Thursday, March 31, 2011

Chuggington: Chuggers To The Rescue DVD Giveaway

Honk your horns! Chuggington is back in the station with an all-new DVD, releasing April 5!

A worldwide television hit and an exciting destination for preschoolers, “Chuggington” follows the humorous adventures of ‘traintastic’ pals, Wilson, Brewster and Koko as they ‘ride the rails’ of life on their way to becoming productive chuggers. Featuring a dynamic fleet of relatable and diverse characters, each engaging episode is filled with positive life lessons that encourage and promote early social skills. The colorful and contemporary CGI-animated TV series airs daily on Playhouse Disney, Disney Channel’s learning-focused programming block.

In “Chuggers To The Rescue,” everyone’s favorite trainee trio is set to save the day in six horn-tooting episodes that deliver action and laughter, while teaching viewers gentle lessons about emergency preparedness and responsibility.

Through their exciting adventures and daring escapades, complete with jetpacks and storm machines, Wilson, Brewster and Koko help one another out of jams, learn emergency rescue skills and take on new responsibilities, while they – and young trainees at home – learn about patience, accountability, following instructions and how to get the job done! The action-packed DVD features appearances from special “Chuggington” friends, Calley, Dunbar, Zephie and Mtambo.

The Giveaway: One lucky winner will receive a Chuggers To The Rescue DVD

To Win:
Mandatory Entry. If this is not followed, none of your extra entries will count. Who are you entering this contest for by Midnight, April 14, 2011

For Extra Entries:
*Blog about this giveaway and leave me the link for (5 extra entries) (each entry must be separate).
*Subscribe to my newsletter/email (2 entries) (each entry must be separate)
*Follow Chuggington on Twitter
*Like Chuggington on Facebook
*Follow my blog
*Follow me on Networked Blogs
*Tweet (leave your link) (2 entries)
*Join My BlogFrog Community
*Share this post on Facebook come back and leave a link.
*Enter another giveaway on my blog and let me know which one.
*Comment on a non-giveaway post and tell me which one (up to 3 comments).
*Become a fan of Maria's Space on Facebook (Not my personal Facebook) and post a message that you entered with a link to the giveaway on your Facebook page and leave a link to the message.
*Add me to your blog roll and leave the link (2 Entries)
*Add my main button to your side bar

*Open to US only.

Disclosure:
I received no monetary compensation. The sponsor has supplied the giveaway copy.

Glee Encore DVD - Giveaway

Since reviewing Glee's Season 1, last year, I have been Gleeked! Clary and I love the show and are currently watching Season 2, thanks to Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment who provided the disks. We try to watch an episode a week and were doing great but have missed a month due to schedules and we talk about how bummed we are practically every day.

We love it! We love the show, the actors, the writing, the chaos, but mostly, we love the songs. We sing along to almost every one which is why we love Glee for Wii. Our children, know about Glee but have never seen the show. We would never allow it, due to the very adult writing. They ask if they can watch it because they too, love the music.

Thankfully, we can now allow our kids to watch Glee because, the parts of the show that would be appropriate for those under 16 (the songs) are being released on a DVD entitled, Glee Encore.

Hooray!!! I am so excited to announce this....

Win a DVD copy of Glee’s musical numbers

from the first season, out on DVD/Blu-ray on April 19th

Get ready, young Gleeks! With the newest release from this hit Fox TV show, younger fans of the popular program can enjoy the simple innocence and fun of the show, combined with the music they love all – all in one place! With this new all-music version of the DVD, Moms can sit back, relax and turn off their “Parental Control”, as we have created a more family friendly home viewing experience that focuses on the fun of the music rather than the mature themes.

Glee Encore takes more than 30 show-stopping numbers from the first season and combines them for a fun-filled, all-music version of the series that kid and tween fans can sing along to and share with friends at slumber parties and after school get-togethers!

Glee Encore features performances by stars Lea Michele, Chris Colfer, Matthew Morrison, Cory Monteith, Amber Riley and guest star Kristin Chenoweth. Popular songs available on the DVD include “Don’t Stop Believing,” “Gold Digger,” “I’ll Stand By You,” “True Colors,” “Jesse’s Girl” and “Total Eclipse of the Heart.” Glee is produced by Ryan Murphy Television in association with 20th Century Fox Television and is currently in its second season.

The Giveaway: One lucky winner will receive a copy of Glee Encore!

To Win:
Mandatory Entry. If this is not followed, none of your extra entries will count.
Leave a comment by Midnight, April 14th telling me which Glee guest star appears on the Glee Encore release?

*Gwyneth Paltrow
*Britney Spears
*Kristin Chenoweth

For Extra Entries:
*Blog about this giveaway and leave me the link for (3 extra entries) (each entry must be separate).
*Subscribe to my newsletter/email (2 entries) (each entry must be separate)
*Like Glee on Facebook
*Follow my blog
*Follow me on Networked Blogs (2 entries)
*Tweet (leave your link) (2 entries)
*Join My BlogFrog Community
*Share this post on Facebook come back and leave a link.
*Enter another giveaway on my blog and let me know which one.
*Comment on a non-giveaway post and tell me which one (up to 3 comments).
*Become a fan of Maria's Space on Facebook (Not my personal Facebook) and post a message that you entered with a link to the giveaway on your Facebook page and leave a link to the message.
*Add me to your blog roll and leave the link (2 Entries)
*Add my main button to your side bar

*Open to US only.

