SOUL SURFER Public Advance Screening‏

FilmDistrict's new film, SOUL SURFER, opens nationwide on Friday, April 8 and 43KIX is excited to offer a limited number of mobile tickets to special advance screenings across the country at http://43KIX.com/soulsurfer

SOUL SURFER is the inspiring true story of teen surfer Bethany Hamilton, who lost her arm in a shark attack and courageously overcame all odds to become a champion again, through her sheer determination and unwavering faith. The film features an all-star cast, including AnnaSophia Robb and Helen Hunt, with Carrie Underwood in her film debut, and Dennis Quaid. Please find more information at http://www.soulsurferthemovie.com/ and below.

Again, we are offering tickets to special advance screenings across the country. People can get a mobile, admit-2 ticket, while they last at: http://tiny.cc/SoulSurferScreenings.

Available in these locations:  Albany Atlanta Baltimore Boston Charlotte Chicago Cincinnati Cleveland Columbus Dallas Denver Detroit El Paso Fort Lauderdale Greenville Houston Indianapolis Jacksonville Kansas City Knoxville Lexington Long Island Los Angeles Louisville Miami Milwaukee Minneapolis New Orleans New Jersey New York City Oklahoma City Omaha Orlando Philadelphia Phoenix Pittsburgh Porland Raleigh Sacramento Salt Lake City San Antonio San Diego San Francisco San Jose Savannah Seattle St. Louis Syracuse Tampa Washington DC West Palm Beach

Soul Surfer /sohl serf-er/ – noun; 1. A term coined in the 1970s, used to describe a talented surfer who surfs for the sheer pleasure of it. Although they may still enter competitions, a Soul Surfer’s motives go beyond winning.

"Courage, sacrifice, determination, commitment, toughness, heart, talent, guts. That's what little girls are made of.”

-- Bethany Hamilton

SYNOPSIS

SOUL SURFER is the inspiring true story of teen surfer Bethany Hamilton, who lost her arm in a shark attack and courageously overcame all odds to become a champion again, through her sheer determination and unwavering faith. The film features an all-star cast, including AnnaSophia Robb and Helen Hunt, with Carrie Underwood in her film debut, and Dennis Quaid. In the wake of this life-changing event that took her arm and nearly her life, Bethany’s feisty determination and steadfast beliefs spur her toward an adventurous comeback that gives her the grit to turn her loss into a gift for others.

Bethany (Robb) was born to surf. A natural talent who took to the waves at a young age, she was leading an idyllic, sun-drenched, surfer girl’s life on the Kauai Coast, competing in national competitions with her best friend Alana (Lorraine Nicholson), when everything changed in a heartbeat. On Halloween morning, Bethany was on a typical ocean outing when a 14-foot tiger shark came out of nowhere and seemed to shatter all her dreams.

SOUL SURFER reveals the moving aftermath of this headline-making story, as Bethany fights to recover and grapples with the future. Strengthened by the love of her parents, Tom (Quaid) and Cheri (Hunt), she refuses to give in or give up, and begins a bold return to the water. Still, the questions keep hammering her: Why did this happen? Why did she have to lose everything? Will she ever feel the joy and power of riding the waves again? And if she can’t be a surfer, then who is she?

The devastating 2004 tsunami in the Pacific Ocean unexpectedly gives Bethany a new perspective. Traveling to Phuket, Thailand with her youth-group leader Sara Hill (Underwood), she witnesses life beyond her own shoreline and discovers her greater purpose—she can make a difference in the lives of others. Filled with a new sense of hope and direction, she returns home with a renewed resolve to conquer her own limitations and set an encouraging example for people facing adversity.

At the National Championships, Bethany bravely faces off with her fiercest rival, Malia Birch (Sonya Balmores), and takes her astonishing one-armed surfing technique to the limit. But as the horn blows, and the suspenseful competition kicks off, Bethany is no longer thinking about the challenges of her body. Now, her surfing, her biggest dreams and her life have become about pushing her own physical limits to touch the souls of others.

Directed by Sean McNamara, the screenplay was by McNamara, Deborah Schwartz. Douglas Schwartz and Michael Berk. SOUL SURFER is based on the book by Bethany Hamilton, Sheryl Berk and Rick Bundschuh. The screen story by Sean McNamara, Deborah Schwartz, Douglas Schwartz, Michael Berk, Matt R. Allen, Caleb Wilson and Brad Gann.

Fair Ivy (review)

My take:  Well, my extended absences here have led to this...a lapse in "compensated" reviews.  I do not get paid for reviews, but most all of the reviews you see on this site are from PR firms or companies who have asked me to take a look at their products, with the product as my "compensation." 

Now I find myself at a loss with none of these reviews in the pipeline. So I'm going to share with you some of the products/services I've purchased on my own that I absolutely love.  Not for compensation but just because I've bought some of these things myself (or have won them in giveaways) and I think they rock!

First up, Fair Ivy.  This website came to my attention when I entered a contest somewhere (Facebook?) to win these delightful Kiwi earrings - and I won!

Handmade kiwi earrings

Adorable, delicate, delicious itsy bitsy kiwi slice earrings!

Check out our other fruit studs — we also have strawberries, pink grapefruits and oranges!

