HOW TO TRAIN YOUR DRAGON Coming June 2014

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



  The thrilling second chapter of the epic HOW TO TRAIN YOUR DRAGON trilogy returns to the fantastical world of the heroic Viking Hiccup and his faithful dragon Toothless. The inseparable duo must protect the peace – and save the future of men and dragons from the power-hungry Drago.

Coming on June 13, 2014, in 3D.

Maleficent Coming May 2014

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

I love a good fairy tale.  All my family is.  My daughter's birthdays are all themed fairy tale stories and I can't wait for this new movie to come out.

From Disney comes “Maleficent”—the untold story of Disney’s most iconic villain from the 1959 classic “Sleeping Beauty.” A beautiful, pure-hearted young woman, Maleficent has an idyllic life growing up in a peaceable forest kingdom, until one day when an invading army threatens the harmony of the land. Maleficent rises to be the land’s fiercest protector, but she ultimately suffers a ruthless betrayal—an act that begins to turn her pure heart to stone. Bent on revenge, Maleficent faces an epic battle with the invading king’s successor and, as a result, places a curse upon his newborn infant Aurora. As the child grows, Maleficent realizes that Aurora holds the key to peace in the kingdom—and perhaps to Maleficent’s true happiness as well.

“Maleficent,” the untold story of Disney’s most iconic villain from the 1959 classic “Sleeping Beauty,” reveals the events that hardened Maleficent’s heart and drove her to curse the baby, Aurora.

“Maleficent” opens in theaters on May 30, 2014.

Pound Puppies: Holiday Hijinks Review

***Disclosure-Sample product was received.  All opinions stated are based on my personal experience.

Pound Puppies: Holiday Hijinks is another dvd to add to your kid's collection.  This holiday break enjoy movies together.  One thing I am learning about this holiday season is less is more.  More time, less focus on the expensive flashy electronic items.  Movies bring families together.  I like that we as a family including the teen and toddler can sit down together and enjoy a movie about some puppies.

Can the Pound Puppies gang — Lucky, Niblet, Cookie, Strudel, Squirt and Mr. Nut-Nut — make sure that every pet has a family of their very own this holiday season? Find out in this merry-filled disc, packed with five of your all-time favorite holiday episodes!

Starring the voices of Eric McCormack, Yvette Nicole Brown, Michael Rapaport, John DiMaggio, Alanna Ubach, René Auberjonois, and M. Emmet Walsh.

Episodes Include:

• I Heard The Barks On Christmas Eve
• I Never Barked For My Father
• Barlow
• Good Dog, McLeish
• Prince And The Pupper

TRANSFORMERS RESCUE BOTS: Griffin Rock Rescue Review

***Disclosure-Sample product was received.  All opinions stated are my own based on my own personal experience.

Do you have a house full of family?  Looking for something to keep the kids entertained and do not want to let them go outside.  On Christmas Eve, the kids wanted to go outside really bad but it was wet and nasty.  Also, one of my nephews wasn't feeling too good.  We did not want to punish all the boys but if he couldn't go outside.  So we grabbed the smaller kids and my poor nephew, and popped in a movie.

Autobots To The Rescue!

TRANSFORMERS RESCUE BOTS: Griffin Rock Rescue great story about everyone’s favorite Autobot first responders— CHASE, HEATWAVE, BLADES and BOULDER.  DVD filled with exciting episodes of how the responders help keep the little town of Griffin Rock safe!

Join the RESCUE BOTS, along with their human friends, as they encounter Dr. Morocco’s strange new invention, learn about the mysteries of the Griffin Rock Triangle and accidently shrink themselves in gigantic adventures that will be fun for the whole family!

This worked out perfect as the five episodes played we all watched, the whole family.  The bigger kids wanted to sit and watch as well.  Transformers is a family favorite with us.

Executive produced by Jeff Kline (TRANSFORMERS PRIME), TRANSFORMERS RESCUE BOTS features the vocal talents of LeVar Burton (Star Trek: The Next Generation), Lacey Chabert (Party of Five), Steve Blum (TRANSFORMERS PRIME), Maurice LaMarche (Emmy® Award winner forFuturama) and the legendary Peter Cullen who voices OPTIMUS PRIME when he makes cameo appearances in the series.

Episodes Include: The Other Doctor The Reign Of Morocco Small Blessings The Griffin Rock Triangle Rules And Regulations It’s Time For Holiday Hijinks!

