Pete’s Dragon Movie Recap In Theaters Today #PetesDragon

12 Aug

I took the kids to an advance screening of Pete’s Dragon courtesy of Disney and we absolutely loved it. We attend lots of movies and Disney always catches my heart. Not only did my daughter and I cry I also had goose bumps. You know when you can feel something about to happen in a scene and then it happens and you say, I knew that was gonna happen. That’s how I was. 


I never saw the original but now I think it’s time to find it and buy a copy so we can see the difference. I’m glad this wasn’t animated. Love animated films but this was good just the way it was. The cast was amazing and Pete played by Oakes Fegley was wonderful. It was also good to see Robert Redford in this movie. 

Why can’t Elliot the dragon be real? At least he can disappear and camouflage into different things. Did I mention my daughter wants one? If I had the space I wouldn’t mind having him too. Just saying. 

Pete’s Dragon is in theaters today. Every child can handle things different so I suggest parents to see the trailer first.  My kids are ages 9 and 13 and they had no problems. We saw it in 3D. 

Here’s a Synopsis: A reimagining of Disney’s cherished family film, “Pete’s Dragon” is the adventure of an orphaned boy named Pete and his best friend Elliot, who just so happens to be a dragon. “Pete’s Dragon” stars Bryce Dallas Howard (“Jurassic World”), Oakes Fegley (“This is Where I Leave You”), Wes Bentley (“The Hunger Games”), Karl Urban (“Star Trek”), Oona Laurence (“Southpaw”), Isiah Whitlock, Jr. (“Cedar Rapids”) and Oscar® winner Robert Redford (“Captain America: The Winter Soldier”). The film, which is directed by David Lowery (“Ain’t Them Bodies Saints”), is written by Lowery & Toby Halbrooks based on a screenplay by Malcolm Marmorstein and produced by Jim Whitaker (“The Finest Hours,” “Friday Night Lights”), with Barrie M. Osborne (“The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring,” “The Great Gatsby”) serving as executive producer.

 

For years, old wood carver Mr. Meacham (Robert Redford) has delighted local children with his tales of the fierce dragon that resides deep in the woods of the Pacific Northwest. To his daughter, Grace (Bryce Dallas Howard), who works as a forest ranger, these stories are little more than tall tales…until she meets Pete (Oakes Fegley). Pete is a mysterious 10-year-old with no family and no home who claims to live in the woods with a giant, green dragon named Elliot. And from Pete’s descriptions, Elliot seems remarkably similar to the dragon from Mr. Meacham’s stories. With the help of Natalie (Oona Laurence), an 11-yearold girl whose father Jack (Wes Bentley) owns the local lumber mill, Grace sets out to determine where Pete came from, where he belongs, and the truth about this dragon. Disney’s “Pete’s Dragon” opens in U.S. theaters today August 12, 2016.

Disney.com/petesdragon

Facebook.com/disneypetesdragon

Twitter.com/disneypetes

Instagram.com/disneypetesdragon

 

Disclosure: My family and I were invited to this screening. Opinions are our own 100% as always. 

I Celebrated National Tequila Day With Patron & “Art Of Patron” Bottle Art Contest

10 Aug

I celebrated National Tequila Day in July with Patron and tons of tequila fans and had an amazing time. There were plenty of cocktails to try and interactive mixology stations and food stations from around the world. I enjoyed trying oysters for the first time and creating my very own Bloody Maria drink garnished with shrimp, crab legs, celery and bacon. There were even pina colada ice pops that were so good. Everything was great, company, food, drinks, music and staff. Patron outdid themselves and gave everyone a great party at an amazing venue and can’t wait to see what they’re gonna do next year. Thank you Patron for an awesome party. 

Patrón tequila proudly announces the third edition of the “Art of Patrón” Bottle Art Contest, celebrating unique creativity and artistry – for the chance to win $10,000.


Over the years, the iconic Patrón glass bottle has become a symbol of the brand and its premium craftsmanship, and has inspired countless artists – professional and amateur alike – to transform the Patrón bottle into handmade visual and functional arts. The “Art of Patrón” Bottle Art Contest celebrates this consumer enthusiasm by encouraging people across the U.S. to share their artistic vision, using Patrón’s signature bottles as inspiration.


