SmartyPants All-in-One Gummy Vitamins for Adults: Multivitamin + Omega 3s + Vitamin D3 - Review

Disclosure:  We received free product to facilitate our honest review.  No further compensation was received.  All opinions stated are those of the Shelly's Bits & Pieces family.

Getting my family to take any kind of medicine can be a nightmare, and that generally includes vitamins as well.  Recently we were given the opportunity to try SmartyPants All-in-One Gummy Vitamins.  My husband was the first to try the vitamins, and they never made it to anyone else.  Chefy is worse than any child when it comes to vitamins.  He hates them, but he loved these SmartyPants Gummy Vitamins!  Chefy decided that these were for him and he took them all month.

Here is a little information about the SmartyPants Adult Complete Gummy Vitamins:

• Only Multivitamin + Omega 3s + Vitamin D gummy on the market!
• Excellent Source of Omega 3 DHA+EPA* from eco friendly small fish oil
• 225% of the US RDI for Vitamin D + includes 9 other nutrients
• No High Fructose Corn Syrup, artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives.
• Gluten & casein free. Made in California in a GMP-certified facility

Here are Chefy's thoughts:  Finally a vitamin that is not a horse pill.  I really enjoyed the fact that they are gummies.  They did not have that nasty aftertaste I was worried about either.  They were the perfect answer to my vitamin need.  I used for the month and I did feel like I had a little more energy, and although I cannot say that came from the vitamins, I liked SmartyPants Gummy Vitamins enough to buy more so I can continue on them daily.  

When you are looking for a vitamin that is not only good for you, but tastes good, give SmartyPants Gummy Vitamins a try!  They can be purchased at Whole Foods, CVS, drugstore.com, diapers.com and amazon.com.  Check here for more information!

MICKEY MOUSE CLUBHOUSE: SUPER ADVENTURE Review

Disclosure: We received a copy of this DVD to facilitate our honest review! No other compensation was received. All opinions stated are those of the Shelly's Bits & Pieces family.  Information received from the sponsor is in bold blue.

We have always been big fans of Mickey Mouse! I grew up watching the Mickey Mouse Club during the 1950s and I watched them in the late 1970s. Now, my little ones are watching the Mickey Mouse Clubhouse. Although it is very different from what I grew up watching, I must admit I love the Mickey Mouse Clubhouse as much as my kids do. We recently were sent the the MICKEY MOUSE CLUBHOUSE: SUPER ADVENTURE to review and we loved it!!

About the DVD:

Zoom! Wow! It’s Super Mickey, Wonder Minnie, Super-Power Pup, Super Goof, Dynamo Duck and Upsy-Daisy to the rescue! In an exciting adventure straight out of a comic book, Power-Pants Pete swoops down and starts shrinking everything insight down to teeny-tiny size! To save the day, Professor Von Drake transforms the Clubhouse Gang into super heroes with incredible powers. But Pete’s merely a sidekick; a wily villain named Megamort is the true mastermind behind the shrinky-dinky caper. Can our heroes outsmart the bad guys? Only by working together, with help from YOU… and the right Mouseketools! Packed with action, surprises and nearly two hours of fun – including three additional episodes – this Super Adventure celebrates the unstoppable power of teamwork and friendship.

My brother and I loved playing super heroes when we were younger, and my little ones are no different.  They enjoy saving me from all kinds of things, and that can be a lot of fun.  They loved watching the gang team up and outsmart the bad guys in this DVD!  I love that the MICKEY MOUSE CLUBHOUSE: SUPER ADVENTURE  teaches about the magic of teamwork and friends.  It never focuses on "I can do it", it only focuses on "We can do it!"  Maybe we all should learn from that.  What do you think?  Do your kids enjoy playing super heroes?

Here Comes The Octonauts DVD Review and Giveaway

Disclosure: We received a DVD to facilitate our honest review. All opinions are those of the Shelly's Bits & Pieces family. Information in bold blue was provided by sponsor. Please note that the sponsor is responsible for prize fulfillment.

Dive into the New Year and into adventure with everyone’s favorite underwater explorers, the International EMMY-nominated Octonauts, and join them on their mission to “explore, rescue and protect!” Here Come the Octonauts is available for the FIRST time on DVD on January 7, 2014, from NCircle Entertainment—available at Walmart and many other retailers and grocery stores nationwide!

About Octonauts:

CAPTAIN BARNACLES BEAR - A brave polar bear extraordinaire and the leader of the Octonauts crew. He's always the first to rush in and help whenever there's a problem. 

KWAZII KITTEN - A daredevil orange kitten with a mysterious pirate past. He loves excitement and travelling to exotic places. 

PESO PENGUIN - The medic for the team. He's an expert at bandaging and always carries his medical kit with him in case of emergencies. He's not too fond of scary things, but if a creature is hurt or in danger, he can be the bravest Octonaut of all! 

Together with the rest of their crew, DASHI (SAUCI) DOG, SHELLINGTON SEA OTTER, TWEAK BUNNY, PROFFESSOR INKLING OCTOPUS and TURNIP THE VEGIMAL, the Octonauts explore the world's oceans, rescue the creatures who live there, and protect their habitats - above and below the waves! 

In Here Come the Octonauts, Captain Barnacles must figure out how to free an old friend who is trapped beneath the ice; Kwazii tries to rescue a reef full of creatures before an undersea storm strikes; and Peso must help a school of frightened fish who have invaded the Octopod! 

