Happy Lights are Perfect For Home and Recreational Use #Giveaway

When a product is practical and cute, you have a win-win. Happy Lights by Delaware Lane are just that! These LED lights look like an incandescent light bulb, but they are battery-powered LED lights. Their cheerful smiling faces are reminiscent of the smiley face icons from the 70’s.

These lights hang from a long string that you attach to the ceiling making them perfect to use for lighting up  dark closets and spaces. Beyond that, they are great to take camping and to use as tent lights or to keep in an emergency kit. Since they are battery-powered they are perfect to use during power outages.

Since these lights hang from a long string, be careful when using them in areas with young children. The lights remain cool to the touch. Happy Lights are a good choice to use in outdoor structures like sheds and boat houses.

 

The lights use 3 AAA batteries. To turn the light on and off , you simply pull them. They light up dark areas very nicely. I plan to put mine in a dark hall closet that I have.

You can see more about how these lights work in my video below:


Giveaway:

Happy Lights by Delaware Lane on Mommy Ramblings

Delaware Lane is sponsoring a giveaway on Mommy Ramblings! One lucky blog reader will win 2 LED Happy Lights by Delaware Lane! Thank you to the company for the review lights and for sponsoring this brilliant giveaway on Mommy Ramblings! Open to US Residents.

2 LED Happy Lights by Delaware Lane Giveaway on Mommy Ramblings Rules:

Please enter for your chance to win using the Rafflecopter widget below. Good Luck!!!

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“The Ostrich and Other Lost Things” Book #Giveaway

The Ostrich and Other Lost Things is a new book by  Beth Hautala, author of  Waiting for Unicorns. The book tells the story of eleven-year-old Olivia Grant who, despite being extraordinarily good at finding lost things, can’t find her brother’s toy ostrich—a comfort item she believes helps manage his autism.

So, when summer break begins, and the local community theater announces auditions for an all children’s production of her favorite show, Peter Pan, Olivia jumps at the chance to claim something for herself. But what begins as a promising opportunity and a wonderful escape quickly becomes pure chaos.

The visiting zoo with an odd assortment of animals–including an ostrich that causes even more trouble than Jacob’s missing toy–only make matters worse, as Olivia’s summer is shaping up to be just as consumed by Jacob’s needs as the rest of her life has been. In time, and with the help of some unlikely alliances, Olivia must learn what it means to be separate from her brother and still love him, how to love herself in spite of her own flaws, and that not all lost things are meant to be found.

Olivia has feelings that will be very relatable to anyone growing up with a special needs sibling. Sometimes the stress is almost too much and Olivia wonders why can’t things be more normal. Dealing with Jacob’s meltdowns, doctor’s appointments, rituals and more can wear on a tween trying to find her own way. If Olivia could just find her brother’s Ostrich, things might get better instead of worse.

Vetted by healthcare professionals and inspired by the author’s experiences, Beth Hautala writes with sensitivity and authority as she explores the larger impact of autism on the family of the individual diagnosed. The Ostrich and Other Lost Things is a timely, universal message of understanding and tolerance. The bonds and challenges of caring for a sibling with autism are bravely explored, along with the pain and power that comes from self-discovery in this beautifully written novel.

Listen to me read the prologue and chapter 1 of the this great book:

Praise for The Ostrich and Other Lost Things:

Giveaway

Penguin Random House is sponsoring a giveaway on Mommy Ramblings. One lucky blog reader will win a hardcover copy of , The Ostrich and Other Lost Things! Thank you to Penguin Random House for the review book and for sponsoring this great giveaway on Mommy Ramblings! Open to US Residents.

The Ostrich and Other Lost Things Book Giveaway on Mommy Ramblings Rules:

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Cheers For “American Wrestler: The Wizard”, A True Underdog to Champion Film

I always laugh when anyone tells me someone is an “overnight success”, because nothing could be further from the truth. What they fail to see is the years of hard work, failures, perseverance and sheer determination that fueled the success they see. The successful person they see did not arrive at that level overnight. That false perception, is what causes so many to give up and quit pursuing their dream when they don’t see immediate results.

If you delve into the life of any successful person, you will find out just how hard they had to work, and all the challenges they had to rise above to reach their goals. As a parent, one of the things I stress the most with my children, is the importance of having a “failure is not an option” attitude if they want to reach their goals, because things will get hard. If a person doesn’t have that type of attitude, it is easy to give up, so it is important to know, failing is not a bad thing.

