Star Wars fans are beginning to feel the Force as Star Wars: Episode I The Phantom Menace returns to the big screen in spectacular eye-popping 3D this Friday February 10th!  From the thrilling Podrace to the final lightsaber battle,  audiences will be able to relive the epic first episode of the Star Wars Saga like never before!

To add to the excitement , General Mills Big G cereals is celebrating the 3D launch by featuring iconic character pens in participating cereals.

Specially marked boxes of Big G cereal will contain exclusive collectible pens from the first episode including:

Anakin Skywalker

R2-D2

C-3PO

Obi-Wan Kenobi

Yoda

Darth Maul

Queen Amidala

Jar Jar Binks

What is especially awesome about these pens is different color inks represent each of the characters!

Star Wars enthusiasts won’t have to go to a galaxy far, far away to bring the force to the breakfast table.  Warsies can collect all eight pens by simply purchasing participating Big G cereals,  which include Cinnamon Toast Crunch® (12.8 oz.), Lucky Charms®(11.5 oz.), Reese’s® Puffs (13 oz.), Cheerios® (14 oz.), and Cookie Crisp® (11.25 oz).

Big G cereals are nutrient dense, made with whole grain and are an excellent source of calcium, so your kiddos will have everything they need to start the day off right!

May the Force Be With You… Always!

My Thoughts!

It’s no secret we are enormous Star Wars fans in my home.  My son can be found running around the house dressed up like Darth Vader and reacting the lightsaber battles with his Star Wars geek dad.  We already love the Big G cereals, so the partnership between General Mills and Lucasfilm to promote Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace 3D with special packaging and collectible Star Wars goodies is a wonderful treat!  The pens are really cool and on the back of each cereal boxes is a word search to keep the youngsters busy at the breakfast table.

Big G Star Wars Prize Pack Giveaway!

General Mills, through MyBlogSpark, would like to give a reader a Big G Star Wars Prize Pack including:

• 2 Boxes of Big G cereal
• 4 Star Wars character pens
• Star Wars sticker sheet
• Star Wars magnets

TO ENTER THE GIVEAWAY PLEASE USE THE RAFFLECOPTER FORM INSTEAD OF LEAVING BLOG COMMENTS HERE. Any comments are welcomed below, but won’t count towards the giveaway. Only entries using the Rafflecopter form will be eligible for prize. Thank you!

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“Disclosure:  Prize pack, information, and giveaway have been provided by General Mills through MyBlogSpark.”

Big G Bringing Star Wars Fun To The Breakfast Table & Exclusive Prize Pack Giveaway! is a post from: A Happy Hippy Mom

I’m a coffee addict.   I can’t function effectively or by any means unless of course I begin my morning with a decent cup of coffee. However, if the coffee is bitter, weak, and unflavorful—I’d rather sip dirt.  I know I can prevent the early morning java disappointment,   as well as the soil consumption,  by starting off my day with a cup full of Gevalia Kaffe. This is due to the Swedes knowing a thing or two about coffee.  They have been refining the art of luxurious coffee for longer than  150 years.   Since 1853,  Gevalia has upheld the uncompromising standards put forth by  founder, Victor Theodor Engwall, and thus only make it a habit of obtaining and blending  the finest Arabica coffee beans from locations all over the world.  The coffee is expertly made using carefully picked beans which are ground extra fine, to produce a rich coffee experience. The results aren’t your ordinary ‘cup of joe,’  but rather  a delightful cup of coffee you are able to savor sip after sip.   In fact,  the coffee is so delicious it is an official coffee of the Swedish Royal Court!

Previously available online only, Gevalia is now available at Safeway and U.S. coffee supermarket aisles nationwide in 10 varieties, including roast and ground, whole bean, flavored and decaffeinated varieties:

Gevalia Traditional Roast (ground and whole bean):
Gevalia Traditional Roast provides a perfectly balanced taste every time. Our most beloved blend – made of choice, mountain-grown Arabica beans – this coffee has a distinctive body and flavor with a lighter intensity. (Medium Roast).

Gevalia House Blend:
A Gevalia favorite, House Blend is a robust yet never bitter coffee. This roast has a captivating aroma that is only matched by its exceptional flavor. (Medium/Dark Roast).

Gevalia House Blend Decaf :
Delivering the same rich, never bitter flavor, House Blend Decaf has the same robust taste without all the caffeine. (Medium/Dark Roast).

Gevalia French Roast (ground and whole bean):
Gevalia French Roast is a coffee of impressive richness and dimension, expertly crafted from prized Arabica beans grown in Colombia and Brazil. Hints of aromatic smoke give this dark-roasted French Roast blend an intense, yet uniquely satisfying flavor. (Dark Roast).

Gevalia Colombia:
Grown high in the Colombian Andes, these beans produce a rich, bright and well-bodied Colombian coffee. This single origin classic is world-renowned, which is why we have sourced these beans for decades. (Medium Roast).

Gevalia Espresso Roast:
Gevalia Espresso Roast is made of premium, mountain-grown Arabica beans from East Africa and Central and South America. This roast is bold and full-bodied with a hint of caramel undertones. (Dark Roast).

Gevalia Vanilla:
This rich blend with vanilla flavor notes is crafted from choice mountain-grown Arabica beans, then roasted for exceptional body and flavor. Gevalia Vanilla is a flavorful and balanced experience with a heavenly aroma.

Gevalia Chocolate Mocha:
Gevalia Chocolate Mocha allows you to indulge your passion for decadent flavor. Rich, velvety chocolate flavor is blended with mountain-grown Arabica beans for a sweetly satisfying experience.

With its Swedish heritage and rich, never bitter taste, Gevalia is a premium coffee unlike any other.

Enjoy the best cup of coffee without having to step in a cafe shop and treat yourself to a unbelievably delicious cup of Gevalia!

Black Forest Coffee Recipe

Try this tasty coffee recipe to add a little kick to your morning!

Black Forest Coffee

6 ounces freshly brewed Gevalia Kaffe

2 tablespoons chocolate syrup

1 tablespoon Maraschino cherry juice

Whipped Cream

Shaved chocolate

1 Maraschino cherry

Directions:

Combine coffee, chocolate syrup, and Maraschino cherry juice in a mug; mix well.  Top with whipped cream, shaved chocolate, and a cherry.

Stay connected with Gevalia via these Social Media sites:

Follow Gevalia on Twitter

Like the Gevalia Facebook page

Visit the Gevalia website

View Gevalia on Youtube

Gevalia Kaffe Prize Pack Giveaway!

Kraft, through MyBlogSpark, would like to give a reader a Gevalia Kaffee Prize Pack containing:

• (1) sample of the House Blend from Gevalia Kaffe
• (1) sample of the French Roast Blend from Gevalia Kaffe
• A Gevalia Kaffe branded coffee mug

TO ENTER THE GIVEAWAY PLEASE USE THE RAFFLECOPTER FORM INSTEAD OF LEAVING BLOG COMMENTS HERE. Any comments are welcomed below, but won’t count towards the giveaway. Only entries using the Rafflecopter form will be eligible for prize. Thank you!

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“Kraft Foods has provided sample product to me and is providing the prizes for this program at no cost to me.  This program is not administered or sponsored by Kraft Foods or its affiliates, but solely by A Happy Hippy Mom. In the event prizes are to be fulfilled by Kraft Foods, I will provide Kraft Foods with the necessary information (names and addresses) to enable Kraft to send prize(s) to the winner(s).”

Gevalia Kaffe- Not Your Average ‘Cup of Joe’ Review & Prize Pack Giveaway! is a post from: A Happy Hippy Mom

The Walt Disney Studios proudly announces the addition of LADY AND THE TRAMP  to its coveted, cutting-edge Blu-ray Diamond Collection line-up of animated classics. Released from the Disney vault for a limited time only, the lovingly pampered cocker spaniel and the mutt from across the tracks will unveil on February 7, 2012.

Disney’s Blu-ray Diamond Collection represents The Walt Disney Studios’ most prestigious and treasured animated classics. Diamond Edition titles boast the highest level of picture and sound; feature groundbreaking, state-of-the-art immersive bonus content; and include unprecedented levels of interactivity, personalization and customization, made possible because of Blu-ray technology.

To date, the company has released four Diamond Edition titles – Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, Beauty and the Beast, Bambi and The Lion King.

About Lady and the Tramp:

A classic love story unfolds in the best Disney tradition as a lovely young pedigreed cocker spaniel named Lady, who lives a pampered life, finds herself falling romantically for Tramp, an amorous street-smart pooch without prospects. Although they have fun together on several dates, including a sentimental spaghetti dinner by moonlight at Tony’s restaurant, their relationship is strained not only by Lady’s loyalty to her human family and their newborn baby, but by Tramp’s devil-may-care attitude that eventually gets Lady in trouble and tossed into the dog pound. However, good-hearted Tramp redeems himself by saving the baby from potential harm and thus wins Lady’s love and the affection of her human family.

Share this timeless Disney Classic with your family as Walt Disney’s beloved classic, Lady and the Tramp, finally releases from the Disney Vault for the first time ever on Blu-ray. This heartwarming tale now charms a new generation of families and fans with its exquisite animation and unforgettable songs in one of the greatest love stories of all time. Featuring high definition sound and immersive bonus features your family can enjoy together, Lady and the Tramp Diamond Edition is a must own addition to your Disney collection.

Voice Talent:

Barbara Luddy (Sleeping Beauty, 101 Dalmatians) as Lady
Larry Roberts (Theatre background with Circle Theatre in Los Angeles) as Tramp
Peggy Lee (The Curious Case of Benjamin Button, American Beauty) as Darling, Si, Am & Peg
Bill Thompson (Peter Pan, Alice In Wonderland) as Jock, Joe, Bulldog, Dachsie & the Policeman
Bill Baucom (TV’s “The Life and Legend of Wyatt Earp,” Judge Roy Bean) as Trusty
Stan Freberg (Stuart Little, Looney Tunes: Back In Action) as Beaver
Lee Millar (TV’s “I Love Lucy,” The George and Gracie Allen Show) as Jim Dear & the Dogcatcher

Directors:

Clyde Geronimi (Alice In Wonderland, Cinderella, Sleeping Beauty)
Wilfred Jackson (Snow White, Pinocchio, Dumbo)
Hamilton Luske (Alice In Wonderland, Cinderella, Pinocchio)

Producer:

Walt Disney

Blu-ray Bonus:

Disney Second Screen: Inside Walt’s Story Meetings*

Audio Commentary: Inside Walt’s Story Meetings

Diane Disney Miller: Remembering Dad

Three Never-Before-Seen Deleted Scenes

Never Recorded Song: “I’m Free as the Breeze”

Classic DVD Bonus:

•  Lady’s Pedigree: The Making of Lady and the Tramp
• Finding Lady: The Art of the Storyboard
•  Original 1943 Storyboard Version of the Film
• PuppyPedia: Going to the Dogs
• “The Siamese Cat Song,” Finding a Voice for the Cats
• “Bella Notte” Music Video
• Trailers
• Excerpts from “Disneyland” TV Shows

DVD Bonus:

Diane Disney Miller: Remembering Dad

PuppyPedia: Going to the Dogs

Digital Bonus:

Diane Disney Miller: Remembering Dad

Three Never-Before-Seen Deleted Scenes

PuppyPedia: Going to the Dogs

Street Dates:

Blu-ray, High Definition & Standard Definition Digital = February 7, 2012

(Direct Prebook: 12/13/11; Distributor Prebook: 12/27/11)

Rated: G (bonus materials not rated)

Feature Run Time: Approximately 76 minutes

Suggested Retail Prices 3-Disc Blu-ray Combo Pack (Blu-ray + DVD + Digital Copy) = $44.99 U.S./$51.99 Canada

and Product 2-Disc Blu-ray Combo Pack (Blu-ray + DVD) = $39.99 U.S./$46.99 Canada

Configurations: High Definition Digital = $39.99 U.S./$46.99 Canada

Standard Digital = $29.99 U.S./$35.99 Canada

 Breathtaking Animation!

