Holiday Gift Guide- Hello Kitty & Friends: Let's Learn Together DVD Collection

It's time for a whole new generation to make friends with Hello Kitty!

Japan's most beloved ambassador of sunshine and good cheer takes center stage in a new educational series for preschoolers, Hello Kitty: Let's Learn Together -- to be released on two DVD collections this holiday season by SentaiKIDSTM in North America.

Millennial parents who are Hello Kitty fans from their own childhood can now share that nostalgia while also encouraging a lifelong love of learning for a whole new generation.

A perfect Hanukkah gift, holiday surprise or Christmas stocking-stuffer, each DVD collection provides over an hour of entertaining, educational content are fully dubbed in English and feature letters, numbers, and animals ­ all designed to entertain and inspire a love of learning in preschoolers. The collections are available at major retailers including Best Buy, amazon.com, WalMart and Target beginning November 20.

Runtime:  Collection 1- 70 minutes, Collection 2 -­ 77 minutes

Format:  DVD Region 1

English Dub Cast:

Hello Kitty ­- Juliet Simmons

Mimmy ­- Meg McDonald

Amy -­ Sasha Paysinger

Eric -­ Luci Christian

Harry -­ Chaney Moore

My Thoughts: 

I've been a fan of Hello Kitty since childhood. Nothing brightens my day quite like her adorable smile and positive words. There's always been something about her the grabs the hearts of people no matter the age. Having a chance to bring Hello Kitty to the younger generation is the best gift of all! These DVDs are packed with content that is fun, educational, and are a joy for the whole family.

Hello Kitty and her friends are here to spread the holiday cheer! If you are a collector like me or have someone on your gift list that adores her (or educational videos), I can't recommend Hello Kitty: Lets Learn Together enough! Make learning fun this season!

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DVD Review: Sesame Street: Play All Day With Elmo! #giveaway

ELMO WANTS TO HAVE A PLAY DATE…WITH YOU!

SESAME WORKSHOP AND WARNER BROS. HOME ENTERTAINMENT RELEASE

SESAME STREET: PLAY ALL DAY WITH ELMO

ON DIGITIAL AND DVD NOW

Includes Over Two Hours of Fun With Your Furry Red Friend Elmo!

Elmo is ready to share all his favorite games with your little one as Warner Bros. Home Entertainment and Sesame Workshop, the non-profit, educational organization whose mission is to help kids grow smarter, stronger and kinder, release Sesame Street: Play All Day With Elmo on DVD September 8, 2015 for $14.98 SRP. Sesame Street: Play All Day With Elmo includes the full length episode “Simon Says,” bonus content and exciting video segment “Elmo’s World: Games.” The title’s release also aligns with the launch of the new Play All Day Elmo toy from Hasbro. Order due date of August 4, 2015.

Spend the afternoon dancing, jumping, and clapping while playing all of Elmo’s favorite games. Preschoolers will join Elmo to play Freeze Dance, Red Light Green Light, Elmo Says, and more. Elmo helps make learning fun with his interactive approach to teaching children his favorite games. Sesame Street: Play All Day With Elmo will have your toddler bouncing up and down with excitement while practicing important executive function skills such as self-control, following directions and paying attention.

“Warner Bros Home Entertainment is thrilled to announce the newest addition to the Sesame Street collection, Sesame Street: Play All Day With Elmo,” said Jeff Brown, WBHE Executive Vice President and GM of Non-Theatrical Franchise Marketing. “Elmo continues to be one of the most loveable preschool characters of all time and we are happy to share yet another exciting title starring America’s favorite furry red monster.”

Now in its 45th season, Sesame Street is the longest-running program in children’s television and the number one top-of-mind preschool show with moms. Sesame Street also has the highest "co-viewing" experience - meaning adults watching with kids - of any preschool show. The series has received more Emmy awards than any other show in television history, as well as a Lifetime Achievement Emmy Award honoring the 40th year.

Basics

Languages: English

Audio: Dolby Stereo

Color

Run Time: Approximately 124 Minutes

Rating:  NR

SESAME STREET: PLAY ALL DAY WITH ELMO

Price: $14.98

About Sesame Workshop

Sesame Workshop is the nonprofit educational organization behind Sesame Street which reaches 156 million children across more than 150 countries. The Workshop’s mission is to help kids grow smarter, stronger and kinder. Delivered through a variety of platforms, including television programs, digital experiences, books and community engagement, its research-based programs are tailored to the needs of the communities and countries they serve. For more information, visit us at www.sesameworkshop.org.

My Thoughts

This was a fun video with lots of different clips and activities to do with Elmo and the other Sesame Street characters. I got this for my niece and she had a lot of fun watching it. It did catch her attention, but not for the full 2 hours, which would be expected for any 2 year old. She did want it left on and would go back and check it out some more after wandering off to do other things.