Based on the books of the same name by Vicki Wong and Michael Murphy, who write under the name Meomi, Octonauts is broadcast weekday mornings on Disney Channel’s Disney Junior block. The Octonauts received a BAFTA nomination for Best Animated Preschool Show in 2011 and 2013; and in October 2012 was nominated for an International EMMY Award

Our thoughts:

The girls loved the Octonauts!  The episodes are short enough that Pistol actually pays attention to the whole thing.  As a matter of fact, she watched the entire DVD without losing interest.  Princess Pickle enjoyed it too!  The girls love the fact that it is underwater!  Those two love the ocean and are always interested in the creatures who live there!  I love the fact that they were learning something while watching the DVD.  I must admit, I was learning too!  I would highly recommend Here Comes the Octonauts to anyone with young children!  It jumped quickly into one of our most watched DVD spots!

Would you like to win a copy of the Here Comes The Octonauts DVD for your family?  Simply enter on the rafflecopter form below and you could win!  It is as simple as that!

New trailer and poster for Disney’s MILLION DOLLAR ARM

Disclosure: No compensation of any type was received for this post!  Just wanted to share!

In a last ditch effort to save his career as a sports agent, JB Bernstein (Jon Hamm) concocts a scheme to find baseball’s next great pitching ace. Hoping to find a young cricket pitcher he can turninto a Major League Baseball star, JB travels to India to produce a realityshow competition called “Million Dollar Arm.” With the help of a cantankerous but eagle-eyed retired baseball scout (Alan Arkin) he discovers Dinesh (played by Madhur Mittal from “Slumdog Millionaire”) and Rinku (played by Suraj Sharma from “Life of Pi”), two 18 year old boys who have no idea about playing baseball, yet have a knack for throwing a fastball. Hoping to sign them to major league contracts and make a quick buck, JB brings the boys home toAmerica to train. While the Americans are definitely out of their element in India — the boys, who have never left their rural villages — are equally challenged when they come to the States. As the boys learn the finer points of baseball — JB, with the help of his charming friend Brenda (Lake Bell) — learns valuable life lessons about teamwork, commitment and what it means to be a family.

Directed by Craig Gillespie from a screenplay written by Tom McCarthy, Walt Disney Pictures’ drama “Million Dollar Arm” stars Jon Hamm, Aasif Mandvi, Suraj Sharma, Lake Bell, Madhur Mittal, Pitobash and Alan Arkin. The producers are Mark Ciardi, Gordon Gray and Joe Roth. The executive producers are Palak Patel, Kevin Hollaran, Bill Simmons and Connor Schell. The film will be release in the United States on May 16, 2014.

Merry CHRISTmas 2013

We wanted to take a moment to wish everyone a very Merry CHRISTmas. I challenge you all to remember the real reason we celebrate this season. Happy Birthday Jesus!

From our home to yours, we wish you a Blessed CHRISTmas! Shelly & Family

Funny Or Die Game Review & Giveaway

Disclosure: We received a Funny or Die game to facilitate our honest review. No other compensation was received. All opinions stated are those of the Shelly's Bits & Pieces Family! Please note that the sponsor is responsible for prize fulfillment.

About the game:
Hasbro is joining forces with Funny or Die, the popular comedy video website, to bring you the ultimate in caption craziness with the FUNNY OR DIE game. Try to one-up your friends by matching outrageous photos and captions to create the best laugh-out-loud combo. Everybody votes on which is the funniest and which one must “die.” Players earn money for having the funniest pair and the player with the most cast at the end of the game wins. With hundreds of hilarious pictures and captions, the FUNNY OR DIE game will have players laughing till the very end.
Age: 13+; Players: 3-6
Approximate Retail Price: $14.99

Our thoughts:
We decided to play the game with our 15 yr old daughter and two of her friends (also 15).   Some of our initial captions were a little weak, but after a little while we were laughing out loud.  I knew these girls had imaginations, but, WOW!  The game is very addictive, and the girls loved it so much they took it with them when they visited another friend on Saturday.  This game is definitely meant for teens and adults, because some of the photos and sayings are not appropriate for small kids.  We loved the length of the game too.  It took us about 30 minutes or so to play, which is an ideal amount of time.  It gives you a chance to play several rounds, and it is never boring!  This is an ideal game for families with older kids and adults!  Our family gives it a huge thumbs up!  


Would you like to win Funny or Die of your own?  Simply enter on the Rafflecopter form below and you could be that winner!  

Yellow Pages Prize Pack Giveaway

Disclosure:  This giveaway is sponsored by Yellow Pages.  No compensation has been received.  Sponsor is responsible for prize fulfillment!  Please note:  Each household is only eligible to win ONE YP 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. 

When I think about the Yellow Pages, my mind drifts back to the back of Grandma's phone book. We had certain pages marked, because they were businesses we called over and over. As I grew up, and the city did around me, those Yellow Pages outgrew that small phone book and soon became a book all their own. As we fast forward many years, Yellow Pages is now an app and a website!

Do you love the feeling of accomplishment that comes from knocking out your to-do list?

You must be a Doer! YP is the one site and one app for people who wear busy as a badge of honor. Within seconds you can find a hardware store, gardener, limousine service, dentist or bounce house for your child’s birthday party. Search 18 million business listings as fast as you can tap. 

Highlights: 
• Ratings, reviews, photos and phone numbers (of course) to help you decide which businesses are right for you 
• Thousands of local coupons, deals and discounts from businesses and services near you 
• Create personalized collections of your favorite, go-to businesses using My Book 
• Find the cheapest gas around with one click 
• Search 350,000 menus to find the perfect meal 
View the YP.com Blog App here: https://archive.partnershub.com/show/16/yellow-pages/widget/yellow-pages/

But the big question is… do you DO the holidays right? YP has created a fun quiz to help you find out, and learn some fun facts along the way!


