On May 22nd, Walt Disney Studios and the legendary Studio Ghibli release THE SECRETWORLD OF ARRIETTY, on Blu-ray & DVD Combo Pack! The film features an all-star voice cast including Will Arnett, Amy Poehler, Carol Burnett, Bridgit Mendler and more telling a story based on the acclaimed children’s book series “The Borrowers.” Bonus includes a storyboard version of the film, original Japanese TV commercials, and more!
Residing quietly beneath the floorboards are little people who live undetected in a secret world to be discovered, where the smallest may stand tallest of all. From the legendary Studio Ghibli (“Spirited Away,” “Ponyo”) comes “The Secret World of Arrietty,” an animated adventure based on Mary Norton’s acclaimed children’s book series “The Borrowers.”
Arrietty (voice of Bridgit Mendler), a tiny, but tenacious 14-year-old, lives with her parents (voices of Will Arnett and Amy Poehler) in the recesses of a suburban garden home, unbeknownst to the homeowner and her housekeeper (voice of Carol Burnett). Like all little people, Arrietty (AIR-ee-ett-ee) remains hidden from view, except during occasional covert ventures beyond the floorboards to “borrow” scrap supplies like sugar cubes from her human hosts. But when 12-year-old Shawn (voice of David Henrie), a human boy who comes to stay in the home, discovers his mysterious housemate one evening, a secret friendship blossoms. If discovered, their relationship could drive Arrietty’s family from the home and straight into danger. The English language version of “The Secret World ofArrietty” was executive produced by Kathleen Kennedy and Frank Marshall, and directed by Gary Rydstrom.
Notes:
Hayao Miyazaki is one of the most influential and admired filmmakers working in animation today and is a major figure in the Japanese cinematic landscape. His films have inspired moviegoers and colleagues around the world, from Pixar’s John Lasseter to fantasist Guillermo del Toro to Chinese director Tsui Hark, and consistently top the box office in his native Japan.
Director Hiromasa Yonebayashi, a top animator at Studio Ghibli, was responsible for the animation in a signature scene in “Ponyo,” in which Ponyo runs atop ocean waves.
English language voice talent director Gary Rydstrom is a seven-time Academy AwardÒwinning sound designer/mixer (“Terminator 2: Judgment Day”). He joined Pixar Animation Studios as an animation film director in 2003. His directorial debut for the studio was the Academy Award®-nominated short film “Lifted,” and he directed the short film “Hawaiian Vacation,” which was released with “Cars 2” in June 2011.
Kathleen Kennedy and Frank Marshall are highly successful producing partners whose films, separately and together, include “The Curious Case of Benjamin Button,” “E.T.,” “Who Framed Roger Rabbit?,” the Indiana Jones films and the Jurassic Park films. In total, Kennedy and Marshall have earned 11 Oscar® nominations.
English language screenplay writer Karey Kirkpatrick’s credits include “Spiderwick Chronicles” and “Over the Hedge,” which he also directed (with Tim Johnson).
My kids were thrilled when we received “The Secret World of Arrietty” on Blu-ray and DVD Combo Pack recently. They were captivated by the case itself. I could not wait to show them the movie. This movie brings everyone’s imagination to life, a secret world that exists under the floorboards! Believe me you will love watching this together as a family as it is a delightful movie showing the remarkable and diverse friendship between a human boy and the little borrowers who live quietly among them. Heartwarming family feel good movie is what this is and it will have all of us, no matter our age thinking back to a time when we hoped to find leprechauns or other magical little creatures in the very common places we call home. Special features on the Blu-ray include Arrietty’s Song and Summertime music videos, the making of Summertime, Japanese Storyboards and original Japanese Trailer and TV spots. Don’t miss this great film when it is released on May 22nd!!!
Disney is sponsoring a giveaway on Mommy Ramblings. One lucky blog reader will win “The Secret World of Arrietty” on Blu-ray and DVD Combo Pack. Thank you Disney for the review copy and for sponosoring this awesome giveaway on Mommy Ramblings!!! Open to US residents.
