Friday, March 31, 2017

Arriving in Theaters April 7th - Smurfs: The Lost Village! Enter to #Win Movie Tickets Now! #SmurfsMovie #SmurfsMovieL3

Disclosure:  I was provided with complimentary movie passes from the vendor in exchange for promoting this upcoming release.  However, all views shared are mine and mine alone.


Arrives in Theaters 
Next FRIDAY, APRIL 7th!!!!!




Picture


My girls are counting down the days until Smurfs arrives in theaters next Friday?  Is this a movie your kids have been looking forward to?  When my girls heard of the release last year, they made a point to add it to their list of must-see movies.  And, then once a release date was given, they were quick to add it to our calendar and continue to check to see how far away it was.  I kept reminding them that it was releasing in the spring.  So, when spring arrived last week, they started a countdown chain like many kids do for major holidays like Christmas or their birthdays, in anticipation of the movie release.  And, now that the movie almost here, the girls are getting giddy with excitement.  





If you haven't seen the trailer for Smurfs: The Lost Village, here is a little background on the movie as well as the trailer, so you can see why my girls and so many other people, both children and adults (myself included) are eagerly awaiting this movies release...

"In this fully animated, all-new take on the Smurfs, a mysterious map sets Smurfette and her best friends Brainy, Clumsy and Hefty on an exciting and thrilling race through the Forbidden Forest filled with magical creatures to find a mysterious lost village before the evil wizard Gargamel does. Embarking on a roller coaster journey full of action and danger, the Smurfs are on a course that leads to the discovery of the biggest secret in Smurf history!"




Cast:
Demi Lovato (Smurfette)
Rainn Wilson (Gargamel)
Joe Manganiello (Hefty)
Jack McBrayer (Clumsy)
Danny Pudi (Brainy)
with Mandy Patinkin (Papa Smurf)


I was a huge Smurfs fan growing up. How about you?  And, when I welcomed my girls I was able to pass down my Smurfs plush dolls collection.  This was my introduction to the Smurfs with my girls.  I loved Smurfette like most little girls back in the 80's did, as well as Papa Smurf (come on who doesn't him?).  Did you have a favorite blue smurf?  Hard choosing just one, right? :-)




Smurfs is one of those classic movies that will continue to entertain generations old and new.  Even if you didn't like Smurfs growing up, now that you have children, you may find yourself falling in love with the Smurfs.  My husband never saw the Smurfs or even heard of them back in El Salvador, so the girls have been giving him a rundown on each of the characters including evil Gargamel.  We have seen a handful of Smurf movies from over the years with the girls, but this upcoming release is going to answer some questions like where did Smurfette come from (read on to learn about this spoiler, which you will see in the beginning of the movie).



With homeschooling, I try to tie movies to what we are learning in the classroom, or find a way to weave it into a thoughtful discussion with the girls about important life lessons that will help along as they learn and grow.  I was excited to find that they had a faith-based discussion guide available for families to use after seeing Smurfs: The Lost Village. 


-- Smurfs Discussion Guide -- 



"Smurfs: The Lost Village is fun for the whole family and, like all good family films, full of themes that can spark post-screening conversations. These discussion starters on the next few pages will help you talk about important themes in the film. 

Check out this wonderful discussion guide, which you can use as part of our homeschooling lesson for the week after seeing the movie.  Or, if you like having thought provoking discussions with your children after seeing a movie, then this guide will give you some discussion starters that deal with the different themes in the film.  Here is an example from the discussion guide...

Theme:  Our Past Doesn't Define Us


Guiding Scripture:*
 “If anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!” —2 Corinthians 5:17


"The film opens with a shocking revelation when we learn that Gargamel actually created Smurfette. He made her to lead him to the Smurfs’ village. Papa Smurf and others know her origins, but they don’t let that knowledge affect how they see her. Gargamel, however, holds Smurfette’s past over her, saying, “The rotten apple doesn’t fall too far from the tree, does it?” 