Disclosure:
I received no monetary compensation. The sponsor has supplied the giveaway copy.

Scunci's Bendini's Are Changing Our Lives - Review & Giveaway

Goddess and I love wearing our hair down but for school, I try to put her hair into ponytails or make her wear head bands. Goddess doesn't wear head bands the normal way. She wears them right at her hairline like an accessory rather than a way to hold back her hair. Also, her hair is very straight and ponytails never last. Enter Bendini's.

These things stay in and are so easy to use. I have had long hair my whole life but have never been really good about styling or making it look pretty with clips which means I also don't know how to do Goddess' hair.

But with the Scunci Bendini's you simply insert them and flip the decorative part pack. Easy and more importantly, they hold. If a clip can hold my hair back, it can hold anything. Plus, they are really beautiful. Goddess and I want two of each on the market.

The Giveaway: One lucky winner will receive two randomly selected clips to try out for themselves.

To Win:
Mandatory Entry. If this is not followed, none of your extra entries will count. Head over to Scunci and tell me your favorite clip by Midnight, April 14, 2011

For Extra Entries:
*Blog about this giveaway and leave me the link for (3 extra entries) (each entry must be separate).
*Subscribe to my newsletter/email (2 entries) (each entry must be separate)
*Follow my blog
*Like Scunci on Facebook
*Follow Scunci on Twitter
*Follow me on Networked Blogs (2 entries)
*Tweet (leave your link) (2 entries)
*Join My BlogFrog Community
*Share this post on Facebook come back and leave a link.
*Enter another giveaway on my blog and let me know which one.
*Comment on a non-giveaway post and tell me which one (up to 3 comments).
*Become a fan of Maria's Space on Facebook (Not my personal Facebook) and post a message that you entered with a link to the giveaway on your Facebook page and leave a link to the message.
*Add me to your blog roll and leave the link (2 Entries)
*Add my main button to your side bar

*Open to US only.

Disclosure:
I received no monetary compensation. The sponsor has supplied the review and giveaway copy.

T Shirt Printing.Net For Your Custom Printed Hoodies, T-Shirts and More

This month I was offered the opportunity to check out a screen printing company called TShirtPrinting.Net to check out a sample of a graphic t-shirt.

What is great about custom shirts is that you pick the style and color of your shirt, then you add your custom logo, graphic or message to the item, making it 100% yours.

Whether you are looking for men's, ladies or children's shirts, TShirtPrinting.Net has your size and you can order from as few as 12 to 100,000.

This Is What I Can Tell You:
The shirts are high quality
The graphics are colorful and stay on!
The turn around was super quick. I got the t-shirt in 2 days of requesting it.

Tuesday, March 29, 2011

Winner Announcements, Did you win?

The Winners of the Scrabble Flash Game is:

Random Integer Generator

Here are your random numbers:

39 - Snow

Timestamp: 2011-03-30 01:55:52 UTC

Easter is Coming - Celebrate with A Wubbzy DVD Giveaway

EASTER ADVENTURES ABOUND IN BRAND-NEW ‘WOW! WOW! WUBBZY!’ DVD, ‘WUBBZY’S EGG-CELLENT EASTER’!

Fun-Filled Holiday-Themed Release from Anchor Bay Entertainment available!

Beverly Hills, CA – Easter has never been more “egg-citing”! Wubbzy and his friends Walden, Widget and Daizy – from the Emmy Award^®-winning Nick Jr.^® preschool TV series, “Wow! Wow! Wubbzy!,” will give preschoolers and families even more to celebrate this Easter with a brand-new, special seasonal DVD. “Everybunny” will be chirping with laughter when “Wubbzy’s Egg-Cellent Easter,” the latest release in the best-selling DVD series from Anchor Bay Entertainment, hit store shelves, March 1st. Get your copy here

“We’re delighted to bring this adorable and festive new ‘Wow! Wow! Wubbzy!’ title to preschoolers across the country, just in time for the holiday,” said Erin Carter, Executive Director of Brand Marketing, Anchor Bay Entertainment. “The charming new release is the perfect answer for families on the ‘hunt’ for affordable Easter gifts and is a great way for them to celebrate spring together – the Wubbzy-way – with relatable age-appropriate life lessons and lots of heartfelt humor.”

All the kooky action of Easter in Wuzzleburg comes to life in six “egg-ceptional” episodes featured on the debut DVD. In “Wubbzy’s Egg-Cellent Easter,” Wubbzy and his pals celebrate the first day of spring with a game of kickity-kick ball and discover new ways to decorate eggs for the annual Easter Egg Hunt. And when the holiday is suddenly cancelled, it’s up to Wubbzy to save the day!

For even more Easter cheer, “Wubbzy’s Egg-Cellent Easter” includes holiday-themed coloring sheets and activity pages.

