Gnomeo & Juliet - merchandise giveaway

GNOMEO and JULIET is opening in theatres everywhere on February 11th in 3D! As many of you may know, GNOMEO and JULIET is a comical, off-the-wall makeover on Shakespeare’s classic tale of Romeo and Juliet set to the music of Elton John!  Two garden gnomes, Gnomeo (voice of James McAvoy) and Juliet (voice of Emily Blunt), try to avoid tragedy and find a happy ending to their star-crossed love affair when they are caught up in a feud between neighbors.

GNOMEO and JULIET

Genre: Animation/Comedy Adventure

Rating: G

U.S. Release Date: February 11, 2011

Voice Cast: James McAvoy, Emily Blunt, Michael Caine, Maggie Smith, Jason Statham, Patrick Stewart, Ashley Jensen, Stephen Merchant, Matt Lucas, Jim Cummings, Julie Walters, Richard Wilson, Ozzy Osbourne, Dolly Parton, Hulk Hogan

Director: Kelly Asbury

Producers: Baker Bloodworth, Steve Hamilton Shaw, David Furnish

Executive Producer: Elton John

Songs by: Elton John and Bernie Taupin

Original Score by: James Newton Howard and Chris Bacon

The greatest love story ever told, starring...garden gnomes? In the upcoming “Gnomeo and Juliet,” Shakespeare's revered tale gets a comical, off-the-wall makeover. Directed by Kelly Asbury (“Shrek 2”) and showcasing both classic and original songs by Elton John, the film features the voices of James McAvoy and Emily Blunt as Gnomeo and Juliet, who have as many obstacles to overcome as their quasi namesakes when they are caught up in a feud between neighbors. But with plastic pink flamingos and thrilling lawnmower races in the mix, can this young couple find lasting happiness?

Trailer:


The giveaway: One lucky winner will receive: 
- Gnomeo and Juliet t-shirt (in youth sizes of S, M, L, XL and colors of red or blue)
- Gnomeo and Juliet one-size fits all beanie in colors of red or blue
- Gnomeo and Juliet mini-notebook shaped like a Gnome hat (front cover is red, back cover is blue)

To win: Leave a comment here telling me who in your house you are going to see this movie with!  Be sure to leave your email address with your comment if you are not a blogger or your email is not easily found on your blog (and your preferred t-shirt size and color should you win). This giveaway is open until 11:59 p.m., EST, Monday, February 7, 2011. Good Luck!

Bonus entries: Get up to 8 extra entries for a total of 9 entries (please leave a separate comment for each extra entry):

• "Like" the Gnomeo and Juliet on Facebook (leave a comment on their wall with the words "CPA Mom" somewhere in it)
• Blog about this giveaway (don't forget to leave the link in your comment)
• Tweet, Stumble or Digg this giveaway (leave a comment with a link)
• Follow me on Twitter (leave a comment with your twitter id)
• Subscribe to my blog via RSS or Email (see top left sidebar)
• Add my blog to your blogroll or my button to your sidebar (leave your website address for verification)
• On Technorati - click on this link, then on Fan or Fav (or use the green link on the top left sidebar)
• Follow me on Blogger (see top left sidebar)

This review was sponsored by Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures who will provide the products above for giveaway. Alas, I was not compensated in any way for this review (I just really love Walt Disney and want one of you to win this cool stuff!).



For The Tough Times by Max Lucado

For The Tough Times: Reaching Toward Heaven for Hope

by: Max Lucado

Hardcover: 96 pages
Publisher: Thomas Nelson (December 30, 2008)
Language: English
List Price: $10.99

Product Description: When we feel that life is out of control, He is in control. When tragedy strikes, people desperately search for answers. Believers and unbelievers alike find themselves turning to God. Best-selling author and pastor Max Lucado points to the only real answer to tragedy and crisis: Prayer. In For the Tough Times, Lucado helps us understand how to pray despite our doubt and fear.

My take: As I said in my last Max Lucado review, I was introduced to this amazing man and his work by my best friend shortly before she died.  So it should come as no surprise that I would reach for this very book when she passed on.  After all, what could be more unfair in life than cancer?  What more "Tough Time" could I be living through at that moment?  I had survived many misfortunes, including the death of my husband, but needed guidance when my best friend passed on.  Guidance through the pain to understanding.  It's a small book but full of wisdom.  Eight chapters from "Where is God?" to "God's Perspective," For These Tough Times guides me every time I reach for it.  This little book uses scripture and Mr. Lucado's analysis of scripture to bring some understanding and comfort during truly difficult times in my life.  If you are in the middle of a tough time, and want to turn to a higher power, read this book.  You'll be glad you did.   ♥♥♥♥♥

About the Author: Max Lucado, Minister of Writing and Preaching for the Oak Hills Church in San Antonio, Texas, is the husband of Denalyn and father of Jenna, Andrea, and Sara. He is the author of multiple bestsellers and is America’s leading inspirational author. Visit his Web site at http://www.maxlucado.com/. 

This review was sponsored by Book Sneeze (Thomas Nelson) who provided the book for review. I was not compensated in any way except for the complimentary book.

Outlive Your Life: Made to Make a Difference

Outlive Your Life: Made to Make a Difference

by: Max Lucado

Print List Price: $24.99

Hardcover: 240 pages

Publisher: Thomas Nelson (September 14, 2010)

Language: English

Product Description: These are difficult days in our world's history. 1.75 billion people are desperately poor, natural disasters are gouging entire nations, and economic uncertainty still reigns across the globe. But you and I have been given an opportunity to make a big difference. What if we did? What if we rocked the world with hope? Infiltrated all corners with God's love and life? We are created by a great God to do great works. He invites us to outlive our lives, not just in heaven, but here on earth. Let's live our lives in such a way that the world will be glad we did.