Failures can be great things even blessings because, they show us what is not working and give us time to readjust our sails and find a better way. A failure is not an indication that we should give up our dream, it is just a detour, a time to regroup and rethink our strategy. We often learn, that are failures are just a catalyst that help us find a better way. The only way to truly fail is to give up an quit.

The story of someone who faces extreme adversity and achieves great success is very empowering and uplifting. How many of us like to root for the underdog? Most of us do, and that is why movies with that type of plot are so popular. This weekend we sat down to watch American Wrestler: The Wizard, a movie based on the life of Ali Afshar.

 

In the film 17-year-old Ali Jahani, escapes certain death in the mine fields of Iran by relocating to a small town in California and living with his uncle.

The film takes place in the late 70’s and Ali faces a great deal of bullying and discrimination in his new school and community. He also finds himself at odds with his uncle one night, causing him to storm off into the night. Walking around town he goes up to the school and watches a wrestling match. Since he was too small for football and too short for basketball, Ali tries out for the wrestling team and makes it.

Making the team ends up being his saving grace in more ways than one. The first way it helps Ali, is that it creates common ground between him and his uncle. Ali’s uncle was going to send him back to Iran until he saw that Ali made the wrestling team. When his uncle hears Ali made the team, he tells him that he was a wrestler and begins to train Ali. Ali is thrilled that he gets to stay in the United States and begins to build a bond with his uncle through training.

Working hard and training hard, Ali becomes a star on the wrestling team and earns himself the admiration and respect of his teammates. All of that is shattered by following a tragic piece of advice his uncle offered. When all seemed to be lost, he found a way to rise above a desperate situation and once again regain his place as a star of the wrestling team. Ali’s uncle also found acceptance as the associate coach and mentor to not only Ali but all the boys on the team.

Things were going so well, until out of nowhere, tragedy strikes. Ali’s world is turned upside down, but he has to stay strong and find a way to not only succeed but to triumph above everything. This movie had us on the edge of our seat at the end rooting for Ali in one of his biggest challenges. This inspirational film drives home the message, that you can’t give up when things get tough.

The actor who plays Ali’s uncle is none other than, Ali Afshar himself.  The movie also stars Jon Voight, William Fichtner and George Kosturos as Ali. You can buy this movie now and learn more on the film’s website. Let me know if you have seen this movie or if you have plans to. I would love to hear what you thought about it.

 

 

 


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Rugrats Season 3 & 4 Available Now! #Giveaway

Have you heard the news? Nick’s most famous babies crawl back onto DVD in 2 New Collections! Rugrats Season 3 and  Season 4 are available now and ready to join Rugrats Season 1 and 2 which were released last year.

Rugrats: Season Three contains all 52 episodes from the show’s third season and features classic episodes like “Naked Tommy” and “Angelica Breaks a Leg.” Viewers will have a blast as they join Tommy, Chuckie and the gang as they grab a screwdriver, break out of the playpen and embark on over ten hours of grand adventures to the moon, north pole and even to Chuckie’s first haircut!

Rugrats Season 3 Contains:

DISC ONE

  • Dummi Bear Dinner Disaster/Twins’ Pique
  • Chuckie’s First Haircut/Cool Hand Angelica
  • Tricycle Thief/Rhinoceritis!
  • Grandpa Moves Out/ The Legend of Satchmo
  • Circus Angelicus/The Stork
  • The Baby Vanishes/Farewell, My Friend
  • When Wishes Come True/Angelica Breaks a Leg

DISC TWO: 

  • The Last Babysitter/Sour Pickles
  • Reptar 2010/Stu Gets a Job
  • Give & Take/ The Gold Rush
  • Home Movies/The Mysterious Mr. Friend
  • Cuffed/The Blizzard
  • Destination Moon/Angelica’s Birthday
  • Princess Angelica/The Odd Couple

DISC THREE:

  • Naked Tommy/Tommy And The Secret Club
  • Under Chuckie’s Bed/Chuckie is Rich
  • Mommy’s Little Assets/Chuckie’s Wonderful Life
  • In The Dreamtime/The Unfair Pair
  • Chuckie’s Red Hair/Spike Runs Away
  • The Alien/Mr. Clean

DISC FOUR: 

  • Angelica’s Worst Nightmare/The Mega Diaper Babies
  • New Kid in Town/Pickles vs. Pickles
  • Passover
  • Kid TV/The Sky is Falling
  • I Remember Melville/No More Cookies
  • Cradle Attraction/Moving Away

Rugrats: Season Four picks up right where season three leaves off and contains over six hours and two discs of adorable adventures from season four. Fans won’t want to miss the chance to relive the classic Rugrats family vacation, meet Spike’s babies or laugh along as Phil and Chuckie discover the joys of dresses!