Lady and the Tramp,   an animated film  produced by  Walt Disney,   was originally introduced to theaters on June 22, 1955.  I’m able to recall enjoying this timeless classic while I was a child more than 35 years ago with my mom and dad.  Told from the dog’s perspective, the heart warming tale of a pampered Cocker Spaniel who’s adored by her owners  and falls deeply in love with a mongrel from the wrong side of the tracks named Tramp,  is among one of my personal favorite Disney movies of all time.

It’s difficult to pick out just one favorite moment in the film, however, if I had to it would be the scene with the mischievous, slinky Siamese cats as they taunt Lady and sing.  On the other hand, the popular romantic clip of  Tramp and Lady sharing a spaghetti dinner is unforgettable as well.

To have the ability to share this movie with my son in an all-new breathtaking digital restoration in high definition is undoubtedly an awesome treat!  The music, the lovable characters, and crisp animation makes this  the best animated love story in my film collection!

Buy It For Valentine’s Day!

LADY AND THE TRAMP: DIAMOND EDITION on Blu-ray & DVD would make a perfect Valentine’s Day gift to share with your sweetie!  It can be purchased at Amazon.com for just $24.99!  That is a 38% savings of the suggested retail price!

Save $8!

Disney Rewards is offering members a $8 savings when you upgrade your Lady and the Tramp DVD or VHS to a Blu-ray 3 Disc Combo Pack.  Or save $5 when you purchase a Blu-ray 2 Disc Combo Pack.

Coupon expires 2/19/12. While supplies last.

LADY AND THE TRAMP: DIAMOND EDITION on Blu-ray & DVD 2/7/12 & $8 Savings! is a post from: A Happy Hippy Mom

Coming from a woman’s point a view,  the more unique the pendant, locket, ring, necklace, earrings or bracelet is — the more I tend to remember the occasion it was given.  Over the years I have collected several pieces of jewelry, as I’m sure you have probably done as well.  I have a box filled with jewelry which was purchased to coordinate with  various outfits, but I hardly wear those items.  The jewelry I wear the most has some sentimental value behind it and touches my heart.

Recently I had the pleasure of being introduced to PicturesOnGold.com, a manufacturer providing an extensive variety of  fine men, women, and children’s photo jewelry designs in 14k Yellow Gold, 14k White Gold, 18k Gold, Sterling Silver, Platinum, and 14k Gold Filled Metals.  The company uses patented laser engraving technology to permanently laser-print full color, sepia, or black and white cherished photos onto lockets, pendants, bracelets, rings, and more!  All products can be personalized to include initials, fingerprints, clipart, names, or sayings!

PicturesOnGold.com offered to make me a customized Sterling Magic “Sweetheart” Heart Photo Locket which holds 2 photos on a Sterling Silver 18inch Box Chain.  I searched frantically through my photos to find something I assumed would be able to squeeze into a locket.  However, I didn’t need to due to the fact PicturesOnGold.com can take any size photograph and crop it down to fit flawlessly!  They even can bring two people closer together, remove backgrounds, touch up photos, and take out a person or object.  The entire process is remarkable and makes the most stunning and unforgettable heartfelt Valentine’s Day gift!

Here are the two photos I gave the PicturesOnGold.com trained computer experts to imprint inside the locket.

The turnaround time was astonishing!  I received the customized locket in the matter of no time!  The locket came beautifully packaged in this GORGEOUS high line jewelry box.

Take a look at the beautiful locket!  See how PicturesOnGold was able to move the pictures to make them fit?

The Sterling Silver is protected with a tarnish resistance to help it last for years without tarnishing and the best part—the pictures inside the locket are waterproof, scratchproof and age-proof.  Meaning, I don’t have to take off my locket when entering the shower!

On the outside of the locket I had the option of Script or Block Letters for the engraving on the front, or backside.  I selected Script and requested to have the saying ” Forever Within My Heart” engraved on the front.  The final results and workmanship are extraordinary. It really is a beautiful piece of jewelry I will treasure for ever!

PicturesOnGold.com provides quality jewelry gifts for any occasion and is able to transform a precious moment into a memory that will last a lifetime!  They also make customized Sports Jewelry, Fingerprint Jewelry, Police and Fire Department Jewelry, Medical Jewelry, and more!  There is something for everyone there! Check them out!

Save

Save 5% off your PicturesOnGold.com order when you apply the promo code patty13 at checkout!

Stay Connected With PicturesOnGold.com

Like PicturesOnGold.com on Facebook

Follow PicturesOnGold.com on Twitter

Sterling Silver “Sweetheart” Heart Photo Locket and Sterling Silver 18inch Box Chain Giveaway ($155.85)

PicturesOnGold.com would like to give one reader the most precious Valentine’s Day gift of a Sterling Silver “Sweetheart” Heart Photo Locket  (which holds 2 photos)  on a gorgeous  Sterling Silver 18inch Box Chain! TO ENTER THE GIVEAWAY PLEASE USE THE RAFFLECOPTER FORM INSTEAD OF LEAVING BLOG COMMENTS HERE. Any comments are welcomed below, but won’t count towards the giveaway. Only entries using the Rafflecopter form will be eligible for prize. Thank you!

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PicturesOnGold.com Sterling Magic “Sweetheart” Heart Photo Locket Review & Valentine’s Day Giveaway! is a post from: A Happy Hippy Mom

Were you aware ready-to-eat cereal is the leading whole grain source for Americans – and the top source of whole grain in children’s diets?  I know my son doesn’t consume very much bread or products containing whole grain besides cereal.  For this reason it’s essential for me to choose cereal products with whole grain listed as the first ingredient to help him get the maximum amount of whole grain within his diet as is possible. Eating adequate whole grain has been connected to healthier body weights, lowering the risk of heart related illnesses, and much more! I want to make certain my munchkin is getting as much as he should!

In all honesty, when I’m inside the store shopping and I’m scrambling to leave,  I don’t always check out the product labeling as often as I ought to.  Even so, I don’t need to worry when I’m selecting General Mills Big G cereals, since there is a big visible white check on the brand new product packaging expressing that whole grain is the first and most prevalent ingredient.  I should still make it a good habit to check the side panel, but the white check does make it much easier to spot the cereal containing whole grain in the grocery store aisle.  You can find over 50 cereal products with the white check including family favorites like Honey Nut Cheerios, Lucky Charms, Total, Cinnamon Toast Crunch and Cheerios.  Every General Mills Big G cereal features a minimum of nine grams of whole grain per serving, and more than 20 General Mills cereals provide 16 grams or more.  The wonderful news is although the cereals are packed with all that wholesome whole grain, they continue to have exactly the same great taste your family enjoys!

Here is what MyBlogSpark has to say about the importance of whole grain and how to easily include more of it in your diet.

According to Dr. Travis Stork, emergency room physician and host of “The Doctors,” identifying whole grain products can be challenging. Shoppers can look for nutritional cues on the front of the box, but they need to read the ingredient list to know if they are getting enough whole grain. Ingredient lists detail ingredients in order of prevalence, and if the words “whole grain” are followed by a grain like wheat or oats, it means the food contains more whole grain than any other single ingredient. Here’s how to determine if your cereals have whole grain as a first ingredient:

With all the health messages facing grocery store shoppers, it can be confusing to translate what appears on food labels into nutritional needs, and hard to determine which foods have a meaningful amount of whole grain. Dr. Stork has some additional recommendations to help you include whole grain easily into your diet. They include:

Start Early! The Dietary Guidelines recommend people get at least 48 grams of whole grain in their daily diets. Get a jump-start on the day’s nutrition by incorporating whole grain into your morning routine. For instance, when choosing cereal make sure whole grain is listed as the first ingredient. One easy choice is cereal with the white check, which have more whole grain than any other single ingredient.

Make Simple Swaps. Choose whole grain versions of the foods you love. Great options include whole wheat pasta and whole wheat bread or even whole grain crackers. Also, try different types of whole grain. Use brown rice instead of white rice as a side dish at dinner or popcorn, which is a whole grain, for a snack.

Don’t Judge a Food by Its Cover. The front of food packages provide good nutritional cues, but don’t forget to read the ingredients and check the nutrition label and side labels for additional health information. Cereals with the white check even include the amount of whole grain per serving on packaging.

Fast Lane for Whole Grain – Play and Enter To Win ALL 50 Big G Cereals!

To help people make clearer choices, Dr. Stork has partnered with General Mills to help with whole grain education, including introducing Fast Lane for Whole Grain, an online educational game. Consumers are challenged to quickly identify products that have whole grain as the first ingredient while shopping virtual grocery store aisles. Players have the option to enter a sweepstakes to win one of each of the more than 50 cereals with the white check. The sweepstakes runs through March 18, 2012 on www.WholeGrainNation.com and 50 winners will be selected during the 10-week sweepstakes.

Big G Cereals Prize Pack Giveaway!

General Mills would like to give a reader a prize pack containing cereals with the white check including Cheerios, Lucky Charms, Cinnamon Toast Crunch, Honey Nut Cheerios and Total.  TO ENTER THE GIVEAWAY PLEASE USE THE RAFFLECOPTER FORM INSTEAD OF LEAVING BLOG COMMENTS HERE. Any comments are welcomed below, but won’t count towards the giveaway. Only entries using the Rafflecopter form will be eligible for prize. Thank you!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

“Disclosure: The prize pack, information, and giveaway have been provided by General Mills through MyBlogSpark.”

Big G Cereals Have Whole Grain As First Ingredient & Prize Pack Giveaway! is a post from: A Happy Hippy Mom

On January 11th, I ordered my pet supplies at Mr. Chewy’s site.  If you missed my review about the wonderful shopping experience I had there, please check it out!  Anyhow, I just wanted to tell you my order arrived via FedEx on January 14th,  in perfect condition!  That’s right, it took only three days after ordering to get to my doorstep!  Now that is service!

As you can see from the picture above, my dog was very pleased with the food and couldn’t wait to dig into the goodies!  If you have pets and are sick and tired of hauling heavy pet food, try shopping at Mr. Chewy!  Save yourself the trip to the pet store and get the supplies delivered to your door instead.  In the long run you are saving money, your back, and gas!

Mr. Chewy Update! is a post from: A Happy Hippy Mom

DreamWorks Studios’ Action-Adventure With Heart, “REAL STEEL,” Starring Hugh Jackman, Enters the Home Entertainment Ring on

Blu-ray, DVD, Digital and On-Demand January 24, 2012

DreamWorks Studios’ REAL STEEL, starring Hugh Jackman, muscles its way into the Home Entertainment arena on Blu-ray™, DVD, Digital and On-Demand on January 24, 2012. This visually stunning action-adventure filled with heart and soul is a “must-add” to every home movie collection, delivering a premium in-home experience complete with knockout bonus materials that dive deeper into the action.

