Halloween Candy Corn Shaped Cookies

A sweet and simple way to fancy up Sugar Cookies for Halloween. All I did was take regular sugar cookies and cut them into triangles. Then I used food coloring on white frosting. I added the colored frosting into a baggie and snipped the end to use it like a pastry bag. My son and I had fun making them with items we already had at home, sugar cookie ingredients, white frosting and food coloring. A simple way to make Candy Corn Sugar cookies!

It was so easy to make we are planning pumpkins and witches with green faces! Do you have any simple ways to make food Halloween themed?

~by Laura

E.T. on Blu-ray 10/9/12 30th Anniversary Edition

 

As a kid I loved watching E.T. there was something about him being from another world that I found so cool! He was cute like a dog and loved to eat Reese's! I think its so great that classic movies are being released on Blu-ray for better picture and sound. My son kept telling me E.T. is cute, he is so funny! He played with his E.T. action figure while we watched the movie. Some part he did get a little scared as did I when I was little but he would just cover his eyes. Its funny how there were parts of the movie I had forgotten. The first scene where E.T. is coming off is space ship there are like 20 E.T.'s! I forgot that opening part had so many of them. All their red hearts lighting up was cool. Then the part of the movie where the government comes to Elliot's house to find E.T. the men coming into the house scared me so much as a kid. But now as an adult I realize they were men in astronaut suits, perfectly normal to me now. Funny how space suits and such we spooky back in the 80's. The trick or treating and Halloween aspect of the movie is perfect for this time of year too. During the bike flying scene my son was yelling "Cool Mom Bike is Flying". So funny to me since I hope he does not try to make his little bike fly off of something lol.

Getting ready to watch E.T. with my son. He loved the little action figure.

 

E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial, AcademyAward^®-winning director Steven Spielberg’s magical adventure, celebrates its 30^th Anniversary with its first-ever release on Blu-ray^™ October 9, 2012. Featuring an all-new, digitally remastered picture that delivers six times the resolution of DVD, as well as all-new 7.1 surround sound, the E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial Anniversary Edition Blu-ray™ Combo Pack includes the 1982 theatrical movie, an all-new interview with director Steven Spielberg, and “The E.T. Journals” featuring never-before-seen footage from the set of the film. The Blu-ray^™ Combo Pack also includes UltraViolet^™, a DVD and a Digital Copy of the film, offering fans a chance to relive the mystery, laughter and wonder of the iconic movie anytime, anywhere on the platform of their choice.

In 1982, E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial became the biggest blockbuster of the year, ranking #1 over 16 different weekends. Even today, E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial remains the fourth most successful movie of all-time¹ in the United States. Nominated for nine Academy Awards^® including Best Picture, Best Director, Best Cinematography, Best Writing and Best Screenplay, the film took home four statuettes for Best Visual Effects, Best Sound Effects Editing, Best Sound and Best Music for John Williams’ (Jaws) memorable score. The unforgettable cast includes the adorable Drew Barrymore (He’s Just Not That Into You, Charlie’s Angels), Henry Thomas (Dear John, Legends of the Fall), Dee Wallace (10, “Sons and Daughters”) and Peter Coyote (“Law & Order: LA,” Jagged Edge).

 “When E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial premiered in 1982, it captured the imaginations of people young, old and everyone in between in a way that was unparalleled in modernmovie history,” said Craig Kornblau, President of Universal Studios Home Entertainment. “A global cultural phenomenon—and the biggest box-office blockbuster of its day—E.T. brought out the child in all of us. We are thrilled audiences will now be able to experience the film in the astounding quality of Blu-ray^TM.”

BONUS FEATURES ON THE

E.T. THE EXTRA-TERRESTRIAL ANNIVERSARY EDITION BLU-RAY^™:

• The E.T. Journals:  In this all-new bonus feature, retrace the day-to-day experience of creating E.T from never-before-seen, behind-the-scenes footage shot by Academy Award®-winning cinematographer John Toll.   This piece will give viewers a unique feeling of being on the set and living the excitement of what it was like to make E.T.
• Steven Spielberg & E.T.:  Watch an all-new interview with Steven Spielberg, as he reflects back on the film and discusses his experience working with the actors, as well as his overall and current perspective on E.T.

·      Deleted Scenes: Two scenes from 2002 version of the film.

