Kung Fu Panda 2 ~ A Heads Up...

LittleBuddy went to see Kung Fu Panda 2 with day camp yesterday. I had no idea part of the storyline was Po looking for his parents (he was adopted).

Needless to say, LB had a pretty rough night.

It sounds like a lovely movie but it may be too heavy for some kiddos (foster, adopted, from blended families). I have not yet seen it but Café Smom has a wonderful post over on her blog.. please make sure to check it out!

---> CLICK HERE!! <---

Mrs. Miracle ~ Christmas Movie Review

Continuing my search of more holiday traditions, I happened upon Hallmark's own, "Debbie Macomber's Mrs Miracle".



From the website:
James Van Der Beek ("Dawson's Creek") and Doris Roberts ("Everybody Loves Raymond") star in this heartwarming charmer about family, faith and forgiveness. Overwhelmed widower Seth Webster (Van Der Beek) is searching for a housekeeper to help him with his rambunctious six year old twin sons. Mrs. Merkle (Roberts) - whom the boys call "Mrs. Miracle" ~ mysteriously appears and quickly becomes an irreplaceable nanny, chef, friend.. and matchmaker. From the #1 New York Times best selling author Debbie Macomber comes this whimsical holiday story filled with good tidings and great joy.

Little Buddy and I snuggled in and watched it together. I was doubtful a movie that lacked Phineas and Ferb or the cast from Shake It Up would hold his attention but it did. He kept whispering, "I think Mrs Miracle is magic" only to decide at the end, "I think she's an angel".

*Grin*

This wonderful holiday movie is about love, loss and moving beyond it. Faith, hope and forgiveness.. things we can all relate to. I thoroughly enjoyed it and am thrilled to add it this lovely find to our Christmas Collection. Little Buddy's take? He asked if we could watch it again today.

That's two thumbs up, y'all!

Final Verdict: Looking for a great family movie for the holidays? You won't be disappointed! Purchase Here.

BONUS ALERT!! Hallmark Channel is airing a new Mrs Miracle this year! Debbie Macomber's Call Me Mrs. Miracle:
Sat, Dec 25 12:00 PM
Tue, Dec 28 8:00 PM
Wed, Dec 29 8:00 AM



**I did not receive compensation or product for this review. These opinions are solely my own (and Little Buddy's)**

Raving Over Ravi ~ Instant Wine Chiller

The Ravi chills wine instantly as you pour, going from from room temperature to serving temperature in seconds! Remove your Ravi from the freezer, insert it in your bottle and pour. Wine passes through the frozen steel chamber inside into your glass, chilling your reds or whites to perfection. Don't worry, the chiller maintains the wine's characteristics and does not alter the taste. The finger tip-control air inlet helps you adjust serving temp and prevent dripping. It also can be used with your other favorite spirits, as well!



As a wine enthusiast, I love this very handy device.. it's an absolute must-have (and makes for a great gift, as well!).

Where can you find one?? Why, it's the first of many products at my OpenSky shop, as a matter of fact! It's only $40 and from now until August 16th shipping is FREE!! Zilch, Zip, NADA!!! Just plunk in the code: FREESHIPPING and it's.. let's say it again.. FREEEEE!!



Remember, not only are you buying an item I'm giving two thumbs up for, proceeds will be going to help build families at Parenthood For Me!!



Let The Shopping Begin!!

Personal Microderm ~ Review & Giveaway!

When I was approached by our friends at SkinCareRX to review their home microdermabrasion system, I was stoked! They are an awesome company with amazing products and great reputation. Do I want to try to uncover younger skin and diminish dark age spots and imperfections in just weeks?

HECK YA!

After a few weeks of use my skin looks younger and feels lovely. Thankfully, it is easy to use (admittedly, I was a wee bit intimidated at first but after watching the Instructions For Use CD I was good to go). I started with (and recommend) using the blue discs (for sensitive skin) and used the M2 Skin Refinish

and M2 Skin Recovery Moisturizer in conjunction with the Personal Microderm.

Check it out...



Bottom Line? I love it and highly recommend this product!

THE GIVEAWAY!!!!!

1 Personal Microderm System!! A $180 value! This is huge, y'all!! The system includes 1 personal microderm, 3 exfoliating discs (2 green and 3 blue), 1 electric cord (Standard U.S. Outlet), 1 facial cap, 1 body cap, 1 reusable filter, Instructional CD and Pamphlet.

How do you enter to win?? Lots of ways!

