It’s back-to-school time and class is in session. Orkin is back with Household Pests 101 – featuring some of Orkin’s scientific knowledge of pests. The Orkin Man is here to help you #LearnWithOrkin so you don't get schooled by pest problems in your own home.
I know that it is impossible not to have pests in your home but with Orkin the chances are more likely you won't. Check out the Orkin "Household Pests 101" blog app for yourself and get some great information. Take the Pest Prevention Quiz by clicking on the image. Find out if you are up to the task of getting rid of pesky buggers!
While you are at it, click on the phone in the image above and watch the "Bite Back at Mosquitoes" YouTube video. It gives some great info on how to avoid having them in your home. Orkin helps you get rid of unwanted pests in your house.
I also have a great prize pack to giveaway. Look below.
The Orkin Back-To-School Prize Pack includes:
One (1) Silver USB Portable Charger – We know you’re on the go from sun up to sun down and you can't afford not to be accessible. This emergency charger is small, sleek and can help your phone keep up with your busy lifestyle!
One (1) Double Wall Stainless Steel Travel Mug w/ lid - Your car isn't the only thing that needs fueling up in the morning … this stainless steel travel mug is a great way to ensure your morning coffee is always within arm’s reach.
One (1) Orkin “Protect Your Home” PDF Checklist - This handy checklist from the experts at Orkin will help you think like a pest in order to help protect your home from pests.
If you want to win, just enter below on the Rafflecopter widget.
At Orkin, we use the latest technology and unparalleled training to develop an effective treatment that's right for your needs. To learn more about our pest control based in science or to schedule an inspection, visit orkin.com or call 1-800-800-ORKIN.
Rules: One entry per person per day. Once a winner is drawn I will contact them and the winner will have 48 hours to reply back before I draw a new winner. Giveaway is open to US residents only who are 18 years of age or older. Each household is only eligible to win Back to School Prize Pack via blog reviews and giveaways. Only one entrant per mailing address per giveaway. If you have won the same prize on another blog, you will not be eligible to win it again. Winner is subject to eligibility verification.
Disclosure: I received a sample product for review purposes. No other compensation was given and the opinions in this post are solely mine and are based on my experience with the product. Sponsors are responsible for shipping prizes unless otherwise stated. I am not responsible if sponsors do not fulfill prize. Please allow 6-8 weeks for delivery of any prizes.
I always get excited around this time of the year. The dog days of summer are leaving us soon, I hope. Fall is coming. That means Back to School, autumn leaves, Halloween and other holidays. One of those little known holidays is Grandparents' Day on Sept. 13th. Grandparents Day has been around since the 1970's but not too many celebrate it.
It seems to me that this is a great time to tell your grandparents how much they mean to you. My grandmother was very special to me. And I made sure that I would tell her that when she was alive. She was like my second mother and I miss her. I love the idea of Grandparents Day because it allows you to give them the love they deserve.
I hope your grandparents are just as special to. It seems more and more grandparents are playing bigger roles in the family than ever so they deserve a special day!
One way to make sure you can make Grandparents' Day special is by giving them a wonderful gift basket from GourmetGiftBaskets.com. GourmetGiftBaskets.com has a wide range of choices for any special person. Maybe your grandmother loves flowers. You can find a bouquet to brighten her day. Do your grandparents like chocolate? Maybe they want something a little healthier. You can find fruit baskets at GourmetGiftBaskets.com. You can find the perfect gift for anyone.
One of my favorite baskets is the New England Breakfast gift Basket! this basket is filled with several wonderful ingredients that will make any breakfast delicious and hearty. Inside a gorgeous basket, your recipient will discover delicious foods, like Maine's juiciest blueberries, New Hampshire's sweetest maple syrup, and Broadbent's hickory-smoked pepper bacon. I t also features Stonewall Kitchen products that are simply tasty. And with some assorted coffees and pure maple syrup, your loved ones will love this.
I know I loved it. It makes the perfect Sunday morning meal!