Price: $7.50

I was so struck by how cute these were, I went to their website to check them out (clever how that marketing technique worked out for them, no?)  So what is Fair Ivy about?  Let me let them tell you:

Remember, in the days before texts, email, Facebook and twitter, how we used to communicate via the Postal Service (yes, I really am that old!)?  I sure remember....and I remember the thrill of getting packages just for me, especially surprise packages.  Now I can pass this thrill along to friends and family and you can too (see Frequently Asked Questions here).   They have packages for men, women, girls/teens and even pets!  Know of anyone going through a rough time and you can't be there in person for them?  Have a favorite aunt you want to surprise? You need Fair Ivy!  You can even purchase specific items (like those kiwi earrings) in their new shop!  You can even follow them on Facebook and Twitter for more information and the occasional discount.  I'll have to file this in the old "why didn't I think of that idea first" file *sigh*. Go on, check out Fair Ivy today and send a little love via the post office today. 

This review was not sponsored by, and I was not compensated by, anyone!

The Mommy Card (review and free shipping code)

TheMommyCard.com 

Creative Business Cards - Calling Cards - Social Networking Cards

From the company's website:  Every mom needs a business card - whether you are a stay at home mom, work part-time or full-time - you need a simple way to get in touch with other moms (and dads) you meet.  No more meeting a mom at a kid class, fumbling thru your purse for a pen and a scrap of paper so you can exchange information.  Now you can get your very own personalized mommy card.  Even if you work it is still a good idea to have a separate business card with your personal e-mail and phone number.  Check out our Top 10 list for reasons to have a Mommy Card.

We also offer photo business cards for:

• Grandparents - a mommy card makes a great gift to help them show off their grandkids!
• Pets - great to take along to the dog park to arrange doggie play dates (hey- you're a mom/dad to your pet too, right?)
• Teen or college kid - email address, my space page, face book info and more (can you hear them now? "Cool Mom!" - they probably never use those two words together, eh?) 
• *NEW* Summer Camp Cards - help your kids stay in touch with friends they meet at camp.
• Small business owners - do you need a unique and personal card that your customers will keep?  We can put your photo in or replace it with a product shot or logo.  Help increase business and have store information or a special coupon code on the back of the card.
• Blog owners - have a blog?  Get a professional looking card to increase your traffic
• Medical needs - does your child have allergies or another medical condition? Have this important information printed on the front or back of your card.
• Moving Cards - if you're moving we can make cards with your new contact info.
• Don't forget Dads too...

Most of our cards can be adjusted to handle more than one picture. We do special requests! Just contact us at amy@themommycard.com or 1-877-243-8690 and let us know what you would like and we will do our best to help you out. 

The Mommy Card comes in quantities of 200 ($40-$50) or 500 ($60-$70) and we offer flat rate shipping in the USA of just $8 for the first item (and $3 each additional item).  Our cards are extremely high quality and made with 14 pt UV cardstock so they are very sturdy and water resistant - perfect for even the messiest diaper bag or purse.  You will be surprised at how much you will use these cards!  Check out our Press and Customer Testimonial  ages to see what people are saying!

We can now change your photo to black and white, sepia or vintage for no additional cost - just let us know.

My take: Recently, we moved across town, to a better school district.  Moving to a new neighborhood means meeting all new neighbors, both for my husband and I, and for our kiddos.  And as my son in particular is meeting new friends, and going further and further afield from our house as he grows, I worry about his safety (he has peanut allergies).  And I'm also a VERY protective mama for them both - the house rule is you are not allowed to go into anyone's yard or house until I have meet their new friend's parents first.  So with all that in mind, I was in the market for a "mommy card" - I want to be able to exchange numbers with all these new friends and my professional card isn't appropriate as I want them to have  my home number too.  That's when I ran across TheMommyCard.com - not only are these cards beautiful, they have a special option - printing on the back for allergies!! 

Take a look at the kind of card I got for review (not my actual card to protect my children from Internet crazies):

I have both my kid's color photos on the front with my phone number and email, and their allergies listed on the back, with phone numbers for their allergist, pediatrician, dad and Nana (my mom) (I gave one to our allergist so she can tell all her patients about it).  Now when I meet new parents, all I do is hand them this card so they know how to get in touch with me immediately for an emergency (not to mention they can contact me for play dates!).  I also gave one to a new friend I met at our local Food Allergy Support Group meeting - I'm going to have to let our President know for all our members - what a fantastic option for helping keep our kids safe!

TheMommyCard.com has TONS of options for cards - be sure to check them out for YOUR new cards.  And don't forget the Dads - there is a whole category for DAD CARDS! 

Bonus:  FREE shipping good thru 4/30/11 using the code: CPAMOMFREESHIP (not case sensitive)

About The Mommy Card, by the owner:  My name is Amy Sanderson and my family and I live in beautiful New Hampshire.  I have always loved photography and then became quite fond of Photoshop then putting the two together came up with this site - www.TheMommyCard.com.  I remember after having my first baby how lonely it can be and how sometimes it is hard to meet other moms.  Having a Mommy Card on you gives you an easy way to exchange info with other moms you meet.  Hopefully having Mommy Cards will help you and your children meet new friends.  Having other moms in your life is important and I believe makes you a happier healthier person.  I hope you like my site and if you have any suggestions or comments please contact me.

This review was sponsored by TheMommyCard.com provided the custom cards for review. I was not compensated in any way except for the complimentary cards.

Mega Bloks Domino Build Game (review)

From Team Mom:  MEGA Brands Inc., a trusted family of leading global brands in construction toys, games and puzzles, arts and crafts and stationary, launched the Mega Bloks Family Club! To celebrate, check out the Domino Build Game!

