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Thursday, August 29, 2013

**Alexander AND THE TERRIBLE, HORRIBLE, NO GOOD, VERY BAD DAY” BEGINS PRODUCTION**

Description: Screen shot 2012-07-12 at 3
 
DISNEY’S
“ALEXANDER AND THE TERRIBLE, HORRIBLE, NO GOOD, VERY BAD DAY” BEGINS PRODUCTION
 
Film to Shoot Entirely in Los Angeles Area; Hits Theaters October 10, 2014
 
BURBANK, Calif. (August 29, 2013) — Disney has kicked off production on “Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day,” the first live-action film adaptation of Judith Viorst’s 1972 illustrated children’s classic. The film, directed by Independent Spirit Award-winner Miguel Arteta (“The Good Girl,” “Cedar Rapids,” “Youth in Revolt”) from a screenplay by Rob Lieber, is a 21 Laps Entertainment/Jim Henson Company production. Shooting in the Los Angeles area, with locations in the cities of Pasadena and Arcadia, the San Fernando Valley and Melody Ranch in Newhall, the film hits theaters nationwide on October 10, 2014.
 
Steve Carell (“The Way, Way Back,” “Little Miss Sunshine,” the forthcoming “Foxcatcher”) and Jennifer Garner (“Dallas Buyers Club, “The Odd Life of Timothy Green,” “Juno”) star as Alexander’s upbeat parents. The veteran performers are joined in the film by a trio of young talents that includes 16-year-old Dylan Minnette (“Lost,” the upcoming “Prisoners”) as Alexander’s older brother, Anthony; 15-year-old Kerris Dorsey (TV’s “Ray Donovan,” “Moneyball”) as sister Emily; and 12-year-old Australian native Ed Oxenbould (Oz TV’s “Puberty Blues”), who makes his big-screen feature debut as the film’s title character, Alexander.
 
Emmy® winner (and Golden Globe® nominee) Megan Mullally (“Will & Grace”) also joins the cast, along with Jennifer Coolidge (“American Pie,” “Legally Blonde,” TV’s “2 Broke Girls”) and Bella Thorne (“Shake It Up!”).
 
The film is produced by Shawn Levy (“Night at the Museum,” “Date Night,” “Real Steel”), Emmy® nominee and CEO of the Jim Henson Company Lisa Henson, and 21 Laps Entertainment President Dan Levine (“The Internship,” “Along Came Polly,” “Freedom Writers”). It’s executive produced by industry veteran Philip Steuer (“Saving Mr. Banks,” “Oz The Great and Powerful,” “The Chronicles of Narnia” trilogy) and Jason Lust (“Whip It,” “The Waiting Game”). 
 
Disney’s “Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day” follows the exploits of 11-year-old Alexander as he experiences the most terrible and horrible day  of his young life—a day that begins with gum stuck in his hair, followed by one calamity after another. But when Alexander tells his upbeat family about the misadventures of his disastrous day, he finds little sympathy and begins to wonder if bad things only happen to him. He soon learns that he’s not alone when his brother, sister, mom and dad all find themselves living through their own terrible, horrible, no good, very bad day. Anyone who says there is no such thing as a bad day just hasn't had one.
 
Director Arteta’s key filmmaking team includes cinematographer Terry Stacey (“50/50,” “Salmon Fishing in the Yemen”), two-time Oscar®-nominated production designer Michael Corenblith (“The Blind Side,” “Saving Mr. Banks,” HBO’s “Game Change”), and two artists with whom he has previously collaborated: Oscar-nominated film editor Pam Martin (“The Fighter,” “Little Miss Sunshine,” “Youth in Revolt”) and veteran costume designer Nancy Steiner (“Little Miss Sunshine,” “Lost in Translation,” “The Good Girl,” “Youth in Revolt”).
 
“Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day,” published in 1972, was written by Judith Viorst and illustrated by Ray Cruz. The endearing, enduring classic (with more than 2 million copies in print) became an ALA Notable Children’s Book while also winning a George G. Stone Center Recognition of Merit, a Georgia Children’s Book Award, and distinction as a Reading Rainbow book. Viorst followed this book (inspired by her own three sons’ childhoods—Alexander, Anthony and Nicholas) with two sequels: “Alexander, Who Used to be Rich Last Sunday” (1978) and “Alexander, Who's Not (Do You Hear Me? I Mean It!) Going to Move” (1995). The 1972 original was first adapted to the small screen as a half-hour HBO animated musical in 1990 before Viorst collaborated with composers Charles Strouse (music) and Shelley Markham (musical score) for a 1998 stage musical at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C.
 
 
 

Wednesday, August 28, 2013

**Happy Halloween GIVEAWAY EVENT**free or paid opps



It’s Halloween Event

Organized by: Mom Powered Media


Grand Prize: $500 K-Mart Gift Card
Event dates: 10/14 - 10/28
Open to US
Referral prize: $50 Amazon E-Code or Paypal Cash

Bloggers: Sign Up HERE

**Win a Signed Copy of the Book "Open"**

The Life and Times of a Stay at Home MOM :) has teamed up with Asha Butterflys
to host a 
Open!
Signed Book GIVEAWAY

**Standing Up DVD-Signed**Giveaway

The Life and Times of a Stay at Home MOM :) has teamed up with Asha Butterflys
to host a 
Open!

Standing Up GIVEAWAY



Get ready to stand up for what’s right!

Did you know that more than 160,000 U.S. students stay home from school each day from fear of being bullied?                                                

Based on one of the most beloved Young Adult novels of all time and directed by the acclaimed D.J. Caruso, Standing Up follows two kids who get bullied by a vicious summer camp prank. Left together on an island, their adventure begins once they decide not to be victims and instead they Stand Up! 

Standing Up is an adorable and heart-warming gem of a movie with an important anti-bullying message that’s suitable for the whole family! Get the DVD August 20!



Standing Up SIGNED DVD by director D.J. Caruso


I took the quiz and scored 93% now its your turn...Take the quiz and tell me how you did:)





This giveaway is for a signed dvd of Standing Up
The giveaway runs from August 29 - September 3 at Midnight
Enter with the Rafflecopter Below
**********************
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If you would like to host a giveaway event with Asha Butterflys please contact her at asha.marie (at) hotmail (dot) com

 Disclosure: The Life and Times of a Stay at Home MOM :)~ & Asha Butterflys  is not responsible for sponsor prize shipment. This promotion is in no way sponsored, endorsed, administered by, or associated with Facebook, Pinterest, Instagram, Twitter, or Blog lovin. We hereby release Facebook, Pinterest, Instagram, Twitter, or Blog lovin of any liability. Winner(s) will be contacted by email and will have 24 hours after the giveaway ends to respond before another winner is selected. All entries will be verified.

Monday, August 26, 2013

**Freaky Forecast/Costumes for Less-8winners**

www.makeourownnetwork.com
Prize:
8 Winners
ARV $25 each
Hosted by:
A Lucky Ladybug
and 
M.O.O.N.
As a mom to many I know how important costumes are and most importantly the cost to clothe each child. That's why I like the Costumes4less!!
"Costumes4Less.com® is a leading online retailer of Halloween Costumes & Accessories, Drama and Theme Party Costumes, Lingerie & Sexy Wear, Shoes and Party & Wedding Supplies. Our mission is to offer you the most pleasant online shopping experience by providing the widest selection of products, at best possible prices via our easy-to-use, full featured and secure web site."
ALSO
"We are serious about maintaining low prices without compromising on quality of products. That is why we offer this unique bonus program. If you find any of our products selling anywhere at a lower price, we'll more than match any competitor's price! We'll pay you 110% of the difference!!"

**If you are a company and would like to see your brand advertised in a M.O.O.N. event similar to this please contact MakeOurOwnNetwork@gmail.com
This giveaway is open to the Continental US only (because of shipping costs) and will end on September 10th, 2013
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"Make Our Own Network" solely organized this event and I received no compensation for this publication. My opinions are 100% my own and may differ from your own or even those stated in this post. The Life and Times of a Stay at Home MOM :)  is not responsible for sponsor prize shipment.