And don;t forget that it's Back to School Bear Hug Basket time as well. Hubby's new semester starts next week already! If your child is starting school or heading to college, give them a little gift. The Back to School Bear Hug care package features a soft and cuddly teddy bear perfect for snuggling. It also features favorite classic candies and some gourmet popcorn flavors to create a care package that will brighten any one's day! I love that the basket features Laffy Taffy, Tootsie Rolls, Jawbreakers, Smarties and so many other delicious snacks.
I love GourmetGiftBaskets.com. When I need a gift I head over because I know I will find the perfect gift for anyone on my list. I also know that I can count on them delivering it to my loved ones. I never worry because I know that they will receive a great gift!
Check out GourmetGiftBaskets.com for your gift needs this season! If you want to win a New England Breakfast Gift Basket, then enter below!
Rules: One entry per person per day. Once a winner is drawn I will contact them and the winner will have 48 hours to reply back before I draw a new winner. Giveaway is open to US residents only who are 18 years of age or older.
Disclosure: I received a sample product for review purposes. No other compensation was given and the opinions in this post are solely mine and are based on my experience with the product. Sponsors are responsible for shipping prizes unless otherwise stated. I am not responsible if sponsors do not fulfill prize. Please allow 6-8 weeks for delivery of any prizes.
Now I am not a gamer so a lot of the information that we learned about at the Disney Consumer Products and Interactive Media panel was new to me. It was also exciting. It seems like I have been missing out on some great game play.
Revealed were new details about some of the biggest products in the interactive entertainment industry including Disney Infinity 3.0 Edition, Playmation and KINGDOM HEARTS III plus two new limited edition Star Wars™ PlayStation®4 hardware bundles.
Highlights from the presentation included:
* On November 17, fans will be able to purchase two very special limited-edition Darth Vader-inspired PlayStation®4 Star Wars bundles: Star Wars: Battlefront and Disney Infinity 3.0: Star Wars. The bundles include a fully customized PS4™ featuring an image of Darth Vader, a controller inspired by Darth Vader’s suit and more.
A video posted by Carolyn Gonzalez (@carogonza1) on
* John Boyega and Daisy Ridley, co-stars of Star Wars™ The Force Awakens, surprised guests on stage and gave away their character figures, Finn and Rey, for the upcoming Disney Infinity 3.0 Edition Play Set based on the film.
A video posted by Carolyn Gonzalez (@carogonza1) on
* Other character reveals also included Nick Wilde and Judy Hopps from Walt Disney Animation Studios’ Zootopia, Spot from Disney•Pixar’s The Good Dinosaur and a limited edition set of Light FX Star Wars™ character figures that light up when placed onto the Disney Infinity Base. Exciting new Disney Infinity integrations with Walt Disney World and Disney Cruise Line® were also unveiled.
* Guests who attended the Hall D23 received a special Kingdom Hearts Mickey Costume Power Disc that unlocks a one-of-a-kind costume of King Mickey, Keyblade Master and King of Disney Castle for Disney Infinity’s Mickey Mouse character and a classic Mickey Mouse figure.
* Coming this Fall, Playmation Marvel’s Avengers Gamma Gear – inspired by the 7-foot Hulk – lets you smash into battle using motion-sensing technology putting you in the Avengers action. Slip your hands into the Gamma Gear and use the motion-based controls to smash your way through missions and stomp through battlegrounds with different Hulk moves like Ground Slam, Thunder Clap, and other combos. **Side Note: I love the Hulk!
* Square Enix and Disney Interactive revealed that Baymax and other beloved characters of Walt Disney Animation Studios’ Academy Award®-winning film Big Hero 6 will make their debut in the ever-expanding narrative of KINGDOM HEARTS III.
A video posted by Carolyn Gonzalez (@carogonza1) on
* Disney Interactive announced Disney Magic Kingdoms, a new mobile game being created with Gameloft that lets players build the Disney theme park of their dreams by recreating and placing iconic attractions such as Space Mountain, Haunted Mansion, California Screamin’ and many more in a fun animated landscape.
This is exciting stuff for any gamer. I am most excited about Playmation and Disney Magic Kingdoms. The idea of creating my own Disney park is amazing. After watching the full presentation, I am thinking I need to start checking into other games because they look like so much fun!!
If you are a gamer or know gamers, this Christmas is chock full of greatness for you!!