·      A Look Back:  A special insider’s look into the making of E.T. featuring interviews with Steven Spielberg, the cast, and others intimately involved with the film. 

·      The E.T. Reunion:  The cast and filmmaker reunite to discuss their thoughts on the impact of the film.

·      The Evolution and Creation of E.T.:  From idea to screenplay, throughcasting and making the film. 

·      The Music of E.T.:  A Discussion with John Williams:  Interviews and footage focused on the long-standing relationship between John Williams and Steven Spielberg.

·      The 20th Anniversary Premiere:  Composer John Williams played the score of E.T. live at the Shrine Auditorium for the re-release premiere of E.T.   This featurette gives us a behind the scenes look at this presentation.

·      Original Theatrical Trailer

·      Special Olympics TV spot

·      Designs, Photographs and Marketing

• E.T. Designs by Production Illustrator Ed Verreaux
• E.T. Designs by Carlo Rambaldi
• Spaceship Designs by Ralph McQuarrie
• Designs by Production Illustrator Ed Verreaux
• Production Photographs
• Marketing E.T.

·      UltraViolet^™:  The revolutionary new way for consumers to collect movies and TV shows, store them in the cloud, and instantly stream and download to computers, tablets and smartphones. Consumers can now truly enjoy their movies anytime, anywhere on the platform of their choice.  Currently available in the United States only.

·      Digital Copy:  The Blu-ray™ Combo Pack includes a digital copy of the film compatible with iTunes®, iPad®, iPhone®, iPod™, iPod™ touch, Android or online retail partners.

·      pocket BLU^™ App:  The popular free pocket BLU^™ app for smartphones is now even better with newly updated versions for iPad^®, Android^™ tablets, PC and Macintosh computers, with features made especially to take advantage of thedevices’ larger screens and high resolution displays.

• Advanced Remote Control: A sleek, elegant new way to operate your Blu-ray™ player. Users can navigate through menus, playback and BD-Live™ functions with ease.
• Video Timeline: Users can easily bring up the video timeline, allowing them to instantly access any point in the film.
• Mobile-To-Go: Users can unlock a selection of bonus content with their Blu-ray™ discs to save to their device or to stream from anywhere there is a Wi-Fi network, enabling them to enjoy content on the go, anytime, anywhere.
• Browse Titles: Users will have access to a complete list of pocket BLU™-enabled titles available and coming to Blu-ray™. They can view free previews and see what additional content is available to unlock on their device.
• Keyboard: Entering data is fast and easy with your device’s intuitive keyboard.
• BD-LIVE™:  Access the BD-Live™ Center through your Internet-connected player to access the latest trailers, exclusive content and more!

BONUS FEATURES ON THE DVD:

·      Steven Spielberg & E.T.

·      Deleted Scenes

·      A Look Back

·      The E.T. Reunion

SYNOPSIS

When an imaginative boy meets a lost alien, it is the beginning of one of cinema’s most endearing friendships, as Elliot (Henry Thomas) helps the marvelous creature he calls E.T. find his way back home before government agents can capture him.

 https://www.facebook.com/E.T.Movie

 #ETPhoneHome http://twitter.com/UniversalEnt

   http://pinterest.com/universalent/e-t-the-extra-terrestrial/

*I was not paid or compensated for this post. The opinions in this post are 100% mine and may vary from other opinions. I was provided for free a copy for my review.

A few of our favorite childrens HALLOWEEN books

                                    

Overview: It's Halloween, and Splat is determined to be the scariest cat in the class. Unfortunately he's just too much of a scaredy-cat. He's afraid of a little spider, and everyone says his costume looks more silly than scary. And when Mrs. Wimpydimple tells a ghost story in the dark, Splat gets so frightened that he tips over his jack-o'-lantern. But when the lights go back on, the entire class is scared silly by a small, black, furry creature with a big pumpkin head. Whooooo can it be?




                                       

Overview: PRESCHOOLERS WILL CHEER the return of Duck and Goose in their fourth board book appearance. This time, Duck and Goose are looking for the perfect pumpkin. Is it in the log? Is it under the leaves? Is it in the apple tree? Young children will surely enjoy going on a pumpkin hunt with Duck and Goose . . . especially when they find the perfect pumpkin at the end! 