My Wish For You #HolidaysConBritax

Happy Kwanzaa, Happy Hanukkah, Merry Christmas, or Happy Holidays whatever you celebrate; we are all gone through 12 months.  What a year it has been? 

This month has really been a world wind for us.  It really seems like we have been in fast-forward mode since Halloween.  Thanksgiving came and went.  Christmas flew right on by as well.  The month of December has become a full month for us from day 1 to 31.  But December is always one of my favorite months.

Have you heard the song The Twelve Days of Christmas?  It is said that this starts Christmas Day or the day after Christmas, hmm????  Today.

Here is my version:

On the Twelve months of thousand thir - teen (13), my true loves shared with me:

12 - Months of Laughter

11 - Million Memories

10 - New Adventures

9 - Beautiful Blessings

8 - Jolly Minos (dad's name is Mino - so we are Minos)

Seventy times 7

6 - Armfuls of Love

5 - Gleeming with Glee - eee-eee

4 - Seasons for Traveling

3 - Simple Wishes



2 - Turtle Dreams (to start the race, and to finish)

And a HAPPYYYYY NNNEWWWWW YYYEAARRRRR!!!!

This year has brought a lot of challenges but they are all lessons learned.  Like my motto says, LIVE LIFE AND DONT LET LIFE LIVE YOU!!!  I hope you are surrounded by your loved ones all year long, make new friends along the way, and reconnect with those long lost dreams, goals, and challenges.  Thanks to Britax for this sponsored conversation that made me reflect on such a wonderful year I have had!  Cheers to you my friends!

As a Britax Latina Blogger/Advisory Board Member (and in partnership with Mami Innovative Media), this post is part of a sponsored outreach. All opinions expressed are my own.

Million Dollar Arm Coming May 2014

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



 In a last ditch effort to save his career as a sports agent, JB Bernstein (Jon Hamm) concocts a scheme to find baseball’s next great pitching ace. Hoping to find a young cricket pitcher he can turninto a Major League Baseball star, JB travels to India to produce a realityshow competition called “Million Dollar Arm.” With the help of a cantankerous but eagle-eyed retired baseball scout (Alan Arkin) he discovers Dinesh (played by Madhur Mittal from “Slumdog Millionaire”) and Rinku (played by Suraj Sharma from “Life of Pi”), two 18 year old boys who have no idea about playing baseball, yet have a knack for throwing a fastball. Hoping to sign them to major league contracts and make a quick buck, JB brings the boys home toAmerica to train. While the Americans are definitely out of their element in India — the boys, who have never left their rural villages — are equally challenged when they come to the States. As the boys learn the finer points of baseball — JB, with the help of his charming friend Brenda (Lake Bell) — learns valuable life lessons about teamwork, commitment and what it means to be a family.

 MILLION DOLLAR ARM opens in theaters everywhere on May 16, 2014!

My Little Pony: A Very Minty Christmas Review

***Disclosure-Sample product was received to review.  All opinions stated are my own based on my personal experience.

So did your kiddos love all their presents?  Are they bored of the new toys yet?  One thing we like to do is watch movies during the break.  One of the movies we got to see this weekend was...

This movie was originally released in 2005.  A Very Minty Christmas will become one of your daughter's favorite as it was in our house.

The “Here Comes Christmas Candy Cane” is an important part of Ponyville — it’s the beacon that shows jolly old Santa Claus the way to the town as he makes his holiday rounds each year.  But when Minty accidentally breaks it, uh-oh! It looks like Ponyville is destined to have a bleak holiday season.  Minty is determined to do anything to save Christmas for her Pony friends while they, in turn, band together to try and cheer up their despondent friend.  Together, they all discover that Christmas can come anyway, wrapped in the love of good friends and the oversized heart of one little clumsy, minty-green Pony!

I remember how much I loved My Little Pony when I was younger.  I am so glad I get to share this now with my little one.  She loves horses and ponies.  And she also loves to sing.  This dvd comes with a bonus of Sing-Alongs.  Who doesn't love to sing?

'Twas The Nut Before Christmas

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

In case you missed it, check this nut out...


In animated 3D, THE NUT JOB is an action-packed comedy in fictional Oakton that follows the travails of Surly (voiced by Will Arnett), a mischievous squirrel, and his rat friend Buddy, who plan a nut store heist of outrageous proportions and unwittingly find themselves embroiled in a much more complicated and hilarious adventure.

 THE NUT JOB hits theaters nationwide on January 17, 2014!

