Thursday, November 28, 2013

Minion Madness Sweeps over Manhattan!

Disclosure:  No compensation of any type was received for this post!  I just wanted to share with my readers!

In celebration of Despicable Me 2 coming to Blu-ray and DVD on December 10th, the delightful Minions were let loose in New York City yesterday!  Check out the images and the video of them touring the Big Apple, along with a Minion Munch Chex Mix recipe button below.




While in New York the Minions visited Magnolia Bakery (where the Minion cupcakes were specially made to mark the occasion), Central Park, FAO Schwarz, Rockefeller Plaza, Time Square, the Theater District and Macy's Department Store. The Minions were even inducted into the Gray Line's "Ride of Fame" with their very own bus! Be sure to look out for the mischievous Minions in the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade!

Despicable Me 2 releases on Blu-ray and DVD on December 10th!

Happy Thanksgiving!

Wishing everyone a very Happy Thanksgiving!  Enjoy your day with your family.  More reviews and giveaways will be posted after that!  God Bless You!


Wednesday, November 27, 2013

Stream While You Steam with Netflix

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of Netflix for SocialSpark. All opinions are 100% mine.
The holiday season is a super busy time of year around my house.  Since I am married to a chef, he is constantly in demand to cook for other people as well as for our family.  Sometimes we are in the kitchen together for hours at a time. We have even watched a TV show on our ipad while we waited for food to cook!
We love to try new recipes and when the recipes are simple enough for me to try, I love it!  My list of go-to, fun recipes now has a new addition.  I can make Up in Flames, Drunken Bananas with Spiced Ice Cream!  Netflix has partnered with celebrity chef Curtis Stone by having him create some fun recipes to pair with some of your favorite TV shows and movies.  My recipe was inspired by the wildly disfunctional Bluth family from Arrested Development!  The recipe is simple and delicious!





Here's the recipe:  Serves: 2
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 6 minutes

Make-Ahead: The spiced ice cream can be made up to 3 days ahead, kept frozen. The flambéed bananas must be served as soon as they are made.

Ingredients List:

Spiced Ice Cream:
1 pint vanilla ice cream
1 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
1/8 teaspoon ground ginger
Large pinch of ground cloves

Flambéed Bananas:
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
1/4 cup (packed) dark brown sugar
1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
1/8 teaspoon ground cinnamon
2 medium bananas, peeled
1/4 cup golden rum
2 tablespoons heavy whipping cream

To make the spiced ice cream:

1.   In a medium bowl, break up the ice cream with a spoon, then mix in the nutmeg, ginger, and cloves. Cover the ice cream and return it to the freezer. Keep the ice cream frozen until ready to serve.

To cook the bananas:

2.   In a 12-inch nonstick frying pan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the brown sugar, lemon juice, and cinnamon. Slice the bananas in half lengthwise and lay the bananas cut side down in the butter mixture. Cook for about 3 minutes, or until the bananas are caramelized on the underside and the sugar mixture has melted and become golden brown.

3.   Remove the pan from the heat. Add the rum. Using a long match, carefully ignite the rum. Be sure to do this in a well-ventilated area and away from any flammable material. Allow the flame to burn out. Turn the bananas over. Return the pan to medium heat and stir in the cream. Baste the bananas with the caramel sauce for about 1 minute.

4.   Divide the bananas between two plates. Spoon some sauce over the bananas. Top each with a scoop of ice cream, and then drizzle the remaining sauce over and around the ice cream and bananas. Serve immediately.
With Netflix, you can stream your favorite shows and movies in the kitchen on your iPad, on your big screen tv in the family room, or even watch on your smartphone while you wait in the long lines Black Friday. Make sure you  Like Netflix on Facebook, Follow @Netflix on twitter and Follow Netflix on Pinterest to keep up with all the new movies and programs they are adding.
We have a tradition of watching Christmas movies the day after Thanksgiving.   It is the perfect time of year to gather your family around and enjoy some good food and a good movie.  This year, we're planning to stream our favorite Christmas movies in the family room as we wrap gifts and enjoy some yummy snacks! Will you use Netflix this holiday to stream while you steam?
Visit Sponsor's Site

Tuesday, November 26, 2013

Snowflake Day - Daniel Tiger's Neighborhood Holiday Special

Disclosure:  No compensation of any type was received for this post.  I just wanted to share the information with my readers!