• Leave a comment on THIS post telling me why you must have it (1 entry per day)
• Follow us on Twitter (I'm @FullCircle_Mel they are @SkinCareRX1) and leave a comment telling me you did so (1 entry per follow)
• Tweet about this giveaway and leave a comment (1 entry per Tweet)
• Retweet: Check Out @FullCircle_Mel's @SkinCareRX1 Personal Microderm ~ Review & Giveaway! http://goo.gl/oQho (1 entry Per R/T)
• If you have a blog, do a post about this giveaway and use the phrase “at home microdermabrasion” and link it to the Personal Microderm site (http://skincarerx.com/personal-microderm.html). Leave me a comment letting me know that you did. Please include this link in your post (5 entries).
• Tell your Facebook friends about it and leave a comment letting me know you did so (1 entry)

It's just that simple!!!

The randomly chosen winner will be announced LIVE on MomTV's Adoption Angles THIS coming Wednesday August 4th. We air at 9PM EST/6PM PST. You need not be present to win, so leave me contact info!! However, if you are present I might just throw in an extra sumpin sumpin for good measure.

LET THE FUN BEGIN!!! GOOD LUCK!!!

**I was not monitarily compensated for this review, however the product I was given to review I get to keep. These are my own, personal opinions***

Kimochis ~ Toys With Feelings Inside ~ Review & Giveaway!!

From Kimochis™: "We all know how important social and emotional intelligence is in a young child's development. Kimochis™...toys with feelings inside, were created to assist in the development of social and emotional intelligence, child-parent communication and help in building self-esteem in children. With an already strong following, even celebrities like Angelina Jolie, Gwen Stefani and Jennifer Garner can't resist!

Kimochi (KEY.MO.CHEE) means "feeling" in Japanese and each 13 inch Kimochis™ character comes with 3 plush "feelings" and a how-to- Feel Guide with tips for parents on connecting with their kids during emotional moments. Feelings can be messy...Kimochis™ can help!

Using the characters and their Kimochis™, kids can get in touch with their emotions through puppetry and play. And the accompanying Feel Guide introduces the fun and quirky personalities of each character that everyone can identify with!"

But really.. Are they all that?

Why yes, yes they are.

I had the opportunity to meet Kimochis™ Cat and she comes with Happy, Cranky and Curious (three smaller plush friends with the corresponding facial expressions on the front and the name of the emotion on the back). Cat is known for being bossy and stubborn (JUNEBUG) and starting "cat fights" .. so 5 bandages to heal hurt feelings come with her, as well.

Other feelings (and characters) are sold separately.

Along with our new found friends was a 48 page "Feel Guide" to help make the most of this experience.. Not only are they darling, well made, snuggly toys they go so far beyond that. Sometimes it's hard for little ones to find their words and express how they feel. It can be downright frustrating. With these wonderful charatcers we can teach our children to communicate in positive ways in the midst of emotions. I love Kimochi Cat and will be adding more characters as more children join our home! I will also be introducing her to some of the other foster parents.. I have no doubt they will see their great value, as well.

Did I mention Kimochis™ are the brainchild of a Mommy? How cool is THAT?

THE GIVEAWAY!!

Here's the fun part.. Check out their web site (Kimochis.com) and choose your fav character (please note, Lovey Dovey is not available yet!). Please head on over to the Kimochis Facebook Page, become a fan and let them know what character you like the most. Let me know you've done so by comment, that's an entry. Tell me which one you want via comment.. that's an entry, as well! Tweet about it, another entry!

A winner will be chosen randomly and announced live on MomTV's Adoption Angles tomorrow night (Wednesday, July 7th ~ 9PM EST!)

HURRY HURRY HURRY and ENTER NOW!

**I was not paid to do this review, however, I do get to keep the product**

Incredibeds Review!

Missed Bo's MomTV debut last night on Adoption Angles? Just can't wait for the archived show to be uploaded to meet him? Well, wait no more and take a gander..



Don't believe how easy they are to assemble? Check out their Assembly Video

Incredibeds Mission (From Their Web Site): Our mission is to provide fun and safe sleep environments for toddlers, children and all people young at heart. We strive to bring new creative elements into a child’s bedroom inspiring kids to explore, create and most importantly sleep in their own room. We promise never to lose focus of the impact we will have on those tiny little hands that will cross our path.

We have started our venture with our plush bed frame series. Our plush bed frames are unique charismatic characters that bring friendships, sweet dreams for children to grow up with and safety that parents can rely on. We built them out of the need for an alternative type of transition bed that accomplishes two things:

• To allow parents to safely transition their toddlers directly into a standard twin size mattress set and have
the ability to accommodate a child’s growth.

• To bring a new friendship into a child’s life to encourage imaginative play and help with a child’s fear of
sleeping alone.

