How to Throw a Superhero Party Worthy of ‘The Avengers'

Have you caught the Avengers' yet?  If not, you might be missing out on one of the most talked about movies in a long time.  If you have a child that loves the Avengers, you might be interested in some of these tips from Ms. Ricky Eisen, Founder and President of Events and Celebrations by Between the Bread for your next party.

Invitations: Start your party off right with the perfect invitation. You can make your own postcard invitations with cardboard cut-outs of bright blue painted stars, and include the details about your party in a thin black marker. Decorate the front of each with classic comic book words like POW!, ZAP! And WAM!

Décor: The Avengers bring together 6 epic superheroes. Create your own easy decorations with cardboard cutouts of spiders and paint them black, neon green head’s of The Hulk and classic American flags for Captain America and, throughout the party, use bold colored streamers, which will add some mystery to the room.

Centerpieces: Choose your favorite Avenger and decorate the table around that character. Use lots of primary colors, since comic strips are usually blue, yellow and red. Print outs of comic book pages covered in contact paper make great placemats. Blanket your tables with these to tie the décor together and include stars, spiders and Hawkeye cut-outs on wooden sticks around the table with silver confetti.

Music: Keep the music simple but fun. “Live to Rise,” the original song written for and appearing in the film is the first single from the Marvel Music/Hollywood Records release Avengers Assemble.  The epic and cinematic video, featuring a searing live performance with film footage, was directed by Robert Hales (Red Hot Chili Peppers, Janet Jackson, Kings of Leon, Justin Timberlake).  View “Live To Rise”: http://www.vevo.com/watch/soundgarden/live-to-rise-from-marvels-the-avengers/USH5V1221447 or http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D3ZNtOcY_1A 

Menu: Mini snacks such as cut-out tea-sandwiches make great finger food. Look for cookie cutters in shields, stars and spiders to create these treats. For Incredible Hulk themed beverages, create trays of green ice cubes by freezing water with green food color, and WOW! guests as their clear citrusy beverages transform color before their very eyes.

Party Favors: As a parting gift, place a few Avenger designed cookies in a cellophane bag and close with a gold twist-tie – your guests can enjoy the party for days to follow with these treats!”

RECIPE

1.    Whip up a batch of your favorite sugar cookie recipe and use a cookie cutter to make character cookies.  They make Superhero cookie cutters in the shape of many Avengers heroes.  You can also use any oval shaped cookie cutter and instead fill in the details with your decorating.  Once your cookies are baked and cooled, you are ready to begin decorating.

2.    You can make your own royal icing (See:  How to Make Your Own Royal Icing included below) or use store-bought.  Color with food coloring to achieve the various colors you want for decorating.  We recommend green (for the Hulk), yellow, blue, black, white, and brown.  Place each color in a piping bag. 

3.    Begin by outlining the cookie in your base color.  (If you were starting with The Hulk, outline the entire shape in green.  Color in your outline with green icing and cover the entire cookie.  (You can actually use a paintbrush to “paint” your cookie.)  Give the base a few minutes to dry and choose your next color.  For The Hulk’s hair, outline his hairline in black and proceed to fill in with black icing.  You can continue to draw features in and watch your character come to life.

How to Make Your Own Royal Icing

• 3 egg whites, at room temperature.  We prefer dehydrated egg whites, available at most supermarkets.

• 4 cups powdered sugar

• 1/2 tsp cream of tartar

• food coloring (optional)

Mix above ingredients with a little warm water until smooth.  Add food coloring.

Stay up to date with The Avengers:

“Like” MARVEL’S THE AVENGERS on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/MarvelsTheAvengers

Follow MARVEL’S THE AVENGERS on Twitter: twitter.com/avengers

MARVEL’S THE AVENGERS is now playing in theaters everywhere!

*Disclosure:  I was not compensated for this post.  All information was provided by Disney.

Chuck: The Complete Fifth Season on DVD/Blu-Ray

Although it's not Christmas time, if you had one of those scary experiences where everything is strange and everyone is going crazy over the bargains, you probably will never forget it.  I avoid after Christmas shopping like the plague but I do have family members who don't mind the craziness of it all.  I've also seen all those crazy stories of people fist fighting over the sale items, knocking over others and all the rest of the civil unrest when it comes to finding a bargain or that one hard to find item.  That reminds me of the episode of Chuck Versus the Santa Suit where Chuck's sister Ellie is all ready for Christmas without realizing what is about to happen.