The Blu-ray Combo Pack, with its perfect picture and sound, delivers the ultimate punch, offering viewers a variety of supplemental bonus features that take them ringside with Director Shawn Levy on the making of the film. Exclusive features include a bare-knuckled exposé of the life story of Charlie Kenton (Hugh Jackman), deleted and extended scenes that go deeper into the film and storylines, and a riveting profile with legendary boxing champion Sugar Ray Leonard. Plus, the revolutionary Real Steel Second Screen app lets viewers sync their iPad or computer with the Blu-ray movie to peel back layers of effects with progression reels, check out 360-degree turnarounds of the robots, explore seamless branching pods that delve into the cutting-edge technology used to create the fights, and much more.

The #1 movie in the country for two consecutive weeks during its theatrical run, REAL STEEL is directed by Shawn Levy (Night At the Museum franchise, Date Night and What Happens in Vegas), produced by Steven Spielberg (Saving Private Ryan, Schindler’s List), with a screenplay by John Gatins (Coach Carter, Summer Catch). Set in the not-so-distant future where boxing has gone high-tech and 2000-pound, 8-foot-tall steel robots have taken over the ring, the film stars Hugh Jackman (X-Men franchise, Australia) as Charlie Kenton, Evangeline Lilly (TV’s Lost, The Hurt Locker) as Bailey Tallet, Dakota Goyo (Thor) as Max Kenton, Kevin Durand (I Am Number Four, X-Men Origins: Wolverine) as Ricky, and Anthony Mackie (The Adjustment Bureau, The Hurt Locker) as Finn.

REAL STEEL will be available to own and for in-home viewing as follows:

BONUS FEATURES:

3-Disc Blu-ray Combo Pack (1 Blu-ray Disc + 1 DVD + 1 Digital Copy)

All 2-Disc Blu-ray Bonus Features

All DVD Bonus Features

2-Disc Blu-ray Combo Pack (1 Blu-ray Disc + 1 DVD)

REAL STEEL SECOND SCREEN

Countdown to the Fight—The Charlie Kenton Story

Sugar Ray Leonard: Cornerman’s Champ

Deleted and Extended Scenes with introductions by Shawn Levy

—Extended “Meet Ambush”

—Deleted “Butterfly” Storyline

PLUS All DVD Bonus Features

1-Disc DVD (1 DVD)

Making of Metal Valley

Building the Bots

Bloopers

HIGH-DEFINITION & STANDARD DEFINITION DIGITAL

Sugar Ray Leonard: Cornerman’s Champ

PLUS All DVD Bonus Features

FILM SYNOPSIS:

Balancing gritty action and emotional heart, “Real Steel” is an inspiring and visually stunning film that takes audiences on an action-packed journey. Washed-up boxer Charlie Kenton (Hugh Jackman) scrapes by as a small-time robot-fight promoter as he tries to make a comeback. Against all odds he eventually succeeds—at least in the eyes of his son Max (Dakota Goyo). “Real Steel” is spectacular family entertainment that will have everyone cheering again and again.

A Must See!

My family received an advanced Real Steel Blu-ray Combo pack.   From viewing the trailer I wasn’t exactly sure what to expect.  Let me tell you…the movie is incredible! The visual special effects are exceptional and the motion capture technology was mind blowing!

Being that it was rated PG13,  I was very hesitant to let my 4 year old watch it , as I was afraid there would be moments  inappropriate or frightening for his age.  Yet, most the violence in this movie was mild and consisted of robot fights with some intense action scenes, such as robots being dismembered.  Another possible disturbing scene in the beginning of the film was when Ambush (first robot in the movie) fought Black Thunder,  a bull belonging to Ricky (Kevin Durand).  Ambush was ripped apart and the bull was also roughly handled,  which could be scary for young eyes.  The worst violent scene was probably when Charlie Kenton (Hugh Jackman) was beaten by three men “within an inch of his life,” and his son was roughed up a little. It wasn’t overly graphic, but did contain some punching and blood. Otherwise, the language was rather gentle for a PG13 rating.  Not proud of saying this, but it wasn’t anything worse than what my son has heard at home a million times before.  I just recommend watching it first to be sure you think your youngster can handle it.  In my opinion the movie was an extremely soft PG13 and my son LOVED it.  He even already has two of the action robot figures (Atom and  Zeus) that are now his favorite toys.

Imagine,  if you will, the year is 2020 and the sport of boxing is no longer man vs man, but 8 foot tall steel robots bashing each other with humans controlling the action.  The thought of the concept alone is ingenious!  The movie opens with a small time fair in San Leandro County.  Charlie Kenton (Hugh Jackman), a washed-up fighter turned small-time promoter who lives out of his truck, is down on his luck,  and trying to make a comeback.  He makes a $20,000 bet that Ambush will win against Ricky’s bull.  Ambush gets destroyed and  Charlie loses the bet and makes a quick escape without paying Ricky.

Charlie learns his ex-girlfriend, Caroline Fallon, has died and that he must attend a hearing to decide the fate of his eleven year old son Max (Dakota Goyo).  At the hearing, he meets up with Max’s aunt Debra (Hope Davis) and her wealthy husband Marvin (James Rebhorn).  The two are wanting to adopt Max, which Charlie sees as prime opportunity to make some cash to buy Noisy Boy, a secondhand World Robot Boxing league robot that he purchases on the black market .  He makes a secret deal with Marvin to give Debra full custody of Max for $100,000, half in advance, on the condition that Charlie take care of Max for three months during the summer while the two vacation in Italy.  In August,  Charlie would receive the other half of the money upon returning Max in New York.

Charlie meets up with Max at Charlie’s childhood friend and love interest, Bailey Tallet (Evangeline Lilly). Baily runs Tallet’s Gym, a boxing gym of her deceased father who was Charlie’s old coach.  Noisy Boy is delivered to the gym and Charlie plus Max set out to fight him at this place called Crash Palace, which is owned by his friend named Finn.  Charlie arranges a fight with Finn to have Noisy Boy go against Midas.  The winner walks away with a guarantee of fifty thousand dollars. Max begs Charlie to take an undercard fight instead and walk out with a little cash.  Charlie dismisses Max’s suggestion and due to his overconfidence plus inexperience with Noisy Boy’s boxing combinations, Midas demolishes his robot.

Charlie,  saving what was left of Noisy Boy’s voice recognition board,  decides to sneak into the junkyard to steal some scrap metal to try and put together another robot.  At the junkyard, Max falls of a ledge where he is saved by an arm from an obsolete Generation 2 robot named Atom.  Charlie and Max set out with the unlikely G-2 sparring robot made in 2014 and amazingly beat the odds!

The movie is a father and son futuristic sports story that gets you up and cheering for the underdog.  Its fun, at times emotional, and highly entertaining.  A definite must see!

SOCIAL MEDIA:

Stay connected withREAL STEEL using these social media sites:

• “Like” the Facebook page at www.Facebook.com/RealSteelMovie
• Follow on Twitter at @realsteelmovie
• Visit the website at www.steelgetsreal.com
• View videos at www.YouTube.com/RealSteelMovie
• Connect with Facebook and Twitter via Real Steel Second Screen

About DreamWorks Studios:

DreamWorks Studios is a motion picture company formed in 2009 and led by Steven Spielberg and Stacey Snider in partnership with The Reliance Anil Dhirubhai Ambani Group. The company recently released The Help, which has resonated with audiences around the country and earned over $100 million at the U.S. box office. Upcoming releases include Steven Spielberg’s War Horse. DreamWorks Studios can be found on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/DreamWorksStudios and on Twitter at http://twitter.com/dw_studios.

Reel Steal Blu-ray + DVD Combo Pack Giveaway!

Courtesy of DreamWorks Studios, one reader will win a Reel Steal Blu-ray + DVD Combo Pack. TO ENTER THE GIVEAWAY PLEASE USE THE RAFFLECOPTER FORM INSTEAD OF LEAVING BLOG COMMENTS HERE. Any comments are welcomed below, but won’t count towards the giveaway. Only entries using the Rafflecopter form will be eligible for prize. Thank you!

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REAL STEEL Review & Giveaway! is a post from: A Happy Hippy Mom

Did you make a New Year’s resolution for 2012?  I made several, like attempting to save more money, spend extra time with my family,  get rid of the mommy muffin top, as well as eliminate any unneeded steps,  so I’m able to optimize my time to take pleasure from the fun things life can offer.  Fundamentally, I would like to take a smarter approach this year.  Therefore,  avoiding excess visits to the stores which lead to impulse buying.

Thanks to Mr. Chewy giving me a $50 GC to test their products and services, today I took the initial steps in keeping my vows and purchased my furry friend supplies online.  I use to like going to the local pet shop when I had just my cat.  But now that we have two cats and two dogs, the trip is usually a hassle as a result of having to haul back the heavy kitty litter and food bags.  I’m only 5′ 2″ and some of the dog food bags are about the size of me!  Furthermore, with the cold temperatures and snow, travelling 25 miles to get to the closest pet store isn’t enjoyable neither.  I’d also find myself getting suckered into purchasing cute products my pets didn’t need and shelling out considerably more cash than I anticipated.

Mr. Chewy  offers more than 70 brands of quality dry and canned pet food at everyday low prices, including Iams, Eukanuba, Beneful, Newman’s Own Organics, Pedigree, and far much more!  The online pet store also provides shoppers with a large array of treats and supplies to keep your fur babies delighted.  They’ve got everything from potty pads, cat litter, flea & tick treatments, specialty items, along with plenty of yummy pet snacks to select from.  No matter what your four-legged friend demands, I bet Mr. Chewy has it!

Another feature I adore about Mr. Chewy (apart from the huge selection) is  instead of needing to drive to the store every couple of weeks, you are able to set up a totally free delivery schedule to have the stuff you want shipped directly to your home.  You determine the time frame and quantities. You can temporarily stop, cancel, or change any part of your schedule.  There’s no membership fee and if you’re not 100% entirely satisfied for any reason whatsoever, you may return the products. Additionally, if your order is over $49, they’ll ship it free of charge anywhere in the continental US via FedEx and various other premium carriers!  Purchases under $49 cost a flat shipping rate of $4.95, which is extremely reasonable.

I’ve got a 5 month old black Lab puppy (Sammy) who loves to chew every little thing he is able to get his paws on and is at the moment eating Iams Proactive Health Smart Puppy Large Breed Dry Dog Food.  I ordered him a 8 lb bag of Iams, Dogswell Veggie Life Happy Hips Chicken & Apple Dog Treats, and a Merrick G.I. Bone Dog Chew.  My adult  Cairn-Poo dog (Pepper) has been eating Pedigree Dry Food ever since May 2010 when she became a Pedigree Ambassador.  I purchased her a 4 lb bag of Pedigree, One Natural Beef Chew, and Bil Jac Peanut Butter Nanas Dog Treats.  My two cats got a 6 lb bag of Chicken Soup for the Cat Lover’s Soul Adult Dry Cat Food and Greenies Feline Savory Salmon Flavor Cat Treats.  The total cost of all eight items was just $49.92 and should arrive  within 3-5 days.  The entire shopping experience was enjoyable and pain free!  I was very impressed at all of the products the shop had that my neighborhood pet store didn’t carry. FANTASTIC!  I most certainly will undoubtedly go shopping at Mr. Chewy again!

I highly recommend anyone who’s got pets and is fed up with lugging heavy pet food bags to give Mr. Chewy a try.  You’ll find hard to come by specialty products your pets enjoy, conserve gas and time by not having to travel to the pet store and from shopping within the comfort of your home.  This is an ideal service for busy individuals who have pets as well as the elderly who may have difficulty getting out to purchase pet food and lifting heavy pet products.

