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It’s my Birthday! Have some Cake!

January 30, 2009 · by · 59 Comments
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Well, today’s the day, I’m 42! As you read this, I’m either flying from Philadelphia to Detroit, sitting in the Detroit airport during my 3 hour layover, or flying from Detroit to Lansing.  I guess there are worse ways to spend one’s birthday, right?  I didn’t forget my hostess duties though, I have cake! It’s my favorite, chocolate layer cake with chocolate frosting, YUM (image credit Hershey’s website)

Coffee to go with that? Big glass of milk, maybe? Might be some ice cream around here somewhere…

Now that you’ve had cake, I have a favor to ask.  All I want for my birthday is 42 comments on this post. That’s it! I’m really that easy to please :)   I know 42 people read this blog, and I know most of you have a bazillion blogs in your reader to get through every day, so you have to read and move on. And I understand, I do!  But today, if you could stop a minute and type out “happy birthday” or “here’s some prune juice you old bag”, I’d really appreciate it!

And if you REALLY want to make my day, feel free to mention my comment request to your readers! Just think of it as a group gift :)

Thank you my dears! I’m glad you stopped by today! You’re the best :)

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Soup and Birthday

January 27, 2009 · by · 12 Comments
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campbells-logoThis is no ordinary week this week, oh no. I’ve got some exciting stuff going on to tell you about! First, I’m getting on a plane tomorrow and heading to Philadelphia and New Jersey. I’m joining an amazing group of bloggers for a VIP tour of the Campbell’s Kitchens! They are calling us the Campbell’s Mom Bloggers!  I travel Wednesday and Friday, the event is Thursday. I’m looking forward to seeing what Campbell’s has in store for us.

Second, guess what this Friday is? It’s my 42nd birthday! yay!  And YOU can help make it a special day for me, yes you! How? Easy peasy lemon squeezey, my friends. All I want for my birthday is 42 comments on Friday’s post. That’s it! I know 42 people read this blog every day, and I know many of you are too shy to leave a comment, and that’s okay, I understand. But on Friday, if you could take a minute and say “happy birthday” or “dang you’re old”, it would make me very happy! Yes, I am that easy to please.

So please stop by again on Friday, there will even be cake! And wish me luck getting to Philadelphia and back with no mishaps. Thanks everybody!

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Funny Face on Centennial Collection DVD

January 26, 2009 · by · 5 Comments
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funny-faceFred Astaire plays Dick Avery, a fashion photographer based on real-life cameraman Richard Avedon, in the new release Funny Face – Paramount Centennial Collection, an entertaining musical directed by Stanley Donen. Audrey Hepburn stars as Jo Stockton, a salesgirl at a Greenwich Village bookstore who reluctantly allows Avery and his boss, “Quality” magazine owner Maggie Prescott, to transform her into an international supermodel. The film was nominated for four Oscars, including Best Writing, Best Cinematography, Best Art Direction and Best Costumes, and features original music by George Gershwin.

This movie is a technicolor joy to watch. From the eye-popping colors of Maggie Prescott’s office to the brilliant green of the trees in Paris, even Audrey Hepburn in all black seems to glow onscreen. And while I can’t claim to have totally understood the sub-plot of her being a “disciple” of a French Philosopher whose philosophy is called empathicalism, I have to guess that questioning one’s place in the universe was in vogue back in the 50′s, so it makes it’s appearance as a plot point here.

I learned some interesting fashion trivia while reading the IMDb page for this movie-Hepburn’s character is based on real-life model Suzy Parker, who makes a cameo appearance in the “Think Pink” dance number. Parker was the first model to make $100 an hour and $100,000 a year, and at the height of her popularity, was known as the most photographed woman in the world.

Watching Fred Astaire dance is always a pleasure, and Kay Thompson goes from cool to charming. This movie has comedy, romance, singing and dancing, and some really beautiful clothes, too. I’d say it’s a quintessential chick movie!

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Space Buddies on DVD & Blu-Ray 2/3

January 26, 2009 · by · 1 Comment
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spacebuddies

From the creators of Snow Buddies and Air Buddies comes this new movie featuring five adorable puppies, Space Buddies, which will be released on DVD and Blu-Ray on February 3rd, 2009.  Thanks to Click Communications, I received an advance copy for review. Want to WIN a DVD and Space Buddies Plush Dog Trio prize pack? Head over to MomReviews!

product description: Disney’s irresistible talking puppies are back in an all-new movie that takes them where no Buddy has gone before the moon! With the help of some stellar new friends, this out-of-this-world adventure is one small step for dog, one giant leap for dogkind. Moving at warp speed, dodging asteroids and more, the Buddies and their two new friends, Spudnick and Gravity, must summon their courage and ingenuity to launch plans for a moon landing and a rocketing trip back home. Will they have the right stuff? Overflowing with intergalactic action and heart, Space Buddies is an amazing tale of teamwork, and loyalty that celebrates the journey of life and the friendships made along the way. It s Buddy-loving fun your family will enjoy again and again.