If you are a Chuck fan, you know there is never a dull moment and just because it's Christmas, it doesn't mean that one of those crazy computer infected or linked issues can't come into play!  This time a virus called Omen stirs up the holiday shoppers and causes pandemonium internationally.  The shoppers lost it and it's chaos everywhere.  Not too far fetched is it?  Every Christmas we hear of those stories but intermixing a virus is the new catch.  Have you ever wondered if a computer virus might one day affect us in a more personal way?  Interesting concept and Chuck allows you a glimpse of that possibility.


If you are a Chuck fan, you won't want to miss the featurette below where the entire casts gives thanks to YOU .. the fans!  


Purchase Chuck:  The Complete Fifth Season on DVD/Blu-Ray and use Promo Code c5wbwrd to save 20% and get free shipping when you order Chuck: The Complete Fifth Season on DVD/Blu-Ray from the wbshop!





*Disclosure:  I have been hired by Warner Bros WBWord division to raise awareness for 'Chuck.'

iPad 3 and Tuxedo Case Giveaway 5/20

Coupontrade.com, Case-mate and EyeBuyDirect are offering another awesome giveaway! Enter below for your chance to win a NEW iPad and Tuxedo Case!

Case-mate specializes in the design & creation of premium form fitting products to protect mobile devices. We sell the finest cases, holsters and precision-cut protective films for the newest iPad, iPhones, Laptops and much more! Shop EyeBuyDirect.com, the online leader in prescription eyewear, for glasses starting as low of $6.95!

CouponTrade.com is your new source for discount gift cards and NAME brand coupon codes. Now you can combine these discounts in ONE place to save more than ever before, or claim what's yours and SELL your unwanted gift cards too!




Entry is simple! Just fill out the Rafflecopter Form Below!

Leading Lady Mother's Day Celebrity Breastfeeding and Toxin-Free Living Swag Bag Giveaway $1500 Value & Discount

This spring, Hollywood Leading Ladies Jenna Elfman, Kelly Preston and Laila Ali hosted an afternoon tea which celebrated moms and moms-to-be, and educated them about raising healthy babies.  Leading Lady a presenting sponsor of this first ever celebrity breastfeeding and toxin-free living event to raise awareness for the not-for-profit organizations Best for Babes and Healthy Child Healthy World.  

They had their our very own lactation consultant Amy Berry on hand to fit moms with pretty, stylish and comfortable Leading Lady nursing bras, while offering advice and tips on breastfeeding.  Guests, including a glowing Vanessa Lachey, left the event with an incredible Swag Bags full of breastfeeding and eco-friendly products so heavy that they had to have help carrying them to their cars.

As Leading Lady is continuing the celebration through Mother’s Day by kicking off a great giveaway for their Celebrity Breastfeeding and Toxin-Free Living Swag Bag Giveaway!

Starting May 3^rd, Leading Ladies from Harrisburg to Hollywood can enter to win this luxe, eco-friendly gift bag -- valued at $1,500 -- featuring a five bra wardrobe from Leading Lady, as well as products from additional event sponsors Ameda, Moby Wrap, Motherlove, Cariboo, Seventh Generation, PumpEase, Fairhaven Health, Mamas and Papas, Happy Family, and more.

Check them out on Facebook, enter to win and tell them what you love about being a mom!  New Facebook fans will receive a special 10% discount code to use at any time*. 

Leading Lady is also celebrating Mother’s Day with a site-wide 15% discount (some items up to 70% off) on Sunday, May 13. 

Tropicana® Trop50® Juice with Tea Wants to Know What Makes You Refreshingly Different & Win Free Trop50 with Tea Giveaway 5/26

Have you heard of the new Tropicana® Trop50® Juice with Tea?  It's a new line of beverages from Tropicana with 50 percent fewer calories but with the great tea flavor if you are a tea fan. These new juice with tea combinations are made with delicious fruit juices and white and green teas to deliver a great-tasting and nutritious juice beverage.  As with the Tropicana juice I love, Tropicana® Trop50® Juice with Tea is located in the refrigerated area of your local store.