At times Smurfette seems troubled by her past. She wants to prove she’s different, saying, “Gargamel’s wrong about me. It’s not my purpose to help him. I’m meant to save those Smurfs.” She tries to redeem her past by forming new relationships and atoning for mistakes. 

We all have a past. In some cases our experiences are pleasant and life-giving, sources of inspiration and motivation. However, some of us might have “darker” pasts, full of pain and regrettable decisions. The good news of the gospel is that the mistakes of our past can be forgiven because of Jesus Christ’s love and sacrifice. Jesus died so we could have new life. Our old selves are gone! God doesn’t dwell on the mistakes of our past (Hebrews 10:17), so we shouldn’t either. Instead we should move forward as a new creation."

Questions for Consideration:

1. If our past doesn’t define us, what should
define us?
2. Read 1 John 1:9. According to this verse, when
we confess our sins to God, what does he do
for us?
3. Why does God want you to live without regret and shame?

Click here to check out the other coversation starters in the wonderfully put together discussion guide, which is free to print out and use - http://www.sonypictures.com/movies/smurfsthelostvillage/discussionguide/smurfs_discussion_guide.pdf.


I have already printed this discussion guide out and will be using the Monday after we see the movie.  There are so many great discussion questions posed, for both young and older children to ponder and answer.  And, all the major life lessons shared in the movie are included in this FREE discussion guide available here.

Be sure to check it out and print it so that you can use this movie not only as an enjoyable family activity, but also as an educational tool, too.  I personally can't wait to get a discussion going with the girls about the movie and what they learned from it.  
----

-- FREE COLORING AND LEARN TO DRAW SMURFS SHEETS --

Check out these fun coloring sheets and learn to do smurf sheets that are sure to delight Smurfs fans in your house as you all eagerly await the movie's release next Friday. Enjoy!








---

Follow the Smurfs on Social Media:



https://www.facebook.com/SmurfsMovie/
https://www.twitter.com/SmurfsMovie/
https://www.instagram.com/SmurfsMovie/

-----


--GIVEAWAY--


Picture

Click here and complete the Rafflecopter form for your chance to win
2 Fandango ticket codes (good for 2 FREE movie tickets), redeemable for SMURFS: THE LOST VILLAGE, thanks to the folks at Sony Pictures.  Good luck!



Disclosure:  I was provided with complimentary movie passes from the vendor in exchange for promoting this upcoming release.  However, all views shared are mine and mine alone.
Read more »

Are You Ready?...April 1st is National Jump in Muddy Puddles Day! #muddypuddlesday


CELEBRATING KIDS BEING KIDS
in Honor of Those Who Can’t


April 1 is National Jump in Muddy Puddles Day and your family can help celebrate with a "Welly Walk!" 


It’s time to break in those wellies! Rain or shine, join Peppa Pig in supporting the Muddy Puddles Project for pediatric cancer research by hosting a Welly Walk fundraiser. 



A welly walk is as simple as it sounds. Taking a stroll outside in your favorite wellies (rain boots). Enjoy the outdoors in a fun way that embraces a beloved childhood activity, while honoring all of the children who are currently battling cancer and unable to enjoy such simple pleasures.

About the Muddy Puddles Project:

The Muddy Puddles Project is a fundraising platform for the Ty Louis Campbell (TLC) Foundation, a certified 501(c)(3) that funds pediatric cancer research. The project was inspired by Ty, a little boy who loved Peppa Pig and dreamed of jumping in muddy puddles when his cancer was cured. 



After Ty lost his battle with cancer, his parents committed to finding ways to fund innovative research geared toward safer, more effective treatment of various childhood cancers.  The Muddy Puddles Project has grown by leaps and bounds with families all across the country joining the mission. To bring more awareness to the cause, kids and families as well as schools nationwide host their own “Welly Walks” and take part in the charity’s Mess Fest events to honor all children who are battling cancer and unable to enjoy such simple pleasures of childhood.  