“Wow! Wow! Wubbzy!” has been a hit with young viewers and their families since its 2006 TV premiere on Nickelodeon^®, and the show currently airs daily on Nick Jr. Wubbzy is a fun, lovable, curious little guy who just likes to play, play, play with his friends in the eye-popping town of Wuzzleburg. The top-rated series supports preschool social skills – sharing, listening, compromising, helping and appreciating others, self-awareness and the use of humor as a coping skill.

The folks over at Wow! Wow! Wubbzy, have a wonderful contest going on right now for a one of a kind original piece of Wubbzy inspired artwork by series creator and artist Bob Boyle. Enter to win here until April 10th.

My review is coming, but until then, I have a giveaway for a lucky winner.

The Giveaway: One lucky winner will receive a DVD of Wubbzy’s Egg-Cellent Easter

To Win:
Mandatory Entry. If this is not followed, none of your extra entries will count. Who are you entering this contest for by Midnight, April 12, 2011

For Extra Entries:
*Blog about this giveaway and leave me the link for (5 extra entries) (each entry must be separate).
*Subscribe to my newsletter/email (2 entries) (each entry must be separate)
*Follow my blog
*Follow me on Networked Blogs
*Tweet (leave your link) (2 entries)
*Join My BlogFrog Community
*Share this post on Facebook come back and leave a link.
*Enter another giveaway on my blog and let me know which one.
*Comment on a non-giveaway post and tell me which one (up to 3 comments).
*Become a fan of Maria's Space on Facebook (Not my personal Facebook) and post a message that you entered with a link to the giveaway on your Facebook page and leave a link to the message.
*Add me to your blog roll and leave the link (2 Entries)
*Add my main button to your side bar

*Open to US only.

Disclosure:
I received no monetary compensation. The sponsor has supplied the review and giveaway copy.

“Wow! Wow! Wubbzy!” is produced by Bolder Media, Inc. in association with Starz Media’s Film Roman Animation Studio. It is a worldwide hit that is broadcast in 60+ countries. Susan Miller (co-producer of Ella Enchanted) and Fred Seibert (executive producer of “The FairlyOdd Parents”) are the executive producers of the show created by Emmy^® Award winner Bob Boyle (producer of “The FairlyOdd Parents”).

GRAB YOUR FRIENDS AND RELIVE YOUR FAVORITE “GLEE” PERFORMANCES

“GLEE” Encore Arrives on Blu-ray and DVD on April 19

LOS ANGELES, CA – The perfect party companion, enjoy the most talked about musical performances when “GLEE” Encore arrives onto Blu-ray and DVD from Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment. The hit musical television series now has more Billboard Magazine Hot 100 chart entries than any other artist, topping Elvis Presley and James Brown. This full-length DVD features a set list of Season One’s most sensational musical numbers – back to back so the party never has to end! Experience all your favorite hit songs by Lady Gaga, Madonna, Journey, and much more.

“GLEE” is produced by Ryan Murphy Television in association with 20^th Century Fox Television. Ryan Murphy, Brad Falchuk and Ian Brennan are co-creators of the series. Murphy, Falchuk, Brennan and Dante Di Loreto serve as executive producers.

Giveaway coming soon!

About Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment

Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment, LLC (TCFHE) is a recognized global industry leader and a subsidiary of Twentieth Century Fox Film Corporation, a News Corporation company. Representing 75 years of innovative and award-winning filmmaking from Twentieth Century Fox, TCFHE is the worldwide marketing, sales and distribution company for all Fox film and television programming, acquisitions and original productions on DVD, Blu-ray Disc Digital Copy, Video On Demand and Digital Download. The company also releases all products globally for MGM Home Entertainment. Each year TCFHE introduces hundreds of new and newly enhanced products, which it services to retail outlets from mass merchants and warehouse clubs to specialty stores and e-commerce throughout the world.

Thr3e By Ted Dekker - A Review

Full Description

By all accounts seminary student Kevin Parsins is leading a good, if not virtuous, life. But like all people, Kevin has his secrets. And someone wants them revealed.

While driving home from a day at graduate school, Kevin receives a call from a mysterious stranger who calls himself Slater. Slater demands Kevin confess his sin in the next three minutes or the vehicle he is manning will be blown to pieces.

Thus starts a harrowing chain of events. After narrowly escaping his exploding car, Kevin continues to receive phone calls from Slater, each with another riddle, another consequence, and another three minutes to confess his sin.

The problem is Kevin is unsure of what that sin might be. And Slater's cycle won't stop until he figures it out.

What I Can Tell You:
Crazy! What a ride. Ted Dekkar, New York Times Best Selling Author has written some great books. This is my second Dekkar read. I loved the build up and twist at the end that I honestly didn't see coming. Not a big mystery fan but found myself devouring every word trying to figure out who the "killer" Slater was. Loads of twists and turns along the way, makes for a fun filled ride.

Need another reason to check out this book? Ted may be one of the cutest male writers out there.

Going to try to watch Thr3e over the weekend, as it was made into a movie in 2006 starring Marc Blucas. Excited to see it, I think my husband will enjoy it and now that I know the ending, I won't feel bad if I fall asleep like I do 90% of the time.