Check out the adorable new Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood holiday special – “Snowflake Day” – premiering on PBS KIDS, Monday, November 25, with additional airings on Saturday, November 30, and Wednesday, December 11 (check local listings). Another perfect way to reinforce the true spirit of the holidays and importance of giving, the new special is full of twinkling lights and seasonal cheer. The vibrant half-hour show introduces five catchy songs, including a special holiday-themed version of the series’ familiar opening sung by noted jazz vocalist Matt Dusk. Like all Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood episodes, “Snowflake Day” blends the warmth and gentle lessons pioneered by Fred Rogers, which are especially meaningful this time of year.  Don’t forget to snuggle up with your snow angels and tune in!

Here are a few tips inspired by Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood to help families celebrate the season together:

The holidays can mean BIG stress for little ones, just as they can for adults – from changes in the daily routine to family squabbles and more. To help keep the season running smoothly for everyone, Angela Santomero, creator and executive producer of top-rated preschool series Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood and a child development expert for more than 20 years – as well as a mom herself, has some terrific tips to share. Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood offers practical parenting strategies in each episode and here are some from Angela inspired by the series and its upcoming holiday special, “Snowflake Day,” premiering November 25 on PBS KIDS.

Create Your Own Holiday Traditions – These extra special family rituals will make the season less stressful and more meaningful for everyone. Don’t worry about not sticking with traditions that you grew up with or trying to make everything “perfect.” Whether it’s going to a community show, baking or crafting paper lanterns together, each year offers the opportunity to strengthen your own family’s traditions and make wonderful and lasting new memories!

Get Your Children Involved – Kids love to participate and to feel like they’re an important part of the holiday preparations, so have them help make place cards, work on decorations, put out gifts, etc. It’s a great way to help get them excited about the festivities – and one less thing for you to have to do, too!

Prepare Kids for New Situations – Encountering unfamiliar situations can be stressful for young children, so, as Mom Tiger told Daniel, “When we do something new, let’s talk about what we’ll do.” Before going to a holiday party or gathering, let your child know what they’ll experience and who may be there. This will help them relax and feel prepared for what’s ahead!

Teach Preschoolers to Be Thankful – Did your child get something that wasn’t exactly on their wish list? Let them know that, while it’s OK not to like every gift, it’s important to show their appreciation and remember that someone was thoughtful enough to do something nice for them! Encourage them to make thank you cards to further underscore the importance of being grateful.

Reinforce the True Meaning of the Holidays – At holiday time, there’s so much pressure to buy, buy, buy. Parents can help head off disappointment by reminding kids that they may not get everything they want. This also provides the perfect opportunity for parents to emphasize the importance of giving to others during the holiday season – and that the most special “gift” of all is spending time together!

DreamWorks Pictures' NEED FOR SPEED - Full Length Trailer

Disclosure:  No compensation of any type was received for this post.  Just wanted to share with my readers.

DreamWorks Pictures’ “Need for Speed” marks an exciting return to the great car culture films of the 1960s and ’70s, when the authenticity of the world brought a new level of intensity to the action on-screen. Tapping into what makes the American myth of the open road so appealing, the story chronicles a near-impossible cross-country journey for our heroes one that begins as a mission for revenge, but proves to be one of redemption. Based on the most successful racing video game franchise ever with over 140 million copies sold, "Need for Speed" captures the freedom and excitement of the game in a real-world setting, while bringing to life the passion for the road that has made our love of cars so timeless.


The film centers around Tobey Marshall (Aaron Paul), a blue-collar mechanic who races muscle cars on the side in an unsanctioned street-racing circuit. Struggling to keep his family-owned garage afloat, he reluctantly partners with the wealthy and arrogant ex-NASCAR driver Dino Brewster (Dominic Cooper). But just as a major sale to car broker Julia Bonet (Imogen Poots) looks like it will save Tobey's shop, a disastrous race allows Dino to frame Tobey for a crime he didn’t commit, and sending Tobey to prison while Dino expands his business out west.


Two years later, Tobey is released and set on revenge but he knows his only chance to take down his rival Dino is to defeat him in the high-stakes race known as De Leon — the Super Bowl of underground racing. However to get there in time, Tobey will have to run a high-octane, action-packed gauntlet that includes dodging pursuing cops coast-to-coast as well as contending with a dangerous bounty Dino has put out on his car. With the help of his loyal crew and the surprisingly resourceful Julia, Tobey defies odds at every turn and proves that even in the flashy world of exotic supercars, the underdog can still finish first.

