Movie Review So This is Christmas Inspiring Holiday Film for Teens Now Available on DVD

Movies

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Just in time for the fast approaching holidays comes a movie that is likely to get even get the most sullen of teenagers into the giving spirit of the holidays.

Image from RLJ Entertainment

Released on DVD and Digital Download at the beginning of this month from Image Entertainment, a division of RLJ Entertainment,  So This is Christmas (2013) is the introspective story of 18 year-old Ashley, the product of a dysfunctional family, who is at the crossroads of going down the wrong or right road of life.

Then, through fate that comes in the form of a repairman who is working on her family's house, she is inspired to volunteer to help out with a Christmas play involving kids in need. What ensues changes her life as Ashley discovers how community service not only paves the way to a better life for the underprivileged children she is helping, but also causes her to feel a sense of purpose and helps mend her chaotic family homelife in the process.

Christmas Balls on Tree, MommyBlogExpert.com

So This is Christmas has a timeless message that teens and young adults can relate to: giving of oneself to someone less fortunate is the greatest gift you can give to another and to yourself. In addition to showing youth the impact community service can have on the needy, especially during the holidays, the film may also encourage better relationships within young viewers' own families, especially with parents. 

The drama stars some recognizeable names: Vivica A. Fox (Independence Day), Eric Roberts (The Dark Knight) and in the role of Ashley, young actress Lexi Ainsworth from the soap General Hospital. Win a run time of 114 minutes, the DVD is unrated and carries a suggested retail price of $27.97.

Christmas dinner for the homeless, MommyBlogExpert.com

FTC Disclosure: I received the DVD featured from RLJ Entertainment to facilitate this review post. See complete FTC Disclosure information that appears at the bottom of MommyBlogExpert's main page and at the bottom of every individual post on this blog, including this one.

Taking Kids to SeaWorld - Controversy of Animal Parks & Performing Whales on CNN

Nature

The documentary Blackfish premieres tonight on CNN at 9 pm ET. This important film is by director Gabriella Cowperthwaite, a mom who used to take her own kids to SeaWorld. It continues the conversation and debate among parents about taking our children to see killer whales perform, considering all the current controversy surrounding this world-famous marine water park in the wake of the most recent tragic death of orca trainer Dawn Brancheau in 2010.

My triplets at Shamu Show when they were babies, MommyBlogExpert.com

I was interviewed by CNN family correspondent and mom Kelly Wallace for the CNN.com story published today, along with several other parents, about all the issues this stirs up. In addition to my comments, you'll also see family photos of my kids at Seaworld that are featured in this informative piece that every mom and dad should read.

CNN.com Cover Page Today 

Check out today's CNN story. 

Share Your Thoughts
Please comment below on whether or not you think the whale show should go on and why. As a parent have you discussed these issues with your kids before? If you watch Blackfish as a family, how did your kids react?

My oldest son on one of many Sea World visits, MommyBlogExpert.com

FTC Disclosure: I was interviewed by CNN.com for today's story on the SeaWorld performing whale controversy and I plan to watch Blackfish tonight. My family has been to SeaWorld more than 20 times as paying guests. I did not receive any compensation or payment for this post and opinions are my own. See complete FTC Disclosure information that appears at the bottom of MommyBlogExpert's main page and at the bottom of every individual post on this blog, including this one.

60% Discount Designer Brands Free Shipping Fashion Deals for Women who Love to Shop

Shopping

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Have you heard about the new site My Habit, a private fashion sale site founded by Amazon.com?

Image provided by MyHabit

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Big Discounts
Designer Fashion, Shoes & Accessories 

FTC Disclosure: This is a compensated post, however words are my own. See complete FTC Disclosure information that appears at the bottom of MommyBlogExpert's main page and at the bottom of every individual post on this blog, including this one.

Celebrating Father Daughter Relationships Family Dynamic Creates Special Life Moments

Family

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Nothing evokes the sense of family more than special lifetime moments shared across young and old generations. For me, the father-daughter relationship immediately comes to mind. My Daddy was always there for me when I was growing up and I will always treasure the things we did together, from working in our family vegetable patch to taking cross-country road trips to going fishing and much more.

My dad w/ me in green suit & my siblings, 1960s

Now I have two daughters of my own. As a mother, it gives me great joy to see how my hubbie has bonded with our girls, spending quality time with them that is creating memories they'll treasure more and more as they grow older.

It's in that vein I'd like to share a beautiful and moving video produced by New York Life that celebrates the universal ideal of a loving father-daughter relationship. In this particular clip it's all about how dad is sharing his love of baseball, passing on the love of the game to his daughter, generation to generation.

Hopefully my story makes you smile and think about the special dad(s) in your own life as much as it reminded me of the different generations of fathers in my family.

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FTC Disclosure: This is a compensated post. However, opinions and thoughts here are my own. See complete FTC Disclosure information that appears at the bottom of MommyBlogExpert's main page and at the bottom of every individual post on this blog, including this one.

Giveaway Smurfs Legend of Smurfy Hollow DVD Kids Movie Sony New Release, Ends 10/28

Movies

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Just in time for Halloween comes the newest kids DVD release from Sony Pictures Home Entertainment, The Smurfs: The Legend of Smurfy Hollow.

Mom Blogger Event Celebrates DVD Launch, Image from Sony Pictures

Here's the official trailer of this brand new 2013 fall seasonal Smurfs adventure that kids will enjoy especially at this time of year.

The Smurfs Legend of Smurfy Hollow with a run time of 22 minutes carries a retail price of $6.99 and is now widely available instore and online. Courtesy of The Smurfs, you can also download some fun free Halloween kids activity sheets. 

Enter to Win the DVD to Watch at Home
To help you celebrate Halloween with your kids, I'm excited to be hosting a giveaway right here on MommyBlogExpert of this fun new DVD. Read on and enter daily till the contest ends to increase your chances of winning! 

The SMURFS

The Legend of Smurfy Hollow 

DVD GIVEAWAY

Ends 10/28/13

Image provided by Sony

This Sony Home Entertainment - MommyBlogExpert DVD Giveaway ends October 28, 2013 at 12 am PT. Contest open to legal residents of the U.S. only. ONE (1) winner will receive the new The Smurfs: The Legend of Smurfy Hollow DVD. Winner of this MBE contest will be selected at random from all entries and will be notified via email and must respond within 24 hours to claim their prize.

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Good Luck!!!

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Thanks to Online-Sweepstakes.com for including this contest in their directory of current giveaways.

FTC Disclosure: This is a compensated post. I received the DVD featured to facilitate this post and Sony Pictures is providing the prize and shipping for the giveaway. However no payment was received and opinions here are my own. See complete FTC Disclosure information that appears at the bottom of MommyBlogExpert's main page and at the bottom of every individual post on this blog, including this one.