Friday 30 March 2018

Downsizing Giveaway!


“An Ingenious Comedy”
- Owen Gleiberman, Variety

 Downsizing Is Wildy Imaginative”
- Ann Hornaday, Washington Post


MATT DAMON GETS SMALL TO LIVE LARGE IN ACADEMY AWARD®-WINNING* DIRECTOR ALEXANDER PAYNE’S
HILARIOUS AND ORIGINAL COMEDY


On 4K Ultra HD, Blu-ray, DVD & Digital March 20, 2018

Hailed as “a tremendously entertaining heart-felt comedy” (Julian Roman, Movieweb), director Alexander Payne’s (The Descendants, Nebraska) hilarious DOWNSIZING was released on 4K Ultra HD, Blu-ray, DVD and Digital
March 20, 2018 from Paramount Home Media Distribution perfect timing to add this to your adult Easter list!

When scientists find a way to shrink humans to five inches tall, Paul Safranek (Academy Award winner** Matt Damon) and his wife Audrey (Kristen Wiig) decide to ditch their stressed out lives in order to get small and live large in a luxurious downsized community. Filled with life-changing adventures and endless possibilities, Leisureland offers more than riches, as Paul discovers a whole new world and realizes that we are meant for something bigger. “Brilliant and daring” (Shawn Edwards, Fox-TV) and “full of surprises” (Noah Gittell, Nerdist), DOWNSIZING also stars Academy Award winner Christoph Waltz*** and Hong Chau in a breakthrough performance that earned her Golden Globe® and SAG nominations.

The DOWNSIZING 4K Ultra HD and Blu-ray Combo Packs include nearly an hour of fascinating bonus content with six behind-the-scenes featurettes. Join the incredible cast including Matt Damon and Kristen Wiig, plus Academy Award-winning director Alexander Payne to see how his unique vision was brought to life. Take a journey on set and check out the production design and visual effects behind the miniaturized world of Leisureland, and much more! 

DOWNSIZING Blu-ray Combo Pack
The Downsizing Blu-ray is presented in 1080p high definition with English 7.1 DTS-HD Master Audio, French 5.1 Dolby Digital, Portuguese 5.1 Dolby Digital, Spanish 5.1 Dolby Digital, and English Audio Description and English, English SDH, French, Portuguese and Spanish subtitles. The DVD in the Combo Pack is presented in widescreen enhanced for 16:9 televisions with English 5.1 Dolby Digital, French 5.1 Dolby Digital, Spanish 5.1 Dolby Digital and English Audio Description and English, French, Spanish and Portuguese subtitles.  The Combo Pack includes access to a Digital copy of the film as well as the following: 
Blu-ray
·      Feature film in high definition
·      Bonus Content:
o  working with Alexander
o  the cast
o  a visual journey
o  a matter of perspective
o  that smile
o  a global concern
DVD
·      Feature film in standard definition

DOWNSIZING 4K Ultra HD Combo Pack
Fans can enjoy the ultimate viewing experience with the 4K Ultra HD Combo Pack, which includes the Blu-ray Disc detailed above, as well as an Ultra HD Disc presented in 4K Ultra HD and English 7.1 DTS-HD Master Audio, Czech 5.1 Dolby Digital, French - Canadian 5.1 Dolby Digital, French - Parisian 5.1 Dolby Digital, German 5.1 Dolby Digital, Italian 5.1 Dolby Digital, Polish 5.1 Dolby Digital, Portuguese - Brazilian 5.1 Dolby Digital, Russian 5.1 Dolby Digital, Spanish - Castilian 5.1 Dolby Digital, Spanish - Latin American 5.1 Dolby Digital, and English Audio Description with English, English SDH, Arabic, Bahasa – Malaysian, Cantonese, Simplified Chinese, Mandarin, Czech, Danish, Dutch, Finnish, French - Canadian, French - Parisian, German, Greek, Hebrew, Hindi, Icelandic, Italian, Korean, Norwegian, Polish, Portuguese - Brazilian, Portuguese - European, Romanian, Russian, Slovakian, Spanish - Castilian, Spanish - Latin American, Swedish, Thai and Turkish subtitles. The Combo Pack also includes access to a Digital HD copy of the film.
DOWNSIZING DVD
The DVD is presented in widescreen enhanced for 16:9 televisions with English 5.1 Dolby Digital, French 5.1 Dolby Digital, Spanish 5.1 Dolby Digital and English Audio Description and English, French, Spanish and Portuguese subtitles. The disc includes the feature film in standard definition.