Additional Outlive Your Life products include:
Outlive Your Life audio
Live to Make a Difference booklet
One Hand, Two Hands children's book
You Were Made to Make a Difference teen book
You Changed My Life gift book
Outlive Your Life DVD study
Outlive Your Life participant guide

My take: Several years ago, my best friend gave me a little book for Christmas.  This book: Grace for the Moment, a daily devotional.  In the midst of chemotherapy for an aggressive cancer, she took the time to get me the perfect gift.  I started studying this little book - a perfect bridge between scripture and real life.  After she died, I purchased Vol 2.  It's safe to say, I was hooked on Max Lucado.  I still am.  Reading his works give me comfort and peace - he helps me to understand God's word and how God wants me to live my life.  So I was VERY excited to get his latest book, Outlive Your Life, from BookSneeze.   What a premise for a book - read how YOU can make a difference in this world.  The back cover has a note from Mr. Lucado:  "These are devastating times...In the midst of it all, here we stand: you, me and our one-of-a-kind lives.  We are given a choice...an opportunity to make a big difference during a difficult time. What if we did?  What if we rocked the world with hope?"

"What if we rocked the world with hope?"

Powerful stuff.

The book loosely follows the Acts of the Apostles, and opens each chapter with verse and a personal prayer.  Each chapter is full of "how-to" lead this great life and ends with more scripture and prayer.  Indeed, the whole book is a "how-to" guide to changing our worlds (both big and small) and so I've read it over and over.  If you are looking to make a difference and want concrete advice, this book is for you.  Once again, I've been blessed to walk on my journey with Mr. Lucado by my side.  You can too.  ♥♥♥♥♥

About the Author: Max Lucado, Minister of Writing and Preaching for the Oak Hills Church in San Antonio, Texas, is the husband of Denalyn and father of Jenna, Andrea, and Sara. On a good week he reads a good book, has a few dinners with his wife, and breaks 90 on the golf course.

This review was sponsored by Book Sneeze (Thomas Nelson) who provided the book for review. I was not compensated in any way except for the complimentary book.

New Picture Books from Simon & Schuster

Say Hello to Zorro!

Written and Illustrated By Carter Goodrich

Reading level: Ages 4-8

Hardcover: 48 pages

Publisher: Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing (March 22, 2011)

Language: English

List Price: $15.99

Product Description: Mister Bud is a dog of routine. He has wake up time, nap time, rest time, dinner time, etc. And everyone knows to follow his schedule. Then disaster strikes. A stranger comes home at "make a fuss time" and throws everything off! Zorro is little bit bossy and Mister Bud wants nothing to do with him. But when the dogs discover they like the same things (like chasing the cat and napping), everything becomes more fun. As long as everyone follows the schedule.

About the Author: Acclaimed artist Carter Goodrich has illustrated thirteen New Yorker covers and has worked as a character designer on many beloved animated films, including The Prince of Egypt; Shrek; Monsters, Inc.; Finding Nemo; as well as the forthcoming Open Season. He is a two-time gold-medal recipient from the Society of Illustrators in New York and a graduate of the Rhose Island School of Design. His work has also appeared in Newsweek, Forbes, and Time. Mr. Goodrich resides in Los Angeles, California.

I Must Have Bobo!

By Eileen Rosenthal

Illustrated by: Marc Rosenthal

Reading level: Ages 4-8

Hardcover: 40 pages

Publisher: Atheneum (January 25, 2011)

Language: English

List Price: $14.99

Product Description: When Willy woke up there was trouble. Where was Bobo? Willy needs Bobo. But, Earl the cat likes Bobo, too. A favorite toy is hard to share…even when it’s a sock monkey. With sparse text and a modern-nostalgic vibe, this retro-fun book about friends (sock monkeys) and frenemies (devious cats) is an ode to favorite toys everywhere. Oh, Earl! Leave Bobo alone.

About the author: A sock monkey has never come between Eileen and Marc Rosenthal. Unlike Willy and Earl, the couple enjoys working together (and even sharing). Marc is the creative mind behind Archie and the Pirate and Phooey. Eileen and Marc live in the Berkshires with their family.

My take:  Too be honest (as always) I have to tell you, I didn't ask for these books to review.  Sometimes the ab-fab people at Simon and Schuster just send me new books out of the blue and I am forever grateful for that; I've read some pretty cool books that way for me AND my kiddos.  Today's two books are no exception, especially if you have an emerging reader like I do. And if she or he happens to like dogs and cats like my 6 year old - double score!   The first book, Say Hello to Zorro!, would also be an excellent book to read to a small child with a new baby brother or sister on the way - Mister Bud is happy with his life as the only dog and the book goes through his adjustment to the addition of Zorro to the house.  My daughter thought I Must Have BoBo!  was funny because she has her own "bobo" in the form of an old tattered blanket so she could relate to the necessity of finding BoBo!  Both great books - Thanks Simon and Schuster!  ☼☼☼☼

This post was written for Simon and Schuster Children's Publishing who provided the books for review. I was not compensated in any way except for the complimentary books.

Big Companies, Small Customer Service *updated*

 Hi there! Remember me?  Maybe not...it's tax season here in the states so that means a lot less time for me to work on this blog since I'm at work at a lot more.  And January is traditionally (for my little blog) a bit of a dry spell anyway for product reviews - it's like all the PR firms are taking a breather from Christmas.  But please stick with me, I've got a few cool things on the way to me and as soon as they get here, I'll let you know about them...giveaways and all!  And I'm going to a Reviewer's Retreat in May so hopefully that will revive the offers as well. 

In the meantime, I wanted to take a moment to talk about this blog.  All and all, I am happy with the size of the blog..the number of people who read it, the number of offers I'm given.  This is a very small blog in a very large review blog pond.  I don't get trip offers, I've never been invited to Disney, I don't get appliances or Kindles or Nooks.  I get books, movies and toys.  I'm happy with that (though I wouldn't turn down any of the "big stuff", don't get me wrong :-) 

Sometimes I do wish I had the clout of a big review blogger though.  When I get screwed over by big companies who don't care because, well, they are BIG and I am small. 

Case in point:

Our mortgage is with Wells Fargo Home Mortgage.  Not just our current mortgage but our last mortgage too.  We've been long time good customers for them.  We've also had our current bank (Navy Federal Credit Union) for many, many years.  I'd like to believe this would make me more than a number to these two institutions, but apparently not. 