 


The Muddy Puddles Project is a celebration of children and childhood. It is a shift toward letting go of the everyday stress of being a grownup, and finding the fun in all things messy.  


GET INVOLVED!!!

Find out how you can get involved in this worthwhile cause including setting up your own Welly Walk by visiting muddypuddlesproject.org today.  There are so many creative ways to support your Welly Walk.  Download the toolkit for ideas, send participants home with sponsorship forms, and/or encourage your participants to create team or individual fundraising pages online!  Don’t forget to register for your chance to meet Peppa Pig and other great prizes! 

Read more »

BIZ Doesn't Play Around When It Comes to Removing Stains on Clothes (Review)

Disclosure:  I was provided with complimentary product from Biz to help facilitate a review.  All views shared are mine and mine alone.






Last month I was asked to be a Biz Ambassador for 2017.  I jumped at the opportunity after I checked out the BIZ website and learned all about this stain fighting product.  


Why was I so excited to become a BIZ ambassador? Being a mom to two little girls, I find myself trying to get the girls' clothes clean each and every time I go to do a loud of laundry.  They seem to get stains on everything...every time.  Are your kids the same way?  Oh, and don't get me started on the husband, who goes through two sets of clothes a day -- his work clothes and his gym clothes.  I wish I could throw out his gym clothes as they not only wreak of perspiration, but the stains around his neckline and armpit area always seem to come back darker each time he wears them, even after all the pre-soaking and scrubbing I do.  I have been in a never ending battle it seems with stains on my family's clothes for some time now, and it felt like a calling when I got the email from the folks at BIZ, and read all about how great this product line is in getting stains out.  Maybe once and for all, my failed stain fighting days would be a thing of the past. :-)

I thought that my daily laundry days would be over after the girls were potty trained.  But, then that time came and went and I found myself still in the laundry room daily, either doing a load or two of laundry, or pre-treating and soaking the girls' clothes.  I went from cleaning accident, baby formula and food stains to cleaning blood stains from them picking their noses and causing a nose blood, tougher food stains that included ketchup and mustard spills, and grass and mud stains.  It is funny, back when they were little, the stains used to be centralized -- usually on the knees where they would crawl around, or around their neck area, where a bib should have been to catch spills.  Now, the stains the girls get are everywhere -- the front of their shirts, around the sleeve cuffs, on the backsides off their pants and all down the front of their pants.  Makes me wonder what the girls are doing to get so dirty, and if they do this just to challenge my stain removal abilities.

If you live on the East Coast, then you have probably been experiencing some crazy weather lately. Prior to a blizzard last week, we had a few days of upper 60's weather.  The beginning of this week was a wash out with rain Monday through Wednesday. But, then the sun popped out today and it was a balmy (just kidding) 48 degrees.  This warmer weather streak was just a tease, as tomorrow we are in for another snow storm, which will bring a few inches of snow, along with freezing rain, ice and then rain at the end.  So much for spring, right?!  My girls took full advantage of the nice weather today as they knew they would be inside tomorrow and maybe Saturday, as they aren't fans of the cold weather or snow.  They lived it up outside where the ground was muddy and their playscapes and swing set were wet and muddy.  So, you can only imagine what they looked like when they came inside to change.  They were all smiles from having a blast outside, as they had the brilliant idea of filling a small bucket they found with muddy water and slide down the slide feet first into it.  I, on, the other hand, just shook my head, as I knew it would be another day in the laundry room, pre-soaking, scrubbing and soaking clothes overnight to try and loosen the mud and grass stains on their clothes...or, would I? 

Thanks to BIZ, which I have been using for the past couple of weeks, I have been able to cut down the time I spend in the laundry room tending to stains, and don't have to cringe as much when I see the girls come in with a stained outfit, or spill chocolate milk, juice or dipping sauce on their clothes, because I know I have BIZ in my corner.  



Here is more about BIZ in case you aren't familiar with this brand...


