7/18/14

Sex Tape - Movie Review - "meh"

#Disclosure: I viewed this movie at no charge in exchange for my honest review.
My thoughts:
If you've read my blog for any length of time, you know I don't like to write negative reviews. This isn't really a negative review, but it won't be glowing either. If I were to sum up Sex Tape in one word, it would simply be "meh." If I could shrug in words, I would. The idea for the movie is a good one, the actors were pretty good, and there were some funny parts, but it certainly wasn't a spectacular movie. The funniest parts of the movie were the scenes with the attack dog (no they weren't sex scenes with a dog). There were far too many F-bombs dropped in the movie. I'm not against using the F-word, but it seemed like I heard it every other sentence in this movie. Although I do have to admit that Cameron Diaz has a cute little tooshie. On a scale of one to ten, I'd rate this movie a five.

The story line:
When Jay (Jason Segel) and Annie (Cameron Diaz) first got together, their romantic connection was intense - and though they’re still very much in love, ten years and two kids have cooled the passion. To kick things up a notch, they decide - why not? - to make a video of themselves trying out every position in THE JOY OF SEX in one marathon three-hour session. It seems like a great idea - until they discover that their most private video is no longer private. With their reputations on the line, they know they’re just one click away from being laid bare to the world... but in their race to reclaim their video, they'll find that it will expose even more than they bargained for. In theaters July 18, 2014.

7/17/14

Exclusive #UnderTheDome Photos Season 2 Week 4 #DomeAmbassadors

I'm so excited to share two more exclusive photos with you! I am really enjoying the second season of Under The Dome and know you are too. There are so many questions running through my head as I watch each new episode and I'm really hoping for some answers soon. Last week, I really thought Norrie was going to kick some Melanie butt over Joe. Watching Joe grieving about Angie really tore at my heart. I also don't like the strange adoration that Rebecca has for Big Jim. Only ten more episodes this season!
Watch Under The Dome on CBS Mondays at 10/9c. 
You can follow the Dome Ambassadors at http://bit.ly/1nHDmVP

BIG HERO 6 #Disney - New Trailer Released

With all the heart and humor audiences expect from Walt Disney Animation Studios, “Big Hero 6” is an action-packed comedy-adventure about robotics prodigy Hiro Hamada, who learns to harness his genius—thanks to his brilliant brother Tadashi and their like-minded friends: adrenaline junkie Go Go Tamago, neatnik Wasabi, chemistry whiz Honey Lemon and fanboy Fred. When a devastating turn of events catapults them into the midst of a dangerous plot unfolding in the streets of San Fransokyo, Hiro turns to his closest companion—a robot named Baymax—and transforms the group into a band of high-tech heroes determined to solve the mystery. Inspired by the Marvel comics of the same name, and featuring comic-book style action, “Big Hero 6” is directed by Don Hall (“Winnie the Pooh”) and Chris Williams (“Bolt”), and produced by Roy Conli (“Tangled”).

The film hits theaters in 3D on November 7, 2014. For more information, check out www.Disney.com/BigHero6, like on Facebook www.facebook.com/DisneyBigHero6, and follow on Twitter: www.twitter.com/DisneyAnimation.

Check out the new trailer here:

7/16/14

Wahl and GreaterGood Transform Shelter Dogs

When we first rescued Buddy ten years ago, he was so skinny and emaciated it was heartbreaking. All it took was a bath, some love, and some good food to turn him into the beautiful dog he is now. He's been my best friend and I'm so blessed that we found him. I believe rescue pets make the best pets!

Pet Grooming Leader Wahl and the GreaterGood.org are inviting the public to help transform the image of shelter and rescue pets from what is portrayed on TV to what is reality—these are beautiful animals that deserve a fresh start. With the aid of grooming products and the support of pet shelters nationwide, the two industry leaders are launching an online before and after photo gallery of shelter pets. The first-of-its-kind gallery allows the public to not only see these animals for what they truly are, but actually adopt them.

