Wednesday, October 31, 2012

Shutterfly & Frankenweenie {101 FREE PRINTS}

 

Grab those cameras and start snapping those cute pictures of your kids in their Halloween costumes (if you haven’t already). Shutterfly is offering 101 FREE prints until November 2nd with the promo code SPOOKY.

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Happy Halloween {Wreck-It Ralph}

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Saturday, October 27, 2012

Disney on Ice Presents Dare to Dream {Seattle, WA- Tickets On Sale Now!}

 

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TICKETS FOR PUGET SOUND SHOWS OF

DISNEY ON ICE PRESENTS DARE TO DREAM

ON SALE NOW

(SEATTLE, WA / Thursday, Oct 11) Disney On Ice presents Dare to Dream is bringing Disney’s newest princess stories and most beloved fairytale to the ice in a sensational live production coming to the Puget Sound area! This brand-new ice spectacular featuring scenes from Tangled; The Princess and the Frog; and Cinderella, visits the Comcast Arena in Everett from Thursday, November 1 to Sunday, November 4th followed by the ShoWare Center in Kent from Wednesday, November 7 to Sunday, November 11. Tickets are now on sale!

The show schedule is as follows:

Everett’s Comcast Arena:

  • Thursday, 11/1 - 7:30 pm
  • Friday, 11/2 – 7:30 pm
  • Saturday, 11/3 – 11:30 am, 3:30 pm and 7:30 pm
  • Sunday, 11/4 – 1:00 pm and 5:00 pm

Kent’s ShoWare Center:

  • Wednesday, 11/7 – 7:30 pm
  • Thursday, 11/8 – 7:30 pm
  • Friday, 11/9 – 7:30 pm
  • Saturday, 11/10 – 11:30 am, 3:30 pm and 7:30 pm
  • Sunday, 11/11 – 11:30 am, 3:30 pm and 7:30 pm

Experience Disney’s hilarious hair-raising escapade, Tangled; as Rapunzel, her unlikely companion, Flynn, and Maximus, embark on an uproarious journey that takes adventure to new lengths!  Boogie to the beat of the bayou with Princess Tiana and Prince Naveen in a magical, musical journey that all begins with a fateful kiss.  And fanciful dreams become reality as Cinderella meets her Prince Charming, with a glass slipper fit for an unforgettable fantasy come true. All your favorite princesses take to the ice in a spectacular finale at the ultimate Disney Princess event of a lifetime!  Experience the beauty, sparkle, and spirit when Disney On Ice presents Dare to Dream comes to your hometown!

Tickets prices for Disney On Ice presents Dare to Dream range from $18 - $70.

Kids tickets (ages 2-12) will be available for only $12 each on selected seats at the following shows:
Everett: -Fri 7:30pm, Sat. 11:30am and Sunday 5:00pm and Kent: Thurs 7:30pm, Fri 7:30pm, Sat 11:30am, Sun 11:30am and Sun 7:30pm.

Tickets are available for purchase online at DisneyOnIce.com, charge by phone for Comcast Arena at Everett at 866.332.8499 and ShoWare Center at 877.973.9613 or in-person at the arena box offices. For more information see www.comcastareaneverett.com and www.showarecenter.com.

To discover more about Disney On Ice, go to www.DisneyOnIce.com

Disney on Ice Dare to Dream {Invites You to Donate Your Hair- FREE Tickets}

DISNEY ON ICE PRESENTS DARE TO DREAM
INVITES YOU TO DONATE YOUR HAIR
FOR HEARTWARMING CHARITY

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Disney On Ice is partnering up with Wigs for Kids
to make dreams come true!

In honor of the new skating production Disney On Ice presents Dare to Dream featuring Disney’s newest princess, the long golden-haired Rapunzel from Tangled, Disney On Ice is inviting the Puget Sound community to participate in a heartwarming hair donation campaign to benefit children suffering from medically-related hair loss. Join us and donate your hair (at least 10’’ inches long; either braided or in a ponytail) to Wigs for Kids. Every year WFK helps hundreds of children who are in need of their services, and you can help too!


In appreciation for the kind-hearted gesture, each person donating hair will receive two free tickets* from Feld Entertainment to Disney On Ice presents Dare to Dream playing in either Everett or Kent. Donations will be accepted at participating salons listed below from October 18th through November 6th and all donators are welcome to either get their hair cut at participating salons or get their hair cut at a salon of their choice and drop off at one of the mentioned locations.

*Tickets available while supplies last


Disney On Ice presents Dare to Dream will take your breath away at the Comcast Arena in Everett from November 1st – 4th and at the ShoWare Center in Kent from November 7th – 11th. Audiences will behold an alluring aerialist act with Rapunzel’s golden locks, shimmering gowns that twinkle and twirl during Cinderella’s royal ball, a lighting display that illuminates all the fireflies in Tiana’s New Orleans bayou and a grand finale with all the Disney princesses.

