Heart of Haiti for Mother's Day

This Mother's Day, give a gift to mom that gives back. 

My take:  For this post, there really isn't a product to review so the Clever Girls Collective has asked us to talk about a woman who helped us (just as purchasing these products from Macy's helps other women).  So I thought I would share with you the story of my best friend Jane, who helped me more than she ever knew. 

I first met Jane when my late husband and I were attending Bible classes at our new church back around 1994/1995.  She was one of two instructors and I was quickly drawn to her quiet but steady presence.  Jane quickly became my best friend and faith mentor.  Our age difference didn't matter a wit - we were sisters of the heart, drawn together through our love of our dogs, love of our families, and above all, a love of our Lord. 

When my husband died in 1999, I wanted to die as well.  But Jane would not let me.  She became a constant companion - quietly grieving with me and encouraging me to live again.  She was the only person in my life who always remembered the day he died, and made sure to call me on that day.  She was the first person in my life I introduced my current husband to - just before he took me on our first date.  It seemed fitting that she would have a first look at the new life I was building, as I never would have built without her.  For all the years I knew her, until she died four years ago (way too young from cancer), she kept me going when I most wanted to lay down and give up.  For that, I will always be grateful.  I love you Jane. 

Jane

6/26/56 - 2/24/07

Bonus: Promocode (to use when purchasing a Mother’s Day gift from the HOH collection): CLEVERGIRLS [Discount: 15% off Heart of Haiti and Rwanda Path to Peace products (code is good 5/3 - 5/8/2011)]

ABOUT THE HEART OF HAITI PROJECT:  The Heart of Haiti Project is an initiative founded by Willa Shalit (daughter of Gene Shalit) and her company, Fairwinds Trading, a for-profit company that uses business as a strategy for economic empowerment of people, especially women, in the Majority World. The Majority World is where two billion of the world’s three billion people live, in poverty.


Through a partnership with Macy’s and their Shop For A Better World' initiative, Heart of Haiti offers artisan-crafted decorative arts and jewelry for sale. All income derived from sales of the products on the Heart of Haiti site enhances an artisan’s family’s nutrition, educates children, and brings access to healthcare and dignity.

For additional information on Fair Winds visit: http://www.fairwindstrading.com/


To view the Shop for a Better World / Heart Of Haiti collection in it's entirety (including just added items for Spring), visit: http://bit.ly/gaalFP

The devastating earthquake of January 2010 has made it virtually impossible for Haitians to make a living. Raw materials have been wiped out, there are a lack of secure and sanitary conditions and little funding to support economic relief.

Purchasing one of these handcrafted masterpieces directly benefits Haitian artisans by allowing them to support their families with dignity and purpose. Artisans receive 22 percent of the retail price for each item in the collection.

This initiative offers the first sustainable income since the earthquake, enabling artisans to repair homes, pay school fees and feed and clothe their families. With steady income comes better nutrition, improved education and access to healthcare.


Heart of Haiti also offers new opportunities for artists to collaborate with US designers, strengthening artisan associations and inspiring and energizing their communities. Men and women are working together, gaining confidence and hope for the future. Master artisans who planned to leave the country are now staying behind to train the next generation. The tradition of rich and unique Haitian art lives on... through the generosity of many like you.

I was selected for this very special “CleverHaiti” opportunity by Clever Girls Collective, which endorses Blog With Integrity. All opinions are my own.

Happy Blogoversary!

I didn't realize it until a reader told me, but today, this little

turned

Perhaps a celebration is in order? 

Or not.

I'm not sure if this blog has run it's course or not.  Pondering the future as reviews have dried up somewhat.  I'm hoping to receive new exposure at the Reviewer's Retreat in May.  We'll see.  Your opinions are welcome, as always. 

...we interrupt this blog now in progress...

Sorry for yet another delay in reviews, ladies and gentlemen...I've been without a computer for over a week at home as my laptop decided to die on me.  I picked up a new computer yesterday (good-bye savings!) so I'll be getting this show back on the road shortly!  Thanks everyone for your patience!