• Children ages 3-6 will have fun learning about colors, numbers, matching and motor skills with the Mega Bloks Domino Build Game
• Children perceive shapes and colors through observation, touch and taking objects into their hands.  This product offers a variety of solid colors and basic shapes imperative to teaching your child the distinctions among shapes and colors
• Developing fine motor skills requires patience, practice and determination.  The tangible nature of playing and manipulating this product gives your child opportunities to develop muscle movement and hand-to-eye coordination
• It's a great product for both boys and girls
• The Mega Bloks Domino Build Game (retail value:  $10.99) is available at Amazon.com (at this link), Fred Myers, Toys R Us Canada (Quebec only) and Wal-Mart Canada.

Product Features:

• Preschool game
• 4 block builds
• 11 zoo animals featured on dominos
• Includes: 16 maxi bloks, 30 domino tiles, and 1 instruction sheet
• 2-4 players

From the Manufacturer: Mega Bloks Domino Build Game utilizes simple domino and building game play to introduce multiple skill sets such as colors, numbers, matching, motor skills, etc. Players collect animal blocks after correctly matching domino tiles. Be the first player to collect all 4 animal part blocks and assemble your animal to win.

My Take:  My daughter, at age 6, is at the tail end of the age group for this Domino Game, but don't tell her that because she LOVES this game.  The rest of us are constantly being roped into playing it with her (I say "roped" because it's not exactly a challenging game for us older crowd).   The game is simple enough - you match the tiles (the "dominoes") and each time you do, you get to collect a MegaBlok piece of your animal.  Once you have all four Bloks, (which stack on each other to build your animal) you win!  With wild cards, it virtually impossible not to be able to make a match each move so the game moves quickly.  So you get to play over, and over, and over in a very short time period - perfect for the younger crowd for whom repetition is the key to fun.  The colors are all bright and eye catching for the preschool set; if you have a 3 to 6 year old, I'd highly recommend this game.  It's MY 6 year old's favorite game to play.  And don't forget to sign up for the Mega Bloks Family Club (see below for details)!!
 
More about the Mega Bloks Family Club – it’s FREE:

Membership includes:


· A $5 PRINTABLE COUPON applicable to any $30 or more Mega Bloks purchase;


· Other exclusive OFFERS, CONTESTS, SWEEPSTAKES and PROMOTIONS on Mega Bloks toys;


· Information on NEW Mega Bloks toys for kids ages 1 to 6;


· An EDUCATIONAL and INFORMATIVE BLOG by a leading panel of mom bloggers with product reviews, photos and more;


· A FREE EMAIL NEWSLETTER with great new building ideas, toys for children ages 1 and up, and other information helpful to moms.


·  To sign up, visit http://familyclub.megablocks.com/

I am proud to be a member of Team Mom, which sponsored this review.

Lilly's Wedding Quilt (book review)

A Patch of Heaven Novel: Lilly's Wedding Quilt

By Kelly Long
Paperback: 320 pages

Publisher: Thomas Nelson (March 29, 2011)
Language: English
List Price: $14.99

From the publisher:  Handsome, headstrong Jacob offers Lilly his hand in marriage, but his heart belongs to someone ese. While Lilly Lapp has loved Jacob for years, she wouldn't compete with Sarah King, the woman Jacob was determined to marry. But when Sarah marries another, Jacob spontaneously agrees to wed Lilly.

Lilly divides her time between teaching the local Amish children and caring for her widowed mother who suffers from depression. Lilly's faith comforts her, but her heart still longs to be the sole object of Jacob's affection. As the days slip by, Lilly decides that hoping is too risky and vows to protect her heart. But God is subtly as work, and as winter turns to spring, their hearts awaken.

The furthest thing from Lilly's mind is her Amish wedding quilt, a traditional gift for new brides. And the person she'd least suspect is the one making it. Like stray pieces of fabric quilted into a new design, Jacob and Lilly's marriage begins to bind them together in ways neither expected.

My take: From what I understand, Lilly's Wedding Quilt is the second in Mrs. Long's "A Patch of Heaven" novels (Sarah's Garden being the first).  However, I didn't find this out until AFTER I read Lilly's Wedding Quilt though so I can tell you in all honestly that you do not need to read the first book before reading this one; the stories are separate.  I have always loved Amish fiction but having mainly read the genre with Beverly Lewis books, I wanted to branch out into other authors.  Let me tell you, if you love Amish Fiction (or any romance for that matter), you'll love Lilly's Wedding Quilt.  The story isn't complicated to follow, the characters aren't complex.  The underlying thread that ties the story line together is the characters deep and abiding love for God and all his gifts to us.  Lilly's Wedding Quilt is an honest and compelling look at a relationship started and guided by God and a lesson for us all to depend on Him when we need him most.  AND it's a great love story!  I can't wait for book three - I hope it's about Jacob's brother Seth - I'd like to see how he grows into a love that God brings him!!

About the Author:  Kelly Long was born and raised in North Central Pennsylvania. There was an Amish hitching post at the small grocery store in her town. She loves to write Amish romance and is the author of novel, Sarah's Garden, the novella Amish Christmas Expanded Edition with some other great Amish authors, Amish Love with Beth Wiseman and Kathy Fuller, and Lilly's Wedding Quilt--the sequel to Sarah's Garden. She lives in Atlanta with her husband and children.

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.