The Do You Do the Holidays Right? QUIZ - From roasting chestnuts, drinking egg nog, and decorating the house - the Holidays are a fun time that you must DO right! Take the quiz to find out if you DO the Holidays right!

GIVEAWAY:  After taking the Holiday Quiz, enter your result below and fill out the rafflecopter form for your chance to win a Yellow Page Prize Pack that includes:
• Black Cinch Bag
• Flashlight
• Tape Measure
• Notepads
• Pencils
• USB Car Charger
• Gum

Strawberry Shortcake: Berry Big Help on DVD February 18, 2014

Disclosure: No compensation of any kind was received for this post! Just wanted to share!

Strawberry Shortcake: Berry Big Help It's time for everyone to help out as best they can in these three delightful Strawberry Shortcake episodes. It's Strawberry to the rescue in "Babysitter Blues" when the princess asks her to look after a very special Baby Berrykin. Orange and Lemon take on the role of "Fashion Elves" in "A Stitch of Time" to help Raspberry with her fashion design dreams. And there's no place like home when Orange adopts a bitty fish that turns out to be a homesick tadpole. Join in the sparkly fun as the girls learn that lending a helping hand can be a berry big deal indeed!

Special Features
 ● “Sunshine Girls” Music Video
 ● Printable Coloring Page

HGG: Twisted Shotz Review & Giveaway (Perfect for the Adults)

Disclosure:  We received samples to facilitate our honest review.  No monetary compensation was received.  All Opinions stated are those of the Shelly's Bits & Pieces Adults, over 21!

Recently, Chefy and I were given the opportunity to review Twisted Shotz.  They are the perfect way to serve shots to your guests at your parties and holiday get togethers.  They are packaged in very convenient variety packs and are perfect to take with you.  There are so many awesome flavors to choose from, it was hard to figure out where to start!  You can check out the entire line of flavors by clicking here.

One thing I love about Twisted Shotz is that everything is done for you.  There is no mixing and no mess. The special shot glass has a division down the middle and the shot mix is separated until you drink it.  All you have to do, is find the tab, open it, center the divided shot and drink!  No Muss!  No Fuss!

These make wonderful hostess gifts and are ideal to keep on hand for your own personal use.  Take it from me, they are the perfect night cap!  You can locate Twisted Shotz by clicking here.  Or, follow them on youtube! My personal favorites are the Sex on the Beach and the Strawberry Sundae.  Chefy has enjoyed them all, but his favorite is the Buttery Nipple.

Twisted Shotz has offered 2 prize packs for me to giveaway to 2 lucky winners!  The prize pack consists of a drink tray, T-shirt and coupons.  Would you like to win a prize pack?  Simply enter on the rafflecopter form below!

HGG: ANGRY BIRDS GO! TELEPODS PIG ROCK RACEWAY Set Review & Giveaway

Disclosure:  I received a sample to facilitate my honest review.  No monetary compensation was received.  All opinions are those of the Shelly's Bits & Pieces family.  Sponsor is responsible for prize fulfillment!

My daughter introduced me to the Angry Birds about 2 years ago.  She found them online and was playing the game every day!  I had to admit the game was addictive and I started playing it all the time.  After the success of the game app, Angry Birds have literally flown into stores and they have some awesome games for your family!  

We were recently given the opportunity to review the ANGRY BIRDS GO! TELEPODS PIG ROCK RACEWAY Set!  We have had such a great time playing with it, and I am thrilled to tell you a little more about it.   

"The Angry Birds app comes to life. This line of Hasbro toys captures all the launching and destroying fun of the app in physical form. The Pig Rock Raceway Set lets you launch into high-flying, speed-racing fun. Load your 2 karts on the launchers and fire them into a bird-on-bird race down the track. Can you get past the falling dynamite and the pigs that fall out of the big pig peril? Can you knock the pirate pig off the treasure chest? It's easy to take the game to your mobile device (sold separately) and unlock your kart in the Angry Birds app. Just download the app and then put the Telepods base and your kart on your device. Scan your karts into the app and you can choose which one to race when you play the Angry Birds Go app. Fluff those feathers and run race after race with the Pig Rock Raceway Set. Hasbro and all related terms are trademarks of Hasbro."

Our Thoughts:  We loved setting up the tracks, placing the birds on the tracks,  pushing the buttons and watching them race!  It's so much fun!  It is very easy to set up and our family has enjoyed it for hours of fun!  You can also go to the Angry Birds App and scan in your racer to play there too!  

“It’s easy to take the game to your mobile device (sold separately) and unlock your kart in the Angry Birds app! Just download the app and then put the Telepods base and your kart on your device. Scan your karts into the app and you can choose which one to race when you play the Angry Birds Go app!”

How does that sound to you?  Would you like to win a set of your own?  Simply enter on the  Rafflecopter form below and you could win!  

Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir to be featured on Fox News Channel's Christmas Eve Special

Disclosure:  This is a non compensated post!  I just wanted to share!

Brooklyn, NY --The Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir will perform for the Fox News Channel’s Christmas Eve special “A FOX & Friends Christmas” set to broadcast at 8:00 pm Eastern on December 24.  The two-hour event will feature several entertainment guests including comedian Jeff Dunham, country music artist Craig Morgan, singer Leona Lewis, and X Factor finalist Carlos Guevara, among others. Fox & Friends co-hosts Steve Doocy, Elisabeth Hasselbeck and Brian Kilmeade as well as  FOX & Friends Weekend co-hosts Tucker Carlson, Anna Kooiman and Clayton Morris will interview Governor Sarah Palin, Cardinal Timothy Dolan, along with other notable guests.