If you like traditional tea, you might want to test out some of these great flavors:

• Trop50 Peach with White Tea
• Trop50 Raspberry with Green Tea
• Trop50 Pear Lychee with White Tea.

What's great about Tropicana® Trop50® Juice with Tea is it's lower calories at only 35-45 calories per eight-ounce glass, provides a full day's supply of vitamin C and is a good source of antioxidant vitamin E and has no artificial sweeteners. 

Since it's just now available, you may not have had a chance to try it but now you will get a chance to win one three coupons for three 59 ounce bottles ($3.96).

Tropicana® Trop50® Juice with Tea is refreshingly different but what makes you refreshingly different?  

To Enter:

Please complete the Rafflecopter form below.

ACE WEIGHT LOSS ($90 VALUE) GIVEAWAY

ACE is all natural dietary supplement that supresses your appetite with no jitters or side effects. contains: Vandium, Cocoa poder, Green Tea, Chromium, Vitamin B 6, spirulina. All included in a gelatin capsule, also includes cellulose, magnesium stearate, silica and stearic acid.

Fijit Friends Newbies Review

  

My girls received the Fijit Friends a few months or so ago and loved them!  They enjoyed the interaction, how they played music, danced to other music and could even tell jokes.  This time, they were introduced to the new Fijit Friends Newbies which are cute little versions of the Fijit Friends.  They don't do all that their big pals do but they are so cute and fun.  I had hoped on having a great review and demonstration but that fell apart mostly due to a bumped up move that I just partook.  However, all is not for naught as I was able to get the girls to at least give a really short video demonstration.  The quality is not that great due to the wind and the fact they are shy but here is our attempt:

The Fijit Friends Newbies come in different colors and can interact with the Fijit Friends which is a big plus!  If you have more than one, they will sing duets to add the excitement and fun.  They are great for parties, sleep overs or just to have a little friend around.  They are battery operated and are recommended for ages six and up.  

One of the things I liked is how easy they are to play with and how easy it is to have them interact with the Fijit Friends.  I think what they loved was the size as they were easy to handle, compact and easy to take with them.  They were fascinated at how they interacted with their big buddies (i.e. Fijit Friends) shown above.


The girls liked nurturing their Fijit Friends Newbie by tickling and petting "him" to get him to sing more.  They also got a kick out of how they respond when you squeeze their sides.  Given my youngest just loves to sing, she enjoyed the humming and singing aspect the most and always breaks out in dance when they start playing their songs.  My youngest liked the Newbie but my older one liked the Fijit Friends bigger version since it had more interaction capabilities.  Overall, they are both great toys to give the children something to do and have fun.  Also, since they get them up dancing, they get in a little physical activity which I don't mind at all!


They are cute, fun and best of all, not too expensive.  Another great toy from Mattel!






*Disclosure:  I wrote this review while participating in a blog tour campaign by Mom Central Consulting on behalf of Mattel and received two Fijit Friends Newbies to facilitate my review

Don't Miss Out: Enter to Win 1 of 2 $50 GCs to Online Children's Clothing Shop 5/22 - International

If you are looking for some beautiful formal wear or just every day clothing, you don't want to miss out on entering this giveaway where TWO winners will receive a $50 gift card each!

If you live outside the US, you can can still enter (gift card can't be used towards shipping costs).

The clothing has amazing quality and a cut above you find in regular stores.  From my personal experiences after ordering many dresses, the quality is unmatched to any I have found.  With special inside features that help to give the dress a fuller appearance to just beautifully made attire, you won't be disappointed.

To enter, just click here on Adorable Baby Clothing giveaway.

*Disclosure:  I was not compensated for this giveaway.  The opinions are of my own.  

Pappa Pig: Muddle Puddles and Other Stories Review

Have you caught the latest sensation from Nick Jr.?  Peppa Pig is one of my youngest's favorite shows.  Peppa Pig and her family and not to forget, her friends, all have British accents and not only teach kids lessons but also new words.  I remember my daughter telling me to not forget to get some petro the other day.  After all my European travels, I know that is what they call gasoline across the pond.  It was cute and funny.  I can honestly say I'm not keen on the snorting especially from Peppa's dad but my girls love it and that's what counts.  


