Harlem Globetrotters Discount Tickets 2014 @globies @usfg #sponsored

As you know, we are big Globetrotters fans at our house.  And we're excited about their upcoming "Fans Rule" tour!

The Globetrotters had so much fun letting fans vote for what they wanted to see in the game last year that they're doing it again!  Only with brand new exciting rules like the Trick Shot Challenge and Hot Hand Jersey. 



Take your kids to harlemglobetrotters.com/vote and vote for which rule sounds the most fun to you.  After the game, come down to the court for pictures and autographs with the Globetrotter stars!  

And I have a special discount code for you to take your family.

You can get your tickets here http://www.harlemglobetrotters.com/tickets and don't forget to use the promo code USFAMILY to save $7 on every ticket!

(Discount available on select seating levels)

Disclosure:  I was not paid  for writing this post.  As a US Family Guide Blogger, I will receive ticket  vouchers to a game for sharing this with my readers .  All opinions are my own. 

Happy Thanksgiving! #DisneyFrozen

The house smells like turkey (thanks to my wonderful hubby for cooking it), my loved ones are going to be watching the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade and passing the tissues.  Yep, we're sick on Thanksgiving.  But we are going to make the best of it and spend some family time together, sick or not.  We're thankful to simply be together.

I thought I'd share with you this cute graphic from Disney's Frozen to send you some "warm" holiday wishes.

From my family to yours, Happy Thanksgiving!

Black Friday Sale from Fox Connect @fheinsiders #BlackFriday

More than 200 Movies and 200 TV seasons will be on sale at the lowest prices of the year – up to 88% off retail price at Fox Connect.

Get 24, Glee, The Simpsons, Reba, Modern Family and Firefly at up to 93% off as well as all of your favorite movies here: http://bit.ly/BlackFridayTVSale 

(Offer is limited to one use per customer and select third party titles are excluded)

Here are just a few of the great deals on family favorites you can get today!

This is not a compensated post.

Happy Black Friday Deal Shopping!

Best Buy: Top Holiday Shopping Destination @BestBuyWolf #bbyholiday13 #sponsored

The reviewer has been compensated in the form of a Best Buy Gift Card and/or received the product/service at a reduced price or for free.

Can you believe that the holiday shopping season has begun and it's only a few days until Black Friday?   I know I can't.  It seems that it comes faster and faster each year.  


One of my favorite places to do my holiday shopping is Best Buy.   My hubby and I have found some great gifts for each other over the years, including our favorite t.v. shows on DVD like 24 and Gilmore Girls.  Not to mention video games for the kiddos.

Best Buy is the authority and destination for all your technology and appliance product gifting needs this holiday!  You'll find great gifts for nearly everyone on your list!


Here’s why Best Buy is a great Holiday Shopping Destination:

The assortment is second to none:

• Feature more than 100 products sold only at Best Buy this Holiday
• Offer a market-leading selection of the hottest tablets, smartphones, gaming consoles and titles, wearable technology, health and fitness gear, mobile accessories and much more.

With highly trained, and knowledgeable Blue Shirts and Geek Squad Agents on hand, you can rest assured you'll get the perfect gifts for your family and friends…and maybe even yourself.
They know price is important to us, and frankly it’s important to them too. Their Low Price Guarantee will ensure you’re getting the most competitive price possible.

Plus, you can order your items online and have it ready for free in-store pick-up in less than an hour!  This is such a huge time saver for moms with little ones.  No need to drag your tired munchkin all over the store!  Just pick-up and go.  Easy peasy! 

The combination of bestbuy.com and their 1,400 stores offers the ultimate showroom to touch, test, try and buy the latest technology.

Technology evolves quickly and can be increasingly complex.  But Best Buy is here to help make it easy for you to choose the products and services that work best for you.

• Phones: You can see and try all of the phones, carriers, plans and accessories under one roof with industry-leading trade-in options

• Tablets: Best Buy is the only place in America where customers can see all of the latest and greatest tablets. 

• Computing: Feature the best selection, advise, services and support in computing. And help set the market by working with the industry's tech leaders to develop a highly specialized and innovative assortment of laptops, many of which are only available at Best Buy.