Now in its 40^th year, the Grammy Award-winning Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir kicked the year off by singing “The Battle Hymn of The Republic” at President Obama’s inauguration ceremony on the steps of the U.S. Capitol to a worldwide television audience of over a billion people. The Choir was featured on the cover ofThe New York Times and highlighted in Time Magazine.  Their 27th album, “Love Lead The Way,” debuted at #1 on iTunes Christian/Gospel albums chart.

Directed by Carol Cymbala, wife to Pastor Jim Cymbala, the 300-voice choir is a blend of ethnic and economic backgrounds, with members ranging from lawyers and doctors to former drug addicts.  Since its inception when the Choir began with only nine members, Carol has never read music – though she has written numerous hit songs—and the choir has never used charts.  To Carol, the purpose of a church choir is very specific and very essential.

“The ultimate purpose of a choir is to lead the congregation into the presence of God,” says Carol.  “Prayer is vital.  Preparing the choir spiritually is so important. I do feel strongly that the idea of many voices lifted up to the Lord, unified and in harmony, is a powerful thing. We also read of choirs in the Bible going forth and singing before the battles were waged. Beyond singing, it is also being able to minister personally to those hurting or in need of Jesus.”

The Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir has performed at major music venues such as Radio City Music Hall, Carnegie Hall, and Madison Square Garden.  Their accolades include six Grammy Awards, seven Dove Awards (Gospel Music’s Grammy equivalent), two #1 Billboard charting CDs and over four million albums sold.  For more information, visit www.BrooklynTabernacle.org.

HGG: The Secret World of Santa - Countdown to Christmas DVDs Review and Giveaway

Disclosure: We received a copy of the DVD to facilitate our honest review. No monetary compensation was received. All opinions stated are those of the Shelly's Bits & Pieces Family! Sponsor is responsible for prize fulfillment.

“The Secret World of Santa Claus: Elves in Toyland” (SRP $14.95) and
“The Secret World of Santa Claus: A Present for Santa” (SRP $14.95)

Kids and families will count down to Christmas with the DVD debut of the beloved international sensation, The Secret World of Santa Claus! The two special two-disc sets each feature a dozen episodes of the timeless animated series. In “The Secret World of Santa Claus: Elves in Toyland,” Santa, his reindeer and trusty elves sleigh into a land full of enchantment. But when they arrive, they find the meddlesome Gruzzlebeard has cast a wicked spell on the toys, making them come to life. With Christmas fast approaching, Santa and his elves must undo the maleficent magic before it’s too late…! And in “The Secret World of Santa Claus: A Present for Santa,” children work with Santa’s elves to make him a gift so he won’t be the only person on the planet who never receives presents on Christmas. While they’re hard at work, the dastardly Gruzzlebeard unleashes hungry termites that nearly eat Santa’s house, along with his trademark suit with special powers! Santa is very distressed, but when he awakens to a big present outside, courtesy of the children, he discovers all hope is not lost.

Our thoughts:
We were very happy to review these DVD's!  "The Secret World of Santa Claus: Elves in Toyland" includes 2 DVDs which have a daily episode for December 1st through the 12th.  "The Secret World of Santa Claus: A Present for Santa," also includes 2 DVDs and it has a daily episode for December 13th through the 25th.  My family enjoyed being able to count down the days in a new and exciting way.  We made our own routine.  In the evening after dinner, we would start the DVD and enjoy the daily episode while we enjoyed the chocolate from our Advent calendar.  It was quite the combination!  

Would you like to have these great DVDs to countdown with your family?  Simply enter on the rafflecopter form below.  

Winnie the Pooh: Springtime with Roo on Blu-ray and Digital Hi-Def coming 3/11/14

Disclosure:  This is a non compensated post!  Just wanted to share the information!

The storytelling continues in the Hundred Acre Wood with the all-new "WINNIE THE POOH: SPRINGTIME WITH ROO" full-length feature as it leaps for the first time on Digital High Definition and Blu-ray™ March 11, 2014! This edition comes with an enchanting never-before-seen bonus treat too.

Synopsis:                                
Each year, Rabbit plays Easter Bunny, but this year, he’s decided it’s “Spring Cleaning Day,” and he orders everyone to hop to it: scrubbing, dusting, and mopping. All his pals are disappointed – especially little Roo – until Rabbit learns that putting others first and showing friends how much you care turns every day into a precious gift. Sparkling with unforgettable songs and a never-before-seen bonus treat, this delightful “egg-stravaganza” shows why love, hope and friendship are always in full bloom in the Hundred Acre Wood!

Cast:                                          
Jim, Cummings (Winnie the Pooh, Mini Adventures of Winnie the Pooh) as Winnie the Pooh/Tigger, Peter Cullen (My Friends Tigger & Pooh, Pooh’s Heffalump Movie, Winnie the Pooh: A Very Merry Pooh Year) as Eeyore and John Fiedler (Pooh’s Heffalump Movie, Winnie the Pooh: A Very Merry Pooh Year) as Piglet

Directors:                                
Ed Wexler (Donald Duck: 60th Anniversary Celebration, Winnie the Pooh: 123s), Gary Katona (Donald Duck: 60th Anniversary Celebration, Winnie the Pooh: 123s), Jamie Mitchell (Disney Princess Stories Volume Two: Tales of Friendship)

Producer:                                        
Antran Manoogian (Sonic the Hedgehog, Donald Duck: 60th Anniversary Celebration)

Writers:                                            
A.A. Milne (Original Winnie the Pooh Books); Tom Rogers (The Emperor’s New Groove 2:  Kronk’s New Groove, The Lion King 1 1Ž2)

Release Date:                                
March 11, 2014 (Direct Pre-book: 1/14; Distributor Pre-book:1/28)

Bonus Features:                           
GET UP AND DANCE!  Kids and Families can get into the spirit of Easter by dancing to Rabbit’s Easter song.