Enter to win your copy here:


PARAMOUNT PICTURES Presents
An AD HOMINEM / GRAN VIA Production
An ALEXANDER PAYNE Film MATT DAMON “DOWNSIZING”
CHRISTOPH WALTZ HONG CHAU and KRISTEN WIIG
Music Supervisor DONDI BASTONE Music Composed and Conducted by ROLFE KENT
Costume Designer WENDY CHUCK Edited by KEVIN TENT, ACE
Production Designer STEFANIA CELLA Director of Photography PHEDON PAPAMICHAEL, ASC, GSC
Executive Producers MEGAN ELLISON JIM BURKE DIANA POKORNY
Produced by MARK JOHNSON ALEXANDER PAYNE JIM TAYLOR
Written by ALEXANDER PAYNE & JIM TAYLOR Directed by ALEXANDER PAYNE
SOUNDTRACK ALBUM ON WATERTOWER MUSIC

About Paramount Home Media Distribution
Paramount Home Media Distribution (PHMD) is part of Paramount Pictures Corporation (PPC), a global producer and distributor of filmed entertainment. PPC is a unit of Viacom (NASDAQ: VIAB, VIA), home to premier media brands that create television programs, motion pictures, consumer products, and digital content for audiences in 180 countries and territories. The PHMD division oversees PPC’s home entertainment and transactional digital distribution activities worldwide. The division is responsible for the sales, marketing and distribution of home entertainment content on behalf of Paramount Pictures, Paramount Animation, Paramount Vantage, Paramount Classics, MTV, Nickelodeon, Comedy Central and CBS and applicable licensing and servicing of certain DreamWorks Animation titles. PHMD additionally manages global licensing of studio content and transactional distribution across worldwide digital distribution platforms including online, mobile and portable devices and emerging technologies.

Thursday 29 March 2018

Super Strong Paper Mache Recipe


I love making pinatas! You can buy any pinata you want for your child for $25-$30 (they also come with a top rated modeling clay kit for kidsbut it is nothing more then a big chunk of cardboard that gets destroyed so you might as well just burn $30 just for the sake of it. I have made numerous different shapes and sized pinatas for my kids parties and I used to buy the fancy themed ones from the store and I can tell you through experience that the reaction is the exact same when that candy gets smashed out of the pinata. Kids don't care about the decoration aspect, trust me and the kids really do enjoy helping to create a party focal piece.

You can always get creative and make it however you like if your going for a theme, these are a couple others I have made.


My paper mache recipe is simple:
  • 1 cup white glue
  • 1 cup flour
  • 2 cups water
Put all ingredients in a large bowl. Mix well until it feels like thick paint and then slowly apply to your newspaper strips by dipping them in the glue mixture and then around your base (balloon or other hollow shape) until it is completely covered. Let it dry for 24-48 hours and then paint.

How To Throw A Fun Easter Party For Under $50

I am always trying to find frugal ways to keep my kids and my daycare kids busy learning, staying fit, and having fun, without breaking the bank. We celebrate all the major holidays around here and Easter is one of the funnest to get the kids pumped up and ready for the long weekends with their families. So how can you throw an amazing Easter party for under $50, I will show you:

 
My adorable egg pinata cost absolutely nothing to make all I did was cover a balloon I had laying around in paper mache and let the kids color it when it was dry. My super hard paper mache recipe consists of glue, flour and water and that's it. The only thing I spent money on was pinata candy I bought at Dollar Tree for $20

Balloons, Glue, Flour, and paint to make your pinata can be found at the Dollar Tree for $1.25



We all made bunny ear head bands which cost nothing because I had gotten a giant roll of blank paper from my local child care resource center. 

Markers & Paper to make your bunny ear headbands can be found at the Dollar Tree for $1.25



I also made a pin the carrot on the bunny game using the same roll of free paper. Kids love this game so much and it is so simple to create and enjoy.

Paper and tape to make your pin the carrot on the bunny game can be found at Dollar Tree for $1.25


We did egg and spoon relays as well which is a great way to practice hand eye coordination and keep those little bodies moving. This was also free with plastic Easter eggs I had saved and spoons from my drawers.

Plastic eggs and spoons can be found at the Dollar Tree for $1.25 


The pinata is always a huge hit and these monkeys take their hitting very seriously.