“People often tell us that empty Patrón bottles, and even our distinctive round corks, are just too beautiful to throw away. As a matter of fact, thousands of images of Patrón bottles transformed into interesting and unique art pieces have been posted on social channels and online,” said Lee Applbaum, Global Chief Marketing Officer at Patrón Spirits. “At Patrón, we perfected the craft of making high-quality tequila, and designing a recognized bottle – the ‘Art of Patrón’ Bottle Art Contest is an opportunity for people to now perfect a second life for those iconic bottles.”
Past “Art of Patrón” Bottle Art contest entries have included such pieces as a chess set, spectacular artworks and wall hangings, striking light fixtures, gorgeous jewelry, functional furniture, and other awe-inspiring designs. Last year’s contest winner, Rebecca Stoneback of Asbury Park, N.J., was selected for her entry “La Abeja,” a stunning necklace representing the 60 hands it takes to produce one bottle of Patrón tequila. She created the piece by melting and sculpting glass from a Patrón Silver tequila bottle into 60 abstract beads and then molding metal bee wings – representing the Patrón bee logo – around a small glass vial at the center of the jewelry, which she filled with – what else? – Patrón tequila.

To enter the 2016 Art Of Patrón” Bottle Art Contest:

Create an original work of art or functional item that contains, is made from, or depicts any Patrón bottle or component thereof
Visit ArtofPatron.com and follow the links to the Bottle Art entry page

Upload a photo and a short essay (100 words or less) describing the artwork and the inspiration behind the piece

Note that no purchase is required; for more information and to read the official rules, please visit ArtofPatron.com

A panel of judges will help select up to 10 finalists based on overall creativity, unique use or representation of the Patrón bottle and components, visual appeal and the persuasiveness of the essay. Finalists will be featured on the Art of Patrón website for public voting, and then one lucky participant will be selected as the Grand Prize winner. The winner will be awarded $10,000 and an opportunity for national exposure for his or her work of art, while the remaining nine finalists will each receive $1,000.

Disclosure: I was invited to attend the Patron event. Opinions are mine 100% as always. Swag was given. 

Kmart’s Real Deal Event Luxury And Designer Brands At Discount Prices

10 Aug

Kmart has officially announced “The Real Deal” event that gives shoppers access to the hottest brands and trendsetting styles without having to pay full price. This huge limited-time BLOWOUT on watches and sunglasses includes men’s and women’s luxury and designer brands at discounts as high as up to 80 percent off original ticketed prices.


Kmart shoppers can find insane savings that include:• In Stores: Fashion brand bracelet, leather and sport style watches available in stores at up to 80 percent off original ticketed prices

• Online: Designer and luxury brand watches at up to 80 percent off original ticketed prices, featuring popular silver, gold and rose gold tones, sleek and over-size watch faces, with some offering multiple band options

• Online: Designer brand sunglasses online at up to 75 percent off original ticketed prices, including classic, sporty and contemporary styles 

With jaw-dropping prices on premiere items, Kmart allows shoppers to enjoy brand name products that will have them perfectly styled and perfectly prompt 

A limited supply of both men’s and women’s fashion watches will be available in store, while supplies last. However, brands and styles will vary by locations.

For more information on The Real Deal, please visit http://www.kmart.com/realdeal.

Disclosure: This is not a compensated post. Opinions are mine 100% as always. Watch pictured above was given.

JCPenney’s Partnership With Y’s Academic Achievement Initiative & Back To School Fashion

10 Aug

Whether it’s moving into a dorm for the first time, or getting ready for the first day of high school, one thing that students will plan extensively this fall is their “first day look.” JCPenney offers a wide assortment of affordable, fashion finds, from brands like Arizona, that are perfect for completing the look, and expressing style individuality, this new school year. 

I fell in love with the bedding as I love to start the school year off with new bedding for the kids. The print is fun and colorful on the comforter and sheets and they are very soft. The kids love the back pillows. The furniture flair cover was used on their beds but can be used on a small couch in your dorm room or apartment. 

I might not be going back to school but I can dress like it with a mom fashionista twist. Love the Arizona jeans and cute tops. They are so comfortable and affordable. I love the outfits I received. 