•  Mobile Accessories: One of the largest selections of accessories and wearables this holiday. Bluetooth speakers, smartwatches, health & fitness gear and headphones will truly rule holiday. 

• Home Theater: Offers the world's newest technology, best assortment and service in home theater.

• Appliances: Better positioned than ever to bring the latest small appliances and special deals to you.

• Gaming:  THE destination for gaming this holiday. Not only dodo they have the latest Xbox and PlayStation consoles, but the hottest game releases and everything else you need for a great gaming experience.

• Music/Movies/Musical Instruments: Terrific deals on the best entertainment stocking stuffers.

• Digital Imaging: Features the newest selection of cameras, accessories and advise so you can find the perfect gift or capture your own holiday memories.

• Tech Services: Home of the Geek Squad for help installing, repairing, troubleshooting, optimizing and offering all sorts of technical advice from every Best Buy store, in-home, online and by phone

I have some great coupon deals to share with you that will help you save this holiday.

To redeem these coupons on bestbuy.com, enter code bloggers10off at check out:
 

 

Built to Rock. Designed to Roll.

Bring powerful sound wherever life takes you with UE compact wireless speakers.

12/1/13 – 1/18/14 Save 10% off Headphones & Portable Speakers   including the Misfit Shine, Fitbit, Jawbone Up, and Logitech.
 (excludes beats, bose and Sony)

Best Buy carries a market-leading selection of the hottest wearable technology, health and fitness gear and tech toys.

Plus, save Save 15% off Health & Fitness, Fisher Price and Mattel Toys,like the Digital Barbie Makeover Kit and the Fisher Price Little People Apptivity Barnyard to name a few. 



You can find even more gift ideas at the Best Buy Gift Center.


What will you shop for?

Disney's Frozen Review & Free Activity Sheets #disneyfrozen #sponsored

I attended a screening of Disney's Frozen.

Walt Disney Animation Studios, the studio behind “Tangled” and “Wreck-It Ralph,” presents “Frozen,” a stunning big-screen comedy adventure. Fearless optimist Anna (voice of Kristen Bell) sets off on an epic journey—teaming up with rugged mountain man Kristoff (voice of Jonathan Groff) and his loyal reindeer Sven—to find her sister Elsa (voice of Idina Menzel), whose icy powers have trapped the kingdom of Arendelle in eternal winter. Encountering Everest-like conditions, mystical trolls and a hilarious snowman named Olaf (voice of Josh Gad), Anna and Kristoff battle the elements in a race to save the kingdom.

The film is directed by Chris Buck (“Tarzan,” “Surf’s Up”) and Jennifer Lee (screenwriter, “Wreck-It Ralph”), and produced by Peter Del Vecho (“Winnie the Pooh,” “The Princess and the Frog”). Featuring music from Tony® winner Robert Lopez (“The Book of Mormon,” “Avenue Q”) and Kristen Anderson-Lopez (“In Transit”), “Frozen” hits theaters in 3D on November 27, 2013.

Every time the trailer played on tv for Disney's Frozen movie, The Attic Baby got excited and told me that she wants a Frozen dollie.  Every.  Single.  Time.   So when I had the opportunity to attend a screening, I jumped on it.  And I'm so glad that I did!

At the beginning, there is this cute short "Get a Horse" with the original Mickey Mouse that is too adorable.  It merges the old with the new and you definitely don't want to be stuck in a concession line and miss it.   My Mickey Mouse loving girl was in heaven for the few minutes she saw him on the screen.

Frozen, to put it simply, was amazing in 3D.  In my opinion, you should definitely pay the extra money to see the 3D world of Arendelle.  At times it felt like it was snowing inside the theater (other than the fact that the theater was a bit warm with so many bodies packed into it).  I saw several kids reaching out their hands to touch the snowflakes, mesmerized by the 3D effects.  The animated scenery is beautiful and immerses you in another world. 

It was a great mix of humor, adventure, and focused on the special relationship between two sisters Anna and Elsa.



 Anna is young, a bit awkward, and has an incredibly big and open heart.  She is my favorite because of her fierce determination, love for her sister, and her beautiful red hair.   