I'm old school with a lot of my bills - I write checks with my Quicken software.  I know, I know, I've got to get the e-bill pay started but I've simply not had the time to set it all up - in my defense, I do have about 1/2 of our bills on auto-draft already but the mortgage and the utilities, I write checks once a month and set them aside by week to mail some out each week as they are due.  I do not sign them until I have a bill envelope to place them in. 

Sometime this month, I typed out my mortgage payment check due 2/1/11 and set the check aside to wait for my bill coupon from Wells Fargo; as usual, I did not sign the check (ironically, the bill coupon arrived in the mail yesterday!)

Imagine my surprise on Wednesday this week (1/19/11) when I was out to dinner and my debit card was rejected.  I go home and check my account online and discover a ZERO balance in my checking account because this mortgage check (which I can see a copy of online) was presented by Wells Fargo and honored by Navy Federal!  Even though it was UNSIGNED and DATED for more than 2 weeks in advance. 

How did Wells Fargo get the check? I have no idea.  Perhaps the check got mixed up in my regular mail and the post office delivered it (without an envelope) to Wells Fargo at the address preprinted on my check (what a time for the USPS to be helpful, right?!).

However it got there, this set into process a financial catastrophe for me. My checking account had been wiped out and most of my savings account to honor this check.  And I had tuition being auto-withdrawn the next day.  So I called Navy Federal that night and spoke to a very nice woman who agreed to reverse the check and advised me to contact Wells Fargo so that they would NOT charge me any fees for that reversal.
I sent a message to Wells Fargo and got this response:  "Please be advised that payments sent by mail are sorted and processed automatically. If a postdated check is received, the processing machines are not able to recognize this, and the check is processed, regardless of the date on the check. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause you."  They then proceeded to offer me their online bill paying program. 

When I wrote back asking about the fee again, this was their response:  "As of 01/19/2011, no fee has been assessed. However, please be advised that we are unable to prevent fees from being assessed. If a payment is returned by your financial institution, a returned item fee may be assessed. In that case, you would want to contact your financial institution for reimbursement. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause you. Sincerely, Ed Cook, Mortgage Online Customer Service"

What the hell?!  It's YOUR company.  How can you not be ABLE to prevent fees?

Incidentally, I was fussing about this on Facebook and an acquaintance of mine said to me "I know you're probably not going to like this comment, but at the end of the day, you're the one who accidentally mailed the check, so it's not their fault. It's not the bank's fault for cashing it, they get tens of thousands of checks and it's probably mostly automated."

My response was:  "No, I don't like that comment because I DIDN'T accidentally mail the check. I have no idea how it even got to them as it was never put in an envelope and I never signed it. Last I saw it, it was on my desk. We've been a long time loyal customer of both the NFCU and the mortgage company for YEARS and I'd just like for them both to treat us like actual PEOPLE instead of numbers with auto-bot responses. I'm sick of it."

And to add insult to injury, this morning, I checked my bank account at Navy Federal and they have STILL not reversed that check. 

Looks like I don't count to them.  What I wouldn't do for some clout right about now.

/end rant

Update:

Guess what?  I'm just a number to Navy Federal too:

Navy Federal Response 01/22/2011 : Thank you for using Navy Federal’s eMessaging service. When a payee accepts a post-dated check, it is with the unspoken understanding (between you and the payee) that the check will not be submitted for payment until the date on the check. It is the responsibility of the payee or the payee's bank to ensure that the check is not submitted before the date on it. By the time that the check reaches us, the check paying process is completely automated. To avoid problems associated with post-dated checks (possible returned checks due to a post-dated check being paid before you thought they would), please ensure that sufficient funds are available in your account before issuing any checks. No Navy Federal error occurred in this matter. If you have questions regarding the payment, you will need to contact the payee directly.


My response: 

Hello??? Is this a machine or a person? I can see where I stand with Navy Federal. To you, I'M just a number. I told you I DID NOT GIVE THEM THE CHECK ON PURPOSE. I do not need a lecture on post-dated checks. I would never give one to someone intentionally.



And it was not signed. And you DID make an error - by honoring an UNSIGNED check.

Regardless, thank you for showing me where I stand with Navy Federal. I will take that under advisement.

Dinosaur Train: "The Good Mom" and "Diamond Anniversary" (GIVEAWAY)

From the PR Firm: The hit television series Dinosaur Train ® is roaring into 2011 with an all-new episode premiering Monday, January 17 on PBS KIDS® (check local listings).

In the all-new episode, “The Good Mom;” “Diamond Anniversary,” Mrs. Pteranodon meets fellow mom Millie Maiasaura, who is a little too over-protective of her kids. The two moms share some time comparing mothering methods in a play date at the Big Pond. And, Mr. and Mrs. Pteranodon decide to surprise each other with gifts on their anniversary.

Regarding the first part of this all-new episode, “The Good Mom,” you might be interested to know that Maiasaura, meaning "good mother lizard", was a large duck-billed dinosaur that lived in North America during the Late Cretaceous. There is evidence that Maisaura lived in large nesting colonies and that the parents diligently cared for their young!

More information:

• Dinosaur Train on PBS
• The Jim Henson Company
• Facebook
• Twitter
• And if you miss the TV broadcast of “The Good Mom;” “Diamond Anniversary” you can view it at the here.

The credits:  In DINOSAUR TRAIN, young viewers join Buddy and his adoptive family of Pteranodons on whimsical adventures through prehistoric jungles, swamps, volcanoes and oceans as they unearth basic concepts in natural science, natural history and paleontology. The Dinosaur Train is a colorful locomotive, customized to accommodate all kinds of dinosaurs, and it has the ability to visit the Triassic, Jurassic and Cretaceous worlds, while the Train’s Conductor, a knowledgeable Troodon, provides passengers with fascinating facts along the way.

