The Young Victoria DVD Review
April 20, 2010 By 4 Comments
Arriving on Blu-ray and DVD The Young Victoria will make for a great date night with your spouse. Sony. Sony Pictures Home Entertainment sent me a copy of this DVD to review. The movie takes place in the 18th century English court. There is plenty of politics and intrigue as Victoria become queen and moved along the board like a chess piece. In the middle of becoming queen and finding herself, she also becomes apart of a great love story. My husband and I were both glued to the story of Victoria and Prince Albert from the beginning. We were both worried that Lord Melbourne was going to win over the Queen, just as her people thought it had already happened. I loved this movie and my husband and I plan on watching it together again and staying completely “unplugged”.
The Young Victoria [Blu-ray]
The movie features Paul Bettany (Iron Man, The DaVinci Code) as Victoria’s confidant and court advisor, as well as the talents of Academy Award® nominee Miranda Richardson (Best Actress in a Supporting Role, Damage, 1993; Best Actress in a Leading Role, Tom & Viv, 1995), Academy Award® winner Jim Broadbent (Best Actor in a Supporting Role, Iris, 2002), Mark Strong (Sherlock Holmes, Tristan & Isolde) and Thomas Kretschmann (Valkyrie). The film was written by Academy Award® winner, Julian Fellowes (Best Writing, Screenplay Written Directly for the Screen, Gosford Park, 2002), produced by Academy Award®-winning producer-director, Martin Scorsese (Best Achievement in Directing, The Departed, 2007) and The Duchess of York Sarah Ferguson. The Young Victoria is up for three Academy Award® nominations in Art Direction (Patrice Vermett and Maggie Gray), Costume Design (Sandy Powell) and Make-up (John Henry Gordon and Jenny Shircore). Emily Blunt also received a nomination for the 2009 Golden Globe® Awards for Best Performance by an Actress in a Motion Picture-Drama for her leading role in The Young Victoria.
Victoria is the only heir to the thrown and when the King (Jim Broadbent) dies. The King was hilarious, he’s like the relative you hate to have. He just yells whatever he wants at whomever’s expense. Between him and Prince Albert’s inexperience at dating, I was smiling and laughing throughout the movie. But when i could see the two lovebirds falling for each other my heart just melted. After they were married they both found out how difficult marriage is. My husband and I both enjoyed these scenes as well because it was like any marriage. People think that royals live differently, they don’t. They are still people and I love how The Young Victoria captured how normal their lives were. Victoria and Albert had a huge fight and after the fight there was an assignation attempt on her life. Albert threw himself in the way so she would not be hurt. My husband and I both held our breaths until we knew Albert was going to be ok. Victoria is the longest raining royal to this date.
Blu-ray™ & DVD Special Features
- Deleted & Extended Scenes
- Four Featurettes
- Making of The Young Victoria
- The Real Queen Victoria
- The Coronation
- The Wedding
- Lavish History: A look at the Costumes and Locations
BD Exclusives
- movieIQ+sync
- BD-Live
Thank you to Sony Pictures Home Entertainment for the copy of this DVD for the purpose of the review.
Buy One Kodak Movie DVD Get One Free
April 20, 2010 By 2 Comments
I am currently reviewing the Kodak EasyShare M580. It’s on loan from Kodak, I have to return it when the review is over, but it’s been quite fun reviewing it so far. My daughter can actually take photos with it. It’s quite easy to use. It even comes with a share button that makes social media a snap. Something I need, the easier it is to upload my photos the better.
*************UPDATE***********************
I am such a dork!!! I am not reviewing the EasyShare M580, I’m reviewing the M530. Yes I can read but I got the number mixed up. Here is a look at what I’m actually reviewing.
For now, I want to leave you with a special deal from Kodak. When you buy on Kodak Movie DVD, take a printed coupon to use at the Kiosk and receive another Kodak Movie DVD free.