Stay Connected!

Donation Program

Mr. Chewy Delivering Pet Happiness Review! is a post from: A Happy Hippy Mom

Debt is one of the biggest troubles facing most American families these days. Families are struggling to make car payments and high monthly mortgages, and many are taking on even more debt by sending their kids to college. In fact, the debt crisis has become so severe that the Federal Reserve’s July report noted that the total U.S. revolving debt was a staggering $793.1 billion, 98 percent of which belonged to credit cards with the average American household having nearly $16,000 in credit card debt.

This high level of debt can cause extreme anxiety, and has made many decide to choose reducing their debt as their New Year’s Resolution. So if you are one of millions that has chosen to reduce their debt in their upcoming year, consider adhering to the following tips:

Create a Budget

One of the things that leads people to overspend is the lack of foresight in regards to their monthly budget. People don’t always take into consideration just how much they spend monthly compared to how much they bring in. To make an adequate monthly budget, be real with yourself. Write down exactly how much you make and take into account on how much you spend on everything from your mortgage to your entertainment, and then see where you can feasibly reduce your expenses.

Cut Up the Cards

Credit cards are the most likely cause of debt, next to school loans and mortgages with many people actually paying more to their credit card companies than they do on their car payment. If you find yourself frequently reaching for your credit cards when you can’t afford an unnecessary purchase, cut them up.  Go head and get rid of those cards so that you can pay them off without racking up more debt.

If you do choose to keep a credit card or two in your wallet, make sure that you choose the best rebate credit cards so that you are able to benefit the most from what you charge each month. Most credit cards with great rebates offer reviews online, and the Chase Sapphire Preferred review and the Discover review are a few of the more popular.  However, if you use these cards, make sure that you can pay off the balance at the end of every month.

Make Your Morning Coffee and Bring Your Lunch

Hundreds of dollars are wasted every year on fancy coffees and eating out – even opting for a regular cup of coffee daily instead of your normal drink can total up to a staggering $80 a month, and that’s the minimum.

To save yourself some money, money which would be better spent paying off debt, make your morning coffee at home and bring your lunch to work. Sure, eating in the office isn’t always as fun as escaping the office for a brief period, but it can save you $200 or more a month – a cutback well worth it if you are serious about getting out of debt.

Choosing to get out of debt isn’t as easy as simply paying a few extra dollars to your creditors each month. Choosing to get out of debt is a lifestyle change. In addition to paying extra each month, you will need to change your life so that you can live more frugally which means avoiding the coffee shops, shopping sprees, and unnecessary trips.

*This is a guest post by Becky W.

Start Your New Year Off Right By Minimizing Debt is a post from: A Happy Hippy Mom

Hope everyone had a wonderful holiday season?  I know it’s difficult to believe it is already the second day into 2012 and the kids are ready to return to school.  Now that the holiday hustle and bussle is over, the focus turns to getting the kiddos ready and out the door to continue the normal school schedule without a hitch!  However, there is no need to stress, because Sam’s Club is here to help and remind you to continue collecting Box Tops to help your school of choice.  Sam’s Club and Box Tops for Education want to make your life as easy as possible starting off the New Year with fantastic return-to-school deals and promotions!

• While purchasing some of your favorite General Mills brands you can also earn more cash for your local school with the Sam’s Club “6 Box Tops on a Pack” promotion.
• At least 6 Bonus Box Tops will be located on your favorite return-to-school brands such as Nature Valley Oats ‘N Honey Crunchy Granola Bars, Yoplait and Progresso.
• From groceries to computers to notebooks, Sam’s Club makes shopping for all of your return-to-school needs simple.

This January, be sure to visit your local Sam’s Club to find all your return-to-school necessities. To learn more about the Box Tops for Education Program and how you can help contribute to your school, visit www.BoxTops4Education.com.

I love shopping at Sam’s Club!  The closest Sam’s Club is approximately 25 miles away from our home,  so we go shopping there every two weeks for the kids’ favorite snacks, cereals, and frozen food.  I usually pick up the Totino’s Pizza Rolls Pizza Snacks, Cinnamon Toast Crunch, Nature Valley Granola Bars, Scooby-Doo Fruit Flavored Shapes, cheese, fresh vegetables and fruit.  These items help keep my kids energized throughout their day and make my life easy by being able to prepare them fast during the busy week.  Buying them in bulk allows me to be sure I always have a good supply on hand plus saves me money and gas from having to make extra trips to the store. We have been very happy Sam’s Club members for 10 years and enjoy the great deals on the food, electronics, and home furnishings the club has to offer.  I highly recommend them to anyone!

Connect with Sam’s Club and Box Tops through these social media sites:

• Sam’s Club Website
• Sam’s Club Facebook
• Sam’s Club Twitter
• Box Tops Website

Sam’s Club Return to School Giveaway!

One lucky reader is going to win a $25 Sam’s Club Gift Card to help with your return to school shopping on your favorite items containing the Box Tops for Education label. TO ENTER THE GIVEAWAY PLEASE USE THE RAFFLECOPTER FORM INSTEAD OF LEAVING BLOG COMMENTS HERE. Any comments are welcomed below, but won’t count towards the giveaway. Only entries using the Rafflecopter form will be eligible for prize. Thank you!

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“Disclosure: The Sam’s Club gift card, information, and giveaway have been provided by General Mills through MyBlogSpark.”

Sam’s Club Return to School Promotions and $25 Gift Card Giveaway! is a post from: A Happy Hippy Mom

January is a time for making New Year’s resolution,  as well as a time for launching new products!  General Mills is  introducing NEW Frosted Toast Crunch, with the scrumptious taste of frosted vanilla, this cereal is totally yummy!  If you’re sick and tired of your same old  breakfast routine,  change it up in 2012 with crunchy squares baked with the wonderful taste of frosted coated artificially flavored vanilla and dusted with a delicious sprinkle of cinnamon.  Frosted Toast Crunch not just tastes incredible, it also delivers 11 grams of whole grain, 9 grams of sugar and is an excellent source of calcium.  So take your cereal to a higher level with this wholesome breakfast and present your taste buds with something to be excited about this upcoming year!

NEW Frosted Toast Crunch will be available in your local grocers early January, just in time for return-to-school!

NEW Frosted Toast Crunch Prize Pack Giveaway!

General Mills would like to give one reader a Frosted Toast Crunch Prize Pack containing:

Spilt milk bowl

Lickety spoon

Frosted pitcher

Frosted Toast Crunch cereal

TO ENTER THE GIVEAWAY PLEASE USE THE RAFFLECOPTER FORM INSTEAD OF LEAVING BLOG COMMENTS HERE. Any comments are welcomed below, but won’t count towards the giveaway. Only entries using the Rafflecopter form will be eligible for prize. Thank you!

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“Disclosure: Frosted Toast Crunch, information, and giveaway have been provided by General Mills through MyBlogSpark.”

General Mills NEW Frosted Toast Crunch & Prize Pack Giveaway! is a post from: A Happy Hippy Mom

Did Santa give you cash, but forgot to leave the bling you wanted underneath the tree this Christmas? Why not begin the new year off in style by getting a gorgeous gemstone ring from diViene.com?  DiViene.com is a company based in sunny Los Angeles, California that specializes in handcrafted jewelry exclusively for you!  Every piece of jewelry is meticulously created from scratch by ingenious local artisans depending on the design, gem color or size you have chosen. Featuring an exceptional wide array of stackable rings, pendants, bracelets, necklaces as well as other fine jeweled creations, diViene.com has jewelry to satisfy  every single individual fashionista!

I was sent two stunning rings fresh from the diViene studio for review- Sterling Silver Carved Flower Ring in Mother of Pearl-Swiss Blue Topaz ($115) and Sterling Silver Fun Stack Ring Round Black Onyx in Twist-detail ($85).

Very first thing I noticed right away was the breathtaking presentation. The rings arrived in lovely jewelry boxes situated in a pretty white drawstring pouch lined with blue tissue paper.  I was impressed even with the attention that went into the product packaging of these rings!  It was so beautiful I ended up saving it!

The Flower Ring in Mother of Pearl-Swiss Blue Topaz is GORGEOUS!  It has five delicate looking carved mother-of-pearl gemstone petals in a luxurious vintage sterling silver setting.  In the heart of the flower petals contains a genuine Swiss Blue Topaz stone.  The white and blue contrast is spectacular and the ring in my opinion has a special antique appearance and feel.  It was my personal favorite out of the two rings.  I wore the ring over the holiday and received several compliments on it!  The ring’s center stone is also available in various gem colors including, Amethyst, Aquamarine, Citrine, Champagne Diamond, Diamond, Emerald, Garnet, Iolite, Onyx, Orange Sapphire, Peridot, Pink Sapphire, Rhodolite, Ruby, Sapphire, Pink Tourmaline, White Topaz, and Yellow Sapphire.

The Sterling Silver Fun Stack Ring Round Black Onyx has a sizable 10mm round Onyx gemstone as the centerpiece and is set on a vintage twist-detailed sterling silver background.  I love the look of this ring and it is gorgeous on its own or even far more spectacular if worn with a set of twist-detailed oxidized sterling silver bands!  The ring is also available in  Swiss Blue Topaz, Green Amethyst, Lemon Citrine, Smoky Quartz, Ruby, and Sapphire.  You can pick your favorite color or stack them all for fun!

360-Day Warranty

“Each jewelry purchase is automatically covered by our 360-day Warranty for manufacturing defect. Each item shipped comes with our 360-day Warranty Certificate. “

diViene.com Gemstone Rings Giveaway!

DiViene.com has generously offered to give one lucky reader the same set of rings reviewed above-  Sterling Silver Carved Flower Ring in Mother of Pearl-Swiss Blue Topaz ($115) and Sterling Silver Fun Stack Ring Round Black Onyx in Twist-detail ($85).   TO ENTER THE GIVEAWAY PLEASE USE THE RAFFLECOPTER FORM INSTEAD OF LEAVING BLOG COMMENTS HERE. Any comments are welcomed below, but won’t count towards the giveaway. Only entries using the Rafflecopter form will be eligible for prize. Thank you!

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diViene.com Gemstone Rings Review & Giveaway ($200 Value)! is a post from: A Happy Hippy Mom

Message from our friends at MyBlogspark

Searching for ways to mix up this year’s holiday bash? Then why not host a Chex Party Mix-Change, a modern spin on the traditional cookie swap with a delicious and savory twist! With several Chex Party Mix recipes that can be made in just 15 minutes and Sam’s Club stores providing you with everything needed to host a fabulous party, there’s no excuse to not call on family and friends for a celebration.

In fact, with all of the extra prep time being saved, you’ll be able to spend more time mingling with your guests this year than working in the kitchen.

How to throw the ultimate Sam’s Club Chex Party Mix-Change:

•  Set the date and spread the word. Announce your Chex Party Mix-Change using some of these festive invites.
• Mix it up. Use these mouth-watering Chex recipe cards including Chex Pumpkin Pie Crunch and Hot Buttered Yum Chex Mix and this shopping list to make party prep a snap.
•  Share the fun. Use some of these easy tips & tricks to add some extra flare to your party and check out some of the packaging ideas so your guests don’t go home empty handed.

Visit ChexPartyMixChange.com for even more party-planning tips and be sure to also check out Sam’s Club, your one stop Chex spot that has everything you need to throw a Chex Party Mix-Change!

YUMMY and Fun Alternative To Cookies!