Participating Salons

           
 

Salon Azur

900 Lenora St.

Seattle, WA 98121

Ph: 206.623.1469

 

Absolut Hair

7439 Beverly Blvd.

Everett, WA 98203

Ph: 425.438.8737

 

Salon Bella Dea

502 16th NE #302

Auburn, WA 98002

Ph: 253.333.6785

When cutting hair to be donated to Wigs for Kids, please follow these simple steps:
1. Make sure hair is a minimum of 10-12 inches. Pull curly hair straight for a more accurate measurement.
2. Hair must be clean and dry.
3. Hair cannot be permed, color-treated, or highlighted. Temporary coloring or highlights that washout are acceptable.
4. Tie hair into at least four sections (six are even better) around the head for a more generous donation. Hair that is pulled into one ponytail or braid results in a loss of up to four inches of hair.
5. Make sure each ponytail or braid is tightly secured. Hair that is loosely wrapped tends to become loose when shipped, making it unusable. PLEASE be sure hair is tight and secured with several rubber bands.
6. Cut hair above rubber band.
7. Place the hair in a plastic bag or wrap it in tissue paper.

# # #

About Wigs for Kids

For over 30 years, Wigs for Kids has been providing Hair Replacement Systems and support for children who have lost their hair due to chemotherapy, radiation therapy, Alopecia, Trichotillomania, burns and other medical issues at no cost to children or their family’s hair loss can erode a child’s self-confidence and limit them from experiencing life the way children should. With an injured self-image, a child’s attitude toward treatment and their physical response to it can be negatively affected also. Wigs for Kids helps children suffering from hair loss look themselves and live their lives.


About Feld Entertainment
Feld Entertainment is the worldwide leader in producing and presenting live touring family entertainment experiences that lift the human spirit and create indelible memories, with 30 million people in attendance at its shows each year. Feld Entertainment’s productions have appeared in more than 70 countries on six continents and include Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey®, Feld Motor Sports, Disney On Ice and Disney Live!

Friday, October 26, 2012

Nutrisystem #NSNation {Week 12}

Week 12: Week 12 of Nutrisystem and I’m still here! I can really feel the holidays starting to kick in and am hoping I’m able to make it through without too much of a setback. I’m not a huge fan of Halloween but I feel like my kids have been on a non-stop sugar craze for the month of October so far and Halloween isn’t even here yet. I have had a few pieces of candy from their bags they’ve gotten at Halloween Carnivals however if I’m going to waste my calories I’m definitely going to do it eating chocolate. However this is the best holiday for burning the weight off too because of all these different carnivals, trick or treating and events I’m always on the move. Running from here to there with kids and on Halloween night my kids are still little enough that I’ll definitely walking/running house to house with them so they can collect candy.

My Daily 3- Get Moving in 10’s!

My focus this week as it was last week is still get moving, because I need to move more. Oh I move TONS with four kids but I’m thinking the extra get moving is what I need because my body needs that constant extra boost to increase my weight loss potential. So I’ve been focusing on four areas this week.

  1. Stretching- This has been a new one for me. Typically I don’t stretch very often but it’s been a good way to start or end my day with a good 10 minutes of Pilates- a new activity for me.
  2. Strength Training- Strength training I’ve found can be done with gallons of milk from Costco or anything you can find in your home- in fact I have used my 6 month old baby a few times. However I know to really engage my body in the strength training it needs that I need to be in the gym, which has encouraged me this week to get there. Sometimes it’s easier just to want to stay home especially after getting two kids off to school and then having to get two more ready and drag them along but I know the gym is what my body needs so I’m making a more conscious effort to do it!
  3. Cardio- 10 minutes of cardio is actually a super easy thing! I talked about this last week with the different activities you could do to get 10 minutes in but my goal this week was to shoot for 10 and keep going- which again is best done at the gym on a machine however I also have a portable elliptical machine at home that I’ve been using at night and my new goal, “Do not watch TV laying down.” Nope I’ve gotta be up and moving if I’m watching TV at night- granted this doesn’t help me fully relax very much but that’s what sleep is for Smile
  4. Housework- Doing 10 minutes of daily house work is EASY for me around here because I feel like I’m always picking up after kids but I’m trying to focus more on how I can make that time work for me. Like maybe a little more intense scrubbing of the floor- instead of using the mop that hardly ever does a good enough job anyway I’m down on the floor scrubbing the bathroom, or I know it might seem silly but turn on some music and crank it up while you work it makes the job more fun and it gets you moving and my four year old has been loving it. She’s even joined in with me cleaning this week a few times.