Along with great fashions this back-to-school season, JCPenney is expanding its 20-year partnership with the Y to include an exciting way for customers to give back. For each pair of Arizona jeans sold from July 15th to September 2nd, JCPenney will be donating $1 to support the Y’s academic achievement programs up to $250,000.  

The partnership will support the Y’s Academic Achievement Initiative, which aims to support academically at-risk students through evidence-based, high-quality summer learning loss prevention and afterschool programs.
“With jeans serving as a key back-to-school fashion staple, Arizona’s great fitting, affordable denim makes it the ideal brand to leverage our support of the Y this season. By simply purchasing a pair of stylish Arizona jeans, moms will not only be sending their kids back-to-school with confidence, but also helping fellow moms across the country set their kids up for success this school year.”
JCPenney will also be assisting the Y this back-to-school season with a community event at the Hollywood YMCA in Los Angeles. The event will include backpack giveaways, free haircuts from jcp salon, mini-makeovers from Sephora inside JCPenney for moms and teens, vision screenings from JCPenney Optical, photos from JCPenney Portraits and Arizona jean fittings as well as giveaways, music, food and more.

Stay tuned for a JCPenney $25 gift card giveaway!!! 

For more info visit http://www.jcpenney.com and @jcpenney on Twitter 

Disclosure: This is not a sponsored post. I was given bedding and clothing to review. Opinions are mine as always. 

Office Depot Donates 200,000 Sackpacks To Deserving Kids

10 Aug

OFFICE DEPOT FOUNDATION CELEBRATES 16TH YEAR OF NATIONAL BACKPACK PROGRAM BY DONATING 200,000 SACKPACKS TO DESERVING CHILDREN 


For the past 16 years, the Office Depot Foundation has been giving children important tools they need to succeed in school – and in life – at the beginning of the new school year. 

In 2016, the Foundation – the independent charitable giving arm of Office Depot is celebrating the 16th year of its award-winning National Backpack Program by donating 200,000 colorful new sackpacks to nonprofit organizations, schools and agencies across the United States and internationally. 

 

By the end of 2016, Office Depot and the Office Depot Foundation will have given away more than 4 million backpacks and sackpacks since the National Backpack Program began in 2001. 

 

“We believe that every child should have the opportunity to go to school with dignity and hope,” says Office Depot Foundation President Mary Wong. “For most children, the first day of school is an exciting time complete with new clothes and back-to-school gear. But for kids in families where money is tight, the experience can be just the opposite. The sackpacks and school supplies we donate help to level the playing field and give these wonderful children a reason to stand just a little bit taller.”

To deliver sackpacks directly to children, the Foundation is hosting Back-to-School Celebrations in select cities across the U.S. in July and August. 

 

Thousands more sackpacks are being given to kids through the Office Depot Foundation’s continuing partnerships with a number of nonprofit organizations serving children nationally and globally. The Foundation is collaborating with the AARP Experience Corps, the National Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) Association, Feed the Children, Food For The Poor, the Kids In Need Foundation, the National Foundation for Women Legislators, Operation Homefront and Samaritan’s Feet International. For the eighth consecutive year, children of the Navajo Nation in Arizona will receive sackpacks.

 

The specially designed, drawstring-style sackpacks come in seven bright and colorful designs – several of which are new for 2016. Each one includes a zippered pouch containing a pen, pencil, pencil sharpener, eraser, six-inch ruler and four crayons. The sackpacks do not have any Office Depot Foundation or Office Depot logos or markings.

More information about the National Backpack Program can be found on the Office Depot Foundation’s Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/officedepotfoundation. To learn more about the Office Depot Foundation and its initiatives, go to http://www.officedepotfoundation.org/. You can follow the Foundation on Twitter @OfficeDepotFndn; the National Backpack Program’s hashtag is #ODFcares. The Foundation is also on Instagram: @officedepotfoundation.

Disclosure: This is not a sponsored post. Sackpacks were given to me. 

CELEBRATE FERRAGOSTO WITH BARONE FINI AND I TRULLI RESTAURANT ON AUGUST 15 #baronefini #ferragosto

8 Aug

On August 15, Barone Fini wines will partner with I Trulli Enoteca e Ristorante, located at 122 East 27th Street between Lexington and Park Avenues, to bring a taste of Ferragosto to the United States. Ferragosto is an annual Italian holiday celebrated on August 15; I Trulli and Barone Fini have created a celebratory menu in honor of this tradition. For every glass of Barone Fini wine that’s poured, 100% of the proceeds will be donated to The Food Bank For New York City. 


