LIFE AS WE KNOW IT screening passes GIVEAWAY

LIFE AS WE KNOW IT starring Katherine Heigl, Josh Duhamel, Josh Lucas, Christina Hendricks, and Jean Smart. It will be released on October 8, 2010. It is a Romantic Comedy rated PG-13.

watch the trailer at www.life-as-we-know-it-movie.com

Synopsis: Holly Berenson (Katherine Heigl) is an up-and-coming caterer and Eric Messer (Josh Duhamel) is a promising network sports director. After a disastrous first date, the only thing they have in common is their dislike for each other and their love for their goddaughter, Sophie. But when they suddenly become all Sophie has in the world, Holly and Messer are forced to put their differences aside. Juggling career ambitions and competing social calendars, they'll have to find some common ground while living under one roof.


I am giving away advance screening passes (each ticket will admit two people to see the film) The screenings will be on Wednesday week of opening – October 6 at 7:30pm.

Leave a comment telling me you which girlfriend you want to watch this movie with. I am taking my bffs, bridal party girls.

Dressbarn

I was invited to a very unique experience. Dressbarn is one of our favorite stores. My maids of honor found their dress at Dressbarn. It is a Calvin Klein dress. They had such a great selection. It was a VIP shopping celebration that took place on Friday, September 24th from 7pm-9pm in the Northwest Crossing Shopping Center (13256 Northwest Freeway). An exclusive night of great fashions (with savings, of course), refreshments, goodie bags and some extra surprises. It is the the Grand Opening of their new store. I was able to bring 3 of my friends. The shopping experience was so wonderful.

My friends and I were running a little late, an hour late. So we walked in. We were greeted by the wonderful staff. I did not introduce myself and we just went in as regular shoppers. I did not indend for a secret shopping experience. But the staff was wonderful, and very helpful. They did not know I was a blogger. We shopped for almost 30 minuted before someone said something about the missing blogger. We have a fun night. I can honestly say I loved shopping there. The VIP experience was awesome. The district manager and store manager were the friendliest people I have met. Check out the new layout of the store. We were the first to experience it here in Texas. I loved the boutique looking fitting rooms. I felt at home in there.

Thanks so much to the wonderful staff at Northwest Crossing, Dressbarn!!

HEXBUG® Nano Fun In Home Party

The HEXBUG Nano is a teeny tiny, micro robotic bug that can flip to its feet when turned on its back and find its way through any maze. These life-like bugs come packaged in a sleek, scientific test tube which fits easily into jean pockets or backpacks, great for travel or play dates.



HEXBUG Nano test tubes
HEXBUG Nano Bridge Battle Habitat Set
HEXBUG Nano Habitat Set


Thanks to MomSelect and HEXBUG Nano. We were picked to have receive a HEXBUG Nano In-Home Party Kit which included all the tools our kids needed to create an unforgettable experience. The kids had so much fun. No adult help needed to built anything. They had fun. We had from the little ones to the bigger kids all enjoying. Even us adults were wondering how this little Nanos worked. Check out our fun pics. Lookinf for something fun for the kids to play with? My son loves robotics and he loves Hexbugs. Your kids will fall in love with the HEXBUG Nano's fascinating life-like behavior that brings fun and excitement to robotics and technology!

Great Wolf Lodge - 48 Hour Sale

Since I will be on my honeymoon, I am posting this early.....

All Great Wolf Lodge lovers, get ready to save some mula....




Next Tuesday (Sept. 28) at 10am, Great Wolf’s 48 Hour Sale – their biggest sale of the year – will go live. The sale is good on stays from Sept. – Dec. and would be great for anyone wanting to visit this fall or during Snowland, which begins in early December. The deal hasn’t been announced yet, but I wanted you to be one of the first to know. Once the deal goes live on Tuesday, you’ll be able to find it here: greatwolf.com/value and using the promo code 48HOUR


You don't have to worry about the weather, (not rain, not the cold), because the temperature stays the same. My family loved Great Wolf Lodge, and we can't wait to go back.