This video was fun because she got to play with Elmo. It wasn't just play though, there was teaching in it as well, like we are used to from the Sesame Street line.

Over all, she really enjoyed it. She is a big fan on Elmo so getting a DVD with just Elmo and few other guest appearances was a neat thing for her.

Giveaway

One lucky winner will win a copy of Elmo Play All Day. Simply enter the Giveaway Tools form below and one winner will be chosen. US residents only. Giveaway ends on October 10th, 2015. Thank you Sesame Street for this giveaway.

Entry-Form

Review & #Giveaway - When Calls the Heart - The Dance DVD

"Product was received for free in exchange for an honest review."

When Calls the Heart- “The Dance” is a feature length film from the first two episodes of the When Calls the Heart television series.  The When Calls the Heart television series debuted on the Hallmark Channel to more than 3 million viewers, making it the No. 2 for the night on all of cable for the primary telecast at 9 p.m and No. 3 overall in households.   Distributed by Word Entertainment, the DVD will be available to purchase in Christian Retail April 22nd, 2014.

Synopsis-  New miners arrive in Coal Valley to help with the final stages of reopening the mine and the town decides to celebrate with a dance at the end of the week. One of the new miners, Billy Hamilton has taken a special interest in Elizabeth and she is flattered by the attention. Meanwhile, pregnant widow Carla Noonan has moved in with Abigail and Elizabeth so the women can keep and eye on her for the remainder of her pregnancy. As Elizabeth and Billy's relationship develops, Jack becomes suspicious of Billy's motives for pursuing Elizabeth so persistently.

My thoughts:

I was so excited to see number four in this series.  I knew I was going to like it, since I really liked the first series.  Michael Landon Jr.  produced yet another great one.

Oh boy! Jack Thorton has some jealously when a certain new miner, Billy Hamilton comes to town. And of course he would with Billy be so poetic towards Elizabeth.  As if Jack Thorton doesn't have enough to worry with the robberies that have happened in town.  And he has strong suspicions of who is responsible for them, Mr. Bill Hamilton.  All the while, the wives of the miners who have died in the mining accident are still trying to cope.

This is a movie that the whole family, young and old can enjoy.  I can't wait to see if a number five will be out soon.

The Giveaway

One lucky winner is going to receive a When Calls the Heart: A Telling Silence DVD. To enter, just fill out the Giveaway Tools form below. This giveaway will end 8/17/14 and is open to the US only.  The winner will be notified via email and will have 48 hours to reply. Thanks again to the sponsor for offering this fantastic prize.

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DVD Review & Giveaway - Veil Of Tears

"Product was received for free in exchange for an honest review."

From birth to death this documentary will take you into the lives of these beautiful women of India, that are abandoned, starvation, sold, sex trafficking, raped, and more.  You will go on a heartbreaking journey with these women as some unveil their stories.  It was hard holding back my tears listening to these stories, and how they live and treated.  These women are just like any other woman in the world, but not treated equally.

How awful that is a woman gives birth to more than one daughter they are considered cursed.  One woman's in-laws went to so as to make her take an abortion pill when she was pregnant for the time.  It failed to work and she gave birth to her third child. She had attempted suicide after this, but  did not succeed.  This is just one of many stories shared in this documentary.

Natalie Grant did a super job narrating this documentary.  There is hope for these beautiful women of India, thanks to Gospel of Asia (Bridge of Hope).

For more information about this documentary or do order a copy for yourself, you can go to Amazon.







The Giveaway

One lucky winner is going to receive a DVD copy of Veil of Tears.  To enter, just fill in the Giveaway Tools form below. This giveaway will  7/26/14 and is open to the US only.  The winner will be notified via email and will have 48 hours to reply. Thanks again to the sponsor for offering this fantastic prize.

Entry-Form

DVD Review & #Giveaway - When Calls the Heart: A Telling Silence

Feeling sorry for 8-year-old mute Rosaleen Sullivan, teacher Elizabeth Thatcher reaches out to the little girl as they share lunch. But when Elizabeth is called away and then returns, Rosaleen is missing! Meanwhile, constable Jack Thornton discovers evidence that Cat Montgomery may have been involved in a suspicious church fire. Could the two cases be related?

My thoughts:

Absolutely loved this!  Michael Landon Jr. did a superb job directing and producing this series.    If you watched the first two series, When Call The Heart and Lost And Found, and liked them, than you will definitely like this DVD that has episodes three and four.

In this Episode, Elizabeth is suspicious of a man who seems to set fear into a young student she teaches, eight year old Rosaleen.   She confides her suspicion  to Jack. Rosaleen hasn't spoken since her father died in the mine accident.  Rosaleen soon disappears.