Ferragosto originated as a celebration of the Italian harvest. Enjoyed by peasants and aristocrats alike, the festival gave everyone the opportunity to gather together, break bread, and enjoy the fruits of the labor season. Today, Ferragosto is celebrated on August 15th marked with parties, abundant feasts, and fireworks.


 

Barone Fini dates back to 1497 when two noble Venetian families (Bonmartini and Fini) united in marriage and began producing wine. Today, 15th generation family member Giovanni Bonmartini-Fini serves as President of Barone Fini, overseeing the winery’s production, including the winery’s hand harvesting and sorting to produce quality Italian wines at an affordable price point. 


 

I Trulli Enoteca e Ristorante is one of New York City’s landmarks of fine Italian dining. Its wine list features more than 450 Italian labels personally selected by owner Nicola Marzovilla, and the pasta remains hand-rolled daily by matriarch Dora Marzovilla. On August 15, I Trulli will feature some of its finest foods paired with Barone Fini wines with a specially-curated menu to commence the Ferragosto celebration in NYC. The four-course menu will be $58, plus $10 per glass of Barone Fini wine.


I was invited to I Trulli to a wine tasting and enjoy authentic pasta and learn about  Barone Fini wines. I just have to say I really enjoyed this special day and the delicious meal and wine. It was a pleasure meeting everyone. It is also great to see 100% of the proceeds from every glass of Barone Fini wine that is poured will be donated to The Food Bank For New York City. August 15th where will you be? Hopefully enjoying great wine and food at I Trulli Enoteca e Ristorante. 

Disclosure: I was invited to attend this amazing press event at I Trulli. Opinions are mine 100%. Swag was given. 

Six Flags Celebrates Summer of Games with First-Ever “Fryathlon”

2 Aug

Theme Parks Debuts Limited Time Food Offerings, Patriotic Sweet Treats and Exclusive Games Promotion
 JACKSON, New Jersey – August 1, 2016 – Guests can go for gold this summer at Six Flags Great Adventure during the first Summer of Games. Running nation-wide at all Six Flags theme parks, guests can indulge with internationally-inspired foods, purchase Six Flags exclusive patriotic apparel and try to win gold-level prizes in the company’s first midway games competitions.


For the first time ever, Six Flags features an international competition within its midway games, offering guests the opportunity to purchase a special, discounted games pass and test their skills among five midway games – including 3-Point Shot and Ring Toss — to win exclusive souvenir medals. Any guest winning all five games will win their choice of a Gold Season Pass, a Gold Flash Pass, or a Gold All Season Dining Pass. Games are available in the Boardwalk section of the theme park.


Six Flags also debuts a full line of culinary treats during the promotion including the world’s first “Fryathlon” featuring French fries topped with the year’s most celebrated summer flavors like:
· July 30 – August 7: Brazil’s Rio Delicioso Fries topped with Brazil’s classic meats, cheeses and spicy sauces;
· August 8-14: Thailand’s Spiced Sriracha Fries, topped with Sriracha mayo and Shichimi Togarashi; and

· August 15-21: USA’s Good ‘Ole American Cheeseburger Fries, featuring our famous fries topped with seasoned burger crumbles, pickles, and mustard.

All of these culinary treats are available at Main Street Pub and Shore Eats. Guests can follow loaded fries with patriotic sweet treats including a full line of international fudge flavors such as signature red, white & blue USA fudge, dipped apples and cake pops. These indulgent desserts make their debut at Sweet Treats on Main Street.

In addition, during this limited time Six Flags offers a new line of exclusive patriotic DC COMICS Team apparel: Team SUPERMAN, Team BATMAN, or Team WONDER WOMAN, all available at Daily Planet Gifts. Plus, a full line of USA and international-themed apparel, hats and accessories can be found at Flags, Attitudes and Main Street Market.

For more information on the Summer of Games, visit http://www.sixflags.com/summerofgames.