Peppa and her family all wear clothing, lives in houses and experiences the same problems and activities that your child can relate to.  Peppa is four years old so she related well to preschoolers.  Her brother, George, is 18 months so for those children with younger siblings, they will also be able to relate to some of the frustrations Peppa feels.  


What I like about Peppa Pig is she uses her imagination which I encourage with my children.  The lessons she learns along the way are excellent for children as well.  Learning about sharing and other manners such as listening are always good to relearn.  


Since my girls were already HUGE fans of Peppa Pig, I did not pass up the opportunity to receive a complimentary Peppa Pig Muddy Puddles and Other Stories DVD.  This also couldn't have come at a more perfect opportunity as we were in the process of moving when they received it so it allowed me to focus on moving while they were set up on a laptop amused by each of the 12 great tales.  I heard them giggling and sharing in the moments of watching each episode.   For me, any show that can teach lessons and encourage imagination is number one in my books.  Being half British, I also like they are learning some of the terminology differences.  Overall, if you have a preschooler or even just a young child, they will love Peppa Pig as both my children, ages 4 and 8 do.




*Disclosure:  I did receive complimentary items for the purposes of this review.  The opinions are of my own.

20% Off Coloring at Many Participating Salons Expires 6/15

From now until June 15^th, you can get a 20% off any color service coupon to use at participating salons in the U.S. and Canada! This offer is valid at Best Cuts, BoRics, Famous Hair, HairMasters, Head Start, Holiday Hair, Saturday's, Style America and TGF Hair Salons.  To find a location near you and print a copy of your coupon, simply head to http://bit.ly/Kt8B36.

Stylists at participating salons provide services to make you look – and feel – your most fabulous. Color services are no exception: sit back and let the pros help you discover your dream shade for the summer months, and beyond!

Disclosure: I received no compensation for this post.

$100 ShopBop Diane von Furstenberg Swimwear GC Giveaway (International) 5/23

Ladies, summer is just about upon us and it's time to spruce up that wardrobe.  If you stuck to your New Year's Resolution and it included getting healthier, this might be the  perfect opportunity to reward yourself with something really nice from ShopBop such as Diane von Furstenberg swimwear or even some Diane von Furstenberg pants or Diane von Furstenberg belts!  Whatever you choose, you will not be disappointed with the choice of designers, attire, prices and customer service from ShopBop. 


ShopBop is the place to go for the best prices with amazing search function by designer, type of clothing, what's new and much more.  If you are a return customer, you can even design your own Lookbook and keep track of everything you want, like and buy.  It's a great feature for those wanting to stay up on fashion and look their best while saving some money.  Some other benefits include free 3 day shipping, free returns and delivery on Saturday (where applicable - US only).  How many times have you ordered something and realized it would fall on the weekend only to be disappointed?  I know I have.  


With Mother's Day fastly approaching, you can also create your own wish list to help take the burden off of the gift givers.  If you want something, you might as well get it for that special day, right? 


I ran a prior giveaway for ShopBop and the winner was extremely happy because she told me that she's already a ShopBop customer and loves it.


Don't forget to stop at the ShopBop blog for more news, facts and more. It's chalk full of the latest tips, ideas and ways to stay up on the latest trends.




The Giveaway:


One reader will win a $100 ShopBop Gift Card.


To Enter:


Please use the Rafflecopter form below.


Giveaway ends 5/23 at midnight (EST) - open internationally


*Disclaimer: I received no compensation for this post or giveaway.  Information and giveaway were provided by ShopBop.

Stanley Steemer $100 GC Giveaway 5/23

It's still spring time and not too late to get that house sparky clean because dirt is just not something to keep around.  I have two children with chronic conditions so I'm more apt to want to keep a cleaner house especially with my youngest who has a pulmonary condition.  Stanley Steemer is a name that has been around for a long time and one that I do trust.  One of the things that I like about  Stanley Steemer is the quality of service they provide along with the convenience.  Did you know you can schedule a service online?  I love that functionality!