17 National Child Care Providers Honored in DC on Capitol Hill

I love passing along great information to you. Here is great information as a parent. I had a very hard time letting go of my baby to a day care. I even worked at one for a period of my life. It is great when you can trust strangers with your children because they love their jobs, and care about the kids.

Read Below:


Today 17 child care providers were nationally recognized for their commitment and dedication to providing outstanding quality child care at the “Third Annual National Child Care Providers Awards Ceremony” held on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C.

The 17 national child care providers were all selected as “Caregivers of the Week” by public broadcasting stations in their area. They have been profiled on the programs as well as on the shows’ websites at www.aplaceofourown.org and www.losninosensucasa.org.

Three of the providers, Arizona, Alaska and New Mexico, are Latina and teach the children Spanish and the Seattle provider is not Latina, but she teaches the kids in her care Spanish and German. All the info is in the attached bios.

The national honorees are listed below:

Luz Angelica Schuitt of Anchorage, AK; Carmina Mariscal of Green Valley, AZ; Lisa Weidknecht of Pflugerville, TX; Marcia Ahrens of Lakewood, CA; Diana Cataffo of Castle Rock, CO; Melbert Johnson of Washington D.C.; Regina Osborn of Panama City, FL; Natalie Kanaby of Lafayette, IN; Marnetta Larrimer of Bossier City, LA; Debra Walker of Bowie, MD; Nancy Mancha of Las Cruces, NM; Rosanna Nevells of Staten Island, NY; Maya Thomas-Bey of Cleveland, OH; Tonya Fetzer of Lucasville, OH; Nicole Chaudry of Seattle, WA; and Ruth Williams of Laramie, WY.

These providers really go above and beyond for the children in their care. They are awesome and they were all so excited to part of this event and humbled to have been selected.

Please see below for the video links for their segments that aired on A Place of Our Own and Los Ninos en Su Casa:

http://www.youtube.com/user/APlaceofOurOwn


***Disclosure-Informational post. No compensation was received.

MarloThomas.com is now digital

Now Marlo Thomas is going digital.

Join Marlo at the just-launched http://www.marlothomas.com MarloThomas.com in partnership with AOL -- a new site where Marlo will connect with and inspire women, sharing a laugh, and, most importantly, building a community of support so we can all keep dreaming and achieving!

And she wants to hear from you and tell your story - with video series such as Hero Next Door. Marlo will find and profile amazing women - just like you. Watch the first feature - about Lu Picard of Torrington, Conn. - and then tell Marlo about a fabulous woman you know. Nominate a Hero now by emailingheroes@marlothomas.com!

In addition to launching MarloThomas.com, Marlo's now on social media, too. Follow her Twitter account at @Marlo_Thomas and become a Facebook fan at facebook.com/MarloThomas.

Her active, personal participation on social platforms and her new site provides a great opportunity for two-way communication between Marlo and the community of people she has inspired over the years.

What can you expect from Marlo on MarloThomas.com, Twitter and Facebook?

· original content - stories, posts, videos, and photos
· great conversations, laughs and inspiration
· observations on popular culture and news
· entertaining clips of "Free to Be You and Me" and "That Girl"
· galleries of celebrity images
· family photos
· ...and a lot more

You can also subscribe to Marlo on YouTube at youtube.com/marlothomas to see new videos each week from Marlo where she will give advice, inspiration, laughs, and more.

When asked why she's going digital, Marlo says the answer is easy. "I want to step out from behind the one-way mirror of television and have a real conversation with women," says Marlo. "I haven't stopped dreaming; you shouldn't either! It's your turn: What should we talk about together?"

This digital effort coincides with the upcoming release of Marlo's newest book, "http://marlothomas.aol.com/2010/08/27/growing-up-laughing/" Growing Up Laughing (available Sept. 28).