Starting Weight: 165

Week 1: 159.6 (5.4lb loss)

Week 2: 158.5 (1.1lb loss)

Week 3: 160.7 (2.2lb gain)

Week 4: 157 (3.7lb loss)

Week 5: 156.8 (.2lb loss)

Week 6: 156.4 (.4lb loss)

Week 7: No Change

Week 8: No Change

Week 9: 153.4 (3lb loss)

Week 10: 152.9 (.5lb loss)

Week 11: 152.1 (.8lb loss)

Week 12: 151.6 (.5lb loss)

Total Weight Loss: 13.4lbs

Disclosure: Nutrisystem is providing their food and program to me free of charge in exchange for blogging about my experience as part of the Nutrisystem Nation Blogger Program. The opinions are my own and others experiences with Nutrisystem may vary.

Want to lose weight and get healthy on Nutrisystem? Join today by calling 1-888-853-4689 or by visiting http://www.nutrisystem.com/nsblog

Wreck-It Ralph Coloring Sheets {Theaters November 2nd}

In honor of WRECK-IT RALPH opening in theaters everywhere next Friday, November 2nd, please enjoy these 3 fun coloring sheets!

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Just click on one of the images above to download a single PDF of all three coloring pages. (Link will only be available through November 2, 2012.)

Disney’s Secret of the Wings {Disney Fairies- Now on DVD + Blu-Ray + Digital Copy + Blu-Ray 3D}

 

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WALT DISNEY PICTURES ANNOUNCES
A SPECTACULAR ALL‐NEW TINKER BELL DISNEY FAIRIES MOVIE

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EXCITING WINTER ADVENTURE TAKES TINKER BELL ON AN EPIC JOURNEY
AND REVEALS A SECRET… THAT CHANGES HER LIFE FOREVER!

The Walt Disney Studios unveils an all‐new, original full‐length CG‐animated feature film, “Secret of the Wings,” starring Tinker Bell, one of Disney’s most beloved and iconic characters, along with her fairy friends (Fawn, Iridessa, Rosetta, Silvermist and Vidia) and introducing a sparkling new winter fairy, Periwinkle. Debuting on Blu‐ray™ Combo Pack, DVD and Digital on October 23, 2012, the film marks the first time ever Tinker Bell will fly on Disney Blu‐ray 3D.

For Tinker Bell and the other warm season fairies, the Winter Woods remains a mysterious and forbidden place. “Secret of the Wings” takes audiences on an amazing journey of discovery with Tink, into this forbidden world where she discovers a magical secret that changes her life forever.
A magical fairy adventure for the whole family, “Secret of the Wings” features a spectacular voice cast including Academy Award®‐Winner Anjelica Huston (TV’s ‘Smash’), Timothy Dalton (TV’s ‘Chuck’, The Living Daylights), Lucy Liu (TV’s ‘Southland’, Charlie’s Angels), Raven‐SymonĂ© (TV’s ‘That’s So Raven’), Megan Hilty (TV’s ‘Smash’), Pamela Adlon (TV’s ‘Californication’), Matt Lanter (TV’s ‘90210’), Debby Ryan (TV’s ‘Jesse’) and Mae Whitman (TV’s ‘Parenthood’), and introducing the sparkling new winter fairy, PERIWINKLE, voiced by Lucy Hale (TV’s ‘Pretty Little Liars’). A DisneyToon Studios production, the film is directed by Peggy Holmes, co‐directed by Bobs Gannaway, and produced by Michael Wigert. John Lasseter serves as Executive Producer.

“Secret of the Wings” is Disney’s highly‐anticipated all‐new movie in the Tinker Bell Disney Fairies film franchise. These beautifully‐animated films have ranked at the top of the home entertainment charts every year they have been released.
In addition to the all‐new feature film, the spectacular animated release includes a host of exciting bonus features that extend the viewing experience, taking audiences deeper into the magical world of Disney Fairies.

SOTW-03_thumb2FILM SYNOPSIS:
Journey with Tinker Bell and her fairy friends into the forbidden world of the mysterious Winter Woods, where curiosity and adventure lead Tink to an amazing discovery and reveal a magical secret that could change her world forever.

To celebrate the upcoming release of “Secret of the Wings,” Disney has launched a new destination in Facebook for parents to stay updated on Disney Fairies news as well as receive the best new content and activities that they can share with their children. Audiences can become a fan now at: https://www.facebook.com/DisneyFairies.

SOTW-02_thumb4My Review:

This is by far one of my favorite Disney Fairies movies! I think I liked it better than Tinker Bell and the Lost Treasure which was definitely a favorite of mine. I think I just like all the Tinker Bell Movies. I’ll admit I wasn’t a huge fan of Tinker Bell in the original Peter Pan movie. I think with the Disney Fairies movies she’s been shown in a little bit of a different light, still the spunky Tinker Bell we grew to know and love but more relatable. I absolutely love the animation that the introduction of Winter has brought into this movie. I always loved the beautiful colors in Pixie Hollow but the Winter Woods just seems to bring about a different kind of sparkling magic that Disney is known and loved for! In fact I’d die to see an area of one of the park at Disney World or Disneyland inspired after Pixie Hollow and the Winter Woods. The message of this movie is great and I love seeing the special bond Tinker Bell and Periwinkle have as sisters. This is both a great movie for kids and families together to watch. I’m not sure my husband would be too thrilled by it but after having three girls he’s softened to girly things and he might actually enjoy it but probably not sit down and watch it with the kids like I did – three times! What can I say I just love my Disney Fairies! So if you haven’t grabbed your copy of this movie yet be sure to get it before this weekend so you and your kids can enjoy some quality family movie time together. Two thumbs or wings Smile up to Disney they’ve done it again!

