It's Your Lucky Day Giveaway Hop

I encourage you to build your own creation out of cardboard and share it via social with the hashtag #TheBoxtrollsCC for a last chance to win an Imagination Box Prize valued at $5000! Learn how to enter-to-win and to see some of the amazing TheBoxtrolls inspired creations by visiting: www.TheBoxtrollsCardboardChallenge.com
THE BOXTROLLS releases in theaters on September 26!
Story: A family event movie from the creators of “Coraline” and “ParaNorman” that introduces audiences to a new breed of family – The Boxtrolls, a community of quirky, mischievous creatures who have lovingly raised an orphaned human boy named Eggs (voiced by Isaac Hempstead-Wright) in the amazing cavernous home they’ve built beneath the streets of Cheesebridge. When the town’s villain, Archibald Snatcher (Academy Award winner Ben Kingsley), comes up with a plot to get rid of the Boxtrolls, Eggs decides to venture above ground, “into the light,” where he meets and teams up with fabulously feisty Winnifred (Elle Fanning). Together, they devise a daring plan to save Eggs’ family.

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With the holidays upon us, travel is usually inevitable. Whether it’s across town or across the world the majority of the population does some sort of traveling during the holiday season. I know with our family we pack a LOT of tech..I’m talking 3 phones & 5 tablets. All need charging at some point & usually were battling for plugs…
Accell has a line of Home or Away products that are perfect for a family like ours!
With the Home or Away Power Station: Travel Surge Protector With Dual USB Charging, we can charge two devices via USB & three others by plug. That’s 5 devices on one charger! Two of these babies and we are set! No more battling over plugs.
If you’re planning on heading international, you should know that not all plugs are alike…you’ll definitely want to check out Accell’s Home or Away Dual USB Charging Kit with International Plug Adapters. This charger + adapters can charge two devices at once and comes with 3 international charging adapters so you’re ready for any country you may land in.
Accell has you covered even if you’re on the go with their 2-in-1 Power Bank and USB AC Charger. This power back comes with its own AC Charger which can also be used to charge another device while the power bank isn’t attached. I’m always in need of a power bank and the AC Charger that attaches makes it easy to keep up with everything you need to stay charged.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
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This past weekend I was lucky enough to be able to take my kiddos to Sea World for the start of this years Just For Kids Event!
The month of April brings us Just for Kids at SeaWorld, a park-wide festival made just for kids! It includes Shamu’s Party Zone, kid-friendly entertainment and a super-sized foam pit on Saturdays & Sundays this April.
Since we live way down here in Aransas Pass (Just outside of Corpus Christi, Tx) we got up around 5 and left about 5:45 so we could make breakfast on time! My little guys were sleepy, but excited to get going.
After checking in and going through security we had to take the family fountain pic. that is a tradition to anyone visiting…
We started our day with a hearty Sesame Street Breakfast where, you guessed it, we were able to dine with Elmo, Big Bird, Cookie Monster and more! This is an extra attraction that opens before the park.
My little man, and several other of the littles, were scared of these big fuzzy “things” that were walking around. By the end he hugged Zoe and yelled bye to Elmo! We did get a picture with Elmo later that day where he gave him a hug afterwards
For the month of April on weekends only, when you purchase 1 adult reservation, you get 1 FREE reservation for your child!! (More here: http://ow.ly/L5SxC)
After breakfast we were invited to view the new Sea Lion High stage at Pacific Point Preserve that is opening next month, May 23 2015!
The area surrounding the sea lion facilities will be reimagined as Pacific Point Preserve – an immersive experience that has the look and feel of a Pacific coast town where guests will make powerful connections with sea lions and other coastal wildlife. This new realm will not only include a brand-new show, but will also feature a significant transformation to the park’s sea lion exhibit that allows guests to experience a more enriching animal connection.
The centerpiece of this new realm will be the animals’ habitat. Guests will have the opportunity to visit and feed sea lions and seals inside the newly remodeled area, and reservations can be made for sea lion interaction programs, an in-water experience offering the closest connection the park offers with these amazing animals. In addition, Pacific Point Preserve will feature all-new educational elements designed to inform guests about animals and how to protect them in their natural habitat.
I can’t wait to head back and check out the new show and exhibit area! Not sure if you notice, but they put in plexi-glass walls now so you can see more of the action!
After that, it was time to hit the park for some more fun! First we hit the Bay of Play for some roller coaster, carousel, playground fun.