The Dirty Dogs Before & After Gallery will feature hundreds of pet transformations, thanks in part to Wahl’s donation of more than 1,000 bottles of pet shampoo to animal shelters nationwide. What makes this gallery unique is that visitors can view each animal as they arrived at their shelter and after they were cleaned up. The goal: Get people to visit the gallery, share it with friends and family and, ultimately, adopt these animals.

To promote the gallery and makeovers, Wahl, will be launching the third annual Dirty Dogs Contest. The effort, which highlights the positive side of shelter dogs, will feature celebrity dog groomer Jorge Bendersky and award-winning photographer Seth Casteel selecting the 25 best makeovers and inviting the public to vote for the top three. The animal shelters or rescue groups affiliated with the winning makeovers will receive cash grants and grooming prize packs. While the Dirty Dogs Gallery and Contest are helping to ‘clean up’ the image of pet adoption, presenting the effort in a more positive light is what many believe to be the biggest challenge facing animal shelters today.

“We now know that three out of four pet adoptions begin online,” said Noah Norton, director of operations at GreaterGood.org. “This would suggest an animal’s online photo is often the best chance it has for finding a forever home. Unfortunately, due to limited resources, only half of all pets entering shelters today are receiving the proper grooming they need. That’s what makes this gallery and partners like Wahl so important to this cause.”

Adoption is a major component of the new gallery. Those looking to adopt can sort photos by adoptable only or look for the heart icon on the top right corner of each animal’s picture. Once clicked, the image expands to show the before and after transformation along with the pet’s name, story and shelter information. Facebook integration makes it easy for visitors to share a makeover with friends or join the conversation already started. According to Shay Moeller, pet product manager for Wahl, the goal of the gallery is to increase pet adoption by demonstrating that the same animals often perceived to be ‘damaged goods’ are actually healthy, fun loving pets looking for a home. “The transformations are truly amazing, some even downright unbelievable,” said Moeller. “The gallery is a great visual to show the importance of providing resources to shelters and the difference they can make.” In addition to providing the resources to make this gallery a reality, Wahl’s donation of shampoo also helped animal rescue groups and shelters wash and ready more than 10,000 dogs for adoption this year.

The Dirty Dogs Before & After Gallery is an extension of the One Picture Saves a Life Campaign, a collaboration among pet industry leaders to change public perceptions about rescued animals and provide grooming and photography resources to shelters. It consists of a five-city tour with celebrity dog groomer Jorge Bendersky and renowned pet photographer, Seth Casteel. The Dirty Dogs Contest runs from July 16 - 30. To support a shelter and vote for a shelter dog makeover, visit dirtydogscontest.com. The top three vote getters will receive cash grants for their respective shelters. First place takes home $5,000, second place receives $2,000 and third place earns $1,000. Winners will be announced on August 2. For information about Wahl or Wahl’s pet grooming products, visit www.wahlpets.com or follow Wahl Home on Facebook and Twitter.

Turn Your Clutter Into Cash {infographic}

De-clutter your home infographic

De-clutter your home infographic is an infographic that was produced by Gumtree

Little Caesars Pizza #Giveaway

Disclosure: I received product at no charge in exchange for my post.

Pizza should be its own food group. I love pizza and could eat it for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. One of the best values around is the Little Caesars $5 Lunch Combo which includes four delicious pieces of HOT-N-READY pizza plus an ice-cold drink. Delicious, yes? Enter below to win a $15 Little Caesars Gift Card plus a Little Caesars cap!
Have you heard about the Little Caesars Lunch and Laugh Sweepstakes yet? You could win a year's supply of HOT-N-READY Lunch Combos, a GoPro® Camera, or a $50 Little Caesar's gift card! It's easy and fun to enter and you can enter every day to increase your chance to win!
For your chance to win these awesome prizes, just go to the website at http://littlecaesars.promo.eprize.com/laugh/ or on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/LittleCaesars/app_224708087547080, enter your information and vote for your favorite commercial. I think this horse commercial is hilarious! The sweepstakes ends on 8/31/2014, so go enter now!


