Company: Vivendi Entertainment
Item Reviewed: The Garfield Show: Summer Adventures DVD

It’s one adventure after another as Garfield and his pals look for a pot of gold at the end of a rainbow, try to save their favorite pizza place and morph into superheroes! Then hold on and get ready for one wild ride as they visit Cheese World, a cheese-lover’s theme park. But will Jon rain on the summer fun when he enrolls Garfield in an extreme education program to become a “normal” cat? Not if Garfield can help it!

Episodes Include:

• Perfect Pizza
• Lucky Charm
• Extreme Housebreaking
• Mailman Blues
• It’s A Cheese World
• Super Me

With Bonus Episode Fame Fatale.

My Thoughts

Garfield is a childhood favorite of mine. From my collection of books to a stuffed animal of every character I love Garfield. Over time I have also been collecting Garfield DVDs and am thrilled that my girls love the show just as much as I do. Garfield’s antics crack us up and we love watching him on his different adventures. It’s A Cheese World was our favorite from this collection as Garfield loves cheese and so do my daughters so they laughed along with the show. This is a great DVD to add to my Garfield collection and if you love Garfield as much as I do you will love The Garfield Show: Summer Adventures too!

Company: General Mills
Item Reviewed: New Apple Cinnamon Chex
Item Given Away: (1) Apple Cinnamon Chex Prize Pack (5) Boxes of Apple Cinnamon Chex Cereal
Start Date: May 30
End Date: June 14

The most recent addition to the Chex cereal line offers a delicious and healthy breakfast that your entire family will enjoy!

Highlights of new Apple Cinnamon Chex include:

• It’s sprinkled with real apple and cinnamon
• With 130 calories and eight grams of sugar per serving, Apple Cinnamon Chex makes it easy for families to start their day with a healthy breakfast that tastes delicious
• It’s made with whole grains, giving you key nutrients, vitamins and minerals
• Apple Cinnamon is the sixth gluten-free cereal flavor offered by Chex; additional gluten-free flavors include, Rice, Corn, Honey Nut, Chocolate and Cinnamon

Apple Cinnamon Chex will make its debut on grocery store shelves nationwide beginning this July.

My Thoughts

I grew up on Chex, I remember sitting at the table with my grandfather with a bowl of Chex in front of us and watched him as he poured sugar and cinnamon over his, so I did the same. It has always been my favorite cereal and over the years I have liked many different varieties of Chex. The new Apple Cinnamon flavor is perfect and one that my grandfather would like too. I love it, my kids love it and the box that I got to try out was gone within two days. So I can’t wait to add Apple Cinnamon Chex as a permanent part of my grocery list when it officially hits the store shelves in July. It was delicious!!!

And I have been given the opportunity to host a giveaway where one lucky Dirty t Shirt reader will win the Apple Cinnamon Chex Prize Pack shown above and five readers will win a box of the new Chex cereal to try before it hits the store shelves. Please see rules below to enter to win today!

Rules

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Company: Walt Disney Studios
Item Reviewed: John Carter 3D

Unleash the full power of this sweeping action-adventure as it explodes off the screen and into your living room in cosmic Blu-ray 3D – the absolute best you can get at home. From Academy Award-winning filmmaker Andrew Stanton (Best Animated Feature Film, WALL-E, 2008) comes John Carter. Set on the mysterious planet of Barsoom (Mars), and based on Edgar Rice Burroughs’ classic novel – John Carter is a war-weary former captain who’s inexplicably transported to Mars. Reluctantly embroiled in an epic conflict, he rediscovers his humanity when he realizes the survival of Barsoom rests in his hands. Stunning special effects, great characters and villains – and complete with extraordinary bonus features – John Carter is a heroic and inspirational adventure that will thrill you in heart-stopping Blu-ray 3D.

4-Disc Combo Pack (3D BD + 2D BD + DVD + Digital Copy) Includes:

Blu-ray bonus features:

• Disney Second Screen – Explore John Carter’s journal with this innovative in-world experience and uncover a trove of fascinating details that extend the mythology of the movie.
• 360 Degrees of John Carter – Experience every aspect of the filmmaking process on one of the movie’s biggest production days.
• Deleted Scenes with Optional Commentary by Director, Andrew Stanton
• Barsoom Bloopers
• Plus all DVD features

DVD bonus features:

• 100 Years In The Making – Follow the journey of Edgar Rice Burroughs’ story, from its origins as a pulp novel to its arrival onscreen.
• Audio Commentary with Filmmakers

My Thoughts

John Carter is the type of movie that both my husband and oldest daughter love. Lots of action packed moments with great special effects that tie everything up in one amazing package. I personally got about half way through the movie when I stopped watching it because I ad to cook, and will pick it back up where I left off later. But while I was cooking I could hear my husband and daughter getting in to the movie, saying things like, “That was cool” and “look at that!”. Both agreed that seeing it in 3D was “way cool”. The things that I did explore was the Second Screen and of course the Bloopers because I love to see the scenes that people messed up. Second Screen is a brilliant way to interact with the movie and I have enjoyed that on the Disney movies I have seen in the past that had that available. At the end of the movie both my husband and daughter said that the movie was good and that they would tell their friends to watch it.