Rugrats Season 4 Contains:

DISC ONE:

  • Vacation
  • Mother’s Day
  • Chanukah
  • Spike’s Babies/Chicken Pops
  • Radio Daze/Psycho Angelica
  • America’s Wackiest Home Movies/The ‘Lympics
  • The CarWash/Heat Wave
  • Angelica’s Last Stand/Clan of the Duck

DISC TWO:

    • Faire Play/The Smell of Success
    • The Turkey Who Came to Dinner
    • Potty Training Spike/The Art Fair
    • Send in the Clouds/In the Naval
    • The Mattress/Looking for Jack
    • Hiccups/Autumn Leaves
    • Dust Bunnies/Educating Angelica
    • Ransom of Cynthia/Turtle Recall
    • Angelica Orders Out/Let It Snow

My older kids loved the Rugrats, but it is all new to my younger two who have never watched them before seasons 1 and 2 came out last year on DVD. Now I can’t wait to share all the episodes on the season 3 and season 4 DVDs with them.

Giveaway:

Nickelodeon Home Entertainment is sponsoring a giveaway on Mommy Ramblings!  One lucky blog reader will win Rugrats Season 3 & 4 on DVD! Thank you to Nickelodeon Home Entertainment for the review DVD and for sponsoring this fantastic giveaway on Mommy Ramblings!!! Open to US residents.

Rugrats: Season 3 & 4  on DVD! Giveaway on Mommy Ramblings Rules:

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Bring Home One of The Best Super Hero Movies, “Thor: Ragnarok” Today! #Giveaway

Get ready for a family movie night with super hero excitement when you bring home Thor: Ragnarok, today!

Whatever form you choose: Digitally HD, 4K Ultra HD, Movies Anywhere or Blu-ray, you can bet your evening will be full of fun and adventure.

Marvel Studios’ “Thor: Ragnarok,” the God of Thunder’s third installment in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, electrified both audiences and critics alike reaching over $845M at the global box office. Now you can enjoy this colorful cosmic adventure, loaded with action, humor, drama and spectacle, in the comfort of your own home!

In Marvel Studios’ “Thor: Ragnarok,” Thor (Chris Hemsworth) is imprisoned on the other side of the universe without his mighty hammer and finds himself in a race against time to get back to Asgard to stop Ragnarok – the destruction of his home world and the end of Asgardian civilization – at the hands of an all-powerful new threat, the ruthless Hela (Cate Blanchett). But first he must survive a deadly gladiatorial contest that pits him against his former ally and fellow Avenger – the Incredible Hulk (Mark Ruffalo) – and grapple with his silver-tongued adopted brother Loki (Tom Hiddleston), the fierce warrior Valkyrie (Tessa Thompson) and the eccentric Grandmaster (Jeff Goldblum).

Fans who bring home the Ultimate Cinematic Universe Edition (4K Ultra HD + Blu-ray + Digital) of “Thor: Ragnarok” will experience all the thunderous action and lightning-fast wit in stunning 4K Ultra HD with next-generation high dynamic range (HDR) visuals and Dolby Atmos immersive audio. Exclusive, never-before-seen bonus features include deleted scenes; hilarious outtakes; an exclusive short: part three of the mockumentary “Team Thor,” retitled “Team Darryl” and featuring an eccentric new roommate; the evolution of MCU’s heroes culminating in “Avengers: Infinity War;” numerous making-of featurettes which explore the unique vision of director Taika Waititi; the story’s unstoppable women; the effortlessly charismatic Korg; the tyrannical leader of Sakaar, the Grandmaster; and the film’s comic-book origins;  audio commentary by Waititi; and more.