Disclosure: I received a complimentary copy from Hachette Book Group for my honest opinion.

Tuesday Takes

Tuesday Takes

Headed to the school today for a Storytelling program. Parents were invited and I am so glad I got to go. The story teller was awesome. She had the kids rivited. Have camera, will travel, so of course snapped some photos for myself and the school. Goddess knows the photographer so, where was she looking? Right at me!

Ruby Tuesday - The Apple Goddess

While on a photoshoot for babybindle, I spotted some beautiful figurines for Ruby Tuesday. Would totally max out my credit card buying these figurines if I had the money and space to put them.

Head to Mary's Ruby Tuesday for some more red pictures.

Monday, March 28, 2011

Dialogues With Goddess 3-28-11

This morning as we were driving to school Goddess asked,
"What would happen to us, if something happen to you and Daddy?"

I told her not to worry and that nothing was going to happen to us but if something did,
"your aunt will take care of you."

She said, "I would want you to be there."

"I know, I always wanted my mommy there when I was little too."

"It's sad that your mommy isn't here. You should look in her mirror (now mine) and look for her. Maybe she will be there,"

*insert me freaking out*

"Ahhh, maybe, why have you ever seen anyone in the mirror?"

"No, but since it was her mirror maybe if you told her you want to see her, maybe she will come!"

Well, now, this is not the conversations I want to have with my daughter. You know, any that include me not being there for my kids, but now, the paranormal stuff...this is just too freaky.

Seeing something in a mirror is one of my fears. It is not something I have ever talked about but she totally freaked me out today! I know she is innocent and just almost 6 year old talking but, I was totally freaked out with goose bumps and all.

Sunday, March 27, 2011

The Garfield Show: Private Eye Ventures on DVD

Follow Garfield, Jon and Odie as they solve whodunits about time travel, undercover kitties and mouthwatering lasagna when "The Garfield Show: Private-Eye Ventures" arrives onto DVD April 12th from Vivendi Entertainment.

The collection features six hilarious episodes with adventurous detective themes from the wildly popular show currently airing on The Cartoon Network. The all-new CGI-animated cartoon is based on Jim Davis´ timeless comic strip, which was recently voted #1 by Nickelodeon Magazine readers. The vivid series follows the lasagna-loving, Monday-hating fat cat into situations both fantastic and familiar, while entertaining with his unique point-of-view and his sarcastic wit. Packaged with bonus features including Garfield shorts, "The Garfield Show: Private-Eye Ventures" DVD will be available for the suggested retail price of $14.93. Run-time is 72 minutes.

Synopsis:
Follow the clues and get ready for fun-filled adventures with "The Garfield Show: Private-Eye Ventures." You´ll be on the case with Jon, Odie and your favorite orange feline as he meanders from one caper to the next, investigating talking lasagna, undercover kitties, time travel and the most important mystery of all: what´s for dinner?

What I Can Tell You:
We babysat for a friend today so I had four kids here today ranging in age from 2-8. They played for a while, than decided they wanted to watch TV. No one could agree on what to watch so I walked in with a copy of the newest Garfield DVD and put it in. It was a hit! They watched it two times. Even the 2 year old loved it! I know I keep saying the same thing when I review a Garfield DVD but it really is some of the best CGI animation.

Garfield fans and even new Garfield fans will love this witty, fun character.

Disclosure: I received a complimentary copy for my honest opinion. No monetary compensation was received.

Amaryllis In Blueberry by Christina Meldrum - Beautiful Prose

Amaryllis in Blueberry

In the stirring tradition of The Secret Life of Bees and The Poisonwood Bible, Amaryllis in Blueberry explores the complexity of human relationships set against an unforgettable backdrop. Told through the haunting voices of Dick and Seena Slepy and their four daughters, Christina Meldrum's soulful novel weaves together the past and the present of a family harmed--and healed--by buried secrets.

"Maybe, unlike hope, truth couldn't be contained in a jar..."

Meet the Slepys: Dick, the stern doctor, the naive husband, a man devoted to both facts and faith; Seena, the storyteller, the restless wife, a mother of four, a lover of myth. And their children, the Marys: Mary Grace, the devastating beauty; Mary Tessa, the insistent inquisitor; Mary Catherine, the saintly, lost soul; and finally, Amaryllis, Seena's unspoken favorite, born with the mystifying ability to sense the future, touch the past and distinguish the truth tellers from the most convincing liar of all.

When Dick insists his family move from Michigan to the unfamiliar world of Africa for missionary work, he can't possibly foresee how this new land and its people will entrance and change his daughters--and himself--forever.

Nor can he predict how Africa will spur his wife Seena toward an old but unforgotten obsession. In fact, Seena may be falling into a trance of her own. . .

What I Can Tell You: I am not sure I loved the story, but I DID love was the writing. The book begged to be read out loud. The beautiful prose made me long for the days of high school when we all read together and broke each part of the book apart, dissecting each character and sentence until we couldn't tell our own life from the life of the book.

