Sunday, May 19, 2013

Lionsgate Celebrates THE HUNGER GAMES: CATCHING FIRE at the 2013 Cannes Film Festival

Look who was spotted at the 2013 Canes Film Festival...

Photographer credit: Dave Benett

Photo ID:
DMB-HUNGER_GAMES_PHOTOCALL24 (from left to right)
Producer Jon Kilik, Lionsgate Motion Picture Group Co-Chairman Patrick Wachsberger, cast Liam Hemsworth, Jennifer Lawrence and Sam Claflin, Director Francis Lawrence, Lionsgate Motion Picture Group Co-Chairman Robert Friedman and Producer Nina Jacobson.


ABOUT THE HUNGER GAMES: CATCHING FIRE
THE HUNGER GAMES: CATCHING FIRE begins as Katniss Everdeen (played by Jennifer Lawrence) has returned home safe after winning the 74th Annual Hunger Games along with fellow tribute Peeta Mellark (played by Josh Hutcherson).  Winning means that they must turn around and leave their family and close friends, embarking on a "Victor's Tour" of the districts.  Along the way Katniss senses that a rebellion is simmering, but the Capitol is still very much in control as President Snow prepares the 75th Annual Hunger Games (The Quarter Quell) - a competition that could change Panem forever.  THE HUNGER GAMES: CATCHING FIRE is directed by Francis Lawrence, and produced by Nina Jacobson’s Color Force in tandem with producer Jon Kilik. The novel on which the film is based is the second in a trilogy written by Suzanne Collins that has sold over 50 million copies in print in the U.S. alone.

We seriously can't wait for Catching Fire to hit theaters this fall! I think I may have to re-read it before we go see it! I really liked Catching Fire. Which Hunger Games book was your favorite?

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Disney's PLANES Takes Flight! (New Spot)

http://www.wdsmediafile.com/disney/planes/images/PLA_Flying_1s_001_w5.0composed.jpg

I don't know about you guys, but we are SO excited for Disney's PLANES to hit theaters this August. Our son loves CARS, so when we got a little sneak peek at a PLANES preview last week, it was pretty awesome. My two-year-old said, 'Look, mommy- those are Mater and Lightning McQueen's planes.' The kid doesn't miss much. There's a brand new PLANES spot out, and we definitely wanted to be among the first to share it.

Check It Out!



From above the world of “Cars” comes “Disney’s Planes,” an action-packed 3D animated comedy adventure featuring Dusty (voice of Dane Cook), a plane with dreams of competing as a high-flying air racer. But Dusty’s not exactly built for racing—and he happens to be afraid of heights. So he turns to a seasoned naval aviator who helps Dusty qualify to take on the defending champ of the race circuit. Dusty’s courage is put to the ultimate test as he aims to reach heights he never dreamed possible, giving a spellbound world the inspiration to soar. 

“Disney’s Planes” takes off in theaters on Aug. 9, 2013.

Like us on Facebook: facebook.com/DisneyPlanes
Follow us on Twitter: twitter.com/DisneyPictures

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Saturday, May 18, 2013

Doc McStuffins: Time for Your Check-Up DVD (Review & Giveaway)



“DOC MCSTUFFINS: TIME FOR YOUR CHECK UP”
Now on DVD – May 7, 2013

Synopsis:                                
“Doc McStuffins: Time for Your Check Up!,” the second DVD compilation for Disney Junior’s hit animated TV series “Doc McStuffins,” will debut May 7, 2013.  A must-add to the family viewing collection, the DVD comes packaged with 5 fun-filled episodes and a FREE growth chart.

2012's #1 cable TV series in Kids 2-5, "Doc McStuffins" tells the story of a nurturing six-year-old girl who heals stuffed animals and broken toys out of her backyard playhouse clinic.  Assisting Doc at the clinic are her trusty team of lovable stuffed animals including: Stuffy, an overly proud dragon; Lambie, her  cuddly best friend lamb; Hallie, a jolly and caring  hippo nurse; and Chilly, a snowman who spends a lot of time getting check-ups at the clinic.  Whether it's a case of loose stitching, low batteries or a blow-up toy who
has sprung a leak, Doc and her pals are always there to lend a helping hand, while imparting to young viewers the importance of taking care of oneself and others.