Sunday, August 25, 2013

**CarSeat Canopy Review and Giveaway**


A little about the company:
Carseat Canopy™ products are made for "year-round" use - fabrics not too heavy for summer and not too thin for winter. Each one of our canopies has bold, fresh, cutting-edge prints on 100% cotton outers with soft, snuggly, lovable 100% polyester minky interiors. We've got your baby covered!

“Keep little ones comfy and cool with a FREE Carseat Canopy, just pay shipping & processing!  These canopies are machine washable and adjust to fit to any carseat. Visit www.carseatcanopy.com  and use code CALICHRISTY for a FREE Carseat Canopy or $50 off a Whole Caboodle at checkout.  Remember, choosing optional custom embroidery adds an additional $6.95 to the price.”

     The nice people at Carseat Canopy gave me the opportunity to review one of their 5piece Whole Caboodle in the style of Hawkslee(my choice because I love the moss green). It is an amazingly soft minky set that includes the whole set to replace your carseat from cover to canopy.
     Whenever I see anything that becomes a replacement involving car seat covers I get a little overwhelmed but I have to admit the car seat I own came with great instructions as well as easy to maneuver straps. It becomes challenging but after seeing the quality of the product it meant the world in comfort.
     The first thing we did was remove the previous cover and wash the straps(cant have a new cover and dirty straps) some carseat carriers are easier than others so take your time and don't stress it easier if you don't get to upset about it. I removed the new cover from the packaging and it was so soft I could have rubbed it all day :) I just adore MINKY.
Trust me I have NO patience and if I can do it then anyone can, I have to admit I did an awesome job. As this picture shows this is with the umbrella and cover changed. I really like the pattern as it is navy, green, grey and white colored and the pattern is kind of hard to explain outside of semi similar to a camo style. I think its pretty cool patterned.
     The next thing we put in was the headrest(oops pic missing) like a typical headrest for a newborn softly padded and all minky in moss green has Velcro to attach and the Velcro is plenty and holds it in place tight. Of course as the child gets a little bigger you remove it anyways and its easy to remove as it is to install.
     The umbrella replaces the one originally attached to the carrier it slips off easy and the instructions are included with all Car Seat canopy packaging. You unsnap the one or two pieces holding umbrella into position and you slide the minky one on in its place. Mine carrier had to braces so when I slide cover down to attach I tucked the extra brace inside the minky.

    The whole Caboodle comes with a nice minky blanket, patterned on one side, minky on the other and there is no real way to lay it except for however you are feeling that day. Both sides are soft though the minky is softer.
I would assume the minky would keep the baby warmer in cooler weather but maybe that is just my opinion.
     And finally the canopy cover, so super easy to install but looking at it looks kind of difficult. When I took it out of packaging I unfolded it and one side had Velcro straps and buttons so you know which side to use. I raised the carrier handle to its upright position and attached the Velcro straps from the underneath it has a big bold button on top where it should be resting on the handle. The straps are lengthily enough that it has a nice snug fit without the chance of slipping and the handle being exposed keeps you from losing grip of carrier.
I have to say this is one of most useful items I have owned that is made to cover for a car seat carrier. It does not fall off to the ground because its well attached, it is completely washable(of course I recommend gentle, cold and air dry), the canopy covers the entire area of carseat to prevent wind or dust blowing in babies face. My days of cutting a slit in a blanket to cover baby are over with this canopy you don't need to.
Website share: This model : The Hawkslee “urban camo” print in moss green, navy, grey & white is totally sick! Perfect choice for that little punk or skater! Moss green minky dots interior! Made for year-round use - the fabric is not too heavy for summer and not too thin for winter. We’ve got your baby covered!
Who doesn't want The Whole Caboodle?! The Whole Caboodle is a complete matching set of all five Carseat Canopy™ products! Each Whole Caboodle fits most makes and models of infant car seats*
  • Minky Slip Cover
  • Minky Head Support Pillow
  • Baby Lap Blanket with Minky Underside
  • Replacement Umbrella with Minky Lining
  • Car Seat Canopy with Minky Interior and 100% Cotton Outer
*Minor alterations may be needed on some makes and models.