Every year I make eight different varieties of Christmas cookies and by the time the last cookie is taken out of the oven…I’m exhausted! Not to mention, I feel like I have missed precious moments each Christmas that could have been spent with my family and friends, because of having to be in the kitchen. Ditching a few of the cookie recipes and exchanging them with simple, delicious Chex Party Mix favorites is a fabulous alternative!  Most of the Chex Party Mix recipes take under 15 minutes to prepare and are less expensive to make than your average holiday cookie. Especially, if you shop at Sam’s Club and pick up the ingredients you need in bulk!  You will be saving time and money

Getting friends together and having a Chex Party Mix-Change is a wonderful idea and fun way to bond this holiday season.  Each person can make their yummiest Chex Mix Party recipe, place the delicious mix in cello bags,  label them with friends names, and then pass them out at the party.   Everyone can have fun tasting the different recipes and enjoy each other’s company without the hassle of baking and cookie cleanup.

Other packaging ideas include festive decorated takeout containers, cupcake liners filled with Chex Party Mixes neatly in a small gift box, Christmas tins, and placing cellophane bags inside an upside down party hat!  I picked up supplies at my local dollar store for almost nothing,  so if you have one in your area I would look there first.  The little snack bags are so cute and make an excellent inexpensive  gift!  Check out mine filled with yummy Chex Muddy Buddies.

  Chex Muddy Buddies Recipe

9 cups Rice Chex, Corn Chex or Chocolate Chex cereal (or combination)

1 cup semisweet chocolate chips

1/2 cup peanut butter

1/4 cup butter or margarine

1 teaspoon vanilla

1 1/2 cups powdered sugar

Directions:

1. Into large bowl, measure cereal; set aside.

2. In 1-quart microwavable bowl, microwave chocolate chips, peanut butter and butter uncovered on High 1 minute; stir. Microwave about 30 seconds longer or until mixture can be stirred smooth. Stir in vanilla. Pour mixture over cereal, stirring until evenly coated. Pour into 2-gallon resealable food-storage plastic bag.

3. Add powdered sugar. Seal bag; shake until well coated. Spread on waxed paper to cool. Store in airtight container in refrigerate.

A Modern Holiday Twist

I also made a huge bowl of the Gingerbread Party Mix.  Wow,  was it ever delicious! My family LOVED it!  I found the recipe in the December edition of Family Circle magazine on page 148.  Give it a try and delight your guests with this sweet modern holiday twist on Chex Mix!

Gingerbread Party Mix Recipe

3 cups cinnamon chex cereal

3 cups rice chex cereal

1-1/2 cups cinnamon graham snacks

6 tbsp. butter or margarine

1 tsp ground cinnamon

1/4 tsp ground cloves

1/4 tsp ground nutmeg

2 tsp vanilla

2 tbsp crystallized ginger, chopped

1/4 cup white vanilla baking chips

Directions:

1. In a large microwavable bowl, add cereals and graham snacks; set aside. in a small microwavable bowl, microwave butter uncovered on high 40 seconds or until melted. stir in cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg and vanilla until blended. Pour over cereal and stir until coated.

2. Microwave uncovered on high 5 minutes, stirring every 2 minutes. stir in ginger until blended. Spread mixture onto paper towels. in small microwavable cup, microwave vanilla baking chips uncovered on high 1 minute, stirring every 30 seconds, until melted. Drizzle over snack; let stand until set. Store in airtight container.

Ditch the cookies this year and give the Chex Party Mix-Change a try!

Sam’s Club Chex Party Mix-Change Prize Pack Giveaway

One lucky reader will win a $25 Sam’s Club gift card to help purchase supplies for their Chex Party Mix-Change get-together and a box of Chex cereal. TO ENTER THE GIVEAWAY PLEASE USE THE RAFFLECOPTER FORM INSTEAD OF LEAVING BLOG COMMENTS HERE. Any comments are welcomed below, but won’t count towards the giveaway. Only entries using the Rafflecopter form will be eligible for prize. Thank you!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

“Disclosure: The Sam’s Club gift card, information, and giveaway have been provided by Sam’s Club, Chex Party Mix and General Mills through MyBlogSpark.”

Sam’s Club Chex Party Mix-Change & Prize Pack Giveaway! is a post from: A Happy Hippy Mom

I roughly snap 100 pictures per month.  It isn’t just simply because I’m a blogger and that’s what I really like to do, but primarily due to the fact I’m a mom who’s endeavoring to capture every single cherished moment I’m able to of my children.  Having said that, I haven’t discovered a scapbooking niche and 95% of all of the photos I take never make it to print.  The digital images would be stashed virtually on a CD or perhaps in a file labeled “my pictures” on my laptop.  Both safe-keeping scenarios are extremely awful ideas.  I’ve lost countless pictures which can not be replaced from having my computer crash and the inability to restore the files.  The worst tragic photo loss occurred when my daughter made a decision to rifle through my cds and unintentionally split the main one containing the first three months worth of snap shots of my son’s life on it.  I  was devastated and pretty much cried for several days!  I still have the disc and praying one of these days there is going to be a method of fixing it so I can recover the precious pictures of him as an infant. Fortunately, I’ve learned my lesson and the days of storing  photos on cds and my computer hard drive are GONE!  NOW I preserve pictures and videos on a SanDisk Memory Vault.

SanDisk, a trusted leader and pioneer in the non-volatile memory market for over 23 years, has developed an archival memory system with the capability for long term data preservation.  The Memory Vault is a small stylish storage solution which allows users to store and preserve cherished photos, videos, and their most important memories for generations to come.  The easy to use storage device does not contain any movable parts that break down over time, but instead utilizes SanDisk’s Chronolock technology to digitally store photos and videos and keep them protected for up to 100 years.  Being so compact it can fit in the palm of your hand, the SanDisk Memory Vault can be easily easy stored in its black storage pouch (included with purchase) in a drawer, closet, or laptop bag.

How Does the SanDisk Memory Vault work?  The Memory Vault connects directly to your PC via the included USB 2.0 cable for quick and easy data transfer and saving. Once digitally stored inside the vault, your photos and videos are essentially locked in and protected, yet you can still easily access them.   To save your photos, select the images you desire for long-term preservation and simply drag-and-drop them into your SanDisk Memory Vault. You will know when the device is full by the blinking light.  As the light blinks faster, the closer you are to approaching the threshold.  When the drive enters “preserve-only” mode and is full, the indicator will cease blinking and remain lit. Once the SanDisk Memory Vault is filled up, put it away for safe keeping.   Simply take it out when you are ready to view or share the photos plus videos with family and friends.

The SanDisk Memory Vault is available in 16 gigabyte and 8GB capacities and can store thousands of images plus hours of HD video. The device carries MSRPs of $89.99 and $49.99 and includes a lifetime limited warranty.  The device would make an awesome gift this holiday season and can be purchased at shop.sandisk.com.

*SanDisk Memory Vault supports the following operating systems: – Windows 7, Windows Vista, Windows XP – Mac OS® 10.4.11 or above.

Most Consumers Would Not Destroy Their Family Photos for One Million Dollars

SanDisk also issued results from an online survey conducted on its behalf by Harris Interactive from July 28-August 1, 2011 among 2,294 U.S. adults aged 18 and older2. The survey found that 79 percent of U.S. adults with digital photos plan on passing them down to future generations. Photos are so precious that 64 percent of U.S. adults would not consider destroying their family photo collection for any amount of money, not even for one million dollars.

SanDisk Memory Vault 20% Off Giveaway!

Our friends at SanDisk would like to bless 4 ahappyhippymom.com readers with a savings of 20% off a SanDisk Memory Vault!  The coupon codes will only be redeemable at the SanDisk online store (http://shop.sandisk.com) until December 31st. Because of the time constraint this is going to be a QUICK giveaway!  TO ENTER THE GIVEAWAY PLEASE USE THE RAFFLECOPTER FORM INSTEAD OF LEAVING BLOG COMMENTS HERE. Any comments are welcomed below, but won’t count towards the giveaway. Only entries using the Rafflecopter form will be eligible for prize. Thank you!

“I wrote this review while participating in a campaign by Mom Central Consulting on behalf of SanDisk and received a product sample to facilitate my review, and coupons to giveaway.”

SanDisk Memory Vault -Preserve Your Most Precious Photos Review & Giveaway! is a post from: A Happy Hippy Mom

Do I have any readers who watch the Dr. Oz show?  If you do, you might recognize the name Deepak Chopra!  Deepak is a world-renowned authority in the field of mind-body healing, an author of  more than sixty-four books, including eighteen New York Times best sellers, and the founder of the Chopra Center for Wellbeing.   You can also catch him on his Wellness Radio show that airs weekly on Sirius/XM Stars, Channels 102 and 155, which focuses on the areas – success, love, sexuality and relationships, well-being, and spirituality.  He is a huge inspiration to many people and has made a guest appearance on Dr. Oz several times.  Not to long ago,  Deepak demonstrated the law of attraction and meditation through a series of helpful videos that really sparked my interest.

Recently, Deepak Chopra collaborated with THQ on a unique groundbreaking interactive experience in a meditation game inspired by the ancient system of “chakras” -the body’s seven energy centers through which the life force flows.

THE ROOT CHAKRA

“Muladhara, the root chakra, means “foundation or root” and is located at the base of the spine. Its element is earth and it affects our sense of stability and safety as well as our sense of smell. In this movement, you will help a planet survive and bloom by shifting your hips left and right to rotate the planet.”

THE LOWER-BELLY CHAKRA

“Svadhisthana, the sacral chakra, means “self’s dwelling place” and is located at the pelvis, just below the navel. The element of the sacral chakra is water and it guides our vitality, sensuality, and potency. This movement enables you to explore the environment and nurture your nest to create new life by twisting your hips to steer left and right.”

THE NAVEL CHAKRA

“Manipura, the navel chakra, means “the place of the shining gem” and is located above the navel at the solar plexus. The element of the navel chakra is fire and it affects our ability to realize our desires. In this movement, harness and release your inner energy through your arms to blast through rock, transforming minerals into valuable gems.”

THE HEART CHAKRA

“Anahata, the heart chakra, means “the place of openness” and is located at center of the body: the heart. Its element is air and it allows us to give and receive unconditional love. Ride air currents to collect energy and balance the earth and sky by twisting your upper body to the left and right to move. ”

THE THROAT CHAKRA

“Vishuddha, the throat chakra, means “pure.” It guides our creativity and powers of communication. An open throat chakra allows you to speak the truth and let your voice be heard. Build energy by creating harmonic chain reactions by gently reaching out directly in front of you to trigger the sound waves.”

THE THIRD-EYE CHAKRA

“Ajna, the third-eye chakra, means “infinite power” and is located on the forehead, directly between the eyes. Its element is light and it affects insight and our sense of intuition – opening us to guidance and even clairvoyance. Learn the patterns to travel the channel of consciousness by moving your upper body left and right to spin the channel. “

THE CROWN CHAKRA

“The crown chakra, Sahaswara, means a “thousand-petaled lotus flower” and is located above the top of the head. Its element is pure thought which merges us with the infinite and is the seat of all consciousness – here we sense oneness with all. Glide as far as you can by using your arms to steer up and down, left and right.”

Leela, much more than a game, utilizes the player’s own abilities to help create a healthier, more harmonious and balanced life by teaching how to let go of stress and allowing the player to take a relaxing journey of mind and body via the use of  Kinect for Xbox 360 and Nintendo Wii.  The innovative game takes users through a visually stunning environment while they practice playful yoga-inspired activities, breathing exercises and meditation.  Their journey is set to mood-enhancing, original music and infused with Deepak’s famous teachings and philosophies.