Friendship Bread

Friendship Bread: A Novel

List Price: $25.00

Hardcover: 400 pages

Publisher: Ballantine Books (April 5, 2011)

Language: English

From the publisher: An anonymous gift sends a woman on a journey she never could have anticipated.  One afternoon, Julia Evarts and her five-year-old daughter, Gracie, arrive home to find an unexpected gift on the front porch: a homemade loaf of Amish Friendship Bread and a simple note: I hope you enjoy it. Also included are a bag of starter, instructions on how to make thebread herself, and a request to share it with others.

Still reeling from a personal tragedy that left her estranged from the sister who was once her best friend, Julia remains at a loss as to how to move on with her life. She’d just as soon toss the anonymous gift, but to make Gracie happy, she agrees to bake the bread.

When Julia meets two newcomers to the small town of Avalon, Illinois, she sparks a connection by offering them her extra bread starter. Widow Madeline Davis is laboring to keep her tea salon afloat while Hannah Wang de Brisay, a famed concert cellist, is at a crossroads, her career and marriage having come to an abrupt end. In the warm kitchen of Madeline’s tea salon, the three women forge a friendship that will change their lives forever.

In no time, everyone in Avalon is baking Amish Friendship Bread. But even as the town unites for a benevolent cause and Julia becomes ever closer to her new friends, she realizes the profound necessity of confronting the painful past she shares with her sister.

About life and loss, friendship and community, food and family, Friendship Bread tells the uplifting story of what endures when even the unthinkable happens.

My take: When I heard this book was up for review, I'm pretty sure I was first in line to request it.  Why? Because I'm familiar with Ms. Gee's work - I've read all of her "Mia King" novels (even reviewed one on this site at one point) and love-love-love her work.  Friendship Bread was no exception.  From the very first page she drew me into the lives of these women - all of which were leading lives I could relate to.  Julia is reeling from an unimaginable loss, Hannah was betrayed in an all too familiar way and Madeline's particular estrangement is something I have experienced as well.  I think that is Ms. Gee's gift in all her novels - she writes about women we can all relate to and so want to keep reading to find out the ending of the tale (for both the characters and for us I suppose).  Their stories are riveting, and the mystery behind the origins of this particular batch of friendship bread is revealed in a beautiful ending.  My copy of the book came with the recipe for Amish Friendship Bread, but there are also several variations of the famous bread printed in the book itself.  I think I'm going to have to make some bread starter and see if I can make some very human, very necessary connections to the people around me as well.  Well done Ms. Gee.  A very satisfying book I will be reading again, hopefully with a slice of Friendship Bread in hand! 

About the author:  Darien Gee lives in Hawaii with her husband and three children. She is also the author of three novels under the name Mia King (Sweet Life, Table Manners, and Good Things). To learn more about Darien and the inspiration behind FRIENDSHIP BREAD, visit her at www.friendshipbreadkitchen.com.

This post was written for Family Review Network and Ballantine Books who provided the complimentary book for review in exchange for my honest review.

Sick baby girl

Once again, I find myself in the position of having to ask forgiveness and patience from everyone in my life - my job, the readers of this blog, the sponsors, my family, etc., etc. as my husband and I took turns spending the last four days in the childrens' hospital with our 6 year old who had pneumonia.  She is finally home now but I'm behind the 8 ball.  I'll catch up with EVERYONE as soon as I can.  Thank you so much for your understanding.

End of Time (review and giveaway)

The End of Time (Books of Umber)

P. W. Catanese (Author), David Ho (Illustrator)

Reading level: Ages 9-12

Hardcover: 432 pages

Publisher: Aladdin (February 8, 2011)
Language: English

List Price: $16.99

This is where it ends: The End of Time.

Product Description: The third book in P.W. Catanese's Books of Umber trilogy concludes the imaginative, page-turning adventures of Umber and Hap.

Hap is still unable to control the powers he must master to save Umber's old world from destruction. And now Umber is under siege from dangers near and far. Suddenly the fate of two worlds is at stake. For Hap to fulfill his destiny, he must survive a life-or-death battle with more than one mighty enemy. And he may be forced to abandon everything he holds most dear...


The memorable characters, fantastic creatures, and fast-paced action readers embraced in Happenstance Found and Dragon Games are all here in The End of Time, the heart-stopping conclusion to the acclaimed The Books of Umber trilogy.

My take: Let me take you back to the beginning....to my review of Happenstance Found (The Books of Umber) , whereby I fell in love with P.W. Catanese - at least, with his writing.  No matter that his books are considered "Young Adult" novels and I'm a 40 year old mom.   Didn't matter in the slightest because these characters and this story appeals to a wide sprectrum of readers.  I was hooked, I tell you, hooked! 

Now, my favorite books usually are those with sequels - part 2, 3, 4 and so on.  Because in a really good book, I become vested with the characters and really want to know what happens to them.  One book is seldom enough to satiate my curiosity.  However, can I tell you what I hate about such series?  Having to wait (and wait and wait) for each follow up book - because I tend to forget details and minor characters in between.  And secondly, I abhor that terrible moment when I finish the last book.  Gah!  After all the time I've got invested in these chacters and the author dares to take it all away from me?!  Now THAT is the sign of an EXCELLENT author and an EXELLENT series.  Like The Books of Umber.  The End of Time is an excellent conclusion to the exciting series which began with Happenstance Found and continued with Dragon Games.  There is even a nice epilogue at the end to tidy up lose ends to the story (doesn't mean I'm not still going to mourn the end of the series though...I'm nothing if not loyal). 