Talent:
Kiara Muhammad (as Doc McStuffins); Loretta Devine (as Hallie); Lara Jill Miller (as Lambie); Robbie Rist (as Stuffy); Jess Harnell (as Chilly); Jaden Betts (as Donny McStuffins); Kimberly Brooks (as Mom McStuffins); and Gary Anthony Williams (as Dad McStuffins)

Creator/Executive Producer:            
Chris Nee

Episodes:                                
1 – Gulpy, Gulpy Gators! / One Note Wonder
2 – Tea Party Tantrum / Blast Off!
3 – Arcade Escapade / Starry, Starry Night
4 – Bronto Boo-Boos / Brontosaurus Breath
5 – Doctoring The Doc / Hot Pursuit

Street Date: May 7, 2013
Director Prebook: March 12, 2013
Distributor Prebook: March 26, 2013
Release Format:  DVD
Suggested Retail Price:  $19.99 U.S./$24.99 Canada
Run Time: Approx. 120 minutes
Rated: TV-Y (U.S.)
Aspect ratio: 1.78.1
Sound: 2.0 Dolby Digital
Languages & Subtitles: English, Spanish and French


Our Thoughts...

Balian is a big fan of Disney Junior shows, but he'd never really gotten into Doc McStuffins before. When we received this adorable DVD for review, he was excited for me to pop it in. As soon as the show started, he was captivated by the theme song, right off, and singing it for the rest of the day. 

We watched and giggled as Doc helped the gulpy gator's tummy to feel better, fixed Xyla's broken key, fashioned a seat belt for the little green guy in the rocket ship, and helped Susie Sunshine relax so she could take a nap. Doc is full of love for her special friends, and not only does she fix up her toys and stuffed animals, she is always quick to help others, putting their needs before her own.

As a parent, what I love most about Doc, is that she teaches her toys and friends one of life's important lessons in every episode, and she learns a few lessons, herself, as well. As fun as I try to make brushing teeth for my son, he's just not into it, most of the time. From watching Doc and her stuffed pals, he's learned that it's important to brush his teeth after meals, so he doesn't wind up with smelly salami breath. He's also much better about laying down to take a nap, after watching the episode about Susie Sunshine being cranky, because she didn't get enough sleep.

Plus, if kids ever have any fears about going to the doctor for their check-up, having them watch Doc McStuffins beforehand is a great idea. She's so gentle with her patients, and her instruments only tickle... they never hurt. Watching this with your kiddos and explaining correlations between the cartoon and a doctor's visit in real life might make it an easier-going trip!

We love Doc, her pals, and her family.
We can't wait to find out what types of ailments the Doc will cure next!



Want It? Win It!

One lucky MBP readr will in a copy of Doc McStuffins: Time for Your Check-Up DVD, featuring five full length episodes! Just use the Rafflecopter entry form below to enter for your chance to win! This giveaway is open to US resident, only- 18 and over.

Good luck!

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Bloggers Wanted: Good Grillin' Giveaway Event Sign Ups


Good Grillin’ Event
Organized by: Mom to Bed by 8
Prize: Brinkmann Dual Function II + $100 Home Depot Gift Card
Event dates: 5/27 - 6/17

Sign up here!



Friday, May 17, 2013

Pearl Paradise.com (Review and Giveaway)

 
 
 
Every year for Christmas, as I got older, my father would get us girls some sort of pearl jewelry. It would range from a simple leather and pearl necklace to a pair of studs. Whatever it was, I felt like a million bucks when I wore them. Unfortunately, when my husband and I moved into our house two years ago, my favorite pearl earrings were lost in the move. I was devastated and felt I had betrayed my father. I know it's silly, but they meant a lot to me. I have been on the lookout for a great pair of freshwater pearl earrings, and Pearl Paradise.com.com   brought them to me!