DINOSAUR TRAIN is a Parents’ Choice Recommended TV series, and the DINOSAUR TRAIN website received a Parents’ Choice Silver Award and was the recipient of a prestigious 2010 Prix Jeunesse Award.

DINOSAUR TRAIN, created by Craig Bartlett (Hey Arnold!), embraces and celebrates the fascination that preschoolers have with both dinosaurs and trains while encouraging basic scientific thinking and skills. Each episode includes animated segments with live-action sequences featuring a paleontologist who brings to life the show's natural science and natural history curriculum for preschoolers, giving specific facts about dinosaurs and comparing their features to animals of today.

In addition to the television series, there is also a DINOSAUR TRAIN interactive website. Buddy, Tiny and Mr. Conductor guide children as they discover natural history and the science of paleontology through fun games and activities. For information on the DINOSAUR TRAIN geocache program—a fast growing adventure game that inspires families to get out and discover treasures together.

The giveaway: One lucky winner will win a size 3 of these Dinosaur Train PJs! 

To win: Leave a comment here telling me who in your house is a DINOSAUR TRAIN fan (and is a size 3!!)  Be sure to leave your email address with your comment if you are not a blogger or your email is not easily found on your blog. This giveaway is open until 11:59 p.m., EST, Monday, January 24, 2011. Good Luck!

Bonus entries: Get up to 10 extra entries for a total of 11 entries (please leave a separate comment for each extra entry):

• Follow the PBS Kids on Twitter (leave a comment with your twitter id)
• Follow the Jim Henson Company on Twitter (leave a comment with your twitter id)
• "Like" the Jim Henson Company on Facebook (leave a comment on their wall with the words CPA Mom in it)
• Blog about this giveaway (don't forget to leave the link in your comment)
• Twitter, Stumble or Digg this giveaway (leave a comment with a link)
• Follow me on Twitter (leave a comment with your twitter id)
• Subscribe to my blog via RSS or Email (see top left sidebar)
• Add my blog to your blogroll or my button to your sidebar (leave your website address for verification)
• On Technorati - click on this link, then on Fan or Fav (or use the green link on the top left sidebar)
• Follow me on Blogger (see top left sidebar)

This review was sponsored by 360 Marketing and Communications who provided the product above for giveaway. Alas, I was not compensated in any way for this review.

Scooby-Doo! Mystery Incorporated S1 V1

Scooby Doo Mystery Incorporated: Season 1 V.1

Actors: Frank Welker, Mindy Cohn, Grey DeLisle, Matthew Lillard, Patrick Warburton List Price $14.98

Writers: Joe Ruby, Ken Spears

Format: Animated, Color, DVD, NTSC

Language: English

Number of discs: 1

Rated: Unrated

Studio: Warner Home Video

DVD Release Date: January 25, 2011

Run Time: 88 minutes

ZOINKS! THE ALL-NEW INCARNATION OF THE CLASSIC HANNA-BARBERA ANIMATED SERIES COMES TO DVD JANUARY 25, 2011

Release Features Four Brand-New Scooby-Doo Mysteries Presented in an Exciting Bold New Look

From the PR Firm:  Those meddling kids and their lovable dog are back in Scooby-Doo! Mystery Incorporated S1 V1, available for the first time on DVD January 25, 2011, from Warner Home Video (WHV). Featuring episodes from the newest incarnation of the popular Scooby-Doo franchise — Scooby-Doo! Mystery Incorporated from Warner Bros. Animation, which currently airs Mondays at 7:00 p.m. ET/PT on Cartoon Network ­— this edgier, bolder adaptation of the legendary cartoon finds our favorite pals Daphne, Fred, Velma and Shaggy, along with the mystery-solving Scooby-Doo, investigating strange occurrences in their hometown of Crystal Cove. Scooby-Doo! Mystery Incorporated S1 V1 will feature the first four episodes of the series and will retail for $14.97 SRP.
Scooby-Doo! Mystery Incorporated premiered as the #1 show on Cartoon Network with Kids 6–11 and continues to be #1 in its time period among key demos. In the series, Fred, Daphne, Velma, Shaggy and Scooby-Doo are back, solving mysteries in the spooky town of Crystal Cove, a sleepy coastal village that boasts a long history of ghostly sightings, werewolves and glowing deep sea divers. Because of all the paranormal activity, Crystal Cove has become a tourist hotspot that capitalizes on its haunted reputation — and the gang's meddling is therefore not appreciated by the people of Crystal Cove.

Each episode features a new mystery and it's up to the gang to solve it. In addition, there's a season-long mystery that the gang is uncovering along the way...a mystery that will change their lives forever once they've solved it. But the drama isn't limited to paranormal activities — the gang, portrayed as teens, deal with situations that arise within their families and in their personal relationships within the group.

Featured Episodes in Scooby-Doo! Mystery Incorporated S1 V1:

Ø "Beware the Beast from Below"

Ø "The Creeping Creatures"

Ø "Secret of the Ghost Rig"

Ø "Revenge of the Man Crab"

Executive produced by Sam Register, Scooby-Doo! Mystery Incorporated draws on the iconic look and feel of the original Scooby-Doo series and is presented in a modernized visual style created by some of today's leading animation artists. Each episode is presented like a miniature movie. The series' dramatic, cinematic visuals allow for added depth in each story, while still allowing the show's comedic tones to shine through.

"Scooby-Doo! Mystery Incorporated S1 V1 is a real throwback to the original Scooby-Doo with spectacular, dramatic effects that grab the viewer's attention," said Amit Desai, WHV Vice President of Family, Animation and Partner Brands Marketing. He added, "Scooby-Doo is just as popular with kids and adults today as it was when it first debuted on TV. We are pleased to release this exciting, new adaptation of the series to consumers. This is a must-have title for Scooby-Doo fans and for anyone who appreciates great animation."