Dinosaur Train "hatches" new ideas for Easter fun! (giveaway)

From the PR Firm:  What do many kids think about come Easter time? Eggs and sweets usually top the list! Well, the Easter holiday season is almost here! In addition to filling Easter baskets this year with chocolate Easter bunnies and yellow chicks from the store, why not get the entire family together to make homemade treats that everyone can enjoy! It’s even more fun when you can decorate them with your favorite Dinosaur Train characters! How about baking a cake in the shape of an Easter egg and decorate it with the Dinosaur Train Cake Decorating set or top yummy cupcakes with Dinosaur Train Cupcake Rings, featuring Buddy and Tiny, from DecoPac.

And, the Dinosaur Train Eggspress application, now for iPhone, iPod and iPad ($2.99), challenges your child to find and match dinosaur eggs and then reunite dinosaur families while progressing through three different time periods. Your child will discover real flora and fauna from the Triassic, Jurassic, and Cretaceous eras. Along the way, there will be learning moments as Buddy and the Conductor reveal mystery dinosaur hatchlings, fun dinosaur facts, and an adorable Dinosaur Baby Book. All aboard! Check out this review from Geek Dad: http://www.wired.com/geekdad/tag/dinosaur-train/

And in the spirit of the Easter egg hunt tradition, Dinosaur Train offers a new twist! Available this month (March), young fans can watch the characters from Dinosaur Train hatch from their eggs and grow 4x their size with Hatchers! It’s simple, easy fun…Just place the egg in water and wait for it to crack!

My take:  Here is a series of pictures on our own experience with Hatchers:

Place in a glass of water

12 hours

 

24 hours

 

36 hours

For more information:

• Dinosaur Train on PBS: http://pbskids.org/dinosaurtrain/
• The Jim Henson Company: http://www.henson.com/

The giveaway: One lucky winner will win a Dinosaur Train Cake Decorating set and Dinosaur Train Cupcake Rings from DecoPac!  The promotion is open to U.S. citizens only.

To win: Go to http://www.cakes.com/ and come back here and leave a comment telling me another cool cake theme they have available. 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, Wednesday, April 20, 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)

About Dinosaur Train: 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 at PBSKIDS.org/dinosaurtrain. 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 go to www.geocaching.com/dinosaurtrain

This review was sponsored by 360 Marketing and Communications who provided the product above for review and giveaway.  I received no other compensation.

Crunch Time: A Novel of Suspense (Goldy Schulz)

Crunch Time:  A Novel of Suspense

By: Diane Mott Davidson

List Price $26.99

Hardcover: 480 pages

Publisher: William Morrow; First Edition edition (April 5, 2011)

Language: English

Product Description: Caterer and sleuth extraordinaire Goldy Schulz returns in another tasty and suspenseful adventure from New York Times bestselling author Diane Mott Davidson


Colorado caterer Goldy Schulz cooks up big trouble as she tries to help her longtime friend and fellow chef Yolanda Garcia. When the rental house shared by Yolanda and her irrepressible aunt Ferdinanda is destroyed by arson, the pair move in with cop-turned-PI Ernest McLeod. But then Ernest is shot dead and his house is set on fire, nearly killing Goldy, Yolanda, Ferdinanda, and nine beagle puppies that Ernest had recently rescued from a puppy mill.


Concerned for her friends, Goldy invites them to stay with her while the sheriff’s department investigates. Yet even Goldy’s house isn’t safe, and after a failed break-in by an unknown intruder a cop is sent to keep an eye on things. Then a second body is found.


Swapping her chef’s hat for a sleuthing cap, the intrepid Goldy steps up the investigation. But she’s got to move fast. It’s crunch time to close in on a killer, before he can close in on her.


Filled with danger as well as laughs, wonderful food, and scrumptious recipes, Crunch Time is a delicious indulgence sure to satisfy all of Goldy’s fans.