Disclosure: I attended the #D23Expo and my expenses: flight, accommodations, transportation and some meals were be covered by Disney. All opinions, however, are 100% mine.
Oh my what can I say about the new movies coming out next year and the new Star Wars coming out this December? All I can say that this panel introducing the new movies by Marvel, Lucas Films and Disney was so exciting. I cannot wait to see them all. Here is a sneak peek!!
DISNEY
The Finest Hours “The Finest Hours,” based on the remarkable true story of the most daring rescue mission in the history of the Coast Guard. Chris Pine plays Bernie Webber, the captain of the rescue boat. Presented in Digital 3D™, Real D 3D and IMAX® 3D, the film, which is directed by Craig Gillespie and also stars Casey Affleck, Ben Foster, Holliday Grainger, John Ortiz and Eric Bana, transports audiences to the heart of the action, creating a fully-immersive cinematic experience on an epic scale. “The Finest Hours” storms into U.S. theaters on January 29, 2016.
Oh this looks really good. I know this is right up hubby's alley and we will definitely be watching it. I love Chris Pine and loved that he came on stage at the D23 Expo.
The Jungle Book
Disney’s upcoming “The Jungle Book,” welcomes newcomer Neel Sethi, who was selected from thousands of candidates to play man-cub Mowgli; plus Oscar® winners Ben Kingsley, who helps bring panther-turned-mentor Bagheera to life, and Lupita Nyong’o, who lends her voice to the protective mother wolf Raksha. The all-new, live-action epic adventure showcases Mowgli’s journey of self-discovery when he’s forced to abandon the only home he’s ever known.
Based on Rudyard Kipling’s timeless stories and inspired by Disney’s 1967 animated classic, the film features state-of the-art technology that immerses audiences in the lush world like never before. “The Jungle Book” also features the voices of Bill Murray, Idris Elba, Scarlett Johansson, Giancarlo Esposito and Christopher Walken. Jon Favreau and Brigham Taylor produce and the screenplay is by Justin Marks. “The Jungle Book” hits theaters in stunning 3D and IMAX 3D on April 15, 2016.
Color me happy! I have always loved The Jungle Book. I cannot wait for this live action version. And let me tell you when Ben Kingsley walked on stage, I almost died. I have always loved his work and I am excited that he is in this movie. I am also gad to see Lupita Nyong’o. She is in three, yes three, Disney films!!
Alice Through the Looking Glass
Yes, their back. All you favorite Alice characters! Director James Bobin brings his own unique vision to the spectacular world Tim Burton created on screen in 2010 with “Alice in Wonderland,” in which Alice (Wasikowska) returns to the whimsical world of Underland and travels back in time to save the Mad Hatter. The film, which once again features Johnny Depp, Anne Hathaway, Helena Bonham Carter and the voices of Alan Rickman, Stephen Fry, Michael Sheen and Timothy Spall, introduces several new characters as well: Zanik Hightopp (Rhys Ifans), the Mad Hatter’s father, and Time himself (Sacha Baron Cohen), a peculiar creature who is part human, part clock.
Joe Roth, Suzanne Todd and Jennifer Todd, and Tim Burton produce and John G. Scotti is the executive producer. The screenplay is by Linda Woolverton. Presented in Digital 3D™, Real D 3D and IMAX® 3D, Disney’s “Alice Through the Looking Glass” opens in U.S. theaters on May 27, 2016. So excited for this film!!!
Pete's Dragon
“Pete’s Dragon,”is a reimagining of Disney’s cherished family film. The heartwarming adventure of an orphaned boy named Pete and his best friend Elliott, who just so happens to be a dragon, “Pete’s Dragon” is directed by David Lowery, produced by Jim Whitaker, and executive-produced by Barrie Osborne, and also stars Oakes Fegley, Wes Bentley, Karl Urban, Oona Laurence and Robert Redford. “Pete’s Dragon” opens in U.S. theaters on August 12, 2016.
Queen of Katwe
“Queen of Katwe,” which is based on the inspirational true story of a girl from the poverty-stricken slums of rural Uganda who dreams of becoming a champion chess player. Directed by Mira Nair from a screenplay by William Wheeler based on the book by Tim Crothers, “Queen of Katwe” stars Nyong’o, David Oyelowo and newcomer Medina Nalwanga.