NEW Del Monte Adult Fruit Cups (Fruit Refreshers) #TimeToRefresh

1 Aug

Del Monte introduced a new product at their NYC launch at the Gramercy Park Hotel rooftop July 28th and I was invited to see it all go down. The only thing I knew was it was their first ever Adult Fruit Cup. So what makes it an adult fruit cup you might ask? Well if you’re thinking its infused with liquor you’re wrong. Or maybe you’re an alcoholic who was praying you finally got your wish. JUST KIDDING!!!! 


I couldn’t wait to find out. Once I saw the fruit cups the first thing I noticed was the packaging which looks very grown up compared to the fruit cups in kids lunchboxes. The colors of the fruit are bold and bright and I love it! The amazing flavors was the next thing I noticed. My favorite was Pineapple in Passion Fruit flavored lightly sweetened with Fruit Water. I am a huge fan of pineapple and the passion fruit is also very delicious. I love the fact that it’s packed in fruit water. Another plus I noticed was it does not have any High Fructose Corn Syrup, Artificial Flavors or Sweeteners. If you’re around me I’m always talking about how I can’t stand high fructose corn syrup and if one of the first three ingredients in any product is sugar put it back. That goes for high fructose corn syrup too. 


The third thing I noticed was it only has 90 calories. Can you say winner? My family has always been big on fruit cups but a lot of them were flavored in heavy syrup and that wasn’t what I wanted.

These Del Monte Fruit Refreshers fruit cups already have me hooked. Another flavor introduced at the launch was Mandarin Oranges in slightly sweetened Coconut Water. Yes, that’s right Coconut Water. This flavor only have 100 calories. Another winner. 


Two more flavors coming to stores are Red Grapefruit in Guava Flavored Fruit Water and Grapefruit and Oranges in Pomegranate Flavored Fruit Water. 

Spokesperson for Del Monte Fruit Refreshers, Actress and Lifestyle Blogger, Katrina Bowden was in attendance to tell us why she supports Del Monte. “She said as a healthy person who stays fit she likes snacks that she can throw in her bag everyday to enjoy whenever she needs a moment to refresh.”


I love the adult size of these fruit cups and I can’t wait to try all the flavors. Speaking of flavors we had some pretty good refreshing drinks and amazing seafood appetizers and desserts. I felt like I was at a party Under The Sea visiting Spongebob’s pineapple house. Facials were also given if you chose to get one. 

Keep checking your local supermarkets. Hitting shelves soon. Check out @delmonte on Instagram and Twitter for more info. 


Thank you for the invite. I had a great time. 

Disclosure: This is not a sponsored post. Opinions are mine 100% as always. Gift bags were given. 

#ElenaOfAvalor Our Princess Party #Ad @DisneyChannel

1 Aug

Disclosure: This is part of a sponsored collaboration with DiMeMedia and Disney Channel. However, all opinions expressed are our own.

My daughter and I anxiously awaited for July 22nd to get here so we could see Disney’s first ever Latina Princess Elena Of Avalor premiere on the Disney Channel. We were even more excited to host a party and do an Unboxing video showing what goodies we were going to have at our party. If there one thing or two things we love it’s Disney and hosting parties. We have lots of boys in our family so I made the party special for my daughter because she is my princess. 


I’ve always taught my kids to be a leader not a follower because that’s who I am. I learned that from my mother, father and grandmother. I was taught in order to succeed in life I have to go for what I want. Back when my grandmother and father were alive they told me to respect my elders and pursue my interests. I wanted to be a chef because of them and I made sure I would be the best. I’m teaching my kids that now and that’s what they are striving for. With the help of me (their mother) and knowledge I instill in them their dreams will come true.  Their grandmother has also been a big help showing them the right path to take. I love how Princess Elena is a go-getter and wants to protect her castle and become Queen. She doesn’t let anything get in her way. In her mind she’s not a teenager anymore. 

My children love their grandmother very much and I’m glad she’s still a part of their lives.

My daughter said she liked watching Elena Of Avalor and wants to add the doll to her collection. She said she still want to be a chef and hope Elena gets to become a Queen. Our party was a success and my son even sat through it.