Disney, “The Secret World of Arrietty” on Blu-ray and DVD Combo Pack Giveaway on Mommy Ramblings Rules:
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(Minneapolis, May 2012) – As childhood friends, Joe Mailander and Justin Lansing spent summers at their neighborhood creek building makeshift rafts, fishing for crawdads and dreaming of great river adventures.
Now, as The Okee Dokee Brothers, they have realized these boyhood dreams via a great adventure on the Mississippi River, culminating with Can You Canoe?This new CD-DVD set will be available on May 15th (Red Eye Distribution, $16/$8.99 digital). This is the first release in a planned Adventure Album series for families.
It all began last June when Joe and Justin embarked on a canoe trip in Minneapolis and continued down the river for the next 30 days until they arrived at the St. Louis Gateway Arch. During their month-long journey on the Mississippi, they camped, canoed, filmed and most importantly, composed the songs that make up their new album for kids and families.
Can You Canoe?was produced by Dean Jones in his Hudson River Valley straw-bale studio. Guest appearances from Garth Hudson (The Band), Elizabeth Mitchell (You Are My Flower), as well as Morgan Taylor andRachel Loshak (Gustafer Yellowgold) add sparkle to these joyful songs.
The songs on the album range from direct references of the river (“Can you Canoe?,” “Mr. and Mrs. Sippi,” “Haul Away Joe”) to more general topics in the outdoor motif (“The Bullfrog Opera,” “Campin’ Tent,” “Thousand Star Hotel”).The Okee Dokee Brothers also use the river as a metaphor to address deeper themes such as the struggles in a friendship (“Brother, Along for the Ride”) and life’s changes and phases (“Roll on River”).
The 40-minute supplemental film tells the story of The Okee DokeeBrothers’ trip while including educational segments, camping shenanigans, music videos, interviews and pristine nature scenes.All the footage was filmed on location along the Mississippi River, including a visit with The Original River Rat and a group of young Tom Sawyer-Huck Finn-Becky Thatcher look-alikes in Hannibal, MO.
Joe and Justin draw inspiration from their experiences while providing a creative framework for the audience to explore their own imaginations. “We hope a project like this can inspire kids to take an active role in their lives, get outside and make their dreams realities,” they explain. All the songs and footage on this CD/DVD set are tied together by themes of rivers, friendship, and especially outdoor adventure.
The Okee Dokee Brothers will perform at World Cafe Live on April 28th and they are planning a busy summer concert tour, including dozens of Minnesota public libraries. They’ll be featured performers at the Kansas City Jiggle Jam over Memorial Day weekend and will host a CD release celebration event at Hennepin Park in Minneapolis on May 19th.
If you are looking for a great CD to play on your family vacation drive, or just some music to get your kids dreaming about summer at the lake or playing in the river, this is the CD you need. Be sure to pick up this Mississippi River Album Adventure CD/DVD today!!!
I recently received a nwe book from Chicken Soup for the Soul Publishing, Inc. They sent meChicken Soup for the Soul: Stay at Home Moms. The book is filled with 101 inspirational stories for Mothers about hard work and happy families. With stories by famous moms, including Jane Green, Melora Hardin, Liz Lange, Jodi Picoult, and Jill Kargman, and stories from other moms who elected to stay at home or work from home. Every stay-at-home and work-from-home mom will view this book as having been written just for her! A reissue of Chicken Soup for the Soul: Power Moms, this book contains 101 great stories from mothers who have made the choice to stay home or work from home while raising their families. These multi-tasking, high-performing women have become today’s power mom. This is perfect for book groups as it contains a reader guide. I can really relate to this book as I am a work at home mom by choice. If you are looking for a little bit of inspiration on a rough day or just knowing you are not alone this book is great comfort.
I am thrilled to announce that Chicken Soup for the Soul Publishing, Inc. is sponsoring a giveaway on Mommy Ramblings. Three lucky blog readers will win their own copy of, Stay at Home Moms. Thank you Chicken Soup for the Soul Publishing, Inc. for the review book and for sponsoring this heartwarming giveaway on Mommy Ramblings!!! Open to US residents.