                                        

Overview: Halloween is here, and Curious George is getting ready for the big night. There are so many costumes to try on, treats to share, and games to play! George has so much Halloween fun picking out the perfect pumpkin, decorating his house, and celebrating with his friends that he’s not sure he’s ready for the day to end. Follow the little monkey through his fun-filled day with this book of poems. Happy Halloween, Curious George is a sweet treat to help Curious George fans of all ages get in the Halloween spirit.







                                       

Overview: Boo! Join the Sensational Six as they visit the Trick-or-Treat Tower for the big Halloween party. But they have to get there before the moon is full. Young readers will enjoy using Mouseketools to help Mickey and the gang find their way to the tower in time with this spook-tacular Halloween lift-the-flap adventure.

Berry Picking in the Park

~ By Sam ~

Fall is officially here and before we turn in our t-shirts and light sweaters for heavy coats and scarves here in Washington, we like to get some last minute blackberry picking in at a local park. Gathering blackberries to make muffins and pie is how we kick off the fall around here. The boys love to walk along the brush and find the fattest berries they can! It is a fun tradition I hope to carry on through the years. Do you have any fun family traditions to jump start the fall?

Dark Shadows with Johnny Depp Blu-ray Combo Giveaway

I have been a Johnny Depp fan since Edward Scissorhands! I was so excited to see he was doing another spooky type of movie this year. Just in time for Halloween his newest movie Dark Shadows is available in stores on Oct. 2nd.


Movie Summary:

Warner Bros. Pictures is proud to announce the release of Dark Shadows on DVD and Blu-Ray October 2nd 2012; along with the Dark Shadows Blog App!  

From the incredible mind of Tim Burton comes the hit film Dark Shadows, based on the classic television series!  Barnabas Collins (Johnny Depp) has been trapped for two centuries by an evil witch (Eva Green) who just happens to be an ex lover.  Barnabas now has to struggle with the ever changing 1970s and save his families business!  With an all star cast that includes Michelle Pfeiffer, Helena Bonham Carter, Chloe Grace Moretz, Jonny Lee Miller and more, Dark Shadows will be sure to whet your appetite for fun.

To celebrate the release of the new Johnny Depp movie Dark Shadows I am hosting a giveaway of the Blu-Ray combo pack!

Enter to Win in the Rafflecopter Giveaway Below:

a Rafflecopter giveaway


*Limited to US residents 18 years old and above. Giveaway starts Oct. 1,  2012 and ends on Oct. 13, 2012 at 12:01 am EST. Winner will be emailed and has 72 hours to respond before another winner is selected. I was not paid for this giveaway or post. The opinions on this item are 100% mine and may vary from others. The sponsor is responsible for providing the prize. Warner Bros. supplied these materials used in this post.

Fright Fest Halloween Fun at Six Flags Discovery Kingdom

Do you live in Northern CA or planning to visit during October? I have an fun and spooky idea for you! Visit Six Flags Discovery Kingdom in Vallejo CA (near San Francisco) for Fright Fest. Fright Fest is when Discovery Kingdom is turned into a spooky frightful theme park! They have all the great rides and shows but with an added thrill!

I laughed when I read some of the Tips for Family Fun for Fright Fest.
Some of them are:   
-Our park is a smoke-free facility. This is a safety measure — smoking attracts demons and werewolves!  
- Weapons are not allowed in the park so please leave wooden stakes, silver bullets, garlic and holy water at home.

This Saturday Six Flags Discovery Kingdom is having a special day. October 6th is Resident Evil day!

 Special Event Admission Ticket – ONLY on October 6!
Pre-order or purchase the new Resident Evil 6, available October 2, 2012, online or in-store at GameStop and receive an exclusive ticket offer for Six Flags Fright Fest on October 6 – Resident Evil 6 Flags Night!  Ticket benefits include access to an Exclusive Ride Time event, a voucher for one free haunted attraction and a special admission discount!** Present your specially marked GameStop receipt at designated Resident Evil 6 Flags Night ticket booths at Six Flags to redeem your offer.
Valid October 6, 2012 ONLY.


Experience Resident Evil 6 at Fright Fest
All guests on October 6 who are age 17 or older can play the new Resident Evil 6 game live at Six Flags at our In-Park Game Zones.  In a first for the franchise, Resident Evil 6 sees series favorites Leon and Chris come together to face this unprecedented threat. They will be joined by new characters, each with their own unique perspective and involvement, in this relentless dramatic horror experience enacted on a global scale.

