Friday, July 24, 2015

Pixels Movie Review

I was fortunate enough to watch the premiere for the movie Pixels.
When I first heard about it, I wasn't thrilled. Adam Sandler isn't as funny to me as he is to everyone else. I usually choose not to watch his movies in general. But this one was about gaming. So how could I not? Besides, it was a free movie. 
So, Adam Sandler plays a classic gaming nerd. As a teenager in 1982, he became a champion at the original video games in the newly opened arcade. His high scoring success was based on his unique ability to recognize, memorize and beat the patterns embedded in the codes of the game. Pac-Man, Duck Hunt, Q*bert, Galaga, Space Invaders and the formidable Donkey Kong were his time consuming passions. Every chance he got, he was playing at the arcade, beating everyone else's high scores. When the world championship came around, he met other gamers and put his abilities to the test until he best everyone except the Fire Blaster.
Fire Blaster was a dwarf with fast fingers and a big ego that slipped insults to anyone and everyone without caring who he hurt. Donkey Kong was the champion-crowning game. Sadly, Fire Blaster (Eddie) won. Sandlers character (Brenner) is heartbroken. His passion is lost. 
Fast forward to modern day. Brenner is a professional nerd who installs others' entertainment devices. His best friend is the unpopular president of the United States. His other gaming days buddy is an awkward conspiracy theorist that only shows up after a random attack on a U.S. Military base in Guam occurs. 
In 1982, a video was taken of the gaming championship. It was added to other video clips and put in a NASA capsule that was shot into space in the hopes of contacting extraterrestrial beings. Apparently they (extraterrestrial beings) did get the message. And interpreted it as a threat against them. Challenge accepted! They mimic the games characters as the attack. So here comes Galaga and Pac-Man to destroy us.
The Pac-Man fight scene was my favorite part. The ghosts were modified mini coopers that had me wishing I was short enough to own one. 
They sent a message that in order to save the planet, there will be games. Whoever wins the games, is champion. The Nerds are suddenly given power to train the best of the military in gaming techniques. Then it's out to the field. Sadly, the military couldn't keep the game training as well as they could military tactics. So the nerds are sent in with blasters to take care of it. Eddie the Fire Blaster was even taken from prison to join the fight.
But he has a secret. And his secret puts the planet at risk. Can they work together and save human kind from the impending invasion? 
Overall I enjoyed the movie. There was humor and nerd talk to keep me happily entertained. I'm not thrilled with the ending and how Q*bert turned out. But no movie is truly perfect. This is for mature audiences. Plenty of language and references that kids aren't going to get. I hope you can enjoy it as I did though. 

Thursday, July 23, 2015

Parenting is fun

Let's face it, parenting is trying on the nerves more often than not. But it can have some pretty funny moments. I know I've had some interesting conversations with my 6 year old recently. I've wondered where he got his ideas on how things work. 
My son has the talent of talking. A lot. And he loves asking questions. "Mommy, how did I get out of your belly?" "What's that red bump on your side?" "Why does Ana have a peepee that's different than mine and Allen's? It's so small and ours is big." 
At first I was thrown for a loop. I don't believe in lying or making up stories to explain things. But he's six. How do you tell the full explanation? A friend suggested giving part of the answer and asking what he thinks then explaining some of it that he is wrong about. How he got out of my belly is the question he won't let go of. I told him I went to a hospital and the doctor helped me push him out. The follow up question is where he came out. My mouth? My belly button? My rear end...? Close enough on that last one, right? I've tried asking him what he thinks. He doesn't give me a straight answer. My son is better at child psychology than I am! We are figuring out the answers as we go. And he brings up more interesting conversations often. Below are some of the recent favorites I have.  

Walking into Target my oldest son looks at me says, "Mommy you're fat, right?" 
I look at him and ask, "You think I'm fat?"
"Just a little. Your belly shakes." 
Thanks son... 
"So when are you having another baby?" 
"I'm not."
"But your belly is ready. Its bigger."
"But I'm not having a baby."
"Then why are you getting fat?" 
Because I eat and haven't been working out as much....  
Tonight was a good one... They bring me all the Barbie dolls and clothing and ask me to dress them again. Princess Jasmine comes around and all they could find were her pants at first. Then my son gets excited and runs down the hall yelling, "Mommy, I found Princess Jasmine's boobie holder!" 
Then there is my daughter who makes some fascinating observations... especially when she doesn't get her afternoon nap. Sleepless toddlers are the BEST! 