I recently had the chance to review “I Believe in Me!” Building Character, Cooperation and Confidence with EQ! DVD and curriculum guide. This DVD is a for preschool age children 2-5 years old. Sue Elizabeth Lee is the creator of “I Believe in Me!” The DVD focuses on EQ and not IQ, EQ is the emotional quotient or emotional intelligence. and scientific studies show EQ can be learned and is just as important for success and happiness as IQ. This DVD teaches children character, cooperation and confidence.
The DVD
Emotions, memories and messages metaphorically connected to color – capturing children’s attention and their hearts.
Children are more open to creative expression and color recognition is one of the first things they learn.
In this very unique dialogue they open up children’s imagination and carry on an imaginative conversation of their connection to color with events, memories and feelings. Children readily respond and connect to this teaching method.
The curriculum/guide is designed to help extend the use of the DVD viewing experience, whether a parent, teacher, grandparent…it is full of lessons and activities!
Let “I Believe in Me!”™ help your child to live life more fully!
I Believe in Me uses A Color Metaphor Teaching Tool That:
Captures and Keeps Kids Attention
Encourages Creativity
Stimulates Left & Right Brain utilization
Improves Expansion Thinking
Metaphorical expression ~ the imaginative comparison of one dissimilar thing to another as if it is that thing ~ has long been a tool of creative thinking and a means to capture the attention of an audience. This early learning of metaphorical expression will serve children well when they are asked in later years to express and interpret the written word.
Development of Expansion Thinking and Creativity
Thinking beyond the normal possibilities and delving into, a wondering of “What if?”, “What else?”, and “Why not?” Creativity shuts down early in the current academic culture, dropping significantly by age seven.The “I Believe In Me!”™ series is using color as a metaphorical means to convey a message as well as setting the stage for creative expansion thinking. If color were something else, what might it be? What if color were a feeling? An event? A smell? A taste? A moment? There are no wrong answers… only playful exploration of the mind to freely wonder, imagine and explore.
When we ask, “What is your Chili Pepper Red?” be aware that there may be no response. You may never “hear” an answer, yet the wondering of it, might be churning around in the child’s head… and one day they may reply with an answer ~ or simply begin noticing things in a new way ~ that in and of its self is worthy ~ trust the creative stimulus is working.
Right -Brained vs. Left-Brained
The “I Believe In Me!”™ series, assists the right-brained learner and yet appeals to the left-brained thinker for it makes “sense” and is logical in application. The series is appealing to the visual learner for the children actually “see” the immediate application in real life scenarios acted out.
Jeffrey Freed, Author: Right-Brained Children in a Left-Brained World “The “I Believe in Me!”™ series will help children associate early learning with fun, setting the stage for a positive foundation that will benefit children throughout their school years. The creative use of color is a great way to reach the emerging visual learner, who processes information emotionally, pictorially and associatively.”
Pattern of Language
In using color as the metaphorical carrier of the lessons, we are breaking what is known as the pattern of language, forcing children to listen in a new way, catching their attention, allowing children to pick up messages they might have otherwise missed.
Anticipation of what is yet to come
Using color as we do captures the imagination of the children who already have seen it. They’ve come to enjoy the messages and ask, “What colors will be in the next one?” Anticipation and expectation are often the spark to creativity.
I put this DVD on and both my 3-year-old and 5-year-old really enjoyed it, my 5-year-old wanted to know where blue, purple and yellow were. It definitely captured their attention and they found it very enjoyable and related to the children and their feelings. The curriculum guide is on a cd and you can pop it in your computer and it will give you lots of in-depth ways you can expand on the DVD. If you are looking for something to incorporate in you preschoolers education, this is a great DVD that will really help kids develop and understand their EQ.
sort of skills that are so beautifully demonstrated
by Dalton Sherman.
How to “believe” in one’s own potential…
How to believe and uplift others…
How to “think” big…
Emotional Intelligence is
the ability to utilize your emotions,
your thoughts, the words you say
in your head, the words you say out loud
and the actions you take, in order to make
a positive difference in your world.