MUPPETS MOST WANTED in Theaters March 14, 2014! New Trailer

Disclosure:  No compensation of any kind was received for this post!  I just wanted to share with my readers!

Disney’s “Muppets Most Wanted” takes the entire Muppets gang on a global tour, selling out grand theaters in some of Europe’s most exciting destinations, including Berlin, Madrid and London. But mayhem follows the Muppets overseas, as they find themselves unwittingly entangled in an international crime caper headed by Constantine—the World’s Number One Criminal and a dead ringer for Kermit—and his dastardly sidekick Dominic, aka Number Two, portrayed by Ricky Gervais. The film stars Tina Fey as Nadya, a feisty prison guard, and Ty Burrell as Interpol agent Jean Pierre Napoleon.

Disney’s “Muppets Most Wanted” is directed by James Bobin and produced by David Hoberman and Todd Lieberman. Bobin co-wrote the screenplay with Nicholas Stoller, who is also executive producer with John G. Scotti. Featuring music from Academy Award®-winning songwriter Bret McKenzie, “Muppets Most Wanted” hits the big screen March 21, 2014.

DELIVERY MAN - In Theaters Now

Disclosure:  No compensation of any kind was received for this post.  Just wanted to share the information with my readers!


DreamWorks Pictures’“Delivery Man” stars Vince Vaughn as affable underachiever David Wozniak, whose anonymous donations to a fertility clinic 20 years earlier resulted in 533 children. David must now embark on a journey that leads him to discover not only his true self but also the father that he could become.

A DreamWorks Pictures and Reliance Entertainment presentation, the film is written for the screen and directed by Ken Scott, based on “Starbuck,” the original screenplay written by Ken Scott and Martin Petit, and also stars Chris Pratt and Cobie Smulders. “Delivery Man” is produced by André Rouleau and executive produced by Ray Angelic, Scott Mednick and Mark Sourian.

“Like” DELIVERY MAN on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DeliveryManMovie
Follow DELIVERY MAN on Twitter: @DeliveryManFilm
Follow DELIVERY MAN on Pinterest: Pinterest.com/DeliveryManFilm
Follow DELIVERY MAN on Instagram: DeliveryManMovie
Follow DELIVERY MAN on Tumblr: deliverymanmovie.tumblr.com/

The Starving Games (The Hunger Games Parody) - VOD & Digital!

Disclosure:  No compensation of any kind was received for this post!  Just passing on the information to my readers!

If you and your family love The Hunger Games be sure to check out The Starving Games starring Maiara Walsh (“Switched at Birth”), Cody Allen Christian (“Surrogates,” “Pretty Little Liars,”) and Brant Daugherty (“Dancing with the Stars,” “Pretty Little Liars,” “Days of Our Lives”) over the Thanksgiving weekend! The Starving Games is currently available on VOD and Digital Download.



Set in the most depressing corner of a post-apocalyptic future, our hero Kantmiss Evershot (Maiara Walsh) volunteers to take her manipulative younger sister’s place in the 75th annual “Starving Games.” In doing so, she must leave behind her smoldering just-a-friend Dale (Brant Daugherty) and team up with the geeky baker’s son Peter Malarkey (Cody Allen Christian) in a fight for her life. But wait, there’s more! She could also win an old ham, a coupon for a footlong sub at a six-inch price, and a partially-eaten pickle!

In The Starving Games, Friedberg and Seltzer’s sixth cinematic spoof of popular box-office hits, the prolific parody duo has its sights trained on the adventure blockbuster The Hunger Games! It’s all the laughs and half the calories as they sling dozens of cock-eyed, barbed arrows at sci-fi, action and fantasy films from The Avengers and Oz the Great and Powerful to pop culture characters and celebrities like Harry Potter and Taylor Swift.

The Starving Games stars Maiara Walsh (“Switched at Birth”) as Kantmiss Evershot, the eagle-eyed archer whose bravery and skills inspire the masses along with trending topics on Twitter®; Cody Allen Christian (“Surrogates,” “Pretty Little Liars,”) as Peter Malarkey, the geeky young man who volunteers alongside Kantmiss; Brant Daugherty (“Dancing with the Stars,” “Pretty Little Liars,” “Days of Our Lives”) as Dale, Kantmiss’s beau who’s left behind to watch – and simmer; Ross Wyngaarden (“Bonnie & Clyde: Justified”) as Marco, a ruthless player handy with a blade; Dean West (“Monster Hunters”) as Seleca, the game’s controller and Diedrich Bader (Vampires Suck, Meet the Spartans) as President Snowballs, the malevolent, but ratings-conscious ruler. The comedy is directed by Jason Friedberg and Aaron Seltzer (Meet the Spartans, Vampires Suck) and is produced by Peter Safran (The Conjuring, Vampires Suck.) 
Rated PG-13 for crude and sexual content, comic violence, language and partial nudity.