Elsa is a bit more mysterious and reserved with a special secret she's been hiding.

Kristin Bell and Idina Menzell have gorgeous and endearing singing voices.  The incredible songs from these two will definitely stay in your memory long after the movie is over.

Along with the sisters, there are of course a couple of love interests, some "bad guys," and some lovable and comical characters like Olaf the snowman and Sven the reindeer.  

What could be cuter and more fitting to the holiday season than a cute reindeer and a snowman?  Olaf had us in stitches from laughing so much!  He's sure to become one of your favorite sidekicks. 

And it was refreshing to see that there wasn't any over the top adult inappropriate kind of humor that might be over your little ones' heads.  I don't want to give away any spoilers, but there are many little plot twists that will surprise you.  




Frozen is truly an endearing story that you will want to watch over and over again.   We're already eager to own it on Blu-ray to add to our Disney collection!  It is that awesome.  



Download these fun Frozen Activity Sheets:

Frozen Build a Snowman by Shelly Dixon

 
 

Frozen Paper Snowflakes by Shelly Dixon

The Story of Christmas Board Book #sponsored

I received a copy of The Story of Christmas for review purposes as as a Tommy Nelson Mommy.  All opinions are my own.

One of my favorite traditions during the holidays is reading special books with my daughter that tell the Christmas story.  I want her to know that Christmas is not just about receiving and giving gifts, but that it is really about remembering the gift of Jesus.

The Story of Christmas is a wonderful little board book that does just that.  It explains the story of Jesus' birth in a simple way that little ones ages 0-3 can understand.  It has fun rhyme and colorful cartoon pictures.

Preview The Story of Christmas Below: 

We've read this book a few times, but once Thanksgiving is over, we'll get out The Attic Baby's play Nativity set and read this many times before Christmas.  It's a sturdy board book that will hold up to being read often.  It will make a wonderful gift (or even a stocking stuffer if your child's stocking is wide enough.)



Where to Buy:

Available at the Thomas Nelson website for $6.99



Giveaway:

One reader will win The Story of Christmas

Just use the Rafflecopter form below.  You must be a US resident 18 or older to enter.  You must complete each task entirely or your entries will not count.  


This giveaway is not in any way associated with or endorsed by Facebook, Pinterest or Twitter.  Giveaway Ends 12//13 at 12:01 AM EST.  US Residents **18 and older** only may enter. One entry per household and IP address.  Winner will be drawn using random.org and will have **48 hrs** to respond to email or another winner will be chosen. Entries are verified.  No purchase necessary. Void where prohibited by law. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning.  The Attic Girl is not responsible/liable for prize delivery.  By entering this giveaway, you agree to the Giveaway terms/rules.

Disclosure:  I received a copy of  the book for review purposes as as a Tommy Nelson Mommy.  No other compensation was received and all opinions are my own.  Tommy Nelson is providing the giveaway prize. For more info. see my Disclosure Policy.

Save Time with Holiday Cards from Cardstore.com #sponsored #MC #topofthemantel

I participated in an Ambassador Program on behalf of Mom Central Consulting (#MC) for Cardstore. I received complimentary cards and a promotional item as a thank you for participating.


Are you feeling the stress of your holiday To-Do List?  I know I am.  This time of year is usually the busiest with blog deadlines, family activities, and holiday preparation.  

Here's a little sneek peak at my latest "To Do List":

1.  Get hole in kitchen ceiling fixed
2.  Get kids dressed in holiday outfits & take a photo for Christmas cards
3.  Tell kids to stop whining about photo taking
4.  Upload holiday photo and design a Christmas card 
5.  Plan out Blog Posts for the week
6.  Write Blog Posts-daily
7.  Tweet & Facebook shares for Holiday Gift Guide
8.  Clean the house
9.  Make a list of who to give Christmas cards to
10.  Go to post office
11.  Laundry.  Lots of it.
12.  Go to library & bring back books
13.  Find some time to read for a book review.
14.  Drink caffeine to keep up with all these to do's

 Whew!  I'm tired just looking at it all.  Well, Cardstore makes one of the items on YOUR To-Do List easier.  Cardstore is an online retailer that offers a great selection of cards, stationary and other printed items.  They feature brands like American Greetings, Sesame Street and more!