Company: Zazzle
Item Reviewed: Zazzle’s American MoJo Custom Pillow

Custom American MoJo Pillows

Create the perfect accent for any room with a custom pillow from Zazzle and American MoJo. Made of 100% grade A woven cotton, our pillows look great with your designs, text, and photographs. Produced by sustainably employed single moms in the USA, your custom pillow purchase will contribute to breaking the cycle of poverty for single moms and their children and look great in your home!

• Sizes 20″ x 20″ (square) and 13″ x 21″ (rectangle)
• Made with grade A woven cotton
• Fabric is made from natural fibers, which may result in irregularities
• Synthetic-filled insert included
• Sewn in the USA by sustainably employed single moms

My Thoughts

To me the best gift I could ever receive is a customized one, there is just something about a gift that has your children’s faces on it that just warms my heart! With the new American MoJo Custom Pillows that Zazzle offers I am now able to remember a time in my history for as long as I see that pillow. This one meant so much more to me because even though living in Montana did not work best for us, we have had some amazing memories here. Seeing the beauty of Yellowstone National Park more than once with our kids will forever be etched in our hearts. The park is absolutely stunning and some of the pictures that we took are amazing. I chose the two images that I had put on the pillow to remind me just how much fun we had and how beautiful it is.

I love my new pillow, not only because it reminds me of a beautiful place and the beautiful faces of my kids but because by Zazzle selling these pillows a portion of proceeds from each purchase provide better than minimum wage salaries, a chance at a new career path, and freedom from the prohibitive daycare costs that keep many single mothers from re-entering the work force. It is a great cause, so don’t delay, head on over to Zazzle and make your custom pillow today! I can’t wait to get back home so I can make a few more for the couch and even our bedrooms. One for everyone in the family with their special memories on it.

Company: See’s Candies
Item Reviewed: Custom Mix Box of Chocolates

I love chocolate, but the one thing I could never get use to was when someone bought me a box of chocolates, or I bought one myself that at least half the box would not get eaten because they were flavors I did not like. See’s Candies has come up with a way that will ensure I never have to deal with that again. They now have Custom Mix Boxes.

What is a Custom Mix Box? It is the way to allow you to like every single piece of chocolate in the box. You just click on the Custom Mix link and it takes you to a page where you can see all the candy and get descriptions of each piece and then you can add it to your mix. What I did when I created my custom box was to add all my favorites and then you can add what percentage of the box you want with that type. This allows you to have much more of your favorites on hand to hopefully eat before your family does. I tell you they dug into this box faster than any other time I have had a box of chocolates on the counter. When I asked why I was told that it was because they knew I filled it with all the kinds that they liked too!

I think the Custom Mix being offered by See’s Candies is brilliant and now they will be on my list of gifts to buy knowing that I can make it the perfect gift for everyone I know by sending the types of candies they like.  Before, when I have given boxes of chocolates to close friends for a holiday or occasion I knew half of it ended up in the trash because it wasn’t what they liked, now that won’t be a problem anymore and I will relax and know I did not just waste my money! To all my friends and family reading this – guess what you will be getting this year

I HIGHLY recommend checking out the new See’s Candies Custom Mix Box today!!!

Company: Saveurs Molecule-R inc.
Item Reviewed: Molecule-R Cocktail R-Evolution Kit

Molecular mixology kit – Mixology is now an art so stop simply mixing alcohols with juices! Learn how to deconstruct your favorite cocktails and serve your mojitos in a large bubble that will explode in your mouth, bite into a layered martini or add a touch of airy lime foam to your tequila shots!

This “do it yourself” molecular mixology kit allows you to recreate the atmosphere of the most trendy and modern lounges in the comfort of your home!

This all-encompassing kit includes five pre-measured food additives, three specialized molecular tools as well as a 30-recipe DVD that will facilitate the creation of your futuristic concoctions.

Stay ahead of the curve and bring the art of mixology to the next level!

Contents:

• 5 food additives (50 sachets)
• 5 pipettes
• 1 slotted spoon
• 1 set of measuring spoons
• 1 DVD of 30 recipes

My Thoughts

I have never been interested in being creative with my drinks until I watched the DVD that comes with the Cocktail R-Evolution kit by Molecule-R. As soon as I saw the first recipe I knew I was going to make all of them, just to have fun making it. Of course I don’t have all the liquor involved for all the recipes just yet but I was able to surprise my friend with a fancy tequila shot and my husband and I made a cool looking margarita. Can’t wait to get some of the other ingredients to make them all for friend and family. Made me feel all Scientific-y, something I never thought I would be

They also have a cool Cuisine R-Evolution kit so you can experiment with making cool foods to wow your friends. The kits that Molecule-R offer would make amazing gifts for those hard to shop for people on your list. I have had so much fun with the two recipes that I have tried so far and I think I will be buying the Cuisine kit for someones upcoming birthday! I highly recommend you check out Molecule-R today! Fun times will be had while you concoct tasty foods and delicious drinks, and everyone will be in awe of your creations!