Pearl Paradise.com is the world's LARGEST online Pearl company. I know that may sound slightly intimidating, but it's not. Pearl Paradise has a huge selection of the best pearls at affordable prices. They sent me a pair of their 7.5-8.0 mm White Freshadama Freshwater Pearl Stud Earrings to review and they are absolutely stunning. The freshwater pearl earrings are round in shape and have a very high shine and luster. The pearls arrived in a black, reusable box that would be perfect if you are going to give them as a gift. There is no need to gift wrap!


Lovely Black Box The Earrings Came In

When I first put the pearls on I was surprised at how light the earring are. They are extremely comfortable, and I can wear them all day without the need to give my lobes a rest. And that is exactly what I did! I wore the pearls to work, and in the evening to dinner with my husband. As dinner progressed he asked me if I had found my lost pearls, I said no, they are from Pearl Paradise.com     aren't they gorgeous? He agreed they looked great and was happy that I had such a wonderful, new pair of pearls!

Gorgeous Freshwater Pearls From Pearl Paradise.com

Since the freshwater pearl studs are 7.5-8.0 mm in size, they are the perfect size for my face. I have a larger face and small jewelry tends to get lost on me. I need statement pieces, and these pearls definitely make a statement. Elegant and classy, pearls go with virtually any outfit you have. I love to wear mine with jeans and a simple t-shirt, but they can quickly be added to a little black dress for a little Breakfast at Tiffany's style!

Pearls Even Go Well With My Denim Top!

I went grocery shopping a few days ago and was wearing the pearl earrings. As I wandered aimlessly around the store I got several compliments on the earrings and a few even asked where I got them from. I happily told them Pearl Paradise and let them know that at $76.00 a pair, the earrings are very affordable since they originally retail for $318.00.


Close up of the Pearls

Do you know someone who is graduating soon or getting married? Pearls are the go to jewelry for such occasions. Brides, why not give your bridesmaids a pair of pearl earrings or a necklace, or both. They have Bridal sets starting at $186.00, you can't find prices like those at big box jewelry stores!  Pearl Paradise offers around 11 different types of pearls, from Akoya to Tahitian, Kamoka and Hanadama, there is something to please every pearl lover. Are you looking to design something special for that someone special, or maybe you lost a pearl, check out Pearl Paradise's collection of loose pearls, starting at just $5.00! That's unbelievable! And, since it is still May, they have fantastic Mother's Day Specials still going on. Up to 50% off of select styles

Pearl Paradise.com Freshadama Freshwater Pearl Studs

I love my pearl earrings from Pearl Paradise.I' so glad that I have such a beautiful pair of pearls that will be with me for years to come. And my husband is happy that he is off the hook from having to buy me a new pair. However; I do have a birthday coming up in a couple of months, I think I know what I'll be asking for! You, our lucky readers don't have to wait for a birthday. one lucky reader will win a pair of 7.5-8.0mm Freshadama Freshwater Pearl Earrings.


Akoya Black Pearl Bracelet
Retails for $560.00
Pearl Paradise.com's price: $113.00
 
Promise Collection Tahitian Pearl Ring with Two Diamonds
Retails for $1,900.00
Pearl Paradise.com's price:$395.00
 
 
White South Sea Baroque Pearl Pendant
Retails for $900.00
Pearl Paradise.com's price: $208.00
 
 
Thanks so much to Pearl Paradise for allowing me to review such a gorgeous pair of Pearl Earrings. Also, for sponsoring such a fantastic giveaway!
 
 
Want it? Buy it!
Have any of these beautiful pieces of pearl jewelry sparked your interest? Head over to Pearl Paradise.com and check out the fantastic savings they have to offer you. Check out their facebook page and give 'em a like while you're at it!
 


Want it? Win it!
Interested in winning this pair of Freshadama Freshwater Pearl Earrings? Use the rafflecopter entry below to get started. And remember, if it is BOLD, it is a mandatory entry!
 
