BRING IT ON: WORLDWIDE #CHEERSMACK

Delivering more rivalry, fierceness and cheer puns like never before, the Bring it On franchise goes global  for the very first time in the high energy sixth installment,Bring It On: Worldwide #Cheersmack, debuting on Blu-ray™, DVD, Digital HD and OnDemand on August 29, 2017 from Universal Pictures Home Entertainment and Beacon Pictures. Filled with all-new stunts and choreography, Bring It On: Worldwide #Cheersmack features 19 squads from around the globe, including teams from Australia, U.K., Germany and France, in addition to the Northern Elite Gymnastics and Cheer team from the United States. The film is the perfect hybrid of cheerleading and dance for a non-stop worldwide showdown.

The film stars Vivica A. Fox (Kill Bill, Independence Day) along with rising talent, Cristine Prosperi (“Degrassi: The Next Generation,” Betrayed),  Jordan Rodrigues (“The Fosters,” “Dance Academy”), Sophie Vavasseur (Resident Evil: Apocalypse, Evelyn), and Gia Ré (“Jinx,” “Rocket’s Island”), the film integrates the evolution of social media taking viewers into the cheerleading universe. Bring It On: Worldwide #Cheersmack on Blu-ray™, DVD and Digital HD will come packed with exciting bonus content including exclusive behind-the-scenes footage as well as a hilarious gag reel.

Vivica A. Fox makes her Bring it On debut as Cheer Goddess, the Internet’s most popular “Cheer-lebrity.”  When Destiny (Prosperi), captain of three-time national champions “The Rebels,” is challenged to a global cheer showdown by an edgy new team called “The Truth,” the Cheer Goddess organizes a virtual battle for squads from all around the world.  It seems like the whole world wants to take down Destiny and her team, and they just might succeed, unless Density can rise to the challenge, set her ego aside and figure out who her real friends are.

The film is executive produced by Beacon partners Armyan Bernstein and Charlie Lyons, produced by Mike Elliott (Honey 3: Dare to Dance), and co-produced by Greg Holstein (Kindergarten Cop 2), Genevieve Hofmeyr (Mad Max: Fury Road), Marvin Saven (Death Race 2) and Tony Gonzalez (Bring It Onfranchise). Tony Gonzalez also returns as the choreographer to create the franchise’s most out-of-this world stunts yet.

BONUS FEATURES EXCLUSIVE TO BLU-RAY™, DVD AND DIGITAL HD:

• Around the World: Building the Squads – Discover how actors were able to master the escalating difficulty of cheer routines choreographed by Tony Gonzalez featuring teams from South Africa and Brazil.
• A New Routine – Filmmakers, cast, and crew discuss what sets the latest chapter of the Bring It On franchise apart, including focusing on social media’s potential negative impacts in the world of all-star cheerleading. This piece also includes cheer teams from England, Ireland and Costa Rica.
• The Look of Bring It On: Worldwide – A look into how the set design and costumes provide a vibrancy and unique flair to the film’s backdrop.
• Gag Reel

My Thoughts

Bring it on comes back for another competition in Bring it On Worldwide #Cheersmack. This time around, the girls compete in a worldwide competition to see who's best on the cheer-leading field. The film centers around Cheer Goddess. She's been an internet sensation for years. Then there is Destiny, a three time champion who gets challenged to go global. Cheer Goddess decides to take things a step further and make the competition open worldwide. Soon the best squads in the world are competing for the honor of being the best.

My teen daughter loved the original Bring it On when she was a kid, and now she had a blast watching this newest addition with her little sister. As always, the film showcases some amazing talent. We always enjoy the amazing moves in the cheer routines. And, of course, the show isn't all about competition. Kids will also learn about teamwork and the value of loyal friends. If you're a fan of the franchise, you will definitely enjoy #Cheersmack. It's a worthy addition to the series and a great choice for family movie night.

DVD Review: Shaun the Sheep Animal Antics

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

Shaun the Sheep and his farm friends are "baaack” with all-new, hilarious adventures when Shaun the Sheep: Animal Antics arrives on DVD and Digital HD June 13 from Lionsgate. Just in time for summer fun, the whole family will enjoy the one-of-a-kind slapstick comedy from the creators of the Academy Award^®nominated film, Shaun the Sheep Movie (Best Animated Feature Film, 2015). With seven laugh out loud episodes and new special features, the Shaun the Sheep: Animal Antics DVD will be available for the suggested retail price of $9.98.