Ratings:                                             G

Feature Run Time:                      approximately 65 minutes

Despicable Me 2 Breaks Industry Records In Home Entertainment Debut!

Disclosure: This is a non compensated post! Just sharing the information!

It looks like Gru isn't the only one who loves Minions! Minion Madness has swept over the nation with Despicable Me 2 shattering home entertainment industry records, bringing in $80 million in the first week of sales. Some key stats and the press release below.

 Despicable Me 2 has surpassed first week sales of EVERY SINGLE TITLE RELEASED INDUSTRYWIDE IN THE LAST THREE YEARS (physical and digital combined)! The original Despicable Me previously held that record. DM2 is the BEST PERFORMING ANIMATED BLU-RAY TITLE OF ALL TIME IN ITS OPENING WEEK. The digital version (EST) had largest first week sales on record and is on pace to become the most successful-selling digital title of all time. 

About Despicable Me 2:
Gru, his adorable girls, and the mischievous Minions are back with a cast of unforgettable new characters in the blockbuster sequel to the worldwide phenomenon. Just as Gru has given up being super-bad to be a super-dad, the Anti-Villain League recruits him to track down a new criminal mastermind and save the world. Partnered with secret agent Lucy Wilde, Gru, along with the wildly unpredictable Minions, must figure out how to keep his cover while also keeping up with his duties as a father. Assemble the Minions for laugh-out-loud comedy in “one of the funniest, most enjoyable movies ever!” (MovieGuide®)
 Check out the bonus clips below to see what the madness is all about!

HGG: The Lone Ranger Blu-Ray & DVD Review and Giveaway

Disclosure: We received a copy of the DVD to facilitate our honest review. No monetary compensation was received. All opinions stated are those of the Shelly's Bits & Pieces Family! Sponsor is responsible for prize fulfillment.

Growing up, I was a huge Daddy's Girl! I would sit with my daddy and watch anything he did. He was a big western fan, so I grew up watching John Wayne movies, Bonanza, Gunsmoke and The Lone Ranger. When I first heard about Johnny Depp playing Tonto from the Lone Ranger, I was very unsure as to how the movie would turn out. Honestly, I had a hard time picturing Johnny Depp as Tonto, well not the Tonto I grew up watching.

After reading the synopsis, I was more excited about watching the movie.  Read about it and you should see why.

Johnny Depp and Armie Hammer star in The Lone Ranger, from Jerry Bruckheimer Films and Director Gore Verbinski. It’s a wild ride of high velocity action, explosions and gunfights that brings the famed masked legend to life through brand-new eyes. The Lone Ranger (Hammer), the last of his kind, teams with Tonto (Depp), a dark and mysterious vigilante, to seek vengeance after justice has failed them. It’s a runaway train of epic surprises, as these two unlikely heroes must learn to work together before the ultimate showdown between good and evil explodes.

I really enjoy good vs evil movies.  When I caught my first glimpse of Tonto, I knew the movie was going to be a lot of fun.  I love the craziness that Johnny Depp brings to the character.  He and Armie Hammer work well together as the two most unlikely heroes I have ever seen!  I'll leave you with some clips from the movie, because I do not want to reveal too much and ruin it for you!  After checking out the clips, enter on the rafflecopter form below and you could win a Blu-Ray/DVD copy for yourself!

HGG: Littlest Pet Shop: Lights, Camera, Fashion! Review & Giveaway

Disclosure:  We received a copy of the DVD to facilitate our honest review.  No monetary compensation was received.  All opinions stated are those of the Shelly's Bits & Pieces Family! Sponsor is responsible for prize fulfillment.

Meet Blythe. She’s just a regular girl. She loves fashion. She loves her friends. And did we mention that she has the ability to talk to animals? Good thing this secret gift makes her a perfect fit for The Littlest Pet Shop! Shout! Factory Kids, in collaboration with Hasbro Studios, invite you to join Blythe and her very best friends — Zoe the spaniel, Pepper the skunk, Sunil the mongoose, Russell the hedgehog, Penny the panda, Vinnie the gecko and Minka the monkey — for fashion-filled fun in Littlest Pet Shop:  Lights, Camera, Fashion!

In addition to five off-the wall adventures, Littlest Pet Shop: Lights, Camera, Fashion! also comes with a  collectible Zoe toy and trading card, and has a suggested retail price of $14.93.

Now is its second season, Littlest Pet Shop delivers captivating entertainment the whole family can enjoy. Featuring all-new original music by Daytime Emmy® Award nominee Daniel Ingram and the vocal talent of Ashleigh Ball, Tabitha St. Germain, Nicole Oliver and Peter New, Littlest Pet Shop currently airs on The Hub TV Network in the US. Fans can order a copy now at Wal-Mart.com  or purchase by visiting a Wal-Mart or Sam’s Club location.


Episodes Include:
Mean Isn't Your Color
Russell Up Some Fun
Eve Of Destruction
Frenemies
Summertime Blues

Bonus Features:
Sing-Along

If you have a Littlest Pet Shop lover in your home, this is the ideal stocking stuffer.  Not only do you get the DVD, but you also get a small Zoe toy and a trading card.  Pepper, who is a skunk is my personal favorite! What is yours?  Maybe it is Russell the hedgehog or Minka the monkey.  No matter who is your favorite, they all appear in the DVD, Littlest Pet Shop: Lights, Camera, Fashion!  Would you like to win one to give to your little fan?  Simply enter on the rafflecopter form below and you could win!