Be sure to check out the entire series: The Books of Umber (3 books)

About the Author: P. W. (Paul William) Catanese was born in New York and grew up in Connecticut, where he lives with his wife and three children. When he's not writing books, he draws cartoons and works for an advertising agency. Interestingly, the letters in "P. W. Catanese" can be rearranged to spell "want escape?" Paul figures that's why people read books like his.

The giveaway: One lucky winner will win his or her own copy of The End of Time, courtesy of ME!! [I had already preordered it (duh! I've been waiting on pins and needles for its release) when Simon and Schuster sent me a copy for review so you get my brand new copy from Amazon.com - US Addresses only please as postage is on my dime!]

To win: Leave a comment here telling me the name of one of YOUR favorite books (single book or a series of books). 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, Tuesday, March 15, 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):

• Fan P.W. Catanese on Facebook
• Fan Simon and Schuster on Facebook
• Follow Simon and Schuster on Twitter @simonschuster or Simon & Schuster Teen @simonteen (leave a comment with your twitter id)
• Blog about this giveaway (don't forget to leave the link in your comment)
• Twitter, Stumble or Digg this giveaway
• 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 the Simon and Schuster Publishing who provided the book for review. I was not compensated in any way except for the complimentary book.

Raisels (review and giveaway)

From Team Mom and The National Raisin Company:  Are you searching for a healthier alternative to candy? The National Raisin Company has come up with the answer with Raisels. Raisels are the first 100% real fruit snack that actually tastes like candy. 100% Vitamin C, real dried fruit golden raisins, less added sugar than sweetened dried cranberries! – make Raisels a great alternative to cookies, candy and sugary fruit snacks. 

National Raisin Company recently introduced “Raisels,” a delicious 4-flavor line of sour golden raisins lightly dusted with sugar. Healthier than sour candies and some other dried fruit items, Raisels are the first 100% real fruit snack that actually tastes like candy. They can be found in your grocer’s dried fruit section.

Raisels come in five kid-friendly flavors (Sour Apple, Sour Orange, Sour Lemon and Sour Peach - and new Sour Watermelon Shock). They’re available in 6 packs of 1.25 oz portion-controlled boxes with exciting, colorful graphics featuring illustrations of Raisel characters. The back panel of each box provides a joke your kids will love.

Raisels are:

• 100% US RDA for Vitamin C
• Rich in Antioxidants
• Fat Free
• Cholesterol Free
• No High Fructose Corn Syrup or Artificial Sweeteners
• No Sodium
• Kosher Certified by the Orthodox Union

Bonus:  Print and Color Your Favorite Raisel Characters and Play the Raisels Match Game!

Where to buy (click link)
 
My take:  Team Mom sent me several boxes of the first four flavors (excluding watermelon) for me and my family to sample.  Now, my two kids LOVE all things sour - sour gummy worms, sour lemon drops...you name it, if it's sour, they will eat it.  Of course, we've had way too many cavities in the house so we've cut WAY back on those treats.  I needed a HEALTHY treat that still gives them the sour treat they love.  Enter RAISELS.  Can I tell you? These things are AWESOME.  So good, I might have squirreled a box or two away at my office.  Ahem. (Not just for me - the 1 year old that comes to see his mom at night will eat an entire box in 1 minute flat - he eats them hand over fist he loves them so much!)  Now, I do have to say, the Sour Apple flavor is too sour even for my kiddos - it puckers your mouth up something fierce.  But the Sour Peach, Sour Lemon and Sour Orange are really, really yummy.  I'm definitely going to keep these on our shopping list - and make sure to take them to the movies next time - way cheaper and better for your kids than movie candy! 
 
The giveaway: One lucky winner will win his or her very own big box of Raisels featuring a variety of flavors!

To win: Leave a comment here telling me which flavor you are most looking forward to trying.  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, March 14, 2011.  (US ADDRESS ONLY PLEASE) 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" Raisels on Facebook and leave a comment on their wall that includes "CPA Mom sent me" (leave a comment here with your FB name-first name only is fine)
• Follow Raisels on Twitter (leave a comment here with your twitter id)
• Blog about this giveaway (don't forget to leave the link in your comment here)
• Twitter, Stumble or Digg this giveaway
• 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 post was written for Team Mom and the National Raisin Company who provided the Raisels for review and giveaway. I was not compensated in any way except for the complimentary Raisels.

I am proud to be a member of Team Mom who sponsored this review.

BAMBI Diamond Edition

DISNEY ADDS A NEW GEM TO THE BLU-RAY™ DIAMOND COLLECTION

Walt Disney’s BAMBI Diamond Edition Releases From The Disney Vault on March 1, 2011

Bambi (Two-Disc Diamond Edition Blu-ray/DVD Combo in Blu-ray Packaging)

Format: AC-3, Animated, Color, Dolby, DTS Surround Sound, Dubbed, Full Screen, Restored, Special Edition, Subtitled

Language: English

Subtitles: English, French, Spanish

Number of discs: 2

Rated: G (General Audience)

Studio: Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment

DVD Release Date: March 1, 2011

Run Time: 70 minutes

Suggested Retail Price:

2-Disc Blu-ray Combo Pack (Blu-ray + DVD) = $39.99 US/$46.99 Canada; High Definition Movie Download = $19.99 US/$39.99 Canada; Standard Definition Movie Download = $14.99 US/$34.99 Canada; 2-Disc DVD = $29.99 US/$35.99 Canada

From the studio: The Walt Disney Studios proudly announces the addition of BAMBI to its coveted, cutting-edge Blu-ray™ Diamond Collection line-up of Disney’s greatest animated-classics. Released from the Disney vault for a limited time only, BAMBI Diamond Edition features the loveable and adorable wide-eyed fawn and his forest friends in Blu-ray high-definition on March 1, 2011.