BONUS MATERIAL (may vary by retailer):

Blu-ray:

  • Director’s Introduction
  • Deleted/Extended Scenes – Deleted Scenes: The Sorcerer Supreme, Skurge Finds Heimdall & Hulk Chases Thor Through Sakaar and Extended Scenes: Thor Meets the Grandmaster, Stupid Avenger vs. Tiny Avenger & Grandmaster and Topaz
  • Gag Reel – Watch a collection of goofs, gaffes and pratfalls starring the cast
  • Exclusive Short/Team Darryl – Fresh off being unseated as the ruler of Sakaar, the Grandmaster makes his way to Earth to start a new life. It’s been over a year since Thor left Australia and Darryl has been struggling to pay his rent. Now Darryl needs a new roommate to help make the monthly payments. Unfortunately for Darryl, the Grandmaster was the only one who answered Darryl’s “Roommate Needed” ad and with no viable options, the Grandmaster moves in.
  • Marvel Studios: The First Ten Years – The Evolution of Heroes – Marvel’s universe is vast and transcends both time and space. We’ll examine the Cinematic Universe as a whole and revisit each of our heroes’ current location and their place in the current MCU timeline, as it all leads up to the one culminating event: “Avengers: Infinity War.”
  • Getting in Touch with Your Inner Thor – “Thor: Ragnarok” director Taika Waititi has brought his unique sensibility and sense of humor to the film in a great many ways but it is the evolution of Thor’s own sense of humor, which stands out the most in the new film. This piece explores the impact Chris Hemsworth has made on the development of his widely-loved character and celebrates the mighty cast and crew who reveal the fun and hard work that went into assembling Thor’s eccentric counterparts.
  • Unstoppable Women: Hela & Valkyrie – This piece explores the strong female characters in “Thor: Ragnarok,” their importance in the MCU, their incredible casting and their epic comic origins.
  • Finding Korg – A tongue-in-cheek interview with Taika on casting Korg. He describes the difficult search for just the right evolution of the character design, and the nuances of this instantly classic character in the MCU. This conversation will also delve into all the extraordinary visual effects that brought Korg, Sakaar and the worlds of “Thor: Ragnarok” to life.
  • Sakaar: On the Edge of the Known and Unknown – Sakaar is the collection point for all lost and unloved things. This documentary will answer all known and unknown questions while also exploring the hard work and creativity that went into creating the look and feel of Sakaar. From design inspired by Jack Kirby’s classic artwork to the dedication of the visual development team to the awe-inspiring physical and digital production, you will see this distant world come alive.
  • Journey into Mystery – A deep dive story piece with the writers, director and producer Kevin Feige about the inspirations for “Thor: Ragnarok” within the comics. Most notably, the contest of champions limited series where the Grandmaster pitted our favorite heroes against one another as he does in the film. This piece also further explores Thor’s comic book origins and classic arcs through interviews with some of the most important comic creators, such as Walt Simonson and Jack Kirby.
  • 8bit Scenes – Final Bridge Battle + Sakaar Spaceship Battle. Dive into these climactic sequences presented in retro video-game format.
  • Directors Commentary

Digital Exclusives:

  • Evolution of Thor and Hulk’s Bromance – We’ll examine this Super Hero friendship, which has spanned through several Marvel films. From their original Helicarrier fight match to the now iconic Hulk punch from Avengers 1, see how Marvel’s most powerful Super Heroes become the most extraordinary Super Hero buddies.
  • Additional Deleted Scenes – Travel to Asgard & Race To The Wormhole

Make Your Movie Night More Fun:

A Thor: Ragnarok Contest of Champions was held, inviting readers and followers to submit their own Thor: Ragnarok-inspired creation. Check out the awesome original recipes below!

Download Thor Contest of Champions PDF

“THOR: RAGNAROK” CAST & CREW

“Thor: Ragnarok” features a star-studded cast that includes Chris Hemsworth (“Rush,” “In the Heart of the Sea”) who returns to the title role of the hammer-wielding hero of Asgard. He is joined by Golden Globe® winner Tom Hiddleston (“The Night Manager,” “Kong: Skull Island”) as Thor’s duplicitous adopted brother, Loki; two-time Oscar® winner Cate Blanchett (“Blue Jasmine,” “Carol”) as the villainous Hela; Emmy® nominee and Golden Globe winner Idris Elba (“Luther,” “Pacific Rim”) as the Asgardian sentry, Heimdall; Jeff Goldblum (“Jurassic Park,” “The Grand Budapest Hotel”) as the eccentric dictator, Grandmaster, ruler of Sakaar; Tessa Thompson (“Creed,” “Selma”) as the fierce warrior, Valkyrie; Karl Urban (“Star Trek” trilogy, “The Lord of the Rings: Return of the King”) as Skurge, one of Asgard’s  strongest warriors; three-time Oscar nominee Mark Ruffalo (“Spotlight,” “The Kids Are All Right”), reprising his role of Bruce Banner/The Hulk from “The Avengers” and “The Avengers: Age of Ultron”; and Academy Award® winner Anthony Hopkins (“The Silence of the Lambs,” “Nixon” ) again portraying Odin, King of Asgard.

