Sunday, February 26, 2017

Race to Win, Starring Luke Perry and Danielle Campbell Is the Perfect Family Night Movie the Whole Family Will Enjoy (Review)

Disclosure:  I was sent a screener copy from the vendor in order to write up an honest review. All views shared are mine and mine alone.



Buy it now on DVD from Amazon for only $


This past Saturday night we had a fun movie night.  I was sent "Race to Win,' which arrived on DVD back on February 14th, and stars Luke Perry from the hit television series of the 90's, 90210, along with Danielle Campbell, Aiden Flowers, Candice Michele Barley, and Thomas Francis Murphy.  My girls love horses, so when I showed them the movie trailer a couple weeks ago, they couldn't wait for the movie to arrive and watch.

Here is the trailer to the movie, so you see what "Race to Win" is all about...



Right before Christmas we lost my grandmother, so it was a little hard to watch, as I am still trying to deal with her sudden and unexpected passing. But, as I sat and watched the movies snuggling up with my girls, I found myself remembering all the good times I had with my grandmother, and how she would not want me feeling sad that she gained her angel wins.  Instead, she would want me to snuggle my girls even closer and enjoy the time I have with them, while watching movies like this, as well as sharing some of my loves like baking, which came about by spending time in my Nana's kitchen when I was a child learning all the different Italian cookie recipes she was passing down to me.  I know my grandmother is looking down at me and proud at the woman I have become and especially proud at how well I am raising the girls, and how smart and caring they are.

My girls loved the movie.  They did get angry during the scenes where a bad man was trying to drug and hurt the horse. When the bad man would appear in a scene, they would jump off the couch and tell him to go away.  And, throughout the movie they were rooting on Hannah to save the family farm.  Does she?  You will just have to pick up a copy of this movie to share with your family to find out.  

We all gave this movie two thumbs up.  It was a wonderful movie for families to enjoy together, as it dealt with themes like the importance of family, perseverance and staying honest and true to yourself.  And, as you sit to watch the movie, you will find yourself getting lost in the breathtaking backdrops of the Rhode's farm, along with the beautiful horses.  We will definitely be watching this movie again soon. 


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More about this film:


"Television favorite Luke Perry (“Riverdale,” “Beverly Hills 90210”) stars alongside actress Danielle Campbell (“The Originals”) in Race To Win, an uplifting family movie about courage and hope, that arrives on DVD on February 14 from Anchor Bay Entertainment, and available on Digital HD from Starz Digital February 3.  Race To Win is directed by Teddy Smith (A Gift Horse) and has been awarded a Seal of Approval from The Dove® Foundation. The cast includes Aiden Flowers who starred in this summer’s blockbuster movie Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children directed by Tim Burton, Candice Michele Barley (The Hollow), Thomas Francis Murphy (LBJFree State of Jones), and Amy Brassette (“True Detective”).

Hannah Rhodes (Campbell) is faced with the biggest decision of her life when she loses her father, Gentry Rhodes (Perry). After Gentry suffers an apparent heart-attack, the Rhodes family is left to pick up the pieces and continue running the horse ranch Gentry had worked his entire life to build. Meanwhile, a local resident claims Gentry owes him thousands of dollars which the family does not have. Hannah and her family quickly become overwhelmed with the financial crisis that is upon them and unsure how they will pay off the debt without having to sell the ranch. She must find the strength to face her fears and compete in the race of her life or her family will lose everything.

Race To Win is now available on DVD from Anchor Bay Entertainment as of February 14 for the suggested retail price of $22.98 respectively."

To learn more about the film, please visit www.anchorbayentertainment.com.

ABOUT ANCHOR BAY ENTERTAINMENT
Anchor Bay Entertainment, a Lionsgate company, is a leading independent home entertainment company that acquires and releases a wide array of theatrical and home entertainment content, including STARZ Original series, children's programming, fitness (Anchor Bay Fitness), sports and specialty films on Blu-ray™ and DVD formats. The company has long-term distribution agreements in place for select programming with The Weinstein Company, AMC Networks and RADiUS, among others.