When a child has a high Positive EQ they radiate confidence,
happiness, an assurance of self
and a belief that they can be who they most desire to be.
“I Believe in Me!”™ is sponsoring a giveaway on Mommy Ramblings. 3 lucky blog readers will win their own “I Believe in Me!” DVD and Curriculum Guide. Thank you “I Believe in Me!”™ for the review product and for sponsoring this great giveaway on Mommy Ramblings!!! Open to US residents.
“I Believe in Me!”™ Building Character, Cooperation and Confidence with EQ DVD Giveaway on Mommy Ramblings Rules:
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Alright, we are going to talk about something yucky, but we all need to do it at one time or another. I talking about plunging, and I really don’t know anyone that likes to do it. So even though it is a dirty job, it’s a lot easier when you have the right tool. Most plungers are pretty messy and although they may clear the problem, you are then left with a new mess to contend with.
I was recently contacted by Rubbermaid to see if I was interested in reviewing their new Clean & Dry Plunger. I said sure because it’s an item families need and that is what we are here to review. So even though it is not one of my most glamorous reviews, it is necessary. So, what makes this plunger different? I am glad you asked, the big difference is that the head and pole of the plunger are coated in NeverWet™ nanotech coating that:
· Repels water, germs and other things
· Like car wax, the water beads up and rolls off instantly
· Minimizes the spread of germs and keeps homes cleaner & more sanitary
· Won’t drip on the floor after use
· Head plunges effectively & maintains NeverWet coating for thousands of cycles
For a great example of just how well the plunger works, watch this video!!!
This is really remarkable, now you don’t have a big wet mess on your floor, or dripping everywhere on the way to the floor. You are not going to want to use an ordinary plunger after this. What more can you ask for? A plunger that works, a plunger that doesn’t make more of a mess after cleaning a mess, this plunger fills the bill. They come in 2 packs as well because you are going to want one in all the bathrooms in your house so you can pick up a two pack or two and have all your bases covered. The plunger will be available for purchase at Meijer, The Home Depot, Menards, Target, Wal-Mart and Rubbermaid.com at SRP of $12.99 and in two packs for a SRP of $19.99.
Rubbermaid is sponsoring a giveaway on Mommy Ramblings. One lucky blog reader will win the new Rubbermaid Clean & Dry Plunger. Thank you Rubbermaid for the great review plunger and for sponsoring this tidy giveaway on Mommy Ramblings!!! Open to US residents.
My preschool age son is a sports fanatic. At a year old he was playing basketball and by 2 he was dribbling like a pro and making baskets in a full size hoop in the driveway. It’s no wonder when we were expecting his little brother that we did his new “big boy” room in a sports theme. Recently I was contacted by 3D Light FX about a new product line of sport themed lighting. It was a no brainer that I would jump at their offer to review the lights. I choose the basketball light, which is no surprise. It arrived quickly and was super easy to install. The first thing was to put the decal template on the wall. If you have ever put up a vinyl wall decal, this is very much the same process. You simply peel the paper off the tacky part of the decal and affix to the wall. Then you rub the paper covering the front of the decal so it transfers from the paper to the wall. I wish they had included a plastic tool that comes in other vinyl decal kits because that would make it easier for someone who has never done this or does not have a tool like that. I have one but I ended up using a small board book of my sons as a tool to smooth the paper and transfer the decal. Then you carefully start at a corner and peel back. If you see that any portion is not affixed to the wall, just put the paper back and rub that part and then lift the paper.
When you remove the paper you will have a nice decal with a template for the light. You install the batteries in the light and then install the anchor screws where shown to attach the light to the wall. Simply switch it on for a neat effect in any room. The light comes in soccer ball, basketball, football,hockey puck and baseball styles. If you are looking for a great accent light for a sports nut or little boy or girl’s room, this light is perfect. I also think these lights would be perfect to mount on the wall with bunk beds so that they can each have a light that is close for them to turn on and off and creates a cozy light. Great in a game room or Man Cave as well.
3D FX Light is sponsoring a giveaway on Mommy Ramblings. One lucky blog reader will win their own 3D FX Sports Light. Thank you 3D FX Light for the review light and for sponsoring this great giveaway on Mommy Ramblings!!! Open to US and Canadian residents.