My take:  Let me preface this review by telling you I own and have read every single Goldy Schulz mystery.  This series just may be my all time favorite series, and I have quite a few that I follow (as my overflowing book shelves can attest to...thank goodness we've moved closer to a public library).  Arch, Tom, Julian, Goldy and Marla remain as constant as the sun and I feel like they are all a part of my very own family.  And the recipes - oh, the recipes - I have used so many of them to rave reviews (I dare you NOT to try her Monster Cinnamon Rolls - swoon! - I was making those during tax season 1996!).  That said, I have to say Crunch Time is NOT my favorite of the series.  Why?  The plot was crazy (and unnecessarily) convoluted.  There were so many extra characters and so many twists and turns I felt like I had to take notes to keep track of what was going on.  Goldy seemed much more "in your face" in this book too - her investigating techniques seemed quite out of character for her (completely unrelated but equally annoying was the myriad of spelling errors that were in my proof copy of the novel - I sure hope editing caught them all before the book was published).  All in all, if you've never read a Goldy Schulz novel, I recommend you skip this one and read any one of the rest.  Hopefully Ms. Davidson's next Goldy Schulz adventure will return to her prior successful Goldy formula and "Goldilocks Catering, Where Everything is Just Right" will return with more delicious recipes and an even better story.

This review was sponsored by Amazon Vine™ who provided the book for review. I was not compensated in any way except for the complimentary book.

Amazon Vine™ is a program that enables a select group of Amazon customers to post opinions about new and pre-release items to help their fellow customers make educated purchase decisions. Customers are invited to become Amazon Vine™ Voices based on the trust they have earned in the Amazon community for writing accurate and insightful reviews. Amazon provides Amazon Vine™ members with free copies of products that have been submitted to the program by vendors. Amazon does not influence the opinions of Amazon Vine™ members, nor do they modify or edit their reviews.

The Lightkeeper's Ball (book review)

The Lightkeeper's Ball

By Colleen Coble

Paperback: 304 pages

Publisher: Thomas Nelson (April 19, 2011)

Language: English

List Price $14.99

Book Description: Olivia seems to have it all, but her heart yearns for more.  Olivia Stewart's family is one of the Four Hundred—the highest echelon of society in 1910. When her sister dies under mysterious circumstances, Olivia leaves their New York City home for Mercy Falls, California, to determine what befell Eleanor. She suspects Harrison Bennett, the man Eleanor planned to marry. But the more Olivia gets to know him, the more she doubts his guilt—and the more she is drawn to him herself. When several attempts are made on her life, Olivia turns to Harrison for help. He takes her on a ride in his aeroplane, but then crashes, and they’re forced to spend two days alone together. With her reputation hanging by a thread, Harrison offers to marry her to make the situation right. As a charity ball to rebuild the Mercy Falls lighthouse draws near, she realizes she wants more than a sham engagement—she wants Harrison in her life forever. But her enemy plans to shatter the happiness she is ready to grasp. If Olivia dares to drop her masquerade, she just might see the path to true happiness.

My take:  The Lightkeeper's Ball was presented to me as Christian fiction by the publisher.  I have to disagree with that categorization though; instead, I see this novel as more of a "historical romance" and "mystery."  I found out after I read the book that it is third in series (called Mercy Falls Novels) but honestly the book stood alone quite well (it was such an enjoyable read though that I have already placed books 1 and 2 on my Amazon.com wish list!)  This was the first time I've read any books by Colleen Coble too so I wasn't quite sure what to expect.  I have to say, even though I was expecting more Christian aspects to be written into the story (like the Amish fiction I so enjoy, including this recent Book Sneeze review), the book was still an enjoyable read.  Ms. Coble's prose created Olivia Stewart's world of 1910 so well, I felt I was actually there seeing the birth of the aeroplane industry and witnessing the passing of Hailey's Comet.  And I'm a complete sucker for romance novels - have been ever since my Grandmother Vaughn introduced me to Harlequin romances back in the day.  Will Olivia and Harrison overcome their distrust of each other?  Will they find out who killed her sister Eleanor?  Will Olivia be forced to make the marriage of convenience so many of her time were forced in to?  You'll have to read the book to find out! 

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.

Pack-it (review and giveaway)

From the company website: Introducing PackIt – the freezable personal cooler that keeps your contents colder, longer – up to 10 hours in fact! There’s no need for ice that melts or a bulky ice pack. Simply store PackIt in your freezer until you’re ready to pack it and go.