Want More?
Enter the Resident Evil 6: Fright Fest Getaway Sweepstakes NOW for your chance to win a fly-away trip to Fright Fest at the Six Flags Theme Park of your choice this year!  Getaway package includes airfare, hotel, tickets to Six Flags, front line privileges AND the new Resident Evil 6 game for Xbox 360®.***

Enter the Resident Evil 6: Fright Fest Getaway Sweepstakes for your chance to win.  And visit GameStop to purchase Resident Evil 6 and join us on October 6 for Resident Evil 6 Flags Night.
If you're 17 or older, you may enter once per person/per email address per day through October 14. Click here for official rules.
By entering, you agree that you are 17 or older and you agree to receive Six Flags email updates.


You can learn more about Fright Fest at Discovery Kingdom in CA by visiting the website, facebook and twitter. 


* I was not paid for this post. We will be guest of Six Flags Discovery Kingdom for Fright Fest.

Halloween, Halloween, Halloween!

 ~By Laura

Ok so I am a little excited that its October 1st! This means I can decorate for Halloween and start to plan some fun ideas. I want to make some great treats and projects this year.

Here are a few from previous Halloween:

I have noticed they are all goodies LOL. I love Halloween treats and this year I am determined to do more crafts.

Do you have any Halloween ideas or post to share? 

I would love you to share them or leave a link for me to read.

Champions For Kids Dial Into Giving #CBias

By Patricia

This month's Champions for Kids Simple Service Project is all about providing personal care items for children in need. Champions for Kids has teamed up with Dial Soap in the month of October to encourage donations of these very important items that children need to be and stay healthy.

In 2011 the number of Americans receiving food stamps hit an all time high. But families receiving food stamps cannot use them to buy soap, shampoo, or other basic personal items that help keep kids clean and healthy.

I am so proud to be participating in this month's Simple Service Project and helping the kids in my community. I have been made aware that there is a real need at the local food bank. Donations are down, not just for food, but for other personal and household items that they distribute to those in need as well. As parents need help in providing meals for their families, that means they don't usually have money for soaps, toothpaste, and other needed items. I am very happy to be making my donation here to the food bank, and that what I contribute will be put into the hands of children that need them the most.

I went to my local Walmart to buy Dial Soaps and other personal care products. I love that this Champions for Kids Simple Service Project. is so important to kids physical and mental health. When children feel good about themselves, they are more confident and do better in school.

Besides buying Dial bar soap and dial hand soap, I am also buying toothpaste and toothbrushes. I am going to be making some personal care kits that the food bank can give to the kids that need them.

This is what I am buying today to start my donation. I will also be asking family and friends to contribute soap, shampoo, and other items that I can put into the personal care kits. I would like to make as many kits as possible for the food bank.

I am happy to be 1 in a million to help Champions for Kids reach and help 20 million kids by 2020. You can Dial into Giving too, by contributing Dial Soaps and other products to kids in your community. #DialCFK

I will be putting the personal care kits together to include Dial bar soap, Dial hand soap, toothpaste, toothbrushes, and shampoo/conditioner. I have also included colorful nylon scrubs to have some soapy fun in the bathtub or shower.

I'm encouraging everyone to contribute and participate in this very important project for children. So many of us take soap and other basic hygiene products for granted, but for the kids that don't have them, they can make all the difference in the quality of those children's lives. 

Make October the month that you begin making a difference for the children in your community. Join Dial Soap and Champions for Kids and help bring a healthier and happier life to kids everywhere.

Visit the Champions For Kids website to learn all about the Dial Into Giving project. You can read my Google+ story about my shopping trip to Walmart for Dial Soap products for ideas for your donation.
             .
You can learn more about Champions for Kids and Dial by following them online:

Champions for Kids Twitter 
Champions for Kids Facebook
Dial on Facebook
Dial on Twitter

*I am a member of the Collective Bias™ Social Fabric® Community.  This shop has been compensated as part of a social shopper insights study for Collective Bias™ and Dial Soaps  #DialCFK  #CBias #SocialFabric

Tiny Love Gymini My Nature Pals Product Review and Giveaway

  

Sometimes getting your baby to sleep at nap time and bed time can hard. Especially around our house where there seems to be constant noise and chaos. Poor little Ashley has to try to fall asleep and stay asleep in the middle of it all. To help with the noise level I like to turn on her My Natural Pals Mobile from the My Nature Pals Collection by Tiny Love.