"BIZ® was the first enzyme based pre-soak and color-safe bleach that moms have trusted to remove stains from the family's laundry for more than 40 years. First invented in 1968 by Procter & Gamble researcher Charles McCarty, Biz was introduced nationally as a "pre-soak" or "color-safe bleach" and later re-positioned as a "detergent booster." In 1994 Biz, like many P&G brands, was re-released in an "ultra" formula (making it highly concentrated so that less of the product would be needed to achieve the same cleaning results). 


Why Biz is Better...

Different stains require different ingredients to eliminate them. Science shows that there is no one single ingredient that cleans everything well. So why doesn't every brand put all of these ingredients in? Probably because it costs more to do that. But BIZ® didn't cut any corners... Biz has more stain fighters than other brands. That's why it works better."


Ingredient_Chart

----

Like I said, I have only been using BIZ for a couple weeks, but I have seen a world of difference with my family's clothes.  Everything I am pulling out of the wash and dryer is cleaner and fresher smelling.  The whites are so much whiter and the colors are bright as if they are brand new.  I have never had this experience with other stain fighter products in the past, as I found they either dulled the color of the clothes, or really didn't help lift the stains...just faded them along with the colors of the clothes.  


Even my husband's white gym t-shirts he wears look vibrant and smell fresh.  I admit I did a sniff test as I couldn't believe it myself the first time I pulled his gym clothes out of the wash and saw just how clean BIZ got them.  It was truly amazing! And, then the same thing happened when I washed a loud of stained clothes from the girls.  Wow!  I am not one to get excited about laundry but now that I use BIZ, I find myself looking forward to tackling a stain that I know other products I would have reached for in the past would not be able to handle.  


Biz has proven to be an amazing stain fighter, and I am just another of the many fans of their products, which include the liquid version I was sent, along with a powder, booster packs and even an on-the-go pen, which I have to pick up and have on hand when I am out and about with the girls and they spill something on their clothes.



I am so excited to be a BIZ ambassador and can't wait to sample their other products and share my thoughts and first-hand experienc using these products on my family's clothes.  And, be on the lookout for giveaways for BIZ products in the future. :-)


In the meantime, make sure you stay connected with Biz on their social channels for news, special offers, giveaways and more...



Biz Official WEBSITE
Biz on FACEBOOK
Biz on TWITTER
Biz on PINTEREST
* Biz on INSTAGRAM

Disclosure:  I was provided with complimentary product from Biz to help facilitate a review.  All views shared are mine and mine alone.

Read more »

Thursday, March 30, 2017

A Perfect Way to Welcome in Spring and Easter -- Share "Really Woolly Easter Blessings" with Your Child Today! @TommyNelson (Review)

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


9780718092566, Really Woolly Easter Blessings, Bonnie Rickner Jensen
Buy this padded board book now for only $7.99

About This Book:

"Winter’s nap is over, and new life is all around!

Flowers are blooming. Birds are chirping. And the Really Woolly characters are discovering God’s goodness all around them. Curl up with your little one, and join the fun while learning about the hope of Easter and springtime!


Adorable rhymes, sweet Bible verses, and prayer starters will make reading time a special moment for you and your child—to connect with each other and with God. "


*Ages 2-5

*Adorable, cuddly Really Woolly art shares the joy of Easter and spring!

*Sweet rhyming text throughout all about spring, Easter, and God's love for us

*Bible verses and prayers throughout will show little ones the true meaning of Easter


My Thoughts:

I was on the search for a cute book to share with the girls leading up to Easter and I found it with Really Woolly Easter Blessings from Bonnie Rickner Jensen. Not only was this new release from Tommy Nelson easy for the girls to understand and follow along with, but they loved the adorable illustrations of woolly sheep and friends.    What a wonderful addition to our spring reading to get the girls excited about flowers blooming and the animals coming back to set up their homes for the warmer weather.  The girls are starting to notice the flowers popping out of the thawing ground and the chirping of birds in the AM, which makes them eager to get outside and enjoy the warmer weather.  