The Marys confused me. I found myself forgetting who was who and having to go back and forth so many times. I wasn't sure if I liked Seena, as a mother, wife or woman. Her confusion, restlessness and favoritism made her unlikable at times. And, we begin with her being on trial for Dick, her husband's murder then goes back to the beginning. I found myself riveted in the first few chapters than it lost something, regaining momentum at different points but still a beautifully written piece of art!

This would make a great book group project!

After checking out Christina Meldrum's website, because of her writing, I am very interested in reading Madapple.

Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy of this book for my honest opinion from Simon and Schuster.

Recipe from Teen Cuisine, A Cookbook Geared Toward Teens & Beginners

STUYVESANT CORN AND POTATO CHOWDER
By Matthew Locricchio,
Author of Teen Cuisine

Fresh picked corn cut off the cob gets royal treatment in this classic chowder. The sweet corn that grows in and around Stuyvesant, a small agricultural community nestled along the Hudson River in upstate New York, is some of the best on the planet. A good friend who worked at one of the local farm markets asked me to come up with a recipe for chowder using local corn and potatoes. Just in case you can’t get fresh picked corn, this recipe works perfectly with frozen.

SERVES 6 TO 8
8 ears fresh corn, or 4 cups frozen kernels
1 small yellow onion
5 small Yukon gold potatoes
4 slices thick-cut bacon, or 2 tablespoons
salted butter
5 cups whole milk
4 tablespoons salted butter
2 teaspoons salt
½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper,
plus more if needed
1 to 2 jalapeño peppers
3 to 4 sprigs flat-leaf parsley, to garnish

On your mark . . .

Husk the corn and remove the silk strands.
Slice the kernels off the cob, reserving as much of the corn liquid as possible. To do this, stand the ear of corn on the stem end in a wide flat bowl or pan. Using a sharp knife, slice down in even rows to remove the kernels. Set the corn aside.
Peel and chop the onion into small chunks, and set aside.
Wash and peel the potatoes, chop into small chunks, and place in a medium-sized bowl. Cover with cold water and set aside.

Get set . . .

If you are using the bacon, place the strips in a frying pan over medium-high heat and fry for about 3 minutes on each side or until just crispy.
Remove the bacon from the pan, lay on paper towels to drain, and let cool.
Cut the strips into small pieces and set aside.
If you are not using the bacon, melt the butter over medium heat.
Add the onions to the bacon fat or melted butter and sauté for 3 to 4 minutes over medium heat until soft and translucent. Using a metal slotted spoon, transfer the onions to a heatproof bowl and set aside.
Drain the potatoes in a colander.
Combine the onions and the potatoes in a 3- to 4-quart saucepan. Add enough cold water to just cover the potatoes.
Bring the water to a boil over medium-high heat; do not cover the pan.
Reduce to low and simmer the potatoes and onions for 15 minutes or until just tender, but not falling apart, when pierced with the tip of a sharp knife.
Drain the potato and onion mixture and set aside.

Cook!

In a 6- to -8 quart saucepan, combine the milk, corn, butter, potatoes and onions, chopped bacon, salt, and pepper.
Bring to a gentle boil over medium-high heat.
Reduce the heat to simmer and cook for 10 to 12 minutes or until heated through and simmering, stirring occasionally.
While the soup cooks, slip on a pair of latex kitchen gloves. Remove the stems and cut the jalapeños in half lengthwise. Rinse under cold water. Scrape out the seeds with the tip of a teaspoon and discard. Chop into small dice and place in a small serving dish.
Rinse the gloves and remove.
Wash the parsley, shake off the excess water, and dry the sprigs by rolling them in paper towels. Coarsely chop and put in a small bowl.
Serve the chowder hot, and pass the jalapeños and parsley at the table to sprinkle on top.

Author Bio

Matthew Locricchio, author of Teen Cuisine, was born into a restaurant and catering family and has worked in the food industry most of his life. Included in his resume as a professional cook are stints at the well-known Gandy Dancer in Ann Arbor, Michigan, the West Coast Stock Exchange's private club in San Francisco, and the legendary Barbary Coast restaurant.

Matthew has taught culinary classes and given cooking demonstrations at culinary schools throughout the country as well as the American Museum of Natural History in New York City.

You can follow Michael on Facebook and Twitter

Handsome's Victory Dance

As parents, it doesn't take much for us to be proud. Sometimes it is the simplest things but when our kids just do something extraordinary pride swells and we are overcome with love for the people they are becoming.

Handsome has come a long way. He is still a little shy, doesn't always know how to make appropriate conversation or how to stay focused on what he is being told but the obstacles he has overcome are often unnoticed by others. But not me, I see everything he does. Hear everything he says and feel everything he feels. There are times my heart aches for the things I see him experience but he is never affected by them. Thankfully his comprehension on a lot of things slips right by, protecting him from meanness or ignorance and I am so thankful.

Friday, I saw him standing in the middle of a circle of boys, his eyes were closed and his fingers were in his mouth. He was swaying and smiling but it was a timid, nervous, uncomfortable smile. He was way outside his comfort zone and I felt it but he really wanted to play. They were playing Zombie Tag whatever that is and he knew the game which I found out when I asked him later. He WAS outside his comfort zone but he really wanted to play with them. I love how brave he was. No one else saw the discomfort but I did and I know what it was for him to stand in the middle of them, vulnerable, with closed eyes. But he did it and had a great time. The sight of him standing there was only about 3 seconds but it is embedded in my mind. I know that he is fine. I know that he was playing. I know that he overcame an obstacle (eyes closed in the middle of a room of people) yet, that little frightened face scorches my soul. It will be there forever.