Tink & Friends {Host a Pumpkin Party This Weekend!}

I really don’t care for Halloween too much. The kids all getting dressed up is fun and cute but I hate the candy and I hate the constant sugar buzz I feel like my kids are on for weeks before and weeks after the actually holiday. I’ve been trying to think of some fun things we could do to celebrate fall and Halloween without being too sugary or involving a bunch of candy. We love the new Tinkerbell Secret of the Wings movie so much that we’ll probably be watching it again and why not throw in some fun Fairy inspired activities for a little Halloween party to go with it!

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Check out the instructions on how to make a Tinker Bell lantern out of a pumpkin and easy homemade fairy wings as well as a recipe for the yummiest fairy friendly party cakes- carrot cake that seems to be not so high in sugar as the candy that’s been floating around our house.

Download Activities!

So grab those pumpkins, wings, treats and your favorite new Fairy movie and make it a weekend full of fun!

Thursday, October 25, 2012

Disney’s Secret of the Wings {NEW on DVD + Blu-Ray}

 

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If you haven’t picked up your copy of Disney’s new Tinkerbelle movie Secret of the Wings- run to the store right now and grab it! I will be posting more on this fun movie later but my girls and I are LOVING it! They actually watched it four times the day we got it! This movie was released on Tuesday, October 23rd so if you don’t have it yet, what are you waiting for? Smile

Monday, October 22, 2012

Umi & Hanna Andersson {Enter to Win}

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Umi and Hanna Andersson have teamed up to bring you this great giveaway! Click the image above to enter to win a $100 gift card from Umi and one from Hanna Andersson.

Tink’s Winter Activities {Disney’s Secret of the Wings}

 

clip_image0014_thumbWe woke up this morning to some pretty cold weather. Not quite Winter yet but it almost felt like it 34 degrees and I made the kids put on gloves and ditch the rain jackets for  warm coats. Winter weather will surely be upon us sooner than we think! In celebration of the new Disney movie Secret of the Wings, release 10/23- tomorrow please enjoy these winter activities.

Tinker Bell and her friends embarks on a new adventure into the never-before-seen mysterious Winter Woods, where Tink finds out that she has a sister and discovers other incredible secrets that will change her life forever in SECRET OF THE WINGS, releasing Tuesday October 23rd on 3D Blu-ray, Blu-ray, DVD and Digital Download.

WINTER GARDEN

This is a quieter time for the gardener, as most flowers have died in the frosty cold. Use this period to rid your garden entirely of weeds in preparation for springtime. This can be hard work, and it’s cold outside, so wrap up warmly and ask some of your friends to come and help you get ready for the season ahead.

Rosetta’s Top Winter Tips

  • If you want to plant something now, why not plant lilies? These bulbs can also be grown in pots. When they flower, their white petals will remind you of winter.
  • You can also plant roses during winter!
  • Remember that evergreen plant you nurtured during the spring? Now it has grown and helps make your garden look green, fresh and alive—even on those damp winter days!
  • Don’t become disheartened if nothing is growing in your little garden. Do as Rosetta does and look ahead to see what you can plant for the following spring.

SEASONAL ANIMAL FACTS: WINTER CRITTERS

  • Most animals will hide away in the warmth during the cold winter months, but some animals that live in particularly cold climates (far away from us), have no choice but to find other ways of keeping themselves warm.
  • The arctic fox, native to arctic regions of the Northern Hemisphere, has very thick white fur which keeps them warm and camouflages into their surroundings. They even have small ears to minimalize heat loss!
  • The world’s largest land carnivores, polar bears, also live in the Arctic.  The texture of their plush white fur absorbs the sunlight for warmth, and their paws have rough surfaces to help prevent them from slipping on the ice.
  • Emperor Penguins live on the opposite side of the world than polar bears—in Antarctica. They are the largest of their species, and they cleverly keep warm by huddling together very close. These penguins take turns rotating through the giant huddle so that each one gets a chance to be in the warm center.
  • Whatever the time of year, you will always find different kinds of wildlife, so keep your eyes peeled with the changing of the seasons, who knows what you might spot!