Disclosure:  I was sent a screener copy from the vendor in order to write up an honest review. All views shared are mine and mine alone.
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Friday, February 24, 2017

Thanks to the Dress Up Sets and Party Favor Bags from SmitCO LLC, Our Princess Tea Party Was a Hit! (Review)

Disclosure: I was sent samples from the vendor in order to write up an honest review.  All views shared are mine and mine alone.




A couple weeks ago I introduced you all to SmitCo LLC and shared a review about their secret diary with special passlock entry and 2 in 1 invisible ink pen.  If you missed my post you can read it here:  http://www.inspiredbysavannah.com/2017/02/smitco-llc-offers-wonderful-selection.html.  I mentioned in my post that I would be sharing a follow up post about some more cute gift ideas for girls from SmitCo LLC...and today is the day! :-)

I hope after reading my previous post you had a chance to check out the gift sets and products for girls for your Valentine's Day gift needs.  If not, then you don't want to miss out on browsing their online store or buying directly from Amazon, so you receive in time to add to your child's Easter basket.  I am going to buying a diary for Savannah as she has been asking for one every since I gave the secret diary to Bella that we were sent last month to review.  

As I mentioned in my previous post, I was sent some cute dress up accessories and pieces for the girls to wear and feel like pretty princesses with.  We were also sent a 10-pack favor set that included rings, a hair piece and beaded necklace.  So, I decided to host a special princess tea party last week for Valentine's Day with my girls and a few of their friends.  The girls helped me create invitations and we mailed them off to their friends, cordially inviting them to a special princess tea party, and asking them to wear their favorite dress and jewelry...the more sparkly the better. :-)  

All of their friends RSVP'd and couldn't wait for the tea party.  I ended up having a local bakery prepare mini cupcakes and pastries for the girls to enjoy, along with pink lemonade.  



We picked up many great princess decorations at Dollar Store and got to decorating our dining area.  I suprrised the girls with a real porcalin tea set, so that they would feel like "big girls". They are 5 and 6.5 years old even though some days they act like teenagers, especially when they get in bossy mood.  But, deep down they are still my little girls and always will be. :-)


Our tea party day arrived, and the girls were dressed in their very best princess costumes, right down to the heals.  The hard part was trying to decide which outfit out of the many gowns and dresses they had.  If I let them, I think they would have done a few costume changes throughout the party. :-)  The doorbell started to ring and we welcomed all the princesses inside into our grand dining room, which was decked out with pink balloons, flowers, etc., and the table had fine China set out at each table seating that was fit for all the princesses gathering around.  I noticed all the girls eying the dessert table so I knew the party was ready to begin. 

The girls had a blast sampling all the mini desserts, and sipping their pink lemonade.  When they were full, they all got a chance to walk our light up catwalk -- I layed a pink tablecloth on the floor and used string lights on both side of the tablecloth to light up our princess catwalk.  








At the end of the catwalk, the girls all stopped and striked a pose.  I, along with the other moms started flashing their cameras, capturing their adorable smiles and poses.  After the catwalk, we proceeded to play some fun princess games -- musical chairs, Disney Princess Karoake, and ended with pin the carrot nose on Olaf.  All the girls were winners and were presented with the party favor bag which included beads, rings, a hair piece and cute organza bag.  

The girls quickly ran to the middle of the living room floor to dump out their goodies and try on their new dress up accessories.  I loved seeing all their smiling faces.



They played a bit longer before heading out before the clock striked midnight...well, actually 4PM, but who is counting. :-) I continue to get messages from the moms telling me the girls are still talking about how much fun they had at our princess tea party.  Even my girls are asking when we will host another tea party.  I told them that as soon as the weather gets nice we will put some tables outside and have a teddy bear garden tea party where they will bring their teddy bears for some fun and games.  For this party I plan to pick up some of the cute dress up sets and buying this cute teddy bear necklace and matching bracelet to give each of the girls.  