Buy one Kodak Movie DVD Get One Free
Oilo Modern Nursery Decor, Baby Bedding and Home Furnishings Giveaway
April 19, 2010 By 670 Comments
I would love to have a nursery done in any of the Oilo patterns. The modern chic styles would be great for a boy or a girl, but I’m not having anymore children and my son is about ready for a big boy bed. I had to share this great company with you guys though.
Oilo was founded by Annalisa Thomas, a former art director and graphic designer and her mother, Dorte Anderson, a former interior designer with more than 25 years of custom interior design expertise, Oilo offers the modern mom a fresh new approach to style-setting nursery décor. The Oilo collection includes chic baby bedding and designer home furnishings. Thomas founded the company while looking for the perfect baby bedding for her first child after discovering a void in the category for high quality designer level modern baby décor without the designer price tag. Though not an actual word, Oilo’s name is derived from a combination of Hawaiian words, “lio” (small sprout) and “ho’oilo” (the cool, rainy season). The Oilo name personifies the image of relaxing and enjoying the serenity of life.
Annalisa Thomas
Dorte Anderson
Oilo Infant Bedding
Two sets made their debut in Oilo’s infant bedding collection:
Wheels features clean, circular mod designs. Made from 100 percent fine woven cotton. The bedding set includes a zippered side bumper cover (foam filled for standing durability), tailored skirt and fitted cotton percale crib sheet. Wheels will be available in Cobalt.
Recommended Retail Three-Piece Crib Set (bumper, tailored skirt and crib sheet): $399
Recommended Retail for individual Wheels Motif crib set items:
Wheels Crib Bumper: $249
Wheels Crib Sheet: $49
Wheels Crib Skirt: $159
Available Colors: Cobalt
Modern Berries blends style and softness for a chic, sophisticated look for baby’s room.
Made from 100 percent fine woven cotton. The bedding set includes a zippered side cover bumper cover (foam filled for standing durability), tailored skirt and fitted cotton percale crib sheet. Modern Berries will be available in Spring Green and Tree Trunk Brown (note: Tree Trunk Brown will debut Spring 2010).
Recommended Retail Three-Piece Crib Set (bumper, tailored skirt and crib sheet): $399
Recommended Retail for individual Modern Berries Motif crib set items:
Modern Berries Crib Bumper: $249
Modern Berries Crib Sheet: $49
Modern Berries Crib Skirt: $159
Individual items in each bedding set are also available for purchase separately.
Two additional bedding set offerings, Raindrops (Aqua) and Cobblestone (Taupe) can also be found at Oilo.
In Addition to Bedding:
GLIDER COLLECTION
Oilo’s faux leather glider collection is a beautiful and comfortable seating choice for the nursery or any other room in the home. Features include a unique parallel rocking motion and tall back for maximum comfort. Coordinating plush pouf footrests are available as well. Three leather glider styles are offered: Gus, Penelope and Cohen. Available in Spring Green or White. Recommended retail $1,299 (White), $1,599 (Spring Green).
OILO LIGHTING
Brighten up baby’s nursery and any room in a home with a perfect light from Oilo’s lighting collection. Lampshades can be customized from Oilo’s pattern and color palette to perfectly match a room’s décor. The lights feature a sheet of white acrylic which encloses and diffuses the light to cast a soft glow. Two lighting styles are offered, Double Decker and Cylinder. Recommended retail Double Decker $199, Cylinder $149.
OILO PILLOW COLLECTION
The perfect accessory to add a soft decorative touch to your glider, nursery and any room featuring Oilo’s distinctive designs. Oilo’s 100 percent woven cotton pillows are available in a full range of the company’s signature patterns and colors. Available in three sizes: 20” x 20”, 16” x 16” and 13” x 17”. Recommended retail: $39-$49.
“Oilo is all about turning the nursery into the most comfortable, clean, and carefree environment in the home, said Annalisa Thomas, founder, Oilo. “We design our products with the mother in mind, as we want the nursery to feel like a sanctuary she can share with her baby. Many products in our collection, including our gliders and lighting are also designed to create a sophisticated modern look in the home beyond baby’s room.”