We also did face paint as little bunnies to match our ears which also cost me nothing as I always have it around for painting faces at daycare. I made cupcakes for our treat today which cost $3 at Walmart for the icing and the cake mix. If you had to purchase all of the small things that I used today it could all be found at the Dollar Tree for under $50. 

Face paint can be found at the Dollar Tree for $1.25

There was nothing but smiles and laughter all day long and it cost me almost nothing to do it. Parties do not have to cost a fortune or take tons of time planning, kids just want to have fun and if your creative enough you can make anything fun for next to nothing.

Follow me on Pinterest and Instagram for more amazing self-care tips and so much more. 

We are always looking to share our financial experiences while raising a family and running our own businesses. We used to be terrible with money and now we are very financially successful and responsible. We love to use credit cards believe it or not and they can actually have many benefits if used correctly. We have dug ourselves out of debt in a huge way over the last 5 years and always want to help others do the same. Take some of our amazing tips and make a better life for you and your loved ones. Don’t forget to look at the best credit card for cashback!



Wednesday 28 March 2018

Earn and Save When Spring Cleaning With Once Upon A Child Kelowna

It is time for spring cleaning, and what better way to get it done then by making some cash or saving money on some new items for your kids.

The concept of recycled children's clothing is by far the best option for parents these days. As a mother of 3 I have learned the value of hand me downs and clothing sales. I was lucky enough to have the opportunity to work with Once Upon service this week and find out what makes their store so special. In my interview with owner Ann she had many important things that set them apart that I thought you should know.


95% of all their items are previously loved, so when we buy from once upon a child we are helping to recycle kids clothes and keep them out of the landfills. 

Their wonderful buy out program let's you bring in your child's previously loved next to new items and while you shop they will sort through them and decide which they will buy from you. Then when your done shopping you can use that balance to pay for your purchase! 

Kids look so cute in stylish outfits, but who wants to pay high-end prices when their clothes are outgrown so quickly? Once Upon A Child is the perfect solution. We have the latest in new and gently used name brand boys and girls clothes, toys, books, baby gear and furniture just right for fast-growing babies, toddlers and youth, all priced up to 70% less than retail!
Simply gather up your gently used baby gear and kids clothes and bring them in. We are always looking to buy designer clothing, pack n plays, toddler beds, changing tables, strollers, highchairs, and of course toys! Once Upon A Child pays CA$H on the spot for all items accepted.  

We Buy All Seasons, All Day, Everyday!

  • We will consider clothing for newborn to youth size 20 (age 12)
  • All Clothing should be 'next to new' current styles no more than 5 years old
  • Brand labels with sizing must be attached or visible on each piece of clothing
  • All Apparel should be gently used, freshly laundered and in excellent condition.  We will pass on items with spots, stains, tears, too much wear, pet hair and too wrinkled
  • All apparel should be brought in neatly folded in a plaster container or basket (please no garbage or grocery bags)
  • No appointments necessary. We will review your items on a first come, first serve basis




When I went in I brought in some shoes we had no longer fit to take advantage of the buy out program and shopped for my 3 kids. We got 3 new spring jackets, and an outfit for each child as well as a toy for way under $100. Buying just the jackets brand new would have set me back over $150. With the discounts I got for trading in items I paid just over $50!






The layout of this store is by far one of the best second hand layouts I have ever shopped. Clear signage and organization made it super easy to shop for exactly what I needed. With the amazing customer service and the crazy savings I would absolutely call this my new favorite when shopping for kids! Check out the new store in Kelowna!


Monday 26 March 2018

3 Tips for Moving with Kids and Pets



Moving isn't easy. It requires a lot of planning, a lot of money, and a lot of lifting. But, if you have kids or pets, moving can be a lot harder than it needs to be. And it's for that exact reason it's important to come up with ways to keep them occupied during the big move.

First, explain to your kids why moving is best for the family and why it's so important for them to help the transition along. Bekins suggests talking to your children well before the move happens. Ask them how they're feeling about moving from one place to another and encourage them to talk to you if they're nervous or have any problems. 

Next, make sure someone is available to watch your children and pets. HGTV suggests hiring a sitter, enlisting a family friend, or calling in the grandparents. Take your kids or pets to your in-laws, summer camp, or in a pet’s case, take them to doggy daycare. If you want your kids or pets to be a part of the move, but you don’t want them running all over the place, have the designated "watcher" come to your new home and stay with your kids and/or pets in a room of the way. Make sure you do this in advance though, as it can be hard to find a solution last minute. 