                                      

The My Natural Pals Mobile is so sweet and all of the bright and happy colors are really eye catching. I can use it to help my baby get to sleep, stay asleep or put her in the crib to admire it for a bit while I am doing something, like unloading the dishwasher. There is an overhead light, music box light and dangling toys. The music variety includes 9 different tunes in 3 categories. The My Nature Pals Mobile is for ages 0-12 months and enhances Cognition, EQ and Senses. 

Another great benefit about the Mobile is that once your baby is old enough to pull themselves up you can remove the arm and leave the music box attached. Ashley loves music and loves being able to reach the buttons and change it herself!!! 

Another great product from the My Nature Pals Collection is the Gymini My Nature Pals play mat. The mat is endless fun for your little one. The Baby-activated take-along Lights & Music Caterpillar enhances the Gymini® playtime experience along with lights dangling toys and cute animals. The Gymini is for 0-12 months and enhances Fine Motor Skills, Gross Motor Skills and Senses. 

1-3 months

Move nature pals within baby's reach and allow him to explore their smiling expressions and take his first batting attempts.

6-9 months

Let baby enjoy the stimulating features of the baby-activated Lights & Music Caterpillar, which plays 30 min of continuous music and 10 different tunes.

Tiny Love has so many great products that we just love and know you will too. Check them out! Tiny Love has offer one of our readers to win a Gymini Move ‘n Play activity mat.



 Enter to win a Tiny Love My Nature Pals Gymini Move ‘n Play activity mat in the Rafflecopter Giveaway Below:


a Rafflecopter giveaway




 *Limited to US residents 18 years old and above. Giveaway starts Oct. 1 2012 and ends on Oct. 16, 2012 at 12:01 am EST. Winner will be emailed and has 72 hours to respond before another winner is selected. I was not paid for this giveaway or post. The opinions on this item are 100% mine and may vary from others. The sponsor is responsible for providing the prize. I was sent My Nature Pals from Tiny Love for my review.

Thank You Zondervan Kidz Book Donation and Review

I have enjoyed reading books to my son since the day he was born. Reading is something I have been taught by my own parents to love. There is an adventure waiting in each book and lessons to be learned. I have been able to read my son Zondervan Books and do so proudly. I grew up loving the Berenstain Bears and am thrilled to be able to share the Bear Family adventures with him. He loves to sit on my lap or in his little car chair and look through the books. He reads them to me in his own way as he describes to me what he sees in the illustrations. Earlier in the month I participated in the Champions for Kids Nickelodeon Big Help book drive and Zondervan Publishing was excited to help. They sent us books to donate and books for my son to have.

We read The Berenstain Bears Faith Gets Us Through and God Made the Seasons.  Both are great books!

Follow Brother and Sister Bear through the seasons of the year Bear Country style, doing everything from swimming and biking to sledding and studying. I liked reading this one to my son since we are getting ready for the fall. Summer time stuff like swimming is no longer an option but we have fun fall time stuff to look forward to.

The Bear Scouts hope to earn their Cave Adventure Merit Badges with Scoutmaster Papa’s help. While learning all about caves from Papa the cubs also learn a lesson about counting on God to guide them too.  I like this one! As parents are kids look to us for answers and know how, we don't always have it but can rely on Christian teachings to help us help them.

 Along with the Berenstain Bear books we were sent one of my favorite Christian children books The Jesus Storybook Bible.

The Jesus Storybook Bible is a beautifully illustrated book for kids and adults to enjoy together. In The Jesus Storybook Bible, every story whispers his name. It tells the story beneath all the stories in the Bible. We were able to donate a wonderful Italian Duo-Tone binding copy of this book to the kids at Home Start. The binding on this book is perfect for keepsake gifts. This book has been printed in 17 different languages so it can be shared with kids all over the world. I love that!

Our book donation to Roseville Home Start that included Zondervan Kidz books.

THANK YOU Zondervan Kidz Publishing for your contribution to the Champions for Kids Nickelodeon Book Drive. The kids at Roseville Home Start are thankful for the books they received. You can purchase the Zondervan Kidz books mentioned in this post and see the other great books they carry online at Zondervan.com

To learn more about Zondervan  you can follow them on Facebook and Twitter.
For more info on The Jesus Storybook Bible you can follow them on Facebook and Twitter.


 * I was not paid or compensated for this post. I was sent a free copy of some of the books for my review by the publisher/PR company. The opinions are 100% mine and may vary from others.