Isn't this just the cutest necklace?  I can't wait to see the girls' faces when I hand them this necklace/bracelet gift set at our next tea party.  And, my mind is already thinking about fun summer tea parties and Savannah's birthday in July.  






But, thanks to the folks at SmitCo LLC, I don't have to worry about running out of gift ideas.  I showed my girls their website and they said they wanted everything...especially the nail art and tattoo sets. ;-)  I can't blame them...I would have asked for the same when I was their age...Heck, I may even have to join in the next tea party or even host a nail party so I can try out the scented nail stickers. :-)



To learn more about the different dress up sets and accessories and other fun gifts for girls available from SmitCo LLC, head on over to their website https://www.smitcollc.com today.  


Just be prepared to have a running wish list, as you will want to get that special girl in your life everything :-)  Below are some of the products I was sent and that I incorporated into our Princess Tea Party in case you wanted to host your own Princess Tea Party soon. :-)







Buy the whole 6-piece dress up set from SmitCo LLC over at Amazon now for only $21.99







Buy the Pink Play Princess Set which includes Veil, Gloves, Bracelets, Necklace, Wand and Purse for only $20.00 from Amazon Now!




Get this cute 10 piece party favor set from SmitCo LLC for only $14.99. Each bag includes the following...



Disclosure: I was sent samples from the vendor in order to write up an honest review.  All views shared are mine and mine alone.
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Wednesday, February 22, 2017

Check out the Pilot of Jungle Jim - A Musical Wildlife Adventure from Amazon and Learn How to Score a FREE DVD! (Review) #ad

Disclosure: This post is part of a sponsored campaign for Jungle Jim - A Musical Wildlife Adventure. I received compensation for my participation, but my review and opinions are my own.




I am always looking for fun educational shows to introduce my girls to as part of our homeschooling.  I don't know about you, but my girls learn best with hands on learning as well as from catchy songs and fun animation.  So, when I previewed a new children's series from Amazon Prime called Jungle Jim, I was over the moon excited as I knew the girls would love the series, and I as a mom loved the educational content this show offered and how it was shared with children...through song and animation of animals, as well as real life images of the jungle animals talked about.

I couldn't wait to see what the girls thought of the show, so created a fun jungle theme day for them.  We started with writing about Tarzan and Jane and did a fun scavenger hunt around the house where they had to find eggs with jungle animals them, and match them with the masks of the animals, I also hid around the house.  Once the girls found all the jungle animals, we used these as counters to do some fun hands on double digit math.  Lunch consisted of peanut butter and banana sandwiches, where is the favorite sandwich of monkeys...in case you didn't know. :-)  After lunch I sat the girls down at the laptop and told them they would be watching a new series called Jungle Jim - A Musical Wildlife Adventure.  I made not mention of educational content as I wanted to get their honest opinions of the show, and if I said it was for school, they would be less willing to sit and watch.


"Jungle Jim was created by Steven Wagner. Every night before bed his children would want to read books about animals and talk about them. Steve woke up one morning with an idea for a musical animal show, and has since been developing the concept so that he can help kids everywhere satisfy their curiosity about animals. Steven’s brother Eric, who is a musician, wrote and produced all the music. Eric is also all the voices of the animal except Dash the Cheetah. Jungle Jim is voiced by Eric’s son."


The first episode of Jungle Jim - A Musical Wildlife Adventure introduced to the girls to Jim and his animal friends he meets in the jungle.  Scratch the porcupine taught the girls about its quills and how they are used when they feel they will are danger.  Their quills stand up and can protect them from enemies by poking them.  Jungle Jim touched a quill to see and was left with a sore, swollen finger.   