This movie also stars David Oyelowo who starred in Selma. I love him and I cannot wait to see this movie!!
Beauty and the Beast
"Beauty and the Beast,” stars Emma Watson, Josh Gad and Luke Evans. The live-action musical, a retelling of the studio’s animated classic, stars Watson, Dan Stevens, Evans, Gad, Kevin Kline, Ewan McGregor, Stanley Tucci, Emma Thompson, Ian McKellen, Gugu Mbatha-Raw, Audra McDonald and newcomer Nathan Mack. The film is directed by Bill Condon. Alan Menken, who won two Academy Awards® (Best Original Score and Best Song) for the animated classic, provides the score, which will include new recordings of the original songs written by Menken and Tim Rice, as well as several new songs. “Beauty and the Beast” will be released in U.S. theaters on March 17, 2017. OMG! Live action Beauty & the Beast with Emma Watson. I'm so there!!
Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales
Thrust into an all-new adventure, a down-on-his-luck Captain Jack Sparrow finds the winds of ill-fortune blowing even more strongly when deadly ghost pirates led by his old nemesis, the terrifying Captain Salazar (Bardem), escape from the Devil's Triangle, determined to kill every pirate at sea...including him. Captain Jack's only hope of survival lies in seeking out the legendary Trident of Poseidon, a powerful artifact that bestows upon its possessor total control over the seas.
The film is directed by Espen Sandberg & Joachim Rønning and stars Johnny Depp, Javier Bardem, Brenton Thwaites, Kevin R. McNally, Kaya Scodelario, Golshifteh Farahani, Stephen Graham, David Wenham and Geoffrey Rush. Jerry Bruckheimer is the producer and Chad Oman, Mike Stenson, Joe Caracciolo, Jr. and Brigham Taylor serve as executive producers. Jeff Nathanson wrote the screenplay. “Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales” releases in U.S. theaters on July 7, 2017. Johnny, Orlando, Javier Bardem!! OMG can I wait 2 years for this movie?? I am not sure.
MARVEL
Doctor Strange
Benedict Cumberbatch stars in Marvel’s “Doctor Strange”. After his career is destroyed, a brilliant but arrogant surgeon gets a new lease on life when a sorcerer takes him under his wing and trains him to defend the world against evil. "Doctor Strange" opens in U.S. theaters on October 26, 2016.
Any movie with Benedict Cumberbatch is a good movie. A Marvel movie with Benedict Cumberbatch = heaven!!!
Captain America: Civil War
Marvel’s “Captain America: Civil War” picks up where “Avengers: Age of Ultron” left off, as Steve Rogers leads the new team of Avengers in their continued efforts to safeguard humanity. After another international incident involving the Avengers results in collateral damage, political pressure mounts to install a system of accountability and a governing body to determine when to enlist the services of the team. The new status quo fractures the Avengers while they try to protect the world from a new and nefarious villain. Marvel’s “Captain America: Civil War” opens in the U.S. on May 6, 2016.
I love me some Captain America!!! I will there opening day!!!
LUCAS FILMS
Star Wars: The Force Awakens and More “Star Wars: The Force Awakens” stars Harrison Ford, Mark Hamill, Carrie Fisher, Adam Driver, Daisy Ridley, John Boyega, Oscar Isaac, Lupita Nyong’o, Andy Serkis, Domhnall Gleeson, Anthony Daniels, Peter Mayhew and Max Von Sydow. Kathleen Kennedy, J.J. Abrams and Bryan Burk are producing with Tommy Harper and Jason McGatlin serving as executive producers. The screenplay is by J.J. Abrams & Lawrence Kasdan. “Star Wars: The Force Awakens” releases in U.S. theaters on December 18, 2015.
“Star Wars: Episode VIII,” is slated for release on May 26, 2017. Colin Trevorrow (“Jurassic World”) has signed on to direct “Star Wars: Episode IX,” which is scheduled for release in 2019.
There is another film, “Untitled Han Solo”,, slated for release on May 25, 2018 and it will be directed by Christopher Miller & Phil Lord, with Lawrence Kasdan and his son Jon Kasdan writing the screenplay.