The Diamond Edition debut of BAMBI, Walt’s fifth full-length animated classic, is an endearing tale about a young prince of the forest who learns valuable life-lessons about friendship, love, and the miracle of life. The movie is a must-own coming-of-age story that Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment has especially packaged with families in mind - providing the ultimate, interactive hi-def home entertainment experience with a newly enhanced digital restoration, enhanced picture and sound, games, activities and more.


The new BAMBI Diamond Edition will be available as a 2-Disc Disney Combo Pack (Blu-ray + DVD) for the suggested retail price of $39.99 US/$46.99 Canada, a High Definition Movie Download for the suggested retail price of $19.99 US/$39.99 Canada, and/or a Standard Definition Movie Download for the suggested retail price of $14.99 US/$24.99 Canada. Those who wish to own the standard definition DVD version of BAMBI will need to wait seven additional weeks – until April 19, 2011.


Disney’s new “Second Screen” technology, which is being introduced for the very first time on the BAMBI Diamond Edition release, will further transform the at-home movie watching experience by empowering viewers with the ability to engage with film content on multiple media platforms and bring them to life in their own hands at the touch of a button. By simply downloading the new Disney Second Screen App onto an internet-connected computer or iPad™* and synching it to the movie, consumers will instantly be able to dive deeper into the film by engaging with fun interactive elements like animated flipbooks, galleries, photos, trivia and more.

Film Synopsis: As morning light breaks across the meadow, a young deer named Bambi is born and hailed as ‘Prince of the Forest.’ Soon Bambi emerges from the thicket on wobbly legs, much to the delight of his new friends, Thumper, the playful rabbit, and Flower, the bashful yet lovable skunk. But the fun of nibbling on fresh blossoms and frolicking through the woods is only the beginning. Exploring his new world, and guided by the wisdom of Friend Owl,Bambi learns valuable life lessons with every adventure – experiencing the power of friendship, family, and love along the way.

My take:  I must admit to having a soft spot for this film.   After all, I named my puppy after Thumper years ago!  So I was excited to share this classic from my childhood with my own kiddos.  And as I sit here writing this review, my little girl is watching the movie for the umpteenth time - this time from her "sick bed" on the couch - at her request.  Let me tell you, we have hundreds of DVDs for her to choose from and Bambi was the first on her list.  She has kept up a running commentary for me throughout the movie - naming the songs, pointing out dialogue she likes, etc.  This story of a baby deer learning about life is just as fresh for her as it was for me.  To me, that just goes to prove that classics like these from the Walt Disney 'vault' are still good movies; you don't need all of today's high tech GCI to entertain - just a good story will do. 

The Making of the Film: BAMBI was Walt Disney’s fifth animated full-length feature film which released in 1942 during World War II and took approximately five years in the making due to the exquisite artwork and attention to detail of each and every scene, character and figure. The artwork itself was created by some of the legendary “nine old men,” including Frank Thomas, Ollie Johnston, Marc Davis, Milt Kahl and Eric Larson and in order to achieve the film’s unprecedented level of realism, animators modeled anatomical studies using live animals (including a pair of fawns named Bambi and Faline) and imbued each with a uniquely endearing personality. Bambi’s delightful forest home received the same painstaking attention to detail, as background artists painted hundreds of landscapes based on extensive field research and nature photographs.

Walt Disney broke the longstanding animation tradition by casting child actors in the roles of Bambi’s young animals, including Bobby Stewart as Baby Bambi, Donnie Dunagan as Young Bambi, Hardie Albright as Adolescent Bambi and Peter Behn as Young Thumper. The cast also includes Sam Edwards as Adult Thumper, John Sutherland as Adult Bambi, Paula Winslowe as Bambi’s Mother and Sterling Holloway (the voice of Winnie the Pooh and The Jungle Book’s Kaa, the snake) as Adult Flower.


Film Accolades: BAMBI was nominated for three Academy Awards® for Best Song (“Love Is a Song,”), Best Sound Recording, and Best Music Score of a Dramatic or Comedy Picture. To date, BAMBI is No. 3 on the list of American Film Institute’s Top 10 Animated Films of All Times. And in 2004, the movie was commemorated with a first-class U.S. postage stamp and in the 1990’s the film inspired astronomers to name a pair of asteroids after the adorable characters – Thumper (April 20, 1993) and Bambi (October 17, 1995).

Bonus Features:

Backstage Disney:
· Inside Walt’s Story Meetings-Enhanced Edition - A fascinating, multi-tiered, interactive story-telling experience. Go back in time with dramatic voice re-enactments of the moments with Walt that led to the creation of this classic film.
· 2 Never Before Seen Deleted Scenes
· Deleted Song: “Twitterpated”
· Blu-ray Galleries—A collection of the extraordinary images originally created as part of the design process for BAMBI.


Family Play: Games and Activities:
· Disney’s Big Book of Knowledge: BAMBI Edition— An interactive educational gaming experience that uses the film as a learning tool. Players can customize their own Big Book of Knowledge and learn all about forest creatures, seasons andmore! Each time a player completes a task, they are rewarded with new stickers to decorate their Big Book of Knowledge.


