Tuesday, June 30, 2015

My Little Pony - Friendship is Magic: Cutie Mark Quests

MY LITTLE PONY – FRIENDSHIP IS MAGIC:
CUTIE MARK QUESTS
COMING TO DVD JUNE 30, 2015



Los Angeles, CA – Join the Mane 6 and friends for a quest of epic proportions! My Little Pony – Friendship Is Magic: Cutie Mark Quests is coming to DVD on June 30 in the U.S. and Canada from Shout! Kids in collaboration with Hasbro Studios.

In Equestria, being true to yourself is the key to earning your cutie mark. Join Twilight Sparkle, Apple Jack, Pinkie Pie, Rarity, Fluttershy and Rainbow Dash—as well as everyone’s favorite Cutie Mark Crusaders, Scootaloo, Sweetie Belle, and Apple Bloom—as they journey to find their own Cutie Marks, take on the spirit of chaos and disharmony and visit a village where… everypony has given up their Cutie Marks?! It’s all here in Cutie Mark Quests!


My Little Pony – Friendship Is Magic: Cutie Mark Quests carries a suggested list price of $14.98 and is now available for pre-order at amazon.com, amazon.ca, and shoutkids.com.

Episodes Include:
The Show Stoppers
The Return Of Harmony, Part 1
The Return Of Harmony, Part 2
Cutie Markless, Part 1
Cutie Markless, Part 2

Bonus Feature:
Sing-Along

My Thoughts:
Another fabulous DVD to keep the fun going with these cute little ponies. My daughter is a huge My Little Pony fan. She adores the ponies and finds each one so unique in personality and interests. She loves each one fore different reasons, from Rainbow Dash because she loves rainbows, to Fluttershy because she adores animals, to Rarity because they have fashion in common. Each one is special to her in their own way.


This DVD is really fun. I love that some of the episodes are two parters. They are almost like little movies in themselves because the fun keeps on going. My daughter has been watching the DVD over and over again. I love that I can pop the DVD in for an episode or two and keep her TV time to a minimum. I also love that my daughter can watch her ponies whenever she wants... even when they aren't on TV!

Tuesday, June 23, 2015

Curious George 3: Back to the Jungle

On DVD Today!
June 23, 2015



Launch into the adventure of a lifetime with everyone's favorite monkey in this all-new movie, Curious George 3: Back to the Jungle! When Curious George is asked to take part in a very important space mission, a little monkeying around forces him to crash-land in Africa. While a worried Man with the Yellow Hat searches for him, Curious George bravely explores the jungle and makes new animal friends along the way. Reunited at last, the two best pals have an unforgettable adventure shared with their new friends! Featuring the voice talents of John Goodman & Angela Bassett, with music by the Plain White T's, join Curious George on his fun-filled journey that the whole family will enjoy!



My Thoughts:
Let's face it, George is a popular monkey! My kids just adore him and all of the crazy, silly situations he finds himself in. From his super fun TV show to his first two movies.... we watch George a lot. So catching the third movie as a family movie night was a no brainer!



This film is not short on fun. George is off on a wild adventure, as usual.  Though this time he is on his own... without the Man with the Yellow Hat. And I have to admit, their parting was quite emotional for me! But luckily the laughs were right around the corner when George's typical behavior lands him in a whole new world.... just not the one he's supposed to be in.

It's nice to see George in a different environment, Africa. He gets to make new friends and go on new adventures! It was a very fun family movie night. And my little monkeys have watched it over and over again already!

You can't go wrong with Curious George! And the BONUS Sing-Alongs are great!!

Tuesday, June 16, 2015

Step into Summer with Ready-to-Read!

Books are a huge part of my kids lives. They love to sit down and look at pictures or try to retell a story. This has been an especially exciting year for my daughter as she finishes up Kindergarten and is really reading on her own! It's amazing how quickly it comes to them and how much they want to dive into books.

I am excited to spend this summer feeding her love of reading with all kinds of fabulous books! I have a few suggestions for your readers that will give them confidence, help them succeed, and keep them entertained.

Time For School Charlie Brown



It’s a brand-new school year for Charlie Brown and the rest of the Peanuts gang in this Level 2 Ready-to-Read!

It’s almost time for the first day of school, but Charlie Brown can’t stop worrying. Can he find the confidence to quit fretting and have a great year? After all, school is tons of fun…right? Good grief, Charlie Brown!

© 2015 Peanuts Worldwide LLC


Brownie and Pearl Grab a Bite



Enjoy a tasty meal with Brownie and her cat Pearl in this delightful Pre-Level 1 Ready-to-Read story!