While Jack and Elizabeth's feelings and romance is growing, Jack is involved in investigating a fire that total destroyed the town church.  There are a few people who are under suspicion for the fire, even one of Elizabeth's friends and Cat Montgomery.  

This is a great movie for the whole family to watch and enjoy. I can't wait until the next series come out.

The Giveaway

One lucky winner is going to receive a When Calls the Heart: A Telling Silence DVD. To enter, just fill out the Giveaway Tools form below. This giveaway will end 7/19/14 and is open to the US only.  The winner will be notified via email and will have 48 hours to reply. Thanks again to the sponsor for offering this fantastic prize.

Entry-Form



DVD Review: Kids for Cash

"Product was received for free in exchange for an honest review."

3,000 kids. 1 judge. Millions of dollars. This riveting doc reveals the untold stories of a judicial scandal that rocked America and the chilling aftermath of the lives destroyed in the process. "Kids for Cash" reveals a shocking American secret told from the perspectives of the villains, the victims and the unsung heroes who helped uncover the scandal

My thoughts:

Former Judge Conohan currently serving seventeen years in Federal Prison, and Former Judge Ciavarella currently serving twenty eight years in Federal Prison isn't enough justice or punishment for these two! Former Judge Ciavarella incarcerated three thousand children.  With kickbacks from the detention facilities.    

All families need to watch this documentary, And this happened in a small town in Pennsylvania just a couple hours from where I live with my husband, my daughter who is ten and my son who is seven.  This was horrifying, frightening and sad to watch.  To think that  petty juvenile pranks, and other actions such as hair pulling girl fight,  or even a teenager cursing at an adult landed these teens and younger in a discusting, filthy Juvenile Detention Center.  All at the hands of former Judge Ciavarella.  As a parent, this brought goose bumps and tears to watch.  No parent should have to watch their child be taking away in shackles!

These kids were tried by Judge Ciavarella and sentenced without Attorney representation.  It is heart wrenching watching and listening to these young children and their parents tell their stories.  One young girl tells how she pleaded please put her on house arrest, she misses her family, and she will never fight again. She spent four years before going home. Who now suffers from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder.  One teen tells how he made sure there weren't any roaches before laying down.

Bids were  being submitted for a new Juvenile Detention Center.  To no surprise Mericle Builder (referred by Judge Ciavarella), got the bid.  So Judge Conohan and Judge Ciavarella got a finders fee from Mr. Mericle of 10% of his construction cost.  Which totaled 2.2 million dollars.  This isn;t illegal in Real Estate, but is illegal when Judge Ciavarella didn't advice the people of judicial decisions.

This is a movie I intend to watch with other family members.  And will suggest to others as well.


You can order a copy of this amazing documentary on Amazon.


***Please note that I received no form of monetary compensation for this post. The opinions expressed in the review are my own and were not influenced in any way.***

DVD Review: LET GOD

"Product was received for free in exchange for an honest review."

Breckenridge Film Festival 2013 “Best Feature” and “Best Actress” Winner

Follows One Woman’s Struggle with Faith

in the Face of Survival and the Battle Against Time

Word Films is set to release Breckenridge Film Festival’s 2013 “Best Feature” and “Best Actress” winner “Let God” on DVD on February 25. The faith-based film  follows  the story of young housewife, Amelia, who heads west with her husband during the 19^th century gold rush and is left alone without resources in the harsh wilderness when her husband is killed in a savage attack. Battling winter, hunger and the unknown, Amelia must take life into her own hands as she struggles with a loss of faith and battles for her survival.

In addition to winning both “Best Feature” and “Best Actress” honors at the 2013 Breckenridge Film Festival, “Let God” was also an official selection at the 2013 Gideon Film Festival and has earned the Dove “Family-Approved” Seal for any age. “This is a terrific Story!” said the Dove Foundation. “The writer/director and leading actress Jasmine Jandreau, as Amelia, somehow manage to make this story of survival a powerful movie about trials and a faith that overcomes all odds…You will enjoy watching this one. Don’t miss it!”

My Thoughts

Against her better judgment, Amelia agrees to leave friends and family to set route to California Gold rush with her husband Levi.  He made it clear for her not to tell anyone, not even family.Although she did tell her best friend, who pleaded that it was dangerous and she should not go. While in route, Levi was brutally attacked and killed.  Amelia is now left alone in the wilderness.

Throughout the movie, Amelia must find the strength within her soul to battle hunger in frigged cold winter, while all alone in the unknown.  Along her travels in the wilderness, she comes across a mysterious young boy (seems to be an Indian) who seems to have been following her.  He has a small teepee in the middle of the forest.  He speaks no English.  It was if he was sent to her to keep going until she found a town.  They traveled together in the cold, and crossing a river.  When at last she sees a town. But when she turns back to grab the small boys hand to take him with her, he isn't there beside her.