***Disclosure-Informational Post. By posting I am entering into a gc raffle.

Back to School Recipes

Juicy Juice Snack Squares
Welcome the back-to-school season with this fun after-school snack. Kids will enjoy making this jiggly treat and parents will love it too because it's made with fresh fruit and 100% fruit juice.

Estimated Time(s)
Preparation Time: 5 min
Cooking Time: 10 min
Refrigerating Time: 2 hr

Servings: 9


Ingredients:
5 cups any flavor NESTLÉ® JUICY JUICE® All Natural 100% Juice, divided
4 envelopes (7 grams each) unflavored gelatin
1 1/2 cups sliced strawberries and/or sliced bananas*
1 1/2 cups additional sliced fresh fruit (optional)
2 cups whipped cream (optional)
Instructions:
POUR 1 cup Juicy Juice into large bowl; sprinkle with gelatin. Pour remaining 4 cups Juicy Juice into medium saucepan; bring just to a boil over medium-high heat. Pour into bowl with gelatin; stir until gelatin is completely dissolved.

POUR into 8-inch-square baking dish. Gently stir in 1 1/2 cups sliced fruit; cool. Refrigerate for 2 to 3 hours or until set. Cut into cubes to serve. Top each serving with additional fruit and whipped cream.

*NOTE: 1 1/2 cups frozen, thawed berries or fruit may be used in place of strawberries and/or bananas.

Raisinets Trail Mix
According to a recent "Snack Survey," nearly 90 percent of parents are concerned about both nutrition and good taste when choosing snacks for their kids. With its blend of kid favorites--from pretzels to dried fruit to NESTLÉ RAISINETS--this recipe offers a deliciously nutritious option.

Estimated Time(s)
Preparation Time: 10 min

Yields 9 cups


Ingredients:
2 cups NESTLÉ RAISINETS Milk Chocolate-Covered Raisins
2 cups small pretzel twists
2 cups miniature marshmallows
1 cup raisins
1 cup coarsely chopped dried apricots
1 cup coarsely chopped dried apples
Instructions:
COMBINE Raisinets, pretzels, marshmallows, raisins, apricots and apples in large bowl.

NOTE: Any variety of Raisinets can be substituted.


Strawberry and Banana Smoothie
-

Estimated Time(s)
Preparation Time: 5 min

Servings: 2


Ingredients:
1 cup water
3 heaping tablespoons NESTLÉ NIDO Dry Whole Milk
3 tablespoons NESTLÉ LA LECHERA Sweetened Condensed Milk (squeezable bottle)
1 cup chopped fresh or frozen strawberries
1/2 cup ice cubes
1/2 small ripe banana
Instructions:
PLACE water, dry milk, sweetened condensed milk, strawberries, ice and banana in blender; cover. Blend until smooth.



*** Disclosure-Informational Post only

Hellmann's® virtual Sandwich Swap 'n' Share "It's BacK"

This month Hellmann's® and Best Foods® Mayonnaise are bringing back their virtual Sandwich Swap 'n' Share program.
What is the program?
Visit Hellmann's® Page on Facebook®, create a sandwich on the application and, for every sandwich built, Hellmann's® will make a donation to Share Our Strength®. If you share a sandwich with a friend, an additional donation will be made as part of Hellmann's® $75,000 commitment to support Share Our Strength®.
Easy, Peasy, where do you go?
Go to Facebook.com/hellmanns.



***Disclosure-By posting this informational post, I have been entered for a chance to win a gift as part of the Hellmann's® program.

AOL & KRAFT LAUNCH ALL NEW GO-TO DESTINATION FOR MOMS

AOL & KRAFT LAUNCH ALL NEW GO-TO DESTINATION FOR MOMS
Things just got easier for Moms with ‘Delicious Days…’09.07.2010 – AOL and Kraft Foods launched ‘Delicious Days…’ to help moms make the most of seasonal trends at home. From mouth-watering recipes, fun family activities, budgeting tips that are high on fun and low on cost and chances to win great free prizes, www.KraftDeliciousDays.com is sure to be that one-stop shop for moms that are in-the-know.