Digital Exclusive:
·The Golden Age


Classic DVD Bonus Features:
· The Making Of BAMBI: A Prince Is Born—A comprehensive look at the making of BAMBI covers the story, the characters, the actors, the art design, the music and the history of Walt Disney’s classic film using behind the scenes footage, production stills, animation, artwork and multiple interviews with performers and behind the scenes participants.
· Tricks of the Trade (excerpt)—In an episode from the 1957 Disneyland TV show, Walt narrates the story of the multiplane camera, an animation innovation crucial to the production of BAMBI.
· Inside the Disney Archives—Disney Supervising Animator Andreas Deja guides viewers through Disney’s Animation Research Library, where artwork from past Disney animated feature films is stored, including early story sketches of Bobo the rabbit,” (who became Thumper), glass paintings made for the multiplane camera and more.
· The Old Mill—Winner of the 1937 Academy Award® for Best Short Subject/Cartoon, The Old Mill was a testing ground for several techniques critical to Walt’s artistic vision for BAMBI, including the multiplane camera, animating realistic animals and experimenting with such natural occurrences such as wind, rain and lightning.
· DisneyPedia: Bambi’s Forest Friends

Bonus: Fun activity sheets:

Trailer

Film Clip- Bambi meets Opossums

Thumpers Greenery Lesson


Film Clip- Kind of Wobbly


Film Clip- Bambi Meets Flower

About Disney’s Blu-ray™ Diamond Collection: Disney’s Blu-ray™ Diamond Collection represents The Walt Disney Studio’s most prestigious animated classics. The Collection will be comprised with many of Walt Disney’s most treasured animated classic titles to be released through 2016. These titles represent the highest level of picture and sound, feature groundbreaking, state-of-the-art immersive bonus content, and include unprecedented levels of interactivity, personalization and customization, made possible because of Blu-ray technology.

About The Walt Disney Studios: For more than 85 years, The Walt Disney Studios has been the foundation on which The Walt Disney Company (DIS: NYSE) was built. Today, the Studio brings quality movies, music and stage plays to consumers throughout the world. Feature films are released under four banners: Walt Disney Pictures, which includes Walt Disney Animation Studios and Pixar Animation Studios, Disneynature, Touchstone Pictures and Marvel. Through the Home Entertainment division, innovative distribution methods provide access to creative content across multiple platforms. Original music and motion picture soundtracks are produced under Walt Disney Records and Hollywood Records, while Disney Theatrical Group produces and licenses live events, including Broadway theatrical productions, Disney on Ice and Disney LIVE! For more information, please visit http://www.disney.com/.

This post was written for Click Communications who provided the movie for review. I was not compensated in any way except for the complimentary DVD.

Guess What Today Is?

Scooby-Doo! Curse of the Lake Monster

MYSTERY INC. IS BACK IN ACTION! SCOOBY-DOO! CURSE OF THE LAKE MONSTER

NEW LIVE-ACTION FILM SCARES UP SOME FUN ON BLU-RAY™ COMBO PACK AND DVD MARCH 1st FROM WARNER HOME VIDEO

Scooby-Doo!: Curse of the Lake Monster [Blu-ray]

Scooby-Doo! The Mystery Begins sequel returns popular cast along with special appearances by Ted McGinley, Nichelle Nichols, Marion Ross and more!

New release features the extended film version with never-before-seen music sequences.

Actors: Nick Palatas, Robbie Amell

Directors: Brian Levant

Format: AC-3, Dolby, DTS Surround Sound, Widescreen

Language: English

Number of discs: 3

Rated: PG (Parental Guidance Suggested)

Studio: Warner Home Video

DVD Release Date: March 1, 2011

From the studio: Mystical moonstones, creepy creatures and unlikely romances are on the docket for Mystery Inc. in Scooby-Doo! Curse of the Lake Monster, an all-new, live action movie featuring an exclusive extended cut of the film with never-before-seen music sequences coming to Blu-Ray™ and DVD March 1, 2011 from Warner Premiere and Cartoon Network. A follow-up to its smash-hit predecessor Scooby-Doo! The Mystery Begins, Scooby-Doo! Curse of the Lake Monster will be available from Warner Home Video as a Blu-Ray™ Combo Pack and single disc DVD.

Scooby-Doo! Curse of the Lake Monster finds the Mystery Inc. gang heading toward summer jobs at a country club owned by Daphne’s uncle, only to stumble onto strange happenings around the local lake – including an enormous Frog Monster terrorizing the locals. There’s mystery afoot and romance in the air that only the fearful foursome-plus-one can solve. Group leader Fred, drama queen Daphne, brainiac Velma, fun-loving Shaggy and the cowardly Scooby-Doo are on the case!


Director and producer Brian Levant (Snow Dogs; The Flintstones), producer Brian J. Gilbert (The Deaths of Ian Stone; Wrong Turn) and writers the Altiere Brothers (Daniel and Steven – jkl; Dr. Dolittle: A Tinsel Town Tail; Gym Teacher: The Movie) return from their successful roles at the creative helm of Scooby-Doo! The Mystery Begins.


The Atlas Entertainment/Telvan Productions/Nine/8 Entertainment production also features encore performances from the live action cast of Scooby-Doo! The Mystery Begins: Robbie Amell (True Jackson, VP) as Fred, Kate Melton (Lucy: A Period Piece) as Daphne, Hayley Kiyoko (Wizards of Waverly Place, Lemonade Mouth) as Velma and Nick Palatas (True Jackson, VP) as Shaggy. Scooby-Doo will appear via computer-generated animation courtesy of Animation Picture Company, and is voiced by veteran artist Frank Welker, a member of the original Scooby-Doo, Where Are You! voice cast.