You can create your custom cards with personalized pictures, messages, and signature, and guess what?  Cardstore will do the rest for you:  They will print, stamp and send out your cards for free!   That's one less thing for you to worry about!  You can even store all your addresses in your address book for next year.  Isn't that awesome?

The only hard part is deciding on which photo to use and which card to pick!  You can not only upload photos from your computer, but also from Facebook, Dropbox, Instagram, Picasa and Flickr.  It's very easy to use!

I made this one of the Attic Baby:

Cardstore has some great holiday deals going on right now too.

Take advantage of these Cardstore Holiday Savings:

11/14 – 11/20 save $20 off your $50 order

11/21-11/26 save 30% off holiday cards
 

So what are you waiting for?  Personalize your own holiday card today and take the stress out of your holiday.

A Christmas Gift for Rose {2013 Holiday Gift Guide} Giveaway #sponsored #ChristmasGiftRose

About the Book:
Rose turned her back on the man she loves after he assisted the Englisch during World War II—only to discover she’s an Englischer herself. Born in the midst of the hardships of The Great Depression, Rose grew up in Berlin, Ohio, in the arms of a loving Amish family. But she is overwhelmed by self-doubt when she learns that she was born Englisch and abandoned when her family moved West in search of work. Was she meant to be Amish or would she have been better off growing up with her own
kind—Englischers? When the man she loves leaves her behind, Rose is certain he left for good. Yet Rose discovers sometimes our greatest gifts are the ones we fear.



About Tricia:

USA Today best-selling author Tricia Goyer is the author of over 35 books, including the three-book Seven Brides for Seven Bachelors series and “Lead Your Family Like Jesus,” (co-written with Ken Blanchard). She has written over 500 articles for national publications and blogs for high traffic sites like TheBetterMom.com and MomLifeToday.com. She is the host of Living Inspired, a weekly radio show. Tricia and family live in Little Rock, Arkansas. They have six children.


Click here to read my review of A Christmas Gift for Rose.



Where to Buy:



For more holiday gift ideas, be sure to check out the 2013 Holiday Gift Guide!

Giveaway:

Thanks to Litfuse Publicity & Tricia Goyer, I have 3 copies of A Christmas Gift for Rose to giveaway

Just use the Rafflecopter form below.  You must be a US resident 18 or older to enter.  You must complete each task entirely or your entries will not count.   

This giveaway is not in any way associated with or endorsed by Facebook, Pinterest or Twitter. Giveaway Ends 12/5/13 at 12:01 AM EST. US Residents **18 and older** only may enter. One entry per household and IP address. Winner will be drawn using random.org and will have **48 hrs** to respond to email or another winner will be chosen. Entries are verified. No purchase necessary. Void where prohibited by law. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. The Attic Girl is not responsible/liable for prize delivery. Prize may take 6-8 weeks to ship and is not guaranteed to arrive in time for holiday gift giving. By entering the giveaway, you agree to the Giveaway terms/rules.

Disclosure:  I received a copy of the book for review purposes.  No other compensation was received and all opinions are my own. Thank you to Litfuse Publicity & Tricia Goyer for providing the giveaway prizes. For more info. see my Disclosure Policy.

Support the 2013 Maytag Dependable Leader Award #sponsored #MC

I participated in a campaign on behalf of Mom Central Consulting (#MC) for Maytag. I received a promotional item as a thank you for participating.

Maytag needs your help to select the best candidate for the 2013 Maytag Dependable Leader Award through America’s Vote competition.  This award recognizes someone committed to making a difference in the lives of youth.

From November 12th through November 29th, visit www.bgca.org/Maytag to learn about the five finalists and the wonderful work they do in their communities. You can vote once a day for the nominee you find to best represent a Maytag Dependable Leader and help make a difference.  I love and support organizations that give back to the community, especially children!

The finalists are:

Albert Hernandez – Boys & Girls Club of Pasadena
Ethan Harris – Boys & Girls Club of Bryant
Nate Ford – Boys & Girls Clubs of San Francisco
Ricky Gallon – Boys & Girls Clubs of Tampa Bay
Steve Hixson – Boys & Girls Clubs of Cleveland

The winner (joining 24 of this year’s other Dependable Leaders across the country) will receive a $20,000 financial grant to help his Club continue to improve its impact in its community. 

