Product Praise: Chasing Fireflies Has Your Perfect Easter Gifts

There is "cute" and then there is Chasing Fireflies, the most adorable and magical online children's boutique that I have ever seen. My magical experience started when I received an enormous, slightly sparkly, blue envelope in the mail with my gift certificate. The envelope was so unique, I almost didn't want to open it. It even had a little star charm on it that said, "Wish Token." I just had to take a picture to share.

And the magic didn't stop there. Once I pulled up the Chasing Fireflies website, I was enthralled with all the beautiful clothes, accessories, gifts and toys that they available.  Each item has unique as the next. They even have an entire section devoted to the Tooth Fairy. Honestly, there are so many beautiful items to choose from, that you could get lost in the website for hours.

For this review, I was asked to check out their (in my opinion) beautiful and diverse selection of Easter items. From a gorgeous array of beautiful dresses, vest and sport coats for the little men in your life, to special bunnies and personalized t-shirts and pajamas. There is something special and unique that will bring even more magic to your Easter morning.
 
One of the items I like the most was their Gingham Easter Egg Hunt Kit. The kit consists of a variety of wooden signs to place in the yard on Easter morning. Imagine the fun of finding all your eggs, while following a mystery hunt around the yard. I can totally picture these signs being left in a big wicker basket on the front porch for the Bunny's late night arrival.

Even those these signs were super cute, I just couldn't pass up the personalized Bunnyland night gown. Lulu loves bunnies and I just knew that she would love the ruffles.

Oh, My! Doesn't that just make you want to smile? This gown is the one of the most adorable pieces of clothes that Lu has ever had. Not to mention, the gown is a nice thick cotton and definitely high quality. And you can't really see it here, but their is a little surprise on the back of the gown. The back has a little bunny pattern all over it. I think this was mine an Lu's favorite part. I kind of had to sneak up her for this picture, but you can see the little bunnies all over the back.

Chasing Fireflies has the most amazing items to help you bring whimsy and magic into your Easter. Make sure you check out their great Grow Your Own Grass Easter Kit. A perfect place for those hard boiled eggs to rest on Easter morning.

Join us in the magic by liking Chasing Fireflies on Facebook and following them on Twitter. You can also explore more of their creative Easter ideas, clothes and magic by following them on Pinterest.

I received compensation in exchange for this post. Regardless, I only post my honest opinions. This blog is in no way affiliated with Twitter, Facebook or any other social network.This review was made possible by Mom Spark Media.

Movie Praise: John Carter Flies Into Theaters on Friday!

If you had said the name "John Carter" to me a month ago, I would have had no idea what you were talking about. I had no idea that there were these popular books from 1911 that have had a semi-cult like following for the past 100 years. I had no idea that there have been attempts to create a movie based on Edgar Rice Burroughs novels since the 30's and even more alarming (to my friend Pam), I had never heard of Taylor Kitsch. I know, what rock have I been living under?


Now, I don't want you to worry, thanks to Disney, I am completely 100% cured of this ignorant state. I am also completely, 100% sold on John Carter.


Last Thursday night, my friend Heather and I, joined a few hundred people at our Marcus Cinema to enjoy a preview showing of the Disney movie, John Carter. I honestly had no idea what to expect. I had viewed some of the online trailers but I just had no idea what a phenomenal story I was about to partake in. I actually have a slightly geek esque side to me, in that I love non scary sci-fi. I have always loved the Star Wars Trilogy and other "other world" type stories.


If you aren't familiar, John Carter is about a jaded Civil War soldier who finds a talisman and is transported to Mars during the midst of their Civil War. The story revolves around John Carter's involvement and relationship with the various inhabitants of Barsoom (Mars).

Their are alien creatures called Tharks. They remind me of the over sized bugs from the animated movie ANTZ.  Then there are the "humans" from the Red and Blue tribes. There is also a dog like creature called Woola that is a Calot. There amazing flying "ships" and a very apparent lack of water.

The visuals, graphics and "animations" are spectacular. The acting by Taylor Kitsch and Lynn Collins (Dejah) is supberb. I don't want to spoil anything, but I will be waiting with baited breath to see what happens in the sequel. Until then, I highly recommend you to get to the theaters this weekend and enjoy it!

My Mama's Perspective:

This movie is rated PG-13. There is definitely some violence and sexual activity. Most of the violence is non-bloody except for a blue alien blood that is shown in a few scenes. There are also some detailed battle scenes where people and creatures are obviously killed. [spoiler] There is a very graphic scene of a flashback of two charred bodies - which is disturbing.

I have let my son, who is 7, watch the Pirates of the Caribbean, Ghost Busters, and Star Wars at home under the careful control of my remote. I think Eph would really enjoy the movie and will defintely let him watch it at home. I personally feel that the big screen would be very overwhelming for him and probably emphasize some of the parts that I wouldn't want him to see. So, we will be waiting till the DVD release to enjoy this particular flick.