Stay in the loop with Marvel on Social Media by following them on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Have you seen Thor: Ragnarok yet? My family just loved it!

Giveaway:

Marvel Studios is sponsoring a giveaway on Mommy Ramblings. One lucky blog reader will win a digital copy of Thor: Ragnarok! Thank you to Marvel Studios for the review Blu-ray pack and for sponsoring this hero of a giveaway on Mommy Ramblings! Open to US Residents.

Thor: Ragnarok Digital Movie Version Giveaway on Mommy Ramblings Rules:

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“Guess How Much I Love You” Baby Milestones Gift Set #Giveaway

I don’t believe it is a secret that we are a book loving family.  I love reading aloud to my kids. I love it so much, I even read to them in utero. There are some books that have never lost their appeal from my oldest to my youngest, they are timeless classics like, Guess How Much I Love You. 

The love expressed between Big and Little Nutbrown Hare, is one that parents know well. The book is so sweet, and I have loved sharing it with my children over the years.

I think it makes the perfect baby shower gift and this time of year it is a great pick for baby’s first Easter. What could be better?

Believe it or not, it does get better, because it is available in an adorable gift set called Baby Milestone Moments. This super sweet gift set pairs a Guess How Much I Love You  board book with a set of beautifully designed milestone cards!

How cute is this set? Reading Guess How Much I Love You with a little one is always a memory in the making. Now, the enchanting art of this perennial family classic can play a unique part in remembering  baby’s first months and years. Parents and caregivers can capture special moments by taking photos of their child with the appropriate milestone cards. 

Giveaway

Candlewick Press is sponsoring a giveaway on Mommy Ramblings! Two lucky blog readers will win their own Guess How Much I Love You, Baby Milestone Moments Board Book & Card Set! Thank you to Candlewick Press for the review set and for sponsoring this special giveaway on Mommy Ramblings! Open to US Residents.

Guess How Much I Love You, Baby Milestone Moments: Board Book & Cards Gift Set Giveaway Rules:

Enter below for your chance to win using the Rafflecopter widget. Good Luck!!!

If you are interested in receiving a set for review and/or giveaway, please respond to this e-mail by 2/1.

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Advantages and Disadvantages of Reverse Mortgages

Reverse Mortgage Ins and Outs

When it comes to home loans you have a choice between a traditional loan or a reverse mortgage, which is also sometimes called a home equity conversion mortgage (HECM). A reverse loan may look appealing at first, but you need to understand exactly how it works before you enter into a legal loan contract. The ins and outs of reverse mortgage agreements are briefly outlined below.

Closing Costs And Fees do Exist When You Sign a Reverse Mortgage Agreement

You may not realize it at first because the fees are “hidden”, but reverse mortgages do have closing costs. The reason those fees are not readily apparent is that they are taken off the top from the loan money received, as opposed to paid by you at a later date. You must be cognizant of those fees before signing an agreement with your lender or you may not receive the amount of loan money you initially expected.

Interest costs are also a concern when it comes to these types of home loans. Reverse mortgages do not come with the same monthly repayment obligations of traditional loans. However, since they take longer to pay off, interest has longer to accumulate. As a result, you will wind up paying far more than the initial loan amount in the long run.

HECMs May Not Convert All Home Equity to Cash

Another issue you must know about before signing a reverse loan agreement is that you can borrow against some of your home equity, but not all of it. There is a borrowing limit established by lawmakers to protect both borrowers and lenders from entering into unrealistic contracts. Your age, your home’s total value, and other aspects of your exact situation will be used to determine the total loan amount you can receive through an HECM. Therefore, the total amount which can be borrowed will vary greatly from one homeowner or property to another.

It is Very Difficult to Default on a Reverse Mortgage

A traditional case of defaulting on a home mortgage involves missed monthly payments. When payments are missed the lender can threaten to take the home away. Reverse mortgages have no such default risks. However, it is possible to default on them in another way.