My Mother In Law

Earlier today, about 1:50 am EST, I received a phone call from Seattle telling me that my husband's mother had passed away.  She had been suffering from some lung problems for the last 5 months, and about a month ago, she had a severe flair up and ended up in the hospital.  We have been calling everyday to check on her, and about 4 days ago, she stopped answering the phone.  Chefy's sister lives in WA state, so she was keeping us up to date on their mom.  His mom began having a lot of pain and was on high levels of oxygen around the clock.  We got an email yesterday telling us that they had her on medicines to keep her comfortable.  When Chefy called his sister, she told him that the doctors told her it was a matter of time. His mom passed peacefully this morning.  Michele was 59 years old.  Although we did not always see eye to eye, she gave me the greatest gift, her son. I will forever be in her debt for that!  Mom, we love you and will miss you.  Rest in Peace.


I have several posts already scheduled to post, so they will be coming.  Please pray for our family during this time.  We cannot afford to go to Seattle, so they are putting off the memorial service until January.  Pray that we can afford to go then, and that Chefy will have peace of mind.

God Bless you all!

Shelly

Aisle to Isle Sweepstakes

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post and I will receive compensation for writing it. All opinions expressed are honest and 100% my own.

North Carolina has been a bit on the cold side for the last several weeks.  As much as I like the weather to be cold around the holidays, I must admit I have been dreaming about taking a vacation somewhere warm.  Chefy and I could stretch out in a beach chair and I could be sipping a virgin margarita!   HMMMMM......Punta Cana sounds great!  Doesn't it?

Proctor and Gamble is currently holding a sweepstakes that could make those vacation dreams come true, the Aisle to Isle Sweepstakes .  The grand prize winner is going to win a trip for two for 7 nights at RIU Palace Punta Cana hotel in Punta Cana, Domincan Republic courtesy of Funjet!  This prize includes round trip air transportation and round trip ground transportation between the airport and hotel.  

More info about grand prize: Located in Playa de Punta Cana, Dominican Republic, the Hotel Riu Palace Punta Cana (24h All Inclusive) offers its guests 5 star service, comfort and quality. A luxurious hotel surrounded by the Caribbean exuberance. 

It’s difficult to get away and escape from the hustle and bustle of the city, which is why at this Palace you’ll find the best options for a complete rest during your holiday. It includes a fresh water swimming pool, a gym, sauna, Jacuzzi and the “Eternal Spa” wellness centre with a range of different treatments and massages. As it is within easy reach of the sea, you’ll be able to enjoy a vast beach with crystal clear water and white sand where you can swim as you cool down with a cocktail from the bar. 

The cuisine of the Dominican Republic offers a wide variety of dishes, with flavours and colours as dominant features on its plates. Dominican cuisine has received influences from African and Spanish cooking, and includes a wide variety of fruits and vegetables that enrich each dish with a unique flavour. In the buffet restaurant and themed restaurants you can taste the best recipes prepared by our chefs to satisfy any palate.

Entering is easy!  Simply visit Everyday with Rachael Ray and fill out the entry form then upload a photo of a receipt showing your purchase of one of the participating sponsor products. The sponsor products are as follows:

Olay Pro-X Advanced Cleansing System
COVERGIRL + Olay CC Cream
Iams® So Good™
Crest Complete Multi-Benefit Whitening + Scope

Since we are all running here and there finishing up our Christmas shopping, why not pick up one of these P&G products!  Remember to save your receipt so you can enter to win this fantastic vacation prize package. Please note that the sweepstakes is open to USA residents only and ends on December 31, 2013. Good Luck!  Hope one of us wins!

You can also check out the official rules to enter without making a purchase!  Purchases do not increase your chance of winning. 

HGG: Jake and the Never Land Pirates: Never Land Rescue DVD Review

Disclosure: I received a copy of this DVD to facilitate my honest review. No monetary compensation was received! All opinions are those of the Shelly's Bits and Pieces family.

Little Man loves Jake and the Never Land Pirates. It is one of our favorite shows on Disney Junior. Yo Ho Ho!

We were thrilled to be able to receive a review copy of Jake and the Never Land Pirates: Never Land Rescue! Here is a bit about the DVD:  In "Jake and the Never Land Pirates: Never Land Rescue," Jake embarks on his most heroic mission ever as the magic of Never Land begins to disappear just as the ancient Forever Tree seems to be fading away. After a mysterious figure known as "The Guardian" arrives to explain that only the pirate who truly believes in himself can save Never Land from vanishing completely, Jake must break off from the rest of his crew and go alone on a mission to save the Forever Tree, the source of magic throughout all of Never Land. Guiding Jake on his quest is Tinker Bell, who makes her first-ever appearance in the series.

Episodes:                      “Jake and the Never Land Pirates: Never Land Rescue”               

“It’s a Pirate Picnic”/ “The Key to Skull Rock”                 

“The Golden Twilight Treasure”/“Rock The Croc!”                                       

“Jake and Sneaky Le Beak”/ “Cubby the Brave”                                              

“Jake’s Special Delivery”/ “Seahorse Saddle-Up!”

The DVD is approximately 145 minutes long. There are also some awesome bonus features: 8 “Playing with Skully” Shorts (Sailing The Never Sea, Where's Sandy?, Pulley Hook, North Bound, Diving In The Coral Reef, Ship Ahoy!, Pirate Puzzle, Coconuts On Pirate Island)

We loved it!  Little Miss loves Tinker Bell, so the addition of her to this series made everyone very happy.  Little man was thrilled that Jake left the crew behind and went on a mission!  The kids love the colorful characters and the fun adventures they go on.  The thing they love the most about Jake and the Never Land Pirates is that the kids are the heroes.  They are always able to figure things out and out smart Captain Hook.  I feel it is a huge self esteem booster for them!