Flip the monkey showed how they use their tails to hang and swing around on trees all day long, when they aren't eating tasty bananas. Both of my girls thought Flip was so cute, and had to pause the episode so that they could hop off the couch and pretend to be a monkey like Flip. :-)


The last jungle friend they met was Dash the cheetah.  The girls already knew that cheetahs were fast, but had no idea they could run 70 miles an hour and are the fastest animal on Earth.  They attempted to run as fast as a cheetah, but ended up getting winded instead.  As soon as my husband got home that night, they had to share all about the jungle animals they learned about from watching Jungle Jim, especially Dash and how fast she can run.


In addition to meeting the jungle animals, the girls also learned about camouflage and how animals use this to hide from predators.  They learned all about camouflage through a catchy song, that they and I still have in our heads, and find ourselves singing. 

"Jungle Jim offers original music with animals singing songs about themselves to teach kids fun animal facts.  Jungle Jim gets to view live footage of the animals in their natural habitat." 

Once the episode was over, the girls asked to watch more of Jungle Jim - A Musical Wildlife Adventure.  I had to tell them that the reason for this post was to bring attention to parents and caregivers about this series in hopes that through your viewing and leaving positive feedback over at Amazon that someone will pick up this series, so that more Jungle Jim episodes can be made and shared with fans of the show. The girls really enjoyed this new series, and have seen the first episode over a handful of times so far, as they wait for more episodes to become available.  



They loved the fun animation along with real life footage of the animals.  Both of them agreed that this as a 2 thumbs up series, and highly recommend for kids who love animals.  Now to plan a trip to the zoo now that the weather is starting to warm up so that we can meet some of Jungle Jim's friends from this cute animated series up close. 


"Parents and educators alike praise the unique ability of Jungle Jim music videos to educate, excite and inspire. The images are colorful, the characters are fun, and the music is infectious. The live wildlife footage brings it all together so children develop a greater understanding of the infinite variety of the world around them. They will remember important animal facts because they will be singing about them together with Jungle Jim and his animal friends!"

If you are an Amazon Prime member you can watch the 15 minute pilot episode of Jungle Jim - A Musical Wildlife Adventure like we did by visiting http://amzn.to/2gYGRwD.  And, be sure to like the Jungle Jim Facebook page to stay up-to-date on news from the show including new episodes when they become available and more. And, please leave feedback after you watch the pilot with your children, so that this educational show can be picked up and more episodes can be shared for all to enjoy.  And, when you leave feedback over at Amazon you can also get a FREE DVD.  Read on to learn how to score your own Jungle Jim DVD FREE...

---SPECIAL READER OFFER---


Want to score a FREE DVD of the pilot episode of Jungle Jim?  All you have to do is leave a review on Amazon and send an email to [email protected], with a link to you Amazon review. The company will then mail you a FREE DVD of the 15 minute pilot a thank you for your time and feedback. So, what are you waiting for?  Check out the pilot episode and leave feedback to score a FREE DVD to watch over and over again.  My girls can't get enough of the first episode, especially the camouflage song.  I know your kids will love this new series, too!

Disclosure: This post is part of a sponsored campaign for Jungle Jim - A Musical Wildlife Adventure. I received compensation for my participation, but my review and opinions are my own.

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Tuesday, February 21, 2017

Fans of the Care Bears and Precious Moments Will Fall in Love with This New Figurine (Review)

Disclosure: I was sent a sample from the vendor in order to write up an honest review. All views shared are mine and mine alone.

Official Precious Moments Site | Disney & Angel Figurines, Precious Moments Dolls & Unique Gifts

For nearly 40 years, Precious Moments has been creating gifts that celebrate caring, sharing, and love. 


Are you a fan of Precious Moments?  If so, then you will want to pick up the new You Fill My Heart With Cheer figurine which also includes the oh so cute and lovable Cheer Bear Care Bear.  Yes, you read that right...an adorable little girl cuddling with her plush Cheer Bear.  Have a look...

"Precious Moments wants to share the care with their Care Bears line. Celebrate with everyone’s favorite bears from Care-A-Lot! Take a ride on a rainbow of happiness and add some cheer to someone’s heart with Cheer Bear."