Through Amelia's faith in god and strength she was able to survive.  This is a very inspirational movie, one the whole family can watch. 

You can pick up a copy of this DVD at World Films or grab a copy on Amazon.



***Please note that I received no form of monetary compensation for this post. The opinions expressed in the review are my own and were not influenced in any way.***

DVD Review: THE HOOPING LIFE

"Product was received for free in exchange for an honest review."

A documentary film by Amy Goldstein Featuring Shaquille O’Neal, Anah Reichenbach / Hoopalicious, Christabel Zamor / HoopGirl, Art Linkletter, and many other hooping devotees and superstars

Hooping is an art, a dance, a fitness regime, and a spiritual practice. It is one of the hottest trends, catching on with the likes of First Lady Michelle Obama, Beyonce, and Marisa Tomei.   Hooping is featured in music videos for Justin Timberlake, Fergie, and P!NK and ads for Coca-Cola and Target. It is a business, filled primarily with young, women entrepreneurs. And it is a subculture - a community of the curious-minded, who are generous in spirit, and possess an undeniable need to express themselves. THE HOOPING LIFE is the first film that captures the origins and rise of modern day hula-hooping – a.k.a hooping. With an introduction and narration by hooper (of basketball and hula alike) Shaquille O’Neal, the film illuminates eight extraordinary stories of hoop devotees who have embraced it as an art form, a teaching aid, and even an instrument of redemption.   From the streets, to intimate clubs, to giant arenas, the film alternates between self-filmed video diaries, verité documentary footage, and spectacularly filmed performances. Filmed over six years, and featuring an appearance by late hoop-promoter and TV personality Art Linkletter, the film celebrates the healing power of movement and the spirit of human inventiveness.   British electronic duo BASEMENT JAXX provides the buoyant score that captures the free-spirited nature of hooping, with additional music by The Scissor Sisters, and an appearance by popular jam-band The String Cheese Incident

  

My Thoughts:

My daughter and I watched this DVD together.  I never realized how many years people have been hooping. Seems hula hoops have been around for entertainment for quite some time.  I liked how they showed clips from earlier years. 

My daughter was mesmerized at what people can do with hula hoops. It was quite interesting to see different people in this DVD, tell their stories of hooping.  And watch clips of them hooping.   They clearly have a love and passion for hooping.  People are making a living hooping.     

This DVD made me want to go out and buy some hoops and start hooping with my kids.. Definitely a film worth watching.  

Learn more about this movie on The Hooping Life website or grab a copy on Amazon.

***Please note that I received no form of monetary compensation for this post. The opinions expressed in the review are my own and were not influenced in any way.***



When Calls the Heart, Lost and Found DVD

"Product was received for free in exchange for an honest review."

When Calls the Heart" tells the captivating story of Elizabeth Thatcher (Erin Krakow), a young teacher accustomed to her high society life, who receives her first classroom assignment in Coal Valley, a small coalmining town where life is simple, but often fraught with challenges. Lori Loughlin plays Abigail Stanton, a wife and mother whose husband, the foreman of the mine, along with a dozen other miners, has just been killed in an explosion.

The newly widowed women find their faith is tested when they must go to work in the mines to keep a roof over their heads. Elizabeth charms most everyone in Coal Valley, except Constable Jack Thornton (Daniel Lissing) who believes Thatcher's wealthy father has doomed the lawman's career by insisting he be assigned in town to protect the shipping magnate's daughter. Living in a 19th century coal town, Elizabeth will have to learn the ways of the frontier if she wishes to thrive in the rural west on her own.

The series is inspired by Janette Oke's bestselling book series about the Canadian West, and reunites Oke with Executive Producer and Director, Michael Landon, Jr.

My thoughts:

This is a great wholesome movie to watch with the whole family, young and old.  I watched the original movie When Calls The Heart, and could not wait for this series.  I loved it, even though there are a few changes from the pilot movie.

Elizabeth has many challenges she wasn't prepared for.  Abigail Stanton is Elizabeth's biggest ally.  Abigail has lost her son and husband, who were among others who lost their lives in the mine explotion. The two do become friends.

Jack Thornton was hired by Elizabeth's father to watch over her, since she had her mind set in taking the teaching job in Coal Valley.  They soon find that they are trying to fight the feelings between them.

This movie is one that has been added to my movie collection. Loved it!

 For more information or to purchase go to Amazon.

***Please note that I received no form of monetary compensation for this post. The opinions expressed in the review are my own and were not influenced in any way.***