Category Archives: Review

May 18, 2018 · 1:14 pm

Early Man is a Family Animated Comedy Set in Stone Age-#Giveaway

If you are looking for a great animated comedy for your entire family, you will love, Early Man. This hilarious tale is available now on Digital and will be rolling out on Blu-ray Combo Pack on May 22nd from Lionsgate.

Meet the team that rocked the Stone Age in Early Man from Lionsgate.

 

From Aardman, the award-winning tribe that brought you Wallace & Gromit, Chicken Run, and Shaun the Sheep Movie, this prehistoric romp tells the epic story of Dug the caveman and his goofy friends who challenge invaders to a game of soccer in order to win back their home.

Perfect for the young and young-at-heart alike, the cheerful tale told in charming, well-crafted claymation is Certified Fresh™ on Rotten Tomatoes and is full of “abundant delights” (Ella Taylor, NPR). Starring in the film are Oscar®-winner Eddie Redmayne (Best Actor, The Theory of Everything, 2014; Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them), Tom Hiddleston (Thor: Ragnarok, Kong: Skull Island), Maisie Williams (TV’s “Game of Thrones”), as well as Timothy Spall (Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street, Harry Potter Franchise).

Check out the trailer below:

Set at the dawn of time, when prehistoric creatures roamed the Earth, Early Man tells the story of courageous caveman hero Dug (Eddie Redmayne) and his best friend, Hognob, as they unite their tribe against a mighty enemy — Lord Nooth (Tom Hiddleston) and his Bronze Age City — to save their home.

The animated world of Early Man has extensive special features including never-before-seen featurettes that reveal the love, passion, hard work, and magic that goes into creating an Aardman Studios animated film.

Click the image below for a download and printable Early Man Activity Book!!!

 BLU-RAY/DVD SPECIAL FEATURES

  • “Before the Beginning of Time: Creating Early Man” Featurette
  • “Nick Park: Massaging the Funny” Featurette
  • “The Valley Meets the Bronze” Featurette
  • “Hanging at Aardman Studios: A Workshop Exploration” Featurette

PROGRAM INFORMATION

Year of Production: 2017

Rating: PG for Rude Humor and Some Action

Genre: Animation, Comedy, Family

Closed-Captioned: N/A

Subtitles: Spanish, English SDH

Feature Run Time: 89 minutes

Giveaway:

Lionsgate is sponsoring a giveaway on Mommy Ramblings! One lucky blog reader will win an Early Man Blu-ray Combo Pack! Thank you to Lionsgate for the review movie and for sponsoring this great giveaway on Mommy Ramblings!!! Open to US residents. 

Early Man Blu-ray Combo Pack Giveaway on Mommy Ramblings Rules:

Please enter for your chance to win using the Rafflecopter widget below. Good Luck!!!

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· 12:23 pm

Vremi 10 Piece Colorful Knife Set & Bump N’ Grind Coffee Grinder Giveaway

If you are looking to add some color to your kitchen, you will love the Vremi 10 Piece Colorful Knife Set. You will be on the cutting edge of style with these 5 bright knives and sheath covers. 

Set includes a Chef’s Knife, Carving Knife, Utility Knife, Paring Knife and Serrated Knife. 

For all your prep, cooking and carving needs, you can’t beat the value of this rainbow-colored knife set. Each knife is forged with a heavy-duty real steel blade and perfectly weighted for optimal performance. Knives are odor and stain resistant with never dull edge tip end that will stay rust proof with proper care and sharpening

  • NON STICK with MATCHING BLADE GUARD – Professional Knife kit features food grade non-stick coating and protective cover guards  for drawer storage and kids safety. Magnetic blades also store nicely on any wall mount hanging magnet rack organizer
  • ERGONOMIC NON SLIP HANDLES – Each modern colorful individual knife also features non slip comfort grip on its solid narrow plastic handle that makes big or small fruit vegetable and foods slicing more fun, whether it’s a tomato, onions, or cake.

These knives come in a nice box, perfect for gift giving or for your own kitchen.