After you enter the Little Caesars Lunch and Laugh Sweepstakes, enter below to win a $15 Little Caesars Gift Card plus a Little Caesars cap! To enter my giveaway, just fill out the Rafflecopter form below. You must be at least 18 years old and reside in the USA. My giveaway ends on 7/31/2014. Good luck!


Little Caesars Site
http://www.littlecaesars.com/

Little Caesars Locations
http://www.littlecaesars.com/Locations.aspx

Little Caesars Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/LittleCaesars

Little Caesars Twitter
https://twitter.com/littlecaesars

Little Caesars Instagram
http://instagram.com/littlecaesars

Little Caesars YouTube
http://www.youtube.com/user/LittleCaesarsPizza

Weekly Giveaway Linky - Wednesday Wealth (July 16-22)


7/15/14

Art by Jack Bender #UnderTheDome #DomeAmbassadors

#sponsored
One of the best parts about my trip to visit the set of Under The Dome in Wilmington, NC, was meeting all the wonderful, creative people that make the show a reality. Jack Bender is not only an actor, writer, producer, and director, he's also the artistic genius behind the Under The Dome art. As we were touring the studio, we ran into Jack as he was taking lunch back to his office and he invited us in to chat and see his paintings.
In a small room in the warehouse that houses the Under The Dome studio, Jack paints his pieces from what he calls junk. He turns that junk into art. He often uses old canvases, but he also paints on discarded wood or metal. His idea behind this is that something beautiful can be created from something old and useless.
Much of the paint he uses is the leftover paint from the sets used on the show. Even more wonderful, Jack often sells his pieces and donates the proceeds to charities that help others. It was fascinating to listen to his stories and I feel so blessed that he took time from his incredibly busy schedule to sit and talk with us.
As I watch Under The Dome now, I find myself specifically looking for Jack's paintings. Before going on the trip to the set of Under The Dome, I didn't give a second thought about the art. Knowing more about the artist and the thought behind his works makes them even more special.
Jack was also kind enough to give us each a copy of his published book 2 Broken People, a story supported by photos of his art. He was so pleased when I asked him to autograph it for me! 
Perhaps one day I will be fortunate enough to meet up with him again. Until then, I will thoroughly enjoy his art through his book and the show.
Watch Under The Dome on CBS Mondays at 10/9c
Follow the #DomeAmbassadors at:

7/14/14

BIG HERO 6 #Disney Voice Cast Reveal

Walt Disney Animation Studios officially announced the voice cast behind the new action-packed comedy-adventure “Big Hero 6,” including Maya Rudolph, James Cromwell, Damon Wayans Jr., T.J. Miller, Alan Tudyk, Jamie Chung, Genesis Rodriguez and Daniel Henney, with Ryan Potter as Hiro Hamada and Scott Adsit as Baymax. Directed by Don Hall (“Winnie the Pooh”) and Chris Williams (“Bolt”), and produced by Roy Conli (“Tangled”). “Big Hero 6” hits theaters in 3D on November 7, 2014.
Voiced by RYAN POTTER (“Supah Ninjas,” “Senior Project”), robotics prodigy HIRO HAMADA has the mind of a genius—and the heart of a 14-year-old: his state-of-the-art battle-bots dominate the underground bot fights held in the dark corners of San Fransokyo. Fortunately, big brother Tadashi redirects Hiro’s brilliance, inspiring him to put his brain to the test in a quest to gain admission to the San Fransokyo Institute of Technology. When a tragic event changes everything, Hiro turns to a robot named Baymax, and they form an unbreakable bond—and two-sixths of a band of high-tech heroes on a very important mission.