Play along with The Starving Games on:
Youtube: http://bit.ly/15WwlZf
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/StarvingGames
Twitter: https://twitter.com/_StarvingGames
Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/starvinggames
Instagram: http://instagram.com/starvinggames
Tumblr: http://starvinggamesmovie.tumblr.com/
Wattpad: http://www.wattpad.com/user/thestarvinggames

HGG: Gifts for your Newborn-Toddlers! ~ Giveaway

Disclosure:  No compensation of any kids was received for this post.  Information and the giveaway is being provided by Ebeanstalk.com who is responsible for prize fulfillment.  All opinions are honest and are those of the Shelly's Bits and Pieces family.

Finding gifts for babies and toddlers is not always an easy thing to do.  Stimulating their brains and aiding in the development of hand-eye coordination is very important at his age.  Books and hands on toys are ideal for this.  Here are my two picks for the 2013 Holiday Gift Guide, Learning toys for Newborn-Toddlers.



 Recommended Age: Newborn-3 Year Old:   Opposites by Sandra Boynton is a very colorful book filled with cute animal characters.  It teaches children about opposites in a cute and entertaining way.  It is not only fun for the child, the reader will enjoy it just as much!  This book will become a family favorite!


Recommended Age: 1-2 Year Old:  The Pop Up Farm House is a wonderful learning toy!  You can push, pull and twist the chimneys to see the farm animals pop out!  Push the mailbox and open the barn door! There are four friendly faced animals.  The farm house has double sided fun with reflective surfaces, a rattling drum, squeaking button, clicking star and counting beads!




What do you think? Would your little ones be interested in these great gifts for Christmas? The wonderful people at ebeanstalk.com have graciously offered these wonderful goodies to one lucky Shelly's Bits and Pieces reader. Interested? Simply enter on the rafflecopter form below.

Thursday, November 21, 2013

Aunt Kay and the #MotherFunny Thanksgiving - NickMom


Since they were old enough to talk, children everywhere have been embarrassing their parents with the insane things they do and say.  NickMom.com and NickMom TV on Nickelodeon embrace the insanity that is motherhood, and allow us to find the hilarity in the mind-numbing things kids say and do!

My brother and I caused our parents to have their fair share of red faces.  There was never an occasion that we didn't cause some sort of uproar.  My mother told me one time that I would grow up and have kids that would do the same to me.  I realize now that she must be a powerful voodoo priestess because that hex has materialized in the form of my daughter, Kat. 

She was riding with my Daddy one day and someone honked at them.  Without hesitation, my precious angel raised her hand and flipped her middle finger in the direction of the horn.  Daddy was mortified and grabbed her hand.  When he asked her where she got that from, she sweetly replied that, Mama does it every time someone honks at her!"

Hey, Don't judge.  I did it once and the non-driving so and so almost rear-ended us.  Um, did I mention my daddy was a minister?  He was so proud...NOT!  OOPS.

As we grow nearer to Thanksgiving, I am reminded of what it means to me.  Thanksgiving is a special time of year when we join together with family to reconnect, remember the good times and be thankful for everything we have.  Sometimes asking a child what they are thankful for can start a conversation that takes years to get over.  We have a tradition of asking each child what they are thankful for while we are waiting to eat lunch at Grandma's house.  After answering the question several times, my daughter responded this way, "I'm thankful for lunch, so you'll shut up asking me questions."   After my mom finished chewing my ear off about how my kid talked to an adult, I was ready to kill.  Little did I know the insanity had just begun. 

Grandma, Mom and I were preparing the plates for the children when grandma asked my daughter if she wanted some green bean casserole.  The remainder of the conversation went something like this:

Kat:   (whispering) "Who made the casserole?"
Grandma: "What?  You have to speak up, I didn't hear you."
Kat:  (speaking in a normal voice)  "Who cooked the casserole?"
Grandma:  "Your Aunt Kay did. Why?"
Kat:  "Because she cooks with poop."
Grandma:  (looking bewildered and frustrated)  "What are you talking about?"
Kat:  (now yelling loud enough for the entire block to hear)  "I don't want any of Aunt Kay's casserole.  She has boogers and feeds you dookie."
By now, Grandma is annoyed and the entire family has appeared from the living room to find out what was going on. 
Grandma:  :What? She does not.  Why did you say that?"
Kat:  "Because Mama told Daddy to stay away from snotty Aunt Kay's food because it tastes like crap."