After that we headed on over to the Shamu Stadium..
I just love watching these beautiful animals!
There were so many things to do and see! They are so excited to head back next month for another adventure!
Have you checked out Just For Kids at Sea World San Antonio yet? What were your favorite activities?

Didn’t have the chance to attend the World Premiere of MCFARLAND, USA at the El Capitan Theater in Hollywood this past week? I have some fun pictures of the premiere to share with you!
As a surprise, the event featured a special performance by Latin rock superstar Juanes!
Based on the 1987 true story, “McFarland, USA” follows novice runners from McFarland, an economically challenged town in California’s farm-rich Central Valley, as they give their all to build a cross-country team under the direction of Coach Jim White (Kevin Costner), a newcomer to their predominantly Latino high school. Coach White and the McFarland students have a lot to learn about each other but when White starts to realize the boys’ exceptional running ability, things begin to change. Soon something beyond their physical gifts becomes apparent—the power of family relationships, their unwavering commitment to one another and their incredible work ethic. With grit and determination, the unlikely band of runners eventually overcomes the odds to forge not only a championship cross-country team but an enduring legacy as well. Along the way, Coach White realizes that his family finally found a place to call home and both he and his team achieve their own kind of American dream
Meet the inspiration behind the movie (minus Jim White)!
Of course the dashing Kevin Costner
Also make sure you join the social relay race for a chance to win $2,500 and other prizes!
http://racetomcfarlandusa.com/
Follow McFARLAND, USA on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mcfarlandusa
Follow Disney Pictures on Twitter:
https://twitter.com/disneypictures
McFARLAND, USA is rated PG and opens in theaters everywhere on February 20th!

Welcome to 2016! It seems like just yesterday we were welcoming 2015 and sharing the amazing line-up that made last year! What movies were your favorites from last year? I have so many, but Star Wars is tops! Now that we are a few days into 2016 it’s time to jump into what will be gracing big screens across the country with Disney’s 2016 Movie Line-up.
January 29, 2016 – The Finest Hours #TheFinestHours
“The Finest Hours” is a heroic action-thriller based on the remarkable true story of the most daring rescue mission in the history of the U.S. Coast Guard. Presented in Digital 3D™, Real D 3D and IMAX® 3D, the film transports audiences to the heart of the action, creating a fully immersive cinematic experience on an epic scale.
March 4, 2016 – Zootopia #Zootopia
The modern mammal metropolis of Zootopia is a city like no other. Comprised of habitat neighborhoods like ritzy Sahara Square and frigid Tundratown, it’s a melting pot where animals from every environment live together—a place where no matter what you are, from the biggest elephant to the smallest shrew, you can be anything. But when rookie Officer Judy Hopps (voice of Ginnifer Goodwin) arrives, she discovers that being the first bunny on a police force of big, tough animals isn’t so easy. Determined to prove herself, she jumps at the opportunity to crack a case, even if it means partnering with a fast-talking, scam-artist fox, Nick Wilde (voice of Jason Bateman), to solve the mystery.
April 15, 2016 – The Jungle Book #JungleBook
“The Jungle Book” is an all-new live-action epic adventure about Mowgli (newcomer Neel Sethi), a man-cub who’s been raised by a family of wolves. But Mowgli finds he is no longer welcome in the jungle when fearsome tiger Shere Khan (voice of Idris Elba), who bears the scars of Man, promises to eliminate what he sees as a threat. Urged to abandon the only home he’s ever known, Mowgli embarks on a captivating journey of self-discovery, guided by panther-turned-stern mentor Bagheera (voice of Ben Kingsley), and the free-spirited bear Baloo (voice of Bill Murray). Along the way, Mowgli encounters jungle creatures who don’t exactly have his best interests at heart, including Kaa (voice of Scarlett Johansson), a python whose seductive voice and gaze hypnotizes the man-cub, and the smooth-talking King Louie (voice of Christopher Walken), who tries to coerce Mowgli into giving up the secret to the elusive and deadly red flower: fire.
May 6, 2016 – Captain America: Civil War #CaptainAmericaCivilWar
After another incident involving the Avengers results in collateral damage, political pressure mounts to install a system of accountability, headed by a governing body to oversee and direct the team. The new status quo fractures the Avengers, resulting in two camps, one led by Steve Rogers and his desire for the Avengers to remain free to defend humanity without government interference, and the other following Tony Stark’s surprising decision to support government oversight and accountability.