We are absolutely thrilled with our Bo and Incredibeds.com and highly recommend their unique quality products. I cannot think of a more welcoming friend for our foster kiddos than Bo.

Psssstt.. make sure to check out their banner on my left sidebar and nab the $40 off coupon code!! And hey, drop me a comment or email and let me know which one you bought!!

**This was not a paid review however we do get to keep the item sent**

Holly (AND BO!) On MomTV's Adoption Angles!!

My very special guest tonight is lovely Holly who hails from the great state of Texas!She and her husband Sean adopted two children ages 9 & 10 out of foster care in 2002. Both children suffer from Reactive Attachment Disorder and Fetal Alcohol Syndrome. Currently, the kids are 17 & 18. Their son is proudly serving in the United States Army and their daughter resides at home with Holly and Sean.

I am thrilled she will be sharing her adoption journey with us!

But wait.. THERE'S MORE ...

Tonight's special edition will be coming to you live from the boudoir. Well, the kids room, anyway.. because also joining us is BO, the latest and greatest addition to our household!

He is one of several bedframes available from Incredibeds.com and we just love him! FYI.. in my left sidebar there is a coupon code for $40!! Go check them out.. they're DARLING!!!

How do you find MomTV's Adoption Angles? Why, all you have to do is go here:

Type a chat name in and THAT'S it! You're IN!

Join us (AND BO!!) tonight at 9PM EST.. 6PM for all the west coasties TONIGHT! See y'all there!!

Extraordinary Measures ~ Our Night (& Review!)

THE EVENT:
Thanks to our fab-u friends at CBS4DENVER this past Wednesday night Missy and I (see us?) had the wonderful opportunity to:

1) Meet one of my Twitter Stalkees (the ever-patient) Misty Montano from CBS4..

2) Hang with local celebs like Karen Leigh and Greg Moody (okay, "Hang" is a huge stretch.. but we did sit behind Ms. Leigh and she's darling)..

3) See John Crowley and Brendan Fraser (who portrays Crowley in the film) in person..

4) Learn some trivia and can now confidently answer my 2nd most asked question: Yes, Mr. Fraser is tall - 6'3" (and still oh so swoon-worthy)..

5) Pay tribute to local heroes (including Dr. Dixie of The Adoption Exchange)..

6) Have the film introduced by Crowley and Fraser..

7) Review an amazing movie a week before it hits theaters..

THE REVIEW:
Extraordinary Measures (starring Harrison Ford, Brendan Fraser and *Highlands Ranch, CO's very own* Keri Russell)

from the website:
"...inspired by the true story of John Crowley, a man who defied conventional wisdom and great odds, and risked his family’s future to pursue a cure for his children’s life threatening disease.."

The film asks the question.. what would you be willing to sacrifice to save the life of your child? In the Crowleys' case, they have not one but two children suffering from the fatal Pompee Disease.

I went to the movie purposefully not knowing the full back story. I had seen the trailers but wanted the film to tell me the tale. I'm glad I did.. and that is the reason why I will not reveal the rest of the story. What I will pass along is a little insight Mr. Crowley shared during the introduction. He wanted us to know that Meredith Droeger's performance (of his daughter Megan Crowley) completely nailed her sassy personality. It wasn't Hollywood writers creating an interesting character.. his little girl was just that vibrant and outgoing.

He also mentioned the song at the end of the film would make perfect sense. Indeed, Mr. Crowley, indeed.

SO, what's my final answer? CBS Films knocked it out of the park with this, their first release. Go see Extraordinary Measures (in theaters Jan 22nd).

Bring tissue.

"The Lost & Found Family" Movie Review & Giveaway

I had the privilege of being contacted by Provident Films to watch a sneak peak of the new movie, Lost and Found Family out on DVD September 15th. I intentionally set aside this very afternoon to screen it. Being the first full day that Jack and Jill are gone, I knew I would need a pick me up and inspiration. One of the (many) lines that spoke directly to me?

"Don't count God out yet. His ways aren't our ways... which is probably a good thing because our ways pretty much suck.."

Perfect, no? I laughed out loud.

From their web site:
Five guarded and confused foster children. Two loving, but weary, foster parents. One grieving former socialite. Put them all under one dilapidated roof and you get eight unique individuals in a house.

Or maybe, just maybe, it becomes the family they’ve all been longing for.

The Lost & Found Family is a touching story of hardship, change, and the faith that God can make things better, no matter how difficult the situation appears in our eyes. It’s a great reminder that God brings out the best in us when we show His compassion to those in desperate need of love.

It's a wonderful movie of compassion, hope and love. A theme woven throughout is, although children in foster care are damaged and broken, there's still hope for them if someone is willing to step up.