My fear for him is real. I worry about him in the big, bad world and hope that time, and maturation strengthens him but I worry!

But....the victory dance of his goal last weekend is also in my head! Handsome is a very good soccer player and ended a wash out by the 1st place team but getting a goal for his team. I didn't have my camera, (can you even imagine?) but my girlfriend Sandra (babybindle) did, and got this awesome shot right after he scored!

He is totally doing a dig and often celebrates too much. He has about 8 goals under his belt this season and I couldn't be prouder.

Things Heard From Goddess Today!

"I have butt hands want to smell!?" Ahhh no, thanks honey.
"Yes, you do! You know you do!"

Watching her dad play DS.
"Come on Dad, follow your dreams."

After he lost a game.
'You have to live with it."

Over the past month, after every sentence: "I didn't see that coming."

Over the past year, prior to every logical question: "Let me guess...." i.e. sees her dad getting his work boots on, "let me guess, you are going to work?" or I am standing at the sink and turn on the water and grab the sponge, "let me guess, you are going to wash some dishes" Grr...makes us crazy.

Over the past year after she asks a question: "I know that!" Grr...

But, then there is this face:

How could we stay mad at that?

By the way...bowling with a bunch of boys at a birthday party today! Using the "heavy" ball according to all the boys when she picked it up, got the only Strike of the game! Woot! Woot! That's my girl! Came in second overall too.

Saturday, March 26, 2011

Self Portrait Sunday - March 27, 2011

I hope to see your smiling face! This day flew by. Busy day. Bowling with the kids today for a birthday party. Fun but man does hanging with a bunch of kids make you tired!

Stop by and say hello, link up so I can come say hello to you.

Z Bowz on Etsy Creates Moments That Last Forever

If you have been looking at the pictures I have posted lately, you have already been introduced to Jennifer's shop Z Bowz on Etsy. Goddess has been wearing the ladybug skirt and hair bows, everywhere! Like here. And here. And here. And, finally here!

What I Can Tell You: Goddess loves the skirt! She loves the sparkly fabric, the lady bugs and knowing it was made for her. She loves, the red trim and white trim at the bottom. She also, loves the coordinating hair clips with ladybugs. What I love about it, is that she feels beautiful and special in it. I also love that Jennifer is a mom who incorporates her love for her daughter into her business. As you all know, anytime I can use my kids on Maria's Space, I will and do!

Also, the pictures do nothing for the items on Jennifer's Etsy shop! I saw a photo of the skirt on her Facebook page and it doesn't hold a candle to the skirt Goddess wears even though it is the very skirt! When we took it out of the package we were so impressed and so is everyone else.

Goddess is very tiny so at first I thought it would be way too big but thanks to the elastic waist, it fits her perfectly and I expect it will for at least two years.

I was able to ask Jennifer a bit about herself and here is how our talk went?

Hey Jennifer, Tell us a little bit about yourself?
My name is Jennifer Zegowitz. I am a stay at home mom of the best 3 year old little girl named Tandi. She is such a joy and keeps me busy. I am married to my best friend Mark and we have been married for 6 and 1/2 years. I am truly blessed with the best family and friends.

How long has your Etsy shop been online or why did you start your Etsy shop?I opened my shop in Oct of 2008. I started my etsy shop to sell my bows and it has grown to other things.

Where do you get your inspiration?My daughter is my inspiration. Pretty much everything I have made was first made for her. She is the best model:)

What do you love most about what you do?I love making my daughter and friends things. It is fun to work on a project with Tandi and she is so happy and proud to wear something that Mommy made.

Where do you see yourself in 5 years?In 5 years I hope to have my stuff in different shops or maybe open my own store.

So, Jennifer, anything else you want to say?
I would love to be able to get the word out about my shop and my things. I am really bad about promoting my stuff. Thanks for the help.

Jennifer custom creates so contact her and she will assist you in coming up with your dream item.

BTW, not only does she do hair bows, tutu's, dresses and other kid friendly products, she has a really awesome "Hooter Hider" for the nursing moms!
Zbowz

Promote Your Page Too

Disclaimer: I received a complimentary skirt to complete this product review. No monetary compensation was received.

FYI, I did not pose Goddess in any pose. As the photography, I just let my model work it and man did she ever.

Winner Announcements, Did you win?

The Winners of the Pantry Moth Trap Giveaways is:

Random Integer Generator

Here are your random numbers:

2 -  susansmoaks

Timestamp: 2011-03-26 22:22:55 UTC

The Winner of the McCormick Giveaway is:

Random Integer Generator

Here are your random numbers:

45 - Taylor Bagels

Timestamp: 2011-03-26 22:28:40 UTC

The Winners of the Advil Congestion Relief Coupons are:

Random Integer Generator

Here are your random numbers:

38 - coriwestphal
23 - jakiesmom
11 - Hollowsins

Timestamp: 2011-03-26 22:32:27 UTC

Thank you to everyone who entered. I am forwarding an email to the winners, who have 48 hours to respond before another winner is selected. If you do not get an email, please contact me directly.