If you have a preschooler, toddler, or any Disney Junior fan in your family, this DVD makes the perfect Christmas gift or stocking stuffer!

Build Your Blu-Ray Collection #MovieMagic Giveaway

Disclosure: No compensation of any kind was received for this post. Giveaway prize provided by Blu-Ray, via PartnersHub. All opinions expressed here are my own, or are those of the Shelly's Bits and Pieces family.

We are huge movie watchers and we collect our favorites to add to our personal collection. We have recently began adding blu-rays to that collection because the quality is wonderful!

 

This Holiday rediscover the #MovieMagic behind your favorite films. Blu-ray offers exclusive special features that put you in the filmmaker’s chair, with a behind-the-scenes access to all of the magic: Special effects, talent interviews, alternative endings, unreleased scenes, bloopers, and more!  With a Blu-ray combo pack, you can enjoy your favorite films in high-definition whenever and wherever you want. You can keep the Blu-ray disc in the living room, DVD in the car, and the digital copy on your phone for when you’re on the move!


One Lucky Shelly's Bits and Pieces reader will win one of these awesome Blu-Rays(chosen at random from the list below)!
• The Little Mermaid - Diamond Edition
• The Lone Ranger
• Monsters University
• Angels Sing
• Rise of The Guardians
• Despicable Me 2
• Turbo
• Grown Ups 2
• Wizard of Oz 3D
• The Wolverine
• Star Trek: Into Darkness
• White House Down
• Fast 6
• Pacific Rim
• After Earth
• Man of Steel
• Red 2
• World War Z
• 2 Guns
• Weeds: The Complete Collection
• Predator 3D

Which is your favorite? If you would like a chance to win, simply enter on the rafflecopter form below!

HGG: Carmex Limited Edition Moisture Plus Collection Review & Giveaway

Disclosure:  No monetary compensation was received for this post!   Thanks to Carmex for providing the product for review and giveaway!  All opinions are those of the Shelly's Bits & Pieces Family

As a member of the Carmex Blog Squad, I am given opportunities to review new products.  Carmex has introduced a Limited Edition collection of Moisture Plus Lip Balm that I think would make the ideal stocking stuffer for every female on your list!  The Limited Edition Collection features the same Moisture Plus lip balm Carmex fans have come to love, with its high-shine finish, ultra-moisturizing formula, and SPF 15 sun protection.  Now it comes in four fashion-forward patterns to choose from.

You can take the personality quiz to figure out which one is right for you.  Each of the four new patterns was individually selected to represent the unique personality traits of the Carmex user— Adventurous, Chic, Fab, and Whimsical. Check out the designs below.

You can purchase these limited edition Carmex designs at Walmart, Walgreens, CVS, Dollar General and other retail stores nationwide.  Suggested retail price is $2.99.

My daughter and I have used Carmex for years and we love the idea of having these fashionable designs to carry with us.  Which one is your favorite?  Take the quiz and let me know your results, and you could win your own set.  Enter on the rafflecopter form below!

HGG: Tortuga Rum Cakes: Celebrating the Holidays Caribbean Style - Giveaway

Disclosure:  I received samples of the product to facilitate an accurate, honest review.  No monetary compensation was received.  All opinions stated are those of the Shelly's Bits & Pieces Family!

During our family vacation cruise to the Bahamas, my husband made a very tasty discovery.  In the gift store on our ship, he found Tortuga Rum Cakes!  Chefy had to give it a try so he bought a small, 4 oz rum cake for "us" to try.  Once he started eating it, I never got to try it!

Here are Chefy's thoughts:  The cake is moist and delicious. The rum is perfectly balanced and it just makes the flavor pop.  It has to be the best rum cake I have ever tried.  Tortuga Rum Cakes have made me a customer for life.  

Tortuga recently sent us samples of their Tortuga Blue Mountain Coffee, a 4 oz Original Tortuga Rum Cake and a 4 oz Tortuga Chocolate Rum Cake.  The coffee was the first thing we tried.  The flavor was out of this world!  It is rich without being bitter and it has earned a place in my cabinet, replacing other brands.






Chefy could not wait to try the chocolate rum cake.  He was already in love with the original and had no idea he would like anything more...he was wrong.  He LOVED the chocolate.  I had to grab a quick slice of it just to get a try.  The cake is moist, delicious and the rum was not overpowering at all!  I have to admit that although I did like the chocolate, the original is my favorite!  YUM.  Heat it slightly and add a bit of vanilla ice cream and you'll be in heaven!  Tortuga Rum Cakes are truly a taste of the Caribbean, a delicious taste!  There are so many other flavors to try, I have no idea what to try next!

Do you have a foodie in your life?  Why not give the gift of a Tortuga Rum Cake or Tortuga Blue Mountain Coffee this Christmas?  The wonderful people at Tortuga are allowing me to giveaway a 16 oz Rum Cake to one lucky Shelly's Bits & Pieces reader.  Would you like to win? Simply enter on the Rafflecopter form below.

Ever Thought About Starting a Business? #Sponsored #Franchising

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post, written by me, on behalf of Supercuts. All opinions expressed are my own.

Have you ever thought about starting a business?  Have you thought about buying into a franchise?  Have you ever wondered who else was thinking about starting a business?