BUSTED!  Wonderful!  Did I fail to mention that the adult she said she wished would shut up was Aunt Kay?  (There was a bright side to that story.  Aunt Kay stopped cooking that casserole and now sticks to bringing rolls! )

Grandma's house is not the only place she has me wanting to run for cover.  At school she told the teacher she was thankful the bell rang because the story she was reading was dumber than dirt. (She picked that up from Granddaddy.)  She also told that same teacher that she needed a Tic -Tac because her breath "stank."  (Thanks to Donkey from Shrek).    OH...and there is that nasty habit that she got from her daddy.   While we were in a store full of Black Friday shoppers, she passed gas.  It was not only loud, but smelly.  I was only mildly embarrassed that she did it, until she loudly exclaimed, "Mama, you should have gone to the bathroom.  You Stink!"   Ahhh, the joys of motherhood!

Everyday is a new adventure, but I wouldn't have it any other way.  She's mine!  And I know that one day, that hex Mom put on me will be transferred to her.  I can only imagine what her kids will come up with!  I might even have to give them pointers.  HE HE HE

What kinds of things do your kids say to embarrass you?  Do tell!

Wednesday, November 20, 2013

Mary J. Blige: A Mary Christmas CD Review and Giveaway

Disclosure:  I participated in this event on behalf of Wendy's Bloggers for Verve Music Group. I received the A Mary Christmas CD to facilitate my review.  All opinions are honest and are those of the Shelly's Bits & Pieces family.  No monetary compensation was received.

If you have a music lover in your life, this is one review and giveaway you do not want to miss!  Iconic Grammy Award-winning singer, songwriter, actress and philanthropist, Mary J. Blige has teamed up with some of the best musical talents in the business. Now, the incomparable Mary J. Blige has released her FIRST-EVER Christmas album, A Mary Christmas, making it the first album collaboration between Mary J. and legendary producer and Chairman of The Verve Music Group, David Foster.  

A Mary Christmas features Mary J. Blige’s soulful interpretation of classic holiday tunes including “Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas,” and “The Christmas Song.” Mary J.  is joined by a number of A-list guests starting with Barbra Streisand, who duets with Mary J. on “When You Wish Upon A Star,” along with Jessie J on “Do You Hear What I Hear.” The Clark Sisters join Mary J. on “The First Noel” and “Noche de Paz,” is a Spanish collaboration with Marc Anthony.  Other highlights on the album include “Little Drummer Boy,” “My Favorite Things,” “This Christmas,” “Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer,” and Tino Rossi’s “Petit Papa Noël.” 

Chefy and I have been Mary J. Blige fans for years, and we knew that any song she put her voice to would be fantastic.  Knowing that, we were still blown away by A Mary Christmas.  The album is wonderful from beginning to end.  The compilation of songs she included on this album is very unique.  I would never have thought to include "When You Wish Upon A Star," but it works perfectly with the rest of the album. 

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


There is no way I can choose a favorite!  I genuinely loved the entire album and am thrilled to add it to my collection.  "This Christmas" is one of my favorite Christmas songs and the soulful rendition Mary J. gives is wonderful!  If you want a song that will touch your heart, you will love "The First Noel."  My mother has proclaimed that it is her favorite!  Chefy's favorite is " The Christmas Song" and Kat loved "Do You Hear What I Hear."  As you listen to the album, you can really tell how much Mary J. enjoyed recording it.  All the songs are sung with such feeling!  I had never heard "Petit Papa Noël" or "Noche de Paz" prior to receiving this album, and I loved them both.  What can I say?  I was blown away.  There is literally something for everyone on this album.

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


If you are looking for a great Christmas album to add to your collection, this is a MUST-HAVE!  Want a chance to win a copy of A Mary Christmas?  Simply enter on the rafflecopter form below and you could win a copy Personally Autographed by Mary J. Blige!!


One winner per household, email address or home address. If you have won this prize on another blog you are ineligible to win again. Winners must have a U.S.-based address to receive their prize.