Friday, March 25, 2011

Arthur And The Invisibles 2 & 3 Is Out On Blu-ray & DVD

The awesome and incredible heroes from Arthur and the Invisibles are back for two new, full-length adventures. ARTHUR AND THE INVISIBLES 2 & 3 THE NEW MINIMOY ADVENTURES, the highly anticipated sequels from writer and director Luc Besson (The Fifth Element), hit store shelves this past Tuesday and are available on Blu-ray and DVD from Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment exclusively at Wal-Mart stores across America. In the part-live action, part-animated films, Freddie Highmore returns to the title role in a fun-fueled romp for the whole family.

Join swords with the mighty 10-year-old Arthur and enter the underground World of the Invisibles! Danger lurks, giant insects invade, and the evil wizard, Emperor Maltazard, must be defeated before it’s too late. On his brave quest, the courageous young Arthur seeks to win the epic war of the two worlds—and enlists the help of the Queen Bee to save his beloved Selenia, Princess of the Minimoys.

ARTHUR AND THE INVISIBLES 2 & 3 THE NEW MINIMOY ADVENTURES features the voice talents of Freddie Highmore (Charlie and the Chocolate Factory), Selena Gomez (Ramona and Beezus), Mia Farrow (Samantha: An American Girl Holiday), Snoop Dogg (Starsky & Hutch), Lou Reed (Trainspotting), and pop sensations will.i.a.m (Madagascar: Escape to Africa) and Fergie (Marmaduke) from The Black Eyed Peas.

ARTHUR AND THE INVISIBLES 2 & 3 THE NEW MINIMOY ADVENTURES features two new movie adventures for the price of one! The 2-Disc DVD is available for the suggested retail price of $29.98, and 3-Blu-ray/DVD Combo Pack is available for the suggested retail price of $29.99.

What I Can Tell You:
If you have not seen Arthur and The Invisibles yet, you and your kids are missing out. It is a wonderful movie with Freddie Highmore that you and your kids will remember from Charlie and The Chocolate Factory. It mixes live action and animation for a fun, whimsical feel.

In Part 2 and Part 3, Arthur is again shrunk down in order to help the Minimoys again. There is a lot of action in both forms of the movie. The animated and live action but I really loved the animation. The colors are suburb and the storyline is adorable. It is great for kids and adults.

I have two minor complaints about the movie.

1. I didn't love the way that Arthur was reduced this time in order to get to Minimoy. It looks like he is being tortured and I think this could be scary for younger kids.

2. I found myself uncomfortable a couple of times because of the uh, em, "sexual tension" between the two characters Arthur and Selenia. Also, there is another character who seemed very "playerish", "doggish" or whatever word you want to call it for a kids movie. It was all innocent enough but I was worried how my kids would perceive it and if they would question it. Thankfully, they didn't.
It could have been toned down in my opinion. It is a kids movie.

Praise Rant:
The movie is so much fun and Freddie Highmore is a great actor. I love his adorable little face either real or animated. I missed Madonna as Selenia but appreciated the addition of Selena Gomez, although it took me almost one whole movie to get used to the change in voice.

I love that storyline was so big, it had to be done in two parts. Epic!

All in all, great movie!

Check it out if you have a chance. Great for ages 8-13

Pssttt..Walmart has it for $15 for the DVD and $20.00 for the combo

ARTHUR & THE INVISIBLES 2 & 3 THE NEW MINIMOY ADVENTURES 3-Disc Blu-ray/DVD Combo Pack
Screen Format:    2.35:1
Audio:    English 5.1 DTS-Master Audio
Subtitles:    English, Spanish
U.S. Rating:    PG
Total Run Time:    3 hours, 16 minutes
Closed Captioned:    Yes

ARTHUR & THE INVISIBLES 2 & 3 THE NEW MINIMOY ADVENTURES 2-Disc DVD
Audio:    English 5.1 Dolby Digital
Subtitles:    English, Spanish
U.S. Rating:    PG
Total Run Time:    3 hours, 16 minutes
Closed Captioned:    Yes

Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment
Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment, LLC (TCFHE) is a recognized global industry leader and a subsidiary of Twentieth Century Fox Film Corporation, a News Corporation company. Representing 75 years of innovative and award-winning filmmaking from Twentieth Century Fox, TCFHE is the worldwide marketing, sales and distribution company for all Fox film and television programming, acquisitions and original productions on DVD, Blu-ray Disc Digital Copy, Video On Demand and Digital Download. The company also releases all products globally for MGM Home Entertainment. Each year TCFHE introduces hundreds of new and newly enhanced products, which it services to retail outlets from mass merchants and warehouse clubs to specialty stores and e-commerce throughout the world.

Disclosure: I received a complimentary copy for my honest opinion.

Bausch & Lomb Bio true Vlog

Just got back from the eye doctor extraordinaire and after a lenghtly discussion on life (I am a 9 year patient), kids, husband, business, and eyes he tells me that my eyes are doing great!