The Oilo Collection will be available at retailers nationwide, select online retailers and online at www.oilostudiocom. Special order items (including gliders and poufs) will have a 6-8 week lead time for production plus 7 days shipping. Custom lighting orders have a 2 week lead time. All other items will ship immediately. Oilo products can be customized as long as they are requested within the company’s offered fabric options. All items in the Oilo Collection are made in the USA. www.oilostudio.com.
Enter to Win:
One lucky reader will win an Oilo Bedding Set valued at 399
To Enter:
Visit Oilo and come back here and let me know, which pattern you like, and the color option within that pattern.
Extra Entries:
Tweet
Oilo Bedding Set Giveaway (AVR 399.00) http://bit.ly/byH1wx #giveaway #contest
Follow me on twitter tell me your twitter ID
Advertise this giveaway on any giveaway site, your blog, or your facebook page and tell me where you advertised it (include link to giveaway). 5 Extra Entries for each one you do
Subscribe to my blog
Comment on any other non-giveaway post
Use any of the share options below, digg, stumble…2 entries each
The contest will run until May 19th 11:59 pm Pacific. All rules can be found under giveaway rules.
The information for this post was provided to me on behalf of oilo and the prizing for this giveaway is going to be provided by oilo. I was not compensated for this post in any way.
Mother’s Day Savings on Gel Pro Kitchen Mat
April 19, 2010 By 4 Comments
Mother’s Day is coming up quickly and my husband is already thinking about gift ideas for me. One idea he saw at Costco was the GelPro. He isn’t the only one that has been thinking about it. Gel Pro has been thinking about Moms too and this year, GelPro wants all moms to ”Stand in Comfort” in the home during the other 364 days of the year.
If you’ve never heard of GelPro, they make the leading gel-filled ergonomic anti-fatigue mat for the kitchen and home. This comfortable, yet stylish mat (available in a variety of colors, sizes and high-end designer fabrics) reduces pain and increases circulation, creating a more relaxing and enjoyable experience from the toes up.
Just in time for Mother’s Day, GelPro is offering 15% off all mats. Now through Mother’s Day on May 9, just enter the promotional code BGMD19 at checkout to receive this exclusive offer. GelPro will also guarantee delivery before Mother’s Day if ordered by April 23.
The new fabric Pebble with three bright new colors is especially fun for spring.
This information was provided to me by cohn&wolfe on behalf of GelPro.
Meal Plan Share with Me
April 19, 2010 By 6 Comments
I love to read your meal plans and get great ideas on what to make in my kitchen. We have a picky eater in our midst and getting ideas from others helps me a lot. Cook books tend to use a lot of onions and that is something we avoid like the plague in our house.
Monday – Kikkoman Crock Pot Pork – Carrots and Mashed potatoes
Tuesday – Grilled Cheese
Wednesday – Biscuits and Gravy
Thursday – Corn Bread and Chili
Friday – Hot Dogs and Green Beans
Saturday – Double Decker Tacos
Sunday – Hamburgers
For more Meals visit the Org Junkie.
National Garlic Day With New York Style Giveaway
April 19, 2010 By 343 Comments
April 19th is National Garlic Day and we’re celebrating with New York Style products. They are quite yummy and addicting. I especially like the Risotto chips. The texture is softer than most chips and the flavor is just amazing. Of course, my husband won’t get near me when I’m eating these. 
New York Style sent us four different garlic treats to savor for our own National Garlic Day celebration. Of course my kids love them too, they aren’t afraid of a little garlic. After the Risotto Chips, I would have to say that the Pita chips are my second favorite. I like the softer texture and the way they just seem to melt in my mouth. I can’t complain about the crunchiness of the other products though. The Garlic Bagel crisps are great to use in recipes. We have this great crab dip that would compliment the crisps very well and baked in the oven they are sure to keep their crispiness.
“Garlic is the true love of many snackers,” said Cindy Nagle, director of marketing for the New York Style brand. “That’s why Team New York Style offers so many snacks that are seasoned with this savory, potent herb.”
