Pizza Ranch and the Living Hope CD Project Review & Giveaway

Disclosure (in accordance with the FTC’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”): Many thanks to Propeller Consulting, LLC for providing this prize for the giveaway. Choice of winners and opinions are 100% my own and NOT influenced by monetary compensation. I did receive a sample of the product in exchange for this review and post.

On June 2, 2015, Pizza Ranch released a CD called Living Hope containing twelve songs from many of their favorite Christian artists.  Most of the songs are brand-new and written exclusively for this CD around the theme of Hope.  Artists include Colton Dixon, Francesca Batistelli, Ellie Holcomb, Sidewalk Prophets, Kevin Max, Bart Millard, Passion Band featuring Kristian Stanfill, Michael W. Smith, and Mark Schultz.  

The CD will be available to purchase for $5 plus tax exclusively in Pizza Ranch restaurants or for download at pizzaranch.com/livinghope through August 31.  

From Adrie Groeneweg, President & CEO of Pizza Ranch, Inc.:  "This album has a very special meaning for Pizza Ranch.  Although Pizza Ranch is not in the music business, many things have been happening, conversations have been taking place and doors have been opening for this album. Through these events, I believe it was obvious that God has been behind this for His specific purpose and putting it on our hearts to collectively create this project.  As such, we call this our miracle album, Living Hope."

About Pizza Ranch:  Adrie Groeneweg had a dream that started in Hull, IA, in 1981, when he was just 19 years old.  It was simple.  Why does everyone have to drive out of town to get a pizza?  With just six specialty and single topping pizza recipes developed by Adrie's mother, Lorraine, Pizza Ranch was born.  Pizza Ranch's vision and mission is to glorify God by positively impacting the world and to give every guest a legendary experience.  They have 190+ locations across 13 states including Iowa, Minnesota, South Dakota, North Dakota, Wisconsin, Michigan, Nebraska, Illinois, Kansas, Missouri, Montana, Wyoming, and Colorado.

We love Christian music and were very happy to receive Living Hope to review.  The CD  is filled with songs of hope which are desperately needed in the trying times of today.  Living Hope is the perfect way to honor God while you are traveling. There are so many wonderful songs on the CD which makes choosing a favorite very difficult!  My favorites at the moment are "Day One" by Matthew West and "Hope of Heaven" by Michael W. Smith.

Since there are no Pizza Ranch restaurants around here, I'll have to dream about the pizza, but next time we are out West, I'll make sure to stop.  Do you have a Pizza Ranch in your neck of the woods?

You can learn more about Pizza Ranch and the Living Hope CD through these links:

Twitter:  @PizzaRanch @PRServes

Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/PizzaRanchRacing

Official Website:  http://www.pizzaranch.com/livinghope/

YouTube Channel (features images and videos of the artists talking about the story behind each song):  https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCE9lEnxuNzMyLfRyX8_tiLA

Press Release with additional information about the Living Hope CD project:  https://t.e2ma.net/message/7tnbk/7l1cgr

One lucky Shelly's Bits and Pieces reader will win a copy of LivingHope.  Simply enter on the rafflecopter form below!

Summer is Here! Enjoy a tropical treat from Nonni's THINaddictives

Disclosure:  A free box of Nonni's THINaddictives was received to facilitate our honest review.  No monetary compensation was received.

Nonni’s, creator of the number one selling biscotti recently introduced Mango Coconut THINaddictives.  They are a delicious tropical treat made with real ingredients, including sweet mango, grated coconut and California almonds.  Mango Coconut THINaddictives are a guilt-free snack and are now available at grocery stores nationwide.  They come in convenient portion-packs and average 100-calories or less.  It is easy to love these new light and crunchy treats. What's not to love?  They are low-fat, low-carb and contain 3g of protein/per serving!

Each THINaddictives box contains six individually wrapped pack which contains 3 THINS each. They are available in  six delicious flavors:

Banana Dark Chocolate
Blueberry Oat Almond
Cinnamon Raisin Almond
Cranberry Almond
Mango Coconut Almond
Pistachio Almond

Real ingredients make the difference.  The pieces of fruit and nut in each THINaddictive is perfect.   You really get a taste of each ingredient in every bite.  Nonni's THINaddictives are an ideal way to make eat a delicious snack without all the guilt!  We enjoy our THINaddictives all times of the day with coffee, tea, milk, water, and Kat loves to dunk her Nonni's THINadictives in hot cocoa!  YUM.