SEASONAL FUN FACTS: WONDERFUL WINTER

  • Not only is this the season to be jolly, but the time to enjoy the crisp winter mornings and, if you’re lucky ... snow! Did you know that no two snowflakes are the same?
  • Snowflakes fall at an average of 3.1 miles per hour, taking their time to flow through the sky and settle gently onto the ground.
  • Ten inches of snow melts down to just one inch of water.
  • Don’t complain next time it’s too chilly. The coldest temperature ever recorded was minus 128 degrees in Antarctica in 1983! That’s even too cold for Periwinkle and her winter friends! So if you decide to go outside, make sure you remember to bundle up like Tink does in “Secret of the Wings.”

WINTER ACTIVITY PACK

clip_image001_thumbIn Disney’s “Secret of the Wings,” Tinker Bell ventures to the mysterious Winter Woods where she discovers she has a sister, Periwinkle—a sparkling new winter fairy!  

Together they have plenty of fun, as Periwinkle and the other Winter Fairies show Tink all the excitement to be had in wintertime.

If you want to follow in the ‘footprints’ of this adventurous pair and find out how to have your own fun in the snow, look no further. But do remember to wear your mittens!

  • MAKE A SNOWFAIRY – When the snow on the ground is thick or powdery, lie flat on your back with your arms and legs drawn tightly into your body.Then move your arms in and out as if you are flapping your wings. Do the same with your legs! Stand and admire your work. Does the shape you’ve left behind look a bit like a fairy?
  • CATCH SNOWFLAKES ON YOUR TONGUE – Have you ever felt snow on your tongue? Wait until the snow is falling heavily, lift your face to the sky and stick out your tongue! The frosty snow will make it tingly!
  • HOW TO HAVE A SNOWBALL FIGHT! – With a grown-up, scoop up a handful of clean, powdery snow and roll it into a ball no bigger than the size of a tennis ball. Then, once it’s rolled, throw it at your opponent! Remember to only do this with snow that is dusty and powdery, and never aim your snowball at anyone’s head! Make sure you wear mittens or gloves to keep your hands warm!
  • GO SLEDDING – With a grown-up, find a gentle slope and position your sled heading downhill. Sit down and hold tight. On the count of three push yourself off! You’ll be whizzing and whirring until you reach the bottom. Don’t worry if you haven’t got a sled, you can use a flat sheet of cardboard!
  • BUILD A SNOWFAIRY You may have built a snowman before, but have you ever built a snow fairy? Have a go at making your own winter fairy like Periwinkle. Layer the snow to build the body, and finally add another snowy mound for her head. With your parents ok, use silver spray paint to decorate her hair. Wait until the sun shines on your new friend and you’ll see how she magically sparkles and shimmers! Don’t forget to add wings you might make from some fallen tree branches and leaves!
Download Activities!

Saturday, October 20, 2012

Which Fairy Are You? {Disney’s Secret of the Wings}

Disney’s favorite fairies are back on Tuesday October 23rd with the release of SECRET OF THE WINGS, and they have brought along some of their new fairy friends to meet you! Check out the clip to see them in action and take the quiz below to learn more about the fairies and find out which one you’re most like.

SECRET OF THE WINGS is coming to 3D Blu-ray, Blu-ray, DVD and Digital Download on October 23rd!

Download Activities!

Wednesday, October 17, 2012

LG Smart Magic Bigscreen Event {Upcoing Giveaway}

The LG Smart Magic Bigscreen Event is hosted by Mom Powered Media.

Prize: LG 42" Smart 1080p Edge-Lit LED HDTV with Wi-Fi and Magic Remote

The event dates: 11/5 - 11/26

Free Event ~ Sign-Up Here – Bloggers Wanted LG Smart Magic Bigscreen Event

Tuesday, October 16, 2012

Nutrisystem #NSNation {Week 11}

Week 11: It’s been 11 weeks since I started Nutrsisytem, I can't believe how the time flies! This week my focus was all on…

Story2_ImgA_thumbGET MOVING!

I know that one of my big things is that I need to be moving more. When I was on Nutrisystem the first time around I was working out like CRAZY! I was in the gym every single day for at least an hour on cardio and weights and now I’m lucky if I’m there every other day and some weeks it’s only like twice a week. What silly thing for me to do when I’m PAYING for a gym membership and unlimited childcare and my body is paying for it because I know I’m not utilizing my full potential! I’ve made excuses that I’m getting around and moving when running errands and doing housework which is great, these are things that definitely need to be done and it’s not like I’m sitting on the couch but for me I know my body needs to be in the gym. Sometime it works though for others if you aren’t able to use a gym- in fact I know many people who are big time runners and get a great workout doing that, but that’s not me. Here are some great ideas provided by Nutrisystem to help you get moving!