Supercuts surveyed 1000 People with a net worth of over $200,000 and here are the results:

1. 56% were planning on opening or starting a business within the next 12-18 months. (Either with or without a partner.)
2. 25% of those looking to start their own business were females.
3. 56% of those looking to start a business were planning on having a business partner.
4. 31% of the people looking to start a business were planning on going into business with a spouse or domestic partner.  Can you believe that was about 10% of respondents?
5. 30% of the respondents looking to start a business were going into business with a friend
6. 26% of those looking to start a business were going into business with a colleague.
7. Of those surveyed, females were more likely to go into business with a spouse or domestic partner than males

I must admit that I was a little shocked at the results.  The thing that most shocked me was the fact that females were more likely to go into business with a spouse or domestic partner than males.  It brings a lot of questions into my mind.  I talked it over with my hubby and although we cannot begin to speak for these respondents, we can understand the results.  I thought that working with my husband could make us closer, but he was worried that it could cause problems between the two of us.  Being together in business and at home could scare a lot of people!  

Where ever your thoughts are on starting your own business, having the right information is the key to any plan.  I know that start up costs are a huge issue.  Supercuts has developed and affordable franchising system that can ease that stress!  If you are thinking about starting that business, give Supercuts a look!

HGG: Tickety Toc: Chime Time Adventures - Perfect for Your Preschoolers

Disclosure:  Sponsor supplied a free DVD to facilitate my review.  No monetary compensation was received.  All opinions stated are those of the Shelly's Bits & Pieces family.

Finding shows that are appropriate for preschoolers can be challenging.  Finding ones that keep them interested can be a challenge too.  We recently discovered Tickety Toc on Nick Jr. and it has quickly become a favorite.  
Tickety Toc follows the everyday adventures of 6-year-old twins, Tommy and Tallulah, as they work to “chime the time” and keep everything running smoothly in Tickety Town.  Traveling through the special Tickety Toc clock, where Tommy and Tallulah live, audiences enter a fantastical CGI world of eclectic characters and tag along on exciting escapades filled with slapstick surprises.  Tommy and Tallulah’s strong “can do” spirit often produces an unanticipated outcome, but their individual approach to sticky situations and joint resourcefulness always shine through and save the day!  Through the twins’ madcap adventures, Tickety Toc explores teamwork, social responsibility and problem solving – important concepts for preschoolers as they learn and grow.

Tickety Toc is a lot of fun, and recently they released a very cute DVD, Tickety Toc: Chime Time Adventures, which follows comedic heroes, twins Tommy and Tallulah, as they race to chime the time…but, as every hour passes and the clock springs to life, things don't always run so smoothly!  The first-ever six episode collection brings viewers along as the twins and their adorable friends – Pufferty, McCoggins, Tooteroo, Madame Au Lait, Battersby, Chikidee and Hopparoo – embark on wild storybook shenanigans and hilarious hijinks throughout Tickety Town!  In “Chime Time Adventures,” the Tick Tocketeers attempt daring circus acts, wow a crowd with amazing magic tricks, play a giant game of Tickety-Tag and delight in a marvelously messy photo day!  The premiere title features episodes “Story Time,” “Painting Time,” “Show Time,” “Bath Time,” “Photo Time” and “Play Time.”  In this very first Tickety Toc DVD, every second counts!

It has become one of the most viewed DVDs around here.  For that reason, Tickety Toc: Chime Time Adventures gets a big thumbs up and earns a spot on our 2013 Holiday Gift Guide!

MSRP: $14.98
Runtime: 68min

HGG: A Gift for the Reader or Cook: We Laugh, We Cry, We Cook - Giveaway

Disclosure:  No compensation was received for this post.  I was a past participant in promotion for this book and am blessed to get to giveaway another copy!  My Sponsor,  Wendy’s Bloggers for Zondervan is responsible for prize fulfillment! 

Cooking is one of my favorite things to do.  I really enjoy looking for a new recipe to prepare for my family, and back in September, I was blessed enough to be able to review, We Laugh, We Cry, We Cook by Becky Johnson and Rachel Randolph.  It is not just a cookbook, it is much more than that actually.  You can read my review by clicking HERE!

If you like to read or cook, or know someone who does, this is the book for you.  Some people might classify it as a woman's book because it is written by a mother and daughter, but I think it is great for anyone...no matter their gender.  Both writers discuss a certain situation they encountered, each giving their own view of it, then they give a recipe to go along with it.  The book is funny, touching, and heart warming.  The recipes within the book are varied and even novice cooks can find something they want to try.  

One lucky Shelly's Bits & Pieces reader will win an autographed copy of We Laugh, We Cry, We Cook!  Simply enter on the rafflecopter form below.  It is that easy!

HGG: Perfect Gift for Music Lovers: A Mary Christmas Autographed CD Giveaway

Disclosure:  No compensation was received for this post.  Sponsor, Wendy's Bloggers for Verve Music Group  is responsible for prize fulfillment.

Recently, I had the opportunity to review and giveaway an autographed copy of  A Mary Christmas, the first ever Christmas album by Mary J. Blige.  This wonderful CD has found its way on to my Holiday Gift Guide for 2013.  The soulful CD has a wide variety of holiday songs and there is something for everyone.  You can read my review by clicking HERE!

The track list is as follows:
1.    Little Drummer Boy
2.    Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas
3.    My Favorite Things
4.    This Christmas
5.    The Christmas Song
6.    Rudolph The Red-nosed Reindeer
7.    When You Wish Upon A Star – Duet with Barbra Streisand
8.    Winter Wonderland
9.    Do You Hear What I Hear – Duet with Jessie J.
10.    Petit Papa Noël
11.    The First Noel – Duet with The Clark Sisters
12.    Noche de Paz – Duet with Marc Anthony

You can get more information here:
    Verve Facebook:www.facebook.com/vervemusic
    Verve Music Group:www.vervemusicgroup.com
    Shop "A Mary Christmas" onwww.maryjblige.com
    Twitter Mary J. Blige atwww.twitter.com/maryjblige

Would you like a chance to win a personally autographed copy for yourself?  Simply enter on the Rafflecopter form below!