This Means War, Movie Review

Reese Witherspoon, Chris Pine and Tom Hardy Form the

Perfect Love Triangle in this Action Packed Comedy

Available on Blu-ray, DVD and Digital Download May 22

They are the CIA’s best, trained for any situation…except one.  Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment plays the ultimate spy game as two best friends fight for the right of one woman’s hand in THIS MEANS WAR, coming to Blu-ray, DVD and Digital Download May 22.  Starring Academy Award^® winner Reese Witherspoon* (Walk the Line), Chris Pine (Star Trek) and Tom Hardy (The Dark Knight Rises), the laugh-out-loud comedy gets even better on Blu-ray with three alternate endings that answer the question – what if she chose the other guy?
The world’s deadliest CIA operatives, FDR Foster (Pine) and Tuck (Hardy) are inseparable partners and best friends until they fall for the same woman (Witherspoon).  Having once helped bring down entire enemy nations, they are now employing their incomparable skills and an endless array of high-tech gadgetry against their greatest nemesis – each other.

My Thoughts:

I must not have been paying attention to the previews very well because I totally thought this was a total chick flick. And yes the main plot was around the love triangle but there was some definite action. When I started this movie I almost thought I'd put in the wrong thing!  It's obviously not a hard core action movie just for the guys but I think its a good blend that creates a bit of a compromise between action and romantic comedy!  I think the three main characters are terrific but honestly, Chelsey Handler is my favorite. I LOVED her character.  Especially when she's pretty much shouting "YES! Sex tie breaker..." in the middle of a kids play-land!  I can't say I've ever found myself in a true love triangle but the movie does well to make it fairly believable. Ok, well as believable as being in a love triangle with two CIA agents who bug your house to get a leg up on their competition, who happens to be their best friend can be.  Overall, I thought it was a fun watch  and would recommend it!

Disclosure: I received a screener copy of this movie for review purposes. All opinions expressed are my own honest, personal feedback.

Our Priceless Experience Thanks to MasterCard's #CubsPledge

Last week I had the extreme pleasure of taking my oldest son, Timmy, for a day at Wrigley Field that we'll never forget. He has been in love with baseball since before he was two. He's been playing officially for six seasons now. He dreams of taking the field someday as a Cubs MLB player. But I'm not sure I could be anymore proud, even if that does happen, than I was spending the day with him last week.

I've been trying to put the experience into words but really, I simply can not find the words to express what truly amazing it was. And if the preplanned events of the day that included fielding and batting practice with the Cubs coaches wasn't enough, luck seemed to be following Timmy that day. He found $10 on the street outside of the field, with some help from Tricia's son who kindly gave the money he grabbed to Timmy too. The as we waited at the gate to get into the stadium that evening, Timmy was stopped and asked if he'd want to go on the field AGAIN to watch batting practice. This gave him the opportunity to collect Reed Johnson from the Cubs and several Phillies players autographs.

We had amazing seats and stayed for the entire game which came down to the very last out...for a moment we thought Reed Johnson might get the winning hit, how cool would that have been. In the end their last inning rally fell one run short of tying it up. But man was it an exciting last inning. I mean, maybe not as exciting as when I caught my first pop fly ON the field earlier that day, but pretty darn close.

This was truly a priceless experience and we can not thank MasterCard enough for the opportunity.  Check out a few of our photos from this amazing day!

View Tricia's take on their day here.

If you'd like the chance to win a Priceless Cubs Experience of your own, check out my post here to learn more about the MasterCard #CubsPledge promotion on Facebook!

Disclosure: We were given this priceless experience courtesy of MasterCard but all opinions expressed are my own honest, personal feedback.

THE GAME OF LIFE: zAPPed Edition

A lot of things have changed since I was little.  I mean, A LOT!  Many of those things are fabulous advances, hello, GPS?  But sometimes all our technology gets in they way, in the way of taking the time to really see the world around you, smelling the roses etc, and for many people it is taking away the quality time spent with family.  But with Hasbro's The Game of Life: zAPPed Edition, you can have the best of both worlds.  With this new version of an old favorite new technology meets good ole fashioned family game time.  I remember spending many Friday nights playing Life with my mom when I was little.  It was fun and was way quicker than the other money collecting board game.  Now a new generation can fall in love with The Game of Life while using the technology they love too.  If you have an iPad, you'll simply need to purchase THE GAME OF LIFE: zAPPed Edition and then download the free app.  (You can download the free app without the game...but it won't do you any good.) Once you have your game and the app, you're ready to start.  You'll still pick a car (a real car token just like the old ones) and a blue or pink peg.  But you'll also get to customize your virtual peg too.  Once everyone has created their pegs, you'll spin to see who goes first.  And just like always you'll be posed with the question....get a job right away or go to college.  In the zAPPed Edition you'll be given three choices of careers.  And you'll also get two other opportunities to make choices about your life path.  Along the way you'll get to watch videos from American Funniest Video's celebrating those special life moments such as your graduation, wedding etc.  My kids LOVE AFV so this is fun part for them as well.  Along the way you'll see many good fortunes and misadventures similar to those you'll remember from the old game. But you'll be using a virtual spinner, watching video clips and the APP doesn't let you have more kids than you car can hold.  (I can't be the only one who ever had to use a second car to hold all my kids back in the old days, can I?)