"Take a ride on a rainbow of happiness with this adorable little girl 
standing on a cloud of love with her plush Cheer Bear™. 
Add some happy cheer to someone’s heart soon! Bisque porcelain." 

Approximately 5.25 inches high
SRP $60.99



Isn't this darling?  I was so excited when I heard about this new Precious Moments release, that I had to have one sent for me to share with my two girls, who fill my heart with cheer every day. Like their mom, they are huge Care Bears and Precious Moments fans.  So, I knew they would fall in love with the You Fill My Heart With Cheer figurine.  

The girls have shelves in their rooms where they can display all the Precious Moments figurines they get from birthdays and holidays.  My mom used to gift a Precious Moments figurine to me on special occasions and holidays when I was growing, and I have continued the tradition with my girls.  Not only do they get a figurine from me, but their Nana gives them one, too. :-)  And, when they are not adding Precious Moments figurines to their growing collection (we will need to add more shelves or get them a glass chest soon), they love to run past the stand up glass case we have in the living room and admire my collection from my youth through my adult years.  While my mom stopped giving me Precious Moments figurines when I left for college, by husband picked up where she left off and has surprised me with one on my birthday and our anniversary every year. :-)  He was going to get the new You Fill My Heart With Cheer figurine for me for our Feb. 1st anniversary, as he knows how much I adore the Care Bears, but I was quick to tell him I was being sent one to review, as I was so excited to share the news with everyone. :-)



My girls' eyes lit up when they saw the Precious Moments box and couldn't wait to hold this cute figurine for themselves.  




They loved stroking the Cheer Bear and talking about the details of the figurine...from the rainbow on the Care Bear's chest to the puffy cloud the little girl and her cuddly bear sit on together.  Just like their mom, they were smitten by the You Fill My Heart With Cheer figurine when they saw, and couldn't wait to see where I would display it.  


They offered up the suggestion of having the You Fill My Heart With Cheer figurine spend time on each of their shelves so that they could admire it in their rooms, before I put in the Precious Moments case in the living room.  I guess I will be picking up a You Fill My Heart With Cheer figurine for each of them this year for their birthdays so they don't have to worry about sharing just an adorable piece. :-)

Want a You Fill My Heart with Cheer figurine for your collection, or to share with a Precious Moments collector in your life?  Then, head over to the Precious Moments’ website to order this new figurine from the Precious Moments Care Bears line today.  Act fast I know these cute figurines will not last long!


Stay up-to-date on all things Precious Moments by following them on Facebook and Pinterest... 


Disclosure: I was sent a sample from the vendor in order to write up an honest review. All views shared are mine and mine alone.
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Tuesday, February 14, 2017

If You Were Me And Lived On … Mars Book Blog Tour -- Author Q&A Stop + #Giveaway #IfYouWereMeAndLivedIn

Disclosure: This blog post is a partnership with The Children’s Book Review and Carole P. Roman. All views shared are mine and mine alone.




My family has been a fan of Carole P. Roman's for some time. If you follow my blog on a regular basis, then you have probably seen a handful of children's book reviews of her books, along with Author Q&A's and features. I was excited to hear that Carole was coming out with a new book, and reached out to see about sharing more about this book and doing another author interview. Carole took time out of her busy schedule to talk more with me about her new book, "If You Were Me and Lived on...Mars" and what else she is working on.
Before I get to my interview with Carole P. Roman, here is more information about her new book, which is great for homeschooling families, families who love to share educational books with their kids, or kids who enjoy fun books about outer space.
Buy now from Amazon
Ages 4-8 | CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform | 2017 | 978-1540869722
Publisher’s Synopsis:
"Join Carole P. Roman when she blasts off to colonize the planet Mars, in the newest book of her informative series.
Learn about how life would be living on the Red Planet. Travel to Olympus Mons, the largest volcano in the solar system.
Look into the sky and watch Phobos and Deimos, Mars’ two moons. Discover what you would wear, and how the seasons change.
See Mars through the eyes of an adventurous youngster like you and understand what life is like in a trip of a lifetime.
Don’t forget to look at the other books in the series so that you can be an armchair traveler."
**Be sure to read on beyond the Author Q&A for a chance to win an autographed book or the grand prize up for grabs in the "If You Were Me and Lived on…Mars" Blog Tour Giveaway. :-)
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And, here is my interview with Carole P. Roman...