Community Cats Podcast says it’s really smart to make sure all of your kids' and pets' toys are unpacked first and foremost. Set up their spaces as quickly as possible as an easy way to occupy them. If you have things you do with your family on a weekly basis, such as movie night on Thursday, keep doing it to ensure stability even while you’re unpacking. Introduce your children or pets to the neighborhood by taking them for a walk or a drive around so they become familiar with the layout. Keep an eye on them for a little while after you’ve been settled to make sure they aren’t trying to go back to their old neighborhood, which is somewhere they’re probably pretty used to. A dog is typically as smart as a two-year-old, so they'll probably know how to get back there. Even though you’re going to be busy dealing with the movers and unpacking, it’s crucial to make sure you keep things as normal as possible for your kids and pets.

Moving is a pretty common activity. In fact, the average person moves about 12 times during their life. Considering that, it's key to make sure you have your kids and pets covered for every move you make throughout your life.

Sunday 25 March 2018

Make Cellulite Vanish

 
PUR firm CelluFIRM Lotion from PUR attitude uses a triple action technology that stimulates microcirculation to smooth the appearance of the skin and reduce the appearance of cellulite. The result is a firmer, more toned looking body. 88% of customers report a decrease in thigh circumference, firmer looking skin, and visibly reduced dimples with product's use. (Available in 6.6 oz. MSRP $68.00.)
 
Each product in the PUR attitude line is dermatologist tested and proven, backed by customer testimonials, and follows the brand’s philosophy of Safe Beauty, avoiding harsh chemicals, parabens, PEG’s, glycols, sulfates, petro-chemicals, synthetic fragrances, and artificial dyes. For more information, please go to www.purattitude.com.


Images and select samples available upon request.
-Chic Directive, Inc.

Designed for: Cellulite

Benefits:
  • Visibly reduces cellulite
  • Firms and tones skin
  • Decreases thigh circumference
  • Promotes smoother, more radiant looking skin
Key Ingredients:
  • Algae contains proteins, Vitamin A, and other beneficial properties for skin such as emollients, soothing agents, and antioxidants.
  • Caffeine is an antioxidant-rich property that enhances elasticity, reinforces collagen fibers and reduces fatty deposits. 
 I love the scent of this product and the feeling it gives my skin. I feel like things are tighter and more toned then they were before I started using celluFIRM. This product is a must have for anyone looking to get the best out of their bodies! Amazing formula and wicked product!

Zing's Glove-A-Bubbles perfect for your Easter Basket


Jumbo chocolate bunnies. buckets of jelly beans… And then the Easter morning sugar crash! Not surprising that many families are ditching the candy (or at least swapping some out) and filling baskets with imaginative alternative treats. These are the coolest bubble toys for kids of all ages. My group was very excited to do bubble high fives and spins creating a great bubble show!

Glove-A-Bubbles
Churn out oodles and oodles of BUBBLES with just the wave of your hand with Glove-A-Bubbles, new from Zing!


Get ready to wave and play! Kids simply remove the bubble pouch from the glove and pour the bubble solutions into the pouch. Dip the glove into the bubble pouch, wave your glove back and forth and watch tons of delightful bubbles form instantly, right before your eyes. Never ending bubbles for never ending fun!

Glove-A-Bubbles come with one glove and two packs of bubble solution. The pouch is also re-sealable and refillable.





Glove-A-Bubbles come in eight different animal-themed gloves, including lion, alligator, hippopotamus, elephant, dinosaur, panda, bunny and monkey. There’s a Glove-A-Bubbles for everyone!

Check out the awesome fun here.


Age: 3+ Available: January 2018 US: $2.99 CA: $3.99
US Retailers: Walmart, Target, Toys R Us, Sam’s Club
CA Retailers: Walmart Canada, Amazon, Mastermind Toys, Indigo

Stress Relievers




Whether it’s everyday activities or an overwhelming life event, stress can be a reoccurring issue in a lot of people’s lives. Finding ways to cope can be difficult, but it is imperative to find the best methods that work with your body.

Dr. Christopher Calapai, D.O., an Osteopathic Physician board certified in family medicine, anti-aging medicine and chelation therapy explains how stress can affect your body and provides methods to manage it with herbal supplements and natural alternatives.