SCOTT ADSIT (“30 Rock,” “St. Vincent”) provides the voice of the world’s most compassionate robot. BAYMAX cares. That’s what he was designed to do. The plus-sized inflatable robot’s job title is technically Healthcare Companion: With a simple scan, Baymax can detect vital stats, and given a patient’s level of pain, can treat nearly any ailment. Conceived and built by Tadashi Hamada, Baymax just might revolutionize the healthcare industry. But to the inventor’s kid brother Hiro, the nurturing, guileless bot turns out to be more than what he was built for—he’s a hero, and quite possibly Hiro’s closest friend. And after some deft reprogramming that includes a rocket fist, super strength and rocket thrusters that allow him to fly, Baymax becomes one of the “Big Hero 6.”
Voiced by T.J. MILLER (HBO’s “Silicon Valley,” “Transformers: Age of Extinction,” “How to Train Your Dragon 2”), fanboy FRED comes off like a laid-back dude with no direction. But this sign-twirling, monster-loving, comic-book aficionado is sure to go places—when he’s good and ready. For example, Fred doesn’t hesitate to join “Big Hero 6,” and he has a lot of ideas for his super-hero skillset, too. His ferocious, fire-breathing alter ego comes complete with claws, integrated communications and a super bounce. But his sign-spinning may still come in handy.

JAMIE CHUNG (“Sin City: A Dame to Kill For,” “Once Upon A Time,” “The Hangover Part II & Part III”) steps up as the voice of the aptly named GO GO TOMAGO, who knows what it takes to be fast. She’s tough, athletic and loyal to the bone, but not much of a conversationalist. Popping bubble gum and delivering well-placed sarcasm are totally her speed. The daredevil adrenaline junkie is at her best on wheels, and when Go Go joins forces with “Big Hero 6,” she rolls like never before, using maglev discs as wheels, shields and throwing weapons.
DAMON WAYANS JR. (“Let’s Be Cops,” “Happy Endings”) provides the voice of WASABI, who’s committed to precision. He’s super smart and just a touch neurotic, but the big and burly neatnik can’t help but join the cause when Hiro needs him most. As part of “Big Hero 6,” Wasabi amplifies his martial arts skills with jaw-dropping plasma blade weaponry. Sharp doesn’t even begin to describe this guy.

GENESIS RODRIGUEZ (“Tusk” and “Run All Night”) was called on to help bring Honey Lemon to life. It’s elemental when it comes to chemistry whiz HONEY LEMON. Don’t let her glasses and funky fashion fool you: Honey may be as sweet as her namesake, but she has a fire in her belly and a can-do attitude that make her pretty much unstoppable. Her knowledge of alchemy proves powerful, too, when the effusive brainiac becomes part of the “Big Hero 6” and creates clever concoctions that when thrown, can get her team out of nearly any jam.
DANIEL HENNEY (“X-Men Origins: Wolverine”) was called on to give voice to TADASHI HAMADA. Tadashi is a good guy. He just is. He actually developed, built and programmed a state-of-the-art nursebot—a Healthcare Companion named Baymax that will likely help millions worldwide. But it’s his role as big brother that makes Tadashi truly special. Every kid needs a guy like Tadashi looking out for him, and Hiro knows just how lucky he is to have him in his life.

MAYA RUDOLPH (TV’s “Saturday Night Live,” “Maya Rudolph Variety Show,” Bridesmaids”) provides the voice of AUNT CASS, who’s the overworked but always-supportive guardian of brothers Hiro and Tadashi. The owner of a popular San Fransokyo bakery and coffee shop, Aunt Cass is proud, ebullient and thinks the world of her two genius nephews. She’s always good for a laugh and ready with a hug, tirelessly there for support and a great home-cooked meal.
Voiced by JAMES CROMWELL (“Murder in the First,” “L.A. Confidential”), PROFESSOR ROBERT CALLAGHAN heads up the robotics program at the prestigious San Fransokyo Institute of Technology and is Tadashi’s professor and mentor. When Hiro visits the university for the first time, he is star-struck by the world-renowned roboticist—while Callaghan immediately sees the potential in the 14-year-old prodigy, encouraging him to put his brain to better use.

Pioneer entrepreneur and tech guru ALISTAIR KREI is voiced by ALAN TUDYK (“Tell,” “Welcome to Me,” “42”). San Fransokyo Institute of Technology’s most illustrious alum and owner of the biggest technology company in the world, Krei Tech, is always on the hunt for the next big thing. Krei attends the showcase at San Fransokyo Tech and is overwhelmingly impressed by Hiro’s ingenuity.