From knives to grinding up coffee, we are excited about the Vremi Bump N’ Grind Electric Coffee Grinder. This easy to use coffee bean grinder is equipped with one touch control settings. Grinding is easy as pouring in your beans, placing the top on and pressing the button.

The double stainless steel blades are durable and sharp letting you grind your beans coarse, fine or to a powder consistency to match your needs. Easy to clean with included cleaning brush, no disassembly needed.

Giveaway:

Enter below for your chance to win the Vremi Knife Set and Bump N Grind Coffee Grinder.

 


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May 9, 2018 · 3:14 am

PBS “MASTERPIECE: LITTLE WOMEN” on DVD & Blu-Ray #Giveaway

One of my favorite books as a girl was Little Women. I have a feeling, I am not the only one who lists it among their favorite books. I remember the March sisters fondly, and that is why I am so excited to let you know that PBS Distribution is releasing MASTERPIECE: LITTLE WOMEN on DVD, Blu-ray and Digital HD.

Set against the backdrop of a country divided, the story follows the four March sisters on their journey from childhood to adulthood while their father is away at war.

Under the guidance of their mother Marmee, the girls navigate what it means to be a young woman: from gender roles to sibling rivalry, first love, loss and marriage. Accompanied by the charming boy next door Laurie Laurence, their cantankerous wealthy Aunt March and benevolent neighbor Mr. Laurence, Little Women is a coming-of-age story that is as relevant and engaging today as it was on its original publication in 1868. 

“MASTERPIECE: LITTLE WOMEN” will be available on DVD and Blu-ray May 22, 2018. The run time of the program is approximately 180 minutes. The program will also be available for digital download.

“Little Women is one of the most-loved novels in the English language, and with good reason,” says writer and executive producer Heidi Thomas. “Its humanity, humor, and tenderness never date, and as a study of love, grief, and growing up it has no equal. There could be no better time to revisit the story of a family striving for happiness in an uncertain world.”

Heading the cast are Academy AwardÂŽ nominee Emily Watson (The Theory of Everything, Hilary and Jackie) as Marmee, the devoted mother of the four adolescent March girls; Michael Gambon (Churchill’s Secret, Page Eight) as Mr. Laurence; and Academy AwardÂŽ winner Angela Lansbury (Murder, She Wrote, The Manchurian Candidate) as the March family matriarch, Aunt March.

Click Here to View a Preview of the Program 

The March sisters—the “little women” of the title—feature newcomer Maya Hawke as the willful and adventurous Jo; Willa Fitzgerald (Scream: The TV Series) as the eldest and most virtuous, Meg; Annes Elwy (King Arthur: Excalibur Rising) as the shy sister, Beth; and Kathryn Newton (Big Little Lies) as Amy, the youngest of the family.

Also appearing are Jonah Hauer-King (Howards End) as Laurie, the loveable boy next door; Dylan Baker (The Good Wife) as Mr. March, who is serving as a chaplain with the Union Army; Julian Morris (Mark Felt) as John Brooke, Laurie’s cultured and handsome tutor; and Mark Stanley (Star Wars: The Force Awakens) as the charming Professor Bhaer.

A celebration of family as much as it is a recognition of the challenges of growing up and forging an individual identity, the program remains relevant due to the universal themes at its core. Backed by a nearly all-female creative team, Thomas’ adaptation doesn’t shy away from tackling the darker, more complex emotions the March family experiences. Drawing from a novel that was well ahead of its time the show speaks to current issues as much as it does to the issues women faced at the turn of the 20th century. 

Devotees of the original novel will relish the book’s indelible scenes in this MASTERPIECE production: the cruel fate of Jo’s manuscript, Amy’s accident on the ice, Meg’s first ball, Beth and the forbidden piano, the pickled limes affair, and many other cherished episodes in a journey to a bygone time.

Although modern society would be disorienting in the extreme to the March sisters, Thomas notes that even today “girls are still confused about their desires and their desirability, and the passage from innocence to experience is more turbulent than ever.” 