OFFICIAL SYNOPSIS

Get ready for farm-fresh fun and laughter with Shaun the Sheep and his barnyard buddies, as they set the scene for more mayhem on the farm. Laugh out loud as Shaun tries to outfox a fox, Bitzer discovers his jazzy side, and the sheep try to sell everything on the farm to the highest bidder. Shaun and his friends deliver seven hilarious adventures full of animal antics that will make the whole family cock-a-doodle doo!

My Thoughts

My children simply love Shaun the Sheep and this adorable DVD was no different. This DVD set features seven amazing episodes all about zany animals.  Some highlights include Shaun taking on a cunning fox whose whose causing trouble on the farm, the sheep trying to sell everything on the farm, and Bitzer getting jazzy. The episodes include;

Fozy Laddie

Whistleblower

Frantic Romantic

Who's the Caddy?

Everything Must Go

In the Doghouse

Cock-A-Doodble Shaun 

Shaun the Sheep' and all his escapades were definitely a big hit in my household. The characters are fun and colorful, and Shaun never loses any of his silent charm. This is a great family show that's perfect to watch on family movie night. The whole DVD runs about an hour between the main feature and bonus feature which include the "Building a Pig" video and Timmy's Tune music video. Anyone who is a fan of the show will want this DVD set in their collection.

Monkey Up #Giveaway

Meet Monty -- a precocious actor, spokesperson and… a talking Capuchin Monkey!  He’s the face of the energy drink, ‘Monkey Up,’ but he dreams of becoming the first award-winning monkey movie star.  When the greedy owner of Monkey Up has other plans for Monty, the chase is on! He escapes with the help of his new family, the Andrews, and his hilarious primate siblings, Mort, Mooner, and Melody in an uproarious chase that proves Monty really is the ‘fast and the furriest’. Together they help Monty discover that fame and fortune come and go, but family is forever!

MONKEY UP is rated ‘PG’ by the Motion Picture Association of America (MPAA).

Social Media

Stay connected with the latest news and information on MONKEY UP and ‘Air Bud Entertainment’ at http://www.airbud.com

·       “Like” them on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/AirBudOfficial

·       Follow the fun on Twitter at https://twitter.com/montymonkeyup

·       View exciting trailers, video clips and more at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k_cyiGdaNtw

My Thoughts 

Monkey's Up is an adorable film about a little monkey named Monte who's tired of working for commercials and wants to shoot for some bigger goals. He goes to live with the Andrews family and along the way gets some great tips on dating, practices gymnastics, and even decides to work on a screenplay. But the movie wouldn't be much fun without a dastardly villain.  The owners of Monkey's Up doesn't want to let his commodity go and tries his best to capture Monty. Hopefully with a little help from his siblings  Mort, Mooner, and Melody, he'll be able to maintain his freedom.

This is a fun movie. My children, who are four and six, really loved it. They thought the monkeys were adorable and there's lots of humor. Older kids should like it just as much as the little guys did. It's a great family film the whole household can enjoy together. 



The Giveaway 

One lucky winner is going to receive a prize pack including a Monkye's Up bag, coupons, DVD and monkeys in a barrel (note that t-shirt is photo is no longer available.  To enter, just fill in the Giveaway Tools form below. This giveaway will 2/27/16 and is open to the US only. The winner will be notified via email and will have 48 hours to reply. Thanks again to Post-it Brand for offering this fantastic prize. 

Entry-Form

The new upcycling bible: Make Garbage Great Review

Printed on woodfree paper in a fresh design with DYI projects for all ages, Make Garbage Great has broad appeal—it’s smart and instructive, playful and crafty, environmentally contentious and inspiring. With craft projects ranging from a simple, folded coin purse from a CapriSun pouch to a beautiful pallet coffee table, the colloquial voices of Tom Szaky and Albe Zakes make the engaging information, little known facts, compelling graphics, and sustainable suggestions accessible for teachers, parents, DIY artists, and even young readers.

Our Thoughts

I know not everyone homeschools, but if you do, you need this book. Even if you don't homeschool you need this book. We are a pretty environmentally-conscious family and that means doing our best to live with nature and trying to be pretty conservative with the items we use in our household. This book covers everything you could possibly think of when it comes to consumerism and taking care of the planet. 

Now I said homeschooling (and everyone) parents need this book, and that is because it teaches children responsibility of the earth, science of the earth's products and history behind these products too. Also, crafts, so that knocks out art right there. This book is excellent for all families wanting to be more environmentally responsible. 