You can get a $1.00 coupon by simply entering your information HERE.   Be sure to check out all of Nonni’s social channels for special offers, including THINaddictives Facebook, THINaddictives Instagram, Nonni’s Foods Twitter and Nonni’s Foods Pinterest.

Scooby-Doo! and KISS: Rock and Roll Mystery Giveaway #ScoobyDoo

Disclosure:  No product was received.  The sponsor is responsible for prize fulfillment! Each household is only eligible to win One (1) Scooby Doo and KISS Rock & Roll Mystery Blu-ray Combo 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.

Scooby-Doo Where Are You?

Scooby-Doo! and KISS: Rock and Roll Mystery is out On Blu-ray!
All the mad cap fun from the Scooby gang that you remember only in an all new mystery with rock band Kiss!


Everyone’s favorite crime fighting kids are back with their biggest mystery ever in Scooby-Doo! and KISS: Rock and Roll Mystery! To help them solve the case the Scooby gang teams up with Rock and Roll legends KISS for an all new Mystery Inc. adventure!

Maya the Bee DVD Review

Disclaimer:  I received this DVD for free in exchange for my honest review.  I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe in.  I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Already a great box office success in much of the world, “MAYA THE BEE MOVIE,” based on the well-known children’s novel and popular animated series in Europe, Australia and Asia, offers an immersive cinematic adventure into a spectacular macroscopic world. This highly anticipated animated feature brings to life an enchanting story of a little bee named Maya and her exciting adventure of self-discovery and fantastical fun.  A must-have for fans of all ages, “MAYA THE BEE MOVIE” is an instant classic that delivers wholesome family entertainment— emphasizing the importance of friendship, freedom and courage.

Directed by Alexs Stadermann (Bambi II) and produced by Studio 100 Media and Buzz Studios in association with Flying Bark Productions, “MAYA THE BEE MOVIE” features the acclaimed voice talent of Coco Jack Gillies, Academy Award® nominee Jacki Weaver (Animal Kingdom, Silver Linings Playbook),  Miriam Margolyes (Harry Potter, Babe), Richard Roxburgh (Mission: Impossible II), Noah Taylor (Game of Thrones, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory), Kodi Smit-McPhee (ParaNorman, Rise of the Planet of the Apes) and  Justine Clarke (Home and Away).

“MAYA THE BEE MOVIE” Synopsis

Maya is a little bee with a big heart. She dreams of an exciting life of freedom, fun and adventure – the world is simply far too interesting to stay inside a hive! Her funny attempts to fit in bring her into trouble with the Queen’s narrow-minded royal advisor, Buzzlina. With her best friend Willy, Maya buzzes out into the meadow on an exhilarating adventure of self-discovery.

While most bees believe that other insects should be feared, Maya can’t help but make friends with Flip the charismatic and eccentric grasshopper, Kurt the dung beetle and even Sting, a young hornet. But when the Queen’s royal jelly is stolen, it will take Maya and all of her bug buddies to figure out who did it and how to save the day!

One of the best-known and beloved children’s brands of all-time, the stories of Maya The Bee have been passed down among generations of families for years. Originally a German children’s novel by Waldemar Bonsels, The Adventures of Maya the Bee was published over a hundred years ago in 1912. Since the original publishing, the book has been translated into many other languages and enjoyed by children all over the world. In addition to the book, Maya The Bee is also a comic book series, appeared in various iterations as animated series and now a major animated feature film.

AVAILABLE IN STORES EVERYWHERE FROM SHOUT! FACTORY KIDS

Our Thoughts:
The movie is adorable!  It was a wonderful way to keep my kids happy during a very HOT North Carolina summer afternoon.  We love Maya because she is so curious.  She reminds me of my daughter!  Willie is another favorite because he is a true friend!  The movie does a great job in teaching important values. I'd recommend this for families with younger kids, but even my teenage daughter enjoyed it!

Recommended Family Entertainment by The Dove Foundation