This game is listed for 8 year olds and up but my 4 year old plays along just fine as long as there is a qualified banker to help him with the money.  At the end of the game everyone adds the quantity of each denomination bill (and loan) they have acquired and the APP credits your special token values and money for each baby and shows you the final results.  This is a quick and easy play that I think is perfect for the whole family.  We regularly play it together and have a ton of fun. 

Note: I do let me kids play with my iPad under very strict supervision but the pads on the board seem to do well to hold the iPad in place and we've had NO issues with the safety of this expensive piece of technology!

Product Description:

A family gaming experience like never before With THE GAME OF LIFE: zAPPed Edition, you can enjoy a whole new way to play! Add your iPad to the unique gameboard for a truly interactive family experience. The free app brings your game to life as you move around the board. You still get to move your car from space to space and select your path to retirement, but now you spin, get paid, sue other players and make important decisions all on your iPad. Don’t want to be just a plain peg? Go ahead and customize your peg character and add a peg-sessory!
Quick to set up, easy to play No assembly necessary! Just download the free app, hand out cars and cash, place your iPad on the board and you’re ready to go. Just follow the on-screen instructions and move your car around the board.
Exclusive multimedia content Real life is full of funny moments and so is THE GAME OF LIFE: zAPPed Edition. Land on app spaces to unlock more than 100 hilarious clips from America’s Funniest Home Video. Find out if these videos bring you good fortune or bad luck.
Includes gameboard, 4 car movers, 52 pegs, money pack, 4 rubber pads, Quick Start Guide. iPad not included but required to play the game.
For 2 to 4 Players
Ages 8 and up

Disclosure: We received a complimentary copy of this game for review purposes from Hasbro.  All opinions expressed are my own honest, personal feedback. I have not been compensated for a positive review.

We Celebrated Cinco de Mayo with #HormelFamily

 

Yes, yes I know it's practically June already but I totally forgot to share with you what we did a few weeks back to celebrate Cinco de Mayo.

It was a BUSY weekend, so it was nothing elaborate.  But I whipped up some cheese quesadillas, something I do often because the kids enjoy them.  But when to have a little fun as I cut them up I tossed them into this festive chip bowl and filled the middle with Herdez Salsa Casera.  I am a fan of quesadillas myself but this salsa just kicked it up a notch.  And clearly my attempt to be festive was noted because my nine year old was intrigued enough to ask what the occasion was when I brought it out!  I'm really enjoying pushing myself to do more simple things like this at home to make the otherwise everyday moments a little more special!

Do you celebrate Cinco de Mayo? 

Disclosure: This post was written as part of the Hormel Foods Extended Family program. I was provided with a gift card to shop for our rainy day meal but all opinions are my own honest personal feedback.

Norwegian Cruise Line & The Children's Place #PlacesInTheSun Giveaway

With spring in full swing and summer hot on its heels, most of us are thinking about how we can have some fun in the sun and make memories with our families. A perfect way to do both is to plan a family vacation. Luckily, two of our favorite brands are joining forces to help us do just that- and look photo worthy in the process!

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.

 Before you set sail, be sure to check out The Children's Place for sea worthy fashions.

For under $25 I got two shirts, two shorts and a pair of sunglasses!  I LOVE the matchable line which is currently on sale for $5 each for comfy play shirts and shorts.  If you're looking for something a little more fashionable they have plenty of fabulous styles for boys too.

And don't even get me started on the selection of girls summer styles. Too much cuteness going on there for me to handle!!

Ready to sail away? Don't go yet, you can enter to win a Norwegian Cruise Line prize pack, which includes a fun Norwegian Cruise Line beach bag and travel mug!  

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Disclosure: I received a gift card to The Children's Place as part of a Mom Select campaign, to purchase some summer looks. All opinions expressed are my own honest, personal feedback.