YOKAI is the silent masked man behind the terrible tragedy that strikes San Fransokyo, turning Hiro’s world upside down. As a result, Hiro transforms a group of nerds into a team of high-tech crime fighters—“Big Hero 6”—with one mission: Track down Yokai and bring him to justice.
With all the heart and humor audiences expect from Walt Disney Animation Studios, “Big Hero 6” is an action-packed comedy-adventure about robotics prodigy Hiro Hamada, who learns to harness his genius—thanks to his brilliant brother Tadashi and their like-minded friends: adrenaline junkie Go Go Tomago, neatnik Wasabi, chemistry whiz Honey Lemon and fanboy Fred. When a devastating turn of events catapults them into the midst of a dangerous plot unfolding in the streets of San Fransokyo, Hiro turns to his closest companion—a robot named Baymax—and transforms the group into a band of high-tech heroes determined to solve the mystery.

Like BIG HERO 6 on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DisneyBigHero6
Follow Walt Disney Animation Studios on Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/DisneyAnimation
Follow Walt Disney Animation Studios on Tumblr: http://disneyanimation.tumblr.com
Visit the Website: http://www.disney.com/BigHero6

We Bought Our Empty Nest Home!

We are in the process of buying a home and it's been a crazy couple of weeks. We've been renting for the last year, after selling our big family home, and now that all our kids are established in college, we're ready to buy our empty-nest home. We found a darling little 1200-square foot house in Elgin, Texas, so barring any problems, our closing is scheduled for July 31 and we'll be moving that weekend! Here are the realtor photos of the new place.
The house faces east and the front yard is already beautifully landscaped with flowering trees and tropical plants, so I probably won't change much in front. I love the set-back front door! There are neighbors on both sides, but across the street is the cluster mailboxes instead of a house, so I won't have to walk far to get my mail. We will eventually replace the dented garage door. I love the lights on both sides of the garage door and the brick is so pretty!
There is a lot of space in the front bed for some flowers and just enough space on the front patio for my wooden bench. The front door has a small stained glass window and the room inside that will be my office has a window that looks out onto the front porch so I can see when my product review packages are delivered.
One of my favorite features of the living room is the raised ceiling, though I'm not fond of the yellow color up there. I will definitely be painting every room in the house. The floors throughout the house are a beautiful laminate wood, with carpet in the smaller bedrooms and tile in the bathrooms.
I can already picture built-in shelves on the living room walls. The furniture in the pictures is not included in the sale of the house; it's just there for staging the rooms. The bedroom placement is designed in a mother-in-law style which means the master bedroom is away from the secondary bedrooms.
The home has a very open design with a half wall separating the living room from the kitchen. The windows let in lots of natural light. I also noticed that the window placement on the sides of the house does not face windows on the neighbors' houses, allowing for better privacy.
The kitchen colors are awful, in my opinion, so this room will be painted first. I'm also going to stain the cabinets because the previous owners didn't do a very good refinishing job. It's unique, but doesn't suit my style. The corner table won't stay but the appliances will stay with the house. I'm excited to have a gas stove again!
The glass patio door leads out to a small covered patio and lets in tons of light. Since the house faces east, that covered patio will ease some of the hot Texas afternoon heat. There isn't much cabinet space, but I've got an old armoire that I'm going to turn into a pantry cabinet and I also have a stainless steel baking table that will provide me more storage space for my small appliances (and the brand new mixer I just won).
I am in love with the color of the floors, so I won't be changing them at all. I do plan on a deeper kitchen sink though because I'm in the kitchen a lot. I really like the soft sheer drapes over the patio door and think I will leave them there because they help soften the afternoon sun too.
That ceiling fan in the kitchen looks really out of place, so I'm already on the lookout for a cute chandelier, maybe a vintage one with hanging crystals. If you look out the kitchen patio doors, you can see the tall rock wall that runs along the back of the yard. That's another of my favorite features of this place!
There is no house directly behind us because our house backs up to the main road into the subdivision. On the other side of the wall is a road, with an empty field on the other side. That means beautiful Texas sunset views from the backyard patio!
I really love the lines of the house. The front rooms flow together really well and I'll be able to watch my favorite television shows even when I'm cooking in the kitchen. When guests are over the open concept will provide a bigger entertaining space.
The master bedroom is big and since it's at the back of the house, no morning sun will be waking us early on Saturday mornings. There is already a ceiling fan in the master bedroom, which is a bonus because I sleep much better with a fan blowing on me.
I adore the glass door that also leads out onto the back patio! I will probably cover the glass with a film to allow for more privacy, but that door is another one of my favorite features of this house. The master bedroom also features a private bathroom. There is a giant walk-in closet for the master bedroom too.
I cannot wait to take a bath in that big garden tub! The mirror over the bathroom sink is fabulous, although I will probably paint the frame a different color. The tiny cabinet over the toilet has to go though because I need much more cabinet space in the bathroom. The vinyl tile floor will be stripped out and my husband will have his first opportunity to learn to lay ceramic tiles.
The ocean-themed nursery will also be painted immediately. The home was previously a model home and I simply hate the paint job in here. This will be our guest room and I will create a much more serene atmosphere with a gentler single paint color. This room has a big walk-in closet too.
The main bathroom offers lots of space and I'll be adding my own touches in here, along with some cabinets on the wall and probably a couple decorative shelves. The mirror will need to be framed out, but I'm thinking I might glue pretty glass tiles all the way around the inside edge of the mirror rather than replace it.
The other secondary bedroom will be my office. One corner of the room is angled, giving this room extra personality. I've had my office furniture for a few years, including a desk with a hutch, a tall bookcase, and a short file cabinet. My photography table for review products will go right next to the window so I can take advantage of natural light.
My new laundry room will need either more shelves or big cabinets over the washer and dryer. The appliances in the picture are leaving, but we already have a pair to take in with us. This room is several feet wider than the one we have in the rent house we're in, so I'm excited about the extra space in here.
The backyard is currently very empty which I see as a wonderful thing because I'm going to turn it into a food garden! I'm going to plant several fruit trees and my husband is going to build me raised garden beds so I can plant all kinds of vegetables. I've been doing lots of research on backyard gardening and once I get started I will share all my secrets with you.
I am SO excited to get into our new home! The next few weeks will be filled with packing boxes, purging items we don't use, and signing lots of paperwork. Then comes the awful task of carrying all those boxes out of this house, packing the truck, and unpacking into the new house. We are eager to be moved in and start a new chapter in our lives!