Buddha, Rosebud, Budderball, B-Dawg and Mudbud  tag along on a school field trip, and through a series of unlikely mishaps, the dogs end up on the spaceship for what is supposed to be an unmanned mission, and are launched into space! When the mission commanders guide the spaceship to a Russian Space Station to pick up some fuel, the dogs discover a new friend, Spudnick. Together with a ferret named Gravity who belongs to the mission commander back on Earth, the dogs have to team up to get back home.

Starring Jason Earles (“Hannah Montana”), Diedrich Bader (“The Drew Carey Show”), Amy Sedaris (“Strangers With Candy”), Bill Fagerbakke (“Spongebob Squarepants”), Kevin Weisman (“Alias”) and Lochlyn Munro (“”Daddy Day Camp”), this movie has something for everyone in the family.

DVD BONUS FEATURES
•
Buddy Bloopers – Hilarious outtakes, blunders, and bloopers that add fun for the whole family!
•
“Dancing in the Moonlight” – A brand new music video performed by Disney Channel star
Alyson Stoner
•
DisneyPedia: The Buddies Guide To Space Travel – Viewers can go on set with the Space
Buddies as they each take a turn revealing some of their favorite movie making moments from
Space Buddies. They also give insight on what it takes to actually travel in space.
•
Buddy Facts – Watch Space Buddies again with pop up facts filled with information about space
and the making of the Space Buddies.
BLU-RAY EXCLUSIVE BONUS FEATURES (Includes all DVD Bonus Content)
•
Buddy Finder – Buddy Finder – Viewers go on a scavenger hunt with their favorite Buddy and
identify and locate 100 items within the movie
• Disney BD-Live Network – The Disney BD-Live Network is just one of the many ways movie
lovers, families, and loved ones can continue to stay connected and engage in their favorite
movies.

Watch the Trailer:

Pick up Space Buddies on DVD or Blu-Ray on February 3rd!

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You’ve Got Questions, I’ve Got Answers, Part 1

January 21, 2009 · by · 7 Comments
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So far I’ve had 13 terrific responses to my request for questions to answer to help me get over my blogger’s block!  Thanks everybody!  Here’s what enquiring minds wanted to know:

1. Kelly asked, If money were no object, and you could only spend it on yourself, what would you buy?

I would hire a personal chef to plan, shop for, and cook all my meals and snacks, making sure each person in my family got the perfect amount of nutrition each day, and they would make sure I stuck 100 percent to an eating plan that would lead to my weight loss. Then I would buy liposuction and plastic surgery for all the loose skin I would be sure to have :)

2.  Jennifer asked, I too am a mom of three. :) What do you do just for you?

About once a month, I ask my husband to take our kids out to dinner after work. He usually stops at the grocery store for milk or Target for something on the way home, so I get about 90-120 minutes of ABSOLUTE SILENCE.  Just not having to be responsible for anyone except myself, even for just that amount of time, is SO nice once in a while :)

3.  Lindley asked, If you could review (and keep!) any new product, what would you choose? Something for the family, the kids, just for you? Or if you could invent any new product to make your life easier/more enjoyable what would that be?

First question- hmm, a new car? Oh, I know, a new washer and dryer that are energy efficient!  An iPhone that comes with free service for life! No, I have it–a wonderfully comfortable mattress that fits in a twin size bunk bed, for my son who never complains but sleeps on a mattress that’s about as thick as a pancake.

Second question- I’d invent a way to keep coffee drinks hot so that places like Starbucks and our regional chain Biggby’s can deliver hot Mochas to me when I need one!

4. Teresa asked, If you had to live a different life, what or who would you be. I think I would royalty or a rock star.

Oh, that’s a really good question. I’d like to live the life of someone who is independently wealthy, but of course with my husband and kids too. I’d like it if Chris didn’t have to work and we could travel all over the world as a family, see everything there is to see.

5. Alison asked, I just saw The Bucket List last night. What’s on your list to do in this lifetime that you haven’t done yet?

If I can’t see the world, I’d like to at least see more of the United States. I’d like to see the Grand Canyon, Yellowstone, Mount Rushmore. And I’d like to spend time in New York City, see all the museums and Central Park.

I’ll do another batch of questions after I get some reviews done, and feel free to keep the questions coming, too! 