It’s really important to me that my children have the best quality mattresses that we can get them because they spend so much time +sleeping and I want them on a safe, healthy mattress with good support. With little ones though, there are lots of little accidents that can happen and you want to protect that expensive mattress so it will stay fresh and clean for a long time.
Sometimes though, we buy mattresses made with organic fibers and then we don’t put much thought into a mattress cover to protect them. That really defeats the purpose of getting that healthy mattress if we go and cover it with a mattress cover that is made of harmful, toxic materials.
I recently had a chance to review a Naturepedic Waterproof, Organic Protector Pad for my preschooler’s full size bed. This pad is made in the USA, has NO Vinyl/PVC, NO Phthalates, NO Latex (for allergy concerns) and is GREENGUARD® Certified. There are waterproof and non-waterproof versions available in sizes bassinet through Queen size in the waterproof and crib size to full size int the non-waterproof. Both the waterproof and non-waterproof pads feature two layers of organic cotton flannel – top and bottom.
The Ultra-Thin Waterproof Barrier In Center – Waterproof Version Only features DrySleep™ technology, which effectively blocks liquids from passing through while still allowing the fabric to “breathe.” Some water vapor is allowed to escape resulting in less “sweaty backs” and a drier, more comfortable sleep. Provides a soft, non-sweaty and comfortable waterproof barrier (as compared to vinyl and rubber) and also blocks dust-mites and other allergens. Both versions are easy care machine washable and dryable.
I know, I sleep better knowing that my child is sleeping on a safe breathable, organic mattress pad that even has protection for little accidents that may occur when we least expect them.
Naturepedic is sponsoring a giveaway on Mommy Ramblings and one lucky blog reader will win a Naturepedic organic, waterproof mattress pad in their choice of size from bassinet to full size. Thank you Naturepedic for the review mattress pad and for sponsoring this great giveaway on Mommy Ramblings!!! Open to US residents.
Well, ready or not, we are entering bathing suit season. Are you ready? If you are, good for you and if you’re not, it is not too late to start doing something good for your body and health today. Recently, I was sent a copy of Dustin Maher’s Fit Moms For Life book to review. Dustin packed this great book with 31 transformational stories of women who have transformed their lives. He has tons of recipes, eating plans, workout plans, and many more things to help you get in shape, get healthy and stay healthy for life.
Fit Moms for Life: How to Have Endless Energy to Outplay your Kids ~ chronicles the successes of 31 mothers who used Dustin’s fitness and weight loss program with stellar successes. Armed with personal stories with before and after photos, Dustin takes the reader through the five pillars of fitness: Mindset, Nutrition, Strength Training, Burst Training, and Environment. Ultimately leading to the end goal: Staying Fit for Life.
Fit Moms for Life is perfect for Mothers (and women in general) who want a fitness program that works. Dustin Maher says:
• Traditional Cardio Doesn’t Lose Fat
• You Can’t Work Out to Compensate for Poor Eating
• See Results 9 Times Faster With Burst Training
• Learn ONE Exercise That Shrinks a Waistline WITHOUT diet changes
• Burn Fat While You Sleep
• A Healthy Environment Equals A More Fit Family
Dustin’s inspiration to help moms comes from his nurturing upbringing and continued close relationship with his own mom. Dustin has helped thousands of women get in amazing shape all over the US and the world. He has been on TV close to 100 times and has been in many magazines, newspapers, radio shows, has over 250 YouTube videos, and over 450 articles and videos on his website. His website Alexa ranking around 300K and he has an email list of 7000K. Dustin is also hosting his own Fit Moms for Life talk radio show at http://webtalkradio.net/shows/fit-moms-for-life. To learn more, please checkout Dustin’s website at www.DustinMaherFit
Giveaway:
One lucky blog reader will win their own copy of Fit Moms For Life. Open to Us and Canadian residents.
Fit Moms for Life: How to Have Endless Energy to Outplay your Kids Giveaway on Mommy Ramblings Rules!!!