• PackIt keeps its contents cooler longer – up to 10 hours in fact – and it eliminates the need for ice or gel packs completely
• Eco friendly
• PVC/lead free, non-toxic, earth safe and reusable
• Budget friendly
• According to The Ledger, 2009, in a 30-year career, a person can save nearly $100,000 by packing a lunch
• Save money, eat healthy and look good while doing it
• Versatile: Perfect for packing baby bottles, school, work, sporting events, golf and so much more

 
Not only are PackIt products lunch and munchie friendly, they’re also eco friendly. From the simple principle of being a product you can use time and time again to the patented eco-gel that makes PackIt work, our products put the earth first:

1. PackIt lets you reuse, reuse, reuse. That means no more brown paper bags. Do you know the amount of energy that goes into creating a brown paper bag? And plastic bags… they’re even worse!
2. PackIt keeps its contents cold for up to 10 hours. That means leftovers that can go right back into the fridge. This reduces waste and saves you money. That’s a win-win.
3. Your cooler no longer needs ice cubes. Over time, this will save a tremendous amount of energy and water. It’s amazing the amount of resources we’re willing to put towards a temporary solution like ice.
4. PackIt is non-toxic and PVC/lead free. So it’s safe for your kids.

My take:  Recently, as you know, my daughter was in the hospital for the week.  And late at night when she couldn't sleep, she watched t.v.  Let me tell you, every commercial that came on, she tried to convince me to buy the product.  She quoted the commercials verbatim even!  Her 6 year old charm notwithstanding, I did think the commercial for the PackIt bag was intriguing.  A reusable bag that didn't require ice bags?  I'm all over that since I pack my kiddo's lunches every day with ice bags that have to be replaced constantly due to leaking.  Here, the ice packs are built in!  Every day, I pull out the pink polka dot bag PackIt sent me for my daughter from the freezer (where I placed it the night before, folded up quick compactly), load up her lunch, and hand it to her.  She loves the color and told me "it works great!"  The bag is quite durable and we put a Mabel's Label right on the front (in pink to match) with her name so it can't be "appropriated" by anyone else.  I love this bag so much, I used my own money ($19.99 + $6.95 s/h) to buy another one for her brother!  Try one yourself today - I bet you'll be packing your own lunch every day in no time! 

The giveaway:  One Lucky Winner will get his/her very own PackIt cooler!  (choose your color from the selection on their facebook page)


To win: Leave a comment here telling me which color you would choose if you win.  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, Wednesday, April 13, 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 the PackIt on Twitter (leave a comment with your twitter id)
• "Like" the PackIt on Facebook
• 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 Packit who provided the bag for review (a $19.99 value) and giveaway. I was not compensated in any way except for the complimentary bag.

PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN: ON STRANGER TIDES "From Disneyland to the Big Screen" Featurette

PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN: ON STRANGER TIDES sails into theatres May 20th, 2011 in Disney Digital 3D™.

PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN: ON STRANGER TIDES (In Disney Digital 3D™) WALT DISNEY PICTURES/JERRY BRUCKHEIMER FILMS

Website and Mobile site: http://Disney.com/Pirates

Like us on Facebook: http://Facebook.com/PiratesoftheCaribbean

Follow us on Twitter: http://Twitter.com/DisneyPictures

Genre: Comedy-Adventure

Rating: TBD

U.S. Release Date: May 20, 2011

Cast: Johnny Depp, Penélope Cruz, Ian McShane, Kevin R. McNally, Astrid Bergès-Frisbey, Sam Claflin and Geoffrey Rush

Director: Rob Marshall

Producer: Jerry Bruckheimer

Executive Producers: Mike Stenson, Chad Oman, John DeLuca, Barry Waldman, Ted Elliott, Terry Rossio

Screen Story and Screenplay by: Ted Elliott & Terry Rossio

Based on characters created by: Ted Elliott & Terry Rossio and Stuart Beattie and Jay Wolpert

Suggested by the novel by: Tim Powers

Produced by Jerry Bruckheimer and directed by Rob Marshall, “Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides” captures the fun, adventure and humor that ignited the hit franchise—this time in Disney Digital 3D™. Johnny Depp returns to his iconic role of Captain Jack Sparrow in an action-packed adventure. Crossing paths with the enigmatic Angelica (Penélope Cruz), he’s not sure if it’s love—or if she’s a ruthless con artist who’s using him to find the fabled Fountain of Youth. When she forces him aboard the “Queen Anne’s Revenge,” the ship of the legendary pirate Blackbeard (Ian McShane), Jack finds himself on an unexpected adventure in which he doesn’t know whom to fear more: Blackbeard or Angelica, with whom he shares a mysterious past. The international cast includes franchise vets Geoffrey Rush as the vengeful Captain Hector Barbossa and Kevin R. McNally as Captain Jack’s longtime comrade Joshamee Gibbs, plus Sam Claflin as a stalwart missionary and Astrid Bergès-Frisbey as a mysterious mermaid.