With a rhyming scheme and Bible verses to tie in with the text, as well as my favorite, the prayer starters, this book is perfect for bedtime reading with the kids, and as a well to get the to think about what they are thankful for, as they kneel down and thank God at night.  


I can't think of a better way to welcome in spring and Easter than with this wonderful book kids of all ages will enjoy.  To learn more about this book visit http://store.faithgateway.com/really-woolly-easter-blessings.  And, why not consider picking up this book to add to your child's Easter basket. :-)



---


About the Author:

Bonnie Rickner Jensen is a bestselling author who for the past 20 years has written everything from children’s books to gift books to thousands of greeting cards. She is the writer behind the bestselling Really Woolly® brand, with nearly 1 million books sold and an ECPA Gold Award–winning Really Woolly Bedtime Prayers. Bonnie has won a Retailer’s Choice Award for her book I Love You Head to Toe and also several Louie Awards for her work in the social expression industry. Her favorite inspirations are her grandchildren, running, and sunshine. She lives and works from her home in Cleveland, Ohio.

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


Read more »

A Wonderful Faith-Based Book to Add to Your Child's Easter Basket -- Found: Psalm 23 from @Zonderkidz (Review)

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


Found by Sally Lloyd-Jones

by Sally Lloyd-Jones
Board Book
Ages 2-5



Synopsis:

"From the bestselling The Jesus Storybook Bible, with over two million products sold, comes Found based on Psalm 23. Written by Sally Lloyd-Jones and illustrated by Jago, little ones will fall in love with this padded cover board book that reminds them of God’s Never Stopping, Never Giving Up, Unbreaking, Always and Forever Love."

My Thoughts:

This was the first time I read a book by the author, Sally Lloyd-Jones, but it will not be my last.  We received this book a couple of weeks ago to review and both of my girls as well I fell in love with the story, which is a retelling of Psalm 23 for little ones to understand.  Now that my girls are getting older and asking more questions about God, the Bible and their faith, I am always on the lookout for books like this that I can share with them and that will help them understand their faith and God more.

With only a a few sentences per, kids are kept engaged, while also enjoying the beautiful illustrations from Jago.  The girls were asked to memorize Psalm 23, but never understood what it was. But, with the help of this retelling in a more simpler way and will pictures, they were able to understand it better. My youngest after hearing me share this story, said, "Oh, so we are one of God's sheep" and that the Shepherd looks over all the sheep and protects then from hard.  She was all happy she finally understood what Psalm 23 meant, and couldn't wait to share it with her Sunday School class.  So, last week she brought this book in and her teacher shared it with the class.  The teacher told me after the class that it was like a light bulb going on in the heads of much of the children after she read the story to them about what Psalm 23 was about.  She was so happy we brought this book to share, and I am happy that I am now in the know about the wonderful author and illustrator.  Will definitely be keeping an eye out for Sally Lloyd-Jones and Jago, and pick up more of their faith-based books for my girls.

To learn more about Found: Psalm 23 and other books from Zonderkidz visit http://www.zondervan.com/.  And, be sure to follow Zonderkidz on their social media channels to stay up-to-date on new releases, special offers, giveaways and more...


----

About the Author and Illustrator:

Sally Lloyd-Jones is a leading writer of inspirational books for children. She is the author of three bestselling children’s Bibles, including the Moonbeam Award winner and ALA notable The Jesus Storybook Bible, as well as Thoughts to Make Your Heart Sing, winner of the ECPA Inspirational Book award. She has written many picture books for children, such as the critically acclaimed New York Times bestseller How to Be a Baby: By Me, the Big Sister and Song of the Stars. Sally was born and raised in Africa, was schooled in England, and now lives in New York City. She can be found at http://www.sallylloyd-jones.com.
Jago is an accomplished illustrator with several prestigious awards to his credit, including a Macmillian "Highly Commended" Award for Children’s Illustration in 2003, an AOI Silver Award in 2004, and the National Literacy Association Wow! Award. Jago lives in Cornwall, England, with his wife and daughter.