As someone who has had her share of eye problems, infections, and more this is very good news.

Nope, you are not looking at a planet, that is the inside of my eye. Check it out my eye. So cool...he has a camera that he puts up to your eye so he can see the inside on a computer screen. The bright part is my retina and the dark thing next to it is a nevus that I have to have looked at every year. All looks good!

Thankfully when I got home, I had a box waiting for me containing Bio true a new product from Bausch & Lomb.

Check out my video blog where I mention a million times that Bio true is inspired by the biology of your eye. Sorry about that B & L. Still not used to being on camera after a year! Need to do it more often.

Biotrue is inspired by the biology of your eyes™. It goes beyond cleaning by being the only* solution to bring together three bio-inspired innovations:

Has a lubricant found naturally in your eyes
Matches the pH of healthy tears
Keeps certain beneficial tear proteins active

Biotrue works like your eyes to provide you with the health and comfort your eyes deserve, helping to make lens wear easier on your eyes.

What I Can Tell You:
The most important aspect for me on this solution is that, I didn't have to add drops to the lens before I inserted it into my eye. Dry contacts against my eye make me crazy. There is enough lubrication in the solution for me to take it right out of the case and put it into my eye. That says a lot!

Disclosure:

“I wrote this review while participating in a Mom Central Consulting blog tour on behalf of Bausch + Lomb Biotrue. I received a Biotrue sample and a gift card to thank me for taking the time to participate.”

Thursday, March 24, 2011

Winner Announcements, Did You Win?

The Winners of the Treasure Me book giveaway are:

Random Integer Generator

Here are your random numbers:

65 - Laura H
33 - slb3334
36 - speck135les

Timestamp: 2011-03-24 16:37:54 UTC

The Winner of the Socks4Life  (by the way, these are by far my favorite socks ever) Giveaway is:

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Here are your random numbers:

27 - jakiesmom

Timestamp: 2011-03-24 16:52:59 UTC

Thank you to everyone who entered. I am forwarding an email to the winners, who have 48 hours to respond before another winner is selected. If you do not get an email, please contact me directly.

Walt Disney's Tangled - Blu-ray & DVD Combo Giveaway

Tangled features Rapunzel (Mandy Moore), a young girl hidden away from the world by her overprotective mother,Gothel. Rapunzel dreams of discovering what the world holds, when suddenly Flynn Ryder (Zachary Levi), a caddish drifter stumbles into her life. They strike a deal and Flynn agrees to lead her through the forest and find the hidden strength she never knew.

Product Details

When the kingdom's most wanted - and most charming - bandit Flynn Rider hides in a mysterious tower, the last thing he expects to find is Rapunzel, a spirited teen with an unlikely superpower: 70 feet of magical golden hair! Together, the unlikely duo sets off on a fantastic journey filled with surprising heroes, laughter and suspense. Let your hair down and get ready to cheer for Tangled. Rated PG.

Bonus Features:

* 2 original storybook openings
* 50th Animated Countdown

Check out the widget below for some fun activities tied to the Tangled movie.
Tangled Talents! The Tangled widget will allow children of all ages to discover talents they might not have known they had! Whether you are an aspiring artist, chef, or just feeling crafty, Rapunzel will lead the way as you find your own hidden abilities!

Decorating Tips by Designer Claire Keane! Claire Keane, daughter of Tangled director and animator Glen Keane, will share tips on how to decorate your room just like Rapunzels including a time lapse video of Claire painting a mural!

The Giveaway: One lucky winner will receive a Tangled Blu-ray DVD Combo and a randomly selected bonus gift (a Pascal Beanie Baby, Flynn Ryder and Rapunzel T-Shirts, and Official Disney Paper Lanterns!)

Sponsor: Walt Disney Studio Home Entertainment

To Win:
Mandatory Entry. If this is not followed, none of your extra entries will count. What talent did you discover on the Tangled Widget? This contest will end Midnight, April 8, 2011

For Extra Entries:
*Email pictures of yourself (ree026@optonline.net) or someone else doing the Tangled talents (Rapunzel hair, cooking, lanterns, etc)!! That would be so amazing! (5 extra entries)*Blog about this giveaway and leave me the link for (4 extra entries) (each entry must be separate).
*Follow Walt Disney Pictures on Twitter
*Subscribe to my newsletter/email (2 entries) (each entry must be separate)
*Follow my blog
*Follow Disney Movies on Facebook
*Follow me on Networked Blogs
*Tweet (leave your link) (2 entries)
*Join My BlogFrog Community
*Share this post on Facebook come back and leave a link.
*Enter another giveaway on my blog and let me know which one.
*Comment on a non-giveaway post and tell me which one (up to 3 comments).
*Become a fan of Maria's Space on Facebook (Not my personal Facebook) and post a message that you entered with a link to the giveaway on your Facebook page and leave a link to the message.
*Add me to your blog roll and leave the link (2 Entries)
*Add my main button to your side bar

*Open to US Only

Disclosure: I am hosting this giveaway for Disney
who provided the giveaway.
I received no monetary compensation.