  1. When did you first realize you wanted to be a writer? I always wanted to be a writer. I think after I read my very first Nancy Drew book, it became one of my goals. I loved hearing my mom, grandmother, and aunts sit at the table and talk about books they were reading. I wanted to be the one that made them sit up all night, drinking coffee and gabbing about what they liked in the book.
  2. How long does it take you to write a book? My books don’t take long to write. Once I have a story or poem or the fact, they are easy to put together. What takes the time is assembling the illustrations to match the text, the editing, and the fact checking. All together it takes about two months.
  3. Where do you get your information or ideas for your books? I have a huge library in my home filled with all kinds of books. I do use the Internet to fact check. With the cultural books, I try to find someone from that country- usually in a restaurant with that ethnic food, to recheck my information.
  4. When did you write your first book and how old were you? My very first book was when I was twenty-four. It’s a steamy historical romance that sold one copy. (You won’t find it; it’s under my real name.)
  5. What was one of the most surprising things you learned in creating your books? The rippling effect has been thrilling. Meeting someone who says, “Oh, you’re Carol Roman, my kids love your books!” That is the best feeling in the world.
  6. What do you like to do when you're not writing? I work full time. I love playing with my grandchildren. I read constantly and I love when we all go away together.
  7. What do you think makes a good story? Anything that will keep the reader engaged. I love a book that stays with you, even after you’ve closed it.

--GIVEAWAY--


Enter To Win An Autographed Copy Of If You Were Me And Lived On … Mars, By Award-Winning Author Carole P. Roman, And A Stomp Rocket: Ultra LED To Light Up The Night Sky.
One (1) grand prize winner receives:
  • A copy of If You Were Me and Lived On … Mars, autographed by Carole P. Roman


  • A Stomp Rocket: Ultra LED set
  • A bonus autographed picture book selected from one of the 35+ books written by Carole P. Roman
Four (4) winners receive:
  • A copy of If You Were Me and Lived On … Mars, autographed by Carole P. Roman
  • A bonus autographed picture book selected from one of the 35+ books written by Carole P. Roman
Giveaway begins February 7, 2017, at 12:01 A.M. PST and ends March 7, 2017, at 11:59 P.M. PST.
**Giveaway open to US and Canadian addresses only. Prizes and samples provided by Carole P. Roman and The Children’s Book Review.

a Rafflecopter giveaway


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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Carole P. Roman is the award-winning author of the Captain No Beard series. Both Captain No Beard: An Imaginary Tale of a Pirate’s Life and Captain No Beard and the Aurora Borealis have received the Kirkus Star of Exceptional Merit. The first book in the series was named to Kirkus Reviews Best 2012. Captain No Beard and the Aurora Borealis has been named to Kirkus Reviews Best of 2015. Each book in the series has won numerous awards including the NABE Pinnacle Award, IAN Award, Moonbeam Award 2014, National Indie Excellence Award Finalist, Shelf Media Outstanding Series Award, ForeWord Review Five Star and Finalist in the Book of the Year, and Reader’s Views Children’s Book of the Year 2013. Roman is also the author of the award-winning non-fiction culture series, If You Were Me and Lived in… that explores customs and cultures around the world. She has co-authored a self help book, Navigating Indieworld: A Beginners Guide to Self-Publishing and Marketing. She lives on Long Island with her husband and near her children and grandchildren.


OFFICIAL LINKS

Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/caroleproman/

Disclosure: This blog post is a partnership with The Children’s Book Review and Carole P. Roman. All views shared are mine and mine alone.
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