Clorox ToiletWand System (giveaway)

From Mom Central: When it comes to spring cleaning, many of us wish we could instantly make all the dirt and dust of winter disappear. A flick of the wrist with a wand and the entire house sparkles.


With the first day of spring approaching on March 21st, Clorox offers an easy way to jumpstart your spring cleaning with a least favorite chore - cleaning the toilet. A Clorox ToiletWand System makes cleaning your toilet fast and effortless - so you can move on to the next item on your spring cleaning list.


Since bacteria gets released into the air every time you flush, cleaning your toilet with a Clorox ToiletWand prevents bacteria from reaching other parts of your bathroom (disgusting to think about as you stare at your toothbrush, wondering.) Each disposable head contains powerful cleaners that kill 99.9% of germs while eliminating odor. In as little as four steps, the ToiletWand does the hard disinfecting work for you.

My take: I started "spring cleaning" yesterday with a complete garage clean out.  Why not - it was hard work but at least I didn't have to clean the toilet while I was doing it!  :-)  Look, I don't know about you, but my very least favorite cleaning chore is toilet cleaning and I cannot WAIT for my kids to be old enough to take on that chore.  Luckily, for now, when I do my weekly cleaning, I have a Clorox ToiletWand to make the whole process a bit less painful.  Seriously - even before being offered this review, I used Clorox Toilet Wands.  Why do I like these?  One word - DISPOSABLE.  No need to keep an icky, bacteria filled "toilet brush" (color coordinated or not) in my bathroom.  And these wands have great scrubbing power for those tough areas (if you have boys in the house, you know what I mean).  The handle hangs conveniently on the side of your tank (I've had the same handle for years ya'll) and you just buy refills.  Love it!  Try it yourself today...see below for an awesome coupon AND a chance to win a complete Clorox ToiletWand package!

How-to video for the Clorox ToiletWand system: http://bit.ly/hHiJXl

Bonus: Download a $3.00 coupon for a Clorox ToiletWand

Giveaway: One lucky reader will win a Clorox Bathroom Essentials ToiletWand prize pack including a ToiletWand, bathroom rug, toilet decal, and toilet paper holder (a US$ 50 value!).

To win: Leave a comment here telling me another Clorox product you can't live without.  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, April 11, 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):

• Like Clorox on Facebook (and leave a comment here with your Facebook name)

• Follow Clorox on Twitter (leave a comment here with your twitter id)

• 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

Mom Central

(which means: “I wrote this review while participating in a blog tour by Mom Central Consulting on behalf of Clorox and received a ToiletWand to facilitate my review and a gift code to thank me for taking the time to participate.”)

Happiness is a Warm Blanket, Charlie Brown (GIVEAWAY)

THE PEANUTS GANG IS BACK WITH

HAPPINESS IS A WARM BLANKET, CHARLIE BROWN

THE ALL-NEW ORIGINAL MOVIE TO BE RELEASED ON DVD MARCH 29, 2011 BY WARNER HOME VIDEO

From the studio: Join Snoopy, Charlie Brown and the rest of the Peanuts characters as they help their pal Linus break free from his attachment to his security blanket in Happiness is a Warm Blanket, Charlie Brown, the first new Peanuts special in five years. The film, produced by Warner Premiere, is set for release on DVD by Warner Home Video (WHV) March 29, 2011 and will retail for $19.98 SRP.

In this heartwarming new tale, Linus is pushed to his limits when he learns his grandmother is coming to visit and plans to rid him of his most cherished possession, his beloved security blanket. As grandma’s impending arrival looms closer, the Peanuts gang finds ways to try and help Linus lose his dependence on his fuzzy crutch.