The idea is simple - find it fast and start having fun! Made for the family with children of all ages in mind, www.KraftDeliciousDays.com is mom’s #1 resource housing new content weekly with featured articles and video on what’s hot right now. Foodies, fashionistas, mountain-climbers and more will all find something that fits their flavor. Be inspired, life should always be delicious.

And there’s so much more! With the kids being back in school, get back into the routine with quick and easy tips that will be sure to get you an A+. You’ll love the lunch box ABC’s as well as money-saving grocery tips and a guide to healthy serving sizes. And you can still uncover more with weekly polls and win big with seasonal sweepstakes (more details soon). Be sure to stay tuned throughout 2010!


Enter to win $2,500 that can be used for a trip to see your family for the holidays!

www.KraftDeliciousDays.com


***Disclosure-I am sharing this press release information. No compensation was received. I am just passing along information.

Ragú® Old World Style® Traditional pasta sauce

I love spagetti. It is a dish my mom use to make to feed all her hungry kids and have them full and satisfied. I do the same with my family. I normally make a big pot for the family for the week. I have always loved Ragú®.

Did you know?

Ragú® Old World Style® Traditional Sauce now has 2 servings of veggies in every half cup! Available soon in major retailers nationwide, the healthy, great tasting Ragú® Old World Style® Traditional pasta sauce that is already a kitchen staple has a new, naturally thicker recipe.

When you have kids, you want them to eat veggies. Working veggies into their diets can be hard at times. My son likes veggies, but not all kiddos feel the same way. It is great that you can serve a dish will provide the kiddos the veggies their diet needs.

To be one of the first to taste Ragú® with 2 servings of veggies in every half-cup visit them on facebook.com/ragusauce for more details.


A smooth, flavorful classic sauce. Ragú® Old World Style® pasta sauces meet FDA guidelines for healthy.*
Ragú® Old World Style Flavors:

Sweet Tomato Basil Pasta Sauce
Traditional Pasta Sauce
Meat Pasta Sauce
Margherita Pasta Sauce
Mushroom Pasta Sauce
Marinara Pasta Sauce

* To be considered "healthy" by the FDA, pasta sauce must be low in fat and saturated fat, contain limited amounts of cholesterol and sodium, and contain a minimum amount of certain nutrients.

Find meal ideas at Ragú®.



"Disclosure: I was entered for a chance to win a Ragú® prize package in exchange for this post. No monetary exchange took place."

Waterpik SinuSense™ review

I am an allergy suffering, asthma baby. Anything gets in my nose and OMG I am in a whole heap of trouble. I remember growing up an sneeezing for minutes straight without stopping. And then I heard that every time you sneeze your heart skips a beat, WHAT? So needless to say, I have been looking for help in every which way possible. Recently I watched Jessica Simpson's new show about Beauty. It was the episode where she traveled to India. She did all kinds of cleanses but the most intriging one was the nose cleanse. I was recently recommended to do nose cleansing by my doctor.

Why Keep Your Nose Clean
Ancient remedy, modern-day solution.
Used for centuries as part of daily health routines around the world, sinus washing is renowned for its ability to keep sinus passages clear of congestion, allergens and everyday debris. In fact, it’s more effective than saline sprays in preventing and alleviating symptoms.

There is growing scientific evidence supporting the use of nasal irrigation for these conditions and supporters of this therapy assert that it is more soothing and less expensive than many over-the-counter drugs; it also lacks side effects such as drowsiness or upset stomach that may be associated with other therapies.

Your nose is a filter that is constantly cleaning out the toxins and debris we inhale every day. Just as you wash your hands to prevent disease, cold and flu, you also want to wash your nose to Keep the Outside Out.™ It’s an all-natural, safe approach to better breathing.

Medical professionals are sinus-wash smart.
ENTs (Ear, Nose, Throat specialists) and Allergists recommend sinus washing, as part of your daily routine (like brushing your teeth), to patients suffering from allergies and other sinus ailments. Compared to other more complicated remedies on the market, sinus washing is safe, easy and has no side effects.