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I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Mom Blog Society. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.
About 2 weeks ago Ugglebo contacted me to take a look at the new vintage clogs they just launched for spring and summer. They also were nice enough to provide me with our choice of one to review. My daughter chose the pink Elvira Vintage clog. They arrived quickly and nicely wrapped with a ribbon and adorable little leather key chain. When I opened the paper, I was in for a bigger surprise. The clogs are even nicer in person, the pictures just don’t do them justice. This clog looks so cute with jeans, it really looks cute with almost anything. The vintage clogs have the same great quality you expect from Ugglebo and are very well made. If you are looking for something fresh and new with a vintage feel and look, check out the new vintage clogs from Ugglebo. Who will you pick? Elvira or Lilian? Can’t decide, you might just want to get both while you can. Happy clogging!!!
This vintage line of clogs is available in very limited quantities, as they are all handmade by Christer himself. If you are lucky enough to get your hands on a pair, you will truly be unique in the footwear world.
The Lilian Clogs are a remarkable addition to and proof of Ugglebo’s heritage. Featuring a unique and gorgeously complex pattern, these wood Swedish clogs are very alike to what our parents (and even grandparents) wore while growing up and now we are giving you a shot to pick up the reins where they left off.
The Lilian Clogs feature a wooden low-heel base and come with luxurious vegetable tanned leather, which is stapled for a classic look.
We encourage you to show off your Lilian clogs this summer; we promise you that there is not anything out there quite like it.
Heel-height: 1,75” (4,45 cm)
The Elvira Clogs are a stunning part of Ugglebo’s Vintage line. With their intricate and playful pattern, these wooden based Swedish clogs are similar to what your parents (and even grandparents) would have worn in their youth – and now you have a chance to pick up where they left off.
The Elvira Clogs come on a wooden low-heel base and feature gorgeous vegetable tanned leather, which is fastened with staples for a vintage look.
Elvira will be one of the cutest clogs this summer, and as they are a very limited style we encourage you to pick up your pair today!
Heel-height: 1,75” (4,45 cm)
Be sure to follow Ugglebo on Facebook and Twitter!!!
Ugglebo Mother’s Day Sale Starts Monday, May 7th!!!
Check out prices that are 25%-45 % lower on just about everything at Ugglebo!!!
You are probably familiar with Chicken Soup for the Soul books. They are so inspirational and uplifting to read. I was thrilled to be able to review one of their new releases, Chicken Soup for the Soul: The Magic of Mothers and Daughters. What a great book, and so timely with Mother’s Day fast approaching. This book is filled with 101 inspirational and highly entertaining stories about the special bond between Mothers and Daughters. As the mother of a wonderful daughter and daughter of a wonderful mother, I can definitely relate that we are at the same time, very similar and completely unique. They are spot on when they say the relationship through birth, childhood, teen years, adulthood, grandchildren, aging and every step in between can be the best, the hardest and the sweetest. Seeing this type of relationship from two perspectives, birth, childhood, teen years and adulthood with my own daughter and reflecting on the later aspects of grandchildren, aging, and every step in between with my own mother, this book speaks volumes. Such a great book to give and be given this Mother’s Day. Mother’s Day is bittersweet for me because 7 years ago tomorrow, is when I lost my beloved mother on Mother’s Day. Never take for granted the loved ones in your life and make sure they always know how much you love them.
I am thrilled to announce that Chicken Soup for the Soul Publishing, Inc. is sponsoring a giveaway on Mommy Ramblings. Three lucky blog readers will win their own copy of, The Magic of Mothers & Daughters. Thank you Chicken Soup for the Soul Publishing, Inc. for the review book and for sponsoring this heartwarming giveaway on Mommy Ramblings!!! Open to US residents.
Chicken Soup for the Soul: The Magic of Mothers and Daughters, Giveaway on Mommy Ramblings Rules:
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Hello, I’m Carolyn! I am a PR Savvy, WAH Mom to 5! I love Photography, Baking, DIY Projects, Crafts, Cooking and making memories with my family. I love sharing reviews and giveaways too!