Although you can’t miss a monthly payment on an HECM because they are not required in the first place, you are obligated to live in the home for the duration of the loan. If you choose to move out, are obligated to move out for medical reasons, or pass away the loan will go into default. However, the assets of you and your family cannot be taken by the lender to make up the remaining loan balance. Only the home itself can be sold. If a balance still exists after the sale of the home it will be erased by the lender.

Your Will Still Own Your Home

If the idea of selling your home and downsizing by moving to a small apartment in order to get extra money during retirement doesn’t appeal to you, you aren’t alone. Many people do not want to sell their homes. A reverse mortgage offers an excellent alternative because you will get additional money for living expenses while still retaining home ownership.

You Can Customize the Money Received Through the HECM

A final point to consider is that HECM money received can be customized to suit your requirements. For instance, you can create a credit line and borrow money against your home equity as it is needed. Alternatively, you can set up annuity payments, which will be made to you on a regular basis. If you have a major expense come up you can also ask for one large payment from the lender. The exact money transfer terms will be your choice.

This is a sponsored guest post that does not necessarily represent the ideals or views of Mommy Ramblings.

 

 

 

 


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“Aliens Ate My Homework” Available Now! #Giveaway #AAMH

While we were without power, an intergalactic adventure, Aliens Ate My Homework arrived on DVD, Digital, and On Demand Tuesday, March 6th! The film adaption of the first book from the popular Rod Allbright and the Galactic Patrol series by Bruce Coville follows a pair of middle schoolers racing to save the world from destruction after extraterrestrials invade Earth.

My kids finally got to watch this and they loved it!  We also, enjoyed watching it with them.  I think most parents will like it as much as their kids.

Aliens Ate My Homework entertains and empowers young audiences with humor, heart, and a whole lot of imagination. The film starring William Shatner is the first of a planned series of inventive action-comedies from Universal 1440 Entertainment, a production entity of Universal Studios Home Entertainment.

You can watch the trailer below:

Aliens Ate My Homework features the voice of two-time Emmy Award winner William Shatner (“Star Trek”)  and comes from director Sean McNamara (The King’s Daughter). The film also stars Jayden Greig (The Shape of Water), Lauren McNamara (“Summer of Dreams”), Kirsten Robek (The Edge of Seventeen), Dan Payne (Star Trek Beyond, Watchmen), Ty Consiglio (Wonder) and Alex Zahara (“The Man in the High Castle”).

Aliens Ate My Homework is a suspenseful family comedy which follows the adventures of sixth-grader Rod Allbright (Greig) and the extraterrestrial lawmen known as the Galactic Patrol. When a tiny spaceship flies through his window and lands on his science project, Rod and his cousin Elspeth (McNamara) meet a group of friendly aliens, including Phil, a talking plant (voiced by William Shatner). The earthlings quickly join the aliens’ adventurous mission to help defeat an evil alien criminal. After discovering the evil alien is disguised as a human – someone he knows all too well – Rod and Elspeth race to save the world from total planetary disaster.

BONUS FEATURES on DVD and digital

  • Not of This World: Creating Alien Life Forms – A look at creating some of the film’s Alien characters, showcasing the work of Emmy-winning visual effects maestro Todd Masters and his creature effects team. Viewers will get a peek at what it takes to bring the creatures to life on-set through the magic of prosthetic make-up, as well as practical effects techniques like oversized sets and puppetry.
  • Aliens Ate My Homework: From Page to Screen – This piece will give viewers a peek at the process of turning the novel into a film – from concept to production and visual effects. Featuring behind the scenes footage plus interviews with the cast, filmmakers, and author Bruce Coville.
  • On the Set with Bruce Coville – The beloved author gives viewers a peek at life on the set of Aliens Ate My Homework while providing details on the origins of the Galactic Patrol book series.
  • The Galactic Patrol Wants You! – A closer look at the members of the Galactic Patrol featuring Grakker, Madame Pong, Rod Allbright, Elspeth, and Phillogenous Esk Piemondum, aka Phil. In this featurette, the intrepid crew of the Starship Ferkel will reveal details on their current mission and will inform viewers on what it takes to become a member of the Galactic Patrol.

You can download and print some fun Aliens Ate My Homework Activity Sheets below.