 
 
Good Luck
 
 
 

Travel Smart this Summer with The Shrunks Tuckaire Toddler Travel Bed (Review & Giveaway)


Part of MBP's Summer Splash

When my dad informed me that he and my mom had rented a beach house for our family to visit and enjoy together during late May, I was thrilled. I love going on vacation with my family, and most of the time, there's no place we'd rather be than at the beach. Traveling with babies and toddlers can be sort of challenging, though. There are so many things to think about when it comes to your child's safety when traveling. Now that our toddler sleeps in a 'big boy bed,' he's used to sleeping with a guard rail, for protection. Unless my husband and I want our son sleeping in between us for an entire week of vacation, we figured we'd have to pack the guard rails to attach the bed he'll be sleeping in at the beach house. Ahem- what a pain!



Of course, I'll do whatever it takes to keep my child safe, whether or not it means lugging a bunch of extra gear on vacation with us (been there, done that!). I knew that there had to be an alternative safe sleeping solution for our son, though. I was pretty intrigued when I found The Shrunks. The Shrunks think that kids are totally cool, and they aim to make bedtime fun and safe for kiddos- wherever they may be. Founded in 2007, The Shrunks was born from the ideas of David and Perry, two dads who have been with The Shrunks from the very beginning.

We feel like super lucky ducks, because we were offered the opportunity to review one of The Shrunks' amazing Indoor Tuckaire Toddler Travel Beds, and a blanket!


'Thanks, Mr. UPS man!'



'What is this, mommy? Is it for ME?'




Our new Indoor Tuckaire Toddler Travel Bed & Bones Blanket from The Shrunks!

Our products from The Shrunks arrived safe and sound, and we couldn't wait to check them out! The Indoor Tuckaire Toddler Travel Bed came packaged in its own handy box, with built in handle, and with handy instructions for use, right on the back of the box. The great thing about this, is that you can store it in the box when it's not in use, and move it to and fro with ease! Smart move, The Shrunks!


With color photos and clear instructions printed right on the back of the box, set up of this travel bed is a cinch!

When we opened up the box, my husband was particularly excited, for some reason. I was glad to find that included with the travel bed, was a hand-held, electric air pump, as well as a carry bag, or storage bag for the deflated bed and pump. Gotta love those little bonuses that make life a little easier on moms and dads!


A closer look at what we found in our box from The Shrunks...



Contents of the box laid out on the table: Carry bag (with bed inside), and air pump.

My husband, who appreciates the practicality of just about any and everything, was extremely pleased to see that The Shrunks Indoor Tuckaire Travel Bed included two repair patches for the bed. We're not expecting that we're going to encounter any accidents when we use our new toddler travel bed, but you never know, and it's better to be safe than sorry.


Repair patch with instructions. Easy to follow and great to have, just in case!

Now for the fun part of the review... both my husband, and our two-year-old son, couldn't wait to blow up the indoor travel bed, and test it out. My husband pulled the deflated bed out from the storage bag, and laid it out flat on the floor. We sure had a lot of fun trying to explain to little B that he had to stay off of the bed until it was filled with air! The air pump was incredibly easy to use! All we had to do, was plug it into the wall, and then insert it into the little air hole in the bed, and turn it on. The pump worked so quickly, that the bed was inflated in less than sixty seconds! I couldn't believe how fast the set up was!



Here's the toddler travel bed, deflated, and laid out across the floor.



After we used the air pump to blow the bed up, it looked like this!


The Indoor Tuckaire Toddler Travel Bed by The Shrunks is sturdy and firm, yet very comfortable. It features built in, inflatable guard rails on the sides, so there's no need to worry about your toddler falling or rolling out of this bed in their sleep. Perhaps the coolest feature of this toddler travel bed, is that sheets and blankets can be tucked right into the inner mattress, and they stay in place! Standard crib sheets and blankets will work with this mattress size. We tucked the Blue Bones blanket that The Shrunks sent to us, into the inner mattress, which was so easy to do. I couldn't believe how well the blanket stayed in place.


Sheets and blankets tuck under the inner mattress, and stay put! Genius!