My take: You may or may not know that I was not allowed to watch cartoons while growing up; indeed, the ONLY T.V. we were allowed to watch was 1 hour of Little House on the Prairie a week.  So I didn't grow up on Scooby-Doo like so many of my peers.  So I don't have anything to compare this new version of Scooby-Doo! to, except for the endless array of movies my kids have been watching.  This "new" series of Scooby-Doo! appears to be modeled on the old series that began in 1969.  But from what I understand, the "romance" in this series is new and so is the presence of parents for the gang.  All in all, it's not a bad show though.  My kids liked watching it and made no comment on the differences - granted they are 6 and 8 and the changes probably just didn't register with them.  Purists of the Scooby-Doo! genre might want to leave this new version behind but everyone else should enjoy the show.   There are only 4 episodes on this DVD though so you'll need to plan for future purchases if you enjoy the series.  ★★★
The Credits: Warner Bros. Animation has been producing award-winning original animation since 1930, when it released its first cartoon, “Sinkin' in the Bathtub.” Since then, Warner Bros. Animation’s characters have set the standard for innovative, quality animation. Producing for network and cable television, online, home entertainment and feature films both domestically and internationally, Warner Bros. Animation is highly respected for its creative and technical excellence, as well as maintaining the studio’s rich cartoon heritage. Warner Bros. Animation also oversees the creative use of, and production of animated programming based on classic animated characters from the Hanna-Barbera and DC Comics libraries. Warner Bros. Animation is one of the most honored animation studios in history, garnering a grand total of six Academy Awards®, 35 Emmy® Awards, the George Foster Peabody Award, an Environmental Media Award, a Parents’ Choice Award, a Humanitas Award, two Prism Awards and 20 Annie Awards (honoring excellence in animation).

About Warner Home Video: With operations in 90 international territories, Warner Home Video, a Warner Bros. Entertainment Company, a division of the Warner Bros. Home Entertainment Group, commands the largest distribution infrastructure in the global video marketplace. Warner Home Video's film library is the largest of any studio, offering top quality new and vintage titles from the repertoires of Warner Bros. Pictures, Turner Entertainment, Castle Rock Entertainment, HBO Home Video and New Line Home Entertainment.

About Warner Bros. Home Entertainment Group: Warner Bros. Home Entertainment Group brings together Warner Bros. Entertainment's home video, digital distribution, interactive entertainment/videogames, direct-to-DVD production, technical operations and anti-piracy businesses in order to maximize current and next-generation distribution scenarios. WBHEG is responsible for the global distribution of content through DVD, electronic sell-through and VOD, and delivery of theatrical content to wireless and online channels, and is also a significant worldwide publisher for both internal and third party videogame titles.

This review was sponsored by The Lippin Group PR who provided the DVD for review. I was not compensated in any way except for the complimentary DVD.

A Charlie Brown Valentine

Charlie Brown Valentine

List Price: $14.98

Format: Animated, Color, DVD, NTSC

Language: English

Number of discs: 1

Rated: Unrated

Studio: Warner Home Video

DVD Release Date: December 28, 2010

Run Time: 50 minutes

WARNER HOME VIDEO RELEASES THE HEARTWARMING PEANUTS PRIMETIME SPECIAL A CHARLIE BROWN VALENTINE ON DVD FOR THE FIRST TIME DECEMBER 28, 2010

From the PR Firm: Consumers will be smitten with A Charlie Brown Valentine, the latest Peanuts primetime television special set for release from Warner Home Video (WHV). Available for the first time on DVD, A Charlie Brown Valentine will arrive to retail outlets on December 28, 2010, just in time for the Valentine’s Day holiday. The DVD will feature a bonus special titled Someday You’ll Find Her, Charlie Brown and will retail for $14.97 SRP.


Love is in the air as Charlie Brown and the rest of the Peanuts gang make plans to celebrate the upcoming Valentine’s Day holiday. It’s the most romantic time of the year and everyone has big hopes of having their dreams of love and friendship fulfilled. Charlie Brown once again finds himself wishing he had the courage to ask the Little Red-Haired Girl to the dance. While he pines away for her, Peppermint Patty and Marcie do their best to woo him.

Unrequited love abounds with the Peanuts gang. Lucy demands kisses and chocolates from Schroeder to no avail. Sally is intent on making Linus her sweet baboo. Snoopy has taken to writing bad poetry on his typewriter. Charlie Brown and his pals may be unlucky in love but they are fortunate in friendship in this heartfelt holiday treat.

DVD Special Features Include:
Someday You’ll Find Her, Charlie Brown – Charlie Brown is in love – again! He enlists Linus’ help to find a pretty girl he spotted in the crowd at a football game.

“A Charlie Brown Valentine is a sweet, funny and poignant story that does a wonderful job capturing how love and heartbreak can effect us all, no matter what age we are,” said Amit Desai, WHV Vice President of Family, Animation and Partner Brands Marketing. He added, “We are delighted to bring this special onto DVD. It’s a must-have for anyone who loves Peanuts and a great companion title to Be My Valentine, Charlie Brown.”

My take: It's no secret we are big fans of Charlie Brown and the gang in this house.  My husband and I even have pet names for each other that involve Peanut characters.  So I love collecting these prime time TV specials that are being released on DVD.   I love sharing them with my kiddos too.  Now, just in time for Valentine's Day (don't tell me YOUR local stores don't already have Valentine's displays - I think ours came out on 12/26!), Charlie Brown Valentine has been released.  Like the other specials, it's a heartwarming tale about Charlie Brown - this time about his on-going, unrequited love for the Little Red-Headed Girl.  Throw in a bunch of other un-returned love stories and the usual Charlie Brown chaos ensues.  LOVED this one and you will to.  Pick up your copy today!  ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥


About PEANUTS Worldwide: The PEANUTS characters and related intellectual property are owned by Peanuts Worldwide LLC, a joint venture owned 80% by Iconix Brand Group, Inc. and 20% by members of the Charles M. Schulz family. Iconix Brand Group, Inc. owns, licenses and markets a growing portfolio of consumer brands including CANDIE'S (R), BONGO (R), BADGLEY MISCHKA (R), JOE BOXER (R), RAMPAGE (R), MUDD (R), LONDON FOG (R), MOSSIMO (R), OCEAN PACIFIC(R), DANSKIN (R), ROCA WEAR(R), CANNON (R), ROYAL VELVET (R), FIELDCREST (R), CHARISMA (R), STARTER (R) and WAVERLY (R). In addition, Iconix owns an interest in the ARTFUL DODGER (R), ED HARDY (R), ECKO (R), MARC ECKO (R), ZOO YORK (R), MATERIAL GIRL(TM), and PEANUTS brands. The Company licenses its brands to a network of leading retailers and manufacturers that touch every major segment of retail distribution from the luxury market to the mass market in both the U.S. and worldwide. Through its in-house business development, merchandising, advertising and public relations departments Iconix manages its brands to drive greater consumer awareness and equity.