Lucy is particularly eager to cure Linus’ emotional attachment and applies her own psychiatric techniques. Charlie Brown on the other hand does his best to help but he just does not have the heart to see Linus suffer. Snoopy constantly agitates matters because he longs to have the blanket himself. In the end, insightful Linus points out that everyone has their own type of “security blanket” and that in life, a little security is a valuable thing.

 Happiness is a Warm Blanket, Charlie Brown is comprised of original comic strip ideas created by Charles Schulz. The concept was to stay true to the characters’ emotion and original look of the strip while still producing a new story, with Schulz’s work at the heart of the program.

Craig Schulz, son of the Peanuts creator, served as one of the executive producers and writers of the film along with Stephen Pastis, who wrote the special as well. Happiness is a Warm Blanket, Charlie Brown was also executive produced by Paige Braddock and Linda M. Steiner and was directed by animator Andy Beall (Up, Ratatouille) and Frank Molieri (The Simpsons Movie, SpongeBob SquarePants Movie).

“We’re excited to see Charles Schulz’s work continue on through this new special,” said Jeff Brown, WHV Executive Vice President and GM of Non-Theatrical Franchise. He added, “Peanuts is one of our most cherished properties and we are committed to continue building this brand by offering new, original content such as Happiness is a Warm Blanket, Charlie Brown to consumers. This is the first Peanuts special produced in several years and we’re hopeful it will become a favorite with viewers of all ages.”

“Happiness is a Warm Blanket, Charlie Brown is based directly from Peanuts strips my dad drew from the 1960s, which I personally like the best,” said Craig Schulz. “Maybe it is because I can see so much of my family life embedded in those years. In this special, we tried to show how all kids have security issues, not just Linus, and not all are as secure as one would think. We bring back Shermy, Patty, and Violet, and if you are a true Peanuts fan you will notice others that formed the foundation for Charlie Brown’s neighborhood.”

My take: You know from previous posts how much I love all things Charlie Brown.  Dude, I might even have taken borrowed the Charlie Brown toys from my kid's happy meals last year.  Perhaps.  ANYwho...so you can imagine how excited I was to hear that an all new Peanuts special was being released and I was going to get to watch it!!  Not to mention, the show centered around Linus and his security blanket...with my 6 year old still hauling around tattered remnants of her security blanket, I knew she'd like the movie too.  No surprise, we have both watched this movie over and over already.  Her favorite part is when Snoopy takes the blanket from Linus - she'll laugh out loud when telling you about it.  I loved how the animation is done in such a "classic" way - no fancy updating - it looks JUST like an original Peanuts movie.  Yeah, I'm getting old.  :-)  That doesn't change how much I love the Peanuts gang.  If you do as well, this movie is a MUST HAVE for your DVD library. 

Clips available here:
http://dam.dvs.tv/view/WarnerHomeVideo/ChralieBrown_Snoopy
http://dam.dvs.tv/view/WarnerHomeVideo/ChralieBrown_Charlie
http://dam.dvs.tv/view/WarnerHomeVideo/ChralieBrown_Run
http://dam.dvs.tv/view/WarnerHomeVideo/ChralieBrown_Lucy

DVD Special Features Include:

• Happiness is…Finding the Right Voice
• 24 Frames a Second: Drawing and Animating a Peanuts Movie
• Deconstructing Schulz: From Comic Strip to Screenplay
• Happiness is a Warm Blanket, Charlie Brown – Deleted Scene

On October 2, 1950 the PEANUTS comic strip launched in seven American newspapers. Little did anyone know the impact the brand would have around the world for decades to come. Nearly 60 years later, PEANUTS animated specials have become a seasonal tradition, thousands of consumer products are available in virtually all retail channels, and the comic strip appears in over 2,200 newspapers, in 75 countries and 21 languages. Charlie Brown kicking the football, Linus and his blanket and Lucy leaning over Schroeder's piano are images to which everyone can relate. Phrases such as "Security Blanket' and "Good Grief" have become a part of the global vernacular.

The giveaway: One lucky winner will win his/her very own copy of Happiness is a Warm Blanket, Charlie Brown. (US Address only please)

To win: Leave a comment here telling me which Charlie Brown movie is your favorite.  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, April 11, 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)
• "Like" Warner Brothers Entertainment on Facebook (leave a comment here with your Facebook name)
• 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)
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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 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 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.