1.     Symptom: Insomnia
2.     SolutionMagnesium helps to relax the body while also easing anxiety. Melatonin supplements can help regulate sleep and wakefulness and Chamomile tea is great for relaxation and sleep.

1.     Symptom: Low energy
2.     Solution: Asian Ginseng, Vitamin B12 and Green Tea are all known to increase one’s energy levels.

1.     Symptom: Stomach aches, Body aches and pain
2.     Solution: Peppermint oil is good for stomach aches and occasional massages with essential oils and hot baths can sooth aches and pain induced by stress.

1.     Symptom: Common cold and Infections
2.     Solution: Echinacea and Astragalus, two herbs with immune-supporting properties, as well as Vitamin C and D can assist with common colds and other infections.

Friday 23 March 2018

Healthy Treats on Easter

Easter can be compared to Halloween in terms of sugary treats that get collected from egg hunts, baskets, school parties, and Easter family gatherings.  Try not to deprive your child of Easter treats, keep moderation and modification in mind.  Moderation meaning they can have a controlled portion of candy on the days surrounding Easter if they have collected it from school or an Easter egg hunts.  If you have control over what is put into the eggs, consider doing small trinkets or toys, like stickers, fake tattoos, coins, putty, plastic jewelry, etc. instead of candy.  

Easter baskets do not have to be loaded with candy and sugary treats, instead focus on  putting toys that promote activity into their baskets like jump ropes, sidewalk chalk, Frisbees, pool toys, sunglasses, etc.  Some families who strive to keep minimal toys and trinkets can even get one big toy like a basketball hoop, trampoline, and season tickets to the zoo or a train set.  

Also consider modifying traditional Easter treats with a healthier version, either store bought or homemade.

• Chocolate- Chocolate seems to be a common theme among Easter treats.  There are chocolate eggs, bunnies, and mainstream chocolate candies made into Easter candy throughout the seasonal isle.  Go for dark chocolate options instead of the traditional milk chocolate, and try to find brands that do not contain processed sugars like high fructose corn syrup or trans fatty acids in the form of hydrogenated oils.  Lake Champion chocolates have an organic dark chocolateEaster bunny option, and Sjaak’s also has vegan and almond butter Easter candy options, this is also great for those children who suffer from peanut allergies!

Avoid mainstream candy options including:
• Jellybeans
• Milk chocolate 
• Marshmallow candy

Try these options and brands instead:
• 70% or more dark chocolate (typically found in natural food section at local grocery store).
• Lake Champion chocolates- they have Easter Bunny options available online.
• Sjaak’s offers vegan and almond butter options which is great for anyone who suffers from peanut allergies or intolerances, available online.
• Annie’s organic fruits snacks – available at local grocery store.
• Surf Sweets offers organic jellybeans without artificial dyes or flavors, available online.
• Make your own sweet Easter treats, there are several adapted recipes online that use whole unprocessed ingredients free of chemicals and dyes.  


Recipe for homemade Crème filled chocolate eggs- Adapted from www.primallyinspired.com

Photo Credit- Daily Burn
Ingredients:
½ c dark chocolate chips (high quality)
1.5 tsp. coconut oil

For filling:
1 egg white
¼ c pure raw honey
2 tsp. vanilla extract
pinch of sea salt
egg mold- can get at local kitchen store, party store, etc.

DIRECTIONS:
Put your honey in a small pot over medium low heat. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat and let simmer for 2-3 minutes, stirring often. Add in the vanilla extract and the pinch of sea salt. Stir until combined.
Whip your egg white with a hand or stand mixer until peaks form. Once peaks form, slowly drizzle the honey mixture in the egg whites while the mixer is still whipping. Keep whipping until all the honey is blended and the mixture is very creamy. Set aside.
In a double boiler, melt the chocolate and coconut oil until chocolate is melted and smooth. Using a small spoon, spoon your chocolate in the egg mold.  Use the spoon, “paint” up the sides of the mold. Once all the eggs are covered in chocolate, stick the mold in the freezer for 5 minutes. Take it back out and “paint” the mold again with the chocolate. Stick in the freezer for another 5 minutes.
Take it back out and fill the chocolates with the egg white/honey mixture. If you have leftover chocolate, drizzle some around all the edges of the chocolate eggs so they will mold together easier. Fold the molds together and place in the freezer for at least an hour. Undo the molds and enjoy your homemade eggs!