 Leela players may even create a personal mandala-”a representative of the unconscious self and focal point for meditation” and share it on Facebook with all their friends!

Game Play

I received Deepak Chopra’s Leela made for Wii to review and have been playing it for a few days.   The game has two main modes, Play and Reflect.  In the Play mode you engage with Leela through the use of

Movements: Seven games, each linked to a Chakra that engage your body, mind and spirit. Each movement has a series of seven levels, and you can unlock each one by completing the previous level.  The movements can be played in any order and unlock when you have completed the 4th level in every other movement.

1. Origin-Help a planet thrive and bloom by tilting the control pad left and right.

2. Life- Explore the world and nurture your nest to create new life by holding the Wii remote horizontally and steering your creature left and right with tilting motions.

3. Power-Create and launch powerful fireballs to mine and refine rocks into gems.  You do this by pressing the A Button to build energy, aiming the remote, and releasing the button to unleash your fireball.

4. Love- Ride air currents to collect energy and balance the earth and sky. Once again this is done by using the Wii Remote and control pad.

5. Harmony- Build energy by creating harmonic chain reactions by swinging the remote to activate the ring.

6. Intuition- Learn the patterns to travel the channel of consciousness by tilting the remote left and right to rotate the channel.

7. Unity- Glide as far as you can, passing through gates, until your energy runs out.  This is accomplished by holding the remote horizontally, tilting it left and right, forward and backward, to steer your avatar.

Sequences: A series of movements linked together.  When you complete all of the Movements levels that make up a Sequence, that Sequence becomes available for you to play.

Mandala:  Option to create a personal Mandala icon that appears throughout the Leela experience that is intended to express your  individual  essence and intentions.

The Reflect mode, Leela creates a space for additional still and meditative activities.

In Stillness,  you can engage with traditional meditation practices including:

Guided- Meditations that lead you step by step into mindfulness.

Silent-Sound meditations with a time limit that you set for yourself.

The Reflect Oracle & Ambient

Oracle allows the player to reflect on issues that are important in life.  It shares insights into better living and suggests areas of Leela to explore.

Ambient displays Leela’s visuals and relaxing healing sounds.  It is designed to help create a meditative environment or simple background to explore.

Amazing!

I found Leela amazing!  I absolutely love the wonderful music and breathtaking  imagery in the game!  It is perfect for helping to relax and unwind, especially something I need to be able to do during the holidays!  What I like about Leela is there is no winning or losing and you control the game through simple movements at your own desired pace.  Leela is very easy to use and understand.  I recommend the game to anyone who is looking for a way to increase their peace and well-being. However, I wish I had a Kinect sensor for my Xbox 360, because I would like to be able to experience the game without having to use a remote control!

Leela Mandala Facebook App and Creativity Contest!

Create and enter your own personal mandala into the Leela Creativity Contest for the chance  to win a Leela videogame or Leela CD Soundtrack!  One winner will be chosen per week until 11:59:59 pm (PT) on 12/09/11.  Limit three entries per person over the entire Contest Period.  For more information, please read the official rules and entry guidelines.

Buy It!

Deepak Chopra’s Leela can be purchased at Amazon.com for the Nintendo Wii and Xbox 360 Kinect!  The game would make an excellent gift this holiday season!

Deepak Chopra’s Leela Xbox 360 Kinect Game Giveaway!

One lucky reader will win a Deepak Chopra’s Leela Xbox 360 Kinect version of the game ($50 value)! TO ENTER THE GIVEAWAY PLEASE USE THE RAFFLECOPTER FORM INSTEAD OF LEAVING BLOG COMMENTS HERE. Any comments are welcomed below, but won’t count towards the giveaway. Only entries using the Rafflecopter form will be eligible for prize. Thank you!

Deepak Chopra’s Leela – Journey Through Mind & Body Through Play Review, Creativity Contest, & Giveaway! is a post from: A Happy Hippy Mom

Comes Home For The Holidays on Blu-ray Combo Pack, DVD,
Digital Download and On-Demand, December 6, 2011

The Help, the inspirational summer hit film people can’t stop talking about, arrives in homes just in time for the holidays, delivering this powerful story on Blu-ray Combo Pack, DVD, Digital Download and On-Demand, December 6, 2011.

The #1 New York Times bestseller by Kathryn Stockett comes to vivid life through the compelling performances of a phenomenal ensemble cast including Emma Stone, Viola Davis, Octavia Spencer and Bryce Dallas Howard. The Help is a courageous and empowering story about very different and extraordinary women in the 1960s South who build an unlikely friendship around a secret writing project.

“Davis and Spencer are both brilliant”

– Owen Gleiberman, Entertainment Weekly

The Help Blu-ray Combo Pack provides audiences with the chance to delve deeper into the movie through compelling, never-before-seen bonus features, including “The Making of The Help: From Friendship To Film,” an intimate look at how the life-changing experiences of close-knit childhood friends director Tate Taylor and novelist Kathryn Stockett led to the creation of the best-selling novel and its transition to the big screen.

Additional bonus includes “In Their Own Words: A Tribute To the Maids Of Mississippi,” which is an honest observation of life in the South from real-life maids, including director Tate Taylor‟s childhood caretaker, Carol Lee; Deleted Scenes; and nine-time Grammy Award-winning and multi-platinum selling singer/songwriter, Mary J. Blige’s “The Living Proof”, music video from the film’s end titles.

In continued efforts to provide consumers with multiple viewing choices and unprecedented quality, value and portability in a single purchase, The Help has been packaged as follows:

3-Disc Blu-ray Combo Pack (Blu-ray + DVD + Digital Copy) = $44.99 U.S./$51.99 Canada
Exclusive Blu-ray Bonus Features:

•  The Making of “The Help:” From Friendship To Film
• In Their Own Words: A Tribute To The Maids Of Mississippi
• Three deleted scenes with introductions by Director Tate Taylor, including Humiliated,‟ A Book About Jackson and Johnny’s Home” (which is a Blu-ray exclusive)

DVD Bonus Features:

• Two deleted scenes with introductions by Director Tate Taylor including  A Senator’s Son and Keep On Walkin
• “The Living Proof” music video by Mary J. Blige

2-Disc Blu-ray Combo Pack (Blu-ray + DVD) = $39.99 U.S./$46.99 Canada
Exclusive Blu-ray Bonus Features:

• The Making of “The Help:” From Friendship To Film
• In Their Own Words: A Tribute To The Maids Of Mississippi
• Three deleted scenes with introductions by Director Tate Taylor including Humiliated, A Book About Jackson and Johnny’s Home (which is a Blu-ray exclusive)

DVD Bonus Features:

•  Two deleted scenes with introductions by Director Tate Taylor, including A Senator’s Son and Keep On Walkin
• “The Living Proof” music video by Mary J. Blige

1-Disc DVD = $29.99 U.S./$35.99 Canada
Bonus Features:

•  Two deleted scenes with introductions by Director Tate Taylor, including A Senator’s Son and Keep On Walkin
•  “The Living Proof” music video by Mary J. Blige

High Definition Digital Download = $39.99 U.S./$46.99 Canada
Bonus Feature:

•  Three deleted scenes with introductions by Director Tate Taylor, including Humiliated,‟A Book About Jackson and Johnny’s Home” (which is a Blu-ray exclusive)
•  “The Living Proof” music video by Mary J. Blige

Standard Definition Digital Download = $29.99 U.S./$35.99 Canada
Bonus Feature:

•  Three deleted scenes with introductions by Director Tate Taylor, including Humiliated,‟A Book About Jackson and Johnny’s Home”  (which is a Blu-ray exclusive)
•  “The Living Proof” music video by Mary J. Blige

On-Demand
For additional information and pricing, please contact your television provider or favorite digital retailer. Bonus features are not offered with On-Demand.

About The Film & Cast:

The #1 New York Times bestseller by Kathryn Stockett comes to vivid life through the powerful performances of a phenomenal ensemble cast. The Help is an inspirational, courageous and empowering story about very different, extraordinary women in the 1960s South who build an unlikely friendship around a secret writing project — one that breaks society‟s rules and puts them all at risk. Filled with poignancy, humor and hope — and complete with compelling, never-before-seen bonus features — The Help is a timeless, universal and triumphant story about the ability to create change.

The Help stars Emma Stone as the courageous Eugenia Skeeter Phelan, who goes against the beliefs of her family and friends to find her own voice. The critically praised, emotional performance of Viola Davis as Aibileen Clark, a woman who secretly dreams of one day having more than she has been given, offers a deep emotional storyline. The breakthrough performance of Octavia Spencer as Minny Jackson, whose sass and tough exterior disguise the pain and fear she faces every day, brings both drama and humor to the film. Bryce Dallas Howard breathes life into the catty Jackson socialite Hilly Holbrook and Jessica Chastain brings charm and humor as Celia Foote, a kind housewife living outside of town who longs to fit in. Sissy Spacek, Allison Janney and Ahna O‟Reilly also provide vivacious performances that round out this all-star female ensemble.

About The Filmmaker:

The Help is directed by Tate Taylor and co-produced by Michael Barnathan (Percy Jackson & The Olympians: The Lightning Thief, Night at the Museum: Battle of the Smithsonian), Chris Columbus (Percy Jackson & The Olympians: The Lightning Thief, Night at the Museum franchise, Harry Potter 1, 2, 3), Brunson Green (Fool’s Gold) and Tate Taylor. The screenplay for The Help is written by Tate Taylor and is based on the best-selling novel by Kathryn Stockett.

Trailer

My Favorite Movie Of The Year!

Initially when I first heard about The Help,  I immediately wanted to know what all the fuss was about and purchased  Kathryn Stockett’s bestselling novel.  After reading the first chapter,  the book grabbed me and I couldn’t put  it down. I found myself picking it up and reading it just about every chance I managed to get.  Words can’t summarize how much I loved it!  The Help is most likely my personal favorite book of all time!

I was  concerned the movie wouldn’t do the book justice, because as everyone knows, the film adaption never generally does.  Nevertheless, it did a tremendous job following the story and the cast looked precisely how I imagined the characters would from reading the novel.  Of course you are not going to get each of the in depth details you do from the book within the movie, but  the film remains true to the novel and you will equally fall in love with it as well.

The Help takes place in Jackson, Mississippi during  the Civil Rights era  in the early 1960s.  The story is about  twenty -two year old  journalist wannabe  Eugenia “Skeeter” Phelan ( Emma Stone ), a brave and feisty white woman  and her relationship with two  African-American maids – Aibileen Clark (Viola Davis) and Minny Jackson (Octavia Spencer).

Skeeter comes home from college to learn her beloved housekeeper,  Constantine, is missing and the town is being run by snobby,  head of the  Junior League,   Hilly Holbrook (Bryce Dallas Howard).

Aibileen has spent her whole life as a nanny, raising little white girls who  have a tendency to turn into their mothers even with all the love she gives them.  She currently works for Skeeter’s friend,  Elizabeth Leefolt  (Ahna O’Reilly), and takes care of  her toddler, Mae Mobley.  Aibileen has recently lost her 24 year old only son who was planning on being a writer in a workplace accident.

Minny is Aibileen’s best friend and is known to be an amazing cook! She is extremely sassy and can’t seem to mind her tongue,  which gets her into constant trouble.  After being fired from taking care of Hilly’s mother Ms. Walters (Sissy Spacek), she becomes employed by Celia Foote (Jessica Chastain) who is too new to town to know Minny’s tainted reputation.