“We need hope, and we need empathy,” she adds. “We need laughter, and we need catharsis, we need joy and inspiration. LITTLE WOMEN gives us all of these things.”

Giveaway:

PBS Distribution is sponsoring a giveaway on Mommy Ramblings! 5 Lucky Blog Readers will each win their own Masterpiece: Little Women DVD! Thank you to PBS Distribution for the review copy and for sponsoring this amazing giveaway on Mommy Ramblings! Open to US residents.

Masterpiece: Little Women DVD Giveaway for 5 Winners on Mommy Ramblings Rules:

Enter for your chance to win using the Rafflecopter widget below. Good Luck!!!

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April 25, 2018 · 12:03 am

“ZOMBIES” The Disney Channel’s Newest Original Movie! #Giveaway

 ZOMBIES  have arrived in the Disney Channel’s Newest Original Movie!  At Seabrook High, it’s Zoms vs Poms!

The movie features exclusive bonus content including bloopers, deleted scenes, Zombie Survival Guide to High School and more!

Disney’s  ZOMBIES  is a music and dance-filled story set in the fictitious world of Seabrook, a cookie-cutter community brimming with perky conformity 50 years after a zombie apocalypse.

Today, the zombies pose no threat, but are required to live in Zombietown, an isolated, rundown community infused with their unique creative spirit. When zombies are finally allowed to enroll in Seabrook High School, the charming, charismatic zombie Zed, who is determined to play football, meets freshman Addison who dreams of being a cheerleader — the ultimate form of status in Seabrook.

Addison takes a lot of flak for befriending Zed and his zombie friends, but comes to learn that zombies and cheerleaders aren’t so different after all. Zed and Addison work together to show Seabrook what they can achieve when they embrace their differences and celebrate what makes them a community.

Cast:  Milo Manheim as Zed; Meg Donnelly as Addison; Trevor Tordjman as Bucky; Kylee Russell as Eliza; Carla Jeffery as Bree; Kingston Foster as Zoey;
and James Godfrey as Bonzo.

Director:Paul Hoen

Executive Producers:  Effie Brown and Paul Hoen

Writers: David Light and Joseph Raso

Bonus Material:  Zombie Blooper Reel (DVD Exclusive)  – Laugh out loud at the Cast of ZOMBIES in this compilation of the funniest bloopers and outtakes from the making of the film.  TRT:  3:53

The Zombie Survival Guide To High School (DVD Exclusive) – This piece uses a visual motif of a Zombie Survival Guide, with styled infographics and hosted by the talent.  We go down the list of some of the most important survival tips for Zombies and humans on how to get along and make the best of high school.  TRT:  2:24

Dance Tutorial – Join Meg Donnelly (Addison), Kylee Russell (Eliza) and ZOMBIES Choreographer, Christopher Scott, as they show you how to dance along to the ‘BAMM” Music Video. TRT:  3:38

Deleted Scene #1 (DVD Exclusive)  – It’s a Cheer-tastrope  TRT:  :57

Deleted Scene #2 (DVD Exclusive) – New Jacket, New Name TRT:  1:09

Audition Tapes (DVD Exclusive)

Milo Manheim Audition TRT: 1:16

Meg Donnelly Audition TRT :57

Music Video – “BAMM” TRT 3:39

Lyric Video – “BAMM”  TRT 3:23

Trailer #1  TRT:  2:20

Trailer #2   TRT 1:50

Release Date:   April 24, 2018

Packaging: DVD

Rating: TV-G

Feature Run Time:       Approx. 94 minutes (excluding bonus)

To celebrate this new film, we are sharing the downloadable Disney ZOMBIES Movie Night Fun Pack.

So, are you excited to see this new movie? Let me know.

Giveaway:

Disney is sponsoring a giveaway on Mommy Ramblings! One lucky blog reader will win their own ZOMBIES DVD! Thank you to Disney Channel for the review movie and for sponsoring this scary good giveaway on Mommy Ramblings! Open to US residents.