My mother is amazing. Her parenting has reached expert level now that she is a grandmother. She sent me a text with this picture.  
What does she call this? Multitasking Mom. "Here is how a stay-at-home mom babysits, takes a nap, and sunbathes. All at once."
This is how its done. 
Children don't have filters. Their minds are directly connected to their mouths. The first thought they have at any given moment is quickly translated to a verbal release. Curiosity is at its peak for my kids. Everything needs to be questioned. Its how they learn. How I can teach them. And how I have entertaining stories to tell their girlfriends later...

Free sample bandages from Nexcare

The Nana campaign continues. And with it is the chance to get some free waterproof bandages from Nexcare. I love getting the free ones from them! Just go to the link below and enter your information. 


Nana campaign free bandages

Saturday, July 18, 2015

The best rolls I've ever made!

I was scrolling through posts on the Krazy Coupon Lady blog when I came across one that had 10 of the Best Copycat recipes. One of those recipes has now become a family favorite that my kids beg me to make over and over. Its for the Texas Roadhouse Rolls.
My honey cinnamon butter never comes out just right, but the rolls are always divine. Bakerette.com came up with the recipe so I won't copy it here but the link is above and pictures of mine are below. Enjoy them! 

Bagblaze website review and giveaway

I was recently contacted by Bagblaze to check out their updated website and host a review.

They revamped their website and made internal changes to provide better service to their customers. They offer quality products at steep discounted rates. What makes them different from their competitors? They keep their inventory in a controlled warehouse so they have less mistakes when it comes to shipping products out. Right now they have a special running. Every new customer can get 10% off their first order.
This is a great addition since everything listed is at a discount already. I like the variety they have and I hope they can expand it to even more products. I found that I was unable to add things to my wish list though as I browsed the home page. You have to click on the listing itself to add it to your wish list or cart. And then, the only way I could get something off was if it were ordered. So after I compared the products that I saw I might be interested in, I couldn't narrow it down as I read the description of each one.

I was a little confused at first about the ordering process. I had a code for $20.00 to use as part of the review. Knowing that what I was ordering was under $20, I wasn't sure at first that the amount left over would be added to the shipping which was just $2 flat rate (SUPER CHEAP SHIPPING!). After entering my card info though, it came out of the remainder.
So be patient as you order if you get a gift card code or such. The website overall is easy to use. Everything is clearly described with as much detail as to be expected. Pictures give you a pretty good idea of what you are considering buying. 
I think it's great that the shipping is a cheap flat rate, but it takes a long wait. I ordered on June 29th. And it arrived on the 14th of July. It's your average pleather-like purse. Not much to say about the item itself. 
Time for some giveaway fun! I'm hosting a Rafflecopter contest so that one lucky winner will get a coupon code for $20 to use on the Bagblaze website. Good luck everyone! 
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Wednesday, July 1, 2015

Label Daddy labels review

Its that time of year again when getting ready for school becomes more of a priority. Granted, you don't have your child's class requirement list just yet, but that doesn't mean you can't get a head start on things you know will be on it. I know Target has some deals on Yoobi school supplies.
50% off even.
But what happens when you get those other things like backpacks and pencil boxes? Or even those lunch boxes. How do people know that those things belong to your kids?
You need to label them! Label Daddy offers a variety of packages to choose from with so many images/styles to make your labels speak of your personality. I ordered Disney's Jake and the Neverland Pirates for my oldest son.
 I love their labels. Glossy, easy to use, durable, clear to understand, and they often have discount promotions going on. Plus they are washable! 
School supplies aren't the only things to label. Maybe your kids are still getting off to camps. Don't forget to label the things they take with them. Use the code USFAMILY20 to get your 20% discount at checkout and get ready for the school days and camps! Use this link to go straight in.

The following is information provided from Label Daddy: 
"Save 20% on Label Daddy labels! Label Daddy is the number one solution for labeling your belongings! Remember to label all clothing, sports equipment, electronics, and other personal belongings your kids bring to school, camp, sports leagues, day care, vacation, and other places. Label Daddy labels keep them from getting lost or mixed up with others. 

These labels are super durable peel-and-stick washable labels -- they're washer/dryer safe, microwave safe, dishwasher safe and UV resistant! Label Daddy labels are also fun and attractive. You design your own labels! Pick from tons of colors, sizes and logos, including Disney and Marvel characters, MLB, NBA, and NHL team logos, other sport and fun logos, and more. Their exclusive laminated coating gives labels an extra layer of protection and is a must for camp! These labels are made in the USA and shipped directly to you worldwide.

Save 20% on your entire Label Daddy order - this is the best discount available anywhere. Use code USFAMILY20 at checkout. http://www.usfamily20.labeldaddy.com."