Each page covered something interesting while still being very factual as well. It's an easy read for my nine year old as long as she is sitting next to me. Each page is colorful and the little facts are set up in just a way to keep your eyes moving over all parts of the page and wanting to read everything. I love the setup. It's fun to go over items together and we can discuss the impact it has on our lives. We're also big DIYers and seeing all the fun crafts (from small to large) that you can do with the help of this book is very cool. I am so glad to have this in my house!

It is very important to recycle and take care of our Earth, Make Garbage Great helps you learn how to do that and it incorporates the whole family as well!

Buy yours on Amazon!



Reviewed by Jackie

Father's Day Gift Guide: Fun with Sphero

Are you and the kids wondering what to get Dad this Father's Day? Look no further than Sphero! This awesome little robot is just the ticket for exciting adventures with Dad and the whole family!

Sphero is one of the coolest items on the market this year! Why, you ask? Here are just a few reasons why this purchase would be worth it!

• Sphero is the first of it's kind that allows you to control from a smartphone or tablet.
• Kids 8 years and up can easily manipulate and program the robot.
• Over 30 apps for kids, you can make Sphero turn on a dime, flip in the air, change colors and so much more!
• Educational and fun at the same time! Your kids can learn the basics of programming, robotics and math. Check out Sphero SPRK to learn more!

These are just the beginnings of the things you can do and the fun to be had with Sphero!

Why we love Sphero
You can take it virtually anywhere: outside, in the water, or even just inside. This adds a whole new level to family fun night. Going camping? Don't worry about it, you can take Sphero without worrying that it will get water logged and ruined. Pets? Easy, this is so much fun to play with them, too! Want to play a game on the tablet, or smartphone? You can use it as a 3D mouse! This has it all! What's even better is that your kids can do all of this and more with Dad!

We are a very techy family. We love to try our hand at new things, and Sphero has allowed our 9 year old son to gain more insight and knowledge of what my husband does as an electrical repairman for a motor vehicle company. Not only that, but it has allowed our son to put down the game console controls, and pick up something that makes him use his brain! This was the biggest reason that we fell in love with Sphero.

But, what does it come with and how much? 
Those are simply answered questions! Right now there is a special running--May 30 2014 through June 15, 2014--and you can grab Sphero 2.0 for Father's day at the awesome price of $99.99. It comes loaded with ramps, a quick start guide, charging base, and how to download the innovative apps for your iOS or Android systems.

Won't it get scratched?
Yes, like anything it needs to be protected from scratches and the like. Sphero has an awesome cover called a Nubby. With this, you get the protection needed and an added bonus of better traction. And you'll want the traction and protection with everything you'll be doing. The Nubby has been a life saver for our Sphero, since we take it everywhere! Gravel, concrete, grass, etc. You can choose from four colors, and the fun doesn't stop there!

Want to get your hands on Sphero for the Father/Son combo in your life? Connect with them on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube. You can buy Sphero directly from the website! We love our friendly little robot, and we know you will too!

Review--ThinkFun Zingo: Time-telling Game

About ThinkFun: 

ThinkFun was founded with a dream that they could change the world through play, and at 25 years young, they are living that dream.  Today, ThinkFun is a respected global company represented in over 60 countries and translated into over 20 languages. Thrilled to welcome you into the ThinkFun family, they hope you'll join them in new adventures!

Click picture to go to ThinkFun website.

A Fun Way to Learn to Read the Clock

Now you can play your favorite Zingo!® game and teach time all at once! Zingo! is a fun and interactive game that brings fast-paced excitement and learning to the classic game of Bingo! In this time telling version, players will learn to read the hour and minute hands on an analog clock and make the translation to a digital clock. With two levels of play, this is a great way to begin teaching children to tell time and a perfect game for them to grow with!
• Ages 5 and up

Includes
• 1 Zingo!® Zinger 
• 32 Hour Tiles 
• 32 Minute Tiles 
• 6 Double-sided Zingo!® Cards 
• Instructions and Learning Guide 

Our Thoughts:

This game is a great and unique way to teach your child how to tell time. My son is eight so he was a bit old for this one, but we played it anyway enjoyed it. We know several little ones who would benefit from this game, and played with them as well. This game was well designed for small children to catch onto quickly.

The pieces are large enough for little fingers to grab easily. The cards, much like bingo cards, have two sides--red and green. The green side is easy (you just match the numbers on the card to the number pieces) and the red side is harder (you actually must know how to read the analog clock in order to match number pieces).

When playing this game, you really must think of it as playing bingo! Our little ones enjoyed yelling ZINGO! every time they would win! 