Tuesday, November 19, 2013

The Hunger Games: Catching Fire in Theaters 11/22 ~ Flash Giveaway

Disclosure:  I received a Catching Fire prize pack as a thank you for this post.  All opinions are honest and my own.  No monetary compensation was received!
Coming up in just a few days, the new installment of The Hunger Games, Catching Fire, hits theaters.  November 22nd is the day that fans everywhere can head to the theater and find out what is happening with Katniss Everdeen.  My husband and I are very excited to find out what is going to happen next.

'THE HUNGER GAMES: CATCHING FIRE' begins as Katniss Everdeen has returned home safe after winning the 74th Annual Hunger Games along with fellow tribute Peeta Mellark. Winning means that they must turn around and leave their family and close friends, embarking on a "Victor's Tour" of the districts. Along the way Katniss senses that a rebellion is simmering, but the Capitol is still very much in control as President Snow prepares the 75th Annual Hunger Games (The Quarter Quell) - a competition that could change Panem forever.

If that does not make you a little excited, check out the trailer below.


What do you think?  Will this movie be the one that pulls you into theaters this holiday season?  It will be a long overdue date night for me and my hubby during the Thanksgiving weekend.

We received the Hunger Games: Catching Fire gift pack to facilitate this post. The prize pack included:
- One (1) movie poster
- One (1) official movie T-shirt with Mockingjay logo  
- Two (2) wristbands 
- One (1) iPhone cleaner
- One (1) iPhone dot
One lucky Shelly's Bits and Pieces reader can win one of their very own!  Simply enter on the rafflecopter form below!  It's as easy as that!

Monday, November 18, 2013

HGG: Moshi Monsters: Katsuma Unleashed Review

Disclosure:  We received a copy of the game to facilitate our honest review.  No monetary compensation was received!  All opinions expressed are those of the Shelly's Bits & Pieces family.

This is the first post for my 2013 Holiday Gift Guide.  I thought I'd start out with a game that everyone can enjoy. Christmas is a very special time, not just for the young, but also for the young at heart.  When we get new video games at our house, I'm not sure who enjoys it more, Chefy or Kat.  Get ready for fun, because Moshi Monsters™: Katsuma Unleashed™ is available for Nintendo 3DS and Nintendo DS.   Last year, we reviewed Moshi Monsters: Moshlings Theme Park and it was a huge hit!  We were very excited to be chosen to review Moshi Monsters: Katsuma Unleashed! 

 About the game:  The non-stop action begins when Dr. Strangeglove, intent on his evil mission to learn the secret of Moshi Picchu, captures Elder Furi and all of the innocent Moshi Monsters – except Katsuma! As the most popular Moshi Monsters character, players embark on a far-reaching voyage, traveling through six new worlds packed with mini arcade challenges and epic boss battles. Katsuma must work to rescue his Moshi Monsters friends, so he can gain their unique powers – from Furi’s “Smash” to Diavlo’s “Flight” – to help him combat the enemies and keep the secret of Moshi Picchu safe!



Moshi Monsters: Katsuma Unleashed is jam-packed with bonus content and includes hidden areas for players to unlock, plus exclusive codes that they can redeem to earn virtual items at www.MoshiMonsters.com. In addition, Nintendo 3DS Streetpass™ users can search for interactive maps and special monster attack games that allow them to play as each Moshi Monsters character and enjoy their distinct set of “moves”!

The game is  "monstrously" fun.  It can become quite addictive, so you might have to put a limit on your child's playtime, as well as your own.  We were already fans of Katsuma so this game was ideal for us.  My daughter and I have played the game daily since we received our review copy.  I really enjoy the mini arcade challenges, and she loves the battles.  The game is rated E for everyone by the ESRB for Nintendo 3DS (the DS version has not yet been rated) and is available at retailers nationwide.  The MSRP on the 3DS version is $29.99 and the DS version is $24.99.  The price is reasonable and it is a game the whole family can play!

This game received a thumbs up from the Shelly's Bits & Pieces family!  It was the perfect review to kick off our Holiday Gift Guide!  Come back again soon.  There are more reviews and giveaways coming too!


Wednesday, November 13, 2013

Get Your Vehicle Detailed at Sport Durst


A clean car is a beautiful sight to behold.  My daughter and hubby will occasionally take my car to the car wash to give it a good cleaning, inside and out.  They will do a great job, but they are not professionals.  If you want a good, professional cleaning, you have got to know where to go.