For more information, make sure you "Like" JOHN CARTER on Facebook and visit the John Carter Movie website. 

JOHN CARTER arrives in theatres everywhere on March 9th!

Praise & Giveaway: Big G Cereal, Atari and Target Gift Pack

It’s time to dust off your sweat bands, leg warmers and neon tees and head on over to your local Target® to moon walk down the cereal aisle, as Big G cereals have brought back their “Retro” themed packaging, 80’s style. Big G cereals will be channeling their Retro roots and to help celebrate, they have partnered with Atari®, bringing classic 80’s games like Asteroids, Missile Command and Centipede to your breakfast table.


Collect all 5 different packages that include totally radical Atari Activities on the back of each box; available exclusively at Target starting February through mid-March.


Participating Big G cereals include: Cinnamon Toast Crunch® (17 oz.), Lucky Charms® (16 oz.), Honey Nut Cheerios® (17 oz.), Cheerios® (18 oz.) and Cocoa Puffs® (16.5 oz.)


Did I mention it was Atari’s 40th Anniversary this year? Be sure to check out GrocerySavvy.com and test your online Atari gaming skills at Asteroids while also entering in a sweepstakes for chance to win Target gift cards and Atari merchandise.


Let Big G cereals, Target and Atari make your breakfast tubular and something the entire family will enjoy!


Big G cereals, Target and My Blog Spark are providing a great giveaway for one of my lucky readers! Join me in the time machine and head back to the 80's by entering the giveaway below.

The Prize Pack

(2) boxes of participating Big G cereals

$10 Target gift card

A free download for “Atari 80 Classic Games In 1”

Crayola & Lisa Loeb Invite you "Inside the Crayon Box"

Creativity matters. It’s a skill that all children can learn and when it’s practiced every day, kids become the critical thinkers, problem solvers, and leaders in the classroom, and they’re better prepared for professions of the 21st century. 

Crayola wants every child to be creatively alive, so they’re inviting parents “Inside the Crayon Box,” for a special live chat with celebrities and trusted parenting experts that will inspire and spark ideas to expand your child’s creative thinking. If you find yourself looking for new ways to inspire your children to express their ideas and build their creativity, you’ll want to join us to learn and share!

The first “Inside the Crayon Box” live chat is Wednesday, March 7 at 9 p.m. EST. Join Crayola and musician, children’s author and mom, Lisa Loeb for a 45-minute live streaming video chat on the Crayola Facebook Page. Lisa, best-known for her number one hit “Stay (I Missed You),” will share as personal stories, practical advice and ways she brings a little creative play into every day for her daughter. We want to hear from you - participants can ask Lisa questions during the event, too! We hope you will share the information about the first Crayola “Inside the Crayon” live chat with your readers on or before Wednesday, March 7th so they may plan to attend as well.

Interested in the topics to be covered during the chat? 

• Why Does Creativity Matter? Creativity is not about who’s the best artists or becoming an architect. It’s a way of thinking that encourages kids’ original ideas and develops their confidence.
• Growing Up Creative. Lisa will share stories about growing up in a home where creativity was encouraged.
• Simple Tips. Easy Ideas. Like most moms, Lisa juggles a lot. She’ll share simple, easy ways she sparks her daughter’s creativity as part of their daily routine.

Enjoy this great video!

Also, be sure to check out Lisa’s book Lisa Loeb’s Silly Sing-Along: The Disappointing Pancake and Other Zany Songs (Sterling Children’s Books, 2011) available at Barnes & Noble and Amazon.com. Sing, laugh, and play with pop Lisa in this fabulous collection of ten of the silliest songs ever. Fun activities, games, and recipes accompany whimsical songs. Take Lisa's Silly Sing-Along with you wherever you go and get the high-spirited good times started. Includes a 10-song CD recorded by Lisa!

This post was brought to you by Crayola and My Blog Spark!

Run Happy: Any Runners Out There?

RUN HAPPY

For those of us who live in a "winter" state, our running has probably been put on hold for the past few months. Races were few and far between and if they did take place, they probably had words like "polar" or "ice" involved. If you are anything like me, you pack up your sneakers and head indoors during the colder months. 

Now, next week we are springing forward, warmer weather is in our sights and those of us who like to run are gearing up for our first races of the season. Maybe a few of us have even been enjoying the warmer than normal winter with a few outdoor runs. 

I don't know about you, but I really love challenge. So, I am wondering how many of my readers might also be runners? Would any of you like to do a "just for fun" runners blog hop? Let's set some mile goals, write some posts and link up. Weekly, Monthly? Let's support and encourage each other as we back on the path.

Any takers?