Balian, testing out the Tuckaire Indoor Travel Bed from The Shrunks...

Balian couldn't wait to try out the travel bed, so we let him clamber into it, get settled and he laid in it for a few minutes, very cozy-like. We knew that we couldn't leave the air bed out, but it seemed sort of mean for us to blow it up and then deflate it right away, so we left it out in Balian's room, so he could nap on it the next afternoon. He slept very soundly for a solid two hours, and I wasn't worried about leaving him sleeping on it, alone, because of the inflated built-in guard rails.




Features of The Shrunks Indoor Tuckaire Toddler Travel Bed


Signature sheet-tuck feature – fits all standard crib-sized sheets
Trademarked security rails helps prevent your child from falling off
Inflates quickly in 30 seconds
Includes a convenient carrying bag, repair kit and the compact yet powerful Jetaire Electric Pump
Phthalate-Safe, BpA-Safe and Lead-Safe
Ages 2+
Inflated size: 60 x 37 x 9 (inches), 152 x 94 x 23 (cm)
Approximate deflated size: 16 x 7 x 7 (inches), 40 x 18 x 18 (cm)
Weight: 6.6 lbs, 3 kg
Maximum weight capacity 150 lbs, 68 kg


Cozy and soft Bones Blanket by The Shrunks

The Shrunks also sent us one of their lush, yummy-soft blankets for Balian. The Bones blanket is in a creamy, dreamy blue color, which actually matches that color we just painted B's bedroom. The blanket is made with a super soft fleece, perfect for cuddling up in, and for keeping little bodies warm and cozy. These blankets come in a variety of colors, and are made to be used with the travel beds, as they tuck right into the inner mattress of the inflated beds. Of course, you can use these blankets anywhere... Balian loves curling up beside me under his Bones blanket before nap time.


If you're the traveling type, I definitely recommend that you take a look at some of the other wonderful products from The Shrunks! You'll definitely want to have these on hand as you plan your summertime travels!


Inflatable Bed Rail



Outdoor Toddler Travel Bed



Travel Pillow



Sunny Wheeled Travel Bag


We are so thrilled to have this wonderful travel bed from The Shrunks for Balian. We know that it's really going to be useful as we travel this summer. We have two weeks worth of beach vacations planned, and who knows what other types of weekend traveling we'll be doing at the spur of the moment? This mama feels great knowing that whether we're at a beach house, in a hotel, staying with family, etc., we won't have to worry about where our son will safely rest during the evenings, or for naps. Since the set up and break down is so fast and easy, it's no trouble to get the bed set up, even for just an overnight stay. My hubby loves camping and the outdoors, and I have a feeling that he'll want to one day invest in the outdoor travel bed by The Shrunks, as Balian gets older!

The Shrunks' products are really wonderful to have on hand for traveling, or they're great for grandma and grandpa to have at their house, for those special overnight visits from their favorite little guys and gals! Don't just take our word for it- The Shrunks have received several awards for their innovative products, like The National Parenting Seal of Approval, Babble Best, and more! This awesome travel bed definitely receives two thumbs up from me, and my Mommy Stamp of Approval!

about-us.jpg

Want It? Buy It!

You can find all of the above mentioned products and more over at The Shrunks! They have lots of really neat products you and your kiddos will love, so take a look around! The Shrunks products are available through their website, as well as several different retailers, so check the Where to Buy tab to find out where you can purchase their products. The Shrunks are super social, and they'd love to connect with you through their social media channels. Find The Shrunks on Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest!


Includes pump, storage/carry bag and bed. Does not include blanket.

Want It? Win It!

Thanks to the generosity of The Shrunks, one lucky MBP reader will win their very own Tuckaire Toddler Travel Bed! Wow- which of your travels will you take this wonderful bed along on? This giveaway is open to US residents, 18 and older. Just use the Rafflecopter entry form below to enter for your chance to win!

Special thanks to The Shrunks for allowing us to experience this must-have toddler travel bed, and for offering one as a giveaway for our readers!

Good luck!

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