Skeeter, Aibileen, and Minny risk it all when they decide to collaborate on an anonymous book (The Help) that describes the stories, frustrations, and hardships black maids endure while cooking, cleaning, and raising white families’ children.

The Help will have you crying, laughing, and highly entertained!  I loved every moment of the movie!  However, I can never look at a chocolate pie quite the same after seeing the film!  Get it now and bring it home for the holidays!

Social Media:

“Like” the Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/thehelpmovie

Follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/#!/helpmovie

Visit the website and mobile site: http://thehelpmovie.com/us

THE HELP on Blu-ray and DVD 12/6 – Bring It Home For The Holidays! is a post from: A Happy Hippy Mom

Message from MyBlogSpark

Searching for a quick and convenient side dish that appeals to all of your hungry eaters?  Thanks to Green Giant Valley Fresh Steamers Vegetables with Pasta, pleasing your entire family just became an easy fix.

Making meal time easier than ever, Green Giant has introduced vegetables with pasta and savory sauces to their already convenient and tasty line-up of Valley Fresh Steamers frozen mixes.

New Valley Fresh Steamers Vegetables with Pasta varieties include:

•  Macaroni and Cheese Sauce with Broccoli – classic elbow pasta and broccoli in a mouth watering cheese sauce.
•  Pasta and Vegetables with Alfredo Sauce – delicious corkscrew pasta with carrots and broccoli in a savory Alfredo sauce.

Steam-in-the-bag sides will have your family asking for seconds. Join in the conversation today on the Green Giant Facebook page.

 Green Giant Valley Fresh Steamers Macaroni and Cheese Sauce with Broccoli

Green Giant Valley Fresh Steamers with Pasta are a fast delicious and nutritious solution to the boring plain vegetable side dish!  The steam-in-the-bag helps lock in the nutrients in the vegetables that are usually lost within the cooking water and heat the vegetables plus pasta to perfection.  Not to mention, steaming the food in the bag saves on having to dirty another pan,  making the cleanup a breeze!

I already enjoy the Green Giant Broccoli & Cheese Sauce and my picky son loves macaroni and cheese, so I went straight for the new Green Giant Valley Fresh Steamers Macaroni and Cheese Sauce with Broccoli!  I placed the unopened bag standing up on a microwave safe plate and microwaved on high for about 5 minutes.  After letting stand for a minute I carefully opened the bag to release the hot steam and emptied it into a serving dish.  The contents needed a good stirring to evenly distribute the cheese sauce, but other than that there was no need for any further preparation.  Basically, it’s just heat and serve!

What I love about the Green Giant Valley Fresh Steamers with Pasta is that the vegetables come out crisp not mushy and the pasta is cooked just right.  However, if you have a large family you might need to cook several bags, because it only makes a one cup serving.  The calories are 250 with 45 of them being from fat,  therefore if you are watching your weight you might want to cut your serving in half.  How did it taste?  Absolutely delicious!  The cheese sauce was not watery and had a nice consistency, the broccoli was fresh tasting, and the pasta was incredibly good!  With that being said, I’m not going to lie.  My four year old still wouldn’t eat the broccoli and asked what the green dots on the macaroni and cheese were.   I had to get creative and told him they were special yummy sprinkles that would give him superpowers.  He still tried picking them off!

For a quick and delicious meal idea, prepare a couple of  Green Giant Valley Fresh Steamers with Pasta and stir into it a cup of cubed turkey!  The dish would make a wonderful main course!

Green Giant Valley Fresh Steamers Vegetables with Pasta Prize Pack Giveaway!

Green Giant, through MyBlogSpark, has generousely offered to give one reader a Green Giant Valley Fresh Steamers with Pasta  Prize Pack including:

• 2 Green Giant placemats
• Broccoli stress reliever
• 32 oz. serving bowl
• Surprise face serving spoon
• A VIP coupon for the new Valley Fresh Steamers with Pasta

TO ENTER THE GIVEAWAY PLEASE USE THE RAFFLECOPTER FORM INSTEAD OF LEAVING BLOG COMMENTS HERE. Any comments are welcomed below, but won’t count towards the giveaway. Only entries using the Rafflecopter form will be eligible for prize. Thank you!

“Disclosure: Green Giant Valley Fresh Steamers with Pasta, information, and giveaway have been provided by General Mills through MyBlogSpark.”

Green Giant Valley Fresh Steamers with Pasta Review & Prize Pack Giveaway! is a post from: A Happy Hippy Mom

Back in July,  I had the opportunity to review a brand new line of all-natural Asian Entrees introduced by Dr. McDougall’s Right Foods.  The convenient vegan meals were absolutely delicious and perfect for the individual looking for something healthy while on the go.

If you are not familiar with Dr. McDougall’s Right Foods, the company is the nation’s leading natural meal cup brand that offers an amazing scrumptious array of more than 50 low calorie, vegan, eco-friendly products – everything from Cranberry Multigrain Oatmeal with Organic Grains, to Spicy Kung Pao Asian Entrée Noodles, to Organic Lower Sodium Vegetable Soup with Lentils and Brown Rice.

Recently, in continued effort to provide consumers with healthier, tastier, alternatives to traditional unhealthy food favorites, Dr. McDougall’s Right Foods expanded its industry-leading soup line to include chunky, ready-to-serve vegan soups that are not only filling and low calorie, but contain a source of complete, plant-based protein and are an excellent source of fiber. Packaged in BPA-free cartons, the sixteen varieties include Vegetable, Lentil, Black Bean, Split Pea, Chunky Tomato, Minestrone, Roasted Pepper Tomato, Light Sodium Lentil, Light Sodium Garden Vegetable, Indian Chana Masala, Chili Bean, and new Organic Lentil Vegetable, Organic Tortilla, Organic Lower Sodium Black Bean, Organic Lower Sodium Vegetable and Organic Chunky Tomato Soups.

This time I had the chance to try some of the new all natural, gluten free soups including…

Black Bean Soup

Dr. McDougall’s Black Bean Soup blends the flavors of black beans, roasted vegetables, brown rice, and seasonings into a delicious, hearty soup. It tastes fabulous and provides complete protein essential amino acids.

 Best Ingredients: Filtered water, black beans, vegetables (onions, bell peppers, celery, carrots, garlic), organic brown rice, natural flavor (non-animal source), potato starch, yeast extract, sea salt, organic lime juice, cilantro, spices.

Lentil Soup

Dr. McDougall’s Lentil Soup blends savory lentils with brown rice and vegetables in a perfectly seasoned broth. It is a delicious, hearty soup that provides complete protein essential amino acids.

Best Ingredients: Filtered water, lentils, vegetables (onions, carrots, celery, tomatoes, garlic), organic brown rice, organic wine, natural flavor (non animal source), yeast extract, potato starch, spices, sea salt.

Light Sodium Lentil Soup

Rated Best Tasting Soup by Prevention Magazine “Prevention testers didn’t miss the salt in this delicious soup.” Dr. McDougall’s Right Food’s Light Sodium Lentil Soup is an absolutely delicious soup that happens to be amazingly good for you. With only 100 calories each filling serving provides 6g of plant based protein and 7g fiber. Gluten free too. Enjoy.

Best Ingredients: Filtered water, lentils, vegetables (onion, carrots, celery, tomatoes, garlic), natural flavor (non animal source), yeast extract, potato starch, spices, sea salt.

Organic Lentil Vegetable

Dr. McDougall’s Organic Lentil Vegetable Soup is an absolutely delicious meal that happens to be good for you. Abundant with organic lentils and vegetables in a perfectly seasoned broth, this tasty organic soup has only 140 calories per filling serving and provides 40% of dietary fiber needs and 8g plant based protein. Enjoy.

Best Ingredients: Filtered water, organic lentils, organic tomatoes, organic vegetables (onions, carrots, potatoes, kale, celery, garlic, spinach), organic starches (potato, corn), sea salt, natural flavor, organic basil, organic thyme, organic spices, organic tamari soy sauce, citric acid.

Organic Lower Sodium  Chunky Tomato

Dr. McDougall’s Organic Lower Sodium Chunky Tomato is a tasty lower sodium, organic offering of our prized tomato soup. You won’t miss the salt in this wonderfully seasoned recipe. It’s perfectly simple and perfectly delicious.

Best Ingredients: Filtered Water, Organic Vegetables (Organic Vine Ripened Tomatoes, Organic Onion, Organic Garlic), Organic Evaporated Cane Juice, Organic Corn Starch, Sea Salt, Organic Basil, Organic Spices, Citric Acid.

Organic Lower Sodium Vegetable

Dr. McDougall’s Organic Lower Sodium Vegetable Soup simmers together the homemade goodness of eight organic vegetables, lentils and brown rice in a delicious, organic broth. Each satisfying serving has only 100 calories and provides 4g plant based protein and 5g fiber.

Best Ingredients: Filtered water, organic vegetables (organic tomatoes, organic onions, organic carrots, organic potatoes, organic celery, organic peas, organic garlic, organic parsley, organic zucchini), organic lentils, organic brown rice, organic starches (potato, corn), natural flavor, organic spices, organic evaporated cane juice, organic herbs (basil, thyme, sage, rosemary), sea salt, organic tamari soy sauce, citric acid.

Organic Tortilla

Dr. McDougall’s Organic Tortilla Style Soup is a prized recipe that blends organic masa harina, corn, black beans and vegetables in a delicious Southwestern broth. Each serving has only 100 calories, yet provides 5g of plant based protein and 4g fiber. Enjoy.

Best Ingredients: Filtered water, organic vegetables (tomatoes, corn, onions, chilies, garlic, cilantro), organic black beans, organic masa harina, natural flavors, organic starches (corn, potato), sea salt, organic spices, organic evaporated cane juice, organic sesame, organic tamari soy sauce, citric acid.

Chili Bean Soup (MY FAVORITE)

Dr. McDougall’s Chili Bean Soup is a delicious, hearty soup with red and black beans, corn and tasty seasonings.  Enjoy it as a soup, served over rice or a baked potato.  Each serving has only 150 calories and provides 7g plant based protein and 8g fiber. Enjoy.

Best Ingredients: FILTERED WATER, RED & BLACK BEANS, VEGETABLES ( TOMATOES, ONION, CHILIES, CORN, GARLIC, PEPPERS), STARCHES (CORN,POTATO), NATURAL FLAVORS, ORGANIC BROWN SUGAR, MASA FLOUR, SEA SALT, SPICES, LIME JUICE, SESAME, OREGANO, VINEGAR, TAMARI SOY SAUCE.

 The Dr. McDougall’s Right Foods Chili Soup was my favorite.  I had it for lunch a couple of days ago and loved it!  Perfectly seasoned  with a touch of spiciness and loaded with delicious ingredients, the soup kept me full until dinner!   With only 20 calories from fat,  it is an excellent healthy alternative to other high fat chili soups on the market! Additionally, it is easy to heat and serve too.  All you need to do is pour how much you would like to eat in a microwave bowl and zap it for a few minutes. You can refrigerate the unused portion and use it within 7 days!  I love this option, because I’m not always hungry enough to eat more than one cup of soup and the packaging allows me to easily serve as little  or as much as I want without having to prepare the whole contents,  unlike regular soup cans.  PLUS,  as we have heard recently in the news, a lot of the cans on the market contain BPA and Dr. McDougall’s Right Foods soups come in easy to stack in your cabinet paper based packaging that’s BPA-free and sourced from certified, responsibly managed forests.  Meaning, the food is good for you and the planet too!