Scooby-Doo! Curse of the Lake Monster also boasts some top line guest stars from throughout the history of entertainment, including Ted McGinley (Married With Children), Richard Moll (Night Court), Nichelle Nichols (Star Trek), and Marion Ross (Happy Days).


In its Cartoon Network premiere on October 16, 2010, Scooby-Doo! Curse of the Lake Monster resoundingly captured all kids, boys and girls demographic ratings to rank not only No. 1 within its Saturday night time period, but as the No. 1 Cartoon Network telecast of the year to date, according to Nielsen Media Research. The live-action and CG-animated film from Warner Premiere averaged more than five million viewers ages 2+ and nearly three million kids ages 2-11, beating all other competitive kids networks. The performance also ranks as the most-watched telecast among targeted viewers since 2009’s original movie, Scooby-Doo! The Mystery Begins (9/13/09).


Both the Blu-Ray™ Combo Pack and single disc DVD versions of Scooby-Doo! Curse of the Lake Monster are presented as an exclusive, never-before-seen extended cut of the film specially created for the home entertainment release by director Brian Levant.


An animated creation from the legendary Hanna-Barbera studios, Scooby-Doo is one of the longest running, most beloved franchises in cartoon history. Starting with Scooby-Doo, Where Are You! the awkward, snack-craving Great Dane and his four unique pals have been solving mysteries through 11 television series (the latest, Scooby-Doo! Mystery Incorporated, now airing on Cartoon Network), seven TV specials/telefilms, 15 made-for-video animated films (Scooby-Doo: Camp Scare, now available on DVD), and two live-action theatrical features (Scooby-Doo and Scooby-Doo 2: Monsters Unleashed).


“As the perfect follow-up to the monstrously successful Scooby-Doo! The Mystery Begins, Scooby-Doo! Curse of the Lake Monster is an entertaining, comically-spooky romp with all the classic moments fans have come to expect in this long-running franchise,” said Hersin Magante, WHV Marketing Director of Family and Animation. “As evidenced by a new TV series, new animated direct-to-DVD productions and this second blockbuster live-action film, Scooby-Doo is endearing family entertainment that fans continue to embrace. We’re proud to continue adding to the Scooby-Doo legacy.”

Scooby-Doo! Curse of the Lake Monster will include approximately 2 hours of entertaining bonus features, most notably:

Featurette: “Jeepers! Jinkies! Zoinks – A Tribute to the Classic Gags of Scooby-Doo” – From Scooby snacks to the unmasked villain’s iconic line, "I would've gotten away with it if it wasn't for you meddling kids and your dog!", Scooby-Doo mysteries are filled with familiar moments. Director Brian Levant ups the ante in this new film utilizing these and other signature Scooby-Doo devices to pay tribute to the very best of the franchise. This fun and nostalgic piece uses clips from classic episodes, celebrates the hallmarks of the franchise and showcases the current cast's modern spin on these beloved characters.


Featurette: “Scooby-Doo: Rock, Rap and Rollerskates” – Get your groove on with Scooby-Doo and the gang as you go behind the scenes of the many musical moments in Scooby-Doo! Curse of the Lake Monster. Decked out in over-the-top costumes on lavish sets, the Mystery Inc. gang bounces from a vaudeville soft shoe song and dance and a groovy 60's frolic in a field to a Ramones-esque punk rock group and a fly 70's funk-jam band – as well as a hilarious rap featuring the gang in their original iconic costumes from the cartoon (complete with a blonde Fred!). Toss in a roller disco spectacular set to Discovery Zone’s “I Can Be Scared With You” and fans will delight in this exclusive, behind-the-scenes look at the making of these entertaining sequences.


Gag Reel: Ruh-roh! Behind the Scenes Hilarity – Catch all the off-camera silliness, often shot by the cast on their own Flip cameras, in this side-splitting gag reel.


Blu-Ray™ Combo Pack includes a digital copy of the feature film.Scooby-Doo! Curse of the Lake Monster will be available from WHV on March 1, 2011 in two package options which include a Blu-ray + DVD + Digital Copy combination pack for $35.99 SRP or single standard disc for $27.95 SRP.

My take: You know, I never did see any of the cartoon show "Scooby-Doo" while growing up (something about my mom not allowing TV-which actually was a great decision, but I digress...) but I've done by best to "catch up" with the series by watching the shows on DVD and on TV with my own kiddos - Scooby-Doo sure has stood the test of time as the show is just as popular with my own kiddos as it is with our generation.  These live action Scooby shows are just as fun in my book - sure, the plot is not sophisticated, the dialogue is not Shakespearean and the actors are not Academy Award winners. But it's not like your kids are looking for that - they just want to be entertained.  And I love the GCI that creates Scooby-Doo - especially after watching the original Star Trek recently with all of those cheesy effects, LOL.  Scooby-Doo! Curse of the Lake Monster is a winner at our house and a must have for any Scooby-Doo fan. 

About Warner Premiere: Warner Premiere is a Warner Bros. Entertainment production company focused on the development, production and marketing of feature-length-DVD and short-form digital content for this growing space. Warner Premiere is committed to being at the creative forefront in the evolution of quality product in the direct-to-consumer business, creating material that exemplifies the commitment to story, production and brand equity for which Warner Bros. is known.

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.

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.

Slowly but surely...

....I'm returning to my old self...I had surgery on Monday but hope to be back to normal speed in a few days.  Thanks for your patience...