It’s lunchtime, and Brownie and Pearl are ready to grab a bite! The kitchen is filled with tasty treats like apples and crackers and—mmmmm—string cheese. So pull up a chair and join these hungry pals for a happy, healthy noontime feast!

This charming and delectable story, originally published as a picture book, is now a Pre-Level 1 Ready-to-Read that’s perfect for reading aloud with emerging readers.


Eric Carle - Walter the Baker



Walter the Baker has a pretzel twist of a problem in this Ready-to-Read edition of a favorite from the creator of The Very Hungry Caterpillar.

Walter the Baker is famous for his breads, rolls, cookies, tarts, and pies. The Duke and Duchess especially love his warm sweet rolls, delivered fresh to their castle every morning. But one day the cat spills the milk, and Walter is forced to serve the Duke and Duchess rolls made with water. After one bite the Duke throws down his roll in disgust and summons Walter to the castle. He threatens to banish the baker unless he can take the same dough and make a good-tasting roll that the rising sun can shine through three times. Will Walter succeed in his task, or will he have to leave his town forever?

With good humor and the vibrantly colored paper collages that are known and loved the world over, Eric Carle has concocted a delicious book that kids will savor as much as they love eating...shhh...pretzels!


History of Fun Stuff - The Deep Dish Pizza



Chow down on a slice of history in this fact-tastic nonfiction Level 3 Ready-to-Read all about pizza, part of a series about the history of fun stuff!

Did you know that two thousand years ago, the soldiers of Darius the Great used their shields to cook a pizza-like flatbread? Or that Americans eat approximately 350 slices of pizza per second? That adds up to more than seventy-five football fields of pizza each day! Learn all about the mouthwatering history of pizza in this fun, fact-filled book.

A special section at the back of the book includes relevant info on subjects like geography and science, and there’s even a fun quiz so you can test yourself to see what you’ve learned!


Daniel Tiger Goes Out For Dinner



Daniel Tiger learns all about patience in this sweet Pre-level 1 Ready-to-Read based on a popular episode of Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood!

Daniel Tiger and his family are going out to eat with Katerina and her mom! Daniel is excited, until he finds out he has to wait at the table for his food to be cooked. Luckily, Daniel’s mom shows him that when he waits, he can play, sing, or imagine anything!

This book includes a checklist of tips at the back, so readers can be on their best behavior the next time they go out to dinner!

© 2015 The Fred Rogers Company


Hero Dog - Sadie: The Dog Who Finds the Evidence



Meet Sadie, a real dog who works with the Colorado Bureau of Investigation, in this inspiring, Level 2 Ready-to-Read based on one of the winners of the annual American Humane Association’s Hero Dog Awards™!

Meet Sadie. Sadie has an important job as an Arson Dog with the Colorado Bureau of Investigation. Because her sense of smell is 100 times stronger than a human’s, she helps firefighters and police officers find the causes of fires. That makes her a hero to many people. When she’s not busy sniffing out the bad guys, Sadie visits schools to teach kids about fire safety! Read her action-packed story to find out more about what this amazing canine does and what makes Sadie a hero!

Emerging readers will love discovering the inspiring, action-packed story of a different heroic dog in each book of the Hero Dog series.

©2014 American Humane Association. The American Humane Association Hero Dog Awards™ is a trademark of the American Humane Association.

My Thoughts:
I LOVE the Ready-to-Read books. They offer such variety in terms of books starring your favorite characters, little series that you can collect, books focused on special interests, and books that take educational information and turn it into a fun story. There are so many ways to pick the perfect books to make reading fun and engaging for any child.

The levels are such a huge help when picking books out with your child. Each level is totally geared towards different points on your child's journey through learning to read. I love to have a variety of levels on hand. My daughter can now independently read level 1 books, while level 2 we read together. Level 3 books I read to her so she starts to get familiar with the stories, vocabulary, and following a more complex plot. These books really help to get a variety of exposure to themes, vocabulary, and plots... and keep them loving reading!

My daughter and I have been having a blast reading each and every one of these titles. I can't recommend them enough and I highly recommend you check them out for your summer of reading!

Littlest Pet Shop: Paws for Applause on DVD Today!

These Pets Are A Real Trip!



Littlest Pet Shop: Paws for Applause
Bring Home the Adventures on DVD June 16, 2015


No one does fashion better than Blythe Baxter and her favorite furry friends at the Littlest Pet Shop. On June 16, 2015, join the fun as Blythe and her pet pals show your little ones how to shine with Littlest Pet Shop: Paws for Applause from Shout! Factory, in collaboration with Hasbro Studios.