A GoodWill Story-Candice

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


Goodwill is more than just a thrift store, donation center. Did you know they have a training program? Check out their first mini documentary produced by the Ad Council about Candice, a 22-year-old who was living in her car when her sister encouraged her to learn more about Goodwill's job training programs. After participating in a Goodwill training program, she is now a registered nurse assistant. Christmas is over. You may or may not have gotten exactly what you wanted for Christmas but count your blessings. Just before Christmas I cleaned out our house and realized we have over 20 board games we do not play anymore. Donate, give, and share your blessings. Get rid of toys that the kids no longer play with. They have new toys to play with now.

Mr Peabody and Sherman Coming March 2014

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

MR. PEABODY  & SHERMAN will be in the theaters on March 2014.

Rio 2 Trailer

***DIsclosure-No compensation was received.  Informational post only.

Did you watch Rio?  Did you enjoy all the music and fun in this movie?  Well get ready because they are coming back...It's on in the Amazon!

Check out the brand new TRAILER for 20th Century Fox's upcoming animated comedy RIO 2—opening in theaters everywhere on April 11, 2014!  You and your family will surely get a kick out of watching Blu, Jewel and their three kids navigate the wilds of the Amazon as they encounter a  whole new slew of quirky characters. As Blu tries to fit in, he goes beak-to-beak with the vengeful Nigel, and meets the most fearsome adversary of all – his father-in-law. 

Captain America: The Winter Soldier Sneak Peek

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

Catching up on your movies...Captain America: The Winter Soldier is coming

After the cataclysmic events in New York with The Avengers, Marvel’s “Captain America: The Winter Soldier” finds Steve Rogers, aka Captain America, living quietly in Washington, D.C. and trying to adjust to the modern world. But when a S.H.I.E.L.D. colleague comes under attack, Steve becomes embroiled in a web of intrigue that threatens to put the world at risk. Joining forces with the Black Widow, Captain America struggles to expose the ever-widening conspiracy while fighting off professional assassins sent to silence him at every turn. When the full scope of the villainous plot is revealed, Captain America and the Black Widow enlist the help of a new ally, the Falcon. However, they soon find themselves up against an unexpected and formidable enemy—the Winter Soldier. Based on the ever-popular Marvel comic book series, first published in 1941, Marvel’s “Captain America: The Winter Soldier” is produced by Kevin Feige, directed by Anthony and Joe Russo, from a screenplay by Christopher Markus & Stephen McFeely, and stars Chris Evans, Scarlett Johansson, Sebastian Stan, Anthony Mackie, Cobie Smulders, Frank Grillo, Emily VanCamp and Hayley Atwell, with Robert Redford as Alexander Pierce and Samuel L. Jackson as Nick Fury.

In Marvel’s “Captain America: The Winter Soldier,” Steve Rogers teams up with Natasha Romanoff, aka Black Widow, to battle a powerful yet shadowy enemy in present-day Washington, D.C.

 Check out the trailer if you haven't already...I am getting excited!!!

BELA Sardines Review

***Disclosure-Sample product received.  All opinions stated are based on my own experience.

2014 is just around the corner...are you thinking of your resolution?  Is it a fitness one?  Are you going to try and be healthy?  Eat better?

A recent Harvard study suggested that eating oily fish 1- 2x a  week could add a couple years to your life! 

The New York Times listed sardines as one of their top 11 best foods - as they are rick in Omega 3's, contain little fat and no carbs, are high in lean protein, Vitamin D, Calium, B12 and more.

All above information is provided by BELA.  Who is BELA?  BELA Sardines are wild caught, packed fresh, and sourced from local fisheries along the Portuguese coastline - they are committed to seafood sustainability.  

BELA Sardine Flavors:

Lemon Flavored Extra Virgin Olive Oil - As you would eat them in London, our famous lightly smoked sardines and the finest Portuguese extra virgin olive oil infused with lemon.

Lightly Smoked in Olive Oil - Simple. Delicious. Lightly smoked sardines packed in the finest Portuguese olive oil.

Lightly Smoked in Tomato Sauce - Mediterranean style, these sardines are lightly smoked and packed in a light tomato puree with a splash of the finest  Portuguese extra virgin olive oil.

Cayenne Pepper Flavored Extra Virgin Olive Oil - This is a true Portuguese favorite, lightly smoked sardines in the finest extra virgin olive oil infused with Cayenne pepper.