May 27, 2016 – Alice Through the Looking Glass #DisneyAlice
In Disney’s “Alice Through the Looking Glass,” an all-new spectacular adventure featuring the unforgettable characters from Lewis Carroll’s beloved stories, Alice returns to the whimsical world of Underland and travels back in time to save the Mad Hatter.
June 17, 2016 – Finding Dory #FindingDory
Disney•Pixar’s “Finding Dory” reunites everyone’s favorite forgetful blue tang, Dory, with her friends Nemo and Marlin on a search for answers about her past. What can she remember? Who are her parents? And where did she learn to speak Whale?
July 1, 2016 – The BFG #TheBFG
The talents of three of the world’s greatest storytellers – Roald Dahl, Walt Disney and Steven Spielberg – finally unite to bring Dahl’s beloved classic “The BFG” to life. Directed by Spielberg, Disney’s “The BFG” tells the imaginative story of a young girl and the Giant who introduces her to the wonders and perils of Giant Country. The BFG (Mark Rylance), while a giant himself, is a Big Friendly Giant and nothing like the other inhabitants of Giant Country. Standing 24-feet tall with enormous ears and a keen sense of smell, he is endearingly dim-witted and keeps to himself for the most part. Giants like Bloodbottler (Bill Hader) and Fleshlumpeater (Jemaine Clement) on the other hand, are twice as big and at least twice as scary and have been known to eat humans, while the BFG prefers Snozzcumber and Frobscottle. Upon her arrival in Giant Country, Sophie, a precocious 10-year-old girl from London, is initially frightened of the mysterious giant who has brought her to his cave, but soon comes to realize that the BFG is actually quite gentle and charming, and, having never met a giant before, has many questions. The BFG brings Sophie to Dream Country where he collects dreams and sends them to children, teaching her all about the magic and mystery of dreams. Having both been on their own in the world up until now, their affection for one another quickly grows, but Sophie’s presence in Giant Country has attracted the unwanted attention of the other giants, who have become increasingly more bothersome. Sophie and the BFG soon depart for London to see the Queen (Penelope Wilton) and warn her of the precarious giant situation, but they must first convince the Queen and her maid, Mary (Rebecca Hall), that giants do indeed exist. Together, they come up with a plan to get rid of the giants once and for all.
August 12, 2016 – Pete’s Dragon #PetesDragon
(Photo by Jesse Grant/Getty Images for Disney)
A young orphan seeks refuge from his abusive adoptive parents with the help of a pet dragon and a couple who live in a lighthouse.
Fall 2016 – Queen of Katwe #QueenOfKatwe
A young girl from Uganda trains to become a world chess champion.
November 4, 2016 – Doctor Strange #DoctorStrange
After his career is destroyed, a brilliant but arrogant surgeon gets a new lease on life when a sorcerer takes him under his wing and trains him to defend the world against evil.
November 23, 2016 – Moana #Moana
Three thousand years ago, the greatest sailors in the world voyaged across the vast Pacific, discovering the many islands of Oceania. But then, for a millennium, their voyages stopped – and no one today knows why. From Walt Disney Animation Studios comes “Moana,” a sweeping, CG-animated adventure about a spirited teenager who sails out on a daring mission to prove herself a master wayfinder and fulfill her ancestors’ unfinished quest. During her journey, Moana (voice of Auli’i Cravalho) meets the once-mighty demi-god Maui (voice of Dwayne Johnson), and together, they traverse the open ocean on an action-packed voyage, encountering enormous fiery creatures and impossible odds.
December 16, 2016 – Rogue One: A Star Wars Story #RogueOne
A band of resistance fighters unite for a daring mission to steal the Death Star plans. Felicity Jones, who stars in “Rogue One,” will play a rebel soldier. The film will take place between Episode III and Episode IV, but closer to “A New Hope.”
TBD 2016 – The Light Between Oceans #TheLightBetweenOceans
A lighthouse keeper and his wife living off the coast of Western Australia raise a baby they rescue from an adrift rowboat.
Which one are you most looking forward to?
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Welcome to my Holiday Gift Guide 2015 . Where you can find great gifts for the young and young at heart. Look for the Holiday Guide Badge throughout the blog.
Want to be featured in our Product Guide? Find out more information here and then email me to get started!
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”