“Rogue One,” is the first of the standalone Star Wars stories to hit the big screen, which has commenced principal photography. Gareth Edwards (“Godzilla,” “Monsters”) is directing “Rogue One,” which tells the story of resistance fighters who have united to steal plans to the dreaded Death Star. The film is produced by Kathleen Kennedy and is slated for a December 16, 2016 release.
I cannot believe how much Star Wars goodness is coming up. It is amazing that Harrison Ford is back as Han Solo. Check out this timeline!! I am in heaven!!
There is some exciting things happening in the movies and I cannot wait!!
Disclosure: I attended the #D23Expo and my expenses: flight, accommodations, transportation and some meals were be covered by Disney. All opinions, however, are 100% mine.
One of the highlights of the D23 Expo was attending the Silly Symphony Concert. We were treated to a live concert featuring a 32 piece orchestra. The event was hosted by Leonard Maltin. During the concert we watched Silly Symphony shorts from the Disney archives while the orchestra played on. The shorts have been been restored and look fantastic.
Photo credit: D23
The shorts we watched included some of the great like The Old Mill, Three Little Pigs, The Skeleton dance, The Ugly Duckling, Flowers and Trees and Music Land. What a treat!! I remember watching these when my parents took me to the movies on Sunday afternoons. We only watched 2 types of movies when we were little, Cantinflas (Mexican comedian) and Disney movies.
So it was amazing to be able to watch some of these classic shorts along with live music. The music was performed as it would have been recorded during those historic days at the Disney Studios on Hyperion Avenue in the 1920s and ’30s. The music was amazing. I was having trouble keeping my eyes off the band because they were so much fun to watch.
The shorts were magnificent. I really loved watching them again. My favorites were The Ugly Duckling and the Three Little Pigs. having Leonard Maltin introduced the films and give us some great insight to the shorts was magical as well.
Photo credit: D23
After the concert, we headed down to the Disney Music Emporium pop-up store on the show floor of D23 EXPO where fans could pre-order the long-awaited The Silly Symphony Collection box set, featuring the complete restored soundtracks from all 75 Silly Symphony shorts from 1929–1939, with over eight hours of music on 16 vinyl LPs.
I was so glad that this concert was on the agenda because it was one of the most favorite things I did while at the D23 Expo. This Silly Symphony Collection box set would make a great Christmas gift for any Disney fan this year! I know that I will be putting this on my Christmas list.
Disclosure: I attended the #D23Expo and my expenses: flight, accommodations, transportation and some meals were be covered by Disney. All opinions, however, are 100% mine.
If you know me, you know that I have been going to Disneyland since I was knee high to a grasshopper. I bet the first time I went was 4 years old. We went every year when I was little and when I got older, I would still go. It was not unheard of for me and my friends to hop in the car on a Friday night and head over to Disneyland because it was half price when there were a few hours left. It was great.
So when I found out I was headed to Disneyland once again on the D23 Expo trip, I was thrilled. I love Disneyland and I love California Adventure as well. This trip it was even more exciting because Disneyland is celebrating its 60th anniversary. It is hard to believe that Disneyland is 60 years old!! I am am glad I have been part of those 60 years. And I was glad to celebrate during this 60th year as well.
When we were at Disneyland, we enjoyed a Dole Whip, some rides and food. We also had the opportunity to watch the PAINT THE NIGHT parade and DISNEYLAND FOREVER fireworks. The next evening we headed over to California Adventure and had a wonderful dinner at Carthay Circle. We then enjoyed more rides including Radiator Springs and then watched the World of Color - Celebrate show. I had never seen that show and it was wonderful. I did a little shopping and then it was time to head back to the hotel.
Being at Disneyland, or any Disney theme park, is always such a great treat. Here are a few pictures and videos of my adventures!
A video posted by Carolyn Gonzalez (@carogonza1) on
Disclosure: I attended the #D23Expo and my expenses: flight, accommodations, transportation and some meals were be covered by Disney. All opinions, however, are 100% mine.
