the shaft of a cane with elastic holding the cover up.  The stretchy fabric makes it easy to use and fits most canes.  Machine wash and air dry.

  MY REVIEW:

I was so excited for this opportunity.  I don't know how many of you have a cane, bought a cane for an elderly relative or just noticed them in the pharmacy department of a local store but I have done all of those.  I find that the canes on the market, at least where I shop are boring and ordinary.  I remember we bought my husband's Grandmother a cane because she's always misplacing hers so we thought it might be nice for her to have a second one, just in case.  This was a fantastic gesture, if I do say so myself, BUT we looked around at about 10 different stores and more than a couple of those stores had such a small selection, it was very frustrating.

  Finally we gave up and just bought her the next option available.  We were at Walmart and they had a huge selection, okay that's an exaggeration, they had two canes, one was solid black and the other was blue and black, kind of like a marble effect.  Well, to say the least we picked the lessor of two evils and went for the marble looking one.  I always felt that it was too bad we couldn't have gotten her something more fun, exciting, feminine.  And then I found this Cane Expressions opportunity and I had to see if it was as great as it looked on the computer.

  I must say I am very impressed with the material, quality and ease of putting on and off the "slip".  It's so nice that we can now decorate our canes, pretty them up, and change them depending on our mood, the weather, where we're going etc.  One cane, many options.  I love this.  The best part is they are washable.  So next time we're out in the mud, by mistake of course, we can just throw the cover off into the wash and it's good as new in no time.

  If you're looking for a nice way to liven up your cane I suggest getting one of these Cane Expressions and give it a try.

 You can like them on Facebook for more information and be sure to check out their website.  Cane Expressions are available on QVC, Amazon, Wayfair, Just Health Shops, just to name a few.

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

60 Printable Christmas Party Games Packet


Product Description

Our Christmas Printables packet contains weeks of fun!  Includes many unusual printable game types not found in other offerings.  You will adore the artwork, and the games are ultra-fun.

Spot the Difference
Mad Libs
Trivia
Scavenger Hunts
Left-Right Games
Group Party Games
Teen Christmas Games
Word Games
Kids' Games
Adult-Appropriate Games
Christian Games
Paper Dolls
Newlywed Game
Gift Exchange Games
Office Christmas Party Games
Printable Letter From Santa
Printable Thank-You Notes

MY REVIEW:

  These are great printable activities for families who like to do something new and different, something out of the ordinary.  There was spin the bottle, which I would only play with my husband and I don't think I would like my children to play it, even if they were older, I just don't like the idea of a group of kids sitting around randomly kissing each other.  I did however love the coloring pages, very cute and will keep young ones entertained for awhile, or big people who like to color.  I also like the trivia, I am always one for trivia, and although I didn't know all the answers I did know some and that made those pages fun.  Loved the Seek and Find, and there is also a fantastic printable that gives Secret Santa ideas which I think will be fantastic for next Christmas, we have already purchased our Secret Santa gifts this year so I can't use it now, but for sure next year I look forward to seeing the creativity the kids come up with when it comes to transforming biblical words into Christmas gifts.

  If you're looking for something fun to do this holiday season when the children are home from school over Christmas break you may consider getting these printables, lots to do, will keep you entertained for hours and you can print them over and over again.

For more information check out the Website, follow them on Twitter and like them on Facebook to keep up with all the printable fun.

 I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

Jake and the Neverland Pirates Never Land Rescue


In "Jake and the Never Land Pirates: Never Land Rescue," Jake embarks on his most heroic mission ever as the magic of Never Land begins to disappear just as the ancient Forever Tree seems to be fading away.  After a mysterious figure known as "The Guardian" arrives to explain that only the pirate who truly believes in himself can save Never Land from vanishing completely, Jake must break off from the rest of his crew and go alone on a mission to save the Forever Tree, the source of magic throughout all of Never Land.  Guiding Jake on his quest is Tinker Bell, who makes her first-ever appearance in the series.

MY REVIEW:

  Jake and the Never Land Pirates is a very fun movie for children.  Little Miss B, who is three and a half seemed to enjoy it a lot, My Little Man said he didn't like it which was rather disappointing but I think he was just teasing me because he watched it a few times, I thought he would be the one to love it because he really likes pirates and he enjoys the TV show, so he's kind of silly that way.  Lu enjoyed watching it but it's not something she would ask to watch again, she'll watch if it's on but it's not going to be a request from her.

  I personally like the movie, I think it's great for young children, I mean who doesn't like pirates and adventure?  We love them in this house, daddy is a sailor after all.  I believe that many youngsters will enjoy this movie, it's really is an exciting adventure for the young and young at heart.

I received movie mentioned above for free in exchange for my honest opinion in a written review. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

Liquid Chalkers


These are fantastic for writing on the windows.  My children had a ton of fun drawing on every window in my house.  I didn't have to worry too much, I told them they could do whatever they wanted as long as they only wrote on the windows.
They had so much fun decorating, playing school, drawing, writing, and the best part is I didn't have to worry about what they were doing because I knew exactly where they were and what they were doing at all times. 
I can't get over how entertained these kept the four of them and they weren't fighting.  I will be purchasing these again for sure.  They worked great on my windows as well as the dry erase white board.  The Liquid Chalkers wipe off very easily, if the kids made a mistake they would wipe it off with there fingers and it didn't leave "marker" on their fingers, amazingly enough it just sort of disappeared.  It was great.  If it wasn't on the window it wasn't there.  I really like that because I don't need marker all over everything
When it came time to erase the entire window I used a sock, threw it in the washer and it came out clean.  I was very happy to see that it didn't stain the sock, which in theory means it won't stain any clothing.  My kids have enjoyed these, I've enjoyed these, they are great for my many projects, whether it's work or crafting, these Liquid Chalkers have come in very handy.  I love them, they lasted a long time considering all the fun the kids were having with them.  They didn't start wearing out until at least a month into having them.
If you're looking for a stocking stuffer for your kids or if you would like to get something for a crafty person on your list I would, whole heartily, suggest investing in these for these.  They would also make FANTASTIC Teachers Gifts.  Great product.  I really love them.  I will be getting some more for both my children to "play" with and for myself to actually use, there are so many options that you could use these.  Leave love notes for your significant other when you get up in the night for them to see how loved they are when they wake up to go to work and you're still sleeping... nothing like an "I love you" in the mirror to make your day or "have a great day at work".  Or if your child has a bathroom you could leave them a note "make your bed", "put the lid down", "brush your teeth", "make your bed" oh wishful thinking lol.

**This is a Sponsored Post: I have been compensated with product, payment, or both, for this post.  This post may contain paid links.  Rest assured that the opinions expressed in this post are completely my own.  I only recommend  products or services that I use personally and believe would be good for my readers**