Teachers will love this game for their preschool students! It's a fun and easy time filler for slower school days!

Connect with ThinkFun:

Facebook
Twitter

Amazon

Reviewed by Steph

ThinkFun Last Letter Game Review

About ThinkFun: 

ThinkFun was founded with a dream that they could change the world through play, and at 25 years young, they are living that dream.  Today, ThinkFun is a respected global company represented in over 60 countries and translated into over 20 languages. Thrilled to welcome you into the ThinkFun family, they hope you'll join them in new adventures!

Click picture to go to ThinkFun website.

The Classic Last Letter Game with a Creative Twist

Our fresh take on this simple last letter game will inspire creativity, laughter and fast thinking. Race to come up with a word that is pictured on one of the cards in your hand. Your word must begin with the last letter of the word previously called. Call your word first to discard a card. Be the first player to get rid of your cards and you win! Unique illustrations encourage creativity and allow for countless interpretations and a new experience each time you play.
• Ages 8 to adult

Includes:
• 61 Illustrated Cards
• Travel-Friendly Storage Box

Our Thoughts: 

This game is so simple, and yet the competitor in you is bound to come out! The object of the game is easy, be the first to get rid of all your cards, but finding things in each picture that begin with the last letter of the previous word said. I said that was easy, right? As easy as that is, sometimes you're left struggling to find a word!

For example if the word said is "train" you then have to come up with a word that is on one of your picture cards that begins with the letter "N" and play your card. In the heat of the moment, your brain goes blank, and you almost forget how to form words! 

My eight year old enjoyed this game, and is one of his favorites right now. Anyone, young or old can play, because you have to be reminded what the last letter of the word was! Everyone at some point will be reminded! Fast paced and action packed you are sure to have a great time!

Connect with ThinkFun:

Facebook
Twitter

Amazon

Reviewed by Steph

KidzBop 24 Review & Giveaway

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

KIDZ BOP 24 DEBUTS AT #3 ON THE

BILLBOARD TOP 200 CHART

SIXTH CONSECUTIVE KIDZ BOP BILLBOARD TOP 3 DEBUT

NEW YORK, NY (July XX, 2013)—KIDZ BOP 24, the latest volume in the best-selling KIDZ BOP audio series, entered the Billboard Top 200 Album Chart at #3. KIDZ BOP 24 is the sixth consecutive KIDZ BOP title to debut in the Top 3 on the Billboard Top 200 Chart and the 17^th title to hit the Billboard Top 10 since the series launched in 2001.

KIDZ BOP 24 is also positioned at #1 on the Billboard Children’s Chart, where there are currently 3 other KIDZ BOP albums in the Top 10.

About KIDZ BOP LLC

KIDZ BOP is the #1 music brand for kids ages 5-12 in the U.S., featuring today’s most popular songs, sung by kids for kids. KIDZ BOP celebrates the authentic voice of kids across the entire brand—through music, videos, live appearances, licensed merchandise and its popular social networking and content sharing website, KIDZBOP.com. KIDZ BOP CD titles have earned one Platinum® and nine Gold® certifications since their debut in 2001. Check out KIDZ BOP’s new weekly radio show, KIDZ BOP Block Party!, a two-hour weekly radio show on Kids Place Live, every Friday at 6PM EST. KIDZ BOP is also home to KIDZ Star USA, America’s biggest online talent search for kids 15 and under.

• 
  

1.Thrift Shop

2.I Knew You Were Trouble

3.Suit and Tie

4.Beauty and A Beat

5.Ho Hey

6.Come and Get It

7.Feel This Moment

8.Scream and Shout

9.Girl on Fire

10.I Love It

11.Can't Hold Us

12.Heart Attack

13.Mirrors

14.22

15.Just Give Me A Reason

16.Don't Stop The Party

Our Thoughts

I just had to have this CD. Filled with some of MY personal favorite songs, I knew it would be something I could listen to over and over again (you know how kids are!) without getting burnt out. I think I have forgotten what a radio even is, this CD is on any time we are in the vehicle. 

My daughters and I are huge Macklemore fans and the fact there are two of his songs on here is awesome! My youngest daughter can certainly belt out some tune and her favorite song is Girl on Fire. Our entire family loves Pink and Just Give Me A Reason happens to be mine and my husbands new favorite song of hers. This CD could not contain a better list of songs, we love them all!

Another reason my husband and I love KidzBop is that the words are easily discernible so our children know exactly what they are saying, and the songs are completely appropriate for children to listen too. Some of the ways the songs are changed to be kid-friendly absolutely cracks me up. It is great fun to listen to each one. Highly recommended for family car trips!