  1. Move in the Morning- Get up 30-60 minutes earlier and start your day off right!
  2. Change Your Attitude- Set fitness goals higher than just “pounds lost” and enjoy the benefits of an overall healthier body.
  3. Move Every Day- Make sure you’re at least doing your My Daily 3. Your My Daily 3 allows you to break down your exercise program into three 10-minute segments, so it’s easier to find time to fit in your recommended 30 minutes. For example, go for a walk at lunch, spend 10 minutes doing core exercises in the morning, race the kids around the park, etc.
  4. Consider Cross-Training- When you cross-train and combine cardio, strength training and stretching you can really see results. You also maximize your efforts and keep your routine fresh and fun.
  5. Show Up and Have Faith- Establish a time, get up and most importantly, show up. Make it a ritual and you will quickly begin to look forward to it.

Starting Weight: 165

Week 1: 159.6 (5.4lb loss)

Week 2: 158.5 (1.1lb loss)

Week 3: 160.7 (2.2lb gain)

Week 4: 157 (3.7lb loss)

Week 5: 156.8 (.2lb loss)

Week 6: 156.4 (.4lb loss)

Week 7: No Change

Week 8: No Change

Week 9: 153.4 (3lb loss)

Week 10: 152.9 (.5lb loss)

Week 11: 152.1 (.8lb loss)

Total Weight Loss: 12.9lbs

I definitely wish my numbers were a little higher but slow and steady wins the race too- as long as I’m continually doing what I know will help my body look and feel healthier.

NEW GOAL: Weigh 130lbs or less by February 17th, 2013- my 30th Birthday.

As of today this means I have 22.1lbs to lose in the next 123 days!

Totally possible? Yes absolutely! It means I need to kick up my game and really focus during the holidays and not loose focus- the holidays are the worst for me but it means I need an average of 1.3lbs a week to meet my goal. It’s going to be a little tough looking at my weight loss numbers lately but I was loosing upwards of a couple of pounds a week my first 4 weeks on the program so I just need to refocus and as of today I am re-motivated!

Disclosure: Nutrisystem is providing their food and program to me free of charge in exchange for blogging about my experience as part of the Nutrisystem Nation Blogger Program. The opinions are my own and others experiences with Nutrisystem may vary.

Want to lose weight and get healthy on Nutrisystem? Join today by calling 1-888-853-4689 or by visiting http://www.nutrisystem.com/nsblog

Jake & the Never Land Pirates {Games & Activities}

Download Printable Activities!

Jake and the Never Land Pirates: Jake Saves Bucky {DVD & Digital Download- 10/16}

Yo, Ho, Mateys! Get ready as JAKE AND THE NEVER LAND PIRATES: JAKE SAVES BUCKY comes sailing home on DVD and Digital Download October 16th! This DVD is packed with fun including a Jake and the Never Land Pirate's blow-up sword and a special bonus feature, Pirate-oke, a karaoke-like feature that allows viewers to sing along to a collection of the songs featured in the episodes

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“JAKE AND THE NEVER LAND PIRATES:

JAKE SAVES BUCKY”


Arrives on DVD and Digital Copy October 16

Synopsis:                                   

Yo ho, let’s go! Set sail with Jake and his crew on a full-length, high-speed adventure on the high seas. According to the Never Land Pirate Code, Jake and his crew must race Bucky against the Jolly Roger and the sneaky Captain Hook. But if Bucky loses, he’ll belong to Hook forever. Of course, Hook uses every trick in the book and wins the race. But, Jake and his crew might have a way to get Bucky back. With the help of Peter Pan, the young pirates embark on an adventure across Never Land that includes getting past a fire-breathing dragon. With your help, Jake’s crew can save Bucky from the devious Captain Hook. In addition, enjoy four more exciting Jake and the Never Land Pirates episodes. Overflowing with music, swashbuckling action and seafaring fun, Jake and the Never Land Pirates: Jake Saves Bucky proves that being a hero comes from teamwork, determination and friendship!

 

Saturday, October 13, 2012

IHOP–New Signature Pancakes {GIVEAWAY}

I know anyone can make pancakes at home they really are a pretty easy food to make however I’ve never had any homemade pancakes that taste quite like IHOP’s pancakes. There’s just something about them that are SO MUCH better than any pancakes I’ve ever eaten. So when I have a craving for breakfast food my first instinct is to run to IHOP. It saves you the hassle of having to cook/bake and you don’t have the mess to clean up. I also think of them as a great family friendly restaurant environment with yummy food, friendly servers and great low prices!

When Fall and the holidays start rolling around I start dreaming of yummy foods including pumpkin flavored treats, cheesecake- yes I always have cheesecake for Thanksgiving rather than pie, I’m just not a huge pie fan and my husband’s favorite, carrot cake.

For a limited time now through January 2013 IHOP will be featuring their new Signature Pancakes  starting at only $4.99.