Disney ZOMBIES Movie DVD Giveaway on Mommy Ramblings Rules:

Enter for your chance to win using the Rafflecopter widget below. Good Luck!!!

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April 24, 2018 · 11:19 am

“I Walk With Vanessa” is An Empowering Story with No Words

As the old saying goes, ” a picture is worth a thousand words”, and that sentiment is true in the new children’s picture book, I Walk With Vanessa. This relevant, wordless book speaks volumes about how a simple act of kindness can lead to an entire community joining in to help. 

Written by New York Times bestselling husband and wife team KerascoÍt, I Walk With Vanessa, explores the feelings of helplessness and anger that arise in the wake of seeing a classmate treated badly. Based on true events, it is the empowering story of one girl who inspires a community to stand up to bullying.

The story is inspired by a Baylor University student who was escorted to class by 300 of her classmates after she was bullied the day before, this timeless, profound, feel-good story addresses themes of kindness and acceptance, acting as a call to action to even the youngest of children to stand up for what they know is right.

PRAISE FOR I WALK WITH VANESSA

“A wonderfully illustrated, hopeful book that can help caregivers tackle an emotionally fraught subject with even very young children.” —Kirkus Reviews, starred review

 “A simple, beautiful story with an empowering lesson and call to action.” —School Library Journal, starred review

“The wordless pages and small, toylike figures make this a good choice for young children who can work out for themselves what has happened, what Vanessa’s new friend does, and why it works.”—Publishers Weekly, starred review

“Drawn with loose lines and plenty of personality . . . a stirring example of how an image can both reflect and extend the individual reader’s experience.” —The New York Times Book Review

Plenty of personality . . . a stirring example of how an image can both reflect and extend the individual reader’s experience.” —The New York Times Book Review

Giveaway

Random House Kids is sponsoring a giveaway on Mommy Ramblings! One lucky blog reader will win their own hardcover copy of, I Walk With Vanessa! Thank you to Random House Kids for the review book and for sponsoring this inspiring giveaway on Mommy Ramblings! Open to US Residents.

I Walk With Vanessa Book Giveaway on Mommy Ramblings Rules:

Please enter for your chance to win using the Rafflecopter widget below. Good Luck!!!

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April 23, 2018 · 6:14 pm

“A Friendly Town That’s Almost Always By The Ocean” Book Tour & Giveaway

I am here to tell you about a great new middle age novel,  A Friendly Town That’s Almost Always By The Ocean.  When Davy’s fifth grade class uncovers the secrets of their peculiar town in a series of linked tales that pair the whimsy of Sideways Stories from Wayside School with the delightful eeriness of Welcome to Night Vale.

Welcome to Topsea, the strangest place you’ll ever visit. In this town, the coves are bottomless and the pier has no end in sight. There’s a high tide and a low tide… and a vanishing tide. Dogs are a myth, but mermaids are totally real. And seaweed is the main ingredient in every meal—watch out, it might just start chewing you back!

New kid Davy definitely thinks Topsea is strange. His mom keeps saying they’ll get used to life in their new town—it’s just the way things are on the coast! But after his first day at Topsea School, Davy finds himself wondering: Why is his locker all the way at the bottom of the school swimming pool? Why can’t anyone remember his name? (It’s Davy!) And why does everyone act like all of this is normal?!

This is such fun book for your middle school child or to read aloud. It is a book both kids and parents will thoroughly enjoy.

Giveaway:

Disney Hyperion is sponsoring a giveaway on Mommy Ramblings! One lucky reader will win a hardcover copy of,  A Friendly Town That’s Almost Always by the Ocean! Thank you to Disney Hyperion for the review book and for sponsoring this great giveaway on Mommy Ramblings! Open to US Residents.

A Friendly Town That’s Almost Always by the Ocean Book Giveaway on Mommy Ramblings Rules:

Enter for your chance to win using the Rafflecopter widget below. Good Luck!!!