Why Waterpik® SinuSense™?
SinuSense Home → Sinus washing upgrades.
Waterpik® improves upon traditional sinus washing with its innovative SinuSense™ sinus wash system. All four products deliver breakthrough performance, comfort enhancements and elevated ergonomics. Even our Soothing Saline formula is revolutionary with its added, unique blend of eucalyptus oil and aloe vera extract packaged in a slim packet for ease of use.

Clear path to clean sinuses.
Our innovations have made cleansing sinuses easier than ever. It’s not just about treatment anymore—it’s about prevention and breathing better every day. Breathe better, feel better, live better.


Thanks to MomSelect I was able to review these products:
Squeeze Bottle- allows you to customize the amount of water flow for a complete cleanse, simply with an easy squeeze. The SoftSeal™ nozzle maximizes comfort and the One-Way FlowControl™ valve prevents backflow to maintain solution purity.
Neti Bottle- a unique approach to the traditional neti pot; its ergonomic shape, SoftSeal™ nozzle and One-Touch FlowControl™ valve make the Neti Bottle easy to hold, comfortable against your nose and creates a controlled gravity-fed water flow that provides a gentle sinus cleansing.

I followed the easy to use instructions. Even though I felt weird doing this cleansing, I actually felt cleansed. I felt like I could breath better. I prefer the Neti bottle because of the shape it worked better for me. I recommend you try this if you haven't.

Electrolux "Rumpled to Runway" Fashion Show

JOIN KELLY AND ELECTROLUX IN SUPPORTING THE OVARIAN CANCER RESEARCH FUND
September is Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month, and all month long, Electrolux is donating $200 to OCRF for every new Turquoise Sky Perfect Steam™ washer/dryer pair purchased1.

In addition, every day you press the Perfect Steam™ button online to take your garments from rumpled to runway-ready, Electrolux will donate $1 to OCRF2, plus you'll be entered for a chance to win a shopping spree between $50 and $250 and the grand prize: a luxury washer and dryer from Electrolux3.

As Moms, we pull a lot of things together, from weekday meals to our little ones' back-to-school wardrobes. However, usually what suffers is our own wardrobe, as we pull wrinkled garments over our heads to make it out the door on time! Luckily, our favorite Mom/Brand team is getting together to show women everywhere how to go from rumpled to runway.

Electrolux and brand ambassador Kelly Ripa are partnering with some fashion-savvy bloggers to host a special fashion show to help raise awareness and funds to support ovarian cancer research.

Since September is Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month, this fashion-focused event couldn't have come at a better time! This fun and innovative fashion show will demonstrate how Perfect Steam™, and a little fashion ingenuity, can take any garments from "Rumpled to Runway".

Go to www.kelly-confidential.com to watch the Kelly's "Rumpled to Runway" Fashion Show or to donate.



***Disclosure-I have been entered for a chance to win the a prize pack as part of the Electrolux program.

MaLi Beads review

MaLi Beads is this new, Miami-based line which offers one-of-a-kind wraps and beaded accessories that are perfect for any look – beachy or glittery.

In an effort to support one of the poorest countries in the world (Mali, Africa), the designers created the “From MaLi, For Mali” campaign which is set to host its first fundraising event at the Viceroy hotel on Friday, September 10th at 7:00 PM.

From MaLi, For Mali

MaLi Beads' From MaLi, For Mali campaign is dedicated to raising awareness of children in Mali, Africa - one of the poorest nations in the world. In an effort to support this cause and fulfill our mission of giving back, MaLi Beads will support Save the Children with donations. Save the Children is a leading organization recognized for their commitment to children, among those, children in Mali.

For those who wish to support this campaign and donate to the cause, visit: http://www.firstgiving.com/malibeads. All donations are secure and will be sent directly to Save the Children by FirstGiving (printable donation records will be provided).