Even those who enjoy the twilight hour most might be tempted to sink their teeth into one of New York Style’s delicious varieties of garlic flavored snacks, which include:
- NEW: Parmesan and Roasted Garlic Risotto Chips™ are the first snack to be made with Arborio rice, the star ingredient of risotto, and are gluten-free and all-natural.
- Roasted Garlic Bagel Crisps® are the original New York Style snack — most famous for their hearty crunch!
- Roasted Garlic and Herb Focaccia Sticks™ offer up popular Italian focaccia bread in finger-friendly twice-baked sticks.
- Sesame Garlic Crispini® are New York Style’s take on the traditional Mediterranean flatbread found in many of NYC’s fine restaurants.
- Garlic Pita Chips are made from authentic Mediterranean pocket bread and are the perfect any-time snack.
- Garlic Panetini® and Garlic Parmesan Panetini® are oven baked Italian toast slices that make an easy base for your favorite bruschetta recipes and spreads.
Buy Them:
Coupon for $0.75 Off New York Style Snacks
New York Style has a special coupon so mortals can stock up on their favorite garlic treats for the annual Garlic Day celebration. Visit www.NewYorkStyle.com and become a member of the Central Park Club to receive a $0.75 off coupon toward a New York Style garlic snack.
About New York Style
New York Style® premium deli snacks are famous for their authenticity, twice-baked crunch and great taste. From Bagel Crisps® and Pita Chips to Panetini® Italian toast, Crispini® flatbread, Biscotti, Focaccia Sticks™ and now new Risotto Chips — New York Style’s products capture the warmth of traditional New York bakeries. New York Style snacks are all-natural and baked, making them perfect for special entertaining occasions or as ‘healthier-for-you’ snacks right out of the bag. For more information, great recipes and usage ideas, visit us at www.newyorkstyle.com, become a fan of New York Style on Facebook or follow us on Twitter.
Win Some:
New York Style is offering a set of Garlic Treats for you to enjoy your own garlic celebration.
To Enter:
Visit New York Style and let me know what appeals to you most.
Extra Entries:
follow them on Twitter
become a fan of New York Style on Facebook
Tweet
Have your own Garlic Celebration with @new_york_style http://bit.ly/cXuXJP #giveaway #contest
Follow me on twitter tell me your twitter ID
Advertise this giveaway on any giveaway site, your blog, or your facebook page and tell me where you advertised it (include link to giveaway). 5 Extra Entries for each one you do
Subscribe to my blog
Comment on any other non-giveaway post
Use any of the share options below, digg, stumble…2 entries each
The contest will run until May 3rd 11:59 pm Pacific. All rules can be found under giveaway rules.
New York Style provided us with samples for this post, they are also supplying the prizing for the giveaway.
Petcentric Treasure Hunt Giveaway
April 19, 2010 By 829 Comments
Remember last November when I introduced you to Petcentric? Petcentric is a great place to go on-line to learn about taking care of your pets. You can ask questions, talk with other pet owners, watch videos and just hang out. Petcentric has just introduced a new feature of game playing called Treasure Hunt. Treasure Hunt is a fantastic, fun, free game for anyone right now just search for “hidden treasures.”
"To play the game, first sign in or sign up. Then, try to win a grand prize by uncovering treasure images throughout the site. You’ll find your first treasures by registering for petcentric, uploading a photo, entering a contest, searching Adopt a Pet, and using Petcentric Places. The rest is up to you. Good luck!”
What you can Win:
Prizing for Treasure Hunt Winners includes:
· 1st Place – Trip for Two to NYC & Spa Package: This grand prize package includes hotel accommodations for one night in New York City, round-trip airfare, and two complimentary spa treatments.
· 2nd Place – Pet and Owner Spa Package: You and your pet are in for some pampering with this prize package.
· 3rd Place – Pet Gift Basket: This swanky basket is filled with blankets, apparel, bowls, grooming tools, gift certificates and other special treats for your best friend.