Giveaway:

Universal 1440 Entertainment is sponsoring a giveaway on Mommy Ramblings! One lucky blog reader will win an Aliens Ate My Homework DVD! Thank you to Universal 1440 for the review movie and for sponsoring this out of this world giveaway on Mommy Ramblings! Open to US residents.

Aliens Ate My Homework DVD Giveaway on Mommy Ramblings Rules:

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Signing Back On After Nearly A Week With No Power!

If things have seemed quiet here on Mommy Ramblings, there is good reason why. We are just emerging from nearly a week of having no power, no internet and no cable. That means we had no heat and it is cold here in New York! 

We do have a generator but it was giving us issues causing us to rely on just our wood burning fireplace for warmth for almost 5 days before we got it up and running. Let’s just say, it was no indoor camping trip! 

I have so much work to catch up on and lost a week of income with my other job that requires me to work online. More than an inconvenience it causes financial hardship for so many that work from home. Many people do not understand that aspect of it.

My Cardinal landed on my porch railing right when the electric came back on. Then he sat for a while in one of the bushes out in front.

However, nothing much can be done about that but to move forward. I feel a great deal of pressure to make up all the missed work and deadlines. I am going to do the best that I can and try to hope that is enough.

Thank you all for your patience . Let me tell you, I cannot wait for spring!!!


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Get That Party Started with Basic Invite!

Spring is in the air, and on the calendar. I look forward to March because it signifies the end of winter and the start of spring. I love spring because everything is fresh and new, and it leads into my favorite month, summer! When I think of spring and summer, I also think about graduations, weddings, parties and more.

Who doesn’t look forward to a party? Parties are fun, but most would say, the planning can be stressful. There are so many decisions to make, it can sometimes feel overwhelming.  One of the biggest decisions is selecting the invitations. That is why I want to share Basic Invite with you. Basic Invite makes it simple to  order invitations online.

order invitations online

On Basic Invite’s website you can customize your invitations with an almost unlimited choice of colors and see your unique design in an instant preview. They make the iinvitation design process so user-friendly. Once you select the design, you can get to the fun part of playing with over 180 different color options!

kids birthday invitations

Basic Invite gives you the ability to change the color of individual elements as well as, the card itself! The incredible design options are what really sets Basic Invite apart from other online stationery sites. When you are done, you have a card that is exactly the way you want it, right down to the smallest detail.

Mitzvah Invitations

They have all kinds of invitations for occasions like weddings, graduations, Bar & Bat Mitzvahs, Baby Showers, Birthday Parties and more. Whether you are looking for party invitations for kids, elegant wedding invitations, graduation party invitations or baby shower invitations, you will find it all at Basic Invite.

Girls Birthday Invitations

In addition to their extensive selection of invitations, you will find thank you cards, business cards, birth announcements and so much more! Every card on their site is printed on high-quality cardstock of your choice. Basic Invite’s luxe 120lb matte is standard, but they have a wide variety of additional options from shimmer cardstock to double thick.

First Birthday Invitations

Their site makes it easy to design whatever type of invitations, cards or stationary you need. Their inspiration gallery and wording examples will inspire you throughout the design process. You won’t believe how simple it is, to create your own amazing designs! 

Wedding Invitations

Are you one of those people who needs to touch, feel and see something in person, before you know for sure, it is what you want? If so, Basic Invite lets you order a printed sample of your design, so you can see exactly how the finished invitation will look, before you place your final order.

Baptism Invitations

Envelopes don’t have to be boring, because Basic Invite’s envelopes are available in over 40 different colors. These colorful envelopes make your invitations stand out, even before they are opened.  Best of all, there is no licking or need for messy envelope sealers, because every Basic Invite envelope has a peel and seal closure.

Basic Invite’s address capturing service allows you to simply share a link on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram or any other form of social media to request addresses from your friends and family which are then stored in your customer account.

Remember Basic Invite for the holidays because they offer foil holiday cards in gold, silver and rose gold in flat or raised foil styles. They also offer recipient address printing at no cost on all Christmas card orders.  That can really save time during that busy time of year!

Christening Invitations

Save Now

To make a great thing even better, right now, you can take 15% off your Basic Invite order when you use the coupon code 15FF51 during checkout on their site.

You can connect with Basic Invite on social media through Facebook, Pinterest, Instagram and Twitter. Share you designs with them the hashtag #BasicInvite. 

So check out their site, and let me know what you think. Don’t forget to take advantage of that 15% savings! That will really help you get your party started!


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