I was unable to attend this wonderful event, but was very happy that I was invited. I had to decline my RSVP. Not that a trip to Miami would not be fun, and not that I am a sucker for great causes, but with 15 days until the wedding this trip was not in the schedule. But thanks to MaLi Beads for sending me some pieces to sample and review. I have to tell you, I love them all. They are light and easy to wear. I have bought some items that were heavy and I would end up taking it off and never using again.
The pieces work great with my everyday Monday thru Friday workwear. But can also transistion to the night life, not that I have one. Yesterday we went to our engagement picture photoshoot and the pieces worked great from day to night. After the photoshoot we hit the spot, JD's Sportbar, and I received many compliments. I will definitely be using my pieces on my honeymoon cruise.

Here are some of my favorites from their web page, (not including the pieces I received):

Caroline

Price: $115.00

Delicate like a doll, but fierce like Sasha-

Caroline will bring it out in you.

Stainless Steel Cable Bracelet with Diamonds

Rose

Price: $45.10

She has you wrapped, but she'll have them hooked.

Have you met Rose?

Large Sterling Silver Or Vermeil Hammered Cross Silk Wrap

Elise

Price: $23.10


Layer'em, Stack'em, Work'em, Love them.


Beaded Bracelet with Flower Gold Tone Charm

MaLi Beads has given me a wonderful opportunity to offer my readers promo-code for a 25% discount just type in INDEPENDENT MAMI.


Again, if you would like to help by donating here is the information one more time...Donate to the cause, visit: http://www.firstgiving.com/malibeads. All donations are secure and will be sent directly to Save the Children by FirstGiving (printable donation records will be provided).

Webkinz Jr. MommyParty

Well if your kids loved Webkinz World, they will love Webkinz Jr. Now the little don't have to fight with the bigger ones, there is now something just their size and right for them.

If you don't know what Webkinz World or Webkinz Jr is, where have you been? MomSelect is excited to introduce Webkinz Jr., the little sister of Webkinz World.

Similar to Webkinz, at Webkinz Jr. taking care of your pets is a big part of the fun! Webkinz Jr. offers an array of lovable plush animals, such as Pink Bunny, Tan Puppy, Orange Kitty and many, many more to select from. Each animal comes with a unique Pet Code, providing you and your child access to the wonderful online world of Webkinz Jr. The site encourages children agesd 3-6 to imagine, explore, and learn.

Once online, there are many exciting places to visit. At the Little Acorn Academy your child can practice their skills in math, reading, art and science and each is leveled perfect for your little one. They will even have the opportunity to earn stickers and Kinz Coins.

There's also a Parents Area, where parents can manage their child's account - change their password, change their pet's name and adjust the difficulty levels in play and any subject area.

Thanks to MomSelect for picking me as a host. As a host I was sent a prize pack to share at our party with 10 mommies and 10 kiddos. The party kit included pets for our guests to take home, party activities and recipes.

School of Rock Free Week

DO YOUR KIDS WANT TO ROCK? PLAY IN A BAND? PERFORM ON STAGE?

School of Rock is offering One2One Network members, family and friends a FREE WEEK at participating locations through October 31st.

School of Rock is the national leader in music education and has been teaching kids how to amaze audiences for more than ten years. They offer lessons in guitar, bass, vocals, drums and keyboards for kids ages 7 – 18. No experience necessary just eagerness to learn - School of Rock knows the best way to learn is by doing!

FREE WEEK at SCHOOL OF ROCK available NOW
* Includes one private trial lesson (30-45 min) and one Rock 101 group class (90 min).
* To redeem call 866-371-0557, use code SORBLOG
OR
* Complete the online form and input the SORBLOG code in the Questions/Comments field and the school will contact you directly.
* Free week must be completed by Oct. 31, 2010
* Offer available at participating locations and is subject to scheduling and availability.
* Must mention code SORBLOG when contacting the school to receive the free week.