· 4th/5th Place – Professional Pet Portrait: Reader’s Digest is giving away a day at the spa in preparation for a photo session with a professional photographer. From facials and pedicures to grooming and buffing, you and your pet can make sure you look your best in the portrait print that you’ll receive.
Keep up with all the updates on Petcentric
· Facebook Page: www.facebook.com/petcentricbypurina
· Twitter: http://twitter.com/petcentric
Enter to Win:
A Martha Stewart Living prize pack, which contains, $200 (ARV) worth of merchandise from the Martha Stewart Collection at Macy’s. Prizes may include merchandise in any of four main categories: bedding, bath, dining and entertaining, and kitchen.
To Enter:
Visit Treasure Hunt and Tell me what captures your attention.
Extra Entries:
Become a fan of petcentric on Facebook
Follow Petcentric on twitter
Tweet about the giveaway and include a link
#Win with @Petcentric Martha Stewart Living Prize Pack (AVR 200) http://bit.ly/bA8hoZ #giveaway
Advertise this giveaway on any giveaway site, your blog, or your facebook page and tell me where you advertised it (include link to giveaway). 5 Extra Entries for each one you do
Subscribe to my blog
Comment on any other non-giveaway post
Use any of the share options below, digg, stumble…2 entries each
The contest will run until May 3rd 11:59 pm Pacific. All rules can be found under giveaway rules.
In the past I received products from petcentric. Check out my Petcentric Review for the details on what I received. Petcentric is providing the prizing for this post.
How to Make Mashed Potato Bowls
April 18, 2010 By 11 Comments
My husband and I ate out a lot before we had kids. One of the places we liked to eat at was Kentucky Fried Chicken, KFC. My husband’s favorite dish was their Mashed Potato Bowls. Since having kids we’ve cut back in quite a few different places to save money and that limits the amount of times we can go out to eat. So, we decided to make our own Mashed potato bowls.
Ingredients:
Grilled Chicken
Mashed Potatoes
Frozen Corn
Gravy
Directions:
I used Betty Crocker Potato Buds and followed the directions on the package to make them in the microwave. Then I cooked the gravy on the stove according to the directions on the package. I’ve never made home made gravy, I always use the McCormick mix. After that, I heated up the frozen Birds Eye SteamFresh corn in the microwave and I also cooked the Tyson Grilled Ready to use frozen chicken in the microwave. After each item is prepared then you put it all together to your personal preference.
The Lunar Antics Presents: Boy, I’d Hate To Be Made Out Of That Stuff
April 17, 2010 By 3 Comments
Thanks to The Family Review Network we received a copy of The Lunar Antics Presents: Boy I’d Hate to be made out of that stuff. The Lunar Antics Presents is a collection of newspaper-style cartoons about moon inhabitants who are the ultimate outsiders. So the Moon inhabitants have invaded earth. They are discovering what life is for us and it’s kind of weird because it’s not about them, it’s about us. And these cartoons are not available online or in newspaper, they are only available in book form. The book is comic book style. According to research comic books encourage kids to learn how to read.
Professor Carol Tilley, from the department of library and information science, said that comics are just as sophisticated as other forms of reading, and children benefit from reading them at least as much as they do from reading other kinds of books.
Parents are concerned about what is in the media and are working hard to shield their children from inappropriate material. The Lunar Antics is a great solution to this problem. The Lunar Antics is suitable for all ages. —something that is harder and harder to find these days. The kids enjoy these them; adults see more… I think you will find this book thoughtful and fun.
My Thoughts:
The Lunar Antics was a little bit difficult for me to get into. Once I started to get into it I found some mild humor, sarcasm and a slight simple-ness that kept me reading. It also helped that my daughter was sitting next to me asking questions. What’s that, who’s that, what’s her name. I had to look on the back cover so I could get a little more background information to answer her questions. I think however I have come to the conclusion that the comic book style is not for me. I don’t even think this particular comic is for all ages, but I defiantly think it’s for high school ages and above. I did however get a kick out of one of the strips. It was about candles and how they provide atmosphere. One of the aliens said, don’t candles burn up atmosphere and the other alien said, so do you!