About Warner Home Video: With operations in 90 international territories, Warner Home Video, a Warner Bros. Entertainment Company, a division of the Warner Bros. Home Entertainment Group, commands the largest distribution infrastructure in the global video marketplace. Warner Home Video's film library is the largest of any studio, offering top quality new and vintage titles from the repertoires of Warner Bros. Pictures, Turner Entertainment, Castle Rock Entertainment, HBO Home Video and New Line Home Entertainment.

About Warner Bros. Home Entertainment Group : Warner Bros. Home Entertainment Group brings together Warner Bros. Entertainment's home video, digital distribution, interactive entertainment/videogames, direct-to-DVD production, technical operations and anti-piracy businesses in order to maximize current and next-generation distribution scenarios. WBHEG is responsible for the global distribution of content through DVD, electronic sell-through and VOD, and delivery of theatrical content to wireless and online channels, and is also a significant worldwide publisher for both internal and third party videogame titles.

This review was sponsored by The Lippin Group PR who provided the DVD for review. I was not compensated in any way except for the complimentary DVD.

Yogi Bear’s All-Star Comedy Christmas Caper

Yogi Bear’s All-Star Comedy Christmas Caper

List Price $14.98

Format: Animated, Color, Dolby, DVD, Full Screen, Subtitled, NTSC

Language: English

Subtitles: French, Spanish

Number of discs: 1

Rated: NR (Not Rated)

Studio: Turner Home Ent

DVD Release Date: December 7, 2010

Run Time: 24 minutes

JOIN YOGI BEAR FOR SOME VERY MERRY HIGH-JINKS THIS HOLIDAY SEASON WITH WARNER HOME VIDEO’S RELEASE OF YOGI BEAR’S ALL-STAR COMEDY CHRISTMAS CAPER ON DVD DECEMBER 7, 2010

From the PR Firm: Hide your “pic-a-nic” baskets because that “smarter than the average bear” Yogi Bear is making a break from Jellystone Park this holiday season to star in Warner Home Video’s (WHV) release of Yogi Bear’s All-Star Comedy Christmas Caper. In stores December 7, 2010, this animated holiday classic will be released in an all-new, re-mastered version which will be available for the first time on DVD. Yogi Bear’s All-Star Comedy Christmas Caper is scheduled to release in time with the debut of Yogi Bear, the brand new live-action/computer animation big screen adventure in 3D, based on characters created by Hanna-Barbera Productions. The perfect gift this holiday season, Yogi Bear’s All-Star Comedy Christmas Caper is a terrific value at $14.97 SRP. When Huckleberry Hound, Hokey Wolf, Snagglepuss, Quick Draw McGraw, Augie Doggie and Doggie Daddy decide to pay a visit to Jellystone Park for Christmas, they discover that Yogi Bear and his pal Boo Boo have escaped and are hiding out in a department store, where Yogi is posing as the store’s Santa Claus. It’s there that Yogi and Boo Boo meet seven-year-old Judy Jones, daughter of billionaire J. Wellington Jones, a busy and successful tycoon who would rather deal with his business than deal with Christmas. Yogi and Boo Boo, however, help Judy re-ignite her faith in Christmas. Additional classic Hanna-Barbera characters featured in Yogi Bear’s All-Star Comedy Christmas Caper include Ranger Smith, Mr. Jinks, Pixie and Dixie, Magilla Gorilla, Wally Gator, Yakky Doodle and others.

The Yogi Bear Show featured Yogi and his pal Boo Boo living in Jellystone Park, where they constantly snuck behind Ranger Smith’s back to steal picnic baskets from unsuspecting vacationers. The Yogi Bear Show introduced such new characters as Snagglepuss and Yakky Doodle. Seventy Yogi Bear cartoons were produced, all of which featured the voice of legendary Daws Butler as the voice of Yogi and Don Messick as the voice of Boo Boo.
DVD Bonus Features:

Yogi’s Birthday Party – In this special, the sponsors enlist Ranger Smith to throw a surprise party for Yogi Bear. Good luck keeping it a surprise! Yogi can smell a birthday cake miles away!


"What’s wonderful about this special is that viewers get to experience all these great, legendary Hanna-Barbera characters like Snagglepuss, Huckleberry Hound, Magilla Gorilla and others, which make this story so much fun,” said Amit Desai, WHV Vice President of Family, Animation and Partner Brands Marketing. He added, “Yogi Bear’s All-Star Comedy Christmas Caper is classic cartoon fun that is perfect for the entire family to enjoy around the holidays.”