I knew that Sport Durst of Raleigh sold new and used cars, and I knew that they had a repair center, but I had no idea that they had a detail department.  Don't get me wrong, I knew they cleaned up their own vehicles, I just didn't know that they offered that to the public.  While browsing their vehicle selection online, I came across a page that advertised the detailing.  You can choose the package you want and know the cost before you even go to the dealership.

                                  DETAIL DEPARTMENT MENU

PACKAGE A - $175
INTERIOR HAND CLEANING AND VACUUMING (INCLUDES TRUNK)
INTERIOR SHAMPOO (CARPET AND INTERIOR PROTECTION APPLIED)
EXTERIOR HAND WASH (BODY, WHEELS, AND TIRES)
HAND WASH EXTERIOR
CONDITION WHEELS AND TIRES
HAND WASH ENGINE COMPARTMENT

PACKAGE B - $125
INTERIOR HAND CLEANING AND VACUUMING
INTERIOR SHAMPOO (CARPET AND INTERIOR PROTECTION APPLIED)
EXTERIOR HAND WASH (BODY, WHEELS, AND TIRES)
HAND WASH EXTERIOR
CONDITION WHEELS AND TIRES

PACKAGE C - $35
INTERIOR HAND CLEANING AND VACUUMING
EXTERIOR HAND WASH (BODY, WHEELS, AND TIRES)
CONDITION WHEELS AND TIRES

I was excited to find out that I could afford one of the packages just about anytime, without going broke. The more expensive packages would be wonderful gift for those hard to shop for people in your life.  HINT HINT!

Sport Durst is much more than just another automobile dealership.  They offer lots of services, from repairs to detailing and more.  Did you know they offered detailing?  Have you ever used them?  Post below and let me know!

Tuesday, November 12, 2013

CLIPS: Mickey's Christmas Carol & Winnie the Pooh: A Very Merry Pooh Year on Blu-ray NOW!!

Disclosure:  This is a non-compensated post.  Just wanted to share with  my readers!

WOW!  I can hardly believe it has been 30 years since Mickey's Christmas Carol was first released!
Enjoy the clip:




You can also view a cute clip from a Very Merry Pooh Year


ACTIVITY SHEETS: Jake and the Never Land Pirates: Never Land Rescue on DVD 11/19

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

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In celebration of the  November 19th DVD release of Jake and the Never Land Pirates: Never Land Rescue, check out the downloadable activity sheets!

The Jungle Book: Diamond Edition Swings onto Blu-ray , DVD and Digital 2/11/14!!

Disclosure: This is a non-compensated post. I am a Disney Fan and just wanted to share this information!!
Get ready to sing along with Mowgli all over again as Disney's The Jungle Book: Diamond Edition comes to Blu-ray™ for the first time ever on February 11th, 2014! This Diamond Edition is packed with more than just the bare necessities of bonus features, including an alternate ending and an interview with Richard M. Sherman, Diane Disney Miller and Floyd Norman! Make Mowgli and His Jungle Family A Part of Yours When
Swings onto Blu-ray™, DVD and Digital on February 11, 2014

Film Synopsis: Now for the first time ever on Blu-ray with glorious digital high definition, Disney’s Jumpin’ Jungle Classic has never looked so lush or sounded so good! Beloved characters, swinging music and new behind-the-scenes bonus features make this Diamond Edition Blu-ray a must-have for every family’s classic collection!

Meet the most unforgettable characters and embark on a thrilling adventure with Mowgli as he journeys deep into the jungle and learns “The Bare Necessities” of life from happy-go-lucky Baloo the bear. Meet Bagheera, the wise old panther, and crazy King Louie, the orangutan. But watch out for the cunning tiger Shere Khan and Kaa, the ssssneakiest snake in the jungle!

Explore your family’s wild side as you venture into The Jungle Book for extraordinary adventures and a heartwarming tale that celebrates the true meaning of friendship.

Voice Talent: Phil Harris (Robin Hood, The Aristocats) as Baloo the Bear; Sebastian Cabot (The Sword and the Stone, Winnie the Pooh) as Bagheera the Panther; Bruce Reitherman (Winnie the Pooh and the Honey Tree) as Mowgli the Man Cub; George Sanders (All About Eve, Rebecca) as Shere Khan the Tiger; Sterling Halloway (The Aristocats, Alice in Wonderland) as Kaa the Snake; J. Pat O’Malley (Robin Hood, Mary Poppins) as Col. Hathi the Elephant/Buzzie; and Louis Prima (The Continental Twist Hey Boy! Hey Girl!) as King Louie of the Apes.