The Maytag Dependable Leader Award gives back to Boys & Girls Clubs of America’s professionals and volunteers who continuously give their days to help better the youth with whom they work.  

America’s Vote is an extension of the Awards, inviting Americans to select the final Maytag Dependable Leader Award winner in 2013 by voting online at www.bgca.org/Maytag.  Please head on over and vote today!

VeggieTales Merry Larry Christmas DVD & OCC Packing Party #sponsored #helpingothers

This sponsored post with Operation Christmas Child and VeggieTales contains affiliate links.

Operation Christmas Child has teamed up with VeggieTales to let kids around the world know they are loved by God.   They also want to remind families that "Christmas shines bright and true when you give the love God gave to you!" and teach little ones the importance of giving this holiday.

This past weekend I hosted an Operation Christmas Child shoebox packing party with some friends (the same day as our Lego Duplo House Party, but more about that to come).

I invited several families to enjoy some food & fun and pack shoe boxes for kids in need.  I had shoe boxes ready, purchased items for our own (a 2-4 year old girl), and asked people to bring items to pack with us.  Not everyone was able to come or participate, but we did get 2 shoe boxes completed.

The Attic Baby didn't quite understand that these items were for someone else (we are working on that), but she enjoyed packing a shoebox with her best buddy (and was very proud when we dropped them off this week and she got an "I packed a Shoebox sticker").

I totally forgot to get a group shot in front of the movie poster, but little miss didn't mind posing for one.

One of the other highlights of our party was watching Merry Larry and the True Light of Christmas.  Veggie Tales has been a long time favorite in our home since my son was little.  The message of this video encouraged all of us to think about the true meaning of Christmas.  It's not just about the fun traditions and all the presents we receive.  It's about sharing God's love with others because after all, He gave us the perfect gift!

VeggieTales: Merry Larry and the True Light of Christmas featured Si Robertson of Duck Commander as the narrator and had some great music to sing along to.  The kiddos loved watching Veggies on mall segways and the Toby Mac & Owl Street song at the end had little miss dancing!  But best of all, it was a touching story about a little girl whose only Christmas wish was to help out a neighbor for Christmas.  It spoke to those little hearts & I know as they grow older, they will develop a heart for service.

This week Nov. 18-22 is National Collection Week for Operation Christmas Child.  It's not too late to pack a shoebox and get it dropped off! 

Check out these helpful tips on how to pack a shoebox from Bob and Larry:





Click here for drop off locations near you.


Want to save on Merry Larry and The True Light of Christmas?




Coupon

Click here for a $3 coupon courtesy of Operation Christmas Child.

Tuesday Giveaway Link Up 11/18

<a href=" http://totsandme.blogspot.com/search/label/Tuesday%20Giveaway%20Linky "><img alt="Tots and Me" src="http://i597.photobucket.com/albums/tt58/kewkewphoto/TuesdayGiveawayLinkup2.jpg" border="0" alt="num2"></a>

Welcome to Tuesday's Giveaway Link Up with your hosts Karen @ Tots and Me and Emily @ Emily Reviews

So glad you could join us as we share our giveaways!

Our co-hosts this week are Sue from My Photopage and Shelly from The Attic Girl.

This link up will be posted Monday at 7 PM est. and run all week long! Stop in as often as you can to list your latest giveaways.

Here is how to use the Giveaway Link Up

1. Post your reviews and/or giveaways, as many as you have, be sure to add the end date (family friendly please)

2. Help spread the word about the giveaway link up by grabbing our button, Tweeting or posting on Facebook. (Not mandatory- but it helps get more exposure to your giveaways as well!)

3. Take a moment to enter any giveaway that strikes an interest to you!

If you would  like to follow the  hostesses, we will gladly follow you back! Simply leave us a message to do so. 