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· 12:10 pm

Check Out The Versatile Styling of the Lugz Stack Lo Boot #Giveaway

I can’t wait to tell you about one of the new men’s arrivals at Lugz. The Stack Lo is the perfect choice for the guy looking for an updated look to the classic moc toe oxford boot.

These boots are such a versatile style, and look great with just about anything. Perfect for work and play, the Stack Lo provides all-day-on-your-feet support. The boot features a water-resistant upper, compression molded foam core midsole for flex and cushion, a flexstride memory foam insole for comfort and stability, and rugged slip resistant rubber sole for durability and grip.

My son loves the way these low-rise boots feel and look. They are very sharp and perfect for those who work hard and play harder. The low rise makes them great for any occasion. Transition perfectly from a day on the river to a night on the town. The Stack Lo is available in three colors: black, brown and golden wheat. 

Check out the features below:

  • Water Resistant Thermabuck Upper
  • Metal hardware on logo and hex eyelet
  • Padded tongue & collar
  • Flexastride memory foam insole
  • Compression molded midsole
  • ASTM-F1677, Mark II tested slip resistant rubber sole

Giveaway:

Lugz is sponsoring a giveaway on Mommy Ramblings. One lucky blog reader will win the Stack Lo in the color and size of their choice (subject to availability). Thank you to Lugz for the review boots and for sponsoring this amazing giveaway on Mommy Ramblings! Open to US residents.

Lugz Stack Lo Boot Giveaway on Mommy Ramblings Rules:

Please enter for your chance to win using the Rafflecopter widget below. Good Luck!!!

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April 20, 2018 · 5:11 pm

Shop Mama’s Jewelry For Unique Mother’s Day Gifts

Mother’s Day is coming up, even though you would not know it from the weather here in New York. We had snow yesterday, again! If you are thinking about Mother’s Day gifts, why not get mom something unique and special?

Moms work hard every day, give them something that really celebrates them and the family they helped to create. Mama’s Jewelry has an exquisite collection of mother’s rings, earrings and necklaces that make an unforgettable and treasured Mother’s Day gift.

Every time she looks at her ring, puts on her earings or is complimented on her necklace, she will be reminded of just how much she is loved.

When you shop at Mama’s Jewelry, you are shopping with a company that has been designing rings and pendants for mothers for 30 years! Mama’s Jewelry is committed to creating exceptional mother’s pendants, rings and earrings at affordable prices.

Mama’s Jewelry has fast turnaround times, which is important when ordering a custom piece of jewelry. As soon as Mama’s Jewelry receives your order, their CAD technician and certified jewelers get to work, designing and building your custom order.

With strict quality control standards, you can be certain, nothing will be shipped that does not have a seal of approval from Mama’s Jewelry. In fact, if they would not give it to their loved ones, they will never ship it to you.

Most orders for mother’s rings and pendants ship out within 3 to 5 days, reaching you about a week later. If you are pressed for time, shopping at the last-minute, Mama’s Jewelry will ensure you get a custom item that looks like it took months to create.

Mama’s Jewelry has beautiful pieces for grandmothers too!

Mama’s Jewelry has a Mother’s Day Special Offer  where you can Save $10 Off already their already low prices when you use the Promo Code MAMAS10. Visit Mama’s Jewelry now to shop and wrap up the savings.

Let me know what you think about Mama’s Jewelry. 


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April 9, 2018 · 1:18 am

“Tad The Lost Explorer and the Secret of King Midas” DVD Available April 10th!

My kids have a great imagination, and that is why I knew they would love the new movie, Tad the Lost Explorer and the Secret of King Midas. It was super easy for them to get lost in the adventure of this film. To help, we were sent an adventure kit to go along with the DVD and Digital copy. You can bring it home too on April 1oth! 

TAD THE LOST EXPLORER AND THE SECRET OF KING MIDAS

Get Lost in the Adventure on DVD & Digital April 10, 2018!

Tad and his loveable and zany friends are back in the all-new animated adventure TAD THE LOST EXPLORER AND THE SECRET OF KING MIDAS.  In this highly anticipated follow-up to the 2013 hit Tad, The Lost Explorer, Tad dreams of becoming an archeologist traveling the world, uncovering hidden secrets and lost treasure, but his job working construction keeps him daydreaming instead of exploring.