ABOUT SCHOOL OF ROCK
School of Rock's performance-based curriculum teaches kids to play rock music in a unique and interactive way, which is changing the way kids learn to play music across America. Professional musicians teach students of all levels, developing both their music skills and confidence. School of Rock operates 58 schools in 23 states.
School of Rock’s core Performance Program lets kids show off what they’ve worked for – on stage! Kids learn performance, harmonies, musicianship and get to choose from new show themes every season. Students get ready for their gig with a 45-minute private lesson and a 3-hour group rehearsal each week.

Calling all talented Teens-opportunity

Hi Alba–

Do you know a talented teen? The executive producers of Gossip Girl, Vampire Diaries and Pretty Little Liars are looking for female singers, 16-24 to audition for Talent – a hot new web series debuting early 2011. Winners will receive a lead role in Talent and a recording contract with Jive Records! Girls can submit their audition videos at http://thetalentshow.com through September 28th.

I received this in my inbox and definitely am sharing it with you. So, do you know any girls with talent? Pass this along and Good Luck!!


Alloy Entertainment, pop culture creators of Gossip Girl, Pretty Little Liars join forces with music powerhouse, Jive Records, in an online competition to discover the next big musical TALENT Winner to receive recording contract and a lead role in upcoming web series 08.25.2010 – Alloy Entertainment, a division of Alloy Media + Marketing, and Jive Records have joined forces in a search for the next teen sensation. The contest from the hit makers behind The Vampire Diaries and Jordin Sparks provides contestants with the opportunity to win a lead role in Alloy’s newest web series, Talent, and receive a recording contract with Jive Records, whose roster includes Usher, Britney Spears, P!nk and others.

Girls between the ages of 16 and 24 can upload their singing audition on www.thetalentshow.com now through September 28 for a chance to be considered for Talent: The Casting Call, a reality web series that will ultimately determine which talented singer will appear in the Alloy Entertainment original web series, Talent, airing in early 2011.

Throughout the contest, fans everywhere can rate the auditions to ensure their favorite contestants are top ranked. Each week, one standout performer will be featured in the coveted “Spotlight of the Week” position.

On October 6th, 20 semi-finalists will be announced who will vie for six exclusive spots to participate in Talent: The Casting Call. The six finalists will use their music and acting craft to stay alive throughout the reality series to become Alloy Entertainment and Jive Records’ top Talent. The winner will head to Hollywood for a lead role in Talent the scripted web series and receive a recording contract with Jive Records.

Talent, based on the Alloy book of the same name from The New York Times bestselling author Zoey Dean, tells the story of a young woman whose dreams of becoming a singer are dashed and rises from that disappointment by helping an unlikely girl become a superstar. Talent: The Casting Call and Talent, the web series will be distributed via AlloyTV (www.alloytv.com), a premium, multi-platform digital entertainment network.

YOUR CHANCE AT STARDOM IN THREE EASY STEPS:
1) Choose a song from the song list. Record and upload one song or multiple songs on the list provided. Only one video upload per song will be accepted.
2) Submit your audition video!
3) Vote! Get your friends and family to vote for you by sharing your audition video on Facebook, MySpace, and Twitter.

Please refer to the Official Rules for complete details

ALPHA AND OMEGA 3D giveaway***CLOSED***

ALPHA AND OMEGA 3-D is coming out on September 17, 2010. All star cast which includes Justin Long, Hayden Panettiere, Christina Ricci, Danny Glover, and Dennis Hopper. It is an animated family comedy full of adventures that is rated PG.

What makes for the ultimate road trip? Hitchhiking, truck stops, angry bears, prickly porcupines and a golfing goose with a duck caddy. Just ask Kate and Humphrey, two wolves who are trying to get home after being taken by park rangers and shipped halfway across the country. Humphrey is an Omega wolf, whose days are about quick wit, snappy one-liners and hanging with his motley crew of fun-loving wolves and video-gaming squirrels. Kate is an Alpha: duty, discipline and sleek Lara Croft eye-popping moves fuel her fire. Humphrey’s motto – make ‘em laugh. Kate’s motto – I’m the boss. And they have a thousand miles to go.