The only thing I would like to see Dr. McDougall’s Right Foods change is to eliminate the ingredient yeast extract from its line of soups.   Yeast extract contains glutamic acid an can cause the same reactions in people who are monosodium glutamate sensitive,  such as migraine headaches, upset stomach, foggy thinking, diarrhea, heart irregularities, and asthma -just to name a few.  The ingredient is not included in all of the companies soups, so I believe there must be a healthier alternative to using yeast extract in the recipes which have it.  Other than that,  the soups are fantastic and perfect for anyone looking to manage their diet with delicious low-calorie, convenient, and  healthier meal choices!

Dr. McDougall’s Right Foods are available nationwide at natural food and select traditional grocery stores, as well as at www.rightfoods.com. The soups have a SRP of $3.19 per carton.

Stay Connected!

Like Dr. McDougall’s Right Foods on Facebook

Follow Right Foods on Twitter

Dr. McDougall’s Right Foods Chunky Ready-to-serve Vegan Soups! is a post from: A Happy Hippy Mom

Last year around this time, I was selected as a  brand ambassador for Hickory Farms and had the privilege of helping to spread the word about the wonderful wide selection of signature sausages and savory cheeses in beautifully packaged boxes and baskets the company had to offer.  Well I’m back again this holiday season to give you a quick reminder of the delicious food gifts Hickory Farms has available.  Hickory Farms is pleased to share some of its most popular offerings, all featuring the tasty new Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese and Signature Beef Summer Sausage, a recent American Masters of Taste Gold Medal winner.

WARM AND HEARTY WELCOME, $30

Free shipping to APO/FPO military addresses

This collection of classics includes both beef and turkey Summer Sausages, as well as Hickory Farms’ new, smooth and creamy Farmhouse Cheddar.

SUMMER SAUSAGE & CHEESE, $40

Free shipping to APO/FPO military addresses

As favorite for over half a century, this classic gift features Our Signature Beef Summer Sausage complemented by our new Farmhouse Cheddar, Smoked Gouda and Smoked Cheddar Cheeses.

PARTY PLANNER GIFT BOX, $45

Supports Share Our Strength’s No Kid Hungry Campaign

This gift is a flavorful array of our savory Summer Sausage and smooth and creamy cheeses with all the trimmings. With every one sold this year, we will donate $5 to Share Our Strength’s No Kid Hungry Campaign.

HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS GIFT BOX, $55

Free shipping to APO/FPO military addresses

Enjoy the favorite gift sent to loved ones serving overseas, featuring the award winning flavor of Our Signature Beef Summer Sausage and Italian Recipe Summer Sausages. The combination pairs perfectly with our deliciously creamy cheeses, Sweet Hot and Honey Pineapple Mustards and savory crackers.

ORCHARD’S BOUNTY BASKET, $78

The fresh fruit lover will adore the Orchard’s Bounty Basket filled with hand packed-to-order assortment of Fuji Apples, Mandarin Oranges, luscious Red D’Anjou and Crown Comice® Pears. Includes Our Signature Beef Summer Sausage, Farmhouse Cheddar and roasted mix nuts in a keepsake Peterboro® Basket.

THE TRADITION OF GIVING BACK

Once again this holiday season, Hickory Farms is carrying on the tradition of  giving back through its partnership with Share Our Strength, a leading national not-for-profit organization working to end childhood hunger in North America.  When customers purchase a Party Planner gift box, Hickory Farms will contribute $5 to Share Our Strength’s No Kid Hungry Campaign. Customers will also have the option of including a $1 donation to the campaign with their purchase at a Hickory Farms store or at hickoryfarms.com.  The program has already generated more than $1.1M in contributions to Share Our Strength since 2008 and the company is expecting to donate an additional $700,000 this coming holiday season!  Additionally, Hickory Farms is a strong supporter of the U.S. Armed Forces serving across the globe and offers free shipping ALL YEAR LONG on select products to military addresses to ensure that families can send loved ones delicious food gifts and a taste of home throughout the year.

Hickory Farms A Cherished Holiday Tradition

Was Hickory Farms a part of your holiday traditions growing up?  I can always recall having Hickory Farms mouthwatering sausages and cheeses in our home throughout the holiday season while  I was a kid.  My parents use to bring us children to the nearby mall and we would enjoy visiting the Hickory Farms store to taste the different goodies that had been set out for the shoppers.  My personal favorite items to sample were the sesame sticks and cheese balls!   We would ALWAYS purchase a cheese ball, beef summer sausage stick, and sesame sticks to take home with us.  My mom would put together a platter with all the Hickory Farms treats and serve them to us on the evening we would decorate the tree. LOVED IT!  Now, I have carried on the tradition and do the exact same with my children.

The neat thing about Hickory Farms is the sausage tastes precisely the same now as it did a long time ago when I was a child.  I don’t believe that the company has ever altered the recipe ingredients?  On the other hand, I noticed I can’t seem to find the sesame sticks they use to sell  during my childhood and assume they must have discontinued them.  I’m hoping they sooner or later bring that product back again, since it was my favorite item to nibble on during the holidays.

I Was Sent The Home for the Holidays Gift Box!

Hickory Farms,  via Mom Central, sent my family a beautiful Home for the Holidays Gift Box loaded with goodies including:

-Sesame, Caraway & Sea Salt Crackers 1.5 oz.

-Parmesan Herb Blend 4 oz

-Olive Oil & Rosemary Crackers 1.5oz

-Cheddar Havarti Blend 7 oz

-2 Signature Beef Summer Sausage 10 oz

-Sweet Hot Mustard 2.5 oz.

-Italian Recipe Beef Summer Sausage 10 oz.

-Honey & Pineapple Mustard 2.5 oz

-Farmhouse Cheddar 8 oz

As much as I wanted to dig into all the scrumptious goodies, I’m saving the items to serve to my family on the night we decorate the Christmas tree.  Knowing what they already taste like,  my favorite way to prepare the items is to slice the summer sausage extremely thin and serve it with a dash of hot mustard and cheese on a Olive Oil & Rosemary Cracker!  Yummy, it’s making my mouth water just thinking about it!

What is your favorite Hickory Farms combination?

 About Hickory Farms

When Hickory Farms was founded in 1951 in the pastoral farm country of Ohio, the products quickly became a hallmark gift for those who appreciate rich and savory foods. For the past 60 years, Hickory Farms’ commitment to personalized service and the legendary quality of its products have kept the company popular on gift lists everywhere.

Hickory Farms brings the best of Midwest values and unwavering quality to consumers in North America and the U.S. Armed Forces all over the world. Customers can find Hickory Farms’ award winning sausage, cheese and other specialty items at 750+ Hickory Farms holiday stores, online at hickoryfarms.com, in catalogs, and at leading retailers throughout the holiday season.

Long time a trusted expert in holiday food gifts, Hickory Farms’ is among the very top brands considered by shoppers when buying for their friends and family. This year, their perfectly matched gifts feature award-winning products as well as a new delivery program to make sure shoppers and recipients alike experience the Best Hickory Farms Ever. Hickory Farms will also be available in even more locations this year as the company adds 25 new locations, including its first ever corporate presence in Manhattan and a new location on the famed Market Street of San Francisco.

Committed to delivering the finest quality products with the freshest ingredients, all Hickory Farms gifts are hand packed and guaranteed to arrive in 3 business days or less at a flat rate of only $3 all season long.

“I wrote this review while participating in a campaign by Mom Central Consulting on behalf of Hickory Farms and received a product sample to facilitate my review.”

Hickory Farms’ Gift Boxes Review- A Cherished Holiday Tradition! is a post from: A Happy Hippy Mom

Procter & Gamble and Walmart is set to air the ninth film  in their Family Movie Night initiative, “Game of Your Life” on Friday, December 2, 2011 at 8/7c on NBC.  The three most recent Family Movie Night films, “Field of Vision,” “Who is Simon Miller?” and “Game Time: Tackling the Past” are planned to release on DVD at Walmart on Tuesday, November 29, 2011, just in time for holiday gift-giving!  The first  five movies in the initiative,   “Secrets of the Mountain,” “The Jensen Project,” “A Walk in My Shoes,” “Change of Plans,” and “Truth Be Told,” are all currently available on DVD and would  make perfect stocking stuffers this holiday season too!  I have seen them all so far and they are excellent entertainment for the whole family to enjoy!

I was able to get a sneak peek at “Game of Your Life” and have been given the privilege of sharing with you about the movie!  Watch the trailer below!

Synopsis

When industrious high school gamer Zach Taylor lands a prized scholarship to the prestigious Digital Institute of Game Design (DIGD), his future breaks wide open. The opportunity to study under gaming legend Marcus Bentton and alongside the country’s most creative minds will certainly propel him into a successful career as a video game designer. That is, if he can pass the infamous freshman project that eliminates more than half of the class within the first three months.

Paired with brilliant yet socially awkward teammates Phillip and Donald, the trio persuades Sara Ramirez – a determined and striking team leader with whom Zach has a history (and possibly a future) – to join their team. Working off-campus in the teched-out Lincoln Alley loft, the four set out to involve the entire campus in a quirky new social interactive game. But as the group becomes entrenched in the project, Zach learns that his father Billy, a widower, is facing growing financial woes at home. To help out, Zach accepts an opportunity to work directly with Marcus Bentton on a secretive side project that seems too good to be true. The effort requires nearly all of Zach’s time and energy, which he should be devoting to the project. Struggling to keep it together, Zach is torn between his responsibility to his team, his admiration for Bentton and a chance to help his father.

Everything comes to a breaking point when Zach’s team threatens to remove him from the group and the deceptive truth behind Bentton’s project comes to light. With the guidance of Professor Abbie Lambert, Zach must make a decision that not only affects his future, but the lives and livelihoods of the people around him as well. It’s a revealing story that recognizes the magnitude behind the choices we make and the importance loyalty plays in making good decisions.

Another Great Movie!

I’m sure you most likely have often heard me say it hundreds of times before, but I’m gonna say it once again! It’s getting progressively difficult to find quality entertainment that moms and dads can sit down and enjoy with their kids without worrying about inappropriate commercials and film content making you need to run for your remote control.  While I was a youngster my parents didn’t appear to have this dilemma and there was generally something fun for all of us to watch with each other. Actually, several of my fondest remembrances are of moments spent with my mother and father enjoying a favorite show or movie and stuffing my face with delicious  homemade snacks. I would like my kids to have the ability to experience the same.   For this reason I look forward to the Family Movie Night made for television films.  The movies always have some moral lessons to be learned and relate to everyday topics young tweens or teens can identify with, yet do it without having to use drugs, alcohol, cursing, or risque scenarios.  As everyone knows, that’s a rarity nowadays!

My whole family enjoys playing video games, so “Game of Your Life” was definitely appealing to them.  Having said that, you don’t need to be a video game fanatic to find this movie interesting!  The subject matter highlites on the ethical principles of integrity, trustworthiness, loyalty, friendship, and how one’s decisions can have an impact on individuals around them.  There is even a couple of unforseen twists within the film which will keep you guessing as to what will transpire next!  I liked it as I’m certain you are going to as well, so make sure you tune in on Friday, December 2 at 8/7c on NBC and give “Game of Your Life” a chance!

Check out the Family Movie Night Facebook page!

“I wrote this review while participating in a campaign by Mom Central Consulting on behalf of P&G and received a promotional item to thank me for taking the time to participate.”

P&G “Game of Your Life” Premieres Friday, December 2 at 8/7c on NBC! is a post from: A Happy Hippy Mom