The chance of a lifetime comes when he is invited to attend archaeologist Sara Lavrof’s presentation of her latest discovery–the papyrus that proves the existence of the Necklace of Midas, the legendary King who turned everything he touched into solid gold.  When an evil billionaire forces Sara to help him find the enchanted talisman, Tad must rescue the girl of his dreams on a trip around the world, in this new hilarious, action-packed adventure the whole family will love!

This film is a recipient of the Dove Seal of Approval, TAD THE LOST EXPLORER AND THE SECRET OF KING MIDAS is rated PG and is an ideal family film loaded with fun, laughter and adventure.  Are you excited to see this new movie? Let me know in the comments.

 


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April 5, 2018 · 8:13 pm

Cracker Barrel Old Country Store is Your Destination for Homestyle Southern Cooking

I cannot believe it is the beginning of April, and we have ice all over the trees. The weather has been so crazy here in the northeast. We recently took a trip up to Binghamton, and it was downright nasty out. Coming home we found ourselves dealing with freezing rain. Thankfully, we made it home safe! One of the best things about that night, was having dinner at Cracker Barrel Old Country Store. 

As soon as we crossed the threshold into the country store, we stepped back in time. It was as if we were teleported back in time to an old-fashioned general store.

Glancing around we saw classic toys, old-fashioned candies, apparel, home and garden accessories on our way toward the dining room, which is adorned with oak tables and chairs. We can count on Cracker Barrel to have a warm fire burning which warmed our bodies and souls. We were fortunate to be seated at a table in front of the large hearth and fireplace. There are mind teaser puzzles on the table, as well as, all kinds of nostalgic items hanging on the dining room walls.

Cracker Barrel has an extensive menu including all day breakfast, with so many great southern favorites, it is hard to choose. We had a friendly server who did not mind allowing us some extra time to look over the menu.

My husband ordered the Country Fried Shrimp which consists of a half pound of buttermilk-battered shrimp and Cracker Barrel’s signature hush puppies served with tangy cocktail sauce.  He was able to pick three country sides to go with his dinner. My husband chose a side salad (counts as 2 sides) and pinto beans.

One of our sons and I each ordered the 10 oz. Rib Eye Steak cooked medium with three sides, He picked fries, macaroni and cheese and apple slices and I choose a baked potato and green beans.

Our youngest son had the Chicken Tenderloins which can be ordered marinated and grilled or crispy friend with BBQ or Honey Mustard sauce. He wanted them crispy fried and with BBQ sauce. For his sides he had corn, fries and macaroni and cheese. A large plate of their made from scratch Buttermilk Biscuits and Corn Muffins was brought for all of us.

The kids had homestyle lemonade and raspberry lemonade, I had coffee which our waitress refilled promptly and my husband had sweet tea.

After dinner myself, my husband and one of our sons ordered  one of the Frozen Mug Sundaes with Roasted Almonds. Our other son had the Double Chocolate Fudge Coca-Cola Cake which is served warm with rich, creamy vanilla ice cream. I had a bite and it was delicious! My husband and I each had one of their new hand crafted mocha lattes which are served with chocolate syrup drizzled whipped cream.

Needless to say, we were warm and stuffed with good, old-fashioned southern cooking when we left. One nice thing about taking a road trip is that you can usually find a Cracker Barrel along the way. They are usually located in areas that make it easy to get off and on the highway. I love that they have so many locations, over 600 stores in over 40 states.  It is nice that even when traveling to new places, I can count on Cracker Barrel to make us feel right at home.

So, let me know if you love Cracker Barrel as much as I do. I would love to hear your thoughts in the comments.

A big plate of their made from scratch Buttermilk Biscuits and Corn Muffins was brought for all of us.

This post was sponsored by Cracker Barrel who provided us with gift certificates for dinner. As always, my words and views are 100% my own.

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