A few BELA family favorite dishes/recipes for the extraordinary or ordinary home chef are ::

• Grilled to perfection on their own, with just a squeeze of fresh lemon

• Simply forked into a pâté, with any favorite table cracker and Vinho Verde

• Sardine salad, *and skipping tired salmon* on spinach salad greens with Port

Think about starting fresh and new changing one thing at a time.  Do you like sardines?  I do.  I like that these sardines come in different flavors.  They are not your plain sardines, that I am use to.  I always added lemon juice and hot sauce to mine with some crackers for a delicious snack.  This one change could help you change 2014 for the better!

PRESSELS™ Review

***Disclosure-Sample product was received to review.  All opinions stated are my own based on my personal experience.

Do you like Pretzels?  We love to snacks on them.  I was recently introduced to a new product available here in Houston at HEB stores.

Introducing PRESSELS™, a new approach to the classic pretzel . These baked, thin, crispy pretzel chips recently made its debut in the US with Houston being one of the first markets to have the product on shelves.

Available in three flavors, Original, Everything and Sesame.

-all-natural 

-non-GMO certified

-no food coloring

-no artificial flavors

-no cholesterol

-no preservatives

-zero Trans fat

-80% less fat than regular potato chips.  

These are so good.  I like that they are thin and crispy.  My toddler loved them.  Perfect and bite size for her to snack on.  My favorite was the Original, but all 3 flavors were good.  They are great for dipping too.  I like my pretzels with mustard.  Don't judge me, try it.

MUPPETS MOST WANTED Trailer #2

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

Also, in celebration of the trailer release, each of the Muppets have also published their own "most wanted" guest blogs. Read them now:

·       KERMIT'S Most Wanted Trailer Cameos: http://di.sn/rJI 

·       MISS PIGGY'S Most Wanted Relationship Advice: http://di.sn/gPi 

·       MISS PIGGY'S Most Wanted Advice for Celebrities from a Screen Legend: http://di.sn/hQR

·       FOZZIE BEAR'S TV Shows He's Most Wanted to Guest Star On: http://di.sn/gPj

·       ANIMAL'S Most Wanted Drum Solos: http://di.sn/sJX

·       GONZO'S Most Wanted Disney Poultry: http://di.sn/ePl 

·       WALTER'S Most Wanted Moments from the New Trailer: http://di.sn/bPf 

  

Like The Muppets on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Muppets

Follow The Muppets on Twitter: https://twitter.com/muppetsstudio

Follow Miss Piggy on Twitter: @RealMissPiggy

MUPPETS MOST WANTED opens in theaters on March 21, 2014!

Sofia the First Birthday Party

Today is my daughter's birthday.  She turns 2 years old.  Celebrating her life and what a blessings she has been is always fun for me to plan.  But it can get a little stressful when party planning especially when I am too busy.  I have been working like crazy.  I never have been so behind than this year.  Even the year when I was about to give birth to my beautiful baby, I was not this behind.  But my princess in training should not be left out because mommy is too busy. 

So let the party planning begin.  Order party supplies - check

invite guest - check

party time - check

 

Birthday in a Box had everything I need all included.

Sofia The First Deluxe Kit (Serves 8) - Price: $13.21

Kit Includes:

• 8 Sofia the First Cake Plates
• 8 Sofia the First Luncheon Napkins
• 8 Sofia the First 9oz Cups
• 1 Sofia the First Table Cover
• 8 Forks/Spoons/Knives
• 1 Set Candles
• 2 Sets Streamers

 Everything came out great.  The party was a great success.  I loved that my daughter loved all her Sofia the First and everything matched and was coordinated.

 

The Wind Rises Coming Feb 2014

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

In “The Wind Rises,” Jiro dreams of flying and designing beautiful airplanes, inspired by the famous Italian aeronautical designer Caproni. Nearsighted and unable to be a pilot, he becomes one of the world’s most accomplished airplane designers, experiencing key historical events in an epic tale of love, perseverance and the challenges of living and making choices in a turbulent world. 

“The Wind Rises” is slated for limited release in North American theaters on Feb. 21, 2014, and expanded release on Feb. 28, 2014.

My SeaWorld's Christmas Celebration

Last week, I visited Seaworld not knowing what adventure this Wildsider would be on.  As part of me being a Seaworld Wildsider, I have been able to enjoy some wonderful adventures this year.