      **I received this product to review all the opinions and tips stated are my own and may differ between individuals. I will receive no other compensation from the company besides the item I received to review.**
“Keep little ones comfy and cool with a FREE Carseat Canopy, just pay shipping & processing!  These canopies are machine washable and adjust to fit to any carseat. Visit www.carseatcanopy.com  and use code CALICHRISTY for a FREE Carseat Canopy or $50 off a Whole Caboodle at checkout.  Remember, choosing optional custom embroidery adds an additional $6.95 to the price.”

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**Share The Planet GIVEAWAY!!**

Make Our Own Network
Prize:
16" Earth Ball
+
Winner School of Choice will receive a
1 Meter Earth Ball
ARV $143 Total
Hosted by:
Sign-ups close 9/3
**The blogger with the most referrals will receive the additional links at no cost
Click HERE to sign up and for more html info.

M.O.O.N. has now added several perks/discounts for frequent participation in our events but you must be a member of our Facebook group to be eligible.  Please visit the M.O.O.N. group if you are a blogger and would like more information regarding these perks and other group events.
**If you are a company and would like to see your brand advertised in a M.O.O.N. event similar to this please contact MakeOurOwnNetwork@gmail.com

**Elli and Nooli PadiBlanket Review and GIVEAWAY!!**


I had the opportunity to review a product from elli&nooli called the PadiBlanket in Orange.

 They come in 5 different colors and one is 50% organic the other (like mine) is 100% organic cotton. The Padi Blanket is adjustable and made to fit into a carrier or stroller as a stroller pad and blanket with no zippers or unneeded straps. The blanket unfolds to create a wing on each side

 and the end folds out to make it easy to place a baby in, fold in wings and then fold over bottom. You can adjust the amount of warmth the blanket creates by using one or the no wings or you can use the wings but not use the foot cover.

     What makes this blanket different from the others is that it stays attached in the stroller or carseat by use of straps. That prevents it from falling while strolling or a gust of wind doesn't blow it off the carseat while waiting in line. We all know the feeling of a fallen blanket and the thought of getting germs or dirt on the baby. Not only is it less able to fall but its easier to keep the baby warm or cool with the fold of a flap.
     Are you looking for the next Baby Shower gift for that friend? This Elli & Nooli PadiBlanket may be just what you need and it would make you the hit of the party!! Why?? Because they are available online and in Boutiques not yet in retail stores:) Where can you buy them?? Amazon or select Boutiques. I have a review posted at Amazon for this very innovative product.
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**Disclosure..I received this product for review purposes from the "said" company. My opinions are my own and others opinions may differ. The receipt of product does not change my opinion of the company or product. I am not offered any other compensation from the company**

Thursday, August 22, 2013

LEGO KidsFest is COMING!!!!!!!!!!

**I earned a trip for my family to LEGO KidsFest this year and will be covering it and posting all the fun on my blog!! Stay Tuned!!
LEGO KidsFest Bay Area


Fun Fact:
Hello Friends!

The LEGO® KidsFest is next week! Both Saturday sessions have LIMITED AVAILABILITY with only 300 tickets left for reach session. Tickets remain for all sessions, but they are going fast! We hope you can help us pass the word along!

Fun LEGO facts:
1)      Approximately 7 LEGO sets are sold each second
2)      Children around the world spend 5 billion hours a year playing with LEGO bricks

Wednesday, August 21, 2013

**LoveJoy Leather Creations**GIVEAWAY!!

**I had the opportunity via Bloggerdise to review a company and its product. Receiving the product made no impact on my review and my blog will not be compensated outside of the product for this review.**

     The LoveJoy products are all unique and handcrafted, leathergoods, wallets,purses, belts and clutches are just to name a few available items. For my review my contact was very helpful and easy to work with, she had many ideas in mind but I wanted to be as easy as possible especially when I am reviewing for a small business. I love a company that says "give me some ideas of what you like" and my answer will always be "show my readers what you are capable of."
Custom Design Hand tooled men's leather walletThis is an example of a mens wallet that she had made for her Father.