Jaybird Wireless Headphones and Earbuds

Disclosure: I will be compensated for writing this post. Information on the product was provided by the company, but all opinions stated are HONEST and are my own!

Music has become a huge part of my life, just as it is to millions of other people in the world. I listen to music all day, as I go about my daily routine. When I am cleaning, doing yard work and exercising, I have found that there are lots of times when I can no longer listen to my music because either I am so hot and sweaty that it causes the headphones or earbuds to slide off, or the cords from them get tangled and get in the way. I have gone through more earbuds in the last year because I have ripped them out of my ears and damaged the cords.

There is a company that has the ideal solution to my problem. Jaybird has created state of the art headphones for all kinds of active lifestyles. They make several different styles.

They have Sportsband wireless headphones which is compatible with any A2DP Bluetooth device, such as an i-phone, i-pad, Android, Blackberry phone, gaming devices, PC or Mac computer, and much more. I love the fact that it has a built in microphone so you can use it to talk on the phone as well. Some of the features I like are the 8 hour music play time, 11 hour talk time, or 250 hour standby time you get from the 2.5 hour charge time! The flexible overhead band and the heavy duty ball-pivoting earpads are a huge plus.

The Freedom Sprint wireless earbuds feature premium wireless music and calls. They have patented sports ear cushions that hug into the top, back and lower surface areas of the ear. There is a fit for every ear since they include 3 sizes of secure fit ear cushion fins, and 3 sizes of sound isolating eartips. These are critical to lock in the buds for sports. Freedom Sprint buds offer fumble free, on-ear controls and an enhanced microphone and microphone chamber design for clearer calls. It works with the same devices as the Sportsband headphones. There are several features I really like, such as the tangle-free flat cord, a 4.5 hour music play time, 5 hour talk time, or 100 hour standby time that you get from a 2 hour charge, all in something that weighs .35 ounces.

Bluebuds X are a premium, micro-sized bluetooth earbud. They feature a lifetime warranty against sweat, offer signal plus for skip free music, and have intuitive controls with raised buttons for easy, fumble-free use. Bluebuds X buds have over/under-ear fit options. Traditional under-ear wearing style is used for music and calls, and over-ear is designed for those wanting a great sports music experience, without anything on your neck. They offer an 8 hour play time or 250 hour standby time on a small 2.5 hour charge. They are the official training headphones of the USA triathlon.

Right now, Jaybird is giving away a pair of headphones or earbuds everyday! The winner gets to choose his or her favorite Jaybird product. The giveaway is open to residents of the United States and Canada who are at least 18 years old.

Which Jaybird product would you like to have? Is there anyone on your Christmas list who would benefit from winning a pair? Enter daily so you can have a chance to win. I am!

Monday, November 11, 2013

It is that time again...Holiday Gift Guide 2013

WOW!  Today is November 11, 2013.  Where did the time go?  Thanksgiving is a little over 2 weeks away and Christmas is just around the corner.  That means it is Holiday Gift Guide time here at Shelly's Bits and Pieces.  I will be posting about some of the hottest and most wanted gifts this year (in my opinion), as well as holding giveaways so you have a chance to win some things!  Keep your eyes peeled and come back often for information and your chance to win.  The first post, with a giveaway is coming up Monday 11/18/2013!

Friday, November 8, 2013

Happy Anniversary Chefy!


Eleven years ago today, I married my soul mate.  I truly believe that he is the one that God made just for me.  He came into a ready made family and took everything in stride.  By becoming a husband and a daddy at the same time, he not only made my dream come true, he gave Kat the daddy she deserved.  After we exchanged rings, he presented Kat with a necklace that reads, "11/08/02- Two Became one, Three became a Family".  It was a day full of wonderful memories to me.  We only had my parents, my cousin and the preacher, along with the 3 of us present.  Our wedding was short, and our one night honeymoon was short too, BUT we were married and we were happy.

As much as I loved Chefy when I married him, I can honestly say, I love him more today.  We have gone through more in our 11 years than some go through in a lifetime.  We have endured it together, and by the grace of God, we emerged stronger! Thank you God for blessing me with this wonderful Godly man!!  I love you honey!

THOR: THE DARK WORLD - In Theatres Today!!

Disclosure: This is a non compensated post! I just wanted to share the information! Today is the day! Thor: The Dark World hits the theaters! Enjoy these photos. Hope to see you at the movies!