Modere Laundry Pods #natural #hypoallergenic

Disclosure: I received product at no charge in exchange for my honest review.
Modere is a company that creates high quality products that are safe for the environment and inspired by nature. They offer a wide variety of personal care products, household care products, and health and wellness products, designed to exceed all expectations. For more than 25 years, they have provided customers with an experience that is both modern and artistic.

Most of my life, I've used laundry detergents that are either a powdered form that requires scooping or a liquid form that requires measuring in a cup. This past weekend, I tried something new - Modere Laundry Pods. They are fragrance free, natural, non-toxic, and hypoallergenic. They are also free of phosphates, dyes, chlorine, and NPE. If you prefer a scented laundry detergent, Modere also offers Lavender with Vanilla scented laundry pods. I absolutely loved being able to just toss a Laundry Pod into the washer. I didn't have to clean up any spilled powdered detergent, and no liquid detergent ran down the bottle to pool under the container. Four loads for the two of us included towels, darks, colors, and whites. Modere performed beautifully on all my laundry. The little pod dissolved completely. I am completely satisfied with Modere Laundry Pods! I even like the snap-closure container and will reuse it when my pods are gone.

Modere offers a personalized customer experience, free shipping, unmatched rewards, and fun incentives for shopping with their company. They are all about safe, affordable, well-designed products that will enhance your life and your home. Visit www.modere.com and use promo code 881393 to receive up to $25 off your first order!

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