I never knew what this year would hold for me but never would I have imagine feeling like a kid again.  As a little girl I loved seeing all the beautiful lights at Christmas time.  I was transported back to my childhood as soon as I stepped into the Seaworld Christmas Celebration.

There are so many things to see and do at the park.  The park looks like a totally different place and it is so beautiful.  A sea of lights that is so magical. 

Have you ever seen a tree made out of boots? 

or poinsettas?  Perfect place to take your family Christmas card photo.

A visit to Snow World, snow in Texas, yes!  Sliding down a hill of snow, snow angels, snowball fights, building snowmen...not just for kids...

 

My visit would not be complete without seeing Santa.  And at Seaworld your family can enjoy dinner with Santa himself, Ms Claus and the elves too.  Travel back in time, so nostalgic when you visit Christmas Cove.

Dinner with Santa and Ms Claus requires a reservation.  The price for an adult is $30 and kids $15.  Under 3 are free but require reservation as well.  It is a full buffet, a Christmas story read by Santa is included and yummy desserts too.  These elves make it all worth it!!

And if your night was not wonderful enough already, you can enjoy a grand finale at the entrance.  Beautiful music, singing, and the tree lights that change with every different song.

 

If you want to take your family, there is still time.  Seaworld's Christmas Celebration ends December 31.  And if you make it to the park on New Year's Eve, enjoy fireworks right before the park closes.  So who wants to jump in the car, and go to Seaworld......

(Wildsider Family-Julie from Using My Words, Sarah from Sensibly Sara,  Collene from San Antonio Mom Blogs, Stacy from Kids Stuff World, Debbie from San Antonio Busy Kids, Kami from Zoetica)

And do not forget to stop by and meet the new Baby Shamu...2 days old here

The female calf was born on December 6 at 12:08 a.m, and she and her mom Takara are currently swimming around together.  So don't forget to add this to your list of things to do.

Special Olympics TX Polar Plunge

There are so many things on my bucket list, and one day I hope to be able to cross off most of my adventures.  See I say most because my list is on going.  I love to go on adventures.  A couple of years ago I was watching tv and I saw where some crazy people were jumping into cold water in the middle of a lake, who does that.  But guess what, I added that to my list-polar plunge. 

Alba's Bucket List

-Polar Plunge

Yes, I got to cross this off just recently.  About 2 weeks ago, my plunging adventure was completed.  But the reason for me freezing goes way back to a special person in my life, Brandon.  Brandon has Down Syndrome and he is my son's step-brother.  For a short period of our lives, he lived with us.  He thought me a lot about life, love, and seeing things through his eyes changed my life.  I was so happy to be able to fundraise money to support the Special Olympics. 

Special Olympics is a global movement of people who want to improve the lives of people with intellectual disabilities.

Intellectual disability (ID) is a term used to describe a person with certain limitations in cognitive functioning and other skills, including communication and self-care. These limitations can cause a child to develop and learn more slowly or differently. Intellectual disability is the most common developmental disability.

You know I love to do my part to help causes that are dear to my heart.  I had a great reason to be freezing but I really didn't need one.  We all need to give back to others.  Whether we give money, donate, volunteer, or fundraise.  In December the saying, there is a reason for this season and it seems like everyone is in a better giving spirit this time of the year.  But we should carry that all year long.

That was my 10 seconds of outreach...on to the fun stuff. 

My day started in Houston.  When I got in my truck it was a warm and in the 50s, left garage into the 40s, and when I arrived to Katy it had gone down to 30s.  As we made our way to San Antonio, it kept going lower and lower.  It is crazy how the Texas is actually going through a winter freeze exactly when I am doing a polar plunge.

Even before the event started I was all smiles.  I could not wait to polar plunge but I did not do it alone, I was joined but a Wild bunch part of my Wildsiders Family.

And there were 130 people who signed up also.  Due to the weather hazard some did not make it but we went on without them.  There is always next year right?

So we waited for our teams to be called.  With all the anticipation I do not think we realized how cold and how crazy this really was....and then they called us...

Thanks to a fellow Wildsider, Julie Pippert who caught it all on video, check it out:
Seaworld Aquatica Special Olympics TX Polar Plunge

We did it!  We conquered!  This was the best ever...I am so glad I did it.  And even happier these ladies were there by my side to accomplish this bucket list adventure.  Freezing for a Reason, anytime.  We were ready to do it again, right after we came out.  Some just dipped their feet in and ran back.  We went all the way to the line and back!  I can't wait to do it again.

I am a Wildsider!!!