Featured Giveaways

Book Lover's Giveaway (2 Winners) Ends 11/18

Bob Books Early Reader Book Set US only Ends 11/25

Tootlewear Dog Longjohns/Pajamas Custom made to your dogs measurements US only Ends 11/21

$25 GC Build-A-Bear Workshop US only Ends 12/4

Thank you for linking up with Karen @ Tots and Me & Emily @ Emily Reviews along with Sue from My Photopage and Shelly from The Attic Girl.

When Calls The Heart Comes to DVD Nov. 19 {2013 Holiday Gift Guide} #sponsored

When Calls the Heart debuted on the Hallmark Channel to more than 3.2 million viewers, making it the No. 1 movie of the week on ad-supported cable.  Distributed by Word Entertainment, The DVD will be available to purchase in Christian Retail November 19^th, 2013.

Thank you to Edify Media for giving me a copy of When Calls the Heart to review.  All opinions are my own.

Synopsis

Nashville , Tennessee- When Calls the Heart, directed by Michael Landon Jr. and based on the best-selling books by Janette Oke, tells the story of a young high society teacher receiving her first classroom post in a prairie town in the Western Frontier.  Determined to prove to her family that she is brave enough to live on her own,  Elizabeth (Poppy Drayton) struggles with her own fears and doubts until she discovers her late Aunt's diary.  Her aunt (Maggie Grace), also named Elizabeth, had set off on a similar adventure as a teacher into the frontier, where she struggled with prairie life and eventually met and fell in love with a Royal Canadian Mountie (Stephen Amell).  Reading her aunt’s words, the young Elizabeth decides to put her future in God’s hands and embark on her own adventure where she uses the diary as her guide as well as Edward, another Mountie (Daniel Sharman), sworn to see her arrive.

 

Michael Landon Jr. – Director:  Michael Landon Jr., son of the late television legend Michael Landon, has been in the film business for over 25 years.  With two of the highest rated films in the history of the Hallmark channel, and several top ten releases targeted to the Christian market, Michael has become known for creating heartfelt, inspiring films that connect to the family.  He has developed and/or produced, directed, and written screenplays for Fox, CBS, NBC, Disney, Sony, Lifetime, and others.


Movie Preview: 

My Thoughts:

I saw this movie when it debuted on the Hallmark channel and was immediately drawn to the story line (since I am a former teacher). There are two stories going on at the same time; one about Elizabeth and her aunt of the same name.  Elizabeth is affluent, a bit pampered, and even her sister doesn't think she has what it takes to become a teacher out on the frontier.  When she finds her aunt's diary and reads about her namesake's adventures in teaching years ago, Elizabeth begins to waver about whether or not she can handle such a difficult task.

I loved that the two stories, though separate, mirrored each other and I didn't want the movie to end.  Like all of Janette Oke's stories, there is adventure and good old fashioned family values mixed with a little romance.  Not to mention gorgeous costumes & a wonderful cast, including Lori Loughlin (remember Full House?), Maggie Grace (any fans of the Twilight Series?) and Jean Smart (I loved Samantha Who?).

I'm excited that this will be one of the first television series in 2014 to be inspired by a Christian author!  I only wish I didn't have to wait to find out what happens next in Elizabeth's journey.

When Calls the Heart will definitely appeal to fans of the Love Comes Softly Series and make a great gift for the holidays!

Check out all the other WCTH in the series:

Season 1:
When Calls the Heart (debut movie)
When Calls the Heart:  Lost & Found
When Calls the Heart: A Telling Silence
When Calls the Heart:  The Dance
When Calls the Heart: Second Chances
When Calls the Heart: Change of Heart

When Calls the Heart: Rules of Engagement 

Season 2:

Trials of the Heart (Movie Version)

Heart and Soul (Movie Version)
Heart of the Family (Movie Version)
Heart and Home (Movie Version)
Follow your Heart (Movie Version)

When Calls the Heart Complete Season 2

Season 3:

It Begins With Heart

Troubled Hearts
Heart of a Hero
Forever in My Heart
Hearts in Question

Complete Season 3 Collector's Edition 

Season 4 Collector's Edition

Season 5 DVD Set

 Where to Buy:

Follow When Calls The Heart #Hearties

WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | TWITTER | INSTAGRAM

For more holiday gift ideas, be sure to check out the 2013 Holiday Gift Guide!