Blythe and her best friends from Mrs. Twombly’s Littlest Pet Shop are back for more off-the-wall pet adventures! Join Zoe the spaniel, Pepper the skunk, Sunil the mongoose, Russell the hedgehog, Penny the panda and Minka the monkey as they plan a visit to Blythe’s fashion camp, prevent the sabotage of an important photo shoot and catch a design thief! All of this and more give us a reason to Paws for Applause!

Episodes Include:

Missing Blythe
Super Sunil
Blythe’s Big Idea
Some Assistance Required
Back Window

Bonus Features:
Sing-Along

My Thoughts:
Living with a 6 year old girl, I am very familiar with The Littlest Pet Shop! My daughter adores these sweet little pets, especially Zoe and Pepper. We go on silly adventures with them several times a week when we catch them on the Hub Network.

My daughter loves having these fun episodes on DVD so she can pop them in when she wants to. This DVD is filled with fun. My daughter is a super fashionista, so Paws for Applause is one of her top shows to watch. It's filled with fun and excitement with all of her favorite characters.

Friday, June 12, 2015

Cinderella

We took my five year old daughter to see this magical movie in the theater. Watching her experience this film was truly the best part. She cried and curled up closer to me when Cinderella's father doesn't come home. She laughed so hard when the Fairy Godmother made the pumpkin too big for the green house! And her eyes sparkled as Cinderella entered the ball in the gorgeous gown. 

Cinderella has been my favorite story since I was a little girl. Now seeing the magic all over again through the eyes of my daughter is priceless. I can't wait for this wonderful film to make it's way into my home... so we can live the magic over and over again!

“Believe in Magic” – Claudia Puig, USA Today

DISNEY’S BELOVED AND EMPOWERING FAIRYTALE TOLD 
IN A NEW BEAUTIFUL AND MAGICAL WAY



CINDERELLA

ON BLU-RAY™ COMBO PACK, DIGITAL HD AND
DISNEY MOVIES ANYWHERE on September 15, 2015

Over 12 Minutes of Additional Scenes, Including an Alternate Opening,
 Plus the “Frozen Fever” Theatrical Short!


SYNOPSIS:                        
Celebrate Disney’s “Cinderella,” a modern classic that shines with beauty, imagination…and magic! Despite being mistreated by her stepmother (Cate Blanchett) and stepsisters, a spirited Ella (Lily James) resolves to take charge of her fate. Add a royal ball, a Fairy Godmother (Helena Bonham-Carter) and a glass slipper, and suddenly – magic becomes reality!

Thursday, June 11, 2015

First Response


“I participated in a Influencer Activation on behalf of Influence Central for First Response. I received product samples as well as a promotional item to thank me for my participation.”

Ever since I was a little girl there was one thing I knew I wanted to be... a mommy. I took care of my dolls, babysat as much as I could, became a camp counselor, and eventually went on to be an elementary school teacher. Kids have always been a part of my life and I knew that I wanted some of my own.

When my husband and I got married I immediately started the conversation. I wanted babies! He was at a different place and wanted to buy a house and be a little more settled. So we agreed on a plan to buy a house and start trying for a baby. Yay!

Once the house was purchased I was ready. Every day that I didn't know if I was pregnant or not was torture. I just wanted to know! Getting pregnant is not always the easiest and can take some time. And for me, it became even more difficult to know because I didn't have a completely regular cycle. So I was shopping for pregnancy tests that would tell me right away! As quick as possible! Early detection was a priority for me.

It's been six years since I took my first pregnancy test. In the past few years I have taken many more and I am so thrilled to share with you the steps that First Response has taken to help us all out with early detection.  Can you imagine finding out that you're pregnant 6 days before your missed period?!?! For a woman who is counting the days that is huge!



First Response has also taken into consideration how we have to take the test. I can admit I have peed on my hand. It's not the most pleasant of experiences, but a very small price to pay to see that positive sign! But First Response wants the entire experience to be a good one. So they have give us a cutting-edge curved shaped design to better fit our hands with a longer handle and a 50% wider tip. Making it easier to test and feel confident that we've done it right.

The results are ready in only three minutes and are easy to read.  No more guessing! Two pink lines mean... pregnant! The test can be done at any time of day and has a 99% accuracy from the day of your expected period, and it's designed to detect all relevant forms of human hCG throughout pregnancy.