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


Read more »

Perfect Easter Basket Gift -- "Noah, Noah, What Do You See?" by Bill Martin Jr. and Michael Sampson -- Review and #Giveaway @TommyNelson

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


9780718089498, Noah, Noah, What Do You See?, Bill Martin, Jr.

About This Book:

"From the bestselling authors of Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See? and Chicka Chicka, 1, 2, 3
Noah, Noah, what do you see? I see animals in the ark with me.
Moses sees the Red Sea part. Daniel sees lions in the den. Mary sees baby Jesus smiling at her. Noah, Noah, What Do You See? introduces little ones to favorite Bible heroes from the Old and New Testaments.
With colorful art from Melissa Iwai and the signature rhyming style of Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See?, parents and children alike will love the classic storytelling of Bill Martin Jr. and Michael Sampson."
ISBN-100718089499
ISBN-139780718089498
Release DateJan 31, 2017
Weight (lbs)0.6500
Height7.25
Width5.50
Length30
Length UnitPages
PublisherThomas Nelson
Price$7.99
FormatHardcover
LanguageEnglish

My Thoughts:

One of the first books my youngest daughter fell in love with and has memorized word for word is "Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See?"  This is one book that has to be included in bedtime reading in our house each night.  Bella will "read" it to me...well, she actually isn't reading...she just knows all the words.  But, she is learning to read, and being able to tell me this story helps her identify words and gets her excited about learning how to read.  So, when I heard the authors behind Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See? were coming out with a faith-based book, I just had to get my hands on a copy to share with Bella.

Being part of the Tommy Nelson blogger program, I was sent a copy of "Noah, Noah, What Do You See?" to review.  When I read the title to Bella her eyes lit up and she said it sounded just like her Brown Bear book.  I told her it was from the same authors and had the same feel.  She couldn't wait to go to bed that night just so that we could read the book. And, when we did, she told me at the end that she had a new favorite book, and that she would work hard to practice her reading so that she can share this book with me, too. :-)

Do you have a "Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See?" fan in your house?  If so, and you enjoy sharing faith-based books with your children, then you will want to pick up this recent Tommy Nelson book.  The story keeps the attention of little ones as they eagerly await you to turn the page and see what each person sees.  And, the repetition of "...What do you see?" will help little ones identity these sight words and build their vocabulary.  




Bella can't get enough of this book, and gives it two thumbs up!  This book would make for a great Easter basket filler, and will be one book your child' will enjoy reading time and again with you.

To learn more about this new release or to pick up a copy of the book to share with you child, visit http://store.faithgateway.com/noah-noah-what-do-you-see today.  And, don't forge to enter my giveaway for a chance to win a copy of this book, thanks to the kind folks at Tommy Nelson. :-)





--GIVEAWAY--

9780718089498, Noah, Noah, What Do You See?, Bill Martin, Jr.

Thanks to the kind folks at Tommy Nelson, one lucky Inspired by Savannah will win a copy of this cute board to add to their child's Easter basket or share during an upcoming bedtime story time.  To enter, please complete the entries on the Rafflecopter form below.  Good luck!



--

About the Authors:


Bill Martin Jr. didn’t learn to read until he reached college, yet he earned a doctorate in education from Northwestern University. He was one of the world’s foremost authors in literary education, as well as a million-selling author of books including Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See?, Chicka Chicka Boom Boom, and Polar Bear, Polar Bear, What Do You Hear?
Michael Sampson, Ph.D., is a New York Times bestselling author of twenty-six books for young children, including Chicka Chicka 1, 2, 3 and The Bill Martin Jr. Big Book of Poetry. Sampson is dean of the School of Education at St. John’s University in New York City and lives with his family on Long Island.
Disclosure: I was sent a review sample from the vendor in order to write up an honest review.  All views shared are mine and mine alone.

Read more »