Back home rival wolf packs are on the march and conflict is brewing. Only Kate and Humphrey can restore the peace. But first, they have to survive each other.

Watch the trailer now ALPHA AND OMEGA 3-D


Want to win the kiddos an exclusive prize pack including an activity book, headbands with wolf ears, bookmarks and mini posters?

How to enter, easy peasy:

1) Leave a comment, including your email, who are you wanting the prize pack for and why?

Simple. I will pick 2 winners on next Friday, September 17 @ 8 am. Winners will have 24 hours to claim prize. Good Luck.

What kind of friend are you? Reason, Season, or Lifetime

Reason, Season, or Lifetime

People come into your life for a reason, a season or a lifetime.
When you figure out which one it is,
you will know what to do for each person.

When someone is in your life for a REASON,
it is usually to meet a need you have expressed.
They have come to assist you through a difficulty;
to provide you with guidance and support;
to aid you physically, emotionally or spiritually.
They may seem like a godsend, and they are.
They are there for the reason you need them to be.

Then, without any wrongdoing on your part or at an inconvenient time,
this person will say or do something to bring the relationship to an end.
Sometimes they die. Sometimes they walk away.
Sometimes they act up and force you to take a stand.
What we must realize is that our need has been met, our desire fulfilled; their work is done.
The prayer you sent up has been answered and now it is time to move on.

Some people come into your life for a SEASON,
because your turn has come to share, grow or learn.
They bring you an experience of peace or make you laugh.
They may teach you something you have never done.
They usually give you an unbelievable amount of joy.
Believe it. It is real. But only for a season.

LIFETIME relationships teach you lifetime lessons;
things you must build upon in order to have a solid emotional foundation.
Your job is to accept the lesson, love the person,
and put what you have learned to use in all other relationships and areas of your life.
It is said that love is blind but friendship is clairvoyant.

— Unknown

I start today by asking the question, what type of friend are you? Have you ever asked yourself that? I like to think of myself as a lifetime friend. Everyone I meet, I bond with and open up too, and when I call you a friend, know that I mean that for life. As I take this journey through life I have come through obsticles and phases of life. I have had friends that were there for REASON. They guided me through those times where I needed someone the most. I needed knowledge and they were there guiding me through. I always wonder where they are now, and hope that they are good where ever they may be. Then come those SEASONS of change. These are the friends that have helped me transition from place to place. They have offered all they could through their time, and have moved on. Because in life change is good. I am not good with change. Change is a scary factor in my life. Scary because it is unknown. Scary because it changes my NORM. I am a creature of habit. Change my world and you change my life. My SEASONS are never the same. They come and go, and time will only tell what the next SEASON will bring. But in my life I have my LIFETIMERS who have been there through thick and thin, my highs and lows, my every stumble. LIFETIMERS are forever in my life to help me and me to help them. We balance each other.

I am only weeks away from my wedding. This is a moment in my life like no other and I am so glad that I have my LIFETIMERS to share it with. Life gets complicated but it takes a great group of LIFETIMERS to see you through it. In my case my bestfriends, I love them. And now, my future husband, my fiancee, MY NEW BESTFRIEND, my rock, my love, will be a part of the LIFETIMERS club.

If I am a REASON in your life, I hope to be a good reason. I hope to pass on the knowledge that I have gained from my REASONS. I hope to be good to you, as God put me in your life for that REASON.

If I am a SEASON in your life, I hope to come with great change. Change is what makes the world turn. I hope to to guide your through you storm, pick you up when your wind is knocked, shake you off and leave you standing stronger.

If I am a LIFETIMER in your life, I hope to be the your shoulder to lean on, the hand that you need, the wind beneath your wings, and a friend above all. I may not always know or have the answer but together we can do it all. We can conquer, we can quest, adventures here we come, for this ship forever sails.

And those that have touched my life, I say THANK YOU.