     I received 2 pouches from LoveJoy Leather both were very well made, the leather was soft but firm, smooth to the touch and the pictures were "Amazing!!" The detail was very well portrayed in the pictures from the colors of the butterfly to the exclusive detail of the tribal fox with the pawprint on the front. Both have a snap closure and the inside has enough space to store whatever you need to carry.
My two stunning pouches
Just look at the detail!! The graphics are perfect and makes this a great gift idea for that hard to shop for person.
     LoveJoy can be found on Facebook, Etsy and Twitter. Got an idea that you need to turn into a special memory or keepsake call on LoveJoy.
    Im going to host a giveaway!! One LUCKY winner will receive either the Butterfly or the Tribal fox both amazing both exceptional..but I want to share the <3 nbsp="" p="">

a Rafflecopter giveaway
    (per etsy We make handmade, handtooled and/or pyrography engraved leather wallets, belts, purses, clutches, keepsake and wedding albums, and more. We do wildlife, dogs and pets including horses, cattle and just about any creature you can think of. We do Celtic designs as well as antique and vintage vehicles, Sailor Jerry, Western Sheridan style designs and more. I am an artist so I can put a custom design on a wallet, purse, clutch or belt for you. Please understand that these leather creations are not made by a machine and a custom order takes some time to make.
I also do Children's book illustration and children's portraits and pet portraits.
We do ship internationally!



Mistress of My Fate (The Confessions of Henrietta Lightfoot #1)

15018709
     I received this book for being a part of Blogger Connection Book club this is the first book in a Trilogy. This book was written as a first person narrative and I myself really enjoyed following along with the character as if she was telling me her story.
    Henrietta lives a decent life, not good or great, with relatives and her whole life is turned upside down at the death of her half sister and "love" of her half sister's husband. She travels all about in search of him and runs into many unfortunate events. After the birth of her child, it seems like her life continues to spiral, still in search of the "love" and the mystery of the unknown. She falls into the life she never imagined in search of answers.
    I, honestly, didn't know if this was going to be a book I would enjoy not for any particular reason other than I just judged before i read it. After beginning the book it became a definite page turner and I could not put it down. I had to find out what was next in Henrietta's misfortunes.
    I can not wait for the second book to come out as the first one was so interesting.

Mistress of My Fate (The Confessions of Henrietta Lightfoot, #1)Mistress of My Fate by Hallie Rubenhold >Goodreads<
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I received this book for being a part of Blogger Connection Book club this is the first book in a Trilogy. This book was written as a first person narrative and I myself really enjoyed following along with the character as if she was telling me her story.
Henrietta lives a decent life, not good or great, with relatives and her whole life is turned upside down at the death of her half sister and "love" of her half sister's husband. She travels all about in search of him and runs into many unfortunate events. After the birth of her child, it seems like her life continues to spiral, still in search of the "love" and the mystery of the unknown. She falls into the life she never imagined in search of answers.
I, honestly, didn't know if this was going to be a book I would enjoy not for any particular reason other than I just judged before i read it. After beginning the book it became a definite page turner and I could not put it down. I had to find out what was next in Henrietta's misfortunes.
I can not wait for the second book to come out as the first one was so interesting.

View all my reviews

**KidSwitch**

In 1995 Greg O'Sullivan created Kidswitch. Kidswitch allows toddlers to operate light switches that are out of reach but not out of their realm of ability. By allowing toddlers to reach their light switches it provides valuable independence for both the toddler and for the parents who have to perform this repetitive task. By allowing a toddler to operate a switch, they can thereby be taught to turn a light off, which leads them down a path of living with "green" energy saving habits, instilled and engraved early on.
KidSwitch is the Glow-in-the-Dark Light Switch Extender for Kids!

KidSwitch Features & Benefits

    • Helps Toddlers SAFELY reach and operate lights!


    • Teaches ENERGY SAVING Habits at an early age!


    • SAVES MONEY! Stop leaving the lights ON all day!


    • Aids in POTTY TRAINING! No more scary trips to a dark bathroom!