– Disney Channel YouTube Page: https://www.youtube.com/user/disneychannel

– Official Brand Website: http://fun.disney.com/elena-of-avalor

– Elena of Avalor Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/princesselenaofavalor/?fref=ts


Tune in for Elena of Avalor on Fridays at 7:30pm ET/PT or 6:30c on Disney Channel.

Disclosure: This is part of a sponsored collaboration with DiMeMedia and Disney Channel. However, all opinions expressed are our own.

#IceAge #CollisionCourse Screening, Neil deGrasse Tyson & AMNH Fun Filled Day

28 Jul

Grandma and her grandkids attended the screening of Ice Age Collision Course held at NYIT Auditorium on the Upper West Side in NY. After the screening there was a Q&A with American astrophysicist Neil deGrasse Tyson. He’s the voice of Neil deBuck Weasel.


My mother said she really enjoyed this event. She talked about it the whole week. She enjoyed the Q&A with Neil deGrasse Tyson. She enjoyed the answer to this question a young person asked: 

Child: “Why did you become a scientist, and what college did you go to?”

Neil deGrasse Tyson: Not knowing that science is a thing, I just, in the planetarium, this universe looks cool. I want to learn about it, and then I figure out that learning about unknown things in nature is what a scientist does, okay? And then–you asked what schools I went to. In this book that I haven’t written yet, and will not write for years, I’m developing strong views on how irrelevant it likely is what your school choice is.  

Now, parents don’t want to hear this, and school administrators don’t want to hear this. They want you to believe that your school choice matters everything in your life, and I’m gathering evidence that doesn’t really support that. In the end of the day what matters most, above all else is your ambition. We can talk about Albert Einstein. You can say, “What high school did he go to?”  

No, you’re not going to ask me that, because it’s irrelevant. He’s Einstein. Did everyone else from his graduating class of high school become Einstein? No. He’s Einstein. His ambitions got him there, okay? So, this is what I’m saying. If you start saying, I went to this school or that school, then all of sudden, the school becomes your–that’s your–you want people to respond to what school you went to, rather than what you actually accomplished in life.  

Once you accomplish things, and if you accomplish really great things, people are not going to ask you what school you went to. They’re going to ask you, “Tell me about your life and your own ability to discover and your own capacity to explore.”  

After the Q & A everyone enjoyed an amazing lunch then they were whisked away to the Museum of Natural History. What  a great way to end a fun morning. They hopped on shuttle buses and explored the Museum. My kids and my mother really enjoyed the Museum. They haven’t been in a while. They stayed about three hours and loved it all. AMNH is one of my favorite museums and since I didn’t make it this trip I will take the kids with me next time. This is their second time seeing the movie because it’s that good. I also would like to see it as well. 


Thank you to everyone who put this fantastic day together and the wonderful experience my family had with Neil deGrasse Tyson and his expertise on Science and talking about his character, and the trip to the Museum Of Natural History. Shout outs to Big Honcho Media, 20th Century Fox, and American Museum Of Natural History. 
ICE AGE: COLLISION COURSE – IN THEATERS NOW

Synopsis:

Scrat’s epic pursuit of the elusive acorn catapults him into the universe where he accidentally sets off a series of cosmic events that transform and threaten the Ice Age World. To save themselves, Sid, Manny, Diego, and the rest of the herd must leave their home and embark on a quest full of comedy and adventure, traveling to exotic new lands and encountering a host of colorful new characters. 

Check out Neil deGrasse Tyson’s Cold Hard Facts” clip

https://youtu.be/bvCCJd2Mlag
Official Websites:

Like Ice Age: Collision Course on FACEBOOK: http://fox.co/IceAgeFacebook

Visit Scrat on FACEBOOK: http://fox.co/IceAgeScrat

Follow Ice Age: Collision Course on TWITTER: http://fox.co/IceAgeTW

Follow Ice Age: Collision Course on INSTAGRAM: http://fox.co/IceAgeIG

Connect with Ice Age: Collision Course Online: http://www.iceagemovies.com

Fandango Ticketing Link

All heads on deck. Get your tickets to see Ice Age: Collision Course in 3D, in theaters now. http://fox.co/IceAgeTickets

Disclosure: This post is not sponsored. My family were invited to attend this special event. Everything mentioned was included in invite. Opinions are mine and my family 100% as always. Thanks again. 

← Older Entries
Newer Entries →