Did you also know that Stanley Steemers is the nations largest deep cleaning service?   If you thought they were just carpet cleaners, you might be surprised to learn that they also clean hardwood floors to include tile, air ducts, water damage, restoration and more.  They also have over 70 branches and 220 franchises in our 48 contiguous states.  You can see how they work by watching the video below:




 




The Giveaway:


One reader will win their own $100 Gift Certificate to use with Stanley Steemer!


To Enter:


Please use the Rafflecopter form below:

Wahl Deep-Tissue Percussion Therapeutic Massager Review

I'm sure most everyone has heard of Wahl Home Products due to the great line of products but also their reputation.  I have had many Wahl products throughout my life and have never had a complaint.  I began running four months ago and experience intermediate pain in my thighs which can stop me in my tracks.  When I had the opportunity to receive a complimentary Wahl Deep-Tissue Percussion Therapeutic Massager, I definitely wanted to see how it would work on my running aches and pains.  I instantly fell in love with the four interchangeable attachments and felt the immediate comfort where I hurt the most.  

• Deep Muscle Attachment
• Four-Finger Flex Attachment
• Accupoint Attachment
• Raised Bump Attachment

I have used the product on my calves, the upper arms, my thighs and my back and it feels wonderful.  It's elongated for further reach with a great handle area for all sizes of hands.  It's ideal to sit and relax while getting massaged almost effortless.

The variation in the speed allows you to get the right comfort level for the area you want to massage. It's highly diverse and you can use it on many areas and you don't have to have aches and pains to enjoy the comfort from the massaging effect.

I definitely recommend the Wahl Deep-Tissue Percussion Therapeutic Massager for anyone but since Mother's Day is coming up, this would be a great gift too!  I know that I can now run with less pain and I love that!  

Wahl Home Products has many other products to fit within your lifestyle from hair clippers to men's grooming to women's hair removal to even home pets.  The Deep-Tissue Percussion Therapeutic Massager retails at $59.99 (or less if you catch it on sale).  It's perfect for anyone!

Stay up to date with Wahl on Facebook.

*Disclosure: No compensation was received for this post.  The Wahl Deep-Tissue Massager was provided for the purposes of this review.  Information was provided by Wahl, through MamaBzz about the product and giveaway.  All opinions expressed are my own or that of my family. 

How You Can Help Roger Nix President at Age Six Get Published

The story is about kindergartener Roger Nix, an ordinary boy: Roger loves kindergarten, playing make-believe, and hanging out with his imaginary friends (a baby donkey named Jack and a baby elephant named Abe). But when he learns about the plans of Old Man Plee, a perennial presidential candidate, to shut down schools and send kids to work in factories as an austerity measure; Roger decides to run against Old Man Plee as a defender of “school and summer vacation, learning and imagination”. Of course Abe and Jack are there to help him every step of the way.

 

Nick Daze and his incredible Kickstarter campaign (http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/787960356/roger-nix-president-at-six) have already raised nearly $22,000 and only has $8,000 more to go in order to put the book into production.  The book has been fully written by Daze and the illustrations beautifully crafted by Bill Robinson www.FlimFlammery.com . Each $30 pledge towards the Roger Nix campaign comes with a first edition hardcover copy of the book, delivered in time for the new school year this fall.  This is a timely story that is fascinating, engaging, and a thought-provoking read for both kids and parents written by a imaginative adult who was encouraged to explore his imagination as a child.

 

Here is an excerpt from the book:

 

Roger stood up quickly. He had something to say

With a wink from Jack and a trunks-up from Abe.

“I’ll run against him,” Roger said with a shout.

“I’ll run for president, have you no doubt!

 

To close school would be nothing short of a crime

You can't fool all us kids, not all of the time."

 

He stood on his desk and they all watched and wondered

As Roger kept talking, his voice boomed and thundered.

“We’ll beat him and keep all the schools as they are

Or make them way better. We’ll shoot for the stars!

We go to school so one day we'll go far,

Not because it is easy–because it is hard!

 

We are KIDS! The whole point is to learn and have fun

And to use our wee noggins...

 

THIS RACE HAS BEGUN!"

 

So Abe, Jack, and Roger got to work right away.

"That kid's on to something," his parents would say.