This test if life changing, literally. So accuracy and time are of the utmost importance. First Response wants to give you the answers as quickly and accurately as possible. They also make it super easy to find their products by making them available at all major drugstores and grocery stores and retail from $8.99 - $15.99.

Curious George 3: Back to the Jungle

My kids LOVE George! We can't wait for this new movie to hit the shelves on June 23rd!


EVERYONE’S FAVORITE CURIOUS MONKEY IS BACK 
EXPLORING SPACE AND THE JUNGLES OF AFRICA!

CURIOUS GEORGE 3: 
BACK TO THE JUNGLE

THE ALL-NEW FULL LENGTH MOVIE DEBUTS ON DVD AND DIGITAL HD FROM UNIVERSAL 1440 ENTERTAINMENT ON JUNE 23, 2015

SING ALONG TO YOUR FAVORITE SONGS FROM THE FILM WITH THE 
EXCLUSIVE BONUS FEATURES AVAILABLE ON THE DVD

SYNOPSIS: Launch into the adventure of a lifetime with everyone’s favorite monkey in this all-new movie, Curious George 3: Back to the Jungle! When Curious George is asked to take part in a very important space mission, a little monkeying around forces him to crash-land in Africa. While a worried Man with the Yellow Hat searches for him, Curious George bravely explores the jungle and makes new animal friends along the way. Reunited at last, the two best pals have an unforgettable adventure shared with their new friends! Featuring the voice talents of Angela Bassett & John Goodman, with music by the Plain White T’s, join Curious George on his fun-filled journey that the whole family will enjoy!

The soundtrack will be available June 23, 2015 on Back Lot Music, featuring the new original song “Welcome to Paradise” performed by Plain White T’s and score by composer Heitor Pereira (DESPICABLE ME, MINIONS).

Let Curious George join your selfie! Use the Brand-New Free Photo App: www.PhotoWithGeorge.com

BONUS FEATURES - DVD:
Sing-Alongs – Sing along to your favorite songs from the film
Ordinary Superman
Welcome to Paradise
Beautiful Wild
Together Forever

McFarland USA

Based on an Inspirational True Story



Discover Your Inner Champion

New on Disney Blu-ray® Combo Pack, Disney Movies Anywhere, 
and Digital HD June 2nd


SYNOPSIS:                    
In the tradition of Disney sports movies comes “McFarland, USA” based on a true story of underdogs triumphing over tremendous obstacles. This heartwarming drama follows novice runners who strive to build a cross-country team under Coach Jim White (Kevin Costner) in their predominantly Latino high school. Everyone has a lot to learn about each other, but when Coach realizes the boys’ exceptional running ability, things change. Beyond their talent, it’s the power of family, commitment to each other and work ethic that transform them into champions — helping them achieve their own American dream.

CAST:                      
Kevin Costner (“Dances with Wolves,” “The Untouchables”), Maria Bello (“A History of Violence,” “Prisoners”), Carlos Pratts (“Paranormal Activity: The Marked Ones,” “Out of the Fire”), Morgan Saylor (TV’s “Homeland,” “Cirque du Freak: The Vampire’s Assistant”).

My Thoughts:
I have to admit that I am not a super sports fan, but I am a fan of touching sports themed movies where people triumph over not-so-great odds. This movie is now ranking among my favorite films of it's kind.

It's not surprising that Disney hit this one out of the park. When it comes to tugging on the heart strings... no one does it quite like Disney.  The kids in this story are real. Their stories are real. Their futures were really laid out for them, and they weren't looking that bright. This teacher was real. His desire to help them and make something great for them was real. Everyone in this movie was fighting their own battle... and everyone came out stronger because of it. It is a true feel-good movie.

There were many characters in this movie that I enjoyed. I mean, Costner nailed his role. But I think my favorite was Maria Bello. So often in these sports movies you see the family suffer. You see the husband and wife argue because of the time he spends away from home coaching and working. But in this case, he had an amazing, supportive wife. She wanted what was best for these boys, too. His entire family was a part of this journey and a part of this new community they find themselves a part of. It's very touching to see how this family evolves together.

I also loved the young boys in this film. They weren't troubled youth who needed saving. They were good kids with hard working parents. But those hard working parents were counting on them to help with the hard, manual labor filled life they lived. These boys didn't need saving, they needed a way to a brighter future. A brighter future that they already held the key to, they just needed someone to believe in them and push for them to achieve it.

I would definitely recommend checking out this great movie. It's entertaining, heartwarming, and overall a really fun experience.