Company: The Children’s Place / Norwegian Cruise Line
Item Reviewed: Children’s Place Outfit
Item Given Away: Norwegian Cruise Line “Bon Voyage” Package
Start Date: May 22
End Date: June 6

It is HOT! As summer is fast approaching it’s time to start thinking about taking a cruise. By entering The Children’s Place “A Place in the Sun” Sweepstakes, you can enter to win a 7 day cruise for four, to your choice of the Caribbean or Bermuda, with Norwegian Cruise Line. This unbelievable prize includes round trip air transportation, cruise ship accommodations for seven days and six nights in a Balcony stateroom and an all-inclusive meal plan for four!

With their newly redesigned, complimentary kids program, Splash Academy, and the equally engaging teen program, Entourage, young cruisers can explore and experience exciting activities with kids their own age on board an unforgettable Norwegian Cruise Line family vacation.

I love The Children’s Place, they just have the most adorable clothes for kids. My daughter was able to pick out an outfit that she would wear if we were going on a cruise. She chose pink shorts, a pink headband, a white tank top with sparkly roses on it and glitter red flip-flops. She says she is definitely ready for “fun in the sun” and said she can’t wait to swim and have her feet in the sand.

What are you waiting for? head on over and enter to win an amazing cruise today! In the meantime, I have been given the opportunity to host a giveaway where one lucky Dirty t Shirt reader will win a Norwegian Cruise Line “Bon Voyage” Package (which includes: Branded Beach Bag and Travel Mug). Please see rules below to enter to win today!

I have received free products as part of a promotional program from MomSelect and Norwegian Cruise Line.

Rules

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Company: Scholastic
Item Reviewed: May’s Mother-Daughter Book Selection
Item Given Away: Mother-Daughter Book Club Prize Pack
Start Date: May 21
End Date: June 5

Start a tradition of reading with your daughter with a Mother-Daughter Book Club! Scholastic’s monthly selections will help you choose books that you and your daughter will enjoy!

The book club launched May 1 with 4 titles: Glory Be by Augusta Scattergood, Pie by Sarah Weeks, The Boy on Cinnamon Street by Phoebe Stone, and Tomorrow Girls: Behind the Gates by Eva Gray, and there will be 2 new featured titles each month.

Along with book selections, the Mother-Daughter Book Club website also features discussion questions and snack suggestions for your book club meetings and a monthly Skype sweepstakes where you can enter to win a Skype visit from one of the authors at your next book club meeting. May’s sweepstakes author is Augusta Scattergood, author of Glory Be.

One of the most important things I will be taking with me when I move from Montana is my re-introduction to books. When I moved here last year I joined a book club that ignited my reading passion all over again, didn’t realize just how much I was missing by not reading on a regular basis. Because of how important it is to me I was thrilled to hear that Scholastic had a brilliant idea and has the Mother-Daughter Book Club. I love sharing books with my kids and I love this tradition even more because my tween and I can really spend some good quality time together.

I am so excited to be able to share this great idea with my readers.

One (1) winner will receive:

• $50 VISA gift card to host your own Mother-Daughter Book Club
• PLUS copies of all May and June book club titles!

Please see rules below to enter to win today!

May book selection provided to my daughter and I.

Rules

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Company: Walt Disney Studios / Studio Ghibli
Item Reviewed: The Secret World Of Arrietty Blu-ray

Discover The Secret World Of Arrietty where imagination comes to life! The studio that brought you Ponyo and the Academy Award-winning Spirited Away (2002, best animated feature) once again delivers a heartwarming tale of friendship and courage in beautiful animation – brilliantly presented through the magic of Blu-ray!

In a secret world hidden beneath the floorboards, little people called Borrowers live quietly among us. But when tenacious and tiny Arrietty is discovered by Shawn, a human boy, their secret and forbidden friendship blossoms into an extraordinary adventure.

Featuring the voices of the Disney Channel’s Bridgit Mendler, David Henrie, and comedic all-stars Will Arnett, Amy Poehler, and Carol Burnett, and based on the award-winning novel The Borrowers – The Secret World of Arrietty will delight families of all sizes.

My Thoughts

One of the most heart-felt movies my family and I have seen in a long time. My girls and I loved The Secret World of Arrietty, we were enthralled the entire 95 minutes, not even refilling our popcorn bowl. The story is great, one I know well, and it was such a visually stunning fun movie that I am so hapy that I got to share with my daughters. I really wish I could have seen it when it was playing in the theaters so I could have felt more immersed in the Borrowers world. This is my new favorite movie by the ever brilliant Hayao Miyazaki, who my entire family loves!

We loved watching the original Japanese Trailers and TV Spots as well as Bridgit Mendler’s Summertime video. My girls are both huge fans of hers and they both loved that she was a part of this movie. A must watch extra feature is the Arrietty’s Song music video, simply beautiful!

We all highly recommend The Secret World of Arrietty to everyone, I personally just can’t say enough about this movie other than I loved it!! Make sure to add this one to your movie library!