  • Pumpkin Pancakes- Made with real pumpkin, spices and crowned with creamy whipped topping. Pumpkin is the perennial #1 selling limited-time offer Signature pancake. Last year IHOP served 3.1 million pumpkin pancakes.
  • New York Cheesecake Pancakes- Grilled with real cheesecake pieces, then crowned with glazed strawberries and creamy whipped topping. More than 250,000 pounds of cheesecake were used last year for fans of this item.
  • Carrot Cake Pancakes- Rounding out this season’s offerings is an oatmeal spice pancake recipe featuring a sweet-savory mix of fresh, diced apples, shredded carrots, coconut, raisins, crunchy walnut pieces topped with whipped butter and a drizzle of cream cheese icing.

The New York Cheesecake Pancakes were my choice since cheesecake is my favorite dessert! I also had hash browns, bacon and eggs so the pancakes were like the dessert portion of my meal. The cheesecake bites were to die for and a perfect combo with the strawberries, pancakes and whip cream. I’d love to try the Pumpkin Pancakes next time because I’m sure it would be just as yummy and a great Fall choice! I’m excited that this special will be going through January 2013 because that’ll give me plenty of time to enjoy these other great choices! My kids were definitely super jealous (even though they had chocolate pancakes sitting in front of them) they definitely wanted my Cheesecake Pancakes.

GIVEAWAY: One of my lucky readers will win a $50 IHOP Gift Card!

Just click the “Read More” button to enter the giveaway!

Shutterfly Holiday Photo Cards {GIVEAWAY}

Did you know there are only 72 days until Christmas and only 55 days until Hanukkah! The holidays are approaching much faster than I thought. We’ve had such nice weather here in Seattle- shocker- that I’ve been deceived with what month it actually is. However the rain did finally start yesterday and we are finally experiencing Fall and Winter will be here shortly! With all the rain I’m definitely wishing we had already taken our pictures for our Holiday Cards, like last week. I am however stalking the weather forecast and going to do it as soon as I get something good- which could be maybe one or two days this next week. I’ll be taking my kids to the park to hopefully get some good pictures of them in the leaves so with that in mind I will be preparing my Holiday Cards around that theme.

I’m hoping my kids will let me get individual pictures of each of them and then a group photo together however I know I t’s going to be a tough task so I have a few different card options I really like to chose from depending on what photos I get.

This top choice I’ll probably use if I can get an individual picture of the each child and then a group photo- since I have 4 kids.

I really like the Photo Christmas Cards, they are definitely my favorite. In fact I don’t really like getting cards in the mail that don’t have photos on them or a photo included because sometimes I can’t remember who the people are sending me the card, especially relatives I don’t see often.

This choice will be if they don’t allow me to get a group photo of them together.

Of course if we just get a modge podge of random photos of all the kids then there are also some great options through Shutterfly that allow me to include lots of photos on my card.

Shutterfly has some great deals going on right now so be sure to check out their Special Offers.

GIVEAWAY: Ready to start thinking about your Holiday Cards? Enter to win a $50 off your total order (does not include shipping & cannot be combined with any other promos).

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Wednesday, October 10, 2012

E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial {Blu-Ray + DVD–10/9}

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I’m excited to announce that E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial has been released on Blu-Ray and DVD! This movie was a part of my childhood and just thinking of it brings back fond memories of family movie nights. My sister-in-law who’s a bit younger than me remembers this movie being a little scary because she was quite younger at the time however my 4 year old watched this movie very intently when we first got our copy and she LOVED it! She has now watched it twice and has been telling everyone all about it! My older girls (7 and 8) weren’t too fond of it but they did play along and sit down and watch it with the family. I’m not sure if it just didn’t have the flash stuff that they’re used to from movies today but I felt like the movie looked about a million times better on DVD then it did on VHS many years ago. My husband is also not a fan of the movie- he was a little older than me when he remembers watching it as a child so maybe you just have to be the right age or the right audience for this one but I know that those of us who loved it as children will love adding this to our DVD collections today!

Universal City, California, July 25, 2012 – E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial, AcademyAward®-winning director Steven Spielberg’s magical adventure, celebrates its 30th Anniversary with its first-ever release on Blu-ray October 9, 2012. Featuring an all-new, digitally remastered picture that delivers six times the resolution of DVD, as well as all-new 7.1 surround sound, the E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial Anniversary Edition Blu-ray™ Combo Pack includes the 1982 theatrical movie, an all-new interview with director Steven Spielberg, and “The E.T. Journals” featuring never-before-seen footage from the set of the film. The Blu-ray Combo Pack also includes UltraViolet, a DVD and a Digital Copy of the film, offering fans a chance to relive the mystery, laughter and wonder of the iconic movie anytime, anywhere on the platform of their choice.