My take: Smarter than your average bear, Yogi Bear has been entertaining generations of children since 1958 when he appeared as a supporting character in The Huckleberry Hound Show and then in is own show in January 1961 (long before I was born, of course).  My own children haven't seen too much of him or his faithful sidekick Boo Boo until now that Warner Brothers has released the big screen movie Yogi Bear in December (2010).  We've not had a chance to get to the theatre yet so I was glad to get this DVD to show them (it's for the children you know, not for me at all :-)  Yogi Bear's All-Star Comedy Christmas Caper is a fun little movie and a great introduction to the antics of Yogi, Boo Boo and all the gang for any kids who've not seen them before (excellent marketing as a lead in for the big screen movie).  Now of course, the holidays are over but if you are like me, that won't matter as you enjoy anything Christmas all year long!  Check this movie out today and remember how fun (and wholesome!) cartoons used to be (yes, I know that makes me sound old but it's true).  :-)  ★★★★

The Credits: Warner Bros. Animation has been producing award-winning original animation since 1930, when it released its first cartoon, “Sinkin' in the Bathtub.” Since then, Warner Bros. Animation’s characters have set the standard for innovative, quality animation. Producing for network and cable television, online, home entertainment and feature films both domestically and internationally, Warner Bros. Animation is highly respected for its creative and technical excellence, as well as maintaining the studio’s rich cartoon heritage. Warner Bros. Animation also oversees the creative use of, and production of animated programming based on classic animated characters from the Hanna-Barbera and DC Comics libraries. Warner Bros. Animation is one of the most honored animation studios in history, garnering a grand total of six Academy Awards®, 35 Emmy® Awards, the George Foster Peabody Award, an Environmental Media Award, a Parents’ Choice Award, a Humanitas Award, two Prism Awards and 20 Annie Awards (honoring excellence in animation).

About Warner Home Video: With operations in 90 international territories, Warner Home Video, a Warner Bros. Entertainment Company, a division of the Warner Bros. Home Entertainment Group, commands the largest distribution infrastructure in the global video marketplace. Warner Home Video's film library is the largest of any studio, offering top quality new and vintage titles from the repertoires of Warner Bros. Pictures, Turner Entertainment, Castle Rock Entertainment, HBO Home Video and New Line Home Entertainment.

About Warner Bros. Home Entertainment Group: Warner Bros. Home Entertainment Group brings together Warner Bros. Entertainment's home video, digital distribution, interactive entertainment/videogames, direct-to-DVD production, technical operations and anti-piracy businesses in order to maximize current and next-generation distribution scenarios. WBHEG is responsible for the global distribution of content through DVD, electronic sell-through and VOD, and delivery of theatrical content to wireless and online channels, and is also a significant worldwide publisher for both internal and third party videogame titles.

This review was sponsored by The Lippin Group PR who provided the DVD for review. I was not compensated in any way except for the complimentary DVD.

Get Glovd, Redux (revisited)

From the company: GetGlovd is the new alternative to providing an effective defense against germs and bacteria, anywhere you travel. These lightweight gloves, with a luxurious silky feel are fashionably designed in three sizes to comfortably fit and help guard you and your family from contact with flu viruses and harmful bacteria.

You can’t always be near soap and water, and even frequent use of hand sanitizers can cause harmful bacteria to become immune to germ killing active ingredients in your body causing the skin to be more susceptible to spreading germs.

Conventional gloves may provide an invisible breeding ground for germs to linger. However, GetGlovd is designed using 100% mechanically processed, naturally anti-bacterial, anti-microbial bamboo yarn that checks the spread of contagion.

GetGlovd can be purchased for $10.99 for the children’s size, and $19.99 for the men’s and women’s sizes at http://www.getglovd.com/.

My take: A year ago, I was sent the children's gloves from Get Glovd to check out.  You may recall how much we liked them.  At the time, I wished I had a pair of the adult gloves for myself.  Then life got busy (so what else is new!?) and the weather warmed up and I completely forgot.  Queue winter's return along with a nasty virus going around (which I fell victim to around Thanksgiving).  Suddenly gloves that are "naturally antimicrobial and antibacterial" seemed like an excellent idea for myself (my son still wears his from last year and has not gotten sick with a cold virus yet this season - "knock on gloves" that it stays that way).  So it was fate then that just before Christmas I was asked to review a pair!  The gloves arrived just in time for a nasty blizzard like snow season.  I am not kidding when I tell you I love these gloves - they are soft as silk, keep my hands warm and even more important, they are flexible like a second skin so you don't have to take them off to do things like you would with regular gloves (like pumping gas, using your credit card, etc.)  Let me tell you, I love these gloves so much I felt lost without them the week I misplaced them.   Check them out yourself today:  For a limited time when you buy two pair, GetGlovd will ship your order anywhere in the continental US for FREE.

Get Glovd Fact Sheet:

Get Glovd is great because…

• 100% natural, sustainable fabric

• Naturally antimicrobial and antibacterial

• Inhibits the growth of bacteria and fungi that cause odor

• Hypoallergenic for even the most sensitive skin

• Keeps you cooler is summer and warmer in winter

• Breathable, provides excellent comfort through moisture wicking

• Provides UV protection

• Maintains these properties even through multiple washings

• Silky touch

Get Glovd is a better alternative to sand sanitizers because…

• Nearly all off-the-shelf liquid hand sanitizers and wipes are alcohol based. Excessive use of hand sanitizers can aggravate and irritate existing cuts and scrapes.

• Hand sanitizers kill all of the bacteria on the skin, even the good bacteria, which helps fight the bad bacteria.

• Increased use of hand sanitizers actually increases the chances of bacteria and viruses becoming immune to the biocides (germ killing active ingredient), eventually rendering the sanitizers pretty useless.

This post was written for Southard Communications who provided the item for gloves for review. I was not compensated in any way except for the complimentary gloves.

 

Samantha: An American Girl Holiday Deluxe Edition

WARNER HOME VIDEO CELEBRATES THE 25TH ANNIVERSARY OF ONE OF THE BEST-SELLING AMERICAN GIRL DOLLS WITH THE RELEASE OF

 SAMANTHA: AN AMERICAN GIRL HOLIDAY

Actors: Mia Farrow, AnnaSophia Robb, Olivia Ballantyne, Jordan Bridges, Jackie Brown

Directors: Nadia Tass

Writers: Valerie Tripp

Producers: Deborah Schindler, Julia Roberts, Lisa Roberts Gillan, Rachael Horovitz

Number of discs: 1

Rated: NR (Not Rated)

Studio: Warner Home Video

DVD Release Date: November 30, 2010

Run Time: 86 minutes

AVAILABLE IN AN ALL-NEW COLLECTIBLE DELUXE EDITION SET NOVEMBER 30, 2010
List Price:  $19.98

Live-action Film Stars Mia Farrow and AnnaSophia Robb

From the studio: One of American Girl’s most beloved historical character dolls comes to life in Warner Home Video’s (WHV) DVD release of Samantha: An American Girl Holiday Deluxe Edition, the live-action film based on the popular line of American Girl books and 18-inch dolls that depict important times in America’s past. Just in time for the holiday gift-giving season, the title will be available in stores November 30 in an all-new collectible deluxe edition featuring new bonus material. Samantha: An American Girl Holiday Deluxe Edition will retail for $19.97 SRP.