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Wii Game Reviews Wiki

January 20, 2009 · by · 11 Comments
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Before I jump into this site review, let me just assure you that the answers to all of your awesome questions are coming up next. You guys asked some great questions! I’m going to get blogger’s block more often! :) First, I’ve got info for you on a site that might help you choose which games to buy or rent for your Nintendo Wii. It’s called the Wii game review wiki and it gives you information from game players about the games.

As a product review blogger myself, I know that I’d much rather know what real users think of a product than just take the company’s word for it. If you aren’t familiar with Wikis, they are a web page or collection of pages that can be edited by anyone. Information can be added and edited, and in the case of Wii Game Reviews, users can add a video showing the game play, audio, or a text comment to any section.

Game reviews on the site are organized by category, and so far the categories are: Wii Action Games, Sports and Racing Games, Role Playing Game Reviews, Brain Game Reviews, Games for Girls, Wii Fit Games, Arcade Games, Strategy Games, and Game Downloads. In addition, folders located on the right side of the site contain information like how to fix a broken Wii, where to buy accessories, how to get the best deals on Wii consoles and games, and much more. There isn’t a lot of content yet, but if you’re looking for unbiased info on Wii games, it’s a place to look.

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Ask Me Some Questions Or Something

January 19, 2009 · by · 14 Comments
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Because I have a bad case of blogger’s block, like for serious. I’ve got a ton of DVD reviews to post, and a few reviews and giveaways to schedule, but I thought you all might enjoy something, you know, personal or whatever.

Ugh. I hate this post already and I’m writing it.

Come on, who’s got a question for me? What have you always wanted to know about me, Elizabeth, author of Table for Five and mother of three? Ask me anything.

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Brideshead Revisited-Updated and on DVD

January 15, 2009 · by · 6 Comments
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brideshead-revisited An updated version of both the book and the original 1982 PBS series, the new release of Brideshead Revisited
on DVD is based on Evelyn Waugh’s 1945 book, adapted by Andrew Davies (Pride and Prejudice) and Jeremy Brock (Mrs. Brown). Matthew Goode (Match Point) stars as lower-class Londoner Charles Ryder when a chance encounter with dandyish aristocrat Sebastian Flyte (Ben Whishaw, Perfume) changes the course of his life. The two embark on a close, intense friendship that is further complicated by the introduction of Sebastian’s beautiful sister Julia (Hayley Atwell, Cassandra’s Dream) and his overbearing, extremely religious mother, Lady Marchmain (Emma Thompson). Brideshead Revisited follows Charles from the carefree ’20s through the beginning of World War II, focusing on his complicated relationship with the upper-class family and their estate, Brideshead.

Bonus features on this DVD are Deleted Scenes, Audio Commentary by the Filmmakers, and “The World of Brideshead” Featurette. I have to confess, I haven’t had time to watch this yet, despite receiving it for review almost 2 weeks ago. I’m hoping to get a chance to watch it this weekend! Has anyone seen it? How does it compare to the 1982 PBS miniseries that starred Jeremy Irons?

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Wordless Wednesday-Happy Burger-Eating Ladies

January 14, 2009 · by · 17 Comments
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happy-girls2

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I Think My Electronics Hate Me!

January 13, 2009 · by · 11 Comments
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I don’t know, maybe a UFO is hovering over my house, or a giant magnet is secretly hidden in the clouds above my city, but in the last 3 days, it’s felt like my electronics are conspiring against me. Why? Let’s examine the evidence:

1. Our Xbox 360 developed the “red ring of death”, which refers to a red light appearing around the power button instead of the green light that means it’s working. Fortunately the warranty is still good, so Chris was able to print out a shipping label and send it back. But it still means 2-3 weeks with no Xbox, which to 12 and 10 year old boys is like torture.

2. Both of our cameras’ batteries just stopped taking a charge. At the same time. No matter how long you plug them in for. Which means I can’t take any photos, which wouldn’t be a big deal except I’m so used to photographing every product that comes in for my review, and now I can’t, and it’s frustrating.

3. On Sunday night, I was poking around online, just surfing from site to site, and I guess I clicked the wrong link, because a spyware warning popped up and next thing I knew, windows were popping up one after another. Chris puts more than just the standard virus protection on our machines, so we ran two different types of scans, and discovered it was a Trojan Horse virus. There was nothing I could do. Fortunately, he had brought home a new laptop to get it ready for use at work, and no one is requesting a new laptop right now so he said I could use it. So I guess there’s an upside to that, I get to work on a brand new Dell with Windows 7 installed on it.

But still, it’s not a very positive way to start 2009, having one thing after another stop working. I’m hoping it’s like a friend suggested, like March going in like a lion and out like a lamb, except for the whole YEAR.

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