Check out the trailer..



The Giveaway!!

Want to win your very own copy? Leave me a comment why! Tweet about it? Leave a comment and let me know you did! F/B about it? Comment AGAIN! One commenter will be chosen at random on the September 15th release date!

It's a wonderful movie to add to your own family collection (and church library, as well!). Maybe it will inspire someone off the fence to foster. One thing is for sure, it was just what my heart needed today.

And for that I am grateful.

Ecostore USA Review & Giveaway!

I have to admit, we are far from being the crunchy granola types. We are, however, working on being green and were really excited when I was approached by ecostore USA to review some products. Founded in New Zealand over 15 years ago (a country close to our hearts as it's Uncle Kiwi's homeland) ecostore NZ is now a well known brand in over 600 retail outlets throughout the country. They export to Australia and the United Kingdom, as well.



Ecostore USA offers over 100 products, each one meeting the most stringent environmental and sustainability standards. The guiding principle of every formulation is and will always be that the end product must not only be good for the user, but good for the planet.

Oh, and did I mention easy on the pocketbook??


The Reviewed Products:

Dishwash Liquid:

Gentle on your skin yet effective on your dishware the Ecostore USA Dish Liquid has great grease cutting power and leaves a light, fresh fragrance. Free of any synthetic chemicals, your family and the planet will appreciate it! (17 fluid ounces)
Ingredients
Palm and coconut based ionic, non-ionic and anionic surfactants
Mineral hydroxide
Natural citrus oil

With 5 of us now in the house we are constantly doing dishes. I was very impressed with the cleaning power, the light fragrance AND that a little bit goes a long way. Love that!

Laundry Liquid:
Ecostore USA uses 100% Certified Organic Eucalyptus oil and plant-based ingredients, making it ideal for washing your children’s clothing. Conventional laundry liquids often leave chemical residue on bedding, clothes and even skin. This product is a wonderful, healthy alternative. (33.8 fluid ounces)
Ingredients
Palm and Coconut based non-ionic and anionic surfactants
Fatty acid derivative
Mineral hydroxide
Certified organic Eucalyptus oil

Another constant in our little village is laundry... it's never ending. Although always trying to budget properly and save where I can, I am very particular about laundry soap. From how clean the clothes actually come out to how they smell. It's something I don't scrimp on. Nantie is also sensitive and can get nasty headaches from certain fragrances. I am pleased to report we both were impressed. I love the fresh, light smell and the clothes were perfectly laundered. Once again, a little went a long way. Most excellent!

Pure Oxygen Whitener:
The Pure Oxygen Whitener contains oil of citrus and Coconut and other plant-based ingredients. Ecomommas will love the way this product brightens and cleans baby’s clothes and does not contain any harsh chemicals that could irritate delicate skin.(35.3 ounce size)
Ingredients
Carbonates (simple mineral salts)
Sodium percarbonate (oxygen producing whitener)
Sodium bicarbonate (baking soda)
Citrates (from citrus)
Highly biodegradable surfactant
Natural citrus oil

No lie.. our whites are whiter (minus eye watering bleach smells) and our colors seemed brighter. Love it!

Vanilla Soap:

Don't be shy about using the Vanilla Soap all over your body. Ecostore created their soaps with vegetable oils and natural essential oils that are great for daily use. (2.9 ounces)
Ingredients
Sodium Palmate (palm oil)
Sodium Cocoate (coconut oil)
Sodium chloride (salt)
Vegetable Glycerine
Tetra Sodium Etidronate and Tetra Sodium EDTA (antioxidants used to preserve the stability of vegetable oils in soap base. Derived from vinegar. Safe for skin).

I must confess, I didn't actually use this soap for several days. I would just open the box and smell it. Oh my goodness, it smells sooo good. I finally put it out for all to use and it's silky smooth. It's schmancy enough to be put in the guest bathroom but will also be used in the shower. By me. And only me. I claim that as a perk.

I was totally impressed with all of the products reviewed and will continue to be a customer of ecostore USA!!

NOW FOR THE GIVEAWAY!!!!

Surf over to ecostore USA and check out all their products. Come back and comment on what you would like to try and why. Next Sunday (April 12th) an entry will be chosen at random for a $25 gift certificate to ecostore USA!

But wait there's more.. Earn extra entries! Leave a comment when you do the following:
*Add my button to your blog and let me know. (5 entries)
*Follow my blog and let me know who you are. (5 entries)
*If you don't have a blog, that's okay - email your friends about this giveaway and CC me at myfullcircle@gmail.com! (5 entries)
*Stumble this giveaway. (2 entries)

Have fun and GOOD LUCK!