He made lots of speeches; he shook lots of hands

He toured a big factory that made rubber bands.

 

Then one night on the tube, to Old Plee’s disdain,

The news ran a story on Roger’s campaign.

“Roger Nix, daydreamer and ultimate kid,

Is gaining on Plee in his presidential bid.”

 

But everyone knew that sooner or later

Roger would have to be quite the debater.

Because one night soon, under some bright marquee

A debate would take place between Roger and Plee.

You can help with donating at Kickstarter here.

Blogger Sign-Ups for the iPad and Tuxedo Case Giveaway!

Bloggers!  Time to sign up for this free event that will give a new iPad3 with a Tuxedo iPad case to one lucky winner!  Sponsored by EyeBuyDirect.om and Case-Mate, it's a win-win for us Bloggers!  The event for one link is truly free and any additional link is only $1!


Hurry up and sign up here!

Two $50 Gift Card Giveaways to Adorable Baby Clothing 5/22 - International

Have you checked out the new revamped site for Adorable Baby Clothing?  If not, you need to because it's everything that made the old site wonderful but now it has a new "wow" factor!  The same amazing customer service is there but now there are more choices, easier to navigate features to find that perfect outfit.  Have not heard about Adorable Baby Clothing?  Not to worry and just because baby is in the name, there are so many cute, adorable outfits and more for any child.  I'm a huge fan of this online store for many reasons ranging from clothing that stands the test of time, extra details that you don't see in other clothing, 100% satisfaction guarantee, free shipping on orders over $40 in the contiguous United States, variety and size range of clothing and the superb customer service.


Adorable Baby Clothing is also known for the available formal wear not only for weddings but also other special events such as birthday parties, christenings and much more.  One of the reasons I became a repeat customer is I like to dress my younger daughters in the same dresses but trying to find a four size difference is nearly impossible at stores but not with Adorable Baby Clothing as the drop down box usually has sizes from infant to size 14 with just a click of the mouse.  This saves me time and assures I can get exactly what I want.


Here are just some of the pictures of the dresses I have ordered in the past:

 

The extras that I found in the quality include built in inner pieces that allow the dresses to retain a fluff adding to the elegance.  They are of high quality and can be passed on for generations as I already have with my grand baby who now is able to wear the old dresses that I kept.  They look brand new even after storing for years. 

   

Adorable Baby Clothing also has:

• Boy Suits
• Le Top Clothing
• Tutus and Tutu Sets (great for birthdays)
• Personalized Clothing
• Preemie Clothing
• Newborn Clothing
• Toddler Clothing
• Children Clothing
• Baby Boutique Clothing
• Pretend Play
• Gifts

The Giveaway:

Two lucky winners will receive a $50 Gift Card (e-mail) to be used online at www.adorablebabyclothing.com.

To Enter:

Please use the Rafflecopter form below.

Giveaway ends May 22, 2012.

Chuck: The Complete Fifth Season on DVD/Blu-Ray #ChuckS5 SP

Friendships are something we cherish and sometimes, we don't!  Our friends our the building block to our relationships within society but that doesn't mean friendships always come easy.  Have you ever had a friend you thought you knew but they ended up turning into someone you couldn't even recognize?  Was it a one off where they were going through some hard times or this was their true self coming out.  In Chuck, season 5, episode 3, Morgan has been experiencing certain side effects from the Intersect.  The beginning of this episode leaves Chuck wondering why on earth his oldest, closest friend had transformed into an obnoxious and petulant man.   I can't recall ever experiencing such a change shift in any of my friends but have from boyfriends.  I think the difference with what Chuck experienced with Morgan of course, is very different but it does happen.  Not only does Morgan become arrogant but his appearance also altered with frosted tips all thanks to the faulty intercept.  If you watch Chuck, you know that ended with a cliff hanger of Morgan walking towards his car after a bomb was planted.   Do you have a friend like that or have you had a friend like that?  Sometimes, it's easier to walk away unlike Chuck who stuck by his friend. Purchase Chuck: The Complete Fifth Season on DVD and Blu-Ray here. Share this link to Facebook *Disclosure:  I have been hired by Warner Bros WBWord division to raise awareness for 'Chuck.'