Based on the books about Samantha Parkington, the deluxe edition of Samantha: An American Girl Holiday stars AnnaSophia Robb (Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Bridge to Terabithia) in the title role as a nine-year-old orphan being raised by her wealthy and proper grandmother, Grandmary (portrayed by Golden Globe-winning actress Mia Farrow, Rosemary’s Baby) in 1904 New York. While she is well loved and cared for, Samantha is a little lonely living in Grandmary’s big house.

Things are livelier whenever Uncle Gard (Jordan Bridges, Mona Lisa Smile) comes to visit, but Samantha feels that doesn’t happen often enough. Samantha’s world begins to change, however, when a young girl named Nellie comes to work at the house next door. She and Samantha become fast friends, in spite of the class differences between them. The movie explores the girls’ different worlds and the changes and challenges they face together—including Nellie’s dramatic escape from a New York City orphanage. In the end, Samantha and Nellie both find a home and a family they can call their own.


“Samantha: An American Girl Holiday is the perfect film to share with the entire family during the holidays. It’s an, inspiring and heartwarming story that viewers will want to keep in their collections to watch again and again,” said Amit Desai, WHV Vice President of Family, Animation and Partner Brands Marketing. He added, “This film is beautifully produced and wonderfully acted. It’s entertaining and engaging, and it’s a movie with substance. It exposes viewers to American history and it gives them a sense of what life was really like for various social classes around the early 1900’s. We are delighted to offer this film to consumers this holiday season.”

Special Features on the DVD include:
Ø An all-new special feature: Votes For Women: An American Girl: Samantha. Samantha: An American Girl Holiday joins descendants of the real American Suffragists in a discussion about getting votes for women and the journey for equal rights.

Ø Mount Bedford News: A Victorian Wedding. A featurette including footage from the wedding scene in the movie.

My take: I'm late, I'm late, for a very important date!! What date?  My holiday reviews!!  I'm woefully behind because of (ironically) the craziness of the holidays themselves.  Never fear - the products I'm going to review for you now are still great purchases for after the holidays.  The doldrums of winter may be just around the corner, or setting in already, depending on how much snow you've gotten already!  As for me, I'm looking for items that can keep my kiddos busy while I'm working tax season hours.

That said, this movie fits that bill perfectly.  We've not had any exposure at all to the American Girl franchise - we don't have any of the books or dolls - and that was not a factor in our enjoyment of this movie at all.  In fact, our entire family watched this excellent Julia Roberts produced movie together (me, hubby, our 6 year old daughter and 8 year old son) and both of the kids really enjoyed it (our son even hushed my husband for talking during the movie!).   I liked the simplicity of the story and the historical aspects - after the show you can talk about what life was like for kids back in 1904, way before ipods, iphones and Wii.  It was a simpler time but a harder time as well.   This film does not shy away from some of those tougher times (orphanages, child factory labor) but does so on a child's level of understanding.  Samantha: An American Girl Holiday does wrap things up neatly at the end, unlike real life, but it was a really enjoyable family movie to spend a few winter hours as a family; I can't wait to see the other movies in the series. 

About American Girl: American Girl Brands, LLC, is a wholly owned subsidiary of Mattel, Inc. (NASDAQ: MAT, www.mattel.com), the world’s leading toy company. Since American Girl’s inception in 1986, the company has devoted its entire business to celebrating the potential of girls ages 3 to 12. American Girl encourages girls to dream, to grow, to aspire, to create, and to imagine through a wide range of engaging and insightful books, age-appropriate and educational products, and unforgettable experiences. In meeting its mission with a vigilant eye toward quality and service, American Girl has earned the loyal following of millions of girls and the praise and trust of parents and educators. To learn more about American Girl or to request a free catalogue, call 1-800-845-0005 or visit www.americangirl.com.

About Warner Home Video: With operations in 90 international territories, Warner Home Video, a Warner Bros. Entertainment Company, a division of the Warner Bros. Home Entertainment Group, commands the largest distribution infrastructure in the global video marketplace. Warner Home Video's film library is the largest of any studio, offering top quality new and vintage titles from the repertoires of Warner Bros. Pictures, Turner Entertainment, Castle Rock Entertainment, HBO Home Video and New Line Home Entertainment.

About Warner Bros. Home Entertainment Group:  Warner Bros. Home Entertainment Group brings together Warner Bros. Entertainment's home video, digital distribution, interactive entertainment/videogames, direct-to-DVD production, technical operations and anti-piracy businesses in order to maximize current and next-generation distribution scenarios. WBHEG is responsible for the global distribution of content through DVD, electronic sell-through and VOD, and delivery of theatrical content to wireless and online channels, and is also a significant worldwide publisher for both internal and third party videogame titles. For more information on this and other titles distributed by Warner Home Video, visit www.whvdirect.com.

The giveaway: One lucky winner will win his/her very own copy of Samantha - An American Girl Holiday (US Address only please)

To win: Leave a comment here telling me another Warner Brothers Entertainment Family DVD that you'd like to watch. Be sure to leave your email address with your comment if you are not a blogger or your email is not easily found on your blog. This giveaway is open until 11:59 p.m., EST, Monday, January 17, 2011. Good Luck!

Bonus entries: Get up to 9 extra entries for a total of 10 entries (please leave a separate comment for each extra entry):

• Follow Warner Brothers Entertainment on Twitter (leave a comment here with your twitter id)
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This review was sponsored by The Lippin Group PR who provided the DVDs for review and giveaway. I was not compensated in any way except for the complimentary DVDs.