While at the D23 Expo, we were lucky to learn about the new THE LEGACY COLLECTION from
Walt Disney Records. This newly created line of collectible CDs, Walt Disney Records The Legacy Collection, will celebrate the anniversaries of Disney’s most cherished and classic properties that have been enchanting audiences for generations.
The Legacy Collection features the original soundtracks, plus valuable documentary content that tells the story behind the music. Each album will feature newly created artwork from Lorelay Bove, a visual development artist at Walt Disney Animation Studios (“Tangled,” “Winnie the Pooh,” “Wreck-It Ralph”). The illustrations, inspired by the original properties, will celebrate Disney’s rich heritage and create a unified look for the entire collection.
This year Walt Disney Records will celebrate 12 anniversaries including “Pinocchio” (75th), “Fantasia” (75th), “Cinderella” (65th), “Lady and the Tramp” (60th), “Sleeping Beauty” (55th), “Mary Poppins” (50th), “The Lion King” (20th) and “Toy Story” (20th). It also includes music from The Little Mermaid, Disneyland, Pocahontas, The Aristocats.
It was amazing to see the collection up close. The artwork is truly amazing. The artwork plus the music makes this collection worth buying. If you know a Disney fan, this would be the perfect gift for them this Christmas. I know I am adding this to my Christmas list. Let's hope hubby buys it for me!
And h2O+, maker of skin products and bath products and provider of in-room amenities or Disney resorts, has teamed up with Walt Disney Records to commemorate the release of the Walt Disney Records The Legacy Collection. As part of this campaign, women are invited to share their own legacies with stories, affirmations, and inspirations in an emboldened, globally supported community. You can share your own legacy and let h20+ and Walt Disney records share your story through their #shareyourlegacy campaign.
You can also enter the h20+ sweepstakes. One Grand Prize Winner will receive a trip for two to New York City including: two nights hotel accommodations, round trip coach airfare for two to New York City, two tickets to see a performance of The Lion King, a behind the scenes tour package of The Lion King for winner and companion, and a H2O+ Skin & Bodycare Beauty Basket. That is an amazing prize. So be sure to enter.
And be sure to check out the Walt Disney Records The Legacy Collection. It is filled with wonderful music and a little Disney magic and would make a great gift for the Disney fan on your gift list!
Disclosure: I attended the #D23Expo and my expenses: flight, accommodations, transportation and some meals were be covered by Disney. All opinions, however, are 100% mine.
Now that we are eating healthier because of Tom's health, I have been trying to make sure that healthy eating foes not means boring eating. One of Tom's favorite meals is pizza. Now I hate making pizza dough especially on weekdays because it makes a huge mess in my kitchen. So have tried to find alternatives.
While Kontos is not necessarily low fat or low salt, the fat is doable and the salt is not so bad. And for our new diet that is what I look for. I try to find products that will help me make meals that we can have and still have good flavor.
Because the pizza crusts have salt and sodium, I just make sure the toppings are good. I add pizza sauce that has no sodium. I also add fresh toppings and low fat cheese. It is delicious and it is easy and simple. And the Kontos Pizza Crusts are so good. I always look for them in my store and rarely find them.
If I can't find them then I make my own crusts because none of the other crusts compare. They get soggy and don't taste as good as Kontos. I love that Kontos crusts get crispy and taste good.
I really like these products and will continue using them because they are delicious. I like that Kontos Foods offers several varieties of products. If you are looking for an alternative to regular bread, Kontos products might be the right thing for you.
To learn more about Kontos Foods and its array of flatbreads and other baked goods, visit the Kontos site. You can also find Kontos Foods on Twitter or on Facebook. And thanks to Kontos, I have a variety of Kontos products for one lucky reader. You really want to enter because these products are DELISH!! Just enter on the Rafflecopter widget below.
Rules: One entry per person per day. Once a winner is drawn I will contact them and the winner will have 48 hours to reply back before I draw a new winner. Giveaway is open to US residents only who are 18 years of age or older.
Disclosure: I received a sample product for review purposes. No other compensation was given and the opinions in this post are solely mine and are based on my experience with the product. Sponsors are responsible for shipping prizes unless otherwise stated. I am not responsible if sponsors do not fulfill prize. Please allow 6-8 weeks for delivery of any prizes.