Enter the giveaway to get your copy of KidzBop 24!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Reviewed by Jackie

***Please note that I received no form of monetary compensation for this post. Please note New Age Mama is not responsible for the delivery of this prize and cannot be held accountable if, for any reason, it is not received. Furthermore, New Age Mama is in no way liable for any injuries that may result from the use or misuse of this product. ***

Review: Uncle Goose Alphabet Wood Blocks

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

Uncle Goose sometimes feels like that eccentric yet eloquent friend of yours that seems to have stepped out of an O. Henry short story from the late 19th century. After all, ours is a company that stepped back over one hundred years in time to hand-manufacture classic wood alphabet blocks in an era of computer games and digital toys.

We labor over our products with the work ethic and artistry of midwestern elves from the 1800’s. Other than Santa, very few people you know personally still hand manufacture wood toys. We seem to be pressing against an invisible boundary that lies between what is possible and what is practical.

As modern business people, we realize that hand-manufacturing toy blocks is seen as an unlikely and maybe even unfashionable thing to do. It’s passé. It’s outmoded. It’s out of step with our fast-paced, high-tech world. But as artists, not creating blocks seems completely unreasonable... and maybe even dangerous.

We can’t even imagine living in a world without alphabet blocks.  If Uncle Goose didn’t bother to craft them, this iconic toy might very well become extinct.

We simply couldn’t stand to live in that world. Blocks inspire. In particular, our blocks are fascinating to those who long to feel inspired by sensual participation in the physical realm.

We’re really in love with learning, design, and creativity. And we love blocks. So this is what we do, and how we approach our craft. It’s simple, creative, old-fashioned, and maybe a little quirky; but that’s the essence of Uncle Goose Toys.

Visit Uncle Goose on their website, on Facebook, and on Twitter!

Our Thoughts

I chose the Classic ABC blocks for review and was very excited when they arrived because they are so gorgeous!!!  I love the designwork around the letters.  This set features 4 full alphabets, numbers, math symbols, and picture words, all of which my son is really into right now.

Wood blocks are such timeless fun!  While my son is enjoying exploring and stacking them, my husband had fun playing with the blocks too! He even commented how nice these blocks are in comparison to some we already have.  They are handmade; the colors and designs are sharp and crisp - this is how wood blocks should be made!  The ink is free of heavy  metals and every gallon of ink is tested before use.

Something else I think is really cool about Uncle Goose blocks is that they have blocks in different languages, and even have special needs blocks with braille on them!  They also have simply decorative blocks which are in my opinion, beyond gorgeous!

When our son is much older, I'll still be using these blocks to create words like "Family", "Love", or even some holiday sayings and put them on display.

Big huge thumbs up from me!  I wish I'd known about Uncle Goose sooner, because I wouldn't have bothered with the cheaper blocks!

*** 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. ***

Book Review: Carried In Our Hearts

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

153 million children in the world have lost one or both parents. Many, through no fault of their own, are destined to live out their childhoods in institutional settings or on the street, devoid of loving caregivers, sick, hungry and listless. Worldwide Orphans (WWO) is working to ensure that orphaned children can have a happy, healthy childhood in spite of their circumstances.

What many of these parents didn’t know before hand was that a child loses one month of developmental skills for every three months spent in an orphanage. By the time a child turns three, they are often a full year behind in development, and the disadvantages start to mount, including learning disabilities, motor delays and attachment issues.  Carried In Our Hearts also examines the often painful process of adjustment after the adoption process is completed.

Our Thoughts:

Having a friend who has adopted three children and has went through one bad adoption (agency they thought was credible was in fact false), this book hit home for me. I have always thought about adoping, with so many children out there already who deserve to be loved.

This book pulls the heart string of every parent, and would-be parent. With it's poignant reminders that adoption is hard; not just on the parents and children, but everyone involved. Good or bad, happy and sad, this book shows the ins and outs of adopting a child. 

Showing it's not "done" even after the adoption is finished is another heart tugging aspect of this book. There are check-ups and such that must be done over a period of time. Once again the beauty and devastation are depcited wonderfully with each story told.

I love that this book has stories from different perspectives, as it really allows the reader to grasp that just like children, not every adoption is the same. It's not a cut and dry process all the time, there is so much more than most people realize. 

Two thumbs up for this book (5 stars)! I am thrilled to have read this book and honored that I could read something so raw and heartfelt.

Reviewed by Steph

***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.***