In 1982, E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial became the biggest blockbuster of the year, ranking #1 over 16 different weekends. Even today, E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial remains the fourth most successful movie of all-time1 in the United States. Nominated for nine Academy Awards® including Best Picture, Best Director, Best Cinematography, Best Writing and Best Screenplay, the film took home four statuettes for Best Visual Effects, Best Sound Effects Editing, Best Sound and Best Music for John Williams’ (Jaws) memorable score. The unforgettable cast includes the adorable Drew Barrymore (He’s Just Not That Into You, Charlie’s Angels), Henry Thomas (Dear John, Legends of the Fall), Dee Wallace (10, “Sons and Daughters”) and Peter Coyote (“Law & Order: LA,” Jagged Edge).

“When E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial premiered in 1982, it captured the imaginations of people young, old and everyone in between in a way that was unparalleled in modernmovie history,” said Craig Kornblau, President of Universal Studios Home Entertainment. “A global cultural phenomenon—and the biggest box-office blockbuster of its day—E.T. brought out the child in all of us. We are thrilled audiences will now be able to experience the film in the astounding quality of Blu-rayTM.”

BONUS FEATURES ON THE

E.T. THE EXTRA-TERRESTRIAL ANNIVERSARY EDITION BLU-RAY:

  • The E.T. Journals:  In this all-new bonus feature, retrace the day-to-day experience of creating E.T from never-before-seen, behind-the-scenes footage shot by Academy Award®-winning cinematographer John Toll.   This piece will give viewers a unique feeling of being on the set and living the excitement of what it was like to make E.T.
  • Steven Spielberg & E.T.:  Watch an all-new interview with Steven Spielberg, as he reflects back on the film and discusses his experience working with the actors, as well as his overall and current perspective on E.T.

· Deleted Scenes: Two scenes from 2002 version of the film.

· A Look Back: A special insider’s look into the making of E.T. featuring interviews with Steven Spielberg, the cast, and others intimately involved with the film. 

· The E.T. Reunion:  The cast and filmmaker reunite to discuss their thoughts on the impact of the film.

· The Evolution and Creation of E.T.From idea to screenplay, throughcasting and making the film. 

· The Music of E.T.: A Discussion with John Williams: Interviews and footage focused on the long-standing relationship between John Williams and Steven Spielberg.

· The 20th Anniversary Premiere:  Composer John Williams played the score of E.T. live at the Shrine Auditorium for the re-release premiere of E.T.   This featurette gives us a behind the scenes look at this presentation.

· Original Theatrical Trailer

· Special Olympics TV spot

· Designs, Photographs and Marketing

    • E.T. Designs by Production Illustrator Ed Verreaux
    • E.T. Designs by Carlo Rambaldi
    • Spaceship Designs by Ralph McQuarrie
    • Designs by Production Illustrator Ed Verreaux
    • Production Photographs
    • Marketing E.T.

· UltraVioletThe revolutionary new way for consumers to collect movies and TV shows, store them in the cloud, and instantly stream and download to computers, tablets and smartphones. Consumers can now truly enjoy their movies anytime, anywhere on the platform of their choice.  Currently available in the United States only.

· Digital Copy:  The Blu-ray™ Combo Pack includes a digital copy of the film compatible with iTunes®, iPad®, iPhone®, iPod™, iPod™ touch, Android or online retail partners.

· pocket BLU App:  The popular free pocket BLU app for smartphones is now even better with newly updated versions for iPad®, Android tablets, PC and Macintosh computers, with features made especially to take advantage of thedevices’ larger screens and high resolution displays.

    • Advanced Remote Control: A sleek, elegant new way to operate your Blu-ray™ player. Users can navigate through menus, playback and BD-Live™ functions with ease.
    • Video Timeline: Users can easily bring up the video timeline, allowing them to instantly access any point in the film.
    • Mobile-To-Go: Users can unlock a selection of bonus content with their Blu-ray™ discs to save to their device or to stream from anywhere there is a Wi-Fi network, enabling them to enjoy content on the go, anytime, anywhere.
    • Browse Titles: Users will have access to a complete list of pocket BLU™-enabled titles available and coming to Blu-ray™. They can view free previews and see what additional content is available to unlock on their device.
    • Keyboard: Entering data is fast and easy with your device’s intuitive keyboard.
  • BD-LIVE™:  Access the BD-Live™ Center through your Internet-connected player to access the latest trailers, exclusive content and more!

BONUS FEATURES ON THE DVD:

·      Steven Spielberg & E.T.

·      Deleted Scenes

·      A Look Back

·      The E.T. Reunion

E.T.: THE GREEN PLANET

Universal is also partnering with leading independent games publisher Chillingo to publish E.T.: The Green Planet for the iTunes App Store. Inspired by a novel based on a story by Steven Spielberg, players travel with E.T. to his home planet, explore and build extraordinary intergalactic botanical gardens, and share their experiences with friends.

SYNOPSIS

When an imaginative boy meets a lost alien, it is the beginning of one of cinema’s most endearing friendships, as Elliot (Henry Thomas) helps the marvelous creature he calls E.T. find his way back home before government agents can capture him.