    • Builds SELF-CONFIDENCE!
     I received one of these handy little KidSwitch to review in my home and who better to use it for but my daughter. She loves to play in her room but routinely leaves the light on because its too much effort to reach that light switch and i have put a stop to hauling the chairs down the hall to reach things. 
     This is super easy to install with the directions on the back of package but just looking at it just makes sense. We installed hers over the top of her Tinkerbell switchplate(because it goes with her theme) I would recommend using a plate a tad more flush as it took some extra TLC to get it attached with all the raises and grooves. 
top and bottom openings are for the screws middle is for switch.
had to use a little bit longer screws for the attachment as my plate was a little too thick.
has a convenient, easy to grip handle that glows in the dark that looks like a moon. The handle is fitted for little hands and made of a strong plastic.
My princess modeling the ease of the KidSwitch she liked that it was easy to hold and glows in the dark.
This product can be found at many online retailers including  KidSwitch website. If interested use coupon code kidswitch10 for 10% off your order.
**I received the product for review and my opinion of the products I feature are my own. I was not compensated outside of the product.**

Tuesday, August 20, 2013

Tiny Prints Prize Pack

The Life and Times of a Stay at Home MOM :) &  Asha Butterflys 
is hosting a Tiny Prints Prize Pack 
Giveaway

Monday, August 19, 2013

The Mortal Instrument Prize Pack

The Life and Times of a Stay at Home MOM :) &  Asha Butterflys 
is hosting a Mortal Instrument Prize Pack 
Giveaway

**Smart Ones**#sponsored GIVEAWAY TBA

This post was created in partnership with Smart Ones®. All opinions are my own.

I love the idea of a smart and healthy breakfast to begin my busy day and I've always been a super fan of apples and cinnamon.These are the best steel cut topped with apples and granola.


I haven't tried this one yet but it looks equally as good with steel oats and peaches with other natural flavors. I love anything that has real fruit:)



Maple and brown sugar also has real fruit contains raisins, cranberries and granola and only 5 points plus at 190 calories perfect breakfast meal.


Go >HERE< to get your $2 coupon and enter the sweepstakes.

Sunday, August 18, 2013

**TerraCycle**Recycled Products









Image of waste streams->Image of shipping box->Image of upcycled and recycled products

     TerraCycle turns your recyclable products into new products that can be used again but in a more unique but functional way. I've seen a company before do something comparable but I never owned one of my own.

      As a mom I can say I have put tons of drink pouches into landfills only because I had no idea that there were other uses for them. After looking at the Terracycle site I realized how wrong I had been all my parenting years, yes I know of recycling, just didnt know those pouches had any use after they were empty.
If you look at the above pictures it goes for lots of our everyday go-tos in a house of kids to include drink pouches and snacks as well as even chip bags.
Product image for Honest KidsĀ® Laptop Caselook at what something simple can accomplish(pouches=protected case)Product image for Capri SunĀ® Drink Pouch Backpack
     The amazing point of this company they turn our everyday snack wrappers into bags, pouches, office supplies and many other products.
this is the tote style bag and it is made out of billboard materials. It construction is considerably thicker as the bag is more porous and is weathered from the outdoors.


 It as well is well made no known issues with tote and really is very strong compared to most shopping totes. I would recommend not machine wash more of a cloth wipe. One side is one style of billboard material while the other is different the inside is lined.


I received this lunch pouch, it has a lil belt to hold it together when not in use, a zipper to contain your valuables, it is fully lined and feels machine washable. Its well made and structured to resemble a lunch tote. It unfolds and is very roomy would slip well into a backpack. It has a velcro closure.
Join the recycle movement it benefits many:) You benefit as well as someone in need!!
 TerraCycle points can be redeemed for a variety of charitable gifts, or for a payment of $0.01 per point to the non-profit organization or school of your choice.

     TerraCycle® upcycles and recycles traditionally non-recyclable waste (including drink pouches, chip bags, tooth brushes and many more) into a large variety of consumer products. These products keep waste out of our landfills and contribute to a cleaner world. TerraCycle products are available at a wide range of major retailers from Wal*Mart to Target as well as online.